A/N: Alright, kids. Buckle up. Because I'm only going to say this once and I'm pretty much copy/pasting between this and my Castlevania update, so if you've read it here, you've read it there, too.

So, as I said a couple weeks ago, there wasn't going to be an update last week and that we'd be back in August. Here it is, August, and I have yet to post anything. No, I'm not dead. No, I'm not ghosting. I came back from Michigan on Monday with all intentions of my update going live that night. However, my Wi-Fi decided to go out. Completely. Nothing. Bye-bye. See ya. Out the window. Good times, right? Especially since I haven't had anything decent since I left. And it's been hell. But I figured, I could either go until next week and leave you guys hanging or I could just do a mass post the second the Wi-Fi sorts itself out. So, here we are. Two weeks later. Two and a half, if you want to split hairs. But what matters is that we're here. We're here again.

If you're curious about my trip, it was exhausting (with the exception of Saturday when I got very intoxicated via Jell-O shots and some very boozy chocolate pudding…Someone gets the fat kid.). I had various times where I thought to myself, I should've stayed here. Where I'd still get to hang out with you guys. And I remembered how much I love my found family and how quick my blood family is to write that off. I love you guys so much. Goddamn, I love you guys so much. I missed being here. I miss my cozy corner of the internet with the nerds I love and the nerds that love me. I missed the ones that understand me and that won't give me an ulcer when I try to explain something they asked about. So, I'm going to stop with my whining and let you guys get to the reason why you come here. Go on…It's alright…

In a nice, quiet residential section of Washington DC, L stood on a sidewalk in front of a small, white colonial, not quite sure what he was doing there. I shouldn't be here. I haven't seen her in years. I have no right to be here. Then again, maybe she'll appreciate it. She always told me she never blamed me for it. How was I supposed to know? Still, L's apprehension got the better of him. Despite everything, he walked up the front steps and rang the doorbell. Here goes nothing.

L wasn't expecting a little girl on the side of the door. She looked up at L with curiosity and confusion. Ironically enough, L's expressions weren't much different, "Hello."

"Who are you?" the girl asked.

"Is your mother home?" L gnawed on the side of his thumb.

"Yeah."

"Could you tell her Mr. Ryuzaki is here to see her?" L could handle Near any day of the week. He knew how that one ticked. Children…Actual, real life children? Those were a different story. It's not that L was apposed to the idea. The fact that they always looked at L like he was an alien got to him.

"Mama!" the little girl ran back inside, "There's a stranger at the door!"

"A stranger?" a gentle voice spoke inside, warming L to his core, "A good stranger or a bad stranger?"

"Who's Mr. Ryuzaki?"

"WHAT?" the woman ran to the doorway. She stood in complete and total shock at the creature in front of her, "L…"

"Hi, Nina," L tried to muster up a smile, but he knew this would be a bittersweet reunion. For both of them, "Long time, no see."

Without another word, she threw her arms around L's neck, nearly crying in his shoulder, 'Yeah…And it's a damn shame."

L squirmed in her embrace. I forgot you did this kind of thing. I bet you and Sayu would get along famously, "I'm sorry, Nina. I know it's been too long. It's just hard, you know?"

"I know," Nina left a soft kiss on his cheek, "So, where the hell have you been?"

There's what I was waiting for. I knew Nina would be pissed, but I know this tirade won't last long, "I've been all over."

"Four years!" she squealed, "Four years since Naomi's been gone. Not a phone call. No note!"

"I didn't get a return on the checks I sent you," L pointed out, "I figured that was my note."

"Why don't you come in?" Nina insisted, "It'd be better for us to talk inside."

"I can't," he shot her down, "I have a flight I need to be on soon."

"How soon?"

"A couple hours…"

"You have plenty of time," she nudged L inside, "Hey, Lila, why don't you go up to your room, ok?"

"Am I in trouble?" the little one's eyes started to swell.

"No, no, sweetheart," Nina assured her, "it's ok. I haven't seen Mr. Ryuzaki in a long time and we need to talk, ok?"

"Ok…" the little girl started walking up the stairs.

Only for L to catch Nina by total surprise, "No…It's alright. She can stay."

"As long as she doesn't get underfoot?" Nina figured.

"Pretty much," L let it go, "I don't have a problem with it."

"Really?" she looked at L strange, "For as long as I've known you, I never really got the kids vibe from you."

"They're not for everyone," L shrugged, "But I don't detest them. How old is she?"

"She's almost four," Nina told him, "I don't think you ever met Lila."

"I can't say I did," L watched her in the corner while she put her wooden puzzle together.

"I was just barely pregnant with her at Naomi's funeral," she remembered, "The day I told Naomi I was pregnant, we were getting dress fittings done. And I told her they'd have to let mine out by the time the wedding rolled around."

"Where did Lila come from?" L asked.

"If I can be honest," Nina explained, a few tears falling from her eyes, "Not that I didn't like Raye, but a part of me always hoped you and Naomi would've stayed together."

"You didn't know much about the nature of our relationship, did you, Nina?"

"No," she shook her head, "I know how you two worked. I talked to Naomi, too. She told me all about it. Just something casual to take the edge off once in a while. But she did have a soft spot for you."

"That doesn't explain where Lila's name comes from," L went on, "So, how does my casual relationship with Naomi fit into this?"

"I told my husband that I didn't care what we named her," Nina admitted, "As long as it started with an L. Her full name is Lila Naomi. That way, I could still get what I wanted."

"So…" L's heart stopped, "You named your daughter after me?"

"I liked you, L," she smiled, "And I wouldn't have complained if you would've married into the family, but I knew Naomi wasn't the wedding type. Even when she said she got engaged, I was scratching my head. But I wasn't going to stop her. It was Naomi's life to do what she wanted with it."

But I don't think she ever wanted to do that part, "I just got back from seeing Naomi, so I thought I'd see you, too."

"Really?" Nina knew L as well as her sister did. Minus the biblical parts. But she knew L. She knew his beliefs, "You, of all people, went to a cemetery?"

"There's a strange sense of peace there from time to time," L nodded, "But I needed to go see Naomi."

"What made you go see Naomi?" she wondered, "You're not exactly the religious type. And don't you live in England?"

"I've been living in Japan recently," he corrected her, "I was just in England, though. Didn't exactly go well, but there was a brief moment of mental clarity that had me questioning things."

"What kind of things?"

"Well…" Out of nowhere, Lila had climbed onto the couch and into L's lap, "Oh…Hello again."

"Lila!" Nina shooed her away.

"It's not a problem," L assured her, keeping the little one steady on his lap. I wonder what made her warm up to me, "But you were wondering why I went to see Naomi."

"That's right," she let it slide, "It's the strangest thing. She doesn't usually get this close to strangers."

"I am half of her namesake," L wrapped his arms around Lila's waist. And you are the spitting image of the other half of your namesake, "But I understand. Now, as for why I went to see Naomi."

"Yes," Nina came back, "What made you travel all the way from Japan to here to see Naomi? It must have been an important reason."

"Quite possibly the most important reason I could have," L melted inside as Lila put her head in his shoulder, "When I was last in England, I wasn't exactly alone."

"Oh…" a sadness fell over her face, "You found someone else…What's her name?"

"Not her name," L clarified, "And his name is Light. He's very special to me, Nina. We've been seeing each other for a while. And…Let's just say I needed to get Naomi's permission first."

"For what?"

Meanwhile, as L continued to gush over the man he loved to Naomi's sister, that same man was on his sixth cup of coffee and buried to his neck in file folders. Anyone that dared to get close to them could easily lose a finger. Or at the very least, end up with Light's fist in their face in one way or another. He hated the fact that they had Misa locked up in the maximum security basement. Even more so, he hated being the one in charge of her interrogation, but he knew it had to be done. Despite their past history.

Light's eyes darted over every single report of every single victim that's come across the radar in the last month. What am I missing? There has to be something here I'm not seeing. If forensics found Misa's DNA at the crime scenes, how does she fit into this? What has her schedule for the last month looked like? It's not like her agency's going to give that information over to me lightly. Maybe if I showed off a badge, they'd have no choice. But I don't have that. I could send someone to get it, but that means sending someone and I'd rather not have to go through another party for this.

As much as his work ethic was appreciated, Soichiro couldn't help but worry about the state of mind his son was in. He had barely looked away from the screen since Misa's interrogation. And hardly a word came out of his mouth. This case was becoming a borderline obsession for Light. And once Watari cleared away coffee number six for coffee number seven, he knew something needed to be said. Something needed to be done.

Soichiro put a hand to Light's shoulder, showing more bravery than anyone else in the room, "Light…"

"I'll crack her," Light growled, "I swear, if I die trying, I will crack her."

"Don't say things like that," Soichiro hushed him, "I think you need to walk away for a minute or two. Just to regain your bearings."

"No," Light shot him down, "L wouldn't stop. Neither will I. And the sooner this case is solved, the sooner L and I…"

Light's consciousness came back before it was too late. Although, his words caught his father's attention, "What?"

Light caught Watari tensing up out of the corner of his eye. And what just came out of Light's mouth fully registered. But Light managed to pull himself together. Shit…What have I done? How deep am I in this case that I'd let THAT slip? Light had to think on his feet. Fortunately, that was a strong suit, "L and I…We've discussed a more…permanent partnership. And we were going to make it official after this case is over."

"Oh," Soichiro took the empty seat next to his son, "So, it's like when he came for dinner and talked about you going to London. You're officially taking the job?"

"Not exactly…" Light knew the others were listening intently, hoping to catch any scrap of their conversation. We're already this far gone, "Hey, guys? Can we have a minute alone?"

"Sure," Matsuda ushered Mogi and Aizawa out of the room.

Although, Aizawa wasn't moving as easily as Mogi did, "Shouldn't we be here to work on the case, though, Light?"

How did I know you were going to be the difficult one, Aizawa? Light maintained his composure, "This doesn't concern you, Aizawa. This won't take long. I'm sure you can find something to do in the interim."

"Aizawa," Soichiro solidified Light's order, "Go."

"Yes, sir," Aizawa followed Matsuda and Mogi out the front door.

Everyone had cleared the room with the exception of Light and Soichiro. And Watari. Because Watari knew what this conversation could be. And it had him nervous, "Light…"

"Yes?" Light perked up, "What is it?"

"Would you like me to leave as well?" Watari asked. Because a little support can't hurt anyone.

"Thank you, Watari," Light smiled, "I appreciate it, but I'll be alright."

"Ok," Watari backed off, "If you need anything…"

"I know," Light nodded, "The call button under the desk."

"Ok." Watari left Light and Soichiro alone and went toward the kitchen. I really hope you know what you're doing, Light. Because so help me God, if L gets mixed up in this mess and something happens to him, I will hold you personally responsible.

"So," Soichiro sat back, "What is it, Light?"

"If I leave for England," Light kept him on that tangent, "Will that be ok? I know I've lived here all my life and I've hardly seen the world outside of Japan. But I've been to London. I've already been looking at properties there. And they're great. And L's house is incredible. I wouldn't be totally opposed to staying there either."

"It's your life, Light," Soichiro gave his blessing, "I appreciate that you're asking me first, but at the end of the day, it's your life. I don't have a say in it anymore. You live it the way you want to. Your mother and I have raised you to know the difference between right and wrong. All I can ask is that you carry that with you and use it to the best to your ability."

"Ok…" So, he's not going to say no to me living with L. That's nice. I mean, I've been living with L almost since day one of me living in the tower, but I digress. I didn't have his permission then either. Why should this be any different? But Light knew how much different it would be. He wouldn't have a safety net to fall back onto if he lived in London. And he wouldn't mind, "But…Dad…It's a little more than that."

"Oh?" Soichiro perked up, "What else?"

"I've…" Light's heart rate went up a bit. And he had to balance himself out again. Maybe Watari should've stayed. Maybe L should be here. Well…Fly or fall, "You know how sometimes, you really want a piece of pie?"

"I'm not sure I understand," Soichiro looked at him strange, "What does pie have to do with anything?"

"I like pie," Light went on, "But lately…I've grown a great appreciation for cake. That doesn't mean I don't still like pie. It's just…I like pie and cake. There's great things about both of them."

"I don't think I…" Soichiro thought it over a little more. And Light's newfound love for pastries made more sense. In their given context, "Light…You moving to London would be more than just you moving to London…Wouldn't it?"

"Yeah…" Light's voice went quiet, "We agreed to wait until after the case."

"And…" Soichiro went on, "How long have you and Ryuzaki…?"

"A while now," Light confessed, "But…Whatever you do, can you do me a huge favor?"

"Of course."

"Don't tell Aizawa about this conversation," Light begged.

"Ok," Soichiro promised, "What does that have to do with anything?"

"I wouldn't want to be proving him right," Light giggled a bit, "And let him have that kind of power around here? No, thank you."

"I suppose not," Soichiro chuckled nervously, "Can I ask you a question?"

"Please," Light insisted, "Ask all the questions you want."

"How long have you known?" Soichiro asked.

"A few years," Light came clean, "But I figured that was more so something for me to work through than burden someone else with…"

"I was talking about you and Ryuzaki," Soichiro clarified, "How long has that been going on?"

"Oh," Light relaxed a little. He doesn't seem too worse for wear. And I don't think he's disowning me, so I'll call that a good sign, "About a couple months after the investigation started."

"Oh," Soichiro thought back. A couple months after the investigation. That would've put us around the time of the…And that's when the lightbulb blinked on. A memory of L standing on the front porch at the Yagami house on a warm evening with a limo parked out front came to mind, "So, around the time of the NPA ball?"

"Around there," Light nodded. But then, his phone started going off. Light checked his caller ID, appreciating the picture looking back at him, "Speak of the devil. It's L. I need to take this. Is that ok?"

"Go ahead," Soichiro allowed, watching as Light went toward the boardroom. Did Light just come out to me?

Light went into the boardroom and answered his phone, "Hi."

"Hi," L chimed on the other end.

"Where are you?" Light asked, "It sounds awfully busy. Airport?"

"Honolulu," L told him.

"Already?" Light squeaked, "I thought you weren't supposed to be back for another day. What had you leaving early? Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine," L assured him, "Honestly, Light. I know I've heard you a little jumpy before, but if I didn't know any better, I'd think I interrupted something."

"I'll explain it when you come back," Light brushed him off, "But really. Everything's fine with you?""

"It was just a quick trip to DC," L nodded, "I'll be home soon. Promise. Why? Did you miss me?"

"Always," Light melted inside, "So, I'm assuming this is just going to be a quick layover and then, you'll be back here in another eight hours?"

"It feels like an eternity," L groaned, "I hate sitting in airports. But I figured I'd call you and it'd make it a little less hellish. What am I missing?"

"It's funny you mention that…" Light chuckled to himself, "Because I just accidentally came out to my dad."

"Excuse me?" L gasped, "What was that?"

"You heard me," Light reiterated, "I'm pretty sure I just came out to my dad. By kind of telling him about us."

"Without me?" L wondered, "I thought that was one of those things we were going to do together."

"I know," Light winced, "But like I said, things just kind of slipped and I've been running on autopilot all day. I just…"

"Light," L settled him, "It's alright. I'm not mad at you. In fact, I'm incredibly proud of you that you were able to do that on your own. That you didn't need me to hold your hand while you told him. What did he say?"

"I haven't gotten much of a read on him," Light admitted, "But I think he's alright. He said that at the end of the day, I didn't need his approval for anything and that it was my life to do with as I please. So, I guess that's good. Right?"

"I'd think so," L agreed, "Still, it would've been nice if I would've been there, too. But I understand. Touching moment between a father and son doesn't need the boyfriend playing third wheel."

"Thank you," Light smiled. Damn, I miss him.

"Light!" Soichiro burst into the boardroom, sweat pouring from his face, "You need to see this!"

"Ok," Light nodded, "L, I have to go."

"Go ahead," L let him go, "It sounds important."

"I love you."

"Love you, too."

Light hung up his phone and ran after his father, "What's going on?"

"It's Amane," Soichiro told him, pulling up her surveillance camera, "She's asking for you. She said she's willing to cooperate with any demands we might have if she gets to talk to you."

She's desperate. Misa's clinging to anything that might make her comfortable. As much as I don't want to use her emotions against her, my decency ship with her sailed long ago, "I'll go see her. Give me ten minutes alone with her and I'll see what I can do."

"Are you sure about this, Light?" Soichiro worried, flipping the switch on the cameras and the wires, "I know you two have a past and I know it wasn't pretty, but…"

"I'm sure," Light promised, "Like I said, kill the cameras and the wiretaps. I'll see what I can get out of her."

"Don't let her in your head," Soichiro begged, "You don't need to go through that again and L's still in Washington DC."

"Actually," Light corrected him, already on his way down to the basement, "L's sitting on a layover in Hawaii. He's doing alright, all things considered. He should be back in the next eight hours or so."

"That's good to hear." Because I'd like to have a word or two with him, "Good luck, Light."

"Thanks, Dad," Light got into the elevator and headed down to the basement. What kind of angle could she be playing? What good is it going to do her if she goes through me? It's not like I'm going to help her. I don't have any reason to. Not after everything she's put me through.

Still, Light pulled himself together and sat in the same room he conducted the initial interrogation in. What do you have to gain by talking to me? What kind of play do you have if it's me? You don't have a hold over me anymore, Misa. I'd sooner watch you burn at the stake before I helped you. Your DNA was here. I want to think you're being framed, but I don't think you are. Just how do you do it? Light took one last deep breath and watched the little red lights turn off. And we're completely alone. Light pushed the door open and swallowed his pride.

"Hello?" Misa broke the silence, "Is someone there?"

Light started taking Misa's blindfold off, "Hi, Misa."

"Light…" she sighed out his name as if he were some sort of god, "I'm so happy to see you."

"What did you want me for?" Light cut out the pleasantries.

"I needed to see you," Misa explained, "Please…Light…Please get me out of here. I was just doing as I was told."

"And who told you, Misa?" Light wondered.

"Light…" she started slipping, "Tell me…I did good…"

"Misa…" Light nudged her, "Come on. I need you to stay with me."

"And Mikami…" Misa's eyes grew heavier by the second, "We did good…We did good…"

And in those few seconds, Misa lost consciousness again. Light looked her over, making sure she still had a pulse. What the hell are they giving you, Misa? Light shook off her weird behaviors and headed back upstairs. Everyone had already come back inside and sat at the table off to the side. Soichiro was the first one to stand, "What did she tell you?"

"I didn't get much," Light admitted, "But I got a name."

"So," Aizawa got excited, "Who are we bringing in?"

Light gagged a little at the horrendous memories playing on a loop in his head, "Teru Mikami."

"The attorney?" Soichiro wondered, "What would she be mentioning him for?"

"He was her lawyer when we were still together," Light remembered, "She kept asking if they did good. I suggest we get him in here as soon as humanly possible. He might have something to do with this, too. Someone check forensics and see if we have him anywhere, too."

"On it," Mogi took that job.

"Thank you," Light pulled himself together. I'd do you so proud, L. At least I hope I do.