AUTHOR'S POV     

It's been one week since Larry and Laurent went to their last therapy session. They've definitely discussed having another one but they've really just tried to enjoy each other. They even had another movie night with Larry snuggling against Laurent's chest. When Laurent called him to simply say goodnight they found themselves talking for hours upon hours about different things such as their unforgettable dance battles to the earlier moments of their romance. They would even end up falling asleep on the phone together. Larry is also smiling more than he has in so long. Stephanie has taken notice of course and she doesn't say anything. She just smiles right along with him. She's currently out on her patio enjoying the light, refreshing breeze cascading across her skin and blowing through her long black hair. She couldn't be happier that her best friend is in such a better place. When she thinks about the depression he was in her heart drops but to now see a happier Larry Bourgeois walking around just does her heart good. She smiles once more at the thought of it when her nose gets a whiff of the fresh beach water nearby. She closes her eyes to slowly take it in when she hears a voice behind her causing her to whip around at the sweet sound...

"Stephanie"?

Stephanie: *smile* "Hey you". 

Larry: *smile* "Hey. What are you doing"? 

Stephanie: "I was just thinking about you".

Larry: "What are you thinking"?

Stephanie: "About how happy I am to see you so happy".

He can't help but drop his head and smile a little because even he has to admit he's happy...

Stephanie: "It's ok to be happy Larry. You and Laurent are doing so well and have come so far".

He then lifts his head back up with a wider, brighter smile on his face...

Larry: "Yeah. I'm happy for that". 

Stephanie: "I know it will take a little longer to be 100% but I honestly don't think it will be that much longer".

She then notices he's fully dressed and of course curiosity gets the best of her...

Stephanie: "So I take it you two have plans today"?

Larry: "Yeah. Laurent on his way to get me".

Stephanie: "That's an even bigger step. You're not driving to meet him. That's awesome".

Larry: *smile* "Well he said he has a surprise for me and it would be better if he drives".

As if on cue, the horn blows...

Stephanie: *smile* "Your chariot awaits".

Still smiling Larry turns to leave with Stephanie close behind because she wants to wave hello to Laurent. When Larry walked out she stepped on the porch then smiled and waved to which Laurent returned...

Larry: "I'll see you later". 

Stephanie: *smile and wink* "Ok. Have a great time".

*****

Laurent: *smile* "Hey bebe".

Larry: *smile* "Hey".

Laurent: "You look happy but nervous too".

Larry: "A little bit. I just wish I knew what the surprise is".

Laurent: "Don't worry my love. I promise it's a really good surprise".

Larry softly nods then sits back to relax against the seat as Laurent backs out of the driveway and takes off down the street. The ride is pretty quiet, or at least between the two of them. There's some light music playing in the background which helps relax Larry more. On occasion he can feel Laurent's hand softly caressing his thigh...but another indication of how far they've come when Laurent first touched him Larry didn't even flinch or become afraid whatsoever. He can tell that Laurent is trying to be as gentle as possible. Larry certainly appreciates it so he softly pats Laurent's hand at the thought before turning to look out the window at the scenery that's whisking by. The next minute Laurent is pulling over and putting his car in park...

Larry: "Is something wrong"?

Laurent: *smile* "I have to blindfold you again bebe".

Larry: *laugh* "Like us date night on the beach". 

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah, and just like that night I don't want you to see it before we pull up".

Larry playfully shakes his head then takes the blindfold from Laurent and ties it around his eyes...

Laurent: "And remember, no peeking", he says playfully.

Larry: "I won't peek, I promise".

Laurent then gets back on the road and continues to drive for another ten minutes or so before coming to a stop. He gets out of the car and walks around to Larry's side. When he opens the door he sweetly says to his love...

Laurent: "Give me your hand bebe".

Larry gladly obliges and takes Laurent's strong hand in his. He allows Laurent to help him out of the car and guide his steps. He then hears his voice telling him to step and it turns out to be several steps...

Larry: "Uh, Laurent? What's going on"?

Laurent: "Just a few more seconds bebe". *pause* "Oki. Stop right here".

Larry then hears Laurent shuffling through keys. The next second he's unlocking a door and swinging it open. He guides Larry on the inside and has him come to a complete stop...

Laurent: "You ready"?

Larry: "More than ready".

Laurent chuckles then unties his blindfold. When Larry eyes are fully focused his mouth drops and his eyes widen at the sight before him. It's a house. A big, beautiful house. He turns to face Laurent who already has a wide smile on his face...  

Larry: "What's going on"?

Laurent: *smile* "I think it's time to move bebe".

Larry: "But it hasn't even been a year since we move into us house. You don't think it's too early to talk for moving? I know we're doing better but I still live with Stephanie and we have only been to therapy twice". 

Laurent: "I know bebe but you come first and I want you to know how serious I am. I'll go to all the therapy you want and you know you can come back to us house anytime. I just think a new house means a new start for us".

Larry can't help but smile at those words...but he still isn't exactly on board with this just yet...

Larry: "That's sweet Laurent but what's wrong with us house"?

Laurent: "Well nothing is really wrong with the house. It's just...I hurt you a lot there and I don't want you to have memories of the bad things that happened".

Larry: *smile* "I understand...but this place is so big and when we dance again we will be away a lot. That's why we agreed to buy a small house the first time".

Laurent: "I know it's a lot bigger but you deserve the best my love. If I could buy you ten houses I would".

Completely floored by his sweet words he softly whimpers only one word...

Larry: "Laurent".  

Laurent: "I know we would be so happy here bebe". *pause* "You don't like it"?

Larry looks around once more to scan the home as he replies... 

Larry: "Yeah it's beautiful baby but...you don't think it's too much space"?

When he turns to look at Laurent for an answer he notices his eyes are wide and his mouth is slightly open as if he's surprised by something...

Larry: "What"?

Laurent: "You just called me baby".

Larry didn't even realize it himself until it was pointed out. It seems like it's been forever since he's used that term of endearment...

Larry: *smile* "Yeah I guess I did".

Laurent: *smile* "It sounds so good". *pause* "But to answer your question I don't think it's too much space and we can afford it bebe. That's what makes it even better".

Larry is at a loss for words. He just turns back around and looks at the masterpiece before him. It's definitely their style. Very modern and sleek. Still, it's a lot for Larry to take in. Then he hears... 

Laurent: "Take a look around my love".

Larry nods and begins to walk through the lower part of the home starting with the living room. It has a beautiful beige color throughout, a magnificent fireplace and the large windows giving a view of the huge backyard that includes a patio table and chairs...

He can already envision time out there...but of course being a chef he can't wait to see the kitchen which he's sure is close by so he goes on the search for it. Upon finding it his breathing practically comes to a halt when he walks inside... 

Not only is it gorgeous and a perfect match to the living room it's also a chef's kitchen. He's sure it's the main reason Laurent picked this house to show him. He knew it will be hard for Larry to turn down a house that has a kitchen like this and when he turns around to look at Laurent the wink he gives him is confirmation. Larry just playfully shakes his head again, smiles and continues his walk through. Already Larry has to admit that Laurent did a great job... 

Laurent: "What do you think bebe"?

Larry: "I think that I haven't even went upstairs yet and I love it already".

Laurent: *smile* "That makes me happy". *pause* "Well let's go upstairs now".

Larry leads the way with Laurent playfully poking at his sides as they walk up the large staircase causing Larry to laugh and squirm...  

Larry: "Stop", he whimpers playfully. 

Laurent: "What? I told you I love to hear you laugh".

Larry: *smile* "I have to look at the house".

Laurent: *smile* "Oki bebe. I'll stop".

After their short, playful session comes to a halt and they finally reach the top of the stairs Larry quickly searched for the master bedroom. Once he finds it he's awestruck...

It's a fully open space and it has beautiful hardwood floors, a beautiful chandelier hanging from the middle as well as two matching chairs and an ottoman in front of the large bed. Next to the bed is an open doorway that leads to what can easily be a den as it has a small couch and two tables equipped with lamps. He really doesn't want to give his excitement away but this quite a bedroom. He then makes the few steps over to check out the master bathroom and he's mesmerized once again...

A long marble counter with double sinks and plenty of cabinets. The shower is huge, beautifully designed and also has bench like structures to sit on. It's a stunningly beautiful house and now his interest is really peaked to see what Lilo's room looks like... 

Larry: "I should go and look for Lilo's room. I mean, if we take the house of course".

Laurent chuckles at that last statement before he replies...

Laurent: *smile* "Follow me my love".

Larry is guided to a room that's across the way and a short walk down from the master bedroom. Laurent opens the door then steps to the side to allow Larry to walk through. When he does his mouth drops at a room fit for his baby...

It's a perfectly pink-walled bedroom that he's sure Lilo will adore and he's also sure it's another reason why Laurent loves the house so much...because of his love for her. He calls her "princess" and this is the perfect princess room. Larry then notices a beautiful painting of the Eiffel Tower surrounding by clouds and trees. It also has a painted white poodle as well as a painting of the Eiffel Tower on an easel. It's simply gorgeous...but now he's a little suspicious so he turns to Laurent...

Larry: *smile* "Laurent, tell me the truth. You buy this house already"?

Laurent: *laugh* "No bebe. I wouldn't make a big decision like that and not talk to you first. The people who lived here before painted that but I think it's a sign. I don't think we've ever seen a house with the Eiffel Tower painted on the wall". *pause* "This house is for us bebe". 

Larry: *smile* "I...I don't know what to say".

Larry turns back to look at the painting. He eventually feels Laurent come up and snake his arms around his waist. He places a soft kiss on his cheek before whispering in his ear...

Laurent: "Princess will love it, right"?

Larry: "I know she will", he whispers back.  

He holds him a little tighter and plants more soft kisses on Larry's cheek. Then... 

Laurent: "All I ask is that you think for this bebe. I don't want to pressure you but I think this will be great for us. I want to make you happy and if the look on your face as you look at everything tells me anything I think you will be happy here". *pause* "Please promise me you will think for this". 

Larry: "I promise, I will".

Laurent: "Thank you bebe".

Larry: "Welcome".

*brief pause*

Laurent: "Come my love. Let's get some lunch".

*****

They decide to go to an Italian restaurant and Laurent orders a large pizza...for himself. Larry orders lasagna with meat sauce that comes with a side salad and garlic bread. They're just sitting and eating...enjoying the moment. Larry can't stop thinking about the house and he has to admit that it will be an amazing place to live...but he still can't shake the feeling that it's a little too soon for this. Sure, they made love roughly a week ago and as always it was amazing but they both still have to consider that even though they're in a better place there's still some work that needs to be done between them particularly with communication and trust. After all, if they plan to start working again soon their professional relationship relies on both of those just as much as their personal relationship does. Speaking of their profession...

Larry: "Laurent, you talk to Eleni"?

Laurent: "Only once a few weeks ago but I kept it short before she could ask questions. She called a few more times but I didn't answer. I don't really know what to say right now". 

Larry: "I know but she works so hard for us. She canceled two months of work and it's been three months now. Maybe we don't have to tell her everything but she has to know something".

Laurent: "Yeah you're right bebe. Well there's a Starbucks next door. I'll call her and see if she can come down and talk to us".

Larry: "Yeah oki".

~phone call~

Eleni: "Hey Laurent".

Laurent: "Hey Eleni. Listen, I'm sorry I haven't talked to you lately. I just didn't know what to tell you".

Eleni: "It's ok Laurent but thank you". *pause* "So what's up"?

Laurent: "Can you come into town to meet us at Starbucks"?

Eleni: "Sure. Give me about 20 minutes".

Laurent: "Oki. See you soon".

~end~

They finish their meal and after Laurent pays they make their way next door...nervous about what's about to take place. Twenty minutes go by as Laurent finishes the coffee he ordered. Larry is too nervous to order anything...

Laurent: "I'm glad we can finally talk to her. I hope she understands".

Larry: "She will".

Laurent: "Yeah". *pause* "I'm so ready to dance again bebe. After we talk to her we have to see if she can book us some jobs and fast".

Larry: "Laurent, I...."

Laurent: "Here she comes. We'll talk later my love". *pause* "Eleni! Over here".

She spots them and smiles while walking over. After giving them a quick hug she sits across from them...

Eleni: "How have you guys been doing"?

They both look at each other for a moment before Larry responds...

Larry: "We're oki. You"?

Eleni: "I'm doing well but it's been hard not knowing what's going on with you two".

Laurent: "Yeah. We're sorry for that. That's why we wanted to talk to you in person. You deserve that". *pause* "Um, we took a break because we had some problems in us relationship. Well, it was me. I had a lot of issues from my past that caused problems in my relationship with Larry and we needed time apart so I could get help. I'm doing a lot better now. I've been seeing a therapist and she's helped me a lot. We also see one together and I think we're doing much better". 

Larry: "Well it's not 100% but so far it's been good. We just really wanted to tell you that we're sorry we didn't tell you anything before. We just thought it would be better to keep it to us".

Laurent: "That's true but you're so good to us and we didn't want to keep you in the dark".

Of course neither Larry nor Laurent told her everything but if Eleni will take anything away from their conversation it's how sincere they are and that alone is enough for her...

Eleni: "I appreciate that guys. I can't lie and say I wasn't upset but what's most important is that you two are on the right path. So the only thing left to do is to move forward".

Laurent: *smile* "Great".

Eleni: *smile* "Alright. Well recently I've been making contact with different people and several organizations trying to get different things like endorsements, clothing and shoe lines. I've also been working to get you some dance jobs. Not really knowing what to tell the people I've been in contact with many of them just said to give them a call whenever you were ready".

Laurent: "Oh we're ready".

Larry quickly cuts his eye over to Laurent as he's in shock that he's taken the liberty to speak for both of them. Sure, he loves dance and all the things they've done as much as Laurent does but he feels that Laurent is moving too fast. Before he can protest Eleni opens her folder and starts reading a list of everything that's been in waiting. It seems like the longer she speaks Larry feels even more uneasy...

Eleni: "And that's about it for now but this is at least 3 months worth of work".

Laurent: "Book all of it".

Larry: "Laurent...."

Laurent: "Oh and we should start doing workshops again because I know the fans miss them and we miss them too. We should go back to Japan and do some in the states too".

Eleni: "Ok. I'm sure we can fit those in too".

Laurent: "Good but for now we'll start with everything you have".

Eleni: "Ok. Well I'll get on everything and call you when...."

Larry: "No".

Laurent turns to look at Larry in surprise...

Laurent: "No? Why"?

Eleni: "Is something wrong Larry"?

Larry: "Don't book anything. We have to talk first. Can we call you"?

Eleni: *looks confused* "Sure".

Larry: "Thank you".

Eleni: "No problem. I'll talk to you guys soon"? 

Larry: "Yeah".

She nods and the next second she's out of her seat and out the door...

Laurent: "Bebe what's the problem? Why did you say no"?

Larry: "Laurent let's just leave so we can talk, oki"?

Laurent: "Yeah oki".

*****

They walk around the building to be away from as many of the towns' people as possible and Laurent wastes no time getting back on subject...

Laurent: "What's wrong bebe"?

Larry: "I don't know what you were thinking but you know it's too soon to go back to all this work when there is still so much of us that needs to be fixed".

Laurent: *sigh* "I know but we're doing better bebe. I just think if we get back to work everything will be oki. That's what we love". 

Larry: "It's not that simple. Do I need to remind you what happened with us? It's just like I tell you at the house we've only been to therapy twice. You think because it go oki the problems are fixed"?

Laurent: "I didn't say that bebe but what's wrong with getting back to work"?

Larry: "Because you can't just go from 0 to 100 Laurent"! 

Laurent: "It wasn't 0 to 100 last week when I made love to you". 

Larry: "Stop it Laurent. Just stop it. All I'm saying is that you told her to book everything and when I tried to say something to you, you ignored me. Working won't solve everything. What good is work if we have the same problems? We have to work on the problems so we can become closer. That's all I was trying to say but you don't get it".

Laurent: "Bebe, I'm not saying that we stop working on us. I'm just saying that we still have to make money and new jobs mean we can pay the new house off faster too".

Larry: "We don't need the house"!!

There are a few people walking and when Larry yelled naturally they turned to look at them. Larry of course ignores them then he notices Laurent's head is down so he huffs in frustration yet a little bit of sadness... 

Larry: "Laurent, baby you know I think the house is beautiful but first you asked me to think for it now you're talking as if we're moving in tomorrow. You see what I mean? 0 to 100. It's like you only think for what you want". 

Laurent stands silent for a moment as he thinks about everything that's been said. Then he softly speaks...  

Laurent: "This reminds me of monster when she said that even when everything is magically beautiful we have to argue".

Larry: *sighs* "Laurent, I'm not trying to argue but...."

Laurent: "It's oki. I understand bebe and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you". *pause* "I'll take you back to Stephanie's now".

Seeing the sad look on Laurent's face and feeling defeated because he just doesn't know what else to say...

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

The entire car ride back is quiet. Larry gazes out the window trying so hard to fight back tears. On occasion he brings his head down before slowly turning it to look at Laurent who seems to be falling a part. It's not that Larry isn't appreciative of what Laurent wants for them, he just needs him to understand that their relationship has to be as strong as possible in order for their career to be as well. They've been doing so well and he just wants it to continue to ensure that not only their brotherhood and their relationship gets stronger but their careers last as well. That's all he's saying. He looks softly at Laurent once more before blowing out a small sigh. The next minute Laurent is pulling up in Stephanie's driveway...

Larry: "Thank you for showing me the house. It's beautiful". *pause* "And I'm sorry...."

Already knowing what he's going to say...

Laurent: "I understand Larry. it's oki".

*brief pause*

Larry: *sigh* "Oki. See you later".

Laurent: "Yeah. See you".

Larry gives him one more solemn look before getting out of the car. Larry is almost up the stairs when he hears Laurent's tires screech causing him to quickly turn around. He really didn't mean for such a wonderful day to end in an argument...but for so long Larry has been too afraid to speak up for himself and this is something he feels strongly about. After Laurent's car turns the corner Larry walks into the house and is immediately greeted by Stephanie who's watching TV...

Stephanie: "Hey you. You have fun"?

Larry: "At first".

Stephanie: "What do you mean"?

Larry walks over and sits across from her...

Larry: "It started out great". *pause* "The surprise is a house that he wants us to buy".

Stephanie: "Wow. That's amazing".

Larry: "Yeah and the house is amazing but first he asked me to think for that then later on when we meet Eleni and explained what's been going on with us he tried to get all these jobs booked and it scared me because I don't think we're ready for that yet. We argued and when he took off just now I could tell he's upset".

Stephanie: "I'm sorry love but I wouldn't get too down about it. I mean you guys have been doing great but you can't expect things to be all peachy from here. Having a disagreement isn't the end of world. I'm sure you will bounce back from it. Just have faith".

Larry: *smile* "You're such a good friend. Thank you".

Stephanie: *smile* "My pleasure sweetie".

Larry proceeds to go to his room to get changed when he has this warm feeling flow through his body...almost like a blood rush. He isn't sure what to think of it so he just brushes it off. Twenty minutes pass and Larry decides he will cook dinner tonight so he's in the kitchen prepping. He's skinning potatoes and dicing vegetables when his mind goes back to the day's events, particularly Laurent and their argument. He tries not to be upset about it and he can hear Stephanie's words and her essentially saying that having a disagreement shouldn't be indicative of more problems for them so he shakes his head and goes back to prepping. Stephanie is also in the kitchen making some lunch when Larry's phone rings but his hands are covered in the sticky substances from the food he's handling so...

Larry: "Stephanie can you answer that for me? I'm a little messy".

Stephanie: "Ugh. Just when I get my mouth fixed for this sandwich", she replies playfully.

Larry: *laugh* "Just answer the phone".

Stephanie: *laugh* "Ok I got it".

Stephanie: "Hello"? *pause* "He's busy at the moment. Can I take a message"? 

Larry is washing his hands when he notices it gets eerily quiet. He turns his head and sees Stephanie with wide eyes as if she's in complete shock about something. He grabs a towel to dry his hands then slowly steps towards the bar...

Larry: "Stephanie? Is everything oki"?

She slowly looks up at him but whoever who is on the phone is apparently still speaking so she can't answer him. Then...

Stephanie: "Yes I will. Thank you for calling".

She slowly releases the call and continues to stand there in shock...

Larry: "Stephanie you're scaring me. What's wrong"?

Stephanie: *clears throat* "Um, Larry? You might want to sit down".

Larry: "Stephanie please just tell me".

Stephanie: "That was the hospital". *pause* "Laurent's been in a car accident".

Larry's eyes widen as they also fill with tears... 

Larry: "He's oki right"? 

*brief pause*

Stephanie: "He's unconscious Larry".  

-------------------------------- 

A/N: Alright my loves. First I would like to thank my amazing follower 'acarterk' for the new home suggestion. It flowed really well with what I had planned for this chapter. As far as what happened, I know it's a shock and I'm sure you all are wondering where I'm going with this considering the last chapter and how well they seem to be doing but I had a vision come to me for the end of this story so please just trust me and know that I will not steer you wrong. Hope everyone enjoyed! As always, I can't wait to read your comments! Love you guys. :)