It's been several weeks since the mediation between Laurent and Celina where an agreement was made to allow Celina visitations with Kya which had been going well though they were still concerned that she was pushing a bit too much, and after only one meeting without truly understanding the trauma Kya has been through and how important it is to take things as slowly as possible. Larry suggested Laurent going back to the court to prevent anything that could revert her progress. What they didn't know is Celina was already two steps ahead of them and the judge agreed with Kya staying the night with them after a few more successful visits stating that it only made sense for her to do so as it could be an indication of how she would adjust with them. Larry and Laurent did understand that so they told Kya about the sleepover. When they saw the look on her face Laurent immediately assured her that she would be coming back the next day and that this was just so she could get to know her family. She seemed relieved when she was told that it was only for one night so after getting her bag packed they met Celina at the same park Kya met her cousins for the first time. They each gave her a big hug and said they would see her tomorrow. She was really quiet and the look in her eyes was if she didn't want to go. Her focus was also on them even as she was put in the car and continued looking in their direction until she couldn't see them anymore. They looked at each other and it went without saying that they were a bit concerned, but then they just chalked it up to her understandably being nervous about being away from them since she's been living with them for several weeks now. Celina cares for and loves her niece so they know she's in good hands, and as such, they didn't have any more concerns. They went to bed as normal and the following day was Sunday so they had breakfast then arrived at the park minutes before the agreed upon hour. They watched the environment around them of kids happily playing such as going down the slide or on the swings. Laurent then notices Celina's car in his peripheral so he brings it to his loves attention and they stand up to go meet her. When Kya notices them her face lights up and she smiles as she waves. Larry and Laurent's heart did a huge flip as they wave back at her. There was an angst for her to get out of her car seat and the instant Celina takes her out and places her on her feet she takes off towards them. Laurent picks her up and gives her a big hug then passes her over to Larry so he could give her one too. Celina watches with a smile on her face then hands Laurent her bag...

Laurent: *smile* "She had a good time"?

Celina: *smile* "Yeah she did. We made it a pizza night and they all watched a Disney movie together".

Laurent: *smile* "Great. That makes us happy".

Celina nods then looks at Kya...

Celina: *smile* "We'll see you soon sweetie".

Kya: *smile* "Oki", she replies sweetly.

Kya is standing in between Larry and Laurent as they both hold her hands then they turn around to walk towards the car. A very happy Kya blurts out, "I wanna jump" so she bends her little knees then jumps as they gently raise her arms to help her. Each time she jumps her adorable voice goes, "jump! jump"! while Larry and Laurent sweetly says things like, "wooow" and "good jump". They get in the car and as Laurent drives she excitedly blurts out, "I'm hungry". It is the afternoon meaning it's a good time for lunch so he detours to a restaurant known to have great food. Larry then asks Kya about all of the fun things they did and she tells them that they picked oranges from a tree this morning to have with the breakfast Auntie Celina made. Just listening to the joy in her voice they're even more relieved there weren't any problems and she had such a good time evident by the delightful mood she's in now. It's also her excitement to see them as they're just as excited to see her. They arrive at the restaurant where they're quickly seated and enjoy great food while watching Kya's smiling face before heading home. When the evening came and it was time to cook dinner Kya helped by stirring the olive oil and the various herbs that Laurent combined for the salad then forming the balls of dough that will be the cookies they're having for dessert. As they ate neither of them couldn't help but continue looking at her and smiling as she's come so far. Once timid and quiet to this beautiful ball of energy who's just as chatty as she can be. She's also back in school and gets positive daily reports from her teacher. After dinner she went to her room to play with her toys while Larry and Laurent cleaned the kitchen. Shortly after it was her bath time then ultimately being read a story by both of them until she fell asleep. They smiled at her then smiled at each other before quietly getting up and leaving as Laurent gently shuts the door. They head to their bedroom and while Laurent gets in bed Larry heads over to the bathroom. When he comes out he sees Laurent smiling ever so beautifully so as he gets in the bed next to him...

Larry: *smile* "What are you smiling about"?

Laurent: *smile* "Just thinking about how happy she is lately".

Larry: *smile* "She is". *pause* "You know a big part of that is because of you".

Laurent: *smile* "How"?

Larry: *smile* "It all started when you met her...scared in that closet. I wasn't there but I already know you were so sweet and so gentle. That's why she trusted you and no one else. She asks when you're coming home and when you do get home she runs to you". *pause* "I don't think you understand the effect you have on people baby. It didn't take me long to fall in love with you and Kya is just as crazy about you. You're everything". *pause* "Absolutely everything".

Laurent: *smile* "You're everything", he whispers.

Larry chuckles then snuggles into his loves chest. Laurent places a kiss to the top of his head then they fall asleep together. The next morning they were awakened by the sound of the alarm blaring from Laurent's phone so they give each other a sweet smile and as their groggy but sweet voices greet each other with a "good morning". They get up to head for the bathroom where they wash their faces then brush their teeth. While Laurent stays in the room to get ready for work Larry goes to Kya's room to wake her up so he can get her ready for school. When she's dressed he styles her hair with pigtails secured with bands and ribbons then takes her to have breakfast. Laurent finished getting ready first so he was already in the kitchen making her a bowl of cereal along with a small cup of orange juice. Laurent turns around to see them so he smiles as Larry does the same while picking Kya up to take her to the dining table. While she's munching away they go to the kitchen to each grab a croissant they will have with warm butter and jam then join Kya. She finishes all of her cereal like a big girl so it's time for Laurent to get her to school then make his way to work while Larry stays behind to do some cleaning as he waits on service calls for the day...

~afternoon~

Since it's a Monday morning, work at Laurent's agency has been steady. He's had the customary staff meeting that always takes place on a Monday morning followed by a few appointments and discussing business with Greg. He's alone in his office now when his office phone rings. He's surprised to hear that it's the judicial clerk for the judge who presided over the mediation between him and Celina. She tells him that he's required back at court at 2 pm and while he knows it's regarding permanent placement for Kya, he wasn't expecting it to be this soon, but he tells her he will be there and releases the call. Natural instinct tells him to call his love so he stands up to go close the door to his office then goes back to his desk to pick up his cell phone to call him...

Laurent: "Hey bebe. Are you on a service call"?

Larry: "No my love. I'm at home. What's wrong"?

Laurent: "I just got a call. I have to be at court at 2".

Larry: "The judge made a decision".

Laurent: "Yeah. I wasn't expecting it to be this soon so I can only guess that Celina made the appointment before".

Larry: "I think you're right and probably before the sleepover to make sure she could get it scheduled so soon".

*silence*

Larry: "Don't worry baby. I know it's hard, but if the judge decides it's best for Kya then all we can do is hope that it really is for the best and she will be oki living with them".

Laurent: "You're right, my love".

Larry: "I love you".

Laurent: "I love you too".

Laurent releases the call then slowly places his phone on his desk. He turns his wrist to check the time and only has a couple of hours before he has to be there. He calls Greg and asks if he wants some lunch who accepts the offer so it's ordered and he comes to Laurent's office so they can eat together. Laurent also discusses the upcoming appointment with him and like a true friend Greg encourages him just like his love did. Laurent knew this was a possibility. He's just glad that his suggestion of allowing Kya to get acclimated with Celina and her family worked out so it would make things so much easier for her. The time eventually came for him to leave and the drive wasn't anxious at all as he knows that this has all been for her...

*****

The judicial clerk led Laurent and Celina into the mediation room where it's been complete silence between the two of them since arriving. The judge came out where they both stood in honor then sit down as the judge does. He greet them then gets right to it...

Judge: "So, I'll make this quick. The previously agreed upon visitations were reported back to me, as required, and all visitations were also positively reported. The child hasn't shown any signs of distress or being uncomfortable in the new environment including the recent overnight stay. Since the ancestral DNA testing established a blood connection between the aunt and child, it is my decision that Kya be relinquished to her blood relative immediately. Today, if possible".

*brief pause*

Laurent: "Yes, your honor. I just have one request. I would like to be the one to tell her.  She gets out of school at three and I pick her up so since she's used to that it would be best for me to explain it to her".

Judge: "Request granted. You will come back here and procedure mandates that a court liaison and an officer are present to ensure the child is given to her family". *pause* "Any other business regarding this case"?

Laurent: "No, sir".

Celina: "No, your honor. Thank you".

Judge: "Adjourned".

The three of them stand and after the judge is back in his office Laurent checks the time and Kya will be getting out of school in twenty minutes so he tells Celina that he's on his way to pick her up so they will be back shortly. Celina thanks him again for all he's done for Kya and he was hoping that if this was the outcome she would agree to him and Larry still seeing her, which she does. He thanks her then leaves the building to head for his car. He knew this wouldn't be easy because he's bonded with Kya and loves her very much, but the fact that he can still be a part of his life is wonderful. He hasn't called Larry to tell him the outcome because as he drives to Kya's school he's trying to figure out a way to tell her in a way she will understand. He arrives shortly before the bell is due to blare, signaling the end of the school day. He gets out of his car and walks around to lean on it and wait as he always does since she's started going back. The bell finally rings and seconds later all of the students are lead out by their teachers and when they spot each other they smile as she runs to him. They give each other a big hug and she's secured in her booster seat then Laurent gets in the driver seat to head for the court. He planned on telling her as he drove, but the words still haven't come to him. Kya had a really fun day at school because she's just talking away in her adorable voice. He finally arrives at the courthouse so there's no more time to think. He just has to explain it the best way he can. When she notices that they've stopped at an unfamiliar place...

Kya: "Mr. Laurent? Why are we stopping"?

Laurent: "Because I have to talk to you sweetie".

Laurent gets out of the car and takes her out of her car seat then holds her in front of him so he can look at her while he's talking. As he's walking towards the building...

Laurent: "When you go to your auntie's house, you have fun while you're playing with your cousins right"?

Kya: "Yeah", she replies sweetly.

Laurent: "Oki good because that's what I need to talk to you about". *pause* "Your auntie and I met with a very smart person called a judge and judges have to make decisions they think will be best for sweet little girls like you and um...." *gulp* "...well he decided that since your auntie and your cousins are your family you should live with them".

Kya: "But I live with you".

Laurent: "I know, sweetheart, but you have to live with them now. We have to listen to the judge oki"?

Kya: "I don't want to", she whimpers.

Laurent: "You have to bebe, but Mr. Larry and I will always love you and your auntie said we can still see each other so this isn't goodbye".

Kya: "Please let me stay with you Mr. Laurent. I'll be good".

Laurent: "Oh sweetheart you are good. You're the best little girl in the whole world".

At that moment Laurent's eyes look ahead where he sees Celina, the liaison and the officer prompting Kya to look back. When she sees all of them her eyes go wide in fear and she grips her arms around Laurent's neck...determined not to let go. Celina walks over and proceeds to greet her with a smile and a "hey sweetie, come to your auntie". Kya instantly begins screaming, "no" when she feels Celina trying to take her from Laurent. It eventually takes the court liaison to come over to help, but Kya won't let him go. It breaks his heart but Laurent tries to help loosen her grip only she screams and cries even more at them trying to take her away from him. When she's finally pulled her apart her arms begin flailing and she unknowingly slaps him causing his face to turn to the side. Everything feels like it's happening in slow motion now. He turns his head back and the look on his face is that of devastation as his chest slightly heaves at the sight of her being taken away as she continues to scream and try to get out of Celina's grasp. They're eventually out of his sight, but he still hears her. He just drops his face in his hands and begins to cry uncontrollably. Minutes later he raises his head up and when he realizes he doesn't hear her anymore he turns around to leave the building and head home. It will be the most emotional drive he's ever made...

Larry only had two service calls for the day so he's back home and in the kitchen while he's on the phone with Kent. Since Kent told him he would be his dad they've really developed a father and son relationship. They've been talking about random things and having a good laugh when he hears the door opening so he tells Kent Laurent's home...only Laurent is still emotional and nearly runs to their bedroom in tears. Larry's eyes go wide and naturally he's instantly concerned about his love. It doesn't take him long to realize what happened but he doesn't have time to explain it to Kent. He just tells him about the state Laurent is in so he has to go and check on him. Kent completely understands so Larry rushes to the bedroom to console the love of his life. He repeats, "I'm sorry baby. I know it hurts" as he cries his own tears. Laurent was explaining the heartbreaking sight of Kya being taken away when she didn't want to be and how she begged him to let her stay, but he couldn't. The more he explained everything the harder they cried...

*****

Roughly thirty minutes later the tears began to settle. They didn't completely stop but they weren't as hard as before. The shock of it all resulted in silence as Larry continued to comfort his love. Suddenly the doorbell rings and they look in that direction...

Larry: "That must be mom and dad. I was on the phone with dad when you came home and I wanted to get to you so they don't know what happened yet but they're worried".

Laurent: *soft sigh* "I know they are". *pause* "You tell them bebe. I'll be out in a minute. I just need to get myself together".

Larry: "Oki my love", he replies softly.

Larry gives him a soft kiss then heads for the front door while Laurent goes to the bathroom to wash his face. When Larry opens the door he sees instant concern in their eyes while they're looking at the deep sadness in his. They step inside and Vera gives him a hug then Kent gives him one too...

Vera: "What happened", she asks softly.

Larry: "The judge decided that Kya should stay with her family".

Vera: "Oh I see".

Kent: "We know that was hard".

Larry: "We knew it would probably happen so we prepared for it, but what hurts is Kya didn't want to go. She was crying and screaming. She also begged Laurent to let her stay".

Vera: "Oh my goodness. I can't imagine how hard that was for him to see".

Larry: "Yeah he's pretty shaken up".

They also see how shaken up Larry is so they step closer to give him a gentle rub on his arms as they look at him with nothing but love and concern. Laurent then steps in the room, and while he managed to hold himself together as he walked to the living room, he broke down when he saw his loving parents giving him the softest look of sympathy. They instantly go over to him to give him a big hug. Vera whispers, "I'm sorry sweetheart". Laurent just cried and cried then they lead him over to the couch. Larry sits across from them then watches how sweet and delicate they are with his husband. That's just the nature of who they are. Great people who love truly love their family. Since Larry already told them what happened they just spent several moments comforting him until he was ready to talk. He eventually did and as his tears settle he expresses that he's grateful he will still be allowed to see her though he can't help but wonder if she would have the same reaction when they have to be apart. He can't imagine seeing her so sad or as emotional as she was today; therefore, questions if they should still see her...even though they love her very, very much. That's such a hard decision to make and it shuts him down. In the silence Larry speaks up to offer drinks...

Larry: "Mom? Dad? Can I get you something to drink"?

Kent: "Sure, son. A water would be good".

Vera: "Same for me sweetheart".

Larry: "Oki". *looks at Laurent* "Baby? Can I get you a water too"?

Laurent: "Yes. Thank you my love".

Larry gives him a soft wink then heads for the fridge to retrieve three bottles of water to take to them. The water seems to be settling Laurent down then he checks the time and sees that evening time is approaching...

Laurent: "Bebe let's order dinner. My treat".

Larry: "I got it baby".

Laurent: "Thank you bebe".

Larry: "Welcome", he replies sweetly.

Larry suggests one of he and Laurent's favorite restaurants that Vera and Kent agree to as it's also one of their favorites. Larry writes down everyone's selections then pulls his phone out to place the order. Once it's submitted he leaves the three of them to talk as he goes to the kitchen to retrieve dishes to set the table where it will be he and Laurent sitting next to each other across from Vera and Kent sitting next to each other. The food arrives roughly forty minutes later so everyone stands up to go wash their hands then gather at the dining room table. Larry also decided to make place settings because he knew it was a strong possibility food would be leaking from the containers so putting it all on plates was much better and also made more room on the table. For the time being they changed the subject and discussed random things then Vera smiles as she asks, "how's married life"? Larry and Laurent look at each other and in sync replied, "perfect". Larry then grabs Laurent's hand to bring to his mouth and places a kiss to the back of it prompting Laurent to do the same...

Vera: *smile* "Aww. You two are made for each other".

Kent: *smile* "You really are and we're so happy you get to experience what's it like to be with your soulmate". *looks at Vera* "There's no better feeling".

Vera: *smile and wink* "I agree, my love".  

They go back to eating when Vera notices Laurent's face went from a smile to looking deeply saddened...

Vera: "Talk to us sweetheart", she says softly.

Larry looks over at him and when he sees the emotion in his loves face he gently places his hand on his back...his head tilted...the softest expression as he looks at Laurent while rubbing small circles on his back...

Laurent: "I can't stop thinking about her tears. I don't want to go to sleep tonight because that's all I will see".

At that moment he bursts into tears so Larry swiftly brings his chair closer then gently pulls Laurent into him to place his temple against Larry's chest. As he continues to cry Larry caresses his face while also dropping soft kisses on his cheek. Kent and Vera look at their baby boy and feel helpless as there's nothing they can do to make this situation better, but it does warm their heart to see Larry comfort him the way he is. He loves him so, very much and there couldn't be a better display of that love. Laurent's tears settle and he manages to finish his dinner. His loving parents stay a bit longer then announce that it's time for them to go home but tells Laurent to call them if he needs anything. After goodbye hugs Larry sweetly insists Laurent go to their bedroom while he clears the table and washes the dishes. Laurent thanks him for his love and support then does as his sent from above husband suggested. The time came to get some sleep but they decide on something first...

Larry: "We have so much love to give a child, baby, and our love for Kya has shown us that we're ready to adopt".

Laurent: "We are ready, my love, so let's do it".

Larry softly nods and they come together for a kiss then snuggle together...heavy hearts but never felt more strongly about starting a family...

---------

A/N: I know that was tough to read guys. I choked up writing it.💔 Adoption isn't easy but hopefully it won't be too hard of a process for them. We'll see. Thanks for reading. :)