Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade.

A/n: Most of this has been written for awhile, but I kept forgetting to post it. I hope you all enjoy. And thanks for reviewing.

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There was something warm and fuzzy curled up at his stomach and was making it exceedingly difficult to stay asleep. Cursing, Bryan tried to sit up only to have a wet tongue slide along his cheek and across the bridge of his nose. Blindly reaching out his fingers brushed over short fur and sharp teeth nipped at his knuckle. Wiping his face off on his upper arm he was greeted by blue eyes, a lolling tongue and tiger stripped fur. "What the hell?"

The puppy barked and lunged forward in an attempt to lick the Russian again but Bryan caught the dog and slipped out of the bed. "I'm going to assume you shouldn't be up here and that Gustav would have a coronary if he saw you. Which on second thought would be a good reason to allow you to run wild."

Hanging up the phone Robert rubbed tiredly at his eyes and leaned back into the chair, seriously considering giving up on work for the day. It had been a long week and the thought of any more work was unappealing.

"Why was there a puppy in my bed when I woke up?"

Robert smiled, trying not to laugh. Bryan was standing in the study door, sleep pants hanging low off his hips, pale hair disheveled, looking sleepy but slightly upset at the same time. The puppy in question was held firmly in the Russian's arms, trying to lick his face and yapping happily. "Would you believe me if I said I had always wanted a dog and I figured now was a good time to get one?"

Fingers gently closing around the puppy's muzzle to keep him from licking Bryan dropped into the chair in front of the massive desk. "I would probably believe you more if the dog didn't have a bow around his neck." He released the puppy and flicked the silver bow around the animal's neck, smiling at the older teen. "Why did you get me a puppy?"

"Because I can." He got to his feet and rounded the edge of the desk to kneel at the younger teen's feet, petting the dog. "His name is Corcoran, he is a pure bred brindle Great Dane and is six and a half weeks old." Looking up at Bryan he smiled slightly. "I am not above admitting I got him because you need someone around who doesn't think you suffer from kleptomania, and someone to talk to when I am not here."

Smiling Bryan cupped the older teen's face, thumb sliding over his cheek. "And here I thought he was a present to show me how much you love me." Shifting Corcoran out of the way he leaned forward, lips feathering over Robert's cheek in a caress.

"Consider him a wooing gift if you like." He got to his feet, hands sliding into his pockets, resisting the urge to touch. "I have a quick teleconference to attend to but after that we will be heading to a country estate. I think we could all use some time away from this place and it will give Corcoran some room to roam."

Idly stroking a hand of Corcoran's flank, made easier by the fact the puppy had finally calmed down and was curled in his lap the Russian nodded. "Let me actually wake up and I will go pack."

-----

It was nearly three in the morning and no matter how much Bryan wanted to sleep he couldn't. Rolling on to his back as he contemplated getting up to open the window to see if fresh air would help a low, haunting melody caught his attention. The house was old enough to have a heating system that was completely interconnected with vents between all the rooms. Sound traveled through the building with ease which meant there was only one place it could be coming from.

Throwing the sheets aside he slid out of the bed and left the room, leaving the door cracked slightly for Corcoran who was asleep on the floor. The hallway was devoid of artificial light, though moonlight poured through the windows gilding the carpet silver. At the bottom of the stairs he took a left and padded down another long hallway with light spilling out of an open door.

He paused in the doorway, not surprised at the sight that greeted him. Robert was perched on the edge of a chair, cello held tightly as the bow dipped across the strings. His eyes were closed but there was a visible tension to his body that gave little doubt as to why he was up. A brief lull in the music was the only acknowledgement he got so he slipped into the room and settled on a chaise lounger.

"Do you make it a habit of staying up until three in the morning playing?" He couldn't help but smile at the dark look Robert gave him, well aware of the fact he was the reason the noble couldn't sleep. Leaning back he watched with hooded eyes as Robert finished playing and carefully released the tension on the strings before he stood to put the instrument away. The older teen's tension was even more noticeable when he stood and moved and Bryan hated being the cause of it. "Come here."

Robert closed the cello case, fingers lingering on the smooth fabric for a moment before he turned to look at the younger teen. Despite the early hour and his slightly rumpled look there was something inherently predatory about Bryan that sent a shudder down his spine. With slow deliberate steps he moved to stand next to the teen and wasn't overly surprised when he was pulled down between the Russian's legs. He couldn't help but tense however when warm hands slid under his shirt to rest lightly on his sides.

"Relax." He nuzzled the back of Robert's neck, fine hairs tickling his cheek. "Nothing is going to happen that you don't want to happen." Feeling a minute relaxation in the lean body between his legs he slid his hands higher, pushing up the grey shirt Robert was wearing. Again there was a moment of tension as he moved to remove the shirt before the relaxation came. Dropping the shirt to the floor his hands settled on pale, warm skin thumbs dragging along the hollow of the older teen's spine.

Short of a small scar under his left shoulder blade, Robert's skin was unmarred and smooth and Bryan couldn't help but slide his hands over the silken skin, drawing a shudder from the older teen. Pressing a kiss to the base of the German's neck, his hands sliding down to settle on Robert's hips, Bryan leaned against the other teen, wanting to feel him. "Let me share your bed."

Such a simple request should not have caused his heart to start beating so wildly, but as with Bryan, things never went his way. All he could feel was the other teen close behind him, his heat and the power of the hands on his hips, and the closeness was making his head swim and muddling his thoughts.

And beneath the odd fluttering caused by Bryan's proximity was a feeling of dread, and he shook his head, not wanting the memories of that night to come back. Feeling Bryan press another kiss to the back of his neck and one hand tighten on his hip he dropped a hand to the Russian's thigh and squeezed once. "Yes."

-----

Upon waking the first thing Robert became aware of was the warmth radiating at his back, the strong arm across his waist and the sound of soft breathing. Ignoring the rational part of him mind telling him it was Bryan he struggled to get free, partially trapped in memories of two years past.

He was nearly out of the bed when fingers closed around his wrist and pulled him back. Jerking around he found Bryan watching him, pale eyes hooded. For a brief moment he contemplated fighting but knew that Bryan's strength would win out in the end so he let the Russian draw him back into the bed.

"Would you mind explaining why every time we're in bed you jump out like I'm some kind of monster?"

Focusing on a spot over Bryan's shoulder he closed his eyes, wanting to block out everything but the feel of fingers on his wrist. "It was a little over a year and a half ago. We were celebrating something, the particulars of which I don't remember. I know I had too much to drink and there was a woman there, several years older then I, the daughter of a family friend."

"She was beautiful and I was so drunk I wasn't entirely certain what was going on. I will spare you the sordid details but it wasn't until the next morning that I found out what happened." The grip on his wrist tightened briefly in reassurance and he found it oddly comforting. "Johnny overheard her talking right before she came to me. She was pregnant and the father of her child was someone her parents would not approve of. Her plan was to wait for me to get drunk enough to not remember what was going on and then sleep with me and later claim I was the father of her child. Her deception put me on edge when it comes to relationships and this is the most intimate I've been with anyone since that night."

Taking a deep breath he opened his eyes, not surprised by the look of anger in the Russian's eyes. What surprised him was the sudden movement the younger teen made as he pushed him back into the bed and straddled him, one arm coming down next to his shoulder as Bryan's hand ghosted over his cheek. "Robert, don't ever think I want to be with you simply because of your money. After growing up in the Abbey money is really one of the last things that is important to me."

-----

"Are you going to behave this time?"

Johnny shrugged as he rounded the car and took his lover's hand. "Maybe. If Bryan isn't a bastard about anything I'll be good, but the moment he says anything nasty, all bets are off."

Rolling his eyes Oliver led the way to the front door and opened it, knowing there was never a butler in attendance at the Jurgen country estate. The beautiful estate was Robert's only place to relax so the only staff around were a cook and a maid, both who returned to the village each night after the evening meal. "I really wish you weren't so against Bryan. Obviously Robert doesn't think he's dangerous and I have a feeling you're going to have to get used to him being around."

"I'll deal with that hurdle when we get to it. I'm glad to see you finally got away from the castle Robert."

The German turned to smile briefly at his friends before turning back to the wall of windows that made up the south wall of the parlour. "I was in danger of yelling at one of the board members if I did not get away from them for awhile. They will appreciate the break more after it is over."

Oliver moved to stand next to the older teen, following his gaze out the windows. Bryan was outside, dressed in a black T-shirt and khaki shorts as he tossed a tennis ball for Corcoran. "I have to say that he looks much happier then the last time we saw him." Glancing out of the corner of his eye at Robert he smiled slightly before throwing the rest of his thought out in the open. "And, I just want to get this out in the open now that I hadn't realized just how good looking he is."

He could practically feel Johnny's outrage from where his lover stood behind him and knew there were going to be questions later, but the Scot's reaction was only a minor problem. The subtle tension that had seized Robert at his words had actually been his goal, and only served to help solidify some of his theories. He'd been friends with the German long enough to know that while Robert was not an overly demonstrative person he did watch people he felt connected to closely, almost as if to make sure nothing was going to happen to them. And he had been watching Bryan far more closely then was warranted under the current circumstances.

Johnny rested a hand on Oliver's shoulder, a frown tugging at his mouth. "Am I going to have to worry about you replacing me with him?"

Lifting his lover's hand off his shoulder he brushed a kiss across his knuckles. "Hardly Johnny. Maybe if Bryan didn't already have someone and I was single, there would be some danger but I'm not the type to steal someone else's lover."

It was there again, the subtle tension in Robert's shoulders and Oliver couldn't help but smile again, knowing he had caught his friend.

Taking a deep breath Robert forced himself to relax, acutely aware of what his friend was doing. Oliver had always seen it as his role in their team to make sure everyone was happy and fed. And while he understood it was just part of the French teen's personality, he couldn't help but find it slightly intrusive. "Oliver, no offense is meant, but I can hardly see you and Bryan as a couple."

It was on the tip of his tongue to say "Well, I was thinking the same thing about Bryan and you but it seems to be working" but he knew it would only serve to drive Robert into his shell, which was not what he wanted. "I'm probably too high maintenance for him anyway. I can tell you two are dying to play chess, so go and I'll mange to entertain myself.

Waving nonchalantly to the two other teens he exited out to the yard, his steps even as he made his way towards Bryan. The older teen had given up tossing the ball and had sprawled on the ground with Corcoran's head on his hip as he scratched the puppy's ears. He paused several feet from the Russian, suddenly struck by an overwhelming sense of oddness.

Never had he thought he would be standing in Robert's yard trying to approach a person who he had thought two years ago was a homicidal maniac. Bryan's bare feet weren't helping the awkward factor any. "Just because you aren't irritating me, it doesn't mean I'm not going to snap your neck if you don't say what you're thinking."

Deciding to take the warning to heart Oliver moved a little closer and sat down in the grass, legs folded under him. The moment he'd settled down Corcoran was up and bounding over Bryan to sniff at him. Sneezing once the puppy returned to the Russian's side again and lay back down. "I just thought I would come out and see how you are. You seem much happier then the last time we were here."

Bryan shifted to look at the French teen, frowning. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing at all. Just an observation on that fact that you look much more relaxed then last time. Although, I suppose I could say the same thing about Robert. I can't remember the last time I've seen him so relaxed and…content."

At those words the pale haired teen jerked upright, his sudden movement causing Corcoran to get excited and start barking. Without looking he gently closed his fingers around the puppy's muzzle, a long practiced movement. "What exactly is that supposed to mean?"

Unable to keep from smiling, knowing that Bryan's sudden tenseness was just another puzzle piece Oliver got to his feet. He bent down and brushed his pants off before straightening up to smile at the other teen. "I have no idiot what you're talking about Bryan. I think I'm going to head back inside, but I'm sure we'll talk later." Silently patting himself on the back he headed back towards the house.

-----

Robert moved his knight to a square occupied by one of Johnny's pawns and had to congratulate himself when he didn't jump as a hand descended on the back of his chair. "Tired of hiding in the office?"

Leaning over the noble's shoulder in the guise of looking at the chess game Bryan shook his head. "No. Just wanted to see if you needed anything else before I call it a night."

At the Russian's words Johnny jerked his head up, eyes narrowed in thought. Bryan was leaning over the back of Robert's chair, one hand on the chair, his other resting on the table next to the chessboard, neatly boxing Robert in. And while Robert normally balked about having anyone that close to him, he seemed comfortable with the other teen's proximity.

"Just some bourbon if that isn't too much of a problem."

He watched with narrowed eyes as Bryan moved to the sideboard and quickly made the drink. His suspicions only deepened when as the Russian handed the drink to Robert it almost seemed as if his friend wanted to touch Bryan. Hearing someone laugh he turned to where Oliver was sitting and noticed his lover was laughing behind his book. Not entirely certain what was so funny the Scot returned his attention back to the board, just in time to catch both Robert and Bryan glaring at his lover. He was certain he had missed something going on between the other three, but he knew that Oliver would fill him in later.

-----

"What did I miss in the parlour? Why were they both glaring at you?" Johnny settled on the edge of their bed, watching as Oliver undressed.

Removing his shirt Oliver carefully draped it over the back of his chair. Hands dropping to the zipper of his pants the French teen slid the zipper down and shed his pants before slipping on a dark t-shirt that belonged to his lover. "You remember the comments I made in the parlour earlier today?"

He remembered Oliver saying something about how good Bryan was looking and something about not stealing someone else's lover. Robert had reacted funny to that, but thinking back on it, his friend had been acting funny all day, including the way he had been acting with Bryan. There something not quite right about their interaction. And when they had both glared at Oliver as he'd giggled, as if they shared a secret. "Holy shit! Robert and Bryan are together."

Oliver nodded and settled next to his lover on the bed. "Or, at least I think so. Both of them are still extremely hard to read and I can't be certain but they both reacted interestingly when I brought it up." He leaned into the Scot, smiling when a strong arm slipped around his shoulder. "Enrique would be able to tell. He's always been able to read Robert better than I most of the time."

"I say in a couple of days we head back to town and stay at the hotel there when we call Enrique and wait for him to get here. And Johnny, try not to dwell on this much until we actually know what is going on." The French teen slid from under his lover's arm and into his lap, eyes bright."

-----

Enrique burst into Johnny and Oliver's suite, anxious to share his discovery with his friends. "You were right Oliver."

"Are you positive?" Johnny turned on his stool to look at the Italian. "Because if you are saying that to jerk me around, I am not going to be in a good mood."

Dropping his bag to the floor the blonde teen moved to sit next to the Scot at the bar. "I would never do that. We'd just gotten done fencing when Bryan came in to show him something in the books. As they were talking Bryan moved closer and draped an arm across his shoulders. Robert didn't pull away and you know how he feels about touching."

Oliver and Johnny nodded. The Jurgen family was known for not being overly demonstrative, even with close family friends. Robert barely put up with Oliver's kisses on the cheek so for him to allow Bryan to be so close meant there had to be emotion of some kind.

"Of all people, why him?" Johnny jerked away from the island when Oliver slammed the wooden spoon he'd been using to stir the sauce with in front of him. "God damn it Oliver, what was that for?"

The diminutive teen waved the spoon at his lover. "I want to know what you have against Bryan?"

Johnny leaned back, moving out of range of the spoon. "He attacked Rei and was part of a plot to take over the world. I don't think I need any other reason."

Muttering in French Oliver crossed back to the stove to resume preparing dinner. "You know as well as I do that the Demolition Boys were forced to do those things. And I am appalled you think Robert would become involved with someone who is dangerous. He is a very good judge of a person's character.

"Except Vivian."

Silence descended on the kitchen as the three teens paused. They all knew the story of what had happened, though they never spoke of it.

Oliver picked up a knife and proceeded to cut a steak into chunks. "Anyway, I for one am glad Robert found someone to be with. After the incident I didn't think he was going to trust anyone again."

It was another thing they rarely spoke of, though they all had shared the same worry.

Stupidly thinking he was out of the woods with his lover Johnny spoke. "I'm going to talk to Robert tomor-"

He didn't even get to finish his thoughts before the knife was inches from his nose. Oliver was smiling brightly, as if he wasn't threatening his lover. "You will do no such thing Jonathon McGregor, unless you want to start dating your right hand again. You are not to say anything to Robert about his relationship with Bryan. Understood?"

Enrique started laughing as Johnny nodded. He'd always known Oliver had his lover on a short leash.