AUTHOR'S POV

Laurent: "Hi bebe", he whispers.  

Laurent is finally awake and now Larry can't hold back any longer. The happy tears begin to flow in a steady stream. He knew Laurent would come out of this but it's nothing like seeing it happen right before his eyes...

Larry: "You don't know how happy I am to see your beautiful eyes baby".

Laurent gazes at him with sleepy eyes and gives him a light smile...

Laurent: "I'm always happy to see you my love".

Larry pauses for a brief moment to allow those beautiful words to fill his heart then he bends down a give him a soft kiss on the lips...

Larry: "I'll get your doctor. I'll be right back".

Laurent: "Oki", he whispers.

Larry is like lightning going to hunt down Laurent's doctor but it doesn't take long. His doctor goes right in to check him while Larry stays behind to send a quick text to Stephanie and Eleni to let them know as well. When he comes back in the room he catches the tail end of their conversation...

Dr. Martin: "Now what is your level of pain"?

Laurent: "I have a bad headache but my leg hurts worse".

Dr. Martin: "We'll give you some medication for both and you should be feeling better in no time. Your nurse will be in shortly to administer it".

Laurent: "Oki. Thank you".

Larry: "Yes, thank you doctor".

Dr. Martin: "My pleasure".

The doctor leaves as Larry takes his place next to Laurent's bed when he notices him gazing at the ceiling with a look of worry on his face...

Larry: "What's wrong baby"?

Laurent: "The fans. I know they're so worried".

Larry smiles as he lightly chuckles....

Larry: "Yeah they are. How did you know"?

Laurent: "I know us fans bebe. They love us so much".

Larry: "Yes they do and they've been showing you so much love on Instagram...but just like me they're sure you will be oki".

Laurent: *smile* "Will you let them know"?

Larry: *smile* "I will".

Silence falls between them as they continue to gaze and smile at each other. Then...

Larry: "Baby, you remember what happened"?

Laurent: "A little bit. The realtor's office isn't too far away from Stephanie's place so I went there to give her back the keys to the house. I was on my way home and the next thing I remember is feeling pain. Then I saw a guy standing over me and asking questions".

Larry: "Someone hit your car. He ran a stop sign and hit you".

Laurent: "I don't remember that. I guess it happened so fast".

Larry gently takes his hand and lightly squeezes it...

Larry: "I'm so sorry that happened to you".

Laurent: "Thank you bebe but...it could be worse".

Larry: "Yeah I know but I'm so glad it's not. I don't know what I would do if I lost you".

He brings Laurent's hand to his mouth and places a soft kiss on the back of it...

Larry: *smile* "The emergency man told the doctor you said my name".

Laurent: *smile* "I'm sure I did. You're always the only one on my mind".

They keep their smiles upon each other...allowing a few moments of silence go by before Larry says what he's been aching to tell Laurent for these past few days...

Larry: "I'm ready baby".

Laurent: *looks confused* "Ready for what bebe"?

Larry: "Ready to move into us new home and we can dance again when you get stronger. We can do everything you want baby. It's just like you said we can...."

Larry is talking a mile a minute and he's also beginning to cry softly...

Laurent: "Bebe calm down".

Larry: "I mean it baby", he cries.

Laurent: "I know you do but it's oki. You were right my love. I was going too fast. I just feel like we're in such a good place but we should keep going to therapy because we do have to work more on us". *pause* "We'll find another house when the time is right and I'll do whatever it take so it happens".

Completely touched by his words...

Larry: "Laurent", he whimpers.

Laurent: "We can wait bebe. It's oki".

*silence*

Larry: "Well I don't want to wait".

Before Laurent can respond the nurse comes in to give him a dose of medication. After she leaves Larry notices another odd look on his face only this time he isn't sure what to make of it...

Larry: "What's wrong"?

Laurent: "Uh, nothing bebe". *pause* "Nothing".

Larry: "You're not lying to me right"?

Laurent: "Right bebe. I'm fine but um, you sure you want the house"?

Larry: *smile* "As sure as I love you".

*brief pause*

Laurent: *smile* "Oki. Then we'll get it".

*silence*

"Hey".

They look in the direction of the voice and they see Stephanie and Eleni...

Larry: "Hey guys. Thank you for coming".

Stephanie: "Of course".

Stephanie walks over to Laurent then bends down to kiss him on the forehead...

Stephanie: *smile* "It's good to see you awake. How are you feeling my friend"?

Laurent: "I have some pain but I'll be oki".

Eleni: *smile* "You're such a fighter Laurent".

Laurent: *looks at Larry* "I have the best reason to fight".

They smile at each other catching the attention of Stephanie and Eleni who look at each other and are also smiling...

Thirty minutes of visiting go by with the four of them talking among themselves while making sure that Laurent is as comfortable as possible. Larry even took a moment to send another Instagram post. He bent down, his face next to Laurent's as they both smiled into the camera. His caption read, "My brother is strong so I know he's fine". He's sitting there reading the replies and smiling while thinking how lucky and blessed they are to have such amazing fans. Stephanie and Eleni then announce they're leaving to give them some more time together...

Laurent: "Well thanks so much for coming guys".

Eleni: *smile and wink* "Anytime".

Stephanie: *smile* "Yes and we'll see you soon". 

As soon as they're out of plain sight Larry picks his journal up and looks at Laurent...

Larry: "Baby I wrote you a poem".

Laurent: *smile* "Oh yeah? Will you read it to me"?

Larry: *smile* "Of course".

Laurent keeps his gaze on Larry as he recites the love filled words he wrote to his Laurent. The more he reads the more the words touch his heart and when Larry is done...

Laurent: "I didn't want it to end", he replies softly.

Larry: "Well there's more where that come from baby".

If Laurent wasn't so fragile at that moment he would have sat up and grabbed Larry to hold him in his arms. Instead, he continues to lay there and bask in the beauty that is Larry Bourgeois...

~release day~

Several days have passed since Laurent's been in the hospital recovering. He's had the pleasure of speaking to family and friends who were extremely concerned about him but he was able to ease the worry they felt. His head injury is healed completely but he's still having some struggle with his leg. Nonetheless, he's given the clearance to go home to finish recuperating. Of course Larry couldn't have been more excited to have him come home and he plans on being by his side every moment until he's back to blowing the world away. Stephanie's at the hospital to give them a ride back to their home and a few male nurses are helping Laurent in his wheelchair while Larry gets final instruction from the doctor out in the hall...

Dr. Martin: "Mr. Bourgeois, here is his first round of the medication he will need. If properly administered it should make the pain in his leg subside quickly but I have to warn you, this medicine is a very powerful and potent opioid so please make sure to adhere to the dosage. Nothing more, nothing less ok"?

Larry: "Oki. ''I'll make sure".

Dr. Martin: "Excellent. Well you better get him home. Take good care of him".

Larry: "I will. I promise".

No sooner than he said that Laurent is being wheeled out of the room and they're making their way to Stephanie's car. Once inside, Larry sits in the backseat with Laurent and eventually their foreheads connect...the occasional forehead kiss coming from both. Stephanie catches a glimpse of it through her mirror and of course it makes her smile. Larry is glad that Laurent is finally coming home but he also can't help but think about what's ahead. From dealing with the insurance company regarding Laurent's car to calling the realtor and making sure Laurent has everything he needs whenever he needs it...but there's nothing else he would rather be doing than taking care of his love...

*****

After Larry got Laurent comfortable in bed he went to the kitchen to make him some lunch. Now he's coming through the bedroom door with a tray equipped with his food and a dose of his medicine...

Larry: "I'll check on you soon baby. I'm going to clean the kitchen then go to the office and make some calls".

Laurent: "Oki bebe. Thank you".

Larry: *smile* "Welcome".

*****

After Larry finishes the kitchen he goes to check on Laurent who's sound asleep. The doctor wasn't lying when he said the medicine is very strong. He smiles sweetly at the masterpiece that is Laurent's face before heading to the office. The first call he makes is to their therapist and their appointment is set for next week which is good because Laurent needs to heal a little more before leaving the house. He catches a glimpse of some real estate papers out the corner of his eye and notices the listing for the house they viewed on the desk so of course his next call is to the realtor...

"This is Kathy".

"Hi Kathy. Um, you don't know me but my name is Larry Bourgeois and my brother Laurent talked to you for the house on Birchwood".

Kathy: "Ah yes. How can I help you Mr. Bourgeois"?

Larry: "What do I have to do if I want to buy it"?

Kathy: "1948 Birchwood Lane correct? 

Larry quickly looks at the address on the paper...

Larry: "Yes that's correct".

Kathy: "I'm sorry Mr. Bourgeois but that house has been sold".

There's a brief pause as he's completely shocked. He's brought back by the sound of her voice...

Kathy: "Sir? Are you there"?

Larry: "How is it sold already"?

Kathy: "Well initially your brother was the only one looking at it but once the listing became more popular several people came to view it. Yesterday someone made an offer and it was accepted". 

Larry: "Oh", he replies sadly.

Kathy: "Now we do have other properties that I'm sure you both would love if you want to go to our website and take a look".

Larry: "Yeah oki. I...I'll talk with him first and see what he says".

Kathy: "Well you can call me anytime".

Larry says nothing. He just releases the call and sits completely stunned and extremely sad. He wanted so badly to say that the reason they didn't reach out sooner was because of Laurent's accident and trying to get him well again...but he knew it was no use. Someone has that home...the home that would have been a new beginning for them. He starts to feel the tears falling from his eyes when he hears a sweet sound calling out, "bebe"? Laurent is awake and calling for Larry so he leaps from the chair and heads towards the bedroom while wiping tears away so he won't worry Laurent...

Larry: "Yes baby"?

Laurent: "I was just wondering where you were". *pause* "You oki"?

Larry: "I'm fine but I should ask you that. How do you feel"?

Laurent: "Still tired but...something is wrong. I see it in your eyes". *pause* "What is it my love"?

Larry can instantly feel the tears building again...

Larry: "Baby, I found the information for the house so I called her". *starts to cry* "It's sold".  

Laurent: "What"?

Larry: "I just talked to her baby and she said it's sold already".

Seeing the level of distress in his love...

Laurent: "Oh bebe. Come here. Come and lay with me".

Larry: *sniff* "I don't want to hurt you".

Laurent: "Don't worry for that. Please just come and lay with me".

Larry nods then slowly walks over to the bed. Laurent is waiting with open arms and the moment Larry places his head on Laurent's chest and hears his heartbeat he breaks down...

Larry: "It's all my fault. If I didn't fight you and tell you I wanted it we would be moving in soon".  

Laurent: "Shhh, it's not your fault bebe".

Larry: "It is Laurent. The house was perfect and because I was scared it's my fault we lost it".  

Laurent: "I don't like to hear you talk like this bebe". *pause* "It will be oki and I understand why you were scared". *kisses forehead* "But we'll get another house and this time we'll find it together, oki"?

Larry: "But Lilo's room baby. The pink walls. The Eiffel tower. It's like you said, what house have we ever seen that? That was a sign and I messed it up". 

Laurent just holds onto him tighter...

Laurent: "Bebe please don't cry". *pause* "Listen, if I have to hire someone to paint the walls pink and paint the Eiffel tower on it then I'll make it happen".

Larry lifts his head up to look sweetly into Laurent's eyes...

Larry: *sniff* "You would do that for princess"?

Laurent: "I don't have to think twice bebe". *pause* "I just want you to know that no matter what house we live in we will always be oki as long as we have each other and princess".

Larry's face is tender and soft as he listens to Laurent's words. Two more tears fall from his eyes before he raises up to place a kiss on Laurent's lips...

Larry: "Oki". *pause* "Well she did say that there's more houses on the website".

Laurent: *smile* "Then we start there".

Larry returns the smile before nodding then resting his head on Laurent's chest again. Larry is already feeling better and Laurent is happy that he stopped blaming himself. The main point Laurent was trying to convey is that they can live in a two-bedroom apartment as far as Laurent is concerned and it will feel just as big as that home simply because Larry and princess will be with him...

*****

Days have passed since Laurent's been home and Larry has taken care of him so well. He's cooked, made sure he has his medicine on time everyday and anything else he's needed help with. He's also been online looking at more houses, printing out the listings he's liked and showing them to Laurent. He appeared to like the listings as much as Larry did but Larry has also noticed something about Laurent that has him quite concerned. Even though he's giving him his medication Laurent seems to be in a tremendous amount of pain still and he can't understand why so with Laurent napping again he decides to call his doctor...

Larry: "Hey doctor. This is Larry Bourgeois. I'm calling you because I'm worried for something".

Dr. Martin: "How can I help you"?

Larry: "Well I gave him the medicine like you said but he's still in a lot of pain. It seems like it's worse than before and I don't understand. Should he take more"?

Dr. Martin: "He definitely should not be taking more because as I said it's a very powerful medication. I expect there to be some pain here and there but since it's been a few days it shouldn't be as bad as you're describing. Are you certain he's taking it"?

Larry: "Yeah I'm sure. I give it to him then...."

Larry's words stop abruptly as he realizes something... 

Dr. Martin: "Mr. Bourgeois"?

Larry: "Oh sorry. I'm here". *pause* "Uh, thank you doctor. If I have more questions I call you".

Before he can respond Larry releases the call as his head drops and his eyes dart in confusion. He's recalling bringing Laurent's medication to him whenever he brings his food since the medicine requires being taken with food. After he places the tray on his lap he goes off to do something else like wash the dishes and make sure the kitchen is clean after cooking. He's never stopped and actually watched Laurent take the medicine. He places the phone down then heads for the bedroom. When he gets there he notices Laurent is awake and sweating profusely...

Larry: "Baby? What's wrong"?

Laurent: "Uh, I'm good bebe. Can you help me up so I can go to the bathroom"?

Looking suspiciously at Laurent he agrees nonetheless...

Larry: "Oki", he replies softly.

He walks over and carefully helps him up. Laurent takes his cane and slowly walks to the bathroom. Once the door is shut Larry frantically but quietly begins searching the room. He looks in both nightstands, the dressers, then finally under the bed and that's where he notices a single pill lying on the floor that looks very much like Laurent's pills. He picks it up and he's right. Thinking that there's more than likely a trail of them somewhere he continues his frantic search before Laurent comes out. He lifts the sheets up and right there on the side of the bed is a slit in the mattress that he figures Laurent cut with a knife. He reaches his hand inside and it's immediately greeted with several pills. He pulls them out and looks at them in disbelief. The last time he made a discovery of this nature is when he found the cocaine Laurent was addicted to and he can't help but realize the irony of it. In one instance Laurent was hiding something that was hurting him now he's hiding something that's supposed to help him...but why? At that moment the toilet is heard flushing and the sink water running. He quickly stands to his feet and waits. Laurent eventually comes out and starts to make his way over to the bed when he notices Larry standing there with a blank expression on his face...

Laurent: "What's wrong bebe"?

Larry pauses as he looks dead into Laurent's eyes. He then holds his arm up and slowly unravels his hand to reveal the pills. Laurent's eyes widen and he swallows the lump that quickly formed in his throat as he looks at Larry's hand. Then he cautiously looks up at Larry...

Larry: "It all makes sense now. I knew something was wrong when it looks like you're in more pain and you're not suppose to be. You sweat like crazy. You make all these faces like you're trying to hide your pain and you think I don't see". *pause* "Why Laurent? Why you don't take your medicine"?

Tears begin forming in Laurent's eyes as well as Larry's...

Larry: "And don't lie to me".

Laurent: "I...I'm sorry but I did lie to you bebe".

Larry: "For what"?

Laurent: "The morning I woke up and the nurse gave me the medicine. You asked me what was wrong and I said nothing. That was a lie". *pause* "The medicine is so strong that after a few seconds I started to feel like...like..."

Larry: "Like you did when you were on the bad stuff"?

Laurent's tears flow as he slowly nods his head... 

Laurent: "It's the same feeling and at first I think it's just in my mind but when I took it after coming home it happened again. I got scared that if I take the medicine once I get better I'll start the bad stuff again and I can't do that. Not to you, to me...." *pause* "To us".

Larry: "Well baby why didn't you just talk to me for that? You just put yourself in pain"?

Laurent: *sniff* "Yes and I'm sorry bebe. I didn't mean to lie to you or keep it from you but I thought it would scare you. Make you think I would go back to that dark place. That also scared me. I don't want to risk anything anymore and I don't want to lose you again. *cries* "Those three months I didn't have you felt like three years".

Larry instantly drops his arm as the pills in his hand drop to the floor. He practically runs to Laurent and wraps him in his arms...

Larry: "Shhh, don't cry baby. I got you". *pause* "I understand what you're saying but you have to tell me. You know I'll help you. I can call your doctor and see what he says before you just stop taking your medicine". *pause* "I don't like to see you in pain".

Laurent: "I'm really sorry bebe. I didn't mean to keep this from you".

Larry: "It's oki but you can't go on like this. You need to get better". *pause* "Don't worry. We will get through this together".

Laurent: *sniff* "Oki my love".

Larry releases the hug then helps Laurent get back in the bed. He pulls the cover over him and looks into his eyes before whispering...

Larry: "We'll figure something out".

Laurent: "Together", he whispers back.

Larry smiles and winks before leaving Laurent to fall asleep then going back to the office to call his doctor again. On the way he can't help but feel guilty that he didn't disclose Laurent's prior addiction when Laurent's accident occurred and him knowing the possibility of Laurent being put on medicine. Deep down he just thought if it would help his pain there was no need to dwell on something they're trying to get past because it's just like his earlier thought. One thing was hurting him and the other is suppose to help him so a possible lapse was such an afterthought to Larry. Nonetheless, he manages to get Laurent's doctor on the phone where he discloses Laurent's addiction. He's relieved when the doctor does have an alternative. He suggests natural/holistic pain remedies such as plant based pills and herbs and even gives him some recommendations. He also recommends physical activities that can bring him relaxation such as breathing exercises and light yoga. Larry happily accepts these alternatives and when Laurent is awake he will share them confident that Laurent will agree. He releases the call then he thinks about their therapy appointment Laurent had him set up and it's in this moment he's sure it won't be a typical appointment for he has something big planned...

~day of appointment~

Laurent has been doing much better lately. The natural herbs and light yoga have helped him tremendously. He never saw himself doing yoga of any form but it has not only relaxed him physically it's also relaxed him mentally. So much so that his mind is nice and clear for the therapy session that awaits them. They're sitting in the lobby and Larry is rubbing Laurent's injured leg when the door swings open and reveals Dr. Ethridge....

Dr. Ethridge: *smile* "Hello gentlemen. It's great to see you two again".

Larry: *smile* "It's great to see you too".

She asks them to come back so they can begin and when they stand up she notices Laurent's injury...

Dr. Ethridge: "Oh no. What happened"?

Laurent: "Car accident but I'm doing better".

Dr. Ethridge: "I see. I'm glad you're doing better". *pause* " Come on back".

*****

Dr. Ethridge: "So, the last time you were here you had quite a breakthrough with your communication and trust. How have you been doing with both lately"?

Laurent: "It's much better. We still have a lot of work to do but...."

Larry: "Laurent, I'm sorry to stop you like this but I have something to say". 

Laurent: "Oki. Something wrong"? 

*brief pause*

Larry: "This will be us last time here".

They look at each other intently with Laurent immediately asking the simple yet million dollar question...

Laurent: "Why"?

Larry slowly looks over at the therapist and takes a deep breath...finally ready to say what he's been waiting to since that deep moment with Laurent last week...

Larry: "When I got the news that my twin was in that accident and that he wasn't awake, I can't tell you what that did to my heart. All I can think for is that I was with him right before that. How we had a fight and it was over something so silly. I just hate that it even went there. *pause* I guess what I'm trying to say is that when I take care of him I think for a lot of things. I think for what's important in life. Should it take the accident to realize this? No, but with stuff like this all I can think for is my faith in God and how what people say is true. He works in mysterious ways sometimes. Things like this happen not because He wants to bring us pain but sometimes we have to see things like this before we really get it. Before we really understand how important it is to forgive, love and just be happy". *pause* "It's no secret that some serious things happened in the past. Things that I know Laurent stills feel bad for...but I look at him now and he's so different". *sigh* "I watch this man walk around us house in so much pain last week because he was afraid to take medicine that help him heal and feel better. He was afraid that it would send him to a place...that dark place and he would start hurting me again. That did it for me. Just like my faith in God I have faith in him. I have faith that everything that he said he was working on when we were apart and everything he's said to me since he's been home is nothing but the truth. And I don't have to just look in his eyes to see it. I know his heart. Now more than ever, I know his heart". *turns to Laurent* "Laurent, I stopped being afraid of you a long time ago and if you're going to ask me when I realized this you don't need to because I already knew. This whole time, I knew". *looks at therapist* "So I guess all that's left to say is thank you because you helped us and you helped me too when I saw you by myself. I still use my journal. I even wrote him a poem that I read to him after he woke up". *pause* "I'm going to read him all the poems I wrote for him. I do appreciate you because you helped us with all the things we did last time and you gave us good advice...but that's it. You can give us all the advice in the world and you can give us another obstacle course and we will always be grateful for you. I don't want you to misunderstand what I'm saying because I think therapy is important. We will always remember the things you told us and did for us but we came into this world together and we will get through this...together".

Silence fills the room momentarily before Larry gets up from the couch and takes baby steps over to her. When she looks up she notices he has his hand extended waiting for her to reach out and shake it to officially say goodbye. She pauses then smiles as she lightly grabs it to shake it...

Larry: "Thank you so much".

Dr. Ethridge: "It was my pleasure". *pause* "Take care of yourselves".

Larry: "We will. You too".

He drops her hand then turns to face Laurent who has tears streaming down his face...

Larry: "Let me help you up".

And just like that they're out the door, in the car and on their way home. There's no music playing. Just silence. Normally Laurent drives them but this time he has the opportunity to look out the window at the scenery whisking by with Larry's words to the therapist still ringing in his ear. There are no words to describe how moved he was to hear Larry saying those things and just when he felt more tears stinging his eyes at the thought, he felt Larry grabbing his hand which causes him to turn and look in his direction. Larry brings Laurent's hand to his mouth and places a soft kiss on the back of it before whispering to his love, "we got this baby".

------------------- 

A/N: Hey my loves. I started working on this update after breakfast because I was very eager to get it to you so with that said, I hope everyone enjoyed! Always ready for your comments! The next update is the finale and it will more than likely be lengthy so please be prepared. Love you guys. :)