AUTHOR'S POV          

Laurent wakes up the next morning feeling a weight on his chest. He looks down at Larry whose arm is wrapped tightly around his torso and is sleeping like a baby. Laurent is skeptical about removing Larry's arm to get out of bed because of his behavior the previous night. Larry has never behaved so oddly before and Laurent isn't sure why now...but as his twin he won't rest until he finds out. His mind drifts to their fitting room moment and Laurent still can't believe that he completely threw caution to the wind and decided that would be the place for their lovemaking and although he enjoyed it he's now wondering if it has anything to do with Larry's behavior now. Perhaps there was something about that particular session that struck something within him to display that type of reaction. He silently exhales then looks at the clock and notices it's 8 am. He can also hear Larry's tummy growling so he attempts to slide from under him to order breakfast...but the moment Larry feels him move the grip on his torso becomes tighter so Laurent has no choice but to stay still. Once he's sure Larry is sound asleep again he uses his thumb and index finger to lift his arm up to slowly slide away. Thankfully Larry stays asleep while Laurent goes into the bathroom to freshen up. Once inside he turns the faucet on and merely gazes into the mirror for he's really concerned. He knows that once Larry is awake they will have to talk about what happened...he just isn't sure how he's supposed to bring it up. Larry has already given the impression that he's in a vulnerable state and Laurent is terrified that his inquiries might make it worse or hurt him somehow. He just shakes his head then washes his face followed by brushing his teeth. When he's done he slowly opens the door and to his relief Larry is still peacefully asleep so he walks out of the room, softly shuts the door then decides to order breakfast and watch some TV until it arrives. Just as he's comfortable on the couch he feels Larry behind him so he turns around. They connect eyes in silence before Larry speaks...

Larry: "Good morning".

Larry: "Good morning. Breakfast will be here soon".

Larry: "Oki".

Larry's voice is really solemn...almost as if something is on his mind. Of course there's something on Laurent's mind as well so he sees this as the perfect opportunity to talk to him... 

Laurent: "Larry, let's talk. Will you come sit next to me"?

Larry: "Yeah".

Laurent watches him as his walk matches that of his voice...solemn. Larry takes his place next to him and waits for Laurent to speak...

Laurent: "Yesterday you were so clingy and you didn't speak for a long time. You've never acted like that".

With a voice barely above a whisper...  

Larry: "Oh". *pause* "I'm sorry".

Laurent: "Don't apologize Larry. I just want to know what's wrong".

Larry: "Nothing is wrong". 

Laurent: "Come on Larry. This is me. What is it"? 

Larry's eyes immediately become glossy so Laurent reaches over to lightly touch Larry's hand...

Laurent: "Hey, it's ok. Just talk to me".

Not knowing what to say Larry simply drops his head. Laurent suddenly has an idea of what the issue is... 

Laurent: *sigh* "I know". *pause* "This is too much for you, right"?

Larry: "What"?

Laurent: "What we agreed to do while we're here". 

Larry's head pops up and he looks at him...

Larry: "No it's not too much. You say it will make us closer as brothers so I...I just want to be close to you". *pause* "That's all".

Of course Laurent hears Larry stuttering and he never does so that only peaks his interest...   

Laurent: "Are you sure that's it"?

Larry paused briefly then drops his head again as he replies...  

Larry: "Yeah...yeah that's it".

Laurent has a sneaking suspicion that isn't the true reason but he doesn't want to press it any longer. There's a knock at the door so he got up to get the food and so they can have breakfast. It will turn out to be extremely awkward because Larry's head will stay down the entire time and he's barely eating. That did it for Laurent... 

Laurent: "Larry, you love food so something else is on your mind. It's just you and me. Please tell me what it is".

Larry: "Laurent, I already told you. Why don't you believe me"?

Laurent: "I'm sorry Larry but I know that's not everything. You think...."

Larry slams his fist on the table and Laurent instantly jumps as his eyes widen in surprise...

Larry: "Damn Laurent! I said that's it! You don't know when to shut up! Will you just leave it alone already"?! 

Their eyes connect briefly before Laurent drops his head and softly replies to him...

Laurent: "Oki. I'm sorry". *pause* "I um, I'm not hungry anymore so I think I'll just go to my room". *pause* "I'm really sorry Larry".

Laurent quickly stands up and leaves the table before Larry can see his tears. Larry exhales in regret then calls out to him...

Larry: "Laurent, please. I didn't mean...."

Before he can say anything else Laurent's door is softly closing. Larry feels horrible. He places his elbows on the table and drops his face in his hands before running them through his hair. Now his appetite is gone because he hurt Laurent's feelings. He has to make it up to him so not only does he decide that this is the perfect time to give him the beaded bracelet he bought for him he also decides to get on the phone and plan a day of fun on the island for them...    

~one hour later~

Larry is successful for what he set out to do but instead of going to Laurent's room right away he gave him some more time to himself...although with each passing minute it's getting harder for Larry to not talk to him. Laurent has been on his bed just staring at the ceiling. He's definitely hurt and it isn't just because Larry yelled at him but he's sure Larry is keeping something from him and for the first time in all their lives Larry won't confide in him which only makes him wonder what's happening to the trust between them. He's disturbed from his thoughts by a soft knock at the door...but he won't answer it. He merely rolls over on his side. He figures Larry will let himself in...and Larry does just that. Larry slowly opens the door and stands for a moment to observe his brother. Seeing him with his back turned to him makes his heart sink. He softly calls out to him...  

Larry: "Laurent"?

Laurent: "You here to yell at me some more"?

Larry blows out a soft, desperate sigh then replies... 

Larry: "I'm not here to do that". *pause* "I'm sorry Laurent. I know I hurt your feelings and...I didn't mean it".

*silence*

Larry slowly walks over to the bed and laid next to him...spooning him. He places a soft kiss to the back of his neck before whispering...

Larry: "I didn't mean it Laurent. Please forgive me".

*brief pause*

Laurent: "I always forgive you Larry. I'm sorry for being so pushy".

Larry: "I know it's because you care so you don't have to apologize...but thank you".

Laurent: "Welcome", he whispers. 

Larry: "I made plans for us today".

Laurent: "Oh yeah? What"?

Larry: "Well, I think we should go back to jet ski since the first time was...you know. Then we have a class where we learn how to paint". *pause* "Tonight we're taking a boat around the island because it's so beautiful at night. The boat will also take us to dinner".

Laurent: "All of it sounds amazing".

Larry: "Yeah. It will be fun too".

Laurent: "So when do we get the fun started"?

Larry: "As soon as we ready. After the class we come back and rest until it's time for the boat". 

Laurent: *smile* "Oki".

Larry: *smile* "Perfect". *pause* "But for now you have a gift to open".

Laurent quickly turns his head to look back at Larry who's smiling beautifully. Laurent smiles back then sits up in bed and waits for the gift. The small gift bag is handed over to him and Larry watches with the same sweet smile on his face as Laurent's eyes widen in excitement. It's very reminiscent of Christmas morning...excited to see that what was asked for is actually given only this is a complete surprise and when Laurent pulls that beaded bracelet out of the bag his eyes light up more as he belts out a beautiful gasp...  

Laurent: "Oh Larry".

Larry: *smile* "I guess that means you like it"?

Laurent: "I...I love it".

Larry: "Well that makes me happy".

Laurent looks up momentarily to ask...

Laurent: *smile* "So this is why you told me to go to the store yesterday"?

Larry: *smile* "Yeah", he whispers.

Laurent eyes are glossy yet beautiful. He leans forward to wrap Larry up in his arms. Larry closes his eyes as he smells the sweet scent radiating off of him. He delights in it until he hears light sniffs coming from Laurent...

Larry: "Why you cry", he asks softly. 

Laurent: "I'm just so touched. This one is more beautiful and more special than any of the bracelets I've ever had because it came from you". *pause* "Thank you".

Larry: "Welcome", he whispers again. 

Larry releases him so they can look at each other eye to eye. There are no words exchanged...no noise...just the thumping of Laurent's heart as he gazes at Larry with Larry's gaze traveling all over...from Laurent's eyes to the top of his head all the way down to his chin...the final look is into his eyes once more. The harder the gaze the harder Laurent's tears fall so Larry takes his thumbs and gently wipes them away. Laurent can't hold back any longer. With his eyes still connected to Larry's he leans forward to give him a light peck on the lips then slowly releases. Larry gulps because he can barely take the intensity of it. Laurent then takes Larry's chin between his thumb and index finger before moving in for another kiss only this time their tongues collide. Laurent moves from Larry's lips to his neck giving Larry the opportunity to remind him of the things they have planned. In a delicate whisper... 

Larry: "Laurent, we have to get ready".

Laurent: "Shh. We don't have to stop bebe. The jet ski isn't go anywhere".

Larry can feel Laurent's lips brushing across his neck before going back in with more smooth kisses. It's literally sending chills down his spine...but they have to stop... 

Larry: "We have to get ready and leave". *pause* "Please"?

Laurent releases his lips and softly exhales which Larry can tell is out of slight frustration...

Larry: "I...I'm sorry. I just...."

Laurent: "It's oki. I'm the one that's sorry". *pause* "I'll be ready soon".

Larry: "Thank you".

Before Laurent can say "welcome", Larry is standing up and quickly making his way to the door. Once he shut it he rested his head against it as his heart flutters. It takes him a minute to get himself together to go and get ready but he does...thankful that they're going to partake in these activities for he needs time to process what he's feeling... 

*****

Larry is the first one dressed and ready to go. Now he's sitting on the couch waiting for Laurent to come out and when he finally emerges Larry has to find the strength from somewhere to not get caught up in how good he looks. He's clad in a black T-shirt with the sleeves cut off, a black boy place necklace dangling from his neck and a pair of shorts. Larry bites his lip at the sight and he's so engrossed that he doesn't even realize Laurent is calling him...

Laurent: "Larry"?

Larry: "Huh? What"? 

Laurent: *laugh* "Where were you just now"?

Larry: "Oh. I'm sorry".

Laurent: *smile* "Don't be sorry". *pause* "I'm ready now".

Larry: "Oki. Let's go".   

On such a beautiful day they decide to walk to their destination instead of waiting for a boat to take them. The walk is quiet for the most part but it's for different reasons. Laurent is people watching and it brings a smile to his face to see so many people having such a great time while Larry is quiet because he's feeling a plethora of emotions and they're getting to him so much that he's completely flustered by them. Like Laurent his mind goes back to their fitting room rendezvous and how he still can't believe how incredible it felt. He's also reminded of the way Laurent looked up lustfully at him as he stroked himself before taking his hands and guiding him down his long, thick shaft and how he was hitting his spot so brilliantly. It sent him to a place past ecstasy. It was such a place so far that a word hasn't even been invented yet to describe it. He was simply amazed. The last thing he thought about before reaching their destination is their conversation from earlier. Larry was so taken by the whole ordeal and in such a state of climactic shock that he didn't realize he was being the clingy person that Laurent described him to be. Now that it's been brought to his attention he can't help but think about it...and the possible reason why. He's suddenly jolted out of his thoughts by Laurent's voice that appeared to have some excitement to it. He exclaims, "Larry, look"! Larry looked in the direction Laurent is pointing and notices an elderly woman sitting at a table. She looks like a psychic and as he looked on it's clear that she's a tarot card, palm reading psychic clad in typical clothing that matches that of a psychic. The table is even complete with a crystal ball. Of all the times they've passed this particular part of the island they never noticed her. Why now? 

*smile* "Ahh. Come on over babies".

She has a thick accent and there's a look in her eyes that Larry can't quite read. Almost caught up in it he quickly replies... 

Larry: "No thanks".

Laurent: "Come on Larry".

Larry: "You can't be serious".

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah. Just for fun. Please"?

Seeing the excited look in his eyes Larry relents and they walk over... 

"I am Madame Chachka".

"Hi. I'm Laurent and this is my brother Larry".

Chachka: "Ah yes. Pleasure to meet you babies". *pause* "I called you over because the spirits have a message for you both".

Being completely sarcastic... 

Larry: "Oh really? And what message is that"?

Laurent: "Larry, don't be so rude".

Larry: *rolls eyes* "Fine".

Laurent: "I'm sorry Madame Chachka. What's the message"?

Chachka: "You two are eternal soulmates destined to be with each other".

Larry: *scoffs* "Well in case you don't realize it we're twins which means we're brothers".

Laurent cuts his eye over to him because although that statement is very true Larry is clearly forgetting that they've been "brothers with benefits" for the past few days...  

Chachka: "Yes baby, I can see that you're twins but the spirits tell me that already you two went to a place that is far beyond what you imagined so you are more than that". *pause* "Your energies are intertwined like the sun and the moon...the sky and the sea".

The looks on their faces are completely different. Laurent's eyes are wide in surprise and his mouth is slightly parted. Larry's look is that of annoyance...although her statement of the two of them going to a place they never envisioned couldn't have been more spot on. Still, they never believed in psychics before so why start now? At best, it's simply a lucky guess. With a voice dripping in disdain and sarcasm...  

Larry: "Well thank you madame Chachka but you don't know us so we're leaving now. Come on Laurent".

Laurent: "Thank you Madame...."

Before he can say anything else Larry is pulling his arm to take him away from the psycho woman only to be distracted by her once more... 

Chachka: "One more thing babies".

Laurent spins around in anticipation but Larry's turn around is hesitant and that of someone who's angry and slowly losing his patience. That will be short-lived because she will look into Larry's eyes the entire time...

Chachka: "Love is love. Do not fight...what you cannot help".

She and Larry's eyes stay connected and the anger that Larry feels quickly subsides. It's almost as if her eyes are piercing directly into him and reading his soul. He feels his chest starting to heave as he stays connected with her. The next second he gulps then drops his head before slowly turning back around with Laurent joining him...   

Laurent: "Woah. That was something right"?

Larry: "What you mean"?

Laurent: "I mean, how did she know that we...."

Larry: "Laurent she didn't know anything, oki? That was just...a really good guess. And I can't even say that because she didn't say what or how...." *pause* "Look just forget her. Psychics are not real Laurent. We've never believed in that stuff".

Laurent: "I know Larry but come on. Even you have to...."

Larry: "I said forget it Laurent. Let's just enjoy us day oki"?

Laurent: "Oki", he replies softly.

They finally reach the jet ski station and as they're putting on their life vests Laurent notices Larry looking quite angry. The way he's snapping his vest together and the look in his eyes. He imagines that it has something to do with what just happened but if psychics aren't real, why is he getting so upset about it? 

Laurent: "You alright"?

Larry: "I'm fine. Let's just have fun".  

Laurent agrees but the look on Larry's face is reading any and everything but someone who's ready to have fun. Something is bothering him but all Laurent can do is toss it aside for now, mount his jet ski and take off to which Larry is already off and going at an angry speed. It's like he forgot that Laurent is with him that quickly. Laurent eventually catches up to him and they spent the next several minutes circling around each other...the angry look still plastered on Larry's face. This isn't how Laurent envisioned this part of their day especially considering that the first time they came to this place together Larry was upset then and although the reason was different he doesn't like it now just like he didn't like it then because he never wants to see Larry upset. They continue to ride the ocean and now Laurent is seeing Larry at a complete stop and his head was down so he makes his way over to him as he's deeply concerned... 

Laurent: "You oki"?

Larry: "Yeah I'm just taking a break. I'll go again soon".

Laurent: *sigh* "I don't like to see you so upset bebe. I know this is not the place to talk but we can if you need to. I just want to see you smile and if that won't happen until you talk for what's wrong then we'll talk for that right here in the middle of the ocean".

Larry lifts his head up to look at Laurent. Boy was that a mistake. The sun is beaming right down on Laurent's face and Larry is mesmerized. The sun is also giving Laurent's hair somewhat of a golden hue. It's simply beautiful. He then sees a small smile spread across Laurent's lips when he notices Larry looking at him causing Larry's heart to drop. He tilts his head slightly as his face morphs into a softness from the look before him...but he quickly shakes himself out of it... 

Larry: "I'm ready now".

Laurent nods...but when Larry tries to turn his ski back on...   

Larry: "It's not turning on".

Laurent: "That's not good".

Larry tried a few more times but to no avail so Laurent brings his ski next to Larry's... 

Laurent: "Get on mine. We'll go back and let them know then go to the class".

Laurent extends his hand to help Larry off of his jet and onto his. Larry takes his place behind him and is instructed to hold on. Although hesitant he knows he has to. Goofy Laurent comes out when he exclaims, "and we're off"! Larry chuckles at his silliness as Laurent takes off. The station is a good distance away from where they are so Larry relaxes for the moment. He softly places his right cheek against Laurent's back then moments later he turns his head, presses his nose against his back and softly inhales. The smell is a mixture of Laurent's sweet scent and the misty ocean water. It's heavenly. As they careen across the crystal blue water Larry finds himself getting completely lost in Laurent. He goes from inhaling his scent to brushing his lips across his back and when he finally realizes it he snaps himself out of it. Eventually they reach the ski station and with Larry being in his own world Laurent has to explain what happened. Now they're on their way to the painting class and Larry is elated because this is yet another way to think and try to process the many thoughts running through his mind...  

*****

Patiently waiting in front of their easels the instructor walks out to welcome everyone. He then places what they will be painting in view. It's a bowl of fruit that consists of a banana, grapes and apples. With looks of intense concentration everyone in the class stroke their easels with their brushes and after awhile Larry is eager to see how well Laurent is progressing... 

Larry: "How you doing"?

Laurent playfully adjusts his easel so Larry can't see... 

Laurent: *smile* "You can't see yet".

Larry's reply is a soft smile and a gentle head shake before going back to his work. After he finishes he steps back to observe his work. He thinks that it's just ok and just as he's about to ask Laurent to take a look Laurent speaks...

Laurent: "There. I'm finally done".

Laurent turns the finished product toward Larry so he can see and Larry's eyes widen in surprise. For Laurent to have never done this before the painting is excellent. All Larry can think to himself is, "Why does he have for be so perfect"?

Laurent: *smile* "Let me see yours".

Larry turns his work towards him and nervously bites his lip as Laurent observes...

Laurent: "This is good Larry".

Larry: "You don't have to lie".

Laurent: "Larry I'm not lying. This is really good".

Larry: "It's not better than yours".

Larry put his focus back on the easel and now he feels Laurent looking at him. That's when he hears one of the sweetest things that has ever come out of Laurent's mouth...   

Laurent: "Larry, there is nothing in the world better than you or anything you do".

Larry's heart flutters at those words. He gulps then slowly turns his head to connect eyes with him while also noticing a soft smile... 

Larry: "Thank you Laurent".

Laurent: *still smiling* "Welcome".

Larry nervously chews on his bottom lip as he continues to gaze at the sight before him until... 

Laurent: "I'm going to try and get all this paint off my hands".

Larry can't say anything. He just nods then watches Laurent walk off with that mesmerizing walk of his. When Laurent is out of his view Larry silently inhales and exhales then clears his throat while fighting back tears... 

~evening~

After a fun filled yet difficult afternoon, at least for Larry, they're finishing the day with the chartered boat and dinner that Larry arranged. Larry reflects on the moment Laurent emerged from his room. Clad in a pair of black pants, black t-shirt, and a blue blazer with somewhat shiny blue sleeves complete with his gold necklace and a backwards hat  once again Larry's stomach dropped. It took every ounce of power within him to restrain himself from taking Laurent right then...but he managed. Shaking his head to rid himself of the reminder he puts his focus back on the boat ride which is turning out to be magical. The sky is filled with stars...the breeze is cool and relaxing. Although sitting next to Laurent is making him a little antsy. So many thoughts have been going through his mind and sitting next to him who's already looking good but whose scent is even more intoxicating is beginning to be too much for him. After the boat docked they walk to the area set up for their dinner and it's just as beautiful although Laurent clearly notices something is wrong with Larry... 

Laurent: "You're quiet again".

Larry: "I'm sorry. I guess I'm still tired from everything we did".

Laurent: "Don't be sorry bebe. I understand".

Larry gives him a small smile before dropping his head... 

Laurent: "You know, I don't think I thanked you for today".

Larry: "Welcome", he replies sweetly.  

Larry didn't even look up when he said that...he couldn't. Dinner eventually arrived and Laurent tried to have conversation with Larry in between...but all Larry did is either nod or shake his head in response... 

Laurent: "Larry I know you said you're tired, but you look sad and you're not eating again".   

Larry still won't look up even as he replies...

Larry: "I'm really fine Laurent".

Not wanting to press the issue further... 

Laurent: *sigh* "Oki". *pause* "But you know you can talk to me".

Larry simply nods yet again as they continue to eat their dinner in silence... 

*****

Finally done with the days events they retreat to their rooms to get some sleep...but Larry is restless. He's been tossing and turning until finally settling on his side and looking out the window. For the first time since they've been on the island it's raining and it isn't a light rain. It's heavy...pretty much the same feeling in Larry's heart. There's also some rumbling of thunder and just as Larry is finding himself relaxed enough to fall asleep there's a knock on his door causing him to turn his head toward it. Laurent is standing there who smiles as he tells him, "I just wanted to come and be with you". Larry watches him walk over and he really wants to protest...but looking at the angelic entity before him he simply doesn't have the strength to. Laurent is now in the bed...spooning and softly kissing the back of his neck. Then Laurent hears... 

Larry: "Laurent, you're not tired"?  

Laurent: *kiss* "I am bebe but the sound of the rain...the thunder? How can I not make love to you", he whispers. 

Larry: "Oki", he whispers back.    

Within seconds he's pulling Larry's bottoms down and gently rubbing his hand up and down his leg. He also rubbed his hand up and down Larry's arm all while kissing the back of his neck and shoulder. Laurent grabs himself and slowly enters Larry causing a resounding gasp to echo from him. Taking Larry in this spooning position feels breathtakingly amazing as evident by the light panting Larry hears in his ear. With eyes closed and mouth open, Larry reaches his hand back and gently grabs a handful of Laurent's hair to which Laurent responds by reaching his hand up to grab it then slowly bringing it down to softly kiss the palm of it as he continues his mission whispering, "bebe" on occasion. The more intense his strokes, it seems the harder the rain is falling and the feeling of it causes Larry to cry out loudly and release himself on the sheet underneath them...Laurent shortly follows. He releases powerfully while whispering Larry's name in his ear. He places light kisses to Larry's cheek and neck as they come down from their highs...

After resting their tired yet satisfied bodies the soaked sheet is removed and after they freshen up they get back in bed and go into the same spooning position. Laurent has his arm draped around Larry's torso...his face nestled comfortably in the back of his neck and is sound asleep...but Larry can't sleep. It's still raining so he's looking out into it while also listening to it tap loudly against the window. That's when he feels tears prick his eyes but before he allows them to spill out he lightly grabs Laurent's arm and slowly moves it so he won't wake him. He softly climbs out of bed then tip toes out of the room and gently closes the door behind him. He walks as far away as he can and finds comfort on a wall. No sooner than he places his forehead against it the tears are streaming. He then turns around, presses his back against the wall and slowly slides down. The moment his bottom hit the floor he cries harder...   

---------------------------- 

A/N: Why did I cry writing the last part of this chapter? So what do you think? What's up with Larry? Please comment! Love you guys :)