In the quiet office...the decorum typical of most offices. Large, wood desk adorned with picture frames of loved ones. A stack of files neatly organized and a flat screen computer monitor angled in the corner. The rug is a delicate red color, made from fine wool, infused with the kind of white that brings memories of baby breath flowers. It's soft underfoot, and warmer than the wooden floor around. The furniture has a simplicity and a flare all at once, it's bright in color and happy in vibe. Against the wall is a beautiful painting, as if the painter's soul was upon that canvas. It has a story of colors and hope. This type of office is the perfect place for such. It's a therapist office and anyone who steps in and takes a glance at that painting should instantly feel at ease...feel the hope so beautifully portrayed. In the middle of the office sits the therapist clad in an all black business pant suit, purple heels for a pop of color, her legs crossed as a notepad rests on top of her thighs and a pen in her hand. Her hair in a tight bun and her face adorned with a chic pair of glasses with a black frame. The glasses add something to her face, a certain poise. They do more than frame her eyes, they add an extra window to her soul. Her credentials are plastered on the wall as with any professional, and by the way she's so well put together, it's evident she takes her career seriously, though admittedly, the tension in the room with her two new clients makes her unsure as to how to get this session started because across from her, on the long, comfortable couch, a soft beige color, they just...sit. They're on opposite ends of the couch and haven't looked much at each other upon arriving. Dr. Bain has counseled several couples, but they rarely sit so far apart and they still look at each other while also engaging with her. She decides to try an icebreaker since they're twins...

Dr. Bain: "This is one of the very times I've counseled twins and now that I know your names I'll try to guess who you are. You're Larry and you're Laurent". 

She guessed incorrectly, but in this case it was kind of a good thing because one of them finally speaks up to correct her...

"Actually, I'm Larry". 

Dr. Bain: *smile* "I see". *pause* "Well it's nice to meet you both". 

Larry: "It's nice to meet you too", he replies softly. 

She gently nods then looks over at Laurent who replies the same, and also in a soft tone. She can easily sense the reluctance which is understandable as counseling is typically seen as very unnerving, particularly to those who have never been to a session, but they only have one hour and she wants to make sure every minute is fulfilled...

Dr. Bain: "Before we get started, I have to go through my counselor spiel".

She smiled and used her fingers to make air quotes when she said "counselor spiel" as she was hoping this would crack the ice and make them feel more at ease. She does receive a slight chuckle from Larry and a slight smile from Laurent. It was nice to see their friendly reaction, but she also believes the issue which brought them here today has a sense of urgency so she decides to quickly get the preliminary stuff out of the way so they can get right into the session...

Dr. Bain: "First, it is imperative that I let you both know I am bound by the ethics of my profession, and as such, everything that is said between the three of us won't leave this office".

There's a brief pause as she waits for them to respond, and when she receives a head nod from them she expects one to tell her the reason for their visit, but when they don't she uses her experience, her genuine concern and her angst to help them however she can...

Dr. Bain: "If you're feeling nervous or unsure on what to say or how to say it I just want you to know that I completely understand. My job is to ease any worries or fears you have about disclosing what brought you to see me today. I will listen fully with my primary goal being to help you as much as I am able to".

It's complete silence for another thirty seconds, roughly, until Larry finally speaks up again...

Larry: "We've been going through a very rough patch lately". *pause* "For over a month now".

Dr. Bain: "I think that's normal between siblings, and you're twins so you're presumably so much like each other it causes you to clash sometimes, perhaps often". 

Dr. Bain expects Larry to respond but when she hears Laurent's voice she quickly puts her attention on him and she's delighted he spoke up too as she wants them both to participate...

Laurent: "Yeah but we're more than twins. We're business partners, we dance together, we model together". *pause* "We're also engaged". 

Dr. Bain: "I see".  *pause* "Well I think it's lovely that you're partners in everything, but I also get the sense that these are the things that brought you here".

Larry: "I believe it is. I don't know if it's the stress from all we do or what. We're always busy and feel like we don't have time to just breathe".

Dr. Bain: "So you think all of that is causing a strain on your romantic relationship".

Laurent: "Yes. We haven't made love in weeks. We go straight to bed".

Larry: "We don't say good night to each other or give good night kisses anymore".

Laurent: "We don't cuddle in bed at night and talk for things like we used to".

Larry: "We mostly talk for work. Not for the wedding or what we want for the wedding".

Dr. Bain: "So the communication between you has gone down".

Larry: "Yeah. A lot and we fight more than we used to".

Dr. Bain: "Can you give me an example of what you fight about"?

Larry: "Dumb things and over stuff we never used to fight about before. I took one of his shirts to wear and he got mad then yelled at me".

For the first time since this session started their focus has only been on Dr. Bain, but after hearing this Laurent turns his head to look at Larry...

Laurent: "Why didn't you ask"?

Larry: "I never had to ask just like you never had to ask me to wear something of mine. You can wear whatever you want of mine and I don't mind but now it seems like I can't wear anything of yours. I don't like that because I love wearing your clothes and you used to tell me I always look cute in them".

*brief pause*

Laurent: *soft sigh* "You do look cute in my clothes".

Larry: "Then why get mad at me"?

Laurent: "I don't know, oki"? *pause* "Why did you get mad at me when the woman at the meeting about our next modeling shoot was talking to me"?

Larry: "Because I saw how she was looking at you before so I knew she was flirting and I told you but you didn't listen. You just kept talking to her and smiling at her".

Laurent: "How was I supposed to talk to her? You wanted me to be rude and say "I don't think my fiance would like me talking you" and walk away? She's in charge for the designer we're supposed to model for". 

Larry: "I know that but...."

Laurent: "There's no but. I was just being friendly, Larry".

Larry: "Oki but that's another thing that upsets me. You call me Larry now. You always call me bebe and you don't say it anymore".

*brief pause*

Laurent: "You know you're my bebe".

Larry: "Then start calling me that again. I haven't stopped calling you baby but you don't do or say things you use to and nothing I do is good enough now so maybe you really did want that woman or someone else".

Laurent: "Larry stop it"!

Larry: "Stop what"?!

Dr. Bain: "Ok, hold on guys. Emotions are starting to run high so let's just take a moment to breathe and calm down before we proceed".

Silence falls and their focus is no longer on each other. Larry is looking at Dr. Bain while Laurent is looking at the floor...anger evident all over his face. Just as she's about to speak up and try to get the session back under control Laurent stands up and begins walking towards the door. With instant regret and in a saddened voice Larry tells him, "baby please stay". Dr. Bain follows up with, "yes, please stay so we can continue". But, it's too late. Laurent opens the door and walks out. With tears starting to build in his eyes Larry looks at Dr. Bain...

Larry: "I shouldn't have said that". *deep sigh* "He's the love of my life. I just don't understand why or how we got here".

Dr. Bain: "We can still figure that out. Do you think you can get him to come back"?

Larry: "No. I know him better than anyone. He's shut down now so I think it's best if I leave and try to talk to him".

Dr. Bain: *softly nods* "Understood. I hope both of you will come back. I would love to continue working with you".

Larry: "Thank you", he breathes out.

Larry stands up and solemnly walks out of the office. He stops by the front desk to pay then heads for the car. He sees Laurent in the driver's seat, looking down and scrolling through his phone, and because Larry knows him so well, he knows this will be a very quiet ride home. He gets in the car and as he's buckling his seat belt he looks over at Laurent...but Laurent doesn't look at him. It's painfully evident that he's upset so with his seat belt already on he just cranks up the engine then begins driving home. Larry can't resist looking over at him a few times. He even extends his hand over to place it over Laurent's thigh, but Laurent moves it in a way to signal to Larry not to touch him. Larry is near tears again and he just puts his focus out of his window....

When they arrive home Laurent makes a beeline for their bedroom. There's anger in his steps which makes Larry look at him...his heart sinking all the more as he watches until he ultimately disappears. Since their therapy appointment was much later in the afternoon by the time they arrived home it's fairly close to dinner time so Larry heads for the kitchen to begin prepping. On the menu is fresh salmon fillets that Larry will glaze with a honey, butter and garlic sauce. Side dishes include sauteed mushrooms, cacio e pepe and an arugula salad. Minutes later he hears the home security system alerting that the backdoor is open so he figures Laurent is about to take a dip in the pool. Since the water has to boil for the pasta to make the cacio e pepe he decides to walk towards the back door to get a peak at Laurent. He doesn't see him in the pool but in the jacuzzi instead which he rarely gets in, particularly since it's warmer now, but he figures after such intensity in the therapy session he just needed to relax, though he doesn't seem to be relaxing too much. His back is pressed against the jacuzzi and as he tilts his head back he covers his face with his hands. Larry's heart instantly breaks. He drops his head and lets out a deep sigh then turns around to go back to the kitchen...

Just as Larry is finished with everything he hears Laurent come back in so he decides to prepare his plate. He places it on the table then goes to tell Laurent who's now laying on his side of the bed watching a movie. In a soft voice he tells him, "I made dinner for you baby". Laurent hesitates for a moment then turns the TV off and gets up. He follows Larry though he really isn't that close to him then merely sits down in front of his plate. Larry goes to make his own and joins him. Dinner is also in complete silence with Larry occasionally looking up at Laurent whose eyes remain down the whole time. When he's finished he dabs his mouth with his napkin, stands up and in a flat tone he thanks Larry then walks away. He barely heard Larry's saddened response of "welcome". Larry eventually finishes his meal then collects the dishes from the table to take to the kitchen and wash them. He knows they still need to talk about this, though admittedly he's a bit nervous, but Larry also knows he needs to apologize if nothing else so he begins making his way to their bedroom. The door is closed so he softly turns the knob and walks inside. Their bedroom is rather large and in one section of it is sort of a mini living room with a couch and coffee table. Plastered on the wall is a TV. Laurent is on the couch playing one of his favorite games and Larry watches him for a few moments as his nerves seem to be increasing. He slowly walks up behind him and in a soft voice he tells him, "you're doing good baby". *pause* "You've always been good at this game". Laurent says nothing and Larry can feel his heart drop. It takes him a minute but he eventually says, "Um, baby. I just...." though he can't even finish because Laurent pauses the game then stands up and turns to him...

Laurent: "How could you say that to me"?

Larry: "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said or even thought that".

Laurent: "You don't trust me"!

Larry: "I do trust you baby. I just admitted I shouldn't have said that. I was wrong and...."

Laurent: "You were wrong! Even if she was flirting with me you didn't trust me not to flirt back"!

By this point tears are starting to build in Larry's eyes and he blurts out...

Larry: "I'm sorry baby"!

Laurent: "I'm tired of this! I'm tired of fighting! I'm tired of the distance! I'm tired of everything"!

~please play the audio below as you read the next scene~

https://youtu.be/NLp0EPRaHKc

Larry is rendered speechless for a moment. He just looks at the frustration in Laurent's face...his words and the look on his face hurting him to his soul. Unable to think of any other solution he looks him directly in the eyes and with a saddened voice he tells him, "I don't know what else to do so maybe we should just...break up". He instantly covers his mouth with his hand and begins crying as he turns around...too heartbroken to look at him. Something on the inside of Laurent goes off like a switch. Hearing Larry say they should break up frightens him. When he said he was tired of this he didn't mean...this. What Larry said hurt him, but he's willing to forgive as breaking up will never be what he wants. Now, tears are streaming down his face. He walks around the couch and swiftly over to Larry. He softly places his hands on his shoulders then gently turns him around prompting Larry to drop his hand from his mouth. He still can't look at him so Laurent takes his pointer finger, tenderly places it on Larry's chin then slowly raises his head. Larry gazes at him...tears still streaming heavily but he's also completely mesmerized by the beautiful creature gazing at him. Laurent's eyes have always played the strings of Larry's heart, effortlessly then without a word Laurent takes Larry's face in his hands then slowly comes towards his lips to kiss him deeply, and passionately as tears continue to fall from his eyes. He eventually moves the kisses to Larry's face...essentially kissing his tears away then down to his neck. This makes Larry cry again, but they aren't tears of sadness. Tears because of how much he's missed the closeness of this man. His strong body against him, the taste of his lips, the softness of them. He ultimately turns his head to give Laurent all access to his neck that he's still giving soft kisses to. It's been far too long since they've engaged in any form of affection or intimacy so Laurent's lips feel amazing on his skin. While Laurent kisses Larry's neck he grabs the bottom of Larry's shirt and raises it to take off then toss to the side. He then grabs Larry's pants to slowly push them down. Larry already feels his hole stretching and the moment his pants hit the floor he gasps when Laurent takes a hold of his ass which sets off this erotic moment like fireworks erupting in the sky. Larry grabs the bottom of Laurent's shirt to remove and toss behind him then their fiery lips meet again before Laurent begins backing them up to the wall. Larry's back softly presses against it as their kiss deepens. He then whispers, "I'm already stretched baby" prompting Laurent to turn him around, take Larry's arms to place them on the wall in a surrender position then grabs himself to gently slide inside Larry's hole who belts out another gasp when he feels being stretched to Laurent's size. Laurent is placing lazy kisses on the back of Larry's shoulder then raises his arms to place over Larry's hands. A second later their fingers intertwine. Laurent takes his lips off of his shoulder long enough to look down and watch himself as he gently yet powerfully slides in and out of Larry...biting his lip then hissing before whispering, "ah shit" when he notices that his love is starting to cream...his dick being beautifully painted by the frothy substance. Larry is a moaning mess against this wall. He then feels Laurent take a gentle hold of his chin then turn his head to face him so they can engage in another kiss, but Larry can barely kiss him back. He starts trembling and Laurent knows what this means. He falls out of him then turns Larry around and Laurent gets on his knees before Larry can even blink. The moment he feels the warmth of Laurent's mouth around him he explodes. The warm substance squirts into Laurent's mouth who moans as he swallows every drop. Larry's eyes roll to the back of his head as Laurent continues to feast. When he's sure he's swallowed every drop he releases Larry's dick with a loud pop and as he slowly stands up he sees Larry nearly fall to the ground as he can no longer stand because of the explosive orgasm. Laurent grabs his hips to keep him steady as he whispers, "I got you bebe". It's felt like an eternity waiting for Laurent to call him that again and it's music to his ears. It's one of the best things about being with this gorgeous man because of the soft, endearing way he always says it. A dreamy look comes over his face as he gazes at Laurent who already knows why he's looking at him so sweetly so he gives him a smile then comes in for another kiss. Laurent then places his hands on the back of Larry's knees to lift him up prompting Larry to wrap his legs around him while also wrapping his arms around his neck. He gently crashes the back of his head against the wall then closes his eyes as Laurent gently thrusts into him. Laurent also nestles his face into the side of Larry's neck...his husky breathing cascading across it as Larry belts out sounds of ecstasy. Larry then places his hand in his loves fro and uses his fingertips to massage his scalp while biting his lower lip at how insanely good this feels. Now Laurent is swiping him off the wall and carrying him over to the bed. He delicately places him down all while his hard wood stays inside of him, and as his rhythm picks back up their gaze goes back to each other's eyes. Without uttering a single word Larry takes Laurent's face in his hands and brings him in for a kiss. When Laurent angles his hips and hits a certain spot Larry releases the kiss to belt out a deep gasp. Suddenly a sense of power comes over Larry so he rolls them over and gets on top to begin riding Laurent who's looking up at him and biting his lip at the sensual sight of Larry's eyes being closed...his reaction switching between moaning and hissing. Laurent rubs his hands all over his chest...even uses his thumb and pointer fingers to give Larry's nipples a gentle squeeze before raising up. Now chest to chest Larry wraps his arms around Laurent and who wraps his strong arms tightly yet delicately around Larry's waist. As the power of Larry's riding increases, so does their panting. Now Laurent is letting out soft cries meaning he's about to release, and when he does he belts out a final cry while Larry throws his head back and whimpers as tears pour down his temples. For moments it's just silence as Laurent rests his temple on Larry's shoulder while he takes in deep breaths to come down from such intensity while Larry smooths his hand back and forth on Laurent's back. Larry eventually pulls back to look at Laurent who looks back at him then in a sweet whisper he tells him, "I'm sorry too". Larry nods and hearing the softness in voice, seeing the twinkle in his eyes he becomes emotional again. Laurent sees two tears stream down his loves cheeks and takes his thumbs to wipe those sweet tears away then cups his face and brings him closer for a forehead kiss...

~song should be done now~

Lying next to each other...Larry's head on Laurent's chest...Laurent's hand caressing Larry's arm it's been a soft, sweet silence, but now Larry has something to say...

Larry: "Baby, you know I didn't want us to break up".

Laurent: "I know. I could tell by the way you said it. The way you turned around and started crying. You really didn't know what else to do". *soft sigh* "You only said it because I was yelling and said how tired I was of everything, but bebe I didn't mean it like that. It's just that it's never been this bad between us but instead of doing my part to fix it I blew up. I'm sorry".

Larry: "I appreciate the apology baby and I want you to know that leaving will never be an option for me".

Laurent: "It will never be one for me either my love".

Larry then raises up to look down into those eyes...

Larry: "I couldn't imagine not being with you. I couldn't imagine not being able to kiss you or feel you making love to me, and I never want to think for that". *pause* "I'm so sorry for what I said. I know you weren't flirting with her. Her flirting with you just drove me crazy, but I shouldn't have been mad at you. I understand why she flirted with you. She sees what I see and what everyone sees. How gorgeous you are, how sweet you are, how funny you are. With all the problems we've been having lately I guess I just got a little insecure, but I trust you with all of my heart because I know your heart. You mean everything to me baby and I would never, I could never love anyone the way I love you".

After listening to that, Laurent has no words. He merely raises up and lightly crashes his lips against Larry's who slowly falls back to rest against his pillow as he softly places his hand on the back of Laurent's neck while Laurent takes his hand to smooth down Larry's back as they engage in another lip lock...this one more delicate, but still full of passion. It's a relief for both of them to know that leaving will never be an option and they make a vow to do whatever is necessary to make their relationship stronger than ever...

~one week later~

Things between Larry and Laurent have already improved. They went back to see Dr. Bain and this time they verbalized how they felt without anger or anyone walking out. At home, they're still having dinner together and also using that time to talk about whatever they desire while also laughing with each other. It's Friday evening and they had a business meeting set up earlier in the day, but Larry told him he wasn't feeling well and asked Laurent if he would mind going for the two of them. Of course Laurent offered to reschedule the meeting and stay home with him, but Larry insisted that he go and was ultimately able to convince him to go alone because he will have a huge surprise for him when he gets home. He's been planning this surprise since the night of the major fight they had, but thankfully made up. It came to Larry while he watched his love sleep after an intense moment of making love. Laurent arrives home and calls out, "I'm home bebe". He doesn't get a reply and assumes Larry is asleep so he begins walking towards the bedroom to check on him. That's when he sees a suit hanging up. Naturally his eyes scrunch in confusion because it wasn't there before he left. He also sees a note pinned against it and as he gets closer he sees his name in Larry's handwriting so he gently removes the pin to open it. It reads, "what connects two people, but touches one"? It's a riddle and paired with the suit he instantly knows the answer and what the suit is for. The note also says to get changed and come to the backyard. His heart leaps and because he showered before the meeting that's one less thing he has to do making it quicker for him to get out there. He's in the tux in record speed then does a quick mirror check before heading for the back door. He can already feel a lump in his throat at what's about to happen. He opens the door and he's absolutely floored at the beautiful set up. White chairs, beautiful flowers lined down the aisle. Those chairs seated with their family and closest friends. An archway with an officiant standing in the center, and in front of him stands Larry. His sweet, thoughtful, beautiful Larry and his heart skips a beat. He now realizes that Larry's insistence to go to the meeting alone was for him to set this up, and for that he falls deeper in love with him. His eyes are locked on him so hard he doesn't even see mama walking up to him at first. When he does see her he smiles and gives her a kiss on the cheek. She smiles back at him and says, "let's get you two married". When the officiant sees them lock arms so mama can walk him down the aisle he calls out, "please stand". Their guests stand...all with smiles on their faces. Some are already crying, and while Laurent is thankful for each of them being here, his eyes went back to Larry the moment they started walking. The traditional wedding march song is playing and even as far back as he is at the moment he can see tears streaming down Larry's face, prompting tears of his own. When he finally arrives at the altar the music slowly fades so they join hands and gaze at each other. The officiant begins words about the journey of marriage and all it will take to make it a successful and beautiful journey. Larry and Laurent listen intently and soak in every word, but also can't keep their gaze off each other as they're anticipating reciting their personal vows. Finally, the time is upon them...

Larry: "Laurent. My baby. My hero. I have been dreaming of this day for so long. How lucky I am to call you mine. Your love and trust makes me a better person, each and every day. We came into this world together, and together is what we will forever be. You were there for my greatest challenges. You encourage me to grow. You have helped me believe in myself and become the person I am today. In your arms and you by my side, I know I can do anything. I'm proud to call you my husband and I love you more with each passing day".

Laurent: "Larry. My love. My world. I choose you as my husband. You love me and complete me in ways I didn't know were possible. I will love you in word and deed. I will laugh with you, cry with you, grow with you, and craft with you. To be your partner in all of life's adventures is everything I could have hoped for in this world. Loving what I know of you, and everything amazing about you, I give you my hand. I give you my love. I give you myself and I'm honored to continue this journey with you. The best is yet to come, my Larry, and I love you more with each passing day".

Sniffs are heard all around as there isn't a dry eye in the crowd. Even the officiant is having a hard time keeping it together. He makes it a point to share with them how beautiful their vows are and he knows in his heart they meant every word of them. He then announces it's time for the ring exchange and Laurent smiles because the answer to the riddle Larry wrote in his note comes to him. The wedding ring connects two people, but touches one. They look at each other as they exchange rings thus bringing the ceremony to an end. The officiant says with a smile, "I pronounce you married. You may now kiss". Laurent wraps his arm around Larry's waist and pulls him in. Larry's arms wrap around him and they share a deep, beautiful kiss while clapping and cheering erupts from their family and friends. With the ceremony over Larry and Laurent step away to take their wedding pictures, family and friends go inside for a cocktail hour while the event planners transform the backyard for the reception. The guests are ultimately and politely instructed back out in the yard for some great food then minutes later the newlyweds come out where they're cheered for again then they walk to the middle of the yard to have their first dance. Even though everyone they love surrounds them it really does feel like it's just the two of them...gazing into each other's eyes as their bodies sway to the music. Laurent still can't believe his husband successfully kept this from him. It truly was the greatest and the best surprise. It goes without saying that they can't wait to consummate this day by making love for the first time as a married couple, but for now they delight in the feeling of dancing under the moonlight...

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A/N: Thank you. 🙏 Peace and blessings. ❤️