A/N: Hello, lovelies. Alright. Let's do a quick check. Have you eaten today? I haven't, so if you haven't, I have no room to judge. Have you drank anything today? Maybe got a little water? Ok. Now, what about any medications you need to take? How are we doing on that? That's it. That's all I wanted to know. Just making sure you're doing ok. *chu* I love you. But before we get into this week's chapter, I know I've told someone somewhere, but how would you like a mildly cranky, still half asleep L and Light doing his best? Yeah…Of course you do…Here. Have this.

And before we do THAT, we could all give Skyla a quick wave, can't we? Hi, Skyla! NOW we can get into this week's chapter, k? x

Sayu's questions seemed endless, but eventually, Light got her to shut up and took her home. Not too late, just like their father asked. She's definitely a handful, but at least I could vent. There was nothing Light couldn't tell Sayu. She knew everything and anything. However, for the sake of keeping the peace and not causing a scene, Light kept the detail of Near's graduation to himself. After dealing with Sayu's digging for the last hour and a half, Light just wanted to call it a night. Sure. Go through a Sayu grade interrogation the night before I have to make an international flight. Great idea, Light.

When Light got back to the tower, he hit the security bypass button and was ready to go to bed. I hope L isn't going to want me for anything else tonight. He's going to have to do that himself. Light pulled himself up the stairs and unlocked L's door. Things were oddly quiet in L's room. He wasn't downstairs, so he's not working. Maybe he went to bed already. Light checked the bedroom and found the bed empty. Huh…Where the hell is he? But then, Light's search was over when he found L curled up in a ball on the couch. Light watched L sleep for a moment or two. Hard to believe he turns off. To think no one gets to see this except for me. Go ahead, L. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.

Light carefully scooped L up into his arms. It's a good thing you weigh next to nothing. But I'm not just going to leave you out here by yourself. Although, Light had totally selfish intentions. The thought of going to bed alone anymore made Light queasy. He gently put L down on the bed and crawled in next to him. You and me in the morning. No interruptions. No safety nets. Just us. Light pulled L into his chest. L moved only slightly, shortly falling back to sleep. Good night, L. I love you. I'll see you in the morning.

But as the minutes ticked into hours, Light couldn't fall asleep. No matter how hard Light tried. Sure. Every other night, it's no problem, but when we have an international flight to make in the morning, that's when I can't sleep. Instead of wallowing in bed, watching L's chest rise and fall with every breath, Light gently put L on the bed and got up. He quickly checked his phone. Two o'clock? Why'd I have to book an early flight? He knew that would come back to bite him. While muttering quiet curses to himself, Light tiptoed downstairs to the main kitchen. A snack, maybe? Maybe that can help. However, Light wasn't expecting his misery to have company.

"Oh," Light froze, "Watari…I'm sorry. I didn't think anyone else would be in here."

"It's alright," Watari offered the empty barstool and a pint of ice cream, "Hard time sleeping, Light?"

"Yeah," I don't remember asking for ice cream, "What's this for?"

"It's how I got L to go to sleep when he was little," Watari got a spoon out of the drawer, "Usually, he'd go through a scoop and a half of rocky road before he'd fall asleep. Either on his own or in the bowl."

"How long have you known L?" Light wondered.

"The day I met L is a story for another day," Watari shot him down, "But he was probably four or five."

"So," Light figured, "You basically raised him."

"That's right."

"I would've gotten something out of L's nightstand," Light joked, "But this seems like a better idea. Besides, I need to wake up tomorrow. Anything in L's nightstand would put me into a coma."

"Those are rather heavy duty," Watari agreed, "I can't blame you."

"Thank you," Light gladly accepted the alternative.

"Light," Watari spoke softly, "Could I be honest with you for a moment?"

"Sure," Light allowed, a bit confused. What would Watari want from me? I mean, I've handled him for L before, but this seems more direct, "Is everything alright?"

"It is," Watari nodded, "Everything is great. That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I'm glad that you and L are so close. Really, I am. But I hope you know about the special kinds of challenges that come along with that closeness."

"I know," Light knew all about it, "I've seen some of those challenges already. And I'm still here."

"I understand," Watari sighed, not sure how to put things, "But you do know that your trip to London has more potential for disaster than anything you've ever faced before, don't you?"

"I know," Light feared for their trip to London. He feared for L slipping into old patterns the second he saw Near again. He feared for what possible hurdles they may need to overcome. However, at the end of the day, he knew L's intentions were pure. We have nothing to worry about, "I know you're worried about him, Watari. And maybe even just as worried for me. But I've seen my fair share of hell. I'm not afraid to walk through the flames. My previous burns make for a strong armor. Whatever happens in London, good or bad, we'll handle it. I give you my word. He'll be ok."

Watari wasn't sure what to say. For as long as he could remember, it's always been L and himself. Even when L had Near or Mellow or even Naomi, Watari knew their connection would always be there. However, Watari had never dealt with someone like Light. You really are different, aren't you? It's nice to know all of Lawliet's gushing holds true when his back is turned. He really is in good hands with you, isn't he, Light? A gentle smile made its way onto Watari's face, "I know he will. But Light…If you'd indulge me with a favor…"

"Sure," Light nodded, "What is it?"

"While you're in London," Watari asked, "Could you let me know if anything happens? Even if it's as simple as a papercut. The time exchange doesn't matter."

"I will," Light promised, "But he'll be fine, Watari. I promise."

"Thank you," Watari threw the remaining ice cream back in the freezer, "If that would be all then, I'm going to bed."

"Me, too," Light followed him out, "Good night."

"Good night."

When Light got back into bed, L curled into Light's ribs, content with the world. I wonder where you ran off to…But before L could fully wake up, he fell back to sleep. He had Light back. He didn't need anything else. However, Watari's words were still fresh in Light's mind. Light had the same feeling about Watari as what Watari did about Light. Neither of them knew what to think of the other, but they both knew they'd have to get along for L's sake.

Light stared up at the ceiling, the ice cream only having a slight effect on him. I wonder if Dad would be drilling L this hard if he knew we were together. But then, Light thought back to Soichiro's last confrontation he had with L. He could hardly hold himself together. If L had his way, he would've kept me there while Dad got in his face. And that was about Sayu. I could only imagine how he'd be if it were about me.

Light knew they had an early flight to make in the morning. He knew what was coming. So, he shut his eyes and forced himself to go to sleep. However, when he woke up the next morning, the alarm clock made L's blood boil. Why? Why the fuck did he set an alarm? Oh, Light, you're lucky you're so pretty and that your ass doesn't quit. L dragged himself out of bed, slamming Light's phone down on the nightstand. If the alarm didn't wake Light up, that definitely did.

Light looked over at what used to be his phone. The screen had a giant crack in the dead center. What the hell…? Light turned the alarm off and looked over at L leaning against the wall, "L…? Are you alright?"

L merely let out a bitter growl, "Early flights can die a slow, painful death in a fucking fire."

"Ok…" Light, who ran on approximately two hours of sleep, learned quickly to back off. Alright. L's not in a good place this morning. And decided to take out his anger on my phone. Why did it have to be my phone? I'm sure he'll replace it, but for the time being…

As L and Light shuffled their tired feet downstairs with their luggage behind them, Watari waited at the front door for them, "Good morning."

"Good morning," Light took that one, "I'd be careful around L this morning, Watari. He's…Not exactly himself."

"L," Watari knew exactly what Light was talking about, "It's just one morning. You don't need to make things difficult for Light."

"He already broke my phone," Light chuckled nervously.

"L…" Watari scolded him gently.

But L was stuck in his head, quietly complaining to himself how tired he was, not a word coming out of his mouth. It's one phone. It's not like I'm not replacing it. Besides, Light's phone was four models behind. He's not exactly stupid. He'll be able to figure out how to work a new one quickly. His job depends on it. As does our love life.

"L…" Watari repeated himself, "Look at me…"

L shot a quick glare at Watari. However, he didn't mean it like a normal glare. Watari knew how he worked. This was merely L on not enough sleep. Nothing he's never handled before. I know you're tired, Lawliet, but that's no excuse for being like this. I've seen you bad, but it's been a long time since I've seen you this bad.

"I wouldn't get too close if I were you, Watari," Light warned him.

"L," Watari demanded, "I want you to apologize. You broke something that didn't belong to you. You know what it's like when someone breaks something of yours, don't you?"

L didn't want to admit it, but Watari had him cornered. And appealed to his empathy, "I'm…sorry, Light."

"Thank you," Watari praised, "Be careful in London."

"We will," Light promised, taking L's hand.

"And Light…" Watari pulled him a little closer, making sure to keep his voice down, "If you give him a Xanax on the plane, he'll be fine. It'll put him out long enough to get from here to there and he'll be much more pleasant to deal with."

"Ok," Light gave him a grateful nod, remembering which pocket he put L's medications in.

"See you Monday?" Watari figured.

"That's the plan," Light confirmed, waving behind them. He'll be alright, Watari. I promise.

L and Light made it from the tower to the airport in record time and got themselves situated on the plane. Although, L's demeanor hadn't changed. No amount of coffee or cakes could turn his frown upside down. L was dead inside and there was no one in a ten-foot radius that didn't know it. However, his hand never left Light's. It was the only thing keeping L grounded. Just you and me for the weekend again, Light. I don't mean to be so bitter with you, but fuck, I need some sleep.

"L?" Light offered him a small, white tablet, "You want a Xanax?"

"Watari told you that, didn't he?" L assumed.

"Does it matter?" Light brushed him off.

"I'll be alright," L turned him down, "But I appreciate it. I think I'll just…You know…"

"I do," Light put an arm around L. Without hesitation, L cuddled into Light and went back to sleep. Just for a little while longer. Light couldn't blame him. He was in the same sorry state. They both shut their eyes and left Japan behind.

A little while later, Light opened his eyes and noticed the clouds gone from the window. What the hell…? Landing already? He pulled himself together and looked down at L, who was still out cold. Dare I wake him? We all know what happened last time that happened. My poor phone had to pay the price for that. Light didn't have much left to risk. He looked down at his watch. The beautiful, shiny bracelet L was so kind to give him. Six o'clock…? Really?

"Good morning," L woke up on his own, the bump of the landing getting to him. Fortunately, this time around, he was much more pleasant.

"Morning?" Light wondered, "L, it's six o'clock. I don't think the plane took off."

"It's nine o'clock, Light," L pulled his phone out of his pocket, showing the adjusted time, "We're here. Trust me. I can feel it. And that's AM, not PM. Time zones are a thing. There are nine hours between London and Tokyo."

"Sorry," Light cringed, already feeling the jetlag get to him. That's going to be a fun transition.

"Tell me you slept," L got up, waiting for everyone else to move before he did.

"Almost better than I did last night," Light admitted, "But it's not last night anymore, is it?"

"Nope," L stretched out, his body sounding like bubble wrap, "Not that I really subscribe to the theory of time travel, but this is the closest you'll ever get to it. We get to start the day over. Shall we?"

"Ok," Light grabbed their bags and L's hand and the two of them got off their plane. A man with a name card stood in the terminal, letting them know they had a ride. But the limo ride had Light confused, "So, I'm guessing we're just going to the hotel from here?"

"Hotel?" L chuckled to himself, "I never told you to book a hotel, Light. And there's a reason for that."

"I just figured it was because we'd find one once we got here," Light pointed out, "You're picky with your real estate."

"I'm picky with most things," L admitted, "It's a curse. Truly, it is. But no. We're not going to a hotel. No, no, no."

"Then," Light laid his head in L's shoulder, "Where are we going?"

"I'm in London again," L kissed Light's forehead, "I don't know about you, but there's a beautiful French colonial in Chelsea with my name on it. If it's alright with you, I'd like to go home."

"Fine by me." I never really thought about L's house. Given we've bounced from hotel to hotel to the tower, I'd think he'd have a penthouse, but color me curious. The driver took L and Light to a massive French colonial house covered in lush greenery. And Light couldn't help but stare out the window in absolute awe, "This is your place?"

"Home sweet home," L confirmed as the limo came to a stop. The driver grabbed their door, "If you think this is nice, you should see the inside. We'll go rest up and see what state we're in by noon. Then, I'll show you why I got this house."

"Ok." This is excessive. Even if L has Watari living with him, this is too much house for one person. How the hell…? Why the hell…? The light, but intricate stonework caught Light's attention. He couldn't help it. This was more than he had ever seen. Even the hotel in Odaiba paled in comparison. If I'm not careful, I'm going to end up getting lost in here.

"Light?" L called from the top of the stairs, "Are you coming?"

Not yet, "Yeah. I'll be up there in a sec."

"I didn't sleep enough on the plane," L told him, "And I haven't slept in my own bed in months. You can look around later."

"Alright." Hard to believe you didn't sleep enough on the plane. Still, Light ran up the stairs and followed L down the hall into the master bedroom. And the excessively large bed with his boyfriend smack dab in the middle of it in a ball. The sight made Light giggle a little, "You look awfully comfortable."

"I am," L reveled in the feeling of his sheets being around him, "Damn, it's good to be home. Don't get me wrong. I don't mind the tower, but it's so nice to be back here."

"It's alright to get homesick," Light crawled in next to him, "So…We're taking care of everything else later, right?"

"Yes, please," L shut his eyes with Light in his arms, content with the world. Yes…This is home.

"Ow…" Light felt a strange pinch in his side, "Something's poking me."

"Shhh…" L settled him, a cheeky grin stretching across his face, "It's alright. Don't worry about it."

"Not that," Light knew what that felt like. This was different. He shifted a bit, finding something under the blankets, "It's a pacifier?"

"What?" L's eyes shot straight open as his stomach turned.

"What would you have a pacifier in your bed for?" Light asked, not thinking much of it.

"It's…" L took it out of Light's hand, throwing it to the other side of the room, "It was Near's. You have to think, Light. I haven't stayed here in a while. And I thought he had everything packed when he…"

"It's alright, L," Light let it go, nuzzling his face in L's ribs, "It's fine. Let's just drop it and have this, ok?"

"Ok." L gave Light one last kiss, "I love you, Light."

"I love you, too," Light shut his eyes and fell straight to sleep again.

How in the fuck did I manage to score a unicorn like you…?