Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade.

Insubordination

Since his mating with Bryan Robert has found his tolerance for the Council has lessened. "Respectfully, but it isn't insubordination. Bryan is my mate and as such he is my equal in rank."

The oldest member of the Council, a female Jaguar fixes him with a steely glare. "You have become insolent since mating with the Falcon brat. You are a prince, he is not. It was insubordination."

Robert can feel his wings flare in anger at the woman's words. Gryphons are fiercely protective of their mates and this woman is putting him on edge. "Bryan is listed on the Gryphon rolls as a Prince and my clan treats him as such. The Council will show him the same respect."

The Council seems to be awed by his outburst and Robert doesn't push any further. He's made his point and they'll abide by it.

One of the two men, an old Bear, grins. "The boy has had an influence on you Jurgen, for better or worse. His insubordination will be stricken from the records.

Wings settling against his back Robert sketches a quick bow. "I thank the Council for their time." He stalks from the room, knowing he has a target on his back.

Immolate

"They're going to immolate us whether we surrender or not. We're a sacrifice either way."

Bryan and Robert glance at each other. Their generals are all starting to panic and they'll lose the army.

Robert taps his fingers against the gem in the pommel of the dagger on his belt. "That attitude is exactly what lead us to this point. We are stronger than a cult."

Bryan steps forward. "Your families are in this city. It's disgusting how easily you would condemn your families to a gruesome death. I might as well kill them all in front of you if this is the way you want it to end it."

Bryan's words send a ripple through the gathered crowd and Robert draws the attention back to him. "My partner speaks the truth. Giving up will not save any of us from the fire. We will fight until the end and any man seen deserting will feel the blades of my assassin."

He hates using Bryan's skills to keep the men in line but he won't see his city fall to a cult. Especially one who would immolate even innocents in their quest for power.

"For now, you're all dismissed but I expect you back in two hours."

Bryan watches as they file out. "The fires are already burning."

Stretch

Standing in the doorway Robert watches his lover stretch. Bryan's body is a long, lean line and the movement of it is beautiful.

"How was rehearsal?"

Bryan smirks and stands before bending in half. "The usual bullshit. The prima is pissed at the choreographer and tried to take it out on me."

"Foolish woman." Robert enters the bedroom and settles on the edge of the bed to watch his lover finish stretching. "Hasn't she realized that doesn't work?"

Straightening up Bryan pushes his arms above his head and stretches until his back pops. "NO. She's a good dancer but her intellect leaves much to be desired." Bryan relaxes and pads across the room to stand between his partner's legs. "I always forget how much you enjoy watching me stretch."

Robert urns his gaze up the lean, coiled strength of his lover's body. "I do appreciate it. Very much."

With a smirk Bryan gracefully drops to his knees between Robert's legs he slides his hands up his lover's thighs. "I appreciate that you appreciate it. I want to show you how much I appreciate it."

Robert gently threads his fingers through Bryan's hair. "Whatever you want."

Oath

Bryan presses his hand to the stab wound just under his ribs. His vision is beginning to swim and he knows it won't be long.

He's vaguely aware of Robert dropping next to him and he reaches up with his free hand, not surprised that it's shaking. "Don't make that face. I'm fulfilling my oath."

Robert clutches his lover's hand, heedless of the blood. "I know, but it shouldn't be this way."

Bryan closes his eyes and squeezes Robert's hand. He's known since he took the job, that it would end with his death. His fate has long since been etched in stone and swearing the blood oath to protect Robert was the final word.

Of course falling into bed and in love with Robert had never been part of his fate.

"I think, life will be far darker without your sarcasm Bryan."

Bryan shakes his head and dredges up a wry smile. "You'll manage."

Robert's laugh is choked off. "I won't. You've ruined me for anyone else."

Breathing laborious, Bryan finds he can't keep his hand up anymore, even with Robert's hand around his. "I don't regret taking the oath."

Robert's voice is a bare whisper. "I wish it hadn't taken that to meet you."

Moor

The heather strewn moor unfolds on either side of them and Robert settles deeper into the saddle. This vacation has been a long time in coming and after three days he never wants to see the inside of a boardroom.

He looks over at Bryan who is comfortable in the saddle, reins loosely wrapped around his hands. It took months before his lover was even remotely okay with being in the saddle.

"I can see you smiling."

Robert laughs. "Just remembering when you looked like a board in the saddle and now it looks like you might fall asleep."

Bryan smirks and eases his horse closer until their legs are touching. "I'm glad you get so much enjoyment of my plight."

Laughing again Robert reaches over to touch Bryan's arm. "No one would believe me if I told them how you skirted around Chester like you did."

Bryan rolls his eyes though he doesn't lose his smirk. "Excuse me for not wanting to be the victim of a thousand pound monster."

"Except now you act like you've grown up around horses. I find your competency alluring."

Bryan groans. "You would say that when we're in the middle of the moor where anyone who might come upon us could see."

Robert laughs. "I'll make it up to you when we get back to the castle."

Translation

Smirking Bryan leans back in his chair, watching as Gustav rants at Robert, the older man's face bright red.

Finally Gustav stops and strides from the study.

Bryan grins when his lover turns to face him. "I don't need a translation to know that the entire thing was about me."

With a rueful smile Robert takes the chair across from his partner. "Yes. And I won't provide a translation as much of it wasn't polite."

Bryan's smirk turns feral. "Because I'm likely to be offended about what an old blow-hard thinks of me. How often does that happen?"

Robert sighs. "More often than it should, but as it causes no harm and he is efficient at his job, I find it impossible to fire him."

Stretching out Bryan rests his foot against Robert's and taps. "And I would hate to see him go as I get so much enjoyment out of riling him up."

"And I would hate to deprive you of your enjoyment. Just try to avoid causing a heart attack."

Bryan's smile widens. "I'll try not to, as long as he doesn't start in with English or we'll have problems."

Dusk

Bryan leans against the parapet, staring into the looming dusk, his thoughts going a thousand miles a minute. Voltaire is dead and he isn't sure what to think about it.

The door behind him opens and he turns to watch his lover. Robert's arms are full, with blankets, pillows and a basket with a bottle of vodka sticking out of the top. He moves to help his lover. "Voltaire is dead."

Robert freezes for a moment before shaking out one of the blankets. "Oh."

Bryan sets the basket down. "That's all you have?"

Setting the pillows down Robert looks at his lover. Even in the crowing dark he can see the tension in Bryan. "I have feelings on the matter but I won't burden you with them. You have enough to think about."

"I don't know what to think." Bryan makes fists, nails digging into his palms.

With a faint smile Robert moves to his lover and touches his cheek. "You have time. No one expects a quick answer. You do have to eat before we open the bottle though."

Bryan smirks and dips his head to kiss Robert. "I would be lost without you."

Robert smiles. "I'll be here whenever you need me."