The Sweet Taste of Silver

by LumiOlivier

Email after email...It only made Light sicker to look at them. Final notice. Past due. Expulsion threats. He knew going to one of the best schools in the country would be pricey, but that's what his scholarships were for, right? At least until they start running out. At least he'll have his internship...And his new employer. (UPDATES EVERY TUESDAY)

61. Having Your Cake and Eating It, Too

A/N: Hi, friends.

So...Last week, you guys know I wasn't here. In more ways than one. And I wasn't going to put you through that. But I appreciate the love you all poured into my inbox. It was lovely and I love all of you. I'm still not quiiiiite alright, but I'm better than I was. And besides, at the time I'm posting this, the processes of my newest nephew coming into the world are underway, so I can't complain about that.

But...We do need to talk.

Look, we've been hanging around here for a little over a year. And it's been great. It really has been. I liked coming here on Tuesdays and sharing this mess with you. But...This is the last chapter. Everything's getting buttoned up right here and now. It's long as hell because I missed last week and September's going to go through a new schedule change for the month and I can't stretch this for another week. And I highly suggest getting a snack and a drink. Especially if you haven't eaten or drank anything today. So...I'm going to miss you. And even when I'm not here, if you're new to this a year or two or more down the road, feel free to say hi. I'll be here. Probably. I mean, I've been at this for six years. I'm pretty sure I'm not going anywhere. But...Yeah. I love you. I'll miss you. And...The ending...? Well, you'll see.

I'll see you around, my loves. x

Light said it a million times. He was ok. He was ok. He was more than happy to handle bringing Mikami in. Light would lure Mikami in like he had a panel van saying free candy on the side. However, Light wasn't overly enthused about being Mikami's sweet of choice. I'll be ok. It'll be a quick in and out, if I have my way. Then again, it's Mikami…When have I ever had my way when it came to Mikami? No. I'll conduct the interrogation without Mikami realizing it and be out as soon as I can. That5 didn't make feel any less dirty for what he was about to do. As he stood outside his usual meeting spot with Mikami, Light did his best to pull himself together.

I know I'm not. I know this is for the good of the investigation. If that's the case, then, why do I still feel like I'm cheating on L? If I were to stray, I definitely would find someone better than Mikami. All things being equal, I'd give Takada a call first. Unless I really wanted to hurt him. Then, I'd take Mello up on his offer. He wasn't half bad to look at and his boyfriend had a certain charm to him, too. Light still couldn't shake Mikami out of his head. Despite hating himself for it, Light knew what he had to do.

"Light?" L spoke into Light's earpiece, "Can you hear me?"

Yeah," Light kept his voice down, "I can hear you."

"Are you doing ok?" L asked, spinning around in his desk chair back at task force headquarters, "you can still back out of this, you know. We already know where Mikami's going to be. If all else fails, we can just bring him back here and interrogate him then. That's not a problem."

"And risk exposing him to you again?" Light scoffed, thinking back to that soft, gentle blush that swept L's cheeks while he wired Light up in the first place, "Not a chance. If it means keeping you safe by sacrificing a few minutes of my time to Mikami, it's worth it."

The thought of Light dealing with Mikami on his own made L queasy. But Light's pure heart melted him all the same, "All you have to do is say the word, Light. We'll be there…I'll be there."

"I know," Light smiled. I love you, too, "I got it handled."

"Keep in mind," L warned him, "This is not the same Mikami you knew. He's much more dangerous this time around. Don't do anything…"

"Out of line," Light cut him off, "I know. I told you, L. I got it."

"I was going to say not to do anything stupid, but I suppose out of line works, too."

Love you, too, asshole. Light could almost hear the smirk in L's voice, "I'll try my best."

"Be careful…Please."

"I will," Light promised, "Besides, I have a date tonight and I hate to keep anyone waiting."

"Behave yourself."

"With Mikami or on my date?" For a brief moment, Light forgot to professionally conduct himself. And in all honesty, he didn't care. If all went well, Light knew he wouldn't have to be professional with L ever again. They could run off into the sunset and leave this mess behind.

"Light…"

"Light?" an instant knot tightened in Light's stomach. Only one person could do that. Even Misa's shrillness wouldn't make Light as queasy as what Mikami could.

"Mikami…" Light tried his best to keep himself under control. But things weren't exactly looking bright, "Hi."

"It's just like old times," Mikami put a hand to Light's cheek, "Isn't it?"

"Yeah," Light's skin tightened up. Happy place. Happy place. Happy place, "Just like old times."

I didn't want to be with you then. I sure as fuck don't want to be with you now.

"You're alright, Light," L assured him, his voice soft and gentle in Light's ear, "I'm still right here. I'll be with you every step of the way. I know it's Mikami and I know this is hard for you, but I'm still right here."

"Thank you for meeting me, Mikami," Light forced a smile on his face, letting L's voice put him at ease.

"I'm glad you called," Mikami got the door, "I really did miss you."

"I figured," Light bit the inside of his cheek, already hating himself for what would come out of his mouth next, "I missed you, too."

"Maybe…" Mikami and L may not see eye to eye on many things, but there was one thing both men could agree on. If they both had their ways, they'd both have teeth marks in Light's ass cheeks. And despite Mikami having the view, L had the honor and privilege, "Maybe we should sit down."

"Sure," Light's knees already wanted to buckle underneath him.

Meanwhile, back at task force headquarters, L knew what was about to ensue. The more L could protect Light, the better, "Mr. Yagami…If I could make a suggestion…"

"Of course," Soichiro allowed, "What is it, Ryuzaki?"

"You might want to sit this part out," L insisted.

"What?" Soichiro looked at him strange, "What do you mean? We're about to finally crack this and you want me on the sidelines?"

"It's not necessarily that," L explained, "Let me put this into perspective. This interrogation is going to make my stomach turn. And I usually have no problem with this sort of thing. Given that this is…my friend dealing with a past abuser that could very well be the killer we're after, I can only imagine how well this would sit with you. Considering that's your son."

In that moment, Soichiro understood. He's trying to protect me? How…Unlike you, Ryuzaki…But appreciated, "Thank y9ou, but I think I'll be alright."

While L rolled his eyes at Soichiro's decision, Light sat at the bar with Mikami, praying to be anywhere else. If Mikami had his way, he'd take me upstairs and do the most unspeakable shit to me by now. I don't need this. But an idea popped into Light's head. One that he knew would add onto the pile of self-loathing he already had going on, but it'd be worth it. Maybe that's what we should bank on. Use Mikami's libido against him. It could finally do some good in the world. Granted, it could horribly backfire, but it's worth a shot. Whatever works…As long as it works.

"How have you bee3n?" Mikami continued to get an eyeful of the beautiful creature in front of him, "It feels like an eternity since I last saw you. Even thought the last time I saw you was at the NPA ball. Do you remember?"

"I remember," Light gagged a bit. Of course, I remember. I try to forget it entirely, but I remember that as the night L got me the hell out of there. I remember that as the night that…The night I fell in love with him.

"I wish I would've taken you home with me that night," Mikami purred, "I would have in a heartbeat. I should have."

"I know…" You made that perfectly clear. One more night would've turned into you keeping me in your basement and me never seeing sunlight again. Hard pass.

"The guy you were with…"

L perked up immediately. Yes? What about me? I kept your hands off something…someone who didn't belong to you. And that still stands, "Light, change the topic as soon as you can. I am none of Mikami's business."

"What's his story?" Mikami wondered, "I only heard of him as Mr. Ryuzaki. And he got awfully territorial over you."

"I'm not his business, Light. He doesn't need to know anything more about me. Change the subject."

Light was stuck, caught between a rock and a hard place. I have to make this believable. One wrong move. One wrong answer. One misstep and I'm screwed. I don't need to piss Mikami off either. Sorry, L. I can handle you a little upset with me better than you could handle me dead, "He's just my boss…Or at least he was."

"Was?" Mikami asked, his heart skipping a beat, "What happened?"

"Light…" L wasn't sure where he was going with this, but he knew one thing for certain. He didn't like it. He's not supposed to go off book like this, "We don't need conversation. We need a confession. Change the subject."

"We don't need to talk about him," Light laughed nervously. Trust me, L. I have plan. If he had the inkling we were ever romantically involved, he would want to know who hurt me. I just need him to take the bait. That's how we get the confession. Trust me. I know exactly what I'm doing. Come on, Mikami. Take my sob story.

"No. Please," Mikami begged, "Tell me."

Got him, "There's not much to tell. I started working for him. We got close. He got a little too close. I told him to back off. He was fine with that. But…"

"But what?" Mikami practically jumped down Light's throat, anxiously waiting to hear more.

"But…" Light let out a little sigh, "I didn't expect him backing off to mean him ignoring me entirely."

"How could anyone do that to you?" Mikami gasped, taking Light's hand, "You know I'd never do that to you…Don't you, Light?"

"Of course." That's right. A little closer. A little more, "But like I said. There's not much to tell."

"What were you doing for him?" Mikami dug deeper.

"Just the casual assistant work," Light told him, "Nothing overly exciting. The occasional busy work he didn't want to do himself. Do you know how many coffee runs I had to make for him? He couldn't even do that much."

"Such a shame," Mikami cradled Light's cheek in the palm of his hand, sending chills down Light's spine. And not the good ones, "Your gifts were squandered on such menial tasks."

"It wasn't all bad," Light shrugged.

"Casually insulting your boss is a little uncalled for," L scolded him, "Unless you want him to be your former boss…"

"It was nice to get out of the office once in a while," Light thought, brushing L's comment off. Please. You wouldn't fire me. That would mean getting rid of me completely and you like the occasional distraction.

"You know," Mikami moved his hand from Light's cheek to his thigh, "I just got rid of my secretary…if you're looking."

"I don't know if I even want to leave the house anymore," Light flinched under his touch. I hope I'm not giving Mikami any ideas…Or L for that matter, "Not when there's still that serial killer walking the streets. I'm sure you've heard about him."

"Of course," Mikami nodded, "That is part of my job. But why would you be worried about him? You don't fit his profile."

"What profile?" Come on, Mikami. What do you know? Tell me everything.

"He only goes after people who deserve it," Mikami twitched a bit, "If it were me, I'd leave him alone. In that list of deserving people, it seems he'd go for anyone in his way, too. But I couldn't blame him. He's making the world a better place."

"But why?" Light pressed on, "Why should one person make that decision? What gives him the right to choose who lives and who dies like that?"

"Does anyone question God?" Mikami snapped, "Does anyone question His decisions? No. He is an agent of God! He does His work! Why can't people see that?"

Light jumped at Mikami's sudden outburst, his heart racing out of his chest, "L…"

"L?" Mikami looked at him strange, "The detective? What about him?"

"I'm still here, Light," L promised, "You're alright. You're doing great. Keep going."

"Do you think L could be behind it?" Light relaxed a bit, recovering better than he thought he would.

"Not in the least," Mikami growled, "They call Him a killer."

"Well…" Light pointed out, "Wouldn't you? He does kill people."

"No," Mikami clarified, "He's not a killer. He's a savior. He's saving us. Right now, He's doing His good work. He's cleansing the scourge off this planet and making things better. He's getting rid of those who make this world worse. His word shall be law. And anyone who breaks God's law shall have great judgement cast down upon them. They will be deleted from a world they don't deserve!"

Either Mikami really believes in the cause…Or I just got his confession. Light did his best to keep calm, but he couldn't help his honesty for a moment, "Mikami, you're scaring me."

"No…" Mikami let out a soft gasp, pulling Light closer to him, "No, no, no. You don't ever have to be scared, Light. You don't have to worry. You'll be safe."

"Whenever you're ready, Light," L told him, "We'll be waiting outside."

"Thank you," Light laid his head on Mikami's chest. However, Mikami wasn't the one getting Light's gratitude.

"Of course," Mikami cradled him gently, "Oh, Light…I missed you. I missed you so much."

And I don't need you to run, "I missed you, too."

"It's a shame Misa got to you before I did," Mikami gagged, "But where is she now? And where are we?"

"She doesn't matter." It's bad enough I have to deal with you. I really don't need to be3 thinking about Misa, too. Light had Mikami right where he wanted him. He just needed the last part of his plan to fall into place. I'm going to need a shower after this, "Hey…Mikami…?"

"What is it, Light?" Mikami was more than eager to please.

Light turned on the charm a bit more, curling into Mikami's lap, "Do you remember what happened the last time we were here?"

"Absolutely," Mikami swooned, eating Light's affection up like it was his last meal, "We went upstairs. I brought you to the bed. And I had one of the best nights of y life. I haven't been able to exist the same way since."

"Well…" Light traced his finger up Mikami's chest. I'm not doing it. I refuse. I already promised myself I'm not sleeping with him. I wouldn't fuck Mikami again if he paid me, "I was thinking we could go upstairs…"

"Really?" Mikami squeaked, "You mean it?"

"Yeah." Fuck no, "I think we should go upstairs."

"Ok," Mikami couldn't turn down the chance of sex with Light. And Light knew it, unafraid to exploit that fact.

The two of them headed upstairs to a hallway of doors. Light could barely keep anything down, but he tried not to let this get to him. And for the most part, he was doing ok. Until Mikami opened their door. A dark room with a dim, red glow was opened to them. And Light knew it all too well. Suddenly, all of his time he spent with Mikami came flooding back into his thoughts. He could feel his heart pound out of his chest and his vision narrowing. Light's fight or flight response screamed at him to run as far and fast as he could. But he froze entirely. I won't do it. I'm not sleeping with Mikami. He's not touching me and I sure as hell won't do anything for him. I want this to be over. Make it stop. Make it stop!

"Light…?" Despite wanting to tear Light apart, Mikami couldn't help himself. He noticed something wasn't exactly…ok with Light. And he'd be stupid to be blissfully unaware of their time together. Mikami knew Light was only having his one night with him to get him off his back. You need to relax, Light, or this isn't going to work, "Are you ok?"

"Keep your clothes on, Light," L demanded, "You're not cut out for gigolo work."

"It's been a while…" Light blushed, "Hasn't it?"

"But it's alright," Mikami brought Light down to the bed, "I remember the last time we were in here. And I just want this to be for you what it was for me."

"And…" Light's shaking didn't get any better, but he knew what this was for. He knew what was coming. And it sure as hell wasn't either him or Mikami, "What was that?"

"Do you know why I hated you and Misa together so much?" Mikami brought Light down to the pillows.

"Why?" Because she was a raging mega bitch that treated me like shit? Because that's why I hated Misa and me together.

"Because she didn't appreciate you," Mikami whispered in Light's ear, his words ringing back in L's ear and setting L's blood to boil, "Because she would never worship you like the god you are…"

"He's not wrong…" L agreed, "I wouldn't go as far as to say a god, but he has a point."

"Let me worship you, Light," Mikami moaned, softly kissing the spots on Light's neck he knew drove Light crazy, "I am merely your humble servant…Did I make you proud? Did I do your work as you asked? Tell me I made you proud…"

"Actually, Mikami…" Light squirmed under him, "You think we could play a little game?"

"Anything for you…"

"Good," Light took control a little more. This wasn't his first time in their room. He knew where everything was. He knew what to get. Light reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled out a pair of handcuffs, "You think we could put these on?"

"I didn't think we were getting into bondage tonight," Mikami smirked, "I see someone's getting adventurous."

"No, no, no," Light settled him, "I'm not the one wearing them. I know you said you wanted to worship me like a god, but…What if I were to repay your good work with a little fun?"

"Oh…" Mikami wasn't sure what to think, "Why do I get the honor?"

"It's like you said," Light attached one end to Mikami's wrist while he threw the chain over the piped headboard, "Do you question the will of your God?"

"Of course not," Mikami shook his head.

"Well, well, Light," L giggled, enjoying the mortified looks on the other members of the task force, "I didn't think you had it in you. Maybe you're more cut out for gigolo work than I give you credit for."

"Good," Light tried his damnedest not to giggle at L's comment, "You stay right here. I'll be right back. I'm going to go back to the bar and get us a drink. For after."

"Ok," Mikami laid on the bed, his arms above his head, "I'll be waiting."

Light walked out of their room and headed downstairs, his skin still crawling and his body intact. I might be cut out for gigolo work, but I am definitely not cut out for homme fetal, "L…?"

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

"Whenever you're ready," Light allowed, "Go ahead. But whoever you send in, I suggest you send someone with a strong stomach. Mikami's handcuffed to the bed in room 312 upstairs."

"Good. I'm proud of you, Light. You did good tonight."

"I'm just glad it's over," Light walked out of the club and found Mogi and Aizawa waiting for him, their faces covered.

"You doing ok, Light?" Aizawa wondered, "That Mikami guy seemed like…Well, let's just say I'd rather deal with Ryuzaki on a day he got good sleep over that."

"That's very sweet of you, Mr. Aizawa," L awed in the earpiece, "And here I thought you hated me."

"Wait…" Aizawa froze, "How did he…?"

"I'm still mic'd up, Aizawa," Light laughed a little, in desperate need of some cheering up, "But thank you. I'm alright. Or at least I will be. Mikami's handcuffed to the bed upstairs. Have fun."

"What?"

Light didn't have it in him to explain kink to Aizawa. However, the handful of officers that came back with Mikami restrained to the best of their abilities was just enough to put Light's mind at ease. Mikami's shouting, on the other hand? Not so much, "God, please! God, save me! Have I not done your work? Are you not satisfied? Please, God, save me!"

"Shut up," Aizawa gave Mikami a little thump on the head, "No one's coming to save you."

"God, please," Mikami tried to reach out for Light, "Please…Save me…"

"No one's saving you, Mikami," Aizawa growled, quietly ordering the other officers to get Mikami into the car as soon as possible, "Go on, Light. Didn't you say something about having a date tonight?"

"Yeah…" Light blushed a bit, "What about it?"

"I'd say you more than earned it," Aizawa admitted, "Go ahead. You probably shouldn't keep them waiting."

"Alright," Light wasn't sure what to think about Aizawa's sudden change of heart. It had him scratching his head, but then, everything became clear. He's giving me a distraction. He's giving me something else to focus on instead of what could've been.

Instead of going straight back to the task force headquarters, Light took a walk. He knew Shinjuku after dark could be messy, but it's nothing he never dealt with before. Right now, he just wanted to clear his head. Teru Mikami. Misa Amane. Who would've thought they'd be capable of such…Atrocities…? They killed so many people…Just when I thought I knew them. Well…I knew one of them. Both of them biblically. And they hated each other. Which begs the question. Why didn't one kill the other? That would've been a bit of poetic justice.

When L and I agreed to start seeing each other…No…Even before that. When I first became his assistant, he told me he wouldn't have a problem getting my vengeance against Misa. I didn't think it'd ever escalate to this. Maybe it's selfish of me to think this, but something good did come out of this. If this case wouldn't have brought L here, who knows if we ever would've met? He'd still probably be in London. He'd still probably be dealing with Near and Mello. But at least we have each other. Light shook off his feeling of what if and sat on a nearby bench down the street. It's too bad I didn't actually get a drink while I was with Mikami. I could use one of those right about now.

"Light?" L murmured into the earpiece, "Where are you?"

"Was I not supposed to leave the crime scene?" Light wondered, "Sorry. I needed to get out of there."

"No, no," L settled him, "I understand. That's perfectly alright. I'm not going to stop you. It's mostly out of curiosity more than anything. Where are you?"

"I'm about a block away from the commotion," Light looked down the street at the flashing lights, "I couldn't be there anymore."

"I already told you, Light…" L took his earpiece out and tossed it in the alley, making sure it broke under his foot.

"L…?" Light started to worry. It's like the connection dropped, "L?"

"I told you I'd be with you every step of the way," L took the empty seat next to Light on his bench. And without another thought, Light threw himself into L's shoulder, his entire body shaking uncontrollably. All L could do was hold him, "And I also told you that you could back out any time you wanted. I'm so proud of you, Light. You didn't have to hold out that long, but I'm so fucking proud of you."

"Save it," Light shook it off, "If it meant me never having to see Mikami ever again, it was worth it."

"So…" L ran his fingers down Light's spine, "It looks like this case is buttoned up. What should we do now?"

"Not tonight," Light shot him down, "I just about did with Mikami. That's the last thing on my mind right now."

"Oh, no, no, no," L shook his head, "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Light, but there's a time and a place for that. Hell, I wouldn't even suggest Odaiba at this point."

"I could stand Odaiba," Light thought, "Maybe for a week or two. But I wouldn't want to get out of bed."

"In the sleepy way or the sexy way?"

"Sleepy way," Light giggled, "Jesus, L, where's your blood flow these days?"

"Sometimes in the right places," L told him, "Sometimes, it goes south for the winter. We can plan all the trips we want later. Let's think somewhere more short term for right now. You want to go home?"

"Not for long," Light decided, "Before we go anywhere, I need…"

"A long, hot shower?" L figured.

"God, yes," Light sighed out, "I don't think they make water hot enough after that."

"I'm sorry, Light," L held him a little tighter, "I never wanted that for you. You know that."

"I do," Light curled into L's lap a little more, "Hey…L?"

"What?"

"It's all over," Light smiled a bit.

"It is," L confirmed, watching the limo pull up, "Chances are, Mikami will be tried tomorrow, enjoy his sentence, and we'll call it a day then. But for now, get in the car. I have all intentions of going off the grid entirely tonight and I'll be damned if I do that without you. But first, you earned the shower."

"Thank God," Light approved, "I need to get the manwhore off me."

"Hey…" L stole a quick kiss from him, "I love that manwhore. That manwhore just brought in the most horrific serial killer in history. Both of them, if we want to get technical. I don't want to hear any more self-deprecation out of you."

"Fine," Light slid into the back seat.

"I was thinking Nakameguro tonight," L suggested, "Is that alright with you?"

"I can do Nakameguro," Light agreed. L's favorite green tea, the river…Not surprised that's where we're laying low.

"Good," L pulled Light back into his shoulder, "I love you."

"Even after I had to be the manwhore?" Light teased.

"Homme fatale," L corrected him, "We went over that."

"I know," Light shut his eyes for a moment or two. It's over. It's finally over.

By the time they got back to task force headquarters, Light wanted to skip Nakameguro altogether. The thought of curling up in bed with L and going (back) to sleep sounded like a perfect way to cap the night off. Maybe a drink or two. Maybe a glass of wine while he was in the shower. But he didn't care. Anywhere with L was good enough for him. And L wasn't much different. As long as Light got away from Mikami, he didn't care. When they got out of the car and walked in…Well, to say they got a hero's welcome would be a gross understatement.

"Welcome back," Soichiro beamed, beyond proud of his son, "So, Mikami…"

"I wouldn't be surprised if his execution was already scheduled," L thought, snaking his hands up Light's shirt and getting the wire. It might have caught Matsuda off guard, but Soichiro knew better. However, he wasn't expecting L to be so bold in front of him, "I don't mean to be morbid, Light, but you don't want to stick around and watch that, do you?"

"Not particularly," Light shot him down, "I'm not that big of a sadist. Don't get me wrong. I hate the guy, but…Not enough to watch him die."

"Just thought I'd ask."

"So," Matsuda hoped, "Does that mean…we can all go home now?"

"That's right, Mr. Matsuda," L confirmed, "It's time we all go home."

"Finally," Matsuda let out a heavy sigh of relief, "So, what do we do with Misa-Misa?"

"Misa Amane isn't to be let out," L ordered, "She did help lead us to Mikami, but that doesn't absolve her of her crimes. We'll see if we can get her life in prison instead of a death sentence. Not that I don't appreciate your go-getter attitude, Mr. Matsuda, but please get some perspective. We just closed this case. We're all tired. I think we could all do with some rest."

"Except for Light," Matsuda teased, still unable to read a room, "He said he had a date tonight."

"I do," Light nodded, a little smile gracing his face.

"So?" Matsuda wondered with bated breath, "Who's the lucky girl? What's her name? What's she look like? Does she live around here? Does she have a sister?"

"My god, Matsuda," Soichiro laughed, "You are truly hopeless some days, you know?"

"Why do you say that?"

"Because, Mr. Matsuda," L explained, watching as Light went up the stairs without saying a word, an even bigger smile on his face, "That lucky girl is me."

"Really?" Matsuda gasped, "You and…?"

"That is still the plan, right, Light?" L called up to him.

"Yes!" Light yelled back, giggling down the hall. Hard to believe I love him.

"Good," L made himself comfortable in his chair as a member of the task force one last time, "Now, if you need me for the next twenty-four hours, I will not be made available. Between Light and me going out tonight and our well-deserved sleep, I think we earned the peace and quiet. And Mr. Matsuda, if you could do one last favor for me?"

"Um…Sure?" Matsuda wasn't sure how to feel. His head was on the verge of exploding. Dammit…Well…Miss every shot you don't take, I guess.

"Don't tell Mr. Aizawa about Light and me," L reclined his chair back, "I'd hate for him to think he's right."

"What aren't we telling Mr. Aizawa?" Aizawa and Mogi walked back in.

"If Mr. Aizawa was supposed to know," L told him, "He'd know by now. Although, I really do appreciate what you said to Light, Mr. Aizawa. Very touching."

"It just goes to show what kind of piece of shit Mikami is," Aizawa grumbled, "So, Chief, does that mean we can all go home now?"

"I couldn't say it better myself," Soichiro agreed, "We should all go home. And let's just…Take the rest of the week off…And the weekend."

"If you'd like," L suggested, "Take the next month off."

"That sounds nice, Ryuzaki," Mogi thought, "But we still have bills to pay and a roof to keep over our heads."

"Watari," L shut his eyes, "Do we still have the money set aside for the task force?"

"Yes, we do," Watari nodded, "Shall I begin the transfers?"

"Immediately, if you don't mind."

"What money?" Aizawa wondered.

"Contingency plan," L brushed him off, "Let's call it your reward for sticking it out this long. It should be able to keep you for the next month and then some."

"Thank you, Ryuzaki," Soichiro gave him a nod, "For everything."

"Believe me, Mr. Yagami," L assured him, "It was my pleasure. Also, Watari?"

"Yes, Ryuzaki?" Watari perked up from his spot on the couch, "What is it?"

"Can you send a fruit basket to the Yagami household, please?" L requested, "I've been meaning to do that for the longest time, but I thought it'd be weird to ask that of Light."

"A fruit basket?" Soichiro looked at him strange, "What would we be getting a fruit basket for?"

"The note will explain." The trick will be figuring out how to say thank you for having unprotected sex to make your son in the most tasteful and respectful manner. Watari has always been a wordsmith. He can figure something out, I'm sure. L got up from his chair, "Now, if you'll excuse me, gentlemen. I'm sure you can see yourselves out."

"Wait, L," Aizawa stopped him, "What are you going to do now?"

"Well," L confessed, "I have to ask someone incredibly important to me a very important question. That is, if that's alright with you, Mr. Yagami."

"Yes," Soichiro knew what L meant. Only two people in that room knew what L meant. Three, if we count Watari. For the last year, Soichiro watched his son fall in love without ever knowing what was transpiring. Consider this my apology for being so blind, "And I wish you all the luck in the world."

"I appreciate it." But I don't that'll be necessary. This is just four words. Four words and one answer to determine the rest of my life. Of our lives. I just hope those four words turn into three letters. L started walking up the stairs, "It was a pleasure and an honor working with you, gentlemen. Thank you for all you've done."

And just like that, L disappeared into his apartment, the water still running in the bathroom. Jesus, Light. You've been in here for half an hour on your own. But I understand. You need space. Still, L couldn't help himself. His voyeuristic tendencies decided to kick in. On the other hand…It wouldn't be the first time I've seen you naked. With reckless abandon, L snuck into the bathroom, struggling to see through the steam cloud hanging in the air.

Light stood in the cascade of hot water with a smirk on his face, "Are you just going to stand there or are you going to join me?"

"Some things are sacred, Light," L sat on the vanity, "I'd say a post-dealing-with-your-asshole-ex shower is one of those things. Especially when it's a Mikami."

"So…" Light stuck his head out from behind the glass, "Even when I ask you nicely, you're not going to join me?"

"Any other night, I'd be more than happy to," L admitted, "But as much as I'd like to, I have plans for tonight and we're kind of on a time crunch. So, if your high maintenance ass could hurry this up, that'd be fantastic."

"Who the fuck are you calling high maintenance?!" Light squealed.

"You," L got one quick kiss out of him, "Now, again, hurry that sweet ass up. We got shit to do tonight."

"I thought you said we were falling off the grid," Light went back to his shower, "What could we possibly have a time restraint on?"

"The tea shop closes in two hours," L snapped, "And some of us need to unwind a little. If I miss out on that, I'll be pissed. We don't need that."

"Alright, alright," Light turned the water off and grabbed a towel off the rack, "I'll hurry up."

"Thank you," L left Light to his devices and went into their bedroom. He cracked open the nightstand drawer and smiled. It's not much longer. I can't believe I'm doing this. You can forgive me, can't you, Naomi? Of course, you can. You never wanted to get married. And for the longest time, I thought we shared that sentiment. But you went and got engaged…And I suppose in your own way, you still never got married. I just hope this doesn't have the same, gruesome end.

The sound of the blow dryer in the bathroom nearly put L to sleep. The steady, gentle hum put him at ease. He curled up in the middle of their bed and shut his eyes, doing everything in his power to keep himself from falling asleep. Yes. That one. I want that one. I want that one for the rest of my life. If it's just Light and me, I think I'll be ok. I'll be more than ok. For once, I think I'll truly be able to know what it feels like to be happy instead of pacified.

"Alright," Light walked out of the bathroom in his usual button up and sat at the edge of the bed, "Don't get me wrong, L. I know these were two separate instances, but if this is like the time you fell asleep before we had the chance to have sex, I'm going to be very upset."

"No," L promised, "I'm awake. Resting my eyes for a minute. Lost in thought."

"What kind of thought?" Light laid next to him.

"Just…Thought."

"You ok?" Light wondered.

L flopped over on Light's stomach, "What have I told you from day one, Light? You're not ever the one that has to worry about me."

"That hasn't stopped me before," Light sat up and kissed his forehead, "I'm serious. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," he promised, "I'm more than fine. I'm…Wonderful."

"Then, show me Nakameguro," Light took his hand, "You were the one that said you were chomping at the bit to leave."

"Alright…" Whiny pain in the ass…Hard to believe I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

And just like that, L and Light got back in the limo and headed off to Nakameguro. The place where their relationship started. Where they shared their first kiss, albeit somewhat catching Light off guard. The magic of the river providing the backdrop. Where Light first vented about Misa without L knowing exactly who he was talking about. And where that relationship was finally let go. And it was all because of him. And Light wouldn't trade him for anything. Now, he understood the feeling of wanting to scream it from the rooftops as L had been wanting to do for months.

But things were quiet between them. L and Light had a comfortable spot by the river. It's not like they had nothing to talk about. They both just brought in one of the…no…the worst pair of serial killers the world had ever seen. Granted, they were both exhausted and relieved it was over, but neither one of them could speak. However, words never had to be used with those two. L could read Light's face like an open book. Light knew what every single touch L gave him meant. It's just the way they were.

"Light…" L broke the silence, "Can we talk?"

"I was wondering which one of us was going to cave first," Light laid his head in L's lap, "What is it? Is everything ok?"

"Everything's fine," L assured him, his heartrate spiking, "Everything has been more than fine since the day we met."

"Look at you, getting sentimental," Light teased him a bit, setting L's nerves at ease, "What brought this on?"

"If we're being honest," L confessed, "I've been thinking about it a lot lately. Ever since we came back from the London trip. Did you ever wonder why I wanted to go to Washington DC so quickly after our trip to London?"

"I figured it wasn't my business," Light shrugged, "If you wanted me to know, I trusted you to tell me. But you didn't, so I figured you didn't want me to know."

"Not in the moment," L agreed, feeling that heavy weight in his pocket, "But I want to tell you now."

"Alright," Light wasn't going to push him, but he could see how hard L pushed himself, "Didn't you say you had some business to take care of in Washington DC?"

"I went to see Naomi, Light," L spoke flatly, "That was my business. I went to see Naomi. Don't get me wrong. I love you. But there were some things she'd understand better than you."

"Really?" Never saw L much as the type to go to cemeteries. Or even have any sort of belief in that kind of thing. Just when I thought I knew him, "What did you tell her?"

L couldn't keep the smile off his face if he wanted to, "I told her about the investigation. I told her about my time in Japan. Most importantly, I told her about someone who had stolen my heart the second I saw him walk into my hotel room in Omotesando."

"Gee," Light wondered, "That wouldn't be me, would it?"

"I still have those pictures," L giggled, "The ones Watari was so kind to take for me."

"And what you do in the shower is your own business," Light nuzzled his face in L's thigh, appreciating the muscle tone.

"But it's more than that," L went on, "When I was talking to Naomi, I had an epiphany. And as nice as it is to talk to her, I needed to see someone on this side of the veil, so I decided to see her sister. You'd like Nina. She's sweet. And her daughter's something else. Look, Light, I know I told you my stance on domesticity, but…This is all your fault."

"What did I do?" Light squeaked, "I don't remember ever crossing any lines. Not like you have."

"And I apologized for that," L retaliated, "But you didn't exactly do anything wrong. It's just…You made me change my mind. You know where I went after I left Nina's?"

"Um…" Light thought it through, "The airport? You don't like to stick around places when your business is done."

"Not the airport," L reached into his pocket, "You know, Light…I always liked you in diamonds."

"I know," Light glanced down at his wrist, well aware of how much L liked him in diamonds.

"Which made me get you this," L opened the little box, showing off the shining white gold band in the velvet inlay.

And Light's heart stopped, "L…What is that?"

"Not many can say I've fallen in love with them," L admitted, his hand in Light's, "And even fewer can say they've ever made me change my mind once I've set it. But only one can ever say they've done both…And…Well…I didn't think I'd ever say these words. After everything that happened with Naomi…I thought that this was like handing off a death sentence. And I never ever wanted that to happen to you. But I knew you were different. You've been different since day one. And I could never put my finger on you. Just when I thought I had you relatively figured out, you'd throw me for a loop. Every single time. And I love you for it. So…"

"So…" Light spoke softly, knowing exactly what L was trying to say.

"I…" L could hardly speak at all. And Light could tell what was coming. Yet, somehow, L pushed through, "Light…I don't want this to go away. Please…Will you…?

Light wiggled the ring on his finger and wrapped his legs around L's waist. He buried his face in L's neck, "Yes…I thought you'd never ask. I knew you'd never ask. But I'm not the only one that throws loops in this relationship."

"I love you, Light," L held him tight, "I love you so much…"

"I love you, too," Light stole a quick kiss, "So, we're doing this…We're really doing this?"

"I just have one favor to ask."

"Name it."

L ran his fingers down Light's spine, "Don't tell Sayu yet. Give it a week or so. Let's enjoy what we got now."

"Deal," Light melted inside, his heart about to burst. Just when I think we'd never get married…You go and surprise me.

"So," L suggested, "You want to go home?"

A shadow out of the corner of Light's eye caught his attention, "In a second. I'm going to go get some tea cakes. This is definitely something we should celebrate."

"Alright," L let Light off his lap, "I'll be in the car when you're ready."

"Ok," Light kissed L's cheek and went to the tea shop. Or so L thought. Light slipped into the alley and leaned against the brick. I can't believe he did it. He actually proposed.

"Well, well," a voice cackled from the dark, "You seem to be doing awfully well for yourself, Light."

"I am," Light agreed, "I couldn't be happier. My shitty exes are out of the way. One of them is scheduled for execution in the morning. The other's going to serve life in prison, away from any sort of adoring fans. The man I love broke down his last wall for me…Life is good. It's a new day, Ryuk. Let's make the world a little better, shall we?"

"Are you going to be a little smarter about how you use that notebook this time?"

"I have to be. All my scapegoats are out of the way. Oh, well. Come on. We have work to do."