A/N: Ahh! ): I had no idea I would be so busy! Well, I FINALLY found some time to update. I hope you enjoy, sorry for such a delay!~

When Beyond's eyes opened, the night didn't seem calm. He glanced at the clock- the only light illuminating the room except for dim moonlight that streamed from a hallway window and under the bedroom door- and saw that it was only two in the morning. He rubbed his eyes and tossed around under the sheets. Maybe this position would be more comfortable for him. If he could only fall back to sleep...

2:15.

2:27.

2:42.

The minutes passed and he couldn't seem to fall back asleep. He sunk deep into thought, and he closed his eyes tightly and clutched the walls of his consciousness, begging himself not to sink into these thoughts again. But it was futile. Again his mind wandered to the raven haired detective. He couldn't possibly kill him now. Months and even years of resisting his emotions and letting his hatred boil had met a screeching halt now.

I can't keep denying it... Beyond sighed and pushed the covers off of his sweltering chest. I'm in love with him.

He brought himself to the edge of the bed and sat up, stretching his bones and rubbing his eyes, The red numbers of the clock reflected themselves in his sleepless ruby eyes.

Meanwhile, in another room, L Lawliet gazed at the cieling, eyes empty and calm. He wondered how long he would be trapped in this place. His body ached with pain, but at the same time, he felt content. It defied all forms of logic. He felt his mind had split in two, and the contrasting factions were waging war against each other. From one perspective, he felt that he was beginning to almost... well, fall for Beyond, as crazy as it was. A few times when he was lying alone at night over these past few days, he would desire for the man, going so far as to say that he longed for his presence, even his taste. Could it be Stockholm Syndrome? L doubted it. He did not confuse the kidnapping with an act of kindness or defend Beyond's actions in any way, which were occurrences commonly associated with Stockholm's. It was a different type of feeling. It was a strange, deep-rooted longing that L had never felt before. He would recall everything about Beyond, and how it made him feel; his eerie, brimming garnet eyes, the domineering air about him, and the bittersweet taste of his kisses: painful, sinful, but oh-so pleasing.

On the other hand, the more logical side of his mind was reiterating that there was absolutely no way he could be attracted to Beyond. He was a murderer. An extremely dangerous man. It just wasn't right. He had to figure out some way to escape. Maybe he didn't even need to; Watari would find him soon. And then what would he do? There was an uncomfortable sensation inside the detective's chest, like strings slowly snapping; what would he do when Watari came? Of course, the reasonable thing would be to go back to Tokyo and continue his work on the Kira case (and hire some better security, apparently). But was that really want he wanted? It was crazy to wonder, but when the time came for L to be rescued, would he really want it?

There was really no other option. What else could he do? He certainly had to go back to solving cases. There were thousands of crimes in the world that needed his solving. There was no room in his life for any kind of relationship, especially not an unhealthy one like this one.

The sound of a door opening jarred the detective from his thoughts. A stream of light crept into the room and Beyond's lean silhouette rested against the door frame.

"I've decided that I'd like you to stay with me, so I can be sure you don't try anything." His voice was heavy with sleep, and his face remained impassive. He hoped that the excuse would sound plausible enough. "Come on."

The detective gazed at him for a moment, and the younger man couldn't tell if it were out of fear or something else. Then he stood and, without a word, followed his captor down the hall and into the room Beyond had been sleeping in. He watched as the younger man got back into bed.

"You can sleep above the covers if you want. I won't bother you. Just get some sleep and don't try anything. There's an alarm, so I'll know if any of the doors are opened." With that he rolled over, and the detective heard him let out a deep breath as his body settled and finally began to grow tired. L approached the bed and lifted the covers. When he was sure he wouldn't be punished for it, he slipped under the sheets and curled his body against Beyond's.

The murderer stayed frozen in shock for a moment. Then, he turned over, and in the dim moonlight, their eyes locked. For the first time they gazed at each other intently, and there was no sign of fear in the detective's eyes. His own obsidian chasms searched Beyond's scarlet orbs. There was a sparkle of curiosity in L's gaze, and Beyond couldn't ignore the feeling of his heart pounding faster at the beautiful sight. There was no questioning it anymore. He was in love with L Lawliet.

"L," he whispered.

"Yes?"

There was a brief pause, then Beyond focused hard on the detective.

"I'm falling in love with you."

The words were spoken quietly, barely audible; but they had such a sincere tone to them that there was no doubt in the older man that they were true. He looked at his captor, taken aback and unsure what to say. Was he falling in love as well? If he was, he couldn't dare say it yet. After everything that had happened, he was just too unsure. The painful memory of his rape ran through his mind and caused his stomach to twist in nausea. He didn't know if he could ever trust the man, let alone love him. And so he could only stare at Beyond with a contemplative expression as he tried to find the correct words. Seconds passed heavily and slowly, each moment seeming like a year.

"I think I might be able to feel that way for you as well, Beyond."

The younger man's face softened and a small smile spread across his face. It was good enough. But a tone of pain flashed in his eyes and his smile diminished. "I've done such terrible things to you..." He reached out to touch the detective's bare chest and he flinched a bit- barely detectable, but Beyond picked up on it, and sadness gripped his heart. "Do you fear me, L?"

The detective stayed silent, refusing to meet his gaze. Beyond dropped his gaze as well, speaking to himself. "Maybe one day you'll be able to forgive me." He remained silent for a few minutes, then spoke again. "I can't describe the things I feel for you." He encircled the detective in his arms, pulling him close and resting his chin atop his head. The warm scent of the older man calmed him, and before he knew it, he was fast asleep.

Before L had time to think about all that had happened, he felt himself slipping into unconsciousness, drowsed by the secure feeling of Beyond's arms and lulled by the constant beating of his heart.