L laughs ruefully. Their Yelp score is absolutely in the toilet, along with their score on most other websites of that type. The frustrating thing is that it has everything to do with the sordid reputation and the Numbered association, and nothing to do with the quality of the food, atmosphere, or cleanliness. L works hard to maintain those things, so it stings.

"You work so hard," L says softly. "I've told you before that your optimism is all that keeps me going some days, have't I? No pressure or anything."

He watches Pedro pace, a smile flickering briefly across his troubled features.

"These guys are nice, too. I'm glad you brought them in, they have a way of making a person feel... big. Capable. Able to provide."

He speaks exactly like someone who never had a pet and was never responsible for taking care of another living thing growing up.