"Your stress levels are rising," Nines murmured as they approached the little café in the Plaza. Since meeting there with Chloe a few months back, it had become one of their favourite meeting spots. It was cosy and comfortable. Gavin shrugged evasively, knowing he couldn't exactly deny it since Nines was scanning him. He couldn't help how he felt. He had no idea how to deal with this shit! Colin had died in his arms. His thirium had stained his hands as he'd tried helplessly to revive him over and over. Whoever turned up with Connor, it wouldn't be Colin. It would look like Colin, sound like Colin, and act like Colin, but Colin was gone. The thing he hated most was that Nines and Connor didn't see it that way. He almost felt like an asshole for believing it himself.

"You can't blame me, Nines! I watched the guy die!" Gavin rolled his eyes with a sigh as he watched Nines hold back from correcting him. He could claim it was different for androids all he liked, but the fact was that Colin had died. He'd ceased all bodily functions. His power core had gone dark. His thirium pump had stilled. The thirium in his veins had probably gone cold by the time his body was delivered to Elijah for repairs. That was about as dead as it got, for humans at least.

"Ah, it seems we have an extra guest," Nines observed happily as they approached the door to find Chloe waiting outside. She was quite distinctive, with her blonde side tail and royal blue dress. She was at least wearing a matching scarf over her shoulders in order to blend a little. It was still winter, so the humans on the street were especially bundled up. Some androids didn't even bother to blend in. They didn't feel the cold, so why shouldn't they wear short-shorts and miniskirts? Chloe smiled and waved as usual as she caught sight of them, once again carrying a large white paper bag on her arm.

"Gavin! Nines!" she greeted cheerfully, giving them her usual greeting of a hug and a kiss on each cheek. She barely wasted a moment before linking arms with Gavin and throwing the glass-panelled door open. "You must be freezing! The temperature seems to be dropping more than last month!" Chloe almost dragged him across the wooden floor to a large round table with cosy chairs. It was further away from the window this time. The chairs were plush and comfortable, like budget armchairs. Gavin found himself promptly tossed on the chair that faced into the café while Chloe took a seat next to him. The table was only meant for four, so Nines scooted a fifth chair across from another table.

"It's always coldest in February," Gavin grumbled in agreement as he pulled off his sweater. It wasn't really enough in the icy weather, but his jacket had been soaked in thirium the last time he'd seen it. Chloe slipped her scarf off and let it flutter to the seat behind her as she searched her tan handbag for her purse. She chuckled softly at Gavin's disgruntled expression, both from the cold and from being manhandled. She knew she and Nines were two of the only people who could get away with such treatment.

"That's largely a myth. The temperature fluctuates constantly, and January is often the coldest month. You just feel that way because February brings more snow." Gavin didn't argue because there would be no point. Chloe could probably look up the average temperature of each month for the past decade in ten seconds flat to prove him wrong. Why argue with a super-computer? "I have your jacket, and you'll be pleased to know it's thirium free." She opened the white bag and pulled out the worn brown leather. Gavin took it and hugged it against his chest, examining it closely. His fingers teased the material as Chloe smiled.

"You should start charging for your services. You'd make a fortune from Gavin alone," Nines joked with a smirk, enjoying the soft swirl in his chest as he watched Gavin examining the leather with eager eyes. Gavin scoffed at the suggestion, but he didn't argue. A regular dry cleaner would probably never get the stains out. He had no idea what Chloe did, but every time she fixed up any of their clothes, they always came back pristine. If it weren't for the faded patch lines where his jacket had been put back together last time, he might suspect she bought new items every time.

"Like you're one to talk, Mr White-Cotton-Jacket! At least leather is easy to wipe clean!" Nines couldn't argue with that. Chloe had cleaned his white jacket more than any other garment between them. He now understood why Gavin had insisted he buy a black one as well all those months ago, but he still gravitated towards the white. Unfortunately, that made it an almost constant casualty. He pulled out his wallet and scanned the board, looking over all the specials available. "Can I have caffeine? I feel like a full one today," Gavin asked hopefully as he slipped his jacket over the back of his chair and looked up at him.

"That would be acceptable...Would you like me to select from the specials?" Nines asked, still standing since he was the one going to order. Gavin agreed with a thankful nod before Nines turned his attention to Chloe, waving away her money as he raised his own wallet. She requested one of the thirium drinks and a cake. Any cake. She had yet to meet a cake she didn't like. Nines' lips quirked in amusement, sharp blue eyes scanning Gavin's vitals. His interest had piqued at the mention of food and he was due a snack of sorts. Nines left the pair chatting at the table, talking about the upcoming plans for teenage androids. He was soon joined at the counter by Connor and Colin, who surprised him somewhat with their casual dress. "I was beginning to think I'd have to crowbar you out of your jacket," Nines teased as Connor took the place beside him.

"I thought it might be best to change considering..." Connor replied significantly as he nodded towards Gavin at the table. He was currently laughing warmly at something Chloe had said, unaware of their arrival. Nines couldn't fault his reasoning. It would have been a poignant reminder of the previous incident for him, and likely Colin, as well. Colin, however, seemed remarkably unconcerned as he hovered next to Connor with his hands held loosely behind his back. It seemed he was hesitant to leave his side, either from fear or the possibility of upsetting Gavin with his arrival.

It was the first time Nines had seen Colin dressed down. He was wearing a set of expensive light blue jeans with cuts all the way down the long legs, which flared a little over his expensive shoes, along with a black-and-white striped top with a rounded neckline. Over the top, he wore a simple denim jacket, the same shade as his pants. Nines approved of this trendy style. It made him look soft and approachable, perhaps even more so than Connor, who was a little more dressed up. Connor had worn a caramel suit made of a light cord material, with a black top and his usual dress shoes. The pale brown seemed to make his eyes more vibrant somehow, enhancing the amber flecks.

Once they'd collected their orders, Nines led the way to the table and handed off the drinks he was carrying while balancing the tray in one hand. He'd carefully selected a thick caramel mocha for Gavin, making it a large as a reward for his earlier good behaviour. He and Chloe both had mint thirium lattes, though he'd added whipped cream and sprinkles to Chloe's. Gavin and Chloe also had slices of carrot cake, and Chloe was quite delighted by the small sugar carrot crafted on top. Nines, not being too fond of sweets, had settled on a gingerbread cookie.

Colin hovered anxiously at first, hazel eyes darting to Gavin nervously as he wondered where to sit. Connor took the lead, putting their cups of hazelnut thirium cocoa on the table along with two slices of chocolate cake before indicating the seat next to Chloe. Gavin and Chloe had both gone quiet with the twins' arrival, though Chloe was quick to greet them both as they sat down. Believing Colin would feel more comfortable with Connor at his side, Nines had volunteered to return the plastic trays. When he came back, Gavin seemed just as nervous. His green eyes had dropped to his plate rather than looking at anyone else in their circle.

"I'm relieved Elijah could repair you so competently," Nines said as he sat down, noting Colin's grateful smile as he hid behind his cup. He seemed to wonder where to start with the mountain of thick cream and marshmallows. Connor had opted for the direct approach. His lips were coated with thick cream as he drew back and sheepishly reached for a napkin. Chloe had used a spoon to eat the candied cream like a dessert. She only sipped the latte once she'd made a neat space for her lips to rest. "How do you feel?" Nines prompted after a few moments of silence, knowing it must have been a difficult experience. He'd only suffered a relatively minor injury in comparison, however, he still recalled the unpleasant details on occasion. Most often during a stasis cycle as he ran various preconstructions.

"It's been a largely...unsettling experience," Colin replied hesitantly as he finally followed Chloe's cleaner method with a spoon. "I feel somewhat...at a loss about the incident. I have no memory to speak of...The last thing I recall is performing an upload the evening before. It's a nightly ritual I follow to ensure the minimum amount of data is lost in the event of my...incapacitation." It seemed too final to say his death, since he'd be reactivated in a new body should anything happen to him. Destruction also seemed too final. Although his body may be lost, his mind and personality were stored. Gavin held back from giving a reaction. He may not agree, and he may have his doubts, but it would be shitty to say to Colin's face that he was just a copy. Why the phck are androids so complicated?

"That must be difficult, having no memory of what happened, or how..." Connor murmured sympathetically as his brow pinched. Colin's eyes grew soft and vulnerable as he nodded his agreement. He had nothing to go on besides second-hand accounts. Upon waking in the underground lab, Elijah had told him what he'd heard had happened, but the only one who could give him a true account was Gavin. Gavin seemed distant, likely due to the freshness of the event. He understood that death was final for humans, and he'd been unfortunate enough to have experienced it while working for the FBI already. It must seem strange for Gavin to have him sitting at the table when, in human terms, he should be dead. Strange, and likely unfair.

"It is...unsettling. I know my plan that day was to visit a bookshop in town, but I have no idea whether I made it there, or at what point I was taken. Not being on duty, I know I wouldn't have taken my gun or badge with me...I also know I wouldn't have been wearing my old uniform. I disposed of it shortly after I was released from Cyberlife and into Agent Perkins' service." Colin remembered well the look of pure contempt he'd received upon first meeting Richard Perkins. He'd looked at him like dirt on his shoe, treating him dismissively and eyeing the number on his chest each time they spoke. It was strange how human perception could shift with a simple change of attire. Upon buying a neat suit, tailored after a style he'd seen older humans wearing, Perkins had become much more accepting of his input. "I apologise. I...The experience must have been unpleasant for you, to say the least. That I have no memory of it is..." He trailed off apologetically, LED stuttering between yellow and red.

"Not your fault," Gavin grumbled in conclusion, glancing Colin's way before dropping his attention to his mug. He sipped slowly, quietly hoping they'd change the subject or leave him out of it. The old Gavin Reed wouldn't have hesitated to add because it wasn't you who died in front of me, but the present Gavin Reed knew it was a dick move. Colin, or this rendition of Colin, was suffering his own form of trauma and identity crisis. He had to come to terms with the fact that he was now version number two, and his earlier self was gone. He also had to deal with not knowing exactly how. Even if he read his statement for the FBI, and Gavin was damned sure he would, it wouldn't be the same as recalling it from his own perspective.

"The problem is that I have no idea whether it was my fault...Did I get caught because I was careless? Did I get tricked due to my naivety? Was there something I could have done to alert you to my identity that I didn't think of at the time? Could I have escaped somehow? Was I incapacitated or simply frozen by fear? It may have been my fault." Colin's gaze dropped to his mug as he stirred in the remnants of his melting cream. Gavin's jaw tightened as he listened, holding back from snapping at him. It wasn't his fault! Not only was he not the original Colin, but even if he was, he'd been kidnapped and traumatised! He felt Nines' hand on his knee beneath the table, either to steady him or hold him back. He wasn't sure which. Either way, he took in a quiet breath and rested his own hand on top.

"It doesn't phcking matter how it happened. It happened, and I'm telling you it wasn't your fault." He busied himself with his cake quickly lest he say more. It was fucking unsettling. Colin didn't seem any different. There was nothing to give away the fact that he wasn't the same person as before. He had the same gentle smile. He looked at Connor and Nines with the same deference. He had that same shy, stuttering, and easily spooked nature. They even treated him the same. That was almost weirder. That the three people who knew him best were sitting around like nothing had fucking happened! It was like Colin wasn't gone. Like he hadn't died at all. Like what happened two days ago didn't even phcking matter..."I'm going out front for a bit," Gavin announced quickly as he got to his feet.

"Are you alright?" Chloe asked worriedly, seeing his hand tremble as he grabbed his jacket. The leather layer at least brought him some comfort as he slipped it on and pulled it around him tightly. Gavin waved her off quickly, not responding verbally as his throat squeezed shut. Phck, it's been a while since my last full on attack...He hurried towards the door, blinking the white specks out of his vision as he stepped outside and leaned back against the glass window. Phck, I couldn't do this somewhere quieter? Typical! He just had to have a panic attack in the middle of a busy shopping district.

"Breathe," Nines' deep tone drawled as he rested a hand over the back of his neck and tugged him against his firm chest. Gavin closed his eyes gratefully as he gasped in a breath. Nines' scent helped soothe him somewhat, as did his arms. He kept his eyes closed as he sank into Nines' warmth, turning his head to listen to the steady thuds in his chest. Nines' hand stroked down his spine before moving back up to his hair. "You are finding this experience difficult." It wasn't a question, so Gavin didn't even try to deny it. He'd hoped not to be so obvious. The last thing he wanted was to make Colin feel bad or diminish him somehow.

"You're just acting like everything's normal! Like it's fine! Like your brother didn't just..." Didn't just what? Die? Come back from the dead? Get replaced by a doppelgänger? He didn't get how they could just go along with it. Just because they were androids, didn't make them any less of a clone. If that's the case, then do I even really know the real Connor? He died at least once saving Hank. How many Connors have there been? Could he have died more recently without me knowing? What about Nines? No...I'd definitely know if Nines...But would he? Besides the obvious absence, would he really know if Nines returned in a new body one day? His skin prickled uncomfortably at the thought.

"You're stressing yourself." Well, excuse me for being a phcking human being! It wasn't like he could control his feelings. "Would you like to talk about it?" He wasn't really sure if this was something that could be talked out. It was almost like religion. Either you believed in a God, or you didn't. Either you believed a cloned android was the same person, or you didn't. Gavin glanced towards the table, where Connor and Chloe were talking to Colin. They were smiling at least, so he hadn't caused that much upset.

"You know how I feel about this shit...From my point of view, Colin died two days ago, and now..." He gestured through the window at the group, frowning a little as he sighed in frustration and leaned against Nines' chest. "I know you say that everything's fine, and that you're the same person once you're copied over to a new body, but...you're not...It's cloning!" He was somewhat stubborn as he listened to the hum in Nines' chest. Nines chuckled as he ran his long fingers through his short locks. Things were so simple from a human's perspective.

"You've said," Nines agreed somewhat affectionately, pulling back as Gavin tilted his head upwards.

"Alright, look at it this way. You upload your memories every day and say one day you decide to download that copy into another RK900 body. Now there's two of you running around. Would you still say they're the same person?" Gavin wasn't sure why Nines just didn't seem to get it. As soon as it was possible for two versions of you to be alive at the same time, it was a proven fact that the other was a clone. Sure, that person would believe they were you, but they wouldn't be you. His green eyes thinned as Nines smirked down at him.

"Your delightful sexual fantasies aside, you have somewhat of a point. Upon activation, they would indeed be one and the same. It is only their future experiences that would alter and change them to create two separate individuals. For example, if one of those RK900s were damaged by an armoured vehicle, they may develop a fear of said vehicles. The same, however, would not be true of the second RK900 that did not experience the incident." That was all well and good to Gavin, but he still felt like Nines was missing the point. "What if I were the one...What if I'd been shot in the head instead of my arm...Would you have rejected me upon my return?" Nines was somewhat wary of the answer. Gavin drew back, physically recoiling at the question. He looked conflicted, almost heartbroken by the very idea. His mouth opened and closed as he ran a hand through his hair and looked inside the coffee shop. He knew what Nines was going to say. If he'd accept him, then surely he could accept Colin. It would be hypocritical for him not to.

"I-I don't-I can't...I know it's the same situation, but Nines...I'm not that strong...I'd rather lie to myself and pretend everything's fine than face a reality without you in it...I know I'd be burying my head in the sand, and it's hypocritical, but I'm phcking weak!" Gavin replied vulnerably, chest tightening as he contemplated getting that news. What the fuck would he do if the call came through that Nines had been killed? He couldn't imagine a world without him in it. He didn't want to be in that world. If Elijah offered him a clone of Nines, he'd take it and cling to it as tight as he could. If that was the only way he could have Nines back, he'd fake it until he believed it.

"But it would be me...We don't simply upload our memories to the Cloud. Our whole data package is stored. It is similar to the idea of a brain transplant, only our brains are made completely of data." He tried to put it in terms that Gavin would understand. The problem was that Gavin still focused too much on the fact that this data could be copied and stored. It was Nines' sincere hope that he could somehow teach him that this was not the case. He would hate for him to be mistaken as prejudiced or uneducated once this became the norm. He also didn't want to risk reinitialising one day and being confronted with that heartbroken look in Gavin's eyes. If he were deactivated, he'd want to return knowing that Gavin would be there, eagerly waiting to fall into his arms. He wanted it to be something they could almost joke about. How Nines had been so careless as to inconvenience Elijah, or that perhaps he'd done it on purpose to get the latest upgrades. He didn't want to return to find that Gavin doubted his identity, that he flinched away from his touches, or denied his kisses. "Would you have felt differently had Elijah managed to reinitialise Colin's original hard drive?" Gavin nodded thoughtfully.

"Well, yeah. If he'd managed to revive Colin, then he'd still be the same guy, right?" It made sense in human terms. It would be like a human being resuscitated after their heart had stopped. This often resulted in major brain damage to the point where the person may not recover at all and remain in a vegetative state, but they were still treated as the same person. Nines nodded, pleased that Gavin was still following him.

"What if his memory files had been corrupted? How would you feel about Elijah then downloading Colin's data back into the same body?" Gavin knew what Nines was trying to do, and yeah, it made sense. Putting the deleted memories back on the same hard drive would be like a human recovering from amnesia. Without the memories, Colin would be a blank slate. A newly awakened android. He would no longer be the Colin they knew, but he would still be Colin because it was Colin's body. By returning Colin's memories to Colin's body, he was still Colin because it was his body and his memories.

"I know what you're trying to say, but it's different!" He felt shitty as Nines sighed in affection and caressed his cheek like he was the most infuriatingly adorable thing in the world. "You're saying I'm putting too much attachment on the casing and not enough attachment on what's inside the casing." It was just impossible for him to fathom. The majority of humans would probably agree with him. Not Elijah, obviously, but Hank would get it. Hell, Hank has experienced this shit first-hand...I wonder how he coped...He couldn't help looking at Connor as he thought about it. He's not the original Connor...He's not the same guy I slugged in the stomach that time...but he is...

"One day, I am going to make you sit through a five-hour lecture on the subject with your brother." Nines ran a playful hand down Gavin's arm until he could catch his cold fingers. They'd clearly been outside for too long. He was surprised Gavin wasn't shivering yet with the chill in the air. His heart rate had calmed somewhat and his stress levels had evened out. It wasn't an ideal level, but it was acceptable, considering the circumstances.

"You know I never understand a thing he says once he starts spouting his techno-bullshit. I'm just really good at the whole smile and nod thing." Nines chuckled his amusement before sweeping down to steal a kiss before Gavin could even think to object. Luckily, it seemed Connor wasn't checking up on them. He had his back to the door and was currently saying something to Colin, who nodded along quietly with his usual little smile. "I'm...I am trying, Nines..." Gavin murmured sincerely as he gave him a slightly imploring look.

"I know...and that pleases me greatly." Nines pushed the door open and held it, encouraging Gavin to return to the warmth of the café. Gavin put on a small smile as he re-joined the group, engaging with Colin a little more this time.