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"It was a dumb argument," Reed mumbled the next day as he sat in Fowler's office, staring at his lap. Connor was standing behind him in support as Nines sat off to his right. Hank stood over Nines' shoulder, offering a grounding hand. Fowler gave Reed a stern look as he folded his hands on the desk. It was an almost incredulous expression, one that said, an argument? Really? Are you fucking shitting me? That was what Reed put it down to. He didn't look at Nines sitting beside him. He couldn't work himself up to it. Nines was sensitive to it, too. He kept his silvery blue eyes on the floor, and his alpha program switched off. He would have been bothered by the absence of his alpha and the silence in his head, but his emotions were tied to the program. He was numb without it, unable to feel anything. "I really don't need to take it further…We said some shit. Nines lost his temper. That's it," Reed added firmly, his jaw tightening slightly. He still couldn't forget the hurt that had laced through Nines' scent with the anger.

"Well, if you're not going to take it any further, then I've no choice but to let it go…You'd better be damn grateful," Fowler added with a growl as he levelled a harsh look at Nines, lashing out with his smoky scent in reproach. Nines couldn't smell it, but he still looked suitably ashamed of himself as he nodded and remained subdued. He seemed to feel bad at least, or as bad as an emotionless android could feel. He hadn't reactivated his alpha programming since the previous day. He didn't look like he'd entered stasis either. Did he even leave the precinct? Reed wondered almost worriedly as he glanced to the side. His omega was beside itself. It tried to reach out and paw at Nines, bewildered by the sudden absence of his alpha. Reed's bitter coffee scent reached across, but without his program, Nines was unable to detect it. "I guess the next question is, are you still able to work together?" Fowler asked doubtfully as he looked between them. Reed's terrified scent was enough to let the room know that it was unlikely.

"Maybe…In a while…Phck, I don't know," Reed grunted out with a frustrated sigh, leaning back in his chair as his legs bounced nervously. He felt a comforting hand on his shoulder, Connor's honeysuckle coaxing him into relaxing. Nines winced internally at the news. He didn't have feelings right now, but he still understood relationships, and his connection with Reed had suffered severely. Their partnership had always been laced with anger and resentment most days, but they'd still worked together seamlessly and closed countless cases. They'd been efficient. We are efficient.

"Perhaps we could work together for a few weeks," Connor suggested softly, quietly wanting to keep an eye on his fellow omega. Reed was clearly vulnerable right now, and Connor was one of the few people he seemed to reach out to for support. He could tell the suggestion wasn't a popular one with the alphas in the room. Fowler's brow furrowed in thought and Hank folded his arms. It wasn't that they didn't believe Reed and Connor could make a good team, however…

"I hardly think it wise for two omegas to be on the streets without suitable protection," Nines broke in, not missing the way Reed flinched at the sound of his voice and shifted away. Nines closed his eyes for an instant. He didn't know how to fix this. Would it simply take time and space? Should he approach him with an apology of sorts? He couldn't think of any fitting words. Perhaps he was more concerned that his apology would be rejected. What if we never work together again? The thought would likely have caused him a great deal of emotional distress with his secondary gender program running. He had complicated feelings surrounding his partner. His alpha was possessive and held genuine affection for Reed's omega. Nines himself found Reed infuriating, but beneath that was a lingering fire that almost burned in its intensity.

"I am able to deactivate my programming in the event of physical confrontations," Connor excused, not really seeing his secondary gender as an issue. Unfortunately, discrimination in the workplace was still common. The alphas in the precinct had accepted Reed and Connor within their ranks, however outsiders would not be so accommodating. Two omega officers alone on the street may attract unwanted attention. Media attention. There would likely be questions raised about whether equality had gone too far, or whether the DPD was so short on staff that they had to resort to omega officers. Worse, that those omega officers were sent out alone and vulnerable.

"Why don't we change it up even more? How about I partner him for a while? Been a long time since we've worked a case together," Hank cut in diplomatically as he leaned over to nudge Reed's shoulder with a grin. Reed nodded his tentative agreement. It had. He'd worked a few cases alongside Hank a few years ago, back before Cole had died. They'd made a good team. It would solve the problem of having two omega officers working together, plus they'd still be breaking new ground. Nines and Connor would be the first android detective duo.

It was strange, moving desks. He'd been at his desk for almost four years now. Sitting across from Hank was surreal. It didn't help that he could feel Nines right beside him across the walkway. He could feel him watching him. Probing him. Analysing him. Reed constantly stiffened under those distant silvery eyes. He did start to feel better though. The feeling became familiar. His blue gaze was gentle rather than sharp. It was likely a conscious choice. Nines was selecting which expressions to use in order to put him at ease. Without Nines' scent and dominating presence to spook him, his omega gradually settled into the new area and scented the space around his new desk.

Working with Hank was good. Easy. They quickly worked up a routine, much to Connor's disapproval. They would come into the office, mostly on time, to get some work done. They'd head to The Chicken Feed or Jimmy's Bar for lunch, then return to the office for coffee and more case work. Hank took the lead during interviews, unless it was an omega. They were always more comfortable talking to Reed. Interrogations worked similarly to how he'd worked with Nines. Hank would try first, then let Reed try to crack them if he failed.

Hank's alpha was a protective presence for Reed's omega. The greying beast kept a close eye on its mood, grooming and comforting as required. They'd even play sometimes. Reed would smirk as his omega swatted cinnamon at the alpha before ducking and weaving to avoid the responding waves of whiskey. Hank would grunt and scowl as his alpha calculated its next move. Reed's omega hadn't played such games before, and Reed could only guess they were things Hank had picked up from his years as a father. Judging by his skill level, he was probably still playing these games with Connor. It was a good lesson in scent control.

Over time, Nines slowly began turning on his alpha programming again. The first time he'd done it, he'd winced at the scent of raw fear that had rolled off Reed. His spine had stiffened in his seat and his omega had pretty much skittered and huddled with Hank's alpha in a cloud of coffee. Nines had immediately aborted, dropping his eyes to the floor as his own feelings of shame and hurt were abruptly cut off. Before the program shut off, he'd realised he felt truly miserable. After that, he tried more often. He turned the program on in small doses. He kept his alpha dormant in the beginning, coaxing it to stay back. He tried to seem comforting as he released his sawn metal scent. Reed rejected it at first, but as the days passed, he'd gradually relaxed into it. Within a few weeks, he could tolerate it again. Within a couple more, he began to like it. He often felt out the area if Nines wasn't at his desk, trying to track him down. His omega was once again content and be shrouded in sawn metal and gunpowder. Its ears would perk up whenever Nines walked by, though it remained hesitant to approach his alpha directly. Hank and Connor were quietly relieved, hoping the pair could reconcile somehow and things could return to normal.

Nines soon started leaving items on Reed's desk. Reed wasn't sure if it was an apology or just Nines being Nines, but he'd find snacks, coffee, juice, extra pens, highlighters, paperclips, pins, and post-it notes left on the edge in silent offering. He never saw Nines place them, but the taste of the coffee was unmistakable. Only Nines made his coffee that well. Other officers watched in quiet amusement as Nines, the stoic alpha, silently courted Reed, who remained oblivious. No matter what small item was gifted, Reed would quietly sequester it away or find a spot for it as his omega chirped happily. Hank raised his eyebrows at it more than once. As courting rituals go, it was quite common, and yet Reed accepted each small advance without a second thought.

A few things frustrated Reed as the weeks went by, and one of those things was the way the other alphas were treating him now. Hank was fine, but his regular alphas were reluctant to meet up with him as they usually would. They'd tried to be gentle about it, in a sort of it's not you, it's me way, but it still stung. He hadn't gotten laid in weeks. He was actually starting to worry about his upcoming heat now. What if none of the alphas wanted to knot him? How would he get through his heat? He was so worried about it he went upstairs to see Allen to vent.

"I thought Nines was going to be there. You're a thing now, right?" Allen checked, somewhat confused by Reed's distress and concern. Reed looked incredulous. He'd barely said two words to Nines in weeks, despite sitting so close together. They'd meet eyes on occasion, but would quickly look away. Their interactions had just become awkward. Nines hadn't even acknowledged the crap he'd left all over his desk being shifted around. If he gives me any more office supplies, I'll have enough to open a phcking shop! At first, he'd thought it was some form of apology, but the gifts hadn't stopped coming, and not once had he left a note or tried to talk to him.

"Why the phck would you think that?" Reed demanded cluelessly as he watched Allen leaning against the counter with a coffee. It wasn't as big as the downstairs break room, but the small kitchenette was more convenient for the SWAT team. Allen shrugged as he folded his arms. His expression told Reed that he was more surprised by his reaction to the idea than anything else. Reed scowled at the amusement lacing his cement scent.

"It's no secret that he's been courting you…and your scent is always pining for him these days. I just assumed you guys were going to make it official now that you've made up," he replied, chuckling as Reed stammered out his objections. Pining? Who the phck is pining? Reed was incredulous. He folded his arms and scoffed, pointedly ignoring his purring and chirping omega. To put his mind at ease, Allen assured him that if he didn't have a heat partner by the time his heat started, he'd be there for him as always. Reed ended up heading to the roof after that, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it with a frustrated sigh. Courting! What the phck does he mean, courting? Phcking alphas!

"I told you to stop that," Nines' voice purred in gentle reproach. Reed tried hard not to flinch at the tone. This was the first time they'd been alone since the incident. The first time they'd been back on the roof, too. Reed continued to smoke, glancing over his shoulder briefly as he leaned on the cement ledge that circled the building. He stared out over the city nervously. There was a restless stiffness running through his body as he leaned on the wall, waiting for Nines to approach. He was on edge and anxious, even though he was pretty sure Nines wasn't going to dominate him again. His omega was also cautious, but somehow hopeful at the same time. You're such a phcking horndog! His omega chirped in response to the accusation as Reed scoffed.

"It's not your job to tell me to stop," Reed retorted, noting the way Nines' silvery gaze dropped at the rebuke. Reed tried not to feel bad as he took another slow drag. He listened as Nines slowly walked to stand beside him. It was familiar. Almost comforting. He closed his eyes and breathed in Nines' scent. It was hesitant, almost needy. It wasn't something he expected from Nines. He looked across at him questioningly. He didn't have his usual confidence. He seemed almost timid as he looked down at the cement wall they were leaning on. Even his alpha was subdued, staying back and allowing Nines to handle things.

"…I want it to be…" Nines admitted in a murmur as he glanced at Reed. Something hot and desperate rose in Reed's chest in response. For Nines, that was almost a declaration of undying love. A jolt of something hot cut through Reed's stomach as Nines looked up with almost soft blue eyes. "Spend your heat with me?" Nines added, his pitch lifting towards the end to make it more of a question than an order. Reed looked at him as if he'd gone insane. His expression was hesitant and almost gentle. It wasn't a look he'd ever expected to see on Nines' face. The softness of it almost punched a hole in his gut and he looked away.

"Are you out of your phcking mind? Did you forget what happened last time?" he asked incredulously, though they both knew that he hadn't. The bruise had faded, but Nines had gotten what he'd secretly wanted. Those small puncture marks hadn't gone away. They lingered, round and pink, on Reed's neck. Reed rubbed a hand over the mark subconsciously, almost gaining comfort from the gesture. He tried to ignore his omega as it pawed and chirped in encouragement. Reed stiffened as he felt Nines' large body move to press up behind him. His head lowered to rest on his shoulder. Reed closed his eyes as the metallic scent washed over him. Want you. Need you. "Nines, I know we're partly bonded, and that's affecting you-I get it…but we need to get over this," he added as he turned around to look up at Nines' face. He almost regretted it as he saw the pure need in those glinting silver eyes.

"The bond has changed nothing. Even before that, I…" Nines trailed off stiffly, looking away from Reed as his brow furrowed. He let his scent say it instead. Want you. Need you. Mine! Mine! Mine! Reed almost winced at the intensity. No one had ever wanted him like that. He was considered a shitty person, and an even shittier omega. Short-tempered. Slutty. Disobedient. The worst kind of omega. "I've always been your alpha…I don't know why you won't say it," Nines murmured in frustration, clenching his jaw as feelings of pure need and want swelled in his chest. Reed's scent was doing it again. Cinnamon twisted around him in elation as he sensed Nines' desire. His body, on the other hand, was leaning back vulnerably. It was like Reed himself was unwilling to move forward, while his omega was desperate for his alpha's affection.

"You're not-this isn't-Nines, we can't just…" Reed stammered, tossing his cigarette in annoyance. Not that Nines would complain. Reed took a few paces away from him, running his hands through his short hair in frustration as sawn metal teased his senses. "This is why I didn't want to sleep with you! I knew it would just phck everything up!" he added angrily as he turned away from Nines and stalked across the rooftop. He paused as Nines grabbed his wrist and tugged him to a halt. The grip was strong, giving Reed no room to escape, however he was pretty sure he'd let go if he asked. The reassuring scent of sawn metal confirmed it. Nines wanted him to wait and listen.

"It wouldn't be fucked up if you just talked to me honestly," Nines insisted in an almost coaxing tone, keeping hold of Reed's wrist to stop him from storming off. Reed was never good at confrontations or sensitive conversations. He grunted in frustration as he finally leaned his head against Nines' firm chest, surprising him with this small show of weakness. Something within Nines desperately wanted to reach up and envelope him in his arms, but he remained as he was. One arm remained at his side, while the other loosely held Reed's wrist. Moving may spook him. Embracing him may make him feel trapped. He settled from encircling him in a shroud of sawn metal.

"What the phck do you want me to say? That I want you? That's I've wanted you from the day your plastic ass walked in here and started phcking up my life? That I get this stupid phcking feeling every time I find the shit you left on my desk? That everything just feels wrong when you're not around?" Reed bit out vulnerably, stepping back a little as he ran a hand over his face. Nines let him go for now, quietly processing his confession. His words hit hard, even though he was speaking in purely hypothetical terms. The feeling of wrongness was one that Nines could relate to. It wasn't the same, working with Connor. Looking across their desks and seeing Connor's face staring back at him felt wrong.

"If that is the truth…" Nines replied hesitantly, knowing from Reed's scent that's exactly what had happened. He hadn't realised Reed had gotten attached so quickly, but it did something for his alpha's pride that it was the case. He tried not to smile at the thought. It had taken a few weeks for him to warm up to Reed, and even then, he hadn't put it down to an emotional attachment. He couldn't pinpoint the exact moment it had happened, but he knew he'd been emotionally invested long before Connor's upgrade.

"Even if it is, this? It can't happen!" Reed stated firmly as he waved between them. His expression was hard and serious. He wouldn't compromise on it. Despite his words, Nines could feel his omega's scent reaching out to tug at him, drawing him closer. Nines couldn't understand how Reed could say one thing when he so clearly wanted another. Nines was subtle with his own scent, coiling out the metal and gunpowder to embrace the cinnamon and coffee in acceptance. He allowed Reed's scent to pull him closer, noting the pink rising on Reed's neck as he slowly breathed in their combined scent.

"Why not, if we both want it?" Nines countered, his tone suggesting he felt slightly hurt at the rejection. What Reed was doing wasn't fair, even if he was completely unaware. It wasn't fair for him to say one thing, but then let his omega tease Nines' alpha. It wasn't fair that he accepted his advances, but denied their intimacy. Reed clicked his tongue in frustration, trying not to drown in the way Nines' needy scent was snaking around him. He stepped a little closer in response, his omega purring wantonly as it nuzzled Nines.

"Do you know how long I've been here? How hard I worked to get this far in this job? If you bond me, then what? I'd lose everything! None of the alphas would listen to me! I wouldn't be any use in interrogations, and you've already pointed out my disadvantages during arrests…I wouldn't be able to do my phcking job!" Reed replied in a loud and almost bitter tone, trying to get a handle on his omega. His omega didn't care about Reed or his career. His omega just wanted to curl up in Nines' arms and stay there for all eternity. It wanted to writhe beneath Nines' alpha. To be mated. To be bred. The idea of nuzzling into Nines' chest was almost irresistible, because it was the one thing Reed and his omega agreed on. It was a nice chest. He was sure it would feel good if Nines' arms held him. Reed was forced to look up as gentle hands cupped his cheeks. He felt his heart stop at the intensity of Nines' gaze.

"You are an excellent detective…Your skills do not come solely from your scent glands. I would not respect you if they did," he stated plainly, watching Reed's gaze drop doubtfully. Nines refused to let the moment pass. His hands remained gentle as they caressed his stubbled cheeks. Reed gave his omega a little leeway, willingly leaning into the gentle touches. "I'm willing to wait…to put off bonding you…" Nines continued almost hopefully, though Reed could see that it pained him to say it.

"Why? Why are you so damned insistent?" Reed demanded as he ran a hand through his hair, stepping out of Nines' grasp. It didn't make any sense. He was literally the worst kind of omega, while Nines was the perfect alpha by design. It was a fucking travesty that the premium tin can had taken such a deep interest in him. Most alphas would probably laugh at him for doing so. The ideal omega was a homemaker. Someone soft, warm, and gentle. Someone who would comfort and serve you after a long day, birth your offspring, and run your household. Reed had never had any of those instincts or desires. Not really. Maybe once. A long time ago. Before he'd hit his teens. Now he was an utter failure as an omega. Unlovable. Undesirable.

"Because I want to be your alpha…No other omega is acceptable," Nines stated firmly, the news sending another stupid rush through Reed's chest. That was as close to I'm in love with you as Nines could get. Reed felt like he was on the edge of a cliff. He wasn't sure what would happen if he rejected Nines at this point. How could he reject him? He'd pretty much just ripped his fucking heart out and offered it on a platter. Shit, I'm not ready for this. "No one else…" Nines added in a softer tone as he stepped back into Reed's personal space, scenting his inner turmoil on the breeze. He said nothing as he pulled a thick, solid looking collar from inside his jacket.

"What the phck is that?" Reed demanded as Nines held it up. He could see it was a collar. He wasn't stupid, and he could also guess what it was for. The mark on his neck almost itched at the memory. His omega was making his stomach swirl with want as it purred and flicked its tail. The collar was a gesture. It was significant. It was a sign of serious commitment and respect. It was a promise that the incident from before was not to be repeated unless consented to. It was almost fucking romantic, and Reed half expected Nines to get down on one knee to present it.

"I had it made by Cyberlife…It was constructed using the same material as my own shell casing. My biting force wouldn't be enough to even scratch this," he added meaningfully as he allowed Reed to take the collar. It was so smooth and light. He didn't know what Nines was made of, but he figured it was some form of futuristic plastic and metal mix. The collar was white. There was a pale blue light circling the edges, and the triangular Cyberlife logo betraying its origins. It also had a small heart-shaped key lock to prevent any android tampering.

"You're really that determined to fuck me again, Tin Can?" Reed scoffed, though there was no real bite in it. He was startled as Nines stepped closer, hands resting on his hips firmly. Reed froze like a deer in headlights, watching Nines' every move. He leaned down hesitantly, pulling back and pressing forward all at once. Reed's breath shuddered as he closed his eyes and tilted his face up expectantly. A rush of emotions hit him as Nines' lips came to rest against his own. It was like being in heat all over again. It felt like sparks shot across his lips under the soft pressure. Feeling no resistance, Nines shifted closer, pressing more firmly. Reed leaned into the hand that reached up to caress his cheek, tilting his head obediently to deepen the kiss. The moment his mouth opened, Nines' tongue tangled with his own, stroking and leading him in a dance. Nines was the first to draw back, watching Reed gasp as his skin prickled.

"Am I your alpha?" Nines murmured needily, his silver eyes desperate for an answer. Reed's voice caught in his throat. He coughed nervously to clear it as his green eyes looked anywhere but at Nines. His omega purred and pawed at him inwardly, urging him to give the right answer. Nines looked strangely vulnerable as he waited, his eyes warm and wanting. Reed finally nodded, swallowing the doubts in his chest.

"Yeah…yeah, I guess you are," he replied in a gravelled tone, whimpering as he finally felt Nines' hand grip the back of his neck. The scent of metal and gunpowder twisted around him in elation. Nines squeezed, pulling Reed closer as his body began to slump in submission. Reed looked up in a daze, gripping Nines' shoulders tightly as he pulled him closer. Nines closed the distance, sealing his lips possessively. Reed trembled as Nines drew back, leaving a single soft kiss on his bonding site as a silent promise. One day.