LARRY'S POV             

It's been a little over a week since I came home and things are better. It's not perfect but...I know it will take one day at a time. He hasn't hit me since I been home and I don't feel as scared as I used to. Sometimes I get nervous, like when I hear his voice change or if he looks upset, but I can tell he's really trying and that's all I ask. I do think something is bothering him. He was happy at first but now he doesn't look happy at all. He doesn't smile and he doesn't eat like he used to. I also feel like he keeping something from me...but I don't know what. He spend a lot of time in the bathroom and his mood change a lot. He have a lot of energy then he look like he's so tired. It's like he's two different people. He doesn't talk to me when I ask but I don't want to force him because I don't want him upset...but I wanna help him. I just can't do that if he won't tell me what it is. Laurent knows he's my world so he should know he can talk to me. I just have for be patient and when he's ready to talk I be here. For now we need to get ready for a battle. I'm excited but nervous too because it's been a long time since the last battle and with how different Laurent act lately I don't know what will happen. I just hope everything be oki. Now I'm in the bedroom and watching my love on the bed looking at the ceiling...

Larry: "Baby"?

Laurent: "What is it Larry"?

Larry: "I just wanted to know if you're ready to go. The battle is starting soon".

Laurent: "Yeah I'm ready...but I don't feel like driving so you drive". 

Larry: "Oki baby".

AUTHOR'S POV

Now on the way to the venue Larry notices how quiet Laurent is. Even though he told himself he will be patient and wait for Laurent to talk to him he's fighting the urge to bring it up...but when Laurent feels Larry's gaze on him...

Laurent: "Why do you keep looking at me Larry"?

Larry: "I'm just worried for you baby. You don't seem like yourself". 

Laurent: "I'm fine. Just drive".

Feeling intimidated by the sharpness in Laurent's tone Larry just sighs internally and continues driving...telling himself that it's best to just leave him alone...

They finally arrive at the battle and right away they're greeted warmly with some even showing their angst to see them battle after what feels like forever with many of them. This battle will pretty much operate like the others in that the more battles they win the closer they get to the final battle and if they make it there and win they're deemed the champions. There are some very familiar dancers at this battle...Salah, Skitzo, Meech. The list goes on. But there's also something different about this battle. It's more than just the usual photographers there to get pictures of everything...there are also reporters. Even though this is a nationally known battle, the reporters are something fairly new to everyone in attendance and as the battle gets underway it's clear all the dancers are trying their hardest to perform at their absolute best... 

Laurent is the first to battle and although it may not have been visible to everyone else, at least not right away, Larry instantly notices something is very off about his dancing. He seems to get tired a lot quicker and his next move seems to be something he has to think about versus allowing it to come naturally. It isn't long before others picked up on it...

"Larry? Is Laurent alright"?

Larry: "Uh, yeah. He's just tired and um, he hasn't been feeling well lately".

Larry cringes because he has a feeling that isn't it...but he really doesn't know the reason himself so he said the first thing that came to his mind. He just stands there and continues to watch his love. He's definitely amazed, but not like before where Laurent's dancing was mind blowing and he appeared to be from a different planet. He's amazed because he doesn't recognize the person dancing before him. Nonetheless, he puts on a brave face even though he can tell people around him are giving him a look and wondering exactly what's going on with his twin. When Larry battles it's like he never missed a beat. He's the swift and precise dancer that everyone knows him to be. The crowd simply can't get enough. Needless to say, he wins every division and with each win the screams and applause become seemingly louder...    

The end is slowly approaching and unfortunately Laurent's last battle is a loss for him. He just shrugs his shoulders and takes his place on the sidelines. Larry sees the look of defeat on his face and it hurts him to his soul...so much so that he doesn't want to compete in his last battle but he knows he has to so he decides he will do his best to win for them. Without question, he kills the dance floor up so it's no surprise that he's deemed the champion. Everyone around him immediately comes to congratulate him and floor him with compliments... 

Dancer: "Wow Larry! I've never seen you more sharp than you were tonight"!

Dancer: "That was amazing man! Great job"!

And if that was something the many reporters are now coming up to him... 

Reporter 1: "Mr. Bourgeois. How does it feel to be the champion of this battle"?

Larry: *smile* "It feels good. I don't expect anything when I come to a battle. I just always try to do my best".

Reporter 1: "Well your best is stellar. Really phenomenal job tonight".

Larry: "Thank you".

Reporter 2: "Mr. Bourgeois. What goes through your mind when you're out there performing"?

Larry: "I can't say really. I just know that dance has been a dream of mine for a long time so like I said, I go out there, do the best I can and hope that it's always good enough".

Reporter 2: "Well that was more than good enough Mr. Bourgeois. You floored all of us. My mouth just dropped". 

Larry: *smile* "Thank you".

Reporter 2: *smile* "My pleasure". *pause* "So what's next? More battles? More workshops"?

Just as he's about to answer he glances in Laurent's direction and the smile he had on his face just seconds ago quickly fades. Laurent is standing there, his arms folded and his face revealing a blank expression as he watches Larry being interviewed and having all of this love and attention on him... 

Larry: "I think that's enough questions. Thank you so much".

Reporter 1: "Mr. Bourgeois please. Just a few more".

Larry: "No it's enough but thank you".

Before they can protest again Larry is walking towards Laurent proceeding with caution... 

Larry: "Hey baby. You ready to go"?

Laurent just stares at him for a few moments with that same vacant expression as if he didn't hear the question...

Larry: "Baby"?

Laurent: "Yeah. I'm ready".

Larry nervously nods his head and walks ahead of Laurent. The entire ride home consists of silence with the occasional look from Larry to Laurent. Larry is sure he's upset about his performance tonight so he declares to himself that he will encourage him...

They finally pull up at home and before Larry can come to a complete stop Laurent is flinging the door open to get out. Oddly enough he doesn't slam it once out and he no longer appears to be upset. Still, his quietness is making Larry more nervous by the minute. Once inside Laurent goes straight to the fridge and retrieves a bottled water. Larry is watching his every move and is also deeply concerned about him. Laurent just stands at the kitchen island sipping on his water while looking down as if something is on his mind. That's when Larry slowly approaches him and softly speaks to him...

Larry: "Baby? I'm so sorry you didn't win all of your battles tonight".

Laurent: "Why be sorry Larry? I can't win them all, right"?

Larry's heart drops at the sound of his own words from that night all those months ago. The same night where his life changed in the blink of an eye...  

Larry: "Baby I didn't mean to...."

Laurent: "It's alright bebe. I'm fine with it".

Larry: "Are you sure"?

Laurent: "Yeah".

He then places his water on the island and walks over to Larry with Larry instantly tensing up. Much to his relief...

Laurent: "But I am proud of you".

He touches Larry's chin with his index finger then leans forward to place a soft kiss on his lips. Of course Larry is in shock and confusion by it all for he was sure Laurent was upset...

Larry: "You are"?

Laurent: "Of course. How can I not be proud of you"?

He smiles then gives him another kiss...

Larry: "Thank you my love".

Laurent: "Welcome".

They share a few more kisses before it's time to turn in for the night...

Laurent: "Come on. Let's go to bed".

He lightly grabs Larry by his hand and guides him to the bedroom. Now changed and comfortable under the covers...

Larry: "Good night baby. I love you". 

Laurent: "Yeah I love you too".

Within seconds Larry is sound asleep...but Laurent on the other hand is wide awake. He's sitting up with his back pressed against the headboard...occasionally looking down at Larry who's sleeping as if he doesn't have a care in the world. Laurent's mind goes back to the battle and how he didn't do so great. Deep down he knows part of the reason...but he still isn't ready to give it up. After one more look at the sleeping beauty next to him he quietly slips out of bed, careful not to wake Larry and makes his way to the hallway bathroom. He quietly shuts and locks the door then turns to pull out what he needs which by this point only takes mere seconds to retrieve. He dumps the substance on the mirror and cut it only this time it will be more than his usual two rows...it's three. Before he goes in he pauses to look at himself in the mirror for a few moments. That's when the words of everyone who congratulated Larry profusely bombard his mind...

Reporters: "Mr. Bourgeois. How does it feel to be the champion of this battle?

Dancer: "That was amazing man! Great job"!

Reporter: "Well your best is stellar. Really phenomenal job tonight".

Dancer: "Wow Larry! I've never seen you more sharp than you were tonight"!

He shakes his head to get the comments out then he bends down and sniffs a row...throwing his head back and rubbing his nose soon after... 

~meanwhile~

Larry awakens from his slumber and when he sees the empty spot next to him... 

Larry: "Baby"? *silence* "Baby where are you"?

He looks over at the clock and it's after 1 am. He figures that maybe Laurent has a bout of insomnia and is merely in the living room watching TV so he groggily gets out of bed to walk down the hall. He can see the glow from the bathroom light coming through the bottom of the door and is curious as to why he's in there and not their bathroom. He approaches the door but before he knocks he puts his ear to it to listen. All he hears is a few sniffs...nothing too alarming...so he calls for him...

Larry: "Baby? You oki"?

Larry hears the rustle and bustle of some objects while Laurent answers him...

Laurent: "Why you awake", he growls.

Larry: "I didn't feel you beside me baby".

Laurent: "Just go back to bed. I'll be there later".

Larry: "Not without you. Please come to bed".

There's a brief pause before Larry hears that rustle and bustle come to an end. Then the door swings open and reveals a highly irritated Laurent causing Larry's eyes to widen in fear...

Laurent: "Since when can't you sleep without me Larry"?!

The way Laurent's voice projects causes him to become reluctant to answer. When he finally does it's with the smallest voice...

Larry: "I...I can. I just don't want to".   

Laurent rolls his eyes...completely ignoring how sweet and endearing Larry's reply is...

Laurent: "Fine. Let's go to bed". 

Laurent walks out of the bathroom and storms past him. Larry solemnly watches as he walks towards the bedroom...but then curiosity gets the best of him so with a confused face he takes a peek inside to see what Laurent could have possibly been doing. When he sees nothing he just blows out a gentle sigh and goes to the bedroom where Laurent is already in bed under the covers. Larry climbs in so he's face to face with his love...but all Laurent does is huff and turn around giving Larry a full view of his back. Larry inches closer to him and wraps his arm around him then kisses his shoulder...

Larry: "I'm sorry baby. I didn't mean to upset you".

Laurent: "Look I'm here like you wanted oki?! So just go to sleep"!

Hurt by Laurent's words Larry slowly releases his grip then turns around so now his back is facing Laurent. He then echoes some more words into the air to his love...

Larry: "Please forgive me baby".

Laurent says nothing. In fact, minutes later a faint snore is coming from him. Larry feels horrible although he isn't sure what he did to upset him so much. He allows a few tears to slip from his eyes before sleep consumes him...

*****

Larry wakes up the next morning and notices Laurent out of bed yet again. He doesn't smell breakfast cooking so he wonders what he's doing. He quickly gets out of bed to go and freshen up before he goes searching. He stops by the hallway bathroom thinking that he's in there again but he isn't. Before he approaches the living room he can hear silence so he realizes it's possible Laurent isn't even home...  

Larry: "Baby"?

He calls for him a few times while looking in the kitchen then checking the patio. Nothing. He then decides to pick up the phone receiver to call him because it just isn't like Laurent to leave without saying anything. Just as he finishes entering Laurent's cell number and is about to hit the call button Laurent walks through the door. He appears to be in a hurry so he doesn't even notice Larry standing there at first. When he does he greets him coldly...

Laurent: "Oh. Hey". 

Larry: "Hey. I was worried. Why you didn't you tell me you were leaving"?

Laurent: "What are you? My dad"?

Larry: "No. Like I said, I was just worried".

Laurent: "Well stop worrying and make me some breakfast".

Larry: "So I can't worry for you but I can make you breakfast when you want"?

Laurent's eyes squint in anger as he steps closer to Larry whose eyes are now wide in fear as his chest heaves slightly...

Laurent: "What did you say to me"?

Larry: "I...I'm sorry baby. I didn't mean to say it like that I just...."

Before Larry can even finish his sentence Laurent's hand is in the air and he quickly brings it down to strike Larry's face. Larry hits the floor while holding his cheek. He turns his head to look up at Laurent who's already kneeling before him... 

Laurent: "Say it again"!   

Larry just sits there in fear...still holding his cheek while silently crying...

Laurent: "That's what I thought"!  

There are a few moments of silence while they both gaze into each others eyes...only this time it's not in a romantic way. Laurent's eyes are still reading rage while Larry's reads fear. Laurent then exhales and speaks to Larry in a very cryptic voice...

Laurent: "You know what Larry? I tried. I really tried so hard not to hit you since you been home but when you say stuff like that to me you bring it on yourself".

Larry: *sniff* "I'm sorry baby".

Laurent: "You're always sorry. Now stop the fucking crying and make my breakfast".

Larry continues to sit completely stoic...too afraid to move. Then Laurent belts out, "now! causing Larry to jump at the roar resounding from Laurent's throat but quickly complies. He's off making his breakfast while Laurent merely goes to the couch and turns the TV on...  

~evening~

Since breakfast the entire day for Larry was spent watching his every word to Laurent and his every move around him. Laurent gave him certain demands like washing a load or two of clothes or cleaning things around the house...even their dance studio they have built in downstairs had to be cleaned. Now Larry is cooking the dinner Laurent demanded...steak, shrimp, rice and vegetables. Larry is having a tough time cooking because he just can't get the earlier events out of his mind. He can only hope that it was an isolated incident and that Laurent will continue receiving help...

Laurent is yet again in the bathroom and what Larry doesn't know is that his morning run was him meeting up with Chris to buy more drugs as his stash is getting smaller. Laurent is getting cockier with his addiction as he's gone  from two lines, to the three he sniffed last night. Now he's looking at the four lines on the small mirror. He sniffs each one like a pro and waits for his high to consume him. He reacts the way he always does and shortly after he hides the evidence then leaves the bathroom. He decides to go and check on Larry's progress with dinner and when he notices Larry standing over the stove cooking he starts to feel erotic as his member begins to pulse. He's already shirtless so right there in the middle of the living room he drops his pants and boxers causing his manhood to spring up. He walks over to Larry and immediately starts rubbing on his abs and backside while kissing on his neck...completely catching Larry off guard...  

Larry: "Baby"?

Laurent: "Shh. I want it".  

Larry: "Baby I'm trying to cook your dinner".

Laurent becomes frustrated with Larry's resistance so he whispers harshly...

Laurent: "Turn it off".

Larry hesitates but ultimately complies. Laurent begins to lick and nibble on his ear while slowly undressing Larry's top half. After Laurent successfully takes off his shirt Larry can feel and hear his heavy breathing cascading across the back of his neck and it seems as though the more he caresses him the deeper the breathing. He starts to kiss on his neck then Larry feels his hands traveling down to his pants to unbuckle them with his lips still on his neck. At that moment Larry's pants hit the floor and Laurent tells him, "step". Once again Larry complies and steps out of his pants. Laurent kicks them to the side and is now caressing Larry's back as his breathing picks up again. He then bends Larry over, grabs himself and rubs his hard member up and down the crevice of Larry's ass before sliding in while belting out a gasp. Within seconds he's taking long strokes and moaning in reaction to his pleasure before erotically whispering, "you always feel so good bebe". Larry can't even respond. Instead, he just stands there because just like in other moments like these he's completely disconnected. It's hard to believe that just a week ago they were making love and it was actually an enjoyable experience for him. Now, he just wants it to be over. It's like Laurent completely forgot that just hours earlier he had struck Larry across the face causing him a tremendous amount of pain and it also seems as though it came out of nowhere. Laurent had been doing such a good job restraining his anger...but to him Larry's "smart" comment is what caused him to do it. Larry is slowly but surely starting to realize that the comment isn't the real reason. Sure, Laurent has hit him for reasons smaller than that but Larry is now convinced that it's definitely something else going on to send him over the edge like that...but what? He's so deep into that very thought that he doesn't realize Laurent stopped to whisper in his ear, "bedroom bebe". Before Larry can say anything Laurent is taking him by the hand and leading him to their bedroom. Once there he instructs Larry to lay on his back as always and within seconds Laurent is like a lion...slowly creeping up to hover himself over Larry keeping his eyes on him the entire time. He then grabs himself and slides back inside of him with ease. Laurent has always demanded that Larry look at him during their lovemaking so before Laurent can do that Larry is already gazing at him. It's at that moment that he noticed something strange about his face. He isn't making his typical "love faces" in reaction to his pleasure. Something else is off about it. His eyes appear to be all over the place and they switch from rolling to the back of his head to practically crossing over. Larry has never seen anything like this before and he isn't sure why he is now but one thing he's sure of is that it's like something out of a scary movie. Laurent continues to focus on the task at hand when he suddenly shoves his face into Larry's neck and growls signaling his climax. He continues to lay on top of him as he regains control of his breathing before carefully sliding out. Then... 

Laurent: "I'm going to take a shower now. Go and finish my dinner".

Larry: *nods* "Oki baby", he whispers. 

After a deep exhale Laurent goes to do just as he said. Larry sits up and places his feet on the carpet below him...his mind instantly going back to moments ago when Laurent's face was twisting into something he's never seen before. It frightened him terribly because it seems as though Laurent was in a sense "transforming" into someone or something else and when he reminds himself that he's never seen such expressions before it doesn't take long to convince himself that something is taking over Laurent and he has never been more determined in his life to find out what it is...  

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A/N: Hey my loves. Now from reading the first half you can probably guess where I'm going with Laurent and a possible reason for his inner turmoil. Believe me, it's going to get deeper so please keep reading and commenting. Hope everyone enjoyed! Love you guys. :)