A/N: Thanks again to all those who alerted/faved/reviewed this story. it means so much, and feedback is always welcome. (:

Also, I have the next chapter planned for the most part, so it should be up soon. Enjoy. ~

Chapter 5: Disguise

"Hey, Lawli, wake up. ~"

The raven-haired man opened his dark-rimmed eyes slowly, gradually adjusting to the sunlight that streamed into the room through the large window's slightly parted curtains. He smiled at seeing the one who had awakened him, sitting only less than a foot away, smiling back.

"Good morning, Beyond." L stretched his arms above his head and yawned a bit before rolling over onto his back to look up at the high ceiling. "...What time is it?"

There was a slight pause before B answered, "Almost eight, I think. I'm surprised you slept this late..!" BB was still smiling kindly when he scooted closer to L, ruffling the young man's hair gently and wrapping a thin arm around him.

"I know, I am surprised as well. But it felt nice to get some rest."

"I imagine it did, especially after yesterday," Beyond Birthday retorted with a teasing tone and a suggestive wink. L let out a nervous chuckle, and B could have sworn the detective's pale cheeks were dusted with the slightest hint of pink.

My lovely detective, B thought to himself, watching as the object of his affections sat up slightly and rubbed at his tired eyes. He looked like a china doll, or perhaps a ghost or a corpse: his flawless skin was like porcelain, as white as the silk sheets that pooled around his delicate body; his wild, unkempt hair was black like ink to match the dark circles that surrounded his wide, obsidian eyes; a small smile graced thin lips as he watched the world beyond the nearby window. Such a pity that others did not see this L, the one that hid from the judging eyes of others behind a carefully constructed mask. At the same time, a part of Beyond was glad, that the young man only felt he was able to show his real self around B and no one else.

"B?"

"W-what is it, L?" It took a few seconds for B to shake himself from his thoughts.

L's smile grew just a little wider and he tilted his head to one side. "You were staring at me. Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine. I was just thinking about how much I love you, is all."

"Hey, L?"

When L opened his eyes, there was no window, no gentle beams of early sunlight; no soft, comfortable bed with silken sheets and velevet pillow covers. And no Beyond Birthday. There was one bed with a slightly stiff mattress that creaked far too much, a thin pillow beneath his head, and a disgruntled-looking brunette sitting beside him.

"...What is it, Light-kun?"

"It's getting a little late, and the others will be here soon. Don't you think we should get going?"

"Yes, I suppose Light-kun is correct." A glance at the digital alarm clock Light had insisted upon proved the quick passing of time, and L slid from the bed, shivering just slightly when the air hit his bare torso.

"Are you okay?" Light was standing as well, looking as if he had been headed for the adjoining bathroom.

"Yes. ..Why would you assume that I was not?"

"L, you were shivering." Light paused to study the odd detective before shaking his head and continuing to the bathroom. "You've been acting even stranger than usual since the other day."

L sat perched on the toilet, staring at his bare feet while the sounds of running water hitting the floor of the shower filled his ears like a waterfall. Was he really acting that strangely that Light, someone who had become accustomed to his various quirks, would point out his behavior? In all honesty, he knew sooner or later Light would catch on; he was an extremely intelligent individual after all. He just missed his 'other half', so to speak. He and Beyond Birthday had been apart for quite some time, and he could only hope that his doppelganger would forgive him.

The old, worn sneakers into which he had crammed his feet made no noise on the white tiled floor. The hallway seemed endless, doors on each side. He paid them no mind for the most part, keeping a watchful eye on the lady that led him through the maze-like building. Though L did his best to keep his mind off the Kira case, he could only wonder how Light had fared, left chained to Watari so the detective could 'take a break', as he had explained it to the agitated teenager.

"Are you really here to visit /him/?"

"Of course I am."

The woman shook her head, stopping in front of one of the doors (identical to all the others, of course) and placing her hand on the knob. "You know what he's done, don't you?"

"Yes. …I just want to see him, is all."

"Very well." With that, the door swung open, revealing a room that, beneath the fluorescent lights, appeared blindingly white. There was a small, stiff-looking bed pushed against one wall, and a damaged mirror hanging on the opposite wall. No windows, no books, nothing. In one corner, was a huddled figure clad in clothes that looked too large for his scrawny body.

"B."