"Gavin!" He smiled and quickened his pace as he saw Chloe waving by the door to their regular cafe. He accepted her embrace and the usual kisses on his cheeks as they met, almost lifting her off her petite feet. "I can't believe what happened! You and Nines could have been killed!" Gavin shrugged it off. It wasn't the first time he'd been shot at, and it wouldn't be the last. Chloe's hands still rested on his shoulders as she checked him over for injuries, clearly relieved he was still in one piece this time.
"It was close, but the shooter wasn't targeting us. Seems the aim was to take out VB, the android who was about to stand trial." They took a window seat as they headed inside, and Gavin went up to order. It was nice meeting up with Chloe. It was their day off, but Nines had been asked to help Connor with something or other, probably case related. He'd told him that he should rest and plan out some more of his modules while he was gone. Gavin had been doing just that, sitting in their home office typing away at a document, when Chloe had called.
Gavin sighed as he looked at the display case. Chloe had asked for a simple thirium latte and any form of cake. Gavin hadn't eaten lunch yet, so he was leaning towards the pastries. He ordered an Americano and beef croissant for himself. It didn't take long to toast the pastry, and he was soon returning to the table. He put a slice of millionaire shortbread in front of Chloe, much to her delight. She'd never had one before, but it turned out she liked the combination of crumbly biscuit, soft caramel and smooth chocolate. It wasn't exactly a cake, but it was still sweet.
"Are you any closer to finding out who did it?" Chloe asked curiously as she sipped her frothy latte. Gavin shook his head. As far as he knew, Connor hadn't heard from forensics yet. No reports from the public had come through either, at least none that had led anywhere. They'd looked through all the footage. CCTV cameras, the news report footage, a couple of people who'd filmed on their phones. He didn't think anything had turned up.
"Nines and I aren't handling the case anymore but, as far as I know, Hank and Connor have drawn a blank…The guy was careful not to get caught." Part of him was glad not to be handling it anymore. He hated slow cases, and there was always the risk they wouldn't close it at all. Chloe looked suitably sympathetic at the news. She knew it must have been frustrating. Gavin with a case was like Elijah with a project. Tenacious and obsessive. "But that's not why you wanted to see me." A knowing smile spread across his face as he waited.
"No…I was wondering what your plans are for Nines' anniversary. It'll be one year since he joined the DPD soon," Chloe prompted brightly as she took a mouthful of shortbread. Phck, it is almost a year! It wasn't that he'd forgotten. Far from it. He'd thought about it often over the past month or so, especially with the whole AHL case coming up. He'd wanted to get that out of the way before anything else. They were right on the edge of June, so was aware they'd be cutting it close with the court case. Guess I don't need to worry about that anymore…
"Yeah, no kidding. I don't know how he's stuck it out this long!" Gavin replied with a self-deprecating huff. Chloe swatted his arm lightly, delicate brow furrowing as she eyed him in reproach. "What? I'm an asshole and he's put up with a lot of shit!" That was all the more reason to do something special. Maybe we could have a party at the house? Nines isn't exactly the clubbing type, and I'm sure he'd like having his brothers around…It was something to consider. That alone wouldn't make the day special, though. He needed more. Luckily, he was with just the right person. "Well? What do you think I should do?"
"A get together would be nice…a restaurant, or maybe the hotel could cater for you. I'm sure Nines would appreciate anything you planned for him." Gavin was a lot more willing to be affectionate with Nines in front of Chloe than he was Connor or Colin. They were breaking the fraternisation code, so they had to be careful where the RK brothers were concerned. It wouldn't surprise me if Connor had guessed, though…He was perceptive like that. "You need to give him a present." Gavin nodded his agreement. He'd considered nothing less. It was a big day. This would sort of be like a birthday. He didn't know Nines' actual birthday, or what he considered his birthday to be. Would it be the first time he'd gained conscious thought? The first time he'd been activated in his body? Or would it be the day he'd found him and he'd left Cyberlife?
"Any gift ideas? He has a good amount of clothes now, and books…He doesn't need electronics like computers or watches, and he's never shown any interest in video games…" Gavin mumbled as he turned over the various options. He was pretty sure he'd already given him the things he'd wanted most. A home and affection. I guess I could always go the bedroom route, but we already have a lot of stuff…He planned on giving Nines something in that department anyway, but it wouldn't be his main present. "A car?"
"Well, it would certainly be practical in some respects, but don't you mostly work together?" They were partners. It was only occasionally, like today, that Nines needed to go somewhere alone. He'd let Nines take the car that morning since he'd planned on staying in. When Chloe had called, he'd just stepped out into town. The hotel was literally next to the Plaza. It was unbelievably convenient. So he doesn't really need a car…"Why don't we just look around and see what we find?" Chloe suggested after a while, clearly eager to shop.
"Sure, sounds good." They didn't rush, despite Chloe's eagerness. She caught him up on Cyberlife news and Gavin told her about his latest training plans. It was nice to have the opinion of someone outside law enforcement. Chloe thought it all sounded wonderful. She was sure the new recruits would get a lot out of it. Both the androids and the humans. It was great that he was catering to androids. It gave them a reason to attend the sessions beyond the fact that they were mandatory.
Once they'd finished, they headed further into the Plaza. Chloe smiled as she took his arm and leaned on him like it was a date. He wasn't used to being physical like that, but he didn't mind when it was Chloe. He sort of wished he could do things like this with Nines, but since they were keeping things quiet, they tended not to be too intimate outside the house. Nines would often rest their feet together, or hold his hand beneath the table, or rest a hand on his knee, but openly hugging and holding hands was a no-no.
"I thought we were shopping for Nines," Gavin teased as Chloe led him into a women's clothing store. She giggled brightly, saying she needed a new dress for an upcoming cocktail party. Gavin was pretty sure she didn't really need one. She just wanted to go shopping, but he was happy to oblige. It had been a while since he'd shopped like this. He still remembered the first time he'd gone shopping with Nines, and the skin-tight mesh shirt he'd bought. He hadn't seen it since. I wonder where he stashed it…
"What do you think of this one?" Chloe asked curiously as she held up a cream dress. It was expensive looking, with lace on the outside. The dress had a V-neck, short sleeves, and a clinched waist that flared out at the knees. It was an event dress, not really office or casual wear. Chloe and Eli must go to a lot of big parties though.
"Why don't you try it on?" Gavin followed as Chloe hurried over to the cubicles, gleefully leaving him outside the curtain with her handbag. He looked around at the shoes as he waited, staying close since he knew she wouldn't take long. She looked pretty as she stepped out, though her feet were bare. She tiptoed over and did a twirl, smiling brightly as Gavin gave her a thumbs up. "Think you need some shoes for it?" There were plenty of options, including a set of high cream heels with lace butterflies on top. Gavin held her arm steady as she slipped into them and snapped the magnetic buckles.
"Do you think they match?" He was pretty sure she already knew that they did. She turned this way and that as he voiced his agreement, clearly enjoying herself. She rarely got to shop with anyone else. Elijah was always busy with Cyberlife and whenever they planned to meet, she was always on her own. She probably has android friends somewhere though…She seemed pretty friendly with North, at least. "I think I'll get them," she decided before changing back into her royal blue dress. It seemed to be a favourite of hers.
They continued to shop around, stopping at a few more clothes stores. Gavin ended up with a couple of new tops and a set of jeans. He bought Nines another turtleneck. A snug black one without sleeves for the summer. He made Chloe laugh as he tried on a set of preppy-looking sunglasses and a fedora. Chloe found a light silky scarf that matched the cream of her new dress and Gavin watched her model it in the mirror and dropped a large fancy hat on her head. It was one of those ladies' hats that screamed wealth and pretentiousness. It didn't suit her at all as she giggled brightly and looked at him through the glass.
"Alright, how about this?" Gavin suggested as he snagged a cream barrette that wasn't too large or overly fancy. It would suffice as something to hold her ponytail or just clip her hair away from her face at the side. He'd never actually seen Chloe with any other hairstyle besides when it was down about her shoulders. Nines and his brothers hadn't changed either, but maybe it was a little more surprising for Chloe since her hair was so long. She could put it in a lot of different styles and return to her normal look at any time. I wonder if Nines could do that…Are male models limited to one style? Do they have a certain length stored, and that's it? Do they even really have hair at all? He stopped that train of thought before he gave himself a headache.
"That's nice," Chloe agreed as she looked at the classic pearl colouring. There was an almost seashell quality to the material design. It wasn't anything special, just a smooth oval with the metal clip fitted beneath. She held it over her tail as she looked in the mirror and then raised it just above her ear. "I think I'll take it," she decided after a few moments of quiet contemplation. The counters weren't busy that afternoon, so they were soon on the move again.
They stopped off briefly at an art gallery, which definitely wasn't Gavin's idea. He'd felt dread setting in the moment he'd noticed the fancy building coming up on their way down the street. It was exactly the sort of place he'd expect to find Chloe frequenting. She'd looked up at him brightly, pulling him towards the steps as she insisted how much he'd enjoy it. He hadn't the heart to tell her that art was one of his least favourite pastimes. He couldn't paint for shit, and he wouldn't know good art if it came up and punched him in the nose. The things I do to please this woman…
Once they were inside, he felt even more out of place. It was quiet, with an almost romantic ambience. The lighting was kept low and muted, with brighter spotlights above the artwork. Paintings were lit up in fantastical colours and varying sizes. The whole place was fancy. Fancy painted ceilings, sculptures, expensive vases, huge antique looking frames. Some paintings were likely worth more than the penthouse, and that was saying something. He couldn't even fathom the amount of hours someone had spent on them, and the most he could do was look at their work and think good or not bad. Chloe led him around and he followed her lead on how long to hover around each painting.
Her crystal eyes had a far off look as she gazed up at each picture. She tended to take longer around the larger paintings, taking her time to commit every tiny detail to memory. She'd had more than one conversation with Markus about painting in the past. North had never been that interested, but Chloe always loved to hear the way he spoke about the hours he'd spent with Carl Manfred in front of the canvas. It was a hobby he'd taken up himself more recently, now that he actually had time. With new laws passing and the foundations already set, things were settling down enough for the Jericho founders to have lives of their own outside of work.
North had started practicing martial arts and was training in security. Markus was a painter and showed a lot of his work at galleries. Simon was once again in a nannying role within Jericho itself for the orphaned androids, and Josh had returned to tutoring at the local university. He'd never lost his love of learning and, much like Simon, he'd realised his desires went beyond his original programming. There was nothing wrong with loving what you were designed to do. That was something they'd learned from Connor. At first, Josh and the others hadn't understood Connor's desire to return to the DPD once things had settled down. They'd only seen later in Connor's development how happy he was working with Lieutenant Anderson and how enthusiastically he always spoke about his cases.
Gavin hovered beside Chloe at each painting, trying not to seem too impatient or act too out of place. There weren't many others there at that time of the afternoon, but those who were looked pretty wealthy and well educated. The artsy types were always weird and somewhat pretentious. At least they aren't all wearing scarves and berets…Many were wearing tailored suits. A sure sign of money, and they tended to speak in somewhat clipped tones like Elijah when he was working or being interviewed. Someone approached and offered to tell Chloe a little about the painting she was looking at. Gavin stood by and tried to seem interested as the young man spoke. He didn't follow much beyond the year and name of the painter, but Chloe seemed interested. She asked a few questions, and the young man was happy to answer. He clicked pretty early on that Gavin had no idea what he was talking about, so his focus was solely on Chloe. Thank god…
"Maybe you and Nines could take up painting," Chloe suggested enthusiastically as they moved on to the next level. The young man had stayed behind to speak to another couple, for which Gavin was grateful as he laughed out loud. Chloe smiled, but he could tell that she was really into the idea of them painting. He paused on the stairs. The red carpet felt expensive and bouncy beneath his feet.
"Oh, come on! Do I look like a guy that can paint? And Nines is an android! If he wants to paint, he can just download a program for it!" Gavin retorted, continuing up the stairs as if the conversation had ended. Chloe followed, light on her feet as she bounded after him. She was still bright with enthusiasm. He had no idea where she got it from. Did Eli design her with all that pep, or did she develop it on her own?
"But that's what makes it so perfect! Androids can't paint, at least not the way humans can. We can copy an image perfectly, but painting is all about putting your feelings into an image and creating from within. Nines needs to learn that!" They reached the top of the stairs and stepped into a long hallway filled with more paintings. Stopping at the first one, Gavin looked up at it, trying to avoid Chloe's prying eyes. She stood on tiptoe, trying to get a good angle on his face. "You can already draw a little, and you might enjoy it!" she pressed as she clung to his arm and leaned on him. He huffed as he held her weight, still thinking about what she'd said before. If it's about emotion and learning, then maybe this could be a way to help break his programming…
"You think it might help him deviate?"
"It can't hurt to try." True, but he wasn't sure it was the sort of gift he was looking for. I don't exactly have a better idea…"Markus could teach you, and I could come!" She was really trying to sell it. He could tell. He had the feeling this was more about her getting to take up a new hobby than him and Nines, but he couldn't fault her for trying. It wasn't like she got to see them that often between work and whatever else she had going on. Maybe she'll rope Eli into joining us, too.
"I guess a lesson or two can't hurt." He was almost beginning to think the whole thing had been planned as Chloe dragged him to the art supply shop downstairs and started loading him with paints, pallets, and brushes. The canvases and stands she was going to have delivered to the mansion, which answered the question of where the lessons would take place. The shop assistant was eager to help, especially as Chloe began ordering enough supplies to open her own school.
"I think that's everything."
"You think? You bought enough to run an art school for a year!" He was carrying a small bag with a picture in it. She'd ordered so much that she'd requested for the paints and other supplies to be delivered with the large canvases and stands. Although he wasn't the artsy type, besides a few odd sketches, he had to admit he was a little excited about the classes. Chloe's enthusiasm was infectious as always, and the idea of watching Nines paint was appealing in its own way. He knew Nines would be technically great at painting, but it would be interesting to see what he'd do creatively.
"Where are we going now?" Chloe asked as they headed into a quieter part of town. There were specialist shops lining the streets, smaller independently owned businesses. Gavin shrugged as he led the way. He didn't really have anywhere in mind. The small shops just seemed a little more interesting than the main street. He was quickly proven right as they paused outside an antique store. There were large pieces of ornate furniture set outside, cabinets, tables, chairs and standing lamps. Smaller pieces inside lined the walls in a sea of endless clutter.
"You want to take a look?" Gavin asked as he noticed the far off look on Chloe's face. It was the same one she'd gotten at the gallery while looking at paintings. She smiled brightly and led the way. The store was large, but cramped. Furniture was stacked along the walls and in every open space. Smaller items were scattered across tables and cabinets. Statues lurked in unexpected places and darkened corners. Chandeliers and fancy lampshades hung from the ceiling in a mosaic of glittering glass and crystal. It was almost like a place from a fairy tale. He could certainly imagine falling down a hole to Wonderland from here. There was even a stick of incense burning on the old counter, filling the store with an old, musty smell. The cash register was so old he'd never seen one like it. It was mechanical, with big buttons like a typewriter.
"Good afternoon. Are you looking for anything in particular today?" The old man had a clean, polite accent. British, but not posh. He certainly looked like the type of guy Gavin would expect to run a dusty old store like this. His hair was messy, hanging in short silver curls, and he was wearing a black velvet frock coat and frilled cuffed shirt like he'd stepped out of the seventies. Or seventeen hundreds…He was clearly eccentric, but warm and welcoming all the same. His aged grey eyes were covered by rectangular spectacles with silver frames on a chain to stop them getting lost.
"Oh, no. We're just looking. You have some wonderful items!" Chloe replied sweetly as she smiled at him. Gavin wandered off a little as the man approached to speak with Chloe about the small cabinet she was currently eyeing. His lips quirked as he imagined Elijah's face when the delivery trucks turned up. He was pretty sure his brother's credit card was about to take another hit. A big one. "Oh! Look at these, Gavin!" Chloe called from across the shop as he examined an old painting that had been tucked in between two cabinets. It was an old frigate being tossed on a stormy sea, sails rippling and tearing in the wind.
"What?" He turned and saw Chloe and the shopkeeper examining some smaller items on a table. Chloe held up a necklace. It didn't look like much to him. It was just an old gold chain with a circular pendant on it. He took it for a closer look as Chloe held it out. It was prettier upon closer inspection. The dark stone wasn't just one colour. It was a mixture of blues and deep greens that swirled together. It was pretty, but still nothing particularly special. He shrugged and handed it back. "Yeah, it's nice, I guess." He really was clueless about such things.
"As you can see, he has no taste," Chloe teased as she returned her attention to the shopkeeper. The old man was polite as he agreed. Gavin smirked as he looked at the smaller items scattered on the surrounding tables, frowning as he caught sight of an exotic looking wooden box. It was about the size of a small jewellery box. Its lid was smooth, with a picture of the sea, a mountain, a small Chinese sailing boat, and a temple on the edge of a forest. The picture was lacquered on some sort of pearly looking material and sides of the box were made up by lots of different wooden segments in a mosaic of browns and creams.
"Or perhaps he may surprise you…" The shopkeeper watched as Gavin picked up the box. It was a little heavier than he'd expected. He turned it this way and that before trying the lid. It was stuck. He frowned as he turned the box again and noticed the small seams running along the sides and base. Clever…Chloe joined him and looked at the pretty box over his elbow. His lips quirked as he tried to move a few of the small sections. One side had a piece that slipped out, then the section above could shift down. Now what? "It's a Chinese puzzle box, made in the late eighteen hundreds. They were very popular in Europe as minor curiosities and returned to fashion quite a few times over the years…" The old man held his hands out for the box.
"So, there's a hidden lock somewhere," Gavin murmured as he handed it over and watched.
"Oh yes, and a hidden key." The shopkeeper gave a small smile as he moved a section on the base and a key dropped out. He handed the key to Gavin, who examined it. It was just a small bronze key. Plain and simple. Gavin held onto it as he watched the shopkeeper shift the base and then moved to the front. He revealed a small keyhole beneath a sliding section where it was expected to be. "Now, many people would expect this to be the lock," he said with a chuckle.
"It's not?" Chloe eagerly leaned around Gavin for a closer look.
"Oh no! That would be too simple!" The shopkeeper slid yet another section to the right to reveal another keyhole. He took the key and unlocked the box before handing it to Gavin. Gavin tried to lift the lid, but it didn't budge. He tricked me again. There had to be another bit to move. Gavin eyed the box and jiggled the lid this way and that. Oh! Maybe I have to undo everything? He moved the sections back into place, and even returned the key to its hidden alcove. Once the original piece had been slotted back into place, there was a small pop and the lid released.
"That's amazing!" Chloe praised with a smile. Even Gavin was impressed as he lifted the lid and looked inside. The box was empty, as expected, but it was nicely lined with red velvet and still in excellent condition. This box had clearly been a party piece, never really used as a jewellery box. It was a simple ornament or curiosity. Gavin bit his lip as he eyed the box. "It's just beautiful! Look at the picture on the top! It's gorgeous!" He couldn't argue with Chloe's assessment. Someone had put a lot of love into this small box.
"How much is it?" The shopkeeper weighed it up. He clearly liked Chloe, and the store was his, so the pricing was really up to him. He was also a businessman. An experienced one.
"It's one of a kind, and at least two hundred years old…It's rare to find them in such good condition with all the original pieces intact, too…I'd say seven hundred dollars is a fair price." That seemed a lot to Gavin. It was a wooden puzzle box with a key and a nice picture. Sure, it was pretty old and in good nick, but that didn't mean he wanted to pay out the ass for it. Was it worth it? He couldn't really judge if it was fair or not. Nines would like it though…
"Mr Arlington, it is a beautiful box, but seven hundred does seem a little high…I was sure the price would be around four hundred and fifty." Gavin's head snapped to the side in surprise at Chloe's sweet interjection. He wasn't in the business, but considering the guy had asked for seven hundred, he was pretty sure four-fifty was an insult! The old man didn't seem offended. He chuckled amiably as he opened the lid and showed her the original and fully preserved interior. It was almost unheard of for items from that time, especially ones that were so well travelled as this.
"You are a businesswoman, I see. I may be willing to let it go for six hundred and fifty," the man compromised shrewdly as he carefully closed the box. Gavin looked back at Chloe. He was way out of practice with haggling. In fact, he'd always relied on Mrs Chen or Tina for that sort of thing. I should call Mrs Chen. She'd run circles around this guy! Chloe was doing a pretty good job herself. It was her turn to take the box and point out that, although it was in excellent condition, it had suffered minor wear and tear over the years. Gavin didn't see it himself, but she did point to the back right corner and the left side of the box and insist there were small nicks and scratches.
"I believe that five hundred would be a fair price, considering the minor imperfections." Again, Gavin was pretty sure she was offending the old man. He was a little impressed. She was pretty merciless when trying to push for a deal. It wasn't like they couldn't have afforded the full price, and Mr Arlington likely knew it, too. Mr Arlington pushed again, saying that the item was truly unique, that he'd never seen another like it in all his years. It was the genuine article. Hand crafted by a Chinese artisan. Gavin was pretty sure he was laying it on a little thick at this point.
"I couldn't possibly let it go for less than six hundred dollars." Gavin thought that seemed pretty fair. He'd dropped a full hundred. Gavin looked at Chloe for her answer, but she was looking pretty intense. He felt his skin heating as she took his arm and talked about how it was an anniversary present. This woman is shameless, truly shameless! Gavin sighed as he pried her off. He was pretty sure his cheeks were a little coloured at this point.
"My work partner! He's my work partner, and it's his first year working at the DPD!" Neither Chloe nor her new companion seemed convinced. Chloe tried to bring him down to five hundred and fifty, but he wouldn't go that far. He did, however, compromise a little since it was such an important occasion.
"I suppose I could let it go for five hundred and eighty, but not a penny less, dear lady!" Mr Arlington decided finally as he held up the box. Chloe smiled brightly as she shook his hand, and Gavin let Mr Arlington take the box to the counter. He had packaging stored for all items, obviously not the original, but something was better than nothing. He locked the box once more before wrapping it in a fine, deep red silk cloth. Around that, he added and taped a layer of bubble wrap before putting it in a plain brown cardboard box. He just so happened to have some deep green paper that he used to gift wrap it for no extra charge. "Wish your dear friend a very happy anniversary from me," Arlington added as he slipped the box into a thick paper bag and gave it to Gavin.
"Sure, thanks. You've been a great help," Gavin replied politely as he took the bag and shook his hand. He had a surprisingly firm grip for an old guy. Chloe lingered a little longer as Gavin stepped out. It seemed she had a few purchases of her own to take care of. She came out wearing the necklace from earlier, but no other bags. "Huh, you didn't buy the whole shop this time?" Gavin teased as she took his arm.
"Don't be silly, Gavin…I'm having it delivered." He was beginning to think Elijah's mansion was going to run out of space. I guess there's always the office. There was a lot of space there to fill…I'd better not give her any ideas…It was actually getting a little dark as they made their way back to the main street. Once they were back near the Plaza, they parted ways so that Chloe could go find her car. "I had a lot of fun today," Chloe sighed as they embraced.
"Yeah, me too." Gavin accepted the usual parting kisses before Chloe left with a wave. He watched her until she'd disappeared inside the mall to head down to the car park. The hotel was just across the street beside the Plaza, so Gavin strolled along to the crossing, hoping he had enough time to hide Nines' present before he got home.