Tick Tock Part Four - The Mouse Fell Down

Forty

"What the phck is this?" He'd barely gotten out of the shower when the smell of steak assaulted his senses. He'd had a rough first day back, not because of the work, but because no one would leave him the fuck alone. It felt like every officer in the precinct had stopped by with cards and presents, telling him how much they'd missed him and to let them know if he needed anything. It was weird. Even Brad had been nicer than usual, though that may have had something to do with Haley being there. Since he'd only just returned, he was going to be on desk duty for a few weeks. After six months off, he felt like he needed to go through the academy again. Luckily, Nines was there to bring him up to speed and put him through his paces in the gym.

"It's your birthday." Gavin frowned as he approached the neatly set places at the bar, where two large plates loaded with steak, fresh vegetables, and baked potatoes sat ready to be devoured. There was tomato, a huge mushroom, onions, carrots, and broccoli neatly set out around the slab of half-cooked meat. Perfectly half-cooked. Rare. Just the way he liked it. Outside, the sky was already dark, which meant the flickering candles that had been set up around the room filled the space with an intimate glow. Many of the surrounding buildings were dark, but the sprawling city flickered and glowed as much as the candles.

"Nines, it's May!" Nines hummed his agreement as he appeared behind him and rested his hands on his shoulders, pressing a gentle kiss against his neck. It sent tingles across his skin in a way he hadn't felt in months. He coughed, trying to ignore it as he turned to face him. "My birthday is in October." Nines' silvery eyes remained soft as he took his chin and leaned down to kiss him, though he didn't linger. He didn't want to make Gavin feel pressured or trapped, and he certainly wouldn't take advantage of him.

"I know, but you were in the hospital for your last birthday, so we didn't celebrate." Sure, they hadn't celebrated, but he rarely did anyway. He would have said so if Nines hadn't tugged him against his chest and held him there. The way his body stiffened suggested he'd done something wrong and expected to be told off for it. "I already missed one birthday." Gavin sighed and wrapped his arms around him. That was true. He'd been with the Hickory Killer for over a year. His thirty-ninth birthday had passed without notice, probably in the tiled room. He held Nines tighter at the memory, silently reminding himself that it was over.

"You know birthdays aren't important to me, right?" Nines nodded against his shoulder.

"But they are important to me..." Gavin huffed as he drew back, his lips softening at Nines' uncertainty. If Nines wanted to celebrate his birthday in May, then they'd celebrate his birthday in May.

"Thanks for remembering." Few others ever had. Before Nines, it was only Tina who'd made a note of it. She was sometimes the only reason he remembered. "This can double as our first day back celebration, too." His first day back after six months of intensive therapy shouldn't pass unnoticed. He even had a pile of cards and gifts. Nines smiled before swooping in to claim his lips, leaving a chaste peck there before guiding him to the bar and helping him onto his stool. He didn't need the help, but it was chivalrous, and the way his hands lingered made Gavin's stomach flutter.

"Happy fortieth birthday, Gavin." Gavin blinked as they clinked glasses. Was he really only forty? His time with the Hickory Killer made it feel like he should be a lot older. He felt somewhat numb as he sipped the red wine in his glass. A hand on his knee interrupted his brooding as he stared off into space. "I'm glad you're home." He wasn't the only one. It almost seemed his voice had summoned Pipsqueak as he hopped onto the bar and padded across to butt and nuzzle his shoulder. Gavin smiled as he scratched his small head, enjoying the rumbling purrs against his fingertips as he looked across at Nines.

"Thanks...Phck, I missed you." It wasn't the first time he'd said it, but it still brought tears to his eyes as he remembered the pain and vulnerability. Nines took his free hand and leaned in to kiss his cheek, lingering to nuzzle his temple.