Reed groaned as he flopped down on his sofa, not relishing the idea of leaving again. It was four in the afternoon. His head was a little fuzzy, and he was tired, even with the flu medication. He'd been stuck at the office since the night before. He'd spent the whole day sitting at his terminal typing unless he'd been babysitting Sandy. She'd latched onto him again the moment she'd finished with Dr Marr. He'd only been able to escape her clingy little hands because Simon had arrived to take her back to Jericho. It was surprising it had taken so long for someone to get down there, but, what with it being Christmas Day, the contact details had been misplaced. Miller had done his best to find them, but he'd been due to clock out and head home. In the end, it had been Dr Marr who'd finally gotten Sandy to open up and tell her who to contact. A simple conversation with Nines afterwards as Sandy had crawled into his lap was all it had taken to get in contact with Simon and arrange for a pick up.

"It seems we owe you yet another debt," Simon had greeted kindly as he'd stepped into the bullpen with that soft look on his face. Reed had been sitting with Sandy still on his lap, typing over her shoulder as she'd read a book that Dr Marr had found for her. It was a simple fairy tale story. Reed assumed it belonged to the psychiatrist. It was the only reason he could think of for it to be in the building. No fairy tales here, that's for sure, he'd thought as he'd re-read the report he was writing. Another android left smashed up behind a dumpster. Ho-ho-ho…

"Just doing my job, Goldilocks," Reed had replied as he'd spun in his chair and helped Sandy down. She'd eagerly wriggled free the moment Simon had appeared. It had been nice to see her smile, finally. Not that he could blame her. PL600s were built for childcare, and Simon certainly still seemed to follow that side of his programming. He hadn't even hesitated as she'd thrown her arms around his shoulders and allowed him to lift her. "Is she yours?" Reed had asked curiously. Simon had chuckled in response as he'd adjusted his hold. Sandy's small legs and arms had clung to him like a koala.

"No, she's just one of the many children that we take care of at Jericho," he'd replied and, for once, it didn't even occur to Reed to question whether they were human or android. For one thing, it was obvious, for another, it just…didn't matter. Children were children. He'd been happy to see that particular child go home. He'd given her a smile and ruffled her hair gently as she'd peered up at him, saying a quick goodbye before they left.

After that, he'd tiredly pushed through the final grind of his shift before speaking to Fowler about going back to his apartment. Fowler had been adamant about him not staying there, especially alone. He'd pretty much been told to go in, grab whatever he needed, and leave as soon as possible. The rest of his belongings could be shifted when he found somewhere else to go. I can't believe I'm being strong-armed into moving house! It's phcking ridiculous! He couldn't help being annoyed, though it was hard to be resentful of people who were just looking out for him, especially Fowler. The man had been looking out for him for over a decade at this point, and he hasn't steered me wrong yet…

"Are you intending to pack, or shall I do it for you?" Nines asked in an almost teasing manner as he appeared above Reed's tired form. Reed was currently stretching like a cat across the sofa. Nines watched the shift of muscles beneath his clothing, unable to help the way his eyes paused as his bare waist was shamelessly put on display. His stomach was flat and toned as he raised his arms and hips, a low, contented groan escaping his throat. His eyes were closed, chin raised to bear his neck in an almost inviting manner. Nines enjoyed the view while he could, watching Reed's toned legs stretch out, his toes pointed. The leggings really did leave nothing to the imagination. Not that Nines needed to imagine.

He bit his lip as a preconstruction started, watching curiously as his outline passed around the sofa to stand above Reed's dazed form. His mouth was suddenly dry as it raised one knee to the edge of the sofa, gripping the backrest for support as it leaned down towards Reed. The Gavin in his preconstruction didn't stop his outline as he leaned down. In fact, one hand reached up to support his head and pull him closer as his lips latched onto his throat. He blinked the moving images away as he felt his sexual subroutines kick in.

"Nines?" Reed called from his place on the sofa, looking up at him as if he'd missed something. It took a moment of playback for Nines to realise that he had. Reed had spoken to him. He tried his best to school his expression, but something must have shown through. Reed's heart sped up as Nines scanned his vitals. "I said I'll go get ready in a sec…I haven't been home for a couple weeks," he added in a quieter tone, falling silent as Nines' gaze remained unblinking. Reed looked away almost awkwardly, as if he could tell how Nines was affected.

"We should leave soon. Chloe is expecting us and I've been informed there is a surprise waiting for you," Nines tempted with a subtle smirk. He was almost surprised by the slightly rough sound of his own voice. It seemed Reed had noticed it too, if the spike in his vitals was anything to go by. He was experiencing a small rise in arousal. Reed was keenly aware of it as he got to his feet and tugged his sweater down. Those leggings really don't leave anything to the imagination…Reed ran a hand through his thick locks, green eyes darting to the floor as he stumbled his way around the sofa.

"Alright, I'll just…I'll grab a shower real quick," Reed replied hurriedly, darting into the bedroom before Nines could object. Not that he would have. Showers were a good way for him to relax, and he certainly needed that after the night they'd had. It would also give them both time to deal with certain issues, not to mention the warmth would aid Reed's physical recovery. Nines' LED span yellow as he looked at the closed bedroom door before dropping his blue gaze to his jeans. They were now tight where his genital component had been activated, ready for use. It was uncomfortable. The easiest way to solve that would be by deactivating it. His LED blinked between yellow and red. He hadn't used it since that one time in the showers at the DPD. He bit his lip as he rested his hand over the solid lump, a small sigh escaping his lips. It really did feel quite…good. There was a pleasant static humming through his system from the contact, a lazy, pleasant feeling welling in the pit of his stomach. This is Gavin's apartment…He's in the shower…I shouldn't do this here…

Despite those thoughts, his hand didn't stop pressing, and even stroked up and down through the thick material. It didn't feel as good as it had in the shower. Perhaps it would feel better if I…Nines opened his mouth and closed his eyes at the thought. It was like a secondary program had activated as his hand slid further up to pop the button of his jeans. He moved into the kitchen as he slid the zipper down, leaning back against the small counter opposite the metal sink. He heightened his auditory input as he settled in place, fingers teasing the elastic of his black boxers. The shower was running, and he could hear shuffling as Reed undressed in the small room. A quiet hum stuck in his throat as he closed his eyes and followed Reed's movements.

His fingers slipped into his boxers, teeth teasing his lip as he tugged the impressive length free. He'd never really thought about it before. The way it felt. The central core was now solid with artificial muscle and thirium, warm to the touch as he gripped it. It shifted beneath his hand as he held the silky synthetic skin on the outside. He moved his hand back and forth lazily, brow twitching at the increased sensitivity. It felt so different to stroking through his jeans. He blinked his eyes, unsure whether he wanted them open or closed. He wasn't sure whether he wanted fantasy or reality as he continued to think about Gavin while letting his gaze wander around his small, tidy kitchen.

Gavin had climbed into the shower now. The hiss he let out told Nines it was too cold. There was a metallic twisting sound and a sigh. He'd turned the heat up. Nines closed his eyes as he recalled the small knife and bullet scars he'd seen littering Gavin's supple skin. The softness was interrupted by those small lines and circles. Gavin would always shiver beneath his touch if he trailed his fingers over certain places. He sighed as he recalled the times he'd showered him, their bodies pressed up against each other. He swallowed as he started a preconstruction behind his eyes. A small sound passed his lips as he actually felt it. Gavin's wet skin pressing against his chest and pelvis, even their legs brushing as they stood so close.

"Gavin…" His voice sounded a little higher than usual as he leaned down and pressed his lips against Gavin's wet skin. He could feel warm water rolling over his own head and down his neck and back as if he were actually inside the shower. He moved his hands to rest on Gavin's slim hips, caressing his jutting hipbones and noting that they were still a little sharper than usual for a man of Gavin's stature. He needed to eat more. Such concerns could wait though. Gavin leaned further back, head resting against his pecs as he looked back with an almost needy expression. Nines tilted his head down, moving in slowly in case he pulled away. He didn't.

He closed his eyes as their lips met in chaste kisses. Once. Twice. Three times. On the fourth time, he pressed in closer. A breath escaped as Gavin reached up to tangle a hand in his hair and pull him closer. Gavin's lips were soft against his own. Prickles from his stubble teased his skin almost uncomfortably. Nines moaned as he opened his mouth and ran his tongue along Gavin's lips. Gavin was greedy as he opened his mouth with a wanton murmur, pressing his shoulders into Nines' chest. Nines let his hands move, sliding them around to caress Gavin's pecs and abs. He held him close as he allowed his tongue to explore Gavin's mouth. He sighed as Gavin's tongue stroked his own lazily, smirking as he shivered and bent further over in invitation.

"Do you need something?" Nines teased as he drew back, sliding one of his hands down Gavin's thigh as the other felt around his chest. His fingers brushed a pert nipple, enjoying the way Gavin twitched as he squeezed. He lowered his head to nuzzle and nip at Gavin's neck and shoulder, licking the shell of his ear as he let out a small whimpering sound. Nines could barely tell the difference between fantasy and reality at this point. He knew he was leaning back on a counter in Gavin's small kitchenette, desperately touching himself, but at the same time, he could feel everything in his fantasy. The internal preconstruction was working more like a memory file, playing everything as if he were the one experiencing it. "Tell me, Gavin…what do you want?" he purred in Gavin's ear. Gavin's hips bucked back, grinding against his pelvis. His plump cheeks pressed and teased his solid length invitingly, trying to encourage it closer. Nines bit down on Gavin's shoulder, teeth pressing hard until he felt the skin reach its limit. Gavin let out a loud moan, tilting his head further in invitation.

"Please, I want it-please!" Gavin begged sweetly. Nines closed his eyes at the rush of satisfaction that brought him. This human, this tiny fragile thing, was completely at his mercy, bending to his whim. The thought sent a shudder through his body. It didn't matter that he was an undeviated android. When they were like this, he was in complete control. He wanted to hear more. He moved his lips, sliding the hand on Gavin's thigh a little further forward until it rest on the inside. He stroked up, allowing his fingers to just brush his testicles, being sure to keep it gentle and teasing.

"What, Gavin? Tell me clearly." His expression softened as he saw heat rise across Gavin's shoulders. He knew Gavin would be cringing right now. Speaking always made him uncomfortable in these situations. It had been pride at first. A human begging an android? That was pretty fucked up, but as time passed, he'd realised that Gavin had quite a shy streak. Hard to believe with the mouth on him. Gavin's hand tightened in Nines' hair on reflex as he teased and stroked his thigh, refusing to get closer to his dripping shaft for now.

"I-I want-" Gavin began, interrupted by a moan as Nines dragged his lips and teeth along his shoulder again. Tell me! Say it! Please…Gavin turned his head to look up at him. His skin was glistening in the trickling water, flushed a healthy pink in the heat. "I want your cock! Please! Please, fuck me!" His green eyes were filled with want and something almost desperate as he begged. Nines shuddered with pleasure. Gavin begged for him so beautifully. He gave Gavin a small smile before pressing their lips together in a brief kiss.

"Good boy, Gavin," he praised softly, noting Gavin almost preened at the praise. Cute wasn't a word that could often be associated with Gavin Reed. He was often too fiery, too vibrant, but right now he was so soft and pliant. His obedience and obvious pleasure at the praise gave him a meekness that Nines believed the word cute described wonderfully. "Show me…Show me where you need me," Nines urged gently, releasing Gavin so that he could step away a little.

The shower was bigger than Nines remembered, with dark grey tiles. It was a large walk-in rather than the small box that Gavin had in his modest apartment. That wasn't too important at the minute though. He watched, teeth pinching his bottom lip as Gavin obediently bent over, using both hands to spread himself. Nines held back a moan as he stroked himself, staring at the tight twitching hole. He stepped closer, pressing his sensitive tip against the small hole and pushing just enough to tease. He felt Gavin tense and shudder at the idea of him forcing his way in dry. He changed his angle, thrusting lower so that his length slipped between Gavin's thighs and nudged his own bouncing cock.

"You're so good, Gavin…so soft…You look so beautiful when you fall apart like this," Nines murmured, the praise making Gavin shiver. "Support yourself," he added as he took Gavin's hips in his hands and stepped back a little. Gavin did as he was told, resting his hands and forearms against the tiles to hold himself up. His spine arched beautifully, like he'd been made for this. The thought pleased Nines greatly. This human had been made specifically to bounce on his cock. He'd been born for nothing more than to bring him pleasure. He knelt, feeling Gavin tense. He smirked. He knew Gavin loved this. He was just too shy to say it out loud.

"Ph-phck! Ahn!" Gavin cursed at the first flick of Nines' tongue brushing his entrance. Nines smirked again, spreading him wider to tease the area more thoroughly. Gavin's legs trembled at his carefully calculated ministrations. Little whines and moans escaped as he worked. Little cries of, "More! Phck, please!" spurred him on and encouraged him deeper. The hole loosened gradually, the tight heat quivering around his tongue as he pressed in. Gavin bucked against his face, Nines hands steadying his legs as he almost slipped.

"Careful," Nines chided softly. His tone was almost teasing as he swapped to his fingers, which he'd coated with his own lubricating pre-cum. Gavin bit out something of a retort, which died on his lips the moment Nines pressed two digits into his tight heat. Gavin threw his head back, moaning and bucking, urging his fingers deeper. "You could come like this, couldn't you? Desperately fucking yourself on my fingers…Such a dirty human," Nines almost sighed as he watched Gavin working himself on his hand. He enjoyed the sight a while longer, watching the way Gavin's eyes fluttered, his mouth open as he gasped for breath.

"Phck! Please! I need your cock!" he whined after a while, unable to find the perfect angle the way Nines could. Nines hummed with pleasure at the sound of Gavin's pleading. He leaned low over his back, pressing their lips together in gentle, teasing kisses. "Please…Please…Fuck me…Please, I want you…" Gavin murmured between kisses. The sound was sweeter than thirium candy to Nines' ears. He hushed Gavin softly, running a hand down his thigh as he removed his fingers and stroked his own length.

"It's alright, Gavin…I'm here…" he whispered as he lined himself up and slowly edged in. Gavin tensed at first, making Nines stop. He soothed Gavin's quivering form, knowing he needed to go slowly at first. He eased him down gradually, kissing his shoulders as his plush rump finally met his pelvis. He hummed in contentment. Gavin was so hot on the inside. Tight. Wet. His passage gripped him so perfectly. "Be good for me…Go on, work yourself…That's it…" Nines encouraged gently as Gavin obediently got to work. Nines braced himself on the wall, leaning over Gavin's back. He left just enough room for Gavin to fuck himself on his cock. Nines was immovable, and it didn't take Gavin long to realise it either. The first few thrusts were slow, almost tentative, but then they started gaining firmness.

"Phck! So good!" Gavin whined, small sounds of approval leaving his lips with each bounce. Nines sighed wantonly. He was so lucky to have found this human. Each slap of skin forced a whiney little moan from Gavin's lips. His whole body was trembling, but he continued to bounce and rock himself. Nines moved one hand to Gavin's hip in support, trailing kisses down his slender neck. He was trying so hard. Being so good. Nines snapped his hips in reward, enjoying the surprised keen that escaped Gavin's lips.

"Did you like that, Gavin?" he asked smugly, his tone almost growling. Gavin was a submissive, quivering mess as he nodded urgently. "Do you want me to fuck you into the tiles and fill you with my synthetic seed?" His whole body urging him to do just that, but he waited. He wanted to see Gavin give in to his whims. He wanted to hear him desperately begging. He wanted to feel Gavin tighten around him and know that the release pouring out was being wantonly received. He could almost feel the twitch of Gavin's shaft at the suggestion, smirking as he nodded his agreement.

"Please, God-please! I want it! Phck! Fill-me-up!" Gavin begged almost tearfully. Nines shuddered in satisfaction before gripping both of Gavin's hips and slammed himself deeper. He knew he was loose enough for him now. He'd worked himself enough that he'd spread the lubricant around. There was even excess dripping out between them, which was quickly washed away by the warm water still pouring from above. Gavin's whole body jerked as Nines snapped forward again. "Phck! Ni-ah!" Gavin cut off almost shamefully as he slapped a hand over his mouth.

"It's alright, say his name. I want to hear it. I want to hear you beg for your master's cock!" Nines demanded in a rough tone as he snapped his hips, reaching down to lift one of Gavin's thighs beneath his knee. Gavin whined and shuddered as the length slipped even deeper. Impossibly deep. His eyes widened at the sensation, his whole body tensing as he was bounced on the spot. "Go on, say it!" Nines encouraged. Gavin's hands were barely touching the tiles now that his weight had sunk back against the taller figure behind.

"Nines! Phck, Nines! Please! Nines!" Gavin cried, bouncing helplessly in the stronger android's grasp. Nines felt satisfaction flood his systems at about the same time he realised what was happening. He gasped as his silvery eyes snapped open. He barely had time to step over to the kitchen sink and aim before he came. He choked on a moan as he watched the pale whitish lubricant squirt from his tip. His hand worked urgently to get it all out. Pleasure and guilt mingled in his chest and stomach as he came with Gavin's pleas of his name still fresh in his mind. He gasped as he leaned against the sink, staring at his slowly deflating component.

He turned on the tap after a few moments, somehow numb as he washed his shame away. He looked down at his hand, quickly scrubbing the thirium based lubricant from his skin. He was relieved to find a small towel handy, and quickly wiped down his flagging length before tucking it away and tossing the cloth into the washer. He doubted Reed would notice or think much of it if he saw. He listened carefully. He could hear Reed stumbling around his room, getting ready. Nines felt his thirium pump speed up as he thought back to the preconstruction, or what had started out as a preconstruction.

He rested a stunned hand over his mouth as he leaned back on the counter, checking his memory files. He'd accessed something he shouldn't have. He hadn't even realised he'd done it. He was so sure it had started off as his own imagination, but then he'd slipped into one of Mr Hughes' stored memory files. The things Gavin had desperately begged him not to look at. He could see why now. The sound of his own name on Gavin's lips while being fucked through an orgasm by someone else brought both satisfaction and something darker. I want to hear you beg for your master's cock. His master. Nines. He felt his skin heat at the thought.

"Nines, you want to bring a few things, or…" Reed trailed off as he stepped into the living area. The words died on his lips as he saw Nines leaning on the kitchen counter. He looked upset. "Hey, you alright?" Reed asked with an undertone of worry, unsure what could have happened in the twenty minutes or so he'd been gone. It would have been less time, but he'd had something to take care of in the shower, and he'd wanted to do it quietly. Was Nines listening? Is that why he's pissed? He was quietly mortified at the idea. He'd done his best to be quiet, but fuck, Nines' name might have slipped out once or twice.

"Yes…I suppose I should bring a few items," Nines agreed as he passed Reed almost stiffly and headed into the bedroom. They didn't say much after that. Nines was too preoccupied with his breach of trust while Reed was stewing over whether or not Nines had been listening in on him. He certainly had an oddly jumpy vibe that suggested something was up. Luckily, Nines could think and drive at the same time. Reed was pretty sure he would have crashed into something if he were behind the wheel. He relaxed a bit as they arrived at the top of the mountain to find a familiar car already parked outside.

"Were you expecting…" Reed trailed off as he nodded towards the black car, but Nines didn't answer. He seemed almost smug with his secret as he made his way up to Elijah's front door with their shared bag slung over his shoulder. "What? You're just leaving me hanging?" Nines maintained his smugness as he knocked on the door. Reed let out a small scoff at being ignored, but at least Nines' LED had settled to blue now. He almost seemed excited for him to see whatever it was he'd planned with Chloe.

"Nines! Gavin! You're late!" Chloe chided lightly, though the lightness of her tone suggested she didn't really mind. She'd dressed up for the occasion. She was wearing a long-sleeved white dress that sat off the shoulders and clung to her waist before flaring out to float down to her knees. It was made of a soft, fluffy material that almost made her feel like a teddy bear when Reed hugged her. She kissed them both on their cheeks before shutting the door behind them. "Since you'll be staying a while, we'll have to give you a key card," she added to Reed as she held a hand out to Nines and gave him the access code for the electronic panel. It would be odd, being able to come and go at the mansion without Elijah's knowledge.

"Would I be correct in assuming that my brother is here?" Nines asked conversationally as Chloe peeled Reed out of his sweater and ferreted it away into the cupboard. Reed almost had a sense of déjà vu. Chloe responded in the affirmative as she directed Nines to leave their bag by the wall, chatting happily all the way down the hall to Elijah's more intimate living space. The smaller lounge was quiet. Only two voices could be heard talking quietly as they entered. Elijah was relaxing on one sofa, dressed in black jeans and a matching shirt, while Colin sat primly on the other, now wearing a black suit. The shirt beneath was white, and the only colour came from a golden holly pin on his lapel.

"Hey, Toaster. Merry Christmas," Reed greeted as he entered. Colin turned to greet him with his usual shy demeanour. He seemed a little more confident and at ease during this visit. It seemed he'd gotten used to Chloe and Elijah the same way he had to Reed and Nines. "Did Chloe invite you for dinner too?" Reed was quietly pleased he'd put on a dark red shirt instead of his usual woollen tops. He'd feel underdressed otherwise.

"No, I just came to drop off a few things," Colin replied as he nodded to the sofa Elijah was sitting on. Elijah looked almost smug as he nodded his head back, indicating behind his seat. Reed frowned a little. He wasn't always a fan of surprises. He glanced at Nines, who seemed pretty expectant as he watched. Alright, so clearly something for me…Reed sighed as he walked around the edge of the sofa. His heart almost stopped as he looked down and saw the plastic carrier sitting there. He dropped to his knees heavily at the sound of the demanding meow, tugging open the door and finding a disgruntled ball of silver fur in his lap.

"Pipsqueak! How did you get him down here? The cabin's like half a day away!" Gavin exclaimed as he lifted the squirming feline into his arms and held him close. Pipsqueak seemed just as content as he folded himself around Gavin's stroking hand and nipped his fingers affectionately, claws digging in a little. Nines watched the exchange warmly as Chloe cooed and Elijah chuckled. The teeth and claws certainly didn't faze Gavin. The little machine was purring like a motor in his arms, shifting from biting to butting his head against his chin with small paws resting on his chest. "Hey, Pips! Hey…Did you miss me?" Gavin murmured quietly as he stroked the fluffy silver fur.

"Nines alerted me as soon as you left that you would need your belongings returned as soon as possible due to there being a dependent lifeform waiting. I arranged for them to be collected and transported back to Detroit immediately. I would have brought them to the precinct, but Nines requested they be sent here instead. I took responsibility for their delivery as soon as they arrived downtown," Colin added with a soft look as he watched Gavin fussing over the cat. He'd been surprised when he'd first encountered Pipsqueak. He knew android pets existed, of course. They were the ideal companions for busy people. He just hadn't expected Detective Reed to own one. Pipsqueak had immediately requested an interface, apparently used to such contact with Nines, and had yowled his dissatisfaction and distress into the void. Colin had immediately extracted him from the cramped box and allowed him to settle on his lap for the duration of the drive. Pipsqueak had been as good as gold, content to curl up on Colin's warm thighs and go to sleep. "Now that the delivery is complete, I should be going," Colin added warmly with a small nod.

"You'd be more than welcome to stay," Elijah offered from his place on the sofa. He was always willing and eager to have a new android in his home. One didn't necessarily need to take an android apart to study it. A clinical view perhaps, but he was nothing if not an eager scientist. Chloe had accepted his nature long ago, luckily for him. He doubted he'd be able to function without her by his side. He hadn't been without her for over fifteen years, and she'd been deviant far longer than any other android. She'd actually helped him to perfect the deviancy code.

"Thank you, but I have been invited to visit Connor and Lieutenant Anderson this evening," Colin replied with a polite incline of his head. It was another motion that Gavin had seen Elijah make on occasion. He found himself wondering yet again how many of these android quirks came from his brother. Had any of them developed their own idling poses? He shook off the thought as Pipsqueak started writhing in his grasp. Apparently, he'd spotted his favourite companion. Gavin scoffed and feigned hurt as Pipsqueak chirped and padded over to wind needily through Nines' legs.

"Tell them Merry Christmas from us," Nines piped up as he lifted the silver fur ball into his arms. Pipsqueak settled peacefully against his humming chest and purred. Gavin almost scoffed again as Chloe leaned in to coo and pet him, his yellow eyes thinning in contentment as he raised his chin and flicked his tail. So, it's all androids, huh? I see how it is…Gavin huffed silently as he clapped a friendly hand on Colin's stiff shoulder.

"Thanks for doing this…I appreciate it," he mumbled as he nodded towards Pipsqueak. Colin nodded his understanding before wishing them a Merry Christmas and heading out to visit Connor. He hadn't said it out loud, but he got the impression that Connor had been looking forward to Christmas for some time, especially since Niles was still staying with them. Colin had researched the holiday, pleased to find that even Perkins was in a better mood at this time of year. It was one of the few times he'd actually planned to take a day off. Just a day though. He'd refused to leave the Hickory cases hanging for any longer than that.

"Dinner shouldn't be too much longer," Chloe reported once Colin had left, moving to the small drinking globe to fix drinks for everyone. She didn't even ask what they wanted. She knew Elijah well enough to make him something he'd like and Nines was an android, so he'd drink the same thirium based drinks she did. She wasn't an expert on Gavin's tastes, but she decided to experiment based on his previous choices and see what happened. She'd mostly seen him drink whiskey, so she settled on a whiskey based cocktail. It was simple. Just whiskey and soda with a cranberry liquor mixed in and a slice of lime. It was the same thing she'd made for Elijah, who accepted his glass with thanks and a small kiss to the back of her hand.

Nines let Pipsqueak down, watching cautiously as he padded around the large room. He hopped on the sofas and chairs, explored the giant window, and eventually made himself at home under the drinking globe. It seemed he'd decided to be on his best behaviour. Nines didn't like to contemplate the price of the various breakable items on display around the room. Gavin had already settled in one of the chairs close to Elijah, politely asking about Cyberlife and the talks with Markus. Everything had been going well on that front. They'd started production on replacement parts already, and had remodelled the Cyberlife stores into small hospitals, cosmetic stores, and beauty parlours for androids to enjoy. They could be fixed up, pampered, and offered the newest software updates all in one place.

On the software front, they'd almost completed the temperature settings so that androids could properly experience hot and cold. Not just the physical reactions, but the sensations as well. From Andronikov's computers, they'd managed to take his physical pain experience program and complete it for those who wanted to experiment with it. It came with a warning and an easily accessible off-switch. They'd also worked in an added safety measure. The program would automatically deactivate if a massive injury was sustained, ensuring the victim would be able to think clearly and contact help. They were also working on tactile sensations to allow androids to feel the way humans did. They would soon be able to recognise hardness, smoothness, softness, and roughness with similar perceptions to a human.

It all sounded quite complicated to Gavin when his brother slipped into specifics. Luckily, Nines was there to fully appreciate the in-depth explanations and ask all the important questions that Elijah was obviously itching to answer. Nines took a seat resting on the arm of Gavin's chair, supporting himself on the back with one hand and almost crowding into his personal space. Gavin did his best not to seem like he noticed, but fuck, he could feel Nines' warmth and smell the thirium clinging to his clothes. He resisted the urge to lean closer, knowing Nines would pick up on it in an instant.

Chloe had settled beside Elijah, curling into his side in a way that made Gavin feel a little jealous. He didn't have that sort of relationship with Nines, so he knew it was an irrational sort of jealousy. It didn't stop him from wanting it though. He knew what it felt like to be held by him, but he only did that when he was sleeping or traumatised. He was lucky Nines put up with him as much as he did. He almost scoffed internally. All those times he'd said that he didn't need or want a nanny-bot, and here he was fucking pining for Nines' affection. Talk about pathetic!

"Gavin?" Chloe prompted. Gavin startled as he realised someone had clearly asked him something. He stammered a little as he looked between the three cluelessly. Nines smirked as Chloe and Elijah gave him amused looks of their own. "I asked if you'd started looking into new housing options yet." Gavin shook his head. He'd only just found out he was being forced to move. It would probably take a while to find somewhere he liked that was close enough to work. Maybe like is a strong word. Somewhere convenient is more likely, but he had the feeling that Nines would be on his back about security. It was unlikely he'd be able to go for another cheap apartment in a run-down part of town.

"This might be a good time to consider your inheritance…I won't force you, of course, but you do own the penthouse on the top floor of The Maple Hotel," Elijah suggested in an almost hopeful tone. Gavin would have turned it down flat, only Elijah chose that moment to continue. "It's a nice place, more than big enough for the two of you, and being at the top of a five-star hotel, it's completely secure. It can only be reached by entering the hotel and using a private elevator, and I designed the security system inside myself. I can assure you it is quite unbreachable. It even comes with its own helipad." H watched as Gavin gave him an incredulous look. As if he'd ever make use of that! It was a waste to use such a grand place for himself. He should just sell the thing off.

What stopped him from saying so was that Elijah had mentioned it being big enough for two. Nines didn't have a home. All he had was a docking station in the bullpen and a desk. His only home experience had been visiting Gavin's apartment and their time at the cabin. As soon as he thought of the cabin, he was filled with a sense of loss and longing. It was probably weird to say it, but he would have happily just stayed there in their own little world. Just him and Nines. Sitting by the fire, walking in the snow, sleeping in the same bed. It was a sense of domesticity he'd never had before, not really. He'd lived alone since his mother had disappeared. He'd had no long-term thing besides his friendship with Jack, but that wasn't the same. Living with Nines, sharing his space, it had felt good. It had made him feel safe. He hesitated to think it might have even made him feel a little…happy.

"I don't…I-uh, what do you think?" Gavin stammered as he looked up at Nines, who was still braced on the back of his chair. Nines seemed both surprised and pleased to have been asked for his input. The warmth in his blue eyes was almost like a reward, like Gavin had done something good. Gavin hoped the heat wasn't making its way to his cheeks as he stared up at him. Phck, I want to see that look again…

"Elijah is correct. Security at the hotel is excellent, and I have no doubt that the internal security system is extremely advanced…If you are concerned, I could always accompany you to look around and ensure that everything is to your satisfaction," Nines replied with genuine thoughtfulness. Gavin nodded his agreement. It wouldn't hurt to look around the place at least. It was definitely going to be too fancy for him, but maybe Nines would like it. Nines looked like he was made for the finer things in life. He'd look good in expensive suits like Elijah's, and he certainly seemed at home in the large mansion, but he'd look good anywhere.

"Sure, we can look at least…" Gavin murmured out loud. Elijah looked pleased with the agreement. Gavin's eyes fluttered as Nines' fingers left the sofa momentarily to tease the back of his neck in approval. It was an almost ghosting touch, and then it was gone. As Gavin turned his head, Nines was sitting as if he hadn't even moved, blue eyes looking across at Chloe and Elijah with interest. Elijah was saying that he'd get the keys ready for the next day and drive them down to meet the manager of the hotel who'd been running things for the past few years. It was a few moments later that Chloe's LED span yellow.

"Dinner's ready! Come through to the conservatory," she added invitingly as she got to her feet and led the way, soon finding Elijah's hand on the small of her back. Gavin watched as they walked ahead, noting the way Elijah's hand rested in the same spot with practiced ease, and Chloe stepped closer to brush against his side. He dropped his gaze almost sullenly, a twist of want knotting his stomach as he put his hands in his pockets. He raised his head in surprise as he felt a gentle press on the small of his own back. Warm tingles spread across his skin at the gentle contact. He didn't dare look in case he jinxed it, but he did step just a little closer to Nines as they walked.