I don't want it…I don't need it…I don't want it…I don't need it…Reed thought as he contemplated the unlit cigarette in his hand. He was waiting outside the house they'd been called to. Both of them were glad to get out of the station. They'd left the evidence for Colin on Nines' desk in case the agents beat them back. They'd barely clocked in when they'd gotten their first callout. An android beaten to death during a home invasion. A human's home. The human was currently in custody, claiming the android had broken in while they were sleeping. They'd just been defending themselves and their property. Nines was inside gathering the evidence now. So far the scene backed up the human's claim. The door's lock had been hacked, the trace identification linking straight to their victim. The injuries were also consistent with what the human had described. They'd grabbed a bat in the darkness, stumbled into the living room, and panicked when confronted with an android. Reed had asked Nines for his cigarette, the only one he was allowed now, and stepped outside. He'd been staring at the stick for the past twenty minutes, his jaw working in circles.
"Are you going to light it, or would you like me to dispose of it for you?" Nines teased as he appeared in the doorway, quietly impressed at Reed's resistance. He was doing so well in keeping to their updated schedule. He'd broken it a little with the larger coffee that morning, but it had been made by Chloe without his asking, and he'd sought Nines' approval first. This new development pleased him greatly. Reed was choosing not to partake in one of his vices. Even on a day he likely felt he needed it. Reed swallowed thickly as he eyed the stick again. He held it out to Nines quickly before he changed his mind. "I'm impressed," Nines praised softly as he took the stick and returned it to the packet just in case.
"Do I get a pat on the head, too?" Reed huffed with an almost teasing undertone. His heart almost stopped as Nines immediately relented and did just that. The strange thing was that it wasn't done in their usual teasing manner. Nines looked absolutely sincere as his long fingers worked their way into his thick brunette locks to massage his scalp in a way that almost made him melt. Gavin blinked slowly into the touch before Nines drew back, his lips quirking slightly.
"Good boy," he murmured in his usual silken tone. The words shot straight to Reed's crotch. He cursed inwardly as he turned away. How many times had he heard those words purred in his ear in that exact voice? How many times had he spilled on the sheets with those exact words? It didn't help that his skin was still tingling from the gentle caressing. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, tempted to pull his hood up.
"Do I look like a phcking dog to you? Jeez!" Reed huffed and stammered as he shrugged deeper into his jacket, praying to God that Nines wasn't scanning his vitals. Nines chuckled in response as he walked ahead to the car. They were finished at the house and the forensics team was already busy within. Reed drove this time, glad that he had something to focus on besides his partner. "What did you find?" he asked as he pulled away, green eyes constantly scanning traffic.
"Our victim was Tucker Jones, a PC200 former policing model. There is little record of his activity since the revolution, so it is possible that he was transient. His thirium levels were low, which supports the theory of him being homeless." Nines watched as Reed nodded along. He could put together the picture easily enough. The android was homeless, jobless, living rough, and likely starving. He'd gotten desperate and chanced breaking into a house, likely hoping to either find a stash of thirium or score something he could sell in order to buy some. The homeowner had awoken due to the noise, grabbed the bat, and taken down the intruder. It wasn't clear whether he'd meant to kill the PC200 or not. That's what they'd have to figure out. It was a plus that it had been the homeowner who'd called them, in shock at what he'd done. It pointed towards him being a victim in all this, too.
"Sounds like the homeowner might be telling the truth…What's your take on it?" Reed asked, briefly glancing at Nines as he nodded his agreement. His LED was flashing yellow as he organised the data and looked through information in the database. Reed was used to him doing such things now, patiently waiting the extra few seconds it would take for Nines to organise his thoughts. He barely missed a beat before responding.
"I can find no history of android hatred or affiliations with the AAL in Mr Parker's history. It is entirely possible he is telling the truth, however we won't know for sure until we've had the chance to speak with him face to face." Nines' reasoning was sensible, as always. Android on human crimes were rare in comparison to human on human, or human on android. The only thing less common were android on android crimes. The revolution had brought androids together as a species. Even if they had differing views on humanity, they generally respected each other enough to agree to disagree. Why didn't he go to Jericho for help? Reed knew the organisation had outreach programs for androids across the city. Helping androids in need was just what they did. Was it pride? It almost seemed ironic that a policing android had been killed while committing a crime.
Back at the station, Nines and Reed took turns with the suspect while Connor and Hank watched thoughtfully from the observation room. All four of them agreed in the end. Mr Parker didn't show any form of hostility or superiority towards Nines. In fact, he'd seemed especially meek and apologetic in his presence. He'd been uncomfortable in his seat, keeping his hands beneath the table as he'd continuously wiped them on his dirtied sweatpants. He'd felt the thirium on his skin and hadn't wanted Nines to see. Hank had agreed to book him, taking him somewhere to get cleaned up first. He'd committed manslaughter, so he'd be booked, but Hank was pretty sure a majority human jury would let him off. Connor even suggested arranging for an android lawyer to defend him to garner more support. Parker clearly felt terrible, and it had been a horrible accident.
It didn't take long for Reed and Nines to type up their reports of the incident, working together to make things faster. They'd barely finished and sent it in when Perkins and Colin arrived. Reed felt his stomach drop as Perkins paused at his side with a firm look. They want my statement, phck! Reed closed his eyes a moment as dread settled in the pit of his stomach. He nodded silently as he got to his feet, almost more anxious as Colin remained behind with Nines. Nines watched almost worriedly as Perkins led him away. A shiver ran through Gavin at the thought of doing this without Nines.
"We can wait for your partner to finish if you'd prefer," Perkins offered as they settled in one of the interrogation rooms, which made Gavin feel a little more relaxed. It wasn't an interrogation, and he hadn't done anything wrong. Not really. Gavin shook his head. He'd be fine. He wasn't some rookie. He took a breath as he folded his arms on the table and waited for Perkins to get his pad and pen ready. "Alright, tell me how you found this new evidence." He let Gavin choose when and how to start.
"After the-ceremony…After that, Nines and I went back to Eli's place. Elijah Kamski. He's my half-brother…We stayed overnight. At about two a.m. I woke up to use the bathroom, but I wasn't tired, so I decided to start going through some gifts and things from the ceremony…I found this envelope stuck to the back of one of the pictures…It was one I'd chosen. It was taken by Aaron sometime…It was one of the ones displayed at the ceremony," Gavin explained steadily, doing his best to keep his voice level. Perkins patiently listened and noted down any important details. They were recording the audio through the interrogation room anyway, so he'd be able to play it back later. "There was a note addressed to me and a bunch of photos inside," Gavin added uncomfortably as he squirmed in his seat.
"Do you recall the contents of the note?" Perkins asked, watching as Gavin nodded his head.
"Mostly…H-he said he wished he could have been there for me, a-and the pictures were a gift…s-so I wouldn't have to wonder about what happened," Gavin explained stiffly, swallowing hard as his heart started racing. Perkins must have clocked it as he held a hand up and stopped him, wise greyish eyes holding his own with a steady gaze. Gavin swallowed again and breathed a few times. Perkins lowered his hand with a small nod of understanding. They had the note. He'd be able to look it over himself later.
"And the photos? What can you tell me about them?" His voice was unusually gentle. Soothing.
"He was scared…A-Aaron-he was so phcking scared. The sick phck had him strapped down to a table…They took him apart piece by piece while he watched them do it! Phck!" Gavin trembled as he choked on a small sob in his throat. It's not my fault. I didn't know. There was no way I could have known. He repeated it like a mantra as he closed his eyes, trying to ignore the warmth on his cheeks. Perkins had paused again, well able to imagine what the pictures had been like. He'd seen the damage done to the android himself. The parts hadn't been ripped off. They'd been carefully removed, like a technical procedure.
"You said they. You think the killer has a partner?" Perkins asked curiously, watching as Gavin nodded, sniffling as he sat forward in his seat. He was surprised that Perkins felt the need to ask after what had happened at the ceremony. "What do you think of their relationship?" he pressed, watching Gavin huff at the very thought of that monster having anything like a relationship.
"From what we know about the Hickory Killer, I'm pretty sure he has an unwilling android accomplice…I don't think he'd trust someone with freewill. He wouldn't want to share the glory either. He'd want complete control in every aspect, and he'd only have that with a non-deviant android partner," Gavin replied reasonably, and Perkins agreed. He'd looked through every file on the Hickory Killer, and not once had he gotten the feeling that there had been anyone else involved. He wouldn't have even thought there was an android accomplice if they hadn't encountered him personally on two separate occasions now.
"Just to confirm, from the contents of this note, are you confident that this is the real Hickory Killer and not the copycat?" It was pretty much just a formality for the record at this point. They were both certain that this was the real killer. Only the real killer had ever paid Detective Reed special attention and contacted him directly.
"Absolutely. There's been no evidence to suggest that the copycat knows about my previous relationship with the Hickory Killer, and there's no way he could copy the tone of his messages. This is the real guy. One hundred percent." Gavin's voice was rough but firm as he gave his confirmation. The door opened moments later to admit Nines and Colin. Gavin was unsurprised as Nines' blue eyes immediately found him and scanned his vitals. He seemed relieved, perhaps even a little proud, that Gavin had held himself together so well. He knew it wasn't easy for him to speak about such things.
"Alright…Detective Reed, remain vigilant. We have no idea if or when the killer will try to contact you again, or what he'll do next. It might be better for you to go into protective custody in the long run…" Perkins suggested, though he knew Reed wouldn't go for that voluntarily. The scoff confirmed it, too. He wouldn't have a choice if, or more likely when, things progressed though. Perkins was certain that the killer would try coming after Reed directly at some point. It was only a matter of time. "If you receive any more messages, then please get in touch, and don't open them." Perkins watched Reed's eyes drop to the table. He wasn't about to promise that. If the fucker sent him a message, he damn well wanted to know what it said. "At least don't open it by yourself," Perkins compromised with a somewhat withering sigh. Reed nodded. He could agree to that, at least.
"I will keep Nines up to date with our progress," Colin added, though realistically he was quite certain that any progress they made would come from further interactions between the killer and Reed directly. Nines was also more than aware of this. He was aware of it and he hated it. He wanted to protect his partner, but how could he do that when the killer wasn't targeting him by direct means? Stepping in front of a bullet was easy, but preventing psychological distress was proving to be much more difficult. All he could do for now was stay as close as possible for as long as Reed allowed it.
"Detective Reed! Detective Nines!" a boisterous voice greeted as the duo returned to the bullpen. They'd parted ways with the agents outside the interrogation rooms. Reed chuckled as Niles waved from where he was kneeling on Connor's chair, one hand gripping the backrest tightly as he peered over the top. Nines strode back to his desk and took his seat with a polite nod of greeting while Reed crouched down beside Connor's chair. It was unusual for Niles to come to the station to see Connor.
"Hey, does Connor know you're here?" Reed looked around the bullpen, but Connor and Hank were nowhere in sight. Niles was sitting down now, kicking his feet backwards and forwards. He could barely touch the floor. He hummed in a negative response. Connor and Hank were likely out on a case, so he didn't know when he'd be back. The bullpen wasn't exactly the best place for a kid to hang around. It wasn't a normal office. A perp could get loose and cause chaos. There could be a fight, or a gun could go off. It was rare, but not impossible. Niles was at least well behaved. He didn't wander aimlessly or pester anyone. He was quite content to wait at the desk, sitting in Connor's large chair. "What are you here for? Did something happen?" Reed asked, just to make sure.
"Lieutenant Anderson said I can stay over tonight! I'm going to meet Sumo and help Connor make tacos!" Niles replied excitedly, smiling from ear to ear. Reed hummed in response, nodding along as Niles launched into his extensive research of building the perfect taco. He had his schoolbag and a larger duffle bag set neatly beneath Connor's desk. He'd clearly come prepared for the evening, maybe even the whole weekend. Reed knew Connor had still been visiting Niles occasionally at Jericho, but he hadn't realised he'd agreed to a sleepover.
"Niles?" Connor's voice called questioningly as he arrived, the look on his face suggesting he'd had no idea of the plan. "What are you doing here?" he asked warily as Reed got to his feet and backed off a little. Niles was about to reply excitedly when Hank strolled up behind Connor and clapped a hand on his shoulder. Connor's hazel eyes sharpened as he looked at Hank almost accusingly. Hank had something to do with this. He just knew it.
"Don't you remember? I promised Niles a sleepover with Sumo, so a sleepover he shall have!" Hank replied with fond gruffness as Niles piped up his enthusiastic agreement. He was bright and polite as he looked up at Hank to thank him so much for inviting him to stay. He was sure they were going to have a lot of fun together. His tone was familiar. Hank remembered Connor using that exact tone during one of their first missions when he'd said he was sure they'd make a great team. Connor was currently looking at him accusingly. "A promise is a promise," Hank added smugly with an innocent shrug.
"Gavin!" Connor called as he turned around and gave Reed a look. It was a look that Reed usually fixed him with, so he knew what it meant. Reed frowned. This wasn't right. Connor never looked at him like that. This wasn't how their relationship worked. Phck, I'm about to get my ass kicked! Reed looked across at Nines before nodding in Connor's direction meaningfully. Nines nodded his understanding.
"Alright, Tin Can, let's go," Reed relented in a resigned tone as he shrugged out of his jacket and followed Connor towards the gym. Reed tossed on some fresh gym clothes before hurrying through and stretching out, watching Connor pace impatiently as he waited. It was weird, seeing Connor on edge. Connor was usually the level-headed one, keeping everything together. Reed dropped on one foot, stretching out the other leg in front. "What's up? You never get all antsy like this," he prompted curiously as he held position, watching Connor pause in his pacing as he considered.
"Hank has been…difficult recently," he confessed with a sigh, folding his arms as he watched Reed leaning down. Reed hummed his acknowledgement as he changed legs, green eyes waiting for Connor to continue. "He knows I have no desire to be a parent, and yet he continually arranges things…When we go into town on the weekends, Niles invariably turns up. If I go to Jericho to meet with Markus, Niles greets me at the door. Hank invites Niles to lunch with us sometimes on a work day. He starts a phone call and then passes the phone off to me part way through. It is…" he trailed off heatedly, his LED spinning between red and yellow.
"Annoying?" Reed suggested with a small breath, watching Connor huff and nod his agreement. That was one word for it. "You know that's horseshit, right? You not wanting to be a parent…I've watched you with the kid. We all have. You're great with him…I would have killed for a dad like you growing up," Reed added in an almost bitter confession, watching Connor's brow crease somewhere between doubt and sympathy. He knew Reed hadn't had a father. That perhaps gave him a unique view of childhood. Is a part-time parent better than no parent at all? Connor wondered with difficulty. He didn't feel he was in a position to assess such a thing.
"Detective, you of all people should understand how impractical a child would be. We work long hours. Hank and I barely take proper care of Sumo some weeks, though I always ensure he is at least walked and fed. A child needs more than that. I can't give him what he needs," Connor insisted as Reed continued to stretch out his arms and legs. Reed sighed as he straightened up, hopping lightly from foot to foot. They didn't quite start yet, they just slowly circled each other as Reed assessed Connor for an opening. He paused finally as he ran a hand over his face.
"Alright, look. I grew up in a single-parent household. My mum was never home. She was either working or…working…My point is, I pretty much took care of myself most days and nights. That doesn't mean I didn't love my mum, or that my mum didn't love me. I knew she was working to provide for us. Despite her work, we did spend some time together. She took me to places, she read me stories, she tried to help with my homework…I wouldn't trade those memories for anything. Just because you're busy doesn't mean you'll be a bad parent…You just need to find a balance. You're not alone either. Hank will help, your friends at Jericho will help, Chloe, Colin…Hell, even me and Nines will help if you're in a bind. Think about what would make you and the kid happy. Don't use your job as an excuse." Reed watched the sadness and vulnerability pass over Connor's face. A kid was a big responsibility. Reed got it. He may not want one of his own, but he understood. Fear of responsibility was one of the reasons he'd never had a real cat. The job was a close second, but Connor wasn't like him. Connor could compartmentalise and turn off his work brain at night. He usually clocked out on time and went home. Reed hadn't really done that before Nines had gotten on his case about it.
Connor made the first move, almost as if he were getting back at him for his harsh advice. It wasn't a nice feeling, being called out about your insecurities. Reed just about blocked the hit, glad that Connor was at least sticking to their usual sixty to forty strength ratio. He managed to shove him back a little and get in a light kick to his crossed arms. He hopped back, bouncing from foot to foot as he assessed Connor's posture. It was perfect as always, though he could tell Connor was agitated. He could likely use that to his advantage at some point. He just needed to bide his time.
"I just think Niles deserves better than a part-time parent. He should have a mother and father who'll be able to spend proper quality time with him," Connor argued as he kicked out at Reed, who'd seen the strike coming. He easily deflected it with one hand and stepped in to deliver a punch to Connor's exposed jaw with the other. Connor wasn't focusing. He'd let Reed get in close way too easily. He seemed to understand that as he stumbled back with a huff and held his jaw. Reed humoured him for a moment, nodding his understanding. It was normal for parents to want to give their children the best.
"Niles doesn't want better. He wants you. I know you can make that work, Tin Can. You're the second most advanced android Cyberlife ever created. I'm sure you have a time management protocol or some shit built in there somewhere," he teased as he waited for Connor to make another move. Connor almost scoffed at the idea before grappling with Reed and pinning him to the padded floor. Reed was a little winded as his back hit the mat. He tapped gently in a show of surrender and allowed Connor to pull him to his feet.
They sparred a little longer, Connor gradually falling back into his rhythm. He largely maintained the upper hand during their fight, and Reed's back hit the mat more than once. Reed tapped out one final time and remained on his back, gasping for breath. It felt good to get tossed around and worn down. He felt far less stressed. I guess this was a good thing for both of us. He watched Connor straighten up and tug his tie neatly into place. His LED circled yellow, hazel eyes blinking as he received some sort of message or update.
"My time management protocol suggests it is almost time for you to clock out, Detective," Connor teased finally as he offered him a hand up. Reed accepted tiredly and clapped Connor on the shoulder before heading through to the showers. He was surprised to find Connor anxiously waiting for him by the door when he came out. Too scared to head back alone? Reed didn't say anything though, just falling instep beside him as they returned to their desks. Niles was bright and eager to find out where they'd been and why Reed was wet and walking funny. Connor appeased him while getting ready to leave, allowing Hank to clock them out while he tidied his files and turned off his terminal.
"Night, Tin Can!" Reed called as Connor picked up Niles' rucksack and helped with his schoolbag. Reed chuckled as Connor led the way out, Niles questioning him on what he'd meant by Tin Can. It didn't make any sense. Androids weren't made of tin. The only metal was in their circuitry. Connor was still explaining the affectionate term as they exited the main doors. Reed sighed as he reached down to turn off his own terminal, knowing that Nines would be on his case if he stayed too much longer. He got to his feet slowly, hovering awkwardly as he looked down at Nines, who seemed to suffer the same subtle hesitation. "Well…shift's over, so…" Reed trailed off as he pulled out his keys.
"Understood, Detective…Have a good evening," Nines replied simply from his desk, where he shut down his own terminal. The pair looked at each other, unspoken words hanging between them as Nines got to his feet, ready to head to his charging port. Nines didn't speak, and Reed lost his nerve as the silence stretched. He eventually gave a somewhat stiff smile and left. Nines watched him go with an unpleasant sensation in his chest. Once he was out of sight, Nines headed to the charging station he always used. He set a cycle that would take him through to when Reed would return the next day and stepped inside. He backed into the port, silvery eyes blinking as the connector sank into his neck. He fixed his gaze on the sliding doors in reception before setting his cycle to begin.