Chapter 15/20: New Year's Eve


"Oh, shit. I shouldn't've expected a calm night with Nines. A murder is just around the corner." - Tina Chen


...in which Tina is the best friend ever, we get to meet her girlfriend, things get a bit steamy, Nines is a little shit, and Gavin has his worst (and best) New Year's Eve ever because of it.


CHAPTER WARNING! Implied/Referenced Sexual Situations.


NINES

~ DEC 31ST, 2038 * PM 02:15 ~

They'd continued doing their usual fieldwork in hope something about Eighty-Eight would turn up, but so far, there was nothing. Not even a single sighting. If this carried on, Nines hoped he'd follow him to the State Department and get off the precinct's back. Nines found himself restless fidgeting with his butterfly knife. It didn't feel right to leave with his equal still on the loose, but Nines' transfer couldn't be delayed because of an upcoming mission requiring his expertise. He could do nothing but wait.

"How many times do I have to tell you that smoking is bad for your health?"

"A couple hundred times more will do," Gavin said, standing just outside the DPD entrance with a lit cigarette. Nines, in response, yanked it directly from his mouth. "What the -?"

Pressing his shoulder to the wall Gavin was leaning to, Nines propped the smoke between his own teeth. Being an android, he didn't need to worry about the health implications, so the deadpan expression and unyielding eye contact only bolstered his unspoken statement. Gavin didn't seem to know how to react as he just looked at him dumbfounded. He was balancing the coffee on his forearm - arms crossed - and holding a light enough grip around it for a simple push to knock it over. A month back, Nines would've tipped it in spite.

Gavin, skeptically, looked him up and down. "You flirting with me, plastic?"

"Like we've done the past couple weeks, yes, obviously," he deadpanned at the callback to their first sparring session, killing the cigarette stud against the wall before chucking it into a nearby bin. "You've been ignoring me."

"That's a big word. Not giving you enough attention, huh?" Gavin asked, tone smug with an accompanying smirk. Nines rolling his eyes was the only response. Gavin tilted his head back until it encountered the wall behind him and closed his own. "Just the lack of sleep, tin can. Don't worry 'bout it. Nine days and I'm no longer your problem. Hey, Nines days."

Instincts told him to smack Gavin over the head at that one, but he refrained from doing it.

Nines wasn't blind to the fact that something had been off about Gavin the past few days. He seemed more closed-off. More guarded. He first flagged it off as nothing but his lack of restful sleep just like the half-assed excuse Gavin just delivered. Now it went beyond that and Nines was starting to get worried. Although Gavin never pulled away when Nines invaded his 'personal space' - a concept unknown to androids - Gavin always seemed to maintain a respectable distance if he was the one approaching Nines.

He didn't know why.

"Frankly, that's what I'm concerned about. Nothing tells me you won't return to your self-destructive habits the moment I step out the door."

"You said it yourself... I'm a big boy. I'll handle it. How's the case going?"

He was avoiding the topic again. Nines didn't like it, but he knew asking now wouldn't get him anywhere. During his time spent with Gavin, persistence would eventually have him crack. It was a waiting game and Nines was good at it.

"As well as one would expect. I can't say there's been any progress whatsoever on Eighty-Eight's whereabouts."

"Still don't know why the fuck you keep calling him 'Eighty-Eight'."

"His ID. I'm #313 248 317 - 87. He's 88. You seem to have a preference for wordplay and I don't know what else to call him."

"Nines 2.0. Plastic Prick 2.1. Dark Nines. You know, like Dark Link from The Legend of Zelda?"

"I'll stick with 'Eighty-Eight,' thank you."

"Yeah, you've always had said stick up your ass. Try to live a little," he replied, keeping his eyes closed. "I'm heading out for drinks with Ti and her girlfriend tonight. Wanna come?"

"You are aware I don't drink, correct?"

"Never said you had to, dipshit. Just join. Socialize."

"For what purpose?"

"What, there has to be a purpose?" he asked, shooting him a mildly annoyed look. "Pretty fucking common to celebrate the New Year."

"You loathe celebrations."

"Ti doesn't. It's the one night I indulge her and I don't wanna be third-wheeling."

Nines took a moment to consider. "Is there a specific dress-code?"

"It's an inside and outside nightclub. Drop the CyberShit jacket you still insist keeping on and you're good. Rift's in your turtleneck, so there's still a pretty noticeable distinction if your evil twin shows up. Doubt it, though. Guy doesn't strike me as the partying type," he said, knocking back the remainder of his coffee. "So you in or what?"

"I suppose I should keep your ass in check."

"Fucking hell, I'm not a teenager. I know when to stop," he said with a light scowl, approaching the same bin and shoving the cardboard cup in.

"This is somewhat of a tradition, I take it?"

"Going on our tenth year. First time Ti's bringing a date, though."

"Eleanor, correct? The ST300 receptionist at the DPD?" he asked, Gavin nodding. "I had my suspicions after seeing them interact. How long exactly have you and Tina known each other?"

"High school. Both studied law, and look at that, here we are. Drinking shit coffee and eating an unhealthy amount of donuts."

Nines wasn't good with people, but he saw this as an opportunity to get better at it.

There was something else he wanted to try, too.

"In that case, I don't see why not. I'm looking forward to it."

Something briefly flashed in Gavin's eyes - surprise and something else - but it was gone before he could further analyze it.

"Good. Place started serving thirium a couple weeks back, so drinks on me if you wanna give it a shot. Try to argue and I'm shipping you off to the State Department in advance."

He knew he was joking, so there was no ill-intent behind it. Gavin winked at him - or at least what he himself perceived as a wink as he seemed incapable of closing one eye without the other following - and lightly punched Nines' shoulder. He headed in the direction of the DPD entrance and Nines followed. Said 'wink' was, albeit surprising, another endearing aspect. His partner certainly had a lot of charisma despite the unpleasant behavior he was known for. Nines also knew his loyalty was unparalleled.

If you first got on Gavin Reed's good graces, you were set for life. At that point, he was someone who would take a bullet for you. However, the underlying tension between them made Nines question how he could maintain said graces.


GAVIN

~ DEC 31ST, 2038 * PM 08:38 ~

When Gavin first pulled up to the nightclub they'd spend the next few hours in at 8:25 p.m., Tina and Eleanor had yet to arrive.

The place was pretty packed despite its size, but they managed to locate a booth seating for four not too far from the bar disk. By the time they found it, Tina had Gavin on the phone to ask where they were, so Nines made sure they got over safe as Gavin held off the table. He couldn't help himself from continuing a report on said phone as he preferred to be way ahead of the deadline.

Meeting at this specific nightclub for drinks had been a recurrence for him and Tina the past five years, the joint becoming more and more popular as time passed. First year, it was nearly empty, but the new developments attracted more and more customers. More drinks. More bands. Even had a floor for dancing. The bouncer of four years was looking as mean as ever, but Gavin and Tina were on good terms with him. Had been for a while. The guy appreciated the added security in case anything was to hit the fan.

Owner of said nightclub was a woman in her late twenties - a family business - her father having passed away two years ago. She picked up the mantle and did the majority of the bartender work. Was doing a bang-up job with it, too.

It was neon-inspired and the lights sure as hell warmed, but seeing it was the literal end of December, one couldn't complain. Leather would be too warm under direct exposure, but the temperature would decrease overnight. Gavin slung his jacket over a shoulder because of it. He settled for a simple light grey V-neck t-shirt and dark jeans as well as his usual brown-and-black-gradient sneakers.

Ever since 'Eighty-Eight' nearly killed him, Nines kept the top buttons on his turtleneck detached from one another. He had unbuttoned it just a bit further to show the start of his pecs and that certainly didn't stop Gavin's mind from wandering. He'd seen Nines without a shirt before, but back then, he was covered in his own thirium. Like always, his sleeves were pulled up to his elbows. Dress-pants instead of his usual dark green jeans, all black aside from his dark-brown dress shoes and the metal buckle on his belt.

Gavin would feel under-dressed in his company no matter what he wore. Tin can could pull off anything without looking like he tried too hard, and fuck, if he didn't look like a model doing it.

Tonight only proved it.

"I'll get the drinks. Under these lights, whiskey on the rocks for Gavin," Nines said, having yet to sit down. He knew him well. "Tina?"

"Vodka red bull or I'm gonna pass out before getting to the good part."

"Fuck, you still drink that shit?" Gavin teased.

"Don't judge! I'm young at heart, Gav. It was my fave when I was first starting out drinking and it still is. I don't need whiskey to feel like a big boy as a certain someone else," she said, letting out a vague stab at him. Gavin launched his hands up in surrender. "Oh, and Nines? Throw in a couple tequila shots. Lemon, not lime. I need Gav drunk."

"In that case, you'll need more than a couple."

"Bring an entire bottle."

Gavin nearly choked on air. "Holy shit, Ti."

"C'mon, it's all good! Go cray for once. You were so much more fun in college."

"Back when I only had half-a-brain and did keg-stands for a living?" he replied with an arched brow, Tina's pout emerging. Gavin gave her a light scowl. "Don't ever say 'go cray' again and I'll do it."

"That's the spirit."

"Hey, Legs For Days," he said, grabbing the base of Nines' wrist who towered over him. Gavin's index finger came in contact with the inside of his palm again, registering the skin retracting at the touch - Nines making no attempt to hide it - and a hint of pride swelled up in his chest. "Promise you'll keep me safe, okay? This pretty face is just asking to get roofied."

Nines nodded. "You have my word. Eleanor?"

"Just one. Thank you, Nines," she replied, smiling brightly with her chin cupped in her palm. "Here, I'll help you."

She rose and the two set course for the bar disk.

Eleanor was a sweet girl and the perfect choice to keep Tina grounded. She was calm and collected, but if someone pissed her off, she didn't hesitate in speaking up. Tina fell for her the moment a rather touchy-feely arrival at the DPD had Eleanor break his wrist followed up by a smiling 'Have a good day, sir.' Naturally, even the receptionists got a debriefing on Nines' combat techniques.

Gavin approved and it was strange looking back. Almost two months ago, he couldn't stand the existence of androids. Now his best friend was dating one and he himself was crushing on another.

Life pulled you in the most unexpected directions.

Left to their own devices, Gavin knew he was about to get grilled. He made a vain attempt to pull out his phone so he could naturally avoid Tina's eyes, but that didn't help him. She immediately had it slapped to the table surface.

"Okay, spit it out. How'd you ask him out?" she prompted, intrigue and enthusiasm clear in her voice. Hands unexpectedly freed, he just stared at them for a moment before they balled into fists. Gavin lifted a defeated and mildly annoyed look that made Tina catch up quickly. "Oh my god, Gavin Reed, you absolute fucking pussy."

"Ow!" he exclaimed, Tina having reached over and dug nails into the tender flesh on his hands. "Fucking hell, you've got claws. It hurts."

"Good."

"Jesus..."

"Why are you like this?"

"I really don't need this right now," he replied, taking his hands back to thumb the nail marks she'd left in his skin. "Shit, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't even know where to put it."

"Didn't he probe the memory of an HR400?"

Oh, fuck, he did.

It wasn't the first time he'd been proven wrong.

Gavin knew androids picked up new things in a near-instant and Nines had seen the memory of an android literally programmed to have sex. That didn't leave much to the imagination in terms of knowledge. Nines also had a dick - he remembered the information shared at the Stratford Tower, sure, but he clearly had a bulge - and he really didn't need to be reminded of that.

"It's not like I'm missing out."

"You're so full of shit."

He let out a scoff.

Before she could berate him further, the android in question and Eleanor returned. Tina gave him a stern look that he did his best to ignore. If Eleanor hadn't joined Nines, he sure would've needed to take two trips, upgraded model or not. They balanced a full bottle of tequila on a plate containing the lemon and salt, two stacked shot glasses for said liquid, two glasses of thirium, one whiskey and one vodka red bull. Another order had been put in for a jug of water so 'their humans' wouldn't have one hell of a hangover the next day. Androids always thought ahead.

The next look Tina leveled him with had him more than worried. She was obviously planning something as it appeared downright sinister. Getting me drunk won't change my mind, Ti, he thought, praying it was true.

When Nines gracefully slid into the seat next to him, he didn't dare a look over just yet.

Tina separated the shot glasses. "Let's start the evening off right."

"What exactly is the lemon and salt for?" Eleanor asked, appearing both confused and intrigued.

"That's the beauty of it, hon. The cheap tequila they serve here tastes like shit on its own and can make even the drunkest of drunks cry real tears. Salt before the shot lessens the burn and lemon sweetens the taste."

Nines arched a brow. "Androids don't possess taste buds, but I can't say I see the point if the substance is less than pleasant."

"That's what I was thinking," Eleanor said.

"Enough of 'em and it does wonders in getting you drunk," Gavin butted in, clinking shot glasses with Tina and knocking them back. He stubbornly ignored the salt and lemon before immediately regretting it. "Ugh, PHCK!"

It burned far more than he remembered as his insides churned. The god-awful taste didn't help, either.

Tina barked a laugh as Gavin took a greedy gulp of his whiskey.

"Jeez, Gav! If you're trying to impress someone, I mean, fuck... at least be able to keep a straight face. You're embarrassing yourself."

"Is that tears in your eyes?" Nines asked, his tone mildly pleased.

"Fuck off and fuck you," he spat in reply, still cringing at the aftertaste. "Fucking hell, that's the worst thing I've ever put in my mouth."

"Somehow I doubt that."

At Nines' deadpan addition, Tina's laughter only increased in volume. Eleanor was giggling. When his back was rubbed in apology, however, Gavin couldn't exactly complain. The serenity didn't last long.

Two fingers burrowed into his right clavicle and Gavin's body did a near jolt in reaction. Nines had immediately noticed the tight muscle there, and apparently, refused to stop massaging the area before the knots were untangled. Gavin really should take his advice on the back issue. It felt too good to pull away, so he instead found himself push into the touch against his will.

...and yes, fuck, there were tears in his eyes.

Fucking tequila.

They had to finish it during the span of the night, too.

It was at around 9 p.m. that the night's band arrived, loud music blasting over the speakers, but not enough to be unpleasant. The owners always managed to balance the sound and that was one of the reasons why they kept coming there. A few more shots and he was starting to get tipsy. Tina was more used to drinking than him these days, so it took her a bit longer, but not by much. He supposed his crazier teenage years had left its mark when he would shotgun beers while jumping into pools.

Then he was reminded what alcohol did to his father and stopped.

Gavin had just finished saying something - couldn't remember what - when his right hand found the area just above Nines' knee. The thing about being under the influence was that you almost always got pretty handsy.

Fuck it.

Already, they flirted on a daily basis - albeit word-based - so he didn't see the issue with having some fun.

Turns out that Nines didn't mind physicality, either.

"Jesus Christ, what did those perverts feed you? Look at those legs!" Gavin said with a scowl, pinching the area and pulling one of said legs towards him. Nines arched a brow, but he could've sworn he saw the hint of a smug smirk tug at his lips. That, or it was the alcohol. Gavin shot the other two a disbelieving look. "Have you seen these fucking legs?"

"Gavin Reed. I - a functioning and respectful member of society - have a girlfriend I love very much," Tina replied.

"I've seen them."

"Ellie!" she gasped in mock offense, Eleanor giggling with the back of her head pillowed on Tina's chest. They had somehow ended up lying down across the booth seats. "I am officially shook."

"This is the second time tonight he's brought up Nines' legs. I had to know."

"They're nice fucking legs," Gavin said, looking down at them. "Bet they'd look even better wrapped around my hips. Or shoulders. Both works."

"Gavin. Behave," Nines warned, but there was no bite in it.

If anything, there was a vaguely amused lilt to his voice. Gavin was so used to his vocal patterns, so with a single change, he noticed the difference. It was minor and yet he easily distinguished it. Way back then, he wouldn't even bat an eye. That was how minor it was. Frankly, Tina and Eleanor couldn't've taken note of the change. Only Gavin was able to.

Well, fuck, he now knew he had Nines' consent to hardcore flirting.

"Or what? You gonna put me in a headlock?" he purred, hand moving up his thigh "...with your legs?"

"Whoa, there! Keep it PG," Tina teased.

"It's a fucking bar, Ti," he replied, Nines taking Gavin's hand and wrapping the arm it was attached to behind his own back in order to keep it away from his crotch. Gavin didn't mind the new placement. "You've gotta be 21 to even be in this place."

Eleanor smirked. "Technically, I'm three. Nines isn't even two months."

"Okay, fuck, that's a turn-off. Ti, you're dating a minor. Big time."

"...and you're groping one. She was designed to resemble her late twenties, douchebag."

"Nines, babe, what age were you designed as?"

"Thirty."

"See? It's fine! We're all adults here," he exclaimed, before finding himself too restless to remain seated. Gavin tried to shoo him aside. "Hey, scoot."

Nines frowned. "What exactly are you doing?"

"The fuck do you think, toaster?"

"Are you telling me that Gavin Reed... dances?"

Tina grinned. "He sure does."

"If you're expecting a fucking waltz, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but every guy who's good in bed knows how to use his hips," he replied as he stood, reaching out. "You coming or do I've gotta find some other lucky bastard to grind against?"

He'd seen a couple guys looking his way already and Gavin knew when he was being eyed up. Every New Year's Eve, he ended up dancing one way or another, and finding someone to do it with had never been an issue. It was usually how he ended up in bed with them. Dancing helped him get stuff off his mind. It was fun and he was never the gawker type pouting in a corner. Besides, as Nines was leaving in just over a week, he wanted to make the most out of it. It was a valid excuse to get up all close and personal.

"I know little to nothing about dancing," Nines said, taking his outstretched hand.

"You're a fast learner," he reassured with a smirk, pulling Nines to his feet. Again, the skin had pulled back. "Word of warning, though... you're gonna get turned on."

"Is that so?" he asked unimpressed, shooting Tina a look. She mouthed Magic Mike in return. "I see. This'll be interesting."

With that, he took him to the dance floor.

"Have fun!" Tina shouted after them.

Nines rose his voice to be heard over the music. "I wasn't joking, Gavin. I have no idea how to do this."

"Relax, tin can," he replied, turning to face him and starting to back his own body the remaining feet to an open space. "Just follow my lead."

Realization hitting him just how close they had to be - the floor being pretty packed - was one hell of a reality check. The main point was to have fun and everything else would follow.

Still holding onto Nines' hand, Gavin gently hooked the arm it was attached to around his shoulders. Someone was just about to accidentally bump into Nines and thus Gavin grasped his hip to pull him in, preventing the collision. Despite Nines' words, he didn't look nervous at all, but he was certain there was an internal battle going on in that android brain of his. Nines had never been one to express himself openly in the facial term. In return, all Gavin had to do was pretend he was dancing with someone else and do what he usually did.

Kill it on the dance floor.

Nevertheless, an all-too-familiar song was next on the speakers.

'Pony' by Ginuwine.

Gavin puffed a laugh. "Would you look at that... the literal fuckboy anthem!" he said in good humor, but there was a serious undertone to it as he followed up. "Look, this is grinding we're talking about. You okay with this?"

"If I wasn't, I wouldn't be here."

"Okay, smartass."

"I appreciate your need to confirm consent, however."

"Yeah, yeah, you're welcome."

Hand moving to the small of Nines' back, Gavin pulled him in. He started with small movements with his hips to make it easier for Nines to follow along. Nines in return was rather stiff, seeming unsure what to do.

It was kind of cute.

Cute.

Now that was a word he never thought he'd use to describe Nines.

"Feel free to join in," Gavin said, holding back a chuckle.

"Perhaps I should leave the dancing to you."

"Think you're getting all this for free, huh?" he teased, pointing down to his groin. "This is a two-way street, tin can. Never thought the Nines would be insecure. All comes down to confidence, and shit, you've got plenty. Everyone here is too focused on their own dancing anyway that they won't even notice yours. It's just us, okay? I've got you."

When eyes locked, something seemed to flash in icy grey.

It was almost too brief to register.

There was a beat every second, smaller beats between, giving leverage for smaller movements. The sensation was just like dancing with a human. Intimate, heatwaves between them, the raunchy song certainly adding to it. This was far from the first time Gavin had danced to it and thus the movements came naturally. He experimentally rolled his hips against Nines', grinding, the hand at the small of Nines' back holding him in place. He would've felt Nines' breath upon his neck if he needed to breathe at all.

Nines responded appropriately, so Gavin experimented further, treading waters. He added more movements to his hips - groin pushing forward and back bending slightly - making sure Nines felt it. The contact. Gavin could feel Nines' body tense in return, mission successful, but Nines wasn't making much effort on his end as he resembled a fish out of water.

Concentration was clear on his face, the characteristic crease between Nines' brows on full display. He seemed to be missing the point. Dancing was about having fun. It wasn't a mission, and yet, that was what he saw it as.

To get someone dancing, Gavin knew of one method that always worked.

He let his hands drop, grasping the sides of Nines' hips, pulling him in until there was no space between them. Bulges met above the fabric and Gavin kept them pressed together as he started moving again. Nines had no choice but to move with him, rolls in perfect sync, Gavin's hip side going forward that in return had Nines' push back. The neon lights had begun to warm. Nines' arm was still around Gavin's shoulders, the other hand cupping his bicep, two bodies moving to two separate beats. The air immediately grew thicker.

Such close proximity left little space, so he had no choice but to nuzzle into Nines' neck. He'd expected the smell of CyberLife plastic only to be greeted by another and far-too-familiar scent.

Coffee, cigarettes, smoke, and leather.

He smelled of Gavin.

Slowly but surely, Nines gained the confidence to attempt a few vague moves. He maintained the small distance - most likely to hide whatever mistakes he thought he made - but Gavin couldn't say he minded it. That meant Nines had to be close. Feeling the sudden pelvic thrust against him, Gavin's breath caught his throat, brief but enough to break his poise. There was a need to see Nines' face, but that would require him to pull back. Gavin settled for a whistle and reached up to cup the back of Nines' head, keeping him close as he rolled his upper body.

Nines dipped into the movement, putting more work into his hips. All he needed was a little push in the right direction. His movements became bigger, and fuck, it looked good. It felt good.

Gavin laughed. "That's it, you're doing it!"

Not before long, Nines was moving like he was born to do it. His confidence came back in full and Gavin was at his mercy. He got lost in Nines' every movement, his firm body a perfect fit against his own, one with the music. Gavin went from being on the forefront to trying to keep up. After the confidence had been gained, Nines let his hands wander, distracting him from everything else. His head spun as they battled for dominance. What started off as just trying to unwind became a competition of who was to lead, but the fun remained.

His heartbeat had synced up with Nines', too.

He upped the sensuality, but Nines took it a step further. The hand that had found refuge on Gavin's hip slipped under his shirt and nearly reduced him to a pulpy mass. Nothing could prepare him for that.

Nothing could prepare him for what came next, either.

Nines rolled his hips, hard, against his as he reined him in. He could feel both the slightly enlarged member and the sweat coating his body as the temperature skyrocketed. The hand in Nines' hair tightened, nuzzling further into his neck, responding greedily. His breath was heavy against Nines' skin. Short. Ragged. Every nerve in his body screamed as he let Nines have his way with him.

The experience was both a dream and a nightmare simultaneously. Gavin, in return, gave him the best he got. He wasn't a fucking toy to be yanked around and he made sure Nines knew that.

Thirty minutes dancing and grinding like their lives depended on it - some of the songs being 'Get Low' by Dillion Francis & DJ Snake as well as 'Whatever You Like' by T.I. - Gavin needed a breather. Not to mention that he needed to calm down the situation below his belt. He knew Nines felt it, too, and could proudly say that he'd been right. Nines had indeed been turned on.

Just as he was about to pull away, he took Nines' hand between his and pressed a kiss to his knuckles in thanks for the dance.

Wasn't it for Nines keeping his promise - staying by his side without ever leaving it the entire night - he'd never let himself drink more than a couple, get a tad tipsy, and call it a day. Around Nines, he let himself be vulnerable if only a little. At 11:15 PM, Eleanor was the one to drag Tina over to the dance floor. The buzz was starting to wear off.

"What's that?" Gavin asked, having registered Nines' mouth moving.

Nines threw his arm over the backrest behind him, leaning down to his ear to be heard over the music and repeated himself.

"I was merely commenting on the amusing sight of our friends over there," he said, Gavin looking over at the girls who were giggling like crazy. "There's very little dancing going on."

"Can't say I'm surprised."

"What?"

Gavin rose his voice. "I said, 'can't say I'm surprised.' Ti probably stepped on her foot or some shit. She always had two left feet."

"How so?"

"Back at prom in high school, she was my date. I got a firsthand demonstration."

"This was before you knew your preferences, I take it?"

"What now?" he asked, before realizing the misunderstanding. "Oh, shit, no. I mean 'date' in the platonic term. Decided none of our classmates qualified, so we went with each other. I remember fucking a female friend who was into me just to try it out. She was easy on the eyes. I guess you could say that's when I was sure I didn't play for that team. Did get her wet, though." Gavin grinned. "Make that same comment to Ti and the only response you'll get is an overdramatic, grossed out 'eww'."

"That's a bit harsh. You can't be that bad."

"Fuck no. I'm a literal snack. Ti has no taste in men," Gavin replied, turning his head to face him so he wouldn't have to raise his voice. "Seems to be doing pretty good in the other departme -"

When did Nines get so close?

Nines, like always, had that stoic and powerful aura about him. No emotion on his face aside from a hint of maybe intrigue and curiosity. He was still watching the scene on the dance floor flashing his perfect profile. His LED was at a steady blue going with the neon lights and said lights brought out the intensity of his eyes. Gavin became all-too-aware of the arm still on the backrest behind him as warmth radiated from it. His attraction had been there for a long time, but now when he knew it went beyond physical, it was different.

A lot was.

Without taking his eyes away from the girls, Nines leaned down to his ear again. Soft lips brushed against the hot skin like a phantom touch only to have Gavin unconsciously turn into it.

What. The. Actual. Fuck?

"I didn't quite catch that last part."

...and Nines was fucking clueless to what he was doing to him, too. He seemed oblivious to Gavin's internal gay panic.

This, however, was purely a nightmare.

All he had to do was twist his head no more than an inch to plant one on him and fuck if he didn't consider it. In any other situation, that would be exactly what Gavin would've done. He'd been a bold one his entire life and it always paid off. With Nines, however, he couldn't. Gavin wasn't selfish enough to expose him to something like that and especially with the mutual trust built up between them. If anything, he'd feel like he was taking advantage of Nines' lack of experience and that was the last thing he wanted.

He was too damn sober for a mistake like that.

So he woefully turned away again. "Department. I said 'department'," Gavin finished, praying his heart rate would return to normal. He rose his second whiskey glass of the evening to his mouth. "Who knows? Maybe someone here catches your eye, too."

"I admit it's part of the reason why I came here."

It made sense.

"The drinks have worn off, so don't let me stop you. Could give you a couple pointers if you want."

...or skip the introductions and let me show you a good time instead, part of him wanted to say, but he couldn't. Taking Nines to bed would be a reverse Uno card that would make it even more difficult to forget about him and Gavin knew better than falling into such a trap. He couldn't help but wonder what Nines' response would be, though. If he'd accept or not. He didn't dwell further on it.

"Are you certain?"

"It ain't that deep, Casanova. What's your preference?" Gavin asked, ignoring the question.

"I don't think I have one."

So Nines was bi.

He gave the room a look.

There was that guy by the bar disk - away from the warmth of the neon lights - he'd earlier registered that seemed to have taken an interest in Nines. Before him was a half-empty glass of what he assumed was whiskey. He wore a black leather jacket above a red button-down shirt, five o'clock shadow and short, dark hair, probably in his early thirties. Green eyes, looked like. He was oozing of confidence in the way he presented himself, but it could all be an image. A cover-up for insecurity.

Gavin knew all about that.

"What about that guy?" he asked, tilting his head in the direction. "Been stealing glances at you the past 15 minutes. He's hot, if you even care 'bout that. Do androids even have a type?"

"As a matter of fact, we do. He appears to fit nicely."

"Oh yeah? Well, go on. Ball's in your court. Literally, if you succeed."

"You sure you'll be all right?" he asked, pushing away and taking the warmth with him.

"I'm 3-fucking-6, tin can," he replied, trying to ignore just how much he missed his close proximity. "Buzz is over and I can walk on my own. Shit, I'm as sober as I can get at this point."

Nines smirked. "Then I'll see you tomorrow."

Confident asshole.

For Nines, however, his confidence wasn't an image. Gavin admired that about him. That and many other things. His assets that Gavin was now seeing at an exceptional angle as Nines walked away - hands pocketed as per usual - was one of them. He already knew Nines was wearing tight pants considering that they lived and arrived together, but fuck, they hugged all the right curves. It was sinful. Gavin didn't even register Tina flopping down in her previously abandoned seat before she snapped her fingers in front of his face.

"Yo, douchebag. Keep it up and you're gonna start drooling."

After a brief struggle, Gavin tore his eyes away. "Where's your girl?"

"Car. She's grabbing me a jacket."

"You took your sweet fucking time to get here tonight, by the way."

"A girl is never," she replied with a wink, badly referencing The Lord of the Rings. "Joking aside, some asshole at my apartment complex - not paying attention to where he was going - managed to spill take-away all over my pants. I had to change."

"Hallelujah. What's his address? I've gotta thank him."

Tina gave him a shove over the table and Gavin grinned. She'd sent an image of said pants earlier and Gavin had expressed his dislike.

The grin didn't last, though.

Gavin couldn't help his eyes from traversing over to Nines again. He'd reached his goal, the guy seeming mildly surprised as he straightened his back. Albeit muffled, he could hear the conversation.

"It's impolite to stare."

The guy puffed a laugh. "Shit. That obvious?"

"I have a good eye."

"That you do..."

Tina - also hearing the conversation - nearly snapped her fucking neck turning.

Subtlety wasn't her strong suit. "Oh, shit. I shouldn't've expected a calm night with Nines. A murder is just around the corner."

"Not exactly," Gavin said.

Although he could see the brief hesitation, Nines reached out for a handshake. He knew the inside of one's palm was the most sensitive part of an android's body. Then again, Nines had approached the guy to sleep with him, so it was nothing compared to what came after. At least, not in the human sense. Then again, Nines wasn't human. It was difficult to believe that a handshake was more intimate to an android than literally being inside someone. Or have someone inside you. If anything, that handshake was his biggest step.

He didn't let his skin pull back, though. A small victory.

Score. Guess I'm special.

"Nines."

"Jayden, but 'Jay' works," the guy said, taking his hand as a teasing tone emerged. "Nines, huh? How'd you get that name?"

"Play your cards right and you might find out," he replied, somehow making it sound smooth as fuck instead of cliché. "Although you're not too far off, I'm afraid the origin of my name is less interesting."

'Not far off'?" Gavin repeated in his head, realizing the implication. Jesus.

He'd certainly felt it when they danced, but just how big was Nines' dick?

When it finally went up for Tina, her face fell.

She directed a compassionate look Gavin's way - full of concern and so fucking sincere - and he wanted to shoot something. Bolt. Get away before she could voice her thoughts on it all and make him feel even more miserable. Instead, he averted his eyes, lifted his glass to tilt it slightly and stared down into his half-finished drink before knocking it back. Knowing Nines, he would go home with that guy tonight... and fuck, it hurt. Gavin had encouraged it on purpose, he knew that, but that didn't change how he felt.

Just the thought of having such a powerful android under him - dilated pupils, needy moans, his name on Nines' plush lips, and at his mercy - was enough to get a small reaction below the belt.

He wanted to fry his processors so bad.

This wasn't the first instance he had those thoughts - the most common occasions they occurred being in the shower - but the implication was greater now. One such event, in particular, came to mind. During one of his 'sessions,' Nines had insisted he needed his immediate attention, Gavin not even able to finish before Nines let himself in. He'd kept his back turned and hands palming the wall before him. Made sure Nines wouldn't see the situation between his legs as the stream of water ran over the back of his neck.

Nines debriefed him and he thought he'd gotten away with it before the nonchalant, 'I can sense your pheromones from the other room, sergeant, so don't bother.' Albeit mildly pissed off, he took it in good humor.

He didn't get easily embarrassed and teased that Nines just wanted to see him naked. Gavin had a great body, he knew that, so there was little to be shy about. Shyness wasn't part of his character. Nines, in return, had taken a good look at him before he - in words - expressed his approval. An ego boost. It was all statistics, of course, so it didn't mean anything.

Gavin hated himself for those moments of submission, but he needed some way to satisfy his needs and certainly didn't have the time to find someone to do it for him. He wasn't about to ask Nines to indulge him, either. All would be lost if he gave in. When Gavin fell, he fell hard, and crawling back out of that pit was near impossible. So he did whatever he could not to.

It had worked thus far.

Nines pressed on with the conversation. "I'll have to thank my work partner. 'Nines' is a wordplay of my model number. I'm unique."

"Unique?" Jayden echoed, whistling. "Explains why I haven't seen one like you before. I'd remember. So, stripper? Hell... model maybe?"

Stripper. Now that was another sinful image. Gavin could only imagine what kind of private shows Nines would give and just how much would be charged for them. Probably the main attraction of the establishment.

"Although I don't wish to scare you off, I specialize in combat and leadership."

"Yeah? Gonna show me some wrestling moves, boss?"

It wasn't until then he realized that, fuck, this Jayden used the exact same flirting techniques Gavin would use. Same teasing approach and sexual innuendos. He even kinda looked like Gavin.

...and he was Nines' type. What the fuck? This had to be a joke.

"I just might. Careful, though... I like to fight dirty," Nines said, trailing two fingers up the man's collarbone as his eyes followed their movement. When those ice grey eyes inconspicuously pinned Gavin's - entirely ignoring this 'Jayden' guy - Gavin froze. Nines held Gavin's glance with an intensity never before seen. "There's this Krav Maga technique. They're called blood chokes. Targeting certain points in the neck compresses the carotid artery. Limits oxygen. Accompanied by a chokehold, the loss of consciousness is near-instant."

Jesus fucking Christ.

That fucking asshole.

Nines was fucking with him on purpose.

He probably had the entire night.

Barely managing to avert his eyes from Nines' piercing gaze, Gavin had to 'adjust' himself. He felt hot, his pupils dilated at a record pace, and he just about considered pressing the empty whiskey glass to his forehead in an attempt to cool down. That guy could've been Gavin. He closed his eyes tightly and tried to block out the rest of the conversation to no use.

"Shit, Gav, you're burning up. Ellie can take you home if you want."

He hadn't registered Tina's hand on his forearm. She - not knowing what Nines was doing - was probably thinking he was sick or something.

Nines' smooth voice continued. "Prolonged constriction of the blood vessels while cutting breathing can also result in death."

"Good thing I like danger, then."

Oh, fuck off, he just wanted to growl, trimming his foot up and down. Nines is mine.

...or at least the traitorous part of him wanted him to be. Jesus, how much he wanted him to be. If Nines was deviant, Gavin would've pulled up from his seat, get between them, come up with some excuse to get Nines outside, grabbed that stupid turtleneck, and kissed him until he couldn't stand straight. Mark his territory.

Yet he wasn't a deviant.

Gavin didn't want to get involved with him not only because he was scared, but because he knew Nines didn't understand it. He had just gotten his trust back after removing his heart regulator. He wasn't about to lose it again.

Eleanor returned.

"Here you go," she said with a smile, draping the jacket over Tina's shoulders.

Tina smiled back. "Thanks, hon."

Nevertheless, Eleanor took note of the current tension and concern draped her features. Gavin could see it in his peripheral vision. He turned back to face them and saw the attention directed his way.

"Is everything all right?" Eleanor asked.

Gavin shared a look with Tina who mouthed 'your choice' in return. His first instinct was to deny it, but Eleanor deserved better.

He forced a smile. "Nothing I can't handle, so don't let me ruin your night."

Eleanor, bless her, quickly realized what was going on. She had apparently picked up on signs of attraction that Gavin had shown towards Nines in the past. Both she and Tina then proceeded to change to more pleasant topics and he immediately felt better. For the rest of the night, Nines didn't even acknowledge Gavin's existence. His full focus was on Jayden, and hell if he didn't seem genuinely interested, asking questions and hanging onto every word. He could tell Nines was enjoying the experience just by looking at him.

Nines' interest had peaked over the span they talked. When first approaching him, he seemed bored. Now he was anything but. There was a certain glint in his light grey eyes that Gavin had seen only on rare occasions.

Lust.

Despite Tina and Eleanor's best efforts, he only managed to block out parts of the conversation as they were rather close to the bar.

It went on and on, as if he was in his own personal hell, tortured by every soft-spoken word. Six times did he consider taking Tina's advice and go home. He didn't want to hear it - the flirting, the muffled words coming out husky, almost raspy... Nines' fucking laugh. He'd never heard Nines laugh before - not even as much of a chuckle - and fuck if that didn't sound genuine, too.

He was so fucking pretty.

You better treat my partner right, dipshit.

"Hey," Eleanor said, voice soft.

Gavin sighed. "Yeah, fuck, okay," he muttered, tearing his eyes away. "I hate this."

Pitiful. Absolutely fucking pitiful.

"It's not too late, you know."

"Oh yeah? Say that to Loverboy Leather over there."

"I just might -" Tina butted in.

"Ti, no," he cut her off, a warning to his tone. "Just leave it. It's his choice. I'm not gonna play the possessive fucking asshole and tell 'Jayden' to shove it where the sun doesn't shine. Nines clearly wants this."

Tina's answer wasn't immediate. "Okay."

The clock chimed 12 a.m., 1st of January, 2039.

...and Nines kissed someone who wasn't him.

Jayden spoke first. "Wanna get out of here?"

"I thought you'd never ask," Nines' dark voice purred, a vibrating - human yet not - sound making his legs quake. "Lead the way."

Didn't even look back.

"Happy fucking New Year," Gavin muttered, pieces of his heart breaking off one by one as he watched Nines get closer and closer to the exit.

He was terrified to want him, and yet, there he was... wanting him anyway.


A/N: I think the source of that last quote - slightly edited to my own needs - is Grey's Anatomy (fitting, as Jesse Williams AKA Markus Manfred was in the same show.) I've never watched it... not my cup of tea... but I just love said quote so fucking much, like, you don't even know. I think I first saw it on a Destiel edit and just fell in love instantly.

Next update: December 6th around 02:00 PM (EST.)