Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade.

A/N: Not much of an update, but there's some plot and I figured it was better to update now rather than fount months down the line. Enjoy.

Bag slung over his shoulder Bryan made his way to Corcoran's kennel. The moment he rounded the corner Corcoran had abandoned the shoe he had been chewing on and started barking and jumping, all gangly legs and flopping ears. Unlocking the gate Bryan leaned down to grab the shoe, laughing when Cor immediately latched back onto the black leather, trying to get it back. "This better not be one of Robert's shoes."

Letting Corcoran out Bryan leaned back against the fence, eyes closed. When his relationship with Robert had changed he had never expected it to end up quite the way it had. Falling in love with him had never crossed his mind, had always seemed impossible. And now that it had happened he didn't know what to do.

Reaching into his pocket he dialed Tala's number from touch alone, cursing when he got voicemail. "Tala, I hate you right now for always being right. However, things have currently gone to hell so I'll be showing up on your doorstep some time soon."

Closing his phone he jammed it back in his pocket and bent down to pick up Corcoran's shoe, glad to see that it was too small to be his or Robert's, which meant it belonged to Gustav. Seconds later Corcoran was bounding from the grass to his side again, jumping for the shoe again.

Bryan raised it just high enough he couldn't get it, using it to lure Cor to the garage. Getting the puppy in the car was as easy as tossing the shoe on the front seat and Corcoran was curled on the seat chewing on it again, though it was a tight fit. He tossed his bag in the back and climbed in the front, desperately needing to get away from the castle.

-----

Pulling his keys from his pocket Bryan opened the front door, smiling when Corcoran pushed past him, shoe dangling from his mouth. He followed him in, dropping his bag just inside the door, laughing at the Corcoran who was sniffing at Kai's feet.

"What the hell is that thing?"

Bryan grinned as Kai stared at Corcoran. "That would be my puppy. Don't worry. Unlike Tala he's housebroken and won't start humping any legs."

Ignoring the glare he got from the redhead he looked to where Li and Rei were standing in the corner of the living room, arguing softly in Cantonese. "The fuck Hiwatari? Are you planning on starting a petting zoo?"

He grinned at the middle finger aimed his way by Rei as he scooped up Corcoran just as the puppy tried to grab Rei's hair. "Anyone want to tell me how the hell the other kitty came to be here? I didn't know you were opening a homeless shelter."

Tala shrugged. "Li has been in love with Rei for years. Mariah found out and told the Village Elders and he was exiled. He knew Rei was here and figured he could stay here awhile. Of course, he didn't know about the three of us, but like before, he thought Kai was pretty hot and we figured, the more the merrier."

Rolling his eyes Bryan set Corcoran on the floor and tossed the gnawed on shoe to him. The puppy settled at his feet with a growl, teeth digging into black leather. "Kai, stop giving him people willing to have sex with him. He's going to die if he doesn't get some blood to the head on top."

"At least I'm getting sex from something besides my left hand." Tala sat up as Kai and Li sat on either side of him. "I'm surprised your hand hasn't fallen off yet."

Bryan slid his arm around Rei's shoulders as the younger teen sat down next to him. "Believe it or not, I have a partner. Unlike you I'm happy with just one."

He was hard put not to laugh. Rei had gone stiff against his side, Li and Kai looked shocked and Tala looked like he had stopped breathing, the colour leeching from his face.

-----

Tala slowly pushed open the door to Bryan's room, figuring that if his friend wanted to be left alone the door would have been completely closed and not half open. He could see Corcoran on the floor at the foot of the bed asleep, rounded stomach rising evenly. Moving quietly he padded to the side of the bed, eyes skimming over his friend.

Bryan was sprawled on his back in the middle of the massive bed. One arm was thrown over his eyes and the other was resting on his stomach. His pants were undone, the sides folded neatly back to reveal a triangle of pale flesh and the dark shirt he was wearing was pushed up, revealing a gauze patch taped to the crest of his hip.

Breath catching in his throat he rubbed at the wide leather bracelet circling his right wrist, instinctively knowing what was under the gauze. He knelt on the side of the bed, one hand resting on the back of Bryan's hand. "Can I see it?"

A slight flicker of long fingers was his only answer. Turning slightly he eased his fingers under the tape and peeled the gauze of, feeling lightheaded at what greeted him. The gryphon tattoo, done completely in black ink was exquisite. He gently dragged his fingers over the reddened skin, knowing his friend could handle the pain. "I can't believe you did this. What happened to your promise?"

Bryan lifted his arm slightly to glare at his friend. "I made that promise six years ago. Things change Tala." There was a brief pause before he found his voice again. "I've changed."

Hand skimming over the tattoo Tala stretched on his stomach, close enough to Bryan that they touched at hip and shoulder. Resting his head on his folded arms he looked at his friend, remembering the call he had received only days early. To anyone else Bryan would have sounded completely calm but Tala had been able to hear the shock and barely there tremor in the accented voice. "Why did you do it?"

The lean body next to him shifted and he rolled onto his hip, blue eyes widening in shock. "Holy fuck. You're in love with him aren't you? If you weren't you wouldn't have put his mark on your skin. Fuck, you were in love with Kai for all that time and you never did anything like this."

"I trust Robert more than I trust Kai."

Tala sat up and spread his fingers over the tattoo, feeling Bryan's warmth sink into his hand. "And what happens if he doesn't return your feelings?"

"Then I have a tattoo I chose and I don't get what I want again." Lifting his arm he smirked at Tala. "But then I've gotten used to that haven't I?"

He pushed at Tala. "Now either lie down or get the hell out of here. I want to sleep."

Grinning Tala stretched back out next to his friend.

-----

Dieter looked at Robert over the top of his book, wondering what was bothering him. His godson was slumped in his chair, eyes closed, hands folded across his stomach. He was oddly tense, the faintest hints of a frown tugging at his lips.

Closing his book Dieter gently knocked his foot against Robert's leg, smiling when he had Robert's attention. "What has you so wound up? I doubt it has anything to do with the business. Even when we are the most stressed trying to straighten everything out you have never been this tense."

He watched as Robert raised a hand to touch the side of his throat, a flush staining his cheeks. "Not business." Robert's frown deepened for a moment before easing. "Personal reasons."

Smiling Dieter rubbed at his beard. For years rumours had been flying around their circles on just who would be the one to land the wealthy Jurgen heir. And finally, it seemed Robert had chosen his own partner with none of the gossip mongers having any idea. "Ah, woman troubles."

The flush across Robert's cheeks darkened and it took Dieter a moment to realize what had provoked that reaction. He smiled and leaned forward to pat his godson's knee. "Ah. Man trouble."

Dieter didn't think it was possible but Robert's flush deepened and his eyes dropped. He could tell Robert was feeling ashamed and he hated having made his godson feel that way. "Robbie, look at me." Dieter waited until dark eyes met his. "I was your father's best friend, I dated your mother, and I was there when you were born. Believe it or not, I am not quite as hidebound as some of your father's compatriots. All that really matters to me is that you are happy."

The tension drained out of Robert and he sank back into the chair. "Thank you Dieter. Do you mind if we make a quick stop in France on the way back? You are of course welcome to continue home but I have someone I need to speak to."

"Of course. After all you're the one paying for the fuel."

-----

Oliver looked up from the cutting board to where Robert was standing, with a glass of wine in hand, by the wall of windows of his apartment over looking the cityscape. Sixteen years he had known Robert and he didn't think he had ever seen his friend quite so relaxed.

Robert had shed his suit jacket, tie hanging from the pocket. He had undone the top two buttons of his shirt and was going barefoot, his shoes tucked neatly next to the couch. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up and Oliver enjoyed watching the smooth movement of Robert's muscles as he swirled his wine glass.

"Where's Johnny?"

Tossing the onions into the sauce he was making Oliver picked his own glass up and moved to join his friend. "There's some MacGregor family function this week. And as much as I love Johnny, I do not love his family enough to go through that pain with him."

"Understandable. I have met his siblings. I cannot imagine dealing with his extended family." Robert took a drink of his wine, trying to find a way to say what needed to be said. He knew Oliver would support him, no matter what he said and that made him decide to simply say what he was thinking.

"I love him."

Oliver hastily raised the glass to hide his smile. He had known it would only be a matter of time before Robert finally admitted to what he felt. The only thing left was to find out if Bryan felt the same way, if what Oliver had seen in the way the Russian looked at Robert was love.

"Looks like I need to collect some money from the others." Oliver shifted closer to Robert, sliding an arm around his friend's waist, pleasantly surprised when Robert's arm moved around his shoulder. It was rare he was allowed so close. "I'm happy for you. I think you and Bryan are very good together."

Robert smiled. "Don't try to change the topic Oliver. I should have known you were betting on me. Johnny's idea I'm sure."

"Yeah. We made a bet about how long it would take you to admit to it. I said within two months of us realizing you two were together, Enrique said six months and Johnny of course, never."

Taking a drink Robert shook his head. "Johnny's bet does not surprise me. I have little doubt he was hoping this was something that was simply going to pass. And don't tell me how much you won. I'm sure it is a considerable amount."

Oliver laughed. "Yes it is. Have you told him yet?" He was surprised when he felt Robert tense. "I'll take that as a no."

"I was precipitously pulled from the bed several days ago. There wasn't really much time to talk." Robert drained his glass. "Not that I am ready to tell him. I need a chance to think about what this is going to mean for the family."

Taking Robert's glass Oliver set both glasses on the coffee table behind them before turning into his friend, arms sliding around Robert's waist. He rested his head on Robert's chest, smiling when Robert pulled him closer. "For once Robert, you should think about your happiness first and worry about your family second. Now let's get you fed so you can get home and spend the night with your lover."