AUTHOR'S POV   

Laurent is still in the comfort of his car yet to turn the engine back on and drive off as it's just beginning to settle what he's about to do. He's staring at the paper with Samuel's information on it...the creases of it from being in his pocket evident. He then hears the voice of Detective Vincent telling him not to do anything but he can't see any other way. He can't bare the thought of him continuing to live his life freely while Larry is struggling to get his life back. He thinks about his love telling him what happened the previous day and though he tried to be strong in that moment, on the inside, he was fighting back all the emotions he felt at that time. There will never be anything else in the world that will break Laurent down than to know bup is hurting and all it takes is the thought of that and the agony he's been in the past several weeks to confirm that he's doing the right thing. He cranks up the engine and listens to it purr as he takes in a breath. He hasn't figured out what to tell Larry when he arrives home and he knows that after something like this he wouldn't exactly know how to keep it from him with the nerves that he's sure would be extremely evident that something happened...but he can't think about that right now. He finally puts the car in gear and begins driving...

~meanwhile~

Larry is at home brewing an Asian-inspired soup that will accompany the main course for dinner when he suddenly gets a feeling that something is off. Since he's home alone his natural instinct is to fear that perhaps someone is in the home...or possibly lurking around. He's vividly recalling the night he and Laurent were making love when he heard something outside of their window then turns down the pot containing the flavorful soup to a gentle simmer before proceeding to creep through the home checking window after window to make sure it's locked as well as checking the backdoor to make sure it's locked then walking as fast as he can to check and re-check the alarm system to make sure it's secure. He then goes to the closest window and with the small pinch of the blinds he squints his eyes through them to observe the environment. It's so quiet that he can hear his own deep breathing from the intense fear running through his body. In between he's watching cars come and go up and down the street and he sees people walk inside their homes then goes to observe another window...the bedroom window. He gulps as he walks towards it and just as he heard his own breaths he can hear his feet as they tread each step. Now at the door he pauses then gulps again before cautiously walking over. The moment he's standing next to it he slowly pushes the curtain back and takes a peek outside. Relieved that he sees nothing he closes his eyes and blows out a silent but deep breath before coming to the conclusion that this feeling he has must have something to do with Laurent so now he's walking at a fast pace to get to his phone to place a call to him...

The instant he spots his phone on the kitchen counter he speeds up more to get to it. Slightly trembling he hits the button for him and presses the phone to his ear. After the third unanswered ring he whispers, "come on baby, answer". He bites his lower lip in nerves and when the call goes to Laurent's voicemail he's now sure that this feeling has something to do with him. He now has to leave a message though he would much prefer speaking to him...

"Baby I'm calling to see if you're oki. I have a bad feeling that something is wrong. Please call me back. I love you". 

After Larry releases the call he drops the phone slowly at his side as he stands there in utter confusion. He doesn't want to immediately call the police though he can't help but fear that it isn't just a bad feeling and something is terribly wrong. He'll give Laurent some time to call back before...but not too much time. He walks back into the kitchen to check on the soup and as he's giving it a large stir he's praying Laurent will call him back soon...

~meanwhile~

Laurent had been driving along with frazzled nerves in anticipation of arriving in the neighborhood of Samuel. The closer his destination he starts to realize how his surroundings are changing. The architecture of the buildings are going from beautifully built and perfect in structure to buildings that are old, abandoned and covered in everything from rust to graffiti. As his eyes go from one spot to another he also notices several people standing along the grounds, some of which have beverages wrapped in small, brown paper bags and taking long sips from them...wonder if they're alcoholic beverages and that they probably are. There are also those sitting on the curbs and one couldn't help but notice those that appeared to be living on those streets. Laurent has to remind himself to keep focus on the road and make sure he doesn't miss the correct building. He finds a parking spot on the side street wide enough to parallel park and he carefully does so then shuts the engine off. He picks up the piece of paper that he had tossed to the side so he could drive and verified that the name of the neighborhood he wrote down matches the sign that's in view of him. He looks around to see if anyone has spotted him and perhaps giving him strange looks because they've never him before. When he doesn't notice anything of the sort he takes a deep breath as he shuts the engine off and takes the key out of the ignition, slowly removes his seat belt then step out. The smell in the air is even different than any place he's ever been. It's that of smoke and other elements that aren't immediately recognized and very hard to get past. He takes his place onto the sidewalk and trying his best to blend in he puts his hands in the pockets of his hoodie...even tries to relax more into his walk as to not give himself away. He tries not to make too much eye contact with those walking towards him only he can't exactly keep his eyes off of his surroundings so he finds just the right balance. He doesn't receive too many looks...or at least not that he can see. Although he does see one guy looking at him with full on suspicion in his eyes. It nearly cripples Laurent and the irony is, the look is so strong Laurent can't look away. They just connect eyes and even after this person walks past him Laurent can still feel his eyes on him. What he doesn't see is this person has stopped dead in his tracks and is watching him which is completely naked to Laurent's eyes...but Laurent won't turn around. He keeps walking then starts feeling around in his pockets for the piece of paper containing the crucial information so he can confirm the apartment number and his scrunch in confusion when he discovers that the paper isn't in his pocket. His eyes then widen and he realizes he left it in the car. Now he's left with a choice of turning around and going back which means another run in with the guy giving him that heavily suspicious look or just going back to his car to go home. Then the reason why he's even here comes back to him. His love. Of course that's a struggle in itself because he knows Larry would be against what he's doing yet Laurent can't imagine letting this go. Not when everything that he's been going through keeps replaying in his mind. Plus the fact that Samuel could very well have hurt someone else already and keep hurting people. Laurent can't possibly turn away now. He may not have the information on him but that doesn't mean he can't find him. He looks at the numbers on the buildings as he keeps walking because he can at least recall the number. It's the apartment number that's a little fuzzy. Sure he can ask around but this isn't exactly the neighborhood to do some questioning especially when his presence is already suspicious. He then looks at his watch and sees that it's been a while since he left work and his connection with his love begins telling him that Larry is already worried about him. He then decides this just may not be the day for this or perhaps he needs a better plan. Whatever the case he feels it's best to turn around and go home for now...but the second he turns around he's confronted not only by the familiar yet frightening face from just moments ago...there are three other people with him causing Laurent to stop abruptly as they're all looking at him evilly and have yet to say anything...

*Larry*

Larry is sitting in silence at the kitchen table after placing call number two to Laurent and still didn't get an answer. He left another message...much more worried and panicked than before and his leg has been bouncing away underneath the table as he waits as something just doesn't feel right. He managed to make the main entree of shrimp stir-fry that he had plans to eat with his husband and he's livid at the fact that his current whereabouts are unknown. What Laurent doesn't know nor did he think about is the possibility of Larry calling Laurent's job when he couldn't get a hold of him. He called Matt who is a closer friend to Laurent outside of work than any of the other partners but he didn't get an answer. This sent Larry's nerves into a frenzy because by Matt not answering he's already gone for the day and he's usually the last to leave the office. As he gazes at his phone face down on the table he feels his leg shaking uncontrollably at this point. Unable to just continue sitting there he picks the phone up and places yet another call...not at all surprised that it goes to voicemail again. In a voice filled with despair and urgency...

"Baby this is the third time I'm calling you. Where are you? Are you oki? Please come home". 

He semi-slams the phone down then drops his elbows on the table before running his hands through his fro in frustration. He then stands up to walk back over to the stove and because he doesn't have much of an appetite nor would he ever think of having dinner without Laurent he gives the soup and the stir-fry another stir to make sure all the flavors have come together while also keeping them on the lowest temperature. He isn't expecting the door bell to ring and when it does he jumps hard at the sound. He slowly turns his head in that direction and he can hear the depths of his breaths. Being home alone and that sound is unnerving to say the least and his first instinct is to pull the large butcher knife out and begin taking small steps towards the door. When he realizes his breathing is much deeper and louder than he thought he takes his shaky, free hand and places it over his mouth to subdue the sound. It's only been a minute, if that, since the bell was rung and now he's hearing it again causing him to jump possibly harder than before. Being that he's closer to the door it's louder too. He gulps hard as his eyes are focused on the peephole. Just before he approaches it to look through it he hears the sound of a man calling out who he is. "Delivery for Janice Brunet". Larry's face softens and he walks over to take a peep out of the window and sure enough there's a delivery truck. He blows out a huge sigh of relief, walks over to the alarm system to disarm it then over to the door and with the knife hidden he opens it...

Driver: "Delivery for Janice Brunet". 

Larry: "Um, wrong house. She lives two houses down". 

Driver: "I apologize sir. Have a good evening". 

Larry: "It's oki and you too. Goodbye". 

Larry's heart is still racing profusely but he's also very relieved that it was a harmless error and he's not in danger. That still doesn't shake the feeling that his love is in danger so after locking the door and securing the alarm system again he dashes over to the kitchen where his phone is to place another call to Laurent...praying that this one is successful... 

~meanwhile~

Laurent is practically frozen as four sets of eyes are on him...his gaze slowly going from one to the other. It's been minutes now and no one has said anything. Laurent is trying to look as though he isn't afraid and he internally tells himself that this is a time where he needs to appear that he isn't...

Laurent: "What's up"?

"What's up is we don't think you belong here". 

Laurent: "Don't concern yourself with where I belong". 

"Aye. Watch your mouth. Unless you want to feel some hot shit". 

Laurent noticed from the bottom of his eyelids that this person raised his shirt so he brings his eyes down and realizes what this guy meant by "hot shit". He has a gun tucked in his pants and Laurent can feel his stomach turning...but he won't give his nerves away....

Laurent: "You think that scares me"?

At that moment three of the four men begin circling Laurent causing him to look around at all of them while the one he's been having a back and forth with continues looking at him...

Laurent: "Listen I'm just looking for someone I know". 

"Oh yeah? Who"?

Laurent: "You don't need to know who". 

That reply appears to have set all of them off because the next thing Laurent feels is being jacked up by one of the four and he also feels a cold gun placed to his temple. Naturally in this moment all attempts to act as though he's merely someone from the neighborhood have stopped and he raises his hands in surrender while trying to remain calm. Then the main speaker steps forward and looks directly in his eyes...

"I think you don't know anybody here. You're just some rich, suit and tie dude coming down here pretending to be hard instead of minding your business. Since you're here we should rough you up...or worse".

Laurent's body begins trembling slightly but he's certain that it's such a small amount they won't see it. That is until he notices mouth almighty scanning him up and down. Then he sees a smirk come across his face followed by a laugh...

"You shaking now"? *looks at friends* "This dude is shaking". *looks at Laurent* "Just what I thought". 

Laurent: "Look just drop the gun oki? I'll leave". 

"Should we let him go fellas"?

"He came looking for trouble so let's give him some". 

Laurent: "Please. Just drop the gun and let me leave". 

*brief pause*

"Alright man. You can go but this was a warning. Don't come back here". *pause* "Let him go fellas". 

His crew listens to him and slowly lets go of their hold on him. Laurent looks around at all of them once more then starts walking away. He takes in a few silent breaths and for the first few seconds he resists looking back...but then something tells him to so he does. He sees them all walking in sync with him. He suspects they're making sure that he really does leave so he turns his head around to face forward and continue walking. Finally at his car he gets in and immediately locks the doors then cranks up the engine. He doesn't waste anytime pulling out and it would be easier for him to drive ahead...but the last thing he wants is for them to get a look at his license plate. From where he is he's certain that if he turns around it would be hard for them to see it and although it's not the safest thing to do he whips the car around and takes off down the street. Once he's on the main road he begins thinking about what a risk that was...but also Larry and how many times he's called because he knows it's been more than one. He has to stop somewhere to change back into his work clothes so Larry won't see what he has on. He already knows he's going to get questions about why his calls went unanswered and he still has yet to figure out what to say. Plus, he doesn't want Larry to know anything about this. He pulls into the first place he sees and takes his bag to the bathroom to change then it's on his way home...

Larry is sitting on the couch and the knife he had earlier is right next to him. He's been in complete silence and though he's still really worried about Laurent, he's also slightly angry. No call back which means still no clue as to where he is. His emotions have been so all over the place that he hasn't even been able to call him again. Then he hears keys at the front door and that slight anger has now increased. He turns his head in that direction and what makes him even more upset is that Laurent just walks in without a care in the world. Or at least that's what it feels like to Larry. Laurent sees him and flashes the best smile he can...but he can already tell Larry isn't too happy and as soon as he meets him at the couch...

Laurent: "Hey bup. Sorry I'm late. I...."

He stops speaking as soon as he sees the butcher knife next to him so his face instantly reads confusion...

Laurent: "Bup? Why is that knife right there"?

Larry: "Why are you home so late? Why didn't you answer my calls"?

Laurent: "Yeah I'm sorry for that bup. I just um, I have a lot of work and...."

Larry: "And you couldn't call me and tell me that"?

*brief pause*

Laurent: "I'm sorry my love". 

Larry seemingly accepted what Laurent told him...but then he begins to wonder because after all, Laurent always calls to tell Larry when work is going to take longer than he anticipated especially since they've started the whole checking-in thing and the fact that he didn't call him this time definitely raises suspicion...  

Larry: "Did you really have a lot of work or did something else happen you're not telling me"?

Laurent gulps but he makes it a point to not let his nerves about that question show. After another brief pause he answers... 

Laurent: "No bup. It was work". *pause* "Can you please tell me why you have that knife"?

Larry: "Because someone was at the door and I got scared oki"?

Laurent: "But you didn't answer it right"?

Larry: "Not at first but I did go to the door. I was going to look out the peephole and that's when I heard the delivery guy call out that he had a package for a neighbor so I opened the door to let him know he had the wrong house". 

Laurent lets out a sigh of relief but when he sees his love still shaken he can't go another second without saying something about it...

Laurent: "I'm sorry bup. I know that scared you and I'm sorry I'm home so late". 

Larry: "Fine. Dinner is on the stove". 

Larry angrily brushes by Laurent to which Laurent delicately grabs his arm...

Laurent: "Larry please. I'm sorry". 

Larry: "I heard you Laurent". 

Laurent: "And I mean it bup. I'm sorry". 

Larry: "Oki".

That was such a firm and somewhat harsh reply that it intimidates Laurent in a way...but it also makes him sad because he hates seeing his love so upset and to also know he was afraid even though it was a false alarm hurts him...

Laurent: "Bup please don't leave. I'm really sorry for being late and I'm really sorry that happened". 

Larry: "It's fine. I'll be oki". 

Laurent: "Will you eat dinner with me"?  

Larry: "I'm not hungry". 

Larry releases himself from Laurent's grasp and begins walking towards the bedroom. Laurent forgets about dinner and goes after him. The moment they're inside Laurent gently grabs a hold of Larry's shoulder and turns him around. Without a single word he envelopes his bup in a hug...only Larry doesn't hug him back...

Laurent: "I'm so sorry my love. Please don't be mad", he whispers. 

Larry doesn't seem moved by those words at all...and the fact that he isn't hugging back only pulls at Laurent's heart strings more...

Laurent: "Bup please hold me back. I'm sorry", he whispers again. 

Larry: "I was scared Laurent and you didn't call me".

Laurent: "I know and I'll never do that again". 

Now Laurent is placing soft kisses to Larry's forehead and cheeks which eventually causes Larry to calm down. While he's in Laurent's arms and feeling those kisses he lets his guard down and slowly brings his arms up to hold him back bringing relief in Laurent...

Laurent: "I'll never do it again". 

Larry: *soft sigh* "Oki", he whispers. 

Laurent lets go to look into his loves eyes and after gently taking Larry's face in his hands he places an equally gentle kiss to his lips. Now looking back in his eyes...

Laurent: "I'll get changed then we'll have dinner". 

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

Laurent: "I'll be out soon". 

One more kiss to the lips and Laurent lets him go to change then meet Larry at the dinner table. Seeing Larry's face much calmer is a wonderful sight for him and it's just like bup to have their dinner waiting on the table. Laurent looks down at the warm bowl of soup and a plate of the delicious stir-fry he loves so much then takes a seat across from him. Naturally he isn't proud of himself for lying to Larry but he's still at an internal battle with himself with all of this that he can't possibly tell him anything right now. They take a few bites and slurp a few spoonfuls of soup before conversation begins...

Laurent: "How was school today"?

Larry: "It was good. Better than yesterday". 

Laurent: "I'm happy to hear that bup". 

Laurent is indeed happy to know he had a better day, especially considering the previous day really broke Larry's heart with the note by a student and the scare he had...but he can tell something else is on his mind so with a soft voice...

Laurent: "Tell me". 

Larry: "What"?

Laurent: "What's on your mind".

Larry pauses as his gaze remains low. He then places his fork on his plate before looking up at Laurent...

Larry: "I just want you to come home sooner. I know we're trying to get back to normal but it's only been a few weeks". *pause* "I'm not oki right now baby. I need you home".

Laurent can feel his heart drop at the latter part and all he can do is tilt his head to the side and look at his love with the most tender expression. Seconds later...

Laurent: "I'm sorry it's so hard for you bup. I promise I will try really hard to come home as soon as I can". 

Larry: "I would love that baby". 

Laurent gives him a smile...but on the inside he's melting and all he can hear in his mind is the vulnerability in Larry's voice and that same vulnerability in Larry's eyes when he said he needs him home. They get through dinner and wash dishes together...but with different things being on their minds there isn't much conversation and since it's been quite a day for both of them they spend the rest of the evening in bed watching TV until they fall asleep. They're sleeping peacefully until Laurent awakens at the sound of whimpers coming from Larry and he knows it's a nightmare which was more than likely triggered from earlier so he scoots closer and rubs his arm while speaking softly to him until he feels Larry relax. It's nightmares like these that tells Laurent to keep pursuing Samuel regardless of what happened tonight...but Larry's plea. He can feel something pulling on his heart all over again. He doesn't want to disappoint nor hurt his love...but he also can't imagine giving up on this and if anything those thugs from Samuel's neighborhood pissed him off more so than they scared him. Also witnessing another nightmare from Larry he's even more angered. All he can do is kiss his sweet love and hold on tightly to him...pondering what to do...

----------------------------- 

A/N: So, what is everyone thinking? Will Laurent let this go or will he find a way to pursue Samuel while also trying to honor Larry's request? Sound off in the comments! Love you guys. :)