From Your Wires to Your Core

Unacceptable Risks

The morning came in a tangle of blankets and contented limbs. In the past couple of hours, Gavin had turned over and latched onto Nines, entwining their legs beneath the covers. The difference was that this time he remembered who he'd fallen asleep with. He also remembered what he'd said the night before. Despite that, he was slow to pry himself from Nines' loving embrace. Nines greeted him warmly, making no move to loosen his arms. Gavin pried himself away shortly after, cursing himself for being so reluctant to do so. It had been his decision to slow things down, and it was for Nines' benefit.

Nines made breakfast while he washed and dressed for the day. Being in his bathroom was odd. The memory of Nines' lips and hands on his skin chased him as he showered and brushed his teeth. He paused as he looked in the mirror, brushing his fingers across his lips as phantom touches ghosted across his skin. Realising that he was daydreaming, he hastily ran a hand through his fluffed locks and looked away from his reflection. He tried to ignore the dazed expression he'd seen on his face and the fluttering in his stomach.

Nines was already waiting, having laid out butter and some jam alongside two slices of toast. Gavin hopped onto the stool with thanks and began sorting his breakfast while Nines poured his coffee. Nines remained close as he ate, blue eyes watching almost cautiously. He looked away at the first sign of Gavin turning his head, so Gavin never caught him looking, but he could feel it. He also felt him hovering just a little closer than usual. He shook off the feeling. It was stupid. The stools were bolted to the floor. He literally couldn't sit any closer.

They drove to the office quietly. Awkwardness slowly settled between them. Gavin was hyperaware of everything Nines did. Every look, every touch, every small movement. He was constantly worried about how he should act. He needed to balance being a good partner with hiding how fucking deep he was. Too many touches or smiles would surely give him away, but if he actively measured each reaction, he'd come across as cold and indifferent. The worst part was he knew that Nines was aware of his inner turmoil, even if he didn't know exactly what it was about.

Things didn't go smoothly once they got to the office, either. They sat across from each other in relative silence, only interacting when it was necessary. The case still lingered as they caught up on a few papers. They still had plans to make. Leads to follow. Three offenders were lined up to go to jail, but that wouldn't stop the rest of the operation. They needed to find that murder site and set up a sting. They wouldn't be able to do that without talking about it.

Nines wasn't the only one who noticed the tense and restless atmosphere. Gavin had already managed to dodge Tina once that morning, but he could feel her watching any time she was in the vicinity. He could also see Connor and Hank glancing their way. Connor was the most worrying. His soft hazel eyes analysed him, seeing straight through him. Phcking androids! Gavin huffed and leaned a little lower over his keyboard. His leg was bouncing beneath the table. He felt anxious. Agitated. Coffee. He slid back in his chair with a sigh and turned to get up, almost walking straight into Nines.

"I thought you..." Nines trailed off as he held out a steaming cup. Gavin mumbled an almost timid thanks as he reached out. He wasn't sure what happened after that, whether he'd flinched away as his fingers brushed Nines' or if he just didn't take the cup. Maybe Nines had released too early. Whatever the case, the cup somehow slipped between them. Nines seemed equally surprised. He hadn't expected it either. They both stepped back as the cup hit the floor with a dull thud and bounced. Most of the hot liquid spilled on the worn grey carpet, but some also splashed Nines' shoes and jeans.

"Shit, I'm sorry! Go clean up." Gavin had gotten off mostly unscathed. He could feel a couple of warm patches on his jeans, but it didn't hurt, and it wasn't hot enough to burn. A skittish feeling filled his chest as he looked down at the mess and quickly leaned down to retrieve the cup. He was lucky it was still in one piece. He was surprised as a weathered hand gently urged him to his feet. Looking up, he found Hank and Connor there.