To give some context, Nines had gone out with Connor to purchase some new office supplies for New Jericho at Josh's request in his department with New Jericho's lawyers.

Unfortunately, anti-android protesters spotted Nines and Connor and recognized them as the two new bodyguards for the building and decided that it was best to pick a fight with them, which wasn't the best idea for their case.

However, admist the fighting Nines tried to get ahold of one of persons and since this guy was of a bigger stature, he was able to shake off the RK900 and make him tumble into a nearby electrical fence.

Long-story short, Markus is now conversing with Nines at a nearby table as he tried his best not to be distracted by Nines' hair, best describing this look as if he belonged on a romantasy book cover.

"Did you malfunction?? Did you reset? Did- what???" Markus wasn't sure what were the right questions to be asking, his own processors mixed up in the sheer bewilderment of the occurrence.

Nines fiddled with the synthetic material, stroking the hait strands as he recalled the situation. "The antis were taken into custody for attempted assault."

Markus grimaces at the given details, reaching out but holding his movements as he glances at Nines for his consent. Nines nodded his head and Markus began to touch Nines' hair.

"But since that is not the information that concerns you, I've spoken with a technician already and have arranged an appointment for further inspection." Nines adds on to the discussion, his hand extended out to hold Markus' cheek delicately. "I am sorry to worry you like this."

The RK200 pursed his lips but only for a moment as he stopped playing with Nines' hair and brings his hand over Nines' pale one, humoring the other. "I'm still a little worried for your processors but it doesn't seem entirely awful. Just...different."

"It is very bothersome and impractical."

"I never said anything about the practicality of it, but maybe you can tie it up or something so it'll get out of the way."

Nines tilts his head by Markus' response. "Are you implying to maintain it because you like it?"

Markus shrugs as he removes his hand from Nines so he could rest his chin on top of his palm. "Maybe having it for a day isn't so bad." If he was being honest, the long hair kinda suited Nines' appearance of the sleek and proper style he had going, plus he kinda looked hot in it.

To Nines, he processed the idea further and sighed, not out of frustration or irritation but in acceptance.

Acceptance to the fact that this might have some perks.

"If it turns you on, I suppose it does have some benefits to it."

...

"Huh?"

the ref pic is so adorable