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twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat · 11 months ago

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he’s staring.

in the corner of your eye lies a silhouette, a blur of black hair and sharp facial features. awfully hard not to notice, when he’s standing so close to you — gazing at you so intently. waiting for you to say something.

(resisting the urge to look at him directly is a struggle.)

a smile tugs at the corners of your lips, something giddy and sweet flooding your veins. he’s just standing there. all while you tap at the keys of your laptop, trying to focus on your work. in vain.

because, inevitably, the rubber band of your patience snaps — and you can do nothing but give in to the temptation. feeling him shift from foot to foot, silent as a mouse. you turn your head.

suguru looks meek.

there he stands, tired eyes trailing over your facial features, before falling down to the floor. something about it makes you want to coo — almost like he’s a little flustered. fidgeting with his hands, wringing his long fingers together, so patiently waiting for your attention to fall on him.

you swear you see the ghost of a pout slip into the curve of his lips. wearing a comfortable sweater, oversized and fluffy, framed by the obsidian of his hair; cascading down his shoulders like a black river. let loose, free to fall as it please, a signature sign that he’s tired.

and as soon as your eyes meet his, a certain something blossoms within the scope of his iris. peeling at the corners, slipping into the amber and cedar, an emotion you can’t quite place. would it be too tacky to call it love?

a giggle slips from your lips, dancing on the tip of your tongue. it’s soft, a little teasing, but who could blame you when he looks so cute? suguru, with his tall stature and broad shoulders, sharp eyes and intimidating presence, staring meekly in your direction. as if too embarrassed to ask for something, curling into himself.

”hey there,” you exhale, something amused laced into the vowels. ”everything okay?”

he averts his gaze. enamored with the smile on your face, the crinkle of your eyes, the melodic lilt of your sweet laughter. like peach blossoms and duvet covers, too soft for him to handle. far too sweet, the mere sight of you, all cozied up on the couch; legs crossed and laptop balanced on your thigh.

(suguru wishes he could take its place.)

a tilt of your head beckons him to speak, and he can’t help but notice the remnants of something teasing in the gesture. he feels a little out of his element, almost shy, and it’s discomforting — but he’s just so tired. much too plagued by the need to be close to you.

he can live with a little teasing, if it’s you, only if it’s you.

”what’re you working on?” he asks, delicate, soft voice flowing from his lips like melted honey. there’s a raspy tilt to it, a little scratchy. you smile, gaze drawn towards the screen in front of you.

”nothing much, just some essay. i’m almost finished.” a low sigh, as you lazily scroll through the text. suguru hums. when you look over at him, the smile on your face grows just a tad softer. ”did you need something?”

suguru stills. blinking drowsily, slow and awfully endearing, a flutter of his black lashes. absentmindedly fidgeting with the hem of his puffy sleeve. the silence lingers, a contemplation etched onto his features, until he clears his throat — still unable to look at you properly.

(there’s only one thing he wants. needs. asking for it is just a little bit tough, though.)

patiently waiting, you begin to study his expression. second nature, to tuck his features in between your ribs, smoothe along the contours you’ve come to love so dearly. memorizing every dip and birthmark.

there’s a barely noticeable flush to his cheeks, a crimson smear that starts at his ears and only ever nips along his cheekbones, but it’s enough to let you know that he’s embarrassed. more than enough, seeing as his gaze won’t even land on you, seeing the fatigue beneath his eyes, the crease between his brows. something that sticks to his skin and drags him down.

he has been a little stressed, lately. more so than usual. and you’ve noticed, of course you have — worriedly waiting for him to approach you, to let you help. winters are never very kind to him.

he’s gorgeous, though, even like this. especially like this. sleepy, just a little unkempt, in his natural state. bare, somehow. like he just woke up, like the morning sun is kissing up his collarbone and he just made a cute little sleepy noise that you’re going to tease him for over breakfast. like he’s unguarded, at peace, safe in your arms.

it makes your heart soften considerably. crumbling at the corners, a pang of lovesick ache tugging at your fragile heartstrings.

and finally, you speak up. urging him to continue, gently, not wanting to rush him. ”well?”

suguru gnaws at the flesh of his bottom lip, just a little chapped. his tongue flits out to lick along the dry skin, and he does a little cough under his breath. you’re patient, waiting for him to speak, but it’s tough when all you want is to tug him close.

(you have an idea of what he’s going to ask you, what it is he wants. because you know him — and you want it too.)

”… can,” he starts, tentative. slow, as if he’s trying to swallow the embarrassment, gulp down the nervous flutter of his heartbeat. then he continues. ”i get a hug?”

finally, he looks at you; and your heart ricochets in your chest. amber eyes boring into yours, deep and warm, soft around the edges. kind of shy.

a sharp intake of breath. you can’t help the grin that crawls up to your lips, and you can’t help the words that spill from them. ”gosh, you’re so cute.”

suguru turns away, with what you’re almost sure is a low grumble — buzzing in his throat, like a dragonfly itching to break out. he really does look meek, a little needy, so cute you’re afraid your lungs might collapse. when a chuckle pushes past your lips, the red tint on his neck and ears only seems to exacerbate.

with swift movements, you close your laptop, plopping it down on the table in front of you. not wanting to waste any time, a little afraid that he’ll change his mind. ”of course you can,” you assure him, a soft lull of your tongue.

leaning back, you rest your head against a pile of cushiony pillows, melting into the couch beneath you. extending your arms; beckoning him close, into your embrace. the smile you grace him with is a little teasing, but mostly soft, inviting.

and suguru can’t resist it.

he still seems a little flustered, as he crawls along the couch, to take his rightful place in your arms. flopping down on top of you with a huff, like a big dog, cheek squished against your chest — eager to listen to the echo of your heartbeat. steady and soothing, a lullaby to his muddled mind.

a long, satisfied sigh escapes him, muffled into the fabric of your shirt. he wraps his arms around you, nuzzling a little further into your touch. slowly melting.

ah, he’s just too much. try as you might, you don’t fully manage to stifle the coo that laces the tip of your tongue. just admiring him, in the dim lighting of the room, all sleepy and content. that palpable fatigue, slowly dissipating. a soft groan slips from his lips when your hand goes to card through his hair, softly, nails raking over his scalp.

”my big baby,” you murmur, planting a kiss on the top of his head. suguru wants to grumble, protest a bit, but all he can do is soak in the words, the skip of his heartbeat that follows. ”everything okay?”

he nods. groggy, cheek against your soft chest. no longer able to hide his neediness, to muster the strenght, thoroughly soothed by the warmth that seeps from your body. from your veins to his. and he sighs, barely above a whisper. ”jus’ missed you.”

he must notice it, you think — the rapid rhythm of your heartbeat, something erratic in the decisive thumps of blood. a little louder than they should be.

but if he does, he doesn’t mention it. only shifting a little in your arms, nuzzling further into your chest, relishing in the sensation of your hand in between his messy locks. so cozy.

”i missed you too,” you echo, unable to fight off the sappy grin on your lips. so much affection in every caress, every soft glance. eager to be let out. ”’m sorry if i’ve been neglecting you.”

suguru shakes his head — brushing off your guilt. always so willing to put your peace of mind before his. it only weakens you further, thoughts fuzzy with the image of him, the love that clouds your vision. how to properly convey it in words.

”i’m always so proud of you,” you exhale, a little shaky. so earnest that you falter. a loud mantra of your heartbeat filling your ears, so much fondness stuffed inside your chest. ”working so hard. love you so, so much, honey.”

this time, it’s suguru’s heart that stutters and flails. reduced to a desperate instinct, something intimate and bare. the term of endearment slips off your tongue like it was always meant to be there, like that’s where it belongs, coupled with the soft sensation of your fingers ghosting over his skin. brushing away his bangs to smear a kiss against his forehead.

”i’m never gonna let you go,” you promise, unable to control the affection smeared into your voice. like you’d explode if you didn’t speak it out loud. ”my angel.”

”okay — that’s,” suguru croaks, before you can continue. exasperated, deeply embarrassed. at this point, he’s sure his face must be red, and he’s sure you can see it. despite his attempts to hide away in the crook of your neck. ”that’s enough.”

laughter bubbles up in your throat, sweet like osmanthus and whipped cream. giddy and teasing, in equal measure, sending a jolt of fondness running through his veins. ”are you embarrassed?”

”no,” he scoffs, too quickly. you both know he’s lying. it’s a rare treat, seeing him this flustered — how could you resist the urge to tease him a bit?

”then why d’you want me to stop?” you grin, searching for his gaze. but suguru refuses to look at you.

”it’s just…” he mumbles, a string of tiny words. gnawing at his bottom lip. ”a little much, don’t you think?”

”i mean it, though.”

suguru groans, and a bout of giggles pushes past your lips. the smile on your face is starting to make your cheeks hurt, an achy kind of joy. yeah — suguru is just far too cute. he’s cute, and pretty, and beautiful, and gorgeous. how could you keep yourself away?

reaching for a strand of his hair, you let it fall between your fingers. smooth and silky, brushing against your skin, soft and familiar. memories bloom from your fingertips, seeping into your subconscious; the first time he let you touch his hair, that content purr in his throat, the time you braided it as the world fell asleep around you. he takes good care of it, always has. attentive and delicate, almost as lovingly as he handles you.

a great surge of affection sprouts in between your ribs, spreading throughout every cell of your body, wholly engulfing you. it’s too much to bear.

a blissful sigh. you tilt your head, softly, a bleeding tenderness to every word you speak. and you do, with a sincerity to your voice that he’s never been able to handle. “is it really so strange if i want to give the love of my life some affection?”

— and suguru’s resolve crumbles into dust.

”… you’re,” he tries, a shiver of his weak voice. under normal circumstances, he could think of a suave reply, something to get the upper hand; but today, suguru happens to be very tired, and you seem awfully set on making him melt through the couch. ”— awful. you know that?”

his heart aches, when the bitter words make you giggle. a little sleepy. it makes him want to tuck you into his chest, hide you away inside his ribcage. kiss you breathless.

”so mean,” you pout, entirely fabricated. a heavy amusement lays thick on your tongue. “i’m professing my undying love for you here, y’know?”

”that’s exactly what i mean,” he sighs, unable to repress the slight smile on his lips. a little tug, that says more than his words ever could.

the laughter in your throat lingers, for a bit, until the intimacy of the moment softens you up. something tender and genuine in the depths of your eyes. ”i mean it, though. i’m not just teasing you.”

your hand goes to cup his face, thumb smoothing over his cheekbone. and then you’re leaning in, to press your lips against his forehead — pulling away with a drawn out mwah, a soft grin, a little boyish. terribly cute.

”i really do love you,” you profess, a whisper. he believes you. “i love everything about you.”

a moment passes. the soft ticking of the clock fills the space between your words, and the scent of leftover curry and brewed coffee simmers in the faraway kitchen. wafting out into the living room.

suguru places his hand over yours. a rough palm, always so gentle with you, slipping down to your wrist so he can hoist himself up.

you blink.

before you know it, he’s pressed his lips to yours, slow and methodical. tender, tender, tender. always. he sighs into the kiss, content, and your heartbeat quickens — he tastes like honey and rain.

when he pulls away, he’s smiling. a little lovesick.

”i love you too,” he hums, a soft purr that trails down your spine. he delights in the way you finally blush, cheeks warm beneath his heavy hands. ”so, so much.”

all you can do is stare, entirely transfixed.

then you’re averting your gaze, and he’s stifling a soft bout of laughter, and something warm and wonderful blooms in the nearly non-existent space between you. his cheek finds itself pressed against your chest, again, allowing the soft and rapid thumping of your heartbeat to carry him away.

an anchor for him to hold on to, his lighthouse at the end of a murky ocean. it’s always, always there — that soft mantra of thump, thump, thump.

(he can’t tell you how many times it’s saved him.)

”… you can’t do stuff like that when my guard is down,” you murmur, after a moment. sheepish. ”what if my heart explodes?”

suguru only chuckles, sleepy and raspy, the same as ever. he turns his head to press a kiss against the fabric of your shirt, right above your heart, a kind of cheeky, soft apology that you know he doesn’t actually mean.

(he could never feel sorry for telling you how much he loves you; no matter how flustered you get.)

and, at last, suguru thinks the fatigue clinging to his soul may have slipped off entirely. substantially. soothed by your presence, your very being.

it’s embarrassing, being so very doted on, being so painfully unaccustomed to it. but suguru could never hate it. he could never hate a single thing you do to him, grant him with, from your soft touches and cheeky kisses to the burnt pancakes you worked so hard on.

he’d rather die than deny you.

so he has no choice but to bask in it; the feeling of your hands in his hair, nails on his scalp, breath against his skin. the change you’ve brought into his life. bringing with you the fading scent of peach blossoms and chewing gum, sweetness and softness. happy dreams.

yeah, that’s right. he has no choice but to melt into your touch, nuzzle into your chest, fall asleep to the sound of your heartbeat.

no choice at all.

#didnt have time to write a full fic this week </3 so mindless fluff drabble it is!!#hes sooo babygirl perhaps even more babygirl than gojo #not really. but its close!!#ive said this abt gojo too but being babied really WOULD fix sugu #he needs his hair brushed + chest squished + forehead kissed + etc etc. i volunteer!! dw guys ill handle it #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jjk x reader #jjk fluff #geto suguru x reader #geto suguru x y/n #geto suguru x you #geto x you #geto x reader #geto x y/n #geto fluff #jjk x y/n #jjk x you

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loveshotzz · 2 months ago

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He’s not tech savvy, and he doesn’t really like to be laughed at. It doesn’t stop you from giggling under your breath at every wrong button he presses. The lag on the connection from the remote to the TV consistently getting letters wrong.

“If you don’t stop…” he mutters, frustrated. The curl you love so much falling over his glasses while he leans further forward on the couch. He squints at the television, jutting the remote toward the screen in an angry thrust just to accidentally hit ‘delete’. You break, letting out a loud laugh that wakes Bandit up from his nap on the dog bed. Steve can’t help it, he laughs too, a chuckle birthed from how annoyed he is trying to set up a ‘party watch’ for the Friday the 13th movies with Peach and Eddie in New York.

It made his heart soften at any hint of his best friend that he found in you. Smirking to himself when you mentioned watching them whenever a Friday the 13th happened to fall. It’s like Ed spoke through you. So he made a whole plan for it — a stay at home date night where he made snacks, ordered cannolis, got a good fall candle, and set the lights to an eerie low red.

And it would be perfect if he could figure out how to get the fucking link to work.

“If you think it’s so easy, why don’t you do it tough girl?” he asks, putting the remote on the center cushion on the couch, “Go ahead, show me how smart you are.”

“You’re just not being patient,” you tease in a measured, holier-than-thou tone, “You have to be one with the remote.”

“Okay,” he says smoothly, “Show me then, karate kid. Show me how to become one with the remote.”

You can smell the spice and cedar on him when he inches closer, big hand closing over yours while you take the remote in your hand, slowly spelling out Eddie’s email address for the invite on the screen. A silence falls between you, feeling the scruff of his five o’clock shadow near your cheek.

“You’re showin’ off, angel,” he murmurs, he breath coasting over your ear.

“So what if I am?” you ask headily, turning your head so your lips nearly brush. The remote drops between you, noses teasing against each other with gentle smiles on your lips, eyes closing.

Steve’s phone rings, Eddie’s ringtone — Creep by Radiohead blowing from the speaker.

“Hold that thought,” Steve sighs. He picks up, screen reflecting himself back when he realizes it’s a FaceTime call.

“‘Yyyello,” Steve says, settling the phone against a mug of decaf on the coffee table. You sigh at the way he can’t help but answer the phone like a geriatric.

“I’ve been waiting for this invite for like, twenty minutes — what’s the deal?” Eddie asks, from the background it looks like his phone is in a similar spot. Halloween decorations set and ready, fairy lights flickering orange and purple hanging prettily on the wall.

“We’re getting there man, relax,” Steve says, taking his glasses off to massage the bridge of his nose, “Technical difficulties.”

“Or you just don’t know how to do it,” he grins, “Where’s your girl? Ask if she can help.”

“I’m trying,” you pipe up, putting yourself in the frame and waving.

“Hey lady,” he smiles lazily, “You teachin’ him a thing or two?’

“Every day,” you smile back.

“They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” Eddie shrugs, “So…”

“Well, you’re older than me, so,” Steve bites back.

“Ooh, I love when you’re a little mean,” Ed flirts, “Do it again.”

“The invite should come in for you in a couple minutes, are you on the main page? It’ll pop up there,” you say, picking the remote up again.

“Yeah, I’m ready when you are,” he nods. You both can hear the lock click in Ed’s apartment, his face splitting into a smile and gentle eyes.

“Hey baby,” he says to his wife off screen, “Com’ere we’re gonna watch Jason with St—”

Off camera you can hear Peach’s voice, soft, and laced with a hint of disappointment, “You decorated…”

His face quirks, “Yeah, d-do you not like it?”

“I like it but…you um, you did it without me. We were supposed to do it together.”

“Oh, honey,” he frowns, “Wait no, don’t frown like that — Peach…”

Eddie looks at the screen, “Sorry guys, can you send the invite in like a half hour? Peach, sweetheart, I’m so sorry…don’t be upset…I — fuck, hold on — Yeah, send it in like a half hour — bye.”

The call disconnects, leaving you both sitting there in the glow of the TV, the cursor blinking waiting for you to click ‘Invite’ now that Eddie’s email was successfully entered.

“All that and now we have to wait,” Steve snaps, “He’s never on time.”

“I feel bad,” you give a small pout in solidarity, “She sounded so sad.”

“She’ll get over it,” Steve lets out a breath, shaking his head like he’s used to this, “She just wants some attention. Speaking of…”

“Speaking of…?” you respond, turning toward him on the couch.

“We were having a lot of fun before we were interrupted,” Steve smiles, leaning forward, lips skimming your cheek to press a kiss by your ear, “And I can think of a few good ways to kill a half hour.”

- not Carol, oh wait, yes it is

🥺 i’ve been selfish and kept this to myself for a little while and have been reading it when i get overwhelmed at work. you spoil me bf 🥺💕 I love him so much.

#asks #carol 💅🏻#all i really want is you #orange colored sky #also what was eddie thinking decorating without peach?!?#ROOKIE MISTAKE #steve harrington #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington imagine #older!steve harrington #my fave old man

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peskellence · 1 year ago

Text

Pairing: RK900/Gavin Reed

Tags: Post Pacifist Ending, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Eventual Smut, Angst, Hurt/Comfort

Masterlist

Read on AO3 here:

Summary: A lot has changed since the revolution. Crimes against androids are now punished in the same way as crimes against humans. A reluctant Gavin Reed and his new partner RK900 have been assigned to investigate a string of disturbing murders. Despite the shift in Detroit's social climate, Gavin still holds reservations about whether or not androids are truly alive. Will his developing feelings for 'Nines' be the thing to change this?

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Depression/Self Destructive Behaviour, Eventual Smut

Word Count: 3.1K

Arriving early in the morning, the front lobby of Cedars Motel was empty. It was likely a down period, with most patrons still asleep or yet to arrive. However, judging from the Reception's outdated decor and the noticeably mildewed walls, Gavin suspected it saw little traffic even at the best of times.

There was nothing to fill the space except some sparsely placed furniture. A set of worn, moth-eaten armchairs framed a single rickety coffee table. There was an electric display board in the corner of the room, cycling ads for casinos and low-rent strip clubs. Beneath the board was a metal rack filled to the brim with dirty magazines.

Gavin found his attention captured by a particularly shameless image. Two androids – one male, one female – dressed in matching lingerie and knelt on the floor, tongues extended. Their glazed eyes stared wantonly up at the reader. Curiously, he picked up the magazine and swept his finger across the display, to which an article title appeared:

"Your girlfriend's jaw might get tired – but ours won't!"

Why Android Sex Is Still The Best

Gavin let out a snort. He wasn't a prude by any means, but something about nudie mags in public had always struck him as uncomfortable. While innocuous in the places you would expect, like adult stores, he couldn't understand perusing a supermarket for something you could see online for free. In the year 2039, it seemed more than a little redundant.

"Our perp certainly has some refined taste. Classy digs, don't you think?"

The longer Gavin scrolled, however, the more he was beginning to feel...intrigued. He'd never really indulged in android porn, having had little desire to do so, but now that he was seeing it firsthand, he could certainly appreciate the aesthetics.

Machines meticulously detailed to appear human - but far too perfect to actually be real. Like pornstars airbrushed to oblivion, coupled with the stamina and dexterity of Olympic gymnasts. There were positions he had never seen before. Didn't even think were possible –

"I would advise that you close your mouth, Detective," Nines said suddenly.

Gavin stalled in his movements. He looked up from the screen, shooting his partner an accusatory glare. "Are you seriously telling me to shut up? I barely said anything."

"I wasn't suggesting that you 'shut up,' although it would certainly be a bonus if you chose to do so. I just fear you will have to pay for that item if you continue to soak it with your drool."

Having been thoroughly called out and feeling more than a little embarrassed, Gavin placed the magazine back on the shelf. "Great, you've got jokes now, just what I need." He did his best to ignore the rising heat burning his face but was helped little by Nines' smug expression. "Let's just find the owner of this dump so we can get the hell out of here."

"I would agree it is best to limit your exposure to our current surroundings." Nines ran its fingers along the crumbling drywall before sealing them with its lips. The digits were held for only a moment before being quickly retracted. "There is a dangerous level of mold in this room. The spores could be hazardous to your health."

Gavin was tempted to make a comment on his twenty-a-day smoking habit (or the myriad of other unhealthy life choices) but decided against it. Nines seemed to be in a good mood. Or, at the very least, was behaving less like an asshole than usual. He didn't feel like disturbing the peace with another tired lecture.

Nines strode with purpose towards the Reception desk and quickly scoped the call bell amongst a sea of trash and paperwork. It pressed down on the sensor, to which a shrill chime echoed throughout the room. The two of them waited pensively, watching the door behind the desk, before realizing that no one was coming to greet them.

With a frustrated twitch of its brow, Nines pressed the button again. Firmer and more prolonged.

"Detroit Police Department," It spoke in a firm, authoritative tone but was barely audible over the noise.

"Whoever's hiding back there, they're deaf," Gavin remarked, holding his hands over his ears. "That thing is loud as fuck."

Just then, there was a soft shuffling of footsteps from behind the door. It swung open, and a wiry-looking man peered slowly around the corner. His appearance perfectly complemented the stuffy surroundings, with yellowed skin and frail bones jutting through a dirty sweater.

"Apologies for the wait, sirs. I must have dozed off," Bleary eyes trailed clumsily from behind a pair of thick-rimmed glasses, darting between Gavin and Nines. "Are you looking for a room? I have a King Size left. Great rates."

"Detroit Police Department," Nines repeated, clearly intent on not wasting time, "Officer RK900, Serial Number 313 248 317 – 87, and Detective Gavin Reed."

"Oh, right, of course," The man pursed his lips before lightly clearing his throat. "Are you looking for a room...officers?"

The silence that followed was legendary. Nines stared back at the man blankly - while Gavin openly gaped. Evidently, the place saw little business from anything other than booty calls. Still, Gavin couldn't help but wonder how someone could be so hopelessly oblivious.

"Mr. Walter Andrews," Nines was leaning forward now, face inches from the perspex divider. Reaching into its side pocket, it pulled out its badge and flashed it plainly. "Your assessment of this situation is deeply misguided. We have no interest in a room; we are here on professional matters."

The man, who Gavin now knew to be Walter, retreated from the encroaching android. His face turned pale with mortification "...I-I am very sorry to have caused offense. I thought perhaps you were doing a role-play and wanted me to go along with it. It happens more often than you'd think. I didn't actually think you were –."

"TMI, buddy," Gavin cut him off, pinching the bridge of his nose. "We want to know if anyone suspicious checked in on the night of January 13th. Think you can help us with that?"

"Well...most of the folks who check in here are a little suspicious," Walter let out a shaky chuckle before quickly tensing up. "Nothing illegal about it, mind you. Drunk businessmen and ladies of the night. That kind of thing."

"Prostitution is not permissible in Michigan, so the arrangements you have just described are indeed illegal," Nines corrected, straightening its back. "Not that it is of immediate concern. The individual we are looking for would have been alone. Do you have any check-in records that we may review?"

"Well, yes, of course, I do...but I wouldn't usually share them. Customer confidentiality and all," Walter adjusted his glasses nervously, pursing his lips. "Mind telling me what this is about, officers?"

"It concerns a homicide. This information may be critical in assisting us in our investigation, and your cooperation is appreciated."

"Homicide? As in a murder?" Walter spluttered out, holding his chest. "I haven't heard anything about that. Is it public knowledge?"

"The story has been broadcasted on several networks."

"Was it a man? A woman? God, my niece Julie would've been out that day. She's only eighteen and such a dainty thing. It just kills me to think that something might have happened –"

"Mr. Andrews," Nines interrupted, sounding a little annoyed. Its words fell on deaf ears, however, as the man persisted on.

"I'm looking at a screen most days and nights. Except when I'm checking guests in. Or when I'm driving Julie back home. She helps out with the cleaning on Fridays, you see. I would think that I would have heard if something like that had -"

"It was an android," Nines said firmly, ending the man's inane ramblings. "The records, please."

"Oh. Oh yes," Walter mumbled, voice growing unusually muted. He had a far-off look about him as if he were too uncomfortable to say much else. "Well, that's a shame, isn't it? I mean... it's very sad." He then looked to Gavin desperately - as if seeking some form of reassurance or guidance.

When he received nothing in return, the man meekly turned his attention to the underside of his desk. After some searching, he retrieved a tattered leather sign-in book. He dusted it off and slid it over to Nines for examination.

The android wasted no time flicking through the pages, scanning for the relevant dates. When located, it began trailing its gaze down the list of names, LED flickering in time with its blinks.

Gavin left his partner to it, reclining against the side of the desk. To his dismay, Walter appeared to take this as an invitation to engage in conversation, eagerly tilting forward. "So, are the two of you partners?"

"Unfortunately."

"Have you been working together long?"

"About a week," Gavin deadpanned. He was suddenly desperate for a smoke break. Or a drink. "So long enough."

Before Walter could bombard him with any more unwanted questions, Nines' head snapped upwards - as if caught on a pulley.

"He was here."

"You're shitting me," Gavin ran over to his partner, pulling the book towards him and studying it closely. "The guy was seriously dense enough to use 'Thod Graws' in two places?"

"While he didn't use the same name, he may as well have done," Nines snatched the book back, holding it up to the divider and directing Walter with its finger. "Do you remember this man?"

Walter peered forward, eyes squinted in concentration. "Who, Hans? He was a strange one. I couldn't get two words out of the guy. Paid with cash and went straight to his room."

"Do you remember what he looked like?" Nines pressed on. "This may be of crucial importance. I implore you to think carefully."

"It was raining that night. He came in wearing a hood and refused to pull it down. I asked if he had ID, but he said he'd left it at home. I never got a good look at his face."

Gavin folded his arms. "Let me guess. He was wearing a black raincoat?"

"Why yes, I think so, but how did you -"

"Psychic," The detective retrieved a notepad from his jacket and began scribbling notes, "Who was on the desk the following morning? Anyone who might have seen him check out?"

"Well, I was here all day, but..." Walter pointed a crooked finger to a mail chute just by the window. "I have a drop box for early morning checkouts. Got to sleep sometime, you know?"

Son of a bitch. "Does anybody else work here, or is it just you?"

"I mean, there's Julie. I did tell you about Julie, right?"

Goddamn it.

"She's a lovely girl, always helping me out. Going to college in September. Sharp as a tack that one, I could ask if maybe she saw –"

"You know what, never mind," Gavin shook his head dismissively, putting his notebook away. He felt as though he might collapse from the undue stress that Walter was causing him.

"Would you have any CCTV records from the night in question?" Nines said, eager to steer the conversation back on course.

"I've got the one camera up there," Walter pointed to the wall above the main entrance. "I'm warning you, though, it's grainy as sin. You can't make out anything but blurs and squiggles. I'm not sure what good it'll be."

"Regardless of its quality, a copy of the footage would be appreciated. We can take it for analysis and see for ourselves if there is anything of interest."

"Well, I wouldn't know how to make a copy of that, but I can give it a go. Never got to grips with this newfangled technology. Let alone everything being automated. If you ask me, it just makes it more confusing."

Nines held up its hand, synthetic skin slowly retracting. "If you could show me the hub, I would be able to download the data for myself."

"Why yes, I forgot that you, uh, that androids, could do that," Walter nodded quietly before opening up a panel on the side of his desk, beckoning Nines forward. "This way, please."

Once they had left the motel, Gavin let out a shameless groan, his breath swirling in front of him. He had failed to realize how warm the Reception had been - as the freezing temperature outside hit him full tilt.

There was a reason he couldn't stand early mornings, especially in the winter. He placed his hands under his armpits, hugging them tight. "So much for a quick in and out. If I had to hear another word about 'lovely Julie,' I was going to blow fucking my brains out."

"Perhaps you were too dismissive. This Julie could have been a valuable witness."

"That seems pretty unlikely," Gavin shot back.

"I don't know, Detective. I hear she's rather sharp."

Gavin glanced at his partner, waiting for some sort of smartass elaboration. When he realized it was, in fact, kidding, he let out a soft chuckle. "Seriously, did you download a sense of humor? Because you are full of them today."

Nines shrugged, feigning obliviousness, "Nothing I have said has been in jest. I am simply being transparent."

"Surprised that you didn't rip that guy a new one the second he started spewing useless bullshit. I thought you were designed to intimidate."

"I was designed to intimidate criminals, not harass civilians. Well, that, and also to - " Nines stopped itself. Its relaxed demeanor abruptly vanished, LED cycling to red. It looked intensely uncomfortable. As if it had been close to revealing something deeply personal.

"...Nines?" Gavin waved a hand in front of the android, who continued to stare fixedly ahead. It had gone into autopilot, body moving in staggered motions and its expression drained of vibrance. "You're not glitching on me, are you?"

This triggered some sort of response. The androids' LED showed glimpses of yellow - before slowly returning to blue, "I am not. My diagnostics indicate that I am functioning normally."

"Right," Gavin said back, entirely unconvinced. "Are you sure? You seem a little twitchy."

"If I was experiencing a fault that may inhibit this investigation, I would certainly be aware of it," Its voice was strained, almost defensive. "Perhaps it is best we focus on that rather than the intricacies of my program, which I can assure are beyond your comprehension.

"Jesus, okay, touchy much?" Gavin whistled, scowling deeply. Just when Nines was starting to behave like less of a machine, it seemed to default back to its shitty factory settings. "If you wanna talk business, what did you mean when you said our perp 'may as well' have used the same name? Because I checked those sign-ins and I didn't see anything close to a 'Thod Graws'."

"Our culprit is fond of codes. He uses them rather liberally," Nines closed its eyes, accessing its data banks. Seemingly unaware, or unconcerned, with Gavin's sarcasm. "His preferred method for alias generation appears to be anagrams. When reordered, Thod Graws translates to 'Gods Wrath'. This new name, Hans Stiver, has similar connotations."

Gavin pondered on this. He took his notebook back out to draw up its musings. Tongue curled with concentration, he struck out a few combinations, but to no avail. When Gavin eventually did decipher the code, his heart sank.

"Holy shit, you're right", He muttered, staring at the paper intently. Making sure he wasn't mistaken, "...Your computer brain got anything for that gibberish from the other day? The weird binary shit?"

"It wasn't binary. Had it been, I would have deciphered it instantaneously" Nines appeared somewhat vexed, its lips taut in a thin line. "Truthfully, I am uncertain of the system used. While I possess advanced deductive capabilities, code decryption is not one of my primary functions. An oversight on CyberLife's part, perhaps."

"Yeah, I'll say", Gavin lamented, throwing up his hands. "What kind of detective bot doesn't have a built-in code breaker?"

"At any rate, it may take me a little longer, but I am confident I will crack it soon."

"I guess we can add 'religious nutjob' to the suspect profile, anyway. Hell of a lot else we've got to go on."

"I wouldn't suggest that we have nothing."

Gavin frowned at his partner bitterly. "What are you, fucking high?"

"I am incapable of getting high", Nines began to explain. Seemingly unaware, or unconcerned, with Gavin's sarcasm "They have let to effectively replicate the effects of human narcotics on androids, although I do hear Thirium-based alcohol is beginning to -"

"You knew what I meant, jackass. Just face it - we've got no DNA, no reliable witnesses, and no more leads to follow" Gavin kicked a pebble across the sidewalk. "Unless that footage is of our suspect waving to the camera and holding up a signed confession, this feels like another dead end."

"Perhaps not" Nines, who had been quietly scoping the surrounding area, pointed to a small store across the road. Following its direction, Gavin caught a glimpse of a peeling wooden sign, which read 'Mikey's Phones and Electronics' in bold red font:

"We can assume that our culprit used a burner phone when they arranged the HR400's services. He would have needed to purchase the SIM somewhere, as well as the phone itself. How convenient that a store nearby could provide him exactly what he was looking for."

Gavin let out a tut, unconvinced by the android's reasoning. "Detroit is a big fucking city. They could have bought that SIM from anywhere - and even if we had a hunch, we'd have no way of tracing it. Thing is probably long gone."

"Maybe so, but the log we were able to collect of the suspect's call provided us with more than just a location. The phone used for the call was a 2013 Samsung S3. If it so happens that a phone of that model was purchased in that store, with a prepaid SIM included, in the days before the murder..."

"...It would seem like one hell of a tidy coincidence", Gavin conceded with a grumble. "Alright, tin-can, I'll bite. Guess it wouldn't hurt checking out: but if you're wrong about this, I'll fucking dismantle you."

"Duly noted," Nines remarked, nodding gently. "I would suggest we act quickly, however. We have failed to check in with Captain Fowler for quite some time. No doubt he'll be eager to receive an update."

#dbh #dbh gavin #dbh nines #dbh rk900 #reed900 #dbh fanfic #gavin reed x rk900 #gavin900 #dbh fanfiction #detroit become human #r9 #gavin x rk900

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holly-natnicole · 2 years ago

Text

My Favourite Disabled Characters (in no particular order)

[Gif Description: Donald & Della from 'DuckTales' (2017) hugging each other. Both are smiling, with their beaks open (Della's more so than Donald's) and their eyes closed. The gif first shows Donald hugging Della, then Della hugging Donald. They're in a wooden room with a crimson hammck next to them. The hammock is filled with stuff. Behind Della (shown when Donald is hugging her) is a door with its top being round and behind Donald (shown when Della is hugging him) are 2 framed photographs on the wall next to a rectangular door.]

[Gif Description: At first Edward Elric from ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ (2003) is shown from the upper chest downwards. His flesh right foot and his metallic left foot are both bare. Ed is sitting on a white sofa with his left fist against the seat. His right armpit has been replaced by a metal port to which a metallic prosthetic arm will be attached (but not during this gif). The subtitles consist of “Geez!” then “How the hell did you get the high class auto-mail I made destroyed?” as the gif scrolls upwards. Ed’s shoulders, face, and the top of his head are revealed. He has a subdued facial expression, but not a guilty one. Ed has a light, almost peachy complexion and golden eyes & hair.]

[Gif Description: Victor Stone a.k.a. Cyborg from ‘Teen Titans’ (2003) talking whilst driving a car with one hand. He has cedar skin and most of his body is mechanical; the robotic parts of him are white, light grey, black, and light blue. Vic is bald and has a robotic eye which had replaced his left eye long ago.]

[Gif Description: Luz Noceda from ‘the Owl House’ (2020) looking down whilst blinking once and happily talking, a large rock or some stony terrain next to her. She has short-cropped, mahogany hair and round, matching eyes. Her skin is tawny.]

[Gif Description: Alma Madrigal from ‘Encanto’ (2021) whispers something and is hugging her son Bruno, who looks down at her in surprise and is holding up his left index finger. They’re in a forest or in a plant-filled clearing.]

[Image Description: Cristina from ‘Elena of Avalor’ (2020) sitting on her wheelchair whilst wearing a short-sleeved, fancy, orange-tinged yellow dress which has white and blue along the hem and the V-neck. She has light, peachy skin and dark brown hair, with a bit of her hair curling on her forehead. She wears a big, bright blue bow on her braid. Behind Cristina on her right is a pinkish red curtain with a Sun symbol on it in a dull shade of yellow and on her left is a light blue-grey (possibly silk) curtain.]

[Gif Description: Teo from 'Avatar: the Last Airbender' (2005) is shown from the armpits upwards. He has pale skin and dark brown hair. He's sitting on his flying wheelchair although, most of it isn't visible in the gif) with an open-mouthed happy smile on his face. He wears hexagon-rimmed, orange-lensed goggles over his eyes and is looking past his left shoulder at someone off-screen. The background consists of clouds.]

[Gif Description: The titular character of 'Avatar: the Legend of Korra' (2012) speaks with a clearly upset facial expression. She blinks and shifts her gaze from someone who is in front of her yet off-screen to looking towards the left. Korra is shown from part of her shoulders upwards, in a semi-close up.]

[Image Description: Toph Beifong from A.t.L.A. is shown from the opening-meant-for-head part of her T-shirts upwards, in a close-up image that cuts off before her headband is seen. She has a wide grin on her face and the upper half of her face – including Toph's eyes (which have a milky-looking sheen over them) – got cast in shadow by her messy fringe.]

[Gif Description: Uchiha Sasuke from 'Boruto: Naruto Next Generations' (2017) falls through the air (nearing the screen in the process in a manner almost akin tothe Viewer zooming in towards the fictional character) and catches his spinning chōkuto (a specific type of sword) with the only hand he has. His right eye's 3-tomoe Sharingan is activated, whereas his left eye is hidden behind his black hair. His skin is pale. Sasuke wears a fingerless, black glove on his right hand.]

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