They didn't get out of the car until they were in the underground garage, jumping into the elevator immediately and up to their private floor.
"This is where you live?" Aki asked looking around the huge apartment when he was ushered in.
"Yes, this is our home," L answered, "Do you like it?" he asked. The five year old nodded and began to walk around.
"It's really big," he said, "My house isn't this big!" Light laughed and led him over to main room and sat him on the couch, turning on the television.
"Let's find something you would like to watch," he said flipping stations until he found some cartoons, "Now you watch while Ryuzaki and I get you something to eat. The boy nodded and Light ruffled his hair before leaving him to the cartoons. L and Watari were still standing by the door as he walked over.
"You all need to eat something, I fear this is going to be a busy night," Watari said, "L…I'll transfer everything I have acquired about the case to your computer," he said and L nodded.
"Thank you," he answered as Watari turned to leave, "I'll start tracking everything, if there is family out there we should warn them as well." Light grabbed his arm as he moved towards his office, making him turn to him in question.
"L…I…killed," Light told him quietly, "It's been on my mind since it happened…that I had killed. In all this time I've been on the force I've fired my gun but I haven't killed." L nodded and turned back to him.
"Yes, you did but you had no choice," L told him, "It was in the line of duty and in defense of all of us. I would have done the same had I not had the child in my arms." Light nodded and looked up at him sadly.
"But I haven't killed since…" he began and L stopped him.
"This is completely different, you must realize this." He reached up and caressed Light's face. "Although I don't wish to see you in distress, I am gratified that you feel so deeply about taking a life. But you should brace yourself, this may not be the last time in this case." Light nodded and squeezed L's hand.
"I love you," Light said with a sigh and leaned forward to kiss him, for a moment forgetting about the boy in the next room, but was quickly reminded when they heard a gagging noise.
"Eww you do the same thing mama and papa do!" he complained, "Mama said it was because they loved each other," he peered at them questioningly, "Does that mean you love each other too?" he asked. Light and L looked at each other and then nodded.
"Yes, we do, is that okay?" Light asked and the boy shrugged.
"I just won't look when you do the yucky stuff," he answered, "Like I do with mama and papa. See, I do this!" He put both hands up over his eyes making gagging noises. Light laughed and shook his head.
"Well keep hiding your eyes we're about to do it again," he said and then leaned into L to do just that. He rested his forehead against L's and sighed.
"I need to shower and get out of these bloody clothes," he said, "I'll be right back." L nodded and watched him head towards their bedroom.
L went into his office and grabbed his laptop. He came back and sat next to the boy on the couch, who was staring up at the TV with large eyes.
"This is a really big TV," he said, "Is everything in your house big?" L smiled.
"Not everything, just the important things," he said and turned to his computer.
"Ryuzaki, can I have a drink?" Aki asked just as he began to type.
"Of course," he answered and went to the fridge, getting him a bottle of water. He placed it on the table in front of the couch. "Here you are, try not to spill." He said and began to type, looking for the file Watari said he would send.
"I'm hungry," he heard from beside him, "Can I have ice cream now?" L stopped again.
"Watari is making us all dinner, it should be ready soon," he answered and before he could raise his fingers…
"But I'm hungry now." L closed his eyes for a moment and then turned to the boy.
"Just be patient, I'm sure it will be done soon," he told him.
"Mama always gives me a snack while she's making dinner," Aki said with a pout. He stared at the TV and then slowly turned to look at L. "When do you think Mama's going to wake up? Maybe tomorrow and we can go home?" L sighed and smiled at him.
"That's possible," he answered and was surprised when the boy suddenly fell against him, his tiny arms going around him as far as they could go, burying his face against L as he burst into tears. L reached down and gently pulled him up into his lap, holding him tightly against his chest as the boy cried against him. He began to gently caress Aki's back, making small circles with his hand. He remembered doing this with Mello after one of his fierce upsets as a child, and this was the only thing that calmed him.
Light walked out of the bedroom and stopped when he saw the scene before him. It was something he never imagined he'd see, and yet it looked so natural. He smiled and then walked over, sitting down next to them, reaching out and caressing the boy's hair.
"It's okay Aki," he said reaching for him once he had calmed down, "Why don't you let me take you, Ryuzaki has some work to do right now." The boy nodded and pulled his arms from around L's neck and reached for Light. L helped him into Light's lap almost reluctantly, something that wasn't lost on Light and he smiled at him.
"You never cease to surprise me," he said as held the boy, "There's always a new side to you that I haven't seen." L rolled his eyes as he reached for his laptop.
"I fail to understand why you're surprised, I lived in an orphanage surrounded by children his age," he remarked, "And haven't I always told you there is more to me than you know?" Light chuckled and then looked down as Aki pulled away.
"I have to go to the bathroom," the boy said rubbing his eyes and wiping his runny nose with his hand. Light grimaced and immediately grabbed his hand and held it away from him.
"Alright, come with me," he said standing up with him still in his arms, and headed down the hall to the second bathroom by the boy's rooms. He opened the door and put him down. "Do you need help?" he asked and the boy turned on him, true indignation on his face.
"I can do it myself!" he announced and shut the door behind him.
"That's good," Light called through the door, "And don't forget to wash your face and hands and blow your nose!" The door opened and Aki's head peaked out.
"Okay!" he answered and shut it again. Light laughed and walked back over to L.
"How are you feeling after your shower?" L asked him and Light shrugged.
"I'm okay I guess," he said and reached for him, "Just don't go too far away." L smiled and kissed him.
"I have no intentions of going anywhere," he said then turned back to his computer, "I would like to ask Aki if he has any grandparents or aunts and uncles but I don't want to upset him again right now."
"You haven't found anything?" Light asked looking at the screen.
"Not yet, but I've just started digging. I'm sure I'll find something," he stopped and looked towards the bathroom door. "Do you think he's been in there too long?" Light stood up and went to the bathroom and knocked.
"Aki? Are you okay?" he asked and opened the door when he didn't get an answer. He found the boy standing on his toes trying to reach the sink.
"Your sink is too high," he complained, "I can't wash my hands." Light chuckled and walked over to him, picked him up over the sink and turned on the water.
"Here you go," he said and watched as the boy diligently washed his hands and face. When he was done he put him down and handed him a large, fluffy towel against which the boy buried his face into giggling. When he was done he dropped the towel and ran back into the living room, jumping on the couch next to L. Light frowned at the dropped towel, immediately picking it up and hanging it back on the rack before going out.
"Aki, you can't just drop the towel on the floor," he said following him into the living room, "Remember to hang it back up next time." L shook his head and leaned over to the boy.
"Yes, by all means don't leave things lying on the floor," he said rolling his eyes and making the boy laugh.
"You be quiet, you still haven't learned how to pick up behind yourself," Light accused and before L could answer Watari came in with dinner and began to place it on the table. Light took Aki's hand and led him to the table to sit down.
"Now I thought you'd like something filling but not too heavy," Watari told the boy, "So, here is some Miso soup which is Light's favorite," he said placing a steaming bowl in front of the boy, "And then here is some grilled mackerel, brown rice and cucumber salad." Aki stared at all the food, then put his small hands together and closed his eyes.
"Thank you for the food," he said quickly then looked at Light and L, who looked at each other and then reluctantly put their hands together and repeated the thanks. He then smiled and began to eat happily.
"Well, it seems someone is going to teach you manners," Watari said with a grin as he poured Aki a cup of milk.
"Thank you Watari," L said reaching for his own meal and ignoring his remark, "How is the soup, Aki?" The boy barely stopped long enough to nod that it was good before putting more in his mouth.
"He wasn't exaggerating when he said was hungry," L told Light.
"Obviously not," Light chuckled and picked up his spoon for the soup, dipped it in then put it back. He then pushed the bowl away from him with a frown.
"What's the matter?" L asked leaning close to him so Aki couldn't hear him. Light shook his head and then smiled at him.
"Nothing really, I simply don't have an appetite right now. You keep eating, I'm alright." L's head cocked to one side as he gazed at Light
"That's not like you," he said and stopped when Light's return expression very clearly said "Leave it alone". He nodded at him then added, "But we'll discuss it later." Light looked away and then turned to the boy as he heard him call his name.
"Light…If I eat all my food can I have ice cream then?"
"Of course you can, and then a bath and bedtime," he answered and Aki smiled, nodding his head happily.
After dinner and ice cream, Light led the boy back into the bathroom while L cleared up the table and went back to work finding any relations Aki might have. He jumped up when he found someone, getting up and moving quickly to the bathroom.
"Light I found…" he stopped when he saw Light making bubbles with the soap and blowing them at Aki and making him laugh. The child's laugh was so much better to hear than the crying he had done before. He began to walk towards them when he stopped and sniffed the air.
"Do I smell strawberries?" he asked. "Have you been using my wash?"
"Sorry," Light said sheepishly and then shrugged, "When he saw it he wanted to smell like strawberries, it's one of his favorites."
"I see," L answered, "At least he has good taste. When you have finished, I have found something." He told him before walking out.
A few moments later, Light walked past him towards the bedroom, then a few moments later walked past him back to the bedroom moving a little faster.
"Is something amiss, Light?" he asked in confusion.
"Had to grab him something to wear!" he explained disappearing again into the bathroom. L put a thumb to his mouth in thought, but then went back to the job at hand; finding all the information possible on this newfound family member, especially how to contact them.
"Ryuzaki how do I look?" he heard and lifted his face to see respond to the request and then stopped before he could.
"Light gave me one of your shirts and it's way long so he said I can sleep in it!" Aki explained happily.
L's eyes gazed at the diminutive child completely covered in one of his white shirts, then scrolled up to rest on Light's face .
"Well…I don't really have any shirts suitable…I mean soft enough for a little boy's skin…you know, and I didn't think you'd mind." Light explained, L's face remaining impassive as he gazed at Light and then looked to the boy.
"I think you look fine," he told him, "And now Light and I have several things to discuss, it would probably be a good time for you to go to bed," he added and then smiled, "You've had a long day, you'll need your rest." The boy nodded and then suddenly ran to L, hugging him tightly.
"Night, night," he said and then went back to Light who smiled at L and then stopped when L did nothing but gaze at him. He cleared his throat and then steered the boy into what had been Near's bedroom. He turned the light on and watched Aki's eyes widen as he gazed around the room.
"There's toys in here!" he exclaimed running towards the shelves, "Can I play?" he asked and Light nodded.
"Pick a couple and take them to bed with you," he said and watched as Aki picked out what he wanted. He pulled the covers back and helped him get into the bed and settle into it.
"Thank you," the boy said as he slid in, "I can't wait to tell Mama about this when she wakes up," he said laying down on the pillow, his small body nearly disappearing in the large bed. Light sighed and tried to smile at the boy's words.
"You've been a very brave young man," he told the boy, "Your mother will be very proud of you." He stood up. "Do you want me to leave the light's on?" he asked as he walked to the door.
"Okay," Aki answered playing with the toys. Light nodded and watched him for a few moments. "Good night Aki," he said, "We're right outside if you need anything." The boy nodded, his attention completely on the toys. Light then quietly walked out and closed the door behind him.
L was waiting for him right outside of the door and held out a glass of wine to him.
"I think we both could do with one of these right now," he said with a smile, "And you'll be glad to know that I'm going to let it slide that you took one of my shirts without asking." Light took the glass and leaned forward to kiss him.
"Thank you," he answered and took a sip as they walked back to the living room. "It really was the softest item for him and he looks almost as cute in it as you do."
"Don't push it, Detective," L told him walking back to the couch and Light laughed.
"Alright, I'm done. So you said you found something?" he asked as they sat down.
"Yes, an aunt," L said picking up his laptop. "It took a bit of digging, apparently she has stayed away from the family for quite a while, broken all ties."
"I wonder why," Light said taking another sip, "a big family fight?"
"I have no idea yet, but she hasn't been in contact with Aki and his family since he was two. I've found emails between Aki's mother and her sister, and I'm beginning to think it has something to do with her husband and his…extra business activities. I'll assign one of my contacts to follow her trail from her last known address and get back to me immediately." He turned away from the computer and studied Light.
"You didn't eat dinner, I hope you realize that I wasn't going to let that go." He told him.
"I hoped you would," Light admitted as his fingers played with his glass, "I simply don't have an appetite right now, but I'm fine." L finished his wine and stood up.
"While I reach and instruct my contact, you should get ready for bed. I know what's eating away at you, and it's best if you put your mind at ease by getting some rest." Light nodded and finished his wine.
"I'll check on Aki first," he said and stood up and began to walk towards the bedroom. L moved behind him, wrapping his arms around him and kissing the back of his neck.
"You had no choice Light," he told him, "Had you not killed him, he surely would have killed both of us andd taken the boy. "
"I know," Light answered pulling away and turning to face him. "I know what you think my problem is, but my problem isn't that I feel guilty or badly about killing him. That isn't really why I'm having so much difficulty with this." He looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers and L could tell he was fighting internally as to whether he should say what was really bothering him, or if he even knew how.
"Light, you know you can tell me anything, it's alright and we can deal with it together." He told him, hoping it would ease him into telling him what was really wrong. Light looked up from his hands, but didn't look directly at L.
"He was exactly the type I used to kill before, the type that deserved it," he turned and looked at L, a familiar gleam in his eyes that unsettled L. "My problem is that I felt that rush I used to feel when I wrote the names. That high, that rush of power and it felt…good."
"That isn't completely surprising," L answered, hiding the concern he was feeling. He reached up and caressed Light's face before running his fingers through his hair. "Whatever the reason you are feeling the way you are, I believe rest is needed to combat it. Check on the boy and then go to bed, I'll be there shortly." He leaned forward and kissed him softly, then pulled away and headed towards his office.
Light watched him go then quietly opened the door to the bedroom. Aki had fallen asleep, the toys clutched tightly in his hands, and had managed to kick off all of his blankets. Light walked over and pulled them back over him, tucking him in. He reached down, moved hair from his face and sighed.
"I'll make sure they all pay for what they've done," he whispered, then turned and left the room, stopping one last time to look at him before closing the door.
L pulled his knees up against his chest, his thumb to his lips as he went over what Light had said to him. The Kira part of him had been all but dead for such a long time that he thought it would never come back. It never occurred to him that the possibility of his killing someone in the line of duty would bring those feelings back and now that it had, how deep would they go? He'd have to keep a close watch on him and have a plan in mind if he saw Light slide back further. But for now he had to get his contact moving on finding that aunt and getting back to Light.
When he finally had everything set up he unfolded from the chair and stood up stretching. He walked from his office to the bedroom and stopped at the door. It seemed Light was sleeping peacefully and for that he was grateful. He undressed and slid into bed next to him, getting into his favorite position with his head on Light's chest. He closed his eyes and hoped that listening to Light's breathing would help him sleep like it usually did, but the worry in his mind wouldn't let it happen. He lay in the dark, his arm tightly around Light, formulating a plan of action in case he needed one.