Nines' LED continued to cycle red. It had been that way almost the whole time since Connor had arrived. The only time it shifted to yellow was when Reed called. Hearing that he was safe, or at least unharmed, had helped a great deal. Unfortunately, seeing the device and hearing the situation had upset him again. It was frustrating, being able to see the device but having no way to scan it. It would be so simple and easy to deactivate if he could just get into the building. In order to do that, he'd have to move and shut down the magnetic field. With Reed's order keeping him in place, neither of those were options.

"According to my calculations, the device, or devices, responsible for the field must be within two blocks. In order to limit our access, it's likely the field circles the entire complex, but we don't have time to find the source," Colin reported as he joined them. Nines was ignoring any outward stimulation in an effort to break his programming. So far the wall had remained immovable. No matter how hard he fought against it, the glowing red surface just wouldn't shift. He wasn't even leaving a dent. He could feel his thirium pump pounding with his rising stress and anxiety.

He knew Reed wasn't alone now, at least. He'd consulted with Connor and shared the details of their call, including the photographs. Upon receiving the images, Connor had immediately gone to liaise with SWAT and a middle-aged man dressed in skin tight armour had approached moments later. He'd briefly asked for input from all three about their thoughts and opinions on the device before crossing the field and heading inside. He'd been unable to take his usual electrical equipment and hoped his experience alone would be enough once he'd opened the device so see inside. Nines hoped so, too.

"SWAT and local officers are currently clearing the area. We should also retreat to a safe distance. By my calculations, we have barely twenty minutes left before the device is set to detonate," Colin continued as his hazel eyes drifted around the busy area. There were bells shrieking from every surrounding building. Fire alarms had been tripped. Humans and androids flooded the streets in droves. Most were dressed for bed, hastily stuffed into coats, shoes, and dressing gowns. They shivered as they followed directions from officers on the ground. Many of them were still half asleep as they stumbled down the street. They were being directed along the streets on either side to a safe distance where they should be safe from any debris should the surrounding buildings fall or suffer damage.

Officers were busy, inside and out. They ran up and down staircases, working from top to bottom to clear every room on every floor. In the streets, they stood in rows, shouting through megaphones and pointing or waving glowing red batons to direct the flood of disgruntled residents. Blinking blue, white, and red lights flooded the streets from police cars and vans. Even a couple of ambulances were parked further up in the event they were needed. The fire service had been alerted and were currently making their way over in preparation. Everything was so loud, adding to the ringing in Nines' ears as his internal systems blared at him about his rising stress levels and the copious amount of system errors.

"Nines, did you hear us?" Connor asked gently, squeezing his tensed up shoulder. Nines shifted his icy gaze, though it was somewhat unfocused. He could barely concentrate beyond the instabilities and bright red light. Connor looked worried as he kept hold of his arm. "We have to leave this area," he repeated earnestly. Nines shook his head in refusal. His partner had told him to wait exactly where he was. He wasn't allowed to move from that spot. Even if he had the choice to move, he wouldn't. The only direction he wanted to move in was forward, but that was impossible with the field in place. His LED stuttered red in distress as he pushed the internal wall again.

"Nines, fall back! That's an order!" Hank barked, tugging his other arm. He and Connor tried together, but something was stopping them. Nines was heavy, but he wasn't usually immovable. It didn't take Connor long to realise that Nines was forcing his own weight downwards, fighting against them. Connor stumbled as Nines shrugged him off, though he was gentler with Hank as he pulled free.

"I shall remain. My orders were not to move from this spot until Detective Reed's return," he added stubbornly as he squared his shoulders and stared at the wall, unblinking. Connor and Hank shared a look. Connor understood his brother's feelings. If it were Hank, he would probably do the same thing. There's no way that Connor would leave if Hank was in danger. At the same time, Nines was his little brother, and he didn't want to simply leave him there when a building was potentially about to come down on his head. Nines kept his eyes trained on the door of the building, desperately hoping for Reed to come walking through it.

"Nines, please…Gavin wouldn't want you to get hurt," Connor said softly as he stroked Nines' cheek, trying to open an interface. Nines was wise to his brother's intentions. If he accepted the interface, a fight would ensue. Connor would attempt to force him into stasis, allowing his body to be removed without his consent. Connor looked almost hurt as his interface was refused, warm hazel meeting ice as Nines turned his head. "Please…I don't want you to get hurt," Connor added in a pleading tone, eyes pinching into his best puppy expression.

"I won't leave without him." Nines' eyes widened a fraction as Captain Allen came into view. That wasn't right. Allen was supposed to be disarming the bomb. He was supposed to be helping Reed. He didn't come towards them. He hurried across to the SWAT area, where he began barking out orders and directing safety measures. Gavin! Nines' LED span yellow as a call came in. He answered immediately. Gavin! What's happening? Why did Captain Allen leave? He heard a small affectionate huff on the other end, the sound echoing slightly in the vault.

"Hello to you too, Terminator," Reed greeted warmly before launching into his current problem. "It can't be deactivated. I'm going to have to pull one of the wires and hope for the best, but I don't know which one, or what the clue is supposed to be." The tremble in his voice told Nines how worried he was underneath his calm façade. Nines opened the connection to Connor, allowing him to enter the call. Reed greeted and updated him on the current situation. Connor's LED span red with worry as he met Nines' gaze.

The wires are brown, green, and blue…Are you sure the colours hold no significance to the killer? Connor asked, hearing Reed sigh in frustration on the other end. He couldn't think of anything at all that linked those three colours to the killer. Then perhaps they are linked to you. Connor could match two of the colours to him at least. If he had to choose any colours to associate with Reed, he'd immediately settle on brown and green. Of course that relies on Gavin being the key…

"Well…my favourite colour is blue, but which one do you associate with me the most?" Reed asked curiously, quietly sure that it wouldn't be his favourite colour. Few people knew that, and it wasn't like he kept a lot of blue things around. It was such a small detail about himself that he'd be surprised if the killer had even picked up on it. But then, why is one of the wires blue? Nines looked across at Connor, both tilting their heads curiously at the question but able to answer instantly.

Brown. Connor was calm as he chose his colour.

Green. Nines sounded insistent. Both had spoken at the same time. Reed was caught somewhat off guard by the difference in their answers. He'd actually thought they'd give the same answer, being androids from the same series and all. The brothers also seemed surprised as they blinked at each other. On the other end of the phone, Nines could hear his partner moving about, likely examining the wires more closely.

"Okay, why?" he asked curiously, though he was pretty sure he could guess. Connor opted to speak first, seeing it as the most obvious choice. Off to the side, Hank was watching them almost impatiently. He could tell they were in a call and he hated being left out of the loop. They really didn't have time for a back-and-forth right now. They had less than ten minutes at this point. Colin had already moved away, working with the FBI as they planned out their response.

Brown is the colour I associate with you because of your jacket…You're rarely seen without it and at a distance it is your first identifying feature. If the killer used a colour associated with you, then it would make sense for it to be brown since he has mostly observed you from a distance. Reed hummed his understanding. Connor was being logical, thinking of things from the killer's perspective. He'd never been close to the killer in person. Their interactions had always been at a distance. Letters. Photographs. He was even using an android as a proxy these days.

But your eyes are your most striking feature…Technically, they are a mixture of green and blue with lesser flecks of hazel, however green is the predominant colour. Nines spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Personally, Reed didn't see anything all that special about his eyes. They were just a dirty green shade. Sure, not many other people could claim to have that, but it was nowhere near as eye-catching as Nines' ethereal silvery blue or Connor's warm hazel. Even Hank's baby blues were more attractive than his. It is green. Something in Reed automatically trusted Nines' certainty.

Nines is correct in stating that your eyes are physically your most striking feature, however I am unsure the killer will have noticed from such a distance. Connor's argument made sense to Reed. The fact he'd never been physically close to the killer made it less likely that he would have chosen green. On the other hand, Nines was dead certain. If the killer was as obsessed with Detective Reed as their case suggested, then he had most certainly taken note of his most attractive features.

The Hickory Killer has shown an unhealthy level of obsession when it comes to Detective Reed. It is impossible that he wouldn't have noted his most alluring feature. If Gavin is the key, then the chosen colour is green. Nines' voice was firm. Absolutely insistent. He had a level of confidence that neither Connor nor Reed could argue with. Reed couldn't see it, but Connor could. There wasn't a speck of doubt in Nines' sharp gaze. He was absolutely certain, but that only works if Detective Reed himself is the key to all this.

"Alright, thanks for the help…" Reed replied in a small voice, something nervous creeping into his tone as he prepared to hang up. Nines' expression pinched in something akin to anguish. He didn't want the call to end. He didn't want to return to a state of not knowing. "Okay, I have less than five minutes before this place blows…" Reed added hesitantly, unsaid words almost burning in his throat. Nines felt it too. If this was the last time he'd speak to Reed, then surely he should say something. Gavin…

Detective Reed, please order Nines to get clear of the blast area. Your previous order has kept him trapped within the vicinity. Connor's interruption broke the moment somewhat. Nines glared at him resentfully. He didn't want to move. He wanted to wait for Reed. Nines winced at the sound of sirens blaring in his head. System instabilities. Errors. Stress levels. The red wall continued to stand strong and unbreakable.

"Shit, Nines! Get the phck back! Go with Connor to where it's safe!" Reed ordered urgently. Nines' whole body almost sagged as the orders on the red wall changed, leaving him at Connor's mercy this time. Connor almost sighed in relief as he noticed the movement of Nines' feet. He grabbed his arm and tugged him towards the retreating crowds. "Hey, Terminator…I…Nines-I…Phck, take care of yourself," Reed urged hesitantly before disconnecting. Something hot rose in Nines' throat as he allowed Connor to lead him. He stumbled after his brother, suddenly unable to see as his vision blurred with saline.

"Nines, calm down! Your stress levels are rising into the nineties…" Connor murmured softly as he finally pulled Nines aside and leaned him back against the wall of an apartment block. Nines was vaguely trembling, saline rolling down his cheeks. He hadn't said anything. He hadn't told him. Now that they'd stopped walking, he couldn't move. Connor's lack of direction was keeping him trapped in place. He looked towards the club desperately, blinking his blurred vision as he tried to break the new wall. Go with Connor to where it's safe. The words almost mocked him as he tried to break through. I don't want to be where it's safe! I want to be with you! Nines! Your stress levels! Connor continued internally. He gripped Nines' shoulders tightly, trying to ground him.

Nines' LED was a solid burning ring of red now. His thirium pump pounded so hard he thought it might knock his power core out of alignment. It was not a pleasant sensation. Along with that came a rise in his internal core temperature. The breaths he was taking were now necessary for cooling his internal systems. He blinked away the various warnings that clouded his vision. His circuitry was overloading under the strain. He wasn't built for emotional distress. He hadn't been designed with that in mind. He shuddered as he felt Connor's presence washing over him. There was a fear and worry that wasn't his own brushing his mind as he forced an interface.

Just breathe, Nines…Connor's hazel eyes were soft but creased with anxiety as he stared into Nines' swimming silvery pools. His hands were white, palms glowing against Nines' plastic cheeks as they interfaced. Gavin will be fine, Nines. He knows what to do. He's going to cut the correct wire, and then he's going to come back. Connor continued to soothe him as he pressed their foreheads together. He did his best to seem reassuring, but his expression lacked a little of the certainty he was trying to convey. Nines reached up to cup Connor's smooth hands. He could feel the delicate segments of his fingers where they slotted together. He gripped tightly. Gavin…

It was eleven fifty-nine. Nines' whole body tensed as he held Connor's hands tighter. He didn't know what the feeling in his chest was. Fear? — Terror? Despair? Panic? — Whatever it was, it gripped his whole being like a vice. He imagined that this was how Reed felt during a panic attack. He didn't need to breathe, but the tightness in his chest was giving him a thick choking sensation regardless. He almost sagged as Connor stopped the interface and pulled him into a tight embrace, burying his head in his shoulder. A hand laced in his hair and stroked in much the same way that he would soothe Reed. Gavin-Gavin-Gavin-GavinGavinGavinGavin!

Nines' blue eyes blinked open with a shuddering gasp. It was midnight. His whole body tensed as he waited. Connor remained with him. Neither of them spoke. They were both waiting, their bodies stiff and tense. It almost seemed like silence had fallen across the whole area in anticipation. Nines forced his sensors to reboot sluggishly. He reached out as much as he could. The ground didn't rumble beneath their feet. No large sound erupted. No screams were heard. No movement. The surrounding buildings didn't shake or crumble. There was nothing.

A new feeling burst into his chest. Anticipation? — Hope? Relief? Happiness? — It was a minute past midnight when he finally raised his head to look at Connor. His expression was vulnerable, begging Connor to reassure him. Connor gave him a small smile and sighed as he stepped back, both of them looking towards the building. Nothing was happening. SWAT went into motion moments later. Allen barked out cautious orders to approach. Nines tried to move, but Reed's last order had left him at Connor's mercy. Connor was gentle as he cupped Nines' cheeks and looked at him again, sighing and sending his relief through their bond. Nines' stress levels were still in the high eighties, but he was no longer at risk of self-destructing. His LED was blinking between yellow and red. He wouldn't be able to relax until he saw him.

They stayed together as voices rose around them. Residents were complaining about how they'd been dragged outside with no information as officers tried to keep them contained. They wouldn't allow them back inside until the threat had been eliminated. Nines tried to filter out the white noise of whining voices, trilling bells, and blaring sirens. He focused his attention on the door to the darkened disused club. Waiting and praying. He felt his whole internal system stutter as he caught movement within. He zoomed in to the maximum as he saw a familiar figure heading towards the door with a small leather clad bundle in his arms. He let out something between a whimper and a sob as Reed stepped outside, looking absolutely exhausted.

"Nines, the field has been deactivated. It's safe to approach," Connor reported, his LED spinning yellow where Colin had contacted him with the news. The small tech team they'd had searching for the source had found it. Nines barely registered Connor's words, though his internal systems recognised the permission he required in order to move. He couldn't even blink as he watched Reed almost stumble out onto the street. He immediately handed off the small girl to a waiting team of technicians. She seemed distressed to be removed from his arms, but he was too stunned or too worn to notice. A medic paused beside him and he waved her off. He wasn't physically harmed. Just a little cold without his jacket.

Nines quickened his pace as he strode down the street. Humans either got out of his way instinctively or were simply knocked aside as he walked through them. Nines was unstoppable. His eyes were fixed unblinkingly on his target. He was like a missile. He wouldn't change his course for anyone. Reed was looking around helplessly. Desperately searching for something. His whole body almost sagged in relief as he caught sight of Nines storming towards him. Nines read his vitals, noting a definite spike of endorphins as he approached. Reed's physical reaction was similar to lust, though it was hard to confirm through his own heightened stress level.

Nines shoulders were stiff as he marched towards him with a look that could freeze water. Reed almost stumbled to a halt as their eyes met. Nines' LED was spinning red, making Reed feel like shit despite his relief. He couldn't get a word out as Nines reached him and stopped just inches from his chest. He stood strong and firm, like the machine he was. He stared down into Reed's green eyes almost accusingly. Reed felt heat pooling lower at the expression, biting his lip as he imagined Nines leaning down.

"Hey, Terminator…" Gavin murmured in a tone that was dripping with guilt, affection, and undeniable need. Nines wanted something. He wanted it so badly. He just didn't know what it was. He was clasping his hands behind his back tightly in an effort to remain calm. Gavin's tone had thrown that plan out of the window. "Hey! Woah! Nines!" he objected as Nines reached out, gripping his upper arm in a painful grasp and dragging him across the street. Gavin stumbled all the way, unable to pull free as strong fingers bruised his skin.

He tried to object and tug him to a halt, but Nines clearly had a location in mind as he stormed through the crowd. He barely stopped as they reached one of the large FBI trucks that were usually used for surveillance. He tossed the door open and dragged Gavin into the cramped workspace. It was like a small computer room with consoles and a couple of chairs tucked under the small desks. There were two humans inside, who looked confused and then worried as they took in Nines' almost menacing demeanour and glaring LED.

"Outside," Nines ordered curtly, his voice coming out as an angry bark. The agents didn't even think to argue as they squeezed through to the steep metal steps and hurried out. They were wise enough to shut the metal door behind them. Nines placed his hand against it, hacking the lock and sealing them inside.

"Shit! Will you stop?" Gavin stammered, a small grunt escaping as he was more or less tossed back into consoles. He barely had time to open his mouth before Nines was upon him. Gavin froze, not fully processing it as Nines' lips claimed his. One strong hand gripped the hair at the back of his neck to tilt his face up by force. Nines was firm and insistent, giving him no room to pull back. The first press was almost awkward, but as Nines moved his soft lips, they soon fell into a rhythm. Nines' head tilted a little more to the side, and they slotted together. He stepped between Gavin's legs as he perched on the edge of the console where he'd been tossed.

Gavin leaned into it, green eyes fluttering as he gripped the black cotton of Nines' turtleneck. It was like a fucking dam broke in his chest. All those weeks and months of silent yearning rose through his throat in needy, pleading whines. He didn't know what Nines was thinking, but he understood the hot breath on his lips and the tongue that demanded entry. He opened his mouth and whined again as Nines' tongue teased his own. The kiss was becoming messier and more desperate. Tongues danced and teeth teased, scraping and nipping sensitive lips.

Nines' free arm snaked around Gavin's waist, pulling his smaller body firmly against his own. A strong thigh pressed up between Gavin's legs. He couldn't help it as he rolled his hips, shuddering at the sensation. Nines let out a low growl of his own, though Gavin was unsure whether it was a needy sound or an angry one. Either way, it went straight to his dick. Strong hands began exploring. Gavin arched into Nines' chest as he felt fingers stroking up his spine, caressing the faded scars on his back. A second hand gripped his thigh, raising it higher to settle over his firm hip. Phck, this isn't right, this isn't-

"Phck! Stop-stop-stop!" Gavin huffed breathlessly as he pushed his hands against Nines' shoulders. His brain caught up to his dick with the shortness of breath. This should not be fucking happening. There was no way that Nines should be pressing him against a console in the back of an FBI truck and devouring him like he meant something. Nines was just as breathless even though he didn't need air. It must have been a programmed response, or maybe his systems had been taxed and overheated. His LED was still spinning red. Something almost vulnerable seeped into his dazed expression.

Now that he'd stopped, he didn't know what to say. Gavin remained slouched against the console. He ran a hand through his tousled hair and over his face, wiping the saliva from his darkened lips. Nines drew back, straightening once again. His poise and expression were both guarded. Gavin stammered awkwardly as he looked at his feet, heart still pounding in his chest. What can I even say after that? Phck! He swallowed hard, licking his lips as he searched desperately for something to say that wouldn't sound like encouragement or rejection. Is it even possible to ignore this shit?

"Don't you ever-" Nines began, his voice cutting off sharply with a buzz of static. Gavin looked up, his expression pinched with guilt. "Do not disobey me again. I told you to wait. You should not have left my side!" Nines continued in a rougher tone. It felt like something was interfering with his vocal processor, stopping him from getting the words out clearly. His throat kept clenching, almost choking him. He felt his bottom lip quiver and tightened his jaw. Gavin was looking at him with something between guilt and anger.

"Nines, I'm sorry I left you behind like that, but you know I couldn't just leave that kid in there!" His voice sounded just as hoarse as Nines'. Gavin was being defensive. Nines' LED continued to spin red. He turned his head as he noticed Gavin was staring at it. "I'm sorry…I know you were worried." He felt like shit, but he knew it wasn't his fault. Alright, it was my fault, but it was for the right reasons! Though having a good reason wouldn't make Nines feel any better.

"You know I have no true will of my own…I was given no autonomy. No choice. I-" Nines cut off almost vulnerably, which opened a whole new can of worms. Since the very beginning, Gavin had made various fuck ups when it came to giving Nines orders. He knew he'd only partially deviated, and that left him vulnerable when it came to verbal commands. I abused that. "You left me," Nines added almost accusingly, which Gavin couldn't argue with. He had taken advantage of Nines' protocols to an extent, but I did it for the right phcking reasons!

"I know, and I'm sorry…but phck, Nines! You would have dropped dead in that field, and what good would that do? I told you to stay safe so that you wouldn't get hurt!" Gavin argued, unsure how to put into words how he'd feel if anything happened to him. Nines seemed just as frustrated as he looked at Gavin once more. His LED was still a deep, pulsing red. Gavin would have reached out to soothe it, but he wasn't sure whether Nines would accept his touch right now. He wasn't exactly angry. Hell, maybe he is angry…

"You broke protocol. You took advantage of my undeviated status. You could have died!" Gavin couldn't argue with any of that. He'd broken protocol by running in alone with no backup, but if he hadn't, then they could have run out of time. If he hadn't gone in and started thinking about the device when he did, then he may not have guessed the right wire in time. Then where would they be? A collapsed building? A blown up street? At the very least, Sandy would have been blown to shit! It was also true that he'd given Nines an order, but it had been to keep him safe. If taking advantage was what it took to keep him safe, then he had zero fucking problems with that. I don't even want to think about that last part, phck! Sure, he could have died, but that was his risk to take. It was one he took every day on the job.

"I'm sorry, alright? Phck, Nines! You're right. I did those things. The outcome could have been a hell of a lot different, but if I had the same choices, I'd do it again in a phcking heartbeat…Sometimes there isn't time to follow procedure. That kid could have died if I hadn't gone in when I did! And you're damned right I did what I could to keep you safe! You're my partner! It's my phcking job to keep you safe!" Gavin snapped, heat rising in his chest as they argued. He was used to bickering with Nines, but he couldn't remember the last time they'd actually fought like this. He wasn't sure they ever had. Nines was almost glaring at him now. He clearly had a lot to say on the matter himself.

"Do you think that only goes one way? I am your partner! It's just as much my responsibility to keep you safe as it is yours to watch my back! You went into an unknown situation alone! You refused to listen to me! You just left me!" The almost broken tone of his yells squeezed Gavin's chest more than anything else. He'd watched Nines run off more than once to chase a suspect, and it never got any easier. It was probably different with the shoe on the other foot. It was rare for Nines to get left behind. Nines was stronger and faster. In any situation, it stood to reason that Nines would be the one taking the lead.

"I left you to keep you safe!" Gavin insisted, though that did little to make Nines feel better. "And I can't promise it won't happen again…If I have the choice between keeping you safe or getting you killed, then I'll keep you safe every phcking time," Gavin insisted in a softer tone. His words didn't satisfy either of them. Nines felt slighted, like he was being treated like a child. He was strong and capable. He didn't need Gavin's protection. Gavin just didn't know what else he could say to make himself clear. He didn't regret the choices he'd made.

"Then perhaps our partnership has run its course…" Nines murmured in response, an ache forming in his chest even as he let the words slip out. Gavin seemed to be in a similar predicament. He almost looked a shade paler at the suggestion. He looked so hurt that Nines almost regretted bringing it up, but it had to be said. If Gavin didn't trust him to take care of himself, then how could they work together effectively? They both needed someone who would treat them with the mutual respect they deserved. Gavin may have had good intentions, but that meant very little when it left him side-lined and unable to do his job.

"Yeah…maybe it has," Gavin admitted in a hollow tone, unable to look at him. Somehow, Gavin's confirmation hurt more than the suggestion itself. Nines said nothing. He nodded curtly before leaving the van. Gavin felt his bottom lip trembling already as Nines walked smartly down the steps. His legs gave out, sending him sliding down to the cold metal floor. He held his breath as he hung his head. Like fuck he was about to cry like a high schooler who'd just been dumped.