Author's Note: I know I've said about "length" that if it gets too much just tell me and I can break up, but I was thinking. Would smaller paragraphs help more? It may look longer but I think it'd be easier to read than those rather large paragraphs.
Chapter Thirty Eight.
"I thought you'd be sulking here." Tala muttered to himself and wandered into the apartment, he could already see that Bryan was in. His shoes had been thrown off in the hallway carelessly, likewise with his jacket. Sighing, the redhead wandered into the living room and he noticed that the furniture had been moved slightly since his last visit. The couch was now facing the window directly, the television now shunted into a corner. Bryan was sitting quietly, drinking from a water bottle just glaring into space.
Tala relaxed and sat down next to Bryan who seemed to refuse to acknowledge that he was there. Bryan didn't even blink as Tala went straight into speaking about the topic he was thinking about. "I'm sure we've all told you at one point, even thinking about Robert would ultimately make you miserable." That was what Bryan knew he was going to hear. The line that would mean he could not speak about any ill-feelings about the events surrounding Robert because he had already been told not to continue his relationship. He hated that scapegoat conversation trick which Tala pulled.
Silence for a brief moment before the redhead narrowed his eyes and Bryan was pulled from his thoughts, only to answer bitterly, "even if you pushed me to him." Blinking in surprise, Tala was forced not to give an answer to such a statement. He couldn't exactly say that it wasn't true as Tala had indeed shoved him towards Robert so Bryan would hopefully drop his feelings. "It was kind of obvious, Tala." Bryan muttered, he wasn't a fool and he may not have been the most observant person but he had noticed it when Tala brought Robert up. Almost as if he was baiting him to go have a word with the snob or defend him from insults.
"So, I don't need to-" Tala's pride had been insulted enough the past few weeks and he was not about to let Bryan think he had one over him. Although with the change in tone, Bryan knew that the insults were going to keep coming and not stop until Tala left... and Bryan... He couldn't be bothered with Tala's antics and odd habits at this time. Thinking deeply on things, it had never been a large part of his life, he never sat and thought about how some people reacted differently to the same thing. Why hadn't he noticed though? The discomfort which Ian and Spencer had gone through? Surely he should have picked up on that? "Remember who you're talking to, Tala." That was all that was said from Bryan: and it only meant one thing to Tala.
Stop with the pride-complex. Stop with the insults to make him feel better about himself. Bryan was not going to have his faults picked upon today, and Tala knew that now. He may have been what others called a cruel and sadistic captain but he also knew very well when he needed to draw the line. It was a constant battle in the Demolition Boys, to have a better, more effective move, or even be, stronger, smarter or faster than the other; to be better. This on-going struggle was difficult and wore on all of them differently, but there were times when said competition would be called off. For just a moment or two, they could simply speak to one another as if they were equals and pride was a forgotten word.
"You're pathetic. Why can't you just give up for once?" Tala hissed quietly to himself, he couldn't help saying it. He did genuinely believe that Bryan was being pathetic and silly. Why was Ian's and Spencer's sudden rejection such a hard thing for Bryan to understand? They had told Tala numerous times to 'cut it out' with Bryan, they must have discussed such a subject with Bryan as well. Then again Ian and Spencer would have probably wanted to stay away from the love-struck Bryan, who would have probably denied the request.
"Why aren't you back in America?" Bryan took a quick sip of his water, he was beginning to crave booze again and he couldn't stop thinking about how much better his evening would be with just one bottle. Just a sip. His logic told him to ignore that side, to disown those thoughts as soon as they came to his head but recently they had come back just as strong as they had been to begin with. It was making Bryan feel as if his work, over those gruelling weeks, had been for nothing. He'd been more agreeable and certainly he felt physically better without the hangovers everyday but he felt as if he was still missing something.
"Can't I come over and speak to my favourite friend?" Tala took his attention away from Bryan and watched out of the window, he could see now what Bryan was watching. It seemed to be a small nest of birds, newly hatched and twittering away for food. Bryan wasn't into nature or anything of the sort, so why was he sitting here watching so contently? On the other hand, Bryan was simply using them as an excuse to stare, unblinkingly and stay very quiet. He had changed the furniture around so that if anyone did come into the apartment: then they would need to venture into the living room to see if he was in – they wouldn't be able to normally, just look down the hall this time. Bryan mainly watched the reflection off the glass to see who was coming in to annoy him.
"You? Not without a reason." Bryan muttered. Tala was the type to appear only if he wanted or needed something, it was never a good idea to deny him what he wished as it would usually end up with someone getting hurt or the item in question being broken. Tala rolled his eyes it would seem that his attention in being civil hadn't worked. Then again his comments had been filled with sarcasm and scepticism up until now. Still, it was the usual kind of remark from Tala, at least he should be grateful that he wasn't using his pity-filled words.
"You're mine." That sentence didn't make Bryan feel any better. Tala monopolised everything he could, he either owned it or didn't. If he didn't then he would try – a failure would mean he wouldn't go near it again. The Demolition Boys were his team and everyone in it was also his. Then again what did that really mean? Perhaps just an abstract way of saying that they were friends? "I don't need your loyalties wandering because of that snob." His loyalties? They hadn't changed too much over the course of meeting Robert... Bryan squinted his eyes slightly, or maybe they had? He certainly didn't feel the urge to go see Tala like he used to, or even visit Ian. Well not at the minute while they were both still rather annoyed with one another. He was angrier with how Robert had reacted, than how his friends had. That wasn't right.
"You want your room back then?" Bryan didn't want to admit the fact, that he hated being alone. That he craved someone's input each day, and that he was very much grateful to anyone who spoke to him kindly enough. He just liked very few people, perhaps he shouldn't be so judgemental and he would gain more visits. But then again, Bryan was not in the mood as of yet, to have people talking to him. He just wanted to be assured that when he woke up again, there would be someone with him, near him. Being alone for only a few months had been Hell for Bryan, and the Abbey's fierce training was not quite comparable with the feeling of the rejection of the world.
"I'll stay with Spencer." Tala didn't want to be too blunt, but found that if he did give a vague answer it would install a fake hope – one of which Bryan didn't need right now. Bryan couldn't think for a minute that it was possible for them to comfort one another like they done earlier in the year. It had caused so much trouble for them all. On the other hand, Bryan took the rejection as a personal hit: did Tala not trust him enough to be in the same apartment as him? Did he come off as desperate as that? To try to jump Tala, as soon as a problem with Robert came up? Sleeping on the couch may not have been a great place, but the redhead could always blackmail or manipulate Ian or Spencer to give up their bed soon enough.
Bryan glanced down to the floor for a moment, thinking about how on earth he could get to this situation. Sleeping with Tala had been a big mistake, but Bryan felt himself unable to believe that it would have been better to not have experienced it whatsoever. He should have kept his word and called the whole thing off as he started to develop those emotions. But to have not done it at all? That was a little far to Bryan. "Do you hate me?" However, the point remained that Bryan was fine now – but Tala could still very well hate him for doing such a thing. Bryan wondered what kind of situation he shoved the boy into.
"I resent you for breaking our deal." Tala's voice was void of any tell of what he was feeling, "but then again..." The redhead closed his eyes and sighed loudly, a hand came up and he leaned his elbow against the arm. "You're an idiot. I should have expected as much." Bryan blinked, he supposed that that was a way of Tala telling him that he wasn't too pleased with him, but had forgiven him at least. Forgiveness from Tala of all people was rather rare to come by and so Bryan felt some relief in hearing those words. Even if it didn't keep his mind away from the main problem he was facing.
"I didn't think anyone had a problem with it..." Bryan muttered, and avoided any eye contact. He knew that if he were to turn and face the captain of the Demolition Boys he would break apart. His emotions would become conflicted and that was not what he needed at the minute. There was no need to tell Tala that he did not resent the time spent with him nor did he need to know about how he hated Tala for constantly putting the idea of being with Robert down.
"You never look at the bigger picture, Bryan." Tala glanced over to the quiet Russian and sighed again, he didn't really think that Bryan's lack of surveillance on what went on around him, would be cause such a large problem. Though, Tala had always been the one to be the look out, even when the two of them were stealing from warehouses, it didn't seem to be in Bryan's nature to be careful. "Spencer got loaded with the tasks I was meant to be doing, I became incompetent and you...Ignored Ian to the point he was non-existent to you." Tala didn't want to bring up the incident of being confessed to. That made him feel oddly embarrassed, and embarrassment was not a sensation he wanted to feel ever again – especially at this moment, it wouldn't help matters.
"I didn't do that on purpose." It was then, only for a brief moment that Bryan turned and both of them were watching each other. It wasn't as if Bryan was angry with Tala, neither was Bryan necessarily angry with Tala. It was in fact the idea that Tala had hated what Bryan had done to him, personally. Becoming more, far too, aware of others and not caring as much as he probably should have about the team because he knew that Bryan would do as he asked, whenever he did so. He felt secure. On the other hand, Bryan just felt stupid and petty. How could he have been so hated by Spencer and Ian and not even know it? Had they tried to tell him at one point?
"Of course not." Tala used his other hand to brush the bangs from his face, "but it happened." Tala muttered. He didn't need to remind Bryan that most of the imbalance caused in the team was because of their fun and games. Heaving another sigh, Bryan shook his head for a moment, this was too confusing. He liked Tala – probably still a little more than he should... But when he thought of Tala he would feel at fault as if he was doing something he shouldn't be. Then there was Robert. A simple thought caused his mind to yell obscurities and yet his chest seemed to tighten and all he wanted to do was go visit the snob. "Why did you want to tell him?" Bryan blinked at the question. "Why did you ask him? Why were you going to tell him?"
Suddenly it fell into place. The reason why Spencer, Ian, and Tala had got involved, they knew what he could say to Robert. They feared their own secrets being told to someone they had no trust in: they had lacked trust with Bryan ever since he'd going on a downwards spiral. No wonder they were so angry, Spencer and Ian probably believed that they would gain pity from Robert if Bryan even dared to speak about it. "He's told me some stuff, I just thought-" But the reasoning behind the insane action, the excuse, was stopped in its tracks by Tala, a harsh tone being adopted and the atmosphere suddenly becoming edgy.
"Some stuff?" Tala hissed, eyes suddenly open and more alert than they had been the whole visit. Bryan tensed as he heard the redheads' words. "You know as well as I do Bryan. Topics like that shouldn't be brought up so carelessly." It probably sounded so warped to others, for Bryan to be told that that topic was not up for a discussion unless it had been planned previously. But Bryan understood very well: after all if Robert knew what had happened to Bryan then, he would know what had happened to every single one of the Demolition Boys. Being carefree and letting other know them, on a personal level was never something which they had practised and Bryan wasn't going to start now. "That decision is not yours to make." Tala hated even thinking about talking about that place, he wouldn't let someone he didn't even trust know about it.
"I know. I know..." Bryan held his head in his hands, what was he meant to do? He understood, now, where they were coming from. He understood their comments – but his feelings? They didn't even want to take heed the warnings which both Ian and Tala had given him about this relationship. Surprisingly, it had been Spencer who appeared to be unaffected by the news of Bryan trying to go after Robert Jurgen of the Majestic's. Still, Tala was beginning to fret over this event. What was going on between those two, from what Spencer and Ian had said...?
Spencer and Ian had managed to get him to the door, and then all of a sudden, Bryan had just gone: as they described, 'mental'. Saying that if they didn't let him go or if Robert ended up hating him, then he would launch Falborg on them. This was not a measly threat. It was frightening to see that Bryan would turn on them so easily and so Spencer had let Bryan go and said that if he wanted to go he should. Although he wouldn't be allowed to call them friends if he went back to Robert, since Bryan was so enraged he hadn't believed that the choice was a very hard one to make.
"You'll regret staying around Robert. He'll throw you away once he grows bored of you." Bryan narrowed his eyes at those words. He hated being told what to do, but more than that he hated being told the same thing, over and over again until he proved them wrong, or he was proved wrong himself. Out of the two options, Bryan would prefer Robert hang around until Bryan got bored, at least then he could say Tala had been completely wrong.
A side glance towards the redhead, and words of spite thrown at him – only to reduce Bryan's own pain and the way it seemed to be eating away at him. "Is that from experience?" Once the captain had heard those words, he snarled back at him. How dare Bryan think that he could speak to him like that? Why couldn't everyone just drop the subject of Max? This was one of the few reasons why Tala had no interest in actually telling any of them the truth. He didn't want a pity party. Most importantly he didn't want to tell Bryan that he could actually understand his situation better than what he was letting on.
"Piss off." His plan had been to deter Bryan's affections for a moment, for him to think logically about the situation for once. Yet now, all Tala wanted to do was leave, and hope that those two would take the same course as he and Max had done. To crash and burn, hopefully, before Tala had the urge (one which he wouldn't be able to stop) to punch Bryan and break a few bones. He stood up and believed that he would be able to leave the apartment without being stopped. How wrong Tala was as Bryan followed behind.
Grabbing his arm and making sure that the redhead couldn't leave so easily, Bryan growled his own reply. "Why the hell do you care about what I do? Why do you hate the idea of me and Robert?" Pushing the taller man away, Tala made his own views clear. He wasn't interested in what Bryan did, but he did hate Robert and the thought of those two together made Tala scowl. It wouldn't work out: if he and Max hadn't – they wouldn't either.
They shouldn't.
"You understand why I want you to stay away from Robert..." Tala rolled his eyes, he had made his ideals clear to Bryan. He had made it clear to Robert himself about how he viewed him. The thought of Robert suddenly sparked the beginning of a scheme into his head. Maybe it was possible to break those two apart. "He's too loyal to his own name, Bryan. He will never leave it for you." Which was what Tala had began to hope for he'd need to go have a chat with Robert sometime, alone.
Almost in a sign of defeat, Bryan let his hold on Tala go. "I tried to use him like you wanted me to. So you wouldn't need to put up with me – so I wouldn't need to put up with those... feelings." A shake of the head a habit for when he was trying to make sense of his erratic thoughts, "but I really want to hang around with him." Tala narrowed his eyes at that statement. He knew what that meant: after all Bryan didn't hang with anyone, he merely slept with those he found interesting. Ian he occasional bullied but that was it. "So stop worrying about me. I'm not going to fall in love with a Rich-Kid, Tala. It's just for fun."
"Remember, Bryan." Tala edged towards the door. "That sounds similar to our deal – and we know how that turned out." The other beyblader was left slightly confused at that statement. Already, he had said that he wouldn't be falling in love with Robert – so why had Tala said something like that? Not unless he was implying that Robert was going to fall for him...
Nah, that was impossible to even think about.
It did not take long at all for Ian to come back to Bryan, and start to act like nothing had happened. After all he did not enjoy the company of Tala. Of course, Spencer was alright to be with (as he wouldn't take to humiliating him). Ian had found it was rather dull around the blond's home, mainly because neither of them shared much interest in the same things – probably due to their age gap. However, after Tala reappearing, and seeming to be completely back to his old, bastard of a self. Along with Bryan being back to his usual humiliating tricks, hurtful comments and in general being cruel to his so called teammates, the two friends had decided to go out.
To find some random people to beyblade a mess with for a while, but Bryan had seen someone he probably shouldn't have. "Bryan, no. You'll just make it harder for yourself, just give it up." Ian hissed and turned his launcher to face Bryan's back. They had just walked down the street and Bryan had simply stopped. It appeared that Robert was over in the park with what seemed some brunette.
Before Ian could say another word of his genuinely thought advice, Bryan wandered over. There was no way he was going to make his presence known, when it seemed that Martin had the upper-hand. Robert appeared happy, and was smiling a little too much for Bryan not to be irritated and feel beaten by the older man. Waiting patiently, and making sure he wasn't seen by either of them: Bryan lingered behind them until it seemed that Martin had told Robert to wait at a bench.
Now was the time to snatch him away, before the idiot came back. Robert hadn't noticed anything odd, nor had he observed that he was being followed. So after he had sat down leisurely on the cool metal bench, and closed his eyes for only a few moments – feeling someone else grab onto his hair, and mutter darkly into his ear: took him by surprise. "We need to talk," At first Robert had thought that maybe this was a mugging but the voice caused him to shiver and that only meant one person. Bryan.
He swiped, hoping that the hand would let go of his hair. When it did Robert quickly stood up, hoping to put as much distance between him and Bryan as possible. "No, we don't." But Bryan was not in the mood to listen to anyone especially since the small amount of jealousy he had been feeling had increased ten-fold after now being rejected. No surprises, as Bryan grabbed hold of him and started to walk in the direction of the trees. Probably to hide them both from Martin when he returned to look for Robert - still being led so aimlessly was aggravating. Robert snatched his hand back once he had had enough of following the angry man.
"I suggest you leave." Glancing around, Bryan noticed that he could still see the bench. If Martin did look hard enough, he'd probably be able to see them amongst the thick foliage. So Bryan did the only thing that he thought he could – to shut Robert up, and to make sure both of them were hidden behind a single tree. He didn't need someone interrupting him. Trying to kiss another person whom wasn't in the best of moods generally was not a smart move. So Bryan ended up being hit roughly on the head with an outburst of 'what do you think you're doing?' all in all: Bryan managed one of his objectives.
He was now pinning the dear aristocrat against a tree, holding his wrists by his side. "Stop it." Robert hissed, embarrassed that such a situation was occurring (and with it being a public place, where anyone could be watching). "You're acting pathetic." He continued to rant, almost to cover up his red tinted face from rage and not shame and the thought of being made rather defenceless so easily. "Why is it because Martin's appeared, you act like some jilted boyfriend?"
What Bryan couldn't understand was how Martin was still allowed to be near Robert. Wasn't it Robert's plan to tell him how much he loathed him and then leave it at that? Why did it seem that Martin was becoming closer and closer to him – without Robert even attempting to push him away? At least he wasn't pushing as hard as he had done to Bryan. "I'm the pathetic one? You're the one letting someone who sold you off to the highest bidder, touch you like-"
Robert rolled his eyes, he knew that was going to come up. Why did Bryan feel so threatened by Martin? He was merely seeing if he could withstand the old charm of the brunette, which over the past few weeks had lessened. Unlike those first few hours of meeting again, where Robert would have been too disorientated to really know what to do, or how to object. Perhaps the thoughts of becoming an official couple had been warned off by the repeated times when Robert had immediately thought of Bryan. He had immediately felt guilty and he had cursed the brunette on several occasions. It wasn't Martin's fault for him being weak, but Robert did blame him for reappearing.
The naive thoughts had begun to fade away, and Robert was sure he was probably going to hurt himself if he didn't tell both of these flirtatious men to back off. Either he was going to continue to like Bryan more than he knew he should or he would be torn between him and Martin. There was no point in making his life harder. Of course, he'd tell them to disappear in a much more civilised manner. "Enough!" Robert's voice had started out strong but soon after it had turned into a plea, "enough, Bryan." He pushed back slightly, hoping to gain some freedom for his limbs, but failed: "You must agree with me, that this was all just for fun..."
There was a nod from Bryan – and that one movement caused Robert to internally crumble. He had wanted Bryan to say something, to say this had maybe been something more than fun. "I stay around Martin because he doesn't ignore me like the person I actually do love does." He muttered in reply to the silent agreement. Gently and rather slowly, Bryan backed off letting Robert take a sigh of relief. The next comment made Robert frown but not out of anger just sheer bewilderment. "I need your help."
Robert tilted his head to one side he couldn't understand how they had come from the topic of Martin to Bryan admitting he needed help with something. "With what...in particular do you need help with, Bryan?" Determined that it was still possible to make the Russian aware of his overzealous feelings, which had grown far too quickly, Robert took a step closer. Wishing to know what was wrong, enough to make Bryan admit it.
On the other hand Bryan had been most annoyed with how Robert had said this was all a game. It meant that Tala was right, and that it was Robert becoming bored of him that was the cause of his torment. Still if Robert had said there was something more to it then it could cause emotions, ones which Bryan didn't want to have again, to be forced out into the open. He wouldn't return his feelings so easily. The request of help was not an easy task for Bryan either: all it had come down to was timing. If Robert had walked off, then he would have gone home...and then it would have happened. However, the sober Bryan did not want another moment of feeling sorry for himself, "Come and empty my room of all the booze I hid before I went to rehab."
A surge of panic like electricity went through Robert's body, booze? Had he started drinking again? If so, why and when had the habit started again? The tone he used was filled with confusion and concern. "You've not-" But Bryan managed to silence him by placing a hand over his mouth until he wasn't looking so worried. Bryan sighed and backed away from Robert, glancing anywhere but the blader in front of him. "-I'm still sober and have been since rehab."
"Okay, I'll assist you, Bryan." At first, Bryan had thought that Robert would go back to the bench and politely tell Martin that he had to leave... But that didn't happen, in fact it seemed that Robert was more than eager to leave without Martin noticing, maybe Bryan shouldn't have been so jealous after all?
Then again trying to help Bryan give up every bottle in his possession was a lot harder than Robert had suspected. Especially since each room seemed to have a 'stash' somewhere in it. After the first few rooms had been cleared of all alcohol, Bryan started to demand that he would merely keep one as a souvenir or that it was them all. Robert could easily tell that the Russian was lying, he kept avoiding all eye contact with him. "Give me the bottle." Robert stated calmly and held out his hand: they were currently fighting over a small bottle.
A very small but nonetheless strong beverage in Bryans' hands, seeing as Bryan hadn't been plastered or even so much as had a sip in a while: Bryan's resistance would be much lower. He'd probably be able to be knocked out if he drank it in one go. That was the thought that had started the nerves within Robert, and it would seem that Bryan wasn't going to give this one up without some form of a fight.
"Just one bottle! It's all I want..." Bryan tried to reason which wasn't exactly unusual as he had already tried to bribe, blackmail, threaten and brow-beat Robert into leaving him with it. It wasn't going to happen, as soon as Bryan had laid out the rules and basically said that he would probably break whilst inside, that Robert was to keep at it and not allow him any.
"No, none. Hand it over." Robert edged a little closer until Bryan was backed up until he was at the balcony door. It wasn't really a balcony, not called one for the view it gave anyway, just somewhere to hang washing if need be. Still you could still gaze down and see the rest of the town and since this was one of the top floors, Robert would hate to be out there. Although the craving Bryan suddenly turned intentionally cruel for a moment remembering Robert's fear of heights. Maybe this was where it could come in handy?
"If I go onto the balcony, you won't be able to follow me there." Bryan said it out loud, only because he really was beginning to think that he would lose this fight. He wanted Robert to stop him before this unfair plan was implemented. Robert blinked, he at first didn't believe that Bryan would do such a thing, but as the blader turned slightly to open the door, Robert started to panic.
Bryan ran out on the balcony and as he had thought, Robert seemed to freeze at the door way unsure of what he could do. "Bryan." If Robert kept him talking then he wouldn't be able to drink, "this isn't fair." For the first time, Robert began to loathe his fears, usually they hadn't gotten in his way. But now they were interfering with the health of someone he held dear.
A shaky breath and an unsure attitude, 'Just go out...' Robert squinted his eyes at the concrete ground of the small veranda, he took a deep breath and glanced at Bryan – who seemed unfazed and uninterested in what he was doing. 'Grab the bottle...Come back.' Robert placed a foot outside, the sudden breeze caused his nerves to almost shatter and his courage to almost jumped back inside, confidence broken.
'Go out! Then come back...It's simple!' For a moment a whimper escaped Robert's throat, he gripped onto the doorframe and took another step outside. His legs were weak – he felt sick, he couldn't do this. 'I can't... I'm scared...' Childish, he thought, he should have the courage to do this. Except his mind continued to scream at him, both orders which he believed he had to fulfil and the fear of falling, 'do it!', 'I think I'm going to be sick'. All he had to do was knock the bottle out of his hands, or get a hand on it then Bryan would be safer. Glancing over again Bryan already had the lid off it. 'Hurry up!'
Bryan thought he was now going to be safe with his bottle of liquid heaven he was not excepting to be pushed into the wall and have the ether thrown away. Robert immediately reeled back and bolted into the apartment, quivering. Once Bryan had taken a few moments to think what had happened, he moved slowly inside to see where Robert was. Currently standing in a corner hunched, breathing rapidly – terrified.
He staggered over in his own fear that now Robert would detest him, he needed to say something, anything that would hopefully calm this cold atmosphere down. Alternately Robert heard Bryan come back inside and walk slowly towards him, but he dared not to look at him. Robert would end up yelling at him, and that was not what he wanted. "I'm s..." Blinking, Robert wondered what Bryan had stopped himself from saying, "I'm such a bastard..." The Russian mumbled to himself before grabbing hold of Robert.
"Do. Not. Do that, ever – again." A shiver ran through him, and then the notion of being sick but slowly he managed to fight back the feeling. Just. Still this was not what Bryan had in mind, he had thought that Robert would come in, quickly get rid of the drink and leave. Never had he believed that he would be standing here, willingly, hugging another human being and be trying to comfort them. On a personal level, having to do this was one of the most awkward things which Bryan had ever experienced but it appeared to be calming Robert down. That was the main thing.
Robert blinked when he felt Bryan move away from him slightly, only to hold up what seemed to be another small bottle which he had hidden away on his actual person. The thought made Robert want to hit him, repeatedly, but if Bryan was handing it over then, then that was progress in trying to rid the apartment of the drug.
"This is the last one...Drink the damn thing." As it was thrust into Roberts' hands, only for the Russian to hug the other male again made Robert slightly confused. Why was he doing this? Why had he been so cruel – addiction was not something in which he could understand so individually? Why was he still hugging him? Although, Bryan had a sound reason to why he had done what he had.
If his hands were preoccupied with hugging Robert then they couldn't make him drink, and also he'd have to stay still. The only problem remained that the alcohol around the house would have to be cleared up before Bryan caved in again. "Can't I just-" Robert's plan was to throw it out the window, but then again he did want to stay very far away from that balcony as possible.
"I'll wrestle you for it." Bryan whispered in reply, "then, I'll just go out onto the balcony again. Just hurry up, before I do something stupid." Bryan closed his eyes tightly for a moment, he couldn't handle this, to have something so close, which he wanted so dearly. But no, he couldn't have it. He shouldn't, and slowly Robert agreed to it...
The high concentration made Robert rather drunk, and so had seemly taken to wandering around the apartment commenting on how small the place was – and that this apartment could fit into one of the dining halls in his own home. "Stop following me around." Robert slurred slightly and swayed for a moment before wandering once again down the hallway: Bryan was tremendously amused at this scene. Robert Jurgen had fallen, clumsily, at least a three times and his balance didn't seem to be improving throughout the night.
Then again it was probably the other few bottles which Bryan had forgotten to mention at the beginning – which had conveniently found their way into Robert's hand. Bryan passing those bottles, not only out of fear that he too may end up intoxicated but because it was much easier to hand a bottle away than to pour it down the sink – he knew he had lied. But at least Robert was still willing to help him. "But you'd fall, if I didn't."
Once Robert had settled down (and appeared to start following Bryan around to find something to keep him entertained) it was then the perverted side of Bryan had appeared: Robert was quickly hushed and pushed into the bedroom. Of course the talkative beyblading captain was asked a few questions whilst he and Bryan lay down on the bed in close proximity. At that current moment Robert was lying on his back, with Bryan on the occasion prodding him in the side.
"Are you in love with Martin?" It had bothered Bryan, and he had no idea why. It was much like what had happened with Max and Tala. Although Max was known for his open-mindedness and general niceness, Bryan hated him. They hadn't actually spoken to one another, ever, but still Bryan despised him... What was this raw emotion called?
Scrunching up his nose in disgust Robert shook his head, "No." Robert drawled, pushing Bryan playfully as if to scold him for asking such a question. Bryan glowered for a second before rolling his eyes, he was curious to who perked Robert's interest. He wasn't the type to spout who, or what kind of type he even liked...
"I mean-" Bryan didn't want to make it seem like he actually cared about such information. In actual fact the only reason why he was asking now was because in the past Robert had told him things. Being under the influence made it easier to get answers but then again, he was at the moment trying to inflate his own ego through Robert. He wanted to hear that he wasn't as pathetic as he was feeling. "-Who wouldn't you mind showing up and screwing you?"
A giggle, "that's your view on love?" Then another giggle, "oh dear..." If that were true, then it would mean if Robert ever did confess. (Which to him, there was no amount of alcohol in the world to allow such a secret to be let go), it would simply mean lust to Bryan. It would simply be saying to Bryan those words, and of course Robert was having a hard time picturing himself saying it without giggling. 'Bryan, I really wouldn't mind you showing up during, well anytime of the day, and screwing me,' hmm, not exactly the greatest love confession of all time.
"Who is it?" Bryan tilted his head, he had said that he was in love with someone before, that they didn't pay attention to him. He had thought that maybe he had been the one that Robert was trying to get interested but he hadn't ignored him. So, now that Bryan thought about it – if it wasn't Martin and it was unlikely to be him. Who was it then?
"You don't know?" Had his small attempts been too small to gain Bryan's interest? Surely Bryan didn't think he gave friends so many chances? Or slept with anyone? Or would dare to rush out in great fear to stop the idiot from hurting himself? "Oh my..." Another chuckling session, all Robert could keep thinking about was the words Bryan had said before. Bryan didn't bother to ask anymore questions as the drunk Robert rolled onto his side nuzzled into the covers.
"I like this place..." Robert mumbled, and smiled to himself. There was a smell which he found almost relaxing about this home, also... It had been truly lived in. Some rooms in his house, he hadn't been in, in months. This place may have been small, but it was cosy and every little corner seemed to be filled with something. Either it being furniture squashed together or some insult on the wall. (Ian and Bryan seemed to have had an argument on one, written in small writing). No doubt a private joke between the two of them now: such an event would have never occurred at Robert's own home.
"You have a mansion, what the hell are you talking about?" It was in these rare times that Bryan found Robert utterly irresistible. He probably didn't even know it, but the fact remained that when the snob actually dropped down that barrier of proper etiquette and acted how he really wanted to the atmosphere was much more stress-free, for Bryan anyway. The relaxed grin on his face and the fact that the boy never seemed to lack enthusiasm in speaking was always a better alternative from an insecure, snob who felt like he had to act properly all the time.
"It's peaceful, without any parents." Bryan smirked down at him, bemused at how the events of that morning had ended up with this...enjoyable scenario. He wasn't complaining of course, having Robert on his bed, willingly lying next to him was a nice change. At least he wouldn't have to go to bed completely alone tonight.
"Then, you can move in so long as you put out." A snort came from Robert who wasn't surprised by the apparent deal which had been conjured in Bryan's mind. In his drunkenness, Robert thought about it and he did enjoy the concept that his parents wouldn't be able to keep tabs on him and Martin also wouldn't be able to annoy him so easily.
Bryan tilted his head as Robert grunted and shrugged his shoulders. "Well that doesn't sound too bad." It wasn't a bad deal, in fact Robert couldn't really see (in his intoxication) anything wrong with such a proposition. A place away from pesky parents and a promise of an actual sex life... How was he meant to refuse? "I can keep an eye on your... lack of drinking." He muttered, his eyes closing slightly as if ready to drift off to sleep.
Those words were more of a comforting statement than a joke to Bryan. Tonight he had had a weak moment which he wouldn't have been able to get through without Robert's help. To know that he would continually help him was reassuring. At least he didn't have to go this alone anymore. Bryan leaned down, giving the other a rather lethargic kiss, in comparison to the others they had shared. Truth be told, Bryan was too worn out over what had happened the last few days. He wasn't going to jump Robert unless he spelt it out that he wanted it pretty badly. "And I can keep you away from him."
A slight groan of discomfort, whether it was out of his sleeping position or the mentioning of the brunette's name, Bryan didn't really know. "Please do, he's rather tedious." Robert sighed, at first he was different and Robert noticed this difference in him. However he was still the same awkward sober male which he had been a while ago. The only thing he had changed was his habit to getting drunk and high. Then again, knowing what Bryan had gone through that was certainly a feat.
"Then stop flirting with him." Bryan narrowed his eyes at the aristocrat who raised an eyebrow at the vicious tone. However instead of the usual fury which Robert felt – about him being a mere object, which Bryan only became jealous over when he was being 'used' by another – it didn't appear. It seemed most silly now, all Robert wanted to do was admit that he did feel somewhat appreciated when it happened. So, long as Bryan remembered that Robert could do as he pleased of course.
"Hm?" Robert hummed lazily, almost as if he wasn't listening to the Russian and was just hoping for him to stop talking. "Why don't you admit it?" Another grin and chuckle, one that made Bryan smile again, Robert opened his eyes and make sure he saw Bryan's reaction. "That you're jea-l-ous," Robert sang out, however it made Bryan frown; and he was not going to admit that he was envious of anyone. Especially not Martin of all people, no way was he going to say that.
"Say that again," Hissing, and roughly grabbing the waist-band of the older male's trousers, Bryan managed to convey what exactly was going to happen if Robert continued to tease him like such. "I dare you." This time, it was Robert whom tilted his head like a confused animal, and smirked almost fiendishly.
"Hmm..." Robert muttered, chuckling, "you've got green eyes, Bryan." It took a moment for Bryan to disregard the actual fact that, yes, his eyes were green. But after that moment was up, Bryan knew that wasn't what Robert was meaning at all: and with the sudden annoyance it had generated. Well, it was enough to waken him up.
"You're so fucked," Bryan murmured before straddling the boy and tugging at his clothes: Robert continued to laugh quietly until those sniggers were silenced with bit-back groans. To hell with having an restful night, it was no fun anyway.
Author's Note: Right, well, next chapter is filled with comedy. Ian's there X3 Tala's also there, but not at the same time as Robert. And wherever those three are, Bryan's bound to follow. Spencer is there too: with another appearance from Kai. =D Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and hope you drop a wee review. Thanks for reading!
(Next chapter gives you a small hint on who Johnny's Mystery person is!) That is if you're interested in that... of course.