Dickory

Snapshot

"You really don't have to do this," Gavin insisted tiredly as Chloe ushered him out of the restaurant and into Elijah's car, their arms looped as she tugged him along on stumbling feet. It was one of Elijah's larger cars that he had to climb a step to get into. He could still feel Chloe's hand on his lower back, pushing him to make sure he didn't back out. Gavin huffed out a chuckle as she reached across with his seatbelt, as if buckling it would keep him trapped in the seat. She seemed so small as she balanced on the step and leaned in through the large doorway.

"Today was a difficult day for you, so you're coming home with us. You're going to take a shower, change into something comfortable, have dinner with us in the conservatory, and maybe fall asleep watching old movies in the lounge." Chloe's chest puffed with smug authority, though she had nothing but kindness in her twinkling eyes. To be fair, that did sound like a pretty good deal. His apartment was great, but Chloe's perception was right, as always. He didn't want to be at home alone. Since his return to work, he'd tried not to be so clingy with Nines. Nines had to be sick of babysitting him all the time by now. He was probably just too kind to say anything. As a result, Gavin had been going home alone for the past few nights. He'd missed Nines being around all the time. So had Pipsqueak. The cat had sat by the door every night waiting for around two hours before he got the hint and followed Gavin around meowing resentfully. Spoiled asshole.

"Here, I have another box," Elijah grunted as he walked down the short path. Gavin eyed the box warily, noting the gift bags tucked safely inside. It felt weird, accepting sympathy gifts from total strangers. I know I'm all that Aaron had, but we weren't family. Not even close! He couldn't help feeling like a fraud. There had been so many people that day who'd known Aaron for far longer. They'd known a completely different man to Gavin. Maybe that's it. He had a lot of different personas...Did I even know the real Aaron?

"Nines!" Chloe called brightly as she opened the trunk for Elijah, catching his attention as he stepped out of the restaurant with Connor and Hank. They were the last to leave, it seemed. Gavin was exhausted after being around so many people. He'd greeted almost everyone, and then he'd thanked them all on their way out. The restaurant staff were staying on longer to set things right, but Gavin had been sure to thank them, too. He'd made sure to spend extra time with the owners, wanting them to know how much it had meant for them to use Aaron's favourite place for the ceremony. Nines said something to Connor before heading over to Chloe. "You're coming home with us," she declared without an ounce of leeway. Nines was unsure how she maintained her positive energy. She'd been working all day, barely stopping for a moment.

"I am?" Nines retorted almost teasingly. It wasn't like he'd ever turn down a request from Chloe. She was basically his older sister, and he adored her as much as he did Connor. She nodded confidently as she folded her arms across her chest. Gavin turned his head drowsily as he regarded the pair, both of them folding their arms in a show of pretended stubbornness. Chloe looked expectant, daring Nines to refuse. Nines looked vaguely incredulous at having been informed of his evening plans, although it was laced with playfulness.

"Nines, help! I'm being kidnapped," Gavin called in a voice that suggested more fatigue than distress. Both androids turned to him, their LED blinking blue at the interruption. Gavin had slumped back in his seat with an almost dozy look on his face that made Nines' thirium pump jolt. His green eyes were so dazed and soft. "Come on, you're my partner. You can't just leave me here like this..." he added with an almost hurt undertone. Nines' expression warmed as he leaned a little further through the doorway.

"I suppose I have no choice but to attempt a rescue mission," he teased as he leaned over to adjust the seatbelt. Both men were surprised as Nines' body lurched forward into Gavin's chest as he stumbled into the backseat. They didn't need to hear Chloe's giggles and the door slamming shut to know what had happened. They were a little distracted though. To prevent injuring Gavin, Nines had reached out and grabbed the backrest, while his free hand had ended up braced beside Gavin's thigh. Their legs were a little tangled, leaving him almost straddling one of Gavin's knees as their chests barely brushed each other. Gavin tilted his head instinctively, green eyes widening as he realised the invitation he'd offered. Nines licked his lips nervously, blue eyes darting to Gavin's eyes before he looked away. Just a little more. Just a small tilt. Just a tiny bit, and he'd feel Gavin's lips against his. It would be wrong...today of all days. Nine opted to turn his head and brush Gavin's temple with his own instead. "Sorry."