They headed down and discussed their next steps. As expected, the first order of business was to take DNA samples from their three suspects to confirm their identities. A human technician took the swabs, which were then handed off to Nines and Connor to sample orally. Connor's LED span red briefly as he analysed the saliva, quickly able to match it to the DNA from the semen samples he'd ingested during the investigation. He was quietly relieved that wouldn't be required a third time. Nines confirmed his findings. They definitely had the right men in custody, and they were guilty of all three crimes.

"You should just make it easy on yourself and confess," Reed encouraged casually as he sat across from one of the men. Bradley Jones. He was just a little older than Hank, but looked so much worse. . He was the sort of guy you'd look at and think...Yeah, this guy's a pedo. He just had the look of someone who's not quite right. Someone dangerous, with a sneer that sent shivers down Reed's spine. The ones who touched kids were always the worst to deal with.

"Confess to what? They're androids...It's not the real thing." Jones' indignation was palpable as he spoke in a voice much higher than had Reed expected. It was soft and gentle, a contrast to his rough looks. That just creeped him out even more. He hoped Hank was having better luck in the other room and felt comforted by the fact that Nines was just behind the glass. He clenched his teeth, trying not to let the disgust show on his face. This wasn't a conversation he wanted to be a part of.

"You can think whatever you like, but the law disagrees. You can either confess now and make it easy for yourself or not. We have the evidence either way." The man's head was quite round, and he didn't have much of a neck. It was surprising he had the energy to do much of anything, let alone rape a kid. Jones seemed to read some of Reed's discomfort and leaned forward, watching as he moved back in response. Reed pushed the paper and pen across expectantly. His whole body seized up as the man reached down with an inhumanly soft hand and took his wrist in a clammy grasp.

"It's really not the same, Detective...Androids are so much firmer...They're not as soft and warm, and when they bleed that sticky, oily stuff...it'll stain your skin for a week." Reed almost choked on a breath as Jones' gentle thumb circled his wrist almost affectionately. He swallowed hard, eyes darting to the large hand holding him and then to the man now leaning across the table. What the fuck did this guy want from him? Did he expect him to agree? That just because he didn't enjoy raping an android kid, it didn't count? "They break just as easily though...They got that right at least...And the screams! The screams are just divine." His dreamy musings cut off with a chuckle as Reed ripped his hand free and stumbled away from the table. The fuck had he just listened to?

"Detective Reed. Allow me to take over," Nines' voice interrupted calmly from the now open doorway. Reed felt numb as he nodded before leaving the cramped room. As he entered the bathroom, he held his breath and gripped one of the small sinks. I don't feel so good. He closed his eyes and took a breath, unsurprised as he gagged. Hard. Today was not his day. A nightmare of a press release, dealing with that monster, and now this. It was almost unfortunate that Nines was making sure he ate these days. It meant he actually had something in his stomach to throw up. He cursed quietly as he ran the tap and rinsed his mouth. At least drinking had taught him one thing; how to throw up without spraying and huffing vomit through his nose. He cleaned up, but wasn't ready to leave the safety of the sink just yet. It never usually hit him this badly.

He could handle a lot. He had handled a lot. Bodies sliced up. Guts strewn across walls. Corpses left for months. Bloated bodies pulled from rivers with the skin falling off. He'd seen and handled it all, and only in his earlier years had he actually puked his guts out like this. There was just something about this type of guy that got to him. Those eyes. That voice. The lack of anything approaching remorse. It was all wrong. Kids were supposed to be protected. It was unnatural to even think about that sort of thing. Reed just couldn't deal with it. It was one of the reasons he'd always stuck to narcotics and homicides. Dealing with kids was hard. He shivered as he closed his eyes, trying to ignore how that soft, clammy touch lingered on his skin.

"You alright?" A firm hand landed on his shoulder. Reed flinched at the unexpected arrival, green eyes snapping open to see Hank regarding him through the mirror. He looked concerned. Reed was pale. He nodded, but he couldn't help feeling dirty as he washed his hands again, lathering high on his forearms to be sure he got it all. Hank didn't leave, folding his arms and watching as he scrubbed his skin raw and rinsed it off. He rubbed hard over the area with paper towels before returning to his place at the sink. He sighed tiredly. At least he didn't feel sick anymore. "It's always tough dealing with these pricks," Hank gruffed in solidarity.

"You can say that again, phck!" His stomach sort of ached now that it was empty. There was an annoying burn at the back of his throat with that irritating acidic taste that wouldn't go away until he ate or drank something. He wasn't sure he trusted himself to eat anything just yet. His eyes almost stung as he closed them and lowered his head. "I'm not good at handling sickos like that...Give me an addict and I know how to put them down, but those guys? The things they say? The things they do?" He trailed off with a visible shudder, quietly hoping that Nines had handled the rest of it without him.

"You did good work today, Reed. The conference and this case...Get yourself out of here for a bit. Take Nines and get some lunch. Forget all this shit for an hour," Hank advised sympathetically, leaving the tiled room as Reed nodded his thankful agreement. Getting some air would probably help. At the very least, he could grab a good coffee from a café down the street. He huffed in amusement at the thought of what Nines would say. Since he'd lost his breakfast, he'd probably insist on him eating a full meal. He was still thinking, bent over the sink with his eyes closed, when Nines found him.

"Are you quite well, Detective?" There was just a hint of anxiousness nestled beneath his usual formal drone. Reed could almost feel those silvery eyes scanning his vitals. Nines' brow pinched slightly at the results. Reed didn't know what they showed, but it probably wasn't anything good. He was actually feeling a little shaky now that the nausea had worn off. "Shall we go outside?" Nines suggested gently, somehow sensing that he wasn't in the talking mood. Reed nodded and pushed himself up, letting Nines lead the way out.

The day was warm and breezy as they headed down the front steps. He'd shrugged out of his smart jacket earlier and hadn't bothered to pull on his leather one, which proved a good decision as he doubled over and almost fell at the bottom of the steps. The world turned slightly, dizziness making him stumble. Nines' firm hands were on him instantly, steadying his smaller form with ease. Reed took a breath before straightening up and shaking it off. It was probably a combination of the panic attack that morning and hurling his guts up a few minutes ago that had left him feeling quite feeble. It was almost like he was out of energy. Weak and dizzy.

"I think I'm fine...just need to sit for a bit." Nines' hand didn't leave him for an instant, despite the weak insistence. The open air was better than being inside the stuffy precinct. It ruffled his hair and caressed his heated skin. He breathed deeply. He wasn't about to admit it, but he was glad he had Nines to lean on as they took a few steps to the short wall surrounding the car park.

"Says the human who's shaking like a leaf." Despite the teasing words, he didn't sound amused. Reed was slightly dehydrated, as well as hungry. On top of that, he'd been in two relatively high-stress situations, one after another, within the same hour. Added to that were the withdrawals he was suffering from the lowered caffeine and nicotine intake. Reed huffed, unable to say anything to refute that. He could feel his limbs trembling and folded his arms tightly to get rid of it. "I can help you walk." Nines knew even before the indignant scoff that he wouldn't go for it.

"I'm fine!" Reed insisted as he shook it off and got to his feet. Nines stayed close as they slowly headed down the street, ready to offer physical aid should he require it. There were a few eateries and cafes close by, so he didn't need to walk for long. As soon as they reached a small place with outside seating, Nines stopped to scan the menu. It had a good stock of healthy sandwiches, soups, and salads, as well as fresh juices. It was more than acceptable, and Reed seemed inclined to agree as he allowed him to pick a small table under the red canopy. "Hey look, thirium options," he added as he flipped the menu towards him.

"I hadn't noticed." Nines blinked in surprise as he accepted the small booklet and skimmed the list. His primary objective had been selecting a suitable venue for Reed, where he could get healthy food and sit out in the relatively fresh air. He hadn't considered himself since he was fully functional without topping up his thirium reserves at the current time. However, there was something to be said for replenishing his supply. He had plenty in reserve, but if he topped up now, he likely wouldn't need more over the next few days.

"Joining me for lunch?" Reed asked as he watched him scan the list thoughtfully. The thirium options were limited to liquid form only for now. There were plans in the works for proper food options, but right now, it was easier to keep it in liquid form. He was impressed by what he'd seen so far. It had been whipped up into milkshake consistency, heated like a latte, and they'd even put different flavourings in it. Androids didn't taste in quite the same way as humans, but they could enjoy different textures and sensations with their internal sensors.

"It would be unwise to leave you unsupervised," Nines retorted as he passed the menu back and waited for Reed to look through it. He seemed to have trouble choosing, green eyes darting to him more than once. "I could surprise you." Nines took the menu as he nodded his agreement. He didn't feel very hungry, so he was finding it hard to settle on anything. Nines scanned the list and balanced the nutritional value of each item, selecting a vegetable soup with a toasted cheese sandwich, a mixed fruit juice, and a bottle of still water. He headed inside to make the order and returned with the bottled water a few minutes later.

"Thanks," Reed murmured as Nines handed him the bottle. He was way thirstier than he'd thought and went through it within ten minutes. By the time the food arrived, he was actually hungry and ended up eating everything. He felt much better afterwards, both physically and emotionally. By the time he was sitting back at his desk, he actually felt human again. "Hey, Nines. Get me a coffee," he ordered with an undertone of sass, watching Nines' brow tick at the order, but he still went and did it. Reed felt a little disappointed as he came back, idly fingering the cup without knowing why it suddenly pissed him off so much.

"You don't want it?" Nines asked in an almost annoyed tone. He'd interrupted his work and told him to go all the way to the break room to get it, so his sudden dissatisfaction was puzzling. Reed nodded vaguely, almost hesitant as he toyed with the curved handle. He seemed to be thinking deeply as he contemplated the hot ceramic.

"Why did you just get it?" Nines almost looked offended at the query.

"You ordered me to." He couldn't argue with that, but he still didn't understand why. When he'd given the order, he'd expected a retort or banter, even if he had eventually ended up going to get it. That he'd silently stood and walked to the break room had left an almost resentful feeling hanging between them.

"If I ordered you to jump off a bridge, would you do it?" Reed was only half joking, and was partly disturbed by what the answer may be. Nines seemed taken aback by the question and actually seriously considered it within his programming. Reed was his superior and registered handler, but that didn't mean there weren't certain exceptions he could make.

"It would depend on the purpose and the probability of injury. I have the limited ability to override an order that would endanger my safety without cause, but if it was to protect a human life, I would have no choice but to obey." Reed's expression turned almost sour at the notion. "I can also turn down simple orders if it is not in your best interests, such as if you ordered me to acquire red ice for personal consumption or to bring you a gun when you were suffering a suicidal episode." That made sense from a manufacturing point of view. Cyberlife had designed androids to make life better, so it stood to reason they'd have a nanny-bot protocol installed.

"So I guess the day you refuse to bring me coffee will be the day I'll know you've deviated." Nines couldn't argue with that. There was no way he'd be Reed's personal maid unless he had to, though perhaps that was unfair. Aside from the coffee runs, which were only occasional, Reed hadn't treated him too badly. At the apartment, he allowed him to clean up, but he never ordered him to. In fact, he'd often made comments about how it wasn't necessary or even wanted. Nines wasn't his personal maid, and he didn't aim to treat him like one.

"More than likely." A comfortable silence fell between them as they each focused on their own work. Nines was handling the loose ends of their child murder case while Reed was looking through a few fresh cases that had been dropped on his desk. A couple of the cases were beginning to go cold. A new perspective never hurt, so occasionally they ended up in his pile. The same happened with Connor and Hank. He looked through them, forming a few leads he could follow. Maybe he could have Nines look over the physical evidence again. "Detective, if you don't mind, I'm going to run a charging cycle for the next two hours," Nines announced a few hours later.

"Hm? A what? Oh. Sure, Terminator, go ahead." Reed waved distractedly as he glanced across at him and dipped back into his current case. A female android. ST300 secretary model. The body had been pulled out of the river a couple months back. Water was always tough. It washed the evidence off of human bodies, so androids were even worse. No evidence means we'll have to look into motive. There were a hell of a lot of motives these days. It didn't even need to be personal with androids. Being an android was still reason enough for many people.

"Thanks, Rump Steak. Try not to cheat on your caffeine intake while I'm gone," Nines teased as he got to his feet and tidied his almost bare desk. Reed smirked slightly, raising his now cold and half-drunk coffee in response. He looked at his screen a little longer before his gaze drifted across the bullpen to Nines' static form. He'd slipped into one of the charging alcoves and now stood rigid, blue eyes staring blankly across the room. It was like he was looking straight through him, the life and personality all drained out. So this is what he does when he's here without me...It was pretty fucking pathetic. Why had Connor allowed that? He said Nines was his brother, but he left him alone in the precinct all night?

"Hey, Tin Can!" Connor's head turned in response. There was only one android he ever called Tin Can like that. "Has there been any progress on non-deviant android housing yet?" Reed asked curiously as he cradled the cold mug. Connor rolled his chair across to the edge of his desk with a single push. There was no need to shout across the open space for all to hear. He was sure Nines wouldn't want that sort of scrutiny. He also wouldn't want any pity.

"I'm afraid not...Although Markus has tried, it just isn't viable because non-deviant androids are still considered property...I've asked Nines to come home more than once, but he says it's more convenient here. The precinct has charging ports set up and keeps a stock of thirium on-hand for android staff, so he is fully catered for. He also gets insurance and a modest income for upkeep and maintenance as part of his service package." Reed couldn't help being surprised. He'd thought android rights might have moved a little further concerning non-deviated androids. But I guess they had to give in somewhere, otherwise negotiations would be impossible. Of all androids, non-deviants were the least affected since they lacked self-awareness, so their lack of rights was usually unobtrusive. Reed was somewhat sympathetic to Markus' plight. He didn't envy the deviant leader one bit. He had the weight of his whole species resting on his shoulders. It was sad that androids like Nines had been left behind, though. Does it bother him? Not having a place to call home?

"Does living here bother him? I mean, he works here for Christ's sake!" Reed exclaimed as he looked across at Nines' oblivious form. Connor joined him in admiring his brother, considering the question carefully.

"I am uncertain...He hasn't expressed any discomfort, nor have I sensed anything during our interfaces. I believe he is...content." In other words, he's sucking it up like a good little robot. Reed didn't really see that as a plus. Maybe...he can't feel discontent? He hasn't deviated, so does he feel anything at all? Connor used to be the same, simulating feelings without actually feeling them. "As an RK900, Nines was built to survive in many types of inhospitable terrain. The DPD is likely quite charming compared to what he was programmed to expect," Connor added in an almost comforting tone.

"But he doesn't have any living space here! Where does he keep his stuff? I've never seen him in the locker room." Connor tilted his head slightly as if confused.

"Nines doesn't own any possessions that I know of. He has his Cyberlife issue uniform and Cyberlife Tower is keeping a few spare parts in storage, but that's all." Reed found that hard to believe. After a while, though, he realised Connor was right. He'd never seen Nines changing clothes or buying anything besides food and drink for him. The thought left an almost sour taste in his mouth. Nines didn't have a single thing besides the clothes on his back. "Detective?" Connor called in confusion as Reed grabbed his jacket and headed for the exit. He turned to walk backwards at Connor's almost curious call, something navigating the desks along the way.

"I'll be back in a sec," he assured, though it would likely take more than a second. The puppy eyed bastard had him feeling sorry for Nines, and he wasn't about to put up with that. There was a supermarket a few doors down. It was only a small one, but it always had a few odds and ends. He scanned the shelves, grabbing a couple bottles of some new citrus thirium drink designed to leave a fresh feeling in the throat. Browsing the aisles, he looked through the magazines and books, settling on a newly published crime novel. He grabbed an attractive pen, a sleek black metal one with a golden clip. It was heavy and long lasting, with a replaceable ink chamber.

He was about to head to the checkout when it saw it. On an almost empty bargain shelf was a small, lonely looking potted cactus. Reed paused to examine the bright pink pot. The small oval plant inside looked sickly, the colour fading from green to an almost yellow shade. The spikes looked a little dry and brittle, too. It had clearly been left there, unwanted and uncared for, for some time. He felt a little sorry for it as he picked it up and turned it this way and that. Seeing it alone on the shelf had made him think of Nines standing alone in his charging alcove. It was a cactus. Hardy. Low maintenance. Easy to care for. He was pretty sure the plant could be revived with a little care, and it would last a long time.

Having secured his spoils, he headed back to the precinct, ignoring Connor's curious gaze as he pulled out the items and scattered them across Nines' desk. He set the crime novel below the almost empty notice board and stood the two bottles of thirium in the corner by the terminal monitor. The small cactus was placed to the right of the monitor where other people would see it, giving life to the space. The desk looked a little more lived in now. A little more personalised. Reed finally left the pen in front of the keyboard where Nines would see it right away and took his seat with an almost triumphant air. It looked a little more homely. The cheerful pink pot of the cactus was perhaps a bit much, but it was a tiny intrusion to the usual order, barely bigger than the average mug.

"What's this?" Nines' voice interrupted a while later, his tone laced with curiosity and surprise. Reed wasn't sure how much time had passed, having been buried in his files again. He looked up with a raised eyebrow as Nines stood hesitantly behind his chair, blue eyes taking in the small items that had been added to his space. His LED was circling yellow as he examined them, uncertain as he reached for the pen. It was heavy for a pen, and he liked the way it felt between his fingers. He fiddled with it a little, getting a feel for the weight and balance before twirling it between his fingers in much the same way Connor twirled his coins. Is he...calibrating? Reed had never seen him do that before.

"It's a pen, dipshit, what does it look like?" he teased lightly as Nines continued to twirl the pen, tossing it up and catching the nib on one finger to balance it before spinning it again. He paused at Reed's quip and raised an eyebrow. Reed dropped his gaze submissively at the look, a strange jolt running through his body at the unfamiliar expression. That's one hell of a look.

"I do not require such things..." Nines' stern look dropped to something softer that suggested he was unsure what to say as he eyed the sleek pen. Huh, didn't expect him to be shocked speechless. It's just a few odds and ends...

"Everyone needs a good pen," Reed declared in a gentle tone, which seemed to please Nines somewhat. He slipped the pen into his inside pocket alongside Reed's cigarettes before continuing his exploration. After examining the bottles, he picked up the book. He could probably download it within seconds, but Reed thought the gesture would please him on some level. The cactus was the last thing that caught his eye.

"Does everyone need a potted plant, too?" Nines asked teasingly as he lifted the small plant and scanned it. It had clearly been in the neglected pot for a while. It was getting dehydrated, even for a desert plant. Reed watched as he eyed the plant closely, just knowing he was scanning it. He was gentle, almost careful, as he replaced the small pot on his desk, treating it delicately as if he thought it might break.

"Nah, it just looked lonely sitting on the shelf...Sort of reminded me of someone," Reed replied meaningfully as he gazed up at him. Nines' lips quirked as he returned the level stare.

"A lonely being with a prickly disposition and in severe need of hydration...Yes, I believe it reminds me of someone as well." Reed snickered. It made sense that Nines would see it like that, but he was telling the truth, too. Seeing the sad little plant left alone on the shelf had reminded him of Nines plugged into the wall. Alone and forgotten in a sea of chaos and movement. Nines hurried to the break room and returned with a small paper cup of water. Reed watched as he tipped the cup slowly, measuring out the optimum moisture needed to properly revive the small plant. "Thank you, Detective," Nines said finally as he sat down and fingered the small pink pot. He stared at it as if he expected it to grow right in front of him.

"It's just a few odds and ends...Makes the desk look used," Reed excused as he shut down his terminal and got to his feet. He paused as Nines made no move to follow him. Right...With the case over, he doesn't need to drive me home anymore...He yawned, watching Nines' silvery eyes flick to him momentarily. They were both hesitant. "Well...we have the day off tomorrow, so I guess..." Reed wasn't sure how to end that sentence. What are you going to do while I'm gone?

"Understood, Detective. I'll see you in two days," Nines agreed in an almost formal tone before reaching down to turn on his terminal. Reed stood for a few awkward moments, watching Nines interface with his terminal. He found it easier than typing. Reed shrugged his jacket a little higher, pushing off his hesitation. Nines would be fine. He was built like a terminator. No one was going to mess with him, and if they did, they'd have Fowler and Hank to deal with. He'll be fine. It was only two days. One really, when you thought about it.

"You want to meet up tomorrow?" Reed swallowed hard as Nines' head snapped up to look at him in surprise. He suddenly felt like he'd put himself on the spot, bundling his hands in his pockets and wishing he'd pulled his hood up. "I mean, you probably haven't looked around town much, so..." He shrugged, already preparing himself to be turned down. It was no big deal. They worked together. He probably wanted to spend his day off recharging or going out with Connor.

"I would appreciate that. You could assist me in building an internal map of the city." He wasn't sure what that meant exactly, but he guessed it was Nines' way of saying he could show him the best places to shop and things to see. "What time and location would you like to meet?" Nines added expectantly as he turned his chair and looked up at him.

"How about we meet here at one? I always sleep in on my days off." With their plans set, they parted ways. Nines remained at his desk while Reed drove home alone. His apartment almost felt wrong when he stepped inside. Even Pipsqueak seemed to notice. He was running in circles at his feet, green eyes darting around almost expectantly. "No, not tonight, Pips...Come on, let's get some sleep," he added in an apologetic tone as he headed into the kitchen and left some thirium in a bowl for him. As soon as that was done, he walked into his room and flopped down on the bed. There was a dullness in his chest and stomach at the silence hanging over the apartment.

During the past few weeks, he'd gotten used to hearing Nines' gentle crooning tone as he spoke to Pipsqueak, and the sound of tinkering as he bustled around in the kitchen or cleaned the apartment. All he heard now was silence pressing in from all sides and the occasional scuffle as Pipsqueak padded around the living room. It was like he was waiting for Nines to come home. He didn't join him in his room all night. It was pretty lonely. Reed wondered if Nines felt lonely, too. He's an android. He probably doesn't feel anything.