A/N: I apologize in advance for any potential feels caused by this chapter. :(  

AUTHOR'S POV             

Larry stands in disbelief at the scene before him. He can't help but think that had it not been for him walking in when he did this was for sure to go further. Laurent can't believe what's happening either. It's almost as if he stepped outside of himself and is watching everything. He never imagined that what was suppose to be a simple conversation with Ashley would turn out to be a heated make out session and to see the look on Larry's face in this moment is doing quite a number on his heart. Laurent's face morphs into the most devastating expression because even though they're some distance a part Laurent can clearly see tears building in Larry's eyes. Ashley's look is that of confusion as she watches what's in front of her. Eventually Larry shakes his head to get out of his state and tries his best to not give his feelings away and act normal...but that's impossible. He quickly spins around and runs towards the door to which Laurent starts to go after him but then he realizes that will only cause suspicion with Ashley so he stops. He can feel tears filling his eyes as the door slams shut...  

Ashley: "Is he ok"?

Laurent doesn't even hear her as he continues to look towards the door...still desperate to run after him...

Ashley: "Laurent"?

Finally jolted from his thoughts he discreetly wipes his tears then turns to look at her...

Laurent: "Ashley I need you to leave".

Ashley: "Why"? 

Laurent: "Look, I was trying to tell you that I don't want a relationship with you. I just wasn't sure how to do that because I didn't want to hurt you and...." 

Laurent stops speaking when he realizes the irony of the situation. This whole time he was afraid to tell her in fear that it would hurt her feelings yet the one person he would give his right arm to save from pain is the one who ended up getting hurt...  

Ashley: "And what Laurent"?

Laurent: "I'm in love with someone else. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lead you on but you need to go and never call me again". 

Ashley: "Laurent, I...."

Laurent: "Just go Ashley. Now"!

Ashley jumps slightly at the force of Laurent's words then slowly bends down to pick up her shirt and put it on... 

Ashley: "Ok. I'll go".

Laurent says nothing. He just walks to the door to open it then waits for her to walk through it. She slowly picks up her purse and walks even slower to the door causing Laurent to become anxious because he really needs to get Larry back. Once on the porch she turns around...

Ashley: "You take care of yourself Laurent".

Laurent: "Yeah. You too".

He shut the door and immediately runs to his phone to get the love of his life back...

~meanwhile~

Larry can barely drive as he's in tears, not to mention in such a state of shock at what he saw. Just when he thought they were moving forward together this happened and what makes it worse is he knew. He wouldn't get such a strong feeling on the plane otherwise. He recalled the moment he pulled up and saw the strange car but he just shrugged and thought it was simply a guest of one of their neighbors. It wasn't until he walked in their apartment and saw Ashley's purse that he realized something was going on so imagine how he felt when he turned the corner and saw the lips of the man who's supposed to belong to him locked with someone else. It literally felt like a thousand knives stabbing him all over his body. Becoming even more emotional at this point he decides the best place to go is mama's house. He's sure she's asleep but since he has a key he will just creep in and make his way to his old room...their old room...  

***** 

Larry put the key in the door, quietly unlocks it then softly walks in. Just as he anticipated he walks into silence. He tip toes down the hall then cracks the door open to his mom's room and she's sound asleep like the angel she is. Even in his pain he smiles at the sight before him then slowly shuts the door back so he won't wake her then makes the short walk to his room. Once inside he goes to the dresser where he keeps clothes for just in case moments to find something comfortable to sleep in. He decides to leave his room door open so mama can see him there in the morning and not be alarmed when he emerges from the room. No sooner than he put his head on the pillow his phone is ringing again. He forgot that he didn't silence it so he quickly does so mama won't wake up. Afterward, he just stares at the ceiling because he hurts so much. The image of Laurent's hands on her body...his lips on hers...the thought of where it was going had he not walked in is too much. Now he feels warm tears sliding down his temples so he wipes them away and turns to his side only to feel a teardrop fall from the corner of his eye and over his nose...eventually crying himself to sleep as his heart is completely shattered... 

*Laurent*

Laurent is on the couch a nervous wreck. His leg hasn't stopped bouncing and he's losing it more the longer Larry goes not answering his phone. Now Larry's phone is ringing for the fifth time...

"Larry please, please answer the phone. I'm so sorry you saw that bebe but please let me explain. I love you. Please call me".  

Laurent releases the call and runs his hands through his hair as his elbows rests on his thighs. He then starts to play a rousing game of "if only" with himself. If only he had just told Ashley over the phone instead of face to face. If only he had told her to immediately leave after she brought him home. If only he had a glass of Sprite to begin with instead of hard liquor Ashley wouldn't have even been in his home and his head wouldn't have been in the fog that clouded his better judgment. He could have gone on with this game but it's no use...what's done is done and the only thing that matters at this point is Larry. He makes another call only to get Larry's voicemail again. His heart is in such turmoil that he can't even leave another message. He just releases the call then angrily places the phone beside him on the couch. Now resting his elbows back on his thighs he drops his face in his hands to cry loudly...and uncontrollably...    

Twenty minutes later Laurent is in the same spot and his tears still have not relented because by this point he has the camera that he purchased in Fiji and is reviewing some footage of their time there. Hearing Larry's sweet voice and watching his beautiful smile on that beautiful island flash across the camera screen has Laurent smiling even as the tears fall. He eventually takes his index finger and runs it over the screen as if he's touching Larry's face. That only causes him to cry even harder and as his breath hitches in between sobs he gently places the camera down and picks up his phone to place another call to his love...

"It's me again bebe. I'm so sorry I hurt you. Please just let me explain". *sniff* "I love you and I need you here bebe. Please. Come home".  

He releases the call then leans back against the couch cushion...hopeful that Larry will do as he pleaded...come home... 

~morning~

Mama is the first to awake and she instantly has a feeling that she isn't alone. It isn't a bad feeling so she has no fears at all. Part of her is even telling herself that it's one of her children. After she got herself ready for the day she comes out of her room and notices the open door to her sons' room. She slowly walks towards it and peeps inside...immediately smiling at one half of her last born who's still sleeping peacefully. After another moment or so of watching him she goes into the kitchen to start cooking what's sure to be a delectable breakfast... 

*Laurent*

The pounding of Laurent's headache is what awakens him this morning but it isn't because of the alcohol...it's because of the relentless crying from the previous night at the thought of his love in so much pain. The fact that he even woke up to a bright sunlight is a surprise to him because it means he actually slept. Nonetheless, he completely forgets about said headache because he bolts from the couch and runs to Larry's room praying that he's there and that he merely didn't hear him come in last night. He starts to enter without knocking because he's so anxious but he stops himself and knocks before calling out,"Larry? Bebe you in there? Can I come in my love? I really have to talk to you". Silence. Laurent gulps before closing his eyes and slowly opening the door. His heart drops into his stomach when he sees Larry's bed is completely untouched. He just presses his back against the wall and looks at the empty bed...instantly feeling his tears come back with a vengeance. He allows the tears to flow as this is a very painful situation but not wanting to waste another second he collects himself as much as he can then makes another call to Larry... 

*Larry*

Larry is already awake due to the savory smell of mama's cooking to which he smiles at the thought. However that smile fades when he hears his phone vibrating and it doesn't take a genius to figure out who it is. He just ignores it then stands up to go and freshen up before joining mama in the kitchen...

*****

Larry: "Good morning mama".

Spinning around with an instant smile on her face...

Mama: "Good morning son. Hungry"? 

Larry: "Yes ma'am".

Mama: "Oki. It will be ready soon".  

Larry smiles and nods then walks over to the cupboard to retrieve a glass because orange juice is calling his name. He then sits down at the table and sips on it as he thinks about last night...

Mama: "Waking up to see you here is a pleasant surprise, but I can tell something is wrong. What is it son"?

*brief pause*

Larry: "Laurent hurt my heart mama. I just had to get away". 

Of course she thinks this is merely a brotherly squabble so she replies as such... 

Mama: "Well I'm sure my babies will work it out but you can stay here for a few days to take a break before you talk with him".

Larry: "Oki. Thank you mama". 

Her reply is a soft smile and wink before turning back around to make him a plate of her crepe based breakfast. She places the food in front of him and applies a soft kiss to his forehead before taking off to do some light cleaning...leaving Larry to try and rid himself of the painful image that keeps popping up in his mind. He delights in the delicious spread that was so lovingly prepared for him even though his heart is still breaking by the second...  

~meanwhile~

Laurent is fully dressed and although he really doesn't have much of an appetite he realizes he needs to at least try to eat something. He retrieves a bowl from the cabinet to have a helping of cereal but when he goes to pour it in he stops. His nerves are just too shot to eat so he places the box down then places his elbows on the counter before running his hands through his hair. He decides he will try yet again so he walks over to the couch to make the call. He's shaking so badly he can barely press the buttons but he manages. As can be expected it goes to Larry's voicemail again so that only allows more tears to emerge as he speaks. Realizing that there's a greater likelihood that Larry won't answer his phone anytime soon he starts to think about where Larry could have gone. He thinks of a few possibilities...but it doesn't take long to figure out that he's at mama's house. After all, it's the comfort of home that will soothe Larry's aching heart. Determined to get Larry to talk to him he grabs his keys and quickly leaves to make the drive over...  

*****

It's a beautiful and bright afternoon...just what Larry needs in hopes that it will lighten his mood so he won't spend the entire day sad. Mama is inside prepping for dinner while Larry sits comfortably in the chair and watches the activity on the street. Whether it's children out playing or the neighbors working in their garden Larry just sits back and watches it all. Then he sees a familiar figure coming towards him. Jay...

Jay: "What's up man"?

Larry extends his hand and they greet each other as guys do then Jay takes his seat next to him...

Jay: "I'm surprised to see you over here. Where's Laurent"?

Larry: "He's at home".

Immediately sensing something is going on...

Jay: "Oh. You two have a fight"?

Boy is that an understatement. Of course no one knows about the two of them romantically and they certainly don't know what happened last night so Larry will just give him enough to satisfy the question...

Larry: "Yeah. I just need a break from him".

At that moment Mama walks out to which Jay instantly stands up to greet her...

Jay: *smile* "Hi Mama B".

Mama: *smile* "Hi baby. It's good to see you".

Jay: "You too ma'am".

Mama: "I'm going to the store son. I'll be back soon".

Larry: "Oki mama. Be safe".

With mama on her way to her car Jay takes his place back in the chair and they resume their conversation. Jay asks questions, some about the songs they recorded, and for the most part all Larry can do is respond by either nodding his head or slowly shaking it from side to side. Eventually...

Larry: "You want something to drink"?

Jay: "Sure. I'll take whatever you bring me. Thanks".

Larry solemnly nods then stands up to go inside. Roughly two minutes later a car is pulling up in front of the house...it's Laurent. Jay instantly stands up and since there's a screen door Larry left the main door open giving Jay the opportunity to look inside to see if he's coming back. The coast is clear so he quickly walks down the stairs to meet Laurent. Right away Jay can see his red and slightly puffy eyes so he realizes that this must have been some fight. Nonetheless, he tries to pretend he doesn't notice and greets him as such...   

Jay: "What's up Laurent"? 

Sadly replying... 

Laurent: "Hey Jay. I'm just here to see Larry. What are you doing here"? 

Jay: "I was in the neighborhood when I saw Larry on the porch so I came over to talk. You guys have fun in...." 

Jay's words are cut off when he notices Laurent's eyes shift in the direction of the house. Jay turns to look and there's Larry with a glass in his hands in slight shock. Jay then steps to the side to watch Larry and Laurent connect eyes. Laurent's hands are shoved in his front pockets and he's slightly hunched over...his eyes coated in sadness and desperation as if he wants to just leap on that porch and wrap Larry up in his arms. Although a distance away Laurent can clearly see Larry's eyes filled with pain so naturally this causes Laurent's eyes to now fill with tears. Larry breaks eye contact and places the drink he prepared for Jay on the table then quickly turns to go inside. With a shaky and pain-filled voice Laurent calls out, "Larry please"! But, it's too late. The screen door slams shut causing Laurent to jump slightly... 

Jay: "It's alright man. I'll go inside and ask him if he wants to talk, ok"?

Still looking in Larry's direction even though he's now out of sight Laurent whispers in despair as tears rolled down his cheeks, "oki".   

Jay jogs up the stairs and walks into the house. Larry is sitting on the couch...elbows on his thighs and his face dropped in his hands... 

Jay: "Larry"? 

Larry: "I'm not ready to talk to him Jay. Please ask him to leave". 

*pause* 

Jay: "Alright man. I got you".

Jay watches Larry softly nod his head then he turns around to go and deliver the message. Laurent is a complete mess... 

Jay: "I'm sorry man but he's not ready to talk to you and he wants you to leave".

Laurent just drops his head in even more despair to which Jay replies by putting his hand on his shoulder... 

Jay: "It will be ok Laurent. You're brothers and you'll get through this. You always do".

With his head still down Laurent sniffs and nods...

Jay: "I'll see you later". 

Still unable to speak Laurent simply nods again then turns to go to his car. Once inside he pauses for a moment before taking his arms and slamming them against the steering wheel in frustration then allowing more emotions to spill out. After a while he realizes that as much as he needs Larry right now he also knows Larry well enough to know that when he's ready to talk he will. So as painful as it is and as tough as it is Laurent takes in several deep breaths to calm himself then cranks up his car to go home... 

~evening~ 

Since Larry's near run-in with Laurent he's been in an extremely solemn mood. When mama came back he helped her continue prepping for dinner and of course she took notice of his mood as well. They sat across from each other and as she was peeling back the green layer on the stalks of corn she looked at Larry who was snapping the green beans. The look on his face was beyond sadness...it was devastation and she really hated seeing him in this condition. Now that she thinks about it she hasn't seen him smile once. Even as they watched TV, things he would normally laugh it he didn't even give the energy to smile at them. Obviously as a mother this pained her and she certainly didn't like that it's a result of something that happened between the two of them but she remained quiet as she's always made it a point to allow them to work out their own issues. It was still painful to see and she wasn't sure how long she would be able to watch her son in such disarray before she couldn't take it anymore and not offer some motherly advice. After dinner, Larry helped her clean the kitchen then gave her a hug and kiss to her forehead before excusing himself to go to his room. After roughly twenty minutes on his back with his arms resting on the back of his head he hears a knock on the door and replies, "come in mama". After coming in they make eye contact as she walks over and when Larry sees her getting ready to take a seat on the edge of the bed he scoots over to give her more room... 

Mama: "You know son, since you and your brother have been grown I've tried not to step in and solve the problems you two have but as your mama, seeing you so sad is really hard...and knowing Laurent is sad is hard too. I don't know what happened but I do know the strength of your relationship. The moment you two came into this world together you've had such a bond between you that's been so beautiful. I'll never forget the experience of separating you two for a year. It was like you both were lost. You didn't know what to do with yourselves without each other. I don't think I've ever regretted anything so much in my life...but at the same time it brought you to this point. You two are joined at the hip now just as much as you were then even in your separation. Yes you share the same talent for dance but dancing doesn't last forever. Your connection, your love for each other. Those will last and those are the exact things that will get you through this. So stay here as long as you need to but never forget that, oki"?   

There's a brief pause as Larry looks into her eyes. He then softly responds... 

Larry: "Yes ma'am".

Mama: "Oki. Goodnight son. I love you".

Larry: "I love you too mama".

Mama smiles sweetly then got up to leave the room...softly closing the door behind her and leaving Larry to her words. He smiles slightly because it's just like mama to offer such comforting words...but would her words be so comforting if she really knew the reason behind their separation? That's enough to have Larry question this relationship. He even started to think that maybe seeing Laurent with Ashley was a sign that they shouldn't be doing this...but all it takes is his remembrance of Hawaii. Larry can't recall a time where he felt happier. Being safe and secure in Laurent's arms at night...hearing the love Laurent has for him through his words, the delicate touch of his hand, the sweet taste of his kisses and of course the way Laurent made love to him. Then there was the cliff dive and what it signified...but all that does is add to the confusion and anguish he felt seeing them together. Why would Laurent suggest they go through that just to end up with Ashley? And what was she even doing there to begin with? It's these questions that cause him realize that maybe he should talk to Laurent...but he's still hurt so he isn't sure when. Now even more confused he just turns on his side and shut his eyes to go to sleep...

~three days later~

Although Laurent could have called Larry every hour on the hour he had to do the heartbreaking thing of easing up on the phone calls because Larry just wasn't ready to talk to him...but of course he's missed him terribly so these past three days have been very difficult to say the least. He hasn't been eating much and the video footage from Fiji has been a constant. He's also slept in Larry's shirts and if he wasn't sleeping in them he's gone to bed clutching one of them against his chest. Now it's the afternoon and Laurent is stretched out on the couch. He hasn't had any energy to do anything so he just watches TV. Actually, it's more like the TV is watching him because he can't get his love off his mind. He eventually drifts off to sleep but now his eyes are fluttering open at the sound of someone coming through the door. When he gains full focus he notices it's Larry so he instantly sits up, grabs the remote to turn the TV off and gazes lovingly at him. Naturally the first thing he wants to do is run to him and hold him but he holds back. Instead, he softly and sweetly says to him, "hi bebe. Thank you for coming home. I missed you". Larry says nothing...he just stares at him to which Laurent stares back. A few moments of silence ensues before Larry slowly walks over and sits beside him. Laurent's chest heaves slightly as he stares at the floor a nervous wreck...but that quickly stops when he stands up then gets down on his knees in front of Larry to take Larry's hands in his then look into his eyes to speak to him...tears already streaming down his face... 

Laurent: "Larry, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for any of this". *pause* "There's no more Ashley bebe. You are all I want, you're all I need and I'll do anything to get you back".  

Larry looks down at Laurent while listening to his pleas...unable to speak just yet...

Laurent: "Bebe please say something. Or you can yell, kick me, punch or slap me. Whatever you need to do but please bebe, say something".  

Larry is still unable to say anything so Laurent releases Larry's hands then lays his head on his lap and continues to cry. Although still very hurt, what's taking place in this moment pulls at Larry's heart strings so he takes his hand and gently places it on Laurent's head...softly playing with his fro. Then in a soft voice he says, "explain Laurent". Laurent sniffs and lifts his head, takes Larry's hands back in his then proceeds...  

Laurent: *sigh* "Bebe, I just thought it would be best to tell her in person. I didn't feel right doing something like that over the phone. I have her meet me at La Perle and it was just so hard. I knew I was going to hurt her feelings so I thought that if I had a few drinks I would relax but I drink more than I planned so she had to bring me home. I came in the kitchen to get some Aspirin and water then I asked her if she wanted something and...it all just happened so fast. That's when you came in and...." *pause* "I'm so sorry bebe. I don't want her. I only want you. Please forgive me Larry".

Tears are streaming down Laurent's face at a relentless speed and now Larry is silently crying. Laurent takes notice then brings Larry's hands to his mouth to kiss the back of them all while crying and pleading through those kisses... 

Laurent: "I'm so sorry my love. I know your tears right now are because of what I did". *pause* "I fucked up. I fucked up so bad. I didn't mean to break your heart bebe and I will make it up to you. I'll do whatever. You just tell me what I have to do and I'll do it. I love you so much bebe, please". 

Larry feels himself giving in...that is until the image of him and Ashley pops up in his mind so he slowly stands up and walks away. Laurent quickly goes after him, softly spins him around then pleads, "bebe please. Let me fix this". Two more tears fall from Larry's eyes as he responds, "why should I believe you Laurent? Why should I trust you"? Laurent delicately takes Larry's face in his hands then uses his thumbs to wipe his tears away before responding...

Laurent: "Because I never lied to you before bebe". *pause* "Please just let me fix this".

Larry looks at the desperation in Laurent's eyes and the part of him that loves him deeply causes him to oblige Laurent's request... 

Larry: "Oki", he whispers.  

Laurent looks at the ceiling and blows out a huge sigh of relief then looks back at Larry as he asks...

Laurent: "Can I make love to you bebe"?  

Larry: "No Laurent. You have to work for my trust again".

Laurent: "Just tell me what I have to do".   

Larry: "I think we should sleep in us rooms. No sleeping together for a while, no sex for a while. I have to know that you mean everything you said because I don't want to feel this heart break again. If I do we will only be brothers. Not lovers or living together". *pause* "Seeing that hurt me so bad so if you're really serious this is what needs to happen".  

Laurent: "I'll do it bebe. I'll get your trust back".

Larry nods through more tears and Laurent wastes no time wrapping his arms around him to hug him. Although hesitant at first Larry slowly brings his arms up and wraps them around Laurent causing Laurent to hold on even tighter...       

----------------------- 

A/N: Well, this chapter certainly had me in my feelings. I even got a little teary eyed. What about all of you? A little tearage? I know, 'tearage' isn't a word but it works. I will try to have the next update posted as quickly as possible. Love you guys. :)