From Your Wires to Your Core

Four Hours Too Late

"You look good, son. Really good," Hank complimented as he saw Nines enter the bullpen the next day. Reed was leading the way, a bag clutched in one hand while the other was shoved in the pocket of his new jacket. Nines looked happy as he approached his desk. Really happy. He signed his thanks to Hank as he looked around. He was a little disappointed that he couldn't see his brother anywhere. "Connor's in the evidence locker. Should be back in a sec," Hank added as he noted his eager gaze.

"Oh, good. Well, you can tell him that this is his," Reed grumbled as he dropped the bag almost carelessly on Connor's chair and left it tucked under the desk. Hank raised a sceptical eyebrow. It wasn't like Gavin Reed to buy presents for people. He would have thought it were a prank if not for the way Nines nodded his agreement. He wondered briefly if Reed had done something he needed to apologise for, but he was sure Connor would have complained about it if that were the case.

"What do I look like? Your damned maid service? Tell him yourself!" Hank replied gruffly, watching as Reed stalked over to his desk and sat. It didn't matter. The gift had been delivered. If Connor didn't find out who it was from, then he'd just end up with a cute new sweater from a mystery admirer. No big deal. Hell, that could even be entertaining. He wondered if Connor had ever had a secret admirer before. It wouldn't surprise him. He probably got a love letter a week for Christ's sake. He knew for a fact the female staff mooned after him like lovesick teens.

"Nines, good morning!" Connor greeted cheerfully as he turned the corner and noticed him waiting. Nines was beaming, at least, as much as his stoic resting face allowed. His blue eyes were bright and his lips had raised from their usual slack position. He stood at ease, hands resting behind his back. "That looks so much better! I wasn't going to say anything because I know you haven't been paid yet, but it's nice to see you in a new outfit...That jacket was made for you!" Connor added as he reached out and examined the stiff material, feeling the strong shoulders that sat rigidly on Nines' larger form. They would soften out eventually, after a few months of wear. He analysed the material subconsciously. Real leather. Expensive. Very expensive.

Thank you. It was a gift from Detective Reed. He took me shopping yesterday because he also did not approve of my Cyberlife attire. Connor nodded his understanding as he continued to eye up Nines' new look. The jeans were a lot like his old ones, but the shoes were much higher quality, and they looked durable. The heels and soles were both replaceable. A sensible choice. As Nines slipped the jacket off, Connor couldn't help the small sigh that escaped his lips as he ran his fingers over the long fluffy sleeves of Nines' cashmere sweater.

"It's so soft!" he sighed, missing the amused smirk Reed forced down. He'd had a feeling Connor would like the material. Softness seemed to be a running theme with his gentle nature. All of his vests and sweaters were soft woollen materials, and his coat was always covered in Sumo's thick fur, suggesting he spent a sizeable amount of time curled up with him. He dropped his gaze as he saw Nines motion to Connor's chair. Play it cool...Don't let them make a thing of it.

Detective Reed thought so, too. In fact, he first noticed it while picking a gift for you. Nines watched Connor's brown eyes shoot open in surprise. A gift? For him? Was Detective Reed feeling alright? He wondered for a moment, much like Hank, whether it was a cruel joke. He didn't think Nines would take part in a joke like that, though, so he hesitantly reached for the bag on his chair. Inside was a wrapped gift. It was plain red paper, likely left over from the most recent human holiday. Connor eyed Hank and Nines before slowly opening it, peeling the tape neatly so as not to wreck the wrapping paper.

He was left speechless as he found a neatly folded sweater inside. It was a deep cream, almost caramel colour, and it felt just as soft as the one Nines wore. Perhaps even a little softer. His LED flickered between yellow and blue before he headed to the bathroom. Nines was worried at first, concerned that he was upset. He wasn't sure why a gift would spark that reaction, but within a few minutes, Connor returned with his crisp white shirt and grey tie over one arm. The cream sweater was a perfect fit for him, having been measured against Nines and taken down a size. It clung to him perfectly, hugging his skin in fluffy softness.