A/N: Warning: This chapter is strong in imagery and graphic in nature so please proceed with caution.  

AUTHOR'S POV 

It's another productive work day for the Bourgeois men. Larry is teaching brilliantly and his class is participating which he always loves. Laurent is across town and has been hard at work after a few back to back meetings including the one his assistant scheduled for him days ago which turned out to be a huge success adding to his already stellar performance as a partner in his financial firm. Things at home are as beautiful as ever between them and although it's been a few days since Larry heard that noise outside resulting in Laurent going on a search for it they haven't been alarmed by anything else. For that reason Laurent goes back to his original thought of it being a stray animal around their home but he still doesn't want to take any chances so in between meetings or using his lunch hour he's been looking into added security. They live in a family friendly neighborhood and they've never had reason to worry about crime or anything of the sort happening...but crime can also happen anywhere. In fact, one could argue that it's the least likely neighborhoods where things can happen versus those where it's expected to happen so they're not exempt from anything. Laurent is considering several things in addition to the security system they have to ensure their safety. Mainly his love especially since business has picked up only in a matter of days causing him to come home later than normal so he asks his assistant to look up a few things that's been on his mind while he's in another meeting that will be starting soon. He just wrapped up a conference call when there's a knock on his door so he looks up...

Laurent: "Hey Briana".

Briana: "Hi Mr. Bourgeois. Mr. Benoit just sent out a memo requesting a meeting with all of the partners for the end of the day". 

Laurent: "Why so late"?

Briana: "He said there's a few things that have come up that need to be addressed as soon as possible that he doesn't want to put in an email. He needs to know right away who can be there". 

*brief pause*

Laurent: *soft sigh* "Please reply and tell him I'll be there". 

Briana: "Right away". 

Laurent: "Thank you". 

Briana: "You're welcome sir". 

Briana leaves to get right on that task leaving Laurent to place a text to Larry informing him that he'll be late again. The time eventually comes for his meeting and he's certain that by the time he's back at his desk Larry will have replied to confirm he received the message but for now he grabs a pen and notepad then stands up to leave his office...

~meanwhile~

Larry is at the end of another great work day. He gave a pop quiz before going into his lesson for the day and for the last several moments his class has been engaging in discussion with him. He was pleased to see his student Sasha raise her hand to give her input which means that her parents spoke to her about it but she hasn't given off any vibe that she was upset about it. It's a delight to have full involvement from everyone. Of course there's laughter and fun along the way yet serious when it needs to be but overall it's been a great day. There's about a minute before the bell rings to dismiss so he goes into further detail about an assignment given...

Larry: "Oki class. I want the next essays typed and at least four pages. Or if you're feeling inspired to write more. A teacher can dream right"? 

The class erupts in laughter and at that moment the bell finally rings so the sound of backpacks rustling as they're being stuffed with books can be heard then they all stand up to file out of the classroom while Larry walks to his desk. As the students are walking out the school principal is walking in and Larry is slightly confused as to why she's there. With the last student out of the class and it's just the two of them...

Larry: *smile* "Hey Ms. Rousseau". 

Rousseau: *smile* "Mr. Bourgeois. How's it going"?

Larry smiles sweetly then playfully replies...

Larry: "It could be worse". 

Rousseau: *smile* "Well, it's going to be. Mr. Lenoir was supposed to cover detention today but he went home with the flu and there's nobody else so...."

Larry: *chuckles* "Yes I can do that". 

Rousseau: *smile* "I owe you one. Thank you". 

Larry: *smile* "Welcome". 

Even though Larry covers detention often it's just like him to step in and cover it even though he isn't signed up for it. It isn't the most riveting thing to do but he can't deny that it's always the perfect time to grade papers so that's less he'll have to do at home when he could spending that time with Laurent. Just the thought of his love is making him smile now and as he collects his things he also takes his phone out of the top drawer he regularly keeps it in while teaching. He swipes it unlocked then sees "1 text message" and no question who it's from so he smiles before he even opens it...

~text conversation~

Laurent: "Bup I have a last minute meeting so I'll be home late". 

Larry: "Oki my love. The principal just came and asked me to cover detention so I will be home late too". 

Laurent: "Will you text me when you get home so I know you're safe"? 

Larry: "Always baby. I love you. ❤️"

Laurent: "Thank you bup. I love you too. ❤️" 

~end~

With that short yet beautiful exchange between them Larry finishes packing up his things then makes his way over to where detention is held...

~hours later~

Laurent was only minutes out of his meeting when Larry replied to him and his afternoon seemed to have picked up. Now in the last one of the day he's paying careful attention and taking notes as he usually does to make sure he doesn't miss anything when an uneasy feeling comes over him. Naturally the first thought to come to his mind is if Larry is ok though he's sure he is. He checks his watch and realizes they've been in here for about forty minutes so it's more than likely wrapping up soon which is great because his phone is in his pocket so as he walks back to his desk he'll place a call to Larry just to be sure. The meeting ends sooner than he thought and now they're being dismissed so as they all adjourn saying things like "see everyone tomorrow" Laurent is pulling his phone out. When he's outside of the doors and free from as much noise as possible he calls Larry but it goes to his voicemail. Detention usually lasts around two hours so it's possible he could still be at school...only something on the inside is telling him he's not so he doesn't hesitate to call again. When it goes to Larry's voicemail the second time...

"I thought you would be home already bup. Please call me and let me know. I love you". 

He releases the call and when he reaches his office he's politely called by his assistant so he goes over to her desk to see what's going on. It turns out that it's just a few tidbits from the day that she needed clarity on so she will know where to file things and who to send memos to. Back in his office he calls Larry again because by this point he's a nervous wreck but thankfully when he calls this time...

Larry: *smile* "Hey baby". 

Laurent inhales then softly blows out a sigh of relief before replying...

Laurent: "Hey bup". 

Larry: "I got stuck in traffic so it took a little longer to get home but I'm here and I'm oki. I can tell you're nervous". 

Laurent: "I just wanted to make sure my love is oki". 

Larry: *smile* "I know you do".  

Laurent: "I'll be home soon bup. I just got out of that meeting so I have some things to wrap up before I leave". 

Larry: *smile* "Yeah right. I know all this late night working is really because you're cheating on me with your secretary". 

Laurent: *chuckles* "Actually it's Matt's secretary". 

Of course this is all in fun so Larry belts out a hearty laugh and Laurent just listens to the sweet sound then replies sweetly...

Laurent: *smile* "I love to hear you laugh". 

Larry: *smile* "You are my laugh...and my smile". 

Laurent: *smile* "I will always give you both". *pause* "I'm going to finish up here so I can come home to you". 

Larry: "Oki baby. See you soon". 

No phone call would be complete between them without an "I love you" and after those beautiful words they release the call with Laurent immediately doing just as he said so he can go home. Meanwhile Larry is in the bedroom pulling out some comfortable clothes to change into so he can get started on dinner but when he turns around he bumps into a table knocking several papers off of it. He bends down to pick them up...but he's completely oblivious to what's about to happen. He hasn't heard anything around him but all of a sudden the bedroom light turns off and when he turns around to look in the direction of it he sees an unknown figure lunging at him with no time to respond. The next second this person is delivering a blow to his face erupting a scream from him. He's struggling to defend himself because he was so caught off guard plus the punch to his face was full of power making his body nearly weakened. Whenever he tries to defend himself the attacker just hits him again and again to the point where Larry's vision becomes blurry and he can feel the taste of blood in his mouth. In between he's belting out, "please! Stop"! At one point he unknowingly belts out, "Laurent" as if he's calling him to come and save him. If the blows aren't hitting his face the attacker is punching him relentlessly in the stomach. Larry looks at him again only he can't see his face because it's covered by a mask that only reveals his eyes and mouth. With all the energy left in him he extends his hand up to snatch off the mask but it only angers the attacker more so he delivers a few more blows much harder than before then turns Larry on his stomach so he can no longer look at him. Larry's energy is dissipating more and the blurriness in his eyes is much thicker so he couldn't see this person anyway. What he's unaware of is the attacker has pulled out a knife to essentially finish the job but he's distracted by the sound of banging on the front door along with a husky voice calling Larry's name which means they've heard the screaming. That's when Larry hears an evil voice in his ear saying, "you got lucky this time" then the attacker stands up and takes off for the back door clearly knowing the home so well that he's aware there's a backdoor. Larry remains beaten, bloody and extremely weak on the bedroom floor as he cries at not only the pain he feels but the complete invasion on he and Laurent's home. His phone is just above him on the table so he weakly reaches for it to call Laurent...but he suddenly becomes extremely dizzy and now everything is fading to black...

~meanwhile~

Laurent finished up several minutes ago and he's in the car on the way home. As he was walking to his car that uneasy feeling he had in the meeting came back with a vengeance and he couldn't understand why seeing as how he spoke with Larry who was fine but because this feeling isn't going away he drives as fast as he can to get home...

He pulls into the neighborhood and when he gets to a point where he can see their home ahead of him he sees an ambulance and cop cars outside and now he realizes why he's been feeling so on edge. He speeds up to get there and the second he parks he's out of the car and running. There's a cop standing at the beginning of the walkway who holds his hand up...

Cop: "Sir this is police business". 

Laurent: "It's oki it's my house"!

Laurent's eyes are widened in fear and with a voice matching that fear he calls out, "bup"?!! At that moment he sees two EMT's bringing Larry out of the house on a stretcher and the wife of their next door neighbor behind him so his running picks up as he belts, "what happened to him"?!! Now next to him he breathes out, "bup". Larry's eyes are nearly shut from the swelling around them...but he still sees Laurent and reaches for him as he cries. Sadly, Laurent can't hold him but he does grab one of his hands to comfort him...

Laurent: "It's oki bup. I'm right here". *pause* "Can someone please tell me what happened?! Renee what happened"?!

Renee: "Someone broke into your house. Don heard the screaming first so he ran over here and started banging on the door". 

Laurent: "Oh my God". 

Laurent proceeds to loop his hand around Larry's head to bring him comfort but he's quickly stopped by the EMT...

EMT: "Sir please. It's possible head trauma here". 

They approach the opening of the ambulance and a third person steps forward to help place Larry in the back. Laurent has to let go of his hand and when Larry no longer sees his love beside him his crying and frightened voice calls out...

Larry: "Laurent"?? 

Laurent: "I'm right here bup", he replies sweetly. 

After he's placed in the ambulance the EMT turns to Laurent... 

EMT: "We're taking him to Central hospital. You can ride with us if you like". 

Laurent: *nods* "Yes of course I will". 

Laurent takes the key to their home off his set to give to Renee so she can lock up after the police gather all the evidence they need to catch this creep then hops in the back of the ambulance. As they call out typical medical jargon Laurent takes a delicate hold of Larry's hand and as he watches his bruised love cry tears of his own are falling down as he rocks back and forth to the sight. In the middle of the EMT's doing what they need to do Larry suddenly leans over and vomits signaling to the EMT's that he more than likely has a concussion. Laurent hears this and as more tears pour from his eyes he bites his lip and squints his eyes in anger while looking at his love in agony. When Larry goes back to resting against the stretcher Laurent whispers through his tears, "you will be oki bup. I promise". With that still delicate hold of Larry's hand Laurent places tender kisses to the palm of it...softly sniffing as his tears continue to spill until the ambulance reaches the hospital...

*****

Larry is wheeled through the doors of the ER and once a doctor is beside them Laurent listens to Larry's condition...

EMT: "Victim has head injuries with subsequent vomiting, possible rib fracture along with bruising and swelling of the face. Vitals are normal. 

Doctor: "Ok we need a CAT scan as well as a chest x-ray with rib detail. Is he on medication and are there any he's allergic to"? 

Laurent: "No". *sniff* "No medicine and he's not allergic to any". 

The doctor nods then goes back to calling out the remaining orders...

Doctor: "We also need a blood sample, liver function and one gram of codeine administered for pain". *looks at Laurent* "We'll take it from here sir". 

Laurent nods then looks down at his sweet love once more before slowly releasing his hands off the rail so they can take him away. The minute he's behind closed doors Laurent drops his face in his hands to sob again...

*****

There's a nurse's station only a few inches away and it's fairly busy...but to Laurent the environment is very quiet and he doesn't hear any of it because he's waiting to hear news about Larry. It's been about thirty minutes now but they've felt like hours. During this time he's experienced several emotions with the two that seem to be weighing heavily on him being devastation and anger. Devastation at what his love endured and the evil person who put him here. The noise Larry heard was this monster but who is he and why was Larry the target? Did he intend to hurt both of them but could only get Larry? What Laurent wouldn't give to be on the other side of those doors instead of his bup. He hears the doors swing open and when he looks up he sees the doctor heading his way so he quickly stands up then walks over to ask...

Laurent: "How is he doctor"?

Doctor: "He has a minor concussion which we don't expect to cause any additional complications. He also has a fractured rib and the pressure from the fracture caused a laceration on his left kidney. There aren't any additional damages to his face outside of the swelling and bruising so those will heal fairly quickly. Now in all likelihood he's going to be ok but he will be here for several weeks". 

Laurent: *nods* "Yeah oki", he whispers in despair. 

Doctor: "You can go and seem him now. Just go through the double doors and it's the third room on the right". 

Laurent: "Thank you". 

The doctor sees the extreme sadness behind Laurent's eyes so he softly nods in remorse then steps around Laurent to walk away. Laurent gazes at the doors ahead of him then walks at a slow pace but stops in front of them to take inhale and exhale deeply then pushes them open to walk through...seemingly hearing the sound of his own footsteps. He stops at the open door and right away he sees his love bandaged and groggy because of the medication. Laurent has to gulp to keep from crying before walking over. There's a chair beside the bed so he quietly pulls it up but before he sits down he whispers, "bup"? Larry turns his head and when he sees Laurent's eyes gazing down lovingly into his he reaches for him as he whimpers, "babyyy". He then turns his body so he can pull Laurent into a hug. Laurent hugs him back but a sharp pain runs through Larry's body and he hisses slightly so as Laurent whispers, "careful my love" he gently places his hand on top of the fractured area instantly relaxing him. Laurent then sits down as he takes Larry's hand in his and whispers, "I'm right here bup". *kisses hand* "I'm right here". Larry rests his head deeper into the pillow and looks innocently up at Laurent. Laurent sees the damage caused by this maniac and it takes everything in him to not show his anger in this moment. Instead he sweetly coos him as he gently smooths his fro back and whispers again, "just relax oki"? Larry simply can't relax in this moment and suddenly he bursts into tears...

Larry: "This was my fault baby". *sniff* "I didn't pay attention. I didn't hear anything. I don't even know if I locked the door back". *pause* "I'm so stupid"!

Laurent: "No bup you're not stupid and this wasn't your fault".  

Larry: "He just kept beating me and he didn't stop even after I begged him". 

Laurent: "The police will find who did this". *kiss* "It's not your fault my love so please don't blame yourself". 

Larry sniffs and nods softly. Moments of silence go by and now the medicine he's on is really kicking in so he gazes up at Laurent as he whimpers...

Larry: "I have to go to sleep now oki"?

Still caressing Larry's fro Laurent whispers...

Laurent: "Yes get some sleep my love". 

Larry: "Will you stay"?

Laurent: "Yes I'll stay", he whispers. 

Larry: "Oki", he whimpers again. 

Larry closes his eyes and falls immediately asleep giving Laurent the opportunity to release those tears he fought so hard to hold back. He can't stop kissing Larry's hand as he simply watches him sleep. His tears flow one after the other and when they begin to settle he hears a gentle knock on the door so he turns his head...

"Mr. Bourgeois"?

Laurent: "Yes"? 

"I'm detective Marteau. Can we step outside and talk"?

Laurent nods then looks back at Larry. He slowly lets go of his hand then quietly stands up to follow the detective. They walk a few inches away from the room so they don't wake him up...

Marteau: "I'm sorry we have to meet under such conditions but I wanted to let you know that we just wrapped up the investigation at your home. They uncovered some fingerprints so those will be scanned into the system for a match. They also spoke with your neighbors who were home during the time of the attack but unfortunately they didn't see anyone". 

Laurent: "But the fingerprints mean you will find who did this". 

Marteau: "That's the hope but the system only holds fingerprints of those with a criminal record. If the fingerprints aren't on file then the attacker doesn't have any priors so he won't be in our system. It will all boil down to following up on any leads we receive. Maybe whoever did this will slip up and talk to someone about it. We just hope we don't catch him by another crime of the same nature". 

Laurent blows out a frustrated sigh then responds...

Laurent: "Detective, please let me know the second you find this asshole". 

Marteau: "I definitely will. When Mr. Bourgeois is able to I would like to ask him questions and have him look through a photo lineup to see if he can identify the culprit. In the meantime, please take my card and if you have any questions, concerns or if he tells you anything that will help the case please give me a call". 

Laurent: "I will. Thank you for coming". 

Marteau: "You're welcome and rest assured we will do everything in our power to find the person responsible". 

Laurent nods and when the detective walks away he goes back inside. He sits down then takes Larry's hand back in his as he watches him sleep again. Eventually his nurse comes in to do what she needs and make sure he's comfortable and since Laurent will remain by Larry's side he asks her to bring some extra sheets and a pillow to which she agrees. When it goes back to silence Laurent's mind begins thinking about the fear over Larry's body as he was being attacked as well as the fear he's sure was in his face. Then he has an image of the attacker hitting him over and over again with Larry being completely defenseless and it becomes so overwhelming that he shakes his head to rid himself of the painful images as he continues rocking back and forth with his head down...the tears he's shedding loosely rolling down his cheek and falling onto the cold, hard floor beneath him. He looks back up and as he gazes at Larry...

Laurent: "I'm sorry bup". *sniff* "I'm so sorry I wasn't there to protect you. If I was there you wouldn't be in here. I love you so much and I'm so sorry my love". *kisses hand* "Please forgive me". 

The emotions running through him and the tears falling are uncontrollable as one can imagine. Laurent feels like he failed him. The one person in his life that has brought him the most joy he feels he completely let down and with that thought the tears can only flow harder...

------------------------------- 

A/N: I know my loves and I'm very sorry. If a few, or several of you, cried believe me when I tell you that I cried as I was writing it. I'm certain that there are several questions running through everyone's minds, specifically about who could have done this especially since it's so early in the story, but please just trust me. It will all unfold but I have to warn you all that if you're already experiencing heavy emotions they will only get stronger from here so please be prepared. Sound off in the comments and I'll be replying soon. Love you guys...