"Robot Lover"

Written By: Artemis

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters are copyright to Sunrise, Bandai, Sotsu Agency, and associated parties. I make no money with this fic.

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: Romance, Angst, Humor

Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4, 13x6, 5xR

Note: My initial inspiration for this story came from the live drama series "Zettai Kareshi" (Absolute Boyfriend) based on the manga by Yuu Watase.

Summary: Heero Yuy risks his job for a chance at love when Duo Maxwell orders an Ideal Lover robot from his company.

First place winner in the 2010 Moments of Rapture long fic category!

"Robot Lover"

Level Eleven

Duo smiled, hearing the clank of dishes and cabinets in the kitchen. Heero was putting the final touches on the dishes they were bringing for tonight's celebratory dinner at Quatre's, while Duo was getting dressed. It had been just over two weeks since he and Heero had reunited, and it was their first chance to spend an evening with Quatre and Trowa. Well, they might have met up with their friends sooner if not for all the make-up sex. That had taken top priority. Once the sexual whirling dervish had ebbed a degree or two, they were able to think about other things, like seeing friends and sorting out where to live and what to do with two households full of furniture.

For the moment, they had settled at Duo's, since he owned his place and it had more square footage than Heero's apartment. Duo's guest room furniture was given to Grace and replaced with Heero's bedroom set; and Duo's living room furniture was swapped for Heero's. The lovely brown leather sofa was moved to the reception area of Duo's law office.

He was nearly done dressing for dinner, having decided on a steel gray, long-sleeved tee and black pants. The snug fit of the t-shirt would please Heero, but maybe it wasn't nice to tease him when they could barely keep their hands off each other now. He slipped into black leather shoe boots, and slid a braided, black leather belt though the pant's belt loops, before grabbing a black, short-waisted jacket from his closet. The jacket had a decided military feel with its red piping at the cuffs and along the button holes.

He shrugged into the jacket and pulled his braid out to lay down his back, and headed towards the kitchen. He was anxious for this night. It was a christening of sorts, spending an evening as friends and couples for the first time since all hell had broken loose.

Heero was pulling the lasagna from the oven when Duo came around the corner. He never got tired of the view of Heero's backside, clad in black Calvin Klein slacks as it was now or nothing at all. He couldn't resist the urge, and grabbed the kitchen towel from the countertop and snapped it with a whack across Heero's ass.

Heero shot bolt upright, and in a flash set the hot lasagna pan on the stove and turned, snagging Duo by the wrist.

Duo yelped, surprised at the lightning response.

Heero gripped one wrist, then the other, and forced Duo back against the kitchen counter. "You should know better than to play with fire." Heero's voice was smooth and full of desire, and Duo wasn't sure he could avoid the consequences now.

"Let go or we'll be late," Duo said, less than convincingly. With his hands pinned behind his back and Heero's chest pressed against him, Duo was at a disadvantage.

Heero held him in place as he nibbled and nipped his way along Duo's jaw and neck. "Should've thought of that before you started something."

Duo swallowed a chuckle. If he laughed there would be no stopping Heero. He tilted his head back, exposing the long line of his neck to his lover. Heero's tongue laved over his Adam's apple, curving along his jaw and settling in the shell of his ear.

"Are you sure we have to go?" Heero asked.

"Y-yeah," Duo said, nearly breathless. God, but he was getting hard already. Why had he done that? Heero never missed a chance to prove he was the Alpha male around here. "Come on, really… we need to go."

"Give?"

Duo sighed. "I give already."

Heero chuckled as he released him and took a step back.

"Do you have to look so damn pleased with yourself?" Duo asked.

"You know you love it." Heero turned back to put the lasagna in a thermal pack to keep it warm.

It was true. Duo loved every second with this man. How had they ever navigated through life without each other?

"You look good, by the way," Heero said, over his shoulder.

Duo smiled. "Yeah?"

"Hn."

Duo let Heero finish prepping the lasagna for transport without anymore interruptions. Quatre had wanted a catered affair, but Duo had thought that sounded fussy and made the suggestion about a potluck. Quatre had shivered at the word "potluck," but relented when Duo explained it would be fun for them to share dishes each of them had made.

For his part, Duo made a cold tomato salad with fresh mozzarella, basil and olive oil. Of course, the olive oil brought back memories. He was rather proud of this dish. It was simple, yet colorful, and he hadn't needed Heero's help.

With the dishes packed, Heero grabbed his dark gray tweed jacket and put it on over his blue, pullover cashmere sweater. As they headed out the door, Duo smiled at the art on the entryway wall. It was the first thing they'd done when he'd brought Heero home after making up; re-hang the triptych they'd bought at the fair.

They took the elevator to the condo's parking garage beneath the building, and to Heero's silver BMW Roadster convertible. It had been a sweet discovery to learn that Heero was a super genius with a hefty income, and could afford luxuries like kick-ass fast cars.

The food went into the trunk, and they hopped into the two-seater for the quick drive to Quatre's penthouse. Heero took Marceau Boulevard, since it had fewer stop lights. He was speeding, but Duo didn't mind. Heero was a good driver, and watching him handle the car, shifting gears and moving his hands on the steering wheel, was a turn-on.

"I need to thank Trowa for handling things with AR Industries," Duo said. Trowa had tackled the sticky problem of the robot and Duo's contract with the same professionalism and tenacity that he had given Duo when he was a potential client.

"We both need to thank him," Heero said.

It was nice to have friends in important places; otherwise the situation would have spiraled out of control. Now the dust could settle, and Duo and Heero could get on with their new life, and Trowa could happily pursue Quatre.

As much as Duo liked to be in the driver's seat, it was nice being a passenger when it allowed a view like Heero Yuy. Duo was admiring Heero's profile and remembering what it had been like to look at him and think of him as a robot. It seemed strange now, because Heero was so very human, but at the time, Duo had been willing to accept any reality so long as it included such a beautiful and caring partner as Heero.

"Did you like playing robot?" Duo asked, suddenly.

Heero glanced at him and then looked back at the road. "It wasn't a matter of liking it. I just wanted to be with you."

Duo supposed part of him would always think fondly of Robot Heero. Maybe that was silly, but it was how he first knew Heero. Of course, now he understood that the robot was only in his mind. Heero had been himself, and it was Heero's intimate knowledge of autonomous robots that made his "role" more convincing. Yep, Duo was still sorting that out, but he believed in Heero's love with all his heart.

"That's his building," Duo said, pointing to the beautifully landscaped high rise. "If you pull up to the front door a valet will park the car," Duo said, indicating the covered entry.

Heero pulled in a bit fast, but stopped the car smoothly. They got out, and Heero gave the valet a look that said, "If you put one scratch on this car…"

"It's okay," Duo said, patting Heero's back.

They grabbed the food from the trunk and headed into the exclusive complex. A doorman opened the door for them, and a concierge welcomed them as they entered. It felt like a five-star resort, but Duo was acquainted with most of the staff, so usually all it took was a wave and he was on his way.

They got onto the elevator and Duo pressed "P." He looked at Heero and smiled. "Impressed yet?"

"Quatre has always impressed me."

"Well, he likes you a whole lot better now that he knows you're a real boy."

"Automatonophobia."

"Auto what?"

"He has a fear of robots. More specifically, sentient robots."

"I guess so…" Duo scratched his head. "It bothered him when he found out I was fucking you. Well, when you were a robot."

Heero narrowed his eyes. "I was never a robot."

"That's debatable." Duo chuckled.

"If I wasn't holding this pan of lasagna—"

"I know, you'd pin me against the wall of this elevator and have your way with me." Duo smiled brightly.

"How'd you know?"

Duo laughed, but he was aware that Heero was growing wary of the robot jokes. He stepped closer to his lover and planted a kiss at the corner of his mouth. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Duo."

Just then, the elevator chimed their arrival at the penthouse. They stepped into a carpeted area that led directly to Quatre's door. Before they could ring the doorbell, the door opened.

Quatre was standing there, smiling in his mocha-colored slacks, beige silk shirt and leather loafers. "The doorman rang that you had arrived." Quatre gestured for them to enter. "It's so good to see you." He kissed Duo's cheek, and gave Heero's arm a squeeze. "I'd hug you both, but your hands are full."

Trowa joined them and looked particularly trendy in a mustard yellow sweater, dark gray striped pants and black loafers.

Heero noticed the difference in his friend's attire, and quietly asked, "Is Quatre dressing you now?"

Trowa's brow furrowed. "You make it sound like he's my mother."

"Only if you're into that."

Duo burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" Quatre asked, obviously not having heard the comments.

"Nothing, Q. Should we take the food into the kitchen?" Duo asked.

"Oh, yes." Quatre led the way into his deluxe, executive chef kitchen. "Let's put the lasagna in the oven to keep it warm. I thought we'd eat in just a bit, but there's no hurry."

Heero slid the lasagna into the oven and stepped out of the kitchen with Trowa. It gave Duo a moment alone with his friend.

"Is Trowa shacking up here now?" he asked, indelicately.

Quatre grinned and a soft blush spread over his cheeks. "He is."

"And?"

"Don't tell me you want details?" Quatre put his hand to his chest in mock horror.

"Yeah, I guess I don't need to see the trampoline to know you're doing it."

Quatre took Duo by the arm, and guided him towards the living room. He whispered as they walked, "It's more than just doing it. We're in love, and I've never been happier."

"That's what I wanted to hear." Duo smiled.

They lighted next to their partners in front of the floor to ceiling windows, where a mini cocktail bar had been set up.

"Anyone care for a martini cocktail?" Quatre asked.

"I'd love a martini," Duo said.

What a perfect way to start their evening, and to Duo's surprise, Quatre knew his way around martinis—gin or vodka, little or no vermouth, stirred or shaken, and an olive or lemon twist. It was all very sophisticated, and each of them chose a slight variation on the theme.

"Giving up wine, Q?" Duo asked, sipping his drink.

"Never! But I am giving up the wine club."

"Oh?"

"With everything that's happened, I've realized they are very boring people."

"We've joined a cocktail club instead," Trowa said. Quatre chuckled and reached up on his toes to give Trowa a kiss to the cheek. "It's a new day."

"Cheers to that!" Duo said, lifting his glass.

The others reached their glasses to Duo's, giving it a clink and repeating "Cheers!"

They settled on the white sofa sectional next, and sipped their martinis while gazing out at the city lights.

"So, you're back to work, Heero?" Quatre asked.

"Yes, as of last Monday."

"Duo said the doctor is pleased with your speedy recovery."

"So is Duo." Heero grinned.

"We managed fine even with the restrictions," Duo said, snickering.

"I'll bet," Quatre said. "Any repercussions at work?"

"No," Heero said. "For better or worse, my movement through secured areas was never questioned."

"And never will be," Trowa said. "The robot Duo ordered was returned undeliverable from Australia. Luckily, the shipping department contacted me before they opened the crate. I was able to re-integrate the robot into the system. Of course, that required some paperwork. Duo gave a written statement for the reasons he was terminating his participation in the program."

"Heero and I thought it best to be as truthful as possible," Duo said. "I wrote that my robot was satisfactory, but that I met Heero and we fell in love."

Quatre smiled. "Goodness, that was a lot of work, but it sounds like you did the right thing."

"It's the truth with a twist," Duo said. He was quite pleased with their cleverness. It saved them from a lie, and from having to do too much explaining the next time they bumped into Treize or Zechs.

"The robot will be overhauled for another client," Trowa said. "Treize wasn't happy, of course, but we have some useful data from Duo's exit evaluation, and AR Industries keeps the initial deposit."

"Ouch," Quatre said, looking at Duo.

"Yeah, but I got Heero in the deal." Duo smiled brightly. He leaned over and gave Heero's cheek a kiss.

"I want to re-pay him, but he refuses to talk about it," Heero said.

"What's mine is yours and yours is mine, right?" Duo batted his eyes at Heero, trying to lighten the mood. "I've got you. What more could I want?"

Ding.

"Oh, that's the timer on the oven. Shall we eat?" Quatre asked.

"Great, I'm starved," Duo said, standing.

Quatre and Trowa walked ahead, and Heero snagged Duo's sleeve to hold him back a second.

"Duo, it's a lot of money."

"We've been over this." Duo frowned, frustrated that they couldn't get past this issue. "It means that much to you to re-pay me?"

"Yes."

"But it doesn't feel right taking your money."

"Duo…"

"Okay, how about taking me on a dream vacation?"

"Where would you want to go?"

"I don't know…" He thought for a second. "How about Australia?"

Heero's brow furrowed. "Australia?"

"Yeah, didn't you want to run with the kangaroos or something?"

"Who told you that?"

"Oh, a little birdie." Duo tried to look innocent, but Heero wasn't buying it. "Does it matter who told me? Wouldn't you love to go on a first-class trip to Australia with me?"

"You know I'd love to go anywhere with you."

"Then let's do it! You pay for the airfare and we'll figure out the rest between us."

"But I've missed so much work…"

"We don't have to leave tomorrow, but we could start planning right away."

Now Heero's features began to soften in agreement. "That would be nice."

"Hey, you two!" Trowa called from the dining room.

"We'll be right there," Duo said. He took a step, but Heero's hand settled on his arm. "What is it?"

Heero stepped closer and looked deep into Duo's eyes. "You're absolutely perfect."

Duo laughed. "A perfect human lover? What a concept!"

Heero's hand came up to cup Duo's cheek. "I'm going to spend the rest of my life dedicated to loving you."

Duo's mouth dropped open.

"What's going on, you two?" Quatre asked.

Duo blinked and looked over to see Quatre and Trowa coming back into the room to retrieve them. "I think Heero just proposed to me… or maybe not."

"You were right the first time," Heero said.

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Quatre came rushing over and hugged them both, causing their martinis to slosh onto the parquet floor. "We could have the ceremony here. Or I know a lovely estate in the hills—"

"Heero, are you sure?" Duo asked. His heart was pounding like a jackhammer against his chest.

"After what we've been through? Of course I want you, Duo."

Trowa, thankfully, took their martini glasses, and Duo immediately grasped Heero's hands.

"You're talking about a legal commitment?"

"As legal and as real as it can be," Heero said.

A smile started to form on Duo's lips. His heartbeat hadn't calmed, but his chest felt pleasantly warm, and his head a little giddy. Was it the vodka martini or Heero's words that had done all that?

"I do," Duo said, throwing his arms around Heero's neck and kissing him.

Heero embraced Duo and they kissed and kissed, until Trowa cleared his throat.

"How about a champagne toast?" Trowa asked.

Duo pulled out of the kiss, laughing. "Great!"

He was over the moon as they walked into the dining room, he and Heero hand-in-hand.

Quatre got out the crystal champagne glasses and Trowa popped the cork, and the golden bubbly flowed.

They lifted their glasses and each took a turn giving a toast.

"To love and discoveries," Quatre said.

"To friends and lovers," Trowa said.

"To the perfect match," Duo said. He looked to his lover who seemed a little overwhelmed. "Heero?"

Heero turned fully to Duo, his features serious. "This might have turned out very differently."

Duo shook his head. "No, there was never any doubt of the outcome. I love you."

"I love you, Duo," Heero said, smiling.

Duo leaned towards Heero and was met by a sweet, lingering kiss. As they lost themselves in the moment, Duo was vaguely aware of the cheers and hoots from their friends. The four of them had been on this journey together, willing or not. Many times it seemed the search for happiness might pull them apart, destroying friendships and bonds, but in the end love overcame all the prejudices and pain.

Duo's contentment knew no bounds as he looked into Heero's beautiful, deep blue eyes. The lonely nights were gone forever. He'd found his soul, his heart, his ideal lover.

~ the end ~

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