"Gavin." The quiet voice murmured in his ear as a gentle hand squeezed his shoulder. It was a voice he knew. A voice he'd been waiting for. His green eyes snapped open, and he pushed himself up before his brain was really working. Firm hands were already on his shoulders by the time he'd turned his stool, stopping him from toppling over. He blinked the fuzzy, dazed feeling away as he finally focused on the figure above him.

"Nines! You're alright," he murmured in relief as he looked him up and down. He'd redressed and activated his synthetic skin before waking him. He looked fine. Not a hair out of place. It was hard to believe that the android he'd seen opened up on the table and the man before him were the same being. He'd literally held his beating heart in his shaking hands. The memory was almost enough to make his head spin again.

"Of course! In fact, he's better than alright," Elijah piped up from across the room, where he was wiping down the bench with what smelled like bleach. Nines was about to speak when he looked down at Gavin and paused. His LED span yellow as he caught sight of his hands. Gavin followed his gaze and saw nothing, but he could still feel it. The oily feeling still coated his skin. Nines could see it. The thirium. He remembered that much about the Connor series.

"Elijah mentioned you had a turn of sorts..." Nines was troubled as he examined Gavin's face. The colour had somewhat drained from his skin during his episode, and had yet to fully return. The rings beneath his eyes looked darker, and his lips were very pale.

"Uh...I guess...I'm not sure." Gavin was stiff and awkward, increasingly conscious of the thirium on his skin. It wasn't blue anymore, but it was still there. He didn't like it. The feeling was making his skin crawl. Nines' LED flashed yellow again as he read Gavin's vitals. He was raising his own stress levels again. "I think I need a shower." There was no reason for him to stay in the lab covered in invisible thirium, not now that Nines was alright.

"Good idea, you two go relax for a while. I'll finish up here and have Chloe start dinner." Elijah may have sounded dismissive, but he truly thought it best that Gavin get out of the confined space. He wouldn't start to feel better until he'd cleaned up anyway. He was at least steadier on his feet now that he was more awake. Nines remained close as he followed him up to their bedroom. There wasn't even a question about whether he was going in with him. For one thing, Nines also felt dirty from having his body opened up and rearranged. For another, he was the only one who could see the thirium that stained Gavin's hands, wrists, and shirt. Finally, he could tell Gavin had suffered a mild traumatic episode and had no intention of leaving his side until it had passed.

Unlike last time, this shower wasn't filled with salacious touches. It was strictly business. Nines washed his own body while Gavin did the same, but Nines then checked over his work. Gavin didn't understand at first, but he soon caught on as Nines rubbed soap between his fingers and across certain patches on his hands and wrists. He was also meticulous while looking at his own pale flesh, making sure no stray thirium had been left behind.

Gavin finally felt clean afterwards and pulled on his night clothes once more. After he'd dressed, he headed to the sofa, almost yelping as Nines swept him up in his arms and gently laid him down. He was taking up the whole sofa, head resting on one plush armrest while his feet touched the other. Nines sat on the edge of the large cushion beside him, also dressed in his lounge clothes. It was good to see him in one piece. So phcking good. No more blue. No more oil.

"Something happened to upset you." The lack of a question left Gavin with little choice but to silently agree.

"I guess it was harder than I thought...seeing you opened up like that." To be fair, he'd been coping pretty well until Elijah pulled that shit with his power core. What the fuck had he been thinking? How was it alright to take out Nines' life source and just hand it to him? He wasn't even a qualified mechanic! He could have broken it or fucked it up somehow. Elijah had literally trusted him with Nines' life, and that responsibility wasn't his to give.

"But there's more to it than that..." Nines understood that Gavin would likely find his internal workings distasteful. To a human, they would seem utterly unnatural. Only engineers like Elijah and other Cyberlife employees could appreciate the intricacy of his internal workings. Despite that, he was certain that the sight alone wouldn't produce this sort of reaction.

"Eli let me help a little...had me hold some parts for him." Gavin looked almost guilty, as if he'd broken a promise or his trust, however it truly didn't bother Nines. He had given permission for Elijah to touch him, and even though he hadn't said it out loud, the consent for Gavin to do the same was implied. Gavin was the last registered owner he'd had before deviation. His only registered owner. The one thing he'd chosen for himself. He was the human he adored most. He wanted Gavin to touch him.

"I hope that wasn't too troubling for you...I don't mind that you touched me, but I wouldn't want it to make you uncomfortable." Gavin shook his head at the response. It wasn't the touching exactly, though that had been pretty weird. The context was what he had trouble dealing with. It hadn't been just any bio-component, it had been Nines' beating heart. It hadn't been just any power core, it had been the single most important part of Nines' body.

"I was more worried about phcking something up...They were pretty major parts." Nines didn't know, but he could guess at least one of the parts Gavin had touched. It was difficult holding someone's life in your hands. It was something he had to deal with every day. Each time he handled a suspect or touched Gavin, he had to actively control and measure out his strength. He couldn't just mindlessly grab a human. That could cause them serious injury.

"Elijah was there. He wouldn't have allowed that, and if the worst had happened, he would have fixed it." Gavin nodded his agreement. Elijah was good like that. He could tell. He'd had the same focus he had when he was on a case. When he was focused, there was nothing that could distract him, and when he was on a job, he was unstoppable. He'd worked on Nines relentlessly for hours. Gavin may have slept, but he could still tell that many hours had passed since he'd put his head down. "He is an excellent engineer."

"I take it he did a good job then," Gavin murmured as he turned on his side, looking up at Nines curiously. Although Nines didn't know the exact details of what had happened, he understood a few things. There were minor imperfections that had been flagged in his systems for weeks. Those were now gone. His limbs had a new ease of movement. His tracker was active and strong, and he had a backup tracker ready to go. He'd also been fitted with a more advanced form of communications array that would work over longer distances and in harsher environments.

"Internally, I can confirm his work is excellent, however I have yet to test his external work." Nines' tone was almost suggestive as he bit his lip and lowered his eyelids a little. Gavin huffed out a small chuckle as he waited for him to continue. "Perhaps you could assist me...I believe I should first ensure that my body still feels the same." Gavin looked up as Nines got to his knees, unsure of his plan until he clambered over to lie behind him, spooning him. Gavin smiled lazily as he felt Nines shuffle down into the cushions, lying slightly higher so that he could look down at him.

"You're right. Even an expert's work needs to be thoroughly tested," Gavin agreed as he settled down and eased himself back, moulding their bodies together. Their legs slotted together, bent at the knees. Gavin's ass was nestled securely against Nines' pelvis. His smaller shoulders leaned into his chest. He was firm but giving beneath the light pressure. An arm snaked over his hip and looped around his waist, fingers teasing the bare skin along his waistline. "I'll need some time to fully assess the situation," he added as he settled, one arm curling beneath his head as he closed his eyes.

"Very well, Detective Reed. I shall await your report." Gavin kept his smirk as he settled down, enjoying the quiet blackness behind his eyes. They hadn't turned on the TV or put on music, so the room was hollow and hushed. All he could hear was the general hum of nothingness, the sound of his own breathing, and a few small brushes of fabric as Nines continued to stroke his skin.

He didn't sleep for long. He dropped off for maybe an hour. An hour in which he swore he could feel Nines' fingers exploring his abs and pelvis the whole time, and warmth seeped through each part of his body where they touched. An hour in which he could feel the constant steady rise and fall of Nines' chest against his back. It was somehow too uniform to be natural. Nines didn't stir at all, besides his searching fingers. He'd cut down all unnecessary movement so that he didn't accidentally wake him.

The shock of handling Nines' innards had retreated now, chased away by both the shower and the nap in his arms. That unwelcome oily feeling on his hands was long gone, as was the shock of blue on his skin. The touch on his stomach became firmer as Nines realised he was rousing. Gavin took in a slightly deeper breath, letting it out as a tired sigh as he leaned back to look over his shoulder. He wasn't surprised to find Nines' owlish blue eyes watching him. Nines didn't require sleep, and even if he did, he'd been sleeping for most of the day. But then, with all the changes maybe he feels more tired than usual...

"Did you rest well?" Nines asked sweetly, raising his arm to allow Gavin to turn over and face him. Their legs tangled, slipping between each other to save space. It felt nice. It felt even nicer as he leaned against Nines' chest. He could feel his plush pecs through his cotton top. He didn't have a problem with seeing Nines' sleek casing, but it wasn't as warm and comfortable as his synthetic skin layer.

"Mm...Eli gets a pass." Nines hummed his agreement as Gavin nuzzled his chest, fingers now exploring the exposed skin of his back. "Do you feel alright? I know you said it's sort of routine for you to have parts exchanged, but does it really not make you sore or tired?" He knew any human would need extensive physiotherapy after that sort of procedure. Obviously an android wouldn't need that, but surely Nines should feel a little groggy or something!

"Androids don't experience pain the way you do...I also have sufficient power reserves, so my systems are currently running within optimal parameters. I was apprehensive before, but now that the work is complete, I feel fine...better than fine." It was true. He'd never felt better. He couldn't confirm it, but he felt that he was now in better condition than the later produced RK900s. Their creator had improved his software and fully repaired his hardware to the highest standard.

"Good...I'm glad you're alright." Nines smiled as he felt Gavin snuffling against his chest, looking for a unique scent that would define him. Unfortunately, Nines knew well that he had no such scent. A human's scent came from their unique levels of sweat and skin oils. No two were the same. They were all subtly different. Nines' fragrance came from thirium, which was largely scentless. He would smell like a mixture of thirium and bathing products. A scent that could be shared by any number of androids. This was apparently of little concern to Gavin. He let out a contented sigh as he found whatever it was he'd been searching for against his chest. My thirium pump...Nines was quietly amazed as he watched Gavin's head tilt enough so that he could listen to the steady thumps. His green eyes flicked up as he noticed an increase in pace.

"We should go downstairs...Elijah will be waiting..." His silvery eyes certainly didn't reflect that. He watched as Gavin's body stiffened against his own, legs straightening as his back arched and his hands reached above his head. A long strained sound escaped his lips as he stretched. The sound seemed both annoyed and satisfied at the same time. Nines enjoyed the way he almost melted as his hand pressed firmly into the curved arch of his spine.

"Alright...I'm up..." Gavin insisted, still using his stretching voice as he continued leaning into Nines' touch. Nines slowly turned so that Gavin naturally ended up on his back, not that he noticed. He was too busy leaning and arching and stretching. Nines almost regretted suggesting they go downstairs, especially as Gavin opened his green eyes and looked up at him with lazy contentment. He felt relieved. Gavin's uncertainty had retreated for now. Nines had no doubt it was in there, waiting to rear its ugly head and ruin the closeness they'd developed. His human was a complicated being. "Don't look at me like that." Gavin almost pouted, green eyes darting away.

"Like what?" Nines asked quietly as he leaned down to nuzzle his cheek.

"Like..." Like I phcking mean something...His expression probably betrayed some of his thoughts. Nines seemed a little more uncertain, but no less infatuated. Before he could make any further objections, Nines swooped in and sealed his lips as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Rewind two months and this was the last thing Gavin would ever have expected. He'd barely made peace with Connor at that point, never mind contemplated that he'd end up sleeping with an android. Somehow, Nines being Connor's little brother made it even weirder to think about.

Nines gave him a final look, a warm expression filled with assurance. A response that said, but you do mean something to me. Nines moved first. He pressed a kiss to Gavin's temple before getting to his feet and running his fingers through his perfect glossy locks. They hadn't even fallen out of place. They'd naturally dried into their usual style. Gavin knew androids could change their hairstyle. He'd seen a few models with different colours and cuts, but Nines and Connor had never cared to. It may have had something to do with the limited number of their model. It was unlikely they'd ever cross paths with another RK android, so they'd never felt the need to change. He wouldn't want Nines to change.

Once Gavin had been to the bathroom and woken himself up a little more, they headed downstairs. Neither bothered with shoes, despite the cold marble flooring. Gavin's thick socks were enough of a barrier, and Nines didn't feel the cold. Gavin also discovered as he reached the ground floor that downstairs had underfloor heating. The stone was warm. Hot even. Damn, that shit's expensive...Right, eccentric billionaire. No surprise there.

"Ah, there you are. Feeling better?" Elijah asked with a somewhat forced edge of casualness. They'd just entered the living area, where Elijah was sitting alone at the bar. The Chloe androids had returned at some point, but were clearly elsewhere in the house. Elijah had changed into an expensive looking white linen shirt and dark grey slacks. He wore shiny black loafers that would probably click loudly on the tiled flooring and currently sat nursing a tumbler of amber liquid, likely whiskey, if he and Gavin shared the same taste in alcohol.

"Yeah, uh...Thanks." Elijah had been concerned, though he was skilled at hiding it. Gavin only knew because he had some tells. Especially the way his sharp eyes roved over him a little too keenly, examining every inch of his body. It made him feel awkward. He wasn't used to having people worry about him. A few months back, he doubted anyone besides Tina would have cared if he'd been killed in the line of duty. Okay, maybe Fowler would've been pissed...Who the phck would he dump all the overtime on? He marvelled at how things had changed. Connor would care now. Hank would notice. Nines would be sad. Even Elijah would feel some sort of loss.

"No, it was my fault...I'm not good at reading people, and I was being insensitive." Gavin knew he was being sincere because his expression was soft and open, perhaps even slightly worried. Looking back, that was probably true. It was pretty insensitive to put a beating heart in someone's hands, and the other stuff. Before the revolution, it would have grossed him out, but it probably wouldn't have caused a panic attack. He'd been scared because it was Nines' heart. Nines, who looked at him like he meant something. Nines, who always came to him for help and advice. Nines, whom he liked way more than he should, or would ever dare to admit.

"It's fine...You actually taught me a few things, so it was a good idea," Gavin replied as he hopped on one of the stools. He wasn't sure he'd ever forget Elijah's words about the power core. It had been so warm in his hands. Oily and covered in blue. It shone like a star. Even now, the little supernova was beaming brightly in Nines' chest cavity. It hummed, too. Quietly. Like hummingbird wings. He'd even felt the slight vibrations as he'd held it. Nines' most fragile part. His most vital part. One of the few things he couldn't live without.

"I could teach you more if you'd like," Elijah offered with an almost hopeful air. It was something else for them to bond over. Something else to encourage human interaction. Even Gavin Reed didn't think it was healthy to lock yourself away with only androids for company, despite the Chloe androids being deviant now.

"Sure, but maybe without opening up Nines this time." Gavin was joking, though it wouldn't have bothered Nines. The idea of Gavin touching his inner components didn't upset him a bit. In fact, it made him feel something quite different. It wasn't exactly desire, but it was similar. If Gavin had to touch any android, he'd like it to be him. It seemed somehow intimate, even though technicians did it all the time.

"We can look at his schematics if you'd like." Gavin gave a nervous laugh in response.

"You're not planning on making another one, are you?" He was surprised as he felt a firm chest press against his spine at the suggestion. Nines' hands rested on his lower back, fingers gently tugging his waistline in an almost insecure manner. Does he think I meant...He didn't want to risk looking with Elijah in the room. Elijah laughed at the idea as he sipped his whiskey.

"I wish! You know I can't build a pre-existing model now. It's against the law...though I could always improve upon the RK900 and make a new one, so long as it isn't deviant upon activation." The tug became a little more insistent at that. Elijah looked across at Gavin, eyebrows raising as he looked a little higher. "I'll...check on Chloe in the kitchen. Help yourself to a drink," he added as he waved at the bar and made a strategic exit. Gavin sighed in relief as he turned to finally look up at Nines' face. Blank. Blank with a yellow LED. Phck...

"Don't start thinking up dumb shit! I mean it!" Gavin grumbled as he reached up and prodded the yellow circle, frowning as it turned red. "What did I just say?" Nines' silvery eyes dropped like a scolded child. He also looked like he'd been wronged, as if he hadn't deserved it. Gavin ducked his head to get into his line of sight, his searching expression coaxing an explanation.

"Would you like a new RK model? Do you want to build a new android with your brother to...replace me?" His tone was level, with just a hint of insecurity seeping through. Gavin heaved a sigh before tapping his head with his knuckles. The knock was firm, but not enough to hurt. As an android, it wouldn't have hurt anyway. Blue eyes blinked up at him, wary of his answer, but somewhat comforted by the unimpressed scowl on his face.

"Nines, you better listen real phcking close because I am not saying this shit again! You are irreplaceable. Even if I had every other RK900 lined up offering themselves on a phcking platter, I wouldn't look twice, and I'm even less interested in making a whole new model! I don't like you because you're an RK900. You're Nines, and there's only one Nines, so get that phcking straight!" He prodded Nines' shoulder as he grumbled to get the point across. He watched the blinking LED as it flickered between blue and yellow, but still refused to settle. Nines seemed touched, but somehow unconvinced. Of course he is. He spent the first few weeks of his existence being treated like a phcking gun range target, and then got told he was garbage by his own brothers..."Phck, come here," Gavin sighed as he grabbed the front of Nines' T-shirt and pulled him down, sealing their lips. So what if they were in the middle of Elijah's living room? So what if he could return at any moment? Some conversations needed more than words.

"Thank you." The shine of his silvery eyes told Gavin just how deep that thanks went. It was to thank him for seeing him when no one else had and thinking he was worth saving when no one else did. For protecting him when he'd only been abused before and seeing him as an individual rather than one of a series. For knowing he was a machine but still seeing him as a person.

"We still have a few minutes...Here, I brought the schematics," Elijah announced as he returned with a large electronic tablet. Gavin brushed past Nines and circled behind the bar to grab a drink before they started. He picked a Russian branded vodka he didn't recognise and topped it up with a can of coke from the fridge, much to Elijah's distaste. He shrugged as he returned and leaned over the pad beside him.

It was a fucking maze! There were multiple outlines of Nines' body showing the wires, tubing and components within, but it was impossible for him to read. Even looking inside Nines' open chest cavity hadn't revealed how truly complex he was. Hell, even human bodies never seemed as complicated as this shit! He did his best to follow the maze of wires. Along with his amazement came a deep sense of foreboding. If something happened to Nines on the job, he wouldn't even know where to start with fixing it. Good thing I have an expert sitting right here.

"So, tell me about androids." Elijah was more than happy to oblige as he held his tumbler in one hand and pointed at the diagram with the other.