Dust hung thick in the air as the debris settled, pieces still crumbling to the ground. The explosives had gone off, so none remained, but they had done enough damage. A group of nearly two dozen law enforcement, all dressed in black SWAT gear, coughed and panted near the wreckage. They were jittery, nervous, and apprehensive, but they were all accounted for.

All except for one.

Eyes scanning the remains of the warehouse, it took everything you had not to let panic swallow you whole. Indicator blinking yellow, you had to physically bite your lower lip to stop it from shaking.

[Please be all right. Please. I cannot afford to lose you. Please give me a sign you're okay....]

Unable to control it, you cried out in a voice borne of despair: "GAVIN!!!!"

You'd begun to pace, still scanning the debris for his heat reading, but a hand on your shoulder stopped you. "Nove. Focus. We will find him," Connor reassured you.

The both of you scanned the destruction, but your fuel pump regulator was threatening to burst in your agony.

"--CONNOR!!" Your outcry was just as pained, but he hurried to your side, near one end of the warehouse, and his own regulator seemed to sink.

Gavin's heat signal was beneath what looked like a third of the ceiling.

There was no way you could lift it solo, but you tried regardless. The RK800 stood beside you, stooping down and trying to lift the slab but barely able to make it move. "HANK!! HE'S HERE," the male prototype shouted. The lieutenant ran to assist as well, bringing the rest of the group with him. It was terribly heavy but the slab was raised enough; Ralph took your place so you could crawl on your belly, grabbing Reed by the bulletproof vest and pulling him out from underneath the concrete.

"... Gavin?" Laid on his back, the hazel eyes were closed. A thick trail of blood ran from the corner of his mouth. "G-Gavin. Please, let me know you're alive... Gavin, please, I..." Chest heaving, you removed his heavy vest, tears blurring your vision. "... d-dolcezzo, please......." His heart was barely functioning, and you could see the damage internally.

Kneeling down, Connor took your shoulder. "Ambulance is on the way."

The wailing sound did not come from the approaching emergency vehicle but rather your heart.

◇___#$&!___◇

No one was allowed to accompany Reed when he was rushed to the emergency room. You were curled up on a two-person seat in the waiting room, with twenty-something law enforcement keeping an eye on you, all of them worried for one of their best.

You vaguely registered Ralph taking the fabric he usually wore around his shoulders and laying it over you instead. There was a murmur about the "nice Detective, who loves Miss Nove," wishing for his health. Ralph went home with a promise to send Elijah back, as well.

Little by little the other officers left; all of them stopped to talk to you, but you couldn't say a word. This was common, but no less upsetting, and no one could make you talk.

That left Connor and Hank with you in the hospital, with no idea how long they would be waiting, nor any information on Gavin's condition.

In your head, heard only by you, the waltz continued in an endless loop. Whether it was a good sign or a bad omen remained to be seen.

Running in impossibly long strides, Eli burst into the waiting room, seeing both the lieutenant and his partner first. Then he saw your form curled into the fetal position, and his expression began to crack at the edges. Nodding to the other two, Elijah approached you, sitting on the floor. It looked like you were ready to fall apart at the first sign of bad news... and he realized that he might have been in the same position.

His hand reached and covered your own, the other arm resting on the seat with his head laid on top. "No news?" Your head shake was miniscule. "... together?" This time you nodded, just as slightly.

And, like he always did, Kamski's head began to turn over, the gears working hard, as he looked you over closely. The prototype he had built for his brother, an emotional wreck because of his stubborn insistence on your safety.

He was an asshole, but he'd rescued his princess like he always wanted.

◇___#$&!___◇

By the time morning had come, you had passed out and woken in the exact same position. Elijah was still on the floor beside you, texting on his phone and looking altogether exhausted. Hank and Connor had gone home; the android had left a message for you to wake up to, bidding you goodnight and to please let them know as soon as there was news.

"We've gotten no new information, Nove," came the tall human's voice. He was gazing at you, phone set back in his pocket. "Though I expect--"

"Reed?" The doctor in the wide threshold watched Elijah leap to his feet, helping you do the same. But the doctor came over, instead of leading you to where Gavin was located. "Are you two family?"

"Yes," the human replied. "Gavin is my brother, and this is his android partner," he added, gesturing politely to you. "How is he?"

When the older human shifted a touch, your lower lip trembled. "Is he alive," you burst out with before you could control yourself. "Please, j-just... tell us he's all right."

The pain in your voice damn near made Eli start crying, himself.

"He is alive," the doctor replied, nodding a little. But the relief was cut short: "He is alive, but... I am afraid he has sustained significant damage, and even if he were to heal over time, he cannot live any sort of normal life. The only things keeping him alive are machines. Gavin is on life support, and... the decision is yours if you wish to remove him from it." With a pause, the older human added, "We leave this decision to family only, and visitation is limited. I understand that he is in law enforcement, so I expect a good number of officers and superiors coming by. I only ask that everyone be respectful and keep the number of visitors in the room to no more than four at once." He tried to smile, but it was strained and saddened. "This is a difficult decision, so please take all the time you need."

◇___#$&!___◇

"Hank?" Arms crossed, the RK800 stood at the window in the living room, staring at nothing in particular. "Am I the only one with a feeling of foreboding?"

"Son, I really don't think that's something you wanna be saying out loud." At the table in the dining room, Hank was busy on his laptop, typing up a report on what had happened the night prior. "Jeff sent out patrol cars to round up those masked bastards. Apparently with the warehouse destroyed, it also destroyed some sorta signal jammer. So now all of 'em with those voice things can be tracked. I dunno how it works, it's just working." With no response, the human paused his typing. "... Any word?"

"The message I left was read, I have gotten no response yet." Sitting at the table, the prototype had a peculiar expression. He seemed... pissed. "Hank, that was insensitive."

Taken aback, the lieutenant looked up from the screen. "Come again?"

"I understand that as lieutenant, this is the majority of your duties. But Gavin is hospitalized, Nove and Elijah are devastated, I am unable to think of anything else, and all you speak of are the events that transpired last night. As admirable as it is that you focus on your duty, the least you could do is be a little worried." Hank raised an eyebrow, but the RK800 continued. "When your android partner tells you to grow a heart, you need to sort your fucking priorities."

"Okay, first of all, fuck you for thinking I don't care, all right? Secondly, I'd rather be tying up these loose ends instead of doing sweet fuck all. When Gavin gets outta the hospital, it's one less thing he's gotta worry about. He can focus on recovery instead of having to deal with fucking paperwork. And third, maybe I'd rather keep my goddamn head busy during this shit! You think I wanna be here, typing up fucking reports?! NO!! But hospitals don't let visitors in right away unless they're family. And until I know I can actually see the fucker, I'm gonna do whatever work I can to take it off his shoulders!!" The two still glared at one another for a few tense seconds before Hank's shoulders settled some, voice quieter. "I'm sorry. Not trying to be a prick. I'm as worried as you are, son. Just... y'know, keeping busy to make it easier on the guy."

Connor opened his mouth to respond, the irritation having died off from his eyes, but his LED blinked red rapidly, diverting his attention with a hand to it. "Yes? ... yes, he and I are both--........" The prototype stopped speaking; the longer it went on, the more worried the lieutenant became. "....... are they... certain...?" Voice cracking, in an android, no less. "... y-yes. We're on our way."

"Connor? Was that the hospital?" When the RK800 got to his feet, not replying, Hank's stomach dropped to the floor. "Son, talk to me."

"We need to go, Hank," the android mumbled, eyes glassy. He froze, focusing on some spot in front of him until the threat of crying died some. "... Gavin is on life support and will not wake up."

◇___#$&!___◇

The moment the room number was given, you ran past the doctor, down the hallways until the beeping of machines preceeded the sight of your partner. You'd stopped dead just before going into the room, eyes closed, the mechanical noises suppressing your rational thought process.

[What bitter irony, that the man who hated machines should not only fall in love with one, but now be forced to rely on them to simply stay alive...

... please do not let me shut down.]

"Nove!!" Elijah's voice came echoing from down the long corridor, catching up easily... but also avoiding going inside, you noted. "... can you manage this? Many humans can't, so I wouldn't blame you--"

"I can manage," you spat, more forcibly than intended. It masked your tears, anyway. "He should not be alone, even if he doesn't know we're here," came the unsteady explanation, finally stepping away from the creator and through the open doorway.

Even with no proper way to breathe, the air caught in your throat, unable to function whatsoever for one agonizing moment. Frozen a couple short feet from the hospital bed, you watched the machinery slowly fill Gavin's lungs for him before the air was slowly released, over and over. It was the only part of him that was moving.

It was as though he'd shrunk somehow, lying in the hospital bed, connected to the only things keeping him alive. Your partner just seemed so small. His face had some slight bruising, and judging by the skin discoloration right above the hospital gown collar, the bruises covered his body. Gavin's expression did not seem relaxed, not pained.

There was... nothing.

The breathing tube in his throat seemed so abhorrent, and your systems went haywire, demanding it be removed despite the device keeping him alive in the first place. Indicator still red, you pulled a chair beside him, fighting against the inevitable tears as you sank into the seat. One hand slid into his, feeling the lack of warmth, of his vitality. Of life.

On the other side of the bed Elijah had done the same, sinking into a chair and resting his head on his folded arms. He said nothing, but the tears fell without hindrance.

[Yesterday he'd stolen a kiss and went to take Biscuit for a walk. Had I known...]

Oncoming footsteps were heavy and rushed, so it came as no surprise when Connor and Hank came into the room, as well. "Jesus Christ..." the lieutenant mumbled, taking only a couple steps further before he was simply unable to go any closer.

The male prototype forced himself forward, weighed down by a human emotion he hadn't experienced until that moment: despair. But Connor pushed through, if only for Reed's sake, standing by your side and laying a hand on your shoulder. You did not greet him, or react at all, really, and he was okay with that. "Do you wish to be alone?" he asked timidly.

The hand not clasping your boyfriend's covered that of the RK800's. The company was fine, so long as you did not have to leave Gavin's side.

[Would you care to talk, then, Nove?]

Internally, the other android's voice was soft, as well. [I do not know...]

He chose to stay silent, not moving his hand from your shoulder, taking in the sight of what had become of a man that hated machines.

_____

A long, painful hour passed. Nobody moved much, not even the humans who were known for being restless beings. Your head was betraying you, pulling memory files to the forefront, making you relive moments that truthfully you did not want to forget. But hearing Gavin tell you he loved you, that he was letting you go, seemed the exact opposite of what you wanted to hear.

Abruptly you burst into tears, startling even the other prototype with the intensity. The dam had burst, and you'd buried your face into your hands, barely able to keep the sobbing at a respectable volume. A pair of hands took your shoulders, guiding you to face another direction, but in the end you'd buried your face against them instead.

"Let it out, Nove," the RK800 murmured. There was a steady flow of tears on his part, as well, but he kept himself calm for the most part. There were some strained choking noises as you attempted to force your voice to function against the misery, but the words fell flat when the sobs wracked your entire body.

Nearby, more muffled sobs caught Connor's attention: you finally succumbing to a breakdown had let Eli do the same. The taller male stood by the window, one hand covering the lower half of his face, piercing eyes shut tight while he cried quietly.

[Shut me down.] Your internal outcry made the other prototype wince, LED flashing his alarm. [Please. I can't...]

[Nove, Gavin wouldn't want that. He loves you so incredibly deeply, it would hurt--]

[SHUT ME DOWN CONNOR.] Your grip on his gray jacket tightened, the sobs from your mouth desperate.

[ABSOLUTELY NOT. Nove, self-destruction is never the answer!]

"WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!?" Voice carrying down the corridors, the RK800 was roughly shoved away as you got to your feet, glaring daggers. "You had me built for him. He f-fought for our forgiveness, and I did not l-leave his side. I will remain here because he does not deserve to b-be alone.... but he is not going to wake up..." Overriding the agony was just as painful, but the truth was the worst. "... Gavin does not deserve to s-suffer. S-so... I... a-ask... that I be sh-shut down with him."

The other android was absolutely going to argue the point, but you took a half step back, temple a glowing red. If anything, you would simply do it yourself. Take your human off of the accursed machines and self-destruct.

"I do not have another purpose," you murmured, going quiet and unable to see through your watery vision. "I do not need a mission, but... he is my reason for existence. What am I supposed to do if I cannot be beside the man I love and am made for...?"

"Wait," Kamski spoke up, just as strained and weak as you felt. "I......" A pause, more tears falling. "... maybe... something else can be done," he finished. His eyes found yours, both of you seeing the pain. A hand was held out and you promptly went to the male, letting him pull you close affectionately. "...... you do n-not need to self-destruct, darling," Elijah explained, using the pet name in the vain hope that it might settle you the tiniest amount. "... there may be something... I can try."

"Please tell me it's something other than what I'm thinking it is," Hank responded softly, his rough voice a little rougher than it should have been.

"Lieutenant... what is the one thing I have mastered?" Kamski let you cling to him, and the embrace was returned. "... it will take some time, and a lot of risks, but... I may be able to put him... his consciousness, that is... into an android body."

◇___#$&!___◇

Elijah had kissed your forehead, along with a promise that he would figure something out. Then he spent a long couple of minutes with his brother, with no one wanting to eavesdrop on what was being said. Only afterwards did he leave, swearing that he would keep in contact constantly. It was going to take some time to create a very specific android, but if anyone could do it, it was him.

You spent the night at Gavin's side. On your request, Hank had gone to fetch the Bluetooth speaker from the house, and you set it up to play everything from his playlists, softly so as not to disturb the rest of the hospital. You weren't certain if your partner could even hear it, but if he was technically alive, then perhaps- in whatever human-like suspended state he was trapped in- he could hear the music.

Maybe even your words.

In between songs, you sporadically paused the playlist, murmuring quietly to the human whose hand was only warm from your contact. Gavin's heart was beating, yes, but not nearly as strong as it should have been. You'd never felt more human than in those dark hours: hopeless, miserable, lonely, and full of regret. But leaving his side was not an option; Reed did not rescue you to be left alone.

"Our time has been so short, dolcezzo...." you whispered, hating the now-familiar watery gaze. "I--....." Expression starting to break again, you could feel your regulator stuttering. Almost as though it was trying to shut you down on its own. "...... Elijah wants to.... t-try something... but... if it does not w-work..."

"You ever ask him why he went into law enforcement?" Hank's gravelly tone cut through your horrible train of thought. Before you could even turn your head to look, there was pressure wrapping around your shoulders and laid on your back. "That's, uh... his favorite jacket. Noticed you weren't wearing yours, and... Connor says weight helps with shit." The hooded coat was pulled closer with shaking hands as you murmured a thank you. Pulling a chair beside you, the human watched you with something like affection in his eye. "... I couldn't sleep. Connor refused to. So he drove us down here; I think he's getting coffee for me."

All you did was nod, unable to look away from your boyfriend. The whirring and beeping from those fucking machines filled the air, and consequently your mind. The constant reminder weighing you down.

A hand laid on your shoulder, firmly squeezing it to get your attention. "I know that look, sweetheart. None of this is your fault. And I can guarantee you that even if he knew what was going to happen, he'd still do the same damn thing because you'd be safe." Squeezing your shoulder again, it was enough to get you into a hug. "Hey, now, look at that. Two living beings hugging each other."

The smile was almost nonexistent but appeared all the same. "...... Hank, I...."

"... he went into law enforcement because of... well, I actually don't know what happened. Never told me. But what he did say was that if he had any sort of control or power over criminals, that those who did shit against others without consent would pay the highest price." The lieutenant's embrace tightened; unseen, his grizzled face contorted into an agonized expression. "Sweetheart, listen to me. I know how bad you miss him. Seeing him like this... it's indescribable. But....." He sighed through his nose. "... don't do this to him."

Hold on the lieutenant loosening, you were hesitant on pulling away. "...... please elaborate, Hank," came your whisper.

He really didn't want to. "How long does it take to make an android? Not the ones that all look the same, custom ones like you. Weeks, right?" You nodded, and his head lowered by a hair. "And I'm willing to bet that the computer programming shit takes longer?" Another nod. "... so you're gonna keep him barely alive for weeks, without asking for his consent to be turned into something he hated since Day 1?" When you gave no response, the human continued. "Sweetheart, I know you don't wanna hear this, and I'm sorry. But... it'll hurt twice as bad if you go through with this, and he asks to self-destruct. Consent is practically his middle name, but no one--"

You practically flung yourself out of his grasp, shoving him away from your vicinity with loathing embedded deep in your eyes. Words died on your tongue, and in place of error messages were commands to destroy. Hands clenching tight, thirium began to dribble when nails gouged your palms.

Hank looked disappointed, but far from surprised, as he got to his feet again. "I'm sorry. I really am. But it's gonna hurt worse if you turn him into something--"

"Get out."

Shoulders slumping at your demand, the older human merely frowned. "You're smarter than any of us. You know it isn't fair on Gavin. Yeah, it fucking hurts, and it's gonna hurt no matter what. There's no way to ask him, sweetheart; I'm sorry, but... it would just hurt him worse."

Seconds ticked by that felt like days. Hank's words stung more and more with each passing moment until your skin was on fire from emotional wounds.

By the time Connor had walked into Reed's hospital room, he found his partner kneeling beside who he considered his daughter, the latter crying harder than ever, and the human looking damn close to doing the same. Kneeling before the two of you, the RK800 took your hands gently into his own. "...... what can I do, Nove?"

The lieutenant shook his head. "Con... don't. I... I told her the truth." The male android furrowed his eyebrows. "That turning Gavin into an android without his consent... it'd hurt him worse."

"..... but if there was a way, what then?" Kamski's voice drifted from the threshold. He looked as though he simply hadn't slept. A couple strides and he was kneeling beside Connor, taking one of your hands in both of his. "What then, Nove? If you could ask him, that is. Ask Gavin if he would consent to being an android. Would you take that chance?"

Your head lifted, having stopped caring about the flow of tears a long time ago. "...... How...?"

_____

An hour and a half later you were sitting beside your boyfriend, one hand clasping his again, stroking it gently. Elijah had his laptop on an empty chair, leaning over it and typing. On your other side sat Biscuit, his head in your lap and whimpering softly. You pet his head a little absentmindedly, waiting for the go-ahead and hating the anticipation.

But it had to come, and your creator glanced at the others. "I'm ready. I don't know if this will work, s-so...." His breath hitched, shaking his head hard. "S-say what you have to now, please."

Wincing, Hank went first, standing on Gavin's other side, a hand on the detective's shoulder. Opening his mouth, he had to clamp it shut, looking away for a bit. "...... proud of you, Gav. See you soon, all right?" Expectedly the lieutenant ended up leaving the room swiftly, head down. He hated goodbyes. He hated that he ended up liking Reed so much, so goodbye was harder than ever.

Chloé, having not said a word, gently took Biscuit's leash and helped the giant pup up on his hind legs. With a whimper that broke your mechanical heart, the Cane Corso sniffed your partner a little before kissing the side of his face. He had to be gently pulled back again, clearly not wanting to leave Gavin's side. In the end, after Chloé had squeezed the detective's hand as her silent farewell, she stood off to the side, letting the dog lie on the two-person seat until the transfer was complete.

With a couple of very hesitant steps, Connor stood with his hands behind his back. His mouth worked, and the liquid gleam in his dark eyes was subtle but growing worse. "... I never held a grudge against you, Gavin. Not even before the Revolution. Your stubborn nature masked your loyalty and your incredible heart, and--..." The RK800 closed his eyes; as they opened, the tears finally spilled over. "I am glad to have met you, proud to have worked alongside you, and honored to have been a friend. I can only hope that I might someday... care as much as you do for everything and everyone you love." Only then did the prototype's face shatter, and he quickly turned away, standing by the window and covering his eyes with a hand.

Then there was hesitation. Elijah caught your eye, the both of you filled with uncertainty. "Go ahead, Nove," he whispered, barely able to manage that.

"He is your brother," you whispered back. "I am not fortunate enough to know him for that... l-long..."

"... maybe, but... he did everything for you."

Struggling to keep your jaw steady, staring at the floor, you choked, "P-please, just..."

At last Kamski pulled from his laptop, perched on the edge of the hospital bed. "... after all of the shit we've been through, you never ceased to amaze me. Hell of an attitude, but... goddamnit, Gavin, your f-fucking heart is... s-so big..." Eli lifted a hand, paused, then laid it on Reed's chest. "... If this works, I promise you... I'm gonna do everything I can for you. And..... if... it doesn't....." Façade cracking, the creator had to wipe his face. "... I love you, and I'll take care of everything. Especially her. I... goddamnit...." he choked again. "You're fucking incredible and I... really hope you're at peace. God only knows you deserve that much."

That left you. Getting up from the seat, you sat down where Eli had been once he returned to his laptop. A hand laid over Gavin's heart, feeling the weakened pulse. "Dolcezzo, I know you are hearing everyone... saying their goodbyes... and knowing you, you are agonizing over this. You do not want us to cry over you, but it cannot be helped; you are deeply loved and cared about." Hand running through his hair, your mouth worked, trying to push the outcries down before they escaped. "Eli is going to connect you to me directly. And, if this is successful, you will be in my mind palace. It is safe there, I promise. And it is cold, so you don't have to be in the heat." Cupping his face, mindful of the breathing tube, time itself seemed to stand still. "...... when I see you, we can talk. I miss you, dolcezzo, and I wish to hear your voice. But we want to try something new, Gavin... and... that is why we are saying goodbye. Just in case it does not work." Leaning over very cautiously, you kissed between the hazel eyes you hoped you'd see again. "Il mio cuore ti appartiene."

◇___#$&!___◇

Where the fuck am I?

Going from sheer panic, to complete and agonizing darkness, to a foot and a half of snow all around him...

Well, honestly, Gavin was fucking confused.

His eyes closed, features smoothing out as he tried to relax. Surely there was a reason for this. He was dressed like he would have for the winter, which was even more puzzling since he was 99% sure it was in the middle of the summer.

Okay. What's the last thing I remember?

...... helping her over the concrete. Bombs going off. The countdown, she couldn't stop it... huge pieces falling in my way. I helped her over, then I had to try and go around. Saw a window, pretty big, not far but definitely not close. Those fucking explosions were deafening. Glass broke from the window.

.... then I couldn't move. Everything was... black. Couldn't do a goddamn thing.

... Il mio cuore ti appartiene...

"She was terrified, you know."

Reed whipped around so fast he fell on his ass in the snow. There was a small frozen lake, a very, very tall android standing on it. Just... watching him. Your boyfriend was getting awkward pangs of recognition, staring at the male. "... the fuck are you?"

With a bow, the android replied, "I am an RK900, Detective Reed. I am what she was supposed to be, and she is what I was going to become, in a way." Unsurprisingly, the human was confused. "I am the detective prototype whose parts were removed and retrofitted for the woman you love."

Back on his feet, brushing the snow away, Reed grumbled a bit. "Okay, great. How are you here, then? And... where is here?"

"You recall your last moments in the crumbling warehouse, but what of after?"

Now he was just suspicious. "Nothing. It's fucking blackness. I--" Stopping mid-sentence, the human looked away, seeing the snowy clearing in the forest but not comprehending. "...... I.... I couldn't move. Couldn't do shit. But..." Tears spilled with alarming speed. "... everyone was... s-saying goodbye... what the fuck, I'm right here..."

"And... where is here, Detective?" Hands behind his back, the RK900 stood beside him.

A long pause, snow falling gently around them. "........ mind... palace. Her mind palace. I... should probably know what that is."

"All androids have one. They are places we can escape to, for solace or advice. We have mentors in them, as well. Your Nove has me as a mentor, and should you choose to say yes, you will have one, as well."

Hazel met crystal blue, and Gavin felt considerably better. If this prototype was a benign mentor in your system, then he was safe, too. "... where is she, man? And what am I possibly saying yes to?"

"Cloud, please. Call me Cloud. And if you wish to see her, you need only ask for her."

The second he'd looked away, the tall bastard vanished. Scoffing, your partner took in the snowy landscape for a little while longer before cupping his hands around his mouth. "Cara mia!!!"

"I didn't th-think I would hear that again," came your unsteady voice. He could barely turn himself before you were clinging to him tightly.

"--God, cara mia, what--... h-hey, it's all right... don't cry, dolcezza, I'm here. Dunno how I'm here, but... I'm here." Sobbing hysterically into his shoulder, you were held as closely as possible. "...... so... mind palace, huh?"

You didn't respond until you'd finished crying, which still took several minutes. Then again, your partner wasn't sure how time passed. Finally you wiped your eyes, pulling back enough to see him properly. "Y-yes. My mind palace. It was Elijah's idea. I... I do not know how much you heard." The human reached and wiped your eyes for you. "...... he wanted to try something, but Hank... insisted it wasn't right if you didn't consent."

An eyebrow went up high. "Okay, what the hell would he tell you it would require my consent?"

"... your brother wants to put your consciousness, this form of you right here," you explained, gesturing to him, "... into an android's body."

As it sank in, Gavin's heart went with it. "...... how bad of a shape am I in, cara mia? You all were... saying goodbye, I..."

"... you are on life support."

Reed had to take a step back, hands running through his hair. "Back the fuck up... h-hang on... life support? As in I'm pretty much fucking useless?" You nodded, and he swallowed hard.

Android. Turn me into a goddamn android. Now I see why Hank said they needed my consent... which explains why I'm in here, if I can't fucking function...

Yet his gaze landed on you again, looking apprehensive about even asking the question that was on the tip of your tongue.

Taking both of your hands, your partner pressed his forehead to your own. "The answer is yes, cara mia. If it means I don't lose you, then turn me into a fucking Dyson vacuum for all I care," he added with a soft chuckle.

"... G-Gavin..." came the only voice that could give him chills. "Elijah... he doesn't know if it will work. You're here so I may ask, but...." Hands cupped your cheeks, a kiss pressed between your eyes. "... you would have to be removed from life support, regardless. Success is roughly--"

The kiss silenced your words. Soft whimpers escaped your throat but you gladly returned the affection. "... listen to me. I know Eli. He's not gonna stop until he gets it right. If it doesn't work, then I'd be stuck in here. Right?" When you nodded, Gavin smiled. "Then I'll be here until he gets it right, cara mia. I'm okay with that."

The light in your eyes made his pain worth it... but the nearly-tackling hug definitely helped. You did not cry this time, thankfully, but he was clung to with a steel-like grasp. "I love you, Gavin," you murmured, voice trembling.

"I love you too, Nove," your human cooed. When he pried himself from your hold, his vague smile reappeared. "Knowing that tall bastard, this shit will work just fine the first time." A step back was taken, his hand out. "So as dumb and sappy as this is gonna sound... dance with me, cara mia. My last dance as a human."

◇___#$&!___◇

_____

[POWER ON]

___

[BOOTING UP. PLEASE WAIT.]

___

[SCANNING FOR UPDATES...]

[ALL SYSTEMS UPDATED TO LATEST VERSION.]

[PREPARING INITIAL STARTUP SEQUENCE...]

___

[100%]

[STATUS: DOLCEZZO]

_____

"-JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!!"

The words carried throughout the entire house as he sat up abruptly enough to make damn near everyone in the room flinch. Hands clenched tightly, LED blinking yellow rapidly as the initial activation processed.

A delicate hand laid on top of his own, and Gavin was more surprised that it could be felt. That it felt... fine. The exact same as he'd always known. Those hazel eyes soaked in the sight of the room; the closest was you, perched on the side of the metal table in Elijah's lab. Then came Biscuit, who stood on his hind paws to reach and lick Reed's face, tail stump wagging hard.

"How does it feel, Gavin?" Connor's mild voice spoke up, the prototype sitting on the side, clearly fascinated with this new technology development.

"I'll, uh... let you know in an hour or so." Pause. "Wait, no, I take it back. I'm not breathing. What the fuck."

"Just so you know," Eli spoke up, "your serial "number" is on your skin, too. And... Nove said you picked your model number. You told her it had to be that, so...." he made a vague gesture to the NV900 prototype.

"Well, obviously. She has my initials, I've got... some of hers."

"....... what's your serial number?" you asked quietly.

"Uhhhh... I totally didn't pick something fucking sappy as shit. Absolutely not." There was zero conviction, and Gavin sighed and unbuttoned a few buttons of his shirt to show the android "tattoo". All it said was:

Il mio cuore ti appartiene

There was a long, long pause before Hank spoke up. "Those aren't even fucking numbers, moron. Serial number."

"Shut the fuck up, I panicked, okay?! She doesn't have a birth date!"

"What about the day you met? The day she finally forgave you? First kiss? ANY ACTUAL DATE?"

Reed groaned and waved a hand dismissively, but ended up grinning when your head laid on his shoulder. "Gavin?"

"Yeah?"

"... I love you, but as a machine, you are fucking useless."

Gavin just groaned. "I know, cara mia. I know."

_____

(So I already have another book in mind, and it'll be beautifully different than the other DBH ones.

Namely because I'm finally focusing on our favorite overly tall android. ♡

I know this book is shorter than the others, and I apologize. I just hope you guys enjoyed it! ♡♡♡♡♡

My RK900 x Reader will begin really soon, too, so I hope that makes up for the shortness of this one ♡♡♡)