So I was fighting Cook-Cook for the Three Card Bounty quest when I was futzing around in my inventory and accidentally dropped This Machine. I intentionally turned away from fighting to pick it back up because [censored] you that gun is awesome, but Cook-Cook ran up to me as I picked it up and I noticed a pickpocket message. As the fight resumed I noticed Cook-Cook was using This Machine rather than his flamer.

Is it normal/possible for NPCs to pickpocket the Courier? I could have sworn I had This Machine back in my inventory by the time Cook-Cook got over to me.

Unless you heard the sound that occurs when you pick up a weapon, then you didn't pick it up before Cook-Cook.

I don't think NPCs can pickpocket anyways. The closest thing to it would be looting dead bodies nearby.

I hope you killed him and took it back!

If it was on the ground and he reached it first, he just picked it up before you did. NPC's can definitely pick up weapons if they think they're better/they're close enough.

The pickpocket message tho...not sure about that. I also think they're not scripted to do that, so...dunno. Glitch or misreading the intent of the message.

pics or Cook Cook got it before you,.

This just reminded me of those theiving children in Fallout 2 outside most buildings in The Den.
Tip: Activating combat, running through the door, and ending combat once inside means they can't steal anything.