Dock

Colin's Return

"Like you're one to talk, Mr White-Cotton-Jacket! At least leather is easy to wipe clean!" Nines couldn't argue with that. Chloe had cleaned his white jacket more than any other garment between them. He now understood why Gavin had insisted he buy a black one as well all those months ago, but he still gravitated towards the white. Unfortunately, that made it an almost constant casualty. He pulled out his wallet and scanned the board, looking over all the specials available. "Can I have caffeine? I feel like a full one today," Gavin asked hopefully as he slipped his jacket over the back of his chair and looked up at him.

"That would be acceptable...Would you like me to select from the specials?" Nines asked, still standing since he was the one going to order. Gavin agreed with a thankful nod before Nines turned his attention to Chloe, waving away her money as he raised his own wallet. She requested one of the thirium drinks and a cake. Any cake. She had yet to meet a cake she didn't like. Nines' lips quirked in amusement, sharp blue eyes scanning Gavin's vitals. His interest had piqued at the mention of food and he was due a snack of sorts. Nines left the pair chatting at the table, talking about the upcoming plans for teenage androids. He was soon joined at the counter by Connor and Colin, who surprised him somewhat with their casual dress. "I was beginning to think I'd have to crowbar you out of your jacket," Nines teased as Connor took the place beside him.

"I thought it might be best to change considering..." Connor replied significantly as he nodded towards Gavin at the table. He was currently laughing warmly at something Chloe had said, unaware of their arrival. Nines couldn't fault his reasoning. It would have been a poignant reminder of the previous incident for him, and likely Colin, as well. Colin, however, seemed remarkably unconcerned as he hovered next to Connor with his hands held loosely behind his back. It seemed he was hesitant to leave his side, either from fear or the possibility of upsetting Gavin with his arrival.

It was the first time Nines had seen Colin dressed down. He was wearing a set of expensive light blue jeans with cuts all the way down the long legs, which flared a little over his expensive shoes, along with a black-and-white striped top with a rounded neckline. Over the top, he wore a simple denim jacket, the same shade as his pants. Nines approved of this trendy style. It made him look soft and approachable, perhaps even more so than Connor, who was a little more dressed up. Connor had worn a caramel suit made of a light cord material, with a black top and his usual dress shoes. The pale brown seemed to make his eyes more vibrant somehow, enhancing the amber flecks.

Once they'd collected their orders, Nines led the way to the table and handed off the drinks he was carrying while balancing the tray in one hand. He'd carefully selected a thick caramel mocha for Gavin, making it a large as a reward for his earlier good behaviour. He and Chloe both had mint thirium lattes, though he'd added whipped cream and sprinkles to Chloe's. Gavin and Chloe also had slices of carrot cake, and Chloe was quite delighted by the small sugar carrot crafted on top. Nines, not being too fond of sweets, had settled on a gingerbread cookie.

Colin hovered anxiously at first, hazel eyes darting to Gavin nervously as he wondered where to sit. Connor took the lead, putting their cups of hazelnut thirium cocoa on the table along with two slices of chocolate cake before indicating the seat next to Chloe. Gavin and Chloe had both gone quiet with the twins' arrival, though Chloe was quick to greet them both as they sat down. Believing Colin would feel more comfortable with Connor at his side, Nines had volunteered to return the plastic trays. When he came back, Gavin seemed just as nervous. His green eyes had dropped to his plate rather than looking at anyone else in their circle.

"I'm relieved Elijah could repair you so competently," Nines said as he sat down, noting Colin's grateful smile as he hid behind his cup. He seemed to wonder where to start with the mountain of thick cream and marshmallows. Connor had opted for the direct approach. His lips were coated with thick cream as he drew back and sheepishly reached for a napkin. Chloe had used a spoon to eat the candied cream like a dessert. She only sipped the latte once she'd made a neat space for her lips to rest. "How do you feel?" Nines prompted after a few moments of silence, knowing it must have been a difficult experience. He'd only suffered a relatively minor injury in comparison, however, he still recalled the unpleasant details on occasion. Most often during a stasis cycle as he ran various preconstructions.