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It was hot. The bright July sun bore its scorching rays down through the front windows of the DPD. Brilliant light filled the department, turning everything gold. It would be beautiful. If it wasn't so damn hot. The air conditioning was broken and couldn't be fixed until Wednesday. Everyone was suffering. Lieutenant Anderson tied his hair up, Gavin shucked his jacket off in favor of just his tank top, and even Nines had removed his Cyberlife jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his black button down. Though he could not feel the heat like a human could, he could tell that his systems were overheating slightly and running slower. Some officers had small, personal fans on their desks, though they did little against the heat.
Gavin grumbled to himself while flicking though case files at his desk. He tried to make himself focus, but it felt like his mind was in a fog. After reading the same file for the third time, he finally gave up, jabbing his finger at the power button and shutting his terminal down. Just as he was going to push away from his desk, a smooth, pale hand placed a tall cup with a straw in front of him. Nines settled on the corner of Gavin's desk, folding his hands in his lap.
"Uh, what the fuck is this?" Gavin asked, eyeing it suspiciously.
"It's coffee, Detective. You were zoning out and your energy levels must be low. You've only tried to pick a fight two times today," Nines replied smoothly.
"Hardy fucking har. It's way too hot for coffee, dipshit," Gavin said, turning away.
"That is why it is iced coffee. You know, for a detective, you are remarkably unobservant."
"Shut the fuck up. This damn heat is getting to me, man. Ease up. Besides, I don't like iced coffee."
"Have you ever had it?"
"Well...no."
"Then how do you know you do not like it? Just try it."
"You sound like my fucking mom. I told you. I don't want it. Now fuck off. I need a cigarette."
Gavin and Nines stood at the same time, Nines blocking the way.
"Gavin, your attitude today is insufferable. Drink the damn coffee," Nines said with a sharp look in his eye.
Gavin threw his hands up.
"Jesus, fine! Get off my dick about it."
He yanked the cup off his desk and shouldered past Nines towards the exit, rummaging in his pockets for his pack of cigarettes. Sticking one between his lips, he made his way over to the shade. Another pat down of his pockets revealed that he left his lighter in his jacket, which was hanging on the back of his chair inside. Gavin heaved a heavy sigh. He felt more than saw Nines come to stand next to him. Nines flicked a lighter and held the flame out to Gavin. A peace offering. Gavin saw it was the lighter he'd left behind.
"Thanks," Gavin muttered, leaning in to light the end of his cigarette. Gavin took a deep drag and Nines pocketed the lighter, saying nothing. Gavin swirled the ice around in his cup and drops of condensation fell to the ground, creating dark spots in the dirt. He hated to admit it, but it did look refreshing.
Finally, he brought the straw to his lips hesitantly and took a drink. The cool, bitter coffee tingled across his tongue. He could feel the fog in his mind begin to lift and already, the sun didn't seem so hot. He took another, longer drink, savoring the flavor.
"Alight, tin can. It's not too bad, I guess," Gavin said, taking a drag and looking anywhere but at Nines. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Nines' smug smile.