Larry's eyes flutter open to a soft silence. His sleep has been so enhanced lately and with days like yesterday...spending time with Laurent and his family who are the sweetest and nicest people he's ever met he smiles warmly as he reflects on the time he spent with Laurent's dad and learning more about cooking. The way his heart felt to get that quality time with a father figure. The sweet smiles from Vera and Chrissy...their sweet hugs then joining the entire family for a board game. He rarely did fun activities with his mom, or Michael, and as mad and as hurt as he is from the altercation that resulted in a bruised face, he still wishes he could have had that with him. He's the only dad he's known, but he won't get bogged down by it. He has plenty of reasons to smile lately, mostly because of Laurent who he figures is still sleeping so he's about to go back to sleep too when his phone beeps. There are only two people that have his phone number as of right now. His probation officer, Harold, and he knows it can't be him on a Sunday morning, and as such, he knows it's Laurent so he smiles again and reaches over for his phone on the nightstand. Of course Larry saved him as "brother" and when he sees the text is from him he smiles wider. It reads, "good morning. Can you come to my room"? Larry doesn't waste another second. He tosses his phone to the side then flips the covers off of him to take off down the hallway. He lightly knocks on the door and his heart flutters when he hears that sweet voice telling him, "come in". Larry pushes the door open and gives him the same greeting of, "good morning" then he's sweetly instructed to come closer...

Laurent: *smile* "How did you sleep"?

Larry: *smile* "Great. That's the most comfortable bed I've ever been in".

Laurent: *smile* "Well it makes me happy that you're getting such good sleep".

Larry is still smiling, but Laurent's eyes also look different this morning. Very heavy and misty so he asks in a concerned tone...

Larry: "Is something wrong"?

Laurent: "I don't feel well".

Since Larry is standing next to him he uses the back of his hand to feel Laurent's forehead...

Larry: "You have a fever".

Laurent: "I'm nauseous too".

Larry: "Can I get you anything"?

Laurent: "The bottle of Tylenol in my bathroom and a water, please".

Larry: *smile* "Of course".

Laurent winks at him, which isn't the first time he has, but this time Larry feels butterflies in his belly. He turns adorably shy before turning around to head for the kitchen to get the water then dashes over to Laurent's bathroom when he comes back to get the Tylenol. He also notices a thermometer so he grabs that too then goes back to Laurent. He places the pills and the water on the nightstand then sweetly asks Laurent to open his mouth then waits for it  to beep. His temperature reads 101.2 and he shows it to him before giving him two pills as he tells him that they should knock the fever out in no time. Laurent sits up to take them then goes back to relaxing...

Larry: *smile* "Do you think you can eat breakfast? I can't cook like you, but I can make you my famous bacon and eggs".

Laurent: *chuckles* "I would love that, thank you".

Larry: *smile* "Welcome. I'll be back soon".

Laurent nods then watches Larry stand and leave the room. He doesn't take his eyes off of him until he disappears down the hall then he waits patiently for breakfast...

Larry whips out a frying pan and places several strips of bacon in it then turns the burner on medium high. He then takes out some butter and puts about two tablespoons of it on a small dish and places it on the stove so it can soften as that makes it easier to spread on toast. It only takes minutes for one side of the bacon to finish and after he flips them to the other side to cook he decides to pour a glass of orange juice then takes it to Laurent who tells him that he read his mind because he wanted some orange juice. Larry chuckles then tells him breakfast will be ready soon but also asks if he wants some fruit to go with it. When Laurent answers he tells him strawberries, mango and grapes he replies with a sweet, "no problem" then heads back for the kitchen where he arrives just in time to finish the bacon. He then retrieves a fresh pan that he lightly butters then begins cracking eggs in it to scramble. Now that everything is ready he retrieves a square, white plate from the cupboard and neatly arranges the food with a small bowl holding the requested fruit then grabs some silverware and goes back to Laurent who sits up when he sees Larry back with a tray holding the food. Larry carefully places the tray over his lap and after observing the food Laurent looks up to tell him how good everything looks. Larry thanks him then goes to make his plate so he can come back and join him. Larry makes sure his orange juice is replenished when needed and in between bites he asks Laurent if he needs anything else. Laurent tells him he's ok and they watch a bit of TV. When they finish Laurent has something to tell him so he turns down the volume prompting Larry to look over at him...

Laurent: "When I excused myself at my parent's house last night, I really went to look for something".

Larry: "What's that"?

Laurent: "The adoption agency my parents went through to get me. My dad found me and asked what I was doing but eventually told me. I'm going to call them this week and if I can get an appointment I will take a day off. Since your job doesn't start for a couple of weeks you can come with me. We said we would do this together and this is the first step".

Larry appears to be taken aback by this so Laurent naturally asks...

Laurent: "You still want to know, right"?

Larry: "Yes of course. It just makes this all of this more real with you knowing the agency now". 

Laurent: "I get that. I felt the same way when he told me, but this is a good thing".

Larry: "Yes it is. We will finally get answers".

They gaze at each for a few precious moments then Laurent softly speaks up with...

Laurent: "Hey".

Larry: *smile* "Yeah", he asks sweetly.

Laurent: *smile* "I want you to swim today".

Larry: "But I want to swim with you".

Laurent: *smile* "And you will. The pool isn't going anywhere, and neither are we".

Larry can't pretend his heart didn't skip a beat when Laurent said the last part. Now he's melted into a big pile of mush as he looks at him with nothing but adoring eyes...

Laurent: "Please, swim. For as long as you want. It's a beautiful day and I want you to enjoy yourself".

Larry: *smile* "Oki, and I want you to get some more sleep. I'll take your temperature again later".

Laurent: *smile* "It's a deal and I have a few swim trunks in the bottom left drawer of my dresser. Pick a pair and keep them". 

Larry: *smile* "I appreciate that".

Laurent: *smile* "Anything for you".

Larry blushes then gets up to go that drawer to pick his trunks then drapes them over his shoulder before collecting the dishes and taking them to the kitchen to wash. Before he gets changed into his trunks he decides to check in on Laurent who doesn't see him and he smiles at him when he sees Laurent continue watching the shows they watched together. He steps away to get changed and he's so excited to swim. It's been so long and this pool is as gorgeous and bright blue as any pool at a resort or hotel. He drops the towel on a chair then jumps in. He can't resist bouncing up and down as he uses his hands to make the water splash like a child would do. He doesn't know this, but Laurent knew he was out there because a feature on his home security system alerts him when a door is open so he gets up to get a peek at him and when he sees Larry splashing around he lets out a chuckle at the adorable sight then goes back to his room. Larry eventually stops splashing then goes to the far end of the pool and like an Olympic swimmer he's like lightning swimming to the other end. He comes back to the end he started then stands up, tilts his head back and as he feels the sunlight on his face he runs his hands over his soaked cornrows. Being released from jail was freeing, but nothing makes him feel as free as he does in this moment, and he's never felt more positive and hopeful about the future...

After the relaxing swim Larry goes inside and checks in on Laurent who's sleeping like a baby. He smiles at the gorgeous creature then quietly shuts the door before going back to his room to prepare for a shower. He, too, eventually took a nap and upon waking up he checks on Laurent once more only this time he sees him awake so he lightly knocks on the door. Laurent looks over at him with a smile and tells him to come in...

Larry: *smile* "How do you feel"?

Laurent: *smile* "Much better".

Larry: *smile* "Good, but I'm going to check your temperature again and hopefully it's normal".

Minutes later Larry was smiling at the thermometer because his fever did, in fact, finally break so he shows it to Laurent...

Larry: *smile* "All better".

Laurent: *smile* "Thank you for taking care of me".

Larry: *smile* "Anytime".

The way Laurent is looking and smile at Larry turns him adorably shy so he giggles then asks...

Larry: "The pool made my hair frizzy so I was wondering if whoever did your cornrows can do mine".

Laurent: "Sure. I can call my stylist and ask if she can come today, but do you ever change your hair"?

Larry: "No I don't. I'm just use to them I guess".

Laurent: "Maybe you should try letting it all flow and see if you like it".

Larry never thought of that but he just blushes and tells him that he might give it a try. For now he asks Laurent if he wants a sandwich for lunch. Laurent agrees so Larry goes to the kitchen and gets right to it. They spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and watching a movie...

~evening~

Laurent has full energy back now so he gets started on dinner which is a meaty, hearty lasagna where the sauce and the garlic bread will be made from scratch. He dumps all of the ingredients to make the bread in a large bowl then mixes, covers it and puts to the side so it can rise which typically takes about an hour and a half so he works on the sauce for the lasagna then puts the spread together for the garlic bread that consists of butter softened at room temperature, garlic and parsley. The sauce begins bubbling and he gives it a light stir. The entire home is already smelling absolutely divine. He then hears Larry behind him so he turns around...completely taken back by the sight before him. Larry took his advice and after giving his hair a nice shampoo and light blow dry he's adorning a glorious fro. Larry sees how Laurent is staring at him and softly asks, "what"? But Laurent is speechless. He can't believe how gorgeous this man looks. It's amazing how a simple hairstyle can do so much. It makes him look softer, and sweeter than he already is. Larry thinks he doesn't like it so he tilts his head to the side as he gently grabs a handful of his hair then in a soft, innocent voice...

Larry: "You hate it".

Laurent is still stunned, but eventually gulps and replies...

Laurent: "No". *clears throat* "Not at all. It looks great. You...you look amazing".

Larry: "Really"?

Laurent: "Yeah".

Larry: "Thank you", he replies sweetly.

Laurent: *smile* "Welcome". *pause* "I hope you keep it like that for a while".

Larry: *smile* "Well since you like it so much I will". 

Laurent catches himself staring a bit too long so he changes the subject...

Laurent: "So, the bread is rising and when it's done I'll show you how to roll it out and shape it then you can spread the garlic butter on. The sauce is cooking and when it's time I'll show you how to layer the lasagna".

Larry happily agrees and they eventually sit down to enjoy the meal in which time they always talk. Laurent admitted peeking in briefly on Larry's swim time and told him how beautiful it was to see him smiling and having fun which is why he insisted he went swimming. He knew he would. They cleaned as they cooked, but after dinner they washed the dishes they used to eat then Laurent sweeps and mops. They retreat to the couch for a chat and before they knew it the time to go to bed was upon them as tomorrow is the beginning of the work week. There's also an angst in Laurent to call the adoption agency and hopefully they will be able to go this week to get the information they need...

~a few days later~

When Laurent called the agency first thing on Monday he was told he didn't need an appointment. All he needs to do was come down and talk to an agent as soon as one was available. Laurent told Larry that he wanted them to be there when the doors open as arriving early would ensure they could speak with someone immediately. Larry couldn't agree more and today is the day. They only waited for ten minutes before an agent came out to greet them and introduce herself as Amelia Blanc then invited them back to her office...

Amelia: *smile* "So, you're looking to adopt"?

Laurent: "No. My brother and I just found each other and we need to know who our birth mother is so we can locate her".

Amelia's face went from a beaming smile to slowly fading then replying in a low voice...

Amelia: "I see".

Larry and Laurent instantly look confused and look at each other before looking back at her...

Laurent: "What"?

Amelia: "I thought you were here with questions about the adoption process. I didn't realize you were seeking information about a previous adoption".

Laurent: "Oki, well, can you help us"?

Amelia: "I'm sorry but I can't. After an adoption is finalized the records are sealed for privacy reasons".

Laurent: "You can't be serious. First you separate us and now you can't give us information so we can find out why"?

Amelia: "I'm sorry but those are the rules".

Larry: "I'm sorry but we can't accept that".

Amelia: "I understand your frustration; however...."

Laurent: "So help us. Please".

With her hands tied all she can do is look at him. She does feel for them, but is adamant that there's nothing she can do...

Laurent: "Then tell us why you separated us. That's what we really don't understand".

Larry: "And does this happen all the time? You separate siblings with no care"?

Amelia: "Unfortunately it does happen often".

Larry: "Why"?

Amelia: "The short of it is it's easier to place children individually because most families aren't looking to adopt two children at once. Most of them want the experience of one then decide if they want more".

Laurent: "No thought is considered about the twins that are separated and how it will feel for them to find out...if they find out. Like us. We went so many years not knowing about each other and missed the experience of growing up together just because separation was easier for you"?

Amelia: "Our priority is to place children as quickly as possible so they don't remain in foster care longer than they need to be".

Laurent: "It just seems you would keep twins longer to see if anyone would want them before telling someone, "hey you want a baby. Here's one. Bye". Twins know they have each other. They have a bond when they're in the womb and to break that up without doing everything you can to keep them together first is wrong".

Amelia: "I'm truly sorry. If I could change the policies I would".

Larry and Laurent really don't know what else to say. They look at each other in disbelief again then saying nothing Laurent stands up and grabs Larry's hand to gently stand him up then they leave hand in hand. Words can't express the anger they feel inside. Not only could they not receive the requested information but the reason for separate adoptions have them both understandably livid. They reach Laurent's car and get inside. The keys go in the ignition and they both fasten their seat belts, but Laurent can't crank the engine up and drive, so for a few moments it's just them sitting in a stunned silence. They ultimately look at each other and that's when Larry shrugs his shoulders and asks, "what are we going to do"? Laurent sees the saddened look in his eyes and it's hurtful to see. He then thinks about his police friend, Jeff, who called him for the domestic violence disturbance and something comes to him...

Laurent: "I have a friend who's a cop. I'll call him and ask him how we can get the records. There has to be a way. What they did can't be right and that should be enough to get what we need".

Larry: *soft sigh* "I hope so because this is wrong".

Laurent: "Yeah it is. I'll call him right now".

Laurent raises up a bit to take his phone out of his pocket to place the call, but it goes to his voicemail...

Laurent: "Jeff, it's Laurent. I need you to call me as soon as you get this message, please. I really need your help. Talk to you soon".

Laurent hits the end button and looks over at Larry whose head is down. Laurent reaches over and takes his pointer finger to raise his head so he's looking at him...his eyes filled with sadness and uncertainty. Laurent whispers, "we will find out. I know we will". That sweet voice is filled with enough certainty for the both of them so he softly nods then Laurent moves his hand to the keys in the ignition to crank the engine up and drive home. Once there Larry goes to grab an apple to munch on while Laurent sits on the couch thinking. Now his phone is ringing and he sees it's Jeff so he answers quickly. Larry comes over to sit across from him and can barely eat his apple as he's hoping for good news as much as Laurent is hoping for the same. He's relieved when he sees Laurent breathe a sigh of relief and after hanging up he promptly tells him what's going to happen next...

Laurent: "Jeff said that because we're over 18 she should have given us what we asked for and the worker should know this. He also said we can go back and tell her that we have the right to these records now because of that".

Larry: "Yeah. She could look at us and tell we're over 18 and she still didn't help us".

Laurent feels angry all over again so he calls the agency back and asks to speak directly to her and upon answering he tells her that he knows they can see the records now, but she still doesn't budge and instead of listening to another apology he just ends the call and looks back over at Larry...

Larry: "She still said no".

Laurent: "Yeah. I thought I would give her another chance but now I can go over her head because Jeff said we have a good chance of getting the records unsealed if we get an injunction which will take getting a lawyer so I'll start making some calls now".

Laurent only took one day off so he's hoping to find someone who he can go to and have a consultation with today. He's ready and willing to pay whatever fees as this is super important for he and Larry. He lucked up and found an attorney that agreed to meet with them at 11:30 as the time just opened up due to a cancellation. They were out the no door as soon as 11 hit the clock as they wanted to get there swiftly. With it being a weekday the roads aren't busy so they do arrive on time and are escorted to the attorneys office who stands up to greet them and introduces himself as Adrian Boche. He motions his hand for them to have a seat in the two chairs in front of his desk and Laurent wastes no time explaining the disappointment they had with the adoption agency. Mr. Boche can see just how much it upset them and he assures them that Jeff is correct that they do have the right because they're of age now. When he asks if they contacted the agency again to make them aware of this right he's also told that they still wouldn't allow it and that's why they're here now...

Laurent: "Mr. Boche, I will pay whatever you need me to pay. You just tell me how much and I'll pay it right now".

*brief pause*

Adrian: "I'll tell you what. I'll waive my fee and file for that injunction".

Larry and Laurent close their eyes and let out a sigh of relief then Laurent looks back at him...

Laurent: "We really appreciate that".

Adrian: "It's no problem. I agree that it was wrong to separate you two, and to make matters worse, they deny you what you deserve to know so I won't add to that by charging you a fee to get information that should be readily available for you. I have a couple of appointments after you, but right after that I'll head to the court and get that started for you".

Laurent: "Great. Here's my card. Please call me anytime. I'll answer".

Adrian: "Will do".

Mr. Boche stands up and extends his hand so they both stand up to give him a handshake and tell him once more how much they appreciate his help. They leave his office feeling so much better and eager for his phone call to tell him that securing the injunction was successful. They step outside and being that it's lunchtime Laurent asks Larry if he wants to go to the deli next door to grab a bite to eat. Larry can smell the aroma in the air and he quickly agrees so they go inside and scan the large menu behind the register. Larry opts for the turkey club with fresh french cut fries while Laurent opts for the roast beef with fries. Both get large drinks then they take a seat in the back by the window and dig in...

Larry: "Wow. This sandwich is great".

Laurent: "Mine too. The fries are also good".

They eat quietly for a few moments...taking sips in between bites and their thoughts are the same. What they will discover. Possibly more siblings, but most importantly, what life would have been like if they grew up together. Now Laurent is recalling the conversation he had with his mom after he found out about Larry...

Laurent: "When I told my mom about you, I asked if her and my pop were told I had a twin. I knew she told me the truth when she said they weren't, but after listening to that lady I believe her even more now. She said her and my pop would have taken both of us if they did know".

Larry: "I believe that. Your mom is an amazing woman and I can tell she's an amazing mom".

Laurent: "She really is".

Larry's demeanor changes a bit, and Laurent has an inkling as to why...

Laurent: "You still haven't called to talk to your mom"?

Larry: "No I haven't", he replies softly.

Laurent: "Do you think you will"?

Larry: "I'm still thinking for that".

Laurent hears the sadness in his voice and doesn't want to make it worse so he just extends his hand over to give Larry's hand a light squeeze. He knows he's still hurt from that night and is still processing it all so Laurent doesn't ask any more questions and they finish their lunch. They leave the deli, but before they reach the car...

Laurent: "I saw a strawberry smoothie on their menu that I want to try. Do you want one"?

Larry: "No, thank you. I'll just wait in the car".

Laurent nods and hands him the keys. As he goes back to the deli Larry begins walking towards the car...but stops dead in his tracks when he looks across the street because he's just made eye contact with Michael...

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A/N: Alright guys. It looks like they're one step closer to discovering the missing part of their lives. Until then, what do you all think will happen between Larry and Michael? Sound off in the comments! Thanks for reading. :)