Dickory

Beneficiary

"What drew you to Toaster though?" Connor asked curiously as they ate lunch. Well, Gavin ate. The three androids watched. Perkins had released Colin for a couple of hours, once again returning to FBI headquarters with the excuse of paperwork. Connor had chosen a place in the Plaza for Gavin to order, settling on one of those healthy eating places he was so fond of. Gavin had let Nines pick his food, finding himself with a ham sandwich and a side salad. Connor was a real fan of the vinaigrette. He occasionally dipped a fork into the pale sauce before licking it clean. It was sharp and tangy. He liked it a lot.

"What do you mean? Look at him, it's obvious!" Gavin retorted with a huff as he looked across at Colin, who instantly turned shy and jumpy under the scrutiny. He looked at his brothers, just as mystified as they were. "You're Tin Can because...well, you're the first. The original trash can! Terminator speaks for itself, and now...Toaster." Gavin enjoyed the way Nines pridefully straightened in his seat at the compliment to his physique. His imposing stature was often his biggest asset.

"But he doesn't have the function of a toaster."

"Oh, come on! He's shy and awkward, and he jumps...like bread in a toaster." Gavin clearly thought it was obvious as he watched Nines tilt his head. It wasn't an association he'd made, but it was true that Colin had a very shy temperament and was easily spooked. He'd jumped more than once when Gavin had made physical contact with him. Connor was still stewing somewhat over the original trash can remark, though he understood it. Tin Can had always been what Gavin called him, though he'd occasionally slipped in a plastic prick if he felt particularly vindictive. As if making his point, Gavin reached his leg across beneath the table and touched Colin's foot. Colin jumped in his seat, thirium pump stuttering in surprise. "See?" Gavin chuckled as Nines elbowed him a little harder than necessary.

"Sorry." Gavin sent Colin an affectionate wink across the table, which was really more of a blink. Connor smirked almost smugly at the look, quietly wondering how he'd never learned to wink properly. It was one of the childlike qualities that Nines liked most about Gavin, and it was quite rare to see it.

"No need to apologise, Toaster. You're just shy...It's cute." Gavin swore he could see a vaguely pink tone reach Colin's cheeks as he quietly stammered. He had heard animals described as cute, as well as children and young women. Rarely did it apply to adult males. Nines took on a somewhat stiff air, which wasn't missed by Connor. Connor gave him a warm look of reassurance. He was quite certain that Gavin had only said it to be kind.

"Wow, Colin's cute and I'm just a trash can...harsh," Connor retorted as he licked his fork.

"You know you're cute, you puppy eyed phck," Gavin snorted as he knocked Connor's knee beneath the table. He'd pulled him up more than once about his big hazel eyes. Apparently, it was now illegal for him to make certain facial expressions in order to get what he wanted. It was a complaint that Hank also raised regularly. Nines was hesitant to ask about himself. Could one be considered both cute and a terminator? He wasn't even sure why he felt it so important to gain such recognition from him, but he wanted it. "Don't worry, you're beautiful, too." It almost seemed like Gavin had noticed his negative train of thought.

"I am?" Nines was uncertain, though he knew well that he'd been designed with pleasing facial features. They all had. It seemed to be a general rule. Why would humans wish to purchase unattractive products? Even the plain household models were slightly above average in human terms.

"Sure! The dark and dangerous vibe really does it for you." Nines had heard that more than once. He sort of understood the concept of a tall, dark, and handsome stranger. Apparently he fitted that description to a T. The female staff at the precinct had said it more than once in their whispered conversations. He had become nervous after looking into some of the things they wanted him to do to them. They were thoughts unbecoming of co-workers who respected each other. He would have felt singled out, only they'd voiced varied and similar desires regarding Connor, Miller, Gavin, and many other younger male officers. A few of them even coveted the attention of Lieutenant Anderson, who seemed somewhat aware as he offered them a sly wink on occasion as he passed by. It always pleased them greatly when he did so. Miller and Connor both largely ignored such gossip, while Gavin seemed totally oblivious.