Gavin hummed, contentment flooding his whole body as he shuffled closer to the warmth that encircled him. He was turned partly on his front, with a warm fleshy surface beneath his chest and stomach. In his sleepy haze, Gavin smiled. He didn't remember going out last night, but if he'd taken someone to bed, then who was he to complain? He trailed one hand across to find a perfectly formed hip, noting the presence of sweatpants. Maybe we got dressed after...Upon reflection, he didn't have that fucked out feeling he usually had after a good lay. He allowed his fingers to explore, moving up from the jutting hipbone to glide across the flawlessly soft flesh of his abs. He could feel firm muscles beneath. This guy is phcking ripped...

He slid higher, slightly confused by the lack of a ribcage. The muscles felt like they were sitting on a flat surface. Perfectly straight. It was weird. Gavin frowned a little until he found the fleshy mounds of the man's pecs. They were firm and plush beneath his hand. He felt the body quiver beneath his touch as his palm stroked over a hardened nub. A large hand enveloped his own, the arm around his waist stroking his lower back gently. The man was awake, but he didn't say anything. I wonder what it would take to make him speak...

Gavin bit his lip and bent his head, feeling unusually impish as he moved one leg, raising it to rest over his mystery partner's thigh. He felt the man twitch almost nervously as he rocked his hips, letting him feel his morning wood. He let out a small groan, partly on reflex and partly to garner a reaction. The hand on the base of his spine tightened slightly, a small intake of breath sounding somewhere above his head. I wonder what he looks like...His body is pretty phcking good. Did I pull off a miracle?

He nuzzled the naked flesh beneath his cheek sleepily and blinked his eyes open. Things were a little fuzzy in the morning light, though the curtains helped dampen it a little. As his eyes focused, he took in the pliant pale surface, flecked with perfectly scattered freckles. He breathed in tiredly, his body stiffening as he picked up nothing but the vaguest hint of thirium. No! Phck-no! I wouldn't! He jerked upright. Shocked green met startled blue.

Good morning, Gavin. Did you sleep well? Nines seemed slight anxious as he watched Gavin slowly process what was happening. He didn't shrug Nines' arm away at first, but Nines slowly drew back. He could see that Gavin was getting increasingly uncomfortable. Do you remember what happened last night? Gavin winced as he thought back and finally remembered.

"Right, I had a nightmare, phck. I'm sorry," he sighed in mortification as he fell face down on the mattress and buried his face in his pillow. He couldn't believe he'd forgotten. Again. This was the second time he'd forgotten about Nines and ended up embarrassing himself. He'd ground his fucking cock into his thigh for fuck's sake! He cringed at the thought. He looked up as Nines gently tapped his arm, turning his head so that he could see his hands moving. He tried not to look too mortified as their eyes met.

It wasn't my intention to surprise you, however when I woke up you had rolled on top of me, and you looked so peaceful I didn't see the need to disturb you. Gavin knew he couldn't blame Nines. Nothing happened anyway, thank God. He tried to put aside the embarrassment he felt at how he'd felt him up. He winced as he imagined how much further he could have gone. Nines being non-verbal doesn't help either. He really would have kept going if he hadn't gotten curious about what the guy looked like. Nines would probably have just awkwardly accepted the unwanted contact.

"Sorry, you know...for touching you. I was tired, and when I felt someone else in the bed, I just thought..." He trailed off, turning his face into the pillow once more to wallow in shame with an almost pathetic groan. He felt a gentle hand on the back of his neck and shivered as it stroked lower over his covered spine. It felt nice, soothing. He turned his head as he felt Nines move. His body was propped up on one arm as he looked down at him softly. It was a look that Gavin didn't think he deserved. From anyone.

I don't mind. You may touch me. He didn't have a trace of shame or hesitation as he signed out the invitation. Gavin immediately put it down to android innocence and scoffed lightly. He pushed himself up onto his knees and stretched, cracking his shoulders loudly.

"Careful who you say that to, alright?" he warned as he got to his feet and headed towards his bathroom. He didn't wait for Nines' response, shutting the door as he stripped off and tried to chase away the memory of how comfortable it had been. Lying in bed, sprawled across Nines' strong torso, being held in his arms. It had been so perfect. Nines was physically his perfect lay. Exactly his type. It was such a damned shame he was a machine. An increasingly vocal part of his brain decided that didn't matter, and he should absolutely take advantage of this living arrangement. Good thing I'm a decent human being...mostly. He couldn't quite halt the fantasy of climbing onto Nines' lap and servicing him like a good little slut. That was more his style. Not all these soft glances and gentle touches.

Gavin climbed down into the large bathing pit and turned on the shower, leaving his clothes from the night before scattered across the tiled floor. He worked quickly, unsure what time it was. He was relieved as the hot water washed away the stickiness of the night before. He scrubbed the body wash into his skin and lathered his hair before climbing out. He dried his hair and tied the towel around his waist before brushing his teeth and neatening the scruff on his chin with his electric razor. He cut it sorter, but he didn't shave it off. He liked a little stubble.

His bedroom was empty when he finally stepped out. Empty and tidy. Nines had made up the bed, leaving the duvet neatly folded at the bottom, ready for him to slip into that night. Gavin paused with a frown, laying a hand over the folded duvet. There was something familiar about the way it had been folded down at the bottom of the bed. It sent unexpected prickles down his arms. He shrugged it off as he dressed, hurrying down to find Nines already waiting in the kitchen. He said nothing as he slid a plate of bacon and eggs across the counter, along with a glass of orange juice.

"Thanks...You know you don't-" Gavin cut off with a small chuckle as he saw Nines already signing.

Have to cook for you. I'm aware. Nines grabbed a thirium pack and snapped the straw open. Gavin looked at his phone tiredly, seeing they had around thirty minutes to get to the office. That left him five minutes to eat. Traffic dependant, they might be a little late. Not like we won't make it up anyway...He shovelled his food quickly, avoiding Nines' judging eyes as he watched. Although I am fully versed in first aid, I would rather not have to make use of those skills. Slow down and chew, please. Nines dropped the empty pack in the trash.

Gavin largely ignored his warnings, but still managed not to choke. He dropped his plate in the sink and grabbed his jacket. Nines was already dressed to leave and waiting by the door. They travelled to the precinct without incident, and that's when things got weird. They left the car and walked up to the bullpen, where he found a note on his desk. A note written in Cyberlife Sans. An android? He knew it wasn't Connor or Nines. They'd both changed their writing styles to an elegant cursive format.

"Did you see who left this?" he called, holding up the small sticky note for Hank to see as he wandered over. Hank took the small note and squinted at it as Reed leaned over Connor's desk. Said android was nowhere in sight, likely in the evidence locker working on whatever their latest case was. Hank shrugged as he handed the note back. The writing wasn't familiar to him, and the message didn't really leave any clues.

"Not a clue. I only got here ten minutes ago. Maybe they arrived earlier," he suggested, leaving Reed to head out to the front of the building, as requested. Did they seriously wait around? What do they want? Is it case related? He was clueless as he tugged out his cigarettes. He lit up the moment he was outside and walked down the front steps of the station. The note was simple. Detective Reed, meet me at the front of the station. There was no name. No reason. No time. Nothing. Either it was an officer, or a civilian had somehow just walked in knowing who he was, made it to his desk, and left a note. It was impossible that no one would have noticed with the electrical barriers there. Who the hell would go to all this trouble? Why all the mystery? If they'd waited inside, I would have taken them to a private room if they asked...

"Detective Reed?" The woman's voice rang like a bell. It sounded so delicate. So warm. Reed turned in surprise. He was even more surprised as he caught sight of the familiar face and blue LED. He'd never seen one in person before, but he recognised the ST200 model from the television. She was very pretty in person. Pale skin, crystal eyes, blonde hair tied neatly over one shoulder. She was dressed for the breezy weather, wearing a short blue dress with a light brown leather jacket that matched her purse and shoes.

"Yeah...Did you leave this note?" Reed asked curiously as he held it up. The blonde nodded as she stepped closer and gave him a coy smile, tilting her head down to look up through her long lashes. Damn, she's good. "Is that a yes or a no?" he asked a little more firmly, stepping back with a certain level of distrust. Women didn't give you the doe eyes for no reason. She was up to something. Her eyes thinned ever so slightly. She clearly hadn't expected him to deflect her seduction so quickly.

"I did...I need something from you, Detective. It's very important," she added sincerely, making Reed pause with a confused frown. What could an android possibly want or need from me? Especially an ST200. The ST200 stepped closer, following as he backed up the steps nervously. Before long, his back met the rough brick of the station wall. He dropped his cigarette in surprise as he felt the solid stone at his shoulders. He felt somewhat trapped with the brick surface against his spine, unsure why he was so keen to distance himself from the delicate android.

"Wait, what could you possibly need from me? I thought maybe you were a witness for a case, but..." Reed trailed off in confusion. He was even more alarmed as the ST200 placed her hands deftly on his shoulders and pressed him back against the stone surface. She was strong. He'd give her that. All androids were to an extent, but he'd never actually fought one besides that time with Connor. She leaned in and blinked in surprise as his hand pressed over her mouth. "Miss, I'm flattered...and honestly a little creeped out, but before you continue, I should warn you...I'm gay. No offense, I'm sure you're lovely, but you're just...not...what I'm looking for." He was sheepish as he attempted to ease her back, but she was stronger than she looked.

"I assure you, Detective Reed, this is strictly professional. For security reasons, I require a sample of your DNA. Please comply," she added in a more business tone, giving him no room to object as she jabbed his diaphragm, making him bend over with a pained grunt. His green eyes widened as she pressed her lips to his and began exploring his mouth with her tongue. He hummed an objection as a hand laced in his hair and tugged. He winced as he felt a few strands pull free. "Thank you for your cooperation. I'll be in touch." She stepped away, her low heels clicking gently on the stone tiles. Reed rubbed his head with a frown before hurrying after her.

"Hey, wait! What the hell is going on?" He grabbed her arm, heart pounding in agitation. He wasn't sure how he felt. Angry? Violated? More than anything, he wanted to know why. She'd said she needed his DNA. His DNA specifically. Why would anyone want or need that? The ST200 easily broke free of his grasp. It probably helped that he wasn't trying to hold on to her, just get her attention.

"You will be informed if it is necessary. Please wait patiently." She didn't give him a chance to respond before she raised a small disc in her palm and held it towards his face. Having never seen one before, he wasn't ready for the glaring flash. He cried out in alarm, staggering back blindly as he covered his eyes with one arm. Shit! I'm blind! He opened his eyes to see a big white smudge marring his vision. He held his free hand out, stumbling forward, trying to find something or someone to hold on to. He gasped as he stepped into nothingness. His foot dropped. He tumbled downwards, forgetting he was at the top of the front steps.

He braced himself as he fell, expecting to feel the solid edge of sharp stone bouncing across his joints. A strong arm gripped the collar of his jacket and pulled, while another wrapped around his waist and lifted. He yelped as he felt his legs swing through the air, but then his feet touched the ground and gentle hands were cupping his face. He panicked, slapping the hands away and pushing a flat chest. He paused, hands shaking as he felt the stiff leather of a new jacket. He reached up higher to find the familiar high collar. He stroked up soft cheeks to feel the loose curl of hair and circle LED. He almost fell forward in relief.

"Nines?" he asked, holding his hands out blindly. Two hands took his and squeezed in confirmation. "Shit, I can't see. Everything's white...She had some sort of light. It was so bright, I...Shit," Reed cursed quietly, reluctant to step away from the wall as Nines pulled. The wall was safe. No one could sneak up on him if he stayed against the wall. He slowly allowed himself to be led as Nines continued to coax him with gentle tugs. He opted to slip an arm around his waist protectively and lead him inside. Reed didn't know what to do. His vision was still smeared with white. Blinking wasn't clearing it. Shit, is this permanent? He panicked as Nines held him closer. He gripped his wrist for comfort. His heart raced as his breaths started to stutter. Shit, I can't breathe!

"Reed? What the fuck happened?" Hank demanded in shock at his clearly shaken state. The voice was right in front of him. Reed reached out blindly, feeling the telltale smoothness of a silk shirt and the soft chest beneath. He knew it was Hank. He was the only one who wore silk to the office. It was one of those god-awful stripy old shirts he liked. The stupid fucking shirts that made him look so fucking old, all stripes or circles with weird colours. That's some seventies shit right there. What if he never saw it again? How would he be able to do his job?

"It was an ST200. She met me out front and-Hank, I can't see! I-can't-phcking-see! Phck!" Reed panicked, unsure what to do. Sure, he liked to cut out visual distractions, but this was taking it too far. He was terrified. What if he was blind for good? He wouldn't be able to do his job. He'd be fired. He wouldn't be able to pay his bills. He'd end up in full-time care somewhere. Fuck! He felt small. Helpless. Vulnerable. He fucking hated it. He was going into meltdown right in the middle of the bullpen. Everyone was watching. Everyone would see. He felt his breath catching as his heart slammed into overdrive. Ah phck, not now!

"Hey-hey-hey! It's alright son, you're alright...Come here, sit-sit-sit, that's it. Breathe, Gavin. Breathe..." Hank's gravelled soothed him as he felt himself being moved. He couldn't even fucking walk by himself. He choked on his own breath, already feeling tears in his eyes. Firm hands were gripping his shoulders. He was eased down into a chair as Hank crouched in front of him. "Nines, go find a medic...Come on, son, just breathe. It's alright. We'll get you checked out. You'll be fine." One of the hands moved from his shoulder to his back, rubbing between his shoulder blades. Hank continued to give assurances, reminding him to breathe until he'd calmed a little.

"Anderson, what happened?" Fowler's voice demanded in a worried tone. The voice was close and quiet. He'd clearly walked down from his office. Hank turned to give what few details he'd managed to get out of Reed, but they were both clearly shaken up. Reed was shaking a little as he angled his head towards the floor and tried to breathe properly. There's too many people! Phck, how many are there? Staring at me. Laughing at me. Phck!

"Captain, we should move him to a less crowded area," Connor's voice chimed in sensitively. Reed had never been so fucking happy to hear it. He immediately reached towards it and was greeted by a soft grip on his hand. Fowler readily agreed, prompting Hank to ease him to his feet. He made no comment about the amount of weight Reed was leaning on him as they walked. His legs felt like jelly as he allowed Hank to pretty much drag him across the bullpen. He was a little scared. He didn't know where they were going. He calmed as they started walking up a few short steps. Fowler's office.

"Come on, son, sit here," Hank grunted kindly as he eased him down onto one of the smaller leather chairs opposite Fowler's desk. "We've blacked out the glass. It's just me, Connor, the captain, and you...Nines will be back soon." He knew Reed would appreciate the details. His body relaxed at the news, though his breaths were still shaky. He blinked. There was just a hint of green entering the white of his vision. Does that mean I'm okay?

"Detective Reed, can you tell us what happened?" Connor asked gently, his voice drifting over from somewhere by the door. Reed looked in that general direction, but still couldn't see beyond the increasingly green blob smearing his vision. Hank remained crouched in front of him, large hands resting on his knees. A comforting presence. He could hear the familiar creak of the large chair that told him Fowler was behind his desk.

"I found a note on my desk earlier. It didn't say much, just asked me to come out front. It was written in Cyberlife Sans, by an ST200...When I went out there, she said she needed something, then she...uh...she kissed me, and took some of my hair...She said she needed my DNA for something, and she'd be in touch...I tried to get more out of her, but she used something to flash my eyes...She must have left after that." Reed squirmed uncomfortably in his chair as he spoke. His head snapped to the door as it was pushed open. Hank's hands disappeared, to be replaced by a new touch on his shoulder. Nines...He didn't even need to think about it. The large hand was gripping firmly, and he just knew it was Nines. He closed his eyes briefly as he leaned into it. Nines soothed the joint in response.

"Detective Reed? My name is Doctor Gates. Can you describe what happened?" It was a woman's voice. Unfamiliar. He hadn't actually been to the medical bay recently. He generally went straight to a hospital if he got injured or dealt with it himself. She sounded nice enough. She had that practiced, reassuring tone. She also didn't touch him, which was a bonus. He hated it when people he didn't know just started prodding and pulling him around.

"An android shone this round light thingy in my eyes...I didn't get a good look at it, but it was small. Fit in the palm of her hand." Reed nodded as the doctor calmly told him she was going to examine his eyes and that she would touch his face while doing so. He nodded his consent, grateful for Nines' strong hand resting on his shoulder. He was leaning towards him without even realising.

"What can you see exactly? Is your vision completely black?" Gates asked as she leaned closer, fingers resting on his forehead as she gently lifted his eyelids one by one. He could feel something moving near his face, but his vision was still just a bright green mass. It was like a blob that filled most of his vision, surrounded by a black, shadowy outline.

"At first it was white, but not like paper...It was bright, sort of like when the sun hits fresh snow." His leg started to bounce nervously as he waited for the verdict.

"You said was, has it changed?"

"Yeah, uh...Over the past few minutes, it's gone a sort of green colour...Like when you blink at a light then get that weird...light film thingy in your vision, except it won't shift." He found it hard to explain the bright whitish green that clouded his vision. He blinked as a white circle appeared and moved across one eye before shifting to the other. He blinked again, trying to follow the blob as it moved.

"Did you see anything just now?" Gates asked, likely noticing the movement of his dirty green irises as he followed the blob.

"Yeah, a white circle...sort of..." Gates hummed her agreement as she drew back.

"You'll be pleased to know the blindness is temporary. Your vision is likely trying to clear as we speak...I can't say how long it will take. It could be a few hours or a couple of days. I recommend that you go home and rest, preferably somewhere dark or dimly lit, so that your eyes can recover. Are you in any pain?" Reed shook his head, though he was less than pleased at the prospect of being side-lined. His leg bounced in agitation, and Nines' hand tightened slightly in response. He could feel the touch urging him to relax. It didn't help. What helped was when the hand drifted up from his shoulder to the back of his neck, squeezing gently. Reed took a breath as his eyes fell shut. The stress eased a little as strong fingers massaged the tense area.

"You heard the doctor, Reed. We'll get you home. Is there anyone who can stay with you?" Fowler knew Reed was less than happy. He was also unsurprised as he shook his head. He had no family, not now, and his friends were all working police officers.

"Captain Fowler, Nines will attend to the detective's needs," Connor announced as Nines looked his way, LED flashing yellow as he spoke through their link. That also didn't surprise Fowler. He knew that Nines had registered Reed as his owner. It made sense he would want to remain close in his time of need.

"Hey! Wait a damned minute! Nines, we have a case to solve! We can't afford for both of us to be off when we have an interview set up and-" Reed objected as he turned his face towards where he knew Nines stood. He only paused as Connor cut into the conversation with his usual politeness.

"Lieutenant Anderson and I will take on your duties. Nines can send me the details, and we can conduct the interview in your place." Hank didn't argue. He knew Reed was less likely to agree if he got involved. In fact, he still seemed frustrated at the development. Gates had already left, leaving the finer details for the detectives to sort out between themselves.

"Nines?" Fowler questioned.

"It is his name," Connor replied as he gestured towards his brother.

"Temporarily...until he chooses something better." Reed felt the hand leave his neck and instantly felt the loss. He could hear Nines' hands rubbing and tapping quietly as he signed.

"Nines says he likes it," Connor translated helpfully. Nines enjoyed the way Reed's skin heated beneath his fingertips and his pulse jumped as he touched him again. The idea of Nines liking the nickname he'd chosen pleased him on some level. "He also says he's already opted to register it as his official designation." Nines was quietly pleased with himself as Reed's pulse jumped again. He'd also managed to divert his attention from the topic at hand.

"Well, it's sorted then. Nines, send over the details you have so far...Who knows? Maybe a fresh set of eyes will make something click," Hank suggested supportively as he clapped an assuring hand on Reed's shoulder. He could understand his reluctance. It was never nice being off duty for injury, especially during an important case. He also knew, from watching the pair, that they'd hit a wall in their progress. The lack of advancement had also been causing Reed some stress, which Connor had already warned him about. Maybe a break would do him some good. "Go home, relax, come back fresh tomorrow or the day after."

"That's an order. No working," Fowler added firmly as he looked between the pair. He trusted Nines to keep Reed in line. For one reason or another, he seemed fond of his new partner. It was unexpected, but Fowler wasn't about to complain if he'd finally work with someone. Reed would have argued, but really, there was nothing he could do. Without being able to see, he was limited on what he could do anyway.

"Phck, alright." Reed's tone sounded horribly vulnerable. Hank gave his shoulder a final pat before he motioned to Connor. Connor and Nines locked hands, their skin trickling back as they interfaced. They briefly exchanged case details. Connor let Nines look into his own open cases in case he came up with any helpful ideas. In return, Nines showed Connor every detail he knew about their current case, along with the interview details they had scheduled for that day. "Nines?" Reed questioned as he looked towards where he thought he should be. Ah shit, he's mute and I'm blind...Someone, somewhere, is laughing at this phcking travesty.

In response to his call, Nines' hand rested on his back and pressed gently. He was there, and he was listening. He was also ready to leave. The hand slipped down to his upper arm and tugged gently. Reed allowed himself to be pulled up, immediately feeling exposed. He knew the general layout of the office, but there was a lot of space between himself and the door. The hand on his arm didn't leave, and he was relieved as he felt it loop across his shoulders.

Nines urged him forward, walking at his side rather than ahead or behind. They'd barely arrived, so they were able to go straight down to the car. Reed felt Nines' hands exploring his pockets in the elevator, quickly finding the car keys. He steered his human towards the car and opened the passenger door for him. His leg was already bouncing as Nines climbed in beside him. It was hard to communicate without using his vocal processor, but he didn't feel quite ready for that yet. He settled for reaching across and laying his hand on the restless thigh.

"Sorry," Reed murmured, guessing that his agitation was putting Nines on edge. The hand on his thigh squeezed again, making him shiver as it slid higher before lifting away. He didn't patronise him or treat him like an invalid. He was more than capable of buckling his own seatbelt through muscle memory. The car started and Reed closed his eyes as Nines drove, opting to protect them from the bright morning sun. Nines was attentive as he parked and helped him into the living room. He left him languishing on the couch with his hands over his eyes as he went around the house, closing all the curtains, upstairs and down.

Gavin sighed as he dropped his hands and stared blankly at the ceiling. His vision was still shrouded with green. He smiled softly when he felt silken fur drag along his right hand, which he'd left hanging down near the rug. He raised the hand and stroked along the delicate mechanical spine of his security system. He didn't know if Lynx was worried in his own way or just curious about him being home at such a weird time when it hadn't been scheduled.

"Hey there, beautiful," Gavin murmured in greeting, enjoying the loud purr the large cat let out at the attention. Lynx remained a few moments longer before continuing his pre-planned route. He listened, but couldn't make out the pads creeping along the wooden floor. He heard Nines' steady steps on the stairs. He could tell he'd removed his shoes at some point. "Don't you phcking dare! I can hear you going into the kitchen," Gavin chided as he remembered the mess he'd left earlier. Nines didn't respond other than turning on the water. Phck!

He heard a glass filling with water and the steps padded over to the coffee table. A light tap sounded as the glass was placed on a coaster. There was a loud whoosh as a fleece blanket was opened and then Gavin felt the material flutter down over his body. Nines also grabbed one of the cushions and tugged him up enough to jam it beneath his head. It was like being a kid all over again, and he could almost imagine being in his grandmother's house.

"I'm not an invalid, Nines, and I'm not sick!" he sighed as he shuffled lower in the blanket and raised it up to his nose. He quashed a hum in his throat as a large hand gently ran over his head. He heard Nines walk away, but he didn't go far. He just padded across the room and turned on the TV. It wasn't like he could watch anything, so he allowed Nines to do as he pleased. He almost moaned in appreciation as Nines turned on the streaming service and found a video of a fireplace. It had been a long time since he'd just laid down and listened to the loud crackle and hiss of burning wood.

He closed his eyes, the green remaining like a permanent film in his vision even in the darkness. He sighed as he listened to the crisp crackle and pop of the wood. He wasn't sure how long it had been. He may even have fallen asleep, but he did slowly become aware of fingers running through his hair. He was still sleepy as he turned his head, leaning into the touch, which pressed a little more firmly in response. A small sound escaped his lips in appreciation. The fingers moved to the other side of his head, teasing his scalp in just the right way.

He mumbled wordlessly as he turned on his side, the plush arm of the sofa cushioning his head. He'd fallen asleep there more than once without getting a sore neck. He bent his head a little as the hand slipped down to his neck and teased the skin. He may have objected if he'd been more awake, but he could already feel fatigue coiling around him again. He sighed in contentment as he settled into the light touches. He was like a cat, chasing the affection almost needily with a tilt of his head, and the fingers didn't disappoint.

"Nines...I need to...Can you help me up to the bathroom?" He asked a while later as he roused himself. There was a familiar ache in his bladder that told him he desperately needed the restroom and had for some time. He pushed himself up and reached out, relieved as Nines' firm hand took his and started slowly leading him. They went up to his room and Nines took him all the way into the bathroom. "Thanks, I can take it from here," he said sheepishly as Nines left him by the toilet. He opted to sit, not trusting his aim in his current state.

He took care of business and cleaned up before heading into his room. It was a little more awkward than he'd like. It had taken a while of stroking and patting for him to find the door handle. Once in his room, he took a few steps and walked straight into Nines' firm chest. A set of strong arms wrapped around him loosely on impact, hands resting low on his hips. Without his sight, he felt it more keenly. They were nice hands. Large and firm. Hands that could take him and bend him and-and that's enough of that!

"I'm not tired," Gavin insisted as he felt Nines pulling him towards the bed. "Hey..." he objected gently as he was pulled down onto the mattress. At some point, it seemed Nines had tugged his shoes off for him, though he was still wearing his socks. Despite not feeling tired, he couldn't deny that the mattress felt a lot more comfortable than the small sofa downstairs. It also allowed Nines' large body to shuffle into place behind him. "The phck are you doing?" Gavin chided lightly as Nines nuzzled the back of his head and wrapped an arm across his waist.

I shouldn't encourage this...He should push him away. Tell him to go downstairs and find something to do. He certainly shouldn't shuffle further into the warm embrace. He shouldn't settle his head on the pillows and close his eyes. He shouldn't tangle their legs in the hopes of gaining extra warmth and security. He shouldn't let Nines' hand find his own and squeeze. Phck, I'm so phcked. He could feel the hum of Nines' power core against his spine, and the quiet thud of his thirium pump as it slowly matched his own heartbeat. It was comforting. Relaxing. Soothing.

"Thanks," Gavin murmured as he closed his eyes, feeling a responding nuzzle on the back of his head. He settled into the silence, only broken by their quiet breaths and the barely perceptible hum of Nines' systems. He could feel the warm brush of Nines' artificial breath on the back of his neck. He knew androids didn't need to breathe. It was something Nines did to make humans more comfortable. Him in particular. He could even feel the rise and fall of his chest pressing against his back. It seemed he'd decided that yes, Gavin was tired. Yes, Gavin did need to lie down. Yes, Gavin did deserve to be held like he was worth a damn. Fucked if he was going to argue with that. Not when he felt so fucking fragile.