Thank you so much for the comment and the rec. I really loved the universe stealstheashes created. I just kept coming back to her original story as I was trying to decided what to write.

In that way he's fooling himself even more than Brendon, wanting to believe that this robot can return his friendship and affection.

In a way, I almost think Spencer's friendship with Ryan helps feed the desire in other people too. They see the way he is with Ryan, the belief he has in that friendship, and it makes them (Brendon) want to believe it too. I could really spend so much time exploring all of these relationships. It's such a cool universe!