AUTHOR'S POV        

The entire trip to take Laurent to his car is an agonizing one for Larry. Thankfully Laurent is driving because his threatening words from just minutes ago are replaying in Larry's head and he just can't get them to go away. Up until now Larry was always aware of when he received his punishment from Laurent because it always happened immediately after his mood went straight to rage. Now, he feels as though he'll be walking around on eggshells in his own home. Then again, that's really not much of a difference than before and as always every move Larry makes, every step he takes he has to make sure he isn't upsetting Laurent. He just sighs to himself and tries to not think about it. He then notices Laurent pull up at an ATM. He doesn't know why but what good will a question be? Minutes later Laurent is getting back in the car to continue driving which allows Larry to go back to his thoughts. He's so deep in them that he doesn't even realize they've pulled into the back of the club...          

Laurent: "Larry"?!

Larry: "Yes"?

Laurent: "I said we're here".

Larry: "Oh. I'm sorry".     

Laurent: *rolls eyes* "Whatever. I know the number of miles it takes to get home and I can tell if you go somewhere else so go straight home. When you get there get my suit ready for the gala tonight. Make sure you hang it up away from everything and I want lunch no later than 1". 

Larry: "Oki baby".

They get out of the car so Larry can drive home and do everything Laurent said. When they pass each other Laurent firmly grabs him by the arm and looks evilly into his eyes...

Laurent: "I mean it. Go straight home".

Larry: "I will", he replies timidly.  

Laurent let him go then gets in his car. He watches Larry drive off, relieved that he's out of sight before Chris showed up. He's a nervous wreck as evident by his leg shaking uncontrollably and him nibbling on his bottom lip until he finally sees Chris pull up. Chris parks then signals for Laurent to get in his car so they will be out of sight of anyone who's lurking. Laurent is there in a flash...  

Laurent: "You got the stuff"?

Chris: "Well hello to you too Laurent".

Laurent: "Oh sorry man".

Chris: "It's cool. Yeah I got it. How much you want"? 

Laurent: "$60 per gram right"?

Chris: "Yeah that's right".

Laurent then whips out a wad of cash...

Laurent: "Here's $300".

Chris: "Damn! Ok, here it is but look man, you're just a beginner so take it easy ok? I can't tell you how many people have taken a few sniffs then think they're pros and end up overdosing".

Laurent: "Yeah I got it. See you later".

Chris must have noticed Laurent's anticipation to take a hit or two...

Chris: "Aye? Go home with that shit. It can wait until then".

Laurent: "Alright bro". 

Laurent slams the door then gets in his car and takes off. He tries really hard to not break any speed limits and run any red lights to get there...

~meanwhile~

Larry arrived home and immediately went to work. He already had some fresh vegetables chopped up in the fridge so he put a box of pasta in some boiling water to make a quick pasta salad for lunch. He had just pulled out Laurent's suit to give it a fresh steam when Laurent bolts through the door...  

Larry: "Hey baby".

Laurent says nothing as he goes straight to the bathroom. Larry just assumes he has to go really bad...little does he know... 

*Laurent*

"I know there's a small mirror in here", he whispers to himself.

He knows where to get a blade from as he simply takes one out of a disposable razor. He still has a mirror to find and something sturdy enough to roll up as a makeshift straw. He doesn't realize he's making a bunch of noise because now there's a knock on the door...

Larry: "Baby"?

Laurent: "What Larry"?!!

Larry: "Are you oki"? 

Laurent: "Don't you have things to do?! Leave me alone"!!

Larry: "Oki. I'm sorry".

Larry hears him scoff so he just turns around and goes back to what he was doing while Laurent goes back to finding what he needs. He finally finds a small hand mirror that's hidden in the back of the sink cabinet. He dumps just enough of the substance to make two lines and immediately goes to cut it with the razor. He then rips off a piece of the wrapper from a box of soap and rolls it up. He looks at the substance, licks his lips at the sight of it and goes in. He slowly snorts a line and throws his head back then waits a few moments before snorting the other row. Afterward he presses his back against the wall and waits for that amazing feeling to come back and does it ever. That feeling of being light as a cloud brings a smile to his face as he slides down to the floor and basks in it...   

*thirty minutes later*

(A/N: Research says that a cocaine high lasts about twenty minutes). 

Larry: "Baby? I'm really worried. You've been in there for a long time".

*no answer*

Larry decides to knock louder causing Laurent to jolt out of his slumber... 

Larry: "Baby? Please answer me. Are you oki"?

Laurent: "Yeah I'm fine. I'll be out in a minute".

His voice is very tired and shaky which concerns Larry even more but he just decides to wait patiently for Laurent to come out and have his lunch. Laurent stands up and makes sure he cleans up his mess so Larry won't see anything. He then looks in the mirror and fixes himself up before leaving the bathroom. He comes around the corner and sees Larry pouring a glass of sprite so he takes his seat at the table and waits to be served...   

Larry: "Here's your lunch baby".

Laurent confusingly stares at it for a minute. Then... 

Laurent: "What the hell is this"?

Larry: "It's pasta salad".  

Laurent stares at him suspiciously before picking up his fork and taking a bite...

Laurent: "It's cold".

Larry: "It's supposed to be cold but I can put it in the microwave if you...."

Laurent unexpectedly picks up the bowl and throws it across the kitchen breaking it...its contents spilling on the floor. This in turn causes Larry to flinch in fear...  

Laurent: "Since when do I like my food cold Larry"?!!

Larry: "Baby you had it before and you liked it so I thought...." 

Laurent: "You didn't think! You never think! Now clean this shit up and make me something hot"! 

Larry slowly stands up to clean up the mess. No sooner than he grabs the paper towels Laurent charges over and grabs him by the arm... 

Laurent: "You're not moving fast enough"!  

He throws him down on the floor causing Larry to catch himself on his hands. There's glass where his hands land but Larry is too afraid to react for letting out even the slightest yelp will make Laurent angrier. He doesn't realize it's gushing with blood because Laurent is hovering over him so he's looking up at him terribly afraid. Laurent looks at him then rolls his eyes and walks away. Seconds later the TV is on and he's flipping through the channels. Unable to control his shaking Larry takes care of his cut and cleans up as quickly as he can then decides to pull together a quick stir fry to ensure that Laurent's lunch will be hot...  

*****

Larry: "It's ready baby". 

Laurent stands up and turns around...his evil eyes practically piercing Larry's soul. He stops directly in front of Larry and gazes at him for several moments. Fear is evident in Larry's eyes and he begins to tremble slightly. Laurent finally relents and walks over to the table to have a seat. Larry's breathing practically comes to a halt when Laurent takes his first bite as he's hoping Laurent will be pleased. When Laurent keeps his focus on his food he exhales softly then makes his own plate and joins him. After several moments of silence...     

Laurent: "I need more Sprite".

Larry softly nods then stands up and grabs his glass...

Laurent: "You get my suit ready"? 

Larry: "Yes baby. I did".

Laurent: "Perfect".

The remainder of lunch is peaceful. Now done Larry is washing the dishes as always while Laurent goes back to watching TV on the couch. When Larry finishes he comes around the corner and notices Laurent has dozed off. Larry stands there and watches him then speaks to him in a low but sweet voice...

Larry: "Oh baby. Why have you changed so much? What happened to you and how do I get you back"? 

He can feel the tears brim his eyes as he stands there and continues to gaze at his love. The tears eventually flow as he comes to the realization that these are questions he may never get the answers to...  

~evening~ 

So it's time to get ready for the gala. Larry had to get himself ready first so he can help Laurent get ready for as long as he needs to. Laurent stands in the middle of the bedroom as Larry puts every article of clothing on him...taking care to make sure his suit is free from any lint or other particles. Satisfied with himself after a quick mirror check Laurent instructs Larry to make sure everything is turned off then they make their way out the door... 

*****

They pull up in front of the venue where the valet is ready to give them a number and park. Laurent hands over the keys while Larry waits for him to come around the car so they can walk in together. The gala is held by a division of World of Dance and is an event where dancers from around the world can come together and fellowship. They expect to see a lot of familiar faces...but Laurent isn't feeling it....

Laurent: "We should've said no to this. I don't want to be around these people". *pause* "We won't stay long, oki"? 

Larry nods in agreement then they walk inside. They're greeted warmly and of course Larry returns the warm greeting but Laurent simply can't be bothered causing several eyebrows to raise... 

*****

One hour passed and meals have been served. Some dancers even came prepared to hit the dance floor which everyone seemingly enjoyed. Now Larry is thirsty so he decides to go over and get something from the bar. After a few sips he hears a voice behind him...

"Larry"?

Larry: "Bianca"?

Bianca: "I thought that was you. Of course I should have known you would be here".

Larry: "Wow. It's been a long time. How are you doing"?

Bianca is one of the first people they danced with as they were trying to make their mark in the world of dance but the more notoriety they gained the less they saw each other...

Bianca: "I'm doing great. How are you doing"?   

Larry: "I'm doing oki".

Larry cringes internally at his own words because he knows he hasn't been ok...but he will spare her the details. She then does something that's completely unexpected. She wraps her arms around his neck to hug him while planting a kiss on his cheek... 

Bianca: *smile* "Gosh, it's so good to see you! I haven't seen Laurent though". *looking around* 

They look around the room in an attempt to find him but don't see him. Larry is silently hoping Laurent didn't see what just happened. What he doesn't know is Laurent has been watching his every move from across the ballroom and when he saw the hug and kiss he instantly became enraged...  

Bianca: "Oh well. I'm sure I'll run into him". *pause* "Hey, I want you to meet someone".

She quickly flags a guy over and introduces them...   

Bianca: "Paul, this is Larry. Larry, this is my best friend, Paul".

Larry extends his hand to shake his when he notices Paul giving him a look of lust. He ignores it and tries his best to divert the conversation back to Bianca but Paul won't relent no matter how much Larry tries to pretend he doesn't see him. Suddenly Larry feels a presence behind him causing him to look fearfully out the corner of his eyes as his chest heaves slightly...  

Bianca: *smile* "Hey you. Long time no see".  

Laurent: "Hey".  

Bianca: "How are you"?

Laurent: "Fine".

His voice is completely cold and when Bianca finally notices...  

Bianca: "Oooo...k". *pause* "Well this is my best friend, Paul. Paul, this is Laurent".

Paul extends his hand but Laurent doesn't shake it. He just looks at it using only his eyes then slowly brings his focus back to Paul's eyes with the most sinister face he can muster up. This makes it extremely awkward so Bianca takes the attention off of that by asking Larry if he's enjoying the gala. Before he can answer the sound of thunder is heard crashing above them causing most people to look towards the ceiling...except Larry and Laurent. Laurent's eyes dart between Paul and Bianca while Larry fearfully stares at the floor because he knows Laurent saw everything. He's already panicking on the inside because he also knows he will feel his wrath for this and he realizes that whatever Laurent has planned...he will be powerless to stop it...         

---------------------------------  

A/N: Hope everyone enjoyed! I can update later today if you all really want me to so just let me know! Love you guys. :)