Thompson sighed, nodding. “As long as you’re sure, Syler. Your contract was many things, but not field work. You’re under no obligation.” All the same, he turned towards the weapons rack, pulling the modified Sig he knew Syler favored on the testing range as well as a 3D printed compact frame 9mm. “Back up made of plastic to slip through security discreetly.”
Syler smiled. “I’ll need a holster.”
“You’ll also need something that won’t get taken the second you’re identified.”
Both men grinned, turning towards the locker at the very back of the armory designated for special projects. “Glasses?”
“They were one of my first designs,” Daniel noted, tone wistful as he unlocked the door to the division’s more unique items. “I might even get them back intact if I send them out with you.”
He passed his protegee the glasses case. Syler flipped it open with no small degree of reverence. “I’ve heard stories about the engineering history on these.”
“Mm, yes,” he replied, “modified as the technology advanced. GPS tracker embedded in the frame, as well as a back up communicator and a camera in the upper corner of the right lens. Also,” he winked conspiratorially, “the legs are sheathed knives with a high voltage taser built in the tips. I don’t suppose you mind wearing contacts this weekend?”
---
Arthur was waiting for him outside of the armory, lounging against the wall like he hadn’t a care in the world, go-bag at his feet. Syler passed him a case containing his field kit, rolling his eyes. “I assume you’re coming with me.”
“Try and stop me sweetheart.”
“Waste of breath,” the younger man acknowledged, “and I know what I’m getting with you.”
“And what’s that?”
“A ride home. Come on, I’m exhausted and we’ve got an early start tomorrow.”
Twenty-Eight
They made it into the elevator before he gave in and pressed the smaller man against the wall, arms wrapped around him like a vice, lips pressed to his dark hair. “For the record, I don’t like this.”
“You’re not required to,” his handler replied, clever hands rubbing soothing circles into the small of his back all the same.
Arthur huffed, slipping a hand under his jaw and drawing him into a quick kiss. He drew back as the door dinged for the parking garage, tucking Syler into his side as they stepped out. “Your place or mine?”
“Presumptuous man.” Hazel eyes danced, teasing.
“Yours is closer, but mine has actual food in it,” he continued, unbothered, leading them both over to Lucy.
“See my prior statement,” he snipped, easing into the passenger seat all the same. He looked delicious against the cream upholstery and Arthur briefly entertained a fantasy of taking him somewhere private where he could indulge in both his girl and his handler simultaneously, free from more pressing concerns. As he settled into the driver’s side, Syler smirked a little, trailing a hand teasingly across the shifter as he read his thoughts. “Another night, Arthur.”
“Holding you to that,” he groused, filing the mental image away for later. “Yours, then, and we’ll pick something up on the way. Lord only knows what you think is appropriate to keep in a fridge after seeing your cabinets.”
“Don’t you know,” the engineer sing-songed, “that all androids run on coolant? It’s best kept in the freezer until it’s time for a refuel.” The other man rolled his eyes, refusing to dignify that with a response.
Both lapsed into silence as Arthur exited the garage, Syler relaxing into his seat as he sent in a pick up order to one of their regular spots. The shadows playing over his face as they passed under the street lights made him look older, more suited to going out in the field to meet with a cyber terrorist. Maybe this wouldn’t be an absolute disaster after all.
“You’re sure you’re alright with this?”
Syler sighed, gaze fixed out the passenger window as he rested his face in his hand. “It’s hardly my first choice, but there’s nothing to be done for it. At the very least, it’s a public location and I’ll know most of the other specialists attending. Besides, I’ll have you there and the team behind us. We have a plan. Panicking is only going to serve to keep me up all night.”
Arthur hummed, nodding. He could always trust the other man to be pragmatic, for all that Arthur himself was still decidedly not on board. As he pulled up to the curb by the restaurant, he glanced over at the other man. Despite his bravado, he was clearly uncomfortable with the entire situation. He was right in one respect—panicking really would only keep him up all night, and then where would they be?
A few minutes later, they returned to the vehicle, meal in tow. Syler belted himself in, still pensive. Well, Arthur supposed, he may as well start the job early. “Hey.” The engineer glanced over. The blond pulled him into a kiss, thorough and aimed to distract. The other man was smiling up at him when he drew back. “Enough of that. Let’s enjoy our evening, hm?”
The smaller man huffed out a breath, tucking the carryout bag securely in place on the floor before he settled back into the seat. “And what do you have planned for me?”
“Planned?” he teased.
“You always have a plan, Dufault.”
“Mm, maybe hold onto our dinner,” Syler blinked, but reached a hand down automatically all the same, just in time to brace before he threw the car into drive and peeled out onto the main road. “What do you say we take a drive?”
His handler laughed, noise drowned out by the sound of the engine. “Oh, by all means! You’ve finally stumbled upon a sure fire way to seduce me.” Arthur grinned, eyes on the
