The next three weeks continued just like that. The pattern was almost unsettling. A new routine was forming, one that Reed wasn't sure he liked. They'd do their stakeout, clock out, and then Nines would drive him home. He'd drive him home and just stay there. Any time he had a nightmare, he'd wake up with Nines' firm hands gripping his shoulders. Those hands would then press him back into the mattress with soft assurances. Sometimes he'd lie awake while Nines sat on the edge of his bed, neither of them speaking to break the silence until it was time for him to get up. At other times, when there was still a few hours left before his alarm, Nines would gently turn him over and massage his shoulders, lulling him into a dreamless sleep. He always made him breakfast before they returned to the precinct. Sometimes went into stasis for a while, recharging, organising and updating his files, something he couldn't do at Reed's apartment. While Nines was busy with that, Reed would drink his first coffee and have his first cigarette before either having his session with Dr Marr or getting to work on the other open cases. They'd break for lunch, talk over the case, liaise with Hank and Connor over the phone, and then take over the stakeout.

The lack of activity made him worry their instincts were wrong, that this wasn't one of their guys, but then Adams made his move. Nines drove at quite a distance, staying out of sight while instantly alerting patrol cars of their location to ensure they kept the streets clear of marked cars. They didn't want to spook their suspect. Adams drove around the same area, almost like he was looking for something. The pickup truck pulled over to the curb and Nines stopped too. Reed was worried that they'd been spotted at first. Nines had kept their headlights off in the dim evening light, but that didn't mean Adams couldn't have noticed. Reed tapped his arm and nodded towards the alley just across from the pickup. That's a YK600! He was sure of it. He could see a blue LED glowing in the darkness.

The small android was cautious as he crossed to the window, which must have wound down so they could talk. The android child seemed timid but relaxed, shy but at ease. Don't...don't you do it, kid. Reed watched warily as the small brunette reached out and opened the door, cursing quietly as he climbed inside and the door shut. The pickup pulled away moments later. Reed looked at Nines, his jaw tight. They couldn't just pull him over now, not if they wanted to catch all three. Nines nodded quietly, waiting a few seconds before pulling out and crawling after him. Adams circled the area a little longer before returning home. Nines parked a little further up the street and they watched as Adams climbed out. Reed couldn't help scooting lower in his seat as Adams looked around, obviously reluctant to be seen. Luckily, they were too far back to be noticeable.

"You recording this?" Reed checked in a hushed tone as he watched the passenger door open. Adams lifted the small android down to his feet and rested a hand on his upper back, caressing the thick puffy jacket he was wearing. The android smiled innocently, willingly going with him to the front door. What is he even thinking? Whatever happened to don't talk to strangers?

"Affirmative." Nines' silvery eyes remained unblinking as he zoomed in for closeups of Adams' hand touching the child's back. The boy was an identical model to the first victim, only this time his eyes were a gentle hazel shade rather than a shocking blue. They disappeared inside and the living room light turned on. Reed was anxious. It was always hard to decide when to move. If we catch this guy now, then the kid's safe, but if we don't catch the other two, then there's no guarantee that this sicko will talk...But what will he do to that kid in the meantime? He rubbed a hand over his face with a stressed sigh. He could share his thoughts with Nines, but he didn't really have the experience to make a call like this. Wanting to keep him in the loop, he messaged Hank to let him know what they'd seen, and that they were standing by for more activity or further instructions.

"We'll wait for now." Anything that happened from this point onwards would be on his conscience. Nines nodded, but his face was impassive. Reed couldn't tell what he was thinking. Did he agree? Did he disagree? They sat for hours. Hank messaged back to say he agreed with his assessment and to wait it out. He was happy to at least be validated. It was almost time for shift change when they came out. The kid had been picked up around seven that night, and it was almost one in the morning now. "Is the kid alright?" Reed murmured as he noted the blinking yellow of his LED as Adams carried his limp form down the driveway.

"I believe he has been placed in some form of involuntary stasis." Nines wasted no time in starting the car and messaging Tina to change direction from coming down their street. He followed slowly as the pickup moved, sending constant position updates to Tina and any other patrol cars in the area. The pickup peeled off the main street, heading towards the outskirts. It was almost too risky to follow, but they had no choice if they wanted to catch these guys. Adams parked his truck in a quiet alley and climbed out. He was waiting for something. Another car. It looked like an automated taxi, but Nines was quick to state otherwise. "There is no registered taxi with that registration...I believe it is a cosmetic copy," he reported as Adams climbed in with the android cradled in his arms.

"Phck...They're going to notice us on a street this quiet," Reed sighed, feeling agitated as he watched the fake taxi pull away. Nines slowed further, hanging back as far as he could. "You good?" Reed couldn't even see the taxi now. Nines had no such trouble. He'd zoomed in to keep it in sight, speeding up whenever it turned corners so as not to lose it. He nodded in response as he worked on keeping pace, hiding from the taxi as much as possible. They finally found it parked on a deserted street and Nines sent a message to call in Tina and any other available officers in their vicinity.

"They've already gone inside..." he reported as he looked at the empty car and then at the deserted buildings surrounding them. Reed was quick to cross to the car and search the surrounding pavement. It hadn't been raining, and the android wasn't injured, so there was no trail to follow. Phck! "We should check the doors and alleys for signs of recent or suspicious activity." Reed agreed as he headed to the nearest door and Nines scanned the nearest alleyway, finding no trail to follow.

"Nines...these prints fresh?" Reed asked quietly as he looked down at the scuffed shoe prints on the laminated hall of an open lobby. Nines nodded his confirmation, head snapping up at the sound of a sudden high-pitched cry of distress. Reed was already running, gun pulled from his holster as he charged up the stairs with surprising stealth, following the pleading struggles and deep chuckles. It sounded like they were starting gently, at least. One of them was soothing and telling the boy how much he'd like it if he just calmed down and stopped struggling. Reed could feel Nines at his back as he slowed and passed into the abandoned apartment on the third floor, one that was a lot like the other crime scenes.

He looked at Nines and signalled for him to sneak in and cross to the opposite wall. Nines nodded and did so, scanning the aged floorboards to avoid any loose panels until his back was resting against the faded grey surface. Reed slowly edged closer to the glowing doorway until he could see inside the bathroom. The boy was whimpering quietly, small hands tugging pathetically against the thin plastic ties holding his wrists over the dirty brass tap as a man leaned over the edge to stroke and tease his pale chest, saying how good and pretty he was. A second man stood off to the side, the rhythmic movement of his arm leaving Reed in no doubt of what he was doing. The last man had climbed into the tub and was slowly working on getting the quivering android to open his trembling thighs. They ignored his small pleas and terrified tears, enjoying his anguish. Reed looked at Nines, trying to ignore the way his blood boiled as he signalled that he had all three in sight. They waited a moment, sharing a sharp look. One...Two...Three!

"Detroit Police! Nobody move!" Reed yelled as he stepped around the door, gun levelled and ready to fire. The man at the edge of the tub jerked away with his hands up as the second fumbled with his pants with one hand while raising the other. Adams, the one in the tub, gripped the small android's throat, either to silence or use him as leverage. "Nines!" Nines wasted no time in darting to the tub, paying Adams back double for what he'd done. Reed was relieved to hear steps outside, knowing it was Tina and Miller before he even saw them. Tina's light running step was something he'd learned to recognise over the years.

"Good catch, Gav," Tina gasped as she entered, handcuffs already in hand. She cuffed one man while Miller cuffed the other, and Reed was happy to let Nines choke Trevor Adams for a while as he lowered his gun and crossed to the now naked and quivering child in the bathtub. He mumbled gentle assurances as he grabbed the small Swiss Army knife on his keys and cut the zip ties to free the boy's reddened, blue-bleeding wrists. The small android was crying his eyes out, unable to form any words as he immediately latched onto Reed's larger shoulders and gripped tightly.

"Hey-hey! There we go, it's alright..." Reed soothed as he lifted him, looking around for something to wrap him in. His original clothing had been torn, ripped, or cut free. He lowered him to the floor for a moment to shrug off his jacket and cover his small body. It was big enough that it just barely covered his rump. That would do until they could get him back to the precinct and into a thick blanket. "Hey, you got a name?" Reed asked softly as he zipped his jacket and rubbed the boy's quivering arms.

"N-Niles." Reed nodded as he offered to lift him again. Once he was safely tucked in his arms, he crossed to Nines and handed him his handcuffs. Nines was slow to release his tight choke hold, twisting Adams' arms a little more than necessary as he tightened the cuffs. Reed left him behind as he heard him reading Adams his rights. He went to his own car and opened the back door so Niles could climb in, sniffling quietly as he pulled on the seatbelt with shaking hands. Three patrol cars were there, and as Nines came out, he handed Adams off to another set of uniformed officers.

"Alright, Niles, you got anyone missing you? Anyone you want us to call?" Reed asked as he climbed into the passenger's side and turned to look back. Niles shook his head quietly. Another homeless android. Another kid on the streets that no one was missing. Reed called ahead to Fowler, letting him know to get whatever child or android services there were available to help. Nines drove them back and wasted no time in calling Connor to let him know what had happened. As soon as they reached the precinct, Reed walked Niles into the bullpen and caught Miller just as he was heading back from the cells. "Chris! Niles, this is Officer Miller. He'll stay with you for a while, alright?" Reed handed him over with a sigh of relief. He wasn't great with young kids, androids especially. He did, however, search through the infirmary for the softest looking blanket he could find before going back and dropping it on Miller's lap.

Reed clocked out as soon as he'd had his last cigarette and checked in with Fowler, both he and Nines getting a pat on the back for a job well done. What a phcking night...They'd caught all three men and saved the kid before shit got too real. Fowler told him to be in the next day by eight o'clock for press coverage. As the lead detective on the case, he'd be the one speaking. He didn't even think about it as Nines walked with him. He'd even kept the car keys.

"You're driving my car so much I'm beginning to think I should get a key cut for you," Reed chuckled tiredly as he settle back in his seat. Nines looked almost pleased at the idea as he started up the engine and pulled away. "Or maybe you could keep the keys and I could just buy you a chauffeur's cap," Reed added with a smirk as he hooked one arm behind his head and eyed Nines as he drove. He didn't seem to appreciate that comment as much. Sharp blue eyes moved to glare at him briefly as he followed the flow of traffic. Since it was so late, there weren't many cars, and it wouldn't take long to drive home.

"Perhaps I should get you a collar since I'm always taking care of you like a pet." Nines didn't miss the quirk of Reed's lips at the jibe.

"What makes you think I don't already have one?" Reed retorted suggestively, quickly realising that Nines had no idea what he meant. Right. Android. Barely a few months old. Of course he hasn't learned about innuendos yet. "I appreciate it though, Terminator...Been a while since anyone's been there." He looked out of the window, almost cringing at his own soft tone and sentimentality. It was true, though. No one had run around after him like this since Jack died. Sure, Tina checked in during her shift, and recently Hank, Connor, and Fowler had gotten a lot more fucking vocal, but he needed more than that. He didn't have a working off switch. Never had. He'd just go until he ran out of fuel and dropped. It had pissed Jack off to no end. He'd often said he had two children. He'd done coffee runs, made sure he ate lunch, and often made sure he went home at night.

"No problem, Rump Steak. As your partner, it's my duty to ensure you perform at pique proficiency." Reed huffed at his obvious pride. His formal lilt seemed out of place when mixed with the affectionate nickname, but it somehow worked. Nines really surprised him sometimes. He never expected him to joke, tease, or bite back, but sometimes he did. It was almost comfortable. It wasn't long before Nines was pulling up to the curb and they headed up to his apartment. Again, it wasn't even a question whether Nines was coming in.

Nines stepped inside like he owned the place and was immediately greeted by Pipsqueak, who had taken a liking to his new companion. It probably had something to do with the interfacing. He seemed to tell Nines exactly what he needed. Some nights he was content to be lifted and stroked for a while, or scratched beneath his chin or behind his ears, and on others he would lead Nines into the kitchen, eager for food. Sometimes he'd patiently wait on the sofa and crawl into his lap the moment he sat down. Tonight it seemed he was hungry, pawing Nines' slacks as they interfaced before padding into the kitchen expectantly.

"Will you shower before dinner?" Nines asked as he opened a sachet of gloop and tipped it into the small ceramic bowl and refilled the water. Reed yawned as he kicked off his tan boots, only now realising he'd left his jacket at the precinct. He hadn't even thought to take it back from Niles. It would probably be there tomorrow. No big deal. He was lucky he kept his apartment key and wallet in his jeans.

"It's almost two in the morning! I'm going to bed," Reed insisted tiredly as he stretched and yawned. For once, he actually felt the pull of sleep after a job well done. He could almost hear Nines processing the choices. Letting him head to bed in peace was an option, but he hadn't eaten since lunchtime. He could voice an objection and insist he sit down and eat something. Since he was tired, he could make something small and encourage him to eat a little before going to bed. If he insisted, he might make something simple that would keep in the fridge, so it was ready if he woke up during the night.

"Are you sure you're not hungry? You didn't eat dinner today." Reed paused with some amusement as he wandered across to his bedroom door, wondering which option had won out. He shrugged out of his top, enjoying the cool air on his bare skin as he went. Nines was still in the kitchen, leaning back against the counter as he roved his blue eyes over Reed's toned torso. He had good musculature, and he could trace the shape of his abs, just barely defined. He may not spend most of his time lifting weights, but he clearly worked out regularly. It had been more obvious in the past, perhaps. Their current workload kept him at his desk more often.

"Nah, I'm good...You don't need to be such a nanny-bot," he retorted with an almost fond huff, dropping the top as he leaned in the doorway. If he noticed Nines' analytical stare, he didn't say anything. The muscles continued down his back, which was much less marked than his front. There were a couple of exit wounds, and one slash beneath his shoulder blade where someone had clearly caught him from behind. Blue eyes followed the trail of his spine down to his ass, defined even through his thick jeans. He was curious about how it would feel. His own was rather firm because of his synthetic musculature and the hard shell beneath, but humans tended to be much softer and more supple.

"Say that again when I'm not managing your caffeine and nicotine intake, and fixing your diet," Nines countered with the barest hint of smugness. Reed looked over his shoulder with a scowl that quickly turned into something more vulnerable as he noticed Nines' eyes looking a lot lower than he'd expected. Silvery eyes rose to meet his own dirty green, both a little startled at being caught. The first response stalled on his lips.

"The phck are you staring at, Terminator?" Nines' lips quirked as if he'd been waiting all day for the question to be asked.

"Rump Steak," he retorted haughtily, extremely pleased with his own joke. Reed wasn't sure what he was laughing at more. That Nines had made a joke, or that he was so damned pleased with himself about it. It was also refreshing that he'd simply admitted to being caught. Usually, people wouldn't admit it if he called them on checking him out. "I was theorising how tender it would feel in comparison to my own. As you know, android musculature is entirely synthetic and often supported by a thick layer of plating beneath," Nines continued in a more serious tone. And now it's gone weird...Hot, but weird.

"Well, you can keep on theorising," Reed huffed, staring up at the ceiling as he felt his jeans tighten. The last thing he needed was a running commentary of how tight and solid Nines' ass would feel. He's a phcking android! You don't want to touch it, or think about touching it! He walked through to his small bathroom and shut the door. Suddenly, he was less tired, and a shower seemed like just the thing he needed. The hot water relaxed him enough to edge him towards sleep again. As he came out, he could hear Nines bustling about in the kitchen, giving soft admonishments as he spoke to Pipsqueak, who'd jumped onto the counter to watch what he was doing with interest. "Hey, I'm about to crash...Feel free to use the TV or whatever," Reed called as he leaned one arm on the doorframe, now dressed in some low riding grey sweats.

"Thank you...Sleep well, Detective," Nines replied, watching him turn and close the door halfway. It was curious that he didn't close it completely, likely a habit to allow Pipsqueak to come and go as he pleased in the night. Android pets were programmed with specific patterns that mimicked real animal behaviours. Nines wondered whether Pipsqueak even realised he was synthetic. His programming was so simple he may not comprehend it. It likely wouldn't matter to the small machine even if he did realise. It was endearing that his sole desire was to give and receive affection, mostly from Detective Reed. As if reading his thoughts, Pipsqueak trilled and hopped down from the counter before sauntering into the bedroom.

"Hey there, Pips...You got bored with Nines? Come to sleep for a bit?" Nines found himself captivated by the soft cooing of Reed's voice. It was the softest tone he'd ever heard fall from his lips. His LED span yellow as he returned his attention to the sandwich he'd prepared. He used the bread and ham he'd picked up from the store, suspecting he would come over regularly because of the long hours they'd been working. The routine had settled in without Reed noticing, but Nines had noted it. He set an internal alarm. To get to the office in good time for Reed to write up a speech and have a coffee before the conference, it would be sensible to wake him at six. He'd make sure breakfast was ready by then so that he'd have time to eat. With that decided, Nines turned off the lights and sat on the sofa to settle into a light form of stasis.