Death Note 1. Chapter 1

**Hey everyone. This is my first story I've posted, not written, and I hope it'll be good like some of the other great fanfics I've seen. I don't know if I'll be able to update regularly but I'll do my best to get chapters up quickly. In this story Light isn't Kira...L just thinks he is. Please comment and review so I can hear all of your lovely thought. Critisism I don't mind but and flames I don't wanna hear. Don't like Yaoi? Then don't read. For you who wish to keep reading enjoy! ^-^**

L sat in his chair by the computer, staring at the screen without truly reading the material on the page. After an earlier argument L had finally allowed Light to have a day to himself, though only for three hours, and the young teen had yet to return. It was starting to anger him that the boy had abused his trust and he scowled at the screen. Light was not being let out again until he was cleared. That was for sure.

It was approximately thirty minutes later when Matsuda's phone went off. He flashed an apologetic look at the team before answering it. "Hello?" There was a pause and his brow furrowed. "No that's not my name...are you sure this was the name and number he gave?" Another pause then, "Who did you say this boy was?" They all watched curiously as Matsuda listened to the call. "Hmm if your positive then maybe I know who your looking for." He stood and approached L. "It's a call for a Ryuu," he explained, "I think it may be for you." took the phone between his fingers and carefully held it up to his ear.

"Hello?"

"_Is this Ryuu?"_ A female voice asked.

"Yes," he replied, curious, "And who is this?"

"_I'm Nurse Aiko from Tenshibu hospital. We have a young male here who gave this name and number before passing out. We'd like to have you identify him if you could."_

"What happened to him?"

"_I can't reveal that until you positively know him. That would be a breach in confidentiality._" L sighed.

"Alright I shall be up soon." With that the call ended. He stood, turning to Soichiro, "I'd lie you o come with me if you would," He said. The elder man nodded and L turned back to one of the monitors. "Watari get a car for me and Soichiro."

"_Where to L?"_

"To Tenshibu hospital." He ended the connection and started out the door, Soichiro close behind.

The whole way to the hospital L wondered who could have been asking for him and what had happened. He wasn't sure if he wanted the answer quite yet.

"He's this way," Kyoko, a petite, young, blonde nurse told them. They followed her down the white hallways until they found the room they were looking for. As soon as L saw the boy lying in the bed he froze, breath stuck in his throat. It was hard to tell from his disheveled hair and bruised face and, once the nurse pulled back the blanket, torso, yet L made him out quickly. He stood there, shocked, and forced out a question.

"What happened to him?" He demanded, "I know him...now tell me what happened."

"From what we've gathered he's been severely bruised and," she paused briefly, "He's been raped as well." She swallowed nervously. "A lot..." Soichiro pushed past him, staring at the broken body on the bed.

"Oh my god," he breathed, "Light..."


	2. Chapter 2

**Here you go, another chapter. Sorry about chapter one. It didn't want to post right. Anyway I'm trying to get it fixed as quickly as possible. I hope L and Light don't seem to OC but I figured they may have a right to act a bit more emotional in this kind of situation. Anywho Enjoy!**

L sat next to Light's form in the darkness of the room, legs curled up under him in his signature crouch. Soichiro had been finally convinced to go home and sleep as long as L stayed with him, since he had no need to sleep, and informed him the second something happened. As time wore on L simply watched Light's calm face, wondering what exactly was going on in his head. He watched Light's eyes flicker rapidly behind his lids but other than that he had stayed perfectly still. "I wish you'd wake up already," L murmured, tipping his head back. He wanted to know what had happened. He didn't want to wait.

It was then that he heard a small noise. He looked around, wondering where it was coming from, before his eyes locked onto the boy lying on the bed. Light's body had tensed, hands gripping the bed beneath him. Again a small noise escaped him, and it took a few moments before L realized what it was. A small whimper of fear.

"Light?" L questioned, shifting to look at the boy more closely.

Light's breathing sped up and L stood, approaching the bed. He gently laid a hand on Light's arm and the teen jerked slightly. With a sigh L sat on the edge of the bed and brushed Light's hair out of his face. Another whimper escaped he teen and, feeling awkward, bent to give Light a swift hug. He felt a shudder pass through the body below him before hearing a soft "L-L?"

"Light?" He pulled back, looking into the dull amber eyes that were now watching him. "You're awake." Light didn't reply. As L studied him he noticed how lifeless the teens usually bright eyes were. It didn't even seem like Light was looking at him...more like looking through him.

"Do...you all know?" Light asked softly.

"Only what the hospital's told us," L replied smoothly. He wanted to say something to help him, but what could he say? That it'd be alright? That he understood how Light felt? He wasn't going to lie to the teen, so there wasn't much he could say. Light gave a sigh and closed his eyes again. L was about to say something when Light spoke.

"You're definitely not like other people," He murmured, "You don't sugarcoat everything." He opened his eyes again, looking at L again with his blank stare. "I'm kind of glad I guess."

"I can relate to that at least," L said, "I would not want to be lied to in this state." A sad looked flashed over Light's face but before L could process it, it disappeared. " I should call your dad and let him know you're awake."

Light watched him closely. "You'll come back after?" L nodded, worried about the teen, before turning to walk out.

He made the call and quickly made his way back to light's room. The boy's eyes were closed, as if he were sleeping, and L made his way back over to the bed. Gently, as if worried the teen would break, h brushed his fingers over the large bruise on Light's face. He felt his heart clench and sucked in a breath. He'd never felt like this before...and he wasn't quite sure how to deal with it.

Light's eyes fluttered open and glanced up at him distantly. L went to draw back his hand but Light grabbed it. Neither boy said anything for a while. Finally L felt he need to break the silence.

"Do you need anything?" He asked softly. Light sighed and shut his eyes.

"Just...stay here." L nodded even though Light couldn't see it and sat down on the edge of the bed once more. This version of Light...this was the one he wanted to be around. This was the one he hoped would stay around.

Light's breathing evened out as he fell asleep once more. His hand was still holding L's wrist and L gave a soft smile. He knew he was acting different but there was no one to see. For now it didn't matter how he acted. He gently moved and laid next to Light, smiling when Light curled into him. Within moments the insomniac fell asleep for the first time in a while.


	3. Chapter 3

**Here's chapter 3 everyone. I'm glad for what reviews I've gotten so far. All your appreciation for this piece makes me really happy that I've finally gotten some positive comments from people. Thank you all very much. It's readers like you who give me inspiration to keep writing. Keep the reviews coming if you guys want more chapters.**

When he finally woke up he noticed that Light was watching him. Containing a blush the elder male sat up, pulling himself free from the embrace. "How do you feel?" L asked. Light just stared at him for a few moments and L mentally smacked himself. That was a stupid question considering what had happened to Light.

"Alright I suppose," Light replied and turned away.

"You don't need to lie for my sake." Light turned his gaze back to him. Despite looking not so much like a ghost as yesterday his eyes still held a haunted look.

"I know," He said softly, "I'd rather not talk about it quite yet." Yet. Maybe someday then, Light would. "Perhaps I'll answer some questions when I get out of here." L nodded. He couldn't ask for anything more from the teen...could he? He decided against it. The last thing he needed was for Light to get all defensive around him again.

"Alright," He answered simply before looking towards the clock. The digital device read 8:23. Light's family would be here soon. He inwardly sighed and got up off the bed. Light looked at him carefully, something dark glimmering within the amber orbs.

"Something wrong?" Light asked, voice almost lifeless. L got into his chair, in his usual crouch of course, and looked to him.

"Nothing at all," He answered. Light's shoulders slumped a tiny bit and L continued. "I simply figured that, after what has happened, your parents would not appreciate another male sleeping in bed with you." Light grimaced slightly but nodded. L glanced at him before asking, "Hungry?"

"Not really," Light said, bringing up a hand to rub awkwardly at the back of his neck. He flinched at the movement and allowed his hand to fall limply by his side.

"You should eat," L stated, observing the boy carefully. Light sighed and leaned back.

"Yeah, I know," He muttered. L stood and Light's gaze followed him.

"Good," He said seriously, "Then I'm getting you something to eat." He turned and exited, recalling the teen's uncertain words from last night.

"_You'll come back after?"_

_'It's as if he thinks we're going to just walk away from him,'_ He thought, ignoring the voice in the back of his head telling him that he'd in fact done just that.

When he returned to the room, a plate of food in his hand, he found that Light's family had finally arrived. His mother was smiling sadly while clinging to her husband, and Sayu was on the bed, clinging to her brother and crying. Light looked up from where he was consoling his sister when he entered. "Thank you Ryuuzaki," He said simply. He shifted Sayu in his arms and took the plate from him, eating but not enjoying it. He was going to leave but, upon seeing the apprehension in the teen's eyes, he hovered in the doorway. Light seem comforted by this and visibly, or visibly to L at least, relaxed and returned to consoling his sister.

It took ten minutes for Sayu to stop crying, and even then she clung to Light and refused to let go. "Sayu," Light said gently, "I'm not going to disappear. You don't need to hang on so tightly." Sayu loosened her grip slightly and sat back, arms still wrapped around his neck.

"I-I know," She sniffed lightly, "I'm just worried for you." Light smiled sadly and hugged her, burying his head in the crook of her neck. For a few minutes they stayed like that, L and Light's parents looking on silently. Sayu pulled back, cupping her brother's face gently. "Light?" She questioned, "Are you crying?"

"Ah?" He puled away, quickly wiping a hand over his eyes, "I guess I was." L watched as Light's parents gave him knowing looks before Soichiro took Sayu's arm.

"You seem tired Light," Soichiro said, "We'll leave you to rest."

"Alright," Light said, looking up and giving them a small smile despite the small wet spots on his cheeks. "Thanks for coming by." Soichiro went and hugged him before ushering his wife and daughter out. L watched them go before returning to Light's side.

"They were happy to see you," L commented. Light nodded but didn't reply. L sighed and sat down next to him as Light dropped his head, hair shielding his face. He reached a hand out, hesitated slightly, then laid a hand gently on the teen's back. Light looked up in surprise. "You don't need to look so shocked you know," L said smoothly, "You also don't have to hide behind these shields you've conjured up to protect yourself." Light sighed and leaned against him, closing his eyes gently.

"I know," He whispered softly, "I just don't know how to deal with everything I'm feeling right now."

"And what are you feeling?" Light's eyes opened, dull amber staring blankly at the wall.

"Scared," He murmured, and the broken tone of his voice squeezed at L's heart like a vice, "And alone." Light shut his eyes again, tipping his head back. "God I just..." He trailed off, unable to continue. L, unsure of what he should do, just wrapped his arms around the broken teen and cradled him to his chest.

_'Don't worry Light,'_ He thought, _'You don't have to be alone. Not anymore.'_


	4. Chapter 4

**Here's chapter 4 everyone. I'm glad you guys are enjoying this piece so much. Lately I've been toying with the idea of Light being attacked again but...let me know what you guys think. You'll just have to wait and see whether I do that or not. Anyway finally L and Light's relationship grows a bit. Enjoy!**

A few days later Light was finally allowed to leave. The local police had questioned him, since L and the team were not allowed to be involved due to everyone being close to Light, and finally he was able to go home. Yet, despite this, he had made a shocking statement. Instead of going home, Light said he was staying at the hotel with L, claiming that he had not yet been cleared as innocent and would return to L's watch until the detective had done so. Now the pair was alone in their old shared room, cuffs sitting on the bedside table as Light sat on the bed with L standing in front of him. Watari was somewhere in the hotel room but other then that they were perfectly alone. "Are you sure you want to do this?" L asked warily. Light only nodded.

"Like I said earlier," The teen stated, "I'm not clear yet. Besides I'm not letting my...accident...get in the way of the case." He paused in his sentence, searching for the right words to describe what had happened. L eyed him skeptically.

"There's something else isn't there," L stated. Light closed his eyes and groaned.

"You're too damn perceptive," He stated softly. He let out a breath and ran a hand through his hair. "But you're right. The main reason is..." He trailed off, ending his statement in a mumble.

"What?" L asked, unable to hear him.

"I feel safer with you nearby. Okay?" Light said, dropping his head into his lap, "I mean what if something else happens? What if they come back and decide to do it all over again since it worked so well the first time? What if someone else decides I'm easy picking to be their whore?!" Light's voice had steadily gotten louder and more desperate with every 'what if', and L felt sorry for him. He sat next to him, looking at the wall.

"If putting the cuffs back on is what you want-"

"It is."

"-then I won't deny you. However I can assure you that it will not happen again." Light looked at L in confusion, a hint of tears shining in his eyes.

"No offense L but how the hell can you know that?"

"I can't," He admitted. Light looked ready to say something, probably to accuse him of lying, but L cut him off and continued. "I cannot know that for certain...however I can ensure that, when I'm around at least, it shall not happen. That is all I can promise." Light stared at him, mouth slightly agape, and L tried to not focus on the teen's mouth. The last thing he needed was for L to make him uncomfortable because he couldn't control his urges. _'Out of everyone on the planet I had to fall for this Light who's probably the straightest person on the planet,'_ He thought with a mental sigh, _'Nothing can be easy can it.'_

He was cut out of his mental brooding when Light smiled at him. "Thanks," He said, "That actually makes me feel a bit better." L nodded, inwardly happy but outwardly emotionless, and picked up the cuffs. Light held out his left arm without complaint and L, in compliance with the teen's wishes, clicked it in place. Light flinched slightly as the metal cuff clicked into place but made no other move. L snapped the other end of the cuff onto his right wrist and crawled to the other side of the bed. Light watched him move and cocked his head in question.

"Is Light not tired?" L asked. Light shook his head, still watching L curiously. "Still you should get some sleep. We have work tomorrow." Light nodded stiffly and slid into the bed. They'd both gotten ready, well more Light had gotten ready, before placing the cuffs on so they wouldn't have to deal with the hassle afterward. Light shifted so that he was facing away from L, the detective watching his movements. Once he'd settled L shifted closer and wrapped his left arm around Light's waist. Light immediately tensed and looked over his shoulder.

"L?" He questioned, voice on the verge of shaking.

"Just relax Light," L said softly, "I certainly am not going to hurt you." When Light didn't seem convinced he sighed and laid his chin on Light's shoulder. "Just enjoy it," He murmured. Light froze, eyes wide and tried to squirm free from his grip. L mentally slapped himself for saying that. He'd need to filter his words better in the future.

It took almost twenty minutes to calm the teen down, which L found slightly disturbing since he was usually always calm. Whoever had attacked him had done a great job of rattling the teen. That much was obvious. When Light finally relaxed into L's grip the older male breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed like Light wasn't trusting anyone anytime soon.

As the remainder of the week passed by Light became slowly more comfortable with L hugging him or holding him as he slept. In fact it became a regular occurrence once the task force had left. L hadn't asked anything of what had happened yet, but tonight he was finally going to ask some of the most crucial things that were driving him slowly insane. The police hadn't figured out anything and, truth be told, it was starting to get on his nerves.

"Goodbye you two," Soichiro said as he bent to hug Light before he left. L noted how the younger male flinched slightly but allowed the hug anyway. It was clear to L that Light was still trying to act normal to the rest of the team. He only weakened once they left and for some reason...L was happy about that. He liked the fact that Light only allowed him and Watari see him in such a state.

Once Soichiro had left L turned his chair so he could face Light. Light, feeling those dark eyes on him, turned to look back at him. "What is it Ryuuzaki?" Light asked.

"I was hoping you could answer a few questions for me," L said slowly, giving the other time to let the statement sink in. "Not knowing is starting to drive me crazy." Light looked him over for a few minutes before giving sigh.

"Alright," he said in defeat, "I may as well tell someone about it." He shut his eyes and leaned back, the chain to their handcuffs clinking slightly. "Just forgive me if I choose not to answer certain things." Light opened his eyes and glanced over at him. The amber color had become bright again, the same look they'd had before the attack. Still they lacked the usual enthusiasm that they used to hold. It pained L to see it but, really, what could he do?

Light followed him into their bedroom, as this was not a conversation that either wanted Watari to overhear, and the bedroom was the only place not being recorded. They sat on the bed, Light cross-legged and L in his crouch, and simply looked at each other for a while. "So what did you want to ask?" Light questioned. L racked his brain and asked the first thing that surfaced.

"What happened exactly?" He asked. Light paused before giving a sigh and running a hand through his hair.

"I'd rather not go into details Ryuuzaki," He said, "But I was walking back here when I got grabbed by some guys. Don't ask who they were because I don't know," he said quickly, seeing L's mouth open to ask. "Anyway the grabbed me, pulled me into an ally, beat me up, and raped me." Light shuddered slightly as he finished slightly, eyes going dull for a brief moment before returning to normal.

"How many?"

"Eight or nine I think. I was barely conscious when that part of it happened."

"And who found you? Or did they call the police themselves?"

"No they didn't. They just took off afterward. It was two girls in their twenties who were walking home with their dog. I guess the dog dragged them into the ally even though they didn't really want to go into it." L was listening intently, gathering as much information that he could before Light closed himself up again.

"How did no one hear all that going on?" He asked, "It was the middle of the day." Light shuddered as his eyes went dull again and shifted uncomfortably.

"I'd rather not explain that particular part," Light murmured. L nodded in understanding and looked for another question.

"How long?" He finally asked. Light looked up, confusion written on his face.

"How long did they do it for or how long was I there for?" He asked. L gave a hum of thought before replying.

"Both I suppose."

"I was there for a couple hours at least. Maybe five or six. They were at it for at least tree or four."

"You were only three hours late," L said confused, "That was why your father convinced me to wait and let you come back. He figured you'd lost track of time or were rebelling or something. How in the word were you lying in an ally for five or six hours?" Light blushed slightly and shifted again.

"Well at first I was really glad that I was free for a bit," He explained, "but after an hour I realized that something was off." He looked away, refusing to meet L's gaze, "I've grown so used to your company that I found it was boring without you around. I figured I'd head back two hours early and..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "You know the rest."

"The first time you listen to my constraints and this happens," L commented. Light looked over and gave a small smirk.

"Guess I shouldn't listen anymore then," He said wryly. L scoffed and looked away.

"I prefer you when you listen thank you very much." It was his turn to blush when Light suddenly hugged him, practically straddling his lap after knocking him into normal sitting position.

"I know," he said pulling back so that their faces were only inches away, "I was just teasing." L barely heard him, focused solely on Light's face so close to his with such a content expression. Without thinking he leaned forward and pressed his lips to Light's. The teen froze for a moment before jerking back, face bright red and shock written all over it. L blushed too once he realized what he'd just done.

"I shouldn't have done that," L said as Light just continued to stare at him, "I apologize." He tried to ignore the fact that Light hadn't moved from where he was hovering over his hips.

"It's fine," Light said, looking away.

"Really?" Light didn't reply with words. Instead he gently placed his lips on the shocked detective's. Before L could truly process what was happening Light pulled away and moved away.

"Perhaps we should get back to work?" Light asked more than stated. L nodded dumbly and followed the boy from the room.


	5. Chapter 5

**Ugh this chapter gave me so many problems I was just about ready to throw my computer out he window. I posted it late last night and when I went to check it this morning I noticed that half of it was missing. I swear it took me an hour to fix it. It anyone read it while in its messed up state then I apologize. Hopefully it won't happen again.**

For more than nine or so days after the kiss between them neither L nor Light spoke to each other. There was an unhealthy tension that hung between them and everyone, even Matsuda, had begun to notice. Neither male spoke much to the other or had anything to do with the other unless it was work related. When Matsuda had tried to breach the subject L had promptly ignored him and Light had gently stated that nothing was wrong. Despite the obvious lie no one else had tried to intervene. As the days ticked by L became increasingly agitated, though understandably, and noted that Light seemed to be experiencing the same thing. Yet neither said anything and they continued to work in silence.

It didn't help that nothing new on the Kira case had been discovered and that, along with the cold silence between the detective and Light, made working with either of them unpleasant. Finally, after days of silent observing, Watari decided that there was need for intervention. L wouldn't appreciate the gesture, and Light was likely to be less than pleased, but it had to be done. It wasn't helping either of them for this to continue on.

As the task force finally left Watari approached the pair who were both staring at he computer screens, Light blankly and L looking rather bored. "L," He said, gaining the detective's attention. Light's, however, remained on the screen.

"Is something wrong Watari?" L asked. Watari sighed. May as well just get it over with.

"Actually there is," He said, "It involves you as well Light." The teen didn't even twitch. His lifeless gaze was still locked on the screen as if he hadn't even heard him speak. With the look on his face it was very possible that he hadn't. He looked like he was off in his own world. "Ever since that night you two went to speak about what happened your attitude's towards each other have changed drastically. Something is definitely wrong and it does not benefit either of you to continue like this." L watched him as if he didn't understand what he was saying. "You two need to straighten out whatever went on between the two of you." L's shoulders slumped.

"I know," He said softly, turning to look at Light. Watari did the same. Light's appearance was beginning to worry him. The teen barely looked like he was even alive. He looked less like a human being and more like some kind of wax statue. "Light," L stated. When he got no reply he tried again. Still no response. L huffed slightly and gently grabbed Light's shoulder. The second L's hand made contact Light jerked away, eyes wide. He and L stared at each other for a few moments until a flash of recognition crossed the younger male's face.

"Sorry," he said, relaxing, "What were you saying?" L sighed and looked over at Watari.

"I believe I understand your concern now," he said standing, "We'll work it out." Watari nodded, trying not to smile at the look of confusion on Light's face. "Come along Light."

"Uh...okay." The teen followed obediently and Watari allowed himself to chuckle once they'd left. He turned and walked in the opposite direction. That was certain to be an interesting conversation.

Once they'd entered the room L took a moment to shut and lock the door. He caught Light gulp slightly out of the corner of his eye before turning to him. "We need to talk." Light nodded, eying the locked door warily.

"Why'd you lock the door?" L looked at the lock, realizing that Light probably didn't want to be locked in anywhere with another male, no matter who it was, and sighed.

"Habit," he answered, "I can unlock it if you'd prefer."

"No it's fine," Light said quickly, "And the topic of discussion?" L stepped up close to him, making Light lean back slightly, and ran a dainty finger over Light's lips.

"That kiss," He said slowly, "Considering you kissed me again after I think it's safe to assume that you didn't mind it." Light nodded, though just barely. He seemed focused on L's hand on his face. "Then why have you avoided speaking to me the last week or so?"

"It's not like you've said a whole lot to me...either..." Yep, he was definitely distracted by L's hand since his words trailed off as L's fingers shifted to brush against his throat.

"I've been distracted," He explained, enjoying the slight shudder that went though Light as he continued his teasing touches to Light's neck.

"By what?" L's hand slid higher, cupping Light's face. Light's eyes snapped back to him, silently questioning his movements.

"You," he answered simply. Before Light could respond L gently kissed him again, slipping his hand onto the back of Light's neck. The boy tensed before relaxing into him, unsure hands coming to rest on his shoulders. L straightened, matching Light's height and barely surpassing it as his slouch disappeared. Light didn't seem to notice. He did, however, notice when L's free arm wrapped around his waist possessively, pressing their bodies together. He pulled back, a dark blush coloring his cheeks.

"L I-," He was silenced as L kissed again briefly. When they parted L smiled.

"Just relax and trust me," He said softly, "Alright?" Light nodded and leaned forward, pressing against him so desperately that L was shocked. He didn't bother trying to figure it out now. He could do that later. Instead he pushed closer, if that was even possible, and let his lips speak for him. Light didn't bother to deny him.

L groaned as Light complied almost eagerly. He'd never wanted anyone like this, or at all, until the Kira suspect had appeared in his life. Light was perfect in every way and, despite the beliefs the other task force members had, he truly did like the teen. He slowly urged the other male back and Light complied, not seeming to notice what was happening in the first place. It was only when L settled him onto their bed that he pulled away, face showing clear apprehension at the new position. "Ryuuzaki?" he questioned nervously. L bent down, nuzzling into Light's neck.

"Don't worry," he said with a sigh, though whether it was a sigh of sadness or content was yet to be seen, "I'm not going to pressure you. Especially after what those bastards did." It was odd for L to swear, since he rarely did, but at the moment he couldn't care less. He needed Light to understand that he cared. The last thing he needed was Light to panic and think he was trying to use him in any way. He hoped his intentions showed in his voice as he let the emotions through. He found that he didn't care about hiding them if he was alone with Light.

To his surprise Light buried his face into L's neck as well and wrapped his arms around him. "Shit," he muttered softly. If L hadn't been so close to him he would have never heard him speak. "You just love proving people wrong don't you?" L pulled back, though not much since Light refused to let go of him, and looked at him quizzically.

"What do you mean?" Light pulled back now as well, eyes glimmering.

"I never pictured you as someone who's so caring Ryuu," He said with a happy sigh, "Yet here you are being so gentle. I don't think-no I know-that I've never had a relationship like this before." The teen buried his face into its previous spot, letting out a breath that made L shudder slightly.

"These other relationships," He said, "Did they ever..." He trailed off, unsure if he even wanted to know.

"Pressure me?" Light supplied for him. L nodded. "Let's just say this," he murmured, "I seem to have a record of attracting sadists in the past." With a hum L again nuzzled his neck, placing a small kiss on the teen's pulse. Light sighed as L pulled away. Light reluctantly unlocked his arms as L went to lay beside him and looked at him curiously. "Something wrong Ryuuzaki?"

"No," he replied, "Turn onto your side so you're facing away." Light complied and immediately L's arms wrapped around his waist, pressing their bodies closer together. Light sank into him contently as his eyes fluttered close.

"L, I was thinking," Light started.

"You seem to get in trouble like that Light." Light opened his eyes and shot him a short glare before looking away.

"Smart ass," he muttered before, louder, "I was wondering if you'd want to go out somewhere tomorrow," He told the older male, "Since we've got something going on here I figured we could get to know each other."

"Like a date?" L questioned. Light tilted his head slightly, running the words over in his mind.

"I guess so," he agreed.

"Alright then," L said with a small nod, "I would like to get to know more about you then just being a suspect." Light sighed but didn't move.

"You're never going to let that go until this is over are you," he muttered, more a statement than a question. He didn't expect an answer from the detective.

"I don't like it either Light," he told him, "However this is all I have." He smirked even though Light couldn't see it, "Besides I like having you close by." Light gave a snort.

"You're insane," He commented.

"I know." With that L sighed and closed his eyes, a smile on his face. Tomorrow was going to be interesting.


	6. Chapter 6

**Finally here's chapter 6. Truthfully this chapter's been done for a few days but between school and chasing my cousin around last weekend I never got the chance to upload it. I still can't believe I actually wrote this chapter. It was so awkward. ^-^ Anywho, here's the next chapter. Let me know what you think and if it was good.**

**On with the show!**

Like they'd agreed the previous night L and Light went out together the following day. L had woken to Light cuddled into his side and feeling warm and content. L called to give the task force the day off, which was interesting indeed since Light was unconscious on him and Watari had to bring the phone to him. The look on the older man's face was utter shock as he saw the scene, and L did his best to suppress his smile. Once done with the call L set the phone aside and stared down at the boy curled against him. Despite actually sleeping, which was odd enough, L still didn't need as much as the teen and waited patiently for him to awake. In the mean time L took the chance to observe Light's sleeping face.

Light's face was relaxed and, for lack of a better word, innocent. There was no tension in the boy's body as he laid there, curled tight against L's side and lying lightly in his lap. L reached forward and ran a hand through Light's caramel hair, enjoying how Light unconsciously arched into the touch. After a few minutes of toying with the strands L slid his hand down to Light's bare torso, tracing his fingers lightly against the teen's spine. Light let out a mewl and his amber eyes fluttered open. "What exactly are you trying to accomplish?" Light asked, though not in the accusing tone L would have once expected. It was teasing instead, and L enjoyed the sound of it.

"I assure you I don't know what you're talking about," He said tonelessly while trying to keep his smile at bay. Light pulled himself up, leaning close with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Oh really?" he questioned, a single brow raised, "Then why are you stroking me as if I was a cat or something."

"Because it was amusing," L replied. Light shook his head.

"You really are insane."

"We already established this," L pointed out. Light laughed, the sound bright and pleasant, before calming and lying against L's chest. "So did you have a place in mind for this little date of ours?"

"Not really," Light replied, "I figured you could pick."

After their conversation they went to get dressed. L wore his normal attire, white shirt and jeans, while Light was wearing a button up shirt and tight jeans. It both surprised and pleased L to see Light dressed like this. Eventually they decided on a tea shop not far from the hotel, Light with his cup of tea and L with his cup of sugar with tea. Light eyed him, amused at his antics once more, and hid his smile in his cup. "So what did you want to know Ryuuzaki?" Light asked. L thought for a moment before responding.

"Why are you with Misa?" He asked. Light's eyes widened in surprise.

"Why that of all questions?" L shrugged.

"Are you going to answer?"

"Alright," Light said, putting his cup down, "I feel kind of bad about admitting this but I'm with her as a cover so my dad won't find out I'm gay."

"So you are gay," L stated, taking a small sip of his drink. Not quite sweet enough. Light's face flushed as soon as L had asked, and he looked down at his hands.

"Can we not talk about that in public?" Light asked.

"Why, when it makes you blush like that." Light's face got brighter and L found the sight cute.

"L, I'm serious." L sighed and gave in.

"Fine," He said. Light visibly relaxed as he took his drink once more. "Why don't you want your dad to find out?"

"He's not exactly open-minded," Light admitted, "Mom and Sayu would be fine with it but...he'd blow his lid if he found out." He looked shyly at L. "What about Watari? How would he react if he knew?"

"He already knows," L told him, "Quite honestly I think he's just glad that I'm not asexual."

"You definitely had the task force fooled," Light mused. L glared at him, but it didn't last long after seeing Light's coy smile.

"Amusing," he muttered. They sat in silence before L asked, "So what about Misa?"

"What about her?"

"Are you going to continue dating her?" L asked, the sentence tasting sour in his mouth. Light took another drink and set the cup down.

"Of course not," Light replied, "I'll tell her tomorrow." L's eyes widened.

"You're going to tell Misa about us?"

"N-No," Light sputtered, "I'm going to break up with her. For now no one needs to know that we're..." he trailed off.

"Together?" L offered. Light nodded, a smile creeping onto his face.

"Yeah," he said, "together."

They sat at the shop for another hour, talking about anything and everything that came to mind. By the time they'd run out of topics they were laughing and having a good time. For once L found it relaxing to just be around Light like a normal person. It was nice. "This was nice," Light said suddenly, echoing his thoughts.

"It was," he agreed. Light glanced down at the watch on his wrist.

"It's only 1'o clock," He informed the detective, "Anything else you wanna do?"

"You choose," L said, "Considering how nosy I got you should pick." Light sat back, considering this.

"I don't think you'll like it," Light said softly.

"Well neither of us will know until you tell me," L pointed out. Light sighed.

"Have you ever been to a club Ryuuzaki?" The teen asked. L shook his head and smirked.

"Are you suggesting we go to one?" Light nodded and smirked back.

"I know a good place." Light stood and held out a hand. L took it and allowed Light to pull him up, slightly excited to see where they were going.

As it turned out the club in question was quite far from the tea shop. They walked for almost 45 minutes before Light dragged him into a building. A man was standing out front wearing all black and dark sunglasses. He had a frigid look on his face that immediately softened when he saw Light. "Yo!" He called, a grin on his face, "Finally decided to show back up again I see." Light laughed lightly, trying not to blush and failing.

"I've been busy Ari," was all Light replied with. The man, Ari, looked L over with a cool blue gaze. L looked him over in turn. Short blonde hair and slightly tanned skin. He looked like some kind of beach boy...well except for that gaze. He looked over at Light, happy to see a bit of his usual shine had returned to his eyes.

"And not with Kaito I can see," Ari commented, "Who's this sweet piece of ass your dragging around?" Light went crimson, L did as well, and huffed, releasing L's arm.

"He's not a 'sweet piece of ass' as you so respectfully called him," Light said in aggitation, glaring at the blonde. Ari laughed, his deep voice sending unwanted chills through L's spine.

"I figured," He replied, "After all you've never been a playboy." Light gave a growl and crossed his arms.

"At least I don't stare at every guys ass who walks by," Light shot back. Ari laughed again, seemingly not bothered by the statement, and turned to L.

"And your name cutie?" It took L a minute before he realized that Ari was talking to him, and the realization made him blush brighter.

"Ryuuzaki," he said. Light gave a sigh and grabbed L again.

"Well get in there you two," Ari said, motioning to the door, "Don't let me stand in your way."

"Wasn't planning on it." As Light dragged him past he felt a sharp smack on his ass. Light growled and yanked him away from the blonde male currently laughing like a hyena on laughing gas. L was starting to hate that man.

"What the hell was his deal?" L asked. Light sighed.

"Ari's just a pervert," Light grumbled, "He's just pissed that, despite being drunk the last time I was here, I still wouldn't have sex with him." L made a face before thinking about the last comment he'd made.

"You get drunk often?" He asked.

"Usually just buzzed," Light replied with a shrug, dragging him towards what looked like a bar off to one side, "Hino usually cuts me off before I get smashed."

"How'd you get drunk then?"

"...Hino wasn't here." L tried not to laugh at the look on his friend's, boyfriend's?, face. It was priceless. Light looked somewhere between embarrassed and guilty.

"I guess I don't need to worry then."

"No," Light said smirking, "You do."

"Why?"

"Cause I have someone with me sometime. That was the agreement me and Hino made. If someone's with me he can only cut me off when I look completely crocked." L groaned. He didn't really like drinking anyway but he hoped Light wouldn't drink too much. It was barely two after all. Seeing Light order something from the brunette behind the bar counter made him sigh. This was going to be a long night.

"L~!" He winced and looked at the brunette who now had a permanent blush on his face. He was smiling widely, eyes sparkling brightly. "Come dance with me!" L sighed as he watched Light sit down on the arm on his chair, practically in his lap. It wasn't that L cared or anything. He just didn't want Light doing anything he regretted.

"You're drunk aren't you," he accused. Light gave a mall pout that looked foreign on his normally focused face.

"C'mon," he said, mostly begging, "Please?" He sighed and stood, giving in to the drunk teen. It was less because he wanted to and more that he knew if he didn't Light would go dance with someone else. He's been raped and screwed with enough times.

"Fine," He relented. Light grinned and yanked him out onto the dance floor. One thing L had noticed very quickly was that they were in a gay bar so dancing with a drunken Light wouldn't seem so weird. He recognized the song as some American pop song that he'd heard Light listening to. He hadn't however, paid any attention to the lyrics before. The song's name was _**Flesh**_ by some guy named Simon Curtis, and the lyrics were...less then appropriate.

Light wrapped his arms around his neck and pressed against him. L returned the gesture and pulled Light's waist close to him. At first their dancing was innocent, gentle swaying to the quick, pulsing beat. However it quickly spiraled from innocent to-well-not so innocent. It started with Light giving a single, jerking thrust that had both grinding against each other soon enough. And they weren't the only ones grinding to the song. Far from it actually. Yet neither boy cared that people were around them as they ground against each other. L let loose a low, shaky moan and Light keened in reply. L could feel himself growing harder with each thrust and he drove his hips harder against Light. It only spurred the brunette on as he met each thrust of L's hips with his own. As the main chorus of the song came on Light leaned forward, as though obeying the lyrics, and sank his teeth into L's neck. It wasn't hard enough to be painful, just enough that L was positive there would be a mark the next day. Light lapped at the skin he'd bitten, soothing the abuse he'd caused. "L," he moaned, thankfully soft enough that no one heard him, "It hurts." Before L could ask what he meant Light grabbed one of his hands and pulled it down to rub against the bulge in Light's jeans. L's breath caught seeing the pleading look on Light's face. He looked Light over carefully, feeling the member member under his hand throb.

"No Light," He said softly, pulling away. Light looked at him in confusion. He simply shook his head. "I'm not doing anything with you drunk."

"But-,"

"No," he hissed a bit louder. Light shrank back slightly and L simply grabbed his wrist. "Let's go." Silently Light followed him out as he pulled him from the club. _'I can't allow myself to do something like this. No matter if Light wanted it now he'll regret it later.'_ He looked over at the teen beside him, shooting him longing looks. _'He's never allowed to drink again...'_

**I hope you liked. I wasn't sure about the song but I was listening to Flesh while I was writing this. It has a good beat so I figured it would work. If it doesn't I'm sorry .**

**Review!**


	7. Chapter 7

**I'm so so sorry everyone. I got way behind in the update for this. I was busy with school and my wattpad story. Please go check that out as well. Its called _Release_ Us and the pen name is DuskheartAngel. Besides this little free promotion I just wanna say enjoy what you've been waiting for my lovely readers. Enjoy!**

The next morning L sat stiffly, unsure how he should act around Light now. How much had Light drank exactly? And how much did he remember? He tore his gaze away from Light and back to his computer. Inevitably he felt his eyes draw back to the body beside him. Light was sleeping soundly, form relaxed against the bed sheets. He was still clothed, since L hadn't trusted himself to undress the teen, but his clothing was ruffled and unkempt. L gave a small smile before finally turning back to his work.

He worked in silence for almost twenty minutes until a small noise made him pause. He looked over at Light. The teen had turned over, his back to L, but he could still see the tension in his body that hadn't been there before. He set the laptop aside, turning to observe Light. He heard a soft gasp and crawled over to the teen, bending over him to look at his face. Light's features were drawn tight, muscles tensed to the point of pain. At least that's what it seemed like to L. "Light," he whispered, breath ghosting Light's face. The teen tensed, curling into himself defensively. Blinking his large, onyx eyes, he gently rested a hand on Light's shoulder, nuzzling his nose into the teen's neck soothingly. Instead of the positive reaction he expected, Light gave a soft whimper and flinched away in his sleep. L's expression saddened, understanding what the younger male was most likely dreaming of. He would have never allowed anyone else to see his emotions but Light...Light was different. Somehow he could allow it.

Gently laying down and spooning the teen, he cuddled the boy to him, murmuring random, gentle words to keep him calm. Eventually his breathing slowed and his body relaxed. Light shifted, rolling over and burying his face into L's chest. L watched him silently. _'He's adorable like this,'_ he thought. It wasn't Light's vulnerability that made him think that. It was how trusting and relaxed he was in this moment. He glanced over at the digital clock on the bedside table by Light's side of the bed. It read 3:35 AM and L inwardly cursed his inability to sleep, though it seemed being around Light had changed that slightly.

He jerked slightly when a hand touched his cheek and looked into Light's amber eyes. "You're awake," he said slowly.

"Yeah," Light whispered. His gaze and hand shifted from L's face to the man's neck. Gently he traced his fingers over the mark he'd left the night before. "I'm sorry," he murmured. L watched his face closely.

"It's fine," he replied, "It wasn't painful." Light glanced at his eyes before returning to the mark. L pulled his chin back up. "I said its fine."

"Its not," Light said lowly. He sighed and pulled away. His eyes fell to the bedspread, a guilty look on his face. "I was being an idiot." He shifted away, crossing his arms over his chest. His bangs shifted to cover his eyes. "I tend to act stupid when I'm drunk." He paused, giving a small, strained laugh. "I guess that's why people take advantage of me...though I suppose I deserve it." L grabbed his shoulders, making Light's head snap up in shock.  
Before he could question it L slammed his mouth against Light's. The younger male gave in immediately, letting L's lips dominate and control his own. L shifted, running his hands down to Light's hips and drawing his body to him. He felt Light's form tremble against him but, despite his mind yelling at him to let the younger go, he found his arms pulling him closer. Finally though, when air became an issue, he pulled back. Light was panting, face red with a deep blush. He sank against him, still shaking slightly.

"Light?" L questioned, "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," the teen replied, "but...why so suddenly?"

"You were acting stupid," L said simply. Light looked up, confusion in his eyes. L stared back at him. "Don't say you deserved it ever again."

"Or what?" Light asked, tone mischievous.

"I may just have to never let you free from my side again."

"Who says I would complain." L scoffed, holding him tighter.

"I'm serious though. Don't ever say that again."

"Alright. I promise that I won't if you don't want me to."

"Thank you." Light smiled and leaned forward, pecking L's forehead with a gentle kiss. L paused, not quite sure what to do with Light giving affection. Instead he simply cleared his throat and asked, "What were you dreaming about?" Light froze, stiffening in L's arms.

"I'm not going to discuss this," Light said softly, "So stop asking." L wasn't happy with the answer but let the subject drop anyway. "I have to break up with Misa today," he commented randomly.

"I suppose so," L said, "And I should get up."

"I suppose so."

Yet, despite that conversation, neither got up for another twenty minutes and only did when Watari came to retrieve them.

L was working silently at his computer when a raging Misa came into the room. Light appeared only seconds later, rubbing a wicked looking red mark on his forehead. L glared at the blonde. If she had hit him he was going to lock her up. He'd unchained Light so he could talk to Misa and wasn't thrilled that he had such a mark from it.

"Misa wait," The teen said as he followed her. Matsuda and Soichiro, the only other people in the room, looked up at this. Misa barely acknowledged him and stalked toward L.

"This is your fault isn't it," She accused, pointing at him. L cocked his head.

"And how would this be my fault Misa-chan?" L asked. Misa flushed, planting her hands on her hips angrily.

"You corrupted him somehow," She snapped.

"Just what exactly are you suggesting Misa?" Soichiro asked, eyes narrowed angrily.

"There is no reason why Light wouldn't love me," she stated, "And you had him stuck to you this whole time. You screwed him up somehow."

"I assure you I did nothing of the sort," L said, a bored look on his face. Inside though he was seething. As if he would do anything to screw Light up. "Perhaps its your dull personality that drove him away."

"You must have done something," She argued, "You and those people who ra-"

"Shut up!" The loud command made both fall silent as heads snapped towards the source. Light stood there, hands clenched at his sides and shaking angrily. His eyes were burning with anger and hatred. L had never seen him look so angry before and, judging by the look on Soichiro's face, neither had his father. "Just shut the hell up Misa."

"Light what-?" She started but he cut her off.

"He has absolutely nothing to do with this," He said coldly, "I don't want to date you because I am not attracted to you, nor to any other girl for that matter." His mind seemed to finally catch up with his mouth as his eyes widened. He hadn't meant to say that.

"Light," said boy looked to his father warily, "Can we speak?"

"Of course," he replied. He followed his father out, though reluctantly, and Misa shifted uncomfortably.

"Soooo," she started, "He's...gay?" L nodded, still eying the hall where Light and his father had disappeared before turning back to his computer. "I'm just gonna go then." L didn't respond and waited until the door clicked shut. He felt Matsuda's eyes on him and turned.

"Are you and Light-like-together?" He asked. L just watched him and soon the older man turned away uncomfortably. Some time later he heard footsteps and Soichiro's voice greeting him.

"I'm going to head home for the day," the man said, "Have some time to cool my head."

"Please do," L said blandly, still watching the screen, "and take the weekend off as well." He glanced over his shoulder. "You as well Matsuda."

"Oh alright," Matsuda said in surprise, "I'll take off as well." The two males exited the suite, leaving the detective alone with his thoughts. After a few minutes he stood and went down the hallway Soichiro had taken Light down before. He peered in every room until he finally found Light in their bedroom, sitting on the bed with his hands clenched on his pant legs. His face was down, hair covering his face and expression. L stood silently in the doorway, watching him carefully.

"What happened Light?" The teen shook his head slightly.

"I can't," he said softly. A ragged breath escaped him. "He doesn't want to talk to me again," He choked out. L walked over to him, bending down to embrace him.

"I'm sorry," he said And for once he meant it. It wasn't just an empty gesture. He was actually sorry for Light's predicament. Light hugged him back, grabbing onto him as if he were a lifeline. Family was the most important thing to Light, and he no longer had that. "You can stay here until your father gets his head on straight."

"And what if he never does?" Light demanded, though without the usual fiery attitude, "Then what?"

"Then stay here," L said as if it were obvious, "You're welcome here." A short laugh escaped Light, strained and almost crazed.

"Yeah right," he said as he pulled back, "You think I'm a serial killer for god's sake!" L gripped his face and forced it up, seeing tears pool in those beautiful amber orbs. It made something in him crack.

"No," he said, revealing the secret he'd been keeping for a while now, "I don't. Not anymore at least." Light's eyes widened as tears finally spilled out. "Light?" he asked worriedly. Light just shook his head and pulled free from his hands. His head dropped so that he was staring at the floor.

"I just," he paused, thinking, "I wish I could believe that. It's just...you don't change your mind for no good reason. Especially not so suddenly."

"I've had a good reason for weeks," L commented without moving. Despite his calm tone he was slightly panicking inside. Would Light want to leave now that he was free? Would he regret having any involvement with himself?

"Then why keep me chained up?"

"To keep you around." The admission had popped out of his mouth before he could stop it and Light looked back to him, face shadowed by the darkness in the room. He looked lost and broken, similar to the time when he was in the hospital after the initial attack.

"Why?" the soft voice said. L stared at him. Why? Why would he **not **want the boy around? It hit him then just how infatuated with the younger male he had become.

He didn't know what to say so he instead leaned forward and pressed his lips to Light's. Light gave in, pushing back with almost desperation. L felt his body tingle slightly, and he tugged Light forward into his lap. Light pulled back at this, apprehension clear on his face. "Relax Light," he murmured, lips brushing against Light's as he spoke, "I'm not about to hurt you." Light seemed to believe him because his face softened and he relaxed into his gentle but firm hold. He could feel Light's hips shift over him to find a more comfortable position and resisted the urge to bite his lip. Light was so close, seated over his hips and so pliant. He felt Light softly kiss him and it only heated up from there. Their lips moved rapidly, almost frantic. L quickly darted his tongue out and felt Light part his lips for him, allowing him access to his mouth for the first time.

And how sweet it was to finally taste him. There was a subtle taste of something sweet, like some form of berry, on Light's tongue. It spurred him on more as he ravaged the poor teen who groaned into his mouth. He was happy that Light was being so compliant with him. After being around him so long this felt like a dream. He slid his hands down from their position on Light's back to his ass instead. At first Light seemed fine, but as L gently kneaded the flesh in his hands Light pulled back, resting his head on L's shoulder. "L," he whispered, "Just don't." L sighed but removed him hands. Light breathed out in relief and snuggled against him. "I'm sorry," he murmured, "Maybe someday but not today."

"If that's all you can offer," L said, feeling Light tense up, "Then I'm satisfied with it."


	8. Chapter 8

**You guys have been wanting another chapter so here it is. Thanks to all of you who commented for your support. It really means a lot to me and makes me want to keep writing the chapters you guys seem to want so much. So without further ado**

**Enjoy!**

It had taken almost two weeks before Light adjusted to living with L without being chained to him. The sudden moments of affection were also hard to grow accustomed to for both Light, who was on the receiving end of things, and Watari, who was forced to witness these things as an almost daily occurrence. They still hadn't found anything on the case and Soichiro, who still refused to talk or even be around his son, had decided the case was not worth pursuing. With the chief gone the others felt it was a lost cause as well, leaving L on his own to figure out who Kira was with Light's assistance. The boy's entire attitude had changed now that he wasn't under suspicion, and the awkward tension that used to hang between the two was gone. Light's emotions were more open now and L found himself opening up as well.

Light's mother and sister called his cell once every few days ever since Light had gone to collect some of the things he needed from his house: meaning clothes, books, and his laptop. Even now as he sat beside L calmly he looked relaxed. It may have been from his suspicions being lifted but L sensed it was from no longer having to hide from his father either. "I think we have a problem," Light commented, seemingly out of nowhere.

"What do you mean Light?"

"I don't think the two of us can catch Kira on our own," Light said slowly.

"Are you suggesting we give up on this?" L's heart sank. He didn't want to give up on catching Kira just yet. Yet if Light could make a good enough argument then he knew he'd probably cave.

"No," Light said, breaking him out of his thoughts, "I just thought that we could use a little help." He paused to let the statement sink in. "I guess it was a stupid idea." L thought about that suggestion for a few minutes while silence settled over them. It actually wasn't a bad idea. He stood up from his chair, causing Light to look at him curiously. "What's up?"

"I'm going to contact some colleagues of mine and see if they can help," L stated, "In the mean time you may as well take a break. I have a feeling we won't find anything soon." Light nodded and stood, shuffling some papers on the desk and shutting off the computer. L turned and left, heading to Watari's room so he could contact his three apprentices. He was certain they'd be eager to help with the investigation. "Watari," he said as he entered. The elder man looked up from where he was seated at a desk, writing in an old leather notebook.

"What is it L?" He asked, "Is something wrong?"

"No," He replied, stuffing his hands into his pockets, "I wished to contact Matt, Mello, and Near and ask if they will come assist the investigation. Light brought up the point that help will be useful for a case such as this." Watari smiled and stood.

"I will contact them," Watari said, "Go enjoy your evening." L nodded and left, smiling lightly at the thought of his three apprentices being with him after so long. These thoughts stayed with him until he entered their bedroom. Light was in the process of stripping off his button up shirt, which he had taken to wearing rather than the formal clothing he used to wear, and L found himself staring at the light muscles on the teen's back. Light seemed to notice and turned, blinking at L's sudden appearance.

"Did you get a hold of your colleagues?" Light asked as he turned away again.

"Watari wished to contact them," he told Light simply. Light nodded but said nothing more. He finally slid the garment off his arms and went to put it in the laundry, Ls eyes tracking his movements. Light turned back and caught those obsidian eyes watching him.

"L? Is something wrong?" Light asked. L blinked and looked up from his chest to the teen's face.

"Was there a reason you decided to remove your top?" he asked, throat slightly dry. Light raised a single, delicate eyebrow in response.

"Cause its hot in here?" He said, sounding it like a question, "It is natural for guys to take off their shirts you know." He was aware alright. Aware of just how beautifully sculpted the tan teen was. He'd always tried not to stare when they'd been chained together but now he felt no need. He could stare all he wanted.

"Yes, I am aware," he replied, shutting the door behind him. Light had turned away again, stretching his body and causing his back to arch. L watched the muscles shift under the tan planes of skin, desire flooding his eyes. While Light was turned he padded up behind him silently, wrapping his pale, slender arms around the younger male's body. Light jumped at the contact, turning his head to look back at him.

"What's up?" he asked.

"Nothing," L responded as he nuzzled Light's lean back. He pressed his lips against the skin, making Light shudder in response.

"Oh really?" he questioned, "Cause it seems like you're up to something."

"Perhaps I am then," he replied, nipping a shoulder blade, "Maybe I am meaning to seduce you. Think of that?"

"Yes actually. I have." L pulled back so Light could turn to face him. His eyes were glittering, reminding him of the amber orbs he seen before the attack. It was nice to see that color again.

While he was occupied with these thoughts Light leaned forward, capturing L's lips with his. L straightened and immediately Light gave in. He led Light to the bed and pushed him down onto it. The brunette wrapped his arms around L's shoulders, pulling him closer. L ravaged the willing body beneath him, forcing his tongue into Light's mouth. Light moaned softly, tightening his grip on the raven haired detective. When they finally parted to breathe L buried his face in Light's neck. "Light," he started, unable to find anything else to say. There, seated between Light's legs, he felt his control slipping away. He contented himself with placing kisses on Light's neck, occasionally nipping the skin there.

"I'm sorry," Light said suddenly. L pulled back, looking down at him.

"For what?" Light sighed and shut his eyes.

"For giving you such a blatant erection and not taking care of it." L looked down, surprised to see he was indeed hard.

_'Odd how I didn't notice.'_ "It's fine," he replied. Light stared at him, doubt clear on his face. L smiled at him. "Besides I enjoy this much more." He bent his head down again, nipping a little harder at the skin of his collar bone. Light groaned, stretching his head back as L moved to his neck. "May I?"

"Y-Yes," Light sputtered, too caught up to talk straight. L grinned and gently kissed Light's neck before sucking harshly. The teen jerked slightly, face flushing as he shuddered. As L sucked and bit the tan skin he ran a hand down Light's chest, feeling the warm flesh beneath his fingers. He pulled back from the mark he'd created and kissed the willing teen beneath him, still running his hands across the planes of his chest and hoping he wasn't crossing a line.

Apparently he wasn't because Light's own hands slipped underneath his shirt, feeling his own pale skin with gentle fingers. L pulled back enough to pull his shirt off before resuming their kiss. He shivered as Light rested his hands on his hips, digging his fingers gently into the skin. In retaliation L ran his hands back up to Light's chest, finding his nipples and tweaking the sensitive, little nubs. Light moaned, arching into him. _'Shit,'_ L thought, _'I'm losing control of myself.'_ He couldn't stop himself as one hand reached down to Light's pants, feeling the steadily growing hardness inside his pants. At the touch Light pulled back eying him warily.

"Ryuuzaki?" he asked softly, not liking the look in L's onyx eyes. L didn't reply. Instead he kissed Light again, more fiercely this time. A sense of dread settled in Light's stomach, especially when that hand slipped inside his pants. He couldn't do this. It was still too soon. The images of his rape flashed through his head and the thought of anyone touching him like this, even L, made him sick. He pushed at L's shoulders, trying in vain to dislodge him. When it didn't help he started to panic, pushing against the detective's chest and trying to pull his head away. L, barely sensing his distress, growled darkly and grabbed on of his hands; his other hand still preoccupied with what it was doing down south. In one last attempt to stop the older man Light pulled his free hand back and slammed it into L's jaw. The detective fell back from the unexpected blow, releasing Light and tumbling off the bed to the floor. When he sat up his sense returned to him upon seeing the look of fear on Light's face.

"Light," he started, voice emotionless despite the self-hatred he was feeling at the moment, "I-," He never waited to hear the rest of his sentence. He simply hopped off the bed and ran from the room. L groaned and stood, going after him. "Wait!" Light didn't even pause as he burst from the suite and started down the stairs. L started after him when a hand grabbed his arm. He looked back into Watari's understanding gaze.

"Let him be," the man said, "Whatever you did upset him but he'll be back. Just give him some time to sort out his thoughts." L nodded, still staring at the open doorway. Watari released him, shut the door, and retreated into the kitchen to make some food. Once he had gone L crouched by the now closed door, dropping his head into his lap and wishing to every deity he could think of despite not believing in them that he could fix this somehow. That somehow he hadn't completely shattered what little bond he and Light had had to begin with.

That was the only thing that mattered at the moment.

**I feel so evil. You guys didn't think things would be so simple did you?**

**Let me know what you guys think. Will L and Light's relationship be broken? Where exactly did Light run off to? and Is there something else on the horizon? You'll just have to wait and see my lovely readers.**

**Goodbye for now.**


	9. Chapter 9

**I'm sorry this one's so short everybody. There wasn't another appropriate spot to stop for quite a while. I figured that I'd stop here and give you this chapter since its been a while. By the way Matt, Mello, and Near should appear in the next chapter. Maybe the one after that but they'll make an appearance soon. Enjoy ^_^**

He jumped when a vibration in his pocket startled him. He pulled the cellphone out, cursing the stupid little thing, and checked the number. It was a call from Light's cell and he picked up quickly. "Hello?" He asked cautiously.

"_Hey,"_ A voice said, _"It's Hino. You were with Light at the club not long ago."_

"Yes," he answered, "might I ask why you have Light's phone?" There was a short, awkward laugh on the other end.

"_About that,"_ Hino said, _"Light apparently came here a few hours ago before I got on work. He was completely smashed by the time I got here. I was hoping you could come pick him up before he gets in trouble."_

"Of course," L replied, "I'll be there soon." Hino hung up and L stood, slipping the phone back into his pocket. He started to leave when Watari stepped into the room.

"Where are you going?" The man asked.

"Light's friend called for me to pick him up." Without waiting for any reply he slipped out the door and down the stairs.

He entered the club without much notice. Ari was gone and some other boy was in his place; a skinny little thing with black hair and green eyes. He walked past the crowd of people towards the bar, barely noticing the looks he was getting from some of the other guys. Hino nodded to him as he approached. "Where's Light?" he asked, unable to see any sign of the boy nearby.

"Let's talk in the back." L nodded in agreement and Hino set down the cup he was holding. "Trisha!" he called, "Take over for me for a bit." A girl with bright pink hair gave a thumbs up. Hino stepped back, opened the gate that separated the front from the back of the bar, and led him into a back room.

The room was obviously used to store alcohol and, off to one side, Light was sleeping soundly. There was a jacket draped over his torso which was indeed bare. "Why is he back here?" L asked. Hino sat on one of the crates around the room and closed his eyes.

"Ari was trying to screw with him again," The boy said, "I couldn't keep an eye on him 24/7 so I brought him back here. That's totally going to screw up my reputation." He heaved a sigh and leaned back. "To hell with it. They ain't gonna fire me after all the shit I've put up with here."

"I'm glad you care about him," L commented monotonously before sitting down.

"Same to you," Hino said, "He talks about you a lot. Did you know that?" He shook his head before realizing Hino couldn't see him.

"No," he said simply. Hino smiled slightly.

"Well he does," the boy stated, "Every time he comes here he's so upset...but once he starts talking about you he just brightens up." He opened his eyes and looked at L. "You've changed him so much. He was never like this before he met you."

"How long have you known him?"

"Since we were 14. I was there for him when his first boyfriend screwed him over, and I'm here now. I'll always be here for him," he paused with a sigh, "And for his sake I hope you will be too." L nodded. He wasn't going to leave until Light told him to leave. Even then he might not go. "When I got here he looked like a wreck. I thought he'd finally snapped." L sighed at this. He'd really fucked this time.

"It's my fault. I did something stupid." It felt weird saying something like that, especially to this boy that he barely knew. Hino sat up, staring at him carefully.

"Your fault?" he questioned. L nodded and Hino sighed. "Then why was Light apologizing earlier?" L didn't respond. He wasn't sure what to make of this exactly.

"I don't know." Hino eyed him for a moment before standing.

"You should get him home," Hino said, "I have to get back to work." He walked out without looking back saying, "He can keep the jacket," as he left. L watched him leave before standing and walking over to Light's unconscious form. He bent and lifted the younger male into his arms, carrying him bridal style as he walked from the room. Eyes watched him as he left the bar and continued down the street but he ignored them. He wasn't going to screw up this badly again. That is if Light gave him another chance.

By the time he'd started up the stares to their suite Light groaned softly, body shifting slightly. L hurried up the last of the steps and opened the door. Watari was no were in sight, so L shut the door and went to their room, laying Light gently on the bed just as his eyes fluttered open. L froze, not quite sure what to do. Once Light's eyes opened fully the just sat there, staring at each other. "Light," L started, "I'm...sorry." Light sat up, his head hung slightly so that L couldn't see his face.

"Just don't," he said softly. L stayed silent, gently chewing on his thumb, and waited for the younger male to continue. Light sighed and ran a hand through his caramel colored hair. "I don't know what to say to you right now..."

"Say whatever you want," L stated, "surely I'll deserve it." There was a pause in which Light took in a shuddering breath.

"It wasn't...what you did exactly," The teen explained, "It was...more like the fact that you wouldn't stop." He paused again, trying to piece his words together in order to make his point. When words didn't come he shook his head, hands gripping his pant legs tightly. L moved to sit next to him, leaving a few inches between them.

"I'm sorry," L repeated. Light shifted over, leaning against him. "It there's a next time I'll be sure to contain myself." Light sighed and nuzzled against his shoulder. The younger never spoke but he didn't have to. They both understood his silent acceptance. L wrapped an arm around the younger male, feeling him instantly return the gesture. As L held him he felt wet tears against his chest. _"I caused them."_ L thought, tightening his grip, _"I won't let it happen again. I swear on it."_

**They are just so cute. Before anyone comments on it I know it may seem Light forgave L a little to quickly but it isn't that simple. Light will be on his guard for a while. He may have forgiven, but he hasn't forgotten. Just thought I'd make that clear now.**

**Until next time!**


	10. Chapter 10

**Sorry for being so late on this chapter. School's been a pain in the neck lately and has hindered my writing. I hope that this chapter will make up for it a bit. ^-^**

**Also sorry for the length of the chapters being so short. My writing tends to start out short and get longer as I get into it more. My other writing has currently been put aside to focus on the chapters. Enjoy the chapter my lovely readers!**

"Yes Watari? What is it?" Watari smiled slightly.

"The boys are here." Now L smiled as well. He stood and Light looked at him curiously.

"Keep looking through the files," L stated, "I'll be back shortly." Light only nodded and turned back to the screen. Light had been deathly silent ever since the previous night and, no matter what he did, the boy wouldn't speak. He inwardly sighed as he followed Watari out of the room. He'd barely closed the door when he found himself being attacked by three figures and knocked to the ground. He laughed once he saw that his apprentices were all smiling at him mischievously. "Nice to see you three again."

"Same here," the redhead of the group, Matt, replied as he helped him up. Mello, the blonde, and Near, the snow haired boy, pulled themselves up as well.

"It's been a while," Mello stated. L nodded in agreement before Mello noticed something else. "Where's your little suspect? I thought you had him chained to you so you could keep an eye on him."

"Some...circumstances arose that changed my mind," He explained, "Light is no longer a suspect," He settled a cold look on Mello who looked less then pleased, "and he shall not be treated as one. Understand Mello?" The blonde grumbled to himself.

"Fine," he finally replied, "but I'm not getting too close to him." Taking that as the best he would get, L re-entered the other room with the three boys in tow.

Light glanced up when he entered but otherwise turned back to the screen in front of him and said nothing. Mello glared at the brunette while Matt watched him with suspicion and Near paid him no attention. L ignored Mello and Matt's expressions of distrust and approached the teen. "Light." The teen looked back at him, waiting patiently for him to speak. "These are my three apprentices," he stated, "Matt, Mello, and Near." He pointed each out in turn as he spoke. Light nodded slightly, amber eyes looking each boy over.

"Hello," he said simply and L was happy to finally hear him speak. Only Near made any move, nodding back in reply. When no one made any other movement Light turned back to the computer, keys clicking as he went back to work. L turned to inform his apprentices about the case, and what they should be looking for, before returning to his crouched position beside Light. After eight hours of passing around observations and ideas, along with deadly looks from Mello, L decided to let them break for the day. The boys slipped off to their rooms to sleep, except for Near who was much too much like L for comfort, and L stood, expecting Light to slip away as well. When the teen stayed put, eyes still glued to the screen, L stood behind him and peered over his shoulder.

"Still searching?" he asked. Light jumped slightly, eyes wide as he whipped around.

"Don't do that," He hissed. L watched as he took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. Light paused, slightly annoyed that the other male was watching him so closely. "What?" he demanded.

"Nothing," L replied simply. He looked Light over once more. "Is something wrong?" he asked curiously. Light blinked in surprise.

"No," he told the older male, "I'm fine." Something flashed in those amber eyes and the teen stood, clicking the computer off and walking away. L followed at a safe distance, not wanting to upset the teen further. He shifted his gaze to the side of Light's neck, eying the mark he'd made there a few days ago. He was glad that none of the boys had noticed or, if they had noticed, commented on it.

As L followed Light to the kitchen he noted how agitated the younger male was. Mentally he kicked himself. How could he have screwed up so badly? He bit his finger, debating for a few moments on what to do before Light spoke up. He looked up, curious at what the teen wanted. "Would you consider going somewhere with me?" he asked before adding, "to hang out that is. Your apprentices could come too if they want." L smiled, pleased with the suggestion, and nodded.

"I'll go ask them." Light smiled back and went back to the apple he'd pulled out of the fridge at some point.

Maybe things weren't as messed up as he first believed.

Matt and Mello had been excited to come along while Near had come for a lack of anything else to do. Mello had suggested on seeing some Sci-fi movie that was playing in the movie theater so that was where they were currently headed. L and Light led the group, since they actually knew how to get to where they were going, with the other three close behind. L noted that Light kept glancing around, almost nervously, yet seemed perfectly relaxed as well. Writing it off as his own overactive mind, L ignored it. However when Light paused, L followed his wide-eyed gaze to a group standing off to one side. There were five teen boys that L had never seen before, and was pretty sure could slip into a crowd if they wanted to. There was nothing special about them and L was curious as to why Light seemed interested in their group. He committed the faces to memory and turned to Light. "Something wrong?" he whispered. Light shook his head and looked away. When L looked back the boys were leering at them and he scowled in response. What was their problem?

"Just leave it alone," Light hissed, grabbing his arm and pulling him down the sidewalk a bit faster. The apprentices made no comment and when L glanced back at them he saw that they were inspecting the boys as well. He would speak with them later.

The movie went unwatched by everyone but Mello, who was extremely excited to watch it, and Matt, who was practically being forced to watch it by Mello. Near was bored and more interested in staring at the ceiling while L was more content watching Light. The brunette was looking at the movie, but his eyes were vacant. "You should tell me what's wrong you know," he murmured softly. Light glanced at him then returned his gaze to the screen.

"You should stop being so nosy," Light countered.

"I wouldn't be if you'd stop being so damn secretive."

"Fine," Light hissed, "I will when you do."

_'Scratch that,'_ He thought with an inward groan, _'Things are exactly as messed up as I had first assumed.'_

Two hours later L was seated in the living room with his three apprentices. He was asking them about their opinions on Light's relationship with the boys they'd seen earlier. All they'd managed to figure out was that Light definitely didn't have a positive relationship with them. L hated not knowing but there was no way he could keep asking Light without pissing him off. He bit on his thumbnail as Matt and Mello spoke quietly off to one side. _'Something's not right,'_ he thought, _'I can't quite put my finger on it.'_

He stood and went to his computer, looking through the Kira files to distract himself. Near joined him only moments later, sitting next to him silently. "You like him don't you," Near said softly after a few minutes. L paused, unsure how to reply. He hadn't let any of the three know this little fact yet. "Its fine if you are," Near added, "I won't tell Matt and Mello either." He smiled and nodded. Near took that as his yes and smiled as well. "I'm glad. Its been long enough." L looked at Near for a minute before patting him on the head. He blushed but said nothing.

The pair continued to work until almost midnight. Light had yet to be seen and the other boys had joined him and Near at some point. Finally, when the boys had become tired, they went to bed. L sat crouched at his computer for a few moments before turning it off. Now that he wasn't focused solely on Light, and had his three proteges with him, he was seeing things he'd never noticed before. However he was also more distracted by Light than before. He no longer worried about Light being Kira, and therefore he was thinking about him in a way that was distracting. He grabbed a drink of water and downed it before going to the bedroom.

Light was already asleep when he entered. He climbed into bed next to the teen and laid down, pulling the other close to himself so Light's head rested against his chest. "I wish you'd just tell me," he muttered into Light's hair, "I'm tired of guessing everything about you." Light had always been a mystery, and would most likely stay one, but L was sick of trying to work out everything Light was thinking. It made him tired and distracted. "Just trust me a little." There was no response and L felt tears well in his eyes for the first time in a very long time. Just the thought of Light not trusting him made him feel sick and lost. He held Light's form tighter, trying to fight back the tears in his eyes.

He'd closed his eyes and felt a gentle hand caress his check. He opened his eyes to see Light looking back at him, anguish showing in his amber eyes. "I'm sorry," the teen whispered, "I didn't mean to make you upset."

"You didn't," L replied as Light brushed away the few tears that had finally escaped, "I'm just...frustrated," he admitted, "I wish you wouldn't keep pushing me away."

"This is about those guys isn't it," the younger male stated. L nodded and Light sighed. "I was upset earlier, even if it didn't look it. Those guys...they were some of the ones who...well-you know..." he trailed off and looked away as the meaning struck L.

"They were the ones who raped you." Light nodded slightly, shuddering slightly. When he looked up again his face was nervous.

"Do you think they remember?" he asked softly. L nodded slightly because it did seem as if they'd recognized him. Light shuddered again and L, in order to distract him from those kinds of thoughts, gently kissed his forehead. Or at least he'd meant to kiss his forehead. Instead Light tilted his head up and L's lips met Light's. L froze, about to pull back, when Light wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled him closer desperately. L kissed back fervently and felt Light rolling their positions so he was perched over him.

_'Oh no,'_ he thought, _'This is how it all went to hell last time. Well it won't happen again.' _He focused on kissing Light, ignoring any other urge his body had. He felt Light's hand brush against his clothed chest hesitantly and L sweetly returned the gesture. He wouldn't screw up again. He'd at least ask before doing anything Light didn't do first. Light's hands reached the edge of his shirt, pushing the fabric up. He pulled back and looked at L carefully. "Is this alright?" L asked.

"Yeah," he said with a contented sigh, "This I can handle. Just no...anything else okay?" L nodded and went back to kissing Light and let his hands glide over Light's pajama shirt, unbuttoning it slowly while prodding Light's lips with his tongue. Light welcomed the wet muscle, tangling his own tongue with L's as they kissed. L's hands found Light's nipples once the shirt had come undone, flicking them gently. Light groaned into his mouth and the sound buzzed along his tongue pleasantly. L pulled back as Light tugged at his shirt and puled the garment off, tossing it aside. He pressed a kiss to Light's collarbone as he slid the pajama shirt off of Light's shoulders and deposited that on the floor as well. L slid his head down, sucking a nipple into his mouth and toying with it lightly. Light squirmed as he teased both to hardness, panting softly. His hips jerked up without his consent, grinding his own erection against L's.

"Light?" he questioned, pressing his own hips down lightly. The teen nodded and pulled L up for a kiss. While they kissed roughly L pushed his hips down, grinding against Light who moaned softly, pressing his own hips back up to get more friction between them. L released a slow moan as their grinding grew more frantic, their tongues colliding messily. L felt delirious at the pleasure running through him. He was by no means a virgin, but with Light each movement sent violent shock waves through him. From the look on Light's face, he was feeling the same way. He felt the teen run his hands over his chest, brushing against the skin teasingly. He felt a growl stir in the back of his throat and pressed against Light harder, trying to increase the pleasure the younger male was already feeling. Any thought of his own need disappeared.

"R-Ryuu," Light groaned out as L went to bite and suck at his neck, leaving several pale marks on the skin. The detective felt Light tense suddenly, trembling almost violently. He pulled back, worried slightly, but that worry evaporated when he saw the look of pure ecstasy on Light's face. As his trembling died down and his body went limp, Light released a small whimper, looking at L with glazed eyes. "Oh shit," he whispered as another tremor raced through him. L looked at him curiously.

"Light," he said softly, "did you just..." he trailed off as the teen blushed and nodded hesitantly.

"I-I should probably go change," he murmured, dashing towards the bathroom once L let him up. L sat back and sighed in content. He didn't care about his own erection that-

He froze, just noticing something he hadn't earlier. Sometime during the whole thing...he'd come as well. He groaned, stood up, and went to go get changed.

**Well that's all for now. I haven't quite figured out how those guys are gonna be involved but...well I ain't gonna spoil anything with my mental commentary.**

**Until next time!Unti**


	11. Chapter 11

**Finally got another chapter up. My AP Bio class has been kicking my butt lately but, in two weeks, I'll be done with the course, and then I can update more often. Also I have another fanfic called Lunar Sun: Fear the Scythe that I'm doing with a friend. Its a Pokémon fic with OC characters. None of the human anime/ manga characters are in there so...there you go.**

**Enjoy the chapter everyone!**

L stared at the computer seated on his lap, eyes scanning the page quickly. The time on the screen read 5:26 AM. Light was asleep next to him, curled up with his head on L's hip and left thigh. L was forced to sit normally because of this but, quite frankly, he didn't care. He was grateful that Light hadn't been flighty after what had happened, although he had been extremely embarrassed. It made him secretly giddy that the younger male thought of him in a different way, and that he trusted him.

As he turned his attention back to the screen he pondered what good the information on the screen would do him. He closed out of the screen and brought up a criminal database instead. He recalled the faces of the teens they'd seen earlier. He typed in some basic physical description and allowed the database to search itself. Hundreds of possibilities appeared, which was understandable due to his wide search. He scanned the faces, trying to identify any that looked familiar. He eventually grew frustrated and was about to shut the laptop down when something Matt had mentioned earlier occurred to him. Matt had recalled seeing a tattoo on one of the teen's necks, a silver raven with wide-spread wings. He tapped the info into the search box.

The response this time was less frustrating. Only about thirty or so responses. He scanned through them until he spotted a familiar face amongst the photos. It had been the one male out of the five who hadn't leered at them. He'd been standing back, leaning against the walls and simply staring at them. Obviously he'd been the pack leader. If L could catch him then the others would fry.

He looked over the name that was listed closely. Gin Karasu. Silver Raven. _'How ironic'_ L thought briefly. He clicked on the picture to look at the boy's record. It was mostly petty things, a few robberies and a minor assault against a teacher. Such minor crimes didn't usually amount to rape...and definitely not so quickly. The latest crime, stealing some liquor from a convenience store, occurred only a month ago. Either this Gin character wasn't the ring leader...or he was very good at not getting caught unless he wanted to be. He committed the face and name to memory once more before shutting down the laptop and setting it aside. He'd have to discuss this at length with Near tomorrow. Out of the three boys, Near was the one he trusted the most and, due to the type of case, he knew Near would be the one who wouldn't say anything even if he found out the truth.

Without thinking he reached down and ran his fingers through Light's hair. He chewed on the thumbnail of his other hand, thinking deeply about how much had changed since Light's attack. He felt the teen shift from his position, resting his head against L's stomach before falling back into a calm sleep. L smiled and stroked his head again. He didn't know why but, with Light around, his brain didn't race constantly. It calmed around the younger male. It allowed him to think better...to focus even. It was an interesting discovery.

Light twitched in his sleep, drawing L's sight to him. He twitched again, his amber eyes fluttering open to look at him. "L?" he groaned sleepily. He brought up a hand to rub at his eyes. "Is something wrong?" L wondered whether or not he should tell Light about his discoveries, about what he was plotting to take down the bastards that had hurt him.

"No," he finally answered, "Now go back to sleep."

He'd wait. At least until he was able to gather more information. Only then would he tell him.

"The way I see it you have two options," Near said firmly the next day. L had gone to the snow-haired boy in order to get his opinion on his discovery the previous night. L was crouched in a chair across from the boy, listening intently. "You can try and split your focus between the Kira case and this..." he paused, eying L suspiciously, "new case of yours." L mentally winced at how searching Near's gaze was. "Or you can let us handle the Kira case." L froze, eyes wide.

"What?" he said suddenly. What exactly was Near proposing?

"Trust us," Near said, "You taught us all you could. Let us handle the case for now. Once you finish this other case you can take it back up." L watched him carefully. "Please L...just trust us this once."

"Alright," L said, relenting, "I'm handing it over to you three. Do your best." Near nodded and L stood, walking out of the room silently. Light had gone out to meet his mother and sister for the day so L only had to be wary of Matt and Mello asking questions.

He managed to slip out without any issue, walking down the street to across town. He looked at the club Light had brought him to. Now he just had to hope Hino was in. He glanced towards the entrance to see Ari standing there. _'Great,'_ he thought _'Just what I need. A bouncer with a thing for me.'_ He sighed and pushed a hand through his hair. He really wasn't in the mood for this.

"So you came back," Ari said as he approached, "And without the killjoy this time." L swallowed back a growl. "I'm guessing you just couldn't stay away."

_'This egotistical bastard,'_ He mentally swore. "Actually I need to speak to Hino. Is he here?" Ari's smirk dropped and he nodded.

"Yeah, he's inside." Ari turned and waved towards him. He ducked in and headed towards the bar. He could feel Ari's eyes on him as he headed towards the back and tried to shake off the feeling that Ari was not who he seemed.

_'Am I just imagining it...or is it something more...'_ He found Hino serving three girls at one end of the bar. He looked up as he approached, his smile turning into a questioning look. Hino turned away from the giggling girls and walked towards him.

"All right," he said, leaning over the bar, "spill it. Something's up."

"I want to ask you if you've ever heard of anyone named Gin," L told him. Hino perched his head on his hands, cocking his head to one side.

"Got a last name for me?" he asked, "I know a lot of people but I don't read minds."

"Karasu," L told him softly, "Gin Karasu. Heard of him?" Hino was silent for a few more moments before sighing.

"Am I at least allowed to know why you're asking?" When L didn't respond Hino leaned back. "I don't know that much about him," he said softly, picking up a glass to clean it, "but I do know that he's a troublemaker." L nodded.

"I figured as much," he said. Hino frowned slightly.

"That's not all though," the male told him, "I've been told that he's more than what he seems. He only gets in trouble for little things," he glanced around, "Things that a guy like him really shouldn't get caught with."

"What do you mean?" L asked, curiosity peaking. Was his assumption right then?

"I mean that he's much more crafty than people realize," Hino said, "He doesn't do anything without a reason. He gets caught for petty theft and then waltzes in here bragging to some of his buddies about beating a man half to death." He studied L's expression with a steady gaze. There was something hidden in that gaze; something L wasn't completely sure he could put a name on.

"And these...friends of his. Do you recall their names?" Hino shook his head slightly before pausing.

"Wait," he said, "There was one. They were pretty careful about giving there names but...they sent this one kid up to get drinks. I carded him and, if his ID was real, his name was Kowa Heiwa."

"Anything about him that stood out?"

"Not really. Basic height and weight. Dark hair and eyes too. Nothing unusual about his appearance."

"Anything you could use to identify him?" Hino sighed, setting the glass down with a dull thunk.

"Only one thing," he said, "A tattoo on his upper arm." He snatched a napkin from nearby and pulled a pen from his pocket. He sketched for a few moments before sliding the napkin towards L. "I'm pretty sure it looked like this." The detective stared at the symbol Hino had drawn.

A roughly sketched raven with spread open wings.

_'It can't be a coincidence,'_ L thought, _'It's got to mean something.'_

Hino broke him from his thoughts by asking "Anything else?"

"No, I think I have all I need for now," He told the male, "Thank you." Hino cocked his head, surveying him.

"Something tells me you aren't who you seem either," Hino commented, "Then again...it isn't my business to pry." L nodded, pocketed the drawing, and went to leave before Hino gave one more comment. "I don't know why you're asking about Gin," he said, "But I'd be careful if I were you. For your sake...and for Light's."

"Don't worry," He said, glancing back, "I plan on being very careful."

The moment L reentered the hotel suite he snatched a lollypop and sat at his computer. He powered it up and typed a search for the name _Kowa Heiwa_. There was no response under the crime reports so he tried another search elsewhere. He scanned through the various results until one picture caught his eye. An average looking young boy stared back at him. He opened the file and scanned it through. Kowa seemed to be a mostly good kid, no arrests of expulsions, but he seemed to have been involved with some not-so-good characters. The only mark on his record was an underage drinking charge that had been dropped. L searched through the available photos until he came to one where he could see Kowa's arm. Sure enough, a small silver raven was tattooed to the skin.

_'Now what does it mean?'_ At first he thought that it may have been a tribute to some kind of gang belonging to Gin, the 'silver raven' himself. However, just because this Kowa person had a tattoo identical to Gin's didn't mean the other males involved did as well.

Halfway through his searching, in which he hadn't accomplished anything more since any trace of the other males seemed to be nonexistent, Light returned with a small frown on his face. Immediately L turned, silently questioning the younger male. "Don't worry about it," Light replied, "Its a family issue." He plopped down in the chair next to L, sighing slightly, "Find anything on Kira?"

"Actually," L said, gauging Light's reaction, "we won't be working on the Kira case for a while." Light looked over at him curiously. "Matt, Mello, and Near will be taking it over until further notice."

"Why?" Light asked, sitting straight up and watching him.

"Because I have a more important case right now," L said simply. The look on the others face showed clear confusion.

"What case is that? I didn't know you took on a new case."

"That's because I didn't tell you yet," L said, chewing his thumbnail carefully. He tapped in Gin's name and spun the screen towards Light. "Look familiar?" The teen's face visibly paled.

"Please tell me you aren't serious," Light whispered. L turned the screen back, still looking at Light carefully.

"I am always serious Light," he stated, "The police assigned to the case have accomplished nothing on the matter and, from what I've figured, they won't. Tomorrow I'm calling in to take over your case. I'm taking all nine of them down...even if it takes a while." Light just shook his head, looking slightly dazed from all of this.

"You can't do that Ryuu," Light said, "You're emotionally attached to the victim." L mentally flinched at the word victim. No matter how many times he saw it he didn't want to use it himself. He didn't want Light to think of himself as just a victim.

"No one knows who I am," L pointed out, "So no one will know. You can't change my mind on this Light." When the teen still looked uncertain, L pulled his chair closer. "I can't focus on the Kira case with this one still open. Let me do this Light." Light looked over but sighed, a smile creeping onto his face.

"You're such a stubborn detective," He said in amusement. L smiled as well before a thought occurred to him.

"Did you see their faces?" he asked. Light's face hardened but he nodded.

"All except one," He replied, "One guy was holding me. I never saw his face, only his arms and torso."

"Anything distinguishing?"

"A tattoo on his collarbone," he said softly, "A silver raven."

"So there is a connection," L muttered, "three out of nine with the same tattoo." Light apparently heard him, nodding in agreement. "That helps narrow the search slightly. Tomorrow we start looking."

"For what?" L smiled lightly and Light cocked his head, "Or rather who?"

"Kowa Heiwa."

**How was the chapter? I was trying to not reveal to much about everything quite yet. Review and let me know what you think about the story and what you think will happen next. Maybe tell me what'd you'd like to happen next. I won't change anything I'm currently planning...but the ideas may be incorporated somehow.**

**Until next time guys!**


	12. Chapter 12

**Hey everyone. I'm so sorry it took me soooo long to update this fic. Between the end of school projects and my other fic Lunar Sun (again I apologize for stating another in the middle of this one. I couldn't help it) I haven't had much time to work on this. Also the wifi I was using stopped working and I can't get it at home anymore. I'll update again as soon as I can but, keep in mind, if you want more then please review. For some reason it helps my brain work better.**

**Enjoy the chapter!**

"From what I can tell he has no record at all," L stated, a lollypop dangling between his lips, "Not anything traceable at least. Besides that one dropped charge his record is spotless." Light gave a sigh from beside him, grabbing the coffee cup beside him.

"I still don't see why you need me," Light grumbled. Despite his seemingly sour mood, the teen had an odd spark of determination in his eyes. It made Light seem more like the teen L had first met. He enjoyed that.

"Who else knows the faces of the boys?" L asked simply, leaning back in his chair. Light took a large gulp from his cup before setting it back down.

"Alright," he finally said, "So how do we find this kid?"

"I suggest we check out his girlfriend's house," L stated, "She might know where to find him." Light scoffed, putting his chin on his hand.

"Because that won't tip anyone off to anything," he stated, "Or creep people out."

"Then we'll check out the diner he works at," L said in exasperation.

"Where does he work?"

"Hmm...some place called Cloud Peak." Light grinned, a low chuckle escaping his lips. L frowned. "What?"

"That isn't a diner Ryuuzaki," Light said with a laugh, "It's a bar." L groaned.

_'lovely,'_ he thought in dismay, _'Another bar. Why the hell do I keep getting dragged into these kinds of places.' _Light laughed again at seeing the displeased look on L's face. L ignored him, tapping his fingers on his thigh as he stared at the computer screen. _'Note to self,'_ he thought with a glance at Light who had finally stopped laughing, _'he's not allowed to have alcohol this time.'_ A hand on his shoulder made him jump. Light was watching him curiously.

"I can practically hear you thinking," Light commented, drawing his hand back, "Care to share?" At first he didn't answer, not wanting to bring the event to life. The chances that Light didn't remember were pretty high and, truthfully, L wasn't sure he wanted him to remember. Light studied his face, searching for some hint of what he was thinking. When he got none he turned back to the computer screen in front of him. "Maybe we should get someone to arrest him," he stated after a moment. There was a hint of nervousness in his voice which L attributed to Kowa's role in the attack.

"I can go alone if you'd like," L offered. _'After all he might recognize Light's face.'_ The brunette shook his head.

"It isn't me I'm worried about," he muttered, "Kira's still out there and looking for a chance to kill you. Even though no one knows who you really are outside this building..." he trailed off with a sigh and lowered his head. L slipped out of his chair, going over to wrap his arms around the teen. After all it was his own well-being that was upsetting him. Light looked up at the action, staring intently into L's own onyx orbs. Their lips met sweetly, nothing more than a gentle pressure that hinted at something more. When they finally separated, L sighed, brushing a strand of hair out of Light's face.

"But before we even think about going after this kid," he said slowly, amber eyes watching intently, "You need a change of appearance."

"You want me to what?" L stared at the blonde as if he were brain dead. He hadn't spoken in some language Mello didn't know had he?

"It was a simple request Mello," he stated. The blonde glanced at Light standing beside him before leaning back against the wall behind him.

"Well yeah but..." he trailed off, cocking his head, "Why exactly?" L glanced to Light before settling his gaze on Mello.

"I can't tell you," he said simply, "Can you simply do it without asking questions for once." Once more Mello looked to Light. The brunette said nothing, meeting his gaze and staring blankly. The blonde sighed and pulled away from the wall.

"Fine," he said, "follow me." They followed the blonde boy to his room, L closing the door once they'd entered. "What exactly were you hoping for me to do?" Mello asked.

"Give him a different appearance," L stated simply. Mello shrugged, rummaging through a box he pulled out from under his bed.

"Anything in mind?" He asked, voice muffled slightly. L looked at Light and the brunette shrugged.

"No," the detective responded, "nothing in particular." Light shifted slightly, looking uncomfortable.

"Just," he started, "nothing permanent okay?" Mello gave a nod and straightened.

"Relax," he said, "It'll all come off." Light swallowed thickly but nodded. L felt bad for the teen. When Mello got a new person to style...well he tended to go overboard. Light wouldn't look anything like himself if that happened. "Leave for a while L," Mello said, "I want to surprise you. If you can't recognize him then no one else will." L nodded and left.

_'Good luck Light,'_ he thought grimly as he shut the door.

He fetched his computer and a plate of cupcakes before sitting by Mello's door. As he ate, he searched for anyone with a silver raven tattooed on his collarbone. No results popped up and he frowned, chewing thoughtfully on a cupcake. He searched for any tattoos of silver ravens and got a load of results. He sighed again and let his head bump against the wall. This was not going to be easy.

About an hour later Mello opened the door, a grin on his face that could only be described as sadistic. A piece of chocolate was dangling from his lips. "Come see my masterpiece," he said with a smirk. L stood, picking up his laptop, and followed the blonde inside. He set the laptop on the bedside table, turning to wait as Mello slipped into the bathroom. After a few seconds of muffled voices Mello reappeared, dragging Light by the arm.

The teen looked nothing like himself. Instead of caramel, his hair was now dyed jet black, tipped with blood red at the end. He'd also been given reddish colored contacts. Black eyeliner had been put around his, now red, eyes. The makeup highlighted them in such a way as to make them much more pronounced than previously. His outfit was also less casual than it had once been. Mello had fitted him with a black tank top, a pair of tight, black skinny-jeans, and a pair of black and red high tops. "So," Mello said "What do you think?" L didn't respond, too shocked by the sight in front of him for his brain to function correctly.

"This is ridiculous," Light mumbled, arms crossed in front of him and a blush on his face, "I look like some kind of male prostitute." L's face flushed at the comment and Mello laughed.

"Whatever you say," He said, a smirk on his face. A part of L's brain told him that Mello had dressed him like that simply to make him uncomfortable. He sighed and shook his head.

"You look fine," he replied steadily, "And not at all like yourself. That's what we want." L huffed but nodded.

"Fine," he said, "but god help up if my mom or sister sees me like this." He swallowed thickly. "Or my father. That would _not_ go over well."

_'Good thing they won't recognize him,'_ he thought before looking at himself, _'Though they'd recognize me. I don't doubt that they could put two and two together though...'_ Mello saw him thinking and smirked.

"Maybe we should change you a bit too," he suggested, grin sliding back into place. Reluctantly, he agreed; though the thought at Mello toying with his appearance wasn't a pleasant one.

_'I really hope he doesn't go overboard,'_ he thought grimly. He fixed a hard look at Mello, "No dye," he said firmly. Mello's grin dropped into a pout.

"It washes out-"

"No Mello."

"Fine," he muttered with a defeated sigh, "Killjoy." He grabbed Light, turned him, and pushed him none to gently towards the door. "You scram," he said simply. Light rolled his eyes but left. Mello smiled once the door closed, pulling out a new piece of chocolate from his pocket and popping it into his mouth. "And now to get to work."

_'What in the world have I just agreed to?'_

Matt and Near turned their head at the sound of footsteps. When Light entered the room Near looked him over, Matt whistling slightly. "Damn," the redhead stated, "Mello did a good job. If I hadn't know what he was planning then I wouldn't recognize you." Light sank into one of the computer chairs with a sigh.

"Thanks I guess," he muttered, crossing his arms on the table and laying his head atop them. He closed his eyes, slightly annoyed at the strange feeling of the contacts in his eyes. Near gazed at him for a few seconds longer before speaking.

"What did L say?"

"Hmm?" Light replied, lifting his head.

"What did he say," Near repeated, "about your new look."

"Nothing at all," Light replied, confused. Matt grinned.

"He has so fallen for you," Matt said, snickering slightly, "and badly by the looks of it." Near cocked his head.

"So you've noticed as well."

"Well yeah. I'm not blind Near. I think Mello's the only clueless one still."

"He always is." Light watched the conversation continue as if he weren't there anymore. He blinked before turning to lay his head on the table once more. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. The dye better come out or Mello was going to get the shit beaten out of him.

"So how much do you like L?" Light lifted his head, staring at Matt as though he'd asked a weird question. In a way he had. He definitely had.

"What do you mean?" he asked, unsure of what exactly the other teen wanted to know. Matt scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"We all know L's in love with you," Matt stated, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms, "but how do you feel about him?" Light blushed slightly, turning away.

"That's none of your business," he mumbled, standing. He walked away before the redhead could question him further, slipping into the sanctity of his and L's room. He flopped down onto the bed with a groan.

_'How do I feel about Ryuuzaki,'_ he wondered, letting his eyes slip shut, "I don't know," he whispered, putting his arms over his face, "I really don't know." He sighed and shook his head, letting his arms drop. _'No that's not it,'_ he thought, opening his eyes to stare at the ceiling, _'I care for him...a lot. But how much? And how far am I willing to let him go? How far does he want to go for that matter?'_ His head throbbed slightly as the questions crowded his brain. He shook his head again as if that would clear it. He'd work it out later. Later. When his brain wasn't so fuzzy. He felt his eyes slide shut again and drifted off. _'I can't fall asleep,'_ he told himself. His tired brain didn't seem to care about his protests and he felt himself yawning lightly. _'Maybe for a few moments...'_

He was shaken awake later by L who was staring at him worriedly. "What's wrong?" he asked with a yawn. L relaxed upon seeing that he was awake.

"You wouldn't respond," he said softly, "I've been trying to wake you for ten minutes. In a moment I was going to call Watari in to see if we should take you to the hospital or something." Light sat up, blinking away sleep.

"Sorry," he replied, "I guess I fell asleep on accident." L relaxed further, shifting so he was seated on the bed rather than leaned over it. "Was I asleep long?"

"No," L told him, "probably only twenty minutes or so." Light nodded before looking L over after his new makeover. Mello had let his hair alone, letting it hang the way it normally did. His eyes were now dark blue rather than black, a fact that slightly disappointed him. His eyes had also been outlined with black eyeliner. His wardrobe had been changed, though not as drastically as Light's, as well. L was now in a deep red, long sleeved shirt with tight blue jeans. A studded belt was wrapped around his hips, only through a single belt loop on his left hip. Another studded belt, a bracelet, was wrapped snugly around his right wrist."Mello decided to steal some clothing from Matt," L explained as Light checked him out in this new outfit, "And added the belt and bracelet from his own collection."

"He has an obsession with belts doesn't he," Light commented. L nodded.

"Though you'll never see Matt complain about it." Light looked at him curiously and L smiled slightly.

"What?" His smile grew.

"Never mind," he said, taking Light's hand and pulling him out the door, "You'll find out sooner or later. Let's be on our way shall we." Light nodded, a smile on his face.

"Despite why we're going to Cloud Peak," Light said, "I'm happy to go." He looked L over again. "I just wish he'd left your eyes alone. I prefer them black rather than blue." L smiled at him.

"And I prefer you as a brunette," he replied, fingering a strand of red tipped, black hair, "However I agree with you. I'm rather happy to go with you as well." Light blushed, still smiling, and quickly pecked L on the cheek.

"Let's go then." L squeezed his hand and the pair left. L shut the door, neither male realizing that Light's cellphone lay forgotten on the table. Just as the door clicked shut it buzzed, signaling an incoming text.

It was from Hino.

**Again, sorry for the length of it. I didn't know where else to stop it without it being ridiculously long. Hopefully the next one will be longer.**

**Review if you want more chapters!**


	13. Chapter 13

**Hey everybody! Here's chapter 13 of Picking Up The Pieces. I'm so glad at how this story has been going. Thank you everyone who has reviewed. Your comments make my mental writers keep functioning. Keep reviewing for more chapters and let me know how I'm doing.**

**Especially thank you to High On The Rainbow. You've been with this story all along and your comments are so helpful. Oh, and don't worry one bit. All your questions will be soon answered.**

**Enough of my babble. On with the chapter.**

"Stop rubbing at it," Light hissed as L rubbed at his eye for the third time in the hour they'd been there, "You'll knock it out of place."

"I think it already moved," L muttered, blinking as his eye watered slightly. Light cupped his face, inspecting the contact in his eye. L blushed slightly and hoped that Light didn't notice.

"It's still in place," Light told him, letting go of his face, "so stop messing with it." L nodded and resisted the urge to rub at his eye again. He hated these stupid contacts. Hopefully they'd find out something useful so they could go home. "Remind me what the hell we're looking for?"

"Some way to arrest him without making a scene," L explained, "Watari's waiting with the car outside." Light nodded, but the look on his face said he wasn't convinced it was possible. L turned his gaze to the his current target. Kowa looked as nonthreatening in person as he had on file. He was filling drinks on he other side of the room, smiling and talking with the people at the table. Kowa turned away from the table, catching L's gaze on him and coming towards them. L glanced at Light but it appeared that the teen hadn't noticed yet.

"Hello," Kowa greeted once he'd reached them. Light tensed at the voice, his gaze purposefully trained at something off to one side. "Did you need something sir? I noticed you looking at me."

"I apologize," L said, wishing that the boy would leave, "You look like someone I know." Kowa flashed him a smile, cheeks turning slightly pink.

"I get that a lot." He shifted his gaze then, eyes resting on Light who was still staring at anything else that he could see. "And your friend," Kowa stated, "he looks...uncomfortable." Light stood then, walking away without saying anything.

"Excuse me," L said, following without hesitation and leaving Kowa standing there in confusion.

"What odd people," Kowa muttered, walking to another table.

"Light?" L whispered as he walked into the bathroom which Light had entered before him. The teen was standing at the sink, staring into the mirror with a blank expression. His fingers were gripping the edge so tightly that his knuckles were as white as the porcelain. "Are you alright?" Light didn't reply, just staring at the mirror. L approached him cautiously. "He didn't recognize you," L stated in his calm monotone, "Your own mother wouldn't with the way you look right now." A strained smile appeared on Light's face.

"It wasn't recognition I was worried about," the teen muttered, shifting his gaze from the mirror to the sink as L walked up behind him.

"Then what was it?" He asked, wrapping his arms around Light's waist and smiling when he relaxed into him. Light sighed, moving one hand to grip L's arms.

"He seems so innocent," Light said softly, "As if he'd been dragged into the whole thing without wanting to actually do it. That's what I always thought." L nodded. Kowa definitely had that air about him.

"But that opinion has changed hasn't it," L said more than asked. Light nodded slowly.

"When he looked at me in there..." Light shuddered against him, swallowing thickly, "He had such a cold look in his eye. It was like he didn't see me as an actual person but as some kind of plaything instead."

"We should let Watari know," L said before pulling back, "We'll be able to arrest him after he gets out from work and there aren't many people around to see."

"Trying to be inconspicuous again?" L smirked.

"No need to let his buddies know we're on to them. Now come on." He took Light's hand and began leading him out of the room when Light stopped him, pecking him on the lips softly.

"Thank you," he whispered. L smiled and pulled him from the room.

They'd barely gotten to the car when L felt his phone go off. He opened the door and slid inside, Light following with a curious look. "Who's calling?" L pulled the phone out and frowned when he didn't recognize the number.

"I'm not sure." He picked up the phone swiftly. "Hello?"

"_Ryuuzaki?" _L blinked in surprise as the door clicked shut.

"Hino?" he questioned. Light shot him a confused look and he shrugged in response.

"_Yeah. Please tell me Light is with you,_" the urgent voice said.

"Yeah he's sitting next to me," L said, brows knitting together as he got more and more confused. Light sighed and grabbed the phone, hitting a few buttons.

"What's up Hino?" Light asked, holding the phone between them.

"_Light!_" Hino exclaimed. He did not sound happy. "_Care to tell me why the hell you haven't answered your phone for the last hour and I got some temperamental kid instead?_" Light reached into his pocket and sighed.

"I must have left it on the table," he said before something occurred to him, "How did you get this number anyway?"

"_The kid with the attitude problem gave it to me._"

"Mello," L said at Light's odd look, "He must have answered your phone when it kept going off."

"Why would he-"

"_Enough about the kid already!_" Hino snapped, shocking both of them. "_Next time don't leave your phone at home!_"

"Just calm down a second," Light told the boy, "You still haven't told us what the problem is?"

"_The problem is that Gin knows you're on to him,_" Hino said quickly, "_So abort whatever suicide mission you've gone on and get somewhere safe. Where the hell are you two anyway?_"

"We're at Cloud Peak," Light said.

"_Seriously!_" Hino yelled. Light flinched away from the phone a bit. "_Out of everywhere you choose to go you go to where one of those idiots work?! I can't let you out of my sight at all._"

"Calm down," L said calmly, "He never realized we were there."

"_Doesn't matter,_" Hino said, voice cold with anger, "_Gin. Knows._" Light froze, the phone almost slipping from his hand as his eyes widened. L took the phone and took it off speaker phone.

"Are you sure?" he asked, glancing at the now stunned Light.

"_I wouldn't tell you something like this if I wasn't,_" he said, calmer now, "_Just get the hell out of there before he shows up._" With that Hino hung up and L sighed.

"We'd better be heading home Watari," he said.

"What about the kid?"

"Forget him. We'll have to get him later. For now we'll have to think of a new plan." He glanced to Light who was still frozen and staring at the back of the seat in front of him. _"And hopefully this doesn't make him jumpy all over again."_

"Wow," Mello said when they walked in to the room, neither looking particularly happy, "The great L comes home without his target." He turned to Near who was seated beside him. "Has this ever happened before Near?" The smaller boy rolled his eyes and promptly ignored the blonde.

"There was a change of plans," L stated, "I'm afraid I may have to get someone to arrest him for me." He looked at himself for a moment. "After all, two teens arresting someone in broad daylight won't exactly seem normal."

"Like that's stopped you before," Matt commented as he walked in and sat beside Mello, drink in hand.

"I myself do not arrest them Matt," L pointed out.

"True," The redhead replied, "And in addition to that you'll be happy to know that we've found absolutely nothing so far. Catching this guy is like trying to catch a ghost."

"Stop complaining," Near said coolly before going silent once more.

"Matt has a point you know," Light told L softly.

"About Kira being a ghost?"

"No," Light said, shaking his head, "But what if Kira isn't someone we could normally see." L stared at him for a moment before answering.

"You think the Shinigami is behind the killings?"

"I don't know. Maybe. The death note does belong to it after all." L pondered this for a moment. It made as much sense as anything else on this case.

"Perhaps you're on to something." Light smiled slightly. God how he loved that smile. "We should go get out of these outfits."

"I want my stuff back by the way," Mello said without looking at them, "And Matt's stuff too."

"Of course," L stated.

"And this shit better come out of my hair Mello or so help me," Light said with a scowl. Mello laughed, looking over his shoulder.

"Relax pretty boy," he said, "It washes out. Might darken it a little though." Light growled softly before walking out. L sighed when Mello burst out laughing and followed.

"I'm starting to hate him," Light grumbled when he entered their room.

"I think that's his goal," L said in amusement before tugging the shirt off and tossing it onto the bed. He tugged on his own shirt and sighed, "I am never wearing Matt's clothing again," he stated, tugging the jeans down and off. After he pulled his own loose jeans back on, grateful that his legs were no longer restricted, he turned around. Light was lying on the bed, struggling with Mello's pants. The shirt was already discarded onto the bed beside him. "Is something wrong Light?"

"Mello is way too skinny," Light huffed, "And his jeans don't help matters." After another minute of trying to pull them off Light sighed.

"Do you need some help?"

"No," came Light's instant reply. He laid there, unmoving, before letting out another sigh. "Yes." L tried not to smile as he walked over to the stuck teen.

"What exactly is wrong?" He asked. Light rolled his eyes at the amusement in the detective's voice.

"They're stuck on my hips," he stated. L couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips.

"How did you manage to get them on then?"

"Hell if I know." L slid on to the bed beside him.

"Suck in and I'll see if I can pull them off." Light did as he was told and L tried to work the skinny-jeans off of the teen. "They're really stuck on you," He grunted. After a few minutes they finally freed him and Light sighed in relief.

"Finally," he groaned, "I think I was starting to lose blood flow in my legs." L didn't reply. He tried not to stare at the almost naked teen lying next to him. Light met his gaze, eyes softening. He leaned up and slid one hand to the back of L's neck. "You might want to get those contacts out," he said softly, "I'm going to go wash this dye out." L nodded dumbly and sat back. Light stood and headed to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

It was almost 25 minutes before Light came back out. L had already returned Matt and Mello's stuff and returned to the room to make a phone call. He'd barely put the phone down when Light exited the bathroom, fully clothed and hair back to its normal coloring. He'd obviously taken out his own contacts at some point. "He's a lucky kid," Light said darkly.

"Mello just wants to mess with you," L told him, "My suggestion is don't let him." Light sat beside him, running a hand through his hair.

"I'll keep that in mind." He leaned against him, making a noise of contentment when L wrapped an arm around him. "Hey Ryuu?" Light questioned softly.

"Yes Light?"

"Do you think Kira can be caught?" L pondered the question for a moment.

"I do," he told the younger male, "Why do you ask?" Light looked down.

"I just," He paused, thinking, "I just hate how Kira thinks he has a right to do something like this. He's no better than the criminals he kills."

"_How did I ever suspect him?"_ L wondered. When Light looked up at him and smiled he inwardly sighed. _"That's right. He's too damn perfect."_ He gave a smile smile back. "I agree with you on that. However, at the moment at least, there's nothing more we can do that we aren't doing already." Light looked back towards his lap and sighed.

"I guess you're right," Light said, not at all looking happy about it.

"At least we can make some progress on your case," He said in an attempt to bring some happy news into the conversation. It didn't work since Light didn't even look at him.

"Why's that?" he asked simply.

"Kowa's being brought in tomorrow," L explained, "I called someone to take care of bringing him in. Tomorrow I can examine him all I want to get some answers."

"You sound so sure of yourself."

"I've never failed at getting answers yet."

"Never?"

"Well maybe not never," L admitted, "but definitely not in a very long time." Light hummed in response.

"I see," Light said, "And what will you do if he does give up names?"

"Charge him and bring in the others."

"You'll want me to identify them I assume." L sighed and tightened his grip.

"Unfortunately yes," He said, "I can't charge them otherwise. Either you identify them or I'll need a confession." He felt a hand brush against his chest and looked down. Light still wasn't looking at him, yet he had placed one hand against his chest, fingers slightly curled into the fabric of his shirt.

"It's fine," he said softly, "I'm not made of porcelain you know. I won't break just from that."

"_I know that,"_ L thought sadly, _"You're much too strong for your age. That's what worries me. I want you to feel safe lowering those walls. I don't want you to feel the need to hide behind them anymore."_ He was pulled from his thoughts when Light looked at him with a coy grin.

"Besides," he said and L blinked at the mischievous tone in his voice, "If I can be chained to you for months on end I think I can watch that bastard squirm a little." He leaned up and nuzzled into L's neck. For a few minutes they sat in silence and L could almost hear the gears turning in Light's head.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked, fully embracing the teen beside him.

"About Kira," Light admitted, pulling back with a guilty look, "I know I shouldn't be grateful for this but...if he hadn't started killing then I never would have met you Ryuuzaki. It amazes me sometimes how if one thing hadn't happened it would all be different." L nodded.

"Sometimes, when I have enough time to ponder it, I think the same thing." L frowned slightly. "Although...I wish it hadn't taken accusing you of being a serial killer for it to happen." Light laughed at that.

"Trust me when I say you aren't the only one." He stood, pulling L up with him. "Come on. Let's get something to eat. All this worrying can wait until tomorrow." L nodded and allowed Light to pull him from the room.

L smiled as he watched his friend-his boyfriend that is-look so happy. Slowly, piece by piece, Light was opening up.

He couldn't ask for anything more.

**And there we go. Please review while I start popping out the next chapter. It'll be up as soon as my brain can flesh it out and I can get to internet again.**

**Until then,**

**Goodbye!**


	14. Chapter 14

**So here you are my loyal readers. Finally school is out and I can write in peace. I'm actually really happy about how this chapter turned out. We get to see more of our little friend Kowa and learn some new information. Now before I go and ruin anything about this chapter I suggest you read. I warn you now...there is male contact. I shall say no more.**

**Enjoy!**

"Are you sure you're ready to see him again?" L asked, moving into his crouch behind the computer screen he would use to communicate with. Light was seated in the floor beside him, looking pale as he stared at the computer screen.

"I'll be fine," Light said softly, hands clenching. L gently took one hand in his, making Light smile faintly. "Who did you get to bring him in anyway." L cleared his throat, shifting in a very uncomfortable way. "What?" L was just about to respond when the door to the interrogation room opened. L's gaze snapped to the screen, watching anxiously as Kowa was pushed, rather roughly, into the room. Light gasped softly when he saw who had brought him in. "You asked my dad?" He hissed. L shrugged.

"I didn't exactly have many options Light," he pointed out. Light huffed but nodded.

"I'm just shocked he did it," he muttered, watching as his father took place by the door, watching Kowa like a hawk. L shook his head and readied a hand above the speaker button. Light nodded, shifting into a comfortable position. L gently pushed the button, smiling deviously.

"Kowa Heiwa," He said calmly, inwardly satisfied when Kowa jumped and stared at the computer in the room with him. He knew the distorted voice coming out of the machine seated across the table would unnerve him. It always did. "Do you know why I've had you brought here?"

"Whatever it is I can tell you I didn't do anything," the boy protested, glancing around nervously. Light growled softly, soft enough that the computer microphone wouldn't pick it up.

"I'm afraid that form of denial will not work on me," L said, "I have had you identified in a rape case." Kowa's eyes widened and he leaned forward on his hands.

"Who the hell ID'd me?" he demanded.

"The boy you raped Kowa," L stated, cocking his head slightly, "Or rather helped rape I suppose. I know there were more of you." Kowa swallowed, clearly unnerved, and sat back in the chair.

"It wasn't my idea," he stated blankly, as if he were in shock, "I swear." L glanced over to Light to make sure he was alright. The boy was silently seething, jaw clenched angrily.

"That is irrelevant," L told him, eyes going back to the screen, "You still participated did you not?" Light tapped his shoulder and L released the button, silencing the microphone.

"They had him go first," Light said softly, though not out of fear but out of rage. L nodded and hit the button once more.

"You went first I believe," L said, watching as Kowa' eyes widened.

"I-I didn't," he sputtered.

"You did," L insisted.

"It was Gin," Kowa insisted, "He made me do it." L narrowed his eyes. The kid was lying.

"So you wanted no part of it? None at all?" Kowa shook his head, though he remained still otherwise. If he'd really been made to do such a thing without wanting to...he'd be hysterical by now. How much was he hiding? "Kowa...it helps nothing for you to lie to me. It only makes you look guiltier than you truly are." Kowa slumped slightly.

"The boy," he said softly, "Is he...okay?" L glanced to Light. How much truth about the teen should he reveal. Light nodded, urging him on.

"He was in the hospital for a while after the initial assault," L stated, keeping one eye on Light for any sign that he was revealing too much, "But he is fully healed now and working through the initial trauma. He should be fine at some point in the near future." Kowa cocked his head, staring at the computer. Finally a small smirk appeared on his face.

"Too bad," Kowa sneered, "I guess we didn't do him enough then. Or maybe he was just a whore to begin with?" L pulled his finger away from the button in time to not pick up Light's angry snarl at the comment. Soichiro seemed as furious as his son, slamming a hand down onto the table and making Kowa jump.

"I'd watch your mouth," He said menacingly, "That happens to be my son you're talking about." Kowa gulped, obviously petrified despite his earlier bravado.

"Mr. Yagami," L said simply, "Please refrain from scaring him too much. It'd be a shame if his mouth were to completely freeze up on me." Soichiro backed off, glaring at the teen with disgust. Kowa shifted, rattled by the sudden confrontation. "Now," L said, "I already know your involvement in this whole matter and can easily charge you whenever I wish. Now I'm going to give you one chance to get a little security while in prison. I promise you that rapists aren't exactly welcome in prison now days. What comes around goes around I suppose."

"I don't know all their names," Kowa blurted out. He wasn't so tough now that he was the one being threatened.

"I see," L said skeptically.

"I swear I don't," Kowa panicked, "I only know two others beside Gin. I swear that's all I know!"

"Alright," L said, "Let's say I believe you. If you give me the names-and having them check out of course-along with answering a few questions...you won't get raped and beaten in prison. Do we have a deal?" Kowa nodded furiously. "I'm glad we understand each other. First, the names."

"Um...R-Rito Manasu a-and Lio Tsure," Kowa stamered, catching Soichiro's angered gaze. L nodded behind his screen.

"Anything distinguishable?" Kowa's brows knitted together before he rolled up his left sleeve up to reveal his silver raven tattoo.

"Rito and Lio have the same tattoo's," Kowa said, "Rito's is on his lower back and Lio's is on his right hip. They're the only other two I know. I swear that's all."

"The tattoos, what are their significance?"

"Loyalty to Gin," Kowa said instantly, "It's a sign that he owns us. Our lives lay in his hands." L cocked a brow. What the hell was wrong with these boys?

"And how many of there were you?"

"Nine altogether."

"I see," he said, satisfied for now, "If your information if incorrect you will get no amount of protection. Understand?" Kowa nodded, seeming relieved. L was about to tell Soichiro to lock him up when Light gripped his shoulder. He let go of the button, curious. "Yes Light?"

"I want to talk to him," Light said simply, getting straight to the point.

"Light I don't think-"

"I need to do this Ryuuzaki," Light stated, "I have to ask him something...something I need to know...something only he can answer." L sighed.

"Alright," he said hesitantly, "Go in then." Light smiled and pecked him on the lips.

"Thank you," he said, slipping out of the room. L watched the screen with bated breath until Soichiro opened the door, eying his son coldly. Light paid him no attention, instead sitting opposite Kowa and shifting the computer slightly.

"What?" he asked when Kowa stared at him with wide eyes, "Don't recognize me now that I'm not pinned down underneath you?" When Kowa said nothing Light leaned forward slightly. "There's something I want to know."

"What?" Kowa choked out.

"Why do it?" he asked, sitting back, "Why do something so stupid when it can only end in prison?"

"I-," he froze for a moment, regaining his composure, "We did it because we wanted to. Why spend years on a relationship when you can just take what you want in the world? When you have someone like Gin on your side then you don't worry about getting caught."

"I see," Light said, sounding eerily like L had, and gazing at him with blank amber eyes that looked like hell had frozen over in them. "One more question." He sat silent for a moment, looking Kowa over. "Why target me of all people? I'm not exactly someone that people like you would typically target."

"It was Gin's idea," Kowa told him, "He loves a challenge. He revels in the struggle of the fight. Who better to target than the supposedly straight college boy with a high IQ? What better struggle than from someone who can actually fight back? From someone who won't freeze up in terror." He sneered at him. "Besides," he said, "Gin likes his targets to know what they're doing. He isn't particularly fond of virgins since they've never done it. There was no need to worry about that with you though." Light stood, no emotion on his face whatsoever.

"I have nothing more to say to you," Light said, "You aren't worth my time."

"Hey kid," Kowa said, making Light pause by the door, "Gin said he's gonna pay you back for biting him. I'd be prepared." Without another moment Light left the room, cool and collected as when he'd walked in.

As soon as L had ordered Soichiro to lock Kowa up he exited the room in search of Light. He checked their room and, to his surprise, Light was not there like he usually was. He went back to the living room, spotting Matt and Mello seated on the floor, Mello lying in Matt's lap and seemingly asleep. Matt had a book in one hand, the other laid against Mello's side. Near was still seated at the computer, diligent as ever. "Matt," L said, softly so as to not wake the blonde, "Have you seen Light at all?" The redhead looked up, jostling Mello into a half wakeful state.

"No," Matt replied, setting the book aside and patting the annoyed Mello's head, "What, you can't find him?" L shook his head, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Try the roof," Mello muttered, rolling over and hiding his face in Matt's stomach. Matt blushed, glaring at the blonde, and L retreated before anything else were to happen. Mello had no boundaries it seemed.

He climbed the stairs to the roof, hoping Light was up there. When he opened the door and exited onto the roof the slight breeze felt nice after being cooped up in the building sometimes. Maybe Watari had been right in saying he had to get outside a bit more.

Light was seated against a metal pipe poking out of the roof. L approached quickly but silently, startling the boy when he perched beside him. "I've been looking for you," L said slowly, staring off into the distance, "Are you alright?"

"You need to stop worrying about me," Light replied, "Your going to ruin your reputation as the emotionless detective." Light smiled slightly and L gave a small smile as well. "I'm fine Ryuuzaki."

"Then why come here?"

"I was just thinking," Light said, bending his legs up and resting his head on his knees. L shifted closer, still crouched in his usual position.

"About what?" When Light didn't answer L sighed. "Its about what Kowa said isn't it." Light nodded slowly, not looking at him.

"Sometimes I wonder what I did to have life fuck me over so badly," Light said, closing his eyes, "Yet...what he said made me realize something."

"And that would be?" Light opened his eyes and looked at him, lips curled into a smile.

"I didn't do a fucking thing," he said simply before grinning. L stared at him before smiling wider.

"I'm glad you've finally realized that," He said, shifting to his knees. Light leaned forward, eyes glittering mischievously.

"So am I," Light said, leaning against him with a sigh of contentment. They sat in silence for a few moments, snuggled against each other on the solitude of the roof. L glanced over and Light looked to him, happy and content for the first time in a long while. Together they leaned in, sealing their lips in a soft, gentle kiss. Light shifted, kneeling so he could wrap his arms around L's neck. L gripped Light's hips in turn. Slowly, gradually, their kiss got more heated, both pressing closer to the other. One swipe of the tongue and the kiss became almost ravenous. L could feel fingers digging into his shoulder blades and pulled back, nipping at the flesh of his neck. Light groaned and bent his head back, a move that L quickly took advantage of. Warm fingers slipped from his neck to trail over his chest. He shuddered, looking up into Light's amber gaze.

"Are you sure about this?" L asked.

"I trust you to go only as far as I let you," Light replied, eyes glowing warmly.

"How far is too far?"

"I'll let you know once I figure that out." L kissed him again, pressing him back until his back hit the roof. Light sighed beneath him, shuddering when L brushed his fingers against Light's stomach and pushed the shirt up. Light arched to help before L leaned down, nipping the skin of Light's chest. The brunette jerked slightly, not expecting the sharp feel of teeth on his skin. L switched tactics, going instead to lap at one of Light's nipples. He groaned and L pressed closer, sucking one nipple and then the other. When he finally pulled back Light was panting. Light tugged on L's shirt, pushing it up to run his hands over L's pale chest. They kissed again as the raven-haired detective ground their groins together, gripping Light's hips to increase the friction. Light whimpered into the kiss, shuddering and pressing their bodies closer. With a groan L reached between them and gently palmed Light through his pants. The brunette whined, hips jerking into the elder male's hand. He grabbed the waistband, shaky hands grappling with the belt. He felt a hand gripping his wrist and pulled away to look down at the teen beneath him. "Wait," Light panted. L slumped slightly and Light wrapped both arms around him once more. "I'm not saying no," Light said softly, "I'm just saying not on the roof."

L sighed in relief and pulled Light up. Pulling him down the stairs and towards their room, they barely paused a they passed through the main room. Matt and Mello were in a heated argument over something that neither boy particularly cared about. They slipped through with barely any notice.

Once in their room L locked their door and pulled Light onto the bed. He yanked the teen's shirt off, tossing it aside. He'd deal with the repercussions later. _'Damn Light and his obsessive neatness.'_ This time, however, the teen didn't seem to care. He pulled L's shirt off and chucked it aside, licking his lips at L's half naked form. With a predatory growl L undid Light's belt and pulled the pants down, yanking his socks and shoes off with them. When the teen did nothing to stop him he gently pulled the teen's boxers off and discarded them as well, savoring the sight of Light naked for the first time.

Light on the other hand trembled slightly. He felt extremely vulnerable in this position and, despite the fact that he trusted L, he was suddenly extremely nervous. He shifted his legs to try and hide his blatant erection, a slow blush creeping onto his face. L smiled and leaned down to kiss him. "No need to hide Light," he said sensually, nipping Light's earlobe. Light gave a shaky smile before L pulled back, sliding his own pants down and off. Light gulped and sat up slightly, wide eyes watching as L undressed. L sensed his discomfort and nuzzled into his neck sweetly. Light relaxed slightly and shuddered when L reached down to grip his cock, a shaky moan creeping free from his lips. He gasped sharply when L began to slowly stroke him and L smiled at the sound.

"R-Ryuu!" He gasped out, mewling as L sped up his pace on the extremely hardened member. He felt his own pulse with need when Light moaned again before uncertain hands were on him. He hissed in pleasure, unable to stop himself from thrusting into Light's hand. "Hah!" The brunette cried out and L immediately kissed him, trying to silence his sounds.

"You have to be quiet," L warned when he pulled back, "Otherwise the boys might hear you." L resumed his stroking and Light whined, pressing his hands over his mouth to muffle his sounds. "I'm going to try something," he told the teen. Light glanced up at him before his eyes fluttered shut and he nodded. Without a moments hesitation L pulled his hand away in order to press their groins together. A low groan escaped his throat to mingle with Light's muffled moan of pleasure. He felt the brunette thrust back against him in a steady rhythm that had both of them panting in burning pleasure.

"Ryuuzaki," Light breathed out, "I can't..." He gripped onto L, arching up, "I'm gonna-" he was cut off as he came. L continued to thrust, groaning as he came as well. They both laid there panting, basking the aftereffects.

"Light?" L asked, pushing himself up to look at the brunette's face. Light looked back at him with a content smile.

"Don't even ask," he breathed out, "I'm fine." He hugged L close, holding him tightly. "Thank you," He said into L's neck, "You've given me so much."

"You deserve it," L muttered, before saying contently, "I love you." He paused slightly, worried how Light would take the confession. To his surprise and relief Light only hugged him closer.

"I know," he whispered. Finally L pulled away so he could find something to clean them off with. Light gave him one more quick kiss to the cheek. "I love you too."

**So how was that? This is the first lime passage I've written so...I hope you guys liked it. Let me know what you think. Too fast? Not enough? Getting annoyed with me yet? (I hope not for the last one.)**

**Anyway, until next time that is, please review.**

**Bye for now!**


	15. Chapter 15

**Finally got another chapter up. You guys don't know how glad I am to finally get this up. 15 chapters and still rolling. Keep supplying the comment and I'll keep supplying the chapters. It's you guys who keep me writing.**

**Enjoy!**

L groaned when bright sunlight struck him in the face. He rolled over to get away from it, sighing when he was only partially successful. He tried his best to ignore it and unconsciously reached out to the other side of the bed. When his hand met nothing he frowned, brow furrowed, and let his eyes finally slide open. He frowned even more when he didn't see his brunette lover. He sat up, barely registering that he was still naked, and looked around nervously. Where was the teen? He did a quick check of the bathroom before getting dressed and exiting the room. He checked every room he went past until he finally located the teen in the kitchen making breakfast. He paused in the doorway when he saw Matt, Mello, and Near seated around the table nearby. Matt and Mello were bickering again and Near shot him an odd look.

"Good Morning Ryuuzaki," Light greeted once he spotted him. He glanced back at the boys with a grin. "Finally got them away from the computers. They're worse than you are." L gave a small smile and sat beside Near. The small boy was still staring at him strangely.

"Is something wrong Near?" he asked. The boy shook his head before turning to watch Matt and Mello argue instead. _'Well that was odd,'_ he thought, _'I wonder what that was all about.'_ He listened to Matt and Mello argue for a few minutes before a plate clattered onto the table in front of him. On the plate was two blueberry pancakes slathered with syrup and a large dollop of whipped cream.

"I hope that's sweet enough for your tastes," Light commented as he dished out the food to the other three boys before sitting down to eat himself. Matt and Mello both stared at the food in front of them before sharing an odd look that made Light roll his eyes. "You act like I'm trying to poison you," he muttered, ignoring the deadly glare Mello leveled at him. L glanced to Near and saw that the white-haired boy didn't seem bothered at all by the statement, having already eaten a large portion of his own food.

They ate in silence while Mello continued to glare at Light and Matt silently kicked him under the table to let him know he should knock it off. When they'd finished and cleaned up Light informed L that he was going to shower. "You have no reason to keep me informed Light," L told him simply, "You are no longer under observation you know." Light chuckled.

"Force of habit I suppose," he said before turning away towards the bathroom. L frowned at the statement but ignored it. Instead he turned his attention to finding the two boys Kowa had identified. He ran the names through a database on his laptop, slightly irked when only one came up. Just how good were these guys at hiding their records anyway?

He pulled up the only one he got, a large file on Lio Tsure, and opened it. Apparently Lio had been in trouble since the age of eleven and now, at nineteen, his record was moderately sized. Most of the record contained accusations made towards him that had never gone to court; charges of theft and assault mostly. There was one accusation, a charge of strangling his girlfriend to death, that had gone to court but Lio had never been convicted for the charge. However, he had been convicted of manslaughter for unintentionally killing his father at seventeen but had gotten out after a year for being tried as a minor on the case. L scanned the accusations, seeing that they'd been made in multiple places throughout Japan. Currently he ran with some gang that he'd never heard of; the XXX's. They'd recently been charged with drug possession but many of them, including Lio, had never been convicted or even charged.

He made a mental note of the file before running a general search on the name Rito Manasu. Most of the articles were about older men or young children that couldn't possibly be who he was looking for. Eventually the title of one article, a video it turned out, caught his eye; 'Small town teen wins big time kendo tournament.' He clicked on the video and caught one teen boy holding a trophy and smiling. He was relatively pale with blonde hair that had been dyed blue at the tips. When he turned L could barely make out a small mark on his lower back. Most likely the silver raven tattoo that seemed to be so prominent with these boys.

He was so focused on his thoughts that he jumped when a soft buzzing sound reached his ears. He glanced down to see Light's phone buzzing on the table top and mentally sighed. Hadn't the teen learned not to simply leave his phone laying around?

He thought about whether or not he should check the message before picking it up. The screen was flashing that there was a text from Hino and he opened the message, a dark feeling settling in his gut. The message didn't help to subdue that feeling either.

_'I'm in a bit of trouble. Gin's group of lap dogs started harassing me at work and they are really pissed off about something. I think I need some help. Can you come get me? They slashed my car's tires too so I'm stuck here.'_

He bit his thumbnail before deleting the message and putting the phone down on the table. He stood, grabbed his own cellphone and the keys to Watari's car, strapped his gun to his waist, and slipped out the front door without a sound.

He was shifting uncomfortably as he slid into Watari's car and pushed the key into the ignition. He didn't drive much as a rule. Sure he knew **how** to drive, but that didn't mean he was well practiced with the activity. He took a deep breath a drove back to the club where Hino worked, determined to pick the teen up and get back before Light decided to try and look for him. He'd deleted the text but L was sure that Light would come here first. It was what he would do in the situation.

He sped up slightly but made sure not to break the speed limit. That was not something he needed right now. All the while he tried not to think of what Hino's message meant. Just because they were harassing him didn't mean they would actually hurt him...right? He hoped not. Hino was such a good friend to Light and he was beginning to like the male. He was protective and loyal, something that most people were not. He didn't want him hurt and he definitely didn't want him dead or something like that.

He hurriedly parked in front of the bar and hopped out, locking the doors and hurrying towards the door. The lights were still on but the street seemed eerily quiet. It didn't settle with him well.

When he tried to open the door he found it locked tight. He frowned and pulled again but there was no way in. He kicked the surface as hard as he could, hoping to crack the wood. The door held fast and all he got was a soft thump tat would surely alert anyone if they were still inside. _'Smart move L,'_ he thought and mentally smacked himself. This day was getting better and better wasn't it.

He slipped out back, drawing his gun in case he needed it, and hoped there would be another way inside. He found one when he located a small open window in the back. It would be a tight fit but it would have to do. He hoisted himself up and slid his feet through the opening, dropping silently into the dimly lit room. He was back in the storage room, the one Hino had taken him into when he'd come to retrieve Light. He stood up straight, all evidence of his slouch gone, and crept towards the open door. He peered through the opening, gun help ready, but could see nothing. Taking a breath he opened the door further and stepped into the main room.

To say that the club was trashed was an understatement. Tables were overturned and broken, chairs tossed aside haphazardly. Glass littered the floor and the scent of alcohol greeted him from its dripping placement on various surfaces. He walked towards the bar, careful to avoid the broken glass on the floor (damn him and his hatred for wearing shoes). When he reached the bar he saw a girl slumped against the wall. He hurried over to check her pulse, glad she was still alive. She was still breathing but there was a nasty cut on her forehead that had, thankfully, stopped bleeding. Unable to do anything for her at the moment, L continued to look around for any sign of Hino. He was searching a side room behind the bar when he sensed something wrong and spun around in time to feel a heavy wooden object, most likely one of the table or chair legs, strike him in the head. He staggered back, dazed, and brought the gun up. He fired off two bullets and heard a grunt as at least one of them connected. He shook his head to clear it and managed to open his eyes to see six males, including the one now writhing in pain on the floor when L's gun. His eyes narrowed and he steadied his hold on the gun. He recognized some of them. Four of the five boys that they'd seen on the street, since Gin had been one of them and he also identified Lio as one of them, along with Rito and some brunette he didn't recognize. The only missing boys were Kowa, who was locked up already, Gin, who was nowhere to be seen, and the final boy who Light had not seen the face of.

"Where's Hino," he growled, finger tight on the trigger.

"None of your damn business," Lio said with a smirk. Rito was silent beside him, a knife clenched in his hand. He assumed the one he'd shot had been the one who hit him due to the fact that one of the table legs lay only a short distance from where he lay. L fired a singled bullet into the floor next to Lio who jumped at the sound.

"One more chance Lio," he snarled, "Where. Is. Hino?"

"Not here," the mysterious brunette stated simply, "I suggest you put down the gun if you ant him to live till tomorrow." L snarled and leveled the gun at the teen. He wasn't going down without a fight. To his surprise the brunette only smiled. "So your that kid's boyfriend huh? He's a good fuck ain't he." He fired once more but the brunette had anticipated his move and moved out of the way, leaving one of the other unknown boys from the street to take the bullet in his right shoulder. "I see I struck a nerve there. I apologize."

"I don't need an apology from you," L stated calmly. He had to be careful. His gun only held six bullets to start with. He'd used four of them and he had a feeling he wouldn't have time to reload. "Or any comments for that matter."

"How about an offer then," the brunette said.

"What offer?" The male gave a cruel smile in reply.

"You come with us now and maybe we'll leave you're little boyfriend alone," he said, "If you refuse Gin will definitely track him down. I don't know what he'll do to him but he probably wants revenge." L vaguely recalled Kowa's last comment to Light in the interrogation room.

_'Gin said he's gonna pay you back for biting him. I'd be prepared.'_

"Or," L said, "I could take all six of you out right now. Kowa wasn't very tough and I've already shot one of you without being able to even aim properly." He hoped his bluff would spook them. Maybe with his gun fully loaded and them standing perfectly still he could peg them all but...he wasn't very confident otherwise. The brunette seemed to catch his uneasiness and sneered at him.

"I am not Kowa," he responded coldly, "I don't go betraying my friends when a better deal comes along. Gin wants a crack at him as well but...can't have everything it seems." He reached a hand out towards Rito. "Your knife Rito." The dark haired boy swallowed thickly but nodded. Was Gin really the leader here? Or was it this male instead. "Just try and shoot me dead."

He was on him before he could fire off another bullet, leaping over the bar to get at him. His head exploded with pain as he was shoved roughly into one of the shelves lining the bar and shot blindly, hearing the bullet splinter wood. More hands were on him, wrenching the gun from his hand as the knife was pressed against his chest. "You know Kaito," L heard Lio say, "He's pretty attractive himself." There was a grunt and a thud before the brunette, Kaito, swore lightly.

"Idiot," he hissed, "I told you not to say my name." There was a sigh as he tried to clear his blurry vision. "Oh well. No real harm done I guess. Rito, go retrieve Yuri from where our friend shot him down." He heard footsteps and vaguely saw Rito hop over the bar. Kaito sneered at him as he fought to get up from the two others holding him down. The one's shoulder wound wasn't altering his strength any. "And Lio has a point," Kaito said smoothly, grabbing his chin to look at his face better, "He's cute in a weird way." He took his head and slammed it hard into the floor. L groaned and felt his vision fading. "Take him into the car," he heard Kaito say, "We have work to do."

With that he passed out.

When Light reentered the kitchen he spotted L's laptop but no L. He checked his phone, seeing nothing more than a text from his sister about how they should hang out again soon, and frowned. Where was the detective?

He walked into the main room, seeing Matt playing a hand-held video game on the floor and Mello leaning back against him with a chocolate bar hanging from his lips. Near was still working busily at the computer. "Have any of you seen L?" he asked.

"No," Matt informed him without looking up, "he disappears all the time though. It isn't anything new." Light frowned and crossed his arms. He didn't like this feeling he was getting. As if something was wrong. He caught Near squirm in his seat and turned to him.

"Do you know where he went Near?" he asked. The boy shook his head.

"He was holding your phone after you left though," the boy said softly. Light's expression darkened as he turned away and pocketed his phone. He didn't like this ominous feeling in his gut. The detective had done something stupid again. He was sure of it.

He got halfway down the block when he detected footsteps behind him. He turned to see Near racing to catch up, face blank as usual. "Something isn't right," was all the stoic boy said. He nodded and was about to head off again when he saw a figure exiting the hotel building. As Matt jogged up to them he couldn't help the odd look that slid onto his face.

"Mello's staying behind with Watari in case L comes back and this whole thing turns out to be nothing," Matt explained.

"Why did you come to begin with if you think this is all nothing?" Light asked the redhead who shrugged.

"Never doubt Near's instincts." He pushed a hand through his hair, disrupting his goggles as he did. "So where are we headed?"

"I have one idea," Light told them as they started off again, "I just hope I'm wrong."

They ran the entire way to their destination. The club where Hino worked. When Light found the door locked he frowned, noticing the small dent on the wood. _'Someone was very pissed off at the locked door,'_ he thought, _'Most likely L. This is not good.'_ Near was the one who located Watari's car and Matt confirmed it as such. Things were getting more likely. They worked their way around the building, spotting Hino's car off to one side with the door ajar and the keys on the ground beside it.

"I do not like the look of this," Matt commented as Light pocketed the keys to Hino's car and shut the door. "Looks like some shit went down between L and whoever's car this is." Light shook his head.

"I doubt it," Light said, catching Matt's doubtful look, "This is my friend's car. The last time he and Ryuuzaki met they were on good terms. I don't think they were against each other during this. More likely someone used Hino to lure L here."

"Why the hell would they do that?" Matt asked with a snort, "Wouldn't one of us be better bait?" Light shrugged.

_'Unless L wasn't their target originally,'_ He thought grimly, _'Whatever message L read must have come through on my phone. He must have deleted it so I wouldn't follow...damn idiot.'_

They eventually found a single open window in the back and Near bent by the wall, plucking something out of the dirt. He held it up and Matt swore as he took it. "This is L's phone," he said with a sigh, "He was here alright." Light stared at the phone for a few moments before hauling himself through the window. He barely squeezed through with a grunt and dropped to the floor ungracefully. Matt and Near followed him through with some difficulty but easier than his entrance nonetheless. The darkness of the storage room greeted him. He'd been in this room way too many times, talking to Hino about various problems throughout the years.

_'And now someone has him,'_ Light thought angrily, _'And L too.'_ They slipped out of the storage room, shocked at the mess the club had become. Matt crouched by a bullet hole in the floor, smiling mischievously.

"No doubt this came from L's gun," Matt announced, "He must have shot one of the bastards."

"Wait," Light paused, "One of?"

"There's four other shots," he stated, "He wouldn't have used that many bullets on one or two guys. I'd say at least four or five were here." He pointed to the bar. "I'd say he was standing over there." Light hopped over the bar, noticing immediately the form slumped against the wall.

"Trisha!" He hurried over and bent beside her, breathing a sigh of relief that she was still breathing. "Wake up Trisha. Come on. Wake up." He shook her gently and her azure eyes fluttered open. "Oh thank god."

"Light?" she questioned, sitting up with a groan.

"Yeah," he answered as Matt joined him, Near struggling to clamber over the bar, "What happened here?"

"They took Hino," She murmured only half conscious, "There were so many of them. He never stood a chance." Tears escaped her eyes. "They hit him so hard."

"Trisha," Light said gently, the calm tone of his voice soothing her, "How many were there."

"Six or seven," She said uncertainly, "I don't know. Hino kept shouting at me. He kept yelling 'the raven, the raven'. I don't understand what he wanted from me." Light tensed.

"I do," He stated, "He wanted you to tell me just that. He figure they wouldn't take you and he was right. I know exactly who did this." He lifted her limp form up and stood. "I need to get her to the hospital."

"What are we supposed to do then?" Matt asked in annoyance. When Light looked at him his eyes were blazing angrily.

"I need a prisoner ready in one of the interrogation rooms," He said.

"Which one?" Light paused by the front door to break it open.

"Kowa Heiwa," He said before walking out and leaving the two boys to stare after him in confusion.

**So there you have it. I felt kind of bad about what I did to L but...such is life. Don't worry about him though. He'll be fine I swear. Anyway tell me what you think. Good? Bad?**

**Review if you want more chapters everyone.**

**Until then, goodbye!**


	16. Chapter 16

**Wow, I'm really surprised I managed to update again so soon. The mass of reviews within 24 hours of the last chapter got me fired up. I apologize for this chapter being smaller than previous ones but if I go any further it'll get a bit out of hand. Anyway, no matter how this chapter may seem the story is far from being over. So don't any of you worry your pretty little heads.**

**Also, my computer keeps chopping out random letters from my writing so if there are any problems then just let me know so I can fix them. I tried to look through it before posting but somehow something always slips trough the cracks.**

**Enjoy chapter 16 everyone!**

Kowa glanced around the interrogation room uneasily. He was alone this time. No computer seated neatly on the table. No guard to keep an eye on him. No anyone. He swallowed thickly, eyes darting around the room. He'd been brought here by some kid who couldn't keep his mouth shut. He'd been told to wait in here until further notice. He had no idea what was going on but he doubted whoever had ordered for him to be brought was on his side.

And then the door finally opened, making him jump at the suddenness of it all. He stared at the person who'd entered, unable to bring his bad-boy attitude to life. He simply froze as the other took a seat across from his and folded his hands beneath his chin, gazing at him with such burning eyes that he was sure a hole was forming in his forehead. "Remember me?" Light asked simply, voice void of any emotion except the anger in his eyes. Kowa nodded stiffly. "Of course you do. I'm not here to trade pleasantries."

"Why are you here?" he asked, "You said you had nothing more to say to me, and you definitely aren't a detective. So why?" Light shrugged.

"I may not be a detective...," he said, "yet. However I'm here because the idiots you're so loyal to took not one, but two friends of mine and I'm not very happy about it." Kowa gulped and Light gave a malicious smile. "Now you have one shot to tell me where your little friends hang out or else I fear you won't be having a very happy ending." Now Kowa sneered, though it was shaky.

"And what are you going to do to me?" Light tilted his head slightly, expression remarkably like a cobra who's caught easy prey.

"Hmm...I could always convince L to revoke your protection for starters. He doesn't particularly like you." Kowa paled, sneer sliding right off his face. "Or I could always tell your friends that it was you who ratted them out to the cops. I bet they'd just love that. I doubt even protection would save you at that point."

"Alright," Kowa said quickly, "Alright. Gin has this warehouse rented out under a false name. Its just outside of town near where I worked." Light nodded and his smile slid away.

"You'd better hope he's still there Kowa," he said in a tone that sent chills down Kowa's spine.

"That's where he was the last time I saw him," Kowa said, "If he isn't there then I don't know where he went." And he was telling the truth. Light could easily see that.

"Good," he said standing. Kowa struggled to keep an eye on his with his hands cuffed to the table.

"Gin will be waiting for you," Kowa threatened, "He wants you, not them."

"I know," Light said icily, "I'm planning on it."

"No wonder L was dead set on you being Kira," Mello said once Kowa had been put back in his cell, "You're fucking creepy at times. Creep me the fuck out." Light shot him an unamused look and he grimaced.

"Good to know," he stated simply. He continued to strap on a pistol of L's that Watari had lent him with a blank face.

"So what's our plan here?" Matt asked. Light glanced at him before unsheathing the pistol to check the ammo.

"There's no our here," he stated as the clip snapped shut, "You three are staying here. The last thing I need to worry about are you three." Mello growled softly and even Near looked mildly annoyed.

"Then what's your plan you idiot?" Mello ground out. Light brushed by him without much thought.

"Trade off," Light stated simply, "Kowa was right. He wants me, not L. Hell he doesn't even know Ryuuzaki is L. He'll make the exchange. After all," he turned back to look at them, "He hasn't broken me yet."

"Besides the fact that we have no fucking idea who these people are," Matt said, "You're a retard. You know that right?" Light didn't respond, instead pocketing more bullets for the gun. Near cleared his throat.

"What **did **these people do anyway?" he asked.

"Ask Ryuuzaki later," Light told them, "Tell him I said its alright." With that he walked out, the door shutting softly behind him.

"We're not really going to just let him get himself fucking killed are we?" Mello asked.

"I may not like him but L does," Matt stated, "That's enough for me." Near nodded in agreement.

"Let's start plotting shall we?"

L woke to the feel of his skull splitting open. He groaned and forced himself to a seated position. He felt dried blood on the back of his head and face. He rubbed a hand at it to ensure it truly was dry before gingerly touching his forehead. The cut wasn't bad so he ignored it to take in his surroundings.

Metal walls loomed up around him and wooden crates were stacked all around in large stacks. He noticed his limbs were free and tried to stand, wincing as something dug into his throat. The hell? He grabbed at it and identified it as a thick metal band wrapped around his neck. Turning he saw that he was chained to the wall by this thing. He swore softly and looked around for something to break it with, only then spotting the form lying a few feet from him.

He crawled over and turned the unconscious male onto his back. Hino. He too was chained to the wall by a thick metal collar. Again he swore, trying to shake the other awake. When all Hino did was groan he sighed and sat back. How the hell was he going to get out of here? And with an unconscious person too.

He stiffened when he heard voices approaching and scurried back to his original spot, pretending to still be unconscious as he slumped against the wall. Footsteps approached him and he fought to keep his breathing slow and deep. Carefully he cracked an eye open so he could see. Kaito was walking towards him, Gin only two steps behind him.

"You're right about one thing Kaito," Gin said, crouching down in front of him. Fingers gripped his chin, turning his face this way and that. He felt sick. "He's a cute one. Is he a virgin?"

"I...don't know," Kaito admitted, "I highly doubt that he hasn't ever had sex, especially being that kids lover, but I don't know if he's ever," he swallowed, "been on that side of things." Gin released him.

"Pity," the man said, "Waste of a cute face. Oh well. Maybe we can train him eventually." His heart jumped into his throat and he couldn't help the hitch of breath in his throat. "Looks like he's awake too," Gin said with a sickening smile, "Its no use to keep pretending there cutie." Fighting the urge to puke, L opened his eyes, glaring at the man. "Feisty too. Like the other one." He laughed as a low growl sounded in L's throat before standing. "Don't worry you'll see your little boyfriend again soon." He turned to Kaito. "Any sign of him yet."

"No," the brunette stated.

"Keep an eye out." With that Gin walked out, humming a little tune under his breath. Kaito glanced at L one more time before following.

_'They're waiting for Light," _L realized, _'but there's no way for him to locate where we are.'_

_'Yes there is,'_ his traitorous mind said, _'Kowa's still there. He could tell him everything he needs to know.'_ He pulled on the chain connecting him to the wall. It didn't budge. He swore and slumped down. He hated being so helpless. He hated not being able to do anything.

He hated it.

He sat back and sighed, staring up at the ceiling and stuffing his hands in his pockets. A groan sounded from beside him and he turned to see Hino waking at last. "Are you alright?" The brunette sat up, shaking his head slightly.

"I think so," he groaned, "Where are we?" L shrugged. "Okay...any idea how to get out?"

"If I had something like a pocket knife I could pry these collars off," he replied. Hino's expression lit up.

"I think I have a pocket knife in my pocket." He reached into his jacket, producing a small switchblade. He flicked it open. "Will this work."

"Perfectly." L took the pocket knife and wedged it into the seam of the collar. The metal gave a groan but didn't give. He drove it in further to no result. "Or maybe I won't be getting them off after all." He tried once more to no avail before handing the knife back.

"Hang on to it," Hino said, "It'll be more use to you than me." L nodded and slipped it into the pocket of his jeans. "What do you think they want?"

"Light," he replied dryly. Hino shifted in agitation, eyes burning.

"Bastards," he hissed, "He wouldn't do something that stupid would he?" There was the sound of a door screeching open and an angry voice calling out. L inwardly smacked himself.

"Yes," he answered, "He would be that stupid." They heard Gin order Kaito to fetch the two of them and the brunette appeared around the corner with bolt cutters. He snapped the chains and held on to the ends tightly.

"Move," he said simply. L glared at him but did as he was told.

When they got out from behind the crates L could finally see Light. The teen was clearly pissed off, gun out and leveled at Gin's chest. His eyes were narrowed dangerously, amber color blazing. "See," Gin said, "They're fine." A click from the gun as Light cocked it back, ready to fire.

"Set them free," He ordered, voice dripping with pure anger. Gin nodded to Kaito who raised the bolt cutters to split the collars before taking each of their arms in a rough grip. They clinked to the floor and Hino breathed out a sigh of relief. L, however, watched Light closely.

_'Don't do anything stupid,'_ L mentally pleaded. Light glanced at him, a small, sad smile briefly gracing his lips before his expression became cold once more.

"Let them go Gin," Light ordered, "They aren't the ones you want." He took a deep breath. "I am."

"Light no!" Hino protested, Kaito grabbing him more forcefully to hold him back, "Don't be an idiot!" Light ignored his protests, still glaring at Gin.

"Perhaps you're partially correct Light," Gin said, smirking when the teen visibly tensed, "Kaito, let go of the brunette." With a doubtful look Kaito pushed Hino towards the exit. The brunette stumbled before turning back.

"Go Hino," Light ordered, "Now." The older male nodded and, with a final regretful look, left the building. "He'll get the police you know."

"He won't get there fast enough," Gin commented, "It takes forty-five minutes to get to the police station from here on foot. Then it'll be another fifteen minutes before the police get here." Now Light smirked, causing Gin's smirk to slide off of his face.

"Who said he was walking?" Light asked in a mocking tone, "Next time you kidnap someone try to hide the car. You sent the message to my phone didn't you." L's eyes widened.

_'Guess I should've seen that coming,'_ He thought, slightly embarrassed about the fact. He snapped back to attention when Gin laughed.

"Smart one aren't you," he teased, "but you won't shoot me." A single brow lifted on Light's face. "You don't have the guts to shoot me."

"You think?" he asked, lowering the gun slightly. Gin gave a triumphant smile.

_'What is he-'_

BANG!

Kaito's eyes widened with the sudden stinging in his cheek from where the bullet had grazed him. Gin swallowed thickly, staring at the gun in Light's hand which was now pointed at Kaito. He cocked it again, a malicious smile on his face. "I see that got your attention," Light said calmly, "Let my boyfriend go and I won't shoot yours in the head."

_'Wait,'_ L thought, blinking, _'What?'_ Gin's face went from concerned to angry in a few seconds.

"Shoot him," Gin said darkly, "And he dies. Simple as that." Dark forms started to make themselves known, slipping from behind the various stacks of crates.

"Threaten him in any way," Light warned, angling the gun at Kaito's head, "And he definitely will die."

"Well then," Gin commented, "It seems we'll be here for a while. Shall we try to come to some form of agreement?"

"Yeah," Light said, "That's why I'm here."

"Move faster Matt," Mello hissed, nudging the boy's back.

"I'd rather not fall off the rafter you idiot," the redhead spat back. Currently the two boys were high up in the metal rafters trailing over the warehouse. Matt glanced down, spotting L being held by a brunette boy and Light with a gun aimed at another male. He shook his head and looked forward again and crawled along the metal beam again. "Just be pati-"

BANG!

Matt slipped slightly and avoided plummeting to the ground by Mello grabbing his waist. He looked back down to see that Light's aim had changed. "Is he crazy?" Mello whispered, "He's risking L being in the way."

"Let's just move before something bad happens," Matt replied. He slid along the beam until they were overhead, hidden in the darkness of shadows. "Ready?" he asked, pulling himself into a sitting position and pulling a bag off of his back. Mello nodded, pulling out a lighter. "Then let's-" he was cut off by Mello grabbing him and yanking him forward and pressing their lips together. The kiss was brief, considering their situation, and Mello pulled back as suddenly as he had kissed him. "What the hell?"

"Just seeing this," he waved a hand at the situation happening below, "makes me realize that something bad can happen at any point. I figured I'm going to make the most of now." Matt smiled lightly.

"You really are just a big softie," he teased. Mello huffed at him.

"You better not say anything about that," he muttered. Matt smiled and pulled something from his bag.

"Ready?" Matt asked again. Mello nodded and lit the lighter.

"Time to have some fun."

L was busy surveying the five others surrounding them when the first round of loud cracks went off. Kaito jerked back as several bright flashes accompanied the cracks by his feet. L, remembering the pocket knife, grabbed it from his pocket and twisted in Kaito's grip. The blade sank into the flesh of his thigh and he released him with a sharp cry. L hurried to Light's side, bloody knife in hand. Another series of loud cracks went off and one of the men, Rito, yelped as the sparks struck his clothed leg. "What the hell is going on?" Light hissed over his shoulder. L spotted another series of cracks and smiled.

"Firecrackers," L stated. Light shot him a curious look but ignored it.

"Find out where those are coming," Gin ordered, swearing as a firecracker almost hit him.

"Up there!" Lio called. L looked up just in time to see Mello drop onto a crate beside Matt. Mello stuck his tongue out and smiled.

"Get them!" Gin hollared.

"Go!" L called, bolting for the door, "Go now!" Matt and Mello scrambled and dropped from their perch. Mello chucked one last firecracker over his shoulder before charging after them. Sirens could be heard in the distance and they hurried through the door.

"Guys!" L looked up to see Hino with his car. The drivers window was down, doors open, and Hino's head out the window. "Hurry up and get in!" Light hopped in the passenger side door while L, Matt, and Mello piled in the back. The tires screeched against the road before they surged down the road past several police cars.

"Why the hell did you guys show up?" Light asked, more tired than truly angry. The boys shrugged.

"You were being a complete idiot," Matt stated before adding, "Aren't you glad we showed up now." Light looked back at them, face unamused, before his lips twitched into a small smile.

"Yeah," He said simply, "I guess I am."

**So there you go everybody. Light acts like an idiot and Matt and Mello play with firecrackers. Originally I wasn't going to have that little 'moment' between Matt and Mello since this is meant to be a L and Light fic, but The Lord Of Insomnia wanted it so bad that I felt I should. After all you've been a great reviewer and source of support with your comments.**

**Thank you everyone who's reviewed so far and keep your ideas coming. I would hate to disappoint.**

**Until next time!**


	17. Chapter 17

**Phew. Finally got the next chapter up. I've been going insane lately so I was worried about getting this in a timely fashion. Hopefully this chapter suits you all for now and gives you enough content to be sated for a while because I've been negleting other writing's that I have to do (college stuff for instance).**

**Anyway, please enjoy the chapter**

"Yes. All right I'll let him know." L perked up at the sound of Watari getting off of the phone. He twisted in his chair to look at the man as he approached.

"What is it Watari?" The man cleared his throat and glanced towards Mello, Matt, and Near who were watching him curiously.

"The police called to have me inform you that they did manage to make arrests last night," Watari said.

"But...?" The man sighed and frowned.

"They only arrested five of them," He said, "I believe you said there were seven of them there?"

"Plus the one who's unidentified yes." He looked to Light who was listening intently while not looking away from the computer screen. "So there are three more still wandering around. Have any of them identified our unknown person?" Watari shook his head and L nodded. "All right. Thank you Watari." The man nodded.

"I'm going to contact your family Light," he informed them before slipping away. L turned back around only to have Matt clear his throat in order to get his attention.

"What's going on you two," the redhead demanded, "After what happens last night we deserve to know what the hell's going on." L went to protest when Matt cut him off. "I mean...you abandon a case you care so much about and don't leave any explanation. It's about time we get one."

"Light," L started but the brunette shook his head.

"They're right," he said, "They have a right to know." He stood and paced for a few moments before stopping and clasping his hands together. "The reason L's chasing after these guys is because they're rapists." He swallowed thickly and looked down towards the floor. "To be more exact they're...they're my rapists. That's why he personally took this case on. He wanted to catch them." There was silence for a few moments before Light shook his head again and walked away in silence.

"Shit," Matt murmured, "Now I kind of feel bad for asking."

"He'll be alright," Near commented, drawing the remaining three boys gazes to him. He looked at L and gave a small smile. "After all, he's got someone there for him doesn't he." L smiled and nodded, hopping out of his chair to go after Light. As his form left the room Mello turned to face Matt and Near, confusion clear on his face.

"What the hell was that last comment about Near?" Mello asked curiously. Matt couldn't help the laugh that escaped him as he wrapped an arm around Mello's shoulders and pulled his chair closer.

"I'll explain later Mello," he promised. The blonde eyed him suspiciously but eventually melted against him

"You better Matt or so help me I'll-" Matt cut him off with a quick peck on the cheek.

"Yeah, yeah," He said before, soft enough so Near wouldn't hear, "No need to ruin Near's innocence though Mello." Mello flushed slightly and scowled when Matt laughed again.

"I hate you sometimes."

"I know," Matt whispered, "Promise I'll make it up to you later though." Mello's blush darkened and he shifted slightly, looking like he was about to tell him off.

"Fine."

"Light," L said as he entered their shared room. The teen was pacing around the room, running a hand through his hair in repeated, nervous movements. L approached him swiftly and wrapped his arms around the younger male. "Matt's sorry for bringing it up. Hopefully you aren't too upset with him." Light sighed and relaxed against him.

"I'm not upset with him," Light told him, resting one hand on L's arm while the other dropped to his side, "Your involvement in this case affected them too. They had a right to know." He took a shaky breath and hung his head. "I just with they hadn't gotten involved. They should have left it alone." L held the teen tighter.

"Then where would we be," L said, "Gin wouldn't have let you leave there, especially once you shot at Kaito like that. You'd probably be locked up somewhere and being hurt by them. And who knows if they would have let me and Hino go to begin with." Light's shoulders slumped and L rested his chin on the teen's shoulder. "One question though."

"What is it?"

"How did you know Gin and Kaito were together?" Light didn't reply for a few moments before he leaned his head back to rest on L's shoulder.

"I could just tell," he said, "despite all the issues they obviously have...the way Gin and Kaito looked at each other...it was the same way most couples in love look at each other. All throughout the," he swallowed, gathering the words, "rape...he always looked to Kaito. I could tell they cared about one another." He sighed and closed his eyes. "Love's weird isn't it."

"Yeah I guess so. You always were more attuned to people's emotions." Light slipped his eyes shut and sighed.

"I bet Gin and Kaito were the ones to escape," Light said absently. L nuzzled into the side of Light's neck and smiled as the teen shuddered.

"Maybe so but we'll worry about them later," L told him, "For now just relax and be happy. Six down and three to go."

"We still don't know who the third one is L." L pulled back and spun the teen around. Light opened his eyes, and stared back into those dark eyes he was beginning to love so much. L cupped his face and looked at him lovingly.

"We'll find them," L said gently, stroking the younger male's cheek with his thumb, "No matter what. Trust me a little." A small smile was his answer.

"Yeah." Light pulled him into a hug and gave a small sigh. "Thank you Ryuuzaki."

"For what?" There was a short silence where Light held him a bit tighter. He frowned, unsure what the problem was, and waited for the other to finally respond. Light buried his face in L's neck which only made the other more unsure.

"Just...thanks for everything," He finally said, voice cracking. He pulled back, tears glistening in his eyes, and laughed slightly. "I swear I'm turning into a hormonal teenager." L cracked a smile and laughed as well.

"Perhaps you are," he replied, "but is that really so bad?" Light grinned and shook his head. Without warning he pulled away and reached into his pocket to retrieve his phone. With a sympathetic look at L he answered the vibrating machine.

"Hello?" he questioned, going to sit on the edge of the bed and crossing his legs. There was silence for a few minutes before the teen spoke again. "Yeah, I'm free right now. Okay...see you then." He clicked the phone shut and groaned.

"Something wrong?" L asked. Light nodded and sighed.

"That," he said, "was my dad." L went to sit beside him, understanding why the teen looked so miserable now.

"What did he want?" Light shrugged and stood.

"Just said he wanted to talk at home," he told the detective, "I should go see what he wants." He stuffed his phone into his pocket and leaned down to give L a quick kiss before bounding out of the room. L stood and followed at a slower pace, entering the main room just as Light slipped out the front door. He spotted Near perched on one couch with a book in his hand, obviously taking a break, and looked around for Matt and Mello to no avail.

"They went out," Near said before he could ask. He looked up from his book and met L's gaze with his own. "So that was the case you were so intent on taking up." Despite it being a statement rather than a question, L nodded anyway. Near clicked the book shut and set it aside. "I see why you didn't want to explain what it was about now."

"I didn't want to divulge that information because he didn't even know I was doing it when I spoke to you," L admitted, crouching beside Near on the couch. Near only nodded, staring off into space with a thoughtful look.

"If Mello had found out then all hell would have broke loose," Near commented, "He hated him to begin with. Now though...he's mellowed out a bit."

"What about you?" L asked, "What was your opinion?" Near crossed his arms and cocked his head to one side.

"I could ask you the same thing you know." When L didn't reply Near gave a sigh and shifted slightly. "Do you want my honest opinion?" L nodded and Near gave a small smile. "I wasn't to worried about him. He didn't come off as threatening. Guarded perhaps but not threatening. It was tat guardedness that made you suspect him to start with wasn't it?"

"Unfortunately yes," he replied, "though I now realize how stupid that was to start with. I wasted time on my idiotic obsession of him being Kira when the real one was still running around and probably laughing at me." Near's smile dropped and he turned his head to fully look at him.

"Do you want to know what I think?"

"Yes."

"I don't think you ever fully suspected him to begin with. I believe it was more of a desperate gamble to keep him within reach that managed to work. No other person his age would have willingly allowed themselves to be kept under such a tight watch let alone handcuff themselves to you. Especially if they actually had been guilty." The smile returned to Near's face, tiny and almost invisible to anyone who didn't know him personally. "You respected him and didn't want him to leave. Lucky for you he decided to stick around." L stood and patted Near's head.

"This is why I talk to you," he stated, "you have good insight." Near blushed at the praise before picking his book up again and going back to reading. L eyed him for a moment before going to retrieve a book from his room that he'd never had time to read. He returned to his crouched position beside Near and smiled to himself. He didn't worry about the Kira case or Light's rape case. He didn't worry about Light's meeting with his father. He was completely at ease.

He hadn't ever felt like this before but he was beginning to enjoy it.

It was later that night that he realized that perhaps he should have worried a bit more. Not on the cases. Those were always being fretted over in some corner of his mind after all. No, he realized that perhaps he should have had more concern over Light's meeting with his father. He hadn't thought anything of it but he should have realized that, whatever happened, it wouldn't end well.

To start off with Light entered the bedroom looking like he'd been in a fight with a boulder and lost. His face was bruised and he had a glare that would terrify most normal people. He had his right hand pressed tight to the opposite shoulder and the arm hung limply by his side. Overall he looked beaten down.

"What happened," he demanded when Light entered the room. Thank any deity who'd listen that the boys had disappeared for the night.

"What do you think," he stated, though it wasn't angry. "Last time I go anywhere near that idiot."

"Your father did this?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Sure, he knew Soichiro didn't approve of their relationship but...to do this to his own son? It just didn't seem plausible. Light shook his head slightly to settle some ruffled hair before nodding.

"Despite what you all thought he isn't a very good person at times," Light commented, "though I suppose alcohol doesn't help matters any."

"He was drunk?" Light nodded and L shifted his gaze from the teen's face to his arm.

"My arm's fine," Light said registering his unease, "Just sore." As if to prove his point he raised the arm up slightly, wincing at the strain to his muscles. "I'm gonna take a shower. Hopefully the warm water will help the tenseness." He walked away without another word, clearly not wanting to discuss anything further. L was snapped out of his shocked state by the bathroom door gently hitting the wall. He hurried in after the brunette, sincerely worried for him.

"Light, wait-," He stopped as he saw the bruises. The bruises on Light's face were nothing compared to the blue-black splotches covering a large portion of his back. He let out a surprised hiss as Light's shirt fully slipped off to reveal the angry marks.

"I know what you're thinking," Light said as L approached him and gingerly ran a hand over his back. He continued to strip without pause.

"Light, he can't-" Light whirled around, expression obviously not pleased.

"Just don't finish that statement L," Light hissed. L winced at the sound of his detective name rather than the alias that Light normally used. It meant he was seriously pissed off. "No one's going to believe it to begin with. Besides," he said, turning away, "I can take care of myself. I don't need your protection."

"Obviously not," he muttered, "Otherwise you wouldn't get in so much trouble." Apparently he hadn't spoken softly enough because Light heard him. The teen growled at him.

"God I'm sick of your condescending attitude," the teen said, "I'm sorry I'm such a charity case for you." He pushed the shower door open and stepped in. "And by the way I got the majority of these bruises defending your ass." He forcefully shut the door and L deflated.

"Light," he tried.

"Go to hell!" L sighed and left the room, realizing the best thing to do was let the teen cool down. He laid back on the bed and sighed.

_'Me and my big mouth.'_

**Well there you are. I feel kind of bad about making Light's father so mean but...such is life. Also, I wanted to give L and Light another little bump because L seems like the type to be clueless about these things and, lets be honest, every relationship has some major ups and downs.  
**

**So, until next time, I hope you enjoyed.**


	18. Chapter 18

**Sorry for taking so long to update. Between this story, my other story, and everything else I got going on...well it took a while. I'm glad you all want more though. Makes me a happy person. I hate to say that L's-well-not so involved in this chapter. Don't worry he'll be back in the next one. Just bear with me here.**

**Also, sorry for the length of it. Hopefully the next chapter will be a bit longer. For now just enjoy and review!**

Mello woke with a large yawn, rolling over to snuggle into Matt's side. The redhead mumbled something in his sleep and slung an arm over the younger boy, pulling him close. Mello smiled and let his eyes close again, basking in the warmth and comfort he felt from the older boy. Matt shifted beside him and he reopened his eyes to meet the other boy's gaze. "Morning," Matt mumble sleepily.

"Morning," Mello replied. Matt yawned and stretched, light muscles rippling under his skin. Mello grinned at the sleepy redhead as he shook his head to clear it.

"So," Matt said, "Did I make it up to you Mel?" The blonde blushed and buried his face into Matt's side.

"Mhm," He hummed. Matt chuckled and ruffled the blonde's hair, making Mello glare at him.

"I'm glad," Matt said, gripping his chin gently. Mello let his eyes flutter shut and sighed as Matt's lips gently met his. He had no doubt that they would have gone further if not for the knock on their door. "I'll get it," Matt said with a sigh, "After all you shouldn't move for a little bit." Mello blushed again, growling as Matt slid out of bed and hastily pulled on a pair of pants from the floor. Again a knock sounded and Matt ran a hand through his hair. "I'm coming!" he called out impatiently before going to answer the door. Near was standing outside, hand raised to knock again.

"Something wrong Near?" Mello asked sitting up. The white-haired boy crossed his arms, a frown on his face.

"Light's gone," Near said, "His phone too."

"What do you mean he's gone?" Matt asked, stepping aside to let the youngest in, "There has to be some trace of him." Near shook his head.

"L said they had a fight last night," Near said while Matt closed the door, "They went to sleep and he was gone when he woke up."

"What does L think happened?" Mello asked, trying to pull on his pants underneath the blanket. Near glanced at him before looking away.

"That's just it," Near commented, "He doesn't think anything happened. He said Light most likely went to burn off steam somewhere."

"But you don't believe that."

"No. We may not have known him as long as L but..." he trailed off, lost in his own thoughts.

"It doesn't seem like something he'd do," Matt finished. "How long has he been gone?"

"A few hours."

"Where would he even go?" Mello asked as he finally slid out of the bed, wincing slightly as his strained muscles were stretched. "He hasn't been gone from here for very long unless he's with his mom and sister."

"He's not there," Near cut in, "They haven't seen him."

"Come on," Matt said.

"Where," Mello asked, "There's nothing to say there's anything wrong."

"Near has a bad feeling about this," the redhead stated as he pulled the door open, "If I've learned anything working with you two its that Near's feelings are usually correct. Now Light has that friend who works at the club downtown right?"

"You think he still works there?" Mello challenged, "After what happened?"

"Only one way to find out isn't there."

The club had been fixed up from when they'd last been in it, though there was still a bullet hole in the wood flooring from the incident. Matt looked around cautiously. Not seeing the faces of Gin or Kaito in the crowd he approached the bar with Mello and Near in tow.

"Hino!" He called. The brunette looked up at them as they approached, face slipping into a frown.

"Do I know you three?" he asked, obviously confused. Mello gestured to himself and Matt.

"The kids with the firecrackers at the warehouse," he said. Hino's eyes brightened with recognition.

"Sorry for not recognizing you," He said, "It was a bit hectic that day. What were names again?"

"I'm Matt," the redhead introduced, "And these are Mello and Near."

"Have you seen Light?" Near asked, always serious. Hino looked taken aback by the sudden question but nodded.

"He stopped by earlier today," Hino said, "He seemed really angry about something. Wouldn't actually talk to me about it though. Is something wrong?"

"Do you know where he went?" Near asked, ignoring his question.

"He left with our bouncer. There was something off with him though," Hino said. He paused a few moments, looking between the three of them. "Something's wrong isn't it."

"We don't know," Matt said carefully. This guy may have been a friend of Light's but...something didn't settle well with him.

"This bouncer," Near said, catching onto the detail the other two missed, "does he know Light?" Hino nodded.

"I wouldn't say they're best friends but they know each other," Hino explained, "Ari, our bouncer, enjoys trying to seduce the poor kid rather than anything else." He sighed, dropping his chin into his hand. "He needs to give up on this puppy love of his though. Light's made it pretty clear he isn't interested."

"Where did they go then?" The brunette shrugged.

"Hell if I know," He said, "It worries me a bit but..." he shook his head, "I'm just being paranoid. I have to get back to work but...let me know when you find him." He trotted towards the other end of the bar and Matt scowled.

"You think Ari did something?" Mello asked. The redhead shook his head.

"He sounds like an asshole but...well the way Hino talked about him doesn't make me think he'd hurt Light. Maybe he really did just go out to cool off after all." Mello snorted softly, rolling his eyes.

"What about Near's hunches being something not to ignore?" Mello asked tauntingly.

"That's the only reason I haven't given up yet." He leaned against the bar, watching Hino work at the other end. "Whether or not he's involved it yet to be seen," Matt commented.

"He's hiding something," Near stated in agreement. He pulled away from the bar, drawing the other two boys' gazes after him. "But I don't feel that he's involved. If anything he's worried."

"Now what?" Mello asked.

"Didn't Light bring a girl who worked here to the hospital a few days ago?"

"Yeah," Matt said, "I think he called her Trisha."

"Perhaps we should locate her," Near said, ready to get out of the club as soon as possible. He didn't like the looks they were getting from some of the patrons. "She might know a side of this Ari that Hino doesn't." Mall gave a lopsided grin, already plotting as he pulled out his phone.

"Let's do it then."

It was the sudden knock on her apartment door that startled Trisha from her position by the sink. The bowl in her hands slipped back into the sink with a loud clack. She winced, hoping it hadn't cracked from the drop. The knocks sounded again and she sighed, drying her hands off before going to open the door carefully. "Hello?" she asked curiously. It didn't help when she saw three young boys outside the door. "Are you-um-lost?"

"I'm Matt," One boy, a redhead, introduced, "and these are Mello and Near. We're friends with Light." She nodded but didn't open the door any wider. "We can't find him and we were wondering if you could tell us a little bit about the bouncer who works with you." Trisha cocked an eyebrow and opened the door a bit more.

"Which one?" She asked, "We have three for crying out loud."

"Ari." Immediately she huffed and rolled her eyes.

"Don't tell me Light actually went off with that sleaze," she said.

"I'm guessing you don't like him," Mello stated sarcastically.

"Of course not," She said with a frown, "Why would I? He's only interested in getting sex. He doesn't care for the person one way or another." She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "If Light's with him then they're probably in some ally somewhere while Ari attempts to strip poor Light."

"Any idea where we could find him?" Matt asked.

"Not a clue," She replied, "I don't associate with him outside of work. He tries to sleep with me as it is during work. I don't want to deal with that shit outside of work too. As for Light," She paused, "Well I wouldn't worry to much. He'd be more likely to sleep with any girl on the planet before Ari. And that's saying something since he's gay." She stepped away from the door. "Good luck though. Maybe you should try calling him." With that the door closed in their faces.

"Why haven't we done that yet?" Mello asked accusingly. Matt shook his head in annoyance.

"Because," Matt said with a scowl, "His phone's out of range. It won't put the call through."

"So now what?" Near asked, "We have no lead, no way to contact him, and no clue if he's even in trouble to start with." They were cut off by a buzz. Matt tugged his phone out and flicked it open.

"We might have something after all," he said softly, staring at the photo now on his screen, "We need to get back to L."

"Why?" Mello asked, "What did you get sent?"

"I'll show you later," he said, a dark look in his eyes, "For now L needs to see this."

The feeling of something being wrong hit Light before his eyes actually opened. He took a deep breath, assessing himself before he opened his eyes. Nothing felt broken, though the bruises from the previous day were still smarting. Despite that they weren't too bad in reality. Other than that he felt fine. Nothing amiss...except that his arms were trapped to the cold wall behind him. He opened his eyes slowly, taking in his surroundings. Stone walls. A single bulb hanging overhead. No windows. A single, metal door that was likely locked. No easy way out. Great. He laid his head back against the cold stone and shifted his gaze to his wrists. They were pinned to the wall with thick bands of metal that weren't going to break easily. The only way to open them was to either use the key or pick the lock. Neither option was something he could do in his current state.

He tried to remember how he got here but he couldn't recall anything. He'd parted ways with Ari and...some time later...someone had knocked him out. It didn't make sense. Where was he? And how had he gotten here?

The sound of footsteps outside the door made him pause and allow his eyes to slip shut once more. The door opened silently, clanging against the stone wall. He tried to keep his breathing calm when the footsteps entered the room, the door shutting with a soft click. Someone approached him and a gentle hand caressed his cheek.

"No need to pretend you're sleeping," A voice, Gin's voice, cooed. He resisted the urge to open his eyes. It was possible he was bluffing after all. "Tch. You don't listen very well do you." Nails dug into his cheek, right where one of his bruises sat, and he hissed. Realizing that pretending was now useless he opened his eyes, glaring at Gin with a look that could kill. "There you are," Gin cooed again, continuing to gently stroke his cheek.

Light's gaze focused on Kaito instead, standing beside the door while he looked away. "What," he said slowly, gaze sliding back to the male in front of him, "Kaito not enough? You need to find other people to fuck too?" Gin's gentle expression faded and he saw Kaito flinch slightly. "I'd find a new partner if I were you Kaito," he said while staring into Gin's cold eyes, "One who wouldn't treat me like I'm some sex toy rather than a lover." Gin stood, retaliating against his comments by jamming the toe of his boot into Light's bruised side. The brunette winced, glad that the elder male was not near him any more. Gin instead approached Kaito who refused to look at him and caressed his cheek in a similar manner of what he'd done to Light. He murmured something that the teen couldn't catch before kissing Kaito soundly.

"Besides," Gin said, finally loud enough for Light to hear as he turned back to him, "You enjoy him as well don't you?" He turned back. Kaito's gaze softened and he nodded. "See," Gin said, brushing his fingers lightly over Kaito's face and neck, "He's just trying to discourage you." Light looked away from the pair, part of him extremely sick. He hoped they weren't planning on doing anything in front of him.

Luckily that didn't seem to be the plan. Gin turned back to him and approached once more, this time with Kaito by his side. He crouched in front of him, practically straddling his waist while Kaito crouched beside him. He forced Light to look back at him and the teen swallowed nervously. "Perhaps we could try a different approach this time?" Kaito suggested. Gin looked back at the brunette before nodding.

"If you'd prefer that then certainly," He said, "After all, it may have a different result than expected." Light growled as Gin leaned in closer to him, jaw clenched. Before he could say anything the man had kissed him roughly, pressing his head back into the stone. His stomach clenched and he seriously wanted to be sick. When Gin pulled back he was snarling and rightly reviled. Gin ignored him, instead looking back to Kaito. Something passed between them silently and Gin shifted out of the way. While Light was trying to process what the hell was going on, Kaito leaned towards him. He didn't kiss him like he'd believed. Instead he leaned down to whisper into his ear.

"I'm sorry," he murmured before pulling back and pressing his lips against him. Light tensed but Kaito did nothing more than press his lips against his sweetly for a few moments before pulling away.

Now Light was thoroughly confused. Where was the self-confident boy that had hurt him previously. He recalled how aggressive Kaito had been in the original rape. How Gin had encouraged him. Gin. Had the brunette done that simply to please his older lover? He felt a small pang of sympathy but forced his face to remain stony. No need to let them into his thoughts.

Gin released a low purr and pecked Kaito on the cheek. "Be grateful," he said darkly, eyes focused on Light, "If not for Kaito here then you'd be flat on your back right now." Light couldn't help the shudder that racked his frame at that. He glanced into Kaito's dark eyes and saw remorse. That didn't help his confusion one bit. "However," Gin said lowly, bringing Light's gaze back to him, "There will be time for that in the future." Gin laughed as his captive's eyes widened and stood. Kaito followed, face once again cold and emotionless. "Sleep tight little Light. It's about time you met your last admirer," Gin cooed before the door opened and the two left.

Light slumped against the wall as the door clicked shut once more. Kaito's behavior bothered him but...he didn't have time to question it. Gin's words bothered him much more and he curled himself into a ball as best as he could, dropping his head into his lap. He sighed, feeling his heart sank.

_'Ryuuzaki,'_ He thought sadly, _'The last thing I said to him...'_ He gave another sad sigh and buried his head further into his knees. "I'm sorry...Ryuuzaki."

**I'm so sorry! I feel absolutely terrible for this chapter but...angst gonna happen. I hope this chapter will sate you all for now until I can write the next one. Hopefully it won't take nearly as long.**

**Review if you want more guys. You're comments really help.**

**Until next time.**


	19. Chapter 19

**I'm back everybody! So, I know I had Light taken...again...but it's all leading up to something I promise. The other thing I have to say is that this story is starting to come to its end. I'd say only two or three chapters left. Maybe. Anyway, I'll apologize now for the length since it's a tad bit short but I had to end where I did or else this chapter would never end.**

**Hopefully you guys will like.**

"L!" The detective's head snapped up at the sound of Matt's voice. The boy sounded slightly frantic and that alone worried him.

"What's wrong Matt?" he asked as the redhead burst into the bedroom where L was working, "I could hear you at the front door." Matt was panting as he stood in the doorway. When he'd caught his breath and Mello and Near had caught up to him he stood up straight.

"I know where Light is...well sort of," He said. Mello and Near shared a look while L did nothing else but turn back to his computer.

"I told you he was fine," L said simply. Matt growled and the elder looked up again.

"That's not it," he argued.

"Matt, just because he's out blowing off some steam-"

"Does that look like he's blowing off steam!" Matt snapped, throwing his phone at L's chest. He sighed and picked the device up, eyes widening at what he saw. Mello and Near went over to look as well while Matt fumed in the doorway. On his phone was the picture he'd been sent. A picture of Light to be exact. Unconscious and cuffed to a wall that is.

"Where did you get this Matt?" L asked, obviously still in shock.

"It got sent to me," Matt said with a shrug, "from a disposable phone. I couldn't trace it at all."

"Why the hell didn't you tell us earlier?" Mello asked before whacking Matt on the arm.

"I wanted to hurry back here" was all he said. L handed back the phone and ran a hand through his hair.

"It's safe to guess that Gin has him," L said, "I should have listened to you three." He sighed and shut his laptop. "But how did he grab him? I would assume that Light wouldn't go near them if he saw them and he's too cautious to simply get attacked in broad daylight."

"Matt seems to think Light's friend Hino's involved," Mello said earning a harsh smack on the back of the head from said boy.

"I do not," he protested, "I just said something doesn't sit well with me about that guy."

"Enough you two," L said, "I cannot imagine Hino did anything to harm Light. Was he with anyone else?"

"Well he left with the bouncer," Mello said.

"Ari," Near added. L's dark eyes widened.

"You're sure?" They nodded and he silently cursed. "Now that one I can see doing something stupid. Did you speak with him?"

"Not him," Matt said, "But we spoke with a girl who worked there named Trisha. Someone else who knew Light but also knew Ari."

"And?"

"She hates him," Near said simply, "Says he's only interested in sex."

"So I've gathered," L said with a frown, "As much as I'd like to track Ari down I doubt he'll say anything. Even if he left with Light it doesn't mean that he hurt him."

"Then we have nothing," Matt said in frustration.

"Sadly I have to agree," L said, "We can only try to find some other hangout of Gin's and go from there." The room was silent for a few moments as no one wanted to bring up the horrible possibility that hung over their heads.

"What if we don't find him in time?" Near asked quietly, finally bringing it up. L shook his head.

"Let's just hope that isn't the case," was all he said.

Light was woken from his restless sleep by the door clicking open. His head was still in his lap when the door opened fully and someone entered. Light didn't look up until the door shut again and whoever had entered was standing in front of him. He was tense as he looked up but, strangely enough, he relaxed upon seeing that it was Kaito. The brunette set the plate of food he was holding aside and pulled a key out of his pocket. His amber eyes brightened slightly. "I can't let you go," Kaito said quietly, crushing his little amount of hope, "but...at least you can rest your arms a bit." He unlocked the cuffs around his wrists and sat down in front of him. He picked up the plate and offered it to him. Light eyed him suspiciously, unsure whether or not he should eat it. "It isn't poisoned or anything," Kaito said, "I made sure of that." He offered it again and Light took it, still watching the other boy.

"Why are you being so kind now?" He asked curiously before eating. He really was hungry after all and damn it all if he was going to starve himself to death because of his paranoia. Kaito was watching him as well, legs crossed and body relaxed.

"I guess I just feel bad," he said with a cock of his head, "usually Gin doesn't let himself get this obsessed." He sighed and laid his cheek on his hand. "Well...not in a few years at least."

"What do you mean?" Light asked. Kaito shook his head and Light skipped the question. "I guess that means you're okay with what he's doing?"

"No, not really," Kaito admitted softly.

"Then why go along with him? Why help him rape people?" Kaito looked away, abashed.

"Gin has...quite a temper at times," the brunette explained, "It's easier to go along with him. I don't like it but...it's better than being stabbed in the back. I mean that literally too." Kaito looked at him again and sighed. "Somehow...I see a bit of myself in you. I guess that makes it worse." Light cocked his head, curious rather than worried.

"How are we anything alike?"

"Not like that. It's more like our situations and relationships with Gin." There was silence while Light processed that. What was Kaito getting at?

"Are you implying that Gin raped you as well?" Kaito flushed and looked away, clearly uncomfortable with the question. Light, however, interpreted that to mean yes. "Why stay with him then? You seem as if you love him but...how can you love your own rapist? How can you even stand to be in the same room as him?"

"I knew him before that," Kaito explained, "I always wanted for him to notice me. I respected him. I loved him. Despite the fact that what happened could technically be called rape he was so gentle about it. I guess I never really cared about that." He brushed his hands on his pants and pulled the key out again. "I've got to go. I'll be back in a bit." Light reluctantly allowed himself to be cuffed back to the wall, knowing that there was nothing he could do at the moment. Kaito stood and collected the plate before exiting the room. The door clanged shut and Light curled into his previous position.

He thought about what Kaito had said while he waited. He just couldn't fathom why anyone could love someone who'd hurt them. He understood why it happened but...it just made no sense to him.

He continued to follow this train of thought until the door opened once more. Kaito entered, face back to its blank state, and Gin was close behind. He tensed, eying the elder male warily. Gin gave a malicious smile as he entered. Light eyed the open door curiously before looking back at the eldest in the room.

"There's someone who wants to see you," Gin said cheerfully, "You're about to finally see the face of your mysterious guy with the tattoo on his collarbone." Light tensed at that. He'd almost forgotten about the third guy that they had yet to identify. He steeled his nerves, readying himself to capture any detail he could in his mind.

Gin smiled at his hesitation and leaned back out the door, calling to someone outside. He pulled away when the other stepped into the doorway, eyes resting on Light's form. Amber eyes widened. He could not believe who was standing there. He wouldn't have to try and give description later, if he got himself out of this hell that is. He knew the face all too well.

The person stepped into the room, equally wide eyes resting on the brunette. "'s the meaning of this Gin," he said softly, "You said you weren't going to hurt him."

"Is he hurt?" Gin asked sarcastically, "Lighten up. Lucky for both of Kaito suggested a...less violent approach." The man in the doorway stepped towards Light, eyes glassy as if he were in a trance.

"Light..."

"You stay the fuck away from me," He growled back. He felt a torrent of emotions surge through him, the most prominent being anger. He'd trusted the other, and he'd basically thrown him to the wolves. He stared back at the man's eyes which, instead of their normal brightness, were dark and dangerous.

"Perhaps we should leave him alone for now," Gin said with a growing smirk, "you redeemed yourself from not participating originally."

Light growled low in his throat long after all three had left and the door had closed. If he escaped here...he'd see them all fry. Gin, Kaito...

...And Ari.

"Have we discovered anywhere that they could be hiding?" L asked without lifting his eyes from his own laptop, fingers moving so quickly across the keys that the tapping became a humming drone. Matt cocked his head in response to L's question, eyes scanning the page.

"There are a few abandoned house around here," He said, "but we ruled those out due to being in the middle of the city and it wouldn't be easy to contain a person there." L nodded.

"Anything else."

"A worn down school building that's being torn down tomorrow, an old packing plant that's still fairly new, an old jail building that was condemned for...something or other, a research facility that supposedly had underground tunnels to transport illegal wa-"

"That last one," L said, stopping him, "Any more information on it?"

"It seems like they did some pretty sketchy experiments while they were in business," Near replied from his own computer, eyes scanning the page quickly, "and since a lot of it was illegal they used an underground system of tunnels to transport their goods through. They also had a hidden cellar that connected to the tunnels where they stored the items."

"Looks like no one ever found it," Mello commented, looking over Near's shoulder. The white haired boy nodded in response.

"Someone may have," L said, "That could explain how Gin and his group always seemed to drop off the radar whenever suspicion arose. If there really was a widespread tunnel system underneath the research facility-"

"-they'd be able to slip out without much of an issue," Matt finished with a huff of breath, "Do you really think that they could be holding Light there?"

"It seems likely if they are, in fact, holding him at all," L replied. He couldn't say that they definitely still had him locked up somewhere. Should he get his hopes up and that not be the case...it would break him. He shook his head to clear it and turned to Near. "Is there an address?" Near nodded and read it aloud for him. Once he was sure he had it memorized, he stood, snapped the laptop shut, and looked at the three boys eagerly awaiting his instruction. "Normally I wouldn't bring you three," He started, watching how they looked disappointed, "However, this time I will make an exception. I'll have Watari gather some extra guns for you three while we work out a strategy. We take no chances. There will be two of them at least. Perhaps even three. Our priority is to get Light out if he's there. If not..." he trailed off, not wanting to think about that particular situation. The boys understood despite that and nodded.

"Come on Mello," Matt said, grabbing the blonde and pulling him from the room, "We got some stuff to pack." The blonde gave a malicious grin and followed eagerly. L sighed and shook his head. He turned to go find Watari when Near did something he'd never done before. He hugged him.

"Don't worry," He said softly, "We'll find him."

**So there we go. Did anyone suspect Ari before this? I'm curious to see what reaction this gets but, to be honest, that was the plan all along. Also, I hope the end wasn't strange to anyone. Near is, after all, still a kid in a way. So it'd make a little sense that he still has feelings whether he shows them or not.**

**Comment on what you think about this chapter or what you think will happen in the next one. I can't wait to see what you all thought.**

**Until next time everyone!**


	20. Chapter 20

**Hey everybody. This is probably going to be the second to last chapter. I say probably but it is. I'm so glad you all love this and I hope you enjoy chapter 20.**

The click of the door was the only warning Light got before Gin entered his little cell. It was like clockwork. Every fifteen minutes in the last hour Gin had come in to try and get some form of reaction from him. It appeared as if the male wanted another person like Kaito by his side. Someone who wouldn't question him and someone he could screw whenever he pleased. Well it wasn't going to happen. Not with him at least. He nearly smiled when he remembered his last 'reaction' where he'd very nearly made the elder man bleed by biting his tongue. He had not been pleased.

Yet Light kept his expression as blank as possible. He had a plan...sort of. Not a good plan, but a plan nonetheless. He watched Gin approach and quickly glanced at the door behind him. Closed. So be it. Time to give the man what he wanted.

So it was when Gin saw his blank expression and smiled that Light ran over his plan again. It seemed as if it would work. He just had to hope Gin was as stupid as he believed. He fought back the urge to growl and tense when Gin knelt down and kissed him. He shut his eyes and tried to envision that he wasn't chained to the wall and was instead back home kissing L. Home...he wasn't sure when he started thinking of the hotel L lived in as home but...it was a pleasant thought. And he needed as many of those as he could think up.

He could tell Gin was immediately pleased with this reaction, albeit still hesitant to use tongue after the last time. Yet in a few moments the device was there, trying to push its way in. Light swallowed thickly before complying. He shuddered in disgust but, thankfully, Gin misunderstood the shudder as one of need and smirked. _'Play along Light,'_ he told himself, _'Just a little longer.'_

"Someone's eager for once," Gin said with a grin when he pulled back. He swallowed again and forced a pitiful sound out of his mouth. It was a bit more choked than he'd intended but the elder male didn't seem to notice. "Someone finally learn a lesson? I guess I'm a better teacher than I first thought."

_'Narcissistic bastard,'_ he mentally growled. On the outside, however, he tugged against the chains and let loose another pitiful whine. _'please let this work.'_

"Want out?" Light forced an eager nod and watched as the man grinned. "I suppose you deserve something for behaving." He plucked a pair of keys on a ring from his pocket and pressed one into the lock of the cuff. After making sure he wasn't going to suddenly lash out him he unlocked the other one and put the keys away. Light inwardly smirked.

_'Check...,'_ he thought mischievously. Gin forcefully kissed him again, as he'd assumed he would, and Light allowed his arms to gently wind around the elder male's shoulders. As Gin pressed closer he slid his hands to the shoulders instead, curling his fingers in the appearance of clinging to Gin's shirt. _'...mate.'_ Without warning he jammed two fingers into the pressure point near Gin's neck and felt the body go rigid. Without pause he quickly rammed the fingers of his other hand into the space where Gin's kidney's were. He was rewarded with a gasp as Gin went limp. It wouldn't incapacitate him, but it would buy him time to get out of this cell.

And damn it all to hell if he was going down again without a fight.

He dropped the limp body onto the stone floor and plucked the keys from his pockets, hopping up and going to the door. He jammed the second key on the ring into the door, praying it would actually open. This right here was one of the many unknowns in his plan. But by far this was the biggest one of all.

The door clicked open and he could hear Gin struggling to his feet. He hurriedly shut the door and locked it as he heard footsteps approaching. Time to become scarce. He pocketed the keys and raced down the hall in the opposite direction of the footsteps before taking the first turn he saw. Getting out of the cell was one thing. Getting out of this labyrinth was another thing.

_'Come on,'_ he mentally fumed, _'haven't I been through enough shit for one day?'_

He heard Gin's angry shout echoing through the halls and grimaced. He hadn't stayed locked in for very long...

Quickly taking another turn he hoped he could lose them in this maze of corridors but it didn't seem very likely. They probably knew this place better than he did. His only hope was to either find an exit, or a weapon. Either one would have been helpful.

Instead he rounded a corner just as he heard footsteps catching up with him and came face to face with Ari. The blonde was standing in the middle of the hallway, a small pistol in his hand. Light growled and ran faster. _'Let's see how fast you can get a shot off,'_ He thought as he ran at him. To his surprise Ari simply stepped aside.

"Don't get caught," he said simply as he watched Light approach. He gave a nod and bolted by, a small smile on his face. Some things never changed.

"Traitor!" Came Gin's angry shout. Light glanced back just in time to watch Ari raise the gun, a malicious glint in his blue eyes.

"I guess so," he said simply before pulling the trigger.

It was immediately obvious that the blonde had never fired a gun before since his first shot only hit the stone floor and sent up a blast of shards. The second shot came closer to its target, grazing Gin's cheek and making the man growl when it almost hit Kaito who was behind him. The next shot may have struck home but Ari never got to fire it. Gin roughly grabbed his neck and slammed him into the stone wall, his head hitting with a sickening crack. The gun clattered to the floor, Ari's limb form following. Blood was freely flowing from the wound on the back of his head and staining his blonde hair red. He turned away and ducked into another corridor, stomach churning. No matter what mistakes he'd made...Ari had never actually hurt him himself. And for that he felt remorse.

His thoughts were broken when a shot struck the wall beside him. "Oh come on!" he snapped. Of course Gin had picked up the gun from Ari. He was apparently smarter than anyone gave him credit for. Hearing another shot fire he ducked to one side and heard I whiz past. "If I survive this so help me," he mumbled.

He almost ran by one of the corridors when a hand grabbed him and yanked him into it. He yelped and was ready to start swinging when he was met with a familiar smirk. "Mello?" he gasped out. The blonde grinned and nodded. "Where's Matt? He's always with you."

"Split up," he said shortly, "Now get going. L, Matt, and Near are running around here somewhere."

"What about you?" Mello grinned lifting his hand to give him a glance of what was in it.

"I'll be fine," he said. Before Light could say anything else the blonde stepped into the open corridor. "Hey idiots!" he shouted, "Pick on someone else for a change." Then he lifted the item in his hand, which Light now recognized as a flare gun, and fired it. A loud _bang_ followed by a flash was all Light saw before Mello turned back to him. "Get going," he ordered before bolting down the hallway, his maniacal laughter echoing off the stone. Light followed his instruction, trusting the younger teen to keep himself safe before realizing that Mello was quite capable of taking care of himself.

_'After all,'_ He thought grimly, _'He's not the one to get himself in trouble like this.'_

It wasn't long before he heard footsteps behind him again. He didn't take the time to look back but in his head he prayed it was Mello. Or anyone else besides who it probably was. The bark of a gun and a bullet hitting the wall told him it wasn't. _'That gun probably has two shots left,'_ he thought, _'Yet he's not trying to actually hit me. Damn bastard playing with his food.'_ He could hear the elder male catching up as he panted for breath. _'Just let me survive this,'_ He mentally prayed, _'Just let me get out.'_

_Just let me see Ryuuzaki one more time._

_'How large is this place?'_ L thought as he crept through the corridors. Mello had called him several minutes ago to inform him that he'd found Light and that he'd sent him off towards Matt. Therefore the raven was currently trying to make his way to Matt in hopes of finding the brunette. His nerves were on high alert, every tiny sound making him anxious. He hated the feeling. He hated it more than he would ever understand.

He found his mind wandering back to the never ending worry gnawing its way out of his stomach. How was Light? Was he okay? What did Gin do in the short time he'd been here? He couldn't help but wonder if the teen had been raped again. If that had happened he wasn't sure what he'd do. Despite knowing it wasn't true he felt it was his fault that this had happened. If he hadn't started that stupid fight...

Footsteps broke him out of his miserable thoughts and he raised his gun, ready to shoot if they belonged to one of Light's attackers. As it turned out, they belonged instead to Matt. He stepped around the corner with a sigh.

"Any sign of him?" Matt asked. L shook his head.

"Mello said he sent him back this way," he replied.

"Well something definitely happened," Matt said, "I just found our third culprit in the halls back there." He turned his head to look back towards where he'd come from and grimaced. "Turns out it really was Ari, and whoever took him out was pretty pissed off. It is not a pretty picture." L raised a brow, confusion clear on his face?

"Light?" he questioned. Matt shook his head.

"I doubt it," He said, "I don't think he would've taken the time to kill him while running for his life. Besides, not to be mean or anything, but I don't think he has that much strength in him. Ari's skull was practically split in two. It's a mess." He motioned for L to follow before heading back the way he'd come. "He probably did something to piss Gin off and the guy took him out."

"Probably," L muttered in reply as they turned into the hallway where Ari lay. He was distracted by the sheer amount of blood coating the floor. The blonde was pale, eyes shut and body relaxed. L stared down at the unmoving male, biting his lip gently.

"You can't help but feel kind of bad," Matt said. L was about to reply when a gunshot rang out. They barely glanced at each other before running towards the sound. The corridor opened up into a large room at the crossroads of four corridors, the first so far, and they spotted Mello enter through the corridor off to their left.

"I lost Kaito," he panted, "That kid is easy to piss off but hard to keep pissed off. Any sign of Light?"

"Not ye-" The reply was cut off by another gunshot, louder this time. Within seconds Light was bolting down the hallway across from where L and Matt had entered, obviously out of breath. Light spotted them and gave a lopsided smile. L smiled back until he spotted Gin right behind the brunette and it dropped off his face. It was when he saw the gun in Gin's hand that his blood started to boil. He raised his own gun and aimed.

"Light," he called out right before he fired, "drop!"

He couldn't help the smile that crept onto his face once he saw L. He could hear Gin behind him, gun finally out of bullets. When he saw L raise his gun he immediately grew concerned. Why the hell was L aiming at him? "Light, drop!" he heard the detective call. As soon as he got into the room he jerked to one side and heard the gun go off. The bullet slammed into Gin's chest and the male dropped to the ground like a stone. Light stayed frozen at his spot on the floor with bated breath, watching Gin's still form only inches from his leg. He blinked before releasing the breath he'd been holding and turned to look at L with a smile. L smiled back.

"We'll need to contact Near and find our way out of here," Matt said.

"I'll call him," Mello announced and pulled out his phone. Light went to get up when a hand grabbed his ankle. He barely avoided releasing a yelp and looked back at the figure he'd previously assumed was dead. Gin grinned at him.

"Can't wait to see you in hell," he sneered while Light just stared at him frozen in place. He heard L swore and saw him raise the gun again in his peripheral vision, yet before he could fire it another gun went off and Gin went limp, a bullet hole marring the back of his head. They looked up to see Near coming down the hall, smoking gun slowly being lowered.

"Shall we go before he comes back to life again?" he asked. There was silence for a few moments before Mello burst out laughing. Finally realizing Near had been making an attempt at a joke, Matt joined Mello in his devilish sounding laughter while L cracked a grin. Light laughed as well, his being more a laugh of disbelief rather than amusement.

"Come on," L said, approaching Light and hauling him off the floor, "Let's go home." The brunette teen turned to watch Near step over Gin's body and couldn't help but lean against the raven haired detective.

"Yeah," he said softly as his eyes closed, "Let's."

**There you go everybody. I hope you enjoyed it. The epilogue is the last chapter but I have one question. Lemon or no? I'll see what you guys think. ****Let me know.**

**Review if you want more Death Note fics after this one. They'll probably be angst, since I can't write anything else it seems, but who knows.**

**Bye for now.**


	21. Chapter 21

**I'm sooooo sorry for taking so long to post. With SAT's and school and now nanowrimo, I kind of forgot about this. I also realized i forgot to post chapter 20...oops.**

**Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the last chapter of Picking Up The Pieces.**

Time passed quickly after the whole ordeal at the abandoned research facility. Kaito had slipped away at some point, but Light had finally convinced L to just let it go. Why, the detective would never understand. However, he decided that he'd humor the brunette this once.

Matt, Mello, and Near had officially taken over the Kira case, which L left them to while he pursued other cases with Light. With every day that passed the duo became closer and closer. Matt and Mello's relationship grew as well, becoming more...obvious until they finally confessed to what they all suspected anyway.

Currently they were all taking a well needed break after over a week of nonstop working and finally getting a bit of rest. L, being the insomniac that he was, was thinking over the information for their new case. Light, who actually slept like a normal human being, was curled into his side with his head resting on L's chest. L smiled when the younger male nuzzled into him and ran his fingers through Light's hair. Light smiled in his sleep and released a small hum of contentment at the motion. L's smile widened and he gently traced the sleeping boy's features. They had softened considerably from when L had first seen him sleep. Light was now the very picture of serene contentment, and his bare chest was warm against his clothed side.

L leaned back and continued to think back over his-correction...their case. It was strange to think that he had a working partner of sorts. It was even stranger to think he had a more intimate partner. He sighed and relaxed. Light had certainly changed his attitude a bit, even if it hadn't been on purpose. He'd found himself growing more relaxed and open...around Light at least.

"Ryuu..." Light breathed out. L looked back at him to see bleary amber eyes looking at him, "What are you thinking about?"

"Just the case," he said simply, smoothing his fingers over Light's tanned skin. The teen hummed softly and nuzzled his chest.

"You should try and sleep," Light murmured, slowly coming to, "You won't get anywhere thinking circles around the information. You'll just exhaust your brain."

"I doubt that," He replied simply, "Perhaps you should get back to sleep. I did not mean to wake you." Light leaned up onto his elbow, watching him carefully.

"I'm fine," he said, fully awake now much to L's dismay, "Do you need a distraction?"

"A distraction?" He watched as Light's eyes glittered mischievously in the darkness for a moment before it hit him.

"Yeah." Light sat up and leaned towards him, a grin on his face, "Or do you not have enough energy to keep up?" Seeing it as the challenge it was, L smiled and leaned towards him.

"How about we found out?" He breathed.

"Fine." Their lips met, gentle at first before gradually heating up. Light fell onto his back, letting out a soft sigh as L pressed closer to him. Fingers gently brushed skin as Light pushed L's shirt up to reveal pale skin. L pulled away in response, pulling off his shirt to toss it away so that he was bare chested like Light. The younger male stared at his chest with bright eyes before meeting his gaze. L held his gaze for a moment before turning his attention to Light's neck where he nipped ad sucked at the skin. Light's head craned back, shuddering eagerly as L continued to tease the flesh. He pulled away to eye the dark mark before moving down to press his lips to Light's collarbone.

In retaliation to L's actions, Light teasingly ran his fingers over L's sides, smirking as the elder male shuddered. L reached Light's nipple and latched on, happy to hear the low, stuttered moan that came from Light's throat. Fingers threaded through his dark hair, a soft whine sounding from the brunette as he gently tugged.

"Need something?" L asked, deciding to tease the boy slightly. He never thought he'd be able to, but Light seemed to react to it a least. L switched nipples as Light tried to glare at him.

"Hurry up," the teen groaned. L smirked and nipped at the hard bud in his mouth.

"Do you not have enough patience Light?" Said boy blushed slightly.

"Shut up," he muttered before pulling the raven up to kiss him. L smiled through the kiss and slid his tongue into the willing mouth beneath him and felt another soft moan buzz along his tongue. He decided to give the teen what he wanted and reached down to cup his half-hard erection. Light moaned again, louder this time, and thrust up into L's hand. The detective pulled back to watch Light's face, contorted as he panted from the pressure on his little 'problem'. L felt satisfaction fill his chest as the teen wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled him down for another kiss. Light was no longer afraid to be like this with him, to be intimate with him, and it made him happy.

He maneuvered his hand to the button and zipper of Light's pants, undoing them while deepening their kiss. As soon as they were open he slid his hand in as far as he could manage. He pressed harder, rubbing the sensitive flesh through Light's boxers. He could feel a small wet spot on the fabric where pre-cum was leaking through. He tugged Light's pants down and off of him, tossing them to the floor as Light sighed in relief.

He was just about to return to what he had been doing when Light grabbed his arm. Black eyes met amber and he cocked a brow. "Something wrong?" He asked slowly. Light shook his head before looking away, biting his lip gently. Normally, L would have found his shyness adorable. But now he was more concerned. He sat back, looking down at the brunette. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," He replied, "I just...waned to ask you something first."

"What is it?" Light swallowed and gave a shy smile, gaze finally meeting L's.

"I want to..." he paused, taking a deep breath and fidgeting slightly.

"Whatever you're trying to ask," L said, gently brushing a strand of hair out of Light's face, "just ask. It's not as if it'll upset me." Another deep breath escaped the teen and he smiled.

"I want you to...make love to me," He trailed off with a blush, clearly nervous about asking. He stared into L's dark eyes for a few moments while the detective remained silent. "Please?"

"If it's what you want," L said, "Then alright." He shifted and stood, walking over to the bedside table to rummage around inside for a moment. When he turned back Light was leaning up on his elbows, eying the bottle in his hand. "You're sure about this?"

"Yeah, I'm sure," the teen said, "I've been sure for a while. Just...wasn't sure how to ask." L climbed back onto the bed and smiled at the younger male. He settled back between Light's legs and set the bottle of lube aside.

"I didn't expect you to want this so soon after that whole mess," L admitted. Light rolled his eyes slightly.

"It's been weeks Ryuuzaki," he said simply, "I'm alright." L nodded and bent to kiss him, managing to push his, now tight, jeans off of his legs and onto the floor. Light pulled back at the noise and rested his fingers of the boxers still clutching to his hips, seemingly nervous about removing that final barrier. L shifted and rested one hand over Light's. The teen looked up and nodded, signaling his consent. L nodded in response and pulled away the last thing shielding Light from his hungry gaze.

His breath caught as Light was finally revealed to him. His slender body was a sight to behold, all perfectly balanced between lean muscle and bone. His member was another thing. While his own may have been a bit longer, Light's was currently red and thick, weeping out of the tip and it made him shiver in excitement. Light was blushing slightly, crossing his legs to shield himself slightly. L watched him carefully before pushing his legs apart. Before the younger male could question him, L leaned down to take the engorged cock into his mouth.

"Ryuu!" Light's cry was breathless and full of surprise. Fingers tangled in his hair again and he glanced up, taking in the brunette's disheveled appearance. He smirked around the rod of flesh in his mouth before resuming his task, retrieving the lube from where he'd placed it. Flicking the top open, he poured some on his fingers and shifted so that he could access Light's ass more easily. The teen gave no sign of noticing the movement, his eyes shut tight and breathy moans and whimpers escaping his mouth.

Gently, L prodded Light's hole with a slick finger. The brunette's breath hitched but he didn't protest. The detective pressed harder, testing his boundaries. Again the boy gave no resistance. If anything he relaxed further. L let his eyes fall shut and focused on worming his finger into the tight passage. Light released a hiss, but it sounded less like pain and more like annoyance. He opened his eyes again and caught glazed amber looking at him. He cocked an eyebrow but Light gave no other response besides a soft moan. Shifting his focus back to the task at hand, he began to work the single digit inside his lover. When he thought Light was ready he began to worm another inside the teen.

"Shit," the brunette groaned. His fingers released L's hair and trailed down to his shoulders. He tugged gently and L pulled back. Light tugged on him again until he shifted upwards to hover over the boy. He nuzzled the teen's neck and nipped at it gently.

"How is it?" He asked softly.

"How is w-what?" Light asked in reply, stuttering slightly at the strange feeling inside his ass.

"How is this Light," he explained, "What we're doing now."

"It's fine," he told him.

"Painful?"

"No, just...weird." Light squirmed slightly as if to make his point before settling back down. "Better than...any other time. Not as sudden. Keep Going." He nodded and continued working Light open. Light's arms wrapped around his neck, holding him tightly. L pressed their lips together as he pushed in a third finger. Light groaned, his fingers pressing tightly into L's back as he was stretched open. L deepened the kiss, delving his tongue into Light's mouth in order to distract him. When he pulled back he met amber with his own onyx.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yeah," he breathed, "I'm ready." L sat back and slid his fingers out of Light's body before sliding his own boxers off. He took the lube and squirted a large amount onto his palm, coating his erection thoroughly. Once done, he wiped his hand off on the sheet and gently gripped Light's legs, spreading them open. He positioned himself at Light's entrance and glanced up at the teen. Light nodded and took a shaky breath. L watched him closely as he steadied himself and pushed in.

Both boys groaned at what they were feeling in that moment, L at the scorching heat clamped around his member and Light at the feeling of L inside of him. L wrapped one arm around the now trembling teen and gently slid out before pushing in a single, fluid motion. Light whimpered slightly, holding him tighter. L continued his smooth pace, shuddering slightly.

"Ryuuzaki," Light said softly. L paused, looking down at the teen's head buried into his chest.

"Yes Light?"

"Go faster?" He asked as he looked up, amber eyes bright, "Please?" L nodded and shifted to a better position, sliding out before pushing back in with more speed and force. Light moaned softly and his eyes fluttered shut. L groaned at the look on Light's face and concentrated on pushing into the teen with more force. After a few thrusts Light suddenly seized, back arching and a whimper erupting from his throat. The teen's grip on him tightened as he trembled. "There," he whispered, "Again."

L smirked and settled into position, trying to ram into that spot each time. It took a few moments before he was able to with complete accuracy, but Light immediately shook under the force. L released the teen and used his now free hand to grip the teen's erect cock and jerk him off. "L," the teen whimpered, "I think I'm close."

"Same," L replied. He began to thrust harder but more erratic as well. Finally he felt the teen tighten around him and smiled. "Cum Light."

"L," Light moaned as he seized, cumming over L's hand. L thrust one more time before cumming into his younger lover. They were both panting as L pulled out and dropped beside him.

"You enjoyed it?" L asked as he wrapped his arms around Light. The boy made a sound of agreement and snuggled closer to the raven. "Good." He grabbed the blanket that had been kicked aside and pulled it over them.

"Love you," Light murmured tiredly.

"I love you too," L said with a soft smile.

"And thank you," Light said, "for saving me."

"Don't thank me," L said, "I was happy to stay by you." He noted absently that Light had fallen asleep already. He smiled and pressed a kiss to Light's forehead before letting his eyes slide shut, falling into a happy, content sleep.

**Thanks everyone for reading this. I'm hoping to write another Death Note fanfic but I'm out of ideas. Let me know if you guys have any.**


	22. AN: Please Read!

**Hey everyone. Just an Authors Note but an important one. Picking Up The Pieces has been entered into a fanfiction contest. It'd be really helpful if you guys could go to the site its posted on (i'll give the url below) and help make it a winner. You don't have to reread it. Just head on over to the site and give this bad boy a like. I don't know if anyone has this still followed but anyone who sees this it'd be a big help. Thanks for all your love and support guys.**

**URL: (slash)YamiAngelOfTheNight**


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Death Note, Angst, Romance