What Once Was Broken is Now Gold | Reed900 [Rewriting]

13. Respite

"I'm heading out," Gavin said, reaching over to Nines' desk and tapping the tabletop. "Don't let everything go to shit while I'm off."

Nines nodded, though cocked his head and furrowed his brow. "You're leaving early?"

"Yeah, Fowler said it'd be 'good for me', or whatever." Gavin let out a sigh and shrugged. "You know him."

"Too well." Nines smiled. "I'll see you at home, Detective. I'll be sure to update you on anything new with the case."

Gavin coughed, standing from his desk and waving Nines off. "Yeah, whatever. Uh, see you." He hesitated for a moment, but huffed and snagged his jacket from the back of his chair, then headed out.

Icy wind nipped at Gavin's flushed cheeks as he walked down the street. He passed leafless trees wrapped up tight in ropes of lights and lampposts laden with green wreaths, snow dusting the tops of each.

Now, Gavin never celebrated Christmas. It was just another day to him, as overhyped as it was. Yet, after work on December 23, 2038, Gavin found himself walking down the road toward a shopping district for...no reason. Well, he could think of a reason, but he'd rather not admit it.

As Gavin window shopped, he thought back to Nines' words earlier that day, even last night. Warmth pooled in his gut at the thought of Nines' lips wrapped tight around his cock, those same lips that told him he was precious. Sure, a hint of guilt panged in Gavin's chest— After all, he hadn't even suggested repaying the favor, but then again, what the fuck was in an android's pants? Maybe he'd ask Nines later. Could be a good start to the night.

Then again, when the hell had Nines become so...integrated in Gavin's life? Before Gavin fucked up his arm, he looked forward to spending his nights alone in his quiet apartment, the silence broken by his gentle words to his cat, her meows back at him, or the ringing in his ears when he thought too hard about his life. Sometimes Tina, too, if it was a good day. Yet, now Gavin couldn't imagine going back to such silence, those memories more like a bad dream than anything real.

But Gavin had to admit, Nines brought something more than significant companionship to his life. Guess those were the benefits of an android that wanted to learn more about being human. Why Nines chose Gavin to teach him all this, Gavin had no clue, but Gavin couldn't complain. At the moment, his situation looked bright.

Now, what the fuck did androids even like? Backup parts? Thirium? Gavin sighed and rubbed his heated face, his cold hand slowing his rushing thoughts. He.... Wow, Gavin couldn't think of anything else.

With a quick glance around the area, he noticed a CyberLife store across the street, now stocked with spare parts and upgrades instead of androids themselves. Upgrades.... Did Nines need any upgrades? Did he want any? Gavin frowned, hesitant, before he crossed the street and headed into the store.

An android operated the cash register, looking up when Gavin walked in. Confusion flitted across her face as she processed he was a human. "Oh! Hello, how can I help you?"

Gavin stepped up to the desk and took in his surroundings, gaze flitting about the store's stocked shelves. "Uh, yeah, um." He chewed his lip. "Do you, uh, do you know what, um, a stuck-up android might like?"

The cashier furrowed her brow. "Ah, I see. Hmm." She raised a finger to tap against her lips in thought. "What model?"

"Uh.... RK900." Gavin gulped and twisted his fingers around the hem of his shirt.

At that, the cashier's friendly smile faded to a slight frown. "It's okay if you don't know the model, sir."

"Uh—" Gavin furrowed his brow. "That...is his model number."