Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade.

Food Processor

"You never struck me as the type who knows how to use a food processor."

Robert glares at his lover from over the appliance in question. "Unlike others of my station, I do know how to fend for myself. My father enjoyed cooking and taught me how. He found it relaxing after a long day dealing with the board and stockholders."

"I can see where he would get that idea." Bryan leans against the counter. "Are you going to cook dinner?"

The glare softens a little and Robert touches the food processor. "I was going to until you opened your mouth. I should let you starve."

Hand resting over his lover's on the processor Bryan moves until Robert has to tip his head back to look at him. "You should, but you won't because you're actually a soft touch, especially when it comes to Russians who say stupid things."

Robert rolls his eyes, though he's smiling. "Convenient how that description fits you perfectly."

Bryan tips his head to kiss Robert. "I'm just good like that." He squeezes Robert's hand. "What can I do to help?"

Robert eases back from his lover. "There are vegetables in the crisper and I need the cognac from the sitting room."

"I'm already starting to like this and I have no idea what you're making."

Wanton

Oliver sets the bottle of wine in the middle of the table before taking the seat across from Robert. His friend is lost in his thoughts, dark eyes unfocused and he hates to do this but he has to. "Robert."

Robert blinks and smiles wanly. "I apologize Oliver. My thoughts have been scattered lately."

"I know. And I think I'm going to make it worse." Feeling Robert's eyes on him Oliver busies himself with pouring wine. "I don't want to do this Robert, but do you really think Bryan is a good choice? That someone capable of such wanton cruelty could ever feel for you the way you do him? And when he gets angry?"

Reaching out Robert picks up his wine glass. "I know you mean well Oliver, but what Bryan and I have is something few can understand. He's broken in a way I can only try to patch. He'll never be whole but I love him despite that." He takes a drink of wine. "As for his cruelty, my lover became so to survive but I know I have nothing to fear from him."

Oliver can only nod. This is the most he's ever heard from Robert about Bryan and he can't help but believe him. Robert would never lie and the conviction in his friend's voice is absolute.

He raises his glass, pleased at the smile it brings to Robert's face. "Then I give you my blessing.

Contested

"You will do as you're told."

Robert stares at his father, back ramrod straight. "I will, but only for the family. I don't approve of being used as a pawn to hold on to contested land."

Ehren leans forward, hands braced on the desk. "You have one use to me, and that is to do as I see fit. You will marry the Kuznetsov heir."

"As you wish." Robert knows the man he's being given to. Bryan is tall and pale, with cold eyes. He's a fierce fighter and known for telling the truth and Robert knows he could do worse.

"You're dismissed."

Robert spins on his heel and strides from the room. Outside he runs into someone and stumbles back. Strong hands catch his should and he looks up into pale eyes.

"I had nothing to do with this. My clan made the decision."

Bryan's voice rumbles through him and Robert nods. "I realize this isn't what either of us wanted."

A smirk tugs at Bryan's mouth as he steps back. "No, it isn't but I have the feeling we'll make the best of it."

Straightening his shoulders Robert inclines his head. "I believe we will."

"I have to speak with your father and then I would speak with you more."

Robert nods. "I will be in the solar."

Mandarin

Bryan hands the Mandarin orange to his lover. "We're out of juice but I'll go get some later."

Knife in hand Robert cuts the peel off. "At least we have these." He begins peeling the pith from the orange. "I should banish you, for not getting sick."

Laughing Bryan sits in the chair next to the other man. "I'm sorry Biovolt made it impossible for us to get sick, but you can't banish me. Who else would wait on you hand and foot?"

"I would cope somehow. Rub my neck."

Bryan rests his hand on Robert's neck and digs his fingers in, smiling at the groan it pulls from his lover. "I'll forgive your lapse in manners."

Head bent under the gentle massage Robert segments his orange. "I appreciate it falke. I don't suppose Gretchen left chick noodle soup?"

"I think she did." Thumb stroking along Robert's hairline Bryan leans in to kiss his temple. "I'll heat some up for lunch."

Robert eats a piece of orange. "Would you be adverse to me returning to bed after I eat?"

Bryan shakes his head. "That's fine. Sleep will do you good." He continues his lover's neck until Robert is half asleep in the chair. "Come on. Bed."

Robert leans into Bryan when his lover helps him up.

Interrogation

The taste of blood is heavy in his mouth and Robert squarely meets his captor's gaze. "You're going to regret your interrogation of me."

Klaus sneers. "You put too much trust in your Russian pet. My men have already taken care of him."

A smirk twists Robert's mouth and he ignores the pull of the split in his lips. "I have no doubt of Bryan's skills. And I'm sure your men understand why I hired Bryan for my protection."

"And for your lover, if the rumours are to be believed." Klaus nods to the hulking man standing behind Robert. "I wonder how he'll react when he sees what we've done to you."

The door behind him slams open and Bryan drops the man behind Robert with a shot to the shoulder before swinging his gun to Klaus. "I'm tempted to kill you but I guess I'll have to settle for letting the authorities deal with you."

He swings his gaze to Robert, taking in the split lip, black eye and bruised cheek. "You okay?"

"It's mostly cosmetic thought I fear the headache will last for days."

Bryan pins Klaus in place with a glare. "I should break your fucking arm, you worthless pile of shit." He steps closer, smirking at the way the other man flinches back. "Maybe I should put you through an interrogation of my own."

Save

"You can stop trying to save me now."

Robert smiles wanly at his lover's words as he rubs at enlarge knuckles. "A flaw I fear, caring for those I love."

Bryan's laugh is raspy and Robert looks at his partner. There isn't must left of the man he met fifteen years ago or the one he married ten years ago. The only similarities now are the pale eyes and lavender hair. Bryan is a wraith, swallowed by the hospital bed.

He's the last of the Demolition Boys left, the others having already succumbed to the damage Biovolt did to their bodies. There isn't time long until Bryan loses his own battle.

"And I very much appreciate it." Bryan turns his hand to lace their fingers together. "I'm going to sleep."

Robert squeezes his lover's hand. "Of course. I'll be here when you wake."

Bryan closes his eyes, relaxing into the bed.

Robert lifts Bryan's hand and kisses the back. Bryan has been the center of his life for so long he isn't sure what he's going to do when Bryan slips away. With a heavy sigh he watches the rise and fall of Bryan's chest. He would give anything to save his lover and there's nothing he can do.