Chapter Twenty-Five – A Blind Man and a Mute
Reed hummed, contentment flooding his whole body as he shuffled closer to the warmth that encircled him. He was turned partly on his front, a warm fleshy surface beneath his chest and stomach. In his sleepy haze Reed smiled. He didn't remember going out last night, but if he'd taken someone to bed then who was he to complain? He trailed one hand across a perfectly formed hip, noting the presence of sweatpants. Maybe we got dressed after…Reed thought drowsily, though upon reflection he didn't have that fucked out feeling he usually had after a good lay. He allowed his fingers to explore, moving up from the jutting hipbone and gliding across flawlessly soft flesh of his abs, feeling firm muscles beneath. This guy is fucking ripped…
He slid higher, slightly confused by the lack of a ribcage. The muscles felt like they were sitting on a flat surface, perfectly straight. It was weird, and Reed frowned a little until he found the fleshy mounds of the man's pecs. They were firm and nice beneath his hand, and he felt the body quiver beneath his touch as his palm stroked over a hardened nub. A large hand enveloped his own, the arm around his waist stroking his lower back gently. The man was awake, but he didn't say anything. I wonder what it would take to make him speak…
Reed bit his lip and bent his head, feeling unusually impish as he moved one leg, raising it to rest over his partner's. He felt the man twitch almost nervously as Reed rocked his hips, letting the other man feel his morning wood. He let out a small groan, partly on reflex and partly to try and garner a reaction. The hand on the base of his spine tightened slightly, a small intake of breath sounding somewhere above Reed's head. I wonder what he looks like…His body is pretty fucking good, did I pull off a miracle?
He nuzzled the naked flesh beneath his cheek sleepily and blinked his eyes open. Things were a little fuzzy in the morning light, though the curtains helped dampen it a little. As his eyes focused he took in the pliant pale surface, flecked with perfectly scattered freckles. He breathed in tiredly, his body stiffening as he picked up nothing but the vaguest hint of thirium. No! Fuck! No! I wouldn't! He thought as he jerked upright, shocked green meeting startled blue.
Good morning Gavin, did you sleep well? Nines asked politely with an almost anxious expression, watching the human slowly process what was happening. He didn't shrug Nines' arm away at first, but the android slowly drew back, knowing the human was getting increasingly uncomfortable. Do you remember what happened last night? The android asked cautiously, watching as Gavin thought back and then finally remembered.
"Right, I had a nightmare, fuck." He sighed in mortification as he fell face down on the mattress and buried his face in his pillow. He couldn't believe he'd forgotten. Again. This was the second time he'd forgotten about his partner and ended up embarrassing himself. He'd ground his fucking dick into the android's thigh for fuck's sake! He cringed at the thought. He looked up as Nines gently tapped his arm, turning his head so that he could see his partner's hands. He tried not to look too mortified as their eyes met.
It wasn't my intention to surprise you, however when I woke up you had rolled on top of me, and you looked so peaceful I didn't see the need to disturb you. He explained, and Reed knew he couldn't blame Nines. Nothing happened anyway, thank God. Reed sighed inwardly, trying to put aside the embarrassment he felt at how he'd felt up his partner. He winced as he imagined how much further he could have gone. Nines being non-vocal doesn't help either.
"Sorry, you know…for touching you. I was tired, and when I felt someone else in the bed I just thought…" He trailed off, turning his face into the pillow once more to wallow in his shame with an almost pathetic groan. He felt a gentle hand on the back of his neck and shivered as it stroked lower, over his covered spine. It felt nice, soothing. He turned his head as he felt Nines move, his body propped up on one arm as he looked down at Gavin softly. It was a look that Gavin didn't think he deserved, from anyone.
I don't mind. You may touch me. He replied, without any shame or hesitation. Gavin immediately put it down to android innocence and scoffed lightly. He pushed himself up onto his knees and stretched, cracking his shoulders loudly.
"Careful who you say that to, alright?" Reed warned as he got to his feet and headed towards his bathroom. He didn't wait for Nines' response, shutting the door as he stripped off and tried to chase away the memory of how comfortable it had been. Lying in bed, sprawled across Nines' strong torso, held in his arms. It had been so perfect. Nines was physically his perfect lay, exactly his type. It was such a damn shame he was a machine. The increasingly nagging part of Gavin's brain decided that that didn't matter, and he should absolutely take advantage of this living arrangement. Good thing I'm a decent human being…mostly. He thought, unable to quite halt the fantasy of climbing onto Nines' lap and servicing him like a good little slut. That was more his style. Not all these soft glances and gentle touches.
Reed climbed down into the large bathing pit and turned on the shower, leaving his clothes from the night before scattered across the tiled floor. He worked quickly, unsure what time it was. He was relieved as the hot water washed away the stickiness of the night before. He scrubbed bodywash into his skin, and lathered his hair before climbing out. He dried his hair and tied the towel around his waist before brushing his teeth and neatening the stubble on his chin with his electric razor.
His bedroom was empty when he came out. Empty and tidy. Nines had made up the bed, the duvet neatly folded at the bottom ready for him to slip into that night. Reed paused, laying a hand over the folded duvet. There was something familiar about the way it had been folded down at the bottom of the bed. It sent unexpected prickles down his arms. He shrugged it off as he dressed, hurrying downstairs to find Nines already waiting in the kitchen. He said nothing as he slid a plate of bacon and eggs across the counter, along with a glass of orange juice.
"Thanks…You know you don't." Reed cut off with a small chuckle when he saw Nines already signing.
Have to cook for you. I'm aware. The android assured as he grabbed a thirium pack and snapped the straw. Reed looked at his phone, seeing they had around thirty minutes to get to the office. That left him five minutes to eat. Traffic dependant, they might be a little late. Not like we won't make it up anyway…He thought as he shovelled the food in. Although I am fully versed in first aid I would rather not have to make use of those skills. Slow down and chew, please. Nines chided as he dropped the empty pack in the trash.
Gavin largely ignored the android's warnings, but still managed not to choke. He dropped his plate in the sink and grabbed his jacket, the android already dressed to leave and waiting by the door. They travelled to the precinct without incident, and that's when things got weird. They left the car and walked up to the bullpen, where Gavin found a note on his desk. A note written in Cyberlife Sans. An android? He wondered, knowing it wasn't Connor or Nines. They'd both changed their writing styles to an elegant cursive format.
"Did you see who left this?" Reed called, holding up the small post it for Anderson to see as he wandered over. Anderson took the small note and squinted at it as Reed leaned over Connor's desk. Said android was nowhere in sight, likely in the evidence locker working on whatever their latest case was. Anderson shrugged as he handed the note back.
"Not a clue. I only got here ten minutes ago though, maybe they arrived earlier." He suggested, leaving Reed to head out to the front of the building, as requested. Did they seriously wait around? What do they want? Is it case related? He wondered cluelessly as he tugged out his cigarettes. He lit up the moment he was outside and walked down the front steps of the station. The note was simple. Detective Reed, meet me at the front of the station. There was no name, no reason, nothing. Either it was an officer or a civilian had just walked in, knowing who he was, made it to his desk, and left a note. Who the hell would go to all this trouble? Why the mystery? If they'd waited inside I would have taken them to a private room if they'd asked…
"Detective Reed?" A woman's voice asked, the tone ringing like a bell. She sounded so delicate, and so warm. Reed turned in surprise, even more surprised as he caught sight of the familiar face and blue LED. He'd never seen one in person before, but he recognised the ST200 model from the television. She was very pretty in person. Pale skin, crystal eyes, blonde hair tied neatly over one shoulder. She was dressed for the breezy weather, wearing a blue dress with a light brown leather jacket that matched her purse.
"Yeah…Did you leave this note?" Reed asked curiously as he held it up, the blonde nodding as she stepped closer. She gave him a coy smile, tilting her head down to look up through her long lashes. Damn, she's good. "Is that a yes or no?" The human asked a little more firmly, stepping back with a certain level of distrust. Women didn't give you the doe eyes for no reason. She was up to something. Her eyes thinned ever so slightly. She clearly hadn't expected him to deflect her seduction so quickly.
"I did…I need something from you Detective. It's very important." The ST200 added sincerely, making Gavin pause with a confused frown. What could an android possibly want or need from me? Especially an ST200? The android stepped closer, following as the detective backed up the steps, and before long Reed's back met the rough brick of the station wall. He dropped his cigarette in surprise as he felt the solid stone at his back. He felt somewhat trapped with the brick surface against his spine, unsure why he was so keen to distance himself from the delicate android.
"Wait, what could you possibly need from me? I thought maybe you were a witness for a case, but…" Reed trailed off in confusion, even more alarmed as the blonde placed her hands deftly on his shoulders and pressed him against the stone surface. She was strong, he'd give her that. All androids were to an extent, but he'd never actually fought one besides that time with Connor. She leaned in and blinked as Reed's hand pressed over her mouth. "Miss, I'm flattered…and honestly a little creeped out, but before you continue I should warn you…I'm gay. No offense, I'm sure you're lovely, but you're just…not…what I'm looking for." The human insisted as he attempted to ease the young woman back, but she was stronger than she looked.
"I assure you detective Reed, this is strictly professional. For security reasons I require a sample of your DNA. Please comply." She stated in a more business tone, giving the human no room to object as she jabbed his diaphragm, making him bend over with a pained grunt. His green eyes widened as she pressed her lips to his and began exploring his mouth with her tongue, a hand lacing in his hair and tugging. He winced as he felt a few strands of hair tug free. "Thank you for your cooperation. I'll be in touch." She added as she stepped away, her low heels clicking gently on the stone tiles.
"Wait! What the hell is going on?" Reed demanded as he grabbed her arm, his heart pounding in agitation. He wasn't sure how he felt. Angry? Violated? More than anything he wanted to know why. She'd said she needed his DNA. His DNA specifically. Why would anyone want or need that? The android easily broke free of the human's grasp. It probably helped that he wasn't trying to hold onto her, just get her attention.
"You will be informed if and when necessary. Please wait patiently." She instructed, giving Reed no chance to respond before she raised a small disc in her palm and held it up towards Reed's face. Having never seen one before he wasn't prepared for the blinding flash. He cried out in alarm, staggering blindly as he covered his eyes with one arm. Shit! I'm blind! He realised as he opened his eyes to see a big white smudge. He held his free hand out, stumbling forward trying to find something or someone to hold onto. He gasped as he stepped forward and his foot dropped. He tumbled downwards, forgetting he was at the top of the front steps.
He braced himself as he fell, expecting to feel the solid edge of the sharp stone steps bouncing across his joints. A strong arm gripped the collar of his jacket and pulled, while another strong arm wrapped around his waist and lifted. He cried out as he felt his legs swing through the air, but then his feet touched the ground and gentle hands were cupping his face. Reed panicked, slapping the hands away and pushing a flat chest. He paused, his hands shaking as he felt the stiff leather of a new jacket, reaching up to find the high collar. He stroked up the soft face to feel the loose curl of hair and circle LED and almost fell forward in relief.
"Nines?" He asked, holding his hands out blindly. Two hands took his and squeezed. "Shit, I can't see. Everything's white…She had some sort of light, it was so bright I…shit." Reed cursed quietly, reluctant to step away from the wall as the android pulled. He slowly allowed himself to be led, Nines opting to slip an arm around his waist protectively and lead him inside. Reed didn't know what to do. His vision still smeared with white. Blinking wasn't clearing it. Shit, is this permanent? He panicked as Nines held him closer, and Reed gripped his wrist for comfort. His heart was racing as his breaths started to stutter. Shit, I can't breathe!
"Reed? What the fuck happened?" Anderson demanded, the voice appearing right in front of him. Reed reached out blindly, feeling the tell-tale smoothness of a silk shirt and a soft chest beneath. He knew it was the older man. He was the only one who wore silk to the office. It was one of those stripy old shirts he liked. The stupid fucking shirts that made him look so fucking old, all stripes or circles with weird colours. That was some sixties shit right there. What if he never saw it again?
"It was an ST200, she met me out front and…Hank, I can't see! I can't fucking see! Fuck!" Reed panicked, unsure what to do. Sure, he liked to cut out visual distractions, but this wasn't his choice. He was terrified. What if he was blind for good? He wouldn't be able to do his job. He'd be fired. He wouldn't be able to pay his bills. He'd end up in fulltime care somewhere, fuck! He felt small, helpless, vulnerable. He fucking hated it. He felt his breath catching as his heart slammed into overdrive. Ah fuck, not now!
"Hey-hey-hey! It's alright son, you're alright…Come here, sit-sit-sit, that's it. Breathe Gavin, breathe…" Hank's older voice soothed as Reed felt himself being moved. He couldn't even fucking walk by himself. He choked on his own breath, already feeling tears filling his eyes. Firm hands were gripping his shoulders as the older man crouched in front of him. "Nines, go find a medic…Come on son, just breathe. It's alright, we'll get you checked out. You'll be fine." The lieutenant assured, one of the hands moving from his shoulder to his back, rubbing between his shoulder blades. Hank continued to give assurances, reminding Reed to breathe until he had calmed a little.
"Anderson, what happened?" Fowler's voice demanded in a worried tone. The voice was close and quiet. He'd clearly walked down from his office. The older man turned to give what few details he'd managed to get out of Reed, but they were both clearly shaken up. Reed was shaking a little as he angled his head towards the floor, trying to breathe. There's too many people! Fuck, how many are here? Staring at me? Laughing at me? Fuck!
"Captain, we should move him to a less crowded area." Connor's voice chimed in sensitively, and Reed had never been so fucking happy to hear it. He immediately reached out towards it and was greeted by a soft grip on his hand. The captain readily agreed, prompting Anderson to ease Gavin to his feet, making no comment about the amount of weight Reed was leaning on him. His legs felt like jelly as he allowed Anderson to lead him, or drag him, across the bullpen. He was a little scared, not knowing where they were going. He calmed as they started walking up a few short steps. Fowler's office.
"Come on son, sit here." Anderson grunted kindly, easing Gavin down onto one of the smaller leather chairs opposite Fowler's desk. "We've blacked out the glass. It's just me, Connor, Fowler and you…Nines will be back soon." The older man explained assuringly, knowing Gavin would appreciate the details. The younger man's body relaxed at that, though his breath was still shaky. Reed blinked, seeing just a hint of green entering the white. Does that mean I'm okay?
"Detective Reed, can you tell us what happened?" Connor asked gently, his voice drifting over from somewhere by the door. Reed looked in that general direction, but still couldn't see beyond the increasingly green blob across his vision. Hank remained crouched in front of him, his large hands resting on Reed's denim clad knees. A comforting presence. He could hear the familiar creak of the large chair that told him Fowler was behind his desk.
"I found a note on my desk earlier. It didn't say much, just asked me to come out front. It was written in Cyberlife Sans, by an ST200…When I went out she said she needed something then she…Uh…She kissed me, and took some of my hair…She said she needed my DNA for something, and she'd be in touch…I tried to get more out of her, but she used something to flash my eyes…She must have left after that." Reed reported, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. His head snapped to the door as it was pushed open. Hank's hands disappeared to be replaced by a new touch on his shoulder. Nines…He didn't even need to think about it. The large hand was gripping firmly and he just knew it was his partner. He closed his eyes briefly as he leaned into it. Nines soothed the joint in response.
"Detective Reed? My name is Doctor Gates. Can you describe what happened?" A woman's voice asked softly. He hadn't actually been to the medical bay recently. He generally went straight to a hospital if he got injured or dealt with it himself. She sounded nice enough though. She had that practiced, reassuring tone. She also didn't touch him, which was a bonus. He hated it when people he didn't know just started prodding and pulling him around.
"An android shone this round light thingy in my eyes…I didn't get a good look at it, but it was small, fit in the palm of her hand." Reed explained, listening as the doctor calmly told him that she was going to examine his eyes, and that she would touch his face while doing so. He nodded his consent, grateful for Nines' strong hand resting on his shoulder. He was leaning towards him without even realising.
"What can you see exactly? Is your vision completely black?" The woman asked as she leaned closer, her hand resting partly on top of his head as she gently lifted his eyelids one by one. He could feel something moving near his face, but his vision was still a bright green mass. It was like a blob that filled most of his vision, surrounded by a black shadowy outline.
"At first it was white, but not like paper…It was bright, sort of like when the sun hits fresh snow." He explained, feeling his leg start to bounce nervously as he waited for the verdict.
"You said 'was', has it changed?" The doctor asked patiently.
"Yeah, uh…Over the past few minutes it's gone a sort of green colour…Like when you blink at a light then get that weird…light film in your vision, except it won't shift." He replied, finding it hard to explain the bright white-green that clouded his vision. He blinked as a white circle appeared and moved across one eye before shifting to the other. He blinked, his eyes trying to follow the blob.
"Did you see anything just now?" The doctor asked, likely noticing the movement of his dirty green irises as he followed the blob.
"Yeah, a white circle, sort of…" Reed replied, hearing the doctor hum her agreement.
"You'll be pleased to know the blindness is temporary. Your vision is likely trying to clear as we speak…I can't say how long. It could be a few hours or a couple of days. I recommend that you go home and rest, preferably somewhere dark or dimly lit so that your eyes can recover. Are you in any pain?" The doctor asked, Reed shaking his head, though he was less than pleased. His leg bounced in agitation, Nines' hand tightening slightly in response. He could feel the android urging him to relax. It didn't help. What helped was when the hand drifted up from his shoulder to the back of his neck, lightly squeezing. Reed took a breath as his eyes fell shut, the stress easing a little as strong fingers massaged the area.
"You heard the doctor Reed. We'll get you home. Is there anyone who can stay with you?" Fowler asked, knowing Reed was less than happy. He was also unsurprised as Reed shook his head. He had no family, not now, and his friends were all working police officers.
"Captain Fowler, Nines will attend to the detective's needs." Connor announced as Nines looked his way, LED flashing yellow as he spoke through their link. This also didn't surprise the older man. He knew that the android had registered Reed as his owner. It made sense he would want to remain close in his time of need.
"Hey! Wait a damn minute! Nines, we have a case to solve. We can't afford for both of us to be off when we have an interview set up and." Reed objected as he turned his face towards where he knew his partner stood, only pausing as Connor cut into the conversation with his usual politeness.
"Lieutenant Anderson and I will take on your duties. Nines can send me the details and we can go to the interview in your place." He offered politely, the older man not arguing. He knew Reed was less likely to agree if he got involved, in fact the human still seemed frustrated by the development. The doctor had already left, leaving the finer details for the detectives to sort out between them.
"Nines?" Fowler questioned.
"It is his name." Connor replied as he indicated his brother.
"Temporarily…until he chooses something better." Reed interrupted. He felt the hand leave his neck, instantly feeling the loss. He could hear Nines' hands rubbing and tapping quietly as he signed.
"Nines says he likes it." Connor translated, Nines enjoying the way Reed's skin heated beneath his fingertips and his pulse jumped. The idea pleased the human on some level. " He also says he has already opted to register it as his official designation." The older android added. Nines was quietly pleased with himself as Reed's pulse jumped again. He'd also managed to divert Gavin's attention from the topic at hand.
"Well, it's sorted then. Nines, send over the details you have so far…Who knows? Maybe a fresh set of eyes will make something click." Anderson suggested as he clapped an assuring hand on Reed's shoulder. He could understand the younger man's reluctance. It was never nice being off duty for injury, especially during an important case. He also knew, from watching the pair, that they'd hit a wall in their progress. The lack of advancement had also been causing Reed some stress, which Connor had already warned him about. Maybe a break would do him some good. "Go home, relax, come back fresh tomorrow or the day after." The older man added.
"That's an order. No working." Fowler added firmly as he looked between the pair. He trusted Nines to keep Gavin in line. For one reason or another the younger human seemed fond of his new partner. It was unexpected, but Fowler wasn't about to complain if he'd finally work with someone. Reed would have argued, but really there was nothing he could do. Without being able to see he was limited on what he could do.
"Fuck, alright." Reed sighed, his tone sounding horribly vulnerable. Hank gave his shoulder a final pat before he motioned to Connor. Connor and Nines locked hands, their skin drawing back as they interfaced. They briefly exchanged case details. Connor let Nines look into his own open cases in case he came up with any helpful ideas. In return Nines showed Connor every detail he knew of their current case, along with the interview details they had set up that day. "Nines?" Reed questioned as he looked towards his partner. Ah shit, he's mute and I'm blind…Someone somewhere is laughing at this fucking travesty.
In response to his call Nines' hand rested on his back and pressed gently. He was there, and he was listening. He was also ready to leave. The hand slipped to Gavin's upper arm and tugged gently. Reed allowed himself to be pulled up, immediately feeling exposed. He knew the general layout of the office, but there was a lot of space between himself and the door. The hand on his arm didn't leave, and he was relieved as he felt it loop across his shoulders.
Nines urged him forward, walking at his side rather than ahead or behind. They'd barely arrived, so they were able to go straight down to the car. Reed felt Nines' hands exploring his pockets in the elevator, quickly finding the car keys. He steered his human towards the car and opened the passenger door for him. The human's leg was already bouncing as Nines climbed into the car, and it was hard to communicate without using his vocal processor. He didn't feel quite ready for that yet. He settled for reaching across and laying his hand on Reed's restless thigh.
"Sorry." Reed murmured, guessing that his agitation was putting his partner on edge. The hand on his thigh squeezed again, making him shiver as it slid higher before lifting away. He didn't patronise him or treat him like an invalid. Reed was more than capable of buckling his own seatbelt through muscle memory. The car started and Reed closed his eyes as Nines drove, opting to protect them from the bright morning sun. Nines was attentive as he parked and helped Reed into the living room. He left the human lying on the couch with his hands over his eyes as he went around the house closing all of the curtains, upstairs and down.
The human sighed as he dropped his hands and stared blankly at the ceiling, his vision still shrouded with green. He smiled lightly when he felt silken fur slide along one hand, which he'd left hanging down towards the rug. He raised the hand and stroked along the delicate mechanical spine of his feline alarm system. He didn't know if Lynx was worried in his own way or just curious about his human being home at such a weird time when it hadn't been scheduled.
"Hey there beautiful." He murmured in greeting, enjoying the loud purr the large cat let out at the attention. The cat remained a few moments longer before continuing its pre-planned route. He listened, but couldn't make out the pads creeping along the wooden floor. He heard Nines' steady steps on the stairs, able to hear that the android had removed his shoes at some point. "Don't you fucking dare. I can hear you going into the kitchen." Reed chided as he remembered the mess he'd left earlier. The android didn't respond other than turning on the water. Fuck!
He heard the sound of a glass filling with water and the steps padded over to the coffee table. There was a light tap as the glass was placed on a coaster. There was a loud whoosh as a fleece blanket was opened and then Reed felt the material flutter down over his body. Nines also grabbed one of the cushions and tugged Reed up enough to jam it beneath his head. It was like being a kid all over again, and he could almost imagine being in his grandmother's house.
"I'm not an invalid Nines, and I'm not sick." Reed sighed as he shuffled lower in the blanket and raised it up to his nose. He quashed a hum in his throat as a large hand gently ran over his head. The android walked away, but he didn't go far. He just padded across the room and turned on the TV. It wasn't like Reed could watch anything, so he allowed Nines to do as he pleased. He almost moaned in appreciation as Nines went onto the streaming service and found a video of a fireplace. It had been a long time since he'd just laid down and listened to the loud hum and hiss of burning wood.
He closed his eyes, the green remaining like a permanent film in his vision even in the darkness. He sighed lightly as he listened to the crisp crackle and pop of the wood. He wasn't sure how long it had been, he may even have fallen asleep, but he did slowly become aware of fingers running through his hair. He was still sleepy as he turned his head, leaning into the touch, which pressed a little more firmly. A small sound escaped his lips in appreciation. The fingers moved to the other side of his head, teasing his scalp in just the right way.
He mumbled wordlessly as he turned on his side, the plush arm of the sofa cushioning his head. He'd fallen asleep there more than once without getting a sore neck. He bent his head a little as the hand slipped down to his neck and teased the area. He may have objected if he'd been more awake, but he could already feel fatigue curling around him again. He sighed in contentment as he settled into the light touches. He was like a cat, chasing the affection almost needily with a tilt of his head, and the fingers didn't disappoint.
"Nines…I need to…Can you help me up to the bathroom?" The human asked a while later as he roused himself. There was a familiar ache in his bladder that told him he desperately needed the restroom, and had for some time. Gavin pushed himself up and reached out, relieved as the android's firm hand took his and started slowly leading him. They went up to Gavin's room and Nines took him all the way into the bathroom. "Thanks, I can take it from here." Reed said sheepishly as Nines left him by the toilet. He opted to sit, not trusting his aim in his current state.
He took care of business and cleaned up before heading into his room. It was a little more awkward than he'd like. It had taken a while of stroking and patting for him to find the door handle. Once in his room he took a few steps, walking straight into Nines' firm chest. The android's arms wrapped around him loosely on impact, hands resting low on his hips. Without his sight he felt it more keenly. They were nice hands. Large and firm. Hands that could take him and bend him and, and that's enough of that.
"I'm not tired." Reed insisted as he felt the android pulling him towards the bed. "Hey…" The human objected gently as he was pulled down onto the mattress. At some point it seemed Nines had tugged his shoes off for him, though he was still wearing his socks. Despite not feeling tired he couldn't deny that the mattress felt a lot more comfortable than the smaller sofa downstairs. It also allowed the large android to shuffle into place behind him. "The fuck are you doing?" Reed chided lightly as Nines nuzzled the back of his head and wrapped an arm across his waist.
He shouldn't encourage this. He should push the android away, tell him to go downstairs and find something to do. He certainly shouldn't shuffle further into the warm embrace. He shouldn't settle his head on the pillows and close his eyes. He shouldn't tangle his legs with Nines in the hopes of gaining extra warmth and security. He shouldn't let the android's hand find his own and squeeze. Fuck, I'm so fucked. He could feel the hum of Nines' power core against his spine, and the ever so light thud of his thirium pump as it slowly matched his own heartbeat. It was comforting. Relaxing. Soothing.
"Thanks." Gavin murmured as he closed his eyes, feeling the responding nuzzle on the back of his head. He settled into the silence, only filled by their breathing and the barely perceptible hum of Nines' systems running quietly. He could feel the warm brush of Nines' artificial breath on the back of his neck. He knew the android didn't need to breathe. It was something he did to make humans more comfortable, Reed in particular. He could even feel the rise and fall of his chest, pressing against his back. It seemed Nines had decided that yes, Gavin was tired. Yes, Gavin did need to lie down. Yes, Gavin did deserve to be held like he was worth something. Fucked if Reed was going to argue with that, not when he felt so fucking vulnerable.