Author's Notes: Okay, new chapter... A lot happens here, and I'm sorry I crammed it all in so much, but I thought I needed to move on a little... As always, tell me what you think. And in addition to your review please answer this question:

What is your most favorite song in the world?

Cheers)

Raito gasped, horrified. No, no, this can't be happening... Please, NO! He slowly sat down, cradling L's upper body to his chest, shaking. He can't die... No... Please! I just found him, I love him, please, please...

Tears spilt from his eyes, ruining any resolve he'd had. He knew he looked pathetic now, crying, but for the first time in his life it wasn't about dignity. I am useless...

"L..." He whispered, brushing off stray locks of jet-black off his lover's forehead. "L... Please don't die... Don't you dare leave me, L! L!"

L looked up at him and smiled weakly. His hand feebly reached out and stroked Raito's cheek. Then his eyes shut.

"NO!" Raito shook with sorrow and anger, holding L to his chest. "No..."

He looked up at the task force, finally noticing them, standing there, open-mouthed. Why are these idiots standing around?! Do something!

"Find the shinigami." He gritted out through his tears. "Find Rem."

They nodded, too shocked to say no, and ran out of the room without any words.

Raito was left alone on the cold tiled floor. He looked at L's beautiful face, not wanting to believe. He closed his eyes, praying that when he opened them, it would all be a dream. He sobbed silently, eyes closed, trying to block out reality.

"Raito? You're crushing me."

His eyes flew open and he let out a yelp, seeing L's eyes open. He scooted to the furthest corner of the room, away from the ghost.

"Raito! Raito. It's fine. It's me. I didn't die."

Raito shook his head, knowing this was probably just delirium. He rocked back and forth, tears spilling out of his eyes, shaking with fear and anguish.

"L" took a few steps toward him, reaching out. Raito whimpered as the cold hand touched his cheek and opened his eyes, finding's L's mere inches from him.

"Raito, it's me." The hand stroked his face comfortingly. "I'm a vampire, remember? I can't die."

That brought Raito up short. He was ready to smack himself on the forehead. No, kill L and then smack himself.

"Y-you're alive?" He hiccuped.

L nodded. "Were you really so worried for me?"

"Well what do you think, L?! How would you feel if the only person you've ever loved died in your arms?! You idiot! You arsehole!" Raito proceeded to scream and kick every inch of L's body he could find.

"Raito! Calm down!" L put his arms around the still-thrashing Raito. Raito hit L's chest, knowing it would do little to him.

Slowly, gradually, the sobs quieted down, and soon Raito found himself warm in L's arm. He inhaled L's scent, not ever wanting to let go.

"Why did you do it?" He mumbled into L's chest.

"Why? I did it to get rid of Rem, and Misa. You see, Rem killed for Misa, at least intended to. Now she's nothing but a pile of dust and we can arrest Misa as Kira."

"But... How did you know about it?"

"I did a lot of research. Turns out there's only one way to kill a death god. And we vampires, still have names and life-spans, just like everybody else. Ours, though, are a cover. To seem human to the unsuspecting."

"Your life-spans are fake?" Raito pushed himself up to look into L's eyes.

"Yes. I found out quite recently, and thought it might work to our advantage, and it did. One thing I can say for sure - a lot about us vampires is trickery. Now don't ask why, I now very little about it."

"I won't." Raito answered, snuggling closer. "The important thing is that you're here with me."

They sat in silence a little, enjoying the closeness, breathing each other's air, sharing tender words and small kisses.

"Well," L began quietly, knowing that this would be the time to decide. "Time to go."

Raito's eyes snapped open.

"Go? Where?"

"Home. Now come on, the task force will be here any minute."

L stood up, getting out a bag and shoving random items into it. Raito watched as papers, gadgets and files were thrown into the bag, his mind short-circuited. Go?

"Home?" Raito looked up at him.

"My home."

Finally, it dawned on Raito. It's too soon...

"I'll never come back to Japan, will I?"

L stopped and looked at Raito.

"I don't think so."

Raito looked down. "I see."

"Well..." L paused, sighing. "You can stay. But then we won't see each other again."

"And we'll both die."

L nodded.

"I'm coming with you. I don't want to lose you." Raito quickly made up his mind.

"Good. Then here you go." L passed Raito a sheet of paper and a pen. "Write a note to the task force. I think you know what to do. I'll be waiting for you in the car."

Dear Father and everyone else,

Thank you for helping us out. I can tell already that at least two of you know something is going on. L faked his death in order to kill Rem. Don't ask, it is what it is.

L and I are going away, out of Japan. I don't know if we'll ever be coming back here, but I think it's a rather high chance - 89,67% to be exact - that we'll hear from each other. I will work with L. He is keeping an eye on me - a part of our deal.

Something you should know - Misa was indeed the second Kira. Please find a way to help her - she didn't do it on purpose - seeing as she isn't the brightest person in the world.

The Kira case is closed. The case files are on the table - as are the official excuses. You can use them, or you could use this letter against both L and me.

I forfeit the Death Note. I think it would be better if you burnt it.

Kira.

Raito.

***

Raito let himself into the black Mercedes, sighing.

"Hey." L smiled slightly, scooting over to hug Raito. "You okay?"

"I don't know." Raito shook his head, answering honestly. "It's far too soon."

"I know. I'm sorry. But this is the best way." L rubbed Raito's shoulders gently, soothing him. Raito smiled bitterly, feeling tears slide down his cheeks.

"It's okay."

"Must be hard, leaving your family behind."

"They're better off without me." Raito said soberly. "I told them to burn the Death Notes."

"That's good." L nodded approvingly.

"Though, why didn't I loose my memory, since I gave them up?" Raito said thoughtfully, quickly racking his brain for any recollections. They were still there.

"Maybe because you're not entirely human anymore." L shrugged.

"Oh?" Raito paused. Not entirely human... "What am I then?"

"Just... My Raito." L smiled a little, putting his arms around Raito.

"Your Raito?" Raito cocked his head, looking L in the eyes. "I like it."

"Good."

***

"Raito. Raito. Wake up." Raito felt L's feather-light touch on his cheek. He opened his eyes drowsily, taking in his surroundings, as well as his lover's face hovering inches above his own. They were still in the car.

"You need to get up, we don't want to miss our plane." L smiled softly. Raito stretched his limbs and cocked his head playfully at L.

"Don't you turn into a giant bat?" He teased, grinning.

"Keep this up, and I just might." L smirked, stroking Raito's hair. "Come on."

L got out of the Mercedes first, holding the door for Raito gallantly. Raito got out and nearly did a double take.

In front of them was a huge black-and-silver jet with an ornate 'L' on the side. It was humming steadily, ready for the journey. Watari was talking to someone, probably from he airport right next to it. He waved as he saw them.

"Is this..." Raito cleared his throat, hearing his voice go up an octave. "Is this yours?"

"Mine and Watari's, technically. Do you like it?" L smiled.

"It's beautiful. Unbelievable..." Raito trailed off.

"Then it's yours, too."

"What?" Raito's attention snapped back to L's face.

"Well, we're kind of family now, by vampire standards anyway... Half of what's mine is now yours. We're Oh, that reminds me. Raito," He turned fully so that he was facing his lover. "You know I'm not exactly the most romantic person out there... But I want to do this the right way, so..."

In matter of a second, L was down on one knee, holding out a small golden band.

"Marry me?"