AUTHOR'S POV 

Larry is the first one awake and instead of going to shower he took a moment to look at Laurent. He feels a lot better now that he understands why Laurent wants to keep this relationship between them and it has nothing to do with being ashamed of him or not proud to be with him. The more he thinks about the more he admits it is what's best for now. No one knows Laurent the way Larry does so he's surprised with himself for thinking such things. Laurent has always been protective over Larry and in a world so cruel the last thing Laurent will ever want is for Larry to be scrutinized or worse. His mind shifts and he starts thinking about their lovemaking. Yesterday, against that wall, made the second beautiful time they have and it was just as amazing as the first time. Laurent was so tender, so attentive both times and it drove Larry insane. As he continues gazing at that sleeping face he can't help but think to himself that no one will ever make him feel as good Laurent does and not just physically...but in every possible way. Having day two of the workshop to get to Larry manages to pull himself away to quietly get up, grab his things and head for the shower...

With the hot stream of water hitting his body Larry closes his eyes and enjoys the way it relaxes his body. Then he hears the curtain push back so he turns around instantly smiling because standing there is beautiful Laurent...

Laurent: *smile* "I decided to come and join you".

Larry: *smile* "Come in".

Larry turned back toward the water while Laurent stepped in. Larry went for his loofah and body wash but is stopped by Laurent so he looked back at him...

Laurent: "I'll wash your body bebe".

There's no way Larry can resist that and as soon as he feels the soft loofah scrubbing his body he tilts his head back and enjoys it. Laurent is going in soft, smooth circles as the rich lather gets thicker. Afterward he allows his large hands to blend in with the water to rinse the suds away. Larry is moaning at the smooth way Laurent's hands feel on his body and the sounds are practically turning Laurent on to the point he can make love to him but...they have to leave. Besides, he never wants to rush lovemaking with Larry so he held back. The sheer intimacy of this moment is perfect in itself. With Larry fully showered Laurent helps him out then stays inside to shower himself...

*****

Now dressed and ready to go they grab their things then made their way to the elevator. One the way Laurent is poking Larry in his sides in a playful way causing Larry to giggle. They're like kids being silly and playful yet adorable. When the elevator opens they noticed people on it so they try their best to compose themselves once they got on...but Laurent still tries to be slick and mess with Larry which makes the other patrons give them strange looks. Larry is struggling so hard to keep his laughter in check and through gritted teeth and a smile on his face he whispers,"Stop Laurent". Laurent said nothing...he just smiled because it feels good to see Larry smiling so much now. The elevator comes to a stop and when the other patrons went in a different direction Larry finally let his laughter loose which further warmed Laurent's heart. Their playfulness continues on the way to the venue where the workshop is being held and once they went inside they receive the warm and exciting welcome they always get. This only adds to Laurent's happiness. For a moment he stood back and watched the glow on Larry's face as he interacted with the fans. Larry catches him on occasion staring so he gives him a sweet smile and a wink then the workshop begins and it's one of the best. The choreography is amazing, the fans are amazing, and the dynamic duo known as Les Twins are amazing...

~Cypher~

Larry goes first and Laurent reacts the way he always does with his famous screams. After all the emotions he's been through Larry and much happier now he's really feeling it today. The cheers, the applause and just everything in general electrifies it. Now, it's Laurent's turn and of course the crowd cheers for him too of which Laurent is very appreciative for as he adores the fans...but the fact that Larry is cheering for him again makes it a million times better and motivates him...

*****

Another successful workshop down and a wonderful meet and greet kicks off. Pictures are taken but this time whenever Laurent goes to drape his arm around Larry he doesn't resist like he did the previous day. They'll be leaving in a few moments but Laurent tells Larry he needs to use the bathroom first so he goes to search for it. On the way Laurent smiles because he's so looking forward to getting back to the hotel so it can be just him and Larry spending time together. After washing his hands he came out and is surprised but naturally always happy to see Larry...

Laurent: *smile* "Hey. You need to go too"?

Larry: *smile* "No, I just can't wait to get back to the room to give you something".

Laurent: *still smiling* "What's that"?

With no words Larry steps forward to give Laurent a kiss...but thinking there are people still in the building Laurent pulls away...

Larry: "Don't worry baby. Everyone left and Eleni's waiting outside for us. We're alone".

Laurent: *smile* "Oh. Well oki".

Laurent smirked as he took Larry's face in his hands then kissed him. They're heavily enjoying the kiss when suddenly Laurent hears a noise. He released from Larry's lips with a soft pop to look in the direction and see what it is...

Laurent: "Shit".

Larry: "What is it"?

Larry looked in that direction and before them is a guy holding his cell phone on them...

"You know, if you two are going to do this, especially as brothers, then the least you can do is be discreet about it". *pause* "But I must say it made for some great pictures".

Laurent let go of Larry to go forward and try to reason with whoever this is...

Laurent: "Please, don't do this. You want money, we'll give you that. Just please, delete the pictures".

*laugh* "Nope, can't do that buddy. You see I noticed you two during the workshop giving each other looks so I decided to hang around to see what I could get". *laugh* "This was definitely more than I hoped for".

Larry: "You...."

Laurent: "Larry, I'll handle this". *pause* "Look man, we'll give you anything. What will it take"?

"I'm so glad you asked that question Laurent...but we can't talk here. How about I ride back to the hotel with you so we can uh, discuss some business"?

Laurent hesitates for a second then looked at Larry who's staring at the floor and clearly feeling what he's feeling...they can't believe this is happening...

Laurent: *sigh* "Fine. Let's go".

"Glad you see things my way. By the way, my name is Franco and I can already tell it's going to be a pleasure doing business with you".

Laurent sighed again then he and Larry led the way outside with Franco following. Once there they notice Eleni on her phone and when she sees them she tells whoever she's talking to that she'll call them back...

Eleni: "Hey. Who is this"?

Laurent: "This is Franco. We know him but...with so many people today we didn't realize he was there". *pause* "He's coming back to the hotel with us to talk".

Eleni: "I see". *pause* "Well it's nice to meet you Franco". *extends hand*

Franco: *smirk* "The pleasure is all mine Eleni".

Laurent really wants to just wipe that smirk off his face but he has to keep his cool. Franco follows them in his own car and while Larry and Laurent sit in the back of theirs only silence is between them. Laurent is terribly concerned about Larry and when he catches a glimpse of his sad face it broke his heart. He simply wants to hold him in his arms and he will once it's just the two of them. He's unsure about what Franco wants...but what he is sure of is he means what he told Larry. He wants to protect him so he will make sure that's exactly what he does...

~hotel~ 

The three of them walked through the lobby of the hotel and headed for the elevator. Naturally the ride to the floor they're staying on is a painfully quiet one and it stays that way even as they get off and start walking in the direction of their rooms. Laurent not wanting Larry involved will ask him to wait in his room. Now at his door Laurent unlocks it then...

Laurent: "Franco, you go in my room and wait for me. I need to talk to Larry first".

Franco: "Ok but don't squeeze in a quickie man. We have very important business to discuss".

Laurent can literally feel his blood boiling but he has to stay calm for Larry as Larry is completely beside himself in nerves...

*Larry's room*

In the moments of silence between them as Larry removes his jacket while looking at the floor Laurent can easily tell he's feeling bad...and he doesn't only see this he feels it. Larry eventually brings his head up slowly to look at him and no sooner than Laurent sees the tears in his eyes Larry breaks down and begins crying hysterically...

Larry: *sniff" I'm sorry baby. I'm so sorry I didn't wait to come back here".

Laurent rushes over to take Larry in his arms...

Laurent: "Shhh. It's oki bebe".

Larry: *sniff* "It's not oki Laurent. Just when I understand why you want to keep us a secret this happens and it's my fault. Now he wants something. I know he does but what if it's something we can't give him Laurent"?

Admittedly Laurent has the same fear as Larry...but he's determined to stay strong for him as Larry is his one and only concern. He pulls away from him and looks intently into his eyes...

Laurent: "Bebe, you said you trust me". 

Larry: "I do trust you baby but...."

Laurent: "No but bebe. I need you to trust me". 

All Larry can do is nod as he sniffs again. As Laurent wipes away stray tears...

Laurent: "You're all I care about bebe and I'm going to protect you, I promise".

Larry: "Oki", he whispers.

Laurent: "Now I need to see what he wants. I'll be back over as soon as I'm done so I can hold you".

Larry dropped his head and when he did Laurent allowed his lips to brush across his forehead before placing a soft kiss to it. He then walked towards the door but stopped to turn around and say one more thing...

Laurent: "Everything will be fine bebe". *pause* "I love you".

Larry: "I love you too".

Laurent flashed him a small smile and wink then left to head over to his room. He slid the key card in the slot and when it unlocked he closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he pushes the door open...

Franco: "It's about time".

Laurent: *rolls eyes* "Whatever. What do you want Franco? Money"?

Franco: "No. This is better than money. You see, you two have the fame that I've always wanted as a dancer. You had one performance at World of Dance and you're overnight superstars".

Laurent: "Well you haven't followed us for a long time because if you did you would know that we worked for years to get to that point. Same thing can happen for you. You just need to work like we did. We never blackmailed anyone".

Franco: "Hm. Well I guess I see your point...but not enough to back down so listen up. You two are in the Battle of the Dance Stars competition in a couple of months. You have been winning that competition for years so if I dance with you and win I'll get my fame". *pause* "So you know what this means right"?

Laurent let out a frustrated sigh because he knows exactly what this means...

Laurent: "I can't dance with Larry".

Franco: "That's exactly right my friend but don't worry. I've been studying Larry's every move. I also incorporate my own style so we will definitely win. You just let them know that you're changing partners. If you don't agree, these pictures will make headlines". *pause* "We'll see how much longer Queen Bey wants you two as her dancers".

Laurent: "You asshole".

Franco: *laugh* "Asshole huh? No my friend. That's where you fuck your brother".

Laurent is two seconds away from charging him then realizes he can have a deadly weapon on him....but if this guy thinks that he's going to get away with this he has another thing coming. Laurent will think of a way to get out of it but for now he'll simply agree. He has to get back to Larry...

Laurent: "Fine. I'll dance with you".

Franco: *smile* "I'm glad you see it my way". *pause* "Now, we have to exchange phone numbers".

Laurent rolled his eyes in annoyance but complied...

Franco: "It's a pleasure doing business with you Laurent. I'll be in touch soon".

Laurent angrily watched Franco leave his room but before going back to Larry he has to take a few deep breaths to subdue the immense anger he feels. He's sure Larry is even more afraid by now so he decides to quickly get to him...

~meanwhile~

Larry is pacing back and forth in his room as he's wondering what's taking so Laurent so long while a myriad of things are running through his mind with the main thing being what Franco wants from them. He then thought about what he asked Laurent. What if he wants something that they can't give him? What are they going to do then? Larry becomes even more flustered and right at that moment he hears a knock on his door. He's over in two seconds flat to let Laurent in... 

Larry: "I was going crazy baby. What happened"?

Laurent: "It's oki bebe. I took care of everything so you don't need to worry".

Larry: "Laurent, I know it wasn't that easy. What does he want"?

Laurent: "I handled it. Us relationship won't get out oki?

Larry: "No Laurent. Tell me right now".

Laurent: "Larry I handled it"!!

Larry jumped when Laurent yells at him as he rarely does that. Laurent looks at him and all he can see his sadness before Larry drops his head. Laurent blows out a sigh of frustration but mostly deep regret then apologized to his love...

Laurent: "Bebe I'm sorry I yelled at you oki? I didn't mean it. Just trust me when I say I took care of it". *pause* "Now I told you I want to hold you so...let me hold you bebe". 

Larry softly nods so Laurent comes over to take him by the hand and over to the bed. Larry falls asleep rather quickly...but Laurent can't sleep because he's sick with worry. Franco said that as long as he doesn't back out their secret is safe but agreeing to this will only cause problems between him and Larry. How is he supposed to tell Larry this without telling him about the blackmail? Not only that, Larry will be crushed at the thought of not dancing next to him. The fans will be crushed too as they love nothing more than to see them together...and Laurent would love nothing more than for Franco to be a bad dream...

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A/N: It's getting real now. Hope everyone enjoyed! If so, please vote and comment! Love you guys. :)