Oh phck…I feel like I got run over by a phcking freight train…Twice…Gavin winced. His head pounded like a jackhammer. He hadn't even tried to move yet. This was bad. It was the worst feeling he'd ever experienced, and he'd been shot for Christ's sake! He curled up further, grabbing his head and squeezing his eyes shut as the nausea rolled over him like a fucking tidal wave. He couldn't help it. He didn't even try to move as the bile rose in his throat. He was about to just choke vomit all over the sheets when strong arms eased him up and something solid was held under his chin. Gavin reached blindly, hands finding the base of a large plastic basin as he choked and retched. A steady hand stroked circles on his back as he coughed and spluttered. Vomit burned his nose. He could usually throw up without that happening, but with his lack of focus, he'd just snorted the air out through his nose. He shuddered with embarrassment as he finally stopped and just leaned over the round tub, letting drool, bile, and snot drip from his mouth and stinging nose.
"Here, let me help." Gavin opened his eyes to squint through the blinding pain. Nines was dressed in lounge wear, clearly not intending to go out that day. He had a soft wet towel and a box of tissues ready. Gavin meekly let him help with gentle hands. His chin and nose were wiped clean by sympathetic hands. Nines gently insisted he blow his nose before replacing the used bucket with a fresh one. "Hold this," Nines instructed as he let Gavin grip the fresh basin. He bent over it with a pained whimper as his stomach turned again.
"How much did I phcking drink last night?" Most of the evening was just a big black smear. He winced and decided not to tax his brain by recalling the grim details just yet. His head was pounding way too much for that. He choked as another round of bile bubbled up his throat. He was alert enough to make sure it only came out of his mouth this time. He spat pathetically, using the damp cloth left on the side to wipe his chin clean. "Phck, this is bad…" His skin was pale and his limbs were trembling. He didn't remember a hangover ever being this bad.
"I'm aware, however, it isn't your fault on this occasion." Nines didn't explain further as he exchanged the bowls again. Gavin was feeling truly miserable as he leaned over the bowl and closed his eyes. His bed clothes felt sticky and unpleasant, and he felt dirty from vomiting even though he knew it hadn't gotten on him. He felt so weak, quivering where he was now perched on the edge of the bed. He knew he must look a sight. Pale skin, dark bloodshot eyes, and reddened lips. He winced as his head pounded again. "I'll return shortly," Nines assured before walking off somewhere. Gavin couldn't blame him. He wouldn't want to deal with him either. God, I'm so phcking pathetic! It hasn't been that long since I drank! When the phck did I become such a phcking lightweight? Nines was right, I shouldn't have drunk those cocktails. He winced as he choked vomit again, wondering whether he'd ever had such a bad reaction to alcohol before. Even as a teen, he didn't remember suffering this badly.
He spat and wiped his mouth, sighing in frustration as tears pricked his eyes. He was such a fucking loser. He couldn't even take care of himself. It was just a hangover, and here he was, shivering and cold, vomiting and spluttering like a pathetic moron looking for sympathy. No wonder Nines had washed his hands of him and escaped somewhere. There was a small dip on the bed and soft fur brushed his elbow as Pipsqueak appeared, almost as if he'd sensed his distress.
"Thanks, Pips, but go on…You don't want to get vomit in your fur," Gavin warned in a rasping voice as he gently moved his elbow to butt his head affectionately. Pipsqueak trilled before hopping down and padding across to the cat palace. The sound of post scratching reached Gavin's ears, and he smiled. Pipsqueak had never had a toy like that before. Phck, I'm a really shitty owner, aren't I? He winced as he tried to open his eyes more than a crack. The light fucking hurt! The pounding in his head didn't get any better as he realised he could hear the bath running. He hurled again, ribs aching with the effort this time. Four times in an hour. That had to be a new record for him.
"Gavin…Come on, let's get you cleaned up." There was something soothing and sympathetic in Nines' tone as he returned. Gavin knew he wouldn't exactly understand what it was like to have this happening. He'd never been sick, but it was touching that he felt at least a little empathy for his distress. Gavin almost fell on his trembling legs, losing his sense of balance as got to his feet. Nines somehow managed to both catch him and prevent the vomit filled tub from spilling. He hauled him up by his waist with one arm and carried the bucket with the other as he strode into the bathroom. He set Gavin down, ready to gag into the toilet, as he dealt with the full bucket. The vomit was much clearer now. It appeared he'd already thrown up whatever food remained in his stomach.
Nines was patient and gentle as he eventually coaxed Gavin from his knees and helped him out of his sticky, sweaty clothes. It was a little humiliating, but Gavin could barely focus on that over the self-pity he felt. He felt sick. He had a headache. He was weak. He was cold. He was craving attention and affection. Nines seemed to understand his feelings somehow as soft words and gentle hands continued to soothe and encourage him into the tub. Nines sat on the edge, keeping a small basin close just in case, watching Gavin sink back into the ceramic tiredly. Phck, the water's nice…Gavin closed his eyes, trusting Nines to keep him safe. His stomach actually hurt a little, likely from all the acid in there with nothing to dilute it now. Gavin winced as his head throbbed.
He wasn't sure how long he dozing, but he felt Nines' hands gently washing him. He raised his legs one by one, then his arms. He washed his hair and shoulders with firm strokes. He eased him up onto his knees and scrubbed his body. He wiped him with a soft cloth and poured water over his head. He also let him rest awhile. The water was barely warm when he eventually lifted him out and set him down. Gavin just went with it as Nines dried him off before helping him into fresh clothes. He couldn't help leaning into his embrace as Nines returned him to the now changed and cleaned up bed. There was a large bottle of water, some Alka Seltzer, and a bowl of hot porridge waiting.
Nines tucked the duvet over his legs and made sure the pillows were stacked up behind his back before setting the tray across his lap. He watched Gavin chug down a plain glass of water before watching a white pill froth and dissolve in a second one. He was hesitant as he ate his first spoonful of creamy oats, instantly reaching for the basin as he did so. Nines perched on the edge of the bed, watching as Gavin's mouth watered, clearly expecting another wave of vomit that didn't seem to arrive. After a couple of minutes, Nines encouraged him to release the basin. He kept it ready to return in an instant as he wordlessly motioned for him to eat.
His progress was painfully slow. The risk of vomiting made him reluctant to even risk another bite. His anxious gaze shifted to Nines with each mouthful, but Nines was keeping a steady eye on his vitals. His muscles weren't contracting. His stomach showed no sign that he was about to be sick again for now. After another hour, Gavin had finally finished with the bowl, and was quietly grateful for the full feeling in his stomach. He managed to drink his grey water, chasing it down with another glass shortly after before he finally leaned back into the soft pillows.
"You condition appears much improved," Nines said as he removed the tray and set it across the room on a side table. He returned to the bed with another full glass of water and put it on the bedside table before raising the covers higher on Gavin's waist. He was drowsy, green eyes blinking and fluttering every minute or so as his head nodded. He didn't say anything, just hummed softly as gentle fingers carded through his hair. "Rest for now. It appears the aftereffects have tired you out." Gavin wasn't about to argue with that. He just hoped he could nod off properly with the endless pounding in his skull.
Once Gavin had settled peacefully, Nines internally leapt into action. He had the tray collected and requested more food to be ready for when Gavin woke up. He tidied the bathroom and anything out of place in the bedroom and then braced himself to connect with Connor. Connor was unsurprised to receive his call. Android homicides were generally his and Hank's responsibility and, despite being the suspected assailant in Gavin's assault, the PC200 was still the victim of an unknown killer. So far it seemed there was little to go on. The forensic team hadn't started on the victim yet, too busy with other bodies for now. The price of being short staffed over the seasonal period.
Connor questioned Nines on his version of events, and Nines sent across the photos and analysis results he'd taken from Gavin's body. Connor was sensitive enough to remove Gavin's face from any frontal images and simply put his initials in the public victim registry. Only he, Hank, and Fowler would be aware that Gavin was the victim of the suspected sexual assault. The on-scene officers had been a concern, but a short talk with Hank had ensured their silence. Both androids were well aware of how Gavin perceived himself and the reputation he had tried to uphold. He'd never willingly see himself as a victim.
When he woke earlier, he was in extreme physical distress, so we couldn't discuss it. However, the fact that he blamed the alcohol suggests he has little to no memory of what actually occurred. Nines returned to watching Gavin sleep. He hadn't moved from his place, lying back against the mountain of pillows, propped up as he snoozed. Pipsqueak had joined him now, curled up in a purring ball on his thighs. Nines gently ran his fingers through Pipsqueak's fur, noting his slight distress. He could sense Gavin's weakened state. Nines offered a sense of reassurance as they interfaced.
That is a commonly listed side-effect, and doubtless his attacker's intention. In the case of date-rape, it isn't uncommon for only fractured memories to ever be recovered, and sometimes the entire event is lost permanently. Nines quietly agreed. He had researched the drug thoroughly overnight and prepared for the side-effects that morning. He hadn't quite expected Gavin to have such a volatile reaction to the drug. Gavin had also seemed surprised. I'll keep you updated on anything we find out. Connor left him with that sympathetic assurance before ending the call.
"How are you feeling?" Nines asked softly as Gavin roused himself sometime later. His movements caused Pipsqueak to trill and stretch to his paws. Gavin hummed pathetically as he pushed himself up and reached blindly for the water. Nines took that as a positive sign as he helped him take the glass. It wasn't cold anymore, and it tasted a little stale, but Gavin was thirsty, so he drank it down anyway. Nines grabbed the bottle, sending a request for food to be brought. Something easy on the stomach.
"Like someone smashed my head with a phcking sledgehammer," Gavin replied as he winced and squeezed his temples. Nines eased his hands away before massaging his neck, the gentle circles somehow easing the pain a little. He watched as Gavin fell limp into his touch, small sounds of approval escaping his lips. "I don't feel so sick anymore at least…" That was a good sign. Nines handed him a fresh glass of water and watched him sip. They both of them looked up as the door opened and Elijah stepped inside carrying a tray as Chloe held the door for him.
"I hear you're not feeling well," Elijah greeted as he approached the bed with something hesitant in his greenish eyes. Gavin scoffed, trying to hide his embarrassment at the brotherly concern. He wasn't used to being babied and looked after, even if it did feel sort of nice. "Chloe made you some food. Rice, steamed vegetables, and chicken. It should be easy on your stomach." Elijah propped the new tray across Gavin's lap. Chloe's LED span yellow as she conferred with Nines over his condition. She didn't want to press Gavin too much.
"Thanks Eli, I'm fine though…I guess I overdid it last night," Gavin sighed as he lifted the fork. Warmth filled his stomach as he noticed that all the meat, carrots, broccoli, and beans had been cut up into bite-sized pieces. He ate some rice first, testing his stomach on the plainest ingredient. His stomach really did feel better. A shame he couldn't say the same about his head yet. He winced again. Elijah instantly noticed and headed through to rummage in the bathroom cabinet.
"We're glad you seem to be a little better at least." Chloe's gentle tone made Gavin feel like a little kid again. It hadn't happened often, but he remembered the couple of times he'd been off school sick with a stomach flu and his mum had to stay home. She'd stayed with him all day, spoon feeding him and reading him stories. It was a shame they hadn't had more time for things like that. Maybe he wouldn't have turned into such a fuckup that way, but he knew it couldn't be helped. She'd been a single mum doing her best to get by. A story he was all too familiar with these days. He wished they'd lived in more of a community, that she'd had her own Gavin Reed to lean on the way the mums on his street did.
"Thanks; I'm sorry to put you out. You don't need this shit on New Year's Day, and neither do you, Nines." He figured Nines could have been off doing something besides babysitting him all day. Most of the shops were still closed, but there was probably something he could have done. He could have gone to visit Connor or Colin, or walked around the city and gotten a final look at the Christmas lights before they came down in a couple of days. Town would probably be pretty empty with most people waiting for their evening family get together.
"Here, for the headache." Elijah dropped a pack of Ibuprofen on the tray as Gavin continued to pick at his food. Chloe and Elijah left not long after, saying they'd check in again before dinner to see if he felt up to eating with them. Gavin thanked them and sighed guiltily as he ate with Nines silently encouraging him each time he paused. He got through the bowl faster than he had the porridge, and Nines put the tray aside again. Gavin swallowed down a couple of pills before flopping back against the pillows with an almost forlorn sigh.
"Do you recall what happened?" The bed dipped as Nines sat on the edge. Gavin sighed again as he shook his head. Now that things were a little clearer, he'd tried to reach for it, but…everything after a certain point was just a giant grey blur, like a grainy TV. "What do you remember?" Gavin's body tensed at his anxious tone. Nines didn't use that voice often. He was worried about something. Worried about me? What the phck happened?
"I remember the start…We got ready, Tina was absolutely wasted after two hours, you and Connor want off with Stacey…I saw Brad and Haley…I…Phck, I must have drunk way too much," Gavin replied as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He remembered something else. Floating? It didn't make much sense, but he remembered feeling odd. I was talking to…Jackson? After that, it was all grainy, like static on a TV screen. He opened his eyes to be greeted by Nines' LED spinning red. "Why is it doing that? Nines, what the phck aren't you telling me? You don't do the light-show thing for no reason," he added accusingly, noting the red spin increased at his observation. "Nines…" he prompted expectantly, folding his arms almost stubbornly as Nines turned his head to hide the light.
"I…suppose you should be aware…" Nines began hesitantly as he shifted closer, as if he was a scared animal he was trying to reassure. It wasn't a promising sign. "When I came to look for you last night, I found you in a somewhat…questionable state. There was evidence of both drug induced distress and…sexual assault." Nines eventually bit the bullet and said it in clear and simple terms. He was unsure how he could give the news gently. Gavin choked on an indignant scoff, his expression flabbergasted. Green eyes flicked back and forth searchingly as he desperately tried to pick up any hint from his memories. There was just nothing fucking there!
"You can't just…say things like that!" Nines was unsure whether his green eyes were accusing or imploring as he stared across at him. He swallowed hard as his heart started hammering. He couldn't remember. He couldn't remember anything. He had everything up to a point, and then it was just gone. It was fucking gone! It was gone, and he had no idea what happened. He swallowed hard as he gradually became aware of all the small aches and pains he hadn't thought about before. The bruising on his skin he'd put down to a fight or falling over, or…or anything but what Nines was suggesting.
"Gavin…Listen to me carefully…You have suffered no infections or long-term physical injuries from the incident," Nines said calmly as he gripped his shoulders and leaned down to his eye level. Gavin looked incredulous as he knocked the hands away. No infection? No long-term injuries? What the fuck was that supposed to mean? So he had short-term injuries? Bile rose in his throat as he recalled the slight discomfort he could feel between his legs. He felt himself choke on air as Nines gripped his shoulders harder and leaned in. "Would you like further details?" Nines asked sensitively, patiently waiting for him to gather himself.
"Yeah…Yeah, that's probably…" Gavin trailed off, breath hitching a little. Nines paused and waited, letting him take a few panted gasps and steel himself. His green eyes dropped to the duvet on his lap, fingers bunching it tightly as he waited. I shouldn't phcking care so much! It's not like it's the first time I've been fucked when I didn't want it, or that I've been drunk enough to have had blackout the sex! He inwardly kicked himself, but this was different. It was his first time being roofied. The first time he'd been drugged and fucked with absolutely no recollection at all of the night before. There were usually bits and pieces. Images. Sensations. Enough for him to build something to ease his mind.
"When I found you, you were only partially clothed and conscious in the alley outside. Who we believe to be your assailant, was found dead a few feet away. It seems the assault was interrupted before its conclusion." Gavin's head swam with the information overload. He'd been assaulted, and the guy was fucking dead? All in one night? No investigation necessary? "Your assailant was a PC200 android, recently upgraded to appear more human. During my examination, I discovered evidence of extreme oral penetration. The light bruising of your oesophagus suggests it was a lengthy process. An analysis of your bile last night showed little evidence of synthetic ejaculate. It is my believe that he did not release in your mouth." Gavin let out an involuntarily shiver. That was great and all, but then where had he released? Did that mean that he'd been filled somewhere else? Nines' gentle hands squeezed for his attention. "I can also confirm that, although there was evidence of full penetration, there was no evidence of ejaculation. From my preconstructions, it appears the android was deactivated during the struggle, before copulation could truly begin." Gavin swallowed hard at the news. That was good, right? He'd only been raped a little. Phcking raped a little? Is that even a phcking thing you can say?
"So-it-he-I…Am I okay?" Gavin wasn't sure what he was even asking as he trembled, staring up at Nines for answers. He felt a creeping vulnerability he'd never felt after any other hook-up. He desperately needed something. A reassurance. A kind word. A warm look. Something! Nines delivered instantly, silvery blue eyes softening as he reached out and rested his hand against the back of his neck. Gavin let out a shuddering breath and closed his eyes at the supportive contact. He felt safe. His eyes fluttered open to look up.
"Yes, Gavin. You're okay…Your attacker was dealt with, albeit by an unknown source. I have conducted a thorough examination and determined you will suffer no long-lasting physical effects. You are safe, and you are valued. Do you understand?" Nines asked in a steady tone, letting a little of his firm authority seep into it. Gavin needed a steady but firm hand right now. He responded to the dominance instantly, green eyes lidding just a little as he leaned slightly closer. Safe…Nines squeezed his neck firmly. "Answer me. Do you understand?" he asked again, silvery eyes firm.
"Yeah, I…Thanks, Nines," Gavin replied in a small voice, somehow feeling a little better at the reassurance. Nines moved to Gavin's side as he was tugged, deciding to loop an arm around him as he settled back to fully process what he'd just heard. Nines could tell the incident was hovering like a storm cloud. Gavin was pensive and somewhat unfocused as he slipped into his own head, likely trying to chase down the experience. Nines stayed there. A supportive presence that Gavin could lean on or turn to whenever he needed.