DBH: #Deaf!Gavin AU PART 4
He has taken to using the number Gavin gave him. Secretly he was quite fond of it, even if it was only a nickname. Connor suggested him to pick one himself long ago, but it just felt meaningless.
It’s been months of them working together and Nine was quite surprised on how good it was all going. He wasn’t the only one. It felt like the whole Detroit Police Department expected them to get at each other’s throats since day one and some “accident” would’ve happened. It wasn’t the case, though. Well, mostly.
Nine noticed how Gavin came back to the investigation field full of energy and decision, but also witnessed how he puffed out when they needed to actually deal with people and interrogation rooms. Nine wasn’t pushy, sensing the hard barrier the detective felt under those situations. He wasn’t too bossy, or acted as a leader. It was impossible to say if Gavin noticed how he always tried to discuss every step they took and give him the opportunity to decide as well. By the looks he caught the man giving him sometimes, he suspected Gavin knew but preferred not to comment on it.
Nine knew Gavin hated it, but he couldn’t help but feel pity for him. The man was a competent and passionate worker, the “no bullshit allowed” type. He still hasn’t dared to ask how he was left deaf because the human was painfully sensitive about the topic, though. The day came with the perfect opportunity a couple of weeks later. They were on night shift for a case of drug dealing that seemed to have run cold. It was evident nobody was going to show up at the industrial unit they were watching and the man was terribly bored. Nine felt him nudge his feet and looked at him.
—How does your voice sound like?
—Why do you want to know?
—I am curious.
Nine raised an eyebrow when Gavin pulled out a cigarette box from his jacked and lighted one, but didn’t comment on it.
—I’ve been told that I sound similar to Connor, but more uptight.
—Surprising —mocked Gavin with a shit-eating grin.
—Yes, who could’ve guessed a copied model would be almost identical to his predecessor.
Nine heard for the first time a gravy, deep sound come from Gavin’s chest. It took him a second to understand he laughed.
—Can you be more specific?
—No. How do you think I sound, Gavin?
The man was taken by surprise, but didn’t waste the chance.
—Formal. Cold. Smartass.
Nine chucked.
—Well, I am —he looked at him intensely—. But I am not cold-hearted.
That did the trick.
—What…?
—You know, Gavin. It’s been brought to my attention that Cyberlife is implementing technology to help disabled people. There is a hearing technology for deafs I thought that may-
—I’m not interested.
The change on attitude was radical and It happened so fast It caught Nine off guard.
—But I think it could improve…
—I don’t want anything to do with Ejiah Kamsky, got it?
There was a tense silence. Gavin sighted, raising his hands.
—I appreciate your effort but I pass. It’s just something personal. Now let’s go, nobody is gonna show up in the end.
Nine nodded and watched him leave. It took him only 40 seconds to look for feedback and set the pieces together. He never brought the topic back again.
CHECK PART 1 -HERE-
CHECK PART 2 -HERE-
CHECK PART 3 -HERE-