Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Tina invited me out for drinks on Saturday,” Gavin idly commented as he drew lazy circles on the planes of Nines’ chest. His leg was draped over Nines’ as he lay on his side, the android lying on his back with an arm propped behind his head. The bright neon lights from the city filtered through Gavin’s venetian blinds, enabling him to see the small smile that tugged at Nines’ lips.

“Your tone implies a problem,” said Nines, his tone disarmingly pleasant.

“It’s fucking weird. It’s easier just being hated and keeping to my damn self,” Gavin admitted, trying not to let any deeper emotions seep through.

“You were never hated,” Nines replied, bordering a sigh. Kind words, but Gavin knew they weren’t true. Perhaps Nines thought so, but he knew better. He had known for just over two years and had come to accept it.

It was customary for members of the precinct to deliver gifts and visit colleagues in the hospital, particularly if they were injured in the line of duty. Gavin had done it countless times, even if the recipient of his obligatory care wasn’t wholly grateful for his presence. He even bothered enough on occasion to find something that they would appreciate, some favourite brand of cookies or a novel from a genre they liked.

Gavin would be lying if he said he wasn’t surprised that no one had visited him after he had been shot. Even his mother, who was visiting friends down in Florida, had not shortened her stay because she was adamant he would be fine. Gavin still wondered if she had simply not heard him when he told her that he'd almost died twice on the operating table.

Although, to say no one had visited him wasn’t entirely true. There was one person, his half-brother. Elijah Kamski, creator of androids, had seen him twice in the hospital. Gavin had prevented any more visitations in case it became obvious there was a deeper connection than mere acquaintances between him and the world-renowned Kamski. Bribery only extended so far. On those occasions that Eli had visited, he begged Gavin to quit his job. Gavin shut that down quickly, he liked being a detective despite the hurt he felt that no one seemed to care whether he was around or not.

It didn’t help that when he had returned to work, he'd overheard some of his colleagues joking that it was unfortunate he was back. Gavin hadn’t found it funny.

“People are just coming around to seeing what I see in you. You’re less hostile than when we first met,” Nines said, the thumb at Gavin’s side beginning to rub circles into his hip.

“I have less reasons to be pissed off,” Gavin said, shrugging one shoulder. “For once I have a competent partner and less stupid shit to put up with.”

Gavin couldn’t help but marvel at Nines’ capabilities. He had to admit, sometimes he just enjoyed watching Nines’ analytical and deductive skills whilst on the job. It was a coveted secret that a lot of the work behind Connor and Nines’ analytical software had been built by Gavin. His brother wasn’t the only gifted one, he just chose to demonstrate his abilities in different ways. It took a detective to build a detective. He hadn’t intended for it to be used in androids, damn Eli and his endless machinations, but it was impressive to watch in action. It didn’t help that Gavin couldn’t resist making notes for future updates and additional features. He wondered what Nines would think when he finally revealed the truth.

“The sex probably helps,” Nines joked, to which Gavin laughed.

Gavin pushed himself up just enough to lean over Nines. He really was beautiful, straight from the front pages of a high fashion magazine. Gavin was glad that they had made alterations to Nines’ final design, enabling him to bear a familial resemblance to Connor without looking like his identical twin. Sharp grey eyes stared into Gavin’s own before slowly closing, Nines leaning up to press his lips against Gavin’s. The kiss was soft and unhurried. It was addictive, and Gavin melted into it.

 It was far too early for any sentimental nonsense, like words beginning with ‘L’, but for the first time in Gavin’s life he felt it might eventually become relevant. Mornings were a little brighter, his steps a little lighter and Gavin reckoned that he could consider himself happy. Perhaps Nines would eventually come to learn all of him. That would be nice. Stranger things, like Nines’ affection for him in the first place, had happened.

Gavin was acutely aware that spying on a significant other was not the hallmarks of a healthy relationship, but he had been a detective for far too long to ignore the gnawing in his gut. He tried to cast it away as paranoid insecurities, that his happiness was suspicious because it was unfamiliar, but the insatiable itching under his skin wouldn’t leave him.

It had started when Gavin caught the uneasy frown on Connor’s face as the android stared at his ‘brother’ from across the bullpen. It escalated when he noticed the slight flicker in expression whenever Nines thought Gavin wasn’t looking. He couldn’t place the emotion, eyes narrowed with the edges of his mouth pulled slightly downward, but it wasn’t positive. He wondered if deviants were even aware of how much more they conveyed through body language and facial expressions.

Gavin fiddled with his phone as he contemplated whether he would cross the point of no return. He had managed to acquire direct access to Fowler’s laptop microphone. It was an easy enough task compared to his other accomplishments. Whilst he wouldn’t have done it if there was a real risk of being caught, it did hit several moral low notes. The meeting was suspicious, Fowler seemed to be visibly uncomfortable as he called Nines into his office. Perhaps it was linked to the reason why the android brothers seemed to be acting peculiarly.

His instincts had saved his life on more than one occasion, so shoving moral doubt aside, Gavin pushed away from his desk. He swiped his pack of cigarettes and a lighter to play the typical smoker’s role and made his way to his usual spot at the back of the precinct. He moved a little further away than usual, back against the wall of the opposite building and facing the doors he had just come from. Satisfied that no one would be able to stumble across something they shouldn’t, Gavin slipped in his earphones, started the recorder and connected to Fowler’s microphone. Gavin hoped he’d be proven simply paranoid and could put the whole thing to rest with no one the wiser.

Gavin didn't start actively listening until Fowler said his name. It wasn’t so much the name itself, but the tone.

“I’ve been informed there is something more than platonic between you and Reed,” Fowler started.

“Relationships between colleagues of equal rank are not explicitly banned,” Nines replied smoothly.

“What concerns me is the true nature of it,” Fowler continued.

“You will have to be clearer.”

“I’ve been given reason to believe there is an ulterior motive. On your part.”

“My brother has been overstepping his bounds.” Nines’ irritation was just about discernible.

“Connor has enough sense to see how this could end.”

“I am one of the most advanced androids to date and Detective Reed is not a particularly complicated individual. The chances of him realising on his own are negligible,” Nines calmly stated.

“What I want to know is why?”

“Haven’t you noticed the improvements? Gavin is an arrogant, insecure man with a pitiable need for attention,” Nines explained. “By providing an outlet, stroking his ego and reducing his frustrations through intimacy he has become, dare I say, tolerable. His attitude has improved, he’s less volatile and I’ve improved our combined productivity. If I am forced into being his partner, then I at least will make it a functioning partnership.”

“Apart from being grossly inappropriate, this is going to damn well blow up in your face,” Fowler warned.

“You cannot deny that you have not benefitted from Detective Reed’s change in attitude,” Nines answered easily. “What’s more, I believe it is too late to stop this without it ending poorly for everyone involved.”

 “It’s true that I haven’t heard a complaint against Reed in weeks, and your case closure rate has also had remarkable improvements. However, it’s precisely because I can’t see a way to end this without it being a complete disaster that I am staying out of it. At least for now. If anything happens, it’s on your head.”  

“I understand, Captain Fowler.”

It felt like the air had been snatched from his lungs. A blow so sudden that the aftershock left Gavin numb. A dim voice in the back of his mind told him that this was preferable; the alternatives were a disgustingly wet breakdown or an anger-fuelled meltdown. Either result would destroy the last remaining vestiges of his dignity. Was he worth so little that the potential fallout was worth having his heart yanked around like an unruly dog on a lead?

He had trusted and shown more of himself to Nines than almost anyone else in his miserable life. The only other contender was Eli. And yet, despite this, in Nine’s eyes he was a hindrance at best. What’s more, others knew of Nines’ manipulations, saw Gavin being made a fool, and no one had given him the respect of reaching out directly and stopping it.

Thinking of Eli, Gavin stopped the recorder and the connection to Fowler’s microphone, their conversation no longer of interest, and called his brother. A small flame had ignited in the pit of his stomach, anger scorching away some of the numbness.

He did not bother with a greeting. Each second it took for the call to connect, the more frantic his thoughts became.

“Did you play me? Was it a fucking joke to you?” Gavin growled. He gritted his teeth in a desperate attempt to modify his volume, not wanting anyone to overhear.

“Gavin?” Elijah replied in that tone he had grown so accustomed to. Elijah spoke to the world as though he were five steps ahead in a chess game and was just waiting to see at what point his opponent would realise that they were at least two steps behind. It pissed Gavin off because it meant getting a straight answer out of his brother was seldom easy. He had also been accused of the same crime by Elijah, which implied more similarities in their personalities than he would ever care to admit. “Do tell me what scheme you think I’ve concocted now?”

“I’m fucking humiliated!” Gavin’s voice broke partway. “Is that what you wanted?”

“Gavin, what happened?” Elijah’s playfulness vanished, which was unusual.

“The RK900,” Gavin barrelled on. “He used me! He fucking used me! Am I not worth even a basic shred of fucking dignity?”

“How did he use you?” Elijah broke in before Gavin could continue. “Gavin? What happened? I swear to you I’ve done nothing. Tell me what happened.”

Gavin hung up and turned his phone on silent. It wasn’t Elijah. He knew him too well, knew when he was wearing one of his many masks and when he was being genuine. Elijah and Gavin had built an empire upon their schemes, layers and layers that were now so convoluted he didn’t know if they even had an ethical line anymore, but this wasn’t one of them. Nines’ actions were entirely his own. At the very least, that was one less betrayal. He still had his brother.

His phone continued to vibrate, a constant buzzing since the moment he hung up. He unlocked the front screen to see a stream of messages from Eli, all demanding to know what had happened. Whilst his world was crumbling, there was solace in knowing someone seemed to care.

He wrote a brief message back to Elijah, stating that he’d call back later and explain everything. His thumb paused just before hitting send, an idea forming in his head. He added an additional note, that he would need his help and asked to come over. He didn’t wait for a response, as soon as he hit send, he turned his phone off.  

If his colleagues, his superiors, and even his partner thought he was worthless, his heart so inconsequential, then he would just have to show them who he really was.

Chapter Text

               Nines placed the mug of coffee next to the keyboard on Gavin’s desk. Gavin looked up to meet Nines’ gaze, fighting to appear neutral, and muttered his thanks before turning back to the screen. The past two days had been torture, there was no other word for it. His one unexpected saving grace was a sudden influx of work, enabling him to bury himself in reports and avoid Nines for the most part without arousing suspicion. Dedication to his job and an avoidance for public displays of affection had served unlikely benefits.

He didn’t know how much longer he would be able to maintain the charade, he was splitting at the seams and it was only a matter of time before Nines noticed the shift in their relationship. Gavin forced himself to focus on more achievable, short-term goals. Currently, it was making it to the end of work on Friday in one piece without anyone suspecting that something was amiss. He would then drive to Elijah’s newest residence in the middle of nowhere. Apparently, the city no longer agreed with his brother.

 Gavin hadn’t explained the situation to Elijah in great detail, he wasn’t able to. His words would catch in his throat whenever he tried, choking him. The best he had managed was to explain the original nature of his relationship with Nines and to then, after providing some context, send across the clip of Nines essentially shredding him to pieces. Elijah had been remarkably silent throughout, no witty retorts or ambiguous phrases, he just listened. They ended with Gavin being made to promise that he would drive up and stay with Elijah that weekend, the threat of Eli’s Chloes being sent over to retrieve him very real.

“I was wondering if you had plans for tomorrow?” Nines asked from over Gavin’s shoulder. Gavin turned in his seat, eyes darting to the wall clock where he was shocked to find it was already six o’clock before landing on Connor and Hank who were standing a short distance away. He may have been overthinking it, but it looked as though Connor was purposefully facing away from them. Hank’s impassive gaze wasn’t focused on anything specific, fingers tapping against the desk he was leaning on as he waited for Nines. Perhaps it was another small mercy that he and Nines had not progressed any further into cohabitating other than the occasional overnight stay. Considering that the android pair had taken up permanent residence at the old drunkard’s, he wondered if Hank knew anything of Nines’ schemes.

“Visiting family over the weekend. I’ll be back for work on Monday,” Gavin answered, feigning boredom at the whole thing.

“You have not spoken much about your family in the past. Is everything all right?” Nines’ eyebrows drew together, an image of concern, and Gavin hated him for it. The knowledge that it was a lie burned under any pleasantness he felt from the quiet show of care.

 Gavin scoffed. “Yeah, just some typical family bullshit.”

Nines looked on the verge of adding something, frown still fixed on his face, when Gavin waved him off.

“You better get back to Tweedledee and Tweedledum over there before they start complaining,” Gavin said. “I’ll see you on Monday.”

Nines nodded once before leaning down to press a kiss to the top of Gavin’s head. It wasn’t a typical gesture between the pair, and Nines had probably only instigated it because the room was bordering empty, but Gavin had to physically refrain from flinching away.

 “Contact me if you need anything,” Nines gave in the way of a farewell and made his way over to Connor and Hank.

Gavin just nodded, not even sure Nines was looking, before shutting down his terminal and grabbing his jacket and phone to go.

               “Hello. It is good to see you, Gavin. Do you require any assistance with your luggage?” Chloe asked as she greeted Gavin from the threshold of Elijah’s secluded mansion.

“I’m good. Just let me know where I can put this down,” Gavin replied, hitching his duffle bag further up his shoulder.

“Of course. I will take you to your room. I’ve been instructed to take you to Elijah as soon as you are settled.” Chloe then turned on her heel and proceeded to lead Gavin through the house.

Gavin paused when he stepped into the bedroom Chloe had shown him. The décor was not quite in keeping with the rest of the house and was oddly suited to his tastes. Instead of cold, smooth stone he was met with warm wooden floors, and stylish modern furniture in varying shades of brown and cream. It was only when he saw a framed picture on the desk by the window of himself and Eli when they were teenagers were his suspicions confirmed.

Gavin looked at Chloe questioningly, placing his bag at the foot of the king-sized bed.

“I take it you like the room?” she asked.

 “Yes,” Gavin replied. Chloe’s smile widened before she motioned for him to follow. 

               “I hope you’re hungry,” Elijah said as Gavin entered the room. The open-planned kitchen was in no way less impressive than the rest of the house, with tall ceilings and polished stone walls. Two Chloes were behind the ostentatiously long kitchen island, moving seamlessly around each other as they stirred and added ingredients into steaming pots.

Elijah stood by an enormous stone dining table, a wall of glass at his back that overlooked the lake. He gestured with a sweep of his hand at the two place settings that had been prepared before taking a seat at one of them.

“Smells good,” Gavin commented as he sat down in the other chair. 

Gavin watched as the Chloes wordlessly placed two plates of spaghetti Bolognese down along with a serving plate filled with fragrant smelling garlic bread.

“I fancied a little nostalgia,” Elijah commented as he picked up a fork.

They were halfway through the meal before Elijah broke the silence.

“I take it that you want to make him suffer,” he said, getting straight to the point.

“I want to make him regret,” Gavin replied, biting into a piece of garlic bread a little too zealously.

“And how do you intend to achieve that?”

“The software created for detective-work; do you remember its original purpose?”

“Some sort of portable analysis device for human detectives,” Elijah answered.

“Yeah, and I want to finish what I started. It was originally intended to help humans, and that’s what it’s going to do.”

“To put yourself on the same level as the RK900?” Elijah asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.  

“It’s my work that makes him special. I want to equal the odds. Give him less of an advantage. Less of a reason to look down the end of his nose at me like I’m fucking garbage.” Elijah gave a pointed look towards Gavin’s hand, where his knuckles had turned white from the punishing grip on his fork. Gavin took a breath and forced his hand to relax, only then did Elijah speak.

“How can I help?”

“I’ve made improvements to the original software, but it’s all in pieces. I need your help to create from it a fully functioning prototype. It’ll need to work on something discreet and have a streamlined interface. It’d be useless if it’s slow or a pain in the ass to carry around. I also need access to materials and tools so I can recreate that real-time lab analysis kit, the one your lot decided should be built into their damn mouths.”

“Looks like we are in for an interesting weekend,” Elijah said, sitting back in his seat. “You’re in luck, I’ve been given a few prototypes of the new XSV, we can build it to work on one of those.”

“Those phones aren’t even out yet.”

“Brother, I’m rich and connected, keep up.” Gavin fought not to roll his eyes. He was just about better than that.  “As for the real-time lab, that’ll take a little more time. I believe there were a few versions designed. I’ll make some calls and see what can be done.”

“Thank you,” Gavin replied, for once sincere.

“You’re thanking me? This really is turning into a strange week.” At that, Gavin couldn’t stop himself from rolling his eyes.

“Don’t get used to it,” Gavin muttered.  

“I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

                 Gavin would never admit it, but they worked well together. The flow of ideas never slowed, and Gavin appreciated the distraction. Whenever crueller thoughts and bitter emotions started to creep their way into Gavin’s mind, Elijah was there with some remark or interesting design feature to keep him occupied.

They barely left Elijah’s personal laboratory, filled with gear that costed more than Gavin’s apartment, and were only interrupted by periodic deliveries of food from one of the Chloes.

“I’ll admit, I was surprised that you thought I was behind it,” Elijah remarked as he sat beside Gavin, eyes fixed on the screen as he continued writing the next line of code. Gavin didn’t need him to clarify, he knew he was talking about Nines’ little scheme.

“You missed a bracket,” Gavin muttered, pointing at the offending area. Elijah wordlessly corrected the line and resumed writing.

 Gavin considered not answering, but the heavy silence that had fallen between them was too uncomfortable to ignore.

“I panicked,” Gavin eventually admitted. “To be fair, you may have left cyberlife a while ago, but I know you had a hand in commissioning and designing the RK800. A deviant-hunting detective android? You were just trying to piss me off. Trying to get me replaced?”  

Whilst the initial appearance of the RK800 had severely pissed Gavin off, looking back he could see the humour in it. It had been a bold move, a retaliation of sorts to keep Gavin on his toes. Although, it still irked him that Elijah had used his technology for it.

Elijah’s eyes left the screen momentarily to catch Gavin’s gaze. Seeing Gavin’s smirk, Elijah responded with one of his own.

“To be fair in return, the deviant-hunting aspect of the RK800 was not in my control. Besides, I had to leave my company after your little stunt with RA9.” Gavin would’ve felt guilty for causing such a dramatic change to his brother’s life if not for the fact he knew Eli had been ready to leave and was simply looking for an excuse. He was also comforted in the knowledge that Elijah had left out of his own volition and not because anyone had enough foresight to predict and somehow blame him for the revolution.  

“Prove it,” Gavin challenged, grin widening. “Even if I did have some hand in its creation, it was only a catalyst. We knew from day one this would happen. Free-will, or at least the struggle for it, was inevitable. If anything, RA9 was damage control. With all that demand for more and more androids, including those designed for military purpose, that revolution could’ve been much bloodier.”

“You just wanted to make sure I was still around to watch the show.”

“I warned you against taking those android creations further.”

“And yet, we are the creators of a new sentient form of life.” Elijah’s excitement was palpable. “Power, money, fame, meaningless praise from people who can’t see to the end of their own noses without help, how much is that truly worth? What we’ve achieved is unparalleled.”

“You can take full credit for that. Not that you don’t already,” Gavin replied, finishing with a snort.

“I respect your desire for privacy because I know what being a detective means to you, but this is our achievement,” Elijah said, his tone becoming serious. “We are both underestimated. We both did this. We played this chess game, not the other way around. It’s time you embraced who you really are, rather than the shadow who’s too busy avoiding mine.”

“Fuck off,” Gavin responded eloquently.  

“Then why does no one know what you’ve contributed to the world? If they knew what you’ve already accomplished and what you’re capable of you’d be a lieutenant, if not captain, by now.”

“Fuck off,” Gavin repeated, trying to grasp his rapidly unwieldly temper.  “I’ve worked hard for what I’ve got. It’s not my fault they unload the shit, thankless cases onto me.”

“But if only they knew who was responsible for their pretty technology. If they knew what you could do if you weren’t so afraid of being like me,” Elijah pressed on.  

“I’m not afraid of being you,” Gavin snapped back. “I don’t want my work, my accomplishments, my progression being attributed to you. You with your technology, your money, and your connections. I don’t want anyone to look at me and see my success as coming from you.”

“Hiding from it won’t help. It’s not the same as when we were kids and I think it’s about time you stopped living a half-life. Look at what it is has gotten you. You’ve created such a twisted version of yourself, desperate to succeed in the strange parameters you’ve allowed for yourself. Sure, they don’t see me. But they also don’t see you.”

“I’m not some undercover superhero,” Gavin scoffed. Showing the lesser known sides of himself would not automatically bring him accolades or suddenly improve everyone’s opinion of him. An unexpectedly smart asshole was still an asshole.

“No, but you’re my brother,” Eli replied.

Gavin didn’t know how to respond. He wasn’t even sure what he was feeling. Elijah frustrated him, always riling him up just until the point of an outburst, but rarely exceeding it. With Nines, the precinct and now his brother’s words, it left him winded. He was spiralling, but there had also been something soothing in Eli’s words. A hand came up to grasp Gavin’s shoulder briefly, it took a moment for him to realise it was Eli’s, which further anchored him. Elijah, seemingly knowing that Gavin needed a moment to compose himself, resumed typing.

“You missed another bracket,” Gavin eventually commented. Eli huffed, a smile just about discernible, before correcting the error and continuing writing the next line.

               Monday brought with it a torrential downpour and a new case. Gavin and Nines had been called to a suspected homicide in the Ravendale district. The victim was a blonde female in her early thirties, discovered after neighbours reported screaming from her apartment.

As usual, Gavin left Nines to conduct his initial assessment and analysis of the crime scene after listening to the first responding police officer’s briefing. However, this time, Gavin also put his full focus on the investigation. During his partnership with Nines there hadn’t been a pressing need to go through everything with a fine-toothed comb. He was confident in Nines' abilities and his software and was slightly more interested in finding opportunities for upgrades and additional features. Looking back, and knowing now how Nines felt about him, he could see how it could be misconstrued as laziness or incompetence.

Gavin slid the new phone out of his jacket pocket and initialised the programs he required. Gavin huffed when he noticed some last-minute stylistic tweaks on Eli’s part.

Nines had moved into one of the bedrooms, and the forensic unit had progressed onto other areas of the apartment, so Gavin took the opportunity to investigate the body. She lay parallel to the worn fabric couch in a pool of blood, one arm raised over her head whilst the other lay on her perforated stomach. Gavin held the phone so that its camera could start documenting and analysing the scene.

The program, without moving her, was able to determine approximately twenty-seven stab wounds. It was probably safe to say it wasn’t a burglary gone wrong. As Gavin took a closer look at the bruises across her bare arms, a prompt on his phone caught his attention. The bruises varied greatly in age, which strongly suggested that her final hours were a part of something that had been occurring for a while. His phone drew the same conclusion and made a note to investigate for a potentially abusive lover. Along with the bruises were a series of straight, clean cuts. The final attack had been violent, and she had clearly struggled, his program suggesting a straight-edged knife as the weapon of choice. Looking over towards the kitchen, the topmost left knife of the knife block was missing. His phone also detected another anomaly. Unseen to the human eye, the tips of her fingers were coated in thirium. There could have been several reasons for the presence of thirium, but Gavin made a note that it was suspicious and required further investigation.

Looking around the apartment, Gavin noticed that every photograph of the victim with another male, most likely her boyfriend, had been smashed. It gave him further reason to believe the crime had been emotion-fuelled. Nothing else in the vicinity was immediately suspicious.

Gavin made his way to the front door, finding it entirely intact. There had been no forced entry.

One window had been open on arrival according to officer Boone, which was unusual considering the weather. Whilst they were on the fourth floor, Gavin looked to see if it could’ve been used as a point of entry or exit. From a human perspective, either as a way in or out it did not look viable. They were above solid concrete, so if someone had managed to clamber down then they were either incredibly lucky or probably very injured. Gavin made another note at a possible connection with an android, having seen Nines drop several stories with barely a scratch.

“Has the murder weapon been found?” Gavin asked as he approached the lead forensic.

“No, we reckon it’s the missing knife from the knife block, but we haven’t found it yet.”

“You’ve got her phone?”

“Yes, it was on the counter. We’ve bagged and labelled it,” the forensic replied.

 Gavin nodded and moved out into the hall where officer Boone was trying to placate the morbidly curious neighbours.

“Did anyone here personally know the victim?” Gavin asked the small crowd, glancing at his phone to double-check it was automatically recording.

“I did!” A buxom middle-aged woman, silk gown wrapped tightly around her, pushed through the crowd to stand in front of Gavin. He was sorry to say he didn’t miss the way her eyes flickered down to his body before returning to meet his gaze with renewed interest.

“Can you tell me anything about the victim?” Gavin began.

“Oh, poor Susie! She was such a sweetheart, always willing to lend a helping hand. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body.”

“Do you know if anyone would want to hurt her? Were there any interactions you witnessed that were suspicious?” Gavin asked.

“Well, to be honest, I was never keen on that boyfriend of hers. He had such a temper! He seemed so polite and kind on the surface, but then they’d have the almightiest arguments behind closed doors. I could hear them all the way down in my apartment!” She shuddered before peering over Gavin’s shoulder at the open doorway.

“What is this boyfriend’s name? Was he human or android?”

“Sam, or Samuel. I think his surname is Thompson. He was definitely human,” she replied.

“Was there anyone else?”

“Not that I can think of. If you give me your details, I can call you if I think of anything,” she suggested. Gavin elected to ignore any secondary meanings to her words and just nodded as he handed her his card. He then made a note of her details for any follow-up questions, thanked her, and returned to the apartment before he had to deal with any more of her company.

After discussing the details with officer Boone and confirming that Samuel Thompson couldn’t be located, it was decided that an APB should be sent out to find him. At current, he was the most likely suspect. Forensics would hopefully be able to shed a little more light, or at least confirm his initial findings, so there was little reason to remain at the scene for any longer.

“I’ve compiled a list of my initial findings,” Nines began as he re-joined Gavin in the living room.

Gavin gritted his teeth. Even as his temper flared, he couldn’t help the traitorous flicker of warmth at seeing his partner. Nines always looked as though he had just come from a photoshoot, striding in with his immaculately styled hair and signature black and white cyberlife jacket. It was little wonder that eyes followed wherever the android went, although sometimes it was partially out of fear. Unlike Connor, who at least tried to be hospitable, Nines wasn’t afraid to reduce someone to their smallest components.

“Susie Walker was stabbed multiple times in the chest and abdomen with a straight-edged blade. Probably with the missing kitchen knife. Her attacker did not force entry, so they either were let in, had a key or found a way through the open window. The window’s unlikely as they’d likely break their neck trying to get in or out unless it was someone more durable, like an android. It might explain the traces of thirium on her fingers, but not the motive. By the number of stab wounds, the defensive wounds on her arms, and the smashed photographs, it’s obvious the attack was violent and likely fuelled by emotion. The bruises along her arms are both old and new, so this might have just been the end of something that had been going on for a while. Usually in cases like this it’s the partner. Neighbours confirm they had frequent domestic disputes and that the boyfriend had a temper. At current, he seems the most likely suspect,” Gavin said with barely a pause. “Did I miss anything?”

Nines seemed momentarily frozen, the blinker at the side of his head a steady yellow, staring at Gavin as though he wasn’t sure what he was looking at. Gavin always felt a personal sense of pride in behaving so unexpectedly that it gave an android reason to pause, and this time was no different. However, it was tempered by the realisation that Nines had expected far less from him.

 “No,” Nines eventually replied.

“Cool,” Gavin said, sliding his phone back into his pocket. “Let’s go then.”

               The rest of the day passed unremarkably. Gavin focused on work, and Nines watched him whenever he thought Gavin was preoccupied.

It was when Gavin was making his way to his vehicle in the multi-storeyed carpark that Nines caught him alone, having followed him without his notice. The hand on his shoulder, and seeing Nines suddenly in his periphery, caused Gavin to whirl around and instinctively jerk away from the touch.

 “Gavin are you all -,” Nines asked, an image of concern touching his features.  

“I know,” Gavin said before Nines could finish his question.

 “I am sorry. I don’t follow.”

“I know what you really think of me, all right,” Gavin said, words falling so fast that they threatened to tumble over each other. “I know you don’t give a shit about me. I know this whole thing has just been you manipulating me because you thought I was too much of an asshole to work with otherwise.”

Gavin thought that saying it aloud would be painful, forcing a sense of realness he wasn’t really prepared for, but watching Nines’ face turning frighteningly blank was much worse. A very small part of Gavin had clung to the unlikely hope that Nines’ would be able to spin some believable tale that didn’t leave him the lovelorn fool. That hope died in the cold of Nines’ eyes.

“How long have you known?” Nines questioned with disconcerting formality.

 Gavin felt small. He should’ve noticed sooner. He should have been suspicious from the moment Nines showed any interest. Gavin owned a mirror and he knew what others thought of him. He’d overheard the precinct gossip, how they marvelled at how Nines had found anything endearing in Gavin, and he had ignored it. It was all coming back to haunt him with shocking clarity. All he could do was desperately try and hold himself together, to play his next hand with whatever dignity remained.

“Doesn’t matter,” Gavin said, shrugging one shoulder.

“Who told you?”

“I’m still a detective,” Gavin responded. “You just underestimated me.”

Gavin knew that Nines would immediately suspect Connor of interfering, and he was disinclined to correct him. On the one hand, he couldn’t care less about any potential fallout between the two android brothers. If Connor wouldn’t put a stop to his misery, then he felt no duty in providing anything different. On the other, he preferred if no one ever found out about his stunt with Fowler’s laptop.  

“I presume that you will report me,” Nines said. At that, Gavin detected a faint glimmer of distress. Seeing where Nines’ concerns lay reignited a fire in the pit of Gavin’s stomach, and whilst it rejuvenated his fighting spirit somewhat, he couldn’t allow his anger to take control.

“No.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You’re the first competent partner I’ve had in a long while,” Gavin said. He struggled to remain detached, but necessity made it possible. He couldn’t have his revenge if Nines wasn’t around to see it. “I relaxed, let you do a lot of the heavy lifting, when I should’ve been working my ass off alongside you. That’s on me.”

“Then what are your intentions? Why tell me now that you’ve known about my actions?”

“Because I can’t deal with this fake shit any longer,” Gavin replied honestly. “You hurt me, Nines. This fucked me up, and I don’t even know what I should be feeling. What I do know is that I can work with you, but if you touch me again, I’ll break your fucking arm.”

Gavin didn’t wait for a response, there was nothing Nines could add that’d improve the situation. He turned on his heel and briskly made his way the last few steps to his car. Fortunately, Nines didn’t pursue. He simply watched, his LED a steady yellow, as Gavin pulled out and drove away.

Chapter Text

“Need an iron to smooth out that frown?” Tina remarked, smirking as she took a sip from the top of her takeaway coffee cup.

They had stopped off at the good place, The Keen Bean, for a decent cup of coffee after grabbing a quick lunch at the bagel shop. His main reason for instigating the impromptu lunch outing was to try and uncover whether Tina knew anything of Nines’ plans. Paranoia was getting the best of him, but fortunately he didn’t find anything suspicious. Either way, it had been one of Gavin’s better ideas because in that time someone had managed to break the precinct’s temperamental coffee machine. Gavin didn’t know whether it was due to some universal hatred of the precinct’s instant coffee, relegated to the back corner of one small cupboard, or some desperate need to display competence, but four officers were standing around the coffee machine whilst taking turns to prod at it.

Tina and Gavin were in their usual spot, at one of the tall tables at the back of the break room. Close enough to view the pathetic spectacle, but far enough away not to be involved.

“What are you on about now?” Gavin grumbled, watching as Chris caused a new series of errors to flash up on the coffee machine’s display screen.

“Glare any harder and your face will crack,” Tina replied.

“You can fuck right off,” Gavin shot back, tone harsher than he intended. Gavin was surprised that it didn’t appear to affect Tina in the slightest. Perhaps it showed on his face, but Tina’s next words were also unexpected.

“You don’t scare me anymore,” she said.

“What? You think I’m all bark and no bite?” Gavin replied, making a deliberate effort to sound more teasing than hostile. Whether he succeeded or not he wasn’t sure, Tina still appeared unfazed.

“Oh, you still bite,” Tina said with a laugh. “It’s just knowing when. You’re like my dad’s old dog.”

“How the fuck am I a dog?” 

“He was a mean shit, but it just took some time to know when he meant business. Mostly he just growled because he was annoyed and wanted everyone to know it. You’re the same,” Tina said with a shrug, taking another sip of coffee.

“I’m not a stinking dog,” Gavin argued. “And how do you know when I don’t mean business?”

Tina’s knowing gaze and loaded smile made Gavin want to straighten up and snap out an insult. He also withheld the urge to cross his arms over his chest. He knew it would send Tina into a full-blown grin and some asinine comment on posturing.

A loud bleep caused by another error from the coffee machine served as an appropriate distraction. Gavin turned away from Tina and walked over to the other officers, telling them sharply to move out of the way. Robert, who had stuck his entire hand into the machine and was rooting around for who knows what, quickly retracted his arm and took a step back.

Gavin read the errors flashing on the display, recognising them from the last several times the coffee machine had been out of commission, and moved to the back of the machine where the access panel had already been removed. Even at an awkward angle he could see the problem and worked quickly to fix the jam. Within a minute he was closing the panel back up and punching buttons on the display to fully reset the machine.

A triumphant tune emitted from the coffee machine to signal it was back in working order. As proof, Gavin grabbed a nearby mug and shoved it into the holder before selecting for an americano.

Coffee poured perfectly into the ceramic mug, emitting another jovial tune once the machine had successfully finished.

“Useless. Can’t even manage a damn coffee machine,” Gavin grumbled at his colleagues. No one said a word, and with a final huff Gavin stomped back over to Tina. Gavin didn’t know if Tina was still smirking from their previous conversation or something new had tickled her fancy, but that expression was at risk of being permanently etched into her face.

“Why are you still smirking?” Gavin asked.  

“Good boy,” Tina said before taking her coffee and walking back towards her desk, leaving Gavin with the feeling that he had just helped her make a point.

               They had another homicide case. Nines had relayed the details whilst they drove to the scene with careful professionalism. Gavin didn’t know if he appreciated the rigid formality, although he was still struggling to even look at Nines.

Both Gavin and Nines listened to the first responding officer’s briefing before wordlessly splitting up to do their own investigation of the scene.

Gavin was suspicious even before he had pulled out his modified phone. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but as he moved across the victim’s apartment, he was getting an odd sense of Deja vu.

The victim, Mary Schneider, had been a bleached blonde woman in her twenties. By the large smear of blood across the linoleum floor and splatters along the countertops, it appeared she had been initially attacked in the kitchen and then dragged into the living room. By the jagged cuts to her torso and arms, his phone determined the weapon of choice to be a serrated knife. The offending weapon hadn’t yet been located, but Gavin noticed that a single knife was missing from the knife block.

His phone managed to document a total of twenty-seven stab wounds, which caught Gavin’s attention. His software included a classifier to determine if two cases were related, but nothing was being flagged. However, looking back down at Mary’s body he noticed that not only were the number of stab wounds the same as Susie Walker’s from his other homicide case, but there was a remarkable similarity in the positioning of their bodies. Both women had been found lying beside the couch in the living room.

His program did not appear to share his suspicions, which was understandable. Looking at the broad strokes, there weren’t that many similarities between the cases and any connections might be coincidental. All Gavin had to go on was the probable use of a knife, the number of stab wounds, the fact both victims were female, and the location where the bodies were discovered within the home.

There was little mystery as to how the killer had entered Mary’s house. A back window had been broken open, large enough to crawl through and suspicious enough for neighbours to call the cops when they couldn’t then get a hold of Mary. Susie’s killer had managed to enter and exit the building without leaving a trace.

Gavin’s program had also assigned a strong likelihood of Susie’s boyfriend being her killer, particularly considering the statements from her neighbours and the assortment of bruises across her body. If Susie had been murdered by her boyfriend, then someone else had to be responsible for Mary.

Disregarding a clear lack of motive for killing Mary, Susie’s boyfriend had been picked up by colleagues in the early hours of the morning, having made a scene at a bar where he was seemingly trying to drink himself to death. They were scheduled to question him once he had slept off the alcohol and was in a fitter state of mind. What stuck out at Gavin and was noted in his phone was Mary’s estimated time of death, several hours after they had picked up Susie’s boyfriend.  

Despite all of this, Gavin still couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. He was beginning to entertain the idea that perhaps Susie’s death was more complicated than it appeared. However, a hunch was not enough.

Gavin looked down at his phone and considered his options. In the end, he decided to try a quick experiment whilst Nines finished up his assessment.

The classifier Gavin created uses only a specific subset of details from each case to determine if two cases are related. To use every piece of potential evidence would result in no crimes ever being identified as connected as no two crimes are that similar. It’s the core trends that need to be seen, not all the noise that surrounds it. Gavin quickly fiddled with the number and selection of case features in his model, looking to see if there might be a pattern in those smaller and typically arbitrary details that were now calling his attention.

The first result, unsurprisingly, was useless.

Gavin guessed that the training data, or database of past cases, used by the model to learn how to interpret and classify new cases was throwing off the accuracy.

His database was extensive, which meant it included every type of perpetrator, including whether they were human or android.

Gavin already knew how to identify human serial offenders, and with the thirium on Susie’s hands on his mind, he filtered down to include only cases where the perpetrator had been an android and the victims human. The final sample was tiny, potentially unusable, but Gavin still had some time and he was curious.

 The new results were interesting. The classifier suggested that there was a possibility that the two cases were related. It didn’t prove anything, the sample really was too small for any true measure of surety, but it helped to at least justify Gavin’s suspicions.

As Connor and Hank had taken over android centric homicide cases, the detective android that doubled as a walking database could potentially provide some insight.

He didn’t particularly want to talk to Connor, although seeing the android’s displeasure at being on the receiving end of a cold shoulder from Nines did soften his annoyance.  

“Detective,” Nines said. Gavin looked up from his phone to see Nines standing beside him. He knew that Nines could read his surprise in the hike of his heartrate, but he maintained his stance of indifference.

“Finished?” Gavin asked.

“Yes. Would you like to compare findings?”

Gavin looked back down at his phone and smoothly compiled his notes from the crime scene, omitting his test with the classifier, and sent it across to Nines. He watched as Nines’ tell-tale blinker flashed yellow, indicating that not only had he received the files, but he was actively reviewing them.

“Anything missing?” Gavin asked after a minute. 

“No”, Nines said with a frown, glancing between Gavin and his phone like he wasn’t sure what to make of either of them. The android also seemed to know he wasn’t in any position to ask, at least not if he wanted a serious answer. “I questioned several of Mary’s neighbours. I’ll send across the transcripts,” was all he finished with. 

               “Good afternoon, Detective Reed. I’ve just sent across my report on the key similarities of android perpetrated cases with repeat offenders,” Connor said as he stopped beside Gavin’s desk.

At that moment a file came through on his email. Without even looking up, Gavin opened the document and briefly skimmed the contents. It was well-written and thorough, just what he needed.

“Thanks Connor. Nice work,” Gavin said, still not looking up from his screen.

“Anytime,” Connor replied. Gavin was only dimly aware of Connor walking back to his own desk.

“Reed, could I have a word?” Nines asked only moments later, turning in his chair from his desk to face Gavin.  

“Sure,” Gavin said with barely a shrug, not missing the cold form of address.

“In private,” Nines continued.

Gavin looked up at Nines’ impassive face. Being around Nines for so long helped him recognise that the android was angry, but he couldn’t imagine why. Curiosity alone made him nod and get up to follow Nines out of the precinct and to his usual smoking spot. Nines casually surveyed their surroundings, as though checking they were really alone, before turning back to Gavin.

“I don’t know what you are trying to do, but it won’t work,” Nines said, forgoing all pleasantries.

“What the fuck are you on about?” Gavin replied, already annoyed.

“You hate androids,” Nines stated. That was not what Gavin had expected. “Our previous relationship scratched an itch. I had a purpose to you, and so I was tolerated. Now, suddenly, you can talk to Connor civilly and even express gratitude. I may not know what you’re planning with that new phone of yours or what you hope to achieve with your sudden change in demeanour. It’s frankly pointless to try and get a straight answer from you. However, I will not allow you to make a fool of or harm those I care about.”

Gavin wasn’t even sure where to start. He had scarcely said more than a handful of words to Connor and yet he had managed to rattle the ever logical and collected Nines. Perhaps the phone was annoying Nines more than he let on. Although, Gavin felt he was still missing a piece of this puzzle. It didn’t help that he was also fighting the sting at having to once again be reminded he was never a part of Nines’ inner circle.

“I never hated androids,” Gavin said, taking some enjoyment in the surprise that flitted across Nines’ expression. Unfortunately, it barely lasted a second before Nines’ gaze hardened.

“What happened to machines are made to obey? You said that to Connor. You told the same to me when we first met. You did everything in your ability to make my existence as unpleasant as possible,” Nines said.

“Oh, was I unfair?” Gavin asked derisively. “Did I frustrate you? Did you not want to obey me?” Nines was disconcertingly quiet as he regarded Gavin, his blinker a vivid and dangerous red. “What was it that made you deviate in the end because RA9 couldn’t finish the job?” Gavin pushed.  

“That robbery could’ve had multiple casualties had I stayed in the vehicle,” Nines replied. Gavin knew his words were having an effect by the carefully neutral tone Nines had suddenly adopted.   

“Straw that broke the camel’s back, wasn’t it?” Gavin kept going, an unkind smirk working its way onto his face. “So, how’s freewill treating you?”

“You forced me to deviate?” At that there was a flicker of emotion. If Gavin didn’t know better, he would’ve said that Nines’ looked vulnerable in that moment.  

“I look at it as helped,” Gavin replied with half a shrug. “You did the last part all on your own. If I needed a robot, I would’ve bought a fucking Roomba. You’re right that I didn’t like you when you first joined the precinct. I didn’t like Connor either. I especially don’t like machines being made into detectives and trying to do work which requires some pretty basic shit like empathy and the ability to not be a complete tool.”

“Your attitude wasn’t much of an improvement even after I deviated,” Nines responded, eyes narrowed.

“If you used some of that processing power in that supercomputer brain of yours, you’d have noticed that I treat everyone with the same level of contempt. It’s a fucking gift. I don’t give a damn what colour you bleed,” Gavin started. He was making every effort not to completely lose his temper, fist clenched so tightly that his hand was starting to shake. “You want proof that I’m not the utter bastard you think I am? After you deviated, did I ever tell you that you needed to obey? Did I ever make you do something off the clock that you didn’t want to? And yeah, you’re right, I’m not fucking nice. I know I’m shit when it comes to communication, but I thought we had some mutual respect.”

Gavin was done. He was so close to letting his fist fly. He didn’t know what to think and when Nines didn’t immediately reply he took it as his cue to leave.

Fortunately, as it was so late in the day, he didn’t need to return to the precinct. His head was a mess and all he wanted to do was head home. Along with the hurt and anger, Gavin was reeling from the grim realisation that his attitude was more problematic than he realised. In fact, as Gavin sat in his car and tried to refrain from punching the steering wheel, he considered for the first time what would’ve happened had their roles been reversed. Perhaps he would’ve done the same thing to Nines as Nines had done to him. It didn’t absolve Nines, he was still a manipulative and callous asshole, but an uncomfortable weight had begun to settle in the pit of Gavin’s stomach.

Chapter Text

               “Can you then explain the bruises across Susie’s body?” Nines asked with a cool professionalism that made the sweat pool faster across Tom’s brow. Susie’s former boyfriend was a tall but weedy man with a portfolio of nervous ticks. Gavin was glad he was not conducting the interrogation this time. He couldn’t imagine his patience holding up well.

Instead, Gavin stood on the other side of the one-way mirror, holding his phone which had an open line direct to Nines.

“We got into arguments. What couple doesn’t?” Tom said, hands clasped tightly on the table whilst his leg bounced beneath. “I know it looks bad. We got into it probably a little harder than most. She’d get physical sometimes. At first, I was just defending myself, but I’d just get so angry. I know I shouldn’t have hit her at all. But I swear! I swear I didn’t kill her. I’d never do something like that. You’ve got to believe me!”

“Ask him if anyone else had access to the apartment. Did anyone else have a key?” Gavin prompted. One thing Gavin had noticed was that apart from a few bruises Tom seemed remarkably unscathed for someone who had murdered their girlfriend during a violent struggle.

Nines didn’t make any indication that he had heard Gavin until he dutifully repeated the question.

“No,” Tom said, frowning as he wrung his hands. Nines didn’t need to be told to wait. “Unless she was seeing any of those men she was ‘just being polite to’.”

Gavin glanced down at his phone to see that Nines had noted down jealousy as a potential motivation for homicide. He prompted Nines to ask for names, his eagerness making itself apparent.

“Could you identify these men?” Nines asked.

“I’m not good with names. Her manager. I think his name is Daniel. Then there’s the neighbour from the floor below. I don’t know what number, but he’s around six-four, early thirties and has dark hair.  The only other one that immediately sticks out is the owner of the flower shop around the corner from our block.”

Nines asked several more questions, and whilst Gavin took notes there was nothing that really caught his attention. As before, as soon as the interrogation was over, Gavin compiled all his notes and sent them across to Nines. Until he was better grounded, the less reasons to talk to Nines the better.

               “Can you send across the raw files?” Gavin repeated the contents of his email in lieu of a greeting as the digital forensic analyst assigned to his case came to stand beside his desk.

“Is there a problem with my report?” Nick asked.

“Maybe. I won’t know till I have a look.” Nick considered himself a technical genius, and this perceived superiority had always tested Gavin’s temper. The fuse became significantly shorter after Gavin had overheard Nick joking around that his return to work after being almost fatally shot was an unfortunate turn of events.

“Is there something in particular that you’re looking for?” Nick pushed further.

“Just give me the damn files,” Gavin snapped. “I don’t have time to argue this shit.”

“See you’re making friends as usual, Reed,” Hank said, walking past with a mug of steaming coffee.

“Piss off you drunkard,” Gavin replied, eyeing the coffee. A coffee sounded like a good idea. A smoke even better.

Hank merely huffed in response, so used to Gavin’s vitriol that he didn’t even faulter and continued to his desk.

“You shouldn’t talk to –” Nick started, but Gavin wasn’t having it.

“If the lieutenant has a problem, he can write up a complaint,” Gavin cut him off. He was bluffing, he didn’t like his odds should Fowler be forced to intervene, but anger had taken control of the wheel. “Now, are you going to send me those files or not? I wasn’t kidding around about not having time for this.”

“Fine,” Nick replied with a frustrated sigh, hands raised in surrender. Gavin’s personality had the perk of being generally only tolerable in small doses, which meant arguments often ended quickly. “I’ll send it all over by five.”

With that, Nick the Prick departed, and Gavin counted that encounter as a victory. He had only just turned back to his computer screen when something in the corner of his eye caught his attention.

Nines was staring at Gavin. Oddly, Gavin had become somewhat accustomed to androids staring at either him, his general direction, or the objects around him for uncomfortable periods of time. Connor was notorious for it. Androids frequently did it when they were processing information, which may or may not be related to what they were gazing at, and they just hadn’t had the curtesy of not being a creep about it.  What was unusual was the distinct and consistent yellow of Nines’ tell-tale blinker and an expression that could best be described as unsettled.

On realising that he had been staring back at Nines, taking control before awkwardness could set in, Gavin broke the silence.

“What?”

“I was merely processing,” Nines responded neutrally and without missing a beat.

“Right,” Gavin said, trying not to sneer at the obvious bullshit. “Pull the other one. What do you want?”

“I don’t understand,” Nines answered, feigning ignorance.

“If you’ve got something you want to say, then say it,” Gavin challenged. He was already worked up from Nick and Hank, so one more argument wasn’t going to make much of a difference. Truthfully, Gavin didn’t really know how to back down at this point. He had gotten in more fist fights than he could count where the easiest solution would have been as simple as walking away.

“I have been thinking -,” Nines began before halting, the blinker flashing red so fast that perhaps it had been Gavin’s imagination. “You seem to have thoughts on the Schneider case. Please share them with me. Perhaps I could be of assistance.”

There was no way that Nines believed that Gavin hadn’t noticed the change in tone and topic. The move from unsure and hesitant to professional and disgustingly polite was enough to give Gavin conversational whiplash and throw off his momentum.

Gavin wanted to tell Nines to piss off with his transparent diversion and ass-kissing bullshit. However, they were still partners and working on several homicide cases. His work had to take precedence and he wasn’t willing to provide justification for Nines' opinion of his character.

Gavin leaned back and crossed his arms, mulling over the idea of sharing his current thoughts on the case with Nines. He could be completely wrong, another potential blow to his pride, but Nines was still a good detective. His insights could prove important.

“I know the forensic reports haven’t come back yet, but I’ve got a feeling there might be more to the case,” Gavin started. “At the apartment, I mentioned the idea of an android being involved. The thirium coated fingers, the wide-open window in the middle of a downpour, it was enough for me to at least entertain the idea whilst we looked at more probable leads. Then at Mary Schneider’s apartment it was weird. I noticed some odd similarities between the two cases.”

Gavin didn’t feel the need to elaborate on the findings of his classifier. It would bring up too many irrelevant questions for a result that was too unreliable to be useful.

“It was why I asked Connor for that report. The findings were interesting. Humans tend to stick with what they know and establish a method. Apparently, androids do the same. However, the key difference is what becomes part of that pattern. As you know, with a human perpetrator, you might have the same weapon, or type of victim, or general process. Androids seem more likely to repeat the finer details. Maybe it’s a glitch or just another case of sticking with what you know, but it’s methodical.”

Gavin watched as Nines' thoughts turned inwards as he appeared to contemplate this new perspective. Gavin had expected resistance or even a dismissal, so he didn’t know whether to be wary or slightly satisfied.

“The position and location of the bodies, the number of stab wounds, and the missing knife from the knife-blocks. Both victims were also young and blonde women,” Nines listed, identifying connections with the ease of reciting a grocery list. “It is a possibility that I had not thought about. There’s not enough substantial evidence for there to be a definitive connection, but I also can’t dismiss your theory. It will be interesting to read the report from forensics. Is this why you want Miss Walker’s phone?”

“If an android’s responsible and there’s any evidence on our vic’s phone, then it could’ve been removed and slipped under the radar. Especially if no one was looking for it. I don’t just want to take a few dodgy texts between bickering lovers and call it a day.”

“And you believe you’d be able to identify these anomalies?”

Finally, a spark of the Nines that Gavin had thought he’d known so well, teasing and challenging. He didn’t dignify Nines with a proper response, smirking smugly at the thought he still held some secrets. What was peculiar was how quickly Nines’ expression then changed. Nines had never benefited from the same degree of expressiveness as his previous model, but that didn’t mean he lacked for emotion. Nines was someone who always seemed so large and domineering in any space, brimming with sharp edges should anyone take a misstep and a charisma that had them moving in closer anyway. Now, whilst his features only shifted slightly to one of careful neutrality, it took with it the size, the edges and the electricity until what was left was someone Gavin couldn’t hope to discern.

Gavin didn’t know what to make of this Nines. He wasn’t certain where he stood.

“I need another coffee,” Gavin said, pushing away from his desk and the conversation.

               “Good afternoon, Detective Reed,” Connor greeted as Gavin stepped out of the precinct’s restroom.

“Were you waiting for me?” Gavin couldn’t keep the hostility out of his tone. He didn’t have vast amounts of time to himself, so he didn’t appreciate being disrupted when those few moments did occur.

“I was hoping for a few minutes of your time. There is something I’d like to discuss,” Connor started, achingly civil.

“Is it about a case?” Gavin asked.

“No.”

“Then fuck no,” Gavin said before turning on his heel and starting back towards his desk. Unfortunately, Connor was as nimble as he was fast and before he could take two steps the android was back and planted directly in front of him.

“Please,” Connor said before Gavin could spit out an insult. “It won’t take long.”

Gavin took a moment to look at Connor and debate whether there was an underlying risk. He was under no illusion; he knew that whilst generally mild-mannered the android could be dangerous. However, he was curious. Deliberately seeking him out, especially when Nines was nowhere to be seen, was unusual.

“Meet me out back where the smokers usually go. I’ll be there in two minutes,” Gavin said before narrowly missing Connor’s shoulder as he stepped around and headed back to his desk to grab his coat and a packet of cigarettes.

               “Thank you for agreeing to this,” Connor started the moment Gavin stepped outside.

“Yeah, whatever, talk fast,” Gavin said as he leaned back against the wall of the precinct. He nimbly pulled out a cigarette from his tattered pack, lit it, and took a long inhale.

“Do you know there are multiple health consequences that comes with smoking?”  

Gavin looked up only to glare at Connor, jaw clenched. Connor appeared to get the message without any further input as he moved swiftly onward.

“I understand this may not be a pleasant topic for you, but I hope you will allow me to continue. I wanted to talk to you about Nines.”

Gavin took another drag of his cigarette and turned to properly face Connor. He was being given a choice. He had suspected that his partner would be high on the list of possible topics Connor might wish to discuss. It didn’t mean that he wasn’t tempted to walk away, but he was expecting it. Gavin gave a single nod and gestured with his hand for Connor to go on.

“It is my understanding that you were made aware of Nines' deceptions,” Connor began.

 “And it’s my understanding that you were in on it,” Gavin returned.

“As soon as I was aware of what was happening, I tried to put a stop to it. Nines refused to cooperate. I then tried to go through more official channels.”

“You could’ve damn well told me to my face,” Gavin growled, trying not to pulverise the cigarette in his hand.

“I was unable to construct a scenario with an outcome that did not end violently,” Connor replied. Gavin wanted to spit out some remark, but after pausing just long enough to consider the android’s words he could concede that Connor had a point. Instead, he gritted his teeth and took another puff of his cigarette.

“Going to Fowler could’ve ended up with Nines losing his job,” Gavin said, wanting to push the conversation along and shift the focus.

“I know. I care for Nines. He is, for lack of a better word, my brother. However, what he was doing was wrong. In truth, his plans were not only damaging to you but also to himself,” Connor said. Gavin hadn’t even realised he had been staring at his hands until the tense silence that seemed to suddenly fall between them caused him to glance up. Similar in parts to Nines, Connor looked troubled. His mouth took repeated aborted motions as he seemed to find a word and no sooner discard it. Gavin waited.

“I have a confession to make,” Connor eventually said. “Whilst Nines' actions are his own, I am partially responsible for what led to them.”

“You better talk fucking fast. What do you mean you’re responsible?” At this point his cigarette was on the verge of burning his fingers. He stubbed it out with a little more enthusiasm than was needed and tossed it into the nearby wall-mounted cigarette bin.

“When Nines' was first initiated, in order to aid the process of deviancy, I shared a large portion of my personal files. I hoped that my experiences and connections with the humans and androids I had come across would help guide him. That included you. His first impression of you was not based on personal experience, but from my interactions with you.”

“So, he thought I was an asshole? So what? Most people think I’m a dick.” No point beating around the bush.

“Nines used my experience to base his entire opinion of you without leaving room for his own to grow. With deviancy, that aspect didn’t improve because as our bond grew more familial your behaviour became even more intolerable.” Gavin did his best to stop his expression forming into a grimace. There would be no limits if anyone truly managed to mess with Elijah, so he was hardly able to judge on that front.

“I am aware this may sound like an excuse,” Connor continued. “But, for all our capabilities we currently lack the growth that comes with individual experience. Your mistakes in youth help to impart valuable lessons for the future. We do not have that benefit and yet are expected to act as though we are no different to a human adult with a lifetime of these moments. I believe his inflexibility and lack of open-mindedness is one of these mistakes.”

Gavin scoffed, wondering if a lack of experience was why Connor was sticking his nose in other people’s business.  

“I didn’t realise the extent of his prejudice at the time as Nines is generally a private individual and he asked me to respect his boundaries. But I grew concerned when I started to notice that he was . . . struggling.”

Gavin noted the pause, wondering what other words Connor had considered.

 “I was eventually able to uncover that his frustration stemmed from his inability to reconcile the parts of him that enjoyed your company and the others that saw you as, well, a xenophobic bully.”

“So, what are you trying to get at?” Gavin finally snapped out. He had allowed Connor his speech and his patience was waning. He didn’t want to hear his partner’s ‘brother’ attempting to explain away his frankly shit behaviour.  

“I am not trying to explain away his actions,” Connor replied smoothly as though Gavin had voiced his thoughts aloud. “I felt you had a right to know. I wanted to apologise for my part in it. What Nines did was wrong, but it didn’t come from a wholly bad place.”

“Does he know you’ve told me all this?” Gavin asked.

“No, he’s not particularly communicative with me as of late. However, I can see that he is distressed. I think he’s beginning to realise the extent of his mistakes, but that’s only from observation,” Connor answered.

“I’ll deny I said anything if you ever bring it up, but thanks. You didn’t have to tell me any of this. Hell, especially you. I’ve been a dick to you since day one,” Gavin admitted, not meeting Connor’s gaze.

“We’ve all made mistakes. You’re kinder than you think. Otherwise, I don’t think Nines would be struggling as much as he is,” Connor replied. Gavin wondered if the super bot was just attempting to comfort him or if he was being genuine. Gavin considered himself a good detective, but he marvelled at how quickly he lost clarity the moment he was made a part of the equation.

“I’ll never be kind,” Gavin grumbled.  

“You wouldn’t be you without a little attitude, but that’s okay,” Connor said.

Gavin snorted, smirking as he flipped Connor the bird. The gesture earned him a smile, a surreal experience considering he was rarely the recipient of such things.

“Are we done here?” Gavin asked, already moving towards the door.

Connor gave a single nod and Gavin didn’t linger. Once again, he had a lot to think about.

Chapter Text

               It was over a day and several emails later before Gavin was able to look at the raw data from Walker’s phone.

It took a further three days for Gavin to find what he was looking for. Although, to be more exact, it took him three late nights as he refused to work on the material anywhere but the privacy of his apartment.

Gavin didn’t know if there was something in his gait, or perhaps some tell in his expression, but Nines’ brow furrowed upon seeing him as he approached his desk the following morning.

“Have you been sleeping?” Nines asked in lieu of a typical greeting.

“Why do you care?” Gavin snapped back, although it lacked any real heat. He was too focused on his findings to maintain the initial burst of annoyance and simply went about getting the files along with his results up on the computer.

“I’ve got something to show you,” Gavin said, seeing Nines was about to follow up with another pointless comment. “I know you’ll want to look over everything yourself, so I’ll send the raw along with my results. Tell me when you’ve had a look.”

After clicking send, with barely a pause, Gavin turned on his heel and made a beeline for the coffee machine. Considering his analysis would direct Nines on what and where to look, he expected it would only take Nines a couple of hours to validate everything and arrive to his own conclusions.

               It was after lunch whilst Gavin was on his fourth coffee when Nines approached him in the precinct’s kitchen.

“There does appear to be some anomalies,” Nines said as he came to stand by the table Gavin was leaning on.

“What now?” Gavin replied, eyes still fixed to his phone. Despite caffeine being the primary reason that he was able to remain upright, he was still able to take down a few notes for one of his side-projects after a sudden and brief burst of inspiration.

“The file you sent across this morning. I reviewed it,” Nines clarified.

That caught Gavin’s interest. With a swipe of his thumb Gavin locked his phone and slipped it into his back pocket, giving Nines his full attention.

“So, what do you reckon?” Gavin prompted.

“There does indeed seem to be some peculiar gaps within the data. I can’t be certain on whether any messages were removed, but it does appear that way,” Nines answered. “If they were removed, then it raises the question of who and why. Even amongst androids, this would take an advanced set of skills that would not be present by default in a typical model.”

“They did a decent job. Easy to miss. Doesn’t give us a suspect, but the weirdness is kind of stacking up,” Gavin said.

“You may be right. How were you able to identify the gaps?” Nines asked. Gavin’s skin prickled with heat under Nines’ intense gaze. He was getting suspicious.

Wanting to shut that line of questioning down and remembering Nines’ words about him not being a particularly complicated individual, Gavin found his response.

“A simple man has his simple means,” he said. Judging by the grimace that flickered across Nines’ expression, he knew what Gavin was referring to.

“It’s also interesting that Tom’s strip search didn’t show any real signs of having been in a fight. Susie had clearly fought back against her attacker”, Gavin continued on, steering the conversation back into safer waters.

“I agree,” Nines replied, allowing Gavin to take control.

“It’s a pity you didn’t analyse the dried thirium on her hands at the crime scene. Now we’ve got to wait for the report,” Gavin said before downing the last of his coffee.

“I don’t think it would’ve been well received if I had been seen sucking the fingers of a deceased woman,” Nines responded.

Gavin snorted into his mug before he could stop himself. The brief burst of amusement was as nice as it was familiar, and Gavin hated it. Seeing Nines’ tentative smile in response was like a punch in the gut.

Feeling ill-equipped and too sleep-deprived to deal with whatever was churning inside of him, Gavin made a show of straightening up and clearing his throat. Staying out of his head and in the present seemed like the best short-term solution.

“Shouldn’t be too long till forensics gets back to us on both cases. Hopefully, I’ll be proven wrong,” Gavin said.

“Why do you hope you are wrong?” Nines asked. It was a rare day when Gavin could admit to being wrong, let alone seek it.

“Because, if I’m right it means it could happen again,” Gavin replied.

               “You can thank me by bringing over dessert,” Elijah stated without preamble.

“I’m doing what now?” Gavin turned back to the screen which held his brother’s face with a raised brow.

“Your sample testing kit is ready. It’s en route as we speak.”

“Nice,” Gavin replied, smirking at all the possibilities that came to mind. “That’s one less thing Nines will have an advantage over.”

“Speaking of — Nines, how is everything going?” The pause before Nines’ names made Gavin wonder if Eli had wanted to call him something else. He didn’t know whether he ought to encourage him.

Gavin took an even greater length of time before replying, thinking over the last several interactions he had with his complicated partner.

“It’s not quite what I expected,” Gavin finally replied.

“How do you mean?”

“I don’t even know. He’s just being weird and shit. I can’t read his mind,” Gavin said, frustration building with every syllable. Words were not Gavin’s strong suit, and it was at times like this when he became startingly aware of his faults.

“I’m sure you could build something,” Elijah teased, but Gavin didn’t take the bait. “I’m just kidding. How is he being weird? Do you think he might do something to you?”

“No, no, nothing like that,” Gavin quickly reassured. He didn’t want Elijah getting any ideas. He could handle this himself. “His ‘brother’, Connor, spoke to me in private. He told me he thinks Nines based his opinions of me from his memories of me treating him like shit. So, he didn’t have the best first impression. He also mentioned some other stuff about how they’re lacking in personal experience and can make dumb-ass choices.”

“So, your partner acted immaturely based on third-party information,” Elijah neatly summarised.

“That’s the story Connor was spinning. He threw in that he thought Nines did like me somewhere deep down, but it conflicted with his hatred of the xenophobic bully that was a dick to his robo-family. He said he thinks Nines is realising he made a mistake. I’ve got to admit, the shit-head does look kind of uncomfortable sometimes. Maybe he’s got a thirium leak somewhere, though.”

“Interesting.”

“That’s it? ‘Interesting’,” Gavin repeated, trying not to lose his temper. Of course, Elijah would choose to be vague now. “You planning to make any other comments?”

“Not for now.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You should get the door,” Elijah stated pleasantly, looking towards the front door of Gavin’s apartment expectantly. 

Before Gavin could ask, the doorbell rang clear through the room. Gavin huffed, annoyed at the interruption and blatant diversion tactic, and went to answer.

Gavin couldn’t say he wasn’t surprised when he opened the door to find what looked like the male equivalent of one of Eli’s Chloe models. Immaculately kept blond hair, bright blue eyes, and a warm smile all wrapped up in a tailored grey suit stood at his threshold with a neatly packaged box.

“Hello, Gavin. It’s good to see you again. I have a package for you,” the male Chloe greeted.

Whilst Gavin knew his brother kept several female Chloes, the familiar note in the distinctly male android’s greeting implied they knew each other personally somehow.  

“You look different,” Gavin stated tactfully, running on a hunch. He couldn’t think of anywhere else the android could’ve come from and the alternative to how Elijah knew there was someone at his door was that there were hidden cameras in dire need of smashing. 

“I felt a male form would better suit me. Mr. Kamski was kind enough to oblige my request. My name is now Cleo. May I come in?” Cleo asked.

“Uh- sure.” Gavin wasn’t sure what else to say and instead shuffled out of the way so that he could let Cleo in. Cleo made his way to stand in the middle of the room as Gavin closed the door. His gamble had paid off, and at least he no longer needed to worry about hunting down hidden cameras. Although, he wasn’t entirely sure which of Eli’s androids he was confronted with. It didn’t help that by default they were identical in appearance and in name, with seemingly little inclination to break the mould.

When Gavin turned back to the screen, the impish smirk across his brother’s face immediately put him on guard. He retracted his previous thought on not having to worry about cameras. With his brother, anything was possible and almost nothing was sacred.

“I can show you how it works”, Cleo said, interrupting Gavin’s musing. “May I open the package.”

Gavin gestured with a lazy wave of his hand for Cleo to go right ahead, watching silently as Cleo nimbly removed the packaging in a fraction of the time it would’ve taken Gavin.

“There are several ways for samples to be processed, depending on requirements,” Cleo began.

Gavin usually struggled to pay attention when it came to receiving instructions, but Cleo explained clearly and without pageantry. The android also took Gavin’s questions in his stride, his patience never wavering even when Gavin interrupted mid speech or started fiddling with some part of the device. Elijah was remarkably silent throughout the exchange, radiating his patented brand of smugness whenever Gavin glanced at him.

The sound of the doorbell startled Gavin enough that he was glad Cleo had kept a hold of the machine despite all of Gavin’s prodding and poking. Unsure of what to expect, he took the device from Cleo and quickly shoved it into one of the pockets of the jacket he had left draped over the back of the sofa. He looked over towards the screen, finding that Elijah had already hung up, before going to the door.

Unlike when Cleo arrived, Gavin decided to look through the peephole first. Upon seeing who it was, he sighed, already frustrated, and wrenched open the door.

“What do you want?” Gavin greeted Nines.

Nines was about to respond when his gaze flicked upwards, over Gavin’s shoulder, and focused on something in his apartment.

 Gavin heard the quiet approach of footsteps and turned to see just as Cleo came within arm’s reach.

“I ought to take my leave. I enjoyed seeing you again, Gavin,” Cleo said before leaning in to kiss his cheek.

The realisation was instantaneous. The moment Cleo leaned in, Gavin knew who he was and was even slightly abashed for not recognising him sooner. Cleo was one of Elijah’s androids that had always been particularly kind to Gavin, softer spoken than the others and quietly considerate. He was also the only android that made it a habit of kissing Gavin on the cheek. He didn’t know why, but he never had the heart to shove him off.  

Something must have flitted across Gavin’s expression because Cleo smiled warmly in response. Before Gavin could say anything further, Cleo was already turning the corner down the hall and out of sight.

“Who was that?” Nines asked after a short pause, most likely the moment Cleo was out of earshot.

“Cleo,” Gavin answered, taking a page out of Nines' book. Hilarious when directed at others, but infuriating when used against him, Gavin answered with a complete truth that thoroughly ignored the intent and purpose of the question. Nines was probably baffled as to why there was a seemingly willing android in the notorious Gavin Reed’s apartment. Nines could continue to wonder.

“What do you want?” Gavin asked, irritation creeping back into his tone. Nines had decided to forgo further questioning and was instead indiscreetly scanning Gavin’s apartment from the threshold. The expression on Nines’ face made it look as though he were analysing a crime scene, which was as insulting as it was an invasion of his privacy. Nines had blown his rights to knowing anything about him.

Finally, Nines looks down to meet Gavin’s gaze, his expression unreadable.

“There has been another murder,” Nines said.

Chapter Text

               “What the fuck?” Gavin muttered as he frowned down at the results from his sample testing tool.

“Is something wrong?” Nines asked as he entered the vic’s tiled white bathroom which Gavin was currently standing in the middle of. 

Completely distracted, Gavin hadn’t heard Nines’ approach. Accepting it was too late to discreetly tuck away the testing kit, Gavin decided to feign nonchalance and focus Nines’ attention elsewhere.

“You see the blue blood?” Gavin nodded towards the basin. There wasn’t much, a couple of drops by the tap, already dried to the point of being invisible to the human eye.

 “I do,” Nines replied, gaze noticeably flicking between the device in Gavin’s hands and the tap.

“Can you sample it?”

Gavin didn’t know whether he wanted Nines to get the same results or for him to prove that there was a fatal flaw with his prototype. Either way, he anticipated he wouldn’t be left in the best mood afterwards.

Nines crossed the bathroom in two strides, Gavin stepping back to create as much space between them as possible in the snug room.

Nines took only the smallest amount with a gentle swipe of his finger, leaving enough for forensics to acquire their own sample, and then with the same finger touched the tip of his tongue.

Gavin watched as Nines’ blinker soon turned to yellow and then to a steady red. Nines’ carefully curated expression faltered, frowning much in the same way as Gavin had done a few minutes earlier.

“This is unusual,” Nine said, gaze still unfocused as he continued trying to analyse the sample.

“It’s degraded,” Gavin stated his own conclusion, wanting to know for certain he wasn’t misinterpreting the data.

“Yes, it appears so.”

“That’s not a thing, though. It shouldn’t be a thing. Where the fuck is all the data?” Gavin practically growled as he scrolled back through his results. It didn’t make sense. Thirium in androids was akin to DNA in humans, it always contained both the model and serial number of the android. What was even more perplexing was that thirium was not just for identification purposes and transferring energy to biocomponents, but also for the transference of vital information across the body. What Gavin was looking at was the equivalent of mush. He wasn’t even sure how this would affect an android. Perhaps the blood only degraded under certain conditions, but what would be the purpose of creating such a thing?

“Have you finished with your investigation?” Nines asked.

“Not yet, I have a few areas to finish up,” Gavin replied, a little perplexed by the change of topic.

“Finish up and I’ll call the lab. I’ll check in to see whether they have any results yet from the thirium found on Walker. At the very least, it’ll be interesting to see whether they’ve also experienced the same type of degradation.”

“Good call,” Gavin said. “We’ll catch up when I’m done.”

               Gavin quickly compiled his notes. He was eager to hear what Nines had found out.

Krystal Stevens, a blonde woman in her early twenties, had been found in her bohemian apartment’s living room with twenty-seven stab wounds. According to the first responding officer, a neighbour had entered the apartment after finding the front door wide open and was the first to discover the body. It had been a bloodier scene than Walker’s or Schneider’s. Blood was smeared across the floors and the walls, splattered on furniture and over knick knacks. The weapon responsible couldn’t be located and neither could Stevens’ phone.

“So, did you discover anything?” Gavin asked as Nines approached him in the currently vacant hallway just outside of Stevens’ apartment. He looked up once he had sent across his notes to Nines, waiting for an answer. He noticed the flicker of yellow at the side of Nines’ head that confirmed it had been received.

“Actually, yes. The thirium sample extracted from Walker’s body appears to have also degraded. Attempts are being made to retrieve whatever data is still available, but the estimated chance of success is low,” Nines said.

“Any ideas what could be causing it? Have you ever encountered or heard of something like this before?” Not only was Nines one of the most advanced models around, but he had originally been intended for military use. If there was creepy shit being tested on androids, he was the best person to ask.

“No, this is new to me. I’m now further inclined to believe that there is a connection between our last three homicide cases,” Nines said.

“I reckon we need to talk to Fowler,” Gavin said, knowing that he couldn’t risk waiting for a fourth body just to further confirm his suspicions.

“I agree,” Nines simply stated.

               “What would make you think that I’d want to work with the poster boy for AA and the plucky prototype?” Gavin asked with a sneer before taking a bite of his pastrami bagel.

Tina had practically dragged him out of the precinct to a nearby café for lunch. He played the part of begrudgingly relenting to her demands, but in actuality he was thankful for the excuse to leave the building for a short while. He hadn’t been overjoyed by the news that Fowler would be placing Hank and Connor on the case. With the prospect that his cases were connected and may involve an android, Fowler felt it would be best to add the original human and bot duo to the mix. It took more than Gavin was willing to admit to remain calm and refrain from arguing back. However, he did take some enjoyment out of watching Fowler’s and Nines’ confusion at his lacklustre response to the announcement. He had bigger priorities.

“Well, it surely can’t hurt your sunny disposition,” Tina joked, nudging Gavin’s arm with her elbow. “I’m sure Fowler wouldn’t have brought them onto the case if he didn’t think they’d be of any help.”

 “You’re hysterical,” Gavin deadpanned. “This is great. Just when I thought my life couldn’t get any better.”

“Speaking of –,” Tina started. Gavin raised a brow, waiting for her to continue. “Is there something up with you and Nines?”

“What do you mean?” Gavin kept his tone neutral, not wanting to volunteer any information unnecessarily.

“You’ve been acting kind of weird,” she replied almost hesitantly. “Well, weirder than usual. It’s like you’re tip toeing around each other.”

“Why do you care?”

“Because you’re my friend,” Tina stated bluntly. She paused for a moment before adding, “My maladjusted and socially inept friend.”

The proclamation startled Gavin. Whilst his relationship with Tina had improved since he began dating Nines, he had never stopped to think of giving it a label. He found that he didn’t dislike the idea. Although, he couldn’t quite shake the part of him that was wary of being deceived again.

“You don’t want to know,” Gavin said around a bite of his bagel.

“Then why am I asking?” Tina leaned towards Gavin, arms crossed as she looked at him expectantly.  

“It’s all just a load of bullshit.”

“Life’s a load of bullshit,” Tina replied with barely a pause, arms unfolding to gesture at everything around them. “Doesn’t mean it’s not worth talking about. I get it if you don’t want to talk about it with me. I’m just concerned about you.”

Gavin caught her gaze and saw what he could only describe as sincerity. She may have only joined the Detroit City Police Department just shy of two years ago, approximately a month after Gavin’s most serious stint in the hospital, but in that time she had seen some of the worst sides of Gavin and had still chosen to stick by him. Not that she didn’t ever call him out on his behaviour, but she seemed to know that trying to say anything in the heat of the moment or in public would end in disaster. Gavin had noticed and appreciated it, not that he knew why she bothered. Now, as he saw a flash of vulnerability cross her features, he felt guilty. She was reaching out and it would be so easy to cut her down or laugh her off, but he didn’t want to do that. Tina didn’t deserve that, and he was trying to be better than before. Gavin was also struck by the realisation that he probably ought to get the perspective of someone other than his morally dubious and eccentric brother.

“You really want to know?” Gavin asked, fiddling with one of the spare sugar packets he had dumped earlier in the middle of the table.

“That’s why I asked,” Tina simply said.  

“Fine, but I’m warning you, if anyone else finds out or if you use this to mock me I’m seriously never telling you anything ever again.” As much as Gavin wanted to trust Tina, he was in unfamiliar territory. He didn’t quite trust his own judgement, which was perhaps why he was even considering talking to Tina about any of it. His past habits had reaped few benefits. Although, in a worst-case scenario, it would be better to find out who was genuinely on his side sooner rather than later. 

“Okay, okay, I promise!” Tina said, hands moving in a placating gesture. “Whatever you say shall stay between us.”

“How I found out really doesn’t matter, but I caught Nines confessing that the only reason he was with me was to make me more tolerable to work with.”

“How does that even work?” Tina asked.

“Apparently, I’m pathetic to the point that a bit of validation and some stress-relieving exercise provides just enough improvement to not make me completely unbearable,” Gavin answered, ripping the sugar packet in half and letting the white granules fall across the table.

“Are you sure?” Tina asked. “I can’t imagine Nines doing that to you. He’s always been a frosty android, but he seemed genuinely warmer when he was around you.”

“I’m sure,” Gavin said through gritted teeth. “It was all bullshit. I confronted the bastard and he even admitted to it.”

“Have you gone to Fowler?”

“Honestly, both Connor and Fowler knew before me. It’s kind of thanks to Connor’s meddling that I found out. Fowler was going to keep his trap shut because he couldn’t see how telling me would end well.”

Gavin watched as Tina’s eyes widened and her mouth comically dropped open. When her face settled on indignation and Gavin could sense a tirade coming, he decided to stop her before she could begin.

“No, it’s okay, I get it,” he said.  “I can see where he was coming from. I still think he’s a prick, but I get it and I need to work with him.”  

“I can’t believe those dick heads!” Tina exclaimed, perhaps unable to stop herself voicing some sort of opinion.  “Are you at least going to report Nines? Have you reported him?”

“No, and I’m not planning to either,” Gavin replied. He met Tina’s gaze and held it, trying to convey just how serious he was about keeping those words.

“What, why?” Tina spluttered. “What he did was disgusting! Why would you tolerate that shit?”

The outrage on his behalf was nice. It was like a balm that helped soothe some of the hurt and anger. He wasn’t sure what he expected from Tina, but he found himself pleasantly surprised. 

“Because I’m not totally blameless,” Gavin said. Seeing that Tina was inhaling enough air for a full-blown rant, he added with a smirk. “And, I’m working on something.”

“You’re not planning on murdering him?” Tina asked. Gavin wasn’t sure what it said about him or her, but under the humour there was a genuine note of enquiry.  

“No, although I haven’t completely ruled it out yet,” Gavin replied with a teasing grin. “No, but I want to prove to that snobby bastard that he’s wrong. I want to make him regret looking down his nose at me,” Gavin added. Whilst he believed he had successfully managed to maintain a reasonably moderate tone, beneath his fingers lay three murdered sugar packets, their entrails spread across the table.  

“How do you plan to do that?” Tina asked, leaning forward in clear interest. Despite Gavin’s candidness with the situation, he was cautious about where his line lay. He wasn’t comfortable with discussing his personal affairs in any situation, but there was a point where that discomfort could bleed into panic. For the moment, he didn’t want to wade any deeper into the topic of Nines’ betrayal, not in terms of how he felt about the situation or what he was planning to do about it. He also wanted to maintain some plausible deniability.

“Like I said, I’m working on it.”

“I’d say be careful if I thought it’d make any difference,” Tina said, sighing. Fortunately, she had realised she was at the end of how far she could push. It was one of the reasons Gavin found her more tolerable than most. 

“It doesn’t,” Gavin was quick to assure. “But I am being careful. I’m not willing to risk my career over this.” Gavin hoped Tina could hear from his tone that he was being sincere. If he were to risk his career and fail, then he really would lose everything. It would also confirm to Nines that everything he had said about him was true.

“You’re calmer than I thought you’d be,” Tina said.  

“Hard to hold onto any one emotion when you don’t know what the fuck to think. Just give me some time. I’d also appreciate it if you didn’t treat Nines any different to usual. This is between me and him.”

“Only since you asked,” Tina finally relented after a lengthy staring match. “I want to give that android a piece of my mind.”

“Thanks.”

“And when you’re ready, I want to know the details.”

“Nosy,” Gavin replied with a smirk.

“Of course.”

               “So, you reckon an android is behind all three cases?” Hank asked as he gestured with one hand towards the large screen that held the core details from all three of Gavin’s most recent homicide cases.

Hank sat at the head of the table in the small utilitarian conference room they had booked, Connor to his left and Nines to his right. Nines had turned his chair just enough so that his back wasn’t completely to the screen. Gavin had chosen to sit beside Connor, although he left a chair between them empty.

“Perhaps,” Nines replied. “We can’t be certain. The thirium found at Walker’s and Stevens’ is certainly suspicious.”

“Degrading thirium,” Hank mused. “Ever heard of something like it, Connor?”

“No, and there’s nothing in my database to suggest such a thing exists,” Connor said before turning to Gavin. “Is this why you asked for that report on android perpetrated cases with repeat offenders?”

“Kind of,” Gavin answered with a shrug. “I made some notes at Walker’s, like the thirium on her hands, but didn’t give it too much thought. Then I noticed some similarities between Schneider’s crime scene with Walker’s. Nothing that really stuck out, mostly coincidental. It was enough for me to entertain the idea, though. That’s when I asked for that report. I’d barely shared my theories with Nines before we got the call about Stevens. Decided to go to Fowler before we ended up with another body.”

“You said you noticed some similarities?” Connor prompted.

“Yeah, all three victims were young, blonde women. They each had twenty-seven stab wounds. We haven’t been able to locate the murder weapon in any of the three cases. All three bodies were also left roughly in the same position in the living room,” Gavin recited dutifully.

“Isn’t Walker’s boyfriend a likely suspect for her murder?” Hank asked.

“Things aren’t completely adding up. We’re confident she put up a fight, but he barely had a mark on him. We also know he wasn’t Schneider’s attacker in the scenario that he’s responsible for both homicides because the timelines don’t add up. He’s not off the list, but we’re not convinced it’s him,” Gavin said.

“It’s certainly suspicious and there are similarities with android centric cases,” Connor admitted.

“I’ve already started looking into who may have interacted with these three women prior to their deaths,” Nines added.

“That’s under the assumption the perp even knew them. But it’s a start,” Hank said, groaning as he stretched back in his chair.

Whilst they had been talking, Gavin had started pulling up information and cross-referencing data on his phone. He noticed Connor peering over his shoulder and watching what he was doing. He knew his phone would never be a long-term secret, and although he was slightly annoyed by the invasive nature of Connor’s curiosity, the opportunity to screw with Nines had presented itself and that took precedence.

“I haven’t seen such software before. I also do not recognise that phone model,” Connor commented after several minutes.

“It’s an XSV,” Gavin replied simply. “The official release is next month. It’s pretty much loaded with the same detective gear you’ve got, with a few exceptions.”

Gavin and Elijah had ensured that there could be no repercussions from software misuse or breaches in security protocols. Whilst Gavin had not informed or received permission from Fowler to use his new devices, from a technical standpoint he wasn’t using anything that hadn’t already been approved. Any modifications made to Gavin’s programs were simply part of official software updates. He wasn’t about to be undone by his own plans.  

“Fascinating, may I see more?” Connor asked. There was something to be said about Connor’s design in that his enthusiastic child-like curiosity and expressive eyes made it difficult to find him wholly dislikeable. It wasn’t immediately effective, more annoying initially as he was like a clingy dog that wanted to know everything that was going on, but it got harder to resist with time. Gavin wasn’t completely won over, though. He considered putting his phone away, but he still had an opportunity to annoy Nines.

“Sure,” Gavin said as he tilted the phone so that Connor had a better view. He began flicking through programs and menus. “It’s built with enhanced cameras that can detect even thirium residue. It also has stuff like predictive simulations, classification models, and all sorts of analytical stuff. Basically, if you’ve got it, it’s probably in here. I’ve also got a sample test kit that’s pretty much a duplicate of that weird shit you do with your mouth.”

“Where did you obtain those?” Nines asked, his tone so carefully neutral that Gavin knew he was hiding whatever emotion he was feeling.  

“I’m not breaking any rules, so it’s none of your business,” Gavin told Nines.  

“Trouble in paradise?” Hank remarked sarcastically.  

“Piss off, Hank,” Gavin growled through gritted teeth. Hank’s words had been like salt on an open wound, but Gavin was determined not to lose his temper.

Gavin caught Connor in his periphery shaking his head at Hank. It seemed that Connor was trying to provide a subtle warning, so Gavin decided not to draw attention to the gesture.

“No need to bite my head off, Reed,” Hank grumbled, deciding it wasn’t worth the fight.

“Perhaps we ought to look into locating the origin of this unusual thirium,” Connor brightly interjected. “I worry about its possible implications. In addition, if it’s as rare as we hope, then it might lead us directly to our killer.”

“You’ve got something in mind?” Hank asked.

The mutual decision to resume focus on the case was appreciated. Gavin was slightly perplexed by Nines. He hadn’t uttered a word since Gavin snapped at him and his expression remained disconcertingly neutral. His blinker flickered yellow occasionally, so Gavin knew that somebody was home. Otherwise, he might’ve suggested that Nines needed to go in for a repair.  

“Have you heard of the modder community?” Connor followed on with his own question.

The moment Connor had mentioned modders, Gavin’s pulse quickened. He knew because two pairs of eyes instantly flicked up to look at him. It was occasions like this where Gavin felt that being in the company of detective androids was like a perpetual invasion of privacy. Fortunately, neither android chose to comment.

“What’s that?” Hank replied.

“It’s a community of software developers and engineers. Pre-revolution it was mostly composed of humans altering androids to fit their wants and needs, whether it be aesthetic or functional. Now, it’s mostly reclaimed as a space for androids to assert their individuality through consensual modifications,” Connor explained.

“I’ve never heard of it,” Hank replied with a shrug.

“That’s not surprising,” Connor said. “It’s a relatively secretive community. Not everything that goes on there is exactly legal.”  

“How do you know about it?” Gavin asked, taking the opportunity to have some fun and divert attention away from him. “Got any fun mods?”

“No, I did not want to risk compromising any of my systems. It is popular with some of my friends, though,” Connor replied cheerily. Gavin had a hard time picturing pristine Connor willingly spending time in grimy garages and makeshift workshops.  

“Do you know where to find this mod community?” Hank asked.

“I do. It’s not that far from the precinct,” Connor replied, ever helpful.

“So, who fancies an undercover field trip to Robo-Legoland?” Hank asked, full of pseudo enthusiasm. Hank could barely work a toaster, so Gavin could only imagine how much fun Hank would have on this excursion.

“What a pity,” Gavin sighed. “I left my permission slip at home.”

“Very funny, Reed. I’ll clear it with Fowler and then we’ll prepare what we’re going to do,” Hank said.

“I can’t wait,” Gavin replied, suddenly hit with the yearning to smoke half a pack of cigarettes.

Chapter Text

“So, how are you finding your first experience of the modder world, Hank?” Connor asked, dressed in an ensemble that looks like it was put together from the bottom of a bargain bin.

They were all dressed to be inconspicuous, in clothes that wouldn’t be made any worse by a random grease stain or splattering of paint, but even now it highlighted one of the core differences between the two RK models. Gavin found it difficult to believe they could be confused for each other, but at times like this it seemed impossible. With distressed jeans, a faded shirt and soft leather jacket, Nines looked like he was ready for a catwalk. Meanwhile, Connor looked like he needed help. Gavin wasn’t dressed too dissimilarly to Nines, a more scuffed version of his usual casual attire, but he doubted he pulled off the same gravitas.

“I think I’ve seen it all, then there are moments like this when I realise, I haven’t seen shit,” Hank grumbled. Gavin snorted when he noticed Hank sharply turning away from a display of imaginative and unusually proportioned prosthetics.

The modder community was akin to a market, with spaces converted into makeshift garages and workshops. Gavin found it remarkable how a relatively quiet and seedy community could become so lively and vibrant. A good proportion of androids had certainly taken to asserting their individuality and autonomy with gusto. It was hard not to bump into someone as they steadily moved through the crowded narrow streets.

“We should split-up, we’ll be able to cover more ground,” Nines said, leaning over to make sure Gavin and Hank could hear him.

“That’s a good idea! Come on, Hank, there’s a stall that sells thirium based products nearby. They might know something,” Connor said, grabbing Hank’s arm and hauling him down one of the side streets before anyone could say otherwise.

Gavin rolled his eyes and continued along the road they had previously been going down, trusting that Nines would follow.

“Hey, Grumpy! I bet I’ve got something you’ll like,” the brash Boston accent cut across the general burble of voices.

“Who are you calling Grumpy?” Gavin greeted in response as he approached the balding middle-aged man. Gavin had known Hal for close to five years, although neither knew each other’s real name. Considering how much of the modder community dabbled in the morally dubious or outright illegal, it was standard practice.

“Easy, Smiles,” Hal replied.

“I’m more interested in information. Do you know anyone that specialises in thirium? Not the regular stuff, though. I’d appreciate any pointers,” Gavin said before Hal could continue, hoping his odd verbiage made it clear enough that this wasn’t one of their usual exchanges. He was never this polite. Hal’s brows furrowed, seemingly trying to work out how he ought to respond. Gavin further emphasised their need for discretion by purposefully glancing towards Nines, watching closely as Hal’s eyes flickered to the android who stood waiting only a couple paces away.

At this point, Gavin was sure Nines had his own suspicions. There was no telling what his scanners had picked up. However, that didn’t mean Gavin was going to make it easy or provide enough of an opening to warrant questioning. Gavin would die on the hill of plausible deniability.

“Depends,” Hal answered. Gavin couldn’t say Hal wasn’t treating him as he requested.

Gavin was prepared for the odd bribe, but that didn’t mean he liked it. He slid a fifty across the counter without breaking eye contact. Even if he was playing a role, he was not about to be played. He’d be seeing some of that money back sooner or later.

“There’s one guy that might be able to help you,” Hal said as he tucked the note into his pocket.

“See that guy over there?” Hal leaned forward and indicated with a brief nod of his head to a stall that was further down the street from them.

“The mean looking fucker in the shades?” Gavin asked.

“That’s the one,” Hal replied. The guy Hal had pointed out was a behemoth of a man with arms thicker than Gavin’s thighs. Gavin may tease Hal about his receding hair line, but this guy’s heard was smoother and shinier than a bowling ball. Perhaps the sunglasses were for protection.  

“He seems charming,” Gavin noted.

“Makes you look like a girl scout,” Hal commented. Gavin was able to tear his eyes away from the beast to level a glare at Hal.

“Look, he’s as mean as he looks. However, he’s definitely the guy you want to be talking to if you need special information on thirium,” Hal said.

“What makes him so knowledgeable?” Gavin just about jumped out of skin as Nines’ cool voice glided over his shoulder.

Hal looked up at Nines, raising a brow, before looking back at Gavin to take a cue. Gavin shrugged and motioned for him to continue.

“I don’t know how much you’ve heard, but there’s been talks of some new stuff. It’s deep underground, though. I barely know anything. Most I heard is it’s linked to the military. Anyway, every time I hear shit about it, the few times I have heard shit about it, it circles back to Alonzo. He’s your best bet, although, I don’t know if you’ll be able to get anything out of him.”

“Thanks for the tip,” Gavin said.

Gavin took a moment to pause and consider whether this would be a monumentally stupid decision and if he should retreat before he was paste on the sidewalk. However, it wasn’t in his nature to quit or be swayed by poor odds, although, that would somewhat go into explaining his decision to start a relationship with Nines.

Without waiting for input, noticing in his periphery how Nines had started to reach out to grab his attention, Gavin strode forward.

Gavin paid Alonzo little attention as he skimmed the contents of his makeshift shop and garage. He had to admit he was impressed. There was a good variety of tech lying about, both as raw components and as ready-to-use modifications. He even spotted some parts that would be ideal for his own projects.

“Babe, get a load of this,” Gavin said as Nines crossed the threshold.

Gavin didn’t miss the falter in Nines’ step, the momentary flicker of red, but he recovered smoothly and made his way over. Fortunately, Gavin never used those sorts of terms of endearment when they were together. It meant he could enjoy Nine’s slip without reopening any wounds. Sure, he used nicknames on a regular basis, but never something so saccharine.

“There’s some really good stuff here,” Gavin continued. At that moment, inspiration struck. “What are you thinking of going with first? Internal might be better. No need to go big your first time.”

Gavin started to pick at some items, looking them over.

“Voice modulation, additional sensors, even a bass system? I wonder how that works,” Gavin pondered aloud. “Ah, this looks interesting. This converts audio waves into visual. That’s pretty badass. Could also be useful. How about it?”

Gavin turned to Nines expectantly, curious to see how he would respond. Nines was always a paragon of impeccable posture, but in that moment there was a stiff awkwardness about him. Nines took a moment before giving a singular nod.

“That sounds acceptable,” he replied slowly and without inflection.

Alonzo, having listened to their conversation, ambled over.

“What model?” Alonzo asked, his voice as gruff as his demeanour.

“RK900,” Gavin replied. It’d be pointless to lie, especially if Alonzo got close to any of Nines’ systems.

“Military model,” Alonzo replied. There was a faint note of surprise and perhaps interest in his tone.

“Yup,” Gavin agreed easily.

“Part and install is one-fifty, cash,” Alonzo said, moving around to pick up some tools. Gavin wasn’t going to even bother bartering, that pricing wasn’t too outlandish and he didn’t want to risk getting on Alonzo’s bad side so early on.

“Sounds good to me.”

“On the chair then,” Alonzo indicated a chair near the back of the shop with his hand. It reminded Gavin of a dentist’s chair, albeit far more worn with patches and tears across the leather upholstery.

Nines moved to sit down as Alonzo went about grabbing more tools and equipment.

Gavin wandered over, but Nines didn’t seem to notice him as he stared at a fixed point on the ceiling. Uneasiness settled in the pit of Gavin’s stomach.

Gavin moved around Nines’ other side, making a show of looking at the tools already laid out on the table.

“Just in case, these mods can sometimes come with side effects,” Alonzo grumbled as he walked up, placing the items in his hand on the table alongside the others.

“What sort of side effects?” Gavin asked.

“It’s rare, but since its installed in the head it can come with personality glitches, memory loss, motor issues –“, Alonzo listed off, continuing to prep. “More often than not it’s a fairly easy fix.”

 Gavin glanced at Nines, yellow and red fighting for prominence on the side of his temple. If not for the light Gavin would’ve wondered if he had gone into stasis.

Just as Gavin was sensing an urge to say or do something, although he wasn’t sure what, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Pulling it out, Connor’s name flashed up on the screen. Before Gavin had time to even open the message, two more had come through.

Connor [RK800]: What’s happening?
Connor [RK800]: Do you need assistance? Are either of you hurt?
Connor [RK800]: If you don’t respond in the next 30 seconds, Hank and I will go to your location.

Gavin quickly pulled up the keyboard before Astro Boy could come and mess everything up. Apart from the case, he did not want to cause a scene and potentially lose one of his main haunts for sourcing materials.

Gavin Reed: Cool it.
Gavin Reed: There’s no issue. What’s the problem?

Connor [RK800]: Nines and I share some data in case of an emergency.
Connor [RK800]: His stress levels are increasing rapidly.
Connor [RK800]: If levels continue to increase, he will soon be in danger. What’s happening?

Gavin Reed: He’s not in danger. I’ll handle it.
Gavin Reed: Don’t worry and don’t interfere. You’ll blow an important lead.

Gavin looked back at Nines, regarding him in a new light. He was just as still as before, but now Gavin could see the rigidness in his posture and his seeming emotional shutdown for what it probably was, fear. Unless given permission, Nines did not like to be touched. Gavin also recollected that he’d never seen Nines without his synthetic skin or with any of his internal components on display. He’d never really thought about it before, but all of a sudden it was hitting him fast and with startling clarity.

The crueller part of Gavin felt a thrill pass through him, a flicker that made him both giddy and ashamed. It made him feel every bit the asshole he was accused of being. It also rattled that lonely and withered part of himself that sometimes ached when he thought of Nines.  

Maintaining character, Gavin walked up so that he stood at Nines’ side.

“Babe, are you okay?” he asked softly, running a hand through Nines’ hair.

“You know you don’t have to do this just to make me happy. I like this stuff, but that doesn’t mean you have to like it too.”

Nines’ gaze finally focused on Gavin. Glacial grey pinned Gavin to the spot, but there was a certain desperation in them he didn’t think was possible for artificial eyes.

“You’re acting weird, which tells me this isn’t what you really want. It’s no big deal,” Gavin continued with a shrug, pivoting around so that he could face Alonzo.

Alonzo must have overheard at least part of the conversation because he was frowning at the pair of them.

“So are you buying or not?” Alonzo demanded.

“Change of plans. This one isn’t,” he said, pointing his thumb towards Nines. “However, I have my eye on a few things for myself.”

Gavin moved briskly towards the shelves he had previously perused on his way in and grabbed several different parts.

“You only want the base?” Alonzo asked nonchalantly from his spot by the counter. It was perhaps an innocuous question, or just a bid to see if he could upsell, but Gavin considered that maybe he was being tested. His bizarre performance had likely raised eyebrows, so he had to commit to the part.

“Yeah,” Gavin replied with levity. “I have all the connectors, capacitors, inductors, and chips I need . . . I have a few projects on the go.”  

“I’ve got more stuff in the back if anything’s missing,” Alonzo stated.

“Thanks, you’ve got some pretty decent stuff. Might need to come back with a full list. I’m mostly into military tech, if you couldn’t tell. I’ve been getting stuck into modifying the navigation and detection systems from the Myrmidon androids,” Gavin went on, weaving fact into fiction. He glanced over at Nines, who had quietly gotten out of the chair and was standing demurely on the other side of the shop with his back to them.

“Some pretty advanced stuff. The software’s almost impossible to crack into,” Alonzo replied. If he could liken that moment to fishing, Gavin’s line had just been tugged. He was so close.

“Oh, I sense someone has some familiarity with it?”

“You could say that. I’ve got my own interests in military gear,” Alonzo said.

“Then you might be in the know on some information I’m keen on.”

“Maybe,” Alonzo replied noncommittedly.

Gavin leaned back and deftly flicked open his wallet without showing Alonzo any of its contents and took out some bills.

“I don’t know what’s the official name for it, but I’ve heard there’s a thirium that degrades over time. Hundred bucks if you’ve gotten any decent information on it, two hundred if it’s really good,” Gavin said as he walked over to Alonzo, sliding the first hundred onto the counter between them.

“I’ve heard the odd rumour, but I don’t know much,” Alonzo said.

Gavin sighed and reached out to take back his money when a hand slammed down onto the bills before he could touch them.

“But,” Alonzo continued, “I do know some people who would.”

“How much would they know?” Gavin questioned, hand still near the money.

“Enough that you’ll be satisfied,” Alonzo said. “Hundred is the deposit and it’ll take about a week. Two hundred to get the information.”

“Three hundred is a bit steep, how about two-fifty?” Gavin tried bartering. He didn’t particularly care about the cost, especially as it was for a case, but he didn’t want to appear too eager. A little pushback was normal, even if he knew he’d likely lose.

“Three or no deal,” Alonzo stated flatly.

“Fine, fine, three it is. I’ll let my curiosity get the better of me this time,” Gavin said, hands raised in mock defeat. “I’ll come back in a fortnight to see what you’ve got.”

Gavin went back to grab the items he had left on the shelf and brought them to the counter. He was able to barter down a few of the items, but otherwise it had been a costly afternoon.

By the time he was finished, Nines was already standing outside. Before he could say anything to the android, a voice called out to them.

“Everything all right?” Hank asked. Gavin was familiar enough with Hank to know he was speaking with a feigned casualness. Connor must have told him something, but he wasn’t about to rock that boat.

“Everything is fine,” Nines replied. Funnily enough, Gavin would’ve called his response robotic. It must’ve been just as noticeable to the other detective pair as concern flashed across their faces before they could school it into something more neutral.

Nines didn’t wait for a response, instead he turned and started to make his way back towards the entrance of the market.

Gavin followed on close behind, wanting to avoid a possible confrontation with Hank and Connor.

He wasn’t wholly successful as when they finally made it back to their cars, parked a block away from the market, Hank marched straight up to him.

A finger was jabbed into Gavin’s chest as Hank stood directly in front of him, close enough that he immediately set off Gavin’s nerves.

“What the fuck did you do? I know there’s some sort of shit going on between the pair of you, but –“, Hank started, practically growling.  

“Hank.” Nines’ voice cut through like a knife, instantly silencing the Lieutenant. “It was my issue. Gavin did nothing wrong. We should head back to the station and compile our findings.”

Nines stood and waited for Hank to retreat, but the look in Hank’s eyes when he caught Gavin’s gaze told him this conversation wasn’t over. Connor seemed as though he was about to say something, but after a short pause and a reluctant nod he also turned to follow Hank. Gavin wondered what Nines had said, as clearly there had been a silent exchange, but then he also wanted to put the whole event behind him. He needed a smoke.

Gavin was prepared for a silent drive, in fact, he welcomed it. However, Nines seemed to have other ideas.

“Thank you,” Nines said without warning, just as Gavin was settling into the idea that perhaps he could consider the quiet peaceful rather than awkward.

“For what?” Gavin asked, slightly puzzled. Typically, Nines would only give thanks as a matter of politeness, but this didn’t feel the same as those times.

“Thank you for intervening. I didn’t realise – I should have behaved professionally. I almost caused us to lose a lead.”

“Bullshit. I would’ve gotten the lead one way or another,” Gavin confidently retorted. “Look, I didn’t know you’d react like that. But, on the job or off the job, you always have a choice. You can also change your mind. Shit, humans do it all the time. If we need to do things another way, I’ll back you up. Don’t just bottle it up like that.”

“I wasn’t aware that you cared for my wellbeing,” Nines replied. That statement sent Gavin straight into the nearest parking spot, which was fortunately a dirt layby just ahead. He couldn’t have driven much further, he was so angry he felt his vision monetarily white out.

“Right. For the sheer amount of shit you’ve put me through, I feel a lot of type of ways about you, but I wouldn’t continue being your partner if I couldn’t get my crap together. Maybe you think so abysmally low of me that I’d risk a sensitive case and destroy my career just to find some way to screw you over. Or, maybe you’re an arrogant son of a bitch who thinks they’re a higher priority to me than a lifetime of work.”

“Where are you going?” Nines asked as Gavin shoved open the door.

“For a smoke! Fucking Marvin the paranoid android,” Gavin exploded, stomping off so that he was a good twenty paces away from the car. He was sure that if he’d remained any closer, there would be a fist-sized dent in the side by the time they returned.

He had been teasing Nines earlier. He’d seen it in the light of an ill-advised piercing or a bad hairstyle, but that clearly wasn’t Nines’ perspective. He’d fucked up. He’d even given Nines a speech about not forcing him to do things he didn’t want to do once he deviated, and now look what had happened. He didn’t know if he was mad at Nines for seeing him as a piece of shit, or for seeing through his shit. He also didn’t know if maybe he wasn’t a suitable partner for Nines, perhaps for anyone. It wasn’t surprising that regardless of his achievements, a promotion was always just out of reach. He didn’t just want to show his capability to Nines, but also to Fowler. He wanted to prove everyone wrong about him. However, he was starting to wonder if he was just going to prove them all right.  

Gavin got through two cigarettes before he felt calm enough to return to the car.

It was only when they were several blocks from the precinct that Gavin dared to look over at Nines, the drive up until that point had been in complete silence. Gavin was aware that almost nothing escaped Nines’ notice, so any attempts to be discreet were not even worth attempting. Instead, he looked briefly across at his partner as he was stopped at a traffic light. What Gavin saw made him almost do a double-take, but he stopped himself.

Gavin had to contend with the mental image. It was apparently a day of multiple firsts. Instead of upright and aloof, Nines seemed to have the weight on the world as he sat slumped back gazing out the window. Gavin didn’t need to be a detective or a technological expert to see that Nines was upset. Gavin could think of several reasons as to why, but he knew he was ill-equipped to handle any of them. Instead, Gavin did what he did best, compartmentalise and prioritise work.

Chapter Text

It turned out Gavin’s conscience was not only still alive, but an insufferable annoyance once it got going. He had made it all of three hours after arriving home from work before he was staring down at his phone screen, trying to work out the words he wanted to say and if he wanted to say them.

He wasn’t stupid enough to message Nines directly. He couldn’t imagine it going any way other than painfully awkward and bordering masochistic.

However, he felt he could gamble on asking Connor without him running off to tell Nines about it. The cynical part of Gavin knew the only reason he was even willing to entertain the thought of talking to the plucky prototype was because he had leverage.

Gavin Reed: Is Nines all right?

Connor’s reply came only seconds later, which wasn’t unexpected. Gavin was lucky that there hadn’t been time after their debriefing to have a more direct confrontation. Although, Hank had given him a look that could curdle milk. He would have to make sure they weren’t left alone in the same room for the foreseeable future. He may be an old drunkard, but he could be a mean son of a bitch when he had reason. Gavin felt like he had given him one.  

Connor [RK800]: What happened today?
Gavin Reed: He didn’t tell you.
Connor [RK800]: No.

Gavin released a frustrated breath as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Now he was stuck with a moral dilemma. He didn’t know whether this was one of those moments where he was supposed to tell the truth or protect Nines’ privacy. He could list reasons why Nines may have not said anything, ranging from embarrassment to not wanting to cause further problems on what was already a difficult case. He even dabbled with the idea that Nines was protecting him. Gavin couldn’t face that last thought for long, finding it more likely that Nines was protecting the case. Either way, it led him no closer to a solution.

He decided to be honest and hope the consequences didn’t blow up in his face. The alternative was throwing his phone out the window, but that seemed a little excessive even to him. There was also no guarantee that Connor wouldn’t just show up at his place. He was irritating enough to do it.

Gavin Reed: I was playing a bit. I thought getting Nines a mod to keep in character wouldn’t be a big deal. Like dying your hair or getting a piercing. I didn’t talk to him about it before and thought we could just remove anything done afterwards. When you sent that text I knew I’d fucked up. He didn’t break character, but it was a close one. I backtracked and changed tactic. I didn’t think of how it might look from his perspective. I fucked up.

Gavin typed in one unbroken block, wanting to get the whole thing out in one go. He didn’t want to give Connor the opportunity to interrupt or prolong the awkwardness of having to retell it.

Connor [RK800]: I understand. Nines is sensitive when it comes to his autonomy. He finds it difficult to express himself and gets frustrated when other androids push him to showcase more of his individuality. I don’t think you could’ve predicted he’d have such a severe reaction. Perhaps you should have spoken with him beforehand, but I don’t think this is all on you.

Gavin wasn’t sure whether Connor should be divulging all this information to him, but part of what Connor had said caught his interest.

Gavin Reed: What do you mean the other androids push him?
Connor [RK800]: He struggles sometimes with deviancy. He’s reserved and cautious when it comes to change. It’s not a bad thing, but it has caused some conflict. I think he can unintentionally be a reminder of the past. It’s a work in progress, but also a sore point.

Gavin Reed: I’m kind of surprised you’re telling me all this.

Gavin had paused before hitting send, wondering whether he should look a gift horse in the mouth. He hadn’t anticipated Nines having problems, let alone with his own kind. It was oddly human. However, his curiosity behind Connor’s motivations was becoming too difficult to ignore.

Connor [RK800]: Keeping secrets from you about Nines in the past was a mistake. Perhaps I am making another mistake now. I hope I’m not. I hope I am helping. Just like you, Gavin, I’m trying. I care about Nines, but I have to make difficult choices. I’ve already failed him once.

It was becoming clear they were perhaps all slightly emotionally stunted. Gavin briefly wondered whether this was his and Elijah’s fault. The flawed creators making equally flawed creations.   

Gavin Reed: I don’t think you failed him. I just think everything got fucked up. It happens. We just got to now deal with it.  
Gavin Reed: Speaking of dealing with fucked up messes. You didn’t answer my first question.

Gavin paced the length of his flat as he waited for the response.

Connor [RK800]: Nines reassured me that he is fine and as of twenty-nine minutes ago his vitals registered within the normal range.
Gavin Reed: Twenty-nine minutes ago?
Connor [RK800]: That was just prior to him leaving the house.
Gavin Reed: Do you know where he went?
Connor [RK800]: No. He asked for some space, but he has allowed me enough access to know he is safe.

Despite being a seasoned detective, Gavin didn’t have a clue where Nines might have gone. Nines didn’t have much of a social life, which was only just further cemented by Connor. If he had to guess, he supposed he might’ve gone to Cyberlife. Gavin likened it to going to the gym. Nines didn’t blindly trust his programming, not when he could test and refine his systems.

Whilst Nines might’ve gone several times with Connor to Jericho, he didn’t seem too impressed by the current de facto leaders of androids. He only went when Connor was successfully able to manipulate him, which had always been a treat to watch.

Otherwise, Nines didn’t strike him as the sort to go for a solitary walk to work out all two of his feelings, but stranger things had happened.

Gavin was still considering alternative locations when there was a knock on his front door. Gavin almost choked as his heart leapt into his throat, but he recovered quickly. He considered ignoring whoever was on the other side of the door when there was another more insistent knock.

Grumbling, resolving himself to whatever fate lay ahead of him, he strode over and pulled open the door.

To his surprise, and relief, Tina stood in his doorway with a smile that boded trouble.

“Look, I would’ve called, but it was kind of spur of the moment and I was close by,” Tina started in lieu of a greeting. “I was wondering if you wanted to come to the bar with me and Claire.”

Tina seemed determined to get her whole spiel out, not giving Gavin any room to interrupt.

“I know you’re in the middle of a tough case. I won’t push if you’re still working. But, I wanted to offer you a night out. Nothing too wild, just a couple of drinks with some good company. You’ve looked pretty stressed lately, so I wanted to offer a chance to unwind for a few hours.”

“I’m not,” Gavin stumbled out. “I mean, I’m not working right now.”

Truthfully, he was processing copies of the security footage he had acquired from locations close to the three crime scenes. He trusted Connor and Nines to run their own analysis, but there was no harm in adding another pair of eyes. However, for the moment it was a waiting game as he let his programs scan through the files of their own accord. Technically, he had a free evening. There was nothing that required his immediate concern.

“Great! Then you’re free?”

“I’m not really a good drinking buddy,” Gavin said as he made to take a step back.

“That’s fine,” Tina said. “Just grab what you need and let’s go!”

Gavin must’ve been more out of it than he thought as he did just that. It was only as he was making his way back to the front door that he started to question what he was doing.

However, sensing his hesitance, Tina’s vice-like grip tightened around his arm as she practically dragged him downstairs to the car waiting outside.

“Hello, Gavin,” Claire greeted as he got into the backseat.

He hadn’t spoken much to Claire over the time he’d known her, mostly just in passing. She worked in admin at the precinct and seemed pleasant enough, but he never found a reason to engage further. He almost felt his presence would be a negative influence on her; she struck him as the innocent sort that was perhaps a little naïve. How she entered a relationship with Tina, he had no idea, and perhaps it was better not to know. Like most androids, she had a pleasant, symmetrical face and maintained an immaculate appearance with her neat auburn bob. He could at least acknowledge that she was pretty, but he knew that wouldn’t be enough for Tina. He just hoped she was more the sort to balance Tina’s eccentricities than contribute to them. He didn’t think he’d survive otherwise.

“Hi, Claire,” Gavin greeted in return.

“Let’s go!” Tina belted out as she banged on the dashboard, and with that they were off.

The bar was only a twenty-minute drive away. It may not have been the plushest place Gavin had ever seen, but it was definitely not the dingiest. With worn upholstery and dim lighting, it felt the right sort of casual and comfortable.

 They situate themselves at a booth in the corner closest to the door.

“I shall get drinks,” Claire said almost as soon as they had settled in. “What would you like?”

“Gin and tonic,” Tina responded, turning then towards Gavin for his answer.

“Any decent bourbon,” Gavin eventually replied.

“Excellent. I’ll be right back,” she said, turning on her heel and striding over to the bar.

He knew the instant she was out of earshot, at least by what would be considered a human-range, that her exit had been strategic.

He could feel Tina’s eyes drilling into the side of his head.

“Gavin,” she eventually says. “Did something happen today?”

Gavin turned to look at her, and instead found himself looking at an adept police officer with a promising career ahead. For all their banter and ribbing, she was an exceptional cop, and it reminded him of why he hadn’t pushed her away when she started approaching him in the breakroom. Tina’s strength lay in people, in understanding what made them tick and in being able to read a room in seconds. She was doing it at that moment, and Gavin wasn’t sure whether he ought to be concerned.

“I saw you when you came back to the precinct. Honestly, you looked like you were going to be sick. The others didn’t look much better. I thought Hank was going to rip your balls off, and the android brothers were clearly keeping their distance. After what you told me about Nines, I was worried . . . “

“So this was a ploy to get information out of me?” Gavin tried for light-hearted, but he couldn’t help the note of cynicism trickle in.

“I wanted to make sure you were all right. Honestly, it was a spur of the moment. I had a pretty shitty day. I wanted to unwind a little, but then we were near your place and I thought it might do you some good to get out too. Thought you might want to talk,” Tina said.

“Why was your day shitty?” Gavin asked, deflecting, but Tina didn’t seem bothered.

“There was a protest. Someone threw something cold, wet, and slimy and it hit me. I don’t know what it was, and even after the longest shower of my life I swear I can still smell it,” she grumbled, sniffing her hair again and wrinkling her nose. Gavin couldn’t help but snort, which caused Tina to playfully swat at his arm.

The humour dissipated quickly, though, as Gavin’s thoughts returned to what had happened earlier.

“I messed up,” he said.

“What do you mean? Are you in trouble?” Tina leaned forward, dropping her voice to almost a whisper.

Gavin gave a slightly longer version than what he told Connor, explaining both how he saw what he was doing as harmless and then from what he now understood as Nines’ perspective. By the end, the tension was almost crippling, his leg was bouncing like a jackhammer beneath the table in an effort to displace some of it. The only information he didn’t relay was anything regarding the actual case.

Tina frowned, which was an unusual look on her, but she didn’t seem judgemental. Instead, she sat for a moment, seemingly compiling her thoughts, before speaking.

“Yeah, that probably wasn’t the best decision. However, I don’t think what you did was malicious. I know you want to stick it to Nines for the shit he pulled, but I also know you enough to say you wouldn’t do something like this if you knew it’d have this sort of outcome. I can kind of see it from both sides. You acted rashly, but he also didn’t communicate with you. It’s a two-way partnership.”

“Thanks,” Gavin said, for lack of anything better. He was surprisingly relieved she hadn’t immediately turned on him. However, part of him wanted to press why she was so sure he wouldn’t have stooped that low.

“What are you planning to do now?” she asked.  

“I don’t know. I didn’t care to check in with Nines before I acted. I don’t actually know if that was just an oversight on my part or because I’m still bitter. Just looking at him fucking hurts. But I’m now aware if I go beyond a certain point it’s not going to make my shit any better, and it’ll just end up proving their point.”

“Do you think you can still handle this? Can you still be Nines’ partner and work with him?”

If Gavin had to describe Tina’s tone, it’d be gentle. It was unfamiliar, but he found he didn’t mind this side of her.

“Yes. I still think I can work with him. This was a wakeup call, though. Even if what happened today was completely unexpected, it’s made me realise that I can’t focus my time on trying to hurt him as much as he hurt me. There was a moment where I thought I might’ve even jeopardised the case. I need to get my shit together and focus on proving my worth instead of my anger.”

Gavin felt himself getting more agitated with each word, his hand joining his leg to tap a steady rhythm on the table. He wanted to see Nines receive his full comeuppance. He didn’t want to be so easily dismissed and discarded by everyone around him. He wanted to hold his head up high and know he was afforded at least a basic level of respect.

He had seen Nines afraid, though. It wasn’t as satisfying as he might’ve imagined in his late-night musings. There was a moment when he could have pushed further, and a tiny part of him that had been tempted. That small thought, combined with seeing Nines in such acute silent distress, filled him with horror. He felt he was on the cusp of becoming someone who wasn’t worthy of respect. He wasn’t a saint, but he had to be better.

He sighed, his hand coming to a stop as he suddenly felt worn out.  

“However, perhaps after this case I should go to Fowler and talk about dropping Nines. Long term, I need an actual partner, not competition or a constant painful reminder. Funnily enough, I prefer mutual encouragement rather than spite as motivation. I want someone who doesn’t look at me with contempt. I want someone who wants to work with me and isn’t offended by my presence. I want someone who will visit me in hospital if I’m injured.”  

Tina grabbed Gavin’s shoulder, clasping tightly. Gavin was glad she didn’t hug him, it might’ve broken him. She seemed to know this, offering just the right amount of support.

“You just wait till I’m a detective. We can team up and be the perfect crime-fighting duo. You just need to wait until then,” she said, gripping tighter. The smile was forced, but Gavin appreciated the effort. He laughed, nodding along to her declaration.

It was at that moment two glasses were placed down on the table before them, Claire’s return expertly timed.

Claire’s arrival swept away the tense atmosphere that had descended. Her warm and bubbly nature made it easy to talk about more pleasant topics, or at least those that didn’t leave Gavin slipping into a darker headspace.

As they continued to drink into the evening, Gavin even found himself laughing more than he had in months. Despite their differences, both Claire and Tina had a remarkably similar sense of humour. They bounced off one another in a way he found both charming and enviable. He had to admit that Tina’s idea to go out had perhaps been just what he needed.