Chapter Thirty - Communication

Gavin winced, slowly becoming aware of the world around him. There were voices. Angry and timid. He winced as he tried to focus in on what they were saying. He was also in pain. There was a dull aching throb in his right shoulder, as well as smaller aches in his left side and knee, and bruising on his face and knuckles. He winced as he let out a shuddering breath, trying to open his eyes to see what was going on. The white light in the room was blinding but familiar. He didn't even need to hear the beeping to know he was in a hospital. The plush mattress and fresh cotton sheets paired with the disinfectant smell did that for him.

"I've told you, this area is for authorised personnel only!" The young woman insisted firmly, Gavin just able to focus enough to see the petite nurse trying to hold off the towering android. She wasn't the only nurse present, just the only one brave enough to speak. There was a male nurse in green scrubs leaning on the wall tiredly, holding his ribs. A sure sign that he'd tried to physically remove Nines from the corridor at some point.

"And I informed you that your human regulations do not apply to me." Nines stated in a voice that sounded a lot like Connor, only pitched slightly deeper. It suited him, as it had suited the other RK900 units. Nines is…talking? Reed realised as he watched the pair continue to argue. The argument was easily dismissed as soon as Nines noticed Gavin had woken up. The nurse stumbled back with an indignant objection as Nines more or less walked through her.

"Hey…" Reed mumbled weakly, not liking the dry crack in his voice. It seemed Nines didn't like that either as he poured out a plastic glass of water and held it to his lips. Gavin sipped it slowly, wetting his dry throat. "Causing trouble?" The human asked almost teasingly, watching Nines' LED flicker between yellow and red. He reached out and gripped the android's dirtied leather sleeve. The nurse seemed hesitant as she circled the wall slowly, coming towards the bed.

I just wanted to be close to you. Nines signed vulnerably, relaxing somewhat as Reed squeezed his arm. He understood Nines' vulnerability. If something happened to Reed he'd be lost. Ownerless. Reed knew the android would be safe, he'd have Hank and Connor to look after him, but it must be a horrible feeling to see your guardian getting shot. He could have kicked himself for letting that shit happen. He should have been more careful, played it slower and been more cautious.

It's alright, come and sit down. Gavin replied as he motioned to the empty chair at his bedside. Nines was obedient as he turned and sat, his LED spinning blue before returning to yellow. "Sorry, new work partner." Reed excused as he shrugged towards Nines, instantly regretting it as pain shot through his shoulder. His hiss made Nines' LED spin red as he got to his feet and laid a hand on Reed's neck. Reed waved him off as he shifted his arm in the sling.

"Regardless, your partner still needs to follow the rules." The nurse replied firmly. She was young, younger than Reed, probably fresh out of med school. Reed winced as she approached and started removing his bandages. He tried not to flinch away, not just from the pain but the discomfort of being touched by a stranger.

"Nines is a little different…It'll probably be easier for you to let him stay." Reed added with a hiss as the woman's fingers probed the wound. She clearly wasn't impressed, but having seen the machine toss two of her co-workers like garbage she couldn't really argue. She wrapped fresh bandages and took a few readings from the machines before leaving. Reed settled back uncomfortably, turning his head to look at his partner. "When did you get your voice back?" He asked curiously, watching Nines look at his lap nervously. That long?

"I have had the ability to speak since my second day at the DPD, however…" He paused hesitantly, glancing at Reed's bewildered expression. "While installing the component Connor mentioned you had been practicing sign language in order to communicate with me. I did not want that to go to waste…and during our first phone call you seemed uncomfortable…I know my voice sounds a lot like Connor's. I didn't want you to be uneasy." He admitted, unable to quite meet Reed's eye as he waited for judgement. If anything his admission just made Reed feel bad. All this time he'd been able to speak, but he'd been afraid of making Gavin uneasy. The whole day I was blind he could have been talking, each time I wasn't focused enough he could have called to me, but I made him feel self-conscious…God, I'm such a piece of shit.

"Sorry…Fuck, I feel awful. Look, I know you share a lot of parts with Connor, but I don't want you to hide things about yourself because you think you'll upset me. If anyone has an issue with your model then that's their problem, not yours. Don't ever change for anyone else, you hear me Toaster?" Reed replied firmly, watching Nines' blue eyes widen as he processed the fact that he wasn't in trouble. He wasn't in trouble, and Gavin didn't want him to change. He felt something whirring in his chest at the realisation. Besides, we can keep this as our own secret code. Reed added as he signed. Since it was easily learned by anyone it wasn't much of a secret, but it pleased Nines just the same.

"I have the ability to further alter my vocal pitch." Nines said hesitantly, looking to Reed for a sign of approval. The human leaned back and settled on the pillows, ending up propped in a half sitting position. It wasn't the best resting pose for his spine, but he seemed comfortable at least.

"Sure, you can do that if you want…I think your voice it pretty nice as it is though." Reed replied, trying not to smirk as Nines pretty much preened at the news. The more he listened to Nines talk the less he could hear Connor at all. It was the same basic tone, but Nines just spoke with a slightly deeper timbre. "You doing okay now?" Reed checked, barely remembering what had happened at the yard. He remembered hearing Nines' static screech of pain, and wrestling with the owner's son, but aside from that it was hazy.

"I am undamaged." The android replied assuringly, his head turned slightly towards Reed. That was the only thing out of place. His posture was perfect. His hands rested on his neatly bent knees, his shoulders and back were straight, and he kept his chin up. It was rare for Gavin to feel completely at ease in hospitals, but with Nines beside him he felt safe. He knew the android could deal with most threats, even unarmed. "You should rest Gavin." Nines said softly.

"You staying here? I could give you the house keys so you can go home if you want." Reed offered as he pressed a button to lower the bed. He didn't mind being propped up to talk, but if he was sleeping he wanted the bed flat.

"I shall remain." Nines decided as he tugged the crisp sheet a little higher, ensuring Reed was covered comfortably. The human sighed in contentment as he closed his eyes. "Sleep well Detective." The android added softly as he turned his head to face the far wall. Gavin shuffled lower in the sheets and turned down the light, watching a steady yellow glow flicker to his right. Nines had gone into some form of stasis, LED circling as he processed.

"Night Nines." The human murmured, feeling comforted by the dim yellow blinks.