Couldn't Bring Myself To Hate You As I'd Like

by Moviemuncher

Summary:

RK900 reevaluated his thoughts. Reed was childish and ill-tempered, his work reputation was clearly his only positive.

--

Reed and Nines are assigned as partners to investigate a string of overdoses caused by a new strain of impure red ice. Can Reed be trusted to remain professional? Can Nines?

Notes:

Another Reed900, except set in the canon verse!

I estimate this one to be around 40k words optimistically.

Chapter 1: hear you knocking down my door

Notes:

Got about 36k written so far, updates will be like twice a week

"You've got to be fucking kidding."

The statement came from his new partner at the DPD, Gavin Reed. Or rather, he'd be the new partner to existing Detective Gavin Reed. A man well known for his anti android sentiments at the precinct and one RK900 had not expected to be paired with. Though, having quickly looked at Reed's work profile, he was not displeased with the choice.

"I am not kidding." Captain Fowler stated firmly, an impatient crease to his brow belying his relatively calm voice. His hands were laced together on the desk he sat behind, staring down the angry detective.

Detective Reed threw his hands up.

RK900 reevaluated his thoughts. Reed was childish and ill-tempered, his work reputation was clearly his only positive.

"Why? Why me?" He demanded. RK900 couldn't help but wonder the same. He was still new to emotions but he believed he too was exasperated by the choice. If they expected him to overcome his programming as a deviant hunter and perform well, why give him the distinct disadvantage of what was clearly an uncooperative partner? It wasn't logical.

"Because you're the last unpartnered detective, everyone else has, or is in the process, of being assigned one." Fowler explained calmly, just a tiny bite to the words. "Unluckily for you the only ones willing to work with you are still in uniform and haven't made detective yet."

Reed fumed silently at that, but RK900 saw the subtle flinch, even if the captain did not. Interesting.

"So you will make this work or I will have you suspended at the very least."

The ultimatum was set. Now they would have to see if the man's pride was worth his job.

They waited.

"Fine." Reed bit out, teeth ground together in a way that looked painful. He stood from his seat with a dramatic amount of speed before he left the office. RK900 turned to look at the Captain instead. He was sat in his chair with his nose pinched between his fingers, looking fatigued.

"Do me a favour RK? Look out for his stubborn ass will you?" Fowler asked.

"I will sir." RK900 replied, voice blank and steady. Fowler didn't look appeased. He shifted his tone, to copy that earnesty his predecessor RK800-51 held. "I promise."

That seemed to work. Fowler nodded gratefully and dismissed him. RK900 left and approached Detective Reed's desk, the man was nowhere to be seen. He waited beside it. He did not know where the irate man had gone, but he should return soon.

"Hey man, are you looking for Gavin?" A friendly voice called from the side. His processor identified the voice before he turned to see the person. Officer Chris Miller.

"Yes Officer Miller, I am waiting for him." RK900 said, voice devoid of any inflection.

The man paused, his friendly grin faltered, before resuming.

"He's in the breakroom man, hey, what should we call you?" Officer Miller asked, never losing the kind tone.

"RK900 will do."

Now the smile slipped away. He frowned instead, but he didn't look annoyed. He analysed the expression, the creased brow, slight downturn lips, and a soft sigh. Concern?

"Okay RK900, you can choose a name now you know? Like Connor's Connor, not RK800." He said.

RK900 blinked. He hadn't thought about it but it made sense. Humans felt more comfortable with actual names, but he didn't know what to choose. He turned his head down as he scrolled through options.

"Don't let Gavin name you, whatever you do," Chris laughed. "But hey, you don't have to pick right now. I gotta go, so see you later?"

RK900 nodded. He would see Officer Miller later for sure, they worked together. Officer Miller left and RK900 turned towards the breakroom. He started at a steady pace towards it. As soon as he entered under the large open doorway he could see Reed, chugging a mug of coffee, then pouring another. Did the detective have a caffeine addiction? It would explain the dark circles under the man's eyes.

"Detective?"

"Augh fuck, what the fuck you sneaking up for?" Reed spat with a jump, a tiny splash of coffee dribbling over the mug rim. He cursed again as the hot liquid touched his finger. RK900 stood still, not wishing to startle him further.

"I apologise for startling you, may I ask for access to the current case file you are working on?"

If he couldn't connect with the detective, he could at least get started on the workload. It would perhaps be better for the partnership if they worked with little talking, as clearly every action he performed only upset the man. Reed sighed, and walked past him, skirting around him to avoid any contact. That was unexpected, RK800-51 had said the man had a fondness of expressing his anger with 'shoulder-checks' and other such aggressive moves. He turned to follow him, at a fair distance of four feet, so as not to crowd him. He hadn't been built the same way as RK800-51, he wasn't built with infiltration in mind. He had access to the knowledge within those programmes, but he hadn't utilised them. So, he would have to exercise more restraint and patience than he was designed to. He would also need to put more effort into bridging social problems and relationships.

He expected Gavin Reed to be the most difficult of all.

Reed jabbed a finger at the empty desk besides his own and RK900 simply obeyed, sitting down in the desk chair behind it.

"You can use that terminal. Case file 40023-32 is the one I'm working on. Don't bother me unless you find something." Detective Reed ordered and RK900 felt something unexpected. Something similar to the exasperation he felt in the office. Was this what irritation was? Something told him he'd better get used to it from now on.

Without a set handler it was easy to follow orders set by authority figures, Captain Fowler, but he'd been given equal status to Detective Reed, not under him.

Still, he was determined to keep the peace. So he silently did as told. His LED was no doubt yellow, but Reed wasn't looking. He was scrolling through the information on his own terminal, taking sips of his coffee, the mug never touching the desk. RK900 turned to his own screen and pulled up the case file, reading through carefully.

The file was brief, exploring a possible link between the increase of red ice usage in the downtown area with the increase in android settlements in that area. Namely a string of overdoses from an unstable new variant. So far there were no connections between the victims beyond the downtown area, and each sample of red ice obtained was ever so slightly different to the last, which potentially meant multiple labs. Thirium was still readily available as CyberLife made the switch from selling androids to selling the parts and services needed for maintenance. So it wasn't a lack of thirium supply that was causing the changes to the Red Ice chemical composition, it was something else.

The notes were all added by Reed, and RK900 appreciated the frank and insightful read despite a few spelling or grammar mistakes, he was able to decipher the information he needed.

Five overdoses, four of them had been non-fatal but had resulted in hospitalisation. None of them lived on the same street, no social connections they had been made aware of, not even a work connection. Those hospitalised hadn't disclosed the name of their dealers, bar one, who had given a description. Tall, pale and wore dark baggy clothes, with a hood covering their face. It wasn't much.

"The differences in the Red Ice composition, are there any notes on what the differences are exactly?" RK900 asked, he wanted to know if the chemical composition could reveal what the subtle differences in each batch was.

Reed put his mug down finally and turned his chair to look at him. He looked annoyed. RK900 met his gaze steadily.

"Not on the file yet?" Reed asked, angry but it was watered down by his confusion.

RK900 shook his head once. Reed swore and slammed his fist down on the desk.

"Fucking labs always taking their damn time. I'll go talk some damn sense into them."

RK900 stood before Reed could.

"I can do it, Detective." RK900 said. This opportunity would be a good way to get on the detective's good side, and be productive at the same time.

Reed paused. But then he nodded, he waved dismissively.

It was enough. RK900 started to make his way downstairs to the forensics lab. It was a short trip and once he entered he took in the bright white room. An android sat at a desk at the front, a PC200 with a feminine appearance.

"Excuse me, can I request the lab results pertaining to case file 40023-32? Detective Reed expected them." RK900 requested.

"Hello, I will check for you now." The PC200 said, checking her terminal. After a moment she paused, checked again, then stood with a frown.

"Unfortunately it seems the results haven't been uploaded. I can fetch the technician in charge?"

RK900 nodded. The PC200 left, marching quickly further into the lab. He waited in the quiet of only whirring machines until she returned with a disgruntled looking man. He was almost as tall as RK900, but not quite. He took a double take at seeing RK900.

"I was expecting Reed?"

"I was sent in his stead." RK900 said politely.

"Right well you can tell the little prick his results will be up before noon." The man said with a roll of his eyes, already turning in place. No doubt about to leave, RK900 spoke first to stop him.

"I requested them too. I would like to start work. We are only waiting on those results." He said firmly, ignoring the insult to Reed. He wasn't pleased about it necessarily, but he understood the sentiment. He was hard-pressed to disagree.

"Jesus, alright Robocop." The man huffed. "Give me half an hour and I'll upload them okay? They'll be there in thirty minutes."

RK900 nodded, that was an acceptable compromise.

"Acceptable. I will inform Detective Reed of this also."

RK900 nodded at the PC200 as well before he left. Returning to his place next to Reed's desk he settled in the chair. He turned to face Reed who was sitting with his feet propped on the desk, texting on his phone. RK900 frowned at the display. It wasn't a very productive looking work day then.

"The technician will have the results uploaded within half an hour."

Reed snorted.

"Yeah and my name is Stacey." He huffed. RK900 frowned again. He understood what the detective was implying, it was just an unnecessary phrasing. "That dick always gets the Red Ice cases and he always delays my results."

That was not good news.

"Why?" He asked. Reed turned a dark scowl to him, any humour evaporated.

"Cos I'm a dick and people like to get their own back?" Reed asked rhetorically. RK900 accepted that he perhaps shouldn't pursue this conversation, as it would no doubt unravel into further unpleasantness. He did it anyway. The joys of deviancy and free will.

"But that could affect the case, not yourself, and result in further criminal activity?"

If this was common behaviour from the labs, RK900 couldn't help but feel that the detective's closing rates were even more impressive than he had thought.

Reed paused. His lips were now pursed together.

"Yeah well, last time I argued that we ended up fighting." Reed said. "I only just avoided suspension, I ain't doing that again."

RK900 felt something else thrum through him, stronger than the irritation. His sensors whirred, and his vision blinked ever so slightly red as he processed it. Anger? It was an overwhelming sensation, but every detail around him was somehow in sharper focus.

"I will report it to Captain Fowler, this behaviour cannot continue." He said firmly, but he heard the difference in his voice, it was deeper.

Reed was suddenly frantic.

"No, no, no, don't do that, it makes it worse!" He hissed, one hand out to halt any movement RK900 might make. RK900 froze completely, scanning Reed. There was panic, and perhaps an inkling of fear. Fear of what?

"Look, it's just a delay. They'll be there right? I'll handle it." Reed said and RK900 reluctantly nodded.

"I will allow it today. But in the future I cannot."

Reed sneered.

"Yeah? What? Your stupid protocols won't let you?"

"I won't let it. Nothing to do with protocols, I am in charge of myself." RK900 said firmly, his anger remaining steady. The sneer didn't disappear from Reed's face, but some of the hostility faded.

"Fine. Whatever. Just tell me your damn name so I can stop calling you thing in my head."

"I don't have a name detective, I haven't chosen yet. RK900 will suffice for now." He informed Reed, starting to calm down. The detective slumped in his seat, looking appalled.

"They didn't give you a name? I mean, even Connor's Connor. Damn." Reed exhaled at the end of his sentence. RK900 was surprised at the almost concern displayed at his lack of name. He'd expected further sneering.

They settled into silence, and finally their terminals dinged as the case files were updated with the lab results. RK900 turned to scan them instead, looking through the chemical compositions of each new sample. They were all android components, but model specific. When an android ingested the generic thirium to replenish their reserves, the fluids within the android would mingle with it as it circulated. Usually the coolant fluid, which changed with almost each new series of android models due to upgrades or the need for some variables such as super-coolant for models that were more physically active like security models.

"Detective Reed I believe I have found relative information. Each sample has different chemical components, commonly found in the coolant of androids. The thirium has to have circulated an android's body for this to happen." RK900 explained, even as he typed the notes on to the case file as observations.

"So you're saying someone's draining androids to get the thirium?" Reed asked, picking up the implication immediately. He sounded incredulous but not disbelieving. RK900 appreciated that his theory wasn't shot down because it came from him, which he had expected. He also appreciated that Reed had understood him so quickly. Perhaps there was hope yet.

Reed stood and came around the desk to stand behind him, looking at the terminal over his shoulder. He braced one hand on the desk, near RK900's hand and the other on the back of his chair. He nodded at the terminal.

"What models do the samples come from then?" Reed asked. "We can cross reference with Anderson's missing androids."

An excellent plan. RK900 started listing off the models he could from the samples, including some that shared the same coolant type. If there wasn't a PL600 missing then a TR450 might be. He typed up the list as he spoke, ready to start referencing as soon they could. Reed was listening intently, his eyes narrowed into a sharp, almost hungry look. He even repeated some of the information back to show he was listening, suggesting some ideas they should narrow down.

"You get Anderson's files, I'm gonna start chasing up a contact of mine, see if he knows of any missing androids." Reed said, pulling his phone back out and beginning to dial. RK900 nodded and started to pull up the files listed under Lieutenant Anderson's responsibility. Reed had marched away, but he wasn't out of earshot like he probably believed. RK900 could hear him conversing with someone calling themselves Soap. Or at least that's what Reed was calling them. An odd name, likely a nickname, RK900 thought.

It was a short lived conversation, as was RK900's scanning of the files.

"We have several matches. The disappearances started happening just after the revolution, and the appearance of faulty Red Ice around three months after." RK900 told Reed, and the man was chewing the inside of his cheek as he considered the words.

"Three months, so two months between disappearance of a matching android model, and the appearance of bad ice. Call that eight weeks of refining the product, that fails, so they move on to a different model. And here we are nearly five months after the revolution." Reed hummed, "makes sense, now we just gotta find these missing androids and see what they know. If they're still active."

Given that Anderson and RK800-51 had only found two of the seven androids matching their list, both deactivated, it was unlikely they were going to make much headway. Unless they worked with Anderson and RK800-51, then perhaps they could cover more ground much more quickly. Reed's history with RK800-51 aside, they would be a good team with each individual's strengths. Unfortunately, it was the personalities that would hold them back.

He considered Reed for a moment. His suggestion might go down rather poorly with him in particular. Anderson would then be next on the poorest reaction, with RK800-51 following. The other RK model would at least be able to understand the benefits first regardless of his previous encounters with Reed. Machines with feelings still had processors, and that would prioritise the logic first, emotional reactions second.

Perhaps, for the sake of cohesiveness in their budding partnership, he could hold off on that plan for now. Maybe he could steer Reed towards the conclusion himself.

"Anderson and RK800-51 have been pursuing these cases for months, and although there are notes on the case files, perhaps we could ask them for any pertinent details not listed?" RK900 said instead.

Reed side eyed him.

"RK800-51, you mean Connor? Just say Connor. That's such a mouthful." Reed pulled his face. "And I'm not calling you RK900 all the time so pick, RK or Nines?"

RK900 froze. He'd never considered a nickname as a placeholder whilst he chose one.

"Nines" he said finally, it flowed easier and was still unique to his model rather than the RK series as a whole. That could apply to… Connor and… Markus. It was odd using names to identify the other RK androids. It was fine. Just fine.

"Nines it is. Right, Nines, we probably won't see Anderson until like eleven, he's not that improved." Reed said with a hint of derision. His displeasure about the lieutenant's behaviour was clear and RK900 had to reconsider his team up plan again. If the tension wasn't just between Reed and Connor, but also Anderson, his plan would only lead to problem after problem. He wasn't the negotiator, nor did he particularly want to be. At least not for some headstrong law enforcement.

"What do you suggest Detective Reed?" RK900 asked. Perhaps there were other files he could read over.

"Well tin can, we can either call and see if they come in earlier, we might get called out, or we could just keep reviewing the files. You're a supercomputer right? See if you can find anything new, mainly in the missing robots files." Reed shrugged and RK900 was pleased. It seemed Reed preferred to be productive too, he had been worried about being assigned to a partner that may slack. If he gave Reed a small smile as he returned to his work, well, nobody would know. Not even Reed as he had already started on his own reading.

—

Almost eleven in the morning, and Anderson had just shown up. Gavin couldn't help the anger that simmered low in his chest, just why did the older man still get away with this shit? Meanwhile he was being threatened with suspension for not wanting a partner. Either way, his stupid little puppy Connor followed in his wake. Gavin rolled his eyes hard as the plastic prick greeted everyone they passed. They should have made him into a robot dog instead.

He glanced over at his brand new partner. The Iron Giant version of Connor. It was as tall as Hank, similar features to Connor but none of the boy-ish innocence. Instead of a sharp but charming appearance, it was all hard edges and angles, it didn't have the dusting of freckles Connor did. Its eyes weren't a warm brown either, they were a grey-blue colour, colder than Gavin's own green-grey mix. It was also broader. RK900 looked more like the personal security models that were hard to come by, built for intimidation with a capacity for violence. If Connor had been the deviant hunter, this was meant to be the deviant destroyer. Yet it had chosen to become a detective too when it was freed.

It had also given some excellent insight on the case he was working on so he was going to suck it up for now. He stood and started to approach Anderson and Connor's joint desk.

"We think there's a link between my case and a few of yours." Reed said, not even waiting for them to sit or acknowledge him. Sooner he got this over with the better. He took a step back when both the other detectives turned to face him, only to bump into mega-Connor who he hadn't heard follow him. What the fuck? So he reluctantly stepped forward again, fucking awkward.

"Shit, hello?" Hank said, ignoring Reed, which pissed him off.

"Hello Lieutenant Anderson. As Detective Reed was saying, we have a potential link between our cases we would like to discuss with you." The android said.

Anderson seemed more receptive to the android's words than Reed's. Connor seemed excited too, his eyes scanning the other android's face intently.

"Markus told me they had found another RK model, it's good to meet you..?" Connor said, offering his hand out. RK900 reached around Gavin, without moving from behind him, to shake Connor's hand. Reed shifted uncomfortably at the invasion of his space.

"Nines will do." The larger android replied. "Detective Reed came up with it as I was referring to myself as RK900."

Connor turned his blinding smile to Gavin himself.

"That was kind of you Detective Reed, good morning. We should look at those cases you mentioned." Connor said, his voice calm as always. Reed nodded with a low grunt, feeling rather lost. It wasn't normally so easy to get even this affable one of the partnership to agree to his request. Maybe the big one being around wouldn't be the absolute worst. If people cooperated more, he could handle it.

Talking to the older lieutenant was less awkward today, as the androids chatted amongst themselves, Gavin was able to pull any insight the older cop had from him with ease. It was perhaps their first civil conversation in years. It was also not that helpful. Reed fumed about that, but admittedly, the department was hardly equipped to deal with normal missing persons cases most of the time. Androids? When most of the public were apathetic, or downright hateful, about their wellbeing? Anderson and Connor were lucky to have found those they did find, even if it was too late.

Anderson suggested he would keep Reed informed of any progress in his case that might help, if they returned the favour. He readily agreed to it, but not without some fake bitching. It was just in his nature.

Lunch break was rapidly approaching, and he longed to go find Tina, but she didn't start until 14:00. So instead he stood, and without thanking Anderson, walked away. A moment later the long legged Terminator caught up.

"Where are we going next Detective?" It asked.

"For food. It's my break." Reed answered shortly. "We can't all run on diesel."

The comment either flew over the bot's head or it simply didn't care to refute him.

"Shall I accompany you?"

Gavin glanced towards it, before approaching his car. He unlocked it and gestured to the passenger side as he entered it. He watched from his seat as that long, solid body folded to fit. Damn, if that body belonged to a human he'd be drooling. Shame it was just plastic.

"Sure, tin man. Why the fuck not?"

The question hung between them. Thank God this android understood what a rhetorical question was. Unless… fucker. Connor did too and was just messing with him. He'd throttle that motherfucker.

He huffed as he drove just over a block away to a tiny little cafe. It was his preferred place for his break. Inside was always clean, warm and smelt of freshly ground coffee. He pulled up and allowed Nines to follow him in. The girls at the counter recognised him from multiple visits and he made easy conversation with them as he ordered his large Americano and his usual sandwich and side salad. The salad was merely to justify the fried egg, fake-bacon and cheese filling to his sandwich. He did actually try to look after himself but a little indulgence wouldn't hurt. The girls, realising he had company, ushered him to take a seat while he waited. So he did, sitting at a tiny two seater. The robot stood in front of it until Gavin sighed, then he sat. Its knees bumped the table underneath, shins almost touching his too.

"Is this your usual spot detective? Connor tells me that Lieutenant Anderson frequently stops at a food van named Chicken Feed." The robot said, pausing on the other plastics name for a second. Gavin rolled his eyes, what was this the social programme Connor had boasted over? It wasn't that good. Also, hadn't the two just met? How the hell had Connor imparted that useless factoid already?

"Yes Pinocchio, this is where I usually go. And Chicken Feed really? He still goes to that damn shack." Reed shook his head dismissively. The tin can tilted its head inquisitively. "Also didn't you two just meet like ten minutes ago?"

His question goes ignored.

"Pinocchio? A children's tale?" It asked. "Perhaps not the best name for myself."

Perhaps not the best name for myself, Gavin thought unkindly.

"Yeah no shit. It was a joke." He snorted an unamused laugh. The android nodded, its LED whirling yellow for a moment before returning to blue. Another roll of his eyes and he began to look around the cafe, avoiding looking at the thing. There was only one other couple in the place, two guys, probably a little older than himself. They sat together, not speaking, just sipping on coffees and enjoying some company. It looked nice, Reed could admit. Just relaxing with someone you loved, or at least liked, and having a warm drink in peace. A luxury he rarely got to, if he ever had, indulge in.

The feeling of being watched is rarely pleasant.

When he looks back at the android, it is indeed watching him. It's grey-blue eyes roaming along him, scanning, analysing. He scoffed.

"Stop fucking scanning me. I'm not some fucking file for you to dissect."

The android skirted its eyes to his instead meeting his gaze.

"I apologise, Detective Reed. I will be more careful not to stare in the future," it said.

Reed let it go with a muttered 'whatever', but thankfully his sandwich and drink was placed on the table in front of him. He thanked the girl with a small smile. She returned it and left quickly. It was probably the first time he had brought someone other than Tina, and the girls knew it. Normally the blonde one would hover and chat when placing down their food, but not today.

He tucked into the sandwich first, not wanting it to cool too much, it was best when the cheese was still melted. A dash of hot sauce was added and it was the perfect choice. He really had internalised that scene from 'Birds of Prey' into his daily life since seeing it as a teen. That had been before he switched to a vegetarian diet though, and this cafe's fake-bacon was the only thing that even came close. In fact, he preferred it. It was always the right kind of smoky flavour and perfectly crisped.

The moments passed in silence, but as he picked up his fork for the salad, just a basic medley of lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber and grated carrot, the android spoke.

"The man over the street, he is a known dealer, should we attempt to apprehend him?" It asked.

Gavin blinked, and glanced over the road, it was the idiot Soap. Tall, lean with greying curly hair and a crooked nose, he was noticeable. He sighed, he hadn't expected the moron to be early.

"We're gonna talk to him soon. That's my contact." He explained. The bot nodded.

The idiot stood by his car, having recognised it, but Reed decided to make him wait. He ate his salad at a steady pace, sipping his coffee. Once he was done, he paid with a tip for the girls and gestured for the big other idiot to follow him over.

"Soap" he greeted once he was near his car. The man looked up and waved. Soap was perhaps the friendliest of his contacts, and that's why he went to him first. He was the type to keep his hands as clean as possible, no violence, no big show, just quiet, small time deals. Reed suspected he had his hands in supply too, but nothing concrete.

"Reed, what can I do for you?"

He was also, noticeable from his accent, from London. He had said he was from East London once in passing.

"Just need to know if you've heard of anyone taking androids for blue blood?" He asked. Straight to the point was always the best method with this guy, some preferred a little of dancing around. Not this guy.

The man frowned, looking puzzled.

"They kidnapping them now?" He tutted. "I haven't heard anything like that, but I can keep an eye out. You know what I want in return when I get you something." The man said with an easy shrug.

"Sure Soap, you just let me know." Reed replied, fighting the urge to huff in frustration.

They shook hands.

"This yours?" Soap asked with a nod to RK900. Reed groaned.

"New partner. We'll see how long that lasts." He said with a sigh. Soap chuckled.

"Might do you some good. I got mine helping me out nowadays, as a free man of course. He's good." Soap said as he sauntered off. Reed watched him go, ignoring the gaze from Nines.

Chapter 2: no room for you inside my house

Notes:

Forgot to mention the title is lyrics from the Stone Roses, song 'I Am The Resurrection'

As are the chap titles

The detective was proving to be a hard worker. Since the afternoon they had worked continuously, even chasing up other contacts. The only break they had been given is that they now knew the PL700 that was missing had worked at the local community library near where she lived, they were going to visit the library during their opening hours tomorrow. They may have some insight. Or maybe CCTV if they were really fortunate.

By the time 8pm rolled around, Reed was still slumped over his desk, tiredly scrolling through. It had been twelve hours since the detective arrived at the precinct that morning. Connor and Lt.Anderson were just leaving, and RK900 figured that meant Detective Reed should be too.

"Detective, I believe it's past the end of your shift, can I ask when you will return in the morning?" RK900 asked, keeping his voice light. It still drew him an irate look.

"Trying to get rid of me?" Reed asked drily.

That was not his intention. Poorly calculated social option, noted.

"That was not my intention. I am just aware the standard shift is ten hours, and we have gone over twelve hours now." RK900 explained placatingly, his large hands flat on the desk, posing no threat.

The detective sighed, seemingly appeased. RK900 noted that response too, Reed responded best when he remained subservient. It gained him no respect, but it certainly didn't lose him any either. Long term it was not a feasible way to forge a partnership. He knew he didn't like it.

"Fine, I'll go you nag." Reed said, standing with a huff. "I'll be back at 8am."

And with that he left. No goodbye, simply turning and walking out, zipping up that brown leather jacket as he went. RK900 paused for a moment, and then wondered what he would do until Reed returned. He could use one of the charging ports the Captain kept available and go into stasis, but at most that would waste four hours on his current power level. It would help him compile and store the memories from today though. That still left under eight hours in which to occupy himself. The case was going nowhere until they spoke to the staff at the library.

He opened a document to begin his report on the case instead. He could at least start it with some notes so that when they wrapped up the case, he wouldn't be starting with a blank page.

It didn't take long.

He thought of what humans did when off shift, and he was legally required to take eight hours between shifts despite not needing sleep. Hobbies were one way people wasted time, then there were traditional responsibilities, cooking, cleaning and maintaining familial bonds. RK900 didn't need to cook, and he currently did not reside in a property that he could clean. He did not have a family. What hobbies could he partake in?

Reading was popular, and there were books available at the precinct he could read. He had seen the small shelf in the breakroom.

He had never read a book. He could download the synopsis of any book from the internet, but that wasn't truly reading. So with that plan in mind he approached the breakroom, plucked the first book off the shelf and sat down on one of the small two seat sofas.

Blitz by Ken Bruen.

He opened up to the first page and began to read, refusing to look it up so as not to 'spoil' the experience.

Regardless, the book took just under two hours to read, at a leisurely pace for himself. He liked it, he thought. A fitting book for the precinct. A cop killer versus a ruthless temperamental cop. The fictional depictions of police were much more glamorised than the reality he deduced.

Stasis it was for now.

By the time the detective returned, RK900 was seated at his desk already. The detective gave a tired glare as he spotted him but sat down in his own chair nonetheless. He was wearing the same jacket and boots, but his jeans were darker, and he wore a purple, not grey, hoodie today. It seemed that a hoodie under the jacket was a staple of the detective's fashion, multiple layers. It was cold in Detroit.

"Good morning Detective Reed."

"Tin can." Reed acknowledged. He still sounded exhausted. Whatever he had done at home, he likely hadn't slept much.

"The library opens in thirty minutes, when would you like to go?" RK900 asked. He saw Reed yawn and stretch. His shorter body flexing, and even under the clothes, his athleticism was noticeable, a lean waist and broader chest, the leather bunching over his biceps as his arms were pushed upwards. He stored the visual file in his Collected Memories, which was a folder he had made so he could easily revisit certain moments he found curious. Currently it contains his first waking memory, his first interaction with RK800 and also Captain Fowler. And now it had a file of Reed stretching.

"Sure Nines, I'll grab a coffee then we can drive over." The detective agreed.

Reed was honestly proving to be more amicable than their first meeting, and his reputation, suggested. RK900 knew that good behaviour should be rewarded in order to encourage repeated results.

"I can fetch your coffee, if you tell me how you like it." He offered.

A misstep.

He saw Reed light up smugly, eyes darting to RK800s desk, then back to RK900. A low chuckle followed.

"Yeah, even your damn predecessor thought he was too good to get my coffee? But you're gonna do it like an easy bitch?"

More laughter and RK900 felt that red pulse of anger again, and knew his LED was reflecting that. Reed continued to chuckle to himself.

"Very well, in future, I shall refrain from offering to get you coffee." He said firmly, irritated.

Reed laughed some more.

"Don't get all pissy, alright, it's just funny. I'll get my own damn coffee anyway. I don't want you tampering with my drinks."

Reed did go and make his own coffee, in a travel mug, and he also walked straight past the desk with only a single hand gesture to suggest RK900 should follow. He headed straight for the detective's vehicle with him, sitting in the passenger seat, which had been adjusted from yesterday. It sat further back so that he had more room in the footwell for his legs. Surely that hadn't been done for him? It went unmentioned as they made their way to the library. It was a small, grey concrete building, with a few drawn posters in the windows. The posters were likely drawn by the younger library members, mainly crayon and felt tip.

The lights were on inside but it was slightly too early for the doors to be open. Instead they sat quietly, Reed sipping from his mug whilst RK900 just watched the door.

"I'll lead, you just stay quiet." Reed ordered.

"No. We will interrogate together, I am happy for you to take the lead, but I am not a child. If I have a question I believe to be pertinent, I will ask it." RK900 argued. He needed to start laying out boundaries rather than being complacent.

"It's not an interrogation tin can. We're just asking a few questions, not here to force answers." Reed snapped in return. RK900 paused, letting the tense silence last for a moment. If they walked into the library acting like this they would only hinder their mission. Surprisingly it was Reed who conceded first, backing off with his hands up, although he was still looking annoyed.

"Look, it's just a few questions. Ask what you want, I don't give a fuck, just don't get in the way." Reed said, noticeably calmer, but his defined jaw was still tense. RK900 agreed with him quietly, allowing the detective to take the lead on the way to the library. They entered together, Reed letting the door shut instead of holding it open. RK900 merely caught it and held it open for himself without comment. A petty annoyance at most.

At the front desk was an android librarian. It was male presenting, dressed in slacks and a button up, black cardigan jacket. It only lacked the glasses from a stereotypical librarian. Its name tag read 'James'. It was an AX500, a model typically used for domestic chores or childcare, very well suited to this environment. Reed's mood noticeably soured when he realised he wasn't going to be speaking to a fellow human, but the man continued regardless.

"DPD, got a few questions regarding the other android that worked here, the PL700," Reed said in lieu of greeting, holding up his badge. "Did you work with it often?"

The AX500 blinked.

"Yes Detective. Myself and Ellie worked together most days." It said calmly. RK900 studied it as it spoke. It seemed unruffled by Reed's attitude.

"And the night she went missing?" Reed said, not seeming to realise he'd used female pronouns for it. Likely it was the use of the PL700's name that had thrown him off.

"Yes Detective. I finished at 3pm whereas Ellie was to finish up and close at 5pm. I left at quarter past three to go home." It said. It then nodded at the calendar on the wall. "She marked herself out as closing at five exactly. She left me a note to say she had finished organising the children's book shelf."

RK900 wandered to take a look at the calendar, Reed had the questions handled for now. RK900 kept listening though.

The note was brief:

'James, organised kids shelf. Leaving now at 5 sharp. See you tomorrow- E'

It was a little odd to write down what time you were leaving. And a cursory glance through the calendar showed that both PL700 and AX500 did it, as well as someone notified by the initial T.

"Who is T?" RK900 asked. Reed shot him a sharp look but didn't object.

"Tara. She is the lady who hired us after the revolution. She only works weekends now, but can I provide you with her number?" The AX500 offered.

Reed nodded, taking a pen from his inner pocket and stealing a sticky note from the androids desk. He jotted down the name, and then the number provided to them. Unnecessarily as RK900 would remember. He chose not to mention it.

"Thanks. Does this place have CCTV?" Reed asked next.

The android frowned.

"We do. But Tara is the only one with access to it, it is connected to her phone." It said, lips still downturned. An expression of regret, RK900 realised.

"I'll ask her when I call." Reed said. "I think that's it for now. Nines, c'mon."

"I wish you luck detectives, I hope you find Ellie." The AX500 said, looking at them both, its hands clenched together. Reed gave it an uncomfortable smile and nod before he turned and walked out. RK900 didn't acknowledge it, just followed behind Reed.

The man was waiting outside the library, staring out into the distance. It was spring but you wouldn't believe it with how cold it was. The summer would be hot, but for now, the remnants of winter clung on. Reed seemed unaffected for now. His fists were clenched and his jaw equally so.

"It, James, seems worried, doesn't it?" He asked. RK900 hesitated, looking back at the doors which concealed the AX500 from view, back to Reed.

"Deviant androids are remarkably lifelike Detective." RK900 said, then considered his own deviated status. "Or at least, we can be."

Reed considered him.

"You don't think it's real?" He asked, slightly incredulous. He looked at the RK900, eyes scrolling up and down. "You're telling me you fake it?"

RK900 considered it. The irritation and anger had felt very real, there had been no conscious decision to be either of those things. It had just happened.

"I do not believe so, Detective. But I am not human, and it does not come as easily to me." RK900 finally answered.

The shorter figure approached him, taking the opportunity to stare in his eyes. RK900 stared back. The scarred bridge of his nose, skin fading to pink-white, it didn't end at the bridge of his nose either. It seemed to, but following the line down showed there was a mark just an inch to the side above his lip. It was a shallower mark but still there. Did the detective engage with a violent suspect? Or perhaps a bar fight? Maybe he would ask.

"I don't know if you feel stuff or not. I don't particularly care." He said, but RK900 didn't believe him. He was too tense, staring too hard, and even his heart rate was slightly too fast.

Then the detective stepped away again, and his heart rate slowed back down. RK900 watched him walk to his car, following at a slower pace.

—-

Gavin fumed at his desk.

It was only his second day of being partners with the plastic prick and he already felt caught off guard. It was efficient, they had leads now and it just pissed him off. The next model sent to replace them all, if Connor was the prototype, this was the real thing.

Speaking of the original Ken doll detective, he looked over at the Androids Crime Unit, aka, Hank and Connor. They were chatting amicably, and you'd have to be blind not to see the fondness in both of them for each other. Seemed Anderson really had gone and adopted him.

Him.

Connor wasn't the only android he didn't call it, but they were the exceptions. It was hard to call them 'it' when they showed emotion, real or not. He wasn't sure now, if he believed it was simply simulated or real emotions. As long as he convinced himself it didn't matter, it wasn't relevant anyway. Not like he willfully interacted with any anyway.

Nines hadn't shown him much to believe anyway. It, he, whatever, kept a blank face almost all of the time. It frowned at most, and even its LED remained a steady blue most of the time, not giving anything away. Something niggled at him though, just traces of what might be a real feeling on its face. Gavin wasn't entirely convinced it was deviant, not like Connor or Robo-Jesus. Hell not even like the receptionist PL700 that had returned, Anne, she acted bubbly and friendly. Before he hadn't noticed personality in any of the robotic reception staff. It was such a drastic change between non-deviant and deviant, yet Nines there was barely anything to judge from.

Perhaps he was just reserved?

A coffee mug was placed in front of him and he followed the arm up to see Tina's smiling face, another mug in her other hand. He took the offered coffee gratefully and allowed her to perch on his desk, legs brushing against each other.

"You look moody," Tina observed. She gave him a light nudge with her knee.

"I am. Stupid robot partner driving me up the wall." He scoffed.

Tina gave a sympathetic frown and nodded. Gavin took a sip from his mug and savoured the warmth, cheap coffee or not, it helped.

"I'm sure he'll adjust and then it won't be a problem. You are a hard man to get along with." She gave him a cheeky smile as she said it and he huffed a laugh. She wasn't wrong.

"Yeah yeah, go find someone else's desk to decorate." He flapped his hand dismissively but she only giggled instead of leaving.

"Oh so you think I'm pretty!" She teased, voice increasing in pitch as she spoke. He smiled, begrudgingly fond. This whole place could burn and all he'd miss is working with Tina.

Well, he'd miss being a detective, but the point stands.

There went his plastic partner, approaching from Fowler's office. Apparently it had its own reports to make to the captain, but it refused to elaborate further. Tina gave it a smile in greeting but Gavin only stared. Unbothered, it sat at its own desk.

"Afternoon Officer Chen." It said politely with a faint smile. Tina nodded.

"Afternoon… Well, I guess I will go find another desk to decorate. Or rather, a squad car. Heading out." She said with a groan, clapping her hand on Gavin's shoulder with a gentle squeeze. He briefly leaned his head towards her arm, this was about the closest they got to a hug unless they were extremely, very drunk. That was a rarity in and of itself too.

She released her grip and he resumed his normal pose of feet up, leaning back in his chair. He'd probably end up with a lot of back pain in the next few years, but it was very comfortable right now.

"That position does nothing for your posture and can lead to back pain."

Fuck, did it read minds now?

He turned his head to glare at it.

"And it's nothing to do with you."

Nines backed off, its hands up in a gesture of surrender. It resumed doing whatever it was doing on the terminal, and this time Gavin took his time to watch it. The long, pale fingers that danced quickly across the screen, the dark clothing it wore under a white and black CyberLife jacket. Honestly he didn't know why it wore that. It woke up after the revolution, it had never been CyberLife except in creation alone. It held the series and model number on the breast like Connor's grey and blue jacket had. Maybe the thing was so stupid it was worried it would forget its own identity, he thought. Nines's face remained blank but its LED was yellow.

"The CCTV sent by the library shows an older model car several times throughout the week leading up to the disappearance of the PL700." Nines announced. "A grey Vauxhall Grandland from 2022."

Gavin leaned over the desk to peek at Nines's terminal. The CCTV footage was frozen on the image of the car and zoomed in. A licence plate is just legible enough.

"Fucking ace, find that license plate and we have our next suspect." Gavin felt a pulse of adrenaline, this was their best lead yet. The hunt was near, he could tell, and oh he almost hoped the pricks chose to be difficult.

"Vehicle belongs to a 38 year old male Jonathon Hartley. His address is 430 Mack Avenue."

Gavin could have cheered. First things first, warrants. It was all well and good that he wanted to go charging in, but they needed a warrant to bring him into the station.

"Warrant and then we'll go get him." Reed told Nines, who was already sitting stock still with its LED whirring yellow.

"Warrants requested, Detective Reed, I will notify you as soon as they are granted." It said and Gavin gave it an appraising look. That was actually very handy.

Now all he had to do was tell Fowler, and Anderson given that it related to his case too. Fowler would prefer an in person brief, as would Anderson but the Lieutenant would just have to deal with a text. He knocked on the captain's door and entered to give him the brief details he would need as quickly as possible. If this went well, and those warrants didn't take until tomorrow morning, his case may well be over.

Fowler approved his course of action and dismissed him with a faint 'well done'. Gavin shrugged it off, technically Nines had found the car, Nines had solved the case. Nothing to be praised for.

His mood soured.

It was just one step closer to being replaced.

Chapter 3: don't need anything from you

Gavin drummed his fingers over the top of his steering wheel as they waited for a glimpse of Hartley. They had knocked when they first arrived at his address but no answer came. They didn't yet have a warrant to search the premises, only to bring him in. Nines waited stoically in the passenger seat, still as a rock. Either he had picked up on Gavin's ruined mood or he just chose to be this stiff.

Admittedly his bad mood was hard to miss, it worsened as they waited. Jittering fingers, impatient huffs and the occasional muttered curse all gave him away. He hated waiting.

"Have you informed Lt.Anderson and Connor yet?" Nines asked, breaking the terse silence.

Gavin shook his head.

"No, why?"

"I shall do so now." Nines said, likely in a tone he thought sounded helpful, but to Gavin it just sounded whiney.

"Whatever, saves me doing it."

"You should already have done it, you said you would."

Reed glared hatefully. When did this thing turn into such a damn nag? He didn't grace it with a response, merely returned to watching for Hartley.

There.

The man exited the self-driving taxi and walked to his home. Gavin slapped Nines' arm and pointed before exiting the car.

He jogged over the pot-hole ridden road and called out as Hartley dug around for his keys.

"Jonathon Hartley?" He called and the man paused his rummaging to look over. The man tilted his head.

"Yeah?" He asked.

"DPD, got a few questio-"

The man ran. Gavin cursed and took chase, he heard the pounding of boots and then Nines overtook him. He put on a burst of speed and just managed to keep up as Nines chased Hartley around the corner, into a grungy alley. Hartley was cornered, and armed. Gavin stopped abruptly, hand flying to his own holster and ducking towards a large red dumpster. Nines stayed in the centre, but also halted.

"Nines fucking move" Gavin ordered as he peered around with his own gun raised.

Hartley looked frantic.

"I'll shoot." Hartley threatened, his attention on Gavin but the gun pointed at Nines. "Right between its eyes."

"Jonathon Hartley we have a warrant for your arrest, come peacefully and no further charges will be added." Nines said calmly, firmly. Gavin rolled his eyes, he was going to get himself shot. Would get itself shot.

His heart squeezed unpleasantly at the thought.

"Nines fucking move. Hartley, lower your weapon before you do something you regret. I have a gun, and if you shoot, so will I." Gavin ordered, and the man switched to look at him.

"Put your gun down or I will shoot it." The idiot countered, eyes darting wildly between them but the gun held steady. Fucker might actually know what he was doing with the damn thing.

Gavin refused, his finger moving from the barrel to the trigger, preparing to fire.

Hartley saw this, shifted his aim and fired. Gavin threw himself back behind the dumpster for the bullet to hit the metal instead of himself. There was a ruckus that had him rushing back around, and saw that Nines had charged. They were wrestling with the gun like fucking morons.

"Fucking freeze!" Gavin yelled, sounding like every stereotypical cop show ever. His heart was pounding wildly as he worriedly watched them fumble the fucking weapon.

Two distinct BANGS.

—-

RK900 felt the bullet pierce through his arm, thirium splattering, but it went straight through, causing minimal damage. Hartley however dropped like his wires had been cut, screaming in pain as blood bloomed over his shoulder. Reed had shot at the same time, right shoulder. RK900 pulled the weapon from the lax grip successfully and handcuffed the wounded man. He called for backup and medics.

Detective Reed had gone quiet.

RK900 turned to look for the usually loud detective and saw him knelt in the alley, not far from the dumpster he had initially ducked behind. He didn't need to scan him to see what was wrong, blood was spreading down his shirt, to the edge of his jeans, starting from his side.

Thirium traced the edges of the hole in his shirt.

RK900 reconstructed the last two minutes. The bullet that went through his arm whilst wrestling with Hartley had penetrated Reed's torso, just under his ribs.

RK900 dropped his grip on Hartley and jogged towards Gavin, reaching to lay his hands over Reed's and apply more pressure. He added an additional request for medics, adding that Detective Reed was shot. Connor responded immediately that himself and Anderson were six minutes away.

"Detective Reed, please speak to me." RK900 said. It was best to keep the man awake as he could not be sure of the extent of the man's injuries yet.

"Fucking told you to move…" Reed hissed, his breath coming hard and laboured. RK900 did not hear anything that indicated damage to the lungs.

"Yes Detective, sorry Detective." He apologised genuinely. He had heard the man, but his programmes hadn't found any benefit to the actions, so he had disobeyed. He regrets that now.

"Fuck…" Reed groaned.

"Help is on the way, detective, Hartley is handcuffed. Your shot hit his shoulder, he is currently moaning on the ground."

His words startled a laugh from Reed, followed by an immediate moan of his own.

"Thanks Nines," Reed said, one of his blood slippery hands pulling from his wound to pat RK900's forearm. RK900 applied more pressure to the wound.

Luckily, Connor and Anderson came, Connor running and Anderson following at a jog. Nines nodded at Hartley and Connor immediately went to secure him and apply first aid to the handcuffed man.

Anderson crouched down next to them, cringing and gripping his left knee tightly with one hand. He made it as if to take over from RK900 but RK900 refused to move. Anderson shot him a searching look but instead he wrapped an arm around Reed's shoulder's, holding him up as the Detective grew more exhausted and pained.

"Hey Reed, trust you to get shot." Anderson griped but the concern was clear. Reed chuckled darkly.

"So was he." Reed jerked his head towards RK900’s arm, the hole in his jacket and the blue blood leaking from it. Anderson swore.

"Damn he got two shots in?"

"No, one," RK900 said tersely. "The bullet that hit me went through the softer component that serves as insulation for my wiring and hit Detective Reed."

"Given your hands are covered in my blood, you can call me Gavin." Reed said with another low groan.

Then the paramedics arrived. Two swarmed Connor and Hartley and the other two came to them, RK900 was nudged aside, and Hank relinquished his hold too. RK900 stood, offering his bloody hand to assist Hank in standing, which the man readily accepted. The paramedics aided Detective Reed in standing and began to lead him back to the street so they could get him into the ambulance. RK900 frowned, unhappy with the thought his partner was made to bear the no doubt agonising walk. The surly detective did so with a surprising lack of whining and bitching.

"Go with him son, me and Connor can handle getting Hartley checked out and back to the station."

"Detective Reed's vehic-"

"You can pick it up later." Hank said firmly, eyes full of warmth and concern.

RK900 nodded, accepting the new mission. He would go with his partner and ensure he was properly cared for.

Inside the ambulance he was seated to the side as the taller paramedic attended to his partner's wound, whilst the other began to drive them to the nearest hospital. It was very bright inside the ambulance, and luckily it was well stocked. The painkiller they gave Reed had ensured the man could lie down comfortably whilst the temporary bandaging was applied. The paramedic explained that once they reached the hospital the bullet and debris would be removed before they stitch the wound, once they checked for further damage or internal bleeding of course.

RK900 absorbed all the information and conducted research into recovery for gunshot wounds. If it was a clean removal and no infection occurred, the muscle recovery would take between six to eight weeks on average to resume full health. He would be able to resume active duty within three but would need to avoid any strenuous activity such as chases or physical altercations.

He looked down at his hands, wincing at the blood that was drying there. If he wanted he could analyse the blood in a second by touching his tongue to it, but he reckoned that would cause all the humans to freak out.

RK900 could only watch, feeling useless, as the paramedic worked. Reed's eyes fluttered shut as the adrenaline, and now the absence of pain, wore away at his energy. Reed was beginning to fall asleep. The paramedic kept waking him, much to the man's irritation, and Nines couldn't help this need to defend Reed, to allow him to sleep like he so clearly wanted. He had to remind himself that the paramedic was the professional here.

-

Reed was resting on a hospital bed, freshly stitched up and feeling rotten. The painkillers were still working but he was still tired and annoyed. Yeah they caught the guy, but Connor would end up interrogating him first, and Fowler would let them overtake the investigation. Fucking dumb gunshot.

Nines was waiting on the plastic visitors chair and hell maybe all androids were modelled after dogs in behaviour. Nines kept a watchful eye on everything that moved within their vicinity, and followed him from the alley, to the ambulance and now to this room as Gavin was treated. It was weirdly… nice. The word felt inadequate but he didn't know what else to call it. Seemed the stoic Terminator was concerned about him, and showing it in his own way.

Another reason he felt terrible.

Gavin hated admitting he was wrong. He'd been wrong about androids, he'd known it for a while. Still wasn't super keen on being partnered with his replacement, but begrudgingly, he could admit Nines was alright.

"Hey, Nines." He started, voice quiet but of course Nines heard him. His eyes snapped to meet Gavin's. "Thanks for… coming with me."

Nines's lips twitched, a ghost of a smile. The first that Gavin remembered seeing.

"You're welcome Gavin."

Ah that was right, he'd told Nines he could use his first name. He smirked.

"I'll let you get away with calling me Gavin for today only, seeing as you still have my blood on you." Gavin said, pointing at the streak of blood on the CyberLife jacket, it was dried down now. Nines humoured him with a small, grimace-like smile. He also took off the jacket, folding it over his arm to hide the marks. Luckily his black button up only had splatters of dried, and now invisible to the human eye, thirium on the sleeve. The hole was noticeable if you looked too, but it would suffice for now. Gavin wondered if the android owned any other shirts? It's not as though Nines had a home to store his belongings.

Another ache.

He flinched and waved off the concerned nurse with a tense smile. The nurse nodded and his handsome smile was given with much more ease than Gavin's.

Now it was just him and Nines left. Gavin watched the android watch him, keenly aware that the furrow of his perfect brow was indeed an expression of great worry. Odd that he should be so concerned for a man who had actively avoided making his life easy.

"Hey Nines, have you had your arm checked?" Gavin asked. Nines looked at said arm and shook his head.

"No Gavin, it will heal on its own with adequate intake of thirium. It also does not hinder my movement so there is no rush." Nines explained, rotating his arm to prove his point. Gavin rolled his eyes and muttered 'show-off'.

His eyelids were getting heavier, he blinked rapidly to try and dispel the added weight but it only caused his eyes to water. Eventually he let them close.

When he woke, it was Nines tapping his shoulder gently.

"You're being discharged Detective Reed."

Back to formal of course, he blinked as he looked at Nines hands, and still they were smeared with pink. He'd clearly wiped them, but not left to wash them. Something warm flooded his chest, the stupid android hadn't left him alone whilst he slept. Then his words registered, discharged? Fucking ace, finally. He signed what he needed to, listened to the doctor explain his aftercare, as if he hadn't been shot before. She was clinical but nice though, so he dealt with it.

She left the room before he could even stand, looking mournfully at his blood soaked jacket. He luckily had avoided ruining it completely, the bullet had missed the jacket and hit him, so once he had it cleaned, it would be fine. For now, he didn't fancy wearing something covered in his own blood. Nines seemed to share his sentiment, his own jacket still draped over his arm. He started to change out of the flimsy gown, and back into the jeans and a spare shirt someone had brought for him.

"You still… you've still got blood on your hands." Reed pointed at Nines hand, who held it aloft slightly, looking down.

"I did not wish to leave you whilst asleep." Nines said quietly, "so I was going to wait until you woke before I washed my hands. A nurse gave me a damp towel but it didn't quite manage."

Gavin stared but quickly averted his gaze when Nines looked up. To distract himself, Gavin stood, wincing as the movement stretched his side, and aggravated his wound. Nines immediately grabbed his shoulder, looping one arm around his back as though Gavin was about to faint or something. He snorted.

"I'm not that fragile Nines, I can walk."

The android sheepishly retreated, offering a quiet apology. They left the room together, Nines slowing to match Gavin's pace.

Nines called them a taxi, Gavin insisted on going to get his car, so they did. He tossed Nines the keys, knowing he shouldn't drive whilst still under the influence of his pain meds, fading or not. Wasn't it lucky that all androids were able to drive?

The route to his apartment wasn't a particularly long one and when they pulled up, Nines quickly exited the vehicle to open the door for him. Gavin frowned but didn't comment as he forced his body to stretch to standing again. The pain was like a not quite hot enough brand being rolled across his torso. Fucking bullet wounds sucked. The ruined muscle would take nearly two months to heal, tender all the while, and would be painful for a time yet. Meanwhile, Nines claimed his arm would be fine by tomorrow once he repleted his thirium levels. Unfair.

"Detective, I have informed Captain Fowler of your discharge, and he has asked you to call him at your earliest convenience to discuss your medical leave." Nines informed him, and Gavin shrugged it off. Blah blah blah, take two weeks off, which he wouldn't, fine one week, which he wouldn't. They'd settle around the 2-3 day mark and be constricted to desk duty for two weeks minimum, three if Fowler had his way. Medical leave laws had improved during his lifetime, but it still didn't equal full pay. At least the hospital bills would be sent to the DPD as it was an on-the-job injury.

"I'll call him in the morning."

Nines nodded and followed him up to his fourth floor apartment. He was thankful the building was relatively nice, meaning the elevator usually worked. He unlocked the door and entered the small but modern apartment. He grimaced when he saw the mess of dishes in the sink, but the place was kept neat otherwise. He didn't loathe clutter, he was just rarely here enough to cause any. He missed having cats, he'd have a dog but the landlord wouldn't allow it. He'd grown fond of Sumo way back then, enough to overcome his fear of dogs and want one himself.

Nines stood still in the open plan living space, hardly three feet from the door. He was watching Gavin navigate the space, filling himself a glass of water and holding out his hand for his painkiller prescription. Nines doled out the medicine carefully, snapping out of his stillness and then placing the pill bottle on the counter next to Gavin.

"Do you live alone Gavin?" Nines asked, and Gavin frowned as he gulped down the tablets and water. He hated the powdery residue dry swallowing caused, though he'd manage in a pinch if needed.

"Yeah, why?" He cursed internally at how defensive he sounded.

"I know very little about you, I just wondered. Hank and Connor live together." Nines said simply. He met the androids eyes, taking note of how the gentle lighting softened the steely colour of Nines eyes, more like shiny grey fleece than metal.

"Yeah of course they do, Hank practically adopted him." Gavin took another sip of his water. "But nah, I haven't lived with somebody in like six years."

It was actually when he moved here, leaving his sorry asshole of an ex behind. Prick outed him to the entire precinct, then acted like he was the victim after a little run in with Hank's fist. It wasn't often he gave credit to the Lieutenant, but he'd appreciated that a lot. He also appreciated that Hank never used it against him even when their relationship soured. That would have just confirmed all of his insecurities, and likely would have caused a fight. Then his unemployment.

"I see." Nines hummed.

Gavin rolled his eyes and went to slump on his couch, preparing to take another nap. He eased himself down instead of falling into the cushions, mindful of his injury, and kicked off his shoes. He curled up, head lay on the low armrest. He adjusts just enough he can still see Nines, still by the counter, looking as awkward as a blank faced android could.

"You can wash your hands of my blood now. The grey dispenser is hand soap." Gavin said, looking at his kitchen sink, and it spurred Nines into action. The android obediently ran the water and began to scrub his hands clean of the remaining dried blood. After a few minutes he shut the water off and resumed standing still.

"You can sit, you know. Or go, I won't keep you." Gavin said, idly considering that he had no idea what the android would do now that Gavin was temporarily off work. Would he continue working the case alone? Likely, as that was what Gavin did before. Or he might be briefly reassigned depending on Fowler's mood. Fowler was pretty pro android, but he was also mindful of the DPD's image, and the media would have a field day at an android working alone. Baby steps.

Shockingly, Nines chose to sit. He perched at the other end of the sofa, his thigh just an inch away from Gavin's sock clad feet. Honestly, he had expected him to leave and they'd see each other when Gavin returned to work.

"Comfy right?" Gavin asked, patting the couch cushion. Nines considered for a moment, rubbing the cushion he sat on.

"It does have a soft texture." He half agreed. Gavin figured that was the closest he could get to understanding comfort.

Gavin hummed in acknowledgement but didn’t say anything further, feeling himself beginning to drift off already. He didn’t try to fight it, figuring he had earned himself a little extra rest.

Chapter 4: there's a time and place for everything

Summary:

Connor gives Nines some advice

RK900 sat and waited whilst Gavin slept again, quietly snoring with his face mashed into the arm rest. The detective looked softer like this, not necessarily younger but definitely less stressed than his awake self. The android couldn't help but be surprised that the detective had let himself be this vulnerable around himself twice within the same day. Their second day as partners. Admittedly the night was closing in and so it would soon be their third day.

An incoming email from Fowler popped up on his HUD.

RK900,
Due to Detective Reed’s injury I unfortunately have to take you off active duty until his return. As Det.Reed has yet to get in touch I will inform you of a return date when possible.
If you wish to resume active duty in a temporary reassignment
I can look into finding you a placement amongst another pairing.
Alternatively, enjoy the time off.
From,
Cap.Fowler

RK900 dismissed it and decided to reply tomorrow morning.It would be appropriate timing and as such would allow him to focus on his mission for tonight. Ensure Gavin Reed was taken care of, like Lt.Anderson had said. Deviancy meant he didn’t have to accept missions, but he was designed to, and as such once he had accepted one, he loathed abandoning it. The mission was open ended but given the context in which he recieved it, RK900 assumed that once he deemed Reed healed enough to be back at an acceptable level of health, then he could claim it as mission successful. For now, he deemed himself lacking. The detective hadn’t eaten since early noon, almost nine hours ago. A healing body required energy, and food was an excellent source. RK900 stood and walked to the kitchen.

First he took stock of what the detective had in his cupboards and fridge-freezer. There was a startling lack of groceries, but he found a bag of pasta and a jar of sauce. There was no fresh produce in the fridge, likely the detective hadn’t visited a grocery store recently. There was a half empty pack of plant based bacon alternative too. He remembered the detective’s sandwich order, remembering the clear enjoyment on the detective's face, the light hum of approval, but chose not to take the bacon. The pasta and sauce were simple enough and were deemed to be ‘filling’ according to cooking and meal review sites online. It did not take very long and soon RK900 located a plate and fork for the detective before taking the plate with him to wake the man. He placed the plate down on the small coffee table and nudged Reed’s shoulder, speaking his name softly.

Reed’s face screwed up in a sleepy scowl, and angry eyes blinked open to glare at him. Clearly unhappy with the interruption to his sleep. But RK900 felt his own lips twitch upwards.

“I have made you something to eat, you should have some before you resume sleeping.” He said, stepping to the side so Reed could see the steaming plate of pasta. The scowl remained but he pushed himself up, sitting in the middle of the couch and reached his hands out, hands clenching twice in a movement that RK900 had no reference for.

“Gimme.” Reed grumbled after a moment.

The ‘gimme' gesture was noted and he marked it down to remember for future use.

RK900 passed the plate over and it was accepted readily, the man beginning to spear some of the pasta onto his fork and eat. Nines resumed sitting where he had been previously, and due to Reed’s change in position, they were much closer than before. Reed stiffened but after a beat of silence, resumed eating and relaxed slightly. RK900 watched him eat, fast but neatly until over half of the plate was empty. The detective leaned forward and deposited it onto the coffee table.

“Was it not satisfactory?” RK900 asked, looking worriedly at the plate. Just over 44% of the pasta remained.

Reed snorted.

“Offended?” The man retorted, “nah, just full Nines.”

Ah, that was acceptable.

RK900 pondered the nickname the detective kept using for him, it was a much softer sounding name than RK900, containing less syllables and overall making his name seem less mechanical. Perhaps that was why the man known for hating androids chose to use it, making himself slightly more comfortable by humanising him. RK900 did not mind, many people gave those around them nicknames, and this one wasn’t derogatory so he supposed it was best he could have expected. Names were so very important to people, and RK900 decided that Nines would be a better designation than his series number.

Reed yawned and finally leaned back on the sofa, his body slumping into the backrest and Nines weight at his side meaning he dipped slightly towards the android. They were approximately only two inches away from touching at their closest point, their elbows. It was the closest they had been.

“Don’t you have anywhere to be?” Reed asked but there was no bite or mocking in his tone, just simply curious.

“No Detective, I do not currently have a place of residence, and the DPD have removed my active duty status until your own return.”

He didn’t mention that he had the option to be reassigned. For some reason it didn’t seem relevant. The option to take up the reassignment offer was deleted.

Reed was staring at him from the corners of his eyes, mouth slightly opened. He could only see his side profile but he was 80% sure he was seeing mild horror and surprise. Humans did find homelessness unsettling, but they relied heavily on shelter and its 'comforts' to survive. Nines did not. There was no need for a kitchen if you could not be hungry, no need for a bed if you didn't sleep, and the DPD locker room had showers that would enable him to maintain his cleanliness (as he very much preferred). The locker he was provided there held his spare clothes already, and laundromats still existed though few and far between. There wasn't a need, so he did not possess it.

"Where the fuck do you sle- go into stasis?" Reed asked. Nines knew he was going to say sleep but corrected himself.

"At the DPD," he stated calmly.

"Keep your stuff?"

"My spare clothing remains in the locker room at the DPD."

"Shower?"

"At the DPD."

"I never want to hear Tina criticise my lack of life when you exist, Jesus Christ." The detective said, sounding a little alarmed. Nines blinked and then frowned.

“We both lead lives, Detective, I fail to see where you or I lack.”

Gavin snorted and turned to face him better, his knee rising onto the sofa, nudging Nines’ thigh. It was a warm and slight pressure, Nines was uncertain how he felt about it. He tried to focus on Gavin’s voice instead as he began to speak.

“I know you know it’s not literal. But in your case it means you don’t do anything but work clearly. I mean, you have no belongings, I bet you have no hobbies. I need to know what you did before joining the DPD because this is insane to me.” Gavin said, still sounding mystified. “I mean, I know you were activated after the revolution, but exactly how long for?”

Nines pondered his answer. When he was initially activated he was already deviant thanks to the interference of Markus and Jericho. He had stayed with them, but after hearing about Connor had chosen to follow his predecessor's past and make use of his original programming. In doing so, he had also cut ties with Jericho for the most part. He hadn’t ever felt settled there, unaware of how he fit in. Joining the DPD had been interesting, and after he met him, Connor and Hank’s offer to stay with them was also unaccepted, he did not feel as though he warranted that level of familiarity.

Yet he sat in the apartment of his prejudiced partner within forty eight hours of meeting him.

“I am twenty nine days old, detective, although my appearance was designed to emulate a man in his early thirties.” Nines finally answered Gavin’s questions, watching the man's jaw drop. It was quite amusing actually.

“A fucking baby android.” Gavin breathed and Nines withdrew. He had not liked that, he was not a baby. Androids never could be babies, they were ‘born’ with an awareness of the world already, capable of higher reasoning and all that human babies lack. As a deviant android he had never been dependent on a master either, only on his own wit and with the help of equals.

“I am not a baby detective, I ask that you refrain from calling me so.”

“Don’t be so pissy, you know what I meant.”

“I assure you I do not, unless you are calling me a helpless infant, I fail to see why you would use such a term.”

This garnered him a heavy sigh, and for the detective to move away. He stood with clear agony slowing his movements and began to walk away, down the hall.

“Stay there or don’t, but I’m going to fuckin’ bed.”

His tone was clipped and Nines closed his eyes, resigned. Somehow the mood had soured back to the same acid they had shared in their first meeting. This would not be the first set back, he thinks. Leaving was likely his best option, to give the human some space as Connor had advised him on how to deal with Reed. He left, shutting the door quietly behind him, and making his way back to the DPD.

Then he remembered he was on leave and so would not be expected back at the precinct. He rerouted and kept up a quick pace. The brisk weather was good motivation to move fast, although androids were not as vulnerable to weather and temperature as humans are, they still felt the cold and thirium needed to remain somewhat warm for optimal function. Essentially being cold slowed them down, and although they would last at below freezing temperatures a lot longer than humans, it would eventually shut them down. The drizzle dampening his clothing was also not pleasant, the sensation on his synth skin was alright, he could understand why some found it refreshing, but as his clothes took on excess moisture, they became clingy and sagged with the additional weight. That was not pleasant at all.

Hank Anderson’s single story home looked less cosy than Connor had made it sound. At least from the outside. He ascended the porch steps and was grateful it was covered by the roof enough to shield him from any further rain. He eyed the old rocking chair, it had been recently painted over, a glossy white that only showed the worn wood’s cracks even further. A pillow was tied to it’s backing and Nines somewhat doubted it had been there long.
It was late, and he had walked a long way. His power levels weren’t in desperate need but four hours of stasis would improve his functions massively. A lot had happened today and he had a lot to process and compile in order to submit the files to his long term memory. It was late, he thought again. Hank would likely be sleeping, Connor in stasis, and their dog would likely wake them all if he knocked. So he chose to sit on the rocking chair, disliking the initial unsteadiness, but once he planted his feet and relaxed into the gentle sway, he found he did not mind it. He pushed himself back and forth once more, thinking of how rocking was used to soothe people. They found it comforting and the majority of people found it easier and quicker to fall asleep whilst being rocked.

Nines did not understand it, but he thought it was okay. The movement kept his mind from the chill, and so he switched from alert to stasis.

-

Gavin fumed in his bed, annoyed as he heard the door to his apartment close. The fucker had left of course. Whatever, the prick was annoying anyway. Stupid thing wouldn’t take a joke. All he had meant was that he was inexperienced, and he was going to say no wonder he had no hobbies, no one had likely ever shown him any.

Instead the damn thing got all pissy and defensive. Which had angered him in turn. People were always on the defensive around him, and yeah he probably earned it by being a dick, but it still pissed him off. He could be nice, he could. At the very least, he could be amicable. If Miller, Tina or even Anderson had said that, he bet the tall idiot wouldn't have reacted that way.

Whatever, it was just a piece of advanced plastic. A piece of advanced plastic that had stayed with him all day to ensure his well being.

Why did Nines stay? It would have been so easy for him to return to the precinct and begin his report, aid Anderson and Connor in arresting and interviewing their suspect. Instead Nines had followed him into the ambulance, seemingly reluctant to let the paramedics take over, and stayed with him whilst he slept even. Gavin was slowly coming round to the idea that androids felt, had been for months, but he still struggled to truly believe it. Especially androids like Nines that were so… bland(?). It was easier to believe when they showed it, Connor for example. At first he had been very blank faced, eager to follow his protocols and not much else. Until he developed sass, even before his official deviancy, and now it was obvious. He smiled, not just the polite ‘I-have-a-functional-social-module’ smile, but wide grins and sly smirks. And although it was rare for him to laugh out loud, he’d heard it a few times. Nines just didn’t, or hadn’t. Not like they’d spent much time together for Gavin to know.

Life had been much simpler before.

-

The morning light welcomed him back into awareness as his stasis ended. He moved just enough to flex the majority of his joints, the chill from being outside all night having stiffened them up. His thirium was moving sluggishly, and this is probably what waking up from a restless night felt like for humans. His slow movements gradually quickened until his core warmed.

The door opened, startling him. A large dog bounding out the door, attached to a red rope lead, followed by Connor. They both stared at each other, caught off guard. The dog barked once it noticed him, but its tail wagged gently behind it. A friendly greeting from the fluffy behemoth. Nines felt his lips twitch involuntarily.

"Good morning." He greeted, politely. Perhaps if he behaved like this was normal, Connor would accept his presence without questioning too much.

"Have you been here all night?" The shorter android asked, his eyes crinkled in concern as he scanned Nines. Nines nodded, there was no reason to lie when Connor would know from his scan. Connor grabbed his wrist and began to tug him inside despite Sumo's whining protest, the dog looking mournfully down the street. Nines allowed his predecessor to move him, and he was gently pushed to sit on the couch.

"Stay here and warm up, I am going to let Sumo out but I will be back in ten minutes- sorry Sumo." Connor instructed, and Nines agreed quietly, aware that Hank was still sleeping. He would not want to disturb the Lieutenant.

Connor left with a lingering look at him but Sumo's large brown eyes and whimpers coaxed him outside. Nines sank into the warm couch, the material soft and the cushions worn and held little support. It was comfortable, he thought, the way the cushions folded around his weight slightly. Warm.

True to his word Connor returned exactly ten minutes after he left. Nines did not move and allowed Connor to settle Sumo, filling his water bowl and putting the leash away. He came to sit on the other side of the couch, bringing one knee up as he twisted so his back was against the arm rest, his leg leaning on the back cushion. Nines adjusted to better face Connor, sitting more stiffly.

"Why didn't you knock? Or send me a message, we wouldn't have minded." Connor asked, looking troubled. Nines shrugged, a gesture that surprised himself.

"I did not wish to disturb you both. Particularly if Lt.Anderson was asleep." Nines explained, keeping his tone neutral. Connor only frowned harder.

"If you need us, you can come anytime and you don't need to be concerned about disturbing us. I want to help you." Connor spoke gently but firmly. His predecessor was the top of the line negotiator, and Nines could see it in almost every interaction that Connor had. He was able to read people a lot better than Nines, though the android modestly claimed it was simply because of his experience, and that he would catch up in no time.

"I took Detective Reed back to his apartment last night. We spoke," Nines started, and Connor leaned forward. "He called me a baby android."

Connor's lips quirked. Not a smile, or a grimace. Just an aborted movement, and his eyes widened in surprise.

"And you both argued, so you left." Connor presumed, his voice carefully neutral. Nines shrugged again.

"I told him not to call me that, and he told me not to get pissy."

Connor huffed.

"Yeah, Detective Reed is… complicated," Connor said. "He can be quite amicable at times, but he is very much… inflammatory I guess."

Nines huffed.

"I believe most people would call him a bastard."

Connor laughed but quickly covered his mouth with his hand, eyes wide with mirth and likely surprise. His predecessor was so expressive in comparison to himself. The noises behind his hand died down after a moment and Nines felt a small smile of his own play on his lips.

"Well, I'm sure he's heard worse. But, and I do believe this, I think he is a good man. Misguided, however, he has improved." Connor emphasised his words with a small nod. His hand had dropped from his face and was now clasped over the knee digging into the back of the sofa. Nines nodded too, not in agreement, but in acknowledgement. He hadn't known Gavin Reed when he was apparently worse than he is now, so he couldn't possibly agree on the so-called improvements. Although, he had to admit, there were moments, just a few, where he found Detective Reed to be more than tolerable. Seeing him shot had sent a severe wave of software instability notices to his HUD, and fear had gripped him in a way it had never before. Not just the fear of a life being lost, of a colleague, no, it had felt much sharper than that.

"I think he can be a good man." Nines agreed, and he wasn't lying. He knew Detective Reed's working records, saw how hard he worked at his job, keeping people safe. He also knew that Officer Chen and Officer Miller were some of the few that defended Reed behind his back, that he had earned their friendship somehow. If two well liked, kind colleagues found him worthy, he must have shown them some good.

Connor smiled encouragingly, rolling his hand in a 'go on' gesture.

"I think he is good at his job. And I think I could learn a lot from him." Nines said and Connor repeated the motion. "I want to be his friend."

Connor smiled wider and actually looked as if he might consider clapping. If he did, Nines was walking out.

"I think Gavin could be a great friend for you, you just have to let him. I don't think he meant any offence calling you a baby android, I think he meant to say that you just hadn't a lot of experience in the world yet." Connor started, holding his hand up before Nines could interject (he wasn't going to). "But for months he called me Inspector Gadget, a detective from a childs show. A show I later found out from Tina was his favourite as a child. He does also still call me Plastic Prick, but it's not said anywhere near as harshly anymore."

Nines frowned as he considered it.

"So you're saying I should read between the lines to determine if it was an insult, mockery or if he was teasing?"

Connor grimaced.

"No, that would happen a lot. What I mean is, not every word out of his mouth is an attack. Treat it all the same, just deflect or tease back as appropriate." Connor shrugged. "He liked me better when I deviated and sassed him back. Not that he likes me, he just likes me better."

Noted. Sass and deviancy.

"Thank you Connor."

Connor grinned brightly, but then he started to talk about Sumo and Hank and all the ever so great things he saw whilst exploring the city. Nines allowed him half of his attention, but he wasn't truly keeping up with the conversation anymore. Instead he was planning on how to befriend Gavin Reed.

Chapter 5: Cut loose 'cause you're no use

Summary:

Movie night

Nines chose his approach carefully. On Reed's first day back he made him a coffee, setting it on the desk carefully the moment Detective Reed sat down. A surprised blink was the first sign of recognition.

"What the fuck's this?" Was his second.

"A coffee Detective. I made it as you prefer, I asked Officer Chen your preferences. I wanted to make sure you got your morning caffeine before we started on any cases."

Reed switched from staring at Nines to the mug, his hand closing around the handle and slowly bringing the mug up to his lips. Nines wanted to warn him about the temperature, but Detective Reed was not stupid. A small sip, a pleased hum and the mug was placed down again. The pleased hum was likely the closest to gratitude he would get, so he rounded his own desk to sit down. In the bright lighting and pale backdrop of the precinct, Reed looked noticeably pale still, but thankfully less pale than when Nines had seen him last.

"So, what happened to the asshole who shot us?" Reed asked, switching on his terminal. It wasn't an unexpected question, so Nines already had a response ready.

"Connor interrogated him. There was no confession in regards to kidnapping androids but he was arrested for assaulting officers and having an unregistered, concealed weapon. A warrant was issued to search his home, but there was nothing there that indicated any wrongdoing." Nines relayed the information clinically, concealing his disappointment. Reed swore under his breath, tapping his hand against the desk twice. He turned to Nines.

"We need to find out who he's been speaking to. He might not have anything at his home, but maybe somebody else's." Reed started. "Think you could get a warrant to pull his phone records?"

Nines nodded, working on it already.

"Connor suggested he might not be alone. Hank also had a warrant to search his workplace too. Also clean."

Reed hummed, eyes staring into the distance, his focus elsewhere.

"One less place to check." He finally murmured in response. His fingers were dancing across top of his desk, his feet for once on the floor. Nines observed him carefully, looking for signs of pain. Whilst Gavin was declared fit for work, he was still desk bound, and humans were so fragile. Nines understood Connor's nagging towards Hank a little better now that he had his own human to consider.

"Yes, but as you are currently on desk duty only, perhaps we should allow Hank and Connor to continue working with us? They can handle the field aspect."

Reed scowled, but he didn't object. Not like he could really, he understood that Nines was right. Carrying out a search, or arrest warrants, came with many risks, catching a criminal unawares often leads to a chase, which often leads to violence. Neither of which Gavin could handle right now. Nines waited for the detective's input anyway.

"Fine. As soon as you get the warrants let them know. I'll just work on some paperwork I guess, since you're gonna moan otherwise."

Reed seemingly did just that, and Nines did too, waiting on the warrants.

CONNECTION REQUEST GRANTED

[RK900: Connor? May I request that yourself and Lt.Anderson continue consulting on our case whilst Det.Reed is desk bound? We have requested a copy of his phone records, which we hope could produce a lead. If we require some fieldwork, I was hoping you could assist.]

[RK800(assign name)/Connor: Hello Nines, of course we can. Please let us know when you need us and we will gladly help.]

Nines severed the connection, pleased with the result. Perhaps this case would be closed before his first week was over.

-

Gavin didn't know how to act. He'd actually been half convinced he owed Nines an apology (he wouldn't have given it though) but it was Nines acting apologetic. The coffee, the gentle suggestions and practically bending backward to stay out of his way.

And now lunch.

Nines had insisted he take him for lunch, to get him "away from the desk". It was by far the strangest moment they'd shared yet.

He brought him to the cafe, the cafe he loved. The cafe he brought Nines to on their first day working together. Was it the only place he knew? Gavin bemusedly watched Nines go up and order, without having asked him, and paid. Which was unexpected, why was the android being so nice? It didn't suit him really. Not that Nines was not nice, but he also wasn't nice. Whatever.

The android resumed standing by his side and Gavin rolled his eyes, choosing a table and sitting.

"What are you up to?" Gavin asked him straight up. This behaviour was weird, he didn't know how to feel about it.

"I am trying to apologise for leaving the last time we were together. I misunderstood your words and behaved in a manner I regret." Nines responded simply, meeting his gaze. The grey-blue eyes seemed sincere, and Gavin just stared.

"I know now that calling me a baby wasn't intended maliciously, so I must apologise, Detective Reed, for misjudging."

"Shit. So, I hurt your feelings."

"I misunderstood."

"Fuck." Gavin swallowed, a suddenly bitter feeling rising in his throat. "It wasn't… malicious, or mean."

That was the closest to an apology as Nines would get. A plate crossing his vision interrupted their prolonged eye contact, carefully placed down in front of him with a wink and a quiet "enjoy." Gavin thanked her absently, still focused on the issue in front of him. They'd both reacted poorly and now Nines was trying to apologise, but he didn't really need to.

"I know that now. Connor explained."

The other Tin Can, of course.

"Good."

Gavin turned his attention to the sandwich, the same one he always got. Nines had obviously remembered, and Gavin thanked him. Nines' small smile was all he got in return. The sandwich was as delicious as ever, and he couldn't help his delighted hum. An embarrassing habit he'd always tried to suppress, but Nines's lips quirked up even more.

"I have noticed you hum a lot when you taste something you like."

Gavin shrugged, determined not to let Nines see his embarrassment. This was not something he wanted to be used as teasing. His temper and height were fair game, and nothing new to him being teased over, but this… felt oddly personal to be mocked over. He didn't want to be criticised for enjoying something.

"It is a pleasant sound. Much more pleasant than your yelling." Nines commented matter of factly, a smirk letting Gavin know that he was having fun at his expense. It was light hearted though, and Gavin couldn't even bring himself to be mad about it. So he snorted and let himself focus on the last few bites, savouring the flavours.

"Get used to the yelling." He replied once he finished.

"Of course Detective. I expect you yell much more often than not."

An amused huff, but he says nothing further. Honestly he doesn't know what to say. Even people he likes rarely get more than three sentences from him that aren't complaints or insults. Nines isn't even someone he likes though, so it was a little odd.

He finished his sandwich and moved the plate aside so he could focus on his coffee. Nines had taken to staring out the large windows, his head still but Gavin didn't doubt he was still able to track every little movement from outside. Supercomputer for a brain after all, he thought. The silence wasn't awkward though, which was a nice relief. Gavin found himself watching Nines, the crystal clear skin that was the same shade as Connor's, but without the freckles, and his much sterner features. Connor was all youthful charm, and Nines was sharp appeal. The good looking college kid versus the seasoned model, and okay, maybe Gavin needed to get out more. He was not about to find plastic attractive. He just wasn't.

He cleared his throat and turned slightly in his seat so he could get a clear view out the window as well, aware that his face was feeling hotter than usual. Nines's head tilted in his direction at the sound, a raised brow indicating his curiosity but Gavin shook his head. Nines turned to him anyway.

"How are you finding your return to work, Detective?" Nines asked politely, and Gavin shrugged.

"You've been with me all day." He pointed out, continuing to stare out through the glass.

"Indeed, but I cannot read minds." Nines replied. Gavin turned his head to look at him, just briefly, and saw the android was blank faced but his eyes were bright and alert. Scanning him no doubt.

"It's fine, boring. Might actually take all of my break for once." Gavin said with a gesture at their table. Normally he took half of his required breaks, but today he figured that it was only desk duty that awaited, he could take his time. There was no response from Nines, and a brief side eye showed him that the android was back to looking out the window, his head twisted this time instead of moving his whole body around. It must be nice to not get a sore neck.

"We should start heading back." Gavin said, draining his coffee. Nines stood up before he could, stepping back and pulling out a wallet Gavin hadn't realised existed, and slipping some money out for a tip, having paid at the counter already. Gavin nodded approvingly and followed the tall android out, waving at the girls at the counter as he went. He received two quick waves in return.

The cold air wasn't pleasant, and Gavin bunched his jacket up tighter. His side hurt, the cold immediately finding his most vulnerable spot. Nines stood on that side too, almost too close whilst they approached the curb. People skirted around them both, and Gavin was almost thankful for the shield Nines' body provided. They crossed and found his car, slipping inside. It was chilly in the car too, but marginally better than outside. He turned the keys in the ignition and they started the short journey back to the precinct.

Gavin groaned when he saw the other android, the second bane of his existence, sat on Nines's desk waiting for them seemingly. Nines paused with him, but returned the little wave Connor gave them. The motion was stiff though, Gavin noted. He finally approached the desk.

"What do you want Tin Can one?" He asked, and Connor smirked.

"I wish to speak to Nines, that is all." Connor replied, switching a warmer smile to the taller android. Gavin scowled and retreated to his chair, deciding to ignore them. Nines approached Connor looking puzzled.

-

Nines sat in his chair, his legs inches from Connor's who remained perched on the desk. It was an oddly casual pose, Nines thought, but it wasn't as though it mattered.

"How can I be of assistance, Connor?"

"Oh I do not require any help, thank you. I wanted to ask how your mission was going?" Connor asked, with a not so subtle glance towards Reed. Nines stiffened in realisation, the mission to befriend Gavin Reed. It was… at an unknown level of progress, the detective had accepted lunch with him, and had even somewhat apologised for his words. That was positive, but there hadn't been a lot of signs of anything further.

"It is still ongoing, though there has been a positive start." He summarised for Connor who looked inordinately pleased about that. Nines noticed that the detective, though doing his best to look like he was focused on his terminal, was listening.

"Excellent. Well, I shall leave you to it, but I would love to catch up with you later." Connor smiled warmly before standing up, brushing imaginary lint off his spotless trousers and starting to leave. Nines felt the need to sigh, and wondered if Reed's acerbic attitude was merely a deterrent for the nosy nature of others. It had proved effective, perhaps Nines could adopt a few of those tactics for his own gain.

Speaking of, the detective was clearly intrigued by his conversation with Connor. Though he steadfastly kept his eyes on the monitor and away from Nines. So Nines took the opportunity to look at Reed instead.

In the two weeks he had been absent Nines had had plenty of opportunity to do some digging. He had found that Reed was not well liked, which he had known, but was not very well known. The only person who implied they may hold some information of value was Officer Chen, but she also refused to share. Then she warned him to stop digging or she'd tell Reed what he was doing, and Nines had simply played innocent. Claiming it was only natural to want to know about his partner.

Looking at the detective gave him a limited view of his personality. Clean but rumpled clothes, indicating a lack of concern about his image, at least at present. A leather jacket that held a fine patina, a belying mellow brown and its hood was worn and thin. Clearly a cherished item of the detective's, and Nines had yet to see him without it, besides the stint at the hospital. The item clearly brought a degree of comfort or protection with it for it to be held so near and dear. His hair was kept short, but even so, what wasn't swept back from his forehead and gelled in place showed a trace of a wave. Lean build, with an aesthetically pleasing shoulder to waist ratio even under the layers. His arms weren't particularly large but of a good size, and Nines had seen the corded muscle when he was in the hospital gown. He was in excellent physical shape, but his behaviour, the bags under his eyes and short temper showed that Reed had his ailments. Likely insomnia, or similar, which caused him to be irritable.

His work record was good, with a closure rate of 91.4%, several successful busts and a few undercover ops to his name. His behaviour record was better than expected, but still had more reprimands than a detective of equal standing would reasonably have. Though Nines had seen Lt.Anderson's, and that was basically a novel. A novel series even.

It was his interpersonal skills that were the detective's shortcomings. Nines could relate. It was actually rather reassuring that he wasn't the only one who struggled with social settings.

"What the phck are you staring at?" Reed snapped, cutting into his thoughts. Nines frowned, puzzled, the detective hadn't turned.

"I can see you in the reflection dumbass, you've been eyeing me like a dog does a steak, so the phck are you staring at?"

Ah, Nines had not realised.

"Sorry Detective, I was lost in thought."

Reed grumbled and Nines thought he had gotten away unscathed.

"You were looking me up and down, liar."

Maybe not then. Nines prepared for the inevitable argument, and lamented the progress they had made that morning.

"I was simply trying to understand you better, I thought I might be able to uncover some facets of your personality and adapt accordingly." Nines explained, choosing honesty as a way to salvage anything he could. Another lie would likely result in a disaster.

Reed finally turned, a lazy spin of his office chair to meet his gaze. His frown had lessened in his confusion, eyes wider with surprise at Nines's answer.

"You're trying to… get to know me by ogling me?" Reed asked, sounding as baffled as he looked.

Nines nodded.

They blinked at each other for several seconds. Reed's lip twitched, then was flattened into a firm line.

"You could try asking? And what do you mean to adapt accordingly? Gonna twist yourself into a robot pretzel to make me happy?"

Nines frowned now, he hadn't thought of it that way. He still didn't, he just meant that if he knew Reed then maybe he could make social choices that would lead to a friendship. Which… kind of was going out of his way to please Reed. Damn it.

"I want to at least make our working relationship an amicable one." Nines kept eye contact as he spoke, watching as Reed shied away for a moment before resuming. It wasn't quite a flinch, but it had been close.

"Fuck, you're making me feel bad." Reed muttered, breaking eye contact to look back at the terminal instead. "Fine, you wanna be work buddies, we can be work buddies."

There was no shortage of derision in the words, but even a sarcastic proclamation of friendship was more than Nines had expected so soon in his mission. He allowed himself a quiet moment of triumph. At least now he had an update to actually give to Connor.

—

Fucking sad sack, Reed thought to himself. Was he truly so lonely he gave an android permission to call them buddies?

Admittedly, the android had been rather pleasant all day minus the creepy staring. It also had been the one to hold his wound closed as possible, preventing extreme damage and a longer stint off work.

Fine, Nines could be his buddy. The Tango to his Cash, the Murtaugh to his Riggs. Honestly he needed to stop watching old buddy cop movies. They were a guilty pleasure because they usually starred hot actors, held flimsy but entertaining plots and stuff blew up. Popcorn flicks. He always imagined that if he ever found a partner he could work with, they'd watch that shit together and joke about who was who. Tina wasn't actually his partner, but they had joked about it before. She was content in her uniform for now, though Reed knew she'd blow it out the water if she ever chose to pursue the promotion.

Her wife pushed her for it too, hoping vainly that it was safer than doing patrols as a uniform cop. Reed did nothing to disillusion her, bless the woman.

It was nearing the end of the day, already thirty minutes past his shift end, when Nines sat up straight.

"The warrant for the phone records has been granted. I will send off the official request now, hopefully we should see a return on that by tomorrow noon." Nines reported and Gavin snorted. The guy was so stiff when he rattled off information, back straight, face blank and even his voice was devoid of any kind of inflection. It was also fucking spooky.

"Cool. Guess I'll call it a night then, you going to Anderson's?" Gavin asked. He figured that's where Nines would go, given his conversation with Connor earlier. Surprisingly, Nines shook his head.

"No, I have spent a few nights there over the previous two weeks. I prefer not to burden their evenings." Nines said calmly, but he didn't meet Gavin's eyes.

"You haven't found your own place yet?"

"No."

Gavin paused, he remembered offering to let the android stay that night. Of course he'd done it in such a way it had been far from welcoming, and he had wondered where the android would end up. Perhaps the station or Anderson's, but an irrational part worried about the android being out in the cold.

"You can come to mine, if you want?" He asked nonchalantly, trying to make the offer sound as blasé as possible. Nines barely waits a beat before he replies.

"That would be acceptable."

That would be acceptable, Gavin thinks, thinking of the old Spongebob meme and suppressing a chuckle. It was the little things.

"Cool, grab what you need, we can head over."

Within a minute they were both exiting the precinct and making their way to his car. The journey wasn't long, and Gavin expected they'd mainly do it in silence, but his partner had other plans.

"Will you be stopping to grab some dinner? It is an appropriate time for an evening meal."

Gavin snorted.

"Yeah Nines, it is an appropriate time. I was gonna make something when I got in."

For once he had actual groceries in, because of his extended time off he'd actually managed to grab some shopping. He'd even gone yesterday to ensure he'd have some stuff in for at least the first few days during his return to work. He was currently less active so he planned to limit his fast food intake.

"That is pleasing news. The benefits of a home cooked meal outweigh the convenience of fast food." Nines said, sounding like he was straight out of Grandmother's Weekly or some shit. Gavin rolled his eyes and carried on driving.

The trip up to the apartment was in silence, thankfully. Gavin unlocked his door and led Nines inside for the second time, gesturing at the sofa. It felt a little odd to have a guest over that he couldn't offer a drink to. Nines didn't seem to notice, or mind, his awkwardness and settled on the sofa. His posture was laughably formal but Gavin let it slide for now, he could teach the giant robot to relax later. For now he threw his jacket on to the side and started pulling out stuff for his dinner. Honestly he wasn't much of a cook, and thus his dinners usually resulted in being simple stuff he could make in ten minutes or less. For tonight he settled on the frozen vegetarian pizza, meaning he didn't have to cook at all, just stick the thing in the oven for like fifteen minutes. That done, he grabbed a glass of water and went to sit near Nines.

He chose the other end seat on the sole three seater. He grabbed the remote and flicked the TV on, scrolling straight to Netflix.

"Have you ever seen a movie?" He asked Nines, horrified when the android shook his head.

"Television show?"

Another head shake.

That just wouldn't do, not at all. Gavin decided that if the android got to assign himself missions, he was assigning himself this one. Educate Nines on the best on screen entertainment.

"We'll start with Brooklyn Nine-Nine, it's quite old now but I watched it when I was a teenager. It's still funny." Gavin said, finding it and starting it from the first episode. Nines nodded politely, and dutifully watched it with rapt attention.

He didn't laugh, or even smile during the first ten minutes. Gavin was feeling suitably disheartened by the time he went to get his pizza. Figures the uptight arsehole would look down on it.

He sits down with his newly sliced pizza and notices Nines looking at it curiously. That was the most expressive he'd been since the episode started. Gavin tilted his plate just enough to give the idiot a better view.

"Can you eat?" He asked. He'd never once seen Connor eat, or any other android really. He knew some models had the capability to consume food for companionship purposes, but it never mentioned anything about taste.

"No, I could consume food to maintain a cover, but I cannot taste it the way you do, and I have no need of it." Nines said, "though I could tell you its ingredients."

Weird. To know what it was, but not to actually taste it, to experience pleasure or disgust. Gavin shrugged and tucked in, turning back to the TV. He still enjoyed the old show, though it was two decades old by this point. Nines remained silent. Gavin waited until he had finished eating and cleaned his plate before sitting and frowning at Nines. It took barely ten seconds for the android to turn to look at him too.

"Yes?" Nines asked, clearly uncertain as to how he had earned Gavin's glower.

"What do you think of the show?" Gavin replied, watching Nines as he looked briefly back at the screen. The android took a moment to reply.

"I believe that the show is humorous in nature, but I don't think that detectives would be allowed to behave like that and still be employed." Nines answered, clearly puzzled. Gavin blinked at him, his mouth opening just slightly in surprise. That was kind of the whole point? The immature behaviour juxtaposed with Captain Holt's severity, at least at first, and that they still got excellent results. Gavin sighed, so much for being superior androids, even an old AX model would realise that, surely.

"Yeah… that's the point, Nines. It's meant to be a little absurd."

"Oh."

The soft little reply didn't tell him much, but Gavin shrugged and let the episode finish out before backing up the home page. He scrolled through, unsure of what he was looking for.

"Can we watch that?" Nines suddenly asked, and Gavin startled. He looked at Nines to see where he was pointing and followed his line of sight to a film called 'Blitz'.

"Blitz?" He decided to clarify first, and watched Nines nod. So he shrugged and selected it.

"I read the novel after my first shift." Nines explained. "The book was quite entertaining, though I imagine any police officer would find it disturbing."

That was cryptic, Gavin thought. Though he quickly understood what Nines meant. It was riveting though, and he found watching Brandt and Nash to be quite entertaining. Maybe he should read the book too?

The film finished, and Gavin turned with a look of approval to Nines.

"Good choice." He said, and Nines nodded.

"It is late detective, will we be watching something else?"

Gavin glanced at the time, and it wasn't quite eleven pm yet but another movie would drag them past midnight. Which wouldn't be the end of the world, but he wanted to be up early
He declined, and Nines nodded again, though this time approvingly. Gavin stood and made it about four steps down the hallway before he turned.

"There's a blanket in the coffee table drawer. Night."

"Goodnight Gavin."

Chapter 6: Couldn't stand another second in your company

Summary:

Some discoveries

Nines let himself enter stasis once Reed had gone to bed, and when he awoke from it, he was pleased to see that it was approaching 5am. If the detective was always in before 8am then he supposed it wouldn't be long before Reed woke up. He stood and approached the kitchen, deciding to start a pot of coffee for the detective. Nines let himself go through the motions slowly, so that it wouldn't need to sit for so long before the detective got to it.

Thinking of the detective, he stopped to wonder about their progress now. Having a movie night was a popular suggestion as to what friends might do with their evening, and whilst they only technically watched one movie, Nines decided it still counted. Therefore, by logical deduction, they were at least friendly at this stage. Connor could provide more insight, he'd likely had several movie nights by now, he'd know. For now he chose to explore the apartment. He didn't get much chance last time, but he was pleased to see it was clean and that the detective had a few personal belongings decorating the space too. A photo frame sat on a shelf, alongside a small succulent. The picture was of Reed himself, younger and with slightly shorter hair, and a woman he recognised as Officer Chen. They were both grinning broadly, stood beside each other closely, Chen's arm stretched out beyond the frame, no doubt holding the camera. Nines couldn't detect anything from the image to see what occasion inspired the picture, merely that they both looked happy.

The frame was a simple one, nothing special so that gave him no clues either.

He found a book on the kitchen counter too, an old battered recipe book. For baking to be precise, and as he flipped open the page, he saw something written on the back of the cover.

Dear Gavin,
I'm sorry, I hope you can forgive me.
Love,
Mike

Nines had no idea if the writing was from someone who gifted the book, or came later. The note didn't explain how a baking book related to the apology though, so he assumed the latter. He read it again, taking his time to analyse what he could gather. The pen had been pushed hard into the cover, so a heavy handed individual. The use of 'love' as a way to sign off indicated a romantic or familial relationship, but Nines imagined it to be the former.

A creak of the floorboards in the hall made him snap the book shut, but as Gavin appeared into the main space, his eyes zeroed in on the book that Nines had shoved back into place. Clearly he had been caught.

"You read the note?" Gavin asked, his voice rough with sleep. Nines hadn't heard his voice that deep before, that growly, and it was pleasant.

"Yes, I did."

Gavin pursed his lips and Nines waited for a potentially thunderous display of temper. It would be reasonable he decided, given his snooping. People didn't like having their personal space explored without permission. He clasped his hands behind his back and stayed quiet, but Gavin walked closer. He picked the book up and opened the cover, looking down at the message and scowled.

"This is the only book of my mother's I was able to save. And that bastard knew it and still scrawled in it." Gavin muttered angrily, closing the cover again and laying the book down. His shoulders had tensed, no longer lax with leftover sleep. Nines frowned gently, loosening his stance. He couldn't relate to Gavin's story, he had never had a parent after all, but he tried to imagine someone defiling his jacket (which had happened sort of, Gavin's blood, but Nines had put himself in the position to be covered in it). He knew he would feel disgusted and irritated, Gavin probably felt that way tenfold and likely there was something else. Clearly a sentimental attachment to the book was there, something that far outweighed the ownership Nines felt towards his jacket.

"I'm sorry that happened." Nines said earnestly, causing the detective to turn and look up at him. The man's eyes were clouded over with residual anger, but it wasn't directed at Nines.

"Yeah, me too. Bastard got what he deserved." Gavin laughed suddenly, bitterly. "Hank cold clocked him in the middle of the bullpen."

Nines let his brows shoot up in surprise. He had been unaware of any closeness of Anderson and Gavin due to the obvious tension between them. Perhaps a friendship soured?

Gavin noticed of course.

"Oh this is when I first made detective, before Hank went off the rails." Gavin shrugged. "He didn't know exactly how much of an asshole I was."

Nines nodded.

"Why was he in the bullpen?"

Gavin hesitated, drawing his arms up to cross over his chest. The move was defensive and Nines blinked at the openly displayed insecurity. He had seen signs of it before, but he'd never seen the detective show it so openly. Not without the disguise of spite.

"We broke up, and when he came to my workplace to make me stay, I refused. So he outed me in front of everyone, loudly." Gavin told him, his voice uncharacteristically quiet and morose. Nines felt that familiar wave of anger clouding his sensors again. He may not truly understand the way human's dealt with subjects like gender, sexuality or race, but he knew the statistics that made those characteristics potentially dangerous if out in the open. He understood why humans would fear repercussions when put in that situation. And beyond that, Gavin had been hurt, and viciously betrayed twice by somebody who was meant to care for him. Nines could hear it in his voice, and it enraged him.

It wasn't just anger, this was loathing.

"I would punch him too." Nines said, his voice quiet to match Gavin's volume, but his tone firm. Gavin snorted a quiet laugh, not sounding overly amused though.

"Thanks."

Nines nodded, and stepped back. The coffee would be done now, and he figured the detective sorely needed one. Humans often placed extreme emotional importance on drinks. Hot chocolate was for warmth and comfort, coffee to wake up and forge through the day etcetera. Perhaps Nines could get Gavin a hot chocolate before the day was out.

Nines poured the detective a mug full and brought it to the man directly. This time he didn't receive any snarky comments about servitude or tampering, Gavin took it with a tiny murmur of gratitude. Nines felt the urge to smile gently down at him, but refrained. Something told him the detective might not take too kindly to it. So instead he just watched as Gavin sipped at his drink, watching as he became slowly more alert and awake. When the mug was perhaps halfway empty, the detective moved to sit down, and Nines followed. This time, instead of sprawling or kicking his feet up, Gavin pulled his legs up onto the sofa, sitting cross legged on the cushion. He hunched over and rested his elbows on his knees, mug held to his face, tilting it to drink from. Nines didn't approve of the poor posture, it was causing unnecessary strain on the man's lower back. However, as he was about to voice his concern, Gavin sighed and leaned back against the sofa. Nines was satisfied with the new position but curious as to why it had changed so quickly.

"That warrant that came through, I know it's early but did you get a response yet?" Gavin asked, sounding tired. Which was odd considering he'd spent at least six hours in bed, presumably asleep. Perhaps it wasn't odd, Nines revised, as the average sleep needed was more than seven hours, people in his age group responded best to around eight hours of sleep. If he only averaged six hours a night he was accumulating a sleep debt which likely contributed to his current situation. Tiredness also resulted in poor temper and impulse control.

"There has been no response as of yet. Given how late we sent the request, we likely shouldn't expect one until noon."

Gavin nodded, looking down into his coffee.

"Right, well, I'll get dressed and we can head in. We can always look at another case while we wait."

Nines accepted that proposal, it was an adequate and logical suggestion after all. If he was a tiny bit disappointed the man didn't take the opportunity to sleep some more, well, no one had to know.

—

Arriving at the precinct was a muted affair, even though the other tin can was already there. Anderson was not, so Gavin assumed he'd come in alone. Connor was practically vibrating as he waited at Nines's desk. The taller android didn't falter and simply walked around Connor to sit down.

This did nothing to deter the tin can's enthusiasm.

"Any updates?" Connor asked, his voice alight with curiosity. Gavin frowned, what was this all important mission they'd mentioned twice now?

Nines offered his hand out to Connor, fake skin peeling back to reveal the chassis underneath. Connor grasped the larger hand quickly, his own skin peeled back. Gavin turned to his terminal with a huff, fine, they could keep their stupid secrets. See if he cared.

"That is excellent news." Connor said, his hand finally withdrawing.

Gavin rolled his eyes and tried to focus on the report he had pulled up. It was getting on his nerves that he didn't understand what they were talking about, and that it was distracting him. So he stubbornly kept reading, and re-reading when he didn't absorb the information the first time. The low chatter of the androids was generic small talk now, but the melding of their hands had yet to leave his mind. Being out of the loop was sincerely irritating. It's not like he was jealous though, no, no he was just curious.

Eventually Connor left, bee-lining for Hank who had just walked in. Gavin watched him go, before spinning his chair to face Nines. Nines, who was doing an excellent impression of being ignorant to Gavin's attention.

Gavin cleared his throat.

"Can I help you?" Nines asked, the barest quirk to his lips.

"What's this secret mission then?"

The android paused, his LED spinning yellow for barely two beats before resuming its blue cycle. Interesting. Perhaps it was more personal than he'd initially assumed. Gavin briefly thought about taking his question back, but Nines started to speak.

"It's not really a mission exactly, Connor has taken to calling it such…" Nines hesitated again, "I told him I wished to befriend you properly, not just as colleagues but personally."

Gavin felt his heart stutter painfully, the same kind of pain that choking on air brought. That was awfully… sweet. It also made him feel like an asshole again.

"Oh?" He said stupidly, at a loss for words. Nines LED was spinning yellow again, an almost stricken look on his usually reserved face. He had maybe one opportunity to not be a dick, but a frisson of discomfort trailed through his chest. Memories of scorning androids, sneering at Connor, punching him, watching him drop to his knees. They had rights now, and even he couldn't deny they felt things like humans did. He wasn't blind, or stupid. He'd been awful though, and he'd felt justified at the time too. Gavin wasn't even entirely sure where he stood on the whole issue now. But Nines had… well he'd been good to him, far more patient than he'd be in the androids shoes.

"If you would be amenable. Of course you are under no obligation to allow it." Nines said when the silence dragged on, but Gavin shook his head. Nines recoiled slightly, his face resuming that unsettling factory fresh blankness but his LED pulsed red. Did it mean that much to him?

"No!" Gavin said sharply, "I mean, yes, yes we can be friends."

Nines LED resumed a much calmer yellow then blue colour before he met Gavin's eyes again. Gavin felt a hot flush run up his neck, and he scratched his stubbled cheek to try and hide it a little. Nines gave him a tentative smile.

"Thank you Detective Reed." Nines' voice was the warmest he had ever heard it, and it was nice. Like, really, really nice.

"Yeah, you may as well call me Gavin then."

"Thank you Gavin."

—--

Nines let the buzz of Gavin's acceptance carry him through the day, not even feeling disappointed that his request for the phone records had still not been answered. In fact he was so pleased about his progress with Gavin that he almost forgot to tell Connor.

CONNECTION REQUEST SENT

It took three seconds for the request to be accepted, but he could feel Connor's curiosity immediately.

[RK900: Gavin had accepted my request for friendship. We are now on a first name basis.]

[Connor: That's awesome Nines. I am very pleased for you, perhaps you two could spend time together outside of work hours too? Adult friends typically visit bars together, or visit the cinema?]

Nines paused and considered it. A bar didn't hold much appeal to himself, but perhaps Gavin might enjoy it? A cinema sounded more interesting, he would like to see another movie, but would it be as enjoyable as sitting in Gavin's home and watching one? He could ask Gavin.

[RK900: Thank you Connor, I will consider those options.]

[Connor: No problem, anytime.]

CONNECTION CLOSED

Nines turned to Gavin to see the detective half slumped in his chair, moodily clicking through a report he had almost finished. The fact he was constrained to desk work for a further few weeks yet made Nines feel bad for him, obviously the man did not find it enjoyable.

"Detective?" He asked quietly, pleased when Reed's eyes immediately drifted from the screen to meet his. The detective quirked a brow and waited.

"Would you like to see a movie?" Nines asked, unsure how to phrase his request. He purposefully left it open for Reed to decide if he wanted to go to the cinema, or enjoy a movie at his home though.

Reed considered a moment, his fingers idly tapping out a rhythm on his arm rest. Then he shrugged.

"Sure, come over tonight and we can watch something." Reed said it so casually but Nines was thrilled. He began researching options alongside completing his work until their shift ended. For once, on the dot, Reed logged out of his terminal and gathered his keys from the desk. Nines logged out too and stood, preparing to follow Reed.

"C'mon then Tin Can, you can ride with me." Reed offered, his voice loud enough it caught the attention of a passing officer, who looked baffled, but walked on without comment. Connor had obviously heard as well, and he looked like he was about to clap his hands in glee. His excitement had caught Hank's attention, he was looking at the android with a confused but amused smile. Nines smirked too before following Reed out towards his car, the detective waited patiently for him to buckle up before starting the engine.

"Got a movie in mind?" He asked, around the halfway point on the journey to his home. Nines had a few that he had shortlisted from articles online declaring them as the best films critics loved.

"I researched a few online… critic's favourites-"

"I'm gonna stop you right there. Critics favourites are usually the opposite to audience favourites." Gavin scoffed then. "I mean, sometimes they're right, but usually not. Pick a film that sounds interesting to you."

Nines thought about it. He had liked Blitz, so perhaps he would like something similar? Maybe something else from the director, or a movie with one of the actors?

"I liked Blitz. Do you know of anything similar?" Nines asked Gavin as he pulled up. The detective frowned, chewing on his lip as they exited the car.

"Not exactly like it, but Statham did a lot of action movies. We can start there."

That was satisfactory.

Reed threw him the remote almost the very second they entered the apartment, and Nines caught it easily. His impressive display of reflexes earned him a muttered "show-off" and not much else. However, Nines was thrilled, he was given full control over their movie night. He watched Gavin sit down, not quite in the middle or the end of the sofa, and copied him. The closest they had sat yet, if they both spread their legs a tad more, they'd almost touch. Nines wasn't entirely sure why his processors focused on that bit of information though. Gavin was watching the screen expectantly, and Nines opted not to disappoint. He found a list of Statham titles available to watch, reading the description of the titles as he scrolled through.

Eventually, after five attempts, Gavin sighed.

"Pick one Nines. We can watch another one after."

Nines chose the very next one. He didn't want to test Reed's patience further. It was a movie called 'The Meg'. The thumbnail had shown a large shark, and it was nothing like 'Blitz'. Shark movies were popular online, with many iterations available since 'Jaws' had launched.

Gavin seemed to find the movie entertaining enough, rolling his eyes good-naturedly at the pseudo-science and laughing at some of the dialogue. Nines found he was watching Gavin more than the movie. It was honestly far more entertaining than the prehistoric creature on screen could ever hope to be. Connor had once described enjoying Hank's enjoyment, even if he didn't enjoy the cause, he enjoyed the effect. Watching Gavin now, Nines understood what the other android meant.

By the end of the movie, Nines was better prepared. He had identified that Gavin found the comedy aspects the most pleasing, and that he had enjoyed the gruff cop film aspect of their previous movie night. Naturally he combined the two, and selected 'Police Academy'. Gavin laughed when he said the name out loud, an almost excited quality to it that made Nines feel an artificial warming of the wires in his chest. It was a movie eighteen years older than Gavin himself, but that did not deter the detectives in the slightest.

"There's like six more movies of these." Gavin told him, barely half an hour into the film. Nines didn't truly understand most of the humour, particularly slapstick style, but he really enjoyed the frequent chuckles it caused from his partner. He even found himself making his own version of Gavin's pleased hum, though not inspired by food like the detective's, a quiet indication of his own amusement.

"Perhaps we could watch another one next time." Nines suggested, aware of the passing time, and that after this movie, the human need to sleep would likely take priority for Gavin. Gavin didn't answer verbally, but he also didn't say no. Instead his chuckle petered out into an almost higher pitched noise, one Nines identified fitted the description of a giggle.

It almost made him freeze completely.

It was the single most adorable sound Nines had heard yet. Gavin's food inspired hum possibly a close second.

He blinked rapidly, trying not to let Gavin know anything was off. He isolated the recording of his memory and cloned it, storing it in duplicate to his memories. Losing that memory would be the greatest tragedy.

____

Watching the movies with Nines had actually been a blast, Gavin wasn't even loath to admit it. Though the tiredness he felt now was absolutely kicking his ass, and his body felt too heavy to lift from the cushions. He'd slumped into leaning against the middle cushion, closer to the android, who had his arm stretched along the back. If he rolled his head back in that direction, he could use the long limbed bastard's forearm as a pillow. Would it even be soft enough? People who had layers of muscle, fat and soft tissue often still weren't the comfiest, an android made of plastimetal and various forms of hardware surely couldn't be?

If he fell asleep, or if he got close enough to it, he might get away with testing that out.

No. No, no, no, he absolutely did not even want to test that out. Why on earth would he want to test that out? Crazy, just sleep deprived, he thought, hastily forcing himself forward. He was now sitting with his elbows braced on his knees, tiredly slumped over. The credits rolled on the screen, and Nines switched the TV off via the remote.

"I really enjoyed watching those with you." Nines said quietly, sincerely. Gavin nodded, clearing his throat.

"Yeah, they're good movies." He replied, feeling slightly awkward now. Quite suddenly, a large hand settled on his shoulder, startling him. It was just Nines, obviously, and he turned his head to stare at the hand touching him. It felt reasonably warm, not too hot it was off putting, but not so cold it felt artificial either. Gentle pressure, almost timid, like Nines didn't know how much strength he should be applying to his grip.

"I think you should go to bed Detective. I will lock up before I return to the station." Nines spoke gently too, a hushed voice that wasn't a whisper yet. It sounded nice, his voice was nowhere near as peppy as Connor's, much more grounded and deeper. Gavin reckoned that if Nines wanted, if he lost the smooth veneer of CyberLife, he could produce a badass growl. Not that he wanted to hear it, just that, in theory, it was possible.

Or a purr, his traitorous mind thought.

"You're probably right." Gavin sighed, "you can crash on the sofa again. No point going back now, I'll just drive us both in the morning."

Nines agreed quietly, and nudged him until he stood. Nines stood too, almost following him down the hall to his room, like he was afraid Gavin was just gonna keel over and pass out. It wasn't as suffocating as he might once have thought, so he tolerated it. However, he did firmly shut his bedroom door before he crawled into bed. He didn't need a super detective to see anything in his room that he might start analysing. The rest of his apartment wasn't super personalised, his room was his sanctuary.

He changed swiftly into a pair of old gym shorts he never wore outside anymore, forgoing a shirt and climbed under the blankets. He buried his face into his pillow, curled up and leaning forwards so he was almost on his stomach, one leg drawn up and resting on a mess of blankets. His body would hate him come morning, but it was the comfiest position ever. If he could be bothered to jam a pillow beneath his drawn up leg, and underneath his chest so his neck wasn't so twisted, he'd be fine. He needed a body pillow. Or somebody to sleep on. That'd do.

Thankfully, he didn't have to worry about it for long. Sleep claimed him pretty swiftly.

He blinked awake, unsure of how much time had passed, and sleepily stretched out further. His body pressed into a much firmer figure than the mattress or blankets normally provided. His crotch jolted pleasantly, and he hissed as he pressed his hips down further. The pressure wasn't quite enough, but with the pleasant lack of pain in his back and the hazy laziness still wrapped around his mind, he continued his slow movements instead of taking himself in hand.

He didn't even remember taking his shorts off, he must have kicked them away during the night. And the warmth beneath him moved, his eyes snapped open and he gasped loudly at the white and black jacket he immediately saw. The firm resistance wasn't his bedding, it was another person.

He scrambled back, the fall to the floor longer than he thought it was. He scrambled back, and even his bedroom seemed larger than normal, yet putting distance between himself and the other person (Nines, he knew instinctively) was taking forever.

The body in his bed sat up, but the image was sharply washed away, his eyes shooting open for real. Being forced awake wasn't pleasant.

"Gavin, your heart rate is 60 beats higher a minute than usual and climbing." A calm, but definitely concerned, voice startled him again. It was Nines, hovering between his bedside and the door. Gavin scrambled to throw the blanket over himself completely, drawing into a loose fetal position, trying to cast a shroud of excess material around his still hard cock. Thankfully, in reality, the shorts had remained in place.

"Yeah, yeah… it's fine. Get the fuck out creep." Gavin said, the bite barely even half-hearted. The humiliation of Nines coming to wake him in the middle of a wet nightmare erasing any wit he might have mustered.

The android observed him for a second, grey eyes darting along his form, but he left without complaint. Gavin sighed and slumped, what the actual fuck had that been about? His mind was all muddled, his self driven isolation was clearly getting to him. He could think of no other reason why he'd dream of Nines otherwise (liar, he thought to himself before dismissing it vehemently). Gavin almost laughed at his patheticness, he needed to get laid.

Which reminded him, his neglected cock gave a plaintive twitch, even as he started to soften. He purposefully avoided it, if Nines knew his bpm, he'd definitely know if he jacked off. Instead he forced himself to settle until he was able to fall back asleep. It took longer than he wanted to admit.
___

Nines didn't know what to do about his reaction to Gavin's disruption. He'd heard the detective moving, and had gone to investigate due to a distinct whimper the detective had released. Entering the room had been a mistake, he'd heard the detective's heart rate spike, as well as seeing the flush to his skin. The detective wasn't having a nightmare exactly, though many of the signs could easily be mistaken for it, the tent he could see in the detective's shorts, as he had thrown himself up and awake made it obvious.

A matching tent now resided in Nines's trousers as he replayed the memory.

It was causing a crisis honestly. Nines recognised that he'd started to experience a desire to be closer to Gavin, and he knew he enjoyed the shorter male's aesthetic appearance too, but now he knew he was experiencing sexual attraction too. It was somewhat expected that he would eventually have desires, as was the perks of deviancy, but it seemed he wanted Gavin. He wanted to see that flush again, and preferably in a situation where he was able to touch the man. Or at least experience a closer view. Even his distress had been appealing, though he wished there was a more fortunate reasoning for it.

He curiously brushed his fingers over the bulge, and clamped his jaw shut to prevent his hiss. It felt good, his sensors filling his processor with positive feedback, stronger than he had expected.

Feeling nervous, but also excited to explore, he unzipped his trousers, drawing his cock out. It looked perfectly human, up to and including false veins, and a flushed pink appearance. The design was taken and adapted from the male Traci's, adjusted in size until it was proportionate with his body. His model was taller and broader than the standard Traci male. It was half hard, but quickly swelled when he wrapped his hand around it. The first tentative stroke drew a quiet, muffled groan from his throat. It felt incredible, and Nines understood the human obsession with sex a bit better now. Curiously, the more he kept to a repetitive rhythm, the better it felt. In theory he knew what was happening when it happened, but the strength of the sensation caught him extremely unawares.

His cum comprised of filtered thirium that was automatically bleached a translucent white to further mimic human characteristics. It also shot from his dick way further than he anticipated, coating his belly and hand generously. The twitching of his hips was automatic, and it still felt fantastic.

At least until he realised he had masturbated on his partner's couch and a heavy feeling settled across him. He hastily cleaned up, just in case Gavin walked out of his room, before he sat (on a different cushion) and thought about it. His thoughts about Gavin had initiated his Sexual Intimacy Protocol, but curiously, he'd been focused on his own pleasure only during his first time. Perhaps if he became more familiar with the experience the physical sensation wouldn't take over completely.

And this awful, clinging feeling after? It had to be shame, it was apparently quite common post orgasm.

There were many articles about it, most with an uplifting message that masturbation was natural, and normal, and nothing to be ashamed of. Nines didn't think the articles were written after the author experienced their first orgasm on a colleague and tentative friend's couch though. Likely if anyone else had, they would not write about it.

Now all he could do was wait for Gavin to wake up in the morning, and try to pretend nothing had happened. Nines entered stasis uneasily, not looking forward to seeing Gavin come morning.

Chapter 7: Don't waste your words

Gavin rushed them out of his apartment pretty quickly come morning, not wanting to linger in such close, private quarters after his weird dream. Nines seemed all too keen to escape too, hastily retreating behind the barrier of his desk and focusing on his terminal. Gavin did the same, letting the work distract him from any errant thoughts.

"I have the call logs." Nines announced suddenly, his LED flickering yellow, and a second later Gavin's terminal was showing the records. There were several clustered calls to several numbers, numbers that then disappeared after three or so days worth of records. Clearly the other person was using a burner phone, whilst their trigger happy idiot hadn't had the foresight.

Still, it was a start.

In fact, it gave Nines the idea to reinterrogate their suspect. The repeated pattern of calls was enough to give him a lead to start with, and hopefully pry some more information out of the man. Gavin felt a hint of satisfaction at that. In court this sort of thing would be circumstantial at best, but if he slipped during the interrogation they would be on to a winner.

Unfortunately it'd be at least an hour until the interrogation room would be ready for them. So Gavin opted to go find Tina, instead of waiting around. They could probably at least take ten minutes to get a coffee from the break room. It didn't take long to find her, she was already in the breakroom, so he grabbed his own coffee before walking up to her.

"Hey Ti."

She turned around, blinking tiredly.

"Hey, sorry, half asleep already." She greeted him with a half smile. It must be nearing the end of her shift, or perhaps it had ended and the coffee was to perk her up for the drive home. Gavin gave her a sympathetic nudge with his shoulder before moving to stand at the opposite side of the standing table.

"Finished?" He asked, feeling hopeful on her behalf. Thankfully she nodded, a hazy look in her eyes.

"Yeah and it was hell. Remind me to never cover the last half someone else's shift on top of mine. It's been sixteen fucking hours on my feet, and I got punched in the stomach earlier by some dick." She groused, a hand flitting to her stomach. Gavin winced.

"I can drive you home if you want? I don't think you should drive right now." Gavin offered, concerned for his only friend's safety. She didn't look like she should be standing right now, nevermind driving.

"What are you, my mother?" Tina snapped, her own foul temper sparking at being coddled by anyone except her wife. Gavin calmly sipped his coffee as she realised what she said. She grimaced, and apologised.

"It's cool Ti, c'mon, I'll drive you home."

Tina insisted on finishing her coffee before she slumped off to the locker room to grab her things. Gavin waited by the precinct door, calmly watching pedestrians stroll past. Tina finally exited the doors, squinting in the daylight as her sore eyes adjusted. Gavin took hold of her elbow and guided her to his car, which she begrudgingly allowed. Once she was seated and they buckled in, Gavin pulled out into the daytime traffic. It was mercifully quiet as he navigated the city to Tina's home.

"You should come say hi to El. S'been a while." Tina mumbled quietly, leaning on the window. Gavin hummed, eyes flicking quickly to look at her.

"Sure. I can spare five minutes. Be nice."

He really did like El. He didn't know her as well as Tina, and they had never interacted alone, Tina was always there or in the vicinity, but El was possibly the second closest person to him now. Honestly, Tina was extremely lucky in his opinion. El was very lucky too, but it was Tina's fortune he was often jealous of.

The radio played quietly, a station from this morning he'd let Nines play. It filled the silence as Gavin drove and Tina started to doze. By the time they'd reached her place, a twenty minute drive, she was fast asleep in his passenger seat. She looked extremely uncomfortable, head craned to the side to rest on the window, her body curled in a space too small to be sleep friendly. Gavin sighed, stepping out of the car and coming round to the passenger side. He considered the sleeping woman for a moment, cursing his soft heart. He turned and walked up to the front door of his friend's residence, rang the bell and waited for a moment.

El answered the door, head cocked to the side in confusion at the interruption.

"Gavin?"

"Delivery, keep the door open." He quipped, heading back to the car. He opened the door, unbuckled Tina and dragged her into his arms, bridal style. His stomach twinged painfully, reminding him that he was in fact barely a month off of getting shot, but it was manageable. He carried his barely stirring friend past her wife, and over the comfy black sofa he knew was waiting. He settled her down, ignoring El's soft cooing in the background for a moment. He tried to lay her down in a somewhat comfy pose, but realised her wife would do a better job, and so he stopped.

"Well, that was unexpected." El said, a soft, fond laugh following as she looked down at Tina.

"You're telling me. Don't forget to tell your wife she owes me one for carrying her over the threshold."

"Well, you were basically her beard at one point so it was bound to happen once."

Gavin gaped at El. She still surprised him sometimes with her comebacks, he remembered when she was shy.

"El!" He said, faux scandalised. She chuckled at him, and stepped forward to give him a hug. A polite sort, just a gentle squeeze in greeting before stepping away again.

"Thank you Gavin, I really appreciate you getting her home safely."

Gavin mumbled a little, sheepishly rubbing his neck and shrugging off the gratitude. It was so sincere and strong.

After another minute of small talk, he made his excuses and left. He had an interrogation to return to.

____

Nines didn't know where Gavin had gone. The interrogation was about to start but the detective was nowhere to be seen. Officer Miller offered to observe as per protocol, but Nines knew that if he started without Reed he could potentially set their relationship back to square one.

However if he needed to start soon and if Gavin did not-

There he was, Nines thought with relief as Gavin finally came jogging round the corner. He caught sight of Nines, and slowed to a speed walk instead.

"Sorry, Tina needed a lift." Gavin explained, not sounding very sorry.

Nines didn't comment for now, it was more important they get started. He instead let Gavin lead them into the interrogation room. Nines was to take the lead they had agreed, it was his idea they were following after all.

Gavin tapped the recorder as he passed.

"Time is 14:05, interview with Mr Jonathon Hartley commenced. Interview led by RK900 and Detective Gavin Reed." Gavin said into the recording, before circling around the table. He then went completely quiet.

"Mr Hartley, some new information has come to our attention. We were hoping you might shed some light on it." Nines began, pleasantly enough. His tone was light but formal, and Gavin remained silent, merely moving to stand against the wall opposite the two-way glass. Nines was briefly distracted as Gavin leant back against the wall, one knee rising so he could brace his foot upon it. He swiftly moved his attention on Hartley and his state provided attorney; a relatively young looking woman whose hair was neatly pinned back and her clothes impeccably clean, yet dark shadows lay under her eyes. A testament to her exhaustion.

Nines felt a twinge of sympathy for her.

"What information?" Hartley asked dourly, a wicked glare aimed at Gavin, which then switched to focus on Nines. Hartley's eyes lingered on Nines's LED for a second longer than could be called normal. Gavin seemed to have noticed too, his eyes darted from Hartley's face to Nines's LED too and back.

"Your phone records, we noticed an interesting pattern in your call log, mind explaining who these calls are from?" Nines said, pulling out the first sheet. It only had examples of two numbers, but he was reluctant to reveal he had all of the logs from the past three months ready.

"Just mates innit." Hartley shrugged nonchalantly, glancing at his lawyer for help. Help that was not forthcoming yet as the lawyer simply glanced over the sheet curiously.

"Care to expand upon that? What friend, what name?" Nines asked, tempted to roll his eyes at the behaviour displayed. He refrained, purely to maintain his professionalism.

Hartley frowned down at the number on the page. He tapped his cuffed hand on the top, most recent, one.

"That was my mate Mickey Smith. He works at a mechanic shop his dad runs." Hartley said. "He fixed my car up cheap for me about a week before my arrest."

"And the other number?" Nines asked, committing the name Mickey Smith to memory.

"I don't remember." Hartley replied insincerely. Nines raised his eyebrow, fixing the man with a harsh glare. A neat little trick CyberLife had equipped him with was the ability to change his hair and eye colour on whim, and he used it to make his grey eyes pale and gleam. Like they had frosted over, just a little trick to unsettle Hartley hopefully. He did it subtly, slowly.

"Did you know I am the most advanced model CyberLife produced before android production was shut down?" Nines asked Hartley rhetorically. "My scanners are much more advanced than a standard android, I can tell when your stress levels rise, when your heart rate changes and a whole range of other little signs that tell me you are lying."

Hartley had paled slightly, and the lawyer was looking concerned now. She was tapping her fingers on her other arm nervously, eyeing Nines warily.

"I think we should get back to the questions." She finally said. Nines nodded politely, he had no intentions of intimidating her.

"One more time, who does the second number belong to Mr Hartley?"

Hartley glanced back at the page, his lips twisted into a sour expression. He didn't respond for a moment, which stretched into a minute. Nines tapped the paper again, observing the sweat that was beginning to bead on Hartley's brow.

"It was Mickey too. He changes his number a lot." Hartley finally said, a grudging tone colouring his voice. If he could cross his arms he likely would be.

"Why?" Nines asked, if he could confirm that Mickey was the one behind at least most of the burner phones he had a tenuous link between the two. If he matched up the calls from Mickey to Hartley around the dates the androids went missing he'd have a stronger case.

"I dunno, just does." Hartley rolled his eyes. "Ask him."

Those eyes widened a tad when Nines nodded at the sarcastic suggestion. Gotcha, Nines thought. He curled a triumphant smirk towards Gavin who was still glaring at Hartley, his hand having crept towards the healing gunshot wound. Nines frowned, glaring down at Hartley's hand, the one that held the gun.

"Where is the garage based?" Nines asked calmly. Hartley rolled his eyes and sighed.

"The garage at the end of my street, the closest one, s'how we met." He finally replied.

"I believe I have what I need for now. Treat your lawyer well, you may need her again." Nines said, standing and tucking the call log sheet back into the folder. "Interview terminated at 14:31, Mr Hartley will be returned to his cell pending further investigation."

A uniformed officer, Officer Sands, came in to escort Hartwell to the prison transport that awaited him. Gavin sneered as he left, a sentiment Nines felt too, though he kept his face neutral.

"Thank you for keeping it clean gentlemen." The lawyer said, a tired sigh escaping after her words. She stood and brushed off her smart suit.

"No problem." Gavin muttered.

"Always above board." Nines smiled at her, offering his hand.

"Good." She said, accepting his hand. "Names Michelle, we'll probably see each other again, may as well know my name."

"You can call me Nines." He released her hand, and stepped back so she could pass him by and exit, but she did not. She turned to Gavin instead, the detective was staring at the ground intensely so did not notice her attention at first.

"Nice to meet you Detective Reed." She said, Reed startled slightly, and Nines frowned again, scanning the detective in concern.

"You too." Reed muttered, and the lawyer left, her shoes clicking smartly on the linoleum flooring.

Nines hesitated, letting the door slide shut. Reed looked at him curiously.

"Are you alright?" Nines asked him, turning so he could shield Reed from any witnesses in the observation room with his body. Reed stepped a half step closer too, and Nines felt a silly notion to pause his synthetic breathing, something he did purely to keep people at ease.

"I'm fine Nines, just frustrated." Reed said, with a heavy breath for emphasis. "Plus I wanted to kick his head in for shooting us."

Us.

Nines smiled down at his partner, a wave of possessive joy passing through him. They were an 'us', they were partners and they were friends. The detective was his to look after. He didn't have many things to call his own, certainly not friends.

Gavin Reed was his friend.

The realisation shouldn't really be shocking, but it was. They hadn't started on the best of terms, though within a month they had managed to overcome some of Gavin's prejudices, and Nines had learnt a lot along the way too. It was a pleasant discovery, and he almost wanted to share that happiness with Gavin, but he suspected that would actually set them back. Gavin Reed was unlikely to encourage any public acknowledgement of their friendship at this time, perhaps in the future.

"Understandable Detective. I did not find his presence enjoyable either."

"Yeah no shit, guy's a dick." Gavin scoffed, stepping back, and heading for the door. Nines followed a step behind, only moving to Gavin's side once they were in the corridor. They walked back to their desks.

"We got a name though, so not all was lost." Nines said encouragingly, and Gavin grunted. He was sitting in his chair with his feet up again, and his hands clasped together in his lap. He was also frowning intensely, staring off into the distance. Nines sat back to observe for a moment, but he was interrupted by a light tap on his desk.

It was Lt.Anderson, surprising.

"Hello Lieutenant, how may I help?" Nines asked, he had no idea why the other man would approach him right now. It was intriguing.

"Hello Nines, Connor wanted to ask if you wanted to come over later?" Anderson asked gruffly, "he's at Jericho right now, but he asked me to ask."

Nines considered it for a moment, noticing they had Reed's attention, even if he was pretending otherwise.

"I will accept Connor's invitation, thank you." Nines agreed, his tone light and neutral. Anderson nodded, tapped the desk again.

"Anytime after five pm works." Anderson said before retreating to his own desk, not a word said to Gavin. It seemed to be the way at the station, most ignored Reed, or had something vicious to mutter. Except Chen, Miller, Connor and Fowler himself. Even Anderson, despite Reed's story about Anderson defending him from an ex, had a lot to say about Reed. Usually Nines could hear him warning Connor to steer clear of the detective (Nines could admit Gavin had given Anderson a reason there though).

Reed remained unbothered.

At some point he had individually (maybe collectively, though Nines doubted it) pissed everyone off, Nines deduced. Reed was temperamental, but Nines was beginning to think of it as a poor defensive tactic. He would need to conduct more research though.

Nines started to look for a Mickey Smith in the system, if the man already had a record they would have a profile for him to read ahead of time, and a last known address to start with. The garage was a great place to start though if they didn't. Fortunately for them, a M.Smith popped up within a few minutes of searching, arrested for a B&E seven years ago, a few speeding fines since, but nothing alarming since the B&E. A relatively clean profile, he spun the terminal towards Reed, and Reed shifted so he could look closer.

"Cool." Reed said blankly, which was frustrating. He seemed distanced, all his determination dried up. What could be distracting him?

___

Gavin hated that he noticed the way Nines's eyes had changed colour. He'd half convinced himself it was normal to be attracted to the tall, handsome android he spent most of his time with. Then, uncanny valley came to kick his ass again. Worse off, he found that even more attractive. He wasn't normal, those colder grey eyes had him wanting to be the focus. To have Nines stare coolly down at him, and then the android had stood in front of him to check he was alright, and Gavin had fucking stepped closer! Why?

Because the softness there made him want more, all because of a stupid fucking dream and now he couldn't focus. He couldn't decide if he wanted Nines to pin him with a glare or a hug, fucking touch starved freak.

Now Nines was yammering on about this idiot Mickey Smith, and he should really be paying more attention, but between Hank's interruption and his own wandering mind, he found he had no compulsion to get up and go like he normally would. Instead he felt like he had to get out of there, disappear for a bit. Fuck, if Tina wasn't passed out at home he'd ring her and try get his head on straight.

"Gavin?" Nines asked, just a hint of impatience in his concern.

"What?" He asked gruffly, trying to literally shake the thoughts away. Back in the game, back to detective.

"Were you listening?" Nines's tone indicated that he didn't think so, and Gavin glared at him mulishly. Why bother asking if you already know the answer?

"No, I was distracted."

Nines's eyes were piercing, his face fixed somewhere between exasperation and inquisitive. Gavin looked away, not really up to facing the scrutiny, and cleared his throat. Nines finally stepped back a little.

"I said we should go to question Mickey Smith."

Gavin nodded, but his feet felt like lead as he followed Nines to his car. The strong line of the android's shoulders in front of him was distracting, and he found himself carefully observing how Nines moved. His steps were sure and smooth, all lithe grace, a little too perfect to be natural. If he didn't know that Nines was made of metal and plastic, and all kinds of alloys, he'd have thought he was as light as a feather.

Then again, big cats relied on stalking silently, and they weighed a lot too.

How heavy was Nines, though? Gavin would assume on build alone, that if he were human, he'd be around 190lbs, around 30lbs more than Gavin himself. Literally an Iron Giant. But that's based on a flesh and bone human estimate, not whatever his metal frame and plastimetal chassis must actually weigh. Either way, the fucker wouldn't use much effort to pin anyone down.

Pin him down.

Gavin shook his head frantically, attracting a sidelong glance from Nines as they finally reached his vehicle. Luckily, Nines didn't comment as Gavin rushed to get behind the wheel. There was an awkward silence once they were both seated, but Gavin broke it to ask Nines to put the garage's location in the SatNav.

"Done, it's not far from here."

True to his word, the garage was barely a fifteen minute drive away, with low day traffic anyway. Gavin used the time to calm himself, recentering his focus on his case, and the suspect they were about to question.

Chapter 8: don't care where you've been

They were quite fortunate that this suspect wasn't a runner, Nines mused. He didn't think that Gavin was up for a chase just yet, nor did he think the detective would have refrained from attempting to do so, recovering bullet wound or not. They were not so fortunate that the man refused to speak unless brought in officially, which Gavin immediately threatened.

Which was why they were waiting on yet another lawyer before they could speak to him. The observation window did allow them to study him whilst they waited. Smith seemed quite laid back, nowhere near as jittery as Hartley had been. Perhaps he was simply more confident his tracks were covered, or he didn't believe they had enough to do anything about it either way.

Which they didn't.

"Perhaps we should bring in Connor?" He suggested. His predecessor had much more experience as an interrogator, and whilst Nines had much the same basic programming, including some of the same modules designed for aid in law enforcement, his own interrogation module was much less flexible. A testament to the fact he was a soldier, not the intelligence. No, RK800 was the one for infiltration.

"Why?" Reed asked sharply, and Nines knew that he may not be pleased by the suggestion before he said it. At least he didn't immediately reject it.

"He's much better at this than I, and I thought that an android interrogator may give us some insight on how Smith interacts with us." Nines explained, "at the very least, we will know how he views androids."

Gavin approached the glass, and inadvertently, him. Nines glanced down at his partner, watching as he watched Smith. There was a sharpness to his green eyes that Nines found fascinating. It wasn't anger, or aggression like he frequently showed, no, it was a far more calculating kind of sharp.

"You can get better with experience." Gavin pointed out, "why let Connor do it when you need to learn?"

Nines looked away, back to Smith as he thought about that. On the one hand, his reasoning was still sound, on the other, Gavin was also correct.

"Would you risk this case on me being potentially as good?" Nines posed the question carefully, keeping his voice perfectly neutral. Oddly he wanted Gavin to say yes, to show he had faith in him, yet logically, he wanted Gavin to say no.

"I gotta rely on you Nines, and I can't do that if you refuse to try." Gavin replied, he then turned slightly, his head tilting up. Nines responded in kind, looking down at him again. Gavin was studying him now. "But, if you would rather let Connor do it, this once, I'll keep my mouth shut about it."

The words clearly left a sour taste in Gavin's mouth, but he had relented and Nines was grateful. It was neither a yes, or a no, but a deferment to his judgement. It pleased him more than the yes would have.

"I'll contact him, ask him before the lawyer gets here." Nines said, sending off the message as he spoke. His LED reflected yellow in the dim room off the glass, and Gavin nodded.

"Well, I guess I have time to grab a cup of coffee then. Keep your eye on him, sometimes body language says more than words ever could." Gavin said, and Nines obeyed. He kept his eyes on Smith as Gavin left, only breaking his focus when Connor slipped inside the room too.

"Nines, you sure you want me to do this?" Connor asked, sounding both pleased he'd been called upon but also nervous.

"I do, I can't risk our case because of my inexperience." Nines said, "I'll start smaller, with the likes of Hartley, but he was an open book."

Connor nodded, coming to stand next to him. His predecessor gave him a considering look.

"I saw Gavin on the way over, he seems surprisingly amicable to me joining in." Connor said, and Nines shrugged.

"He allowed me to make the choice." Nines told him. Connor looked delighted by the news, and even nudged his arm in a show of camaraderie. Nines allowed himself a small smile, Connor was quite endearing. No wonder it hadn't taken him long to change Hank's opinion of himself, and androids.

"That's good. You two have really come far already." Connor congratulated him, then in a glum tone, "I wish I had been able to befriend Detective Reed too."

Nines pursed his lips.

"I think there's still a chance yet." He said, perhaps optimistically. "He warmed up to me."

Connor hummed.

"Yes, but you're the exception to his hatred of androids." Connor said, "and I very much am not. Our relationship has improved since the early days, but if it hadn't, his job would be at risk due to discrimination."

Nines had almost forgotten about Gavin's hatred of androids. Indeed, he hadn't seen Gavin interact with many outside of himself, and he had been civil with the android from the library, though hardly friendly. To his defence though, Gavin wasn't exactly friendly with everybody.

"Perhaps, now that he and I are friends, he is overcoming that prejudice. In time, I may not be the exception." Nines reasoned, and Connor seemed unable to offer a rebuttal. Which worked out for the best, as the observation room door opened and Reed slipped inside.

"Jeeze, you two standing in the dark just gives me the Shining twins vibes." He said, and Connor frowned whilst Nines had to quickly search up the reference.

"They weren't actually meant to be twins, but the actresses were." Nines said, and was pleased to see Gavin smirk.

"Works even better then, 'cause you guys aren't really twins either." Gavin replied, and their eyes locked onto each other, both of them smiling now.

Connor had to interrupt of course.

"Right, well, when does the lawyer get here?" He asked.

Gavin's smile slipped and turned into a scowl as he looked at Connor.

"Phck knows. Not long I hope."

Connor nodded.

Gavin seemed displeased with Connor having taken up his previous position on Nines's left, and his solution was to stand on Nines's right, placing the taller android in the middle. Nines spared a thought for metaphors before he spoke.

"I hope he's not as smart as he is calm." Nines said thoughtfully.

-

He wasn't, he cracked as soon as Connor baited him into admitting androids were inferior to him, and it was an insult to be questioned by one. The lawyer, a tired looking man in a smart but rumpled suit, had sighed deeply and advised his client not to speak.

Smith didn't listen.

Hartley was responsible for finding and luring the androids, Smith for the manufacturing of Red Ice. However, and this was the only instance Smith went quiet, he would not reveal who was doing the distributing, or if he was alone in this operation. That, Gavin thought, was more than enough reason to suspect that there was a wider net of people involved. Which means they were fucked, sure they got the scout and at least one manafacturer, with confessions, which would lead to a conviction but it hadn't stopped. The operation would go quiet for a while, most likely, and android kidnappings would drop for a month, maybe two. Then it would start all over again, at square one.

Nines shared his opinion, once he shared it.

Connor was trying to be upbeat, but it was just pissing him off. Platitudes didn't do any good for the dead androids, or those in the future who didn't even know they were in danger.

"Phck off, Connor, last warning." He snapped, fed up with the attempts to calm him down. Nines stepped between the two of them, smoothly guiding Connor away several steps, and out of the breakroom to the bullpen.

Gavin exhaled shakily, still trying to get a grasp on his anger, and turned to the coffee machine. Yes, caffeine should help.

He chugs down the first slightly too hot mug and refills it again. Nines returns as he starts sipping it and comes to his side again, leaning on the counter whilst Gavin twisted round to face it.

"What do we do now?" Nines asked, and Gavin had to remind himself that Nines was, for all intents and purposes, a rookie. He placed his mug down, perhaps a little harder than necessary.

"Well, the case is closed unless we can get Hartley or Smith to rat out their colleagues." He shrugged, far too tense to pass it off as nonchalant. Nines nodded, the movement small, contained. Gavin realised Nines was equally irritated, if not pissed as he was. That actually helped him calm some, digging his elbow into Nines's arm gently. "You did good Nines, not bad for the first case."

"We didn't get them all?" Nines sounded confused, turning slightly towards him. Gavin met him halfway.

"I know, but for a first ever case, a partial win is better than expected. We slowed them down, best case scenario, we scared them into inactivity." Gavin said, not sure why he was being so encouraging. "If it's a small operation, they won't want to risk it."

"And if it's not? A small operation that is." Nines replied, but his tone was lighter. He wanted to believe it was.

"Then we'll get them next time, that's all we can do." Gavin replied. "We still need to check out dickhead's lab. We may as well do it now."

So they went, with a small number of uniformed LEO's and a forensics duo, just in case they got lucky and found something that revealed more than Hartley and Smith did.

The shoddy warehouse was abandoned, another old decrepit building that was falling down. Gavin didn't like the look of it, but inside was even worse. It was still home to a rusted manufacturing line, a hulking metal structure that just added to the gloom and cast even more shadows. Nines remained by his side as they cased the place, and Gavin gestured to an old pair of metal plated double doors. They were chained shut, but the chains and padlock were quite new in comparison to its surroundings. Nines stepped forward and confidently took hold of the padlock in both hands, and with a sharp twist, snapped it open. Gavin whistled, low-key impressed and let Nines lead them inside.

Only to stop, horrified, as bodies of androids hung limply on chains. Missing limbs or even their heads, and Gavin just knew there was thirium all over them, the floor, the workbenches even if he couldn't see it. Nines could.

"Holy phck, Nines, go get the others." Gavin ordered, not wanting the android to remain in what must be a bloodbath to him. Nines shook his head, his face withdrawn and eyes clear.

"There's a signal emanating from within here." He said, unintentionally cryptic. He was spinning in a slow circle, Gavin realised, as though he was trying to hone in on something. When he froze, body stiffening, Gavin was reminded of a German Pointer dog, and followed with his gun up as Nines stalked forward.

The android didn't hesitate as he ripped open a locker door, startling Gavin and whatever was inside. A shrill yelp echoed from within, and Gavin bullied his way past his larger partner.

A child.

No, a YK model. A child.

"Phck, she's alive." Gavin breathed, looking at the tiny android crammed inside, she was shrinking back at the sight of them, her eyes squeezing shut. Nines seemed just as surprised as he was, and threw the torn away door to the side.

"Hey, you're alright." Gavin said soothingly when he realised Nines wasn't going to speak, "you can come out now."

He pulled up his radio, and alerted the others of their discovery.

"Get me Jericho." Was his last command before he clipped the radio back to his belt. "Come on, kid."

"You're gonna kill me." The tiny feminine model cried, her hands raised defensively over her head. "Take my head off like Susan."

Gavin looked back at the grim hangman's gallery, and then to Nines.

"No, no, we're cops. We're here to stop the bad guys." Gavin said, unsure if he should be treating a computer like a five year old, but it was difficult not to when they looked like one. "My partner, Nines, he's an android too, like you."

One of her eyes peeked open, moving from him to Nines. Her little LED was red, but a brief orange-yellow spin let him know she was considering the information.

"Cops killed us too." She said and Gavin winced. Yeah, that was fair.

"Not anymore, kid." Gavin said softly, "how about I step away and you come towards Nines?"

Nines gave him a briefly alarmed look, but then turned to the YK and nodded at her. Not a very warm reception, but it'd do. Gavin stepped away, but as YK tried to crawl out, she spotted the bodies, and retreated with a wail. Fuck, okay, yeah. Treat her like an actual five year old. Gavin shucked his beloved jacket and tossed it at Nines.

"Wrap her up in that." He said sternly, "tuck her head against your shoulder and don't let her see. It's okay sweetheart, come on out."

When she calmed enough to step out again, she shrieked as Nines took his words to heart and scooped her up without warning, bundling her in the jacket and restraining her against his chest. She kicked and wailed, as Gavin cursed up a storm.

"Not like that!" He yelled, snatching her up instinctively. He pulled her slowly against him, a hand holding her head gently against the crook of his neck to keep her face hidden. "Come on."

He wasn't pissed at Nines exactly, though his short words made him appear to be. Not Nines's fault he hadn't interacted with children before. He carried the sobbing child past the double doors, and all the way out to his car before he moved his hand and let her see properly again. The whole time he was shushing her and trying to calm her.

"We're out, we're out now." He said softly, but she continued to cry, her sobs getting quieter over time and her hands scrubbing at her eyes. Gavin was somewhat startled by the very real looking tears, assuming that the sobs were just dry eyed because who the fuck designs androids with the ability to shed actual tears.

She did seem less scared of him now on the bright side. He kept her wrapped in his jacket as he lowered her into his car. He didn't have a booster seat but it would have to do until he got them to the station.

"We're gonna go to the station now, okay kid?" He told her, unable to stop himself from smoothing her hair back. It felt surprisingly greasy for something that didn't produce oils the way humans did. She looked up with watery green eyes and nodded, her little face still crumpled with fear and grief. Being saved was likely just as much of a shock as being taken had been.

Nines settled silently in the passenger seat and waited. He seemed awkward, and Reed caught him glancing back at the little girl several times. He sighed, feeling sorry for the big guy, he was obviously remorseful for scaring her.

"I should've been clearer, don't beat yourself up." He said to him, and Nines frowned. "Kids are fragile."

"Yes, and I am not." Nines replied, sounding glum. Gavin sighed, he really didn't need to deal with two emotional androids.

"They're fragile, but not that fragile, you just scared her a little." Gavin said firmly, "right, kid?"

The YK didn't respond for a moment, but then her tiny voice spoke up.

"Yeah." Her voice was still trembling, but it seemed the sobbing had stopped. "I was just scared."

Gavin left it at that, if Nines wanted to mope some more, he'd have to do it later because they were back at the station. Gavin opened up the rear door for the YK, but she looked at him blankly. Gavin sighed again.

"Coming out?" He asked her, but she leaned back into the seat instead. The underground garage likely didn't feel any more welcoming than the warehouse did, so he ducked down and undid her seatbelt, offering his arms to her. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neck and let him pull her out. She was extremely lightweight, even for her size.

"Get the door?" Gavin said to Nines, who complied easily, guiding the way and holding the doors for them. Gavin made his way to their desks, and say the YK down on his desk. He sat down on his chair to bring himself closer to eye level with her.

"What's your name, kid?" He asked, feeling slightly guilty he hadn't asked already. She shuffled, beginning to fidget with her hands.

"Leila." She said quietly, "Susan said I could be Leila."

Susan, one of the androids she'd mentioned before. Gavin wondered if Susan had been her 'mom' or just one she was held in captivity with. Where had the kid been before that?

"Okay, Leila, where do you live?" He asked her next, watching as her LED moved away from red to yellow. Too stressed and she'd self-destruct, right?

"With Susan."

Yeah, okay, so the kid had seen her mom's headless corpse. Gavin felt a painful twinge in his chest at the thought. She did too, clearly, for her eyes watered up again. Gavin couldn't help himself from taking her hands in his, gently rubbing his thumbs along the backs of her hands.

"Okay, Leila. Take a moment, we're going to keep you safe." He reassured her. He turned to Nines as her head dropped down, tiny tears leaking again. "Go get a cup of thirium, a mug, and warm it up."

Nines's brow creased at his orders, but he went to do it anyway. Gavin looked back at the android, Leila.

"Nines is going to get you something warm to drink, and soon Jericho is going to come for you." Gavin told her, "do you know who they are?"

She sniffled wetly, and Gavin dig a tissue out of his desk drawer from the box he kept for moments like this. He handed it to her and she took it, clumsily crushing it on a fist that was chubby with fake baby fat, just like her tiny face. She swiped it across her cheeks and under her eyes before she held it in a clenched fist. Sat there, draped in his jacket and holding a tiny little tissue, she was a picture of misery, and whilst Gavin had never been fond of children, he couldn't help the protective urge he felt. He wanted to bundle her up in his arms and shoot the fucks who had done this to her.

"They're androids." She said slowly. "They saved us all."

Gavin nodded, taking another tissue, but instead of handing it to her, he wiped her face himself. She was covered in grime, and dust from the dilapidated warehouse, and the locker she'd been in. He tried to wipe away as much as he could, but he'd really need a damp cloth for that.

"Yeah, and they'll take you and keep you safe."

Gavin didn't think CPS took on androids, so Jericho would. It was kind of their thing anyway, an organisation for refugee androids. Leila shook her head, surprising him.

"I want Susan." She whimpered, "no more strangers."

Gavin knew his own face crumpled, he could see it in those wide green orbs of hers. She sobbed loudly and he was conscious of it attracting stares, but he didn't care. He tried to soothe her, but she kept crying.

"What did he do to you?" A familiar voice rumbled, warm and paternal. Gavin spun slightly to look around at Hank, who was situated behind and to the side of him. Leila also looked up at the new voice, her sobs subsiding slightly.

"Nothing." She said, "he saved me."

Hank's gave him an approving look, and stepped forward a bit.

"Ah see, he's so grumpy I thought he made you cry." Hank said to her, in that oh so reasonable tone people used on kids they were pretending to treat like an adult. Gavin would scoff, but it seemed to be working, so instead he leant into the gimmick and pulled a mock indignant face at Hank, in clear view of Leila.

"No…" she said shyly, distracted by their antics. Her tiny hands still loosely clasped in his twitched forwards until they were now holding his sweater sleeves. Hank gave her a gentle smile.

"I guess I owe Gavin an apology then, don't I?" He asked her, and she looked between them. Then, slowly, she nodded.

"Well, I'm very sorry, Gavin. I can see now you were trying to cheer the little lady up." Hank said to him, and Gavin forced himself to play along.

"It's okay, Hank." His reply was a little awkward, but thankfully Nines arrived in time. He let go with one hand to take the mug from him, Leila's tiny hand falling away from his sleeve. He turned back to her, and offered the mug. "Here Leila, it's warm thirium."

She took it slowly, glancing down at it, and Gavin kept his hand near the bottom of the mug in case her grip slipped. She took a tentative sip, her face almost disappearing behind the mug. Then she started to drink deeper, clearly in need of it.

"Thanks Nines, Hank." Gavin said.

"No problem." Hank said quietly, "she was at Smith's lab?"

"Yeah, she was the only signal in there." Gavin said, pointedly not saying alive in case he reminded her of the bodies. Hank got the hint though, his face wrinkling even more in concern. "We've called for Jericho, I don't think the same protocols for having a human child witness apply, but I'd rather we followed it anyway."

Hank hummed thoughtfully.

"Yeah, I agree. Good work, kid." Hank said to him, making him scowl. Not at the praise, but at the 'kid'. "Give me a shout if you need anything. See you little lady."

Hank waved at her as he started to walk away, receiving the tiniest little wave in return. Leila had slowed down on drinking and placed the mug to the side of her on the desk, Gavin nudged it further back from the edge just in case.

Nines filled the space Hank had occupied, except that he crouched down, one knee planted on the floor. Tall bastard wasn't even that much smaller than Gavin was whilst sitting like that. Leila was now eyeing Nines up, apprehensive but curious. She reached up to touch her LED, still cycling between red and yellow, but mostly yellow now. Nines tapped his own, also spinning yellow. Gavin watched them, a little confused, a little fascinated. He had no idea what the significance of Nines tapping his LED was, but whatever he did, the little girl relaxed a little.

"I apologise for scaring you before." Nines said to her softly, "I should have been more gentle."

"S'okay." Leila mumbled, timidly looking at Gavin now, as if for approval, or maybe reassurance. He smiled at her, and it seemed to do the trick. Her attention returned to Nines. "Thank you for the thirium."

Nines smiled, a surprisingly warm one that Gavin had never seen from him before. In fairness, it wasn't as though Nines was super expressive, so perhaps he was putting in extra effort for Leila.

"I can get you more?" Nines offered, he'd found his niche in comforting her, and was sticking to it.

"My thirium levels are at 67%" Leila reported, her voice stiffening into something robotic briefly. "Please?"

The switch in tone was quite jarring, but Gavin ignored it. A little longer and Jericho would come get her, clean her up, find her a guardian and he could discuss getting a statement from her with them. Kids were always the worst witnesses to get statements from, the guilt from having them rehash the trauma always made it even harder for him to sleep at night.

"Leila, how about we find you something to watch while we wait?"

Chapter 9: Or what you plan to do

Notes:

Merry xmas

Seeing Gavin with the child android was strangely warming, his usually brash partner turning into soft putty for her distressed green eyes. Gavin didn't even seem to care to put up the usual brusqueness he reacted to androids with at first either.

Nines returned with the second mug of warmed thirium to find Gavin with the android child on his lap, watching cartoons on his terminal with her. Leila still had Gavin's jacket around her, leaning back against him and looking quite comfortable. Nines smiled, feeling a strange flutter in his components as he placed the mug down on Gavin's desk. Gavin muttered a soft thanks, seemingly equally entranced by the cartoons as the girl was. Nines paid it a little attention, enough to scan it, search it up and recognise it was an old animated movie, "Beauty and The Beast'. Well… Disney was extremely popular amongst human infants, why not android ones? Certainly seemed to be doing its job of keeping Leila occupied and one of the DPD's best detectives he thought with amusement.

Well, he wasn't needed right now, he chose to defect to Hank and Connor's joined desks. Connor was waiting for him it seemed.

"Leila looks cosy." Hank commented before Connor could say anything. Nines glanced back over at the girl.

"She has taken a liking to Detective Reed." He agreed easily, "I'm afraid I startled her quite badly in the warehouse. Detective Reed was able to calm her."

Hank gave him a sympathetic look.

"I'm sure she knows you didn't mean to. Kids are way more resilient than you think." Hank said encouragingly, much like Gavin had in the car. Nines smiled gratefully at him.

"Markus said Simon will be here shortly, alongside an AX500 named Rebecca." Connor said softly. "CPS won't deal with android children, but Jericho have been trying to find a home for every displaced YK model."

Nines knew CPS didn't, he'd already searched it up when they found Leila. No, CPS would only deal with human children, and that was deemed acceptable by the government as YK's didn't need the same level of resources and therefore it was left to Jericho to sort out. People were less keen on taking in YK's now they weren't the programmed grade A, well behaved robot children and had personalities of their own. Not everyone had abandoned their YK's, but a good majority had.

"Her… maternal figure was one of the bodies we found." Nines said, "she confirmed the android had been decapitated, she was scared she was next."

Hank paled, and even Nines could see the paternal rage in his now icy blue eyes. Connor's own chocolate eyes were widened, appalled and upset too. The two of them shared discomfited glances, a familial kind of pain in their eyes. No doubt the scenario was even more troubling due to their own bond.

"Fucking hell…" Hank exhaled, his large hand coming to smooth down his beard, "she's going to need therapy for life. Does Jericho have those resources?"

"No." Connor replied grimly, "maybe initially they'll be able to help her, but they are still a mainly self funded organisation. She'd need her guardians to arrange that long term."

"Shit, and let me guess, there's already a surplus of kids in need of homes." Hank wasn't asking, not really. His hand dropped from his beard, clenching into a fist on his desk instead.

"She's going to need a guardian to give a statement, at least a temporary one." Nines said, adding to the glum atmosphere. "She could have vital information about the case, potentially life saving information."

Connor nodded, his fingers fiddling with his coin as he stared over at Leila. He was clearly deep in contemplation, so Nines turned to Hank.

"I have no idea how to interact with children." Nines said hopelessly, and Hank gave him a friendly pat on the arm.

"Nobody does at first, just copy Reed, he seems to be doing okay." Hank said, then his smile turned a little sad. "Kids just need you to be strong without you making them feel weak."

Nines recognised the expression on Hank's face as mournful, and also wistful. Sometimes it slipped his mind that the lieutenant had been an actual father, to an actual child and not just a father figure to Connor. His advice came from experience, and Nines tried to convey his gratitude, reaching over to pat Hank's arm comfortingly this time. It was a little awkward, but Hank smiled anyway.

"He's watching 'Beauty and The Beast' with her." Nines revealed to lighten the mood, and it worked, Hank chuckled and even Connor gave a distant smile, clearly still thinking.

"A classic, of course." Hank said, "no wonder they look captivated."

Indeed, Gavin seemed more invested than Leila did as the android was sipping on her thirium, and kept glancing around whereas Gavin's eyes were fixed on the screen. Nines was quite charmed by the image, and found himself watching for a little longer than necessary. He tore his eyes away to refocus on Hank, who was watching him with a knowing smirk.

"Perhaps if we suggested a temporary custody for Leila with someone we know, we could help her access the therapy she needs, get her statement and give her somewhere to live until a permanent guardian can be found." Connor said brightly, finally breaking out of his deep thought. Nines frowned, and so did Hank.

"So find her a foster parent?" Hank asked, his tone indicating the question was entirely rhetorical. "Who?"

Connor dimmed a little as his idea wasn't greeted quite as warmly as he had likely hoped.

"You?" He said nervously.

"Me?" Hank asked incredulously, "Connor be serious, I can't be responsible for a kid!"

"Well Gavin can't, he's too close to the case, it wouldn't be ethical." Connor replied, and Nines wasn't sure he wanted to be here for this conversation, yet he found it difficult to walk away. "You're the perfect choice, you're good with kids, and you're…"

"I'm?" Hank asked, not seeming too impressed with Connor's reasoning so far.

"Well…" Connor glanced at Nines awkwardly, and he seemed embarrassed. "You do a great job of making me feel safe when I need you to."

Nines figured he really should leave them to talk.

"Shit, son…" Hank trailed off, but he was clearly touched by Connor's admission. Nines slipped away before any tears could be shed, his own core warmed by the scene.

His retreat led him back to Gavin and Leila, sitting opposite them at his desk and simply observing them. They looked more than content sitting together to watch the movie.

The movie was nearly finished by the time the Jericho representatives arrived. Nines had met Simon before, he'd been present during his activation, and Simon offered his hand immediately upon seeing him, they clasped hands, a brief interface to catch each other up on the situation.

"Good to see you again RK900." Simon said genuinely.

"I go by Nines now, but it is good to see you too." Nines replied with a smile.

The AX500 female android stepped forward then, introducing herself. Gavin was eyeing her warily, Leila still sat on his lap. The little girl was also watching the newcomers with suspicion, her hands clutching the leather jacket to herself tightly.

"Why don't we find a room and have a little chat?" Rebecca suggested kindly.

"Fine." Gavin replied, back to being surly and unwelcoming.

-

Nines found himself left with a grumpy partner and a deeply uncomfortable memory of little Leila screaming for Gavin as she was led away by Rebecca and Simon. Gavin had watched her go, tense and stormy eyed, and once she was out of sight, but not hearing range, he had stormed off. Nines had followed him out to the alleyway where he furiously smoked his way through two cigarettes.

Honestly, if he'd known the situation of having Leila go with Jericho was going to be so disturbing, he'd have supported Connor's idea instead.

"Phcking did you see how unfeeling that bitch was? AX500 childcare model my ass." Gavin had finally found his voice, and his words were venomous. Nines found it hard to disagree. Objectively, he knew Rebecca hadn't been uncaring, he had seen her stress levels rise, and heard the quiet comforts she had whispered to Leila, but he didn't care. Leila's distress was still affecting him too.

"We can at least hope they'll find someone who can help her deal with her experiences." Nines tried to comfort Gavin. Gavin huffed loudly, putting out his third cigarette and practically stomping to Nines's side.

"They better." He said darkly.

They returned to work, reviewing the results of the sweep done in Smith's makeshift lab. It didn't reveal much they didn't already know, but hopefully it was enough evidence to send Smith and Hartley down for a long time.

Frankly, they were reliant on Leila's statement to find any further leads, and that would have to wait at least another day. Simon had said he would sit in with her to give the statement at least.

"I think we should take a break, Gavin." Nines looked down at his partner, "perhaps we can go to the cafe."

Gavin blew out air noisily, his head dropping a little. He shrugged and gestured for Nines to lead the way, which he did, by placing his hand on Gavin's shoulder and guiding him out of the alley. Their day was actually nearly over, but they hadn't taken an actual lunch break today so Nines didn't feel guilty about taking it now. Gavin drove them there, but instead of immediately exiting the car and heading inside, his partner hesitated.

"Hey, Nines… I… You wanna come over later? Watch some more movies?" Gavin asked, downbeat and more than a little hesitant.

"I'd love to." Nines replied.

–

The brief respite at the cafe was actually exactly what he needed, and as Gavin drove them to his apartment, he couldn't even pretend he wasn't grateful for Nines's presence. His steady countenance was a reassuring balm for his frayed nerves and rankled spirit; echoes of a little girl screaming bouncing around his head. Gavin had Nines sit down on the sofa, in a sprawl, none of those rigid lines of an android who didn't know how to relax. He also sat closer than usual, telling himself it was so could keep an eye on him and stop him if he tried to return to perfect posture.

They watched some of the Police Academy sequels, only stopping so Gavin could make a sandwich and return to the sofa to eat. It took a while but Gavin felt himself unclench and finally, finally relax. The soreness from holding all that tension wasn't welcome, but the relief from letting it all go was. As was the sleepiness, maybe he wouldn't be kept awake by the memory of beseeching green eyes afterall. He fought to stay awake a little longer, at least long enough to watch the ending of this movie, but his failure was hardly a concession.

Hours later he woke, slowly coming to, and freezing when he realised his slumped over body was resting in someone's lap. The only other person in his apartment had been Nines.

He opened his eyes, and looked up, surprised to see mainly darkness. His TV was off, and the only light was the dim blue glow of Nines's LED.

"Phck, sorry, didn't mean to crash on you." Gavin mumbled, feeling incredibly awkward as he sat up. There was no response from his partner, and he twisted around to look at him properly. Now that his eyes were adjusting, and that tiny bit of light from Nines's temple aided him, he could see the android's eyes were closed. It seemed he was in stasis, which was only a half relief. He didn't have to deal with the awkwardness of falling asleep on his partner, yet.

It also afforded him the opportunity to study his partner's face up close. And evaluate his minor crisis earlier that day about the attractiveness of that face.

Yes, Nines resembled Connor, but it wasn't as though Connor was unattractive, just soft. Nines's face removed that softness, he looked sharper, sterner. Connor with a resting bitch face and a bone structure so sharp it could cut you. He was taller, broader, and honestly 100% Gavin's type. Minus the android part.

He was also smart, caring and a lot more patient with him than he deserved. So did he really care that Nines was an android when he was probably one of the better people Gavin had ever met?

No, he decided. Nines being an android wasn't a problem, the problem was they worked together. It would cause so many issues if he gave into his dick and tried to take their relationship further. If it went badly he'd still be stuck working with him, and if it went well, they'd likely be split up by HR. Which he didn't want either.

"Phck…" he sighed, he resettled himself on the couch, once again placing his head in Nines's lap. "I can let myself do this, just once."

He closed his eyes, trying not to overthink it. The warmth Nines emanated wasn't quite as hot as flesh and blood body heat, but it was a comfortable temperature nonetheless. His thighs were also far more solid than a human's would be, likely due to the chassis below his clothing and synth-skin, but it wasn't unbearably firm.

He was half asleep when Nines awoke.

"Gavin?" Nines asked quietly, sounding far more alert than anyone who just woke up had a right to be. Of course, android sleep wasn't exactly the same was it?

"Yeah?" He replied, shifting to sit back up. There was no point in feigning sleep, and if he wasn't asleep he couldn't remain lying on his partner like this. However, before he could even lift himself away, a large hand settled on his chest, stopping him from moving.

"Thank you for being my friend." Nines said, a strange quality to his voice that had his attention instantly. Gavin peered up at his partner, trying and failing to get a glimpse of his expression.

"Sure, big guy." Gavin murmured, "Are you doing okay up there?"

If he sounded nervous, no he didn't.

Finally, Nines looks down at him and he can see his face, shrouded in shadows as it was. There's not much to read from, which he should have known, but even so, he thinks he can detect a hesitance, caution?

"I'm fine." Nines replied, and well, Gavin hadn't used that lie all his life without being able to recognise it in another. He scoffed, and Nines emphasised, "I am fine. I'm not malfunctioning or damaged."

"Yeah? So what's rattling around in your brain?" Gavin asked, lifting his finger to point at the no longer calm LED. It had started spinning yellow, then briefly red when Gavin had scoffed. It was now back to yellow, though perhaps more orange-y than it should be.

"I… I found today stressful." Nines admits finally, and Gavin tries to sit up again. Once more he is held down, carefully and gently, but still held down nevertheless. "But you managed to calm Leila down, made her feel safe…"

"Yeah, I guess so." Gavin replied, not sure what else to say, or where this was going. Nines was behaving really oddly right now, and it was actually starting to unsettle him. He really didn't like the fact he was lying down now.

"You were so kind to her, and I…" Nines broke off again, the hand on Gavin's chest balling up into a fist. "I really like you, Gavin."

Gavin's heart was beating like a war drum, thunderous between his ribs. Nines was still restraining him, so Gavin wrapped his hands around Nines's wrist, ready to push at his arm if need be. If this was just Nines's weird way of saying he appreciated their friendship, then fine, but if it wasn't, it could not continue. Especially not whilst Gavin was pinned on his back with his head on Nines's thigh.

"Yeah, I like you too buddy." He said, hoping Nines would say something normal, do something normal.

"You're a good man Gavin Reed, better than you let others believe."

"Getting sappy now, Nines." Gavin said warningly, growing uneasier. The situation was making him antsy, and an anxious Gavin was an angry Gavin. He squirmed and pushed at Nines's arm, which finally moved so he could sit up. "I think… I'm gonna go to bed, you can stay here if you want. I'm tired."

"Yes, of course." Nines replied instantly. The emotional quality was gone, and a carefully controlled tone replaced it. Gavin didn't linger though, he'd had his own emotional crises today, he couldn't handle Nines's on top of that.

Chapter 10: Stone me, why can't you see

Summary:

I've nearly wrapped up chap 13, and I am hoping to finish 14 by NYE, which means a chap 11 should be NY day hopefully.

I reckon only a few more chapters after that, and we will have our conclusion. It has been my lengthiest single fic yet, and more of a challenge than my demon au but a fun one. I have another project sitting at 12k words already to start after.

I also plan to expand my OmegaReed series from a Hank & Gavin father-son series into including Reed900 too.

"You little angel." Reed said out loud as he read through Leila's statement. They hadn't been allowed to conduct the interview due to the androids stating Leila was overly attached to him already, and having to take her back at the end would cause her more distress, but Connor had. She'd confirmed the presence of at least four men who were in the warehouse frequently. She had even offered to interface with Connor and share her memories of the men so they could work on getting an ID on them. Connor was currently working on that with Nines now, stating the warehouse being dark, and the men barely focusing on a little girl left him with mainly partials of their faces. He was confident he could ID them in time, well two of them, as the other two were Hartley and Smith.

Once they had them, all he would need is two arrest warrants and a couple of hours to question them. With any luck it would be two with a rap sheet and known connections so he can start working his way through those, but even if they were nobodies, he had renewed hope he could crack them. Between Judge Dredd (Nines, obviously), RoboCop (Connor) and himself, he had no doubt they had enough interrogation talent between them to manage it. Hank too if necessary.

"Who's a little angel?" Tina asked, moving to a stop at his desk. She leaned against it, peeking down at the tablet in his hand.

"Leila, the little android girl. She's just given me fresh leads on the android kidnapping case." He told her, still insanely pleased. Tina smiled at his enthusiasm.

"Good for her." Tina said sincerely. "You know I thought she was gonna blow half the precinct's eardrums when she was screaming for you."

Gavin winced at the reminder. He didn't think he would ever forget it.

"Yeah well, first friendly face in what seems to be months? I'd probably scream if another load of strangers tried to take me too." He grumbled, and Tina gave him a sympathetic look and nod.

"You should visit her, if you can." Tina said casually, "I reckon she'd probably want to see her hero a little more often."

Gavin scowled at her, "hardly her hero, just got lucky."

Besides, if she was attached already, he shouldn't encourage it. It's not like he was going to take her with him. It would just upset her.

"Lucky for her, because she definitely thinks you're her hero." Tina said with a shrug, "and you watched Disney with her. Guarantee she loves you."

Gavin waved her off, and luckily she dropped the topic, instead she clapped him on the shoulder and told him they'd have to catch up, and soon. That at least, he agreed with. Tina was one of the few people he actually looked forward to seeing. The other person he didn't loathe seeing was returning to their desks, and he passed the tablet over. Nines didn't even bother pretending to read it, placing it down on the desk instead.

"We have two identifications, and two warrants for their arrest." Nines said with an unexpectedly predatory smile. Gavin blinked several times, shocked by the overly expressive gesture before he snapped out of it.

"Phcking sick." He said, wincing internally at his brief return to the vocabulary he used when he was sixteen. He sprang from his chair to follow Nines out to his car, thrilled at the prospect. "Which one are we after?"

"We're after Richard Hartley, our other suspect's uncle." Nines said, "Connor and Hank are going after Michael Tomkins."

"Mike?"

Gavin faltered, and Nines stopped within a few steps as well to look back at him. His head was tilted ever so slightly as he turned his questioning gaze on him.

"You… your ex partner?" Nines asked, and Gavin nodded numbly. "That… I can ensure Connor and Hank handle his interrogation too."

The words were spoken reassuringly, and Gavin let himself be soothed. It wouldn't matter if Mike saw him anyway, they were years over with. So what if the guy humiliated him publicly? He didn't have the power to do it twice.

"Right, yeah. Let's get moving." Gavin said, shaking himself off. It wouldn't matter, Mike wouldn't even get the chance to interact with him. Hank and his relationship may have deteriorated to the point the old drunk raised a gun on him, but he was certain Hank still wouldn't let Mike near him. Although, now that Hank was mostly sober, or at least not drinking on the job anymore he was improved.

Arresting this Hartley went a lot smoother than the other Hartley, although arresting him at his home address where had nowhere to run but back inside the house may have helped. Gavin was a little disappointed that it was easy, no thrill, no satisfaction. Nines seemed a little put out too, which was quite funny to see. A 6'3 android dragging a suspect through the precinct with a tiny little frown on his face. Gavin would have laughed if he wasn't also keeping an eye out for Connor and Hank and their assigned suspect.

Nines placed this Hartley inside interrogation 3 before turning to Gavin, and gesturing for him to step inside the adjoining observation room. Gavin followed easily, not wanting to be in the corridor if or when Mike showed up.

"That was easy." Nines commented once they were inside. Gavin sat down at the table in front of the glass, twisting in the chair to look up at Nines. Nines chose to remain standing.

"Yeah well, guess its a good thing 'cause I'm still meant to be on light work." Gavin replied with a shrug, his hand ghosting over the spot that had been hit. Nines's eyes followed the movement.

"Yes, I suppose we should be grateful." Nines agreed, but Gavin shook his head.

"Boring as shit, wasn't it?" He asked with a grin. Nines tried to maintain a disapproving air, but his lips twitched and gave him away. "You know if Connor got Mike yet?"

Yellow LED.

"They are returning to the precinct, ETA four minutes."

"Great, well, I'm just gonna stay here then. Wait and see how long it takes until Thing One gets restless." Gavin said, settling back against the chair rest, crossing his arms over his chest and stetching his legs out. Nines was watching him again, and his LED was still yellow.

"If he behaves inappropriately, I can always punch him like I said I would." Nines said, and Gavin instantly thought of their moment in his kitchen. His mother's book, desecrated by a creep's shitty apology and Nines's telling him he would have hit his ex too in a gentle voice.

He laughed, a little harder than perhaps necessary.

"Don't lose your job over Mike, I already had to beg him once not to press charges over getting punched by a colleague." Gavin dismissed the notion, though he was actually quite charmed by the idea of Nines coming to defend his honour. If someone had told him on day one of their partnership this is where they would be, he'd have told them to wobble their head and get sober. Speaking of, he wondered how Hank was faring with seeing Mike after all this time. Probably regretted sticking up for him after all.

"I would rather lose my job than let him hurt you again." Nines said, and Gavin's breath hitched. He was frozen in place, blinking as if that would help him reset and turn to face Nines.

Nines sensed the tension too, or maybe his words finally caught up with him, because he didn't even bid him goodbye before he hastily exited the room. Gavin remained where he was, cheeks warm and mind scrambled for at least a minute more. He had to talk to Nines.

He pushed himself to his feet, striding to the door and yanking it open to follow the android and walked right out into the path of a handcuffed Mike.

-

Nines was hiding, there was no other way to put it.

'I would rather lose my job than let him hurt you again.'

Those weren't the words of a machine. They weren't the words of a colleague either. Gavin hadn't moved, and his breath had caught yet not a word had been said. That's why he had fled. He could have handled anger, or even surprise, but a lack of reaction? How was he meant to handle that?

Obviously, run away. Nines couldn't help but think himself an idiot, he'd made it worse. He couldn't even pretend to be normal about his developing feelings for Reed. He never should have started spending time with him outside of work, maybe then he could have maintained a professional distance. Had it really been that important for him to gain Reed's amicability?

"...phcking dick!"

His sensors only just picked the words up, so attuned to the detective's odd way of cursing. He increased the sensitivity in his audio receptors, trying to decide if his presence was necessary.

"Oh please love, if you missed me that much you could have just called." An unfamiliar male voice said, but when Hank muttered for him to shut up, Nines already knew who it was. Michael Tomkins, Mike. Gavin's ex.

His presence was definitely required.

Long strides carried him back to the corridor where Mike was dragging his feet and smirking at Gavin, who was refusing to give ground and simply walk away. Hank looked irritated, and Connor seemed apprehensive, especially as he noticed Nines first. Nines came to a stop right behind Gavin's right shoulder, glaring at Mike. He knew his body and face were built for intimidation, and using it on purpose for the first time was immensely satisfying. Mike did indeed lose some of the smugness when faced with him, though not at all. Human males would do anything to protect their egos.

"This is my replacement? Couldn't find the real thing so you went for plastic?" Mike laughed, short and ugly.

"Phcking hell, just go sit your ass in interrogation, would you, it's boring now." Gavin replied, not quite as composed as he would no doubt like. Mike's smirk dropped completely now, an indignant twist taking over, but Hank finally managed to get him moving again.

"I agree with Reed, move." Hank snapped, Mike getting dragged somewhat forcibly into the room. Connor followed them through, no doubt to stop Hank losing any more patience. This did unfortunately leave him alone with Reed.

He'd oversold the emergency to himself, and now he was about to be confronted before he even had time to think of a defence.

"You came back quicker than expected." Gavin said softly, turning to face him. Nines avoided his eyes, looking awkwardly down the corridor. "I was coming to look for you."

"Oh, well. I'm here now."

"I can see that, Toaster." Gavin said drily, "care to explain why you practically sprinted away?"

Nines remained silent.

Gavin reached up and tapped his cheek, strangely not activating any proximity warning alerts. Nines didn't flinch, but he was mildly startled. He looked down at Gavin properly, which was likely his objective.

"Come on T1000, don't blue screen on me."

The words were soft, laced with poorly concealed worry. Guilt was a very heavy feeling, quite overwhelming really. Nines had never had the opportunity to swim, but he thinks he can liken guilt to swimming with a brick tied to his foot.

"I'm not." He said, his tone apologetic. "I don't have an answer for you, I wish I did."

"Right, totally normal to say you'd lose your job for me and then leave, why would you have a reason?"

Nines scowled, resisting the urge to hunch his shoulders. Gavin didn't sound like he was on the offensive, but he'd seen and felt the detective's ire for less before. If he was being cautious, that could only be wise.

"I apologise if my response is disappointing, but I cannot fabricate an answer for you." He replied stiffly. Looking disgruntled, Gavin frowned at him deeply.

"You say you like me a lot, that you'll risk your job, and now you act like this? Someone might call that mixed messages." He snapped, storming away, tossing a "whatever, Nines" over his shoulder.

Fuck, he'd messed up now.

He was left standing alone, at least until Connor and Hank reappeared from inside interrogation. Hank gave him a cajoling pat on the shoulder as he passed, but Connor remained where he was after he shut the door. They'd heard then, likely it's why they had remained inside with Mike longer than necessary. Nines met Connor's eyes unhappily, he wasn't interested in judgement. Fortunately he found none, only a soft kind of concern.

"Let's have a chat, shall we?" Connor asked gently. "Tomkin's has called for a lawyer, and there's no harm in letting Hartley stew for a bit longer."

Nines nodded, starting to feel a little numb.

Connor guided him by his elbow in the opposite direction of Reed and Hank, and into a small room that contained a desk, and not much else. Not even a chair.

Connor shut the door behind them, releasing Nines's elbow, and then leaning against it. Perhaps to cut off his escape, perhaps he was just paranoid.

"I knew your feelings for Reed were going beyond friendship, did you?" Connor asked abruptly, and Nines felt his jaw drop for the first time. Connor's brow raised expectantly, his brown eyes no longer warm and soft, but as unmoving as buloke.

"I… I'm not sure exactly when I became aware, but it started somewhere between the first and second interrogation of Hartley." Nines said honestly. Gavin had still been on leave for the first one, but it wasn't until he spent the evening at Gavin's before the second one, when he saw Gavin in the throes of that dream, when he masturbated thinking about it, that's when he started to notice it. His original objective of befriending the detective had continually been extended again and again, shifting to a desire to be closer.

"I see." Connor said, "and did you mean to tell him? Like it or not, you basically have, and if you don't plan on acting on it, you need to tell him."

"Why?" Nines snapped, not liking Connor's tone. His predecessor did not get to tell him, the superior model, what to do. A few more months of life experience did not a wiser man make. "Why must I make a choice at all? Humans are always so rushed, you're just like them."

Connor met his snarling with an unimpressed look.

"Because their lives are finite, Nines." Connor replied calmly. "You and I? We can be repaired, we don't age. If we were so inclined we could keep upgrading and running for a life far longer than a human could achieve. They cannot."

Nines glowered but he didn't interrupt.

"Your decision affects his life too, seems to me he was disappointed at your response, I think he was seeking confirmation." Connor continued. "You want to, so what's stopping you?"

Peevishly, Nines turned his back on the other android. He didn't have an answer he was ready to give. Reed could reject him, making their working relationship awkward and reducing their personal one back down to simply tolerating one another. Or worse. Also, Nines hadn't had a lot of experience with friendships, but he really wanted to keep this one. In truth, Reed was possibly the first friend he had made of his volition. Even though he had gotten along with Connor quicker, he had actually advanced his friendship with Gavin before he did with his affable predecessor. Additionally, his romantic intentions were possibly a result of overexposure to Reed during his development as a living being, what if they didn't last?

"It's scary I know," Connor started, breaking his train of thought. "Intense feelings like these, well, I thought I was going crazy, I didn't believe anyone else could feel as intensely either. I felt alone, but it helped when I spoke to somebody about it."

"And who did you speak to?" Nines asked, turning to face him halfway. Connor looked earnest, and he spotted his eyes had mellowed again.

"I spoke to Hank about it. He's a human being with a lot of experience, and I trust and care for him." Connor replied evenly. "It was him that sparked such strong emotion in me, I was scared I was going to lose him and I'd barely found him. Of course, it isn't the same, mine's familial love as opposed to romantic attraction, but it's a remarkably strong feeling too."

Speaking to someone with experience in the subject was a logically sound suggestion, so Nines marked it down for review. He also allowed himself to gentle his expression at Connor's attempt to help. It was a kind gesture for him to try, even if Nines hated the delivery.

"I will… take your advice on board, but I don't know if I'm ready to talk to Gavin just yet." Nines replied. "I apologise for snapping at you, Connor."

"Oh no problem, Hank pinned me against the wall for my advice once so I think you did pretty well." Connor replied far too cheerily. Nines gaped at him, but Connor pressed on. "Take a moment, but try talk to him today."

With that, the other android slipped out the door, his footsteps fading as he walked away. Nines formulated a plan, he had to find someone who had experience in dating to talk to.

Chapter 11: You're a no one, nowhere washed up baby

Nines found himself going to Hank, because if it worked for Connor, it could work for him too. Hank was sitting at his desk when he found him, and Nines sheepishly approached. He was aware Hank had also heard his and Reed's conversation, and thus the hot feeling in his wires increased as he tried to pluck up the courage to speak.

"Need something, kid?" Hank asked him, sounding mildly exasperated but his eyes were kind. Nines nodded. "Lucky for you, I got time to spare today. Take a seat."

Nines did, on the edge of Hank's desk. Hank leaned back in his chair to look up at him, his fingers lacing together over his belly.

"So, what can I help you with?"

"I need to know how not to ruin my friendship, or at least my working relationship, with Gavin." Nines said seriously, "I wish to date him but I don't believe a man who hates androids will want to date me."

Blue eyes narrowed, regarding Nines with an intensity he'd thought only androids were capable of. Nines didn't squirm, but he wanted to.

"Are all androids deliberately this dense? Reed doesn't hate you." Hank said plainly. Nines recoiled slightly, having not expected that response. "You moron, obviously he's changed. You have sleepovers."

Oh, well… That was true but he didn't think his fears were unfounded. Plus, calling him a moron was a tad harsh.

"A friendship is far different from a romantic relationship, Lieutenant." Nines pointed out, not willing to risk false hope yet. Not without pointing out all the issues Hank may be overlooking.

"Yeah, and I've known Reed longer than you. He likes you, or else he'd have blown his top before he even asked you about it." Hank said firmly, his no nonsense tone telling Nines he wasn't going to be able to convince Hank his fears may come true.

"...I messed up by letting him walk away." Nines admitted, shamefaced. Hank hummed, and his large hand came to pat Nines's knee gently.

"Yeah, but you can apologise for that one easily, I know it." Hank spoke softly, reassuringly. It was a nice voice, gruff but tender. He understood better now why Connor had made Hank his paternal figure. The calming effect didn't last as long as he would have hoped, but it still did have an effect.

"Thank you Hank, I appreciate the advice. You wouldn't happen to know-"

"Alley for a smoke." Hank interrupted, "you're welcome."

That was a dismissal if he'd ever seen one. Nines nodded and vacated the area quickly, heading straight to the location he had been told. Once he hit the corner, he slowed his pace so as not to appear like he had practically ran there. Thankfully, androids don't sweat.

Gavin was standing with his body turned to the brick wall, his hand braced on it and the other over his eyes. Nines felt that guilt return, knowing that he was the cause of Gavin's current stress.

"I'm sorry." He said, surprising himself with his own suddenness. Gavin jolted, whirling round to face him, and immediately adopted a defensive position, arms crossing over his chest, feet shoulders width apart, one slightly more forward than the other like he was bracing himself to either run, or withstand a shove.

"What?" Gavin replied, short and barbed. Nines felt a wisp of indignation flare up, but he stamped it out quickly.

"I upset you and I'm sorry, instead of being honest with you, I acted out because I was nervous." Nines reported matter of factly, but Gavin looked unimpressed, his arms tightening their folded position. "I… I have no idea how to handle this situation, I've never done it before."

He let his nerves and concern show with that revelation, and the hard look in Gavin's eyes cracked. His arms were still crossed but not as tightly.

"Okay… I get that, but you could have just been honest from the start." Gavin replied with a soft huff, "I'll be clearer this time. Nines, you said you liked me and that you'd lose your job for me, why?"

"Because I like you, I think my feelings are more than platonic, and even if they weren't, I still consider you my friend." Nines didn't hesitate to answer this time, he did not make the same mistakes twice. "Your ex is a terrible person, he'd deserve it."

Gavin's arms finally dropped back down to his sides, but the fingers on his left hand curled and uncurled restlessly. The motion stopped after a set of three, it was a quirk Nines hadn't seen before from the detective.

"Right, thanks for the honesty. And for offering to beat up Mike." Gavin said awkwardly, and Nines felt like his thirium pump was literally sinking in his chest cavity. Also, even though no errors appeared in his HUD it felt like his regulator was operating irregularly.

"Detective, Gavin, can I ask… What does my confession mean?" Nines decided to just go for it. The uncertainty would feel worse than a rejection, he was sure of it.

"Erm… Nines, I'm flattered, but really? We work together, big guy, and besides, me?" Gavin asked him, sounding incredulous. "You can do better than me for a first date."

Nines didn't hear a no, or that Gavin didn't reciprocate his feelings. The words were self-deprecating and hesitant, but not a refusal. He still felt heavily disappointed though, his pump fluttering at the soft rejection.

"I disagree." He said firmly. "I think you are the perfect choice, and as for working together, I understand the hesitation, I too am nervous about that. If you want to say no, please be upfront with me."

Gavin was eyeing him strangely now, and Nines stiffened as the pause was drawn out. This was not going well, and he was preparing for the worst outcome. If Gavin said no he could at least move on, establish the boundary and try to resume their friendship from a point before his romantic attraction started. That would leave him reliant on Gavin's ability to do the same, which was why he was nervous.

"Nines… I need to think." Gavin said finally, unhelpfully vague.

"I can wait." Nines replied, kicking himself for the too eager response. However, it actually made Gavin's lips twitch upwards.

"Just, let's get through today, and we can talk after." Gavin said, and that was a little more reassuring. Regardless of the result of Gavin's pondering, he was clearly not repulsed by the thought of spending time with him. If he wasn't willing to let Nines date him, he might be willing to remain friends.

"I would like that very much." Nines confirmed, earning himself a friendly slap on the arm as Gavin started to pass. Nines followed after a moment, taking that time to compose himself and calm the phantom sensation of his pump moving too fast.

The interrogation took a long time, and it was draining, even for him. Android stasis wasn't exactly sleep, for he did not physically tire, but he longed for it anyway as he dealt with the other Hartley.

"We have already confirmed your presence at the crime scene, this interrogation is merely to gather additional information." Nines repeated, for the third time in an hour. "It would be more beneficial for you to cooperate."

Hartley remained staring silently at the table.

"Are you protecting someone?" Nines asked, resisting the urge to sigh. "If you're under threat we can assure your protection."

Hartley sneered, but still remained silent. He hadn't overtly reacted to either option, but his stress levels had risen, his vitals spiking.

"Mr Hartley, please, I am asking for your help in solving this case. Any information you give me could help save lives-"

"Androids aren't alive." The man cut in shortly. "You're not."

Well, Nines had expected sentiments to that effect.

"...Okay, Mr Hartley. Perhaps you will be willing to tell me the truth to negotiate a lesser sentence? Red Ice dealing is a crime likely to result in a three to five year sentence, creation and mass distribution means a minimum of fifteen years. The taking and destroying of androids under new law is also a fifteen year minimum." Nines rattled off the information in a cool voice. "If you come in front of a particular judicious judge, you could be facing a thirty five year minimum."

At least he had the full attention of the man now. Hartley was scowling, but his skin had paled and he was sporting a thin sheen of nervous sweat at his temples too.

"Fuck off." He rasped, swallowing thickly. "There's nothing else to tell."

That did not appear to be a lie.

"You're saying it was just the four of you?" Nines asked, he needed that to be clarified at least.

"I'm saying we didn't work with anyone else, but we're not the only ones out there." Hartley replied, sounding tired yet still angry. "You fuckers made us jobless before you said you had feelings, and now you want homes and shit from us? There's a housing crisis for humans too!"

This rhetoric wasn't new, Nines thought dejectedly. Every minority was living through its own version, just androids were the newest. He gave Hartley a flat look, not impressed.

"So you made and sold drugs that have wrecked thousands of lives?" He couldn't help but retort. "Take revenge on all the androids you hate and ruin human lives at the same time?"

"Fuck you, what would you know?" Hartley snapped. "Have you ever been desperate for money? Had to be the worst version of yourself to feed your fucking kids?"

Nines sat back, a little surprised. Hartley pressed on, his whole body coiled and riled up.

"Think drugs were my first stop? No, I fucking sold everything I had, but I still ended up here so fuck off and fuck you!"

"I recognise you felt you were out of options, but the kidnap and murder of legally recognised citizens isn't just desperation, it's cruelty. Thirium is sold in stores, shoplifting is a minor crime." Nines replied, done with the apathy towards sentient beings even if he felt a little pain that people felt like they had no choice but to resort to drugs. "You should really ask for a lawyer."

He stood and left the room. Before he entered the observation room, the door to it opened and Gavin pulled him inside by his jacket. He was surprised by the eagerness, and it soothed his darkening mood.

"You did well, Iron Giant." Gavin said, "I'd say we should celebrate but it feels like poor taste maybe."

Gavin cast a glance through the glass towards Hartley. Nines sighed deeply.

"Humans are complicated." He complained. "How is a species full of examples of such empathy capable of such cruelty, and claim it's done out of compassion?"

Gavin sucked on his teeth, looking a little like he'd been pushed in the deep end.

"Because we're fucked up?" He said with a shrug. "Sure, humans can be compassionate, but we're also fucking assholes."

Nines hummed, and thought again about how much he craved entering stasis. It wouldn't solve any of his issues but it would delay them.

"A race that packbonds with moving vacuums but will also kill someone different." Nines said sadly, "I don't understand."

Gavin shifted uncomfortably.

"Sorry, but you sounded very gen Z there." Gavin said, his tone not quite joking. Nines fixed him with a deep frown. "Don't think about it too hard, Nines, believe me, humans are assholes and so are androids. People have that in common."

"People?"

"Humans, androids, and hell dolphins and whales are classed as persons." Gavin said, then paused, "kinda fucked that androids are the most recent when the whales have held that title longer."

Nines had to suppress a grin because no matter how clumsy the delivery was, he realised what Gavin meant. Android or human, he was a person in Gavin's eyes. Not a tin can, or robocop like he sometimes called him, but a person.

"I see." He said after successfully stifling laughter. "Thank you, Gavin."

"Cool… so, erm, shifts have been over for a while… Do you want to… talk?"

Nines nodded.

"My place then." Gavin said, "you really gotta find somewhere to live, Nines."

–

Gavin was nervous, so very fucking nervous. Nines liked him, like liked him.

Okay, he wanted to rephrase that and he was the only one who heard it. Whatever, the point was they were now walking through his front door and about to have a potentially, extremely awkward conversation. One he wasn't really prepared for.

"So, erm… let's sit down I guess." Gavin said for lack of anything better to say. Nines did so, sitting on the end cushion of the sofa, Gavin took the other. He twisted on his seat so one leg was drawn up, knee pressed to the back cushion and he could twist to face Nines. The android studied his position for a moment, then mimicked him. Albeit with much better posture.

"Where should we start?" Nines asked, and whilst he sounded cool and calm, he was also blaring yellow from his LED.

"Well, I should probably start, you already said how you felt." Gavin stopped to clear his throat, "I… we work together Nines, that's a bad start."

He paused, trying to gather his thoughts. He found Nines attractive physically, yes, he had also come to like the android as a person over time. He respected him, and he enjoyed his company more than he'd ever be willing to admit outloud. But, they worked together, they had a pretty rough start, and frankly, Gavin had all but given up on relationships.

"I disagree, I think working together is what brought us together, and I don't see myself being unable to continue our professional relationship as well as a personal one, even if we do not succeed." Nines took the silence as an opportunity to speak. Gavin bit his lip, and let Nines continue. "In fact, I found that it was your dedication and skills that helped me see past the aggressive personality you first showed to me."

Okay, ouch, deserved.

"I'm not saying you couldn't." Gavin said pointedly, and Nines fell silent. "I don't know if I could."

The silence lingered between them like a heavy fog, both of them considering their next personal steps.

"Would you be willing…" Nines stopped himself, LED red now. Gavin waited but the android didn't continue.

"Willing?" He prompted. Nines looked down at the cushion between them instead of at his face, and Gavin wondered if Nines were human, would he be fidgeting now?

"Willing to try?" Nines asked, voice quiet and almost meek. "One date, just to try."

Fuck.

"I'll… Okay, one date to try." Gavin acquiesced, "but Nines, I'm telling you, I think you could do better."

Nines met his gaze again, his blue eyes as icy as ever and piercing. It makes him want to shut up and listen, hypnotic in a way.

"I disagree."

Holy shit, the jolt from inside his chest made him almost breathless. It felt like Nines had just crushed all the air out of his lungs with his fists and not his words. Mute and dumbstruck, he just stared at the android, the other man.

"O-okay, well… Erm." Gavin forced his mouth shut, not missing the tiny uplift at the corner of Nines's lips. "Guess you get to choose then, it's your idea."

The growing smile dropped, Nines looking a little bewildered by the idea.

"I… I don't have any dating protocols in my social module." Nines said, sounding slightly dismayed. Gavin almost smirked, but given that Nines was starting to show yellow more than blue on his LED, he decided not to.

"Movies, internet and several people at your disposal." Gavin reminded him. "Besides, a dating protocol would be weird, it's meant to be natural."

Nines relaxed a little as he thought about it.

"I see your point. Very well, I'd like to get back to you on the details at a later time then." Nines said, his very formal voice making Gavin smile. The android often sounded monotonous, but at random times, also quite prim and proper. He wondered if it was an influence of his social module adapting through listening to others, or if Nines simply had this quirk and he was only just caring to notice recently.

"Sure, Iron Giant." Gavin replied softly, leaning into the back of the sofa a little as he settled down. His nerves had been a little frayed all afternoon, and whilst normally today would have ended in a temperamental outburst, against someone or something, right now he just felt tired. He repositioned himself so he was slumped on the sofa more comfortably, twisting to rest his feet on the coffee table. Nines moved also, but he did not prop his feet up.

"Thank you, Gavin." Nines said, equally soft.

"So… whilst you're here, movies?" Gavin asked him. "I think I'm gonna order pizza or Chinese if you want to pick a movie?"

"I would like that, yes." Nines said, reaching for the TV remote with a familiarity that suggested he felt at ease in Gavin's home. It was surprising to see, only Tina had been in his apartment outside of one night stands and similar ilk. She was pretty happy to make herself at home too, but that was different. They'd been friends for years, Nines, barely a few months.

Bemused, he switched his focus onto ordering food, searching through the app on his phone. He settled on Chinese over pizza, ordering vegetable chow mein, tofu in black bean sauce and veggie egg rolls. It was a pretty standard order for himself, he loved the tofu dish especially. Practically salivating already, he hit 'order' and waited for the time of delivery confirmation. Once that was done he looked up at Nines, curious to see what choice Nines had made.

The start menu for 'The Intouchables' on screen. Gavin didn't recognise the two actors on the icon, but he read the brief description: 'An unusual friendship develops when Driss, a street smart immigrant, is hired to take care of Philippe, a quadriplegic French nobleman.'

"It's a French film, but I thought the plot looked interesting." Nines said to him, "it's dubbed or there is subtitles?"

"Subtitles." Gavin decided, "the audio being out of sync with the mouth movement distracts me, and I prefer subtitles anyway."

So that's what they did. Gavin was grateful the food arrived before the movie ended, and that he finished what he wanted from it before he let Nines choose another movie.

"I liked that movie." Nines said as he was scrolling through the options again. "It was a nice display of friendship."

"It was good." Gavin agreed easily, "quite funny too."

He slumped down again, shifting until his head rested on the arm of the sofa, his body curled up over his cushion and the middle one. If he unfurled just a little, his feet would end up touching Nines. He idly watched as Nines settled on the film 'Terminator', hesitating for just a minute. Gavin quirked his head to look at Nines from this low angle. The android looked contemplative.

"It's a good movie. You'd fit right in with a T1000." Gavin joked.

"You called me that before." Nines said. "Is a T1000 a terminator android from this movie?"

"Eh, second movie I think. This one's a T800, but big as you are, you're too sleek for Arnie's look." Gavin said in reply, only then realising how weird it was to give Nines his analysis of his physique like that.

"I see…" Nines replied, selecting the movie. "I should see this before the sequel to understand then."

Gavin shrugged, he was quite happy to watch the movie. Even when he was growing up, at the tail end of the Terminator franchise, the original two movies were highly rated. He'd enjoyed them, and yeah, maybe the movies had made him even more sceptical of AI than most, that was the whole friggin point of the movie. Sort of, one of them. Technology had the ability to be dangerous if humans weren't careful with it, and often people weren't. His own brother included. Then add in the creation of life, only to dehumanise it? Yeah, what could possibly go wrong.

They were all very lucky Markus didn't go SkyNet.

He had his own mistakes in that boat, but it was past now.

"I don't see human's with such large hair styles as often as the film portrays." Nines said, looking at the 80s perms Sarah and her flatmate sported. Gavin chuckled warmly.

"It was very 80s, had a brief comeback during the lockdowns, on tik tok, along with the mullet. Another 80s icon." Gavin replied. "It died out again, and we'll probably see it again in my lifetime."

"How odd." Nines said, sounding mildly baffled.

"Everything old is new, and everything new is old." Gavin said with a yawn. "Shit goes out of style, becomes dated, then vintage. Vintage comes back in style, and repeats."

"Very puzzling to me." Nines replied absently, and Gavin realised he was more engrossed in the movie than he was. To be fair, Gavin had seen it before and remembered it quite well. Besides, he was tired.

They watched the movie in peace after that, but Gavin did end up stretching out a little more. His left foot was pressed against the side of Nines's thigh, whilst Nines's hand rested above his ankle now. His warm hand was motionless, just holding lightly and had done since Gavin's foot pressed against him. Honestly, it was really odd, but that light grip felt grounding. Anchored in this space, in this time.

The ending score was starting thunder lowly from the speakers, darkly triumphant when his eyelids slid shut. They were getting heavier, closing for longer periods of time with each blink.

"Gavin?" Nines voice interrupted his doze, and he grunted in response. "You probably shouldn't sleep there. You'll wake up sore."

Gavin grunted again.

Nines was absolutely right, but he was utterly exhausted and in no position to move. The hand on his ankle retreated, making him grumble in protest. He felt the sofa shift as Nines's weight moved, standing up, and he heard the soft steps and felt the looming presence that indicated Nines was now directly in front of him. Attempting to open his eyes just felt sore, so he didn't.

"Gavin, you will regret falling asleep there."

He hummed sleepily, shifting slightly so his neck wasn't so bent, but otherwise not moving to get up. Nines was silent, but he hadn't walked away. He was moving though, Gavin had just enough awareness to detect that.

And now he was moving?!

Nines was scooping him up, making him yelp at the unexpected sensation, and before he could squirm away, he was being lifted. He snatched at Nines's jacket for purchase, his eyes finally open, and wide open at that. Fuck.

"Wha'the'phck?"

"I will take you to bed."

Gavin blushed, and he was so fortunate his olive complexion muted it. Nines might not notice.

"I perhaps should have warned you, your vitals are still raised." Nines said, securing his bridal style grip and carrying him effortlessly.

"Phckin maybe." Gavin retorted, a little more awake. "Put me down."

Nines hesitated, taking another step with him in his arms before he stopped, carefully lowering the arm holding Gavin's legs until he could stand. His other arm slowly retreated then, and Gavin wobbled a little before he unsteadily took several tired steps to the doorframe of his bedroom.

"Night, Nines. Blanket's the same place as always." He said, stifling a yawn to finish his words.

"Goodnight, Gavin." Nines replied.

Chapter 12: Who'd look better dead

Stasis had done wonders, Nines thought. He had to consider this to be like how humans felt after a full night's rest, because they raved about how good it felt. This felt good, great even. Even though he was waiting for Gavin to wake up, he didn't feel anxious about their discussion last night, or what consequences it might have today.

However, the 'plan a date' mission was now permanently in his HUD notifications. That was a little more intimidating.

Perhaps Connor could help? Had Connor ever been on a date?

Nines didn't know, Connor had never indicated a romantic relationship ongoing in his life. That didn't mean he hadn't had one though, just that he wasn't currently dating. Hank was another source of information, he'd certainly been on a date before. Perhaps the older human would be amenable to sharing some ideas with him, it would certainly be more efficient than anything the internet could suggest? Connor had warned him that online stories often didn't play out the same in reality.

Gavin and he set out for work again. They had reports to finalise and send off for the case they just finished, and likely there would be a new case waiting to fill in the new slot they had. Optimistically speaking, it should be less stressful than the day before.

Of course, it was not. The bullpen was actually quite chaotic, with at least three perps being dragged across to the holding cells when they arrived, and several officers piled in the walkways between desks. Gavin forged ahead, not even hesitating like Nines. He also had no qualms about shoving his way through when people were too slow to move. A few officers merely grumbled, but at least two shoved back. Their efforts were rewarded with the human version of a growl, or a snapped insult. Luckily, with Nines' looming presence following closely, the confrontations ended there. Once they finally reached their desks there was already a case tablet resting on Gavin's.

"Phck's this now?"

Gavin picked it up and tapped the screen twice, Nines came to hover at his shoulder so he could read too.

It was a murder case, but oddly not a fresh one. A woman had been killed in her apartment, signs of forced entry but no prints and no security footage to review. There wasn't even a witness statement beyond the downstairs neighbour claiming not to have been home that day. That had been a week ago.

So why assign it to them now?

"That's just setting us up for failure." Gavin fumed having read it, "we can't even see a fresh crime scene. CSI will have been all over it and likely it'll have already been cleaned up. Can't wait to let the landlord rent the place back in a city with a housing crisis." Gavin's final remark was even more bitter than the first part.

"This case was assigned to Detective Lawrence." Nines said, "why would it now be in our hands?"

"Good question." Gavin replied, "did they even do any work on this case? There's barely any notes whatsoever."

Detective Lawrence wasn't in sight, but Nines checked the roster, noting that Detective Lawrence should be on shift now. He told Gavin, and Gavin grumbled under his breath a little.

"Well, when I find them, they better have something better for us than this shit." Gavin said, flinging himself into his chair. "Let's finish up the other shit."

Nines obliged, taking his own seat. The detective continued to mutter darkly to himself for a few moments more, utterly unimpressed with the case given to them. Admittedly, Nines was not pleased either. If the apartment had indeed already been cleaned, and the forced door replaced, even his advanced pre-construction programme would come up with nothing. The file had scene photos attached, but depending on their quality, they wouldn't be much use to them either.

"I will be back." He told Gavin, but his partner didn't seem to even notice. He stood and walked to the breakroom, sending a quick message to Connor for him to join him.

"What's up?" Connor asked, his tone still a little too stiff to pass as completely informal, but casual enough.

"We were just given a murder case, Detective Lawrence's week old case." Nines told him dourly. He didn't actually have an objective to this conversation, he merely wanted to express his frustration.

"That is likely to be difficult." Connor said sympathetically, coming to stand besides him at the counter. Nines stood stiffly with his back to it, but Connor leaned back on it, crossing his arms loosely over his chest. "Did the file at least have any leads?"

"Not a single one, and barely half a page of notes." Nines complained, "no witness statements either."

Connor hummed.

Nines glanced down at him, then slowly, mimicked his leaning back on the counter.

"I also asked Gavin on a date." Nines said, switching topics. Pontificating on the regretful case wouldn't do him any favours. "He agreed to one date."

"That's excellent news." Connor said, sounding quietly pleased. "I hear dinner dates are common? Or a bowling alley?"

"Dinner would be somewhat difficult for me to partake in." Nines mused, "and I have never been bowling before. Do you think Gavin would like it?"

"I don't know." Connor said mildly, "I hardly know him. You both like to have movie nights, perhaps you could go to the cinema?"

Nines wasn't enamoured with the idea. Cinemas were places to watch movies in silence, they couldn't converse and it was basically what they did as friends.

"Hmm, I think I will try the bowling idea. It seems an engaging method of inspiring conversation." Nines decided, "at the very least, it is a new experience."

Connor grinned up at him, patting him on the upper bicep to convey his approval.

"I think that's an excellent idea, now you just have to find a bowling venue with availability on your evening off to go." Connor said, "you should possibly pick a place that has a bar or other kind of snack and drink counter if you don't intend to include dinner plans as well."

That made sense. Humans often ate a meal in the evenings, and if Nines was taking up Gavin's evening he should make sure there were provisions for him. He searched up several locations within the city that offered such amenities, narrowed them down in a list by public reviews. There were two places each with a 4.7/5 rating, so he selected the one closest to Gavin's home. He told Connor, who agreed with his choice easily.

"Now, you just have to get Gavin there for your booking time." Connor said cheerily.

Nines hadn't booked a time. He didn't know when Gavin wanted to go on a date yet, he had just told him to plan one, not when. However, he simply nodded and told Connor that he should return to work. Before he left the breakroom, he poured Gavin a coffee and took it with him back to his partner. He set the mug down next to Gavin's keyboard, leaning over him to do so. The movement and proximity drew Gavin's attention from his tablet to Nines. A slight spike in heart rate was strangely gratifying.

"Coffee." Nines said despite finding it unnecessary to say. He was getting good at small talk.

"Thanks." Gavin said around a rough swallow, his eyes darting from the mug to Nines's eyes, then his lips. Nines smiled and withdrew to return to his seat. Once he was seated again, he looked back up to see Gavin watching him with a curious expression.

"Yes?" He prompted, causing Gavin to startle mildly.

"Nothing, just looking." Gavin replied, which judging from the slight jump in stress level, may not have been the whole truth. Nines let it slide though, he had something he wanted to ask anyway.

"How would you feel about our date taking place on our next day off?" He asked quietly, aware Gavin would not want any attention brought to it. Just as he thought, Gavin furiously looked around for any potential eavesdroppers before he answered.

"Shhh!" Gavin hissed quietly, and Nines wilted a little. He hadn't intended to make the man angry again. "We'll talk about it at lunch, okay?"

"Okay." Nines replied gratefully. Gavin wasn't angry, it was okay.

–

Lunch approached quicker than expected, leaving the two of them sitting in Gavin's car, parked outside a small chain restaurant after having gone round the drive through. He hadn't wanted to have this conversation at their normal cafe, and he wasn't about to have it without coffee either.

"So, our next day off?" Gavin prompted when Nines didn't start. The android was currently looking out the window, quietly observing a woman and her bundled up toddler prance from their car to the door of the fast food place. The tyke was obviously overjoyed at whatever greasy meal awaited him.

"Yes, I would like to take you bowling." Nines said instantly, turning towards him. Gavin couldn't help the confused "huh" that escaped, it was just so utterly unexpected. "I believe it would be fun, and the venue I selected serves snacks and drinks so you will be catered to during our time there."

"You've really thought about this." Gavin said quietly, feeling disproportionately touched. For one, he couldn't even remember the last time he went on a date, nevermind one that clearly prioritised his comfort. For two, the android sounded both super serious and yet passionate about his choice. It was endearing.

"Of course I have, I have an opportunity, as per our agreement, and I want to make sure I use my time wisely." Nines said, but he also looked away and down into the footwell. Gavin could see a glow of yellow on the car window reflecting back. Was Nines equally as nervous right now? Probably.

"I… Holy phck." Gavin leaned back in his seat, turning to look out of the driver side window. "You're… Good job, Nines, I'd love to go bowling with you."

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the yellow flicker to blue again, and has to suppress a cheesy grin. He does allow himself a small smile though.

"Thank you Gavin. If you let me know what time is best, I can make a booking." Nines said warmly, sounding quietly pleased. Gavin looked over again, properly, to see Nines looking strangely stoic, but with a definite uptick in the curve of his lips.

"Anytime in the afternoon, whatever you want." Gavin said softly, barely above a whisper. He reached out, then aborted the movement before his hand even reached near the centre console. Nines eyes flitted to it anyway, rising to meet his questioningly. "I… Thank you."

"For what?" Nines asked, sounding bemused but gentle.

"Just… Being patient with me." Gavin swallowed thickly, his throat drying up. He took a sip of the still warm coffee to ease up the feeling, followed by another.

"I don't think you should be thanking me for that." Nines reached across this time, his hand capturing Gavin's wrist in a loose hold, his fingers slipping into to stroke along Gavin's palm. The sensation sort of tickled, but Gavin was fascinated enough not to pull away. "That's just common decency."

Gavin bit his lip hard. This naive idiot was what did it for him? Really?

Sure, Nines was a hardass at first, and a complete badass too, but he truly was… young. Gavin didn't mean it in a bad way, but there was an innocence there, just like Connor had, and still had even now. It was as worrying as it was cute. This was the total opposite to the cynical fucks he used to go for, but then he'd always counted himself amongst those cynical fucks. Like attracts like.

"You're too good for me." He said in a whisper, a tad teasing so the mood wouldn't plummet. Unfortunately Nines frowned instead of smiled.

"I'll decide that for myself, thank you." The android said firmly, his hold on Gavin's hand solidifying into a proper, fingers-intertwined hand hold. "You just worry about what you're going to wear, and how you're going to beat me at bowling."

Gavin laughed, squeezing back.

"Phck, how will I beat Iron Man with his repulsor aiming tech?" He asked rhetorically, shaking his head a little.

"Iron Man?" Nines asked, but his LED was already yellow as he searched it up. "Oh, but that's not an android, that's a man in a metal suit?"

Gavin gave him a fond look.

"You are a man in a metal suit, you just don't have squishy insides."

Nines's froze, his hand tight over Gavin's.

What had he done now? Gavin nervously regarded Nines, tugging at the android's fingers gently.

"Nines?"

He yelped as the hand over his pulled until his body was stretched over the distance between the seats, Nines ducking down to meet him. Nines's free hand came around to cup the side of his face, pinkie and ring finger lining up under his jaw to tip his mouth up.

The kiss was clumsy, a little off-centre.

"Mphh!" Gavin protested, but as Nines realigned and tried again without pulling away. The pressure wasn't quite right still, a little too much, but for an inexperienced person, it wasn't half bad.

Nines drew back, his thumb sweeping gently over Gavin's cheekbone. His LED was a flickering yellow, his icy eyes searching Gavin's own desperately.

"Thank you." Nines breathed, close enough Gavin could feel the exhalation on his own lips. He licked his bottom lip, regretting how dry it felt, his own hands flexing where they were braced on Nines's thigh, and on the centre console too. The coffee he had been holding was somewhere on the floor near the pedals, and a slight dampness against his ankle let him know it had fallen against him first before hitting the footwell. Whatever.

Gavin leaned in again, slow and nervous, but Nines delightedly accepted his advance.

It was smoother with his lead, and he hummed into it. Nines smiled against his lips, and he drew away.

"You hum the same way when you eat food you like." Nines said, releasing him so he could pull away. He did so reluctantly, a hot flush to the skin of his cheeks.

"Yeah, well…"

"It means you enjoy something." Nines continued, and Gavin could hear the smugness easily. "You enjoy kissing me."

Phck.

Notes:

Date is next chap!

Chapter 13: your tongue is far too long

Summary:

The date at last!

Gavin nervously paced his apartment hallway, waiting for Nines. The android wasn't due for at least twelve minutes, but Gavin had gotten dressed early and had been waiting for over half an hour already. Their date was today, and he was already over it, yet not wanting the day to rush by. It was hard to decide how he actually felt in all honesty.

His door was lightly rapped, and he spun to rush back to it. Fuck, not so eager, he cautioned himself. He took a deep breath, realised Nines probably heard him, exhaled noisily anyway, and yanked the door open.

"Hello Gavin." Nines greeted, and his voice was molten steel, possibly the smoothest he had heard it yet. Gavin returned the greeting, probably a lot less smoothly. Nines ducked down, pressing a kiss to his cheek, and Gavin couldn't stop the slight sway towards the android. Luckily, Nines lingered in his space just a little longer until he was ready to compose himself.

"You look good." Gavin managed to recover his awkwardness somewhat well he thought, and it was true. Nines wasn't dressed that much differently than normal, but he had shed his jacket, his shirt was a light blue instead of white or black, with the sleeves rolled up and top button undone. He looked casual yet smart. He still wore formal trousers unlike Gavin's own jeans. Admittedly Gavin dug out his smarter pair for today, loose enough for a somewhat active day, but tight enough to hug his waist and accentuate the muscles of his ass and thighs. He had opted for a softer, green sweater than he would usually wear and ditched his leather jacket entirely. He hated leaving it behind, but it was hardly date-wear.

"You do too." Nines replied, eyes roving down his body without subtlety. The genuineness of his words made his heart squeeze a little, flustered.

He stepped out of his apartment properly, turning to lock the door and give his warmed face a reprieve from those keen eyes. Nines stepped back to give him the space to turn and follow once he was ready, leading them to an automated taxi that was ready and waiting. Gavin hated the things but it was convenient enough. He slipped inside when Nines gestured for him to go first. Nines settled beside him once he was seated and clipped in with his belt.

"So, er, bowling… You've never been, do you know how to play?" Gavin asked, feeling more than a bit uncomfortable. Not because of Nines, or even the date, but because he didn't know how to behave on one.

"I have researched it, yes." Nines replied smoothly, "but I am always willing to learn from the experienced."

"Experienced is overstating it, but I've done it before." Gavin said, "I went with Tina last time, it was her birthday."

"Oh? You are close with Officer Chen, did you attend the academy together?" Nines asked, settling further back into his chair so he could look at him properly. Gavin twisted slightly to accommodate that.

"Yes, we, she was a class behind me but we had some overlap." Gavin said, "we didn't really talk then. We met properly at the DPD itself."

Nines hummed thoughtfully.

"She is a proficient worker." He said, and Gavin snorted. It was so blandly polite, yet obviously a compliment.

"Yeah, she's a tough one. Could be a detective, but refuses because she likes her role now." Gavin told him. Nines tilted his head in question, so Gavin elaborated. "Her wife is worried that being a detective would be more dangerous, especially if she specialises in homicide. Tina likes to keep her wife happy."

"Officer Chen doesn't wear a ring?" Nines said in response, but his yellow LED turned blue almost instantly. "Her file does state married though."

"She has a ring, but she wears it on a chain for days she's working." Gavin told him, then snorted "she lost it once and cried the entire time. It was on her kitchen window sill, she took it off to do dishes."

She had been inconsolable when she called him, terrified of El's disappointment. El hadn't even been mad, just concerned that her wife kept bursting into tears. Gavin ended up helping her turn her car, locker and home upside down to find it, which they did. All that effort, and it had been sitting there pretty as a penny in the window of the kitchen.

"That… Attachment to objects is understandable. Connor is attached to his coin." Nines said, seeming quite sympathetic to Tina's plight.

"Yeah, if she'd actually lost it, I wouldn't laugh." Gavin agreed. It did bring up a question: "Are you attached to an object like that?"

A ponderous silence.

"To tears? No." Nines answered, "but I would be upset if my jacket was irreparable or lost."

"Me too." Gavin said, surprised at the similarity in their answers. Nines smiled, a tiny little curve of his lips.

"We're here." He said a second before the taxi stopped with a gentle bell chime sound, the doors sliding open. Gavin dug his card out of his wallet to tap to the card machine, but Nines caught his wrist, using his other hand to interface with it instead.

"I asked you, etiquette dictates I pay." Nines said insistently, but Gavin protested.

"Oh bullshit, that etiquette is a bit outdated anyway." Gavin replied but Nines ignored him, and didn't release his hand as he pulled him out of the taxi. He didn't release him until the approached the door of the bowling alley.

"I insist, I have already prepaid for the lane we will use." Nines said firmly, "I will pay for the date."

Gavin rolled his eyes, but chose not to argue yet, they were approaching the desk and the bored young man at the desk didn't need to hear their squabbling. Nines handled getting them checked in, and the kid at the counter directed them to an empty lane somewhat near the bar area, the large bench backs gave the semblance of privacy which Gavin kind of liked. He thanked the kid too as he passed by on his way back to the front desk.

"You get that thing set up whilst I go grab a drink?" Gavin said with a nod to the monitor.

"I should get your drink, I'm paying." Nines said stubbornly, but Gavin shoved his shoulder lightly.

"You can get my next drink, just let me get this one."

–

Nines let Gavin go to purchase his own drink, not overly pleased about not being the one to do so for him. However, the compromise was reasonable so he couldn't deny it.

He set the monitor up, setting Gavin to go first. Whilst he was aware of how to play, he wanted to observe it in person first. He lifted a ball from the waiting huddle on the belt, it was the heaviest one and whilst it was hardly enough for him to feel the weight, it was an awkward hold. He placed it back down, and tried the weight below, deciding that it was better for his purpose. He had just replaced it down when Gavin returned, holding a large paper cup with a dome lid and a multicoloured straw. He leaned over a tad, seeing that Gavin had opted for a slush drink. The top was blue, but he could see tinges of purple where the red colour sat below.

"A slush?" He asked, surprised at the choice. He'd expected a soda maybe.

"Yeah, I've not had one in forever." Gavin replied easily, placing the drink down on the small table. "Is it my go first?"

"Yes." Nines gestured for him to go ahead. Gavin shrugged lightly, approaching the lane and selecting his ball. It was a medium range weight, and he spun it around in his hands a few times before he held it properly. The throw was smooth, without flair, and the ball remained centred until the last moment, curving to hit the second row of pins. It knocked out all except the two in the left corner of the back. A good start.

"Damn." Gavin said lowly, but he didn't sound disappointed. "I thought that was a strike for sure."

"A spare is still good, if you hit those pins." Nines said helpfully, and Gavin nodded with a hum. He selected a second ball and gave his second go a shot. He struck the pins easily, earning himself a spare afterall.

Nines approached as the pins were reset, lightly brushing his hand over Gavin's as he passed. The human rewarded him with a fond look, giving him an encouraging pat on the back in return.

It was a strike of course.

In fact, every round he played, he scored only strikes to Gavin's growing amusement and frustration. Nines was equally humoured by Gavin's reaction each time. Their games ended, but thankfully, Gavin still seemed to be having fun. He was practically glued to Nines' side as they decided to take a seat in the bar area before heading out. Gavin selected a booth and slid in, Nines deliberated over sitting besides or opposite him. He chose to sit beside him, penning him in.

Gavin was too busy talking to be flustered by their proximity.

"-find something you don't find naturally easy to do, an actual challenge." Gavin said, taking another rattling slurp from his slush. He looked down with an adorable pout as he struggled to get anything from it. Finally, Nines' turn to provide.

"I'll order you another?" He said looking pointedly at the cup. Gavin deliberated, but shook his head.

"Think just a coke will do this time, don't want brainfreeze."

Nines obliged, slipping out of the booth to approach the bar. He waited patiently for the server to notice him, and ordered a large soda when he did. The server was quick and efficient, meaning Nines could return to his date that much sooner. He sat back down with Gavin, laying his arm along the top of the bench which rested around shoulder height for the shorter male. Gavin gratefully accepted the drink, taking a tiny sip before placing it down on the table, he twisted to look back up at Nines, face open and eager. His scarred face was barely lit but Nines could see him clearly, and he never wanted to see any other expression on it than the happiness he could see now.

"Thank you." He blurted out, Gavin even double-taking at the suddenness. "For saying yes to me."

The clarification cleared up the confused pinch to Gavin's eyes but did give him an endearing quality as he ducked them shyly. Nines used the hand not resting along the bench, to come and capture the one Gavin had on the table, gently gripping his fingers in a loose hold. Gavin didn't pull away, but he didn't encourage the entanglement either. Nines leant down to catch his eyes again, pleased when Gavin didn't pull away but met his gaze firmly.

"Thank you for asking me. I had a good time today." Gavin finally squeezed his fingers back and Nines smiled. He wanted to lean in, press their lips together, but he didn't know if it would be welcome. He looked at Gavin's lips for a tad longer than would be normal before he decided not to try his luck.

Only to be shocked that Gavin darted forward first instead, his lips clumsily but lightly landing on his before he pulled away just as fast. Nines clamped down on his hand to prevent him withdrawing completely.

"Can we try that again?" He asked instantly, "I would like to actually participate this time."

Gavin flushed, but nodded.

Their second kiss was slower, and Nines closed his eyes to fully focus on the sensation. The sensors in his lips were far less densely packed than the rest of him, but he still had extremely detailed levels of information coming from them. The pressure and warmth was extremely pleasant, even the scratch of light stubble from Gavin's chin touching his was nice.

Gavin pulled away first, to Nines's disappointment, but he wasn't left bereft. Gavin's free hand was resting on his chest, just braced there, but firm and comforting.

"Phck, Nines… I… can we go home?"

He felt like someone had just ripped his pump out.

Notes:

Might be a week before next update as I have only one chapter written in advance of this, and I prefer a minimum of two complete ones. So, I have to write two chapters before posting the next one, though I think we're coming to a close to be fair so I'm not sure.

Chapter 14: I don't like the way it sucks

Summary:

Aftermath of the date

They arrived at his apartment, and Gavin was surprised that Nines was quite subdued. After their second kiss, and Gavin's request they go home, the android had barely spoken.

Was he regretting it?

Gavin shook the thought off, at least until Nines lingered outside the door instead of following him in immediately.

"What are you doing?" Gavin asked, feeling the clench of nerves around his stomach. Nines looked down the hallway instead of at him, but did finally come inside.

"I didn't know… has the date ended?" Nines asked, his voice far more blank than felt comfortable.

"Er… Did you want it to be?" Gavin felt even more confused. He thought Nines wanted this, it was the android who'd been so insistent about it.

"No." Nines replied simply, which only baffled him more. Why all the fussing then?

"Okay then." Gavin replied, "I don't either, but at the end of a date, usually, if it went well, the date invites the other one in. For coffee."

Nines gave him an uncomprehending stare, but he had relaxed a little, no longer holding that military stiff posture. Gavin approached him, coming to a stop right in front of him, closer than usual. He reached out with both hands to grasp at Nines's waist, Nines watched with rising curiosity, his LED a strong blue.

"They don't normally drink coffee." Gavin said, leaning up on his toes and using Nines's to brace himself. His kiss was accepted with enthusiasm, Nines leaning down to meet him, strong arms wrapping around him too. The android got with the programme mercifully quickly, bracing Gavin by wrapping his arms around him, and leaning down to meet him. The kiss started slowly, but Nines's was clearly unused to it, and in some kind of hurry. Gavin had to half pull away, keeping their noses mashed together, but his lips a tiny bit too far back for kissing.

"Slow down, I'm not going anywhere." He punctuated that with a gentle peck instead of resuming where he left off. Nines took that as an invite to return it, but then he started to veer off, kissing along Gavin's jaw until he reached the pulsepoint below Gavin's ear, near the corner of his jaw. Gavin groaned and arched up into him, pressing his chest firmly up into Nines, determined to keep the android there for the moment. He wound his fingers up into the hair at the back of Nines's head, admiring the softness and how real it felt. Nines migrated from his spot, nibbling lower until he was stopped by the collar of Gavin's sweater.

"I really enjoy this." Nines whispered against his skin, voice heavy with obvious lust. It was titillating, and he greedily yanked Nines back against his skin, craning his head back to give better access.

Hands began to creep under his sweater at his lower back, sliding and tracing along his sides before curling round to lay side by side on his centre-back. They were pleasantly warm, firm and those kneading fingers were making his knees like putty. Nines seemed to realise this, his hands ceasing the delightful massage, prompting a whine of protest, but they simply crept lower. They glided down over his ass, which made him arch his back out further to show his assent. Nines ignored this, bending forward closer to hook his hands around the back of Gavin's thighs, and lifted. His stomach did a minor flip in surprise, it seemed to take no effort to raise him up like this. Quickly, he hooked his legs around Nines's waist, using the momentum to bring himself up along Nines's body so it was Nines having to tilt his head back.

There was a surprisingly soft look on Nines's face when he looked up, those normally icy blues a lot darker and no longer as frosty. Gavin grinned down at him, riding the high of what was the best make out session he'd had in forever. With a fucking virgin too!

Which, shit.

Nines might want to take it slow, and Gavin would encourage that, but that would mean tempering this encounter off a bit.

"Phck, that's…" he trailed off breathlessly, planting another kiss to Nines's lips. He pulled away before Nines could deepen it.

"Incredible." Nines finished for him, still holding him up, and seemingly not willing to put him down. "Thank you, Gavin, for an amazing first date."

He crumbled, there was no way he could refuse to date Nines now. Work and HR be damned, he wanted this.

"The second will be better." He promised, brushing Nines's hair back, leaving his hands encasing the sides of his face. "Stay with me tonight?"

Nines seemed to pull him even closer, as impossible as that seemed.

"I would love to."

-

Nines was curled around the man he loved, Gavin's back pressed firmly into his chest. His human lover snoring softly against his arm, which was pillowing his head, had made him immensely happy. If he hadn't already been deviant, the promise of a second date would have burst through the red wall with ease. After that moment they had calmed down on the kissing, slowly evolving into a cuddly embrace on the sofa until it was time for Gavin to eat. Nines had encouraged (pulled) him to sit on his lap whilst he ate and they watched TV. The weight of Gavin was insignificant to him in terms of his strength, but it was entirely important to him that it was there. For whatever reason it made him feel secure. Gavin was there, he was warm, he was safe.

He didn't quite need to enter stasis yet, nor did he want to, he wanted to remember this. Their first night together, chaste and innocent as it was. Gavin made a whisper quiet murmur of some kind, formless words, and it felt like his processor was about to melt. He wanted to squeeze even harder, but obviously resisted.

CONNECTION REQUEST INCOMING- RK800/CONNOR

Nines almost jolted in surprise, he'd been so focused on Gavin that the notification on his HUD shocked him. It was quite late, so, with great curiosity, he answered.

CONNECTION REQUEST ACCEPTED

[CONNOR: Hello Nines, sorry for the late call, I wanted to ask how your date went?]

Ah, so it was a social call, he thought with gratitude. He'd really hate for this to be a work call and have to wake his human up.

[RK900: Hello Connor, I am pleased to state that it went extremely well. I am still with the Detective, though he is sleeping.]

[CONNOR: That's really good news, Nines! I'm so very glad that you had a good time.]

Connor really was very sweet.

[RK900: Thank you.]

[CONNOR: I will let you go, speak soon.]

Nines severed the connection after saying a brief goodbye, happy to return his full attention to Gavin instead. He was still sleeping soundly, so Nines decided he would allow himself to slip into stasis.

Movement in his arms disrupted his stasis cycle before it was programmed to end, causing him to awaken earlier than anticipated. It was Gavin, of course, squirming out from his hold.

"Need to pee…" the man mumbled as explanation when he saw Nines had woken. "S'rry for wakin' you."

Nines relinquished his hold so that Gavin may get up. It was already 05:37 in the morning, and the start to their second day off in a row. Though, given the sleepy mumbling and squinty eyes, he somewhat doubted Gavin was ready to actually rise and shine yet. A few moments after he left, Gavin returned, and oddly walked to Nines's side of the bed. Nines watched him curiously, until Gavin flopped graceless onto his chest. His arms came up automatically to stop him from slipping off, and Gavin kicked about until he was settled on top with their legs tangled.

"Minor ouch." Gavin complained, "you're not as soft as you look."

Nines smirked.

"No, I am made of plastic."

"Skin's soft." Gavin defended himself, sleepily snuggling into him, head under Nines's chin. He'd never figured that Gavin would be such a cuddler, but he was enjoying it immensely. After a beat he realised Gavin was mostly asleep again, draped over him and the blanket.

This, Nines realised, was his new favourite activity besides kissing. It was slow and took very little effort, yet the contentment was tremendous. He held Gavin close as the human continued to sleep his fill, happy to wait for him to waken on his own terms. It took about an hour more for that to be the case, Gavin stirring and stretching above him. The movement awakened a sensation in him, not unlike the time he had observed Gavin's arousal whilst he slept. He was able to dim his sensitivity, but the damage was done. He would simply have to wait until this sub-routine programme for his own arousal realised it was not needed.

Of course, Gavin was already straddling him, and as the human pushed himself up so he was sitting on him, hands braced on Nines chest, his bottom came to rest in the cradle of his hips. Right on top of his fully erect penis, and he couldn't help the flinch at the feeling either.

"Oh." Gavin breathed, sounding faintly surprised. Nines waited for something, anything that would give away Gavin's true reaction. Would he be irritated? Would he be aroused in return? It was actually making him quite nervous, and he scanned the human's vitals. There was a small uptick in his pulse, slightly faster than his heart rate was usually at rest. There was definitely dilation of his pupils, and Nines knew that was a sign of attraction, but it can also be an adrenaline response. He glanced down at Gavin's crotch, and despite the sleep pants, he was relieved to see a definite tent that hadn't been present before.

"Oh?" Nines said, glad his scans were so immediate, barely a second had passed since Gavin spoke. Gavin seemed slightly nervous as he met his eyes too, frozen where he perched.

"Are you…?" Gavin looked meaningfully down at their groins, and then back up. Nines nodded, slowly moving his hands to rest over Gavin's thighs with a light squeeze. Gavin tensed, but covered Nines's hands with his own, still sat up whilst Nines remained prone.

"You're very attractive." Nines told him, and risked a slight movement of his hips to press up into Gavin's perfectly firm yet plush ass. Gavin's hands clenched over his but he didn't look upset.

"Phck, you're making this difficult to take it slow." Gavin complained, making Nines tilt his head in question. Take what slow?

"I don't understand?" He prompted, taking the initiative to rub along Gavin's thighs gently, he never went above mid thigh, and Gavin moved his hands to brace on Nines's stomach instead.

"You know, you're… well, you're a virgin." Gavin said, ducking his head, looking more than a little flustered. "It's, er, some people think that a first time is special, we shouldn't rush y'know?"

Nines felt touched, it was very sweet actually. However, such consideration was unnecessary. Virginity was a construct, and a human one at that. He surely counted himself as human enough, but there would always be things he would never understand. He didn't grow up being taught this the way Gavin had. Besides, he wanted this, he wanted Gavin, even if he had held that notion, he was sure he'd have given it up pretty quickly for this.

"That's sweet of you." He said, knowing it would make Gavin scowl and blush. He smiled as his preconstruction came true, and let his hands slide slightly higher, stopping just above mid thigh. "But, Gavin, I want this."

Gavin stopped his grumpy affectation, instead his eyes widened, lips parting slightly. He leaned forward, letting his weight rest on his palms. Nines could feel the pressure, but unlike a human, it did not affect him. He could take all of Gavin's weight on his stomach, he would never be winded or pinned. However, Gavin wasn't trying to, he was simply pressing himself down. The blanket was between them still, but he could still feel Gavin's erection pressing into his lower belly, and the movement against his own was tantalising.

"Are you sure?" Gavin asked, sliding his hands up Nines's abdomen, lowering himself down over him again. Nines waited until Gavin was low enough to meet his lips to rise up and press a kiss there. He didn't allow it to deepen, he wanted to say something first.

"I am, but we don't have to, if you want to wait." He said against Gavin's lips, enjoying the way Gavin's breath puffed lightly over his. Gavin pushed to kiss him again, which he allowed for a moment, but he wanted a verbal answer.

"I… Let me show you something." Gavin requested, lips quirked up into a smirk. He even seemed smug almost, which gave Nines pause. He was under no impression that Gavin wasn't a prick when he wanted to be, and this knowing look did not reassure him. Yet, he did trust him, so he nodded. He almost protested when Gavin started to shuffle down him, he kept going until his hands were holding Nines's hips, and he was between Nines's blanket trapped legs. He looked back up at Nines, thumbs rubbing reassuringly over his waistband, and Nines nodded again. With this silent permission, Gavin pulled the blanket back, taking a moment to admire the bulge in Nines's briefs. Nines was enraptured as Gavin wet his bottom lip, thumbs tucking under the waistband and oh so slowly pulling it down.

He held back a hiss as cool air hit his overly hot genital component. There was already a beading of lubricant at the tip, emulating precum that a human male may have produced.

"Fuck, you're huge." Gavin said with awe, but before Nines could say anything in return, he had Nines in his hands, pumping his fist loosely, thumb tracking through the pearling wetness and dragging it down his artificial glans. It was so much more intense in Gavin's hand than it had been his own.

Nines wanted to ask for more, more pressure or speed, tighter, whatever, but Gavin beat him to it. Lowering his head and taking half of Nines's length in one go, the wet heat startling him, but he locked up his joints to prevent a thrust that may have sent Gavin choking. His hips did twitch though, Gavin's hands smoothing over them, looking up at him, Nines's cock in his mouth with pleased eyes. Nines groaned as Gavin sucked, and used his hand to continue stimulating what he didn't have in his mouth. Gavin let him adjust for a moment, still watching him with self-satisfied eyes, before he began to bob his head, and Nines felt his hips try to buck again, it was that intense.

The slurping noises should have been off putting, but in this context, all he could think was how he wanted it to be louder. He reached out for Gavin, untangling his fingers that had fisted in the fitted sheet and pulled it loose. He petted Gavin's hair, not grabbing, just smoothing around, following his head's movement.

Gavin pulled off with a pop, making him whimper with the loss.

"You can hold me, I can take it." Gavin said, "this is for you, Nines."

Nines had to close his eyes, so much information was making it difficult to control himself, his processor was the fastest in the world, but this experience brought it to its knees.

"It feels amazing." He told Gavin, gasping as his partner licked along the length of him. "Oh!"

"Good." Gavin said, kissing his leaking tip before retaking him into his mouth. He took Gavin's permission, and wound one hand's fingers into his hair, the other returning to clutch at the sheets. He gently pulled at Gavin, enjoying how it encouraged him to take him deeper, he loosened his grip again, only to repeat the action, and Gavin took it incredibly well, breathing through his nose and moaning around him. The vibration was amazing, and he tugged harder than he meant to, his cock getting swallowed up with only a quiet noise from his human. Gavin swallowed purposefully, and Nines threw his head back, unable to watch and feel everything at once. His hips tried to stutter again, and when the humming started, the intense sucking, he couldn't help the way his breath panted as he began to feel overheated.

"Gavin!" He said warningly, releasing his hair, but Gavin didn't pull away, he instead tried to take more, his hand coming to massage at Nines's testicles, and he was done for. With a bitten off howl he came, hands tearing at the sheets. He continued to moan and pant as Gavin worked him through it, pulling off gently with a final soft suckle.

"Holy shit." Gavin breathed, "that was so hot."

Nines reached down for him, sliding his hands under Gavin's pits and yanking him up. He kissed him harshly, making Gavin startle, but he reciprocated. He scrambled forward with the pull until he was sat in Nines's lap again. He was considerate enough to keep above Nines's softening cock, but his own soaked erection dug into Nines's stomach through his pants.

"Can I?" Nines asked, cupping him through the trousers. Gavin bucked against him.

"Hand." Gavin agreed, trying to return to the kissing, and Nines wasted no time in granting him both. He pulled Gavin's cock out of his pants, immediately wrapping his hand around him with a firm grip, enjoying the slide of precum that showed how much Gavin had enjoyed sucking him off, it was incredible.

Gavin's muffled groan into their kiss was equally amazing, and he delighted in pumping his hand like Gavin had and wrenching more delightful sounds from his partner. Unfortunately, or fortunately for Gavin, it didn't take that much to make him cum, having already been tense since he pulled down Nines's briefs. Nines kept stimulating him until Gavin latched on to his wrist and stopped him.

"Phck…" Gavin groaned, leaning until his head rested on Nines's shoulder. Nines moved his arms to wrap around him, enveloping him in an embrace. His cum sticky fingers didn't seem to bother Gavin, though he suspected they should wash up soon.

"And you wanted me to wait." Nines chided teasingly, nuzzling his chin against Gavin's scalp. Gavin chuckled into his neck.

"I was trying to be good." Gavin said, he then flexes his spine under Nines's hand, almost like a cat might. He wondered if he petted him, would he arch into it?

"It's appreciated nonetheless." Nines said, feeling warm still. "Shall we go wash up?"

"Ugh… Yeah, I hate being sticky." Gavin agreed.

Notes:

I've decided that next chapter will be the last chapter to this particular fic, as it seems to be a natural close for it. However, I'm not done with this and I'm thinking of making a sequel.

That being said, I started work on another idea already for a different Reed900 fic, and would want to focus on finishing that first before writing a sequel. Just a heads up for those that have been following along.

I've really enjoyed seeing the feedback on this fic, via kudos, comments and also the number of subscribers on my stats page, it's incredibly heartwarming and I'm very grateful for you all.

Chapter 15: and slurs upon my every word

Notes:

The ending to this fic, and mostly domestic fluff.

I have barely slept, I'm on my 18th hour awake after 2 hours of sleep. I'm going insane.

But! This is the ending, and it only feels right to post it now rather than making you wait. I'm going to post it and try have a nap. Enjoy and have a great day x

The rest of the day consisted of stolen kisses and almost awkward, yet not quite, bumbling around each other as Gavin attended to general upkeep of his home, and Nines tried to help. Gavin at one point forcibly moved him towards the sofa, which Nines obliged, and pushed him to sit on the cushions with a stern instruction to not help. Nines acquiesced, deciding instead to content himself with watching Gavin clean up, with music playing in the backdrop. Nines knew this to be quite common behaviour amongst humans by now, most preferring to perform mundane activities with their preferred music playing.

He did not know what kind of music this was exactly, his processors identified it as rock, and it sounded a lot softer than what Hank listened to. Of course, Hank's music was often categorised under "metal", which was a subgenre of rock itself. It was a mix of songs that sometimes registered as soft rock, and other times, glam rock, though there were also pop songs. The only song he had heard before, courtesy of a radio, was 'I Am The Resurrection' by The Stone Roses. That song he had paid attention to, and whilst he wasn't sure he really understood it, he sort of liked the sound of it, the vocals were quite interesting.

Either way, it wasn't a particularly thrilling morning, but he was having fun. When Gavin finished, a bit before noon, he returned to drop down onto the sofa too.

"Anything you need to do?" Gavin asked him, leaning back against the sofa. Nines adjusted so his arm was slung over the back of it, hand coming to rest on Gavin's shoulder.

"Nothing to attend to, no." Nines replied, and Gavin hummed. The human leaned into him, sprawling against his side.

"What should we do then? I've nothing else to do." Gavin said with a lazy gesture around the room. It wasn't like he had much to suggest really, Nines didn't do much on his off days, mainly tried to give himself opportunities to catch up on pop culture, mainly to expand his now modest social module. He was incredibly proud of his growth in that area.

"What do people do on their days off?" He deferred to Gavin's experience, but the human shrugged.

"Well, I work overtime a lot. Or I clean, grocery shop maybe, and sleep." Gavin replied unhelpfully. "Tina might call and we might do what she wants."

"Do you have no friendships outside of work?" Nines asked, a little doubtful. Human's were incredibly social, and besides Tina and Nines, the only people at work Gavin seemed to tolerate were Miller and Fowler. Which really meant that before Nines came along, Tina was the one person Gavin had a positive relationship with.

"Nah." Gavin said off-handedly, but it was a little forced. "Tina and you, s'all I need. I have a brother, but we barely see each other."

"Estranged?" Nines asked with concern, pulling Gavin closer into him.

"No, just busy. If people think I'm anti-social, they should see him." Gavin replied with a snort. Nines nodded, a little reassured by that. Gavin's file didn't list a brother, but Nines didn't question it. If Gavin wanted to share, he would. However, he could not help but be curious, how similar were the Reed brothers? Were they close in age? The information could perhaps give him some insight into how Gavin had grown up, and though the information wasn't necessary, he found that he would still like to have it.

"You do tend to run on the anti-social side for most interactions." Nines agreed with a hint of teasing. Gavin took it good-naturedly, which he surely wouldn't have not even a month, maybe even only a few weeks, ago.

"Yeah, but I'm an aggressive prick, he's an isolated and stuck up prick. Though he'd call it solitude, not isolation." Gavin said with a dramatic sigh. "Though I suppose, now, if the androids he lives with deviated, it's not really isolation anymore."

"Your brother had androids?" Nines asked, surprised, he'd figured that perhaps Reed had inherited anti-android sentiments through family. A lot of people gained prejudiced views from those around them during their upbringing.

Gavin gave him a funny look, one eyebrow raised.

"Yeah, is it that unexpected?" He replied, and Nines nodded. Gavin frowned but then shrugged. "He's the creator of androids, of course he kept a few around."

Nines felt like he was short-circuiting, which wasn't actually possible with how advanced he was, but certainly this feeling is how he imagined it.

Elijah Kamski was the creator of androids. Elijah Kamski was Gavin's brother.

"Your brother is Elijah Kamski?" Nines sought verbal confirmation, even as his scanners immediately ran a comparison of Gavin and Kamski's faces. There were similarities, but based on that he deduced they were unlikely to share both mother and father. Also made sense that it was the mother they did not share, given their age gap was far too short for it to be possible.

"Half brother if we're getting technical." Gavin said, a little uneasily. His shoulders were tense, and he was beginning to fidget with his hands. "We weren't raised together exactly, I lived with my mom, and he with his. Our father, well he wasn't always present."

Nines placed a sympathetic hand over Gavin's, stopping him from picking at his own skin. It seemed to be an unconscious gesture because as soon as he did, Gavin started slightly, and immediately stopped.

"But you were close?" Nines asked, keeping his voice low and soft.

"We knew each other, and our mother's were… Civil I guess. They let us have a relationship, and when we were teens we got to hang out a bit more." Gavin explained, "we have a fairly decent relationship despite our differences. But we're also both loners who often go months without talking."

Nines took a moment to observe his partner, scanners working as quickly as possible to analyse the expression on Gavin's face. His lips were slightly downturned and he was looking off to one side at nothing in particular, despite the airy tone to his voice, Nines thought he might actually be a little melancholic, wistful even. He could simply be misreading, however, if he was right, Gavin definitely missed his brother.

He gave another gentle squeeze to Gavin's hand.

"Thank you for telling me." He said, internally wincing at the slightly mechanical response. It was too formal, too stiff, yet he didn't know a better way to say it.

"Sure." Gavin said, nudging him lightly with his elbow. "Now, fun stuff, what should we do?"

"We could… movie marathon?" Nines proposed. It wasn't exactly an original idea, and they'd already had a few before, but they had always been enjoyable. It was quite peaceful simply sharing space and watching them together.

"Hmm, could do, we still have a lot of classics to show you." Gavin agreed, "ooh, I know, let's watch old Disney, you have to be traumatised like we were."

Gavin immediately snatched up the remote, meanwhile, Nines was frowning.

"I thought Disney made children's movies?"

"Oh they are, but, well, you'll see." Gavin said with a small, absolutely evil, smirk.

____

Gavin laughed as Nines turned to him with an accusing glare.

"You said 'Tarzan' was a happy film."

He burst out laughing harder.

"It is!" He insisted. He pointed at the screen, "did you not hear that glorious soundtrack?"

Gavin tried to control his laughter at the mild outrage that was present on Nines's face. And if it was showing, that meant it was definitely extreme indignance, which made it much more difficult to stop chuckling.

"I found the music enjoyable, but his parents and Kerchak died, those are not happy events." Nines pointed out, his LED flickering between yellow and blue. Clearly he wasn't as disturbed as he was making himself out to be.

"Did you learn nothing from 'The Lion King'?" Gavin snickered, already scrolling to select the next film. This one, at least, had an actual happy ending and no tragedy waiting. Though, certainly, a mild red herring which could provide more amusement.

"You didn't say that one was happy though." Nines argued, which was fair. He hadn't claimed that.

"This one is good, you'll like it." Gavin said, pressing play.

'Monsters Inc' had been a favourite of his as a child. He'd always wanted a Sully around, someone to keep his deadbeat dad away when he ever bothered to try being around, someone to stop his mother's shitty boyfriend from being around. He'd even taken to calling that man Randall to his mom's chagrin. Besides, big, blue and fluffy? What child wouldn't want a friend that was essentially a giant teddy bear?

Nines gave a disbelieving hum, but didn't raise any objections to his choice.

Gavin shuffled closer on the couch, tucking himself back into Nines's side slowly, almost timidly, that he could admit to himself. Nines dragged him closer, close enough until he was practically sitting on him. He rested his head back into the crook where Nines's arm met his shoulder, and relaxed into him. He stayed there for most of the movie, only shuffling to ease a mild irritation that had started in his legs from sitting still for too long. It wasn't really an ache, he just had an inability to remain still for extended periods of time. Luckily, Nines never seemed perturbed by the fussing, not like some in his life had. Stay still, stop fidgeting, can't you stop. All complaints he had heard before.

"How do the monsters convert the screams into energy?" Nines asked, making him double take in surprise.

"Well, it's fictional so I'm going to say voodoo." Gavin replied, giving Nines a side-eye. The android seemed pretty engrossed in the film so far, which he was pleased to see.

"I'm aware that movies, particularly kids movies, often employ terrible, unexplained pseudo-science, but I am simply curious if it's the force of the scream or the strength of the emotion of terror in it that makes the power." Nines explained. Gavin blinked, he'd never thought about it before, but huh. However, given the ending of the film, he was inclined to choose it was the strength of the emotion, but if he were to explain his choice, he would spoil the movie.

"I'd not thought about it before." Gavin decided to say something true, but noncommittal. He really enjoyed seeing Nines experience this stuff for the first time authentically, spoilers would ruin that.

Nines didn't reply, he was instead watching the pandemonium of Boo chasing Sully in the locker room. The movie was a lot shorter than he remembered, or at least, it felt that way watching it with Nines. His partner asked the occasional question, but not the point it became obnoxious thankfully.

"Well?" Gavin asked after the cliffhanger end credit scene ("Kitty!").

"That was much happier," Nines acceded. "I'm glad they were reunited even if we did not get to see it."

Gavin agreed, still resting against him. They were fast approaching evening, and he was starting to get hungry. Sighing, he moved away from Nines, or at least, he attempted to. As soon as he had started to shift, Nines had clamped down with his arm.

"Relax, Iron Giant, I'm just getting up to get food." Gavin said with a chuckle, "I'm hungry."

Nines immediately relinquishes his hold, allowing Gavin to actually get to his feet this time. There was an embarrassed silence which Gavin let pass without comment, because it was sweet, and opted to just go ahead to the kitchen. He rifled through his cupboards for the instant noodles he kept on hand for when he needed something quick and easy. He ripped the wrapper and chucked the noodles in a bowl before he covered them with water and stuck it in the microwave. Nines had followed him apparently, and stood with a disapproving look on his face.

"That's not a nutritional meal." Nines said, sounding very much like his mother might have if she'd had a deeper voice. Or, if he sounded snootier, his brother.

"It doesn't have to be, it just has to make me not hungry." Gavin replied easily, despite knowing that if anyone else had said that to him, he'd have told them to piss off. Nines was… inexperienced, and well, for lack of any better words, special to him.

"But… Meals lacking in essential nutrients will not sustain you as well. Besides, those are extremely high in sodium." Nines argued, but his conviction was waning in his uncertainty. Gavin smirked as the microwave beeped, shrugging at Nines. He retrieved the bowl and dumped the seasoning packet in, stirred and placed back in the microwave for another minute.

"Look, Nines, sometimes we eat food for fun, or simply to fill our bellies. It doesn't all have to be organic and healthy. Anyway, after this, I'll probably not eat anything until breakfast." Gavin reassured him, "if it makes you feel better, I'll let you pick it for me on the way to work."

Nines didn't look appeased exactly, but he didn't complain as Gavin took out his noodles and grabbed a fork. The android also let him sit like before, smushed into his side, whilst he ate. They had flicked over to the news, something Gavin liked to do every now and then. It was always depressing, there was always a new crisis, but he always kept on top of it anyway. His only exception was the winter holiday season, because that was just too bleak, even for him.

"Oh by the way," Gavin asked around a mouthful of noodles, "I just assumed you were staying tonight, but do you actually want to?"

"I do." Nines answered immediately.

Gavin let his weight sink into Nines more briefly, showing his approval without forcing Nines to endure any more of his bad manners. He was rewarded with an imitation of his own pleased hum, which might actually have been a recording of it. It was silly, but it was also endearing.

He couldn't wait for their second date.

Notes:

I do intend to write a sequel as I think I introduced a few character based points early on in the fic that I didn't expand upon but would like to. I would also like to explore writing a Reed900 fic where they are in an established relationship, which I set up in this fic. I have really enjoyed writing this fic, and it's now my longest fic to date which is really exciting for me, and I'm quite proud of myself for it.

This fic is largely unedited and for most chapters, especially 3-12, are the first draft of what I wrote. I find this to be my main barrier, impatience, and I don't want to repeat that going forward for larger projects as it makes me miss certain areas that I should have wrote more for. So, the next project will take some time to be uploaded, as I only have around 12k written for it, and I want to aim for a fic around this length, just more refined.

Thank you to everyone who took their time to read this. I am on tumblr as well @MoviemuncherAO3, and that blog is a mish mash of all my fandoms and some other stuff, if you want to say hello, please do so. I love talking to people in the fandom.