"Phck! Aaron! You phcking-" Gavin cut off with a grunt as his arms slammed into the wall to catch himself as Aaron shoved him forward. He was breathing heavily, legs quivering and barely able to hold his weight as Aaron pounded into him from behind. He moaned helplessly as strong hips rocked forward mercilessly. An arm rested across the back of his shoulders, keeping his chest pressed flat against the white surface. "Aaron!" Gavin cried urgently, hearing a deep chuckle rumble in his ear as a strong hand gripped his hip.

"Ask me nicely, Gavin," Aaron purred with heated breath, letting Gavin push himself back from the wall. He liked this position. Both of them were standing, Aaron holding their combined bodyweight easily as Gavin leaned back against his firm body. Aaron was taller than him, the perfect height to rock his hips up. He shifted one arm across Gavin's chest, his hand gripping Gavin's throat in a loose hold. Gavin reached back to hold his hips tightly, head tilted back against his shoulder. He almost tugged as Aaron rocked, accepting each firm thrust with a breathy groan.

"P-please! Phck-please!" Gavin moaned breathlessly, his body jerking with each snap of Aaron's strong hips. He could feel his length dripping already as he held back. He hissed as Aaron rolled his hips again, grinding almost mockingly into his prostate. If it hadn't been for the tight rubber ring around his shaft he would have come then and there. His knees buckled, Aaron chuckling in his ear as he secured his hold. "Jesus! Phck, let-me-come! Please!" Gavin begged, whimpering as a firm hand reached down to stroke his throbbing length. It was on the edge of painful as he strained to hold back.

"You're such a good boy, Gavin...Tell me, what are you?" Aaron moaned, barely holding on himself. He'd had to lower his sensitivity to continue for this long. He'd been edging Gavin for a good two hours now. On the bed, in the shower, against the wall. He'd built him up over and over and denied him the release each time. Gavin was almost exhausted at this point. He cringed as he tightened his jaw. He hated it when Aaron did this, when he made him say it. Usually he'd tell him to go fuck himself, but after two hours without release, along with a good dose of tears and begging, he couldn't take it anymore.

"I'm a robophile!" Gavin grumbled shamefully, choking as Aaron gripped his throat tighter in reward and tilted his head back. His skin was slick with sweat, a result of the almost constant edging. It wasn't really Gavin's thing, but he allowed it on occasion because he knew Aaron was into it. He did have a limit, but Aaron was good at reading him. He wasn't quite there yet, despite all his desperate pleas.

"Louder!" Aaron ordered hungrily, Gavin shuddering as he felt the length in his passage swell against his walls. He gasped in a breath as Aaron loosened the hold on his throat so he could speak. Aaron was the only thing holding him up at this point, his legs boneless from the earlier edging. Aaron paused to grind against him in encouragement, synthetic breath hot on his flushed skin.

"I'm a robophile! I-love-your-android-cock! Phck! Please!" Gavin cried imploringly, feeling a genuine sob rising in his throat. The growl in his ear was feral. He yelped as he was somehow flipped, finding his back against the smooth wall and his legs around Aaron's slim waist. His head almost smacked the hard surface as he threw it back, green eyes wide as Aaron breached him at this new angle. Aaron's lips were on his throat in an instant, biting angry red marks that would last for days.

"Inside or outside?" Aaron choked through a moan.

"Inside! Shit, fill-me-up!" Gavin sobbed, burying his face in Aaron's shoulder to hide it as he sniffled. Aaron nuzzled Gavin's head into the right position to allow him to claim his lips hungrily. Gavin whimpered helplessly through hot tears as he felt the tight ring leave his length. He shuddered and whined uncontrollably as he came, clinging to Aaron weakly as he fucked him through it and finally stiffened. Gavin shivered at the warm trickling sensation of Aaron's artificial seed trailing out of his abused entrance.

"You've done so well..." Aaron praised softly, not a sign of breathlessness in his tone as he drew back. Gavin hated that. He could at least pretend to be winded. Aaron huffed out a fond sigh as if reading his mind. "And good boys get pampered," he decided as he finally pulled out and hefted Gavin higher. Gavin was too weak to react as he was carried through to the bathroom and placed in the tub. He was drifting as Aaron turned on the water and started to fill the bath, adding some sort of bubbly gel. It smelled nice. It felt nice.

Aaron continued to murmur praise and stroke Gavin's hair and skin as the bath filled. It was so soothing that Gavin actually passed out for a while. Aaron didn't wait for permission. He gently cleaned Gavin's tired body, coaxing him into wakefulness as he washed his hair. He let Gavin relax in the tub for a while, knowing he liked to soak in the water. He guessed Gavin didn't have a proper bath wherever he lived because he always relished the baths he had while visiting. Aaron was gentle as he rinsed Gavin's hair and stroked his cheek with a cloth.

"Will you stay tonight?" Aaron asked softly, getting a tired hum in response. That could mean either. When in this state there was a seventy three percent chance that Gavin would stay over. Aaron cooed softly for a while longer before hefting Gavin out of the tub and wrapping him in a soft towel. He was barely awake, but he did manage to stand as Aaron dried him. He stumbled through to the large bed, where Aaron settled him against the pillows before going to fix him some recovery snacks.

"Gavin, you know the rules. Drink," Aaron chided playfully as he returned to find Gavin's head lolling forwards. He woke up, just barely, allowing Aaron to help tilt the large glass. He felt a little better after some of the water, accepting the dry biscuits and sliced apple that Aaron began feeding him. He hadn't had dinner before their session started. They'd both been too wound up. It was Aaron's fucking fault. Turning up decked out in a full tailored suit. What the phck was he even doing today to be dressed up like that? "I should wear a fitted waistcoat more often," Aaron mused as he kissed Gavin's forehead.

"Phck off, asshole," Gavin grunted out with a certain amount of affection as he accepted the gentle kisses. Aaron liked him like this. He was docile when sated. Soft. Pliant. He was more open to touches and cuddles in a way he wasn't earlier on in the evening. "What was it for anyway?" Gavin asked as he took the glass by himself and continued to drink. He wouldn't be allowed to sleep or go anywhere until he'd drunk at least two glasses and rested a while.

"I had a contract signing with the publisher today...It's official. My book is being printed for release within the next three months," Aaron reported with a certain amount of pride, which explained why he'd been so eager when Gavin had all but jumped him as soon as the door had closed. It was good news. Gavin knew Aaron had been excited about this for the past week or so.

"Shit, that's great! You'll have to let me know when it's out so I can get a copy," he added as he finished the water. He paused as Aaron crowded into his space, leaning in to tease and chase his lips. It was like a small game of cat and mouse, Gavin pulling away just enough to tease. He smirked before finally letting Aaron press chaste kisses to his lips. Lazy kisses. Ones that lingered warmly.

"I'll give you one. I'll get a few copies of the earlier printings as part of my contract. I can even sign it for you," Aaron purred, and Gavin let him have his moment. It was a big thing. Bigger than anything he'd ever done. Sure, he cleaned up the streets a little, but in a few years or so no one would remember him. His name might crop up in a few old news articles or something, but it wouldn't stand out. Shit, Aaron will probably still be around at that point...He wondered if Aaron would remember him. He'd live a long time after all. Maybe one day these memories, these moments, would be deemed less important. They'd be removed and stored on a private hard drive to be looked at on occasion or deleted altogether. Phck, that's depressing. "You were an important part of its conception after all."

"I just answered a few questions," Gavin replied dismissively, though the look Aaron gave him suggested he'd done far more than that. Aaron had just returned with a second full glass when Gavin's phone rang loudly. Gavin frowned. It was rare for anyone to call him, especially this late at night. Seeming to understand his thoughts, Aaron handed him the device with a concerned frown and watched him answer. "Nines?" Gavin greeted almost warily once he'd checked the number.

"Detective Reed, sorry to disturb you. We've had a callout," Nines' voice reported somewhat stiffly, likely able to guess what Reed had been doing. He'd probably called his apartment first just in case. Reed cursed under his breath as he took the glass from Aaron and started chugging. Rules were rules. Aaron wouldn't let him leave without rehydrating. "If you'll allow me to drive your car I can pick you up in fifteen minutes," Nines continued formally, likely already on the move.

"Sure. Thanks, Nines," Reed replied quickly, not stopping to ask how he intended to start his car without the keys. It was electronic. He could probably hack it. Aaron gave him a helpless little shrug as he set about helping him gather his clothing. Reed was drained, physically and mentally. If Aaron had known he was on callout duty he never would have pushed him so hard. It was a shame he wouldn't be there for the evening. Cuddling with Gavin after a session was becoming one of his preferred pastimes.

"Be safe, Detective. I want that fine ass intact for tomorrow," Aaron purred as Gavin shrugged stiffly into his jacket. Gavin felt his neck prickle at the insinuation, unable to stop a smirk as Aaron leaned low over his shoulder. Gentle lips and teeth kissed and nibbled his neck over the collar of his jacket. It was almost ticklish. Gavin hummed questioningly, chuckling lightly as Aaron rocked his hips against his rump meaningfully.

"You're phcking insatiable!" he huffed as he headed for the door, pausing as he opened it and looked over his shoulder. Aaron was lounging on the frame, leaning down with deep hooded eyes that were filled with lustful promises. "See you tomorrow," Gavin agreed as Aaron bit his lip seductively. Gavin accepted a chaste farewell kiss before hurrying down the hall to the elevator. Aaron remained in the doorway until he was inside, something he'd taken to doing over the past few weeks. He wouldn't leave until after the metal doors had slid shut, and then he'd appear in his window to wave him off.

"The victim is an AP500 model, possibly a gang related crime. He was found tucked between two dumpsters in a well-known dealing spot," Nines reported in a neutral tone as Reed climbed into the car. Silvery blue eyes stared at Reed intently for a few moments. He could feel his skin heating under the scrutiny. He knew what that look meant. Nines had scanned him. He coughed awkwardly, hoping Nines wouldn't mention his fatigue. He clearly thought him well enough to work as he pulled away from Aaron's apartment and headed into town.

"Wrong place at the wrong time?" Reed asked as he watched the road, seeing the shift of Nines' LED as he nodded his agreement.

"So far that seems likely. The unit wasn't drained of thirium and appears to be largely intact," he replied, allowing silence to fall as he continued to drive. What a thing to happen on a Thursday night...Reed thought, knowing town was usually quiet on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. That was why he'd been able to forget that he technically was on call that night. It was rare for him to be called in while off duty on those nights. Won't be making that mistake again, phck! Reed thought as the aches and pains started to settle into his tired muscles.

Miller was there when they reached the crime scene, looking tired after a full shift on the streets. This was his last callout before heading home. Reed relieved him sympathetically and let him get off. Forensics were probably just rolling in, so it was no trouble. He joined Nines in the alleyway, watching him crouch to scan the deactivated android. The lighting was dim. There were no streetlights close to this backstreet, so Reed couldn't make out too much. He could see dark stains on the vacant face, likely from thirium. He didn't want to speculate too much before Nines' report.

"A hard impact to the skull casing...AP500 models are far less durable than their successors. A blunt weapon was used to deliver a strong blow to the cranium on the right side. Shutdown would have been near instantaneous," Nines reported as he stood, the yellow flicker of his LED telling Reed that he was still working out the finer details. He was currently cross referencing the shape and depth of the wound with possible tools and materials, working out the weight and thickness of whatever had been used. That would also allow him to estimate the strength of the assailant, and possibly even the height.

"H-hello, Detective Reed," a familiar feminine voice greeted hesitantly, both men turning in surprise to find the forensic analyst there. Nines tilted his head curiously. To his knowledge she had never addressed Reed directly unless he asked for details first. Reed also seemed surprised to hear her greet him. Nines scanned the other android. She was experiencing elevated stress levels, holding at fifty six percent. She wasn't afraid of Reed, but he did make her feel nervous. To her credit she appeared to be trying to combat that.

"Hi-uh...Shit. Sorry, I forgot your name," Reed stumbled slightly, unsure he'd ever even asked it in the first place. He probably hadn't. When she'd first started turning up at these scenes he'd been adamant about hating androids. He noticed her relax a little, her shoulders dropping in relief the way a human's might. Her lips widened slightly, clearly pleased with the change in greeting. She was still a little shy and uncertain as she met his gaze.

"It's Haley," she replied timidly, crouching down and getting to work as usual. Nines watched as his partner stored that knowledge. There were certain things Reed would put effort into and it seemed that co-workers were increasingly high on his list of priorities. He was much kinder now than he had been a few months ago. Nines still remembered his angry yells upon their first greeting at work, how he'd been backed up roughly against the wall. The fact that no one had dared to intervene had confirmed two things. One, it was common behaviour for this human to engage in. Two, the majority of his co-workers were afraid of crossing his path in a negative manner.

"Do you think they meant to kill him? Could be a robbery gone wrong," Reed suggested with a shrug, Nines nodding thoughtfully in agreement. It would be rare for a hate crime. Too fast. Too little damage. He could also rule out a drug related incident. The victim's thirium had been left intact, and there was little else a human dealer would attack an android for. Androids didn't take drugs. There was no point in approaching them as potential clients. "Check the rest of the alley. They may have tossed the weapon," Reed said finally, the pair splitting up to check the darkened sides and large dumpsters.

Reed scanned the ground carefully before opening the heavy lid of one large dumpster and pulling himself up to look over the edge. He couldn't see anything obvious resting near the top or down the less filled sides. He wasn't about to dumpster dive, at least not unless he absolutely had to. He moved along to the next one. This one was for cardboard recycling. He flipped the lid and stepped up, a surprised yelp escaping as something sharp sliced the skin of his neck right near the juncture of his shoulder.

"Gavin!" Nines' voice cried in alarm as Reed fell back clutching the bloodied gash. He rolled away from the metal dumpster as a wiry man leapt out, the smell at least telling him it was human. He groaned as he heard the man running, waving after him as Nines' steps approached and faltered at his side. He almost looked panicked, blue eyes wide as he caught sight of the blood trickling through Reed's fingers.

"Go! Go!" Reed insisted roughly as he waved after the man, watching Nines' LED spin red before he obeyed the order. The forensic technicians were medically trained, and he knew the wound was superficial. Reed would be safe in their care. That being the case Nines had no choice but to follow Reed's order to chase the suspect. Catching that human was now his main priority, the alert popping up in his HUD to be fulfilled. Reed watched from his place on the ground as Nines disappeared around a corner, hissing and cursing quietly as he pushed himself to sit up.

"Detective! Let me see," Haley ordered in a somewhat synthetic tone. It was likely some sort of emergency medical program that activated in the event of an emergency. Her human companion trailed after her almost reluctantly, folding his arms as he looked down at Reed with a scoff. Reed tried to wave her off, but firm hands grasped his head in a strong grip. Suddenly he was very aware of the fact that she could snap his neck in two seconds flat. "Nothing major was hit...Looks superficial," she reported, though the amount of blood he was losing seemed concerning.

"Great, you got a Band-Aid somewhere in your kit?" Reed asked with a quirk of his lips, partially joking. He knew it would take more than a slapped on plaster to fix this. Haley winced as she riffled through her bag, the yellow of her LED suggesting she was either stressed or doing something internally. "Did one of you call this in yet?" Reed asked, still pressing his hand against the bleeding wound. The blood was soaking through his clothes and into his jacket. Phck, that's going to stain...

"Hey, what's that?" the other analyst asked curiously as he peered a little closer at Reed's neck. Reed frowned quizzically as he looked up. "Are those...teeth marks?" the technician added almost gleefully, laughing loudly as he watched Reed grimace and sigh. Aaron liked to bite, and he bit hard. Sometimes he'd even breach the skin and make him bleed. Reed locked eyes with Haley, who was looking uncomfortable as she avoided his gaze. She knows! She's phcking known this whole time! he realised, suddenly feeling a little kindlier towards her. She wasn't a gossip. This asshole on the other hand...

"Yeah, so what?" Reed replied in a grumble, trying not to make it seem like a big deal.

"I'm surprised anyone will have you...Who was it? One of your AAL buddies?" the other man taunted in an almost mocking tone. Reed tightened his jaw slightly. He narrowed his green eyes, but he took it. He hadn't exactly been nice to these guys. They deserved a little leeway. "Or was it someone else? You're pretty nice to the RK900...and I hear he's undeviated...Is that it? You order him to suck your cock? Or maybe you suck his...You seem the type," the technician continued almost gleefully, a heated feeling spreading through Reed's chest at the suggestion. He didn't remember getting to his feet, but he now had his bloodied hands fisted in the other man's plastic overalls.

"Don't you phcking say that shit! I would never phcking do that!" Reed ground out, surprised that he'd managed to pin the guy to the brickwork. The technician was taller than him, a little wider too. Unfortunately for him he was also a little lanky and out of shape. Reed had the advantage with all his physical training. Haley seemed hesitant as she hovered with the gauze and tape in hand. She didn't want a fight to break out. It wouldn't look good on their records.

"Brad, he's telling the truth. They're not the RK900's teeth marks," Haley said finally, gently attempting to diffuse the situation. Reed paused at that, giving her a wary look as he released the taller man. He ran a hand over his face. Brad seemed stunned at first, but then almost grinned as he rounded on Haley. Haley dropped her gaze, trying not to look at him as he stared down at her.

"But they are from an android, aren't they?" he pressed gleefully, and if Haley hadn't given him away then Reed knew his own face would be doing it for him right about now. It shouldn't matter. It didn't fucking matter. It only occurred to him Brad chortled to himself that the majority of the station must already know. Aaron had been picking him up almost every night for weeks, and he'd only made a little effort to hide the marks left behind. Reed blinked. He had nothing to be ashamed of.

"Yeah...I'm phcking an android. You got a problem with that?" Reed asked haughtily as he straightened up, probably not looking as intimidating or confident as he felt. Brad seemed a little surprised by the admission, and even more so by the fact that Reed seemed so casual about it. AAL members would usually try and weasel out of such admissions.

"What? So you go to the Eden Club and pay to be fucked and chewed up?" he scoffed in disgust. Reed winced as Haley stepped into his personal space and tugged his clothing aside. She wasn't exactly gentle as she cleaned the area and fixed the temporary dressing in place. The cut was really starting to sting, and it didn't help that the lanky prick was making him angry.

"Phck, no! I...I just met a guy. We're fucking. That's it," Reed snapped in response, unsure why he was even bothering to sate the other man's curiosity. Because I've been a prick and they deserve a little leeway, he reasoned with a sigh, thanking Haley as she stepped away. Brad looked taken aback by the news and may have said more if not for Nines' triumphant return. He had the cuffed suspect in tow, his red LED finally settling on yellow as he caught sight of Reed standing in the alley. "We'd best wrap things up here...You guys get what you needed?" he checked as he looked between the technicians.

"We did. The body has been stored for transport and we'd just finished gathering everything when..." Haley trailed off meaningfully. Reed nodded his understanding and saw them to their truck, watching it pull away before joining Nines in the car. The suspect was older than Reed, maybe even approaching Hank's age. Reed cracked a window. Smells like he's been on the streets that long, too. Christ! Nines was driving. Reed hadn't even thought to argue. He was sore, tired, fucked out and bleeding out. The tech had said the wound was superficial, but it was bleeding like a bitch. The dressing was warm and wet, likely already soaked red to the outside.

"Phck, call ahead. I'm going to need a medic," Reed sighed reluctantly, unwilling to traipse all the way to the hospital. Nines' LED flashed yellow as he obediently made the call. The man in the back was strangely subdued and quiet, if a little jittery. Reed's guess was that he'd startled him. He wasn't tweaking. He didn't seem to be on anything besides a little booze. Guy probably heard the earlier disturbance and hid.

"Detective Reed! Nines said you were injured," Connor greeted worriedly as the car pulled up. Reed frowned as he climbed out. Before he could even think to say anything Connor had already taken his arm to lead him inside. What the phck did you tell him? Reed wondered as he looked over his shoulder at Nines. Nines was busy with the suspect though, the older man obediently following the larger android's touch as he was guided from the car.

"Christ, Tin Can! I'm phcking fine!" Reed insisted as Connor's gentle hands continued to guide and manhandle him all the way into the infirmary. Despite Reed's assurances Connor remained and insisted on Reed sitting on one of the beds, his usual bed in fact. Reed looked around curiously, wondering where the medic was. There was usually someone on duty. There had to be. They never knew when someone may be injured on the job or when a fight might break out in the station.

"Hold still," Connor instructed as he whipped off the dressing. Oh...It clicked. Connor was on duty. It was rare, but he knew he had the medical knowledge for it. He also knew he sometimes volunteered for extra shifts to help out when other departments were short staffed. "Remove your jacket and shirt," Connor's gentle tone instructed. Reed winced as he obeyed, the edges of the cut feeling raw now that his adrenaline had dropped. It was fucking burning.

"I don't think it's that bad, just hurts like a bitch and won't stop bleeding," he grunted as he tossed his woollen top aside, his jacket already shrugged onto the bed behind him. Connor hummed his understanding as he whipped Reed's legs open and stepped between them in one smooth motion. Reed would have been surprised if not for the fact that the wound was so close to his neck. This position was the most practical. Connor was gentle as he reached around and cradled Reed's skull, his grip encouraging Reed to tilt back obediently.

"I'll be the judge of that, Detective," Connor almost teased as he probed the wound with his free hand. Reed could feel him tugging the skin open, allowing his sharp eyes to see inside. Reed hissed and grunted with each small press and tug. Haley had at least cleaned the wound, which would likely prevent infection. Connor had no way of knowing how clean the blade had been, but he saw no sign of foreign particles. Reed hissed again as Connor shifted to grab some disinfectant. "Hold still," he murmured, holding Reed's neck a little tighter as he tried to squirm away from the wet cotton.

"Phck!" Reed hissed, Connor's lip quirking as he whined in the back of his throat. It was an involuntary reaction to the pain combined with his evident fatigue. Judging by the deep bruising marks Connor could guess what Reed had been up to before the callout. "What do you think? Staples or stitches?" Reed asked in a resigned tone as Connor drew back with the bloodied pad. He sighed lightly. It said a lot about Reed's lifestyle that he already knew he'd need more than just glue.

"I have the tools to stitch it here," Connor offered, readying the needle as Reed nodded both his agreement and consent. He didn't want painkillers right now. It would take too long for them to kick in anyway. As a substitute he clung to Connor with both his arms and legs. Connor couldn't help the small huff that escaped him. Reed was like a koala, gripping his jacket tightly as he grunted and hissed through his teeth with each prick. Connor worked efficiently, trying not to wince at the pinched expression of pain on Reed's face and the distressed whines he made. The sharp needle stung each time it pierced his skin and he could feel the plastic thread sliding through his flesh with a sharp burn. He hated it. "Just a few more," Connor assured sympathetically.

"Phck! How many is a few?" Reed snapped, sighing apologetically as he tried not to twitch and squirm. Connor didn't answer, thinking it best to simply get the task finished as quickly as possible. He tugged the string as he tied it off, feeling Reed slump forward in his grasp. "Thanks, I hated it," he grumbled, Connor chuckling lightly as he eased him back. He was still cradling the back of Reed's head examining his handy work when the door was pushed open.

"Gavin, are you-" Nines' began, his words grinding to a halt as he looked at his topless partner. He was still intimately wrapped around Connor, who was cradling him almost tenderly as his hazel eyes roved over his bare torso. At the sound of Nines' voice Connor snapped his head up, loosening his hold on Reed as he took in his brother's spinning red LED. "Are you alright?" Nines asked stiffly as he stepped closer, his expression blank. A sure sign he'd deactivated his facial muscles.

"Yeah, Connor patched me up," Reed replied assuringly as Connor finished up. There wasn't much to do, just a final wipe down and dressing. He stepped away as soon as he'd finished to grab some painkillers. "See? Good as new," Reed continued, tilting his head for Nines to see the freshly applied cotton pad. He stiffened a little as Nines took Connor's place between his legs, blue eyes staring intently at the covered wound. His jaw tightened as his LED continued to circle red, his hand raising to caress the edge of the soft pad. "The phck are you thinking about, Terminator?" Reed pried almost knowingly, his tone soft and gentle.

"You could have died tonight," Nines stated coldly, though Reed thought maybe the coldness was directed internally rather than externally. "I was too far away. I wasn't at your side. I didn't consider another presence. I didn't anticipate an attack. A little further to the left and the blade would have sliced through a major artery. With a clean cut a human of your size would bleed out in exactly thirty eight point two seconds, resulting in near instantaneous death. With the loss of blood the body would begin to cool within-" Nines cut off, flinching as Reed's fingers pressed against his spinning LED. Reed didn't say anything. Nines kept his mouth shut, a strange sensation gripping his chest. Something was wrong. His body was stuttering slightly. Reed's fingers were warm. They pressed against his LED, just remaining in place. His green eyes were steady as he looked up, holding Nines' unsettled gaze.

"Nines, you are not my keeper. I'm responsible for my own welfare. If I get killed on the job, it's on me...You got that?" he said firmly, watching Nines' LED continue to spin red. "Shit can happen on the job, but look at me...I'm here, and I'm fine," he continued, noticing the LED slowly take on an amber hue. He sighed lightly as he started to circle his fingers on Nines' temple in a soothing manner. He didn't know if it would help an android, but he knew touches like that felt good to humans. Nines closed his silvery blue eyes. He was finding it difficult to accept. To process. His mind kept preconstructing in circles. What could he have done differently to protect Reed from harm? Was there any sign he'd missed? Anything he should have done differently? Anything he should have considered?

"Detective Reed is right. Much as we'd like to, it's impossible to keep our partners safe all the time," Connor piped up sympathetically as he returned to the bed and handed Reed a glass of water and some pills. Reed didn't even question him before he swallowed them down. His energy levels were dropping rapidly, green eyes blinking tiredly as he tried to remain awake. "Take off your shoes and lie down...It's already late," Connor excused as Reed shook his head to clear it. He was about to object when Nines' strong hands reached down and began tugging his laces.

"Connor is correct. You should remain here," Nines stated almost anxiously, blue eyes avoiding Reed's gaze. Stay here where it's safe and you can keep an eye on me you mean...

"Alright...I am pretty tired," Reed relented, gratefully accepting the DPD hoodie that Connor tossed his way. He didn't know whose it was or where it had come from, but it was clean. Better than putting on his bloodstained clothing again. Nines was attentive, helping him get into the top without tugging his stitches too much and removing the bloodied items. He also tugged the white sheet up to cover his body once he was lying down. "Make sure you get some sleep, too...Don't want your battery going flat," Reed teased almost affectionately as he looked up at Nines, who had taken the seat at his side as if he were a sentinel.

"Your lack of knowledge concerning my internal workings is..." Nines trailed off, unsure he could think of an appropriate word as he quirked his lips at his partner. Reed's eyes were closed, but the smirk he wore told Nines that he knew he was amused. The tired look of contentment and security on Reed's face made Nines want to do something. He wasn't sure what, but something. He looked at him closely. The way odd strands of his brunette locks had fallen across his forehead. The way his skin was slowly regaining its colour as he relaxed. The way his chest was rising and falling peacefully. Alive. Safe. He barely noticed he'd leaned in until he felt his lips pause a hairsbreadth from Reed's temple.

His LED span red as he drew back, blinking as he processed his own behaviour. He really didn't understand it. He understood the physical process of what he'd been about to do. He understood why humans did it. He understood the concept of emotions moving one into physical motion. What he couldn't fathom was what had caused it in himself. He had a feeling. A feeling that was growing. A feeling that he only experienced with his partner. It was constantly there, creating various physical reactions that he was unable to control, making him second guess decisions and encouraging a slew of other emotions. Nines was unable to put a name to many of them. He didn't understand. He wasn't a deviant. This level of feeling wasn't supposed to be possible for him. It left him confused and overwhelmed. I feel...