"Phck, I don't feel ready for this," Gavin sighed as they entered the bullpen. It was Tuesday morning, and they were finally ready for the operation. Theoretically. They'd tested out Nines' GPS and backup to ensure they worked, along with his improved communications device. Elijah had assured them that his casing could now withstand a substantial amount of abuse. Gavin had also spent a few hours learning as much about his internal workings as possible. He still wouldn't be able to do much, but Elijah had at least taught him how to bypass the flow of thirium to certain parts, so if he got badly damaged in the shoulder or leg, he could bypass the limb to save thirium. He'd also been shown how to perform an emergency reboot by disconnecting and reconnecting the main flow valve that ran between his core and thirium pump. It wouldn't work for all malfunctions, but it was a good start.

"What's this?" Hank asked as Nines handed him a neatly folded piece of expensive looking paper. Gavin watched curiously as he opened it with a frown. "Are you fucking kidding me?" Connor appeared at his shoulder as if summoned, and he handed him the paper with a scoff. Connor always showed up when Hank was in a bad mood. He was the only one who could ever calm him down. He quietly asked what it was all about as he looked down at the note. His LED span yellow once before he lowered the paper and looked up at Nines.

"Mr Kamski acquired your schematics?" He seemed deeply troubled at the notion.

"He did. I believe he has been in frequent contact with Markus. That was how he was able to repair the damage to my outer casing, as well as fully upgrade my internal systems." Nines offered his hand to interface and allow him to assess the changes himself. Connor accepted the exchange. Their LEDs flashed yellow upon connection. It was a sign they were linked as they both froze in place. "Elijah believes he will be able to upgrade your body also, should you feel so inclined. His offer is sincere." Connor's expression was filled with distrust, but not for Nines. It made Gavin curious as to what shit Elijah had pulled in the past.

"Are we ready for the final rundown?" Hank asked as they headed to the small meeting room they'd been working in. Gavin nodded silently, finding himself too pent up to answer out loud. It was just the four of them. They would also have Tina and Collins in a cruiser, but they wouldn't be coming until later. They didn't want to risk a marked car near the abduction site. Hank stood while the other three sat. Connor was upright and attentive, totally untroubled on the outside. Gavin was slouched in his chair, staring at Hank but not really seeing him. He was too worried to focus. He already knew the plan inside out anyway. Nines was listening attentively, but his eyes would often stray to Gavin, offering a reassuring smile.

The plan was set. They would go to the second drop point. It was in an alley close to the Eden Club, which was a popular abduction spot. Nines and Gavin would go into the alley and start looking around as if investigating, then Gavin would leave Nines as if he were going to search for more witnesses. Nines would remain in the alley alone. Hank and Connor would watch his signal from their car parked one street over and Nines would remain connected to Connor in a call. They'd settled on the early evening. It was early enough that it was believable for detectives to still be working on a case, but late enough for the club to be open. Gavin would go inside and question witnesses until Hank called to either chase after Nines or call it off for the night. There was no guarantee it was going to work.

In the event Nines got taken, Hank would set off immediately and call Gavin on the way. Gavin would get in his own car to follow, and if they had an exact location, they'd call in Tina and Collins for backup. More if the area seemed busy. They'd wait for backup, burst in, arrest the suspects, and free Nines. If Nines got in hot water before then, they'd have no choice but to move in early. Gavin had made it clear that Nines wasn't expendable. Not that Hank or Connor had ever suggested otherwise.

Gavin felt a deep pit open in his stomach. A looming sense of foreboding. He could tell himself it would be fine as much as he liked, reassure himself that Nines knew what he was doing. He could remind himself that Hank and Connor would be right there with him, and even reassure himself that if the worst happened, Elijah would be ready to step in and help. No matter his thoughts, he couldn't deny the fact he was fucking terrified. Phck! Don't be selfish now. If I'm scared, then what the phck is Nines going through?

Nines' expression was unreadable for the most part, besides the soft assuring looks he kept sending his way. His expression told him not to worry, that everything would work out alright. He couldn't know that! They couldn't guarantee that! What was he really feeling? His LED was spinning yellow, a sign that all was not quite right, but his expression gave nothing away. When he thought about it, it was possible that all those years of abuse had given him an inner strength that none of them could fathom. However, he also remembered how scared Nines had been at their first meeting. The innocent blue eyes peering up in terror from beneath the cold metal table. Nines was still that android on some level. He was uncertain in love, timid in nature, and easily scared when it came to the safety of those he cared about. But what about his own safety? Is he worried they'll hurt him? Is he scared right now?

"Alright, have some lunch and get yourselves ready for tonight," Hank concluded, signalling an end to the meeting. Gavin's lips thinned as he looked across at Nines, who was currently facing Connor. Their LEDs were spinning a lazy yellow, a sure sign that they were having some sort of silent conversation. "Were you even listening?" Hank sighed as he leaned on the table. He knew damn well that Gavin had been on another planet during the briefing. He'd expected better from the two androids.

"Of course. We are more than capable of completing multiple tasks simultaneously." Connor seemed offended at the very idea that he hadn't paid attention. Nines nodded his silent agreement, his face still an unreadable mask that only softened as he met Gavin's worried eyes. They parted into their usual pairs, each heading off for lunch to continue planning or take a break. From the grumble Connor was sending Hank, Gavin could guess where he was dragging him. Connor had been trying relentlessly to get him to abandon the greasy health hazard that was the Chicken Feed, without an ounce of success. On the plus side, he had at least brought him around to the idea of home cooked dinners and healthy breakfasts. From the increase in muscle mass, it seemed he'd also coaxed him into morning jogs and evening walks, too. Perhaps even the odd gym session.

"We should get a hobby..." Gavin didn't realise the words had left his mouth until he noticed that Nines had fallen behind. His chest fuzzed at the idea, leading to a stammering objection leaving his lips. "I-I mean-I didn't-we don't..." He shut his mouth before he made an even bigger fool out of himself. As if they had time for hobbies. They worked too much. It was a dumb idea.

We already have one. There is still much I could teach you. A small smile crossed Gavin's lips as he watched Nines signing. He'd started off with Rebecca and Connor, but since he'd been partnered with Nines, he'd also picked up a lot from him. It was bound to happen. He was pretty much lower intermediate level, so there were still a lot of words he didn't recognise. Whenever they came up, Nines would either explain them or message him what the sign meant.

Phck, it's been too long since we've done this. Gavin felt a little rusty, even though it had only been a few days. They'd just been so caught up in the case that they hadn't thought to resort to sign language. It didn't help that his arm had been stuck in a sling for a few days, either. Nines stepped closer as they walked. Their shoulders almost brushed, despite the wideness of the corridor.

I like it...It is our own secret language that few others can understand. That was the reason Gavin enjoyed it so much. He'd watched the other officers eyeing them curiously, wondering what they were talking about. Hank did it too sometimes, scowling as he looked between them as if he might be the topic of conversation. The only one he knew that could definitely read them was Connor, and he'd even join them occasionally, but strictly on case related topics. If he read something personal, he would politely turn his head, though whether that meant he was no longer reading what was said, he wasn't sure. The turn of his head and pretending he wasn't looking was polite though. Hell, it's Connor. He probably isn't listening in. He'd think it bad mannered.

Yeah, me too...What sort of hobby could we even take up with the hours we work? He pretty much dismissed the idea. It was impractical for them to join any sort of club. Their shifts were never consistent, and they did a ridiculous amount of overtime. Hell, overtime is my phcking hobby! He'd never considered turning down an extra shift or saying he needed a break. Fowler and Hank were the ones who kept an eye on him and made sure he took breaks at all. Even Connor had taken an active interest in his state of mind. Until Nines came along.

There are many things...We could make something, or complete a puzzle, or make use of the gymnasium together. Nines was a lot more enthusiastic than he'd expected. He scoffed softly, unwilling to shoot down the ideas without further investigation. They were detectives, after all. Maybe it would be nice, building a cabinet or something. Completing a jigsaw seemed dumb, but maybe it would be fun, unless Nines scanned all the pieces and figured out how to do it within a few seconds. The gymnasium was something he should have thought up sooner, but that could wait until his damned shoulder healed.

Not a bad idea...We'll look into it, right? Gavin sought reassurance. They were making future plans. Plans for after this mission. Nines couldn't go and get himself killed, not when they had plans, right? Nines gave him that increasingly familiar smile. The one that said everything was going to be alright.

Of course...For now, we should have lunch. He steered him through the main doors with a hand on his shoulder, leading him down the steps and across the carpark. They walked down the street to a small place that had become something of a regular lunch spot for them. It was one of the few places that had thirium options, so Nines could eat with him. Gavin opted for his usual chicken sandwich and chips, while Nines ordered the thirium pasta. They sat in the same small window booth as before, feet touching beneath the table. Gavin sipped a coke for a change, while Nines drank his usual glass of thirium.

Are you worried? Gavin thought it wise to keep their conversation as private as possible. Nines also tended to respond better to sign language with heavy topics, so he was more likely to get an honest response. Nines took his time, hands clutching his half empty glass as he considered his answer. He was probably trying to figure out how to be honest without worrying him. I'm worried too. Gavin hoped the revelation would make Nines more willing to speak up.

I'll admit to feeling a certain amount of...apprehension. I will be putting myself in danger, after all...I suppose I feel less afraid because I have you. Nines had a trusting look in his eyes, and Gavin knew he had to live up to that. Maybe that's why I feel more worried than usual...Usually I can keep it together for these missions, but with Nines...He still hadn't considered what he would do if something happened. If he lost him. They'd only been partnered for a few weeks. He didn't know how he'd gotten under his skin so quickly. Hell, I'd be lying if I said it was only after these few weeks. He had me from the moment I saw those sad blue eyes under that table.

I'll do my best for you Nines, I promise. He knew he couldn't, in good conscience, promise he'd definitely keep him safe. Making promises you couldn't keep was a shitty thing to do. He wanted to keep it. He wanted to protect Nines and guarantee his safety, but he just couldn't.

I never doubted that Gavin. Nines had a soft look in his eyes, lips spread in a small smile that most people wouldn't notice, but Gavin saw it. Whatever possessed Cyberlife to make him look so fucking adorable? He's way cuter than Connor, even if he does have one hell of a resting bitch face! He also wondered what kind of sickos had been working for Cyberlife that they could torture him for hours on end when he looked so damned innocent and helpless. A small part of him hoped Nines' captors would be put off by his sweetness, but they'd already smashed up eight other androids. Eight other people who'd had friends and families hoping and praying for their safe return.

They fell silent as their food arrived, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the diner. It was relatively quiet. They'd gone to lunch later than usual, so most other diners were back at work already. There were a few school kids in a booth across from theirs, leaning close together and giggling as they looked across, most likely at Nines. There was an old couple further off, holding hands across their small table in a way that told Gavin they'd been together for a good many years. A server was walking around idly, wiping down tables and tidying up. A couple of young men were just ordering at the counter, their raggedy clothes suggesting they worked in construction.

What is your favourite colour? The question came out of the blue. Gavin paused with his sandwich halfway to his mouth. He quirked an eyebrow. Really? You're doing this now? He wondered what had come over Nines that he'd ask something so simple. I just...realised I didn't know...Gavin huffed in amusement. If it made Nines happy, he'd do this shit all day.

Blue. What's yours? It seemed fair to get an answer for an answer.

Green...but I am also partial to brown. That surprised him. He'd thought for sure he'd say black, since a lot of his clothes were black. But then, Nines would probably argue that black isn't a colour...What is your favourite animal? Nines didn't even give him the chance for a breather.

I thought you knew that one...Cats. Doesn't matter what size. Phcking love them. He grinned as he thought back to the day he'd first visited his current house on a case. One of the owners had been horrifically mauled, and the blame was almost placed on Lynx, the security cat. After a little digging, Gavin had figured out that the murder had been committed by a disgruntled co-worker, and that they'd re-wired Lynx to attack the husband during his lunch break. After that, the woman and her child had moved out. The house held too many bad memories, and they couldn't bear to even look at Lynx. He knew androids weren't supposed to feel anything, but fuck if that cat hadn't looked like the saddest creature in the world. They'd wanted the house gone as soon as possible, so Gavin had asked about the price. Since he'd helped them so much, and solved the case pretty much solo, they offered it to him at a steal. Lynx and all.

I believe that Lynx is your favourite breed...You have an affinity for the tufts on his ears. Nines had watched him for hours on end. He always teased the black tufts when playing with Lynx's ears and stroking his jowls. Even when he'd been unable to see, he'd still favoured teasing those small tufts, and Lynx had purred on his chest the whole time.

Maybe you're right. Lynx is certainly up there, but I love all cats, even the regular moggies. He impressed Nines with the way he spelled out the final word. It wasn't one he'd come across, though he knew it had to mean some form of cat. The regular domestic cat...Your turn. Favourite animal...Don't tell me. You take after your brother, and you love dogs. He only said it in fun. He didn't hold it against Connor. Some people just had poor taste in animals.

I have to admit; I do find Sumo endearing. Nines was surprised as Gavin nodded his agreement.

Sumo is the exception. He doesn't even count as a dog! He's more like a bear. He'd spent some time with Sumo a few years back. Before Hank lost Cole. Back when they'd worked together pretty regularly and even met up outside of work.

I understand why you would make that comparison. His breed is above average in size...Endearing as he is, I find my taste more aligned with yours. Felines are far superior...I believe I favour tigers. The white ones in particular have a certain...beauty. Gavin wouldn't argue with that. Tigers were cool. It made sense that Nines would like the white ones. They were like his soul animal. They shared both his black on white colouring and his almost ethereal blue eyes. Nines also had a similar grace and poise. Probably speed and strength, too. Did you ever see a real white tiger? They were not yet extinct when you were a child.

Sure, I went to Animal Kingdom when I was a kid...Wish I'd appreciated it more, paid more attention...Phck, humans are trash. His mood dropped as he remembered seeing the park with his mum, back before she'd lost her job. She must have saved for months to afford those damned trips...Regret swelled in his chest. He wished he'd had the chance to pay her back. It wouldn't be the same to go now. The original animals had long been replaced by android replicas. So many species had been lost. Polar bears, tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos. Fuck, even kangaroos were gone. Humans had cleaned up over the years, but not in time to stop the wildlife from dying out. Typical phcking humanity, looking out for number one...We're lucky there are even domestic animals left!

I disagree...Although some humans are cruel and selfish in nature; I believe the majority are better than that. Nines didn't react as Gavin scoffed. He couldn't blame him for thinking that. He'd been made by humans. It was probably something left over from his original programming. That was the only conclusion he could think of. How could he say that otherwise? After the way humans had treated him? You are better than that. He added it in a way that made his heart pound.

Trust me, Nines. If you'd met me last year, you wouldn't say that...just ask your brother. He pushed his empty plate aside as he finished his coke, trying not to seem too grim.

Last year...You have changed since then. Grown and improved. Gavin had no idea how he knew that. He'd probably had a sit down with Connor about it at some point. Someone had to have tried to warn him what a terrible fucking idea it had been to partner up with him. Not to mention signing him up as his owner. Connor actually speaks rather highly of you. Nines seemed almost smug at that little addition.

I think deviancy knocked one of your brother's screws loose...But then, he always was a sap. Gavin huffed at the thought, but Nines knew he was quietly pleased. It had been difficult not to notice the improvement in their relationship. It was a process that had started before his own arrival, but even he'd picked up on it. Gavin was never disrespectful towards Connor. He even deferred to him and sought him out for certain things. Had I not arrived...would Gavin have...liked Connor? Nines was unsure how he felt about that. You better not be thinking weird shit again...Gavin squinted at him suspiciously. Nines shook his head. It didn't matter what might have been. He was here now, and he'd made his mark. Gavin is my human. He levelled him with a possessive stare that stunned him speechless.

They eventually headed back, continuing their exchange of useless information. Useless to Gavin, at least, and he doubted he'd remember all of it. They talked about food, drink, clothes, and touch. Touch was an interesting topic. Gavin was quite sensory. He liked different materials, and they could make him feel different things. The feeling of thirium on his skin had weirded him out and almost sent him into a panic attack, though he was pretty sure that was mostly because it had been Nines' thirium. He loved soft things, especially fur, which explained why he liked Sumo despite not being a huge fan of dogs. Soft things were calming and soothing.

Then why do you not wear soft things to work, like Connor? Nines was curious. He knew Connor always wore at least one soft item of clothing he could finger while working. It would usually be a woollen sweater vest, but more recently, he'd opted for soft wool or cotton tops with long sleeves. He was especially fond of the creamy caramel top Gavin had gifted him. The fibres on the material soothed his sensors.

Because I need to be alert at work. If I'm blissed out all the time, I'll miss details. I work best when I'm slightly on edge. He didn't wear anything outright uncomfortable, but his woollen V-necks were a little rougher than Connor's sweaters, and he always wore rough jeans that were worn in and comfortable. Nines found it curious because he didn't feel things in quite the same way. He quietly wished that he could experience the true sensation of softness.

"Final countdown, kids. Get yourselves ready," Hank hollered as they entered. Gavin's vitals immediately spiked at the news. He knew it was coming. That didn't make it any easier. Nines and Gavin approached their desks, where Nines removed his white leather jacket and left it almost lovingly over the back of his chair. From a bag beside his desk, he pulled out his old Cyberlife jacket. If he was going to be abducted for being an android, he may as well make it obvious and look the part. Gavin's eyes raked over him, surprised by his own feelings as he watched Nines slip into his old jacket.

"Gavin?" Nines was curious as he noticed the spike of arousal. It was odd. Gavin had been the most vocal about getting him to remove his Cyberlife attire, and yet he was clearly experiencing intense arousal at the sight of him once more donning the stiff collared jacket. Gavin coughed awkwardly to cover his embarrassment and checked his sidearm, sliding out the magazine to check it before slipping it back into place with a click. He had his phone and keys. Bullet-proof vests were already stowed in the boot of his car for later. They were ready to go. Almost ready...

"Phck, two minutes!" Gavin grabbed Nines' sleeve and dragged him a little way down the hall and into the men's bathroom. Usually he'd be subtle about it, but they were literally heading into a life or death situation, so fuck it. Hank sighed his impatience as they left while Connor spared them a look of understanding. As soon as the door swung shut, Gavin pulled Nines down. He didn't even make sure the room was empty. They were damned lucky.

"Wai...Gavin...Wha...." Nines stammered as his lips were assaulted. He could barely get a word out between the needy, insistent kisses. At any other time, he would be happy to receive Gavin's affection, but right before their mission seemed a bad time. For Gavin, it was the best time. Maybe Nines just didn't have the same sense of impending dread. The knowledge that this could be their last kiss. Despite his confusion, Nines gave into the desperate kisses, holding Gavin's waist as he allowed him to tease his tongue.

"As soon as this mission is over, we're going home. You're going to wear that jacket. You're going to bend me over the nearest available surface, and you're going to fuck me until I can't see straight. You got that, Toaster?" Gavin's lips were pink and wet as he drew back and stared up with wide green eyes. Nines' LED cycled through red and yellow at the heated demand, unable to prevent his preconstruction software from mapping out Gavin's apartment for the perfect surface that fell within those parameters. The important part came to him as he noticed the tension in the fists bunched in his jacket. Once the mission is over...Once we are safe...Once I am safe.

"Understood," Nines agreed softly as he cupped Gavin's cheek with one hand, staring deep into his green eyes with his usual steady confidence. He allowed their lips to meet in one final kiss, far more innocent than the last, before he drew back. "Lieutenant Anderson and Connor are waiting." His silvery gaze softened as he noted Gavin's reluctance to leave. He nodded assuringly and Gavin grasped the handle.