Resolutions 7: Subtle Shifts

Read from the beginning of this serialized novel at “Resolutions.”

On Saturday morning, Tobias moved through the kitchen like a man on a mission, cracking eggs and buttering toast with a mechanical focus. He barely noticed Graham fumbling at the coffee machine, his movements slower and less confident. 

“Tobias,” Max’s voice cut through the quiet hum of the kitchen, “please reduce whisking intensity by 10% to ensure optimal egg consistency.” 

“Noted,” Tobias replied instantly, adjusting his motion. 

Graham looked up, startled. Something about Tobias’ tone caught his attention, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. “Noted?” he asked. 

Tobias glanced at him, his expression calm. “What? It’s an efficient acknowledgment.” 

Graham shrugged, turning back to his coffee. He momentarily felt a flicker of discomfort, but it slipped away as quickly as it came. 

“Graham,” Max said, “your posture while operating the coffee grinder deviates from the recommended alignment. Shall I provide assistance?” 

“I think I can handle it,” Graham said, though he found himself straightening slightly. 

“Correction noted,” Max replied. 

Their plates were identical at breakfast: scrambled eggs, toast, and sliced avocado plated with the kind of precision Graham associated with high-end restaurants. Tobias ate methodically, his pace measured, while Graham, feeling restless, stared at his plate and pushed his food around. 

“Good breakfast,” Tobias said, glancing up briefly. 

“It’s just eggs and toast,” Graham replied. “Hardly groundbreaking.” 

“Balance is important,” Tobias said in a clipped voice. “Max even optimized the portions for energy levels. Makes sense to me.” 

Graham nodded absently, his inner disquiet muted by the constant, subtle pressure of the Shield. He tried to focus on the oddness of the conversation, but a gentle buzz from the Shield sent his thoughts scattering. Reflexively, his hand brushed the device, his fingers tracing its smooth surface through his trousers. The warmth it radiated soothed him, and the unease evaporated. 

Later in the morning, Max introduced a new activity bloc, designed, it claimed, to strengthen their relationship. 

“Gentlemen,” Max said, stepping into the living room, “the shared activity for today focuses on cooperation and alignment. You will collaborate on tax preparation, ensuring financial efficiency and compliance.” 

Tobias raised an eyebrow but nodded. “That sounds practical. What’s the structure?” 

Max turned toward the dining table, where it had laid out stacks of receipts, folders, and a tablet. “Tobias, your task is to organize and categorize financial documents for maximum accuracy. Graham, you will file the categorized documents according to Tobias’ instructions. You have three hours allocated for this task. Please proceed.” 

Graham let out an exasperated short laugh, leaning against the back of the sofa. “You’re kidding, right? This is supposed to be our quality time?” 

“Cooperative activities foster mutual respect and strengthen bonds,” Max replied. 

Tobias had already taken a seat, his posture straight as he grabbed the first stack of receipts. “Come on, G. Let’s just get it done. It’ll save us a headache come April.” 

Graham sighed, moving to the table reluctantly. He picked up a folder and watched as Tobias began sorting through the receipts with focus as if he’d been doing it every day his entire adult life. 

The first few minutes passed in relative silence, with Tobias sifting quickly through receipts and Graham filing them without complaint. But soon, Graham’s curiosity got the better of him. 

“Are you sure this one doesn’t go under household expenses?” Graham asked, holding up a receipt for cleaning supplies? 

“No,” Tobias replied briskly, not even looking up. “It’s already categorized. Just file it under general maintenance.” 

Graham hesitated, his fingers hovering over the folder. “But cleaning supplies aren’t exactly—” 

“Graham,” Tobias interrupted, more sharply than before, “just follow the system. It’s faster that way.” 

Graham felt a flush creep up his neck. “Right. Sorry.” 

The Shield buzzed faintly, its warmth soothing the sting of Tobias’ admonition. Graham’s hand dropped to the device instinctively, his fingers pressing against it as if for reassurance. The momentary discomfort had faded when he slid the receipt into the folder as instructed. 

A few minutes later, Graham raised another question. 

“Hey, T, these two receipts look almost identical. Are you sure they aren’t duplicates?” 

Tobias exhaled sharply, setting the stack of receipts down. “Graham, do you think I didn’t already check for duplicates?” 

Graham blinked, taken aback. “I just thought—” 

“That’s not your job,” Tobias said firmly. “Your job is to file the receipts I give you. That’s it.” 

The words hit Graham like a slap, but before he could react, his Shield buzzed again. His hand dropped to his crotch, his fingers tracing its solid exterior. The warmth spread through him, calming his nerves and smothering the protest forming in his throat. “Got it,” he said softly, sliding the receipts into the file. 

As the relationship-building activity continued, Tobias’ tone grew increasingly curt. 

“Utilities,” Tobias said, handing over a stack of receipts without looking up. 

Graham hesitated, glancing at one of the receipts. “Shouldn’t this one go under—” 

“Graham,” Tobias interrupted, his voice low and clipped, “just file it.” 

“Okay,” Graham murmured, lowering his gaze. 

The Shield buzzed faintly, and his hand reflexively pressed against it, the action almost automatic now. The warmth wrapped around him like a blanket, softening his frustration and leaving only the faintest trace of shame. 

When they neared the task’s completion, Tobias spoke to Graham like a boss addressing a subordinate. 

“Next batch is travel expenses,” Tobias said briskly. “File them by vendor, and make sure the dates are visible in the top corner.” 

Graham nodded, his movements stiff and deliberate. “Got it.” 

“Good,” Tobias said, turning back to his tablet. 

Graham stole a glance at Tobias, his chest tightening. The way Tobias spoke now—calm, efficient, and utterly detached—was so unlike him that it sent a ripple of worry through Graham. 

But as the thought formed, the Shield buzzed once more. Graham’s hand dropped to it, and the worry melted away. It was replaced by a sepia-tinged sense of contentment. 

Tobias handed him another stack of receipts. “These go under dining. Keep the business meals separate from the personal ones.” 

Graham nodded again, avoiding eye contact. “Sure, no problem.” 

“Good,” Tobias said, already sorting through the next pile. 

By the time they finished, Tobias seemed energized, his posture straight and his expression calm. On the other hand, Graham felt small, his confidence worn down by the constant corrections and Tobias’ demanding instructions. 

“Good work,” Tobias said, standing and stretching. “That wasn’t so bad now, was it?” 

“Easy,” Graham said, his voice quieter than he intended. 

“Efficiency makes everything easier,” Tobias said, echoing Max’s tone so closely that Graham felt a chill. 

Max stepped forward, its eyes bright. “Gentlemen, your cooperation has been exemplary. Shall I provide feedback to further enhance your alignment?” 

“No thanks,” Graham said, his voice barely above a whisper as he pushed his chair back. 

“Yes,” Tobias boomed, overriding him. He looked at Graham with calm authority. “Feedback is important. Let’s hear it.” 

Max inclined its head slightly. “Acknowledging contributions strengthens bonds. Tobias, you may begin by expressing appreciation for Graham’s efforts.” 

Tobias turned to Graham, his gray eyes calm but distant, his voice even. “Graham, I appreciate how well you followed instructions today. It made everything run smoothly.” 

Graham bristled at the phrasing. Tobias’ words came off as doubly inauthentic, considering how many times he had to remind Graham to follow instructions and stop asking questions. Before he could dwell on it, Max prompted him, “Graham, please respond. You may say: ‘Tobias, I am grateful for your leadership. It made the activity more manageable.’” 

Graham hesitated, his jaw clenching, but the Shield responded immediately, radiating warmth through his body like a gentle tide. He touched the Shield as the tension in his chest faded. 

“Tobias,” Graham said softly, “I am grateful for your leadership. It made the activity more manageable.” 

“Excellent,” Max said. “Your interactions demonstrate effective alignment.” 

Tobias nodded. “See? That wasn’t so hard.” 

Graham’s hand lingered on his Shield, his thoughts murky. “No,” he murmured. “Not so hard.” 

As the scripted moment ended and Max disappeared down the hallway, Tobias stepped closer to Graham, his expression softening slightly for the first time all morning. “You really did well,” he said, the clipped edge melting away from his voice. 

Graham looked up at him, affection breaking through the haze of the Shield’s constant numbing buzz. “Thanks,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. 

Tobias leaned in, his hand brushing against Graham’s. Graham tilted his head, closing his eyes as Tobias’ lips grew near. 

But before they could connect, both Shields buzzed sharply, sending a faint pulse through their bodies. Graham’s eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding his face. 

“What was I…,” Tobias started, looking like someone searching for missing keys. 

Graham fondled his Shield as a whisper of frustration disappeared as quickly as it came. “What were we doing?” he asked faintly. 

Tobias shook his head, his posture straightening. “I don’t know. Must not have been important.” 

Max appeared and occupied the space between them, forcing them apart. “Gentlemen, it is nearly time to transition to your next activity. Shall I provide recommendations for the afternoon?” 

Tobias smiled, already moving toward the kitchen. “Good idea, Max. Let’s stay on track.” 

Graham stayed seated for a moment longer, his hand still resting on the Shield, its warmth lulling him into compliance. A faint, artificial calm replaced the concern that had flickered to life. 

When he stood to join Tobias, he couldn’t recall why he felt anything was out of place. 

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