AUTHOR'S POV

Inside the contemporary designed office sits Laurent at his desk...his fingertips tapping a rhythmic sound that's resounding around the large space. He's been at work since 8 am...but work hasn't come so easily. Normally it's back to back from meetings to conference calls and while he's taken a few important calls, he hasn't been in the full swing of things. It's been a couple of days since Larry told him about his first day back at school. It was tough hearing that he had a bad dizzy spell, then to hear he was afraid and thought he was being followed Laurent hasn't been able to focus on too much of anything. He was able to get him a doctor's appointment for the day after the spell so Laurent got off early to be there. He and Larry received instant relief when the doctor told them it was only a small side effect from the concussion he suffered from the attack. The emergency room doctor initially told Laurent that they didn't expect the concussion to cause additional complications but it still made sense that Larry would experience such a spell. The doctor just reminded him to take it easy and if the problem worsens they will look into different treatments as his method isn't to instantly medicate if it isn't necessary. Larry has been taking his advice and is careful to not make sudden movements. Laurent isn't sure if he's had another scare at school since, or if he has and is just keeping it to himself being that Laurent was extremely concerned. Larry is still unaware that Laurent was conducting research on Samuel after dinner that same night. He found his arrest information that occurred the day the detectives went to his home. He even saw his mugshot and he felt an overwhelming anger inside of him gazing at it...and the fact that Samuel had an evil smirk in that shot made it worse. It was as if he knew he would get off for the crime even before his day in court. Laurent went a step further to look into his address...only there was more than one listed and he wasn't sure which was current. His research could have gone into the late night hours but Larry was missing him and came out and asked him to come to bed. Laurent vividly recalls exiting out of each page he was in as quickly as possible so Larry wouldn't see what he was up to...but besides that, he would never deny Larry anything, especially the opportunity to hold him in bed, so he obliged. He did a good job instantly changing his angered facial expression to a soft one so Larry wouldn't become suspicious although Larry did ask what he was doing and Laurent really didn't want to lie to him...but he did. He just told him he was checking his email. Larry didn't question it at all, much to Laurent's relief, and when they climbed in bed Laurent pulled Larry into him like he always does and delicately placed Larry's head on his chest. The TV went on a low volume but Larry didn't need the mellow sound of that. All he needed was the closeness of his love and he was asleep in no time. Now, it's a new day and Laurent is unable to truly focus even though there's so much to do because he's determined to get solid information on Samuel. Of course Larry is on his mind too and he's wondering how his day is going including how he's doing physically. He can only hope he's standing only when it's necessary and is really taking it easy. He's suddenly alarmed by a knock on his door from his assistant...

Briana: "Mr. Bourgeois? All of the partners are waiting for you in the boardroom". 

Laurent: "Yes, the meeting". *sigh* "Please tell them I'll be right there". 

Briana: "Right away Mr. Bourgeois". 

Laurent: "Thank you". 

Briana smiles and nods before turning to do as Laurent requested. He proceeds to stand up but half-way on his feet an urge comes over him so he slowly sits back down and picks up his phone to make a call. He knows Larry's phone is off and in his desk which is perfect because he really just wants to leave him a message. He hears the sweet voice over his greeting and his heart melts because this voice is the happy Larry voice. It's the greeting he's had on his phone before the attack, when everything in their world was at peace. It nearly chokes him up but just when he's about to hear the beep he clears his throat to speak...

"Hey bup. I'm on my way to a meeting but I just wanted to call to say that I hope you are having a good day and...I love you". *pause* "I love you very much". 

Laurent suddenly feels something come over him and he has to drop the phone and exhale to keep his emotions in check. When he brings the phone back to his ear... 

"I miss you and I can't wait to see you at home". *pause* "Be safe my love". 

He hurriedly releases the call before his emotions get the best of him then he stands up and walks towards his office door. He runs his hands over his clothing and wipes his eyes to make sure he's presentable before stepping out and heading to the meeting...

~afternoon~

After a very successful day of teaching Larry is bringing his final lesson to a close. He wishes he was going home but instead he has to oversee detention but as always, it's a chance to get some work graded. The last of the students have left the classroom and before he collects his things he takes his phone out of his desk to briefly turn it on and check for messages. He receives the notification for a voicemail and the moment he hears Laurent's voice he smiles...but after hearing, "I love you very much" he can tell that Laurent was becoming emotional and he wonders why. He doesn't like to see or hear his love so sad. After all, their moment on the couch after coming back from the police station where Laurent admitted he was crying for him still feels like a stab to his heart but he takes a deep breath to call him. When he hears Laurent's voicemail there's an emotional upset on the inside of him but he does leave a message...

"I love you too baby and I just want you to remember that you can talk to me about anything. I know you're upset for something...I feel it so we talk later for that oki? You be safe too and I can't wait to see you". 

Larry slowly releases the call and blows a sigh because now that he's heard Laurent sound so sad he just wants to go home and wait for him but he can't do that. Instead, he reluctantly gathers his things then heads for detention...

With the sound of Laurent's voice echoing in his mind Larry is grading papers while also monitoring all the students on the detention roster. It's nearly a room full and the first several minutes were very quiet but now he's hearing some chatter and light laughter...

Larry: "No talking. If you have homework you can get started on that but I want it quiet in here". 

The students look at him in surprise because for some of them it's weird seeing Mr. B in this elements since he connects with his students and makes them laugh...but they nod then put their heads down. At that moment the principal walks in and waves for him to come over as she so he's over to her rather quickly. The students don't waste a second going back to cutting up and talking. Some even appear to be passing notes to each other. In fact, when Larry turns around after speaking with the principal he sees one in mid-pass so he walks faster and just before it's handed over he takes it...

Larry: "Well, well. What is this"?

Larry unfolds the paper and his mouth drops at what he reads...

"I heard it was a robbery and they thought no one was home but when they saw Mr. B they jumped him". 

Larry slowly folds the note then clears his throat to respond...

Larry: "No Simone, I wasn't jumped and my house wasn't robbed. This was one person and I was attacked because there are hateful people in this world that hurt people who aren't just like them". *pause* "You think this is funny? You think this is a joke"? 

Simone: "No, Mr B".

Larry: "It's no joke". 

Larry re-folds the paper up then drops it on the table in front of her then walks back over to the desk. Simone closes her eyes and drops her face in her hands in embarrassment and for the rest of the time in detention it becomes as quiet as ever after such an intense moment...

*****

An hour has passed and Larry is much calmer as he continues to work. Now it's time for a few students to be dismissed as their time is up. He looks at the clock to double check then begins calling names...

Larry: "Oki. James, Heather, Michael and Simone. All of you can go now". 

Most of them can't wait to get out of there so they're out of their seats before he can even finish speaking. Simone, however, is slower because she has something to say to him and after packing her bag she walks over to his desk. Larry feels her presence...but his head remains down...

Simone: "Um, Mr. B? *pause* "I just want to say that I'm sorry. That was really dumb and I'm very sorry. What happened to you was bad and I shouldn't have talked about it in any way". 

Larry hesitates for a moment before blowing out a soft sigh then looks up at her...his face reading softness too as he can tell she's very apologetic...

Simone: "I'm sorry". 

She drops her head then turns around to walk away. Then she hears in a soft tone, "Simone" prompting her to turn around and look at him...

Simone: "That was really, really dumb". 

Larry laughs softly and playfully replies...

Larry: "Yeah it was really, really dumb...but thank you for the apology". *pause* "Let's just forget about it oki"?

Simone: *smiles and nods* "Ok". 

Larry smiles and nods which is her cue to leave. He was very upset about that note but he thinks it's more of the fact that it was just another painful reminder of what happened. He appreciates her apologizing and is glad it's all behind them now...

"Can I go now"? 

Just when Larry's mood is even better the kid who's considered the trouble maker of the school asks Larry that in somewhat of an irritated manner. Larry slowly looks up at him...

Larry: "No, Lucas. You still have one hour". 

Lucas: "Well can I at least go to the bathroom"?

Larry replies in an almost sarcastic tone...

Larry: "Please do". 

Lucas rolls his eyes then stands up and walks off to which Larry tells him in a serious tone... 

Larry: "Come right back Lucas".  

Saying nothing in reply Lucas just keeps walking. Larry shakes his head then goes back to his work. He then starts to think about his love and if he received his message. He's sure he has but this isn't the time to call him. Besides, he doesn't have much longer before he can leave to go home and since he's had to stay after school by the time he's home Laurent won't be too far behind. As the minutes go by Larry is expecting Lucas to return but he has yet to come back so he places his grading pen down then stands up to go to the bathroom which is across from the room. Discovering no one is inside after calling out he goes on a small search in the area. He approaches a corner and as soon as he makes the turn he runs into someone causing him to yelp as he was completely startled...

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you". 

Although Larry has a hand on his chest as he breathes heavily in such a frazzled state he recognizes this person as the school janitor...

Larry: "No, it's oki". 

Janitor: "Are you sure you're alright"?

Larry: "Uh, yeah. I'm fine. I just didn't hear anything so you surprised me". *gulp* "I'm looking for a student, Lucas".

Janitor: "Does he have wild hair"?

Larry: "Yeah, that's him". 

Janitor: "Well I saw him leave the school about five minutes ago". 

Larry: *sigh* "Oki, thank you". 

Larry turns around and heads back to the room. Since Lucas was the last student and he's already left he gathers his things to finally go home. He'll deal with him ditching detention tomorrow. Now outside he scans the environment again, especially after such a scare running into the janitor, and once he's inside his car he looks around one more time to avoid another scare of someone possibly knocking on his window again. When the coast is clear he takes out his phone to call Laurent for check-in number one. It goes to his voicemail so he leaves a message as he cranks the engine up. He barely finishes the last word before he's putting the car in gear and taking off to go home...

~evening~

Laurent: "Bup? I'm home", he calls out sweetly. 

Laurent could smell the amazing aroma of dinner from outside the home so it smells even more divine walking into it. He figures his love is in the kitchen still working on the splendid meal so he heads that way. When he turns the corner he's surprised to see that there's no bup in sight causing slight confusion but then he just figures that he's in the bedroom so he goes to meet him in there. He sees his beautiful love standing at the bed folding clothes and he smiles at the sight...

Laurent: "Hey my love". 

Larry: "Oh, hey baby".

Laurent: "You didn't hear me call for you"?

Larry: "No, sorry".

Laurent: "It's oki". *pause* "Something wrong"?

Larry: *soft sigh* "I just didn't have the best day". 

Laurent: "I'm sorry bup. You want to talk for that"?

Larry stays quiet for a second then pushes the basket of freshly laundered clothes to the side and carefully sits down on the bed...

Larry: "I was in charge of detention today and a student passed a note. If I ever see a student pass a note I just tell them to put it away but I read this one. I don't know why". *pause* "The note was about me and it said that I was robbed and jumped". 

Laurent: "Wow".

Larry: "Yeah". *pause* "But it's not the wrong story that made me upset. It...."

Laurent slowly sits next to him and begins to gently rub Larry's knee as he waits patiently for him to finish...

Larry: "It just feels like there will always be something to remind me of what happened baby. I know it will never change but it seems so hard to move on". 

Laurent: *soft sigh* "I'm so sorry my love". 

Larry: "You don't have to be sorry baby. I guess it will just take some more time". 

Laurent looks at the sad look on his face and it nearly crushes him. He scoots closer then applies a gentle kiss to his temple causing Larry to close his eyes at the comfort of it. Larry then turns his head to look at his love who has the softest expression on his face and the next second later he places his head on Laurent's shoulder with Laurent resting his head on top of Larry's fro...

Laurent: "More time my love", he whispers.

Larry: "Oki", he whispers back.

They sit in silence as they bask in the comfort of each other. Then Larry sweetly asks...

Larry: "Are you hungry? I can make you a plate". 

Laurent: *smile* "My bup. Always taking care of me", he whispers. 

Larry: "Always. You take very good care of me so I'm proud to take care of you". 

Laurent: "Thank you my love but let me make your plate. I'll wash the dishes too". 

Larry: *laugh* "I can't say no to that". 

Laurent: *laugh* "I know you can't". 

Laurent begins to stand up so Larry raises his head then looks up at Laurent once he's on his feet. Laurent is looking down at him smiling ever so beautifully and extends his hand for Larry to take it. He carefully helps him up then leads Larry to the dining table where Larry awaits his dinner served by his one true love...

*****

The evening went along beautifully in that no matter what they did it was with each other. Although Laurent's had a feeling since dinner that Larry didn't tell him everything about his day. He hasn't told him that he thinks there's more because he wants Larry to go at his own pace and tell him if/when he wants to share. He's just enjoyed being close to him. There's been laughter and sweet kisses. Even some playful moments between them. Now, they're in the comfort of their bed with the soft sound of the TV. Laurent seems to be into what they're watching...but when he looks over at Larry his earlier thought of something else being wrong is confirmed. He softly sighs then takes the remote to turn off the TV but it won't be complete darkness because the moonlight always shines through the bedroom so he can see his face as he talks to him. He turns to the side causing Larry to turn his head and look up at him with that adorably innocent face. Laurent's right thumb goes straight to Larry's temple and as he strokes it gently...

Laurent: "What else is wrong my love"?

Larry can't forget how well this man knows him so after a brief pause while gazing back into those gorgeous eyes...

Larry: "I had another scare today. I was looking for a student when the janitor came out of nowhere and I screamed". 

Laurent: "I'm sorry you were so scared", he whispers.

Larry: "Thank you baby but it's oki". *pause* "Am I ever going to be normal again"?

Laurent: "Oh bup you are normal". 

Larry: *sigh* "I just don't feel like myself". 

Laurent: "I hate that you feel this way my love". *pause* "I do think it's natural to be scared when something like that happens but you are normal and I promise everything will be better in time". 

Larry: *nods* "Oki baby", he whispers. 

After such beautiful reassurance from the man he adores the sweet look on Larry's face turns into a face all too familiar with Laurent...

Laurent: *smile* "I know that look". *pause* "Are you sure"?

Larry: *nods* "Yes", he replies softly.

With that same gentle stroke to Larry's temple he whispers...

Laurent: "I don't want to hurt you".  

*brief pause*

Larry: "You won't", he whispers back. 

Laurent looks deeper into those rich, brown eyes then leans down as he whispers against Larry's lips...

Laurent: "Oki". *kiss* "Oki". 

Laurent is careful as he removes Larry's bottoms and he's especially careful removing his shirt. When Larry doesn't show any signs of pain or discomfort Laurent raises himself on his knees just so he can admire the beautiful body that belongs to his bup. He takes his hands and begins to massage Larry's thighs and moment by moment he can see his manhood becoming stiffer at the sensation. Laurent licks his lips at the sight and stops the massaging just so he can re-position himself, take that hard wood in his mouth and begin a strong yet delicate suction of it. Larry's whimpers are immediate and it feels so good he can feel his hole stretching itself that it doesn't need any help whatsoever so he whispers to Laurent in a deep, erotic voice, "now baby". Laurent lets go and looks up into Larry's eyes with intense seduction then crawls his way up and hovers over him. He reaches one hand down and slowly inserts one finger inside and he realizes why Larry told him now so he doesn't wait another moment. He gently pushes himself inside and the gasp they release is that of relief and pleasure as it's been several weeks since they've made love. Laurent's slow and delicate rhythm is pleasureful beyond words and Laurent even takes a moment to observe Larry's face. His mouth has fallen open slightly and his eyes are closed. He then feels Laurent's eyes on him so they slowly open. Laurent leans down for a kiss then whispers...

Laurent: "You oki"?

Larry: "Yeah". *pause* "You feel so good". 

Laurent: "So do you". 

Laurent's eyes stay locked on the beautifully sultry ones that belong to his love and how he's missed their lovemaking oh so much. The way Larry is shaking, sweating and deeply moaning makes it clear that he feels the same. Laurent simply can't take his eyes off of him. The way the moonlight is accentuating the changing expressions on his face is breathtaking as they signify nothing but satisfaction and he's relieved that this moment isn't causing his love any pain. Only pleasure. Pure, blissful pleasure. He can no longer resist dropping a few kisses to his cheek while Larry quivers and whimpers sweetly beneath him. The moment finally came when they could release powerfully and as the warm liquid flows from each of them Laurent joins his love with his own sounds of satisfaction. When the quivering ceased Laurent looks down at his love and flashes a small smile. As Larry smiles back... 

Larry: "I missed us making love so much". 

Laurent: "I missed it too my love". *pause* "You still oki"?

Larry: "Better than oki", he whispers. 

Laurent winks and after kissing him once more he slowly removes his manhood...but before they take a few moments to freshen up Laurent pulls Larry into him so they can stay connected to each other in the sweet aftermath of their bliss...the sweaty cheek of Larry planted firmly onto Laurent's sweaty chest. In the surrounding silence Laurent raises his hand...his fingers slightly a part and when Larry takes notice he laughs lightly because he knows exactly why. He brings his hand up and as soon as he presses his palm onto Laurent's they lock fingers as Laurent drops his head on top of Larry's just as he did when they were sitting next to each other on this very bed. Eventually they pull themselves away to head for the bathroom to freshen up and now back in bed Larry is sound asleep within minutes. Laurent doesn't join him right away and as he watches him sleep so peacefully he has the urge to speak exactly what's on his heart...

"My sweet bup". *pause* "I love you so much and this face...." *runs finger softly over cheek* "This face so beautiful and so perfect, it hurts me so much that he hurt it...that he hurt you and I need to do something for this my love. It's my job to protect you and make sure you're always safe. How scared you are breaks my heart so much and I don't want you living like this". *soft sigh* "I know what I have to do and I don't want you to worry because I got you my love". *pause* "I got you". 

And with those words Laurent brushes his finger across that cheek once more then carefully plants a kiss right on Larry's forehead so he doesn't wake him up. Even Laurent has to admit that he's nervous as all hell for what he has planned...but as he looks at his innocent love he's never been more clear about anything other than his undying love for him so he snuggles closer, kisses the tip of Larry's nose and just looks at him until he finally falls asleep...

~the following evening~

The workday has been a busy one for Laurent which is good because the pile of work was the perfect distraction for his plans after leaving. Since Larry gets off earlier than he does he checked-in with Laurent before leaving school and after he was home. Larry didn't mention if there was something in his day that frightened him or anything like the note he read so by all accounts it appears as though it was a better day. When Larry asked him if he would be home directly after work Laurent told him he had to stay behind for a while to clear some things up that couldn't wait until the next day...but Larry doesn't know his plan and though Laurent hates that he's keeping it from him, on the flip side he feels it's better he doesn't know. When he left work he pulled over to a secluded place where he was certain no one would see him changing clothes in his car. Now clad in black pants and a black hoodie, Laurent pulls out a piece of paper with Samuel's information...specifically the neighborhood he's certain he lives in...

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A/N: Alright my loves. What's about to go down? Anyone scared? Anxious? Both? Sound off in the comments! Love you guys. :)