Chapter 1/10: Stakeout
A/N: Liberosis = the desire to care less.
This is a sequel to Adapt & Endure taking place about a half year after Nines gives Gav his LED in chapter 20 of said fic - although part 2 aka this one is before they get engaged - but can be read separately. Just like its predecessor 'A&E,' feel free to pay attention to details that hints at plot points ahead of time *winks with both eyes* including the song lyrics listed below.
RELEVANT SONGS
1. Blue - A Perfect Circle (Nines POV)
2. Deep Waters - American Authors (Gavin POV)
3. Hold On - Jua Amir
4. Right Here - Ashes Remain (Nines POV)
5. Silhouette - Aquilo (Gavin POV)
I'm aware the majority isn't interested in reading about established relationships, but the boys are forced to keep their hands off one another - meaning mutual pining, sexual tension, doubts of 'does he still like me' (considering Gav's insecure ass believing that Niner would actually dump him if Terminator got 'too close' to the target,) etc. in the plenty + everything that makes slow-burn enjoyable - so there's my reasoning for not considering it established.
This is a WIP, and I don't have an update schedule, but I can guarantee that this story will be finished as I have a very clear vision.
NINES
~ APR 20TH, 2040 * PM 04:10 ~
"Reed!"
Fowler's voice bellowed throughout the bullpen, requesting - no, demanding - immediate attention. It had started off as a day like any other. Aside from the bitter smell of bad coffee and newly pressed uniforms as a fresh batch of officers had signed up, there was a tension there. Caution. Nines had just been informed of their next case and Gavin was none the wiser.
For good reason, they'd kept him in the dark. That was about to change. Shortly after Fowler had seated himself back in his chair, the door swung open again and the man in question entered.
"I've got a case relevant to your interests, but I won't lie to you. It's a crap-fest," Fowler said, immediately to the point. His eyes briefly landed on Nines before turning back to Gavin collapsing in the chair opposite him. "Investigation has been ongoing for a good six months with no dice. The local cops involved either turned up missing or dead. You've got every right to pass on this one."
Gavin shrugged. "Fuck, you know me. Give me the details."
"Aside from the potential cop homicides, red ice is at play," he replied with a shake of his head, handing him a pad. Gavin browsed the file. "The owner of Russia's largest night club - Mikhail Andronikov - is known to mass-produce and sell off the drug meaning he's protected even against the law. Contacts suggest they've been on a decline of resources ever since CyberLife stopped production of androids. That's where you come in. You'll be posing as drug traffickers with access to what they need and propose a deal. It's a covert business, so that'll get you easier access."
Although Nines had already gotten a personal debriefing, he still had questions.
"Surely this is a case for the FBI," he said, pocketing hands in his jeans. "Gavin is a DPD sergeant. He doesn't have that experience."
Throwing a limb over the chair backrest, the look of offense Gavin shot him surely could've burned steel.
"Ex-fucking-cuse me?"
"Shit like this doesn't happen often, but you'll be working with Agent Richard Perkins," Fowler replied, Gavin giving him the side-eye. "Its owners - the Andronikovs of which you're already familiar - has strong ties to Detroit. The Adler family, more specifically."
Strained features smoothing out, a light seemed to go up then for Gavin.
First, there was Andronikov. Zlatko. It was the first case they'd investigated after they were partnered up back in 2038. Although Craig Adler - Gavin's most recent ex - had run a fight club in Detroit a decade prior, he'd dealt with the red ice trade off-shore such as Russia, his father having made quite the connections. It was how they could afford said fight club in the first place.
"Wait, you're sending us off to fucking Russia?" Gavin asked.
"That's right. Moscow, specifically. It's the base of their operations," Fowler said, his gaze hard. "Preparations have been in circulation and careful planning, and the last thing I wanna do is lose two of my best detectives, but the timing leaves us with our best shot. Adler had a contact - Curtis Novak - who recently died in a car accident. For all they know, he's still alive."
"I'm guessing that's my cover. Can't fucking wait," he replied, tone reeking of unenthusiastic sarcasm. "So what 'bout Nines? Terminator? Alexa?"
"Neither. Everything has been taken care of," Nines butted in.
Gavin's brows shot up. "You knew 'bout this?"
"Naturally. Considering just how involved I am in this method - given my unparalleled hacking abilities - I was the first to get informed. I've already accepted. Whether or not you'll act as my partner is up to you."
"What, without bringing it up to me first?"
For a moment, Nines found himself stunned. The calculations - analyzations - he ran in his head didn't help. He frowned deeply.
"I'm under no obligation to ask you for permission, Gav."
"Not permission, dipshit. I'm talking 'bout the decency to have a fucking conversation -"
"Enough!" Fowler interrupted, a palm flat forward. "I'm not a fucking marriage counselor, so take this crap outta my office." Gavin pressed his lips into a thin line and uncomfortably shifted. "All I wanna know is if you're taking the case or not."
Nines folded his arms across his chest. "As mentioned, you have every right to decline... but I'm heading to Russia regardless."
Brows knit into a tighter frown, Gavin considered, his jaw locked.
He propped a hand to his thigh. "I'll take the case, but I don't speak jack shit Russian."
"Your partner does," Fowler replied, tilting his head in Nines' direction. "You've got three days to prepare for the temporary transfer. I suggest you give Adler a call and go over the details. He's got some information you'll be damned to ignore going into this."
~ APR 25TH, 2040 * AM 01:26 ~
Albeit mildly uncomfortable during the morning debrief with Perkins, it went smoothly, as the FBI agent had yet to come to terms with how androids were declared equal. Frankly, one couldn't blame him.
Perkins' job was national security and one only needed a sliver of empathy to understand where he was coming from. He had been following orders during the android uprising, plain and simple, and the concept of intelligent life in androids was hard to comprehend for many. Perkins looked to Gavin to see this through and Nines couldn't say he minded it. Staying on the sideline. He was programmed in leadership, naturally, but he gladly handed over the reins when Gavin was around. He handled said leadership role just as competently and Nines took a certain pride in it.
Nines had struggled to come to terms with his android nature himself, and even now, there were doubts lingering in the back of his mind. Some people would simply never consider him an equal and he had no choice but to accept that. Why he cared so much about other people's opinion on him, he wasn't sure, but it was there. Haunting him. Ever since Nines gave Gavin his LED, however - tied neatly to the base of a brown leather necklace he rarely took off - most people assumed he was human and treated him differently more than not. Kinder.
It hurt.
It really, really hurt.
On the outside, Nines was stoic, but inside he often found himself drowning.
Gavin saw that. Time and time again, he told him not to worry about it. Yet it was never that simple. It wasn't something he could simply flip off like a light switch. Control. Regarding emotions, it was 'all or nothing' to quote Hank - the man he considered his father - and he supposed that was the price for being alive. For the longest time, he'd hid behind non-deviancy. Lived in fear. Uncertainty.
What he had with Gavin made up for all the pain.
If there was one word Nines would use to describe him, it was 'intense.' In every way, shape, and form. Gavin Reed was a beautiful force of nature. His piercing gazes. The way he carried himself. How strongly he felt. How strongly he loved.
Nines was completely and utterly smitten by him, and naturally, those who didn't know Gavin as he did had expressed concern. Gavin only showed his true self with the ones closest to him. To strangers, Gavin was rude, loud. A one-dimensional bully with no concern for the feelings of others. He was everything a mother would warn you about. Someone that would break your heart and then hook up with your friend an hour after. The truth, on the other hand, was different. There were so many layers to him. Rationality. Depth. Loyalty. All Gavin asked in return was respect.
An hour and a half later after their arrival at the night club, there was still nothing out of the ordinary.
He watched as a familiar face carrying a 'take one drink for free' tray for both humans and androids was about to pass them. Before she could cross, Gavin's arm extended to wrap around her waist, spinning her around. Eleanor's eyes rolled skywards as a half-exasperated smile touched her delicate features. The ST300, being the girlfriend of Gavin's best friend, was there for backup.
She arrived weeks prior to them.
"Look at you making plays," Gavin teased.
Eleanor smirked. "Be glad my girl isn't here, Curtis. She'd kick your ass."
"She could fucking try."
"My bets are on Tina," Nines butted in as he grabbed a glass of thirium from the tray, Gavin shooting him an innocent look as his jaw dropped with a smile. Nines gave him a wink. "Even I fear her."
Gavin puffed a laugh. "Fair enough. Fuck, I know better than to cross her," he replied, turning back to Eleanor. "You doing all right?"
"Oh, I'm fine. A few hiccups here and there - the usual touchy-feely arrivals - but nothing I'm not used to," she let out a vague stab at Gavin in good humor, knowing that he was as gay as gay could be. Gavin mocked offense as he put a hand to his heart. Eleanor, bless her, still felt bad and gave him a hug. "I haven't met the owner, but the humans working here are surprisingly pleasant. Two years and I've yet to come to terms with how different things are." A patron gestured her over. "I have to get back to it. Be careful. I'm here if you need anything."
"Same to you," Nines said. Giving his arm a reassuring squeeze, Eleanor got her feet moving. He inconspicuously followed her with his eyes. "I have to say it's comforting to see another familiar face."
Gavin nodded in agreement and reached for his back pocket. "Hey, I need a smoke. Let me know if anything changes."
"Keep in radio contact."
"Calm the fuck down or you're gonna give yourself an aneurysm," he teased, giving Nines' shoulder a friendly punch and pushing from the bar disk. Gavin set course for the exit. "Ten minutes, Alexa."
Splitting up wasn't the best idea, so if it wasn't for his heat-signature function capable of seeing through walls, they wouldn't.
They had been at a couple stakeouts since Nines was officially considered a permanent fixture at the DPD, but nothing like this. It was always uneventful. Hours upon hours spent in a usually humid car - in silence - until Gavin no longer could keep his mouth shut. Frankly, conversation was a welcome change. It started off with Gavin mocking pedestrians for their choice in clothing and general aesthetic. Unfairly judgmental, certainly, but one wouldn't expect anything else from Gavin Reed. Nines knew he didn't mean anything by it and simply humored him.
This time was different. They weren't operating at a safe distance. Now they were in the middle of a night club that might as well be a war zone. Enemy territory where cops of their stature were known to go missing.
Like always, Gavin didn't seem concerned.
Naturally, they had mentioned backup, but so did those that came before them. Perkins was on a permanent speed-dial - connected to both Nines' mind palace as well as Gavin's well-hidden earpiece - and various undercover bouncers littered the local. Ready to step in if shit hit the fan. It wasn't guaranteed that they could break things up, however.
"Well, look at you," came a feminine voice, a playful edge to it. Nines looked up from his glass to see a woman graciously sliding up behind the bar disk. "I know everyone around here, and yet, your face escapes me. Why is that?"
#
TARGET ACQUIRED
#
Iris Andronikov. Mikhail's daughter. Not even the already gorgeous image he'd seen of her did her beauty justice.
Her eyes were emerald green, straight hair long and jet back, a slender figure with perfect curvaceous shapes. Delicate fingers. Ful lips blood-red, they gave her an elegant look to go with her black long-sleeved silk top with the hem pulled over a shoulder and a just as black skirt, her height an inch taller than what he'd seen registered in the file - 5.5 ft. - revealing she wore heels behind the counter.
Judging by the way she carried herself, there was a familiarity there that he couldn't quite place.
Nines smirked. "Not surprising. I arrived yesterday."
"Ah, that explains it. I would've noticed you," she replied, her tone calm. Pleasant "...and what might your name be, handsome?"
#
| ANALYZING... |
.
ANDRONIKOV, IRIS
[CEO OF ANDRONIKOV INDUSTRIES]
* Height: 5.4 ft. - Weight: 142lbs
* Age: 31
* Romantic/sexual preferences: None
.
INITIATING INFILTRATION PROGRAM...
#
He saved the new data.
The hesitation undiscoverable to human eyes, Nines reached out, offering a handshake. He never truly got used to the gesture of common human etiquette as his hand remained sensitive to touch. Frankly, only Gavin was allowed to touch the inside of his palm. It was the most intimate - private - part of his android body and thus he didn't offer it lightly. In scenarios like this one, however, he was left with little choice. Iris took his outstretched hand and Nines did his best to ignore the sensation as he gently flipped it for her knuckles to point upwards.
"Nines," he said, lifting it to his lips and pressing a kiss to the back of her palm. His eyes were intense as they bore into hers "...and I believe I already know you. Iris, correct? You're the daughter of the man who owns this establishment."
Her brows shot up in mild surprise.
"New, but informed," she replied. There was intrigue there. Interest. Curiosity. Iris' hand was still in contact with his as the side of his palm encountered the bar disk, her leaning in, the forearm of her other limb pressing against the table surface. Two lithe fingers lightly pinched the length of his index finger. "I've never seen your model before and I deal with androids regularly. You must be a prototype."
Nines gave her his best smile. "You'd be correct."
"So what brings you to Russia?" she asked as she straightened her back, hand brushing against his as she took it back.
"Business deal."
"What kind?"
"I can't give all my secrets, now can I?"
Eyes trapped between lush lashes narrowing to slits, she propped a hand to her cocked hip and studied him intently. The look she sported surely would've been intimidating if it wasn't for the accompanying smile.
"Mysterious type, I see."
He let out an artificial chuckle. "I don't intend to be," Nines replied, before leaning in and regaining eye contact "...unless it's welcomed, that is."
"Informed and direct," she replied, returning a playful smile. "Don't think you can butter me up for a free refill, though."
"Are you certain?" he challenged with an innocently arched brow, the following giggle hers. Nines cheekily swirled his handheld glass whilst keeping an eye on the liquid as it moved. "Joking aside, my thirium reserves will be optimal with this." Eye contact was regained. "Although I respect your observant and cautious nature, I can confirm there are far better ways to obtain said refill."
"Such as?" she humored him, her voice dancing with amusement.
"Arson."
Iris laughed.
GAVIN
~ APR 25TH, 2040 * AM 01:38 ~
Pushing up the glass door, Gavin stepped across the threshold. Pupils lifted only to freeze in his steps.
What the actual fuck, Nines?!
His nostrils flared. Like a pitbull, Gavin saw his target and set a straight course. Territorial and perhaps a smidge jealous by nature, he approached, shoulder barging into a patron about to leave the building. The man at the size of a skyscraper - mild overstatement - bellowed something in Russian and Gavin couldn't tell even if he tried. He didn't care.
Then an iron grip was around his bicep and Gavin snapped.
He spun like a tornado, fist clenched and lodged right into the man's jaw.
...and OH, JESUS PHCK that hurt.
Biting back the call of pure agony, Gavin entire body arched backward as his gaze shot to the ceiling. Next to him did the man drop like a sack of potatoes and the surrounding crowd went eerily quiet.
Then the chatter proceeded as if this was a usual occurrence.
"Curtis. Gracious as always," Nines deadpanned in sarcasm, the 'who the fuck is Curtis' ready on Gavin's tongue as his neck nearly dislodged turning. That was before he took a moment to remember that they were currently on a stakeout. "Iris, this is my handler. Curtis Novak. Curtis..." Nines gestured to Iris and again - with exasperated disapproval - met Gavin's eye. "Iris Andronikov."
Right.
Uncharacteristically, cheeks lightly heated up - Gavin realizing he'd nearly botched the entire case - and he shifted.
Pain slowly mending, he cleared his throat.
"Pleasure," he said, reaching out. Iris, still staring at the body with an unimpressed look, took his hand regardless. They shook and separated before Gavin's attention also turned downwards. "You know this jackass?"
"He's one of my contacts," she said nonplussed, resting a hand on her hip. "I was unaware he was in the building. I wonder what he's doing here."
Nines nudged the man with his foot. "Honestly, not much."
Iris Andronikov. So that was why Nines was cozying up to her. Frankly, Gavin shouldn't have been surprised. Nines naturally made one hell of a honeypot on cases like this. A single change in facial expression and he could turn from intimidating to downright angelic. He could also play both parts with ease. Gavin could play the part, too, but only with the male persuasion. He felt uncomfortable at best otherwise and wasn't very convincing. Thus Nines was the best choice for this one. That sure didn't mean Gavin had to like it, though.
"So you're this Curtis Novak I've heard so much about," Iris said, her chin rising. There was a muffled hostility to her tone and Gavin couldn't blame her. That shortly changed. "This wasn't exactly how I pictured a man of your stature."
He was ready to snap back, but didn't get the words out quick enough.
"Appearances can be deceiving," Nines replied, a confident smirk accompanying the statement. He let his eyes search her body and something twisted, curled, and scraped in Gavin's abdomen. "Then again... I'm sure you know all about that."
Lip curling, Gavin held back a scoff.
Didn't help that Nines had to be so damn convincing.
"Guilty as charged," she replied, taking a step back before turning on her heel. "This way, if you please."
Nines shooting him a warning look, Gavin just shrugged, giving him the doe-eyes. No way in hell was he going to apologize. Falling into her steps, he could tell that Nines was clearly fighting back a sigh as he followed. Meanwhile, two suited agents grabbed ahold of the unconscious body and pulled him out of sight. Gavin grimaced and didn't dare to guess where they were taking him. If all these homicides were true, then hell, it didn't take much effort to imagine what they would do with an uninvited attendee who wasn't on the guest list.
Poor fucking sob.
She took them to a booth seating, and in the corner of his eye, he glimpsed three goons headed their way. Iris was the first to fall into the expensive-looking furniture before she gestured to the spot opposite her.
"I'll cut to the chase," Gavin said, lowering himself onto it. Nines, choosing to stand, lined himself up next to him and clasped his hands behind his back. "I own a covert but large company and we're looking to expand our business. We deal in android trafficking - millions of spare parts, ever-increasing gallons of thirium, etc. - and are known for taking pages out of CyberLife's book to make our own prototypes." Gavin pulled out his secondary phone, pushing it her way. "Something tells me it's relevant to your interest."
After all, thirium was a crucial ingredient for red ice.
Iris began to browse the various images and files on shipments the FBI had provided them with.
"I can tell that us meeting wasn't simply a happy accident."
"We're not amateurs."
She kept her attention on the phone. "Clearly. Yet you came alone. Risky move."
"Trust me... I've got all the protection I need," Gavin said, squaring an ankle over his knee and throwing an arm over the booth backrest. His calm demeanor appeared to sell it. "We both want the same thing. With a partnership, we can help each other out and make some extra bucks in the process, spreading the word."
"What would you want in return?"
"Fifty percent of the profits and a lifelong deal with the finished product. Non-negotiable. You wouldn't want to pass on this deal, miss. Even your current resources are bound to run out at some point. I can make sure it never does."
"You know what you want. I can respect that. I'll take it up with my superiors and you'll have an answer within a month or two."
"24 hours," Gavin said, leaving her awestruck. "We've all got busy lives. Patience isn't one of my strong suits."
Perfectly trimmed brows shot up. "What makes you think we're that desperate?"
"There's another business. The Volskaya, correct?" he asked innocently, question rhetorical. Iris shifted as uncertainty touched her expression. "Rumors has it that they'll be taking the lead in the red ice trade. Without our help, you'll turn obsolete, and they'll prosper. Tell you what. I'll sweeten the deal if we've got our answer in 12." Gavin gestured to Nines. "RK900. CyberLife's most advanced prototype. This piece of plastic is one of a kind specializing in combat and leadership. Led a SWAT unit back in Detroit. I'm sure you saw the broadcast. Could be yours."
"...and you'd willingly trade him?"
"Consider it a partnership gift. I'll simply have my contacts create another one. It's still a machine obeying every single command I issue."
"I'd like to test that notion," she replied, reaching out behind her shoulder. "Artyom?"
Gaze ascending, Gavin watched as one of her bodyguards stepped up behind her. Iris maintained eye contact and kept Gavin pinned like a deer in headlights throughout.
He froze the moment a 9x18mm Makarov was shoved into her hand. Russian firearm. Usually used by the police, military, and security forces. Gavin's hand clenched. With an elegant flip of the pistol, she put it down on the table, two fingers touching the tepid steel as she pushed it across the surface. He gave it a nearly offended look before again meeting her eye.
She gestured to an android waitress doing her rounds. It wasn't any android, however. It was Eleanor.
Dread emerged.
Iris wanted Nines to kill her.
"Do what she says, Reed," Perkins said over the earpiece, his non-sympathetic nature clear."Far more people are gonna die if you blow your cover now. Don't fuck this up. You and your android is gonna end up in a ditch otherwise."
The nickname of 'your android' revealed that he clearly didn't care about Nines hearing his every word or Eleanor's life. Known to get the job done - regardless of the means - Perkins wasn't called 'The Jackal' for shits and giggles. He was ruthless in his ways to serve his department. Killing innocents wasn't something Gavin condoned and especially not one of his closest friends.
He was ready to bail, and in the process, certainly put them all in danger.
Nines stopped him. "I have everything under control, Gav."
He swallowed hard.
How?
Yet, he trusted Nines. His heart rate had increased considerably, and to keep himself from shaking, his hand had once again clenched. Gavin pretended to be unbothered and shrugged.
"You heard the lady, tin can."
Nines, playing the part perfectly whilst maintaining his calm demeanor, released his arms and stepped up to the table.
He raised the gun and fired.
Nothing.
Blanks.
Gavin had to fight the urge not to expel a breath of relief.
Iris raised a brow. "You don't think I'd actually provide you with a weapon that could easily be directed at me, now did you?" she said, her tone innocent. Nevertheless, there was a tension there. They weren't out of the woods yet. "I'm curious, though. The gun was clearly empty. I would suspect our android friend here would be competent enough to do a scan and point it out."
For a moment, he felt like they'd lost. Nines was yet again his saving grace.
"Oh, I knew... but whether or not I would pull the trigger wasn't the purpose of this demonstration, now was it?" Nines asked, and her mildly impressed expression revealed itself. "This wasn't about obedience. It was about efficiency. I suspect you're pleased."
"Once again, you fail to disappoint," she replied, meeting Gavin's eye. "I'm interested. My people will contact you shortly."
"That's what I like to hear," Gavin said, fishing up a forged business card. He placed it at the table and pushed it her way. She reached for it, meeting him halfway, but he didn't let go when she attempted to pull it her way. A confused emerald-green gaze collided with his and he pinned her in place. "24 hours." Gavin tapped the card as he held said gaze. "12 for the bonus."
The air was thick.
After keeping her attention for just a moment longer - challenging her - he released the card. Iris cautiously took it and hummed. Meanwhile, Gavin pushed up from his seating. He felt eyes at the back of his neck when he set course for the exit.
Nines flipped the gun and held out its handle. "Looking forward to hearing from you."
"Likewise," she replied, taking it.
He grabbed Gavin's secondary phone from the table.
Only minutes later when Gavin fell into the driver seat of his black Chevy Impala, now sporting a fake number plate, did he allow himself to relax.
The back of his head hit the headrest as he closed his eyes. Gavin, just like Nines, was never one to show emotion physically. Yet the difference between them was that Nines openly spoke of said emotions while Gavin kept it all barred in.
The uncertainty of this case left him on-edge. All his life, Gavin had been indifferent to death. It was why he took the most dangerous cases. Why he constantly got into fights. Why he didn't care if he was outnumbered. The outcome simply didn't bother him. Death was inevitable, and considering all the fucked up things in the world, he couldn't see the supposed 'afterlife' being any worse.
He simply didn't care.
Nines changed that. He'd seen death. Gavin still found himself thinking back to the night he found him on the bathroom floor with a gun to his head thanks to Amanda hacking his arm and putting it there. The image of Gavin pulling out his regulator to reset the hacking process had branded itself into his brain. He'd killed him. Killed Nines to save him. Back then, they weren't nearly as close as they were now, but it had managed to get to him. Affect him. The rare tears Nines had shed was the wake-up call he'd needed in order to realize that androids truly were alive.
According to Nines, there was nothing on the other side. Although the afterlife of an android could be different from a human's - if there even was one - Gavin didn't want one without him.
It was thanks to Nines that he actually started to give a damn about his own life. It was through him that Gavin learned that he was wanted. Hell, needed. Nines was still struggling with emotions albeit having come very far the past two years, and considering his undying loyalty to Gavin, he wasn't sure if Nines could get through losing him.
If Gavin went - at this point in time - Nines would willingly go with.
...and Gavin wouldn't be able to stop him.
Frankly, one could argue that their relationship was unhealthy because of just that.
Nines was too dependent on him and Gavin was too selfish to give up on what they had, but at the same time, he knew said relationship helped Nines more than it hurt him. He was learning from it. With time - and experience - Nines would learn how to handle his emotions better. Adapt. Grow. It was a game of Russian Roulette. So Gavin did his best to make sure he was safe for Nines' sake.
Yet cases like this called for him to break that promise.
"So this the approach we takin', Casanova?" Gavin asked, keeping his eyes closed.
Nines crossed his arms. "It's the most efficient one. I've no wish to be here longer than necessary. You know what this means, correct?"
"Uh... yeah?" he lied, giving him the doe-eyes before averting them. Gavin shoved his keys into the ignition and started the engine "...but go ahead. Just so we're on the same page."
In his peripheral vision, icy grey rolled.
"Us. It's a complication."
"What, you breaking up with me?" Gavin joked.
"Temporarily," he deadpanned, holding back the mild smirk shaping his lips. Nines looked at him through hooded eyes. "I trust you're capable of remaining professional and keeping your hands off the merchandise."
Gavin puffed a laugh. Challenge accepted.
"You're going down, dipshit."
One day Gavin Reed had to learn not to pick fights he couldn't win.
Today was not it.
A/N: Fun fact... Gregorie Diaconu - the associate game director of Quantic Dream - confirmed on the 1st company Twitch stream that, in early development, Gavin's name was supposed to be 'Curtis.' I thought it was a fun little easter egg. [Source: [.tv/videos/631930354]