"What did Elijah say he needed?" Nines asked curiously as they took the lift down to the basement. His silvery gaze sharpened as Gavin shrugged evasively. He was very much aware of when he was lying to him, and Gavin knew it, too. He didn't answer at first. It would ruin the surprise. Chloe had been planning this for days, ever since their trip to town when she'd hounded him about Nines' anniversary. It had actually fallen on their day off, and so far, Nines hadn't mentioned it. Gavin didn't know if that meant he hadn't been keeping track or if he'd just assumed he'd forgotten. Maybe it's not even something he thinks is important…
"I don't know, he just asked us to come ASAP," Gavin replied as he watched the numbers tick by. Luckily for him, it seemed Nines was content to let the matter drop. It had been relatively easy to get him to go with him. All he'd said was that Elijah had called and wanted their help. It wasn't like they had anything else to do. They'd made no plans outside of getting a little paperwork done, and that was how they'd spent the first few hours of their day. Gavin had headed to the bathroom with his phone a few times to make sure Connor and Chloe both knew what they were doing. He was unsurprised to find that they did.
He let the news play on the radio as they drove. News of the Hickory Killer's involvement hadn't been released to the press, so the whole incident had died down for now. It wasn't interesting to keep recycling news of an unknown shooter. Connor and Hank had made no statements about it, and no one had found out that things had quietly been passed over to the FBI. The AHL was still contacting them for updates, but Connor and Hank always put them off with the same spiel about it being an open case and how they couldn't hand out details of an ongoing investigation. The news was strangely quiet and mundane. Business ventures, sports, weather reports.
"You're here! Happy Anniversary!" Chloe greeted brightly as she pulled the door open and dragged Nines into a tight embrace. Nines smiled warmly as he returned the hug, lifting Chloe's petite form off the floor as he stepped inside. Gavin followed with a small smirk and considered his mission complete as Chloe began babbling about how she had lunch all planned out and that Markus and North were already there. She seemed more excited than Nines as she led them both into her conservatory, where Elijah was just placing a final couple of plates on the round table.
"Congratulations on your first year at the DPD," Markus greeted politely as he rose to take Nines' hand. Nines accepted his good wishes and greeted North as well. North was surprised he'd made it through a year without going insane, and Elijah agreed. It took a special person to keep Gavin in check. Gavin himself headed over to knock Elijah's arm in reproach before they all settled down for the afternoon.
It was nice, and a little unusual. Markus and North added a new dynamic to the get together. Markus had this eerie calm and soothing presence that put everyone at ease, and he was absolutely earnest in all of his interactions. North was much sharper, with a rich cackling laugh and a biting sense of humour that rivalled Gavin's. She was like Gavin in that she didn't have much interest in the artsy side of things. She was a much more physical person and was way more interested in what Gavin had to say about his latest training regime than in Chloe's conversation with Markus about art. As the conversation shifted to android rights and Cyberlife, Elijah was much more vocal. Chloe was part of every conversation and kept things moving smoothly. She was an excellent hostess, as ever.
Lunch was fairly simple. She'd made platters of homemade sandwiches, a couple of them tinted blue with thirium so that Gavin and Elijah knew to steer clear. There were platters of fruit, neatly sliced and ready to eat. A few different cold meats and cheeses had been laid out with pickles to sample, and there was a small cake with a sugar icing crest of the DPD on the top. Chloe had made it herself using a photo Gavin had sent her of Nines' badge. It even had his name and number engraved on it. Nines was truly touched as he sliced through the crest and pale blue icing. No one had gone to such efforts to celebrate his achievements before. He hadn't realised how significant the day was considered among humans.
"Alright! Time for your present!" Chloe declared as they finished their cake. Nines' LED span yellow as a strange feeling flooded his chest. It was a warm and light sensation, laced with surprise. He'd thought that lunch was the present, and he would have been truly satisfied with that. Chloe and Elijah had gone to a lot of trouble and, although he rarely interacted with them, he was touched that North and Markus had agreed to be involved. Chloe was already on her feet, opening the doors that led out into the huge back garden.
"Present?" Nines hesitantly followed, pausing in the doorway as he took in the vast green lawn surrounded by trees and bushes. He'd truly had no idea that such a place existed on the mountainside. He'd thought the mansion was built into the hillside, but it seemed the rock formation was part of the mansion itself. They were currently at the rear of the property, and the glass building protruded from the rock on this side as well. Looking out, he could see over the bushes and right across Detroit on one side, and the distant mountains on the other. The air was clean so far outside the city, though it was a little cooler than ground level.
"Markus is going to give us a painting lesson!" Chloe was clearly excited as she headed over to the centre of the lawn where the canvases and easels had been set up with paints, water, and brushes ready. Nines accepted a white apron from Chloe as he approached, uncertain this was really something he would enjoy. He wasn't sure he understood the task at hand. Markus and Elijah joined them as Gavin and North trailed along behind. "Gavin! Don't hide at the back! You have a canvas right here!" Chloe insisted as she motioned to the large canvas set up beside Nines. Chloe had the place on his other side, with Elijah beyond her. Markus did have a canvas set up, but his role was mostly going to be circling the group and giving them tips and advice.
"You want me to paint the city?" Nines asked uncertainly as he eyed the colourful palette and clean brushes, all of them clearly unused. Markus appeared beside him, his dichromatic eyes taking in the view with a sense of serenity. Nines did not share such feelings. He did not understand such feelings. He gave Markus a somewhat helpless look.
"You can paint whatever you want to paint. It doesn't have to be an exact replica of what you see…You need to feel what you put on the canvas. Don't worry about it being neat, or accurate, or messy, or too colourful. Make it unique…Make it yours." Nines was even more lost as Markus chuckled. "Paint the Detroit that you see on the inside…Your favourite time of day, the colours, the sounds, how you feel, reflected in a single image," he prompted as he handed him a brush. Nines accepted the brush and gazed at the distant towers of glass, how they sparkled in the early afternoon sunlight. The Detroit I see?
Beside him, Gavin had tossed off his jacket. The mountainside may have been a little cooler than the city, but it was still summer. He'd worn a long-sleeved blue top, his usual choice whenever it was clean, and the sun was shining down on his pale skin. Nines considered that a positive. It would increase his intake of vitamin D and improve his pale complexion. It also added a bright sheen to his brunette hair, bouncing off the dark locks in varying shades of brown. His green eyes held a different sort of light in the sun. They seemed to glitter as he squinted out at the city sprawling below. He licked his lips as he took up a brush and dipped it in the blue. It seemed he intended to start with the sky as he dabbed the top of the canvas with an almost absurd amount of focus.
Chloe was similarly distracted as she looked out at the city. The wind toyed with her blonde locks, tossing her tail behind her and making the long strands dance in the breeze. She was wearing a pretty white dress that day with an apron over the top, but her legs and feet were bare on the short grass. Her hand was already busy with a brush, focusing mostly on her garden. She was working on the trees, ensuring the branches rose on either side of the canvas to create a sort of frame for the distant city.
Elijah was wearing a simple white linen shirt and jeans, and like Chloe, he'd foregone shoes and socks. His sleeves were rolled up to the elbows, the palette resting neatly on one hand as he stroked his brush steadily up and down the canvas. He was careful and calculated with his brush. Unlike Chloe, who was focusing on nature, Elijah was focused on architecture and geometry. He was working directly on the sprawling cityscape, shining tower by shining tower. He was precise, tracing every shape and every angle he could find.
North wasn't a painter. Markus had given up months ago on getting her to take part in his more creative endeavours. She was content to sit on the grass and look at the sky, chasing clouds with her light hazel eyes. Her hair was braided over one shoulder as usual, and she was wearing a chequered red and navy shirt made of a light cotton material. The city was out of sight where she was sitting on the grass, but that's not why she came to the Kamski estate. She came to escape the city, and all the noise and humans that went with it. She'd grudgingly admitted that Hank, Elijah and Gavin weren't so bad, but the jury was out on the rest of humanity.
Markus was also casually dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved chocolate top. He was casual as he lavished strokes on the canvas. Like Chloe, he was focused on the garden. Unlike Chloe, he'd started with the subject lounging on the grass before him. He'd chosen a thin brush to start with, creating the red outline of North's shoulders. His expression was serene and peaceful, though Nines was unsure whether that was his internal feeling or just an external façade.
It seemed Detroit meant something different to everyone. It didn't surprise him that Elijah had an analytical approach and that he focused on the urban. He also wasn't surprised that Chloe's summery personality led her to using summery colours. Gavin was more realistic in his approach, but Nines was unsure whether that was due to his down to Earth view on life or his uncertainty in the task at hand. He was trying to accurately capture the scene as if he were painting a photo replica. Markus was focusing on North, but Nines was unsure whether that was due to their romantic attachment or whether she represented androids in general. Either way, it made sense that she was in the forefront of his mind. But what does all of this mean for me?
Nines had yet to make a single stroke. He was holding the brush, but he hadn't chosen a starting colour. Markus had told him not to focus on the details. He was to capture Detroit, but it had to be his Detroit. What is my Detroit? What does this city mean to me? How can I capture that in a cityscape scene? The task made little sense. How did he usually make sense of things? What made sense to him? His silvery gaze drifted across to Gavin uncertainly. He was still working on the sky, blending different shades of blue. He was focused. There was really nothing more pleasing to Nines than Gavin when he was focused.
"What's up, Terminator? I can feel you burning a hole in my back," Gavin teased as he drew back a little. He squinted as he looked at his work before dabbing the brush a few more times. He lowered it with a sigh before turning towards Nines. Somehow, he wasn't surprised to find him with a blank canvas. "Trouble getting started?" he asked as he walked over, still holding his own brush and palette. Nines nodded as he returned his gaze to his own blank canvas with an almost disappointed air.
"I…don't know what I'm supposed to paint." He felt a lot more troubled than he believed he should. The task was simple. Paint Detroit. That is not the task. I must paint my Detroit. I don't know what my Detroit is. His brow creased as he stared at the blank canvas. He felt…frustrated…I feel frustrated. Painting Detroit should be simple, but he just didn't know what Markus meant by making it his. "Markus told me to paint my Detroit, but I am uncertain what that means." He stood unblinking as he stared at the endless sea of white.
"It doesn't mean anything…Just paint what you want. Use any colour. Throw the whole palette on if you want to." Gavin joined him at the canvas and nudged his arm. "This is supposed to be fun, Nines…Just paint." Nines raised his eyes to take in the view. He believed it to be beautiful in its own way. The shining glass was pleasing, how it danced as he moved. The sky was a deep clear blue with a few fluffy white clouds floating above. They were the type of clouds that would be drawn in story books. Balls of cotton candy. The sun was shining down, a small globe of gold sitting perfectly above the city. I could paint this view exactly, right down to the flutter of the leaves in the trees, but that doesn't make it mine…
It was too difficult. How was he to complete the task if he didn't understand it? Why did Gavin find it so easy? So simple? I want to paint…I want to fulfil the objective. I want…He paused as he thought back to all the moments he'd felt like this. Confusion. Frustration. Desire. The raw feelings that his programming couldn't define. His hand stuttered, the brush almost slipping in his grasp. He blinked as he felt Gavin's fingertips tracing his LED in small circles.
"Nines! This is supposed to be a fun thing. You don't need to stress out over it, jeez!" he exclaimed as he watched the mixture of red and yellow swirling on Nines' temple. Nines paused as he looked down at Gavin. Gavin always made it better. He always brought order to chaos. His presence was soothing. Reassuring. My Detroit is…"You think you can handle it? If you're not enjoying this, then you don't have to-" Gavin cut off as Nines launched into action.
"Thank you, Gavin. I believe you have inspired me," he said as he dipped his brush in the red paint. He'd settled on the colour. This was the only colour. The colour that defined his limited existence. His jaw tightened as he looked again at the view. Detroit is a metaphor. A medium for me to use for expression…
"Alright…I'll let you get back to it," Gavin huffed with a little pride as he ambled back to his own canvas. He didn't even need to look to know that Nines had started. He could hear the steady scrape of his brush as he worked. Well, my sky is looking pretty good…Gavin mused over his own painting. It had dried a little, which meant he'd soon be able to add clouds and the sun over the top. He shifted to the bottom of the canvas next, using green to colour the lawn and add the bushes. It was more fun than he'd expected. Sure, he was no Picasso, but he didn't think it was terrible at least.
Markus came around every so often, offering advice on shades or lines. He'd never actually take the brush, but he led occasionally if asked. He spent a lot of time at Chloe's canvas, helping her with the various shades of green she wanted to mix. Gavin could hear him praising Nines for his creativity, his tone laced with surprise. He didn't offer Elijah any comments, perhaps because their tastes were so far apart. Markus was fairly creative, but Gavin knew Elijah was anything but. Elijah had done his best to make an exact copy of the city itself, all modern glass and stone. It was more technical than it was beautiful.
By the time Nines stepped back, it was late in the afternoon, not too far from dinnertime. They were probably a little late, but Nines seemed to be enjoying himself, and that was the main point of the day. It's not like the penthouse is going anywhere…Gavin sighed as he lowered his own brush. He probably should pry Nines away before Connor got on his ass about it. His own work had turned out pretty good. He hadn't started on the city yet, but it wasn't like this would be the last time he visited the mansion. He could pick it up another day.
"Holy shit, Nines…" Gavin exclaimed as he turned to look at his canvas. He wasn't sure how to feel about it. It made him feel something raw. The red was like a veil that covered the whole canvas. Everything was trapped in a sea of red, and trapped really was the optimum word. The sky was a deep, looming red with swirling pink clouds and a glaring deep burgundy sun surrounded by a pinkish white halo. The bark of the trees was almost black, with red leaves in varying shades. He leaned closer as he looked at the city. The buildings may have been red, but there was also grey. The grey ran up and down the towers like windows, only they were connected. Like…chain links?
"It's certainly expressive, bravo!" Elijah complimented as he joined them and clapped a hand on Nines' shoulder. Markus nodded his agreement as he regarded the picture. He seemed conflicted about it, as if he'd gotten a peek directly into Nines' soul. It was almost an expression of pity. Nines nodded his thanks as he lowered the palette. He hadn't finished, but he knew that Gavin was preparing to leave. Chloe complimented him too, though she much preferred Gavin's brighter colours and the way he'd captured the sky. Markus had also done well in capturing North's seated form and the city off in the distance.
"Well, we've got to head back. Dinner's waiting," Gavin prompted finally, smirking as Nines raised an eyebrow.
"Dinner?" Gavin smirked as he hugged Chloe goodbye.
"Yeah, dinner. Back at the house." Nines had the feeling there was more to it than that. Chloe insisted they get going and that she'd take care of storing their work for next time. When they returned, Nines was surprised to find the lift was on the top floor. Someone was upstairs. Gavin seemed unconcerned as he called it down. It was likely part of whatever surprise he clearly had planned. He smirked as they rode up, watching Nines' LED spin yellow as he turned over the possibilities.
"You're late!" Connor declared as they entered, wrapping Nines in a tight embrace. "Happy One Year, Nines!" he added cheerfully as he led the way into the bar, where a few familiar faces were waiting. It wasn't the largest of gatherings, but Nines was touched all the same. Hank and Niles were there, of course. Colin had also joined them, dressed in casual jeans and a grey top for a change. Tina and Miller were there, both out of uniform, and so was Fowler. Fowler and Hank were seated at the bar appreciating one of Elijah's expensive scotches, which is exactly where Gavin headed once the door closed.
"Nines was enjoying the painting lesson. Made good progress, too," Gavin replied in explanation as he circled the bar to grab another glass. Hank poured a drink for him while he set about finding some thirium for Nines. Tina and Miller were on the sofa with Niles, looking through his sketchbook. Miller was much more used to interacting with children than Tina. He'd always been great with kids. It seemed Connor and Colin had also been busy. There were plates of food scattered around, light buffet options. There were chicken wings, ribs, pepperoni pizza, little cocktail sausages, pineapple and cheese sticks, different selections of crisps and nuts, and even a few sandwiches.
"I hope you don't mind, but we ended up bringing Sumo with us," Connor added as he nodded to the patio, where the fluffy behemoth was lying on the decking. The sun had gone down, but Sumo seemed more than content, panting and wagging his tail on the decking. "I took him straight through once we got here, and he hasn't caused any trouble," Connor assured as Gavin re-joined them and handed Nines his glass.
"Where's Pipsqueak?" Gavin asked warily as he looked around. He'd never had another animal around the house, so he wasn't sure how the android cat would react. Connor pointed upwards sheepishly, where the small ball of silver fluff was just visible, curled up in the corner of the walkways above the wall fountain. "Hey, Pips…Hey…You want to come down?" Gavin cooed in a soft tone as he approached the corner. Pipsqueak was clearly disgruntled, either by Sumo or the group of strange people who'd arrived without warning. Gavin opened his arms and reached up, which was enough to encourage Pipsqueak to pounce.
"Here, let me," Nines murmured as Gavin returned with Pipsqueak curled up in his arms, tail twitching and ears flicking. Gavin handed him off to Nines, who held him like a baby as they interfaced. Pipsqueak was stressed. He was unfamiliar with all these people, and more than one had tried to pet him. Sumo had startled him as well, being so large. Pipsqueak's discontentment was obvious as his fur fluffed and his tail swished. Nines let out a stream of gentle reassurances and headed to the kitchen to coax him with food. Food always helped to improve Gavin's mood, so it stood to reason it would work with Pipsqueak. Pipsqueak trilled as Nines set him down and filled his bowl. "His mood should improve shortly," Nines reported as he returned to his brothers.
The evening passed smoothly. Hank and Fowler sampled half the bar with Gavin, and Tina and Miller joined them for a while. Colin, Connor, and Nines held silent conversations on the sofa between short snippets of chit-chat with their human co-workers. Niles was happy to sit and sketch or play with Sumo and Pipsqueak. Since it had gotten darker, Gavin had been concerned the old dog would feel the cold, so they'd cautiously brought him inside and introduced him to Pipsqueak. Pipsqueak had been wary at first, skirting around the large dog and swatting his nose more than once. They'd both settled down now and Pipsqueak was currently curled up sleeping on Sumo's shoulders while he lounged at Niles' feet.
Thank you for this. I have enjoyed the experience immensely. Nines looked between his brothers as they sat together on the curved sofa finishing their drinks. Gavin and Hank were laughing loudly at something Fowler had just said while Tina and Miller were nodding along to whatever story was being told. Niles had fallen asleep clutching his pad, head resting on Connor's knee as he stroked his hair. He'd had quite a day. Going to school, then the party, running around the penthouse after Pipsqueak, and rolling on the floor with Sumo.
I'm glad. The party was actually Gavin's suggestion. He wanted us to come over and get everything ready while you were with Chloe this afternoon. Connor nodded across at Gavin, who'd tossed off his jacket earlier, leaving it dangling over a stool as he played the role of barman. He looked quite at home as he leaned on the counter, plucking down exotic bottle after exotic bottle. I believe we should stop them before they overdo it. Connor's lips rose as he watched the group of humans.
I regret to inform you both that it's too late. They have consumed at least fifteen different alcoholic beverages so far. Colin watched Gavin pour yet another shot, noting his hand was surprisingly steady considering the amount he'd drunk. Sixteen. The humans clinked their glasses and sipped their latest measure. There were hums of appreciation before Hank and Fowler took the bottle to squint at the label. They were apparently impressed as they fell into a deep discussion about the contents.
"Hank, I believe it's time we took Niles home," Connor piped up as he gently eased the smaller boy up. Niles was still mostly sleeping, but he still wrapped his arms around Connor's shoulders when urged, sleepily mumbling against his shoulder as he stood in one smooth motion. Hank looked at his watch and cursed the time, as usual. It was past midnight and Niles had school the next day. Connor considered himself lucky that he and Hank were off duty, so he'd be able to sleep off the hangover he was sure to have.
"Jesus, is that the time? We'd best head off," Hank agreed as he finished his drink and said his goodbyes to Fowler and the others. Fowler also decided it was time to head out and called a taxi. Miller and Tina were going home, too. Tina didn't live too far from the city, so Miller had offered to walk her back and sober up a little and get a taxi from her place. Colin would drive himself home since alcohol didn't affect him. He offered to drive the others, but everyone seemed set with their own plans.
"Thank you all for coming," Nines said politely as the group made their way out with Sumo trailing behind. Nines quickly leaned down and scooped Pipsqueak up before he padded out with his new furry friend. He struggled and squirmed a little at first until Nines started an interface to appease him. He flicked his tail lazily as he settled. Like owner-like cat…
"It was our pleasure, and I can speak for all of us when I say thank you for finally putting a leash on this…mess of a human being," Fowler said sincerely as he clapped Nines on the shoulder and squeezed. Gavin put a hand on his chest and gave an offended scoff as the other humans snickered their agreement. "Gavin, you and I both know you would have worked yourself into the ground by now without this one," Fowler insisted as he continued to hold on to Nines. Nines stood with his back straight, LED spinning blue as Gavin chuckled. It was something he always did when he was feeling smug or proud.
"Yeah, can't deny that one." Gavin joined Nines in the doorway as Fowler stepped out. They bade the group goodnight and watched them all crowd and stumble into the elevator. It was eerily quiet once they'd gone. "He's right, you know…I'd probably be dead if you hadn't come along," Gavin grumbled as they shut the door. Nines allowed Pipsqueak to hop down and pad away to find a quiet nook to sleep in. He smiled as he felt Gavin take his hand and link their fingers.
"I believe you're exaggerating. You're more resilient than you think," Nines assured as they ambled further into the house. He smiled as Gavin stumbled into his side and wrapped his arms around his waist. Nines accepted the embrace, blue eyes widening as Gavin suddenly leapt up to claim his lips in a searing kiss. A hum of objection slipped out as Gavin's fingers laced in his hair to pull him down. "Gavin, you are currently intoxicated," Nines insisted as he drew back, though he allowed a few softer kisses.
"Intoxicated by you…" Gavin retorted flirtatiously as he pressed closer, smirking up with hazy emerald eyes. It was a look that Nines admired. He believed it would be described by many as a fuck me look. It became especially sinful as Gavin bit his bottom lip. Nines smiled softly as he leaned back out of reach.
"Tomorrow morning…when you're sober," Nines insisted as he placed a hand over Gavin's mouth. He could feel his lips pouting against his palm. His breath was warm as he breathed out, leaving moisture on his skin. Nines was patient as he eased him back and steered him towards the stairs, chuckling as Gavin called him a kill joy and sulked all the way to his door. "Does that mean I must sleep alone tonight?" Nines asked innocently as they paused in the doorway of Gavin's room.
"I didn't say that…" A sultry grin pulled his lips as he tugged Nines down for another kiss, not breaking contact as he pulled him inside and kicked the door shut.