From Your Wires to Your Core

Hungover and Outnumbered

Gavin groaned as he curled up beneath the covers. He was vaguely aware of a body pressing up behind him. He'd figure out that problem later, after his stomach stopped turning and his head stopped throbbing. I phcking hate Tina...I hate Tina and I hate drinking. He clenched his teeth as a wave of nausea crashed through him and stayed as still as possible, thinking that maybe he wouldn't feel sick if he didn't move. That usually proved true. He groaned in objection as he felt a hand trailing up his thigh and over his clothed hip.

"You're dehydrated." Nines' voice rumbled like a purr as he pulled the covers down. Gavin moaned again, burying his face into the mattress to get away from the morning light. Phcking android! "I'll bring you some water." The bed rose slightly as Nines left. Gavin made no move to acknowledge him. He just continued clenching his teeth and screwed his eyes shut. How did I even get home? And why is Nines here? Oh phck! Did we-His eyes snapped open as he shot upright. He instantly regretted it as his stomach lurched.

He was off the bed and stumbling into the bathroom in seconds, choking and retching as he leaned over the sink. Despite the retching, he wasn't actually sick. I haven't eaten since breakfast yesterday, so maybe there's not enough in there...Thank Christ for small mercies! He whined pathetically as he spat out the excess drool and acid that was pooling in his mouth. Noticing the pale sheen of his skin with distaste, he straightened up and washed his face. He hadn't felt like this in months.

"Gavin?" Nines called from the doorway, holding up a tall glass of what looked like water, but it was fizzing slightly. He'd put a pill in the water. An Alka-Seltzer, by the looks of it. How did he know to do that? Gavin staggered over tiredly and accepted the glass. Nines watched as he downed the water and winced in discomfort as his head throbbed. "Get dressed...I'll make you some breakfast." Nines spoke softly, knowing loud noises would likely worsen his headache.

Gavin did as he was told, brushing his teeth in a daze before changing out of his old clothes. He vaguely decided he more than likely hadn't done anything with Nines the night before. He was still fully dressed, and he trusted Nines' programming enough to believe he wouldn't do anything while he was drunk. Drunk is an understatement. I was totally fucked last night! The night before was a jumble of blurry, fractured pieces. He remembered talking about his brother, and he'd said something about Nines, but it was all hazy. He felt a little less stressed, so he'd done something right.

He arrived downstairs wearing a fresh set of faded blue jeans and a chocolate V-neck that clung to his body in a way that made Nines' processors hum. Gavin was pleasing to the eye, particularly with his dishevelled hair. Usually he would have fixed it upstairs, but it wasn't surprising he'd forgotten. He was barely awake as he sat down. Nines pushed a bowl of porridge and jam into his hands, noting he looked truly sorry for himself. He was distracted, focused completely on the thick oaty substance that would line his stomach. Nines took the opportunity to brush his fingers through his hair. Neither of them mentioned the way Gavin's eyes closed in long blinks or how he leaned into the firm touch.

"Thought you stayed at Connor's place last night." He was halfway through his porridge and managing to keep it down. He even seemed to feel a little better as the pink returned to his cheeks. Nines set the coffee machine cycle and waited for it to brew, leaning on the island as he did so. Gavin would be no good without his coffee that morning. That much was clear.

"I did spend some hours with Connor and the lieutenant, but I wanted to return here. I was not...at ease without you," he replied thoughtfully, with no sense of shame or hesitation. Gavin paused, keeping the spoon in his mouth to avoid answering. He'd never expected to have such a profound effect on him. He sounded almost dependent, despite his deviancy. Looking back, Gavin had to wonder if he'd encouraged this dependency. He's been living with me since leaving Cyberlife, but I never limited his contact with other people...We've just been really busy with work and shit...I think...