Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade.

A/N: I hadn't meant to let so much time pass between updates but things kind of cascaded, including a computer malfunction and graduation from college. Hopefully, it won't take me nearly so long to update the next time.

Enjoy.

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A suit lay on the top of his bed, a perfectly pressed shirt and silk tie lying next to it. The entire ensemble probably cost more then he really wanted to think about and wearing it was low on the list of things he wanted to do. "Want to hide with me in the tower Cor?"

The puppy raised his head, tail wagging as he got to his feet. For the most part Corcoran ignored most of the people in the castle, except Robert and Gustav, though he seemed to enjoy nipping at the hem of the butler's pants. Yapping he ran to the door just as it opened, his paws finding purchase on Robert's thigh, ignoring the expensive grey suit the teen was wearing.

Robert scratched Cor's ears before gently pushing him down. "Are you planning on getting dressed falke?" The Russian was standing by the bed, clad in nothing but his boxers, hair still damp from an earlier shower. Even from by the door he could see the pale scars sprinkled across the broad back, from the barely there ones caused by Falborg to others, that were stark bands of scar tissue on pale skin. He moved forward, fingers tracing over one of the thicker scars that cut diagonally across the younger teen's lower back.

A soft smile curled his mouth as Bryan shivered under the gentle touch. It was the first time since they had fallen into their odd relationship, nearly a month ago that he had initiated any form of contact. Usually Bryan started it, with a soft kiss or something else, as though he was worried about crossing some kind of invisible, unspoken rule. A part of him appreciated the Russian's consideration when it came to their relationship. He was still trying to figure out what was going on, how being intimate with another man fit into what he had been raised to believe.

The need to continue the Jurgen line had been drilled into his head as a child and now he wasn't sure what was going to happen. An heir was a problem for years from now but what would happen if they stayed together that long?

Shaking his head he pressed his hands to Bryan's back, fingers spread. The future didn't matter. Just the present and the feel of scars and soft skin under his hand, oddly comforting.

Bryan hunched his shoulders forward, trying not to shiver. His scars had never been overly sensitive so it only made sense that the sudden sensitivity was because it was Robert touching him, with no warning, something he had never done before. "I was actually considering going to the party like this."

Feeling emboldened by the obvious effect of his hands on his partner Robert pressed a light kiss to the pale skin before stepping back. "I think the women would enjoy it, once they got over their shock."

"I'll keep that in mind if I ever find myself in a position to need their help, but as I don't particularly feel anything for women, I don't like having them see me in this state of undress." He carefully picked up the shirt and slipped it on, unused to having clothing of such fine quality. For the most part he still wore jeans and T-shirts but some how a number of fine clothing had managed to work its way into his closet, though he rarely ever had the occasion to wear them.

Doing the buttons up he turned to look at the older teen. "Last I checked, I was simply your accountant. Why do I have to dress up and make nice with your friends and associates?"

Watching Bryan slip his pants on Robert leaned back against the wall. "Because if I have to suffer through this so do you. It would only be fair that we share everything. Isn't that what being in a relationship like this means?"

Eyes narrowed as he slid his belt through the loops and fastened it before sitting on the bed. "Your idea of humour is really twisted for someone who grew up in such polite society." He pulled his boots on and stood, smirking at the faintly exasperated look in ruby eyes. "If I'm expected to wear the clothing you provide, then I'm going to at least wear my boots so I'm comfy tonight. And really, they don't look bad with the suit."

Bryan did the little pearl buttons at the cuffs of his shirt before picking up the light blue silk tie. "I am scared to ask, but why does this suit fit so well. I don't remember ever having my measurements taken."

"Gustav." He pulled the tie from slack fingers and carefully looped it around the taller teen's neck and deftly knotted it, tucking it under the collar of the darker shirt. "He is very good at looking at people and accurately gauging their measurements."

Fingers sliding into the short hair at the base of Robert's neck he pulled the teen closer. "I'm not sure I needed to know that your butler has been looking at me that closely." He leaned closer, noticing a slight tension in the smaller body before it was gone and he kissed him before stepping back to pick the suit jacket up.

"Let me take Cor outside and I'll join you."

-----

Enrique took the offered class of champagne before heading towards Bryan, a slight smile curling his lips. Gustav always sent them invitations to the Jurgen family parties, even if they were usually for business associates just so Robert had friends around, giving him someone to retreat with if necessary.

He dodged around another waiter with a tray and sidled up to the Russian, eyeing the glass filled with amber liquid in his hands. "On the hard stuff already?"

Bryan smirked at the other teen. "I started on the hard stuff. I don't understand how you all do it. By now I probably would have hurt someone." His gaze drifted to Robert who was standing with a group of people, all of them easily two or three times his age and all of them were treating him like an adult their age.

"Lots of practice. We've been raised to deal with these kinds of events and people." He took a drink of his champagne, watching the pale teen from the corner of his eye. While he had been equally disgusted with the Demolition Boys actions at the World Championships but that feeling had died when the Abbey's sadistic treatment of the Russian team had come to light. And now, faced with an incipient relationship between his best friend and one of the broken Russians, he couldn't be happier for either of them.

Assuming they could work things out completely, Enrique knew they would be good for each other. Robert would be able to provide Bryan with stability and in return would provide the German teen with someone he didn't have to pretend with. They could only benefit from it.

"Come on. We have a poker game started. It's much better than standing around here watching everyone pretend that they like each other." Snatching another glass of champagne he moved around the edge of the room, aware of Bryan at his heels. "Robert will eventually join us, once he gets tired of fending off grandmothers and mothers pushing him to marry their little girls."

Johnny looked up from shuffling a deck of cards, eyes narrowing when the door opened. "Why am I not surprised you dragged him along."

"Don't worry lizard, I don't want to spend anymore time with you than absolutely necessary, but I can only handle so many hours of watching old people interact." Bryan removed his suit jacket and loosened his tie before taking a seat across from the Scot. "Deal."

Oliver exchanged an amused glance with Enrique at the open hostility between the two even as he cut the deck his lover was offering to him. "I have a feeling this is going to be a dangerous game."

-----

Robert nudged the game room door open, smiling at what he saw. Bryan and Johnny were glaring at each other over their cards, trying to give nothing away. Enrique and Oliver had already folded and were simply enjoying the spectacle. "I have to say, I am surprised there hasn't been any blood shed yet."

Oliver smiled at his friend. "There have been a number of close calls but they seem to have learned since last time." He got to his feet and moved to stand behind his lover, hands resting on the back of the chair. "Dear gods, you've been holding out for that long with that crap? What were you thinking?"

Growling Johnny threw his cards to the table to reveal a pair of twos. "You do get the point of this game right Oliver? That bluffing is a major part of it?"

The green haired teen nodded as he leaned down to kiss the Scot on the cheek. "I know, but this makes the seventh straight hand you've lost to him. I was tired of you two glaring at each other."

"I think he's been cheating anyway. There is no way he could have gotten lucky that many times."

Bryan smirked as he stood. "I haven't cheated at cards ever. And if anyone is hiding cards it is probably you. Who knows what kind of weird shit you like to hide up your skirt. Go ahead and take my spot. I'd rather watch someone else beat the lizard for awhile."

Draping his jacket over the back of the couch next to Bryan's Robert took the vacated seat and glanced at the cards he had been dealt. When warm hands settled on his shoulders he fought the urge to tense but it was hard, knowing his friends were watching. Thumbs trailed up and down his neck and he unwillingly relaxed the soothing motion too much to resist.

"They already know. No reason to try and hide it."

He looked up from his cards at the Russian's soft words, seeing the truth. Johnny looked slightly upset, but that was to be expected. Oliver's smile was so bright it almost hurt to look at and Enrique seemed content. "I suppose I should have known you would manage to figure everything out."

Oliver nodded. "We're your best friends Robert. It was only a matter of time until we realized something was off between you two. I'll be right back with some more drinks."

Once Oliver was out of the room Johnny set his cards aside and leaned forward, eyes narrowed. "Oliver may be happy for you but what are you going to do when this gets out? Can your family really afford to have its only scion attached to such a questionable person? Can the Jurgen family really handle it?"

"Jonathon, I would be deeply touched by your worry if I knew it was sincere. However, since I know you are more worried about my choice of a partner rather than a scandal, I am going to ignore your words." Ignoring the angry look on the Scot's face Robert removed the two cards from his hand and set them face down on the table.

Laughing Enrique set two of his own cards down. "You had better hope Robert doesn't say anything to Oliver about this or you aren't going to be getting any for a very long time."

Johnny flicked a poker chip at the blonde, scowling. "I'm not worried about him. It's your big mouth and the chicken I'm worried about."

Rolling his eyes at the name but knowing it wasn't worth a fight Bryan picked up his glass. "Believe me, I would get immense amusement out of watching him yell at you, but I don't interfere in business between lovers." He drained what little whiskey was left in the glass.

Oliver came back in just that moment, carefully balancing a tray with several glasses, a bottle of wine and a bottle of whiskey. "I figured I'd get a little of everything, because really, the champagne isn't enough when having to deal with all those old people."

-----

"I fold."

Robert and Johnny followed Enrique's words, throwing their own cards down, leaving Oliver a happy victor.

Scrapping the cards back into a deck Oliver glanced at the clock on the wall. "I suppose we should go back out there."

"In theory yes." Robert leaned back in his chair, knowing his friend's words were true, but lacking the energy to follow them. He was content to simply bask in the presence of the others and the warm hands rubbing at his shoulders felt far too good to pull away from. Bryan had stayed behind him for most of the night, a steady presence that had done more to relax him than the two glasses of wine could.

There was a soft knock on the partially closed door and Bryan drew back, not wanting to cause any problems. That feeling quickly disappeared though when he saw Helga stick her head in the room. "Evidently she is hard of hearing."

Trying not to smile Robert got up. "My lady, is there something I can help you with?"

Smiling slightly she stepped into the room, her pale blue dress gently clinging to her curves. "Robert, I was wondering if I could speak with you?" Her eyes swept the room, disapproval evident. "Alone?"

"Of course." Picking his jacket up he slipped it back on and made his way to the door, offering his arm as they stepped out of the room.

Oliver sipped his wine looking at the door. "Eventually she'll get a hint. I mean, she's been trying to convince him to marry her for almost three years. Someday she'll realize he isn't interested." He looked at Bryan who was staring at the door, lean body tense with anger. "Assuming Bryan doesn't kill her first."

Ignoring the smaller teen's words Bryan stalked out of the room, intent on scaring Helga away. It was ridiculous that she was trying again and he was tired of it, of her trying her stupid tactics to try and guilt Robert into going through with her stupid plan. Stopping just outside the cracked open office door he looked in, feeling his anger flare.

Helga was pressed against Robert, her hands on his shoulders. He looked uncomfortable, hands stiff at his sides but he was too much of a gentleman to push her aside, no matter how he felt. "Robert, please. Just marry me so I don't have to be with Zimmerman. I promise I'll never push you for anything."

Deciding subtly was overrated Bryan jerked the office door open and stepped in, pale eyes angry. "Robert, we need to talk, now." A sharp, feral smirk curled his lips as Helga jerked away from the dark haired teen, eyes wide with shock.

Freed from Helga's arms Robert stepped back, unable to look away from Bryan. The tall teen was stiff with anger, hands curled in loose fists. His eyes were luminous in the low lights of the room, angry and Robert couldn't help but notice the possessive fire. He took a half step forward, gently pushing Helga towards the door. "We will continue this conversation later."

Helga looked between the two males, eyes narrowed as she settled on Robert. "This isn't hard Robert. Just a yes or no."

"No." Bryan moved further in, eyes on Robert even as he said the word. "There's your answer. Now get out and close the door."

Huffing Helga glared at Bryan as she stalked out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her, the sound resonating through the silent room.

"Are you going to marry her?" He took a step toward the noble, smirk widening. There were visible cracks in the older teens' armour and he had been the one to do it.

Robert resisted the urge to step back, eyes locked on the Russian. "Of course not. I would never agree to marry someone while I am in a relationship with another. My honour would not allow it." For a brief second Bryan's attention faltered and he took a much needed breath. Being the sole focus of the lavender haired teen was intense and for a moment he could sympathize with Rei. But instead of anger there was lust and need.

Closing the distance between them Bryan looked down at the knight. "Is that what we have? Because almost every time I touch you, I can see you tense." His hand brushed across Robert's cheek, fingers sliding into dark strands, cradling his head. "Are you ashamed of what is between us?"

No. The word was on the tip of his tongue but he couldn't say it. For the most part he had accepted his desire and feeling but part of him, scarred by what had happened with Vivian was telling him not to trust the younger teen.

A large, warm hand settled on his hip and pulled him closer until they were pressed together from chest to thigh. Even in the few moments they had been separated he had forgotten exactly how hot the Russian was, the heat that radiated off of him no matter the surrounding temperature.

Chapped lips pressed kisses to his forehead and cheeks before brushing across his mouth in a fleeting kiss. The touch was soft and sweet, the opposite of everything Bryan was. Not stopping to think he pressed forward, pushing into the brief touch, wanting more.

The hand on his hip tightened and Bryan deepened the kiss even as he pushed Robert back against the desk. He couldn't care about the almost painful press of the desk into the back of his legs. All that mattered was the feel of Bryan pressed against him, the hard ridge of another male's arousal. Bryan shifted against him and there was a leg sliding between his, thigh pressing against his burgeoning erection and he broke the kiss, a low groan spilling from his lips.

Bryan pressed a kiss to the corner of Robert's mouth before trailing kisses along his jaw to the lobe of his ear, teeth tugging gently. He knew leaving any visible marks on the older teen was not an option but it was tempting, especially with the way Robert felt in his arms, the feel of Robert's arousal against his leg. It was a heady feeling and he wanted to push, to actually touch hidden skin and make Robert feel good but the timing wasn't appropriate.

With a final tug of the lobe he pulled back, feeling his own arousal soaring at the sight before him. Robert's head was thrown back, lips parted, eyes closed, chest heaving, looking debauched and overwhelmed. And even lower, the faint outline of Robert's erection against the front of his slacks and he couldn't resist, pushing softly with his thigh, drawing another groan from parted lips.

He leaned in for another kiss, teeth briefly catching his lower lip and tugging. "Not here."

When Robert looked at him, dark eyes dilated with pleasure, confusion plain on his face Bryan kissed him again. "I won't take this any further when there is a chance of someone walking in. I'll be by later tonight."

*****

Robert tossed his tie on the table near his bed and shed his jacket, draping it neatly over a chair. Removing his cufflinks he set them next to his tie and shed his shoes, trying to ignore the faint tingle of arousal under his skin. It had been hard to play the good host and say goodbye to everyone when almost all he could remember was the feel of Bryan against him.

Finally the last person had left and he had retreated to his room, needing to be alone.

He had just started unbuttoning his shirt when the door opened, and he didn't turn, couldn't, suddenly frozen in place. His breath caught in this throat as the door closed, heart stopping as he felt Bryan behind him, arm curling around his shoulder, pulling him back.

His heart started again as he settled against his lover, feeling Bryan's arousal pressed against his lower back. One hand slid under the collar of his shirt, resting on skin for a moment before sliding, calloused fingers brushing over a nipple, once and then again, drawing it to hardness. Warm breath trickled over his neck, followed by soft lips and when Bryan spoke, he felt the rumble of it in his core.

"Nothing happens that you don't want to happen."

It was almost impossible to nod but he managed, hands falling back to catch the fabric of his partner's pants. He rubbed the fine fabric between his fingers, needing something to ground to as Bryan's hand slid across his chest, touching his other nipple, peaking it before moving down.

Bryan nuzzled at the soft skin just below Robert's ear, fighting the urge to push. Warm and vibrant in his arms he wanted to give his partner everything but knew he couldn't, knew he might just end up pushing Robert away with what he intended. It took a moment of work but he managed to get Robert's buttons undone, fingers tracing smooth skin around the edge of his navel.

"Shirt?"

Nodding was all he could manage, still trying to come to terms with Bryan's hand still on his stomach, fingers spread wide, little finger rubbing the skin just under his belt. Bryan's warmth was gone for a minute and he couldn't help but shiver as fingers trailed along his neck and down his arm, pulling his shirt free.

And then he was back, also shirtless, skin to skin and it was overwhelming. Moving he reached back and caught Bryan's pants, needing to feel, using his grip to pull him closer. A hand settled on his belt as an arm curled around his shoulders again, hand cupping his shoulder to hold him close.

Suddenly the belt was undone and pulled free, dropping to the floor even as the talented fingers were back, catching the zipper and tugging it down. He tensed as the hand traveled upwards, resting on his stomach before sliding down slightly, tips just under the waistband of his boxers.