AUTHOR'S POV   

Laurent has been still at Kaylee's bedroom window for moments looking into the dark night in complete disbelief at the issue with Erin. It went from inappropriate flirtation to Laurent going to the dean about it only in a matter of days. Now it's possibly a situation where he has to be on guard at all times as he's unsure how far she could go. Most importantly, he has his family to protect. He turns his head back to look at Kaylee who's sleeping peacefully, and as he looks at her, Emma and Ayden also come to mind. They are the innocent ones and he internally prays that they're the least affected by whatever comes of this. All three of them are he and Larry's world and they just want them safe. Always. He turns back around to look out the window again before realizing that although he didn't want to tell Larry about the odd moments that happened today it's best to alert him as to not take any chances. He wants his love to be aware as well. He begins walking towards the door but glances at her again on the way to make sure he hasn't awakened her then heads for the bedroom certain that his love is still awake. Ahead of him he can see that the light is off in the room but he does see the reflection of the TV and when he goes inside Larry is comfortable under the duvet with his lustrous fro pressed into his pillow. Larry looks at him and winks prompting a somewhat shy of a smile from Laurent. He goes into the bathroom to take a quick shower and after finishing up his bedtime routine he climbs in bed to join his love...only Larry gets a strong sense that something is up so he looks over at him. He can only see his profile...but even in that Laurent seems heavily worried. He extends his arm to take a gentle hold of Laurent's hand who immediately brings that hand to his mouth to place a soft kiss on it. Now it seems that worried look has magnified so Larry is really concerned and he's about to ask Laurent what's on his mind when Laurent speaks up first...

Laurent: "Bebe, do you mind turning the TV off"?

Larry: "Sure baby". 

Larry takes his free hand to reach for the remote then gives his love his full attention. Laurent doesn't say anything right away and the strong silence makes Larry a little unsettled but patiently waits for him to speak. He sees Laurent take a breath in and silently blow it out which seems to make it at least a little easier to tell him...

Laurent: "I think I know who called earlier and didn't say anything". 

*brief pause*

Larry: "Your student". 

Laurent: "I'm not sure but I think so. When I was leaving my office today I got the feeling that I was being watched. If this happened before I went to the dean then I wouldn't think anything for that but these things happened after. That's why I think it's her". 

Larry: "You should get a restraining order against her baby". 

Laurent: "The dean told her that she has to stay away from me but getting a restraining order is a good idea too. It will make sure she doesn't come near me so I'll do that". 

Larry: *nods* "Oki". *deep sigh* "It shouldn't take all of this. She should just go on with her life and leave you alone". 

Laurent: "I agree bebe". *pause* "I could be wrong. Maybe it wasn't her and she's taking what the dean told her seriously but I also don't want to take any chances. It's my job to protect this family and I'm telling you because I want you to be careful when you're going to work or if you're out somewhere". 

Larry: "I understand baby and I will. We will protect each other but most of all we will protect the babies".

Laurent: "Always", he whispers. 

They gaze deeply into each other's eyes and although the look is deep with love there's also a hint of worry...but they ease each other's worries by connecting for a kiss. Laurent then pulls his love into him and until they fall asleep they just relax in the soft silence...

~next day~

Laurent woke up to his loving husband and just as he does every morning he smiles when he sees that face. Internally he was experiencing varying emotions. He made the right decision telling Larry about his suspicions and now that Larry is aware they can both be on guard but he's also been nervous about what his work day might bring. He would normally see Erin in class and while the dean has dropped her from his class he wonders if there could possibly be a confrontation with her especially if she followed him. He can only hope that she listens to the dean and not make things worse by refusing to stay away from him. As he discussed with his love last night, he will get the restraining order against her for further protection. He's certain that the board will make a decision regarding Erin quickly and he's been hoping to be informed that they have reached one by the end of the day. He has a lengthy break between his morning and afternoon classes so he goes to his office to grade work and get ahead by putting lessons together for the following week. This day of course is different in that his concentration isn't the same and he immediately but also anxiously checks for messages whether it's a request to come to the dean's office or even a phone call regarding the case. Now the time he leaves campus has arrived so he has to continue to wait. After locking the door to his office he begins walking towards the elevator and given what happened yesterday he wondered all day if that eerie feeling would happen again. Thankfully, it doesn't and he makes it to the parking lot without any strange feeling of being watched or followed. He's about to go and pick up the girls so that thought brings a sparkle to his eye. He unlocks the car door from his keyless entry and he's only a few steps from his car when out of his peripheral he sees a familiar figure. He refuses to make eye contact and just walks at a faster pace. Once the door is open he tosses his briefcase over to the passenger seat and just as he's about to get in he hears her voice...

Erin: "How dare you record me Laurent". 

Laurent: "That's Mr. Bourgeois to you and you were told to stay away from me". 

Erin: "I don't care! How dare you do that then give it to the dean for him to hear"! 

Laurent: "Ms. Lebeau, you know the rules and you violated one. Please go away". 

Erin: "You made me look like a slut"!

Laurent: "I didn't make you look that way. Now just walk away and don't ever call my house again".

Erin: "What are you talking about"?!

Laurent begins looking around the parking lot to see if there's anyone who sees what's going on and he does see a few colleagues who are watching in astonishment. He isn't close enough to give him an indication that he's ok but he will for sure bring this to the dean's attention and he's thankful that there are at least a few people who saw this with their own eyes should the dean ask if there were any witnesses. He hears her repeat the question but louder and he replies, "you know what I'm talking about and you heard me". He then gets in his car only Erin has yet to walk away and she's still going...but her words are barely audible as Laurent's window is blocking them for the most part. He leaves the campus but pulls into a nearby shopping center and shuts the engine off to place an urgent phone call to the dean whose secretary tells him to hold briefly. Laurent waits patiently and as he's waiting he notices that his hands are shaky. He handled Erin's confrontation appropriately but the entire scene naturally caught him completely off guard and he's in a huge state of shock as a result. Had he made eye contact with her he shudders to think what he would have saw behind those eyes as she was so enraged with her voice projecting around the entire parking lot. Now he's hearing the voice of Dr. Bouchet...

Bouchet: "Dr. Bourgeois"?

Laurent: "Yes sir". 

Bouchet: "If you're calling to see if the board has reached a decision yet we have not but it won't be too much longer". 

Laurent: "Thank you sir but that's not why I'm calling. I just saw Ms. Lebeau. She came up to me when I was about to leave campus". 

Bouchet: "She has a direct order to stay away from you". 

Laurent: "Yes sir and I told her that but she didn't leave. She yelled at me because I told you what happened but I just got in my car and drove off. I noticed that a few professors saw the whole thing so if you need any of them to tell you what happened I can...."

Bouchet: "Dr. Bourgeois, that won't be necessary. I'll make sure the board knows about this incident as it will speed up the decision". 

Laurent: "Thank you so much". 

Bouchet: "You're welcome". 

Laurent releases the call and blows out a deep sigh as he clasps his hands together to control the trembling. He has to pull himself together quickly as he still needs to drive and pick up the girls who he doesn't want to see him in such angst. Because he has to pick them up he can't get to the court house to file the restraining order so he has to do so first thing in the morning. That will give him peace of mind and added security that will hopefully get the message to Erin what his words have been trying to convey. He takes a few moments of deep breathing in order to come to state of relaxation then cranks the engine back up and leaves the shopping center. As he drives in the direction of the girls school he checks his rear view mirror often to make sure he isn't being followed. By the time he arrives he's confident that he hasn't been though to play it safe he is a bit quicker getting the girls buckled in so he can leave as quickly as possible but without causing alarm to them. He drives along as he asks them about their day and is all smiles while listening. He's almost certain that he wasn't followed to the school but he does check the rear view mirror again for good measure because he's also going to pick up Ayden and he doesn't want mama's home to become a target. He makes it there as well as arriving home without any suspicion and now that he can breathe a sigh of relief the girls receive their after school snack then they promptly get started on their homework while he takes care of Ayden who eventually goes down for a nap so he does some cleaning then begins prepping for dinner...

*****

Kaylee and Emma: *smile* "Papaaaaa"!

Larry: *smile* "Hey my loves".

Larry has just walked through the door from a busy day at work...but nothing re-energizes him like a welcome home as loving as this. His briefcase is placed on the floor and he squats down with his arms wide open as he watches them happily run towards him. The moment their arms go around his neck he pulls them closer to hug them tightly but also gently. He then switches between them with kisses on their cheeks which makes them giggle before pulling away and asking them how school was that he listens to with his usual beautiful smile. Then he sees Laurent standing a short distance away so he looks up at him. Laurent always smiles when he watches their interaction...but his eyes are saying something else. For the moment, Larry looks back at the girls...

Larry: *smile* "Wow. So you both had a great day". 

Kaylee and Emma: *smile* "Yeah"! 

Laurent then sweetly calls out for the girls to instruct them to go back to playing and signals his head for Larry to follow him towards the bedroom. Larry calls out to the girls that they will be right back in which they reply, "oki" then puts his focus on Laurent. They step inside the bedroom and Laurent quietly shuts the door and turns around to look at Larry...

Larry: "What happened baby"?

Laurent: "She came up to me when I was trying to leave".

Larry: "She didn't try to hurt you did she"?

Laurent: "No bebe. She didn't try anything like that but she was yelling. She said all kinds of crazy things. She was so loud that people across the parking lot heard her and was staring". 

Larry: "Have you had a chance to tell the dean yet"?

Laurent: "Yeah I got in my car and drove off to get away from her but I pulled into a shopping center to park then I called him. He said that he will tell the board so I think I will hear their decision soon. Maybe as soon as tomorrow".

Larry: "I hope so and if they didn't think for kicking her out of school before I know they will now". 

*brief pause*

Laurent: "I wanted her to know how serious it is but I wanted her to stay in school too. Now I feel like a...." 

Larry: "Oh baby please don't. You wanted that because you have such a good heart. You didn't know it would go this far". 

Laurent: *nods* "I know bebe and thank you". 

Larry: "Welcome my love". 

Laurent: *soft sigh* "I need to finish prepping for dinner". 

Laurent is about to turn around but they hear Ayden over the baby monitor...

Laurent: "But first I need to get him then I'll finish that". 

Larry: "It's ok baby. I got him. You go back to the kitchen. I can help you if you need me". 

Laurent: "No I'm oki bebe but thank you".

Larry nods then gives his love a soft peck on the lips before taking off to get Ayden with Laurent going back to the kitchen. The girls have occupied themselves with toys and such as they play together. When evening comes dinner of a deliciously tender chicken confit is served along with roasted vegetables and the girls favorite side dish of buttery mashed potatoes. This family dinner wasn't interrupted by another mysterious call and since it's agreed that the restraining order will be filed first thing in the morning they're able to put their full attention on the kids. Like the amazing kids they are they keep a smile on Laurent's face as he listens to them chatter. They even make him laugh a few times, especially Emma with her silly faces. After dinner Larry and Laurent instruct the girls to make sure their rooms are clean and all toys are picked up off the floor with Ayden being placed in his activity saucer while Larry and Laurent clean the kitchen. As they clean they're playful and also giving each other sweet, sporadic kisses. Larry loves seeing Laurent smiling so much and his great mood goes well into the later evening. After baths, Kaylee gets cozy in her bed. Larry kisses her good night then makes quiet steps over to Emma's room where Laurent is. His heart flutters when he sees him sitting on the floor next to her bed with an open book reading her a bedtime story. His voice is animated yet very soft and Larry is so overwhelmed by such a sweet sight that he rests his head on the door panel to merely watch them. Laurent finishes the story and as he reads the last few words his voice beautifully fades into a soft whisper at the very last syllable. He then looks over at Emma who he's actually expecting to be sound asleep but those little eyes are wide awake so he lightly chuckles then kisses her forehead...

Laurent: "Did you like that story princess"?

Emma: "Yes papa", she replies softly. 

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

Emma: "Papa"?

Laurent: "Yes bebe"?

Emma: "Are you going to take us ice skating again"?

Laurent: "We sure will my love. We know how much fun you and your sister had so we're going to take you ice skating a lot". 

Emma replies, "oki" in a soft voice as she adorably rubs her eyes so Laurent says in a gentle voice, "now it's time to close those beautiful eyes and get some sleep my love". Emma nods and as he stands up Larry takes the opportunity to quietly but quickly step away and head for the bedroom. Laurent walks over to her window just as he did the previous evening to make sure it's shut and locked. He turns around and notices Emma hasn't fallen asleep yet as she watched him check so he smiles then whispers, "goodnight bebe". Her small, sleepy voice replies, "goodnight papa". He steps outside of the room and brings the door into a slight crack then heads over to Ayden's room then Kaylee's. He's just as quiet and after checking her window he's able to give her a good night kiss without waking her up. With his home and family secured he heads for the bedroom only he doesn't see Larry in bed waiting for him. He looks over at the bathroom and doesn't see him there either so it leaves him a bit stumped. He then hears, "you must be looking for me" in a playful tone so he smiles as he turns around. Larry had been waiting for him behind the door and as he's walking over to him...

Laurent: *smile* "You playing hide and seek"?

Larry: *chuckles* "No", he replies softly. 

They lock their gaze on each other and only Larry can give Laurent a feeling of butterflies in his tummy. Then in that same soft voice...

Larry: "Have I ever told you that you're the best papa"?

Laurent: *smile* "No. But, you think so"?

Larry: *smile* "I know you are. I watched you at dinner with them and I was standing at Emma's door listening to you read to her". 

Now that he's face to face and looking directly into the eyes of his forever love he kisses those lips then whispers, "you are the best papa". Laurent gazes back and whispers, "thank you". Larry raises his arms then takes a hold of Laurent's face with his strong hands. Moments later their lips come together and they engage in a soft, romantic kiss. Laurent's hands drift to Larry's hips to pull him in so close that they can feel the beating of their hearts through their chests. Larry pulls away and smiles a little as he gently bites his lower lip. He then uses his pointer finger to hook the top of Laurent's pants then tugs on them prompting Laurent to follow him over to the bed. He sits on the edge then looks up into Laurent's eyes who recognizes the sensual look behind them so he grips the bottom of his shirt then raises it over his head to remove it. Larry's fingertips go straight to those hard abs and he begins making a finger crawling motion upward. Laurent gently grabs his loves wrists then lightly pushes him back against the mattress...gently pinning Larry's arms above his head while gazing down into those eyes. Their lips connect again only this time there's a wet slithering and connection of their tongues that they both moan at the sensation of. Laurent releases those lips to move them to Larry's cheek then down to his neck. Larry's head is turned...his eyes closed...his mouth open and Laurent's lips feel so good against his skin that he can feel his erection straining against his pants. Laurent feels it too so he lets go for a moment to get up and set it free followed by removing the remainder of his own clothes. He hovers over him again and pushes inside of his love prompting a soft gasp. With their hard, nude bodies on top of the bedding Laurent makes sweet, passionate love to him that lasts well into the deep of night...

~next day~

Laurent woke up remembering that he has to file the restraining order but he's in much better spirits considering what the earlier part of yesterday entailed. By night, quality time with their beautiful children then the perfect night cap of making love to his love reminded him that those moments are what life is all about. It's those moments that always put everything into perspective. He's doing what's necessary to make sure Erin doesn't interfere with the life he cherishes more than anything. He walked the girls into school and before releasing each of them to their classrooms he knelt down and gave them the biggest hugs. They took their seats and before he walked away they waved as they smiled brightly at him. Now he's back in the car to make his way to the courthouse to officially file and every moment from the time he picked the girls up yesterday to his alone time with his husband put a smile on his face that he wasn't at all nervous about the process. In fact, it couldn't have gone more smoothly once he arrived. The court clerk is courteous, knowledgeable and swift. When he's given confirmation that the papers have been filed he thanks her then leaves so he can make it to campus on time. He imagines that her violating the no contact rule pushed along the board's decision and although he isn't certain he's hoping that he will be told what that decision is today. It would be perfect timing seeing that he was able to file so easily and put the restraining order in place. The university is a short distance from the courthouse so it only took him a few minutes to arrive. Once he's out of his car he looks around the parking lot to see if there might be a repeat of yesterday but all he sees are students walking to their classes and other professors walking inside. He walks inside and from stepping onto the elevator to reaching his floor nothing seems to be out of the ordinary so he goes into his office to prepare for the day. He figured he would hear from the dean before the day ends and it comes as a shock that when he receives his first call on his office line it's the dean's secretary calling on the dean's behalf and requesting that he come down to his office. Laurent tells her he will be right there then he's out of his chair the next second and on his way. When he arrives he doesn't have to wait for him as the secretary tells him that he can go right in. The door is open but he stops at the opening and calls for Dr. Bouchet who looks up then gives him the ok to come in. Laurent sits across from him and is more than ready to hear the news...

Bouchet: "I wanted to tell you in person that Ms. Lebeau has been expelled from the university and she's also not allowed to come back on campus for any reason". 

Laurent closes his eyes and blows out a soft sigh of relief. He then opens them to look back at Dr. Bouchet as he knows that isn't the end of it...

Bouchet: "The board initially considered your request because as we looked into her time here she never had any issues and had been doing well in her classes for the most part. However, lying about her behavior then her confrontation with you after she was told directly not to make any contact made the decision of expulsion unanimous".  

Laurent: *nods* "Oki". *pause* "Thank you so much". 

Bouchet: "You're welcome. I do encourage you to consider additional protective measures just in case". 

Laurent: "Yes sir. I have done that already". 

Bouchet: "Excellent. That was the best thing to do". *pause* "Well that was all I had for you. Is there anything else you need"?

Laurent: "No sir but thank you again". 

Bouchet: "My pleasure". 

Laurent shakes his hand then makes the walk back to his office feeling as though the weight of the world has been lifted off of his shoulders. Erin has to comply with the restraining order or there will be a serious consequence and with quick action from the university he's far more at ease...

------------------------ 

A/N: Alright my loves. Erin is gone and she also has to stay far away from Laurent per the court but she violated the dean's order. Do you all think she will take the restraining order seriously? Also, she asked Laurent what he was talking about regarding the mystery phone call so did she lie about that or was it just a coincidence? Sound off in the comments! Love you guys. :)