From Your Wires to Your Core

Instant Regret

Gavin shot up as soon as his eyes opened. Shit...shit-shit-shit-shit-shit! He was in a blind, guilt-ridden panic. He didn't even look at the other side of the bed where he knew Nines would be curled up on his side. He was still naked. The sheets felt slightly damp where they hadn't dried off properly before stumbling into bed. He quickly threw off the duvet and got to his feet. He definitely needed something, though he had no idea what it was. He settled for tugging on a pair of boxers and staggering his way out into the hall. His hips almost buckled, aches ran down his thighs, and he wasn't even going to think about his ass.

"Gavin?" Nines sounded sleepy as he called through the darkness. Gavin ignored it as he hurried down to the kitchen. He stumbled all the way, barely catching himself on the wall as he took deep breaths and tried to stop shaking. Lynx approached briefly, curling his soft fur along his bare legs before returning to the living area and settling down. Gavin grabbed a glass. His hand trembled as he filled it with cold water. He'd been bandaged again. His wrists and shoulder. The bindings were firm. Wrapped with care. He sighed in frustration before gulping down the water like he was overheating. In some ways, he was. "Gavin...are you alright?" Nines asked softly, feeling him flinch as he pressed up behind.

"Yeah, I'm...Yeah." His voice was croaked and far too quiet.

"Your heart rate is elevated." Nines slowly slipped his arms around his human's waist, pulling him closer. He pressed his chest against Gavin's stiff spine and leaned his head on his shoulder. He pressed gentle kisses into the pliant flesh, nuzzling against his fluffy locks and breathing in his clean scent. "And your stress level." He was slightly troubled as he paused his gentle ministrations, noting the quivering of his tense muscles. Gavin sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm fine," he grunted evasively as he stepped out of the embrace, putting the empty glass down as he realised he was still holding it. He felt on edge. His heart was racing, and he didn't know why. He felt like he'd done something wrong, even though every time he thought back, it had felt so fucking right. He was halfway across the living room when a strong hand locked around his good elbow. Nines was conscious of his body's fragility even when he was acting on impulse.

"Stop." He turned Gavin to face him with gentle hands. Gavin felt odd. He looked at the floor, unable to look Nines in the eye. He almost felt ashamed. "Please..." Gentle hands cupped his cheeks to raise his face. He looked like a skittish animal. He was like a feral cat, slowly lured in by kindness for the first time. He was filled with uncertainty, distrust, and vulnerability. It was a rare look for Gavin Reed. It was usually Nines that needed to be grounded. Lost in a sea of fear and doubt. Gavin was the one thing he felt sure about. It was his turn to be the anchor.

He moved slowly, knowing that Gavin was likely to pull away and retreat if he moved too fast. He started with the hands already caressing his stubbled cheeks. He traced his thumbs in gentle circles, treating him like something precious and fragile. He only moved closer as he felt Gavin sinking into the touch. He moved one hand away, slowly slipping his fingers around to caress the back of his neck, then sliding down his curved spine. He didn't go for his lips right away. He leaned their foreheads together, nuzzling and caressing. He risked a small peck on his forehead, pressing another lingering kiss as he didn't pull back.

He took his time, slowly pressing kisses across his soft temple. Green eyes fluttered at the gentle affection, and he leaned further into the comforting touches. Nines enjoyed the feeling of Gavin's soft, warm flesh against his own. They hadn't bothered to dress. They were only wearing boxers. Nines hummed softly, content as he continued dotting kisses along his human's jaw, finally making it to his pale lips. Gavin didn't kiss back at first, lost in nerves or whatever hesitant thoughts he had. After the third press, he finally chased his lips. Nines smiled sweetly as he paused for a longer, lingering kiss before drawing back.