#nines

The party had taken over one of Detroit’s public parks, and strings of colourful bunting were zig-zagged artfully between trees. Music echoed out of discreet speakers, and people mingled with fruity summer-themed drinks or Thirium concoctions. The mood was festive and relaxed.

Nines was surprised when you paused for a breather under the tree where he stood. Lurking, as Sixty had called it. He wasn’t lurking, simply keeping an eye out for trouble. He may not be on duty, but it paid to be alert.

“You doing okay, Nines?” you asked.

“I’m perfectly fine, thank you.”

He was about to raise the topic of your lack of hydration, when Sixty appeared at your side, drawing a frown to his brow.

“Hey, babe,” Sixty greeted you, his ever-present look of amusement on his face.

Nines rolled his eyes, but was surprised to see that you’d done the same.

“Hi, Sixty,” you responded. “Having a good time?”

“So far, yes. I never knew Markus had it in him to throw a good party. He’s always so…you know.”

‘Serious’, Nines presumed.

“He’s the leader of a race of people,” he pointed out dryly. “He doesn’t have a lot of time for frivolities.”

It was Sixty’s turn to roll his eyes. “It’s all about balance. Haven’t you heard that saying about ‘all work and no play’?”

“Let me know when you decide to try the ‘work’ part of it,” Nines retorted.

You snorted, and his systems flooded with irrational warmth. He opened his mouth to ask if you wanted a drink, but Connor approached, a vibrant yellow fruit juice in his hand. He greeted you by name with a friendly smile, and offered the cup to you.

“I noticed you hadn’t drunk anything in a while. In this heat, you should really hydrate.”

You accepted the cup, shooting Connor a beaming smile. “Thanks, Connor. I’ve barely had time to think.”

“Damn,” Sixty spoke up. “Why don’t you smile at me like that?”

“Because you didn’t bring me juice,” you shot back.

“It wasn’t entirely benevolent, I’m afraid,” Connor said. “We’ve had word that Elijah Kamski is on his way. Markus needs you to mediate. I thought the drink might sweeten the request.”

You sighed heavily, sipping at the drink before nodding. “Okay, let’s go.”

Nines watched you walk away with Connor, processing. Sixty headed off in a different direction, clearly finding better things to do than stand under a tree. Nines wasn’t the type to mingle, unless he was undercover.

Sixty had been joking, but Nines found himself ruminating on his words. “Why don’t you smile at me like that?”

Your smiles were frequent and warm, and he loved the way they lit up your entire face and made your eyes sparkle, but those were observations he’d made from afar. You had never looked at him that way. Until that moment, he hadn’t quite appreciated how much it bothered him.

He’d realised he had feelings for you several weeks ago. You clearly didn’t reciprocate, so he’d done nothing to act on them. He’d thought he’d be able to compartmentalise them and ignore them until they went away, but it turned out that emotions didn’t work that way. It had been gradually getting more and more difficult to see you. It was especially difficult when Sixty flirted with you. You never flirted back, but Nines knew a lot of people found Sixty charming. Who was to say you wouldn’t be charmed too one day?

In fact, you had a multitude of good options around you. Connor, of course, although Nines had only ever seen him treat you as a friend. Markus was charismatic and thoughtful, North was fiery and witty. Then there was Josh and Simon, both quiet and caring in their own ways. And that was just the androids, there were a lot of human allies too who Nines was sure would make good partners. It was absolutely logical and understandable that you didn’t return his feelings. And yet, he found himself desperately in need of an answer to that same question that Sixty had asked.

He was still thinking about it hours later, when night had fallen and the party showed no signs of slowing down. The park was lit by hundreds of strings of fairy lights, giving it a warm, whimsical glow. The humans had lit barbecues to cook themselves dinner, and his olfactory sensors were picking up the scent of cooked meat and spices. He hadn’t seen you running around for a while now, meaning that you’d hopefully stopped to take a break.

He walked the perimeter of the park, scanning for you, and finally found you a short distance away from the party. Based on the napkin you were depositing in a trash bin, you’d had food. That was good. You needed to keep your strength up.

You obviously wanted to be alone, but he hesitated. He didn’t want to disturb you, but he wanted your company. Deviancy was still confusing sometimes.

“Hey, Nines,” you called out softly, spying him.

Caught, he approached you, stopping a respectful distance away. “Hello.”

“Everything okay?”

He wondered how many times a day you asked people that. He hoped you were asked it in return.

“Everything is fine. Are you okay?”

“I’m good,” you responded easily. “Just kind of exhausted.”

“I’m not surprised. You’ve had a busy day.”

“Yeah,” you agreed in a sigh. “It’s been good, though.”

He hesitated for a second or two, then said, “It has.”

You sent him a knowing look, amusement visible in your features even though you didn’t smile. “You don’t have to lie just to agree with me. I know you hate parties.”

He regarded you with faint surprise. He hadn’t thought you paid that much attention to him.

“Actually I’m kind of surprised you’re still here,” you added. “You know you’re not required to stay, right? Markus won’t mind if you head home.”

“I know. I wanted to…check in with you.”

Your forehead creased as you looked at him quizzically. “With me? Why?”

“I noticed how busy you were, and that you were neglecting your needs at times. I wanted to make sure that you were taking care of yourself.”

He didn’t like how surprised you looked. Was it really that outrageous that he cared about your well-being? The thought was unsettling, enough to make him take a step backwards.

“I can see that everything is fine,” he said stiffly. “I’ll leave now. Good evening.”

“Nines, hold up.”

He was powerless to ignore you, even if it meant taking in that confused expression on your beautiful face once more.

“What’s going on with you?” you demanded. “You’ve been distracted all afternoon.”

He wasn’t sure how you could possibly know that. He’d barely moved all day, so his behaviour was hardly out of the ordinary.

“I was just thinking about something, that’s all. It’s not important.”

“Clearly it is.”

His need for answers warred with his need to leave. He was built to be curious by nature, and even deviancy was no match against that instinct.

“I was just wondering…why you don’t smile at me.”

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise, his answer evidently not what you’d expected.

“Earlier, Sixty asked you why you don’t smile at him the way you do Connor. It was a joke, I understand that, but it set me thinking, and…you don’t smile at me the way you do other people.”

“Well, you…” you stammered, taken aback. “You don’t like me.”

He stared at you, LED whirring as he processed the statement.

“I figured it would be best to just be civil with you and not…annoy you or anything,” you went on awkwardly.

“You think I don’t like you,” he repeated, needing firmer clarification.

“Yeah. I mean…you don’t, right? You’re always so cool and polite with me, like you just want to be acquaintances.”

“I haven’t treated you any differently than anyone else,” he said.

“I know. I figured you didn’t really like anybody,” you said with a shrug.

He glanced away, something almost like panic beginning to flutter through his biocomponents. Was that really the impression he’d given? By simply wanting to be private and quiet?

“Oh,” you said softly, your eyes on his LED. It must have been red. “Shit, Nines, look, I didn’t mean to offend you or anything. It’s okay for you not to like people. You can’t like everyone, right? I just wish… Fuck. Look, just forget I said anything. You just be yourself, it’s fine.” Your eyes widened slightly as you seemed to remember the first part of the conversation. “Wait, but if you don’t like me why does it bother you that I don’t smile at you?”

“Because I do like you,” he said quietly. “It bothers me because there’s nothing in the world I want to see more than your smile.”

You looked absolutely stunned, and Nines fought off a wave of despair. Why was it so easy for Connor and Sixty to express themselves while he struggled with the basics?

“I’m…stoic, I know,” he went on. “I’ll try and do better at showing what I feel. I know you don’t return my feelings for you, which is perfectly fine. But maybe it wasn’t fair for me to keep them from you entirely.” He bowed his head. “Have a good night. And don’t worry about any of this, please.”

He turned to go, already preconstructing various ways to avoid you for a few weeks, just until the metaphorical dust settled.

“Nines!”

You caught up with him with little rushed steps, catching his arm as you planted yourself in his path. Your expression was wide-eyed and earnest.

“I didn’t know you felt that way,” you said. “I really thought you didn’t like me. And it was hard because…I like you.”

Every process in his brain seemed to freeze, and he could do nothing but stare at you.

“I don’t know you very well, but I want to,” you continued. “I know that this crush I have is mostly because you’re handsome and brooding and decent, but I’d love to find out what it could turn into. Do you…want to find out too?”

“Yes,” he answered at once, tentative hope spreading warmth through his artificial veins. “I’d like that very much.”

There were DPD officers staked out in bars all across central Detroit, since no one was sure exactly where the deal would take place. Each team had at least one android so everyone could keep in touch without suspicious earpieces. The chances of it being your bar that was used was minimal, so you’d agreed. That was how you, Sixty and Nines had ended up trying to get phone numbers from the people you spoke to. Whoever got the most would be the winner.

It was just meant to be a bit of fun, but that had been 90 minutes ago. Now, you’d heard the report that the drug deal had taken place in the bar where Connor and Hank were stationed, so you were off the hook. Sixty had gone home with someone almost immediately after the news came in, which just left you and Nines carrying on with the competition. A competition that you hadn’t been that enthusiastic about in the first place.

You’d acquired three phone numbers, all from people who didn’t seem particularly interested in you as a person. You wouldn’t be calling any of them anyway, but it still felt a little hollow. They just saw your physical appeal and that was it. If you were really on the hunt for a partner, even one just for a night, you would need more than that.

You weren’t on the hunt for a partner for one reason: Nines. The moment you’d first seen him, you’d tumbled head over heels into a crush. Over time, it had only grown stronger, developing into real feelings as you got to know him. He had absolutely no idea, and you were going to keep it that way. He didn’t return your interest, and you weren’t about to make your working relationship awkward by admitting you had feelings for him.

Nines had acquired seven phone numbers, which didn’t surprise you. He was tall, brooding and handsome: a lethal combination. People approached him thinking they could get past his aloof exterior. Paired with his request for a phone number, they would no doubt think they had a chance of success. You were certain he was finding the whole thing as draining as you, but he’d always had a competitive streak. Every time he checked in with you, he seemed satisfied that you still only had three numbers.

You were thinking about calling it quits and heading home. He’d won, and you were never going to catch up now. You weren’t really sure what you were staying for, especially when there was a chance he’d go home with one of the owners of the numbers, as Sixty had. You didn’t actually know if Nines did that sort of thing. You never asked him, mindful that you wouldn’t like the answer.

“Hey.”

You turned to look at the speaker who had sidled up to the bar, meeting the gaze of a good-looking man with honey-blond hair and a neat beard. His eyes were blue, the same shades as the plaid shirt he wore. You tried to hide your surprise as he smiled at you warmly. The three phone numbers you had had come from people youhad approached. You weren’t used to attractive men approaching you.

“Uh, hi,” you said.

“Got any recommendations?”

“Don’t do murder,” you retorted automatically, too used to answering Sixty’s dumb office banter.

Fortunately, the man laughed, making you reluctantly smile.

“Okay, noted,” he said. “But I actually meant off the drinks menu.”

“Right, yeah. Obviously that would be what you meant,” you mumbled, feeling your cheeks grow hot. “Uh…the cocktails are pretty good. If you’re not driving. Don’t drink and drive either.”

He laughed again. “Are you here to keep me on my toes?”

“Nah, I’m off duty.”

He got the attention of one of the bar staff and ordered one of the cocktails unique to the bar.

“Do you want another one?” he asked you.

You shrugged, then nodded. “Sure, thanks. Same again, please.”

If you were drinking cocktails, you weren’t thinking about Nines flirting with more people.

“I’m Jackson, by the way,” he introduced.

You introduced yourself too. Jackson made small talk with you while you waited for your drinks. You were surprised to find that there seemed to be no false front with him. He seemed to be a genuinely nice guy, who was talking to you because he was actually interested. After the kind of evening you’d had, it was refreshing. You found yourself enjoying his company, although he wasn’t enough of a distraction to dislodge Nines from your mind. A pity, as he was someone you might have been interested in had you not been hopelessly in love with someone else.

“You were right about this cocktail,” he said, taking another appreciative sip.

You smiled. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. I have no idea what’s in it, and I probably don’t want to know, but it’s good.”

You laughed, taking a sip of your own.

A brief silence fell between you, then Jackson cleared his throat.

“So, uh…I don’t want to take up all of your evening, but if you wanted to do this again sometime, that would be nice.” He took his phone out of his pocket. “I could…give you my number? If you wanted.”

You’d given up on asking for numbers, and now here was a guy freely offering his. You would laugh about it, if it was remotely funny.

“Oh,” you said, your good mood souring a bit. How were you going to let him down gently without hurting his feelings? Unless he just wanted to be friends, but that wasn’t the impression you were getting from the hopeful look in his eyes. “Uh…listen, you’ve been great company. Honestly, such a nice change from everyone else I’ve been talking to.”

He smiled, but his expression told you he’d guessed where your speech was going. An air of resigned disappointment settled over him.

You weren’t entirely sure what you were going to say next, but a shadow loomed over you.

“Detective,” Nines said, announcing his presence.

Jackson let out a quiet bark of amusement. “You actually are a cop?”

“Yeah,” you confessed. “Like I said, don’t do murder.”

He rested a hand on his chest. “Cross my heart.”

You smiled against your will, pivoting on your stool to peer up at the stoic android behind you. Your smile gave way to a frown as you noticed his yellow LED.

“Everything okay, Nines?”

 “Yes,” he said curtly. “I’m calling an end to the…operation.”

You noted his choice of words, most likely to avoid questions from Jackson. If you were truly interested in him, you wouldn’t want him to get the wrong idea about the phone number competition. Nines could be incredibly thoughtful like that sometimes, even if it seemed at odds with his intimidating demeanour.

“Okay,” you said, still eyeing the amber circle on his temple. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I’m perfectly fine,” he snapped, practically cutting across the end of your question. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He turned and walked away, and you watched him go, your heart thudding in your chest. What the hell had just happened?

“You should go after him,” Jackson said.

“What?”

“You were about to let me down because of him, right?” he said shrewdly, voice kind. “Well, I don’t think he knows that. I think he’s jealous.”

You shook your head. “No, he’s not.”

“That’s what it looked like to me.”

“He’s just…he’s always kinda like that,” you countered weakly, even as your body processed the idea that Nines might be jealous, lighting your nerves on fire with foolish hope.

Jackson said your name with patient firmness, drawing your attention.

“Isn’t it better to find out?” he said.

You knew he was right, even if you didn’t want to admit it. Talking to Nines about your feelings was a terrifying prospect.

“You’re a good guy, Jackson,” you told him, finding yourself slipping off your barstool before you’d consciously made the decision to.

“I would hope so,” he said with a lacklustre smile. “Tell your friends.”

You offered him a smile back, then hurried after Nines, your heart in your throat. You snaked your way through loud people in various stages of drunkenness, finally bursting through the door. A chill rain struck your bare arms, making you gasp. It had been warm inside, and you hadn’t realised the weather had changed. You wrapped your arms around yourself, looking up and down the street.

There was no sign of him.

Disappointment rippled through you. You hadn’t realised until that moment how much the idea of his misconceptions bothered you. If he truly was jealous of Jackson, he was hurting right now, and you wanted to stop it.

“Nines!” you called out, but there was nothing but the patter of the rain.

“Fuck,” you whispered.

You were starting to shiver, yet were reluctant to go back inside, to a place you knew he definitely wasn’t.

Across the road, an automated taxi pulled to a stop, and a familiar figure emerged from a nearby doorway. Your heart lurched.

“Nines!”

Most likely he’d ignored your first cry, but he couldn’t ignore you now. Not when you were crossing the road in front of the taxi he was about to get into. He glanced up, immediately frowning.

“What are you doing? You’ll get cold.”

“I’m fine,” you waved off, aware that he could probably see you shivering.

Nines shrugged off his coat, stepping forward to drape it around your shoulders. You burrowed into it gratefully, holding it around you like a blanket.

“Where’s your friend?” he asked.

“Inside,” you answered dismissively.

“He seemed…decent. He showed genuine interest in you.”

“I know, but…”

His head tilted, rain running in shining rivulets down his beautiful face. “But what?”

His coat was helping, but you still needed to warm up. It was that sense of urgency that bypassed all your fretting over the right thing to say and had you simply stating a bold truth instead.

“He’s not you,” you said with a shrug.

Nines stared at you for a moment, his LED processing. You wondered if he would need more clarification, if part of him would find it hard to believe, as you had. You also wondered if he would politely let you down, if Jackson had been wrong about him. But Nines had always been ruthlessly efficient.

He closed the gap between you, hands finding the lapels of his coat as he used it to pull you closer, and then his mouth was on yours, warm, wet and perfect. You let out a tiny, relieved whimper in your throat, kissing him back as the rain continued to drench you both.

“I’m done wasting time,” he said when he let you come up for air. “I don’t care how many people want to give me their phone number, I just want you.”

Your face broke out in a grateful smile. “I just want you too.”

“Come home with me?” he said, only a slight upward inflection making it a question rather than a demand. You didn’t think you would have minded either way.