Las Vegas, Nevada

"Sir, there's an incoming itinerary from the Third Young Master."

Eros was finishing up the loose reports of his latest takedown when the present call came in. The few Intelligence Soldiers he moved with whenever he leaves Pasadena were responsible for his daily movements. If any of his relatives wish to visit him on a whim they must tell his team in order to keep their safety and privacy within their scope.

Hearing his twin's unexpected visit made him wonder and worried about him. Ares was based in Miami. Why the impromptu visit in Las Vegas and not Pasadena?

"Approved."

"Yes, young master."

After ending the call, he texted his brother.
'What is it?'

'I'm not too sure myself.' - Ares

Eros became more worried. His twin has always been the positive one within their duo. He saw things differently and has always been the one to be supportive and give the right unbiased opinion. To have such person in a muddle-headed state causes anyone to worry. 

He didn't stay in that state for long, Eros believed when his brother arrives it will all be settled. This unexpected visit is probably based on Ares' state of mind. Whatever is troubling him couldn't be solved by himself or simple companionship by the family. Ares wanted a confidant. As twins they were each other's trusted friend. They shared numerous secrets that many didn't know. For example - When Eros was confused about his sexual attraction to men, Ares was the first to know and witness. As his brother, Ares helped him, he even went through online researches to comfort his brother.
 For this, Eros will do anything for his twin.

Settling into the sofa after a light breakfast, Eros decided to give someone a quick call. Judging by the time, he should be getting ready for classes after training.
The call was picked up on the second ring. Wanting to see him, the voice call was changed to video call in which it was readily accepted.

Eros released a sharp hiss when the image on the other side was shown. 

Jaejin was clad in a towel that was on the brink of falling off his hips as he washed his face meticulously. His dark eyes glanced Eros's way in a playful manner. The phone was propped up on the side of the sink below eye level. 
Eros had the vantage point to view the slender and tightly muscled body of his lover. He recalled this man's body before he left and was genuinely surprised plus pleased to see the minor changes. Only those who carefully observe their prey can spot the differences.

"I like morning desserts."

"Its a pity you can't taste it now," Jaejin quipped teasingly.

Eros grinned at the quick wit of his sweet Jin. "Truly a pity." His amber eyes moved from Jin's narrow waist and up his slightly formed chest. His skin was no longer sickly pale but supple with a creamy hue that tempt anyone to touch. That temptation was high for Eros. His fingers twitch to glide along the dips and curves of his lover's body; to pinch those rose buds and to touch those peach colored lips.

"I miss you."

A smile blossomed on Jaejin's lips when he heard those three words filled with longing and want. "Always missing you," he returned softly.

"When I return would you like to go on a date with me?" Eros asked. His tone was firm, he asked the question in a tone that made one think it was a life or death mission they were about to take.

The smile was brighter on Jaejin's face. He wouldn't act coy and tell his partner 'maybe' or an answer filled with teasing. He knew how much this date meant to Eros and himself. They can freely enjoy themselves without worrying about those close to them or be on the look out for schemes. This will be an official date.

"I will."

Eros fixed his stare on Jaejin after getting his answer. An identical smile bloomed on his face. "My Jin has gotten stronger."

A blush covered Jaejin's cheeks. "I had a good talk with Umma and Uncle. They support my choices and will never take their love for me away. Even though I learned of their support before, it felt better to hear those words in real time. I want to feel proud of myself while being your partner. I want everyone to know that you are mine, the same as I am yours." Jaejin's face became redder as he spoke those words. They spoke intimate words to each other before but recently those words were heavier and filled him with joy. After consulting his mother about this, he laughed joyously at the reason. He haven't said those words yet but his actions and growing confidence said it for him.

"I'm proud of you, baby," Eros said softly.

"Thank you. So what do you have planned for today?"

"I need to go to a debriefing, wrap up a few loose ends and accompany Reese."

"Ares is in Nevada? How come?" The frown on Jaejin's face was too adorable for Eros to keep a serious facade. 

"He hasn't said much. He should be here in a few minutes."

"I admire how close you all are." Jaejin leaning on the sink and propped his chin on his open palm, eyeing Eros boldly. His partner was undeniably handsome, his natural being screams confidence, danger and a touch of aloofness. This made him desirable. This man was his. The blush on his cheeks moved to his body as he thought of their intimate moments and his reaction to Eros's 'convincing words'.

"We were taught to protect each other. Within the world of so many people, we only have our family and partners to rely on."

"That seems right." Jaejin wasn't too sold on the family part but he understood the teachings his partner's family placed on them. He thought of the remaining family he has now - his mother and uncle. He will continue to rely on them.

"Before I leave you to continue your day, my friend Shaun is returning in a few days. He invited us to dinner."

If Eros wasn't an attentive person, he would have missed the slight drop in Jaejin's smile and the dimming of happiness that filled his eyes. He clenched his fists trying to identify the reason for this. He was still new at depicting someone else's emotional output. Jaejin was the first person he paid so much attention to.

"That's great. I haven't met most of them. It will be nice to meet Shaun."

There was no genuine feelings in that statement. Eros wanted to ask what was wrong but he stopped when a stiff smile formed on his lover's lips. "Hurry home, baby."

Jaejin ended the call without waiting for a reply from him.

Eros looked at the display screen with a frown. "I need to go home quickly," he muttered under his breath.

                                                               ~~~~

In the lobby of the hotel Eros chose to stay in Las Vegas, Ares arrived silently with his two bodyguards. Jian was patiently waiting for the trio; the area was cleared for an allocated time of thirty minutes. 

Out of all the children of Raizon and Arianna Delacourde, Ares was the only one whose career is in the limelight. A young and handsome renowned jewelry designer from an affluent family is something many gossip magazines and entertainment media house will want to catch doing something damning. Though the person in the center of it doesn't care, his sibling always place precautions around him whenever he pops up last minute.

"Hey Ji, what's up?" Ares greeted with a bright smile.

Jian returned a helpless smile and greeted the guy. As they spoke, he took a good look of his best friend's brother. Something was bothering the guy. Though he was his usual charismatic self, he was distracted.

"When are you going to accept the team Rose created for you? You're about to step into a new industry and collaborate with many others. It won't be as quiet as the design industry."

Ares listened to Jian's reprimand. He didn't refute nor denied his brother's heartfelt care. He had to put certain things in place before he accepts new people on his side.

"I will talk to Rose first," he answered quietly.

"The door is open. A light meal will be sent up for the two of you." Jian led him to the elevator and notified the guards on Eros's floor of Ares's arrival.

"Thanks, Ji." The elevator doors closed on the worried face of the young man. Ares chuckled softly and harshly passed his hand through the loose hair. The curls were messy on his head and hid his amber eyes but it didn't take away from his eye-catching looks.

"You've been out of it for a while now. Its clear that anyone can see it." Quin was one of his bodyguards since he was ten years and the one of the five who decided to stay in his faction. They were five years apart in age and considered each other brothers than master and subordinate.

"Yeah. Rose can help. I know he can."

When he reached the specific floor and entered his twin's suite, he stood with a dumbfounded expression on his face at the sight that met him. 

His mature, unbiased, observant and cool headed brother was listening attentively to a 'relationship advice' expert on Youtube with the most serious expression on his face.

Can he really help?

                                                                          ~~~~

"Brother!"

"Hm? You are here." Eros exited the app smoothly and sat back on the sofa, not caring for the look on his brother's face. The tv was switched on and an old sitcom was showing.

Ares didn't call him out on his little lesson and accompanied him on the sofa. After settling in and watching the show, Ares felt the soft, comforting touch on his head followed by two light pats. He relaxed further into the sofa.

His brother was there with a listening ear. He was simply waiting on him to speak.

Ares took a deep breath.

"There are many taboos in the world and many unspoken but seen ones."

Eros nodded his head in agreement.

"There are many that is truly unacceptable which we detest and hate to see. I discovered that a few of these taboo is interesting. It pleases me to watch and practice but..." Ares tried to find the words to continue. 
Isn't it awkward to talk to your brother about one's problem with their sexual activities? Ares's face burned with embarrassment. He didn't want his brother to think of him as a silly child who was immature in these places. Eros was his hero and he like being the little brother of the Delacourde's quiet devil. He didn't want to stain his family's reputation if word gets out of his particular tastes.

Not everyone can be open minded. These things may be in books and in certain movies but they aren't mainstream after so many years.

"You're a Dominant." It wasn't a question. It was a clear and confident statement.

There was a loud pause and a sense of relief in the air before Ares answered. "Yes!"

"Your activities are similar to the cruel bondage of woman we rescued and you're feeling conflicted in doing so in a safe environment."

"Yes." Ares was happy that his brother figure it all out which saves him from explaining his muddled brain.

"Your mentality is stronger than those worms. Don't place yourself with them." Eros's words were sharp and paired with those piercing gold eyes, Ares can only nod in response. "Answer me."

"Yes, brother."

"Good. There's nothing wrong with your likes. I understand your reason for being weary. I won't let anyone tarnish your name our the family's if its found out."

Ares smiled brightly, his eyes shone with admiration after listening to his twin's promise. "But brother, how did you know?" he asked.

"Our eighteenth birthday. Uncle Kory took us to the 'house' for the so-called rites of a man. I wasn't interested in the women there neither the guys but you were interested in a few girls. Their level of sexual knowledge was probably limited. You came back unsatisfied and was quietly complaining of how plain they were and why they weren't obedient. Even though I was a virgin physically, I know when one needs to be in control of what they need and want. They weren't under your thumb. Over the years you visited a few clubs that were under my watch."

"Ah, brother, you know about those visits?" Ares whined. He reverted to the silly sixteen year old right then.

"Who was going to clean up your presence after recklessly visiting through the front door? Seriously, Reese, I spoil you too much," Eros griped.

Ares chuckled when he heard the exasperated sigh.

"You shouldn't let things like this worry you nor let it bother you externally. Your tastes are accepted probably 50% but they have no presence in the mainstream. The public will always be the judge over everyone's heads but this is your personal likes. You can proceed with whatever you have planned or wish to do. Tell me what you need and I will get it done for you," Eros said softly.

"Thank you, big brother."

The smile on Eros's face was full of indulgence for his twin as it always has been.

"Oh! Can I have the properties I chose from the catalog you sent?"

"Okay. I will have Jian do the transfer. Anything else?" Eros asked while sending a quick message to his friend. Their talk of million dollar properties was as smooth as talking about a piece clothing that caught their eyes.

"Ummm.... I will take the team you prepared for me. After I return to Miami, I will fly over to Italy to meet up with Brother Daize after I settle things." Ares tinkered with his phone and went over his plans before requesting anything. He didn't have talent in business management. He liked to design, create things on a whim and have fun while doing it. Eros was the one who handle his management affairs and Lucifer push connections for him whenever he needs a certain jewel or mineral. They both spoiled him endlessly.

"Very well. When you return, I will give you gift."

"Okay." As he looked at his brother who was handling business over the phone, a spark of inspiration came alive. Ejecting the touch pen from his phone and opened it to its notebook form to start his drawing.
"Oh yeah. Why are you looking for relationship advice? Aren't things between you and brother-in-law going well?" he asked offhandedly. 

Eros paused in his typing then explained it all to his brother.

Ares stopped his actions then slowly looked at his twin with a sympathetic expression. "Rose. You need to go home quickly."

How can his illustrious big brother be so dumb?

                                                                                                           ~~~~~

In Pasadena, Min Jaejin was also trying to figure out why he responded so brashly to Eros's words.

He went through breakfast with his mother smoothly, talking to her like he always did. His interactions with everyone was clear but his mind wasn't.

Eros spoke of Shaun before but he never had any reaction to this friend until now. He respected that this guy was close to his partner before he came into the picture. That is normal. Everyone has a past but why was he feeling this way when Shaun invited them to dinner.

He sat in the school cafeteria and pondered about these things. 

Adam was sitting opposite him and noticed this behavior. "Paradise in trouble?" he teased. He was happy that his friend has a good partner and comfortable with his life. Heck, he also gained benefits from being the guy's loyal friend. Jaejin's happiness affected him too.

"I don't know. Rose told me that his friend Shaun is returning to Pasadena and invited us to dinner. For some reason, I feel .... miffed? annoyed? irritated? I don't know what it is but I feel uneasy. When we were in the 'getting to know each other' phase he told me everything about him and Shaun. Now that this person was once again brought up, my emotions becomes disorderly. Why is this? I've been wracking my brain about this?" The frustration was clear on Jaejin's face. The frown between his brows showed everyone how unstable his mood was. 

Adam was curious of this side of his friend. Jaejin was distant at the beginning of their friendship. Upon the journey to their present setting, his friend literally came out of his shell. 
"This Shaun. What role did he play in Eros's life?" he asked. His curiosity was piqued.

"He... umm..."

Adam raised his eyebrows at Jaejin's flustering and the light blush on his face. "I'm waiting."

"They were in a 'Friends with benefits' relationship," Jaejin said quickly.

Back straightened, a spoon was slowly placed on his plate and a fixed stare was placed on the flustered little flower opposite him. Even a deaf man can figure it out. Adam was just questioning his friend's experience in relationships. "Jae. When you heard him mention Shaun, what was your first thought?" Adam asked softly.

"The guy who made love with Rose first."

The answer was immediate.

The conclusion was right there.

Adam intertwined his fingers and gazed at his best friend steadily.

"Jaejin, you're jealous."