Tick Tock Part Three - Dock

Making Up

"Gavin..." Nines murmured hesitantly as he edged the bedroom door open. They hadn't spoken about the incident much at work, beyond his contacting Colin and Perkins. They arrived within the hour to review the evidence and interview Gavin and Stacey about what happened and left shortly after with the courier's ID. The next step in their investigation would be to track him down for an interview. With that done, Nines and Gavin had returned to work on their regular cases. Another android body fished out of the river, probably dating back to the revolution, and a busted up Traci that had been raped and tossed in the trash. Luckily, the garbage collectors had noticed the body before they'd emptied the dumpster.

Gavin had remained somewhat tense and jumpy throughout the day, especially when they'd left the precinct to review scenes and interview witnesses. He'd constantly looked over his shoulder, vulnerable eyes scanning the surrounding shops and rooftops for any sign of them being watched. He remained that way despite Nines' assurances that there was no one suspicious around. At lunchtime, he'd refused to sit in their usual seats by the window or outside, settling on a booth tucked away in a shaded corner with no clear view from the outside. He even made sure Nines was sitting in the safer seat, which was touching, but unnecessary. Nines very much doubted the Hickory Killer would make a move so openly. They'd been idle threats. Nothing more. Threats given with the express intention of making Gavin react this way.

Returning home had been no different. Gavin had immediately darkened the glass on the lower floor. He was furious when Nines brightened it in response. Nines refused to bow to the cheap intimidation tactic, reminding Gavin that they were untouchable this high up. Gavin snapped at him about how he was only trying to keep him safe. He didn't want anything to happen to him. Nines appreciated that, but it was unrealistic to think they could simply hide and everything would be alright. The argument had deteriorated. Gavin had stormed off, the slam of his bedroom door signalling an end to the conversation. He hadn't even eaten dinner.

Which brought them to the present, where Nines was standing in the cracked doorway holding a tray in his hand. His LED span yellow as he looked at the small figure huddled on the bed. Fuzzball was conspicuously absent from the pile of pillows above. The lump beneath the duvet didn't move. A human would likely conclude that Gavin had gone to sleep, however, Nines was aware of his steady heartbeat and the strength of his breathing. He stepped inside the darkened room without invitation and crossed to the bedside table, putting the tray down before sitting on the edge of the bed closest to Gavin. Not even a hair was visible. He'd huddled right down, out of sight, pulling the duvet over his head.

Nines was slow as he rested his hand on the lump and stroked small circles. He knew he was touching Gavin's shoulder and back, but the duvet was a thick layer between them and Gavin wasn't coming out. Despite the edges being out of place, he hadn't bundled himself up into a tight ball. Nines tugged on the nearest corner. Gavin didn't pull it away. Taking that as a sign, Nines got to his feet and lifted the edge enough to shuffle inside. He altered his vision, making it easier to see Gavin in the dimness as he pulled the duvet around their bodies, leaving them shrouded in their own little padded cave.

Gavin was curled up, faced towards him but with his head lowered against Fuzzball's fluffy white head. He'd also put on his fleecy cat cardigan at some point and pulled the hood low over his head. Nines lay on his side facing him, shuffling closer to wrap an arm around him and stroke soothing circles on his back. Gavin tensed a little at the first touch, but slowly relaxed into it, remaining in a disgruntled ball on his side. A clear I'm still mad at you hung between them unsaid. Nines leaned closer to nuzzle and kiss the soft hood, working his free arm beneath Gavin's head and curling up to allow him to tease the cat ears with his fingers. The gentle affection went some way towards easing the looming tension.