It turns out Gavin was in worse health than they'd thought. The night after the extraction model's examination, Elijah insisted on a doctor coming. Gavin insisted he was fine and he could return to work, but the private physician quickly put a stop to that. With the heavy bruising and multiple fractures, he was signed off work for another month. Another month in which Tiny watched over him. He followed him all over the mansion, screeching his objection and running to wrap his tail around his ankle whenever he got too close to the front door. Each time, Gavin would lean down to pet his head, guiltily mumbling that he wasn't going anywhere.
They sometimes went outside. They left through Chloe's conservatory and walked through the rear gardens together. Gavin's body wasn't quite ready for the more difficult mountainside slopes yet. They played tag on good days, never pushing Gavin's battered body too hard. He winced the whole time, often pausing to bend over with a hand on his sore ribs. Within the first week, he started doing mild stretches to ease his body back into some form of exercise regime. He'd lost a lot of muscle, and pretty much all of his extra body fat. He couldn't go near the weights just yet, but Tiny faithfully stood by as he started doing push-ups and pull-ups.
Chloe had taken it upon herself to take charge of his diet. She knew what he'd eaten regularly before and started working in as many healthy meals as she could. Between three solid meals, she also gave him simple snacks of nuts, fruits, and vegetables throughout the day. After a long session of exercise, Chloe would often appear with carrot sticks and dipping sauces for Gavin and a small thirium packet for Tiny. They'd sit in the front lounge where Tiny would trill with smugness as Gavin walked over the very spot his larger form had pounced on Davey and ended his pitiful existence. He'd almost purred once as Gavin had slumped down on that very spot. On the expensive carpet. In front of the long sofa. Beside the antique coffee table. Tiny could vividly recall his expression of pure terror and the delectable sound of his screams.
A blissful month passed. Gavin's lip mended, though the scabbed over cut was still there. His bruises had faded to greens and yellows, except the deeper mark around his neck that was still a painful looking purple colour. He hadn't regained his lost weight and muscle yet, but the early signs of improvement were there. His stomach no longer looked like a hollow pit, and his eyes were much brighter and less sunken. The dark rings had also improved with the extra sleep he was getting. Gavin had taken to sleeping through the night with Tiny's back pressed up against his chest and his tail looped across his waist. In the afternoon, he'd often take what Chloe called catnaps. These were especially popular after his afternoon exercise and snacks.
He'd flop on the long sofa in the front parlour and put the television on. Tiny would often join him. He'd carefully wriggle his way onto Gavin's chest or abdomen and stretch himself out. Sometimes Gavin would grunt or hiss at the pain of the mechanical weight on his bruises, but he never pushed him off. Occasionally, he'd move him with gentle hands, tugging him higher or moving him to the other side. Tiny liked it best when Gavin's arm remained looped across his small back, gentle fingers stroking circles on his smooth plating. His tail would swish idly, often flicking back and forth along the floor beside the sofa. As they drifted off, Tiny would bring up his tail and rest it on Gavin's crossed legs. Upon waking, Chloe would often have dinner ready, either in the conservatory with her and Elijah, or on a covered tray on the small coffee table.
Tiny never wanted the month to end. He got to spend every minute of every day at Gavin's side. They would sleep, shower, swim, play music, read, and watch television together. Sometimes Elijah would join them and Tiny would watch as he and Gavin played old video games on the big screen in the front parlour. Gavin would often claim Elijah had cheated since he was invariably the winner in such things. Elijah would also win in contests involving the pool. He was a very strong swimmer. He would likely lose in a physical confrontation; however, Gavin wasn't ready for such things yet.
Chloe would also join them, especially if they were playing the piano in her parlour. Tiny very much enjoyed it when Chloe played. She knew many soft melodies that would soothe Gavin to sleep as he lounged on the floor by the long window or on her chaise longue. Sometimes, Tiny would snooze with Gavin, but he also enjoyed getting small lessons from Chloe while Gavin was sleeping. It brought him much joy to surprise Gavin with his latest melodies, though he couldn't play as well as Chloe. He was too small to use the keys properly and often used both hands and tail to perform easy tunes.
When the long days were over and Gavin finally went to sleep at night, often with the aid of pain medication, the extraction model would come out. He took his time as he tugged and teased Gavin's clothing out of the way and examined his slowly healing injuries. He was most pleased with his progress, watching his muscles reform and his stomach slowly fill out. His stomach wasn't the only part that filled out. The extraction model's searching touches would often cause his cock to twitch and stiffen. Taking samples from here was becoming a regularity, and it really was an excellent way to gauge his physical health. With the improvements to his diet and lifestyle, Gavin was becoming extremely virile. His sperm concentration was excellent, though not relevant to his lifestyle.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The end of the month arrived far too soon. The doctor returned for another check-up, during which Tiny had hoped he might sign Gavin off for longer, but that wasn't the case. Gavin's condition had improved enough for him to return to work. He was advised not to take on too many heavy duties, but he would be able to perform his regular tasks unhindered. Tiny had chittered and clicked miserably at the news, drawing Gavin's green eyes. He tried not to look too excited at the prospect of leaving, not wanting Tiny to get the wrong idea. He was eager to return to the job he loved, but he wasn't excited to be leaving Tiny behind.
The very next day, Gavin was up early, getting ready for his first shift back. He was starting easy. Going in for a half day, from late afternoon to early evening. He was leaving at eleven, and should return by seven. Tiny was not happy. He chittered miserably as he followed Gavin into the shower. He remained closer than usual, barely placated by Gavin's gentle hands as he cleaned him. Gavin looked guilty, but they both knew he wouldn't stay home. His job was too important to him for that. Tiny barely touched his thirium as Gavin ate his porridge.
"Hey, come on. It'll be like old times…I'll come straight back after work, yeah?" Gavin comforted in a soft tone. Tiny still looked miserable as he sat on the breakfast table beside Gavin. He had his thirium cup between open legs with his tail curled at his side, and his head and shoulders drooped. He was the picture of misery as he rested his hands on his warm cup and blew bubbles down the straw. Gavin sighed as he sipped his coffee, listening to the bubbly sound of Tiny blowing his displeasure. "I'll only be gone for eight or nine hours!" Tiny would not be placated. Gavin huffed fondly and ruffled his dark brunette locks as he got to his feet to return his plate to the kitchen.
Tiny scrambled after him, leaving his thirium untouched on the table as he skittered along at Gavin's feet. Gavin headed upstairs first to collect a few things. He left his duffel bag behind. He'd already decided to wean Tiny off slowly. It would be too cruel to return to work and his apartment all in one day. Tiny had gotten used to him being around, and after a month of sleeping in Elijah's oversized bed with Tiny curled up against his chest every night, Gavin was getting used to it, too. He hummed quietly as he wandered around the room, grabbing his badge and gun from the small safe in his wardrobe and slipping into his leather jacket. It felt good to wear it again after all this time. The weight was familiar, the scent and material comforting.
Tiny gave an excited chitter as he pounced on Gavin's back and pulled himself up the leather surface to huddle on his shoulders. Gavin chuckled fondly and reached up to pet Tiny's head as he took his wallet and headed for the door. Chloe was already waiting downstairs in the entrance hall. Since Gavin didn't have his car and Elijah had already headed to Cyberlife for early morning meetings, Chloe had volunteered to drive him to his apartment to pick up his car on the way to work. She smiled warmly as she greeted the pair and said she'd wait in the car, giving them the chance to say goodbye.
"Alright, time to get down. I'll see you tonight," Gavin said as he paused by the door. Tiny chittered his objection and burrowed his way into the hood of Gavin's jacket. He was too big to hide. It was more like a hammock for his small body. His feet and tail dangled over the edge, and his head rested on Gavin's shoulder. Gavin chuckled as he reached back. He could feel the weight in his hood, but he couldn't see. He knew Tiny wasn't hidden though. "No, you can't come with me. I have to work! We can play when I get back," he insisted as he tried to get a grip on Tiny's small shoulder. He didn't want to be rough or hurt him by grabbing his neck, head, or tail.
Tiny whined and screeched miserably, small claws digging into the leather, swiping his tail in reflex as Gavin tried to pull him free. Gavin hissed as he drew back with a small cut across the back of his hand. Tiny's tail was sharper than he'd thought. He cursed under his breath as he tugged a tissue from his pocket to hold over the cut. He could sort it properly once he got to his apartment. Tiny made a series of small whines and clicks, peering guiltily over Gavin's shoulder as he took in the small drips of red splashing the marble floor. Gavin pulled the stained tissue back to show him the thin line, which was still trickling red.
"Hey, it's okay, see? It's not even that deep…I know you didn't mean it. It was an accident." Tiny couldn't help but wonder whether Gavin had said such things to Davey after their fights. Why was he so ready to accept physical injuries without complaint? Tiny nuzzled the leather of his jacket miserably, clicking his apologies. "It's alright, but I have to go…I have to get to work, alright?" It wasn't alright! It wasn't alright at all! Tiny hopped down and sat on the marble flooring, looking up with sad, luminous eyes. Gavin's brow pinched with guilt as he crouched down. Of course, Tiny didn't trust him. Why would he after last time? He hadn't even called. "I know I was gone for a long time…I didn't even call. It was a shitty thing to do, and I'm sorry, but I'm coming back this time…I promise, I'll be back by eight, and if I'm kept later then I'll call. I'm not leaving you alone this time, alright? I'll be back."
Tiny trilled sadly as he remained in place, on the same spot as before. It was where he always sat when he said goodbye to Gavin. It was also the spot he returned to when it was time for Gavin to come home. Gavin sighed as he reached out to run his fingers through Tiny's soft hair. He drew back, lips thinning, as Tiny turned away from his touch. He tried not to feel too hurt about it as he got to his feet. Trust needed to be earned. He'd broken Tiny's trust when he didn't come back or call. He needed to prove to Tiny that he meant what he said. That he wasn't lying. He managed a small smile as he opened the door and looked over his shoulder.
"I'll see you later…Eight o'clock, remember? Right here." Tiny didn't move to give him any form of response. He also didn't look as Gavin pulled the door shut. At the click of the door, Tiny chittered miserably, hurrying to scratch at the thick wood. His small chest tightened as he thought about their last interaction. He hadn't said goodbye. What if their parting made him change his mind about coming back? Tiny screeched as he hurried through to the front parlour and raced to the window. He could see Gavin. He was saying something to Chloe as he held up his bloodied hand, though he didn't seem angry. Tiny screeched and battered the window, unsure they would hear him.
Chloe looked over her shoulder, her LED glowing yellow. She smiled softly as she turned back to Gavin and pointed at the window. Chloe had seen him! Tiny bounced up and down as he rested his small, clawed hands on the glass. Gavin seemed surprised as he raised his head. He huffed fondly, expression softening as he waved. Tiny felt a lot better as he returned the small wave, keeping his hands resting on the cool glass. Gavin made a small eight sign and pointed at the door before getting inside the car. Tiny nodded as he watched. The sleek, white car pulled out and headed for the mountain road. Tiny remained at the glass long after the car had disappeared.