Author's Notes: All righty, this one is going to be a little shorter, kind of an explanation chapter. Will Raito and L find out what exactly happened on the roof?
They sat on the bed, on either side, looking at each other, not speaking, trying to understand. Finally, Raito broke the silence, still unsure if he wanted to know what he was about to hear.
"So... L..."
"You can use my real name, Raito-kun."
Raito's amber eyes widened a little, but he nodded:
"Only if you drop the stupid honorific."
"All right."
They smiled at each other, knowing what the other was about to say. It was crazily fascinating. Both Raito and L always wanted to know what the other was thinking, and now they were both allowed the luxury of sharing each other's thoughts. It was like nothing they've experienced before... Overwhelming, but somehow so right...
"Lawliet..." Raito paused, as the name seemed alien to him. He just realized just how little he knew about the older man, but that didn't prevent his wanting to throw himself into L's arms. "What happened... Um, what are you?"
"I'd think Raito would realize by now, with that sharp wit of his." Murmured L. "I'm... vampire."
"Vampire?"
"Yes, Raito. I drink blood to keep myself energized."
"That's why..."
"That's why I look sleep-deprived, because I don't sleep. And I only eat sweet things, because they're the only nourishment next to blood that keep we from dying." L answered, watching Raito's reaction. Please don't be disgusted... Please don't leave me...
"Why did you... Drink my blood?" Raito asked carefully. He felt he already knew the answer, but he needed to hear it from L.
"Your scent... I've longed for you blood since the day we met. It was like your blood called out for me. I figured if I were to die, then why not give in just this once? Though the question that worries me the most is why you're still alive." L tried to keep his face straight, expressionless, which was really difficult, considering it was the moment.
"You mean, you..." Raito's eyes widened in horror and resentment. "You were fully aware that I would die if you did that?"
"Yes."
"Is that all you can say?" Raito looked downright scandalized.
"What else is there to say? I wanted to drink your blood and so I did. There's nothing less, nothing more, Raito. I am a predator. I hurt others for my own benefit. Much like you, Kira-kun." L deadpanned.
Raito opened and closed his mouth comically a few times, for the first time in his life unsure of what to say or what to do.
"I know. I know it was you, Raito. Just like you somehow know my real name, I am 100% sure you're Kira."
Raito nodded, sighing. I thought if would be harder to lose...
"What are you going to do?" He asked quietly.
"I would turn you in, but seeing as something is definitely out of place here, I will go to Watari for advice. You living after I drank half your blood..." He trailed off, mumbling.
"Is Watari...?"
"Yes, he's a vampire also. He's my creator. He might be able to help." L hopped of the bed. "You, of course, will be coming with me."
Ignoring Raito's protests, he dragged him out of the room.
***
"Watari, may I?" L knocked politely and peered inside the huge room.
"Sure, come in. What is it, my boy?" Watari was sitting in a huge plush armchair, sipping a cup of tea. At least I think it's tea, Raito told himself and shuddered. He wasn't sure what was happening anymore.
"Oh, you brought young Yagami Raito with you. Well, do sit down." Watari gestured to the comfortable-looking sofa in front of him.
"Thank you." L answered, dragging Raito down onto the couch with him.
"What seems to be the pro-," Watari stopped and sniffed. "My, my... Lawliet, did you... Is that the scent of Raito's blood I smell?"
L shifted uncomfortably.
"Yes." He peeked at Watari from under his bangs. "This is why we're here... Obviously, something's wrong."
"You mean the fact that Raito is still alive?" Watari asked, watching Raito closely.
L nodded.
"Well, there's only one explanation to this. And you know perfectly well what it is."
"No, I -,"
"Denial, my boy, is never the answer." Watari paused. "What this is... Congratulations, L. You've found your mate."
"Impossible."
"Though true."
"Excuse me for interrupting this um, enlightening conversation, but can you tell me that the hell you're going on about?" Raito snapped, irritated that he was treated like a piece of furniture.
"Oh." Watari eyed him pleasantly. "I trust it, L hasn't told you?"
"Correct." Raito cooled down a little, merely unable to be angry at the old man. Vampire. Whatever.
"You see, Raito, there is a vampire legend that for every vampire in the world, a human mate exists. Not many find their mates, because they wouldn't know until the moment the human's blood touch the vampire's lips. But you, gentlemen, are exceedingly lucky, if I may say so."
"This is just a hypothesis-," L began.
"Based on centuries of vampire experience." Watari smiled and continued. "Being bonded is similar to being married - you stay together forever and provide for each other. You see, now that you've marked your mate, you have to complete the ritual, otherwise the consequences may be severe."
"Ritual? Consequences?" Raito asked, his head spinning from all this nonsense.
"Otherwise, you two will die in three days." Watari said calmly, as if he was talking about the weather. Raito glanced sideways at L, who was now sitting wide-eyed.
"When you've bonded, it's very simple - you just keep each other happy. Mates are always romantically attracted to each other, it's something that cannot be undone. And if one of you dies, the other follows. Now, the only blood L will be able to drink is yours, Raito. Your body is automatically making more blood enough for both you and L. If L dies, you'll end up having too much blood. If you accept this, though, you will both be content, in love, and immortal. Yes, you too, Raito. You will live with your mate forever."
Raito and L sat on the couch, dumbfounded.
"Y-you mean," L's voice shook. "We have to live together?"
"Don't say it as if it's bad. Soon, you'll be finding each other's company very pleasing." Watari smiled. "Now, if you don't mind, I need to do some work, and you two look like you need to process everything. Good day."
L nodded and stood up, shaking. He looked down at Raito and offered him a hand. Raito looked surprised, but accepted nonetheless. They walked towards the door in silence, both too shocked to speak.
As he opened the door, L turned to Watari and asked:
"Watari, that ritual you were talking about... What exactly..."
"I'd think you were smart enough for that, L." Watari's eyes glinted. "Sexual intercourse might solve your problems."
Author's Notes: Yeah, how's that? =) Review? Anyone who reviews gets a cookie from L =)