Nines sighed in frustration — Confirmed – Frustration — as he looked around the crowded room. With the various flickering lights and the endless press of people, it was hard to find his colleagues. His sensors were almost disorientated with the mass of pure, unfiltered information to process. Lights. Flashing. Colours. Dry ice. Smokey. Opaque. The pulsing boom of multiple speakers. Loud. The press of bodies. Heat. Sweat. Connor had parted with him some time ago saying that Hank would arrive soon and he had to go out front. He'd hugged him and hurried off with barely another word, clearly excited to get home and see Niles. Nines' lips had quirked at the thought. Niles was likely sitting eagerly by the door with Sumo waiting, unless Chloe had him otherwise occupied. He shook off the thought as he returned to his current task. Locate Detective Reed.

His LED flickered yellow as he caught sight of Tina and Miller. Tina was grinning as she clung to Miller's arm tightly while trying to shout and slur over the music. She was still filled with giddy positivity, but that wasn't something Nines could focus on at the moment. Reed was not present. He'd stated his intention to remain with Officer Chen throughout the night. What could have taken him away from his friends? The possibilities did nothing to calm him. Perhaps he was at the bar? Nines opted to check in with Miller first. Miller was already holding a hand up in greeting as he noticed Nines' rigid form approaching.

"Nines! have you seen Gavin? He was with Pearson and Jackson earlier, but…" Miller trailed off helplessly as he scanned the room, though he stood no chance if Nines was having trouble. Nines stiffened further at the news as he scanned the floor again, finding Pearson and Jackson more by luck than the use of his overstimulated sensors. He left Miller with a simple assurance that he'd look before heading over. He rarely socialised with these two, so they were quite timid as he loomed over them requesting details of his partner's whereabouts. Nines stepped away as they shrugged, saying he'd left them some time ago. They'd last seen him with one of the PC200 androids, but they couldn't say where he was now.

Nines thoroughly stalked the dancefloor, walking along the crowded bar and up to the balcony level. It was supposed to be off limits to guests, but that was of little concern to Nines. Or a few others…He heard a high moan and breathy pants coming from within one of the sheltered alcoves. He only paused long enough to confirm that Reed wasn't a participant before moving on. He looked down at the crowded dancefloor; the height giving him a better and quieter vantage point. He scanned thoroughly, but Reed was nowhere in sight. He consumed a lot of alcohol…With that in mind; he headed down to the male bathrooms on the off chance that he was there. There were many humans loitering, and someone hurling loudly in one of the cubicles. It wasn't Reed. None of the others were, either. He backed out, LED blinking red. That only left outside. Had someone taken him home? Heat pooled in his stomach at the thought. He also felt hurt. Had Reed really left and gone home with someone for the evening? Without even telling him? Would he do such a thing, given their recent closeness?

"Gavin?" Nines called as he walked out front, scanning the people stumbling around with cigarettes and vapes. His thirium pump quickened as he realised Reed wasn't among them. He brought up a map of the surrounding area. There was a smaller alleyway to the rear, closed off from the front. It was accessible via the opposite street or a side door within the club. Nines stepped back inside unchallenged, storming through to the side door without pausing. He pushed it open effortlessly, head snapping to the side as he heard a familiar distressed whimper. "Gavin!" he exclaimed as he stepped out, hurrying to Gavin's side and laying a hand on his bare chest. His skin was cold.

"N-Nines?" Gavin murmured pathetically, apparently too dazed to focus. He was squinting, eyelids rising and falling blindly as he shivered. Nines' answer was to ease him up against his chest, tucking his head against his shoulder and gripping the back of his neck as usual. Gavin sighed into the contact needily, trembling and quivering in the cold. Nines scanned him, LED still spinning red as he took in the evidence of sexual assault. Scrapes and bruises. The raw, abused sound of his voice and the thirium based lubricant on his lips. A small part of him twinged inwardly, niggling away and suggesting that perhaps it had been consensual. No…It was not consensual. It couldn't have been, not with the way Gavin had been left undressed and barely conscious on the ground. His pants were still around his knees, shirt falling off his shoulders.

"I'm here…Are you…" Nines trailed off, realising how poor a question it would be. Of course, he wasn't alright. He was lying half naked and shivering on the ground with smears of drying blood on his temple and a nasty bruise forming beneath. Raising his head, Nines realised for the first time that there was a secondary presence. A body. The PC200 he'd been told about earlier, no doubt. He frowned as he scanned it. Thirium was pooling beneath its head. It had been shot. Its LED was cold and grey, deactivated mere minutes ago. Nines called it in as he tugged Gavin's jeans back into place. He tried to pry what details he could from him, but he'd clearly been drugged. He was confused and unfocused, uncertain that he was really there. Nines wasn't even sure if he knew where he was. He tugged his jacket off and wrapped it around Gavin's shoulders. It was far too cold for him to be outside without protection.

Once the officers arrived, Nines gave them the details of the scene before hurrying away, leaving them to secure the area and search for evidence. He'd already done what he could while cradling Gavin in his arms, but there was no evidence to suggest a third assailant besides the bullet in the dead android's head. It absolutely couldn't have been Gavin. Not only had he been drugged, but there was no sign of a firearm at the scene. Nines went unchallenged as he stated that he would see Detective Reed home and give him medical attention. It was obvious that Gavin was in no state to be interviewed.

There was silence as Nines drove back. He'd placed Gavin in the passenger's seat and buckled his belt securely before climbing in himself. Gavin slipped in and out of consciousness, green eyes watery and red as he leaned against the window. Nines' jaw tightened each time he saw Gavin shift, holding back from analysing the bruising patterns. Had it been consensual? It couldn't have been. Gavin had been drugged, but Nines was more than aware of his preferences. He liked to be manhandled to an extent. Had it started playful and gone too far? Or had Gavin been targeted and abused specifically? He wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer. There was no way of knowing if the PC200 had drugged Gavin or just stumbled across him after the fact.

Nines went straight to their room, quietly pleased that Chloe and Elijah hadn't returned yet. It was barely two thirty. Nines felt conflicted and somehow angry as he put Gavin on his feet and stared down at his dazed and confused face. His LED was spinning red as he closed his eyes and urged himself to calm down. He'd scare Gavin. Gavin, who was dishevelled and vulnerable with his shirt still open. Gavin, who had dried blood clotting on his temple. Gavin, who had seemed so happy and vibrant earlier, but was now dazed, confused, and uncertain of everything.

"Gavin, open your mouth. Open," Nines ordered firmly, watching him obey blindly. He pressed two of his fingers against his warm tongue, twitching as Gavin closed his mouth and began sucking as if that was what had been asked of him. "No! Open!" Nines felt bad as Gavin flinched like he'd been told off. "Sorry…" Nines murmured softly as he withdrew his fingers and licked the mixture of blood and saliva. His brow furrowed at the results. The high alcohol content was expected, but there was something else. Benzodiazepine. Rohypnol. The Date Rape drug…

Nines looked down at Gavin, knowing he must look menacing. He couldn't help it. How and when had this happened? It must have been some time after they'd parted ways. He had looked for him in the crowd more than once, but assumed he'd been safe with Tina and Miller. I should have checked! I should not have allowed myself to be distracted by Connor and the others. He should have taken better care of Gavin. It had been a work event. He'd thought everyone there had been friends and colleagues. He'd thought that someone would look out for Gavin the way he often looked out for others.

"No-sad…Don't be sad," Gavin murmured in a daze as he leaned against Nines' chest and gripped his soft turtleneck. That Gavin was worried about his feelings right now just made him feel worse. He tucked him beneath his chin briefly as he formulated a plan of action. He needed to record the evidence, and he needed to take care of Gavin. More than anything else, he wanted all traces of that android gone. He huffed a breath as he eased Gavin back. There was something soft in his unfocused eyes as he finally registered Nines' gaze.

"I need pictures…Strip." Gavin didn't hesitate as he dropped his dirtied shirt and fumbled with his jeans. Nines positioned him beneath the light when he was ready and blinked pictures. Full body and closeups. Each scratch, each bruise, each bite mark, and trace of artificial semen was photographed and catalogued. Gavin was very good, only squirming and whining when it came to spreading his cheeks open to examine the tight ring of muscle. It seemed his attacker had been considerate. The lubricant almost suggested a consensual encounter. Almost. There were small signs of distress where Gavin had been stretched prematurely. His preconstruction software suggested Gavin's movements and resulting injuries had been a weak attempt to break free. He blinked and dismissed the preconstruction. He didn't want to see it.

Nines took samples, LED spinning red as he did so. It was a standard synthetic ejaculate that could be injected to refill cheaper upgraded components, less advanced than his own. It was a good thing the assailant had already been dealt with. These cheaper components and liquids were untraceable. The components were mass produced, coming from only a few moulds. If the PC200 had gotten away, then all Nines would have known is that Gavin had been assaulted by an android of some description. Only Pearson and Jackson's word had pointed towards a PC200.

"Come to the bathroom," he ordered firmly as he tugged Gavin along. He wanted it gone. Every trace of that android. Gavin almost seemed scared as Nines gripped his neck firmly and pressed his fingers to his lips. He bit his mouth shut and squirmed helplessly. Nines wasn't being gentle. Nines was hurting him. Nines scanned his rising heart rate and stress level and stopped dead. His LED was spinning red as he questioned his own actions. This wasn't Gavin's fault. "Be good for me, Gavin. We have to get it out," he urged in a gentler tone. It was enough to soothe Gavin. He opened his mouth, choking and gagging around Nines' fingers as he forced him to vomit into the sink. The sight of the creamy bile had his LED spinning red again. Gavin sobbed and whined as he was forced to vomit a second time. The colour was slightly darker this time, likely remnants of his previous drinks.

"S-stop!" Gavin whimpered in distress as he tried to wriggle free. Nines halted immediately and tucked him against his chest, vomit-stained chin and all. Gavin sobbed into his turtleneck, unsure what he'd done wrong and why Nines was being so cruel. Nines analysed the bile, noting a high alcohol content and a mixture of synthetic ejaculate, as well as food remnants from earlier. There were only trace amounts of the drug, but that was hardly surprising. The majority had already been absorbed into his bloodstream. Nines turned on the taps as he ran his fingers through Gavin's hair. "Neck…important," Gavin sniffled pathetically as he nuzzled closer. Nines' head tilted curiously as he squeezed Gavin's neck affectionately.

"Why is it important?" he asked as Gavin relaxed against him with a dozy look.

"Nines. Neck. Nines…touch my neck," Gavin murmured in a daze. His voice a little raspy from the acid and bile. Nines didn't understand exactly. Does he mean he knows it's me? Does he like it? Does it make him feel safe? He squeezed again, feeling Gavin relax further and lean into him. His vitals were more relaxed. He also seemed a slightly healthier colour, possibly due to the lowered amount of alcohol in his stomach waiting to be processed.

"I'm going to shower you, but you have to be good…It may hurt when I clean your anal passage. There is some minor damage, but I'll be gentle." Nines wasn't sure whether Gavin was registering any of this through the haze. He remained docile as he led him into the shower. Nines tossed his own clothing aside as he turned on the water. Gavin's green eyes roved over his body in a manner that he would have found pleasing at any other time. He gave Gavin a soft smile, kissing his hands gently as he stopped him from touching him. "You are intoxicated and unable to consent, Gavin. You must not touch me." Nines felt bad as Gavin looked almost heartbroken.

"I-I'm bad-I'm no good?" he asked worriedly, water running over his head and shoulders in the hot spray. Nines took his chin and tilted his head up gently, pressing a soft kiss against his wet forehead. How could Gavin possibly think he was bad? Was it because he'd looked so angry earlier? Was it because he'd refused to accept his affection? "Bad-I'm-not-bad!" Gavin was distressed, barely able to string three words together. He was shaking a little, lower lip trembling as he blinked out confused tears. Nines felt heat coil in his chest, LED spinning red as he thought of the PC200. It was unfortunate that he would not encounter it in an active state.

"You are not bad…You have been hurt and you need to be taken care of," Nines replied firmly, stroking Gavin's damp cheekbones with his thumbs as he cradled his cheeks. Gavin seemed doubtful, but he nodded meekly all the same. Nines was thorough as he lathered Gavin's skin and washed his hair. Gavin was patient, obedient, and docile the whole time. "Try to hold still for me," Nines urged as he pried Gavin's rounded cheeks open and pressed his fingers inside. He winced at the pathetic whimpers and pleas that fell from Gavin's lips. He knew it was uncomfortable, but he had to clean it. He resorted to his tongue after a while, noting that this seemed to hurt him less as he sterilised the slight tearing. Unfortunately, it also unfairly stimulated him.

"N-Nines!" Gavin whined as he stood bent over against the tiled wall, biting his lip as he looked back at the naked body kneeling behind him. He tried not to rock his hips as Nines held him steady. Nines licked and sucked at the pink skin, producing lubricant occasionally before returning to the task. He finally rinsed the area with water before climbing out and wrapping Gavin in a towel, trying to avoid the sensitive erection he'd caused. They dried off in the bedroom and Nines tossed the used towels in the hamper before grabbing some fresh clothing.

"Gavin, stop," Nines ordered softly as Gavin pressed against him, holding tightly despite Nines' urging for him to stop. "Don't tempt me…It isn't fair," he added tenderly as he gave in and held him closer with a sigh, rubbing his hand up and down his bare spine. He traced each cut and circle with his fingers. His thirium boiled at the thought of the PC200 doing something similar. The thought of Gavin being touched by someone else sent heat roaring through his chest. The bruises and bite marks littering his skin sent an almost painful ache through his thirium pump. Someone else had seen Gavin. Someone else had touched him in ways that Nines had been pining to for weeks.

"Want you," Gavin murmured needily as he nuzzled his bare chest, desperate for affection. Nines' thirium pump stuttered as he held him tighter. He sighed as he felt Gavin's hands move, exploring the flawless plane of his back. He took his wrists as those hands slipped lower. "Want!" Gavin repeated, looking hurt and dazed at the rejection. Nines sighed softly as he kissed Gavin's hands again, surprised by how soft they were, even in the Detroit winter.

"No…I won't mistreat you. You're not thinking, Gavin. You know you wouldn't consent to this while sober." Nines huffed a sigh as Gavin whined and pressed closer. He was insistent, and Nines didn't have an endless supply of patience or morals, but I do have an endless amount of…warmth for this human. He leaned down and captured Gavin's lips softly. Gavin relaxed into it, locking his arms around Nines' shoulders and eagerly pulling him closer. "On the bed," Nines ordered, watching him shuffle back to lie against the pillows uncertainly.

Nines climbed onto the mattress and caged Gavin's vulnerable form against the pillows, pressing soft butterfly kisses to his neck and shoulder while allowing one hand to trail up and down his soft thigh and waist. His fingers traced each mark they found, making Gavin's pale skin twitch and shiver. Gavin seemed confused as Nines drew back to regard him. His silvery eyes closed as Gavin's fingers stroked his hair and trailed down his cheek. Nines took the hand and kissed his palm softly, turning it over to give each knuckle the same treatment.

"I'll help you, but you cannot touch me, and you must sleep afterwards." Gavin nodded his dazed understanding. Nines led his hands to the sheets, a silent order for him to hold. Gavin bunched the material firmly, gasping and falling back as Nines gripped his shaft and stroked. "Good, Gavin," Nines praised sweetly as Gavin bent his knees and rocked his hips into the tight grip. Nines allowed the motion as he nursed the tip and squeezed. This wasn't how he'd wanted to get his first sample of Gavin, but he was much calmer as he squirmed and rocked against his willing mouth. Nines stroked his thigh and rested one elbow on the bed for support as he bobbed and licked. With a whimper, Gavin was done. Nines sucked and swallowed down the release, storing the information to process later. Gavin was on his knees in an instant, seeking his lips as his hands reached down to return the favour. "No…You promised to sleep now," Nines reminded softly as he removed Gavin's grabby hands.

"You hurt?" Gavin asked in a daze. Nines shook his head in response. He gently coaxed Gavin back onto the sheets and helped him dress. He was exhausted, and no wonder. Nines' internal systems were overloaded with the strain. He was furious. Part of him wished that he had been the one to find them. He thought of the various ways he could have made use of his military skills to find the slowest and most painful way to tear apart the android piece by piece. Preferably with Andronikov's completed pain simulation program installed so that the assailant could feel it. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He knew he shouldn't be thinking such thoughts. He was a detective. His gaze softened as he took in Gavin's sleeping form, lazy breaths rising and falling steadily.

"Happy New Year, Gavin," Nines sighed quietly as he ran his fingers through his fluffed hair. It was long after midnight at this point. He hadn't even noticed the clock strike. It seemed completely unimportant now, especially as Gavin turned on his side, somehow trapping his arm in a possessive hug and nuzzling into his fingers. Nines huffed quietly as he eased himself down, still only wearing the towel around his waist. There was little he could do about that as Gavin shuffled against his chest, his vitals suggesting he was deep within a sleep cycle. Nines simply settled down and went into stasis, tightening his hold as his vision darkened.