From Your Wires to Your Core

A Day Off

Gavin's eyes snapped open. He shot upright. His heart was racing. He looked around as he caught his breath. It was light in his room. He was wearing his boxers, just as he had been the night before when he went to sleep. The covers were still tucked over his body. They pooled at his waist as he sat up. He shuffled around, looking at the bottom sheet. He quivered, breathing out a shaky breath. A dream. It was a phcking dream. Relief flooded his chest as he fell back and ran a hand through his mussed up hair. He flinched as a light knock sounded on his door, and tugged the covers higher before calling out for Nines to enter. It wouldn't be anyone else.

Good morning, Detective. I thought you might be hungry. Nines stepped inside, balancing a tray with one hand as he signed with the other. Reed sat up a little as he approached, quietly impressed at his dexterity skill. He didn't jostle the tray once. He dropped his eyes as he looked at Nines' face and felt his stomach drop. He felt an almost desperate yearning. Phantom touches from the night before raced across his skin, sending tingles across the pale surface.

"Sure, thanks," he grumbled stiffly as the tray was gently placed across his lap. He was surprised as Nines remained and sat on the edge of the bed. He was sitting quite close. It almost felt intimate. I'm projecting shit again. Wake the phck up! "I keep telling you, you don't need to do this," he added as he looked at the neatly sliced up toast and boiled egg. He'd made a mug of strong coffee, too. Reed desperately needed that to calm down.

I enjoy it. Nines sat somewhat stiffly as Reed started to pick at his food. I also wanted to apologise for last night. I fear I ruined your evening. Reed choked on his coffee as he remembered his dream from the night before. Not that, idiot! Nines looked concerned as he lowered the mug and coughed to clear his blocked throat.

"Don't worry about it. It was my fault." Reed tried not to feel jittery as he forced himself to eat. His stomach was literally tied in knots. The egg was cooked perfectly. The white was fluffy, and the yellow yolk was perfectly runny. Great for dipping the toast soldiers in. He could feel Nines watching him. He prayed to God he didn't scan too closely. "We're going out today...We'll fix up your wardrobe...get you out of that old Cyberlife jacket." He couldn't help noticing that Nines was once again fully dressed in his uniform besides his shoes.

But I don't have much money. I've yet to work my first month with the DPD. He almost looked disappointed. Reed scoffed as he sipped his coffee.

"You're my android, right? I'll pay." Nines looked strangely pleased with this development. "And no, you don't have to pay me back...You'll need the cash when you get a new place." Reed watched Nines' mood dip a little before he picked himself up again. How can he be so expressive without moving his face? His blue eyes flicked up to look at him before dropping away almost shyly.

Reed got up to shower before they left. Nines wore his Cyberlife uniform as usual, while Reed settled on a long-sleeved top and jeans. It was getting a little warmer, so he left his hoodie behind for the day. He checked his wallet to make sure he had some cash and his cards, and grabbed his keys. It seemed easier to go to one of the big shopping malls than the shopping district, so he parked underground and they took the lift to the ground floor.

Nines hadn't been to many places besides Cyberlife Tower, the DPD, and Reed's house. It was his first time being in a mall. There were so many people, of all shapes, sizes, and colours, as well as androids. They bustled about cheerfully in groups. Children running and playing. Teens sipping from soda cups. Adults sitting on benches. There were plants lining the halls in large growers, offering a little greenery to the cream tiles, glass, and metal rails. Shop fronts were bright and vibrant, glass fronts set up to show off the newest merchandise.