AUTHOR'S POV       

Laurent: "Larry? What's going on"? 

Larry's mouth is slightly parted as if he's going to say something but he simply can't. Of course it will only be a matter of time before Laurent finds out but he still can't bring himself to say anything. All he can do is stand there...but Laurent won't let it go until he responds... 

Laurent: "Are you going to answer me"?      

Stephanie: "Just two friends talking". 

Laurent: "I'm talking to Larry".

Stephanie: "I'm talking to you". 

The instant tension between them causes Larry to finally find his voice... 

Larry: "Baby she just came to talk. That's it".   

Laurent: "She can't call you to talk?  You know I don't like people here when I'm not home".

Larry: "I know baby but...it's Stephanie".

Laurent: "I don't give a damn if it's the president. You know the rules".

Stephanie: *scoffs* "A grown man with rules to follow? Oh that's real nice Laurent". 

Laurent: "Look this is my house and I don't have to explain anything to you".   

Stephanie:  "I beg to differ. You need to explain why you're beating my friend".

Laurent is in complete shock at Stephanie's words. He turns to Larry who can only drop his head in sadness and regret...     

Stephanie: "Yeah that's right. I know all about you".

Laurent: "Look, what goes on between us is none of your business".

Stephanie: "Well you're hurting my friend so it is my damn business"!

Laurent: "Get out"!

Larry: "Guys please stop. My baby probably hears you and I told her to not be afraid".

Stephanie: "Oh my God. Lilo. She knows what's going on doesn't she"? 

Larry: "Yes. I...I mean no. I mean...she asked me something but I told her not to worry". 

Stephanie: *sigh* "I can't believe this shit". *looks at Laurent* "Do you even care about your niece and her feelings at all? It's clear that you disregard Larry's but if you loved her you wouldn't hurt her father like this". *pause* "You're a monster. Plain and simple". 

Laurent: "Stephanie, I'm really losing my patience. Now you have two seconds to get out".

She inches closer to him and is practically in his face as she responds...

Stephanie: "Or what? You're going to hit me too? Try it".

Larry: "Stephanie please. Thank you for your concern but just go, oki"? 

Laurent: "You better listen to your friend". 

Her eyes are still squinting in anger but she backs away and turns to face Larry...  

Stephanie: "Ok. I'll go...but my door is always open for you and when you're finally tired of this bullshit I want to see you walking through it".  

She then looks back at Laurent for a brief moment as her angered increases. She looks him up and down, rolls her eyes, then walks towards the door. Her adrenaline is pumping so hard she doesn't realize Laurent is following closely behind her. When she opens the door he stops it with his hand and slams it causing her to turn around. He grabs her arm and speaks to her in a low, evil voice...  

Laurent: "Don't bring your ass back here".

Stephanie: *snatches arm* "Let go of me".    

They both stand there staring at each other...the intensity building by the second....   

Stephanie: "And why are you stopping me anyway? I thought you wanted me out"?

Laurent: "I do. So go".

She opens the door to leave...but not without turning around one to give him one last evil look just so he knows who he's messing with. Laurent quickly makes his way back to Larry but Larry has already went to check on Lilo to see if she heard anything and is afraid as a result. Upon peeking his head inside he's relieved that she hasn't heard anything. She's playing with her toys and happy so he just informs her that lunch will be ready soon. When he shuts the door and turns around Laurent is right there causing him to jump. He instantly sees the rage in his eyes and with a beyond frighten look on his face he shakily whispers...   

Larry: "I'm sorry". *gulp* "I'll go and finish lunch now".

He hurriedly makes his way to the kitchen...but Laurent is now jumping in front of him causing Larry to stop dead in his tracks. He backs him up and pins him against the wall as usual to which Larry shrinks back and swallows the lump in his throat. Even though he's over 6 ft tall he's never felt smaller and in a shaky voice... 

Larry: "Baby please". 

Laurent: "Shut up".

Larry quickly nods...tears already streaming down his face....  

Laurent: "There's something I don't understand Larry. Why did she think something was going on to make her come here"?

*brief pause*

Larry: "Sh...she saw a bruise on my neck but I didn't know it was there".

Laurent: "And you told her I did it"?   

Larry: "She asked me if you do it and I told her no". *pause* "I told her that I don't know how it got there".

Laurent just continues his stare down...internally questioning what he just heard. Larry must have sensed it...   

Larry: "That's the truth baby, I swear. But today she just showed up and figured everything out".  

Laurent: "Well I blame you because you helped her figure it out".   

Larry reaches out his hand to touch his arm...

Larry: "Baby I'm sorry...."

Laurent forcefully removes it causing Larry to flinch and shut his eyes tightly...

Laurent: "Don't...fucking...touch me".  

Larry's entire body is now shaking uncontrollably....

Laurent: "Look at me...now".

Larry slowly opens his eyes and looks fearfully into Laurent's....   

Laurent: "You know what's funny? I was sitting at the park today feeling bad for you. I tried to figure out why I hurt you but then you pull shit like this and I remember". *pause* "So give me one good reason why I shouldn't beat your ass right now"?

*silence*

Laurent: "Answer me"! 

Larry flinches again then responds as his voice trembles... 

Larry: "Lilo".    

Silence fills the room briefly and Laurent slowly scans him up and down. Once he meets his eyes again... 

Laurent: "Lucky for you that's a good reason". *pause* "But...she leaves tomorrow. What will your reason be then"?

Larry can't say anything so he remains pressed against the wall while looking at him with desperation in his eyes as the tears continue to flow. Unaffected by Larry's fragile, emotional state Laurent just scoffs then steps back and to the side... 

Laurent: "Go and finish lunch".  

Larry softly nods, wipes his tears away then proceeds to walk to the kitchen and in true Laurent fashion he steps in front of him causing Larry to stop and look at him in fear. Larry slowly drops his head and tries walking the other way only for Laurent to step in front of him again. It's like he's getting a kick out of making Larry afraid. Larry slowly and fearfully looks up at him... 

Larry: "Baby I have to get by".

Saying nothing Laurent merely steps forward causing Larry to tense up again while slowly stepping back becoming even more afraid. Laurent slowly scans him up and down and when he meet.s Larry's eyes again he just gives him an evil smirk before taking off for the bedroom. Larry breathes a sigh of relief...but the fear never leaves his body. He just gathers himself the best he can then goes to the kitchen to finish lunch...  

He stands at the kitchen counter shaking so badly that he can barely make the sandwiches. Laurent loves his sandwiches with vegetables and Larry is having a tough time slicing them. He has to stop and take a few deep breaths in hopes that his anxiety will subside so he can finish but it doesn't help much because he can't take his mind off of what just transpired. He knows Stephanie cares about him and he's lucky to have a friend like her...but he really didn't want anyone to know as it's already too much for him. He doesn't want anyone he cares about worrying about him because he's still convinced that Laurent will change. He's so deep in thought that he doesn't realize Laurent is calling him...      

Laurent: "Larry"!

Larry jumps and he's too afraid to turn around and face him so he stays still as he replies with a trembling voice...

Larry: "Yes baby"?  

Laurent: "Why didn't you answer me? I called you three times".  

Larry: "I'm sorry. I'm just thinking". 

Laurent: "Your only focus should be on lunch. You done yet"? 

Larry: "Yes".

Laurent: "Good. I'll go get princess. Get the plates ready".

Larry: "Oki".

He quickly grabs two plates and another bowl out of the cupboard. When he first went back to preparing lunch he poured some soup in a bowl and put it in the fridge to cool off for Lilo. He goes to retrieve it and quickly gets everything ready including drinks. He starts bringing everything to the table when he hears Laurent and Lilo coming around the corner laughing and being playful. He tries his best to put on a brave face for her...but lunch will be agonizing for him. All he can think about is what Laurent will do to him once Lilo leaves. Just the anticipation of it is enough to make him lose his appetite...  

Laurent: "Why you not eating"?

Larry: "My stomach hurts". 

Lilo: "Mommy makes me tea and toast when I have a tummy ache papa. It makes me feel better".

Larry: *smile* "Oki baby. Papa will try that". 

Laurent: "So what time does Lylah come tomorrow"?

Larry: "10".

Larry's curiosity gets the best of him so he glances up at Laurent using only his eyes for a reaction...and he certainly receives one. Laurent's lips form into that same evil smirk from earlier. Not wanting to show his intimidation in front of Lilo he goes back to his meal... 

Lilo: "I'm full papa".

Larry: "Oki my love. You can go to your room and play or go and watch cartoons".

Lilo: "I'll watch cartoons".  

Lilo takes off as Larry picks up her dishes and goes to the kitchen to wash them before Laurent can say anything. Soon after Laurent comes over and places his plate and bowl in the pile causing Larry to look fearfully out the corner of his eye but Laurent simply goes to the fridge to replenish his drink. Larry can tell he's looking at him so he takes a break from washing and turns to Laurent to quietly say something to him so Lilo can't hear...    

Larry: "Um, baby. I was thinking we should take Lilo to the...." 

Laurent: "I'm going out tonight", he abruptly replies.    

Larry: "Again"?

Laurent has his glass to his mouth prepared to take another sip when he stops to give Larry the look of death... 

Laurent: "Did you really just ask me that"?  

Larry: "Sorry. I guess I didn't think". *pause* "Well I want to take her shopping at the mall".  

Laurent: "Good. Then you can get me a pair of shoes for the gala tomorrow night. You know what style I like".

Larry: "I will". 

Laurent guzzles the last drop then hands the glass to Larry. As soon as the glass is free from his hand Laurent grabs Larry's wrist and forcefully pulls him forward then looks deeply into his eyes...  

Larry: "Baby you're hurting me".

Laurent: "I just want a kiss".

Larry hesitates at first then leans forward and gives him a soft peck on the lips. He releases and looks at Laurent's expression...there's that damn smirk again. Larry slowly drops his head in intimidation...  

Laurent: *chuckles* "Go and finish the dishes. I'm going to spend some more time with princess". 

Laurent turns around to do that as Larry goes back to cleaning. Shortly after he hears them singing 'You Are My Sunshine'. Even though Larry is in deep physical and emotional pain to hear his daughter singing that song brings a smile to his face. She's been his sunshine since the day she was born and she always will be. What's so ironic is that even though Lilo is his sunshine there's another part of his life that's filled with an overwhelming darkness and just the very thought of that brings a profound feeling of sadness... 

*****

Larry and Lilo have been at the mall for about one hour or so. He bought her a ton of clothes and of course some shoes picking up Laurent's as well. He's stopped by a few fans for autographs and pics and when they notice Lilo they immediately show her love which makes his heart smile. He already adores his fans so to see them show his baby love just makes his love for them even bigger. As they're making their way to another store two female fans approach them and he responds like he always does only this time the women are flirting with him big time and he can't help but blush and flash that signature smile of his...    

Larry: "Well thank you ladies but I really have to get back to my daughter".

*smile* "No problem. She's adorable by the way".

Larry: "Thank you. Lilo? What do you say baby"?

Lilo looks up at the lady with her beautiful eyes and in her softest, sweetest voice...

Lilo: "Thank you ma'am".

*smile* "Aww you're welcome. Well we'll let you get back to your father-daughter time".

Larry nods as they walk away. He notices one of them keeping her gaze on him as she walks then she winks at him. He replies by giving her a friendly smile then he's startled by his phone ringing. It's Laurent. He gulps then answers softly... 

Larry: "Hey baby".

Laurent: "You know I was sure you learned your lesson from the restaurant last night". 

Larry: "I don't understand".

Laurent: "You smiled a little too hard at her. Just like you smiled too hard at Dejah? When you told her she's beautiful"?

Larry's face scrunches in confusion before he realizes something. With the phone still pressed to his ear he starts looking around trying to find him...

Laurent: *sigh* "Larry, Larry, Larry. You really love to piss me off don't you"?

Larry: *still looking* "No baby but it's like I said yesterday, I just wanted to be nice". 

Laurent: "That wasn't being nice. You were flirting with her". 

Larry: "I didn't flirt with her baby. I promise".

*silence*

Laurent: *chuckles* "You still don't see me"?

Larry: "No I don't". 

Laurent: "You're not looking far enough".

Larry then looks straight ahead and he sees a figure with his shoulder pressed against the wall. He looked in that direction before but he didn't see anyone who looked like Laurent...but when Laurent holds up his hand he notices he's disguised as to not draw attention to himself he assumes. Larry freezes as they both engage in a staring match until he hears Lilo's voice and looks down at her...  

Lilo: "Papa? Papa"?  

Larry: "Yes"?

Lilo: "Can we go in there"?

Larry looks back up and sees her pointing at the build-a-bear store... 

Larry: "Of course baby. Just a minute". *looking back at Laurent* "Um, I have to go".

Laurent: "You get my shoes yet"?

Larry: "Yes".

Laurent: "Good. Well after you leave that store go home. I think you had enough of the mall. You don't know how to behave yourself. I'll be home later". 

Larry: "Oki".

Laurent doesn't even say goodbye. He's seen hitting the button on his phone to end the call. They stare at each other for a few more agonizing moments before Laurent turns around to leave...   

Larry: "Alright. Last store baby then we go home".

Larry looks in Laurent's direction once more only to see him disappear outside. He can't believe he followed him. It only makes him wonder if he's followed him before...

~evening~

Chris: *smile* "Laurent! What's up man"?! 

Laurent: *smile* "Just chillin' bro. What's up with you"?

Chris: "Oh you know. Same ole' shit just a different roll of toilet paper". *pause* "Hey, how's Larry doing"? 

Laurent: "He's oki". 

Chris: "You don't seem ok".       

Laurent: "I just have some stuff on my mind. I'll be fine".

Chris: "Well I have something for that. It will make you forget your worries in no time".

Laurent: "Like what"?

Chris pulls out a little plastic bag with white powder instantly widening Laurent's eyes...

Laurent: "Is that what I think it is"?

Chris: "Sure is my brother".

Laurent: "Oh no man. I can't do that. I'll just drink. I'm good". 

Chris dumps the substance on a little mirror then whips out a razor blade to cut it. He pulls out a little straw and Laurent watches in disbelief as he sniffs a row. He immediately throws his head back and rubs his nose. As long as he's known Chris he's never seen him do such a thing. Chris then hands him the straw... 

Chris: "Just try it bro. The high doesn't last long but I promise it's the best shit ever".

Laurent hesitates at first but eventually takes the straw from him slowly and looks at it then looks at the substance... 

***** 

As soon as Larry and Lilo left the mall they came straight home like Laurent told him to. He gave Lilo a quick bath and since she was tired from her fun-filled day at the park and the mall she's now in her bed sound asleep. Larry makes sure the house is secure and everything is off before checking on Lilo once more then going to the bedroom. He climbs into bed and starts watching TV but won't pay much attention to it because he can't get over Laurent following him around the mall today and him not having a clue. It truly frightened him. He then starts to hear Stephanie's words from earlier echo in his mind. "Love isn't constant pain, worry and fear". Fear. It's disheartening how a simple four letter word resonate so much with him. It's because out of all the emotions he's feeling fear is the most evident and Laurent following him today reminded him of just how much. It's as if Laurent is forgetting that before they became lovers they were, are and will always be brothers. Why isn't that enough to make him stop? Then more of Stephanie's words starts to replay in his mind particularly what she said about her door always being open. He looks at the clock and notices that it's late but he really needs to talk. After a few rings Stephanie groggily answers the phone... 

Stephanie: "Hey friend. You ok"?

Larry: *gulp* "Um...."

Stephanie: "Wait. Has Laurent done something"?  

Of course she becomes fully alert when she asks about Laurent...  

Larry: "No, he went out".    

Stephanie: "So what's wrong"? 

Larry: "I called because I was thinking for what you told me".

Stephanie: "So you're finally tired of the bullshit"?   

*silence*

Stephanie: "Larry"? 

Larry: "Stephanie I have to go".  

Stephanie: "Why"?! *pause* "Larry"?!     

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

A/N: Hey my loves. So what do you think will happen? Please comment! Love you guys. :)