Chapter Ninty-Four: Stone Cold
When Tasha and Connor arrived home after their weekend getaway, the couple were ecstatic to tell everyone of their engagement.
Well, almost everyone.
Hank knew of the proposal, so telling him went smoothly. It was their first day back at work, and when Hank arrived at the office he noticed a certain look about the couple that they didn't have before. It was then he noticed the shine of a ring on Tasha's left hand.
"You finally got the balls to ask her, huh?" Hank smirked as he sat at his desk.
Tasha blushed while Connor narrowed his eyes. "Lieutenant, I did not need to acquire said balls, I already have —"
"On second thought, I don't want to hear it." Hank interrupted, rubbing his forehead.
"Connor told me he asked you." Tasha smiled at Hank.
"Yeah, he did." He looked over at her, "What? Quit starin' at me, creep."
"I'm offended!" Tasha replied dramatically, "But yes, if you must know Connor did propose to me." Her voice was quieter as she said this, trying not to alert the other officers around.
Unfortunately for Tasha, while she was talking to Hank, Chris and Gavin had walked up to her desk, hearing the whole thing.
"You're engaged?!" Chris asked loudly, causing Tasha to facepalm for a moment.
Everyone's eyes snapped to their direction for a moment before the gossip spread like wildfire.
"Well, now you don't have to worry about telling anyone." Hank snickered as he turned to his screen.
Tasha turned to Chris, only then noticing Gavin's presence. "So, our youngest Detective is getting married." Chris mused, smirking at Tasha's flustered appearance.
"Last time I checked, you're not much older than me, Chris." Tasha stuck her tongue out at him, crossing her arms across her chest childishly.
"Yes, that stance really makes you seem mature." Chris cackled, handing a folder to Tasha. "As happy as I am for you, the Captain's given you an assignment."
Tasha hummed in acknowledgement. "Alright, who with?"
It was then that Tasha realized why Gavin was standing with Chris. "Oh! Okay, great."
"I like your enthusiasm." Chris chuckled, walking away to leave Tasha and Gavin alone.
"Um." Tasha started, trying to think of what to say. Gavin hadn't spoken a word to her, and he wouldn't look at her either.
"Read over the file and meet me at my car." Was all Gavin said before walking out of the offices.
Tasha furrowed her brows with a sigh, her eyes scanning the documents. "This case is going to take all day." She walked over to Connor, pecking his cheek affectionately. "I'll get Gavin to drive me home after our shift, okay?"
Connor nodded, "Are you going to be alright working with him?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I?"
"Well, you haven't been alone with him in quite some time, and —"
"Connor, it'll be fine." Tasha hummed, caressing his cheek. "I'll call or text you if I need anything, promise."
Connor sighed in agreement, pulling her ring finger to his lips, kissing the skin just below the ring.
"You two are fucking bizarre."
"Don't be mean, Hank!" Tasha leaned down, giving Connor a kiss on the lips for good measure before walking to Gavin's car.
Tasha was so used to being around Connor, that she had neglected to wear a winter jacket. She insisted that she didn't need one each time Connor would bring it up. As she stepped through the snow, the cold air sent shivers down her spine.
When she found Gavin, he was leaning against his car, smoking a cigarette.
What a terrible habit.
Tasha walked up to his car, rubbing her hands together to create any heat she could. "How can you just stand there without freezing?!"
"Some of us wear winter clothing." He replied, not looking at her.
Tasha rolled her eyes. "I didn't know I'd be going anywhere today. I'm used to not needing a jacket."
"Well, not everyone has an Android for a boyfriend — fiancé." He corrected, clenching his jaw slightly.
They were silent for a moment, both looking out at the snow falling from the sky, the cold air only getting cooler each moment they stood there. Tasha shivered slightly. "Gavin?"
He didn't say anything at first, preferring to take a long drag instead. "What?"
"Are you mad at me?" She asked, turning to face him.
"Why would I be mad at you?" Gavin asked calmly, still avoiding to look at her.
"You've barely said a word to me since I got back. And you won't even look at me."
Gavin shrugged.
Tasha sighed in frustration. "Seriously? You're acting like a child!"
Tasha grabbed his hand, which he went to shrug off but noticed how cold her skin was. "You're freezing cold."
"I'm — I'm f-fine." Tasha's teeth began to chatter, her body seeking the heat his was radiating.
Gavin opened her door, gently pushing her inside before moving to his side, turning the heat on high. Gavin grabbed onto her hands, pulling them up to his face.
"W-what are you —" Tasha started to ask, but stopped when she felt his warm breath on her hands.
"I may not be an Android, but I know how the human body works." Gavin continued to breathe on her hands, his eyes finally looking at hers for the first time since she got back.
Her green eyes stared back for a moment before looking away, her cheeks turning a tinge of purple. Gavin smiled at this, brushing his lips against her hand as he warmed her up. "That better, princess?"
Tasha nodded, slowly pulling her hands away. She rested them in her lap, pulling her seatbelt on.
The duo sat in silence for over an hour, their drive leading them nowhere helpful. Gavin stopped to get something to drink, and Tasha opted to stay in the car.
When Gavin got back he handed Tasha a warm cup. "What's this?" She asked softly, a small smile on her lips.
"I know you don't like coffee, so I got you hot chocolate." He replied, and while he wanted to keep up his tough guy persona to hide that he was hurt, he couldn't stop the smile from creeping onto his face as he watched her cheerful expression as she sipped on the cup.
"Thanks."
Gavin just nodded in reply, leaning back in his seat while he began drinking his. It was then he was able to look at her without her noticing. Her cheeks were slightly purple from the cold air, but the rest of her skin was pale, and smooth looking. He could her smile as she looked out the window, clearly admiring the family across the street. The child was laughing happily.
"How did he propose?"
Tasha blinked a few times, "Hmm?"
Gavin sighed. "How did Connor propose?"
Tasha didn't look at him, opting to look at her cup instead. "Oh. Um... He, he just did some romantic stuff."
"That's very detailed." Gavin replied sarcastically.
"Well, what do you want me to say?" Tasha said frustrated. "I didn't think you'd want to talk about my engagement."
"Yeah, I bet you weren't even going to tell me, right?" He scoffed, sitting up as he started the car once more.
"No! I was! I just... I didn't want to bother you with it."
"Bother me? Why the hell would you worry about that?"
"Because! I don't want you to start being a complete dick like you used to!" Tasha admitted, looking out the window with her brows narrowed.
"And what? You think I'll start being a dick because you're marrying that — Connor." He corrected himself, "Did you think I wouldn't find out? Between Chris' big mouth and that fucking ring on your finger it was pretty obvious, Tasha."
"I didn't know how to tell you alright? How do you tell someone 'Hey! I'm getting married!' When you know they won't be happy about it?"
"You really enjoy making assumptions of me, don't you, sweetheart?" Gavin sighed in frustration. "I am happy for you."
"Bullshit." Tasha seethed, finally turning to face him. "If you were you wouldn't be so standoffish."
"I'm not trying to —" Another sigh left his lips as he put his cup down. "Look, I am happy for you, Tasha. This is what you wanted."
Tasha frowned, looking away. "I know that, I just... I didn't want to hurt you."
Gavin smiled slightly, grabbing her hand gently, interlocking his fingers with hers. "It would take a lot more than that for you to hurt me, sweetheart."
Tasha looked up at him, smiling slightly. "I don't have to talk about it, you know. You're my best friend but—"
Gavin's grip on her hand tightened as he heard her words. While it sucked he was stuck in the friend zone, knowing Tasha saw him as a best friend made him incredibly happy. "I'm you're best friend?"
"Well, yeah! Obviously, loser." She teased.
Gavin rolled his eyes playfully, bringing up their interlocked hands to look at the ring. "How much do you think he paid for this?"
"Mmm, I'm gonna guess $500?"
"I was going to say a grand but okay." Gavin smirked, letting her hand go. His eyes narrowed as he saw her shiver. "Damn, you're still cold?"
"Y-yep! I don't — don't think my enhancements enjoy t-the cold."
Gavin pulled his jacket off, handing it over to Tasha. "Put it on. It'll warm you up."
"What about you?" Tasha asked, concern laced in her voice.
He chuckled, "I'll be fine, my body can handle the cold."
Tasha slowly pulled the jacket on, cuddling into the warmth of his jacket. It was still extra warm from his body heat, making her sink into it that much more. She could also smell his cologne, and she had to admit it was pretty nice.
Gavin bit his lip as he watched her put on his jacket, trying to keep his thoughts clean. "Feel a bit better, shortie?"
Tasha stuck her tongue out at him, but smiled. "Yeah, much warmer now. Thanks, Gav."
He hummed in acknowledgment as he checked the time. "Shifts over, sweetheart. I'll drive you home."
Tasha smiled, "Good. Today wasn't so bad"
It was quiet for a moment, both enjoying the comfortable silence. Each felt comfortable around the other. It was nice.
"Congratulations."
Gavin spoke after a while, not looking at her.
"Hmm?" Tasha looked at him, smiling sadly. "You're not happy I'm getting married, Gavin."
"You're right, I don't like that you're marrying Connor — but..." His voice trailed off as he stared forward.
"But what?"
"Are you happy?"
Tasha smiled as she thought of her relationship with Connor. "Yeah, Gav. I am happy."
"Then I'm happy for you."
Gavin opened her door for her, grabbing his jacket from her outstretched arm. Before he could walk away, Tasha wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him into a tight embrace.
"Thank you."
Gavin allowed himself to cherish this moment. He pressed his hands firmly to her back, memorizing the way her clothes fit to her perfectly. He had to admit, that while the idea of her getting married to Connor hurt him, and made him pretty fucking pissed, he still was excited to see her in a wedding dress, even if it wasn't for him.
Gavin tried, and tried, and tried to stop his feelings for her. Hell, that's why he used to be such a dick to her. But after she almost died, he didn't want to hurt her anymore. Gavin knew he loved her — he always loved her, but letting himself get close to her was enough. Seeing her happy was enough. Being her friend was enough.
At least that's what he told himself.
Tasha pulled away from him, smiling. "Thanks for today. Maybe we'll get car duty together again sometime."
"Yeah, maybe we will, shortie." Gavin smiled at her. "I'll see you around."
Tasha wasn't sure how she felt about the day. She hated enjoying Gavin's company, but she did. She couldn't deny that. And maybe in another life they would have been a thing. Tasha's thoughts were interrupted as the front door opened, big, brown eyes gazing down at her with a smile.
"Welcome home, darling."
~~
A/N: WE
HIT
ONE
MILLION
READS!!!!!
*mind blown*
Thank you all so much! Please comment any and all suggestions as I am glad to continue writing.
I have the next three major plot lines ready in my mind, so I know where I'm going — it's just about getting there.
Someone pls write more Gavin x reader smut. I am thirsty for him idek why man.
I'm so conflicted. People want Gavin to be doucheu and while he still will be in some ways, in my mind Gavin has changed throughout the story. We'll see his character develop as well as everyone else over time.
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