AUTHOR'S POV   

As Laurent brings his eyes to focus this morning he looks at the soft face of his love and each morning looking at such beauty he smiles. There's no possible way not to. Then last night quickly comes to him. He didn't hear Larry get up and for a second he begins to internally beat himself up about it because if he had just woke up in time to soothe him he wouldn't have been in such a terrified state. He's sleeping like the sweet angel he is now and no question it warms Laurent's heart so he quietly scoots in so he can softly kiss his every inch of his face that he can. When he goes back to his gaze he has an idea to go and talk to the detective again because he's not willing to accept that there's nothing else that can be done to take this maniac off the streets. Who cares about a technicality? Samuel is a menace to society and the look on Larry's face when he thought he was inside their home again was soul crushing. Home is the one place where Larry is supposed to have peace. His safe haven from a dark and scary world and Larry couldn't sleep. It took Laurent nearly an hour to get his love settled down so he could. He just held him in his arms with a gentle rock whilst kissing his forehead in between...feeling his complete vulnerability seeping from him. It was enough to dampen his eyes for a soft cry but he managed to hold them back. It wasn't until he finally felt Larry fall asleep that he allowed that cry and when there was nothing left he fell asleep next to him. Now as he gazes at him he remembers there are only a couple of days until Larry returns to work and though they've agreed it would be better for him so things can get back to normal, he feels that last night may have thrown a monkey wrench in the plan. Laurent is worried about the possibility of something similar happening while bup is at work. On the other hand he doesn't want his love to feel as though he can't go anywhere, particularly work. Going back to his students really will help him and Laurent is there to support him in that but he never wants that to happen. He can only pray that it doesn't. He pulls himself away for a moment to check the time and decides that it's time to get up and cook breakfast but first he has to freshen up so he quietly gets out of bed and heads for the bathroom. He tries to remain as quiet as possible so he doesn't wake him up. He closes the door and turns on the water at a gentle speed. He cups his hands under and the next second he's splashing the warm water on his face feeling instantly relaxed. He takes a freshly laundered washcloth to dry off and just as he's about to grab his toothbrush he's startled by a shaken voice calling out, "Laurent"! He's out of the bathroom and now he's looking at the frightened face of bup...

Laurent: "What is it my love"?

Larry: "I woke up and I didn't see you, didn't hear you. Nothing". *pause* "I thought you left and but didn't tell me. I...."

Larry's speech was rushed and frightened the moment he replied to him so Laurent began walking towards him. Larry's words cut off right as Laurent got back in bed to hold him close...

Laurent: "No bup. I'm not going to leave you and I'm sorry I scared you. I just didn't want to wake you up because you need rest so I tried to be quiet". 

Larry takes in a big breath in and blows it out in relief then replies...

Larry: "Oki". *gulp* "I'm sorry baby. It's just hard right now". 

Laurent: "You don't have to explain my love and you don't have to say sorry. I understand". 

Larry: "Thank you baby". *pause* "No one understands me like you". 

Laurent: "Always bup", he whispers sweetly. 

Larry relaxes more into Laurent's arms more as the seconds go by coupled by the silence around them. Eventually...

Laurent: "I'm going to make you breakfast but first I need to finish in the bathroom oki"?

Larry: *nods* "Oki baby". 

Larry watches his love stand up and head for their bathroom. He then has the urge to remind him of something very important...

Larry: "Baby"?

Laurent stops and turns around to connect with those eyes...

Laurent: "Yeah my love"?

*brief pause*

Larry: "I love you". 

Laurent: *smile and wink* "I love you more". 

Larry smiles warmly back at him then Laurent turns around and heads for the bathroom. The instant the door closes Larry relaxes against the pillows then blows out another sigh as he takes both hands and rubs his face in relief. Little does he know that behind the bathroom door Laurent is shaken. Surely the moment ended beautifully with the expressing of their love to each other...but seeing that fear in Larry's eyes again in less than twelve hours isn't something he can just shake off. Now it's imperative that he goes to see the detectives and there wouldn't be a better day to do that than today but of course he'll discuss it with his love first over breakfast. He finishes up then comes out of the bathroom to discover Larry much more relaxed...

Laurent: "Bup I'm going to get breakfast started now". 

Larry: "Oki. I'll be out soon. I just need to shower first". 

Laurent: *smile* "Take your time". 

Larry smiles and nods then raises up as Laurent makes his way to the kitchen. He decides against what he was originally going to cook as he didn't expect Larry to wake up so soon so he will cook some things that can be quickly pulled together since he knows Larry won't be in the shower long and he wants the food to be ready for him. He places some sausage links in the pan and since it will take several minutes before they begin to sizzle he wants to give detective Marteau a call to ask if it's ok that he comes down to talk to him...but the call goes unanswered. Instead of leaving a message he decides to go down there as this is a conversation that needs to happen. Now back in the kitchen he puts his focus back on breakfast while also waiting for bup...

Larry emerges from the bedroom and straight ahead he sees Laurent at the kitchen table with a pan in his hand dumping a serving of eggs onto their plates. When he approaches the table he speaks...

Larry: "It smells good in here".

Laurent hears the smile in his voice and it makes him smile. He then looks up at him...

Laurent: *smile* "Thank you bup. You know I love to see that smile. It's beautiful as always". 

Larry: *blush* "Thank you". 

Laurent: "Welcome". *pause* "Have a seat my love". 

Still smiling Larry nods and takes his seat as he watches Laurent fill his plate with the remaining food. Now every portion of the piping hot breakfast is under his eyes and after Laurent joins him they quickly dig in. Minutes later...

Laurent: "So bup. I'm going to the police station to talk with the detective". 

Larry: "You are"?

Laurent: "Yeah because it really shouldn't end like this. Maybe they can have another trial or something but it's not right that he's not punished for what he did". 

Larry: "I know baby but...that means you have to leave me here". 

Laurent: "No you can come too my love. You don't have to come with me in his office if you don't want to. You can wait in the lobby. You will still be safe and I won't be too far away". 

Larry: "Yeah oki". 

Laurent: "Don't worry bup. I won't be in there long. I just can't accept this as the end". *pause* "I love you too much and he deserves to be in prison".

Larry: "I know you love me. I love you too and I think the same so I'm fine to go down there". 

Laurent: *smile* "Oki". *pause* "Let's finish eating". 

Larry: *smile and nod* "Yes".

Witnessing a sweep of relief across Larry's face after makes the rest of breakfast go smoother than silk. When they finish Laurent takes care of the dishes then they get dressed as they decided to get there as early as possible so they don't miss the detectives and after securing their home they get in the car to head for the precinct...

*****

The car ride isn't quiet or awkward at all. It's actually filled with conversation with some laughter here and there. It's when they arrive at the precinct that Laurent notices Larry tensing up and being very cautious of their surroundings upon getting out of the car. As they walk towards the double doors Laurent gently places his hand on Larry's back to lightly nudge him forward so he can walk behind him...checking their surroundings as well before putting his eyes forward...

A/N: Wait one second. I just envisioned Laurent doing this with those twists, that serious beast face, a hat turned backwards and that walk. Anyone else? Just me? Ok continue...

They walk through the doors of the busy precinct and Laurent sweetly instructs Larry to have a seat while he goes to ask the officer at the front desk if detective Marteau is in. After receiving word that he is and asked to wait he walks back over to Larry...

Laurent: "He's here today. He will be out soon". 

Larry nods but it's obvious that even though they're inside Larry is still nervous. Perhaps it's because of where they are and the fact that they left home. Whatever the case, Laurent gently places his hand on Larry's thigh which does the trick so Larry relaxes into the soft touch. The wait will only be five minutes and now they're watching detective Marteau walking towards them so Laurent quickly stands up to greet him and shake his hand...

Laurent: "Hey detective". 

Detective: "Hey. How are you"?

Laurent: "Doing oki". 

The detective nods then looks at Larry who's looking up at him...

Marteau: "How are you feeling Mr. Bourgeois"? 

Larry: "I feel much better, thank you". 

Marteau: "You're welcome". 

At that moment the detective's eyes begin darting between them...

Marteau: "How about we all go to my office and talk"? 

Laurent: "Just me detective. Larry will be oki here"?

Marteau: "Absolutely. Come on back". 

Marteau takes off and Laurent looks back at Larry...

Laurent: "I won't be away long my love". 

All Larry can do is look back at him and nod innocently but also with a hint of nervousness behind those eyes so Laurent extends his hand for Larry to take hold of it. When they connect Laurent gently grasps it as if he's letting Larry know everything will be ok. Then they let go so Laurent can catch up with the detective. Larry rests against the seat and watches his surroundings...ultimately realizing he really is safe here so he will wait patiently for his love to return to him...

*****

Marteau: "Have a seat". 

Laurent: "Oki, thanks". 

Marteau: "No problem. I know the last time we spoke wasn't under good conditions. It's all I've been thinking and I'm guessing it's why you're here to see me today". 

Laurent: *nods* "Yeah". *pause* "I just want to know if...."

*knock on door*

Marteau: "Sorry about the interruption". 

Laurent: "It's oki". 

The detective nods and already knowing who it is...

Marteau: "Come in partner". 

The door knob turns and in walks detective Vincent who doesn't immediately see Laurent...

Vincent: "Hey buddy. I have some new information on...." *sees Laurent* "Hi Mr. Bourgeois. I'm sorry I didn't see you at first". 

Laurent: "Hi. It's oki". *pause* "Is this new information about Samuel"? 

Vincent: "No sir. This is a new case". 

Laurent: "So what about Samuel? You're not going to try and do something else to put him in prison where he belongs"?

The detectives look cautiously at each other as if they're deciding who will be the one to tell him why they can't do anything else about Samuel. Detective Marteau's eyes change so his partner knows that means he'll be the one to do it so they both turn to look at Laurent whose eyes are darting between them anxiously awaiting an answer...

Marteau: "Mr. Bourgeois, if there was something else we could do I assure you we would but...we can't". 

Laurent: "Why not? I know he did it, you two know he did it so there's something else you can do. Larry can't sleep and you didn't see his face when we got here. He's scared oki"? 

Marteau: "We understand and we're very sorry but I'm afraid there really isn't anything we can do and it's because of double jeopardy". 

Laurent: "What does that mean"?

Vincent: "It means that no matter what, or if, additional evidence comes to light he can't be put on trial for the same crime". 

Laurent: "So again, what does that mean? He has to do this to someone else to go to jail"?

Vincent: "Yes and I know it sucks". 

Laurent: "Sucks? He can come after Larry again detective and I think that means more than it sucks". 

Detective Vincent is still standing in place and his eyes lower after hearing that. Detective Marteau's elbow is resting on the arm of his chair...his pointer finger pressed in his cheek as his eyes are lowered as well with Laurent's words ringing in his mind. Neither of them know what to say to him now as nothing can bring him solace after hearing something like this. They eventually look back up at him and they see anger in his face as well as his clinched jaw...though detective Vincent is sure he knows what Laurent is thinking and just as he's about to say something...

Laurent: "You know what? If you can't do anything you can't do anything. I just wasted my time coming here". 

Laurent stands up and proceeds to storm out of the office when he's thrown off by detective Vincent's words...

Vincent: "Don't do it Mr. Bourgeois".

Laurent: *looks confused* "What you talk for"?

The detective is convinced that Laurent is pretending to not know what he's referring to so he won't answer the question. Instead he'll reply by issuing him a warning... 

Vincent: "I know you're angry. We're angry too but you'll get in trouble and Samuel isn't worth it". 

Laurent gulps as he stares back at him and he's certain that he's never seen a look this serious on his face. He looks down at Marteau then back up at Vincent with only one thing to say...

Laurent: *scoffs* "Whatever". 

He storms past him to leave the office and he's so quick neither detective can get another word in. All they can do is hope that Laurent listens to him and not do anything crazy...or could potentially get him hurt next...

Laurent makes it back to the lobby and the first thing Larry notices is the angered look on his face. Now standing over him...

Larry: "What's wrong baby"?

Laurent: "We talk for this after we're home bup. Let's just go". 

Larry confusingly but quickly agrees as he stands up to follow Laurent out of the building. Realizing he's in front Laurent stops and just like before he softly nudges Larry to get in front of him as he checks their surroundings. When they're safely in the car they fasten their seat belts and Laurent is taking off soon after. He isn't driving at an angry speed. It's normal as always...but his face is deeply concerning to Larry who can't help but look over at him seemingly every few seconds hoping that Laurent will talk about what has him so upset now. Of course he knows Laurent and although he doesn't have moments like this often he knows that it's best to not say anything for now and that Laurent just needs to be left alone. They will discuss it when they get home as he said. By the time they arrive Laurent's expression is slowly fading and Larry knows it's because he's preparing himself to tell him what happened. Laurent helps him out of the car and they walk the few short steps to the front door. Now inside Larry suggests that they have a seat on the couch and talk to which Laurent agrees. Laurent's elbows go straight to his knees as his hands go in prayer position and rest against his mouth...

Larry: "So what happened baby"?

Laurent drops his hands then takes a huge breath in and blows it out as it gives him the strength he needs to break this news to him...

Laurent: "Bup, the detectives said there's nothing else they can do and it's because of something called double jeopardy. No matter what, Samuel can't go to trial again for what he did to you". 

Larry is rendered speechless and it's so quiet Laurent has to raise his head and turn in Larry's direction to get a glimpse of his face. When he sees the painful expression on it his heart sinks and he takes his right hand to lodge it in Larry's soft fro. As he's gently caressing him he whispers...

Laurent: "I'm so sorry bup". 

Larry: "You don't have to be sorry baby". *pause* "It's just not fair". 

Laurent: "No it's not", he whispers again. 

Larry: "I...I need rest". 

Laurent: *nods* "Oki. Let me help you up". 

Always gentle with his love Laurent helps Larry to the bedroom where he takes off his shoes for him as well then helps him rest against the pillows...

Laurent: "You don't need anything before you go to sleep my love"?

Larry: "No I'm oki baby, but thank you". 

Laurent: "Anytime". 

Laurent takes his right thumb and begins a smooth stroke against Larry's temple causing Larry to close his eyes. That stroke continues until Laurent is sure he's asleep so he quietly stands up then brings the blanket up to cover him. He tip toes out of the bedroom softly shutting the door behind him and he only takes one step forward before a ton of emotions take over him causing him to grab his twists and clinch his jaw. Eventually an angry tear rolls down his face and he finds himself punching the air in frustration. All of this is done quietly so it doesn't wake Larry...but the rage on the inside of him is louder than any noise he could ever make. His bup saying "it's not fair" runs through his mind and he punches the air again. It's not fair whatsoever and to hear the innocence in Larry's voice as he said is unbearable so he can't help himself. This powerful fit of rage turns into Laurent heading over to the couch rocking back and forth until he eventually calms himself...though the pain in his heart remains... 

~6 pm~

The Bourgeois home is mostly dark with a small reflection of light coming from the kitchen. Laurent's been in the same spot on the couch but he switched to turning the TV on...his feet propped on the table...his elbow resting on the arm of the couch with his head resting on his balled fist just gazing forward. Larry is awake and after freshening up he comes to join Laurent. He sees his body language and can tell that Laurent's focus isn't really on the TV. His heart is already saddened because he knows what's wrong with his love and when he approaches the side of the couch he touches Laurent's arm with his fingertips as he calls out...

Larry: "Baby"?

Laurent raises his head and looks at him...

Laurent: "Hey bup". 

Laurent quickly turns back to the TV but Larry is sure he saw a hint of red in those brown eyes...and it hurts him...

Larry: "You need to talk"?

Laurent: "No I'm oki. You hungry"?

Changing the subject like that doesn't stop Larry at all...

Larry: "I'm worried baby. You look so sad and I know you cry". 

Laurent wouldn't nor couldn't deny that and to lie to Larry...is to lie himself...

Laurent: "I'm fine now my love". 

Larry softly sighs then walks around to the other side so he can take his place on the couch next to him. Laurent doesn't take his gaze off the TV so Larry takes his finger to touch his chin and bring his focus to him...

Larry: "You cry for me". 

Larry is now watching a lonely tear drop fall from Laurent's eye as he gulps then replies in a heartbreaking whisper...

Laurent: "Yeah". *sniff* "I cry for you". 

All the times Laurent has been so gentle, so attentive and so loving to Larry this is Larry's turn to be all of those things to him. He takes his thumb to gently wipe that tear away then whispers...

Larry: "Let's just hold each other baby". 

Laurent instantly opens his arms and Larry doesn't waste another second scooting closer to wrap his arms around Laurent's torso while resting his head on Laurent's shoulder. Laurent's eyes close and as they do another teardrop falls into Larry's fro. Then he whispers...

Laurent: "I love you so much bup". 

Larry: "I know you do baby. I love you too". *pause* "We will get through this oki"?

Laurent can only respond to that by holding his love as tightly as he can without hurting him. They will have dinner together eventually. For now they just continue to sink into each other's arms for comfort...

~meanwhile~

The detectives ended their workday and left to go home. Since Laurent left they've avoided talking about the impromptu visit and all that it entailed but no question was it on their mind. When Vincent told Laurent "don't do it" Marteau knew exactly what he was talking about before Laurent and he's glad his partner spoke up about it. It's all he's been thinking as he drives home. No two detectives wanted justice more in a case than they did in this one and as frustrating as it is that nothing can be done it's unfortunately something that they all will have to live with it...albeit extremely difficult. He pulls into the garage of his home and discovers the car of his one and only so that of course makes him smile. He shuts off the engine and gets out of the car seemingly in one motion then enters the home. His senses immediately fill with the heavenly aroma of dinner cooking and when he enters the living room right away he's greeted sweetly...

*smile* "Hey love". 

Marteau: *smile* "Hey yourself. It smells wonderful in here". 

*smile* "I decided to make your favorite dinner". 

Marteau steps forward and plants a kiss right on those soft lips... 

Marteau: "I can tell. You're so good to me". 

*chuckles* "I try". *pause* "The mail is on the table". 

Marteau tosses his keys down then picks up the mail and as he flips through it...

Marteau: "Bryce? How was your day baby"?

Bryce: "It was good baby. Busy at work but good. How was your day"?

It immediately becomes quiet and this silence prompts Bryce to come back into the room to see his love sitting on the couch so he goes over to join him...

Bryce: "What is it"?

Marteau: "Well you know I usually don't talk about cases but the one that's been the most difficult in a long time is really getting to me". *sigh* "The loser attacked someone and got off. Now I'm worried". 

Bryce: "Worried that he's going to attack someone else". 

Marteau: *shakes head* "No". *pause* "I'm worried that the person close to the one he attacked is going to do something for vengeance". 

----------------------------------- 

A/N: Hey my loves. How I've missed writing. So, now everyone knows why detective Marteau felt he holds a personal stake in the case. What do you all think will happen from here? Sound off in the comments! Love you guys. :)