New: I was new software, a prototype that was supposed to outrank and outperform any program who held the same functions as me… the perfect pleasure program who was a force that was unable to be rivaled or reckoned with. However, this was not so. Whether or not most of it was in my head or on my fellow programs' lips, I knew I was not the perfect program I was supposed to be. In the arena I received polite claps instead of exhilarated cheers, no high profile programs wanted me as their escort during the games, no one recognized my name at the clubs, male programs constantly tried to pick me up with seedy lines and cheap drinks as if I were no one of note- There was nothing about me that measured up to what I was supposed to be. I knew this and still no matter how hard I tried to improve, I could not win the crowd. I did not know how to meet their demands or how to abate their criticisms, not understanding what I was doing wrong or what I didn't have that they wanted. I was new, different, and efficient but not a sensation… not what I was supposed to be. I could not live with that… not with a non-responsive crowd at my back and a resentful warrior program at my front. Every night I would go home thinking that this could not be my life; I was meant for so much more.

Reviewing my system over and over I was convinced that my programming was flawless but my critics said: "words like 'new' and 'updated' do not always mean improved or fitting for the system they were installed into; sometimes we have to face the truth and move on". Hearing such comments over and over frustrated me to no end; to the point where I would obsess over them. They were the ones who kept me up at night and put knots in my stomach, their words making me sick every time I was alone to dwell on what they considered were my failings. I was tearing myself apart over it, over being labeled as mediocre without a clue as to how to change it. All I knew is that I had to prove them wrong or I would destroy myself. I had to make them eat their words and admit that I was the program they were all anticipating… the one they couldn't imagine living without.

The games had ended for the night, meaning that the sirens and game champions could mingle with the posh crowd in the arena lounge. We did not have to stay after the program, however it was unwise not to, especially if you were not well connected. The best way to get acquainted with the important programs of the Grid was to try and meet them in the lounge. The more networking you did in your off time, the more successful you were going to be at getting your name known in the arena.

I knew a moderate amount of programs that frequented the lounge however none of them seemed to take a shine to me. I could hold their interest for a little while but then the magic would wear off and they'd go find another siren to cling to.

Tonight I was here for myself, not looking for anyone to chat with, but just wanting a drink and some music instead.

"You better stop staring before you de-rezz yourself."

An embarrassed laugh came from the program across the way as he looked at me. He seemed like he needed a drink after that one so I grabbed him a glass and joined him at the large window. I looked out at the soft glowing city skyline then regarded him with a smart grin. Frankly I couldn't believe that I was doing this and doing it so well. "I didn't know grid worriers could be so adorably shy."

Tron's cheeks flushed as he took the glass I had offered him, "Sorry, you just remind me of someone I once knew."

His voice was warm and raspy as if he didn't speak often. I heard that Tron was somewhat of a reserved program, perhaps even a bit shy. I couldn't help but smile knowing that I could be somewhat shy myself at times. It was not a good trait in an entertainment program, unless you made others laugh by them laughing at you. Warriors on the other hand don't have to talk at all.

"Really, who is she? This program I remind you of." I asked, leaning against the smooth window frame and tilting my head to the side inquisitively.

Tron looked down into his drink, still nervous. "She was a communications program on another system." He spoke after a while, "She died."

I stiffened a bit and brushed my fingers over my tight bun in discomfort, "I'm sorry. Was she close to you?" I asked.

Tron's brow furrowed in thought as he quietly tipped the contents of his drink around. Finally he nodded, "You could say that."

I nodded lightly in return, looking over to the bar, trying to find an exit. This was getting a little too serious for me. I had expected light conversation and some flirting not… well this. Tron seemed like a nice program, but certainly not your average one. He was somewhat of a loner.

"I'm sorry," the tall warrior apologized, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I didn't mean to darken the mood."

Shaking my head and raising my hand in response I said, "Don't worry about it. I was the one who wanted to know."

Setting his drink down, he held out his hand to me, "I'm Tron, by the way."

"Yes, I know." I said, taking his hand and nodding. "I'm Kizuki."

Tron grinned, "I know."

I could feel myself start to blush at his acknowledgement; I couldn't believe that he actually knew my name. We began talking and I found that the more we talked, the more interested in me he became. Tron showed no signs of boredom or desire to leave me. He actually liked talking and listening to me and despite our rough start I liked it as well, very much. I was laughing more and blushing. When he'd say something funny I found myself playfully pushing him or touching him on the shoulder and he'd grin at the contact. Soon I found that our glasses were empty and I went to the bar to refill them, beaming inside that I had actually made a friend.

Once I ordered two more drinks I glanced down the semicircle bar and saw Gem leaning against it. Her friend Zuse was with her. She looked around the lounge with her nose high in the air as if we were all riff raff. I quickly looked back down at the bar as her gaze continued in my direction. She nudged Zuse and nodded to me, thinking that I did not see her but I was listening intently.

"That's Kizuki, the new program I was telling you about." She said, the distain she had for me clearly present in her voice. "She's a disaster. It's so easy for her to flirt with Tron, he's so polite that he would give anyone the time of day."

I felt a stab of pain in my gut at her words but I resisted the urge to do anything. I really despised her but there was nothing that I could do at the moment. So I just listened instead, hoping my drinks would come sooner rather than later.

Zuse tipped his head to the side, his eyes trained on Tron who was still waiting for me by the window. "I haven't seen him flirt with anyone before… a rare occurrence for him." He observed, putting a gloved finger to his lips in thought. Gem rolled her eyes, slightly peeved at being reminded that Zuse had odd tastes in sexual partners.

"So he's caught your interest then?" She asked, obviously wanting his answer to be in the negative. Gem currently held Zuse's favor and she wanted to keep it that way. He was a very difficult ally to make much less keep and Gem didn't want anything getting in the way of her success.

Gem and Zuse had kept close company together for a long time; some would even say that she was his confidant. However Zuse kept his distance from all programs, especially from those he called his friends. Gem may have leaned on his arm for a while, but I know that he never let her in; much to her dismay.

His somewhat questionable work demanded secrecy and identity concealment, but, for Zuse, it went even further than that. He liked being an enigma. Zuse felt that a wall of anonymity was necessary at all times, even before he took on the persona of Castor. It was not only for professional reasons it was for personal reasons as well.

Gem waited calmly for his answer, waiting to see if she had to go on the defensive over the prospect of Zuse pursuing a male program. I listened indiscreetly as the bartender set down the two drinks I had ordered in front of me. I delayed a moment longer by thanking the program and going for a sip of my cocktail. Poor Tron, I thought to myself, knowing he would blush the color of a sentry if he knew what was going on right now. Zuse considered Gem's question for a minute, his eyes still on the warrior by the window.

"No, he hasn't caught my interest" he replied, taking a sip of his drink. Gem was relieved but only for the briefest of moments. "She has."

I gasped then, nearly choking on my drink as I quickly drew the glass away from my lips. The bartender asked if I was alright and turning to hide my reaction I told him that the mix was just a bit strong for me.

Gem's gaze snapped over to Zuse's, her eyes narrowing in anger as her composure went ridged. She was obviously in shock as well, but not trying to hide it like me. She wanted to make her displeasure very clear.

"What, why?" She asked, her tone demanding. An amused smirk tugged at the corners of Zuse's lips. He was amused by her outburst.

To my regret, the bartender apologized and took my glass to mix me up another drink, thus preventing me from making an escape to a less obvious eavesdropping point. I stood there awkwardly pretending to be out of earshot, acting as if everything were normal. However, Gem's jealousy gave me a wicked feeling of satisfaction as I leaned on the bar. I was actually dying to hear more from the other program. I could feel their eyes on me now, surveying me.

"I wonder what Tron sees in her that's so interesting." He said with genuine curiosity. I felt a strange tingling sensation go down my back. He was watching me so closely, I almost felt exposed.

"Absolutely nothing, trust me. You'd be wasting your time," Gem replied shortly, wanting to end this conversation.

"Possibly…" Zuse murmured.

As I moved away from the bar with our two drinks I looked over to Zuse to see his expression only to find that he was still staring at me, his silver eyes catching mine. My heart stopped in my chest, frightened by the intensity of it. For a moment it felt as though he was the only other person in the room. Unable to hold his gaze anymore, I broke the lingering glance and returned to Tron.

Even though the moment was over, I found that my eyes kept returning to Zuse wondering what it was that the strange program saw in me and if he could help bring it out. Despite this new friendship with Tron I still wanted to be perfect. I felt that perhaps Zuse had the power to make it so.

AN: PLEASE REVIEW! :D I don't update unless I hear from people.