Stranger Danger

3

Trigger Warning: Mentions of blood/injury, self-harm

Andy put the blankets on the bed. "Here," he said. "Have a look through, tell me which you want." 

"What are they for?" 

"To keep you warm." 

"Why are they like that?"

Andy frowned. "Like what?" 

"All colours." 

"They have patterns on them. Well, some do. The one at the bottom is just plain grey. Do you want that one?" 

Remington pulled it from underneath and shook it until he unfolded. He lay it on the bed and looked at it before putting his hand on it. "It's soft," he mumbled, like he couldn't make sense of it. "Will it be soft always?" 

"Well, after a lot of use, it'll lose some of its softness, but yeah, pretty much. It's nice, isn't it?" 

"Is it mine?" 

"If you want it." 

"Okay. Yes." 

"Great. Now here's a dry pair of underwear. Put them on, wrap that blanket around yourself, and come meet me downstairs, okay?" 

Remington stroked the blanket. "No," he said. 

"No, what?" 

"No leaving." 

"You want me to stay?" 

"Yes." 

"Okay. I'll stay while you change." Andy sat on the edge of the bed, turned away so he couldn't see Remington, who peeled the wet boxers from his legs and pulled on the new ones. 

Then he sat on the bed and pulled the blanket over his face.  

"It's nice, huh?" Andy said. 

Remington nodded. 

"Alright. Let's go down." 

"I bring it?" 

"That's right." 

"Okay." 

They descended the stairs slowly to avoid Remington tripping on the bottom of the blanket, and in the living room, Andy told him to sit down, which he did, covering his face with the blanket again. "I'm glad you like it," Andy said. "I'll get you some water and something to eat. Make yourself comfortable." 

While he was gone, Remington brought his legs up onto the couch and wrapped himself in the blanket with his head underneath. He jumped when there was a noise. 

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you." 

Remington looked at him. 

"Here. Water and a sandwich. Enjoy." 

Without responding, Remington reached out a hand and put it to Andy's hip. "Sorry," he said, withdrawing it. "I forgot you're real." 

"That's okay. It must be a shock. Do you want anything else?" 

"Why are you not evil?" 

"I wouldn't feel good about myself if I wasn't nice to people." 

"Why not?" 

"It would make me feel guilty if I hurt anyone." 

"They're evil." 

"The ones who took your house?" 

Remington nodded, ran his fingers back and forth over the blanket. 

"Well, some people are not good. But most are."