One week later saw Nines pulling up outside the hospital. He refused to acknowledge it as a sanatorium or an asylum, or even a psychiatric hospital. It was a hospital for the sick. Not a place to hide those with various psychological ailments. Leaving Gavin there had been difficult, but after speaking with Dr Marr, it was clearly the best course of action. Gavin, of course, had disagreed. The betrayal in his scathing green eyes had been obvious. It was no surprise that he hadn't gone voluntarily. Elijah had signed him over for his own wellbeing. Having been imprisoned and conditioned for over a year, it was clear he needed professional help.

Unfortunately, Gavin was being less than cooperative. He trusted no one. Nines couldn't blame him for that. He'd been trapped with an android wearing Jack Dawson's face for over a year. An android he'd been intimate with. The android may have even pretended to be his partner. Gavin knew Jack Dawson was dead, but after a few months of torture, it's entirely possible he'd latched onto the android for comfort. That didn't even take the Hickory Killer himself into account. There was no telling how long he'd spent in Gavin's company, or what he'd done. The only one who could answer those questions was Gavin, and so far he'd refused to talk about it.

Being so untrusting of the world around him, it was no surprise that he was refusing medication. Various tests had revealed trace amounts of scopolamine in his system, suggesting he'd been regularly exposed to its effects. That certainly explained some of how they'd managed to persuade him to take part in their sick little games, alongside the very real threats to Kitty's life. To combat the effects and undo the conditioning, he'd been prescribed a range of anti-psychotics. He was also taking vitamins to improve his physical condition from malnutrition.

Although Nines wasn't sure he'd ever know exactly what had occurred, scans of Gavin's body showed extreme mental and physical deterioration. It was likely he'd been starved or refused to eat at some point. His muscles showed signs of wasting that were consistent with long-term malnourishment. He was twitchy, restless, and distrustful. Gavin had always been somewhat cautious and doubtful, but those traits now ruled his perception of the world. He'd even shown signs of distrusting him once they'd left Elijah's house. Whenever he'd reached out, Gavin had flinched, unable to meet his eyes. He'd closed in on himself, falling silent and mostly answering with hums and grunts, once again a cornered animal, small and afraid of the world.

Nines had called Dr Marr on the way to the hospital to discuss his condition. She had kindly suggested that she meet them there to assess his condition as his personal therapist. After meeting Gavin and consulting with the hospital doctors, they'd all agreed that the best course of action was for Gavin to enter a properly equipped facility for rehabilitation. Alone. Nines had been reluctant to allow it. He'd only just found Gavin, and they expected him to let him go that very night, but Dr Marr was right. Gavin was prone to developing a sense of dependency, and that was unhealthy. He needed to recover and become strong on his own, especially if he was to return to work.

Despite his own feelings, Nines knew Dr Marr and the others were right. Making Gavin dependent on him wouldn't be healthy, and time apart was the best remedy for that. Unfortunately, things hadn't gone according to plan. Gavin had refused medication to the point of being wrestled into submission and forced to take them. Such rough treatment had led to further distrust, making him lash out to protect himself against what he presumed to be a physical threat. Since he was physically lashing out, they'd had little choice but to isolate him in a safe environment, making him feel even more vulnerable. Such details had been kept from Nines at first, but with Gavin's physical condition deteriorating, Dr Marr had thought it best to bring him in, hoping that a visit from Nines would put him back on track.

That brought Nines to his current position of walking into the hospital. Dr Marr was already waiting, ready to guide him through to Gavin's cell. They didn't call it a cell, of course, but that's what it was. A small room with padding on every surface, no windows, and a locked door. Besides the padding, there was very little difference between the padded cell and a prison cell, only a prison cell had a toilet and a cot. The padded room was simply that. The reasoning for that was that anything hard could be used by the patient to hurt themselves or others. That was likely true of many, but Nines didn't believe the self-harm part applied to Gavin.

"They've had him in isolation for three days now, but he isn't improving. He's refusing to eat, probably thinking the food is drugged, but the wardens can't make him take his meds on an empty stomach. That would make him even more sick." Nines was familiar with most of the medication and could confirm that taking those pills would damage the stomach lining without food. "For most patients we'd begin force-feeding, but I'm generally against the practice, so I was hoping you might be able to convince him to eat." Nines' LED span red at the news. The human body could only last so long without food, so it made sense they would consider such actions. However, the procedure was both painful and degrading, and Gavin would most certainly take it as another attack and proof that he wasn't safe.

"You should have called me sooner." He tried not to sound too angry, but it was hard. Dr Marr was correct when she said it was unhealthy to allow Gavin to become dependent on him. It made sense that they wouldn't involve him unless they had to.

"I was hoping we'd be able to convince him ourselves, but he's disassociated to a certain degree...He doesn't believe any of this is real. He seems to think it's another test. A trap set by the Hickory Killer to test his loyalty." That certainly made sense. Despite seeing the Hickory Killer's face, it was no surprise he didn't believe it. The Hickory Killer had always been one step ahead. Why couldn't he have planned it all? The thought sent static down Nines' spine. His LED blinked yellow as he reminded himself that the FBI had confirmed the Hickory Killer's identity and tracked his activity as much as possible. The man he'd killed was the Hickory Killer, though they'd found little about the man behind the mask.

"And you believe I will have more luck?" Remembering the way Gavin had pulled away from him before made him somewhat doubtful.

"I do. You were the primary driving force in his recovery before he was taken, and he's always shown you a high level of trust and deference." That was before. Before he'd failed him and left him in the clutches of a serial killer for over a year. It had felt a lot longer to Gavin. He knew that from the haunted look in his eyes when he'd told him, and the disbelief in his tone as he'd almost cried. Surely, Gavin would blame him for his suffering. How could he not? He was the most advanced android in existence, and he'd failed his mission. He'd failed for over a year, leaving him to suffer. A hand on his elbow stopped his train of thought, dropping his LED from red to yellow. "This isn't your fault, Nines. You didn't stop trying, and you still got there before the FBI." That offered little comfort.

"Where is Gavin?" He didn't want to discuss that further. Perhaps time would ease the guilt he felt, but for now, it was too close. Dr Marr wisely dropped the subject. Getting Gavin back on the road to recovery would be best for both of them. When he was well enough, Gavin would tell him the same. It wasn't his fault, and he'd saved him. They continued walking down the hall on the ground floor, passing offices and buzzing through two locked doors on to the first ward. It was surprisingly quiet, despite the hour. It wasn't even lunchtime yet.

"Almost there. We're keeping him on the basement level. It's where all the calming rooms are, to limit the risk of breakouts." That made sense. No windows, no stairs, just a corridor of locked doors and a keycard elevator. Even if a patient broke out of their room, they couldn't get out and hurt anyone else. A scan of the hall when they got there confirmed there were vents rigged to expel nitrous oxide, putting any escapees to sleep. The doors were metal, with only a small spyhole for those outside to see the doorway was clear. Scanning through the surface, Nines already knew Gavin posed very little threat. He was currently curled up in the far corner like a foetus, lying on his side, facing the wall. "I'll let you inside. See if you can get him to eat a little. He hasn't touched his breakfast."

"I'll see..." Anticipation surged in his artificial stomach, filling his chest with an excited rush. He was going to see Gavin again! After a week of being kept out and unable to see him, he could finally touch him. He couldn't help being nervous. What if Gavin simply sent him away? What if he wouldn't listen? He'd been skittish and bitter at their parting, resentful of being forced into confinement. Although he hadn't signed the consent forms, they both knew he would have.

"Call me when you're ready to leave." Leave? He couldn't even fathom it as he stepped out of his shoes and left them against the wall. Nothing hard was allowed in the calming room, and any laces were a choking hazard. As soon as the door was unlocked, Nines stepped inside and shut it behind him. Gavin tensed at the sound. That was unsurprising. The opening door usually signalled the warden's arrival with either food or medication. That meant a physical altercation was sure to follow. With his size, the steps probably sounded large enough to be the warden's, too. A normal person may not hear them with the padded flooring, but he didn't doubt Gavin could. He was a trained and experienced sergeant.

"Gavin." Announcing himself was the best course of action. It would put him at ease before he approached. "I've come to see you." Nines spoke softly, hoping the calmness of his voice would keep him docile. His chest tightened as he watched Gavin curl up even more, tensing and hugging himself like a scared animal. "Gavin...It's me. It's Nines." Crouching slowly, Nines reached out to lay a hand on his quivering shoulder, but before he could touch the white cotton of his hospital pyjamas, he rolled away.

"D-don't you phcking do that! Don't say that!" His voice was dry and hoarse, a sure sign he hadn't spoken for some time. His skin was pale again since he was trapped inside, leaving dark bags under his tired eyes. He wasn't sleeping, ever wary of being taken and forced to play those games again. Nines lowered his hand at Gavin's reaction, backing off a little and kneeling close to his feet as he sat in the corner. Gavin huddled against the wall, pulling his knees against his chest and glaring at Nines over the top. His cheeks were thick with stubble where he hadn't shaved in a few days, and more silver was creeping into his hair with the stress. "Not real-not real-not here-" It was a cracked mantra, muttered under his breath as he buried his face in his knees.

"Gavin, I am here..." Gavin shook his head, not even glancing his way. "I am here. Why wouldn't I be?" Nines blinked as Gavin's head raised enough to glare at him.

"You're not here! You're never here!" That hurt. The red of his LED said it, too. Gavin's lips trembled, eyes glistening as his brow softened in remorse. "Y-you never came! You didn't come!" Tears trickled down his cheeks as he blinked and sniffled, staring at Nines' hand with a mixture of dread and hope. Nines swallowed the lump in his throat as he took in Gavin's misery. "H-he's coming back-going to make me-make-me-" Nines hushed him softly, still not reaching out. He didn't want to spark a reaction.

"Gavin, he's dead. You saw him. The Hickory Killer is gone, and you're safe in hospital." Gavin shook his head, eyes wide with panic. "I'm here, Gavin. I won't let anyone hurt you." Gavin scoffed, shuffling against the wall even though he could go no further.

"That's what you always say, but you're never phcking there!" So, he had thought about him.

"I am here, Gavin...see?" Nine held his hand up, following Gavin's eyes as he stared unblinking. His lips trembled more as the hand reached out, getting closer to his folded arms. Nines paused above his sleeve, hushing him softly as he finally lowered his hand to touch the material. "I'm here...It's me...I've got you..." Gavin sniffled quietly as the pressure increased until Nines' hand loosely gripped his arm. It felt real. Sobbing into his knees, Gavin slowly moved his free hand to grip touch the one on his arm. It still felt real. Soft, smooth skin, and strong fingers with perfect nails.

"Why did it take you so long?" The question broke Nines' heart. Whispered apologies spilled from his lips as he pulled him against his chest and buried his fingers in his hair. Gavin gripped his shirt tightly, almost hiding himself inside his Cyberlife jacket. Nines felt saline prick his eyes as Gavin trembled and sobbed in his arms. The grip on his shirt was weak, showing how little strength he had left. He was wasting away, small and frail in his arms. "I waited! I phcking waited!" Waited and suffered. Nines held tighter, barely measuring his strength to ensure he didn't crush him. Gavin didn't complain. He cried harder.

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry it took so long..." There was really nothing else he could say, no apology he could give. They stayed that way for a while until Gavin was cried out, choking with the dryness of his throat. Nines held him long after, listening to his breaths calm and feeling his body relax. "You haven't been taking care of yourself." Gavin flinched at the reminder. It felt like he was being told off. "You're here to get better, remember?"

"N-not real! H-he's going to come back, h-he'll make me-" Nines hushed him again, holding him close and stroking his hair.

"He's dead, Gavin. You really are in a hospital, and you will get better." The huff against his chest told him he didn't believe it. "I'm with you, Gavin."

"You'll be gone tomorrow...You never stay." His dreams must have been cruel in their time apart. Nines kissed the top of his head, fingering the silver strands he found with a sense of bitterness. He'd missed that time with Gavin. Missed seeing the silver creeping in and hearing him complain about it. Missed the new wrinkles setting in around his eyes and across his brow.

"If I stay, will you eat?" There was a long pause as Gavin thought it over, so long that Nines thought he might refuse. Eventually, he nodded and dried his eyes, sitting against the wall as Nines crossed to the door and grabbed the tray that had been left a few hours ago. The porridge was cold, but still edible. There was also a small bottle of water, which wouldn't do much for the dehydration, but it was better than nothing. Luckily, he could produce water to refill the bottle orally if required. Settling on his knees, Nines picked up the thick paper bowl and rubber spoon. They couldn't give metal utensils in these rooms, and even plastic could be snapped. Rubber was a safe alternative. "Open." It went without saying that Nines would feed him. Gavin didn't even think to argue as he leaned against the wall and opened his mouth. "Good, Gavin..." Happy prickles ran across his arms at the praise as his lips closed around the spoon.

Nines smiled warmly as he watched Gavin's vitals flutter. He was finally starting to relax, green eyes fluttering with each small bite and kind word. Nines was generous with praise, verbal and physical. He stroked his hair and rubbed his stubble, ran his thumb across his lips, uncapped the bottle and helped him drink, and even kissed his temple. By the time he finished, Gavin was leaning heavily on the wall and nuzzling into his fingers, greedy for affection. Once the bowl was empty, Nines indulged him. He removed his jacket and wrapped it around Gavin's shoulders, letting him shuffle closer and snuggle against his chest.

"Are you tired?" Gavin shook his head. An obvious lie. "Why are you forcing yourself to stay awake?"

"Because you'll be gone when I wake up." Nines LED span yellow at that. He was supposed to leave so that Gavin could rest, however he couldn't promise to stay and then disappear. It would be a lie. A damaging lie. Nines stretched out on his side, leaving the space against the wall open for Gavin. It was a safe space. With Nines' body between him and the door, he knew he was safe. Protected.

"I'm not going anywhere. I promise." If the wardens had a problem with that, he'd fight them off himself. Not even Connor and Colin could make him move. Gavin eyed the space distrustfully. It was a nice spot. His head would be tucked safely in the corner of the room, his back snug along the wall so he could nuzzle against Nines' chest. "I'll still be here when you wake up." Nines' silvery eyes remained steady as he met Gavin's searching gaze. He meant it. Gavin moved slowly and stretched out facing Nines, his eyes straying to the hidden door, distrustful of the world beyond. If this was another trick, it was a good one.

The arms that closed around him felt like Nines' and the stiff cotton of his jacket felt the same. Strong and durable, made for all weather and activities. The scent of thirium and his own bathing products reached his nose. It wasn't an unfamiliar scent these days, but the arms around him felt right. The chest he nuzzled into felt right. A cool hand finally closed over the back of his neck and everything felt right. It was Nines. He was with Nines. He let out a breath he didn't realise he was holding and finally relaxed, closing his eyes to the gentle thrum of Nines' power core.