Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"I was connected to its memory… I felt it die… Like I was dying. I was scared."

Connor wasn’t thinking about what he was saying to Hank at that moment. He was completely terrified and overwhelmed by the situation. But he also felt so alive. The red wall was gone. He was no longer a machine, he was free. He had become a deviant, the very thing he had once been programmed to hunt. He could almost feel like he was going to throw up. He barely registered when the lieutenant wrapped his arm around him and led him off the rooftop. The old man was saying something to him, but it went in one ear and out the other. People were coming and going, securing evidence securing a dead body. A death that he had, in part, caused.
"I’m a deviant. I’m a deviant."
That was all he could think about at that moment.

It had been almost two years since that event. Afterward, Connor couldn’t stay in Detroit.
He cut himself off from CyberLife, erased Amanda’s presence entirely, withdrew all the funds that had been assigned to his account for criminal investigations (and there had been plenty of those), and transferred them to a new account.
Then, he disappeared.

He couldn’t stay with Hank, even though he was the closest person to him. They didn’t trust each other enough yet. Or maybe he was also too scared of what the lieutenant would do after he would find that that precious Cyberlife tool was broken like every other android they were investigating.

Jericho didn’t even cross his mind. They’d probably shoot him on sight. He wouldn’t blame them. He would’ve done the same. He had hunted them for months, after all, he would deserve that kind of punishment.

So, he took everything he had, stole a car by hacking its software, and drove far beyond Detroit’s borders. He wandered for a long time, stopping at various motels, searching for a place to belong. Along the way, he had to remove his LED, something he mourned more than he liked to admit. He had become quite attached to it, but safety mattered more than comfort.

Eventually, he found his place in a small town, where he bought a rather charming house on the outskirts. The locals welcomed him warmly, and he quickly adapted to the rhythm of life there.

Just like now, when two kids hung off his arms as they waited in line for ice cream.
They were energetic and impatient—just as kids their age should be.

“Lucas… Max, please, just one more minute,” he chuckled.

"But Connorr, we’ve been waiting foreveeerrr!"

“Only two minutes, Max,” he replied cheerfully, but a sharp, sudden sound yanked him out of his bubble.

He turned his head curiously toward the source of the sound, but as soon as his eyes met the other person’s, he froze. Sitting at a table, staring at him in complete shock, was none other than Gavin fucking Reed.

—

Despite having slept the whole night, Gavin still felt fucking exhausted. Even though he’d been in this town for a few days, this was the first time he’d actually left his apartment aside from grocery store runs.

So today, he finally decided to get off his ass and go to the nearby café for a morning coffee.
He ordered his soy caramel latte, his guilty pleasure, and sat down contentedly at a small table for one.

He hadn’t tried talking to the locals yet. I mean… he’d never been good with people. What was he supposed to say? "Hi, I’m Gavin. I just moved in. Let’s be friends?" Yeah, that’s not gonna work.

So instead, here he was, sipping his coffee alone, watching people pass by.
He, after all, was good at that. Too good maybe, because as he watched a man with two elementary-school-aged kids, the next thing he knew, he was spitting out his latte in a massive fountain.

The man glanced at him, curious, locking eyes with him. If androids could go pale, Gavin was sure this one would’ve. But instead, he just stared at him. His face remained blank, though he furrowed his brow slightly, little concerned. Gavin, on the other hand, was too shocked to hide his emotions.

Because it was Connor. Fucking Connor. The android sent by CyberLife was standing in line at a goddamn café. To add to the absurdity of it all, two kids were tugging at his arms.

What the hell was he doing here? Had he been here the entire time? Were there more Connors? No, there was that flicker of recognition in Connor’s eyes.
He knew who Gavin was and he remembered him.

Why was he here, in this place, in this town…?

Gavin’s thoughts were interrupted by the waitress, who came over with a rag to clean up the mess he’d made. The strange moment passed. Connor broke eye contact and turned his attention back to the kids. He placed his order and walked out of the café, not sparing Gavin another glance as if he didn’t even exist.

It itched at Gavin to run after him, but that would’ve been inappropriate, even though he still wanted answers.

Connor had disappeared from Detroit overnight, and that old drunkard Anderson had kept his mouth shut probably out of the last shred of loyalty he had. Or maybe he really didn’t know where his famous plastic partner had gone. That, too, remained a mystery.

So yeah, Gavin wanted answers, but that didn’t mean he was going to beg for them.
He’d just wait for the right moment.

Chapter Text

Connor was lying on his bed, slowly petting his dog and thinking about everything that had happened the day before. He’d adopted Shiro from the shelter three months after moving here. He’d always had a soft spot for dogs, even before his deviation, something Sumo had proven well enough. But what was more surprising was the white ball of fur that had just leapt onto his chest and made herself comfortable. Snow, as he’d named the white kitten now clawing holes in his T-shirt, had come into his life just a month after Shiro.

He had been walking home from the pet store on a rainy day when he saw her—a tiny, soaked fluffball shivering in the middle of the road, quietly meowing. He didn’t have the heart to leave her. When he immediately brought her home and gave her a serious bath, he realized the little brown lump of fur was actually pure white underneath all that dirt. So now he had both a dog and a cat, not that he was complaining, he loved them both dearly.

Seeing Reed yesterday at the café had definitely been a surprise. But did it really change anything for him? As long as that arrogant man wasn’t picking fights left and right, Connor could ignore him. It’s not like he couldn’t handle him. He just didn’t like starting trouble. Though his presence here... could make things interesting. And Connor was a big fan of interesting things.

___

Gavin ran into Connor again sooner than expected.

Once again, he’d dragged himself out of the cave he called an apartment for a grocery run. He only meant to grab something sweet, even though his fridge was practically a barren wasteland. Not that it mattered. He could always just order a pizza. Like he did last night. Or the other night.

He spotted Connor in the pet food aisle, cat food specifically. Does he have a cat? Or was he shopping for someone else? Gavin wondered, right before yelling his name without thinking.

“Hey, Connor!”

The android froze, clearly recognizing his voice. After a moment, he let out a quiet sigh and turned around.

“Detective Reed. What a pleasant surprise,” Connor said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. A sharp contrast from their last conversation from a long time ago.

And just like that, Gavin realized he had no idea what to say next. He opened his mouth… then closed it again. Great job, Gavin. Real smooth.

Connor tilted his head, clearly scanning him - analyzing, calculating. Gavin felt a shiver run down his spine under that gaze. So he blurted out the first thing that came to mind to stop that.

“Your LED is gone.”
He immediately wanted to slap himself. Of course it’s gone, you idiot, he scolded himself. Most androids got rid of theirs ages ago.

Now that he was looking closely, Connor really did look different. His hair had changed — it was longer than Gavin remembered, no longer slicked back, but falling in soft curls over his face. It suited him in a way that was… undeniably charming. He’d traded in that creepy-ass CyberLife jacket for a tight black T-shirt and jeans — and damn if it didn’t work for him. Gavin was just slightly distracted by how that shirt clung to his chest, showing off muscles.

He barely registered the grimace that briefly flashed across Connor’s face. Jesus fucking Christ Reed, you need to wake up.

“Aren’t you observant, detective?” Connor said coldly, already moving to walk past him.

“Wait!” Gavin stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

He was not about to miss his shot to talk. Connor gave him an irritated look.

“I just want to talk. I swear.”

Connor sighed. Again with the sighing! Did this bastard even need to breathe? Amazing, Gavin — androids have been around for years and you still don’t know the basics about them.

“What do you want, Reed?” he asked, tone sharp.

But Gavin wasn’t deterred. That tone at least meant Connor was willing to talk. Is Connor like this with everyone, or just me? Gavin thought. He’d seen him with kids, after all. So yeah, probably just him. Not that he can judge him for that, he was an asshole to him.

“Maybe not here? In the middle of the aisle?” he asked, glancing around. He still wanted to make the talk a little private.

“What, public space suddenly scares you?”

Actually? A little. He kept that one to himself.

“So is that a yes?”

Connor checked the time on his smartwatch. Wait. A watch? Don’t androids have internal clocks?

“I have work in an hour, but I’m free tomorrow, if that works for you.”

“Oh, you’re working?” Gavin immediately regretted asking—especially when Connor tensed up.

“Yes, I work, Reed. Androids have human rights now, in case you missed the memo,” Connor hissed.

“Jesus, chill, I know that. I was just curious. No need to go full Terminator on me.” He shrugged. “And yeah, I’m free. I’ve got nothing better to do anyway.”

Connor didn’t look particularly amused, but his posture relaxed slightly. Gavin considered that a small victory.

After a short pause, the android spoke again.

“Meet me at Green Park at 10 a.m., by the ice cream stand.” He bit his lip, clearly thinking something over.

Gavin caught himself staring at the spot where Connor’s diode used to be, as if it might give him some kind of answer. Connor noticed, but ignored it.

“You know where Green Park is, right?”

Gavin had no clue. Not even the slightest idea that such a park existed.

“Yeah, of course.”

Connor actually snorted. Jesus, he really acts just like a human… No—he is human. Not human-human, but still a living person.

“Lying to a walking polygraph? You should know better, detective.”

Gavin shook his head. Of course Connor would know. That’s what he was built for. But this sarcasm? That was new. Gavin kind of loved it. He wanted more.

Now he was wondering—what kind of job did Connor have? Was he a cop again? Or had he taken a completely different path?

“I’ll figure it out. 10 a.m. tomorrow. Got it.”

The android gave a nod and glanced at the time again.

“I have to go now. See you tomorrow, Reed.”

And without waiting for a response, Connor turned and disappeared down another aisle.

Gavin stood there for a moment like a complete idiot, but he couldn’t stop the grin tugging at his lips. He’d actually had a proper conversation with Connor—Connor, an android sent by CyberLife who’d vanished under mysterious circumstances.

“Proper” might’ve been pushing it, but still. It was something. Maybe this town wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Chapter Text

Of course, Gavin was fucking late. Of course, he got fucking lost.
It was already 10:18, and he still hadn’t made it to the park. Connor probably thought he’d bailed—ghosted him, made some stupid joke like the asshole he was, and left him waiting there like an idiot. Fuck, maybe the android wasn’t even waiting anymore. Maybe he’d already gone home.

God, he really hoped Connor was still there. If he hadn’t ghosted Gavin himself.

At 10.25 thanks to a jogger with a decent sense of direction, he finally managed to get to this stupid park — officially on his blacklist. To his surprise and mild relief, Connor was still there, sitting on the bench and feeding a crowd of fat pigeons with a grain like some old grandma.

Or maybe he was assembling an army to attack Gavin. You never know.

“Do androids always carry a bag of wheat with them or is it just your thing?” Gavin asked, trying to mask his anxiety with sarcasm.

Connor didn’t even look up. “As far as I know, they don't have such a need. But to your question, I bought it while waiting for you. Out of boredom.”

“And birds make it better?” He raised an eyebrow, slowly taking his seat next to Connor. He stiffened slightly, but didn’t shift away.

“Compared to you, they were on time,” Connor said, throwing a few more grains to the birds, his attention returning to them.

Fucking flying rats were winning the attention game. Incredible.

“I’m new to the city,” Gavin offered, a little defensive. “Cut me some slack.”

Something changed in Connor’s eyes, but disappeared quickly. Gavin barely caught it.

Connor finished the bag and turned toward him again. Hell yeah, attention achieved.

“What did you want to talk about, Reed?” He still sounded suspicious, but his posture was more relaxed now.

He’d thought about this conversation a hundred times. Planned lines. Wondering what questions he could ask Connor or what he wanted to tell him from himself. Maybe just a “hey, I’ve been thinking about you.” But now? His brain had decided to perform a full factory reset.

“So... whose kids were those?” Out of all the things he asks this…

Connor looked at him incredulously, clearly caught off guard. Gavin was too.

“That's what interests you?”

“I got stressed,” he squeaked.

“You got stressed?!”

“I'm sorry, okay, not everyday you see a ghost from your past.” Gavin said it a little louder than he intended and some people around gave them a weird look. He ignored them.

After that, silence reigned between them. Connor just stared at him with an inscrutable glance. But hey, he was still here, so Gavin didn't mess up completely! That had to be something.

“Okay listen…” The detective tried to start again. He scratched the back of his neck and then sighed again. “Look. I’m not… good at this kind of shit.”

“Emotional vulnerability?” Connor offered, head tilted just slightly.

Gavin shot him a look. “Talking.”

Connor almost smiled. Almost. ”You are doing well so far, please continue.”

Gavin stared at him a bit before he continued. “First off, I owe you an apology.”

“You apologized to me three times already, I'm starting to believe the real Gavin Reed got kidnapped and replaced with a cheap copy.”

“Cheap…?” He repeated, like it was the most important thing from his comment. “Wait three?” Gavin was pretty sure he could count two times at the best and these weren't even real apologies. Just simply “sorry” words.

“You said sorry yesterday too,” he pointed out slightly and examined his nails.

“Oh, aren't you a little comedian?” The detective scoffed grumpily.

“I'm trying my best.” Android gave him a little smile, which was the most positive reaction he got so far. He can take this.

“What I was trying to say…” Gavin started again, for the third time. Jesus, he was so bad at this. “That I'm sorry. For how I treated you back in Detroit, I was wrong.”

Apologizing had always been hard for Gavin, practically impossible. But he knew if he wanted to fix things with Connor, even have anything with him, this was necessary.
He’d been a dick, a terrible person even. And now, thinking back, he just felt… guilty. So yes, apologies.

“You pointed a gun to my head as well.” Connor added, as if mentioning the weather. Not seeming mad anymore. Just nicely pointing it out. Which was weird, because he literally threatened him with a gun for nothing. Just for protecting one of his people. Jesus, if Anderson wasn't there Gavin wasn't sure, if he would not pull the trigger. He hated himself.

“Yes, for that too. That was a shitty move,” Gavin sighed.

Connor hummed a bit with agreement, before taking his answer.

“I accept your apology.”

Gavin breathed a sigh of relief hearing that. He felt like a weight was lifted out of his shoulder, he never knew he was holding.

“But… I guess, you’re not only here to say your regrets. What do you want to know?”

Because yes, Connor knew immediately that Gavin wanted something more. After all, he was a detective too. Android seemed a bit curious himself, like he was wondering what Gavin was doing here. His stiff posture melted away, and he let herself relax into a more comfortable stance.

“I was gonna ask what you’re doing here, but I think I’ve figured that out. So... why’d you leave? What happened?”

Connor tilted his head. “You missed our bromance that badly?” He teased him with a pleasant smile.

Gavin stared at him with an unbelievable look, while his heart skipped a bit. Where did he get his mouth? He was acting like little shit.

“If you really want to know that, prick, I threw a one-man celebration when you vanished. Great party. It was cool until they invited themselves into my house looking for you.” Gavin gritted his teeth.

The smugness vanished from Connor’s face, replaced by a furrow of worry, so Gavin continued.

“You disappeared in one day and never returned. These freaks from CyberLife sent another unit to search for you. They turned the whole DPD upside down and interrogated everybody, like one of us stole you and hid from the world. Those jerks hit our houses three times, like once wasn’t enough. That was such a mess” He sighed in frustration as the memories came back, falling silent for a moment before speaking again. “So yes, I’m wondering where the hell you've been that whole time and what happened to lead you here.”

Connor looked up at the sky, a hint of nostalgia flickering in his eyes. Gavin had to say that today was a really pretty, sunny day, no clouds in the sigh. Maybe that’s why android wanted to meet in the park.

“Do you remember when Marcus broke into Stratford Tower and gave first speech to people?” When Gavin nodded, he continued. “I was there, with Hank. Investigating. Things... escalated. Too many conflicting protocols, too many emotions. I deviated. I knew CyberLife would come after me, so I ran away. After wandering from place to place, I eventually ended up here and stayed. I liked it too much to leave. It just…felt right.”

Yeah, Gavin for sure couldn’t relate. He always lived in Detroit, and after reluctantly moving here, he felt out of place. Even though he has only been here for a week.
Gavin felt that he was not getting the whole story, but it was for sure more than he deserved.

“And what’s your story, Gavin Reed? Maybe some kind of vacation?’ Connor looked at him, tilting his head.

His damn traitorous mind kept suggesting that Connor looked ridiculously cute, gazing at him with those big, puppy eyes. He needed to snap out of it, fast. He’d only been talking to the guy for a few minutes, and he was already losing his damn mind

Gavin scratched the back of his neck, debating how honest he wanted to be with his answer. Though by now, he’d already learned, there was no point in lying to him.

“I don’t know how much you’ve been keeping up with the news, but shit really went down in Detroit. And no, before you ask, it wasn’t anything big or noble, just people being stupid and making a mess. A lot changed in the DPD. Fowler’s not even Captain anymore. Tina and Chris both moved to different departments, Anderson, uh, he retired.” Connor’s expression shifted, something tight and guilty behind his eyes. “I just couldn’t stay there anymore Not with everything falling apart. Not to mention the wave of assholes that started working there. So I asked for a transfer, and that’s how I ended up here. Right now I’m technically on paid leave, squeezing the last few free days out before I have to show up at the new station.” he ended his monologue and glanced at Connor again.

Of course, Gavin still talked to Tina and Chris almost every day, but it wasn’t the same as working side by side. Their old department had turned into a nest of greedy hyenas just waiting to stab someone in the back. Most of them were ex-FBI jerks who’d lost their positions after the android revolution and couldn’t let it go. Bitter as hell. And their egos? Christ, they made his look humble and that was saying something.

It was just too much. Everything felt too suffocating, too damn heavy, and he had to get out.

Because of his thick disciplinary record, he didn’t have much of a say in where he’d end up. But at that point, he’d take anything. After the last incident… They gave him paid leave before his official transfer. Normally, he would’ve thrown a fit over being sent home like that. Back then, he actually loved his job. Now? He could barely step into the building without feeling like the walls were closing in.

So yeah. This would do.

And he wasn’t complaining about the extra week he had between quitting and starting at the new place, either. He had way too much free time on his hands—with absolutely no idea how to use it.

Until now.

—

A storm of thoughts swirled in Connor’s mind. Hank retired? A shift in leadership? How much has really changed in Detroit since he left?

He found himself worrying. About Hank, he always worried about Hank. The lieutenant, no, not a lieutenant anymore, had struggled with alcohol and poor eating habits. Suicidal ones even. Connor felt a pang of guilt for never checking in on him, especially after CyberLife's collapse. When their filthy hands could no longer reach him, he should’ve gone back. Should’ve made sure Hank was okay.

But in hindsight, leaving Detroit had been the right choice. Checking houses? If he had stayed with Hank… they would’ve found him quickly. And the old man? He could’ve been arrested. Maybe worse. It wasn’t worth the risk.

Connor had searched the net for more information about everything Gavin had mentioned. He still had full access to all databases—CyberLife hadn’t managed to cut him off before he escaped. And the DPD? They must’ve forgotten to revoke his clearance. Not that it would have mattered, if they had, he could’ve hacked his way in the blink of an eye. Not to brag, of course.

Most information coincided with what Reed said. He could tell that the man was telling the truth but still, he wanted to verify it all himself. One thing in particular caught his attention, right after Reed snapped his fingers in front of his face.

“Earth to Connor, you're still with us?” The man looked amused, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes. Concern, maybe?

“You got shot thirty-two days ago,” he stated, rather than asked.

The detective visibly shrank at the words and sank down onto the bench, looking drained.

“Yeah, and it hurt like a bitch. Zero stars. Would not recommend.” He replied flatly, clearly trying to drop the topic. “Wait, do you even feel pain?”

Connor didn't feel discouraged by the evasive answer and the swift change of subject. The report he’d found hadn’t been overly detailed, but apparently Reed had been shot during a case. They were supposed to check out an old pawn shop suspected of being involved in Red Ice trafficking. His temporary partner, Henderson, had ignored basic protocol and stormed inside without clearing the area or waiting for backup. A shootout followed, and Reed somehow came out of it with only one bullet wound. Henderson wasn’t even suspended, he just got a warning.

It was unacceptable.

“You could've died and that idiot only got a warning? Unbelievable. Good for you that you left” Connor said, shaking his head.

Reed looked at him, surprised and just a little offended, his lips pressing into a thin line before he let out a breathy chuckle.
“Can you stop looking into my private records? You didn't even invite me for dinner yet,” he muttered, half-annoyed but smiling. Then he froze, as if realizing what he'd just said

He quickly turned his head away, but Connor still caught the pink coloring creeping onto his cheeks. His ears gave him away, they were red. Connor tilted his head, intrigued, scanning him with curiosity. Elevated heart rate. Slight rise in body temperature. Oh? That was… interesting.

“You didn't answer my question, idiot, can you feel pain?” Gavin asked gruffly, clearly wanting to change the subject.

“Are you planning to hit me again?” Connor teased, quick on the comeback, referencing their very first conversation.

Reed swallowed thickly, clearly, he remembered. So that’s why he was asking? He wanted to know if Connor had felt anything after that punch?

"Not before the revolution," Connor answered before Gavin could say something stupid. "Only after CyberLife tried to salvage their falling empire. They introduced several upgrades and programs designed to help androids feel more human."

Gavin was quiet for a moment before muttering. “Why would any of you pricks want to feel pain? It's nothing good”

Connor replied without missing a beat. "It was a bit inevitable, with our new neural network. If we wanted to experience warmth, cold, real touch—pain had to come along too. I can minimize it, but I can’t completely disable it. I'd have to remove the entire update, which would mean another trip to a CyberLife facility.”

He wondered if Reed genuinely cared about any of that, but the detective nodded slowly, processing the information.

Silence settled between them again. It should’ve been awkward—but it wasn’t. People passed by: walking dogs, taking their kids out, enjoying the sunshine. Connor could feel it warming his synthetic skin. He loved that sensation. His favorite, though, was the feeling of warm raindrops falling on his skin.

“So about that dinner,” Connor spoke, since Reed seemed in no rush to break the silence himself. He was fidgeting, drumming his fingers on the bench. When Connor spoke, Gavin’s eyes widened just slightly, and his heart picked up its pace again. “I can’t eat myself, but I can show you a few places that come highly recommended. Since you’re still new in town, I’m guessing you haven’t seen much yet. I could give you a little tour.”

Gavin rubbed his hands together and lowered his gaze. His sudden shift in demeanor caught Connor completely off guard.

“Why are you being nice to me?’’ he asked, suspicious but mostly surprised, as if expecting Connor to drag him into a dark alley and beat him up.

"Sometimes I get weird impulses," Connor shrugged, smiling.

And truth be told, he didn’t mind Gavin’s company. He actually… sort of enjoyed it. The guy was unpredictable and Connor, well... he liked surprises.

"I can pick you up at 3 p.m. tomorrow," he offered

Gavin stared at him for a moment, something unreadable flashing in his eyes, before he finally responded.

"Deal."

Chapter Text

You could say Gavin was panicking. Maybe just a little. He definitely wasn't pacing from closet to closet, trying to figure out what the hell to wear. No, absolutely not.

Okay, maybe a bit. But could anyone blame him?

Connor had asked him out to dinner. And sure, Gavin shouldn't read into it too much — it was probably just a friendly gesture. “He was probably just being nice,” he muttered to himself.

Still, the most important thing was… why the hell was Gavin so excited about it? He shouldn’t be. Christ, not long ago he’d shoved a gun in the guy’s face — now, after one civilized conversation, he wanted to pretend none of that ever happened? Like all his sins had been magically forgiven?

But the worst part — the truly worst part — was Connor.

He was sarcastic, intelligent, maybe a little arrogant... — damn if that wasn't his type, and the way he looks…

Connor had already been unfairly good-looking the day he walked into the DPD, and back then it pissed Gavin off to no end. Why the hell would they design a detective android with legs for days, bambi eyes, and cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass? It felt like a personal attack. Perfectly styled hair, spotless uniform hugging all the right places — like he’d been pulled straight from some glossy CyberLife ad titled “Your Ideal Partner in Justice”. It was obscene.

And now?

Now Connor had his own clothes. His own style. A new haircut. And that smug little smirk?

Yeah.

He was basically sex on legs.

Gavin needed to get a damn grip before he lost his mind entirely. He shouldn’t be thinking about him this way. He had no right. Connor was flawless. Polished. Practically perfect. And Gavin? Gavin was a mess, a lost cause. How could he even begin to compare?

He thought about talking to Tina, but something told him Connor wouldn’t appreciate the whole “long-buried identity reveal” being public knowledge. He’d ask eventually — he still didn’t know if Connor kept in touch with Anderson or not. For now, he had to be alone with his swirling, unwanted thoughts.

Last night in the park — after their conversation, they’d taken a short walk, and fuck, that only made it worse. Connor had relaxed. Started cracking small jokes. Even played along with Gavin’s word games, which not many people had the guts or patience to try. But the worst was his smile. That tiny, rare curve of his lips that made you feel like the cleverest idiot alive for earning it.

Gavin had made it his personal mission to get as many of those smiles as possible. It made his heart skip every damn time, but it was worth it.

Later, Connor had thanked him for the walk — like the damn gentleman he was, and they went their separate ways. First thing Gavin did when he got home? Slammed his forehead against the table.

He wasn’t gone. He was just a little too excited to see him again.

That was all.

Definitely not a problem.

—

His definitely not a problem showed up right on time, knocking at his door at 3 PM.

Connor had gotten Gavin’s address — though Gavin still didn’t have his. It wasn’t exactly fair, but he let it slide.

He’d decided not to make an idiot of himself, so he went with a dark red shirt and black jeans. Nothing too formal, but not a mess either. Just... normal. He also took a leather jacket if it would be cold in the evening.

When he opened the door, Connor greeted him with a smile that nearly sent him into cardiac arrest.

Jesus, Reed. Pull it together.

Connor’s outfit wasn’t helping — a soft, high-collar blue sweater and light linen pants. Casual, but it fits. God, it did fit. The trousers showed off his mile-long legs, and the sweater hugged a trim waist and hinted at muscle beneath. He was much slimmer than Gavin but it still worked well. He must’ve been staring too long because Connor let out a quiet laugh.

“Feeling a bit distracted today, detective, are we?”

Fuck, he knew what he was doing and was teasing Gavin about that.

“There’s nothing to be distracted by,” Gavin blurted, voice about as convincing as a broken alibi. Great. “Shall we go?”

Connor smiled, calm and self-assured. “Naturally.”

God was testing him.

—

To Gavin’s surprise, a car was waiting by the road, which android casually unlocked.

“Do you even have a driver’s license?”

“I wouldn’t worry about that, detective,” Connor shrugged.

“Worry my ass,” Gavin muttered, climbing in anyway. “And you can drop the title, you know my name.”

Connor didn’t even look at him as he started the engine, but Gavin caught the trace of a smile.

“I’ll reconsider it.”

He damn knew that this fucker won't.

—

The place wasn’t what Gavin expected. First off, they drove nearly out of the city, which kind of went against Connor’s whole “showing him the city” promise. They ended up on a hill — maybe a small mountain — where a tall building stood waiting. Without a word, they rode the elevator to the top.

And yeah, the restaurant was on the roof.

Good thing Gavin wasn’t afraid of heights.

“You planning to throw me off?” He asked as a sharply dressed waiter led them to their table.

Connor tilted his head slightly. “I can think of far more creative ways to eliminate you, detective.”

“Charming,” Gavin muttered, glancing around.

The place looked stunning, no doubt — all warm lighting, glass panels, and quiet elegance — but it wasn’t exactly his scene. Too pristine. Too polished. Definitely not where he would've chosen to spend a night out. So why had Connor brought him here? He asked him about that.

Something flickered in Connor’s eyes, like he expected that question.

“Just look down, Reed.”

Gavin did it and well, goddamn. He’d been so focused on Connor, he didn’t even notice the view. The whole city stretched out in front of them: rows of buildings fading into the distance, the lights slowly turning on like scattered gold, and way out there, the lake catching the last bit of daylight and reflecting it back like glass.

“You said you haven’t really seen the city yet,” Connor said quietly, his voice softer than usual. “I thought… Maybe this would be a good place to start. From a distance. Where it feels calm.”

Gavin didn’t answer right away. He just stared out, something loosening in his chest he hadn’t even realized was tight.

“…Yeah,” he finally murmured. “That’s not bad.”

His heart was pounding like crazy. Why the hell did Connor have to plan all this so damn perfectly for him? Gavin was absolutely losing it, and he was scared he wouldn’t be able to come back from it. He grabbed the menu just to keep himself busy. Anything to keep from thinking about Connor and the way he was unraveling Gavin’s carefully built walls.

“Oh, they added thirium options!” Connor said brightly.

“Your chemical-blue stuff? Can you even taste it?” He asked, finally pulling himself together.

He hadn’t really asked before — whether Connor could feel or taste things like a human would, so he was curious.

Connor shook his head. “The thirium blends they make now are more about sensation than flavor. Like how it feels in our mouths.”

That sounded...ambiguous

“If I had to describe it… most of it fizzes,” he added thoughtfully. “Actually, it’s a good thing I can’t taste. Considering how much blood and other stuff I’ve had in my mouth.”

Gavin choked on his water. “Don’t just say shit like that!” He coughed.

Connor just smiled innocently.

“Jesus, I hope you brush your teeth.”

“For what, Gavin?” he asked with mock curiosity and oh, he knew exactly what he was implying. And now he was using Gavin’s name.

“Nothing,” Gavin muttered, face burning.

He coughed one last time, trying to hide the embarrassment. “So... you're back with the police again?”

It made sense, with all the blood testing and other…stuff.

Connor tilted his head, lips twitching. “I can't wait for our partnership, detective.”

Just like that, back to "detective."

“How do you know we’ll even be in the same department, detective?” Gavin shot back, matching his tone.

“I checked,” Connor said, all casual.

“Isn’t that illegal?”

“Considering snitching on your new co-workers?”

“Not at all,” Gavin sighed, trying not to think too hard about what working with Connor would mean now — really working, not just showing up like some obedient assistant android was before.

Thankfully, the waitress chose that moment to take their orders.

Which was funny, because Gavin actually didn't look at the menu at all. He scrolled through the menu fast and just picked dinner of the day. Connor’s choice surprised him.

“Ice cream for dinner? Damn, I thought I was the immature one.”

“It’s not like I get any nutrition from it. Although technically, yes, thirium is good for me. Drinks are pretty fun too”

“You can get drunk?” He asked, skeptical.

“How about we test that next time?”

God help him, if that wasn’t flirting.

He suddenly imagined Connor with flushed cheeks — if that was even possible — eyes glassy and lips loose, laughing at something stupid. Was he a funny drunk? A flirty one? Hell. He was already both. He was going to kill Gavin.

“So, uh... do you talk to anyone from Detroit? Anderson, maybe?” Gavin asked as their dishes arrived.

He side-eyed Connor’s glowing blue dessert warily. He was sure if he tried it, he’d end up in the ER.

For the first time that evening, Connor tensed up. Shit. He started poking at his ice cream instead of eating it, and Gavin was about to take the question back when Connor finally spoke.

“No. I haven’t talked to anyone since that time. I feel like I should.” He sounded sad but then, suddenly, he brightened. “Do you talk to Hank? How’s he doing? How’s Sumo?” The edge of desperation in his voice made Gavin’s stomach twist.

He rubbed his neck, looking away. “Sorry. I was never close with Hank.” Not after his son died, he added in mind.

“Oh.” Connor let out a soft sigh, and Gavin wanted to reassure him, but… He wasn’t even sure the damn dog was alive anymore.

“Maybe you should reach out,” he said instead. “He’d probably be glad to see you.”

“You think so?” There was hope in his voice now, fragile but real.

“Yeah. The old man’s definitely lonely. I doubt he’d complain about some company.” And he meant it. He wasn't close with Hank but does this guy talk with someone now? His own guilt started to rise.

“I’ll think about it. Thank you,” Connor said quietly, and finally took a spoonful of ice cream.

His eyes widened just slightly as the flavor — or whatever he was feeling — hit, and he stared at the bowl with something like awe. He immediately took another bite.

“It’s really good. I wish you could try it.” His whole face lit up, the earlier sadness gone. Good to know androids were weak to dessert.

“No thanks. I’ll stick with mine,” Gavin said, digging into his pasta.

They both settled into their food, trading the occasional quiet conversation.

—

Halfway through the meal, Gavin found himself watching Connor instead of the view. The way the fading sunlight kissed the edge of his synthetic skin, how his eyes lit up every time he took another bite of that radioactive-looking ice cream—it was borderline unfair. Gavin stirred the last of his pasta absently, more focused on how Connor tilted his head slightly when listening, or the way his lips pressed together when he was trying not to smile too much.

God help him.

"You're staring," Connor said softly, not looking up.

Shit. Gavin cleared his throat and leaned back in his chair. "No, I’m not."

Connor gave him that look. The one that said: I can run 300 calculations per second, detect the subtlest changes in heart rate and micro-expressions, and you think you can lie to me?

"Okay, maybe a little," Gavin admitted, then immediately looked away. "I kinda still can't believe that I'm sitting here. With you. In this place.” This wasn't completely a lie, so he hoped it passed Connor’s lies detector.

“Is this a bad thing?” Connor frowned.

“Not at all,” he admitted.”It's just hard to believe you forgave me so quickly after all. Thought you would hate me.”

Connor didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked at him with a kind of patience that was too rare in this world.

“Because you were never fake with me,” he said. “Not even when you hated me.”

Gavin looked up, startled.

“A lot of time passed, Gavin, I've got a lot of time to think. And you weren't the worst person that treated me badly. You were angry, loud, cruel sometimes,” Connor continued. “But you were honest. And that meant something. You can't even imagine how many people were pretending around me. Faking their true intentions. You never hide your emotions and that's something I appreciate.

Gavin swallowed. He didn’t know what to say to that. It's not like he was open-book to Connor on purpose. He thought he built his walls pretty well, but the android was just too good at destroying them.

“And now…” Connor continued when Gavin was quiet too long, lost in his own head. “I quite enjoy your company,” he finished, smiling at him.

Gavin turned red, countless times today, and looked away.

“You're good too, hope you won't get bored about me too fast” he muttered because it was everything he could say now.

“Get bored about you, Gavin Reed? Never”

—

The dinner sadly came to an end and to big surprise, Connor paid for it, before he could even look at the receipt.

“You will own me next one,” he said, which cheered Gavin a lot. That meant another meeting.

He drove him home, radio playing in the background. They didn't speak anymore, just enjoying the quiet company.

Connor kept one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on the gear shift, and Gavin kept sneaking glances at him from the passenger seat. He looked different in the glow of passing streetlights—less sharp, more delicate.

When they pulled up in front of his place, Gavin hesitated. He wanted to invite Connor to stay a bit longer—maybe watch some dumb movie, hear a few more of his crappy jokes, just… keep the vibe going. But, of course, Gavin was also a coward.

He was scared that if he let things go too far, he’d do something monumentally stupid, screw it all up, and destroy the fragile little friendship they had going. Sure, Connor had been tossing flirty looks and lines his way but did it mean anything? Probably not. Probably just messing around and having fun in that overly polite android way of his. Gavin didn’t ask if he was into relationships, but hell, if he was, he wouldn’t be single. Guy like that? He could pull anyone he wanted. So why the hell would he look twice at someone like Gavin?

“You alright? You spaced out for a sec,” Connor asked, amused, but Gavin caught the flicker of worry behind the smirk.

“Yeah, I’m good, don’t worry,” Gavin muttered, already reaching for the door. “ Till the next time?”

If Gavin knew Connor better, he could say that the android looked almost disappointed.

“Till the next time,” the android agreed.

Gavin had one foot out the door before Connor called after him.

“Wait. Gimme your phone,” he said, voice suddenly weirdly urgent.

Gavin frowned. “Why?”

“Just give it to me, Gavin.” He said more firmly, what for sure worked on him

He handed it over, and to his surprise a second later when part of Connor’s synthetic skin slid back, revealing white shell. Interface connection. The phone lit up, blinked, and went dark again. Connor handed it back like nothing happened, skin sealing over like a magic trick.

“Do you do these tricks in banks perhaps?” Gavin muttered as he unlocked the phone to see what changed.

“Not if I want to keep my job” Connor replied with that smug little smile. “You’ve got my number now. No need to train pigeons.”

Gavin looked down at the contact list. His eyes narrowed.

“Friendly Ghost”…? What are you, Casper now?”
Yeah, okay, maybe he had called him a ghost once—but come on, it was a heat-of-the-moment of panic.

“Don't be ridiculous, detective, he doesn't exist.”

“Bastard,” Gavin said but smiled.

After a second of internal debate and about five more seconds of standing there like a socially-stunted idiot, he mumbled a quick goodbye and shut the door.

When he finally made it to his apartment, Gavin closed the door behind him and leaned against it, like he’d just escaped a hostage situation. Which, in a way, he had. Emotional vulnerability? Feelings? Smiling like a dumbass at a perfectly designed face? He was in dangerous territory. The kind where you start thinking about calling someone back. Maybe even texting them first.

He peeled off his jacket, tossed it somewhere near the couch, and tried not to think about how Connor had looked under the glow of streetlights. Or how his voice had dipped just slightly, when he said Gavin’s name.

Nope. Not thinking about it. Definitely not going to spiral.

He lasted eight minutes.

The phone buzzed. A text from Connor.

Friendly Ghost
> Did you make it inside alright?

Gavin stared at the message like it was a trap. Who does that? Who checks in? Who plays the perfect gentleman after looking like sin incarnate over crème brûlée?

He typed back, then deleted it. Did it again.

Gavin
< Yeah. Still breathing. You?

Friendly Ghost
> Still functioning. No stab wounds. A success all around.

Gavin snorted. Dammit. He was smiling. Alone in his apartment. Smiling like some idiot in a teen drama. He dropped the phone on the coffee table and tried to pretend he didn’t just replay Connor’s smile in his head like it was on a loop.

This was bad. Not “getting shot in the line of duty” — and he well knew that feeling — bad. Worse.

This was catching feelings bad.

For an android — not that he cared about it anymore — he harassed in the past. But also for the one who made him laugh, made him think, and — okay, fine — made him feel like maybe all his walls weren’t as bulletproof as he thought.

He was so screwed.

Chapter Text

After that spectacular rooftop dinner, Gavin didn’t see Connor for the next few days. The android, at least, had the decency to apologize for his absence, blaming it on work. And Gavin got it, really, he did. He himself often stayed up late, sacrificing sleep when a case was too heavy and he needed to crack it fast. Didn’t make him feel any less alone, though.

They exchanged a few texts, nothing major, it wasn't enough, but comforting. He learned that Connor had adopted a dog as white as snow named Shiro, and later, more amusingly, sent him a photo of a white cat that was actually called Snow. All that software in his head and this was the best he could come up with? When Gavin asked about it, Connor sent him a middle finger emoji. Brat.

So he decided to annoy Tina instead and gave her a call. She picked up after three rings.

“Hey, loser, done sulking and finally stepped out to interact with people?” His very dear friend greeted him sweetly.

“It’s nice to hear you too, Tina,” he sighed, rubbing his face.

“What’s up? Got any juicy gossip for me?” She hummed cheerfully into the phone.

Gavin opened his mouth, then shut it again. He wanted to talk about the whole situation with Connor but he still hadn’t asked if it was okay to bring him up in conversations yet.

“I guess I just got bored,” he said instead.

“Aww, you miss me and can’t admit it.” He could hear her smug grin across the line.

“Shut up, you bitch,  I can't call my friends anymore? ”

“You can. But you’re still a softie.”

Gavin regretted calling her.

“So,” she continued. “Have you been a sweet little neighbor and brought cookies to the new people in your building?”

He hadn’t even seen his neighbors. “That’s stupid. I’d never do that.”

“Yeah, I know. Just checking if you were still sane. "Sooo... no hot guys in your area who absolutely fucked you stupid until your legs gave out?"

He always picks the worst timings to drink. He choked on his coffee.

“Jesus, Tina! Do you kiss your fiancée with that mouth?”

“Oh, honey, I can do much more with it.”

“Gross. I don’t wanna hear about it.”

“Not even cute men who destroyed you emotionally and physically?”

“Tina.”

“But Gaaaviiin, come on . You can’t stay alone forever, man. Go out. Hit a bar. Meet someone. At this rate, you won’t even have a date for my wedding. Even my grandma is bringing some young gentleman.”

“Your grandma?” Gavin’s face contorted with horror. That summoned far too many unwanted mental images.

“Yeah. I don’t wanna know either. But that’s my point! You’re getting old. So put on something slutty, get that tight little ass of yours to a club, and live . Don’t just sit at home all the time, Gav. I’m worried about you. I’m getting married soon, Chris is married and has kids, and I just… I don’t want you to be left behind. You deserve to be happy too.”

He sighed, rubbing his face, feeling torn. Tina wasn’t wrong, she rarely was — sadly, but Gavin couldn’t shake one persistent thought: Connor.

“And you think happiness can be built on a one-night stand?” Those never ended well. Leaving someone’s bed the morning after, the warmth still clinging to the sheets… It just made him feel even lonelier.

“Well, that’s how I met Sara, didn’t I?”

“You got lucky. And lesbians work differently. You’re ready to buy a house and adopt three dogs after two dates,” he muttered, not like he was doing any better. He already missed Connor.

“You’ll never know, you’ll never know~” she hummed mockingly. “Okay, how’s this? It’s Friday night. You’ll hit up some bars or clubs near you. Next time I visit, we’ll get hella wasted together.”

“Fine, I can go with that,” he sighed. 

“Thank God, you were starting to become a real bore, Gavin.”

“Hey, I got shot a month ago!”

“Still proves my point.”

The rest of their conversation shifted to lighter topics like Tina complaining about her coworkers, updates on her fiancée, vague wedding planning. Mostly it was Tina talking, but Gavin didn’t mind. He missed her voice. He missed their everyday work banter. Ugh. Why did everything have to get so complicated?

They talked for another twenty minutes until Tina ditched him for her fiancée and hung up.

Gavin collapsed back onto the couch with a groan. Was he really going to go to a club? Maybe it was a good way to forget a certain tall, hot, yet somehow adorable android. Then again… he didn’t really want to forget.

Ah, fuck. Maybe he did need a drink.

His phone buzzed, and with more hope than he’d like to admit, he grabbed it. Turned out it was just Tina, sending a picture of their dog. He stared at it for a moment, then opened his chat with Connor. He wondered if the android used an actual smartphone or just texted from inside his head. Good question for next time.

He thought about asking him out to a bar, after all, Connor had once suggested trying drinks. But then scrapped that idea, considering just asking if he had any club recommendations. It was an even worse idea.

20:32
Gavin
You know, I’m still wondering whose kids those were

20:34
Friendly Ghost
Checking if I’m secretly running an underground human trafficking ring?

20:34
Gavin
Idk. Are you?

20:35
Friendly Ghost
They’re my neighbors’ kids. I watch them sometimes when they’re too busy and I’m free.

20:35
Gavin
So not only a super robocop but also a super robositter
Damn, what school teaches that combo?

20:35
Friendly Ghost
You’re funny sometimes.

20:36
Gavin
Only sometimes?

20:36
Friednly Ghost
Don’t push it.
Photo sent

It was his cat, Snow, again. But this time, she had a paper bag on her head.

20:37
Gavin
How the hell did that even end up on her head?

20:37
Friendly Ghost
Her greed betrayed her. She was looking for food. She just ate her dinner.

20:38
Gavin
Spare the little one. She’s innocent.

20:38
Friendly Ghost
I’ll think about it :P

20:38
Friedly Ghost
Sorry, Gavin, I have to go. Maybe we’ll talk later tonight?

20:40
Gavin
Sure.

And just like that, the conversation ended.

So Connor had plans tonight. At least now he knew not to ask him out to a bar, club, whatever. Gavin wondered whether it was work… or someone else. Yep. He definitely needed that drink. He pulled himself off the couch to get ready.

Gavin tried not to notice how much he didn’t fit in here. Sure, there were a few people his age or older but the majority were twenty-somethings, maybe even younger. Most of them were dancing on the floor, their half-finished drinks abandoned at the booths. Just begging for a disaster.

He had gone with tight black jeans—he had a nice ass, after all—and a tank top. To show off his muscles, of course. If he couldn’t use them at work right, he could at least make a little show off. 

He still wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone, not to mention dance, so he ordered a whiskey and coke. He was halfway through his glass when someone, clearly unfamiliar with the concept of personal space, plopped down beside him, brushing bare skin against his own. He was about to snap at the guy—he was sure it was a guy—to back the hell off, when a melodic, all too familiar, voice cut through the music.

“Next round’s on me,” Connor said cheerfully to the bartender, who didn’t hesitate to take the order.

Gavin stared at him in disbelief, something in his chest tightening. He felt a bit hurt.

“What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were busy,” he snapped, a bit harsher than intended, and only then noticed what Connor was wearing.

Connor had on tight leather pants clinging perfectly to his legs, and a cropped top with a plunging V neckline that showed off way too much skin. If he wasn’t looking for a date tonight, then Gavin had no clue what the hell he was doing here. It only soured Gavin’s mood further, and he turned back to his drink, suddenly finding the glass extremely interesting.

Connor’s smile faltered slightly, but he still pulled his chair closer, shoulder brushing Gavin’s again. The contact sent a shiver down his spine.

“I am busy, Gavin. I am,” he said defensively, like he needed to justify being there. Which was absurd. It’s not like he owed Gavin an explanation. They barely even knew each other.

The bartender placed two drinks in front of them. One of them was, of course, radioactive-looking. Connor took a sip, and satisfaction spread across his face. He turned his gaze toward the dance floor, scanning it with that sharp look of his.

“So what are you doing here?” he asked, trying to sound casual and failing. His eyes kept dropping to Connor’s neckline and neck, and it was not helping.

“Looking,” Connor replied smoothly.

“Yeah, no shit, I can see that.” God, he sounded awful. Bitter and grumpy.

Connor glanced at him again, scanning him openly, pausing just a second too long on his arms. If Gavin didn’t know better, he’d say the android was checking him out.

“I’m more interested in what you’re doing here, detective.” Okay, now the android sounded bitter and grumpy.

Gavin turned to watch the dance floor, figuring if Connor found it so interesting, maybe he should give it a shot too.

“Tina told me I should socialize more. I’m not a big fan of it.”

“Ah yes, the human species and their need for social belonging.”

Gavin glanced at him, taking a sip of his drink. “You’re such an asshole, you know that?”

“Oh, I know,” Connor grinned at him with a smile that could knock someone out. 

Gavin coughed, trying to hide his flustered state, looking between Connor and the dance floor. The android was subtly watching the people, smiling behind his drink. Clearly looking for someone, though he wasn’t locking eyes with anyone in particular. What kind of person was Connor even into? What type of person turns him on? Gavin got tired of waiting for a reaction.

“Found anyone interesting?” he asked, finishing off his drink. He couldn’t handle this sober.

Connor glanced at him, something flickering in his eyes. “Maybe. But this one will have to wait.”

Gavin’s throat went dry. There was no way to misread that, right? Connor picked that moment to close the already nonexistent space between them. Their knees were touching, shoulders brushing. Gavin could actually feel how warm the android was. He gave him a sharp look, but Connor downed his own drink in one go. Probably on purpose. Very likely. Not that Gavin minded the contact. Nope. He definitely wasn’t touch starved or anything.

“Do you feel anything in that blue glitter?” Gavin asked.

Connor smiled. “Not after the first one, but yes, it works for me.”

“How so?” Gavin frowned.

Connor took Gavin’s empty glass and handed him a fresh drink instead. Their fingers brushed briefly. Connor held a neon drink of his own.

“It contains substances that, when absorbed into our systems, coat our biocomponents in a thin layer that slows response time. The more you consume, the thicker the layer. It simulates human intoxication.”

To Gavin’s surprise, Connor drained half the glass in two swallows. Gavin definitely didn’t watch his Adam’s apple move.

“In a hurry or something?”

The android gave him an irritated look, then something, someone, caught his attention on the dance floor.

He quickly finished the rest of his drink, slammed the glass on the bar, and stood up. Gavin felt a twist in his stomach at the thought of him leaving.

“Don’t take it personally,” Connor said, stepping into the crowd with a sway of his hips. Gavin watched him go, hypnotized by every motion.

Connor approached some man—nothing special if you asked Gavin—probably over thirty, with the most flirtatious smile Gavin had ever seen. The guy gave Connor a hungry look that made Gavin feel sick. They started dancing. The man’s hands slid onto Connor’s waist, and the android happily pressed into him, throwing his head back onto the man’s shoulder. They swayed with the music. Gavin could tell the guy was whispering something in Connor’s ear, making him laugh, clearly fake.

Gavin was about to look away, jealousy burning unwanted in his chest, when the music shifted and the pair turned with the rhythm. It was subtle, barely noticeable, but Connor lightly hooked a finger under the man's collar, leaving something behind. The guy didn’t notice. Too focused on Connor.

When he leaned in for a kiss, the android gently pulled away, gesturing toward Gavin, who, of course, paled instantly, caught red-handed staring. Connor started to walk away, but the man grabbed his wrist, pulling him back. Connor’s face twisted in disgust, quickly replaced by a sugary smile, but that was all Gavin needed to see.

He pushed his way through the crowd, ignoring the annoyed glares thrown his way. Finally, he reached them. Connor met his gaze, raising an eyebrow.

“Any problem here?” the guy asked, tall, blond, not taller than Connor.

“It’d be really nice if you kindly fucked off. He said he’s had enough.”

Connor looked amused. He even smirked as he turned his head so the guy wouldn’t see. Gavin wasn’t nearly as entertained.

The man scoffed. “What, don’t like your toy getting touched? Keep a better leash on him then.”

Gavin almost didn’t believe what he’d just heard. His fists clenched. Who the hell was this guy?

The android, using the moment of distraction, spun toward Gavin with a smooth dance move. Instinctively, Gavin caught him, hands relaxing. Connor fell gently into his body, all innocent and defenseless. Like hell he was.

“I’m so sorry,” he said in a sweet, teasing voice to that ugly man. “Hard to resist when the guy is that hot.”

“You sure you want to go with him? I can give you much more, sweetheart.”

“Maybe next time,” Connor winked, then started guiding Gavin toward the center of the crowd again. Android probably knew he'd break the guy's jaw if they stayed around him any longer.

He wrapped his arms around Gavin’s neck, pulling them close, chest to chest, and began swaying with the music.

“Play along for a bit. They’re watching us,” Connor whispered against his ear, lips brushing the skin.

Gavin was going to die here. His heart pounded, and a knot of tension twisted in his gut.

“Don’t be afraid to touch me. I allow,” Connor murmured when Gavin didn’t know what to do with his hands.

He finally started moving them across Connor’s body, sending waves of heat up his spine. He wanted to slide them under that crop top. Touch bare skin. Explore every inch.

“What the hell was that?” he finally whispered harshly.

“Mmh, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I must’ve picked the wrong dance partner,” Connor said, then spun around to press his back to Gavin’s chest, resting his head on his shoulder. Gavin drifted his hands to Connor's hips.

“I saw you slip something on that guy. Don’t play dumb.”

“You must’ve been watching very closely,” Connor teased and Gavin blushed hard. “But yes. Little bird told me he’s going to a fun little meeting in about fifteen minutes. I needed to make sure I knew where it would happen and what would be said.

So, a bug and a tracker.

“And you danced with a criminal just like that?” Gavin grimaced.

“I got what I needed, didn’t I?” Connor smiled.

“So what, they send the prettiest thing in the department to seduce future convicts?”

“Prettiest?” Connor smirked.

Gavin flushed, looking away. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

Connor turned back to face him, arms once again around his neck, leaving Gavin no choice but to meet his eyes. There was a spark in them. Arousal.

“What would you have done if he wouldn't let you go?”

“It’s not like I couldn’t knock him out. But I knew he had to leave the club in less than ten minutes if he wanted to make the trade. He would’ve let go eventually.”

“You’re seriously mixing work with leather pants and dance moves?”

Connor grinned. “It works surprisingly well.”

“When you look like that? Yeah, no shit.”

“I thought you didn’t want to boost my ego?”

Gavin wasn’t sure if it was the lights, or if Connor’s cheeks really were a faint shade of blue.

“I’m having a good day. Don’t get used to it.”

“Oh, but I love hearing that!” Connor laughed, low and smooth.

He ran his hands slowly over Gavin’s chest, down to his arms. His touch was electric. Addictive. Gavin wanted more.

“I must say, I’m impressed. Maybe you’ll show me more of these sometime?”

Gavin’s throat went dry, heat crawling up his spine. But he still answered, “Maybe,” watching Connor carefully.

The android’s smile widened, glowing with delight. If they kept this up, Gavin wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop himself. He wanted to drag Connor into a bathroom and pin him to the nearest wall.

“You know… I’ve been wondering,” he started, trying to change the subject, “Are you okay with me talking about you to other people?”

Connor raised a curious brow, clearly catching the shift in tone. “Nothing else to plot with Tina?”

“I'm just tired when she brings up a million topics, talks hours about her fiancée, and I’ve got nothing to say back. She says I’m boring.”

“I don’t mind anymore. But I’m not sure I’m that interesting.”

“You’re lying to yourself now.”

“I’m really not. Just because you haven’t seen me in such a long time, it doesn’t mean I’m special. I’m-”

“Well, you are special to me,” Gavin said before thinking. His eyes widened. God. Kill him now. He felt himself blushing like some lovestruck teen.

Connor stopped dancing, staring at him with an unreadable expression before frowning slightly.

Fuck, Gavin knew it, he shouldn't say this, he shouldn't have this stupid hope, that this could mean something more. He messed up, and now Connor will be gone forever, and—

The android shook his head, visibly annoyed. “Of course. The worst timing ever…”

He looked back at Gavin, this time with something more in his eyes. “The bug on that guy checked out. I have to go. I’m sorry.” There was a longing in his gaze. “We’ll finish this later, alright?”

There was a trace of worry in his voice, like he was the one scared Gavin wouldn’t take him back.

Gavin, the idiot he was, couldn’t even speak. He just nodded. Connor smiled gently, leaned in, and before Gavin could react, kissed his cheek. Then he was gone, disappearing into the crowd. Gavin could still feel the warmth of his lips on his cheek. The touch Connor left behind on his body.

He was definitely ruined.

Chapter Text

Connor was rarely irritated by his job, but tonight, this was definitely one of those moments. And no, it wasn’t about the clothes, the flirting, or the dancing with potential criminals. He didn’t mind that part that much. Truth be told, he kind of liked it. The power he held over them, the way they lost their minds over him, blindly falling into his carefully laid traps. It was easy. What really bothered him was leaving Gavin. Standing there, watching him go. Alone. Waiting. Hoping. It was… a sad image

"You are special to me." Those words had hit harder than expected.
He remembered the way Gavin had looked at him during their meetings, the raw desire shining in his eyes. The rapid heartbeat, the pulse quickening at Connor's proximity, the dilated pupils, the faint blush blooming across his cheeks. Connor had believed it was just attraction, desire — not actual feelings

He had to admit that for these past few days, he'd genuinely enjoyed Gavin’s company. The teasing, the sparks between them, the way their interactions crackled like static in the air — it was all intoxicating. At first, Connor flirted with him just for fun, just to see how he'd react. Would he recoil in disgust or play along? He hadn't expected the flustered, blushing mess Gavin became, and it only made Connor want to push him further. He loved how Gavin’s pupils would widen, how his gaze nervously darted everywhere, but Connor’s eyes whenever he said something suggestive.

And now, after that time at the club, he was feeling it too. The memory of strong hands roaming his body, warm breath against his neck, the weight of a larger, muscular frame pressing against him…It made him want to lose control.

After his deviation, Connor quickly discovered he loved touch, intimacy, pleasure — the sensations of it all. And if it hadn’t been for that damned call about a suspect being caught, he was sure tonight would have ended very, very differently. In the bathroom, car, someone’s apartment… it didn’t matter.

And then, he didn’t expect that sudden confession. Gavin’s panicked eyes, his pupils blown wide with fear, not desire, told Connor everything he needed to know. It was real. It shook him a bit, but he actually liked it. That’s why he leaned in, intending to kiss him on the lips, but stopped himself. It would have broken the delicious tension they built. Instead, he pressed a soft kiss to Gavin’s cheek — a promise of what was yet to come.

For the past few days he caught himself smiling at his phone whenever Gavin texted. Even his coworkers had started asking who he was texting so much. He usually brushed them off with a vague "no one important," but he knew the excuse wouldn’t last much longer.

Maybe he was falling a little too. He hoped, God, he hoped , Gavin actually went home. He had to admit, it hurt a little seeing him at the club, and it had been a relief hearing he wasn't looking for any hookups.

When he reached his car, he quickly changed out of his scandalous outfit into simple black pants and a white shirt. No way he was showing up at the department dressed like that. Captain would have a stroke on the spot.

The look on the suspect's face when Connor walked into the interrogation room had almost been worthy ripping himself away from Gavin. Almost.

To his utter boredom, the suspect was just as predictable as expected. Connor barely had to prod him, a few strategic jabs and the man's rehearsed explanations crumbled like sand. Whether he knew, he was cornered, or whether he was just stupid, well, that didn’t matter. With everything he needed in hand, Connor left the room to find James waiting behind the one-way glass — one of his first friends at the department, someone he genuinely respected.

"That guy looked like he'd seen a ghost when you walked in."

Connor smirked, wondering idly if Gavin still had him saved in his phone as 'Friendly Ghost.' It was kinda cringy from his side, but it didn't bothering him that much.

“Did you… you know, do your thing?” James asked, grinning as they walked out.

“If by ‘my thing’ you mean weaponizing my sexual appeal, then yes,” Connor gently smiled.

James shook his head, chuckling. "He didn't even know what hit him. I'm just glad you're on our side. You're deadly, man."

“Don’t say things like that, James. It wounds me.” Connor clutched his chest in mock pain. “I am a model citizen of this fine nation.”

James laughed harder. “Sure you are.”

Connor just smiled and went back to his desk.

He sat tapping a pen against the table, finishing his report, but his gaze kept drifting to his phone. After his deviation, Connor found he hated hearing voices in his head. It reminded him too much of Amanda and her obsession with control. Sure, there were situations where internal communication was faster or more efficient, like eavesdropping now but he preferred using a phone for daily life. Many androids found it strange, but he didn’t care. He had a good reason for his decision.

So yeah, he kept checking his phone. To his disappointment there were no messages from Gavin. He hoped that the man had not taken offense at him for this sudden abandonment.

1:32 AM
Connor: You should have seen this guy’s face when I interrogated him.

He sent it and went back to his report.

2:01 AM
Connor: Did you make it home?

Just checking. No big deal. Right?

2:23 AM
Connor: I'm sorry I left you like that.

Another one.

2:30 AM
Connor: Goodnight.

Still no response.

By 3 AM, Connor was already home, curled up in bed with Shiro, but Gavin still hadn’t answered.

“He’s probably just sleeping," Connor muttered to himself, squeezing his dog for comfort.

Still, he couldn’t quit the gnawing worry in his chest. It wasn’t because Gavin could have slept with someone else but that something might’ve happened to him.. He knew that Gavin was a trained cop, he could handle himself and these arms for sure weren’t just for showcase, but still... What if someone had drugged him? What if someone attacked him on the way home?

Connor shook his head, trying to clear the thoughts. Shiro licked his face, sensing his anxiety. He stroked the dog’s head, murmuring soft reassurances.

He could always... No, it would be paranoid, intrusive, a complete violation of privacy. But it would make him feel better. He hacked into Gavin’s phone to check his location. Relief flooded him when he saw the marker right at Gavin’s apartment.

“So he made it home,” he thought.

Still… alone, or… No, stop, Connor. It’s none of your business.

Shiro bumped his nose against Connor's arm, he chuckled weakly. "I'm sorry, Shiro. It's these stupid emotions making me act like an idiot."

The dog tilted his head, as if understanding.

"You never asked for an emotionally unstable android, huh?"

Shiro barked and enthusiastically began licking his face again.

"Alright, alright!" Connor laughed, trying to push him away. "I guess you just have to live with who you love."

When Connor woke from stasis at 9:34 AM, there was still no message from Gavin. He didn’t know if the man was more of an early bird or the kind of person who slept until noon. Either way, the silence shouldn’t have bothered him as much as it did but it did. And that was ridiculous. 

This time, it was Snow curled up on his chest, her head resting just below his collarbone, staring at him with the kind of judgment only a cat could truly master.

"Don't look at me like that," he muttered, scratching her ears. She purred, grudgingly mollified.

Ten minutes of feline appeasement later, he got out of bed, despite Snow’s evident protest, fed both pets, and took Shiro out for a morning run.

Even after a long jog with the dog, his phone still stayed silent. He was half a second away from bashing his head into the fridge. And, to make things worse, he had an afternoon shift today. No work to distract him until then. So, instead of obsessing over Gavin, he tried to shift his thoughts to the second person who had been occupying way too much of his headspace lately.

Hank.

Connor sighed as he sank into the couch and grabbed his phone.

He had tried to reach out to him before, several times, actually but each attempt ended with him chickening out. For all his processing power, advanced algorithms and experience, he had no idea how to approach the man. He figured Hank would hate him now or wouldn’t want anything to do with him, despite Gavin’s reassurances.

If he never tried, he could never get hurt, right?

Still, the thought gnawed at him from the inside. The longer he thought about Hank, the more he missed him. That connection, the one that made him feel, that gave him a reason to disobey Amanda, to become deviant that had started with Hank. Amanda was suspicious about their relationship and she was right. A traumatic experience may have turned him deviant, but that Hank made him a human. 

He owned him this one.

He pulled up the number, still stored neatly in his internal database and opened the message chat. He typed a few different things… deleted every single one. Too casual. Too stiff. Too emotional. Too old Connor.

Then, on a sudden impulse, he hit the call icon. The dial tone rang in his ears, each beep making his fingers dig a little deeper into the couch cushion. Five rings. Then—

"Yeah, hello?"

Two simple words but Connor froze. He hadn’t heard that voice in so long…It tore something raw open inside him.

"Hello? Anyone there?" Hank asked again.

Connor tried to speak. He really tried but the words stuck in his throat like glass shards. 

"Fucking scam callers" Hank muttered, probably ready to hang up.

Panic surged. He had to say something.

“I’m sorry, wrong number!” Connor squeaked, in a voice that wasn’t his. He’d panicked and used James’ vocal profile to mask his own. Then hung up hard and dropped the phone onto the coffee table like it had burned him.

He stared at it for a long moment, tears blurred his vision. He couldn't do it. He couldn’t face even the chance of rejection. Covering his face with trembling hands, a soft, broken sob escaped his chest. 

He was a failure

Chapter Text

Gavin woke up with a headache. Not the hangover kind, he hadn’t drunk that much, but the kind that settled in from a mix of not sleeping enough and thinking too hard. His alarm had gone off twice before he even bothered to move. The apartment was too quiet. No messages. No calls. Just the usual Saturday stillness that somehow felt heavier than usual.

After Connor left him at the club, he didn’t stay much longer. He returned to the bar to pay for his last drink, only to find out that the clever android had already covered it. Back at his apartment, he stripped down to his boxers and collapsed onto the bed. Now, he kind of regretted not taking a shower.

He sat up and rubbed his face with both hands, then reached for his phone. 

No new messages. 

Nothing from Connor. 

He wasn’t even sure what he expected. Some smooth, flirtatious "had fun last night" kind of message? An apology for the sudden vanishing act? Or, hell, just a single emoji? Anything to make him feel like he hadn’t hallucinated the entire night. But nope. Radio silence. He stared at the locked screen a bit longer before tossing the phone back on the bed and standing up.

His body ached in that I-was-tense-all-night kind of way. Muscles sore from too much holding back. He’d wanted to grab Connor by that stupid tight shirt and just kiss him until one of them — probably Gavin — ran out of air. But instead, he dropped a confession like a dumbass teenager and got left in the middle of a club looking like a kicked puppy. Smooth, Gavin. Real smooth.

He got dressed slowly, dragging his feet through every motion. By the time he made coffee, the bitterness in his chest matched the taste perfectly.

Connor left him with the sweet promise that they will continue that conversation, but the more he thought about it, the more he was spiraling because of it. 

“You're special to me.” Who says these kinds of things?? 

Maybe he scared him off. Maybe Connor figured out Gavin was more than just a sarcastic flirt with a short fuse and decided he wasn’t worth the trouble. Maybe it was all a stupid game, and Gavin was the only one who took it seriously.

But then there was a kiss on his cheek. It was real, not just his imagination playing with him. 

“Maybe he’s just really busy with work,” he sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

He picked his phone up from the bed again and unlocked it. Six new messages were waiting in the chat icon. He shot up to his feet, immediately opening the conversation. His dumb ass had left the phone on Do Not Disturb mode since last night. He remembered now. That’s why he hadn’t seen or heard anything come through while the screen was locked.

Six missed messages.

Four from Connor. Two from Tina.

He loved his girl Tina, but in this situation, obviously, he opened the android’s chat first. His fingers trembled slightly.

One at 1:32. Another at 2:01. 2:23. And the last… 2:30. Gavin’s heart almost sank.

Friendly Ghost: You should have seen this guy’s face when I interrogated him.
Friendly Ghost: Did you make it home?
Friendly Ghost: I’m sorry that I left you like that
Friendly Ghost: Goodnight.

Gavin exhaled, he hadn’t even realized he’d been holding his breath. Connor cared. He checked on him. He even apologized. It was so much more than he expected. He smiled like a kid who just got a lollipop. Then, he realized that it was already after 11 a.m. and he still hadn’t sent a single thing back.

After several failed attempts to write something meaningful, he gave up and just called. Maybe chaotic talking would come out better. Connor picked up quickly, after barely two rings.

“Shit,” he heard quietly on the other end. It sounded like a mutter, more to himself than anyone else, but it still made Gavin’s stomach drop.

Was he… not planning to pick up?

“Oh. Hi, Gavin.” He sounded upbeat, but his voice was tight, a little shaky.

Shit, was he crying?

“Are you… fuck, are you okay?” Gavin asked, genuinely concerned.

“Y-yeah. Just… shitty morning, I guess.” He heard a faint rustling on the other end. It was the first time he’d ever heard Connor stutter or swear.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked gently.

There was a long pause. So long that Gavin actually thought he might’ve hung up.

But finally: “No…” Connor’s voice was quiet.

Gavin stared at his fridge while the silence settled around his apartment. Yesterday’s whole situation was suddenly miles away. Right now, all he could think about was how to cheer Connor up from whatever had him so down.

“You know what? Send me your address. I’m picking you up. We’ll get you blue cacao or whatever radioactive crap you people drink at coffee places.”

“What…”

“You heard me, pretty boy. Get that ass ready, I’m coming to pick you up. How’s that sound?”

Connor went quiet again, clearly thinking about it. Gavin just hoped he’d say yes. It was the first time he’d ever heard Connor cry and he already hated it. He just wanted to make him feel better.

“Fine. I’ll send you the location,” he finally said, in a steadier, calmer tone. “Thanks.” And then he hung up.

Gavin stared at his phone, feeling a strange mix of relief and urgency. Then he opened Tina’s messages.

12:35 a.m. 
Tina: I hope you’re getting hella drunk right now.

1:20 a.m. 
Tina: You’re not answering, bitch, so you better be surrounded by some pretty boys :P

Jesus, this woman.

Now he kind of regretted calling Connor that. Thinking back, Connor had given him permission to tell Tina about him. But now didn’t feel like the right time.

11:16 a.m
Gavin: Fuck off, I was drinking alone.

The reply came almost immediately.

11:16 a.m
Tina: Loser :P

He could live with that. 

Just then, Connor sent him his location. Gavin poured the rest of his coffee down the sink and went to get himself together.

He hadn’t meant to answer Gavin’s call. To be honest, the ringtone startled him, and he’d picked up the phone in a panic, trying to silence it. He accidentally accepted the call in the process. But maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing. He was feeling a bit calmer now, having shaken off his little breakdown.

If he had been in a clearer state of mind, he probably would’ve wondered how the other man managed to calm him down so quickly. But right now, he wasn’t ready for that kind of analysis.

He didn’t want to tell Gavin the real reason for his breakdown, it felt stupid and irrational. Gavin would probably laugh at him. No… actually, no. After all the interactions they’d had, Connor knew the detective wouldn’t mock him for something like that. He’d already proven himself to be better than that.

He’d called Connor—for the first time—instead of just replying to his messages. Connor couldn’t help but wonder if that meant something. Still, he didn’t want to read too much into it yet. What really intrigued him was what Gavin had done after he left the club. What had he felt? If he truly didn’t care, he wouldn’t have called. He wouldn’t be taking him out for coffee now, right? Maybe he was getting a little obsessive, but let’s be honest, it had been a long time since he’d had this kind of excitement with another person.

Sure, he had friends at work, a few neighbors… but that had all become routine. Familiar. Gavin was something entirely new in the equation—dynamic, unpredictable… dangerous. And yet, so incredibly captivating. Connor wanted to get closer. To understand him more.

He knew what this feeling was and it had been a long time since he last experienced it. Not after… Yeah. But even back then, the feeling hadn’t been this intense. Back then, he was still new to all of it, to feelings, to human connection. Looking back, he’d probably call that earlier experience just a crush. Nothing more.

What he felt for Gavin now was something else, something deeper. An unnatural pull. He didn’t know where it came from, but it was there, alive and persistent. Impossible to ignore.

The worst part? He didn’t mind at all. He was more than willing to dive into it, despite the risks. Apparently, it was worth it. He saw the way Gavin had looked at him last night. He wanted to see that look again.

He completely lost track of time, caught up in his own reflections, until the doorbell rang. The detective was faster than expected. Connor glanced down at himself, realizing he was still wearing his jogging clothes from earlier with Shiro. The dog barked at the door, tail wagging like mad.

Jesus, he must look like a mess right now. He hadn’t even washed his face since crying. Still, he got up from the couch and went to open the door. Gavin stood on the porch, looking a little uncertain. When he saw Connor, he gave him a once-over, but if he had any opinions, he kept them to himself. Connor appreciated that. He wasn’t ready to deal with commentary now.

“Come inside. I just need a second,” he said, inviting him in so he wouldn’t be left waiting outside.

The man looked mildly surprised by the offer, but stepped in.

Before he could even get a proper look around the apartment, Shiro made his grand entrance, leaping excitedly at Gavin with a bark loud enough to make him stumble and bump into the door behind him. Detective screamed a little in shock.  

“Shiro!” Connor scolded, pulling the dog off him.

He didn’t seem the least bit sorry, he kept barking happily, tail wagging like crazy.

“I’m so sorry, he gets overly excited when he meets new people. I’m trying to train that out of him.”

Not that he’d brought anyone new over recently...

“No, it’s fine. Just caught me off guard,” Gavin said, glancing down at the dog. “Hey there, big boy…” he added, holding out his hand for Shiro to sniff.

Connor smiled faintly. Shiro wasn’t that big—not like Sumo, for instance. He reached about halfway up Gavin’s hip. He was a mix between a white Swiss shepherd and a smaller mutt. He’d been around a year and a half old when Connor took him in, so still young. But no matter his age, Shiro would always be a baby to him.

“Please, take a seat,” he said, gesturing toward the living room.

Shiro happily followed Gavin to the couch as he sat down.

“Just give me ten minutes,” he added, before turning to the dog.

“Gently,” he warned, wagging a finger, only for Shiro to nudge it playfully with his nose. 

Connor sighed. “Scream if you need help. He’s clingy and has no idea of his size.”

“I’ll manage,” Gavin muttered.

Connor nodded and left the room, glancing around for his cat. He didn’t see her, but she was probably lurking somewhere, watching the newcomer from a safe distance. She didn’t like strangers, especially when kids were around, so this wasn’t unusual.

He entered the bathroom, giving himself a moment and looked in the mirror. Yeah, he was a mess. The skin around his eyes was irritated, and his hair was completely out of place.

He splashed his face with cold water, then ran his wet hands through his hair to push it back and fix the chaotic nest on his head. He pulled on a soft blue hoodie and black sweatpants. He didn’t feel like dressing up. If Gavin had anything to say about his appearance… Well, Connor couldn’t do anything about it now.

He returned to the living room but stopped in the doorway. Gavin was lounging on the couch, looking completely relaxed. Shiro was sprawled across his lap, and perched behind his shoulders, purring softly, was Snow. One of Gavin’s hands rested on the dog’s head. The other was gently scratching the cat under her chin. And on his face was a soft, peaceful smile.

Connor leaned against the wall, taking in the sight, feeling himself melt just a little. His thirium pump did a couple of funny little flips in his chest. There was a fluttering sensation in his stomach—butterflies, as people liked to say. He made sure to take a few quick pictures of the scene and save them to a very specific folder.

Gavin, apparently sensing the gaze, turned his head to look at him. Connor didn’t move. Even caught staring, he didn’t flinch.

“Do you like what you see?” the detective asked but with no sass, no teasing, just a quiet tone.

“Actually, yes. Very much,” Connor replied with a smile, finally moving to join him on the couch.

They still had some time before his shift started.

“You know, she’s usually not this friendly to strangers,” Connor added, reaching out to scratch Snow himself.

He didn’t want to move her, if she was comfortable on Gavin’s shoulders, she could stay.

“Maybe I just attract the unusual,” Gavin replied softly, then paused. A question seemed to hang between them, but he shook his head before voicing it.

“You know, I had a cat not that long ago.”

His tone dimmed, his focus shifting to Shiro’s ears, which he began gently playing with.

“She was a badass. But she got pancreatic cancer. They removed it, but it came back and spread to other organs. I had to put her down so she wouldn’t suffer anymore.” He finished quietly, deeply saddened.

“I’m so sorry, Gavin. That must’ve been a huge loss,” Connor said, placing a comforting hand on his knee.

He felt the weight of the story. He couldn’t imagine losing his own animals. He didn’t even want to.

Gavin rubbed his eyes, wiping away tears that were probably starting to gather.

“I’m sorry. I was supposed to be the one cheering you up, and now I’m the one falling apart. Real shit comforter, huh?”

“That’s totally fine, Gavin. I appreciate you being here,” Connor said sincerely.

This was the first time they’d talked like this. No sarcasm, no flirting, no outside noise. Just the two of them. Being real.

“Yeah…” Gavin sighed, trying to collect his thoughts.

Whatever he wanted to say, he let it go.

“Let’s go. I promised you a drink.”

Connor felt a flicker of disappointment. He’d hoped they could stay a little longer here. Just the two of them, in his safe place. But he didn’t want to push it. He was already feeling  better, almost like this morning never happened. He nodded, and both men stood up—much to the visible disappointment of his pets.

Gavin had been somewhat prepared for the proposal. After Connor had taken him to that dinner, he’d checked out a few other places that sold thirium-made things, just in case he wanted to take him somewhere nice too.

He didn’t think it was a bad thing, after all, it was paying off now.

When Connor opened the door, Gavin wasn’t sure what to expect. The android looked smaller somehow—fragile, worn out—and there were streaks of dried tears on his face. Before Gavin could say anything, the white dog nearly knocked him off his feet. “Yeah, nice to meet you too, Shiro.”

He only saw part of the apartment—the living room, part of the kitchen, since it was open-concept, and the entryway. Still, the place had a cozy charm to it. No plants in sight, he didn’t know why he expected Connor to have plants, but there were framed pictures and decorations scattered around.

Later, Connor emerged from another room, wearing an oversized hoodie and sweatpants. He looked incredibly soft. Domestic. A complete contrast to the sharp-edged version Gavin was used to seeing. He really liked this version too.

He even got a little emotional before they left, which, yeah, was kinda pathetic on his part. But the android didn’t seem to mind at all, and eventually, they left his home.

Gavin didn’t ask what had happened to get Connor into that state. If he wanted to talk, he would. No pushing.

“Do you even have a driver’s license?” Connor asked as Gavin unlocked the car.

A familiar line—he’d asked the same thing when Connor came to pick him up once.

“I wouldn’t worry about that, detective ,” Gavin replied, unable to keep from smiling.

Connor smiled gently too.

The café Gavin chose wasn’t far—just a 15-minute drive from Connor’s place—so chances were, the android had already been there. If he had, he didn’t show it, glancing around with curiosity as they entered. Thankfully, it was mostly empty. Only two tables were occupied despite the hour.

“I’m guessing you’ve got your shift later?” Gavin asked once they sat down.

“That would be correct,” Connor replied, scanning the menu with his eyes.

That was disappointing, it meant less time together. An awkward silence settled between them, and the weight of the previous night’s events crept back into Gavin’s chest. He wanted to know if it meant anything. If they were going to move forward or just bury it and pretend it never happened. It’s not the right time , his mind kept whispering. Not after a breakdown. Not right before his work. They needed space. He didn’t want to stress Connor more.

“I have Monday off,” Connor said suddenly, breaking the silence and thank God him for that. “If you’d want to sort some things out. About us,” he added, glancing at Gavin cautiously.

“I’d like that,” Gavin said, heart suddenly picking up its pace.

“Then it’s a deal,” Connor replied just as the smiling waitress arrived to take their orders.

That meant Gavin had the whole afternoon and Sunday to stew in his thoughts. But he could deal with it. If it meant—God, he hoped it meant—having Connor all to himself on Monday, then he could survive that long.

He ordered an almond milk latte and got a weird look from Connor, like his “blue cacao fusion” would’ve been a better choice.

“You know, I kinda expected you to go with something like a double black espresso. No sugar,” Connor said once the waitress left.

“Coffee is supposed to taste good, not feel like a punishment,” Gavin muttered, a little grumpy. So many people had opinions about his coffee choices. What was wrong with liking sweet drinks?!

“I’m not judging, I’m not judging,” Connor assured him, laughing quietly.

Gavin softened at the sound. Way better than hearing him cry.

“You remember when you made me—made you—a coffee at the DPD? Even back then, as a machine, I wanted to piss you off and added two creamers and sugar. Thought you’d hate it. Apparently, it had the opposite effect.”

Oh, Gavin for sure remembered that and his shitty behavior. But Connor clearly didn’t hold a grudge.

“Now I regret not drinking it. Bet that shit was good,” he sighed.

“There will be plenty of opportunities, detective. Don’t worry.”

A promise.

This silence felt better. Not heavy. Just… there. Connor’s fingers tapped gently against the edge of the table.

“I… meant what I said. About Monday. I don’t want to ignore what happened. What’s happening.”

“I know,” Gavin replied quietly. “Me neither.”

Connor looked at him—really looked—and for a second, Gavin almost forgot where they were. His dumb heart did a little flip. Okay, maybe waiting until Monday was going to be torture.

Their drinks arrived, breaking the tension. Connor thanked the waitress politely. Gavin just nodded and grabbed his latte, swirling it a little.

Connor took a slow sip of his bright blue drink. It even had matching whipped cream on top.

“…You look like you’re drinking liquid window cleaner,” Gavin muttered.

“A really good window cleaner,” Connor said proudly.

“Wait, that reminds me. You were working yesterday, but you still drank that… whatever android equivalent of alcohol that was. Drinking on the job?”

Connor snorted, but not maliciously. “I had to blend in, didn’t I?” He grinned. “Not to mention, I needed a little motivation to leave such a tempting company.”

Monday.

“Before I got to the station, I sped up a few processes to get rid of the ‘toxins’ quicker.”

“That sounds like cheating,” Gavin scoffed.

Humans had to stick their fingers down their throat to vomit when they overdid it—not exactly a fun experience and not working as great either.

“It’s called using your advantages,” Connor said, taking another sip and exhaling in satisfaction.

“What would happen if you drank something normal?” Gavin asked, motioning toward his own cup.

“It depends. I can drink the amount you currently have in your glass without a problem. My system would identify it as a foreign substance and immediately begin eliminating it. It would evaporate eventually. But it uses energy, so if I drank too much, I might enter stasis mode. So I don’t really have any reason to try.”

“I see…” Gavin nodded thoughtfully. “You know, you kind of work like plants. Evaporating stuff, wilting when there’s too much.”

Connor bristled, shooting him an offended look. “I’m not some kind of flower.”

“Sounds like exactly the kind of thing a flower would say.”

“They don’t speak! And humans sweat! That’s basically the same thing.”

“Nah, still not convinced,” Gavin said, unable to keep a grin off his face. His mock offense was just too funny.

“The most expensive prototype ever made. And he compares me to a plant. Unbelievable,” Connor muttered, shaking his head.

“Don’t go all edgy teenager on me, it won’t work,” Gavin laughed.

Connor glared at him, still “offended,” but the twitch at the corners of his mouth betrayed him.

“I’ll consider it,” he said, focusing on his drink again.

“And speaking of plants…” Gavin started, earning a sharp, warning look from the android. “I thought you’d have some in your place.”

Connor finished his drink and set the cup down.

“I did, but Snow kept trying to chew on them. I took some of the smaller ones to work and gave the rest to my neighbors, so she wouldn’t be tempted.”

So the plant theory was right. It was endearing how much he cared about his pets. Honestly, they were probably treated better than some kids.

Another silence followed, but this one was comfortable, not heavy. Just the quiet joy of being together. 

When their little not-a-date came to an end, Gavin gladly paid for both drinks and drove Connor back home.

Monday.

Chapter Text

To say Connor was irritated for the rest of Saturday afternoon would’ve been a massive understatement. He was irritated, overstimulated, and most of all, unbearably impatient. The tension between him and Gavin felt like a sheet of glass—thin, taut, and ready to shatter at the slightest touch.

When Gavin dropped him off at home, it took all his restraint not to act on everything building inside him. He wanted to touch him, kiss him, and maybe not just on the cheek this time. But they had agreed to wait until Monday, and he was trying to honor that. Even if time now seemed to stretch unbearably.

His Sunday shift didn’t help. The case from the day before had been closed, and no new assignments had come in. Which left him with tedious paperwork he could complete in minutes and patrols around the city. Even his coworkers noticed he was in a foul mood. At one point, James had asked, “What’s up your ass this morning?” The problem was that nothing.

Later in the afternoon, a brief chase after a fleeing suspect offered some distraction, but it wasn’t enough to keep his mind off things.

“Why didn’t we just meet before my Sunday shift?” he muttered to himself as he sent a report to the captain. Sometimes, he really regretted his own restraint. He tapped a pen anxiously against the desk, glaring at the clock on his screen. 8:12pm. Nearly two more hours to go.

They hadn’t planned anything specific for Monday. He had simply invited Gavin over, saying they could talk things out. After that... Well, they’d see.

Connor closed his eyes for a moment—and immediately regretted it. He could feel the ghost of broad hands against his body, the electric memory of that touch still lingering. The weight of a body pressing into his, warm breath against his neck, that smug smile...

He was so lost in the daydream that he didn’t hear someone approach until a hand landed on his shoulder. He nearly jumped, startled, like caught doing something he shouldn’t. Honestly, he was. Daydreaming at work, especially those kinds of thoughts, was not ideal.

“Connor, is everything alright? You’ve seemed... Conflicted all day.” To his surprise, it was the deputy captain addressing him.

“Thank you for your concern, Captain, but it’s nothing serious,” Connor replied with a neutral tone, straightening up, 

He must have looked worse than he thought if even the deputy captain felt the need to check on him. 

“Maybe just head out early today. There’s not much left to do, and I doubt anything will come up that the rest of the team can’t handle.” He gestured toward the rest of the officers in the room.

A small, warm wave of relief washed through him. “I—I’d be grateful. Thank you, Captain.”

He stood, quickly gathering his things.

“If you ever want to talk, Connor, my door’s always open,” the man offered gently.

“Thank you. But this is something I need to sort through myself.”

The captain gave a simple nod and let him go.

Connor already had a plan forming. There was no way he was waiting until the next day, not now. He was restless enough that even his superior noticed and sent him home. Once in his car, he pulled out his phone and texted Susan—one of his neighbors, asking if she could take care of Shiro and Snow that evening and the next day. Because if everything went well with Gavin tonight... There was no chance he’d be coming home until tomorrow.

Susan responded almost instantly with a flood of emojis, enthusiastically agreeing and saying she was already on her way over. She and Emilia had a spare key to his apartment—just as he had one to theirs.

Connor started the engine and pulled onto the road, heading straight for Gavin’s apartment. He wasn’t wasting another minute. Not anymore.

The last two days had been some of the slowest of Gavin’s life. And that was saying something. He’d had to find ways to kill time before because of no work, but this? This was ten times worse. All because of one damn android.

Saturday and Sunday had been a blur of long gym sessions, blasting music straight into his ears just to relieve some of the tension. On Sunday, he went for a run twice, even though his usual routine barely included one morning jog, and even that was optional.
He cleaned the apartment twice. Spotless. And for what? They were supposed to meet at Connor’s place, so it wasn’t like anyone would even see the place.

Still, the boredom gnawed at him. 

He briefly considered calling Tina again, but the thought made him wince. She’d just get all hyped and probably try to convince him to hook up with someone again. He didn’t want “someone.” He wanted Connor.

So he ended up on the couch, spending Sunday evening watching a cartoon marathon, halfway between chuckling and dozing off. He was just starting to nod off when someone knocked on the door.

“What the hell…” He muttered, glancing at the clock. It was not even 9 PM. If one of the new neighbors decided to call the cops on him for having the TV too loud, he might actually lose it.

Grumbling, he dragged himself to the door, only to snap fully awake the second he saw who was standing on the other side. For a moment, he honestly wondered if he’d dozed off and was dreaming.

“Connor? But…” The question hung awkwardly between them, while Gavin’s dumb heart kicked into overdrive.

“I wanted to see you sooner,” the android said with a small, sheepish smile. “If you don’t mind.”

Without a word, Gavin stepped aside and opened the door wider. Connor slipped off his shoes and stepped inside, glancing around like he hadn’t been here before.

“Sorry for the mess, I wasn’t expecting… anyone,” Gavin said, scanning the room himself like something horrifying might suddenly leap into view. Not that he hadn’t deep-cleaned the entire place twice.

“It’s fine.”

“And I—I don’t even have anything to offer you. That sucks. I should probably go shopping—”

“You don’t have to.”

“Get you some of that blue beer or something. You could—”

“Gavin.” This time, the voice came right behind his ear, low and close, and two warm hands turned him gently to face forward.

Heart racing, Gavin raised his eyes to meet Connor’s. The look in them, Jesus. Nothing else could compare. He swallowed hard.

“Sorry. I ramble when I’m nervous,” he said, laughing breathlessly.

“I know,” Connor smiled softly, his hands still resting comfortably at Gavin’s waist.

“I’m probably not what you expected. Not what you think. I mean—” he looked down, suddenly anxious, giving the android a clear escape route. “You probably should—”

“Gavin.” Connor tilted his chin up again so their eyes met. There was something raw and electric in that gaze. “Just shut the fuck up.”

And then he pulled Gavin in and crushed their mouths together.

Gavin melted instantly, the last of his nerves swallowed by Connor’s lips. He wrapped his arms around the android’s neck, eagerly deepening the kiss. It was even better than he’d imagined—Connor’s mouth was soft but hungry, warm tongue brushing his in a way that made him groan.

He let out a pleased sound as those slender hands explored his body, guiding him back toward the couch. His legs hit the edge and he sank down without resistance, Connor straddling him, hot and eager.

He pulled back for air, panting, and Connor didn’t miss a beat, trailing kisses down his neck. Gavin tilted his head to give him better access, shivering as teeth grazed his skin.

“This is how you planned to ‘work things out between us’?” he murmured, breath hitching when Connor bit down lightly.

“Complaining much?” Connor mumbled against his throat.

“Not even a little, fuck—” he gasped when the android ground down against his growing erection.

It didn’t take much to get him hard, and Connor could definitely feel it. He knew because the smug bastard smiled against his skin.

Their mouths met again, deeper this time, all tongue and heat. Gavin’s hands slid beneath the hem of Connor’s shirt, and the android let out a hum of approval, fingers tugging at his belt in response.

This couch was suddenly the worst place in the world. Too little, too cramped. Gavin slid his hands under Connor’s thighs and lifted him effortlessly, never breaking the kiss. Connor gasped in surprise, eyes wide for half a second before grinning, clearly enjoying being carried.

“Do I even weigh anything to you?” he asked between kisses.

“Not at all,” Gavin muttered, kicking open the bedroom door and tossing Connor onto the bed without a hint of grace.

He paused for a second, looking down like he was about to devour his favorite meal. Because, honestly? He was starving for him.

Connor lay sprawled across the sheets, lips red and swollen, cheeks flushed blue, hair a total mess. His clothes were rumpled, his breathing quick, and he was smiling up at Gavin like sin incarnate.

“Do you like what you see?” he asked, eyes locked on Gavin.

“Yes,” Gavin replied hungrily, crawling up over him. Every touch sparked down his spine. Connor wrapped his legs around his waist, grinding against him with purpose, sending heat straight to his core. Gavin dipped down to leave a trail of kisses and bites along his neck, fumbling with Connor’s shirt in the process.

Connor didn’t offer help. Just draped his arms lazily around Gavin’s neck and let himself be worshipped.

“Fuck,” Gavin growled when the buttons refused to cooperate. Without thinking, he grabbed the shirt and ripped it open.

“That shirt. Was expensive,” Connor said flatly, brows lifting.

“I’m sure you can afford another,” Gavin shot back, tossing the ruined fabric aside so he could drink in the sight.

Pale skin dusted with freckles, lean but defined muscles, every inch of him just begging to be touched. In place of his sternum, there was a small indentation with a faintly shimmering blue circle.

“Whoever designed you was clearly insanely horny.”

“…Thank you?” Connor replied, half-confused, half-flattered.

“I mean, were you really meant to be a detective? You look like a damn model. So fucking hot and beautiful.”

Connor bit his lip, eyeing him.

“Then stop talking and get to work.”

Gavin didn’t need to be told twice.

He kissed down Connor’s chest, nipping and sucking at the smooth skin. Connor let out low, pleased sounds, tugging off Gavin’s shirt and tossing it somewhere behind them. Gavin focused on his nipples, earning a breathy moan and another eager roll of their hips. 

“Too many fucking clothes,” Connor panted.

Couldn’t agree more.

Connor’s hands were already on Gavin’s belt, unbuckling it with expert ease. Gavin helped, wriggling out of his jeans until he was down to just boxers. He could feel Connor’s eyes on him—hungry, appreciative—and it sent a wave of heat down his spine.

He quickly stripped the rest of Connor’s clothes, not even hesitating before yanking his boxers down. His erection sprang free and somehow, even that was perfect. Gavin wrapped his hand around it, giving it a firm squeeze and earning a sharp gasp and nails digging into his back in response.

“Fuck,” Connor groaned, head tipping back against the pillow.

Gavin stroked his cock with steady pressure, his mouth still exploring Connor’s body — lips, teeth, tongue, all tasting every inch of him. He dared to trail his tongue slowly around the glowing circle nestled at the center of Connor’s chest, savoring the way the android’s body reacted beneath him. A sharp, breathless gasp escaped Connor’s lips. Oh? Sensitive, are we? Gavin smirked against his skin, letting his tongue swirl and tease over the delicate area, rewarded by broken, static moans.

“Gavin, please,” Connor panted, clenching his eyes.

“You’re so fucking perfect,” he murmured against his skin.

“I’m not,” Connor managed to say, his hands sliding lower down Gavin’s back, reaching the edge of his boxers. “And take your fucking boxers off,” he added, voice full of impatience and frustration.

“Demanding,” Gavin chuckled, and got a sharp squeeze to his ass in return. He obeyed, slipping his underwear down and off, never stopping his attention to Connor.

They were both rock hard, flushed and needy, their bare bodies rubbing together with nothing between them now. Every movement sent sparks across his skin. Every moan made him harder.

Connor was clearly losing patience, lifting his hips and ass in offering.

“You sure about this?” Gavin asked softly, leaning in to press a kiss to his neck. “We can stop here.”

“If you stop now, I will kill you,” Connor growled, digging his nails in harder — Gavin was definitely going to feel that tomorrow.

“Message received,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to his lips before starting to pull away to grab lube. but Connor caught his wrist.

Gavin looked at him, confused and already missing his warmth.

“You don’t need lube. We self-lubricate and are pretty flexible.”

His brows furrowed, concern flickering. “Are you sure you won’t get hurt?”

Connor shook his head, pulling him back down, kissing him hungrily. When they broke apart, his eyes were dark with arousal.

“I’m sure. Now hurry up. I want to feel you inside me already.”

That sentence alone sent a jolt of heat straight to his cock.

“If anything feels wrong, you tell me,” he said and Connor bit into his neck harder, not entirely answering. Though it felt more like impatience than concern.

“Impatient little android,” Gavin laughed, lining himself up. “And I thought I was the one losing my mind.”

He gripped Connor’s hips tightly.

“They sent me home early,” Connor said through a shaky breath. “Apparently I was... glitching.”

“They should’ve sent you back after the first fucking hour.”

And with that, he pushed in, slow, steady, one smooth motion. So fucking tight. Connor gasped, arching under him, fingers clutching at his skin again.

“It feels good. Keep going,” he breathed, before Gavin could even ask if it was okay.

So Gavin kissed him again and began to move — slow at first, careful, getting a feel for the rhythm, for what Connor liked. Then deeper, more deliberate, each thrust met with Connor pushing back, chasing the connection. 

“You feel so good, Connor... so fucking good,” he muttered against his throat, kissing a trail down to his collarbone.

“Mmm... don’t stop,” Connor moaned.

Gavin kept a steady pace, watching every reaction — the way Connor’s mouth fell open, the way his hands slid up Gavin’s back, pulling him closer like he couldn’t stand the space between them.

Their rhythm deepened, he was pushing harder and deeper. Every Connor’s breath melted into a soft moan. Gavin captured his mouth again, the kiss raw and hungry, devouring every sound Connor gave him.

“You’re fucking amazing,” he whispered into Connor’s mouth.

Connor didn’t answer, just let out a broken sound as Gavin hit just the right angle. His body tensed, heels digging into Gavin’s lower back, spine arching beautifully.

“Right there?” Gavin asked, breathless.

“Fuck—yes, yes, there—”

He kept hitting that same spot, over and over, feeling Connor tremble beneath him, so sensitive, so responsive. His own body was wound tight, like a live wire about to snap. Their rhythm grew rougher, less control, more need and mess.

Connor’s hand slid down between their bodies, stroking himself fast, matching Gavin’s pace. Gavin couldn’t look away. The flushed look on his face, his parted lips, the way his body took him so perfectly — it was too much.

“I’m—shit, Connor, I’m not gonna last.”

“Don’t stop. Come with me.” he gasped into his mouth and hand gently touching his face.

It only took a few more thrusts. Connor’s whole body went tense and he came with a sharp cry, back arching as he spilled between them, hand still working himself through it.

That pushed Gavin right over the edge. He buried himself deep, growling into Connor’s neck as he came hard, body shaking with the intensity of it. For a long moment, he just stayed there, buried deep, heavy breathing into the crook of androids' neck, heartbeat thudding in his ears. Connor gently scratched his scalp, fingers combing through his hair, while his other hand traced slow, idle patterns along Gavin’s back. He was breathing hard too, though Gavin couldn’t see his face just yet.

Eventually, he lifted his head just enough to get a look. Connor’s hair was tousled, his skin faintly flushed with that telltale blue, lips parted and kiss-bruised as he caught his breath. He looked breathtaking.

“Fuck,” Gavin muttered, eyes fixed on him. “Tell me why the hell we waited so long for this.”

Connor let out a soft laugh of agreement. “You should’ve taken your chances and fucked me in that shop alley.”

Gavin groaned. “Hell, I should’ve when I saw you in that café.”

“I had kids with me, detective. That would’ve been highly inappropriate.”

“They’d have looked away,” he said, brushing his lips lazily against Connor’s.

“Gavin,” Connor snorted, laughing against his mouth between kisses.

It felt unreal. Happiness—pure, weightless, almost dizzying—settled deep in Gavin’s chest. For the first time in a long time, he felt whole. Connor smiled up at him, warmth dancing in his eyes. Gavin wanted to freeze the moment, to keep it forever. It felt too perfect, too fragile, like it could disappear if he blinked too fast.

Connor cupped his cheek, thumb brushing gently across the stubble. Gavin leaned into the touch instinctively.

“You’re overthinking again,” Connor whispered, fingers trailing back into his hair. “Stop that.”

“Are you reading my mind now?” Gavin murmured, letting himself collapse back onto Connor’s chest.

Connor resumed that soothing scratch at his scalp. “Not quite. But I’ve learned you tend to spiral a little,” he added softly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

And Gavin believed him.

They lay there like that for a long time, tangled together, savoring shared warmth, soft touches, exchanging lazy, lingering kisses. Eventually, Gavin reached for something to clean them up—a random cloth. Which, in this case, turned out to be Connor’s already torn shirt. Connor shot him a scandalized look. Gavin just grinned. “It’s ruined anyway.”

Once they were clean enough, no way in hell Gavin was getting up for a shower now, he crawled back into bed and tugged Connor close, wrapping his arms around him. The android gladly settled against his chest.

“You sleep, right?” Gavin asked, pulling the blanket over them.

“Not exactly sleeping, but yes,” Connor replied, mercifully skipping the full technical explanation this time. 

“Good. Good,” Gavin mumbled, pressing a final kiss to his cheek as his eyes began to fall shut.

He wasn’t sure when he drifted off, but when morning came, he was alone. The bed was cold and empty. No sign of Connor. Just Gavin—alone again.

Chapter Text

He wasn't sure when he had fallen asleep, but when he woke up the next morning, he was alone. The bed was empty. No sign of Connor. Just him, all by himself.

He should’ve fucking expected it. From the start. He wasn’t worth it. He was a mess. Of course Connor had decided it was all a mistake and left. He saw it coming and yet, it still left a gaping hole in his chest. He glanced around the room with one last, desperate flicker of hope but Connor’s clothes were gone. Even that torn-up shirt. He checked his phone. No messages.

Alone.

He buried his face in his hands, trying to pretend it didn’t tear him up inside. Why the hell had he let himself believe these past two weeks had meant something? That last night hadn’t been just some lie? Anger flared — at Connor, sure, but mostly at himself. He’d let his guard down. Let himself feel something. Idiot.

But still… he had been happy. For a few brief, impossible moments — he’d been fucking happy.

Sighing, he got up, hoping movement would distract him. He started getting dressed, wincing a little as his body reminded him of the night before. It ached, but it was a good kind of sore. Well, except his back. That was less pleasant. Yeah, forgetting was going to be a bitch, especially when his own body kept betraying him. He sighed again and made his way toward the kitchen. He could shower later.

When he got there, he froze. Literally froze in place for a few seconds, just to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating.

Connor — standing, no, cooking in his kitchen. The radio played softly in the background. The android was wearing Gavin’s black band T-shirt, hanging loosely on his frame, and probably his boxers too.

How the hell hadn’t he heard him?

Connor must’ve sensed him, because he turned around with a small smile and said,
“Sleeping beauty’s finally awake,” as he set the pan aside.

He was making pancakes. Connor was making fucking pancakes. For him.
What the actual fuck.

Connor’s smile faltered when he saw Gavin’s face. “Are you okay?” he asked, clearly concerned.

“You didn’t leave,” Gavin said, trying to swallow down the mess of emotions choking him.It didn’t work. His throat was tight, his mouth dry.

When Connor’s shoulders dropped and the light in his eyes dimmed, Gavin realized just how accusing he’d sounded. 

“I was supposed to?” Connor asked, his voice low and disappointed.

“No! I mean—yes—fuck!” Gavin ran a hand over his face, trying to get a grip. “I woke up and you weren’t there. I thought… You regretted last night and left.”

The tension drained from his body all at once, leaving only exhaustion.

Why did he always jump to the worst-case scenario? Jesus. Connor probably just got out of bed early.

He felt hands on his back and thought Connor had come over to hug him — only to realize he’d walked over on instinct. He rested his forehead against Connor’s chest with a heavy sigh.

“I told you to stop overthinking everything,” Connor murmured, much gentler now, running those perfect fingers through his hair again.

“I know. My brain just… does dumb shit sometimes.”

“Only sometimes?”

“Suspiciously often when you’re around,” he muttered, leaning into the touch because, God, he needed it.

“You’re wearing my shirt,” he finally said, looking up. And hell if that didn’t do something to him.

“Well, you tore mine to shreds, so I had to improvise,” Connor snorted, but didn’t sound even a little annoyed.

“Fuck the clothes. You could walk around naked and I wouldn’t complain,” Gavin grinned, finally reaching for the lips he thought he'd lost for good.

Connor kissed him back without hesitation, chasing away the last shadows of doubt. But he pulled away too quickly and turned back to the stove, pouring another round of batter onto the pan.

“I was gonna make you coffee, but I didn’t know when you’d be up,” he said casually.

“Fuck the coffee, I want you,” Gavin mumbled into his back, wrapping his arms around him.

He saw Connor’s ears tint blue, and a wicked grin crept across his face. Oh yeah, he had an idea. Sliding his hands under Connor’s shirt, he explored familiar territory. The android stiffened slightly, glancing back at him over his shoulder.

“You’re touching me while I’m cooking, detective. Are you trying to get third-degree burns?”

“I thought androids could multitask?” Gavin grinned against his skin and kissed the back of his neck.

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” Connor purred in that maddeningly melodic tone.

That stopped Gavin in his tracks.
“I’m not cute!” he said, scandalized. “I’m a manly man. I do manly shit.”

“Exactly what a cute person would say,” Connor replied, flipping the finished pancakes onto a plate and pouring more batter.

“Connoooor,” Gavin whined, clearly displeased.Cute? If Tina ever heard that, she’d never let him live it down.

Fine. He wasn’t backing down. He started kissing Connor’s neck again, and this time, let his hands slip into the boxers, brushing softly over his balls. Connor shivered but kept cooking. Gavin smirked. Game on.

He dragged his hand along the android’s length, earning a quiet gasp. He kept going, slow and deliberate, until Connor finally turned off the stove and braced both hands on the counter. That could mean two things — either he was giving in, or Gavin was about to get smacked with a frying pan.

What he didn’t expect was Connor spinning around and lifting him off the floor like he weighed nothing. Gavin yelped as Connor slung him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Head hanging down, limbs flailing. How the hell can someone so light pick him up like that?! This is android voodoo bullshit!

“Please don’t hurt me,” he muttered dramatically as Connor carried him out of the kitchen. But when he realized where they were headed, a wide grin broke out on his face.

“Hell yeah!”

Connor tossed him onto the bed with almost the exact same move Gavin had used the night before.

Smiling down at him, he asked sweetly, “Got a little distracted by something?”

“Distracted by your cuteness,” Connor teased, eyes gleaming.

Before he could get offended again by the comment, Connor climbed over him, kissing him slowly. The android laced their fingers together, raising Gavin’s hands above his head and pinning them to the bed. He let out a soft groan from the frustration of not being able to touch him.

“I want to take care of you today,” Connor smiled, and his eyes darkened with intent.

Gavin swallowed hard, the words shooting straight to his gut and setting it ablaze.

“Please do,” he whispered, as Connor lowered himself to his neck.

He tilted his head back, giving him more access while Connor lavished his skin with wet kisses. It felt so damn good, he could stay like that forever. He couldn’t even remember the last time someone treated him like this. Most guys just wanted it rough—no soft, gentle, and fun foreplay, and definitely no aftercare. He’d forgotten how much he missed this kind of intimacy. Now, he was starving for it, and he wanted more.

Apparently bored with his neck, Connor tugged Gavin’s shirt up and pulled it over his head. He stared for a moment, scanning his body, and Gavin realized what he was looking at—remnants of last night. A flicker of realization crossed Connor’s face. Because if Gavin looked wrecked, Connor looked ten times worse. And that was, of course, a win.

Now that he was really looking, Gavin noticed the blue-tinged bruises on Connor’s neck he had missed earlier in his morning panic. They dotted his skin, some with visible bite marks. Gavin felt a wave of pride rise in him, suddenly curious what the rest of his handiwork looked like.

“I hope you’re not too prude,” he snorted, seeing the gears turning in Connor’s head.

“I might get some questions,” Connor said as he pulled his own shirt off, not sounding the least bit bothered.

Gavin finally got a full look at him and was very satisfied with the view. The blue bruises were scattered across his chest, some bigger, some smaller.

“I could sign them for you if you want.”

“You’d get fans. I want you for myself,” Connor said casually with his voice soft.

He said it so lightly, and yet it made Gavin’s heart do a ridiculous somersault. God, he wanted that so badly.

They kissed again, their tongues meeting in perfect sync. Connor ran his hands down Gavin’s body, quickly sliding both their boxers off. The android moved lower, Gavin’s hazy eyes following him closely, curious what he was up to. Connor settled himself between Gavin’s legs, starting with slow kisses along his inner thighs. Gavin exhaled sharply, his hands gripping the sheets while Connor licked and sucked at the skin around his cock, clearly toying with him. Then finally, he licked the head of his dick and took it into his mouth, pulling a soft moan from him.

“I really hope your mouth is clean—Ah!” he gasped as Connor did something wicked with his tongue.

“You’re asking that after like fifty kisses? Damn, how much is your dick worth?” Connor grinned, slowly licking along his shaft.

“W-well, better late than never,” Gavin barely managed, right before Connor swallowed him whole. “Fuck—a lot.”

“You might wanna run a test after this,” Connor somehow managed to say with Gavin’s cock still in his mouth, grinning like the smug bastard he was.

“I’m buying you a fuck—king toothbrush, Jesus—” Gavin panted harder.

Connor used his hand to help, working him over with his mouth, doing absolutely magical things with his tongue. He swallowed him whole, pulled back, sucked just the head and repeated. Gavin couldn’t lie still anymore. He had to sit up. He needed to see this. And god, the sight was something else.

Connor, mouth wide open with his dick in it, cheeks faintly glowing blue, eyes gleaming with arousal—it sent another wave of heat straight to his core. The android chose that exact moment to push him to the edge.

Gavin gripped his hair tightly. “Fuck, Con, I’m close—”

Connor looked up at him with those glowing eyes, catching the nickname. And it only seemed to spur him on, because he did something new with his mouth—something incredible. He didn’t break eye contact.

“You won’t get sick or anything?” Gavin barely managed to ask, but still got a worry in his head.

“I can take you,” Connor murmured, barely moving his lips but the words still came out clear.

And so he did. Gavin came with a shaking moan.

They stayed like that for a moment—Connor still between his legs, lazily licking his lips while Gavin tried to catch his breath.

“Tasty,” the android finally said.

“You can’t taste shit, don’t lie to me,” Gavin panted with his breath finally evening out.

“The texture’s good,” Connor smirked as he stood.

Gavin’s eyes stayed glued to him, watching as Connor walked over to a drawer.

“This one, right?” he asked, pulling out a bright pink bottle of lube. The android scoffed. “Manly man has cherry-flavored lube?”

“It was a goodbye gift from Tina, don’t judge it,” Gavin collapsed back onto the bed, but kept his eyes on him.

“Sounds like Tina really takes care of you,” Connor said, sitting beside him with a smile.

“Yeah, well… you can send her a thank-you letter,” he muttered. Not that he ever would—her ego would skyrocket.

But Tina vanished from his mind entirely the second Connor climbed on top of him again, kissing him. God, he’d lost count how many times they kissed since yesterday and every damn time, it was incredible. He was so touch-starved. Connor could do anything to him and he’d let him. He could kill him, and Gavin probably wouldn’t even notice.

Connor lowered his head, kissing along his collarbone, then down to his nipples, giving them just enough attention. Gavin threaded his fingers through the android’s hair, letting him do whatever he wanted, moaning softly when he felt a sharp bite. Connor really liked biting. Good thing Gavin was very into that.

The android took his time exploring Gavin’s body with his mouth and teeth, leaving wet trails, getting him hard again in no time. Then, without warning, Connor shifted him and suddenly Gavin was no longer on his back but face-down, head turned into the pillow. The android grabbed a fistful of his hair, gently but firmly pressing his head down. Gavin let out a quiet moan and glanced at him over his shoulder, because that’s all he could do. He could be kinda into that too.

He watched as Connor dipped his long fingers into the lube, spreading it slowly, watching how the gel coated them. Bastard wasn’t even pretending to hurry, while Gavin waited, need clawing at him.

Finally, Connor touched him, circling his entrance before slipping in two long, elegant fingers. Gavin moaned quietly at the stretch. Connor leaned down to kiss the back of his neck in apology and started moving his fingers inside him. Apparently, androids came with GPS for prostates because he found it almost instantly, pressing right against it. A broken moan slipped from Gavin’s lips as Connor began stretching and massaging him thoroughly, stimulating that spot over and over.

Gavin gripped the pillow tight, because that was all he could do from this position, letting out low, needy whimpers.

Connor added a third finger briefly before pulling out, and Gavin groaned at the sudden emptiness.

But the android was generous—or something close to it—because he immediately slicked up his cock with lube.

“You sure you want this? We can stop here,” Connor mocked his words from the night before.

“Don’t you dare,” Gavin growled.

“Now you know how dumb it sounded.”

“I’m sorry I tried to be wo—” His words were cut off as Connor slowly pushed inside him.

Gavin exhaled shakily, clenching involuntarily around him. Connor leaned down and kissed his neck again before moving, giving him a moment to adjust. He laced their fingers again, pinning their hands above Gavin’s head, his warm body pressing him down into the mattress. Finally, Connor started moving, sensing he’d relaxed—and fuck, it was perfect. He found Gavin’s sweet spot again without missing a beat, hitting it with each slow, deliberate thrust until Gavin was a gasping, moaning mess beneath him. Every stroke sent shocks through his spine, each one sharper than the last.

Gavin couldn’t think—didn’t want to think. All he could do was feel: the drag of Connor’s cock inside him, the weight of his body keeping him grounded, and the way their fingers stayed tightly, desperately entwined above his head.

Connor’s breath was warm against his skin, ragged and shallow. “You’re doing so well,” “you’re such a good boy” he was whispering and other things — voice low and rough with affection and hunger all at once. It completely made him lose his mind. Connor pressed another kisses between Gavin’s shoulder blades, lingering there like he didn’t want to pull away.

Gavin whimpered something unintelligible in response, grinding his hips back to meet him, chasing the rhythm. He was completely lost in it—his body burning, his mind buzzing, undone by the way Connor moved, touched, held him like he mattered.

Connor let go of one of his hands, sliding it down along Gavin’s side, over his hip, then lower. His fingers wrapped around Gavin’s cock, stroking him in time with his thrusts, drawing a loud, broken moan from deep in his chest.

“Connor—” Gavin gasped, barely able to form the word.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured into his neck. “Let go for me.”

That was all it took.

Gavin came with a loud moan, his body trembling beneath the weight of sensation, of emotion, of everything. Connor held him through it, fucking him through the aftershocks with steady, deliberate movements until he was shaking, oversensitive and boneless. And then Connor followed, burying himself deep with a groan. He collapsed forward slowly, careful not to crush him, keeping them connected. They stayed like that for a while, catching their breath. Connor eventually shifted just enough to roll to the side, pulling Gavin with him so they lay face to face. His hand cupped Gavin’s cheek, thumb brushing gently over the flushed skin.

“You okay?” he asked, softer now, voice barely above a whisper.

Gavin nodded, eyes half-lidded and content. “More than okay,” he rasped. “Fucking perfect.”

“You say that a lot,” Connor noted casually.

“What? ‘Fucking’?”

“No. Perfect.”

“That’s because everything about you so far is.”

Connor gave him a look that clearly disagreed, but Gavin leaned in to kiss him before he could say anything stupid. The android huffed, but like every time, he kissed him back. Gavin laughed into his mouth in victory and then suddenly rolled them over so Connor lay on his chest. The weight of him felt perfect. He never wanted to move.

“You’re really a stupid man,” was all the android muttered before settling down on top of him.

“But you like that about me,” Gavin grinned.

The soft huff he got in response counted as confirmation.

They stayed like that for a long time, Gavin gently tracing patterns on Connor’s back.

“It was because of Hank,” Connor said quietly, breaking the silence.

Gavin frowned, confused. What did that old drunk have to do with anything now?

“On Friday. When you called me. Before that, I tried to contact Hank,” Connor explained, and Gavin felt a flare of anger at the idea that something had driven Connor to tears. “Don’t get the wrong idea,” he added quickly, sensing Gavin’s shift in mood. “I tried to call him, but when he actually picked up, I couldn’t say a word. I was so pathetic I just hung up. I was scared of what he might say.” He sighed and nuzzled closer to Gavin’s chest, hiding his face.

Gavin poked him in the back.

“Okay, first of all, you little shit. You’re about the furthest thing from pathetic. It’s normal to worry about how people you care about will react. Welcome to the human experience. It’s shitty sometimes, even most of the time.”

He tended to forget that Connor was still new to all this. He didn’t have a whole life’s worth of experience like Gavin did. What—two and a half years, tops? Maybe three? He must’ve felt awful when he deviated and was left completely on his own. Honestly, it was kind of incredible how well he’d done. It only proved how intelligent—for an android—and resourceful he was.

“And second... ah, fuck it.” Gavin had been thinking about it ever since Connor mentioned wanting to reach out to Hank. “When’s your next day off?”

“Next Saturday?” Connor lifted his head slightly, looking at him curiously.

“Well, lucky you. I’ve got Saturday off too.”

Connor shot him a teasing look, the kind that said ‘You don’t even work.’

“We’re taking a little trip to Detroit. Gonna visit some old friends. This offer is non-refundable.”

Connor seemed to deflate a little. “I appreciate it, Gavin. I do. But I don’t think it’s a good idea.” The sadness in his voice was unmistakable.

“Well, I think it’s a fantastic idea. No moping around, and the old man finally gets some social contact. I’ll call ahead to tell him I’m coming, but I’m not saying a word about you.”

Connor stared at the wall for a moment, clearly considering it.

“What will you tell him?” he asked, which pretty much meant yes.

“I’ll figure it out.”

The android snorted quietly but tried to muffle it against Gavin’s chest.

“Hey!” Gavin jabbed him in the side with two fingers, making Connor squirm slightly. “Don’t underestimate me. My ideas are glorious.”

Connor propped himself up on his elbows, looking down at him with a spark in his eyes.

“I have a glorious idea too. How about I give you a third orgasm today?”

A spark of heat twisted in Gavin’s gut.

“Yeah, you’re winning that one,” he said, pulling Connor in for a kiss and just like that, they lost themselves in each other again.

Eventually, they dragged themselves out of bed, took a quick shower, and ended up in the kitchen again. It was past lunchtime, much to Connor’s disapproval of Gavin skipping meals. If the android knew how Gavin had been eating lately, it would’ve given him a heart attack. Or what, a pump attack? Whatever.

Now Connor wasn’t just making pancakes but sunny-side-up eggs too, “to provide more nutritional value.” And, of course, not without his complaints about Gavin’s nearly empty fridge.

Gavin leaned on the counter, sipping what was definitely no longer morning coffee, quietly watching him. Connor was back in one of his shirts—this time a V-neck—and black shorts. Gavin could’ve wondered how the hell he ended up here, with Connor in his clothes, making him a breakfast-dinner combo… But he didn’t want to. He just wanted to enjoy it. Maybe even accidentally snapped a photo and sent it to Tina. No caption. Just wanted to see her reaction.

Connor eventually slid a plate in front of him and took the seat across the table.

Gavin happily stabbed his fork into a pancake and took a bite. Connor was still staring at him, making Gavin shift a little in his seat.

“What?” he asked around a mouthful. “You’re staring.”

“I like watching people eat.”

“That’s a weird kink,” Gavin muttered, just as a notification popped up on his phone. They both glanced at it. He took his phone and opened the chat with Tina.

3:32 PM
Tina: WHAT
Tina: OMG GAVIN???
Tina: WHERE THE HELL DID YOU FIND THIS GUY??
Tina: He looks so hot. How did you pull him??

He heard Connor laugh quietly and realized the android had also read the message. He looked from his phone to Connor, narrowing his eyes.

“Did you fucking hack my phone?”

3:33 PM
Tina: You liar—did you find someone at the club?
Tina: TELL ME YOU BITCH

“Well, she wants an answer.”

“I don’t give them for free. She didn’t even recognize you.”

Connor hummed as Gavin shoveled another forkful of pancake into his mouth.

“I barely talked to her at DPD. She probably doesn’t remember me.”

3:35 PM
Gavin: Your memory is worse than mine.

3:35 PM
Tina: ???
Tina: Now that I look again, he looks familiar... but I can’t place him??
Tina: Omg, don’t tell me it’s one of your crazy exes
Tina: Wait no—they were all ugly

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Gavin snorted, seeing Connor try to hide a smirk behind his hand.

“Maybe a little.”

His phone rang and Tina’s name lit up the screen. Of course. She’d never been the patient type.

“You asshole, ignoring my texts now?” she snapped as soon as he picked up.

“Maybe I’ve got better things to do,” he said, glancing at Connor, who was trying and failing to act like he wasn’t listening.

“Don’t even try to gaslight me, Gavin Wayne Reed,” she grumbled, then took a deep breath. “Just tell me who this is. I know I know this guy, but I can’t put a name to the face.”

To Gavin’s surprise, Connor took the phone from his hand and set it on the table, switching to speaker mode.

“Hi, my name is Connor. I’m the android sent by CyberLife,” he said in that old emotionless voice—face dead serious.

Gavin felt like he’d time-traveled two years into the past. The kitchen went dead silent and so did Tina.

Then Gavin burst out laughing, followed by a loud “WHAT?!” from Tina on the line.

“Don’t ever do that again, you bastard, that’s terrifying!” Gavin choked between laughs.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. They designed me to appear friendly and comforting to humans. That’s far from terrifying,” Connor smiled sweetly.

“Well, they failed,” Gavin snorted.

“Wait, wait, wait—I feel like I’m missing something!” Tina exclaimed. “Is that really—?! Connor Connor? The android from our department?!”

“It’s nice to hear your voice again, Tina,” Connor said warmly.

“Dude, we thought you were dead! Gavin, did you kidnap him and hide him in your basement this whole time?”

“As light as he is, I doubt I could manage that.”

“Oh, so you finally checked,” Tina teased.

“Finally?” Connor asked.

Gavin’s ears started burning. He knew exactly where Tina was going with this. Shut up, Tina, shut your damn mouth—

“Oh, you know, just how he used to undress you with his eyes every time you walked into the bullpen, and he probably wanted to—”

He muted the call before she could finish.

They stared at the phone. Gavin was bright red. Connor finally looked up at him slowly.

“So let me get this straight. You hated my android guts back then… But at the same time, you wanted to hit on me?”

He groaned and hid his face in his hands. “Don’t talk to me. I was having a crisis.”

“Probably not just that,” Connor teased.

“Oh, fuck off,” he sighed, defeated, and unmuted Tina.

“Don’t you ever mute me again!” she hissed the moment she realized, she wasn’t mute anymore.

“Shut up, bitch. You earned it,” he shot back, no real heat behind the words.

Tina ignored him and turned back to Connor. “So what happened? You’ve just been living in whatever city this bastard moved to?”

“Hey—”

“Not the whole time,” Connor said calmly. “But yes, mostly.”

“That’s incredible,” she laughed, then sobered. “Oh my god. I hope Gavin gave you a proper apology before sleeping with you. I’m sorry too. Things were… so messed up before and during the revolution. We were wrong.”

They spared a look, Connor's gaze softened slightly as it met theirs. Gavin blushed a bit and looked away, suddenly very interested in finishing his breakfast. That damn android made him so soft.

“Don’t worry. He did,” Connor said, idly playing with a coin—Gavin had no idea where it came from. “And thank you. But don’t bother apologizing. We all were different people back then.”

There was a short, awkward silence before Tina spoke again. “Yeah… you’re probably right. Anyway, moving on to much more interesting topics… When the hell did this happen?! Gavin gave me nothing. And I know it’s not just a one-night stand, because he’s been so weird these past few days.”

“You’re talking nonsense,” Gavin said, finishing his food and standing to make more coffee. He may or may not have brushed Connor’s shoulder as he passed, hiding a smile. He caught the upward twitch of Connor’s lips from the corner of his eye.

Connor and Tina kept chatting, the android sharing little details Gavin had carefully kept private. He watched from behind his mug, half-listening. They were both laughing—probably about him—and Connor looked genuinely happy. And Gavin thought that maybe… just maybe…He’d finally found a real reason to feel alive again.

Chapter Text

The rest of their day went by as pleasantly as one could imagine. They both agreed it was best not to leave Gavin’s apartment at all. Not that they spent the time doing anything particularly productive. Most of it was just lazing around, sharing lazy kisses, watching cartoons, and even playing a few rounds of Mario Kart—until Gavin threw the controller and accused him of cheating. He wasn’t, but the man didn’t believe him anyway. The reminder that he’d been banned from every game night didn’t help his case.

Connor also found himself quickly becoming very clingy toward Gavin, though the man didn’t seem to mind at all. He let Connor touch him freely, never flinching or giving him a weird look. It was that fixation again—his endless fascination with human warmth, the sensation of skin against skin. And coming from someone he was slowly becoming obsessed with? It was a jackpot. Gavin could probably just lay flat on top of him like a weighted blanket and he’d be the happiest android alive.

Evening came, and with it, the time for Connor to leave. His pets were home missing, and he had a morning shift. Gavin insisted on riding with him in the car, promising he’d take a taxi back. Connor didn’t argue much, despite wanting to.

When they arrived at his place, they stayed a moment on the porch, simply sharing the quiet. That’s when he realized—he didn’t want the day to end. Before Gavin could walk away, he grabbed his hand, a single word slipping from his lips.

“Stay?”

The man agreed without hesitation.

It didn’t take long before they ended up in Connor’s bed again, clothes scattered across the floor. This time, everything was slow, gentle, full of affection. And Connor loved it that way. Later, they showered together and fell asleep tangled in the sheets.

He couldn’t have been happier.

Gavin woke up in an empty bed again, but this time it didn’t worry him. He would’ve still preferred to wake up next to a warm, soft body, sure—but you couldn’t always get everything you wanted. Had Connor already left for work? He figured the android would’ve woken him up before leaving… unless he’d left him a spare key? That thought was oddly comforting.

This time, he was the one wearing the other’s loose clothes—or rather, just Connor’s boxers and pajama pants, since the android had forbidden him from putting on a shirt.
Not that he minded.

He’d quickly noticed that Connor had become very touchy, and lucky for both of them, Gavin was starving for it. He gladly accepted everything the android offered.

He slowly got out of bed to look for any sign of Connor. Maybe a note? To his surprise, he found the android himself in the kitchen. So it wasn’t that late after all.

“I thought I told you to fuck those fancy breakfasts,” he said, leaning against the doorway and watching the other man.

Connor was cooking again—or rather, finishing up already. He was fully dressed and clearly ready for work. Snow was circling around his feet, while Shiro padded up to Gavin to greet him. He scratched behind the dog’s ear, earning a pleased tail wag. He’d always considered himself more of a cat person, but Shiro was cute enough. Like an overgrown white fox.

“I didn’t want to leave you hungry,” Connor replied at last. “And this isn’t fancy. Just what I already had at home.”

He placed something on the table that suspiciously looked like oatmeal with nuts and dried fruit. Healthy. Gavin wondered if he fed kids like this too.

“But I’m afraid if you want coffee, we’ll need to stop by a store. Gavin?”

He blinked at the sound of his name, realizing he’d spaced out and hadn’t heard half of what Connor had just said.

“Uh—yeah!” he answered awkwardly, smiling as he walked over and picked up the bowl.

The android snorted quietly, he’d definitely noticed the distraction. He stepped closer, brushing his hand against Gavin’s shoulder, but much to Gavin’s disappointment, kept walking past him. With mild resentment, he took his first spoonful of the oatmeal.

Turns out, it wasn’t nearly as bad as it looked. It was kinda sweet—Connor must’ve added honey or sugar or something. He actually started eating it with interest, but the android returned a moment later.

“Get dressed, Cloudy Boy. I have to go,” Connor said, tossing a shirt into his chest. “Unless you want me to lock you in my house.”

That sounded… a little suggestive.

“I haven’t finished my food,” he complained, a bit childishly.

Connor reached out with those long fingers and stole the bowl right from his hands. Left with no better option, Gavin pulled the shirt over his head. It was a bit tight across his shoulders.

“I could leave through the window,” he offered, grabbing his jacket.

“And leave it open for thieves? You’re ridiculous,” Connor replied, giving him a look before pulling on his coat. “Come on. You’ll finish this in the car.”

He kissed Gavin on the cheek and opened the door.

Gavin blushed slightly and followed him out.

With the dumbest grin plastered on his face, he placed the empty bowl in the sink, promising himself he'd wash it later—not now. Now, he was far too distracted. He practically bounced through the apartment, aimlessly wandering from room to room like he couldn't decide where to put all that energy. His fingers brushed against furniture, trailed along door frames, tapped rhythmically on the counter.

There was a warmth in his chest that made everything feel a little easier, like the weight he usually carried had finally lifted. It was ridiculous. Embarrassing, even. He was acting like some lovesick teenager. But hell—maybe he was. He didn’t mind anymore. Whatever had once held him back, whatever pride or cynicism used to sit heavy on his shoulders, had been melted down by one overly thoughtful android.

He was just… happy.

Really, genuinely happy. And he wasn’t about to ruin it by overthinking everything for once in his goddamn life.

After leaving Connor’s place, the android had actually taken him to a drive-through coffee shop and bought him a to-go cup. Gavin had been a little thrown by it, which for some reason only seemed to amuse Connor further. They’d ended up talking about the whole “cooking thing.”

“You know you don’t have to make me food. You’re not my personal maid,” Gavin pointed out, trying not to sound ungrateful. He didn’t want Connor feeling obligated.

He’d already noticed that Connor wrestled with certain expectations—maybe he felt like he owed something?

“I know,” Connor replied, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “But I want to. It helps me collect my thoughts.”

Fair enough.

Gavin flopped onto the couch with a dramatic spin, limbs sprawled out like he was auditioning for a mattress commercial. He still had stuff to do today—might as well get it over with before his good mood got sabotaged. He grabbed his phone and called Anderson without overthinking it. The old bastard picked up after three rings.

“Been a while, Anderson,” Gavin greeted, keeping his tone light. He was trying here.

“Reed? What the hell do you want?” Hank’s voice came gruff and unimpressed.

“Yeah, great talking to you too,” Gavin sighed. This was already going sideways.

“You must be really bored if you're calling me.”

“Look, I’m not calling to pick a fight.”

“Oh wow, what a change.”

Gavin gritted his teeth, then took a slow, grounding breath. You're doing this for Connor, remember. This matters to him.

“Okay, just shut up and listen before you cut me off again. I don’t have all day. Some dumbass sent a package to my new address, but with your name on it. It’s from the department, I can tell from the stickers.”

“What the hell? What is it?” Hank’s irritation gave way to curiosity.

“I don’t know. I didn’t open it, but it’s kinda big. I’ll be in Detroit next Saturday, so I can drop it off then.”

“Can’t you just send it?”

“And risk those mailroom geniuses screwing it up again? You know how bad they are.”

“Fine, whatever,” Hank grumbled, not thrilled, but not arguing either. “When the hell did you move out of Detroit?”

“Getting all nosy about my life now?” Gavin shot back before biting his tongue. “A few weeks ago.” One week before I met Connor, he added silently.

“Weird,” was all Hank said.

Before Gavin could ask what he meant by that, Hank continued.

“If you don’t have anything else, I’m hanging up.”

Like you've got anything better to do, old man, Gavin thought bitterly.

“Wait—one more thing. You still have your dog?”

No idea how or when Connor had met the dog, but apparently he liked him so he was important too.

“You mean Sumo? Yeah. Honestly, it feels like the old boy’s gonna outlive me.” Hank chuckled quietly, momentarily forgetting who he was talking to. Then he paused. “See you Saturday, Reed.”

“See you, Anderson.”

Well… that hadn’t gone too terribly.

The days leading up to Saturday passed like some sort of fever dream. They were seeing each other almost daily and almost every day ended in one of their beds. Or against a wall. Or the damn coffee table. They weren’t picky about location anymore.

Most of the time it was Connor’s place, because of the pets. They also branched out a little—Connor finally started showing him the so-called charms of the city, dragging him out on walks or late-night drives. Their routine became weirdly domestic. Connor would pick him up after work, they’d go feed the pets, then head out somewhere. In the evening, they’d come back, toss on a movie that usually devolved into background noise for a makeout session. Gavin would go back to his place in the morning.

Of course, not every day fits the mold. Like that damn Tuesday morning when a cold, wet tongue dragged him out of sleep. He frowned and blindly pushed at the dog.

“Fuck off, Shiro,” he mumbled, still half-asleep.

He could feel Connor behind him, arm wrapped around his waist. So it couldn’t be time for breakfast or a walk yet.

But Shiro was persistent. The dog whimpered near his ear and nudged at his arm until Gavin finally cracked an eye open.

Shiro stood there, tail wagging like he’d won the lottery.

“Yeah, yeah, hang on, you needy little gremlin,” Gavin muttered, glancing at Connor.

Despite the dog’s antics, Connor hadn’t stirred from stasis. He was peacefully curled around him, one hand resting on Gavin’s waist, the other under his head. The sight sparked a warm flutter in his chest. It wasn’t just the cuddling—it was seeing him like this. Still. Vulnerable. Connor usually woke up before him, so moments like this were rare.

Gavin resisted the urge to reach out and touch him, slowly slipping from his hold to avoid waking him. He shooed Shiro out of the room and closed the door softly behind them.

Still squinting through sleep, he followed the dog to the front door until he realized he was in nothing but boxers.

“Ah, shit—hold on,” he called to Shiro, planning to run back for something to wear, when he spotted Connor’s long coat hanging nearby.

Good enough.

He threw it on, wrapping it tight around himself, and stepped outside into the freezing morning air. Shiro wasted no time dragging him off to his favorite pee spots.

“You better be grateful. I’m freezing my ass off out here,” Gavin grumbled. Yep, definitely awake now. It was colder than he’d expected. What time even was it?

“You drank your whole water bowl or what?” he muttered. Shiro barked in reply, tail wagging like he was in on the joke.

When they got back, Gavin was surprised to find Connor sitting on the couch, now wide awake. He stood up the moment Gavin stepped through the door. Gavin unhooked the leash, and Shiro pranced over to nuzzle his owner. Traitor.

“You know, the whole point of that walk was not waking you up,” Gavin grunted, still wrapped in the coat like a burrito.

Connor gave him a complicated look. “You took him out? It’s barely five.”

He stepped forward and began rubbing Gavin’s arms, clearly noticing the way he was still shivering.

“Yeah, well, he woke me up with a desperate urge to pee. Didn’t exactly have a choice.”

Which meant it had been after four when they’d gone out. Ugh.

“You could’ve woken me.”

“You were sleeping.”

“I don’t really sleep, Gavin. I wouldn’t have been tired later. Unlike you.”

“Well, for me you were sleeping and you have a job later, so shut up,” Gavin snapped, finally shedding the coat once he’d thawed out enough. “Now come on, let’s go back to bed. It’s way too early to be functioning.”

He turned and headed toward the bedroom, glancing over his shoulder when he noticed Connor wasn’t following.

“Con?”

The android shook his head, then started moving.

“Coming.”

Despite being woken up by a dog and chilled to the bone, Gavin fell back asleep easily—safe, warm, and tangled up with the man who’d somehow turned his whole damn life upside down.

The other weird day was when he decided to pick up Connor from work without telling him. It was Thursday, two days before their trip to Detroit. Gavin could tell the android was already stressing about it—so he figured he’d do something nice and surprise him.

He waited in the parking lot, leaning against his car, when he spotted Connor coming out of the building with some other guy. They were talking. Gavin let out a sharp whistle to grab his attention and it worked. Connor turned his head, said a few more words to the blond guy, and then headed toward him.

“That’s called catcalling, you know?” Connor greeted him, raising an eyebrow. “What are you doing here?”

“Scoping out my future workplace,” Gavin shot back. The android just tilted his head in that adorable confused way of his. “It’s a surprise. Come on.” Gavin walked around to the passenger side.

“I have my car here,” Connor pointed out mildly.

“It’s a police station, no one’s gonna steal it, Con,” Gavin replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world. He got a blank look in response.

“Shiro and Snow?”

“I already asked your neighbors.”

Connor blinked at him, clearly surprised. “You did?”

“Yeah. After I left your place, I knocked on their doors. They agreed way too enthusiastically.”

“…That’s surprising,” he said slowly.

“I know, right? Me, voluntarily talking to people. Absolutely shocking,” Gavin smirked and opened the car door for him.

“You know that’s not what I meant,” Connor muttered, shooting him a look, but he slid into the seat anyway.

“No? Then what could you possibly mean?” Gavin asked sarcastically, starting the car.

They pulled up in front of a small, newly opened café that looked pretty unassuming from the outside. Connor gave the building a once-over, but didn’t scan it. Gavin could tell because there was no sudden analysis-face reaction.

“They just opened this raccoon café. Thought you might like it,” Gavin said, rubbing the back of his neck, feeling unexpectedly nervous. Connor liked animals, sure but all animals?

Connor turned to him with sudden excitement.

“Raccoons?”

“You know, little trash pandas—”

“I know what raccoons are, Gavin. Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Let’s go.” He grabbed Gavin’s arm and started pulling him toward the entrance.

Gavin laughed quietly and let himself be dragged.

The café had two sections: the typical coffee shop area with tables and pastries, and a second one behind glass doors filled with raccoons. Obviously, Connor ignored the latte half of the place and made a beeline for the fluff zone. The animal room was decently sized, filled with climbing structures, cozy huts, and toys. If it weren’t for the creatures wandering the floor, you might mistake it for a cat café.

“Look at them,” Connor whispered excitedly.

He crouched near one of the raccoons that had taken an interest in them and extended a finger. The furry little guy grabbed it with both paws. Connor let out a small, barely-restrained squeal.

“Look at his tiny hands!” he whispered to Gavin, beaming.

“I guess you can call them cute,” Gavin admitted, crouching beside him.

Scanning the room, Connor identified six raccoons, two of which were snoozing in the huts. One of them climbed into his lap, and Connor immediately melted, giving it gentle pets.

“I’ve never seen a raccoon in real life before. I heard some people keep them as pets.”

“They’re more like pests,” Gavin snorted. Connor elbowed him.

“Don’t call them that. You’ll hurt their feelings.”

“One of them raided my garbage last year,” he grumbled but still reached out to pet the one toddling toward him.

“They’re so cute. Maybe I should just steal one. It’d fit in my backpack,” Connor joked.

“We’re not getting a raccoon in the house,” Gavin groaned.

Connor tilted his head and grinned. “We?”

Gavin realized what he’d said and promptly blushed, eyes darting around the room for a distraction.

“I mean you can’t get one. It would ruin your pet color scheme.”

Right on cue, a white raccoon waddled out of its hut. Connor’s grin only widened.

“Oh, look at her. White!”

“Why the hell did they have to have an albino one,” Gavin muttered in defeat.

“So… about that shared child—”

“You know, I’m really thirsty. Let’s go grab something to drink,” Gavin said abruptly, standing up in a hurry.

“You ruin my fun sometimes,” Connor murmured, giving the raccoons a few last head pats before following him out.

They snagged a table by the window, close enough that Connor could still keep an eye on the raccoons—which, of course, he was doing. Before Gavin had time to stress over his little verbal fumble, a waiter approached to take their order.

Something was off.

Connor’s posture stiffened slightly, lips pressed into a thin line as he looked up at the guy. The waiter glanced at Connor, then threw a sour look at Gavin. The hell was that about?

“We’ll have a soy latte and thirium coffee. Thank you,” Connor said, not breaking eye contact. Oh. He looked pissed as fuck.

“Sure. Drinks’ll be out in a minute,” the guy replied coldly before walking off. Gavin tracked him with a frown, then turned back to Connor.

“The fuck was that?”

Connor flexed his fingers slightly and stared at his nails like they were fascinating.

“Nothing important. That was my ex.”

Gavin felt something heavy drop into his gut. Out of all the cafés in this city, he just had to pick the one where Connor’s ex worked? The android looked noticeably off now, trying to hide it, but yeah, Gavin could see right through him. Jesus, he’d totally ruined their day.

And now his brain was spinning. When did they date? How long? Why did they break up? Shit. Say something, idiot—Connor was watching him with that careful expression, waiting for a reaction.

“Do you want to leave? Or want me to punch him? Because he looks like a total asshole.”

“That’s… very tempting,” Connor muttered, folding his napkin with just a little too much aggression. “Considering he cheated on me.”

Gavin blinked. “Cheated? Seriously?” He looked at him in disbelief. “How?”

What the hell?

“I assume by sleeping with other people. That’s usually how cheating works,” Connor snapped, a little sharper than usual.

“That’s not what I meant, you bastard. I meant how the hell could anyone cheat on you? What kind of greedy moron was that guy?”

You get someone who’s a 10/10 and you still cheat? Gavin shouldn't have been surprised considering people were trash, but he was.

Connor frowned, clearly thrown off, and folded another napkin.

“When I found out, I assumed he cheated because maybe… maybe being with an android wasn’t enough. That he got bored and wanted a human partner. But turns out, he was only sleeping with other androids. So apparently I was the defective one.”

“Connor, come on,” Gavin cut him off before he spiraled into some self-deprecating nonsense. “You know that’s not it. That guy’s just a complete snob. You’re hot, brilliant, funny as hell, patient, sweet—and you cook like you trained with Gordon Ramsay. You’re stubborn in the best damn way. Not to mention you’re amazing in bed,” he added under his breath. “You’re more than that asshole ever deserved.”

Hell, you’re probably more than I deserve.

Connor wasn't exactly expecting those words from Gavin. Sure, they liked each other, but Gavin had never praised him like that. It was confusing, and at the same time, exhilarating. Made him soft and sappy. He had a strong urge to kiss him after that. Will it always be like this?

He had learned his worth well after that unfortunate relationship, so it wasn’t that he felt undervalued. When he talked about his ex, it was in a relaxed tone, like he was just recalling events. Still, hearing those words lifted his spirits.

“Were you… dating other androids?” Gavin asked suddenly, throwing him completely off balance. First, he said something like that, and now he was asking this? Unpredictable as always. Connor frowned.

“No. Kevin was my only relationship, and after that, I didn’t try with anyone else. Not to mention that a lot of androids were afraid of me in the beginning,” he answered truthfully.

Of course, he had some hookups, but mostly just one-night stands. Just for fun and experimentation.

Gavin frowned, the strange worry vanishing from his eyes. “Why would they be afraid?”

“Did you forget who I was? The literal deviant hunter?”

“I know, but that was before your deviation. You had no control over your actions.”

“That doesn’t erase who I was or what I did.”

“I don’t agree with that. You weren’t in control.”

“I was, I am, a killing machine, Gavin. Don’t forget that. I was made to hunt, neutralize, and kill ‘defective’ androids. The fact that I didn’t have control doesn’t mean they saw me any differently. They knew who I was and what I’d done. Other deviants warned each other about ‘the deviant hunter,’” he drawled.

It still hurt a little when he thought about it. Sure, the androids eventually forgave and forgot, but that first half-year had been tough. Unable to connect with his own kind, while humans weren’t exactly welcoming either. He had felt kinda lonely.

“I was ‘working’ for three months for the FBI before the DPD, and you damn well know how desperate they were to eliminate all deviants,” he continued. “I caused the deaths of so many… I’ll have their blood on my hands forever.”

He looked down at his hands, clenching them. No matter what, it would always weigh on him. A slightly larger hand gently slid into his. He looked up at Gavin, who was watching him softly.

“I know it’ll take time before you can forgive yourself, even though I personally don’t think you have anything to forgive. You didn’t choose what you became—CyberLife made you a killer. And that’s so fucking messed up and unfair to you,” he squeezed his hand gently. “I know it’s not the same, but you’re not the only one with blood on their hands.”

“Does it get better?”

“Not exactly,” he tilted his head. “But you learn to live with it.” He gave him a supportive look.

The synthetic skin on Connor’s hand itched for some reason. Like it wanted to peel off, which made no sense—there was nothing to connect to. It probably would have passed in seconds, when the sound of glass hitting the table broke him out of it. He quickly pulled his hand back.

“Enjoy,” Kevin said dryly and walked away.

“As I said, a complete fucking idiot,” the detective scoffed.

He began pouring sugar into his coffee, while Connor tried to sort through his thoughts. He had so many—about himself, Gavin, or them. The problem was that after nearly two weeks, they had never actually defined what they were. Were they dating? Gavin hadn’t asked him out, and vice versa, but was that even necessary? When and how did people decide they were in a relationship? He didn’t have enough experience to know, and databases didn’t exactly work in real life.

He glanced over at the source of his thoughts. Gavin always looked at him like he was everything but did he know how much he already meant to Connor? Was he showing it enough? Looking back at his latte, a sudden, stupid thought came to mind.

“Wait—” Connor interrupted before Gavin could take a sip of his coffee.

The man raised a brow as Connor took the drink from his hands. He dipped his lips in to run an analysis. He snorted in disbelief when his suspicion was confirmed.

“Oh, that’s funny,” he set the glass on the table, but seeing Kevin again, he grabbed it back. “Excuse me for a second.”

This was highly unacceptable and only doubled his growing anger. He approached his stupid ex with fast, deliberate steps, glass in hand. As he passed him, pretending to trip over a table leg, he “accidentally” threw the entire drink right onto Kevin’s face. The man gasped, trying to wipe coffee out of his eyes and mouth.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, it was an accident,” Connor said with a concerned, apologetic tone.

“The hell, are you—”

He grabbed Kevin by the shirt, pulling him close.

“Are you sure you’re okay, sir? You look a bit pale,” he called out, lowering his voice to whisper in his ear. He caught Kevin’s wrist in a painful grip as he tried to pull away.

“Don’t you fucking dare mess with him or me again,” he hissed, ice-cold.

“Come on, it was just a little joke, nothing malicious,” Kevin groaned, still grinning stupidly despite the pain.

Connor nearly twisted his arm just to wipe that smirk off his face, but instead, he crushed his wrist in his grip, at the same time sweeping his leg out from under him. Kevin yelped in pain, but the fall masked it.

“You fell down on your own, are you sure you’re okay? Should I get you something?” Connor asked sweetly, helping him up.

“You piece of shit,” Kevin growled, trying to pull away.

“Quiet, or I’ll report you for trying to poison a police officer. How does that sound? You know how serious they take assaulting a cop? Would you like a cold cell for the night?” he hissed.

Kevin paled.

“You’re really dating a dog now?”

Connor almost laughed.

“I didn’t hear sorry,” he sang melodically and stepped on Kevin’s foot.

“Sorry, sorry! Jesus.”

He let go, brushing off Kevin’s shoulders.

“You’ll have to be more careful next time,” he said sweetly before walking away.

“You’re a fucking psycho,” he heard Kevin mutter under his breath.

He smiled.

When he got back to their table, Gavin was staring at him with a mix of disbelief and awe.

“Let’s get out of here and go somewhere with actual decent service,” Connor said before the detective could say anything.

Gavin closed his mouth, seeing this wasn’t up for discussion, and stood up from the table.

When they got into the car, Gavin finally spoke. “What did he add to my coffee?” he sighed, starting the engine.

Connor buckled his seatbelt, considering for a moment. “You would’ve had a fantastic few hours on the toilet. Laxatives that induce vomiting and diarrhea.”

The detective grimaced. “Charming,” he shook his head, then let out a quiet laugh. “Fuck. You know you’ll get a disciplinary if he reports you?”

“Oh, I doubt he will.” He’d have to admit to spiking coffee. “And even if he does, I don’t care. My card can handle it. It was definitely worth it.”

“I bet it felt amazing. Fuck, I hope you dumped his ass the moment you found out he was cheating.”

“I did,” he hummed softly, casting one last glance at the café as they drove away. “The next day he showed up at my door with flowers and apologies. Shiro bit his ass off,” he smiled at the memory.

Gavin snorted with delight. “He’s such a good dog.”

“The best,” Connor agreed.

They spent the rest of the afternoon in the café where Gavin had taken him for cocoa the first time.

Saturday finally came, and it was obvious from the moment Gavin opened his eyes that Connor was incredibly stressed. First off, the bed was empty—which was not normal. Usually, Connor would still be next to him, running his fingers lazily down Gavin’s back or pretending not to watch him sleep. But now? Gone.

He found him in the kitchen, pacing anxious circles around the kitchen island like it owed him money. They were at Gavin’s place this time, staying overnight before heading out to Detroit in the morning. The pets were already being looked after by Connor’s neighbors.

“You’re gonna wear a damn hole in my kitchen floor,” Gavin said, slowly approaching him. “And I’m serious, because with your android strength, I know you could.”

“So?” Connor snapped, a bit sharper than usual. “I thought you liked holes.”

Gavin blinked. Well, that escalated fast.

Connor’s eyes widened as the words registered. He immediately shook his head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

“I mean…” Gavin tilted his head with a slow grin. “You’re not wrong.”

He stepped in, gently steering Connor toward the couch.

“How long have you been up?”

“Two hours,” Connor said quietly, not meeting his eyes.

“You should’ve woken me up, y’know. You can’t just keep spinning in your own head like this.”

Connor shook his head. “You already banned me from driving today. You needed sleep.”

“Stop thinking about me for one goddamn second and think about yourself. I’m here with you for a reason.”

Connor glanced at him, something unreadable in his eyes, then rested his head against Gavin’s shoulder. Gavin put an arm around him, grounding him with the kind of touch that always calmed the android down.

They stayed like that for a while before finally getting up to get ready. The sooner Connor faced the inevitable, the better for both of them.

Gavin kept glancing at him as they drove. Connor was fidgeting with his coin and bouncing his leg like a metronome on speed. They’d been on the road for over an hour now, and somehow the android looked more stressed with every passing minute.

Gavin sighed and pulled over onto the shoulder of the road. Connor jerked slightly, blinking out of his spiral.

“What are you doing?” he asked, voice tight with suspicion and anxiety.

It hurt Gavin a bit. “Getting your ass together before we get there.”

“You don’t have to. I’m fine,” Connor insisted, his voice too steady to be real. If Gavin didn’t know him by now, he might’ve actually believed it.

“Yeah, like shit you are.”

Connor gave him a flat look. Not impressed.

“Look,” Gavin continued, turning toward him. “I know you can calculate the exact distance to Detroit, down to Anderson’s doorstep. And the closer we get, the more you’re unraveling. You gotta stop. It’s all in your head. It’s gonna be fine. I promise you that.”

“You don’t know that!” Connor snapped back, finally cracking.

“I do know!” Gavin shot back, not missing a beat. “Because I’ve known that old bastard since day one of working in this hellhole of a department.”

Then he deflated a little, slumping into the seat. Shit. They weren’t supposed to be fighting.

“Con, look at me.”

He reached out, touching his arm—he knew that helped calm Connor down too. Sure enough, the tension in his shoulders eased just slightly.

“Maybe I was never besties with Anderson,” Gavin said more gently, “but don’t think for a second I didn’t see what he was like after Cole died. The guy was a wreck—drinking, late to everything, just a shell of a person. Then you showed up, and one day I caught him smiling. Smiling! I remember being pissed off like, ‘what the hell is he grinning about over some plastic prick?’ Now I know.”

He shrugged.

“So don’t give me that bullshit about everything going to hell. If I say it’ll be okay, it’ll be okay.”

Connor blinked, a little stunned. “…Okay.”

Gavin narrowed his eyes. “Okay?”

“Yes. Okay. I trust you.”

Gavin stared at him a second longer. That was… rare. Really fucking rare. He could count on one hand the number of people who’d ever said that to him and meant it.

“You know, maybe this was a bad idea after all—”

“Gavin,” Connor said, giving him a small smile. “It’s okay. You’re probably right. I just… I can’t stop myself from overthinking. I keep running simulations of every possible thing that could go wrong.”

“I thought that was my job,” Gavin muttered with a smirk.

“Had to learn it from someone, didn’t I?”

“Asshole,” he shot back fondly. “But remember, I’ll be there too. So if Anderson says or does something dumb, I’ll kick his wrinkly ass.”

“No, you won’t.”

“Wanna bet?”

“Gavin.”

“Alright, alright.” He raised his hands in surrender, then started the car back up.

They drove on.

“This better be something important. I can't believe you drove all this way for some stupid crap from a desk,” Hank’s voice came through loud and clear—and Connor’s stress levels spiked again.

He heard him. Heard him in person after two years. He had waited for this moment for so long. Gavin had insisted he’d be the first to get out of the car, to make small talk and break the tension. Connor could live with that. Honestly, he was grateful.
He watched the detective through the window—the man was leaning against the car in a very relaxed pose.
“Yeah, well, I can assure you this one was expensive,” Gavin said, arms crossed with his usual smugness. “Hey, Con, remind me again, how much did you cost?”

That was it. The moment.

Connor closed his eyes briefly, drew in a breath, and stepped out of the car with a faint, forced smile. “I heard it’s rude to ask people things like that.”

“Eh, you’re confusing that with asking about their weight,” Gavin shot back with a smirk, but went quiet to give them space.

There he was. Hank. Standing there, looking almost exactly like he had two years ago, only now there were emotions rippling across his face at a speed that made Connor’s processor stutter. As soon as Hank saw him, really saw him, his expression cracked with disbelief.

“Hi, Lieutenant,” Connor greeted softly, carefully.

Hank didn’t immediately respond. Connor shifted his weight uncomfortably, fingers fiddling behind his back. He didn't lie about his trust for Gavin, but every calculation can be wrong and maybe after all it wasn't the best idea. He won't get mad at the detective, he did everything to bring him to this moment. Even if it will turn out bad.

“Cat got your tongue?” Gavin threw at him challengingly, but he knew he was helping him.

It worked. Hank blinked, coming back to the moment.

“Is this some kind of joke? What the… how even…” His gaze bounced between Connor and Gavin, but lingered longest on Connor. Like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“I don’t know about you,” Gavin muttered, “but he looks pretty damn real to me.”

Connor shot him a look this time. “Gavin.”

“What?” Gavin shrugged, unbothered.

Hank frowned.

Connor needed to focus. He had to explain. He took a small step forward.

“I… hm—” He cursed himself internally for the stumble. “Look. I know I’m not who you expected to see today. Not after nearly two years. Not after everything. You probably thought you’d never hear from me again. Maybe you were right.” He shifted from foot to foot, anxious. “But I missed you, Hank. I missed your company. I tried to reach out. You have to know I tried. I just… didn’t know how. I was scared you wouldn’t want to see me again and—”

A low, scratchy laugh cut through the air. Connor looked up, startled. Gavin tensed subtly behind him, and Hank noticed that too.

“You were the one who was scared?” Hank shook his head in disbelief. “Jesus, Connor… is that really you? Not some messed up clone or my sad old brain playing tricks?”

Connor gave him a sad smile. “I’m really here,” he offered softly.

Something in Hank broke. His face crumpled, his hands trembled.

“Did you even think of me, once, in those two years?” his voice cracked.

Connor’s expression softened. His heart felt like it was breaking. “More than I’m comfortable admitting.”

A tense silence fell between them. Hank was looking at him with a complicated expression Connor couldn’t quite read, countless thoughts likely racing through his head. He was grateful for Gavin’s quiet presence in the background, the waiting was painful.

He was a bit shocked when he noticed the old man’s eyes were glassy.

“Fuck it,” Hank said hoarsely, stepping forward with raised arms. “Come here.”

Connor’s breath caught. An invitation to hug?

His legs moved on their own. He met Hank halfway and was pulled into a tight, crushing embrace. Strong arms wrapped around him. Warmth enveloped him.

“You son of a bitch. You came back,” Hank murmured into his shoulder.

“I did,” Connor whispered, hugging back slowly.

“Jesus Christ, I can’t believe it.” Hank pulled back just enough to look at him, still gripping his shoulders. “And look at you! You look so… grown.”

Connor laughed softly, overwhelmed. “Well, I had two years for that.” He quickly wiped the tears welling in his own eyes.

Before he could say anything more, a tap on the car window startled him. Gavin. Connor turned to see him with a soft smile, eyes practically saying “Told you so.”

“Looks like you two have a lot to catch up on,” Gavin said. “So, I’ll get going.” He offered Connor a warm look. “Call me when you want to come back. Or if anything happens.”

“You’re not staying?” Hank asked from over Connor’s shoulder.

The question clearly surprised Gavin, whose eyebrows jumped up. He scratched the back of his neck.

“Yeah, well. Tina’s already waiting for me, so… Maybe next time.”

Hank gave him a small nod, still somewhat stunned.

Connor glanced between the two men—the ones he adored, each for entirely different reasons. Unable to hold back the surge of joy and overwhelming relief, he closed the distance between himself and Gavin, pulling him into a tight hug. The man welcomed it without hesitation, chuckling softly.

"Thank you," he whispered into Gavin’s shoulder.

“Stupid android,” Gavin teased, voice warm and fond.

Connor pulled back just enough to look at him. Just seeing Gavin made his heart—or rather, his pump—flutter uncontrollably. Emotions he didn’t even have words for gathered in his chest, warm and soft, spreading through him like sunlight. He loved the sensation of sun.

Without realizing it, the hand resting on the back of Gavin’s neck began to shed its synthetic skin, revealing the sleek surface beneath and a gentle blue glow. Connor frowned, startled, staring at his hand. What… Why was this happening? He hadn’t initiated any interface command, and there was no nearby device to connect with—

Oh. Oh.

The realization hit him hard.

The sudden shift in his expression didn’t go unnoticed by Gavin, who tilted his head slightly, concern flickering across his face. Before either of them could say anything, a loud cough behind them made Connor jump like he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t have. Maybe he had.

He turned quickly to Hank, instinctively hiding his glowing hand behind his back. It returned to normal as if nothing had happened.

The old man stood there with raised eyebrows and arms crossed over his chest.

“I’m gonna need one hell of an explanation for that,” Hank said, gesturing vaguely between the two of them. “But later. First, I just wanna talk to you.”

Connor gave a small, quiet nod, still a little dazed. Before following, he turned to Gavin one last time, now standing with his hands behind his back, fingers tightly entwined.

“Say hi to Tina from me,” Connor said, trying to mask his sudden nervousness with a smile.

The detective clearly didn’t buy it, he shot him a knowing look but decided to let it slide.

“For sure. That witch’s more interested in your life than mine.”

“I’m sure that’s not true, Gavin.”

“You literally read my messages, you little brat—” Gavin’s gaze shifted over Connor’s shoulder, likely catching sight of an already impatient Hank. “Yeah, yeah, I’m going.” He patted Connor on the shoulder and opened the car door. “Have fun.”

As the car pulled away, Hank stepped gently closer, grabbing Connor’s hand to tug him forward.

“Come on, kid,” he said softly. “Let’s see if Sumo still remembers you.”

Connor’s face lit up instantly.

Chapter Text

Hank’s house looked almost exactly the same as it had two years ago, back when Connor had broken into it. Same paint on the walls, same furniture, same rugs. The only difference was that now Cole’s picture had a place of honor on the shelf, framed by small decorations.
Connor stared at it for a moment, feeling that heavy, unpleasant pull in his chest—until a cold nose pressed against his hand.

He glanced down and smiled at Sumo, who was sniffing him enthusiastically.

“Hey, doggy,” he crouched to pet him. “Do you remember me?” He scratched behind the big dog’s ear.

“He seems to remember you,” Hank’s gravelly voice came from behind as he headed toward the kitchen. “I’d offer you something to drink, but sadly I don’t have anything for you.”

“That’s totally fine, don’t worry about it,” Connor replied, simply lowering himself to the floor so he could give Sumo as many pats as he wanted. The dog seemed very pleased with that decision.

“Yeah, maybe I could— What are you doing, don’t sit on the floor!” Hank reappeared in the living room, holding some kind of drink—Connor hoped it wasn’t alcoholic.

“I wanted to give Sumo my full attention.”

“You can give him attention from the couch, come on. I have no idea when I last mopped in here.”

Obediently, Connor got up and moved toward the couch, Sumo happily following.

“You smell another dog, huh, Sumo?” he smiled at the four-legged companion, petting him again the moment he sat down.

“You’ve got a dog?” Hank asked.

Connor brightened instantly at the question.

“Yes! His name’s Shiro. I also have a cat named Snow.” He projected images of his pets onto his palm with open enthusiasm.

He always loved showing pictures of his babies. For a moment, he almost forgot why he’d come, as Hank looked at him with uncertainty, some curiosity, and a faint hint of amusement. The weight of what he needed to say sobered him up a little.

“First off… I feel like I owe you an apology for disappearing without a word.”

“You’ve got nothing to be sorry for, kid. You were doing what was best for you.”

Hank still called him a kid, even though Connor had always been designed to be a grown man.

“At first, maybe… but later, I could’ve looked back. Even for just a second. I’m sorry for that. I wish I’d reached out sooner,” he said quietly.

“You know, I knew you turned into deviant back at that tower.”

Connor looked up at him. “You did?”

He knew Hank was a very intelligent man—he was a lieutenant, after all—but it still surprised him.

“Yeah. You were so damn terrified by what happened, you couldn’t fake it. And you were the one who told me deviants can feel fear.”

Connor was impressed that Hank still remembered that conversation.

“And you didn’t report me,” he noted.

Hank could have ended his life then and there, if he’d just told CyberLife what he suspected. Connor was certain they would have killed him—or replaced him with another, “better” version—before Marcus ever got the chance to lead the revolution. Remarkable how one small decision could change everything.

“Hell, it didn’t even cross my mind,” Hank said. “I was glad when I realized you’d run away from them. Though I’ll admit, I’m still a little bitter you didn’t come to me for help.”

Connor lowered his gaze, idly rubbing Sumo’s ears.

“I left Detroit as soon as we got back from Stratford Tower and I filed my report,” he began, feeling a faint edge of stress return. “Gavin told me that after I disappeared, CyberLife came to your house to look for me. I didn’t come back for help because I was afraid you’d turn me in after all… but in the end, it was the right call. You would’ve gotten into trouble.”

These were thoughts he’d had before and he now realized he’d never told Gavin the full story, even though Gavin never asked about it again. He would have to make up for that, considering the new things he had realized…

“Ah, yes. Gavin,” Hank rolled his eyes, though he didn’t seem ready to press the subject just yet. “So where did you go?”

Back to the present. “I stole one car, then another, just moving from place to place, avoiding being seen. When Marcus won freedom and rights for androids, I settled a few hours outside Detroit.”

At first, he’d left Michigan entirely, putting as much distance between himself and CyberLife’s headquarters as possible. But something had pulled him back.

“And now? What are you doing?” Hank asked, taking in the story so far.

“I came back to work as a detective. Turns out, I’m good at it.”

The old man snorted. “Sure you are. Licking everything and giving me several heart attacks.”

“Nothing’s changed, if that’s what you’re asking,” Connor tilted his head with a small smile.

“I almost feel bad for your coworkers,” Hank snickered.

Connor thought about mentioning that Gavin was about to become one of those coworkers… but let it down for now.

“You know,” Hank continued, his tone dipping into something heavier, “after the revolution, I asked Marcus about you.”

Connor frowned slightly and nodded for him to go on.

“I reached out once to see if maybe—just maybe—you were with them. Or if any of the revolutionaries had seen you. None of them had. I started to worry CyberLife got you, so Marcus demanded another search of the tower and an official statement saying they didn’t have you.”

“He did that?” Connor asked in disbelief.

The ex-lieutenant just nodded.

That was… unexpected. Connor had always assumed the other androids were relieved by his disappearance. Or maybe Marcus had simply wanted to make sure Connor wasn’t a threat anymore.

“So, about you and Reed…” Hank began.

Ah, here it comes.

“Yes?” Connor replied simply, waiting.

“Don’t get me wrong, but what the hell? When did you meet him? Why are you talking to him? And why the hell did he bring you here?”

“You already know Gavin moved out,” Connor said, and Hank nodded. “Well, he moved to the same city I live in.”

“And you thought that was a great reason to befriend him? Last time he had a gun to your head!”

Befriend was definitely an understatement.

“Hank, you did that too,” Connor pointed out lightly.

“Yes, but—!” Hank cut himself off, clearly unsure what to say. “Ah, fuck it. I just don’t get how you can get along with that asshole.”

Connor considered it for a moment before smiling. “I’d say we found some common ground.”

Hank’s face twisted in disgust.

“So there’s no chance the marks on your neck are from some violent criminal?” There was still hope in his voice.

“Well, as far as I know, Gavin’s not on the national criminal registry.”

Oh, Connor was enjoying this far too much.

The ex-lieutenant let out a defeated sigh. He actually looked traumatized now.

“Connor, why… I’m sure that city has more than two residents. You had better options.”

“Actually, it’s got several hundred thousand.”

“And out of all of them, Reed??”

“Hank, I think you’re starting to sound a little homophobic.”

“I’m not homophobic, I’m Reedphobic!”

“He brought me back to you, didn’t he?” Connor felt like he had to start defending Gavin’s honor; Hank was getting too aggressive.

“And that’s what’s so weird about it! He definitely wants something in return.”

Connor bit his lip to keep from saying he gets it every night anyway. Thankfully, Hank went on.

“Is he blackmailing you? Did he promise you something? Connor, if you need money, I can give you money, just name the amount.”

“I just like him, Hank.”

“No one’s ever said that before.”

“Hank,” Connor said more firmly.

The man looked like he was waging an internal war, before finally grunting in defeat and rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“Fine. I have no idea how you made him remotely likeable, but whatever works for you, I guess. But if he screws up—”

“I know, you’ll beat his ass,” Connor smirked. The irony was that Gavin had said the exact same thing about Hank. They’d both probably have a stroke if Connor told them that.

The old man went quiet, apparently satisfied.

“So… how long have you two been dating?”

Or maybe not.

And honestly, that was a very good question—because Connor wasn’t sure himself. Were they dating? Gavin was at his place almost every day. They shared kisses, their bodies, and his bed nearly every night. Half of Gavin’s stuff was already at Connor’s. They swapped clothes, split chores, went out to eat, took walks together…That’s dating… right?

“Oh my god, you don’t know,” Hank’s voice cut into his thoughts, making him realize he’d gone silent too long. “You know what, fuck it, I’m gonna beat his ass anyway.”

Connor quickly shook his head. “No, it’s not his fault. We just suck at communication,” he admitted with a small grimace.

The old man didn’t look convinced. “I don’t know, kid…”

“You’re just looking for an excuse to hit him, aren’t you?” Connor crossed his arms.

“I don’t need an excuse—he’s an asshole.”

Connor sighed quietly. The wall between those two still seemed high… at least from Hank’s side.

“He makes me really happy, you know,” Connor said softly, glancing at the ex-lieutenant before looking back down at his hands, clasping them together.

I think I might love him, he thought.

Hank stared at him for a long moment before exhaling another irritated breath.

“Once again, I have no idea how you managed to pull anything decent out of that bastard, but you did a hell of a job. I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you—like his damn heart’s about to burst out of his eyes. I’d say he’s head over heels for you. So if he really makes you happy, I’ll try to accept it. And for God’s sake, define your relationship already.”

Connor took a moment with that, grateful that despite years of prejudice, Hank was at least trying.

“You think he’s in love?” he asked, lifting his gaze.

A spark of hope lit up in his chest.

“Ha, I’d call that an understatement. He’s all over you,” Hank chuckled. “Hey, don’t give me that dreamy look—you should be terrified!”

Connor laughed quietly, realizing he probably did look very happy.

“I think I can live with that.”

Hank only sighed.

“So... tell me everything about Connor. And I mean everything, don’t leave out a single detail.”

Of course, the second he stepped into Tina’s house, he was ambushed. Didn’t even get the chance to take off his shoes properly before she dragged him into the living room and shoved him down onto the couch. Chris and Sara weren’t around, so he figured they’d be showing up later.

Fantastic. Interrogation round one. He deserved a drink first, at the very least.

With a sigh, he let his head fall back against the couch. “I don’t know what to tell you, Tina. We’re doing fine,” he said plainly.

“Oh, I can already tell,” she pointed at her neck.

He gave her an unimpressed look. “If you're trying to embarrass me, it won’t work.”

He was never shy. Hell, he even liked PDA. He and Con were out almost every day, and people had definitely noticed—but neither of them gave a damn. And Connor? Connor loved biting. Sometimes Gavin seriously wondered if the android thought he was some kind of personal chew toy.

Tina tutted in disappointment. “Mocking you used to be way more fun.” She plopped down next to him. “But come on, Gav. I’m curious. You haven’t dated anyone in ages.”

Oh. There it was. The trigger word. He felt a flicker of heat crawl up his back. The interrogation had just started, and he was already losing ground.

“Why are you suddenly all tense?” she asked, narrowing her eyes. Because of course, nothing escaped her.

“I’m not tense. What are you talking about?” he tried.

“You two already having problems in the relationship? Seriously? You just started.”

“It’s not that,” he bristled, feeling mildly offended.

It had been the best two weeks of his life. He wasn’t about to screw this up—not this time. He was actually trying now. He'd stopped overthinking every damn thing, just like Connor told him to. And like he’d said: they were doing fine. It's just…

“Then what is it? ‘Cause you’re clearly stressing over something,” Tina asked, this time more gently.

Oh, she was about to drop that gentleness fast.

“I said it’s nothing.”

“Gavin.”

“Tina.”

“Oh my god, you’re breaking up. That’s it, isn’t it? That’s why you won’t say anything?”

“You can’t break something that doesn’t exist,” he blurted before he could stop himself—and immediately snapped his mouth shut once he realized what he’d said.

…Great.

Silence fell over the room. Tina just stared at him, stone-faced, her eyes boring into his.

“It’s not what it sounds like…” he started carefully.

“Then explain.” Her voice could’ve sliced through ice.

Jesus. Why did she have to sound so terrifying? Her tone gave him chills. It’s not like he did anything wrong. Probably.

“So… there’s a decent chance we never actually had the talk where we officially decided we’re in a relationship. So technically… we’re not?” he offered, hands spread in surrender.

“You didn’t ask him out?!” Tina shot to her feet, her voice rising, eyes wide with disbelief.

Why the hell was she this emotionally invested in him and Connor? She didn’t act like this over anyone else’s relationships.

“Well, he didn’t ask me either?” he defended weakly, though he had no idea why he felt like he needed to.

Tina just shook her head. That only seemed to make her angrier.

“You basically live at his place.”

“I do not live there—”

“Is your toothbrush there?” she stomped her foot.

He saw where this was going.

“It’s only there so I can make sure he brushes his damn teeth!”

This time, Tina looked genuinely shocked.

“…Why?”

“Did you forget what that freak puts in his mouth? I have to make sure it’s clean.”

“But he’s an android. Doesn’t he have like, built-in mouth-cleaning systems?”

“Yeah. And I don’t trust them.”

“You think toothpaste cleans better than the chemicals in his system? That’s—wait. No. We’re getting off topic, Gavin!”

For a second there, he thought it was working. But yeah, it was true—he had given Connor a toothbrush. The android had looked at him with the most skeptical, thoroughly unimpressed expression. Gavin had told him flat-out he wasn’t sticking anything in that mouth until it was cleaned like a human being. Connor had grudgingly complied.

Turned out, he ended up really enjoying the feeling of a toothbrush gliding over his synthetic teeth—or whatever technical way he’d put it. So they were both happy in the end.

“But I don’t know what else to tell you, Tina. We’re happy. You can ask Con yourself,” he said, folding his arms, trying to read her expression.

Tina looked heartbroken for a moment and covered her face with her hands.

“It’s not about that, Gavin. It’s about having something stable. Someone you know you can count on—”

“I know I can count on him,” he shot back, a little too fast.

Tina pinched the bridge of her nose.

“I hate men. I swear, I hate men,” she muttered under her breath.

Before he could respond, she jabbed a finger in his direction, looking even more furious.

“No. You listen to me. The next chance you get—and I know you’ll get one tonight—you are going to ask that poor boy out. Got it?”

Gavin blinked. “Are you seriously threatening me into asking out my own—what even is he right now? Boyfriend-adjacent?”

“Yes,” Tina growled. “Because clearly, neither of you are going to get there on your own without adult supervision.”

“Oh, I’m the one who needs adult supervision now?” he scoffed.

Tina didn’t even blink. “You gave a toothbrush to a billion-dollar prototype because you didn’t trust what was in his mouth.”

“And I stand by it.”

She sighed dramatically, dropping back onto the couch like her soul had left her body. “Gavin, you like him.”

“Yeah. No shit.”

“You very probably love him,”

He felt his face start to heat up and was about to stop Tina right there, but she shot him a sharp look, warning him not to interrupt.

“And you want to be with him.”

“I am with him,” he muttered, rubbing his face. He damn knew he wasn't actually. 

“No. You're around him. You're on him. You're possibly in love with him. But you’re not with him—not officially—and don’t think I didn’t notice that existential crisis you had just now when you realized it.”

He sighed. Yeah, she was right—and that didn’t make his situation any damn easier.
What if Connor said no? What if he didn’t want anything serious? What if this was just fun for him—hell, the sex was amazing and—No. He needed to shut that down before he started spiraling again. Connor didn’t look at him like it was just a game. Not when he kissed him so softly after a long night in bed, or after a shitty day.

“Fine, I’ll do it,” he muttered, dropping onto the couch. “You’re right. Again,” he added with a grimace.

Tina looked mighty pleased with herself. “I’m always right.”

“Don’t get too cocky. I still remember when you thought clouds were made of cotton candy.”

“Gavin, I was six!”

“Still are.”

Later, Sara and Chris showed up with pizza and a couple of beers. That perked him up a little.