Another week rolled by and things were pretty quiet. Despite thinking he might see Aaron again, he didn't turn up and Reed didn't call. He didn't want to give him the wrong impression. He wasn't interested in anything serious, so he didn't need to make that call. If he wanted to get laid, he could just hit the town, so that's exactly what he did. He went into town with Tina and Miller, drank until he couldn't see straight, and woke up the next morning in the bed of a guy he'd almost mistaken for Aaron. Tall, dark, silk toned, and muscled. It was safe to say that Gavin Reed had a set type. He didn't know whether the guy was human or android. For once, he didn't care.

He'd excused himself awkwardly the next morning, none of the affectionate kisses and coffee he'd experienced with Aaron. Everything was back to normal. A rough, bruising session followed by avoiding eye contact and getting the hell out of dodge. Nines had been positively alarmed when he'd turned up for work the next day. The bruises were still fresh on his neck and arms, and Nines was convinced he'd been abused. I guess he's right, but not in the way he thinks...Reed had finally placated him by agreeing to message him next time he went home with a random guy.

As far as work went, the ritual case had been solved. The guy had been found dead from severe thirium poisoning. Turns out their victim wasn't the only one. His stomach was full of the stuff. They still had no idea what he'd been thinking, or whether it had been an isolated incident or part of a budding cult. Reed really hoped for the former. Still, a result was a result. They closed the case, and he called Morgan to give him the update. He even asked if he'd let him know if he ever came across anything similar. Morgan was eager to agree, and pretty grateful for the information.

It was a Friday morning, the day before his day off, when Perkins strode into the bullpen. Colin was shadowing his footsteps, timid as always, but he perked up when he noticed Connor and Nines at their desks. From the way he walked over to greet them with a solid yellow LED, Reed assumed they'd been getting closer over the past few weeks. Connor was looking at him the same way he looked at Nines. Soft, warm, and protective. If Perkins knew what they were doing, he didn't mention it. He'd come to see Reed.

"Shit, number three?" Reed greeted regretfully as he turned in his chair. Perkins was stiff, nodding his agreement in a way that told him he was starting to feel it. That's not all it is...Reed could tell. He looked tired, sure. He was an agent working a high-profile case that now had three bodies. Reed expected him to be stressed, but there was something else in his dark eyes that just had him unsettled. "It was a bad one, right?"

"Yes...The location was different this time. After murder two, we started keeping an eye out at the old crime scenes. We weren't sure if he'd chance his arm, so we figured it was safer that way. The body was found at an underground dog fighting ring." Reed's jaw tightened slightly at the implication. Looking across, he noticed Nines and Connor's LEDs were spinning red as Colin shared the details. Nines' brow furrowed in thought while Connor looked worried as he got to his feet and approached Colin. His expression seemed to ask if he was alright before he reached out and squeezed his shoulder. Colin was doing a poor job of pretending he was fine. "I wasn't sure you'd be willing to come and look at it this time, or whether it would even be worthwhile considering the change in location." Perkins was only a little surprised as Reed pushed himself to his feet.

"A second set of eyes can't hurt, right?" He heard Nines dart to his feet moments later.

"Detective Reed, are you sure you want to-" He was being protective, and only paused when Reed cut him off.

"I'm a big boy, Nines...It's nothing I haven't seen before." The concern was somewhat touching. He still remembered the state of the body from the original case. The Hickory Killer had dragged his victim to a racetrack, a popular place for gambling. He'd also brought along a pack of starving dogs. The unarmed teen never stood a chance. By the time they found him, there was barely anything left. Just a pack of angry, bloodthirsty dogs and chewed up bones. It broke Reed's heart to put them down as they came for him and Jack. They'd responded to an anonymous tip, likely the killer himself trying to get his first look at the guys heading up his case. He must have liked what he saw. Direct communication had started on case number four.

The four of them left the precinct, and Reed felt secure knowing that Nines had his back. They'd only been working together for around two months now, but he'd already become something of a pillar for him. He tried not to think about what that meant in the long run. What it meant about Jack. What it meant about his future as a detective. When he'd first turned up, he'd wanted him gone. He'd been determined to get rid of Nines as soon as he was experienced enough to be handed off to someone else. Now he wasn't sure what he'd do if he requested a transfer. He'd fallen into the RK trap. He fucking enjoyed working with Nines.

Colin drove as usual, the same silence filling the car. They headed out of town this time, a big fucking difference to the original case. Instead of taking the dogs to the location, it seemed their killer had taken his victim to the dogs. Nines monitored Reed's vitals, reading his stress level rising as Colin slowed to a stop outside the disused warehouse. Disused in the commercial sense...Reed knew a lot of nasty shit happened in these parts. Lower police presence meant a higher likelihood of shady deals and black market events. Illegal dog fighting for instance...

"The caller was anonymous, but we're pretty sure it was one of the organisers for these things. My best guess is that the killer knew about the dogs they were starving here and took advantage...I don't think anyone directly involved in the business would risk losing profits by getting their prize-fighters killed," Perkins explained as they headed towards the open shutter. Reed nodded his agreement. It wouldn't make sense for someone to damage their own business like that. A competitor? A disgruntled customer? There were a few possibilities. It had to be someone who knew about these fights though.

"Anything on the victim?" Reed asked curiously as they approached the door, already picking up the scent of blood, wet dog, mange, and unclean kennels. The dogs had been both starved and neglected. Probably never got shown kindness in their lives. They were bought, beat up, half starved, and then...Bam. Reed's lips twitched at the sadness of it all. He could only be thankful that the bodies had been cleaned up so he wouldn't have to look at them this time.

"There wasn't much left of her...Prostitute, twenty-five years old...Cause of death was being eaten, but she was unconscious when it happened. Colin found a high dose of ketamine in her blood. It's unclear whether he brought it with him or got it from here," Perkins replied as they reached the entrance. Reed swallowed as he looked at the smears and stains across the dirty cement floor. There was one massive pool of blood, and five other smaller patches. Victim and five dogs? Reed was careful, only stepping on the dirty cement. He didn't want to traipse blood around the scene even though forensics had been and gone already.

"You said there wasn't much left?" Perkins nodded as he motioned to the side where seven dirty animal crates were standing. The smell was pungent, and Reed resisted the urge to cover his nose. It wouldn't help much anyway. Perkins rested a blue-gloved hand on top of the third crate and looked across at him.

"The girl's purse and jacket were left here. That's where we found the recording and wood...As for the rest...Shreds of her clothing were left scattered around, along with the larger bone fragments...I'm just glad she wasn't awake to feel it." Perkins heaved a sympathetic sigh, aged eyes tracing the horrific scene regretfully. Colin and Nines were walking along the outer edge, LEDs glowing yellow as they spoke internally. They'd already interfaced to share all relevant files. Perkin's lips quirked as he watched the pair pause and motion to various areas. It was nice, seeing his shy partner interact with one of his own kind. He was more open with them, less nervous to share his opinions. Since meeting Nines and Connor, he'd actually noticed a slight improvement in both his deduction and confidence.

"She was luckier than the original victim...Last time it was a sixteen-year-old boy, just grabbed off the street. He was tossed in there and...We found footprints and scratch marks in the dirt where he'd tried to get away...Didn't make it more than ten feet." A shiver ran down Reed's spine at the memory. That had been one of the more gruesome things he'd seen at that stage. He hadn't thrown up, mainly because he was in shock at having to shoot the dogs. They'd found the recording and wood tucked in the victim's jacket. It had been left draped over the back of a chair in the stands directly overlooking the racecourse. The fucker had watched it! Reed just knew. That sick fuck had tossed the kid in, opened up the gates, and then fucking watched! He took a breath, green eyes refocusing as he felt cool fingers on his neck. Nines...

"Are you quite well, Detective?" Nines asked in a neutral tone, one he only used when he was trying to hide his own worry. Reed nodded and took a steady breath, patting Nines' arm in thanks. He always seemed to know exactly when to pull him back from the edge. Thinking about that shit wouldn't get them anywhere now. It wasn't even the same guy. This just proved it. No way would the Hickory Killer sedate a victim. He got off on watching them suffer. It's why he did it. So what the phck does this sicko get out of it?

"It's not the Hickory Killer." Neither Perkins nor Colin spoke up to challenge him. It had been looking that way since the niggling mistakes with the second victim, but if Reed was so sure about this one, they'd go with it. Besides, Perkins was a seasoned agent. He knew why Reed thought the way he did, and he agreed. The Hickory Killer was ruthless and cruel. The man responsible for this seemed to have a sense of pity or remorse. He didn't want his victims to suffer. Reed shivered as he took in the cheap clock on the far wall. The hands had been stopped at three o'clock. Hickory Dickory Dock, The dog barked at the clock, The clock struck three, Fiddle-de-dee, Hickory Dickory Dock, Tick-tock-tick-tock-tick-tock...

"Gavin..." He jerked back to himself at Nines' gentle prodding. "We should head back to the precinct." Perkins and Colin had already returned to the car, giving him a few moments to think and compose himself. They were in the middle of nowhere, so it went without saying that they would at least drop them back in town before heading back to FBI headquarters. Nines must have told him where to go wirelessly because after a few minutes of silent driving, Colin pulled over near the Plaza.

Reed didn't question it as he climbed out with a few polite parting words, and Nines followed. As usual, Nines seemed to know exactly what he needed. He led the way to a small healthy-eating diner, got them a quiet corner table where they wouldn't draw attention, and ordered him something light to eat with a fruit juice and a small glass of thirium for himself. They sat in silence as Nines let him gather his thoughts, giving him time to reaffirm the fact that this killer was a fake. He's not back...I'm safe...

"Do you think they'll catch him?" Nines asked eventually, watching Reed's dirty green eyes snap up from the table. "The copycat...Do you think Agent Perkins and Colin will manage?" Reed visibly relaxed at his words. He felt reassured. Nines was also calling him a copycat, so he must be as certain as he was, right? Reed let out a small huff as he thought about Perkins. That old jackal wasn't a top agent for nothing, and he had an RK800 to boot.

"With Perkins on the case? I'm pretty sure they'll get their guy." He was confident, though he knew it may take a while. Whoever it was, they weren't leaving many clues. The only thing they could hope for was to somehow link a few of the victims together. If they could do that, then a familiar name might pop up in their social circles. But that's Perkins' problem. Reed looked up as his food arrived. Warm chicken pasta with a healthy side salad. Carbs, greens, and white meat. Just enough to get me through to dinner.

"Would you like to spar when we get back? I can show you the exact angle to strike in order to dislocate a lesser android's jaw." Nines made a tantalising offer, playfully tempting him with that low, teasing rumble. Reed almost chuckled around his pasta at the offer. They'd been working on android combat a lot. Nines didn't like the idea of him being caught unprepared, and he was always eager to learn any extra fighting skills. As it was, he'd probably be able to give Connor a run for his money at their usual sparring level.

"You really know how to show a guy a good time," Reed snorted as he continued to eat, which Nines took to be an agreement. They made a little idle conversation as he finished his meal before walking back to the precinct. They didn't have a callout yet, so it looked like they'd have a few hours for paperwork and training. Reed was just about to bring up his latest report to finalise the details when he noticed Nines looking over his shoulder with an almost sour expression. He frowned a little as he turned his head to see Aaron heading into the bullpen. His heart slammed into overdrive at the unexpected sight as he turned back to his desk and tried to look busy. It was always possible he was there to see someone else. Right?

"Gavin," Aaron greeted cheerfully as he appeared at his side. Reed could almost feel the bullpen grinding to a halt. Connor hadn't turned his chair, but he knew he was watching somehow, and Hank was making no show of hiding it, leaning back with his mug of tea almost gleefully. Nines was the only one not paying attention, blue eyes fixed on his keyboard as he typed. With his hands? That's a rarity...Aaron was his usual immaculate self. His hair was neatly combed, lithe body hugged by a fitted jacket and tailored slacks. He was wearing a blue tie that matched his deep eyes, with that same annoyingly smug smirk fixed in place.

"Aaron, hey-uh...What brings you here?" He wasn't sure what tone to use and his voice ended up coming out soft and hesitant, almost nervous. God, he hated that. Aaron took on an almost sultry look as he cleared his throat, stepping a little closer and turning his back to Nines to perch on the edge of his desk. He seemed casual as he folded his arms and looked down at him, but also somewhat hesitant.

"Well, I was going to wait for your call, but after a week I thought I'd just stop in and see how you've been," he excused smoothly. Reed clammed at that almost knowing undertone, leaning back evasively. I never said I'd call...He didn't even remember taking his number. Did I? I don't remember. He licked his suddenly dry lips and flicked his eyes briefly to Nines, who was still firmly focused on his keyboard.

"I've been good, thanks for asking," Reed replied evasively as he rolled closer to his terminal and brought up his report with a dismissive air. He paused as Aaron leaned over, giving him an almost amused look. He then proceeded to thoroughly eye-fuck him. Reed coughed evasively as he wheeled back a little, giving himself some breathing room. "Do you want something?" He wasn't the chasing type. He preferred it when people just came out and said it. No beating around the bush. No games. Just ask a damned question!

"What I want is to take you outside and see how far I can push my cock down your throat." The silken purr rumbled right beside his ear as Aaron leaned in, likely to prevent any humans from overhearing. Reed felt his cheeks heat and hoped to God he wasn't blushing as his head snapped up to level an accusing glare at him. Aaron smirked shamelessly. "Alright, I came to ask you out," he rectified as he took in Reed's horror-struck expression. His mood didn't seem to improve with the second question, either.

"No thanks, I don't date." He paused as Aaron slipped one of his legs between his own, resting a foot on the leather seat near his crotch. It was only now that Reed noticed how shiny his black leather shoes were, with swirling patterns embossed over the toes. They were probably expensive. He couldn't help feeling somewhat vulnerable with Aaron's foot so close to his cock. He could almost taste the leather on his tongue already.

"What about a thorough fucking with no strings attached?" Aaron counteroffered, watching Reed's head whip around to scout out the area. He wasn't exactly being loud, but they did have a fucking audience of sorts. This wasn't a conversation he wanted to have with two RK androids sitting within earshot. He already knew Connor was going to give him hell for this as it was. With their superior hearing, Connor and Nines had likely heard every word he'd said since his arrival.

"Nines, give me a cigarette," Reed grumbled as he got to his feet and leaned over his terminal. Nines seemed almost reluctant as he pulled the packet out and handed over a cigarette and the plastic lighter. Reed tried not to think about it too much as their fingers brushed. "Come on," he barked over his shoulder, leading the way in silence. It was better to go up where there were fewer cameras than out front where Connor could hack in and spy like a creep. A well-intentioned creep, but still a creep. "The hell do you think you're doing? I'm at work! I don't phcking appreciate you coming here and phcking..." Reed scolded, waving his arm as they reached the roof and the door slammed shut.

"Sorry, I didn't realise you were so sensitive about it." Aaron's tone was sincere, even though his words seemed somewhat sarcastic. Reed choked down a breath of smoke restlessly as he started pacing. "How about it? I'm not looking for anything serious or permanent...but once just wasn't enough," Aaron added in a low purr as he followed him and leaned on the wall. He was biting his lip again. A habit he always had when thinking about the things he'd do to the human beside him. Reed glanced at him, breathing out the smoke in agitation. It was tempting. Aaron was the best fuck he'd ever had, and the only one he remembered treating him properly afterwards. What does that say about my taste in men? He scoffed at the thought. It was somewhat ironic that an android had treated him more like a human than anyone else.

"No strings...and I don't do feelings." Aaron nodded his agreement, apparently unbothered. He was the one who'd suggested no strings. It put Reed at ease somewhat to know that he'd made himself clear. There was nothing worse than having to let someone down gently or being accused of leading them on. "And not at work. Never at work." His eyes darted to the closed door just in case someone came up to check on them. Aaron looked a little more serious as he pushed himself off the wall.

"You take your job seriously; I can respect that. Strictly outside the station then," he agreed professionally, waiting for Reed to give a definitive answer. It was nice to actually be listened to, not that anyone had ever actually tried anything at the precinct before. Reed tended not to share his job too often when he was out on the town. They didn't need to know he was a detective to fuck him into a mattress, and they might not give him the rough treatment he wanted if they did. Or they'd give me more than a little rough treatment...

"Then sure. I guess...I guess it can't hurt." Aaron gave him a pleased smile before he leaned closer. Reed held him back firmly, but did accept the touch of a hand on his cheek. The touch lingered as Aaron enjoyed the texture of his stubble. His skin was so fucking soft, though it wasn't exactly surprising for an android. Their flesh didn't wear the way a human's would.

"Come over to my place when your shift ends," Aaron purred with a parting bite of his lip, leaving a now flustered Reed on the roof. The phck did I just sign up for?