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A.N: Thank you for reviewing, feral, Dark Miko, Kiterinn, Eevee Tofu(x9), I-KNOW-I'M-CRAZY-NOT-INSANE, Nightwing Gurl, Gethernia, and deathnoteno1fan-codegeasslover! This is one well fed, happy author :D

Chapter 10

"Stop adding butter," Misa pleaded to Sayu. Light watched as they argued over how to prepare the popcorn. Misa said she had a main part in an upcoming movie, and couldn't risk eating the popcorn if Sayu drenched it in butter. Honestly, Light didn't even think Sayu could eat it with it being as buttery as it was.

"You can get grease worms," Light threw in, watching as Sayu suddenly looked at the popcorn with disgust. "Just throw it away and make some more. Keep the butter on the side. I'll go get the movie ready."

In celebration of their success, Light and Misa were having a 'movie night' at Misa's apartment. Sayu had begged and pleaded to come along. Light could see no reason to deny her requests, and had agreed. Besides, Sayu had no older female figure that she could actually learn from. Their mother couldn't tell foundation apart from eye shadow, let alone use either.

He had let Misa and Sayu pick the movie. It was placed on Misa's desk, beside her TV, that was across from her bed. They would have watched it at Light's house, but it was 'Recipes for a Fabulous Cook' night, and his mother absolutely loved that show. He was surprised Sayu had been willing to ditch out on it to watch a movie with them.

He raised a brow as he picked up the movie, looking at the title. 13 going on 30. At least they hadn't chosen Pretty in Pink. He pushed it into the movie player, pressing pause on the TV.

Misa and Sayu plopped down on the bed, giggling. Light took Misa's free side. "What's so funny?" He had never seen either of them laugh like that before, filled with what he could only describe as 'girlish happiness'.

They denied anything had happened, clearly trying to stifle unstoppable laughter.

Light entered headquarters, curious and excited as to what L had up his sleeves. What did L do when he had no leads? How did he get back on track?

It was because of such thoughts that he was left baffled when his eyes finally found L. The detective sat on the sofa across from the TV, staring at it despite the fact it was turned off. His usual array of sweets was absent, not even tea and sugar cubes in sight.

"Ryuuzaki?" he asked. While L's eyes tended to be unreadable, Light had quickly learned how to read L's body language. He took note of the shoulders, hunched more than usual. The detective's chin was tucked between his knees, eyes that had been shut only opening when Light had said the code name. "Why are you so depressed?" Because, really, there was no better word than 'depressed' to describe L at that moment.

L's eyes slowly left the TV, locking with Light's. The black orbs held nothing but loneliness and defeat. "I can't capture Kira, Light-kun. Misa was supposed to end the case, but either the dim-witted model grew a brain, or she really isn't the second Kira."

"Don't mock her," said Light, automatically. It was a bit disconcerting to have words come out before he could think them over. "She is my friend, Ryuuzaki."

L sighed. "Light-kun is fortunate. I have no friends. And now I can't even solve a case."

It was only then that what L was saying truly sank in, filling Light with horrified surprise. "You're giving up?"

"I've lost all motivation. There is no path I can see that will lead me to Kira's capture."

Light had never felt so lost in his life. The man he admired and had always aspired to work with, his hero, was giving up?

He gripped L's wrist, forcing the detective to his feet. L stumbled, as Light gave him no chance to catch his balance. He was dragging L out of headquarters.

"Light-kun?" L questioned, as they began to walk down a street. "Where are you taking me? I have to lead the investigation."

Light stopped, turning to fix L with a steely glare. "You just want to go back and sulk some more. I'm not letting you do that." Light turned on his heel, continuing on his trek. "Now shut up. For once, I have no interest in what you have to say."

L nearly ran into Light when he stopped yet again. They had been walking for what L estimated to be 25 minutes. Or, more correctly, Light had been walking. L had been dragged and pulled.

Light was pressing on L's shoulders, and the detective found himself on a bench. "Stay. I'll be right back."

L stared moodily at the ground, pulling his knees to his chest. It wasn't like he had any intention of wandering off. He hated to be alone outside, and was too depressed to have the energy it took to deal with people in general. He noted that Light had chosen a relatively secluded bench. It was more out of the way, under a big oak tree and out of the main path around the... park. Yes, it was definitely a park. It was just hard to tell without any children there, seeing as it was noon on a Monday.

"Ryuuzaki."

L raised his eyes to warm amber. Light stood before him, a small box in hand. When he held it out, L couldn't help but ask, "Is that for me?"

Light rolled his eyes, but there was a strange concern behind that irritated gaze. "Not if you just stare at it."

L took the box, realizing it was a to-go box from the bakery closest to headquarters. He looked up at Light in surprise. It would be the first gift he had ever received. For once, he took his time in getting to a treat, slowly opening the box. His heart lifted at the sight of a strawberry cake topped with thick, cream cheese frosting and big, red strawberries. It was his favorite.

"How does Light-kun know which kind I like best?"

"It's not that hard to figure out. You're always eating."

Even so, Light would have had to observe him and care enough to pick up on such details. "Thank you. Though I admit to being confused as to why Light-kun has done this."

The teenager sat beside him. "You were wrong earlier."

"About what?" That I'll never catch Kira? L took a bite of the cake. It was delicious.

"About you not having any friends. I'm your friend. And I hate seeing you act like this case has you broken. You're L! The great detective. You didn't earn that title by moping when things don't turn out how you want. You're better than this."

L was surprised at how helpful Light's words were, determination already trying to well up. Light was right. L was better than this. He hadn't earned his title by moping. It had been through hard work and resilience. What was he doing, giving up with such ease? All because there wasn't evidence today didn't mean there wouldn't ever be evidence. He just had to be patient, and keep looking.

Feeling almost like his regular self, L took a bite of his cake. This one was a full bite, getting a bit of strawberry, frosting, and cake all at once. He was incapable of keeping his eyes from falling shut in pleasure.

Opening his eyes, he turned to look at Light. A wide range of emotions was across his face, which was an oddity. He took his time studying those well-defined features, picking out the strongest emotions. Determination and friendship.

It was the strangest thing to have such attention directed at him, as if he was more than just a detective that could solve any case, or a very useful resource. It was like he was a human being that someone cared for deeply.

He glanced away, the feelings overwhelming. He would have to analyze them later, when he wasn't so consumed by them. A hand fell on his shoulder, and he looked up once more.

"One thing you're right about is that you can't catch Kira," said Light. "However, we can."

A.N: Hmm... Is it just me, or are things changin'? XD