The moment we exited the theater the stares began. L giggled beneath me, and I almost fell off his shoulders. People would stop whatever they were doing to gape at the goofy teenagers-in-love walking beside them. I started to laugh as well; I couldn't help it! I was laughing so hard that I almost forgot to duck my head as we left the doors.

I attempted to get down once we were outside, but L was faster (as usual). In a lighting fast move, he shifted my legs so they were hanging toward the ground. I prayed that my arms would not choke him from holding on so tight, but it never became a problem. By the time I had started worrying about it, L had grabbed me from behind and swung me around so I was lying in the cradle of his arms. I smiled and wrapped my hands around his neck once more.

We continued down the streets in this way for a while. The whole time, people stared at us. But it was as if we two were the only ones there. I could not take my eyes off him, and neither could he. In fact, he almost ran us into a light post because he was so preoccupied! Soon we reached our street and he began to speed up. He was eager to get home- and I couldn't understand why. The day was now gorgeous and here he was just begging to go back inside. Ah well. I guess it's just another one of his loveable quirks. But as we neared Wammy's, he slowed down. I was partially glad- I had not been there in a long time. But I was also wary because of the memories that the brick building held. Although visitors were rare, it was as if no one noticed the two of us standing at the gate. I was grateful for this, however. I needed time to just look at it from the outside. To have the chance at remembering without worrying who would see me. L gazed at my face and was able to read all of the feelings on it. I smiled reassuringly. "As long as you are with me, L-chan, I will be able to face anything." He leaned in to kiss me and I was reminded again of how deep my feelings went for him. And how deep his go for you… the voice in my head whispered. He really does love you as he demonstrated. Let yourself enjoy this, but do not get too caught up to miss each moment. No one knows how much longer you have left- except Kira.

I grimaced as darkness crept into my previously blissful thoughts. I jumped down from L's embrace and tried to fight the urge to run. "Taiya? What's the matter?" I shook my head as the internal battle raged. No matter how hard I struggled, images kept coming in my head. Thoughts of people in pain, dying. L seemingly asleep, though a voice told me otherwise. When my eyes finally came back into focus, it was as though my nightmares were real. He stood before me with such an expression of suffering and worry that I actually thought time was up. "Taiya! What…are you okay?" I flung myself into his arms and buried my head in his chest. "I just was thinking of us, and then I started thinking about you and Kira. Once I began, it was as if I couldn't stop. My imagination went wild- each picture worse than the last. I saw people hurt, crying…dead." I took a shaky breath before continuing, "I saw…I saw you. You were hurt, then you looked like you were sleeping but" I trailed off, fighting the tears that now came. "L, I just don't know what I would do without you. I know it may seem like I'm always strong, but that isn't right. Seeing this place again has made me remember what it felt like." "Taiya, what are you talking about…?" "To feel as though I'm completely alone! Like I have no one to turn to. I need you, L. I desperately need you here with me. And I can't even imagine how my life will be when you are…" I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced myself to murmur the word- "gone." He held me tighter against him, and I began to feel the comforting warmth radiate from him. "Taiya," he breathed. "Is this the first time you have thought like this?" I shook my head sadly. "I had dreams like this, but nothing this bad. I didn't want to add to your worries, so I hid it. I'm sorry L." "Shh, do not be sorry. It was my fault for not paying enough attention. I promise I will listen calmly if you promise to tell me. Agreed?" I nodded. "Good. And as for your worries, please stop. You are making yourself sad and depressed by thinking this way. The last thing I would want is for you to be lost like that. I swear that when the time comes for me to leave here, I will NOT leave you. I would say "I'll take you with me," but that is much too selfish. You deserve a long and beautiful life, whether I am in it or not. But I promise that I will always be there- should you need me." "Oh, Lawliet." I smiled slightly. "You always know what to say to ease my worries. But…I will always need you." "Then I will always be there." "Forever?" I asked. "Forever. And after that, too." He assured me.