A

 Of course it wasn’t that he was disappointed in the fact A was happy. He hoped it didn’t look that way. L never was one to express his emotions correctly. In fact, he was exceptionally happy that A was. If anything happened to these kids he would never forgive himself.

 "Good. It’s not worth doing unless you love it.“ He finally answered, his eyes darting around to take in every inch of the new hallway. Most of the doors were closed, and the ones that were opened seemed to be empty, or the children were somewhere else. "It’s hard, and lonely. Isolation is just part of the deal. But if it’s what you love…all of that doesn’t really matter anymore.” Most of the time, his mind reminded him. Most of the time. 

 Pulling his sleeves over his fingers he stuck his hands under his armpits. It was quiet cold in the house, because cold simulated more brain activity, he supposed. The next question made him use some brain power of his own. 

 "Well, usually I find that I am much smarter than everyone else,“ L began, sounding most egotistical, "Which means I draw conclusions much faster than the police or FBI. Most times, I just wait and eventually they come to the same conclusion and realize they cannot progress without my help.” Moving one hand from under it’s warmer he pulled out two more kisses, once again offering one to A.

 "But if I’m in a crunch, well everyone has their price.“ It was a low thing to do, bride the government. But sometimes there was no other choice. "Or if worse comes to worse, I can resort to more…illegal methods. Stage a heist or hostage situation to bring awareness. To make them absolutely need me.” And yet, that was even lower. 

 "Don’t tell anyone I told you that,“ He asked of the smaller version of himself, glancing down at him.

The next question, though, threw him off guard more than the others had. Not because he wasn’t expecting L to continue questioning him on the orphanage, though - but because, straight away, he was finding it hard to answer. Favourite memory? He hadn’t ever thought about that.

He slipped the chocolate into his mouth, pocketing the wrapper, as he gave himself a moment to actually think. It’s not like he didn’t make memories here - this was his childhood. But a memory good enough to be deemed as his favourite (or even good) was probably the hardest thing to answer. “...I....” He frowned, lowering his gaze, before glancing towards L. “...Follow me.” He said, after a moment, picking up the pace just a little. There was a set of double doors half way down the corridor, and he slowly and quietly opened them. He looked in first. He knew it was a little popular at night. He himself had come here to relax when he couldn’t sleep - case or not.

There were a few kids there, but no one like B, thankfully. He looked back to L and motioned him to follow, going straight across the room and to the balcony. He slipped a key from around his neck, opening it the doors that lead to it. Once out, he moved forward and leaned on the wall, looking across the garden of the orphanage. “It’s a little stupid, but you see that little hill with the tree?” He pointed, relaxing a little. “I was stressed. An assignment was due in that day and I couldn’t figure it out.” He hated admitting his failures - even though this technically wasn’t one. “I managed to in the end, but, even after I did I was still worrying about it. Roger suggested that I go outside for a while, and... I did. Because I’m always in my room or indoors... it felt nice, you know?” He hesitated, and looked back towards L. “B joined me a little later. Which is unusual, you never really see him with anyone, not really.” He lowered his gaze a little. “It was the first proper conversation I had with him. I’m not going to tell you what we talked about, but.. it was nice.”

He moved a little away from the wall, pausing. “It’s not my favourite memory. But it’s a good one. I don’t know what my favourite is. I... I don’t actually think I have a lot to chose from.” The more he talked to L, the more he trusted him and felt comfortable. It seemed like L genuinely cared about him, which was new.

“We’ve talked for about ten minutes, which is more than enough time. Along with the assumption that you’ve read my file as well-- I know it’s not professionally your place to really give me an answer, but... Do you think I can succeed you?” He hadn’t been trying to impress. Or holding back on asking the question either - it had simply just occurred to him. Now that he asked, though, he half wished he hadn’t. He wouldn’t get a simple yes or no from him, probably, and a long winded answer was what he had already got from Roger. 

 Being such a superb detective was great, L couldn’t thinking of doing anything else, but because of it he didn’t have many friends. No— not even friends— just people to talk to, period. He felt alienated because of his looks, mannerisms and mind, which were all products of his lifestyle.

 Just imagining a child having this kind of lifestyle made him nauseous. 

 He wouldn’t wish these feelings– these thoughts, on anyone. 

 So obviously the answer surprised him. In fact he was so surprised that he couldn’t conceal the shock on his face. Maybe it was the honesty in his voice. He could instantly tell that he wasn’t lying, though there was something in his voice. Hesitation, maybe?

 "I-“ He began in response, scrambling for the words, "that’s good, I’m glad to hear it. Though, as I’m sure you noticed, I am surprised. You must be tougher than me.” L gave a small smile to the boy. He hoped that it could convey how proud he was. It wasn’t easy to grow up in an orphanage, especially one that– like A had pointed out– was more that a school. 

 Regarding the question he licked the remaining smears of chocolate off his questions, allowing him time to think. “Well….first of all I eat. A lot. Sugar, sugar, sugar. Cake, cookies, truffles, everything. It can be easy to forget about eating when your busy, but it helps.” He promised with a chuckle to himself. He really loved sweets. 

 "But more seriously, I just go over everything I know.“ He found comfort in the facts, things he knew for sure. "When I can’t go forward, I go back, review everything, several times, until I’m sick. Then I keep doing it. Because almost always there is something I missed. Some little, minor detail that helps out. Or It just helps give me some inspiration." 

 L hoped that he could be of help. He wanted to live up to the expectations that were placed on him. He wanted to give some wise insight, some kind of advice. It was much easier to ask questions than answer them.

...If happy was even the right word.

He looked back towards the detective when he spoke again, answering his own question this time. Sugar. That explained the chocolate. He agreed; sometimes he felt so lost in the work assigned to him, that he almost forgot about eating. The next part, however, comforted more than he had expected it to. Even L missed things? He thought over the case he was stuck on for a moment, before nodding a little, frowning. He’d go back through it, if he wasn’t too tired after this.

The next question surprised him again, but it was much more easier to answer. He allowed a more genuine smile to appear, as he simply nodded. “--This way.” He said, pointing left at the end of the hallway. He went a little ahead, leading him up the stairs. “It’s what I want to do.” He looked over towards L. “I’ve wanted to ever since I was a kid. I love it. As for being forced though?” He hesitated. “There are always aspects that you don’t really like. I don’t like the time limits or the pressure, but I understand that those are necessary.” He shrugged a little, dropping his gaze as he turned a little again, slowing down so that they could walk together again.

“Believe me... if I absolutely despised it, I would have told all of you a while ago.” It was one thing that he was certain on. While it got tough sometimes, while it sometimes overcame him and pushed him down, he knew that it was what he wanted to do. And... he’d do it. He was sure of it. He wouldn’t disappoint them.

Because of course he looked up to L. More than a lot of people would think. He wasn’t so obvious with it, no - that was B. But A wouldn’t work so hard if he didn’t admire and respect L. The cases and solutions L had done in the past - just the sheer intelligence that had allowed those outcomes - A almost adored it. Definitely enough to push himself into becoming more like him.

Although, he was becoming more and more aware that all of the standards was pushing L to be some sort of god-like figure. And while he knew that wasn’t the case at all, it really was starting to play on his mind a little. Maybe… regardless of the nerves and fears he felt in speaking to L now – he’d be able to get something useful out of this conversation. Get to know that L was also an actual person, rather than just a standard.

“I’m glad you came.” He said, after a moment, before peering to a door that they were passing. “I’ve always wanted to meet you too. -But the same could be said for the rest of Wammy’s House… Especially B.” He looked down slightly, then looked back. He hoped that L would take the time out to talk to B. He knew how much it meant to he other ‘successor’. 

 Unwrapping his, he stuck it in his mouth, sucking on it at he listened. B. He remembered his file pretty well too, the second best. 

 What a cruel way to think of someone, he mentally scolded. 

 L was more than used to people that admired and dreamed of meeting him, though he rarely cared. He did care about these children though, and would make the time to see B, especially. “Well, hi then.” He finally answered, offering his hand up for a shake. “I promise I’m not as great as they make me seem." 

 If it was unfair for him to hold they kids on a pedestal then it was the same the other way around. He wanted to be more than just some unattainable standard. Hopefully they would both get to know each other better. And the little game A had proposed seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Unwrapping it, he pushed the wrapping paper in his pocket, and placed it into his mouth, thoughtfully tasting it for a couple of seconds. He was only drawn out of it by the hand that was offered to him.

Not as great as they make me seem. -- ...That was irreverent. While A would take the words and hold them dear, he knew that prolonged exposure to a set idea would eventually make it’s way into his mind, especially when it was that idea was a standard A himself was trying to achieve. Regardless, he took the hand, smiling faintly as he shook it. He elected not to voice those facts. It would be quite disappointing to L if it was the first thing he was told the moment he arrived.

He let go of the hand a few moments later - the question, quite obviously, stumping him for a second. Not because he didn’t know the answer, but... because he was expecting something completely different. L caring about their well-being? He guessed that made sense to some degree, but...

“I..” He came to a hesitant stop, swallowing the chocolate in his mouth. “..like it here.” He continued, after a moment, averting his eyes a little. He wasn’t lying, but he was finding it difficult to put his thoughts into words. And deciding on what was best to say. He continued walking after a moment, allowing a light sigh. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t enjoy it.” He settled, though, stretching a little. There was something missing.

How could he communicate-... oh. “It’s more like a school than an orphanage.” He looked towards L, and smiled a little. “A little stressful. A little lonely. But, it’s worth it. I can’t really complain about the attention...” But did attention equal love or actual, genuine care? “--I feel like that’s an over-explanation to a simple question. I am happy here. I just get a little stressed sometimes. But that’s normal.

--What do you do when you get stuck on a case?” 

The detective turned his chair around so he could face A. Lately, he had been feeling a bit sick and he looked like it too. He was paler than usual and had a stuffy nose. His eyes looked far more tired than usual and the black circles under his eyes were a lot more prominent. “No, no, that won’t be necessary.” He held a mug of tea in his hand and he proceeded to take a small sip from the overly sweet drink.

“Please, sit down with me, I have something to share with you,” he proceeded to speak, trying to change the subject as quickly as possible.

So the successor simply sighed, and moved to the seat next to him. There was no point in arguing with the person he looked up to. Even if he really didn’t look all that good.

No. Well, yes. But no. He wouldn’t base the man before him upon being L. That would only mess with his mind. L was smart, clever, his inspiration and his… well, part of his motivation. A looked up to him. But allowing that to get in the way of an interaction with him was out of the question. It was best to just forget about the whole successor thing until it was brought up - by whichever party. 

At L’s acceptance, he allowed a faint smile, “It’s a big house. Especially if it’s your first time here.” It really was. Without a glance behind him, he slipped through the door fully, closing it quietly behind him. He didn’t want to wake anyone up. While he was on ‘good terms’ with most of the other children, there were a few that he didn’t want knowing about this. …Well. Specifically one. B could be butt-hurt very easily, even if he didn’t mean to be.

 As soon as the door was closed he began to walk, slowly enough that A would easily be able to catch up. A small smile tugged as his lips as they began to walk, glancing around at the many doors. The house was nice at least, and Watari was giving the children a home, which he couldn’t complain about. These thoughts were only a distraction however, he had many questions he wanted to ask but didn’t know how to. 

 The detective was itching to know about A. How he liked it here, if he knew the position he would be taking over. Did he even want it? How did he feel about having to live up to someone he previously had never met? All these questions swirled around his mind, once again keeping him quiet. People often thought that L had nothing to say, or that he was silent because he didn’t think they were worth talking too.

 Honestly it was quite the opposite. He didn’t know how to put all his thoughts into words, how to say many of the things that were supposed to come naturally. That’s why he loved investigating cases so much, it was something he could talk about. Logic. Proof. Things that were concrete. It’s why he could so proudly say he had never been wrong. He couldn’t open his mouth until he was sure.

Because of course he looked up to L. More than a lot of people would think. He wasn’t so obvious with it, no - that was B. But A wouldn’t work so hard if he didn’t admire and respect L. The cases and solutions L had done in the past - just the sheer intelligence that had allowed those outcomes - A almost adored it. Definitely enough to push himself into becoming more like him.

Although, he was becoming more and more aware that all of the standards was pushing L to be some sort of god-like figure. And while he knew that wasn’t the case at all, it really was starting to play on his mind a little. Maybe... regardless of the nerves and fears he felt in speaking to L now -- he’d be able to get something useful out of this conversation. Get to know that L was also an actual person, rather than just a standard.

“I’m glad you came.” He said, after a moment, before peering to a door that they were passing. “I’ve always wanted to meet you too. -But the same could be said for the rest of Wammy’s House... Especially B.” He looked down slightly, then looked back. He hoped that L would take the time out to talk to B. He knew how much it meant to he other ‘successor’. 

 However, L’s eyes shifted back up as he heard the door creak, thinking that perhaps the kid had scurried away and closed the door. Instead he saw the door was opened even more, and he was able to  see the little boy’s entire body. And he recognized him immediately.

 L had been granted permission to go through the files of all the occupants, ranked by their skills; not unlike L had been back in his day. He hadn’t been able to go through all of the files but this boy had been the first he’d seen. He was the top of the pile, the most intelligent, the first in line. Very likely his successor. 

 The detective didn’t easily find himself at a loss of words, but now was one of those rare times. What was he supposed to say? What could he? Staring down at the boy, that was called nothing more than ‘A’, he saw something. Anxiety, stress, the shadows of sleep deprivation already making a show on his too young face. Because of him. 

 All L could do was offer a small smile, obviously uneasy. It was like looking in a mirror, the same awkward and nervous expression on A’s face. Even still, the younger of the two was the first to speak up. 

 "Yes. If it’s not to much trouble, I wouldn’t mind a tour guide.“ 

 Even though he had turned down Roger’s offer. But L had decided, he had come here to learn about these children, to see how they felt, and what better source of information could there be. A was very likely going to be the one to replace him one day after all. 

No. Well, yes. But no. He wouldn’t base the man before him upon being L. That would only mess with his mind. L was smart, clever, his inspiration and his... well, part of his motivation. A looked up to him. But allowing that to get in the way of an interaction with him was out of the question. It was best to just forget about the whole successor thing until it was brought up - by whichever party. 

At L’s acceptance, he allowed a faint smile, “It’s a big house. Especially if it’s your first time here.” It really was. Without a glance behind him, he slipped through the door fully, closing it quietly behind him. He didn’t want to wake anyone up. While he was on ‘good terms’ with most of the other children, there were a few that he didn’t want knowing about this. ...Well. Specifically one. B could be butt-hurt very easily, even if he didn’t mean to be.