"Thank you for your insight, Detective Reed." Gavin frowned a little at that. Connor was being unusually polite. Moreso than usual. He didn't entirely trust the way he was smiling at him either, sort of stiff and plastic. False. It was giving him uncanny valley vibes. Huffing, Gavin handed back the papers and slapped his arm, shaking off the feeling. He'd known Connor for a while now, and they were on pretty good terms these days. Whatever was bugging him, it was probably his imagination.

"Careful, Tin Can, I might actually start thinking you like me." He meant it as a joke, but the hand that gripped his arm suggested Connor had taken him seriously. Looking at the pale hand, Gavin froze. This was the first time Connor had touched him since their fight in the evidence locker a year back. He swallowed as his grip tightened, remaining gentle but firm. Looking at his face, Gavin was surprised to see something akin to remorse in his soft hazel eyes.

"I do like you." Well, that was an unexpected confession. The look on his face must have said as much, too. "The truth is, Gavin...The truth is that I..." Shock flooded Gavin's chest as Connor stepped closer, and his mind blanked as the hand on his arm stroked higher. A cool palm caressed his stubbled cheek, thumb tracing his cheekbone as Connor licked his lips, apparently feeling as nervous as he was. All Gavin could think was that this couldn't possibly be happening. No way, in any universe, was he seconds away from a love confession from Connor Anderson. No fucking way. This nonsense had to stop right now, but even as he leaned in, Gavin couldn't think of a single thing to say. Luckily, as always, he had backup.

"Nines!" Connor's hand left his cheek and he stumbled back a few places, almost dropping his papers with the force of the push. "Hey! What are you-" Gavin fell silent as Nines turned to him with those blazing silvery eyes. He swallowed, feeling nervous as the towering figure stepped closer. There was barely a head between them, but it felt like so much more with Nines leaning over him like that. Licking his lips, Gavin made no move to stop him as Nines wrapped an arm around his waist, bringing them chest to chest. Cool fingers touched his chin, nudging his head up so he could see where they were standing.

"Mistletoe." Nines' deep, rumbling tone washed over him, making his heart flutter with nerves as he met his scorching eyes. Gavin's breath stuttered. It wasn't a question or request. There was nothing he could do as Nines leaned closer, the fingers on his chin slowly stroking higher to caress his cheek in a manner similar to Connor. He could feel the warmth of Nines' breath on his lips, which twitched nervously as he waited for him to close the gap. Their lips touched and Nines froze, both of them taking in the softness. Nines' lips were flawless, barely cooler than a human. Gavin's lips were chapped from the bitter chill, accompanied by the light prickle of his stubble.

After the initial press, Nines drew back a little, closing his eyes as Gavin let out a warm, shuddering breath. He didn't push him away. Nines leaned in a second time, moulding their lips and pulling Gavin closer. There was movement this time. Hands on his jacket, sliding up to his shoulders. Embracing him. Nines moaned in something akin to relief as he worked his lips with fresh enthusiasm. It was like a dam broke. Gavin's lips parted in invitation and their tongues entwined as they clung to each other. Fingers laced in perfect hair, gripping and pulling. Teeth grazed lips, tongues still stroking.

Gavin couldn't believe it. An infinitesimal part wondered how the fuck he got here in the first place. He'd been avoiding the mistletoe for weeks, and somehow tonight of all nights, when he was almost in the clear, he got trapped beneath it. Suddenly, Connor's odd behaviour made a lot of sense, but what didn't make sense was Nines' behaviour. The scorching heat in his eyes as he'd forced his chin up returned to make him shudder. Even now those powerful hands were pulling him closer, fingers sliding over fabric, barely daring to touch the flesh beneath. A knee slipped between his thighs and Gavin moaned, a sound that was lost in Nines' lips as they kissed.

"Hey! What the fuck are you two doing? Are you trying to get a disciplinary?" Nines and Gavin broke apart as if burned. Gavin was gasping for breath, skin flushed as he wiped and covered his abused lips with the back of his hand. He was reeling. Nines had kissed him. Not just that, but he'd kissed him like he meant it. He wasn't one of those sappy true love believers, and he wasn't about to kid himself into thinking he'd never been kissed like that before, but fuck, he couldn't recall a better kiss right now. Unlike Gavin, Nines looked remarkably unruffled besides the crooked collar of his shirt and jacket. Even his hair had naturally fallen back into place as Hank approached, his blue eyes sweeping the mostly empty bullpen warily. "What were you thinking?" he hissed angrily as he looked between them like it was their fault.

"We were simply partaking in the expected tradition." Nines pointed upwards in explanation, and Hank scoffed. He wasn't born yesterday. Every year, Gavin skirted the bullpen to stay out of this little tradition, and that year was no different. He also didn't think Nines would have acted without being bullied into it, though he certainly didn't seem to regret it as he glanced at Gavin's flustered form. Hank levelled a glare at Sixty, who was grinning like the cat who got the cream and looked over his shoulder to see Connor looking sheepish as well.

"Tradition my ass! You don't kiss someone like that because of a tradition, shit! There are rules here, and you should both know better! The fraternisation code exists for a reason. If you're in a relationship, it has to be disclosed and you need to work with other people. This can't happen!" Hank waved his hand between them and watched Gavin look at his feet. The whole reassignment thing was one of the reasons he'd been so against getting involved with Nines. They worked together. That made things messy. A breakup would ruin their working relationship, and being involved would make things dangerous. How could they remain level-headed and impartial if they were sending their lover into dangerous situations? In most places, they wouldn't even be allowed to work in the same department if they were dating, never mind on the same team!

"What of your relationship with Connor? Familial ties can be just as cumbersome as romantic entanglements." Hank clicked his tongue at the reminder. To a certain degree, Nines was right. He'd pretty much adopted Connor. Sixty and Nines too to a lesser degree. Technically, he was bending protocol by not reassigning himself, but he'd never worked with anyone as well as Connor. Not since the days he and Fowler used to cruise the city. Hank found he couldn't argue with Nines. Saying it didn't count would be like saying he didn't see Connor as his son, which simply wasn't true. He also couldn't say one rule for thee, another rule for me. That was the shitty corrupt behaviour he tried to steer clear of.

"I'm not saying the rule are never bent, but you can't go doing this shit in the middle of the bullpen!" Sighing, Hank looked around. Besides Connor and Sixty, who were fully invested in this nonsense, no one else seemed to be looking. Pearson had his back to them, busily finishing up for the night. Ben was halfway through a doughnut, leaning back in his chair with a report in his hand, and the only other people close by were two PC200 androids getting ready to head out on patrol. Flower was currently in his office, and through the glass, Hank could see him watching the big screens while immersed in a phone call. "Whatever this thing is, sort it out! I don't want to know, but if I see another hint of it, I'll report you to HR myself! Now get out of here. Both of you."

"You heard the man. Get out of here!" Sixty smirked as he tossed Gavin his jacket, which he almost dropped in his numbness. He was still lost in a nightmarish day dream as he accepted his keys and phone. With a curt nod, Nines took Gavin's arm and led him towards the rear carpark.

"And don't think you're off the hook!" Nines knew Hank had now turned on Sixty, as well he should. A grim sense of satisfaction bloomed in his chest cavity as Hank's angry voice followed him to the rear exit, where he released Gavin's arm and waited, standing rigid with his hands behind his back. They couldn't just pretend nothing happened, much as knew Gavin wanted to. Gavin shrugged his jacket higher on his shoulders and shoved his hands in his pockets, avoiding Nines' eyes by looking at his feet. Nines wanted to say something, to make Gavin acknowledge him, but it felt like their lives would shatter the moment the silence broke.

No matter what, they couldn't go back. It wasn't just a kiss they'd shared; it was a confession. Weeks and months of longing looks and unsaid words, hesitant smiles and brushing fingers. Gavin wasn't a fool. He knew what the morning coffees and unrequested lunches were. It wasn't just being a good partner; it was a silent confession. A simple I love and care about you with no words attached. Though he didn't know it, Gavin had his own way of confessing. Taking the quieter routes to save Nines from bustling crowds, pressing his fingers against his LED when it started blinking yellow, pointing out new thirium based products, and checking to make sure he was recharging regularly.

"Gavin-"

"Don't!" Gavin's head jerked up and he stepped back, green eyes wide as the silence broke. This was it. The moment of truth. Gavin licked his lips as they trembled, looking around for any way to avoid the situation. Nines' brow creased as he looked at Gavin with soft, silvery eyes.

"Gavin, I-"

"No, stop! Nines, you heard what Hank said, and he's right! We can't do this." Whatever this is...It was pretty clear what it was, but he didn't want to acknowledge it. Acknowledging it would make it even more painful than it already was. Phck, I should have pushed him away! I should have said something! Nines had something of an excuse. He was still a brand new android with less than a year of life experience. Of the two of them, Gavin was supposed to be the more responsible. A quivering breath slipped out as Nines gripped his upper arms, keeping him in place.

"I don't care." Gavin blinked. You don't care? How could he say that? They could be demoted, or worse, if Fowler found out somewhere down the line. Hank could be in trouble for covering for them, too.

"So, what? You want to go to HR? Move to different departments? Work with other people?" Nines' LED span yellow at that. He didn't want to work with other people. It had taken months to find a rhythm with Gavin. It was a precious connection he didn't want to share with anyone else. Gavin felt the same. Before Nines came along, he'd mostly worked alone, taking Chris along for backup when he needed someone to watch his back. Working alone was great, but working with Nines was better. He didn't really realise what he'd been missing until Nines came along.

"No, I just want you." Gavin groaned at the confession and ran a hand over his face. He hated the fact it was his job to be the responsible one. He wanted to follow Nines' lead and throw caution to the wind like he always did. But I'm on the road to promotion, and something like this could ruin my career! I'm supposed to be setting an example! Fowler had told him more than once his only problem was his reckless impulse, and he'd been getting better since Nines came along. A lot better.

"The fraternisation code exists for a reason! What if something happens to me on a case? How can you remain impartial if we're...you know!" Nines raised an eyebrow.

"Do you believe I am impartial now? That putting a label on our relationship changes how I feel about you? That if you were injured, I would not immediately hunt down and despatch those responsible in the slowest and most painful manner possible?" Well, it's not every day a guy confessed he'd murder and torture for you. Christ, what have I gotten myself into? He didn't get himself into anything! This was one hundred percent Sixty's fault, and Connor, that good-for-nothing tin can prick! Nines' lips softened, as if he could see what he was thinking. Phck, what am I supposed to do when he's looking at me like that? Nines must have seen the yielding flicker in his eyes, because a moment later, he pounced.

Their lips connected first. A hum of surprise slipped out as Gavin stumbled backwards, guided by the firm hands that still gripped his arms. His back hit the wall, his hands immediately reaching to grip Nines' shoulders. He wasn't sure if he wanted to pull him closer or push him away, but wasn't that the problem? The knowledge that he wanted to pull him closer when he knew he should push him away. Fowler and Hank would be disappointed in him. He knew better than this. The lips stealing his breath relented, slipping away to trail a path down his neck. Teeth nipped and teased the skin, sending tingles down his spine. It felt right. More right than anything ever had.

"Phck, we're going to get fired!" Nines returned to his lips a moment later, giving him one final press before drawing back.

"I'm aware of the cameras, don't worry." That was the least of his concerns! How the hell were they going to keep this secret? "They can only fire us if we get caught." Gavin huffed in disbelief. He was appealing to his reckless nature, trying to work him up, but people would know. Connor and Sixty would know; Tina would work it out in about ten seconds flat, and he was pretty sure Hank would sus them out, too. There was no way they could keep this out of the workplace. The question is, would anyone turn them in? Everyone turned a blind eye to Hank and Connor. But that's different. They're not blood related, and it's not official on paper. It didn't change how they felt though. If Connor got hurt, Hank would hunt down the perpetrator like any other protective parent. "Come home with me...Please?"

Talking about it in the privacy of Nines' apartment was probably better than arguing in the middle of the DPD parking lot. There was no telling who might walk by and see them. It was also incredibly hard to say no to Nines when he was looking at him like that with his big silvery eyes. He looked so fucking hopeful, and he still hadn't let go. Neither had Gavin. His hands were still resting on Nines' rigid shoulders, fingers gripping the thick cotton of his Cyberlife jacket. Nines lips lifted into a subtle smile, teeth barely biting his lip. He knew Gavin was relenting.

"Fine, but only because I don't want to have this conversation in the middle of the parking lot!" Nines didn't believe him. Gavin wasn't sure he believed himself. Sighing, Gavin started walking towards his car, only a hand on his arm soon stopped him as Nines pulled out an expensive-looking fob. There was the telltale beep of a car unlocking, and Nines nodded towards his car. A white BMW with black upholstery. "Shouldn't I bring my car?" He'd have to drive home afterwards. Nines' lips raised in a smirk as he opened the driver's door and leaned on the frame.

"Why bother?" Gavin's lips thinned at the question. It was like he already knew. That he'd already decided. Nerves fluttered in Gavin's stomach. If he got in that car, he was pretty sure he wouldn't be going home. "Come." Nines ducked inside and shut the door. The car roared to life a moment later. Running a hand through his hair, Gavin followed. He didn't even look at Nines as he shut the door and clicked on his seatbelt. Nines suppressed another smirk as he drove out of the underground lot and into the late night traffic. It was almost ten thirty. On a normal night, traffic would be light, but it was Christmas Eve. Families were driving out of state to visit relatives or getting home from some last-minute shopping.

Gavin was tense and distracted the whole way back. He slumped in his seat with his elbow resting on the door as he chewed the loose skin around his thumbnail. His leg bounced, heel tapping rhythmically so that only Nines could hear. Glancing over, he could tell his heart rate was elevated, his muscles tense with nerves, skin clammy with sweat. It took almost an hour to reach his apartment. Usually it would have taken twenty minutes. Nines parked in the underground garage and led the way to the lifts. They were pretty fancy. The silver and mirrors were shiny and unblemished, and the tiled floor was clean. The singular lift where Gavin lived was a cramped, matte metal box with grubby surfaces and blinking buttons that sometimes didn't work. It rattled and shook all the way up. This lift, one of two, moved with a clean glide that ended with a polite little ping as they reached the sixth floor.

"Phck, this place looks like a hotel!" He had to keep his voice down because the halls echoed so much. The corridor had shiny cream floors and slate walls lined with black doors with shiny silver numbers and electric locks. Humans would probably have a keycard to get inside, but Nines simply rested his hand on the pad and withdrew the skin on his hand. Gavin watched entranced as blue light trickled across his fingers, chasing the flesh like water. "Christ! You must be paying out the ass for this place!" As they stepped inside, the room stretched out into a cosy living room with slate carpets and grey furniture. It looked like a showroom, which probably meant it came fully furnished.

"It is three thousand eight hundred and ninety dollars per month."

"Oh, is that all?" Gavin scoffed. He couldn't believe Nines was paying so much. As they stepped further inside, he saw the kitchen by the balcony. It was pretty spacious, with a long L-shaped counter that overlooked the living room. The other rooms were off to the right, down a small hallway. Gavin could barely afford his little shoebox on his salary, but he had debts and needed more essentials than Nines. Once Nines had paid his electricity bills and water, all he needed was thirium, and he could get that in the DPD breakroom.

"Yes, I thought it was quite reasonable." Considering how close it was to the city centre, it was very reasonable. "Would you like a drink?" A drink? His expression must have given him away as Nines smiled. "Honestly, did you think I would invite you over ill prepared?"

"I just wasn't expecting..." Nines led the way to the kitchen. It was shiny and modern, all black surfaces and silver handles. There was a rolling wine rack built into the counter, which was full. Three bottles of red and two white. Inside the standing fridge was a collection of thirium in multiple flavours and a smaller selection of beer and soft drinks. That some had been opened led Gavin to conclude that he wasn't the only human guest Nines had over. "Just coke." If they were talking, he wanted a clear head. Nines grabbed a can and handed it over before taking a sleek glass bottle for himself.

"Sit down. I'll turn on the fire." Due to how cold it got in Detroit, Nines usually turned the heating on, but it probably wasn't high enough for Gavin to be comfortable. He couldn't feel the cold himself. So long as it was warm enough to stop his systems freezing, it was fine. Connecting to the wireless thermostat, Nines turned up the core temperature and the electric display. Sitting on the sofa, Gavin watched as the neat screen built into the wall came to life with dancing flames that radiated heat. It was pretty fancy. Not something you'd find in his rundown apartment.

"Thanks." Unsure what else to say, Gavin opened his can and sipped his drink to avoid it. Moments later, Nines sat down beside him. Right beside him. Their thighs were touching and within seconds, Nines' arm had looped over his shoulders to rest along the back of the long sofa. Gavin licked his lips, unsure whether it was nerves or anticipation churning his stomach. The can was cold in his hands, but the rest of his body was warm. Fake flames radiated against his front, and the limited heat of Nines' body warmed his arm as he leaned back. "So..."

"So..." It seemed Gavin would have to be the one to broach the subject.