AUTHOR'S POV 

The closer Laurent and Ashley get to their table the more Laurent's stomach turns because he can only imagine how this evening is going to turn out. It's hard enough to know Larry is with someone else but to end up at the same restaurant and have to witness it is simply gut wrenching. He knows it will be a struggle to keep his eyes off of him thus making this time reserved for Ashley who's turning out to be a really great person awkward...but how on earth is he supposed to focus? 

Hostess: *smile* "Here is your table for two".

Laurent: "Thank you".

Laurent pulls Ashley's chair out like the gentlemen he is as then thanks the hostess...

Ashley: *smile* "I haven't had my chair pulled out for me in so long".

Laurent: "Really? Well that's not right".

Ashley: "Some people just forgot how to be a gentleman...or maybe they never knew. That's just another thing for me to appreciate about you so thank you".

Laurent: *smile* "Welcome".

Hostess: "Here are your menus and your server with be right with you. Enjoy your dinner".

Laurent smiles then takes his seat...trying his best not to look over at Larry but Ashley will make it impossible... 

Ashley: "I see Larry is here with a date too".

That did it. Laurent can't help but look up at Larry who's already looking at him. They lock eyes again for a minute and Laurent does his best to smile warmly at him...but his heart is aching too much so he drops his gaze... 

Ashley: "How long have they been dating"?

Laurent doesn't want to talk about Larry and his date at all...but he doesn't want to avoid her question so he'll answer but quickly change the subject...

Laurent: "Not long. We should uh, take a look at the menu". 

Ashley notices a slight irritation in Laurent's voice when he replied to her. Of course she isn't sure why but she figures that maybe they had a brotherly dispute earlier and he's still upset about it...little does she know.  Laurent is looking at his menu but he would be lying if he said he sees anything interesting as he's more interested in what's going on with Larry and Kelsey. He takes a subtle peak over and sees that they're now eating their meals. Larry feels his gaze so he looks up from his plate long enough to look back. When he notices the delicate look in Laurent's eyes he quickly puts his focus back on his meal causing Laurent to put his focus back on his menu... 

Ashley: "Hm. This Chicken Tortellini Pasta sounds good. It must be a new item because I've never seen it before". *pause* "Do you like pasta"?

This question only makes Laurent think of his and Larry's dinner at the restaurant in Fiji where they ordered the pasta special and how he teased Larry pretty much the entire night. Naturally this makes Laurent smile at the thought... 

Laurent: "Yeah I love pasta".

Ashley: *smile* "I love your smile".

Laurent: "Thank you".

Ashley: *wink* "My pleasure". *pause* "Well I love pasta too so I think I'll get that. What are you having"?

Laurent still hasn't allowed himself to scan the entire menu. Then again, he doesn't have much of an appetite but he doesn't want to cause any concern in Ashley so he just picks the first thing that looks good. At that moment their perky server comes over... 

Server: "So are you two ready to order"?

Laurent: *smile* "Ladies first". 

Of course Ashley is all smiles when Laurent said that as she's so taken by him being such a gentleman and so delicate with her. She eventually orders the pasta dish that caught her eye while Laurent orders a steak dish that comes with potatoes and a vegetable medley. Although it seems Ashley is enjoying herself thus far she can't help but notice how quiet Laurent is as they wait for their food. Of course being a fan she knows that Laurent is a very talkative and sociable person so this is surprising her. She starts to wonder if he's into her. What she doesn't know is the distance between them has nothing to do with her. Laurent's heart is in agony because as much as he hates doing so he just can't help sneaking peaks over at Larry. At this point it appears to be just conversation which is nothing out of the ordinary so he's relieved about that. Just as he's about to peek over again he's distracted by Ashley's voice... 

Ashley: "Laurent, is there something wrong"?

Laurent: "Huh? Uh, no. Nothing is wrong. Why you ask"?

Ashley: "You just seem really quiet and distant. Did I do something"?

*brief pause*

Laurent: *sigh* "I'm sorry Ashley. You didn't do anything. I um, it's just something on my mind. I probably should have waited to take you out. I'm really sorry".

Ashley: "Well I'm having a good time with you. I just want to make sure you're ok".

Laurent: *smile* "I'm fine. Really".

Ashley returns the smile and now their orders are being placed in front of them... 

Server: "Alright. We have the Classic Sirloin steak with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies for you sir. And the Chicken Tortellini Pasta for your madam".

Ashley: "Thank you. This looks wonderful".

Laurent: "It really does. Thank you".

Server: "You're welcome. Enjoy".

Laurent nods then closes his eyes for a quick prayer while Ashley does the same. Admittedly, it makes him feel great to know that he's out with someone with the same belief in a higher power so that's just one more thing for him to be attracted to. Not wasting another second they both dive into their meals...

~meanwhile~

Kelsey: *smile* "You're a really amazing person Larry. You think you know so much about someone just by watching interviews and seeing them dance but sitting here talking to you has been great. I feel like I'm getting to know a completely different person but in a good way".

Larry: *smile* "Thank you Kelsey. You're amazing too".

Kelsey: *smile* "Really"?

Larry: *smile and nod* "Really".

Kelsey: "I appreciate that".

Larry: "Welcome".

Kelsey: "So. I've seen these rings before but they've never been in my reach so do you mind if I look closer at them"?

Larry smirks then lifts his hand. Kelsey cups it with hers and is in disbelief that she's actually looking at his famous rings this closely... 

Kelsey: "You know, I'm into skulls too. I never really understood why. My family hasn't really understood why either but I see this is something that connects us". *pause* "What do you think"?

Even though Larry is as equally distracted by Laurent and his date even he has to admit that Kelsey is turning out to be a really sweet girl. Very intelligent, witty, attractive and to now know that she's into skulls is the icing on the cake. That makes him relax more and now his signature smile is spread wide across his face as she continues to admire and compliment him. What he doesn't know is that this moment isn't so great for a certain someone... 

*Laurent*

Ashley: "So what kind of work do you guys have lined up after your vacation ends"?

Laurent is cutting into his steak when that question is asked and when he looks up to answer his eyes go in Larry's direction. He can literally feel his heart sink into his stomach as he watches Larry's hand in Kelsey's with huge smiles on their faces. He completely forgot that Ashley asked him a question...and he can't even remember what it was...  

Ashley: "Laurent, are you ok? Was it something I said"? *pause* "Laurent"?

Laurent snaps himself out of it when he finally hears her voice... 

Laurent: "Huh"?

Ashley: "I was asking what you guys have lined up for work"?

Laurent: "I, uh. I don't really know". *pause* "Will you excuse me for a minute? I have to go to the bathroom".

Before she can even respond Laurent leaps from his chair and asking the closest employee where the bathroom is then taking off towards it leaving Ashley completely stunned. Once there he swings the door open as someone is coming out so the door practically hits the poor guy. He apologizes then quickly brushes past him. When he realizes there are a few people in there he tries his best to put on a brave face but once he finds refuge in an empty stall he spins around, locks the door then presses his forehead against the door to silently cry. He eventually hears the other occupants head over to the sink to wash their hands then the bathroom door swinging open which means that the bathroom is slowly emptying. He spends the next several moments allowing all of his emotions to spill from the dreadful sight that's still clouding his memory before he's depleted of his tears. He takes a few deep breaths in and when he opens the door he's stunned at the figure before him...Larry. He's leaning against the sink as if he's been standing there for a while...

Laurent: "Oh. Hey".

Larry: "Hey".

Laurent: "How long have you been in here"?

Larry: "Since you've been in here".

All those times hearing the door swing open he didn't think Larry was one of the people coming through it. Nonetheless, they stand in complete silence looking at each other until Laurent finally speaks up... 

Laurent: "Why are you in here and not with your date"?

Larry: "Did you really just ask me that"?

Laurent just shrugs...

Larry: "I saw you get up from the table and you look upset Laurent. How can I not come in and check on you"?

Laurent: "I'll be oki Larry. Just...just go back".

Larry: "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's wrong".

Laurent: "Larry. Go".  

Larry: "I said I'm not going anywhere. Now why are you so upset"?

Laurent stays quiet which only makes Larry irritated causing him to raise his voice slightly... 

Larry: "Laurent"?!

Laurent: "Because Larry! I've been strong enough for today damn it! I want to hold you now"!!

Larry being completely floored by those words his eyes go from being upset to being warm and delicate. He practically leaps forward and scoops Laurent up in his arms... 

Laurent: "I saw her holding your hand and you smiling and...it was so hard to see that bebe". 

Larry: "Shh. Don't cry Laurent. It will be oki". *pause* "Listen, how about we end the dates and go home. I think that would be best". 

Laurent: *sniff* "Oki", he whispers.  

After Laurent made sure he's presentable again they leave to break the news to their dates, pay the bills then take them home... 

*Laurent*

Laurent pulls up in front of Ashley's place and he can tell that Ashley is slightly upset but it's obvious that she's really into him so she doesn't make a big deal out of it. He opens the door for her and now out of the car he walks her to the door...

Laurent: "I'm sorry for being so distracted tonight Ashley. I hope you're not mad at me".

Ashley: *smile* "I'm not mad Laurent. I really like you and I hope we have a second date".

Boy does that stir something within him. Ashley is great for sure but he isn't so sure if dating her is the best thing for now. Then he thinks about his words to Larry...they have to try and move on so... 

Laurent: *smile* "We will".

Admittedly it makes him smile when he sees her face light up at his response. Then...

Ashley: "Well good night".

The look in her eyes and the hesitation in her voice signals to Laurent that she's waiting for the traditional first date good night kiss. He can't say that he wasn't anticipating it so he inhales softly then leans forward...but unable to touch her lips he moves his lips to her cheek and kisses her there. She doesn't appear to be disappointed. In fact, she smiles harder. He can only muster up a half smile as he tells her, "goodnight". Eager to get home to Larry he turns around to get in his car and take off...trying his best not to break any speed limits on the way... 

*****

Laurent arrives home and is elated to see Larry's car. He can't get inside quick enough. He bolts through the door and goes straight for Larry's room. He started to bolt through that door as well but he politely knocks instead...

Larry: "Come in Laurent".

When Laurent opens the door he sees Larry on his bed, back pressed against the headboard and playing a video game. He stops long enough to pat the empty spot next to him so Laurent slips out of his shoes then walks over and softly takes his place. Larry hands him the other controller so they can play together. After a few minutes of silence... 

Larry: "Well those dates were kinda of um...."

Laurent: "Soul crushing"?

Larry: *chuckles* "Well that's kinda strong but yeah, it didn't feel good".

Laurent: "No, they didn't feel good". *pause* "Is it bad that I find her interesting but I think about you even though were you close by"?

Larry: "It's not bad because I know what you mean. I did the same".

Laurent: *sigh* "Why is this so hard? If we can't take seeing each other with other people, what are we going to do"?

Larry blows out that same sigh because that's a question he doesn't even have an answer to... 

Larry: "I don't know Laurent. All I can say is we have to keep trying".

Laurent nods as he keeps his focus on the game...but then he breaks the silence to say something... 

Laurent: "Larry, I still want to hold you". *pause* "I want to sleep here too".

Larry: "But, the rules Laurent. You don't think sleeping in here is a bad idea"?

Laurent: "I won't try anything. Even though it's always amazing, I don't have to make love to you all the time. I just love being with you and...I think we sleep better when we're together".

Larry: *smile* "Yeah that's true but...you promise we won't do anything"?

Laurent: *smile* "I promise". 

Larry's smile is still evident as he simply nods his head to Laurent's sweet request and after another hour or so of playing games and even eating a bowl of ice cream together they're finally ready to call it a night and go to sleep. They climb under the sheets but their backs are turned to each other...at first. They shift at the same time and now facing each other their eyes connect. It's already turning out to be more than one of them could handle. Laurent promised that he wouldn't try anything but Larry? Let's just say that his earlier protest and making Laurent promise they weren't going to do anything is now out the window because the more he observes the moonlight bouncing off of Laurent's face any will power he had to control himself is now non-existent. He leans towards Laurent and they share a sweet, innocent kiss then break it to gaze at each other once more. Larry becomes a little greedy and when he leans to kiss him again Laurent feels his tongue go in his mouth while tasting the Vanilla ice cream they had earlier. Before he can protest Larry is climbing on top of him and when the kiss gets deeper... 

Laurent: "Larry, bebe...."

Larry: "Shhh. I don't want to hear it Laurent".

Laurent: "But we agreed that we can't do this anymore".

Larry: "But I want it", he whispers seductively.

The next second Laurent feels Larry's member grinding against his so and he let out a deep moan... 

Laurent: "Mmm. I do too bebe. I really do but...."

He's cut off by the sensation of Larry kissing on his neck causing him to change his words... 

Laurent: "Larry I won't be able to hold myself back if you don't stop".

Larry: "I know. Now quiet".

Keeping quiet for the moment Laurent allows Larry to kiss all over his face, then his neck and eventually making his way to this chest...but the moment he feels Larry going lower he quickly stops him...

Laurent: "Larry, no".

Larry: "What"?

Laurent: "Bebe come back up, oki"?

Larry blows out a frustrated sigh then crawls his way back up per Laurent's request and takes his place next to him on the mattress. Laurent quickly turns to face him... 

Laurent: "Larry, there is nothing I want more than to make love to you but...you said yourself that we can't do this anymore. We said we're moving on and as hard as it is, you know we have to".

Quickly realizing Laurent is right he let out a soft sigh and as he does his erection seems to be going away as well... 

Larry: "You're right Laurent. I'm sorry".

Laurent: "Don't be sorry bebe. I'm not mad, I just had to say something". *pause* "Let me hold you until you fall asleep".

Larry smiles slightly, even though Laurent can tell he's still a little disappointed, then scoots closer to Laurent who's now flat on his back and his arms wide open ready to receive him. Larry lays his head on Laurent's chest and the soothing sound of his heartbeat causes him to close his eyes and drift off to sleep... 

~the next morning~

Laurent is the first to awake and when he notices how peacefully Larry is sleeping he decides that he wants to surprise him with breakfast this time so he slowly gets up from the bed and goes to his bathroom to freshen up then to the kitchen to get to work. He's feeling so good he's even whistling as he goes along. He decides to keep it simple with pancakes, bacon and eggs. He places the various skillets needed on the stove to get them nice and hot. Eventually he hears a voice behind him...

Larry: "What are you doing"?

Laurent quickly spins around at the sound of the sweet voice... 

Laurent: "No Larry, go back to bed. I want to surprise you".

Larry: "I'm sorry Laurent but I can't do that. You're standing near a stove and I don't want to die in a fire".

Laurent: "Ha, ha, ha. That's very funny Larry".

Larry: *laugh* "Why are you in my kitchen"?

Laurent: "Your kitchen"?

Larry: "Yes. My kitchen".

Laurent: "I want to cook breakfast".

Larry: "Well what do you want? I'll make it for you".

Laurent: "No Larry. You always cook. I want to cook for you sometimes".

Larry: "Laurent, that's really sweet baby but I don't mind. Besides, you're giving me a complex in my kitchen so get out".

Laurent: *laugh* "No. I'm cooking you bacon, eggs and pancakes". *pause* "Please"?

Larry: *smile* "Oki. I'll make you a deal. I'll tell you what goes in the homemade pancakes then you cook them up". 

*brief pause*

Laurent: *smile* Oki but you have to let me serve you in bed".

Larry: "I can do that".

Laurent: "You promise"?

Larry: *smile* "I promise".

They give each other another smile before Larry gives him step by step instructions for the pancake mix. Once Laurent has a handle on things in the kitchen Larry retreats to his bedroom and waits to be served as he watches TV...

Several minutes later Laurent is coming through the door with a breakfast tray in tow and a warm smile on his face. Larry can tell he's very proud of what he did and when Laurent lays the tray across his lap he's pleasantly surprised. The eggs are cooked perfectly...not too hard, not too soft but just right. The bacon isn't too crispy but it isn't flimsy or cooked unevenly. The pancakes are the perfect round shape with a nice round color and also appear nice and fluffy...

Larry: "This looks really good Laurent".

Laurent: "Thank you. I hope it tastes as it good as it looks".

Larry watches Laurent wink before he leaves the room...presumably to get his own plate and that's exactly what he has in his hands when he comes back. He takes his place next to Larry on the bed and says a silent prayer before taking his first bite...

Larry: "This is really good Laurent".

Laurent: "I'm glad you like it".

Larry: "I don't like it. I love it".

Laurent smiles at that statement and continues eating while watching TV with Larry thoroughly pleased with how well their day is going already...

*****

After breakfast they take the dishes into the kitchen to wash them together and after a few minutes in silence... 

Larry: "Thank you again for breakfast Laurent. It was so good".

Laurent: "Welcome. Can I make lunch"?

Larry: "Oh no. One meal a year from you is enough". 

Laurent: "Heyyyyy".

Larry: *laugh* "I'm sorry".

Laurent: *smile* "That's oki. You can make it up to me".

Larry: "How"?

Laurent responds by simply winking...

Larry: "Laurent? Why you wink? You can't wink. What does that mean"?

Laurent chuckles as Larry talks a mile a minute. Then he inches closer to him...instantly making Larry nervous... 

Larry: "Laurent? What are you doing"?

Laurent stops right in front of him as his eyes look directly into Larry's. Larry thinks he's coming in for a kiss but he's completely thrown off guard when Laurent starts to tickle him. Larry has always been extremely ticklish so he tries his best to squirm away. They eventually end up in the living room and Larry is laughing so hard that he falls on the floor with Laurent following... 

Larry: *laugh* "Laurent, stop"!

Larry: "Will you let me make lunch"?

Larry: *laugh* "Hell no"!

That only makes Laurent tickle him harder. Larry is practically out of breath laughing so hard. Then he hears his cell phone ringing which is on the kitchen table...

Larry: "Laurent I have to answer the phone"!

Laurent: "Nope. Let it go to voicemail".

Still laughing like crazy which makes it difficult for Laurent to take him seriously so he continues tickling him...  

Larry: "But it might be important"!  

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

Larry got up and makes it to the phone just in time...  

Larry: "Hey Eleni. What's up"?

Eleni: "Hey Larry. I just wanted to remind you and Laurent of your studio session today at 11:00".

Larry: "Yeah oki. Thank you".

At that moment Laurent comes up behind him and starts to playfully poke his sides causing Larry to giggle... 

Eleni: "You alright"?

Playfully pushing Laurent's hand away from his body... 

Larry: *smile* "Yeah I'm fine. Is that it"?

Eleni: "Well since Laurent couldn't make it to our meeting the other day we need to meet and solidify your schedules so we're all on the same page".

Larry: "Yeah that's fine. I'll talk to Laurent first then call you to set up a day and time".

Eleni: "Ok sounds good. Well I can't make it to the studio this morning but have a great time recording".

Larry: "Thank you".

After Larry ends the call he turns to Laurent... 

Larry: "We forgot about us studio time today".

Laurent: "Oh oki. What time"?

Larry: "11".

Laurent looks at the clock and it's only close to 10. He then looks back at Larry and flashes a knowing smile to which Larry responds...

Larry: *smile* "Laurent, don't you dare"!

It's too late. Laurent resumes tickling Larry and making him fall out from laughter again...

Larry: "Stop it Laurent! We have to get dressed and get to the studio! You keep do this we'll be late"!

Laurent is having too much fun...but he knows Larry is right so he stops...

Laurent: *smile* "Oki". *pause* "You know I love to see you smile".

Larry: "Thank you for make me smile".

Laurent: "Welcome", he whispers. 

Getting too caught up into their blissful gaze they finally get up to get dressed and head to the studio... 

*****

Jay: "What's up Larry"?

Larry: "I'm good Jay. How you been"?

Jay: "I've been good man. So where's your other half"?

Larry feels his heart flutter at that question because Laurent really is his other half...but it can't be in the way he wants so he simply answers the question... 

Larry: "He's parking the car".

Jay: "Ok. So you two have something good to lay down for me"?

Larry: "Yeah man. I have something on my heart that I need to get out".

Jay: "Great. I can't wait to hear it".

At that moment Laurent walks in and Jay goes over to give him a bro hug...

Jay: "What's up man. At first I thought you sent Larry here by himself to record".

Laurent: "No I just tried not to tear my car up in that janky parking lot"

Jay: "Oh you got jokes"?

Laurent: *laugh* "My bad man".

Jay: *laugh* "It's cool. Well let's get started. Your other half says he's hyped to lay down these vocals".

Just like Larry, something stirs within him when he hears 'his other half' and as such...

Laurent: "Can I go first"?

Jay: "Sure. Just go in and when you're ready I'll play the track".

Jay always keeps water in the studio so Laurent grabs a bottle and goes into the booth. After unfolding and placing his lyrics on the stand he puts the headphones on, takes a sip of water and prepares himself for what's about to erupt from his vocal chords, well, more like his heart. Then he hears Jay speak to him through the mic from the outside... 

Jay: "Alright man. The track is coming".

Laurent nods and takes a deep breath. Once he hears the acoustic sound coming through his headphones he put his eyes on his paper...but it's not like he doesn't know the lyrics already. He's just avoiding eye contact with Larry... 

"Your spirit is brighter than the sunshine and calmer than the moon,

You always bring a smile to my face even on a rainy afternoon,

I always want to be near you...your face I always want to see,

You're my light in the darkness...you're everything to me".

Laurent has to stop for a minute to clear his throat as he's starting to get choked up at that moment so he has to take another swig of water...

Jay: "You alright man"?

Laurent: "Yeah I'm fine. You can keep going". 

Jay turns the track back on and now Laurent can't control where his eyes wander. He looks directly at Larry as he continues singing...  

"There are so many things I love about you,

But I can't find the words to describe,

It's just something about the way you've touched me,

And the way I feel inside".

(A/N: All lyrics are mine so all rights are reserved) 

After belting out that last line Laurent stops...his gaze still on Larry. Larry is fighting back tears as he swallows the huge lump that's formed in his throat at Laurent's words. Silence between the three of them continues until Laurent hears Jay's voice... 

Jay: "Is that it"?

Still looking at Larry...   

Laurent: "Yeah". *pause* "For now".   

------------------------ 

A/N: Hope everyone enjoyed! If so, please vote and comment! Love you guys. :)