Gavin stumbled his way through the doors of the precinct, shivering and hugging himself tightly. It was a little below freezing outside and he'd left his jacket snuggly wrapped around Sandy's small shoulders. Walking back from the scene in only his long-sleeved top wasn't one of his better ideas. He was stiff and achy, teeth chattering loudly as he approached the front desk. The secretarial android looked positively alarmed as she took in his pale skin and weakened form. She couldn't scan the way the RK series did, but she knew that humans shouldn't be out in such cold conditions without the proper attire for extended periods. Her chestnut curls bounced and her LED span yellow as she hurried around to meet him.

"Detective Reed! Your body temperature!" she exclaimed in concern as she gripped his arm and guided him away from the sliding doors. Gavin would have spoken if his teeth hadn't been chattering so badly. Moments later, Gavin noticed a new presence at his shoulder, unsure if he felt better or worse as he recognised Connor. What the phck? I thought I left them at the scene…He was in a daze as Connor politely thanked the secretary, Stacey, for her help. He could see it now on her little metal nametag. Of course it was Stacey. He should have realised it sooner.

"Gavin, come with me. You're freezing!" Connor murmured in a chiding tone as he wrapped an arm around his shoulders and tugged him towards the infirmary. Gavin allowed himself to be led, still shivering as they went. Once inside, Connor grabbed a couple of blankets and wrapped him up in them, sitting him on the edge of his usual bed. "Why did you walk back by yourself? I noticed Nines had returned, so I assumed you were resting somewhere," he fussed as he tucked a third blanket over Gavin's head like a shawl. Gavin would have laughed at how ridiculous he must look if not for how miserable he felt. The mention of Nines made his chest ache. At least he knew his partner had made it back. It sort of hurt that Connor was the one who'd come out to help him though. Nines really has washed his hands of me…

"Nines is…How is Nines?" Gavin asked through chattering teeth, hesitant about raising anything with Connor. Connor tilted his head at the question. Something in his expression almost looked suspicious. "He didn't look too good when he left," Gavin added evasively, recalling the solid red of his LED and the stiffness of his larger body. He wished he'd done something now to soothe him. He wished he'd reached out and stopped Nines from walking off. Phck, I wish I hadn't pushed him back in the first place…If he closed his eyes, he could still feel it. The softness of Nines' lips. The desperation of their kiss. The firm grasp of his hands.

"He's resting…This incident had an adverse effect on his programming. Nines wasn't built to withstand things like emotional distress." There was something sad in his soft hazel eyes. He felt like he was saying something negative about his brother, even if it was true. So many people, human and android alike, would see Nines' inability to deviate as some sort of malfunction, making him somehow lesser. Nines was as individual as anyone else. He just lacked the ability to feel and process emotions as he should. Connor wasn't sure whether deviancy would bring him clarity, but he was certainly struggling without it.

"Phck, I'm sorry," Gavin sighed guiltily, looking up as a gentle hand rested on his covered knee.

"What you did was very brave, Gavin…We may not have succeeded had you not done what you did. Nines will likely understand once he's had time to process properly. When you spoke, he was still overwhelmed by the stress of the situation." Connor's reassurance gave Gavin a little hope. They'd both been feeling pretty raw when they'd spoken earlier. Maybe we both said things we regret…He wasn't willing to let himself dwell on it. He didn't want to talk himself into thinking everything was going to be alright and then find out later that it wasn't. "You shouldn't have walked back. You didn't even have a coat!" Connor chided, unsatisfied as Gavin continued to shiver.

"Yeah, no shit…How's the kid? Did her parents pick her up yet?" Gavin asked, kicking his legs back and forth to help get the feeling back into his frozen toes. Connor sighed as he analysed Gavin's vitals. He was still a few degrees below his usual temperature. The blankets were helping, but he was still very cold. It was just like Gavin to think about someone else before himself. He was in no danger, but without the proper care, there was the strong possibility of him getting sick.

"She was still being looked at by the technicians when we left. She was obviously terrified. My hope is that she'll calm down before they return." Gavin could understand that. He'd be scared too. She'd been kidnapped, separated from her friends, opened up like a can of beans, and jerry-rigged to explode. She'd probably feel safest at the station, surrounded by police officers. "Perhaps you should shower. You keep a second set of clothing in your locker, do you not?" Connor prompted with his usual softness. Gavin allowed himself to go along with it this time, letting Connor walk him to the gymnasium and pry him out of the blankets.

The shower was unpleasant at first. Although he didn't run the water too hot, his feet were so cold that the water felt like it burned. He shuddered and gasped beneath the spray. Steam quickly filling up his curtained off section as he gasped and shuddered. He faced up into the spray, letting the water flatten out his hair and run down his body. He looked at his hands. Before the shower, they'd been a little pale from the cold and being clenched beneath his arms for so long. His skin was flushed and pink now with the heat. It was starting to feel good. By the time he shut off the water, the cold was an unpleasant memory.

He pulled on his gym clothes, ending up in a pair of tight leggings and a loose T-shirt. He had a hoody tucked away in his locker and once that had been pulled on it pretty much covered his ass. He wasn't really self-conscious about it. He knew he had a great ass. He simply had no desire to show said great ass to Hank or Fowler. He returned to the bullpen in his workout trainers. His old clothes and wet shoes had been shoved in his gym bag to be dealt with once he got home. How he was getting home, he had no idea. His own car was still parked at his apartment, where he'd left it a couple of weeks back. The apartment would be weird without Pipsqueak. I hope he's okay…

Thinking of home and Pipsqueak inevitably brought Nines to mind. He shuffled his way through the bullpen to his desk, dumping his bag before stepping up to Nines' charging alcove. He was standing straight and immovable, as always. His LED span a steady yellow as he charged and updated his systems. His silvery blue eyes were open but unseeing. It was hard to tell he'd been through any sort of shock, standing strong as he was. What a way to spend your first Christmas…Gavin let out a regretful sigh, thinking back to the previous afternoon when they'd been preparing to spend Christmas Day locked in the cabin. Would have been nice…

"Merry Christmas, Terminator." Gavin felt a little apologetic as he rested his fist lightly against Nines' shoulder. It was a simple gesture, somehow too little to express how he felt. It would be weird to do anything more in such a public place, though. Especially with Nines being unresponsive. He let his fist slide lower, opening his hand and stroking down one of Nines' strong arms until he could gently grip the large hand at the end. It was a little warm with the energy flowing through it, but so stiff without Nines in control. The synthetic flesh was smooth and warm, unmarred by the callouses Gavin had on his own hands.

He kept a hold of Nines' hand as his eye roved over the towering figure. He'd thought it many times now, but Nines really was handsome. He had just enough of Connor's softness to even out the sharpness of his features. He was naturally quite menacing. He'd been designed for intimidation and combat. Despite that, Gavin found it easy to pick out his gentler features, even with his facial muscles currently turned off. His eyes were sharp and piercing, but Gavin saw their inner warmth. His lips were thin and his jaw firm, but Gavin could pick out the dimple in his cheek where he'd smile. Gavin turned, his thoughts interrupted as he heard small steps pattering across the mostly empty office.

"Wait! Miss! Little girl!" Reed turned just in time for the small weight to barrel into his waist. Small arms gripped him tightly as he stumbled back a pace with a blonde head buried in his pelvis. This wasn't exactly Reed's comfort zone, but he laid a hand on the girl's head anyway as his green eyes found Miller hurrying towards them. He looked apologetic as he jogged over and tried to pry the small android off. "Sorry about this, Detective. She's still pretty shaken up," Miller gasped breathlessly as Sandy continued to grip Reed's hips like a vice.

"Can't blame her for that. Shit got pretty tense for a while there." Reed ignored the slight frown of disapproval Miller levelled at him. She's going to learn it one day…He shrugged off the silent reproach. "Hey, the techs fixed you up?" he added in a gentler tone as he looked down at Sandy. She had pretty sea-blue eyes, darker than Nines' ethereal silver. She was cute as a button. Sort of reminded him of a mini Chloe. Connor did say they based the YK series on existing adults…Maybe she is a mini Chloe…Sandy nodded silently in response before burying her face in his stomach once more.

"She hasn't spoken out loud since she got here. She can't interface either. I think she's still in shock," Miller reported quietly, which made sense to Reed. It was probably more accurate to say she was traumatised. She'd been seconds away from exploding. That would be tough for an adult to handle, never mind a kid. As an android, she'd probably only been active for a year or two, and deviant for maybe half that long. "Come on now, let's leave the detective to it. He must be very busy right now," Miller added in a gentler, caring tone. He looked troubled as Sandy shook her head and held Reed tighter. "Come on…Detective Reed is heading home for the night." He was gentle as he tried to pry her small hands from Reed's sweater.

"What the phck?" Reed exclaimed as he clapped his hands over his ears. Miller swiftly joined him with a grimace, and they both doubled over. Sandy was emitting a high pitched sonic sound, something so loud that he could barely stand it. Miller had released her instantly, but not before the glass of Fowler's office cracked like ice. Reed's mouth hung open as he looked at it. That wasn't the only thing to have taken damage. Some of the older terminals that still used glass screens had been shattered, too. Bits of glass and plastic littered the desks and floor.

"Reed?" Fowler called in alarm, clearly stunned as he gingerly opened his delicate office door. The whole thing was a mosaic of tiny white shards. It was a miracle that it hadn't shattered into a billion pieces across the floor. It likely would if there was any more noise. Fowler stepped down into the bullpen and looked around the various busted terminals, unsure where to put his increasing indignation and worry. "What the hell happened?" he demanded, trying to keep his temper in check.

"I am so sorry, Captain Fowler! The little girl is scared, and she didn't want to leave Detective Reed," Miller piped up apologetically as Fowler quickly took stock of the situation. Sandy was looking up at him almost fearfully, knowing she'd done something bad, even if it had been by accident. He recognised the way she'd latched onto Reed. It happened sometimes. It could be unwise to separate a trauma victim from their saviour too early, and it seemed the small android wasn't ready to leave Reed's side just yet. "I'm supposed to take care of her and contact Jericho, but…" Miller added sheepishly as he gestured to the girl.

"I see…You feel safe with Detective Reed, don't you? Would you like him to stay here a little longer?" Fowler's gentle tone was one Reed hadn't heard for some years. He'd talked to him like that a handful of times in his youth. He raised his rich brown eyes to Reed, watching him almost groan his objection as Sandy nodded against his stomach. "Alright then. Reed, you stay and take care of the little lady for a while. That's an order, and don't let any more of my windows get broken!" Fowler ordered in a lowered tone, leaving Reed no room to object. He relented with a sigh as Miller broke in with numerous apologies. Reed watched Miller go with a huff, knowing he would have other duties to attend to. Fowler headed back to his office, likely planning to get started on filling out the insurance paperwork. Wonder how he'll explain this…

"Well…you heard him, kid. What do you think? Are you hungry? Need a refuel?" Reed asked as he leaned his weight on one leg. It really was shockingly quiet, though it was now Christmas Day. A lot of the officers were off duty, and even Connor and Hank had retired for the evening. Can you even call it evening? It's almost three thirty! Reed looked at the digital clock on the wall with a small sigh. Sandy nodded timidly, so Reed led the way across to the vending machines. They'd been newly stocked with a few thirium options for the android staff. He paused as he read the labels. Did Nines refuel before he went to sleep? Maybe he'll be thirsty when he wakes up…He grabbed his card and tapped it, choosing a lemon flavoured bottle. Nines seemed to like the slightly more bitter drink compared to the sweeter strawberry option. "This is my partner's favourite, but what do you like?" he asked, letting Sandy press the button for an orange flavour. That was a new one. Maybe I should get that for Nines, too…

Once he'd bought the three drinks, Reed led the way back to his desk, where he left the two cold bottles of thirium in front of Nines' terminal. His lips quirked a little as he noticed the little cactus. It was green as ever. Clearly, Connor had taken good care of it in Nines' absence. Sandy seemed cautiously curious about the tidy work area, though there was still a little Christmas clutter left on it to break up the neatness. Reed sat in his chair as Sandy tipped the snow globe, watching the flurry of flakes inside in wonder. Reed smiled warmly as he picked up his small tree and turned it on. It was still linked to Nines. The lights cycled a gentle yellow to match his LED, slowly blinking on and off. Does he get a notification when this thing connects?

"Do you want any paper or…" Reed murmured questioningly as he sat back in his chair and raised his feet to his desk. Sandy shook her head as she sipped her bottle, still pattering around Nines' desk. He watched with a huff of amusement as she headed over to explore Connor's work area. He wondered if it was a coincidence that it was the androids' desks she'd decided to explore. Connor didn't have too much on his desk, though it seemed he'd borrowed Nines' Christmas tree, which Sandy turned on. He also had a small picture of Niles and Sumo wearing reindeer antlers and tinsel. "Try not to get in trouble, alright?" Reed sighed as he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

He was exhausted. The tension from earlier, worrying about the attack, finding Sandy, disarming the bomb, fighting with Nines, and walking back in the snow. It had all built up. This was the first time he'd really relaxed. The shower had warmed and soothed his body, easing a few of the aches in his chest. He was probably more relaxed lounging in his chair than he would have been at his apartment anyway. Since the killer had been so close, he probably wouldn't feel safe going back there alone, not to mention he didn't even have Pipsqueak at the moment. Phck, I'll have to ask Colin about that later…Find out when I can get him back…He hoped he'd be alright curled up in front of the low burning fire until someone got him.

He vaguely blinked his eyes open as he felt a heavy weight press against the seat of his chair. He wasn't really focusing as he reached out and steadied Sandy's smaller body, helping her until she was sitting on his lap. She squirmed and shifted, trying to get comfortable. Reed grunted in discomfort as she pressed down on his soft stomach. She was finally satisfied once she'd stretched herself out along his body. He sighed softly as he hooked his arms around her, making sure she wouldn't fall off in her sleep. She was surprisingly warm for an android, but then the YK series were made to be as realistic as possible. Her small breaths were warm against his chest as she nuzzled against him. It was a subconscious move as he raised his hand to run his fingers through her long hair. He was almost surprised by the softness of her locks, but then he remembered feeling the same way the first time he'd touched Nines' shorter hair.

He blinked his eyes open, feeling a tired sting behind his lids at the motion. As he breathed in, he could smell a light, thirium scent. The one thing Cyberlife couldn't program out of their androids, it seemed. He shifted his tired gaze to the small tree, which still twinkled lazily on his desk. Nines…He continued to watch the shifting yellow glow. On…off…on…off…up…down…up…down. The leisurely flow of the lights was slowly making him more tired. He was already finding it hard to keep his eyes open at all. Maybe…I can talk to him later…Tell him I didn't mean it…Ask him…

He didn't know whether he'd actually fallen asleep, but the sound of the bullpen gradually increased. Voices started humming around them as the morning shift started, heavy steps filtering back and forth. He thought he heard familiar, even steps approaching. Reed hummed softly, turning his head as he heard something rustle above him. The soft sound of fabric. Fingers slipped through his short locks briefly and he swore he felt the barest press of lips on his temple. He sighed as he picked up a familiar thirium scent, blended with his own bathing products. He heard the creak of a chair across from his own. His whole body relaxed at the familiarity.

It was a while longer before he came round properly. His eyes were still unpleasantly tired. They stung as he blinked them open, unbothered by the dim indoor lighting of the bullpen. He took a deep, slow breath, resisting the urge to stretch as he recalled Sandy huddled on his chest. She was still sleeping soundly, one hand bunched in his sweater as the other lay nestled beneath her cheek. She was more or less lying on her front, balanced on his torso with his supportive arms around her. There was something white hooked over her shoulders and across Reed's chest. It barely took him a breath to realise it was Nines' jacket. He'd expected to see him at his desk, but the chair across from him was empty now. A small hole opened in the pit of his stomach at the realisation, a sort of hollow feeling of regret. The small bundle in his arms hummed and wriggled, blue eyes opening blearily as Reed shifted beneath her.

"Hey, give me a sec…" he sighed through his dry throat as he scooted her off and got to his feet. He neatly folded Nines' jacket and left it over the back of his chair, fingers trailing over the warm material before he pulled away. He thought he'd left Sandy at his desk, but he could hear her smaller steps plodding along behind as he walked down the hall. He was still groggy and half asleep as he reached the bathroom and paused outside, looking down as Sandy stared up at him vulnerably. "You-uh…You wait here." Sandy nodded and stayed exactly where she was. It was pretty weird, but phck, he couldn't blame her for wanting to stick close. She'd had a rough few days and Reed was the only person she'd really met properly.

He took his time inside. Taking care of business, washing his hands, and splashing his face a few times. He was tired as hell but at the same time not. There was a bone deep exhaustion he knew was unlikely to go away anytime soon. He actually felt a little ill. Not nauseous, but a little dizzy and off kilter in a way that told him he was going to have a headache and possibly a cold by the end of the day. Hopefully, it wouldn't turn into anything worse. Maybe walking through Detroit in the middle of winter freezing my ass off wasn't such a good idea…He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling that familiar tiredness burning behind his lids and a dull ache in his joints. Well, since I'm here, I may as well get some work done…He was pretty sure Fowler wasn't about to let him go anyway, not as long as Sandy was hanging around.

"Detective Reed," a familiar voice greeted as he returned to the bullpen with Sandy still eagerly dogging his steps. He would have said it was Connor, only the tone was ever so slightly softer. Colin was dressed in navy that day, if he'd even been home and changed at all. Reed hadn't seen him the night before. Colin tilted his head, his LED spinning yellow once before returning to a steady blue. "I stopped by to take your statement…Are you quite well?" Concern leached into his tone as he took in Reed's red eyes, rimmed with dull circles.

"Yeah, I'm just…coming down with something. It's no big deal. Interrogation room?" Reed suggested, sweeping his arm out invitingly for Colin to lead the way. Colin nodded his agreement before they went. He didn't mention the child that followed or the way she clung to Reed's sweater as his soft hazel eyes fell on her. Inside the room, Colin took his usual seat in the suspect's chair while Reed and Sandy sat opposite. It didn't take long for Reed to go over what had happened. He started from when they'd left the safe house and finished when he'd stumbled out of the building. Sandy was quiet the whole time, her blue eyes shifting to him and nodding occasionally.

"This is a significant change in the killer's MO…" Colin murmured, clearly troubled by the shift. Reed nodded his agreement. It was a complete change of focus. During the first twelve murders, the focus had been on the kills themselves. Well…besides Jack. That shit was personal. This time was different. Since his return, the killer had been gunning for Reed directly. He'd been traumatised, chased out of his home, and this time, the victim had been allowed to survive as a gift. Reed had no doubt the killer got some sort of sick satisfaction out of torturing the androids, but his real goal was getting a reaction from him.

He'd sliced up his sometime lover and Reed had a complete mental breakdown. He'd dropped a body right outside his apartment complex and Reed had run away to hide. He'd rigged a child to explode and Reed had risked his own life trying to save her. Sure, I'm the focus now and he's swapped to androids exclusively…maybe because those are the only cases I work now. There'd be no point in dropping a human body. I wouldn't even hear about it most of the time…But what the phck is this guy's endgame? At least last time he had a set goal before he stopped.

"It is my opinion that you have become the primary focus of his attention and obsession," Colin concluded. Reed nodded his agreement. He'd known that for a while. The thing he couldn't figure out was why. Three years ago he'd just been an up-and-coming detective doing his job, and now he was just a slightly more bitter man doing the same job. To his knowledge, he'd never done anything particularly special to warrant this attention. Even at the fourth scene all those years ago, he'd been there with Jack. There'd been a fifty-fifty chance that he could have taken a liking to his partner instead. So why me? Was it just because I was the lead? But he didn't know who was in charge at that point! The pictures all focused on me! Why? "I am unsure what this means…I believe caution would be advisable. You should move to a more secure location. Your old apartment is compromised and the security there is minimal," Colin added in a sincere tone. Reed almost sighed. Does every RK android come with a nanny-bot setting?

"I'll be fine, Toaster! It's not like he came in through the front door." Despite that, he had to agree that the thought of returning to his old apartment alone wasn't particularly appealing. The place was cheap, though, and it had been his home for eight years. Phck, am I really letting this fucker chase me out of my own home? He hated backing down. He almost felt like a coward. Being scared was understandable, though, and he couldn't deny the thread of fear that coiled in his chest at the thought of the killer breaking in while he was sleeping.

"Nevertheless, a more secure location would be preferable…" Colin replied firmly, and Reed found himself unable to argue. If he argued, maybe Colin would force him back into witness protection. Maybe this time Nines wouldn't go with him. If he was really serious about them not being partners anymore, then he'd have no reason to. That also meant that Nines probably wouldn't go home with him anymore. He wouldn't sit on his sofa. Bustle around his kitchen. Cook him breakfast. Bring him coffee. Put him to sleep at night…He wouldn't feel him beside him in his bed or turn over to find sharp blue eyes analysing him. You have to tell hi! He could hear Aaron's voice echoing in his head. Reed swallowed down the ache in his chest. "You should remain here for now, unless you have a secondary location you can go to," Colin added eventually. Reed nodded his vague agreement.

"Don't worry about me, Toaster. I'll be fine," he replied almost warmly as Colin nodded his understanding. They parted ways in the bullpen. Colin wanted to find Nines, who was still conspicuously absent. Reed wasn't even sure where to look, but with their almost telepathic abilities, he was pretty sure Colin would be able to track him down. Sandy was still following him silently, opting to crawl under his desk once they reached it. Reed huffed, but made no move to stop her. If she felt safer huddled beneath the desk at his feet, then who was he to argue?

The next couple of hours passed like that. Reed typed up reports with his legs tucked to one side to accommodate the small lump under the table. Whenever he went to get water or an energy drink, Sandy would shuffle to her feet and follow him like a baby duck. He noticed officers snickering more than once. Gavin Reed, the department's greatest android hater. Not only was he partnered with the most intimidating android ever created, but now he was being followed by a cute little chick. Each time they returned to the desk, Sandy crawled beneath the surface, apparently catching up on more sleep. Every time he glanced down, she was curled up in a ball. Thinking she looked a little cold, Reed slipped off his sweater and dumped it on her head. The thick material was swiftly tugged down like a blanket. Reed huffed his wry amusement before he continued typing, tugging Nines' jacket over his shoulders like a cloak as he felt the chill himself.

"Detective Reed, have you seen the android child? I was asked to speak with her," Dr Marr's voice greeted warmly. Reed looked up in surprise to see her standing by Nines' desk. He'd never actually seen her outside her office before. He was surprised she'd known where to find him, though she probably walked by the bullpen every day to get upstairs. She was patiently awaiting his answer, though he was pretty sure she already knew. She was smart like that. Reed shifted back in his seat, subtly looking under the table where Sandy was curled up on her knees, bundled in his hoodie. She shook her head. Don't tell her.

"Nope. Not seen her for a while. Maybe try the meeting rooms upstairs," he replied with a shrug as he leaned back over his keyboard to continue the incident report he was typing up. He avoided Marr's almost affectionate gaze as she looked at him over the top of her glasses. She knew what he was doing, and she knew that he knew that she knew. They seemed to come to a silent agreement. Sandy clearly wasn't ready to come out just yet.

"Alright, I'll do that…How about you, Gavin? You haven't stopped by in quite some time," Marr prompted, watching Reed wince. He'd known he wouldn't be able to escape forever. Spending those few weeks with Nines in the cabin had put his life on hold somewhat. It stood to reason that now he was back, he'd have to continue as he had before, and that included the therapy. "How are you feeling?" she pressed as she tugged Nines' tall chair out. It was really too high for her. Her toes barely touched the floor as she sat down. Really? Right here?

"A little tired I guess…nothing I can't handle," he replied with a shrug as he looked down at his keyboard. Maybe he needed some time to process, but the biggest thing that was on his mind right now wasn't really the killer himself. It was Nines. Their confrontation the night before. That kiss. Those words. "I just…I fucked up with Nines again and we're not talking…At least, it feels like we're not talking," Gavin admitted, feeling juvenile for bringing it up. It was like they were kids on a playground, pouting and spouting phrases like we're not friends anymore just to hurt each other.

"It's perfectly normal to argue with your partner from time to time," Marr insisted sympathetically. Gavin knew that. He'd argued with Jack all the time over cases and his reckless streak. He'd always been pretty hot headed and impulsive. That hadn't started with Nines. He gave Marr a quick rundown of their argument and what had happened. "This is your first real argument since your partnership began…Both of you feel that you were in the right, and perhaps there's room for you both to be right. However, just because you feel that you were right doesn't necessarily mean that your partner is wrong. It's important to discuss things on an even playing field. To understand each other," Gavin agreed again. He wouldn't change what he'd done. He didn't regret what he'd done. That doesn't mean Nines' feelings are invalid though, and I never said that they were! If we could just talk again, then maybe we could…

"I know we need to talk it out, but…Nines said he doesn't want to be my partner anymore," Gavin sighed as he looked up. The hurt was plain on his face despite his best attempt to hide it. Marr's brow furrowed a little as she examined him. She doubted that was the case. She may not have watched them for long, but she'd seen enough to know that their partnership was solid. If anything, they were perhaps a little too close.

"Are you sure that's what he said? Think back…What did he say exactly?" Marr asked, encouraging Gavin to think about it himself. He sighed as he leaned back in his seat, quietly wondering why he was having a session in the middle of the bullpen. He did as he was told though. He couldn't help starting right at the beginning. That almost haunted look on Nines' face as he'd stumbled towards him. The tight grip on his arm as he'd been dragged across the street. The fingers bruising his pale skin. The firm tone of his voice as he'd snapped at the FBI agents to leave. The urgency in their bodies as he'd been shoved back against the consoles. The desperate touches and heated press of lips. The hand lacing in his hair, pulling him closer. The tongue lapping at his mouth, following his lead, learning how to kiss as they went. The look in those silvery blue eyes, full of warmth, confusion, grief, fear, and something more heated. Then perhaps our partnership has run its course…

"Yeah…I'm pretty sure that's what he meant…" Gavin replied vacantly, only half convinced as he thought about it again. It was a pretty open-ended suggestion. It was inviting Gavin to argue if he wanted to. Had Nines wanted him to argue? Had he been surprised when he'd simply given in and agreed with what he'd said? Had he meant to say it at all? He sighed. It wasn't like he'd be able to sort it out by himself, and with Nines avoiding me, it'll be pretty hard to-

"Why not ask him yourself?" Marr suggested with a small nod, her dark eyes looking over his shoulder. Gavin turned a little in his chair to see Nines hesitating across the pen, silvery eyes watching them warily. Gavin wasn't sure whether he was listening in or how much he'd heard, but the somewhat guilty look in his eyes was enough to know he'd heard Marr's final words, at least. "And you come along with me. I have some dolls in my office I think you might like," Marr added in a kind tone as she leaned down and looked beneath the desk.