Chapter Twenty-Three – Frustration and Tenderness

Connor had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as he made his way towards the gymnasium. He remembered what had happened the last time Reed went to blow off steam. He could already hear the grunts in the hall as he hurried towards the closed wooden doors. It was louder once he pushed them open, accompanied by the thudding of soft flesh on leather and the rattling of chains. Gavin had tossed his jacket aside, but hadn't changed. He'd simply grabbed the bag and started punching.

"Detective Reed! Gavin!" Connor interrupted as he hurried over and tugged the human's arm. He was conscious of his new top as he dodged Reed's bloodied fist, the leather having already split his sensitive knuckles. "Gavin…Calm down, take a breath." The android instructed, returning his hand to the human's heaving shoulder as the man realised it was Connor who'd interrupted him. The human stumbled a little before dropping to one knee. He was panting, sweat on his brow as he quivered with barely contained rage.

Connor crouched beside him, keeping the grounding hand on his hot shoulder. It was rare for Reed to be completely non-responsive. He waited a while, listening to Reed's breathing slowly levelling out as his green eyes stared blankly at a space on the far wall. He slowly started to relax more, his fingers twitching as he began to bend and unbend the aching digits. He gradually became aware of the stinging burn across his aching knuckles and tightened his jaw.

"Gavin, are you alright?" Connor asked softly, watching the human's brow twitch as he slowly turned his head and noticed the android as if for the first time. "Nines said you came here to think…I thought I should check on you, since you ordered your partner to stay away." The android replied to the silent question, not hiding the slight reproach in his tone. Gavin dropped his eyes a moment before settling a little more comfortably on his knees.

"Four hours, four fucking hours Con…If we'd…I just…Phck!" He cursed as he gripped his brunette hair with one bloodied hand. Connor winced sympathetically, quietly messaging Nines to ask for case details. His brother wasted no time in sending what they'd learned that day. He could understand the human's frustration. This had been a long case, with a lot of victims stacking up. It was also getting some media attention. Reed had constantly unstable stress levels, and an unpredictable temper. He also had a seemingly terrible way of coping with any excess anger.

"There was nothing you could have done. You were unaware the victim was missing at the time. There is no way you could have stopped this." Connor assured gently, though Gavin seemed less than convinced. He huffed and began tapping one fist on the floor, red smearing the waxed wooden surface. He stopped as Connor's hand gripped his wrist tightly. He didn't know if Gavin was trying to punish himself with the pain or was just following a reflex. Either way it had to be stopped.

"There's more I could have done…I should have looked closer. I shouldn't have needed Nines to come on board to get shit done…I just wonder if…If the victims were human would I have done more?" Reed asked as he looked at Connor, vulnerability and fear of judgement hovering in his faded green eyes. Connor's hazel gaze softened as he squeezed Reed's muscular shoulder. Gavin had come a long way over the few short months since the revolution. He knew Reed took his duty seriously.

"No, Detective Reed. You have done everything possible with the details you have available. You also had Hank and I look over the case and we didn't make any progress either…Some cases, even large ones like this, take time due to a lack of information and evidence. You cannot blame yourself for that." The RK800 assured gently, watching Reed nod his timid agreement. "You should talk to Nines…He wouldn't say it, but he is somewhat insecure when it comes to your partnership." The brunette added softly as he got to his feet and urged Gavin up.

"I should probably…" Gavin began as he raised his cut up hands.

"Wash your hands. I'll find a medical kit and meet you at your desk." Connor instructed, leaving Reed no room to object as he left the gymnasium. Reed stumbled on shaky legs before making his way into the changing room and washing his hands. He winced at the sharp sting and dull ache in his knuckles. He grabbed his coat and walked back to his desk, surprised as Nines walked around, blue eyes wide in alarm. His LED flickered between red and yellow as he took in the injuries.

"It's a few scrapes Toaster, nothing to get your wires in a twist over." Reed insisted as the taller android stepped closer and knelt down. Nines was gentle as he took one of Gavin's hands and looked closely at the cut up skin. He didn't need to scan. He could see the wounds were superficial, but that didn't explain how or why.

Did you hurt yourself on purpose? He asked hesitantly, watching Reed scoff and twist his chair to face his desk defensively. That was a clear sign for Nines, who tugged the chair back to make the human face him. Why?He signed bluntly, his expression showing a hint of worry. Reed sighed as he flicked Nines' forehead.

"Don't think too much about it…It's not your fault. I was just letting off some steam and got a little carried away." Reed assured, though Nines seemed unconvinced. "Drop it." The human added firmly, watching Nines' brow tighten ever so slightly as he was forced to silence himself. Reed sighed apologetically. He didn't like giving Nines orders, but it was a convenient way of stopping uncomfortable conversations. That doesn't make it right asshole…

"I brought the first aid kit." Connor announced as he appeared behind them with the small red box. He paused, his LED flashing yellow as he looked down at Nines. Reed couldn't see his partner's LED, but he'd bet his life that they were talking. "Your partner can help patch you up. I must return to the lieutenant." The RK800 replied simply as he handed the box to Nines and returned to his desk, where the older man was watching things with piercing blue eyes. Reed looked away quickly. The last thing he needed was for the old man to get on his case too.

Let me see. Nines ordered, quietly pleased as the human obeyed and rested his hands on his knees. He raised one of Gavin's hands and grabbed a disinfectant wipe, being firm as he cleaned off the still bleeding cuts. Gavin hissed a little as he worked, but he was restrained enough not to flinch. It seemed he was used to this sort of treatment. His hand was strong, with quite long fingers. The back of his hands were quite soft, but his palms were rougher from years of handling firearms. Nines licked his lips as he watched beads of red pooling on Reed's knuckles. He looked almost hungry. He really wanted to analyse it.

"Don't…make it weird." Reed murmured as he noticed Nines' intense gaze. The android blinked before dabbing the blood away with the wipe. He made no response as he picked out a long bandage and began wrapping the injury. Gavin tried not to look too much at the android currently kneeling more or less between his legs. He also tried not to focus on the softness of his skin, the elegance of his long fingers and the gentleness with which he treated his hand. "Thanks…" The human murmured as the android changed hands and gave him the same gentle treatment again.

What made you angry? Did I do something? Nines asked once he was finished, packing away the kit while he waited for Reed to respond. Reed looked down at his bound hands, finding the binding was just as good as the last time Connor had bound his hand. It had happened after the android noticed what a terrible job Reed himself had done, the day he'd written that essay in the interrogation room. Guess I shouldn't be surprised, they probably have the same first aid program installed.

"No, you…you've been great…" The human replied honestly, letting his fingers brush through the loose curl of Nines' hair. "I mean it. I wouldn't know anything about the victims if it weren't for you. I'd still be waiting on forensics. You've also helped narrow down our search area." He added in an unexpectedly affectionate tone, drawing his hand back before he made it uncomfortable. He kicked himself inwardly. After telling Nines not to make it weird he was doing it himself.

I haven't been helpful enough…I have gathered details, but no results. The android argued, looking more than a little disappointed in himself. He looked up as Reed tapped his shoulder, the human looking tired and kind. He didn't want to speak out loud, so he opted for sign language. Being sappy in the office was a no-no on his list. Wouldn't want to ruin his reputation as top asshole.

You've helped more than I could have hoped. I can't…I can't solve this without you. I'm not mad at you. I'm pissed because if I'd gotten results sooner then we may have saved Avery Doe. We were four hours late. That's fucking close. Reed signed, watching Nines trying not to preen at the slight praise. They settled in together, Nines back across at his desk with Gavin's monitor between them. The android watched as his human updated the map with their latest victim's location. They could do little more until they'd looked up friends and relatives. That was something that Nines was onto already. Unfortunately there wasn't much to go on.

There is no known next of kin, and Avery was unemployed…I have her address, and the contact details of her former owners prior to the revolution. Nines reported, something swelling in the pit of his stomach. He barely recognised it as pity. This android hadn't even figured out a last name yet, in fact her first name had come from her human owners. With no work place it limited her chances of friendly interactions. On paper she seemed quite friendless, lonely. He knew it was an assumption, but it was what he felt. It was likely what Hank and Gavin would describe as a 'gut feeling'.

"Send me the contact information. I'll call them up and set an appointment." Gavin said, dialling as soon as the email came through. A middle aged woman picked up, a woman who seemed entirely unconcerned when informed of Avery's death. She agreed to meet, but it didn't sound like they'd get much. The woman hadn't seen her since the revolution. Maybe we can at least get a feel for her character…

You don't look hopeful. Nines stated, and Gavin shook his head. He looked at the clock. They had a couple hours left, enough to check out her apartment. He said as much to Nines and led the way. He drove to her apartment. It was a cramped rundown place with barely more than a bed and a bathroom. It didn't look particularly lived in. There were almost no personal belongings beyond a couple changes of clothes. They spent a while knocking on doors, but heard pretty much the same thing each time. She was quiet, kept to herself, didn't cause trouble, never brought anyone home, and didn't seem to go anywhere in particular.

"There are some CCTV cameras around the apartment. Maybe we can get a fix on the last time she left the house, where she was headed, and follow along for a while." Reed suggested upon their return. There was really no more they could do. Reed sent in a request for the footage to the apartment block before shutting down his terminal. Things were quiet as they headed home, and when they got there Reed was just so worn. He wanted to stumble off to bed and stare at his ceiling until he fell asleep, or didn't, but Nines' insistent hand on his wrist stopped him.

I will make something for you to eat. Sit. He urged gently as he gestured towards the living room, giving Gavin a push as the human began voicing objections. He wasn't hungry. He just wanted to lie down and try to sleep. You must eat something. You cannot function without selfcare. Nines insisted before pushing Gavin's chest, watching the human's green eyes widen in surprise as he fell back onto the sofa.

"Nines, really, you don't have to." Gavin cut off as Nines leaned down, his index finger resting on Gavin's lips. He tried to ignore the shiver running down his spine and the heat curling in his stomach as their eyes met.

Silence. Rest here, and I will bring you food. The android ordered, withdrawing without another word. Gavin sighed as he settled more comfortably and rested an arm over his eyes. It was easier to let the android do as he pleased than it was to argue. He savoured the darkness and worked over the case details again, wincing at the throb in his temple. He'd thought himself around in so many circles he was dizzy. He didn't know how much time had passed, but he did feel the gentle hand lacing in his hair, the slow stroke drawing a moan from his lips. Eat. Nines urged as he handed Reed a bowl of vegetable soup.

"Thanks." Reed murmured as he sat up and accepted the tray, which had a bowl of soup along with two slices of buttered bread. The android finished by lowering a pint of water to the tray, knowing the human was dehydrated. It was just enough. Light, not filling, not heavy. It was the perfect meal to give him sustenance without weighing him down or making him nauseous.

Would you like to watch something? It may help take your mind off things. Nines suggested, turning on the TV as Gavin nodded. He steered clear of the news channels, knowing they wouldn't report anything positive to improve Reed's mood. He settled on some unknown crime drama, watching Reed scoff on occasion as the story played out. It was predictable, and somewhat unrealistic in terms of plot and the manner in which the detectives worked.

"They'd never have gotten that warrant." Gavin murmured as he set his tray aside, Nines nodding his agreement. Warrants were notoriously tricky to attain, particularly with such high profile suspects. Perhaps that just shows reality is more corrupt than fiction…The thought was less than comforting. Reed sighed, his spine slowly unwinding as he leaned back on the sofa. He'd at least managed to relax for an hour or so.

Shall I take you to bed? Nines asked, his expression somewhat soft. It was a look that sent something warm through Reed's chest and he sat up.

"I'm not a kid you know, I can take myself to bed." He insisted as he ran an awkward hand through his hair. Nines didn't argue, and Reed ignored the double entendre that could easily be implied. Joking about that sort of thing with Nines made him more uncomfortable than it should have. It made him uncomfortable because in the back of his mind his only response was yes, yes please. Take me to bed and keep me there for the next fucking week.

Come then. Nines signed as he turned off the TV and set about shutting down the apartment. He briefly paused and put some food out for Lynx, who prowled over with a low purr. Gavin set his tray in the kitchen and quickly cleaned up. He felt a strange tightening in his stomach as he noticed Nines waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs, the android remaining behind him as they made their way up. Good night Gavin. Feel free to come to me if you can't sleep. The android said.

"What are you, my mother? I'll be fine…Night Nines." Gavin replied, noting the way Nines' LED flickered yellow and blue as Reed used the nickname. He wondered whether the android had chosen a proper name yet. Maybe Connor would help him. He deserved a proper name. A nice name. One that suited him. One that wasn't just a number. The human ended up back in his own room, just managing to brush his teeth before flopping down on his bed, not even bothering to undress.