A/N: Emotional chapter ahead guys. :( 

AUTHOR'S POV

Grief. It takes over and holds the soul. It gives the bereaved this heavy feeling as if the weight of the world is resting on their shoulders and there is nothing that can be done to get out from under it. It leaves this huge hole in the heart that's shaped as the lost loved one and tears flow so much that one attempts to wipe them away only to discover that none have formed because they're depleted. Since the moment Larry and Laurent rested upon Kaylee's bed as they cried over details of her murder the mood around the home has been deeply somber. All Larry's been able to think of is his terrifying dream and he's internally beat himself up because they went on a search for her in the early morning hours upon waking up from it. They went back to the abandoned house where he repeated soft prayers beforehand that she was inside but became instantly saddened that she wasn't. He's told himself that if only he had looked somewhere else perhaps he would have found her. The thought of being unable to save her has been eating away at him so much that he hasn't slept. The grief comes in waves and threatens to consume him entirely. It surges with every expelled breath, always reaching higher peaks, never letting up. Tears spill from his helpless eyes and it got to the point where he didn't bother to wipe them away as more always followed. Every memory of Kaylee plays like a song in his head...repeating itself. He feels mostly lost because he's lost a big part of him. He can't get her back though he wants that more than anything. Unbeknownst to him his love is on the outside of their bedroom with his ear firmly pressed to the door and his heart sinks with each sniff he hears from his emotionally wounded love. Last night he was jolted out of his sleep at the sensation of Larry sitting up in bed then crying uncontrollably as he called for her whilst repeating how sorry they are. His grieving is just as strong as thoughts of her fill his mind. Images of her smile. Echos of her sweet laughter. Between the two of them he's tried to take on the customary role of trying to remain strong in order to guide and help his love through his searing pain...but it's a losing battle as the pain he feels is the same. Even more so because in just a few hours they return to court to give their victim impact statements. Naturally there's an angst to get through this final step so Ramos can finally be sentenced...but giving these statements resemble the feeling of burying their child. This should not be happening. They shouldn't be giving a statement about their daughter's murder. She should still be here, and with that thought Laurent closes his eyes to take another moment. He then realizes that he hasn't heard a single sound coming from Larry in several minutes so he slowly turns the door knob and his eyes go straight to the bed. Larry's back is turned to him so he steps inside and quietly shuts the door then walks over to lie next to him. He begins a smooth stroke on Larry's arm and for a few moments it's just Larry's soft tears that comes back the instant he feels Laurent's hand. While soothing him he also drops a few soft kisses to Larry's arm before softly speaking...

Laurent: "Can I get you something to eat bebe"?

*silence*

Laurent: "You will need to eat to keep your strength up my love", he whispers. 

Larry still can't reply verbally as his emotions preclude him from doing so. Laurent closes his eyes as he drops his mouth to Larry's arm to give him one more gentle kiss before whispering that he'll be back then begins making his way to the kitchen. On the way he looks inside Ayden's room and sees mama changing his diaper whilst smiling and making faces to make him laugh. His heart is aching for his love, and himself, but the sight of this moves him to a small but much needed smile. He then approaches Emma's room where he looks inside and sees her playing with her dolls. He smiles sweetly at her then finally arrives at the kitchen where he begins heating up the breakfast made by mama. Now with the food on a tray he pours a glass of orange juice and places it on top then carefully picks the tray up to take to his love. On the way he's shocked to discover that Emma is no longer in her room. He's a bit confused because she wasn't on the couch watching cartoons and she isn't in Ayden's room since mama is bringing him towards the living room so his face softens when he realizes where she is. Now at he and Larry's bedroom his heart flutters when he sees her on their bed with her head resting on her papa's shoulder. Larry's hand is smoothly rubbing her hair back and when Laurent gets a good look at his face he notices a stream of tears. He places a soft kiss to Emma's forehead as more tears build and Laurent almost can't take the sight of it. It's heartbreaking...but the delicate interaction between them is also a beautiful one. Emma knows that her papas have been really sad as of lately and any opportunity she's had she gave them love whether it was her sweet hugs or a tender moment like this. She then speaks with that precious voice to tell him, "I don't like when you're sad papa". Larry gives her another kiss then replies, "papa will be oki baby". She then raises up and they connect. Larry tells her thank you for trying to make her papa feel better then they come forward for a big hug before she goes back to resting her cheek on his shoulder. Laurent will leave them to this sweet moment but first he quietly steps forward to place the tray with Larry's lunch on the bed then whispers to call him if he needs anything else. Emma hears him and greets, "hi papa" in which he softly greets, "hi bebe" and he watches the adorable duo for another moment then turns around to head for the living room. He doesn't want to be bothered by the sound of the TV so he sits in silence for now. Mama ultimately comes in because she feels the heavy emotions all around. Laurent looks up at her as she walks over to sit next to him. She knows he needs to talk so she places her hand on his back and soothes him until he's ready to. Tears have now begun to escape his eyes so in a raspy voice...

Laurent: "I just saw Larry and Emma together. It's always so beautiful to see how close they are but it also broke my heart mama". *pause* "My love is broken and I can't help him because...I'm broken too". 

Mama: "Oh my love", she whispers. 

Laurent: "I understand why the confession was played. That shit lawyer was trying to get that monster out of the murder charge so the prosecutor did what she had to do but...it's all I can hear in my mind. It's all Larry can hear". *pause* "We couldn't save her mama. She called for us and we couldn't save her". 

Before mama can provide some words of comfort Laurent bursts into tears so instead of uttering a word she rests against the couch as she brings him into her. He weeps as she whispers to him to just let it all out. His deep cries pull at her heart so much that tears brim her eyes. Seeing her boys in pain is always difficult...and she's been dealing with her own pain because although she wasn't in court that day just knowing the details of how her granddaughter was senselessly murdered is hard in itself. She misses Kaylee terribly and lately all she can think of is seeing her in the casket. She looked like the angel she's always been but never in a million years did she think she would see one of her grandchildren being buried. She recalls telling her, "you truly made me happy when the skies were grey". The thought of that painful day...saying goodbye and now holding her heartbroken son in her arms with Larry feeling equal pain her tears are streaming. For moments on end it's just the two of them, saddened and weeping, but eventually their tears begin to settle and Laurent talks about going back to court and his earlier thoughts of giving their statements. Laurent confides in her that he isn't so much worried about the sadness he will feel giving his, rather, he's concerned that he won't be able to hold back his anger. The last time he and Larry saw Ramos he showed no remorse just as his voice didn't have any when he confessed. Mama promptly yet sweetly reminds him that it's ok to be angry but the key to controlling that anger is to remember that his punishment will be just and if that means life in prison then everyday he will remember that his heinous actions put him there. Laurent nods and being held in mama's arms, her always on time reaffirming words, were very cathartic for him so he wipes away the residue of his tears. Mama seems to be feeling slightly better as well. Now they see Emma standing a short distance away so they look over...

Laurent: "Hi princess. Is your papa feeling better"?

Emma: "Yes papa. He's eating". 

Laurent: "Oki bebe". 

Mama: "Are you hungry"?

Emma: *nods* "Yes", she replies softly. 

Mama: "Well your grandmere will make you some lunch my love".  

Emma: "Oki. Thank you grandmere". 

Mama: "Welcome sweetie". 

Now on her feet mama takes Emma's hand in hers and they begin walking towards the kitchen. Laurent takes this opportunity to go and check on his love and once he arrives at the bedroom he sees that he ate only half of his breakfast which is ok as he understands why he didn't have much of an appetite. He removes the tray from the bed but sets it aside for now instead of taking it to the kitchen as his love needs him. He slowly sits on the bed and gazes into those sad eyes. He then places his hand on top of Larry's and together they squeeze them gently before Laurent asks...

Laurent: "Do you need to talk my love"? 

Larry: "I just keep thinking for court baby. It upset me just to see him but to talk for him killing her is...." *sigh* "I don't know". 

They've always been in tune with the other's emotions so Laurent not only understands his love but the fact that he just confided in mama about the same thing further shows how in sync they are so he replies...

Laurent: "I know exactly how you feel bebe. We're angry, we're hurt". *pause* "We're missing Kaylee so much and to talk for this is like going through all that pain again". *pause* "Pain that never went away". 

Larry: "That is how I feel baby. There's this emptiness in my heart. That space belongs to Kaylee and it's empty because of him. I try not to think for court and seeing him but this missing part of me is because of him". 

Laurent: "Remember what I said my love. What will get us through this is having each other. The judge is behind us too. He heard what he did to her and now he's going to hear how much this has changed all of us. Kaylee's family. Her papas who loved her so much. Her siblings who loved her so much and her grandmere who loved her so much. Right now it feels like we will never have closure but I know in my heart that the judge will give him the sentence he deserves so that will be a start". 

Larry: "I'm holding onto that baby. I really am". *sigh* "I just miss her so much", he breathes out.

Laurent: "I miss her too", he whispers. 

Laurent still has that gentle grasp on Larry's hand so he brings it to his mouth to place two soft kisses to the back of it whilst looking lovingly at him. He can tell that this time with each other has settled him. Then he checks the time...

Laurent: "We should get ready now bebe". 

Larry: "Yeah oki". he whispers. 

Laurent stands up then helps his love out of bed and they're a bit slow in getting ready as their nerves would have them to be. When they're ready to go they head for the living room where the babies and mama are. Ayden and Emma are on a blanket covering the floor while mama looks on. When she notices them she stands up and walks over...

Mama: "You both know that I'll be there with you in spirit". 

Laurent: *nods* "Yes ma'am. We always feel your strength". 

Mama whispers, "oki" then kisses his cheek and gives him a hug. She looks over at Larry whose eyes seemingly have a hint of fear so she gently takes his face in her hands. They connect and she doesn't have to say a word. He just nods so she kisses his cheek then gives him a hug. Afterward she pulls away and whispers to them that it will also be their strength that will get them through. They nod then look at the babies and notice Emma is already looking at them as if she's wondering what their exchange was about. They take each other's hand then walk over and when she sees them coming she stands up. She raises her arms to be picked up and Laurent is the one to do that then looks into those adorable eyes...

Laurent: "Princess, your papas need to go somewhere so we will be back later". 

Emma: "I can't come"?

Laurent: "You can't come this time bebe but I'm sure your grandmere will play any game you want or do whatever fun thing you want until we get back". 

Emma looks over at her grandmere who smiles and winks as confirmation of what her papa said then looks back at Laurent...

Emma: "Oki". *pause* "Are you and papa still sad"?

Laurent looks over at his love as he senses that he wants to answer that...

Larry: "We're still a bit sad princess but I think after today things will start to get better. For all of us".  

Emma softly nods so Larry leans forward to give her a soft kiss on the cheek then looks at her...

Larry: "We love you baby". 

Emma: "I love you too".  

Laurent gives her a kiss too then places her on her feet and walks over to an always gleeful Ayden who is also picked up by Laurent. They give him a kiss and tell him they love him which his response is a leg kick and cackle. They chuckle then Laurent places him back down and they proceed to walk towards the door to leave...

*****

One thing that has helped them get through this difficult time is knowing that detective Brunet has been there every step of the way so they aren't at all surprised that he's already arrived and has been waiting for them. They see him first and only a second later Brunet sees them too so he begins walking towards them. He greets with, "hey guys" as he shakes their hands...

Brunet: "Well everyone is in place. We're just waiting for the judge to come out so court can come to order. The defense attorney looks scared and I'm not at all ashamed to admit that it gives me satisfaction". 

Laurent: "Yeah we feel the same. I can't believe she tried to get his charge reduced". 

Brunet: "Every tactic is tried with defense attorneys and often times they are successful. I'm thankful it didn't prosper in this case". 

Larry: "So are we. Murderers shouldn't get reduced sentences so she should be scared because she's going to lose". 

Brunet: "I'm with you on that buddy". 

A brief silence falls as Brunet observes them. He senses their energy which is a ball nerves for both...but he says something that puts it all back into perspective...

Brunet: "I feel your nerves and it's normal. Just remember that after today you won't have to return to this courthouse and hopefully before you even arrive home he will be in his prison cell". 

Laurent: "Yeah. That's what we can't wait for". 

Brunet: "Your statements to the court are imperative and while I'm sure they will be difficult just know that you're not on any time limit. Take some pauses or take some deep breaths if you need to. Trust me when I say the judge will understand". 

Larry: "That helps so much. Thank you". 

Brunet: "My pleasure". *pause* "We should go inside now". 

Larry and Laurent allow him to lead the way. Just as the detective stated everyone is in place and waiting so they take their place on the front row and no sooner than they do the side door swings open with two guards escorting Ramos. Larry and Laurent can feel their eyes squinting in anger as he has that same unaffected look on his face. No care in the world at all. But, what makes this court session different from the first is this time Ramos feels their eyes on him so he turns in their direction. Not even a second later he has the gall to give them a smirk. It's hard to believe that evil such as this exists. The smirk infuriates Laurent so he can't resist leaping from his seat to go after him. Larry quickly stands up and with wide, frightened eyes while reaching out to try and grab him he calls out, "baby"! Detective Brunet has already caught up to him and firmly yet delicately grabs him before the bailiffs can get over in which Brunet throws his hand up as if to say he has it handled...

Brunet: "Mr. Bourgeois, please". 

Laurent: "He just smiled at us"!

Brunet: "I understand but I need you to remain calm". 

Laurent: *looks at Ramos* "This isn't funny! You killed her! You killed an innocent little girl! My little girl! My husband's little girl! You're a monster"!  

Larry hears the raw emotion in his loves voice and his hands go over his mouth as he cries into them. Detective Brunet is eventually able to get Laurent back over to his seat and Larry wastes no time trying to calm him down. Larry rests his head on his chest and weeps against him whilst feeling the trembling in Laurent's body. Laurent feels the trembling himself and attempts to relax as best as he can given such high emotions. Laurent feels Larry crying so he shakily whispers...

Laurent: "I'm sorry bebe". 

Larry: "It's oki baby". *sniff* "Just stay beside me".

Laurent: "Of course my love. I'm so sorry".  

As Laurent comforts him Larry can feel the trembling beginning to subside. He can also feel repeated kisses to his forehead that makes him hold onto tighter to him. Laurent whispers he's sorry again then minutes later the court has come back to a place of calm and it's just as the door to the judge's chambers opens. The court is officially called to order and as they wait for him to begin Laurent's eyes cut back over to Ramos. He's much calmer...but he still can't believe this prick had the audacity to smirk. Now they're hearing the judge calling for the Bourgeois men and they promptly stand to their feet...

Laurent: "Yes, your honor". 

Judge: "This is your time to give this court your victim impact statements. Please come forward to stand at the podium and begin". 

Larry and Laurent lock hands and walk forward as requested. Larry goes first and he looks at the man of his life who gently rubs his back as he gives him a soft nod to proceed. Larry is still hesitant so Laurent whispers to him to remember what detective Brunet said about there not being a time limit so whenever he's ready to just take a deep breath and speak. There's only an additional thirty seconds or so before the only voice that's heard all around...is Larry's... 

Larry: "Your honor". *gulp* "Kaylee Brielle Bourgeois was an amazing big sister to her six year old sister and eleven month old baby brother. They adored her. Emma looked up to her, wanted to be like her and Kaylee always took such amazing care of her. She always protected her. Ayden always lit up when she entered room. She just had that sweet quality about her. She had friends, she was talented and she was beautiful. From the time we brought her home and watched her sleep for the first time in her crib we knew she was destined for great things". *sniff* "At only seven years old she played the violin so well, so beautifully and she loved it so much that we knew it would forever be a part of her...."

Larry's breathing becomes labored preventing him to keep going for the moment. Laurent hadn't stopped rubbing his back so his soothing continues as he whispers to his love that it's ok though he's already crying himself. Larry nods and can ultimately continue though the tears will only fall harder...

Larry: "Now, she can no longer play her violin. It sits in the case in her room with the rest of her possessions exactly how she left them". *sniff* "She can no longer play with her friends or continue being the amazing sister she was to her siblings, and the amazing daughter she was to us. Everyday my family walks by her room, we think of her and it hurts so much knowing that she will never come out of that room again with her bright smile. Her life was cut short so my husband and I ask that you give him the maximum sentence. No parole, no chance of ever getting out. Kaylee deserved to live her life and he had no right to take that life from her". *looks at Ramos* "You kidnapped her. You locked her in a room. You heard her calling for us and when she tried to defend herself you beat her to death! How dare you! And how dare you come in here then look at us with that disgusting smile on your face"!

Larry has to take a few moments again as he can feel his blood boiling. When he feels he has come to a calmer place he speaks his final words through tears that are still streaming, "you are evil on foot and you don't deserve to see daylight ever again". Larry barely got the last word out before he sheltered himself in his husband's arms and weeps against him. Laurent comforts him for several moments before whispering that he's going to speak now so Larry nods then pulls away as he wipes tears from his face to listen to him...

Laurent: "My husband described everything about Kaylee so perfectly. She was beautiful. She was smart. She was kind". *pause* "She was love". *sniff* "A love that transformed us completely as she was the first child to come into this family. There really is no love like a parent's love for their child and there was a bond with her the moment I held her in my arms. My husband had that same bond with her. Anyone who had the pleasure of being around her, hearing her laugh, seeing her smile was blessed. She was that amazing and she's gone now. We won't be able to watch her grow up. We won't have the chance to walk her down the aisle and watch her get married then have a family of her own. He took that away from her and he took that away from us as her family who would have loved nothing more than to see her grow into an amazing young woman just as she was an amazing princess to her parents who loved her. To her sister who adored her and her baby brother who only had ten months with her. She won't get to hear him talk when he learns or see him walk". *looks at Ramos* "You took that from us and you just sit there! No heart! No regret"! *pause* "She was seven years old! Seven"!  

Larry places his hand on his loves back to soothe him just as Laurent did for him. He, too, has to take several breaths before he can continue and when he does it's directed at the judge...

Laurent: "Please, your honor, give him the max. It's what he deserves and Kaylee will truly be able to rest in peace". *sniff* "Thank you". 

They turn around to walk back and take their seats. They comfort each other then look nervously at the judge...internally praying that he takes their pleas to heart. It's unnerving as he remains silent for what feels like an eternity...but he ultimately speaks up...

Judge: "Mr. Ramos, I've presided over murder cases before but rarely do I preside over one where the defendant is as cold and heartless as yourself. I don't understand how you listened to these grieving fathers and your face didn't move. You didn't flinch. You weren't at all affected by their words. I look around this courtroom and I see every attendee in these proceedings moved as if the victim's death has directly impacted them. You just sit there with this sanctimonious attitude as if you're above it all. The victim's cries didn't bother you. Her calling out for her fathers didn't bother you. You had one agenda and one agenda only. To torture a frightened young girl and subsequently murder her. Your attitude in my courtroom today tells me that I don't need to schedule your sentencing for another date. Therefore, you are sentenced to two consecutive life terms in a maximum security prison without the possibility of parole of which you will begin serving immediately". *slams gavel*

The courtroom's reaction is instant. Larry and Laurent cover their mouths with their hands as tears pour one after the other. They're crying so hard that it's visibly seen in the rise and fall of their chests. The bailiffs escort Ramos away as the detective puts his attention on Larry and Laurent who are understandably unable to speak so he guides them on their feet to exit the courtroom where the press is waiting...but right now words don't come as they hold each other and weep as justice for their little girl has finally been served...

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A/N: I cried at a couple parts of this chapter but mainly when Larry and Laurent were giving their statements. Ugh. That was so hard to write. Please share your thoughts and I'll chime in soon. Love you guys. ❤️