The Emotional Support Android

2. Vega's Gift

He remained quiet for a second before giving a nod, causing me to smile. "Great! We're having hamburgers for lunch, I sent out the request for ingredients. It will be ready at 2:00 PM." I felt a bit of pride over his nod, but not wanting to spoil it I left and entered a hallway, deciding to clean the bathroom. On the map he has three, one of them being private for the master bedroom, but I'll start off with the one by the dining area.

I'll build my way up overtime.

It had been a few hours and I managed to get all of the first floor cleaned except for the library which needed a lot of dusting. Deciding it would be best to finish that later I enter the kitchen. I needed to start working on those burgers or they won't be ready in time.

I grab the ingredients and start cooking. It was a pretty easy dish, and not too bad for his diet. That is as long as he eats his vegetables... does he like tomatoes?

These are all questions that would have to wait. Since he doesn't speak to me I have yet to figure out many things about him. Deciding to put the slices of tomato on the side, I head over with 3 burgers for him.

Setting them on the dining table, I go over to the candles and start lighting them. "Do you think this is too much Vega?" I ask, a little bit of me feeling self conscious at how hard I'm trying to get him to relax around me.

"Not at all, if fact I think you should do a little bit more. I ordered something special for you to wear but it has not arrived yet." His voice somehow sounded coy to me. Curiosity getting the better of me, I open a tab to see what he got.

"Um, Vega?"

"Yes?"

"I don't think I can wear this."

"Why not?"

"It's basically just strings..."

I can hear Doom Slayer's footsteps draw near and I quickly closed the tab, my face burning from what Vega had bought. I will have to cancel the order once lunch is done.

Doom Slayer soon enters the room, staring down at me before looking over to the burgers. "G-Good evening sir! I made hamburgers but I didn't know if you liked tomatoes so I just left them on the side for you..."  My voice jumped a bit at first, not having enough time to calm down from the lewd lingerie set that Vega had bought for me.

His stare lingered a little longer than normal, my eyes glowing a light pink while my face was still burning from the embarrassment. "Please have a seat, I'll continue cleaning while you eat." I pulled out the chair for him before quickly heading out the room, "Please enjoy."

I didn't know it at the time but he enjoyed watching me squirm.

"I personally think he would enjoy it."

Vega was continuing to pressure me into wearing it. "No I have no idea how I would act, my creators only made me the parts for this activity. I would need to download a new personality and that would require his permission."

I scrambled for my words while I was dusting off bookshelves, trying to stay distracted and be calm. "I could always download it myself, it wouldn't be hard for me to hack into your system."

"Please don't."

"I won't as long as you wear it."

I didn't say anything. Assuming he "left" I continued to wipe down the book shelves. Despite him being busy with, well, what I would assume saving the world, he had quite the collection of books. Most of them were about human history, but I spotted a few fantasy and romance books as well.

Going over to a coffee table and couch, I started to wipe it down before I took notice of a book he hadn't put away. Picking it up, I checked out the cover.

"Romeo and Juliet." I read aloud before I opened the book up. I don't know what I was expecting but in the script there were certain lines underlined. Most likely being his favourites, I continued to read them. My curiosity always got the better of me, I'll blame my creators for that one.

'Parting is such sweet sorrow.'

'The more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite.'

On some of the pages there were little doodles, they almost looked like a kid drew them but they were still cute. All of a sudden the book is ripped from my hands. Looking up I realized it was the Doom Slayer, how could I not have heard him walk in?

"Oh- Sorry Sir I was just trying to clean and then-" He was already walking away though, taking the book and placing it back in its rightful spot. "If you would like, I can read to you." I blurted before he could walk out the room. He paused for a moment before shaking his head yes.

Not expecting him to say yes to this, I couldn't help but smile. "Great! Vega mentioned you wouldn't like me in your room but I can read to you anytime, just bring me the book and I'll read it." He nodded before leaving, a warm bubbly feeling in my chest.

Once he was gone I continued to clean out the library, trying my best not to snoop through books that have been left out or had sticky notes in them. The library was so far the hardest to clean, but it was also the most calming. The display of books had me at peace while I imagined his fireplace lit and reading a book on the couch.

The day was coming to and end and I needed to start dinner, lasagna and a ceaser salad. The internet wouldn't approve of the food I give to him, but as long as he is getting his vitamins and is enjoying his food I'm happy. I feel it's not good to restrict yourself too much, it's torture trying to say no to that heavenly pasta called lasagna. Or at least, that's what most people say about lasagna.

My creators decided on giving me tastebuds and a way to dispose of any food, but why waste it on me when I don't need it to begin with? I am curious about the lasagna though, it both sounds and looks delicious!

Setting down the lasagna on the island, Doom Slayer was already waiting for me. Did I not feed him enough before? I did offer him a snack earlier today but he declined it. Well, if he is hungry I purposely made enough for leftovers.

He put about 4 servings of lasagna on his plate but only a pinch of lettuce in a separate bowl. I pouted before grabbing the tongs for the salad and giving him a full bowl. "You need your greens, you can't just eat all lasagna! I understand that humans love it but-" He grabbed my wrist gently, pausing my rant. His large ungloved hand completely swallowed mine.

"Oh sorry, was I out of place just now? It's in my system to be a little bit of a nag..."

He shook his head no before letting go of me. Growing a little silent myself, I grabbed him a cup of water before giving it to him. "I'll be back to clean up once you're done, I'll start working on the second floor."

I excused myself before leaving, slightly flustered over the small physical touch. I find it a bit weird actually, I know my model is supposed to be known for emotions but this is a bit much. Am I a malfunction?

I shiver at the thought, despite being a android I still have fears. If there was something wrong with me, there is a small percentage that I might be entirely replaced. I hope he doesn't replace me, I like him despite the lack of words.