A/N: Please play the audio above ❤️

A week has passed since Laurent had to tell Kya that she was going to live with her aunt. The image of her crying and screaming as she was pulled away from him has been haunting him everyday. He expressed to his love, Vera and Kent that he didn't want to go to sleep that night because he was certain that was all he would see, and he was correct. It wasn't just that night, it was several nights after. He just got to the point where he could get to sleep without seeing the heartbreaking scene. His love has been great. Snuggling him at night, constantly checking on him, extending his hand to gently touch his back to bring him comfort. Laurent appreciates it all as he knows Larry has also been struggling with living without her, but he's put his focus on his husband. They agreed to start the process of adoption and today they have an appointment with an adoption counselor. Since they had trouble with the agency Vera and Kent went through to adopt Laurent they chose another agency hoping it will be a much better experience. Laurent is already dressed and as he waits for Larry he goes to the room Kya slept in while they had temporary guardianship over her. He slowly opens the door but stands there for a few moments as memories of her begin flooding his mind. The way she sat up in bed after her first night with them and adorably waited for one of them to come and get her. Her on the floor happily playing with all the toys he bought for her then the glow on her face when he would greet her good morning before standing to her feet and running to him. Reading her a bedtime story as she looked at the book as if she was following along then pointing at the pictures so Laurent would smile and ask what animal or object it was. Her perfect round eyes would look up at him as her sweet little voice would reply. It also reminded him of the day he met her. He had never seen a child so frightened. He wasn't sure that he would successfully get her out of the closet, but when she stood up and opened her arms as she walked over while also looking up at him his heart fluttered. That was also the first time he read to her. Jeff went on the hunt to find a book at his request to read to her while her mommy was giving her statement to police but also receiving help with her injuries. His heart broke for both of them, and just as he does with all of his clients who were subjected to such abuse, he made them a priority to ensure their safety. He begins to slowly walk over to the bed where a teddy bear is propped against the pillows. She slept with it every night and when he thinks about the way she always snuggled the bear into her as she slept brings a soft smile to his face. He then picks it up and holding it with both hands he looks down at it and continues to smile. He eventually looks up and begins looking around the room thinking he would have loved to decorate it just for her then wonders what theme she would have wanted. The Little Mermaid, unicorn or perhaps a fairy theme. She loves them all and whatever she picked he and Larry would have made it come together. The more he thinks about it the more he can feel his heart hurting. If she had been happy to live with her aunt and cousins that would have made him happy. But, her resistance meant she didn't want to go and she wasn't happy which made giving her up the single most heartbreaking thing he's experienced in his career. His eyes lower to the bear again and he can't help but think about what she's doing now...how she's doing. If she's still wishing she was with him and his love or if she's adjusted by now. He wants to call only he isn't sure that would be the best thing and perhaps more time should pass to make sure she has adjusted. His mind is so back and forth with thoughts he doesn't realize Larry is standing at the doorway until he hears, "baby"? He slowly looks up at the gorgeous creature who's looking back at him with the softest eyes...

Larry: "You ready to go", he asks softly.

Laurent: "Yeah bebe. I'm ready. I was just thinking...."

Laurent stopping his words like that tells Larry just how much pain his husband's heart is in so his head tilts to the side as he looks at him ever so softly. He begins walking over to him and the minute he sits next to him he places his hand on his back to rub small, soothing circles as he looks at him...

Larry: "Talk to me baby", he whispers.

*brief pause*

Laurent: "I was thinking about how much I miss her".

Larry: "I know you do, my love. I miss her too".

Silence falls momentarily as Larry continues to rub his back then Laurent asks...

Laurent: "How do you think she would have wanted this room decorated? Mermaid, Unicorn or fairy"?

Larry: *smile* "Probably the fairy".

Laurent: *smile* "I think you're right".

Laurent's eyes go back to the teddy bear. Larry looks down at it then back to his love before slowly leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek...

Larry: "We just have to be there for each other when it starts to hurt".

Laurent's focus goes from the bear to his loves eyes as he softly replies...

Laurent: "Yes we do, and we will". *pause* "Thank you for being my rock, bebe. You really have been so wonderful and showing your support through all of this".

Larry: "You're the love of my life. I'll always be here for you".

Laurent gives him a soft smile before leaning over to plant a sweet kiss on his lips while Larry raises his hand to delicately place it on Laurent's cheek...

~song should be done now~ 

He then whispers, "let's go baby" then stands up and takes Laurent's hand to guide him up then they head for the car. Laurent's heart is feeling much lighter now that he and his love have talked about it so the mood on the way to the adoption agency is that of smiles and laughter as they discuss various things. They also agree to stop and have lunch together before going back home. When they arrive they're instantly led to the office of the adoption counselor and are already pleased at such fast service. The assistant knocks on the door and when prompted to come in she opens the door then motions her hand, along with a smile, for them to go inside where the counselor stands to her feet to introduce herself as Regina, also with a smile. She then politely instructs them to have a seat and the appointment begins...

Regina: *smile* "So, you're newlyweds and ready to adopt".

Laurent: *smile* "Yes we are. Very ready".

Regina: *smile* "That's great because there are so many kids that need loving homes and I can feel the love beaming from you two so I'm delighted to help".

Larry: *smile* "We appreciate that because we love each other very much and we also love children so we're ready to give a child the best life".

Regina smiles and nods then looks down at some papers on her desk. She then picks up a pen as she needs to get some preliminary information...

Regina: "There are a few questions I need to ask such as a particular age group you're looking for. A newborn or perhaps around the toddler age group and is there a specific gender you're looking to adopt"?

Laurent looks over at Larry then extends his hand to take a hold of his. Larry looks back at him and without even saying anything Larry knows what his loves reply will be so he gives his hand a gentle squeeze along with a soft nod then they look at Regina...

Laurent: "We'll take a newborn baby. We'll take a toddler. We'll take twins, triplets. No matter the age. Whoever needs a stable, but most of all, a loving home is who we will take in and provide them with everything they need while loving them so much".

Regina can't respond right away as she's floored by Laurent's response...

Regina: *smile* "I've been an adoption counselor for fifteen years and I have never heard a response like that. That was very touching".

Laurent: *smile* "Thank you. It's just what's in my heart, and I know my love feels the same way".

At that moment Regina looks at Larry and the look he's giving his husband can only be described as someone who is head over heels in love. It's soft, it's endearing and it's in this very moment that she knows this will be an extremely positive experience and whoever they adopt will be loved immensely and truly will have the best life. She then explains the screening process and reminds them that it isn't as easy as adopting a child within days which they understand and will wait however long as they're committed to expanding their family. After a very successful first appointment they all shake hands then as Larry and Laurent leave the building they decide to go back to the deli they went to several weeks ago that has amazing sandwiches and fresh cut french fries. Feeling good about the appointment they're all smiles. Larry even feeds his love a few fries just to see the way Laurent's mouth gently takes it from him as he looks into Larry's eyes. When they're done Laurent orders a box of chocolate chip cookies to have after dinner although they smell so good they can't resist having a few on the way home. They had plans to just kick back for the rest of the afternoon until Larry receives a text about two service calls that will likely take up a few hours so he gives his love a kiss then makes his way to the driveway where his company car is parked next to his car then takes off. Laurent gets an idea and gets started on it right away so everything will be in place when Larry arrives home...

~evening~

Larry arrived home around 6 pm just as the sun is beginning to set. It's a beautiful sunset and it sets the mood for the plans he has to just snuggle up with his husband after they have a glass of wine together. Little does he know his love already has a plan for Larry and after he unlocks the door he walks into the most romantic setting. Soft music in the background, an incredible aroma of a savory dinner and when he reaches the dining area he sees two tall candles lit on the dinner table. He can feel his heart leap, and more so when he hears that sweet voice behind him saying, "my love has arrived". Larry closes his eyes as he smiles then opens them to turn around and look at him...

Larry: *smile* "What's all this for"?

Laurent: *smile* "Because you're the best husband. My heart in human form".

Larry feels his heart leap again because the latter part is what Larry said in his vows on their wedding day. He drops his head to the side as he looks at this beautiful man...internally asking himself how he got so lucky. He then steps forward, takes Laurent's face in his hands then gives him a delicate kiss. Laurent smiles when they release then says, "but first" a dance with my groom. He then walks over to turn on the sound system to play the very song they had their first dance to as a married couple. He comes back to his love, they wrap their arms around each other and begin swaying to the music. No words are exchanged. Just the two of them gazing into each other's eyes...soft kisses in between just as they did that magical day until the song fades away. They kiss once more before Laurent sweetly instructs Larry to take a seat while he disappears into the kitchen. Larry can't help but smile while his heart is bursting at the romantic gesture. Now his love is walking back in with two serving bowls in his hands and when he places them in the center of the table Larry sees honey glazed carrots in one bowl and Parmesan crusted smashed potatoes in the other. These are just the side dishes and they look divine so he's ready to see the main course. Laurent chuckles because he knows that's what he's waiting for so he goes back to the kitchen and seconds later he's carefully bringing in a large dutch oven containing the main dish which is braised chicken. Larry practically licks his lips at how juicy and tender the chicken looks that's in a broth consisting of garlic cloves, onions and mushrooms then garnished with fresh thyme stems...

Larry: *smile* "Everything looks and smells amazing my love. Thank you".

Laurent: *smile* "Welcome. I just wanted you to know that you're your support these past few weeks mean so much to me. Having you by my side is the best gift I have ever received and I love you so much".

Larry: *smile* "I love you too baby. More than anything".

Laurent feels Larry take his hand as he stands next to him...looking down at him with the softest eyes. He then bends down to give Larry a kiss then whispers against them, "let's dig in". Larry chuckles then agrees so Laurent begins piling his loves plate with everything then makes his plate so they can enjoy this wonderful dinner together. Laurent also told him that he's also going to wash the dishes as he knew Larry would insist washing the dishes since he put time and love into making the dinner, but Laurent doesn't want him lifting a finger. This night is all about appreciation for his gorgeous husband. Afterward, Laurent sweetly instructs Larry to wait in the bedroom and when he gives him a certain look Larry blushes because he knows where this night is going. Larry turns the TV on but isn't paying much attention to it as he's in high anticipation of he and his husband ending this evening making sweet love. Laurent eventually comes to the bedroom and his eyes are already in heavy seduction so Larry uses the remote to turn the TV off then stands up...his eyes on Laurent as he does so. He then walks over to him and every step is even dripping in seduction. The moment they're face to face they crash their lips together and they both moan into the sensual kiss. They pull away to look each other in the eyes as they slowly begin to undress each other. When they're nude Laurent backs him up to the bed then seductively pushes Larry down then gets on his knees. He gives Larry another sultry look as he puts his mouth around Larry's wood prompting his head to go back as moaning ensues. Larry then puts his hand in Laurent's fro and begins massaging while he goes to work. Larry switches between panting, moaning and gasping then belts out a loud moan when he releases inside his loves mouth who moans at the taste. It was such an explosion that Larry lost strength...but when he sees Laurent standing to his knees and his manhood so hard it's pointed directly at him he quickly gets that strength back. He rests his back against the mattress then watches Laurent hover over him, grab his wood then gently push inside of him. Their lips crash together one more as Laurent moves powerfully inside of him. He's moving in and out, around and around and it gets to the point where Larry can't even stay connected to his lips. He releases to moan loudly as the pleasure he feels is insane. It isn't long before he's whimpering Laurent's name and telling him how good he feels. He then tells him to go deeper, and of course Laurent has to oblige him which prompts louder noises from Larry. Laurent is breathing and panting in Larry's ear and now he wants to feel him from the back so he whispers, "on your knees". He pulls out to allow him to flip over and in the instant he's on his knees he looks back at Laurent with his bottom lip sucked in...seduction in his eyes then watches Laurent place himself on his knees. His mouth falls open when Laurent pushes back inside of him and for a few moments he watches his love take him gently from the back whilst watching his facial expressions. Laurent's eyes are closed as he switches from hisses to whispering expletives...beads of sweat dripping down his face as he, too, bites his lower lip. Larry eventually turns his head forward and his hands grasp the sheet as he closes his eyes then begins panting loudly. He then hears Laurent's voice say, "I'm going to explode inside of you". Larry grips the sheets tighter in anticipation of it then the next sound he hears is Laurent growling as he thrusts forward...pausing and holding Larry's hips tighter as the milky substance oozes out of him and coats Larry's walls. Larry whimpers at the sensation and when Laurent pulls out he watches Larry contract the muscles in his ass to keep his husbands cum from dripping...but it's so much there is a bit of leakage and the sight is beyond sexy. He then crashes on the bed next to Larry whose ass is still propped in the air as he's too weak and thoroughly satisfied to move right now. He looks at Laurent who's trying to get his breathing back to normal so he chuckles then leans over to give him a slow, sensual kiss that they release with a soft pop...

Larry: *smile* "That was incredible".

Laurent: *smile* "I don't think you understand how good you feel. They way your ass tightens around me sends me to another dimension".

Larry: *smile* "That's what you do to me".

Laurent blushes then puckers his lips for another kiss which Larry gives him then they decide to take a bath together where they spend several moments in sweet silence...Larry's back pressed against Laurent's chest whose arms are wrapped around him...their cheeks pressed together unless Laurent is placing soft kisses to Larry's. They eventually wash up and rinse off then get changed into their bedclothes before getting in bed to hold each other until they drift off to sleep...

~Friday~

It's been a few days since they went to see the adoption counselor, Regina, who's been in contact in regards to the next steps in the screening process. Everything is going well so they're confident they will be approved and it will just be a matter of when they will be able to bring their child home. Laurent has been hard at work and he received a call from Jeff earlier in the day telling him that he had been keeping up with Ray's murder case. Since he plead guilty there was no need for a trial so the judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Laurent is elated and Jeff also told him that Celina received the news who was very pleased as well. He also received another call from the judicial clerk for the judge who presided over the mediation with him and Celina. She requests that he comes back to the courthouse at 4 pm. He promptly agrees then sends an email out to his staff that he will leave an hour early. He can't imagine what this is about so he just goes about his day, though the unknown reason does pop up in his mind as he continues to work. The time finally comes for him to leave and during the drive his mind begins pondering again about what this request for his presence is about and hopes it isn't anything bad. He arrives at the courthouse where he's prompted to go to the same room the mediation was held in. When he goes inside he's surprised to see Celina and right away he's worried that something is wrong with Kya and that's exactly what he asks. He's relieved when he's told that she's fine, at least physically, but before he can ask more questions the judge comes in and when they're told to be seated the judge turns to Celina so she can tell Laurent why they're here today...

Celina: "Shortly after my sister's death I went to her home to go through her things and sort out what to keep and what to store. Her phone is something I obviously kept but I didn't really go through it until recently and there's a video on here you need to see".

Laurent's face is showing a soft confusion as he's handed the phone. He looks down at the screen and sees Janice. He looks up at Celina then down again before pressing the button for the video to play. He isn't at all prepared for what he's about to hear...

Janice: "It's 1:00 in the morning. I'm still at the women's shelter as I watch my sweet, innocent little girl sleep who doesn't deserve to be sheltered or missing out on having a normal and happy childhood". *deep sigh* "I just got a call from Ray demanding to know where I am and when I refused to tell him he told me that he will find me in a threatening tone". *pause* "I'm calling the police first thing in the morning, but I'm making this video because I'm officially scared for my life so if something happens to me I want whoever finds and sees this video to make sure that the social worker, Laurent, is a part of my little girls life in anyway he can be. She never experienced the proper example of a good man and father figure in her life and Laurent is all she talks about. She looks at me with those perfect, beautiful eyes and says, "mommy? When can I see Mr. Laurent"? So please make sure he knows and I would like to thank you, Laurent, for the positive impact you've had on my little girl, the help, politeness and courtesy you have shown me, and for the work you do at your agency. This city is all the more better for it and I know that with you a part of her life she will be happy, and that's all I want for her".

There's a brief moment of silence as Janice continues to look at the screen...then it fades to black. Laurent didn't realize he got a bit emotional until he feels a tear on his cheek. He wipes it away as he hands the phone back to Celina then asks, "so what does this mean"? It takes her a minute but she replies...

Celina: "She didn't mention custody, but I think you having full custody is for the best. Kya isn't happy. She was fine with visiting, but your home is her home so living with you will make her happy, and she deserves to be happy". 

Laurent: "We would love custody of her".

At that moment the judge takes some papers out of his portfolio and begins to explain what they are...

Judge: "A document has been drawn that will declare full and legal custody being granted to you upon your signature".

Now Laurent is looking at the pen the judge is holding up for him. He gently takes the pen and when he looks down at the document he sees Celina's signature is already above his. He reads it then signs his name. He gives the pen back and looks at Celina who's visibly emotional. She then tells him she has one more thing to give him for Kya. She pulls out a small picture frame and turns it around. It's a picture of Janice holding Kya as a newborn...

Kya: "This was also in her home. It was taken in the hospital the day after she gave birth. I would love it if you could put it Kya's room. That way she can see her mommy every day and always be connected to her".

Laurent: "Of course I will", he replies softly.

She hands it to him and Laurent looks down at it. The joy and glow in her eyes as she holds Kya is beautiful. He then looks back up at Celina...

Laurent: "She's your niece. Stay in her life".

Celina: "Thank you, Laurent".

Laurent: "Welcome". *pause* "Thank you", he replies softly.

Celina nods again then he extends his hand to the judge for a handshake then asks Celina...

Laurent: "Where is she"?

Celina: "In the waiting room around the corner with my husband".

Laurent immediately gets up and leaves the room...his heart pounding in anticipation of seeing their daughter and excited to tell her the good news. His eyes are darting all over the place and when he locates her he belts out, "Kya". Her head turns and her eyes light up when she sees him then slides off the bench to run to him. He picks her up and swings her around then pulls her back to look at her...

Laurent: *smile* "Let's go home. You're going to live with me and Mr. Larry from now on".

Kya: *smile* "Yay Mr. Laurent"!

Laurent gives her another hug as he rocks her from side to side. Celina came out of the mediation room and has been standing next to her husband watching the sweet reunion between them. Laurent switches Kya to his hip and looks at her in gratitude then Celina's eyes go to Kya...

Celina: "Bye sweetheart. I still want you to come and visit sometime, ok"?

Kya: "Oki", she replies sweetly.

Laurent extends his hand to shake hers as well as her husband's then he turns around to finally take Kya home. He never removed her booster seat because he just wasn't ready. Now he doesn't have to. He secures her in her seat then gets in the driver's seat to crank up and head home. He's so excited for Larry to see her and he's hoping to see both Larry's car as well as his company vehicle in the driveway because he would be home. When he does the excitement increases and after parking then taking Kya out he heads for the front door. He then asks, "are you excited to see Mr. Larry" prompting an ecstatic "yes" so he chuckles then unlocks the door and goes inside. He calls out, "bebe" and it only takes a few seconds for Larry to appear. His eyes go wide when he sees her and the second Laurent places her on his feet she runs to him. He picks her up to give her a big hug then gives Laurent a quizzical look. Laurent smiles as he tells him, "we have full and legal custody of her bebe. She's ours forever now". Larry can't hold back his tears and hugs her again as he, too, rocks her from side to side. Watching the two of them is the best and sweetest thing and tears also build in Laurent's eyes. He eventually suggests that they go shopping to buy items to decorate her room, and just as they thought, she chose a fairy theme. The joy of shopping for everything was just as great as getting home and putting it all together. The final piece was the framed picture given by Celina. When Laurent carefully places it on the nightstand Kya sweetly says, "it's mommy". Laurent smiles as he replies, "she's holding you after you were born and your auntie wanted you to have this so you will still see her and see how much she loved you". Kya stares at the picture for a few moments then Laurent places a gentle kiss to her temple. When she looks at him he smiles and asks, "are you hungry" in which she belts out, "yeah"! Laurent chuckles then turns to Larry. They agree that since it's such a special occasion they will fire up the grill. Larry also calls Katherine and Lorraine while Laurent places a call to Vera, Kent and Chrissy. This is such a special day they want the entire family over to celebrate. Vera, Katherine and Lorraine will bring their most popular dishes while the rest of the food will be taken care of by Larry and Laurent. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken go on the grill while other foods are prepared such as a fruit salad, garden salad, coleslaw. Corn on the cob is another dish that will also be grilled. When everyone arrives they're delighted to see Kya and couldn't be more happy they were granted custody. Larry and Laurent are thankful for the family's support. Kya will have strong women in her life she can go to for anything, and most importantly, she will receive an abundance of love. She's already so loved and being surrounded by everyone right now keeps a big smile on her face. This time of coming together eventually comes to an end and they all say goodbye for now but are so happy they can tell Kya that they will see her soon. She's given big hugs and kisses then Larry and Laurent give those same hugs and kisses to their family before watching them take off. Kya gets a bath then she's tucked in her bed where they both read her a bedtime story. Having her permanently seems so surreal, but it's the best thing ever. When she goes to sleep they smile at her then head for the kitchen to clean up before retreating to their bedroom for a joint shower, eventually getting into their bedclothes and in bed. With the unexpected, but wonderful surprise of getting Kya back Larry realizes he's unaware of how...

Larry: *smile* "How did this happen baby"?

Laurent: *smile* "I got called to the courthouse and Celina showed me a video Janice left saying she wanted me in Kya's life as much as possible because of how much she talked about me".

Larry: *smile* "I told you she loves you".

Laurent: *smile* "I love her". *pause* "She also said Kya wasn't happy living with Celina so between what Janice said in the video and Kya being unhappy she thought it would be best for us to have full custody".

Larry: *smile* "It really worked out for the best".

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah and just think bebe. We will have our first Christmas together and it will be the first one with Kya too".

Larry: *smile* "It will be a Christmas we will never forget".

Laurent: *smile* "Agreed", he whispers.

They come together for a kiss and when they break apart...

Larry: *smile* "I was thinking about the adoption. I know we agreed to take anyone who needs a loving home, but wouldn't it be great if we adopt a newborn first? I can see Kya holding the baby with our guidance and feeding him or her with the bottle".

Laurent: *smile* "I can picture that and it would be beautiful. She would be the best big sister".

Larry: *smile* "She will". *pause* "So we can tell Regina that we want to adopt a newborn baby first and the child we adopt after that can be a toddler or twins, no matter the age, just like you said".

Laurent: *smile* "You read my mind".

Larry feels his heart leap then gives Laurent a kiss to seal the deal. After such a fun day Laurent's eyes begin to flutter so Larry softly chuckles then whispers to him to get some sleep. When he's sure Laurent is in a deep sleep he watches him as he also thinks about how he got here. How a bad decision one night turned into a life he thought he could only dream of. Laurent, whose heart is so big that he didn't hold that against him because he knew they were connected and the more Larry saw Laurent's heart...his passion...his love for helping people the harder in love he fell. Vera, Kent and Chrissy embracing him and Kent stepping up as his dad after years of never experiencing the love he needed from Michael. And now, Kya. Sweet, precious Kya whose room is the very room Larry slept in when Laurent opened up his home to him. Wonderful, heart of gold Laurent who Larry gets to wake up to every morning and do this thing called life with. As he continues to gaze at his husband he becomes so happily overwhelmed tears brim his eyes as he just can't believe that this is the life he's living now. The life that has beautifully come together after so many broken pieces...

-------------

A/N: And that officially concludes "Pieces". Thank you all so much for reading, voting and your beautiful comments. I truly appreciate the support. Have a wonderful holiday and a very happy New Year. ❤️

~lestwinsdesire