Malibu, California

Waking up to the sun on his face seems to be a regular recurrence for the past year. This visit will be his last after being a jet-setting rich kid. After his sister's candid photo of him at their older brother's wedding was posted on her social page, more candid shots popped up on the net. Eros didn't realize how many fans Rejeanne had and how they were able to recognize the right twin. Visiting relatives and spending time at destinations he found interesting placed him in the public eye. The change in locations made the editors of gossip rags earn big money. As usual, he didn't care much for them. Malibu was purposefully made as his last stop. 
The owner of the arm around his waist was the reason. Wild brown hair covered his sleeping face and that smile he always had during their dreams. The tour took a toll on his body and mind; returning to California was his decision, but Eros came unannounced to surprise him. It's been a while since they spent some private time together. 
Pulling himself up, he sat against the headboard and surveyed the master bedroom. It needed to be furnished, but he knew Shaun would be too bothered to browse furniture stores. 
The beach house they were in was the MMA fighter's gift to himself after so many years. This place will be his new official start, his sanctuary, and Eros felt honored to be his first guest. 
"Why are you up so early?" Shaun's muffled question was heard, and his groggy voice made him smile a bit.

"Sleeping over eight hours was never an accomplishment for me. You're allowed to do so, though."

"Not when you're around. I feel like a lazy bum when you're up and about while I'm turning in bed." 

The arm around his waist disappeared for a moment before Shaun shuffled onto him, both arms were now wrapped around his waist and his head on his stomach. A kiss was placed on his bare skin, reveling in the warmth that wrapped around his body. 
"You need more rest than me." Eros ran his fingers through Shaun's messy brown hair when he answered. 

"You spoil me. Keep doing that, and I will fall for you," he teased. The normal response didn't come, which made Shaun curious. They had been in constant contact for the past year, talking like there was no end, even sharing encounters, but what comforted him was being Eros's 'teacher.' It was the closest to a relationship, and there was no higher emotion than like. They were friends with needs. 

"What's wrong with falling for me?"

"Are we starting this so early? Let me get some coffee first."

Eros took hold of his hair and tugged his head backward gently. "While I was out there understanding it all, you've reinforced those walls. Was there something you forgot to mention?"

"Curse your sharp mind! There's nothing, Rose. Let go; we need breakfast," Shaun said with a low laugh. To him, it was natural, but not to the man holding onto him. He left the bed, leaving his bed partner uncovered, giving a beautiful view of his corded body. He stretched his aching muscles, remembering their night as he strolled into the kitchen. Their friendship crossed into an experiment when Eros wanted to feel the joys of physical intimacy. He dated back then but didn't go further than a hug with them. They were two single guys with the same sexual preference but held no emotional attachment, and it was perfect. It spiraled into them depending on each other for physical comfort. When he began his tour and word of Eros taking a year off, he used that as a motivation to get back in the dating scene. He didn't expect to come in contact with that prick in New Orleans during one of his dates.
Shaun thought he was entirely over Derek but seeing the guy once again, broke the lock he had on his painful memories. He needed that help from Eros, but he was in Italy at the time. 

"The eggs are burning."

"What? Oh!" The burnt smell registered to him when he refocused. How long was he out to burn the eggs? When did he even choose them as a breakfast staple?

"Dump it. I have the shower running. Let's go." A choked sound sounded in the open space when he was about to refute, but cold amber eyes silenced him. The towel wrapped around Eros's waist was low, and he could still see the water droplets sliding down his back and dripping from his hair. "When you decide to talk, I will listen. But, for now, relax."

There was a reason why Shaun chose this house out of the listing of twenty. Attached to the spacious main bedroom was an equally large en suite. The floors were heated, the tub was large enough to fit his body, and the shower was in a stone spa-like design. Three out of five showerheads were active, steam filled the cubicle, and the stone bench in the far corner had two towels waiting for his use. Entering, he stood under the shower stream and allowed the water to massage his aching muscle. The scent of sandalwood filled the enclosed area. Then, opening his eyes, he saw the shower-bomb Eros threw between the shower and the bench. "This is new," he commented.

"I learned a lot."

"You feel different also. You were more attentive last night. What happened within that year?"

"I raised my head from behind my computer screen for a while," he honestly answered. 

Shaun didn't comment on his answer, and he had his evidence of it all. His surprise visit, mature lovemaking, and understanding someone's emotional level. Taking a year off a rigid routine and pushing himself out of his comfort zone resulted in this growth. 
Feeling resentful of his current emotional status, he shifted his position beneath the shower and allowed the water to do its magic. 
"You once told me it's best to get it off your chest before it rots. Are you going against your advice?" Eros spoke up.
He laughed bitterly and turned to the man who sat in a relaxed position waiting for him to say something. 
"Are you up for a talk?" he asked.

"Yes. Am I not suitable for this talk? If I'm not, we can end this right here and go on with a detached vacation," Eros countered. His words felt sharp and accusing to Shaun, pushing him deeper into his dark thoughts. 

"Fuck it, I'm sorry. I don't want to put this time we have together to waste. Where do I start?" Pushing his hair away from his face, he turned the shower off and joined Eros on the bench. There was a smile on his face when a towel was placed for him to sit on and one to cover his waist.
"So I decided to take the initiative to step out of my zone as you did. It's been years, and it was time to leave my high school mistake behind. A VIP guest approached me; he was respectful and a true fan of my career. I can immediately tell this dude was on our side and was so fucking mature with it. He owned his sexuality, and it showed. He reminded me of you, and admiration for the dude began. He didn't push, but he was trying to get a grip on me. It was cute. Dinner and drinks were the plans since I had to leave the next day. The bar he chose was an eccentric one like yours which I liked. I never had a conversation with someone outside of our circle that made me laugh and want more. I truly craved more at that moment. But that crumbled before I grasped it." Shaun closed his eyes and took a deep breath before he continued.
"Of all the fucking places that shit could have been at, he was at that bar. I didn't notice him, but my date did. He was looking over my shoulder and frowning. I was curious and looked in the direction he was. There he was, a woman was all over him, but his gaze was at our table."

"Your date knew him also?"

"No. He thought it was rude of Derek to be with a partner and still look at others. He became protective of me, thinking it was a fan wanting to interrupt my private time. I suggested that we leave, and he agreed. We both became annoyed, but I was annoyed and pissed when Derek followed us outside. I wanted to punch him in the face, but my image will be ruined. I wanted to walk away, but he had to open his mouth."

"And what he said played on your insecurities."

Shaun rubbed his face harshly before placing his hands on his knees and staring blankly ahead. Eros saw the shaking of his hands before he dug into his knees harshly; his nails were cutting into his skin, but he was oblivious to the damage he was doing to himself.

"'Now that you've made some money, you can broadcast that you're a fag now.' That's what he said. I wasn't bothered that he called out my sexuality, but the fact of him being my first and putting all that shit on me. I was eighteen again."

"Your date?" Eros was curious about the man who instinctively protected his friend.

"He politely told Derek to fuck off and go tend to the woman he hired for the night. After that, I didn't want to be there anymore. I completely shut down after that."

The two stayed in silence, both caught up in their thoughts. Eros recalled a passing comment made by his uncle Stephen. His brothers jokingly suggested that he start a relationship with Shaun, but Stephen shot it down immediately. 'One is seeking innocent comfort, and one is seeking release; that's a recipe for disaster. Unless Shaun seeks help, then a relationship will be something to think about.' His uncle was right. The physical intimacy they had only benefited each other, and gradually Shaun was open to rough play that pushed the boundaries. The night before was a testament to that. 
"Let's wash up."

Shaun followed Eros back to the shower and gave into him. The feel of his body against his was hot even under the warm shower. Soft lips kissed the bites and bruises placed on his body; fingers roamed from his outer thigh and waist before moving between them. "Rose." The name came out as a hoarse whisper when he held their hard cocks together. He shivered in lust when he felt the slick veined thickness being moved against his.
"I want more than this," he begged, holding Eros tighter. 

"Behave."

The small bite on his ears made him shudder. He closed his eyes and buried his face into his neck when he squeezed their cocks and began to jerk them together. Pushed against the cool stone tiles, lowered the heat in his body, but the tugging of his nipples and the love bites around his neck stopped that. He wanted him to be rough with him, take his body harsher, but that didn't happen. Eros was taking care of his body thoroughly in the most reverent way. That alone made the euphoric feeling spike. Lips created a trail to his swollen nipples, and the sharp bites made him cry out. The warmth of his tongue was next caressing the sting before it was repeated once more. The tug of his cock and the grunt of the man doing this to him blended into the soft torture on his chest was blinding. Faster, his hand went as his knees went weak, he needed to get his release soon, but Eros used his other hand and pinched the tip of his cock.

"Shit. Rose. I need to..."

"Not until I say so," Eros said in a low, threatening voice. Harder his grip became. He raised his head from Shaun's chest and took his lips in a bruising kiss. Resting his head against his, he can feel his release. But, more, he needs more. "Touch me," he ordered. Shaun ran his fingers through the wet curls on his head while his other followed the water running down the center of his back. He continued the kiss Eros stopped and knew it was what he wanted. 

The sharp bite to his lower lip brought the warm release over his cock and Eros's harsh breathing and continuous jerking. 

"Please."

The smirk against his lips was his answer.

Eros released his cock from the clamp his fingers made and tugged it; looking at the mess he made over both their cocks and how high it splurted, he fell against the man who was comforting him. 

"That's enough for today. So you focus on rest, and I will take care of everything while I'm here."

Shaun didn't respond; he held onto Eros and stayed in that state of happiness.

~~~~

Two days later, on the private section of the beach where the house was situated, the two decided to have dinner around a bonfire to enjoy the serenity of the night. Shaun did a quick pasta dish, and Eros baked a dessert to complete their little date night. 
After a good dinner conversation and drowning their senses in the salty air and chilling breeze, Eros decided to speak up.  

"In addition to your month's vacation from the circuit, I will be placing you on a mandatory one-year hiatus."

"What? Why are you in your boss mode at this moment? This is a..."

"You need it, Shaun," Eros cut in sharply.

"A year from my career? Why would I need that?" The wariness was heard in the fake laugh Shaun gave. He didn't want to get into a serious nature; he wanted to enjoy the highs of having a lover close by who drowns him in mind-numbing sex.

"I may not be the right person to advise on one's state of mind, but I can figure things out when all of the information is collected. It has been seven years since we've known each other. I knew why you left Spencer and the steps you took to reclaim yourself. However, I didn't understand and accepted your terms of our casual relationship."

"Rose. It's a beautiful night out; let's not dampen it. Please." He was begging the man to let him stay oblivious to the darkness that seemed to be hovering over his head.

"I can't. If I stop, you will find ways for me to forget it. You did so numerous times in the past. I stayed silent back then because you became one of my precious friends, and wished to respect your decision. Speaking up now is because you're still precious to me." Eros turned to him and watched as the shadows danced across Shaun's face. The bitter smile and downcast eyes were proof that he knew what he was about to say.

"I guess there is a difference between opening up to your friends and doing a tell-all to a professional," he laughed bitterly.

"It will also help understand why you need to do that play when we're having one of those nights."

Shaun used his fingers to trace the bruises around his neck from their breath play the night before. He couldn't explain to Eros how exhilarating it felt to be on the brink of losing consciousness, closing off the world then spiral back to reality on the cusp of his sexual release on the person who had his life in their hands. Though the young master was years below him, he had a more mature grasp of the world. 
He turned, submitting under the golden gaze of his boss and lover; he moved to place a kiss on the man's cheek before listening to what he had planned for him. Eros caressed his cheek, tucking the stray strands of hair behind his ear and repositioning himself behind him. 

"Taking a hiatus isn't unheard of in the MMA world. You've worked hard to create a record that most fighters envy. It's time, Shaun. You need to focus on the mental side of things. I spoke to my uncle Illya about this and Bryan, and they agreed. Therapy and sorting things out on your own are needed. Maybe go on a second date with the man from New Orleans. He sounds great."

He chuckled and leaned against Eros, smiling when he felt the small kiss on his temple. "He is a great guy. He called the next day after the incident, and we developed something, I don't know what is, since then."

"Maybe it's something that you want and need. I'll be honest. You're a great guy, but you need a partner who will help you along the way."

"You can be that person," Shaun said truthfully. It was clear to both of them that they are compatible sexually and emotionally to a point but is it enough to have a monogamous relationship?

"I am mature to most, but I'm not so when supporting someone in a serious relationship. I still have a lot to learn. I'm weak to you because of the bond we developed when we lived together. Someone new to your life will be a better fit."

"An unbiased person. Have you been talking to Miss Ari about me?" he asked, pulling Eros's arms around him more.

"Mama gives the best advice and sees things clearer than me."

They listened to the waves crashing onto the shore, clearing their minds before continuing the conversation. Shaun was calmer now after going over things in his head. It wasn't only the Derek incident he had bottled up but his younger days of being in a tumultuous upbringing, his father's imprisonment, his mother's abandonment, the town's ostracizing him, and his sister's constant betrayal. He had a lot that he kept to himself and built this life on top of it. One kick to the bottom and it all can come crashing down. If he keeps clinging to Eros, he will be using him as a crutch. He had to start my helping himself.

"A year, you say," he mused.

"Yes, a year. If you need more, things can be put in place. I will be a call or flight away if you need me."

"Thanks, Rose."

"You're welcome."

Shaun removed himself from Eros's hold and turned to kneel between his legs. He became weak when the man below him leaned backward in a slow motion with that predatory gaze. The slight smirk on his lips was dangerous. The fire shone in his already fierce eyes, placing pressure on Shaun's back. No words had to be said; he widened his legs' stance and moved his eyes from the bulge under his shorts to Shaun's parted lips. 

"Yes, sir," he breathed out. His cock was now painfully hard and weeping below his shorts, but the silent order was resolute. 

How can one disobey the young master?