Subterfuge | LT ✔️

Chapter Fifteen: Off Guard

From the instant Larry opened the door to see Laurent standing there it's been a hard, awkward silence. Malik is in shock because the person he's looking at is clearly his twin and he finds it strange that Larry never brought it up seeing as how most people who have a twin wouldn't hesitate to mention them. But, as his eyes dart between them he's quickly realizing that there must be something going on as the tension is thick. They aren't smiling at each other and haven't greeted each other. The look on Larry's face appears to be anger while Laurent's face appears to be sadness. It's been silent for far too long and someone has to break it so Malik speaks up...

Malik: "Hi. I'm Malik". *looks at Larry* "You never told me you had a twin".

Laurent's eyes slowly go from Malik to Larry as he waits for a reply that doesn't come right away as Larry is thinking about what to say...

Larry: "Um, yeah". *clears throat* "This is Laurent".

Malik: "It's nice to meet you, Laurent".

Naturally Laurent would be lying if he said the same to Malik. It's hard enough seeing this man here so to speak to him is something he can't do. He just stares at him and the tension is even thicker now so Malik just turns to Larry...

Malik: "So, I'll talk to you later"?

Larry: *smile* "Yeah. Have a good day".

Malik: *smile* "You too".

Malik wouldn't dare leave without giving Larry a goodbye kiss, and completely oblivious to the extent of their relationship in addition to what's been going on between them, he just casually leans over to give him that kiss. Laurent feels a tightness in his belly and has to immediately drop his head as he can't stand to see this. Malik steps forward and Laurent can sense him so without looking up he just steps to the side to let him through. He disappears out of the building so Laurent raises his head to look at Larry who's looking blankly at him...

Larry: "I thought I told you to leave me alone".

Laurent: "I can't leave you alone bebe. You know that and I also need to talk to you for work but your phone is off". *pause* "I see why".

Larry just scoffs then turns around. Laurent steps in further ready to speak, but nothing about work right now. Larry is standing there with his arms folded waiting and in a sharp voice...

Larry: "So, what do I need to know for work"?

Laurent: "Who is that"?

Larry: "You're supposed to be talking for work".

Laurent: "Who is that bebe"?

Larry: " You don't need to know who that is Laurent. Just tell me what I need to know".

Laurent's voice was soft when he first asked the question, but it upset him when Larry intentionally changed the subject so now Larry hears a sharpness in his voice...

Laurent: "You had sex with him".

Larry: *sigh* "If you're not going to talk for what you came here for then leave".

Larry proceeds to turn around only he feels Laurent's hand on his arm to turn him around...

Laurent: "Did you"?

Larry goes silent again and just drops his eyes to the floor. Truth be told, Laurent had his answer when Larry ignored it the first time, and though he doesn't understand why, a part of him just needed to hear him say it...