:D

more angles!

As much as he disliked the man she was now seeing, he had to give him some credit. He was making her life better and well suited for her interests. He'd always recall his mother often lingering around the city's shops, staring at highly made outfits and dresses. Who knew she'd be the one there displaying some of her own.

Removing his backpack and jacket, having  wrapped his jacket around his waist and dumping his bag into the shopping cart Ludwig snagged, Jeremy officially began his journey through the store, the other carefully close behind. Ludwig panned his eyes throughout the store as he followed Jeremy. Not too many people this afternoon, but honestly, who would be? It was a rainy Thursday afternoon. The most people you’d get at this hour were business workers, teenagers getting out of school, mothers gathering items for the night's meal. Again, not too many people in… apart from working Androids. Stocking shelves, as well as mopping the floors, Ludwig watched as they all worked effortlessly. Even Jeremy found himself staring occasionally, often glancing back and forth towards Ludwig.  Built for this… each model hand crafted to meet the expectations of the working class. Designed to be the perfect worker in multiple fields. He wondered if Ludwig was the same… but of course, given to him by his rich ass stepdad, he didn’t bother looking too much into Ludwig’s model type or what they were used for. Seeing how not many people were around, and how the two were practically shopping in silence… he decided to give it a crack, seeing how the silence was making him feel a bit awkward. 

“Soooo… Ludwig. I nevea really got to askin’ you this, but uh… what are you?”

Looking towards Jeremy as they stopped at a column of shelves, Ludwig scanned over the items before delicately picking a nicely decorated box of chocolate chip cookies, one of Jeremy’s favorites. Though, once putting the box into the cart, he met Jeremy’s eyes.

“I am a RK200 model. I have been designed and hand selected by your father to help assist and see over you and any activities you vould like to do. If you have any questions, I am here to help”

With a kind smile, Ludwig gave a small nod, pushing the cart once more ahead, now leading Jeremy, who shook his head slightly in disgust. 

“First off, not my dad. Second, I don’t needa Android holdin’ my hand every step of the way. No offense Ludwig, but I am an adult. A grown ass man. I need no one to watch ovea my every move like some toddler”.

Turning a corner, Ludwig didn’t respond. Instead, he paused the cart near the meat selection, scanning over the multiple red meats laid out. Jeremy however, let out an annoyed sigh as he shoved a hand into his pocket, kicking his foot up briefly. It riled him up to know that he was practically given a babysitter. Sure, he’d done one or two things before that possibly wasn’t at all legal, but not once was he caught! He had things handled perfectly and he was perfectly fine on his own. It bothered him to know that even his own mother didn’t trust him to be on his own…

“... I’m gonna go pick up the garlic bread. I’ll meet you back here in a sec”, Jeremy eventually spoke up, noticing how Ludwig was weighing his options over the red meat. Ludwig paused before looking up, going to stop the other from running off alone, but to no avail. Jeremy was hurriedly walking away, a small bounce in his step. Ludwig seemed to mentally sigh at that, and opted back to shopping for now… but knew to keep his guard high.

He hated lying to Jeremy, but it was for the best.

…

Jeremy was looking through magazines, flipping away carelessly at the pages as he searched for any article of his Ma. During frustrating times, he’d find comfort in rambling to her about his issues and troubles. She honestly could understand him. Hell, she was his safe space through these years. After moving from their original home and moving into a new one with her new boyfriend, leaving his childhood home was hard. Talking with her… it helped knowing the two could talk about it together. A faint smile formed along his features, his finger finally landing on the page where his mother wrote on. Talking about the latest fashions, given fashion tips, even answering questions by readers. She was always so happy talking about her interest every time she arrived home. It made him feel warm, knowing she was alive in something she truly enjoyed. 

Mann’s Makeover Wear it proud baby

Chuckling, he shook his head. On many occasions, she’d even try to dress him up for a spot in the magazine, but to no avail. Fashion wasn’t really his thing… but creativity? 

He’d often get his ass chewed out for sneaking out and tagging buildings in high places, leaving a well established mark there for people to see. Not that any of the feedback was negative, no. They LOVED his work. They love his use of colors and how clean his work would turn out. Even his own Ma loved it. But she was highly against vandalism. To him, it wasn’t vandalism. It was art.

Art that helped him express things he wouldn’t normally put into words. Words, he couldn’t even bring to the table.

Art was his escape. Art to him was like breathing. It felt right. It made him alive.

Closing the magazine carefully and putting it back along the multiple other ones, he sighed. Ludwig was probably looking for him by now… he did say he’d be back soon. Stepping away from the wall of literature, he started to walk towards the back, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He jolted slightly before turning, thinking he’d see Ludwig… but no. He saw a familiar face.

“Luca?”

Jeremy spoke out, a grin slowly forming on his face as Luca seemingly smiled back, moving to pull the other into a tight hug, patting his back warmly.

“Jeremy! It’s been awhile my man!” He expressed, pulling back as he looked over Jeremy, hands still on his shoulders.

“Still rocking that baller's cap? Man, when was it when I gave that to you??”

Jeremy rolled his eyes as he laughed, roughly nudging Luca’s arm before smiling widely. Luca has been his best friend since highschool. The two were tightly knit together in the art scene, both often wandering off to coat a fresh layer of paint for their pieces. It was astonishing for Jeremy to see Luca here, of all places! Though of course, he didn’t move too far from home, but it was just enough to become a hassle given the state of their hometome. With the Android protests and people out rioting every other day of the week, it was hard for anyone to do anything. 

Overall, Jeremy was his ride or die. The two would often get mistaken for being twins, seeing how the only thing different between the two was that Luca was blond and had green eyes. Akin to Jeremy, who had dark brown hair and blue eyes.  Reconnecting after this long… man.

“Where have you been, Jeremy? You know the whole group’s been asking about you dude”, Luca poked at Jeremy, giving a sort of questioning expression. “You’ve been ignoring us or something? Thinkin’ that since you’ve moved over to this district, you’re too cool for us?”

Jeremy instantly punched his arm playfully, which got out a short laugh from Luca. Of course he knew that wasn’t at all the cause. Sticking out his tongue, Jeremy started to walk with Luca, both of them side by side as they spoke together.

“Nah man, you know my Ma got together with some rich ass influencer, right?”

Quirking a brow, Luca remained silent, signaling Jermey to continue.

“He’s some fancy fashion CEO of Mann Makeovers or something. He’s gotten my Ma into that business which caused us to move ovea here, since that shits closer. Not like I had a choice in the say, but I definitely wasn’t lettin’ her move over here alone with some random jackass”.

Luca seemed to nod at that, chuckling briefly as he then snagged a small bag of candy, tossing one over to Jeremy as he seemingly opened it. Jeremy watched as Luca simply opened it, not really taking a bite. Though, he was more concerned over the fact that Luca was about to eat something here without paying first. If Ludwig were to see him with Luca doing this, who’s to say he wouldn’t make a big fuss over this? 

“Oh come on Jeremy, you know I’ll pay for this”, Luca mused, noting the other's expression before motioning for him to walk, the two seemingly walking towards the front. “I’m not stealing anything from here dude”.

That seemed to put him at ease, but of course, Jeremy wasn’t going to open a bag that wasn’t paid for. He may paint on buildings for expression, but he wasn’t about the whole stealing and theft business. It rubbed him the wrong way to know that’s what would’ve happened… but maybe he was overthinking. It had been some time since either of them saw each other and Jeremy was the one assuming the worst of the situation? He felt his face flush red in embarrassment and shame. To think worse of his best friend made him feel awkward. Maybe… living here was changing him. Ugh…

Feeling along his pockets as Luca walked and talked with him, he mentally slapped himself. His phone was in his bag, which Ludwig had at the moment. He really wanted to give Luca his number to keep in touch, since they had changed phone providers. But in doing so, he’d have to introduce Luca to Ludwig and Ludwig to Luca…and he was NOT ready to have that happen. He just wanted to wrap this up and head home before it got too late. He needed to think fast.

“... hey! Luca. I know it’s been ages man, and I really would love to keep chattin’ with you. But, I’ve got to run some business here and head back home to Ma, ya know? Is it alright if you write down your number and I’ll be in touch soon?”

There was a pause before Luca smiled, giving a rather questionable look.

“What? Can’t hang out after curfew? Aren’t you like, an adult now man? And you’re still listening to your mother’s rules? Where’s the fun in that?” Jeremy seemed slightly taken back, but surely didn’t show it. Instead, he shook his head, smiling once more as he patted Luca’s shoulder.

“I am, I am. But, you know I gotta listen to her. She’ll be home soon and if I’m not back before then, I am cooked haha..”

Luca paused once more, as if going to put something together, but then…

“Jeremy”

Fucking dammit. Jeremy closed his eyes tightly and prayed, hoping to just die there on the spot. But he knew that would be too good to be true. So he sighed heavily, and turned around, awaiting his doom. “Heeeeya Ludwig-”

Grinning sheepishly towards the other, he watched as Ludwig approached the two casually, his eyes landing directly behind Jeremy. It felt like catching two kids doing something they weren’t supposed to do, but of course, replacing the kids with two adults. Ludwig by now, had a cart full of groceries, seemingly done with the shopping run… though, something about the way Ludwig was looking over Luca made him want to question it, but through the silence… Luca was the first to speak up.

“Aye, don’t you robots have better things to do other than bothering people here?” Tense. Jeremy found himself snapping his gaze back to Luca, who looked utterly disgusted to see that an Android approached them. “Me and my pal here have somethin’ going on here. So, why don’t you move your metal ass along and leave us be..” Ludwig seemingly took no offense to that, and instead, looked towards Jeremy as he hummed. “Jeremy, it is currently 5:13. Your mother vill be home shortly and vill vonder vhere you are. I suggest we buy these and return home soon”. It was there, did Luca clock what had happened. 

“Ahh.. I see... Look who’s got an Android”. Nudging Jeremy briefly, plus the cocky grin he flashed him, Luca stepped right up to Ludwig, which caused Jeremy to somewhat stand tall. Ludwig seemed to look down to Luca, giving a neutral expression as he carefully stepped back. Clearly, he could tell the other was becoming a bit hostile. This was no good, given how Jeremy seemed to be in clear distress of his… friend’s actions.

“Oh, what’s wrong Android? Scared of me or somethin’?”

It became painfully obvious that Luca seemed to have some vendetta against Androids. That, and coupled with the fact that a lady and her child passed by watching with wide eyes at what seemed to be a confrontation caused Jeremy to be on edge. He didn’t want to be a part of what was going to seemingly go down. He needed to break the tension.

“Luca, this is Ludwig. Ludwig, this is Luca. A friend from highschool. We were close before me and Ma moved out here”, Jeremy spoke up, giving a rather awkward smile before Luca interjected with his comment. “We ARE close. Not just a friend, best friends I may add. Jeremy, why didn’t you tell me you had Android scum living with you man? I can’t imagine how awkward it must feel having some Android trash follow you around every day”. All Ludwig could do was stand there with a neutral expression, hands gently gripping the rails of the shopping cart. Jeremy was practically on fire with how Luca was speaking to Ludwig. As much as Jeremy didn’t like Ludwig too much, it felt super fucking weird outright saying it. He could deal with Ludwig and even so, Ludwig wasn’t too much of a bother or did anything to wrong him. He was just there to oversee him and make sure he wasn’t doing dumb shit, like starting fights in a supermarket. But Ludwig didn’t seem bothered by anything said still. Iinstead he just looked towards Jeremy, nodding briefly. “I’ve got the items listed down. I am ready to go vhen you are”. With that comment alone, Luca scoffed with a petty laugh.

“Is it busted or somethin’? It’s hardly noticed my ass here in front of it!”

Waving his hand up in Ludwig’s face, Luca grinned before shoving him back roughly, clearly wanting a reaction. Jeremy felt something twist in his gut. How Luca was out right being the aggressor here… he instinctively stepped forward, nudging Luca harshly on the side. “Dude what the hell? You tryin’ to cause shit to go down?”

Luca seemed a bit awestruck, jaw dropping slightly at seeing Jeremy stand up for an Android. He seemed to just stare at him before giving a loud laugh, shaking his head as he patted Jeremy’s arm a bit hard before speaking out in a taunting manner. “No way in hell am I watching little league Jeremy stand up for a fucking robot. Are you sure you’re still the same Jeremy I once knew?” 

Ludwig watched as Luca seemed to poke at Jeremy, his face a flushed red due to either embarrassment or…anger. Ludwig could tell whatever was going on, struck a nerve in Jeremy enough for him to step up to say something. Both face to face now, Jeremy stood his ground. 

“What are ya doin’ man? You know I don’t want any issues with you. You really gonna stand here and defend a machine who’s just standing around babysitting your ass?”

Remaining silent, Jeremy stared hard at Luca, trying to form words in his head, anything to let the tension die down… but that didn’t seem enough for his friend. It felt like the silence alone was enough of an answer for Luca, given as he scoffed and looked towards the side in disbelief. Stepping back from Jeremy, he held his hands up, as if he was defeated in a way. “Let it be known, Jeremy from little league has stood up to me, an actual human being, for the sake of his dear Android pet”. Jeremy balled his hands into fists, watching as Luca started to walk backwards, smiling towards the two casually before dropping his opened candy bag on the ground. 

“Jeremy, when you get some sense back into your mind, come back yeah? I think you being out here around these pieces of junk is really getting to you, man”

With a final look, Luca drew up his hood and turned to leave. Jeremy wanted to reach out, to say something to help calm his friend… but he didn’t. Instead, he let the other walk out, leaving the two of them to clean up the candy mess on the floor. 

It was silent for a beat before Ludwig moved to go and pick up the mess along the floor. That was until Jeremy stopped him, giving a small indirect look before getting to his knees, scooping the bits of candy into the dropped bag on the floor. He didn’t speak, nor did he want to look at Ludwig just yet. He was holding his breath, not once wanting Ludwig to worry over him, or even ask if he was alright. But man, did it fucking hurt to see his highschool bestfriend walk out on him, especially with an exist like that. It sucked to know how bad Luca was of Androids. Hell, he wasn’t too fond of Androids… at least, he thinks so. He didn’t know how to feel with Androids just yet, given how none of the Androids actually did any bad shit, apart from taking jobs. But most of those jobs were jobs people didn’t fill. It was all very difficult though…

Ludwig watched as Jeremy closed the bag as best he could before putting it in the cart, hands now moving into his pockets. He didn’t want to speak still, his gaze now along the floor as he let out a muffled sigh. 

“...”

Question 

Comfort