By the time Watari returned, L was lying on his side on the floor with Near playing cars. L moved the the small purple car slowly with his finger and Near bounced excitedly.

"You really seem to enjoy these games, I have never been one to play. I-" Near reached onto his bag and pulled out a toy phone, he picked up the receiver and held it, his head tilted slightly.

"You seem confused, this is a telephone, you listen to the top part by putting it to your ear, then you talk into the lower part." Near handed the toy to L, who took it and held it up to his ear.

"Hello Near, how are you today?" He said into the toy. Near smiled. L gave it back and watched as Near copied his actions, L then took out one of his many cell phones hand held it to his own ear while the child watched curiously.

"Hello Near, this device I am holding is also a phone, I can speak to you with it." Watari shook his head, amazed at sight.

"Can you say hello to me Near?" The boy smiled happily.

"I want you to say hello L." L waited.

"He's too young for-"

"Quiet please Watari, he wants to try."

"How could you possibly kn-" Watari's mouth hung open as the small child said his first word.

"L" the boy said.

"That is correct Near, I am L. Can you say Near?"

"La, Nah."

"Incredible, he's never said a word or attempted to, we thought perhaps he was just a bit to young to try."

"Maybe he knew no one would listen if he did."

"That's possible I suppose. You're actually really good with him."

"It seems so, I have surprised myself with this new experience."

"He really likes you." Watari commented.

"Yes, it seems that both of us have broken the rule. I feel happy to see his joy. Watari, is this how you felt when you began caring for me?"

"Yes L. I am happy when I see you are alright and thriving, and it pains me to see you unhappy or hurt. But we really need to take him back soon." Near crawled frantically to L, and grabbed onto him.

"Watari, may we...keep near?"

"L, you know with our line of work, it gets very dangerous, it wouldn't be a good environment for such a young boy."

"You are right Watari, I cannot subject him to that. Near, you have to go back, but I will promise you that you will see me again. I will have Watari bring you to me when they are short staffed. I know you are sad little Near, but perhaps one day, you will find your voice and your place, then you will not be denied the attention you deserve."

"L"

"Yes Near, I am very proud of your accomplishments today." Watari picked the boy up and gathered the toys. He was almost to the door when L stopped him and took the boy, he held him close.

"Goodbye Near, I will see you again." Watari took him back and Left. L sat down on the couch. He already missed the child. Moments later Watari came home and L could hear Near calling for him.

"Did you not leave to return him?"

"Yes. He was quite upset when we got there, so I brought you a little something to think about." He gave Near to L along with an envelope.

"Whatever you decide, I will support you, you see my dear L, I broke that very same rule with you."