Chapter Forty-Two – A Family Dinner
Reed's leg was bouncing the whole way to Elijah's house. It had been that way since the afternoon. It had started after he'd sent the simple text asking if he could meet and saying he needed some help. He'd been wary of bringing any specifics into it via text. He'd thought that it would take a while. Perhaps Kamski wouldn't see his text until later, or he'd need to think about it, or maybe he'd ignore it altogether. What he hadn't expected was to get a more or less instant response. He'd just been standing to put his phone away and grab another coffee when it vibrated with a simple message. Sure. Dinner? My place at seven? Reed almost thought he was going to have a panic attack right there. Dinner? With his new brother? In that huge mansion?
They'd had a small back and forth, Nines watching Reed as he stood anxiously in front of his desk. Within moments the android had confiscated the empty cup and bought Reed a bottled water from the vending machine instead. Reed had frowned at that, but accepted it anyway. He hadn't had to push much. Elijah had jumped at the chance for him to bring his partner. He'd asked about food preferences, and Reed had said he liked steak, but left it largely up to Elijah to choose. It was strange that Elijah didn't try to pry the reason for the visit out of him, but perhaps he was used to conducting business in person.
After that Reed's leg had been bouncing nervously for the rest of his shift. Since it was case related Hank had agreed that they could leave early and he would clock them out at the end of their usual shift. As their superior he was authorised and Connor could confirm it was work related, not that Fowler would question anything Hank said. Nines had done what he could to calm his human, besides allowing him to resort to his vices. He'd stopped Reed from chain smoking by taking his cigarettes and he'd stopped him from turning to caffeine by taking his cup away.
He'd tried to engage him in other case related queries, even though he'd already worked out satisfactory answers himself. He'd pointed Reed towards cases he needed to write reports for. He'd distracted him with idle chit-chat about what was going on in the city. The good news was that abuse against androids was very slowly declining. Humans were getting used to the idea of androids being around. They weren't so scary anymore. They weren't all out to steal jobs. They just wanted to be able to live, like normal people. The surprising thing was that android on human crimes had begun cropping up, mostly old grudges being acted upon. There were even androids who were actively applying to the police now, mostly thanks to Connor's program.
Nines had driven them home at six, wanting to give them time to get showered and dressed for the meeting. On the way back Nines had asked what to wear, only to find that Reed himself had no idea. Elijah's house was fancy, and Elijah himself was fancy to some extent. Reed didn't do fancy, not really. In the end he just told Nines to pick out something nice, though the android didn't really know what that meant. He wasn't sure Reed did either.
At the house they'd both showered before looking through their potential options. Reed could have used the clothes Elijah gave him, but he'd thought that would be pandering, or maybe it would seem like the didn't have many clothes. He'd sighed while looking through his wardrobe, eventually settling on black slacks and a light linen shirt, which he left untucked. He didn't button it all the way to his throat either. He left the first three buttons open, showing off his collarbone. He'd then pulled his jacket over the top and called it a day. Nines had chosen similar slacks with a tight woollen turtleneck. He'd finished the look with his white leather jacket.
The drive had felt long, and Reed's leg had bounced faster and faster the closer they got. He was overthinking it. He'd been to dinners before. He'd asked experts for help before. It was rare for those to overlap, but not unheard of. This was his brother though. The brother he'd only just met. The brother he'd only contacted because he needed something. Jeez, I'm a shitty partner and a shitty brother…He thought, knowing he'd be pissed if his long lost brother kept turning up asking for favours. He started to feel sick as they reached the bottom of the mountain path that wound lazily up to Elijah's glass palace. He bent over a little as Nines parked, taking a deep breath.
"Gavin…" Nines murmured as he looked over in concern.
"I'm fine…" Reed lied, feeling his ears pop at the new altitude. They climbed out, both taking in the mountainous view. Detroit was clearly visible in the distance, lights shining in the increasing darkness. The house was lit up with UV lights, the inside shrouded in black. It was one way glass that seemed like a mirror on the outside. Gavin tried not to notice how pale he looked. Nines squeezed his shoulder on the way by, leading the way up to the door. He waited patiently, allowing Reed to push the bell when he was ready.
"Good evening Detective Reed, Nines. Please come in." One of the Chloes greeted politely. Nines noted the way Gavin stepped just a little closer. He hadn't exactly had great experiences with the RT600s so far. Chloe was wearing a white dress covered in purple flowers, and her feet were bare on the cold floor. That wouldn't matter to the RT600 though. Reed led the way inside, where Chloe took their coats before directing them into the living area. Inside Elijah was pacing in the same way Gavin did when he was nervous.
"Gavin, Nines, it's good to see you again." The wealthy man greeted with awkward delight. He seemed jittery, but in a good way. He seemed to be earnestly pleased to have them, looking between them as if unsure where to begin. In the end he gestured to the bar. "Let me get you a drink. I have some thirium options." He added almost assuringly as he headed behind the bar, seeming quite at home there as he bustled about with the bottles.
"Thank you." Nines replied as he sat on the edge of one of the stools, which was the perfect leaning height for him. Gavin hopped up on one of the tall stools and waited, accepting a clear looking cocktail with some green leaves in it. An analysis showed him that they were mint leaves. Elijah had the same drink, and slid a similar blue one to Nines, minus the leaves. Androids couldn't get drunk, but the beverage left a fresh coolness in his throat. "Interesting…" He murmured, having never experienced the sensation before.
"Glad you like it…It's actually one of Chloe's creations." Elijah replied, though there was no way of knowing which one. Reed guessed the one in the purple dress as she returned and accepted a drink of her own. It seemed Reed wasn't the only one who'd brought some moral support. Once Elijah stepped around to them Chloe slipped herself against his side, his arm falling across her shoulder as naturally as breathing. Nines tilted his head as he met the bright gaze of the RT600. "I fully intend to hear your request, but perhaps after dinner…Let's talk a while." The older human suggested as he leaned on the bar beside Gavin, who sat back on his stool in order to keep Nines in the group.
"Sure, uh…What do you want to know?" Gavin asked uncertainly, unsure what he could tell Elijah that he didn't already know. He'd looked through Gavin's records. He knew his schooling and working backgrounds. He also knew most of what had happened at Cyberlife. Gavin watched Elijah's fingers as they circled the skin on Chloe's shoulder intimately. She seemed content with the contact, even encouraging it as she leaned a little closer.
"Tell me about you…What was it like for you growing up?" He asked, listening with interest as Gavin told him about his old house, where he'd spent a lot of time caring for himself since his mother had to work a lot. He told him about how his mother had lost her job and gone off the rails, trying not to sound too bitter or resentful about almost ending up on the streets and going through a rough patch himself. Elijah looked sympathetic at times, but he didn't say anything, knowing that Gavin would hate it. He wasn't one for pity. It was something Elijah would hate himself.
"What about you? I'm guessing your childhood was pretty different…" Gavin asked in return, and he was right. Elijah's parents had both been wealthy before marriage. His mother had been a model and his father worked in banking. They'd pushed Elijah from a young age, sending him to expensive boarding schools. They'd doted on him once his IQ was discovered, trying to get him interested in many areas to see where he shone. Elijah had ended up enjoying robotics and mechanical engineering, and they'd funded the hobby extensively. They were delighted when he'd created the first android. They especially enjoyed reaping the benefits of his success. Even though he was kicked out of the company he still made a tidy sum from profits. "Sounds boring…Sorry! I just mean it sounds like you were working all the time…" Reed corrected.
"No-no, I understand entirely, and you're not wrong…I was worked hard, but I assure you I've more than made up for it since my success." Elijah replied warmly, and Gavin had no doubt that he had, in his own way. Elijah wasn't the party-hard type. His idea of enjoyment wasn't to get blind drunk and sleep his way through half a club. He was content alone, in his mountain home, with his androids, working on any new invention that took his fancy. "I've also done my fair share of travelling, not just for business." He added, having visited China and Russia extensively to learn about their androids, though of course they couldn't share everything. He'd also travelled a lot around Europe, mostly trying to work up business contacts and see if he could get Cyberlife to go global. Europe was a lot like Canada though, worried by the high rise in America's unemployment. He'd been skiing and fishing with his father, and done a lot of shopping with his mother.
"Wow, I can't even imagine that." Gavin admitted, almost crushed by how truly opposite they were. That's some Prince and the Pauper shit right there…
"I'll take you next time. Where would you like to go?" Elijah offered instantly, which almost made Gavin choke on his drink. A trip to Europe was impossible on his wage. It would have taken him years to save for something like that, and Elijah just offered it at the drop of a hat. A trip to Italy wouldn't even be a drop in the ocean to him.
"You don't have to-I'm not here to-Don't waste your money!" Gavin stammered as his cheeks heated, noting that it seemed to make Elijah relax a little. Nines noticed it as well. Gavin's objection had pleased him greatly, and upon first thinking about it Nines hadn't understood. Why would Elijah be happy that his brother didn't want to go away with him? But as he thought about it he realised it wasn't that he didn't want to travel with Gavin, it was that Gavin had rejected the use of his money to do so. It showed him that Gavin wasn't interested in his wealth. Their interactions were genuine, not for potential benefits.
"Consider it a bonding exercise." Elijah excused lightly, not allowing Gavin to argue as they moved on to other topics. Elijah didn't really watch movies, since he'd always had his head buried in either a book or an android. He enjoyed music, mostly classical since that had been his mentor's favourite. They'd spent hours listening to various composers while working on androids together. That was very different to Gavin's choice of noughties pop and old rock from the eighties. He also liked a fair bit of nineties music, with a healthy dose of rock from later decades. Elijah mostly read technology and science magazines, while Gavin enjoyed crime and horror novels.
"Please, come through to the dining room." Chloe instructed eventually as she peeled away from Elijah and led the way. She brought through the plates, and Gavin was surprised to find that Nines had been catered for. It probably shouldn't have considering the androids that lived in the house. The androids had some form of thirium salad while the humans had stuffed mushrooms. The main course was steak, genuine for the humans and thirium based for the androids. The final course was a thirium sorbet for the androids and chocolate fudge cake and ice cream for the humans.
Gavin was courteous and thankful for the meal, and Elijah lovingly put all of the credit onto his Chloes, who had put the food together for them. They returned to the living area for more drinks and Gavin started to feel pleasantly drowsy, almost forgetting why they were there. Luckily Nines was present to brush his arm and give him a meaningful look. Gavin sat up, putting his glass on the low table in front of the sofa he and Nines were sitting on across from Elijah and Chloe. Chloe had pulled her legs up beside her and leaned into Elijah's chest while the man himself sat back with one leg crossed on his knee. It was another familiar pose that Nines had seen Gavin use when relaxing at home.
"Right, I need your help with something." Gavin began hesitantly.
"Of course. If you need money I can." Elijah began obligingly, pausing as Reed cut in.
"No, it's nothing like that…I need your expertise. It's for a case, and I could probably ask some other sap from Cyberlife, but I thought since you're the creator you'd be way better." He praised, knowing it never hurt to flatter. Elijah's interest had been piqued. Helping the police with a case? Working on androids? It sounded interesting, and he had little else to do after the android revolution. He couldn't exactly continue experimenting with androids, not now that they were considered sentient. They hadn't even decided whether they were allowed to manufacture more yet. He could probably get away with creating a whole new model. That would be a challenge…topping the RK900.
"I'm listening." He encouraged, though he remained in his relaxed pose with Chloe settled beneath one arm while the other rested across the back of the sofa cradling a large measure of sherry. It was his usual after dinner vice, one he'd introduced Gavin to that night. Chloe and Nines had a simple thirium shot, but there was something in it that warmed the chest. It was another interesting addition to Nines' internal records.
"You've heard about the case I'm working on. We have eight android bodies now, all smashed to pieces. Nines and Connor have been working on a plan to track the murder site." He began, making sure his brother was still following. He nodded for Gavin to continue. "We're planning to use Nines as bait. He'll allow himself to be taken, and we'll follow along behind. Now, to do that Nines will need his internal tracker up and running, and I need to know more about it. I don't want to send my partner into this with potentially faulty equipment." Gavin explained nervously, Nines looking at him with warmth in his blue eyes. Elijah could see it already. Gavin was sweet on his partner. He understood it of course. He wouldn't send Chloe into something so dangerous without installing and checking the components himself. Even then he might not send her at all.
"Well, I didn't work on the Connor series, but I can certainly open him up and take a look…I may even be able to enhance or update the tracker depending on the type they used. I have to warn you though, things can always go wrong with these GPS devices. Certain materials can interfere with the signal, and if the satellite malfunctions it will knock it out completely. Those may not be likely scenarios, but you should be aware of the dangers." Kamski replied, his greenish eyes already analysing the RK900 in a way that told him that he couldn't wait to get beneath his shell. It was a look that made Nines shiver uneasily. He would have been afraid if not for the man's relation to Gavin, and the fact that he had been nothing but kind so far. It seemed he was simply a robotics enthusiast.
"Is there anything you could do to get around that? A backup component or something?" Reed asked curiously. He didn't like the idea of sending Nines in if something could go wrong, no matter how small the chance. Elijah crossed his legs the other way, chewing his lip idly as he turned the thought over.
"It depends…The more components I add the bigger the strain on his systems, and the more likely his captors would pick up on the signals if they're checking for them…I could install a backup tracker and set it up to turn on in the event the first one blacks out. That would at least protect it from a surge…You're going to have to accept there is some risk though. I can't ensure that any tracker will work one hundred percent of the time. Materials and signal drop will still be an unavoidable issue." He replied after a while. He knew Gavin wasn't entirely reassured by that, but a backup was better than nothing. "I'll see what other improvements I can make while I'm in there." The expert added, Gavin's eyes shooting sideways as he noticed Nines tense at the suggestion. He didn't exactly have positive experience when it came to humans rummaging through his insides.
"Is that okay with you?" Gavin checked, watching Nines nod his stiff agreement. That meant it really wasn't alright, but he was willing to go through with it to put Gavin's mind at ease and improve their mission's chance of success. Elijah also picked up on the android's discomfort.
"I wouldn't do anything without running it by you first of course, and Chloe can be present at all times…Gavin can also stay if you'd like." He assured, noting the way Nines relaxed at the mention of Gavin staying. He wasn't the only one to notice. Gavin seemed somehow touched and uncomfortable at the same time. "I have to say, I find you fascinating. Your series it one of the few I've played no part in designing." Elijah continued, going on to ask Nines all sorts of questions that Gavin couldn't follow.
Nines seemed surprised and on edge at first, not used to being the centre of attention, and not used to speaking about his own internal workings. As time wore on he became flattered by the attention. Elijah was genuinely thrilled to have a new android in his presence, and he was endlessly curious. It seemed he couldn't ask enough questions. Nines told him about his processing power, the different abilities he'd been programmed with, his physical speed and strength and how they'd managed to balance them out. He also told him about the special lightweight but bullet proof material he was made of. It meant that he was light enough for a human to be able to lift him, barely, but strong enough that he was very difficult to damage physically. He avoided answering questions about the testing phase, Elijah quickly recognising it as a sore topic.
Before they knew it three hours had passed, and one of them was no longer mentally present. Just as the topic was about to shift back to Cyberlife Tower and Gavin's visit there the trio paused. Elijah was the first to become aware, letting out a small chuckle as he took in his brother's slumped form. Seeing Elijah's amusement Nines turned his head to find Gavin settled back in his seat, his head leaning back in the leather comfortably as he slept. The sight sent a small hum through Nines' thirium pump, especially as he noted Gavin's mouth was ever so slightly open.
"Gavin…We should go home." Nines said softly as he reached out to rouse his human.
"No, please! The city is so far from here, and he's already asleep. Use one of the guest rooms for tonight, I insist. Chloe dear?" Elijah added sweetly as he turned to the woman beneath his arm. Chloe had watched the interactions with her usual softness and nodded her agreement. She got to her feet and silently padded through the large door into the hall. Nines hesitated as he looked at Gavin's peaceful form. It would probably be best to remain, but at the same time he was unsure his human would approve.
"We wouldn't wish to inconvenience you or your…housemates." Nines settled on, unsure exactly what relationship Elijah had with the other Chloes in the house. Elijah chuckled softly as he got to his feet, leaving his empty glass on the table.
"I'll be more inconvenienced worrying about you driving back into the city in the middle of the night. Can you manage him by yourself?" The older brother added, though they both knew Nines was more than capable of carrying Gavin. He was merely being polite. Nines agreed with shy thanks as he got to his feet and followed Chloe out into the hall with Gavin gathered securely in his arms. She led them up a glass staircase to the next level and into a large suite. Elijah had followed and paused in the doorway as Nines carried Gavin over to the huge emperor sized bed.
"If you need anything you can call the kitchen, there's usually someone there." He said assuringly before he and Chloe left. It occurred to Nines after they'd gone that there was only one bed in the room. Nines wasn't sure whether that meant they assumed he and Gavin slept together, whether it was an oversight, or whether they thought Nines didn't go into stasis. In any case it left Nines with a predicament. It wouldn't matter if he missed a stasis cycle. They weren't a requirement for his model. He could just as easily stand or sit on one of the chairs or sofa in the suite. The problem was that he had wants.
He looked down at Gavin's peaceful form, knowing the human could easily sleep in his clothing quite comfortably, but he wanted to undress Gavin. He wanted to slide his shirt open button by button to reveal his chiselled chest, and he wanted to lovingly fold his nice cotton shirt on the dresser where it wouldn't get creased. He also wanted to slowly slide those tight slacks from Gavin's strong milky legs so that they didn't pinch his waist all night. He then wanted to remove his own outer clothing and slip beneath the thick covers with his human, where he could curl up and breathe in Gavin's familiar scent in this unfamiliar place. There was no harm in enacting his plan. He and Gavin had shared a bed before, and they had been undressed together.
He got started. Gavin didn't stir as he opened his shirt, but his skin reacted. Small hairs stood up across his pale arms, small bumps forming on the skin. They felt a little rough as Nines ran his fingers across them curiously. He eased Gavin up and slipped his shirt off, lowering him gently as Gavin hummed in his sleep. Gavin rested one arm above his head and the other across his bare chest, his head leaning sideways on the pillow. Nines took in the sight before moving down to his slacks, being gentle as he popped the button and slid down the zipper. A new wave of want flooded his systems as he brushed Gavin's twitching member. He recalled with perfect clarity what it had been like to touch it, and the noises Gavin had made.
He must have paused a little too long as Gavin's hips shifted up, and Nines flinched away to avoid arousing him further. He could feel his own skin heating as he tugged Gavin's trousers down his legs. He folded them neatly and laid them on the dresser. He removed his own clothing, leaving it with Gavin's before he shut off the main light. He didn't need it as he stalked towards the bed and tugged the thick duvet back. Gavin seemed to be half awake now, but he still allowed Nines to shift his body onto the firm mattress and tuck the covers over his smaller form.
"Where are you going?" He asked sleepily as he heard Nines' steps heading towards the bottom of the bed. It was a sound Nines hadn't often heard. Gavin's sleepy voice was very sweet and somewhat vulnerable. "Nines?" Gavin called suddenly, realising abruptly that he had no idea where they were. He had a new alertness in his tone, as if he were ready to rouse himself.
"I'm here…You fell asleep, so Elijah provided a room for the night." The android explained as he slipped beneath the covers on the opposite side of the bed. He could see with perfect clarity, simply turning up the brightness in his optical sensors, but he was aware that Gavin was unable to do the same. He was squinting slightly as he turned on his side to face Nines, peering at him through the darkness. "He was worried about us driving home in the dark." The android excused, and he would have understood had he been human. Nines would have found it as easy to drive in the dark as he did to drive during the day, but it had seemed preferable to remain and ensure Gavin had a restful night.
"Guess I'll thank him tomorrow." Gavin replied, clearly tired as he nuzzled into the plush pillows that were piled at the top of the bed. He chose one, a particularly fat one, and dragged it lower down. He rested on arm beneath it as he settled with a drawn out sigh. His human was clearly comfortable in this massive bed, and Nines had to admit it was nice, but a little big. He felt too far away from Gavin in the cavernous space and found himself creeping further forward.
"I'm pleased we came…It was an interesting evening." Nines murmured softly, dragging one of the pillows lower so that he could lie properly facing Gavin. His human was tired, but not so tired that he didn't acknowledge Nines' words. He hummed his agreement, unsure how he felt about his partner getting closer to his brother. He was barely close to his brother. They'd made a lot of progress though, on all fronts. Elijah had shown a continued interest in his past and shared his own, he'd agreed to help their case and he'd been genuinely interested in Nines.
It didn't take long for Gavin to fall asleep once more, allowing Nines to watch him undisturbed. He had some fine lines setting in across his forehead and around his eyes tired eyes. Gavin was still fairly young, and Nines couldn't help wondering if those lines would have been less pronounced if he'd chosen a less stressful career. He had no grey in his brunette locks yet, and a simple analysis showed that he didn't use dye. His hairline was strong and immovable, though perhaps it wouldn't always be that way. It was hard to say without a genetic comparison to earlier generations. His scarred nose was ever so slightly misshapen, likely by whatever impact had caused the angry pink mark. His lips quirked suddenly, green eyes flickering open tiredly.
"I can feel you staring you fucking weirdo. Start your sleep cycle or whatever it is you do at night." Gavin chided lightly as he prodded the blue LED at his temple, unable to see the way Nines' skin flushed pink at being caught out. He did notice the way Nines eyes dropped though, and the embarrassed expression on his face. He could see it quite clearly as his eyes adjusted and they lay so close together. He could feel Nines' warmth, wondering if he was radiating heat on purpose to warm the larger bed.
"Stasis cycle…" Nines corrected quietly, Gavin huffing out an affectionate 'whatever' before turning over. It was hard to tell whether he was awake or asleep after that, but he didn't move as Nines gradually shuffled closer. He was gentle as he slotted himself in behind his human and snaked an arm around his waist. This was, Nines decided, his favourite sleeping position. Especially as he brushed his cheek against Gavin's soft locks. He closed his eyes, content as he began his cycle.