Activate my Heart

S

Sakura-Hime

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Earth year 30XX

~ The world has advanced beyond any technology we have now. Hologram devices have replaced cellphones and computers, though not everyone can afford such advances. Cars no longer are limited to the ground, and buildings are built to towering heights. But the largest advance made yet is that of androids. Humanoid robots which are almost indistinguishable from humans. Though each and every android is made to almost perfection; incredible strengths, high speed movement and fast cognitive thought. They are made equipped with sets of skills for objectives, but they have free will just as humans do. Androids populate most every corner of the world, and they have lived peacefully with the humans for a long time.~
Zaeden stood staring out the giant window of his hotel room, the window encompassed nearly the whole outer wall giving him a perfect view of one of the more bigger cities of the world. His room was over 20 floors up, high enough to see most of the surrounding buildings as their bright neon lights shined in his face, but his adroidian eyes were unaffected by their shine. His steel grey eyes looked over at his small suit case which held his only belongings, which was only clothes and his new work uniform. It was about time he got changed and made his way to his new job.

For years Zaeden had lived this way, never staying in one place too long, for many many reasons. But mainly it was because once others - humans and androids alike- began to see what he was truly like living among them became too hard. He had been at the last city for nearly two years, working in a office that was mainly tech work. He definitely did not like the job itself, but the fact that he didn't have to interact with others often was the biggest plus. However, his personality came out more often and people started to avoid him and shun him. So he had to move.

This city was bigger and the chances of interaction were at a higher ratio, but it was his only option right now. Zaeden didn't indulge in luxury so he had plenty of money stored up, so that wasn't the problem. However in the last ten years of his automatronic life he had been nearly everywhere, he was running out of places to run to.

Worse, the only job he could get on such short notice was working night shift at a local bar. It was actually only a few buildings down, a whole floor out of one of the smaller buildings. Zaeden hadn't bothered to learn what the other floors had been, but he recalled the name of a club. This was bad news, it would mean more and more people would try to interact with him.

Zaeden, now changed into his new uniform, tight black pants that formed to his perfectly sculpted legs, a silken white shirt and a beautiful red velvet vest that showed off all the good points of his manufactured body. One benefit of being an android was that he never had to worry about working out, or getting fact. His body looked the exact same it did on the day he was made ten years ago.

Leaving the Hotel, using the glass elevator that moved to the base floor in a matter of seconds, he walked the nearly empty streets of the city. It was rare to see anyone actually walk. Cars hovered, and the traffic of these floating and flying cars was high above their heads. If one could not afford a car there were trains that hung on wires moving faster than the eye could fallow.

It was a matter of seconds when he came upon the building that would be his work place. There were actually people standing about, smoking on the vapor devices that clouded the brain with synthetic drugs. Zaeden, being an android didn't actually have lungs, so there was no need for him to have such a device.

He avoided them perfectly and weaved through the small crowds of people in the building as he made his way to the floor that was the whole bar. Zaeden was not looking forward to what this first night might be like. Other employees would be all over him, teaching him what to do and asking him questions. Zaeden never liked to have others hover around him, and he didn't have the skill of keeping his mouth shut. So this was going to be interesting.​
 
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Loki yawned, stretching his arms as he walked towards his bathroom. His apartment was dark aside from the glow of lights outside his windows. He had only just awoken even though it was night, he preferred to start work fresh rather than coming home and going to bed after his shift. He turned on the shower, removing his shorts that he'd worn to bed and stepped under the warm water.

He washed up quickly, scrubbing his Carmel colored hair before setting about washing his pale skin. He didn't spend much time out during the day and his complexion suffered for it, but these days it was difficult to have vitamin deficiencies, so why worry over going outside? Besides, that's where people were. He traced his fingers over the scars on his arm absently before sucking his hair back with a hand and finishing his shower.

He dried off swiftly, drying his hair and leaving it partially messed as he usually did, his pale blue eyes staring back without really seeing himself. He hated mirrors, it just meant that he could see himself and it wasn't like there was much to see. His frame was thin, and he rested his fingers over his ribs that seemed to be protruding more than yesterday-or maybe he was imagining it. He had a tendency to forget to eat, one brought on by his forced starvation as a youth, and his almost bony frame was proof of that.

But once back in his bedroom he pulled on his work attire, thankful that all but his hands and face were uncovered, all his scars figurative and literal could be hidden while he worked. He sighed before inhaling to steady himself, his normal routine before he started work. He exhaled slowly before trying a light smile, it felt forced but looked real and relaxed, and with that he exited his apartment and locked up.

He walked down the hall to the elevator, glad that no one else lived on this floor. He'd managed to make an arrangement with his boss to rent out the top room of the building where the bar was located. It was several floors above the bar and club and what ever the other floors held, and the only other room on this floor lay vacant as storage. This meant he didn't even have to leave the building for work, he didn't need to stray onto the streets often.

But as he rode the elevator down he felt his usual nerves acting up. What if that man found him some day? Or if someone else tried to hurt him? Had anyone ever seen those pictures? Were they laughing at him? He shivered slightly, but when the elevator stopped he steeped himself. He stepped off as at ease as possible, and quickly made his way into the back access to the bar.

The noise hit him first, chatter and music, and soon the dim blue lighting that interspersed with color at seemingly random intervals towards the other end. He made his way behind the bar, thankful for the physical barrier that kept him away from the customers. He was also grateful that only he and his boss were human workers here, and tonight it seemed his boss was absent. He noted a female android was at the far end serving drinks, and that a few of the males were on the floor serving. He smiled, reassured at the normalcy of it, before he was waved over to take his first order.
 
Zaeden left the elevator and strode down the hall and headed toward the door that he had been previously informed that would lead to the employee entrance. Already he could hear countless amount of people in the bar, and countless more in the club above them, but then again his manufactured ears aloud him to hear a pin drop. He could hear almost every word being spoken, but he had been that way sense his creation so he was used to it by now.

Pulling the key card he had been previously given by the owner of the bar, he slid the card into the little slot on the locked door and waited for the green light to flash before the door opened and his card slid back out as he grabbed it back and slide it back into his back pocket. Zaeden had no belongings to leave in the walled lockers so he left the private employee area and entered from the 'staff only' door into the main area of the bar. His grey eyes glanced over the room taking in the surrounding area.

He had seen it before, when he had come for the interview, but then the room had been completely empty. Now there were people and androids alike sitting at the tables drinking, eating and a few in the farther half playing the bar games that were available. Regularly there is no diference between humans and androids in their appearance, but since Zaeden was one himself he could detect heat levels which distinguished human from robot.

Zaeden wasn't given much time to take in his surroundings when a female android approached him, wearing the same uniform except her bottoms were a black silken skirt and not pants. "You must be the new recruit!" Her smile was wide and her blonde hair lay loose and straight about her head. Zaeden would have thought all employee's had to have their hair up if he cared enough to think about it, but he cared not. His face remained placid, but her smile remained. "Welcome to your first day!" She stepped sideways and stretched out her hand towards the bar's counter where the wall was covered in many different bottles of alcohol. "My name is Angie, I am the hostess here, but tonight you'll be working with Loki behind the counter. Please fallow this way." Angie lead the way from the side door to behind the counter which was blocked by a singular gate.

"Loki, you've got an underling. Treat him well." Was all she said before leaving Zaeden standing there to the right of Loki and walking back to her work post. For a moment Zaeden said nothing, just stood waiting for something to happen, he normally never spoke first.

"Greetings." Was all he decided to say as he left his hands at his sides and bowed slightly forward in a formal greeting before standing back up and quickly brushing the bit of dark blue hair- which looked black in the dimly light room- then standing straight and still once more, awaiting for his next instructions.
 
He had gotten used to bartending rather quickly even though hed started with no experience. It was fun for him, and as long as he kept distance between himself and customers then he could stay calm and pretend to have some confidence. He smiled kindly as he filled orders, gaining tips here and there. It was easy to fake it here, the dim lighting allowed for the occasional break in his mask, it hid his imperfections.

He'd already gotten through a few customers when he he heard Angie say his name. Her turned and paused, his heart stalling for a moment as he realized that another person had entered his area. He smiled amicably, though his mind was racing and he wasn't able to inhale. He wasn't able to easily differentiate between humans and androids, often it was too difficult to tell upon a first meeting. But his boss wouldn't force him to be around a human right?

He blinked as the male before him bowed, and finally his body started listening again. He inhaled low and sneakily, glad that the bar was noisy and would hopefully cover for his awkwardness. He made sure his smile was still in place before speaking. "I'm Loki, glad to have you." He only stuttered slightly, impressive for him. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest, but this was work and he couldn't fall apart here. "Do you have any experience?" He asked, trying to remain professional as his pale blue eyes took in the others appearance.

The other was slightly taller than him, but he could tell even through the uniform that the other had a firmer build than his own. The males hair was dark, and his eyes appeared grey though he couldn't discern if that was due to the current lighting. Absent mindedly one hand reach up to clutch his arm and a finger scratched at the scar under his sleeve, a nervous habit he had while he was thinking.
 
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"Zaeden." He stated his own name plainly as he glanced to the small group of humans who seemed to be headed this way. "And no, not particularly. But I am capable." His grey eyes glanced back at the other, his heightened hearing picked up the higher heart rate and his eyes quickly scanned body temperature. Loki's vitals appeared to be fine so Zaeden thought nothing more of it. It would have been inconvenient had he needed medical attention.

Zaeden understood well enough that humans operated heavily according to their emotions, and even some androids acted on their own in such a way as well. But he was different. Due to his 'malfunctions', Zaeden was unique in the worst way possible. This was why living among such creatures that relied so heavily on their feelings was so hard for him. Zaeden was incapable of love. That wasn't something said lightly either, it was a serious malfunction in his machinery. He felt nothing even close to love, happiness, joy, bliss, etc. This didn't mean he didn't feel some emotions, but for the most part he was empty of feeling. Which was probably why he didn't think to much of the nervous ticks Loki was already showing.

"I will do whatever you need me to." Zaeden referred back to his qualifications. He was of course well equipped physically for nearly everything, and it would never be hard to learn new things for an android. However he had never directly worked with people in such an environment, rather he avoided doing such things. But this was a last minute job, so he would work it until he was relieved of duty.

Before any instruction could be given the group of two girls and two guys approached the counter right in front of Zaeden. The first girl was wearing a black dress which was probably way too short for decency sake, and had on too much make-up. Her brown curly hair hung about her shoulders, she put her arms on the counter and leaned forward trying to make her breast more appealing in some attempt to capture the 'new bartender's' attention. "You're new here!" The brunette stated obviously. "And you're cute too. What's your name?" Her voice was soft but slurred slightly by alcohol. Her female friend giggled beside her as she passed a glance over Loki but then looked longingly back to Zaeden. The two guys behind them looked rather irritated that both women had taken an interest in him instead of them.

"Zaeden." He stated again in the same monotone way he had said to Loki, looking completely unfazed by what ever charms the girls were trying to use. He stood straight and tall, the uniform showing off his perfectly built body.

"Ooo~ Sexy." Said the brunette. "Can I get a Gin and Tonic?" She reached out her hand and tired to touch Zaeden's arm. Obviously far to drunk to care that she was leaning over the counter, and probably shouldn't be ordering a drink so strong with alcohol either. Zaeden neither flinched nor reacted when her finger tips caught his white sleeve.

"I am incapable of making that drink at present. Anything else?" His grey eyes looked over to Loki. Loki was his senior on the job and would better know how to handle these situations, or so he had assumed, not knowing about Loki's strong aversion to people.
 
He gave a small nod when the other gave his name, smiling. He noted that the others tone was a bit strange, perhaps lacking? But he tried not to let it bother him. He blinked when the other stated he had no experience, surprised that he'd been hired before he realized he'd been in the same situation. His boss seemed to have a soft spot for those in need of work. "Alright, it's not too hard." He said with a grin, his arm ached fully from his nervous prodding, but it was calming to feel that dull pain.

He nodded, glad that even of the other seemed less then enthused that he seemed willing to work. He wondered if this was similar to how he'd come off as at first. Then again he'd been a mess when he'd first started, breaking several glasses as he shook with nerves, having to leave the floor when customers got too close or too pushy. He'd come far in retrospect, but he was far from normal himself.

He had been about to show the other where the drink list was if he needed it for reference when a group reached the counter. He noted instantly that the girls held no interest for him, but that didn't phase him. Even the girls flirtation to the other male got no reaction from him, he'd never been comfortable sexually, so flirting was not even something he could fathom. He watched the new hire interact with the customers, deciding that this was as good an opportunity as any.

He did notice that the males that had also walked over seemed irritated and he reflexively took a step back, trying to remain as calm as he could manage. Irritable customers, especially ones who were drinking, made him feel Ill. Thankfully he'd only witnessed one bar fight, but that had been enough to keep him away from work for a week even though he hadn't been involved.

He watched the girl reach out and touch the new worker, taking another step back out of habit. He hated when customers reached over the counter, it made him feel as though his space was being infringed on. When the male spoke Loki blinked, looking to him with mild surprise, that was a bit... rude maybe? Though he supposed the boy was being honest. "I'll get it." He said, smiling to the customer cheerily.

He walked a few steps away and grabbed a glass, adding some ice before pouring in the gin and tonic. He decided to go a bit light on the gin, it was obvious the girl had already been drinking. He garnished it with a lime before returning, gently setting the glass down and sliding it to the customer before retracting his hand. He smiled brightly. "There you are." He said amicably.

He then looked to the new hire and pointed under the bar to a shelf not far from them. "There's a list of drinks with their ingredients and prep information loaded in if you need it. But you'll have to memorize most of them pretty quickly." He tried to sound confident in himself, he would be okay as long as he focused on work, just needed to keep breathing.
 
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The brunette scoffed but grabbed her drink and turned, the guy she had been with pointedly wrapped his arm around her shoulders and glared over at Zaeden who couldn't have cared less. The two others fallowed them and they walked to their table which was luckily on the further side of the room.

Zaeden's eyes fallowed the imaginary line to where Loki had pointed at the list. Picking it up he studied it for a quick moment then set it back down. Thankfully his androidian skills let him remember everything he reads, so it only took reading the list once to memorize it. "Done." He stood where he was and looked at Loki. "So is this all?" He questioned his voice still monotone as it had been so far. He had expected that he would be requested to lift heavy boxes or at least that was his hope. He hadn't thought that he would be stuck up front with the drunks.

Zaeden looked over Loki once more, the man seemed way to thin to do any heavy lifting. "I can lift a lot. If there is anything you need taken down." He offered, his voice never differing from his normal tone. He was not aware if he appeared rude or not, Zaeden could be very selfish due to his malfunctions and would never feel remorse about his actions.
 
He flinched slightly at the girls reaction but tried to continue looking cheery. He was relived when they walked back to their table, a long slow breath leaving him. He watched as the male looked over the list, glad that he seemed unphased by how the customers acted, at least the new hire could seemingly handle being around people better than Loki, even if he did seem a bit rude.

He blinked as the male spoke and decided then that he was probably an android, no human could memorize that list that quickly and have confidence in it. That relaxed him slightly, androids were easier than handle then humans, after all humans had no predictability what so ever and that made them terrifying.

He blinked at the males suggestion and smiled slightly, giving a quick wave to the female android who was maning the other side of the bar before signaling Zaeden to follow. He walked to the back employee entrance and exited the bar, as the door shut behind them there was a sticky silence after the din of the bar. He walked down the hall towards a door and opened it with a key card.

Inside the lights flicked on and they stood in a room of boxes and crates. "This is our storage, if we run low on anything you can find it in here." He said lightly, he was more at ease here, away from people. He walked down an aisle and ran his finger over the boxes until he paused. "We're low on vodka and rum tonight." He said thoughtfully, pointing out two boxes that sat under a few others. "Can you get two bottles of each? I can't move the boxes alone." He said with a light laugh. Due to his almost consistent state of malnourishment he never had been very strong and usually he and another worker would tackle restocking together, but if the other wanted to be physically helpful then this was a good oppurtunity.
 
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Zaeden was relieved in his own way to escape the loud sounds of the crowd and fallowed the smaller male to where he would lead him, his own steps barely making a sound except for the light click of the inch healed shoes he was required to wear. His arms swayed slightly as he walked, his strides smooth and clean, his dark blue hair shinning in the slightly brighter light of the storage room showing for the first time that his hair was blue not black. His grey eyes shown more clearly too, as he watched Loki show him the room.

The boxes were packed higher than both of them, but their organization was relatively neat, which Zaeden could appreciate. Perhaps it was because he was an android, or maybe it was part of the personality - however little- he might actually have. But Zaeden liked things organized and neat, he liked order and quiet. In clean silent spaces he didn't have to function properly, he didn't have to deal with others watching him. He could just be, silent and alone.

"I can move them." Zaeden said with flat confidence as he moved forward to approach the boxed Loki had pointed to. Most of the boxes were made out of material similar to cardboard used a century before, but these new boxes were fire resistant to help better ensure the cargo they hold. This could also make them heavier for most people. However, Zaeden was an android and all were built to be stronger than humans, but for his original purpose he was built to have a little more strength than normal. So bending down he got his hands around all the boxes that were on top of the one Loki had pointed to and with ease lifted them straight into the air. Four full boxes in his arms like they weighed nothing. Gently he set them down besides the box that was full of Rum. Grabbing out two bottles he help them out, necks pointed at Loki so he wouldn't have trouble holding them. "Here." Then it was on to the box of Vodka. He just as easily freed the box from the others that were on top of it, just as he had with the rum box and pulled out two bottles of clear vodka. Before restacking the boxes as they were he looked up at Loki from his crouched position. "Is there anything else?"

Though he was calmer, or as calm as he could be, his disposition wouldn't be much different. Zaeden could not express himself in any other way than this, aside from maybe if he was really pissed. But that was rare indeed. Moving swiftly, as he waited for Loki's response, he went to lift the heavy boxes with ease yet again ready to put them back where they were.
 
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He stepped out of the way, believing the others confidence. He stood at the other side of the aisle and watched the blue haired male approach the boxes. He wasn't sure how the other would move the top boxes that were higher up, but as he watched him lift multiple boxes with ease he froze for a moment.

He felt a shiver run down his spine, the other was insanely strong, even for an android, and that thought was frightening. Loki wrapped an arm around himself, his skin slightly paled. What if someone like this wanted to harm him? It would be impossible to do anything about it. He stared for another moment at the male, his expression pained and uncertain. He flinched slightly when offered the bottles but then blinked, remembering where they were and what they were doing. He shook his head slightly as he accepted the bottles and watched the male retrieve the other two.

He looked down at the male before shaking his head dumbly for a moment before he laughed lightly and smiled, trying to mask his anxiety again. What was he doing acting this way? "That should be good for now, it's still pretty early so I may need to send you back here again if we get low." He spoke with as much confidence as he could, but his voice wavered just slightly though in the quiet of this room it burned his ears.

He noticed, despite his own anxiety ridden thoughts, that the other seemed a bit more at ease out of the bar, though maybe it was his imagination. He hugged the bottles to his chest, conscious of himself and his need to not drop or break them. He held them so tightly that they pressed into his ribs and caused a dull sting, but he ignored it as he turned to started back to the hallway. "We shouldn't take too long." He said softly, more so to himself as he waited for Zaeden.
 
Zaeden quickly put the boxes back, not taking much notice of the other's fright, and then fallowed him back to the bar. This was probably his biggest malfunction, because of his incapability to feel any love he had no concern for others. And though a few showed interest in him in the past, once they got to see he could not give them love they abandoned him. He couldn't say that it 'hurt' to be abandoned like that, but it did piss him off. Others expected so much out of him that he literally was not capable of, and then blamed him for it in the end. It wasn't his fault. But maybe if someone stuck around long enough, just maybe, things might change. But that was not something Zaeden thought about. Most of the time he thought about nothing.

Once they got back to the bar, behind the counter, Zaeden held out his hands for the bottles to put them on the glass shelf behind them. His hands were better preoccupied. Now that he had been in the silence of the storage room the loudness of the open bar seemed even louder, but his face showed none of his discomfort. Zaeden and been told once, by a past 'almost lover' that he was even incapable of changing expressions, that he only had one expression. But he didn't understand how this was a bad thing.

His grey eyes scanned the room, there seemed to be a few more people coming in, which would mean he'd have to actually start doing things now. But before they had the chance to overload the counter Zaeden turned only his head toward Loki. "Is there anything else?" He meant if there was anything else to learn before he could start taking orders. Using the register would be no problem since he'd been in contact with the model before, and now that he knew most of the drinks, thanks to that list, mixing them should be no problem. But he felt it was his obligation to do the job right, whether that was part of being an android or if it was just part of him.
 
Once everything was put back he exited the room with the other, locking the door behind them. He winced as they reenter the bar, his eyes having to readjust to the dimmer lighting and his ears ringing with the din of noise.but this was normal for him and soon they had gotten back behind the counter. He handled to other the bottles, careful to hold one end as the other took them to avoid contact. Even if he didn't fear androids as much as humans they felt similar enough that direct contact was at least uncomfortable for him.

He noted more people entering and he smiled as a couple approached the bar. He was about to walk to them when he heard the other speak. He turned to him and ran through a mental checklist quickly. But after a moment he chuckled. "You should be fine as long as you can mix drinks. If you need help let me know though." He smiled, he actually felt like the androids were far superior to him, after all they could learn all this so quickly...

But then he tilted his head in though, staring at the other before remembering something. "If you can then smile." He said simply, though he shrugged lightly. "If you can't though, I mean if it's uncomfortable for you to..." He ran a hand awkwardly through his hair, glancing away. "Its not necessary for a job like this, but you'll get more tips if your friendly." He spoke softly before glancing back and flashing him a grin before he was called over by a customer.

He turned on his heel and walked over, smiling cheerily. Truly he'd taken those lines from his boss who had said something similar when he first started here. It had taken him some months before he could smile, even if it was forced, but at least it looked natural. He was sure that no one else would have been so patient with him, and he doubted he'd be able to make a living elsewhere.

He laughed lightly at a joke the female before him made as he mixed her drink, making sure to keep himself away from the counter as he did so. He poured the drink and slid it across to her, careful to pull his hand back before hers reached the glass. He blushed slightly as he gave thanks for a small tip she'd given him, feeling awkward for taking money just for faking friendliness.
 
Zaeden said nothing as he watched Loki work. His smile seemed natural but he noticed that Loki's eyes weren't sparking like most human's when they smiled. That was at least the thing he had noticed about a few of them when he bothered to pay attention enough to them. When ever a human was truly happy, their eyes sparkled. Loki's, at the moment, were not. But he didn't think much more on it and instead noted the way he handled the costumer. His turn was coming up.

People were starting to pile up on the counter and were shouting out what ever drinks they wanted, Zaeden recognizing each name from the list, promptly and quickly made them one by one. His hands were smooth in their movements as if trained for this very purpose when in all honesty he had never been a bartender before. However, the objective he had been created for had been very similar so the skills for this kind of job were in his programming. Which was probably why and how he could complete each task skillfully. The people at the bar watched and 'oo'ed at him as he made his way with each drink placing them gently on the counter.

Of course, immediately the girls tried to talk to him, but even though Loki had suggested that he smile he was not about to try. He wasn't even sure his facial robotic structure was built to smile. He never had in the past, so he didn't feel like trying to now. That being said he did at least put an effort into trying to be less rude in his comments. But he could not help that his voice was flat and emotionless. Although, his voice was soothing and flowed like silk, the vibration of sound could be thought to be calming.

Zaeden continued on this way for a little while, keeping his watch on Loki making sure he was doing his job properly, and ready to take any instruction that was given to him.
 
Quickly they became busy, and he got into his normal rhythm. But as he worked he noted that most of the customers eyes were off him-in all honesty though he preferred that. He glanced over and watched at Zaeden worked, noting how smooth his movements were. He could barely hear the others voice, but it sounded pleasant even among the chatter. He smiled softly to himself, his eyes a bit dull. Truly he was no match for an android, he was just a human after all.

He was a bit jealous, it had taken his at least a week to memorize half the drinks, and even now there were times he had to remind himself of some. Not to mention how hard he worked just to breathe in a place with other people. But here was someone normal, even if he was a bit rough around the edges from what Loki could see. Here was someone who had instantly drawn attention. He was glad for the other, but he was reminded that he was the only inconvienence here.

He gave the other a quick smile, reassuring him he was doing fine before he turned to help his next customer. The male before him had obviously been drinking for awhile and when he ordered another hard drink Loki smiled before setting about mixing it. As he had earlier he put in a bit less alcohol, he'd probably have to cut the guy off soon anyways. He turned back and placed the drink on the counter, but before pulling his hand away he glanced back to Zaeden, wondering idly if he was aware when to stop serving someone.

He felt something warm round his fingers and his hand wrenched backward, catching on the glass he'd still been hiding which skidded across the counter before shattering by his feet. He stood frozen, eyes wide with surprise as he looked to the man across from him who was giving him a dirty look. "What are you doing kid?" He shot at him, his expression irritated. He could feel a few eyes on him and realized he wasn't breathing.

He remained frozen a moment longer, the man's gaze growing more upset. Finally, his lungs screaming for air he tried to inhale. The air caught a few times before he finally managed to get some into his lungs. He gave a quick apologetic bow before flashing him a smile, unable to speak but trying to convey it in his expression. He remade the drink swiftly, passing it to him and ensuring his hands stayed clear. The man swiped it and stormed back to his friends.

Loki dropped down into a crouch and quickly began collecting the broken glass into his hand, he kept his eyes glued to the floor knowing that he had lost the color in his face. His breathing was coming swiftly now as though hed been running, his hands trembling. He knew he had to calm down, this wasn't the first time he'd broken a glass, and he had to act like "himself", or at least how people here perceived him.
 
Zaeden 'ears' picked up the sharp piercing ting of the glass coming into contact with the tiled floor, the high pitch as vibrations riveted through the fragile glass shattering it into a few sharp edged piece. The loud sound vibrated in his sensitive ears for a long moment as his grey eyes watched a paniced Loki. Zaeden didn't understand why the young man only stood there, but he could clearly see the color leaving his face, and his echoing ears heard Loki's heart skip a few beats. It was so strange for him to see this level of fear with his own eyes. The most emotion he had ever witnessed first hand from humans was anger, pure rage even sometimes. Which is what the costumer started to look like he might begin feeling.

Still Zaeden only watched, as did a few others as Loki quickly made the second glass and then the man finally stormed off. Seeing that no bar drama was going to happen a few of the watching eyes began to wonder about the room, no longer interested in what was happening. But Zaeden's grey eyes still remained on Loki's back, he couldn't take them off to be exact. His own hands were frozen holding what ever drink he was working on next, and had been for a few long moments without him even realizing it. Suddenly he was moving without thinking. He put down the drink in his hands and practically glided around Loki to his other side. Crouching low as he was his hands on his knees he spoke in a low voice, "Go take a break. I can do this." Though his words were still plain the vibrations of his voice were soft and calming, as they had been when it had been just them.


This was as sincere as he could get in his current state. But even now Zaeden had no idea what had driven him to want to help. His hands moved very slowly, it was obvious even to Zaeden that Loki was far from okay, and went to pick up the remaining pieces of glass. He did so without going near Loki's own hands. Though Zaeden may not have the compassion inside him to care about the people around him, it did not mean he wasn't observant, and he had clearly seen through out the night, Loki's aversion to touching.
 
The world around him had gone quiet, not that the bar had quieted any, but he wasn't processing the noise any longer. It felt stifling, heavy, silent. Aside from the sound of his heart and breathing that he was desperately trying to quiet. He wasn't aware of the other walking around him until the males shoes and knees evertered his line of sight.

He blinked once as the other spoke, the voice settling off something in his brain and forcing him to listen. Was it the tone? Or maybe because it was so different from the chatter around him. He kept his eyes down, how humiliating to have a new hire tell him to take a break. His face flushed, and he shook his head slightly at the offer. It was busy, he couldn't leave just the two bartenders.

But when the other started to pick up the pieces his own hands stilled instinctively, their only movement small tremors of nerves. He realized that even if he tried to help that there was a chance their skin may brush, and then what? He'd probably just make a bigger mess. He cupped the few pieces he'd collected, his other hand retracing back to his bubble.

He nodded silently, he wanted to apologize but no words would come from his mouth. Instead he stood, depositing the glass into a waste basket for that express purpose-He often felt it was a bin there just for him. He refused to lift his gaze, afraid that eyes were on him as he quickly exited back into the hall from the employee door.

He didn't make it far, just a few steps from the door before leaning back against a wall and sliding to the floor. He pulled his legs up and wrapped his arms around them before resting his forehead on his knees. He wanted to feel small, it was calming. He was slowly regaining himself, though he shivered as if crying even though no tears would come. He hated himself for showing this side of him to anyone, and nights like these he questioned why he was so determined to hold down a job when it was obviously impossible.
 
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Zaeden let Loki go without saying anything else. He finished picking up the rest of the glass pieces and threw them in the bin he had seen Loki throw them in. Standing up he turned to the waiting costumers. A blonde women, very beautiful, in a red dress was sitting in a stool staring at Zaeden. She smiled sweetly. "Is the boy going to be okay?" She kept her smile sweet, but it didn't not work on Zaeden, to him she was just another human he felt nothing for, and who would want too much out of him.

"Yes." Zaeden answered weather that was the truth or not.

"I hear you're the new employee." She set down her purse and put both hands on the counter.

"Yea." Zaeden answered again. Her smile never faded, but she seemed to lean forward.

"You're too hot for this place, why not come work for me?" She reached for his hand and he didn't move to avoid her.

"No thanks, what can I get you." His face was steady and steely, never changing. She scoffed but remained just as polite.

"Apple teeny." She smiled sexily again. Zaeden went about making her drink then tended to the other costumers. After a what felt like a few minutes but must have been thirty, everything started so slow as they reached the early morning hours. The blonde had stayed at the counter and had attempted to keep flirting with him, but to no avail. Zaeden was in the process of cleaning the counter when Angie, the android he had met earlier came over.

"Have you seen Loki?" Her face looked concerned even though she was smiling still somehow.

"Yes, he's on break." Zaeden said in a matter of fact voice.

"Its been a while, will you go check on him for me? I saw you earlier and he seems to react better with you. " Angie had been working there for a while and she knew some of Loki's quirks, but not on a personal level. Zaeden only nodded taking her request as a work order. Putting down his rag he left the bar as the blonde called after him. Leaving the main area he walked heading toward the storage area Loki had taken him to before. His grey eyes instantly scanned looking for heat signatures, anything to give off where Loki might be.
 
He felt miserable. Why couldn't he be like a normal person? Was it really so hard to tolerate someone's skin brushing against His? Not to mention his display of panic, he should at least be able to hide that by now, so why couldn't He? His hands clutched his upper arms, the scars there burning with life even though they had long since healed. But for him it was as if he lived that same life everyday, the fear stayed with him even these years later and he didn't know how to rid himself of it.

He wasn't sure how long he sat out there, but he assumed that he'd missed most of the remainder of his shift. But he didn't stir. He didn't want to go back in, too self conscious now. Maybe he would just go back to his apartment. But that made him feel guilty for leaving his co workers to clean up. He sighed, his mind was muddled and that wasn't going to change tonight in all likely hood.

He flinched when he heard the door open, but he was a distance down the hall slightly past the storage room-as far as he had managed. He considered curling further into his little ball but decided that looked more absurd than his breakdown earlier and so he raised his head.

He noted Zaedan and slowly stood, releasing his arms and trying to look as at ease as possible. His breathing and heart rate were back to normal, and while his face was still slightly pale his managed a smile. "Sorry about that, I was a bit startled I guess." He laughed, trying to brush it off as if he was a normal person, his blue eyes scanning the others face before glancing away again.
 
Zaeden first saw the small amount of heat signature curled beyond the wall, and as he approached his eyes shifted and saw the crouched Loki. He stopped maybe two feet to his side, giving him plenty of space to feel safe in, and just looked at him. The color was still gone from his face but Zaeden could hear that his heart had calmed down from its racing pace earlier. Zaeden had figured he should say something but he did not know what words to say. He had absolutely no experience with these things, and he had no way of wanting to know what to do. So for a really lone, painfully awkward moment he stood silent and staring. His facial expression never changing.

His grey eyes shifted slightly then he blinked. "Its fine." Was all he could manage to say, and he felt like an idiot. Well that is as much as he could feel like one. Not knowing what else to say he just turned and began walking, but his pace was notably slower and he gave one look back as if beckoning Loki to fallow. He turned to the store room instead of immediately going back. Having learned most of the job throughout the night he now knew what stock they needed. Not bothering to look over, knowing Loki would have fallowed, he began to scan the boxes taking down a few that he needed. Grabbing three bottles of various alcohol and placing them on the floor, once he was done putting them down he stepped back and glanced at Loki. Only his eyes spoke, in a way, asking Loki to take them as he gave him still plenty of free space around him, never going within a two foot radius.

Zaeden put back the boxes and waited for Loki to pick up the drinks, although truth be told he did not want to go back. It was quieter back here, and that was what he was used to. Silence, he liked it that way, he could now see that Loki liked it that way too. For a moment he felt like, just maybe, Loki could be the one human he might be able to be around without feeling agitated or annoyed. Zaeden had never felt comfortable, in a weird sense, around a human before. Nor had he with an android, so this was rather new to him and that confused him immensely.
 
He felt uncomfortable as he waited for the other to speak. Was he angry? Annoyed? Had Loki said something wrong? Just as he was about to speak again, try to rectify the situation, the other finally spoke. He glanced to his face but couldn't find anything there, the others expression changed little, if at all, and made it impossible for Loki to understand how he was thinking.

He watched as the other walked away, maybe he was annoyed. But then he saw the other glance back as if telling him to come along and after a briefe pause he did. He'd been useless most of the night so he may as well help with the cleaning and closing up.

He paused at the entrance to the store room, but then followed. He watched the other move boxes around again, but this time it wasn't as unsettling. Instead he watched the other with mild curiosity, his instinct trying to understand the workings of those around him and how to deal with them. He blinked when the other looked at him again before he quickly retrieved the bottles, hugging them to him as he had done prior.

He noted that the other was keeping away from him, and while that was preferable he wondered if it was out of an aversion to him. Did he hate him? "Is this all?" He finally asked, his voice meek though it sounded loud in this quiet space. He looked at the others face, blue eyes anxiously trying to decipher this person. He tried to keep his expression as relaxed and friendly as possible, this was still work after all.
 
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