Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade.

Plateau

The view off the plateau is stunning and Robert turns to look at Bryan. "This place will suffice."

Nodding Bryan removes the rucksack from his shoulder and begins removing its contents. A small knife, flint and tinder, a bundle of incense and a vial, dusky purple in colour.

Scooping a hollow in the dirt Bryan gathers some dried twigs and puts them in the hollow. He lights the twigs and once the flame is well established drops the incense on.

As the sharp smell fills the air Bryan stands.

Robert watches the younger man. "You can still back down. This life isn't for everyone."

Bryan rolls his shoulders. "I said I would. I don't give in that easily."

Reaching out Robert touches Bryan's cheek. "Which is exactly why I asked you. Being a guardian requires a special person." He steps back. "Drink the vial."

Bryan picks it up and drains the entire thing, face twisting in disgust.

Robert takes up the knife and cuts open the fleshy part of his thumb. He does the same to Bryan and squeezes Bryan's thumb, blood dropping to the fire. He does the same to his own thumb and then touches the wound to Bryan's forehead.

A wind sweeps across the plateau and two falcons rise into the air.

Dweller

Bryan taps his fingers against the hilt of his sword. "There's something in the cave."

Robert dismounts and moves to join his lover, looking at the darkness. "Is it worth it to try and oust the dweller?"

Glancing up at the seething dark clouds and flashes of lightning Bryan slants a look at the older man. "Only if you don't mind hanging out in the storm that's about to drop on us."

"I suppose we should do it." Robert withdraws a crystal from his pouch. He tosses it into the mouth and it flares to life, throwing light into the cave.

Moving to ground tie their horses Bryan casts a look at the cave. "Deeper than I thought."

Robert rolls a diamond between his fingers. "Hopefully, whatever we're about to displace won't fight. I'm not sure I have enough spells ready."

Bryan steps behind his lover, one hand resting on a brocade clad shoulder. "Unprepared? How unlike you."

With a smile Robert rolls his eyes. "Despite popular belief, I am only human."

"Don't let the unwashed masses hear that or we'll have a riot on our hands." Bryan draws his sword. "Shall we?"

Robert withdraws another diamond. "I'd feel bad about removing the dweller if not for the fact I don't want to spend the night in a downpour."

Bryan nods. "It'll just have to understand."

Cycloid

Removing his gloves Robert tucks them into the pocket of his coat. "I swear that man has a cycloid personality."

Bryan leans back against the wall as he watches Robert shed his overcoat. "You mean the fact he couldn't say enough nice things about you yesterday and today he would have put a knife in your back if he'd been given the chance?"

With a faint smile Robert hangs his coat on the rack. "I suppose that's one way of putting it."

"You didn't hire me to be polite. And that would explain the vitriol from today." Bryan settles on the couch against the wall. "He bears watching."

Robert crosses to his desk and sits down, leaning back in the plush chair. "He's never been happy with me since I changed the direction of the company after my father's death. He would love for me to trip up."

Head against the back of the couch Bryan stares at the ceiling. "That and the cycloid mood swings worry me."

Withdrawing a folder Robert sighs. "As always, I defer to your wisdom in such matters."

"It's the reason you're still alive. You don't go anywhere without me, and don't think I won't restrain you if need be."

Robert smiles. "You know how to sweet talk a guy."

Bryan smirks and winks. "I have many skills."

Revulsion

Robert draws back in revulsion. "What?"

Shedding his alternate form Bryan wipes the blood from his face. "Robert, I was going to tell you."

"When? After you killed someone else?" Robert twists away from his lover's reaching hand.

With a growl Bryan rakes a hand through his hair, blood staining the pale strands. "And how was I fucking supposed to explain that I can turn into a fucking clouded leopard. That if I ever disappeared it was because some fucking were-hunter had turned me into a rug." He gestures to the mangled body in the grass. "Which he was. I killed him in self-defense."

Robert rubs a hand down his thigh. "How long?"

Bryan takes a step forward but stops when he notices the way his lover is trying to keep from flinching away. "Forever. It runs in my family. Nothing has changed."

Robert looks at the body. "How can you say that?"

Hand clenching Bryan frowns. "Is it really a surprise, that I'm capable of such violence? You've seen what I do."

Straightening his shoulders Robert sighs. "I know. I can't guarantee I can overlook this Bryan, my feelings for you aside."

"As long as you don't avoid me. I'm not asking for intimacy, but don't pull away. Your revulsion makes the leopard nervous." Bryan reaches out but aborts the movement. "It would never hurt you."

Flamboyant

Bryan takes a drink of his scotch and glares at his lover. "It isn't nearly as funny as you think."

Robert laughs. "Yes, it was. The look on your face when you realized she was flirting with you."

"I thought it was obvious I'm gay and here with my lover."

Robert takes Bryan's scotch and sips before handing it back. "Perhaps if you were more flamboyant you wouldn't find yourself accosted by women seeking your company."

Bryan smirks. "Stereotyping is wrong. Didn't your mother teach you anything?"

With a smile Robert steps into his lover. "She taught me many things. Mostly though, how to get amusement from my partner."

"Cruel, cruel man." Bryan rests his hand on the small of Robert's back. "Can you imagine me flamboyant?"

Robert frowns. "That is a terrifying thought. I much prefer you the way you are."

Bryan kisses his lover. "I had a feeling surly bastard would be the thing to get you."

"I need another drink. I'll be back in a moment." Robert pulls away.

Bryan leans back against the wall. "Don't be gone too long or I might turn flamboyant."

Robert rolls his eyes. "You aren't as funny as you think you are."

Coronet

Bryan looks up from his book as the door to their room opens. "Don't you look dashing."

Robert closes the door and unbuttons his tux jacket before shrugging it off. "I'm glad this is so rarely required."

Setting his book on the small table next to the chair Bryan watches his lover. "Are you planning on wearing that all night?"

"Wha-oh." Robert removes the silver coronet and holds it between his hands. "I'd forgotten I was wearing it."

With a grin Bryan stands and crosses to his lover. "How did you manage that?"

Robert tips his head back for Bryan's kiss. "You get used to the weight and when everyone else is wearing one you forget it." Rolling his shoulders Robert moves away and sets the silver coronet in the dark oak box on the dresser. "I despise these functions. So many pompous asses."

Huffing out a laugh Bryan moves to stand behind Robert, hands resting on his shoulders. "Less pompous asses if I could attend."

Robert leans back into his lover. "I could use the company but unfortunately they are rather strict about only the oldest of families attending. And I fear they wouldn't know what to do with you."

Bryan smirks. "It might be enough to break you out of their hidebound ways."

Elevate

Leaning in the doorway of the studio Robert watches as his lover warms up. He's watched Bryan do this more times than he can count and he never gets tired of watching the play of muscle under clothing.

"Planning on being creepy all day?" Bryan bends and touches his toes before stretching to his full height.

With a smile Robert enters the room. Bryan's prickly attitude makes more enemies than friends but no one can deny that he is one of the preeminent ballet dancers in the world. "I thought I might watch you warm up. We haven't had much time lately."

Bryan smirks and goes on pointe, holding it briefly before turning. "I have tomorrow off."

Robert watches his lover elevate a few more times before jumping, the move light and easy. "Lunch?"

"Yes. Steak." Bryan spins and stretches before padding against the hardwood floor to stand before his lover. He dips his head to kiss Robert. "I'll actually be home in time for dinner tonight. We only have a light rehearsal."

Fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of Bryan's neck Robert smiles against his lips. "I'll have something ordered. I won't have time to cook."

Bryan pulls back. "That's fine. Out. I have to finish warming up."

Robert smiles and exits the studio. He knows when to leave Bryan to his craft.