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Faraday had been seated at his desk, combing through lines of code on an old terminal when it first started. He didn't hear the heavy footfalls of DiMA behind him, too busy being hunched over his desk and squinting at the green text on his personal terminal.
When DiMA placed his metal hand on him, Faraday jumped, letting out a small yelp.
"Oh my." Said DiMA, "I'm sorry, my dear, I did not mean to surprise you."
"It's fine." Faraday told him quickly. Truth be told, DiMA could have done just about anything and Faraday would forgive him.
"Is there something you need? I just need to finish this up then we can-"
"No, it's nothing like that." DiMA smiled down at him, and Faraday felt the familiar warm feeling of adoration spread through him.
"I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate you." DiMA continued, "You do much for me, for everyone here, and you deserve thanks."
Faraday nodded slowly, unsure of where this was coming from. He'd been emotionally fine as of late, and he'd even been getting a few more hours of sleep this week. His mood had been decent, so why was DiMA concerned?
"Thank you." Faraday told him, "Is that all?"
DiMA nodded, before he said goodbye and left the room, leaving Faraday…confused. After thinking about it for a minute, he shrugged his shoulders and went back to the terminal. It felt nice to be appreciated.
The second time it happened, Faraday was pushing the doors of Acadia open with a groan, his legs tired from walking and his arms tired from heavy lifting. He had just gotten back from Far Harbor, where he spent the last five hours fixing their fog condensers so the town wouldn't be overrun by the fog. What a glamorous life, he had thought to himself as he trudged through mud and seawater.
All he wanted to do now was collapse into bed, but he had work to do. He hadn't intended to stay so long, just long enough to check on his machines. They weren't in good shape, despite Faraday checking on them a few weeks prior, and he owed it to the people of Far Harbor to keep them safe. Even if he felt guilty for leaving (or abandoning, as Faraday's mind liked to remind him) Acadia.
Walking into the main room, Faraday was surprised to see that DiMA was not there. In fact, there was no one. The room was empty.
"Hello?" Faraday called out, only to be met with silence. He could feel his anxiety swell in his stomach, but he pushed it down. Nothing happened, nothing could happen. Faraday was only gone for a few hours, and the synths outside were fine!
The synth shook his head, turning around with a huff and walking towards his room. He needed to stop fussing over DiMA so much, it was probably beginning to look creepy and Faraday needed to be professional around him. It wasn't like DiMA could or would like him back.
Walking into his room, Faraday shrugged off his jacket, setting it on the chair in front of his terminal. He set his bag down on the table, and kicked off his muddy boots, before picking them up and walking towards his bed.
Faraday had a plan, you see. He was going to clean up and get to work on Acadia's generators. The lights had been flickering, seemingly at random, and he had hoped that it was a problem with the generators and not the wiring.
However, it seemed that there was someone in his bed.
It was DiMA, and after the initial shock wore off, Faraday found himself slightly panicked that DiMA was in his bed and simultaneously relieved that it was just DiMA. Faraday would probably have replaced the bedding if someone else was sitting on it (he had always been particular about people touching his things), and he was thankful he wouldn't have to do that.
"DiMA, what are you…" He trailed off, his gaze dropping to what was in DiMA's hands. It was a plate of food.
"I didn't know you were going out today." DiMA said, slightly sad in a way that made Faraday more guilty for not telling him. He figured it wouldn't be an issue, he thought that he'd pop down to Far Harbor, check up on the fog condensers, and he'd be back in time for lunch. Obviously that was not the case.
"I'm sorry." Faraday told him, "I didn't mean to take so long and I just…I got caught up."
DiMA was frowning sadly now, and Faraday mentally kicked himself for making him upset.
"...Who were you visiting?" DiMA asked quietly, and Faraday had been too worried to notice his wording.
"I was fixing the fog condensers in Far Harbor. I honestly didn't think it would take so long, I just-"
"Oh!" DiMA exclaimed, "I understand now. I made you lunch but…well, it's cold now. And a bit dusty."
DiMA stood and handed a blushing Faraday the plate of food. Did DiMA just say he made him lunch? Faraday looked down at the plate in surprise. It was bread and fruits with a small bowl of mirelurk soup. If it were warm, Faraday didn't doubt that it would smell wonderful. He wondered how DiMA could have made him something like this.
"How long have you been sitting here?" Faraday choked out, and DiMA just smiled at him.
"I…" Faraday set the plate down on the nearby nightstand, "Thank you, first of all. You don't have to look out for me, I can take care of myself."
"I don't doubt that, dearest. Just think of it as a…token of my appreciation. Hmm, or perhaps affection would be a better word."
Faraday did not have enough time in the day to unpack all of that.
"But, since I did not plan around your schedule, I think I should try again." DiMA continued, "Would you like to eat dinner together?"
Faraday was grateful for the fact that he was not entirely a machine, because he was so sure he would be combusting right now if he weren't a synthetic human.
"Anything for you." Faraday told DiMA, cringing at how pathetic he sounded. It was a wonder that DiMA didn't realize how hopelessly in love Faraday was.
DiMA seemed thrilled that it had come to this conclusion, though. Soon, he left with a promise to see Faraday once more in a few hours, and Faraday began to think of a way he could convince the others that this was not a date.
Faraday pushed the cable into a slot on DiMA's back, mumbling to himself as he skimmed over the other cables and wires, checking the integrity on each one. When he deemed them safe, he leaned back, taking in the whole picture. Earlier that day, DiMA confessed that he had some trouble moving some of his extremities. If it were a year ago, Faraday would have probably had a meltdown trying to figure out how to fix it. However, thanks to a certain synth, Acadia was practically flooding in new parts for DiMA.
"Okay, move your arm now. It should work correctly."
DiMA moved his right arm, flexing his fingers as he lifted it up, his elbow moving in and out. Faraday listened for any resounding creaks that would let him know they should lubricate them soon, but he heard nothing.
"How do you feel?" Faraday asked, and DiMA turned to face him.
"Wonderful." He said, "I'm glad you were able to fix this quickly."
"Yes, well, Nick has been very forthcoming with the parts he's been using." Faraday reached forward, placing his arm on DiMA's shoulder, inspecting the joint, "He gave me a few tips, too. I might have helped manufacture a few gen 2 synths in the Institute, but it helps to hear it from someone who deals with it personally."
Faraday blinked, then backed away, shaking his hand as if it were on fire. He didn't think he'd ever get used to touching DiMA.
"I am very glad that you're getting along with him."
Faraday snorted, remembering his last conversation with the synth. It had been…tense, to say the least. Faraday never got along with newcomers, and even if Nick was DiMA's brother, it would take some time for him to warm up. But, he did try. That was more than enough for DiMA.
"It helps when you have something in common with each other." Faraday moved towards the nearby table, picking through a few of Nick's scavenged wires. "He cares about you, I care about you. We know that about each other, at least."
Setting the wires down, Faraday turned around, only to find that DiMA had silently moved closer since he turned around, and was now intruding on Faraday's personal space.
Being about a foot taller, DiMA towered over him, and since they were so close, Faraday was level with his shoulders. Were it anyone else, Faraday would have found this extremely threatening, but this was DiMA. Faraday knew he wouldn't hurt him, so this breach of personal space just felt…strange.
Faraday slowly looked up at DiMA, his face growing very warm as his eyes drifted up to meet DiMA's.
DiMA was staring at him, his eyes wide like he wanted to take in as much input as possible. Faraday instinctively looked down at his feet, unable to handle those grey eyes burning into him.
Faraday wanted to speak, to ask DiMA what he was doing, but before he could say a word, metallic fingers curled around his chin, lightly pushing his face up to meet DiMA's eyes again. With no control over his reaction, Faraday let out a quiet whine, which only served to make him more embarrassed.
"You make…such fascinating noises." DiMA whispered, and Faraday couldn't take it anymore. He pushed himself away from DiMA, trying to make up an excuse before abandoning the excuse entirely and stumbling away in the direction of his room without another word.
He flopped on his bed with a groan, and rolled over to look at the ceiling.
What the hell just happened?!
His face was still burning from the contact and his stomach was swirling. Was DiMA teasing him? Did someone put DiMA up to this in some fucked up attempt to play a joke on Faraday? No, DiMA would never do that. Not intentionally at least.
Faraday sighed, and rolled over on his side. He couldn't bear to look at DiMA right now, or anyone for that matter. Closing his eyes, Faraday decided to deal with this the next time he woke up.
Faraday awoke slowly, the sound of low voices slipping into his room through the open door. He sat up and his stomach grumbled, leaving the synth frustrated. He probably should have eaten before he decided to take his impromptu nap.
After pulling on his shoes, Faraday slumped over to his door, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes before he had to talk to someone.
In the main room, he heard DiMA speaking, his voice low and secretive. Opening his eyes, he saw Chase and DiMA standing close together, whispering to each other.
Jealousy coiled in his stomach. He knew logistically, nothing was happening. Chase was friends with DiMA too, she cared about him just like Faraday did (just without the whole feelings thing involved). DiMA didn't owe anything to Faraday except an explanation and maybe an apology.
Faraday was going to turn away and walk downstairs to see if there were any leftovers, but he suddenly stopped when he heard his name.
They weren't calling for him, he knew that much. If they had, DiMA would have spoken louder. No, they were whispering about him.
Old, forgotten paranoia came back in full swing. Faraday ducked down as he strained to listen, searching for clues that would tell him if they were trying to get rid of him.
DiMA wouldn't do this, Faraday told himself. DiMA was his friend! Shaking his head, Faraday held his breath and listened.
"-n't work, and I've read all of it." DiMA whispered, and Faraday heard Chase chuckle.
"Did you honestly think an old magazine was going to help you with your love life?" Chase asked.
"Nick seemed to think so…" DiMA sighed, "Surely he would know about this. He's more…human than I am."
"What's so great about being human anyway?" Chase told him, "Maybe that's your issue. You're trying to convey your feelings using human methods. You're both synths, goddamnit, no wonder it's not working."
Faraday breathed a sigh of relief. They weren't talking about kicking him out. Whatever they were talking about, however, Faraday wanted no part in it. It sounded like DiMA was in love, and if that were the case…
"I don't know of any other way to tell him."
Chase snickered, "Here's an idea. Just be honest with him. It sounds like sending him signals is giving him the wrong idea."
Signals? Him? Maybe it was because Faraday was too wrapped up in his own emotions, but he hadn't noticed any other man being interested in DiMA!
"I don't know…what if he doesn't like me at all?"
"Are you kidding me?" Chase asked, "Look, I know that we all have issues, but everyone can see how Faraday looks at you. He's in love, DiMA. He just doesn't know how to tell you or show you. He might be scared, he might be clueless. Hell, he might be both. Which means you have to be upfront."
Faraday couldn't believe what he was hearing. DiMA loved him? That didn't make any sense, he was just…
Faraday pressed his palms into his eyes in frustration. DiMA was flirting with him! He had been this entire time! He felt so stupid for not seeing it, but how could he had ever known? It wasn't like he was getting constantly flirted with in the Institute.
So, what was he going to do with this? Faraday, admittedly, was not sure how to continue this. He'd ready books where people confessed to each other, but it never really went more in detail. They just…got together. Faraday didn't know what happened after.
He wouldn't mind finding out, though.
Faraday pulled himself up and inhaled deeply. He was ready to do this. He had never felt so confident in anything else before, and he'd be damned if he let his chance slip away.
He stepped out of his room, and walked straight into Chase.
"Fucking hell, Faraday." Chase mumbled, "Get off the wrong side of the bed, or what?"
"I…you know what? Sure." Faraday said, his confidence fizzling out slightly and his ego bruised.
Faraday stepped forward, but Chase stopped him, her palm square on his shoulder. Usually, he would have weaseled out of a situation where someone could touch him, but there was no fighting Chase.
"Listen." Chase whispered, her gaze all too knowing, "Don't fuck this up."
She withdrew her hand, and walked away, whistling some tune they heard on the radio.
"I won't." Faraday muttered, before he turned to where Chase just left. In the middle of the observatory, DiMA stood in thought, his metal hand cupping his chin. Faraday stared at him, anxiety swelling in his stomach. What if DiMA changed his mind? What if he realized that Faraday would be terrible as a partner and even worse as a friend?
No, he had to do this. If not for DiMA then for himself.
Faraday stepped into the room, his footfalls loud against the cold floor. He saw a smile grow on DiMA's face before the synth turned around to face Faraday entirely.
"You're awake." DiMA said softly, stepping forward to approach Faraday, but pausing just before he became too close.
"I would like to apologize for my behavior." He said, "I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable."
"It's okay." Faraday told him, "And I'm not just saying that to make you feel better. I…would be amenable to such contact in the future. If I had a warning in advance."
DiMA lit up, figuratively of course. DiMA's eyes didn't glow like Nick's, and they hadn't for a long time, but he could be very expressive when he wanted to be.
"Is…would this be okay?"
DiMA reached forward, his metallic hand reaching for Faraday's shoulder, resting near his neck. Normally, Faraday would have been uncomfortable at such an action, especially so close to his neck, but it was…fine. More than fine, really. He still felt nervous, but it was more of a hopeful sort of nervousness. No doubt he was as red as a tato by now.
"I like it." Faraday told him, "When you touched me earlier, it felt strange, but I still liked it."
"Is it because of your feelings towards me?"
"I, uh…yes."
Faraday instinctively closed his eyes, too overwhelmed to look at DiMA.
DiMA's cold fingers slowly caressed his jaw, sending a shiver down Faraday's spine.
"Please look at me, Faraday." DiMA said gently, and Faraday slowly opened his eyes.
DiMA was smiling down at him, his head tilted slightly to the left like the sight before him was something worth taking in.
"I'm sure you must be confused." DiMA tells him, "I have been acting rather strangely these past few days. And I'm sure you would like an explanation."
Faraday nodded. He hadn't noticed that DiMA had been acting differently. In fact he assumed it was all in his head, so to speak. Just him seeing things and hoping for something.
"It all started when Nick approached me and gave me this."
DiMA pulled a faded pink magazine from somewhere unknown and handed it to Faraday. Looking up at him with a confused expression, DiMA sheepishly smiled.
"This is…"
"A dating advice magazine." DiMA explained, "From before the war, women would have trouble finding partners and they would look for solutions in this."
Faraday opened the cover, skimming over the introduction before he flipped through it entirely.
He saw familiar steps, such as "compliment him" and "anticipate his needs" and "be physical with him", all of them detailing how one would effectively flirt with the object of one's desire.
It was all so…terrible. The advice was sloppy, poorly written, and incredibly invasive. Faraday could not imagine falling for a man who would do something like this to him, DiMA being the exception.
"I have a feeling that perhaps you do not like this." DiMA whispered, and Faraday closed the magazine, rolling it up and tossing it onto the floor.
"If I'm being honest, the whole thing seems like brahmin shit." He said flatly.
DiMA laughed loudly, and Faraday heard himself laughing along with him. God, it was just so silly, wasn't it?
"I should have known you wouldn't like it." DiMA told him after their laughter died down, "I wanted to be upfront with my feelings for you, but I also wanted to court you like a human being would. If I am being honest, sometimes I worry that I am…not adequate enough for you."
"Really?" Faraday had been well and truly surprised at this. He couldn't imagine DiMA, of all synths, feeling like that. He was the best of their kind, the first of their kind. He had made so many sacrifices to get to where they were today, to provide a safe home to synth-kind. If anything, it should be Faraday feeling inadequate next to DiMA!
"I lack much of what you have." DiMA sighed sadly, "My body is old and misshapen, and I do not have the proficient parts that would make our relationship comp-"
"DiMA." Faraday reached up to cup at DiMA's jaw, pulling himself closer to the taller synth, "None of that matters to me. I love you, every part of you. I don't need anything more than you will give me, and I know that if we work together, we can figure it out. We're a team, always have been."
DiMA smiled, and leaned down to press their foreheads together.
"If I am not mistaken," DiMA whispered, "Does this mean we are together now?"
"Yes, I would think so." Faraday felt himself smile.
"Then…I would like to kiss you."
Instead of answering, Faraday stood on his toes and pressed a soft kiss to DiMA's lips. He wasn't actually sure if the synth could feel it, but judging by the way DiMA surged forward and dug his hands into Faraday's lab coat, he inferred that DiMA liked it nonetheless.
"So…" Nick said from where he leaned up against the wall, watching Faraday's every move, "I take it you and DiMA are together now?"
If he hadn't gone through a month-long process of everyone in Acadia finding out about his new relationship, Faraday would have been sufficiently embarrassed.
"We are." Faraday answered calmly.
"I see. Well, I'm not here to give you the shovel talk, you've known him longer than I. I'm just…curious as to how it happened." Faraday could practically hear Nick's smirk.
"It appears that someone gave DiMA an old magazine and he followed its tips."
Nick smiled.
"Problem was, those tips were awful. Truly and genuinely terrible. DiMA decided to toss it out and be upfront. Now, we are here."
Faraday turned to Nick, an innocent smile on his face.
Nick frowned before saying, "Those things are two hundred years out of date. Can't have any more useful information for the new world. Glad it worked out."
Faraday stifled a laugh. He'd thank Nick Valentine for his help, one day…