A month passed. A blissful month. Reed wasn't sure what had happened, but it felt like something good. He'd spent every night with Aaron at his apartment. Sometimes staying over. Sometimes going home. It usually depended on whether he could walk afterwards. Aaron was an insatiable menace. He wanted him each and every way he could have him, for as long as his feeble human body could hold out. Sometimes longer. Reed had taken to wearing turtlenecks like Nines to keep the red marks hidden at work. It was a little inconvenient, but a small price to pay for the pure fucking relief he felt.

He was working out all of that pent up stress and energy, finding he was more relaxed by the time he woke up and headed to work. After the first three days, his nightmares had just stopped. He wasn't sure whether it was because he was emotionally feeling more positive or just so fucking exhausted after being fucked every which way that his mind didn't have the energy left to make them. Whatever the case, his lack of nightmares had left him feeling much freer.

Dr Marr had taken note, of course. They'd agreed that it was a positive sign and he should try to keep that positivity going. They'd touched on the relationship more than once. He never let her think it was anything more than sex. It really wasn't. Sure, there was aftercare involved. Gentle soothing touches, drinks and breakfast in bed, and relaxing on the sofa watching movies. Aaron had developed this habit of touching his hair when they were lying together, long fingers idly carding through the strands. It felt familiar. It took him back to Cyberlife Tower. To lying on the sofa after that beating, his eyes too heavy to open, and the feeling of a gentle soothing touch. He thought he'd imagined it, but more recently he'd been wondering...Did Nines touch me? Was he seeing what my hair felt like? What made him do that? Was I imagining it?

Working with Nines had continued the same as always. Reed would come in and order him to get him a coffee, often giving him a slightly disappointed look as the hot mug soon appeared at his elbow. They started the shift by reviewing their current case files and handling a few callouts. Android attacks had actually dropped a little in the past few months. Humans were getting used to the idea that they were people, and coming to terms with the fact that damaging them now came with a hefty prison sentence. They were bigots, but they were smart bigots. That meant they actually had a reasonable caseload for a change. Reed was no longer pressured and overworked.

They had more time to focus on physical training, leading to more than a few awkward looks and touches as Nines examined the fresh purple circles on his skin. He hadn't told him, but with his advanced optical units, he could see the indentation of each tooth and match the pattern perfectly to Mr Hughes' teeth. He'd checked more than once to make sure that he was alright, worried blue eyes measuring his vitals until he was satisfied that it had been consensual. The concern was touching, but also a little invasive as far as Reed was concerned. Though with these phcking bruises on my hips, I can hardly blame him for asking, Christ! Reed paused as he caught sight of the greenish blue marks in the changing room mirror, fingers tracing the tender circles.

Despite feeling fully satisfied with Aaron, he still couldn't control his bodily reactions where Nines was concerned. If anything, it had gotten worse. It didn't help that Aaron had figured it out within the first minute of seeing them together. He was a fucking menace! He'd have him on his knees, balls deep in his ass, and then he'd lean low over his shoulder, hot breath teasing his ear as he purred out in Nines' voice all the things he wanted to do to him. Reed couldn't help it. He'd spill right then and there with Nines' name on his lips. Aaron would smirk afterwards, always teasing him and asking when he was going to just give in and tell him. No phcking way! It's not happening! Reed remained resolute as he returned to his desk and looked across at Nines, who glanced up with those piercing silvery eyes-And I've got a boner again...phck!

The day flew by and then Aaron was there. That was something else that was happening more often. Aaron would just turn up at the end of his shift to take him out or drive back to his place. Always Aaron's place. It was a boundary that had been set without a word between them. Aaron didn't come to his apartment. Ever. It just seemed weird. His apartment was where he'd hang out with Nines sometimes. Nines was always happy to meet up and spend time with Pipsqueak. That was also part of the odd routine.

Sometimes, on the way home after seeing Aaron, he'd message Nines to see if he wanted to come over. Nines never said no. Reed would stop by the precinct and pick him up, then Nines would hang out with Pipsqueak while he fixed dinner, read a book, or watched TV. Sometimes he'd stay over and sometimes he'd head back to the precinct. At the door there was always that moment of hesitation, that instant where Reed would look up into those soft, silvery eyes and-And nothing!

"Good day today?" Aaron's voice pulled him back to the present as he shut down his terminal and got to his feet. He shrugged dismissively. It hadn't been too bad. Uneventful besides sparring with Nines. "Have a drink with me. I feel like celebrating." His good mood hit Reed for the first time. Aaron was always cheerful, especially when it came to getting his hands on his ass, but today he was almost giddy. He had this bright, brimming energy as he tried not to smile too much.

"Someone's in a good mood," Tina teased as she eased herself into the conversation like she'd been there the whole time. That was something else he wasn't getting used to. His sex partner was slotting into his friend group. It didn't happen often. They usually exchanged brief pleasantries and then went on their way, but sometimes it became a little more personal. Tina would keep them talking, or Connor would ask Aaron something casual. The only one who never seemed interested in being in his company was Nines. In fact, he seemed to dislike him. Even now, Reed could see Nines deliberately focusing on his terminal, jaw tightening as Tina kept him talking.

"I am. I had some good news today," Aaron confessed with barely contained excitement, keen to share it with someone. Tina obligingly looked interested and asked him about it. "My project got picked up by a publisher...It's a book I've been working on about android prejudice." He was clearly buzzing at the news. Reed hadn't even realised he'd finished writing it, let alone actively sent it out to publishers. Tina gave him a pleased smile and slapped a friendly hand on his arm.

"Well, good for you! That's great news! So, you're going out to celebrate?" she prompted as she pulled her hat off and started unpinning her hair. Her shift had just ended, and she always took her hair down when she finished. She hated having to pin it up at all, but the length meant it was just more practical that way. Aaron nodded enthusiastically as he watched the ebony waves fall free and tumble down to her petite hips. It hadn't looked that long all rolled up.

"We are...Would you like to join us?" Tina happily agreed before Reed could voice an objection. What the phck? He levelled a look at Aaron, but he was just so damned happy he couldn't bring himself to wreck his good mood. They could talk about boundaries again later. He sighed helplessly, knowing what was about to happen before Connor even got to his feet.

"Drinks? Sounds good. Up for a little more company?" he checked politely, ignoring the glare Reed was sending his way. Even Hank got in on it, though who really expected the old man to turn down a drinking session? Reed couldn't believe how out of hand this had gotten, especially as Aaron turned to Nines and invited him to come, too. Reed thought his heart was about to stop as Nines looked up, ready to decline, but his words were cut off as Connor's hand landed on his shoulder. "He'd love to come, wouldn't you, Nines?"

"I...Yes, of course." Nines immediately wished he'd refused as Connor tugged him out of his seat. It was rare for all of their shifts to line up like this. Connor and Hank would often be an hour or so ahead or behind Nines and Reed, and Tina's shifts changed from week to week. That meant that everybody had their own catching up to do as they headed out. They easily followed Hank's lead, ending up at Jimmy's Bar. It wasn't fancy, but the booths were comfortable, the alcohol was cheap, and Jimmy had even started experimenting with thirium based drinks for Connor.

"Hank! You brought two of your boys in tonight?" Jimmy greeted cheerfully as they entered, long braids swinging loose about his shoulders as always. Hank greeted him with a smile, and Connor gave his own polite greeting as he leaned on the bar. Reed was surprised. He didn't realise that Hank had brought both Connor and Nines to the bar before, or that people referred to them as his boys. On reflection, it probably shouldn't have surprised him about Connor, at least. The fresh-faced android stuck to his side like glue and Hank absolutely doted on him. He just hadn't realised that extended to Nines as well.

"We're just out celebrating...Reed's boyfriend got his first book published," Hank explained cheerfully, missing the red of Nines' LED and the slightly choked sound Reed made. Aaron chuckled as he looked at Reed, wondering if he was going to correct his superior, but it seemed he was a little too flabbergasted to do so. Jimmy gave his congratulations as he prepared the drinks, and Hank insisted on paying for the first round, being the oldest and highest in rank. He was old-fashioned like that. Reed didn't know what to say or even whether he should speak as a beer was pushed into his hand.

The group settled into a booth with enough room for all six of them to squeeze in together. Reed didn't know how he'd managed to get himself stuck against the wall, but there he was. Aaron was pressed in beside him, giving Tina enough room to perch at the end. Reed dropped his gaze to the beer stained table as Nines ended up in front of him with Hank in the middle and Connor after that. It was plain fucking weird having his sex buddy, his friends, and his work colleagues all at one table.

"Tell me more about this book. It sounds fascinating!" Connor was clearly engaged, bright hazel eyes warm and inviting as he leaned forward and nursed his tumbler of thirium. Aaron launched into an explanation, and both Tina and Connor listened with rapt attention. Hank couldn't really follow, but he enjoyed the group's enthusiasm as he ruffled Connor's hair and gave Nines someone to talk to, having sensed his lack of enthusiasm. Reed joined them, chatting quietly about their latest cases as the conversation flowed beside him.

"I swear I'm going to have a fucking heart attack one of these days! I'd barely run three blocks before I was out of breath!" Hank had tried to chase down an android suspect with Connor. Again. Connor had run ahead. Again. Connor had scaled a rooftop and jumped across the train tracks. Again. Hank just considered himself lucky there'd been no moving train involved this time. He'd still felt terrible though, huffing and pounding the concrete as he tried to keep up. Nines wore an almost affectionate smile while Reed was grinning widely at the image of Hank plodding along down the street as Connor hopped and bounded across rooftops like an athlete.

"Maybe Connor should set you up with your own workout regime, old man." Reed was only half joking as he snickered, fully aware that Hank had the potential to shape up into a perfectly competent officer again. He was already there with turning up on time and completing his paperwork. He'd also lost a lot of weight just from changing his diet and going on more walks with Sumo. Connor tuned into their conversation, a glint entering his soft hazel eyes as he leaned his chin on one hand.

"Don't go giving him ideas, Reed!" Hank huffed as he sipped his whiskey, cursing softly as he noticed Connor watching with an almost predatory air.

"Gavin's right. I'd be happy to help you get in shape, Hank." Hank objected to the attention, shoving Connor's head so that he was facing Tina and Aaron again while Nines and Reed chuckled. Reed dropped his gaze as he caught Nines' eye, and Nines did the same. Conversation moved on beside them and soon the other four were having a deep discussion about music. Hank even regaled them with old stories of the concerts he'd been to in his younger days. It turned out he'd even met his ex-wife at one, and Connor was more than a little curious about her. It didn't take long for second, third, and fourth rounds to be bought, which left Reed feeling more than a little woozy. A companionable silence had settled between him and Nines, who was often drawn into conversation by Hank and Connor.

"You look so tempting when you're dazed and half asleep." Gavin jumped in his seat at the sensation of hot breath tickling his neck. He hadn't even noticed Aaron getting so close. His body stiffened as he felt a large hand trail slowly up his thigh, green eyes darting to blue anxiously. Squirming in his seat, he turned his head. What the phck are you doing right now? He shook his head slightly as the hand rubbed over his crotch teasingly. Oh-holy-"Put your hands on the table and watch your partner...and be careful, Gavin. You don't want to draw attention to yourself." No! Hey! Come on, this isn't phcking funny! Gavin reached down to pry the hand off, but it was immoveable. A small gasp slipped out as Aaron squeezed his limp cock, blue eyes sultry and demanding. Are you phcking kidding me right now? Right here? Are you phcking crazy? He laid his hands on the table obediently, a little anxiety rising in his chest as he looked across at Nines.

"Are you alright, Gavin?" Nines asked softly, having heard the sound and recognised it. He knew what Gavin sounded like when he was in mild discomfort, having seen him get paper cuts, stub his toe, and even trap his finger in a drawer. Scanning his vitals, he noted an unexpected rise in both stress and heart rate. He looked like a deer caught in headlights as he met his silvery eyes across the table, silently begging him to look away.

"I'm fine, Terminator. Go on, you'll miss the story," he encouraged in an almost husky tone, nodding back towards Hank's current tale about his wife. Connor and Tina were both invested, and even Aaron seemed interested to hear about that long ago night at the rock show. Nines hummed softly as Gavin's vitals continued to dance. Now his body temperature was rising. Gavin squirmed slightly, hands gripping the edge of the table like a vice as he tried not to rock into Aaron's steady, teasing touch.

"Whatever you say, Rump Steak," Nines replied in a silken tone that sent a shiver down his spine. Holy-phcking-hell! He almost gasped as the hand continued to press and squeeze through his jeans. It was all he could do to keep his breath from catching. What the phck is he thinking with two RK androids sitting right there? If they read my vitals, they'll-Gavin's thoughts cut off abruptly as the button of his jeans popped open. Green eyes darted to Aaron, almost imploringly. Seriously? Come on, asshole, this isn't phcking funny! Aaron's lips quirked a little. A hidden smirk that told him he knew exactly what he was thinking. Gavin turned to face the wall as he felt the hand reach in and pull his solid cock out. He hated that it actually felt good. Aaron stroked and teased the twitching length, twisting his fist with each slow pump.

"I told you where to look." Aaron's hand squeezed in warning, the low purr rumbling in his ear as he leaned in to kiss his temple. Gavin pushed down a whimper as he obediently returned his gaze to Nines. Silvery eyes returned to meet his own, LED circling yellow in concern as he read his mild distress. Gavin licked his lips and shook his head quietly. Nines didn't understand what he meant. Don't say anything? Why not? Was he worried about ruining the evening because he felt unwell? He watched Gavin gasp, just a short, sharp sound as he pushed himself back in his seat. No one else seemed aware of his discomfort.

Gavin tightened his jaw, panicking as he felt his heart trying to hammer its way out of his chest. This is phcking crazy! What the phck is this asshole thinking? Aaron's hand continued working him under the table, slowly rubbing his thumb in circles over the tip, smearing pearly droplets to help his hand glide smoothly. Gavin bit his lip and stifled a gasp at the sensation. He blinked slowly, knowing that Aaron would tease him if he kept his eyes closed for too long. Nines isn't stupid! He's going to know! He's going to see! Of all the people he could have done this in front of, did it have to be Nines? No...it's because it's Nines! Phck! This phcking prick!

Gavin planted his booted feet firmly on the floor, heels digging into the wood of the booth as Aaron squeezed in encouragement. He almost moaned at how good it felt as Aaron's hand glided up and down his now throbbing cock. His arms tensed, hands gripping as he desperately tried not to rock into that sensual touch. It felt sinfully good, and he wasn't sure whether having Nines watching was making it better or worse. Aaron was quietly amused as he continued his stealthy ministrations, fingers teasing and stroking. Gavin trembled. He wasn't far off. There was no way he could stop it. He was going to come. Right there. In the middle of a fucking bar. He was going to come, and Nines was looking right at him. It was unsettling how that actually turned him on more.

Nines tilted his head curiously, his expression concerned as he watched Gavin's vitals continue to flare and change. His stress levels were still steadily climbing, his skin was heating, and his heart rate was picking up. It was almost like he was having a panic attack, only he didn't read any restriction in his airways. That was when he saw it. The subtle motion of Mr Hughes' arm. Nines' LED circled red once before returning to yellow. Gavin's green eyes widened in horror as he realised that Nines knew. Nines' lips trembled slightly as he readied himself to say something, but Gavin's imploring look silenced him. Mr Hughes was touching him inappropriately beneath the table. He should alert their friends to the assault. Gavin shook his head with a desperate plea in his eyes. No?

Nines, you can't do it! Don't phcking do it! His gaze flicked to Connor in dread. Luckily, he seemed to be too busy talking to Aaron, Tina, and Hank about something or other. Gavin couldn't focus on anything but the hand gripping his fucking cock and Nines' icy eyes as he watched. Oh-God! Oh-phck! Gavin cursed as the realisation swept over him once again. Aaron was milking him like a fuck toy while Nines watched. He was going to come under the table with Nines watching. He could almost hear Aaron purring in his ear. A moan stuck in his throat as Aaron pumped, keeping the pace torturously slow.

Nines didn't know what to do as he watched Gavin suffer. At least, it looked like suffering. He knew it was pleasurable for humans, of course. Is he enjoying it? The real question was why were his green eyes fixed on him like his life depended on it? His skin was taking on a deeper flush, though the low lighting of Jimmy's hid it well. Another small gasp slipped out. Gavin licked his lips before biting the tender skin. He glanced at Connor desperately, likely hoping he was still occupied elsewhere. Fortunately, he was.

No-no-no-no! This isn't phcking funny! Phck! Nines! Gavin couldn't keep the wanton plea from his soft gaze. His thighs started trembling as he struggled to sit still in his seat. Aaron leaned a little further forward, somehow able to both watch Gavin and keep his attention on whatever shit Connor was spouting. Gavin tipped his head back slightly, chewing his lip and gazing at Nines with increasingly dazed eyes. Nines stared back, his LED circling yellow. Gavin looked unwell and disoriented.

Gavin? Nines' worry increased as he watched Gavin's vitals spike even higher. His whole body seemed to shudder, green eyes staring at him and begging. What do you need? He'd give it to him if he knew, if he understood. He could feel his own thirium pump reacting to Gavin's strange behaviour, and the genital component between his thighs had activated. That had never happened before. Theoretically, he knew what he should do with it, but not at the table, and certainly not next to Hank. He crossed his legs as he'd seen Gavin do on numerous occasions. It was uncomfortable. He felt Gavin's foot touch his beneath the table. His temperature was still elevated, the flush now reaching his ears.

"Can you feel him touching you?" Aaron purred, reaching his free hand across with a cotton handkerchief as he gave the final few pumps he needed. "You can come, Gavin." He used Nines' voice, intimately purring in his ear. Gavin coughed to cover his splintered moan as he came and Nines' LED span red as he watched. A small hum trapped in his throat as Gavin curled over the table, eyes still darting up to gaze at him. Aaron chuckled and rubbed Gavin's back while continuing to milk him into the cloth beneath the table, hand squeezing his thigh in reward before retreating. Good boy, Gavin.

"Swallowed-wrong-way!" Gavin excused through a series of coughs as he turned to face the wall. Tina and Hank laughed as Aaron slapped his back and Gavin downed his shot on the table. The only ones who didn't laugh were Nines and Connor. Nines had his own problems to deal with while Connor suddenly realised what happened. He'd read Gavin's vitals and knew exactly what those levels meant. The shame and relief rolling off him in waves were also a dead giveaway. Connor's eyes widened as he met Aaron's mischievous gaze and dropped his own to the table with a strange sense of embarrassment.

"I would like to go outside for a moment." Hank and Connor both stepped out as Nines slipped from the booth, keeping his hands low and hoping no one else noticed his crotch as he scooted out. The yellow of his LED wasn't missed by Connor. He also excused himself, using the excuse of calling Markus about some legal business he'd agreed to help with. It didn't take him long to spot Nines leaning against the wall of the quiet alleyway beside the bar. He'd at least been able to deactivate his genital component in that time.

"Are you alright?" Connor asked softly, ducking down to get a look at his face. He seemed troubled, upset, and confused. He opened his mouth and then closed it again as he shook his head. Alright, not alright..."Do you want to talk about it?" Nines shook his head again. Connor sighed as he took the space beside his brother against the wall, allowing their arms to brush. A subtle assurance. I'm here...The weight was returned in thanks and acceptance. They were silent for a while as Nines tried to process things. What he'd seen. How he felt. He didn't understand how he felt. Gavin had looked so...appealing. He wanted to see that expression again, only...I want it for myself...

"I-I think I shall return to the precinct." Connor pushed off the wall at the same time to walk him back to the street. Nines was touched by the concern as his almost timid fingers caught his jacket sleeve and tugged.

"Do you want me to walk with you? Hank won't mind if I-" The warmth and sincerity was appreciated, and very typical of Connor.

"No, stay with Hank. I...I want to be alone and...evaluate my thought processes." Connor's hazel eyes looked partly hurt and partly worried as he examined his confused little brother. "I'll call you before I enter stasis." Nines knew Connor wouldn't settle down for the evening unless he knew he was safe. His expression softened as he took in Connor's concern. He is a good brother.

"Alright, make sure you do." He was a little more satisfied as he pulled Nines into a sympathetic hug and held him tight. It was a gentle assurance. An offer of comfort. Nines returned the embrace somewhat awkwardly before they parted. Gavin's flushed skin and the dance of his vitals would haunt him all the way back to the precinct.