AUTHOR'S POV  

When Laurent, Larry and Lilo arrive home it's almost 9 pm. The restaurant wasn't the only place they went because Laurent wanted to make sure his niece had her gift before she goes home so they stopped at a toy store. Larry decided to give Lilo a warm bath to get her ready for bed. He always gives her a few moments to play with her bath time toys that are kept at his home before he bathed her. During this time he usually thinks about different things so as he sits on the floor next to the tub and does just that. He crawls back on his hands to place his back against the wall when suddenly he feels a sharp pain shoot through it from Laurent striking him earlier. When he hisses in pain it causes Lilo to turn and give him a look of concern. Larry assures her he's ok then goes back to his thoughts while she goes back to playing. He's thinking about Laurent's rage from earlier but also about what occurred at the restaurant... 

~flashback~         

Fan: *smile* "I'm so sorry to disturb you but I'm a huge fan and I would love to get an autograph from both of you". 

Larry: *smile* "Sure. What's your name"?  

"Dejah".       

Larry: "Dejah. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Ahhh"! 

Dejah looks at Larry completely confused as to why he made that noise. Little did she know, Laurent's hand grabbed a hold of Larry's thigh under the table and he squeezed with all his might while digging his nails into it...for sure to leave another bruise on his already fragile body.... 

Larry: "Oh. I'm sorry, Dejah".    

Dejah: "It's fine. Are you alright"?

Larry: "Yes I'm oki".

Dejah:  "Good. And thank you for the compliment".

Larry: "Welcome". 

He proceeded with her request and handed it to her. Dejah then made her way over to Laurent and as usual he was kind and charming...completely different from the Laurent he knows....

Dejah: "Thank you so much guys".

Laurent: "No problem". *pause* "Larry"?

Larry: "Welcome", he replies sadly.     

She smiled then walked away as Laurent leaned over to whisper in Larry's ear.... 

Laurent: "What the hell was that? A beautiful name for a beautiful girl"?

Also in a whisper...

Larry: "Baby I just wanted to be nice. I always...."

Laurent: "Shut up. Just don't ever say it again". 

Larry nodded then looked at his daughter. He saw her looking at the two of them as if she could sense something was wrong. Larry just put on a brave face, asked her what she wanted off the menu and tried to enjoy the rest of the evening....    

~end of flashback~

Lilo: "Papa I'm finished playing".

Larry: "Oki baby". 

Larry bathes his daughter then after getting her dry and clothed he takes her to her bedroom where she requests her usual bed time story. Lilo is becoming a strong reader so now she's reading more on her own with very little help from Larry which of course makes Larry proud...but he would be lying if he said he's paying close attention. He just can't get his mind off the past 24 hours. It seems as though Laurent is becoming more of a monster day by day than the man he fell in love with months ago. He doesn't know who he is anymore and what's worse...Larry doesn't even know who Larry is anymore...  

Lilo: "Papa"?

Larry: "Yes"?

Lilo: "What's this word"?

Larry: "Let's say it together. Wan-ted. She wanted".

Lilo: "Thank you papa".

Larry: "Welcome baby".

Wanted. Why does that word stir up so many emotions for him? It's because Larry wants so badly for things to go back to the way things use to be before the night of the dance battle. For him to go back to be the kind, warm person that would light Larry's face up just at the sight of him before whatever it was that changed him happened of which Larry still has yet to figure that out. He wants for their lovemaking to be what it used to be which is something that was equally shared and enjoyed by the both of them...but no matter how much he wants these things a part of him knows that there's a possibility it won't happen. Laurent is so far gone at this point how can it? 

 Larry: "Oki my love. You're finished reading and now it's time to close those beautiful eyes and go to sleep". *kiss* "Sweet dreams baby. I love you".

Lilo: "I love you too papa".

Larry tucks her in then makes sure her nightlight is on then leaves making the dreadful walk to his bedroom where Laurent is. He approaches the door and takes a deep breath before walking in. He sees Laurent in the bathroom fixing himself up as if he's going somewhere. He sees Larry then steps out...

Laurent: "She asleep"?

Larry: "Yeah she should be". 

Laurent: "Well I'm going out".

Larry: "Oki. When will you be home"?

Laurent: *scoffs* "You know better than to ask me that".

Larry: "Well excuse me because I asked something about my lover".    

He casually walks over to the dresser to grab his bedclothes completely oblivious to the fact that what he said pissed Laurent off tremendously. He's still fuming about Larry's compliment to their fan earlier and this just adds fuel to the fire. It becomes eerily quiet in the room and at that moment Larry becomes completely aware. Still facing the dresser he takes a deep breath as he closes his eyes... 

Larry: "Baby I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that".

He feels Laurent directly behind him and he can also feel the anger radiating off of him causing Larry to tremble in fear. The next moment Laurent spins him around and slams him against the wall... 

Laurent: "First that shit you did at the restaurant and now you're getting smart with me"?!

Larry: "Baby I said....."

Laurent: "Shut up"!  

Laurent punches him in the stomach just as he ordered him to shut up causing Larry to fall to his knees. Laurent bends down to pick him up then pushes him back against the wall. He draws his hand back while Larry braces himself for impact...but now there's a knock at the door causing them to look toward it... 

Lilo: "Papa"?  

Laurent quietly demands him to answer her. Larry tries his best to sound normal...

Larry: "Yes baby"?

Lilo: "Something's wrong. I hear noises and I'm scared".

Larry: "Don't be scared baby. Everything is fine. Go back to bed".

Lilo: "Can you come and tuck me in"?     

Larry looks into Laurent's eyes.... 

Larry: "Laurent, please let me tuck my baby in".

Laurent scans him up and down...rage still evident in his eyes but he relents...

Laurent: "Fine. Because it's my niece I'll let you go. Tell her you'll be right there".

Larry: "Um, baby? Go back to your room. I'll be right there". 

Lilo: "Oki". 

They can hear her tiny feet making their way down the hall and back to her room. Laurent backs away from Larry and stares at him for what feels like an eternity... 

Laurent: "I'm leaving now. Make sure your alarm is set because I don't want my breakfast late again". *pause* "Now get yourself together and go be with her".     

And just like that Laurent is out the door while Larry stands there taking in a few deep breaths and wiping his tears away before going to Lilo's room. Once there he notices she's in her bed with the cover over her...      

Larry: "It's oki baby. Come from under the covers".

She takes the covers off of her and sits up as Larry is sitting down. He wraps his arms around and begins to rock her gently to soothe her fear. The next thing to come out of her mouth is something that will turn Larry's world upside down...   

Lilo: "Papa? Are you scared of uncle Laurent"?

The rocking stops as Larry sits there completely stunned. He doesn't know how to respond but he's curious as to what made her ask that question...   

Larry: "Why did you ask that baby"?

Lilo: "Because I see it in your eyes papa. Like when uncle Laurent come home today and at dinner". *pause* "Does he hurt you"?  

Larry: *gulp* "Um, no baby. Papa and Uncle Laurent just...we just...." *pause* "Look, I don't want you to worry. Your papa and uncle are fine. And you don't have to be afraid, oki"?

Lilo: "Oki".

Larry: "You think you can go back to sleep now"? 

Lilo: "Yes".

Larry: "I love you baby". 

Lilo: "I love you too". 

Larry tucks her in then leaves the room...quietly shutting the door behind him and heading down the hallway. Once inside the bedroom he breaks down. He grabs a handful of his hair...tears pouring as he repeats, "shit" softly to himself. He feared his baby sensed something and her words just confirmed it. "What am I gonna do", he asks himself while the tears steadily pour. It's at that very moment he realizes that children should never be underestimated. They aren't given the credit they deserve for being the beautiful, intelligent people they are...just like his Lilo...  

Several moments later he decides to relax in a hot shower which would normally happen in the morning but he knows the hot water will soothe his body. It had been through a lot that day. Afterward he climbs into bed ready to sleep the night away but the pain in his back is too much so he has to lay on his stomach...eventually drifting off...  

  *****

Larry is sound asleep when the bedroom door opens. He slowly opens his eyes and gains focus to look at the clock on the nightstand. The time is 3:24. He sighs internally as he closes his eyes again. He hears Laurent undress then plop down on the bed. Larry keeps quiet hoping Laurent will think he's still asleep but he just hovers himself on Larry's back and starts to kiss his cheek. Larry instantly smells the remnants of where ever he just spent the last five hours...smoke and liquor... 

Laurent: "I know you're not asleep". *pause* "You miss me"?

Larry: "Yes".     

Laurent: "I missed you more". *kiss* "You on your stomach means you're ready for me bebe".

Larry: "Baby, my back hurts and I need to sleep". 

He can feel Laurent lift his shirt up and rub on his back then whisper in his ear...

Laurent: "Shhh. I'll put you to sleep".

Larry: "Baby please? I'm just so tired and...."  

Laurent: *slap* "Shut up"!  

Alarmed by the sudden force across his face Larry yelps in pain and begins to cry...

Laurent: "I'm so sick of you always complaining! You should be happy you have someone who wants to make love to you"! 

Larry: *sniff* "I...I am happy baby. I just...."

Laurent: *slap* "I said shut up"!    

Larry yelps in pain again as he continues to lay there helpless...his heavy crying filling the room. A few moments go by as Laurent simply listens to him. It seems as though his heart softens because he blows out a deep sigh of regret...  

Laurent: "Larry, I just want to make love to you. Why is that so wrong"?   

Larry: "It...it's not wrong", he cries.    

Laurent: "Then tell me you want it. Tell me to make love to you".

Larry: "I...I want it. Make love to me".

Laurent: "That's my bebe".

Laurent removes Larry's pants and boxers then tosses them on the floor. He then hovers himself back over him and kisses his cheek in an attempt to ease the pain from his slaps...

Laurent: "Don't cry my love". *kiss* "I'm sorry".

He pushes himself inside as Larry shuts his eyes at the sensation. Then he slowly opens them to look at the clock again. 3:34. Laurent moves inside of him moaning and panting as Larry lays there merely watching the time. His face is on fire and the tears are still streaming. They're literally soaking his pillow. Laurent continues his mission while softly kissing his back in between strokes. Larry's body also moves to Laurent's rhythm as he slides in and out. The liquor that Laurent consumed is coming through his husky breathing and filling Larry's senses. Larry just keeps his focus on that clock. Laurent's speed begins to intensify which means he's close to climax. He then releases himself while echoing a low yet powerful growl into the air as Larry shut his eyes again...fresh tears rolling onto the pillow. He feels Laurent crashing his head on his tender back followed by two soft kisses to it then he hears, "I love you Larry" before Laurent plops down on his side of the bed and falls asleep. Larry slowly opens his eyes and looks at the clock for the final time. 3:44. Ten minutes of physical pleasure for Laurent yet emotional pain for Larry. For the next several minutes there's no noise, no tremble. Just the steady flow of Larry's silent tears. His mind then goes back to Lilo and how he feels so bad for lying to her but also feeling as though he didn't have much of a choice. Yes Laurent is a monster to him but he's always been a great uncle to her and she truly adores him. She always feels joy in his presence and he doesn't want to take that away from her. He also thinks about the irony of it all and that keeps the tears flowing. He loves Laurent with everything in him yet he's never felt more unloved, he's never felt more unwanted...he's never felt more broken...           

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A/N: Please comment! Love you guys. :)