AUTHOR'S POV

The ocean waves are crashing louder as Larry and Laurent continue to kiss. The harder the waves, the deeper the kiss. Laurent would kiss his love until sunrise if he could after being away from him for so long but there's something he needs to say...more like plead. He stops the kiss to look deeply into Larry's eyes...

Laurent: "Bebe please come home. I miss you so much and it's so hard going to bed at night because you're not there and...."

He's talking a mile a minute before his words are cut off by the look on Larry's face which is a look of concern... 

Laurent: "Bebe? What is it"?

Larry: "Laurent, I just...."

Laurent: "You just what bebe? You don't want come home"?

*silence*

Laurent: "Talk to me bebe". *pause* "You don't want to"?

Larry: "I...I just don't know if it's a good idea right now".

Laurent: "Bebe please. I'm much better now and it's like I told you in the letter, I know why I did it so I know us relationship will be better. You'll see".

Larry sees the urgency in Laurent's eyes and he also hears it in his voice but...

Larry: "It's just...."

Laurent: "Too much too soon"?

Larry: "Yeah. I mean, it probably doesn't make any sense because we have the house together but...."

His words come to a halt as he's now seeing a disappointing look on Laurent's face...

Larry: "Laurent, I'm sorry".

Laurent: "Don't be sorry bebe. I know a lot happened so we can take it as slow as you want to, oki"?

Larry: *nods* "Oki. Thank you".

Laurent: "Welcome". *pause* "So you want to finish the walk"?

Larry: "Yeah that would be nice".

They continue their walk...but several moments of silence ensues mainly because of the nervousness but Laurent eventually breaks it...

Laurent: "So anything happened while we were apart "?

Larry pauses before answering that because mostly what he's gone through is depression and it will be very tough to talk about it...but he has to be honest...

Larry: "I got help too". *pause* "I...I was depressed and Stephanie thought it would be good to talk to someone for that so that's what I did". *pause* "It helped a lot".  

Hearing the word depressed makes Laurent stop their walk again. He steps in front of him and his eyes are reading heartbreak and deep regret as he looks at Larry... 

Laurent: "I'm so sorry bebe. If only I realized that I had a problem and got help you wouldn't have been so hurt". *pause* "I know we just agreed to take it slow but if you give me another chance I promise I won't hurt you again". *pause* "I really am better now". 

For the first time in what feels like forever when Larry looks into Laurent's eyes and sees true sincerity he knows they aren't just words this time. He still can't go home so soon but something is telling him it will be much sooner than later when he does. Continuing to look into Laurent's eyes which are filled with a sweet vulnerability causes him to look away before his heart completely melts. He faces front to look out into the ocean then up at the sky...

Larry: "It's a beautiful night. The sky is full of stars". *pause* "Sparkling, shining stars".

Laurent never removed his gaze from Larry's face even from the moment Larry looked away then up at the sky. Responding to what Larry just said in a sweet whisper...

Laurent: "Not like the sparkle in your eyes".

Larry brings his head down and looks straight ahead before slowly turning his head to look at Laurent. He scans him up and down using only his eyes before meeting Laurent's eyes again. Laurent takes his hand and bring it to Larry's cheek to gently caress it...his eyes filled with nothing but love. Larry almost gets caught up in it...

Larry: *clears throat* "I better go", he whispers.

In a desperate yet sweet whisper he asks...

Laurent: "Do you really have to go bebe"? 

Larry innocently bites his bottom lip as his heart is full from how sweet and endearing Laurent is being in this moment which was all the more reason why he has to leave because if he doesn't he will give in so he responds in yet another whisper...

Larry: "Yeah". *pause* "I have to".

Laurent: "Oki. I'll walk you to you car".

*****

Laurent: "So are you going back to Stephanie's"?

Larry: "I don't know but I have to talk to her".

Laurent: "Well it's still early. I'm sure she's still awake if you go over there now".

Larry: "Maybe".

Laurent: "Oki. Well thank you again for coming bebe. I was so happy to see your face tonight".

Larry: "Welcome. I was happy to come".

They finally make it to Larry's car but before Larry can get in Laurent has a very important question...

Laurent: "So can I have another date? That's taking it slow right"?

*brief pause*

Larry: *smile* "Yeah it is. When"?

Laurent: "If it's not too soon. Tomorrow night at 7"?

Larry: "That will be fine. Where are we going"?

Laurent: "A place where it's just the two of us".

Larry gives him a suspicious yet playful look...

Laurent: *smile* "Us house bebe. Dinner and a movie"?

Larry: *smile* "You cook"?

Laurent: "Yeah. I mean, it won't be as good as your cooking but I would love to cook for you. You just tell me what you want".

Larry: *smile* "Surprise me".

They continue smiling at each other before Larry turns to get in his car. As soon as he opens the door Laurent lightly grabs his arm, turns him around and gazes into his eyes once more before taking Larry's chin between his thumb and index finger then leaning forward to give him a soft kiss to his lips. He releases the kiss then slowly opens his eyes as he looks into Larry's...

Laurent: "Bye bebe".

Larry: "Bye", he whispers.  

Larry gets in his car then cranks it up and takes off. Laurent watches him drive away and when he can no longer see his car he makes the walk to his...smiling the entire way as his evening ended perfectly... 

~meanwhile~

Stephanie's been home for about an hour and she hasn't been able to stop smiling. She's so, incredibly proud of Laurent and his speech was simply beautiful. She noticed him looking at her cry and of course it was because she was so moved by everything he said...but she was also sad because she thought Larry wasn't there to hear it and she knew it was breaking Laurent's heart when he thought the same. Needless to say when he realized he was there she saw a beautiful glow come over him that even she hasn't seen in quite some time. It was such a beautiful moment seeing them together and it made her heart full so she couldn't help but cry again. She was also extremely happy she and Larry embraced. She never meant to hurt him. She certainly never wants to do that again and she's also hoping to talk to him soon. She doesn't realize that soon is this very moment because just as she's about to head to her bedroom her doorbell rings. Although she's not sure who it is this late something tells her to go and answer it anyway. Imagine her surprise when she opens the door...

Stephanie: *smile* "Hey"!

Larry: *smile* "Hey. It's not too late is it"?

Stephanie: "Of course not. Come on in".

Larry nods and walks into the comfortable, familiar home. Then...

Stephanie: "You want something to drink"?

Larry: "No, thank you. I'm just here to talk to you. Let's sit down".

They sit across from each other and when she looks at him he appears nervous...

Stephanie: "You ok"?

Larry: "Yeah I'm fine". *pause* "I just wanted to say sorry Stephanie. I yelled at you in your home and that wasn't right. Yes I upset but I realized that you didn't mean to hurt me. Now I'm not going to lie, I still wish someone told me...but you have been my best friend for so long and you're always there for me so I know you would never hurt me on purpose. I guess I just think for what I feel for all those months and I just blew up but it still wasn't right and I'm sorry".

Stephanie: "Thank you Larry. I appreciate that but you didn't have to apologize. I want you to know that I did understand and still do understand why you were so upset. You were hurting and I had information that would have lessened the hurt but I sat on it. Me and Laurent have come to realize that and I feel safe in saying that I speak for him when I say we're the ones who are sorry, ok"?

Larry: "Thank you and he apologized too but...let's just forget about it, oki? Can I have another hug"?

Stephanie: *smile* "You can always have a hug my friend".

For several moments it's just silence and a warm hug between two friends. Then Larry pulls away...

Larry: "I'll leave now so you get some rest".

Stephanie: "Where have you been staying"?

Larry: "A hotel". 

Stephanie: "Larry you don't have to spend your money on a room. You know you can always come back and stay with me. Well, that is if you're not going home to Laurent".

Larry's gaze instantly goes to the floor...almost as if he's sad all of a sudden and she figures this has something to do with Laurent... 

Stephanie: "Are you going back to Laurent"?

Larry: "No".

Stephanie: "Why"?

Larry: "I think it's too soon. We just saw each other for the first time in so long and so much has happened. I think it will be better this way".

Stephanie: "I understand but you know he won't rest until you're back home".

Of course he can't help but smile at that then he tells her about their plans...

Larry: "Well we decided to take it slow but we do have a date tomorrow night".

Stephanie's eyes light up instantly...

Stephanie: "Really"?!

Larry: *laugh* "It's just dinner and a movie Stephanie. No big deal".

Stephanie: "That is a big deal friend! You two have been apart for months"! *pause* "Wait, why am I more excited than you are"?

Larry belts out another laugh then replies...

Larry: "You are something else Stephanie. Listen I'll talk to you later, oki"?

Stephanie: *laugh* "Ok, but please consider coming back here. You really don't have to waste your money".

*brief pause*

Larry: *smile* "Oki. I'll stay there tonight since my clothes are still there but I'll come back here first thing in the morning". 

Stephanie: *smile* "Perfect. I'll see you tomorrow morning".

Stephanie smiles and nods at him. He walks to the door but before leaving he turns around to give her the sweetest smile and wink before walking out and shutting the door behind him. She's so happy because things are finally looking up for her best friend...

~the next morning~

Larry, Stephanie, and Laurent open their eyes at the same time and each have a smile on their face but for different reasons. Larry is smiling because for the first time in a long time he actually feels optimistic about the future. He's lived in unimaginable heartbreak for what seems like forever and he was starting to lose hope. He's never faced anything more difficult but from the first painful blow he endured at Laurent's hands but now he's beginning to feel as though he and Laurent can move past everything that's happened and be together again...but only time will tell and this date tonight will be the first stepping stone in seeing where things will go. Stephanie is smiling because the past few days have been very rough for her and dealing with the pain she caused Larry...but to see his face last night then sitting down to have a heart to heart with him was the icing on the cake. She eagerly awaits for his return to her home but she's more excited about he and Laurent's date tonight. She isn't sure if their relationship will be able to be repaired but just the fact that they're trying is enough to make her happy for them. And Laurent. After all of the built up pain and frustration from the past bringing him to the dark place he's been in he's never been more excited not to mention extremely grateful for his chance at a new beginning. Speaking of his past, he decided to leave it all behind at rehab with Rob and Dr. Hall and direct his focus on his future with the one and only love of his life... 

*Larry*

He's finally checked out of the hotel and on his way to Stephanie's house. As he drives his mind goes to Laurent and their date tonight. He didn't want to show his excitement to him last night when he asked but he would be lying if he said he wasn't excited. And oh did Laurent look good! Larry can't recall a time where he had to hold his composure for so long because with each look Laurent gave him and each word that flowed from his mouth that was so genuine it took everything in his power to not jump him on that boardwalk and have a go at it right in the middle of it. Then he had to come back down to reality and remember that he's wanting this fresh start for a reason so there's no need to rush. When they make love it will be at the right time. Finally at Stephanie's house and still having a key he grabs his packed bags and heads inside. Once inside he places his bags down and his keys on the table then follows the aroma of cooking food...

Larry: *smile* "Hey Stephanie". 

Stephanie: *smile* "Hey you. How are you"?

Larry: "Oki. You"?

Stephanie: "I'm great. Are you hungry"?

Larry: "Stephanie? It's me. Larry". 

She can't help but laugh at that because everyone knows how much he loves food...

Stephanie: "Sorry friend. Well I made a breakfast casserole with sausage and there's some sliced fruit in the fridge".

Larry: "Thank you. Eat with me"?

Stephanie: "Sure".

She happily makes their plates then they take their place at the table...

Stephanie: "So are you nervous about your date tonight"?

Larry: "As crazy as it sounds...yeah".

Stephanie: "That doesn't sound crazy at all. It has been a while but I think you both will have a great time tonight".

Larry: *smile* "I hope so". *pause* "Listen thank you for letting me come back. I don't mind staying in a hotel but it's nice to be back here with you".

Stephanie: "You're very welcome. It's nice having you back".

Larry gives her a sweet smile and wink then they continue to enjoy breakfast and conversation. Now nice and full Larry gathers the dishes so he can wash them while Stephanie cleans the rest of the house. While Larry cleans the kitchen his mind once again goes to his date and it brings a small yet sweet smile to his face...

*Laurent*

There are not enough words to describe how excited Laurent is. After breakfast he cleaned the house from top to bottom as he wants it to be spotless for his love. He already has the menu planned in his mind so he made a run to the store to get what he needed so he can begin prepping. He already has the meat marinating in the fridge and is chopping the vegetables for the salad when he has an urge to make a call...

"Hello"?

Laurent: *smile* "Hey bebe".

Larry: *smile* "Hey. How are you"?

Laurent: "Waiting to see you. I'm so impatient bebe".

Larry smiles so hard but he has to keep it together...

Larry: "But you just saw me last night".

Laurent: "It's not enough", he whispers desperately.

And here comes another smile from Larry...but he knows Laurent will hear it through the phone so he tries to subdue it...

Larry: "Well it won't be too much longer", he replies sweetly.

Laurent then looks at the time...

Laurent: "It's only noon. I have to wait seven more hours".

Still trying not to smile too hard again...

Larry: "I don't know what to say. Maybe try not to think for that"?

Laurent: "That's impossible bebe and the more I hear your voice the more impatient I get so I'm going now...but I can't wait to see you". *pause* "Bye my love".

Larry: "Bye", he whispers.

Larry releases the call and allows another smile to spread across his face. Admittedly, he's looking forward to it as well...

~evening~

Laurent is putting the finishing touches on the meal he prepared which consists of marinated flank steak, twice baked potatoes and homemade green beans. He didn't prepare dessert because he's hoping that will be Larry. After all, there's nothing or no one else he can think of that's sweeter. He's clad in all black even down to his shoes. For now he has an apron on to prevent anything from splashing on him. He's thinly slicing the beef when the doorbell rings. Completely confused as to who it is because Larry still has time he heads for the front door to answer it anyway. He's not ready. There's Larry clad in a white button down shirt with the very top button open, a pair of black pants, his famous chain on his hip, his signature necklace dangling from his neck, black shoes and his hair is pulled back into a ponytail allowing the full beauty of his face to shine. Laurent slowly looks him up and down as he bites his lower lip in lust. He then snaps out of it when he realizes Larry rang the doorbell to his own home...

Laurent: "Bebe why did you ring the bell? Why didn't you just come in"?

Larry: "I don't know. I guess I'm just nervous".

Laurent: "Don't be nervous bebe but this is your home. Please don't do that again, oki"?

Larry nods his head but keeps his gaze on the ground... 

Laurent: "You look amazing".

Larry: "Thank you".

Laurent: "Welcome". *pause* "Come in".

Larry steps in and Laurent immediately envelopes him in a hug. When they release Larry notices Laurent's attire and compliments him... 

Larry: "You look nice too".

Laurent: "Thank you bebe".

Larry: "Welcome". *pause* "It smells good in here".

Laurent: *smile* "Really? Well I hope you think it tastes as good as it smells".

Larry: *smile* "I'm sure it will".

Larry is guided to the dinner table and this time he's waiting to be served. Laurent makes his plate while Larry secretly looks him up and down...still unable to get over how good he looks. When Laurent turns back around Larry tries to pretend that he didn't just spend the last several minutes looking at him. The plate is then placed in front of him and he admires what he cooked. As a chef Larry has to admit he did a great job and he's eager to dig in...but he will wait for Laurent. Not even a second later Laurent is joining him and after the food is blessed they dig in. Naturally the first several minutes consisted of mostly silence but eventually they engage in conversation. Laurent told him more about rehab and how intense everything was the first several weeks while Larry shared details about his time in therapy. Whatever they talk about it's seemingly bringing them closer...

*****

Dinner is over now which means it's movie time. This is what really what's made Larry so nervous. I mean come on, sitting on a couch next to Laurent who's looking good enough to eat? Not that the dinner wasn't amazing but he's just looking that good. He sighs internally and tells himself that he will keep it together as best as he can...

Larry: "So what movie are we watching"?

Laurent: "San Andreas".

Larry: "With The Rock"?

Laurent: "Yeah. I heard it's good and I got it from Chris".

Larry: "Oh. Oki".

Laurent starts the movie then sits down next to Larry. There's definitely tension in the room but there's no cause for alarm. On Larry's end he's still feeling slightly nervous about being alone with Laurent after so much time but as the evening progresses he finds himself relaxing more. Roughly thirty minutes have passed and the wonderful meal Laurent made starts to make Larry sleepy so his head starts nodding even though he tries to fight it...

Laurent: "It's oki bebe. You can go to sleep".

Larry: "It's fine. I like the movie so far".

Although he isn't lying, Larry still can't keep his eyes open and he's soon fast asleep...

~two hours later~

Larry slowly opens his eyes and he quickly discovers that his head is resting on Laurent's chest. He doesn't know that when Laurent noticed his head continuously nodding Laurent chuckled at him before gently pulling him closer so Larry can lay on him. When Larry gains focus he turns his head up and glances at Laurent who's also sleeping. He then directs his attention to the TV and notices the DVD is stuck on the menu which means it's ready to start over. Just as he's about to get up and try to tip toe out of the house Laurent starts to move so Larry freezes. When Laurent comes to he looks down at Larry and notices he's awake too... 

Laurent: "You sleep good"?

Larry: "Yeah".

Laurent: *smile* "You're always so beautiful when you sleep".

Larry smiles softly before he feels Laurent softly grab his chin and tilt his head back so they can be eye to eye. Within seconds Laurent is leaning down to kiss him. The kisses start out soft and sweet but eventually Laurent's tongue finds its way inside of Larry's mouth causing Larry to moan. The kiss becomes hungrier and now Laurent is slowly rising and pushing Larry down so he can lay on his back and rest his head against the arm of the couch. He gently pushes Larry's leg to the side then rests his body on top of his while continuing their kissing session...their members rubbing together. It turns out to be too much for Larry because as good as Laurent looks and as amazing as his kisses feel he realizes that after all this time a part he isn't ready for where this is going...

Larry: "Laurent, I have to go now", he whispers.

Laurent: "Don't leave me bebe, please".

Larry: "I'm sorry but I really have to go".

Laurent: "Please just stay with me" *kiss*  "Stay the night. I'm so tired of going to bed without you bebe".

Laurent then moves his kisses to Larry's neck and he can be heard inhaling his scent...

Laurent: "You smell so good". *pause* "I can't take it anymore. Let me have you bebe", he whispers.

He begins to pull and suck at the skin on Larry's neck which sends a chill down Larry's spine. Oh how Larry missed those lips. His eyes are closed and his mouth is open at the sensation of Laurent's lips on his skin. He's two seconds away from letting his guard down so... 

Larry: "I...I really should go".

Laurent doesn't want to ignore him but he can't help himself. He takes his lips off his neck and goes back to gazing into his eyes before crashing his lips onto his and kissing him hard again. Larry can't resist moaning in his mouth...but Laurent breaks the kiss to give another plea... 

Laurent: "Please bebe. I go crazy without you".

Larry is speechless and when he finally musters up the courage to say something Laurent sits up and takes off his shirt. All Larry can do is lay there and watch...his chest heaving as he's insanely nervous. Laurent brings his hands down and begins to unbutton and open Larry's shirt. When he's successful he takes his large hands and runs them up and down Larry's chest while biting his lower lip and looking lustfully in his eyes. He leans back down to attack Larry's lips again and the moment Larry feels Laurent going into his pants to stroke him he finally stops him...

Larry: "Laurent please stop. I'm not ready. I have to go".

Laurent is slightly frustrated but he listens to him and stops. He stands up so he can help Larry up. After Larry fixes his clothes he grabs his keys and begins to walk to the front door with Laurent following him but before he walks out he stops and turned to face him...

Larry: "Thank you for tonight. The movie was...."

Laurent is now inching closer to him again. Then he asks in a whisper...

Laurent: "The movie was what bebe"? 

Larry: "Um, I know I fell asleep but I enjoyed what I saw". *pause* "And the food...."

Laurent is now in his face and brushing his lips across Larry's then whispering against them...

Laurent: "I'm listening. The food"?

Larry: "Th...the food taste really...good".

Laurent: "Thank you...but you know what taste better"? *pause* "Your lips".

And just like that Laurent is kissing Larry passionately again. Larry's strength to resist is remains strong so as he lightly pushes Laurent him away...

Larry: "I said I'm not ready for this oki"?!

Before Laurent can respond Larry is turning around and hurriedly leaving. Laurent cusses himself under his breath before running after him. He catches up to him just as he's about to get in his car...

Laurent: "Bebe I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you". *pause* "Talk to me bebe. Something else is on your mind. I can tell".

Larry takes a deep breath and slowly turns around to which Laurent sees something that breaks his heart...tears filling Larry's eyes...

Laurent: "Bebe I didn't mean to make you cry. Just please tell me what's wrong so I can help you".

Larry: "Laurent, it's not just that it's too soon. It's also because...I'm scared".

Laurent: "Scared of what"?

Larry: "The last time I forgave you and came home you started to hurt me again. So even thought I know you're doing better and you mean what you said deep down I'm still afraid. I don't want to be but I can't help it. It's just so much that I went through and I...." *starts to cry*

Laurent: "Shhh. Bebe I get it. I broke your trust so I understand why you want to take things slow". *sigh* "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pressure you. I just couldn't help myself in there. I waited so long to be this close to you again but I meant what I said. We can go as slow as you want because you're all I want". *pause* "I'm going to get your trust back. You'll see".

All Larry can do is nod because he's still so emotional...

Laurent: "You be safe and thank you for coming tonight. It meant so much to me".

Larry: "Welcome".

Laurent opens Larry's door and after Larry is inside he reaches for the door handle to bring it in...but before he does Laurent stops him so he can lean forward and give him a kiss on the cheek... 

Laurent: "Bye bebe".

Larry: "Bye".

Larry cranks the car up then drives off as Laurent watches him. When he disappears Laurent thinks about what Larry said and he understands where he's coming from. He knows he's in a different place now but he also wasn't the one being abused so he had to put himself in Larry's shoes for a moment. Larry just wants to make sure that the help he received really helped him and Laurent won't stop until he proves that things will be better than ever between them. He decides to go back inside...but not without uttering some words into the air in the direction his love went which is now darkness...

"I'm going to get you back home bebe. This is where you belong".

-------------------------- 

A/N: Hey my loves. So what do you think will happen next or what do all of you think should happen next? Please leave your comments regarding this chapter as well as your thoughts on the aforementioned questions. Hope everyone enjoyed! Love you guys. :)