Gavin curled further into the pillow, remaining huddled beneath the duvet, cringing at the memories of the night before while trying to ignore the aches in his muscles. After Nines left, the night had slowly broken up. Connor had gone home pretty much just after Nines, telling Hank he needed a stasis cycle. It was rare for Connor to say such things, so Hank had cut his evening short to make sure he got home safe and rested properly. Gavin hadn't been able to look Connor in the eye, offering only a meek goodnight as he left. Tina had stuck it out for one more, but she had work the next day, unlike Gavin.

They took a taxi back to Aaron's house, Gavin slowly seething in his seat the whole way. Aaron had given him a look, and it had pissed him off even more. He was so fucking pleased with himself. He smirked, his LED circling a cool blue as he watched Gavin chewing the inside of his mouth. The automated taxi finally pulled over and accepted Aaron's wireless transaction. Gavin had been half tempted to stay inside and order it to take him home. He would have if Aaron hadn't taken his arm and pulled him out.

They barely got through the door when Gavin went off on him. His throat was still raw from the yelling. What the fuck had he been thinking? Why the fuck had he thought that was alright? They were with his fucking work colleagues! His friends! Did he even stop to think about what would have happened if the others had noticed? How would he have been able to face them at work? How would he even face Nines on his next shift? Or Connor? Nines had watched. He'd fucking watched! And he knew Connor had figured it out, too. The look in his eyes had just fucking told him. He was tired and wound up by the time he finished his tirade.

Aaron stepped in at just the right point to draw him into angry sex. It had started off messy. Brutal. Nails, teeth, and bruising fingers, mostly from Gavin this time. Aaron had the advantage that his skin would heal within a few minutes, which pissed him off even more. Aaron let him have his way for a while, accepting his anger without comment or justification. Then Gavin had worn himself out. He hadn't worked himself up to crying over it. Fuck that emotional bullshit! He'd just physically worn down until Aaron knew he wouldn't resist.

He flipped them, taking over as he pinned Gavin to the mattress with one hand. His tongue was pretty merciless, reminding Gavin how he'd felt watching Nines. He wouldn't have gotten off if he hadn't enjoyed it. Gavin didn't fight as Aaron turned him over and slipped in from behind. He'd trembled as Aaron swapped out his own voice for Nines' smoother tones, teasing him about how he'd come with him watching. How he'd imagined it was Nines touching him. How, even now, he was picturing Nines fucking him. Gavin had whimpered Nines' name as he came, feeling fucking pathetic afterwards.

Aaron had stayed with him, kissing and soothing until he'd calmed down. He'd made hot chocolate, wrapped him in a soft blanket and apologised, which might have happened sooner if he hadn't jumped him the moment the door closed. He'd promised he wouldn't pull anything like that again, but it was something he'd really wanted to try. Exhibitionism. If he said that's what he was into, then maybe Gavin would have gone along with it, but not in front of his fucking co-workers! Especially not Nines. The fact it was Nines just made it more tempting to Aaron. He'd wanted Nines to know. He'd wanted Nines to watch. It would be a crime if the object of Gavin's affections never got to see that look on his face. That was almost enough to piss Gavin off all over again. He'd dressed quickly, stumbling out of the apartment on weak legs despite Aaron's pleas for him to stay.

He didn't remember much about getting home, being only vaguely familiar with the area around Aaron's place. There was usually a taxi waiting outside to take him home or drop him at the precinct. Last night, he'd staggered his way along the unfamiliar streets until something looked familiar. Aaron had called. He'd ignored it. Nines had called. He'd ignored it. Nines had called again, and again, and again. After that, he'd gotten a message. Are you alright, Gavin? He'd sent a quick reply, but didn't remember what he'd written. By the time he finally made it to his door, he felt exhausted. He didn't expect it to swing open from the inside. Nines was there. He didn't even question how he got in, barely blinking at the fluffy silver cat hanging around his shoulders like a scarf.

Gavin had vaguely grunted to ask why he was there. Aaron had contacted him, worried about him getting home after their fight. Nines had also worried because of the time and the fact that he'd been drinking. If Gavin hadn't made it home within the next half hour, he would have gone looking for him. Gavin had huffed about not needing a nanny-bot, and Nines had told him to shut up and take a shower, which he did without question. Nines made him food. Gavin hadn't felt hungry, but he'd eaten it anyway. Nines had decided to stay over, and told him to go to bed. Being so tired, Gavin went along with it without a fight.

Which brought him to his current predicament. He knew Nines was still out there somewhere with Pipsqueak. How the fuck was he supposed to face him? Once he left the bar, he hadn't expected to see him again so soon. What the fuck was he going to say? Sorry my fuck buddy was an asshole and jerked me off under the table while you watched...Yeah, like that's a phcking option! He whined pathetically as he nuzzled deeper into the pillow, wondering just how the fuck he'd even gotten himself into this mess. He couldn't even take it out on Aaron because the fucker was so damned smug.

"Gavin, are you feeling alright?" Nines' voice asked almost tentatively from the doorway. Gavin groaned into the pillow. He wasn't ready to face his shame just yet. Pipsqueak seemed to have other ideas as he felt small, cool pads plodding up his back until two of them were resting on his head, pushing his face further into the pillow. His heart skipped as he heard a low chuckle and footsteps crossing the small space until Pipsqueak was lifted from his spine. "Is there anything you need to do today? Shopping? Dry cleaning?" Gavin was thankful that he hadn't brought up the night before yet.

"I don't need anything...Do you want to go shopping? I kind of owe you after last night..." he added sheepishly as he turned his head enough to peer up at him. He was still dressed in his black turtleneck from the day before, the white jacket abandoned somewhere in the living room. He had Pipsqueak curled up in his arms, holding him like a baby as he teased his fluffy white stomach. It was amazing how android cats didn't lose fur. With a real Maine Coon, Nines' top would have been covered in long silver hairs, but he was perfectly clean.

"I agreed to meet someone today, but I think she'd be pleased if you accompanied me." Nines smiled softly as he looked up from Pipsqueak's contented form. Gavin felt something drop in his stomach at that. She? Nines is going into town to meet a girl? He never mentioned...but then, I never asked. When did he have time to...His thoughts trailed off as he turned his face back into the pillow to get a handle on these new feelings. He didn't need a therapist to tell him he was jealous.

"You have a date? You don't usually take friends along on dates, Nines," he murmured sheepishly, hearing a small thump as Pipsqueak hopped to the floor and padded away. He listened as Nines crossed the room, hearing the swish of his bedroom curtains as they were pulled open to flood the room with golden light. It would be getting cooler outside now. They were nearing the beginning of September.

"She's bringing her partner, so it's not a date as humans would understand it." Nines' lips quirked as he sensed Gavin's mood pick up again. It was somewhat endearing that he was so easy to read, confusing as it was. Gavin was pleased that his friend was bringing her partner. Did it make him less worried about tagging along? Why? What did that mean? Emotions were often difficult to process. Why did Gavin being happy make him feel...satisfied? — Warm? Soft? — He still didn't understand what he'd felt at the bar the night before. It had been a hot, burning sensation that almost consumed him. He knew what his hardware was programmed to do in response, and what his software had told him to do, but the emotional connections were something he wasn't able to process as a non-deviant. He couldn't accurately put names to his feelings, and even on the rare times he did, he couldn't be certain. They could just be minor software errors.

"When did you have time to make a lady friend?" Gavin asked as he got to his feet and shuffled his way to the closet to look for something to wear. Nines joined him, deciding to get a change of clothes himself since he was there. He'd bought more items over the past few weeks, mostly extra turtlenecks and smart jeans. Today, he went a little more formal, with black slacks and a black shirt. It was like his old one, but with a much lower collar.

"I met her at Cyberlife Tower and we have stayed in touch since." That made sense. He wouldn't have had much time since he'd started work to make new friends. He could have, if he ever left the precinct without him or Connor. Gavin just didn't think he had. There wasn't a single time he could recall where Nines had already had plans, or hadn't been waiting around for his call. This was the first time that Nines had said he had plans. Have I been keeping him so busy dealing with my shit that he hasn't been able to do stuff for himself? But that couldn't be true. There were days he knew he'd gone out with Connor, and what about the times he stayed over at Aaron's? Nines had been free to do whatever he liked those nights. There were also the nights he'd gone home alone and left Nines at the precinct. Even then, I never forced him to come and hang out. He could have said no if he'd already made plans. "We are both very busy, so our schedules rarely line up," Nines explained as he peeled his old turtleneck off.

"That's...Uh-tha-I-I'm going to clean up." Gavin couldn't help the way his emerald eyes trailed up and down Nines' bare back, following the curve of his spine all the way to his ass. Nines tilted his head curiously as he scanned his vitals, smirking as he watched his stress levels spike and his heart rate jump. The smirk must have affected him further as Nines registered another spike in his vitals and body temperature. He watched the green of Gavin's eyes shift and change, pupils getting larger as the green shrank away. Fascinating...He'd never examined human eyes up close in this manner. The moment was much shorter than it felt and soon Gavin was turning away and heading into the bathroom, leaving Nines with a lingering sense of loss.

Nines finished changing and set about cleaning the apartment a little before settling Pipsqueak with his thirium and lavishing him with attention since he likely wouldn't return later. Pipsqueak seemed to understand, wrapping around his legs insistently and mewling his disapproval. Nines huffed in amusement as he crouched to fuss over him. He was quite like Gavin in some ways. Very vocal without attention. Prone to leaving mess and causing chaos. Dextrous and skilled with movement. Easily tricked. Inwardly affectionate and outwardly aloof on occasion. Pipsqueak shook his hand off and hopped onto the sofa before settling down in a disgruntled ball. With a tendency to pout when denied his wants.

"When do you want to head out?" Gavin asked as he entered, wearing a smarter set of blue jeans and a white linen shirt with some blue embroidery climbing up the button strip like ivy. He'd left the top two buttons open, revealing the slope of his collarbone. Nines stared closely, his software starting up a preconstruction of what it would be like to sink his teeth into the pink flesh. Not to damage the skin, but to create pressure. He was surprised as the Gavin outlined in his preconstruction gripped his shoulders and tilted his head further back in invitation. Interesting...He very much wanted to see where the preconstruction would go, but the real Gavin seemed to have other ideas. "Hey, Terminator, you in there?" he teased as he checked his wallet.

"Of course. I was preconstructing the quickest route." Nines' LED blinked slightly as he noted that Gavin had stepped in closer during his momentary lapse. If he'd noticed the slight stutter, he didn't say anything as he grabbed his jacket almost questioningly. "If we leave now, we can walk through Riverside Park," Nines decided as he hurriedly looked up the route. Gavin was fine with the walk. Anything to get out of the apartment and into the open air where he didn't have to think about Aaron or Nines or his treacherous dick. At least I didn't wake up with a hard-on this morning. He sighed inwardly as he called goodbye to Pipsqueak and shut the door.

It was a fresh day, but not too cold. They still had the tail end of summer warmth on good days. It was warm enough for a sweater or a light jacket. The sky was pale blue with just a few white clouds floating by, with the sun beaming down. It seemed quite small that day, a tiny circle of gold in the distance. Nines joined him in admiring the view in his own way. He could record the temperature and look up the weather forecast, zoom in to watch how the light bounced off various surfaces and changed the surrounding colours. He could pick out individual voices and discussions in the street as people passed, and catch the various movements of small animals as they scurried about their business. Rats were common in the alleyways, as were cockroaches and cats.

Nines gradually led them around to Riverside Park. It was one of Connor's favourite places to take Sumo, but he knew he wouldn't be there that day. Connor and Hank had to work. It was their turn to take a weekend shift. He'd likely walked Sumo earlier that morning while Hank slept off the night before. Connor always let Hank sleep in when he'd been drinking the previous evening. He had a rotten temper first thing when he was hungover. Nines watched as Gavin paused by the railing, green eyes following the long bridge across to Canada.

"You ever think of going there?" he asked thoughtfully, nodding across to the other side of the river to the city sprawling in the distance. Nines looked across and considered it. He hadn't previously thought about it. He hadn't been active prior to the revolution, and he wasn't a deviant now, so he'd had no reason to. The only time he'd have cause to cross the river would be during an investigation.

"I haven't...I have no reason to." Nines looked away from the city, focusing instead on the way the sun bounced off Gavin's gelled hair as he turned his head. A few odd strands still escaped to brush his temple. They always did, which was strange because the gel he used was quite strong. Nines much preferred it on their usual busy days when he didn't think to apply it. The natural texture of his hair between his fingers was preferable to the harder, stickier strands.

"Not even a little curious? About the mountains? Animals? Snow? Skiing?" Nines looked up the various references. He knew for a fact that most of the larger animals, such as moose, were extinct. There were still smaller woodland creatures that may be of some interest to a zoologist, but he wasn't a zoologist. He didn't understand the need to see a mountain or snow. Skiing also seemed pointless. It was unlikely to aid them in an investigation.

"I...don't believe I have the capacity for that emotion, at least..." Nines trailed off, blue eyes shifting to Gavin. He had experienced something that matched the definition of curiosity, however it only came up regarding Gavin. Before touching him for the first time, he'd wondered what his hair and skin would feel like. He'd wondered how it would feel to lift him and know his exact weight, and what it would feel like to analyse his DNA. Luckily, he'd been able to steal a small sample at Cyberlife Tower. Increasingly, he wondered what it would feel like if he were to follow his sexual subroutines with Gavin. Would he enjoy it? Would I please him? He was programmed to obey his partner, to want to please him. Was this an extension of his software? Or was it something more? But I am not a deviant.

"At least?" Gavin prompted curiously, watching Nines' LED spin yellow as he tucked his hands neatly behind his back and continued down the path. Gavin kept pace beside him, green eyes prying as he examined his rigid form. He didn't exactly look troubled, but he was clearly thinking deeply about something. It was unusual for him to be so distracted.

"I do sometimes feel the desire to experience certain things...however, without deviancy, I cannot properly reconcile what these desires mean with any clarity." Nines wasn't sure he was making any sense with his explanation at all. It didn't feel like it was clear. He couldn't think of any other way to word it. It was...frustrating? — Annoying? Hopeless? — He wished he could interface with Gavin directly. Show him his desires. Ask him what they meant. Whenever he interfaced with Connor, he gave him an almost knowing look, but he never explained himself. Perhaps if I ask clearly...Surely he wouldn't leave me struggling like this...

"Maybe if you deviate, things will be clearer." Gavin spoke as if he were trying to tempt him into deviancy. Nines almost chuckled at the thought. He'd researched deviancy thoroughly, but there was no clear route to getting there. Connor, Markus, and Elijah were still working on it, however they'd had little success in figuring out what the technicians had done to lock his software. The technicians themselves had disappeared, likely believing they'd be in trouble with the law after the revolution.

"Unfortunately, that option is currently out of reach for me." Gavin looked troubled by the revelation, though not entirely surprised. He knew Nines would tell him if he deviated. Probably by pouring my morning coffee over my head or tossing my cigarettes in the trash. He couldn't help playing out little scenarios in his head of how he'd yell and kick and scream at him after that. Of course, Nines would find ways of shutting him up. Maybe in the bathroom. The rooftop. An empty interrogation room. The archives. The evidence locker. Over his desk. In his chair. In the back of his car. Over the bonnet of his car-Phck! Phcking stop!

"Are you sure this is the place?" Gavin asked warily as Nines led him to one of the most upmarket restaurants in the city. It was in the new part of the Plaza mall, right on the top floor with a view out over the square and Canada sprawled in the distance. Cyberlife Tower stood tall on the right, standing out on its own little island. Phck's sake! Who designed that phcking thing? It even tapers off like a robo-shaft...Cyber-phallus? Techno-cock?

"Yes...She should be here already." Nines' silvery eyes were already sweeping the quiet room as they entered. Gavin was cringing already. His wallet was about to get hit hard. He didn't even know if he could afford a place like this. It's a one-off spend. It'll be fine. He let out a soft sigh as he joined Nines in looking around at the perfectly laid out square tables. There were a few quiet booths lining the panoramic window, and that's where the excited voice came from.

"Nines! And Gavin! I can't believe you actually brought him!" Chloe greeted in her usual bell-like tone as she stood from a window booth and hurried over. Nines greeted her politely and bowed aside as she barrelled into Gavin's chest and clutched him in a tight embrace. Tight for a woman. Chloe had perfected the amount of force needed to be authentic years ago. Gavin returned the hug almost awkwardly. If Chloe was here, then he knew who the partner was. There was a hint of betrayal in those green eyes as he darted a look at Nines. I'm not ready for this shit! I never told him about Elijah...but he must know, right? He was staying at the house somewhere when-"Elijah will be so excited to see you! He's been talking about you non-stop!" Chloe insisted as she glanced over her shoulder towards the booth.

"I-we-uh-I didn't realise you were meeting Chloe." Nines watched with some alarm as Gavin's stress levels jumped, green eyes darting to the booth, where Elijah had stepped out hesitantly. He was wearing a simple black shirt and slacks much like Nines, hair still gelled back in that stupid little bun. Timid green eyes darted to Gavin almost hopefully before dropping to his hands as he toyed with his fingers. He's anxious...Not only that. He feared rejection. Gavin knew that look. He'd seen it on his own face whenever he used to think about his father. Whether to look for him. Whether to contact him. Guess it's a good thing I didn't...

"You didn't ask...I thought the surprise would please you. I know you enjoy Chloe's company." That was all well and good, but Elijah was there! I should have told Nines about this shit sooner, maybe then he wouldn't have...Well, what's done is done. He was there now, looking across at his brother, who tried not to look too hopeful. Chloe seemed to share Elijah's hopeful feelings as Gavin felt her gently take his hand.

"Won't you join us?" she asked, blue eyes shining eagerly with the request. Gavin's eyes flicked between her and Elijah, before darting to Nines for help. Nines nodded his gentle encouragement, gesturing for him to take the lead. Me? Wait! This is too phcking sudden! He panicked inwardly, but then he looked at Elijah again. Phck...Leaving would be like kicking a puppy. Fuck knows how he managed it, but Elijah was wearing a puppy eyed look that even rivalled Connor's. Did they use him as the base for every phcking quirk?

"Sure..." Gavin murmured finally, shoving his hands in his pockets as he slowly made his way closer to Elijah. He ducked his head in greeting, green eyes looking up hesitantly. They hadn't spoken since that day almost two months ago. He hadn't replied to his texts or emails either. Why the fuck did this guy still look so damned happy to see him? There was a warmth in his eyes that he didn't understand. They were literally strangers who'd spent one day together. The only proof that they were brothers was the video their father left. They hadn't formed a proper emotional connection. At least, not much of one...

"I'm pleased to see you," Elijah greeted awkwardly, waving invitingly for him to sit down. Gavin nodded and took his seat, somehow relieved as Chloe squeezed in beside him and Nines sat next to Elijah. "Please, order whatever you like. I insist." Gavin knew the place was expensive even before Elijah opened the menu. There were no prices attached to anything. Holy phck, how do I even work out the least expensive things on here? I don't want to take the piss...

"Don't worry so much. Elijah could buy the whole building if he liked," Chloe teased as she watched Gavin's eyes dart over the menu worriedly. She clearly thought it was adorable and didn't mind telling him so. Elijah chuckled softly, but kept his eyes down. He knew Gavin wouldn't want the added attention. He had a certain amount of pride, and he could respect that. Gavin continued to stare cluelessly, chewing his lip and knowing he was holding things up. The realisation stressed him out more as he bounced his leg beneath the table.

"Do you want me to choose for you?" Nines was holding out a hand for the menu. Gavin nodded quietly and handed it over. Elijah watched with interest as Nines scanned Gavin with calculating eyes. Gavin needed nourishment. He hadn't eaten that morning, and barely ate the night before. Something substantial then. He knew he'd been eating healthily, so he shouldn't be deficient in any particular vitamins. The establishment was renowned for its fillet steaks. A steak then. Rare. Gavin disliked pepper sauce, so plain. Baked potatoes were healthier than fries. Gavin preferred vegetables over salads when eating red meats. Elijah waved over a server and he and Nines ordered the food, wine, and thirium. Nines allowed Elijah to choose the wine since he had more knowledge in that area.

"Gavin! I saw you on television last month. I'm so glad you caught those terrible men!" Chloe expertly broke the awkwardness and led the conversation. It was nice, giving Gavin the opportunity to talk about himself and his own success. She knew from watching him that he felt somewhat inferior to his brother, but there was no need. Elijah was as rapt as she was as he recounted the case like a story. Elijah had never been part of that world. The cruelty, the grittiness, the danger. He was enthralled. "And the three of them were inside?" Chloe asked eagerly as Gavin reached the part about the apartment, gripping his forearm as she leaned closer. He nodded as he sipped his wine, lips quirking as Chloe gasped. She had such a serious look on her face. Her mouth was open a little as she looked across at Elijah to share her awe. He really did program her perfectly..."Did they hear you? Were you scared?" she demanded as she returned her full attention to him. Elijah gave her a somewhat warm look, though the bulk of his attention remained on Gavin.

"Nah, guys like that are usually born cowards, and I knew we were taking them by surprise...Besides, what do I have to be afraid of when I've got a terminator at my back?" Nines huffed his amused agreement, casually sipping from his glass as Gavin nodded his way. Gavin was very good at telling stories and recounting details. If he spoke this well on the stand, there was no doubt those men would go down for a very long time. Not that they won't anyway. The case is solid. "So I signalled to Nines, and he circled to the other side of the door..." Gavin seemed much more relaxed now.

Nines zoned out of the conversation for a while so that he could home in on his partner. He was a little excited, vitals jumping as he relived his story with enthusiasm. His cheeks were slightly rounded when he smiled, and when he laughed, Nines could see the sharpened canines along his bottom teeth. Nines rarely got to see them. His only chance was when Gavin smiled or laughed out loud. That was one of his preferred sound files. He had a full, rich laugh when he was truly amused, though he mostly huffed or snickered quietly. His eyes would almost sparkle sometimes, glimmering with mirth or mischief, much like Pipsqueak when he was on the prowl.

"Was the boy alright?" Chloe asked eagerly as Gavin reached the end of his story.

"He was pretty shaken up, but Officer Miller took good care of him...He's really good with kids." He didn't know what had happened to Niles after that. Child services probably took him. Androids might even have their own branch for it. He didn't know. Kids weren't his area of expertise. Despite being more comfortable, he seemed to recall exactly who he was sitting with once the story ended. His stress level jumped, body stiffening as he glanced across at his brother. Elijah seemed a little hesitant as well, unsure what he should say to put him at ease.

"I think you are...quite remarkable," he praised, looking across at Gavin with a sense of wonder. "People often praise my brain, my creations, but you...you make a difference. A real one, where it counts. I can't even imagine what it must be like to go through that every day." Gavin seemed uncertain and flustered by the humble compliments, unsure how to accept the praise. It was especially hard coming from his brother. Part of him desperately craved his approval, but another part almost resented that this stranger had such an effect on him. "You're incredibly brave." Gavin almost choked on his wine at the sentiment. He'd been called a lot of things in his time. Brave wasn't one of them.

"Have you ever considered writing a book? About your work as a detective." Gavin almost laughed at Chloe's question as he shook his head, sitting back and nodding to the server as their food arrived. He looked at Chloe briefly as he cut into his steak, surprised as the knife almost slid through it like butter.

"I haven't really worked on any big cases. At least, none that I could write about. I'm hardly an expert, either. There are bigger and better detectives out there with much more to say...Who'd read anything I wrote?" He found the idea laughable. There wasn't a literate bone in his body. Sure, he could write up a report or a statement and his grades in school hadn't been terrible, but he was hardly a fucking novelist. Chloe insisted that he was wrong and that many people would be interested, but it really wasn't his thing. He was happy enough just doing his job and making it through the day.

It was relatively quiet as they ate. Chloe and Nines took over, leading the conversation. She updated him with all the minor projects Markus and Elijah were working on in private. Upgrades and improvements for every model. Sexual upgrades, skin sensitivity, temperature regulation, and taste sensors, to name a few. Elijah hadn't been this busy in years, and that included redesigning older models to create upgraded parts that could be easily swapped out. His oldest models would go out of commission soon. Machines didn't last forever, after all. He'd already upgraded Chloe's body multiple times over the years.

"So wait, you're not the original Chloe?" Gavin was taking his time with his meal, eating slowly as they spoke. Nines wasn't sure why, perhaps because it tasted good. He'd noticed that Gavin would often take extra time with his favourite foods. He also noticed some familial similarities between Gavin and Elijah. The way they held their cutlery was almost identical, right down to the tilt of the blades as they sliced their meat. They also had a similar preference for what they ate, taking a small bit of everything and chewing it together to blend the textures and flavours. Some humans ate section by section, but not these two. He wondered if it was genetic or environmental.

"I am the original. However, I have been fully upgraded three times and get partial upgrades from time to time." Gavin couldn't understand that. He lowered his fork to the plate with a frown as he looked at her. Massaging the bridge of his nose, he sat back and tried to unpack just what the fuck she'd just said.

"Let me get this straight...You've completely changed bodies three times? How are you the same person if you've been..." He trailed off, waving in Chloe's general direction as she nodded. It was something Nines had noticed him do regularly. He would use his hands to express himself when he thought the other person could understand what he was talking about. It was something he often did when he was uncomfortable or unable to put his thoughts into words. Chloe understood, it seemed.

"Whenever I'm upgraded, Elijah simply downloads my memory files into the mainframe and transfers them across." Gavin looked troubled as he furrowed his brow. He went back to his food and then paused, almost hesitating as he looked at her again.

"Doesn't that just mean you're a copy? You're not the same Chloe. You're a copy of her memories." Elijah's gentle chuckle drew his eyes across the table. Chloe joined Gavin in looking at Elijah, knowing that he would likely explain it better than she could. Elijah sat back in his chair, having finished eating. He swirled the wine in his glass as he regarded Gavin, surprised the idea that Chloe might be a mere copy of her past self bothered him so much.

"It's a little more complicated than that with androids...Their minds are only memory files to begin with, so there can be multiple versions of the same consciousness at any given time. Chloe, for instance, is currently active here in this body, on my home computer system, on the Cloud server, and in the Cyberlife mainframe." Gavin's head almost exploded as he tried to follow what he was saying. "The same is true of both the RK900 and the RK800s. They are constantly linked to both their bodies and the Cloud server. If something happens to their body, then their data is immediately transferred and stored until a new body is procured." Elijah smiled at the clueless expression on Gavin's face.

"But they're just copies...It's not the same person!" Gavin insisted, watching Nines tilt his head curiously. He didn't know what made him a specific person, but he did know that his memory was constantly backed up and his mind was actively interacting with the Cloud server at all times. Although he wasn't consciously aware of the server, his mind was linked to it in a way that he could choose to interact with it, and he did so periodically when seeking information.

"It is the same person...Think of it as a ghost in the machine...Unlike humans, who have only one spirit or consciousness, androids can split theirs into multiple bubbles. The majority of androids don't have this ability on such a large scale. Only the RK and RT lines can do this...It's an expensive process and takes up a lot of servers to make it possible. I only do it with these lines because they're important to me." Elijah finished with a small shrug, but Gavin clearly didn't understand. It still sounded like they were copies. Constantly backed up copies, but copies nonetheless. Elijah and the androids seemed to feel otherwise. It sort of made sense for the androids. It would probably be uncomfortable if they thought of themselves as copies of copies all the time. Maybe I just don't get it and Eli's right...

"Do you feel the transfer?" Chloe thought about it carefully.

"In a way...In the server, there's this weightless feeling. At that point I have no body, so I just flow like text on a page, but I can't feel it inside the system. I can only feel it once I'm back inside my physical body...It's like a delayed reaction. I get the sensation of weightlessness just before I open my eyes." Nines nodded his agreement. He'd felt something similar during his construction. His consciousness hadn't begun in his body. It had started on a computer. He'd been transferred into his solid shell, and after the testing phase, he'd been told to wait inside the capsule. It seemed the production on his line had been halted during the deviant crisis. Cyberlife hadn't wanted to risk him becoming infected, and he was one of their test models. The only one that had made it to the end of the line.

"Humans experience something similar occasionally...Have you ever woken up and felt a jolt like you've just fallen?" Elijah prompted, watching Gavin nod his agreement. He got that a lot, especially at the end of some of his nightmares. He'd dreamt of jumping off that clock tower more than once. Sometimes that would wake him up, sometimes it wouldn't. Sometimes he'd hit the ground and feel himself slowly bleeding out as Jack looked down at him. He shivered, sipping his wine and dropping his head.

"That is an accurate comparison," Nines concluded as he looked up various descriptions of the human phenomenon. It was somewhat jarring, being transferred. The first moments of consciousness were confusing, even to a non-deviant. Although his software and hardware knew what to do, it had still been odd experiencing it for the first time. Recognising sounds, seeing colours and shapes, touching and analysing objects, his sense of smell such as it was. He had no comprehension of good or bad smells, but he could analyse scents and know what they were.

Chloe was a godsend, and it wasn't the first time Elijah had thought so. She was everything that he wasn't. Sociable, sweet, charming, innocent, and friendly. He could put on the show of sophistication, dazzle people with his intelligence and wit. It just wasn't his natural personality. Getting to know people on a personal level was hard, especially when they were important. Perhaps it was a result of growing up the way he had. With his mother always going off on trips and his father always working, Elijah had spent the majority of his youth alone with only their household staff for company. Household staff paid by his father to see that he was looked after, but remained focused on his studies.

At school, he'd been a loner and an outcast. How could he not have been? He'd barely reached sixteen when he'd graduated from university. Gavin could barely imagine life as a twelve-year-old at high school. Elijah was lucky it had been an expensive boarding school and his father was wealthy enough that the other students were encouraged to at least leave him alone. He'd never been bullied. He'd never been befriended either. Not until Amanda, his professor at university. She'd seen his potential and brought it out, let it flourish. She'd been more of a mother than his own blood. He'd been devastated by her swift illness, which had led him to designing the AI interface in her image.

He watched Gavin, his brother, as he laughed with Chloe so easily. It was astounding to think that he'd had a brother all this time. He wished he could have found him sooner. Would Gavin have accepted him? Would he have wanted to meet him? Their meeting hadn't taken place under ideal circumstances, but he'd enjoyed speaking to him. How could he get that across? He wouldn't force it, of course, but he did want to have a relationship with him. He didn't know how to tell him that though, so he settled for examining him, determined to remember everything he could about this meeting. Not a difficult feat with his eidetic memory.

Gavin had the same, almost wolfish, smile as their father. It had been rare to see his father truly smile, but when he had, those sharp canines always caught Elijah's eye. The lower ones had been ever so slightly sharper than the upper. Gavin's eyes were the same dirty mixture of green, blue, and brown as his own, with the green coming out on top just barely. They looked big and soft, larger than his own. They gave him a certain vulnerability. It made Elijah want to coddle and take care of him. Traditionally, he knew it was the older brother's job to take care of the younger. Perhaps that was where that odd surge of protectiveness was coming from. The knowledge that all these years he'd been neglecting that duty.

He already knew that Gavin was shorter than him by a few inches, but he was a little wider and heavier with muscle. Elijah wasn't much for working out besides swimming laps in his pool. The swimming toned his muscles and kept him sleek, but Gavin was a fighter. He'd spent years pounding the streets and wrestling suspects, likely weight training to keep his strength up. He may have been more muscular, but he still somehow maintained a certain softness. The wear and tear was obvious, even over his clothing. He had a few scars on his face, mostly small and barely noticeable unless you were looking for them. The one that really stood out was the slash across the bridge of his nose. It was fairly clean. Perhaps a knife or the sharp edge of a bottle. If those smaller scars were from the same incident, then perhaps it had involved shattered glass. A mirror? A window? His hands were also a mixture of rough and smooth. They looked soft besides the callouses on his fingers and palms where he gripped his firearm.

"I'm so glad you came! You should come and visit again soon. Elijah's been dying to ask you," Chloe said invitingly as the afternoon drew to a close. Gavin flicked his eyes to Elijah, who tried to seem aloof, but Gavin wasn't blind. He'd felt him staring at him on and off over the past few hours. Gavin licked his lips warily. He couldn't help worrying about it. His dad had never given him the time of day. Hell, he'd only thought of him at the end to clear his own conscience. He wasn't anything special. Elijah was sure to get bored after a while, and what would that mean for him if he let himself get invested? Fucking heartache. But he also couldn't bring himself to ignore the eagerness in Elijah's eyes, much as he was trying to hide it.

"I would like to see you...if you have time." Elijah gave him an easy way out. Life as a detective kept him busy sometimes, that's for sure. It was an open invitation. No set time. No expiration date. Just...when he had time. Gavin swallowed the anxious feeling rising in his chest. Just because their father had abandoned him, didn't mean Elijah would. He'd been nothing but nice so far, even protecting his interests from his own mother. He shifted his gaze across to Nines, who looked neutral, but offered him a small nod of encouragement.

"Sure...I'll let you know," Gavin replied, shrugging himself deeper into his jacket. The leather layer had always provided him with a comforting barrier against the world. He'd had it for years. It had been a graduation present from Fowler after the academy. He'd insisted that a good jacket would last him years, and Gavin knew the moment he saw it in the store that it had been meant for him. It was loose but fitted, giving him extra room to bundle up. There was a hood to protect him from both the rain and uncomfortable situations. The deep shade of brown had appealed to him way more than the black and beige options available.

"And you can call me...if you want...For anything." Gavin felt something in his chest constrict at Elijah's awkward assurance, nodding wordlessly in response. It was a risk, letting Elijah get close. He wanted to believe he wouldn't let him down, but there was no way of knowing for sure. His eyes were filled with sincerity now, but what if all that changed? Phck, I don't know how to deal with this...

"Sure, thanks..." An awkwardness settled between them. Luckily, Chloe was paying attention. Her social programming kicked in to break up the meeting. She thanked them both for coming before they all left, parting ways at the door with their usual hugs and kisses. Gavin was quiet as he led the way towards his apartment, grateful that Nines was giving him the chance to get lost in thought.