Andrew was tangled happily around Artie, they were both awake the morning after, having slept, made love and slept again all through the night. Sometimes it had been rough but most of the time it has just been two bodies connecting best they could, burying themselves together and under bedsheets.

Artie sighed happily as the sun finally rose more coming through the window angrily as Elwood finally stood outside the door whining to be let out.

"I'll be right back," he assured going to take the dog out and feed him, leaving Artie alone in the comfortable bed and their thoughts.

To say they were happy was an understatement. They felt satisfied and full of happiness, the lonely feeling in their mind was gone and not just because of sex but because of being allowed to feel and be met with the same amount of want and need.

They rolled over nuzzling into his pillow enjoying the smell of him lingering everywhere in this house. His home.

They had decided to wait to tell the group about it until they were away from Andrew and back home in America. They didn't want it to be the only focus. Some of the other members of the group were dealing with their own struggles, they could wait.

They slowly got up, unashamed of their nudity as they walked towards the livingroom to get their clothes back to wear. They were unsure if Andy had planned for anyone to come over but they heard Andrew talking.

"-I've never been more sure of anything. Alex, they're amazing. They remind me of what its like to be human. To be in the moment."

Artie stopped and listened waiting for another voice. 

"I know, but I'm really happy with them in my life. I know they're a fan but they didn't just jump in bed with me." Andrew said, "I'd like for you to get to meet them someday."

Artemis blushed and walked out quickly to pull on their panties and jeans, tugging their shirt on before trying to find their bra. 

He smiled watching them, "Artie, would you like to meet Alex?"

They paused before nodding slowly. "S... sure." they answered stumbling over their words, ruffling their locks. "But... maybe... maybe when I'm ready. I would love to-"

Reaching out, Andy gently held their hand, "Artie. There's no rush. Whenever you think you're ready."  He gave them a smile reassuring them.

Artie let out a slow soft breath relaxing. "Thank you."

He smiled petting their cheek, "I don't want to rush anything whatsoever, Artemis. All of this is on your terms." He whispered his green eyes looking them over.

They let out a breath of relief, the reminder filling them with a sense of comfort. "Thank you..." they breathed leaning into his hand, closing their storm cloud blue eyes.

-_-_-_-

Time seemed to fly by far too fast, and before long the two weeks was up. Artie had packed up all their things and stayed over at Andrew's for the last night. He was holding onto them tightly, as if it could keep them from leaving, his nose buried in their soft hair.

They had met Alex, and they had gotten along after a few tries. A lot of it had to do with Artie being unsure of what to expect. But now they seemed to be on good terms even if Artie would never see them again except for a meet n greet.

They sighed, burried in Andy's arms lovingly. "I wish you didn't have to leave." he breathed gently, barely audible over the sound of the ceiling fan.

"Me too... but I have responsibilities," they said, reminding themself more than him. He didn't say a word to convince them to stay, which was both a blessing and a curse, making them wonder if it was only a fling.

"I'll visit you."

It was sudden and sharp, making their blue eyes open and look up at him. "...you will?"

"Whenever I can... I will. Plus... then you'll have to teach me to ride."

The laugh that left their lips was loud and joyful, but sudden and abrupt making Andrew jump in surprise, eyes wide before he joined in with a small laugh of his own. "What? What's so funny?"

"Andrew... you... are so wonderfully unexpected." They breathed happily closing their eyes, cuddling into his side.

He smiled at them kissing their head fondly. "So are you." He whispered tenderly, And I'm not ready to let you go quite yet.