"Well, I'll be...Never thought we'd get you out of those old Cyberlife threads..." Hank gruffed in approval as Nines headed to his desk. Reed watched with a certain amount of smugness as Nines humbly thanked him for the compliment and allowed Connor to examine his outfit more closely. He seemed conflicted and perhaps a little jealous. Connor was the older model, and yet he still wore his old RK800 uniform, like he'd just come off the production line. "Maybe you should take your brother out this Sunday and get him some new threads of his own." Hank smirked at the sour look Connor shot him. They'd agreed to disagree about his uniform.

"The Cyberlife uniform is durable and easily cleaned!" Connor ignored Hank's light scoff as he sipped his tea. He was hardly an expert on fashion. Hell, he was still wearing retro styled shirts like it was the eighties, but he still thought Connor would be better off having an update. He didn't like the way he still wore the Cyberlife logo, like the company still owned him somehow. He couldn't understand why he was so adamant about keeping it, as if he had some underlying insecurity.

"I agree, however, Detective Reed was very persuasive in his assertions. For instance, if something were to happen to your uniform while on duty, what would you do?" Connor paused to think about it. They worked in a dangerous profession and, of course, accidents could happen, but he'd never considered that his clothing could be damaged to the point it would be unwearable. Not without his body being severely damaged in the process. It was highly unlikely, however, he could humour his brother.

"I would simply borrow clothes from storage or a co-worker until a new uniform could be procured." That was something Nines hadn't considered. Hank scoffed softly, making Connor's brow twitch in response. It wasn't an argument he wanted to have. Reed watched curiously from his desk. He was with Hank on this one. It was weird, the way Connor clung so defensively to his old uniform. Maybe it has something to do with it being the first thing he owned...I guess a lot of people recognise him because of it, too. During the revolution, he'd been notorious as a deviant hunter, but later on he'd also led thousands of newly awakened androids into battle and quickly became a hero to many of his people.

"You could at least buy some stuff for when you're not working," Reed piped up from his desk, catching the almost betrayed look Connor shot him. At the very least, Connor had expected him to stay out of the dispute. Nines was quick to offer to show him around the Plaza, almost proud of his now superior shopping knowledge. Connor wouldn't burst his bubble by pointing out that he already knew his way around Detroit pretty well by now, and he'd been shopping more than once to buy Hank new clothes. He was losing a lot of weight now that Connor had helped him return to work properly and improved his diet. Reed tried not to think about how Nines was trying to do a similar thing for him. "Nines, cigarette time," he added as he got to his feet and held a hand out.

"Ha! The kid's really got you trained!" Hank chortled as he leaned back in his chair and cradled his hot mug. Reed flipped him off before returning his attention to his reluctant partner. The packet only had a couple left. He'd have to get another one. Maybe he wouldn't let Nines keep the packet next time. He felt too much like a kid being rationed treats. Though I'm sure most people wouldn't see this as a treat. He took the cigarette and walked up to the rooftop, where he lit up and breathed deeply, looking out over the city as he exhaled.

"Ah, phck..." A familiar black car pulled up at the curb and his heart picked up as he watched Colin climb out, quickly followed by Perkins. He was almost unsurprised when Colin looked up and saw him on the rooftop, giving a shy nod when he raised a reluctant hand in greeting. He still looked shy as hell as he followed Perkins marching towards the precinct. Going to the roof was a big mistake. He was sure Hank's face would be a picture when he caught sight of Perkins. Maybe Nines will be able to show me the footage. He huffed at the thought, reluctant to move from his place huddled against the wall. Their arrival can't mean anything good...

"Detective Reed...I'm sure you're aware, but Agent Perkins is here to see you," Nines interrupted about a minute later. At least, it felt like a minute. Reed looked at the nearly finished cigarette with a sense of regret. He really didn't want to go back inside. If Perkins wanted to see him, it could mean only one thing. "A second body was found." Of course it was...Nines stood stiffly, watching Reed's boot scuff the concrete in resignation. This is not my phcking year. He could feel the skin on his neck prickling already.

"Alright-alright." With a reluctant sigh, Reed led the way with Nines hovering at his shoulder as he walked down the stairs. He remained close. A reassuring presence, supportive in his closeness and silence as they walked. In the bullpen, Perkins was waiting by his desk, largely ignoring Hank's glare. Colin, on the other hand, was standing with Connor, the pair regarding each other with open curiosity. Colin had heard of him, of course, both from the FBI and Jericho, but it was his first time seeing his twin in person. Their hazel eyes darted this way and that, taking in the differences in both attire and attitudes. "Jesus, the three of you look like triplets," Reed teased as he watched Connor and Colin staring at each other, LEDs glowing a warm yellow as they opened a communication line.

"Technically, Connor and Colin would be my older twin brothers in human terms," Nines supplied as Perkins turned to face them with a somewhat impatient air. Nines paused between the RK800s, standing ever so slightly taller by barely an inch. Connor's gaze warmed as he looked at him, quite enjoying his role as an older brother. Colin seemed somewhat confused. He'd never considered androids using human terminology like that before. Factually, he supposed it was accurate. He was part of the RK800 line and therefore had a direct link to the android known as Connor. The RK900 was their successor, over a year younger. Almost three if you included the conception and test phases.

"Touching as all this is..." Perkins interrupted wryly, making Colin's hazel eyes drop as if he'd been scolded. "I believe you understand why we're here." Perkins turned his attention to Reed, watching him shove his hands deeper in his pockets in response. He gave a tight-lipped nod as he joined him and sat at his desk, clearly reluctant. Colin dutifully held his hand out in order to interface with Nines and bring him up to speed. Nines accepted the delicate hand with his own and examined the files he received.

"A woman was murdered and suspended in front of the central clock at Regent's Park. She was str-" Nines' blue eyes were sightly vacant as he reviewed the case files in his head.

"She was strung up using metal wires wearing a set of wings made from white duck feathers," Reed interrupted, watching Nines nod his agreement. It sounded like a recreation of the second murder. "Hickory Dickory Dock, The bird looked at the clock, The clock struck two, Away she flew, Hickory Dickory Dock, Tick-tock-tick-tock-tick-tock." Reed recited the rhyme from memory, and again Nines nodded. That was the exact recording he'd received in the files, though, like the first recording, it was quite distorted. A recording of a recording. He didn't bother playing it out loud. He and Colin were both aware, so they didn't need to confirm it.

"We'd like you to do a walkthrough again...Colin's pretty sure he found everything, but..." Perkins trailed off. Never underestimate the eye of someone more experienced. And all of them knew he was the most experienced when it came to the Hickory Killer. Reed agreed, and they set off again. Climbing into the backseat, Nines couldn't help but notice that he appeared much calmer this time. It was an understandable change. The first scene held personal significance to him as the location of his partner's death.

It took around ten minutes to reach the scene, all of them remaining silent. It seemed Colin was used to this as Perkins looked out the side window with a focused look in his sharp eyes. Nines was content to remain quiet, glancing at Reed every so often to monitor his stress levels. Reed himself knew what Nines was doing and tried not to let it get to him. He hated being scanned, but he could hardly blame him after the last time. They stopped at the edge of the large park and passed through the open gate. It was a cloudy day, but not unpleasant. The park itself was eerily quiet. Every path leading up to the clock had been cordoned off to outsiders. Reed flashed his badge and followed Perkins and Colin as they led the way through.

"The body was suspended here, between these two trees," Colin announced as they approached the central pillar. It stood in a circular junction where four paths met, the base set in a large, round flowerbed. The pillar was tall and made of some sort of white stone, with a round clock at the top. The path they'd walked along was lined with maple trees, their leaves just starting to turn gold as the weather cooled. Colin pointed out some trees right at the end of the path, where the body had been suspended right above the edge of the junction. The same trees as before...That was hardly surprising. This was a large public space. Anyone in the park on the day of the earlier murder could have seen it, and pictures had been leaked online years ago. A copycat could easily have found all the information they needed for a perfect recreation.

"Facing the clock?" Colin was quick to give the confirmation Reed needed. He directed his attention to the dried splatter staining the ground. Reed dropped to one knee beside the glistening stains, looking closely at the dark red blotches. They were still wet. The wounds had likely dripped more as the body was taken down. But it looks like there's less blood than last time...

"Correct, and the body suffered numerous lacerations from being suspended." Reed puzzled over the news as Colin spoke. It was similar, but something was niggling him. He moved off the path and looked around, examining the bushes and grass. Nines followed, using his android senses to pick up anything he might miss in his observations. Clothing fibres, hidden fingerprints, footprints. Reed stopped by a tree and nodded downwards meaningfully. A boot print. Nines recorded and sent it wirelessly to Colin, who swiftly joined them.

"Did you examine the body? Do you have a cause of death yet?" Reed checked as he watched Colin crouch to peer at the print, busily making various estimates and preconstructions with Nines in his head. Nines agreed so far. The person, most likely human, was average in weight, judging by the depth of the print. The brand was likely a heavy mountaineering or worker's boot. Colin scanned the database for matches and left it compiling in the background as he processed Reed's queries.

"We will know more once the body has been fully examined, however, cause of death appears to be blood loss. I discovered some evidence of suffocation, but I believe the victim was still alive when she was strung up. The lack of a struggle and deeper tearing suggests she was unconscious by that point." That was different from what Reed had expected, making him frown. That doesn't match up. Perkins knew something was up by the look on his face. Reed walked further along the path, soon finding Perkins at his side, eager but hesitant to disturb his thoughts.

"It doesn't match," Reed grumbled quietly. Perkins looked around cautiously to make sure no one else was listening in. He'd seen the press release the other day. Nasty business, and Reed had done well to stave off the questioning. Since then, he'd made sure he and Colin kept a careful eye on any officers involved. He knew damned well the leak hadn't come from Reed or Nines, but that's all he could be sure of.

"What do you mean?" he asked curiously as they paused by the central pillar.

"The cause of death. It doesn't match...Last time, the woman had been slashed and stabbed repeatedly. She'd lost a lot of blood before being strung up like an angel...This time, the suspect choked her out and she bled out slowly in her sleep. Why?" Both he and Perkins knew the answer. Perkins nodded as they shuffled closer to the round flowerbed and looked back at the trees. Colin and Nines were still in the shrubs to the right, likely looking closely for anything else that may have been missed earlier.

"The killer didn't want her to suffer...Remorse? Maybe he knew her. There's a reason he put her to sleep first." It was a definite possibility. With the original killer, at this stage in his progression, they'd theorised he got pleasure from seeing the fear in his victims' eyes. He'd enjoyed playing with them while they were awake and wanted them to know they were slowly dying while he watched. The callousness still sent shivers down Reed's spine when he thought about it.

"Or...what if this guy didn't know? We didn't make every detail available to the press...A lot of people saw the body and came to their own conclusions. What if our guy didn't know the victim was awake? He didn't know she suffered, so he did things his own way...As long as she died of blood loss, he thought no one would be any the wiser. He might have assumed all the cuts on the original victim came from the wire cables." Reed's insights were truly invaluable. From their findings so far, it seemed he was correct. The current killer could well be a copycat. Copycats were relatively rare, so he had plenty of legwork to do. It could be a crazed fan of the original killer, someone working under his instructions, or someone using the veil of the Hickory Killer to mask their own identity and agenda.

"We'll look into both victims...See if they have anything in common, any people they both knew, places they both went to..." It was a good plan. It also wasn't Reed's problem. It seemed they were finished. Nines and Colin were returning, their yellow LEDs suggesting they were still communicating wirelessly. Reed had noticed that Nines liked to do that. He often spoke out loud with Connor, but his shoulders always relaxed more when they were speaking internally. The same seemed true of Colin. He was usually timid, but seemed softer and more content as he nodded along to whatever Nines was saying in his head.

"Well...thank you for your input, Detective. We'll be sure to contact you if we need anything else." Reed accepted the polite dismissal with a nod, clasping the hand that Perkins offered in a firm grip. He exchanged a questioning glance with Nines as he ended whatever internal dialogue he had going on with Colin. His LED returned to a pale blue as he tilted his head, watching Reed nod towards the gates in question. Nines scanned him before slowly nodding his agreement.

"No problem...You must be busy, so we'll let you get on your way," Reed replied as the four of them walked out onto the street. After making sure they really didn't want a ride, Colin nodded farewell and climbed into the driver's seat. Perkins gave his own tired nod as he also climbed in, leaving them alone on the quiet street. Luckily, they were close to town and the shopping district loomed just across the road. Reed sighed, a weight leaving his shoulders as the black car disappeared. "Thank phcking god, I swear..." He almost reached for a cigarette with the stress.

"It's lunchtime, Detective." Nines knew his disposition would improve once he'd eaten. Reed made no argument as they crossed the street and walked through town. They stopped briefly for him to replenish his cigarette supply, green eyes rolling as Nines pressed packets of nicotine gum and patches into his hands. Really? You really expect me to use this shit? His expression reflected the thought as he glared at Nines, who maintained a neutral expression as he waited for him to accept the items. Reed scoffed and nodded for the clerk to ring them through. After paying, they stepped outside, where Nines promptly plucked the packet of cigarettes from his eager fingers as he tore off the cellophane.

"Nines! What the phck?" Reed complained in a scathing tone as he watched him tuck the packet away inside his white jacket. Nines seemed more than a little smug, blue eyes soft with amusement as he watched the incredulous expression bloom on his face.

"I believe a patch would be a better option." He was unsurprised as Reed scoffed again.

"Look, I'm not your phcking pet, and I'm not a phcking project for you! We agreed you'd limit my intake, not act like my god damned nanny-bot!" Reed's temper was running hot and Nines made no move to placate him. Phcking android! Why does he have to be such a phcking pain in my ass? He cursed in frustration and ripped open the packet of patches to pull one free. He didn't even know where he should put it. Nines stepped in and plucked the patch from his fingers, peeling off the back and stepping closer to grab his jacket.

"Hold still." Reed felt his heart skip at the gravelly tone, taking in the warmth of Nines' synthetic fingers on his skin as he slipped his hand beneath the neckline of his top. He often forgot that androids gave off a certain amount of heat, though it was lower than a human's body temperature. Deft fingers stroked across his neck and down his back, pressing the patch into the skin between his shoulder blades. He hated the feeling of the sticky square as it chafed against his top and tugged his skin.

"Great, in about five hours I might feel something," he griped, pulling a piece of gum before Nines could object and shoving it in his mouth. It was supposed to be mint, but fuck, it tasted terrible. It was a watery mint that had been tainted with some sort of chemical, but he could at least pretend he felt a more immediate relief, and it gave his mouth something to do. Nines' eyes crinkled slightly, clearly amused by the disgust on his face. "Phck, I'd rather smoke a cigarette!" he grumbled quietly as he shoved his hands in his pockets and started walking.

Nines tracked his poor temper the whole way through lunch. Food only improved it marginally. It seemed caffeine and nicotine withdrawals were becoming a more frequent issue as his body tried to adjust to the massively reduced intake. His physical condition was improving with his new diet, at least. It wasn't affecting him outwardly yet, but his energy levels had increased and his complexion was a little darker. With the increased sleep, the darkness beneath his eyes was also more faded than usual. Unfortunately, this left him with more energy to put into his mood swings. They'd barely been in the office for five minutes when he crossed to Connor's desk and laid a firm hand on his shoulder.

"I'm a little busy at the moment..." Connor replied to the silent request, hazel eyes skimming the new case details he had up on his screen. He really was half way through chasing up interviews for his latest case with Hank, who was busy filing a report. "Perhaps Nines could train with you. His combat protocols are more advanced than mine, with many new methods of hand to hand combat." Connor knew that Reed had certain issues when it came to Nines. Still, perhaps this would be a positive experience for them.

"Ah, I don't think..." Reed trailed off awkwardly as he drew back, both turning as Nines got to his feet almost eagerly. It wasn't something you would know by looking at his face or the stiffness in his stance, but knowing Nines' character, Connor could tell. He'd gotten to his feet quickly at the suggestion that he might participate, and his silvery eyes held a certain amount of yearning as he regarded Reed. Reed stumbled over his words, finding it awkward to dismiss the idea now that Nines was already on his feet waiting. He darted a quick deer in headlights look at Connor, but he simply nodded in encouragement.

"What's the matter, Reed? Afraid you might like it?" Hank taunted good humouredly from his desk, three sets of eyes snapping to him at once. Connor's hazel eyes were wide in warning, suggesting he shouldn't say anything further, while Nines looked vaguely confused by the remark. Reed looked almost horror-struck in a way that told Hank he'd hit far closer to the mark than he'd like, though he at least wasn't blushing about it. Hank flicked his eyes to Connor, brows raising in something akin to disbelief. No shit! Connor sharpened his gaze and gave the slightest of nods. Holy fuck, well I'll be...

"Shut up, old man!" Reed snapped as he shoved his hands in his jacket pockets and stalked towards the gym. Nines followed a little behind since he hadn't ordered him to stay at his desk. He had noticed Reed's agitation at Hank's words, but knew better than to ask him about it. Hoping they might work out together more often in the future, he was eager for him to enjoy their session. There was much he could impart to his human, and the physical training might even improve their relationship. "You're changing?" Reed asked in surprise as he tugged the set of sweats and black tank top from his locker.

"I believe this attire is more appropriate for a gymnasium setting." Reed couldn't argue with that, only Connor never changed. Connor always wore his uniform. Was that a power play on his part? A show that he doesn't need to change his clothes to kick my ass? That he could kick his ass went without saying. He'd pummelled him into the floor on numerous occasions. If he didn't adjust his settings, he could put him down one handed and blindfolded. Connor doesn't try to fit in...He doesn't change to fit the setting he's in unless it's case related and he has to go undercover. It was strange to think he'd learned so much about Connor in the short time he'd been back.

"You should definitely explain that to Connor," Reed huffed as he changed, not looking over his shoulder as he heard the rustle of Nines removing his turtleneck. He pulled on some skin-tight leggings and a tank top before slipping into his sneakers, making sure the laces were tied tightly so that he wouldn't trip. Nines appeared at his side, a black mass of muscle and tight material, though his sweats were looser than Reed's.

"I shall endeavour to do so...Are you ready?" Reed's green eyes darted up and down Nines' body almost uncomfortably before he let out a small, dry cough and led the way through to the main gymnasium. Nines followed curiously, reading a mixture of fluctuating vitals in Reed's system. His heart rate had increased, and he was becoming more stressed and pent up by the minute. He instructed him to wait as he began a light warmup, and Nines watched as he jogged around the hall and stretched out. When he sat to stretch his legs, Nines stepped forward and pushed down on his shoulders to help him lean further into it. "I can assist in your warmup as well, Detective." He didn't miss the odd shiver that ran through Reed's smaller form at his purring tone. It was a somewhat endearing quirk.

"You're going to break me in half, phck!" Reed complained as the added weight pushed him down further. The muscles in his thighs stretched almost painfully, sending a burning sensation down the back of his thighs. Nines seemed amused as he drew back and helped him to his feet. "Alright, what level of force are you thinking?" Reed asked as he got up and hopped lightly from foot to foot. Nines regarded him thoughtfully for a few moments, unsure what he should do. He'd never wrestled with him besides their one fight at Cyberlife Tower, so he was unsure what level of force was appropriate.

"What is your system with Connor?" he asked curiously, opting to follow his lead.

"Well...it depends on what I need. If I'm in the mood for a gritty beat down, then he'll stay at full strength, but if I want to make things a little fairer, then he adjusts his strength and shit to give me about a sixty-forty chance, in his favour." He always wanted a stronger opponent. It was more useful training that way. He knew he was a little smaller and weaker than a lot of the perps they brought in, especially now he worked on android cases. You never knew who, or what, you'd come up against, so it was good to be prepared.

"I see...You enjoy physical domination." Reed clammed up at the assessment. His jaw was working, but no words came out. That was not the conversation he'd expected to have. Not with an android standing over six feet tall with the face of a serial killer, anyway. "Don't worry, Detective. I can give you what you want." Nines wore an almost teasing smirk that made Reed back off a little further. That Reed's heart sped up at his tone made Nines curious.

"Whatever, Terminator. You ready?" Reed asked almost impatiently as he looked at the floor to avoid his gaze.

"Eyes up, Rump Steak." Nines snapped his fist out and Reed barely managed to block the hit, which was definitely stronger than what Connor would give him on a good day. He rubbed the slowly bruising area with a frown. "I never said I'd use kid gloves," Nines purred before launching himself forward. His movements were strong and sleek, but Reed noticed his speed was lower than Connor's. Sure, the thing's a phcking tank! Of course, he's heavier than an RK800! Reed ducked around Nines' larger body, green eyes calculating. He was more muscular, but not much larger than Connor overall. His body was lithe, but the weight of his casing held him back a little. Or maybe that's just what he wants me to think...

"Alright, try this!" Reed growled as he feinted to the left and hopped back, watching Nines' leg snap out in a quick kick that would definitely have sent him flying. I phcking knew it! Asshole's been holding out on me...Reed smirked, a look that was almost mirrored by Nines. Nines hadn't read his feint in time and had reacted to it, blowing his own cover. They circled longer as Reed tried to assess whether his lack of speed was really fake. Maybe he has the energy to move quickly, but only for short bursts...If I keep ducking around him without making a move, I'll just wear myself out, which could be what he's banking on...But running wasn't what Gavin Reed was known for.

"You're impatient, Detective," Nines teased as he caught his wrist in one hand, watching him wince as he squeezed. "That could cost you dearly." He released the slender limb and stepped back into position. Reed snarled and launched his whole body, as he often did with Connor. Unlike Connor, Nines caught him in a chokehold with one hand and regarded him calmly, almost the same way he had at Cyberlife Tower. As Reed tapped with an urgent hand, Nines released and watched him stumble and gasp. He gripped his throat warily, still jumpy as he found his footing. Phck! What the-? Could have snapped my damned neck!

"Do you have any phcking concept of safety?" he barked as he continued to hold his throat with a shaking hand. Nines tilted his head in response, curious about the trembling.

"I wasn't aware you knew the word, Detective...Perhaps you would like me to make it easier for you to win," Nines suggested slyly, knowing it would rile him. Reed looked pissed as he held up his hand for a timeout. None of this was easing his need for a cigarette. He ran a stressed hand through his hair, tugging lightly in frustration. He really had no idea what Nines was thinking.

"I go hard, sure! But I'd never grab someone by the throat and heft them like a piece of phcking luggage!" He was almost incredulous as Nines rolled his eyes.

"Gavin, I would never hurt you. I would never strike or handle you in any way that would cause lasting injury. When I grasped your throat, I took multiple factors into consideration and ensured your safety throughout." He made it sound like it was no big deal. Perhaps, to an android, it wasn't. Their weak points were their thirium pumps and power cores. Their necks weren't as delicate. Reed wasn't sure whether he was serious or if he just didn't understand how fragile humans could be and what their physical reactions might entail. He held up his hands in a halting gesture again.

"Nines, it's not always just about you! You could pick the perfect angle, do everything right, but what would have happened if I'd panicked? What if I'd struggled or kicked out? Done something you hadn't predicted? Or what if some outward force had interrupted us? It can seem as safe as you want in the moment, but accidents can happen, and I'd rather not...Just don't do shit like that!" Reed knew it had gone through as an order as Nines' LED circled yellow, but for once he didn't care. Part of him felt a little better knowing that he was physically incapable of pulling shit like that with him again. Nines' LED continued circling yellow, blue eyes dropping in something akin to guilt.

"I apologise...You are correct, Gavin. The neck and cranium are particularly fragile in humans and injuries to these areas can have...unpleasant consequences." Nines reached out and rested a hand on Reed's neck, which felt incredibly fragile and warm. If he pressed, he could make out the individual segments of his spine where they merged with the brainstem. "Would you like to continue?" He was surprised that he hadn't knocked his hand away. Reed nodded somewhat stiffly in response, glad that he understood.

"Sure, just...take it easy." They backed up a few paces and circled slowly, each examining the other in search of openings to take advantage of. Reed was extremely cautious, knowing that Nines would likely try to draw him in close to take advantage. Nines' energy is pretty much unlimited, but if we keep going around in circles like this, I'm going to get tired. Nines smirked, almost as if he could read his thoughts. Yeah-yeah-yeah, laugh it up, asshole!

Nines snapped his fist out. Reed barely dodged out of the way, tripping over as Nines' foot caught his side in a sweeping kick and rolling to his feet. Nines didn't give him much room to move. He could barely back off before the next swing came, and he hardly managed to get breathing space to block the next hit. Reed grunted as he ended up on his back, only just rolling aside as a foot stomped where his stomach had been seconds earlier. He was breathing hard as he pushed himself up and Nines looked smug as he watched him gasping for breath. Phck, here goes nothing! Reed roared as he launched himself at Nines, jumping so that the full force of his body weight hit his towering form.

"Is...this what you had in mind?" Nines asked, tone laced with surprised amusement as he caught him against his chest. Reed's hands were gripping his shoulders now, strong legs wrapped around his waist like a koala as he found himself suspended four feet off the ground. Nines' hands were resting beneath his thighs, holding him comfortably. He hadn't even stumbled as the fifteen stone man slammed into his chest. In fact, Reed felt winded as he leaned his head on Nines' shoulder.

"I-uh...I have to admit, I thought there'd be more of a...downward motion." His green eyes widened as Nines' large hands shifted. He was lifted higher, and suddenly those powerful hands were supporting his ass. Reed felt his mouth go dry as he felt the fingers gripping his plush flesh.

"That can be arranged," Nines teased in a low purr as he lowered his weight, resting it against his pelvis almost meaningfully. Reed licked his lips subconsciously, dirty green eyes darting up to meet Nines' amused gaze before slipping away. His body was far more interested than it should have been. He tried to squirm a little further away, knowing Nines would be able to feel what was happening between his legs soon.

"Haha, very funny, dipshit...Guess you're a lot sturdier than Connor..." he added in a somewhat sheepish voice. His legs tightened their grip on Nines' hips subconsciously, though he did his best not to let his twitching cock get too close. The last thing he needed was for Nines to analyse his boner and jump to conclusions.

"Or Connor has been faking it with you." Reed huffed in amusement at the suggestion. He couldn't rule it out, but at the same time, he knew Connor was made of less durable material than Nines. He didn't know for sure, but he was pretty confident that Nines had been built with SWAT or the military in mind. His casing was stronger, he was sturdier, and he'd been programmed with fewer social protocols. He was built to take orders and complete tasks, not to make friends and interact with people. Damn shame, the fucker's got quite a mouth on him sometimes.

"Can't argue with that," Reed relented with a shrug, head snapping to the side as the changing room door opened. Nines joined him, alert but unbothered, as Miller stepped into the gymnasium. He was dressed for a light training session, a set of earbuds in his ears as he sauntered in almost dancing. His dark eyes squinted as he looked between the two men, who looked like they were sharing an almost passionate embrace in the middle of the hall.

"Do I...want to know?" he asked with a hint of amusement as he tugged out one of his buds. Nines seemed unconcerned by his appearance, quite content to remain where he was with Reed's ass moulded in his hands. It was soft and fleshy through his skin-tight leggings, just as he'd imagined. Correction. It was plumper than he'd expected. Reed, on the other hand, looked mortified. He grimaced as he looked across at Miller, almost imploringly. "Hey-hey, you don't have to tell me! I'll just forget I saw anything." Miller waved it off as he headed towards the punching bags with an almost amused smirk.

"Would you like to continue, Detective?" Nines' deep voice almost purred. Reed shivered at the sound. Phck, why can't I find myself a human guy who sounds like that? He sighed forlornly as he looked at Nines, who was holding him at eye level for once. Reed looked down with a frown as he felt the hands on his ass squeeze tighter.

"Oh, get a real good phcking feel why don't you? Asshole." He yelped and wriggled in Nines' grasp as he took the words to heart.

"If you insist..." Nines hefted him again and thoroughly analysed the layers of plush fat and muscle in his hands. His ass really was much softer than his own, the flesh pliant and squishy. Reed gave him an indignant look, cheeks flushing as he was manhandled. Despite the extra layer of soft flesh on his rump, his thighs were strong and toned within his clinging pants. "You have extremely generous muscle mass," Nines complimented, getting in a final squeeze for good measure.

"Do you phcking mind? Phcking put me down, perv-bot!" Reed was quietly grateful that Miller was busy listening to his music and sparring with the punching bags. Nines relented with some smugness, dropping him to his feet and watching him stumble. At least I didn't fall on my ass..."I think that's enough for today." He tried to ignore the tightness of his leggings as he stormed through to the showers. Phcking androids!