𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ | 1k words; fluff, feel-good.
The hum of the fans beneath the machinery is low and controlled, the progress bar inches closer in its completion, while his eyepiece hangs against his ear, cuffed securely, undeterred by his rapid movements. Code runs across the other tab of the hologram, a string of numbers running by a translator that produces the newest beta program for the hologram projector he's been developing within the company.
Once the progress reaches a hundred percent, he swipes off the coding tab and moves to ensure that the beta was running as smoothly as it could, brows knit in concentration while his fingers move across the keyboard and screen, prototype awaiting by the side table, ready to be fed a new disc for function. However, the small, familiar thump of his assistant's knuckles against the metal door breaks him free of his reverie, the line of concentration thrumming through his mind immediately severed as he looks up, standing from his stool in attention.
The scent greets him before the voice does. The gentle, familiar scent of iris and freesia fabric softener tickles his nose, followed by the leather of the concealed holster he knew sat behind her rib.
"Mr. Ao, someone is here to see you," his assistant's voice resonates against the enforced steel. He nearly trips on one of his floor cleaning robots, catching himself on the edge of the counter while holding back the smile already spilling across his face, boyish and excited as he swipes his keycard open and comes face to face with his favorite person in the entire galaxy and it's neighboring stars.
"So you really took my offer to come visit?" he asks, voice absolutely unable to conceal the sheer elation that's coursing through his veins.
"Was I not supposed to take it?" you raise an amused brow, sidestepping him to enter his office as he slides the door locked. You take stock, looking around as the hum-buzz of gadgets and gentle trills of hologram pop-ups surround you, the mechanic whir of machinery on the floor completes its ambience for your sudden visit.
He tries to casually lean over one of the counters only for his elbow to slip and he nearly crashes against the ceramic surface, catching himself while clearing his throat casually, finding the LED clock by the door very interesting. "So, what do you think?" he scoffs under his breath, a little embarrassed and partly relieved you didn't quite catch the moment.
"I think it's very productive," you hum, still looking around, arms tucked behind to suppress the natural urge to touch and poke at admittedly interesting prototypes laid out in shelves and tray tables. "Sooo, this is what you do if you aren't in meetings and business calls,"
He pushes himself off the counter, trailing you while mimicking the position your arms are in, keeping in step before his chest presses against your back and his hand slowly moves, not darting out in order to not startle you. "I enjoy this side of the CEO thing more," he mumbles, handing you a small, white, ivory ball.
Tapping twice on it's smooth surface, it comes to life in the palm of your hand and you couldn't help but squeak slightly at the suddenness of it all. "One of my side-projects, you're free to name 'em," he bumps his nose gently against your temple, "Little guy can dance for you if you say please," he informs.
You tilt your head aside until a small blip makes its face appear, the calm blue light emanating from the white shell forming a small face as it squeaks and beeps. "Please dance," you try, and it starts rolling forward, backward, then around your palm, doing a small circular jig.
"Of course, it isn't all I do. I made him under like, what, thirty minutes?" he detaches from you, huffing while gently brushing his fingers against the tip of his nose, trying to hide his smile.
"You're boasting?" you ask, looking over your shoulder with a soft chuckle upon seeing that goofy expression on his face. "Nah, just informing," he presses his lips together all coy and trying to be cool about it.
Rolling your eyes, you press your index finger against his forehead, pushing back playfully as he grunts, a small 'ack!' escaping him. "Show me the more impressive ones!"
"Wow! Do you not find the boogie-bot impressive?" he looks at you, aghast at the prospect of not finding him interesting as you couldn't help but laugh and shake your head. "Did I say that?"
"No, but you implied it," he pouts, brows furrowed all cute as he grabs a bunch of nano clusters before taking your hand, his thumb smoothing against your knuckle, unable to help himself. He connects the nano clusteres to each knuckle before he runs his fingers over your arm.
"Try making a finger gun," he mumbles as you comply and stick your arm out, index and middle finger outstretched, a solid haptic sensation suddenly flooding your digits before you find yourself holding a gun. "Oh…? Does it shoot?"
"Still working on that, but it already has spring calibration. All I need is to find some way to integrate a loading and unloading system which could try and feed off some evol," he starts explaing, "The nanos detect user placement, but I just think the finger gun thing is more fun, and easier to summon if you ask me," he rambles on before finally looking up at you and feeling his ears turn slightly pink.
"But of course I might be boring you, love."
You gently detach the nano clusters from your hand before gently reaching up and patting his head, soft, fluffy hair atop his crown absolutely comforting.
"Mn, no not at all," you chuckle softly, rubbing the spot like you would a big dog, "It's all interesting to me, I promise,"
He couldn't help but melt against your palm, immediately closing the space between you as he nuzzles against your neck, humming in comfort. "Really…? Praise me more,"
"Attention-seeker," you softly, lovingly levy against him as he whimpers while you keep petting his head.
"You're so mean to me, love."