Mechanical Love

by Emrys Apollo

  Matthew started to wash his hair, and Gary went to get dressed, leaving the money on the bedside table as always, and he said goodnight to Matthew as he was brushing his teeth, the taste of mint not strong enough to mask the sweet hint that his lips always had.

  “I'll see you next week,” Gary said, smile on his face as he went in for one last kiss.

  Matthew smiled, giving Gary a wink as he wandered out the door. “I'll be waiting for you.”

  CHAPTER 3

  Ellis wandered up to Gary's desk, glancing around as he approached. “Come and get a coffee with me?”

  Gary glanced at the time, half eleven, it was too early to be taking a break, but Ellis looked worried, and he could just stay late to make the time up. “Sure.”

  They wandered down to the café, but they changed their mind about getting a coffee when they saw one of the robots malfunctioning, throwing coffee everywhere as Dornan the robotic technician, or robotech as he was known, tried to shut the bot down.

  Dornan's ironically robotic voice was repeating command codes, but none of them seemed to be working, and in the end he got out his Taser, electrocuting the bot until it was on the ground, twitching with the shocks.

  Even though Dornan was so tall and lanky, he managed to pick the bot up, hauling its limp body over his shoulder as he scurried off back to the basement where his workshop was, leaving the cleaning bots to clear the mess that their friend had made.

  “Do you want to just get an early lunch?” Ellis asked, and Gary knew he should say no, but after all the jarring realization of seeing a robot malfunction, he wasn't sure he'd get much done in the next hour anyway.

  “Lead the way.”

  Gary followed Ellis to a little coffee shop, the sort that had mismatched furniture and home made cakes, and he found out why Ellis had wanted to speak to him so urgently.

  “I broke up with Roberto.” Ellis looked a little sad about it, which was unusual, normally he was a positive guy.

  “What happened?” Gary asked, reaching out to hold Ellis' hand, and he saw a little smile.

  “He had to move back to Spain, and he wanted a long distance relationship, but it's just not for me.” Ellis was the sort of guy who liked having people around, and that was even more true when it came to the people he dated. “It's a pity, because we got on really well, but I don't want to promise him something that I can't offer.”

  Gary pulled Ellis into a big hug, holding him tight as he got the whole story, and when Ellis was done he looked much happier.

  “Tonight there's a speed dating thing, I thought we could go together,” Ellis said, smiling as he looked at Gary with his best puppy eyes.

  “Actually,” Gary said, taking a deep breath as he wondered what he was going to say, but in the end the truth won, “I'm seeing someone already.”

  “Really? That's great, did you meet them through the app?” Ellis asked, sipping at his coffee before continuing, “I told you that you'd meet someone.”

  At least Ellis doing all the talking saved him from having to lie, he told him a lot of vague things about Matthew, including the fact that he was an artist, which was probably a lie, although he did have art supplies dotted around his flat.

  “So, when can I meet him?” Ellis asked, and Gary felt his blood run cold, he hadn't thought that far ahead.

  “It's still early days, I'll let you know when it gets serious.” Gary nudged Ellis, laughing in the hope that it would cover his blushing.

  I wonder if Matthew would pretend to be my boyfriend? Just a few hours would be enough to convince Ellis.

  *

  Gary was sitting around his flat, eating toast, and wondering if it would make things strange if he asked Matthew to be his boyfriend. In the end, he decided to text him, that way he wouldn't ruin his evening when he saw him on Saturday.

  Would you do me a favor? Pretend to be my boyfriend for an evening?

  I don't do that. Sorry

  I'd pay?

  It's not about the money, I like to keep things simple, and lying is never simple.

  Sorry, didn't mean to make it awkward.

  It's not awkward, I can recommend a service if you're looking for a date

  No, you're probably right, lying is too complicated x

  Will I see you Saturday?

  Yes

  See you then

  ***

  Saturday took its time coming around, Gary still felt strange after asking Matthew to be his boyfriend, well, pretend to be his boyfriend.

  Matthew was waiting for him at the door with a smile on his face, and that smile wiped away all his worries. Gary didn't have to say a word to know that he was forgiven and that it was all forgotten about. Although maybe Matthew had a way of wiping out those sort of memories, which would be useful.

  He couldn't believe that he'd known Matthew for nearly six months, it was by far his longest romantic relationship that he'd ever had, and he wasn't sure what that said about him. But it worked for him, and that was all that mattered. He could have been picking up random people each week on dating apps, but at least this way he got continuity.

  And he doubted that he would get sex this good from anyone that he would meet on a dating app.

  Matthew had him pinned against the wall, his soft lips felt like heaven against his own as the scratch of his stubble sent sparks of pleasure through his body. He gasped when Matthew reached down to rub at the bulge in his jeans, and Gary frantically starting undressing Matthew, throwing his jumper off as he hurried to get out of his jeans.

  Gary dragged Matthew back into a messy kiss, his tongue not caring which bit of Matthew it made contact with, licking at his sweet lips as he backed Matthew against the table, it looked sturdy enough to support him, and Gary lifted him up onto it, never breaking the kiss as he balanced Matthew so that his ass was hanging over the edge of the table.

  Matthew lay back, spreading his legs wide so that Gary could tease the soft fur around his hole, thrusting two fingers in as he played with his prostate, eliciting the most pornographic moans from him, and Gary knew that he was going to feel amazing wrapped around him.

  Gary smiled as he took in the sight of Matthew lying out beneath him, all open and waiting, his angel fluttering their wings as his chest heaved in anticipation. He thrust in, feeling Matthew clench around him as he bottomed out, so warm and silky, and over the last few months he'd learned exactly what angle had Matthew gasping and begging for more.

  Matthew's smile as he adjusted was the most beautiful sight, and Gary reached out to stroke the side of his face, looking at him with love and affection as he let his fingers trail down Matthew's body, playing with his nipples on the way, until his hands were holding his hips tight.

  Gary pulled back, leaving just the tip in before thrusting back in, repeating this over and over again as Matthew cried out in pleasure, his hips bucking as he begged for more. Sweat was dripping down both their bodies, the frantic pace was unrelenting and Gary could already feel his muscles tensing, he was on the edge, and from the look of Matthew, mouth slack and eyes scrunched shut, so was he.

  “I'm close,” Matthew said, his breathless voice perfect for giving orders, and Gary reached down to stroke his cock, gripping it tight as he thrust in time, wanting them to come together.

  Gary felt Matthew clench around him, milking every last drop of come out of him as his moans filled the flat, come flying out over his chest as Gary held his trembling legs, kissing at his perfect calves as he lay limp on the table, catching his breath.

  “You're gorgeous,” Gary said, sliding out of Matthew as he gasped, before ducking down so that he could lick his come back out of him, enjoying every twitch and moan as he slid his tongue inside him, his muscles fluttering around him.

  Gary held his cheeks open so that his tongue could squirm its way in deeper, Matthew's toes curled as he came for a second time, his oversensitive body crying out for release.

  “Fuck, you're amazing.” Matthew sat up slowly, Gary's hea
d resting against his thigh as he nipped at his soft skin, licking the red marks. Gary stood up, nestling between Matthew's legs as he went in for a sloppy kiss, letting Matthew taste him, and he greedily licked at his mouth, seeking out every last drop.

  Matthew wrapped his arms around Gary's shoulders, waiting for Gary to lift him up and carry him to bed, tangling their bodies together as Gary looked around at the clock.

  “You're my last client, so you can stay until morning if you want,” Matthew said, resting his forehead against Gary's but Gary wasn't sure his bank account could manage that.

  “I should be going.” Gary pulled back slightly, torn between staying and going, and Matthew seemed to sense his hesitation, he was a natural at reading people, it was what made him good at his job.

  “No extra charge, think of it as a reward for being a loyal customer,” Matthew said with a grin, pulling Gary back in and wrapping his arms around him.

  Gary wasn't fooling himself, he would be going home to an empty flat, and what was wrong with wanting someone to cuddle? He snuggled in next to Matthew, his soft blond stubble tickling his furry chest as they dozed off.

  The next morning Gary woke to the low autumn sunlight streaming through the window, Matthew's soft snores barely audible over the sound of the heating clicking in, water whirring through the radiators.

  Gary got dressed quietly, not wanting to wake Matthew, he had no idea how much sleep robots needed, or if was just an affectation that was programmed into Matthew to make him seem more human.

  The floorboard creaked as he slid his shoes on, and he heard Matthew stir.

  “Are you forgetting something?” Matthew said, and Gary felt his heart race when he realized that he hadn't left the money, but as he got closer, Matthew's smile turned to cheeky grin. “Where's my goodbye kiss?”

  Gary leant in for one last kiss, sliding the money out of his pocket and on to the floor. He left double, he'd forgotten to take money last week, and although Matthew had said nothing, Gary had felt guilty about it all week.

  Hopefully Matthew would notice it there, it looked like it had fallen off the bedside table. Gary breathed a sigh of relief, the act was still in place, after all these months, the thought of handing the money directly to Matthew filled him with embarrassment.

  He headed out into the early morning chill, shivering as he walked home. Without Matthew curled up next to him, the air was cold and bitter.

  ***

  The canteen was filled with people, and there was cake, as everyone sang happy birthday to Ellis. It was strange seeing so many unfamiliar faces, but the lure of free food and an hour off work meant that a lot of people were in attendance.

  It took a while for Gary to get anywhere near the birthday boy, but when he did he had the biggest smile on his face.

  “Gary! I'm having a party this Saturday, you have to bring your boyfriend.”

  Ellis went in for a hug, and Gary whispered, “Not here. Later.”

  Gary felt bad when he pulled back and saw that Ellis wasn't smiling any more, but he had to tell him the truth before it all got out of hand, and work really wasn't the place for that.

  “I'll see you at your place after work?” Gary said, giving Ellis a quick kiss on the cheek before heading back up to his office, working through his lunch break just so that he didn't have to focus on the fact that he was going to have to tell Ellis everything, and he had no idea how he was going to react to the idea that his best friend was 'dating' a sexbot.

  *

  Ellis was waiting for him, and he accepted the cup of coffee without the usual argument about it not being tea, just glad to have something to hold and focus on while he was talking. It would make this whole thing easier for him.

  There was silence as Ellis waited for him to speak, and Gary sat sipping his coffee until he could bear the silence no longer.

  “I'm seeing a sexbot, Matthew, and that's why you can't meet him.” Gary blurted it all out, unable to meet Ellis' eyes as he waited for a response.

  Ellis took a deep breath, and Gary felt his blood run cold. “A sexbot?”

  “Yes.” Gary drank the last of his coffee and the empty cup stared back at him. He went to make himself a cup of tea, leaving Ellis sitting on the sofa, blinking as he tried to work out how he was going to react. The fact that Ellis had said nothing at all was worrying, as Ellis was the person who always had the kind words and positive outlook in any situation.

  He returned with a cup of tea, using it as his shield as he sat back down next to Ellis on the sofa.

  “You could do so much better than a sexbot.” Ellis shook his head, and Gary saw a flicker of disgust as he wrinkled his nose.

  “You hook up with lots of people from apps, and I have this,” Gary said, and he saw Ellis' nostrils flare, he was angry.

  “At least I'm having sex with humans.” Ellis sat his coffee down, his hands shaking as the rage took over him. “Not some disease carrying sexbot.”

  “They're designed not to carry diseases, their synthetic tissue is incapable of being host to STDs.” Gary tried to keep his voice calm and level, but he could see Ellis wasn't happy and he didn't know what to do to fix that. He didn't know if he could fix that.

  Ellis let out a deep breath, and Gary thought he was going to say sorry. “It's not healthy, dating something that's programmed to love you, that's not a real relationship.”

  “It's just sex, I'm under no illusions about him being exclusively mine.” Gary sipped at his tea, the sugar rushing through his veins and making him feel less shaky.

  “How long have you been seeing it?” Ellis asked, and Gary wondered if he'd used the word 'it' deliberately to annoy him, but he was like that not long ago, seeing robots as just fancy machines, not as beings equal to them.

  “I've been seeing Matthew for nearly six months.”

  Ellis hung his head, shaking it as Gary wondered why he was still trying to explain it to someone who clearly wasn't interesting in understanding. “I could find you someone, you wouldn't have to see a sexbot anymore.”

  “You don't understand.” Gary put his cup down, glad that he hadn't taken his jacket off. “I shouldn't have told you.”

  Gary left without another word, not listening to what Ellis was saying, it was all noise. He had been telling himself for months that this was his treat, instead of dates, or drinks, or hobbies, he had Matthew.

  But he'd been lying to himself, he wanted more than just sex from him, he wanted Matthew to be his and only his.

  *

  Gary found himself wandering through the streets aimlessly, replaying the conversation that he'd had with Ellis over and over again in his head, wishing there was a delete button on his memory.

  He found himself outside Matthew's block of flats, and he wandered in, not sure why he'd come here, but it was where he wanted to be.

  There was a man standing outside Matthew's flat, similar height to Matthew, short mousy brown hair and red lips that stood out against his pale skin. He looked too handsome to need a sexbot, but Gary was aware that it didn't really work that way, he knew he wasn't an unattractive guy, and yet it was just easier to have something without complications.

  But he'd made it complicated.

  Gary knocked on the door, and Matthew looked surprised to see him. He knew it was rude, but he just had to talk to him, clear his mind, and get all the ill feelings out.

  “I've only got time for a quickie,” Matthew said, leaning in for a kiss.

  “It's not why I'm here, I wanted to talk.” Gary slumped down on the sofa, and Matthew sat down next to him, reaching out to hold his hand and Gary felt calmer the second that their skin made contact, Matthew's thumb stroking the side as he waited for him to speak.

  “What's wrong?” Matthew asked, and Gary could swear that he heard concern in his voice, he was sure that there was something more than just programming that made Matthew treat him this way.

  “I told my friend that I was seeing a sexbot, and they were angry about
it.”

  “I'm sorry.” Matthew moved in for a hug, holding Gary tight as he felt the tears well up in his eyes.

  “Don't be, it made me realize that I'm in love with you.” Gary held his breath as he waited for Matthew to say something.

  “I love you too.”

  Gary smiled, his heart racing as he held Matthew tighter. “And I want you to be just mine. I'll buy you.”

  “I'm not for sale, not like that.” Matthew kissed the side of Gary's neck, and Gary braced himself for disappointment. “I like my job, I'm good at it. I'm my own person and I don't want to be owned by anyone.”

  “I'm sorry, I just really like having you around.” Gary felt a tear run down his cheek, and Matthew kissed it away.

  “Maybe we shouldn't see each other this week, give you some space,” Matthew said, but Gary shook his head.

  “No, you're right, I was just upset.” Gary let out a deep breath, and he felt himself relax, the warmth of Matthew calming his agitated mind. “My friend, he keeps insisting that I should date someone, I should meet people, and I think he's got into my head.”

  “It's okay.” Matthew went in for one big hug, squeezing Gary tight, and he knew that he had definitely overstayed his welcome.

  “I'm sorry about this, I'll see you Saturday.” Gary gave him a kiss on the cheek, scurrying towards the door.

  “Saturday, but you can't just show up like this again.” Matthew blew him a kiss and Gary smiled.

  “I understand.”

  Gary wandered out into the hall, where the man was still waiting with a blush on his cheeks, he was clearly Matthew's next client, and the fact that he didn't feel any jealousy meant that he was capable of dealing with their relationship just the way it was.

  So he loved a sexbot, he understood the boundaries of their relationship, and that was fine by him. This was Ellis' problem, not his.

  ***

  The next two days at work were awkward, he caught sight of Ellis once, but he kept his head down and ducked into the lift. He wasn't even going to another floor but it was better than having to deal with Ellis at work. The last thing that he wanted was Ellis telling everyone that he was seeing a sexbot.