Subterfuge | LT ✔️

Chapter Eight: Too Little, Too Late

In the serenade of the black sky, the stars are a choir. They are glowing lights that sing in infinite patterns. Sometimes the eyes need music, and the darker the night sky the sweeter the song. The night is always a special kind of darkness. The kind that wants to hold onto the stars and help them shine brighter, and this night is also special. In high anticipation since being surprised with the loving gesture, it's their engagement party. Larry couldn't stop talking about it on their last night in Marseille which was a really beautiful time. They took more advantage of the gorgeous beach with more hand in hand in walks but also wanted to fully partake in the ocean water so with swimming trunks on, they held hands as they stepped in and as a big ocean wave crashed against their bodies they laughed together. Laurent's laughter died down as he watched his loves smile that could stop a thousand hearts. Larry has truly been happy. Probably the happiest Laurent has ever seen him. They spent three glorious days in Marseille and Laurent is certain there was never a moment during that time he didn't see this gorgeous creature smiling and that makes Laurent's heart happy. Larry's smile is comfort. It's home. It makes the darkest of days the brightest and Laurent's heart melts into a puddle each time he sees it spread beautifully across his face. But, it also makes it all the more heartbreaking with what he's currently dealing with that Larry doesn't know of. Any day now he'll be receiving the results of the paternity test. He has wrestled so much with does he tell Larry or not. The part of him that says yes is because he doesn't want to keep secrets from him. But, to look in his eyes and tell him what could possibly be a result of that night he shuts down any gumption that he gained to tell him. Being the guests of honor, a car was sent to take them to the venue where the party is being held. Larry is sitting next to him in the back seat and adorably talking Laurent's head off who's listening and responding. While Laurent is present for the most part he doesn't notice those short moments where it's visible that Laurent has something on his mind. Just as the driver is pulling up they notice some of their loved ones smiling and talking as they walk inside prompting Larry to turn to him with a wide smile. Laurent responds by smiling and winking at him. The car stops and Larry is so excited he can hardly wait for the driver to come to their side and open the door. The step into the cool breeze of the evening that begins flowing through their fros. They connect hands and walk inside where Mya and Aaron are waiting for them in the lobby with full smiles. They all greet each other then Mya informs them that everyone has arrived so it's time to make their entrance. She leads the way into the ballroom and after announcing them everyone stands to their feet to clap. It's so touching to see everyone here. So happy and ready to celebrate with them. They smile and wave at everyone but when they see their beautiful mama who looks absolutely gorgeous in her evening gown they rush over to give her a sweet kiss to the cheek and when they hug her they hold on for several, precious moments before pulling away to look lovingly at her. They will be seated at the sweethearts table so they tell her they will see her after the party then make their way over. They take a seat then look at each other and Larry's eyes are glowing so brightly that it nearly stops Laurent's heart...

Larry: *smile* "Baby look. Look around. It's so beautiful in here and everyone looks so beautiful. 

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah. It's amazing bebe". 

Larry gazes at him with that beautiful sparkle in his eye and in the most loving, tender voice...

Larry: "I love you so much". 

Laurent: "I love you too", he replies softly. 

Larry just continues to sit there in all his beauty...his focus eventually going to the crowd to wave at more guests. The next voice they hear is Mya's who's on the mic and giving the official welcome...

Mya: *smile* "Welcome everyone. As you all know, we are here to celebrate the upcoming union of Larry and Laurent". *looks at them* "We all love you both and are looking forward to your special day. Every one of us can see and feel the love you have for each other and we are honored to share in this with you. Aaron and I are honored to host this party and we hope that it's a wonderful evening for you both".