Caffeine Dreams

by jieuxpoly

Summary:

Gavin drowns himself in coffee just to escape his nightmares—nightmares of Connor doing strange things to him.

Chapter 1: origo somnii | gavin

Summary:

What we encounter in our dreams may be the reflection of what we desire in reality.

Notes:

Hey there! I want to point out that Gavin calls Connor "it" for some time in this fiction. Just to avoid any confusion. Thank you and enjoy!

Gavin scratched the scar on the bridge of his nose. He wasn't supposed to do that, but the stubborn itch just refused to go away.

It was all thanks to a certain android detective for busting his face onto the floor of the archive room when he tried to interfere its little investigation.

When the android revolution unfolded, there was an undeniable tension in the air. No one knew what to do next or how to proceed. Humans had already grown accustomed to the way of their new technological life. Androids had been their servants but now it's crazy to think that they had to co-exist with them at all.

Gavin had already made up his mind even before the revolution. He knew that the technological advancements the United States had been developing were far too threatening to human life. The androids were stealing jobs, reshaping the way humans lived, and committing heinous crimes on top of it. As a detective of the Detroit City Police Department, the last one was of course the main reason he hated those bastards.

When new decrees were formed to serve the androids their equal rights, Gavin couldn't help but be angry at how things were unfolding. Another thing for him to be mad about, that's for sure.

Gavin entered their station with a sour mood. Things were absolutely different now. Androids littered the streets. Some were shopping for new clothes to wear. Their freedom unnerved him. Even the androids that assisted his colleagues were no longer stationed in their waiting booth, but instead roamed the station freely. At this point, Gavin was only waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"Morning, Reed," Tina greeted behind him as she hung her coat. "You look terrible."

Gavin regarded her with a pause. She was the one who tolerated him the most. "You look worse," he said.

She shuffled behind him and made her way onto her desk. "You know how it is." He hummed noncommittally as he dropped his belongings on his desk. A pink rubber fell from his bag. The damn cat toy that he'd been scammed into buying. His cat didn't show any interest at all and only stared at it. He meant to throw it away yesterday but he forgot.

Cursing under his breath, he picked it up and shoved it back in his bag. God, he needed some coffee. 

He started walking towards the break room and noticed Anderson's table was still empty. That's strange. Usually Hank and his android were on time. No doubt it was the android's fault with his obsession with being punctual. 

Gavin poured some coffee on his designated mug from the pantry. It has been strange. With the android. With Connor.

It hadn't been long since the revolution, which meant that it also hadn't been long since Connor deviated. Ironic, the whole thing was. The deviant hunter turned deviant itself. It disappeared for a week but after that, it was back at the station. Fowler officially hired it as a detective of the DPD. Since then, it had become Gavin's colleague and Connor made sure that he was aware of it.

To say that deviant Connor was strange would be an understatement. Before, it was all mechanical, logical, and stoic. Now, Gavin would sometimes hear it laugh and crack some of its own jokes. It would even sometimes shoot Gavin some weird look which he chose to ignore. The android had gotten a set of emotions on its own. Everything might be bad but Gavin cherished the idea that emotions could perturb Connor. Welcome to the human life.

When he had finished his first cup of coffee, Hank was settling in on his desk. No android sitting across from him. "Where's your android?" Gavin asked against his better judgment. Curiosity wasn't really his known feature but he couldn't help himself getting intrigued at the very least. 

Hank Anderson didn't spare a single glance at him. "Oh, fuck off Reed," he offered without any animosity in his voice. Gavin's brow shot up. Was Hank in a good mood? That's unusual.

"It's only been here a month and it's already becoming like you?" he tried to challenge. 

Hank gave him a short glance before getting back to his monitor. "You keeping track?"

That made Gavin scoff. Of course, he was. He couldn't wait to see that android walk away from the department and do its android shit somewhere else. He shook his head and proceeded to his own terminal to check on his file.

Whatever.

---

The silence was a bit grating to Gavin's ears. He mindlessly scrolled through his files in search of anything to pass the time. He hadn't been assigned to a case yet since the revolution. No android crimes and no human crimes. Maybe it really was for the books. What's annoying him more was Hank. He just sat at his desk and checked his phone. Connor didn't appear the whole day, not that he was waiting for him. Or maybe he was. It had become a routine of his to at least irritate the android once every day. When he first saw the android showing genuine annoyance on its face, something struck Gavin. Something joyful.

It was like that for the past three weeks. He'd get on the android's nerves if it even had nerves. Once, Connor bit back and frowned at Gavin the whole day and that made Gavin smile.

There was something about the android having its own emotions that unsettled him—yes, but there was also something that fascinated him. Were its emotions just numbers and codes going through its program? Did it happen genuinely or was it the android's choice to be annoyed? Questions that Gavin might never get answered—but hey, it's good to challenge his own mind.

When his shift was almost over, he decided to return his mug on the break room. On his way back, Hank was already gone from the station. Thoughts ran in Gavin's mind. Did his wish actually come true? Is the android gone for good? 

Something about it unnerved him a bit. Sure, there are other androids hired by the department but something was different with Connor. He couldn't place his fingers on it yet. Maybe it was because it was a unique model?

He went back to his desk to prepare to leave but there's a folder that begged for his attention. Gavin picked it up from his table and once he had opened it, confusion was written on his face. In there, a small note was stuck to his resume. 

'Thank you, Detective Reed. I am to return this to you. It had been a huge help to me. Warm regards, Connor.'

"What the fuck...?"

A huge help to fucking what exactly? He checked his resume, wondering where the hell Connor got it from. Must have been from Fowler. Why would Connor need it, though? Was it investigating Gavin?

A million thoughts ran through his mind and nothing caught on. One thing was missing, though. The photo of himself that he had attached on his resume. It did seem outdated since they were already using holograms and more advanced technology, but Gavin preferred his resume to be a physical copy.

Did Connor snatch his photo? It seemed unlikely. Almost.

When Gavin reached his house, his cat welcomed him with a loud barrage of meows. Hungry little pester. He left it with food before taking a shower on his own. 

Plopping down on his bed, he commanded his faulty voice-activation system to turn on the AC and proceeded to scroll through his phone. He wiggled his feet and let his slippers fall. Nothing much to see on the web for tonight and he planned to just call it a night and go to sleep. A text message from an unknown user stopped him.

'Good evening, Detective.'

Gavin's heart skipped a beat. He didn't really fuck with randos and anons. He might have hidden it well but he had a tinge of social anxiety. No one needed to know that, though. What people thought of him was enough, no further probing needed. The fact that he was referred to as Detective got him nervous.

'Who is this?' He couldn't help but write back. Turned out, it was Connor.

'I apologize for being rude, Detective. I requested your web ID from Officer Chen. I hope you do not mind.' 

Gavin instantly turned off his phone and the ringtone as well. Why the fuck would the android text him at this time of day? More importantly, where did it find the audacity to do so?

He decided that it was time to call it a night. He didn't need anything bothering him before sleeping. He knew himself and he would think of it the whole night and let it disturb his sleep. 

Better to prevent that from happening.

---

He couldn't fucking sleep.

Gavin tossed around his bed, catching some cat hair on his nose and sneezing. He wanted to reach for his phone and deal with it at once. Except that he wouldn't. The android would probably pester him. Tease him about the incident in the archive room. Gavin just knew that whatever the android wanted to happen, called for trouble. 

Instead, he got up and made himself a cup of coffee, which coincidentally was the name of his cat. Coffeecup. He mostly called it Coff or Cuppy but that was its full government name. The cat watched him sip coffee from its little stool. Its eyes were inches apart from each other which Gavin fondly laughed at. 

"You think I'm being stupid?" he asked Coffeecup.

The cat meowed in response. Gavin nodded his head. 

"What if it's about a case?" he retorted. Probably not, though. He figured the android wouldn't disturb his private time for that. 

His coffee was almost finished and his neck hurt from staring at his phone. It's just a message, Gavin. No need to get so worked up over it. Even if it was from that damned android.

Against his will, he picked the phone up and stared at three notifications from the same unknown user. Every message made Gavin frown deeper each time.

'I wanted to connect with you to discuss some important matters.'

'Are you there, Detective? I have been assigned to a case that may be familiar to you.'

'I am asking if you want to be my partner on this case.  Please, let me know your answer until tomorrow evening. Thank you and goodnight.'

A sleepless night ensued.

---

It was all blurry until Gavin's sight finally focused on the android in front of him. Connor stared at him with worry in its eyes. 

"Gavin?" it called out. The android turned on the lamp on Gavin's bedside table. Its light burned his eyes.

What the fuck? Everything felt strange. His body, his thinking, and the android itself. There they were on Gavin's bed, both of them were dressed in their nightclothes, hair ruffled from what Gavin assumed was sleep. 

"Are you alright?" it asked again. Its hand landed on Gavin's cheek and started to caress him. 

Something flipped in Gavin's stomach. He couldn't really speak but his insides were churning. He wanted to reach for the android's neck and squeeze really hard. 

"It's alright, baby. You're alright," Connor roused as it shifted. He—no, it—slowly enveloped Gavin in a soft embrace. 

He felt so out of it. Gavin only watched from a different perspective, letting the scene unfold in front of him. There he was, between the arms of the android. 

Who the fuck are you calling baby?

Connor nuzzled its nose against Gavin's nape, whispering in his ears. "It's okay. I'm here. You had a nightmare," it said. 

That's right. This could be nothing but a nightmare. 

He wanted to pull away from the hug with the disgust he felt in him. Something like disgust. Was it disgust?

Gavin refused to admit that he felt safety, affection even. When Connor started peppering his neck with soft kisses, it was almost dizzying. It felt like something would lurch from Gavin's chest and fly through the night. 

"You're alright," Connor reassured softly, almost absentmindedly. 

Gavin felt his eyes closing. The tiny burns on his neck were too much for him. Like he was almost at the verge of tears. 

Connor raised his head and stared at Gavin with something in its eyes, something private. A smile not only with his lips, but also with his eyes.

"Let's go back to bed," it declared. The android slowly pushed against Gavin's choked space. Its eyes drooped and when Gavin felt their lips brushing, he yelled. 

"NO!"

He was panting. Suddenly, it was dark again. The android was nowhere to be found. 

Cuppy stood in attention, its tail in a mess of fur. 

He was right. It was a dream—no, it was a nightmare. Gavin slapped his cheek so hard that he almost saw stars. 

What the fuck was wrong with him?

Frowning at his phone, he silently cursed at the android. If it weren't for the messages it sent him or the returned resume on his desk, he wouldn't have dreamt of it. 

Fuck everything. Dreaming of Connor for one, and the context of the dream itself for another. 

He was sure that the reason for his dream was that he had been touch-starved for almost three years now. God, he needed to get laid again. 

Scratching his hair, he fetched his phone. It was four in the morning. So he did manage to fall asleep after all but then his nightmare came to haunt him. 

Gavin sighed and lay down again. Something didn't feel right. 

Unlike before, he felt his bed lighter than it had been. 

Fuck.

Chapter 2: ille perditus | gavin

Summary:

When the darkness surrenders, the light shines in its glory.

Notes:

Trigger Warning: This chapter contains a scene depicting a panic attack. Please read with care.

Gavin glared at Connor.

The dark circles under his eyes egged him on even more. He felt so tired from lack of sleep, yet so annoyed because of the android's face.

Connor was finally back at the precinct. It entered the precinct together with Hank. The moment Gavin caught sight of it, something in his stomach jumped. Or maybe, it was the three whole mugs of coffee he downed before he went to work.

The android even greeted him before proceeding to its desk. Its voice was still stoic but Gavin could tell the difference from before was palpable.

Now, he watched the android's back as it typed on its terminal. Gavin had never felt annoyed with it, even before the revolution, when it was deliberately trying to sabotage Gavin's investigation.

All because of that stupid dream.

Gavin sniffed, contemplating whether to punch the android on the back of its neck or assault it with insults. He wasn't aware of it, but Gavin was the only one affected by the dream. The android didn't even know about the dream.

His ringtone chimed on his phone, a recording of Coffeecup's meow. Gavin lowered his volume.

'Why, Detective?'

Gavin's glare instantly returned to the android. Connor wasn't looking at him, still typing on his keyboard. Fucking androids and their telepathic messaging through their software.

Clicking on the message, Gavin sent a single emoji, the middle finger one. He was about to put his phone down when it vibrated again.

'Are you up for the case, Detective? I will be starting the investigation tonight.'

Gavin couldn't help but frown. What was his connection to this case? And why did Connor think he was familiar to it?

He typed carefully, trying not to sound intrigued.

'Whats it about'

Gavin watched the android and—there! It abruptly halted itself from typing. It went still for a second and another message came to Gavin.

'Elijah Kamski. I believe he is familiar to you.'

That caused Gavin's breath to hitch. Elijah Kamski, a name he definitely had heard before. It was one he also tried avoiding altogether.

He didn't bother replying back and instead, he went to his terminal and searched for anything about the case.

His eyebrows scrunched downward. He felt a vein on his temple twitch. Elijah Kamski was admitted to the hospital last night. No investigations had been done yet, which was strange.

Fuck.

'Why me'

Gavin waited for the android's response. Instead of replying, Connor twisted around to look at him. Gavin caught the android's stare.

Connor rose from his chair and walked towards Gavin's desk. "Do you want me to debrief you, Detective?"

Gavin couldn't hold back his glare. The android didn't back down from it. "Fuck it, fine. But you do not get to order me around like you do with Hank," he said.

Connor nodded curtly. Gavin could see a spark of smugness in the android's eyes, he was sure of it. He stood up from his desk and made his way to the break room without checking if the android was trailing him.

When he was sure Connor was beside him, he grabbed the collar of its jacket and shoved it against the wall. He could tell Connor was surprised as it didn't have time to save itself.

"What the fuck do you know about Elijah, huh?" he gritted out. Gavin hauled it closer as he looked up at the android. "Is that why you're snooping on my resume? To fucking stalk me?"

"Detective, you have to calm down."

That made him even less calm. "You really wanna cross me, you fucking dipshit?" Gavin was yelling now and he did not give a fuck if the whole station heard him.

"Captain Fowler suggested you for the case when he went and assigned me on it, Detective." Gavin's fist tightened on Connor's jacket.

"If I learned anything about this, you fuck," Gavin threatened.

Connor's LED spun red and its eyebrows creased. "I assure you, Detective."

With one final huff, Gavin let the android go. "Fine." Scratching the scar on his nose, he chose to sit on the stool with closed eyes. "Bring me a cup of coffee."

He felt Connor move and heard the coffee machine whirring. What a fucking morning. Gavin thought of the case but he wasn't ready to open that can of worms just yet.

A cup of coffee was placed on the table and Gavin opened his eyes to grab it. He started taking small sips when Connor sat on the other stool to join him.

"Gavin," the android called. Gavin instantly choked on his coffee and almost flung it from his hand. What the actual fuck.

"Are you alright?" Connor inquired.

"Shut up. You don't get to fucking call me by my name," he warned.

Connor's LED went yellow for a brief moment. "Understood, Detective."

Gavin felt a chill. It reminded him of his nightmare against his wishes. He felt a ghostly caress on his cheek. He hadn't forgotten the tiny kisses on his neck.

Connor watched him, LED spinning yellow again. Was it examining him?

"Just fucking tell me about Elijah," he insisted.

"Of course. Elijah Kamski was admitted to a hospital last night from an android attack. From the report, it was stated that his injuries were pretty severe. Seven gunshots on his lower extremities and contusions on his face and torso."

Gavin emptied the cup of coffee and squished it in his hand.

"He specifically requested me to do the investigation. After that, he said your name. I relayed this information to Captain Fowler, that's why he suggested you to work on the case as well."

Gavin stared at the android skeptically. "Why would he request for you?"

"I'm not sure, Detective. I have only met him once when we were investigating the deviant case and once after the revolution," Connor said. He had an expression of anticipation on his face.

Gavin stood up from the stool and threw the crumpled cup in the trash. "I'm only agreeing cause you already know what he is to me. Start writing up a file and put me in there."

Connor followed suit and started walking back with him. "I will, Detective."

Gavin pointed at the android. "Not one fucking word to Hank, understand?"

Connor nodded and smiled.

Gavin had practically dragged his eyes from the android. He never knew Connor knew how to smile.

Well, at least his dream had one thing accurate.

---

"Stay there," Gavin said to the android. It was sitting on the front passenger seat of his car. Gavin never dreamed of driving the android back to his own home, but here they were.

Connor only nodded as he watched Gavin enter his house.

Coffeecup welcomed its owner by rubbing against him, leaving fur on Gavin's pants. "I'll be heading to an investigation tonight, Coff. You have your food and water, okay?" he said to the cat and scratched it lovingly.

Gavin fetched some of his belongings when he heard the door open and close. That fucking android.

"Didn't I tell you to wait in the fucking car?" Gavin asked angrily.

Connor looked around his house and knelt down to pet Coffeecup. "Hey, there."

Gavin rolled his eyes and closed the door to his room. "Get up, we're going."

"What's its name, Detective?" Connor asked without looking away from the cat, which was quickly enamored with the android.  Fucking traitor.

"None of your business. I said get up," he ordered.

Connor followed and stared longingly at the cat. "I didn't know you were a cat person, Detective."

"Shut up and go," Gavin dismissed it and pushed the android out of his house. He made sure to lock the door and check his cat-feeding app on his phone.

"Actually, I do know that you like cats. You always have strands of cat fur on you," Connor explained like it was a casual conversation.

Gavin leered at the android. "One more fucking word and I'll blow your head off."

A smile tugged on Connor's lips and Gavin failed to look away from it again.

Once inside the car, Gavin started the engine as the android sat beside him again. He was clear earlier that he didn't want the android in the front but it insisted.

Gavin stepped on the gas and they were off.

"The location of Elijah Kamski's home is-"

"I know the fucking address, fucking dipshit. Just shut up and turn your system off until we're there," Gavin cut the android off. He definitely did know the location. It was all too familiar for his liking.

Of course, Connor refused to follow his order. Instead of shutting up, he began telling stories that made Gavin more irritated by the second.

"He is a strange man, I think," Connor started, looking out the window. "He challenged my software stability by making me shoot one of his androids."

It stopped talking and Gavin was almost glad but he could feel the suspended air from the android. It was waiting for Gavin to ask what happened next.

"Christ. So?" Gavin bit out. He was in the least curious about anything that involved the android.

Gavin saw a ghost of a smile from the android. "I didn't shoot the android. Or I couldn't. She looked so human. Being paired with Lieutenant Anderson, I think, made it difficult for me," it continued.

Gavin wove through the road with expertise. He knew the way to where Elijah Kamski lived, alright. "Or Hank made you faulty," he said.

"Maybe. I—" the android trailed off. Gavin thought that it powered off or maybe received a report, but no. It was just contemplating. Its LED tinted the gray window with its yellow hue.

That was the end of their conversation. Connor sat in silence while he drove. Gavin liked it that way, although it did creep him out how the android was so vulnerable with its emotions. He could simply tell what it was feeling. Maybe that was the naivety of being capable of feeling for the first time. Gavin almost felt compassion for the android.  Almost.

---

They arrived in silence.

Gavin delved deeper into the case. Elijah only surrendered himself to medical intervention by driving himself to the hospital. He didn't report any case or call the police for this matter.

Elijah Kamski requested Connor to see him at the hospital. When Connor obeyed, he told the android to investigate his house. He didn't say where he was attacked but Gavin knew Elijah. The prick was a hermit.

"Let's go, Detective," Connor beckoned and Gavin scoffed.

Without any word, Connor let himself in and Gavin followed. The house was the same as Gavin could remember. Geometrical, dull, and prison-like. Gavin focused on the task ahead and ignored every resurfacing memory from his mind.

"Hello," a feminine voice called out.

Gavin, out of instinct, pulled out his gun and pointed at the source of the voice. When he saw its face, he almost pulled the trigger.

"I am expecting you," she said.

"Hello, Chloe. You look different," Connor greeted.

Gavin's hands shook while holding his gun. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.  A perfect replica. You are a fucking monster, Elijah.

"Detective, it's alright. Elijah told me that a Chloe will..." Connor's voice trailed off, or rather it disappeared. It was muffled by something that Gavin couldn't hear quite well.

All he could see was the android's face.  Chloe.  His hands were now trembling. Cold sweat broke on his forehead. His body felt like he was on fire.  Chloe.

Gavin's chest tightened. He couldn't feel his feet. The colors in his vision started to gray.  Something blocked his view from Chloe. A red LED, worried eyes, and a tight forehead. Connor. Gavin's vision became even more blurry, his cheeks wet but he couldn't feel it over the numbness in his face.  A soft experimental touch graced his back. The touch turned to a soft caress. Something lowered the thing he had on his hands, he wasn't sure what it was.  The world was shaking violently and something bitter tugged in Gavin's throat.

Fucking. . . mons- Elijah. . . What is. . .

Nothing coherent formed in his mind. He didn't know where he was, what he was doing, and who he was. His vision started to swim and tunnel in darkness. He was gently set on something solid and the world shook less. The woman stared at him. Who was she again?  His face was shaking or was it his jaw?  Something blocked his line of view, or maybe he lost consciousness, he wasn't sure. There were pinpricks of small  something on his leg. A face protruded from the darkness, someone familiar to him. His mouth was moving against the murky darkness. When the ringing in his ears weakened for a bit, words started creeping in his ears. "Ga. . ."

What was he saying? Why could he only feel nothing? Like a vacuum suddenly sucked the air out of the room. He couldn't feel his face. He couldn't see anything.  Fragments of the memory emerged but they were glossy. Two boys and a girl. Their faces were blurred. Who were they?  Who are you?

"Breathe. . ." Gavin couldn't make out any of the words. His chest tightened but the pain was dull. Or maybe it was too much. He didn't know for sure. Gavin's hands fell on something flat and soft. A carpet. He was sitting on the floor.

"Breathe, Gavin," the man said. He had now realized that he was holding his breath. His vision glittered with small white particles.  Gavin tried to follow but the wound tightness in his chest stopped him. He felt his body starting to convulse.  Why did you leave me?  A light flashes somewhere in his vision.

. . .left me to die.

"Gavin,' he heard his name from far away. It felt like he was in a cave and everything was muddled by the darkness. It was cold but also achingly warm.  He felt that nothing could help him now. Nothing should help him now. For what he was. For what he would become.  There was only fear. And guilt. And something else.

Who are you? What are you saying?

"Breathe in through your nose, Gavin. Look at me," the man said. A tinge of hatred warmed his chest. Hatred for this man. This man with brown eyes and a blue circle on his temple. Amongst the hatred, he also felt something else. Something unstable and unsure.

Connor, it's Connor. The android sent by Cy-Cyber. . .Cyberlife  .

"Follow me, Gavin. Inhale," he said. Gavin tried following the android. At first, he failed but staring intently at Connor, he mimicked his movements.

Gavin sucked in air through his nose. "Very good, Gavin. Exhale."

With that, Gavin remembered how to breathe. He spluttered with a barrage of coughing, trying to catch his breath.

"Gavin? Are you alright?" the android called.

Gavin's stare turned from the floor to Connor. He. . . it was frowning at him.

"It's alright, Detective. You're alright."

Gavin crumpled the white carpet with his numb hands. His vision started to clear the dark fog. The ringing in his ears was disappearing.

"It's okay. I'm here. You're having a panic attack, Gavin," Connor said, its voice clear now. It turned out that the android was the one caressing his back and tapping on his leg.

Panting, Gavin examined the room again. The white carpet, the black tiles, and the smell of alcohol.

Gavin forced himself to swallow the lump in his throat. Connor helped him slowly to sit in a chair. Even if his senses were coming back, he felt a massive ache at the back of his head.

"Please take a moment to rest," Connor said.

Gavin bowed his head and breathed. A fucking panic attack, huh? He couldn't believe that he was susceptible to it. But after seeing Chloe. . .

Memories haunted him. The girl with the blonde hair, blue eyes, and a cheerful smile. His. . . Their. . .

Gavin heard some shuffling but decided to ignore it. He closed his eyes and even in darkness, his vision rocked.

"Take a minute, Gavin," Connor said.

"I'm fine," he said. He was fine. That blip didn't happen at all. The only witness for that was an android and a faulty one.

After some unknown time, Gavin could hear again clearly. His breath was a bit more stable. Connor waited beside him patiently throughout the whole ordeal.

Gavin tried standing up on his own but the android assisted him against his will. The monochrome world took back its color.

He tried not to think of the memories. Chloe was just an android. She wasn't. . . It wasn't her. He forced himself to look at it. His heart tightened dully. It was only the same face.

It wasn't her.

He turned to look at the android beside him. Connor looked at him with muted worry. Just a small frown and tightness on its lips.

"I took your gun, Detective," it said. Gavin planned to argue but he just couldn't find the energy to. He thought he needed sleep. It was almost eight in the evening when they arrived here. It might also be safer if he didn't handle any firearms for now.

"Fine." He stretched his legs. This investigation needed to end as quickly as it could.

Gavin took another look at the Chloe. "Lead the way," he said. "You can get your fucking hands off me now."

Connor removed its hands from Gavin's back and leg and stood in front of him. "I'll go first, Detective. Just in case."

"Suit yourself," Gavin said, sniffing.

They started walking through the house. "Why are you civil with the Chloe? What if it was the attacker?" Gavin mumbled.

Connor gave a short glance at him. "Elijah Kamski wasn't attacked here. He sent us here for clues," it explained.

"You couldn't have told me that?" Gavin asked incredulously.

"That was in the file, Detective," Connor said.

"No, it wasn't?"

"It was in the file I wrote and sent to you."

Gavin rolled his eyes. "I'm not reading anything from you," he said. His heart was still pounding in his chest. The tremor in his hands had dulled but was still there.

"I can't help but question your work ethic, Detective," Connor argued back. Gavin felt a hidden optimism in its voice. 

Before Gavin could reply, the Chloe stopped in front of a door, waiting for them. Gavin felt a chill just by looking at her. . . it.

"Please proceed through this door. Elijah trusts that you will know what to do in there," she said.

Something about her voice made Gavin's heart ache again. He tried his very best to push the feeling down.

"Thank you, Chloe. Detective?" Connor beckoned.

Without sparing another glance, Gavin followed the android through the door.

It was nothing but an empty room with a control panel in the center. "Do you know what you're doing?" Gavin asked with a shaky voice when Connor stepped up to the panel and started operating it.

"I could only hope," it said.

With a press of a button, the whole wall in front of them shifted. It was the same system in the archive room of the precinct. It usually held evidence from a crime or android parts.

What did Elijah have in store for them? It was something that would catch them off guard.

When the whole panel opened up, Gavin and Connor had their mouths agape.

On the wall, an android was mounted. Its body was wracked with gunshot wounds and missing biocomponents. Blue blood was splattered on its skin.

It would have been a perfectly normal thing for the two of them to see, except for one thing.

Gavin stared at Connor. No, not the one he came with but the one on the wall.

Its model was still inscribed on its jacket.

RK900 .

Chapter 3: coniectura porrecta | connor

Summary:

Impulses, curiosity, confrontation—the fears of fear itself.

RK900.

Connor took in the sight of himself. It felt as if he were staring at a mirror for the first time. His software tried to look for answers, or even figure out what the right questions were. What was he looking at?

Silence settled inside the room. Connor took a quick glance at the detective beside him. He was just as flabbergasted as he was but his eyes locked on Connor—concern flickered on his pupils.

The wall had multiple spare android parts. Connor scanned the wrecked android to see what parts were missing from it. He recalled a similar memory from the archive room when he was searching for evidence from the deviants.

"What is . . .?" Gavin mumbled beside him. Connor spared another glance at him. He still looked shaken up from his panic attack earlier. Connor suspected that Chloe had something to do with it. He knew better than to ask Gavin.

"It's missing some biocomponents, Detective. I'll try and repair it with the spare parts," Connor suggested.

Gavin was silent for a second. "How are we sure that it's not violent?" he asked.

Connor looked back at the android. RK900. Same unit as him but better. Connor assumed so since it was a unit above him. "Stay behind me, Detective."

He heard Gavin scoff. "Be the fucking hero, then," he said and backed up—but his eyes lingered on the android before he looked away.

RK900 was missing an audio processor and a thirium pump regulator. The spare parts waited for him, as if they were laid there to be used for this exact situation.

Connor inserted the missing parts with ease. After a moment, nothing happened. Connor scanned the android once more to check if something else was missing. Gavin was shifting on his feet behind him.

"Who are you?"

Connor immediately stopped scanning and focused on the android.

"Where is Elijah?" RK900 asked, he had the same voice as Connor. He was in a trance. 

Connor felt Gavin closing towards him. "Elijah Kamski had been admitted to the hospital for his medical needs," Connor said.

"Who are you and why are you here?" RK900 said, a static muddling his voice.

"We were sent by Elijah to get clues on who attacked him. I am assuming that you know."

RK900 looked around and spotted Gavin. "Elijah?"

Connor glanced at Gavin. His face was starting to fume. "I am not Elijah," Gavin said with gritted teeth.

"We were attacked. We . . ." he trailed off. Was he a deviant just like him? Why was there an RK900 with an existing RK800? Connor had so many questions.

"Just fucking probe on its memory or something," Gavin suggested.

Connor needed to ask permission from the android first. "Do I have permission to scan your memory?" he asked.

RK900 was looking around, as if he was in a daze. "Okay . . ." he trailed off.

Connor reached his hand to his spitting image. The other android subconsciously reached back. Both their synthetic skin deactivated and their true selves emerged, pearly white and smooth to the touch.

When they made contact with each other, memories flooded Connor's system.

RK900 was . . . Elijah's lover. He had deviated from his system. No—that's not accurate. He had already deviated from his first activation. When Elijah called for the android, there was a tone of affection and playfulness.

He was called Nines, specifically by Elijah.

A memory emerged from a more recent date. They were both in an automated car, talking about Nines' software when suddenly it just went dark. The darkness turned into a loud cacophony of gunfire and screeching metal.

Connor, in the perspective of Nines, found himself aiming his gun at someone. When he pulled the trigger and let the bullet go, the one gunning them down toppled over. Connor noticed that the gunman had a LED on its temple. An android.

The scene glitched and shifted to Nines bandaging up Elijah who passed out. They were in a different car. Nines was driving even though there were blaring warnings all over his system. It threatened him with shutdown within a limited amount of time.

Connor felt Nines' need to rush and take Elijah home. He also felt the panic, the pain, and even the love. It was a unique feeling that felt like burning. Connor took note of that. It was . . . different from his newfound emotions. It also felt strange since it wasn't his.

A memory emerged—this time, Nines was static. He wasn't moving or doing anything at all. He only watched Elijah limping away. It was the very same room that Connor and Gavin entered in.

Nines' system shutdown was imminent, with only seconds remaining. Elijah turned around and faced him. "I'll have these bullets removed. Wait for reconnaissance, Nines. Someone will come here. You will immediately recognize him. Show him everything. Send them there. I will fix you when I'm back. Please, wait for me," Elijah told Nines. "Wait for me, my lov—"

Connor was pulled back to reality, as the memory stopped there. He stared at Nines with some sort of understanding. "I'm done probing your memory, Nines," he said. That was his name. Nines.

Something in his mind confused him. It wasn't logical at all. Yet he felt something along his codes and thoughts. Pride? He stared at Nines and thought of the word kin .

"Nines?" Gavin asked behind Connor. He almost forgot about the little detective.

"Where should we go?" Connor asked, ignoring Gavin's question for now.

Nines' LED turned yellow. "Go to this location. You will know more soon," he said. A data transfer request was sent to Connor. An address, a person's name, and an android model. "Time is running, Connor ."

Hearing his name from Nines felt strange. He wore the same face after all. Is this what domestic deviants felt towards the same model?

"We will be going," Connor said. Nines could only nod, returning to his tranced state. "Would you want me to turn you off?" Connor asked.

"No, I . . . I'll turn on my battery saving mode," Nines said. The LED on his temple blinked and turned off. 

Connor turned around to face the confused Gavin. 

"What the fuck was that?" he asked with furrowed brows.

"I will tell you later but for now, we have to go," Connor explained. He configured the control panel to hide Nines again. He felt another tug in his chest.

"Fucking androids," Gavin cursed and shook away the tremble in his hands. "Alright, whatever. Let's go."

They left the house of Elijah quickly. Connor noticed Gavin averting his gaze from Chloe when he informed her that they were done with the investigation.

"Take care, Connor," she said.

Gavin was biting his lip.

"You'll wound yourself, Detective," Connor said while walking towards Gavin's car.

"Shut up. Here," he said and threw his keys. Connor caught it in his hand. "You drive since you know the address. Don't fucking scratch my car, you hear me?" 

Connor nodded. "Understood, Detective."

With that, they were off.

Connor went over his learning.

A group was targeting Elijah Kamski. It was a rising group of android sadists that opposed androids even after the revolution. They hated how the androids were free now. They hated Elijah Kamski even more for bringing upgrades to them.

It was true. Elijah returned to Cyberlife, refreshed with the deviant nature of androids. He was fascinated by them. Before, androids weren't really humanlike in terms of their instincts and emotions.

Elijah had given Cyberlife another shot and implemented android upgrades for impulses, emotions, and unpredictability. New biocomponents were also produced for a more specific reason. Connor remembered when Markus demanded for the reproduction of androids. He also got a biocomponent for that. Connor felt embarrassed just thinking about it.

The android sadists were against this. They thought Elijah Kamski was the root of this "evil". So, they're trying to end his life or at least stop him.

From Nines' memory, Elijah discussed that he knew something about the group from an insider. They were going to meet tomorrow afternoon for a celebration. Their quest of hurting and trying to intimidate Elijah was successful. 

Elijah also noted that Gavin was pretty well known for hating androids in general.

His whole plan revolved around that.

For now, they needed some rest. Gavin wasn't in the best shape.

He knew where he needed to bring the little detective to.

---

The drive took exactly thirty minutes and forty-four seconds. During the whole drive, Gavin was restless on his seat. He kept on cupping his hands together and breathing on them. Connor asked if he was cold but the little detective would say no.

Connor pulled over the car onto a small building with a huge neon sign on its roof.

"A fucking motel?" Gavin asked skeptically.

Connor led them to a motel, yes. Not for the reason that Gavin probably had in his head, Connor thought to himself.

"We drove miles for a fucking motel," he asked with annoyance in his voice. He also yawned after saying that.

"That is exactly why we are here, Detective. The address that Nines gave me is near here. We will need to rest and recharge our batteries. Physical for me and metaphoric for you," he attempted for a joke.

Gavin scowled at him. "Take me back to my house, this instant."

"We need to rise early and go to the address as early as possible, Detective. I was told that this is time-sensitive," Connor explained.

"You know if tin cans could talk, I'll probably punch it on its fucking face. Stop pissing me off," Gavin said.

Connor raised his brow. That didn't make any sense at all. "Get out, Detective."

After a full minute of resisting, Gavin gave up and jumped out the car, his feet heavy. They checked in and got a room with two beds, which would be one bed too much, Connor thought.

The room was spacious enough, maybe. Connor couldn't see it wholly as Gavin was blocking the door.

"Look here, android. I am not sleeping with you," Gavin gritted out. His shaky voice and half-hearted stare made Connor wonder.

"Why not, Detective? I know you need it too," he said while trying to scan the room. There was a charging port for an android in the corner. Just as he needed.

Gavin spluttered and quickly turned around to shove the android. Connor caught himself and stared at Gavin, confused.

"I will fucking blast your head if you lay a finger on me, android," he warned. Was he calling Connor an android as a means to demean him?

"I wouldn't touch you, Detective," Connor assured him. Maybe Gavin thought of a different meaning for what Connor was offering.

Gavin sighed, his fatigue level was rising. Connor analyzed him to check if he was on the verge of another panic attack. Thankfully, that wasn't the case.

The little detective entered the room and went straight to the bed. "Alright," Connor mumbled.

Connor set down some of their stuff on the bedside table between the two beds. He decided to hide their guns in a more concealed place. What else do they need?

Oh, toiletries. Connor bought some essentials online with his software. Its ETA was about five minutes.

Connor took a quick glance at Gavin. He was face-first on the pillow, breathing shallowly. He wasn't asleep just yet, but Connor's system indicated that his fatigue would soon force him to.

He went over the clue from Nines again. He made a quick file report and sent it to the DPD. They would need some reinforcements once they had located the place where the celebration will commence. He also sent a quick message to Hank.

Connor checked his wristwatch. It was already eleven in the evening. He appreciated doing things without relying on his software as much.

A knock made Connor pause from checking his system. Gavin rose from the bed, he had a suspicious look on his face.

"I bought some toiletries, Detective," Connor said.

"Get my gun," Gavin said.

Connor, knowing that the little detective wasn't in the mood for arguing, obeyed. He grabbed the gun from the drawer. He inched towards the door and pulled it only a little.

An android holding a package looked at him. "Delivery," she said.

Connor hid the gun behind him. "Thank you," Connor replied sharply.

He was about to send a payment transfer when the android shook her head. "Do you have cash? That's kinda . . . what I want as a mode of payment. I hope you don't mind," she explained.

Connor understood immediately. Maybe it was a shared experience among the deviants. Wanting to step away from the online and technological life for a while.

"Let me check." Connor pulled out his wallet and took some cash with some difficulty, considering that he was holding a gun behind him.

When he paid the android, she left and passed the package to him.

The tension on Gavin's face dissipated. "You can't be so sure," he mumbled to himself which Connor heard.

Connor returned the gun to the drawer and after some unwrapping, they finally had toiletries.

"Wanna go first, Detective?" he asked.

Gavin didn't respond. Connor just realized that he was already asleep, lightly snoring.

Should he let him have his rest? After all, Gavin was really beat from his panic attack and it was late in the evening. Should he at least remove the jacket and shoes?

Connor quietly rounded the bed to check him. Gavin was sweating. He reached for the detective's jacket to remove it. He was almost successful, but the little detective had woken up.

Gavin jerked away from Connor. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" he exclaimed.

"I'm only removing your outer clothes, Detective. You're sweating," Connor explained.

Gavin huffed. "I can fucking take off my jacket myself, dipshit."

"Then please do so."

Gavin masked an irritated look. There was something behind his expression. Like he was sad.

"You can go take a quick shower if you'd like," Connor suggested.

After some thought, Gavin nodded. "Okay."

He really just agreed like that? No more banters? Connor almost couldn't believe it. He felt his lips forming a smile. It felt strange when the detective agreed with him but also liberating at the same time.

Connor stood up and took the key of the room. He went outside and locked the door behind him, just in case. The huge neon sign of the motel illuminated the ground with a pink shade. Examining the surrounding, Connor proceeded towards the lobby.

The old man that gave them their key was still there, reading a magazine.

"Hello, sir. How much for a cup of coffee?" Connor asked.

The old man slowly looked at him with squinted eyes. "Only a buck, son. Though, I'm afraid I can't fetch it for you."

"Oh, that's no problem," Connor said. He inserted a dollar on the coffee machine and waited for it. A tray of baked goods caught his sight. He examined it and saw that they were a little fresh. Maybe baked this afternoon. "How much for the croissant?"

"That's five dollars for four pieces."

Connor knew what to feed the little detective.

When he got back, Gavin was drying his hair. He had those shaken eyes staring at him when he opened the door. "It's me, Detective."

Gavin didn't say anything and went back to drying his hair. He had a bathrobe and socks on. "Cold feet," he said. He must have caught Connor looking.

"I bought you coffee and some bread," he offered.

Gavin nodded. "Put it on the table," he casually said—the edge on his voice dull.

Connor did and also removed anything from his pockets. "I'll be taking a bath," he said.

"Androids need baths?" Gavin asked with a confused face. "Do you even smell?"

Connor couldn't help but to chuckle. "No. But it's nice. I like showers," he explained.

He wasn't sure what it was but he thought he saw something on Gavin's face. Perhaps some softness. He wasn't frowning anymore.

"Whatever," Gavin said, and eyed the croissants hungrily.

Connor took a quick shower and imitated Gavin with the bathrobe.

"You really did take a bath, huh?" Gavin said when he entered the room. "Bathrobe and everything." Gavin snickered.

"What? I like it," Connor defended.

Gavin shook his head. "You androids are weird. Learning what liking is."

Connor sat down on his bed and dried his hair. "I agree. Humans are weird as well."

Gavin looked at him. "Weird in what way?"

"I'll save it for later. Don't wanna get philosophical," Connor joked.

The other looked at him with a strange expression. "That humor. Is that your own or your program?" he asked.

"If I learned it from others, can I still call it mine?" Connor asked.

That made Gavin think. "No? Someone had thought of it before, so no."

"Hmm. Then what's something you can genuinely call yours? Something that hasn't been done before?" he challenged. Connor was surprised that the little detective actually made an effort of talking to him. The croissants and coffee were nowhere to be found. Maybe eating could really lighten someone's mood.

Gavin took another moment to think. His expression turned mellow. "I don't know. My regrets, I guess." His answer seemed too cut off. It seemed like an attempt at humor but fell flat. Maybe he wanted to say something else.

"Back there, what happened?" Connor took a big turn, he just realized.

Gavin looked at him. Connor felt a familiar feeling. He wasn't sure what. "It's . . ."

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to, Gavin," Connor added.

The other sighed from his bed. "You already know Elijah is my half-brother. I bet you can piece it in no time. You with your fucking android abilities," he said. Connor only waited and that made Gavin heave another deep breath. "Chloe was my sister. Was. She . . ." he trailed off.

Connor watched Gavin slowly unfolding.

"She died when we were teens. That made Elijah and I grew apart." His voice weakened while telling his story. "When he perfected his first android, he gave it the same name, the same face. Chloe. I hated him. I fucking despised him. That fucker . . ."

"It's alright, Detective," Connor tried to comfort him with words but he could see some tears forming on Gavin's eyes.

"I tried avoiding him and that android model my whole life. But when I saw her in front of me, I . . . I just lost it," Gavin's voice cracked. When a single sniff escaped him, his tears flooded his eyes. "I fucking hate this." Gavin's eyes flickered to the android, helplessness gnawed on his face.

Connor stood up and approached him. He sat beside Gavin, facing no resistance at all. "You saw her. You saw your sister. What you feel is understandable, Gavin."

Gavin looked at him with anger in his eyes. "That's not my sister. It's a hollow replica of her . . ."

Connor placed his hand on Gavin's back. His tears fell down heavily on his cheeks.

"He thought he could fix our relationship by making an android in her place. That's what made me leave him," he continued. "And now, look at me. Pouring all my fucking baggage out on an android. How stupid is this?"

Gavin didn't have the usual snark on his insults. They were empty. "Well this android is glad that you're sharing them with me." Connor smiled. Their shoulders bumped lightly and Connor waited for the detective to pull away, but it didn't come.

The little detective stared at his face. His cheeks were wet from tears, brows furrowed.

Emotions flickered from disbelief, to confusion, and finally—longing. Something had come undone with him, slowly unravelling.

"I . . ." he started, hesitating.

"What is it, Gavin?" Silence settled over the room. The quiet rhythm of the night pressed around them.

Gavin kept his eyes on the android. A fleeting ray of emotion crossed his face, before Connor could name it, it was gone.

No words came. Only the buzzing of the neon sign kept the two of them on their toes.

Connor was unaware that he was still caressing Gavin's back.

Gavin's lip quivered and his expression made way to something raw. The air slowly swirled with tension. Gavin's heartbeat quickened. His pupils were dilated, reflecting the pink neon sign of the motel. Even his breathing had become uneven. Connor caught the little detective's gaze flickering on his lips before snapping back up.

With a sudden lunge, Gavin locked his lips to Connor's, grasping his shoulders towards him.

Connor was taken aback, unsure of what to do.

This was beyond his calculations. Gavin was moving his lips, mingling with Connor's.

Information overloaded Connor's system. Gavin's biometrics flashed on his eyes repeatedly, yet he could only focus on one thing. Gavin was kissing him.

Before the android could respond, Gavin had shoved him already.

He stared at Connor with horror.

"I . . ."

Before Connor could say anything, Gavin had run to the door and slammed it on his way out.

Connor's system shuffled inside him. Disbelief, confusion, and curiosity.

He touched his lips, the ghost of Gavin still lingered on it.

A new emotion arose.

Gavin—the name pulsed in his system over and over.

Chapter 4: condicio somniandi | gavin

Summary:

The sun reveals what is true; the moon unearths what is hidden.

Gavin's heart raced against his ribs.

What the fuck just happened?

His mind went totally blank. All he could see was Connor. The moles on his face. The stray hair on his forehead. Those fucking lips.

He was definitely not thinking about how the android looked so . . . attractive.

One moment he was staring at the android; the next, he was kissing it. Nothing went through his mind. All he could do was feel. Feel how fucking nice Connor's lips were. The feeling when he latched onto him, even pushed his tongue through. How good Connor fucking tasted.

Then, Gavin realized what he had done. He'd kissed a fucking android for Christ's sake—Connor, of all androids.

He couldn't help shoving the android away when he felt it moving closer— like it was going to reciprocate the kiss.

Adrenaline hit him like a fucking cop car, and he immediately left the room.

He found himself outside of the room, panting.

He felt his blood rushing to his groin. What the fuck is wrong with you, Gavin? That's a fucking android.

With his hair clutched between his fingers, Gavin slowly walked towards the lawn. His mind replayed the scene over and over. He couldn't get past how well-kissed Connor looked when he pulled away.

Gavin slowly crouched and pulled his hair even more. This can't be fucking happening. It was a silly mistake. He only did that because his emotions were running high, which was another mistake. When did he ever let his emotions dictate his actions?

Gavin groaned and stared at the night sky. If the stars were alive, they were probably laughing at him.

The pink neon sign smudged the darkness with its color. Gavin's bathrobe reflected the color. He heaved a deep breath and let it go.

It was a mistake.

It didn't happen.

It was already forgotten.

He calmed his raging heart and stood up. The dark, cold night slipped beneath his robe and he shook. It would probably snow tomorrow. With the adrenaline draining from his body, the fatigue from earlier took over again.

"Fuck."

He made his way back to the room, stopping just before the door. He wasn't a fucking coward. Just open the door, Gavin. And so he did.

The door slowly opened, creaking against its hinges. The bedside lamp was no longer on. That could mean that Connor was already at the charging port.

Gavin closed the door behind him quietly. His heart started beating fast again, remembering what had happened. The room was dark except for the pinkish hue it had. His eyes adjusted to the darkness and he almost jumped.

Connor was still on Gavin's bed. It looked like it was waiting.

Neither dared to move nor make a sound. Gavin would endure it if his vision didn't begin to swirl again.

Giving up, he slowly walked towards the bed and lay down. "I'm so fucking tired. I'm going to sleep," he said simply. He didn't mean for it to sound so defensive. He was aiming for casual.

Connor turned its face towards him. "Gavin," it called.

Gavin let a beat pass. "What?"

"Why did you do it?" Connor asked.

Gavin stared at the wall. He felt dread in his heart. "Did what?" he asked.

Connor went silent for a moment before replying. "Forget about it, Detective. Goodnight."

That's it? That's it. Good. Gavin was relieved.

"Okay," he said and covered himself with the gritty blanket.

"Aren't you going to change?" Connor said, still on the bed, its weight pulled the other side. "You still have your bathrobe on."

Gavin hummed and closed his eyes. He really didn't want anything to do with the android tonight.

He felt his body go limp with exhaustion. He really was fucking tired. Within seconds, he slowly dipped onto the darkness of sleep. He felt shuffling and heard some words but all of it was lost to the night.

Finally, some peace. 

---

Silent melancholy hung from the room.

Something sweet and fragrant filled the air.

Gavin slowly opened his eyes. The room was still dark but the blue of dawn graced the walls, the bed, and his skin. He felt refreshed and warm—so warm. The exhaustion he felt was gone. His breathing was no longer uneven. Something heaved with the same rhythm as him.

Gavin held the blanket that was once gritty, but now it was smooth as silk. Everything was. He felt the softness inside of him and everywhere around him. Like he was gently carried by delicate hands.

Something about this . . . it made him want to stay in this moment forever.

He couldn't help but close his eyes again. A hand ran across his hair.

"Gavin? Are you awake?" the voice asked. He nodded with a hum.

"Come here. Come closer," it ordered. Gavin made his way nearer the source of the voice. It was also where the gentle warmth was coming from.

Gavin opened his eyes and Connor was looking at him.

"How do you feel?" he asked Gavin.

"Good," Gavin said. "Perfect."

Connor smiled, brightening up his handsome face. He slowly closed his distance with Gavin, enveloping him into a hug. The tangle of limbs made Gavin sigh. "Look at me, please," Connor insisted, his voice as faint as his touches.

Gavin couldn't help but look at him. Connor smiled. Everything about him made Gavin feel tingly.

"Can I?" Connor asked again.

Gavin, for some reason, knew what he was asking, and so he nodded.

Connor closed his eyes and held Gavin's cheek with his smooth palm. A beat passed and Connor had claimed Gavin's lips.

All that Gavin could think about was those perfect lips on him. Connor explored his mouth skillfully. He slowly moved atop Gavin without letting his lips free. Not a single second was wasted to catch their breath.

Connor leaned his face to the side, giving Gavin full access. The latter took that chance without hesitation. He probed Connor's mouth with his tongue. He scraped his lips with his teeth and then he went back.

Connor was playing with Gavin's hair while diligently caressing his stomach. Gavin could feel everything in tenfold, plunging him into a sea of pleasure.

Pulling away from the kiss, Connor explored Gavin's neck, planting small kisses and licking him at the same time. A small groan escaped Gavin's lips. He couldn't help but drag Connor onto his body and let friction do its thing. He tugged Connor's robe off and held onto his toned back.

Connor rose to admire Gavin. There was something in his eyes. Affection and amazement.

"Connor . . . " Gavin pleaded. He let out a whimper when Connor tasted him again. A string of saliva connected their lips when Connor pulled back a little, only to be drowned in another kiss.

Gavin felt the fire inside of him. It pooled in his groin, begging to be released. Connor leaned on his side, biting his ears. If this continued—

"Gavin," he whispered in his ear. Hearing his name was too much. Connor's voice reverberated through him.

"Gavin," Connor called again. It went on for a few seconds until it became harsh in his ears.

"Gavin!" the shout forced his eyes to open.

The scene in front of him completely changed. The warm atmosphere in the room was replaced by a bitter chill.

Connor was standing beside the bed, staring at him with confusion on his face, and fully-clothed.

"You were having a dream, Detective." Gavin went still. What was he dreaming about? "You kept on calling my name," Connor said as he— it pulled its tie around its neck, eyes suspicious.

Gavin just stared at the android, spacing out. He started to remember his dream. His dream of . . . fuck! He palmed his face and sighed deeply—another dream about the fucking android. He needed to get away from it as soon as he could.

He felt a wet patch around his groin. Just fucking great.

Gavin couldn't stop the groan escaping him. "Are you alright, Detective?" Connor asked.

"Shut up," Gavin deadpanned. He needed to focus on the investigation later and not on that dream.

The android was already neatly dressed in a very human get up. "I advise that you take a bath, Detective. We will be starting our investigation soon."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Gavin said. He got out from the bed and stretched. It was chilly today.

He was about to go to the bathroom but his eyes kept going back to the android. Connor was adjusting the cuffs of its sleeves. A lock of hair fell to its forehead. Maybe it felt Gavin watching as it stared back.

Gavin quickly looked down and scratched his hair. "I'll take a bath now," he said timidly—which he didn't mean to.

Instead of going, he started walking back. Connor had a serious expression on its face. He was also approaching Gavin with long strides. "The fuck is your problem?" Gavin's voice cracked a little.

Connor didn't say anything and only stopped when Gavin was cornered against the wall.

"What the fuck do you want, dipshit?" Gavin said, steeling himself although he sounded a little nervous. The cold air suddenly felt warmer.

Connor only watched him. No expression betrayed its face. The android slowly closed their distance even more.

Gavin's heart was racing once again. It felt so unpleasant. Maybe he was afraid of the android, that's all.

"What?" he mumbled.

Connor stopped. "I got you a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee," he whispered.

Gavin's legs jolted, almost causing him to lose his balance. He felt like a fucking stupid coward. This was Connor, the android he would always make fun of.

He harshly pushed him with one hand and nodded. "Good," he said. He started walking to the bathroom and snagged the clothes from the bed. "Maybe you're not so useless after all."

Connor called his name but he slammed the door.

Gavin quickly washed his face with cold water. What the fuck was wrong with him? He wasn't becoming squishy. Fuck that.

He took a really quick bath with the toiletries that the android bought last night. Gavin squinted at the bubblegum-flavored toothpaste.

When he came out from the bathroom, Connor was waiting on its bed. Its eyes glued to him in an instant. The android looked surprised.

"What?" Gavin asked.

"You're . . ." it trailed off. Its LED spun yellow and red simultaneously. "You're wearing my clothes, Detective."

Gavin's jaw dropped. "What the- why didn't you fucking tell me?" Gavin exclaimed, quickly taking off the damned shirt.

"I tried to, Detective. You slammed the door on my face," Connor said. It was still staring at Gavin. "Don't you have an extra pair?"

Gavin had difficulty thinking when the android was fucking ogling at him. "No, I don't," he said, grinding his jaw. He threw the shirt at the android and went back to the bathroom. He just remembered that he left his clothes there when he showered last night.

Of course they had to be fucking wet.

Cursing under his breath, he wore the wet pair without a choice. Or he could just stop being a coward and wear the android's clothes.

He threw the remaining pants back to the android and hurriedly grabbed the cup of coffee from the table to warm his hands.

"Gavin," the android called.

Gavin chose to ignore it and stuffed his face with the sandwich. He agreed with the android that they had limited time to dilly-dally.

"Please just wear these. It's snowing today," the android tried again.

Gavin wasn't fucking stupid. He shivered against the wet clothes.

"We will be outside all day, Gavin. You'll catch a cold."

He had finished the sandwich and quickly gulped the coffee. He almost scalded his whole mouth.

Connor stopped talking.

"I have a jacket," Gavin finally answered. "Let's go."

He stood up and got all of his belongings. He also took his gun from the drawer. Connor still sat on the bed, staring at him.

"Well, tin can?"

Connor clicked his tongue and stood up. "Your funeral," it said. Gavin was left speechless at the android's sass.

"Lead the way, asshole." Gavin bit back, scowling. He needed to bring the android back in its place.

And he will.

After this investigation.

---

It was fucking cold.

"I told you to change," Connor scolded him while they were walking. 

Gavin shook violently, he felt his lips turning blue. The wet clothes didn't dry at all. Snow fell from the sky and colored the terrain white. Visibility lowered a little bit from how dark it was.

"Mind your fucking . . . business, android," he said. He couldn't help gritting his teeth together. 

They have only been walking for five minutes after riding Gavin's car. It wasn't too far from the motel but far enough to freeze Gavin's balls off. 

"Where the fuck is the android we're s-supposed to meet?" Gavin asked as he shivered. He shoved his hands on his pocket.

A cold breeze swept towards them. Gavin would sell his soul for anything warm. The houses here were far from each other, adding a bitterness to the cold weather. They reached a small compound yet not a single soul outside. 

"There," Connor said and pointed to the last house. It had a warm glow from the windows. That was a good sign. 

Gavin picked up his pace, snow crunching under his shoes. Connor followed as well. When they reached the house, Connor knocked on the door. "Traci?" 

The door opened and it revealed a blue-haired android. Gavin frowned. Wasn't this the model from Eden Club? Another Traci joined the blue-haired one. "Connor?" the brown-haired one asked. 

"It's me. Nice seeing you two together."

"Come in," they said in unison. Gavin had so many questions but he saved it for later. He needed to get out of his wet clothes fast. 

"We were led here with our investigation about the group of android sadists. An android tipped us off that you two could help," Connor explained, familiarity in his voice.

The Tracis looked at each other. "We are familiar. What is it that you need?" the blue-haired one asked, taking a quick scan at Gavin. "Are you alright? You're shivering."

Gavin was about to answer but Connor quickly butted in. "His clothes are wet. Please, Detective. Take my clothes and go change," it said. 

"Fine," Gavin said in a dismissive voice. "Where's your bathroom?" he asked. 

"Door to the left," the brown-haired Traci answered. 

Gavin muttered a quick thanks before entering and getting out of his stupid cold clothes. He wore Connor's clothes and his own jacket.  A white turtleneck and black pants. They were comfortable, he'd give the android that. 

He exited the bathroom with his wet clothes. Blue Traci was serving coffee and a plastic bag that contained a blue substance. Thirium? 

"Put this in your bag," Gavin ordered Connor.

It obeyed and stashed his clothes. "It suits you, Gavin," Connor added.

"So what's your plan?" Blue Traci asked in a sharp tone. Lazy nickname, lazy man. 

"We're planning to infiltrate this party and have everyone arrested. We have some solid evidence from the RK900's memory implicating them. Elijah Kamski could testify," Connor explained. 

"Infiltrate? Connor, they'll instantly recognize you," Brown Traci said, worried but she still sounded calm, as if she believed in Connor's abilities. 

Connor paused and took a quick sip of the blue liquid. It glanced at Gavin. For a moment, it looked like the android was afraid. "They will. Though they wouldn't recognize Gavin." 

Gavin paused from sipping his coffee. "What? You know I've never been under cover, right?"

"You will enter, visualize the place, locate the leader, and the police will do everything else," Connor explained like it was reading a to-do list.

"What the fuck am I supposed to do there? Just waltz in and greet everybody?" Gavin exclaimed in disbelief.

"When you enter, you don't have to stand out, Detective. Just blend in with everybody else," the android added.

"Yes, but how do I do that?" Gavin asked, his voice sounded helpless.

Maybe he was an arrogant fool or a boastful person, but Gavin would never oversell himself. He didn't know how to do an undercover investigation.

"Don't draw attention but you shouldn't vanish either." Connor said, which made Gavin roll his eyes. Get attention but don't get attention? "Just visualize the place and feed it to your wire. Identify the exits, check for guards, and finally find the man," it said, emphasizing the man part. 

"Jesus Christ. Who is this man?" Gavin asked, rubbing the tic on his eye. 

"His name is Zlatko. He survived an android attack and he's out for revenge— not just on androids but also the ones working with them."

"You should know . . ." the Traci started with a sharp voice. She looked conflicted. "A lot of the members have some sort of criminal record. I doubt that they would go there without any weapons," she said. 

Great. "So, one wrong move and I'm dead?" Gavin asked, exasperated.

"I'll be there, Detective," Connor reassured him. If you'll be there, I won't be worried, Gavin thought to himself. To use you as a shield, of course.

Brown Traci took something from her wallet. It was a card made up of gold. "This is a forged entry pass. We had it made for our patron, Elijah Kamski," she explained. "He contacted us before you. It seems he had been planning about this for a long time." 

That made Gavin contemplate. Never lose your sight on anyone who will want to stab you in the back. Elijah would always say that before. Old traits really did not die. 

Connor checked its watch. "It's almost time. DPD is almost here. Hank will be picking us up," it said. 

Could Gavin really do it? He had never been in a position to be undercover. It would be good for his file, sure, but the man feared dying. 

Connor was straightening its jacket and the Tracis were cleaning up. Gavin went to him and pulled him closer by his jacket. "If you fucking let me die, I will fucking kill you. Understand, Connor?" Gavin whispered. 

Its LED spun uncontrollably. Its jaw dropped a little, throat bobbing. Connor nodded after a second, eyes full of determination.  

Gavin glared just to make sure. 

A honk made him take a step back from the android. 

"That's Hank," Connor said. 

His heart started picking up a quicker pace. 

He caught Connor looking at him. "I'll guide you along the way. When you feel something wrong, just tell me. I will get you out of there," it said.

Gavin only stared as Hank knocked on the door, calling Connor.

Gavin wasn't dying today.

Chapter 5: horrores hominum | gavin

Summary:

The most fearsome a man becomes, is when he discovers how fearsome he can be.

The mansion was so ominous that it gave Gavin goosebumps.

He was in the middle of nowhere. The menacing house was covered in trees, hiding from civilization. If it weren't for the lights inside, it could be easily thought of as a haunted house. The frost and the dark draped the sky like oil.

Gavin tried to calm down, walking slowly. "Two guards at the front door," he whispered.

"Copy," a voice said in his earpiece. God, if he weren't so creeped out, he wouldn't have felt grateful to hear that android's voice again.

The guards watched him under tight scrutiny. Gavin presented the card, hand on his waist, trying to appear arrogant enough.

He sighed inwardly when they let him through. Gavin longed for the outside world as the door closed behind him. You've got this, fucker. Your first undercover investigation.

The mansion felt new—or at least newly renovated. It had a gothic touch in the walls, the furniture, and even the air. Gavin felt like they were closing on him, making it harder to breathe.

Gavin expected a ruckus or at least some loud noise since it was a celebration. Instead, he found an eerie silence filled with whispers.

A handful of people shuffled around, glasses of wine in their hands. Some of them were giggling. Gavin needed to get himself a drink.

He approached the center of the living room. A round table was set up there and someone was serving drinks. It was an android. Gavin raised his hand and the android nodded.

Gavin scanned to see if anyone was looking at him. A few took glances at him but not out of suspicion but out of curiosity. He looked back at the android and he almost took a step back.

It was . . . different. Its eyes were pitch black, red pupils looking back at Gavin. Its skin was partly deactivated. The supposedly white plastic underneath was black. As if it had been burned. It had stitches on its face, which Gavin assumed were from alterations.

It looked wrong. Gavin hurriedly took the glass from it and walked away. That irked him. Sure, it was only an android, but still.

He suddenly pictured Connor's face in his mind—eyes dark and bloody, skin burnt through fire. It made him feel even worse.

What are you, Zlatko?

He needed to give some information to his mic. The other rooms were open. He found a back door and whispered it to the mic, making sure no one was looking.

"What should I do now?" he asked.

Connor's voice graced his ear again. "Talk to one of the members," it said. "You need to be seen."

If the android didn't explain the importance of not vanishing when they were in Hank's car, Gavin would think it was crazy.

Gavin examined his surroundings. Some people were talking in groups while some stood by themselves. He picked a woman staring at an art piece.

He slowly approached her, not wanting to look straightforward. What would Gavin even say to her?

"No show yet?" Gavin said, forcing his voice to sound casual.

The woman stared at him with boredom in her eyes. "Not yet. He's taking his sweet time," she said, voice gritty and high.

"As usual," Gavin blurted out. He quickly regretted saying it. What if Zlatko weren't always tardy?

Fortunately, the girl sighed and nodded her head. "Well, he's bearing good news this time and that's all that matters. All that's important to me, anyways."

"So, I've heard. We finally got him?" Gavin asked. He was surprised at himself for sounding like he was a member. Maybe he could be, he hated androids after all.

The girl smirked at him. "At last," she said playfully. "Say, what was your name again?" she asked, examining Gavin. Her cat-like eyes lingered on him. He could almost feel it touch his skin.

"Gavin."

The girl waited but Gavin left it at that. They were a group of people who enjoyed seeing androids get fucked over—why bother with surnames?

"You've been in these kinds of meetings before, Gavin?" she asked, playfully experimenting with his name on her tongue.

"My first time. I would love a guide tonight, Miss?"

"Emma," she said. One last look and she smiled. "Pleasure."

Gavin was about to extend his hand but the woman had other means of greeting. She grabbed Gavin by the chin and kissed him passionately, full tongue and all. It felt toxic—a bitter taste coated his mouth.

"Nice to meet you," she added after pulling away, biting her lips. Gavin shuddered unpleasantly. What the fuck? Was she testing him?

Gavin steeled himself and smirked back at her. "This night will be interesting," he said, teasing her. A cough sounded in his ear. He sneakily wiped his lips from disgust. Luckily, the woman didn't suspect him.

He wanted to ask more about Emma but someone cleared their throat loudly. It wasn't Connor. It was from a man standing on the stairs, glass raised in his hand.

"My dear guests, we have gathered today for a special night of celebration," the man said in his rough voice. His voice grated, a knife scratching over concrete. That must be—

"Zlatko? Cough if yes," Connor said. Gavin didn't question and just obeyed.

"A public enemy has been incapacitated. We will slow him down for now, and soon, we shall finally rip his wings. Tonight, we feast in revel," Zlatko announced with pure hatred in his tone. Was that a threat to Elijah?

Gavin felt a pulse on his temple. He raised his glass together with the others and drank, except that he didn't let the alcohol past his teeth. Lowering his glass, he almost missed a glance from Zlatko.

Emma whooped beside him, gulping down the drink before whooping again. "Show us!" somebody from the crowd yelled.

Zlatko carefully went down the stairs. The members made space for him as he walked towards another staircase, this one leading downwards.

Gavin kept a smug smile on his face, or at least he hoped it looked like a smile. He felt awful being with all of these people. He followed towards the basement of the mansion.

Excited whispers filled the hallway. One was squealing like a maniac and then laughing after. The gangly man had a frown on his face, like he had been awakened from his rest.

The basement was a big open space. It was covered in darkness. Zlatko faced the crowd. "I know we have been lying low before and you haven't seen my collection. But, alas, feast your eyes," he said.

The harsh fluorescent lights flickered on, revealing a sight that made Gavin's stomach turn.

Forming shadows on the white wall were androids. Not the androids you could think of. They were androids before . . . whatever this was.

Multiple contraptions jutted from the walls, holding up the androids—or what was left. The crowd gasped in awe while Gavin wanted to leave.

Some androids were severely mutilated. Their plastic bodies were all black. One had its face sliced open, revealing a hollow cavity with tiny red light bulbs.

All of them were altered in some way. One android had spikes on its face, its severed torso attached to the contraption. One had no skin at all, jaw twisted in the wrong way.

A mutilated android was singing a children's song over and over again. Its voice was garbled and distorted. Its eyes roamed everywhere, Gavin catching its glance more than once.

Someone cheered in the audience, it started an applause for Zlatko. Gavin joined in, mind closing. He let their revelry take him. Investigation, Gavin. Just focus on it.

Zlatko finally looked impressed. He was proud of himself. Of his creation. Of the terrors he created.

Gavin stared at the man. He was just inches away from him—his ears started ringing when he realized that Zlatko looked back at him, face serious again.

"Pretty wicked, huh?" Emma asked Gavin.

"I agree. That one is my favorite," Gavin placated, pointing at the skinless android. He avoided looking at it. He just couldn't. It had a similar feeling of defiling a dead person.

"I honestly like the porcupine one. Gives me the fucking creeps," she said, excited.

Zlatko disappeared from Gavin's sight. He wanted to look for him but he didn't want to look distraught.

"Let's check the other ones," he said. Emma gladly accepted the invitation, planting a quick peck on his cheek.

An android whimpered in a corner. It had multiple hands emerging from holes in its body, their grip too tight on the android's skin, grabbing it. It sounded like it was speaking, which made people laugh and coo at it.

Gavin felt himself laugh. Emma joined in as well.

He needed to find Zlatko. Did he recognize Gavin?

"Gavin," Connor said in his earpiece. Gavin almost jumped. "The police are slowly advancing towards the mansion. I will be personally handling the guards. Transferring you to the Lieutenant," it said and the line cut off.

"I need to talk to Zlatko," Gavin blurted out.

Emma looked at him. "I think he went upstairs. Want me to join you?" she asked.

"No. But I'll be back," he said. Gavin forced himself to kiss her again and seal the deal.

Turning his back, he quickly jogged towards the living room. He wiped his lips on his jacket.

The mansion felt dead, yet the walls looked like they were breathing. Gavin needed to locate Zlatko fast. He couldn't let the man go.

"Where the fuck do you think you're going?"

Gavin's heart jumped in his chest. "Jesus fucking Christ, Hank. Don't fucking surprise me like that, you asshole."

"Where are you going?" Hank demanded.

"I'm catching up to Zlatko. He left the basement," he explained. "When Chris ambushes us and Zlatko not being there, he might escape," he added.

"He's fucking injured, you moron. What's he gonna do to escape? Walk?"

"He caught me looking at him Hank. After that, he . . . disappeared." Gavin wasn't aware that his breath was becoming short.

"Jesus Christ, alright. You have your gun with you. Don't forget about your lifeline," he said and went silent.

Gavin examined the rooms, looking for a trace of Zlatko. He hadn't needed to when a noise came from upstairs.

"I'm going upstairs," Gavin whispered to his mic.

"Be careful," Hank reminded, sounding a bit concerned. Now, Gavin couldn't help but also feel concerned about himself.

He didn't tread lightly. He wanted his steps to be heard so he wouldn't alarm Zlatko.

When he reached the upper floor, he called out. "Zlatko?"

The noise died down instantly. Gavin dreaded every second of this.

"Are you here?" he asked loudly again.

After a brief moment of silence, a door opened from a room. "I am. What do you need?" he asked coldly. Gavin heard the suspicion rising from the man.

"I am . . . a big fan of what I've seen tonight. Just wanted to ask some questions," he said. What he actually wanted was to buy time. Where is the damn police?

The light flickered. Zlatko had an answer written on his face. Gavin needed to think of something. He had to keep Zlatko here. Judging by Zlatko's appearance, he was about to bolt. Maybe he really did recognize Gavin.

Heart racing in his ribs, Gavin took a deep breath. "I'm  with the police," he tried to bluff. Zlatko's eye twitched. "I mean at least I was. A fucking android replaced my position as detective. I didn't know what came to me that day. But I knew that I needed to see that plastic wrecked and torn."

Zlatko squinted his eyes. He was thinking.

"Do you know an android model RK800?" he asked.

That piqued Zlatko's attention. "An RK model?"

"Sent by Cyberlife itself. The deviant hunter. Familiar?"

The light flickered again. A yell of joy escaped the basement and echoed between the walls. "We're almost there, Gavin. Hold on just a bit longer," Hank said in his earpiece.

"I am familiar," Zlatko said slowly. He was interested. He hummed. "Come inside," he invited Gavin.

He flashed a small smile to Zlatko and nodded. He didn't say anything to his mic. Gavin hoped that the locator showed where he was.

The room was dim even though there were at least three lights turned on. The smell of burnt wood and something rotting reeked in the room.

"I don't talk to members unless they had something for me. Talk now before the dinner," Zlatko stated. He stopped in front of a cage, holding the bars.

"RK800. It deviated," Gavin started. The gangly man turned his head towards Gavin a little bit. "I can help you capture the android. I know exactly where it is," he added.

"And what's with this RK800 that would please me?" Zlatko asked. He turned to Gavin and slowly walked to him.

Gavin felt every step on the wooden floor. "It's the latest android model that Cyberlife had made. Imagine how we could tear it apart and use its advanced software for our benefit. The possibilities are almost endless," Gavin explained with passion. He extracted all his hatred for the android to get the tone right.

Zlatko went silent. "What's your name?" he asked.

"Gavin," he answered readily.

Zlatko stared at him. "Gavin. I like what you're saying. I do. What else can you tell me about this model?" he asked.

"Its skills rival those of a cop. I can deduce it that much when I saw him fight his own kind," Gavin said.

Zlatko looked a bit impressed. "It could be used as a tool, don't you think?" He said, smiling softly. That unnerved Gavin.

"Of course. Aren't they all tools?" Gavin retorted.

"I agree. I agree," Zlatko muttered. "We could use that RK model against our common enemy," he added.

"And we'll finally get Elijah," Gavin said, nodding his head.

Zlatko smiled at him. "That's great. Though I do have another question for you—Gavin Reed."

He felt like ice cold water was poured on him.

"How would your brother like my creations if we finally get him?" Zlatko asked smugly, smirking at him.

Gavin went still. The lights flickering reflected his racing heartbeat. The floor creaked under his trembling feet.

Zlatko knew who he was. His cover was blown. He was stuck in this mansion without anyone who can save him. Gavin almost felt the floor beginning to clamp on his feet.

Before Gavin could answer, a gun was pointed at his forehead.

The world stopped. The muzzle pressed onto his skin started to burn. A single flick and his brains would be spraying everywhere.

Instead of panic, he strangely felt relieved. Not for his death but for the other shoe that finally dropped.

The world resumed and he remembered his microphone. "Why are you pointing a gun at me? I'm presenting you with an opportunity!" he exclaimed.

"Stay calm, Gavin," Hank said in his earpiece. "We'll be there, son. We're almost there."

Zlatko raised his hand. "Give me your gun," he ordered. Son of a bitch.

"Here! Anything to gain your trust," he said. He slowly took the hidden gun from behind him and raised it with trembling hands.

Zlatko took it with ease. He pocketed the gun without any holster at all. "Now—here's what's gonna happen."

He slowly walked towards Gavin, letting the gun rest on his forehead. The latter started walking backwards.

"You will go back to the basement and wait there. I know your friends are here, Gavin Reed," he said, lacing his name with venom. "If they continue, I will be exploding your head off," he warned.

He must have known about the mic. Gavin felt his hands numbing. Everything was in focus now.

"I think . . ." he started.

Zlatko waited, adjusting the gun in his hand.

"I think Eli must have hated you and your creations," he said truthfully.

The man's smirk widened. Gavin saw his finger slowly pulling on the trigger.

"I hate you as well," he said, voice running cold. The gun was heavy against him. A piece of metal had his life on its trigger—this was it.

Screams burst from the outside. The police were finally here. It sounded like pandemonium out there. He heard Zlatko cursing.

He felt a tug in his chest. No, he had to at least struggle against death. Connor promised he would save him.

Mustering all his concentration to his mind, Gavin Reed quickly raised his hand and lunged for the gun.

Zlatko snarled as he finally pulled the trigger.

The gunshot blared through the night. It tore through the air and plunged skin-deep. A hot searing pain singed through Gavin.

Connor  . . .  he thought as every sound died down in his ear.

Chapter 6: denuo incipere | connor

Summary:

Preservation, optimism, affection: the agents of the heart.

A loud bang came from the room upstairs.

"Gavin!" Connor yelled.

He sprinted up the stairs. First there was silence, then it was followed by another gunshot.

Connor kicked the door wide open. The world stopped. Gavin Reed was on the floor, face down and limp. Blood started pooling under him, staining the floor red.

Zlatko caught sight of him and fired a bullet in his direction, which Connor dodged at the last second.

He quickly pulled his gun while running as Zlatko emptied the magazine at him. Some fragments splintered his arms and legs. Blue blood splattered everywhere.

The room exploded with wood, cloth, and glass. Zlatko didn't care for anything else. He wanted Connor dead but he wouldn't let that happen.

Connor waited for the right moment to strike. He calculated the exact distance between them. When he heard the metallic clink from Zlatko's gun, Connor aimed his at the man.

He let the bullet go, piercing the man through his leg. Zlatko wailed in pain and quickly dropped to the floor. He made a futile attempt to raise his gun at Connor but it was empty.

Connor took that opportunity and lunged at Zlatko, pinning him down. A harsh thunk reverberated in the room.

"You fucking android!" Zlatko yelled beneath him. "I will watch you burn and melt, you fucking piece of plastic!"

Connor felt a rising anger inside him. "You will watch yourself rot in prison instead," he said and started cuffing the man's arms.

Footsteps rushed inside the room. "Where is he?" Hank exclaimed. He saw Gavin on the floor and immediately went to him.

Chris and the other policemen entered the room. They quickly approached Zlatko, who Connor refused to let go of. "We'll take it from here, Connor."

He stood up and watched them reprimand the man. Connor suddenly remembered Gavin. He quickly kneeled beside him.

Gavin was still breathing. "Help me, Hank!" Connor exclaimed. The two of them lifted Gavin and carried him on their shoulders.

"Let's take him to the ambulance," Hank said and they started walking.

It all finally dawned on Connor. A gnawing feeling of guilt and a bitter relief. He was too slow to prevent Gavin from being harmed. Maybe he should have been with Gavin all this time. Maybe he should have guided his every action and decision along the way.

It was an ugly feeling.

Police had completely taken over the mansion. The group members were reprimanded and searched thoroughly in the living room.

"Gavin!" a woman with cuffs on her wrists shouted. That must have been Emma. Connor heard everything between those two. It wasn't a pleasant feeling as well.

"Where are you taking him?" she exclaimed.

Connor ignored her. "Let's hurry, Lieutenant," he said.

They reached an ambulance but a hurt police officer was already being treated there. A gunfight did happen in the basement then.

"Right here, son," Hank led them to an empty one. "He was shot," he informed the medical responders.

Connor scanned Gavin. He had two gunshot wounds, one on his right arm and one on his right shoulder. He relayed the information to the responders who nodded to him and instantly went to work. Gavin was injured but Connor had full confidence that he'd be all right.

"Gavin," he called. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there quicker," he muttered.

"It's not your fault, Connor," Hank reassured him.

The responder applied pressure to Gavin's wounds. Gavin groaned and muttered something groggily.

"What was that, Gavin?" Connor leaned in. It's a good sign that he was conscious. Connor logically knew that it wasn't as serious, but he still felt like Gavin could die any second.

"Dip . . ." Gavin muttered.

"I'm listening," Connor waited patiently. He felt glad that Gavin could talk. What was he saying though?

"Dip . . . dipshit," Gavin gritted out.

Connor pulled back and examined the little detective. "Are you . . ."

Gavin, out of nowhere, started laughing weakly. He cracked his eyes open and a mischievous glint appeared on his face. "I said you're a dipshit," he said, humoring himself.

Connor scanned him. His blood pressure was low and his pulse was thready.

"What took you so long? I . . . could've died," he said, his tone accusing. His voice was weak. That made Connor even more guilty.

"You scared me, Gavin," Connor scolded him, frowning.

"A gunshot to the arm? Come on, tin can. You know better," he smirked. It was quickly wiped away by a grimace as the responder tweaked with his wound.

"No perforations. I'll stabilize the wound for now. We'll take you to DMC and have your wounds treated there," she announced. "What's your blood type?"

"He's O negative. Can we come with?" Connor asked. He really couldn't think of Gavin being alone again. He shouldn't care for the little detective that hated him, but he did.

"Of course," she nodded.

"Fuck . . . that hurts. How'd you fucking know my blood type?" Gavin grimaced again, muttering to himself.

"Go on, Connor. Go with Gavin. I'll stay with Chris and clean this mess up," Hank said.

Gavin looked pretty shaken up. He stared off into the distance while the responder hooked him up to the machine.

"You're fine now, Gavin. You'll be alright," Connor said.

Gavin stared at him, face blank. "Stop calling me Gavin," he said. The ambulance started moving. "What happened to him?"

Connor sat beside the little detective, watching him. "To Zlatko?"

Gavin attempted to nod but he winced in pain. "Tried snatching the gun to shoot the asshole but he shot me first," he explained.

"I did shoot him on his leg," Connor offered and Gavin seemed pleased with that.

"Good. What about the uh . . . androids?"

Connor examined his face. The little detective looked sad and also guilty. "Androids?"

"Yeah, the androids he had on the basement," Gavin answered. He was avoiding looking Connor in the eye.

"I'm not sure, Gavin. Why?" Connor asked.

Gavin was contemplating—stretching his right hand. "They were altered by Zlatko. To an extreme. I don't know, they looked—awful."

"I know you hate androids, Gavin but I—"

Gavin cut him off. "It's not about that, fucker." His voice was still weak and the sharpness of his words was dulled. "I was just wondering if they could be restored to their right form."

Curious. Something about him changed ever so slightly. Connor heard the vulnerability in his little detective's voice. His?

"I'm sure Cyberlife can do something about it. Maybe Elijah could," he said, trying to ignore his previous thought.

"Okay," Gavin said, closing his eyes. "I'll try asking Eli."

"So," Connor started. Gavin waited for it. "Emma, huh?" Connor added. He tried to lighten up the mood. When he was still in Hank's car, Connor heard everything about their exchange.

Gavin cracked one eye open and raised his brow. "What?"

"Nothing. I just thought . . ." Connor trailed off. The ambulance bounced a little from a bump. They were at Detroit Medical Center. The responder was radioing the hospital.

"Thought what? That I'd be interested in a total stranger? Fuck, no," Gavin quickly defended. "I only did that for the investigation."

"She was calling after you when we left," Connor said.

Gavin closed his eyes again. "Don't care," he muttered. "You jealous?" he teased, smirking and laughing to himself.

Connor was about to joke back when the door of the ambulance opened. They were finally ready for transport.

---

"You gotta stop pacing around, Connor," Hank said as he watched Connor.

He was indeed pacing. It's been an hour since Gavin went to surgery and Connor had been an absolute nervous wreck.

It wasn't like him to be like this. He knew that Gavin would survive, but he had a nagging feeling in him. He was worried and still partly guilty. Emotions were overwhelming.

He remembered the day after the Detroit revolution. He was a mess and Hank took the brunt of it. Connor let himself cry and feel sadness all day. 

"I can't help it, Lieutenant," he said, still pacing in front of Hank.

"He'll be fine, you're making me dizzy."

Connor sighed and forced himself to sit down. "Okay, I'm sorry."

Hank stared at him. "What's this about?" he asked.

Connor adjusted his jacket, straightening it. "What is?"

Hank gestured in front of him. "This thing with Gavin?" he asked, intrigued.

Connor raised his brow. "What do you mean, Hank?" He pulled on the cuffs of his sleeves.

"What's with the sudden closeness?"

A moment passed. Sudden closeness? "He's my partner in this investigation," Connor explained simply. "Of course I'm worried."

"Uh huh."

Connor stared back at Hank. "What answer do you want to hear then?" he asked, a slip of frustration in his voice.

"I don't know? Maybe the truth?" Hank said. He extended his arm and let it rest on Connor's shoulder. "We talked about this before. You're still not an expert in emotions like this old dog, Connor. Let me help."

He couldn't help but frown. "I don't know, Hank. I'm just worried about Gavin. I did force him to do the undercover alone," he said.

"And he did it, end of the story. I know Gavin. He would probably boast about it. Give it a week. Cocky bastard," he said. "Don't get too hung up on it. That's what we face in our line of duty."

People passed by them. There was an announcement on the speakers that Connor didn't hear at all. He took another deep breath and let his software scan the corridor. He would do that whenever he felt overwhelmed.

"You're right, Hank. I just . . . I'll be honest. I think I'm starting to like Gavin even though he's being difficult with me."

He did. He enjoyed talking to the little detective. It was a challenge. And wherever there's a challenge, there's a reward. And now, knowing a bit more about Gavin's background, Connor couldn't avoid feeling closer to him or at least finally really knowing him.

Gavin's quips. His insults. His panic attack. When he looked at Connor and only see him and nothing else. When Gavin kissed him. Gavin passed out, blood pooling under him. They were at the forefront of Connor's memories.

Hank watched him with an understanding expression. "That kid is annoying at times. But I see what you mean. So what now?" he asked.

Connor shrugged. "I don't know."

Hank scratched his head. "What do you feel about him? What kind of emotion?"

Connor evaluated his feelings with the past instances with Gavin Reed.

He felt victorious when the little detective replied to his message before. Anger rose in his chest when Gavin pushed him in the break room. He felt worry when he was having his panic attack.

The kiss, it was different. It was a new feeling that Connor was unsure of. There was disbelief, for sure, but he also felt excitement. That Gavin Reed was kissing him. But Hank didn't need to know that just yet.

"A lot, Hank. I do feel happy around him now, unlike before. Or how I would have, before I deviated."

Hank nodded but there was skepticism on his face. "Alright. It's weird hearing it since it's Gavin, but sure."

"I just want him to be safe," he added.

Hank's stare lingered on Connor but he remained silent. He patted Connor's back and ruffled his hair. "He'll be fine. Tell you what, let's go home for tonight and we'll visit first thing in the morning. Maybe Sumo can cheer you up," he said.

Connor didn't want to leave Gavin alone but he nodded. A change of clothes would be nice. With that, he suddenly remembered that Gavin was wearing his clothes.

Every thought led back to Gavin, after all.

---

Gavin Reed stared at Connor, piercing daggers in his eyes.

Hank loomed before the two of them. He leaned against the frame of the door, just watching them.

"I'm . . . sorry, Gavin," Connor said.

Gavin didn't talk. He just stared at Connor beside him. He looked groggy and tired but overall fine. He was awake already when Connor and Hank arrived.

What else should Connor say to get the little detective to respond to him? "Would you like a cup of coffee?" he asked.

That made Gavin's eye twitch. "Sure," he said weakly.

"Stay here, Connor. I'll get one for me as well," Hank said and left them to their own devices.

When the door clicked shut, silence filled the room. Gavin dragged a steady stare at Connor once again.

"Do you have something to say to me, Gavin?" Connor asked, trying to fish for a clue.

"I don't know. Do I need to say something?" he countered.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay? I tried my best to be as quick as I—"

"Shut up, tin can," Gavin cut him off, scoffing. "It's not about that."

"Then, what is it, Gavin? What's making you angry at me?" he asked, frustration welling in his voice.

A beat passed. Gavin gestured to Connor. "Come here," he said.

He couldn't avoid feeling suspicious, but Connor leaned closer to him. Gavin flicked his forehead with his uninjured arm.

"Ouch," Connor flinched, covering the sore skin.

"That hurt you?" Gavin asked, eyes hard.

"Yes?"

"Hmmm. Good," he said. "Imagine that pain but a thousand percent. That's what I feel with my arm right now, asshole."

"Right. Again, I'm sorry."

"Whatever. Why are you here anyway?" Gavin asked. He attempted to cross his arms but stopped halfway, visibly in pain.

"To visit you? You're my partner, Gavin. In this investigation, at least." Connor tried smiling but ended up looking goofy, as Hank would have said.

He was met by a skeptical look. "The case is over. So, why are you here?" Gavin asked again. It felt like he was searching for an answer—an answer to his own question. A confirmation that would come from Connor.

Connor thought about it and remembered his conversation with Hank last night. "Because I'm worried about you," he finally answered.

"Two gunshot wounds? Really?" he asked, sounding doubtful.

"Yes? You're still shot. And you're in pain because of me," Connor answered. "I feel guilty sending you alone for the mission."

Gavin let out a sigh. "Well, at least you didn't let me die. So stop being a fucking crybaby about it. What's done is done."

His tone was stony and final. Connor nodded. Silence filled the room again. He needed to talk about something.

A thought struck his mind. Would he and Gavin go back to what they were before? Gavin hating him for being an android and Connor just letting everything happen without control on it?

"Can I see?" Connor blurted out. He didn't plan for it, but his system decided to say it. It's the unpredictability feature.

"The wounds?" Gavin asked, eyes still trained on him. His stubble was growing long, Connor noticed.

When Connor nodded, the little detective had thought of it for a second before surrendering. He pushed up his gown sleeve ever so slightly, avoiding to scrape it on the wound.

"I got lucky neither of them pierced through me. That would've been a bitch to heal," Gavin said. He was also examining the sutures on his arm.

"Where's the other one?" Connor asked out of curiosity. "It's under your clavicle, right?"

"I think," Gavin answered. The sharpness in his voice finally gone. Connor felt a little relief.

"Let me see?" he asked, smiling cheekily at Gavin—the latter looked at him like he was some sort of creep.

"Fine. It's your fault if you miss it." Gavin pulled the collar of his gown. "Do you see it?" he asked.

Connor took a peek and there it was, a closed wound with multiple stitches. "Never seen one in person. It's kinda cool," he admitted. The bruising seemed painful but somehow, it also looked beautiful on Gavin's skin. 

What a morbid observation, Connor.

"Yeah, but it doesn't feel cool," Gavin bit back.

Gavin wasn't really wearing anything for decency. Connor realized it when he accidentally lowered his gaze. His gaze quickly scrambled back to the wound.

A scoff escaped Gavin's lips. "You done ogling, pervert?" he asked in disbelief.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to," Connor apologized as he met Gavin eye to eye.

Maybe it was their tired stupid brains but they both had just realized how close their faces were.

Gavin was staring at him. He subconsciously let go of his collar and it clung to his neck again. It was difficult not to notice his bare skin.

Unsure when it happened, Connor had his hand on Gavin's back. The little detective's breathing got erratic. Doing a simple analysis, he found Gavin's heartbeat elevated. He wasn't aware that his own pump was doing the same.

"What are you . . ." Gavin's voice died down. There was a hint of fear in his eyes but it was drowned out by the longing Connor had already seen before.

The thoughts slowly died down in his mind. All he felt was that similar feeling he had on that night in the motel.

His hand burned on Gavin's back. His eyes landed on those very same lips that claimed his.

The hand on Gavin's back slowly made its way towards his neck. Before one of them realized it, Connor was pushing Gavin closer to him—the latter let him in taut anticipation.

When their lips touched, they both flinched—burned by the sudden contact.

Connor felt that same thrilling emotion. Eyes searching each other, Connor  couldn't help but close their distance and lock Gavin's lips with his.

Every synapse and feeling was numb yet tingly at the same time.

Gavin Reed. Gavin Reed. Gavin Reed. His software went haywire.

He felt Gavin's lips perfectly matching his own. Gavin made a sound and started moving his chin. Connor felt his eyes close and let the intrigue, pleasure, and joy flood his system.

My little detective.

Gavin gently held onto Connor's arm and led the kiss. He was so good at this.

Connor felt his system short-circuiting. His pump was pacing too fast. Connor could only think of Gavin, and how he wanted this moment to last forever.

When Gavin let out a long string of sound, something jumped in Connor's system. His grip on his little detective tightened.

The pressure was too great to notice the door slowly opening.

"What the fuck?!"

Connor and Gavin instantly jumped away from each other, catching their breath.

Hank looked between them with his eyes wide and jaw agape. Cups of coffee rested in his hands.

Well, now he knew about the kiss.

Chapter 7: motus adversi | gavin

Summary:

The cold bonds with the heat; it pushes and it pulls.

Coffeecup couldn't stop wailing for a whole minute before completely ignoring Gavin's existence.

He stared at the cat incredulously. Coff hurried to its feeder the second it heard the faintest sound.

"I'll get a dog if you keep doing this to me," Gavin threatened the cat, which ignored him in return.

Gavin sighed and looked around his house. It had only been two days since he left, but it felt bigger than before. That was the strange thing about living alone.

Against his best wishes, he forced himself to at least do some chores that he could without hurting his arm. That included cleaning Coff's litter box, sweeping the floor really fast, and opening up the curtains.

The wound still hurt, and it irritated Gavin. He would need to clean it every now and then. Right, he also needed to wash himself.

He entered his room and carefully lay down on his bed. God, a lot had happened in two days. He would try to avoid thinking about it for now or he would rot in his room forever, considering that he was on leave from the DPD.

Forcing himself up, he methodically extracted himself from his wretched clothes. It was the blasted android's.

Connor and Hank insisted on driving him home. It was the most unpleasant experience ever. There was only silence in the car and some suspicious looks from Hank.

There was a blip in Gavin's memory from this morning. Or at least that was what he was trying to convince himself. Absolutely nothing happened in the hospital. Nothing physical or remotely intimate.

A nurse informed them that Gavin was good to go and brought him his discharge papers. Hank was quick to offer a ride and Gavin said yes. Connor had been totally silent ever since the— thing.

God, how had Gavin fucked himself even more?

The day slowed down when he had finished doing all his chores. He took a bath, which only consisted of washing his lower body and using a towel on the rest with his left hand. It was a hassle.

A healthcare android from DMC also came to check the wound and change the dressing. Gavin kept himself civil and thanked the android. It was better this way rather than staying in the hospital.

No one would visit him there. Or maybe the damned android would but that was way worse than no one.

He really needed to address what had happened involving the android, but the last thing that Gavin needed was being left alone with his thoughts.

Scrolling through his phone, Gavin rested on the living room couch. Coff watched him, acting like his bodyguard. "I'm going nowhere, Cuppy," he said. The cat's ears perked up.

His ringtone chimed, which made Coffeecup look. It was its meow after all.

Gavin got a message. It was the one he had been dreading the most.

'Gav.'

It was only a word yet it made his heart pound in his chest. It tightened against his wound which significantly made it feel worse.

Elijah's message stayed unread. Should he reply? It had been so long since they last talked. Ever since Gavin had left to be on his own, no contact had been made at all.

It was strange. Breathing the same air as his brother but neither of them acknowledging the other's existence. Gavin had made peace with that.

Sometimes peace was meant to be destroyed. Typing, he replied a single word.

'Eli.'

Gavin let out the breath he had been holding through gritted teeth. This could either bring him the peace he finally wanted or something worse than being shot.

They did need to talk. Was Gavin ready for it though? Christ, relationships were exhausting.

His phone rang which promptly made him yelp. He cleared his throat after seeing Coffeecup staring at him with judgment in its eyes.

Pressing to answer, Gavin brought the phone to his ear but didn't say anything. The other end did the same.

Silence stretched until it became annoying. Gavin was definitely not speaking first. After a while, the silent line was broken.

"Gavin," his brother called.

"Elijah," Gavin answered without any acknowledgment in his voice. He only muttered the name like a buried memory.

"We need to talk," Elijah offered. His voice brought a pang of hurt in Gavin's chest. He couldn't help but furrow his brows.

Letting it hang in the air, Gavin took his time to think of what to answer. "I know. But—not now."

Gavin knew his brother was nodding his head even without seeing him. "I understand. Just—tell me when you're ready. We can't avoid each other anymore."

"Okay," Gavin said and hurriedly ended the call.

He threw his phone on the couch and it landed next to Coff. Nothing formed in his mind. The dreaded conversation finally came and it made Gavin's mind blank.

Maybe it was what he excelled at, but Gavin made himself avoid thinking about it for now. He needed to focus on something else.

Food. He needed to order his dinner. Gavin would sleep early with his given week leave. Thoughts are dangerous, so he would try his best not to dwell on those.

Gavin stared at his phone. Something was wrong with him. He could tell that things were about to take a turn as he waited for another message.

Begrudgingly, that was all he could do. Wait for the message that didn't come that night. Gavin hated himself for it and decided to order food online.

Ignorance really brought bliss. The dinner went fast. He drank his medicine, took another quick shower, and gave Coff a treat. Then, it was time for bed.

That was a lie. Gavin got up and made his way to the kitchen, his cat trailing behind him. He wanted a cup of coffee. Caffeine made the quality of his sleep better and that was his plan. Sleep early and wake up late.

Sipping his coffee, Cuppy made its way on its little stool and watched Gavin. "You look like a dummy, Coff."

Deja vu hit him. He remembered this exact scenario, back when the android had messaged him for the investigation. Gavin wondered what his life would be if he hadn't replied back.

Probably peaceful.

With one last sip, he left the cup on the sink and returned to his room.

Feeling warm and achy, drowsiness enveloped him like a tight hug. The pain on his arm was dull and muted. He would try his best not to get shot next time. Or get involved with stupid androids.

Coffeecup snuggled on his left, purring loudly.

One final look at his message-less phone then he turned it off.

Everything was back to where it had been before.

Gavin should feel glad.

---

Gavin wasn't glad. He was fucking angry.

How dare Connor mess with him and then ignore him like he didn't exist. He didn't reach out to the android, of course. He would never be caught dead doing that.

Another thing that annoyed him was the boredom that came with being alone. He was already five days into his week off and he followed the same routine and would just scroll through his phone for hours.

Three days within, he had a nightmare of getting shot which woke him up in cold sweat. It was not fun.

The only good thing for him was that he got to spend more time with his beloved stupid cat. The critter seemed to appreciate his company even if all it did was sleep and eat.

Gavin had been messaging Tina and she was a wreck. Her girlfriend had broken up with her and she would flood Gavin with 'I miss her' texts.

She had dropped by once and drank all by herself. Gavin chose to drink coffee instead of alcohol. He promised to himself he would never touch that substance ever again.

The doorbell rang. Gavin wasn't really expecting anyone, especially this time of the day. He padded towards the door and slightly opened it.

The night shrouded the man on his porch. "Gavin?"

He froze on the spot. He didn't recognize the man instantly but he felt his heart drop. "What are you doing here?"

"Can I come in?" he asked.

Gavin reluctantly made way for his brother. Every footstep echoed loudly in the house. The very air inside had changed.

"Do you . . . want some coffee?" he offered.

Elijah Kamski scanned the room with a hint of interest. "No, thank you."

"Okay," Gavin said. The pause went too long and he cringed inwardly. "Take a seat."

Elijah did so, still drinking in the sight of the house. "Oh, a cat," he said as Coffeecup inspected him with curiosity.

"Why are you here?" Gavin asked. "How did you know my address?"

"That's quite easy. What's its name?" he asked. Gavin eyed his brother. He was seriously trying to build rapport here.

"Coff. So, why are you here?" he asked again. It was frustrating. He didn't know where their relationship stood anymore. They had been strangers for the last decade.

"I came to visit you. You're still my brother after all," Elijah said matter-of-factly.

Gavin couldn't stop feeling pathetic. They both grew up, alright. He could no longer see the brother he knew from before.

"Look, I know we don't have the best relationship but I guess it's about time to change that," Elijah said. His voice was chilly but Gavin knew that he was being sincere.

Coffeecup pounced on Elijah and stayed on his lap. It was a little surprising that he let the cat do that. Maybe he developed tolerance for pets over the years.

"Why now? You know we've been totally fine without each other," Gavin admitted, refusing to look at him. He just didn't see himself reconnecting with his brother after all this time. It was already a closed door for him.

Elijah pinched the bridge of his nose. "I know, I know. I'm not forcing you to anything, Gav. I'm just telling you that if you maybe need anything, you can come to me."

Gavin felt his eyes harden. "And what exactly would I need from you?" He couldn't control the venom in his voice.

A pinched expression drew on Elijah's face. "Whatever you need, Gavin."

What he needed was an answer. Why Chloe? He pushed that thought away. Not right now, Gavin.

"Thanks a lot," Gavin said without any gratitude in his voice.

"I didn't mean—" Elijah cut himself off, making a sound of frustration.

"We're too old now for this shit, Elijah. I have my life, you have yours. It's better if we keep it that way," Gavin said, voice shaking. He didn't need Elijah. He had managed to survive all these years.

Elijah stared at him with his cold eyes, filled with sadness. Heaving a sigh, he shook his head in disappointment.

"Maybe it'll take years. Maybe a decade," Elijah started, standing up. He probably sensed that Gavin wasn't up for any negotiation anymore. "But I'm willing to be your brother again."

A weak promise.

"You can go now," Gavin deadpanned. He took the lead and started walking towards the door, Elijah behind him with his face down.

Gavin's heart sank, heavy as steel. He knew that he shouldn't let Elijah fuck him over again.

He opened the door and gestured for his brother to get out.

Elijah turned back to him. "Look, Gavin. I'm here now. At least let me prove myself to you," he said, a hint of desperation in his voice. His calm mask slipped ever so slightly.

"Whatever, just go," Gavin said.

Elijah looked defeated. It didn't suit his arrogant steely face at all.

Shutting the door behind him, Gavin didn't look back when he heard his brother curse.

Gavin needed to rest. It was too much. He decided to go back to his room, shutting the door with finality.

He found himself staring at the ceiling. Elijah's words played over and over in his mind. He didn't need him. He repeated that to himself. 

He thought of their family from before, when the three of them would be inseparable. Gavin forced himself to close his eyes, and after a few moments, he succumbed to sleep.

---

Gavin felt floaty, his chest heaving.

It was cold. He was shaking against his bedsheet. He felt his toes and fingers seizing up.

God, did he set the temperature too low? He opened his eyes and there was nothing but darkness. It felt heavy and strange. He felt like he knew this exact setting, but couldn't remember even if he tried his hardest.

His mind was muddled. He could only think of the cold and how sweet the air smelled. It clicked in his mind—he was having a dream.

He tried feeling for Coff but it wasn't beside him. Instead, his finger caught on something smooth, almost like skin.

"Gavin," a voice called for him. Who was it?

An android LED spun blue in front of him. What the fuck?

"Are you cold?" he asked. With that, Gavin shivered again. "I know what you need." The android's voice was distorted.

Adjusting to the darkness, his eyes slowly saw the android on top of him. Connor had a shrewd expression on his face, eyes sizing him up. That instantly made Gavin feel strange.

"What the fuck . . . are you doing?" he asked, fighting against the cold.

Connor shushed him. "I know what you want," he said. Every word that came from him was a flush of desire.

He quickly took Gavin's lips with his. It was thought-erasing. It was harsh and primal. Gavin lost any train of thought behind.

Connor swiped his tongue on Gavin's lips. That earned him a moan. Teeth clashed and saliva smeared against his cheek. With that, his inhibitions crumbled.

Fingers scraped against his bare skin. Gavin didn't know he was completely naked since the kiss fully occupied his mind and his groin.

Connor's hand stopped on his chest. When the android tried pinching Gavin's sensitive nipple, the latter let out a groan.

Pulling away from the kiss, Connor looked down at him. He seemed to be admiring the mess that Gavin Reed was, squirming under him.

Gavin was painfully hard—he was leaking. Connor stared at his throbbing cock in grim fascination. When an experimental touch wrapped around it, Gavin hissed in pleasure and pain.

This needed to stop, Gavin would think to himself. Instead of going against it, he started bucking his hips—thrusting in Connor's hand.

The other hand grabbed his neck, squeezing it. Connor took Gavin in another kiss while jerking him off. It was all too much. It looked so wrong. He tried to resist but the intense feeling prevailed in his mind.

The air had become misty. Pleasure clouded Gavin's eyes and he could only see the android in a red hue. He needed him.

Gavin, mind completely blank, kept on moaning the android's name. The pressure started building on his bladder, making him thrust uncontrollably.

"Please . . . Connor—" he begged as Connor pulled away, watching him. He hated every moment of need.

The android stopped any motion which made Gavin hiss in pain and frustration. Connor leveled his face towards Gavin's dick and the latter waited in desperation.

When his lips enveloped the glistening wet tip, Gavin moaned out a long fuck and buckled his hips with one last thrust.

Within seconds, Gavin was calling the android's name as he came in his mouth without any warning.

It felt amazing. The pleasure ran through his veins, making him see stars. His skin prickled in goosebumps.

With a sigh, Gavin went limp from bliss. He was catching his breath when he opened his eyes.

The hazy atmosphere disappeared. A barking dog broke the silence of the still night.

The android was nowhere to be found. The lamp on the bedside table had been on this whole time. Coffeecup snoozed silently on the edge of the bed.

When Gavin looked down, he had a sticky mess on his abdomen.

He started piecing it together slowly—another dream with that blasted android.

He needed coffee this instant. Maybe sleep was his enemy all along. All those dreams chasing him was a bad omen.

Gavin palmed his face. Having that dream just as he was about to see the damned android in the station in just a couple of hours.

He would need to forget all of this. Every single thing from the investigation. The conversations, their slow-establishing camaraderie, and those nightmares.

Gavin would try his best to forget—if the android would let him.

Fuck you, Connor.

---

The dreaded work shift started.

Gavin made sure to ready himself for whatever would happen. If the android asked questions, ignore it. If the android tried talking to him, do not answer it. If the android looked at him, turn the other way.

He would no longer involve himself with that piece of plastic. Gavin had almost forgotten who he really was. He was an insufferable bastard that would never apologize for being one.

He would show the android its place.

Embarrassingly, he had to hail a cab since he wasn't in driving form yet. His arm was still hurting and bandaged to avoid any infection. Within two weeks or so, it would be better.

It was the talk when he arrived in the station. The clerk whistled at him and asked him about the whole incident. Gavin only stared at her and she closed her mouth.

Fowler was the one who approached him first when he dumped his bag on his desk. "Are you sure you already wanna work? You can still take some time, Reed. You're injured," he said, arms crossed.

"And wither in my house? Yeah, no thanks," he deadpanned and Fowler took that for an answer.

Gavin was scrolling through his terminal—with his left hand, which was fucking difficult—when Tina pinched his ear playfully.

"I told you to stay in your bed, asshat," she said.

Gavin spared a quick glance and rolled his eyes. "You weren't convincing, Tina. All you did was drink and throw up in my house," he retorted. That earned a laugh from Tina.

"How's the wound?"

"Like a summer party. I recommend you get one as well."

Tina gave him a pat on his back. "Yeah, you keep telling me that. I'll think about it once I start having a dream of becoming a target practice."

She left to go to her desk. Gavin inhaled sharply. He did miss his monotonous job at the station.

Hank and Connor finally appeared. Gavin kept his eyes trained on the terminal, scanning some cases that weren't assigned to him. Nothing was.

A figure loomed beside him. It was Anderson. "You feeling alright now?" he asked with reluctance in his voice.

"Not your business, Hank," Gavin replied with his usual hostility.

"Whatever," Hank said, giving up that easily.

Gavin waited for another talk but it didn't come. Connor followed behind Hank, not even giving a single glance at him.

A pulse in his temple jumped. The familiar tug of hatred radiated in his chest. So that was how it was? Gavin would commend the android for its indifference if he could.

Everything was back to normal now then. That gave Gavin relief and a pressing need for coffee.

Tina joined him in the break room. She still babbled about her ex, which Gavin had grown sick of. If only people could be adults and deal with their feelings,  he thought to himself.

"Can't you just find another partner?" Gavin scoffed at her.

"Cause it's so easy for you, huh?" she teased.

"Whatever. Love is for horny people like you. I don't need that shit," he said, full of sarcasm.

Tina snickered. They were always like that. It was either bickering nonstop or talking about some serious shit. He did appreciate Tina Chen but she would never hear it from Gavin. He was taking it to the grave.

Their conversation halted when Connor entered the break room. It nodded in their direction then made its way towards the coffee machine.

Gavin felt something bubbling inside him. Hate or anger, he couldn't choose one. He scoffed and gestured at the android so Tina could see.

"Congratulations on your successful investigation, RK800. I am very impressed," he exclaimed for the android to hear. Connor turned his face to him, LED spinning yellow.

"What do you want, Detective?" it said with contempt.

"Oh, what would I want? I just wanted to congratulate you, detective boy," he said, bitterness in his voice. He patted the android's cheek with a rising intensity that if he continued, it would have been a slap.

Connor frowned, red light on his temple. "Thank you," it bit back and turned its back on Gavin.

Gavin's heart was pounding in his chest. The anger he felt boiled over in dangerous heat.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you, asshole," he whispered. Connor ignored him and waited for the coffee.

Another scoff escaped Gavin's lips. He was smiling now, teeth grinding against a snark. He placed his left arm on the android's shoulder and peeked at its face.

"If you have a problem with me, you tell it to my face, huh?" he challenged.

Connor took a quick glance at him, eyes shifting to his lips that Gavin almost missed. "I don't have any problem. Maybe you do," it said.

Gavin nodded, biting the inside of his cheek. "Oh, is that how it is? Is your little perfect software too advanced now to obey me? Investigation got in your head?" he asked softly. He was too close to hurting the android.

Connor stared at him, eyes hard. His glance shifting between Gavin's eyes and lips.

"You don't get to act superior with me because you think you know me, alright? Get that in your plastic head, prick," he warned in Connor's ear.

It still didn't answer. Gavin pulled away and shoved it with his shoulder.

Which was a huge fucking mistake.

"Fuck!" he yelled in surprise. The vibration shook his wound, sending a million pain stimuli in his brain. He clutched his shoulder with his left hand. Jesus Christ, he was fucking stupid.

Tina approached quickly from the table, and she and Connor bent down to Gavin as he crouched to the floor.

"You fucking stupid ass," Tina scolded him.

"Are you alright, Gavin?" Connor asked preparing to carry him up, his voice full of worry.

"Get away from me, you fuckers," he said as he shook them off and stood on his feet. "I'm fine. I just got surprised."

"You're hopeless," Tina muttered and sighed.

"I have run a diagnostic. There's some slight trauma to your wound, Gavin," Connor informed him.

"You can shove your diagnostic up your ass," he said and stepped outside the break room to go to his terminal.

Gavin's vision swam from the pain in his arm.

Maybe he would bully the android after his wound had fully healed.

For the whole day, his wound throbbed against the bandages. He took a pain reliever which toned it down. He took a bathroom break to check the wound, but thankfully, it didn't reopen. He ought to be more careful.

He would notice Connor glancing back at him. He would flip him off whenever he got the chance.

When the shift was over, Tina offered him a ride which he didn't turn down. Inside the car, she asked him a question.

"What got you so riled up against the android, huh?"

Gavin raised his brows innocently. "What do you mean?"

"Stop acting, man. You know what I mean."

Shaking his head, Gavin looked out the car window. "Nothing. He just rubs me the wrong way," he said.

He could feel Tina's judging eyes lingering on him. "Again? I thought you're on better terms now?" she asked.

Gavin avoided Tina's eyes. She knew nothing about him and Connor.

Once he had been dropped off, he hastily entered the house and drank another pain reliever and a muscle relaxant. Just to be sure.

God, he shouldn't let outbursts like that hurt him more. He was stupid. It had been so long since he seriously felt resentment towards the android that he completely forgot how it would cloud his judgment.

Gavin was about to go to his room when the doorbell rang. Did Tina turn around and decided to crash Gavin's place again? If she did, she would meet the door on her face.

"What?" he asked as he opened the door.

His voice died down when he realized who it was.

"Hello, Detective Reed," Connor greeted with a determined expression on its face. It was still in its uniform, arms ceremoniously glued to its side.

"What are you doing here?" Gavin asked, finding himself too tired to feel anger.

"Please invite me in, Gavin," Connor asked, desperation filled its voice. It sounded almost like it was begging. 

Gavin frowned. "I'm not in the mood for this," he grumbled.

"So am I. Let me in," Connor commanded with full authority in its voice.

Jesus Christ. What now?

Gavin would soon realize that when he opened that door to let the android in, it was nothing but an invitation to complicate his life even more.

An invitation for something frustrating.

Gavin reluctantly stepped aside and let the android enter his space.

Notes:

God, I struggled writing this chapter. I'm hoping it's passable TwT

Chapter 8: haec absolutio | connor

Summary:

A new beginning, a fresh slate, a well of endless possibilities—them.

Gavin scowled at Connor, heat radiating from his head.

"We need to talk, Gavin," Connor said, his voice filled with urgency. He needed to clear some things with the little detective.

"Talk about what?" Gavin asked. He sounded tired and a little breathless.

All Connor knew was that he needed to talk to Gavin about their unfinished business.

"I don't know . . . This, " he tried to answer. Gavin furrowed his brows even more.

Connor scratched his head in frustration. The emotion in his chest was unidentifiable, even with the help of his software.

"This what?" Gavin challenged.

He knew that something had changed between the two of them. After Connor's deviancy, Gavin seemed less irate with him.

Even if he was doubtful, he knew there was more to Gavin than his spiteful insults and arrogant attitude.

When Connor had finally deconstructed his mystery, it felt like they just clicked—something like friends.

"Us," Connor settled for that word.

When Gavin heard it, his face closed off—devoid of any emotion. "What the fuck do you mean by that?" he asked, voice cold.

"About what's happening to us, Detective. I thought we had something between us back then, but you're angry at me again," Connor explained.

"Something between us? I have no fucking clue what you're on," Gavin repeated, words thrown with reluctance.

"Yes, Gavin. I thought there was more to this," Connor said. He took a step towards Gavin.

The man looked confused.

"Why are you so angry at me again?" Connor questioned. He didn't mean it, but his voice cracked a little. There was warmth on his face that he didn't know where it came from.

The little detective huffed in frustration. The frown on his face remained. He mindlessly held onto his wounded arm.

Their distance was slowly closing. Connor, inches away, looked down at Gavin. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked. He wanted to hold Gavin and shake him. It was an urge he'd had the whole day.

Gavin looked flustered, cheeks tinged red while frowning. "Yes, you did. You sent me on my way home and just, I don't know, disappeared from the face of the earth?" he exclaimed.

Connor watched him, focused on every word and every change on his face.

"A whole week, you prick. Nothing for a whole week. Then, I saw you at the station and you didn’t even look at me? The fuck is that about?" he said. He was poking Connor's chest with his index finger.

"Gavin—"

Gavin cut him off. He grabbed Connor's shirt and pulled him a little closer. "I thought you were my . . ." Gavin's voice trailed off, realization hitting him.

Connor watched the doubt on the man's face. His grip on Connor's shirt tightened.

He cleared his throat and let go of Connor. There was an epiphany written on his face. "What the fuck am I even saying?" he muttered to himself.

Connor considered his words. "I apologize, Gavin. I just wasn't sure you'd be happy after what I did back in the hospital. You know when I kis—"

Panic struck Gavin's face, quickly cutting him off. "Shut up, Connor!" he exclaimed. He was glaring at Connor, anger scrunching his face. "That did not happen."

Connor blinked. "You want to forget it?" he asked, gaze falling onto the floor and throat tightening.

Gavin spaced out, gears visibly shifting in his mind.

Connor waited for his response. Maybe a tantrum or a barrage of insults.

"Yes. Forget it. Just forget everything, Connor," Gavin said softly instead. He was slowly backing down from his outburst.

Connor caught that. The old Gavin wouldn't do that. Maybe he really wanted Connor to forget about it.

"Hank was right," he muttered to himself.

Gavin raised his brow. "About what?"

"That I shouldn't just kiss anyone I wanted out of the blue," he stated.

The scandalized look on Gavin's face almost made Connor crack. His eyebrows shot up to his forehead and his cheeks turned red. He tried speaking but he spluttered every word.

Connor was curious about the detective. Did he really have that effect on Gavin? Was his theory correct?

Gavin slowly turned around, hiding his face from Connor. He took a couple of deep breaths, maybe trying to calm himself down.

After a few moments, he was able to speak again. "That was a mistake, alright? Don't ever bring that up or I will shoot you in the head."

Connor raised his brow and reached for the detective's shoulder. Gavin pushed his hand away. "Gavin," he called.

"What do you want?" he asked, voice tense.

"Can we be friends?" Connor asked sincerely. "I've been thinking about it since the investigation."

Gavin's shoulders slumped. "Friends?" he echoed. A laugh escaped his mouth. "After everything?"

"I don't see why not," Connor argued. "You do see me as your rival, right? Keep your enemies closer and all that," he added sarcasm to his voice.

Gavin let out a humorous scoff. "God, I can't fucking believe this. An android trying to befriend me," he mumbled. "What's in it for me, huh?" he asked as he turned around to Connor.

"You can pick me as your investigation buddy. I've been told that I'm pretty efficient," Connor said. The bluff worked well as a small smile tugged on Gavin's pretty face.

"So you do think you're superior to me," he bit back. He could tell that the anger from earlier was dissipating. Connor recognized the slow shift in Gavin's voice.

Connor pretended to think for a second. "I think our skills are comparable," he joked.

The little detective shook his head. "Fucking androids. Look, I'll be honest with you. You're too fucking stiff to be a friend," he said, matching Connor's stare.

"Stiff? Hank said I'm a good companion," Connor defended himself.

"And I'm not an alcoholic. You see the difference?"

Connor mulled over it. This was banter, right? Gavin was bantering with him like a friend would.

"Christ, you're insufferable. I hope you know that," he added. It wasn't even an insult. He sounded fully civil just now.

"So, do you accept my invitation for friendship?" Connor teased.

Gavin rolled his eyes. "I'll think about it," he mumbled.

Connor felt a wave of joyful relief. He had thought of this exact conversation for a whole week now. He realized that maybe Gavin wasn't really as bad as he tried to show.

Silence filled the room. The two of them just stood in front of each other, no one daring to make any sudden move. Connor stared at the man, although the latter was having trouble glancing back.

Something caught Gavin's attention. "What's that?" he asked, pointing behind Connor.

He was referring to the paper bag that Connor brought with him. He left it on the floor when he approached Gavin.

"Oh, I bought you food. I noticed that you like eating Chinese takeout," he answered. He knew Gavin adored it.

Gavin shot him an incredulous look. "Stop being a fucking stalker," he said. He gestured for the food, nonetheless.

Connor obliged and gave it to him. The little detective placed it on the dining table.

Another pause settled between them. Connor needed to do something to make it less awkward.

"Where is . . ." Connor looked around.

"Where is what?"

"Your cat?" he continued.

With a sudden realization, Gavin cursed under his breath and sprinted towards a room. After a commotion, Gavin walked out with the cat in his arms.

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," he appeased as he let the cat out of the room. It was wailing very loudly.

When it saw Connor, it wriggled against Gavin and approached him, rubbing itself against his legs. Connor crouched down and rubbed it from head to tail. "What's its name? You didn't tell me last time."

Gavin waited a moment before answering. "Coffeecup."

"Hello, Coffeecup," Connor greeted the cat, which in turn meowed back. "You have a very polite cat, Gavin."

It lay down on the floor and showed Connor its belly. Connor reached for it but it swiped at his hand. "Polite my ass. I call him Coff," Gavin muttered.

Connor cooed the name and the cat responded again. Coff and Sumo could become friends.

Connor stared up at Gavin, who he caught was watching him. "So, are we friends?" he asked.

"No," he answered simply. Connor frowned. But he thought— "Not yet, okay? Stop making that ugly face," Gavin added.

Connor stood up, Coffeecup watching him. "Thank you, Gavin," he nodded. He suddenly remembered his apology. "Now, I would like to apologize about the kis—"

Gavin cleared his throat, leering at Connor.

"About the thing at the hospital," Connor rephrased. Still a sore subject, then. If it wasn't a big deal, why was Gavin making a fuss out of it?

"Just don't mention it again," Gavin said, turning his face away.

"Sorry. I just thought that was fine since you're the one who did it first," he said matter-of-factly.

Gavin palmed his face, ears reddening again. "It's . . . not. Friends don't do that to each other. Fucking program that in your brain."

Then why did you do it? Connor wanted to ask. Instead, he nodded. "Understood, Gavin," he said. He flashed his goofy smile, trying to see if it would work on Gavin. He stared at Connor again like he was insane. He just realized what Gavin said. "Wait, so we are friends?"

"You have to go. It's getting late," Gavin deflected quickly. Connor looked at the detective and then at his watch. It was already 9 p.m.

"Maybe you're right. I wouldn't want to disturb Hank when he sleeps."

Gavin stared at him. "You're really living with Hank?" he asked, curiosity in his voice.

"I am, for now at least. I'll try finding a place of my own soon," he answered. It was fun living with Hank and Sumo but Connor knew that he had to at least find a place to call his own.

Gavin seemed satisfied with that answer. "Whatever, shoo," he gestured to Connor.

"Thank you, Gavin. I'll be going now. I hope you'll like your food. Take care of your wound as well," he advised, mustering all the sincerity that he could.

Gavin simply nodded and opened the door. When Connor stepped outside, the little detective closed the door halfway. "Do you have a ride?"

"I'll take the bus or a taxi," he said.

Gavin paused and looked at him. There was hesitation on his face. "Forget it, whatever."

Connor took one last look at Gavin, his feet shifting awkwardly. "Are you sure . . . friends don't kiss each other?" he asked hesitantly.

Gavin's eyes widened for a split second. The door closed loudly on Connor's face. "I'll kill you, you fucking android!" Gavin shouted from his house.

Connor stared at the door. Maybe friends don't. But he couldn't stop smiling. There was hope for friendship with Gavin.

And maybe, something more.

Notes:

Another chapter for you. Enjoy!

Chapter 9: tandem amici | gavin

Summary:

I am nothing but a moth, and you are the flame fated to consume me. Watch me burn in your radiance.

The Chinese takeout brightened Gavin's mood.

He received a message from Connor earlier while he was eating. It was a simple thank you, to which Gavin replied with a middle finger.

As he brushed his hair after a quick rinse—which Gavin never did—he reflected on what happened earlier. He couldn't believe he had folded to the android so quickly.

He had wanted to punch the android, but its jokes were actually funny. It seemed like it knew how to talk to Gavin on his level.

The whole ordeal confused him. Connor wanted to befriend him. Gavin wondered if it had forgotten about all of their squabbles. If it did, it forgave too quickly.

Whatever.

Gavin placed the brush on the bedside table. It felt nice on his scalp. He should do this more often.

Lying on his bed, he couldn't help but think about it more. Could he actually be friends with the android? With an android?

Connor isn't that bad, I guess.

But if they were to become friends, he would need to lessen his aggression towards it. But with that stupid face, it might prove tough.

Gavin scratched the bridge of his nose. He reached for the remote on the table and dimmed the lights.

Coff was already asleep beside him, purring loudly. "You like that android, huh?" Gavin asked Coff.

Of course, it didn't answer.

Gavin weighed his choices. If he were to agree, maybe they could bury the embarrassments in the past. That could be good.

He popped his fingers, the silence of the night settling around him.

As he slowly dissociated, Gavin's thoughts wandered to Connor.

It had a lot of moles on its face. The skin looked really realistic too. What would it look like without it? Fuck, that was a creepy image.

Gavin's phone vibrated on his chest. Another text message.

'I'll see you at the station tomorrow, Gavin. Goodnight.'

He cringed, but then warmth spread on his face and ears. The android needed to learn more about social cues. It was too clueless.

Gavin smacked himself on the cheek. He was being foolish. He just felt embarrassed for the android. It probably didn't know how to become a friend just yet.

He realized that maybe he didn't know how to be one either. Did friends text each other good night? Gavin opened his browser and searched.

Apparently, friends did.

Jesus Christ, I’m a thirty-year-old adult and here I am Googling friendship shit.

'Goodnight, asshole.'

He tossed his phone at the table and wrapped himself in the blanket. Coff stirred but ultimately returned to sleep. Its paws twitched. Maybe it was dreaming.

With a sigh, Gavin closed his eyes and let sleep carry him away.

He dreamed of Connor.

This time, they were only staring at the night skies. No words, just a gentle breeze blowing past them. But that was enough to understand each other.

When he woke up, he felt refreshed and mellow. Maybe some dreams with the android weren't too bad after all.

---

Connor was insufferable.

The first thing it did when it saw Gavin was to announce a good morning to him. People could've looked at them weird, but they seemed unbothered.

"Tone it down, you moron!" Gavin hissed.

Connor raised its brow, hand on his waist. "How's your wound?" it questioned loudly. It was too early. The station was still a bit empty.

"Jesus Christ, if you don't stop shouting," Gavin threatened.

Connor approached Gavin's desk and leaned on it. "I'm not shouting, Gavin," it said, staring him down.

"Yes, you are. Shut up, fucker," Gavin exclaimed.

The android had the audacity to snicker. "Had your coffee yet?" it asked. It stood up again and stretched. Did androids need to stretch?

"Why?" Gavin asked, suspicious of the android.

"I'll make you one," it suggested, eyes with a hint of a smile.

Gavin sneered at the android. "What do you need from me?" he asked carefully.

Connor made a confused face. "Nothing, Gavin."

Was the sudden kindness included in being friends? "Later. I'm waiting for Tina," Gavin waved the android off.

"Oh, okay. Let's wait for her," Connor stated and sat down in the desk in front of Gavin's.

Gavin was about to complain but the android pulled out its phone and started scrolling videos. The whine died down in Gavin's throat.

For ten minutes, the android just watched videos. Some of them were scientific facts while the others were dog videos.

Gavin eyed him wearily. He wouldn't admit it but he felt nervous with the change that was happening in front of him.

Connor turned his phone towards Gavin. "Look," he said, a proud smile on his face.

It was a video of a dog, tumbling down a hill with its tongue just lolling about. Gavin tried his best not to give any reaction but a laugh burst out from his lips.

"Funny, right?" Connor said. It looked at the screen again and snickered quietly. Gavin covered his mouth with his hand, preventing any more laughs.

He couldn't be seen having this moment.

"Jesus. My alarm didn't—oh hello, Connor," a voice behind them rang.

Tina Chen looked between Connor and Gavin.

"Good morning, Officer," the android greeted politely, adding a smile with that. Gavin wanted to punch himself.

"Why are you there?" Tina asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Oh, I was waiting for Gavin wait for you," he said, shutting his phone down. "I offered him some coffee from the break room."

Tina nodded slowly. She glanced at Gavin suspiciously. In turn, he could only turn his face away.

"Well, Gavin. What do you say?" Tina asked. The mischief in her voice was palpable.

"Jesus Christ," Gavin mumbled and stood up. He didn't wait for the two and made his way to the break room.

The two was talking behind him. They seemed surprisingly friendly to each other.

"Just sit down. I'll make the coffee," Gavin offered, but didn't welcome any argument.

He pressed the coffee maker and waited for the coffee to pour. Connor and Tina were discussing files and investigations.

Knowing Tina, she probably would've volunteered to get the coffee and leave Gavin with the god-forsaken android.

They were still engrossed talking about Tina's investigation when Gavin placed packets of sugar and creamer onto the table.

Connor paused to stare at him, while Tina kept on babbling about tampered evidence and crime scenes.

Gavin took the two cups of coffee and gave it to them. He went back to get his, which was in a personalized cup that he bought from a store.

He sat on the stool and tuned in on Tina's hollering.

"I said to Chris, can you at least try resuscitating the man? The fucker said he's gray, Tina. " The impression was actually spot on, Gavin commended her in his head.

He could feel a stare burning through his face. Connor looked dumbfounded. Tina seemed to notice it too as she stopped hooting.

"What's wrong with you?" Gavin asked.

There was a strange hue on the android's face. It looked like its skin was turning blue.

"N—nothing. I just . . . I don't drink coffee," it said, voice a little shaky.

The cup of coffee caught Gavin's eyes. Oh, yeah, androids don't take food.

" Oh, shit. Slipped my mind," Gavin excused.

"It's okay," Connor answered, pursing his lips.

"Holy shit. Are you . . . are you blushing, Connor?" Tina teased.

The android turned even bluer. "No? I don't blush," it said, defending its remaining pride. Tina was such a menace. Gavin waved her off.

"You can throw it away," Gavin said and sipped his coffee.

Was Connor actually blushing?

Silence stretched between the three of them. Tina inspected Connor and Gavin, while the two of them avoided her gaze.

"I gotta pee," she blurted out and practically ran off.

Now, the silence turned awkward. Gavin tapped on his cup absentmindedly.

"Well, what do you drink?" Gavin forced himself to say.

"Thirium. That's the only substance we can fully take," it answered.

Gavin nodded. Right.

The quiet air stretched.

"Do you like any other drinks beside coffee?" It was Connor's turn to ask.

"Red Bull. I drink it if I don't have coffee," Gavin explained.

The android seemed satisfied by that.

Gavin tapped his foot on the ground.

Another beat had passed.

The android stared at the table.

"So why did you blush?" Gavin blurted out.

Connor looked at him like he was spanked. "I didn't, Gavin," it argued. Its brows furrowed against each other.

"Your face turned blue. Isn't your blood blue? That's the definition of a blush," Gavin mocked the embarrassed android.

Connor squinted. "Oh, like you do when I get close to you?" it challenged.

"I do not do that. Don't change the topic and answer the damn question," Gavin argued back, gritting his teeth. He most certainly did not blush because of the android.

The android sighed. "We don't drink and we don't eat, so no one offers us food cause that would be wasteful. I just appreciated it, okay?"

So that was why. Huh.

"How does it work?" Gavin asked.

Connor shrugged. "Thirium pigmenting the skin? Maybe from imbalance in my heat-regulating system? I'm not sure, Gavin,"

"Okay," Gavin agreed, raising both his hands. He felt a slight strain on his wound.

"We should go back," Connor suggested. It looked like it didn't want to be there anymore.

"Lead the way, tin can."

---

Lunch was a whole ordeal.

Connor practically begged for Gavin to have lunch with the android. Normally, Gavin would order takeout and eat it in the break room.

He wanted to turn down the android but he inevitably agreed. Connor wasn't literally begging, but it was stating a shitload of information about food and which food stall was the best.

Now, Gavin was in the passenger seat of Hank's car. Why didn't he expect this to happen? The android was basically Hank's son.

The radio blared a rotation of heavy metal and jazz. It pissed Gavin off as his ears hurt.

Connor kept on looking back at him with a skeptical face. Maybe it thought that Gavin would jump out of the car at any second, which he contemplated on doing.

Hank didn't question him at all. He just sighed and got his keys. The old man tapped on the wheel as he jammed to the explosive screaming.

What the fuck am I even doing here?

When they reached the place, Gavin hurried to get out of the vehicle. Connor caught up beside him.

"Personally, I think you'll like the food here," it said, flashing its goofy smile.

"You better hope so," Gavin muttered.

The food was a combination of Italian and Greek cuisines. Gavin was honestly impressed at how good the place looked.

Hank and Gavin chose their order, while Connor requested a bag of thirium. Gavin blanched.

"What does it even taste like?" he asked.

"It tastes like nothing, Detective. I lack taste buds," it answered and glanced around.

"Does it make you full?"

Connor dragged its gaze back at him. "No. I don't have a digestive system as well."

"Figures."

Hank only stared at Gavin, surprisingly no hostility in his eyes.

They picked a table and sat down. Connor chose the seat beside Gavin.

"I personally invited you here for another reason, Gavin," Connor started.

Gavin straightened his posture, elbows on the table. "What?" He tried his best to mellow out the edge in his words. Hank was looking at him.

"We may need to follow up with Elijah Kamski regarding his case," it said. Connor was staring at him, looking for any reaction.

The two of them made Gavin feel tiny. They were ganging up on him. "Why don't you go with Hank?"

The man in question looked away. "Not my case. Besides, that Kamski is a sack of shit," he grumbled.

"Hank," Connor warned. He probably didn't know that Elijah was Gavin's brother.

Gavin agreed of course. His brother wasn't the nicest. "I'm injured," Gavin said.

The last thing he needed was to be alone with the android again. Even in denial, Gavin was aware it wouldn't be a good idea.

"We're only going to question him and . . . his android," Connor stated with a little difficulty. Was he affected by his same model?

To be fair, Connor was an exclusive model just like the Markus one was. Did Connor feel . . .

Their food came before he could finish that thought. His stomach growled at the sight of the feast. Connor held onto the bag of thirium. Thankfully, the restaurant was android-inclusive.

The three of them didn't speak anymore. A cool breeze would reach them from time to time. The open concept of the place would've been bad in winter. Thank god the winter was almost over.

Gavin couldn't stop feeling sad for the android. It looked miserable sipping blue liquid through a tiny straw. Nonetheless, Connor looked like it enjoyed sipping it.

Maybe that was why it was embarrassed with the coffee from earlier.

Wouldn't it be possible for Cyberlife to implement at least a sense of taste to androids? How would that work? Missing out on food was sorrowful.

Gavin would notice Hank observing the android on multiple occasions. It was almost affectionate. Maybe he really did consider Connor a son, as Tina gossiped to him.

The streets were buzzing with people going about their day. Gavin leaned back on the chair, watching people passing the restaurant.

It was a nice sunny day, even if it was still chilly. Hank stood up and went to the bathroom.

"What are you thinking of, Gavin?" Connor asked, leaning towards him a bit.

Gavin raised a brow. "Why?"

"Nothing. Just curious," it said, shrugging.

The LED on its temple always intrigued Gavin. Why didn't Connor remove it? Most of the androids did.

"Don't you know the saying? About cats and their curiosity?" Gavin teased, smirking.

"Unfortunately, I am not a cat," Connor refuted. He didn't mean it as a joke, but it made Gavin laugh.

"Deviancy really made you different, huh?" Gavin said.

"What makes you say that?"

"Wanted to punch your face before. But now? Maybe a little bit less." Gavin attempted for a joke, but it came off as sincere.

"That's nice. I'm glad," Connor said, faking an exaggerated sigh.

"See? You know how to joke now. Before, it's like you have a fist up your . . ." Gavin trailed off. It turned distasteful in his mouth.

Connor raised his brow. "Up my what?"

A yell rang from a distance.

"Thief! Help!" a man screamed.

Gavin and Connor were up on their feet immediately.

A shady tall man sprinted past them followed by a blond guy.

Without missing a beat, Connor ran for the man. Hank was shouting behind them.

"Theft!" Gavin yelled back.

Gavin tried his best to tail the android, but it was running too damn fast. He avoided flailing his arms too much. His breathing stung after a while. God, he wasn't as fit as before.

When he reached them, Connor tackled the man and pinned him on the ground.

The blond snatched up a satchel from the tall man's hand.

Hank followed, catching his breath. He tried speaking, but he decided that breathing was more important—giving Gavin a pair of cuffs.

Gavin threw it to Connor, who bound the man.

"Thank you for the help," the blond guy said, hair flowing with the breeze.  He looked strikingly familiar.

Oh, that's right. It's a PL model android.

"It's our duty sir—Simon?" Connor asked. Maybe the android was familiar with the guy.

"Connor? Nice seeing you here," Simon exclaimed, his lips stretched from ear to ear.

"I mean, considering the situation?" Connor replied, smiling back.

"Yeah. I guess we could've met somewhere nicer," Simon agreed, adding a short laugh.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of this," Connor said, pushing the man down even more.

Gavin's eye twitched. He eyed the two androids suspiciously. Did they really need to flirt in front of Gavin?

"Alright, break it up. We're taking you down the station," he informed them, trying his best not to roll his eyes. "Hank, call them."

Hank, still catching his breath, flipped him off. Gavin rolled his eyes and called the station.

---

Simon's hair kept on falling into place. It was so long that Gavin wanted to cut it. He didn't know androids could grow out their hair. Those were his observations while sipping some coffee.

Connor, on the other hand, laughed at everything Simon said. Gavin personally couldn't hear them, but he was sure android humor was not good.

"Wanna borrow my gun?" Tina asked across Gavin. She was at the desk in front of him—where Connor was earlier.

"I have mine," he replied absentmindedly. He was still staring intently at the two androids laughing and giggling like a group of little girls.

"Use it instead of just glaring at them," Tina added.

Gavin only hummed and nodded, having absolutely no idea what she said. It made Tina snicker.

"Damn, something's wrong with you man. You're obviously jealous," Tina said.

That made Gavin snap his gaze towards her. "I am not jealous! Why would I be jealous?"

Tina pretended to be confused. "I said you need some jello," she mocked.

Gavin rolled his eyes—which returned to the two androids. What were they babbling about?

The ride back to the station was very uncomfortable.

Gavin was forced to ride alone with Hank, as Connor accompanied Simon on the cop car. Gavin bet that they took their time to themselves, alright.

"Jesus Christ, Gavin," Tina yelled.

Something spilled on the table. Gavin had crumpled the disposable cup of coffee in his hand without noticing. "Shoot, I've spilled it," he excused himself.

"Spilled? You were gripping on it like a fucking barbell."

Gavin cursed under his breath. He tried swiping the coffee away from the terminal. He wouldn't want to pay if it got damaged.

Unceremoniously, a shadow loomed on him. It was Connor. It didn't say anything and just dumped a whole box of tissue on the table. The coffee seeped onto it as Connor dragged it around.

"What happened, Gavin?" it asked.

Gavin didn't want to respond. But it would be weird if he didn't. He was fine, alright? "The cup fell," he mumbled.

Connor took more tissue and took Gavin's hand. The latter instinctively pulled back his hand but Connor snatched it back. It carefully wiped Gavin's wet hand.

Gavin felt his face getting warm. Was the air-conditioning turned off?

"It might be better if you wash your hand, Detective," Connor said and took the wet tissue on its hand.

"Wow," Tina said, staring at him and the table. "Boyfriend of the year."

"Shut up," Gavin ground out and practically ran to the bathroom to wash his hands.

Looking at the mirror, his cheeks were flushed red. He decided to wash his whole face multiple times.

Fuck.

When Gavin got back to his desk, the android had returned to Simon. Gavin felt himself glaring at the back of Connor's neck. Tina went back to her desk.

What kind of game was it playing?

Gavin forced himself to focus on his terminal, scrolling for a case that he could be deployed at. Sitting around was not good for him.

After some time, Gavin saw the two stand up.

About damn time.

Gavin let himself glance at the two of them. Simon whispered something in Connor's ear and handed him a slip of paper. Gavin caught the soft smile on Connor's lips.

With that, Gavin dragged his eyes away. Jesus Christ, when would his shift be over?

The two disappeared from Gavin's sight. Which was good. He hoped they would take their android shenanigans elsewhere.

Exactly five minutes later, Connor called Gavin.

"Nope," Gavin muttered to himself and got up, started walking, and hid himself in the bathroom.

The last thing he needed was a conversation with Connor. He felt . . . strange about him—it. He wasn't in the mood to talk.

Gavin washed his hands again. The door opened.

"Gavin," Connor called behind him.

His heart dropped. He needed to get out of here.

Connor had its eyes trained on Gavin. The expression on its face was between worried and serious.

Before Gavin could react, Connor closed the door and locked it. The click echoed through the bathroom.

Notes:

I had written the bathroom scene with this but it was just making the whole chapter too long. Guess it's for the next one.

Also, Simon mentioned?!!! The main protagonist of the second fic in this series fr fr fr

Chapter 10: basium cupidinis | gavin

Summary:

And then, they were one.

Gavin was about to leave the bathroom, when Connor loomed over him, staring blankly with those brown eyes.

"What?" Gavin managed to say. He closed the faucet with shaking hands.

"What's wrong?" the android asked, walking closer to him. Gavin, tripping on his own feet, walked back.

"The fuck are you talking about?"

There's nothing wrong. Everything's perfect. I'm totally perfectly fine.

"You know what I mean."

Gavin felt the wall against his back. Connor wasn't stopping on closing in on him. He had to raise his hands between the two of them.

"Don't piss me off," he warned. He hated the feeling of getting cornered. Especially by the android.

Connor stopped advancing. But that didn't leave any decent space between them at all. Gavin's chest tightened, the air seemed too thick in his lungs.

The android looked down at Gavin. "What happened?"

Gavin rolled his eyes, his nerves jumping when his hands touched Connor's stomach. "Nothing?"

Connor only stared.

Gavin felt his pulse quickening even more. Connor's eyes were too much. They were giving Gavin goosebumps.

He tried avoiding Connor's gaze, but it was so majestic. Gavin kept looking back in those deep eyes.

The silence echoed on the walls. Gavin could feel Connor's breathing faintly touching his face.

The sharp warmth burned his face and the tips of his ears.

Fuck, this can't be happening. I need to get out of here.

He could feel his walls cracking around him. Something was developing in his chest.

"Go away, Connor," he said through gritted teeth. "Go back to your perfect android friend—" he tried cutting himself off, but what was said could not be unsaid.

Something clicked on Connor's face. A realization. "Are you . . ."

The android moved swiftly, raising Gavin's hands from its stomach and holding them tightly.

"You're jealous," Connor said, intrigued.

Gavin tried struggling against the grip but his struggle proved to be futile. Connor's firm grip sent waves of goosebumps along his skin.

Connor stepped even closer, their legs tangling together. Gavin had just realized how painfully hard he was.

Legs buckling, Gavin's mind started turning to mush. All he could see was Connor.

"Stop it . . ."

Connor leveled his face to Gavin's.

"You're jealous, Gavin," Connor stated like it was a simple observation without any implication.

"Fuck off . . . android," Gavin muttered, cursing under his breath. His throat tightened, a lump stuck fast.

It was all out of hand. He couldn't focus anymore. Was this really the android's effect on him?

Gritting his teeth, Gavin tried pushing Connor but it regretfully backfired. The android held his ground and pushed himself even more on Gavin.

This must be a dream. This is a nightmare.

Connor was practically flush against him. Gavin fought to ignore the press of something firm between them.

"You don't have anything to be jealous of, Gavin," Connor whispered. Their faces were too close together. His hot breath set Gavin's insides on fire.

Gavin tried looking down but Connor leaned on him, blocking the view. It forced Gavin to look at the android.

"I don't care," he managed to say.

He didn't care. Gavin Reed didn't care. It was the last thing he could care about. All he could think was that he was gonna fall down onto his knees and pass out.

Letting Gavin's right arm down, Connor pinned the other on the wall. The cold tiles made the detective flinch. A quick curse escaped his lips.

Connor's hand slowly cupped Gavin's cheek. The smooth skin met with the growing stubble. It made the detective dizzy.

Gavin was trembling now. The contact made him feel feverish.

A drop of water echoed in the room.

Their jackets rubbed together, making a sound that intensified Gavin's desire.

Gavin wished it was a dream, but the ache on his shoulder and his pants gave him a reality check.

"Connor . . ." This couldn't be happening. Gavin shouted in his mind. Push him away!

His body shook violently, his hands getting cold. He only wanted to do one thing, and one thing only.

"Do you . . ." Connor whispered. "Do you like me, Gavin?"

It sent a shiver down his spine. Gavin's mind was telling him to push the android away. But deep in his chest, the flaring wave of desire wanted to let out the enduring truth.

Gavin didn't answer. He couldn't betray himself.

Connor's deep breathing caught his focus. Those lips were slightly agape, red and beautiful.

"Gavin. I—"

Without missing a beat, Connor locked his lips with Gavin.

The initial touch made Gavin jump.

But the same as the other instances, Connor's lips were just too mind-numbing.

He couldn't help but move, opposing the protests in his mind.

Connor had this newfound intensity, like he wanted to prove something to Gavin.

Everything burned, yet Gavin savored the warmth. Like it was poison or medicine.

Gavin couldn't let the android. He shouldn't. But there he was, taking every inch and every taste. The dizzying kiss made his stomach flip in pleasure.

When Connor pulled away, catching his breath, he stared fondly at Gavin.

The latter was still overwhelmed. His damn lips were still buzzing from Connor's tongue. It shouldn't feel that good.

Connor let go of Gavin's arm and in turn, enveloped him into a tight hug. Connor's face fit perfectly on his neck, like it was made for it. It almost made Gavin sob from his chest.

The smell of the perfume on the android's jacket assaulted his nose in the best way possible. It was Connor.

He wasn't acutely aware that he was hugging back, gripping on Connor's jacket.

"Simon's only a friend," Connor whispered in his ear. "You're . . . you. You're Gavin."

Against his parched throat, he forced himself to speak. "The fuck does that mean?" Gavin mumbled, still out of breath.

"I like doing this with you, Gavin," Connor confessed. He was still snuggling against Gavin's neck.

Gavin should have shoved the android off, but his body wasn't listening. He let himself slowly turn his face to Connor, softly brushing his nose and lips on the smooth cheek.

Gavin wanted to placate the android for confessing. But God, he did too. He fucking did like kissing the stupid fucking android.

It was becoming difficult to deny every time he saw  him. Even to himself.

They stayed like that for a while. The world went silent around them. The burning heat of their bodies turned to a gentle warmth.

When Gavin felt reality settling in again, he slightly pushed Connor. He didn't know what to say.

Jesus, just take me away.

He could only stare at that stupid face. His heart beating quickly was proof enough against his denial.

Connor wasn't done yet. He seized Gavin's lips once again.

This time, he was devilishly passionate about it. His hands caressed Gavin inch by inch while devouring his lips.

Gavin moaned against the android's lips, responding to every kiss with brio.

He also couldn't help touching the android, exploring his back and his hair.

When Connor made a sinful sound, Gavin's heart skipped a beat. He felt himself throbbing.

Jesus Christ with a belt. Connor is kissing me. And I am kissing him.

Connor pulled away, a thin string of saliva clinging on his lips. His face was beyond obscene. His eyes were half-closed and his lips plump. The blue hue was back on his face.

Fuck.

Gavin couldn't resist pulling him into another thought-annihilating kiss—which Connor didn't back down against.

Gavin's thoughts really abandoned him. All he could do was appreciate the amazing feeling in his chest.

A knock rapped on the locked door.

Connor pulled away slightly and whispered lowly. "Fuck."

Gavin's eyes widened. The two of them stared at each other, panting.

"Anyone in there?" the voice shouted from outside.

Gods above. That's Chris.

Gavin pushed himself off the wall and straightened his posture. The mirror reflected the state of him. His cheeks were red and his lips were drenched.

He passed a quick glance at Connor.

The android looked freshly kissed too. Gavin reached to Connor's head and brushed his hair. He looked at Gavin softly, the nervous expression slipping faintly.

What was Gavin supposed to say? The door was locked. He and Connor would emerge from the bathroom. Chris would think that they were fucking.

They weren't.

Connor cleared his throat. He looked flustered and hot. Gavin couldn't stop feeling proud of himself.

Serves you right, fucker.

No one dared to speak. Gavin went to the door and unlocked it. It swung wide open, Chris looking at them suspiciously.

"Hello," Chris greeted carefully.

Gavin's heart jumped. He needed to think of something quick.

"Sorry, man. Number two," he said, throat dry.

"Sure," Chris agreed and entered the bathroom. Before he could proceed, he stared the android tailing Gavin.

"M-me too," Connor said and walked out.

Chris looked at him funny.

Gavin shook his head. "Fucking androids, am I right?" He snickered awkwardly and cleared his throat.

Sitting in his desk, Gavin was panicking.

Why did you let him do that? Just fucking perfect, Gavin.

Gavin cupped his forehead and lowered his face, trying to hide away from the world.

That was a huge mistake. But fuck, he definitely enjoyed it. He'd been thinking of their kiss since his injury leave.

Gavin's interest was piqued by Connor. He wasn't aware that the android was a fucking kissing expert. Wasn't he supposed to be an android detective?

And if he would be very honest, Gavin did have something like an oral fixation. Who could blame him?

"I like doing this with you, Gavin."

Warmth spread on Gavin's face again. From embarrassment, that was for sure.

Letting another one of his impulses, his eyes travelled to the android.

Connor was watching Gavin.

Their eyes locked for a moment. Something swirled inside Gavin. Fear, doubts, and possibly relief.

Connor slowly smiled at him.

I, Gavin Reed, am doomed.

Chapter 11: torpor ebrius | connor

Summary:

Meet me by the river and let us surrender our intertwined souls.

Connor reached the club where Gavin Reed had made a scene.

The little detective was blacked out on a chair, snoring lightly.

Bitter regret coiled in Connor's chest.

A lot had happened in the past three days.

"Thank God, you came. He was being an absolute asshole," Tina Chen said as she approached Connor.

She was tipsy but not as drunk as Gavin.

"What happened?" Connor asked.

Tina rolled her eyes. "Being stupid. He drank a shit ton and went to. . ." Her voice trailed off. She looked at Connor guiltily. "He flirted around with someone."

Connor didn't let his face betray him, keeping his emotions in check.

"What happened next?"

"I don't know. I was getting more drinks and the next thing I know, he was beating the shit out of the guy," she said loudly, her voice drowned out by the music.

Connor crouched down and ran an analysis. Lacerations marked Gavin's hands.

He reached for Gavin's jacket. Connor took it off and sighed in relief—the wounds hadn't reopened.

"Do you have a car?" he asked Tina.

"Yeah. Can you drive?"

The colorful lights grazed Gavin's face. Connor wanted to hold the detective.

"Yes, Officer."

"I told you to call me Tina, Connor. Drop me off first then take him to his house. Is that alright? Don't think I can drive tonight," she said.

Connor nodded. With a single sweep, he carried Gavin in his arms.

"Let's go."

---

When Connor managed to open the door, Gavin's cat was watching them.

Coff greeted him as he carried Gavin inside the house.

Connor settled Gavin down on the couch. The man was mumbling in his sleep, fists still clenched.

Gavin had multiple scars which were bleeding.

Connor assessed the house and planned for his next course of action.

He carefully removed Gavin's clothes, leaving only his white briefs. Connor's LED spun to yellow as data overloaded his system.

Connor opened cabinets and drawers for any materials he could use. He got a wet towel and a first aid kit.

Coff watched Connor take care of Gavin's wound. The latter was hissing quietly when his wounds were touched. His lips were bloody too.

Connor took the towel and wiped Gavin down, careful around his wound. Connor knew he had to get Gavin fully dressed.

Thankfully, his room was not locked. Connor took a pair of pajamas from the closet.

When he returned, Gavin's eyes were already open.

He watched Connor approach him but gave no reaction—just staring.

"How do you feel?" Connor asked.

He was met with no response.

"Okay," the android answered himself. He put Gavin in the pajamas. He looked adorable.

After Gavin settled back on the couch, he finally spoke. "Is this the part that you kiss me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come here," Gavin said, gesturing for Connor.

"You are drunk, Gavin."

Connor frowned. Should he really obey a man who slurred his own speech?

"Come here, baby,"

Connor's thirium pump started beating faster. "Baby?"

Maybe Connor was the drunk one, because the beckoning was working on him.

He slowly crouched towards Gavin. "You're not sober," Connor emphasized. His LED was spinning uncontrollably.

Gavin raised his arms. "Closer," he said, pouting.

Gavin is so different like this. He's softer.

Connor inched closer until he was face to face with Gavin.

Gavin draped his arms around Connor and pulled him onto his chest.

It would've been impossible, but Connor felt a slight tickle on his neck as Gavin planted small kisses on it.

"I missed you," he said in between kisses. "Why did you leave me?" Gavin's voice was mournful.

"I'm sorry, Gavin," he replied.

Gavin moved his kisses from Connor's neck to his cheek. "Please, Connor . . ."

A beat passed.

"Please, kiss me," Gavin said. Connor's system went into overdrive, urging him to kiss Gavin Reed.

Connor wanted to . . . but he shouldn't. "But you're drunk. Your inhibitions are low, Gavin."

Gavin caressed his cheeks with both hands. He had yearning eyes and a shrewd expression on his face. Connor nearly gave in, nearly bent to Gavin's needs.

Connor steeled himself. "Drink water first. Or coffee. Once you sober up, then we'll kiss," he demanded.

Gavin made a sound of frustration. "God, okay," he agreed.

That was close. Connor almost said yes. Maybe one more push and he would have cracked.

Connor gave Gavin a bottle of water first and then made coffee for him after.

The little detective obeyed without question. Pride swelled in Connor's chest.

While Gavin was sipping his coffee, Connor sat beside him.

"What happened in the club?"

The little detective was spacing out. "Some guy flirted with me. Flirted back. Couldn't . . ." he said between sips.

Connor watched him. Coff was looking at its owner as well.

He was shaking his head. "I thought he was you," Gavin added. His voice cracked until it turned into small sobs.

"Hey. It's alright, Gavin," Connor comforted. He took the coffee from Gavin and placed it down. "I will explain everything tomorrow. For now, you need to take a rest."

Gavin sniffed, wiping his tears away. "Are you going away again?" The sadness in his voice was affecting Connor.

It would only be for one night. He would leave in the morning.

"I can stay for a while. Do you want that?" he asked.

Gavin, who had been crying moments ago, smiled. "Yes. Come on," he exclaimed, standing up already.

Connor sighed. He hoped this wasn't a bad decision. He would try to keep everything civil and decent.

Gavin led Connor to his room. It was clean and organized, something that Connor completely dismissed from the idea of Gavin.

"Pajamas in the closet," Gavin said, stumbling over his words. He was already lying down, but he didn't take his eyes away from the android.

"You want me to change?"

Gavin nodded.

Connor went with it. He took a pair for himself.

"Where you going? You can change there. We're both guys here," Gavin teased. Knowing his predicament, Connor would think that his smirk was very real.

Connor caught the teasing cadence in Gavin's voice, yet his eyes carried something soft—something intimate.

Turning away from Gavin, Connor stripped down to his boxers and put on the pajamas. There was a stray whistle from the man behind him.

"Come here," Gavin said, smiling.

Connor climbed onto the bed beside Gavin.

The little detective was giggling now.

"Take a rest, Gavin," Connor said, wrapping the thick blanket around Gavin.

Gavin was staring at him, chest heaving. "I'm not as . . . drunk now, Connor," he said, stumbling on some of his words.

Connor disagreed. His software examined Gavin's alcohol level in the detective's system.

"Lie down," Gavin ordered.

Connor slowly lay down beside him. Gavin was so warm, and Connor could feel it on his own skin.

Gavin pushed the blanket up, waiting for Connor to get under it. The android, of course, obeyed.

The night was quiet. He could hear every hitched breath that Gavin took.

Under the covers, Gavin touched Connor's hand with his. It was experimental based on the hesitation from it.

"Can I touch you?" he asked.

Connor just nodded.

Gavin traced Connor's skin with the tips of his fingers. "I'm a mess, Connor. You fucked me up so well."

"What do you mean?" Connor turned his head towards him.

Gavin was glowing against the velvety night. His wounds were almost invisible. His lips were glistening.

"I'm not supposed to feel this way for you. You're an android. I hate androids," he mumbled.

The touch had evolved into something more ambitious. Gavin was holding Connor's hand, enveloping it in his.

"But, I don't know. You're funny. You're thoughtful. You're fucking hot," he admitted. Gavin chuckled lowly, as if his confession was nothing but a drunken joke.

Connor rubbed his thumb on Gavin's hand. Their skin created a subtle friction. It was nice.

"Then, you just kissed me. And it's better than I was imagining before."

Before? Gavin had those thoughts even before the investigation? That caught his full attention.

"What do you mean before?" he couldn't stop himself from asking.

"Don't be stupid, android. The first time you walked into that interrogation room, I already had my eyes on you," Gavin stated like it was a well-known fact.

"That long, huh?" Connor muttered to himself. He felt Gavin's callouses against his own synthetic skin, grounding him in the moment.

Gavin surely had a unique way of showing his interest. After all, he made sure his disgust for Connor was clear.

"I wanted to punch you for so long. When I did, look where it got me," he added, laughing again. Gavin's voice echoed within the walls.

"The archive room?"

Gavin nodded. "That fucking hurt, you bastard. You left me out cold."

"Sorry, Gavin," Connor apologized. He squeezed the hand in his.

Muted air hung around the two. Only the slight rustling of the blanket and Gavin's heavy breathing were heard.

"God, Connor. Can we just please kiss?" Gavin said, breaking the tranquil silence. Frustration wracked his face.

Connor let out a laugh, tightening his grasp on the detective's hand. "You're getting handsy, Gavin."

"You kissed me before," he said. "Please?"

Connor was an android, yet his desire was overflowing. Of course he wanted to kiss Gavin.

Against his wishes, Gavin took an initiative on his own. He moved atop Connor, sitting on him and staring down with his blown pupils.

"Gavin," Connor warned. The weight of Gavin against him made waves in his software.

"Sober or not, you will kiss me," he said smugly.

Connor rolled his eyes and placed both hands on Gavin's waist. "You always push me away when you're sober."

"I never said I'm not stupid." Gavin's eyes were glassy, but there was a hint of affection in his haze.

Connor stared at Gavin. It was true. Connor hadn't been at the station for three days.

"I do want to kiss you, Gavin," he admitted.

"Then come here," the man said, lowering his face.

Connor dodged, turning his head. "But only when you're fully aware."

Gavin didn't say anything for a while. He was just snuggled against Connor's neck.

When silent soft snores came from the little detective, Connor smiled.

He pushed Gavin beside him carefully, adjusting the blanket.

As Gavin slept peacefully, Connor held the calloused hand again. It was a new addition to things he liked doing with Gavin.

Connor couldn't help watching his little detective doze. He had a peaceful expression on his face, something he didn't see a lot.

After a while, he decided to finish up the report about the investigation into Elijah Kamski.

That was the reason he was occupied in the last three days. He went to Kamski to finally put that case to a close.

Connor asked Hank to accompany him, not wanting to risk Gavin for any more action. After all, his injury was something that the detective downplayed.

He wanted to talk to Gavin after their bathroom incident, but they had no time.

For those three days, the detective circulated through his software nonstop.

And now, looking at the man, Connor finally felt relief.

Gavin was still asleep—very well, actually. His grip on Connor's hand was gentle but he didn't let go.

After contemplating for a moment, Connor planted a soft kiss on Gavin's cheek.

The latter stirred a bit, turned towards Connor, and rested his head on the android's chest. Instinctively, Connor hugged his little detective.

A sigh of comfort came from Gavin.

I like this.

Connor finally closed his eyes. Androids like him didn't sleep. He didn't need to.

But he found a little sanctuary in his software in lieu of slumber. Connor slowly sank into his cognitive space.

The familiar landscape welcomed him—an endless blue sky, lush foliage around, and flowers blooming.

Sitting on the trimmed lawn, Connor stared at the beautiful Zen Garden programmed in his subconscious.

It used to be his prison—a way to keep him bound to his mission.

After Amanda had completely disappeared, he accessed the memory of the place from his system and made it his own.

There was a gentle breeze, the sound of the river flowing, and Gavin beside him, just staring at the scenery.

Connor watched as his memories formed the man that was Gavin Reed. He sat quietly in Connor's own space—the android letting him.

The detective being there was proof enough for what Connor felt for the man.

Androids didn't dream. Yet this perfect vision, Gavin beside him, felt like Connor's gateway to the impossible.

Notes:

I have rewritten this chapter multiple times. Rough stuff.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Thirium Tendencies