"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 Two

Heero happened to walk into the observation room while Trowa was evaluating a new client in the adjoining room. He was looking for a file an assistant had misplaced, and though his presence wouldn't be known, he wanted to hurry since it wasn't his place to overhear an interview. He was tasked with programming the robots, not psycho-analyzing potential clients.

A quick search of the room did not locate the file, and he was about to leave when he heard the most pleasant laughter. He looked up, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and saw the most captivating young man talking to Trowa. A handsome guy like that with a disarming smile and an easy way about him should have no trouble finding a mate. Yet, here he was. It gave Heero a little ache.

"Why would he want a robot lover?"

He left the room, and an hour later ran into Trowa in the hallway.

"Just the person I wanted to see," Trowa said, taking a mini-disc from his lab coat's pocket and handing it over.

"New client?" Heero asked, taking the disc.

"Yes, I just completed the evaluation. His name is Duo Maxwell. He's perfect for the program. Totally open to commitment, and I think the idea of a robot lover is a bit of a turn-on for him."

Heero wanted to know more about the young man with the lyrical laugh, but there was no point. This was a job like any other. "I'll start on it now."

Trowa looked at his watch. "It's time to go home."

"I'd like to get a jump on this."

"Yeah? Well, you make us all look bad the number of hours you clock. You should get yourself a boyfriend."

"I could say the same for you."

Trowa nodded. "Don't work too late."

Heero headed to his office, anxious to assimilate the data with the Robot 1 Series protocols. He scanned the questions as the data for Duo Maxwell's Ideal Lover uploaded into the intelligence platform.

The ideal lover is: 1) Very jealous 2) a Little jealous 3) Not jealous 4) Cold

Answer: 2) a Little jealous

The ideal lover's intelligence is: 1) High 2) Low 3) Normal 4) Irrelevant

Answer: 1) High

The ideal lover's sexual preference is: 1) Adventuresome 2) Slightly adventurous 3) Normal 4) Hates sex

Answer: 1) Adventuresome

The ideal lover's smile is: 1) Refreshing 2) Cool 3) Rarely seen 4) Bizarre

Answer: 2) Cool

The ideal lover's body is: 1) Muscular 2) Skinny 3) Athletic 4) Pleasantly plump

Answer: 3) Athletic

The ideal lover likes to: 1) Cook 2) Clean 3) Make minor household repairs 4) All of the above

Answer: 4) All of the above

The ideal lover is: 1) Very generous 2) Mostly generous 3) Generous on occasion 4) Stingy

Answer: 1) Very generous

The answers were fairly standard until he got to the part that Duo Maxwell was ordering a male robot.

"He's gay?"

AR Industries had recently begun to accept all sexual preferences, but Heero hadn't expected this. He pulled the client record from the database and looked at Duo's photo. He frowned as the ache he had felt earlier came back with a pang.

"Lucky robot."

~ ~ ~

The next morning, Heero went into Trowa's office to finalize the intelligence protocols. This was the last step before uploading the data into the robot.

Trowa gave him a long look from behind his desk. "Don't tell me you're finished?"

"Yes." Heero sat down and handed him a flash drive.

"How late were you here last night?"

Heero shrugged.

Trowa's eyes narrowed. "You know exactly how late you were here."

"Does it matter?"

"I guess not." Trowa plugged the flash drive into his computer and opened the file.

It was critical to verify that the client's specifications were properly interpreted and programmed, even when those wishes were a bit nuanced.

"This looks good," Trowa said. "Did you have any questions as you configured the protocols?"

"Not for the protocols, but it was odd that he didn't specify physical attributes."

"He seemed to feel that he had made bad choices in the past, and waived his privilege to create his Ideal Lover's appearance."

"Did he review the image database?"

"He scanned it briefly, yes, but it seemed overwhelming to him."

"Then do you have a model series in mind?"

Trowa turned back to the computer and opened another program. "Several are in production. I was thinking of choosing the athletic, six foot model with dark hair."

"For yourself?"

Trowa smirked. "You know I prefer blonds."

"How soon will it be ready?"

"A few days. I'll send your protocols up the line for approval and we'll be good to go."

The company's founder and CEO, Treize Khushrenada, made a point of reviewing every robot during the final stages of production before approving it for delivery.

Heero went back to his office to run a weekly report, but he couldn't stop thinking about the robot they were developing for Duo Maxwell. After an hour of reading the same set of parameters over and over again, he decided he needed a break.

He headed towards the elevator thinking he'd get a cup of coffee at the rooftop café. By the time he got inside the elevator he knew that coffee wasn't going to help. He swiped his security card and pressed the button for Sublevel 2—the floor where the robots were assembled. This was a highly classified area, but Heero had the second highest level of clearance. Only Treize Khushrenada and his partner, Zechs Merquise, had Level One clearance and access to all areas.

In the lab, there were six robots in production and more than a dozen scientists and technicians at work. The robots were at different stages of development, but Heero was interested in only one.

He approached a bio-technician who was walking towards a bank of computers. "Which model has been designated for client L002?"

"Ah, let me see…" The female technician grabbed a chart and ran her finger down the list. "Over there," she nodded towards the far end of the lab. "Robbie XYZ."

"XYZ?"

"Mr. Khushrenada hasn't assigned a name yet."

Robbie was the generic first name for all the male robots, but it was customary for them to be given unique identities and identity cards before leaving the premises. Often the client chose a name, but not surprisingly, Duo Maxwell had not.

This laboratory could be defined as a surgical assembly line, since development and engineering occurred elsewhere, but this group of scientists was rather fond of making modifications. Of course, those modifications had to get clearance from the CEO first. Heero appreciated their work, since he too was a scientist and a tinkerer. He had played a critical role in the development and implementation of the second generation intelligence platform, and contributed to the third generation of the autonomous navigation platform.

As he approached Robbie XYZ, he could see that the robot would be ready sooner than Trowa had anticipated. The body was formed, and all that remained was to synthesize the facial features and upload the custom protocols.

He stared at the faceless robot's exposed wires and glass eyes, thinking of its upcoming role as Duo Maxwell's lover and life companion, and wishing he was in its place. He had poured over the data that Trowa had compiled on their new client. So much of it resonated with Heero that he began to think he was Duo's perfect match. They liked many of the same foods, movies, and music, and had similar expectations for life, career and relationships. He also felt that Duo's outgoing personality would balance his own reserved nature. To top it off, he was attracted to Duo. It didn't matter that they hadn't been introduced. He had read his file, memorized it, like he had memorized that remarkably infectious laughter.

Maybe he could call Duo and meet him somewhere on the pretense that it had to do with his robot. They would chat, and Duo would realize that he didn't need a humanoid lover to fulfill him when there was a real boy who wanted that chance.

"Who am I kidding?" Heero asked, kicking his shoe against the robot's assembly table.

He knew that people came to AR Industries for hundreds of reasons, and that the ones who got this far had been carefully screened. Trowa had said that Duo Maxwell was "turned-on" by the notion of fucking a robot. Maybe he needed that kink and that control to be happy.

Heero turned on his heel, more depressed than before he came down here.

Late that afternoon he got an email from the lab with the subject heading: Client L002 Robot Production Complete. He opened it to see that the shipment of Duo's robot was scheduled for the next morning.

He hadn't thought it was possible to feel worse, but that email made him a little desperate. It had been months since he'd gone on a date, and he couldn't remember a time when he'd been this attracted to someone, and dare he think it, this compatible. He was one of the key developers of the Ideal Lover Program, and truly believed that their autonomous humanoids brought people happiness, but he couldn't stand to watch this happen. What a waste to have his match paired with a robot!

He got up from his desk and headed directly to Trowa's office. The door was open, but he tapped on it before stepping inside. Trowa was on the phone, and acknowledged him with a nod. A moment later, and he was free to meet.

"You look… agitated," Trowa said.

"Can we delay the delivery of Client L002's robot?"

"Why? Is there something we missed?"

Yes, damn it, he wanted to say, but his professionalism won out. "I'd like to review the protocols—"

"Treize already approved them. Everything's been green lighted."

Heero took a deep breath.

"What is it? I've never seen you like this."

If he couldn't tell his best friend, who could he tell? "I think… I like Duo Maxwell."

Trowa cocked his head, as he smiled uneasily. "You think you do? Or you do?"

"I do."

"Oh, that's all." Trowa collapsed back in his chair. "You nearly had me shitting bricks! I thought it was something critical."

Heero frowned. "It is critical."

"Listen, he's a good looking guy, I'll give you that, but why him? Wait, I know… it's because he's not available. Gets 'em every time. You know, I've thought about wearing a wedding ring for that very reason."

"Forget it." Heero turned to leave.

"Hey, if you need to talk…"

Heero gave his friend a backhanded wave and kept walking. He had gotten his answer. This was crazy. He should go back to his office and finish the program for their next client. That would get his mind off that carefree smile and that rope of hair. Robbie Robot would probably use that braid like reins and… He gulped; the image was way too vivid in his mind.

Before he knew it, he was standing in the doorway to his office, staring blankly at the room. It suddenly dawned on him that he had two choices: push these feelings aside forever or do something about them. As a rule, his life was well planned and his routine set, but where had that gotten him? Sure, he had a brilliant career and a fat bank account, but there was no one to share it with. He hated to admit it, to himself or anyone else, but he was lonely. He was tired of going home alone every night with no one to greet him, not even a cat.

What did that robot have over him anyways? He knew as much as the robot knew about Duo Maxwell. He could fulfill Duo's needs, whatever they may be. Duo had no preference for the robot's appearance, so he would surely find Heero acceptable. People had told him that he was good looking, though a little cold personality-wise, but he would warm up quickly for Duo, of that he had no doubt.

He was back to the same problem. Obviously, squelching his feelings was not an easy prospect. So, what was he telling himself? That he was as good as a robot?

"Better," he said.

He rubbed his hands over his face, trying to clear his mind. Then he thought it. That one thought that he should never think and never ever implement, because it was unethical and wrong on so many levels. Yet, now that he had thought it, it tumbled in his mind, round and round, sounding better and more plausible by the second.

No, no, no, he thought, shaking his head. He could not replace the robot with himself. He could not pretend to be the robot that Duo had ordered! He could never pull off a stunt like that. Even though he knew the robot's capabilities, and had memorized every detail of Duo's wants, needs and beliefs, it would be a deception on the grandest scale. A secret of that magnitude and complexity would take perfect orchestration to succeed. The kind of attention to detail that Heero gave his work everyday.

"What if…?"

"Did you need something, sir?" someone asked from behind him.

Heero turned to see Otto Richter standing there. Otto was one of the few robots that had been developed as a lab assistant, and Trowa's sometime model.

"I was just thinking out loud," Heero said.

"Then if you don't need my assistance, I'll be going."

Heero nodded, and watched Otto continue on his way. AR Industries' robots were something to behold. Duo would certainly be happy with the one they had created for him, but would he be as happy if he knew there was someone who wanted a chance at forming a real, human relationship with him?

It wasn't his right to answer that question for Duo, or any client, but Heero had found his heart's answer. He would trade places with the robot.

~ ~ ~

His next move found him standing in the anteroom to Zechs Merquise's office, the company's second in command. While Treize held the vision and control over AR Industries, Zechs was in charge of keeping the best and brightest minds working for them, and maintaining the company's dynamic.

Generally, Heero didn't have a reason to speak with Mr. Merquise. In fact, since Heero had been hired, he'd spoken to the man maybe a dozen times, and half of those at the company holiday party. But today, Heero had a unique problem, and he needed Zechs's help.

"What brings you to the ivory tower?" Zechs asked as Heero entered the room. The tall man got up from his ornate white desk and came around to greet him.

The office was lavishly decorated in Baroque style with a palette of blue, white and silver. Though some of the staff referred to it as the Ice Palace, Heero found the colors calming.

"I have a request." Heero came to stand within several feet of Zechs. The man was leaning against his desk, looking impeccable in a gray designer suit.

"Your performance review isn't for another two months."

"I'm not here about money."

"Oh?" Zechs gestured for Heero to take a seat in one of the pale blue high-backed chairs set before the grand desk.

Heero considered it, but opted to stand. He was too nervous to sit. He wasn't entirely sure what he was doing though his goal was clear—to become Duo Maxwell's robot lover. "I'd like to use some vacation time."

"Our personnel division handles those requests."

"Well, it's a special request. I'd like to take four weeks off."

Zechs's brows raised. "All at once?"

"Yes, I have more than enough banked."

"I'm sure you do. You've rarely taken more than a few days off at a time. Are you feeling burned out?"

"No, it's nothing like that."

"Do you have something exciting planned?"

Heero nearly grinned thinking about his true intentions, but he needed to answer carefully. His eyes shifted to the desk where a National Geographic magazine lay slightly askew as though it had been tossed there. On the cover was a photo of a kangaroo. "Kangaroos," Heero said, looking up.

"Pardon me?"

"I want to run with the kangaroos."

Zechs glanced over his shoulder to the National Geographic. "I've heard of running with the bulls in Spain, but kangaroos?"

"I'm fascinated by kangaroos and an opportunity came up to go on a kangaroo expedition. What could be more iconic of Australia than kangaroos?"

"Koala bears," Zechs said, matter-of-factly. "When were you thinking of going?"

"Tomorrow."

Zechs stood fully. "You want to leave for Australia tomorrow?"

"I'd need to pack first."

"Are you certain you're okay? If you're unhappy here, you should tell me."

"No, sir. I enjoy the work very much."

"Then why the sudden desire to take four weeks vacation beginning tomorrow?"

Heero paused, starting to feel the pinch of his big fat lie. "I… just need to, sir, or I'll miss the chance of a lifetime."

Zechs sighed. "You're entitled, of course, but I'm not entirely comfortable with you leaving on such short notice."

"I've completed all my projects, and the other programmers in my division can handle the extra workload."

"But you're our best and brightest."

"Thank you, sir."

Zechs gave him a long appraising look, and then nodded. "I won't deny your use of benefit time. You've more than earned it."

"Thank you." He grinned and turned on his heel before Zechs could change his mind.

Now that he did not have to worry about his job, he took care of other details such as paying his bills, and holding his mail delivery. These were simple things in comparison to trading places with a robot. For that he needed to mastermind a plan, and quickly.

Long after the offices and laboratories were closed, and most of the staff had gone home, Heero ventured downstairs to the shipping department. During the day, the shipping office and loading dock bustled with activity, but at night, all was quiet except for the occasional security guard. With his level of clearance, even a guard wouldn't question Heero checking on an outgoing order.

He hadn't been to shipping since orientation, so it took several minutes to locate the secured storage for pending shipments. Heero swiped his card and let himself into the climate controlled space. The light flickered on automatically to reveal a large room filled with packing materials and the special crates they used for the robots. He read the labels on the crates and found the one addressed to Duo Maxwell.

He placed his hands on the crate as if to open a connection between him and the robot within. He wouldn't open the container, but he would make sure it never got delivered. He removed the shipping information from the plastic sleeve to replace it with another.

"Maybe I should ship it to Australia." Somehow that made his lie more like a half truth. At least one of them would be going to Australia, the land of kangaroos.

He went to the computer station and booted up the system. As the new label printed, Heero stared at the crate. He hadn't thought about how he'd get to Duo's. He couldn't exactly show up at his doorstep and greet him with, "Hello, I'm your new robot."

The Ideal Lovers were shipped in crates designed to cradle their bodies to prevent damage in transit. For control and insurances purposes, AR Industries used its own trucks and handlers to make the deliveries. If this plan was going to succeed, Heero had to go full out. He would have to arrive in a crate or it would arouse suspicion. Duo would be aware of what to expect. Trowa confirmed all deliveries with clients, and gave them special instructions.

Heero stared at an empty crate across the room, taking this problem to the next level. The crates were ventilated, so he didn't have to worry about suffocation, but there was another hurdle. Sticking himself in a crate was not the worst of it.

The robots were shipped naked.

Heero shook his head. He could not possibly be thinking that he'd go through with this plan. He'd have to pack himself in a crate, butt naked, and wait for Duo to kiss him, in order to "activate" the Ideal Lover's programming.

"I can't do this."

He got up from the computer desk and was about to crumple the new shipping label when he felt that hole open up inside him again. For years, he had managed fine on his own, going to college and then graduate school, getting his PhD, and landing a prestigious position at AR Industries. The time and effort it took to achieve the goal of a career in artificial intelligence had preoccupied him enough to suppress any twinge of loneliness. So what had changed? His life was the same today as it was yesterday, the only difference was that he had glimpsed a future he had never conceived. A future that was not in his control, but one he wanted to reach for with all his being.

Call it ludicrous, immoral or even depraved. This, and not running with the kangaroos, was the chance of a lifetime.

He sat back down at the computer and accessed the Robot Identification Program. Robot Heero would need an ID card, and a place to hide his cell phone and wallet in the crate in case he needed anything.

~ * ~

Chapter 3

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