Chapter Thirty-Five – Brother
When he climbed out of the shower he noticed his clothes had been removed. He dried off and wrapped the small white towel around his waist before heading into the bedroom. The Chloe doppelganger was there already, with clothes, bandages and bottles laid out on the bed. Gavin wandered over and sat obediently as the blonde got to work, starting with his still bleeding wrists. She was focused and methodical as all androids were, silently disinfecting and wrapping his wrists firmly. She then set about redressing his shoulder, apologising for the strain that had been placed on the joint during his stay.
"Here, I brought some fresh clothing for you." She added as she handed him a small pile. They were his size, and new. They still had tags. Did someone drive out into the city for these? He wondered as he tugged on the fresh boxers, socks and jeans. The jeans were expensive, thick Levis that fit him like a glove. They were his usual straight legged style too, not tight and clingy. There was a white cotton undershirt and an expensive black top with a designer he didn't even know embroidered into it. He knew it was expensive from the soft feel of the material. It shouldn't have surprised him, considering the size of the house. His hospital sling was returned. Reed grunted as he folded his arm into it in relief. "Please follow me to the sitting room." The android instructed as she walked towards the door.
"What should I call you?" Reed asked, seeing nothing else to do as they walked.
"My name is Chloe." The blonde replied with a small nod as they walked. Reed raised his eyebrow at that.
"But the other one was called Chloe." He pointed out as they approached the obnoxious staircase and started walking down. Reed had a human bounce in his step, while Chloe's steps were calmly measured, making almost no sound at all despite her shoes. Her upper body moved so little it almost seemed like she was floating down the stairs.
"We are all Chloe. It is our model name." She replied, which was similar to the RK800 and RK900 series. He knew that they all came with the name 'Connor', but he also knew most deviant androids would choose new names, especially if they all lived together. How confusing would that be? Trying to call one and having both turn up…There might even be more androids here…He thought warily, his green eyes darting around the silent hall with a shiver.
"How do you know who's who?" Gavin asked, watching Chloe's head tilt.
"We all have separate serial numbers, if that's what you mean." She replied. Not in the slightest. Gavin thought, but he didn't bother to question her further. At the bottom of the stairs he was led to a new door that headed further into the house. Inside was a cavernous sitting area. There was a huge TV on one wall, with a sofa and two armchairs encircling it. Behind that was another seating area consisting of two large sofas and two more armchairs set around a low coffee table. Behind that was a small wooden bar with six stools along the front and two more down either side. "Make yourself at home." Chloe invited as she gestured to the large room. Gavin nodded and hovered awkwardly, stepping a little further into the echoing space as the petite android retreated.
He slowly made his way to the glass wall, which looked out over a large back garden. There were huge green lawns, surrounded by rows of colourful flowerbeds and various trees and shrubs. It was almost like a park. It was a massive space, and he was sure there was probably more beyond that. It was somewhat peaceful. He still didn't get the whole glass wall thing. The house must get pretty cold in the winter, though he had the feeling the owner could more than afford the heating bills. He slipped his free hand in his pocket, resting his weight on one leg as he took in the view. He didn't even hear the door open, or the quiet steps that paused just inside the doorway.
"Welcome Detective…" A familiar male voice greeted stiffly. Gavin looked over his shoulder to see the man from the painting in the hallway. He was looking at Reed like he'd seen some sort of ghost. Reed turned to him fully and examined him in return. He was tall. Taller than Gavin. He was also slim and slender. He was probably toned beneath his white cotton shirt and grey waistcoat, but it was hard to tell. It was eerie. Something told him that he knew this man. Is he a model or something? Maybe he's on one of those billboards…
"And you are?" Reed replied uncertainly, watching the man's large eyes widen almost incredulously. He was wearing grey suit trousers and black socks, and his hair was in the same bun style from the painting. He looked slick and smart. The poster boy of sophistication. Reed was still betting on a model of some sort. He didn't look like a sportsman.
"You don't know?" He stammered, as if this had never happened to him before. He almost looked humbled by the experience.
"Sorry…I sort of recognise you, but I don't really keep up with fashion of whatever…" The shorter man replied with a shrug, wincing as that moved his shoulder.
"Fashion? I'm…Ahem. Elijah Kamski, Founder of Cyberlife." He introduced formally, if a little haughtily. Reed's mind went blank for a moment as he processed what that meant. This was the man who'd invented androids. The man who'd founded his own company when he was barely sixteen. The man who could buy pretty much half the city. He was indirectly responsible for Connor and Nines' existence. I've been kidnapped by my android's father…sort of?
"Detective Gavin Reed, DPD…" Reed replied awkwardly, unsure exactly what he was supposed to do with this information. What would the founder of Cyberlife want with him? He'd better not be after Nines. If he were after Nines that Chloe would have grabbed him though…
"Yes, I'm more than aware…" Kamski replied with the slightest chuckle, looking Reed up and down in awe. "You…You have his nose…and you stand like him." He added as he slowly walked across the room, eyes still roving over Gavin's slightly stockier body. It was making Reed uncomfortable as he shifted from foot to foot. Kamski's eyes widened as he took in Gavin's slightly restless and nervous behaviour.
"Like who?" Gavin asked, instantly on edge.
"Like my father-well…our father." Kamski admitted, daring to step a little closer to the man that DNA insisted was his brother. Technically he was his half-brother. Younger too, though only by three months. His parents had been married since the year 2000 by then, which meant his father had had an affair at some point. He wished he could say he was surprised, but with all of his father's business trips it made perfect sense. He has our father's eyes too…He couldn't hold back from reaching out to touch Gavin's cheek, intending to angle his face to get a better look at the eyes that were so much like his own.
"What? No…No-no-no, this-and you-and-no, no-way, not happening." Reed stammered as he jerked back and started pacing. Kamski hesitated, unsure what to do. His planning had been lacklustre to say the least. He'd secretly thought this whole thing had somehow been faked. When he'd first seen the alert he'd been shocked. He was the only Kamski in Detroit. His father was dead, and his mother lived out of state with her new husband. Seeing that Kamski blood had opened the lab had been quite a shock. At first he was convinced it had been faked somehow, but when he'd seen the footage he'd begun to suspect otherwise.
Seeing Gavin Reed standing in the lift had made him thoughtful. To be safe, and ensure there wasn't some madman stealing his DNA to open doors, he'd sent Chloe to obtain DNA samples for analysis. Upon her return he'd run the tests with his own equipment, but he hadn't believed it. The samples had insisted they were directly related. He'd pulled up files on Gavin Reed, calling in all sorts of favours to get as much information as possible about this seemingly innocuous detective. Up close it was scary how much Gavin Reed looked like their father, though his brunette hair was just a little silkier and lighter. Elijah also took after his father to a certain extent, though he'd gotten the height from his mother's side, as well as his slightly longer face.
Once he'd examined the DNA Chloe had brought he'd felt compelled to make one more run of tests, with no room for error. Despite physical evidence to the contrary, Elijah had still doubted the results, even as his father's eyes stared back at him from the photographs he'd attained. He'd decided he had to bring the detective to his home and watch the samples being taken directly, and test them as soon as possible to prevent any form of tampering.
He'd been very loose in his directions for how the detective was to be brought to him. He'd told Chloe to bring Detective Reed to him as quickly as possible, leaving the method entirely within her hands. He trusted his Chloe androids, always had, even before their deviation. He'd originally had six around the house, but for now only three remained. One was his personal assistant, never leaving his side. One kept the house tidy and dealt with guests. The final Chloe was the one he sent out on errands, fully believing there was nothing she couldn't do.
"Why-are you doing-this? Why-would-you…You didn't need to-tell me-this." The detective stammered, clearly in the middle of a small meltdown. Kamski couldn't blame him. He'd had his own. Multiple in fact. He'd had to confront the reality of his father's infidelity, and the fact that he had a brother. They'd been born barely three months apart. They'd both grown up in the same city. On opposite ends of the social spectrum. "You can't be related to me! Shit, look at you!" Reed snapped as he stepped away and waved an arm in Kamski's general direction.
"What? Why?" The scientist asked as he looked down at himself. He felt he was perfectly presentable. Anyone else would be thrilled to find they had such a rich and powerful sibling. Anyone else would take full advantage. Warming up to him. Schmoozing him for finances or a job or anything else they wanted. Perhaps he should consider himself lucky that Gavin seemed to feel just the opposite, though he hesitated to call his expression disgusted.
"Look at you! You're a fucking playboy! Poster perfect everything! You graduated university at sixteen and founded your own company! Fucking invented androids! There's no way you're related to me! I'm just…I'm just a nobody..." Gavin replied, his voice starting off strong before trailing off at the end. Suddenly it made a lot of sense why his father never bothered to find him. He already had the perfect son in Elijah. What need did he have for a dumb nobody? Reed's family had been poor. He'd struggled through school, and become a detective more by luck than judgement. Even if he came looking he would have been disappointed…
"From what I've read you're a rather fine detective." Kamski interrupted smoothly, wondering what his father had been thinking for all those years. He'd left Gavin money, so he clearly hadn't wanted him to suffer. Had he kept a quiet eye on him? Why hadn't he ever reached out? Had he been that afraid of Elijah or his wife finding out? Or was that wrong? Had he left that money to assuage his own guilt and then pretended the whole thing never happened? Elijah couldn't imagine, and now he couldn't ask.
"Don't patronise me…So? You did all this…What now?" Reed asked defensively, unsure what he really wanted to happen. He didn't want or need this man's charity. He had more than enough to get by, and he was perfectly happy. At the same time he did feel a little curious. This man knew things. He could answer some of the questions Reed had always kept hidden. He could tell him about his father, about where he came from. Maybe he could tell Gavin about himself, and what it was like growing up with both parents. Or I could go back to the station and pretend this never happened. Reed thought, swiftly leaning towards final option. The easier option.
"I…I don't know. I'll admit it, I didn't really think this through." Elijah confessed sheepishly as he ran a hand over his tied up hair, the gesture almost making Reed shudder. It was a habit Gavin had when he was nervous or frustrated. "Why don't we sit and have a drink?" The entrepreneur suggested as he led the way to the bar. Gavin followed warily and sat on one of the high stools while Elijah walked behind it and waved at the bottles.
"Just a whiskey." Gavin suggested, unsure what most of the names on the bottles even meant. Elijah looked around briefly before grabbing a half full bottle of dark amber liquid. It had the name Macallan on the side, and the glass bottle looked beautifully made. Elijah poured a generous measure into two glasses and pushed one of them across to Gavin. The shorter man nodded thanks as he took the glass in one hand and nursed it. He watched Kamski elegantly raise his glass to appreciate the aroma and quickly followed suit. He had to admit, the smell was amazing. Sweet, fruity, spicy. He almost doubted it was a whiskey.
"Go ahead and try it…I spent a small fortune on this bottle." Kamski encouraged, managing to work in a brag too. If anything that made Gavin worry more. He didn't want to insult the man if he didn't like it, though from the smell that seemed unlikely. He took a hesitant sip, barely wetting his lips, and he could already feel the heat. His lips and tongue felt fresh, and then warm. There was a rich fruity taste to the spiced spirit, like sultanas, apples, ginger and something citrusy. The liquid was so thick it was almost oily. It was the best thing Gavin had ever tasted. "Worth every penny." Elijah sighed as he sipped his own drink.
"Yeah, that's…that's something." Gavin agreed as he stared at the liquid for a while. Where do we even start with this shit?
"When you were younger did you ever want a brother? Or sister?" The taller man asked curiously as he swirled his shot slowly. He fully intended to take his time with it. Reed seemed to have the same appreciation as he stared at the rich amber liquid. He shook his head after a few moments, looking somewhat bitter.
"We hardly had enough to feed ourselves some weeks…Last thing I'd want is another kid in the mix." He admitted, though it was perhaps a bitter admission. If he'd had someone there maybe things would have been easier. Maybe he wouldn't have gotten involved with gangs and drugs. Or maybe I would've just dragged another kid down with me…
"I see…I used to wonder what it would be like to have a brother, before my IQ test that is…After that I didn't really have enough time to think about it…Always another class to attend, another puzzle to solve, another project to work on…" Kamski sighed, remembering when he was five. Being the only child in a large mansion with an absent father and working mother wasn't easy. He was lonely, and had often thought a brother would keep him company. It would be nice to have someone to bounce ideas off, though looking back his ideas had probably been more advanced than the average five year old's even then.
"What's he like? Our dad." Reed asked hesitantly.
"He was…a good man. Not the best father, but a decent human being. He worked in banking, quite high in the company, so he'd travel the world for meetings. He was rarely at home, but when he was he'd make sure it was memorable. Expensive gifts, long vacations, family dinners…When they discovered my high IQ I was sent to a private school for the gifted. I didn't see him much after that. He did help me to finance Cyberlife when I graduated, even convinced a few others to go in on it. He didn't really understand androids, but he was pleased with the profits the company brought in. He retired a few years ago and got a house on Bermuda…He died before he could really enjoy himself. Freak helicopter accident." Elijah replied regretfully, still feeling the weight of the loss. His father had been on his way to Cyberlife when it had happened. In one of Elijah's helicopters. He'd wondered more than once if the accident had been meant for him. Reed seemed strangely quiet as he finished, though Elijah knew it was a lot to take in. He'd gained a brother and lost a father in just a few minutes. "Sorry…It must be…difficult." Elijah added awkwardly.
"I guess." Reed replied with a stiff shrug. He wasn't good with feelings to start with, but now? He couldn't stop his leg from bouncing in agitation, and he didn't even know why. It wasn't like he fucking cared. Barely two hours ago he hadn't even seriously thought about his father in years. The man was a stranger. A weasel who jizzed out a kid and took off, leaving behind a bit of money to offset his own guilt about it. He wasn't there for Gavin's first step, or his first birthday, or his first day of school, or his first grade sheet, or his first detention, his first arrest, his first bullet wound, when his mum died, when he graduated, when he bought his first house. The man was nothing. Finding out he'd died shouldn't affect him at all.
"Breathe." Elijah's steady voice soothed in his ear. When the hell did he get so fucking close? Reed wondered in shock as he felt a firm hand on his knee while another slipped across his shoulders. His whole body stiffened upon contact. He rarely let anyone into his personal bubble. The tall man eased him closer despite that stiffness, his strange scent sinking in through Reed's nose as he rested his forehead on the man's shoulder. He smelled like rich cologne with something oily underneath, like he'd been in a workshop before dressing. Not oil…It's thirium. Though that didn't really surprise him. He was Elijah Kamski. He smells a little like…Nines…"I'll dim the windows." His brother added softly as he drew back and found a remote. Gavin watched as the glass softened to a faded grey. They could still see out, but the sunlight flooding in was toned down.
"How did you know?" Reed asked uncomfortably as his feelings of stress and anxiety eased. They were still there, tightening his chest and shoulders, but his leg was no longer bouncing, and he was no longer shaking or finding it hard to breathe. Elijah nudged Reed's drinking hand, encouraging him to take another sip of the strong amber liquid.
"I have similar issues…Why do you think I'm such a social recluse?" He added with a quirk of his lip. Reed had to admit, he didn't really know much about Elijah Kamski beyond what he'd read in a few articles. Not being a fan of androids he hadn't cared much for their creator besides cussing him out every time he saw another one of those machines take a human job. He'd heard the rumours of course, about Kamski getting the boot from Cyberlife and holing himself up with a house full of sexy androids in the middle of nowhere.
"What kind of issues?" Reed pried, feeling genuinely interested now as he took another small sip of the burning liquid. The heat coiled and warmed his chest, slowly relaxing his shoulders.
"I can't handle human crowds. I find stupidity intolerable. I find it difficult to order my thoughts without complete silence. My spatial awareness is quite poor without exact measurements…For instance I don't tend to notice people entering my personal space from my peripheral, unless I already know the layout of the room. No one would be able to sneak up on me in here, but outside of that…It's touch and go." The older man replied, not elaborating on what happened when he did get snuck up on. Reed could imagine. He felt it himself sometimes, that sudden jerking surprise and shock, the unpleasantness creeping up his spine as his heart slammed into overdrive. "I also tend to be considered messy and disorganised. I have my own way of doing things, which outsiders fail to pick up on." Elijah concluded, though it seemed that the Chloe androids were in charge of things up in the main house. The rooms he'd seen were immaculately cleaned and organised.
"Guess we have a few things in common." Reed admitted, unsure how he was supposed to feel about that. Do I need to feel anything about it? I'm sure there are plenty of fucked up people in the world, what's two more? He thought as he leaned his injured arm on the bar carefully. Elijah's hand had remained resting on his shoulder, but for some reason it didn't irk Reed the way it should have, and as the tall man sat on the stool beside him he continued to feel at ease.
It was a little like the when he'd first met Tina. She'd barrelled into his life, and he'd never once felt the urge to block her off or deny her. She just slotted into his personal bubble like a puzzle piece. Nines was the same to an extent. He'd been nervous at first, but the android had worked his way in with his lost blue eyes and eager attitude. To an extent Connor and Hank were also within his inner circle, but it had taken time with them. Elijah had just waltzed right in and made himself at home.
"Look, this is all really…weird, but you still haven't told me what you want out of all this. Why did you bring me here? Curiosity? It's not like you want or need money out of me…Is it my links in the DPD? Is that it?" Reed asked almost defensively, though Elijah didn't give off the vibe of someone after a favour. Honestly Reed wasn't sure he'd even need one. He could afford to buy whatever lawyers and higher ups he needed to get away with pretty much anything. Could it be he really was just curious? That he'd accidentally stumbled across his DNA and allowed himself to be led to this meeting?
"No, I have enough lawyers to cover that sort of thing…Not that I need it!" Kamski added hastily, though Gavin already knew that wasn't the case. One of his Chloes had already shot a detective in the head and kidnapped another. And that was just to sate his curiosity. What the hell would he do for something more important? A shiver ran down his spine at the thought of just how easy it would be for Elijah to make someone disappear. Both men looked up as an alarm sounded, Chloe's voice calling over an intercom to announce intruders approaching the house at high speed. "Chloe dear, was that a car?" Elijah asked almost sweetly as he heard the screeching of rubber outside.
"Yes, two androids and one human incoming." The blonde in the violet dress announced as she entered the living area with two handguns. She tossed one to Elijah before coming to stand at his side. Gavin and Elijah were already on their feet, the detective unsure what to do with himself. He was unarmed, in the middle of a potential gun fight. He was a little surprised as Elijah stepped in front of him, gun trained on the door. Reed rolled his eyes as he looked at how sloppily his brother was holding it. If he shoots like that he's going to strain his arm.
"Don't handle it if you don't know how to shoot it idiot." Gavin chided as he knocked the taller man's shoulder. Elijah's brow furrowed indignantly, but he did allow Reed to reposition his hands to cup the handle securely and bend his elbows just enough for the kickback. "Arms out Dipshit, you don't want to hit yourself in the face with the recoil." Reed instructed as he pushed the gun further out and raised his brother's hands higher, so that he was aiming a little more down the barrel. The billionaire gave him an almost incredulous look, the one that said do you have any idea who you're talking to?
"Detroit Police!" Hank's gruff voice shouted in warning as the front door was kicked in. He assumed Connor or the other android did the kicking. A house this expensive would surely have had a reinforced door. Elijah lowered his gun a little as he looked over at Gavin. He almost thought he recognised that gruff voice from somewhere.
"Friends of yours?" He asked, nodding to Chloe as Gavin confirmed it. The living room door was almost kicked off its hinges moments later. Oh holy fuck…Gavin thought, unable to stop the bolt of pure lust that shot through the pit of his stomach as Nines stalked into view. He'd never seen the android so furious, blue eyes burning as he stepped in like the door had been paper and not solid oak. He hadn't even bothered with a gun. Gavin was pretty sure he didn't need one.
"Nines! Wait!" Connor called, stepping through moments later with his gun raised, though he was clearly hesitant. "Detective Reed! Are you unharmed?" The RK800 checked in relief as he caught sight of Gavin. Despite his relief he didn't let his guard down as he took in the guns held by his creator and the RT600. Gavin sighed fondly as he smiled at the two androids. He was quietly touched. He'd assumed that Nines would do everything to track him down, but seeing Connor and Hank had joined him warmed his chest somewhat.
"I'm good! Things started off a little shaky, but I'm safe." Reed assured, watching Connor slowly lower his gun. Hank stalked in moments later, only lowering his gun slightly as Nines moved. Gavin watched the heat in Nines' eyes die as he strode across the room in just a few long steps, ignoring Hank's call to be careful. "Hey Toaster…" Gavin murmured with a lot more warmth than he'd intended. He barely had time to say anything else, quickly finding himself wrapped in an iron grip as Nines crushed him to his chest.
He was still wearing the thirium stained clothes he'd worn during the kidnapping. Whenever that was…Yesterday? A few hours ago? Gavin couldn't say. He'd been unconscious during the drive and then locked in the basement for God knows how long. Nines was crushing him like he hadn't seen him in years. He winced and tried to hold back a whine of pain as he was squeezed. It hurt, but at the same time it was nice. It had been a while since he'd thought anyone would miss him this much, with the exception of Tina. Though even Tina wouldn't squeeze me this tight. Reed thought, swearing he could hear his bones creak under the pressure.
"Nines…tight…" Gavin wheezed, using his good hand to tap the android's slim waist. Nines softened his grip and stood back slowly, looking teary eyed as Gavin looked at his pale face. His lower lips trembled slightly, and that was the sweetest fucking thing Reed had even seen directed at him.
I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I should have done something! I should have stopped that android! If you were hurt I don't know what. The RK900 signed in a rush, saline spilling over his cheeks as he made the jerking movements with his hands. Seeing his distress had Gavin reaching out to cup his shaking hands, despite the pain that shot through is shoulder at the movement. He was gentle as he closed his hands around Nines' and gripped firmly.
"Hey-hey! Nines, I'm okay…You didn't do anything wrong. You got shot in the head for Christ's sake!" Reed soothed, leaving his injured hand in Nines' grasp while reaching up to examine his partner's face. He cupped Nines' cheek, using his thumb to brush the saline from his warm flesh. The tall android closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. His blue orbs flickered open as Gavin reached higher to run his thumb over his forehead. He couldn't even feel an indent beneath the synthetic skin.
"Okay, what the fuck is going on?" Hank demanded gruffly, fully lowering his gun and returning it to its holster. Connor had long since lowered his gun, and Elijah had gone so far as handing his own to Chloe and dismissing her. Confident of him to assume no one in the room is going to kick his ass for the shit he's just pulled. The older man thought, quietly seething. This was the second time Kamski had pissed him off in a bad way. The first time was trying to goad Connor into shooting one of his androids, and the second was kidnapping Gavin and leaving Nines traumatised. Maybe I should keep my gun handy…
"Uh…I-that is…" Gavin trailed off, unsure exactly where he should start. He looked to Elijah helplessly, figuring the older man had caused this mess. The least he could do was offer up a satisfactory explanation. Unfortunately the robotics expert was far more interested in the two RK models standing in his living room, particularly the one he hadn't seen before.
"Yes-yes, all in good time. More importantly, what model is this?" Kamski asked as he stepped up to Gavin and his partner, who was about as tall as Kamski himself. Elijah rested one arm on his brother's shoulder as he admired his company's handywork. He could perhaps criticise the use of Connor's face for another model of android. Kamski himself had always tried to make sure that each new android was completely different to the last, besides his first series of Chloes.
"This is Nines, he's an RK900." Gavin replied in a mumble, slipping his hand in his pocket. Nines' gaze hardened as he looked at this new human. He recognised him as his creator of course. Every android had a file about their creator tucked away in a subfolder. He didn't feel anything for this man in particular. This was their first meeting, and the man hadn't had a direct role in his creation or subsequent mistreatment. All he knew at the moment was that his creator was touching his human. He didn't like it.
"Ah, Connor's successor…I didn't know they'd designed a newer model." Kamski said with interest as he continued to look the tall android up and down in a way that made Gavin uncomfortable. It wasn't exactly predatory, and it was far from sexual, but it was a deep analysing stare. He didn't know how Kamski managed to keep it up considering the glare Nines had levelled at him. "Looks strong…Another detective model?" He asked curiously.
"I was designed with that role in mind, however I was also designed with options for military use. The RK900 series is stronger, faster and more adaptive than the RK800." Nines replied in a low tone, still glaring. His stare didn't seem to bother Kamski at all. "Perhaps you would like a demonstration of my physical abilities." He added as his hand whipped out and grabbed Elijah's wrist, lifting his hand from Gavin's shoulder. He kept his expression neutral as he began to squeeze, watching the human wince in discomfort, and perhaps something more. It struck Nines that Kamski had familiar greenish blue eyes.
"Nines! Let him go!" Gavin ordered quickly as he grabbed Nines' arm lightly, just enough to get his attention. Nines looked at Gavin almost resentfully before giving Kamski a final glare and tossing his hand aside. His LED flickered red briefly, though it soon calmed to yellow as Gavin's thumb rubbed circles on his arm.
"Why did you have Detective Reed abducted? And why did your RT600 shoot Nines?" Connor demanded as he stepped forward, moving to stand beside his brother. He could see Nines' stress levels rising and falling like a yo-yo. He let his arm rest against Nines' and the contact soothed him somewhat. Gavin was safe. No one could hurt Gavin with both he and Connor so close. Connor would know what to do if something happened.
"I was unaware of that…Were you damaged at all?" Elijah asked, not seeing anything out of place.
"My casing is bulletproof." Nines replied dismissively, watching Elijah's brows rise with interest. He was clearly impressed at the revelation. He'd always put a lot of effort into the internal workings and software of his androids, but the hardware casing was a little less interesting. It made sense to use a heavier, more durable material for a military grade model. Less replacement parts required.
"I see…As for the abduction, I could perhaps have planned more thoroughly…" The scientist trailed off awkwardly, looking over as Gavin scoffed.
"Or at all." The younger man retorted, Kamski huffing his reluctant agreement. The androids were still clueless as the lieutenant stomped his way over and rested his hands on his much slimmer hips.
"One of you'd better explain this shit before I let Nines loose on you." He grumbled in his best authoritative tone. Kamski maintained his relaxed tone as he began his lengthy explanation, with Gavin interjecting every so often. Upon hearing about how Gavin had been manhandled Nines immediately focused on his shoulder, very much wanting to strip him down and check for damage properly. It couldn't be good for the healing muscles for his arms to be restrained like that. "So you're brothers?" Hank asked upon conclusion.
"Half-brothers, yes." Elijah confirmed, resting with his hands behind his back. Looking at him Gavin began to wonder if he'd used his own habits as a base for androids. Connor was standing in a similar position, though Nines was much more rigid and on edge. He at least didn't think Kamski was going to hurt Gavin now though.
"Why the fuck couldn't you ask him here like a normal person? You're lucky we didn't alert the rest of the DPD and arrest your ass!" Hank reprimanded, sounding every bit like an angry father who'd just caught his son putting his fingers in the electrical socket. For some reason Gavin felt like he should be apologising. He would have run his fingers through his hair, only he hadn't actually released Nines' arm yet. He didn't feel too inclined to either.
"I didn't want to risk his refusal, or draw undue attention to it." Kamski replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Not draw att-You kidnapped a police detective from outside the station in broad daylight, and shot his partner in the head!" Hank bellowed, Connor wincing at the volume and wondering if he should perhaps turn off his audio processors for the next few minutes. "If Connor hadn't figured out the android was an RT600, and likely connected to you, there would have been a full blown manhunt! The only reason we didn't bring any other detectives is that Connor thought you could be reasoned with!" The older man added, which was near enough to the truth. Honestly it had been to avoid media attention too. The DPD couldn't afford to falsely accuse a billionaire. It was also well known that with the amount of money he had the entrepreneur was almost untouchable, in legal terms.
"I'll admit, it's not my finest hour." Elijah relented, though it was difficult to pick up even a trace of regret from the man. Hank shot Connor a look. It was a look that let the android know he should take over unless he wanted his creator decked and on the floor with a bleeding nose. Connor nodded his agreement and allowed Hank to stalk off, likely returning to his car.
"Mr Kamski, if you've finished with Detective Reed we really should return to the station." The RK800 announced as he looked between the brothers. Elijah turned his attention to Gavin almost questioningly, but Gavin didn't know what to do. It still felt like a lot to unpack. He'd seen his partner get shot, he'd been kidnapped and knocked unconscious, tied to a chair and interrogated, found out his father was dead and that he had a half-brother all within a few hours. Fuck yes he wanted to run.
"Right, we have a case. Very important. I should get back to it." He stammered awkwardly, unable to quite meet Elijah's eye. The taller man seemed to understand his feelings. Honestly, he had a little to unpack himself. He'd confirmed that he had a brother, but now he didn't know what the hell to do with that information. Did he want Gavin in his life now? Perhaps. Was that a good idea? There was no way of knowing. Would someone try to take advantage of that information? More than likely, so precautions had to be taken. Would Gavin agree to any of them? Absolutely not.
"Alright, but we should speak again…later." Kamski concluded hesitantly, unsure how he should part ways with the detective. They'd only just met, so a friendly handshake? But they were half-brothers, so perhaps an awkward half hug? Or perhaps Reed would be more comfortable with a fist bump, or a pat on the shoulder? It had been a while since Kamski had had any human friends. He'd forgotten what it was people usually did.
"Sure, you need my number?" Gavin checked, unsure the billionaire had it.
"Here, type it in for me." Elijah said as he pulled out a sleek phone and entered a new contact. Gavin wasn't sure how he felt as he saw himself entered as Little Brother with the sub heading Det Gavin Reed. He typed in his number and hit save before passing the phone back to Elijah. The taller brunette took the phone, hesitating a moment before clapping a hand on Reed's shoulder. "Thank you…Well, I'll speak to you later…Gavin?" He added questioningly.
"Sure…Later Eli." Reed replied, the shortened name coming more naturally than anything else. Kamski didn't complain at all, so he assumed it was alright. He drained the remainder of his shot with a wince before following Connor and Nines into the hall. They were quiet as they climbed into Hank's car, Connor in the front with Nines and Gavin in the back. Reed's leg was bouncing before they even pulled away. "How long was I gone?" Reed asked, seeing it was light out, but rapidly darkening.
"Around six hours. We would've been there sooner, but between calming your partner down and Connor looking up the RT600 models, tracing the plates of the car, then driving clear out of town, it took longer than expected." Hank replied, Nines flinching at his words. If he had been better he wouldn't have needed Connor to calm him down. One of the other RK900s would have known what to do. They wouldn't have allowed Gavin to be taken in the first place. They would have insisted on going with him, or watching him. He felt Gavin's hand on his.
"Hey, you got shot and you haven't been in that situation before…I don't expect you to be perfect." The shorter human assured quietly as if reading his mind, trying to keep their conversation just between them. He knew Connor would be able to hear, he just hoped he didn't say anything. Nines looked unconvinced, his blue eyes telling Gavin he didn't want to be pitied.
You could have died. That RT600 could have been working for someone else, and you could have been killed because I wasn't good enough. I ran through multiple preconstructions, but I couldn't risk her shooting you, and then you were in the car and it was too late. I let you down. I failed you. Nines signed, unable to work himself up to admitting his failures out loud. Alright, android therapy. Gavin leaned forward between the seats and tilted his head to look at Hank. The old man glanced once to show he was listening.
"Think Fowler would be alright with us going home for the day?" He asked quietly, watching Hank glance at the rear view before he jabbed his indicator to turn.
"I'll make him okay with it." The older man replied gruffly. Gavin murmured out his thanks and patted the old man's shoulder before sitting back beside Nines. He wanted to wait a while before tackling it again. He wanted to get his partner home, where they were alone, and relaxed. The place where Nines felt safe. He might even have him curl up with the old leather jacket if that helped.