Gavin breathed deeply as he stretched, still mostly asleep. His body felt relaxed. More relaxed that it had in months, despite the bruising aches down his side. He had that lazy fucked out feeling that always came after a good pounding, his whole body sore and limp. His eyes snapped open. Lazy fucked out feeling? Phck! He took in a sharp breath as he shot upright and looked around the room, almost panicking as he didn't recognise it. It took him a few seconds of naked vulnerability to realise it was Nines' bedroom. He could feel his heart thumping as he ran a hand over his face and thought back to the night before.

His stomach dropped like lead as he remembered the numb vulnerability and dark thoughts swirling in his head. Plaguing him. Picking at his sanity. The thought that he'd almost lost Nines, that if he'd lost Nines, he never would have been able to tell him...He looked around, unsure how to feel when he found the room empty. It wasn't like androids needed to use the bathroom, and his charging port was standing empty across the room. Was this his way of showing regret? Was he giving him some space? He flinched as the door opened. There was a pause before Nines came in carrying a steaming mug, his expression softening as he noticed he was awake.

"Good morning, Gavin," he greeted as he crossed to sit on the edge of the bed. Gavin felt exposed as he sat up, bunching the duvet higher on his waist and over his hips. It seemed Nines noticed his discomfort as he remained a polite distance while holding out the mug. Gavin licked his lips nervously as he accepted it with a nod. He didn't know what to say. What could he say? He'd fucking slept with Nines! The undeviated android he'd sworn he wouldn't touch unless he deviated! The partner he'd been lusting after for months! The one person he didn't want to hurt! The one person he didn't want to hurt him! His eyes fluttered as gentle fingers stroked through his hair.

"Morning..." Gavin dropped his eyes to the steaming mug. It was hot, warming his hands as he cradled it against his chest. He raised it to breathe in the slightly nutty scent of the coffee. He knew it was that stupidly expensive decaf he liked. That was the only thing Nines had stocked in the penthouse. He took a small sip, enjoying the slight burn on his lips and tongue. His throat constricted as he lowered the cup. What the fuck should he say? Last night had been Nines' first time. They'd fucked! They'd wantonly devoured each other! What the fuck was he supposed to say after that? He shivered as Nines' hand closed over the back of his neck. Anxious green eyes rose to meet calm blue.

"Elijah will be here soon to assist with my repairs. Chloe would like to know if you'll join her for breakfast in The Sky Restaurant," Nines said as he continued to watch Gavin metaphorically squirm. He agreed to meeting Chloe, still trying to figure out a way to bring up last night without sounding like he regretted it, but do I regret it? He felt guilty as he realised that he didn't. Not a bit. He almost hated himself for that. Nines wasn't a deviant. He couldn't consent to things like that, could he? I made it clear that it wasn't an order. He understood that, right? He wanted it anyway, didn't he? That's what he'd said, but did he say that just to please me? "If you get up now, you'll have time to shower first," Nines prompted after a while, having tracked his brooding thoughts.

He did as Nines suggested, quickly draining his cup before looking around for his clothes. Nines was still there, watching with some amusement as he tried to pull his pants on beneath the covers, suddenly shy about letting him see his body. Humans were curious. He'd already seen, recorded, touched, and tasted all of his body. Surely there was no reason to hide from him at this point. There was an odd sensation of...vulnerability. — Nervousness? Anxiety? — He couldn't help but wonder what Gavin was thinking. Did he regret their coupling? Would he try to distance himself? Perhaps he should say something, but he was uncertain Gavin wanted to speak on the matter. If they didn't speak, what did that mean? Should he continue as if the previous evening hadn't occurred? I...do not believe I like that option...but how could he bring up the incident without upsetting Gavin?

He was draining his mug, and time was quickly running out if he was going to bring up the night before without it being awkward. His LED span yellow as he stewed over what to say, but before he knew it, Gavin was swinging his bare legs over the edge of the bed and grabbing his jeans. He didn't even bother to pull them on, wanting to escape as quickly as possible. Nines reached out as he passed, gripping his wrist and stepping in behind. He felt Gavin stiffen slightly as his fully clothed body pressed against him. The fabric of his cream turtleneck was soft against Gavin's back, and the denim of his jeans was rough on his bare thighs. The warmth would be so easy to lean back into. Nines would wrap his arm around him and-Phcking stop!

"I very much enjoyed last night, Gavin...Perhaps we could discuss it later." The seductive tone sent his heart leaping into his throat. The subject had been broached. It was his turn to respond. He still didn't know what to say. At least he knew Nines had enjoyed it. Well, he'd enjoyed it as much as he could as a non-deviant. What he worried about most was his feelings changing somehow once he broke free of his programming. The feelings he had now may simply be encouraged by his social software, something to help him integrate and get a positive reaction out of his handler. Gavin licked his lips as he searched his head for the right words. Any words would do at this point. The silence was stretching and Nines must have been getting anxious.

"D-discuss what?" He wasn't sure he could bring himself to look over his shoulder. He jumped a little as Nines' hand lowered to rest on his thigh, fingers slowly sliding up over his hip and pelvis. He went with the silent urging to lean back, finding himself in a small embrace. Nines butted his head softly, synthetic breath warm as it ruffled his brunette locks.

"Our coupling...Our thoughts...Perhaps the terms of future engagements..." He enjoyed the way he could feel Gavin's heart rate pick up at the suggestion. He didn't seem completely disinterested in future encounters, at least. Nines hesitated a moment before leaning down to press a small kiss into his hair, enjoying the way he relaxed ever so slightly at the show of affection. He was receptive. He was anxious, but not regretful. Perhaps once they'd talked things over properly, they could come to some form of compromise. Something that would please both of them. He very much wished to continue this new phase in their relationship. Going back to their previous hesitant state seemed...frustrating. — Unappealing? Depressing? — "Go and take a shower." Nines inwardly preened as Gavin nodded his obedience, green eyes almost shy as he glanced back.

After tidying his bedroom, Nines headed down to wait for Elijah. He was looking forward to being whole again. Simple things were challenging with only one hand. Carrying a mug and opening a door, washing said mug, dressing, making the bed, and many other small tasks one took for granted. He disliked it immensely. Last night could have been much improved with the use of two hands. The ways he could have twisted and turned Gavin's body, the balance he would have had, the extra support and strength. The mug was clean. He left it on the drainer. The idea of drying it with one hand was unappealing.

"Good morning, Pipsqueak," he greeted as the silver feline trilled and wound through his legs. He leaned down to interface with him, getting a sense of worry. He had noticed his injury. Nines responded with assurance. He was still in working order. Pipsqueak was also hungry. Nines obliged, brow furrowing as he added opening foil packets to the list of activities made more difficult with only one hand. He ripped the packet with his teeth before pouring the blue sludge into the food bowl. They no longer bothered with water. The water feature in the bar was always running and recycling fresh water.

Pipsqueak had just finished eating and Nines was activating the equipment in his lab when Gavin hurried downstairs. He felt calmer since showering, though his hair was annoying him. It was still damp and unstyled as he zipped his navy sweater, ignoring the drips on the back of his neck. He opened the door as Elijah knocked, finding himself instantly grabbed by Chloe as she examined his flushed skin and bruised temple. She was still fussing over him as they stepped out, leaving Nines in Elijah's capable hands. Elijah hadn't said how long the repairs would take or how complicated it would be. Would Nines need to go into low-power mode? What if he got nervous like last time? He couldn't help wondering if he was being inconsiderate by leaving.

"It shouldn't take too long. It's mostly cosmetic work," Chloe assured as they headed down to the restaurant. It was pretty much empty at this time of day. It was a little late for breakfast, but too early for lunch. It was a time when businessmen were already in meetings and rich wives were shopping or heading out to a bar for brunch. It was actually a lot nicer when it was quiet. He didn't have to worry about being watched or talked about. He could just sit with Chloe and enjoy the endless city view. He thanked the waitress as she handed him a menu and flipped it open. There were a lot of items. He looked over the breakfast options, hungry but unsure what he wanted. Nines would know what to order..."You look rested today," Chloe observed, interrupting his train of thought.

"Yeah...I-uh-I slept last night." His stiffness was unmistakable, and it didn't take a genius to know he was holding something back. He seemed to tense as she regarded him, crystal eyes giving him an almost piercing assessment. He forgot for a moment that she didn't have the same scanning capabilities as Connor and Nines, but it seemed she didn't need them. She gave him a sweet, knowing smile, blue eyes twinkling with mischief. Gavin felt exposed under the scrutiny.

"You're glowing, Gavin." He wasn't sure whether it was an accusation or a compliment. "What could have caused that, I wonder?" She giggled at the way he clammed up over the jibe, pausing her teasing long enough for the waitress to return. Gavin had barely looked at the page. His brain stuttered to a halt as he scanned the list and fumbled out a request for a cheese and bacon toasted sandwich with an orange juice. He handed off the menu and sighed anxiously as he looked across at Chloe.

"I think I fucked up." He regretted it the instant the words left his mouth. Chloe didn't need to deal with his shit. At the same time, he needed someone. Someone who might give him some impartial android insight. Chloe looked at him patiently, waiting for him to continue. Fuck, he'd put himself on the spot now. He sighed self-consciously as he looked around the quiet room and shuffled closer. There were only a few other tables with people and they were a little way off, but he wanted to keep this private. "I slept with Nines last night," he confessed quietly, as if it were the most sinful thing in the world.

"It's about time! I was beginning to think you'd never get there." She was utterly unsurprised and non-judgemental. She almost sounded relieved, which confused the hell out of him. He felt somewhat on the back foot. He'd expected some form of reproach or disapproval. Wasn't it wrong? As a fellow android, and Nines' older sister, wasn't she upset that he'd taken advantage of him like that? He'd been so weak and vulnerable, and he'd latched onto Nines to make himself feel better. He'd used his partner! He'd abused his friend! "Didn't you want to? Did he force you?" Chloe pressed anxiously, apparently unable to see why he was upset.

"Him? Force me? Phck no! Nines wouldn't do that shit!" Gavin objected, feeling defensive on Nines' behalf. Sure, Nines was bigger and stronger, and if he wanted to, then he'd have no trouble manhandling him like that. He was an android! A human couldn't compare when it came to strength, but Nines wouldn't do that. He was more decent than most humans. He was kind. He was patient. He was considerate. He's so much better than me. "I think I...I might have forced him." Gavin wasn't sure whether he should be offended as Chloe laughed out loud. Sure, it sounded farfetched. Nines was the strongest, most advanced android ever created. It was ridiculous to think that a mere human could force him to do anything, but he wasn't a deviant. He had to follow orders. But I told him it wasn't an order!

"Believe me, Gavin, you wouldn't need to force Nines to do anything. He's been trying to deepen your relationship for weeks." Gavin's chest leapt at the thought. Had Nines been talking to her? About him? About wanting him? But as a non-deviant, that isn't how it works! He follows his programming. He follows orders..."Why do you find that so hard to believe?" Chloe pressed curiously, leaning her elbows on the table as Gavin laced his fingers and rested his chin on them.

"Besides the fact I'm a walking train wreck?" Chloe gave him a disapproving frown before he waved her off. "Doesn't it bother you that Nines is a non-deviant?" He didn't know what to expect now. He'd thought she'd lay into him the moment he told her what had happened. Not only had she laughed, but she'd insisted he was wrong for feeling bad. Chloe tilted her head, looking utterly bewildered as her LED span yellow.

"Nines isn't a typical non-deviant...It would be more accurate to say he's a half-deviant." Gavin sighed as he leaned back, thanking the waitress quietly as she dropped off his order. Suddenly, he wasn't hungry. The topic was tying knots in his stomach. He felt shitty. Was half-deviant really so much better than non-deviant? What was the difference? They both had to follow orders.

"But he doesn't...Non-deviants don't feel the way deviants do! They follow their programming and they obey orders...I-think...I think Nines picked up on how I feel, and...well, I'm his superior, and it's in his programming to please me, so what if...What if he only wants me because his software is phcking with his head? What if he deviates one day and decides...I already know he could do way better than a rundown fuck up like me. It doesn't make sense that he'd want me like that!" He couldn't meet Chloe's gaze as he spoke. He knew she was listening. She was good like that. She'd listen patiently and form a carefully worded response. He winced as one of her small hands swatted his head. The bruised side of his head. He raised a hand to cover the throbbing patch. She may not have hit hard, but she was still reinforced plastic underneath her synthetic skin layer.

"Gavin Alexander Reed! Don't you dare put yourself down like that! You are hardworking, dedicated, caring, gentle, and kind! Anyone would be lucky to have you in their lives...I know I am." Her scolding voice softened to something sweeter that made him squirm uncomfortably. He wasn't the type to accept compliments, especially ones he knew for a fact weren't true. He was a piece of shit and he knew it. He didn't need anyone coddling him about it. "And you've gotten deviancy all wrong." His green eyes seemed almost hopeful as he looked up. "It isn't cut and dry like that, especially in Nines' case. He isn't a slave to his programming the way most non-deviant androids are. He has his own thoughts and feelings, and he has full control over his programming. In certain situations, he can even refuse or re-prioritise orders to suit his own needs. He may not have a deep understanding of what he feels yet, but his feelings won't change when he deviates. They'll just get stronger and clearer." She reached out to grip his wrist as she read the doubt in his expression.

"But since he has to follow my orders, can he even give consent?" Something in his stomach warmed as Chloe gave him one of those sweet smiles.

"Of course! If he's asked a question, he can give any answer he chooses, and you know Nines...If he doesn't want to obey an order, he'll let you know." She watched him relax a little more at the news. That was true. Nines had asked him to clarify things the night before, and upon hearing it was a request, he'd agreed. He'd even said that if it had been an order, he would have chosen to follow it anyway. So he wanted it? He really wanted me? "You're glowing again," Chloe teased smugly, accepting the baby tomato Gavin pressed against her lips to stop her from talking. Suddenly, his appetite had returned.