AUTHOR'S POV   

Not even the sound of the machines in the room can interrupt what's so remarkably beautiful. As far as Laurent and Larry are concerned it's completely quiet as Larry looks up at the man who's responsible for his joy and as Laurent looks down at the person who's responsible for his. Without question four days have been a long time to endure waiting for Larry to come out of this but there was never a doubt in Laurent's mind that he would. Although the sight that are Larry's eyes are what he's been waiting to see Laurent also knows those eyes very well and he can tell that Larry is wondering why he's in a hospital which in turn as Laurent wondering how he will react upon being told. Will it send him into a frenzy and become frightened thinking that his life is still in danger is the concern. The last thing Laurent wants to do is remind Larry of the horror but if he asks he won't hold it back. Laurent suddenly sees that strong hand slowly raise up and point at the tube in his mouth so Laurent smiles sweetly as he whispers, "I get you doctor my love" and of course he can't walk away until he places a kiss on him for his heart is so happy to see him awake. The moment he's out of the room he sees the nurse who's been so kind, so comforting to him and he alerts her of the news to which she informs him that his doctor will be there. With that Laurent walks at a quickened pace back to the room. From the short distance between the opening of it and Larry's bed Laurent can see his eyes roaming as if he's aware of where he is but is trying to figure out the reason which is why he wants the tube removed so he can ask Laurent directly. Laurent won't do anything that can potentially hurt his love further so he even though he sees the desire Larry has to speak he waits patiently for his doctor. That turns out to be only a minute and when he's beside the bed Laurent steps back so he can get close to him...

Laurent: "Doctor he wants the tube out of his mouth. Is that oki since he just woke up"?

Doctor: "Well that's an indication that he's ready to breathe on his own so that's a good thing. I'll remove the tube now". 

Laurent nods then watches him and although he heard loud and clear what the doctor said he's still nervous of what can happen but once the tube is removed and Larry doesn't appear to be in distress he breathes out a sigh of relief. The doctor sensed his nervousness so he turns to him...

Doctor: *smile* "Looks like he's going to be just fine". 

Laurent smiles widely as he takes in another breath to blow out in relief. The nurse has joined him and as they do what they need to do Laurent feels a jubilation on the inside of him. His big, strong bup fought through this. Let that be known to the person who hurt him that he didn't stop anything and he won't win. Minutes later he hears...

Doctor: *smile* "Ok. Everything looks good". 

Laurent: *smile* "Thank you so much. To you and everyone who helped him". 

Doctor: *smile* "You're more than welcome Mr. Bourgeois".

The nurse mirrors her reply to him and they leave the room so they can have time alone. Larry doesn't waste another second speaking to him in that sweet voice...

Larry: "Baby what happened? Why did the doctor say I'm going to be oki"?

Laurent anticipated this but there's nothing like hearing it...especially since his voice is still very weak so he pauses briefly to collect himself before replying...

Laurent: "You had a nightmare my love. It did some things to your body and you went into a coma". 

Larry's eyes are now reading that of horror mixed in with a bit of surprise at what he's hearing. It's so alarming that even he has to pause before he can muster up a reply. Laurent is sure the next question will be why he had a nightmare in the first place and it was enough telling him about the coma but to have to go through the details again is something his heart simply can't take though he waits to hear the question...albeit his head down and no longer looking at Larry because it's just too painful. What he isn't expecting to hear...

Larry: "I have a nightmare for what happened to me"?

Laurent's head pops up and he looks at him completely stunned. He can't say that a part of him isn't relieved he doesn't have to tell him but at the same time the fact that he remembers it is unsettling too for he doesn't want his loves mind plagued with the memories of that day. Of course he knows that's impossible but he would give anything for it to be possible as he wants nothing but happy memories in that beautiful mind of his...

Laurent: *soft sigh* "Yeah bup", he replies softly. 

Larry: "They didn't find who did this to me"?

The pure innocence in Larry's voice as he asks that question is enough to make Laurent's heart melt...but also twist in despair. More so the latter. It's undefined despair and nothing could have ripped his heart out of his chest more...

Laurent: "They didn't find him yet but they are working on it. I talked to the detective to make sure of this". 

Larry: "But what if he comes for me before the detective finds him? What if he knows I'm in the hospital and he comes for me while I'm here? What if he tries to kill me this time because he didn't kill me the first time and...."

Larry's speech is rushed and painfully frightened so Laurent has to calm him quickly while also alleviating his fear by assuring him nothing else will happen...

Laurent: "Shhh. No one will come after you ever again. I'll keep you safe. Just try and relax oki"?

Larry: *nods* "It just happened so fast baby and I tried to fight back but it was hard. He got angry every time I tried. That's why I think for him coming back for me". 

Laurent: "He won't come back. I'll keep you safe". 

Laurent raises Larry's hand and places a kiss to the back of it...

Larry: "I'm sorry I think for that but...."

Laurent: "Don't be sorry my love. You did nothing wrong". 

With a gentle hold on that hand as he strokes Larry's hair he whispers, "just relax bup". It does the trick and calms Larry down a lot...even more so as he looks at him while hearing such soothing words...

Laurent: "Can I get you something"?

Larry: "Yeah. I'm thirsty. Can I have some water"? 

Laurent: "Of course my love. I'll bring you some". 

Larry watches Laurent stand up and his eyes follow his every move. Laurent senses it and as he pours he glances over at him and smiles warmly. That can only soothe Larry more and it does. Laurent is back over in record time and he gently places his free hand behind Larry's head to carefully lift him up. He does hiss in pain a little but he breathes through it and drinks a healthy sip. Laurent also helps him rest against the pillow again and when Larry is comfortable Laurent sits back down. There are a few moments of silence then Larry asks a question Laurent doesn't see coming...

Larry: "Baby can people have dreams in a coma"?

Laurent's soft face hasn't stopped gazing at him and when that question was asked he smiles softly as he replies...

Laurent: "I don't know bup. Why do you ask"?

Larry: "Because I saw pictures of us. I think I dream of us looking at them but only you talked for them. You talk for us trip to Italy and the mountains we go to". *pause* "You talked for a lot and it was really sweet".  

Laurent is nearly rendered speechless because of course Larry is talking about the pictures he shared with him days ago. Now he's convinced that when Larry's pointer finger raised and Laurent felt it underneath his hand that was Larry responding to everything he said...

Laurent: *smile* "I did talk to you a lot. I went through the pictures in my phone of where we spent time together...all the places we went to and the countries we visited. I talked for Italy the most because you were so happy there". *pause* "I just wanted you to hear my voice and know that I was right beside you". 

Unlike Laurent who was near being speechless Larry is completely speechless. All he can do is look at him and that look is that of being mesmerized and surprised...but not really surprised because this is Laurent. This is the core of who he is. More than just a loving partner but the best person Larry has ever known...

Larry: "I don't know what to say baby". 

Laurent: *smile* "You don't have to say anything bup. Just rest your voice oki"?

Larry can't even nod because he's so moved but he listens to Laurent and rests his voice. He does continue to gaze at him..as does Laurent. Their eyes are completely glued to each other then they suddenly hear a voice behind them causing Laurent to turn his head...

Laurent: "Hey Don". 

Don: "Hey Laurent. I just wanted to come and see how Larry is doing". 

Laurent stands up and walks over to greet him with a bro hug...

Laurent: "Thanks man. He's getting better". 

Don: "That's good". 

Laurent turns back in Larry's direction and the moment he feels Don next to him there's a look on Larry's face that appears and it confuses Laurent. It's a cross between confusion as well as fear and caution... 

Laurent: "Bup? You oki"?

*silence*

Don: "You ok Larry"?

Suddenly the beep from one of the monitors speeds up so Laurent quickly looks at Don...

Laurent: "Can you step outside"?

Don: "Yeah sure. Is he going to be ok"?

Laurent: "I'm sure he will". 

Don: *nods* "I'll be right outside the door". 

Don is almost out the door when Laurent begins to calm his love...

Laurent: "Bup it's oki. It's just Don". 

The beep is slowly but surely coming back to a normal pace although Laurent can't understand why Larry reacted to him in the way he did. Perhaps he's weary of people and probably will be for a while including those he's known. It's understandable why he would feel nervous or be cautious...but Laurent is positive the look in his eyes wasn't just nerves and that's what has him completely perplexed. Then Larry speaks to him in an anxious yet innocent voice, "baby I don't want anybody in here". Of course Laurent is inclined to agree with him but just before he does he remembers what the detective said about wanting to speak to Larry and ask what he remembers about the attack as well as looking through photo line ups. Although he's not really sure if photos will be a part of the investigation since the fingerprints didn't reflect a match in their system there's still a matter of getting as much information as Larry can remember so he has the task of telling him this but will do so as carefully as he can as to not alarm him...

Laurent: "I understand my love and I promise there won't be a lot of people coming in here but the detective told me that he needs your help with the case so he's going to come". 

Larry: "I don't worry for the detective but I don't know for anyone else". 

Laurent: "I'll make sure only your doctor and nurse come in".

Larry: *nods* "Oki but when is the detective coming"? 

Laurent: "I can call and ask him to come tomorrow because the faster you talk to him the better but if you're not oki for that I'll tell him another time". 

Larry: "Tomorrow will be fine. You will be with me while he's here right"? 

Laurent: *smile* "Right beside you", he whispers. 

That seems to calm Larry down a lot more but Laurent can't get over how unusual it was for him to look at Don the way he did especially considering Don was there to help. His wife Renee even said he heard the screaming first so he ran over to bang on the door to help. That only begs the question as to why it was only Renee who followed Larry out of the house that night. Suddenly something doesn't feel right with Laurent and Don is still outside of the room...

Laurent: "I'll be right back bup. I'm just going to step outside and ask him to leave then call the detective". 

Larry: "Oki. Please hurry". 

Laurent responds by nodding and kissing Larry's forehead then he turns to leave the room. He motions Don further away so there's no chance of Larry hearing anything...

Laurent: "Thank you for coming but I think it's too early for visitors". 

Don: "I understand and if you need anything you know you can call".

Laurent: "Yeah thank you". 

Don: "No problem. I'll leave now so you can get back to him". 

As Don walks away Laurent gives him a look and with each step he makes Laurent becomes all the more confused and suspicious. He wouldn't be suspicious of him if the look by Larry didn't happen of course but since it did it will be hard for him to think about anything else. Then it comes to him that Don doesn't know anything about he and Larry's relationship because they've been very limited on who they share that with. The reason being is the world is a cruel place and only people they trust fully know about them. Now a swarm of questions are beginning to fill his mind but he needs to get back inside and he still has a call to make so he does that quickly. When he gets the detective's voicemail again he leaves a message informing him that Larry is awake but it's best that he come tomorrow...preferably calling before he comes so they can be prepared for him. Don has already disappeared but he gives one more look in that direction then goes back in he room just when it appears Larry is becoming anxious so he's back at his side in a flash...

Laurent: "I'm sorry bup". 

Larry: "It's oki. I know I'm safe but I just feel better when you're next to me". 

Laurent: "I'll only leave when I have to but I'll never be far and I will always come back fast. I'll call the detective and ask him to call before he comes". 

Larry: "I feel better for that baby. Thank you". 

Laurent: "Always my love. Now just rest your voice oki"?

Larry agrees and it goes back to a sweet silence between them. Eventually his nurse comes in to check his vitals and soon after Larry drifts off to sleep when it's silence again. During this time Laurent thinks about Don's visit and he's debating whether or not he should tell the detective what happened. It could just be what he suspected in that Larry is just cautious about people coming in. Combine that with the nightmare it all can become too much so it's understandable why he's on guard. He'll think about telling detective Marteau but for now he just wants to watch Larry sleep. He would love to get in the bed with him but he knows he can't right now so he will take the next best thing merely being next to him as he waits nervously but more than ready to get this case moving...

~next day~

The day greets Larry with nerves too because he knows what's happening today. Physically he's still in much pain but Laurent is taking care of him marvelously and the nurse is on top of coming in when she's supposed to. Detective Marteau received Laurent's message and called him first thing with the time he and his partner will be there which Laurent was very appreciative that he called first as he requested. He alerted the medical staff and asked them to stay away during this time if they can. He doesn't want more people in the room because it could make Larry even more nervous and possibly hesitant to speak. The detective will be here momentarily so Laurent has been trying to ease those nerves...

Laurent: "You comfortable bup? Anything you need before they get here"? 

Larry: "I'm oki baby. Thank you". 

Laurent: *smile and wink* "Welcome". 

Laurent takes the back of his fingers to caress Larry's cheek. Then they hear a knock on the door causing Laurent to whip his head around. He sees the detectives so he stands up to greet them...

Marteau: "This is detective Vincent who's working with me on the case". 

Laurent: *extends hand* "Nice to meet you". 

Vincent: "You too". 

The detectives stand at a good distance from Larry and with Laurent sitting beside him...their hands joined together detective Marteau begins...

Marteau: "Mr. Bourgeois, we're very sorry that this happened but we're on it. That's why we needed to speak with you as soon as possible. What we need to know is if there's anything you remember about him. Maybe a distinguishing feature such as a birthmark on his face". 

Larry: "I...I didn't see a lot of his face. I think he has blue eyes but it's hard to remember. I think he hit me again before I could get a good look at his face".  

Marteau: "Did he say anything to you"?

The voice of this person wasn't in Larry's mind at all...that is until the detective asked about it and the flashback hits him so hard it causes him to squeeze Laurent's hand as much as his strength allowed...

Larry: "Yeah". *gulp* "He said I got lucky this time". *pause* "That means he was going to kill me". 

Laurent: "Was there anything about his voice that stood out to you? Deep and raspy or maybe it was higher in pitch"?

Larry: "It was deep". *pause* "He had on gloves too". 

Laurent and detective Marteau's faces immediately read complete confusion at this information because the detective said they found fingerprints...

Marteau: "Are you absolutely sure you saw gloves"? 

Larry: *nods* "I'm sure. The gloves were black and leather...but I don't remember anything else. I'm sorry". *looks at Laurent* "I'm sorry". 

Laurent: "It's oki bup", he whispers. 

Marteau: "It's definitely ok Mr. Bourgeois. You did good. We'll find him". 

Larry softly nods then Detective Marteau looks at Laurent and motions his head for him to step outside which Laurent anticipated so he looks at Larry...

Laurent: "I'll be back bup. I'll be right outside the room". 

Laurent smooths Larry's fro back as Larry whispers, "oki" so Laurent stands up and follows the detective who say bye to Larry and thank him again for the information. When they're all out in the hallway...

Laurent: "He had on gloves so I don't know whose fingerprints you found". 

Vincent: "Was there anyone else in your home that day"?

*brief pause* 

Laurent: "My neighbor, Don. He came over to help and he told me that the person went out the backdoor so that's how he got in". 

Vincent: "So more than likely those fingerprints are his. What do you know about him"?

Laurent: "He's a good neighbor. He has a wife and we talk to them a lot. I don't think he did this".

Marteau: "Well we have to rule everyone out and as I told you previously, the person who committed the crime can be someone that everyone least expects". 

Larry's look the previous day when he saw Don flashes across Laurent's mind and now it's making even more sense as to why but when Larry described the attacker seeing Don didn't come to him or else he would have told them. That still doesn't mean he didn't do this. Larry just couldn't recall as much and this likely in large part to the coma. It's frightening to know that Don could be the one yet came to the hospital so casually...

Vincent: "This could all be circumstantial and that his fingerprints are in your home because he really was helping but detective Marteau is correct. We have to rule out everyone we can so we'll request that he come down to the station to talk to him and get his story". 

Laurent: "You didn't talk to him before"?

Marteau: "No he wasn't there when we arrived. We spoke to his wife but all she said is the same thing about him hearing the screaming but he wasn't there upon our arrival". 

Now Laurent is even more confused. If he was there to help Larry why he didn't stay to talk to the cops is a huge mystery. Surely he knew they would be there. This is the moment he has to tell the detective about what he witnessed yesterday...

Laurent: "Detectives, you should know that Don came here yesterday because he wanted to see how my Larry was doing but when Larry saw him he looked very nervous. I didn't understand why at the time but it makes sense now".   

Marteau: "I see". *pause* "Well we'll bring him down as soon as possible. Do you know his last name"?

Laurent: "It's Delcroix". 

Marteau: "Ok. We'll contact him then be in touch with you immediately after". 

Laurent: "I appreciate that". 

Marteau: "Sure thing. In the meantime we'll come back with photos to see if Mr. Bourgeois can identify him so please make him aware". 

Laurent: "I will". *sigh* "I'll go back inside now". 

They all shake hands and as they walk away Laurent rushes back in as he was gone a little longer than he planned. Larry doesn't appear to be too nervous but he is relieved to see Laurent...

Larry: "Baby he told me that I did good but I don't really remember anything. I just remembered his eyes and the gloves so how does that help them"?

Laurent: "Don't worry bup. I'm sure it helped and he told me that he needs you to look through pictures so when you see them they might make you remember more".  

Larry: "I hope so". *pause* "When do I have to look at the pictures"?

Laurent: "I don't know. He didn't give me a date but I'm sure it will be soon". 

Larry: "Yeah oki". 

*brief pause*

Laurent: "I'm proud of you bup". 

Larry: "You're proud of me"?

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah. You really did a good job and that's why I'm proud". *pause* "But I'm always proud of you". 

Larry: "Thank you baby. I just want this over". 

Laurent: "I know and it will be. We have to believe that". 

Larry: "I believe". 

Laurent: *smile* "That's my bup". *pause* "I love you". 

Larry: "I love you too". 

Laurent: "Just rest for now and I'll be right here when you wake up". 

With that sweet reminder as well as Laurent's customary stroking of his hair Larry is able to drift off to sleep with their short yet beautiful conversation in his mind...also resting comfortably in the fact that he did a good job. Laurent will get some rest eventually but he's thinking about the new and shocking development in the case just as sure as the detectives are and while he isn't sure Don is in fact the culprit one thing is for sure. This will be an intense investigation as there has already been a turn in it...but the fire inside of him is ready for whatever as he seeks justice for his love. And so it begins... 

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A/N: Alright my loves. What is everyone thinking? Larry was very nervous when he saw Don. Is he the person responsible and is his wife covering for him or is all of this circumstantial and it's someone else? Sound off in the comments! Love you guys. :)