Connor had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as he made his way towards the gymnasium. He remembered what happened the last time Reed went to blow off some steam. He could already hear his deep grunts in the hall as he hurried towards the closed wooden doors. It was louder once he pushed them open, accompanied by the thudding of soft flesh on leather and the rattling of chains. Reed had tossed his jacket aside, but he hadn't changed. He'd simply grabbed the bag and started pounding.

"Detective Reed! Gavin!" Connor interrupted as he hurried over and tugged his arm. He was conscious of his new top as he dodged Reed's bloodied fist. The leather had already split the sensitive skin of his knuckles. He was leaving red smears on the dark leather. "Gavin...Calm down. Take a breath." Connor returned his hand to Reed's heaving shoulder as he realised it was him. He spoke calmly and took deep, slow breaths for him to follow. Reed stumbled a little before dropping to one knee. He was panting. Sweat dripped from his brow as he quivered with barely contained rage.

Connor crouched beside him, keeping the grounding hand on his hot shoulder. It was rare for Reed to be completely non-responsive. He waited a while, listening to his heaving breaths as they slowly levelled out. His green eyes stared blankly at a space on the far wall. He gradually started to relax. His fingers twitched as he began to bend and unbend the aching digits. He gradually became aware of the stinging burn across his aching knuckles and tightened his jaw.

"Gavin, are you alright?" Connor asked softly, watching his brow twitch as he slowly turned his head and looked at him as if for the first time. "Nines said you came here to think...I thought I should check on you, since you ordered him to stay away." He didn't hide the reproach in his tone as he answered Reed's silent question. Reed dropped his eyes a moment before settling a little more comfortably on his knees.

"Four hours...Four phcking hours, Con! If we'd-I just-Phck!" He gripped his thick locks with one bloodied hand as he cursed his frustration. Connor winced sympathetically. He messaged Nines to ask for case details, and Nines wasted no time in sending what they'd learned that day. He could understand his frustration. This had been a long case with a lot of victims stacking up. It was also getting varied and unsavoury media attention. Reed had constantly unstable stress levels and an unpredictable temper. He also had a seemingly terrible way of coping with excess anger. It was a plus that he didn't take it out on his co-workers, but still...

"There was nothing you could have done. You were unaware the victim was missing. There is no way you could have prevented this." Reed seemed less than convinced by the gentle reassurance. He huffed and began tapping one fist on the floor. Red smeared the waxed surface. He stopped as Connor's hand gripped his wrist. Connor didn't know if he was trying to punish himself with the pain or just following a reflex. Either way, it had to stop.

"There's more I could have done...I should have looked closer! I shouldn't have needed Nines to come on board to get shit done! I just wonder if...If the victims were human, would I have done more?" Reed looked at Connor. Vulnerability and fear of judgement hovered in his faded green eyes. Connor's hazel gaze softened as he squeezed his shoulder. He'd come a long way over the few short months since the revolution. He knew he took his duties seriously.

"No, Detective. You've done everything possible with the details you have available. You also had me and Hank look over the case, and we didn't make any progress either...Some cases, even large ones like this, take time due to a lack of information and evidence. You cannot blame yourself for that." Reed slowly nodded his reluctant agreement, somewhat reassured by Connor's confidence. "You should talk to Nines...He wouldn't say it, but he's somewhat insecure when it comes to your partnership." Connor got to his feet and tugged him up by the elbow.

"I should probably..." Reed raised his cut up hands almost sheepishly.

"Wash your hands. I'll find a medical kit and meet you at your desk." Connor left no room for arguments as he left the gymnasium. Reed stumbled on shaky legs before making his way into the changing room and washing his hands. He winced at the sharp sting and dull ache in his knuckles. He carefully grabbed his jacket and walked back to his desk. He was surprised as Nines walked around, blue eyes wide in alarm. His LED flickered between red and yellow as he took in the injuries.

"It's just a few scrapes, Toaster. Nothing to get your wires in a twist over," Reed insisted as he stepped closer and knelt down. He was gentle as he took one of his hands and looked closely at the bruised and torn skin. He didn't need to scan. He could see the wounds were superficial, but that didn't explain how or why.

Did you hurt yourself on purpose? He was hesitant, unsure he wanted to know the answer as he watched Reed scoff and twist his chair to face his desk defensively. That was a clear sign for Nines. He tugged the chair back to make Reed face him. Why? His expression was confused and worried, eyes softening as he tilted his head. Reed sighed as he flicked his forehead, getting a startled blink in return.

"Don't think too much about it...It's not your fault...I was just blowing off steam and got a little carried away." Nines seemed unconvinced. "Drop it." Reed's order was firm. Nines' brow tightened ever so slightly as he was forced to silence himself. Reed sighed apologetically. He didn't like giving Nines orders, but it was a convenient way of stopping uncomfortable conversations. That doesn't make it right, asshole...

"I brought the first aid kit," Connor announced as he appeared behind them with the small red box. He paused, LED flashing yellow as he looked down at Nines. Reed couldn't see Nines' LED, but he'd bet his life that they were talking. "Nines can help patch you up. I must return to the lieutenant." Connor handed the box to Nines and returned to his desk, where Hank was watching things with piercing blue eyes. Reed looked away quickly. The last thing he needed was for Hank to get on his case, too. He could feel the judgement already.

Let me see. Nines was quietly pleased as Reed obeyed and rested his hands on his knees. He raised one of his hands and grabbed a disinfectant wipe, using firm strokes as he cleaned off the bleeding cuts. Reed hissed a little as he worked, but he was restrained enough not to flinch. It seemed he was used to this sort of treatment. His hand was strong, with long fingers. The backs of his hands were quite soft, but his palms were rougher from years of handling firearms. Nines licked his lips as he watched beads of red pooling on the torn knuckles. He looked almost hungry. He really wanted to analyse it.

"Don't...make it weird," Reed murmured self-consciously as he noticed the intense gaze. Nines blinked before dabbing the blood away. He made no response as he picked out a long bandage and began wrapping the injury. Reed tried not to look at him too much as he worked. He was kneeling pretty much between his thighs, which would probably look questionable to anyone walking by. He also tried not to focus on the softness of his skin, the elegance of his long fingers, and the gentleness of his touch as he wrapped his hand. "Thanks..." he murmured as Nines changed hands and gave him the same gentle treatment again.

What made you angry? Did I do something? Nines felt anxious as he packed up the kit while waiting for Reed's answer. Reed looked down at his bound hands. It was just as good as when Connor had bound his hand. It had happened after Connor had noticed what a terrible job he'd done by himself, the day he'd written that essay in the interrogation room. Guess I shouldn't be surprised. They probably have the same first aid program installed.

"Phck no! You...you've been great..." Reed let his fingers brush through the loose curl of Nines' hair. "I mean it. I wouldn't know anything about the victims if it weren't for you. I'd still be waiting on forensics. You've also helped narrow down our search area," he added in an unexpectedly affectionate tone, drawing his hand back before he made it uncomfortable. He kicked himself inwardly. After telling Nines not to make it weird, he was doing it himself.

I haven't been helpful enough...I have gathered details, but no results. Nines looked more than a little disappointed in himself. He looked up as Reed tapped his shoulder. He looked tired and kind, green eyes soft and half-lidded. He didn't want to speak out loud, so he opted for sign language. Being sappy in the office was a big no-no on his list. Wouldn't want to ruin his reputation as supreme asshole.

You've helped more than I could have hoped. I can't...I can't solve this without you. I'm not mad at you. I'm pissed because if I'd gotten results sooner, then we could have saved Avery Doe. We were four hours late! That's phcking close! Reed watched Nines trying not to preen at the praise. They settled in together, Nines back across at his desk with Reed's monitor turned between them. Nines watched as his human updated the map with their latest victim's location. They could do little more until they'd looked up friends and relatives. That was something that Nines was onto already. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to go on.

There is no known next of kin, and Avery was unemployed...I have her address and the contact details of her former owners prior to the revolution. Something swelled in the pit of Nines' stomach. He barely recognised it as pity. This android hadn't even figured out a last name yet. In fact, her first name had come from her original human owners. Not having a workplace had limited her chances of friendly interactions. On paper, she seemed quite friendless. Lonely. He knew it was an assumption, but it was how he felt. It was likely what Hank and Reed would describe as a gut feeling.

"Send me the contact information and I'll call them up to get an interview." Reed dialled as soon as the email came through. A middle-aged woman picked up. A woman who seemed entirely unconcerned when informed of Avery's death. She agreed to meet, but it didn't sound like they'd get much. The woman hadn't seen her since the revolution. Maybe we can at least get a feel for her character...

You don't look hopeful. Reed shook his head and looked at the clock. They had a couple of hours left. Enough time to check out her apartment. He said as much to Nines and led the way. He drove in relative silence and wasn't surprised by what they found. It was a cramped, rundown place with barely more than a bed and a bathroom. It didn't look particularly lived in. There were almost no personal belongings beyond a couple of changes of clothes. They spent a while knocking on doors, but heard pretty much the same thing each time. She was quiet, kept to herself, didn't cause trouble, never brought anyone home, and didn't seem to go anywhere in particular.

"There are some CCTV cameras around the apartment. Maybe we can get a fix on the last time she left the house, where she was headed, and follow along for a while." There was really no more they could do. Once they returned, Reed sent in a request for the footage from the apartment block before shutting down his terminal. Things were quiet as they headed home, and when they got there, Reed was beyond tired. He wanted to stumble off to bed and stare at his ceiling until he fell asleep, or didn't, but Nines' insistent hand on his wrist stopped him.

I will make something for you to eat. Sit. He gestured towards the living room, giving him a push as he began voicing objections. He wasn't hungry. He just wanted to lie down and try to sleep. You must eat something. You cannot function without self-care. Nines gave his chest an insistent push. He watched in amusement as Reed's green eyes widened in surprise and he fell back on the sofa.

"Nines, really, you don't have to-" Reed cut off as Nines leaned down, his index finger resting against his lips. Reed tried to ignore the shiver running down his spine and the heat curling in his stomach as their eyes met.

Silence. Rest here, and I will bring you food. Nines withdrew without another word. Reed sighed as he settled more comfortably and rested an arm over his eyes. It was easier to let Nines do as he pleased than it was to argue. He savoured the darkness and worked over the case details again, wincing at the throb pulsing through his temple. He'd thought the problems around in so many circles he was dizzy. He didn't know how much time had passed, but he did feel the gentle hand that laced in his hair. The slow stroke drew a low moan from his lips. Eat. Nines held out a bowl of vegetable soup as he opened his eyes.

"Thanks," Reed murmured as he sat up and accepted the tray, which had a bowl of soup along with two slices of buttered bread. Nines finished by lowering a pint of water to the tray. He knew Reed was dehydrated. It was just enough. Light. Not filling. Not heavy. It was the perfect meal to give him sustenance without weighing him down or making him nauseous.

Would you like to watch something? It may help take your mind off things. Nines turned on the TV as he nodded. He steered clear of the news channels, knowing they wouldn't report anything positive to improve his mood. He settled on some unknown crime drama and watched Reed scoff on occasion as the story played out. It was predictable and somewhat unrealistic in terms of the plot and how the detectives worked.

"They never would have gotten that warrant," Reed murmured as he set his tray aside. Nines nodded his agreement. Warrants were notoriously tricky to attain, particularly with such high-profile suspects. Perhaps that just proves that reality is more corrupt than fiction...The thought was less than comforting. Reed sighed, his spine slowly unwinding as he leaned back on the sofa. He'd at least managed to relax for an hour or so.

Shall I take you to bed? Nines' his expression was somewhat soft as he stood over him. It was a look that sent something warm swirling through Reed's chest as he sat up.

"I'm not a kid, you know. I can take myself to bed," he insisted as he ran an awkward hand through his hair. Nines didn't argue, and Reed ignored the double entendre that could easily be implied. Joking about that sort of thing with Nines made him more uncomfortable than it should have. It made him uncomfortable because in the back of his mind, his only response was yes. Yes, please. Take me to bed and keep me there for the next phcking week.

Come then. Nines turned off the TV and set about shutting down the apartment. He briefly paused and put some food out for Lynx, who prowled over with a low purr. Reed left his tray in the kitchen and quickly cleaned up. He felt a strange tightening in his stomach as he noticed Nines waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs. He remained behind him as they made their way up. Good night, Gavin. Feel free to come to me if you can't sleep.

"What are you, my mother? I'll be fine...Night, Nines." Reed noted the way his LED flickered yellow and blue as he used the nickname. He wondered whether he'd chosen a proper name yet. Maybe Connor would help him. He deserves a proper name. A nice name. One that suited him. One that wasn't just a number. Reed ended up back in his own room and just managed to brush his teeth before flopping down on his bed without even bothering to undress.