Chapter Twenty One: Protocol
Laurent has been in his office planning to only work a few hours then go back to home to his love and little Kya. Her eyes have seen so much and the past few days have only added to that so he's wanted to be with her as much as he can to help her deal. His wonderful husband has been by her side as well who she's becoming closer to as well. They had a talk about adopting her if he and Jeff are unable to find her family, but just as he's about to wrap things up at his agency a woman has entered his office introducing herself as the sister of Janice. He goes completely mute as he looks at her because he was starting to think that no one would come forward as it's been so many days and it's unlikely that family would wait seeing as how long Janice's tragic and untimely death has been in the news, but their efforts have seemingly paid off so he eventually speaks up and invites her to come in and sit down. He's thinking to himself that while it's great she's here he also has to make sure this is, in fact, her sister. Janice deserves a proper burial, but it's also about Kya so he will be diligent when it comes to her well being...
Laurent: "I'm the director, Laurent".
Celina: "It's nice to meet you Laurent".
Laurent: "It's nice to meet you too, although I hate the circumstances we're meeting under".
Silence briefly falls and now Laurent is watching her cry. His heart breaks at her pain and he takes some Kleenex from the box to give to her. She whispers, "thank you" through her tears in which Laurent gently nods as he continues to look softly at her as she dabs her eyes. Minutes later she finally musters up the strength to speak...
Celina: "I can't believe my sister is gone". *sniff* "I was just watching the news and saw the report. I felt my heart drop but I saw you as a contact on the news report so I got here as fast as I could". *pause* "She was abused, wasn't she"?
Laurent: "Yes she was", he replies softly.
Celina: *deep sigh* "I knew it. When I first met him I knew something off. I tried expressing my concern to her, but she was so in love she didn't want to see it. She said I was being paranoid and didn't want to see her happy. I told her that wasn't true. I was just listening to my gut and because I loved her so much I wanted the best for her. She still wouldn't listen then I noticed she wasn't coming around the family as much and I could barely talk to her. I knew he was isolating her, but she did call me to tell me she was pregnant with Kya".
Celina suddenly stops speaking and her eyes widen a bit as the tone in her voice now has a sense of urgency...
Celina: "Kya. Where is she? How is she"?
Laurent: "She's been living with me since I didn't know who to contact. She's oki. She understands that mommy went to heaven and I can tell she's sad, but she's adjusting".
Celina: "I have to see her. She has to be with me so I can raise her".
Laurent: "Well, it's not that simple".
Celina: "What do you mean? She's my niece. She has to be with family. She has cousins and an uncle, my husband. She should be with us".
Laurent: "I understand but when it comes to children it isn't as simple as giving them over and since you and your sister lost contact I assume it's been a while since you've seen Kya, yes"?
*brief pause*
Celina: *sigh* "You're right. I haven't since her since she was two. Or before she turned two but that wasn't my choice. I told you he isolated my sister. What could I do"?
Laurent: "I understand that but since Kya was so young the last time you saw her she won't remember you and we have to follow proper protocols".
Celina: "And what are these protocols"?
Laurent: "First, there has to be DNA testing to make sure you're a blood relative".
Celina: "You can't be serious. My sister was murdered and you're telling me that in order to see my niece I have to go through some DNA testing"?
Laurent: "Yes ma'am. That's a requirement. We have to establish a blood connection".
Celina: "I just told you that I am her blood. She's my sister so I'm Kya's aunt".
Laurent: "I hear what you're saying, but a judge will only tell you the same thing. This is standard in cases like this".
*brief pause*
Celina: "Fine, but I want her given to me as soon as the test proves she's my niece. Right now I have a funeral to plan so I'll give you my number and you can call me to let me know how soon I can take this test".
Laurent: "Yes ma'am", he replies softly.
Laurent gives her a pen and pad to write her number down then tells her the name of the morgue. She nods as she's writing then drops the pen and looks back at Laurent...
Laurent: "I'll call you as soon as the testing is arranged".
Celina: "Can you put a rush on it"?
Laurent: "Yes I can request that".
Celina: "Good. I'll be waiting to hear from you".
Before Laurent can respond Celina stands up and leaves his office. He then leans back in his chair and lets out a soft sigh. He understands her frustration because if she really is her sister then it couldn't have been easy to hear that she has to prove Kya is her niece after finding out that her sister was senselessly murdered. But, he also has to think about Kya and he can only hope that Celina truly understands that he's not only following protocol but doing what's best for her. There's no better time to go home to the precious child and his sweet husband...
Laurent typically listens to music on his drives home from work, but didn't have any desire to during this drive. He doesn't feel better until he's at his front door and hearing what he's sure is a children's song and sweet laughter. He smiles a bit as he quietly unlocks the door and when he walks in his heart leaps at what he sees. There is a children's song blaring and in the center of the living room is his husband doing silly dances and spinning around as Kya watches him...smiling and laughing. This is the first time he's ever seen her in this element so when he looks back at Larry he falls in love with him all over again. Larry goes for another spin when he sees Laurent so he stops then looks at Kya before pointing his finger at Laurent as his mouth drops in a playful gasp whispering, "who is that"? Kya's eyes follow and when she sees Laurent she immediately runs to him with a wide smile and open arms. Laurent picks her up to hug her as Larry turns off the music then walks over to them. He smiles at their embrace and his heart flutters when he hears Laurent greet her with, "hey sweetheart". Laurent is gently rubbing her back as they continue to hug each other then he looks at Larry to smile at him, but Larry can also tell that there's something behind those eyes so something is troubling him. He says, "hey sweet girl" prompting Kya to turn her head to look at him. He smiles as he tells her, "it's time for your nap but when you wake up the three of us will play together, oki"? Sweet little Kya nods and when she sees Larry's arms extended to take her she reaches for him. He gently takes her from him then whispers that he won't be long then takes off for Kya's room while Laurent takes a seat on the couch to wait for him. Minutes later Larry comes back in the living room and as he sits beside him he asks, "what happened baby"? Laurent doesn't immediately respond and the look on his face is as if the weight of the world is on his shoulders and Larry's heart drops at the sight of him. Larry gives him a soft look as he waits to hear what's going on...
Laurent: *deep sigh* "A lady came in my office and said she's Janice's sister".
Larry: "Wow", he whispers.
Laurent: "Yeah. She wants Kya right away to take her home and raise her, but I told her it's not that easy. DNA testing has to be done to establish a blood connection".
Larry: "Good because anyone could say they're a relative".
Laurent: "I know, but just listening to her I really think she is her sister. She knew too much not to be". *pause* "She wants Kya and I understand why. Kya is all she has left of her sister. It's just...I love her. We love her, but a judge will agree that she has to be with family so we won't have a choice. We will have to give her up".
Tears begin falling from Laurent's eyes so Larry gently wraps his hand around Laurent's head to pull him close and as Laurent weeps on his shoulder Larry whispers, "I got you baby". It isn't long before tears build in his own eyes because Laurent is right. They love her so much and the thought of her not being with them brings deep pain to their hearts. Moments of silence pass then Larry raises his head to look down into his husband's eyes...
Larry: "I have an idea. When Kya wakes up we should take her to the park and to a nice restaurant".
Laurent: "I think she would love that".
Larry softly nods as he wipes a stray tear from Laurent's eye. They decide to take a nap while Kya is napping so they will be nice and energized for this fun day out. Larry stands up then extends his arms to help Laurent up then he leads the way to their bedroom and once in bed Laurent spoons him as Larry places his arm over Laurent's then they drift off to sleep...
*****
Larry and Laurent woke up and checked on Kya together who was still asleep so they retreated to the couch to watch some TV until she woke up. Normally they go to her room and see her sitting up in bed when she's awake but they got the feeling that it was no longer the two of them in the living room so they both looked back and there she was. They both smiled as they stood up and walked over to her. Laurent picked her up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Larry gave her a kiss too then Laurent told her about the park. There was joy in her eyes so Laurent looked at Larry to wink at him for suggesting the idea. They got ready then made their way for Laurent's car to head for the park where she was all smiles as she went down the slide then got on the carousel. Laurent pushed her on the swing as Larry smiled while getting it on video with his phone. Her laughter was the sweetest sound and their hearts were full seeing how much fun she was having. When they were at the restaurant she giggled when the cheese in the mozzarella stick pulled as she was taking a bite of it. Laurent ordered her a grilled cheese and fries from the kids menu and after cleaning her plate she was offered some crayons and coloring sheet that she happily colored while Larry and Laurent finished their meals. The sun was beginning to set when they left and on the ride home they noticed how quiet she was so Laurent smiled as he asked Larry, "is she sleeping" in which Larry turned back and when she noticed those eyes closed he smiled as he replies, "yes she is". Laurent softly chuckles as Larry turns back around then looks over at him...
Larry: *smile* "She had so much fun today".
Laurent: *smile* "Yeah she did".
Larry then notices Laurent's smile slowly fade so in a soft voice...
Larry: "What's wrong baby"?
*brief pause*
Laurent: "I just want more time spent with her like today".
Larry gently picks up Laurent's free hand and brings it to his mouth to kiss the back of it before whispering, "I know" then uses the back of his free hand to caress Laurent's cheek. They arrive home and Laurent offers to get her changed into her bedclothes and tuck her in giving Larry time to set up a surprise for him. He ordered a foot spa as he's wanted to give his hard working husband a foot massage and since he's been feeling so down with everything that's happened lately this was the perfect time. When Laurent came to the bedroom his mouth slightly dropped at the sight of candles set up all around and a chair placed in the middle of the room. The foot spa is placed in front of it and a stool for Larry to sit on who's standing behind the chair and smiling at Laurent...
Laurent: *smile* "You're giving me a foot massage"?
Larry: *smile* "Yes my love. Because you deserve it".
Laurent just tilts his head as he gazes at this sweet man. Larry then sweetly tells him, "take your shoes off and come sit down baby". Laurent softly chuckles as he kicks his shoes off then takes his socks off and tosses those to the side. He walks over but before he takes his seat he has to give Larry a kiss for such a generous gesture. He sits down and slowly places his feet in the warm, bubbly water mixed with essential oils giving off a delightful and relaxing aroma as Larry places his hands on his shoulders then whispers, "sit back just a little bit". He does and now he's feeling Larry's hands massaging him in which he moans...
Larry: *chuckles* "I take it that feels good"?
Laurent: "It feels amazing bebe".
Larry bends down to kiss his cheek then whispers, "good". The deeper the massage the more he relaxes. When Larry is done he gently grabs Laurent's face to tilt his head back so he can give him an upside down kiss on the lips. Larry then steps around to sit down on the stool and smiles at Laurent as he gently picks up one of his feet to begin the massage. He uses his thumb to dig deep into the arch prompting a deep moan from Laurent. All Larry can do is smile as he watches his love enjoying this time of well deserved pampering. Larry takes care to also massage the soles and the balls of his feet as well as his ankles. He also runs his hands up Laurent's legs to massage the calves. Laurent can't stop moaning at how good it feels and Larry can tell his body is completely relaxed. The last thing he does is scoops a handful of water then allows it drip from his hand over each foot. He repeats this process several times and the rippling sound of the water adds the perfect ASMR component. Now that he's done he takes a clean towel to dry his feet off then squeezes a generous amount of moisturizer in his hands to rub in both feet then puts a pair of socks on him to seal the moisturizer in...
Larry: *smile* "I'm done baby".
Laurent: *smile* "That was so amazing my love. Thank you".
Larry: *smile* "Anything for you", he whispers.
Larry sweetly instructs him to get ready for bed while he goes to dump the water out and clean out the spa before putting it away. He puts the chair back in place then gets changed into his bedclothes and joins Laurent. He's so relaxed that he will be asleep rather soon, but they always take some time at the end of the night to just relish in each other. They're looking at each other and smiling then Larry whispers...
Larry: "Tell me what's on your mind".
Laurent: *smile* "That wonderful massage".
Larry: *smile* "Thank you, but you deserved it".
Laurent: *smile* "I appreciate that bebe".
Larry: *smile* "Welcome, but what else is on your mind"?
*silence*
Larry: "You're still worried that we will have to give Kya up".
Laurent: *sigh* "Yeah. It wasn't just my job. I know it was the right thing to do by finding her family but with her living with us now it's so hard to imagine life without her". *pause* "Am I being selfish"?
Larry: "No baby. You're not being selfish at all. Your name doesn't belong in the same sentence as that word because you're the exact opposite. You're the most selfless, loving, caring, inspiring and the most beautiful human I've ever known. You're so generous with your love and your heart. That's why Kya loves you too".
Laurent: *smile* "You think she loves me"?
Larry: *smile* "I know she does. It's impossible not to love you".
Laurent: "Oh bebe", he whispers.
That deserves a kiss so Laurent plants one on those lips then looks into his eyes...
Laurent: "Your words mean everything to me. Thank you".
Larry: "Welcome", he whispers.
Laurent: *smile* "You know Kya loves you too. I saw the joy in her eyes as she smiled and laughed while you were doing those silly dances".
Larry: *smile* "I love her too. So much and I would do anything to put a smile on her face".
Laurent: *smile* "I know you would, and you always put a smile on mine".
Larry returns a kiss at such endearing words...and their love...their passion leads them to another moment of sweet love making. Larry mounted Laurent to begin riding him and his head tilting from side to side...his eyes closed...his bottom lip sucked in as the moonlight shines into their bedroom was the most beautiful sight Laurent could see. When Larry felt his eyes on him he opened his then bent over to kiss him passionately while his hips rise and fall as Laurent's large wood slides in and out of him. Afterward, they showered and when it was time for bed it was Larry who gently pulled Laurent into him to rest against his chest. He then whispered to him to not worry and just close his eyes to go to sleep. The massage and their lovemaking made him fall asleep right away and Larry was asleep soon after...
~three days later~
Laurent was able to book an appointment for DNA testing for Kya and called Celina to give her the time he scheduled for her to take the test. She wanted to know if Kya would be there but was told that Kya's appointment was at a different time. She asked if he could change it so she could be there when Kya is so she can see her, but Laurent told her that until the test can confirm blood relation seeing Kya wasn't approved. Frustrated by his decision she replied, "whatever" then asked him for the name and location of the testing site. When the time came he went to get little Kya dressed and explained where they were going in a way she would understand...
Laurent: "Mr. Laurent has to tell you something sweetheart".
Kya: "What", she asks sweetly.
Laurent: "Well, I have to take you somewhere for you to have a very special test done".
Kya: "A test", she replies adorably.
Laurent: "Yes. A test, baby, but I don't want you to worry because it will only take one minute and it won't hurt, oki"?
Kya: "Oki", she replies innocently.
Laurent gives her a smile and a wink then finishes getting her ready. Larry has several service calls that will fill up most of the morning so he can't come along, but he gave Kya a big hug and kiss before he left. Now ready to go Laurent picks her up and natural instinct since she's become closer to them is to rest her temple on the shoulder of which ever one is carrying her. Laurent locks up and once he arrives at his car he secures her in her booster seat and minutes later he's en route to the testing site. On the way he and Kya sing children's songs and it's great to see her in such a great spirit although she did become a bit timid once they arrived at the site. He imagines she's never been in a place like this but he goes to the counter to tell the receptionist he's arrived for his appointment. He's politely told to have a seat so he heads over to the waiting area and sits down with Kya on his lap. She observes the environment and when she sees several of the workers wearing white coats she looks up at Laurent who looks down at the worried look in her eyes...
Laurent: "What is it sweetie", he asks softly.
Kya: "Will I get the hurt in my arm"?
Laurent's eyes scrunch in confusion at first then he realizes she's talking about a shot so he instantly assures her...
Laurent: "Oh no bebe. There won't be any needles. All you will need to do is open your mouth so they can rub the inside of your cheek with a very soft stick called a cotton swab. I promise it won't hurt, oki"?
Little Kya softly nods so Laurent brings her into him so he can comfort her as he can tell that her eyes still have a bit of worry in them. Minutes later his name is called so he stands up to follow the worker. Kya's arms are wrapped slightly tighter around him so he tries to calm her down by rubbing small circles on her back while whispering, "it will be ok sweetheart". Once they're inside the room he sits down and only waits for a few seconds for the tester to come inside who greets with a friendly smile then notices Kya and sweetly talks to her. She then washes and dries her hands then puts on a pair of latex gloves before pulling out the cotton swab. She then looks at Kya who's visibly nervous so with a smile she tells her, "this will be very quick and without any pain, cutie". Laurent looks down at her with a soft, reassuring smile but when the worker takes the swab out of the drawer and politely asks Kya, "you ready" she just snuggles into Laurent. He whispers, "it's oki bebe" but Kya just clings to him. He then has an idea so he tells her, "I'll tell you what. You can watch her give me the test". Laurent looks at the worker who nods as she knows what to do. Laurent opens his mouth so Kya watches as she opens the wrapper to pull out the swab, puts it in his mouth then circles it over his cheek before taking it out. He then looks down at her with a smile and says, "see? It didn't hurt". The worker tosses the swab since his DNA wasn't needed and grabs a fresh one then unwraps it before sweetly asking Kya, "can you open your mouth now sweetie"? It takes a second but Kya raises up a bit and opens her mouth so the worker can get a good sample and when she's done they both tell her, "good job" with a big smile. The worker then tells Laurent that since it's essentially ancestry DNA the results will take about a week. Laurent requests that they double check the results as this case is too crucial for error. Before going home Laurent stops at an ice cream shop to treat her for being such a big girl at the testing site. He asked if she wanted a certain flavor but said she can't eat it because it gives her the "itchies". Laurent realizes that she likely has a nut allergy so it will be a good idea to take her for allergy testing soon. She said she can eat Vanilla ice cream so that's what he buys for her. They sit down and enjoy the cold treat together then eventually head home and he's ready to tell Larry how well she did...though as he drives he can't help but be anxious about the test and what a positive result would mean after the three of them have developed such a beautiful bond...
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A/N: One of my readers mentioned that this could motivate Larry and Laurent to adopt another child if they're unable to keep Kya though it would be very difficult to part ways with her. Please share your thoughts. Thanks for reading. :)
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