Reed walked into the breakroom, hoping the flush had left his cheeks. He swore they were still burning. He couldn't help it. Two things had happened last night that were extremely unsettling. After he'd gone to bed, he'd fallen asleep only to have some weird erotic dream. The problem was, the dream had been about Nines. It had felt so fucking real. Like he was really there. In his room. Standing over him like he was some sort of science project. Just that would have been enough to give him a boner, but it had gone further.

He'd been lying in bed. Naked, since he generally slept that way. He'd been sound asleep. Then he'd started feeling things. He felt colder than he should have beneath his thick duvet. It hadn't taken long for him to realise the duvet was gone. Fingers had lightly touched his body. Innocently. They'd explored his naked flesh. They'd traced his strong arms, tickling the sensitive skin above his wrists, and slowly trailing down his chest. Strong thumbs had circled and pressed his nipples, and then he'd felt warm breath on his skin. Teeth had lightly scraped one of his nipples as a large hand had teased lower, making his pelvis tremble. His shaft had twitched to life, blood pooling between his legs. It had felt so fucking good. So nice. So soothing. Small hums had escaped his tired lips in response. His eyes had only snapped open when the hand finally closed around his solid length and squeezed. Upon opening his eyes, he'd stared into Nines' icy blue pools and almost come then and there.

"Relax, Detective...Let me take care of this for you," Nines had purred in the softest, sweetest tone he'd ever heard. It had sounded like Connor's voice, but slightly pitched. It was just different enough for it to not kill his hard-on. To his shame, he'd come hard after that, and he'd watched Nines raise his white stained fingers and lick them clean the same way he licked up evidence. With innocent curiosity. The LED on his forehead had flickered yellow as he'd processed and recorded the genetic makeup. "Gavin..." Nines had moaned the word. Fucking moaned. Reed had seen the synthetic erection straining his black trousers. Doesn't Nines change for bed? Does he even have sleepwear? He'd watched Nines desperately palming himself through his tight jeans.

This was the second thing that happened. Reed had been on his knees, grabbing Nines' waistband in seconds. Nines had looked almost scared as he'd tugged the button and zipper just enough to take out the thick, solid length. It was bigger than his own, but that didn't surprise him. Only the best for Cyberlife's finest model, right? He'd taken Nines in hand and Jesus, the timid moans he'd let out were the sweetest fucking thing he'd ever heard. He'd teased the length with his teeth and tongue, feeling Nines' hand fist in his hair. This was where Reed belonged. Where he was most comfortable.

"Fuck my mouth." He'd almost moaned the order, drawing back just a little to look up at Nines. He was still wearing that tight clinging turtleneck, hiding the sculpted muscles beneath. The material was much softer than he'd expected. He was naked. Nines was still fully dressed. He felt like some back alley prostitute, and damned if he didn't want to suck like one. The hand that wound in his brunette locks was hesitant and affectionate, fingertips teasing his scalp.

"Is that an order, Detective?" Nines had asked with a hazy expression, his cheeks flushed pink. Reed had smirked, tightening his grip and giving an almost vicious tug. Nines had groaned, low and deep. Phck that's hot!

"Phck yeah, it is." Reed had opened his mouth and sucked in the silken tip. He'd held his throat open in anticipation, and Nines hadn't disappointed. He'd used his mouth with all the roughness he'd desired. Reed had choked multiple times as that solid length worked his gullet, pushing through his gag reflex every time. He couldn't help himself. He'd supported his weight on Nines' hips while desperately jerking himself off a second time. They'd both come hard. Reed had swallowed everything greedily.

"Gavin, I..." Nines had trailed off, taking in gasps of air to cool his internal systems. It was as Nines leaned closer that Reed had firmly withdrawn. Even in a dream, there were just some lines he wasn't about to cross. Nines had looked hurt, making him feel bad.

"Don't make it weird...Just...just go to bed and forget about it, alright?" Reed had sighed regretfully as he'd flopped back and rested his arms over his tired eyes. He'd just caught a flicker of red before Nines had silently turned away and left the room. After that, he forgot what happened in the rest of the dream. Maybe nothing had happened. When he'd woken up for real, the duvet had been neatly folded down at his feet, and he'd been shivering. He'd grabbed the duvet just in time for the knock on the door. Nines had opened it once he'd called that it was okay. Nines had brought him coffee and some toast. He'd paused almost awkwardly as he'd handed the plate over.

Are you quite alright, Detective?

"Yeah...Yeah, just a weird phcking dream..." Nines' brow had twitched ever so slightly. Looking back on it, Reed wondered if it really had. Maybe he was just seeing things with his nervousness. He was sure, so sure, that Nines had been about to ask something, but he seemed to think better of it. He'd simply signed that he would be waiting downstairs and left. It was weird. He could still taste that synthetic, oily lubricant that he'd imagined Nines shooting down his throat. It was so real that the first few sips of coffee had felt tainted. He'd never had that happen before. He'd barely been able to look at him the whole way to work.

"Good morning, Detective Reed!" Connor greeted brightly as he stepped into the break room. He was already waiting with one of those new thirium based lattes, standing patiently at a high table with his usual bright eyed smile. Reed fixed himself a coffee before joining him awkwardly, taking in the soft sweater vest Connor wore. It was a light caramel that almost matched the tie he'd paired with his crisp white shirt. It was a cute outfit. Very school boyish. "What was it you wanted to talk about?" he pressed as they stood together.

"Well...I'm a little concerned about Nines...I know I was the one who found him, and he's grateful, but I get the feeling he's a little...attached." Reed tried to be delicate about it, looking around to make sure Nines was sitting obediently at his desk as he'd asked him to. Of course he was. He had no choice but to sit at his desk when he told him to. Connor looked a little guilty as he eyed Nines. "You knew?" He couldn't believe Connor hadn't said anything.

"I did...At least, I suspected."

"Aren't you worried? I mean, isn't it some sort of condition? Falling for the person who rescues you? It can't be healthy!" He was quietly worried for Nines' mental wellbeing. Physically, he knew he could take care of himself, but mentally, he wasn't so sure. What if he got too attached, and he ended up misleading him? He'd already been betrayed by his makers. How would it feel for his chosen saviour to stab him in the back, too?

"I don't think it would be a problem if you felt the same way..." Connor trailed off questioningly, watching Reed's green eyes snap wide. There was an almost indignant look on his face as he snorted into his coffee. His physical reactions were laced with discomfort, and Connor could read the turbulence in his vitals, too. It definitely isn't a resounding no...

"Are you phcking kidding me? You know I hate androids!" he insisted as he sipped his coffee.

"No, you don't," Connor replied honestly, having read the lie in his vitals. Even if he pretended to himself that he still hated androids, Connor could tell it wasn't the case. It hadn't been true since the day he'd returned. Maybe even before that. At some point after the revolution, something had happened. Reed had seen or experienced something that had shattered his perception, jarring him so badly he'd lost that blind, spiteful streak. Connor would even call him nice, considering how he'd been before.

"I'm not fucking your brother Connor, not ever!" he insisted with the slightest fluster, watching as Connor tilted his head. He almost looked confused, as if he were about to say something, but then he seemed to think better of it. "Anyway, this crush is only going to get worse if he keeps living in my house...You have android contacts, any chance you could have them keep an eye out for a place?" Connor winced, almost apologetically.

"I'm afraid, as it stands, un-deviated androids cannot legally own or rent property." The news made Reed's gut twist. Not because he was stuck with Nines, but because of how unfair that was. Nines wasn't completely un-deviated, and it wasn't his fault. He wasn't some broken thing, and he wasn't some toy to be ordered around. He was more than capable of running his own household. He was an individual, and he deserved to have his own space. His own place to call home.

"What if I rent the place in my name?" Reed watched Connor nod thoughtfully.

"That might work, but you would be the one legally responsible for the paperwork. Do you have adequate finances to run two households at once?" Reed frowned. Technically, he didn't. Even without rent, he still had bills to pay in the place he owned, so doubling that and paying more rent on top would be expensive. "If things don't work out, if Nines transfers his ownership to the DPD, he will be able to stay here." Connor had hoped to sound comforting, but that just seemed to upset Reed even more. That was the whole reason Nines was living with him to begin with, because the idea of him sleeping at his desk was too fucking sad. The thought that he had nowhere to sleep, or keep his things, or even space to own anything, was just too damned pathetic.

"Guess the only chance we have is to deviate the fucker," Reed grumbled in defeat, wondering what it would take. He knew most androids who deviated by themselves did so out of fear, but Nines had already experienced fear. More fear than anyone else Reed had ever met. He'd been physically tortured day in and day out for as long as he'd been alive, and that had still only done half the job. In two weeks, it doesn't have to be my problem...But fuck, could he really do it? Could he really turn Nines over to who knows what fate?

"That is something I have been working on, but so far I've come up empty." Connor didn't miss how Reed was currently staring at Nines with almost sad eyes. He looked troubled, but there was something else there. It certainly didn't look like hatred. "About your latest map...I didn't recognise anything myself, but it was a good thought to keep it in mind." Reed clearly needed a change of subject to perk him up.

"Yeah, I'm just...phck, I don't know...grasping at straws, I guess." He sighed tiredly as he sipped his coffee again. He settled in for a while, content to listen to Connor's theories and advice and bounce a few ideas off him. Connor had this underlying confidence, likely from experience, that Nines hadn't developed yet. That didn't mean he didn't enjoy running things by Nines, but it was different with Connor.

"Can I have my partner back now?" Hank interrupted a few minutes later, causing Reed to look across at his own partner. Nines was doing his best not to look wounded as he sat stiff and upright at his desk, keeping his eyes down as he waited for him to come back. Connor let one of his rare smirks appear as he looked at Hank.

"I didn't realise you were the jealous type, Hank," he teased in a voice like honey. Hank scoffed in a mixture of amusement and embarrassment. It was rare for Connor to break out that voice. It was almost odder that Reed hadn't paid attention to it. He was too busy staring at Nines and his big sad eyes.

"Yeah, well, I'm not the only one," Hank grunted as he nodded over his shoulder toward Nines, who seemed to hunker down even more at the attention. It was almost like he'd been listening in, but he was so far away Reed doubted that were possible. Reed's fingers twitched around his cup as his stomach flipped. Connor tilted his head at the spike in Reed's vitals and Reed hastily buried his face in his coffee. "Anyway, we have a case," Hank added meaningfully as he nodded to the entrance.

"Coming! I'll keep thinking on it, Detective," Connor added as he followed Hank out of the room, leaving Reed to make his way over to his desk. He paused as Tina passed by, suddenly remembering his thought from the night before. If he was having erotic dreams about a machine, then it was definitely time for him to get laid for real. He flicked her hat as she walked by, watching her stop dead and turn with a glare.

"Hey, T, got plans later?" he asked with a teasing grin; one that let her know exactly what was on his mind. He always wore that look when he wanted to go out on the town. Tina shot back a smirk of her own and folded her arms.

"Maybe, why?"

"Nah, just thinking of heading out is all..." He tried to act like he wasn't eager. Tina weighed it up. It had been a while since she'd last been out, and it was a Wednesday. She didn't start until late on Thursday, and she knew Reed would have the day off, too. "We can go to Zeus." He knew that was her favourite bar for picking up girls.

"Alright, you've persuaded me. Meet you there at eight?" She walked off with a grin as Reed nodded his agreement. He headed to his desk, feeling a lot more energised. He could go out, get trashed, get fucked, and forget about getting fucked by the fucking android that was currently eye fucking him again. If he were human, I'd just phcking...

Shall we review the case? Reed nodding his agreement as he brought up the files. He suddenly felt grim as they got into it. It was great that they had so much information, but he couldn't help feeling shitty that it had taken so long for him to get it. I'd still be waiting for it if it weren't for Nines and his analysing capabilities.

"Okay, let's...go over their final days again." They'd been reviewing for almost an hour. He was sure he was onto something, but it was hovering just out of reach. He brought up the map and picked bright pink to draw lines on the screen. "Our first victim finished work here...They were seen leaving at around six-thirty and presumably took their usual route home, but never made it..." he murmured as he circled the office and drew pink lines along the android's route.

The university campus...It's right on the other side of this park. Nines pointed to the large green space. Reed sat forward, using the mouse to draw a pink line through the park and make a circle. The maintenance worker was last seen in the same area. Nines saw Reed's vitals spike in excitement. That's three of their victims connected to one location. He sat back with a frustrated sigh as he realised that didn't match the other three. There could have been two kidnapping locations...but then, the park could just be a coincidence. He started to follow the lines, looking for other places they could have joined up.

"What else?" Reed sighed thoughtfully as he looked at the pink lines he had zipping this way and that. Only a few of them crossed over. Some lines often came quite close together, but never all six at once. Not on their last day, but what about before that? Though if their movements didn't match on their last day, it didn't make sense. His gut feeling was that these people were snatched at random, so they had no direct relation to each other. Usually, that means the killer has a place or two they stick to for shit like this.

What if there is somewhere else? A place or activity they all have in common, but did not disclose to their families or peers? Nines had to sign it twice since the first time Reed had just stared blankly at the screen and not paid attention. Reed shrugged. What do we have to lose by looking into it? He peered at the map, zooming in on the more central areas. I can scan for likely locations. Nines leaned across his desk to scan the screen a little more closely. It was a somewhat human gesture. One Reed doubted he actually needed to perform.

Reed sat up a little straighter as he examined Nines, his green eyes roving over his perfectly sculpted face. There were two dark moles, more like freckles really, that stood out on his cheek. His skin looked so soft. Androids don't shave, so they must feel soft, right? Or did Cyberlife add a stubbled texture? He dropped his gaze to Nines' pale pink lips. Perfectly smooth lips. Not a single crack or imperfection. A small gasp escaped him as Nines turned his head, blue eyes blinking as he took in piercing Reed's gaze.

"Anything?" Reed asked in a vaguely strained tone.

Several possibilities...Nines' hands stilled as he, in turn, examined Reed's face, eyes lingering on his rougher lips. He noticed a tiny scar on his upper lip, likely from whatever had caused the one across his nose. It was faded. Almost hidden by the neatly trimmed stubble he kept on his chin and cheeks. Look away. Phcking look away! Reed broke eye contact, dropping his gaze to his coffee cup. It was a few moments before he realised that he'd have to look up or say something because Nines was incapable of speaking.

"And they are?" Reed stammered as he looked up. He almost wished he hadn't as he noticed Nines was still watching him. It was almost like he was searching for something, but at the same time had no idea what he was looking for. It gave him a somewhat lost look. It was unsettling, because the more lost Nines looked, the more he felt like he'd been found. Jesus, phck!

There is an Eden Club in this area. Nines finally moved to touch the screen in one of the central areas. It wouldn't be unheard of, and may be worth a look. There is also a well-known red-light district on this strip. An unofficial brothel in this building. Five known drug drop locations. Three night clubs with various unsavoury activities. Gang recruitment is regular in these areas, and a pornographic studio regularly shoots in this area. Nines touched the screen with each suggestion. Reed flicked his eyes between the screen and Nines' delicate hands, brow furrowed in thought. They're androids, so the drugs are unlikely...Unless they were dealing, but all six of them? But...what if...Reed sat forward.

"Show me the drug drop locations again." He placed a black mark at each place Nines touched. So...a drug ring is active in this area...He looked at all the pink lines. Something in his chest leapt as he noticed that all six victims walked by these areas. Not all together, and not in the same place, but it was still a link. "Look...What do you think?" he asked cautiously as he looked at Nines, who nodded his agreement.

It's definitely worth exploring. It's possible that the gang in control of these drop locations took the androids to harvest thirium for red ice production. Reed nodded as he scribbled down a few notes. He looked at the clock. It was still early, so they had more than enough time to check out the area and ask around. Reed took the lead, tossing on his grey hoodie, which seemed to have replaced the leather jacket he hadn't yet asked to be returned. He wasn't even sure if Nines still had it. He didn't even think about it anymore.

Getting evidence was hard. Nines slipped into each alleyway and did his thing, but any thirium stains could have been washed away by the rain. After all the days and weeks that had passed, the surrounding residents just couldn't remember. Unfortunately, Reed didn't have any contacts in these parts either. He was a little frustrated as they returned, but at least he could step up patrols in those areas. He made a few calls and got it done before it was time to sign out for the night.

"Right, let's get you home," he sighed as he got to his feet. Nines gave no objection as he followed him to the car. He could tell something was different. Reed soon forgot his frustrations and became almost jittery as they reached the house. He was filled with anticipation. He headed up and showered, taking longer than usual. Nines found himself feeling quite lost. He hadn't asked Reed if he should start cooking. They hadn't brought any work home. Without Reed to talk to or instruct him, he had little to occupy himself with. He ended up hovering near the bottom of the stairs. Idling.

He looked up an hour or so later as Reed bounded downstairs. His LED flashed red, then yellow as he took in his outfit. He was wearing dark blue jeans that hugged his tight ass and thighs, with a white tank top that left his strong arms bare. He pulled on a short-sleeved black shirt, leaving it open like a jacket. His hair was fluffed but neatly brushed back with a little gel or spray to keep it in place. Nines felt his thirium pump hum and stutter. He wondered what it would feel like to grip those locks and tilt his head back. His neck looked slender, but so delicately human.

"Jeez! Nines! Phck me, have you been standing there this whole time?" Reed demanded, resting a hand on his chest as he turned and noticed Nines standing at the bottom of the stairs like he was in standby mode. He stepped back, coming to rest against the back of the sofa as he took in Nines' expression. He looked odd. If he had to choose a word, he'd say he looked hungry. Ravenous. His silvery eyes almost burned like fire as they roved over his body. Reed swallowed nervously.

I was waiting for you. Would you like me to start dinner? Nines' face relaxed into something softer as he signed. Reed looked at his phone before shaking his head and grabbing his hoodie from a hook on the wall. He shrugged into it hurriedly. He only had about twenty minutes to get across town and meet Tina.

"Not tonight. I'm heading out to meet Tina...Feel free to use the TV or whatever while I'm gone," he added as he opened the door. His green eyes were bright with an excitement that Nines had never seen before. He really wanted to see it closer. Examine the new lines that creased his skin. Feel the heat running across his flesh. He'd never really wanted anything before, at least not this much. Reed was gone before he could close the distance. A dull sense of loss and lingering regret filled his stomach.

He paused before looking at the kitchen. Reed hadn't eaten before he left. He hadn't eaten since that morning. They'd been so busy with interviewing witnesses and searching possible crime scenes, it had slipped their attention. Gavin will be hungry when he returns...Nines walked into the kitchen and looked around. It wouldn't hurt to make something. Something that could be eaten cold. He had no idea where Reed had gone, or for how long. He felt unsettled by this knowledge. His human, his owner, had left him alone. Alone without instructions. Without assurances that he would return. He would, of course. This was his home, after all. Nines opened the fridge and set to work. A salad, and perhaps a sandwich, would be acceptable.