A/N: Wow, my first shounen-ai work. Very very loosely based on the beginning of Megaman 8. Probably oneshot unless people like it. Oh, and if you're worried about the shounen-ai, Rock and Forte never actually get to see each other in it, so...

Thanks to the website Brandnew Way for insipiring me and providing the story that roughly formed a base for me. (Broken Mirrors and Blood Red Tears)

Rivals

Forte reclined on his simple bed, staring at the ceiling. With one white-gloved hand, he absently stroked the large purple dog that lay next to him. However, he seemed almost unconscious of the motion, his red eyes instead clouded in thought.

Finally the dog apparently noticed the purple-haired man's distraction, and nudged Forte's hand, whining slightly. Forte looked down, startled, but smiled slightly when he saw Gospel's worried look. "You're worried about me, hmn?" He scratched the dog behind the ears, still smiling sadly. "It's nothing, Gospel. Don't concern yourself. It's just..." He lowered his head, purple hair falling in such a way to completely obscure his face. "I can't forget what Rock said..."

"Forte!" the small blue robot had yelled, his eyes shining with concern. "Why must we fight? We are not enemies!"

Forte had been taken aback at this statement. After all he had done to Rockman, after his betrayal of the whole Light family, Rock still believed he was a friend? How was this possible? He had managed to recover and resume the battle, but the words still echoed in his head...

Forte shook his head. "He'd probably say that to anyone, even Wily himself. Annoying pacifist..." he muttered, but the words sounded hollow, even to himself. The boy's eyes had been so worried, as if it was his best friend standing in front of him, not the man who had betrayed him and nearly killed his creator...

"Is he just a moron who doesn't understand what I am? Does he think through sweet words, he can convert me? It doesn't make any SENSE..." Beside him, Gospel growled in agreement.

Forte smiled momentarily at the dog, then resumed his thoughts, this time silently. What makes the least sense is... I almost believed him. The thought nearly caused him to laugh out loud. Me, the most advanced robot in the world, not the enemy of the one I was created to destroy? Foolishness! He slammed one fist into the bed beside him, forcing poor Gospel to scramble out of the way. But... If it's just foolishness... Why can't I just forget this idiocy and move on? Why can't I let go?

He stood up suddenly, grabbing his helmet off the bedside table. "Come on, Gospel. Let's head off," he said in a curt tone of voice. I may not understand why I feel so drawn to the boy... But I do understand that I must fight him... Until the battle ends, one way or the other, I shall fight...

Unbidden, a thought arose to his mind. I will fight... the one I love...