Trigger warning for violence/injury

It had been more than a month since Andy awoke in Remington's house, and by now, he had met almost everyone who was of any importance in the singer's life. His brothers, his few friends, his band's producers and photographers, and his mother. 

People had opposing thoughts on him, and that was expected. As well as Sebastian and Emma, Palaye Royale's producer did not show a liking to The Perfect. "He doesn't know anything about being human," he had said, and though his voice was casual, Remington knew there was something beneath it, and so he didn't satisfy him with an argument. Instead, he took Andy by the arm and lead him outside, where he said: 

"Sorry. I don't know what's wrong with people." 

Andy had shook his head and smiled. "It is not your fault, Remi," he said. "I am glad to be meeting so many people. Do not blame yourself for their close-mindedness. That is their own shortcoming." 

"You're too sweet," Remington responded. They were stood by the entrance to the studio. "Let's go for lunch. I know a good vegan place downtown." 

Now, two weeks later, they were going to the same vegan restaurant. It had quickly become one of their rituals. Every Friday, they'd walk into town at just gone six, and they'd enjoy a meal, and Andy would tell Remington all about the recent day he'd spent with Emerson, and Remington would complain about the song lyrics that Sebastian insisted the kept, even though he thought they were cliché and boring. 

They sat at their usual table, by the window, and opened the menus. Andy hadn't seen Emerson that past week, so instead, he said, "I have been updated." 

Remington frowned. "Huh?" 

"Sometimes, when the scientists discover something new, they will update me. I can feel it happen, because it gives me a headache until it is complete." 

"What's the update for?" 

"I am not sure exactly, but it will not change by personality, only the things I know. It will keep me up to date." 

"Oh. Like, current events and stuff?" 

Andy nodded. "Yes. But also important past events. I did not know there was such a thing as not allowing gay marriage until the update. I think it is terrible, that it was made legal so recently, don't you?" 

"Yes. It's unbelievable. I mean, as a gay man, I find it scary." 

Tilting his head, Andy studied him. "I did now know you were gay, Remington." 

"Yeah, I don't see why I have to bring it up like it's a big deal, you know? It's just me, I don't want to make it into a thing. But yeah, I'm gay. The more you know." 

"That is a very good way to put it." 

"What about you? Do you know your sexuality, or are you just you." 

"I have never considered it," Andy said thoughtfully. "I know that the previous owner of this body, Andrew, must have been either straight or bisexual, because he had a wife. Juliet. However, I am not sure about myself." 

"Nothing wrong with not knowing." Remington smiled. 

"I agree." 

They were quiet while they decided what they wanted to eat, and after they had ordered, Andy said, "How is your band lately, Remington?" 

"Well." A pause and a sigh. "We still haven't recorded vocals for track six of the album." 

"Because of your differing opinions on the lyrics?" 

"Yeah. Me, Em, and Andrew, we all agree the current lyrics are shit, but Sebastian and Jennie, they want to keep them." A waiter put their drinks down and Remington wrapped his hand around his glass. "But I don't know. We'll work it out eventually. We always do. It's just..." 

"Frustrating," Andy finished. "I can imagine it must be." 

"Very. Stupid band." 

"Your band is not stupid, Remington." 

"It is when you're in it," the singer said with a short laugh. "Anyway, I've never asked. What're your interests, Andy?" 

"I do not know." 

"Oh?" 

"They have not given me solid interests. They keep it open, so that as I get to know My Human - you - I will become interested in your interests. I am not sure if I agree with this decision, but it is beyond my control." 

"Huh, that's strange." 

"Yes. Though I am very interested in art, of course. That is why it has been so wonderful to meet Emerson." 

Remington sipped his drink. "Well, we'll find you some hobbies, then," he decided. 

"Thank you. That is very kind." 

After dinner, it was dark out, and they walked side by side, arms linked, slowly towards the house. Andy was speaking about a new piece of information he had learnt through the update when two people, a woman and man, attacked him. 

Remington was quick to step in front and threw a punch that hit the man across the nose. "Get the hell away!" He spat. "Burn in hell, both of you!" 

"It's unnatural!" The woman yelled, trying to get past him and hurt Andy again, but Remington shoved her hard and she fell back, then retreated. 

"Fuck," Remington mumbled, making sure they'd gone before taking Andy's arms and studying his face for any damage. "I'm so sorry. Oh my God. Are you okay?" He put his hand gently to the side of his face. "I can't see anything too bad. Just a bruise." 

"It is okay," Andy said, though sounded shaken. "Thank you for protecting me." 

"Let's go home, alright? I'll check there's nothing serious." 

"Yes, of course." 

His tone almost made Remington cry. It was a strange thing. His voice was small and human, but his words remained his usual, overly-formal style. Like he was unable to express his fear through what he said, only through how he said it. 

Remington held his hand as they walked the rest of the way home, and it was trembling, and he wanted to promise that that would never happen again, but he couldn't. There would always be people against The Perfects, would always be people against anything that they weren't used to. 

In the bathroom under the bright light, Remington discovered a forming bruise on Andy's cheekbone that would darken quickly and prove to be quite painful, and he checked the information manual to make sure that it was safe before giving him painkillers and then a hug. When he pulled away, Andy's eyes were teary. Remington fought back tears of his own. 

"I'm so sorry," he said again, noticed how Andy didn't wipe his eyes, like he hadn't been programmed to deal with sadness or fear to such an extent. With his fingers, he swiped the tears from under Andy's eyes. 

Andy's brows were furrowed. He watched Remington. "It is not your fault," he said. 

Remington took him downstairs and made tea. On the couch, he sat lengthways, had Andy sit between his legs, and rubbed his arms. "It's okay to be scared," he murmured. 

"I do not like to feel this way." 

"I know. But it's okay. You're okay." 

"I am sorry for causing you trouble, Remington." 

"Don't be silly. You're the best decision I ever made." 

"That is very kind of you to say. Thank you." He put his hand over Remington's and didn't move even once the shaking had stopped.