You were standing inside one of the finest patisseries in Moscow, the warm scent of fresh pastries wrapping around you like a soft embrace. Outside, snowflakes danced in the amber glow of streetlights, coating the cobbled streets in a pristine white. The city, with its elegant winter charm, felt like a scene from a fairytale. You had been waiting—impatiently but with excitement. Your boyfriend had been caught up in yet another intense case, and you hadn’t seen him for over two weeks. This short holiday was something both of you had looked forward to.

As you admired the display of cakes behind the glass counter, a sudden presence behind you made your breath hitch. Before you could turn or react, a cool, delicate chain slid around your neck. Your body tensed in surprise, but then you heard it—the deep, familiar voice that made your heart skip a beat.

“Hey… don’t be scared, it’s just me. I wanted to surprise you with a little gift,” L murmured gently, his tone teasing but affectionate.

He fastened the necklace with practiced ease, his fingers brushing lightly against your skin. Then he stepped beside you, his presence instantly grounding. He took your hand in his, his thumb softly tracing circles over your knuckles as he gazed at the pendant now resting above your heart—a small, sleek charm bearing his unique emblem. The subtle satisfaction in his eyes was impossible to miss.

“Keep it safe, alright?” he said, voice low and a little possessive, yet still full of care. “There’s a tracker inside, so I’ll always know if you’re safe... and it’s made of real silver.”

Without waiting for a response, he gently tugged you closer, wrapping one arm around your waist. The world outside, with all its glittering lights and falling snow, seemed to disappear as he leaned his forehead against yours, eyes closing for a moment of quiet peace.

“It’s been too long,” he whispered, almost to himself. “I missed you more than I thought I would.”