Sleep Mode

Chapter 8

Hank has never seen Connor this excited before, okay that was a bit dramatic. He'd seen him get excited about playing with Sumo or that one time Connor convinced him to watch all the old Star Wars movies. He had forgotten how good those were to be honest. But this, as Connor looked at each fish in their tanks, scanning each one it was different. It reminded him of Cole and how the young boy had picked the smallest puppy out of their neighbor's litter. How much excitement the boy had as he chose the perfect one and named him. The expression the android had on him now, brought forth fond memories of his son.

"What do you think, Hank?" Connor asked, breaking Hank from his thoughts. The older man looked up at him before Connor pointed to a betta fish. It's body was a pale pink with blue running through the beginning of the fins before turning a light purple.

"It's pretty." Hank answered. "Is that the one you want?" Hank questioned as Connor looked at the other fish for a moment.

"Yes, the other one I wanted would need a large tank. A single fish would be easier to maintain and care for." Connor said as he picked up the plastic container and scanned the betta over once more. "Also, I enjoy the color." Connor admitted. Hank chuckled at the android as they turned, heading down the fish aisle and Connor grabbed the small aquarium. Hank grabbed the fish food as they headed towards the front of the store. Setting down their items, Hank walks down a separate aisle to get Sumo's dog food.

The clerk walks up to Connor as he pulls out his wallet as the teenager looks him over.

"No." She states as strands of her purple hair fall in her face.

"I'm sorry? Is there something wrong?" Connor asks as he gives her a confused look. The teenager crosses her arms and stared at him for a few moments.

"You're an android. Why the hell are you buying a real fish? Wait, don't answer that. I'm not going to give you the fish. So get out of my shop." She snaps as Connor's LED went red.

"I-"

"Ugh, didn't you hear me. I said get ou-"

"What's going on?" Hank asked as he walked up to the counter, a large bag of dog food hung over his right shoulder.

"I'm sorry sir, I will be with you in a moment." The clerk said before turning towards Connor. "Why are you still here?" She growled as Hank's eyes widened as his anger flared.

"He's a customer." Hank stated.

"We have the right to refuse service to androids." The clerk responded as Connor took a step backwards. Hank took a deep breath, before reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out his wallet.

"I'll buy the fish." Hank stated as Connor stared at him, a confused expression on his face.

"Hank you don't have to." Connor muttered.

"Yes, I do." Hank said as he dropped the dog food beside the few items that Connor had gotten. The clerk rolled her eyes before typing in all the information into the holographic pad in front of her.

"That will be $80.65." Hank froze glancing over the items sitting on the counter doing the mental calculations.

"The cost is $54." Hank stated as the clerk cocked her head no emotion on her face, before repeating the price again. "Your upcharging me?"

"Yes, sir."

"The fuck, why?" Hank asked.

"Because of that android." The clerk snapped as she crossed her arms and Hank cursed under his breath.

"You can't fucking do that."

"It's my parents shop, I can do what I want. So you are either going to pay or get out." The teenager sassed. Hank glared at the girl for a few moments before yanking the credit card from the wallet and sliding it across the reader. Signing his name, Hank pulled the dog food back on his shoulder as the girl bagged the fish tank and food. Picking up the fish Hank handed it to Connor as the android gave a small nod before taking the bag. "Don't come back." Hank sent another glare at her before they walked outside.