Written for CptJH after they were let down in the RBB event. All of the art is by CptJH, and this was their concept.

"Are you sure we need all of this stuff?" Nines asked as he watched Gavin tighten the ropes over their luggage. It certainly seemed excessive, considering they were only going away for three days. He wasn't entirely sure Gavin had heard him at first, he was so intent on looping the rope through the luggage rack. There were multiple sacks, boxes, and cases set on top, trapped beneath criss-crossing ropes that had been tied to the metal struts of the rack to hold everything in place. Tying the rope, Gavin stepped off the open doorway and surveyed his work.

"Of course! You've never been camping before, have you?" He had him there. Nines had looked into camping once they were told about the trip, but besides a little research, he didn't have a clue. Patting the nearest canvas sack, Gavin began his explanation. "You need a lot of stuff! We have a tent, cooking supplies, bottled water, a gas canister just in case, fishing rods, bait, rifles and ammo, food, a fire starting kit, and a first aid kit. That's not even counting clothes, blankets, and toiletries!" Those last ones were safely locked in the trunk. Nines nodded as he scanned the luggage. Gavin was quite correct. The things he'd listed were all tied on top of their car, and they were likely to be needed.

"Have you been camping before?" Nines assumed so, since he had all the supplies.

"Oh, yeah! My grandparents used to take me all the time! Mum was usually too busy working, but we'd head out to the woods almost every holiday, and a few long weekends throughout the year. I learned to fish, hunt, build shelters, make fires, and all sorts of cool shit!" Nines tried not to smile too much as he watched Gavin reminisce. These were obviously treasured memories. Perhaps that's why Tina had chosen a camping trip. It made sense to get Gavin in a good mood with something he enjoyed, considering she wanted him to have a good impression.

"That sounds...homely." It wasn't a past he'd expected from Gavin Reed when they'd first met. He'd been so bitter and confrontational, Nines was sure there must be some sort of tragic past that made him so hateful. There were tragic elements, but his early childhood sounded quite wonderful. Loving and attentive grandparents, family trips, and a mother who always did her best. It was later, after his grandparents passed, that things had, in Gavin's words, gone to shit.

"Some of the best times of my life..." It was a shame that was the case. Nines stepped closer and pressed in behind, resting his hands on Gavin's hips and leaning his chin on his shoulder. Gavin was almost a head shorter, and his own body was broader, so it was easy to cuddle him against his chest. Gavin smiled as he leaned back, letting Nines rock him from side to side.

"Perhaps we can make this another." That sounded nice, and Gavin was sure Nines would do his best. There was just one problem.

"If we were going alone? Maybe. But on a stag-weekend?" Gavin scoffed. He didn't exactly relish the experience, in fact, he didn't even want to go. Why would he want to leave his nice, cosy apartment to spend the weekend with a bunch of strangers in the woods? He wasn't even in the groom's party! He was Tina's Man of Honour! Nines chuckled and kissed his neck, making Gavin squirm. "How did I even get talked into this?" It was hard to stay mad when Nines was nipping his neck and stroking his hips.

"Because you're Tina's best friend, and she wants you to meet her fiancé properly before the wedding." Gavin grumbled indistinctly. "You want to meet him, too." Of course he did.

"Yeah, but why didn't she introduce us before the phcking wedding? She's been dating him for two years, engaged for one, and I've never even seen the guy!" Nines knew it bothered him. As her best friend, it stood to reason that Gavin would be included in these sorts of things, but Nines understood Tina's reluctance. Her partner was a little younger and worked as a roadie for his old high school friends' band. It wasn't exactly a high-flying career, and it barely paid the bills. It also took him away from home for most of the year, hence making it hard to meet him. He went all over America, and sometimes abroad as well. Being a roadie also came with its own stigmas. They were assumed to be free and easy, picking up girls and getting laid regularly, and sometimes even using drugs.

"Because you're overprotective and judgemental." Gavin scoffed, glaring at Nines in disbelief. "In the best way possible." It was a quality Gavin and Connor shared. When Nines had first developed feelings for Gavin, Connor had done everything in his power to dissuade him. He could well understand why Tina would want to avoid such a confrontation. The best way to avoid it was to have them meet. So close to the wedding, it was too late for Gavin to talk her out of it without good reason. Having them meet alone also meant Tina didn't have to be involved. Her fiancé knew who Gavin was and how important this meeting was to her. She clearly had confidence he'd make a good impression.

"I just don't want her to make a mistake, you know?" Nines nodded. He didn't want her to turn out like his mother, left alone and literally holding the baby. That was different though. Gavin's father had never had any intention of marrying his mother. She was simply the side piece that accidentally got pregnant. From what he'd heard from Tina, Nines knew her fiancé called regularly and stopped by whenever he could. He was trying to make things work despite his job taking him away from home. Perhaps he might even change jobs one day.

"I don't think she is...But even if that is the case, these are her mistakes to make. Your job is to be there if things go wrong."

"Lucky me," Gavin huffed as Nines drew back and scanned the rope work. He'd done a good job for a human. The ropes were secure and would surely hold their luggage on the drive. "Nearly ready?" Gavin asked as he turned back to their apartment. Their new apartment. Gavin had lived in a much rougher neighbourhood before, and much further out. Their current apartment was on a nice, quiet street next to Admiral Park in a new-build overlooking the river. It was a two bedroom that Gavin never would have moved into by himself.

"I am. Sixty said he would be over by five to pick up Smudge and Soot-ball for the weekend." Gavin still wasn't entirely sure about letting Nines' more chaotic brother look after the cats, but Connor lived with Hank and Sumo, so they couldn't go there. It didn't seem right to leave them alone in the house and have someone stop in to feed them, either. That would leave them alone for most of the day and night. Nines rested a finger over Gavin's lips as he opened them. "Yes, I made a list of their dietary restrictions and a feeding schedule. Their food, treats, favourite toys, litter, and beds are all packed. Sixty knows they are to remain indoors at all times, and I have written the number for the veterinarian should he need it. You worry too much." Of course he was worried! Those were his babies, and they were leaving them with their crazy uncle! "Connor is also on standby if he requires assistance." That made him feel a lot better. Connor was by far the most competent brother.

"Great. I'll just use the bathroom and we can get going." Heading up to the apartment, Gavin did a last check. It really wasn't necessary. Nines had already made sure everything was turned off and packed ready to go, including Smudge and Soot-ball, who meowed indignantly from their carriers as Gavin passed. He paused briefly, crouching to look inside each small box. Smudge, the more nervous of the two, was a long-haired, dusty cat. She was mostly light grey with blotches of darker fur all over her body, including a large smudge across her nose. She was currently settled on a fleece blanket inside. It was her favourite and went with her every time she travelled. Soot-ball also had long hair, but he was pure black with big yellow eyes. He clawed at the door as Gavin crouched, growling and rolling. Gavin huffed as he fingered the bars and let him paw and nip his fingers. "I know Nines probably told you to be good, but make sure you give Uncle Sixty hell, alright?" It seemed Soot-ball got the message as he swished his fluffed tail and growled again. Gavin pushed to his feet with a chuckle and went to the bathroom before leaving, making sure to lock the door behind him.

"Do you have everything?" Nines asked as Gavin climbed into the driver's seat. Gavin paused, taking a shaky breath as he leaned back to grab his travel bag. He knew all the big stuff was packed, but he hadn't checked his smaller travel bag for the road. Opening it, he reviewed his mental list. There was a bottle of water, two bags of candy, his charger, medication, wallet, a book, a folded road map, and a stack of CDs. Nines always laughed when he brought CDs, but if the Bluetooth signal went choppy, who'd be laughing then? It never hurt to be prepared. He even had his Shokz in case he wanted to listen to something and nap while Nines was driving later. His keys were in his hand, and his phone was soon sitting on the dashboard.

"Yeah, that's everything." He didn't need to ask Nines. As an android, he had perfect recall and would have packed everything flawlessly the first time. It's why Nines usually did the packing when they needed to go somewhere. He always seemed to know exactly what they'd need. "Okay, here we go..." Within seconds, Gavin had started the car and pulled away from the curb.

It was a wonder the little red car could move under the weight of all their luggage, but it certainly did. While they were in the city, Gavin kept the windows shut. It was too loud with all the traffic and horns, especially when weaving through the busier areas and out on to the main highway. They were going all the way to the Lake of the Woods in Minnesota. Gavin could see why they chose that area. It was pretty. Lots of trees, spacious, good hunting if you went in the right season, fishing; a great place to unwind. The only problem was getting there. It was an almost seventeen hour drive, though Gavin could shorten it if he put his foot down. They'd actually booked a couple of days off work on either side of the weekend to get there, otherwise they'd be there barely a day!

"Do you know what we'll be doing?" Nines asked as they finally hit the highway. It was still busy. A lot of people were escaping for the weekend, and even on a Friday afternoon, the road was packed. Gavin stuck to the outside lane as much as possible, only weaving between cars occasionally.

"Not a clue. There are a few things we could do, you know, fishing, hiking, climbing, canoeing."

"Hunting?" They had the rifles and ammunition packed.

"Not big game hunting. Not at this time of year anyway. It's too early for hunting season. The rifle is mainly for protection, and maybe a little small game if we're hungry." Nines hummed softly. He hadn't researched hunting, but he probably should have known there would be a set time of the year where it was acceptable. The animal population needed a chance to heal and grow between seasons. The season was changing already. Summer was cooling to early autumn, which meant long sleeves and light jackets for those living as far up as Detroit. The weather was still fine, consisting of shortening sunny days with fluffy white clouds. Nines had checked the weather the night before, and the weekend was supposed to stay fine.

"Do you hunt often?" Nines had never pictured Gavin as the hunting type, though there was no reason he shouldn't be. He was extremely proficient with a gun and still ranked as the best human shooter in the precinct, not counting SWAT. Captain Allen and his men were on a different level, one that Gavin could easily attain if he chose to join them.

"Not so much these days. I never have the time!" That was likely true. Five years ago, when Hank's son had been killed, Gavin was needed to take his place in the precinct. For the next three years he had worked almost double his usual shifts covering his superior. After the revolution things had improved, and Gavin had finally been promoted as he should have been before, however that brought its own work. He was no longer working double shifts and staying on-call every night, but he'd seen a significant increase in paperwork.

"Are you good at it?" Turning off on to a quieter road that circled the edge of a lake, Gavin rolled down his window. A cool breeze swept in to ruffle their hair as he leaned his elbow on the door and steered with one hand on the bottom of the wheel. The sun was out, making him squint a little.

"Not bad. I can shoot well enough, and I'm a fair tracker." Nines knew Gavin's modest voice when he heard it. It was the voice he used when he knew he was good, but didn't want to brag too much. Nines huffed fondly as he opened his own window and leaned out. It made a nice change to get away from the city, driving along with the lake on one side and plant covered slopes on the other. Though there were still cars, this road was a lot quieter as well. Since it wound alongside the lake, it would take longer to reach their destination, but because there were fewer cars, Gavin could do what he did best. Nines smiled as Gavin's foot hit the gas and their small car zoomed down the road.

"I should give you a traffic citation," Nines teased as he leaned a little further out the window to enjoy the wind on his face. Gavin snorted as he grabbed his collar and pulled him back.

"Yeah, okay Lassie, try not to get your head knocked off." Gavin was probably right. It was inadvisable to lean through the open window of a moving car, but the road was clear, the breeze was fine, and Nines was excited. This was their first real getaway in months, and though they were going on a stag-weekend, there should still be time enough for them to enjoy one another's company. The way Gavin's hand squeezed his thigh before returning to the wheel suggested he agreed. This was going to be a trip to remember.