Hickory

Overcome

What the hell am I even doing here? It must have been the hundredth time he'd asked that since he'd sat down. He was sitting across from Hughes in a quaint, romantic restaurant, feeling a little underdressed. Hughes had removed his jacket and loosened his tie at least, but he didn't match him in terms of casual attire. Reed was wearing one of his well-loved woollen V-necks and jeans, complete with his usual tan boots. His leather jacket was hooked over the back of his chair as he crossed his legs and leaned forward, fingers teasing the glass of red wine he'd been ordered. It was good. Rich and expensive.

"I come here quite a lot. I like the ambience." Reed had to admit it was a nice place. It was Italian, quite small and intimate, the type of place he might bring a date. Not that I have much experience in that department. Going to a club and grabbing a warm body for the night was more his style these days. Who the phck am I kidding? I've always been like that...Hughes had his own tall glass of thirium, which he was slowly nursing as they waited for Reed's food.

"By yourself? Why?" He knew the question could be considered a little offensive to some. It was like saying that androids didn't belong in such places, but they sort of didn't. Restaurants were for eating. Until Cyberlife came up with some fancy new android food, there was no point in them being there unless they were with a human. Hughes raised his glass in response. They did serve thirium beverages, but it seemed odd to take up an entire table in an eatery just to drink.

"Just because we can't eat doesn't mean we don't enjoy going to different places to...take in the atmosphere." Reed got the idea of going to different places, but it still seemed odd to take up space in a restaurant when there were dozens of bars and small cafes within the same area to choose from. "I like the feel of this place. It's quaint, intimate...somewhat romantic. I like to come here and people watch for a while." It still felt like an odd thing to do in a restaurant. If Reed wanted to watch people, then he'd take a window seat at a café.

"I guess it's not something I understand...To me, it just seems like a waste of a table if you're not going to eat." He shrugged, thanking the server as she dropped off his spaghetti. Hughes gave him a somewhat wry smile. It was an argument most humans made, some less politely than others. Reed was honestly surprised the servers allowed it. They wouldn't make much money on serving just drinks. Maybe he leaves big tips...He was clearly a regular. A lot of the servers recognised him on their rounds and greeted him by name.

"But enough about my habits..." Hughes trailed off as he sipped his thirium, watching Reed with curious blue eyes as he ate. He was surprisingly graceful as he twirled some spaghetti onto his fork using the spoon and then slipped it into his mouth. Hughes had expected him to be a messy eater, that he'd put more focus on speed than savouring the taste. It was possible, and perhaps likely, that he was making an effort for him. "Let's talk about you," Hughes added with undisguised interest as he leaned forward.

"Uh...Sure..." Reed replied between bites, politely finishing his mouthful before speaking. It was one of the things he'd mostly carried over to adult life. He tried not to speak with his mouth full. His grandmother had drilled it into him over and over. It's rude to speak with your mouth full, Gavin! He could still hear the exact chiding tone she'd always used, even after all these years. He also recalled the small swat to the back of his head and the way he'd giggled afterwards.

"You hated androids for a long time...When did it start?" Hughes was curious, getting his small pad and pen ready. That was interesting. Hughes was an android. There was no reason for him to write things down with a pen. Does he do that so he can wipe his hard drives or whatever? Or does he just like the feel of the pen and the motion of writing? Maybe it makes humans feel more comfortable and less watched. Reed chewed his food slowly, easily able to answer the question.