Activate my Heart

[Sakura-Hime]

Zaeden nodded, "Yes." He could tell the other was watching him closely, but he wasn't sure why and he didn't really think on the reason. Most humans were a little curious of him, because of his lack of emotions, one of his past lovers- if he could even call it that- had said it made him better in bed.

Although Zaeden could get hard - as every male android was capable of this- and he could function in bed rather normally for humans, he rarely ever did so for it did nothing for him emotionally. But there was a time in his past he would stay with wealthy women, and sometimes men, so he would not have to be in the streets. In turn all he had to do was take them to bed. This was not hard for him sense he cared not, but just more tedious. Especially when some of them requested he show more feeling, Zaeden was incapable of that so he would just get up and walk out. He had gotten into trouble a lot for being this way. That was why he stopped whoring himself out and started looking for actual work.

Heading back to the main bar he noted that the blonde was no longer there and everyone was seemingly leaving. There was a man in the corner table drunk and passed out laying his head on the wood. But most of everyone else had left leaving the bar empty and quiet. This pleased his ears greatly. He knew he would not have to direct Loki on where to put the bottles, seeing as Loki was his senior in the work place, so he picked up the rag he had left and continued wiping off the counter and reorganizing all the bottles that had been used that night.

Angie came over yet again straightening up the bar chairs. "Well how did you like your first night on the job?" She asked Zaeden smiling politely. He looked up at her then briefly shrugged his shoulders before going back to wiping up the counters.

"Loud." Was all he gave on his opinion. But he did glance over at Loki. Though he hadn't lied about how he felt, there was something in him he couldn't explain, maybe curiosity? Loki was different in some way that Zaeden couldn't describe or understand, and it made him want to observe him more. But he had no way of saying that out loud, nor did he want to.

Angie laughed and smiled at Loki. "well was he helpful? How'd he do? I'm supposed to send a report to the boss."

 

[Volo Morior]

He nodded slightly, he wasn't used to someone who was so short in speaking and he couldn't tell if it was his personality or because of him. He followed behind as the other started back to the bar, feeling himself more like the new worker than the one supposed to be training the male. But then again what else could he expect? He was sub par at best compared to the androids around him.

He glanced around when they entered and realized it was almost completely empty. He let out a shallow breath in relief, not seeing the male he'd annoyed earlier. He trotted to the shelf and started putting the bottles up, glancing at the others to make sure they hadn't forgotten anything. He then check on the fruit they used for garnishing, and any other supplies behind the bar. He usually took these tasks for closing, he couldn't wake up the drunks after all, and he didn't like being on the other side especially when the stragglers were usually the worst intoxicated. It wasn't infrequent that one of the workers got groped during this time by someone almost too drunk to walk.

He glanced up when Angie started speaking, but looked back to his task as he listened. He was curious what the other would say. Had he hated it? It was impossible to read his demeanor and so hard for Loki to discern him. He blinked at the others answer, almost smiling. What sort of response was that? Though he remembered that his first night the noise had been almost enough to send him packing.

It wasn't until he heard the woman again that he looked up once more, only after a pause as he realized he was being spoken to. He turned to face her and smiled, he wanted to look as normal as possible. "He's already far surpassed my first day." He said laughing, but really he wanted to say that Zaeden had already surpassed him in general. After all this person wouldn't panic over someone's skin just brushing him.

"I have no complaints anyways." He said lightly before finishing his part of closing. He looked to Zaeden and smiled. "You did good today, I'm glad to have you." He smiled kindly, and it wasn't really a lie, the other had helped him out after all. But he couldn't completely ignore the feeling of discomfort at being so useless in comparison, but that was his own fault.

 

[Sakura-Hime]

Zaeden was actually surprised that he was receiving a complement. Though he had gotten a few before they were rare. His work ethic may be great compared to many, and he had natural skills being an android, but most people pointed out all his faults instead. His grey eyes blinked for a few times while he looked to Loki, though his expression remained flat that was as close to surprised looking as he could get. Quickly he turned and took his rag to the other tables to wipe them off and making them shinny yet again. "Its just my job." He stated as he walked away. Angie chuckled at his response. She turned her smile back to Loki,

"Strange one huh?" She said as she walked back to her register to close out and count the money. The register was a hologram with a fingerprint code to open up for the cash bills they still used. Angie's finger print was the only one the machine would read, there was a separate money safe for the other android that worked as hostess and bartender for the other side. The other money registers were not as locked for they didn't except high bills like the other two. "But at least we have some real muscle to help us now!" She smiled as she watched Zaeden who appeared to no longer be listening. Or at least that is how he wanted to look, when truly he could still hear Loki's heart beating - that's how in tuned his ears were-.


It was odd working at a place like this, but he supposed that he would just have to get used to it. He walked over to the table of the knocked out man and nudged his shoulder. "Hey." His voice was a little deeper with agitation. The man remained asleep. "Hey." Zaeden said a little louder. After a few more nudges he gave up and walked back to the counter in between Angie and Loki. "He wont wake up." He looked at both Angie and Loki wondering if either of them had a suggestion as to how to handle a passed out drunk.

 

[Volo Morior]

He watched the others expression but had the same sense of being unable to read the other. He noticed him blink and wonder if that was maybe... surprise? At what? He couldn't be sure, and so decided to file the thought away. He watched the other turn back to cleaning and tilted his head slightly. Was he upset?

He looked to Angie as she spoke and smiled. "I suppose, but that's not necessarily bad, right?" He said in response, his tone light and playful. But as he turned away to busy himself his eyes looked slightly sullen. Loki was strange too wasn't He? Surely more so than Zaedan. Did the others dislike him for that? He laughed at her comment and nodded. "There is that." He replied, grinning. Could people see through this mask?

He fiddled with a few things, it would be time to go back upstairs soon and whittle away the next few hours of early morning before he would sleep. Perhaps his friends would be online tonight. Or maybe he'd work on his newest project. He blinked, taken from his thoughts by the males voice again. He looked to him then to the drunk passed out on the table.

He glanced around and noted that he was the last customer still in the bar and sighed slightly, it wasn't as scary walking onto the floor now. He stepped out from behind the bar and approached the table, a half full drink still sat atop it in from of the man's folded arms. He stood there silently for a long moment until he finally saw a rise and fall of the strangers chest. At least he wasn't dead.

He leaned over and tapped the table, and seeing no response sighed again. Drunks like this weren't frightening really, just sad. He gently touched the rim of the glass before slowly tipping it over, the glass making a sharp clang against the table, though it didn't break, and the booze within cascading over the males arms and dripping off the table to his legs.

It only took a short moment afterwards before his eyes popped open and he jumped slightly, lifting his head to look at the male before him. Loki had taken a couple steps back, and now look at the male with forced surprise. "Ah, are you alright sir?" He asked with mock concern. The man looked to him and to the spilled drink before mumbling some sort of apology. He stumbled to his feet and slowly made his way to the door.

Loki stood and watched, would a normal person offer to help? He wasn't sure and so instead waited until the man had left before he retrieved the glass and started wiping the table and floor. He glanced to Zaeden once there were no customers and smiled kindly, though his eyes were sullen. "Drunks like that generally can't tell if they knocked it over or not, so if you have to thats a good way to wake 'em up."

He walked back to the counter and deposited the rag behind it and the glass into the dishwasher. While being around people like that man was still uncomfortable he wasn't afraid of them. They were predictable. "My mother used to pass out drunk like that all the time, they're the easiest drunks to deal with." He laughed lightly, though it was fairly hollow. He glanced around the room before looking back to Zaeden, cheery in expression even though his eyes didn't quite match. "That's all we have to do for closing, you're free to go home." He planned to do just that soon enough himself.

 

[Sakura-Hime]

Watching how well Loki seemed to handle the drunk, Zaeden was slightly impressed. He had seen others deal with drunks and mainly people were always angry and mean, which he understood well enough for to him drunk were more irritating then most humans. But seeing Loki handle him a different way, even if it wasn't exactly nice, Zaeden was beginning to form an opinion of Loki and it was better than most of what he thought of humans.

At the mention of the other's mother, Zaeden didnt' think of much. Androids didn't have parents so they were always a concept foreign to him. He didn't understand the strong bond some had with their parents, and he didn't understand why some never got along. What was it about mother's and their children that made such a strong bond? Zaeden had never met the people that had created him, and that never bothered him. Actually he never gave it much thought to begin with.

"Okay." Zaeden said but still stood there for a moment. It felt like there was something more he needed to do, or maybe say. "Will I be seeing you tomorrow?" It was probably the fullest sentence he had formed since meeting Loki, but his voice still monotone. He wasn't sure why he hadn't just left at the chance. He could go back to his home and be lazy, even shut down if he wanted to. Zaeden didn't take pleasure in much but there were even times he found himself just strolling around where he found himself observing the world around him.

Angie could be heard giggling in the back ground. "Hey, if you don't have anything to do why don't you walk Loki home?" Angie would appear to be a meddler. "He lives in the building but just to be safe maybe Zaeden could walk you up?" She smiled as she bagged the money up and closed it back away.

 

[Volo Morior]

He was glad to be able to leave, it was easier staying in his apartment. On his days off he rarely left it, and if he didn't have to work he probably seldom would. Even now he didn't really leave in a way, after all he was always within the building.

He watched the other curiously, distracted from his want to leave for a moment. Was the other waiting for something? When he spoke again Loki laughed slightly. "Yeah, I work tomarow too." He said simply, were they just making small talk? Did the other want to see him tomarow? Or not? It was hard to tell.

He turned to look at Angie and almost gawked at her. Instead he felt himself flush slightly, his hand going to his arm reflexively, clutching at the scars that lay beneath his sleeve. "I-im not a kid." He stammered back at her in response before his eyes flitted to Zaedan. His blue orbs then glanced away, looking instead at the far wall. "She's teasing, I can make it to my apartment just fine." He said softly, almost defensively.

He clutched his sleeve tighter, just the thought of someone else riding the elevator up with him was enough to make his heart race. He also didn t like the idea of someone coming to his apartment, especially so far away from help if it was needed. These thoughts were ingrained in him, he couldn't stop them and they made his chest feel tight.

But part of him was revolted at his own aversion. Why couldn't he be normal? The way up would give him time to talk to this person, possibly the only person that he felt the least bit comfortable with. He paused at that realization, why was that? Because the other was quiet? That was illogical. Maybe because he'd found someone that didn't seem to care in the least if he was losing it. Someone who wasn't overbearing, who seemed to know what he needed when he was panicking. Was that enough reason to want to be around someone?

He realized he'd stopped breathing and so flashed the other a smile. "Anyways, 'night." He said breathlessly before turning on his heel and exiting through the employee door. He cursed himself for being this way, and for being so rude. He only made it to the front of the elevator before stopping, regret weighing heavily. He sighed, his hands clutching his arms as he hugged himself tightly, waiting for his body to calm. He felt light headed, trying to sort out what he was feeling. Did he want to befriend the other? Not that he could. He knew that already.

 

[Sakura-Hime]

Zaeden watched as Loki seemed uncomfortable. Though he couldn't understand why, twice now he had seen him clutching at his arm in such a way. A nervous habit maybe? He had seen a few humans with ticks such as those before, but it didn't quite seem the same with Loki. He watched him quietly leave as his legs took him through the door. He glanced back at Angie unsure of what just happened. Why would Angie tease Loki about going home? Zaeden inwardly sighed, why were emotions so complicated. Humans were worse but even some androids like Angie could be extremely annoying.

"Oh well, oops!" Angie smiled and laughed as she headed to the front door to lock up. "Probably shouldn't tease him like that. Loki is a bit shy." She said as if she knew him well, which obviously she did not. But Zaeden wasn't really paying attention. He fallowed her through the employee section where she showed him how to unlock the lockers in case he ever brought anything with him. "If you ever need to bring a change of clothes maybe or something. "

"I doubt I will use this." Was all he said and then fallowed her out of the employee exit where she used her key card to lock the door the light flashing red to show it as armed. If anyone tried to break in while it was closed for the few hours it would be the alarm would trip and the building would echo with the siren.

"Well good night to you, or morning if your not headed to sleep." Angie waved and walked to the stairs in the opposite direction of the elevator. Zaeden thought her to be weird. Androids normally didn't sleep unless they had reason to, so maybe she had a human lover who she slept with for comfort. Zaeden would have preferred to take the stairs himself as he could use them faster than the elevator could move, but he really didn't want to have to continue to talk to Angie so he turned the corner to go to the elevator only to see Loki still standing there.

Zaeden stopped and paused where he stood, a few feet away from Loki. Was he waiting for the elevator? Or was he waiting for someone? He still seemed to be uncomfortable, almost scared, he noted by the way he was standing. So instead of moving forward to approach him he decided to speak. Talking may not surprise him as much as standing near to him might.

"Is it broken?" Zaeden's voice was low and soft, almost whisper level so to not frighten Loki, but his tone was as flat as ever. It would appear that his voice got lower and calmer when he was around Loki though. He was referring to the elevator and as to why Loki had not boarded it. If it was broken it would mean he would have to take the stairs, but maybe Angie had already left from them.

 

[Volo Morior]

He hadn't heard the others footsteps, a bad habit he had of tuning out the world around him at times. It was a poor trait to have when even small things could render him a mess. But the others voice reached him and he blinked, lifting his head. Twice now the others voice had managed to grab his attention, even when it was so soft and low. He stared at the other for a long moment, finally shaking his head.

He took a few steps away from the elevator and smiled to the other. "Nn... sorry." He said softly, shaking his head. "You can go first, I'll wait." He tried to sound at ease, but his voice was tight. His arms were still wrapped around him, as if trying to hold himself together, or to protect himself. This tightened in the presence of this person.

Maybe he was tired and that was why he was acting more strange than normal. Or maybe it was the incident earlier that he was still not fully recovered from. He wasn't sure even as his eyes fell to the floor, his head turning to hide his expression from the other before him. If only he was normal, then maybe he could have spoken with the other for a bit. Not that this was to be their last encounter, but he felt as though if he ignored the other now then he couldn't change that later. But he'd already showed him such a pathetic display today, who would befriend someone like him?

 

[Sakura-Hime]

Zaeden watched as the younger man stepped away from the elevator allowing him to have enough space to go inside himself. It was obvious to even him that there was something wrong, but he had no clue what to do about it. He had never bothered to learn about such things like this, and he had never even cared enough to want to. But for some reason he found himself thinking that he wanted to make sure this young man was okay. Perhaps it wasn't helping that he was just staring and standing silent. He hesitated as he stepped forward and pressed the elevator button. He looked back at Loki and in an even lower voice said calmly. "Wait here." Before he walked into the elevator and let the doors close before he pressed the down button.

Zaeden took the elevator all the way down to the lobby of the building. His first day in the city he had remembered that a girl had nearly shoved an herbal tea down his throat because they were a new business and needed costumers, but Zaeden rarely ever partook in food. Androids were built with a sort of stomach so that they could if they wanted, they even had working tongues that tasted flavors too, in order to enjoy things like humans did. But there was no need for them to consume in order to survive like humans. His exact memory had recalled that the herbal tea there had healing powers or some other mystical shit, and for some reason all he could think was that maybe Loki needed one.

He left the building and headed down taking the correct turn around the corner to the shop, that magically was just opening these early hours in the morning. The same human girl was unlocking the doors and spotted him walking towards her.

"Hello again!' Her short curly brown hair bounced when she talked. "Didn't think I would see you again." Zaeden only nodded. "Silent as ever. You back for another cup?" She lead him through the sliding doors into the waiting area of the shop. It was a café with tables and even some bakery snacks and cakes. But mostly it advertised the tea and coffee.

"To go." Zaeden said as he waited by the counter. She hurried and made a medium tea cup to go behind the front counter, glad to have her first costumer of the day. Her cheery disposition annoyed Zaeden only slightly. She set the cup down on the counter with a to-go lid for sipping on top.

"Anything else?" She asked smiling up at him from her short height. Zaeden glanced at the display case of muffins and pointed to a random muffin. She smiled happily and grabbed it from the display and told him the total. He pulled out his cash card that had every penny he had stored in an account, there was plenty there. Then the young girl bagged up the muffin and put both the cup and the bagged muffin in a carry tray, so that way the cup would not spill.

Zaeden only bowed his head in thanks then headed back to the bar, going back up the elevator the way he came. Thankfully the building was practically empty at 3 in the morning so he didn't have to cringe at every loud noise, even though the club was still going at high speed. As he waited for the elevator to reach the bar floor he wondered if Loki would still be standing there hugging himself like he was cold. Zaeden also wondered if a cup of tea was even going to be helpful, then it accrued to him on some strange level he actually...cared.

That thought stopped him completely, his brain nearly shut down. There was no way, he wasn't capable of caring. He wasn't capable of love, and caring was a form of love. But maybe he was thinking too much into it. Zaeden shook his head and waited for the doors to open. What ever it was that made him go buy this, Zaeden would only think of it as a curtesy for the employee who had trained him all night.

 

[Volo Morior]

He glanced up to the other in the silence, why was he just standing there? Was he waiting for Loki to say something else? Finally he watched the male approach the elevator and was a bit relived, but also a bit disappointed. He blinked at the other as he was told to wait there, unable to form the question on his lips before the doors shut and the other was gone.

He stood there dumbly for a long moment. Why was he supposed to wait? And why should He? But it would be rude to leave wouldn't it? His mind reeled and he sighed, there was too much to process and he couldn't do it all right then. But for now he just had to decide if he would wait or not. It would be rude to leave he knew, but waiting alone for someone he'd just met today seemed a bit... foolish? Not that he distrusted the other specifically, but rather he was just a part of whom he distrusted in general. Everyone.

Finally he decided to wait, more so because he couldn't force himself to move just then regardless. He leaned back against the nearby wall and hunkered down again, curling up as he often did, though this time he crossed his arms over his knees and rested his cheek on them to watch the elevator.

After a few minutes had passed he wondered how long he was being expected to wait here. What if the other didn't come back? If it was just a joke he was playing on Loki? He decided he wouldn't wait very long, he was tired and sitting here as the only one on the floor made him anxious. It wasn't completely unheard of for workers from the club to come up to this floor on occasion and he didn't want to be around more strangers just then.

It was while thinking along this line when he heard the elevator and he froze. Were they coming to this floor? If so who was it? His heart thrummed in his chest and his breathing stopped. But when the doors opened to reveal Zaeden he lifted his head and relief spread over his features. The other had actually come back.

He wasn't sure why seeing the male made him relax slightly. His trepidation still present but seemed dulled in the presence of this person. He had a similar reaction to the other androids he worked alongside but it had taken some time for that to be the case. Was he just getting used to them? Or was it due to Zaeden specifically? His attunedness to Lokis aversions?

He smiled up at the other, laughing slightly. "Sorry." He said softly. "I was half expecting you to not come back up." He said with real regret, he felt guilty for assuming that of the other. He stayed on the floor, but now his arms loosely hugged his shins, his heart was slowing and his breathing evened. He knew he had to get up soon but he was rather comfortable like this, small and insignificant.

 

[Sakura-Hime]

Zaeden stepped through the open doors and looked to see Loki on the floor like he had been earlier that night, was this a habbit of the others? Either way it made no difference. At first Loki seemed tense and he wondered why but then his features calmed and his body visibly relaxed. Zaeden didn't understand why he was apologizing so he just nodded once as if to accept the apology.

Walking closer to Loki, but keeping just outside the two foot radious he had decided to give Loki for his comfort still he reached out his harm holding the handle of the bag with the tea shops logo. He held it out in a way that Loki should be able to grab the bag by the base without having to come close to touching Zaeden's hand. "Here." He said calmly, "For you." Reinstating that the thing he was holding out for him was exactly that, if it had not been obvious already.

Once Loki took the bag he decided to take just a small step back and lean against the wall too. Shortly he debated crouching down as Loki had, but thought that maybe it would seem odd. And though he never cared if he seemed odd to others he found he did not want to disturb Loki's feelings in any way. Zaeden had no idea what to say next but he wanted to wait around to see if the tea and muffin were a good idea, or if Loki would reject his random gift. He had no clue why all of a sudden he seemed to care, but as he decided in the elevator he would just make himself believe it was a curtesy to an employee that had helped him out.

His eyes watched Loki waiting for him to peer inside the bag, wanting to see his reaction. He didn't bother to ask the young girl what flavor the tea was because he never cared to think about such things and now he felt...nervous? Curious more like, as to if this was an okay flavor to drink. Or if maybe Loki preferred something else. But his internal debates would show nothing on his face, except maybe the very tiny glint in his eyes like that of a child with wonder, but very very hard to notice.

 

[Volo Morior]

He gave the other a small smile at the nod before looking away. He felt bad, but it seemed the other wasn't upset over it. He saw the others feet enter his vision and he looked up to the other who had stopped a short distance away. He realized that Zaedan seemed to keep a calculated distance from him and it was a bit perplexing.

Even more strange though was the offering the other held out to him. He blinked as the other spoke before taking it hesitantly. He grabbed the bottom, careful to avoid the others hands before bringing it to his chest. He balanced it on his knees as he opened the bag and retrieved the muffin from within it. "Ah, thank you." He said quickly, realizing he should have said it before taking it. He glanced at the other leaning against the wall a moment longer before looking back to the food and drink. He was flushed slightly, a bit embarrassed to be given something, especially food.

But rather than being rude he took a small bite of the muffin and blinked, it was delicious though a combination he hadn't had before. It tasted slightly of coffee and chocolate and he smiled softly as he took another bite. Perhaps the next time he felt up to baking he'd try making something similar. He then sipped at the tea after ensuring it wasn't too hot and chuckled lightly, it was sweet, a slight bit of honey. He also tasted vanilla and chamomile. "This place has interesting stuff huh?" He remarked lightly, laughing softly.

He looked up at the other and smiled, his eyes holding more light then they had prior. "Thanks." He said, truly meaning it rather than feeling the need to say it. He held the muffin out to the other cheerily. "Want to try some?" He asked. He knew androids didn't need to eat, but also was aware that many did.

He felt strangely happy at being given something, even if he didn't understand the reason behind it. And while generally he didn't enjoy eating he was a fan of baked things, and he had known that the small shop was opening but had never thought he'd get to try anything from it due to his peculiarities.

 

[Sakura-Hime]

Zaeden watched him interested and was calmed to know that he seemed to be happy with the flavors, satisfied he leaned more relaxed against the wall and watched Loki take a few more bites. Zaeden had noticed that Loki hadn't eaten while he was around that whole night, and although that wasn't why- or at least he didn't think it was why- he had gotten him the muffin, he was calmed to see that the boy actually did eat. It was strange to think that a human could go all night without eating, but he hadn't thought much on the fact until that moment. He was used to being an android and not even thinking of food, but now that he was actually on the topic in his head he wondered why it was that Loki looked so skinny.

Though his face didn't show it, seeing Loki's true smile had froze him. It was completely different from the smiles he had seen all night, and Loki's eyes seemed to glow with happiness. His whole body was stiff for a moment but then he relaxed back into reality, confused at why it had stunned him so. He had seen humans smile many times before, so why had he felt so....odd when Loki smiled at him. Like he wanted to make him smile more. Too distracted by his own thoughts he didn't stop his hand when it slowly reached out to pinch of a tiny piece of muffin and pop it into his mouth before he chewed it slowly. Coffee and chocolate. Zaeden actually didn't mind the flavor, coffee was probably the one human beverage he actually enjoyed and would take part of when he felt like it.

"Its good." He spoke calmly back to Loki. He knew not what made him speak next, but it was as though he could not stop his mouth from moving. "I can bring more tomorrow night." His grey eyes watched Loki as he sipped the tea. What the hell was wrong with him? He never took an interest in anything, that was who he was. He stayed by himself and cared for nothing, he liked his solitude. So why the hell was he so interested in this human? He needed to hurry up and go home. Maybe he needed to recharge his power source, or reboot. Some wire must have short circuited inside him. This was not like him to want to be around someone. But he couldn't deny that even after this short meeting he wanted to know more about Loki. Though it was obvious they wouldn't become friends over night.

 

[Volo Morior]

He didn't notice any change in the other during this moment, the males expression didn't falter in the least. But it didn't bother him all that much aside from being unable to tell what the other was feeling. But in a way was that any different then what Loki Did? Even if he was smiling while working it didn't mean he was happy after all. This person though seemed to not bother with a mask of forced friendliness, and that in a way was reassuring. Those who had been the scariest were those that appeared friendly on the surface.

He watched the other take a piece of muffin, Loki being careful to stop their hands from touching before he pulled his hand back and took another bite himself. He watched the other, and smiled when he spoke, nodding. It was good.

He gave pause at the others offer, blushing slightly because he didn't want to turn it down. "You don't have to." He said quickly, stammering slightly before he looked back to the muffin in his hand. He picked at the wrapper around it's base quietly for a moment. "Ah, I should give you money for getting this." He said, rising to his feet.

He tucked the tea into the crook of his arm as he patted his pockets before realizing he hadn't brought anything other than his apartment key card down with him. "Sorry, I can pay you back tomarow." He said hurriedly, flushed and avoiding looking at the other as he took another bite to fill his mouth and give him an excuse to stop talking. He was quiet, unused to kindness like this as he avoided others regularly, but he still felt a bit happy even if his usual anxiety tried to outweigh it.

 

[Sakura-Hime]

Zaeden held up his hand as if to stop Loki. "Money means nothing to me." and it was true. He didn't have any hobbies, nor did he buy useless material items like clothing and jewelry, or entertainment things. He only used it for what he needed to survive and that was very little. So with all the different jobs hes had in the past he had so much stocked up e necessarily wouldn't have to work. But Zaeden was the type that couldn't stand being idle, what was the point in his life then? Why even bother with anything if he couldn't be of some use. The only time he really used his money was when he needed repairs done on himself, and those did cost quite a pretty penny, so it was probably good that he had so much stored away.

Zaeden stepped back a clean stride and then bowed slightly. "Good night, Loki." He was suddenly formal but the other's name slipped off his tongue like spun silk, as if they had known each other for years. Zaeden didn't mean to be so blunt and rude but he had no concept of manors and no concept of what was polite. So this was the best he could do. He straightened and gave Loki one more long look before he turned towards the elevator again. "Until tomorrow." He said quickly as the stepped inside the metal box, not thinking if Loki might ride with him, and waited for the doors to close before hitting the down button.

He left the same way he came in but this time he let his feet carry him faster out of the lobby and out of the building, dodging through people as he made his way off the street and back to the hotel building. Swiping his card past the security gate and quickly back up to his room. This time he took the stairs and moved faster up them then humanly possible. Once he was in the solitude of his rented room he sat down in the sofa chair leisurely for a moment and let his eyes close.

what the fuck..

His mind wondered about himself. He slowly lifted his hand and placed it over where his power battery was secured in his chest, the same spot humans had hearts. Androids where made to be functionally like humans, and made to feel love. But something had gone wrong and Zaeden malfunctioned, a chip fried, or perhaps someone just never put the programming inside him. Either way, his whole life he had never felt anything, other than rage and annoyance. But somehow after their short time together, Zaeden found he was curious, eager to see more to learn more. He definitely wouldn't call it love -maybe not yet- but just the fact that his mind was actually showing interest in something was boggling to him. THis had never happened before.

Quietly like a ghost, Zaeden opened the only suitcase he had and removed the spare clothes to reveal a hidden compartment. Behind the fake bottom was a bunch of machinery. This machine was what would reboot him if ever he had a slightly glitch or malfunction that needed a simple restart to fix. He laid himself on the bed and hooked himself up to the tick wire. This would be the closest to sleeping he would ever get as he let himself shut down as the machine rebooted. This could take a few hours if there was indeed anything wrong with him.

 

[Volo Morior]

He flinched slightly as the other raised his hand, his body reacting instinctively. But he just blinked at the other before looking away. He didn't want to annoy the other by trying to force the issue, but he also felt odd accepting it without giving something in return. He was a bit surprised when the other spoke again and bowed, the suddenness of it left him unable to articulate a response before the male had returned to the elevator.

He watched with a strange expression, one of worry and sullenness, but he didn't speak as he watched the doors shut and the other left him alone once more. He stood there for a long time before he finally stepped forward and hit the call button. When the elevator returned he entered and hit the button for his floor, his body moving mechanically as his mind was a bit blank.

It wasn't until he reached his floor that his mind started piecing everything together, slowly going over the night as he walked to his door and stepped inside. He didn't bother with the lights as the sun was slowly starting to touch the horizon outside, and with the lights bellow he had no problem seeing. He wandered into the living room which held a couch that he seldom used. He walked past it and instead deposited his tea and muffin onto a side table that sat beside a lounge chair.

The chairs back was facing a wall made of glass that looked out onto the city, half of which was covered with a black curtain, the other curtain though was pulled back to expose the scenery. Loki didn't look at it as he walked to his bedroom and changed out of his work clothing into a pair of slate grey pajama pants, and a matching tank top.

He then returned to the living room and sat on the lounge, retrieving a small tablet that he tapped on shortly before music began sifting emitting from it. The voice that accompanied the piano was feminine and haunting as she sang. He placed the tablet on the table and leaned back, closing his eyes. His mind was having a hard time dealing with Zaedan. Did he dislike Loki? Or was he just a bit odd? Had Loki offended him?

Those thoughts were troubling, but almost more so was the others that started. What did he think of Zaeden? Did he enjoy being around him? Or did he find it uncomfortable? Why had it made him happy that the male was so accommodating to his personal space? He sighed, realizing that it had been about a decade, almost half his life, since he'd last even considered having anything resembling a friendship. So why was he thinking about it now?

He spent much of the early morning like this, occasionally picking at his muffin and sipping the now cold tea. Once his mind had suitably ran it's course and still found no answers he retrieved his newest knitting project from a basket by his seat, a hat that he was making in a crystal blue yarn. His hands went to work and he rythmycally started counting, 1 stitch, 2, 3...Soon he wasn't thinking much of anything. He realized though that if he tried to sleep the thoughts would return, and so instead he remained awake well into the afternoon before sleep finally claimed him and he napped lightly in his chair, turning onto his side as he dozed in the now brightly lit room. He preferred sleeping in the day, the world of the night was frightening.

 

[Sakura-Hime]

Zaeden awoke hours later, in the mid evening hours. Slowly he sat up as his body felt fresher in a way, his eyes adjusting as his inner machine ran through every check to make sure everything was functioning. Once done he pulled the cable out of the pulled back secret slot on his wrist as the skin seemed to magically reform itself to hide the cable slots. Androids were incredibly covenant machinery.

Hiding the cables and machine back in the suit case and closed it back again leaving it on the bed. Standing back up from the bed he walked over to the private hotel shower. Just because he was an android didn't mean he couldn't have daily showers. Water didn't disrupt any of his inner body so he could enjoy the warmth of the water on his naked body, he was built like all others with sensory chips in nearly every inch of his skin. With his hair wet he combed it back with his hands and left it like that as he redressed himself to get ready to head back out. Not really sure what he would do for the few hours before his shift, but maybe just walk around anyway.

He left the hotel room in his work black pants and shoes, but left the white button up shirt undone showing of the tight white tshirt underneath, which exposed all his perfect toned abs. Of course he never had to work out to look this way, it was just how he was built. He didn't have muscles that needed constant up keep.

Zaeden decided to walk around on the street in the setting sun and observe the city for a little while. People either stared at him in awe of his attractiveness or just completely ignored him. Both hands in his pant pockets he let his work vest hang off his wrist. As he walked he took the time to watch those watching him. Couples and singles of every shape and size were out and about the city streets. Cars that hovered just a few feet above their head whizzed by quite loudly and Zaeden looked up annoyed at them. He had always preferred to walk, not knowing why that was.

When he finally decided to head to the bar, even if it was a little early, he stopped once more by the shop. Of course now there were a bunch of people at the tables and a few in line, so Zaeden had to wait. While waiting he noticed a few girls pointing and giggling at him, though he didn't understand why. Once he got to the front of the line he noticed it was the same girl as before, he briefly wondered if this girl ever didn't work.

"Hello again!" she said cheerfully, he briefly wondered if she had another expression. "Same thing?" Zaeden nodded and prepared his card. Once everything was ready with the bag he walked back outside again and headed to the bar. The building was a little quieter, but Zaeden could still hear little voices speaking and small movements.

As he made his way, he took the stairs skipping every other step as he went up, eager to get to the bar.

 

[Volo Morior]

Loki hated dreams, probably because more often then not they turned into nightmares. Today was not different in this respect, and soon he had awoken with a start, a cold sweat caking his body, his muscles shivering with tension. He gasped lightly, a hand gripping the loose fabric on his chest until he finally let a low shallow breath leave his lips. He looked around and realized the sun would be setting soon.

He stood and deposited his knitting back to its place, retrieving the empty cup and muffin wrapper and dropping them in the trash in his under used kitchen. While he enjoyed baking he hardly ate, so he really only partook of that hobby when he planned to bring the goods down stairs for his coworkers. His stomach protested lightly as he exited the kitchen without eating, he tended to fast for a day or two at a time, normally eating on a day off when he was less stressed.

He headed to the bathroom and showered, his normal routine. When he stepped out and dried himself he wrapped the towel around his thin waist before he brushed his teeth. He he finished this he caught his reflection in the mirror and noted his face seemed a bit paler than usual. His dim blue eyes blinked as if trying to clear. Maybe he was getting sick, it wasn't horribly uncommon considering the way he lived.

He dressed for work as usual, ruffling his hair as always, his rarely varied from this pattern. But as he locked the door to his apartment and started down the hall he paused, suddenly taken with a strange new unease. Hed forgotten about Zaeden when he'd awoken, probably due to his preoccupation with the nightmare that had stirred him. But now the other was at the front of his mind again. After the abrupt parting last night would work be awkward?

He shook his head as he tried to dispel the thought, he'd be late if he spent too much time frozen here. He forced himself forward and into the elevator, leaning against its wall as he decended. When it opened he steeped himself and walked to the employee entrance, stepping in and glancing around. It was early, and still quiet with few customers, most of whom weren't drinking yet. He sighed slightly as he went to his station and fiddled with things, intentionally avoiding looking for the male that was preocupying him.

 

[Sakura-Hime]

Zaeden made his way from the elevator and headed to the employee entrance using his key card as he had the day before. This time he did stop at the employee locker area to button up his white shirt and slip on the red fancy vest completing his work uniform. He had forgotten however that his hair had been slicked back and therefore didn't change it back. His dark blue hair slicked back loosely made him look even sexier then before, showing off his grey eyes even more. Leaving the area he went out into the open bar room and looked around, it seemed to start out the same as it had yesterday. Not very many people yet. But he immediately spotted Loki already at the bar fiddling with a few things.

He stood there for a moment and just looked at him, still feeling that strange curious feeling he had last night. So rebooting hadn't fixed what ever was wrong with him.

"Oh, whats that!" Angie's voice cut through his blank thoughts as he looked down at her. She was curiously looking at the bag from the tea shop he was still holding. He paused for a minute looking at her blankly then stated.

"Its not for you." Not realizing he had been rude he turned and made his way to Loki only to hear Angie grumble behind him. He passed through the counter half door and approached the side of the bar that he had mainly occupied last night. Only looking at Loki from the side, he placed the bag on the counter and slowly slid it over the marble countertop closer to Loki.

"Here." His voice was somewhat softer than before but he gave no indication on his face as he clocked in the machine he had been showed how to last night, so that his hours would be documented. The muffin and tea where the same flavors as before. He wasn't sure if Loki would prefer something else, or not. He watched and waited to see Loki's reaction wondering if he would smile like he had last night - or technically early that morning-

 

[Volo Morior]

He had readied his station, ensuring he had enough clean glasses and that nothing was missing or out of place. He could be a bit compulsive he supposed, always checking everything at close and opening, but he disliked finding something amiss during his shift. He sighed slightly as he stretched some, his body was stiff from the way he'd slept and his shoulder ached dully.

He heads Angie speak some where behind him but didn't look to see whom she was speaking to. Her voice was easy to pick out for him, and she tended to be a bit chatty and so he often found himself catching parts of her conversations. But when the heard the voice responding to hers he froze for a moment. It seemed he wasn't going to be able to keep the other in the back of his mind as he had planned to.


He turned to face the other when he heard him come behind the counter. He blinked as the male pushed the bag to him, confused by the others actions. He had seemed like a straight forward person last night, but right now he seemed almost... childish maybe? He stared at the other, then back at the bag before bringing a hand up to his face as he laughed lightly.

He decided then that if the other had hated him he wouldn't have brought him food again. "Thanks, again." He said, smiling. He pulled out two paper napkins from under the bar before reaching into the bag and retrieving the muffin. He peeled off the wrapping and the treat in half, placing one half on a napkin and pushing it back to Zaeden. "You have to at least eat half though." He said lightly, in part because he didn't know how to properly accept a gift, and in part because he wasn't sure he could finish eating before people started coming in. He was a slow eater.

He leaned back gently on the ledge that ran bellow the liquor shelving and held his half in the other napkin, his tea placed beside him. He plucked off small pieces gently with his fingers and ate slowly, a soft smile on his lips and his eyes lighter then they had been even in the relative dim lighting of the bar. His body was greedily accepting the food offered to it, and even just that made him feel a bit better than he had when he'd awoken.