"You really don't have to do this," Gavin insisted tiredly as Chloe ushered him out of the restaurant and into Elijah's car, their arms looped as she tugged him along on stumbling feet. It was one of Elijah's larger cars that he had to climb a step to get into. He could still feel Chloe's hand on his lower back, pushing him to make sure he didn't back out. Gavin huffed out a chuckle as she reached across with his seatbelt, as if buckling it would keep him trapped in the seat. She seemed so small as she balanced on the step and leaned in through the large doorway.

"Today was a difficult day for you, so you're coming home with us. You're going to take a shower, change into something comfortable, have dinner with us in the conservatory, and maybe fall asleep watching old movies in the lounge." Chloe's chest puffed with smug authority, though she had nothing but kindness in her twinkling eyes. To be fair, that did sound like a pretty good deal. His apartment was great, but Chloe's perception was right, as always. He didn't want to be at home alone. Since his return to work, he'd tried not to be so clingy with Nines. Nines had to be sick of babysitting him all the time by now. He was probably just too kind to say anything. As a result, Gavin had been going home alone for the past few nights. He'd missed Nines being around all the time. So had Pipsqueak. The cat had sat by the door every night waiting for around two hours before he got the hint and followed Gavin around meowing resentfully. Spoiled asshole.

"Here, I have another box," Elijah grunted as he walked down the short path. Gavin eyed the box warily, noting the gift bags tucked safely inside. It felt weird, accepting sympathy gifts from total strangers. I know I'm all that Aaron had, but we weren't family. Not even close! He couldn't help feeling like a fraud. There had been so many people that day who'd known Aaron for far longer. They'd known a completely different man to Gavin. Maybe that's it. He had a lot of different personas…Did I even know the real Aaron?

"Nines!" Chloe called brightly as she opened the trunk for Elijah, catching his attention as he stepped out of the restaurant with Connor and Hank. They were the last to leave, it seemed. Gavin was exhausted after being around so many people. He'd greeted almost everyone, and then he'd thanked them all on their way out. The restaurant staff were staying on longer to set things right, but Gavin had been sure to thank them, too. He'd made sure to spend extra time with the owners, wanting them to know how much it had meant for them to use Aaron's favourite place for the ceremony. Nines said something to Connor before heading over to Chloe. "You're coming home with us," she declared without an ounce of leeway. Nines was unsure how she maintained her positive energy. She'd been working all day, barely stopping for a moment.

"I am?" Nines retorted almost teasingly. It wasn't like he'd ever turn down a request from Chloe. She was basically his older sister, and he adored her as much as he did Connor. She nodded confidently as she folded her arms across her chest. Gavin turned his head drowsily as he regarded the pair, both of them folding their arms in a show of pretended stubbornness. Chloe looked expectant, daring Nines to refuse. Nines looked vaguely incredulous at having been informed of his evening plans, although it was laced with playfulness.

"Nines, help! I'm being kidnapped," Gavin called in a voice that suggested more fatigue than distress. Both androids turned to him, their LED blinking blue at the interruption. Gavin had slumped back in his seat with an almost dozy look on his face that made Nines' thirium pump jolt. His green eyes were so dazed and soft. "Come on, you're my partner. You can't just leave me here like this…" he added with an almost hurt undertone. Nines' expression warmed as he leaned a little further through the doorway.

"I suppose I have no choice but to attempt a rescue mission," he teased as he leaned over to adjust the seatbelt. Both men were surprised as Nines' body lurched forward into Gavin's chest as he stumbled into the backseat. They didn't need to hear Chloe's giggles and the door slamming shut to know what had happened. They were a little distracted though. To prevent injuring Gavin, Nines had reached out and grabbed the backrest, while his free hand had ended up braced beside Gavin's thigh. Their legs were a little tangled, leaving him almost straddling one of Gavin's knees as their chests barely brushed each other. Gavin tilted his head instinctively, green eyes widening as he realised the invitation he'd offered. Nines licked his lips nervously, blue eyes darting to Gavin's eyes before he looked away. Just a little more. Just a small tilt. Just a tiny bit, and he'd feel Gavin's lips against his. It would be wrong…today of all days. Nine opted to turn his head and brush Gavin's temple with his own instead. "Sorry."

"No, it's…it's whatever," Gavin replied clumsily as he tried to help Nines find his footing. Nines was surprised to hear a hint of disappointment in Gavin's tone. Is it disappointment? What does that sound like? Perhaps I am projecting my own desires onto Gavin…He was still slow to peel himself away. Gavin avoided his gaze, turning his head to look out the window as Nines worked his way onto the open seat beside him. Chloe hopped in the passenger's side and buckled in, turning to look over her shoulder with a gleeful smile. Nines' LED span yellow as Connor queried his plans. He let him know he was in the process of being kidnapped, only to feel Connor's amusement loop back to him with a promise that he'd pay any ransom demands.

You won't stage an extraction? I'm hurt, Nines retorted dryly, hearing Connor chuckle lightly.

Sorry, Nines. The DPD's budget isn't high enough to approve a rescue mission from the Kamski estate. You'll have to remain there until Chloe sees fit to release you, Connor teased as he and Hank climbed into Hank's beat up old car. It amazed him that the thing was still allowed to run. It had to be from the eighties or nineties. Hank must have taken very good care of the old car to keep it running. It was practically vintage at this point.

Then I will probably see you tomorrow at work, Nines replied dryly, raising a hand and waving to Connor as he looked over at their car. Despite the tinted windows, Connor could scan through to see Nines and wave in return. Elijah was already climbing into the driver's side after putting the final box in the trunk. Nines watched from the moving car as Connor disappeared from sight. There was relative silence in the car as Elijah drove, the group content to listen to light music. Classical. Not Gavin's usual genre, but it wasn't his car, so he had no complaints.

Once they were back at the mansion, Chloe opened the door and led the way inside. Her two counterparts headed out to help Elijah empty the large car. Chloe cheerfully directed Nines and Gavin to their usual room, stating that there were plenty of dry towels and even some clothes ready for them. Gavin furrowed his brow a little at the news. Did she plan for this to happen the whole time? Or did she just decide to keep the room ready for whenever we stopped by? Whatever the case, Gavin thanked her and headed up with Nines right behind him. He felt tired and drained as he showered and changed, though the water did wake him up a little. Nines showered despite the fact he didn't need to. He liked it. He liked the pattering of hot water on his skin. He liked using Gavin's bathing products and sharing his light scent.

When Nines came out, Gavin was looking at the bags that had been piled by the door for him. They were all gifts or things that they'd used during the ceremony, like Aaron's pictures. He wasn't ready to go through any of it just yet. It wouldn't hurt to leave it for a while. Chloe had already sent out sincere messages of thanks to those who'd left gifts and donations. Gavin jumped a little as Nines appeared behind him, sensing the presence looming over his shoulder as Nines dried his thick locks. It was amazing the way the damp strands just slipped back into their usual style, barely falling out of place at all.

"How was the shower?" Gavin asked, trying to distract himself from the task ahead.

"It was satisfactory," Nines replied simply as he looped the small white towel around his long neck. He'd already dressed in the bathroom, once again in black sweatpants and a matching T-shirt. Gavin was similarly dressed, only his T-shirt was a deep navy colour. After looking through some drawers, Gavin had found that there was quite a stock of clothing stored there. Half was in his size and half was in Nines'. This had clearly been set aside as their room. It sort of made sense, considering how Nines had been at his side almost constantly over the past few months. It's sort of…nice…

The pair headed down to the conservatory and found Elijah settled there with a pad. It was some sort of magazine article he was reading. Something about an independent company experimenting with cosmetic upgrades for androids. It wasn't approved by Cyberlife, but so long as it didn't involve changes to the software, Elijah was willing to let it slide. He was even considering reaching out to have a look at it and maybe partner with the company. The shareholders would likely want him to buy it completely, but as a fellow inventor, he knew how frustrating it was trying to make a mark on the world. He wasn't about to shatter anyone else's dreams. A fair partnership suited him just as well.

Chloe arrived with dinner not long after, some was human food and some was laced with thirium. Luckily, they couldn't mix it up due to the deep blue colour of the android food. Nines and Chloe fell into deep discussions about the taste of their pasta and how she could improve the recipe to hide the oily metallic flavour of the thirium a little more. It didn't taste bad, but it did somewhat mask the natural flavour of the food beneath. Elijah joined in with enthusiasm, leaving Gavin to look between the three cluelessly. He felt a little dumb, but he was happy to watch them enjoying themselves at least. They deserved it after all they'd done for him. He wasn't sure how he'd ever make it up to them. There was no way he could have pulled off a ceremony like that alone.

After dinner, they didn't remain in the conservatory for long. Gavin was tired and Chloe had promised him old movies and a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. They moved to Elijah's smaller lounge, where Chloe turned on the television while Elijah hunted through his vintage DVD collection. It was quite extensive. He finally settled on Stargate, saying that it was a classic. Gavin tiredly agreed. He'd seen the movie in his youth, as well as every single TV series, so he didn't need to worry about missing anything if he fell asleep. Elijah slumped down on one of the sofas and leaned back, his smile softening as Chloe opted to lie down with her head in his lap. She'd taken her hair down for a change, which allowed Elijah's fingers to card through the long strands with gentle strokes. Nines and Gavin sat side by side on another sofa, both taking up one corner. Nines eyed Chloe and Elijah almost enviously, feeling that increasingly familiar twist of want in his chest.

As the movie started, Gavin could already feel his eyelids drooping. He didn't even think they'd reached the alien planet by the time his eyes slid shut. He wasn't quite asleep, but he didn't feel like opening his eyes again. He leaned back, his head tilting up towards the ceiling. Nines watched Gavin cautiously, scanning his tired form. He was working his way towards sleep. Perhaps enough so that he wouldn't question being moved. Nines was gentle and cautious as he slowly shifted his slumping body. Gavin subconsciously worked with him, sleepily knowing it was Nines and he was safe.

"You shouldn't sleep sitting up like that," Nines murmured, hoping Gavin wouldn't register the weak excuse as he laid him on his back with his head in his lap. Gavin shifted a little, getting comfortable and resting more securely in Nines' grasp. His thigh was firm but warm. He shuffled a little closer, tilting his head to rest his temple against Nines' toned pelvis. He sighed in contentment as long fingers slowly carded through his short locks. No wonder Pips won't leave him alone…Feels nice…

Nines continued to stroke through Gavin's hair as he watched the movie with interest. Gavin had said he enjoyed this movie. Nines wasn't sure himself, but he felt that perhaps he did like it. Elijah and Chloe were only partly paying attention, speaking in soft voices. Nines didn't invade their privacy, content to shift between watching the movie and watching the human sleeping soundly in his lap. He was peaceful, as far as Nines was aware. His progress with nightmares was hit and miss. Some days he'd enter the bullpen looking drawn and fatigued, while on others he'd be well rested and bright-eyed. It seemed he was having a good night tonight.

After the movie, Nines decided it would be better for Gavin's health to move him to a proper bed. It took little effort for him to shift the body in his arms and get to his feet. Chloe opened the doors for him as he headed up, bidding him goodnight and assuring him there would be breakfast waiting for them by seven so that they'd be on time for work. Once they were alone, Nines tucked Gavin in and settled himself beside him, starting a stasis cycle that would wake him shortly before Gavin's usual alarm.

It was barely an hour later that Gavin stirred and stumbled his way to the bathroom. He guessed that Nines was in a deeper cycle than usual, since he didn't stir. Either that or he'd run a scan, registered his physical needs, and slipped back into stasis without speaking. Either way Gavin was glad. Nines needed rest. It wasn't his job to baby him all the time. Once he was done, he brushed his teeth and splashed his tired face with water. He felt a little more awake after that, noting it was around two in the morning. I should try to get more sleep…but now that he was out of bed, those bags were calling his attention. It wouldn't be any easier to go through them later, so why not just get it over with?

He grabbed the first one with a sigh and went through all the envelopes that had been tied together. It seemed Elijah or Chloe had sorted everything into sections, because the first bag was all cheques and cash donations written out to him. They ranged from a simple ten dollars up to seven hundred. He didn't even want to count to add the total. I need to find a really good cause for this…Vulnerable android aid, or maybe something for child android protection? He bit his lip in thought as he put that bag to one side.

The next bag was filled with little gifts people had brought along. Expensive looking photo frames for him to use, a couple of well-wrapped vases, a little angel ornament, an RA9 statuette, and a potted plant. He also found a small pile of free meal gift cards for various restaurants, takeout places and supermarkets. Chloe had even said some of the older couples had made small meals in containers that were being kept in the fridge. The care packages were thoughtful. He was sure Nines was pleased that he wouldn't have to think about his meals for the next few days at least.

He came to the bag of photos next. He'd already looked through them, of course. A couple had even been picked out by his own hand, but it didn't hurt to look again. He settled on the sofa and took his time. Aaron had always worn that warm smile, content to stand beside his human friends and colleagues, and even a couple of android friends. The candid photos were his favourites. The ones that had been taken secretly, catching him unawares. Aaron looked so focused as he worked, blocking out all distractions, including the camera. The one taken in the restaurant was one of his favourites. Aaron was typing on his laptop with a half empty glass of thirium sitting on the table. He was biting his lip the way he always did when concentrating.

The next one was the one Aaron had secretly snapped of them in his bedroom mirror. They were both fully dressed. Gavin had been about to head out for the night. Aaron had snuck up behind and wrapped his arms around his waist, chin resting on his shoulder as they both looked in the mirror, talking about something or other. Gavin couldn't remember what. Aaron would have remembered. Hell, that memory could be hidden in his core somewhere. He was about to put the photo down when he felt something on the back of the frame. He hadn't noticed it at first because of the thick wooden stand, but there was an envelope taped there. Gavin felt sick as he peeled it off.

It was a brown envelope with a swirling G drawn with a fountain pen. So, that android wasn't just there to spy on us…He was delivering a message…Gavin took in a shaky breath, feeling his heart speed up. I shouldn't open it. He should call Nines and let him do it. He should make sure it went straight to Colin and Perkins. He should wash his hands of it and pretend it had never happened, but there's more than paper in here…It was heavier and thicker than usual. He glanced at the bed before taking a breath and tearing the envelope open. He tugged out the note first, his mouth dry as he took in the neat cursive script with shaking hands. Black ink. A fountain pen. Hello Gavin, I so longed to be there for you today. I know it must have been difficult for you, but alas, I couldn't chance appearing myself. I sent a friend along with this token. I know you must have wondered about it, so this is my gift to you. The final moments of your dear friend. Enjoy them, my dear Detective. Always Yours, HK.

Gavin read over the note three times, his whole body quaking as he looked at the small envelope. He dropped the note, barely able to reach inside and tug out the small pile of photos. They were the old type. The type people didn't use anymore. It was unlikely he'd gone to a shop to get them printed. He probably had his own darkroom or something. Gavin could feel his bottom lip trembling as he looked down at the first picture. It was Aaron. Strapped to a wooden table. There were brown belts across his wrists, upper arms, neck, chest, hips, thighs, shins, and ankles. There was even a thin strap across his forehead. He hadn't been able to move an inch. In the first picture, Aaron looked wary. His LED blinked yellow as he looked at the camera, which was likely the android partner's eyes.

Gavin swallowed hard as he flipped to the next picture. One of Aaron's hands had been removed and left lying on a rolling silver table. He looked a little more fearful at that point, the yellow of his LED now a glaring red. Androids didn't feel pain, but they felt fear just fine. Gavin couldn't even imagine what it had been like. Kept awake and aware as he'd watched each part of his body slowly being disconnected. Had he pleaded? Had he begged? Had he frantically asked why? Had he cried for Gavin? Had he tried to call? Phck, the missed call! He did try to call for help! And I was too busy phcking around with Nines to notice!

In the next photo, Aaron was missing both hands. Gavin continued to flip through the pictures. Some of them fluttered to the floor because his hands were shaking so badly. In each photo, less and less of Aaron's body was there, but his LED was still burning red and he looked so fucking scared. Gavin felt sick once they got down to the torso. His eyes disappeared one by one. Thirium leaked down his cheeks from the open sockets like tears. His mouth was wide as he probably screamed and cried. Gavin blinked away his own tears as his throat constricted. He couldn't breathe. The photos fell to the floor as he looked at the bed. Nines! Nines!

"N-Ni-nes!" he managed to choke out desperately. His voice sounded wheezed and far too small. Nines heard regardless and was on his feet in an instant. He rushed to Gavin's side and gripped his shoulders. "H-h-he-h-h-he-Nines-he-t-he-to-took-" Gavin wheezed and stammered, unable to get the words out as he struggled to breathe. It took Nines moments to scan the area. He noted the photos littering the carpet around Gavin's feet with a frown before hefting him into his arms and removing him from the vicinity. He dropped him on the bed before climbing on top, covering him with his own larger body as he cupped his pale cheeks.

"Gavin. Gavin, look at me. Look at me," Nines instructed calmly, synthesising deep breaths for him to follow, but he was struggling. "You need to breathe, Gavin. In…out…in…out…" Nines continued with forced calm, feeling Gavin's hands fisting in the T-shirt resting on his biceps. He was scared. He was shaking. He was distressed. He still wasn't breathing. Nines cursed inwardly, wondering if there was some way to bring him out of it. He didn't relish the idea of performing CPR. With a sigh, Nines gripped the back of Gavin's neck, tilting his chin up before locking lips with him.

Gavin just about had a heart attack at the sensation. He'd imagined it more than once, but actually feeling it was different. Nines' lips were far softer than he'd dreamed. They were smooth and silky, and so gentle. His mind went blank in shock, green eyes wide and questioning. Was this really happening? Was Nines kissing him? Then he felt the air filtering into his lungs. It wasn't a kiss. Nines was helping him to breathe. Gavin almost choked as Nines reversed the action, sucking the air from his lungs like a ventilator. Gavin struggled instinctively. It was weird, fucking unnatural, having someone else breathing for you. He gasped and coughed as Nines drew back, still supporting his neck as his free hand cupped his pale cheek.

"That's it…Just breathe…" Nines instructed calmly, squeezing his neck. Gavin nodded his agreement as he did as he was told. He never wanted to feel that again. It was too fucking weird. As he calmed down, he became more aware of their current position. Nines' body was hovering above his own, caging him against the mattress in an all too familiar manner. He could feel heat emanating from the body above him. It was a little cooler than a human, but warm all the same. Nines seemed to notice their closeness, too. He climbed off and sat on the edge of the bed, leaving one hand resting on Gavin's chest to keep him down a while longer.

"L-letter! I-got-a-letter…Was taped to-the-back of one of the p-pictures…Phck, Nines! He-was-scared! He was so-phcking-scared, and I wasn't there!" Nines pressed him down and hushed gently. His free hand found its way into Gavin's hair, knowing that it would calm him further. He was still riding out his latest panic attack. He needed to remain as calm as possible to prevent any form of relapse. Gavin's green eyes closed, his brow pinching as tears slipped down his cheeks. Nines moved to wipe them away with gentle fingers.

"It's not your fault, Gavin. It's not your fault," he repeated firmly, blue eyes filled with promise, sincerity and certainty. Gavin nodded slowly. They'd tried their best to get through the self-blame phase and he'd finally been reaching the other side. He wasn't about to let that fucker force him back over the edge. Nines was right. The Hickory Killer was the one to blame for this shit. He was just as much a victim as the rest, though he was loath to admit it. "Stay here and rest…I'll gather the evidence and set it aside for Colin to review," Nines continued as he got to his feet and approached the sofa. He cleared up all the photos, along with the letter. He clenched his jaw as he read it. How dare he. How dare the killer write so familiarly. As if he and Gavin were old friends and he was bestowing a great gift upon him. Nines was often against unleashing his combat protocols on human suspects, but in this case he wanted to find his most deadly program and set it to run on repeat until not a single molecule of the man remained. He had hurt Gavin. Repeatedly. He had killed people Gavin had cared about, and he'd taken pleasure in it. Can such a being even be considered human?

Nines sent messages to Connor, Colin, and Chloe to alert them to the incident. Chloe replied that she would start breakfast since Gavin was unlikely to go back to sleep. Connor requested details about Gavin's health before delving into the details of the note and photos with Colin. Nines had already scanned for fingerprints, but whoever had written it had been careful. The only prints were Gavin's. It was the same for the envelope. Hardly surprising, considering it had been an android who'd placed it. An android none of them had seen. They'd all searched their memories, but hadn't found a single clear image of his face. He'd somehow managed to keep himself out of focus, often by having his back to them. They couldn't even build a clear image using the pictures they had. They knew his height, build and hair colour, but that was all.

It was barely three-thirty when Gavin got up and headed to the bathroom with some fresh clothes to change. Chloe had stowed away some jeans and a long-sleeved top in his usual woollen style. There was also a warm hoodie he could put on under his leather jacket in the winter chill. They were just hitting the start of December. Detroit was getting really cold in the run up to February. February was always the worst month, even if it didn't snow as often. Nines actually expected them to get snow soon. Gavin came out of the bathroom, quietly shivering beneath his clothes. Nines assessed him, putting the shaking down to shock more than the cold as they headed down to the parlour. Gavin had been intending to just grab a drink of water from the bar and sneak out, but somehow Chloe was ready for him.

"Gavin! Here, I made your favourite…I'm sorry you had a bad night," she added sympathetically as she gestured to the sofa. Gavin headed over, accepting the simple hug and allowing her to push him down and place a tray across his lap. There were fluffy pancakes, bacon, and syrup with a large mug of coffee. Gavin eyed Nines as he entered, one hand resting on the handle of the large mug. His green eyes dropped to it briefly before shifting to Nines, almost as if seeking permission. The mug was so big that it was definitely bigger than one cup, and Gavin wasn't usually allowed more than one these days. Nines gave him an almost warm look before nodding his permission. How could he deny Gavin comfort after such an incident?

"It's not your fault…I shouldn't have looked. I should have just woken Nines and let him handle it," Gavin replied in a more subdued tone than usual. He knew it would have burned him forever if he hadn't found out what the note said. Sometimes knowing was better than not knowing. In this case, he wasn't sure which he considered better. At least I know now…I don't have to torture myself with wondering what happened. He cradled the large mug in still shaking hands. In his imagination he'd always pictured it being quick, or that Aaron had been deactivated early on. The reality that he'd been awake and aware, slowly watching himself being taken apart piece by piece…It was cruel. No phcking surprise there.

"You had the right to see…" Nines replied in a resigned tone, though he secretly agreed that it would have been better if he'd been awakened first at least. Perhaps he could have assessed the situation and made it easier somehow. Perhaps he could have looked and simply told Gavin about the pictures and that it wasn't something he wanted to see. Those images would likely haunt Gavin's mind for months to come, spurring new nightmares and fuelling his now regular panic attacks. He probably shouldn't be working after such a shock…but he knew Gavin wouldn't stand for sitting around at home.