AUTHOR'S POV     

When Larry opens his eyes it takes him a minute to realize that they're back in Paris...in their apartment and no longer in paradise. Well, at least in "physical" paradise because when he turns his head to see Laurent next to him with the sunlight shining down on his face, he is, in every aspect of the word, in true paradise. He softly turns his body so he can look directly at him. The beam from the sunlight on him only reminds Larry of how beautiful he looked on the island in that same element, especially when they went jet skiing the second time and Larry caught sight of the way the sun was glowing down on him then. "How can one person be so beautiful", he questions himself internally. Larry has yet to see another person who is as splendid as Laurent...who's as sweet and as charming as Laurent...who's as loving, charismatic and carefree as Laurent...and the fact that he's insanely talented doesn't hurt either. Speaking of talent, they only have one more week on vacation before it's back to their crazy schedules and that's when it really hits him. He has to start the painful task of leaving their utter bliss behind them and return to a level of normalcy. That's what his mind tells him...but how is his heart supposed to get the same message? With one more look at Laurent he quietly climbs out of bed then goes to his room to get showered and dressed because there's something he needs to do... 

Larry turns on the shower faucet and while he waits for the water to get hot he gazes at himself in the mirror. Although a different bathroom, his mind still goes back to the time he walked in Laurent's bathroom in Fiji and seeing the motion of him pleasuring himself and the seductive way Laurent said, "Come and join me Larry". He can feel chills running up his spine even in the midst of the steam surrounding him. Stepping into the shower and seeing Laurent's hard body dripping in water, then the way he took his strong, large hand and grabbed a hold of his manhood and stroked him. "Stop it Larry! Just stop"! he demands to himself in a harsh whisper. Not realizing his focus is no longer on himself in the mirror he also doesn't notice that it's now covered in steam. He takes his right hand to wipe away the steam in a large circular motion and when he's able to see his reflection again he just stares at it. Then he feels something in his lower region and when he looks down he sees his powerful erection that's practically straining against his pants. He just closes his eyes and exhales deeply before disrobing completely then turning to step into the hot stream. He allows the water to saturate his body before taking the fruit scented body wash to scrub his body down...but each rub against his skin only reminds him of subsequent shower moments with Laurent and when he notices the amount of lather that's worked up he's also reminded of the way Laurent's hand felt as he washed his hair using only one hand...that hand being the touch of magic as it massaged his scalp. That only leads the way to thoughts of how their touch upon each other alone made them come and in sync on top of that. Completely overwhelmed by the memories Larry doesn't realize that he dropped his loofah...but it doesn't matter because with now free hands he grabs a hold of himself and begins stroking as if his life depend on it. Seconds later he feels his body shaking uncontrollably as he shrieks then echoes Laurent's name while releasing himself...his heavy breathing competing against the power of the full stream of water. He licks his lips at the intense pleasure then rinses the remaining suds from his body before stepping out and drying himself off... 

The intensity of his orgasm was so powerful that he had to muster the strength to get dressed but he managed. He grabs his keys and leaves his room but knowing Laurent is still asleep he simply wants to look at him so he's light in his steps as he walks over to Laurent's bedroom. Still in the same position, Larry can feel his heart fluttering as he watches his chest rise and fall and as he watches him slowly move his head to the side. It takes his heart practically beating out of his chest before he realizes that he's going to be late for what he needs to do. With one more soft look and gentle sigh he turns around and quietly leaves their home... 

*****

Laurent is sleeping peacefully when he suddenly feels as though he's alone so he slowly opens his eyes in an attempt to delay seeing what he already knows. Larry is no longer beside him. He wanted nothing more than to see that face next to his but he finds comfort in the fact that he can't be too far away. More than likely he's merely eating breakfast so Laurent takes his time freshening up before going to the kitchen. His senses don't pick up the aroma of anything being cooked but perhaps he's just having a bowl of cereal. Imagine his surprise when he doesn't see the sight of a usual shirtless Larry sitting at their breakfast table. He just sighs and goes to the fridge to pour himself a glass of orange juice. After a few sips he decides to go to Larry's room to see if he's there and maybe getting dressed for the day...

Now standing at Larry's bedroom door he knocks then calls out, "Larry? You in here"? He pushes the door open and is instantly disappointed when he notices Larry isn't in there. With the glass of orange juice in his hand he's completely perplexed about where he is. He then decides he will call him to ask but most of all, make sure he's alright so he walks back to his room for his phone...

                                    "Hey it's Larry. Leave a message and I'll call you back".

"Larry, I don't know where you are but it's not like you to leave and not say anything. Please call me back. I'm really worried". 

He releases the call and exhales. Being that he doesn't have much of an appetite, at least until he hears from Larry, he decides to do some light cleaning and laundry while hoping he will hear from him soon... 

*****

Having dusted, vacuumed, then washed and dried a few loads of laundry Laurent is now putting his last load of clothes in the dryer when he hears keys jingling at the front door. He quickly turns the dryer on and goes to the living room to greet Larry as he walks in... 

Laurent: "Hey".

Larry: "Oh. Hey".

Larry's voice is completely cold but at that point it doesn't matter. Laurent is just glad he's ok...

Laurent: "You get my message"?

Larry: "No. I didn't check my messages".

Laurent: "Well I was worried. Where did you go"?

Larry: "I went to meet with Eleni to talk for us schedules and get stuff booked".

Laurent gives him a look of surprise yet slight annoyance...

Laurent: "Well why didn't you wait for me before you did that"?

Larry: "I didn't think I needed your permission to work Laurent".

Hearing the sharpness in Larry's voice Laurent quickly realizes that this conversation will escalate before any resolve has any chance of coming to it. They're both upset now but for different reasons. Larry is upset because it seems as though Laurent is questioning his competence and that only further irritates him. Laurent is upset because for the first time ever Larry didn't include him in something they normally do together. After all, they aren't just brothers they're also business partners and Larry is making decisions without him. In addition to Larry completely leaving him out of the loop, he also doesn't know what's made him so irritable all of a sudden...but too upset to even think about it... 

Laurent: "Larry, you know we're supposed to do work stuff together".

Larry: "What difference does it make? It's done now".

Even more disturbed at such a nonchalant response...

Laurent: "Larry, I'm a grown man oki? I don't need you to make decisions for me".

If looks could kill Laurent wouldn't stand a chance because now Larry is livid...  

Larry: "You trying to say I'm not a man"?

Laurent: "I'm not saying that Larry. I just...."

Larry: "What? You think because you fucked me a couple of times I'm not a man"?

Laurent feels as though someone punched him in the stomach and he can literally feel his heart hurting as he gazes at Larry in pure disbelief. He feels a lump forming in his throat and tears stinging his eyes...but he sucks them back...  

Laurent: *clears throat* "Of course not Larry. I would never say that. I would never think that. All I'm saying is...."

Larry: "You begged to fuck ME Laurent. You sat on that couch in Fiji and jacked off to ME not me to you. Remember that".

*silence*

Larry: "Nothing to say now"?

*more silence*

Larry: "I guess that's a no".

Silence doesn't fill the room because Laurent has nothing to say...silence fills the room because for the first time ever in his life...he's completely shut down. He's fighting back tears but he finally musters up the strength to reply... 

Laurent: "I...I just wanted to be a part of it. That's all". *pause* "But I trust that you took care of it". *clears throat* "Excuse me".

Laurent quietly brushes past Larry and as he does Larry slowly closes his eyes and exhales softly because he realizes that once again he's hurt Laurent's feelings just like he did in Fiji when he yelled at him and what makes it worse is that in both instances all Laurent was doing...was telling the truth. The truth about knowing something was wrong with Larry then but Larry being in denial and now Larry seemingly being in a partnership by himself with Laurent completely confused as to why. Realizing how much his words hurt he quickly turns around to go after him...

Larry: "Laurent, wait. Please talk to me".

Laurent says nothing as he walks the short distance to his room. Once inside he closes and locks the door. Larry lifts his fist to knock...but when he hears sniffs he unravels his shaky, balled up fist and softly places his open hand on the door because he knows Laurent is too hurt to talk and just needs to be alone. He makes the solemn walk down the hall to go back to the living room but stops mid-way, presses his back against the wall and crashes the back of his head on it in frustration while whispering "shit" into the atmosphere...ashamed of himself with how he handled that... 

*****

A few hours go by and Laurent remains in his room. On occasion Larry stopped by to press his ear against the door and listen for any sound. He could hear music in the background at a low volume or the sound of the TV...but not one peep out of Laurent. All Larry could do each time was let out a desperate sigh and walk away even though he wanted so badly to knock and beg Laurent to talk to him...but deep down he understood why Laurent is so hurt and has every right to be...

Now he's in the kitchen making some lunch when he finally hears the door to Laurent's room open. His stomach turns in nervousness yet relief because he can finally talk to him. When Laurent comes around the corner and into the kitchen their eyes connect. Larry's eyes are filled with regret and sadness while Laurent's are clearly still filled with hurt. Laurent just drops his head to break the intensity of their staring match and walks over to the fridge to grab a soda. He opens it and takes a sip...his back still turned to Larry so in his softest, sweetest voice...

Larry: "I made a peanut butter sandwich. You want to share it"?

Laurent is taking another swig of his drink upon hearing that question. After swallowing and a brief pause...  

Laurent: "I'm not hungry Larry".

Larry: "Oh". *pause* "Well mama called while you were in your room. She wants us to come over again for dinner tonight".

Laurent: "Yeah oki".

Laurent places his bottled soda on the counter and still unable to look at Larry he walks towards the laundry room. Seconds later he comes back to ask l Larry a question...

Laurent: "Where are my clothes that were in the dryer"?

Larry: "I...I folded them for you. They're in the basket over there". *points*

Laurent looks in the direction Larry is pointing and sure enough there's a basket of his laundered and perfectly folded clothes sitting on the couch...

Laurent: "You didn't have to do that but thank you".

Larry: "Welcome".

The moment Laurent walks over to retrieve the basket he can hear Larry again...

Larry: "Laurent, we really have to talk. I didn't...."

Laurent quickly spins around seemingly angry all over again... 

Laurent: "I don't want to talk right now Larry. I'll just see you later at mama's house, oki"?

Larry can literally feel his heart aching as he stands there and looks at Laurent with desperation in his eyes before replying softly...  

Larry: "Yeah" *pause* "Oki".

Larry realizes the magnitude of Laurent's pain because they always ride together when they go and visit any member of their family. The fact that Laurent said 'see you later' means that he will drive himself. That made Larry's heart ache but he doesn't have a choice but to comply. He watched Laurent pick up the laundry basket and make his way back to his room...jumping as he hears the door to his bedroom slam shut. Once again, all Larry can do is sigh then have a seat at the table to eat his peanut butter sandwich alone...his heart sad and excruciatingly heavy...

(A/N: If you're in your feelings at this point then you're not alone because I am as well).

~hours later~

This has to be the most silence between the two of them in awhile. There has never been a bond like that between Larry and Laurent Bourgeois and there will probably never be another bond like it...which is all the more reason why the distance between them is ten times harder to deal with. They pull up at mama's house one after the other but Larry can clearly see that Laurent is trying his hardest to get inside first to avoid any awkwardness between them... 

Mama: *smile* "Hi son. I'm so happy to see you but where's your brother"?

Laurent: *kiss* "Hi mama. He will be in soon".

Mama: "Oki. Well I cooked a lot so I hope you're hungry".

Laurent is definitely hungry since Larry's words from earlier hurt him so much that he couldn't eat... 

Laurent: "I'm very hungry mama and whatever you're cooking smells really good".

Mama: *smile and wink* "It's almost ready".

At that moment Larry walks in and immediately walks over to greet her... 

Larry: *smile* "I see you have on the jewelry we got for you".

Mama: *smile* "Yes of course".

Laurent stands back and watches the interaction between them before taking his jacket off and getting comfortable on the couch. Larry sits across from him after mama goes to check on dinner. Of course there's silence between them with the occasional look and stare before dropping their heads again. Every time Laurent looks at Larry he can just see the plea in his eyes as if he's saying "please talk to me. I can't take it anymore". Laurent will talk to him but as it stands at this moment he simply can't. Now they see mama walking back over to them so Laurent asks... 

Laurent: "So mama. Us brothers and sisters come too"?

Mama: "Just us for now son but that's good. I haven't seen you two for so long and we need this time together".

Larry: "I agree mama".

Mama: "Well you can go and wash your hands because the food is ready now".

Laurent: "Perfect".

They each stand up to do as she said. Larry watches Laurent and that sultry walk of his, dressed in all black go to one bathroom while he goes to another. Laurent is the last to come out and when he walks to the kitchen he sees Larry making his plate so he grabs one for himself and patiently waits for him to finish. To his surprise when Larry turned around he says in a soft, sweet voice...

Larry: "I made a plate for you Laurent. Here you go".

Larry's hand is underneath the plate and spread wide enough to keep it steady. Laurent sees the sincerity in his eyes and when he attempts to take the plate from underneath him their hands touch as their eyes stayed connected...  

Laurent: "Thank you, Larry".

Larry: "Welcome".

Realizing they're getting caught up in that debilitating stare Laurent awkwardly clears his throat and quickly swipes the plate from Larry's hand then turns to have a seat at the table... 

Laurent: "Wow mama. This looks so good".

Mama: *smile* "Thank you baby".

Laurent: "Welcome".

Larry makes his plate and joins them. They all repeat a silent prayer before enjoying the delicious spread. Several minutes into it...

Mama: "So you two had fun in Fiji which means you get along great, right"?

Laurent: "Uh...."

Larry looks up at Laurent using only his eyes in anticipation of how he's going to respond to that question...

Laurent: "Yes mama. We get along great. We had a good time even though there was a lot of screaming".

He looks at Larry after he said "screaming" then smiles and winks causing Larry to drop his head and "blush" essentially. That's all Larry needs to see because it's the ice breaker needed to get things right again between them. Larry is more than happy to see Laurent's attitude shift as they continue to enjoy dinner. Afterward, they takes their dishes into the kitchen to wash them. Larry cleans a little more but Laurent really needs to talk to him so he leans over and whispers... 

Laurent: "Hey. Meet me in the den when you finish, oki"?

Larry: "Oki. I will".

In high anticipation Larry is like lightning finishing as he's relieved Laurent is finally ready to talk. He dries his hands off and casually walks by mama so she won't be alarmed and think something is wrong. When Larry opens the door to the den his heart stops as he sees Laurent sitting on the edge of the couch and looking up at him with the softest of eyes. Larry gulps before closing the door and slowly walking over to him. Now in front of him he asks, "yes" in which Laurent wastes no time standing up then leaning forward to touch foreheads with him. Larry quickly seizes his opportunity... 

Larry: "I'm so sorry Laurent. I don't know where that anger came from earlier. I guess I'm just a little touchy since we've been home because of what happened in Fiji but I'm not mad at you, I swear".

Laurent: "Thank you for that bebe and I'm sorry too. I was just mad that you left and didn't tell me anything then met with Eleni by yourself when we're supposed to do that together it made me more upset so...."

Larry: "You don't have to explain. I'm sorry and I promise I won't do it again".

Laurent: *smile* "Oki". *pause* "Kiss and makeup"? 

Larry: "Laurent, we're in mama's house and we were supposed to leave all that in Fiji"?

Laurent: "Larry, you know she never comes back here and it's just one kiss. We're not making love".

Larry: "I know but...."

Laurent: "But what? You scared of one kiss"?

Larry nervously chews his bottom lip before replying... 

Larry: "Oki. Just one kiss Laurent. I mean it".

Laurent: *smirk* "Oki".

Laurent slowly leans in and Larry's chest is already heaving. He completely melts when Laurent's soft lips touched his. Their tongues find their way into each other's mouths as they fall deeper into the passionate kiss which is now getting hungrier. Laurent then lifts Larry's shirt up slightly and grabs his waist with his large hands causing Larry's body to shiver from the gentle touch... 

Larry: "Laurent", he whispers. 

Laurent: "Shhh".

The kiss only gets deeper and now Laurent is moaning into it. Now they're jolted out of the heated session by a knock on the door...

Mama: "Larry? Laurent"?

Trying his best to sound as normal as he can...

Laurent: "Yes mama"?

Mama: "Everything oki"?

Laurent: "Everything is fine mama".

Mama: "Oh, well I want you to come and watch a movie with me".

Laurent: "Oki. We'll be right there".

They compose themselves as they look at each other before leaving the room and after some beautiful quality time with mama and watching the movie they decide to go out only they will do their own thing. They say their goodbyes and are relieved to finally be on good terms again then go their separate ways... 

*****

Their destinations are unknown to each other but Larry is in a dancing mood...a club mood so he goes to one of the hottest clubs in Paris. Laurent on the other hand just wants to chill so he goes to hang out at a bar. It isn't crowded but it isn't terribly dead either. He sees a few people he knows and catches up with them but he eventually gets bored and decides to go to an actual club after all since there will be more action. Little does he know, it will be the same club Larry is...

After parking he makes the short walk to the front of the club to wait patiently in line...but of course being one half of the dynamic duo Les Twins he doesn't have to. From where he's standing he can see the club bouncer clad in all black, clipboard in his hand and when they connect eyes he motions his finger at Laurent as if to say, "Come" so he happily steps out of line and makes his way to the front...

Bouncer: *smile* "Laurent, it's good to see you". 

Laurent: *smile* "Good to see you too". 

Bouncer: "You can go on in. Your brother is already inside in VIP".

Laurent: *looks surprised* "Oh". *pause* "Thanks bro". 

Bouncer: *smile* "No problem".

Laurent walks inside and just as he suspects the club is lit...and the fact that Larry is there only peaks his interest. As he walks further he can see the VIP section ahead of him and there's Larry dancing in place as he looks around at everyone having a great time. Laurent smiles slightly to himself and walks over to him...

Laurent: "Hey".

Larry: "Hey. What you doing here"?

Laurent: "Well I went to a bar but it was boring so I came here".

Larry: "Oh. It's a good night to be here". 

Laurent: "Yeah I can see that. You look like you're having a good time".

Larry: "I am". *pause* "So will you dance if they ask"?

Laurent: "Maybe...but you should". *smile* "I see you already are".

Larry: *smile* "Oki".

They continue their stay in VIP and just as Larry figured they would there's a call for them to hit the dance floor...

DJ: "We have the famous dance duo known as Les Twins in the building. Come and hit the dance floor for us fellas".

Laurent: *smile* "He's calling for you bebe".

Larry: *smile* "You will watch me right"?

Laurent: *smile* "Always".

They walk towards the dance floor and while Larry takes his place on it Laurent sits at the bar directly across from it. Within seconds he's watching Larry wow the crowd and since Larry is aware that Laurent's eyes are on him it ignites his dancing even more causing everyone watching to become completely floored. Minutes later Laurent hears a voice... 

"You're dancing too aren't you"?

Laurent looks to his left and sees a woman who he's never seen before but has to admit is really attractive...  

Laurent: "Uh, no. I...I mean, maybe. I just like to watch my twin dance so I'll do that for now".

"I see. Well I hope you do because you're great".

Laurent: *smile* "Thank you".

*smile* "You're welcome". *pause* "My name is Ashley by the way".

Laurent: "Nice to meet you Ashley by the way".

Ashley: *laugh* "Just Ashley".

Laurent: *smile* "I know. I kid. It's nice to meet you Ashley".

Ashley: "Same to you".

They both look out to see Larry still in his element and enjoy it for a few more moments before... 

Ashley: "I haven't been following you guys for too long but it's been long enough to know that you two truly belong in the dance world".

Laurent: "Thank you. I...we appreciate that".

Ashley: "My pleasure". *pause* "So do you mind if I ask about your relationship status"?

Laurent: "What do you mean"?

Ashley: "I mean are you involved with someone"?

His heart sinks as he looks at Larry and replying solemnly...

Laurent: "No...no I'm not".  

Ashley: "I'm surprised. You certainly should be with someone". *pause* "Maybe that someone can be me".

At that moment Laurent feels her hand on his back but it's not in a forceful manner. It's soft and delicate. He looks up at her and notices her smile which is also beautiful then clears his throat. Before he can respond she's handing him something...  

Ashley: "Here's my card. Call me anytime".

They gaze at each other briefly before he looks down at the card then back out at Larry. That's when he notices Larry's dancing is more aggressive than before. He just assumes it's from the hype of the crowd causing him to get into it more so he doesn't think anything else of it. Then...

Laurent: "Thanks. I'll hold onto it but for now I need some fresh air".

Ashley: "Ok. I hope to hear from you".

Laurent smiles and nods then gets up from his chair to leave. He really doesn't want to walk away from Larry who's obviously tearing the dance floor up but it really strikes a nerve with him when she asked if he's involved with someone because there's only one person he can think of that he wants to be involved romantically with...and it's not Ashley. Nonetheless, he walks outside and the long line from when he first arrived is now gone and the streets are empty. There's also a light mist in the air that's calm and relaxing so he starts to walk down the street at a slow pace. Within seconds he's hearing footsteps behind him and shortly after something is pressed in his back as he hears a voice saying...  

"Give me all your money! Now"! 

-------------------------- 

A/N: Oh no. It seems Laurent is getting robbed? But, by who? Sound off in the comments! Hope everyone enjoyed! Update coming soon! Love you guys. :)