Chapter Text
„Gavin. I'm nervous.“
It was the first thing that had come out of the Androids mouth all day and Gavin wasn't surprised that it had been these specific words right in that order. They were currently sitting in an autonomous car. Moving closer and closer towards one of the Cyberlife stores closest to them. Nines had taken hold of Gavins hand during the ride and by now the detective was sure all blood had been cut of from the limb. He didn't mind as much as he probably should.
„I know.“ He had nothing reassuring left to say. They had talked about it a lot once Nines had become comfortable living with Gavin.
It took three months for Nines to fully relax in his new home. But after that, progress had started to speed up. Curiousity was a thing all living beings possessed. And Nines was no exception. The outside world had a certain thrall to it that slowly ate away at Nines worries and fears. Gavin tried to stay out of this development as much as he could. He wanted the Android to experience things at his own pace and he knew his own impatient ass wouldn't be able to hold back once he started meddling.
It started with little things. Nines asking him to take walks with him. Shy kisses stolen in the early mornings. Nines got more and more invested in the world around him, exploring the internet on his own. Gavin could still clearly remember the day when Nines greeted him excitedly after a hard day of work and told him about how he had went to a grocery store on his own.
Another huge leap of faith had been introducing the shy Android to Connor and Co. The first time had been a disaster. Nines had been deathly afraid of Sumo and had found his hiding spot behind Gavin, while Connor had tried to lure him out with reassurances and little stories. Over time things had settled, though. And now the two detective Androids sometimes even took Sumo out together.
With Nines growing more confident by the hour it was no surprise that he soon wanted to contribute to society. Long discussions followed analysing Nines' interests and the current job market until the newest RK unit timidly admitted to wanting to join Gavin and Connor on the team.
Which led them to now, stepping out of the car to meet with Connor and Hank in front of the store. Because of course the old bastard had immediately decided to adopt Nines as his second son. The lieutenant didn't outright admit it. But it showed in the softening of his gaze, the friendly touches and overprotective attitude.
Connors smile was bright enough to turn people blind. „Nines! How are you?“
„I'm nervous.“ Another squeeze that made Gavins hand go numb. „But determined.“
„Good. There is nothing to worry. They'll just look you over and will tweak some of your features if needed.“
As Connor led Nines into the store Hank and Gavin fell back a little. Hank grinned as Gavin rubbed his hand to try and get some feeling back into it. „You sure this is the right thing to do?“
„Hm? What do you mean, old man?“
„Don't you think he is a little too soft for the world of crime?“
Gavin had lost countless of hours asking that himself question, too. And then added some by talking it out with Nines. „Maybe. But he wants to try. He feels like he is built for it and honestly, he has great observation skills and a lot of empathy for others. That's not exactly a bad thing to have in our line of work.“
„Still...He is so easily scared.“
„Yes. And yet he ventures out on his own, even seeks confrontation now, when he thinks its needed. As I said. Maybe in a few weeks he will find that he doesn't like the job after all. But I'm not going to tell him to not try. Will you?“
Hank shook his head sighing. „Of course not.“
Hank and Gavin waited anxiously for the two Androids to come out from the backroom of the store. Gavin itched to just force his way to Nines. Not knowing how his partner was doing was killing him. Hank bravely distracted him with some banter and some juicy gossip from around the bullpen. And then – finally – the two Android emerged again.
Nothing seemed to be different. The two artificial brothers just grinned from ear to ear.
„Everything is taken care of now and paid for. How about we all go back to Hanks and enjoy the rest of our day off?“ Connor requested in such a creepily cheerful tone that Gavin was close to hide behind Nines this time.
„Okayyy. Now what did they do to you, tin can?“ Gavin prodded Nines arm. He had decided that hiding might have gotten him teased, but pressing into Nines' side to pester him would seem natural. And it put a body between him and Connor.
„Oh, nothing much. They recalibrated my voice box, so I can adjust my volume. And they gave me an update package with all the features compatible with the RK series.“
„Wait, they improved your voice box? But you're still as quiet as a mouse!“
There was a moment of silence, where Gavin squinted up at his Android companion suspiciously. And then, without warning, Nines tilted his head back, opened his mouth wide and screamed. Really screamed. Gavin was so surprised that he stumbled back several steps, heart jumping all over itself. A few people looked over to them in annoyance, while Connor snickered in his hands. Hank just shook his head as any disappointed father would. And yet his lips, too, had quirked up a little.
Only Gavin didn't see the humour in it.
„Fuck Nines! You can't just do stuff like that! Holy shit you nearly gave me a heart attack!“
„Sorry.“ Nines said, apology proofing to be fake given the fucker was grinning like the devil.
While Gavin quitely grumbled about mean Androids and horrible manners he inwardly relaxed. Nines would be fine now, he was sure. And as a hand smoothly slid into his and gave a firm squeeze a flutter of pride filled his chest. The adoption process had taken longer than expected, but damn had it been worth it.