BeforeNote: Gahhh smut! I'm no good with it. This one is a real filler, but does have importance. The next chapter will have more of Mello, Matt, and Near.

Rating and genre have changed, but it is still romance.

Thanks for your reviews!

Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note.

"L? Are you all right?"

"Huh?"

L hadn't noticed that Beyond and the children had come back home. He wasn't even aware of how long he had been standing there, zoning out and worrying that what his mind had told him was true.

"I've been standing here for exactly," Beyond checked his watch, "three minutes and forty-two seconds, calling your name. You've not responded until now. Are you okay?"

"Uh, yeah, I'm just fine."

"Are you sure?" It was Mello who asked this time, and for only being four, he seemed genuinely concerned.

Smiling at the child, L nodded yes, and Beyond took the children up to their rooms for a nap.

L's spanakopita lay forgotten on the counter as he left the kitchen to take a hot bath.

Baths for L were very much relaxing, and helped his thinking process to form in a more relaxed manner. While in the bath, he did not crouch, but instead, sat on his bottom with his legs stretched out to their full extent, and head resting on the side.

Just as he was about to submerge his head under the water, a soft knock came at the bathroom door. Sighing, L decided to let him come in, seeing as he would have done so anyways, with or without permission.

This was proven correct, because as he was going to open his mouth to allow him in, Beyond opened the door.

"L, I think we need to have a talk."

"Sure. What about?"

Beyond closed the door behind him, and sat down beside the bath, inches from where L's head lay. He took a moment, before saying, "You know that I do like you, right?"

"…yes."

"And, I know you don't really the feel same, but that's okay." Beyond one was never one to be shy, and kept eye contact with his double the entire time. He sounded fearless, and was exceptionally brave. Surprisingly, L found himself admiring this certain trait about the man next to him.

"Beyond," L took the other man's hand in his. "I like you very much." He kissed the fingertips softly, and stared up into those ruby red eyes. "I just think I'm somewhat afraid of having a relationship. I'm not sure why."

"Its okay. I'm not going to push you into anything. I know it may seem like that sometimes, but I care deeply for you. We grew up together, and I consider you my best friend."

L's eyes were shining, and he felt a sort of warmness in his chest. "Can we…can we take things slowly? I care for you as well, and I don't want to hurt you or anything because this is all new to me."

"We can take things as slow as you like," and with that, Beyond closed the small gap between them, and lightly pressed his lips to L's. When they pulled away, L was slightly blushing, and Beyond smiled.

Seems like things were going to work out for them after all.