Bored.

Eros Delacourde was bored. He had nothing to do, the system he created was doing his work for him, and his bloodthirst was sated after his little fun ended an hour ago. The games he had on his phone weren't doing their job. After countless wins, he ditched the mobile and opted for some reading. The light novels weakly called to him along with the mangas his twin sent for him to read. It helped a bit. Whatever new interest his siblings got into, they will involve him moderately, choosing things they know will capture his attention. Martial Arts and Cultivation manhuas were hits with him and a few J-pop songs his baby sister, Rejeanne, sent him. Indulging himself in them distracted his mind for now.

'Access Granted.'

Not bothering to look up from the novel he was reading, he knew who it was by their touch and the scent of one of his favorite dishes. So they sent him to temper his mood. 
Strong fingers ran through his curls, gently teasing his scalp before they retreated to their owner. Eros's body relaxed just by that person's presence. He missed him. It has been two years since he left Pasadena to follow his path, and so many things occurred that he couldn't analyze on his own. He knew this person was a phone call away, but his pride and yearning for independence stopped him.

"If we are to leave for Paris, I have to reschedule some stuff. So what will be a good gift for the bride? We haven't seen them in a while, so that means gifts for Jeannie and moms. What do you think?"

He lost his place in the book after hearing the word Paris. He forgot. 

How can he forget his older brother's wedding? Amara! He hasn't spoken to her for ages. Was he so distracted?

"You have a vacation with your friends. Isn't it that time of the year?" he returned.

"I do, but I can miss it."

"Shaun...."

The quiet calling of his name had numerous meanings. It was an admonishment, reassurance and apology.

Releasing a sigh, Shaun toed off his sneakers and got comfortable on the sofa opposite his friend. From what he heard from the others, something significant happened with the young master, affecting him emotionally. Knowing how foreign it was to the quiet twin, they all knew he was struggling but wanted to handle things independently. The best they can do is to play the waiting game. 

"I can move back in. My training can be done independently..."

"You need to take training seriously. You have a title to defend. Not just as the champion but as 'Honor.'" Translation - Don't waste your time and worries on me.

"I can consider this as a break in addition to my vacation," Shaun pushed. Translation - You need to stop being stubborn and accept a friendly shoulder.

Eros scoffed and ditched the book he was reading. "Who sent you?"

"Dreux."

He stayed silent. Dreux and Jhoel were the only two guys around him Amara contacts when she can't get a hold of him. A weight of guilt fell on his shoulders. His brother and his new sister were about to tie the knot and he still kept his distance from them to the point of forgetting the date. Shame was now mixed with guilt; he was becoming a failure as a brother. He knew they wouldn't call him out on his behavior; they would worry. So he had to reassure them.

"I will leave in three days."

"They love you. Don't forget that part in your analytical thoughts," Shaun murmured.

"I won't." 

****

The next day he found himself strolling along the boulevard with Shaun, Dreux, and Jian, window shopping for some odd reason. It was his first time doing this, and watching the goings around him made him calm. Jhoel left early that morning to prepare his arrival at the family estate. His decision to go home caused an uproar in the family. His mother called to confirm and get his siblings to back off until he was present in Paris. Their reaction was understandable and expected. 

"Let's go in here," Shaun announced. But, unfortunately, Eros was distracted by a girl whining and tugging at her boyfriend's arm. 

An annoying one, isn't she? He said to himself and followed the guys into the store. 
Shaun was already at a shelf that displayed board shorts. Dreux and Jian were conversing in French over t-shirts. Looking at the decor of the store, it had a surfer aesthetic. It wasn't hard for him to understand why Shaun chose this store first. The vacation his friends from Spencer were taking was in the Caribbean. The fiance of the Johnson boy hailed from there, so it was a suitable choice. Having a new wardrobe for vacation seems logical, Eros thought. His light brown eyes had a hint of curiosity as he watched on. Shaun had his thinking face on as he held up two board shorts, and the boys were busy choosing unnecessary stuff.

"Eros, come choose one. We'll head to the beach after a little shopping," Shaun yelled over his shoulder in French. It wasn't fluent, but it was passable.

He simply nodded but didn't move from his spot by the door. The three workers in the store hadn't moved from their spot at the register and it was agitating him. They were brazenly eyeing them and whispering behind their hands. 
Dreux caught on to his friend's dilemma and walked over to him. 

"It's okay. This is normal in laidback stores with young workers. They tend to give their customers space or simply admire from afar," he explained.

"Admire? We had no prior interaction with them."

Dreux chuckled at his faux pas. He forgot his friend preferred to be hidden behind the computer than be out. Since his arrival to Pasadena, he spent outings in restaurants with few people and private enjoyments with Shaun. He was also oblivious to his striking good looks; Ares was a social media celeb; Lucifer was a steady user. Rejeanne now had a strong following. Unfortunately, any photo of Eros on the net may be years or months old.

"Do you remember the looks on females' faces whenever Ares or the young boss enters a room?"

"Yes. Amara said it's called hormonal disturbance," Eros answered dutifully.
Dreux's jaw dropped at the young boss lady's definition. What did he expect - the two were alike in so many ways. A typical response from the two will be beyond your expectations. 

"Something like that. It's wonderful to move around naturally. No need to be cautious. Your looks probably catch them off guard." 
Maybe it's the deadly vibes you're sending off at the moment, Dreux said to himself. 

"Being cautious tends to be the right choice, but it may upset you all on our little day off," Eros returned. His friend's face softened; this was rare of his best friend, to voice his thoughts in such a casual manner. It was good to know and see him out of his 24/7 work mode.
Leading him to Shaun's side, he along with the other men protecting the young master, believed the champion fighter should handle the day. Stepping away, Dreux chuckled when Shaun threw a board short, a tank, and flip flops to an expressionless Eros. It was a start getting him to relax and understand the reason for his change over the past months. 

After the quick shopping trip, they picked up an take-out order and proceeded to the beach. Dreux and Jian set up an umbrella and chairs for the young master then left him in Shaun's care. 

"Eat."

Eros eyed the separated order for him, then ignored the gentle command from his friend. Instead, a sigh was heard even though the waves were crashing on the shore were loud as ever, along with the beachgoers' wild chatter.

"You may not talk much nor voice your feelings, but those who love and care for you understand when you're going through something you're unable to decipher. Your appetite has declined. Your mood fluctuates, and you bury yourself in projects you lose interest in after a short time. I'm not forcing you to tell me but know that I'm worried. Not only as your past roommate but as your friend."

Shaun Roberts came from a small town with a background filled with pain and betrayal. His older brother gave him a choice to be part of something special. His face can be seen on Sports Illustrated front covers, ESPN segments, and newsreel and posters in gyms six years later. He had a career as an MMA fighter under the Russian family, a soldier for the French Mafia, and living a very comfortable life but the scars were still there. He believed Eros was experiencing something opposite of his contented state of mind. He wanted to help his friend but knew how closed off he can be when encountering something new. Over the past months, he suspected something was off when his chatty emails and texts began to dwindle and the concerned requests from the guys. Whatever it was, it's still a fresh wound.

"You haven't taken a new partner. It's been six years," Eros voiced after the silence.

"I'm too  busy to put effort into love once again."

"Love." Eros's soft repeat of the word caught Shaun's attention. 

"Yes. Love."

"The 'love' you experienced was filled with pain. Yet, the love I've witnessed over the years was filled with joy and trials. Is it the same love?" he asked. His golden-brown eyes shone like jewels from the ray of sun that found its way to him.

"No," Shaun answered without hesitation. His friends were now living lives filled with love he wished for himself. There have been times of fights and trials of separation, but they were still happily in love. The love he had for Derek was hidden, filled with lies, and was one-sided. He won't wish for that type of love on his enemies, much less a stranger. He turned over Eros's words and questioned once more. 

He found it.

His friend went through his first foreign emotional upheaval with a partner. But. How and where did he meet this person when eyes were always on him? Shaun's curiosity was burning him, but he held back. It wouldn't be wise to ask him directly. It's possible Eros was currently deciding who would be perfect to be his conversation partner. 

Leaning back into his chair, Shaun stretched his hand towards his friend and patiently waited for him to take it. Eros snorted in slight amusement with a ghost of a smile on his lips, copied Shaun's action, and took his hand. Over the years of their friendship, Eros learned the love language of touch. It helped in being intimate. They've shared hugs, handholding, short kisses, and cuddling, which was beneficial to them both. Holding hands reassured Shaun that the young master was okay and for Eros, it was the comfort he needed from a friend. 

"I don't think it was love, but it still hurt."

*******

Two days later, the group in the VIP lounge area of the small airport, watching the jets going through last-minute checks and being loaded. The three held a light conversation around Eros as he answered the barrage of questions his little sister had for him. Even though she would be seeing him in a few hours, she had a lot of things to ask. Rejeanne was now nearing sixteen and had been depending on her brothers more. Hearing their opinions on the teen problems she was experiencing and comparing it to the advice her friends gave to understand things. Through those innocent questions, the French Mafia princess realized how different her brothers were compared to kids outside their home. She labeled it as 'a sheltered life.'

"Hey, the jets are ready." Shaun was the one who informed of this; Druex and Jian left the two, knowing their friend needed some time alone with the fighter. Their friendship differed from theirs, and Eros needed an outsider more than them. 
Eros didn't move. He turned to Shaun and took note of the worry in his brown eyes and the reluctance emanating from his body. 
Reaching up, he cupped the back of his neck and pulled him close enough for his lips to touch his.

"Stop it." 

It was an order from his friend and not the young master. His shoulders slumped in defeat, allowing Eros to brush his lips against his before making him lose all his senses in that turbulent kiss. Though they hadn't passed this stage, Eros's kisses were intoxicating. A mixture of dominance and care twisted with his soft lips and probing tongue. He allowed Shaun to touch him freely, which gave him the chance to feel how his body changed over the past two years. The hand on his neck moved to his jaw, ending their kiss slowly. Shaun laughed softly and opened his eyes to meet Eros's gaze. He would be lying if he said the young Delacourde wasn't impressive in the eyes. Over the years they've lived together, he had the thought of Eros being an excellent partner to someone who will understand him fully. But, unfortunately, he was still locked behind the walls he built to give into a romance with the young master. 

"I'm supposed to be the one comforting you, not the other way around."

Eros used his thumb and traced his jaw, ending at his kiss swollen lips, and tightened his hold on him. Though he was learning about emotions and other people's feelings, he understood Shaun's emotional situation through their time together. The need to keep this man close to him as a friend was heavy on his mind. Helping him become a success and being there for him and accepting his concern, were things Eros was willing to do.

"You need it more." 

That was his answer and it affected Shaun more than he expected. The hug that came after that statement comforted him also. 
Silly kid, this is my job, Shaun thought to himself. Eros Delacourde was growing to be an ideal partner.

Walking onto the tarmac minutes later, Shaun went through his last-minute concerns with Eros like an anxious mama. Those who watched over them got a peek at the slight smile on their young master's face as he nodded in response. It was a rare occurrence to witness this, and it became a hot topic amongst them.
"Okay, after the two-week island hopping with my friends I will be heading back to Russia for three months of training then the championship tour. So don't slack on your texting." 

"The guys are there to talk. So take it one step at a time to open up to them. I know you wish to keep what happened bottled up, but as you can see from everyone, that's not good."

Eros tugged at his hand to get him closer to him, using his hand to place Shaun's head in the crook of his shoulder and neck. Although Shaun still depended on hugs and affection like a bit of child at twenty-four, he wasn't embarrassed; he was thankful to his friends who weren't ashamed to show him such appreciation. "I'll be fine," he whispered in his ear. In response, he received a tight hug and a soft kiss on his neck before he was released. 
He didn't call him back, he allowed Shaun to leave his side. Somehow he knew the next time they were to meet again, it wouldn't be the same as two lost sheep crossing the same path. Seeing his friend safely in his jet, he made his way over to his to patiently wait for them to take off. 

While the jet taxied down the runway, he concluded after thinking things over logically and emotionally; he had to accept the unpredictable more. Planning and finding suitable solutions for problems that may or may not arise was playing it safe and missing out on reality. Allowing for the flow of events to go as fate wants will bring up things one didn't consider. The experience will be worthwhile.

"How happy mother will be when I return home," he muttered to himself. The first step to actually experiencing the world will be talking to the one person he trusts most in the world. 

His mother.

*******

Paris

Lucifer Delacourde kept track of his fiance's strides in his childhood bedroom as she got ready for the day. The excitement on her face was doubled after confirming his little brother's arrival late last night. It was seven in the morning and Amara was ready to start the day with Eros. Their wedding was five days away and preparations had been going smoothly. His mother commented on traditions being followed; that's why it was all well. Along with his family, he believed in mythology and religion with their own understandings meaning in his heart his ancestors blessed his union with Amara. After all, the final word to their vows will be the official sign of them being the new head of the seal. Although, as heir to his father's businesses and the seal, he was acclimated to the flow of things, it took a while for his bride-to-be.

Their year apart affected her greatly. She allowed herself to grieve healthily, come to terms with the crap her mother had done, and accepted him wholly. Sitting up in the bed they shared with his eyes filled with love for her, Lucifer silently noted the changes in her body and fell in love with every inch once more. When she returned to Boston, she gained healthy weight, her waist was softer and her tummy was soft to touch and so comfortable to lie on for naps. Her hair was now straightened and waist length. She was hastily brushing the dark veil, with unfocused eyes lost in thought. Lucifer knew her worries were of their brother and not their wedding. He will admit that he was slightly angry at Eros by the distance he created but was reassured by his mother and Amara. They seem to understand his actions when he and their father and brother were clueless. Talking to him required patience and more profound understanding which they were fifty percent.

"I think you should wait for at least a day to question him, Ami," he voiced his thoughts out loud. 

"It will be best to get things clear before we proceed with any kind of bonding," she returned firmly.

"I know you two have a close relationship but I have a feeling he needs mama on this visit."

Amara turned to him with furrowed brows. She didn't mean to be presumptuous in thinking Eros would meet with her so early, but she wanted to know what was wrong quickly. She missed him dearly. She stopped her actions and trudged back to the bed. "Do you have an inkling of what's wrong with him?" she asked as he pulled her under the covers.

"From what I heard from Jhoel, it seems emotional. Shaun was able to get him to relax back in Pasadena. Overall he's fine but needs to get what's confusing him out of his mind. Don't seek him out just yet. Now. You need to relax."

Amara rolled her eyes in amusement when he rolled on top of her and placed playful kisses on her face and body. "Our definition of relaxing clearly differs in our minds."

"It seems so." Covering her body with his, her thick legs wrapped around his waist, trapping him against the warmth of her body and the scent of peaches. The silly grin on his face made the laugh she was holding back escape. 
"You idiot." Her laugh filled the room, bringing happiness into Lucifer's heart. So this is what he will be receiving from her for the rest of their lives. He can hardly wait.

"Kiss your idiot," he said with a pout. 

Amara pulled him closer to her and covered his lips with hers. It won't hurt to relax for a few more hours. 

As the castle stirred to life for another day, Ares was seated on the mats watching his twin pummel his teacher with the mindset of survival. In a typical sense, a student overpowering their martial arts teacher takes years, but here Eros was doing just that. He was lost in his twin's movements, trying to keep each image in his mind for later use when he felt that familiar presence. His head lowered slightly before he turned to his right. Immediately he got to his feet and greeted his father. 
If this man's children were called bloodthirsty wolves and devils, just who was Raizon Delacourde compared to.

"Hey, kid," Raizon returned, tugging at the unkempt twists on his son's head.

"Morning, father."

Raizon chuckled at his son's familiar smirk and ruffled his hair some more. It's been a while since they've been under one roof, little moments like these happened during visits and family gatherings. "What are we looking at?"

"Ummm...."

Ares lapsed into silence and looked at his father, whose smile waned to a frown, then to his twin beating the shit out of his teacher. "Ares."

"Ah. Bare-handed combat with a non-casualty objective," he said under his breath.

"Does this look like a non-casualty outcome?"

Ares chuckled nervously and created some space away from his father. "No, sir." He winced when Eros did a double kick to the head, his body falling to the ground then he used that momentum to do a sweep at the teacher's ankles. The older man fell to the mat with a bang. His twin already turned onto his back and brought down an ax kick to the man's chest. Manipulating his body perfectly he was able to straddle his opponent, forcefully restrain his arms with his knees, and push the man's head upward revealing his throat. 

Ares wanted to shout for his brother to stop when he raised his clenched right hand but he couldn't. There was no life in Eros's eyes. He was about to kill the man underneath him he was tired from the fight and was restrained ideally. That hand was about to come down, one strike to the throat with his knuckles can put his teacher in the ICU. 

"EROS RENE!"

His hand stopped five inches from the older man's face. Then, coming fresh out of the blackout he was trapped in, he turned to the sidelines and spotted his twin and father. 

"Hello."

Raizon didn't know what to say. That eerie greeting sent chills down his spine, and he was a fucking veteran in this business. He knew his sons were cut from the same cloth as him, but this one's demeanor and bloodthirsty worries him greatly. He wasn't as close to him as the other two and wished to close that gap. It was hard to do so, that's why his wife said to let him be. He has to be the one to make that first step.
"How about breakfast, Rose? I heard the chef ordered blood sausages for you. I'm sure it's all prepared with fresh bread and eggs. Let's wash up," Ares chirped as he approached him. The brother knew their father would go on the defense when he finds himself stuck in how to speak to Eros after that display.

"I'll like that." 

He waited for his brother to come to terms with what he did, but Eros simply thanked his teacher for the match and excused himself from his father's presence.

The teacher was still on the mat, trying his best not to exclaim his shock, disbelief, and fear in front of the senior boss. "Teacher Han. I apologize. It seems the second has finally surpassed our expectations," Raizon said cautiously.

"Forgive my brutal honesty, senior master but the second young master's concentration is the key for him not to go over the edge. His actions today were proof of his distraction. You're right about the fact of him passing our expectations," the teacher said, coming to an upright position. He winced when he slumped his shoulders; Eros knelt on the pressure points connecting his arms to stop his movements and confuse the brain. His legs and chest were also hit at pressure points, the pain will overload one's senses even when you fight for survival and think of the next move. 

"You've trained the two since they were ten, now they're in their twenties. I will like an honest evaluation of them. Though the family has trained each child in self-defense and dispose of the enemy, we still have to nurture their humanity. I love my children, but there are times when I wish for them to be 'normal.' Can you be open with me?" Raizon learned about emotions and feelings through his wife and has been following her lead ever since. As a result, he gained understanding but in some instances, he's clueless, for example, his second joy, Eros.

Rising to his feet, he led Raizon to the benches and offered him a bottle of water before tending to the bruises that would show up more later on.

"The twins are highly exceptional kids. They are indeed born with the Delacourde burning spirit. Young master Ares's excellence is seen in arms and raids. His laid-back nature lowers the enemy's guard and allows him to gain the upper hand. Young master can show his cheerful disposition in his fighting spirit, that's why he's proficient in Muay Thai, jujitsu,  and taekwondo. He hates the hassle of prolonged fighting and doesn't care what happens after his opponent is out of the running. Therefore, he will do well in the sector he chose to run.
Young master Eros. His top skills are strategy, extracting information, and creating great success among the four young masters. His mind is logical, impenetrable, and focused. Hapkido and MMA are his strong suits when it comes to fighting. It's matched with his quiet and observant demeanor, though most will mistake it as him being apathetic. Though he's excellent in missions and projects he led, I'm worried about his social life. We all know that he left the family home to work on that but whatever new issue he encountered caused a disturbance in his logical way of thinking."

"It's something he never witnessed. Arianna figured it out before everyone. I guess we are all needlessly worrying about him," Raizon muttered, rubbing his face harshly.

Teacher Han laughed aloud; he thought this family indeed failed to see how perfect they are in their eyes and was blessed to see these sides of them. 
"No, you're not, sir. Young master Eros needs to step out of his comfort zone, and he's doing that currently. He's doing it at his own pace without realizing its effect on the people around him. Worrying about him is a normal thing; any parent will do it. All you -no- we can do is offer our advice and understanding when he opens up."

"Thanks for the advice. I only wish for all of them to be happy and live a worry-free life."

"What's wrong with a few tests in life?"

Breakfast was held on the central patio overlooking the sprawling backyard with the gardens and each child's area in view. After taking a quick shower and patiently listening to his brother talks about his business and his motorcycle chapter, Eros was happy to know Ares was doing great. "You did great, Reese," he said loud enough for his brother to hear.
Ares's fair cheeks flushed; he held his head high and thanked his twin. Lucifer was approaching the living area doors when he spotted the two. He hid his smile after seeing Ares walk proudly beside his twin. The younger one loved Eros dearly and sought his approval on whatever he did. Anyone can see how proud Eros was of Ares because his eyes were soft with brotherly love, and he was attentive to each word.

"Welcome home, Rose. How are you?"

The two stopped upon hearing their older brother's voice. "Luke! Good morning. Is Amara in bed still, or has she already come down?" Ares asked cheerfully. 

"Morning, bud. She's with mama and Jeannie," he returned, ruffling his hair while he was at it. 

He left his two older brothers eyeing each other searching for their mother.

"I apologize. I am your brother, and yet forgetting such an important day is unforgivable." Eros lowered his head in shame and bowed in apology, waiting for whatever words his brother will shout at him.

"You haven't answered me. How are you?" Lucifer's question was filled with pure concern, no harshness towards him. Instead, his brother's words were gentle and calmed the storm in his head. 

"Confused. Hurt. Uneasy."

"Did someone incite these feelings?"

"Yes."

"How long has it been?"

"Eight months, two weeks is my best estimation."

"Is your work affected?"

"Yes."

"Do you need my help?"

"No, Luke. I came to ask mama for help and witness my brother's joyous day."

Lucifer took a deep breath and stepped closer to him. "Raise your head. You lowering your gaze to me doesn't feel good. I'm your brother before the family head," he said, pulling him into a hug. He laughed at Eros's tight hold in return. His brother now gave physical contact; how wonderful was this. He no longer freezes up by a single hug and do that awkward back tap. Instead, he was genuinely returning a hug.

"Missed you."

Eros didn't respond; he simply gently tugged on his brother's t-shirt, his way of responding. Lucifer laughed, knowing what he received was enough talking for this twin until the next day. His little brother was home, and that's all that matters. 

Now he can focus on his wedding day.