Dreams Do Come True

Chapter Four

Gavin had finished with the paperwork outside and stopped in his tracks as he walked past the window and saw Nines holding you. Kind of? It looked awkward to Gavin but you seemed content in the embrace. There was no pang of jealousy from Gavin at seeing Nines holding you (why would there be? Nines and you weren't interested in each other like that), however, Gavin couldn't help but marvel at how attached Nines had become to you. The RK900 became intrigued with your cheery personality and the way your presence seems to melt all the insufferable behavior away from Gavin. Yours and Nines friendship deepened the more you and Gavin hung out together with Nines, getting to the point where Nines would call you for advice either on Gavin or to do with women (what's the best approach etc.) most likely related to crime cases with female victims since neither he nor Gavin were the best people to deal with emotionally distraught women. Sometimes you'd even ring Nines to ask about Gavin (if he came home in an exhausted or closed-off mood).

Gavin would never have picked Nines to be the one to settle with a bond of friendship other than himself (not to sound vain).

Phone ringing in his pocket, Gavin stepped away from the window – probably should give Nines privacy since he always seems to be allergic to initiating (or participating) in physical interaction that isn't violent. He didn't even get a chance to greet the caller when Fowler's voice immediately screamed down from the other end of the receiver.
"Where the hell are you two!?"
"Technically on our lunch break."
"Well get your asses back here and do some of that damn paperwork! It's overflowing on your desk like Niagra-fucking-falls!" Normally Gavin would hit back with a quip that would leave others to wonder how the hell he hasn't gotten himself fired yet, but instead, his voice was oddly calm, probably because he was also in the hospital hallway.
"I'm at the hospital. Something personal came up."
The voice on the other end dropped its raised tone as concern laced through, "Everything alright?"
"Yeah. It's just... personal. Gonna need a couple of days. Nines will be back tomorrow."
"S'fine, s'fine. It's slow here anyway. Just keep me in the loop."
"Yeah... yeah, thanks."
"Take care, son." With that, Gavin hung up and slipped his phone back in his pocket, relieved that Captain Fowler didn't pester with questions.
It's not like Gavin took days off anyway – only when forced to by the Captain himself. One of the excused had been; 'Reed, you've been working non-stop and you're pissing me off. Go home and stay home for a couple of days.'

He walked past the window to see Nines standing by the bed with his hands behind his back, awaiting for Gavin's return, as though he hadn't just shared a gentle embrace with Y/N.
Stepping into the room, Gavin walked over and placed a hand on the back of your shoulder in a gentle touch, "C'mon." his voice so soft that if you weren't in such a state, it would've melted your heart.
Hands wrapped tightly around your arms as though you were giving yourself a hug, you leaned into Gavin's side as he guided you out of the room with his arm around your mid-back. Nines following behind as he watched the two of you. You still seem quite withdrawn and quiet. Your levels seemingly decreased since leaving the room and Nines was satisfied he put forth the offer to bring you home.

It was silent as they walked out of the hospital and to the car. Gavin occasionally peering over at you but you kept your head down with your gaze on the ground. He felt so out of his depth right now. He was worried about you, actually worried about you. And because he was so worried about you, he worried further that he would say the wrong thing or not be able to help you. He was gentle and kind with you, but he was still the blunt-speaking Detective he'd always been. It didn't help that this is the first time you've ever been this bad. The worst you've ever done was breakdown and cry while stressed. All of which can be fixed with hugs and soft murmurs. That was easy. This wasn't. This required a gentle and fragile approach. Something that Gavin will truly fuck up somehow.

Yet the figure following behind them thought otherwise. Had he been able to hear Gavin's thoughts, Nines would reassure him that he is the perfect person to handle this. Nines has witnessed the true gentleman that Gavin is when he's around you. He knows Gavin is capable of empathy and sensitivity. Unlocking the car, Gavin opened the door for the backseat behind the driver, his hand leaving your back as you lowered into the seat. He left the door open momentarily as he popped the trunk of the car and pulled out the blanket you made him keep in their in case of emergencies.

-
"You don't even have a first aid kit in your car?!" you queried as you and Gavin made your first shopping trip together and were placing grocery bags in the back of the car.
"No. Why would I?" "
Gavin! You're a Detective!"
"So?"
"So...shouldn't you have one!?...what if someone was in trouble?"
"That's what paramedics are for Y/N." "
You've got first aid training, right?"
"Yeah they make us do that shit every two to three years."
"Well you ought to have a first aid kit in the back of your car in case of emergencies. It's only a matter of moments between life and death for some. Paramedics may not arrive in time and you could be the one to make that difference." Gavin went quiet for a moment as he mulled over the point you made, sighing excessively loudly (which made you giggle because it was one of those defeated sighs where he knew you were right and rather than telling you you're right, he just sighed it out.)
"Alright. I'll get one if it'll make you happy."
"And a blanket."
"Why the fuck would someone need a blanket?"
"In case of situations like shock, or it's in freezing cold temperatures." Another sigh and then a defeated, "Fine. Fine. You win. But you better kiss me for this." You grinned and did as he asked, leaning over you brushed your lips against before his hand pressed against your lower back, pulling you against him as his lips captured yours. "Mm, that's what I thought." He murmured. You could feel his grin through the kiss and you couldn't help but let out a small laugh against his lips.

-

Nines ever-observant eyes watched with curiosity as Gavin retrieved the blanket from the trunk of the car, shaking it out of its folded-up state and brought it around to you. It smelt a bit musty from being cooped up in the dark back of his trunk but you didn't mind as he draped it over you. "Guess you were right, huh?" he smiled softly as he tugged it around your sides. You could only nod. It was like you hit such a numb state. You couldn't share in his humor, you couldn't bring yourself to reciprocate his smile. You could only be glad that you did something right for once. With your door finally closed and you were safely situated in the backseat, Nines finally moved from his spot and slid into the passenger seat just as Gavin slid into the driver's seat.

Unlike when he and Nines left the Precinct, Gavin was much more careful in reversing and driving out of the hospital carpark. Mostly because you were in the vehicle. The drive home was quiet. Gavin constantly checking his rearview mirror to keep an eye on you. Occasionally you both made eye contact and you would always look away in shame.

He deserved so much better than you. Perhaps your mother was right. Look how you're inconveniencing him. He's had to take time off work because of you.

"Would you like me to inform Captain Fowler of your sudden absence?" Nines quietly asked, purposefully keeping his voice at a gentle lull so as to not disturb you. "I've already called him. Said you were coming in tomorrow though." Eyes focused on the road, Gavin answered Nines without breaking concentration, his voice equally quiet.
"Is that wise? An agreement was made between the Doctor and myself that I would ensure Y/N's safety outside Hospital Grounds."
"So? S'not like you got it in writing."
"No. I did, however, record the conversation."
"Without his consent? Why, Nines, you devil, you." Gavin quietly joked.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the statement, deeming an action unnecessary, Nines decided to correct the name-calling, "I'm an android, not a devil. Regardless, that agreement still stands."
"Look, Nines, we've got a fuck load of paperwork to do. Let's face it, you'll work quicker when I'm not there. I just slow you down." Gavin turned the corner and was only now three streets from arriving home. "It sounds like an excuse for you to get out of paperwork. Unless an urgent case is called in, I will stand by the agreement made."

You heard the entire conversation, they weren't being quiet in an attempt for you not to overhear, they were being quiet out of respect for your already quiet state. But you did readjust yourself, sinking further beneath the blanket and leaning your head against the window. The hum of the vehicle's engine, the flickering of the indicator and the quietened toned voices that were usually loud and bickering (mostly Gavin instigating the arguments) was enough to make you drowsy with the heavy onslaught of emotions you were fighting back.