Watari watched as the flames engulfed the death note. He couldn't have been more grateful to Eri for what she had done. Though he had to admit that it the short time they had together, he quite liked her. She truly loved L, as did Watari, perhaps it was that bridge between them that had made him feel a slight sadness for her. Watari sighed as he returned to L's bedside. He found the detective awake and staring up at the ceiling.

"Is everything alright L?"

"No, there isn't anything about this situation that I would define as 'alright.'

"Please, try to think positively, look at the bright side of things L."

"There isn't one."

"Of course there is dear boy, you're going to get better, yes it will take time, but it will happen."

"Until then, I'm supposed to lie here and be a useless...thing. I should be -"

"That is enough L. You are neither useless, nor a thing. You are a person, a person who happens to be very ill granted, but there will be plenty for you to do when you're well. I'm sure we could find you enough cases to make up for lost time."

"Watari?"

"Yes L?"

"If I told you that there was a possibility that I may want to...step down, would you...feel differently about me?" Watari reached out and took hold of L's hand.

"Is that why the Kira investigation means so much to you, you wanted it to be the last one?"

"I thought about it yes. If I would live through it, see it to the end, maybe I could-"

"You must do what is best for you. Since you came to me, you've only done for others. Perhaps it's time to see what makes you happy. I could not think any different of you."

"Thank you. After all, I have every confidence in both Near and Mello's capabilities. I've made a decision on my successor Watari."

"Have you?"

"Yes. Unless this is truly what they want to do, and I believe It's really not what they want to do the rest of their lives, they'll learn soon enough it isn't everything it seems, my 'L' It stands for many things. I think however it should also stand for last. I have no wish to put this on either of them. They will each have their chance but in the end. I don't see them happy in this career for long."

"You are really something L. Can I get you anything?"

"I don't suppose you would give me the computer?"

"No."

"I didn't think so, but you can't blame me for trying. I've been in bed far too long Watari, I have done nothing."

"You have, you had me contact Near and passed him vital information. That isn't exactly nothing."

"I should be there."

"You can't be. You are much too ill, we've been over this." Watari said with a sigh.

"I hate losing, at this moment, that is what is happening Watari. I cannot allow this. I will not submit to Kira." L vowed, a look of strong determination in his eyes.

A/n: thanks everyone for reading. By the way, if anyone is interested, the name Eri means my protector. Just a little fun fact. Hope you're enjoying this.