"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 Six

Thursday night, Duo was home by seven o'clock. It was an anniversary of sorts. He and Heero had been together for one week—a blissful union of man and machine. He wanted to celebrate, but he had been too embarrassed to formally announce his plans to Heero.

When he came in the door, the first thing that greeted him was the aroma of tomato sauce simmering on the stove. Next, Heero came out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on an apron. Too bad he was dressed underneath it.

"Right on time," Heero said with a smile.

Duo slid his arms around Heero's waist and pulled him close. They kissed with the fever of missing each other, and let the moment linger as they breathed each other in.

"Long day?" Heero asked.

"Not bad. Whatever you're making smells delicious."

"Spaghetti Bolognese."

"Wonderful."

He had given Heero cash at the beginning of the week for grocery shopping and whatever came up. He had wanted to give him a credit card, but Heero refused. Funny that, but Duo let him have his way for now.

"I'll change and then I can set the table," Duo said, slowly removing himself from the embrace.

They had quickly fallen into this routine. It seemed as natural as breathing. They worked in tandem, playing off each other's strengths. Heero was the better cook, Duo was creative and had a flair for feathering their nest. Oh yes, they were nesting. There was no doubt about that. And the thrill was that it could go on this way indefinitely. Heero would never raise his voice or his hand to Duo; he would never disappoint him or stand him up. This apartment had become Nirvana, a place of eternal love and endless possibility.

After dinner, Duo was feeling a bit warm from too much wine, and very amorous. They stepped onto the balcony and the cool evening breeze soothed his cheeks. From ten stories up the city was a mass of lights and silhouetted structures.

They stood at the railing, Heero's arm around Duo's waist. "You're beautiful in this light," he said, nuzzling Duo's ear with his nose and lips.

"We're in the dark out here."

"The light from the living room plays off your features."

"You don't need to try that hard to get in my pants." Duo chuckled.

"Duo…" Heero kissed his ear. "I love you. Of course, I find you endlessly beautiful and fascinating."

Duo's breath caught like the day in the park when Heero had first said he loved him. It made him warm all over to hear those words. Not that he would feel that way if just anyone said them. No, it had to be Heero.

He turned to Heero and grasped him by the forearms, steadying himself. "I had the crate picked up today."

"Ronnie told me when I came back from the store."

"Do you know why I called for the pick-up?"

"Hopefully because you're happy with your decision."

"Yeah…" Duo leaned in and kissed him, rolling his tongue around Heero's and deepening the kiss until Heero moaned. He eased back, just far enough for his eyes to focus on his lover's handsome face. "I did it, because I'm not giving you up… ever. I love you, Heero."

Heero's expression contorted in what could only be described as disbelief.

"Is it so hard to believe?"

"No, but…." Heero took Duo's face in his hands and looked deep into his eyes.

"Are you okay?" Duo was beginning to wonder if he'd blown one of Heero's fuses. That is, if he had fuses. "I've never been in love before, so maybe I'm not expressing it well."

"You've done it perfectly," Heero said. "You just surprised me."

"Then kiss me already, damn it."

Heero gave a low chuckle and dove in to plunder Duo's mouth. They kissed with renewed ardor as if to say to the other, "This changes everything."

They didn't remain on the balcony for long after that. Their passion demanded to be explored in a more private setting. They kissed and groped their way into the master bedroom, tumbling to the bed like newlyweds.

~ ~ ~

The next two weeks breezed by in a dizzy haze of domestic bliss. Heero found that he enjoyed keeping house. Duo never made demands on him or gave him "honey-do" lists, but as soon as Duo left in the morning, Heero got to work. He cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom, did laundry, steam cleaned the area rugs, bought potted flowering plants for the balcony, and watched endless hours of cooking shows. If Duo's enthusiasm for his dinners was any indication, Heero could think about a new culinary career.

As the days passed and they fell more in love, Heero felt the press of time on his shoulders. He had taken a month's leave of absence, and soon he would have to pretend to find a job, so that he could return to work at AR Industries. That was going to be tricky, but maybe Trowa could fib about Heero becoming an assistant there. It would certainly make things less complicated.

After Trowa's initial panic, he had been a very useful ally in keeping Heero's secret. Their friendship had never been put to the test like this, and had grown because of it. Trowa had spent more time than usual checking on a robot, and in the process was getting to spend more time with Quatre Winner. There had been two more dinner parties, since that dreadful night when Heero thought his cover would be blown, and at each one he saw Trowa working up more courage to ask Quatre out.

It was the Saturday morning of the 21st Annual River Arts Festival, and Duo was up and making breakfast before Heero had woken. He stumbled out to the kitchen, wearing navy cotton sleep pants.

"It's only seven o'clock," Heero said, wiping sleep from his eyes.

"Didn't I mention that I like to get to the fair when it opens?" Duo was making scrambled eggs and toast, but the eggs were in jeopardy of being overcooked.

"It opens at nine. There's plenty of time." Heero came around and gently removed the spatula from Duo's hand.

Duo immediately set about getting plates down and pouring Heero a cup of coffee.

"Quatre and Trowa are meeting us for lunch, and I want to get through at least a third of the fair by then."

"Quatre and Trowa?"

"Didn't I tell you?" Duo slid his arm around Heero's waist and kissed his cheek. "Trowa finally asked Quatre for a date."

"That's good."

"You're telling me. I don't think Quatre's gotten any in awhile."

"You two talk about that stuff?"

"Well, sort of. I just figured he hasn't, since he hasn't gone out with anyone in nearly a year."

"Geez, I hope he's a least doing his butler."

Duo laughed and swatted Heero's ass. "You never know…"

Heero plated their breakfast and they stood at the counter eating. He loved weekends with Duo best of all, when he didn't have to run to work and come home late, tired and frustrated.

"You look dressed for battle," Heero said, noting Duo's camoflauge shorts, black combat boots and white tee with a big, black "X" screened on the front.

"Just comfortable. We're gonna do a lot of walking, and if I buy a lot of stuff we'll be lugging it back to the car."

Heero had to restrain himself from taking Duo by the waist and pulling him in for a sloppy kiss. He loved how Duo morphed from respectable attorney to night on the town to Weekend at Bernie's. He looked good in everything he wore, and his personality always managed to show even when he was dressed for court with his hair neatly braided.

After breakfast, Heero showered and dressed. His clothes now took up half of the guest room closet. No matter how much he protested, Duo bought him something new when they were out. In the back of Heero's mind, he kept thinking about his own apartment—the clothes, furniture and DVD collection—and wondered if he'd have to sell them off.

Hoping to complement Duo's rogue attire, Heero dressed in tan and white striped Bermuda shorts, a jewel blue t-shirt, white seersucker blazer, and canvas shoes.

Duo was stuffing his backpack with a water bottle when Heero joined him.

"Very nice," Duo said with a whistle. "I'm not gonna look so scary standing next to you."

"That was kind of the idea," Heero said with a chuckle.

He got a punch in the arm for that, and then they headed out the door to the art fair.

The weather was perfect, warm and sunny for the open air event. The riverfront park was filled with tents for the artists, food vendors and entertainment. It was a huge event, drawing over ten thousand people, and featuring the work of nearly 500 artists. At 9 a.m., there were already at least a thousand people on the grounds.

"Here's the deal," Duo said as they walked towards the first large tent, holding hands. "If we get separated, we'll just meet up at the other end of the tent."

"Sounds like a plan."

"But I really want your opinion for filling that entry wall."

Heero grinned. He knew this was important to Duo, because Duo had mentioned it at least a half dozen times in a week. "I'm sure we can find something we both like."

"I'm up for just about anything—portraits, animals, modern."

"Maybe something like those prints hanging in your office's reception area."

"I got those here too… years ago."

They stepped inside the tent to see a myriad of art, including oil on canvas, photography, pottery, glass, watercolor, jewelry, and bronze sculptures.

Duo could afford most anything at the fair, but today he was interested in what he and Heero could agree upon. Out of the corner of his eye, Heero knew that Duo was watching him, trying to sort out what he was drawn to. By all accounts, Duo should've known—Heero was programmed to like what Duo liked, and yet, Duo acted like it was a mystery to be unraveled. Sometimes Heero wondered if Duo was pretending that Heero was real.

They took their time viewing the artists' work, discussing what they liked, and speaking to the artists when something was especially skillfully crafted.

One of the last booths in the tent held the work of a middle-aged female artist. The woman wore a flowing green caftan and dozens of bangles on her arms. Her personality was as fluid and effervescent as her art. She worked in oil, painting shapes and colors, swirls and movement. Several of the pieces were triptychs, encompassing three canvases instead of just one.

"It would be very bold," Heero said.

Duo nodded as he stared at several triptychs mounted on the booth's walls. "I was imagining something smaller in that space, but you'd see it from the kitchen and dining room, so maybe bigger is better. Which one do you like?"

Heero was enchanted by the work, especially the one done in blues and browns swirling like ocean currents. "This one."

Duo smiled brightly. "Yep, that's the one I like, too."

It pleased Heero that Duo was drawn to the same piece. Over the past two weeks, he had grown accustomed to their likes being in sync, and had stopped recalling Duo's answers from the evaluation. He had needed those answers at the start, but his confidence in their match had continued to soar.

The three companion canvases totaled six feet by three feet. They might overwhelm the apartment's entry hall or would be a welcome focal point in that now sterile space.

"I would say, let's get it, but this is only the first tent," Heero said.

Duo's eyes had been transfixed on the piece for minutes now, but that comment drew his full attention back to Heero. He smiled as he took Heero's hand. "I agree, let's get it."

"But I said, we might want to wait."

Duo nodded, still smiling. "Yeah, but we both like it, right?"

"Very much."

Duo turned away to corral the artist. She was thrilled to make a sale, but what thrilled Heero was watching Duo. Standing ten paces away, he observed Duo as he made the transaction. He was live like an electrical current. People were drawn to him, to his exuberance… his generosity. Perhaps that's why the wrong types had preyed on him, taking advantage of his helping nature. Heero felt a mix of guilt and protectiveness in that regard. The secret he was keeping from Duo could be viewed as though he was taking advantage of Duo, but he had brought stability and love to Duo's life, something that Duo had told him had always been missing.

A moment later, the sold tag went up on the artwork, and Duo was at his side. "I told her she should charge more. $700 is a bargain."

They left the piece in order to make it in time for their lunch date. Trowa and Quatre were waiting at the river side café at the opposite end of the park. They were also taking in the fair, and agreed to walk around together after they ate. Lunch was lobster rolls and seasoned fries, sparkling water for Quatre, and a locally brewed beer for the rest of them.

It was easy to see that Trowa was smitten, and maybe in over his head. Heero wondered if he should share some of Duo's insight into Quatre, but decided to let him forge his own way. Since accepting Duo's decision to keep his robot lover, Quatre had been friendlier to Heero, though occasionally gave him a perplexed look. He supposed it wasn't easy to get over such a strong prejudice.

Being with Trowa and Quatre in their burgeoning relationship made Heero feel all the more coupled with Duo. It was extraordinarily nice to be accepted as a pair, and to walk hand-in-hand through the festival.

Quatre bought a small bronze sculpture of a horse for his office, and Duo purchased a stained glass panel for Hilde's birthday.

It was an idyllic day, until Heero heard Duo say, "Oh, my God, I think that's Treize Khushrenada."

Heero's heart slammed against his chest. He swung around to see that standing no more than twenty feet away was Mr. Khushrenada admiring a glass vase.

"I've got to tell him how happy I am," Duo said, and started walking towards Treize.

"No," Heero said, grabbing Duo by the wrist a bit forcefully.

Duo looked at him in confusion. "But this is my chance to thank the man who made all this possible."

"I'm sure he gets plenty of thanks."

Duo blinked. "Maybe, but I'd really like to thank him."

"You and Trowa should be the ones to speak with him." His eyes darted around the nearby booths for his tall friend. When he turned back to Duo he saw Treize coming their way. They made eye contact and it was too late.

Duo's face lighted and he stepped towards the man. "Mr. Khushrenada, I'm Duo and I recently joined your program. I couldn't be happier." Being in such a public place, Duo chose his words carefully.

"That's tremendous, young man!" Treize said, shaking Duo's hand. Then he looked past Duo to Heero, standing several feet behind him. "While you're thanking me, you really should thank Heero. He plays a key role in my operation."

Duo turned on his heels, his face still shining with that welcoming grin. "Yes, Heero, I should thank you, too!"

Duo nodded for Heero to join them, and Heero thought he would lose his lunch. He reluctantly stepped to Duo's side and shook Treize's hand. Maybe there was a way out of this yet.

In the next instant, he spotted the signature platinum blond hair of Treize's partner in all things, Zechs Merquise. Heero grabbed Duo's arm, ready to drag him away.

"You don't look well," Duo said, quietly.

"There you are," Zechs said, on finding Treize. His eyes quickly settled on Heero. "Whatever are you doing here? I thought you were in Australia."

"There was a change in plans…" Heero said, slowly.

Trowa finally decided to show up. His eyes went wide as he saw who they were speaking to.

"Mr. Khushrenada, Mr. Merquise," Trowa said, standing slightly in front of Heero as if he were his defensive lineman. "What a coincidence. I just saw the most remarkable sculpture and thought it would look perfect in the lobby."

Zechs's brow furrowed. "You know we keep that space very minimalistic."

"Yes, well…"

"Isn't this Duo Maxwell?" Zechs asked, nodding towards their client.

"That's right," Duo said, enthusiastically.

"Why are you with him and where is Thomas Snyder?"

"He's right here," Duo said, less than helpfully.

"What?" Zechs's frustration was beginning to show.

Heero opened his mouth, about to confess everything, when Quatre chose that moment to make an appearance.

"Aren't you Quatre Winner?" Treize asked.

"Yes. Have we met?"

"We've never been introduced, but we run in the same social circles." He reached his hand out. "Treize Khushrenada."

"Oh, yes. You have a membership at the polo club."

They spoke for sometime about the upcoming charity tournament. In the meantime, Trowa lured Zechs away, telling him that Thomas Snyder was very well, indeed.

Heero took that chance to take Duo by the hand and pull him as far away as possible. He didn't stop until they'd nearly reached the parking lot.

"I had no idea you'd be so funny about meeting Treize," Duo said, looking completely flummoxed.

"I'm sorry, but that was very… awkward."

"I don't see why. The man created you… you should be pleased to see him."

Heero's stomach was roiling with queasiness. He had made an impulsive decision to become Duo's robot, and only had time to plan a four weeks' buffer. Factoring in encounters like this had not been in the equation. Obviously, this plan was anything but perfect. He'd narrowly escaped with his relationship intact, but he needed to find out what Trowa had said to Zechs. If nothing else, he had been caught in one lie. He hadn't gone to Australia.

"Could you call Trowa? I need to speak with him."

"Do you need an adjustment or something? 'Cause you look a little green."

"Yes, I think there's a glitch in my processing network."

Duo eyed him carefully, and dug his cell phone out of his backpack. He handed Heero the phone.

Heero stepped away to speak with Trowa semi-privately.

"Don't worry, I covered for you," Trowa said.

"What'd you say?"

"Just that you'd come back from Australia early, and you and I happened to run into Duo at the fair."

"What about T.S.?"

"He didn't ask about the robot again. Damn it, Heero, that was too close for comfort."

"Tell me about it."

"Duo wasn't suspicious?"

"No. He's very trusting." It almost sounded cynical the way he said it, but he was feeling very much a heel.

Duo walked over then, looking concerned. "Everything okay?"

Heero nodded, and said to Trowa, "Duo wants to speak with you to be sure my processor is working correctly."

"Gotcha," Trowa said.

He listened intently as Duo spoke with Trowa about his robot, and assumed that Trowa was giving him a reason for Heero's less than stellar behavior. Duo seemed satisfied when he was finished with the call.

"He said he could stop by tomorrow to run a diagnostic if I thought it was necessary."

"Okay."

"I've never seen you that off before. It was like something wasn't computing."

Heero took a breath. "I'm sorry if I worried you. But Duo…" He took his lover's hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently. "Please remember that I love you. No matter what."

Duo's face scrunched in worry. "Why are you saying that? Of course, I know you love me."

He kissed Duo's hand again and said a silent prayer.

They went about enjoying their day, and Heero tried to put the incident behind him. As they returned to the fair to pick up their purchases, he kept looking over his shoulder, fearing another encounter. He couldn't live like this, but he couldn't live without Duo either. He had to find a way to merge his two worlds before they imploded on him.

That night, he made love to Duo with the passion and intensity of a man swimming up from the depths of the sea trying to break through the surface of the water. He needed Duo like green living things needed the sun. He clung to the truth of their love even as he grasped for a way to conceal his dark secret.

Duo lay across his chest afterward, drawing a pattern on his skin. He was talking about the day, about what they might do tomorrow and completely oblivious to how close they had come to losing everything.

"You know I'd do anything for you," Heero said, caressing Duo's braid.

"Of course." Duo kept his cheek on Heero's chest and his fingers doodling on his belly. He was always so sweetly lethargic after sex.

Heero's mind had been working the problem of phase two of his new life ever since the incident at the festival. It seemed the best course was to leave Zechs a message telling him that his plans had changed, and he would return to work at the end of his vacation leave. Meanwhile, he would ask Trowa to talk to Duo about Heero coming to work for him at AR Industries. With a little luck, he could return to programming robots while maintaining his life with Duo.

"I'd do anything to protect this," he said as the plan formed.

Duo looked up at him then, eyes blinking with the recognition that Heero was saying something significant. "Me, too… but why are you talking like that?"

Heero grinned and brushed a stray lock of hair from Duo's face. "I just want you to know how important this is. How important you are to me."

Duo's face brightened with his amazing crooked grin and Heero's heart warmed. It might be best if he shut up and showed Duo, again, what he meant to him. He pulled Duo to his lips and kissed him soundly. "I love you."

"I love you," Duo said, moving his lips to kiss a wet path along Heero's jaw. His hand slid down to find his lover already half aroused. "Mmm… I was thinking about this all day."

"Maybe we should change our plans and stay in tomorrow."

"Me in you and you in me?" Duo laughed.

In moments, Heero got a preview of what their Sunday in bed could be like.

 

 

Chapter 7

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