Chapter 10/20: Reconciliation
"Enjoying the show, tin can?" - Gavin
...in which CyberLife is being shady (nothing new there) and Gavin takes a big step to improve his and Nines' relationship.
A/N: Sorry for the almost two-day delay for this update. My mother suffered physical pains on Thursday and an ambulance had to take her to the hospital. I only recently found out that she was going to be fine, so the past few days have been stressful. Wasn't exactly how I expected waking up to my 21st birthday.
CHAPTER WARNING! Graphic depictions of violence... I guess (?) Just a heads-up. Also Implied/Referenced Sexual Situations.
GAVIN
~ NOV 19TH, 2038 * PM 05:37 ~
Breath heavy, he ran. Sweat stung his eyes and the pain yet biting at his shoulder didn't help. He was getting closer. The bucket of bolts wasn't far off now and Gavin advanced. He'd lined up his firearm, but the android dipped around the corner of some noodle place in downtown Detroit, not giving him a clear shot. Buildings were packed closely and dark alleyways were in the dozens.
Six days were spent off active duty and only now could he see just how out of shape he was. He'd already started his usual workout routine days prior, but his shoulder was shrieking its disapproval. Although it didn't physically show, he was feeling it deep in aching muscles. He needed to train in order to get back to his usual prime and had unconsciously been proving Nines right that he should've taken those extra days off. Nines was right, Gavin knew that, and yet his pride just had to blur his rationale.
If he compromised himself and was further injured, he'd risk having to stay home for another week. Perhaps even longer.
He was tempting fate - playing with fire - as what he was exposing himself to would do more harm than good. Gavin went against his better judgment as he simply couldn't do nothing while waiting for the wound to heal. Right now, he regretted not listening. Nevertheless, he didn't accept defeat and did what little he could not to further worsen his own condition.
There was movement up top.
Torn away from the moment, he looked, a masculine silhouette against the yellows and reds of the upcoming dusk. It flew over the intersection of fresh air and another shadowed figure followed.
Speaking of the devil.
The roof? he mused, baring his teeth. Nines was chasing the other suspect on the roof. Fucking showoff.
Much like Gavin, Nines was clear on his target's tail.
Distracted, Gavin barely managed to register the trashcan the ST300 he was chasing sent tumbling before him. He didn't stop. Palm flat against the surface, he swung both his feet over, a graceful landing allowing him to continue the chase. Pain shot up his arm and he regretted not using his healthy limb as blood pulsed in his ears. Adrenaline keeping him upright, he did his best to ignore the obvious fatigue, forcing wary feet to move ever onwards. Gavin wasn't about to let her get away that easily.
Traffic was in chaos as the suspect had earlier crossed and forced him to follow. Some of the teenage pedestrians had naturally flicked out their smartphones in an attempt to catch a glimpse of what was going on in hope to make it viral.
The ST300 took another dip around a building and rain was pouring down from the clouded skies. Thinly snow-coated gravel nearly had him trip at the abrupt turn - feet kicking at the tiny rocks - yet he kept standing. Gavin almost barged into a pedestrian, cursing as he circled around the guy without losing his pace. Others bolted out of the way not to suffer a collision.
It wasn't supposed to go down like this. Whatever Zlatko had programmed his Roombas to do, it was effective, each group moving in packs of minimum two. They hadn't seen the third one before it was too late.
A brief panic ushered as he saw her heading towards a door. He could only hope it was locked.
It didn't matter.
The swift shoulder-barge by said android sent the door flying, profanities escaping Gavin as he followed suit down the long hallway. A storeroom.
Delicate fingers closed around the neck of a coat stand and the furniture was knocked over. The best he could, Gavin avoided the littered trail of clothes, belts and clothing hangers left in the android's wake. After a few more dodges and calculated vaults, they reached the end of the hallway, another door knocked off its hinges. The cold November air hit once more.
A figure fell from the sky about thirty feet off, revealing himself to be the AC700 android that Nines had been chasing.
Nines arrived milliseconds after. His combat prowess was on full display as hand-to-hand combat issued between them. The android he'd been pursuing - this one of the male persuasion - didn't stand a chance.
Keeping busy, Nines registered the ST300 about to pass him. With a swift kick at a steam pipe, it dislodged and hissed right before her, halting her movement. Gavin tackled her to the ground. He could've easily had her gunned down in the now open surroundings, but violence against androids was now strictly forbidden unless left with no other choice.
Not to mention that they were both under Zlatko's programming and didn't exactly have a choice in the matter.
She was subdued by Gavin's weight atop of her, gun at the ready if she tried something, but things took a turn. Gavin ascended his eyes just in time to see the AC700 with a dislocated arm - courtesy of Nines - holding a gun to his own temple.
The gunshot rang out.
He just stared as the android dropped lifeless to the floor, Nines sporting a milder but yet shocked expression. Even the ST300 was visibly distressed. It appeared as if she'd just deviated - her LED red - an emotional shock caused by being a witness. Zlatko really was ruthless for programming his androids to rather commit suicide than get caught.
Gavin slapped her in irons. "Call the patrol car. At least we got two of 'em."
Putting the last android in the backseat next to the accomplice they caught earlier, he could tell by her guilt-ridden expression that she didn't want a part in any of this. The line between man and machine had become even more blurred over the past few days. Now when they couldn't just gun them down anymore, everything got far more complicated. It was only recently he realized just how wrong it was to have an android programmed to do your bidding and Nines was no exception. It had been Nines' own choice, naturally, but it left a bad taste in his mouth.
Nines had remained tight-lipped about what happened a week back and Gavin couldn't be sure whether he cared or not. If he did, he wasn't showing it, and he suspected the removal of his deviancy - as well as his rebuilt firewalls - played a part in it. He shouldn't've cared what was going on inside Nines' head and yet he couldn't help it.
It was too serious. Something you couldn't just ignore. Be that as it may, it was also necessary. Nines wasn't stupid and he knew that.
With androids, along came their naivety, and what happened was probably a thing of the past from Nines' perspective. Something not worth mulling about. Yet that fear he'd shown - that helplessness - suggested differently.
Gavin knew he could just ask and have his answer. Nines didn't have his life experiences, and thus, Gavin was convinced he was beating himself up over it way more than Nines about the whole ordeal. If he was to ask, it would be for his own benefit. A way to let his mind be at ease and continue on with his life without brewing on it for decades to follow if there was no need for it.
He needed a smoke.
Although the weather had cleared up again, soles still sloshed as he walked. He was soaked, through-and-through, and the cold weather didn't help. While Nines was making a call, Gavin leaned to an alleyway wall and pushed a stray lock of hair from his eyes. He separated a cigarette from its pack, shoved it between his teeth and grabbed his lighter.
"Oh, come the fuck on," Gavin grumbled, flicking it to no use.
Too wet.
"Need a hand?"
"No, I don't need -" he said, looking up to see Nines holding out the AC700's detached, prosthetic limb. "Fuck off."
Failing to hold back a grin, Gavin swatted it away. Nines generously chucked it aside. For being an android, he sure had a shared dark sense of humor. It was one of the things he couldn't help but appreciate about Nines.
The lighter was useless, though. He shoved it back into his pocket and he wasn't about to find two dry rocks and grind them together. For now, they had to remain at the scene until the clean-up crew arrived. Just as he'd come to terms with it, he recalled back to the six-day temporary leave and got an idea. Nines had earlier demonstrated that all models of the RK series had a self-heating function.
Gavin gestured him over. "Hey, tin can. Do your magic," he said. With a roll of his eyes, a flame emerged from Nines' thumb and forefinger. Gavin grasped his wrist and directed it to the end of the cigarette. It took a bit longer than he'd like for it to actually light - the pack having been wet as well - but it worked. He released him and the flame disappeared, followed by Nines pocketing his hand again. "So what's your verdict why the tracker didn't work on the third one?"
"The obvious answer would be that it was a deviant."
"Yeah, no shit, but why willingly team-up with narcotic suppliers? Even the tin cans know it's illegal."
"Like I once pointed out to Hank, a deviant is like an infant feeling emotion for the first time. They don't know what to do with them or their newfound free will. I'm convinced deviants would be satisfied with doing just about anything - even go against the law if required - as long as he or she was assigned a task that could replace their previous priority." Direction,he repeated Nines' words, certainly making some sense from a logical standpoint. Nines pushed on. "We'll have to expect just about anything from here on out so we won't be taken off-guard in case the situation repeats itself." He then fell into a pause. "That aside, we have to talk about your current condition." Letting out a scoff, Gavin looked away. "Considering you never fully healed, I register it's only a matter of time before it gets worse."
Letting out a scoff, Gavin looked away.
"Considering you never fully healed, I register it's only a matter of time before it gets worse," Nines added.
"Oh yeah? Next thing you're gonna register is my fucking fist in your face."
"I thought we were past that by now."
"Look," he cut him off, pressing the sides of his palms to Nines' chest. "Just 'cause I happen to tolerate you enough not to want you dead doesn't give you the all-clear, asshole. Just do your job and let me worry 'bout my own well-being, got it? I handle my own just fucking fine. It's not like I've compromised shit ever since we got back in the field."
"Fair enough, but continue like this and you just might. I fail to see why you're so inclined to refuse my advice in terms of your health. Not to mention you continuously refuse my - or anyone else's - assistance."
"Unlike you, I actually earned my place at the DPD. I'm not gonna take any cheap ways out by sending a Roomba to do the dirty work."
"I'm aware of that, but you were already overworked before you received that promotion."
"...and? I can't just sit on my ass. I've got more responsibilities now."
"Your dedication is obvious and Fowler sees that, so someday you'll have to learn to accept my help. That's what I'm here for."
"Okay, fine. When we're getting shot at, I'll make sure to throw you in front of me," Gavin said in sarcasm, receiving an exasperated look in return. He fell into a pause. "If you're that fucking eager to help, go for it."
"Thank you."
Gavin tore his eyes away. "Fucking-A."
NINES
~ NOV 19TH, 2038 * PM 10:37 ~
Seated in the passenger seat of Gavin's car, Nines was busy with a pad when police sirens flickered in his peripheral vision just across the road. He frowned. Nines looked up to see pedestrians having surrounded the area and reporters sticking their microphones in the faces of officers in hope for a comment. He saw none other than Hank and Chris among the attendees.
They were in dialogue behind the police tape and seemed to have been there a while considering their drained expressions. Nines in his machine state couldn't quite place the feeling that emerged, but there was no use dwelling on it.
"Although I'm certain they have it under control, should we see what's going on?"
Gavin considered it. "All right, tin can. C'mon."
Exiting the car, they shortly passed said police tape. Chris saw them first.
"Just in time, sergeant. Another minute and we would've given you a call."
"The fuck is going on?"
"A homicide. Happened about an hour ago," Hank replied warily, turning to Connor as he stepped outside. "Find anything?"
"Not much. The precision and lack of fingermarks and or fingerprints reveal it's definitely an android, but I wasn't able to recognize the model or series. It's not in my database and must be a newer creation," he replied, turning to Nines. "Perhaps you can see something I couldn't. The victim - a young, married female - is just inside. I'll have to warn you, though. It's... quite unpleasant."
Not bothering to ask Gavin for permission - he couldn't stop him anyway unless Nines was explicitly ordered to - he crossed the threshold. Nevertheless, Gavin shortly fell into his steps followed by Connor. Hank and Chris remained outside, so Nines couldn't help but wonder why that was. His first guess was that they knew the victim, but if that was the case, neither would be allowed to investigate the crime scene. Something else must've been their reasoning and he was certain he'd find out in the coming minutes.
He did.
The moment Gavin saw her, the reveal seemed to make him uneasy.
"Fucking hell."
She was pregnant.
Surely it reminded Hank of Cole and Chris of Damian.
Nines crouched down next to her. As Connor said, it was a young woman - probably in her early thirties - who lay in a pool of blood. Several knife wounds were lodged into her stomach that was visibly bigger than her usual weight because of said pregnancy.
"The victim was stabbed nine times," Connor said.
Reaching out towards her, Nines gently grasped her chin and turned her head his way.
#
| ANALYZING... |
.
BRYANT, DANIELLE
[DECEASED]
* Height: 5.5ft - Current weight: 175lbs (32 pounds added after pregnancy) Estimated usual weight: 143lbs
* Estimated time of death: Nov 19th ~ 09:22 pm
#
Connor gave them the debrief. "Danielle Bryant Calhoun. She was well-liked, so I see no reason why anyone would want her dead."
"Who found her?" Gavin butted in.
"That would be her husband. The suspect was still there when he arrived - possibly home from work - but he managed to escape the scene after he was gravely wounded. He had a friend make the call to the DPD and get him to the hospital with the injuries he suffered in said escape. The experience was traumatizing and he's in shock, so we won't be able to talk to him just yet. A lot about him is filed under 'classified' and I suspect he was a CyberLife employee. I've encountered no other organization who aren't open about their workers."
Nines narrowed his eyes. "His name?"
"Lewis. Lewis Calhoun," he replied, and it all fell into place. Connor cocked his head. "Do you know him?"
It was only when a hand grabbed Nines' shoulder and practically forced him to look over that he snapped out of it. Gavin. His expression was hard - serious - with a hint of annoyance.
"He was there when I was activated."
"So you know him. Doesn't explain why the fuck his wife's dead," Gavin said.
"When I told you that CyberLife requested my presence to see if all my functions were in order, I was only half-truthful," he replied as he rose to his feet, Gavin giving him the side-eye. "As you already know, trackers stop working after deviancy and CyberLife knew immediately that something was wrong the moment I suffered that emotional shock. Naturally, they believed I was incapable of deviancy, and had no idea that it also worked as a virus, so they ordered me down to the CyberLife Tower to find out what the problem was. Lewis was the only one there when doing a thorough scan of my program and found said virus. The destruction of my unit was inevitable at that point." Nines then fell into a pause. "He let me go."
"...and CyberLife, what, found out and took her life for it?" he asked rhetorically, averting his eyes. "Jesus."
"CyberLife is obsessed with control. Anyone who gets in their way is basically walking around with a bullseye in their forehead."
He analyzed the scene.
The door had opened and Danielle had most likely believed it to be her husband. Nevertheless, the android showed itself and visibly distressed her. He'd come at her with the knife. Danielle tried to defend herself, but considering that she was about eight months pregnant, there was little she could do. The android had thrown a chair aside to clear the path and made a ruckus. He advanced, knife at the ready, forcing her to the ground with no effort whatsoever and immediately began driving said knife into her repeatedly.
Nine times, as Connor put it.
When the door flew open again, Lewis had entered just in time to see the life drain from her eyes and the android rising to his feet. Lewis had immediately made a beeline for her in his shock and the android had wounded him.
Curiously, the android hadn't followed when Lewis bolted out the door to inform the neighbor. He'd been calculated and calm.
"Do you know what model it was?" Connor asked.
"Unfortunately not. He left no evidence aside from the body and knife. Lewis is our only option."
The lack of data had him conflicted and he recognized the emotion as frustration.
"The DPD is keeping an eye on him at the hospital," Connor said, turning to Gavin. "If you want, I can have the case transferred to you and Nines."
Nines took the word. "From what caliber I've seen from this android, I'm certain we'll need both of us."
"Oh, great. So we're teaming up with Hank and his plastic pet. I can't fucking wait," Gavin said in sarcasm, attention now on Connor. "Send us the files so we can go over 'em in the morning. Set up a meeting with this guy."
Nodding, Connor set course for the door to inform Hank.
Nines found himself simply staring at the lifeless body. He'd reconstructed the scene over and over again in his frustration - seen the event happen time and time again - and he couldn't figure it out. Something told him there was more to all this. It seemed as if the android wanted the DPD to discover her body without giving too much away of who he was.
Not to mention that the android's movements were all-too-familiar to his own.
He couldn't help but wonder if this was related to him in another way. Nine was also a very specific number as two or three would've sufficed. One if he went for a crucial organ.
An RK900?
It was impossible. CyberLife had been ordered to stop production of androids after the demonstration. Nines was unique, so if the killer was an RK900, CyberLife had broken the law. Then again, it wouldn't surprise him. The fact that an RK900 following CyberLife's orders was on the loose could have disastrous consequences.
Gavin snapped him out of it once more. "You done brooding so we can leave?"
He did one last scan. Nothing.
"I'm done."
GAVIN
~ NOV 20TH, 2038 * AM 06:24 ~
Hands protected with padded lightweight gloves - more manageable than those big, clunky, boxing ones - Gavin was hammering at a training dummy in a separate training room in his apartment. Testing out techniques. It had been part of his workout routine the past decade, but after the suffered shoulder injury, he had to go easy for a while. Said shoulder was finally starting to get better and now he was going all-in. The musky smell of sweat was in the air as he'd gone at it for almost about two hours non-stop.
He needed to get back into his prime and thus didn't waste another moment. It was an early morning like always, Gavin preferring to be up and about hours before going to work, and then starting the day off like this.
Naturally, he never got more than four hours of sleep. He was basically running on caffeine and now his body had gotten used to it.
Nines had been glued to the current case since they returned. Pads were littered on the kitchen table, Nines going over them, doing whatever research he could in hope to find out what android had killed that woman last night. Nothing had turned up so far. There was obviously something he wasn't telling him, but Nines wasn't one to just throw ideas around until he had sufficient evidence.
Something about 'wasting time' with speculation based on nothing.
They'd been partners for almost two weeks now. Despite being a machine, Nines was in his superiority clearly displeased with the fact that he for the first time in his life didn't have all the answers.
Now Plastic Prick 2.0 knew how humans felt like.
In the window reflection, he saw a familiar figure arrive to press his shoulder against the side of the doorframe Gavin had his back turned to.
"Enjoying the show, tin can?"
Nines pocketed his hands. "Your technique is awful."
"Worked for me so far."
"Considering what we've been dealing with lately in regards to androids, I can assure you your luck is going to run out at some point," he replied, Gavin's irritation emerging. "You focus more on the power of your blows than actual technique. A muay thai-like combat style. Effective when it connects, to some extent, but only for a time. You'd exhaust yourself too quickly. It's a death sentence if you ever found yourself fighting more than one opponent, so I suggest you shift said focus to a more krav maga-like approach."
"I'm trying to fucking subdue the suspects, not kill 'em."
"Not all krav maga techniques are critical and thus perfectly viable for the DPD."
"Oh yeah? Then get the fuck over here. Make yourself useful."
Nines pushed away from the door. "Suit yourself."
Having a moving sparring partner for once would be a welcome change. He couldn't help but be surprised they hadn't done this earlier. Back then, he'd take any opportunity to kick Nines' arrogant ass.
Shrugging off his RK jacket and chucking it aside onto a nearby chair, he calmly approached.
Holding his gaze, they circled around one another. Waiting to strike.
"'Bout time you stepped up."
Nines arched a brow. "Stepped up to, what, bring your ass to the pavement?"
"Stepped up to spar, dipshit."
"Can't say I'm surprised you'd want to do this. I knew you liked it rough. All you had to do was ask."
"You flirting with me?"
"Anything to throw you off-balance. I'm known to fight dirty."
"That makes two of us."
Under the assumption Nines was distracted, he swung. A sidestep. Missed. Nines caught his fist, Gavin's arm twisted behind his back. He was behind him now. Gavin kicked. Blocked. His mind hadn't caught up with the situation before lithe fingers closed around his ankle and flipped his entire body. Feet lifted from the ground and his back hit the floor with a groan.
"Dead," Nines addressed, voice monotone.
When Nines extended his hand to help him up, Gavin smacked it away before jumping back to his feet. He didn't need any help. Not from an android. Not from a human. Not from anyone.
"You tin cans don't even have pain receptors, so why should I expect you to fucking react when I hit you?"
"If."
"When," Gavin repeated, voice clearer.
"I'll react. Pain is easily simulated," he replied, eye contact never breaking as they again circled. "You might recall that day back in the break room with Connor. He had no reason to double over and yet he did."
"The fuck do you know about that?"
"Connor's memories. Try anything like that with him again and you'll be answering to me."
Gavin let out a scoff. "Would you look at that? Little Nines protecting his big bro. If you seriously think I'm afraid of you, you're all outta luck."
"I know you're not. Frankly, it's admirable... or just stupid."
Nines lunged this time. Blocked. Soon Gavin was ducking, Nines' attempted strike failing, his confidence returning. He wasn't so tough. Gavin struck repeatedly - forced Nines back - but Nines' movements were effortless as not a single hit got past his forearm guards. Sweat stung Gavin's eyes. Hands closed around Gavin's shin when he attempted a kick, Nines twisting it around, pain seeping up his entire body as he was flipped onto his abdomen with another muffled sound of protest. He spun onto his back to grab the foot coming his way.
With force, Gavin pushed it forward. Nines staggered just long enough for him to get back up on his feet. He was fast, he'd give him that, but he was also light despite his tall build.
"...and you're supposed to be tough?"
"Don't get cocky, Gavin. I'm operating at a two-second delay for you to stand a chance."
Gavin stared in disbelief. "You fucking kidding me?"
Another one of Gavin's punches hit thin air. He was thrown off-balance, and in a single hip-twist, Nines flipped him onto his back once more.
"Dead," Nines repeated. "Should I add another second?"
He was flustered now.
"You patronizing piece of shit, I was already worn out when we fucking started!" he bit back, on his feet again to throw in a flurry of punches that was easily blocked. "Two wins doesn't mean anything, plastic."
Nines blocked another. "Still calling me that, I see."
"Trying to guilt-trip me for it?"
"Interesting choice of words."
"Newsflash. I don't fucking care. Thought someone as 'superior' as you would've had that figured out by now."
"You keep saying that, and yet, I can't say I'm convinced," he replied, dodging his latest attack. "I'm not stupid, Gavin. I have eyes. That woman at the bar? You seem to have no issue with people - or even androids - as long as they're not a threat to your position. Something out of your control must've happened to make you this resentful. Violence makes you feel powerful, doesn't it? In control?"
Gavin scowled. "Don't assume you know me."
"I don't know you because you continuously refuse to let me," he replied, breaking Gavin's guard that had him add some distance. "I'm trying to understand you better and you're not making it easy. I like you, Gavin. I really do."
"You've got bad taste."
"Insecurity, then?"
"Shut your fucking mouth and stop analyzing me."
"Is that a direct order?"
"Nothing I tell you is an order, plastic. You're your own person, right? Make your own fucking choices."
He swung again and missed, Nines now behind him, a swift kick at the back of his knee. Gavin hit the floor. His elbow drew sideways with a growl and Nines blocked before twisting it behind his back. Fingers closing around his neck, his chin was tilted upwards with force, Gavin sneering as he met Nines' unimpressed expression who towered over him.
"Dead."
Once released, Gavin was back on his feet again.
Dead. Dead. Dead. Nines kept repeating it after every fall, every failed attempt, flaunting his superiority. Gavin didn't give up.
Again and again, Nines overpowered him, him powerless to stop it. It was embarrassing - downright humiliating - but there was something compelling about seeing Nines in his element despite that. Like a mantra, he kept repeating 'Nines is designed for combat,' so the fact that he was losing was only realistic.
If only his pride could catch up with that.
Nines made another attempt at an attack. On reflex, Gavin sidestepped, Nines open now. Gavin went for the gut. Arms closing around his waist, he threw Nines, muscle memory at his side as he flew over his back. Gavin turned to see Nines still on his feet and cursed. Nines was on him before he could react, back hitting the wall in a thud, air briefly knocked out of him. His head was thrown forward with the impact and Nines stepped back, preventing the collision with his collarbone, and the concussion that would certainly follow.
Generous of him.
Ascending his foot, Gavin kicked, a brief panic washing over him when Nines grabbed his leg and pulled. His back was reacquainted with the floor, but he refused to submit.
A sweep of his free leg kicked Nines' feet from under him.
He immediately regretted it.
Nines' elbow shot right into his ribs, and with a groan, Gavin curled up in pain the best he could with Nines atop of him.
He would've been thankful said blow hadn't landed below the belt if that wasn't where Nines' knee had ended up. Nines had caught himself, naturally, but that didn't exactly ease the pain.
Why the fuck am I almost hard?
"Dead," Nines deadpanned. "Not your best course of action unless this was your intended outcome. You have the strangest turn-ons, sergeant."
"Your fucking knee had it swollen, asshole. Get the fuck off me!"
Nines graciously rose to his feet, rolling his eyes. "Swelling doesn't occur before at least two hours after impact unless related to hemarthrosis, and I can assure you, the damage isn't nearly as bad. Suck it up. Better yet, have someone else suck it up for you," he replied, falling into a pause. "Despite your less than pleasant nature, I'm determined to make this partnership work."
Once released, Gavin didn't bother to rise and pulled his body up to sit. He needed another minute.
"Why?"
"Because I don't judge people for what they are, Gavin. I can't change what I am."
"Real fucking petty, Nines. Thought you were better than that."
"Did you now? I hadn't realized."
"Look. I fucked up, all right?" Gavin exclaimed, pinning him with a glare. His entire body was burning. Palms open, he extended his arms in surrender. "I was wrong. That what you wanna hear?"
It was the closest thing to an apology he could muster.
Nines' answer wasn't immediate. "I didn't expect to... but I appreciate it nonetheless."
Again, Nines tested the waters. His hand extended. For a moment, Gavin just glared, lips pressing together in a thin line. Every nerve in his body told him to smack it away again. Retain his pride. The other part of him knew that they weren't getting anywhere if they continued like this. Gavin was acting like a child, he knew that, and now it was time to turn that around.
Fuck it.
It seemed like Nines was just about to pull back before Gavin grabbed his wrist.
He let Nines help him up.
"Our shift starts in an hour," Nines added, pulling back and heading for the door. He grabbed his jacket. "You should clean yourself off and get ready. I'll be in the car when you're done."
So they started over as equals.
