This story was written to go with CptJH's wonderful art they made for me as part of the Break Room's Holiday Exchange event 2024.

"Hold your phcking horses!" Gavin hollered as he rubbed his tired eyes and headed for the door. He swore he'd barely been home for five minutes, though from how groggy he felt and how long it had taken him to register the incessant knocking, he may have fallen asleep. He hadn't even taken off his jacket and shoes yet. On the sofa, he noticed Cocoa raise her fluffy head and twitch her ears with interest. Usually he might shut her away, but seeing her settled and only vaguely interested, he figured it was safe to open the door. Upon opening it, he slammed it shut immediately. "No. Nu-uh, not happening. I am not on call tonight!" He was about to step away from the door to continue his evening when there was another, quieter knock.

"Detective, it is not a work related matter." Gavin frowned at that, annoyance churning in his stomach. If it wasn't work related, then why was he standing at his door? Don't I put up with his shit enough during the day without him following me home like a lost puppy? Calling him a puppy was probably unfair. That was Connor's gig. Either way, not his shift, not his problem.

"If it's not work related, go bother your brother! That's what he's for!" Calling them brothers was probably inaccurate, and he was pretty sure his toolbox of a partner would point it out. Despite being tired and wanting some peace, Gavin couldn't help being a little curious. Usually, Nines would go to Connor with personal issues. Since coming to the precinct, they'd become pretty much inseparable. Connor had even given him a stern warning about picking on Nines during their first week. A warning he'd taken to heart. He knew what happened when you pissed Connor off.

"Usually I would, however, I believe this would be more within your area of expertise." Alright, now he was curious. Connor was an android and therefore better at literally everything. What skill could he possibly have that Connor lacked? "Please, Gavin...I am unsure how to care for it by myself." Care for it? His curiosity got the better of him as he returned to the closed door. Upon opening it, he found Nines looking much as he always did. His hair was immaculate besides a few flakes of snow, and his black and white Cyberlife uniform was neat as always, besides a telling bulge at the chest of his jacket on one side.

"What the-" A set of bright green eyes peered up at him, and the small mouth opened to emit the most pathetic little mewl he'd ever heard. Gavin's breath caught as he watched Nines bring out the tiny orange ball so he could see better. "Where did you find it?" His voice sounded softer than Nines had ever heard it as he leaned down to coo at the wriggling kitten in his hands. Gavin held out a finger and felt a small white paw hook over the pad, tiny claws digging in for attention. Nines raised the kitten a little higher, so Gavin didn't have to stoop so much.

"I was on my way home when I heard it in an alleyway. It was beneath the dumpster in a canvas bag." Gavin's brow furrowed at that, especially as the kitten let out another small howl that draw Cocoa from her slumber. "Since the bag was open, I am uncertain whether it was abandoned or if it crawled inside for warmth." Both were possible. Detroit winters were bitter, and with the snow starting, it would only get colder. Looking at the kitten, the fur seemed fairly clean, and it wasn't exactly thin. Though he hated to admit it, it seemed the kitten had been abandoned, the bag left open to give it a fighting chance. The shelter was an option, jeez!

"Come inside. I don't want Cocoa getting out," Gavin grumbled as he clocked the brown cat heading their way. Nines did as he was told, stepping inside and shutting the door before Cocoa could even think of escape, however her interest seemed to lie in the squealing kitten as she circled Nines' feet flicking her fluffy tail. "Hey, come here...Aren't you tiny?" Gavin cooed as he took the kitten and held it in one hand. He chuckled softly, bumping its head as it leaned in for comfort. How could anyone leave you out in the cold? It was fucking adorable! Bright orange fur with a fluffy white tummy and matching feet. The white from its tummy crept all the way up to its little pink nose, which twitched as it looked around and trembled in his grasp.

"As a cat owner, I thought you might know what to do."

"You thought right, but how did you know I had a cat?" It wasn't like they ever talked about anything besides work. They'd only been paired for two months, and his feelings towards androids were no secret. They were cordial enough, because of Connor, but had no relationship beyond that. Looking at him now, Gavin wondered if he'd been a little too harsh. Nines didn't emote much. He usually looked cold and stone-faced, but as he watched him cradling the kitten, he noticed the warmth in those silvery eyes, and the softness of his lips.

"The fur on your clothes." Gavin blinked. He almost forgot he'd asked a question. Looking down at himself, he didn't notice any stray hair, but he couldn't deny it was possible. Cocoa was part Maine Coon, so her chocolaty fur malted all over the place. He kept rollers all over the place, and usually rubbed down whatever he was wearing before he left in the morning. Apparently not enough... "I attempted to keep it warm, but it wouldn't stop crying." Nines looked worried as he stared at the kitten, which hadn't stopped mewling since it had arrived. Gavin huffed softly as he stroked its head, holding it closer as it shivered.

"That's hardly surprising. The poor thing is probably starving! Little kittens like this need food every few hours. The eyes are open, but I don't think it'll be on solids yet." He couldn't help wondering where the mother was. It was rare for the kitten to be thrown out without the cat. Breeders? If that was the case, there should be something obviously wrong with the kitten. Gavin frowned as he checked it over, finding everything as it should be. If there was an imperfection, it had to be internal. I'll have to take her to the vet tomorrow...His examination had at least told him that much. "You did well enough to keep her warm." Her little body felt warm in his hand despite her constant shivering.

"Cats are lactose intolerant, so without the mother, what can she eat?" Nines' LED span yellow as Gavin held the kitten out expectantly. He was extraordinarily gentle as he cupped his hands and accepted the small bundle, eyes creasing with sympathy as she continued screeching. He looked down as a louder meow joined in and larger paws rested on his knee. Gavin huffed softly as he leaned down and stroked Cocoa's head before leading the way across to the kitchen, where Nines waiting awkwardly by the island counter.

"Nice catch. A lot of people don't get that." He probably shouldn't have been surprised, considering Nines was an android with the internet wired into his brain. If that's the case, why didn't he just look it up? "Ideally, it should be eating KMR, but I don't have any..." He wasn't even sure he had enough stuff to make a decent replacer. It's late...I don't know if the gas station down the street would have anything...Nines' silvery eyes looked almost as big as the kitten's as Gavin searched his cupboards. "Phck yeah!" It wasn't ideal, but it would do in a pinch. Nines tilted his head as Gavin grabbed the old tin of evaporated milk and a bottle of corn syrup that was approaching its use by date. "I forgot I had these..." All he needed was an egg yolk, and he was good to go.

"Is there anything I can do?" Nines asked, returning the kitten to the safety of his jacket as Cocoa hopped on the island to nose and paw at him. Nines kept the kitten out of reach as he petted Cocoa, unsure of her intentions as her tail fluffed and flicked. Gavin seemed unconcerned as he busily measured out and mixed what he needed into a fairly runny paste. Not having a syringe on hand, he settled for a teaspoon.

"You want to feed her or play with Cocoa?" They'd need to get her out of the way somehow. Unsure of himself, Nines chose the latter. Gavin cooed and coddled as he sat by the island with the kitten on his knee and spoon fed her the sticky mixture. Nines headed into the living area and picked up one of the various toys kept in a wicker basket. The one he chose was almost like a butterfly on a string, and it was apparently one of Cocoa's favourites as she trilled and padded over to bat the colourful material. "If you move it really slowly and pull it away at the last minute, she likes that." She was a born hunter, something Nines could respect.

As Gavin suggested, he pulled the string along the floor and watched as Cocoa scurried along the side of the sofa. She hunkered down, sharp yellow eyes fixed on the material. Her tail twitched as she raised her hackles and shifted from paw to paw, getting the perfect angle. Nines continued slowly pulling the toy, calculating when Cocoa would make her move. She pounced. Nines pulled the string faster and lifted it like a bird in flight. Cocoa zoomed and leapt, batting the fluttering material on the way by. Her body turned in midair, landing on her paws, ready to return for a second pass. Nines hurried across the room, dragging the toy after him and encouraging Cocoa to hop on the armchair and scurry along the back. Once there, she leapt onto the sofa and followed all the way to the end. Nines raised the toy above her head and watched as she fell on her back, pawing at the fluttery material until she could grab it.

Gavin huffed softly as he watched, though most of his attention was stolen by the gurgling ball of fluff on his knee. He was attentive and gentle, holding it carefully with one hand and spooning the hastily made gruel in its mewling mouth with the other. It probably wasn't the best tasting mixture, especially if she had been a house cat before, but it was better than nothing. From the lack of complaints, he assumed the kitten agreed as she greedily swallowed it down. Her little mouth was working overtime as it gobbled and swallowed, still mewling between gulps.

"You're such a squeaky little thing!" Nines would have thought it a complaint if not for the softness on his face as he said it. Gavin chuckled softly as the kitten let out an even louder mewl, almost agreeing with him. Nines stopped, almost spellbound by this softer side he'd never seen. If not for video recall, he knew Conor would never believe him when he told him. Gavin Reed smiling and laughing. It was unheard of. His silvery gaze dropped as sharp claws attacked his trouser leg. It seemed he'd taken too long to return to the game. "When you finish playing, there are some treats in the third cupboard. I usually give her a snack when we finish, you know, her reward for catching the prey." Nines led Cocoa around a little longer, letting her burn off the last of her hunting energy before finally leading her into the kitchen to claim her reward.

"How many do you usually give her?" The cheesy squares looked quite small, but Cocoa was also quite small. Gavin looked up from his task with a hum, still spooning gruel into the greedy little mouth.

"Oh, just five or six." Cocoa was more than happy with her bounty, gently taking each offered square from Nines' fingers. Finished with the food, Gavin now held the kitten against his shoulder and rubbed her back. She gurgled happily, finally full and warm in his careful hands. Green eyes blinked blearily, small head nodding. Gavin glanced at Cocoa warily. He could take care of the kitten himself, but it would be a lot easier if he had a little feline intervention. "Now she's tired out, let's see what she thinks..." Gavin led the way into the living area and sat on the sofa in his usual spot. It didn't take long for Cocoa to join him as she usually did.

"Do you believe she will accept the kitten?" Nines asked as he followed, hovering anxiously with his hands behind his back. It was touch and go, really. The only way to find out was to let her get close and see. Her tail had fluffed up earlier, but since she'd gotten used to the smell and the noise had stopped, maybe she'd be a little more receptive. Gavin kept the orange kitten in his hands, ready to lift her out of the way if Cocoa went for her.

"There's no reason she wouldn't. It just depends if she's wiling to share." Nines tilted his head curiously. Were cats so possessive of their owners? Perhaps it was unusual, to so suddenly be asked to share your home with another. "What do you think, Cocoa?" Gavin asked softly as he opened his hands a little wider to let her nose the orange fur. Nines wasn't sure why, but his chest felt somewhat tight as he waited. Perhaps it was anticipation. He couldn't help worrying about the kitten as the larger cat loomed over her exposed tummy, though he knew Gavin would keep her from harm. Finally, Cocoa came to a decision. With a small trill, her tongue darted out, gently grooming the fluffy white strands. "Hey, good girl."

Nines watched Gavin stroke Cocoa's head as he gently lowered the kitten to the seat beside him. Once she was out of his hands, Cocoa immediately curled herself around the smaller body to groom her properly. Small mewls escaped as Cocoa's tongue flattened out the messy strands. Gavin turned sideways in his seat and pulled his legs up as he watched, smiling softly as the kitten writhed and rolled, pawing and kneading Cocoa's darker fur. Nines leaned in beside him, looking over the back of his sofa with an almost wonder-struck expression. He wasn't sure he'd ever seen anything so pure.

"Well? What are you going to call her?" Nines blinked in surprise, a little coy as he noticed Gavin watching him. "You found her, you name her." Was this some form of rule or custom he was unaware of? Looking at the small kitten, he really wasn't sure. He'd never named anything before. Looking on the internet, there were many names he might choose from for such a kitten.

"Ginger?" Gavin huffed at the uncertainty in his tone. It was perhaps a little unimaginative.

"Ginger, huh? I like it, like Ginger Rogers...What do you think? Do you like that?" he cooed as he looked down at the wriggling kitten. As if to answer his question, the kitten pushed to her feet and stumbled a step before falling again. Nines' LED blinked red at the sight, silvery eyes darting between Gavin and the kitten.

"I-is she alright? Is there something wrong?" Gavin raised an eyebrow in response, gently returning the kitten to Cocoa's side.

"Don't worry, Nines. She's just a kitten. She hasn't learned to walk properly yet, is all." Seeing the vet in the morning would help confirm that, but he was pretty sure she was a happy, healthy little thing. She was also sleepy if those enormous yawns were anything to go by. Gavin was also yawning, stretching into the back of his seat as his tired eyes looked for the clock. "Shit, is that the time? I'd better get some sleep before our shift tomorrow." He only had four hours before he'd have to get up. Nines stiffened slightly as he straightened up and prepared to excuse himself. He felt a little bad, knowing he'd kept Gavin up all night. "You want to stay and keep an eye on her? I'll bring her with us to work and call the vet once they open to get her checked over."

"I wouldn't want to intrude."

"It's no trouble. If anything, I'll sleep better knowing someone other than Cocoa has eyes on her." Small kittens were notorious for suddenly going downhill when no one was looking. She seemed happy and well fed for now, but there could be a lurking sickness they didn't know about. Nines' LED blinked blue at the invitation. He'd never dreamed that asking Gavin to help would lead to him staying the night. He'd originally expected him to either send him away immediately or remove the kitten from his care. That he'd been allowed to stay and take part in such things was delightful.

"In that case, I'll stay." Gavin nodded and set about getting ready for bed. He put the remaining gruel in the fridge for the morning and disappeared into his room. Nines could hear him bustling about with his evening routine. He brushed his teeth, washed his face, and changed into a set of lounge pants before returning to find Nines exactly where he'd been left. He was standing rigid behind the sofa with his hands locked behind his back like he was awaiting orders.

"Um...you can sit, you know..." It was a little weird to have him standing around like a piece of furniture. Nines sat as if he'd been ordered, taking his place on the sofa beside Cocoa and Ginger's now sleeping forms. "See you in a few hours."

"Good night, Detective." Nines watched as Gavin returned to his room, though he didn't fully close the door. It was left cracked, allowing space for Cocoa to come and go. A simple scan of the hinge and carpet suggested this was a nightly habit of his. That night, Cocoa was content on the sofa, gentle purrs comforting the small ginger kitten as they slept in a single ball. Nines listened closely, knowing the exact moment that Gavin finally joined them in sleep. Unfortunately, his alarm would wake him in exactly three hours, eleven minutes and fifty-three seconds. He set a reminder in his HUD to have the coffee maker set up and ready to go by then. Gavin had a poor temper without his morning coffee.