Author's Note: There's no way around saying it…this section is oober cute. Yes. I used the term "oober." I don't do that often. That in itself should express just how much cuteness is in this section.

But of course, it also contains a crap load of character development and important turning points in the plot. So don't think its all fluff (although it does seem as if it's disguised that way…) Anywho, the title of the chapter has already given more than enough away. Enjoy.

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"I sincerely hope this outing does not follow our usual routines Raito-kun." L had said it as they waited on the platform, Saturday morning, for the Marta to arrive. The Marta was what the city of Atlanta called their subway system. Although it wasn't technically a subway since half of the time it was above ground. There were portions of its journey that traveled below levels. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to describe it as a hybrid of both train and subway. In any case, it ran on a track and also transported travelers to most anywhere they wanted to go within the city. Light and L currently waited for the northbound train. They would only need to stay on for two stops in order to get to The Underground that Light had suggested the day before.

Curious about L's statement, Light turned to face him.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, every time we venture outside for fun, something usually goes awry." Light thought about this for only a moment.

"Wait…we've only 'ventured' out for fun twice before this. Not counting furniture shopping, there had only been the beach and the mall back in Japan."

"Yes. Think about those two occasion's Raito-kun." Light immediately caught L's point. The first outing back in Japan had ended in serious injury to L. The second had ended in L's humiliation. Light's cheeks burned. He'd almost forgotten about that cruel prank he had pulled.

But then, as he thought about it more, he suddenly grew worried. That entire day had been about girls, had it not? It had been about L wanting to talk to a girl. But if that were true then…then he certainly couldn't return Light's feelings.

Light bit his bottom lip harshly. The idea was almost painful. He defiantly wanted to reveal himself to L one day when he felt he was ready. But…if L could not reciprocate, then…would it be better to hide his true feelings forever?

No. L would figure it out sooner or later. The key was how he would react. Or maybe, it would be less of a shock if Light told him directly.

"Here it comes," came the cool voice from beside him. Light looked up to see the Marta train approaching. It whooshed by with a fierce gust of wind as it started to slow. Light watched in amazement as L's hair was carelessly tossed and twisted within the winds grasp. And when the train finally came to a stop, L's wild hair fell back into its usual, and seemingly un-orderly way. The doors before them opened, and L stepped casually onto the train as if he'd done this a thousand times.

Inside there were plenty of seats lining the walls of the car they were in. L, having walked in first, chose two seats that faced forward rather than backward. He stepped up onto the plastic, blue seat and curled up in it. Light noted with amusement that L had forced himself into sandals for the occasion. Indeed it was a smart choice. The city wasn't an entirely clean place. Still…Light recalled L going barefoot in Tokyo.

Light sat down in the isle seat seeing as L had taken the window.

"So, you have sandals on."

"Yes." There was nothing spectacularly remarkable about them. They were plain and brown. But still Light was amazed by this slight change. The doors to the Marta closed and the announcer came across the loudspeakers in a quiet and very lazy voice.

"Northbound. This is a northbound train. Destination Sandy Springs. Next stop, Midtown." The train lurched and then it stated to move. Their car gave off the usual vibrations of travel, occasionally hitting a bump here or there. L rested his elbow on his knees, and his chin in his uninjured hand. He gazed out of the window as their train suddenly left the tunnel, plunging them into light.

"So, why did you decide to wear sandals?" Light couldn't help himself. He just wanted to know everything.

"Isn't it obvious? The city isn't all that sanitary. And even though I've not been there personally, I imagine a shopping center called The Underground also can't be all that hygienic. Although I'm not overly concerned with cleanliness like you, Raito-kun, I am aware of it enough to keep myself from picking up some unwanted virus." Light didn't reply. In fact, neither said anything at all as they listened to the Marta clickitty-clack its way down the tunnels.

"So…" Light started. "…wanna tell me why you hate shoes?" L was quiet as he continued to look out the window. He was quiet for an unnervingly long time. So much so that Light felt his nerves start to tighten. He knew he had a short fuse. He tried his best to snuff it. He waited patiently. It wasn't until they came out of the second tunnel that L finally answered.

"So you have not discovered it yourself yet?" Light felt his usual glare rise to his face. Of course not! Why would I ask if I had? But he bit his tongue. Being unable to see L's face it was hard to determine what he was thinking or in most recent days, feeling. L sighed in almost a depressed manner.

"Of course not. You never would have had the opportunity to figure it out on your own. If you do not yet know, I'm afraid I'm not comfortable telling you yet Raito-kun. That is one tale you will have to wait on." Light stared. Was L for real? What about bare feet could possibly be heavier than what L had told him last night? Light's eyes narrowed. He was sure L was simply playing with him.

The second stop came and the announcer told them that this was their station. L and Light both stood and walked toward the doors. They stepped out onto the new platform without a word to one another. They found themselves underground.

Finding an elevator, they worked their way up to street level. Stepping out, they moved outside.

Outside they found themselves in the heart of the city. It wasn't much different from where the park and their apartment building were. After all, they lived very nearby. Still the buildings here were taller, the sidewalks larger.

"It's right there across the street," Light instructed. And indeed, across the street from the Marta station was a large sign that read "The Underground." Waiting for the light to change, the two made their way over along with a medium sized crowd of other people. Everyone seemed to be heading for the same place.

Once crossed they followed the crowd to a set of stairs that ran down a good ways into what seemed like a lower level. Knowing it had been dug below ground, L realized that they were in a very large pit, only it was big enough to allow a very large fountain and people could still see the sky. There was no way of becoming claustrophobic, even for those with the phobia.

Across from the intricate fountain was a huge row of glass doors that lead inside. Light took him to them and they stepped in. Inside was The Underground. The pair found themselves at the very end of it. It stretched all the way to their left and so far back they could not see the end of this very expansive hallway. There was also an exit to their right that read "To Marta." There was little choice but to go left.

The place had been decorated in a very 'cool' way. Most of the walls were made of brick, or plastered to imitate rock, stone, or even dirt. The lighting was dimmer than in a mall seeing as there was a solid ceiling and no skylights. Old-fashioned lanterns and street polls had been set up on either side of the hall. The path itself had been made to look like an old-fashioned cobblestone street way. There were even curbs on both sides putting the shops a bit above the walkers.

There were many lights and neon signs. Current shops and current decorations were mixed with the old. But even so, it somehow maintained its theme. There were several shopkeepers out on the 'street' with carts, imitating street venders. Most sold jewelry or other small tickets while the larger shops had the more expensive items.

"This is…creative!" L said pleasingly. He paused to look at the graffiti that decorated one of the shop brick walls. It seemed authentic, but he knew quite well it would have been cleaned if The Underground had not wanted it there. It must have been done on purpose. Perhaps they had hired one of the skilled teenagers who did it out on the streets illegally. It would have been good to have a young person such as that use his talents for good and to get paid.

Light stepped up beside him.

"Yeah. And they have plenty of activities. It's not just shops." L turned away from the graffiti.

"Activities?"

"Yeah. You seemed to enjoy video games back in Japan. Wanna try out an arcade?" One of Light's eyebrows lifted up smugly as an equally smug smirk came over his lips. L slowly followed suit, allowing a smile of his own to find it's way to his face. Even Light's smirks were no longer threatening. It made him feel almost excited. Like the smile promised new and thrilling things.

"Ok!" More than pleased with L's answer, Light turned down the hall.

"Let's go! This way!"

The minute they entered the arcade Light wondered if he had made a terrible mistake. They were surrounded by shooting games. Light wasn't sure L would want anything to do with such killing. Especially since he was trying so hard to recover from such trauma.

And the games weren't subtle either. Even on standby, lights flashed as guns were fired. Huge explosions were heard going off all around them. Light winced as he heard an electronic girl scream from somewhere to his left. It was loud and overbearing. At least he thought it must be for L. He, himself, had always loved these kinds of games. But he doubted it was appropriate for L.

"It's ok Raito-kun. There's not need to make that face. I'm perfectly aware of what kind of games arcades contain. There should be more than enough racing games to keep us busy and the shooting games don't bother me nearly as much as you seem to think they do." Blinking in surprise, Light looked over to L. Indeed L didn't look too disturbed. In fact, he seemed very calm and not bothered in the slightest.

Light frowned. Maybe it was because it was something he was used too. All of the death and destruction was occurring behind a screen. Right where L was used to having it.

"Perhaps if the games were about killing people I would be unhappy. But this one here is about killing zombies. Such creatures don't exist. Although sometimes I have doubts after learning about Shinigami. Still, if zombies were real, I'd imagine that killing them would be our only option. As such crude and ridiculous films indicate." He then gestured to the game on his right.

"And this one is about killing dinosaurs. Although I wouldn't promote killing something that's already extinct, dinosaurs also do not exist in real life anymore. And the same logic applies. If a raptor were leaping at my face and I had a gun in hand, I dare say I'd probably use it."

He then turned to face Light directly, his features strangely soft in the dim lighting of the arcade. "Of course, all of these concepts are quite ludicrous. And I don't condone violence in such a ridiculous degree. But I am not bothered by it, which is what I assume you were worrying about." Light lifted a hand, absent mindedly rubbing the spot between his eyes.

"Why would you assume that?"

"Because of your guilty face Raio-kun. You wear it like a badge. But as I said, do not worry. There are lots of racing games that we can enjoy. And even a few other games that don't seem as popular." Light stared. L never ceased to amaze him. Light could not help but to think he was brave. He was brave to stand here amongst so much blood and screaming when he had experienced so much in real life. He was brave to look at it all in such an objective way.

"Come on Raito-kun, I would like very much to beat you in a race." And then he smiled. It was prompted by nothing but his own will. L was smiling because he wanted too. It was somehow even more amazing than his bravery. But then Light realized something and his face soured. L was comforting him in his own odd way. Light didn't like that. It meant L was in the drivers seat. Light always wanted to be in the divers seat, always to be the one in control.

L laughed then. Actually laughed. And Light, even through his anger, could not help but to be amazed at how his eyes closed entirety when he was overjoyed.

"No need to be angry Raito-kun! Come! Try and beat me in a race! That will be a nice outlet for you." Without waiting for Light to respond, L turned and hurried over to the nearest game with cars zooming across it's glowing screen.

Light could not ignore the flutter in his chest, so he followed.

They'd had fun. A ridiculous amount of fun. Despite both of their tendencies to be sore losers, neither had been during their time in the arcade. L creamed Light at car races, but Light demolished L in air hockey. Both seemed equally as good at racing on the snowmobiles. Light had won. But he had a sneaking suspicion that the only reason he had was because L had been having far too much fun leaning back and fourth on the life sized snowmobile. He purposefully turned just a little too far and a little too sharply just to feel the sway of the machine beneath him.

Light had enjoyed watching him laugh.

Ski ball seemed to be one of L's favorites. Light supposed it was because the person playing had to use his head and be precise in order to get the small brown ball into the center opening for the most points. Brute force would never help. It was not a physical game. Still, Light thought it was good for L to be active even in this small way. He needed to move around more, it would be healthier for him.

After only a few hours they grew hungry. It was only at that time that both noticed that L had eaten no sweets at all the entire morning. As they stepped out of the arcade and back into the rest of The Underground, L wore a face of seeming shock. Light chuckled.

"Don't look so worried! This was just what we were aiming for, wasn't it?" But Light's words did not seem to erase L's expression. He seemed dumbfounded. Absolutely stunned.

"Well…well yes. But…I didn't expect…" But his sentence was not finished. He didn't seem to even know how to end it. Light grinned from ear to ear. He knew exactly why L had not craved any snacks all morning. He had been happy. He'd been receiving more than enough attention. It took the place of the snacks he usually desired so strongly. And the best part was that Light knew that L knew this also. L knew it was due to Light's attention that he had not needed any food. Light could see that L was thinking about that revelation very hard.

Still grinning, Light put a hand on the stunned man's shoulder.

"Come on, let's go get some grub."

Light then lowered his hand from L's shoulder and instead reached out and grabbed L's un-injured palm.

Light hadn't even thought about it. It seemed like he had simply done it on instinct. As if it were like breathing. Or like he had done it hundreds of times before. It was something that had simply happened. Light didn't even realize what he had done until he started to lead L away from the arcade and toward the restaurant across the hall. But L had not followed and of course, Light had to stop since they were now holding hands. Blinking, Light turned around to see what the matter was.

"Lawliet, why aren't you…" but then Light's sentence was broken off sharply as if it were a solid thing that could be snapped in half. Light's eyes widened in something close to horror when he saw L's puzzled expression lower and focus on the hand that was gripping his own. L stared at their hands in a very perplexed type of way, as if he had never seen or experienced such a strange thing before. Slowly, he lifted his dark eyes to meet Light's, which for once were larger than L's. His mouth hung agape, eager to catch flies as L stared at him with that same puzzled expression.

Light knew he had to act fast. He was giving himself away far more with his frozen shock than he would have by grabbing L's hand. Always having been good thinking fast in a tight situation, Light immediately covered up his frightened look with one of smug superiority.

"Well you were just standing there like a dead fish. Still in shock from not having any sweets? Or maybe your body's going through withdrawal?" Light teased. "I figure if I don't get you moving, you'll stand there forever." But L was not moving. He did not respond, and in fact, his piercing gaze seemed to somehow become even more intense. His black eyes burrowed into Light as they remained fixated on him like glue. L wasn't falling for it, and Light knew it.

He tried not to show fear. If he was fearful, it meant he had something to hide. Quickly, he switched tactics.

"What? You don't like being touched right? Is that it?" Light quickly dropped the small, pale hand he had been holding so eagerly. L let it fall to his side with no resistance. But still he said nothing. He didn't even move. It drove Light more insane than anything else he could have imagined L doing. Light allowed his annoyance to show.

"You didn't flinch this time…" He waited for L to say something to that. But still there was nothing. L continued to stare, his eyes like ex-rays. Light felt strangely vulnerable and exposed, as if he were naked.

"Lawliet, aren't you hungry?" Light prompted again. He was getting desperate. He'd do anything to make L talk. The silence and those fixated eyes…they were drilling into him! Did L know? Had he figured it out? Was he in too much shock to move? Was he formulating a plan? Was he trying to think of a way to get away? Was he disgusted? Was he thinking of moving out? Was he afraid? What? What was it? Why was he staring like that?

"Lawliet what's the matter? Did I invade some personal boundary? If I did I'm sorry. But you gotta tell me stuff like that ok? Or how am I supposed to know?" L still said nothing. Light contemplated hitting him. Anything at all to get a reaction. Anything but this torture. Very quickly, Light was getting mad. L was taking away his control again, simply by standing there and being so defiant.

"Say something Lawliet!" Light demanded it suddenly, his tones sharp. L blinked then, the first movement he showed since his hand had been gripped. His expression changed ever so slightly, it's puzzled look melting away. It instead became blank, like a wall. Light recognized the face well. It was a face L wore when trying to hide what he was thinking.

Light was immediately insulted. It was as if L was withdrawing his trust. It was like he was saying he no longer had confidence in Light. It was as if he were saying he did not feel safe with him, that he thought he was lying or playing games.

Light glared in something that was just short of fury.

"Fine! Don't say anything! God! Next time I'll just let you stand there for an eternity! See if I care! I'm going to go eat! You can stay here and be as still and as silent as you want!" Light turned away from L and had just started to storm away when a soft voice halted him more firmly than a brick wall would have.

"Raito-kun…" the words had come almost inaudibly, but they were louder than anything Light had ever heard before. Light froze from them, as if the words had some sort of power. They were said in such a way what Light simply had to listen. They carried a heavy quality to them, and without turning, or needing to look at L, Light understood that he had something important to say.

Then L moved. He took one step forward, bringing the two closer. Light didn't budge. He could feel L. He could simply tell where he was. He stood just to his right, only slightly behind him. He was very near. And the type of energy that was coming from him was almost electric. Light dared not even breathe.

L stood silently a moment more and as he did, Light understood that the reason he'd been so silent, was because he had been deciding something. L had been deciding what to say, if he should say it.

Light's entire body stiffened.

He figured it out then? Was he giving an answer right now?

No, don't jump to conclusions!

After standing quietly for a moment, L then hesitantly lifted his uninjured hand. Tentatively, almost fearfully, he reached out. He stretched his thin fingers, but then stopped just before they reached Light's limp hand. He hesitated a third time. Then seemed to push himself forward. L meekly took Light's hand in his, barely using enough strength to keep the two palms together. Their skin met and Light swore his heart had almost failed him.

L was holding his hand. What did this mean? What was L doing? Unable to move or even breathe, Light had no hope of speaking. He was in far too much shock. L lifted his head and fixated his piercing stare on Light once more. L faced him directly from Light's side, despite the fact that Light was not, or would not look at him.

"…I like the contact…" he said it just as quietly as before, as if it were a terrible secret he was afraid others would hear. His voice had trembled slightly, just barely enough to notice.

The quality of it made Light turn. It made him face L. He had to. And what he saw was more shocking than anything thus far. Light watched in utter astonishment as a very soft, pink color rose to L's cheeks. L's black eyes quickly looked away from Light in seeming embarrassment. He swallowed harshly.

"…I know…this is not your style Raito-kun. I know…you probably did it because somewhere in your mind you remembered your programming from being an older brother to your sister. I know you probably didn't mean it…I saw how embarrassed you were when you discovered what you had done. But…I…feel…" L's words became suddenly choked. He lowered his chin, his mess of black hair falling to cover his eyes entirely. But Light could still see the pink in his cheeks.

"…please humor me Raito-kun. I don't mean to embarrass you. I don't mean to make you do something you don't want to do…but I…the past few days…I've been learning what it means to feel things again. And…I…don't really recall gentle contact with people. The…the only touch I've known has been used to hurt me. But this…this is…" But again, for a second time, L's words were choked short. Light stared in utter astonishment. His almond eyes were huge.

"Raito-kun…please humor me. Hold my hand for just a little while. Even if it's just until we reach the restaurant. I've wanted these simple things for so long…" Light's heart was beating out a symphony. It spasmed and throbbed sending blood, hot and pounding through his veins.

So L still didn't know. He had not put it together. The reason he had frozen like that, the thing he was thinking so hard about had been whether or not he should open up yet again, and tell Light how he was feeling. He had been contemplating whether he was brave enough to take Light's hand, to tell him how desperately he needed contact.

Light's entire face softened. So then, Light's secret was still safe. But more than that…L did indeed trust him. Light had taken his silence as a sign that he was hiding something, that he was fearful of him. But that couldn't have been further from the truth. L was putting his trust in him now, more than ever. So much so that he was scared. So much so that it caused him to blush.

Light felt like a king. He felt suddenly ridiculously privileged to be holding L's hand. L's soft…warm hand…

Light quickly shook off his thoughts. He had to remain focused. L had just revealed another deep personal secret and he was waiting for an answer. And as Light looked at him again, he realized that L was waiting in utter terror. He was hiding it somewhat, but he was allowing most of it to show. He was motionless, uncomfortable looking. His cheeks still pink, he carefully started chewing on his bottom lip.

Light knew then, that he was petrified of rejection. This was probably the first time he'd ever asked anything from anyone in an emotional sense. This was probably the first time in many long years that he put himself out there, dared to risk being hurt again. Dared to risk the pain that Light could cause him.

Light remembered very well one of L's biggest fears. He remembered very well that night back in Japan when Light had woken because L had been screaming. And that phrase he kept crying over and over…No one wants me. It tore at his heart.

Even though it seemed like something small and insignificant to others, Light knew that this was the world to L. It had to have been, or he never would have taken such a daring risk in the first place. He would have never risked hearing those words again, in any form. He would not be told he wasn't wanted. And if Light rejected his hand: that was what he'd be saying in one form or another. Light knew it would crush him.

"Raito-kun…please answer…" The voice that came out of L was desperate, and airy. Full of exasperation, Light knew he was falling just short of begging. Suddenly realizing that he'd been thinking far too long and had left L waiting in torment, Light quickly shook himself off. He smiled reassuringly.

"Sure Lawliet. It's not that embarrassing. I suppose I'll survive until we sit down at the restaurant." To confirm his statement, Light tightened his grip on L's hesitant hand. He held the smaller, paler, palm firmly, as if there was no room for question.

L blinked and lifted his gaze. His black eyes wide with surprise, he stared at Light in amazement. Light threw back his head and laughed loudly.

"You look like I just told you that you won the lottery! Come on, it's not that shocking being accepted, is it?" L could not answer. His throat was tight, his eyes still large with disbelief. Light smiled smugly and yet reassuringly at the same time.

"Let's get some grub." He started across the street, gently pulling L with him. L followed numbly, his eyes drifting down to the hand that gripped his. Then slowly, he smiled.