AN: At the beginning of the year, the ten year challenge was all over social media. I watched a lot of friends and people I follow share what their lives were like in 2009 compared to now. I didn't participate at the time because 2009 really sucked. 2010 was when life got worlds better but 2009 was just a dark time. The only thing that I look back on fondly of 2009 is that in January of that year I published the first chapter of Home, and ten years later, I am posting the conclusion for the second time. I was quite hesitant to post the first chapter.. In fact the winner of a person I was with at the time told me that no one would read the story and that it would be "flamed " in reviews (do people still say that ?) Well he was wrong as this little story went out into the world and brought back with it amazing connections with death note fans and reviews that I have saved to this day, because at that time , I needed reminders that I did something well.

Ten years later , I've been married for 6 to my soulmate who encourages me in all of my creativity and believes in me so much that I started believing in myself. .Ten years since I first started the story and I am still amazed at how it was received by this wonderful community and how it is still remembered and enjoyed. I am truly honored that you all have written me over the years how much you love the characters, the plot and especially the writing, or even took time to write stories inspired by the characters or create amazing art. It always astounds me and please still feel free to review or pm me, even thought the story is finished.

I hope now that the story is up in full again, original readers can have the opportunity to reread when they please and new readers can discover the Wammy's House I created. I'm attached to all of the characters (yes even Andrew) and I love that they live on here on . And just like Grace wrote to L in the book she gave him for his birthday – "I think you will find that coming back to a work you already know can be comfortable in its familiarity. Rather like home."

I welcome all of you to come visit Wammy's as much you like, and perhaps there could be more adventures to come.

Much love,

Lauren aka Out of Lullabies

Chapter 56 - Tomorrow

The fortnight before L and Wammy's departure appeared and vanished in the blink of eye, although we tried to hold on to each moment with a steadfast grip, they simply slipped through our fingers. Our days were spent together for the most part and the evenings as well. There was many a time when I would insist on helping with his work down in headquarters in the late hours only to fall into a deep sleep in the big red armchair minutes later. To his credit, L didn't tease me about it too much.

He chose not to hide himself away from the world anymore either. In fact, L made a conscious effort to speak to every child and household member whenever possible and relegated the Kira investigation to the off hours. It wasn't spoken, but we were both aware that we were living on borrowed time. It was a fact that we found best vehemently denied.

"So, when do you wish to be married?" he asked nonchalantly that morning as it neared dawn after another sleepless night in his quarters. "This afternoon?"

I felt my jaw drop and sat up on one elbow. "Erm, it's not really something that will happen like that, L. We've only been engaged for thirteen days."

He seemed mildly surprised. "Oh, is it customary to wait longer to enter the institute of marriage?"

"Yes, years sometimes." I kept my tone patient. "It's a big commitment."

L frowned. "I've waited years already, I do not wish to wait another more."

"I'm not saying that we have to, but Lord, give a girl some time to prepare. I think that might be why it takes years for some people. All the planning that is needed. And I haven't a dress or anything!"

He lifted a finger to tenderly brush a lock of hair off of my back and I felt a lovely chill run through me. "Wear the violet one, I thought you looked very pleasing in that."

"My ballgown?" He couldn't be serious. "Oh no, dear man, that isn't how this works."

"I suppose I have much to learn." He replied with a solemn tone. "Perhaps a better choice would be the red dress you wore when you first, erm, were affectionate, in the hall, in front of Hargrove. I can wear what I wore then as well."

"So, you'd wear the same thing as you always do, eh?" I gave him a playful swipe. "Weddings are supposed to be special occasions. You might put in a bit of effort."

"You don't mean that I must wear a tie." He appeared horrified at the thought.

"Did I say that? No, these are needless worries and why should we marry in haste? There is time for everything."

L tried is best to carry on the ruse, but his eyes betrayed him with a flash of regret. "Er, yes, what was I thinking? Of course, there is."

We fell into silence, our thoughts not things we'd wish to express out loud where the other could hear. Both of us were aware that Wammy and he were finally leaving for Japan that night. When they arrived, L would make his involvement in the Kira investigation public to the world. I found it endearing that he wished to marry before he left, but also couldn't agree to it. The idea was simply mad, as was his inclination to leave me behind in Winchester to worry myself to death, but that topic had been rather exhausted at that point.

The room brightened gradually and I cuddled closer to him in the bed, letting out a deep sigh. "Let's not do a bloody thing today." I mumbled as I ran my fingers across the tattoo on his chest. My letter, I was still in awe over it. "I'd rather stay right here. No teaching, no working, no shopping…I believe we are far too hard-working to not be allowed a day off…"

"Grace…" his tone was admonishing but amused. "You said this yesterday, and the day before, and we always end up doing the exact opposite."

"That's another thing, I don't care for being so predictable..."

L chuckled low to himself and turned my face to his. "No one could ever say you are predictable, Grace Deacon. Have no fear of that."

I smiled in spite of myself. "Oh hush."

"However," he moved in one fluid motion until he was directly above me wearing a telltale smirk, "Several more hours of leisure might do us both an extraordinary bit of good."

"I may have hidden it before, Louie, but I truly do love the way you think."

"If…" he hesitated inches from my expectant mouth. "You promise to convince our dear Anne to cancel this party that she insists upon throwing me this evening."

Drat. I gave him a pointed look. "You are versed in all forms of torture aren't you?"

He nodded with a wicked smile.

Anne wouldn't be budged on the idea once it had come to her. "We always have celebrations when L comes home," she had explained excitedly. "But never one when he is leaving!"

I thought back on the times Coppersmith and I would crack open a bottle of bubbly in the kitchen to celebrate "The Misery's" leaving and smiled to myself. "Well, you didn't."

Despite L's protestations that it "wasn't necessary", Anne's little get together had morphed into a full out bash with the works. I had found her painting elaborate "Team L" signs with Ella and Kensey the night before and the party now had a theme.

"Candy of course! I've got everything he likes. Chocolate Hobnobs, pulled taffy, loads of sugar cubes… It will be a party he will never forget!"

Well that was for sure. L wished he could.

He smiled and leaned down closer, causing my heart rate to increase to something likely not healthy. "She always values your opinion, dearest. If you tell her that your intended would rather go to a football match with Caleb Templeton and Andrew Hargrove for his stag night, she'll believe you and stop this nonsense."

I rolled my eyes. "You greatly overestimate my gift of persuasion. Be thankful at least that she didn't invite Cay and the other lads. I talked her out of it."

"That is probably best. It would be hard to explain why we were having a pep rally for me going on a simple "dig"."

I chuckled. "Well your number one cheerleader will be here anyway. He's allowed to know why we're having it."

L groaned and collapsed on top of me. "Damn and blast. So he is."

"It's nice to have a fan, L."

He grunted in reply from my neck. "Discuss this with me when he is deifying you, G."

"I'll make a deal." I smiled stroking his wild hair. "Annie and I will keep Liam down to earth tonight to the best of our ability and you kindly go through with this party with much less whinging."

He raised his head quizzically. "This deal does not seem equal or remotely in my favor."

I winked and dropped my voice to a husky tone. "Well, I am willing to negotiate better terms…"

L raised his eyes to the heavens, then back to mine, with a naked desire stirring in them. "So disarming…" he murmured, closing the distance between us. "I haven't a chance against you, do I…"

He was right there, but not solely for the reason he believed. I let him think it anyway.


Later in the morning, after I was dressed and much more presentable, I made my way downstairs to assist in the preparations. I didn't know why I had believed that I could spend an entire day doing nothing, it just wasn't in my nature. I hated once more that L was right. It happened more and more recently.

The kitchen was a sight, as Mrs. Coppersmith held dominion over the rest of the staff who were sifting flour and rolling dough sweetened with all sorts of things on the countertops. Once she caught sight of me, I knew I was done for.

"Ah, look who it is." She gave me a haughty look. "Since all of this is for your fiancé, I do expect you to pitch in."

I sighed and pulled an apron off of the hook by the door and tied it around my waist. "That's precisely why I am here, ma'am. How may I help?"

She gestured toward Alice who was in the middle of icing a large chocolate cake. "Alice has told me of your propensity for baking, which you have kept from me. Since she praises your natural ability to follow a recipe, you can make the biscuits, and don't stop until I say so or we run out of flour, got me, girlie?"

"Absolutely, ma'am." I hid a smile as I went to report to Alice, who greeted me pleasantly and set me to work.

"The Copper's certainly in rare form today, isn't she?" I kept my voice low as I reached for the immense jar of flour and a wooden bowl.

Alice nodded with a cursory glance over her shoulder. "Something's definitely got her goat, luv. I darnen't try to get it out of her again, she nearly bit my head off the last time I tried."

"Well, that's the dragon for you." I teased and the two of us shared a private laugh that stopped abruptly when we fell under the eye of the seething woman in question. After that we went back to our respective projects, holding our tongues.

"Perhaps you should give it a go." Alice suggested finally as she brushed her hair out of her eyes. I couldn't tell if the flour was making it white or just the passage of time. "She usually listens to you, dear."

"Ah, that was when I was on her side." I shook my head as I gathered the rest of the ingredients for L and Liam's favorite toffee chip biscuits. "That all changed when L and I became friends."

She smiled up at me, her eyes crinkling with delight. "Well, for what's it worth, I'm very happy you did. But even I didn't expect the pair of you to fall in love!"

"Neither did I!" I gave her a wink. "Nobody with any sense would have bet on that if they planned to make any money on the wager."

"When I think of the pair of you as squabbling children…" she let out a gale of giggles. "It seems impossible that this is happening now!"

"You're preaching to the choir." I slipped my ring off and carefully strung it onto the necklace chain around my neck before it became coated with any ingredients. "Give it a little time, Miss Alice. I'll try to crack Mrs. Coppersmith. We'll all be the better for it."

Once my third batch was safely in the oven and the kitchen activity had calmed a great deal, I decided to make my approach to the scowling woman at the hob.

"Thank you so much for all of your work on this party, ma'am. Anne really appreciates it, as do I. We couldn't have done it without you."

She gave an indignant sniff and added broken slabs of dark chocolate to the pot she was simmering. The scent that arose from it was positively mouthwatering.

I made another effort with a bright smile. "L is going to eat like a king tonight. I know he is always grateful for how well you feed him."

"I don't care how he feels, lass." She snapped and breezed past me to snatch up the bowl of sugar from the kitchen island. "I didn't before and certainly don't now."

Well that hadn't worked. I turned to Alice and shrugged.

Mrs. Coppersmith turned her attention to my ally as well and sweetened her voice. "Ah, did you hear the good news? The young Lord Hargrove is to be wed after the New Year!"

"Oh, is he?" Alice feigned interest and went back to her first pan of cream puffs. "How nice."

"I saw that announcement too, ma'am." I spoke up, still trying to make a breakthrough. "In Wammy's office. I wish them happy. They will suit each other."

Now she blessed me with the attention of a fiery glare. "You wish them happy, do ya? The man who came here anytime he could to see you for three bloomin' years has moved onto another woman quick as you please and you are happy?"

I blinked, surprised by the vitriol in her tone. "Well, of course. I didn't love him, why should it bother me? I'm thankful to be honest. You can only tell a person no so many times. Andrew still wasn't getting it and I don't care to continually play the villain."

"Grace Deacon, you truly are one of the daftest bodies I have ever come across." She pointed her dripping wooden spoon in my direction. "That should have been you."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Ach, what I said! I still can't believe you'd marry that L when you had a real lord after ya." She sighed shaking her head. "It's not like that kind of offer is common, girlie. You could have been Lady Grace by now with servants and a wealthy husband with prestige. Both you and Annie are choosing poorly for mates, it's a pity. Such pretty, well mannered young ladies and you are throwing it all away for the Misery and she for a poor teacher!"

Angered, I changed tack. "Neither Anne nor myself think that we have chosen remotely poorly. I love L and she loves Liam, and they love us. I was never going to marry for money or social status. This isn't bleeding 1815!"

"At least if you'd married the young lord, he wouldn't have such a dangerous job that takes him away so often." she retorted as she gave the pot a vigorous stir.

Frustrated, I threw my hands up in the air. "Andrew doesn't have a job at all, ma'am! To hear him tell it, no one in his line will ever have to lift a finger. Why would that be something I'd want to hear? I like being occupied, do you believe I would have been happier to give that all up just so I could sit pretty and make babies? I'd lose my bloody mind! Come now, Mrs. Coppersmith, do remember it is the twenty first century we're living in!"

"I don't care what time it is! That doesn't mean I didn't want the best for you girls!" She shot me a troubled look. "I was tryin' to save you some heartache. The young lord would have been the safer choice. He would have doted on ya and you'd finally have been free of that sadness that follows ya about. You would have had a chance to be happy and to rid yourself of these world-saving notions. No one can save the world, not you, not him, no one. It's up to God!"

I listened thoughtfully and softened my tone, surprised by the nurturing side coming out of her. It didn't happen often "Ma'am, I'm not a child any longer. I am free to make my own choices in this life, and I chose L. I swear to you that I don't regret it. I know we fought tooth and nail for years upon years, but things have changed. He is truly the only one I will ever want. And, and we shall protect each other, I promise you."

She wasn't appeased in the slightest. "You're making a mistake. You keep making the wrong choices when it comes to that boy. L will not be a decent husband, there's a reason he's always been alone! Think about that! He doesn't think of other people like a proper person should. Grace, mark my words, lass, you'll be a widow long before you're thirty if you insist on going through with this nonsense!"

"Stop this." I warned through clenched teeth. "You don't know him like I do. You don't know the love he's capable of because you don't care to try to seek it out. It's not worth your time. Well I made it worth mine!"

She slammed down her spoon and cut me dead with a stare. "I don't know what happened to ya. It's like all of the years of him being your enemy have been forgotten like they never existed. They did exist! All of us are witness to that, girl! The tears and the rows, you coming in here to be consoled when he said one thoughtless thing after another. And now you're going to MARRY him?" She whirled back to the stove and her chocolate pot. "I wash my hands of ya. You haven't a lick of sense. Get out of my kitchen."
I stood in disbelief as the rest of the occupants of the kitchen stopped what they were doing instantly to witness the outburst. "Ma'am? I –

"YA HEARD ME! OUT!"

Almost in a dream, I slowly backed out of the kitchen feeling full of shame. Why had I thought I could get around her now? It was obvious where she stood. It made me sad all the same.

Once back in the corridor, I heard Anne calling to me from the dining hall. I trudged through the doors to take in how beautiful she had made the room already. Sparkling blue and silver streamers were hanging from every corner of the ceiling and her Team L signs were resting against a leg of the main table. At that moment she was trying to throw a silver tablecloth over the table but only making it half way before it folded in on itself. I came to her rescue and pulled it across the rest of the table and smoothed the wrinkles in the linen in a halfhearted manner, still feeling rather ill.

"Thanks! Are you okay, Gracie? You look like you've seen a ghost!"

I sighed and sat down at the table, my legs turning to water. "I was unceremoniously just kicked out of the kitchen."

"What? You can't be serious!"

There only had been three other people who had been banished from the kitchen by the Copper. L of course, Mello when he requested more chocolate cake at his own birthday celebration and Clark from the stables. I still don't know what he had done to deserve that but knowing her he could have merely looked at her funny and been exiled. "What happened?"

"I got on the Copper's bad side worse than usual. She thinks we're picking inadequate husbands and that I'm a fool for not marrying Andrew. I see things rather differently. If we want to talk inadequate, good lord, I could give her a list!"

Anne didn't rise to anger like I had expected her to. Instead she simply shrugged. "She's not a happy person, G. She was so disappointed when you kicked Andrew to the curb, I'd never seen her so morose. But believe me, she's the only one who was down about that."

"That's, that's not all. She thinks marrying L will make me unhappy. She-she said I'd be a widow long before I'm thirty." The words still pained me. I knew that a future with L was questionable due to our work but for it to be spelled out in black and white in such a way? I shivered remembering her harsh tone but couldn't find it in myself to rise to a temper and tear the dragon a strip like I knew I should. Instead, I felt paralyzed. "Do you think she's right, Annie?"

Anne's consoling expression vanished as a very unreadable one took its place. "Of course not, G. Excuse me for a sec. I'll be right back, promise."

She strode out of the room with a calculated purpose I could not determine. I stayed at the table wondering what the reason was for her sudden alteration in behavior. It was unlike her to dismiss my concerns so readily. Then I heard the cacophony in the kitchen.

"NOW YOU LISTEN COPPER, AND YOU LISTEN GOOD. IF YOU EVER SAY ANYTHING LIKE THAT AGAIN TO GRACE, I WILL MAKE SURE THAT MR. WAMMY AND MR. RUVIE SUSPEND YOU WITHOUT PAY FOR A MONTH!"

I gasped and looked up to see Mello pop his head into the dining room, his eyes wide. "Whoa, is that Anne?"

I threw my hands up wordlessly. I had never heard her be so fierce. It was rather refreshing.

"AND ANOTHER THING! WE DON'T TALK ABOUT ANYTHING HAPPENING TO L HERE. NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR THAT AND DON'T LET ME EVER HEAR YOU MAKING SUCH COMMENTS AGAIN. IF YOU LOVE ANDREW HARGROVE SO MUCH, WHY DON'T YOU GO TO GARDENLY HALL AND WORK FOR HIM?"

Now Matt and Jude had joined Mello in the doorway wearing matching expressions. "Wow, I knew someone was going to do it, but I never thought Anne!" Jude remarked with a chuckle.

"Oh please let her quit…" Matt folded his hands and closed his eyes in fervent prayer. "Or get sacked, I'll take either, God…."

I regained my voice, trying to hide my amusement and failing. "Boys, honestly…"

Anne wasn't done. "…AND JUST BECAUSE LIAM ISN'T RICH DOESN'T MEAN THAT I WON'T BE HAPPY! THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO LIFE THAN THAT! SOMETHING YOU FINALLY NEED TO FIGURE OUT!"

A minute later, Anne stormed back through the swinging kitchen doors and was greeted by raucous applause. Her face of thunder melted away into one of stunned realization and she stopped short to take some deep breaths, her hand over her heart. "Oh my God, did I really just say all that?"

"She's the dragon tamer!" Mello announced and the lads joined in. "All hail the dragon tamer!"

I went to hug her with a grin. "Well that will be marked down in the annals of Wammy's history. You're remarkable, Annie! Simply remarkable! You're truly a force to be reckoned with!"

"We gotta go spread the word." Matt excitedly pulled Mello toward the hallway. "Come on!"

"I really would love to know what Coppersmith is thinking after that." Jude smirked and left with them.

"It does seem that way anymore, doesn't it?" Anne still seemed a bit dazed and I guided her toward a chair. "I just don't like how she talks about L and how you're going to be alone. That's the last thing I want you to hear."

"Well, it appears she's lost respect for me, but I'm sure she's gained a great deal for you."

"Heh, I guess so, huh?" she glowed in her victory a moment more before she jumped up from the chair and went back to her tablecloths. "Anyway, don't listen to her. You know everyone is thrilled about you and L, and I-I know this separation is going to be hard, Gracie, but don't worry. Just because he is leaving doesn't mean that I'll be. We'll be doing so many fun things that you will forget to miss him until he's back again!"

The knot in my stomach tightened and I dropped my hands to my sides. She still didn't know. I felt so guilty for waiting to tell her.

She stopped for a moment, tilting her head to the side as she studied me. "Hun? Is something else bothering you?"

I coughed and joined her at the next table to assist. "Oh, no, you are right, it is as you say, Annie."

She was next to me in an instant, the concern on her face making me feel like a dreadful traitor. "He will come back." Her voice softened but filled with resolve. "I don't doubt it for a second. I don't care what Mrs. Coppersmith says, she's wrong. And then we will have another wedding to plan and she'll have to prepare the cake grumbling the whole time."

I couldn't take it. I broke down then, slumping into the chair at the head of the table, covering my face as the sobs wracked my insides. The guilt was unbearable. Anne would feel so betrayed when she knew and she needed to know soon.

"GRACE?" she was alarmed and knelt in front of me as the tears continued. "Hey, hey, you have to BELIEVE he's coming back, you can't let doubt cloud your mind for a SECOND. Have you been hiding this from L? He has a right to know how you feel, Gracie. I know you don't like to burden him, but he should hear this. He hates to make you cry."

"I know." My answer came out meek and broken. "But I cannot tell him. Belief has nothing to do with it."

Anne sat back on her heels confused as I lowered my hands. "What do you mean?"

"He cannot know…" I sighed shakily, steeling up my courage and taking her hands in mine for support. "But it's you I will be saying goodbye to soon, not him."

Anne's trusting brown eyes widened as she realized the enormity of my words. "No." she finally whispered, distress taking over her features. "Your place is here, where you are safe, Grace. That's what he wants!"

"And what about what I want? Namely a future with him? Does that not matter?"

"Of course it does, but you can't go." Anne's voice had fallen to a tremble. "You shouldn't even think about it! Don't you know how dangerous this case is? You could die!"

"And so could L." I answered with passion rising in my tone. "If I am not there to intervene, and that is why I must go."

"But he doesn't want you to! You know that! He was completely against it. He raised hell about it before you got engaged, remember?

"Yes, so he did. But then he changed all manner of attitude and behavior about the case by asking for my assistance in all aspects of it. He sees me as a partner." I explained, desperate for her to understand. "I told you how he's not doing his best work alone. I know the ins and outs of the investigation. He depends on me."

"Yes while you're both still here he does, but not if you follow him there. He'll be livid!" She certainly wasn't wrong.

"He can't think that indulging me with sporadic work assignments is going to pacify me about my true wishes. This, this is what I'm born to do. Solve crimes, help people, and if my doing so protects those that I love then it is all the better. It not in vain, Anne. I mean to use the gift I was given. Otherwise, what's the use of it? What's the use of me?"

I could tell she was starting to relent, but she still wanted me to see sense. "I know you're not being selfish about your reasons, Grace, but it is still not a good idea, no matter how noble you make it seem. He'll never trust you again."

"What do I care if he trusts me? I still don't even know his true name. The truth is it doesn't matter. I don't need his approval. I know what I need to do and I plan to do it." I gave her a beseeching look. "Here, if Liam had to have an organ transplant or he was going to die, and you were the only one who was a good enough match to save him, would you do it? No matter how much he protested you compromising your health?"

Anne sighed in exasperation. "You know I would. I wouldn't think twice about it, G. He's going to be my husband!"

"Well L's going to be mine, as long he survives, mind you. You donating an organ to save Liam is precisely the same as me devoting my time and expertise to save L and Wammy, and believe me, Annie. I didn't think twice about it either."

Anne quieted for a moment, but then looked at me straight on. "He will go through the roof when he finds out you're there too. I don't think any argument the two of you have ever had could even come close to the one this will cause."

"Yes, he'll be extremely brassed off and threaten me with all sorts of things, I'm quite used to his black moods, but the anger will fade and he will inevitably be thankful I didn't follow orders in this case. He'll be grateful even."

Anne contemplated my words in silence. After a few moments, she spoke. "Well, you're definitely more optimistic than you used to be, G."

"I kind of have to be." I noted with a tired sigh. "It's better then thinking of how it will really be when he discovers I'm there."

"I won't deny that I expected you to try something like this. I've known you too long to not see it as a possibility. I really don't like it, but I know two heads are better than one, and when they are two minds like yours…"

"Can I trust that you will keep this private?" I asked then, knowing I already had the answer I sought.

Anne dropped her head and finally nodded. "You know you can. You're my sister. You've been there for me so many times, I have to help you. I want L and Wammy to come home too, you know."

I came forward to pull her into a tight embrace and she returned it fiercely.

"Just..just call me and email me as much as you can, Gracie! I mean it! If you think you've contacted me enough, contact me more! When are you going to go? Is anyone going with you?"

"I plan to go in a week." I explained with a whisper. "Wammy has prepared my location and will keep in touch with me about everything L's doing. I will be perfectly protected, but like I said, Annie, I can help him better by being there than by being here."

"I know. I just knew you hadn't given up so easily." She broke apart from me and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "You're too stubborn for an engagement to placate you."

I smiled. "You are perfectly right."

She sat quiet for a moment before she took in a deep breath. "There is something also I need to tell you. Lee…he wants me to move to London and the two of us to get a flat. We don't see each other nearly enough as we want to and he thought this would be a good solution. I haven't told you because, well, I was afraid too. I don't want it to seem like I'm abandoning you, Gracie. I wasn't going to go."

"I think you should." I told her, my voice steadying. "In fact I want you too. You should be with the one you love. I know I will be even if he doesn't want me to so why shouldn't you?"

She smiled then. "I guess when you put it like that it makes sense, huh?"

"Of course it does. You need to live your life for you and everyone will understand. Daisy and Nan will be thrilled I'm sure."

"Yeah, they're the best." She stood up off of the floor and wiped the dust off of her jeans. "I guess we always knew we'd have to grow up sometime. It just seemed like it wasn't going to happen yet."

"That's the trouble with time." I shrugged, feeling the heaviness in my chest lighten incredibly now that Anne knew my plans. "Come, let's finish this up and get ready to bloody enjoy ourselves."

Anne nodded. "You got it."

The party went just as planned and everyone was happily stuffing their mouths with treats and dancing to the stereo sound system some of the kids had set up. Even L had relaxed somewhat, although his guarded looks around the room were still quite wary as if he feared another unwanted surprise was right around the corner. Unfortunately, he was right.

Jinya was finishing singing a Spanglish version of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" into the microphone when Liam joined her, a beer in hand and zeal in his eyes.

"I've got next!" He announced as she bowed to Fritz and others' scattered applause and then he called for silence for the man of the hour, to L's dismay. The room quieted quicker than I would have expected. "All right, cheers. L, L I just want to say that we're all here tonight because we think you're brilliant, and if anyone can catch Kira, you can!"

A cheer went up in the room and L's grip tightened on my waist, his lips pressed together firmly with disapproval.

"That being said, mate, I think we should all get a sing-song going…who's with me?"

"Oh Gods..." L groaned under his breath. "Not more singing."

"Remember, less whinging." I whispered and he frowned.

"I still think your methods of obtaining the truce were exceedingly unfair."

"Ha, I didn't hear a word of complaint before."

My fiancé turned pink and cleared his throat.

"He's paid his dues -
Time after time -
He's done his sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes
well, he's made a few
he's had his share of sand kicked in his face -
But he's come through!

L is the champion - my friends
And he'll keep on fighting - till the end -
L is the champion -
L is the champion
No time for losers
'Cause he is the champion - of the world!

Mello had jumped up to join Liam at the microphone and L muttered an oath.

"I've got this one mate."
"He's taken his bows
And his curtain calls -
We brought him fame and fortune and everything that goes with it

He thanks you all !

But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise -
L considers it a challenge before the whole human race -
And he ain't gonna lose!"

The party goers whooped and sang along for the last chorus. Mello was swaying back and forth with his arm around Lee and his other fist in the air. I couldn't help but feel proud how everyone had rallied their support for L. He on the other hand…

"L is the champion - my friends
And he'll keep on fighting - till the end -
L is the champion -
L is the champion
No time for losers
'Cause he is the champion - of the world!"

Their performance ended to raucous applause and L had now graduated to being as red as a beet. "Erm…thank you." He mumbled then turned to me. "Pardon me Grace, I need to go speak with Anne before any more of these tributes continue."

"Be kind!" I laughed as I watched him cross the room to where she stood, keeping his head down as he passed by the newest members of Queen. Knowing Anne, she would win him over quick enough so I left him to it and went to the punch table to refill my cup.

Jude was sitting by the table slouched in his chair watching everything and everyone silently. Near was beside him with his arms defiantly crossed across his chest and wearing his usual scowl. Seeking such pleasant company I went to sit along the wall with them. "Having fun, boys?"

"Are these occasions going occur every time he leaves from now on?" Near inquired absently as someone else took over singing on the microphone.

I nodded. "Well, in some variety. They are too much fun to just do one time, aren't they?"

He huffed and stood up from his chair. "No, one time is more than satisfactory. Good evening, I have had my fill of this "fun." I'm off to perforate my eardrums."

Not phased, I smiled at him as he left us. "Night, Near." Jude just nodded as he went, still immersed deep in his own world. The silence was unlike him.

"Erm..Not to pry, but is everything all right, Jude?"

He shifted his gaze to me and scoffed. "You're not going to leave me alone if I say no, are you?"

"Well, no." He could have had me figured out without his ability to be honest.

"Fine. Let's get out of here. I need to talk to you anyway."

"Err, okay then." Quizzically I stood up and followed him out of the boisterous room into the main hall where he proceeded to sit down on the front steps and I stood a bit away, respecting the distance he usually craved.

"So tell me what's wrong. If it's about L leaving, you know I'm going to miss him too. We can certainly talk about it together. What is it?"

He turned to me and formed a sneer. "You're not planning to stay here either, are you?"

I blinked, retrieving my cover story from my scattered mind. "Well, I'm going to London with Anne soon to select her wedding gown, so I suppose you're right in that assumption."

"No you're not." Jude pulled himself up from the steps and gave me an accusing look as he stepped forward. "And he doesn't even know. He thinks he's completely won you over to his side of thinking. Well I gotta say, Grace, you sure played the part well, but you've only fooled the lot of them. To me your whole ambition is clear. You're following them to Japan, you've already purchased a ticket under a false name. Wammy's in on the plan, only L is none the wiser." His voice softened, recalling a hard memory. "Anne cried when you explained it all to her, but she knows that you do what you do for love. She won't stop you. No one could stop you. But I could."

I had been somewhat prepared for this. Jude wasn't the sort to tell other people what another person's thoughts and intentions were anymore but obviously he wanted something in return for keeping silent. "Yes, yes, say it louder, why don't you? Name your price and be done with it. I must go so I urge you to dream big."

"Okay..." He shoved his hands into the pockets of his hoodie and when his fierce green eyes met mine, I was amazed by their change from the frightened, defensive kid who had shown up with Wammy that stormy night. An assured young adult stared back at me. His thoughts were so evident that I could finally read his mind.

"Good lord," I drew in a shaky breath "You want to come as well." I hadn't expected that.

He was fourteen, no almost fifteen now, but still a boy, too young and too inexperienced to face the dangers of the world. I stopped myself in mid thought realizing who I sounded just like. I admired my fiancé but not in every single way possible.

He nodded. "My bag is packed. You can't deny that I will be good to have around, G. I can finally help you and I don't give a damn what L says. He needs our help."

I felt myself nodding in return. "You are right. You shouldn't swear so much, but you're right. But you are aware where I am going, yes? To stop Kira? Last time a report was on telly, you and Matt were basically the Wammy branch of his fan club. I can't have that sort of mindset with me. A good detective wouldn't be rooting for the enemy in the midst of others fighting him and I won't allow it."

He stuck out his chin and pushed his blue hair out of his eyes. "Any enemy of the pair of you is one of mine." He announced firmly. "Matt feels the same now. What Kira did to your dad wasn't on and I can't forget how you stuck up for me at the abbey. You and L. I've wanted to do something for you guys since then. You made me feel like I had a family and I never thought I would."

"None of us did." I noted softly, trying to maintain my composure. "But we don't need a debt repaid. We didn't help you as a favor. We defended you from that awful abbot because we wanted to. And it felt bloody good to tell you the truth. I'd gladly do it again."

He wasn't about to listen. "Look, I'll hide in the shadows listening to people's thoughts for clues. L can't say no if we're getting real evidence. He'd be mad to!"

"Well he still might." I allowed. "No matter how much sense cooperating with us makes."

"He's just stubborn." Jude explained with a gusty sigh. "He's used to taking everything on himself. He doesn't know how to accept help."

"I know. He has gotten better, however."

"Yeah I know, sort of. So Grace, what's it going to be?"

I had come too far to let it all fall apart now. I knew what I must do. "Well if I say no, you will go ruin my careful plans with a word to L. So I suppose I'll say yes so everything stays on schedule." I smiled a little then as I placed a hand on his shoulder. "And because your gift will be a tremendous asset, Jude. I'd be a fool to dismiss it."

An unguarded grin spilled across his face. "Really? I can come? Oh brill, look G, I won't let you down. I swear I'll do everything I can…"

"All right, but the minute you don't listen to me, or put yourself in real danger, you are on the first plane back home. Got it?"

He nodded and came forward utterly shocking me by grabbing me into a slightly clumsy hug. I realized he hadn't really been accustomed on how to execute the gesture, much like L at the start of the summer. I quickly overcame my surprise and hugged him in return.

"Thanks." His voice was gruff. "For not thinking I'm cursed. For thinking I could be somebody."

"You can be cursed and still live a good life. I'm a living testament to that."

The party was winding down and moving into other parts of the house as L finally agreed to a dance. "You cannot know how hard this is for me…" he confided in my ear as the dance continued. "This is the last night I will spend here, with you, in this house…we leave before midnight…"

"I can always come along." I teased and giggled a little at his expression. "Joke, Louie, joke."

He gave me a slow twirl under his arm to the beat of the music and gave me a wary look. "I know you wouldn't be so flippant if you knew how it made me feel."

I smiled back up at him, thankful once again that he didn't have Jude's ability. "I just don't see the point in being gloomy now at your party while we are still able to be together. There's time enough for that."

"I don't want to think of you gloomy, G." He frowned slightly.

"Oh but I always am when you leave, well for the last half of a year anyway. Don't worry, I won't drown in tears. I know what you must do, I understand." And I know what I must do, L.

He placed his forehead against mine. "I do not believe I would be as half as strong as you if you were the one departing. I couldn't bear the one night you ran off to London with Anne. I worried so."

"That's because we are two halves of one soul. When we are apart, we aren't complete inside. I missed you in London too, you know that. As much as I didn't want you coming and raising a big stink, I was happy when you did. It showed you cared." I couldn't deny I had an ulterior motive to my words, but from the look of pleasure in his eyes, I knew they hadn't hit their mark. Oh well, I did try.

"Yes, at that point all I wished for was you to realize how much I cared, and then we continued to botch it up over and over until it was finally right."

"It makes a good love story, though doesn't it?"

"Erm, yes it does, Grace." He appeared nervous and looked around him to see if anyone was looking. The room had emptied as the announcement of cake had pulled everyone into the music room where the desserts had been set out for anyone who was quick enough to get served. "Are you sure you don't want to marry me tonight?"

I sighed with a smile. "L, I already told you, there's so much to do for a wedding."

"It didn't seem so with the last one…we said some words and Jude married us easily. It took about five minutes."

"Jude isn't an ordained vicar if you've forgotten. The true ones tend to drone on for hours while your knees fall asleep in the pew. Believe me, we will have a lovely wedding…but not yet. I'm not marrying you until you hold up your promise from your first proposal."

L was quiet so I filled him in, feeling brave. "You said if I was your wife, I could go where you go. I'm holding you to it."

His face didn't take on the haughty one I expected. Instead he smiled as if he had a secret he was bursting to tell. It was profoundly odd.

"And what if I told you that you could? You would marry me then?"

My heart rose in my chest but I threw him a dark look. "That's not funny, L."
"I'm simply offering possibilities of how things could be. You are even wearing your red dress as we had discussed."

"L, enough. I'm wearing this dress because I specifically do not expect to be married in it. Now stop with this talk. I can sense a dirty trick when I hear one. I need some air. Excuse me."

He blinked in surprise as I broke apart from him, my throat starting to close with a likely sob. He just didn't understand, he would never understand. This wasn't some joke to me, I planned to follow him. I would do it without his blessing without a second thought. Just teasing me about what I wanted was cruel and unfortunately he had always been good at that. I knew I needed to find Anne.

"Grace! Wait!" he called after me as I stormed from the room, and crossed the hall to the music room pushing the double doors open in front of me with force. "You must listen to me!"

"L, I told you, I'm getting some bloody air!" I shouted over my shoulder as I fell through the doors and stopped completely in my tracks at the sight before my eyes.

The music room was filled with the party's guests as expected but what wasn't was that they were seated in arranged rows of chairs in front of the windows. A white runner divided the seating and I noticed Omar and Ella poised by the piano eager expectation on their faces. They all turned in surprise to see my grand entrance and Anne gasped, a nosegay of roses falling from her hands as she stood by the doors. "Gracie!"

I took them all in dreadfully confused until a man a dark suit walked up to the piano, smiled and spoke. "Ah, this must be our blushing bride!"

Good Lord. If I was of a weaker sort, I would have fainted dead away in front of all of my friends and relations. Since I wasn't, I whirled around to see L standing in the doorway, his hands shoved in his pockets wearing a sheepish grin. "Is this to your liking, G?"

I was speechless, utterly speechless. What was I supposed to make of this? The man had complained about this party for days on end, and now it was like he had arranged the entire thing. Anne stepped forward to reach my shell shocked self and placed a hand on my shoulder with concern. "Sweetie, are you all right?"

Did this mean he wanted me to go to Japan? Did I not know him at all? I caught the eye of Jude grinning at me from the side of the er… registrar. L must have filled him in as well recently, when had all of this been decided?

I tried to make a sound, but still couldn't. Instead I made a sweeping gesture with my arms and stared at Anne in disbelief.

"He only told us an hour ago, what he was planning…" She whispered as we still had the full attention of the room. I noticed her though her smile was wide, her eyes were red and puffy. "And of course I sobbed, because he is so romantic I couldn't take it! He's learned so well!"

Still at sea, I turned to Wammy who was at my other side with a warm look in his eyes. "He does want you to come, my dear. At least to stay close but out of harm's way. We've had a great many discussions about it. Your assistance has been invaluable and he's decided to swallow his pride and agree. He adores you, my girl, I'm so thankful you finally see that."

"I can't believe Grace is getting to marry L and I'm here to see it!" I heard Liam say from his seat. "It's like I'm at a royal wedding!"

Chuckles rose from around the room. I saw Mrs. Coppersmith sitting with Alice give a shifty glance at Anne and then manage a smile in my direction. Dragon tamer indeed.

"I need to have a word…a quiet word, with L. Excuse me." I managed speech and passed back through the doors and closed them carefully behind me, then I stared up at him in disbelief. "Is this why you kept asking to get married today? You bloody meant it?"

"Yes, I want the paperwork to be correct. Watari had to procure a special license for us to marry here." He smiled. "And because I cannot wait a second more for you to be mine and mine alone."

"I already was." I mumbled as he folded me into his arms. "You truly want me to come with you?"

He sighed. "Ideally, no. I wish for you to be safer than that. But I can't think of myself alone. You have changed my views on that. You and Jude are needed on this case. I don't care if it's a cheap trick or not to have a telepath working alongside us, but it's not a game and I plan for us to live a long time so I will take any advantage I can."

"Are you planning on marrying Jude as well?"

"Cassandra Grace, don't be facetious."

"It's just such a change from your usual attitude I can't wrap my head around it. I mean I'm well aware of your impulsive nature but this takes it to a whole other level."

He stroked my hair and dipped his head down to my ear. "In any event, did I make you happy?"

I blushed and rested my hand on his chest. "Yes, yes you did."

"As this is the night for surprises, I have another for you."

"I'm not certain I can take another one."

L reached into his back pocket and pulled out an ancient piece of paper folded into thirds. "This."

He placed it in my hands and stepped back. I gave him a quizzical glance before I opened the paper yellowed with age that read. "St Christopher's Orphanage. Certificate of Adoption to Mr. Quillish Wammy of Winchester, aged 50 of Winston Evers, aged 5 years and L Lawliet aged 4 years."

I couldn't breathe as I realized the magnitude of what had happened.

"And now you know."

"Jude had said that Winston was found with you, that you asked Wammy to bring him here…"

"I did. He was my only friend. I couldn't leave him behind. Just as I cannot leave you."

"L Law Lee It?" I whispered in disbelief, a warmth of feeling rushing over me.

He smiled but shook his head. "Apparently it's Low-light. Of French extraction."

I bit back a grin. "You're French?"

"I'm assuming I'm all sorts of things." He rolled his eyes. "It matters not."

"I suppose you're right." I looked down at the paper again remembering when the two names listed had been little boys growing up beside me. The warmth began to build even more.

"I know I can trust you, I believe I have for a while, but this is important for you to know." He slipped his hand under my cheek and studied me with his dark eyes. "If the unthinkable happens and you are in terrible danger of being questioned about this information, I want you to give it before anyone attempts to harm you."

I dropped my eyes from his, the heat under my skin subsiding to a stark cold. "L, please."

"Grace, promise me."

I took in a deep breath and lied to his face. "Yes, yes I will." I would never vow to obey anyway.

He apparently believed me as he released me and nodded. 'Good."

I watched him cross to the crackling fireplace and add the certificate to the flames. "After the vows are taken care of, Anne will assist you in packing for our journey. We will still try to depart on schedule."

"Oh," I giggled nervously. "Er that won't be necessary."

He turned back to me surprised and I sighed. "I've been packed for weeks. I was coming without your permission or not, though I am thankful you changed your mind on matters. It makes things a great deal more pleasant"

He simply shook his head. "Unbelievable."

"Not truly, it is me after all. I've never followed your orders."

"So it seems." L attempted to look stern. "When we are in Tokyo you will need to amend that policy."

"All right fine, I promise. Now, come on." I smiled a little and reached for his hand. He laced his fingers in my own and gave me a nervous smile in return. The electricity was present even then.

"Let's get on with it." I whispered as the doors opened to the music room and everyone stood.

"It's just a shame," Liam sighed as Anne sat down next to him as the celebratory drinking commenced and I still tried to realize that L and I were now married. Partners in every way possible. It truly defied belief. I glanced over at him being congratulated by Wammy and Roger and realized that not even an extraordinary life milestone such as a wedding could phase him. After all, we did have practice in that regard. I smiled to myself and took another sip from my champagne flute. Life was mad sometimes.

"What is, hun?" Anne inquired as Jude bounded up to us, uncharacteristically chuffed.

"I don't know. That L's work colleagues couldn't be here, like the Detective G and that sort. It would have been nice if he had made it."

I almost choked on my champagne.

Anne tried to compose herself but a grin spilled out anyway. "Oh Lee…"

Jude cleared his throat, not being able to stop smiling if he tried. "Uh, Liam, there's something you should know, the Detective G- "

"I'm sure he wishes he could attend…" I tried to cut him off sharply. "But he is very very busy…"

"Not too busy to come to her own wedding, though." L's eyes twinkled in merriment as he joined us and I wanted to wipe the smirk off of his lips.

Liam caught his meaning and gasped. "You, you mean…no, you can't mean, Gracie?"

My new husband was on the receiving end of a death stare and yet all he did was wink. Damn him.

The End

So that is it! I would love to know your thoughts on the ending so review if you can !