Chapter Text
Y/N couldn’t stop looking at the letter from her landlord.
What was written was something far from promising. Even if they were just a few words in such a short message, it was impressive how a piece of paper could cause stress and leave her down in the dumps.
Without so much to do, she left her backpack on the nearest sofa and threw herself on the bed completely exhausted.
She didn’t stop observing those letters that sounded, in her mind, as the landlord’s voice.
I know you are trying Y/N, but I’m afraid to ask you to leave the apartment. None of this is personal. I know you are a good person, but I can’t wait for you any longer. I’ll give you 30 days to evict the place. The money you collect, use it to find another apartment.
Good luck.
Don was never a horrible landlord, on the contrary, he was more than patient in terms of payments.
Y/N had tried to get a roommate so the rent wouldn't be so heavy, but Lucy wasn't what she expected. She ran away from home because of a domestic problem and, unfortunately, she was unemployed. When things got worse with the rent, Lucy left with one of the many study partners of hers, leaving her alone with the debt.
She knew it was a matter of time to receive this kind of message.
Although she was thinking about not getting another job for the time between the restaurant and the University, Y/N has no other choice right now.
Without the support of her relatives or close friends, she’d already considered dropping out school so she could get a second job to help herself. This would affect her greatly, but at least she wouldn't have that problem chasing her month by month.
She didn’t want to think about her problems.
She was tired of being overwhelmed by that every time she looked at the ceiling of her room. Unfortunately, those inconveniences were always the order of the day. And as if that weren't enough, the psychometric test and interviews from the hospital weren't helping her to relax.
A few days ago, a group of doctors came to campus doing interviews throughout the University. One consisted of multiple-choice questions, while others were a series of somewhat personal questions inside the college’s infirmary.
They said it was a routine mandatory survey, but that was really strange. She had never heard of that kind of practice and less from a hospital. But, if the University approved it, she assumed it was okay.
She decided to put that memory aside and make at least one sandwich for dinner; she hadn't eaten anything for the short time she was at work and now she was starving. However, just as she was going to get supplies for dinner, her cell phone started ringing.
It was an unknown number, but it belonged to the city’s area. She hung up, thinking that the calls would stop, however, the same number insisted a few more times.
With a tired sigh, she decided to answer and at least clarify the doubt with whoever was calling her.
“Hello?”
“Good evening, am I talking to Y/N?” Said the voice of a young man, very charismatic and courteous. It felt like those types of workers who wanted to offer a credit card or phone line plans. Thinking about that made her feel down and with a desire to hang up at the first moment this boy wanted to offer her something that she couldn’t afford.
She was in no mood to tolerate such suggestions.
“Yes, it’s me.”
“Oh, thank goodness... I'm sorry to call you at this hour, but I want to notify you that HOPETECH company is interested in recruiting you for a job... the hours are very flexible and you’ll be able to work from home...”
This was a surprise and a rather unexpected one. Y/N didn't understand the reason why she was being considered for a job offer. She never applied there.
Many knew about that company; it was one specified in robotics and advanced technology. They had many products for sale; its popularity and efficiency had them ranked number one in computers and cell phones, almost to the point of taking the throne from that peculiar company with the apple as its logo.
It’s a good company, but she didn't understand how they got her number. She never gave it to them.
“Excuse me, but how did you get my number?”
“Oh, you did an exam at the University and you were selected to be part of our work team, but, before accepting and if you want more details, I recommend you to give us a visit and, with pleasure, we’ll have an appointment with you... What time and day could you come?” Said the boy with the same encouragement, patience and courtesy.
Y/N was curious and slightly relieved. She didn’t know what kind of job they wanted to offer her, but it was well known that the pay there was very good. Perhaps, if she got that job that could be done at home, she would have enough money to pay the rent and stay, or at least have more time to find another place to live.
She lost nothing by trying.
And if it was a joke, she could only apologize for the mistake and go back to her main plan.
“Okay, I'm interested, do you think I could go tomorrow at seven in the evening?”
“Sounds perfect Miss! I’ll send you a QR code so you can show it at the entrance, also, don’t forget to take your ID with you... we hope to see you there... have a nice night...”
Y/N said goodbye in the same way and received the code immediately.
Now Don's yellow note didn't sound so alarming.
She decided to make the sandwich that her stomach asked for and distract herself with her cell phone. As she was researching, she wanted to take a look at that company's website, but apparently it didn’t have many details. It only had its mission and the pictures of products that they have for sale.
She had no idea what such a company would want with her.
She hoped that all this wasn’t just one more disappointment.
***
When the bus was making its routine stop at the company that Y/N would visit, she couldn't help but feel her heart pounding faster. This reminded her of those times when she had to talk in public or when she couldn't stay afloat at the beach. Those were things that always scared her, that feeling of being trapped and unable to get out.
But it was too late to flee.
She got off the bus, zipped up her dark sweater with a white stripe and pulled the hood over her cap. After that, she approached the imposing building and saw an officer at the entrance. He asked her to show him the code that was sent to her by message and, when everything was in order, the man smiled at her and welcomed her. The man also told her where she should go.
When she approached the reception, she noticed how a young man with a notebook and lab coat approached her.
“Y/N, thank you very much for giving us a chance. Please, follow me, I’ll take you to my boss... she’ll clear up all your doubts.” Said the young man with energy.
Hearing him clearly, she realized that it was the same man who had called her last night.
Along the way, that kind boy showed her the facilities and the purpose of each one. Also, most of the staff greeted her. They were very friendly, unless they were pretending.
During that walk, Y/N couldn't help but get distracted a bit. There were moments when she looked in amazement at some experiments they had with robotics. Some of those machines carried heavy merchandise or hold an entire manufacture of computer equipment. The one that impressed her the most was how it placed a robotic arm on a person who lacked that part of the body.
Amazed, she watched the man move the robotic arm in a natural way. It was as if it were a real arm, the mobility was similar and natural, with the only difference being the silvery glow of the fabrication.
Maybe the job wouldn't be so bad. Maybe they would ask her to take calls or schedule appointments from home. She wasn't sure, but considering her age and career, she was sure it would be an easy job.
Once they arrived, she noticed that the place seemed to be a boardroom; the table was oval and there were several chairs and laptops around it, as well as a projector and a screen.
“Well Miss, come in, my boss will come right away... Oh! Would you like something to drink? We have hot chocolate, coffee, cappuccino...”
"Oh, umm, hot chocolate is fine… thank you very much." Said with impression.
She was still impressed with their kindness; all to the point of making her feel comfortable with the environment.
When she received the drink, the young man said goodbye and closed the door.
As she drank it, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of pleasure. It was the best chocolate she had tasted in years. If she could, she would ask for more.
She took a few more sips and, once finished, she heard the door opening again. Turning around, she got up from the chair and made eye contact with the woman who had just entered.
She appeared to be in her thirties. She was wearing a pink button-down shirt that was tucked in a dark skirt that reached above the knee. On top of her, she was wearing a lab coat similar to the man who had brought her here.
“It's nice to meet you Y/N. My name is Rose King and you don't know how grateful I am that you are here... I hope my workers have treated you well...” Said the woman while giving her a strong handshake. Her voice was so harmonious and out of malice, that Y/N had no choice but to smile at how nice she was.
“The truth is, everyone has been very nice to me, I’m impressed...”
“It could be said it’s my company policy, kindness above all... I know my assistant mentioned very little about the job and I'm here to clarify it... but, first, you know what we do, right?” Said the woman while taking seat, that was sign to Y/N to do the same.
“Yes, you are dedicated about robotics in general, you’re practically the leaders in sales, actually, my cell phone is one of your creations.”
The woman smiled proudly at that description.
“It’s correct... that’s what my company does... in fact... right now we are making progress in robotics... it’s in this aspect that we need your assistance.”
That was strange.
Y/N didn’t have any skills or knowledge related to that matter. She didn’t understand and already felt that would be backing off with the job offer.
“Days ago, we applied a psychometric test, as well as an interview... and in those results you were diagnosed with depression.” The woman said with some regret and with a moderate tone in her voice, as if trying not to offend her.
For Y/N that was nothing new. If she could count the number of disasters she has in her life, she wouldn’t blame the person or rating machine for defining that she suffered from that.
The truth was that, without support, without family, without a close friend and soon without a home, just led her to have negative ideas, to hate herself, to not want to eat anything and wanting to do nothing every time she realized that it wouldn’t make any difference.
All those thoughts never let her sleep some nights.
She looked at other classmates and seeing them laugh, she always wondered how they did it. Something stressful could happen and they would act like it didn't matter. She really wanted to think like that, but her problems used to be so big that she couldn't minimize them.
“… It’s not my intention to offend you…” Said the scientist noticing the girl’s silence.
“Don’t worry... the truth is, I’m not surprised that this result came out... I’d like to stop feeling like this."
“Maybe you don’t have to suffer anymore.” Said the scientist with a serious voice.
Y/N was more confused now.
What the heck did robotics and work at home have to do with all this talk?
“Every day the number of people who fall into depression increases as you have no idea. A lot of youths and adults use tragic measures to end their pain... When we asked what they needed, most indicated the company of someone, another person who could help them bear that burden... What if I told you that I could give you that person? That your depression can disappear?”
Y/N looked at the scientist with a face full of uncertainty, but, at the same time, with enormous curiosity.
“I don’t understand.”
“Please, come in...” Said the woman while watching at the entrance.
As the door opened, a young man in a wheelchair was revealed. He was staring at the ground. Also, he was wearing a black vest and pants, as well as a long-sleeved blue T-shirt. From that T-shirt she could see the logo of a black and white heart. Behind him, another man in a lab coat was pushing him close to Y/N and the scientist.
“This is our android... made to love you.”
Y/N looked at the boy with her mouth open and then looked at the woman for more explanations.
“Would you let him introduce himself?”
The girl nodded, hoping that something in that would clear up her doubts.
“Unit 085E5510N, wake up...” Ordered the scientist with a loud and firm voice.
Seconds later, the boy in the wheelchair straightened up and slowly opened his eyes. He looked at everyone present and stopped his gaze once he made eye contact with Y/N.
Looking at her, he smiled from ear to ear. After that, he got up from the wheelchair and got near the girl to give her a hug immediately. That gesture made her cry out in surprise and push him away.
When she saw him once again, Y/N noticed he was looking at her with some mixed surprise and melancholy, almost as if he were hurt by her own rejection.
“Wow, you're a jumpy one, aren’t ya? I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention... it's just... I can't control myself when it comes to you...” Said the boy, noticing the girl's obvious discomfort.
Y/N felt more uncomfortable with those words and a frightened grimace formed immediately.
“Excuse me? What are you talking about?”
Now the boy looked at her with a scared face, as if his heart had been broken with those simple questions.
“I'm your boyfriend... Isn't that why you're here?”
Now things were weirder.
If Y/N felt uncomfortable before, now she felt much worse. She looked at both scientists and at this young man who proclaimed himself as her boyfriend. However, she received only signs to continue with that peculiar and strange talk.
Everything was so sudden and without any help, she had no other choice but panic.
“Boyfriend?! No! Of course not! I don't know what you're talking about!” Y/N said as she moved away from the table, preferably near the door that would take her to the exit.
Only at that moment the scientists tried to calm her down, but their attempts stopped once they saw the boy’s reaction.
It wasn’t for less. That dude began to hug himself and shiver as if he were cold; he knelt on the ground and his eyes looked in various directions. The scene reminded her at those when somebody confessed about the death of someone beloved. You weren't able to process the information, leaving only agony and a chest pain that wouldn't go away for a while.
But she didn’t understand him.
Why was he behaving like this? Why did he think they were in a relationship?
“Rose, we are in trouble... his stress level is 80% now.” Warned the other scientist while looking at a Tablet.
“Damn it... reset him immediately... Erase the memory of what just happened, we’ll start all over again...”
In seconds, the scientist held the miserable young man and inserted something similar to a pen on his neck.
The boy's pupils seemed to get bigger and lose brightness; it was as if he weren’t alive.
With some difficulty and because the boy was taller than the scientist, both professionals managed to get him into the wheelchair again. He moved his eyelids so his eyes were closed. Leaving him in the same position as before, with his gaze on the floor.
“What the fuck just happened? Is that boy okay? What have you done to him?” Y/N said completely confused.
She never considered herself a rude person. It was very difficult to make her use inappropriate language. So, there were unique moments when she cursed. Many said they felt lucky when they heard her being rude.
“Y/N, let me explain, please, don't freak out...” Begged the scientist as she took the girl's hand to calm her down. The woman felt some relief when she saw no rejection from her.
“Rose, this is not going to work, you saw how the unit behaves... it’s better if we...”
“We can’t give up... we’ll follow the protocol... I have a good feeling about her, Y/N is perfect for this...”
The other scientist looked at her doubtfully and hunched his shoulders as he had no more to argue. He looked at Y/N with distress and concern. His silence was a green light to Rose to continue with her explanation.
“This boy... is an android... he’s not human, but, by your own reaction, you can see how convincing he is to deceive others. You thought he was human... but, he is not. Unit 085, as well as seven more, are prototype androids.”
Y/N looked at the woman and then at that robot. If what she was saying was true, that boy represented the opposite; his reactions, voice and skin were so genuine and real.
She thought they were playing a prank on her, but they didn't seem to be. She was a little scared to still stay in this place. She was looking at the door to run once she had the chance; however, Rose squeezed her hand gently.
“Our project consists of helping people with depression, as well as others who have medical problems and require the care and help from another human being... as I told you before, the tests we carried out showed that you have depression. You and other candidates… some of them suffer from it and others need assistance and medical care...”
Rose kept her voice calm, but anyone who was present would immediately notice that she was getting nervous and fearful with every word.
Y/N, on the other hand, kept a serious look at her, listening to what she had to say and with genuine interest. Her silence was a signal for the scientist to continue.
“Your result stated that the best way to treat your depression is with a boyfriend by your side...”
“A... A boyfriend?”
“Yes, we chose a male for you... although, it can be changed, in sexual preference you claimed to be bisexual. If you wish, we can change him with the female prototype we have.”
Y/N felt her cheeks burn at the confession and a nervousness ran down her spine at how unreal this all was.
“Not all androids will be a partner for the volunteers... some will take the role of brothers, children, grandchildren... this was decided based on the results of the test. All the factors show us the role the robot should take with a certain human... if you agree to take this unit home and inform us about his progress or mistakes, you will be paid a monthly fee of $2,500... Also, you’ll have to come here once a week to do a checkup on the android... in other words Y/N, to heal you, this android will be your boyfriend... do you accept the job?”
The young woman took off her hood and cap, so she could run her fingers through her hair. Everything that had just been told sounded so unreal and even if she thought more about it, the question fell on whether she would be willing to do this or not.
Whatever it was, the reality was that she needed the money. Many of her problems would be solved with this job. But she kept thinking about the behavior of that android, that first interaction of his really scared her.
She sounded like an opportunist girl, but, if she wanted to survive in this adult world and not live on the streets or drop out of school, she needed to accept that offer.
She needed that money.
“Okay... I’ll do it, but I still have doubts and...”
“Thanks! Thank you so much! You have no idea how important your participation is and don't worry, I'll answer all your questions.” Rose said with much more emotion than ever as she held her hands and moved them in gratitude.
From there, Rose answered all her doubts, from the android’s care and the steps to follow if a problem occurred with her unit. Also, and with a lot of shame on the part of Y/N, she asked if that robot would cross the line; If it would be in his goals to make movements and romantic gestures in a physical way. Fortunately, and according to Rose, the androids ask for consent first. If she refused, that robot wouldn’t do anything to her. She was going to ask if a sexual relationship with him was possible, but she didn't think that could happen and didn't want to sound like a pervert.
The good news about this was that she could pay Don the money she owed him and if she kept doing a good job, she could keep the apartment.
Having everything ready during that half-hour chat, Rose and the other scientist decided that it was time for the robot to introduce itself to Y/N again.
“Very well, we’ll change the presentation a little. He won’t remember that he met you, we erased his memory, so, we’ll do something different... we’ll activate him and you’ll give him a name, okay? So, start thinking about one.” Rose said as she took Y/N's hand and sat her face to face with the unconscious android.
Y/N was never good with names, she thought about which would be the most appropriate, but she didn’t get any, fortunately, she remembered one that was deep down in her memory. A name that she adores.
“Unit 085E5510N, register your name...” Ordered the scientist. After that, she made a signal to Y/N to tell him the chosen name.
Y/N cleared her throat and said it out loud.
“Peter...”
The robot blinked a little, his gaze focused on a specific point on the wall.
“Rose, It registered the name successfully.” Said the young man as he looked at the data from the tablet.
"Okay Peter, now, register your girlfriend’s’ name." Rose said, completely relieved that she no longer had to use numbers and letters with this robot.
Y/N said her full name, but Peter seemed not to hear her or react.
“There must be a problem with its hearing device. Y/N, try to say it near its ear...”
The girl, stumbling, got up from the chair and approached the boy who didn’t look away from the wall, she got near one of his ears and told him her full name.
After that, Y/N felt Peter's arms hold her waist in a hug. When Peter looked up, the girl witnessed a smile full of joy, with eyes full of hope and affection towards her.
Her heartbeat began to get stronger when she saw such a cute gesture from a boy.
“Hello Y/N, my name is Peter, I'm your boyfriend.” Peter said with a confident smile. From his cheeks, anyone could see the pink tone.
Despite the storm and anxiety were growing little by little, those feelings were being overshadowed by Peter’s sweet voice and hug.
***
Once they left the building, Rose gave her some disks, USBs and a laptop courtesy of the company so she could record the interviews and questions that would be sporadically sent to her.
Before leaving, Y/N had to give more personal information, such as address, place of employment and name of the university, as well as information from a credit card or internet account to be able to deposit the money. But above all, she had to sign a legal contract to formally start the job.
A sigh full of relief came out when she saw that they deposited her half of the monthly payment of what was agreed. Now with that she could pay Don and possibly don’t leave the apartment.
But now, she has Peter's presence.
Throughout the trip inside the bus, Peter was gentlemanly with her, offering to carry her belongings or let her rest her head on his shoulder. However, on the way back home, he acted strangely. She felt the piercing gaze of the android next to her. When Y/N tried to make eye contact, he looked away immediately and nervously.
Possibly, he didn't like her at all. She hoped that wasn't the case, she really needed the money. This had to work, it needed to work.
She would try to talk to him once they got home, but until that happened, she decided to distract herself with him. The girl was staring at his face full of amazement as he looked at the street and buildings. Peter didn’t lose the details and the sky lit by the few stars and the Moon. Now that she thought about it, this must be the first time he had observed these things. A smile escaped her at how adorable Peter looked.
That made Y/N think that this wouldn't be so stressful. Also, she should feel even lucky. How many are given an android and got paid for it? Yes, this was fine, and if Rose's project worked, maybe they would heal her too.
That idea gave her excitement, enthusiasm and enough energy to present her apartment to him when they got there. Once inside, Peter looked around without losing his smile.
“Welcome to my humble home... I know it’s not very impressive and it’s kind of messy, but, feel comfortable.”
Y/N closed the door and approached Peter, perhaps he found the room confusing.
“Darling, It’s beautiful... and cozy...”
The young woman was surprised by that answer and a voice in her head told her that she shouldn’t feel like that. Officially this robot, Peter, is her boyfriend now.
It wouldn’t be the first time and neither the last one to call her with that pet name, like all normal couples do.
Would it be appropriate to use nicknames too?
She would take some time getting used to, but, something good would come of it.
“Well, Rose said you would have enough charge... so we won't have to charge you... If you want, you can watch the TV. I'll take a quick shower.”
“Oh, Y/N, do you need any help? I can help you.” Said Peter with a smile from ear to ear. He acted as if he was asking a very common question.
She couldn't help but blush.
“No! You don’t need to Peter, I appreciate it. Don’t worry, I can handle it.”
“All right! I'll wait for you in the living room.” He said with a smile.
That confirmed what Rose told, that he wouldn’t force her, that Peter would ask her for consent first.
Without further ado, he looked at the television for a few seconds and it turned on by itself, without using the remote control or pressing any button.
Her jaw dropped and couldn't help but asking about it.
“How... How did you do that?”
“Oh, I can do it, not only with the TV, I can do it with anything electrical; like a laptop, cell phone, any instrument in the kitchen or laundry... I send a signal and the device obeys me...” Peter said proudly and with a voice full of confidence.
The girl sat next to him on the sofa and looked at him in amazement.
“What else can you do?”
“I’m a translator, encyclopedia, I have internet access, I can make and receive calls, send messages, I’m able to write in the calligraphy of common computer programs, I know first aid and many other talents darling. I know that you’ll discover them pretty soon.” He said while raising his fingers to each quality.
The girl looked at him with a face full of shock, not wasting a moment to tell him how incredible he is.
These robots will be a fortune on the market.
“But most importantly, I'm here for you Y/N... you can always count on me…” Said Peter as he approached her and placed himself on top of the girl on the sofa, but not to do something daring, but to give her a hug bear.
The young woman reciprocated the gesture in the same way and Peter hugged her tightly. Although it sounded strange, she liked to feel Peter's body against hers. However, her shame was bigger and made her got up slowly, excusing herself that it was time to take a shower.
Now, the million-dollar question was what should she do with Peter.
Rose told him that they didn’t get tired, but Y/N, at least, would like to give him a space for himself. He could use the room that Lucy left, but that place was a minefield. Because of the rush, Y/N was unable to clean it completely.
Peter didn't deserve that kind of welcome.
Maybe the living room, he could sleep there without problem.
When she came out of the bathroom, wearing her shorts and her pink shirt, larger than usual, she felt Peter follow her into her bedroom. Once inside, the robot changed his attitude with one full of emotion. He looked at every detail of the room, such as the clothes in the closet, the books and some photographs framed on the wall. When he saw them, it was as if he analyzed what his hands were touching. His reaction reminded her of an explorer to a very valuable treasure never discovered.
“I’m sorry Peter... I didn’t have time to prepare a room for you, but I’ll do it tomorrow... if you like, you can use my bed or sofa...” Said Y/N politely and without feeling any discomfort. She won’t mind sleeping on the floor.
“Of course not, darling. Actually, I don't need to sleep, I don't feel fatigue... it's better if you stay in bed... Or do you want me to sleep with you?” Said in a playful tone and without being able to avoid laughing when he heard the girl's noises full of embarrassment.
“Sorry Peter... maybe next time, don't take it the wrong way... it's just... all this has been so sudden and... it's not that I don’t like you or anything... but...”
“It’s ok Y/N... I was just playing, in fact, I would like to sit on this chair and watch you sleep... if you don’t mind…”
Rose had warned her that this was possible to happen; that this request was a common aspect that Peter and the other androids would request from their humans. The scientist told her that if he asked for this, she needed to allow it, as it was a way for their system to get to know more of their assigned human while resting.
“Okay, but I warn you, you won’t see anything impressive... maybe I’ll snore a little...” Y/N said after a nervous laugh as she lay down on the bed.
“Everything about you is wonderful darling... you just haven't noticed it yet. You’re a very special girl and I’ll make sure to show you that.”
The girl blushed again and she couldn't look at her android in the eye. He wished her a good night and set an alarm on her cell phone.
Incredibly, Peter told her that he could wake her up, since he had an alarm himself.
He felt that this boy was one wonder after another. That left her wondering what other surprises he had for her.
She lay down on the bed and rolled onto her side so she wouldn't feel Peter's piercing gaze. Which was literally luminous, as his eyes lit up the room like a blurry lamp.
Y/N closed her eyes and waited for everything to go well.
She hoped to be good enough for this job.
She wanted to heal and have faith in what Rose promised her.
But most of all, she hoped to get along with Peter.