I would like to take a moment of silence for the last chapter.

...

*Wells up*

*tries to hold it in*

*fans self*

Oh god...

I can't believe this!

*Bawls* *Sniffles*

I'M GOING MISS YOU!

(Disclaimer: This is my last disclaimer...and I still don't own Death Note. Oh, balls.)

(A.N. This chapter is dedicated to a promise I made. Happy trails, my friend.)

Together until the very End

Ache.

A dull ache, but it prevented her from feeling anything else. Her tears had long since run dry. Even if she tried to squeeze another tear out, it would simply cause her more pain. She could only frown and watch the white tiled floor under her feet while her body pressed up against the wall. It was cold—but the frostbite in her heart felt colder.

Six hours: that's how long she'd endured this hospital. This hospital with the squeaky wheelchairs. The eggshell walls with emotionless doors. The busy empathetic nurses trying to ease her unbearable claustrophobic hallways. This hospital seemed lifeless, like most of its patients… Like her adopted brother. Six hours of sitting outside of Matt's room, and she'donly heard beeping monitors.

Sometimes, L shuffled over, either bringing her orange juice boxes or offering a chair to sit in. But Alice couldn't leave Matt. She refused let go when she held him in a pool of his own blood, and she refused to leave his side for some cushioned chair. She was determined to stay on that cold floor until her butt hurt and her feet turned purple.

Watari sat in a corner of the room, keeping to himself, his phone in hand. He was texting Roger, updating his friend on the case. Thoughts of Matt, however, never stopped creeping into his mind.

He tried concentrating on his work. But seeing Alice curled up, head pressed between her knees, made Watari's stomach churn. Matt's gunshot wound was far from minor. The more he thought about Matt, the more anxious he got. But he couldn't let that show. Occasionally, Alice glanced his way, looking for an update on how Matt was doing. If he showed even an ounce of despair, she would feed off it like a hungry infant and descend on a downward spiral Watari knew she would never recover from. So, he stayed calm.

L, on the other hand, showed concern, but it wasn't directed toward Matt. It was directed toward Alice. Every time he offered food or water, she wouldn't take it. No matter how many times he offered her a chair, she refused it. He even offered her a blanket after noticing her shivering—but she rejected that as well.

It seemed no matter how hard he tried to bring her to her senses, she wouldn't. She was far gone, off in her own world, where time was her only medicine. And even the time it took to wait for Matt's recovery had already dented her metal state. He checked on Matt every ten minutes, hoping to improve his condition. He didn't care if the doctors kept telling him to leave. The faster Matt recovered, the better Alice would feel. So L was going to use all his authority in that hospital. He was even willing to look over the medical records himself.

"Ryuzaki," Watari said, uncrossing his legs.

L picked at his jeans, giving little indication that he was listening to Watari.

But his friend continued, anyway: "I've ordered our tickets to Winchester."

L's response was halfhearted."Yes, thank you."

Watari sighed. Having both Alice and L in a dark state did not make his job any easier.

Mello entered, gliding through the doors like a Jedi. "When do we leave?"

Watari was about to answer him, but L spoke first: "So soon, Mello? Wouldn't you like to stay and convolute another plan to assassinate Near?"

Mello's jaw tighten. L's sarcasm hit home, and it was obvious from the beginning L was blaming him for Matt's injuries. Not wanting to continue the discussion, Mello looked away, his arms wrapped tight across his chest.

L continued, "Your reckless decision to impose a plan without the consent of the team was a danger to yourself and to those involved. You ultimately risked the lives of three civilians and even managed to get your partner shot. How can I trust you with my title if you're continuously negligent?"

"It was a good plan! I had everything under control!"

"Then explain to me why Matt needs medical attention."

The muscles in Mello's neck flexed. He held his breath, his cheeks turning blotchy red. "If Ace hadn't—"

"Do not blame this on Ace."

Watari took out his handkerchief. Just the mention of her name broke him into a sweat.

"Are you telling me she was innocent in this whole thing? She didn't even follow your orders! Matt saved her life taking that fucking bullet!"

"She was not trained like you, Mello. She was unaware of the trouble in her plan. You, however, should have known the consequences."

"That's bullshit!"

"Take some responsibility, Mello. Stop acting like a teenager."

"You piece of—"

A tired voice carried down the hallway. "Enough."

L was about jump out of his seat when he noticed Alice getting up from the floor. "Ace, are you all right?"

Alice rubbed her eyes with one hand, placing her other hand on her hip for support. She was tired. She just wanted to find a mattress and pass out for a few days. "I'm fine," she lied. "But you two need to stop playing the blame game. We are all at fault for this mess."

Watari put down his handkerchief. "That was very mature of you, Ace."

"That's right." Her frown deepened. "I'm the most mature person you'll ever meet. I'm the reason why mature's in the dictionary. If you look in it, you'll see I'm one of the other meanings." Alice placed her hand over mouth, as her cheeks started to turn a deep red. "I outrank you all in maturity, because I'm that damn mature." Her voice started cracking.

L got up, reaching her in a matter of seconds. He curled his hand around hers, drawing her in, letting her head rest on his shoulder. She hugged him, her tight grip save for his white shirt, crinkling it until she had a handful in each hand.

L stroked her hair, not sure if there was anything else he could do. He wasn't even sure why she was crying. Watari had given her a compliment, right? Was she upset over that, or was she still upset over Matt's injury? Maybe she was upset over what Mello had said.

Mello turned to the wall, rubbing his neck. He never meant to blame Alice. He was already furious with himself, and he wasn't sure how else to relieve his anger. He couldn't even imagine a time when she wasn't part of Wammy's House. Did he just bottle up all his anger before?

"How cruel, Mello, making Ace here cry," L said.

"I did not!"

Alice lightly punched L in the gut. "Stop it," she grumbled into his shoulder.

Then Near appeared, walking in with a stethoscope around his neck, and a lab coat much too large for his small frame. His hands drowned in its sleeves, and its buttons toward the bottom were undone. In his hand was a clipboard, and he walked in hugging it against his chest.

"Is Ace broken, too? Would you like me to do an examination?"

L felt a tinge of annoyance, trying to pull Alice closer to him.

Alice peeked over L's shoulder and made a sound that resembled a gasp. More tears weld up at the brim of her eyes, and she pushed L aside to hug Near. She had him around her arms so fast, Near didn't see her coming. He was squished against her chest like a ragdoll.

"You're so cute!" she cried, tears running down her cheeks.

Near froze, unsure of what he had done to make Alice cry. She obviously needed much more than a doctor.

"Where did you get that coat, Near?" Watari asked.

Near wiggled his head out so he could breathe and said, "There was a locker room full of them. I couldn't find one my size."

"You shouldn't take things that aren't yours…" Watari's comment went unheard, because another man with a white lab coat walked in looking dazed. He eyed the room as if he was searching for a lost item. When his eyes landed on Alice and Near, he had a moment of reflection. He didn't make the connection until L broke the silence by coughing once.

"Is that my coat?" the doctor asked.

Alice didn't realize he was Matt's doctor right away. When she finally figured it out, she let go of Near and crossed the room with long strides. L failed to grab her by the time she was in the doctor's face with tear-stained cheeks.

"Is Matt going to be okay? Can we see him now? He's not going to die, is he? You fixed him, right?"

The doctored looked even more baffled than before. Every time he tried to give her an answer, Alice would interrupt him with yet another question about Matt. She was even starting to repeat some of the same questions with more urgency, as if the doctor was refusing to give her answers.

Noticing her change in tone, L quickly snatched her around the arm and pulled her back so the doctor could breathe again. Alice fought him at first, but as L's grip got stronger, the more she struggled. "Calm down, Ace. Matt's going to be okay. Just let the doctor speak," he whispered in her ear.

Taking the opportunity of freedom, the doctor composed himself and cleared his throat. "I would be happy to give you Matt's results, but that boy over there has his chart. So if you wouldn't mind—"

"The bullet was successfully removed, and the repair to his left lung went according to plan. He's safely out of surgery and is currently being treated with antibiotics. Judging by the results given here about his medical examination in regards to his blood work, I'd say Matt will pull through just fine, and is even healthy enough to have visitors."

L loosened his grip on Alice."Is that so, Near?"

The doctor made a hard line with his lips. "Could I please have the chart back?"

"Is that true? Can we see Matt now?" Alice squeaked, her lower lip on the verge of a quiver.

Watari felt sorry for the doctor as he watched the physician run his hand over his aged features, stress lined on his forehead. Watari easily sympathized with the gentleman, almost willing to offer him his spare handkerchief.

"Yes, you are allowed to go visit him now," Near answered

Alice broke from L's embrace and whizzed by Near so fast, she almost tripped him over. When she reached Matt's door, she used her entire body to plunge that piece of mixed woods wide open.

The doctor watched as Alice banged the door so loud, it woke up a bundle of newborns on the second floor. Faint wails came from the entryway of the stairs.

Watari stood up slowly, stretching his back. He sighed heavily and then walked toward the sounds of Alice squeaking and hiccuping. As he passed the doctor, he gave him a small pat on the shoulder and an appreciating smile. But, the physician didn't seem to notice.

"Hey! You're causing a scene! Don't just run around like that!" Mello's shouts faded as he followed her in the room. Slowly, Near entered right behind them.

L was the last to follow, waiting for Watari. "What are your thoughts about all of this?"

"I'm relieved to hear Matt's health is back to normal, but I'm fearful this will happen again."

"I agree, and I think some changes will be in order. Later tonight, I would like to discuss my thoughts with you."

Watari nodded slightly."Of course."

L and Watari entered the noisy room. L first observed Alice sitting beside Matt, her face close to the damaged boy's. Matt was awake, half-grinning as if he'd never even been shot. Only his iconic PSP and goggles were missing.

"Near said you would be fine, but is that true? You aren't going to die, are you?" Alice leaned closer, but Matt grabbed her shoulder and pushed her back.

"I'll be fine, Ace. Don't worry. A shot can't kill me. It'd have to take an army of bullets to kill me." He managed a chuckle.

Alice slapped his hand off her shoulder and gapped. "Don't jinx yourself, you idiot!"

Matt laughed harder.

Mello took a step forward."How's your breathing?"

Matt dropped his snicker to a sigh of relief. "I've had worse."

That got a smirk out of Mello. But for Alice, it cued Matt's pain.

"No more laughing for you, Mister! If it hurts, then don't do it!"

"Ace—"

"Don't you 'Ace' me!" Alice continued. "I want you to recover, not tear your lungs open again!"

"Laughter wouldn't cause his lungs tear, Ace," Near said.

"But what if the surgery wasn't done right? What if the stitches—or whatever the hell they do to organs— comes apart and he bleeds internally?" Alice started hyperventilating. The more she spoke, the raspier her voice got."What if you die in your sleep, and I try to come wake you up, but you won't wake up? No matter how hard I shake you or slap your face, you're just dead!" Tears cascaded down her blotchy cheeks.

Matt's smile faded. He reached for her hand and squeezed it, as if to pull her back to reality. "Ace, I'm going to be okay. The surgery was a success, and you have to have faith that I will always wake up when you slap my face. No reason for me not to." Matt's words managed a small chuckled from Alice, but that still didn't stop her next tear from falling.

She sniffed."You're not allowed to die without my permission, okay?"

Matt's radiant smile returned."Yes, ma'am."

L watched as Alice and Matt continued to joke. Alice wiped away the last of her tears and laughed at Matt's comment about his lack of confidence without his goggles. Even Mello moved in closer to join in on the fun. Whenever Mello started to make fun of Matt's weak body, Alice would slap him, and that only seemed to make Matt happier.

It was all so surreal for L, as if he was looking through a looking glass with a fogged over lens. He comprehended bits and pieces of what was happening, but the whole picture evaded him. The case was over, and the criminals were apprehended. But was it worth the pain to see Matt—and even Alice—hurt? Before he had feelings for Alice, he would have thought this wasn't the correct way to apprehend criminals. Sacrifices, however, sometimes had to be made.

Now, he couldn't fathom Alice or his successors getting injured. Guilt twisted his stomach into a knot. Part of him regretted forming relationships with these people. Watari should have sufficed; that way, he wouldn't have to worry about these petty feelings like guilt or sympathy. The only life he would have to look out for was his own, but now that he had friends…

"L," Alice said.

L paused his jumbled thoughts and focused on Alice. She was standing up and giving him a look of bliss and determination. He wasn't certain what had made her so happy, but at least she wasn't crying anymore.

She continued, "Can we talk outside for moment?"

Immediately, L had discouraging thoughts. He wondered if she was going to reject him, but then wondered why someone would be so ecstatic to do so. So, his hypothesis changed to Matt's recovery. She must have wanted to discuss how long they would be in the hospital now…but then again, couldn't that type of conversation be public? L bit his thumb and reflected back to his original fear. Was their relationship going to end so soon?

Alice didn't wait for L's answer. She grabbed his arm and led him out the room, eyes watching them as they departed. When they were outside the door, Alice overheard Matt whisper to Mello about a potential make-out session. She turned bright red but kept moving, debating later to staple his lips shut. That would prevent him from laughing and making his lungs burst.

"Where are we going?"

Alice squeezed L's arm to make him relax. She could feel the muscles under his shirt tense. They felt like rocks, making her wonder if L overheard Matt as well. "Somewhere private."

L kept his thoughts to himself after that, letting her guide him down the hall and up a fight a stairs. By the third flight, he became more anxious. They were heading toward the roof, and there weren't many escape routes on a roof.

Walking through a door, Alice felt a cold breeze blast her hair back and sting her eyes until they started to water. She dragged L a few more steps until the door shut behind them.

"Why couldn't we have discussed this downstairs?"

Alice turned around."Because I want this to just be between you and me."

"So I should assume it's about our relationship, correct?"

Alice cleared her throat and looked away in discomfort. "Yeah, part of it is about that, but I first wanted to ask you a question."

L moved his thumb to his bottom lip. "Oh? What is it?"

Alice took a deep breath. "I want to work with you again, but I understand that what happened tonight was not acceptable." She eyed L to see what kind of expression he was making. Unfortunately, it was the same one he's always had, stoic and uninterested. She continued on: "So I want to learn how to be a better detective. And I know that it's a lot of work and I don't have the same genius mind everyone else has, but I have the determination. And I don't want to be a hindrance to your work anymore." She made one last pause, and then went for it. "So, will you teach me?"

L took a moment to consider Alice's request. She had accompanied him on a couple cases so far, and he had no doubt she would be with him for a few more. It would be wise to teach her the precautions of his work. She knew about changing her name and keeping her status quiet, but there was more she should understand. The only problem was the lack of time he had for other expenses. There was always a case to solve, and teaching Alice would be overwhelming. He was hardly sleeping as it was. He needed at least one day of the week to sleep. Taking a deep breath, he let his thumb drop from his lips. "We could work something out, but I need you to promise me one thing."

"Anything!"

L eyed her suspiciously. "And it can't be one of those broken promises you made before."

"Cross my heart." She made the gesture.

L wasn't entirely convinced, but it wasn't as if he could deny her when she was looking at him in that innocent kind of manner. "Then I will help you."

Alice smiled and made a sound between a squeak and a squeal. "That's great! Thank you!"

L was content to see her excited, but he knew her excitement wouldn't last long. She had a short attention span. He wasn't sure how much longer she would be interested in becoming a detective. For now, he would let her do as she pleased, but he wasn't going to waste his time. He planned on letting Watari teach her for the first year, and see where that led to. "Now we should talk about our relationship." L wanted to move on—picturing Alice as a detective was almost impossible to do.

Alice's lips formed a hard line. Sooner or later she would have to have this discussion with him, so she might as well get it over with. She took a deep breath and said, "Fine, let's talk about us."

Silence.

They were both uncertain of what the other one was thinking. Staying quiet was their only option, until one or the other had something to say. Alice fiddled with her thumbs behind her back; L reverted back to biting his thumb. It was terribly awkward, and there was only so much of the emotion Alice could take before she burst.

"After this whole ordeal, I've come to realize that my feelings for you are real," she started, sounding as if she was going to give her confession in one breath. "I missed you so much when we were apart, and the thought of you hating me made me feel like crap." She looked down. "I want to be with you, and to solve cases with you, and—" She couldn't help the laugh that escaped her lips. "—and I want us to be a family, including everyone at Wammy's House."

L looked like he was about to speak, but he stopped and closed his mouth.

Alice had nothing more to say at that point, so she waited for L to take it all in. Her heart was beating a mile a minute. She was so scared he had given up on her, and she hated that he wasn't saying anything. She'd hoped they would hug it out and have this wonderful ending, her legs kicking in the air. And they would both laughing, petals falling around them. Of course, that would never happen, but she couldn't help her over-active imagination. She just wanted their relationship to be genuine.

L let out a sigh. His sigh was so unexpected, it made Alice jump. She held her heart and swallowed a clump of tension.

L finally spoke: "I'm so relieved." He sounded exhausted. "I thought you were going to end our relationship."

"What?"

"Judging by how our relationship was going, I didn't have much faith in our future."

Alice couldn't help the bubble of giggles that came out next. She found his concern to be a concern of her own, and her laughter grew louder. "Well, I can promise you right now I have no intentions of leaving you."

To her surprise, L smiled briefly. It was enough to get her laughing again. Without a warning, she pulled him into a tight hug and squeezed around his upper torso. Her smile never left her lips. She felt warmth she had missed for the longest time, and it was nostalgic to feel it surrounding her heart. Alice pushed her face deeper into L's shoulder, letting his hands trail until they found a comfortable position on the small of her back. He was gentle with her frame; yet, she continued to squeeze. She wanted to show him how much affection she could give in one hug. If it wasn't going to be enough, then hell, she might even give him that make-out session Matt was talking about.

L started to wince. "I can't breathe."

Alice immediately let go and took a step back. She felt bad, but her smirk remained. "Sorry about that."

"It's quite all right." He attempted to smooth his shirt.

She sighed."I guess I just got caught up in the moment."

"Well, I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy your romantic overture."

Alice giggled once more but then moved aside to reach for the door. "Let's go back and check on Matt. I've got to make sure he isn't making up any more theories about us. If were gone too long, he might think we're getting eloped or something."

L moved out of the way so she could reach the door and said, "Eloped? You already said you wanted us to be a family, so wouldn't that be considered a proposal?"

Alice gripped the door handle tightly. Without turning around she said, "How about we get through the idea of being a couple first before we move on to husband and wife?"

"That won't work."

"What?" She turned her head around, seeing L as he stared down at her hand holding the door handle.

With one finger pointing, he said, "That door. It won't open. It was made to automatically lock once shut. Most doors leading to the roof on public buildings do that."

Alice's jaw dropped. She snorted at L, not believing him, and then pulled at the handle as if she were trying to open a pickle jar. No matter how hard she worked at it, it wouldn't open.

"Goddammit! Why didn't you tell me before we got up here?"

"I had more worries to contemplate. A sealed door was the least of my troubles."

"ARGH!" She tried the door again, kicking it this time. "Somebody open this door!"

"No one can hear you, Ace. We are on the roof, and the floor below us is undergoing construction."

"L! You're not helping!"

Even though Alice was pounding at the door like a wild silver-back gorilla, L couldn't help but find her incredibly adorable.

"Son of a bitch! You stupid bloody door!"

To Matt's relief, his goggles and PSP were returned to him. He didn't waste a second throwing those bad boys over his eyes and turning on his PSP to give it its regular ten-minute upgrade.

Mello leaned over Matt's shoulder to look at the PSP. "Have those recordings been sent already? Do we have the conformation e-mail yet?"

"Can you wait 'til it's on? I've got to upgrade a few things first before I check my e-mail."

"Matt, we can't leave this country until we know the FBI has all our evidence. I don't want to have to come back here and do this again!"

Matt rolled his eyes. "You've been waiting for six hours already; you can wait another ten minutes."

Mello grumbled but didn't say another word. He wasn't about to fight with someone who just came out of surgery. He sat down on a plush chair near the window quietly, occasionally playing with the ties on his boots to pass the time.

Noticing Mello's obedience, Matt smiled proudly and clicked away at his PSP. Of course, he did his normal upgrades, but for kicks and giggles, he had some fun hacking. He was never one to resist temptation, and he'd been unconscious for at least five hours. He needed to exercise his brain, and what better way to do so than spying using the surveillance system in the hospital. If Alice and L were getting it on, Matt wasn't going to let it happen without getting recorded footage as blackmail. He was about 99.99 percent sure they weren't doing anything nasty, but Matt had to see for himself to prove his assumption.

"I wonder where Watari went," Near spoke from Matt's left side. He was opposite of Mello, keeping a safe distance.

Matt kept his focus on his PSP. "I think he went to go talk to a doctor. He mumbled something about a stolen coat and a broken door."

Mello snorted.

Near reached for Matt's hand, pulling up Matt's sleeve.

Oddly, Matt felt a cold grip on his wrist. Near pulled his arm to the bed, which caused Matt to end his game of hide-and-go-seek.

"Uh…Near, what are you doing?"

"I'm checking your pulse."

"Shouldn't that be the doctor's job?"

"He's incompetent. I've researched his past records, and I don't think he's qualified enough to take care of you. The surgeon, however, did an impeccable job. These stitches are magnificent."

Matt pushed away Near before he took off his shirt completely. As much as he appreciated Near's concern, he wasn't about to let him poke and prod his body.

"I'm fine, Near. I don't need another check-up."

"I only wish to double-check the previous doctor's work. It would be a waste of our time if you ended back in the hospital for a minor mistake some armature physician made."

That managed a chuckle out of Matt. "You're really worried about me, aren't you?"

Near didn't respond, but his silence said it all for Matt. It wasn't often Near showed concern for others, but Matt could always tell when Near was upset over something. So, Matt sighed and moved his wrist in front of Near. Near stared at it, unsure of what Matt was implying.

Matt wiggled his wrist. "Go ahead, check my pulse."

Near turned a slight shade of pink, but he took his wrist.

Matt watched Near's expression go from tame, to a bit discouraged.

"Your heart rate isn't easily readable on your wrist. Take off your shirt so I can use my stethoscope."

"For God's sake,Near!" Mello barked, standing up from his chair.

Watari entered the room, poised and proper. "Mello, there is no need to yell."

His company eased the tension in the room, but Mello wasn't ready to take a seat.

"I've just spoke with the doctor, and he's willing to let Matt go early, as long as he doesn't strain his body too much."

"That's awesome." Matt was growing homesick like crazy, and there was nothing more he wanted to do than to sit on his bed and play his games for a week straight.

"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's get out of this stupid hospital." Mello insisted.

"Not so fast, Mello. I understand your enthusiasm for returning home, but we have to wait for Miss Ace and L to return. We also have two guests we still have to take care of."

"Guests?" Mello was puzzled, but then a light bulb turned on in his head. "Oh right, those two goons Ace was traveling with."

"What happened to them?" Matt asked. He couldn't ever recall seeing Alice's friends anywhere.

"A young man named Eric suffered a bruised rib, but nothing too serious. The other fellow was luckily unharmed. Currently, they are back at the hotel. I've made sure to provide them anything they desire for the time being."

Matt relaxed back onto his pillow. "That's good to hear."

"Only Ace would befriend complete strangers and find time to get into trouble on some God awful road trip."

"Jealous, Mello?" Matt smirked.

"Hardly," Mello growled.

"Ace is an adventurous woman," Watari admitted.

"I agree, she's very unpredictable. At this very moment, she could be causing trouble, and we'd all be unaware until the very last minute."

Near's statement caused everyone to hold their breath. Thoughts of Alice doing something idiotic and or dangerous raced in their minds.

Matt laughed uneasily. "Where did they say they were going again?"

"Your plan is quiet dangerous, and I'm 97.89 percent sure it won't work."

"Well, I don't see another way down, so just give me your shirt." Alice made a gesture with her hand.

L was hesitant. "I've done the calculations, and with your weight, that kind of rope will not support you."

"Are you calling me fat?"

"That's not what I was implying—"

"Listen here, Mister." She placed her free hand on her hip, the other holding up a small bundle of rope. "Relationships require trust, so you are going to have to trust me. I'm going to use this rope to propel to a window, and break it open using this rock." She kicked a good piece of concrete next to her. "Then I'll race back up here and come get you."

"Why are your plans always so straight forward?" L mumbled to himself.

Alice didn't miss his remark, and playfully added to it. "Don't forget violent. I like explosions and destruction in my plans."

"And why won't you let me pick the lock?"

"Because what's the fun in that? What better way to test my skills at problem solving then to propel down the side of a four-story building?" Alice beamed.

"Once again, your logic eludes me."

Alice sighed. "Fine, let's make a deal then. I'll allow you to pick the lock, if you let me have a gun."

"I refuse."

"Then give me your shirt so I can make a loop for my arms to hold onto."

L felt a twinge of pain between his eyes. Why was he in love with this woman again?

Alice started to unravel the rope, running it through her hand to test its strength. "Now,where should I tie this…?"

L had to step in at that point. "Give me the rope, Ace."

Alice snorted. "No."

L took a step forward. "Ace—"

"You can't stop me, L. I'm going to do this."

L accepted the challenge. He wasn't fast, but he didn't have to be. He took her by sheer surprise, clutching her wrist in a tight grip.

Alice sucked in a hiss, and then growled. "You're going to regret that."

"No matter. I clearly have the strength to hold you down."

"We'll see about that." Then, all of a sudden, Alice tried to pull away by ducking to the ground and using her entire body to pull him along. L, however, was quick to respond and used his other hand to grab her collar and pull her back up. Alice shrieked, but that didn't stop L from hunching his body and using his shoulder to hoist Alice in the air. Alice continued to scream, this time slamming her fists against L's back. L kept her balanced on his shoulder for the sake of keeping her off the ground. She was more dangerous on the ground.

"Let me go you, dumb fat panda!"

"Sticks and stones, my dear Ace, sticks and stones."

That's when Alice started kicking. L almost lost his balance, but quickly took control by wrapping an arm around her legs.

"My plan is perfect! Let me propel down and break the window!"

Through Alice's screams, L hadn't heard the door unlock and open. Watari and the three boys stood behind him, looking as if they were watching a fireworks display. Some of them smiled, others gawked, and then there was Near who seemed more interested in watching a flock geese fly by in a triangle formation.

Alice calmed instantly. "Oh hey, guys. How's it going?"

A second ago she was wailing like a toddler, and now she's smiling? Apparently, L would never come to understand her.

Matt was the first to respond: "Do you want us to leave you two alone so you can finish doing…whatever you're doing?" He tried to wipe the smirk off his lips, but he couldn't. He'd overheard Alice screaming about jumping off the hospital and breaking some window. Near was right—she was very unpredictable.

"That won't be necessary." L put Alice down. "You've fixed our dilemma, so we can all go now."

Mello looked like he wanted to say something, but Alice beat him to the punch…literally. She punched L in the stomach. L cringed, grabbing his stomach to protect himself from another attack.

"Next time, I'll aim for your balls," Alice scoffed, starting to walk away.

"Ace!" Watari exclaimed.

Matt had a good laugh though, and Mello looked like he was going to join him. "Nice one!" Matt said.

"I suppose I deserved that," L admitted, waving off Watari's worried questions about his health.

Alice continued her walk past the boys and was descending the stairs when she shouted, "Let's go home!"

Alice was hit with déjà vu after everyone piled into the SUV. She was—once again—put in the back with L, while Matt and Mello sat in the middle, Near and Watari in the front. It was like they were driving to that old house again, boring scenes and humming noises in all. But this time, Alice knew her ending destination would be worth the trip. Today, they would finally go home. She couldn't wait to hug everyone back at Wammy's House.

L was concerned. He watched Alice before the vehicle started moving, and she hadn't said a word to him or even looked his way since their little talk. "Your leg hasn't stopped moving since we left the hospital."

"I'm anxious."

"Anxious about what?"

Mello snorted. "You on your period or something?"

Alice kicked the back of his seat, causing him to growl. He rubbed his back, glaring.

"Shut it," she added.

Matt shook his head and clicked his tongue at Mello.

Near made the next assumption: "You must be anxious to reunite with your two friends."

"Friends?" Alice raised an eyebrow. But in two seconds, it felt like she'd been slapped by a baseball bat. "Oh my God! Zeek! Eric! Did we leave them at the hospital? I can't believe I forgot about them!"

"Calm down, Ace." L lightly patted her shoulder. "They're fine. We are on our way back to the hotel where we've sent them to wait for us."

"You didn't lock them up, did you? You know how I feel about that."

"Of course not. I instructed that they were not allowed to leave the building or have any contact with their relations until I returned."

Alice leaned back in her seat and sighed. "Well, that's a step up from your usual method."

"I should warn you, though, about my circumstances concerning your friends. They don't know I am L, and I would like to keep it that way."

"But they already know I'm working with you."

"They know you're working with L, but they don't know I'm L. So please keep my identity a secret."

"Oh, got it." Alice winked. "So, who are you then?"

"Your—cough—lover," Matt said.

"Shut up, you little weasel!" Alice's voice went up an octave.

L pretended like he didn't hear anything. "You can refer to me as Ryuzaki."

Matt started singing: "Ace and L sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S—"

"I'm going to kill you!" Alice lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Matt's neck.

Watari gasped. "Miss Ace, no!"

Matt clawed at her arms to unwrap them. He was still laughing, but he understood that if he struggled too much, he could damage the work surgically done to his lungs.

Mello was quick to help Matt in his situation. "Ace, let go!"

"Stop laughing!" Alice sounded like a mouse on speed.

L and Near watched with amusement. L didn't know why, but seeing the chaos gave him comfort. This was how it should be. They were all together and in good health. This was the kind of happiness he'd been seeking; working as a detective wasn't enough anymore. He'd come to a point where having this type of environment has greatly improved his performance. Yes, this felt right.

When the SUV pulled up to the hotel, Alice jumped out and raced towards the door so fast that she didn't even let Matt or Mello fold their seat down so she could have room to exit. She simply crawled over the seat and took her time walking over Matt, having her revenge in the process. By the time everyone was out of the vehicle, Alice was in the lobby, running around screaming for Zeek and Eric. L didn't get to tell her what room they were in before she was bolting up the stairs.

Watari felt exhausted as he rubbed his neck with his handkerchief. He apologized to the employees, who'd finally returned to their jobs at the desk.

Matt walked in rubbing his neck. "I hope she doesn't destroy any of the doors."

Watari felt sweat run down his temples. He had forgotten Alice's habit of kicking down doors. He already had to pay for the door at the hospital. "God help us all."

"Crazy bitch," Mello grumbled as he started to walk toward the elevator. Everyone followed him in suit. When they reached the third floor, the elevator doors opened, revealing Alice running past and screaming Zeek's name as if she was on fire. How she managed to climb three flights of stairs so quickly was beyond baffling.

"Zeek, where are you?"

A muffled voice finally responded to her cries. "Little Elf?"

Alice abruptly stopped. "Zeek?"

A door at the end of the hall opened, and Zeek stepped out, curious.

Alice just about fainted with joy. "ZEEK!"

Zeek opened his arms for a hug. "Little Elf! There you are! I was wondering where you went."

Alice ran into his open arms, squeezing him tightly, and pulling him off the ground for a split second. Zeek enjoyed the little rush and bubbled with laughter.

"I'm so happy you're okay!"

Zeek squeezed her back. "Likewise, Little Elf."

When Alice finally had enough, she let go and eyed Zeek. He seemed healthy, which was a good enough sign for Alice. "Where's Eric?" she asked.

"He's going to the bathroom; he should be back soon."

"Miss Ace," Watari interrupted.

Alice frowned. "What?"

"I'm sorry, but we don't have much time for conversation. Our plane leaves soon, and we have to reach the airport on time. We've only returned to say our goodbyes and send them back home."

Alice's upset look turned to panic. Her eyes widened, and she looked to L for confirmation. He nodded his head. Alice gasped and turned back to Zeek. "But I'm not ready to say goodbye!"

"Aw, Little Elf, I don't want you to go either. You still haven't tasted my brownies yet."

"That's right!" Alice then looked to L with pleading eyes. "I haven't tried his brownie recipe yet!"

"Ace, it's unnecessary to wait for a brownie recipe."

She crossed her arms. "Out of all the people to say that, I never would've thought you'd be one of them."

"I'm sorry, Ace." L did feel bad that she was upset. But he had to return home. And he was sure Alice would want that as well.

"Ace?" A southern voice echoed down the hall.

Alice started to choke up. "Eric?" She saw him walk to her. A smile spread across his lips, and he walked faster. Alice didn't waste a second to run to him. She collided into him with an embrace so warming, the entire room seemed to disappear around her. She'd worried about Eric the most since she'd saw him on the ground struggling with the large muscular man. "I'm so happy you're alive," she mumbled into his chest.

L watched with irritation. He was almost tempted to rip them apart and drag her to the airport, but he knew she would hate him if he did that. So he kept to himself for the time being. Eventually, they would all be on the plane, and he'd never have to see this Eric again.

Eric winced and had to pull Alice away.

Alice was confused at first, but then she remembered his bruised rib. "Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot you got hurt. Are you okay?"

He chuckled. "I'm all right, darlin'." Eric then looked over her shoulder, noticing the group that'd gathered outside of his room he was sharing with Zeek. He recognized Mello, Matt, and the old man, but the one with the mop of black hair and the other one in white were new. They both had a kind of mechanical stare that made him feel uncomfortable.

Eric pointed at L. "Who's that?" Alice looked over her shoulder.

Zeek said, "He's the dude who's really famous, right? L?"

Alice coughed awkwardly. "Uh, no, this is Ryuzaki."

L took over the conversation. "I work for L, much like the rest of my colleagues. Please pay no attention to me. I'm only waiting for Alice to say her farewells. I have an escort waiting for you when you are ready to be taken home."

Alice scrunched her face. That was subtle…

"Farewell? What are you talkin' bout? Ace here is leaving?"

Alice patted his shoulder. She too was upset, but the more she thought about Wammy's House, the more she became homesick. "I wish I could take you both with me." She glanced over at L and pleaded, but he answered her plea by shaking his head. Alice continued to pout.

"Where's home, Little Elf? Couldn't we just come visit you?"

Eric rolled his eyes. "Isn't it obvious she's from England? It won't be that easy to visit her."

"Bummer."

"Bummer is right," Alice agreed.

"How much longer do you need to say your goodbyes?" Near asked, impatient. It was his job to watch the time, and they were dangerously close to their departure.

Eric didn't look happy after that. "Why is the little snowman telling us to hurry up?" he asked Alice.

Mello unexpectedly chuckled, which made him snort in the process. For the first time in his life, he got to see Near irritated. It wasn't obvious, but Mello could see it in his eyes, and that was enough.

Alice answered after she let Mello finish his fits of laughter. "We already have a flight leaving soon, so I don't have much time."

"So you're just going to leave like that?"

She eyed L. "Well, my boss booked the flight before I even knew it."

L looked away.

"Can't you change your flight 'til tomorrow? You could come visit my ranch and have some real Texan barbeque."

Zeek rubbed his tummy. "That sounds better than munchies."

Alice grew weak. She liked her new friends, even though from the beginning she had been trying to avoid that kind of attraction. How could she possibly leave them like this?

Near tugged on Alice's shirt and said, "Ace, the time."

Alice bit her bottom lip. "I would love to eat the best Texan barbeque, but…" She trailed off, hoping to come up with a solution that would satisfy both parties. She had a very hard time coming up with an answer that didn't involve hiding them on the plane.

"Ace, if I gave Zeek and Eric cell phones to contact you only, would that make your departure easier?"

Alice nodded. "Yes, please do that!"

Zeek rubbed the back of his head, looking a little disappointed. "New phones? I don't think I'll be able to pay for the service." He made money sparingly, and he owned a cell phone, but there was never a guarantee he could pay for the monthly bill that came with it.

"Don't worry about that. The service is within our operation, so it will be free of charge on your behalf."

Zeek beamed in his usual manner, leaning back and giving the peace sign. "Much love, my brother, much love."

"So I could call you whenever I want, then?" Eric asked.

Alice nodded again. "So don't think of me as leaving for good. I'll always be there for you if you need me."

"But what if I want to see you?"

Alice was going to say something, but L answered first: "This will most likely be the last time you'll see her in person."

Eric shook his head, giving L a disbelieving look. "No, sir, that ain't fair." He ran a hand through his hair, and then he looked to Alice, a hard crease running across his forehead. "What about all we've been through? You're telling me that I drove two hours to Houston and almost got myself killed twice just to never see you again?" His voice was getting louder, and his anger was getting harder to hold back.

Alice felt like crying. She could tell Eric was holding back tears of his own. He was a true Texan cowboy, and he told her before that Texan cowboy's don't cry. That only seemed to make her want to cry harder.

"Eric, I don't want that—"

Eric threw his hands down violently. "So you're just gonna let your boss tell you what to do?"

Eric's red eyes and enlarged Adam's apple told Alice he was going to explode at any minute. She had to get him out of that hallway as soon as possible. Without another word, she grabbed his arm and dragged him through the small huddle of Wammy's boys. Mello protested for her to stop; L made it clear that what she was wasting their time. Even Near told her she had just two minutes left. She ignored them all and forced Eric to sit on a bed. L wanted to follow, but she raced to the door and only allowed Zeek in. She told the rest to wait outside for her.

"Ace, the plane," L said to her face before she shut the door.

Alice gave him a hard glare and said, "If you truly love me, then you will find a way to stall that flight." And the door slammed shut. A blanket of silence enveloped the room.

Eric couldn't take sitting much longer, and he was up on his feet before Alice could stop him. "Who does that guy think he is?" He pointed at the door.

Zeek started to look upset; his smile had gone missing. Alice had never seen him go without smiling for so long.

"Eric, sit down," Alice ordered. She couldn't stand seeing either of them upset, and having Eric blow up wasn't fixing the situation.

Eric didn't look like he would at first, but he did eventually. "Is that true, Ace? Will I never see you again?"

Alice wasn't sure how to answer him, but the more she thought about it, the more confident she came to her decision. "Don't listen to him," she began. "I promise that I'll come and visit you. You should come visit me as well. Same goes for you, Zeek."

"I wouldn't mind vacationing in England. I bet the munchies there are yummy."

Eric was concerned. "Are you sure your boss will let you?"

"Don't worry about him; I can convince him to see it my way."

Eric didn't believe her. He twiddled his thumbs and looked down at his knees. "I don't mean to be a bother, darlin', but I just don't like the idea of losing a close friend so soon."

Alice felt her throat close up. She was holding back a flood of tears; it hurt to blink. "I feel the same way," She managed without making her voice crack.

Zeek took a step forward and inhaled deeply as if he were about to start a mediation session. "I think we all need a hug right now." He spread his arms out.

Alice moved in right away, but Eric gave them an uncomfortable look. Zeek shook his head and motioned for Eric to come over.

When he continued to stay on the bed, Alice made an effort to coax him over. "Come on, know you want this." She squeezed Zeek's waist to show him what he was missing out on.

Eric sighed heavily and groaned, getting up. Alice and Zeek snickered at Eric's pained look. When he was within reach, they forced him into the hug, squeezing him until he started to protest. "Okay! I get it!"

Alice heartily laughed after she let go. Zeek laughed along with her, sparking a train of laughter that Eric eventually joined. In the midst of laughter, Alice suddenly was blinded with a light so bright, it nearly caused her to sink to the floor. She feigned noticing it, but she still watched Doug materialize right there in the room. He quickly appeared, as if he was a reflection in a water ripple. Alice only saw him for a fraction of a second, but what she saw made her feel euphoric. Doug smiled, bright eyed and glowing a radiant white. He didn't have dark circles under his eyes or yellowed skin. He looked healthy, reborn. And the next thing she knew, he was gone, just as fast as he appeared. As much as she would have wanted to say her goodbyes, she was okay with just a smile. He looked happy, which was all Alice wanted. Her job was finally over. She could return home knowing Doug was at peace.

"Did it just get hot in here?" Zeek subdued his laughter.

Eric stepped back immediately. "You certainly know how to ruin a moment."

Alice laughed even harder, snorting every time she inhaled.

The time it took Alice to finish saying her goodbyes lasted for ten more minutes. L was forced to stall the plane. He wasn't proud of what he had to do, but he didn't want to wait for another flight. Upon Alice's arrival, they were all rushed in the SUV and driven to the airport. It happened so fast, by the time she was walking on the plane, Alice felt dizzy.

"You sit next to me, Ace." L pulled her along. They were in first class after Mello's thorough complaint about flying in coach. It seemed it was only their little group that booked the entire first class section, so they had a part of the plane to themselves.

Matt leaned back into his large reclining chair. "Finally, some rest."

Mello grunted, agreeing.

Alice was slower to sit, watching out her tiny window in deep thought about all that has happened over just a few days. She was so consumed with her memories, that she hadn't noticed L calling her name. L had to pat her on her shoulder after the fourth attempt. Alice's focus was cut short. "Yes?"

"I advise you to get some rest. You haven't slept for nearly twenty-four hours now."

Alice snorted. "And what about you, Mr. Stays-awake-for-an-entire-week?"

"I've built a tolerance for such a thing, so I've adapted to my sleep deprivation. You, however, require the normal eight hours of sleep. This flight won't give you exactly eight hours, but it should be enough to revitalize your vigor."

Alice raised an eyebrow. "My vigor?"

Matt snickered. "Talking naughty to each other already? Couldn't you two wait until you're alone?"

Alice threw a tiny bag of pretzels at Matt. "For Christ's sake, Matt!"

L said, "They only tease you to get a reaction."

"Oh, I'll give them a reaction." Alice eyed Matt.

Matt coughed once and looked awake to talk to Mello, as if Mello had addressed him.

"I take it everything went well with your new friends?" L asked.

"Yup, I told them they could visit us."

A sharp pain nipped at his temples. "We don't normally allow visitors in Wammy's House."

"They are my friends, and I plan on seeing them again, whether you like it or not."

L knew Alice was set in her ways, so he would let her win for the moment. Maybe if he let her cool down, she would understand his reasons for keeping out strangers who could otherwise harm the children.

"Oh! Zeek said he would open up his own bakery in Grapeland. He's getting a loan from Eric, and he said he would be happy to send us some brownies when his store is up and running."

"Good for him." L did not sound enthusiastic. Alice let that slide, since L hardly knew Zeek anyway.

"What happened to Douglas?"

Alice shrugged. "He moved on, I suppose."

"Such a cliché answer," L said. "Don't you dig deeper into the mystery of death?"

Alice sighed. "I've tried, but they don't even know what lies after they leave."

"How disappointing. I'll have to investigate that for another day."

For some reason, Alice wasn't looking forward to that. She could already pictured pissing off a horde of ghosts or running into trouble with some higher being like Jesus or Buddha.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome on board Flight 4B7 with service from Houston to Winchester, England." The announcement began. "We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments. We also ask that your seats and table trays are in the upright position for take-off. Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you for choosing Mountain Airlines. Enjoy your flight."

Alice felt a spark of energy rush threw her veins. L had told her to get some rest, but how could she think about sleep after knowing it would be just a couple more hours until she reunited with her family?

"Ace, you're twitching your leg again."

Alice put her hand on her thigh and gave L a sideways glance. "I'm excited."

"I can see that, but you'll waste your energy if you keep that up. You should rest."

Alice leaned into her chair, molding her back to fit like a puzzle piece in a jigsaw. There was no harm in trying, though she seriously doubted she would ever fall asleep.

"You think she's dead?" Mello poked Alice with a stick he found on the ground.

A small trickle of drool ran down the side of her cheek, giving a clear indication that she was fast asleep. In fact, it wasn't long after she got comfortable in her seat on the plane that she passed out, falling into a deep REM cycle that occasionally caused her to almost slip out of her chair. Luckily L was there to catch her, but it wasn't easy for him, that was for sure.

Matt held back a snicker, letting Mello poke the bull at his own will. Matt's already been strangled once, and he wasn't about to fall down that road twice.

"Please reframe from such behavior." Watari gave Mello his disapproval. Mello grumbled, but stopped none the less.

"All of you should head inside and unpack your things. I will take care of Ace." L gave his orders.

Watari eased the Bentley door further open so L had more room to step out. He bowed to show him respect, and then walked the three boys up the driveway. Mello and Matt protested at first, but they were no match for Watari's authority. The group was stepping inside no sooner than L could make his way out of the vehicle.

Before he made his attempt to wake her up, he took a moment to observe her sleeping face. Besides the trickle of drool glistening off her left cheek, he found her peaceful form endearing. He much rather see her at peace, then at war with herself. And if he could look upon her face like this every day, he could die a happy man (not that he would ever let himself die so easily).

Alice scrunched up her noise as if she were smelling something foul, and then mumbled incoherent words that sounded as if she were crying like a cat. Just like clockwork, Alice shifted in her sleep, causing her arm to flail to the side and land just under her torso as she face-planted onto the leather seat. A loud, bubbly snore escaped threw her lips and bounced of the leather like a sprinkler.

"Graceful as always, my dear Ace." L let a smile slip behind his thumb.

Inside of Wammy's House, Mello watched out the entry way window, keeping a close watch as if it was his job to do so. A serious frown reflected his thoughts of the last time he was watching a similar scene with Maria. It took all his will power not to run out that door and cause a scene.

"It's never good when you start making that face." Matt strolled in behind him.

Mello finally looked away from the window, coming back too after hearing the ease in Matt's voice. "I was just thinking."

"No, I get it." Matt pulled some of the curtain so he could see out the window. "I'm jealous myself."

"It's not like that!"

Roger suddenly stepped into the door frame and motioned for the boys to follow. "Stop spying and come hold off the children before they start to tear this house apart," he sounded flustered. He was then quick to turn around and continue to speak, as if he expected Mello and Matt to follow right behind. "I won't have these children running about like wild baboons. I expect them to behave for Alice's return…" Roger's voice faded within the depths of the wood panel walls.

Matt bit his bottom lip, holding back laughter. "Poor old man,"

"I feel a headache coming on." Mello sneered.

It's not as if Alice was cold. Her fingers didn't prickle like crystallized ice and her breath was a lukewarm, but she couldn't stop the shivers. It was as if her muscles were reacting to an invisible sensation.

"Ace…" her name was called out, but she couldn't fit the voice to the person. It was pleasant though, as if she were being fawned over by an overly protective mother. Her hair was stroked lightly and her named was called again with a whisper, complimenting the cool breeze that followed. With such sweet tranquility, she couldn't imagine letting herself wake up. She wanted the dream to last as long as possible. "Ace, we are home." The words trickled into her ear like wind chimes.

Home?

Alice's eyes snapped open with shots of adrenaline coursing through her heart and pumping into her veins. It was as if she was plugged in and turned on with the simple switch of a trigger word; home. She sat up so fast, she didn't even realize L had to jump out of the way so their heads didn't collide.

"Ah, you're finally awake."

Alice looked around the interior of the Bentley with fright. She behaved like a caged animal ready to attack anyone that would get in the way of her freedom.

L ignored this and continued to say, "We should probably head inside. Everyone is anxiously waiting for you."

"When did we get here? How long was I asleep? How come it's so easy for you people to move me when I'm knocked out? Did you drug me?" Her thoughts brought her back to the last time she missed her return home and woke up in her own bed with pajamas on. She never really got an explanation for that, but at least this time she was fully dressed.

"I wouldn't use narcotics on you. You sleep quite peacefully without them."

Alice huffed and wiggled herself to the end of the seat so she could jump out. L offered her his hand and she looked at it with caution. "You're telling me the truth, right?"

"Yes," L was straight forward. That convinced her to take his hand and let him guide her out of the car. She touched the ground with a light thud. At first she looked to L, thanking him with a smile, but was soon struck with awe at the structure behind him. She had only been gone for a few days, but it seemed like a lifetime since she's stood outside Wammy's house. It was as glorious as the first time she saw it. Specks of light illuminated through the stain glass windows of the attic. The porch housed an assortment of hanging pots full of flowers and the Victorian ornate walls encompassed the rich landscape comprised of beautiful stone statues and shrubbery. She could never forget the first time she saw it and how inviting it was. It was that moment she could hear it calling her name. Without another moment's notice, she gripped L's hand tightly and started to pull him towards the house.

L didn't resist, enjoying the minimal contact.

"We should have a big dinner tonight," Alice's pace picked up.

"That would fine."

"We should throw a celebration!"

"I would not mind."

"We could bring out the water slid and a whole assortment of balloons!"

"The price on helium and substantially risen over the years,"

Alice ignored L's last comment and reached for the door. Before she could even touch the handle, the door was swung open with great force. Tinker and Henchman stood on the other side, looking disheveled and out of breath.

In the background, Roger's voice echoed down the hall. "I told you two to wait!"

Alice's voice turned into a rough whisper. "Tinker…Henchman…?"

They both smiled like hyenas on bath salts. They lunged for her and were soon embracing her with a hug so tight, it forced L to let go and step back. At the same time they shouted, "We missed you so much!"

"I missed you too!" She squeezed back, making sure she had both her little brothers within her arms. And it wasn't long before the sound of little feet tumbling over the wood floor descended into the entry way. Every nook and cranny of that tiny room was filled with a child, spilling up the stairs and past the door frame connecting to the dining room. Alice looked around the room with tear filled eyes. She spread her arms wider, and motioned for the rest of them to join in on the hug. A few of the children squealed and jumped in, while others simple stayed where they were and enjoyed the moment as it was. They knew eventually they would hug Alice without the big crowd anyway. Laughter engulfed the tiny room making it incredibly difficult for Roger to step inside and disband the ciaos.

"Everyone please! If you're going to bunch together like sardines, at least file outside so there's more room!"

Watari slapped a hand on Roger's shoulder and laughed under his breath. "How invigorating," He took in a deep breath. Roger just felt defeated. If his friend wasn't going to do anything about it, then there was no hope.

"Well what have we got here?" A shrill woman stepped into the room, causing some of the children to part like the red sea. Watari was impressed by her ability to manipulate the children without even saying a word.

"Ms. Jane!" Alice smiled after letting go of one of the smaller children.

"If I find any scuff marks on this floor, I will have all of you down here scrubbing it with your toothbrushes." She placed her hands firmly on her wide hips.

Alice immediately lost her smile. "Would you look at the time," she said while pretending to look at a watch on her wrist. "I should unpack my things."

"But we want to play!" little Charlie cried from within the crowd. He obviously did not know the bad end of Ms. Jane's punishments. Alice had to rectify the situation fast before the housekeeper rectified it for her.

"We will, I promise. The sooner I unpack, the sooner we can celebrate."

Some of the children looked like they were going to explode. "We're having a party?" Linda asked excitedly.

"That's right, and I'm going to need to borrow your waterslide again Tinker, if you wouldn't mind."

"Of course!" Tinker obliged. The smiles on some of the children's faces seemed to get bigger. They cheered and laughed as if they were exploring a house of mirrors at some carnival. Alice had to maneuver awkwardly just to get past them to the stairs. By the time she was taking the first step, L was right behind her, blocking the children from following the rest of the way. A part of her wanted them to follow, but at the same time, she really needed to change her clothes, and she couldn't have a horde of children in her room while she was undressing.

"We better quicken our pace before Roger losses his rationality."

Alice chuckled, but continued up the stairs in haste. When they both reached the top, they were greeted with the sound of gun fire echoing from inside of Matt's room. Since L wasn't making a big deal out of it, Alice assumed it was Matt merely playing one of his video games.

"I will join you outside later." L walked past her. "I have to finish a few odds and ends first."

Alice shrugged. "That's cool." She assumed he had things to do anyway when they got back, and she wasn't going to badger him about it. She already had a full plate of her own that she needed to take care of. So with a hop and a skip, she moseyed into her room and did the necessary unpacking (and by unpacking, that meant throwing her clothes out of her bag onto the floor and then stuffing the empty bag under her bed). "Now to party!" she said with satisfaction. She raced out her room and followed the gun fire next door to Matt's sanctuary. Three times in a row she heard the announcer proclaim head shot! "Matt!" she screamed over the powerful sound system.

Matt was engulfed in a bean-bag chair with a television the size of a baby horse a few feet away. On the screen displayed a bloody war, as his character moved about the scene almost as if he were part of the landscape. The poor innocent souls he was playing with online never saw him coming. When he heard Alice scream his name, he acknowledged her by tilting his head back as saying, "What's up, babe?"

"We're going to have a party! Stop what you doing and come downstairs!"

"What?"

"I said, we're going to have a party!"

"Still didn't catch that."

"Oh, for Christ's sakes," Alice grumbled. She then walked in front of the screen and put her hands on her hips.

"Hey!" Matt paused his character quickly. He was on a twenty head-shot kill streak and he wasn't about to lose all his hard work.

"Party downstairs, now."

Matt sighed heavily. "I have a lot of work to catch up on. Sorry Ace,"

Alice raised an eyebrow.

Meanwhile, L was walking into his back office on the third floor. A pile of papers littered the floor, just like he left it before. When he reached his desk, he put his cell phone down and curled up onto his chair, bringing his knees to his chin. He sat in silence for maybe a minute before there was a knock on the door. "Come in."

Watari stepped inside looking troubled. "Sir," he began.

"How many times did he call?" L asked impatiently.

"Twice, sir."

L started to nibble on his thumb. It was more than he expected of Alice's father. Charles was a busy man, and the fact that he would even take the time to call and ask about his daughter made L uneasy. Roger was wise to keep any important information from him, but who knows how much longer they would be able to keep him uninterested. For now, her father only wishes to know where she is, but L had no doubt in his mind he would eventually want her back in his custody. Legally she was of age to do what she wanted, but her father was a political powerhouse. He had the ability to move mountains if he so pleased.

"Should we inform Miss Ace?"

"No, not until absolutely necessary. She's been through enough already."

"As you wish," Watari bowed.

"If he calls again, I would like you to speak with him." L made his next order. Watari gratefully obliged.

L slowly got up from his chair and ran a hand through his messy locks. He could probably use a good brushing, but he wasn't concerned.

Thump!

Both Watari and L looked to the floor where the noise had come from. Faintly, they made out Alice's shrieks. "Take your pants off!"

"Watari?" L motioned towards his friend.

Watari looked pale, his handkerchief crumpled into his fist.

"Ace! What the hell?" L heard Mello enter the scene.

"Shall we go see?" L got excited. Watari already looked defeated. He was slow to follow L out.

By the time they reached the second floor, a battle was already taking place. For some reason, Alice had Mello in a headlock and she was screaming at him about a party. L couldn't quite catch every word she said, but he was pretty sure he heard the word swimsuit somewhere in the mix of shrieks and hisses.

"Ace! Let go!" Mello sounded murderous. Even as he managed to pull her off the ground, she kept her grip on him as if she was a baby chimpanzee clinging to her mother.

"You have to come to the party!"

Matt stood in the background, putting his hands out in front to protect himself from Alice's flailing legs. Mello had finally wrapped an arm around her waist and managed to slip his head out from her choking grip. With her feet finally back on the ground, she kicked up and tried to bounce out of his hold.

"Damn Bitch!" Mello growled, determined not to let her get away.

"Don't make me kick you in the balls!" Alice retorted, her back pressed up against his stomach.

Mello quickly lifted her off the ground as she started to kick the air. Her screams only seemed to get shriller. Watari had to step in at that point.

"Mello, put her down!"

Mello dropped her immediately, watching her topple to the ground with weak limbs. She rubbed her butt angrily before giving Mello a curled lip and a glare. "Asshole," she mumbled under her breath.

"Miss Ace," Watari sighed. "Why is it you're already causing trouble? We've only been home for ten minutes."

Alice gapped. "Why do you think I started this? Mello attacked me first!"

Mello immediately went on the defense. "I was stopping you from stripping Matt, you pervert!"

"Please," Alice rolled her eyes. She then slowly got up from the ground and dusted herself off. "I was helping him with his swimsuit."

Mello looked like a tea kettle about to explode. "How is that any different!?"

"Enough, you two," Watari held up his hand. "This celebration is optional to attend, so Ace, I would appreciate it if you left these boys alone."

Alice frowned, disappointment and anger mixing together inside of her head and bubbling away as if her insides were brooding in a witch's caldron.

Mello got smug, crossing his arms and smirking over at the dumbfounded blonde standing next to him.

"And boys," Watari continued. "It would be nice to see you downstairs celebrating, instead of isolating yourselves up here. I'm sure you would agree with me that this household means more to you then some silly video game."

Matt felt a twitch under his eyelid. Watari hit him right where it hurt. He played the guilt card, and Matt hating feeling guilty. Mello didn't seem to mind all that much, but Matt was already looking at his game and watching the screen blink over to the main menu. His online battle had ended without him, and his record was lost along with what little pride he had left. With a gut retching sigh, he said, "Fine, I'll go get my swimsuit on."

Alice demeanor turned around completely. She went back to smiling and praising Matt repetitively.

However, it was Mello's turn to look dumbfounded. "You're giving in just like that?"

Matt shrugged his shoulders and managed to smirk. "What can I say? The lady wants to see my bare chest. I can't very well deny her that, can I?"

Mello's disgust was clear as day of Alice's arrival.

"Lovely," Watari nodded his head in approval. "Then I'll be happy to escort you downstairs Miss Ace, while these boys get changed."

"I never said I was coming!" Mello growled.

Alice ignored him and graciously agreed to Watari's offer. "Thank you my good sir." She held onto his elbow, giving L a flirtatious wink before she was guided out the room.

"God Damnit!" Mello kicked at a pillow.

L was amused over the enchantment of Alice's ability to persuade her targets, but his intrigue didn't last long. He had to return to his office to finish the work he started. Then, he might join the rest outside, if he wasn't too busy.

"Damn, I'm out of smokes…" Matt sighed.

The portfolio made a loud thump as it hit the hard wood of the red maple desk. L played with corner, debating whether or not he should open it. A half hour had already gone by, and a part of him felt exhausted. He had slept for maybe an hour on the plane, but it wasn't enough. He should have just set the file aside and closed his eyes for a bit, but what if it was an interesting case? His brain was an organ that needed continuous exercise; otherwise he would lose all his hard work to develop it. It needed the stimulation. L wiggled his free toes and took a deep breath. If he quieted his own thought s for a minute, he could faintly here the children outside screaming and laughing with delight. There was another part of his conscious that told him he should be outside with the others. He should take more time interacting with the children. Someday a number of them would eventually take his place in the detective world. Getting to know his successors would only benefit him.

Slam! A thump to the door made L jump. "L? Are you in here?" Alice's sweet, but slightly off-kilter voice called out. If L didn't know any better, he would say she almost sounded intoxicated.

"Yes, you can come in."

The door knob rattled followed by a string of giggles. "I found you!" The door swung open, balancing a pretty blonde with short jean shorts and a tight light blue t-shirt that probably could have used another button on the chest.

"How much have you had to drink, Ace?"

Alice stumbled into the room, gripping the first chair she could find. "Only a little." She pinched her fingers together to show him the amount.

"I highly doubt that." L went to stand up.

Alice snorted loudly, followed by a cackle to match. "You're funny."

"I wasn't trying to be." He grabbed her elbow, helping her onto the chair. It took a couple attempt s to make her sit, but eventually she took a seat without trying to rest her legs on the armrest. "Shouldn't you be downstairs with the others?"

"I missed you." Her rosy cheeks flared.

L assumed it was the effect of the alcohol. "We haven't been separated for long."

Alice pursed her lips together in a smile and traced her hand down his arm. She followed the wrinkles of his white sleeve, stopping the moment she reached his hand. "I remember you." Her voice got quieter.

L watched her delicate fingers sketch the lines on his hands as if she was outlining a map of his skin. "Remember me in what way?" He hid the rumble in his voice.

"On the phone," Her smile wavered. "You're my dragonfly."

"Yes, I remember that conversation quite well."

Alice moved closer to him, letting her leg touch his own while her shoulder curled up to his chest. She still had his hand, massaging each finger with deep concentration. "I really like you." Her voice dipped into a whisper.

L wanted to pull his hand away out of fear she might feel how clammy they were. His throat felt dry while the core of his chest was on fire. Her soft touch was like a shower of silk, ever so lightly filling the cracks of his own rough skin. For once in his life, he was speechless. It was the moment he could respond with his true feelings, and yet nothing seemed to want to come out. It could have been the smell of her alcoholic breath, or maybe how unclear his own thoughts were, but the moment wasn't right. At least, not yet. So, as always, he played it safe. "My feelings are mutual." His hand wrapped around hers, ending her little massage.

She didn't seem to mind, using her other hand instead to pet the top of his. "Do you think we'll grow old together like Watari and Roger. I always thought they were a cute couple…" She leaned her head back so she could look L in the eyes.

L couldn't stop the smile that came next. "Wouldn't that be delightful?" He played along.

She laughed and squeezed his hand. Playing at her instincts, she went for the kiss on his cheek. Her lips melted to his skin, briefly creating a warm tender tattoo that would forever been marked into her memories. He smelled like cotton candy, and tasted sweet like the syrup they put on pancakes. Alice wanted to linger more, but she made it quick so she wouldn't scare him away. After the kiss, she began to laugh, immediately struck with joy after seeing how red L's cheeks got. Her body leaned back unconsciously as her laughter continued to grow. Her famous snort separated each and every whoop and cackle. "You're a tomato!"

"Yes well," L straightened himself out, hoping to reclaim some of his mobility and reason. "You should probably return to the children now."

"My cute little tomato!" Alice continued to laugh, gripping her stomach in the process. She rolled back on the chair after L had moved away.

"I'm sure Watari is worried about you." L shuffled over to his desk.

Alice wiggled around enthusiastically, eventually ending up falling out of the chair all together and landing on the floor. This, however, did nothing to the hilarity of the situation. The floor was merely the second stop to her undying fits of giggles.

L watched in silence, eying the phone next to him and wondering if he should call Watari. But, he rather enjoyed watching Alice, even though she wasn't in the best state of mind.

"Ace?"

Alice settled down long enough to answer. "Yes honey?"

"How would like to help me with this next case?"

Alice immediately bolted forward, her hair whipping like a slingshot. "Case?"

L pushed the portfolio forward. "That's correct."

Alice crawled over to his desk, not at all concerned about her knees or how awkward her movements were. "Didn't we just finish a case? What about the party?"

"We can still have the party. I'm merely warning you of our next adventure."

Alice bit her bottom lip, eying the folder that was presented in front of her. It could have been the alcohol affecting her judgment, but she was itching to read that report. What if it was another drug dealer, or a serial killer? Hell, it could have been a notorious diamond thief after the crown jewels of her majesty. "What's the case?" She lingered on the question.

L noticed the spark in her eye. He mirrored her with his own. "I haven't looked yet."

Alice clawed the wooden table slowly. The yellow parchment was just screaming at her. She licked her lips, hungry for some excitement. "Maybe just a peak." She reached over.

L subtly smiled. This was why he had fallen for her. He would have never taken such interest in a case before, but the thought of working with her again made the sport worthwhile. No matter how many mistakes he made in the past, or was going to make later, as long as he had her, he could see a bright future. She had a gift, and not just the kind that allowed her to see the dead, but a gift that brought happiness in an otherwise desolate environment. L touched his cheek, reflecting on the sensation of her kiss. He wished it could have lingered more.

Alice was about to open the folder, but she momentarily stopped to look into L's eyes. It was short, but in that fraction of a second, she remembered all of shortcomings and difficulties she had with him before. He had made her feel so many different emotions in just a short amount of time; it was as if she was on a never ending menstruating cycle. Nobody had ever made her feel that way, and to be honest, she liked it. She liked that he could make her laugh even when he wasn't trying to be funny, or that he could make her cry with a drop of a dime. It was as if he was her puppet master of her emotions. She was truly holding her heart out to him, and he could easily break it. She was scared, but it was the kind of rush she's been looking for. For too long she's held back her feelings from others, and now she was finally willing to let go. Wammy's house was a nice place to live, but he was her new home. "Are you ready for this?" She lifted one eyebrow.

L set his thumb to his bottom lip. "Of course I am."

THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! (No really, I mean it)

SpringBorn, ShaDow EmpIre, Sakura Ichigo Morihiko, xMisaki-Chanx, Bre Renee, nadzuke eno mono, MeAFanfictionGirl, Ironicsheep, PhoenixBreaker90, Kashagal and Natures Ruler, CrazyinAbottle, I Am Alys, waitingforw0nderland, blackstar778, uniquename200's NEW ACCOUNT, Speckles719, Vampirekittiz, Lady-Wicca666, Aqua Cahill, Me, tootsiepop101, NinjaGirl9797, The-Depravity-Experiment, Jssica Werner, bleck, NiiNiiChii, Agalia, Saiyuki, PhoenyxWarrior, Broken Time Keeper, GUEST, Claras, glockengeek, Katharonie, Raven, hairEbunny, CCaptain43, EpicShadowNinja, jssjessica, MyBell31795, and Pixel-Panda.

If I missed anyone in the list, by all means, yell at me. As much as I want to do my usual one-on-one conversations next, I'd rather just thank you all here and now for all the support you have given me. I could have never done this without you all and I honestly feel like I've become a part of some weird large family. We sometimes get a little out of control, but in the end we respect each other. I'm so honored to have given you all something to laugh and maybe even cry about. For all of those who drew me fan-art, I am deeply grateful. I imagined them all on my fridge like trophies. For all of those who translated my story, I am beyond humbled. You brought my story to a new level and I literally could not have done without you. And, everyone who clicked onto my story, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for giving it a try. Cheers!

And one last thing, I want to apologize as well for getting this chapter out so late. Life hit me hard and I haven't found a balance yet. But, I don't plan on giving up writing. I love to write, and at some point I might even have another story coming your way, so be on the look out!

I'm just going to say it, because I've been wanting to say it ever since I started this fan-fiction. I LOVE YOU ALL!