Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sun was settling into a beautiful orange. This was a wonderful sight which caught the attention of many military employees, looking for a momentary distraction from the mundane. After all, there wasn't much to do but pencil-pushing. 

A black, short haired scientist slowly made his way into a small subsection of a large, sandy building, rife with overgrown vines. He wore all black, his broad shoulders covered with a subtle feather lining. The only other color he was wearing was of a bright silver— including a single heart earring and a thick belt adorned with chains. He didn’t look like a scientist at all, more like an individual who was really into avant-garde fashion. 

The walls he passed by seemed dull and as fragile as paper, as if a single touch would shatter them. A light breeze passed through the trash everywhere, whipping the discarded plastics back and forth. The sight of all the disarray was almost apocalyptic— uncanny in itself. The scientist pushed in a small, collapsible cart with a black box, bag, and laptop. The metal frame to the door was difficult to get past, and some of the items grew close to dropping as the cart rattled by. At the check-in desk there was a male employee, and everything besides him presented like a ghost town wrapping around a populated area. The workforce was less than standard— a blatant difference from the usual 2 or 3 occupants.

"Can I help you?" The brunette employee asked, his face polite and meek. He wore a uniformed suit in perfect order, and layered hair fell gently to his eyebrows. The sharp, red tie on the suit highlighted the angular features in his face— his eyes and cheeks were nevertheless soft.

"My name is Ryuk. I'm here to meet with your superior. I have some news, although I’m not sure if he’d be interested or not." The male scientist spoke apathetically, adjusting the equipment so it wouldn't roll away.

"You might be looking for my father— I’m his son, Light.” The employee picked up his coffee, taking a well-mannered taste. “I'll be sure to tell him. He's actually out sick right now. Things are slow, so there really isn't anyone here except me.”

“Are you sure you can remember this? It’s really complicated.” Ryuk looked at him blankly. After a moment he shrugged, responding, “I don’t really care that he’s not here, I didn’t have a meeting with him or anything.” 

“I can try, but I don’t know if I’d be qualified to or not. What is it?” Light answered, a sheltered curiosity lighting up his face. 

“Alright then.” Ryuk ruffled his black messy hair, stretching his long limbs above his head. "I've been developing this— a virus bioweapon,” he continued, pulling a vial from a series in the box, “and it has gotten to the point where I have it finely attuned to genetic information. It doesn’t matter who you want dead— political or military— you can kill them all directly." 

"Wait, is this some kind of new class of bioweapon?" Light observed, studying the items the stranger brought in.

"Yes— uh.. sir,” Ryuk addressed him uncomfortably. “I forgot to tell you that I developed it. You're the only one who knows about it currently.” He set down the vial on Light’s desk so he could take a closer look, Ryuk’s outgrown, pale fingernails clicking on the desk in the process. “I think it’s best to keep it between you and your superior for now, but I don’t really mind what happens after the higher ups decide what to do with it. I’m mostly just here for the money.” 

“I don’t know about the clearance on something like that, Ryuk. Can you prove that it works? And that you’re telling the truth?” Light questioned, his eyes darting towards the entrance.

“Sure. Here’s the data.” The gangly black haired man handed him a small stack of papers in a folder, with multi-colored tabs.

“I’ve so far only used it to kill animals, but that’s all you should need as proof that it works.” Ryuk continued shuffling the papers, opening the folder to the black tab for reading. “As for your personal beliefs on whether or not I’m telling the truth, there’s really no way for me to prove or disprove that.”

"Well.." Light laced his fingers tightly, his face colored with curiosity. He thumbed through the data silently for a bit, studying it intently. "I'd need to know how this works first, too."

"Fair enough. Here it is in this bag, this is enough PPM to infect the entire world. What you do is you screw in the vial into the extraction machine," Ryuk further demonstrated, "and a single particulate is laid across an editing mold. The host DNA that is in the editing sheet will allow the new copies of the virus to overtake the dormant ones in this vial. It is then that you can "teach" the virus to kill as many people as you’d like, by programming it to attack their unique DNA. This process allows for further and further editing, so you can set it to kill more and more people without having to start from scratch. This is because whoever you decided to kill is already dead, it certainly won’t kill a person a second time.”

“Of course you can’t die twice. I would think that would be obvious, Ryuk.” Light spoke in amusement, never looking up from what he was studying. 

“That’s just the reason, although I’m sure you could have figured that out yourself.” The scientist smiled uncannily, seeming assured. “Anyway, it can be as specific to one person, as it is to people with let's say— blue eyes. But if you want to target someone specifically with the virus, you need to have their DNA— so their spit, the root fiber base of their hair, their blood, a database file, or something like that. It won’t evolve, so it’s different from other viruses that way. That means it won’t kill anyone else. It’s also immune to antigens and therefore vaccines, since you can’t prevent a virus that expresses itself differently in each person, ha-ha.” Ryuk turned his laptop to face Light, which had a cracked escape key and several tabs open of recipes for apple pie. 

"So," Light further pressed him with questions, asking, "If this does enter the weapons stockpile, what specifically will it be used for?" 

"Just to kill another Hitler or something. Don't think it would be legal to use on a large scale, but hey as long as I'm getting paid I'm happy." Ryuk’s voice was blasé as his dark eyes flickered behind the desk.

“And, what if they find out that it’s a DNA virus?” Light asked, his face full of unreadable intent. “That seems like something that could happen. Would they know someone out there created it?”

“There’s nothing in it that would suggest that it’s any different from SARS or anything when observing it directly. They’d know it was a super-virus based on how fast it spreads and how fatal it is, but that’s about it.” Ryuk elaborated further, “There would be people who would think it was created in a lab because of that, but health officials would probably ignore them.”

"Well, I've taken all of this into account. And I must say.." Light lowered his voice, staring at him in an almost sinister manner. "It is a crime to enter a government building with a dangerous bioweapon. I've also noticed that you've failed to pass security clearance. I'm guessing you managed to gain entry by distraction."

There was a moment of pragmatic silence between the two men. Ryuk suddenly became aware of an intriguing side to this stranger, one much different than his initial perceptions of a boring desk worker. It was— he thought in a word, “fascinating”. Like that side of him had been disturbed, outstretching its limbs to grab him. He did sneak in— the guy was right about that— but that was just because he couldn’t be bothered with getting an ID. He was used to doing it in lectures that costed thousands to attend, so it didn’t really make him feel bad. Light was the only one to date who was suspicious that he snuck into anything at all, but he still decided to play dumb after getting caught.

"Yes, it could be." Ryuk answered, breaking the tension. "But if you knew that much already, why not just call the police? Are you planning on using it or something?"

“I am interested in your bioweapon. I believe it can bring peace to problems that previously had no solution. However, I do not want my superior, or anyone else having knowledge of it," Light smirked, his eyes focusing into a cold stare. "So, I am blackmailing you."

"Blackmail? Ha-ha. So what happens if I don't do as you ask?" The black haired man joked, captivated by the evolution of the conversation.

"You are convicted of both breaking into a top secret government building, and of 2nd degree murder." Light leaned back in his chair comfortably, kicking his feet out.

"2nd degree murder? How so?" Ryuk scratched his neck awkwardly, meeting closer to the face of the dangerous man in efforts to follow along. Light leaned forward in return, the desk chair creaking with each movement.

"Because, I am going to use this virus to kill people who deserve to die." He held the vial of the virus in his hands, clutching it. “The result of this will be world peace."

"So you're stealing it, is that it? And once you use it, since I've given you this power to kill— I'll be convicted of second degree murder if I confess to my involvement." Ryuk’s features were of morbid surprise and curiosity.

"Yes. The only way to ensure you get no time in prison, for breaking in or otherwise, is to help me." The brunette man was overflowing with words, being newly self-satisfied. "I won't need much help beyond basic information, and you won't be involved with the killings directly. All you're doing is helping me create a peaceful future, so don’t worry about me using it for evil." 

Ryuk took in a large breath and laughed, not giving much of a reaction. "Ha! You’ve already got a plan for a “future”? That sounds pretty good. I'll hang around for now, I think killing you would be too much work.”

“Good. Only speak to me exclusively through text.” Light emphasized, his words becoming increasingly forceful. “There is a possibility your voice or mine will be traced, recognized, and used as evidence."

He continued to command with clear precision, leaving nothing to chance. "You and I will use local Wi-Fi only— to contact each other via Tor messaging. In 2 days at this time, I would like you to meet me at this desk for the written link to the private message board. After memorizing the link, burn it. We will not be meeting in person after that unless it is absolutely necessary. Do you understand?"

"Yeah." Ryuk agreed in a raspy tone, adjusting the chains on his belt. "I guess I’m willing to comply as long as you don’t get caught. Are you going to pay me?” 

"You’re in no position to ask for payment, Ryuk." Light asserted, rotating and sliding his beverage away.

“Fair enough. But if you want me to do something extra that would make me go out of my way, I’d probably need payment after that,” Ryuk maintained, “or at least since you’re taking my computer. I need to see those apple pie recipes.”

Light was complacent, closing the file and hiding it under the hanging ledge of the desk. “I can have an apple pie for you when you pick up the link. I don’t think something like that would be out of the question.” 

“Really?” Ryuk’s eyes grew wide with excitement. “I don’t like it when they’re too baked though, because it dries them out. Make sure they’re juicy. And oh— red apples. Don’t slice them too small either, I like the stem and core. Usually when you get them at a bakery, they cut the—“

“I understand, Ryuk.” Light interrupted, “I’ll bring you the ingredients and one of your own, provided you do a favor for me when the time comes. It won’t be too hard.” 

“Whatever you say.” Ryuk shrugged. “I’ll probably just say no if I don’t want to do it. If I get arrested, I’ll tell them exactly who you are— the game would be over after that.” He ended the sentence with a grin, staring down at him.

“That seems fair— so I won’t push my luck.” Light conceded, packing his things up with the intent to cut the conversation short. “Anyways, I have to do something with what you’ve given me before someone comes in. I’ll talk to you later.”

“It’s been nice seeing you, Light." Ryuk commented almost sarcastically, pushing the cart over to where the uniformed young man was sitting. "You’re a pretty interesting guy. I’ll meet you here in 2 days."

The fate of all this was seemingly completely out of his hands. Ryuk finally walks out of the building, awestruck as to what had just happened. He was caught in a sudden reverie. "I wonder if it was worth it to create such a device after all, given I've always intended to sell it. I guess this could be a sign that I’m bored with the routine of my life, and that I had to try some new things. This man was very interesting, after all. I guess it would be easier if I just hung out for a while.”

I’m proud to present this work now has a Russian translation by user Kamilasangan! This person is a great supporter of my work, so if you’re a Russian reader, feel free to show their translation some love!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46623505

Chapter Text

2 days had passed, and a gleaming black and white clock ticked loudly in the empty building, its hands pointed to the south. As Light sat, thinking of his next move, Ryuk walked in with an ID. The new visitor ID lay just outside his pocket— apparently he wasn’t in the mood to attempt another break in. 

A slip of paper, face down, was handed silently to Ryuk. He then folded it into thirds, and pocketed the information. A fresh, steaming apple pie was on the desk, and Ryuk immediately began gobbling it down, the stems and core crunching in his mouth as he cut and took the largest slice he possibly could. As he did this, he also quickly and greedily shoved the ingredients into his carry-on, as if someone would rush by and steal it. Something like that seemed unlikely given the scientist towered above the average person, and the uncanny expressions he made would probably keep anyone at a far distance.

"I've been meaning to ask you, Ryuk," Light contended, "how would I go about killing terrorists and other criminals using this virus, if I don't currently have access to their DNA information? Are there any genes that they may possess, rare genes?"

"Mmm.” Ryuk ignored him for a moment, finishing his slice of pie as crumbs and sauce ran down the side of his mouth. “You could try the MAOA-L gene, it's been linked to violent crime. You probably wouldn’t risk doing something like that though. Just get the DNA of the individual you'd like to kill directly, it’s easy enough. If you can't get close, you could probably kill them if they have some sort of one in a million mutation."

"So, this man. Would I be able to kill him?" Light turns the computer screen to reveal the man leading the terrorist group which had caused many people to die.

"No, his genetic traits are too broad.” Ryuk cut into another slice, and the pie was now half gutted and half gone. “Uh…” he filled the pause with incessant crunchy chewing, “for example, if you target the alleles that caused his expression of attached earlobes, you would kill yourself too, since you also have attached earlobes. You need to either have access to a unique DNA database, or retrieve the DNA yourself."

"I would like to load up the virus to target as many people as possible in the first batch, as this would be the only way to bring about the changes I am looking for. So, all I need is access to a DNA database, such as the ones people donate to for fun?" The brunette man leaned back in his chair, looking relaxed. "I believe I can get access to one of the bigger criminal databases just because our portals are connected to theirs. Even then— however, I wouldn't be able to target people who aren't criminals, but who are a detriment to my goals. That group will probably end up being the police. I think the latter will be an excellent cover, so it is very necessary that it is executed. Authorities will be inclined to think it's just a very selective natural virus, and not someone coincidentally only killing criminals listed on the database. If it is found out that DNA is the only way to efficiently kill, security may be tightened, and this may lead to access being terminated on my end.”

Ryuk agreed and left with the link, in a hurry to try out the recipes and ingredients. As they parted ways, Light was deep in thought, seemingly using all the time in the world to concoct a plan to model his contagion. Suddenly, his phone buzzed. “Great.” He thought— it was a particularly annoying woman who he had been trying to avoid. He unlocked his phone to find that he had missed 5 calls by that time, which was typical if he didn't answer her in what she believed were reasonable time frames. His voice messages were filled with heartwarming sentiments and information about her troubles and daily life that he didn't really care about. He would often just use the reply "Sounds interesting, Misa", and then she would leave him alone.

Light didn’t know her very well despite all the feelings she had for him, though. In fact, he hadn’t seen her last for years, because he wasn’t the type to waste time on people he wanted to avoid. All that he knew was that she was oddly obsessed with him, and that she was a model whose stage name was "Misa-Misa". He watched her story, which showed her scantily clad in a bikini. The way he looked at her latest photos was not lustful at all, more like he was shuffling through a catalog of boring furniture. He wondered if this woman really believed she was relationship material to him. A new course of action flickered at the back of his mind, one that would benefit him greatly.

"I can get her to seduce the CEO of DST DNA, who is on her friends list. This corporation holds the most DNA samples in the world, and, through her, maybe I can gain access to their database. After all, it would be very useful.. she could easily pass as a gold digger, too. The way she speaks to me.. it will be easy to isolate her and have her do as I ask. Exploitable. After I get the password and access to their database, I should be able to kill her by infecting her— so I don't have to worry about her going off and failing to follow orders."

Light replied to her swarm of messages. "This is interesting. Maybe we can see each other, so we can talk about it?"

Suddenly his inbox was flooded with: "Thank You's", "Wow's" and "Yes's". He cut off her steady stream of texts quickly, saying "You can meet me at my room tomorrow evening."

Chapter Text

A steady stream of moonlight entered the modern industrial room, highlighting the gold in Light’s hair. He leaned forward in his desk chair, studying the device before him. It was a true marvel of technology, and it had taken him a full day to understand how it worked completely. He first took the liberty to write down the kinds of people he would likely target, and how he would ensure that the virus would spread. The good thing was that it was not like other viruses, it could easily pass through masks, clothing and skin. It could travel on wind and in the air, being resilient to harsh weather. This would make it almost impossible to not be infected with if in range, and the predicted transmission rate he got from Ryuk was very high.

Light wrote quietly and deliberately in his room like this for some time, until suddenly there was a knock on the door. He spun around in his chair to face the doorway, and the door opened without his approval after one more short knock. Soon, the brunette man's face looked unapproachable, not failing to forget how the presence of his guest had always bothered him. Misa— the guest— had blonde hair and blue eyes, and wore a form fitting black dress. There were sparkles all around her face to highlight her cheekbones, eyes, and pixie-like nose. Her lips were a glossy, crimson red— along with all of her getup were a pair of bulky black heels.

"Close the door, Misa." Light said to her in a sweetened voice. She blushed, wordlessly following this order.

"I want you to do something for me. If you do it, I will consider being in a relationship with you." He looked at her deeply in the eyes, with whatever semblance of a pretend-loving focus he had.

"What is it? I'll do it right away!" She began to slide her lace socks down, clearly expecting something different than what he had planned.

"No." He grunted, gritting his teeth. "Not that. I'd like you to seduce a man you know personally, and attempt to get close to his place of work. Then, once you get into his office you'll ask to see the database he has, and you will memorize his username and password. You'll write this down, and bring it to me as soon as possible."

"If you want to be with me, why pass me off to some guy who is probably super weird and old? Don't you want me all to yourself?" She huffed in a breath of confusion, nearly realizing his true feelings.

"Look, Misa,” Light assured her, “if you love me you'll trust me. It's just pretend, you don't have to actually be interested in him. You'll just be using him to get the information I need."

"Wait, is this some kind of top secret military mission, and you want me to be a spy?" Misa slowly sat on the edge of the bed, teetering on her tall heels.

"Yeah." Light suggested she was right, letting her believe the story.

"Wow, that's so amazing! I'm so honored, yay!" She bounced in her seat with joy, "I'll send him a DM right now with a photo of me and some hearts or something. Once we get a date, I'll ask to see his work late at night. Then I'll look for the passcodes you need."

"That's right, Misa. Don't tell him about the plan either, of course." He then grabbed her hands and squeezed them, his face soft and tender.

"Then after that we'll see each other all the time? It's been years since I last saw you, and you only get more and more handsome, you know." Misa takes in a deep breath, continuing to talk to the object of her affections. It seemed her talking alone was enough to give him a migraine. "You finally realized I was your dream girl right? I always try so hard to impress you."

"I said I'd consider it," Light half answered her, "but yes, I have realized you're the only woman for me."

“So.. you really like me?”

"Yes. I have feelings for you, Misa." Light touched her shoulder to interrupt her babbling. "I’m just..” He took in a deep breath, feigning emotion, “scared to love I guess, that’s why.”

“Aw… how sad… I’ll help you love, my sweet darling.” She whined sympathetically, responding with a bursting ray of excitement.

“I’m not a fan of the pet names.” He interjected, popping her fantasy bubble and leaning back in his chair. “They’re sort of unpleasant. Let's just use proper language.”

“Well, do you like being called “master” by any chance?”

“Master?” Light choked out.

“Yes. I’ve met guys like you, very bossy, who have to be the best of the best. They always like to be called “master”, or something powerful like that. You kind of have that look in your eyes, you know?” She spoke slyly, never moving her eyes from him.

“I’m not interested in being called “master” by anyone. I don’t know what made you think that I’m into that sort of thing.” He answered her amused, almost laughing.

“Well, what are you into?” She looked at him innocently.

It doesn’t seem like she’s getting it. He wished she would see that helping him should be her top priority, even if she gets nothing in return. That she’d realize that she actually didn’t like him, and that she really just wanted to be an obedient tool. Unfortunately people aren't like that. “I’ve already told you you’re annoying, and not my type. Why can’t you just do as I ask for nothing in return? I should have come to her as a friend needing a favor, and not offered so much already. Damn! But I can't exactly just come right out and take back my promises. No. I can’t say that at all, I need her to continue to be in love with me for my plan to work. I’ll just have to continue to give her the bare minimum. If she uses the threat of disobeying my direct orders to get what she wants from the relationship, then even minor improvements in the usual routine will be seen as a reward. If I start her off asking for nothing, she will see even the slightest bit of attention as that much more valuable.”

“Nothing, really.” He informed, springing back from his flurry of thoughts. “I don’t really like fucking. I think it's overrated."

"You haven't been with a good lover then! Here, I'll show you." She kissed his hand tenderly, trying to bring some tension to the empty husk of intimacy he had shown her.

"You got lipstick on my hand." He insulted disconcertedly, holding his arm out as if it was a dirty object that didn't belong to him.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I was just trying to get you in the mood." She got on her knees, and started licking his hand— rubbing it to get rid of the stain. He looked away sourly, like a bothered king in a throne.

"Ah, Misa.. this isn't helping. Try something else." His eyes had no hint of grace, and his bitter feelings continued to bleed into his appearance.

"What do you want me to try?" She looked at him naively— and then at the lower half of his body, awaiting an answer.

"Preferably nothing, but if you insist on bothering me about it now instead of in the future, I'd rather just get it over with." He pulled his laptop to rest on his knees to prevent further staring by the blonde there.

"That doesn't sound like you want to be with me at all!" Misa pouted, crossing her arms. 

"I do, I just don't want our relationship to be entirely physical. And, no offense, Misa— you seem too easy. It hasn't even been five minutes since you've walked in, and you're already on the floor offering yourself to me sexually." He scolded her without any hesitation, and he began to enjoy it. The feeling crept up on him, like a low rising flame which had been dull for so long. He felt himself getting hard, which was a surprise to him— he blamed it likely on the friction and heat coming from his laptop. He thought briefly of what he liked about her, for one— that he could practically treat her however he wanted, and she would always stay. This kind of unwavering devotion, to him, was the closest thing to love that he would probably be open to. 

"Well, I may as well let her take care of it.” He thought, “That should ensure her loyalty to me, at least given that I last long enough. No. I can't be labeled as someone like that, which is something she probably sees often. If I make her believe she can't satisfy me easily, it will only strengthen her desire to prove that she's useful to me. In fact, tonight, I think I won't finish at all until she leaves." 

"Easy? Well what if I say no when you want to do it? You'll wish you never called me that then." Misa frowned, but still had a glimmer in her eyes from the mostly positive conversation.

"Easy. I'll call you that whenever I like. You think this is how someone who loves you acts? Just how stupid is this woman?" His erection was now beginning to bother him, and his mind began to race. "Damn. I'll have to wait until she asks me for it, and knowing her it should be any second. Naturally, it will seem like I'm just going along with her."

"That just wouldn't happen." Light smiled softly, "If that were the case, I'd wish you a good night, and you would go home."

"Fine then, what would you want to do with me if you want to "get it over with"?" She clutched the carpet fibers under her fingertips, nervous on how he would respond.

"I'd probably just ask for a blowjob. It's not a lot of work on my part, and if you enjoy it I'd be happy to give you that on occasion. However, most of the time I'll be busy— and I'd like you to leave me alone. If you do a good job following my orders with the CEO of the DNA company though, I'll reward you with sex." 

"But that's so far away!" Misa declared with a hint of regret, "Why can't we do it now, and I'll reward you— with the CEO password thingies!" 

"This woman.." Light thought angrily.

"No. I'm trying to be helpful by offering you what I can. If you continue to insist despite my better judgement, maybe I should just forget it." He bit back the other harsh words he wanted to say, as if what had been said was not venomous enough. 

"Forget it? I thought you wanted to be with me!" Misa stared at him somberly, tears welling up in her eyes.

"I guess so, and we aren't together. If you even think to imply like that, hinting that we even know each other in public, I’ll get rid of you—" He quickly corrected himself, "so, leave— immediately. Understand? I could find someone to replace you, and who wouldn't make mistakes like that."

She nodded slowly in agreement. 

"I'll still ask you for things from time to time, and maybe what I've asked of you already will become more difficult." He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, guiding her chin up to face him. "I don't want to listen to you then, however, because it won't fit into my schedule. You can only get closer to me tonight just this once, because you've agreed to help me." 

He moved the laptop from his legs, and the blonde immediately understood the way things were going. The outline in his pants was noticeable by now, and she provocatively moved her eyes along his statue-like countenance. Hard. Angled.

"Calm down." He snapped, the signs of her arousal discomforting him. "You have to learn to control your breathing so you're able to lie easily. If your chest is rising and falling like that in response to stress, or.. myself.. that will be a problem for me."

"I'm sorry." Misa broke her eyes from him to the floor, her desire for him melting into sadness.

"Don't be sorry, just do as I ask. If you can do that,” he tempted, “maybe you'll end up being a decent woman to me."

"Do you want me to..?" She unsurely offered.

"I don't understand what you mean by that." Light replied bluntly, drinking in how ridiculous she looked while kneeling on the floor.

She weakly pointed childishly between his legs, which were confidently sprawled outward. Light reminded her of a resentful emperor, while she was like a subject sentenced to death, begging for mercy at his feet.

"Ah.. I see.” His eyes pierced her as if they were full of arrows, a depraved smile in tandem with his lust. “You'd like to suck my cock?”

She looked at the ground like a frightened rabbit, muttering under her breath, "Yes." 

"What was that?” His questions proved to both taunt and demand. “You don't want to, then?"

"Of course I do!" She exclaimed, "I want to do it more than anything, to be close to you. It's like you said, you'll reward me if I do well. You don't know if I've done well yet, so I'm really happy you'd even offer me it beforehand."

Misa looked up at him briefly to gain approval. She ran her slender fingers across his grey, rough slacks and began to undo his belt buckle. Her heart was beating out of her chest when she realized— he was actually hard after all the times he said he didn’t like her. She immediately mistook this as proof he was telling the truth about everything.

She began to undo the zipper when he suddenly said, "Your desperate eyes are just pissing me off. I honestly don't think you deserve to look at me that way. Close them." 

The blonde closed her eyes tightly in obedience, and moved her face closer the rough fabric that was holding back his erection. Light pulled the zipper all the way down, and his cock hit her face as a result. Feeling the sensation, she felt pure, hot blood rushing to her face. She was eager to please this man, so he would love her and cherish her forever. She took him in her mouth with some difficulty because of her closed eyes, but she was able to get a feel for it as she familiarized herself. 

“Mm.” His voice was akin to a disinterested kind of acknowledgment— not pleasure. It reminded her of a boss who was just presented with the weeks paperwork, the opposite of someone who had an attractive woman trying her hardest to arouse him. 

After almost a full minute of her slowly working his cock, he quickly grabbed her hair, and pulled it back so she was nearly level to his face and neck. He said with a sharp, biting tongue, “open your eyes.” His breath was hot, yet his face was callous and wrathful. The rising and falling of his chest betrayed him. He was instantly more aroused from seeing her face, rather than the physical sensations she offered.

Her makeup was bleeding down— her eyes and lips were glossed over. She obeyed to see his dark amber glare fastened to her eyes, complete with a scowl. He kept her face locked in position and zipped his pants up again, the steel belt he wore clattering in the process.

“Do you seriously not know how to do this correctly?” He hissed angrily, his words, grip, eyes— all forceful and resolute. “I’d figure you of all people would at least know how to give a decent blowjob. Just how often do you do this to get the kind of money you make, hm?”

“I-I don’t do it. I try my best to impress them and if they like me they’ll hire me, but if you want me to do it with the CEO—“ She stuttered timidly, trying not to look at his lower body like he asked her to.

“You know what..?” He interrupted rudely, “I’m just going to fuck your face. On your hands and knees.” He grabbed her arm, throwing her on the bed, coincidentally in the exact position he wanted. 

“Mm. That’s better.” Light observed, seeming satisfied with his decision.

“Close your eyes again.” A command rang out. “If you open your eyes at any point, we’re done here.” 

“Y-yes!” She nervously answered in a shout, her knuckles turning white from the difficult position.

Thoughts rushed from him. “It probably wasn’t a good idea to put her here, given I didn’t want to finish as part of my plan. Still, it’s important that I lower her self esteem enough, and me throwing her on the bed achieved just that. If I continue our interactions like this, it’s only a matter of time before she’s in love with me for good.” 

Light unzipped his pants again, pressing himself against her lips. She opened her soft mouth to take him in again, and this time it was different. He was able to control more of her movements, and in that moment he thought of her as a living, breathing sex doll. At least, a blonde one with a ridiculous puffer fish face. He thrusted into her face, the muscular middle of his v-line pressing against her nose whenever he pushed into her.

He looked up at the ceiling and wondered, 
“Is she actually pleasuring me?” He tightened his grip on her hair, as she tried not to make too much noise. Her delicate tongue moved up and down in a sensual way, and she certainly knew how to suck. He began pounding into her, his heart rate speeding up while even more blood rushed into his veins. 

“It hurts, it hurts!” She screamed in her mind, “It hurts my throat so much!” Silencing herself, she suppressed the pain in favor of pleasuring what she hoped to be her future boyfriend. Misa kept her eyes closed tightly, still-wet tears kept hidden from this towering figure above her. She moaned quietly, but this was barely audible because her mouth was closed off.

“What? You’re feeling it just from this? Maybe I should just stop!” Light exclaimed, picking up on her moans and taunting her accordingly. Despite the words, his face seemed content and was flushed with deeply restrained arousal. He leaned his neck back, tilting his jaw as even more monstrous lust naturally flooded out of him. A low groan escaped from his lips, which was something he didn’t intend. He passed it off as just a consequence of the exercise. After all, he was doing most of the work. He wasn’t actually attracted to her, he was attracted to the power he felt from people like her. He thought that everyone in the world should be just like her— and quick to follow orders, too. 

He continued this harsh and rough treatment of her for seemingly forever— she didn’t know when it would end. Eventually, the pain that surrounded her mouth and throat became a familiar one.

Light finally looked at the clock, saying coldly, “I have to get up early tomorrow.” He pulled himself out of her, wrapping his fingers around her mouth immediately after to silence any kind of protest for the time being. He quickly dressed himself and after a moment of tension he released his grip on her face. 

“You don’t want to finish?” She asked in a restrained, fearful voice once he gave back her chance to speak. Her eyes were still tightly shut, surrounded by tear streams of blue and silver glitter.

“You can open your eyes now. I’m dressed.” He calmly stated, a gentle smile forming on his lips.

Light answered her previous question bluntly after looking deeply at her. “To answer your question— it’s not that I don’t want to. Your performance wasn’t very impressive, that’s why.”

“Oh.. I’m sorry.” Her face burned with embarrassment. “Maybe next time you can give me more orders, and I’ll follow them.”

“Hm. I’ll think about it.” He flatly stated. 

“For now though, I’d like you to clean your makeup, and leave.” He continued bluntly, “I don’t want you leaving my room looking suspicious, enough for people to notice you.” he turned away from her, using a towel to clean his hands of the glittery makeup she had on. “If you do that, my reputation will be affected— understand?”

“I understand,” She began slinking to the bathroom with even more tears forming in her eyes. The heels of her shoes were knocking together as she walked. “I’m sorry.” 

“Don’t be sorry. I’m sure you’ll do well if you work harder. After you’ve done what I’ve asked, you and I will be together forever.” He pulled no punches when reminding her of their plan, seeming uncommitted to the bit.

“Really?” She sniffled, wiping under her eyes with the fresh towel he retrieved for her. 

“Yeah. I love you, Misa.” He continued to lie, attempting to sweeten her up so she wouldn’t leave looking like she cried.

“I love you too!” She smiled widely, beaming with positivity. Her tears seemingly vanished in an instant, a pink blush settling on her cheeks. “Oh— do you want me to go right now?” 

“Since you’re done cleaning your face— yes. I would think this would be obvious, but don’t mention any of this over text. As far as how you’ll text me, just act as if we’re acquaintances.” Light continued, ”Add the CEO and try your best to get a date with him. After that’s settled, you’ll meet me here and I’ll give you further orders.” 

“Ok— I love you!” She bent over to kiss him goodbye, and he dodged her, gently pushing her lips and face away. Her back straightened and she composed herself, feeling bad that she tried it. 

“Yeah, thanks. Misa— you can go now.” He wiped away the lipstick that got on the palm of his hands, angered that this was now the third time she managed to leave a trail of makeup on him.

Light closed the night by loading up the first contagion, nearly pressuring the limits of the device by including the DNA of practically every violent criminal in the database— there were hundreds of thousands that would be slayed just during the first pandemic. 

Still, he needed access to DNA records of criminals that hadn’t been caught to throw off the police. He was pleased that he managed to exhaust the list of the worlds worst criminals, and luckily they were all caught and catalogued, with easily copied strings of data. He didn’t even have to do it manually, and was able to mostly keep the computer working on its own as he deliberated on other things, and planned on using this to his advantage to fabricate alibis if he needed to. 

Light ended up hiding the laptop within a hollow layer of his desk, keeping the clean marks flush to the wooden seams. He used the insides of a pen to prop open the upper layer from the inside. If anyone messed with the fake middle layer, it would start a fire by igniting a small clutch of reactive and flammable liquid— which would also conveniently react with the cadmium in the computer components, resulting in an explosion.

That explosion would also destroy the virus itself, which he moved to the same location as the laptop. Light would hard reset the computer after each use, and keep suspicious traffic and activity on his own computer up to date. This was to quell any kind of curiosity or feelings of suspicion- he was just an ordinary man who would try to hide his internet history— that was all there was to it. He did this for a few days, working, disguising his activity, and then sleeping. 

He would keep in contact with Ryuk to ask him questions from time to time, until his plan was complete, with no more adjustments to be made. Light was preparing to unleash a horrific plague— to create a new world, where people wouldn’t think to commit crime, or do evil. 

They would all come to fear dying of a disease created by God— created to enact righteous punishment on them. The Black Plague resulted a similar frame of mind historically, which roused Light’s mind with new ideas. Those who believed they were being punished would go around whipping themselves to prove they were repenting for their sins. Light smiled in amusement, delighting in the possibility that one day criminals would be whipping themselves pathetically, or displaying unabated repentance to avoid his wrath.

They would whip themselves in the street for him, worship him, and carry the heavy, diseased tombs of anyone who dared to defy him.

When the afternoon came around, Light spread enough PPM to infect the whole world- from his fingertips they would all be sentenced to death. He left in a dark grey hoodie to put his plan into action, stepping innocently on the train station. 

He spread the disease on the bars of the train, the seats, and all around him. It was only a matter of weeks before his justice would cross country lines, and infect the entire population. By then, it would be too late to stop it. 

Chapter Text

It had been 25 days since Light infected the first person with the virus, which had since been dubbed the “Kira Virus”, to mean killer. It since spread to the entire countries prison population, whittling it down. The fatal virus had them all dead of total organ failure within days. 

The disease ran over everything in its path— there was no escape from the death it carried within. Every country was in disarray, in frenzy to find a way to prevent further exposure, but by then it was too late— everyone was dropping like flies. All treatments were completely and utterly unsuccessful, pointing fingers were rampant and all in the wrong direction. Seemingly, no one would ever begin to realize what had happened. 

Light turned on his TV to a news broadcast, the anchor was frantic sounding. He was content that the reaction from the public was just as he expected. They got the idea sooner, too- this was a punishment from God to the wicked. This was why it wiped out prison populations and seemingly never children. The broadcast fearfully presented the fact on how not a single person has lived through the infection, and how masks and protective clothing failed to prevent it. Social distancing and lockdowns had a very unsubstantial but notable effect, so it was advised to take precautions when outdoors.

“Just as planned!” Light exclaimed, laughing triumphantly. He shook his head, silencing his laugh with his hand, “People are pointing fingers all in the wrong direction. As soon as Misa gets back with my information, it’s only a matter of time before non-convicted criminals start dying, too. This worked out even better than I’d hoped.”

Suddenly, the screen faded to white, a victorian gothic symbol of the letter “L” appearing in the direct middle of the screen. At first he thought this was just a hacker, but he noticed that the news anchors section was finished, so it’s possible it was just a very ostentatious guest. Light leaned over with his elbows to his knees, lacing his hands together. 

“Greetings, everyone. I am L.” A disguised voice rang out from the other end. 

Light seemed to be stuck in thought, studying the screen intently. 

“It has come to my attention that this news station has been spreading misinformation about the “Kira” Virus. They’ve since given me permission to be a guest, to reveal some facts about my investigation. This virus was engineered, and seems to favor infecting certain people. It does not behave like an ordinary virus, so it’s correct to assume that someone wanted it that way.” This “L” character sounded confident, his fake voice shrill with electronic feedback.

Suddenly, Light’s computer dinged with a notification from the message board he shared with Ryuk. 

16:00 Are you watching that L guy on TV? He’s pretty good.

16:00 Not really. Anyone can come to the conclusion that it’s a selective virus.

16:01 Ha. 

“Not only that, I also believe that this killer cannot kill new people once their virus has entered the population— they have to engineer and spread a new one.“

“Damn it.” Light cursed under his breath, uncomfortable that this truth had even occurred to him. 

“The question is— why does it target some people rather than others? Because…” L paused and breathed out, the voice modulator turning it into a shuddering, glitchy sound. “They have tattoos.” 

“Huh..?” The brunette audibly questioned, confused at L’s sudden turn in logic. His shoulders relaxed, losing some of the tension he felt after L had correctly assumed the “Kira Virus” was selective.

“Specifically, a certain brand of ink that is commonly used in prisons, rather than in tattoo parlors.” L elaborated. “My advice is to stop using this ink immediately, and to use the ink brand we here at the special task force use to take fingerprints.”

“You got me for a second there, L. Nothing— certainly not you— will stop me from the creation of a new world.” a smug, tight-lipped smile spread across his face. “I’ll be the God of that new world.. you and your task force will never even come close to figuring out who I am.”

“You can meet my representatives at this location to pick up the new ink. It will be free for as long as it is available.” An address flashed on the screen. 

“Make sure to write it down- we’ll be giving it away for some time.” L advised, “To enter the building, though— you have to give a blood donation in exchange for the ink. We’re trying to study the toxicity of the virus in the blood of those who’ve been tattooed with the suspected ink brand.”

“You can find all of the data on your own blood, too. This is just if there’s any legal claims you have to make. It is open source… or rather, you can view it at any time. It’s available on your local police website.” L stated, his voice seeming emotionless.

“Local police website?” Light thought, disconcerted with how he referred to it like that. He could have just used the actual name to avoid confusion, but it was probably just another pathetic attempt at a disguise. He wouldn’t fall for some fake address scheme, either.

“I’ve also donated my own blood— and scans of my brain. This is because I too have been a victim of this tattoo ink. I’m the first entry under “Hideki Ryuga”. You’re free to use it in any kind of scientific research, if you were ever fascinated by my history as a detective.” L added, sounding bored.

“Is it possible he’s just given me his DNA information— all because he thinks that the C1 virus relates to tattoo ink? If that’s true, I’ll be able to kill him— this Hideki Ryuga.” Light was overrun with thoughts of how he would use this information to dispose of him, and any new ideas he could get in the future. 

He propped his laptop on the desk, spinning in his chair. Just as L described, he was there in a new highlighted entry on the website. Light clicked it, revealing a plethora of unnecessary detail about the once hidden detective. He was Japanese and left handed— with black hair and brown eyes. He was described as being 152cm, which was an entire 27 centimeters shorter than himself. Sure enough, there was a text file of his entire DNA encoded in the files. He cross examined the name with the database he had been given access to by the military, and not only was he catalogued with his face, details, and name, the DNA itself was also a match. He didn’t look as he expected, Light observed, and this was mostly because he was covered in tattoos.

“Looks like I will be able to kill him.” Light sighed, the stress he felt leaving him completely. “You are no great detective. You’re going to die.” Light thought. He was assured his victory, and his muscles relaxed as the broadcast returned to the regularly scheduled programming.

Chapter Text

Misa had since met with Light once, deliberating with him on her interactions with the CEO of D.S.T DNA. The death toll at this point was over 22,000, with at least 1,000 people dying each day as it passed a month since the first people contracted the virus.

The CEO was easily seduced, and Light had her prepared to see him on Friday night, when everyone would be out of the main office. Things were set up so that he would give her a tour, and afterward they would go to a hotel nearby. 

Light kept his TV running, trying to keep in touch with any messages that might be sent by L. Today he was right, and a more formal introduction was in order, the anchor saying, “go ahead, put him on” before the recognizable black and white screen flashed ahead. 

“Greetings again, viewers— I am L. I’d first like to begin by announcing my apology to everyone. The deduction I made about the tattoo ink was in fact a false one. I’m sorry to anyone harmed because of what I’ve advised.” L’s words seemed sympathetic, but his voice itself sounded flat. 

“It took you 13 days to figure that out?” Light thought critically, looking down on the skills of the police.

“Rather, I’d like to admit… that I lied. Using a specific brand of ink for your tattoos will not increase the likelihood that you contract the virus. However, thanks to that lie, I’ve singled out the killer to the Kanto region of Japan.”

“What..?” Light began to stress with irritation and frenzied thought, wondering how this inept detective managed to single him out- was it just guess to see if he’d react?

“I was planning on running the exact broadcast in multiple regions all around the world, and making certain parts of my file inaccessible for those regions. A unique file was only able to be accessed in the Kanto region of Japan— one that said I was 152 centimeters tall.”

“That was the one I…!” Light’s eyes became wide with a conceited kind of dread, which was then drowned out with anger.

“I’ve also deduced that they kill based on DNA.” A shuddered, electronic voice echoed out of the speakers. 

“Damn it.. he got me!” He slammed his elbows to his desk, burying his hands in the hair behind his ears.

“The file for “Hideki Ryuga” was cross examined one time, specifically using a DNA database that is only widely available to the police and military. There would be no reason to cross examine this data, unless this person was checking if they could actually kill me using the data I provided. They were quick to do this too, not even waiting until the end of my broadcast before jumping on the information I gave them. This tells me that this killer is impatient, and doesn’t like the possibility of losing.” The pace of L’s voice revealed itself to be almost egotistical, it was at a stark contrast to the flat tone he spoke in prior.

“It’s fine—“ Light calmed himself, keeping his mind as composed as he possibly could. “All this is telling me is that he doesn’t know that I’m the one who accessed it. If he could have traced any of this back to me, he would have arrested me already. All of my precautions weren’t in vain.”

“If this was some kind of justice passed on by God, dictators who have done far worse than petty criminals would be dead by now. Kira does not kill these people, because he is not able to. He doesn’t have access to their DNA.” L explained, his logic impeccable with no resemblance to the person Light thought he was.

”Petty criminals? Don’t act as if everyone I’ve selected doesn’t deserve to die!” He was completely enraged, gritting his teeth, “You should be on my side, if anything! Don’t make it sound like I’m evil, you bastard..!”

“He will continue to change the virus and kill more— yet he will never be able to kill me, or anyone who he doesn’t have access to. I know you’re watching this, Kira. I challenge you to try and kill me— just try it. It’s only a matter of time—” L taunted, his unwavering challenges crackling through the speakers, “before I catch you and sentence you. My investigation will unravel you until there’s nothing left.” 

Light opened his laptop to check the database- all of the DNA files that were once there were locked from viewing without a special access code. 

“I’ll find some way to kill you, L.” Light sunk into his chair, his mood completely ruined. He slowly came back to reality, trying to form a plan of action after his most valuable tool just became nearly impossible to access. “There’s still the D.S.T database, and although their security might be strengthened, it’s not like they’ll put themselves out of business because of you.”

Chapter Text

Misa was in a good mood. This morning, her parents murderer was killed by the Kira Virus, which had now taken out a little over 25,000 people. She was praying the man would just drop dead for so long, and would regularly use her laptop to check up on the case. Misa found his obituary this morning, recognizing his name and smug face. She was happy and grateful he died, seemingly forgetting all the pain she felt during the time of the trial.

Even still, Misa hated how the author detailed the man’s humanity and how he persisted through an “unfair” trial. The trial was only unfair to her and his victims. He probably would have never gotten punishment for what he did by the justice system, and, in a way, she viewed his untimely death as a miracle of nature. The trial would have just kept getting delayed until being thrown out due to lack of evidence. The man who ruined her family dying gave her faith in the possibility of a God- that maybe there was a guardian angel watching over her and protecting her.

Her date with the CEO was also today, and the good mood would hopefully last her long enough to get through it. Misa tried to look her best, putting on a black, expensive cut-out dress in order to flaunt her body. It was short in all the right places— she had to make sure the man would be properly seduced.

“It’s just one night,” Misa thought, “after this, Light and I will be together forever.” The mirror only revealed herself with a melancholy, doe-eyed stare. It seemed that, deep within her, she really didn’t want to do something like this. The clawing emotions she felt made her feel like Light was just passing her off to another guy, a strange question arising on why he didn’t seem to feel jealousy. 

“If you love someone you’d always feel jealousy,” Misa argued audibly to the mirror while pointing at her reflection, “I know if I saw someone with Light I’d kill them for sure!” 

The blonde crashed backwards onto her bed, roughly clutching her black chain purse. Her brow furrowed, eyes set to the ceiling. It seemed, to her, that this puzzle would never actually be solved unless she started thinking bad things about him. Something like that was out of the question, however. Her mind would only reject it in the end in favor for something more optimistic.

“I can never understand him, my Light… I guess I’ll just I do as he asks.” She continued to speak internally, her emotions settling. “He gave me his word— he promised that we’d be together forever just for this one favor. I should trust him.”

Ahead of schedule, a dark limousine pulled into the side of her home. The columns that decorated her front porch obscured the car in long rays of moonlight. An older, husky man in a black tuxedo made his way out of the passenger side door, the car presenting as even less expensive than he was. 

Misa was waiting on the porch for him, waving to him and shouting, “Hi Doctor Murakami!” 

She quickly walked over to the CEO, her high heels clicking with energetic taps when they hit the pavement. 

“My name is Misa Amane, it’s nice to finally see you in person!” She spoke enthusiastically while wearing a bright smile on her face. 

“You as well, Misa. You look absolutely stunning.” The older man’s voice was low and gruff. “You wanted to take a tour of my building first right? It’s gonna be a little dark around with some new distancing barriers, is that ok?”

He handed her a bundle of vibrant red roses- the thorns were stripped and wrapped in clear, iridescent paper. 

“Wow!” She gushed while taking the bouquet into her hands, holding it to her chest. “They’re so pretty, thank you!”

“You’re welcome.” In a chauvinistic fashion, the CEO opened the back door to the limousine for her.

“To answer your question, yes it’s ok,” she lightheartedly responded, “I just wanted to see your computers and fun stuff first. I love the cool technology you post about.”

Misa purposefully bent over while getting into the vehicle, the older man trying to avoid looking at her in an non-gentlemanly way.

“Oh absolutely,” the doctor agreed while bowing into the limousine, “we at D.S.T have the largest database and best tech in the entire world. It was pretty hard for me to get time for you since they’re worried about this Kira Virus thing.”

“It’s all just been a big mess,” he continued, “and even I doubt it’s true. We’ve been updating security nonstop for the past few weeks to keep customers happy.”

“Aw.. I’m sorry.” She rubbed his shoulder and ran her acrylic nails down his arm. “You must be working pretty hard lately huh?” 

“Too hard and too much. It’s not like I’d let a mad scientist get access to our database, we do background checks. For all we know this is just another lie by L like the tattoo ink announcement.” The man nervously adjusted his pocket square, sounds of turning car wheels and traffic filling the silence.

“He wastes resources and doesn’t care, as long as it gets him what he wants.” The doctor scowled, “he doesn’t care who he screws over in his investigation.”

“L, like the letter?” Misa was suddenly confused, not entirely sure what the doctor was talking about. “What did he say about the Kira Virus?” 

“Oh that’s right, you probably haven’t heard. I’m an old man so I still watch the news.” He laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “L is a world famous detective who announced on television that the creator of the virus, who’s been named as “Kira”, kills using DNA. He also traced him to our own Kanto region, even though patient zero was from a prison in the Sendai region. He did a whole song and dance in efforts to expose him.”

Misa froze for an instant— something about this was off.

“So it isn’t just a natural virus?” She thought silently, “Someone made it..? Not only that, police are afraid the creator of the Kira Virus will get access to the DNA database, since he wants it for his plan. And I’m giving access to Light who wants it too, but he didn’t tell me why.”

“Is it possible that Light is this “Kira”, or he knows him?” The blonde stared at the leather seat in front of her, all the enthusiasm leaving her face as her mind raced. “The location is right. Is that why he told me not to mention it over text, because he’s committing what would be seen as a crime?”

“Are you alright, Misa?” The doctor noticed her blank expression, wondering what kind of thoughts made her face change. 

“No, I’m sorry, I don’t think so.” Misa told the truth, “I feel like I’m going to be sick. Can we please go home— can you take me home?” 

“Why, what’s the matter?” The doctor held her shoulders and looked to her, his eyes wide with worry.

Rain began to patter on the windows, and the roomy limousine began to feel more and more claustrophobic to her. Thunder rang out from all directions as fear started to consume her mind. She had to get home to think about all this. Not only that, she also had to see Light right away. 

The doctor pressed a button, the divider coming down with an electronic hiss. He called to the chauffeur in the front, “turn us around now. She has to go home!”

The car screeched to a halt in the fallen rain, turning around. The ride was silent and tense for the entire way back, but Misa didn’t care.

Chapter Text

Light heard a curious bump in the night near his wall, which roused him from his sleep. He glanced at the clock to find it was past midnight, and at the sight of this he quickly forced himself back to sleep. After all, his mental performance declining from lack of rest wasn’t something he was willing to risk— not when L was watching him, waiting for him to make one wrong move. He turned off his lamp to fall asleep, only to hear clicking and shuffling with no way to tell what was going on. 

Suddenly, the full force and weight of an object crashed into his body, his tired mind only feeding him feelings of confusion and rage.

“Ugh!” A gut reaction to the pain left his lips.

“Oh, Light…!” The strange attacker shouted energetically, prompting Light to scramble up and turn on the lamp.

“Misa—?” A familiar blonde was staring up at him with shining eyes. Light’s features became scalding upon seeing her— surprise, annoyance, and rage all present.

“She must have cancelled on the CEO, she’s useless! I should smack her..!” He thought, barely restraining himself from hitting her.

“What is it, Misa? Can’t you see I’m sleeping?” Light asked, disguising his anger under innocence.

“You killed my parents murderer, Light.” The blonde nearly whispered, “You’re Kira.”

Light smiled, letting out a small laugh in response to her accusation. 

“You think I’m Kira?” He joked, draining himself of yet more anger.

“I know it.” She held up her fingers as if to portray her words, gentle and delicate. “You want me to get you the database because you want to kill more criminals.”

“What makes you think that’s not me collaborating in efforts to stop Kira, if someone like that is even real?” Light contended, careful not to admit any concrete knowledge on the case.

“I think… you killed my parents murderer because you love me.” Misa further observed: “That’s why it’s hard to find a way you show love— that was it wasn’t it?”

Light began deliberating on his options. “If I tell her I’m Kira, it will only lead to problems if she’s taken in for questioning. However, she doesn’t seem to believe me, and will keep talking about it— possibly for other people to hear. She seems to like the idea of me being Kira because of her parents, and that could be useful to me.” 

“Let’s say I am Kira.” He argued firmly. “Why is that so important to you?” 

“Because I’d be so.. happy!” She broke into his question, her voice gentle and delighted. “It would be like meeting my guardian angel! I’d do whatever you say— I’d do anything to help Light and Kira. Even if you only take advantage of me to get information, I’d still be happy.”

A heavy, tense silence entered the room. Light’s eyes were glowing with the weight of a heavy decision, one that he was not prepared to make. His mind continued to race. “It’s decided. I’ll tell Misa everything about Kira, but I’ll take something from her in return. It’s the best choice. If she disobeys, I’ll kill her.”

“I understand, Misa.” He answered, his eyes focusing into a poisonous stare. “You’re right, I am Kira.” 

“I knew it..!” She exclaimed at a suppressed volume, “I thought it was God at first but it was actually you— isn’t that amazing?”

“Sure. You need to leave— I’m losing the sleep I need to stay at the top of my work ethic. Before you leave, however..” he insinuated, “I need your blood. All that needs to happen after tonight is your date with the CEO, which should be scheduled as soon as you heal properly.”

“Last time her saliva was unreadable, and was crossed with my DNA. Blood is the only way I can get actual results from her without the proper equipment, it seems. Once it’s plausible that I’m a carrier based on the level the virus has spread, I should be able to infect at close range with no implications of guilt.”

“Of course, Light! I’ll text him tomorrow.” She obeyed, bowing her head to collect her items. “Also why do you want my blood? So you can kill me with the virus if I get in your way?”

“Yeah, pretty much.” Light responded truthfully. 

“Okay, just take it. I’m afraid of needles and being tied up though, so try to be nice with it?” Misa added, trying not to sound as if she was complaining.

“Oh?” Light seemed slightly amused. “I don’t have any needles or knives around, and I’m certainly not risking the suspicion of getting some at this hour. I’m going to have to bite you.” 

“Bite me?” The blonde was stunned at his strange request.

“Enough to draw blood— unless you’d like to do it yourself. Pain might prevent you from going deep enough,” Light warned, “and I don’t feel comfortable letting you leave with all this information. So, doing this in return only makes sense for you.”

“Oh.. I understand.” She replied, placing her slender hands on his chest. “Try not to make it hurt then, okay?” 

“You know I can’t promise that, Misa.” Light stood up, her hands falling from his chest and dropping to the bed. He walked over to his desk and retrieved an empty, medium-sized vial from the cabinet drawer. She sat there restlessly, seeming pale with fear. 

Light studied her body, trying to see where he could bite that would be covered up with clothing. She laid down on her back while he did this, her doe-eyes never leaving his face. 

“I think I’ll take blood from.. here.” Light held her neck and turned her head to the side, which made her face turn red. “this part of your neck is obscured by hair, and misses your major arteries. It will also pass as a love-bite if I do it here.”

After going into the details, Light went in his closet to fetch a long, plastic mattress cover.

“Do you want to kiss me first or anything, to make me feel better?” Misa commented while he placed the clear cover under her neck. She was tenderly reaching for his face with her hand to touch him. 

“You went against my direct orders and cancelled your date with the CEO.” He retorted quickly, pinning the wrist she was trying to touch him with down to the bed. “What makes you think I’d ever do that for you?”

“I know… I don’t deserve anything, Light.” The blonde confessed, bitter tears forming in her eyes. 

“You’re right for once, Misa.” Light hovered above her with a baleful glare. “Now, pull your dress down.”

She wordlessly followed his order, pulling down the stretchy fabric to her shoulders. 

“Right there. Stay like that.” He commanded, pressing his hand to her face and forcing her neck to crane to the right. She felt his hot breath on her neck for a moment before a sharp stinging sensation ran up her spine. He was pulling on her skin with his teeth to make a small tear, one that would minimize the damage and promote short healing. Misa responded loudly every time he bit into the skin, and he noticed that her cries of pain were not so different from her cries of pleasure. Light covered her mouth upon hearing this, the muffled sounds still escaping somehow.  

The harsh taste of her blood soon entered his mouth, and although he hated the taste, Light became overrun with odd feelings. “Hurting her like this.. feels strangely good?” He thought, perplexed at his new feelings. He pulled her flesh back with a sickening snap, and inhaled deeply. She was crying and her face was red— somehow she was still trying to look pretty for him. 

“What is it? You’re going to have to try harder to please me, Misa.” Light boasted, sweeping his leg over to straddle her at the waist. He was heaving with arousal, his nose and mouth now covered in blood.

“Damn it.. I should be putting her blood in the vial, but it’s all over me now. I’ll have to take more.” Light rationalized the thoughts in any way he could, his fingers escaping from her lips while he was caught in a ferocious spell. “I have to hurt her as punishment for ever disobeying Kira, that’s all.”

“Light.. do you want me to?” The blonde used the freedom to speak up. She had noticed he was really hard, while biting her— and hadn’t stopped crushing her with his body weight for the past minute or two. His stiff cock was pressed between her legs, the thick layers of clothing not enough to disguise it. He twitched his hips against her suddenly, grinding against her and weighing her down with a massive force. The hands he held her down with became like stone, intensely heavy and inflexible.

“I want you to shut up.. stupid.. Misa.” He spoke between breathy exhales, his teeth going harder and deeper into her pale, timid flesh. 

“Oh.. I’m sorry, Light.” She weakly assured as his hand gripped her throat, her skin turning colorless. “You know that I love you,” she gasped for air as he ignored her, “you’re everything to me.”

“I am God.. Kira.” He commanded with superiority, “I don’t love you.. I just want to hurt you. Like this..!” Light exclaimed, tightening his grip and digging deeper into her throat. His voice started to break, and he panted heavily between each string of sentences. “I wish I could tear you apart like this over, and over again! I want you and that L bastard to break down.. and beg for your God to save you!”

Her body had already gone limp in his arms, deaf to his words. He quickly collected himself from his momentary insanity and grabbed the vial, writing it off as a lack of sleep. Luckily, she woke up quickly after he took his hands off her neck. It seemed like there wouldn’t be any long term damage, and the tears in her skin were mostly superficial. Light managed to get the blood as well, which left him feeling content that he had stopped himself when he did. 

“Misa..” Light called to her, breaking the tension in the air. “I want you to lock yourself in your home for at least 3 weeks— I admit that what happened tonight could be bad for me. If anyone asks you to come out, say you’re sick. Clean yourself of any evidence I may have left on you— and use your hair to cover it yourself.”

“Of course Light. I’ll make sure no one sees.” Misa weakly responded. He leaned over to her, hugging her tightly in a comforting way. She gasped in both pain and surprise.

“I love you, Misa.” Light assured her in an unnerving gentleness, combing his hands through her hair. 

Chapter Text

As soon as Misa left, Light took the opportunity to contact Ryuk. He was angry at her for what happened— after all, it would have never occurred if she had done what he asked without disturbing him.

“As long as she follows my orders, there will be no repercussions for what I’ve done. She has far surpassed in proving that she will do anything for me,” Light thought, his mind moving quickly. “She lives alone and has a hectic work environment as well, so it wouldn’t be unreasonable for her to self-quarantine.”

Since he didn’t want to lose a DNA reading from Misa again, he decided to ask Ryuk for a small favor. His sleep schedule for the night had already been spoiled, so he could possibly meet up with Ryuk before daybreak as long as he wasn’t seen. Light had already memorized the blind spots for security cameras en route to the train station too, in case it was necessary to pull off a few exchanges.

23:00 If you’re awake, I’d like to ask for a favor.

23:20 Sure. But like I said, I won’t go out of my way without something in return.

23:21 That’s fine. Listen— I’ll be meeting with you twice. On the first meeting, you’ll test the DNA of a woman I’ve taken a blood sample from. I only want the reading for her— I’ll be able to easily tell if you trick me. On the second meeting, you’ll give me the written data, and I’ll reimburse you however you like.

23:21 It can only be cash, right?

23:22 It would have to be money this time. You can buy whatever you like with it. As for how you’ll meet with me, it’s a bit complicated. I’m going to get on the 105 train in approximately one hour. Can you reach the station, and board it?

23:26 Yeah. It looks like it will pass by me in an hour and thirty minutes.

23:27 It’s settled then. When I arrive, I’ll put a folder package on a baggage rack, one far away from the doors. You’ll wait until I leave to retrieve it, and wait at least 20 stops after that before you get off yourself.

23:28 You’re really cautious. That seems like a lot of work.

23:29 You should wear a hoodie, and use clothing to disguise your hair, too. Try carrying yourself in a different way as well.

23:30 Alright, I’ll try.

Light took a moment to consider this in its entirety— and it was a risk. He had to seek some kind of assurance that this plan was certain to work, without any consequences that could lead to his arrest.

23:32 About what you said— you’ll reveal everything if you’re arrested, right? Well, what if you were asked a few questions— but not arrested, would you also reveal everything?

23:37 No, that would be different. I can lie to the police, since I don’t really like the idea of being in jail. But once it’s over, it’s over. I would have no reason to help you after that.

23:38 I understand. We’ll go ahead with the plan, but be careful.

23:39 Sure.

Light put on a grey hoodie, and disguised his short, layered hair as best as he could. Additionally, he wore leather gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. He took a route that would ensure that cameras wouldn’t catch him, even as he boarded the train. The meeting went exceedingly well, and Ryuk retrieved the blood with no issue. The directions given by Light were followed flawlessly. This wasn’t surprising, however, since the monster-sized man was very intelligent. 

Light scheduled a similar operation on the subway, as part of the second meeting a day later. This time around, what was exchanged was money and written file, stored in the same folder. He made sure that Ryuk disposed of all evidence thoroughly— he had to make sure that a connection couldn’t be made between them by L.

That L had been working nearly nonstop on the Kira investigation, and slept very little in efforts to further the case. A smaller task force was gathered recently, and a new private headquarters was established. Those present at the headquarters were L himself, and five other men named Mogi, Matsuda, Aizawa, Ide and Ukita. There had been little desire to participate in the investigation by the majority of the police, as many were still angry at L for using a lie and human bait in his efforts to find Kira. 

L was looking at footage for the train track that ran through multiple regions, including the Kanzo region and Sendai region. He was surrounded by a flurry of suspicions and theories, his mind racing with new possibilities. Not even a few minutes passed before a bright eyed young man with black hair and brown eyes walked in, looking bright eyed but worn out. He yawned while placing a cup of coffee on the counter, and made his way over to L.

“Wow, you’re still awake?” Matsuda chirped, standing over L with a look of surprise. “Everyone else is asleep, don’t you ever get tired?”

“I find that my mind works better during the night time.” L noted, cutting into a piece of cherry gelatin and popping it into his mouth. 

“Oh.. Did you make any advancements in the Kira investigation? Sorry, I fell asleep..” the young detective apologized, scratching the back of his head lazily and smiling. 

L pointed at the series of flickering monitors, revealing what specifically he was looking at. Matsuda wondered how this world famous detective was even able to discern what was going on— everything on the screens was sped up and condensed.

“Actually, yes.” L replied, “Since the killer’s patient zero ended up in the Sendai region, he was likely to have used this train at least once to spread the virus. Either that or he traveled there by car, which this Kira character— I’m nearly certain he wouldn’t be willing to do that. No, he would never risk it. I’d like to think that’s how I would spread a virus myself— a place with many coming and going.”

“So he really thought everything through..” Matsuda said in restrained astonishment. 

“Hmm.. yes.” L stuck his thumb to his lips, a quirk he showed when he was deep in thought. “It seems that with this method in particular, it could have reached even farther before infecting the first victim. However, that’s likely how Kira wanted it.”

“How do you know he thinks that way, L?” Matsuda seemed amazed, curious about what led him to that conclusion. “Do you know why he’d want to do something like this?” 

”I know this Kira is like me in many ways, so it’s not wrong to suggest that is how he thinks. As for why he’s done this, it’s simply because he thinks it is justified. Rather, he thinks it is necessary.” L flatly stated, taking a larger bite of his cherry jello. 

“Oh yeah, crime has already gone down,” the puppy-eyed detective reported, “do you think it’s because of—“ 

“Watari,” L called out, interrupting Matsuda. “After I’m done, you can shut off the monitors. It seems Kira is too cautious, he most likely won’t be showing up.” Soon after this statement, an older British looking gentleman walked over and nodded, handing L a strawberry ice cream cone.

Suddenly, something that flickered by on one of the monitors caught L’s attention. 

“Stop that monitor for a moment too, Watari.” L advised politely. He placed his ice cream cone on the bowl that had his jello, licking his fingers clean afterwards.

“Hmm..” L mumbled, seeming entranced. “Slow it down a bit.”

“It just looks like a guy that’s really tall,” Matsuda suggested, “do you think he’s related to the Kira case?” 

“I recognize him, so I paused it. He’s been awarded several times for his achievements in science and technology.” L picked up the remote to assist Watari. “Tell me— is it possible to see the package he’s holding? Or is the quality too low?” 

“It seems I can,” Watari assured him, zooming into the image. The frame did become lower quality with this action, but it was still observable.

“It looks like it has some kind of trinket inside of it— the outline is larger at the bottom, so we can assume it doesn’t contain a stack of paper. At this time of night, it could be drugs. He only has one item, which seems unlikely for a traveler on this train.” L pulled his knees closer to his body while sitting, explaining his thought process.

The puppy-eyed detective squinted at the screen, wondering how L even recognized his identity. After all, he was hunched over and wearing a hoodie. 

“Matsuda,” L continued, “can you look up all the stops this train made two days ago, from the hours of 10:00PM to 5:00AM?” 

“Right away..!” Matsuda replied, walking over to the nearest computer to find the information. 

“I’d like to see him board the train,” L added. “If he doesn’t have the package with him when he boards, it would be reasonable to assume an exchange of some sort happened while he was traveling, or that he stole it.” 

Soon enough, Matsuda arrived with all the stations and times that were possible for him to write down. The great detective scoured the information quickly, setting the monitor to the first stop, speeding it up considerably. It had been an hour by the time L saw the monster-like man board the train, and sure enough— he didn’t have the folder with him.

“So, I was right.” L expressed, finishing the chocolate at the bottom of his ice cream cone.

“What does that mean then..?“ Matsuda yawned, trying his best to keep up.

“It doesn’t really mean anything. All that I can reasonably say is that he’s slightly suspicious.” L explained. “Now, we can look at this particular station— the one he boarded at— until we run out of footage.” 

Another hour or so passed, and Matsuda noticed something odd, while L stayed quietly watching. “Wait, he’s boarding with the package again? Didn’t he just have that a day before?”

L used the remote to pause the screen, and tried to get a closer look at the package again. 
“Strange,” L noted, “it seems as though this time it really is filled with paper.”

“You were right!” Matsuda exclaimed in surprise. “He really is exchanging information, and seems to be trying to keep it a secret.”

“Yes, that’s definitely a possibility. The question is, who is he exchanging information with?” L emphasized his suspicions. “I’d never be able to search his home legally with this amount of evidence. I’ll have to question him when he goes out in public, but this likely won’t yield any results. There is a less than 1% chance of pressuring someone involved in the Kira case, but I’ll be doing it regardless.”

Chapter Text

When the sun rose everything seemed better, less uncanny. The danse macabre took everyone into its rhythm, and the sight of it was all the more terrifying at night. Nameless carcasses began piling in the streets, unrecognizable and inhuman. Prisons, hospitals and streets became tombs. Even healthcare workers and clergymen were frightened by the unclean decay, despite their assurances surrounding the dead. The death toll had multiplied by an obscene amount, and nearly 40,000 people had died by the 44th day. 

Those who were safe were puffed up with gratitude, easy to see by their ways of bold partying and reluctance to care if criminals died. Killers, thieves, pimps, pedophiles, debtors, and their ilk all were caught in Kira’s iron maiden. The most wretched deaths would all start with a mere chill, a cough, a vague pain. They would end in a bloody mist of fear, and alive, rotting flesh. 

Sermons began spreading that taught the way of receiving mercy from Kira, preaching abstinence from sin and the coming renewal. They saw Kira’s emergence as though it were a radiant light, which bathed the pious in glorious peace— and the wicked in fire. The ashes in his wake would serve as the capital of a New World, the bright power a shining beacon of hope. Kira would provide a chance to live without fear, deliverance from evil in the form of a purge. 

It was not uncommon to see multiple corpses being hauled off of the street, and the great detective saw two or three today. The stench he only knew from gruesome crimes became as familiar as the café that lied ahead of him. L gazed at the dead with curiosity— they seemed frozen in delirium, their arms skinned by writhing on the pavement. 

He looked to his reflection in the door to the café, his eyes deteriorated and bloodshot. There was a heavy layer of purplish flesh under his eyes, and for the first time he began to see that perhaps Kira was his first true challenge. 

“One tres leches cake with strawberries please.” L quietly ordered from the selection of cakes in the glass containment. Thick frosting coated the confections, the majority topped with sweet chocolate shavings and candied fruits. L leaned over the counter to study the items, his hunched eccentric form causing some onlookers to be uneasy. He turned around suddenly, as if in an act to be unsuspicious— he stared at the man who he’d been watching the night before. The gangly black haired giant had a single candy apple, and was sitting alone in a coffee-colored booth. L made his way over to him, although his suspect didn’t seem alarmed at all. Rather, he seemed like he couldn’t be bothered. L sat in the booth, strung his knees to his chest— and stayed silent. The only sound surrounding them was the sigh of low winds, and the bell at the door which rung occasionally.

“Huh? You lost or something?” Ryuk questioned, seeming slightly disconcerted at this odd stranger. He thumbed through the napkins to his left, and wiped the corner of his mouth. 

“Hmm.. not really. I recognize you. You’re a renowned scientist, correct?” L asked innocuously, staring at him intently with wide, dilated eyes. He was trying to evoke a reaction. “I am the detective L.”

“Oh-ho.” Ryuk cackled, taking a large bite of his candy apple. “Good for you. You’re that guy on TV.”

“Strange. He shows no signs of stress.” L thought, his uncanny eyes never leaving his suspect.

“I was wondering if you were available— rather, if you’d like to assist me with the Kira investigation.” 

“Am I under arrest?” Ryuk questioned blandly, his eyes briefly scanning L. Another large piece of the apple disappeared, the crunch of each bite followed by a stream of juice down his face.

“Should I lie and say I may arrest him soon? No. He will see right through it.” L thought quickly as he pressed his thumb to his lips. “Arresting someone “soon” rather than immediately isn’t like me, and he’d know this since he follows my actions closely. In this case, I need to gain trust as well as press him for answers.”

“No, but it would be in your best interest to speak to me— your actions at the train station caught my attention.” L told the truth, not hesitating with his decision. “It must have been quite difficult to disguise yourself, given how tall you are.”

“Nah.” Ryuk spoke in a bored tone, finishing the confection and placing the wooden stick to his left. “I’m not really interested in talking to you.”

“Do you mind if I sit here, then? I’m still waiting for my cake.” L had to drag out their interaction for a bit longer. His eyes darted around, calculating if he could use friendly conversation to lead him into answering the questions. In traditional interrogations, this was known as playing the “good cop”, acting as if you’re a friend to a suspect so they lower their defenses. 

Ryuk denying speaking to the police was not uncommon, especially in the modern day. There was nothing to determine his guilt or innocence when being denied information entirely, directly. L could only discern so far that he was disagreeable, and lacked concern for most things.

“If you get me something to eat, then sure. I don’t see why not.” Ryuk laughed, looking into the glass case at the front of the café. “I want caramel apples.”

“Will you talk to me, that is— in the event I buy some for you? I can provide you with plenty more.” L offered, attempting to deal with the few options he had left. 

“Mm.” Ryuk grunted, not giving a solid answer.

A bell rung at the front of the shop, and the aroma of a delectable cake with syrupy strawberries caught L’s attention. 

“It seems my cake is finished.” L flickered his eyes to the large, strawberry adorned confection. “I will buy you one, just because you’ve been decent.” 

L hopped out of the booth, light-headed from the lack of sugar paired with over-analyzing. He slid the money on the counter to the cashier, picking out a caramel apple covered in sprinkles. The golden candy under the toppings peeped out, which made the treat look well made and colorful. 

“Well, Ryuk. Have you changed your mind?” L slid the tray that held his cake to his side, and served the apple to the giant himself.

Ryuk wordlessly began gobbling down the confection, not missing a single piece. L sat down and began to make graceful cuts in his own meal, too, feeling energized by the pleasant sweetness. 

“Hm.” L intended to repeat himself, his mouth partly full of cake. The silence between them had gone on uncomfortably long, and Ryuk was already finishing the last of his apple. “Well? If you are innocent after all, there should be no problems..” 

“Nah. I’m not gonna talk to you.” The giant got up from the booth, his massive shadow casting darkness on L’s body. He grabbed his items, leaving all the trash on the table. “See ya.”

L let out a restrained sigh, poking at his cake while deep in thought. “Nothing I say will work right now. He’s stubborn and unfriendly. I have some indication of his personality, however, which means that this meeting wasn’t entirely pointless. If Ryuk would reasonably interact with strangers, rather— someone like Kira.. and I find that him and Kira have complimentary characteristics, that would provide some value.”

Chapter Text

Watari walked in the room, using the remote to flick on a television program, which didn’t seem to surprise the great detective. He was sitting on a couch watching the security monitors regardless, and the older man didn’t want to disturb his private work by explaining why he changed the picture. It occurred to L that what Watari turned on was vital to the investigation, so his eyes snapped to the small monitor. He became invested when he saw the headline, “Deadly Kira Virus”, followed by brief infographics popping up to ease viewers.

“Breaking news as medical professionals are still trying to slow down the spread of the deadly “Kira” virus— the renowned detective L has made a statement on live television asserting that this is the work of a bioweapon- one that he says kills by DNA!” The anchorwoman remarked with little emotion and only a tone of raising inquiry. “We take you now to the CEO of DST DNA making a statement to the public.”

The television flashed to a mahogany podium, complete with multiple microphones, a stand, and red curtains decorating the stage. The CEO’s black hair fell slightly to his forehead, seemingly whipped around by hours of stress and sweat. The bags under his eyes were dark and pronounced, his face aged by the weeks of hectic activity. The doctor was not only making the statement he planned on the news, but also to a crowd of hundreds of masked people gathered around barriers stretching beyond the horizon. His eyes were squinting, suspicious— while his mouth was caught in a professional looking scowl. The crowd went silent, preparing themselves for momentous news.

“The scientific community is tired of the accusations tied to this virus. You all are trusting someone who lied to you, wasted resources, and then expected you to believe them again? This L might not even be real, and we’ve been listening to a fake this whole time!” He slammed his balled up fist on the podium, as cameras flashed to capture his anger in the moment. His plan was seemingly to hound the people and cameras with endless questions, all aimed at the detective L. “Why trust someone who doesn’t even have the decency to show his face and name to the people he’s lied to?” 

The detective stared at the tv, licking his green ice cream cone. His eyebrow twitched as his interest was piqued by the broadcast. L seemed well put together when compared to the CEO, and no less unkempt than usual. The accusations levered at him only seemed to make his mouth purse upwards in thought, which was the extent of the stress he showed. 

“L, we are not shutting down our company because of you. The virus has proven to be naturally occurring in all the lab tests that we’ve done, and there is no indication whatsoever that it’s engineered. Whoever would be capable of that must not be from planet earth!” The CEO’s words were thunderous. “It’s a fairytale what he’s saying- a fairytale that has no real connection to science!”

Suddenly a journalists’ voice in the crowd boomed out, as everyone buzzed with quiet murmurs and observations. “Doctor Murakami! What about the person who accessed the database during the second broadcast by L, what’s your explanation for his behavior?” The pack of people suddenly went silent, awaiting an explanation.

“It is not only criminals who die, L. Many victims are strewn out on our streets, not in prisons. The database you cite has many people who have not died from the virus despite being near other victims, but you only seem to talk about the ones who have! How convenient for your investigation, right?” The doctor continued to protest L’s actions in a loud, commanding tone. “I’m sure any list of any millions of names would share some coincidences— it means nothing!”

Suddenly the crowd went into uproar, question after question shot up into the air by nameless hungry journalists. The efforts to distance people fell apart quickly— people began crashing and fighting to get to microphones in time. One woman’s voice in particular caught the doctor’s attention in the sea of shouting. “Doctor Murakami! It seems you’re more-so talking about the statements made by L. Is this an address to L directly?”

“The leaders who allow him to run around unchecked, mostly. A natural virus is still bad! Nothing besides self breathing apparatuses seem to stop the virus— it breaches filters more than sarin or VX gas! Does that not terrify you? Our medical professionals are in dire straits thanks to this distracting narrative that just slows everything down, trying to track down an invisible boogeyman with the power of God! Is this not insanity, people? Give no credence to any of the statements made by this rogue detective. Don’t listen to him if he tells you that you’re safe if you’re not on the database— stay. inside! All of you shouldn’t be here, and the masks you’re wearing won’t protect you against this monstrous contagion— it’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen! To our leaders: let’s begin efforts to stop the virus in a meaningful way— rather than blaming it on this big bad “Kira”!”

Upon hearing the last few sentences, people began running away in a panic to their vehicles, seemingly ignorant to the fact that they were at risk at all. People truly did trust L when he said it was only possible to kill by DNA— and now that trust was gone. People turned around as their curiosity melted away, terrified for their lives. The broadcast went on as the crowd cut down to the bone.

“L, look!” Matsuda ran in to warn L, pointing his arm to a television in the other room. “The head of DST DNA is calling you out, he’s really angry and saying bad things about you!” He gasped, trying to explain himself and simultaneously pay attention to the other room. “Aren’t you going to call them and say anything?” 

L wordlessly gestured to one of the screens in the series, angled a few feet from the ground. While the other screens were running security footage, one was playing the exact television broadcast he mentioned. Matsuda peered to the ground in response to his gesture, feeling foolish he ran in without realizing it. 

“O-oh! you saw it?” Matsuda apologized. “Sorry, I just thought you weren’t watching it so..”

“People still do not believe that Kira kills using DNA. They aren’t taking my word for it. I don’t blame them— I could very well be lying to them again.” L hummed, his low voice becoming quiet. “I would easily tell more lies to the public if I saw it as necessary.”

“W-what?” Matsuda sputtered, his eyebrows raised. “But you narrowed him down to the Kanto region when no one else could! They should just trust you like we do, L.”

“Matsuda, you idiot.” L rolled his eyes, a barely visible change in his stone-faced expression. “You don’t even know my real name, the last thing you should do is trust me. If I were Kira, you’d be dead by now.”

“What’s that, “we”? Just so ya know I don’t trust you at all, L!” Aizawa yelled loudly from the other room— him and the other detectives were still taking notes on the news broadcast.

“Rather, I meant I don’t have any way to truly prove that he is using DNA to kill. The public is right, all I have are coincidences...” L dragged the last of his words, seemingly disappointed by the progress he made.

“So there’s really no way to get them to believe you?” Matsuda questioned, sounding disappointed as well.

“Not for now, no. A coincidence can quickly become something else, Matsuda. There are millions of criminals that have their DNA listed on the database. That means that at least one pair of identical twins, one on the database and one not, will die very soon.” L thumbed through a porcelain glass of sugar cubes, placing 4 into his hot English tea. “Many identical twins share DNA.”

“Oh!” Matsuda affirmed. “What would that—“

“Wait a minute there L.” Aizawa piped up from the doorway, silencing Matsuda. “What if they just think that since they’re the same kind of person, that the natural virus would kill them? I’ve heard of SARS cases that took out twins within the same week, and that’s not an engineered virus at all!”

“No,” L corrected him, “I am trying to find evidence for how he thinks. I concede that I can’t prove for certain how Kira kills, but I feel that knowing why he kills will bring me much closer to him.”

“How would identical twins bring you closer?” Aizawa argued, drawing closer to the two detectives near the couch. “That makes no sense at all. If anything, twins sharing DNA makes criminals even harder to catch.”

“Well.. let’s look at his philosophy. A Kira that avoids killing twins on the database entirely— he believes in nurture, not nature.” L suggested, grabbing the bottom of the finished ice cream wrapper and holding it in between his thumb and middle finger. “He would not want to kill someone who is innocent.”

“Well that’s Kira’s whole thing right?” Matsuda chirped up optimistically. “He only kills criminals because they’re the only ones who deserve to die!”

“Not exactly. A Kira who kills twins indiscriminately— he believes in nature, not nurture.” L crushed the wrapper in his hands, and let it fall into the garbage nearby. “That Kira may believe the world is inherently rotten. He may also kill twins because they get in the way of his justice— for the same reason he will have no issue in killing the police, despite the fact someone like,“ he teased, “let’s say— Matsuda Touta— has never harmed a fly.” L’s thumb danced on his lips, and his eyes barely moved to meet the people talking to him. 

Matsuda blushed, seemingly emasculated by the assertion that he can’t hurt flies. “H-Hey! I’d harm flies if they were easier to catch, they—“

L interrupted, taking over the conversation again. “If he avoids killing twins, the natural virus interpretation will fall apart.” Aizawa and Matsuda were sweating slightly upon hearing his words. The young men were hesitant to believe the detective they heard so much about, and only became familiar with recently. “That will be good news for us,” L continued, “but I suspect it will not be the case. He sees fear as the only way to counteract nature- as one would fear God, he would like people to fear him.”

L took a long sip of his tea, his low lidded irises peeking out and scanning the environment.

“After all, if he can instill fear… man will do no evil.”

“So which one do you think he is?” Matsuda innocuously asked, his eyes growing large with curiosity. “Nature or nurture?”

“I have my suspicions that he leans towards nature.” L grumbled, unsatisfied with his information so far. “I’ll have good evidence, however— if a pair of identical twins— one not a criminal— dies to the virus.”

“So you’ll know that Kira is more ruthless than we thought?” The innocent detective concluded. “Maybe that would turn the public against him and make them trust you again!”

“Again, Matsuda.” L reminded him, “People are still reluctant to believe my observations.”

“R-right! Sorry!” He mumbled, apologizing. “So at least you’ll know how he thinks, right?”

“Yes— even more than that— I’ll know he is seeking more broad methods to kill.” L briefly stared at Matsuda through his eyebrows. “If the “nature” Kira finds a gene that is associated with criminality, he would certainly consider using it. That would make even those who are not listed on any database a target. The “nature” Kira would be a much greater threat.”

“That’s not good at all!” Matsuda protested, seeming upset this borderline stranger could die before thinking of himself. “What if you have the gene he’s after?” 

L lifts another sugar cube out of the porcelain cup, letting it drop in his tea with a quiet splash. He responded matter-of-factly. “I would die.”

“Matsuda, buddy— stop asking stupid questions.” Aizawa placed his hand on the puppy-eyed detective’s shoulder, his tone authoritative but kind. He switched his attention to L. “Is there any way you could be wrong?”

“I just think it’s a possibility,” L disclosed, “he will take the easiest targets first— that will ensure his victory. The only reason he hasn’t slain the entirety of the database is because he needs people fooled for as long as possible. It seems like so far it has worked… Kira is very elusive.”

“So we just wait around while he kills more people?” Aizawa retorted. “What kind of plan is that?” 

“We do have evidence Kira uses a local Wi-FI server that casts to the Kanto region.” L responded, his reflection looking back at him through his tea. “Anything beyond that is protected by whatever his browsing habits may be— he could be using Tor along with other tricks.” 

“Yeah, but even that could pass as a coincidence to the public— a guy in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Aizawa challenged, scratching his poofy head of hair. “It certainly wouldn’t fly in court. You might be content with that L, but I’m not. We need to start a list of suspects.”

“Oh— I’ve already had one. I apologize for not alerting you all earlier. Ahem,” L cleared his throat, awkwardly talking at a much higher volume. “Doctor Murakami is at the top of my list for now. The likelihood he is involved is less than 1 percent.”

“Doctor Murakami?” Matsuda responded, wondering how he came to that conclusion. “But he doesn’t know anyone in the police or military, does he?”

“I doubt he is Kira, but Kira may try to contact him. He feels now that it was a misstep to use local Wi-FI. He knows not to touch the police database personally, and we’ve made it substantially difficult for him to do so.” L finished the rest of his tea, the glass clinking on the small porcelain plate as he set it down. “He will be inclined to get outside help.”

“So this is just a waiting game, right?” Aizawa complained. “We wait for twins to die, we wait for Kira to contact Murakami, we wait for him to use local Wi-Fi again, we wait and we wait while people die?”

“For some things, yes. But I don’t see why we can’t see to Murakami as soon as possible.” L’s eyes drifted to meet Aizawa’s. “Some of his employees have bench warrants of detention, so I can easily install cameras and microphones in his entire building. Murakami needs to maintain the lie that he’d never hire a potential criminal, so he will have to say yes.”

“Alright, L, that’s more like it!” Aizawa agreed enthusiastically, leaning forward and grasping the couch cushion.

“That will be great,” Matsuda chimed in, “let’s see Kira try to get to the database then!”

Chapter Text

It had been over three weeks since L installed cameras in the DST building, much to the dismay of doctor Murakami. Despite L deciding to be rebellious and show his face— and that he was indeed real— the doctor didn’t even look him in the eyes.  He uttered only a few exchanges to the detective and his handymen, grumbling, “You look insane,” and “find someone else’s life to ruin.” Murakami only agreed to the bare minimum, not letting L and his goons touch any of the computers or medical equipment: “The cameras and microphones, that’s all. Then go away.” 

L responded in an emotionless tone, reminding him: “A few of your employees are subject to a detention. I’ll see to remove their bench warrants so there’s no chance they’ll be detained. Thank you for aiding my investigation— I realize you and I are not on good terms.”

L gave the doctor a single chance for a handshake, one with a limp-looking arm and hand, as well as his ordinary hunched form. He didn’t take the opportunity in a show of disrespect to the detective, one which didn’t bother him at all. He didn’t really like interacting with strangers anyway, and considered that part of his job to be a chore.

Other than a few more bitter remarks by the doctor, L was unimpeded during the installation of a sophisticated and discreet monitoring system. L placed cameras in the most ridiculous of places, and took inhuman precautions in almost every respect- his brilliant mind serving him every step of the way. The problem was that in the three weeks the system was installed, nothing of importance happened. L’s observations were limited still to the train station and the building, and the series of screens were quickly crowding with different avenues for discovery. 

Misa gathered a cozy, warm blanket up to her chest, waiting for a phone call. The tone finally rang out— it was doctor Murakami checking up on her again. Light hadn’t talked to her at all, and the message she sent him as an alibi for the self-quarantine had no response. Light made it clear to her that any implication of guilt would not go unpunished. She froze in fear at the thought of her behavior being noticed by Light again— she didn’t care what he did to her if he judged it to be right, but the disapproval itself was like a spear that pierced her heart.

“Doctor Murakami!” She answered, her voice high and optimistic.

“Misa, are you doing better?” The doctor cleared his throat, seeming much more gentle while addressing her rather than L. “It’s a good thing you don’t have the Kira virus!” 

“Right? I was just calling you to say I think I’m better!” The blonde cheered, her face lacking the vibrancy her words seemed to have. “I’d really like to go on our date tonight, if it’s not too late of a plan.”

“No, not at all!” The doctor reassured her. “Do you still want to do the same things?“

“Yes. Will you pick me up at 8? I promise not to be a diva again!”

When the CEO picked her up again, the only thing that was different was the color of his suit— a deep black to a cool grey— and the fact that he substituted the roses with chocolates in fear that they contributed to her sickness. She wore the same outfit— a long sleeved black minidress that was meant to flaunt her body. Her previous black acrylic nails had chipped off when she got home from her visit with Light, so she substituted them with the pink plastic nails she found around her room. The DST building was a modern skyscraper, complete with reflective blue windows, silver furnishings and golden self-closing glass doors. The carpet had a lovely mandela pattern— one that looked slightly more dull in the dark moonlight. 

“It’s this way, Misa.” The doctor used his ID card to waive the alarm from sounding. “Watch your step.” 

They gathered in the elevator, as Murakami pressed the designated button for the top penthouse floor. It lit up and rung, the doors hissing shut as the couple moved up. 

L suddenly was alerted when he saw the beautiful, young looking woman with the older man on the screen casting the DST building. His first, and perhaps immature thought was that she was a gold-digger, or maybe into really old looking men. Either way, he found it worthy of his attention. 

“He shouldn’t be letting in anyone who isn’t an employee.. what are you hiding, doctor?” L studied the screen with intense focus, his thoughts suspicious and questioning. He flicked the rest of the monitors off so he could pay special attention to the feed, and turned the sound on so it could be heard in great detail. The speakers were so high definition and loud, however, that this quickly alerted the other detectives who poured in to comment on the noise.

“L, what the hell is that dinging?” Aizawa smacked his notes onto the couch, disturbed that his own work on the case was interrupted. “Why are you watching Murakami in an elevator?” 

“He seems to be on a date with a young woman.” L’s observations lacked detail- he only seemed to respond by leaning forward into his knees while sitting.

Matsuda trailed not too far behind Aizawa, also seeming distracted by the loud noises coming from the live video. “Wow, she’s beautiful!” Matsuda blurted out, before quickly summarizing his thoughts. “I-I mean it’s just surprising she’d be with an old grouch like Murakami.”

“They’re getting off on the top floor.” Aizawa shunned the screen briefly. “I’m not watching this. Clearly this is just some poor woman he’s going to do office play with.”

“Office play?” Matsuda innocuously asked, seeming confused at the reference.

“Yeah.” Aizawa responded in an annoyed tone, not explaining fully what the words meant at all. “They’re going to go up there, and we’re just going to end up watching them. Murakami is trying to get at you so you turn off the security.”

“Don’t see how that would get at me.” L grumbled, seeming bored at how long the elevator was taking. “I’ve seen many people do it.” 

“W-what?” Matsuda piped, his cheeks flushing with a bright red. “You don’t just say that stuff out loud, L!” 

“Many cases involve this kind of thing,” L informed him in a dry tone, “don’t be so embarrassed, Matsuda.”

A pragmatic silence lied unbroken in the room for a short time, and the only sounds were by the great detective stirring his tea.

“Misa Amane..” L nearly whispered, seemingly intending to keep the observation quiet. 

“What?” Matsuda asked, sounding confused by the name. 

“Misa Amane, a young model.” He described the woman with clinical sounding knowledge, gently sipping his tea. “Her parents were murdered, and she was the only witness to the crime. The suspect was never charged,” he breathed in from his teeth, “because he died a few weeks ago from the virus.” 

“How do you know all this?” Matsuda responded with a bright-eyed curiosity. “Are you friends with her or something?”

“Friends? Hmm.. No.” L flatly denied him. “Out of all the cases I had the opportunity to get before Kira’s rise, hers was one of the more interesting ones. I kept a mental note in case I was ever bored with my current cases, and by my estimation I would have found evidence for a conviction in under a week. It is… upsetting that Kira’s justice reached the culprit before mine did.”

Suddenly, a woman’s sweet-sounding laugh echoed through the speakers. They arrived at the top of the building, and bright, golden lights flickered on. The high definition camera captured every last inch of the room while being hidden in plain sight.

“Here, look at the city view from here.” Murakami grabbed the blonde’s delicate hand, leading her gently to the farther point in the room. “It’s beautiful.” 

“Wow…” Misa looked at the array of golden and white lights, seeming as distant and vibrant as the stars in the sky. The cars below on the highway seemed to blur in a stream of white trails of color, and the bustling noises were silenced by the high elevation. 

“This is like a cheesy romcom.” Aizawa complained, seeing watching the couple as a waste of time. “I’m gonna go take more notes L, just tell us if you find anything.” 

“Hmm.” L acknowledged, seeming content with his decision to leave. The fluffy haired detective walked off, shutting the door behind him tightly in efforts to muffle the noise. 

“You wanted to see my tech right?” He raised his eyebrow, seeming eager to showcase the heart of his company.

“Mhmm!” Her fingers danced on his shoulder, as she tried to use all her energy to flirt with him as much as possible. She dropped her purse to the ground in front of the window to the cityscape, taking extra time to bend over in front of Murakami, and coincidentally- L.

“Oo.” L let out a deep, quiet sign of interest while drinking his tea. He swallowed. “That’s actually nice.” 

“Why are you looking at her butt, L?” Matsuda harshly whispered, shocked again by the fact he had no filter for anything he said. “You shouldn’t do things like that!” 

“Oh, is that so?” L snapped back from his moment of focus, his half lidded eyes rolling up to Matsuda as a non-energetic sign of annoyance. 

“Yes, she doesn’t even know we’re watching her! I feel like such a— I— like such a creep!” He held his shoulders while shuddering in disapproval. He reeled in disgust, saying “how do you do this all day?”

“They both don’t seem to fear the transmission of the Kira virus. They must both feel reassured that they won’t die from it— with Murakami this is explainable— he was simply lying to save his company.” L reasoned their actions bit by bit. “But with Amane...”

“Maybe she’s one of your supporters?” Matsuda interjected in a cheerful manner, “I’m sure there’s still people who believe you, L.”

“Yes, I was just thinking that,” L agreed, humming. “But she should know that the doctor and I are at odds..”

L’s observation was interrupted by Misa’s voice. “So all of this is yours?” She gestured around the room, her face full of awe and wonder.

“Absolutely. Would you like to see all the people we have on our database?” Murakami offered her exactly what she was there for, turning the desktop screen so she could better observe the technology. “There are all kinds of people from all around the world— if you have a favorite celebrity, they’re probably in here and I could tell you their ancestry!” 

“Ugh.. hmm..” Misa whined in a playful way, her eyes darting around as she made her thinking obvious. “Sorry, I’m so stupid! My mind is just drawing a blank. I can’t think of anyone.” 

“It’s alright,” the doctor assured her, “I’ll just show you what I think is the most interesting feature.” 

The program booted up, the logo for DST DNA buffering along with a few other programs. On the main public webpage, all Murakami did was click on the “admin” section using the bars at the side. A warning sign popped up, the words “secure channel” giving away the fact that this information was exactly what Light wanted. There was only an access code required, no username or hidden keys. Misa sighed in relief— luckily she wouldn’t have to remember a series of passcodes, names, and checkpoints. If she got something like that wrong, Light would never forgive her. Murakami was an older man, so she was hopeful that his cybersecurity wouldn’t be up to date. 

He typed the passcode “9972649nQ”, and Misa quickly used the silence of his typing to excuse herself. “Murakami, may I use the bathroom?” She politely asked, repeating the numbers in her head in an effort not to lose them.

“9972649nQ.” She repeated mentally.

“Of course you can,” he responded kindly, “it’s at the left at the end of the hall.”

“9972649nQ.”

Misa raced down the hallway, the chain to her purse swinging around and her heels stomping on the hollow floors. Her long blonde hair whipped behind her as she entered the bathroom.

“9972649nQ.”

L grabbed the remote, and switched the screen to the left of the main monitor to the women’s bathroom. 

“He let you install cameras in the women’s bathroom?” Matsuda’s mouth dropped in complete surprise. “That has to be a human rights violation! I’m not watching!” He tightly shut his eyes, refusing to be a creep.

“Matsuda, there’s no cameras in the stalls.” L disclosed, unbothered by his choice of installing them. “Unless you consider someone washing their hands to be inappropriate, you don’t need to look away.” 

Misa entered a stall briefly, and came out. The blonde looked into the mirror, adjusting her black-coated lashes. She began singing to herself in a soft lullaby-like style, turning on the faucet to wash her hands. She splashed water on her face, eyes red with held back sadness.

Misa’s hands combed through her hair gently for a moment, cool water flattening the bright, shining tresses. There was only silence as the two detectives watched her move a piece of paper and pen from inside her heels to her purse. 

L’s eyes widened.

“A paper and pen? What did she write down?” Matsuda asked, his brows furrowing in response to her strange behavior.

“It’s likely she just wrote down the password to the database.. and that she’s connected to Kira. Watari,” L called out to the darkness that the older man was standing in. “Let’s send an FBI agent to follow her wherever she goes next. I know that Agent Penber is in her area, so see if we can send him.”

“Right away, sir.” Watari took off his hat in a sign of respect. He quickly pulled out his phone and began making calls, moving to the other room in an effort not to distract L. 

Misa made her way back to doctor Murakami, apologizing for the wait. “Your hallway is super pretty by the way!” She complimented him. 

“Now, let’s see what happens.” L emphasized, his mouth curling into a mischevious smirk. “If she is working with Kira, she will want to leave as soon as possible to help him.”

“But actually, I still think I feel sick. I really want to go home.” She kissed him on the cheek, which surprised the old man. She winked, saying, “let’s settle this later, ok?” 

“Wow, there it is!” Matsuda affirmed L’s prediction with loud enthusiasm and astonishment. “She asked to leave right on queue!” 

“It seems Misa Amane is my first true suspect.” L observed, drawing his knees to the palms of his hands.

“You don’t seriously think she’s Kira do you?” Matsuda joked, “She was probably just writing down her pros and cons for dating him— I’ve heard of women doing that sometimes! Not that they do it to me, but to—“ 

“We can still pull her in detention for 23 days, and interrogate her.” L interrupted, seeming satisfied with what he had planned. 

“What if she does the same thing Ryuk— that tall guy did and refuses to talk?” Matsuda reminded him, “Didn’t you also think he was involved?” 

“I had no probable cause. If we were able to take in people for having envelopes, that would be a strange system.” L remarked indifferently, trying to explain why it wasn’t the same occasion. “Anyways, I’ve dropped his name from the case. After going over our exchange many times, I concluded that he would likely never work with Kira. Rather, he would never work with anyone.” 
 
L paused and rolled a sugar cube between his thumb and forefinger. He took a moment to drop it into his tea and continue, pulling the porcelain cup to his lips. “The scientist was very tricky indeed— on top of him refusing to talk, he also managed to get a free snack out of me.” he looked disappointed and amused while remembering the interaction. “In truth, I commend him. I’d probably do something similar if I were under examination.”

“Ouch!” Matsuda blurted out. “I hate those types, even though—“ he backtracked, “it’s their right to do it.“

“With Misa… things will be different.” L responded, detached from emotion. “I’ll be sure to force the information out of her.”

“Force?” Matsuda sounded worried, and his eyebrows began knotting together. “You’re not going to do anything crazy, right?” 

“Nothing beyond what is necessary. I’ll bend the law as far as I possibly can to get a confession,” L flatly professed, “so she won’t enjoy it.”

Misa chose to take the bus to Light this time- she felt the night was pleasing, beautiful now that she finished the task she’d been given. Many men with black hair and clean suits entered the bus alongside her, but only one in particular was following her. Misa had no idea she was now the prime suspect in the Kira investigation, nor did she have any clue she was being followed. The FBI agent Raye sat behind her near the back of the bus, only two rows in between them.

The blonde clicked the stop button for the bus, and got out about a block from where Light would be sleeping. The mostly abandoned building would serve well for their own privacy, and she was excited for what he would think of the news.

“I did good,” Misa thought tentatively. “I didn’t make any mistakes this time. Please, Light...”

“It seems like she’s going to a local military base to meet someone.” Penber was on a cell phone call directly with L, narrowing his deep blue eyes at the distancing form she took. “That’s all I can say beyond that— they would have to give me extraterritorial jurisdiction in addition to the police before I can tail her inside the complex. That kind of ID can take up to 24 hours. I’ll wait at the gate for her to come out and follow her from there.“ 

“That won’t be necessary…” L’s low voice crackled through the speaker. “We’re going to arrest her as soon as she leaves. Do let me know the exact time she comes out— I don’t want her having the chance to run.”

Misa gently knocked on the door. The yellow hallway lights highlighted her soft, cherublike features, and she entered to find Light sitting at his desk. His knees were spread out with confidence, and he didn’t close anything on his computer— a sign he had nothing he needed to conceal.

“Light?” Misa called out to him timidly. “I got it.” Upon hearing this news, his eyes perked up slightly in a triumphant expression. He walked over to Misa, hugging her around the waist authoritatively and tightly. 

“You’ve done well.” He complimented with a smile, his words assuring and honey-laden. 

“Oh, thank you Light!” She cheered in a gentle voice, her cheeks pressing against his broad shoulders. She moved her arms to wrap around the back of his neck, trying to make the interaction between them last forever. 

He let go of her, emphasizing yet again why she was here. “I’ll need to see it,” he ordered her in an assertive tone. She quickly listened and grabbed the crumpled paper from her bag, handing it to him. 

“Do you have a fake copy of the note in your bag, too?” Light questioned, looking for signs that she made mistakes— something he seemed to come across often.

“Yes, no duh! I know they might have security cameras, so I went to the bathroom and wrote down two notes, one that was the passcode, and one that was just a list of the celebrities I wanted him to give me the ancestry for. The one with the celebrities is right here.” the blonde pulled at the sides of the satin heels she had on, retrieving a note torn from the same memo pad. “I said I couldn’t think of any. It makes sense I’d write down some if I did later, right?” 

“Yeah.” Light placed his slender hand on her shoulder, gently grasping the warm, black fabric. “Thanks for being careful, Misa.” 

“You’re welcome!” The blonde’s eyes sparkled, and she silently clasped her hands together with joy. “I’ll try to stay that way, I promise.”

“Well.. it looks like I’ll have to follow through on my deal with her.” He internally sighed. “I don’t know why she’s so interested in having sex with me. It’s a waste of time and energy on my part. I want to eliminate the police and more criminals, and she’s distracting me from that goal— just for some base, ridiculous desire she has.”

Light stood up, looking down at her with cold, harsh eyes. “Pull up your dress. Misa. I’m going to fuck you. I really don’t have space in my schedule, so I’m putting you on a time limit.” He whipped back his sleeves to his wrists, glancing at his silver watch to mentally record the time.

“Don’t you want to stay longer with me?” She pleaded, nearly hugging his tall, slender legs. “You won, Light! You got the database. We have all the time in the world.”

“I don’t.” He snapped at her, annoyed at her incessant objections. “It’s nearly 11. We can reschedule for another time if you want to draw things out, but I can’t promise it will be exactly what you want.”

“No, no!” She stammered, her eyebrows drawing up with bitter sadness. “It’s ok. I want to do it now. It’s okay if you don’t last very long this time.”

“What?” Light’s lips curled up in an expression of disdain. His amber eyes struck her with fiery heat, which caused her to break eye contact with him. “You really think that?” He derided her, almost laughing. “I can easily have sex with you until you faint.”

“No, it’s totally okay!” Misa exclaimed, her hands balling up as she whined at his feet. She was unwittingly pressuring him in a way that came naturally. “You said you had to sleep, so you don’t have to lie.”

“This woman…” Light hissed in his mind, his mouth pursing tightly in repressed anger. “She’s going to make me lose sleep, again! Damn her. I really will end up having to do this for hours again, won’t I?”

“You’re really testing me, Misa.” He dictated, running agitated hands through his hair. 

“You can just take your anger out on me then!” She choked, trying to appease his anger with negotiation. “Do you want me to stop looking at you again?”

“No. You won’t have to.” Light took her by the wrists, her face crashing into the mattress as he shoved her on the bed. “Just turn around.” The blonde’s dress rode up past her hips when she was bent over, revealing her lace lingerie. 

“Actually, forget it.” Light drew back from the bed, resting finally in his desk chair again. His legs parted slightly, relaxing at the sides of the arms. “I’ll be honest, Misa— I want you to beg me to reward you first. It’s the only way I can get excited.” His eyes traced along her scantily-clad body, everything in his mind communicating that there wasn’t anything interesting in sight. He sighed. “Just seeing your body doesn’t really do it for me.”

“Oh.. I’m sorry. Like this?” She bent over on her hands in an apologetic manner. “Please give me your reward, Light. You mean everything to me… I’d be so grateful.”

“No,” he sharply exhaled, “that’s enough. I don’t want to sit here and listen to you confess your puppy-love to me over and over. I’ve had enough of that from other women. In the grand scheme of things, Misa, you won’t matter. This isn’t about you.” Light taunted her, explaining in harsh detail why her words failed to arouse him. “Everyone will remember me as God. Tell me— what are you exactly? What role do you think you serve as?”

“The role I serve.. I think right now you have me as your helper, right?” Misa observed, trying to gauge his approval as she spoke. “But later on, I really hope that we can become closer. I think I have a chance. What do you think— ah!”

He slapped his hand against her mouth suddenly, silencing her words with a loud smack. “You idiot. You seriously think you’ve done well enough to get me to act like that now? I could never get hard for trash like you— a performance like that. What a waste.” He groaned in a low, deeply regretful tone, withdrawing his arm from her face. “Of course you wouldn’t be able to satisfy me.”

“I’m sorry, Light!” She cried, apologizing relentlessly. “Look, I promise to suck your cock really well this time! I know that I don’t deserve it. You’re perfect in every way, you’re God! You’re God, and I…” suddenly she started breaking down into tears, her body feeble and shaking. “… I’m completely worthless…”

“That’s right. I am God.” He seemed pleased at her compliment, drawing the last of his words into an ominous, high-pitched laugh. “I’ve won. Look at the world, Misa.” He trailed off the last of his gasping hysterics. “Look at what I’ve managed to do in just over a few months. And you do everything I say, it’s all so… perfect! I must say I enjoy that about you, Misa. I know that even your dying words would be nothing but idolatry for Kira. I think I will end up rewarding you, after all.” The blonde ignored him, fretful tears and gentle cries flooding out of her. “Don’t cry..” Light purred deceptively while nudging her, grabbing her chin to force her eyes to him.

Light ran his hands through her hair briefly, almost petting her as one would a fluffy cat. He loved seeing her cry, and in the brief moment, he didn’t care to disguise it. The tall figure leaned down to access the blonde’s face, seeming intent on doing whatever he pleased. “Mmh..” He moaned through a sigh, kissing and tasting her tears as she sobbed below him. Misa’s only response was to freeze in fear, her doe-eyes widening and a blush forming on her cheeks. Light licked his lips as he pulled away from her, his features wicked and corrupt. She could tell he was finally hard after all the effort she went through, and felt relieved that he was showing some desire for her.

“Light… please fuck me until I pass out…!” She weeped in desperation, hoping to further strengthen his feelings. “I want you to use me and toss me aside like the trash I am! I could never satisfy Kira, I don’t deserve to be near him…” Light only seemed to stand over her like a young Adonis, reveling in the endless praise she offered to Kira. “I’m so grateful that you’d even bother to touch me,” she whimpered, “I’m easy and stupid..! I’ll do anything to keep you happy, even if it costs me my life!” 

Light smiled only slightly, his eyes still narrow with harsh judgement. “Be glad, Misa— your performance was better.” He began undoing the belt around his waist, an act which he made look elegant and tidy. “I’ll be doing this at my own pace— it will probably be painful at first.”

“It’s alright!” Misa reassured him, falling into the position he held her to earlier. Her blonde hair fell between her arms as she turned her head. “I want you to hurt me— if you think it will feel good for you, just do it okay? You don’t have to ask.”

“You and I want the same thing, then.” Light scooped some of the blonde hair away from her face, taunting close to her ears. He grabbed at her hips and thighs, pinching the flesh down to the bone— as if he were checking how tender she was as an animal. He snapped the panties off, leaving her entire lower body exposed for him to see. “I’m assuming you’re safe, right?” Light observed her soft curves, taking a moment to analyze the risks and problems with each action he could take. She nodded in agreement, the cold air in the room biting at her bare skin. His hands were icy and claw-like as he used her hips to push himself into her, eliciting a high, timid gasp from the blonde.

“Damn— she’s tight!” Light thought, restrained arousal filling his mind. “This might actually be difficult— I still have to fuck her until she faints...”

She began moaning in a sweet, high tone, breathy gasps still escaping from her as his stomach smacked against her ass. In response to her arousal Light only huffed, seeming to lose interest quickly from the lack of stimulation. After all, her behavior was just like it was from pornography— something he found boring and only played to form alibis. 

“Why? Does it seriously feel that good?” He questioned Misa, scolding her in half-honesty. “This is just as boring as I thought it would be.”

She cried out from in front of him, her blushed face pressing into the mattress. “Please, Light… just use me…” 

“Misa, you idiot!” He exclaimed at her distracted sentiments, nearly laughing. “Learn to pay attention, even while I’m fucking you.” He leaned into the soft mattress, quickening his pace and going even deeper into her. He planned to mesh her pleasure into pain again for his own enjoyment, knowing she would comply through everything. “I asked— why does this feel so good to you?” 

“Because…” she drew out her words in between sighs, and began apologizing relentlessly for having nothing in her mind. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry, I can’t think of anything!”

“Now…” he grabbed a handful of her hair, smoothing it along her back. In the same motion, he grabbed the area of her neck that he’d bitten— now healed, trembling skin. “Can you?” 

She gasped, past words becoming clear as his insidious heat trapped itself within her body. “I just want to hurt you.. I don’t love you..”

“Light doesn’t love me..” she weakly froze and stopped reacting, eyes wide and face stilled. 

“I don’t remember saying I don’t love you.” he slowed himself, trying to compose himself properly enough to lie in response. “I think you’re mistaken, Misa.” 

“Damn.. did I really say that?” Light continued mindlessly fucking her, energy still flooding into his thoughts. “I have said I never tell lies that hurt others… this is bad.”

“I don’t think I am..” Misa repeated her conclusion, refusing to comprehend all the signs. She looked back at him somberly, her face losing color. “Is it true?”

“You’re wrong.” He denied her, roughly clasping her shoulder and using it to slam her back onto the bed. “I’ll show you my love— completely and fully…!” She was met with frigid, raging eyes— not a hint of mercy lied behind them. “I love you—“ he spoke in detest, “I own you, Misa..!”

She smiled gently, her cherry colored face reflecting glimmers of sparkles and tears. She softly spoke, “Thank you Light.. it’s not true, I knew it.” 

“Misa is truly fragile. Her body shaking like leaves underneath me— I want to break her…!” His face contorted into monstrous desperation, his mind taking over his body. “No. Not yet.” The blonde was slowly losing energy underneath him, intoxicated by the deeply restrained feelings he falsely confessed to her. It quickly passed one hour— she was going to faint as planned. Light was glowing with sweat and arousal, his hair slightly flattened down to his forehead. 

“It hurts.. Light.” She gently spoke, cupping her hands to his face as he continued to roughly fuck her. He pulled her fingers away, tucking them to her chest and pressing down against her heart. Forceful. Violent. Callous.

“I said it would be until you faint— I’d never lie about something like that.” He reminded her in a tone of mild exhaustion, the closest he would get to being gentle during their encounter.

“Do you want to come inside me?” She offered weakly, her voice becoming quieter. 

“What makes you think you deserve something like that, hm?” Light’s shoulders drew up and hovered above her, his eyes piercing her like knives. He hadn’t lost his anger and lust— he still wasn’t completely satisfied.

“I don’t. I wouldn’t be able to live without you.. I’m nothing to Kira.” She pleaded and gasped in pain, her words agitating- possessing him into fucking her harder. “I’m just another slave…” she spoke, her rosy lips shaking from the tension. “I’m completely worthless. Just use me..”

“I want to watch…” he leaned into her neck, exhaling, “the consciousness drain out of you first.” 

“It hurts so bad.. but I don’t care.” She trailed off, tears forming in her exhausted, adoring eyes. “You’re everything to me, Light— please, love me..” her drowning eyes fluttered, and finally closed. Her soft angelic face was falling deeply into a tragic, pain-driven loss of consciousness. 

“Mm..” Light groaned quietly, taking in a deep breath. “Thanks for helping me, Misa. You’re worthless and replaceable… but mine. I…!“ he stuttered and yelled, the rush of a hot orgasm overtaking him in heaving waves. He pushed himself deeply into her, filling her with every last drop. “I’ll be the one to break you.” After Light came out of his haze of arousal, he felt a tinge of regret for agreeing to do this for hours. He pulled out of her carelessly, leaving her in a state of half-dress and disordered makeup. He dragged her off of the bed by her satin heels as if she were trash, letting her limp body crash to the floor. 

“I can’t go to bed with her on top of everything I’ve already done,” he thought, regretful of his level of affection. “I’ve been too generous with her— it won’t happen again.” He took a damp towel to her face, cleaning the smudged, glitter makeup off. After all, it was evidence he was rough with her again, and it was important to be vigilant in disguising it. 

“Good night, Misa.” He whispered to her, tucking silky blonde hair behind her ears. “You’ve been a great help.” Light redressed himself, but left her with lace lingerie undone, her items strewn on the floor. He took Murakami’s passcode and studied it— after a moment he had it memorized. He lit it on fire, watching the ashes crumble the evidence away into nothing. He was finished, and a triumphant expression rested comfortably on his face as he prepared to rest. The dim glow of the moonlight highlighted his malicious, resting eyes— and he closed them.

Chapter Text

“Light?” Misa breathily sighed, outstretching her arms as she felt a familiar, rough hand grip her shoulder. She sat up to meet the eyes of who she had been with all night— he was stiff and tense. There was a hot, permeating feeling radiating from her inner thighs.

She internally shifted in pleasure, her legs shaking slightly from the intensity he pumped into her. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.. I really want it to stay like this forever..”

“Misa. You need to leave soon—“ Light commanded, bursting the bubble of her emotions. He presented as agitated and unable to sleep. “No one has been working here lately, but I still don’t want to risk waiting until morning.”

“Oh.. okay Light. I’ll leave right now.” The blonde gestured to her face and body, trying to shake off the arousal she still felt. “Do I look like I’ll hurt your reputation?” 

“I’ve cleaned your face already. You’re a grown woman—“ he insulted, “you should have learned by now how this goes.”

Misa’s eyes were bright yet vacant, and she only nodded sheepishly. He infected with constant, hidden cruelty— a cruelty which persisted through every interaction and every word.

Light continued to order her with a touch of scorn. “I want you to do a few things for me though, before you leave— will you obey me?”

“Yes! Of course I can Light..” she dragged her words, “I’ll do anything for you.”

“Thank you for fabricating the note for me before I ordered you to, but I have some slight changes you need to make.” Light spoke forcefully with no eye contact, standing up and stepping towards the door. A blank, white slip of paper had fallen near the entrance— small and innocuous. He pocketed it for later use, and walked towards Misa once more. From the angle, her eyes could only access his chest, belt, and legs. Another close instruction rang out. “Place the fake note in the same area and order it was naturally with the original passcode.” Light bent slightly from his towering position, pushing her head down towards her heels. 

Light observed her for a moment before continuing to speak, his hands still firmly gripping her hair. “Have you been avoiding leaving fingerprints?” 

“Of course! I’m not that stupid.” Misa replied in a sweet tone, unsnapping the black, vinyl flap to her purse. “I used this part of my purse to open things. I always make sure no one’s around before coming in your building, too.”

“I just can’t have any signs that you were here recently. People know that we’ve interacted, but I don’t want to wait very long before I start killing people from the database. In the meantime, you’ll need to continue dating Murakami.” He spoke clinically, tensing and releasing his hands from her head. “I’ll continue dating other women.” 

“What…?” Her eyes widened. “You’ve actually been dating other girls this whole time? I thought you were just threatening me with it!” The questions were erratic, her eyes quickly glossing over in pain and embarrassment.

“I probably..” Light’s mind raced, “shouldn’t have said that.”

“Of course. For the same reason you’ve had to hide our relationship,” he paused and continued, “I can’t stop seeing other women.”

“But.. that’s so unfair!” Misa rose to her knees to grab his hands, clinging to his legs. “I do way better at doing what you say than they ever could!” 

“You and I can’t be seen as close.” Light denied her, his stare cold and to the brim with judgment. He slapped her hands away in a rigid, nonviolent manner. “It’s not about doing what I say, it’s about how I appear in public.”

“And I’m assuming you take them to bed, too?” She pouted to him as he remained composed, her face glowing with fear and hesitation. “And tell them you love them, too!”

“When I do,” Light stated harshly, “it’s only part of the act. You should know I rarely have time for it while being a student and an employee here.”

“But it’s different with me, right? You don’t actually love them?” Her lips and eyes were pulled down into sadness, despite the optimism of her words.

“Her eyes..!” He thought, feeling a massive wave of victory over her. “She really believed me. This is… perfect. I’m so close to getting everything I need from her.”

“Of course, Misa.” Light assured her flatly, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. He flashed a dull, slight smile. “You’re an excellent service to Kira.”

“I get really jealous.” She confessed, trying to calm her nerves. “I’m sorry, I’ll try not to kill them.”

“Kill them..?” Light hadn’t really considered that she had a violent, envious side. His face grew slightly agitated. “That isn’t necessary,” he assured, “I only love you, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

She nodded in agreement quickly, mumbling, “Sorry!” as her blonde hair ruffled and shined.

“I need to do some things in the time between deaths as well…” Light’s eyes narrowed in calculated thought. “I’ll need a new computer from Ryuk, for—“

“Who’s Ryuk?” Misa interrupted with a question, her eyebrows raising in confusion. “Is he your friend?”

“No, not exactly— he’s more of a supplier.” Light refuted her idea, telling the truth. “I had to get rid of it earlier than I intended, since the police were trying to track me.” 

“I know, Murakami told me! That stupid L..” Misa huffed, “you should stop him!” 

“I’ve already gotten further than L at this point, so he isn’t close to catching me.” His voice was commanding, seeming complacent in the success of his goals so far. “We both know that if Kira wins then he is justice— if everything goes as planned L will die knowing that.”

“Totally!” Misa agreed enthusiastically. “So is there anything else you want me to do?”

“Yes. I want you to go to the library in the A Block as soon as possible, too, to check out books. You need to enter through the back hallway, so anyone in the library this late will think you’ve been in the bathrooms. Do not leave the A Block— there are cameras and employees.” Light commanded with a strict, unyielding voice. “Understand?”

“Yes.” Misa acknowledged. “But.. what books do you want me to get?”

 “Check out the book titled “Homeopathic Medicine for Unknown Ailments,” and similar titles that support your alibi.” He added a note for her behavior, “Be a good actress.” 

“Oh, yeah! I have to do all sorts of things to keep up since my agency does drug tests- ugh, it’s so annoying!” She complained, recalling a few bad memories. “That way I’m not even acting, right?”

“I need to find more ways to indirectly affect her health for this particular alibi. What I’ve done already isn’t enough..” Light thought of the ways he could cause her pain, using the new rationalization to plan even more wicked undertakings. “I’ll have to continue hurting her psychologically. It perfectly justifies my treatment of her, too- if not by Kira alone. If she ever disobeys and fights with me about the past, I’ll use it to say that I was only protecting her.”

“Good job, Misa.” Light complimented, his tone authoritative but kind. “Keep it on you.”

She gleefully chirped, her eyes wide and bright. “I promise.”

Light spoke gently in response, his alluring eyes sharp with deception. “If you do as I ask, I’ll continue to reward you. Let’s create a new world together, Misa.”

“Yay!” She squealed, hugging him. “I love you, Light. I believe in our future.” He accepted the embrace— she nuzzled into his chest while keeping a warm smile.

“Oh, Right!” Misa reminded herself audibly while pulling away. “I understand everything.” She apologized, making her way to the door in a hurry. “Sorry, I’ll go. Goodnight!” Light stood towards the door as it shut behind her- his work wasn’t through yet.

“L,” Matsuda bursted through the headquarters entrance, “I tried going to the grocery store, and they were completely out of everything!” 

“Yes.” L responded, his eyes darting over to Matsuda. “It’s reasonable to think people would stay inside after Murakami said they weren’t safe.”

“But it’s all closed, too— everything’s dark like it’s an apocalypse!” Matsuda announced, his expression tense with fear. “You can’t even go to the sweet cafe anymore!” He looked directly across the room towards L, pocketing his noisy keys.

“Oh? What a shame…” L commented in a low tone, “they had good cake.” The furniture was surrounded by a soft glow of television lights- lights that would seemingly never go out. The space accounted for every one of the task force members, and the couch was growing crowded with people.

“The world is a disaster.” Ide complained, sitting rigidly on the leather chair adjacent to Matsuda.

“What if everything gets closed down, L?” Aizawa spoke with a tone of concern, leaning toward the cushions. “Including this building?” 

“That won’t happen.” L refuted him, his demeanor blasé. “It won’t be long until the quarantine is lifted.”

The task force all had a sudden expression of confusion, brows furrowing and eyes narrowing in doubt.

“Where’d you get that idea, L?” Matsuda asked, some sweat forming on his forehead from stress.

“Yeah, I’d like to know that too.” Ide stated, the shared confusion remaining stuck to his face, too.

L ignored them, seeming lost in his own thoughts. Watari interrupted the silence quickly, approaching mannerly with a file. “Here is the file you requested.” He bowed to him as an esteemed butler would, handing him the file. 

“Thank you, Watari.” L thumbed through the pages of the file, holding it by the edges. “Hmm.. Matsuda, the results of your usual drug test came in— it seems you’re a carrier of the Kira virus.” 

“No!” Matsuda gasped, a nervous frenzy leading him to back away several feet from the group. He stuttered, all the words muffled through his hands. “L..! I promise I’ll volunteer for confinement, that way I can’t spread it to anyone. I tried so hard not to get it, it’s not—“

“Oh, I forgot to mention.” The disheveled detective held the file between two fingers above his head, the results in plain sight to the entire room. “It seems we all have it, including myself.” 

The puppy-eyed detective froze in place, not comprehending his words. Everyone else in the task force were also standing still— some concerned, wordless utterances breaking the silence. L paged through the file as intense anxiety filled the room, the sliding sounds of paper echoing across empty walls.

“I don’t think I can do this anymore, L.” Aizawa shunned the news, backing up slightly as sweat formed on his brow. “Not when it’s gotten to this level.”

“Wait!” Matsuda called out to everyone, trying to quell the negative tension. “Why don’t we just ask the government to start underground bunkers, like in a zombie movie? Don’t self-breathing apparatuses stop it?”

“For 75 minutes, if that’s how long you need to live!” Ide responded angrily, turning his head and crossing his arms away from everyone.

“I think you’re all missing the point— this is good news.” L asserted calmly, stirring his untouched cup of tea. “It means Kira hasn’t been able to select us to die.”

“No, it’s not good at all! I questioned twins the other day!” Matsuda gritted his teeth, tears hidden in his eyes. “What if I killed them.. what if I’m the one that proves Kira is ruthless?”

“What are you, a Kira supporter?” Ide suspiciously asked, his judgmental glance striking Matsuda. “Why do you only care about if twins die? There’s more to be concerned about!”

“I think you’re all viewing this virus as something avoidable— this is just a lie you may have believed from the news.” L continued stirring his tea, the spoon clinking against the white porcelain. “Transmission rates are only getting higher, and Murakami will soon no longer be trusted. There will be no more pretending that there’s anything one can do to avoid death.“

“That’s insane, L!” Aizawa argued, his voice raising with annoyance. “No one would engineer a virus that has no cure, even if it was someone completely evil!”

“Tell me, Aizawa. If the virus was created with the sole intent to kill targets— why would its creator add a means to escape? If anything, he would make escape impossible. That’s exactly what we see..” L concluded apathetically, “restless death.”

“There has to be something we can do, don’t be so pessimistic!” Matsuda wrung his hands together, pulling away even farther from the detective and speaking quickly. “M-maybe I can wear a tag that says I’m a carrier? So that way people know to stay far away?” 

“If they’re able to see your tag, you’ve already passed it to them. It travels on air for far distances, so all that would provide is an omen for death.” L stopped stirring his tea for a moment, the ingredients dissolving into a shiny, dark pool. “Quite a grim thing.” 

“It doesn’t travel on air very far, L.” Aizawa disagreed in a firm voice, flashing an analytical stare. “That makes no sense based on what we know so far.”

“Yeah, Aizawa is right,” Matsuda responded anxiously, his whole body tense with flutters of energy. “I don’t think Murakami said that, otherwise his advice to stay inside wouldn’t work. If it can pass through VX or whatever-he-said filters it can definitely pass through homes, right?”

“Of course he didn’t say it.” L agreed, shifting the conversation back into his favor. “He wanted to offer some failsafe, as he still needs his customers to send in DNA. We must remember his primary motive is to save his company. However…” he admitted, “I may have peeked at their lab tests on the virus…”

“That’s..” Matsuda gulped, “that’s illegal!”

“Do you have any ethics, L?” Aizawa grunted, “What kind of crap is that?”

“Ah..” L teased, a sly grin forming on his face. “I may have just told you all a secret. Thank you for catching it.” He picked up his fully stirred tea, gently tasting it. “Maybe in the future we can all be friends, so I won’t have to keep secrets any longer.”

“H-hey!” Matsuda huffed, “don’t use that technique on us, we’re not criminals!”

“Oh, was I? I didn’t notice. Regardless, it happened to be visible briefly during the installation, I didn’t steal it. So..” he pulled his tea up to his lips again, “not illegal.”

“We have to calm down.” Mogi added with a stoic look, his voice coming from a lonely corner of the room.

“I agree with Aizawa,” Ide affirmed his position against L once more. “What if it was evidence?” He narrowed his eyes, his voice upset and impatient. “It would turn useless- into illegally obtained!”

“I don’t even care about it, I- I just don’t know what to do! Please, you have to think L.” Matsuda bent over, looking L in the eyes with a sincere, hopeless expression. “Is there anything you can do or anyone in any government, anyone in the FBI..”

“To eliminate the virus, in this case, we simply have to arrest Kira before he can engineer a new one.” L reiterated his past beliefs, using it to support his new argument. He continued to speak in a clear, simple manner. “Remember that we still have Misa.”

L’s phone interjected before anyone could respond— it was the FBI. He pulled the device to his ear, holding it by the top between his thumb and forefinger. His dark, tired eyes lit up as the agents words echoed through the speaker. 

“It seems like she’s leaving the building— it’s been about 6 hours that she’s been there. I’ll radio in the other agents that are in the area to assist you.” Raye unclipped the radio that was hidden under his jacket, pulling the speaker up to double communicate. “10-40, suspect is moving to exit the Block A gate on me. Possible chase but planned 10-91 pickup. Subject is a blonde female, approximately 5 feet 5 inches in heels and black long sleeve dress.”

Squad cars screeched at the gate, the red lights staring her down as an ominous siren bled through the silent winds. The bulbs flashed in quick succession, coloring her skin with a harsh, vibrant glow. She stood still in fear, allowing several uniformed officers to exit their vehicles, approaching her quickly.

A shout rang out from the group of men. “Misa Amane, you are under arrest!” 

“Who said that?” Misa’s mind raced, her vision failing to make out any faces in the dark sea of badges and blinding light. “I’m under arrest…?” Her heartbeat quickened in her ear as sinking thoughts crashed down to her stomach. Cold, steel handcuffs were clasped around her wrists as her body was slammed against the hard windshield. The lips she had colored with a shining red were shaking- her eyes trapped in a wide, complete terror.  “He’ll never forgive me..” 

Chapter Text

“Light.” That was what Soichiro said when he picked up. The voice at the other end of the call spoke gently, as if to wake a sleeping child. There was heavy feedback, too— sounds of vehicles, traffic, and wind. 

“What is it, dad?” Light yawned, sitting up and stripping himself of his bedsheet. He kept the phone to his ear, listening intently.

“If you were concerned about the sirens earlier, it was because a young woman was being arrested outside.” His father’s words were assuring, and he made sure they were plainly so.

Light’s eyes widened, and he held back a distinct sound of surprise. He delayed answering in an attempt to quickly think. “Could it be Misa? No.. how could she have gotten caught so quickly?”

“Oh? I was actually asleep, sorry.” Light responded in a polite tone, avoiding any over-curiosity. “What for?” 

Soichiro cleared his throat, and spoke more firmly. “Under suspicion of being related to the Kira case. I’m going to a secret location to answer questions and hopefully aid the investigation, so you may not hear from me for the rest of the day. That is why I called you.”

“.. Will you be okay?” Light replied sympathetically, pulling out his desk chair to sit down and open his computer. The glowing light of the screen framed his emotionless, analytical face. 

“Sure I will, Light. It’s just some work. I’ll be back soon. Love you.” 

“Love you too, dad.” The call cut short with a dial tone. 

“Damn it..!” Light exhaled and inhaled rapidly, abruptly rising from his seat. He scrambled towards the bathroom, which caused the chair to collapse backwards, slamming onto the floor. He looked around with a keen eye for any evidence Misa had been in his room. Hair, fingerprints.. he had to get rid of it all. He gathered a towel to begin scrubbing everything down in his room— every inch. The rag smelled of strong chemicals. What would he do if someone came by and asked about it? Would they assume he was disguising evidence? Or just cleaning? There truly couldn’t be anything left to chance, even out of plain sight. He didn’t trust Misa enough.

Maybe he could— 

“No.” Barely twenty seconds had passed. He remembered something, and his hand suddenly dropped the rag with a wet smack. “I.. I came inside her…!” Light gasped as he dug his nails into the shallow solution, his knuckles turning white. His face froze. “L will simply take a sample of the DNA, and then he’ll know that I was the one who was with her! So.. all of this is pointless! Bastard..!”

Light wiped his nose with his wrists, the bitter odor highly irritating his eyes and skin. He looked to his reflection on the floor with racing thoughts, his eyes distorting around the clear liquid. “How could I have..! How could I have been so careless! I reward her for one night and look at what it cost me!” He gritted his teeth, flattening his palms. “Rrg—!” Was the only thing to leave his throat, the breath that left him bated and shaking. The chemicals splashed between his fingers as his hands tensed and spasmed. His mind frantically worked to reverse the consequences. “Will they come to arrest me soon..? How much time do I have?”

Light sighed angrily, swiping the rag across the twisted reflection of his eyes. The image blurred, finally, and his shoulders relaxed. “It’s.. fine. I had sex with her, so what. That hardly means that I’m Kira. I’ll probably be interrogated in just a few hours.. taken into custody. As long as I get rid of the evidence, I’ll remain a main suspect and nothing more. That’s my only choice.” 

“Ah, I see. So they can enter? I understand.” L spoke apathetically into his cell phone while the task force looked confused, not knowing what was being said on the other line. He gave brief eye contact to the group once he had proper information to reveal. “We can start now.”

L led the group, thumbing through his pockets for a key to the interrogation room. They stepped inside, the bustling sound of mens shoes and cologne filling the air. There was a two-way mirror on their side, and an intercom which would allow communication with the prisoner. The table had one plastic bag marked as evidence— her cell phone. It looked worn down, as if L had already pawed through it several times. There were discarded, wet gloves all around the room. The momentary silence between them was heavy.

“L..?” Matsuda gulped, looking at the girl with a worried expression. “Did you begin already?”

A distant sound of a creaking door, and more footsteps were heard. L had an unsurprised expression, not even turning his head as everyone else did. He didn’t answer Matsuda.

“Sorry I’m late.” Soichiro apologized as he approached behind them, folding his wallet and placing it in the back of his pocket. There were two male security escorts next to him, presumably there to guide him inside and verify his identity. “I was stuck in traffic.”

“General Yagami, was it?” The messy haired detective reached out to shake Soichiro’s hand. The older man accepted it, firmly returning the gesture. “I am L.” 

“Feel free to ask me any questions.” He slid past Matsuda quickly, placing his hat on top of the conference table. The tight space was suffocating with so many people.

“I will.” L rolled out a silver, worn chair and propped his knees up. His toes curled around the edge of the seat as he clicked a button— one which would allow his voice to reach the prisoner. “Misa Amane. We will be with you shortly.” He released the button, letting his words linger in her cell. 

“I know your game with this interrogation, L.” Aizawa commented as he narrowed his eyes, approaching the two-way glass. “If you’re gonna be the bad cop, at least one of us has gotta go in there and be the good cop.” 

Everyone sharply turned to look at Matsuda, excluding Soichiro and L.

“Heh— what?” Matsuda questioned in an air of naïveté, smiling and rubbing his neck nervously.

“It’s decided. He will be good cop.. and I will be bad cop.” L pursed his lips, gazing at Misa. “Yes.. I’ll be a very bad cop.”

“Do I just use the standard method?” Matsuda questioned, looking to affirm the process.

“Sure.” L agreed, pulling his mouth upwards while thinking. “That bag is valuable. It contains the passcode, which will be either missing or present. See if she lets you look through it easily. We have yet to force it from her— we need her to think that she can still dispose of evidence. If we catch her in such an act, it will pin her. That is when we press for a confession.”

“Pardon the interruption... but what questions did you have for me?” General Yagami interjected in a mild-mannered fashion, looking worriedly at the time on his watch.

“While Matsuda is making small talk with the suspect, you can call the man who oversees the A gate.” L spoke lazily, yet his ideas seemed to come from much deliberation.

The General cleared his throat and nodded, typing in the numbers quickly. After a short few dial tones, a man picked up. Soichiro raised the volume so everyone could hear. “Hello.. this is General Yagami. I’m with the lead investigator for the Kira Case— you’ll need to step away to answer some questions for him.” 

“Of course, sir!” A cheerful voice rang out on the other end. “Does he want to know if that blonde girl who got arrested came in last night? She did— she made a visitor ID.”

L rotated his chair, extending his torso forwards to bend and reach the top of the speaker. “And this visitor ID, can I obtain the digital records for it?” 

“Excuse me, I’m putting you on hold.” General Yagami muted the call. Some sweat formed on his forehead, his commanding voice lowering sheepishly as he spoke. “L.. There are written passes granted if someone shows their drivers license or ID at the gate. We don’t use any kind of digital system.”

“Well that’s just great!” Aizawa criticized, shaking his head. General Yagami met his eyes with a solemn frown. 

Soichiro cleared his throat, hesitant to tell the truth. “The budget is tight.. we still need to perform renovations, especially in the A block. Without any incidents since the 90’s.. I neglected updating the security. I apologize.”

L drew his hand forward, using one of his dangling fingertips to unmute the call and speak to the guard directly. “What was the earliest known instance that you remember seeing her?” 

“I know I saw her last night, which was when I wrote out her ID.” The voice cut out with a honking car horn, followed by a brief pause. “I see tons of faces every day though. If she has visited previously, it definitely wasn’t recent enough for me to remember.”

“So.. last night was seemingly her first visit..” L observed, placing his thumb to his lips.

“Ah, I forgot to mention,” L explained while muting the call again, “You can go in now, Matsuda. If she doesn’t give you the purse, I’ll force it from her hands. We can acquire her written ID then.” L flickered his eyes over to him and back to Misa, as if to beckon him to that place immediately.

“O-oh. I’ll be going then.” Matsuda slid past Aizawa and General Yagami, who both seemed uncomfortable by the sudden bodily contact he made to get by. They stepped away at the same time in response.

Matsuda finally wiggled past the doorframe, exiting and entering after some time on Misa’s side. He placed a cherry soda down in front of her and slid a yellow notebook to his side of the table. “Here, I’ll take those cuffs off.” He quickly unclasped and discarded the restraints to his side, speaking politely. He held out his hand shortly afterwards. “I am detective Matsuda Touta.” She ignored his handshake offer, leading him to sit down and smile softly at her instead. 

L clicked on the receiving speaker, making sure not to turn on his own microphone. 

“How are you doing?” Matsuda greeted, flipping over a page to begin writing. “I’m just going to ask a few things, and you can let me know if you need anything. I know this can be really stressful, so I’ll try to make it quick.” He clicked the pen, the black tip jotting some approval signature on the page. “We’ll start by reading you your rights. You have the right to remain silent, and the right to an attorney.”

L turned off the speaker. “General Yagami..” L mumbled, bouncing his feet impatiently on the chair. “You can hang up.” After he finished speaking, he switched the interrogation audio back on.

“You just have to sign right here Misa, then we can get this cleared up.” Matsuda held out a pen with open palms, smiling gently. She took it wordlessly, swiping the paper with ink and then dropping the pen. It rolled away and fell off the table. 

“Oops! You dropped this, heh.” He dove down towards the floor to reach it, still keeping a positive expression.

“No.. don’t look at me..!” Misa’s eyes shot open in fear, worsening thoughts driving her mad. She knew that Light would be in trouble if she didn’t find a way to get rid of the evidence. If she asked to use the bathroom, would they watch her? Would they even allow it? She locked her thighs closed, halting her breath. Her eyes frantically moved along the man under the desk, while her body remained as stiff as a board. She couldn’t lose sight of him when he was so close to finding out. All they had to do was treat her like a prisoner, and they would have Kira. Instead, they were acting strange, giving her drinks, taking her handcuffs off, and allowing her freedom. She knew something profoundly wrong was going on. 

Matsuda’s arm and hand shot upwards from under the table to gently slap the pen back in its place. With some difficulty he went to his seat, scooting closer to where Misa was sitting. “There, got it.”

“So.. what were you up to last night?” Matsuda asked, his tone well mannered. “Hanging out with someone?”

No answer. Misa only stared at him.

“Or.. how about some late night partying?” He continued, still not getting either eye contact or a single word.

“His technique is awful,” Ide commented harshly, “we’ll never get a confession if he keeps this up!”

“Give it time, Ide.” L assured him. “It really only works when an antagonizing force is introduced.” He clicked the interrogation speaker again, allowing some feedback to flow into the next room. “Misa. If you don’t comply, we will have to use other methods.” He drew out his words in an ominous fashion, intending to evoke fear. “You don’t want me to get involved. I recommend telling him everything you know.”

“Listen to L.” Matsuda urged, his expression sympathetic. “Mistakes happen. There will always be a chance for you to redeem yourself, no matter what you did. Tell us so we can help you, Misa!” His voice was firm but comforting, and it seemed as if he were sharing her pain. As if he could feel it enough to reflect it back.

“I-I have to go pee!” The blonde cried, startling everyone with the sudden and unexpected words. She twisted her legs together, causing Matsuda to glance down and then hurriedly look away. He felt embarrassed for her.

“Misa.” L’s voice sounded mildly annoyed, displeased by the interruption. “There are no female guards here right now. You’ll have to hold it until someone can take you.”

“I can’t hold it!” Misa whined, bouncing in her seat. “Do you want me to do it all over myself or something? Is that what you like, L? You pervert..!”

“I’m a pervert..?” L’s eyes moved to stare off in space, his mouth opening slightly from surprise. It disturbed everyone to a larger extent, which caused prolonged tension. He couldn’t believe that she used that word to describe him. That she would imply he got some kind of sick pleasure from watching her be humiliated. No— that is something only befitting of Kira. Him and that man were alike in many ways, but there was surely no way that they’d share that particular quality. It was too criminal. Too close to being Kira, rather than being like him. He couldn’t treat her inhumanely if it didn’t benefit his work. Only then would it become different.

“Alright..” L’s voice resounded from the speaker, seeming defeated. “Matsuda, you will take her. Put your hands over her eyes until she reaches the bathroom. And please watch—  I can’t observe her personally once she leaves this room. You must inspect her fully.” The words were clear and emphasized. “Understand?”

“W-wait—!” Matsuda stuttered, the audio cutting out before he could finish. He turned away from the blonde prisoner slightly, his body tense and rigid. The suit-covered shoulders on the detective drew up and froze in hesitation. He sighed after a moment of thought, relaxing himself enough to make a decision.

“Misa, please hold out your arms. Then we can go.”

She obliged, nodding quickly. He cuffed her wrists slowly, the chains clinking together with each slight movement. His fingers were tender and soft as he latched the restraints closed, unlike the officers who slammed her to the windshield. They were close for a moment as she stood up, the quiet sitting comfortably in the air. His face was full of a humble kindness. Like he would never hurt her. 

Misa was wearing the same clothing since her time with Light. It was wrinkled still, by all his strength. It felt like on that night, an inescapable corruption had trapped itself inside her. As if he left invisible stains under her skin. He could speak through her, now— he didn’t need to be there.

“Sorry, I have to hold you.” Matsuda opened the door slightly, enough to wedge his shoe inside while still blocking the exit with his body. He placed firm hands on her shoulders, using his leg to swing open the door. The chain then wrapped around his hand and over her face— he needed the leverage in order to subdue her properly. He backed up into the hallway while keeping Misa close.

Matsuda calmly guided her into the bathroom, her feet occasionally being brushed with his own shoes as they stepped in unison. She didn’t know where she was going, the detective’s clammy hands still placed over her eyes. His grip felt weak and pliable, like she could shake her head and easily knock his arms loose.

“Please don’t watch me..” Misa pleaded when she got to the entrance, her now-free eyes watery with sadness. She made sure he could see the hurt on her face when looking at him. It was very real misery, but not for the reason he’d think of.

“Ah.. L said I have to, but..” Matsuda broke eye contact with her, his expression becoming torn. His lips pursed and he looked up in thought, trying to determine his choice. “Do you promise to talk to me if I don’t?” 

Misa nodded enthusiastically, a wave of relief washing over her.

“Thank you..” He responded warmly, extending the restraints barely and stepping away. “I’ll watch from out here. Just pull on the chain when you’re done.”

Matsuda was slightly concerned at the lack of noise coming from the stall, but didn’t say anything in fear he would embarrass her.

Misa pulled on the chain slightly, causing Matsuda to flinch. He was trying to ignore the blonde in an effort to be polite, so the sudden sound made him jump. 

“Are.. you done?” Matsuda asked timidly, unsure of if he should open the door. He didn’t want to barge in.

“Barely, sorry..” Misa’s sweet apology echoed from behind the door.

“Then..” Matsuda swallowed, placing a hesitant hand on the door. “Can I come in and get you?” 

“Yes.”

—

The two were now talking amicably after the visit to the bathroom. They spoke about useless things— favorite hobbies, places, and stories about work. Matsuda was hesitant to use leading questions, but just before an interruption he asked something remarkable.

“Misa, can you tell me about where you were last night?” 

She had to be careful. He couldn’t gain too many specifics, since that could be seen as guilty behavior. Her body language, tone, and level of concern all had to be perfect. She had to be an excellent actor for Light, and ensure that he would not pay for her mistake. Demanding perfection to avoid his cold penalty games— the things he would do if she disobeyed him. 

“I was on a date with the CEO of a big DNA company.” She fiddled with her hands, her acrylic nails tapping together nervously. “He’s super famous, so I hope you know who he is.” 

“Yeah— I think so.” Matsuda feigned ignorance in order to prod for more details. “So how long were you on the date?”

“I felt really sick, so I couldn’t stay the night with him.” Misa bowed her head in shame, the words timid and quiet. “I’ve been really sick lately, and I don’t know why. It’s horrible.”

Matsuda knew it couldn’t be the virus. That kills within days— and her DNA isn’t listed on the database. Her blood test was yet to come back.

“Then why did we find you outside your home?” He quickly changed his words to be less blunt, not wanting to overtly add pressure. “I mean— can you explain why you didn’t want to go home after feeling sick?”

It seemed odd that she had no record aside from contempt of court— and even then she was let off with a warning since her slate was clean. In the back of his mind, he really believed she wouldn’t be capable of working for Kira. She was too sweet, and her eyes sparkled too brightly.

“I.. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. I cancelled on him twice, and I felt so bad that I couldn’t take it anymore..!” Misa looked up at the detective, her face trembling with hopelessness. “I went to that big military library and tried to figure it out myself.. but. I’m so stupid that I couldn’t understand any of the books that would help me.”

Matsuda’s brows furrowed slightly, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead. He didn’t know what to say to her depreciation. Her eyes shined with flowing sadness, and she looked fragile as the silence relaxed between them. He wanted to help her, to smooth the waters that rose higher and higher. But at the same time, she was a suspect. L made his decision, so there was no room to hold back. “O-oh. So you were at the library for that many hours?”

L stared in awe at the two, ingratiated by the words. His thoughts were puzzled. “What a convenient alibi.. shall we see if it’s true?”

After a moment he spoke, briefly eyeing Soichiro’s cell phone as a hint to his decision. “I’d like to have the names of every current employee at the library. Particularly the one working last night.“

General Yagami choked slightly. He didn’t expect to be asked that. He moved to evade L’s eyes— he was about to disappoint him. “We.. use an automatic checkout system, now. There were employees, but they’ve been quitting at such a rapid rate.. I’m terribly sorry. There was simply no way to keep up.“ 

L glared at him for a moment— yes, he had been disappointed. With so many factors working in Kira’s favor, it would be difficult to ascertain the truth. “Alright then. I’m sure there are no cameras there as well, given the rest of the A block..” He poked his finger at the microphone, seeming almost depressed by the news.

L knew that she only needed to be caught in one lie. Then it would become two, and three, and eventually lead to a confession. Kira would not be far behind her. Several sporadic conversations burst out after Soichiro finished speaking, the men’s voices easily overpowering the small speaker. The room broke out with noise before an abrupt interjection.

“Pay attention..!” Aizawa shouted suddenly, calling everyone’s eyes to look at the interrogation room. “She won’t give up the bag!”

L breathed in slightly, turning the audio up enough to boom over the conversation rather than be muffled by it. He didn’t want to miss anything else— even if he planned to watch it more times than anyone would.

“No.. I don’t want you to tell everyone about it. My reputation will be ruined!” Misa clutched the purse to her chest, rising and falling with each movement. “It’s shameful.” The over-contesting seemed illogical and highly suspicious, which raised L’s interest even more.

“She’s playing right into my hands..” L’s eyes pierced through her, and he took in more breath in an effort to think. The rest of him had no reaction. “Now all I have to do is see what she’s so desperate to hide.” 

L fumbled with some rubber gloves to his left, sliding them over to the edge of the table and out of the way. The fingerprint molds he took of the cell phone were complete— he could use his hands to touch it now. The snapping and crinkling noises from all the plastic was unsettling. He unzipped the evidence bag with Misa’s phone, holding it between his thumb and forefinger. There was practically every social media site installed on her phone. There was a lot to look through, but L seemed intent on opening one application in particular. He searched and found a name easily.

“Mm— is this your son, here?” L pronounced the name in a naive manner, “Light Yagami.” He falsely acted as if it were his first time looking, touching the object with strange fascination.

“Let me see that.” Soichiro held out his open palm, causing the detective to drop it gently in his hands. He observed the image carefully, becoming increasingly bewildered by what he saw. “There are no messages here. Is this a joke?” 

“Well..” L responded slowly, “that’s because the messages disappear after some time. Does he happen to live where the suspect was last night?”

“What?” Soichiro shouted, his eyes widening in complete shock. He slammed his hand on the table, overwhelmed by the sudden accusation. He locked his angered gaze directly on L, sweat visible on his forehead. “What are you implying about my son? That he’s Kira?”

“Of course not, General Yagami.” L eyed the red vascularity of of the older man’s hand, which was adorned in a golden, stark wedding ring. It got worse when he spoke. “I just wanted to let you know your son has a minor connection to her.”

“That’s ridiculous! Just look at how many men— at least five of my other employees are here!” Soichiro seemed to find the endless flow of attention from men as creepy, and he would certainly never allow his daughter to be subject to such a thing. He sighed, calming down. “What crude behavior..”

“There was nothing exchanged last night, or recently. So I doubt he is Kira. It is more likely to be him..” L scrolled very far upwards, pointing weakly at a more recent name. The phone still sat in Soichiro’s hand, and he immediately recognized it as an employee. “He messaged her just three days ago. It’s saved here.” L mocked an enthusiastic voice, which still came off as low energy. “Hey hey, what’s up girl.”

“L.” General Yagami handed the cell phone back to the detective, who took it meekly between his fingers. He sounded hopeful. “Can you not gain access to the hidden messages?”

“Even if Kira is among these names, I doubt he has sent anything useful. And, no. This company does not store the data after it disappears.” L swiped his finger up and down, the list of names bouncing in response. He seemed preoccupied with his own thoughts, speaking only after the messages refreshed. “Ah. Can I have the name of your Wi-Fi company?”

“What?” Soichiro folded his arms, seeming confused at his question. “We have our own. But like this application seems to be, there is no storing data. It would be dangerous if we did.”

“Truly..” L drew out his words, sounding dejected. “Your budgeting of security seems imbalanced. I would easily be able to exploit weaknesses in your system and operate as Kira.”

General Yagami’s eyes narrowed, a mild scowl forming on his face. He spoke sternly. “Cyber threats are much more likely, detective. Why would I prioritize a problem which hasn’t occurred for three decades?“

L ignored his answer, deciding to quickly change the subject. He placed the cell phone back on the table, his gloves sliding awkwardly across the plastic. There were other things to be concerned with. He called out one word: “Watari.”

“Yes?” The older gentleman moved from the door, trying to get closer to hear L speak properly. He smiled gently, leaning towards him by his ear.

“Please have her blindfolded again so I can go in.” L mumbled as he pawed at the microphone, stroking up and down the wiry material. His eyelids became heavy as he spoke low orders. “She must be put into a disorienting state, one which she will see as endless..” 

“Right away, sir. I will see to your previous requests as well.” Watari obliged affably, leaving the room. It clicked shut after a moment, an air of apprehension filling the room behind it. L pressed the microphone instantaneously, this time raising his voice in an unusual fashion. 

“Misa Amane..!” The words were impatient, flowing out from the speaker rapidly. “You will surrender the evidence immediately, or we will have to use force.” 

“But… I don’t want you guys to tell people—!” She exclaimed, looking up at the speaker rather than at L. There was no way to determine where he was. 

“Your behavior is unacceptable.” The voice that came through was now grating and harsh. He bowed to his knees in heavy observation, judging her reaction as it poured out. “Don’t expect me to be as kind as Matsuda.” L succinctly cut the volume, shuffling in his seat in a quiet eagerness. His toes scrunched up again.

“Now is an excellent time for my role to be introduced.” L hopped off of the chair, his bare feet making minimal noise as they met the ground. His expression was flat and colorless. “I’ll be leaving now.” 

“You can’t just torture a confession out of someone.” Aizawa shot a judgmental glance towards L, his eyes sharp and cutting. “It doesn’t work like that, and she’ll play it in court. I really hope you know what you’re doing.” He crossed his arms as he spoke, huffing out the last of his statement. 

L looked over his shoulder to Aizawa, smirking with teeth. His eyes were bright, as if some flame were boiling underneath him and rising to his mind. Everyone was startled by the sudden change in his face. There was no real dignified response by him— he left shortly after.

“I’m sorry Misa, I have to go.” Matsuda mumbled politely, solemnly gathering his items into a small pile. He took the soda, too— that was part of standard. She didn’t answer, only tightening her grip around the bag and watching him leave the room. 

A man soon entered on Misa’s side of the room— his burly and tall stature would overpower her easily. He secured the blindfold across her face, the cloth rough and uncomfortable as it irritated her skin. She screamed loudly enough to echo past the speaker, twisting and writhing underneath his grip. The handcuffs weren’t needed. He only said: “Hold still, just need to follow L’s orders.” Her free hands were clasped to another table, as if she were a corpse in a morgue— upright to be viewed by a cold inspector. It was a shining silver rack on wheels, low on the ground with built-in wrist and ankle cuffs. The thick fabric of her dress was not enough to keep the frigid steel from piercing her skin.

Misa cried out suddenly as the metal clamped her wrists and ankles, keeping her locked in place. A string of nonsensical words flew out of her, until she eventually bit down her lip in complete agony. She wanted desperately to break free. A final plea rang out: “Wait— don’t do this!” but there was no response. After her full capture, the man left to call in L. He entered casually. His first words were similarly relaxed.

“Are you a supporter of mine?”

“Not anymore I’m not!” Misa whined, pulling at the wrist clasps enough to shake the table in place. “Please, please let me out!” 

“If you were, then why date that CEO?” L questioned, eyeing the ropes that were scattered near the array of tools. “It’s not possible to be on both my side and his. We are public enemies.”

”Um.” Misa sounded stupefied, her smeared lipstick pulling down in confusion. “Because I think he’s totally my type? Is it a crime to like older men now?”

”That was not a good answer.” L made a weak gesture to the utility box, the muscular guard taking heed of his order. Misa heard the sound of clinking metal objects, and then silence. She knew something was fished out— the terror was not knowing what. “Please tie her down fully.”

Misa felt the terrifying grip of the man, who wrapped a rope across her clavicles, navel, and finally at her hip bones. She jumped up and down in the restraints, the metal rocking back and forth.

L seemed unamused by her performance. He had hoped that she would offer a confession before they went on, especially given that he directed them to suggestive places. There was a brief fondness that he felt when he sensed a sweet aroma. He thought: “She smells like.. vanilla cream and something else. Sweat, and fear, maybe..”

His words were less kind. “Do not move. Lie still or they will tighten.” 

“Y-you’re totally a pervert!” Misa stuttered, losing the energy to fight again. Her legs shifted in place once and stopped. “I knew it!”

“Hm.” He neglected any reply, instead rolling his eyes to look at her black purse. “Hand me the bag.” The guard quickly obliged, slipping on some gloves and handing it to him. L‘s procedure was faster, given he had been using and discarding gloves all night— they came on and off easily. He took the chain between his fingers, holding it up in the air. “Thank you.” Misa didn’t say a word.

The vinyl bag popped open with a snap, and revealed the truth. At the very top there were two small hardcover books— both about homeopathic medicine. Self treatment for unknown pathology. He opened the first copy, finding the original library was from the place of her alibi. L could only stop and think.

“Books about medicine.. could I have been wrong?”

“What’s this..?” He observed audibly, pulling out a piece of paper that sat just below the books, and next to some assorted makeup.

“The note. It’s here.” L examined it carefully, disoriented by the information. “It’s not what I expected— the passcode should be missing or present. That is what would indicate her relation to Kira..”

His mind flashed to the image of the CEO and Misa, their delightful conversation about celebrities. She left to the bathroom immediately after that, too. 

“Names of.. famous people?” 

It all worked, and solved itself— without question. The note and pen was even in the same order, untouched. He knew everyone could see that he was wrong, but he had to continue. They would have to follow him as a lead investigator, no matter how much they protested. At worst he would see a few of them leaving the task force, which he was willing to risk to proceed with the interrogation.

“Who did you visit last night after your date? You’ll tell me, or you will stay like that.” L’s tone became threatening, impatient knowing that he would likely be interrupted soon.

“Huh?” Misa was perplexed. “What do you mean?”

“Place two more ropes around her stomach.” He said then. “And.. between her legs.”

“Wait— you can’t!” Misa squirmed in place as she cried, her breath picking up enough to make even the ropes rise and fall. “I’m not wearing panties!”

L was highly startled by the information. He backed away awkwardly in exaggerated movements, as if he were suddenly caught in a massive field of snow. There was a long stretch of silence.

“Oh.” Quiet again. Well… he couldn’t then.

“Well.. ah.. Misa Amane..!” He stammered with short pauses, trying to pick up his authoritative voice. “You will be restrained in another area.” After a moment he got it back, flatly saying: “In the middle of the thighs, and at the knees.”

“Was she wearing them on her date?” L thought as he drove his eyes down to look, rubbing his thumb across his lip. He started sucking on it slightly, as if he were tasting another confection. “Her dress is short.. but not short enough. I remember the image well.”

“A-ah—!” Misa struggled against the new restraints, knocking her knees against each other until she no longer could. 

“Do not speak unless spoken to!” L called out, harshly interrupting her. “You have done things that are wrong— I will find them out.”

“I’m sorry..” Misa acknowledged in an innocuous fashion, heightening her voice in a sultry manner. “Will you let me go if I do the right things for you, mister detective?”

”Miss Amane.” L responded flatly, ignoring the attempt at flirting. “No answer will result in punishment. Who do you know at that military base?”

“Just punish me then..!” Water began to flow down Misa’s chin, picking up her red lipstick which ran and bled with it. Her tongue was unbearably dry from yelling. “I don’t care how much you hurt me, as long as you let me go!”

”So, you’d like to be punished?” L insinuated. “How strange.” 

“No.. but you can punish me!” Misa’s voice raised even higher, squeaking and breaking as it began to give out from stress. “If it will get me out of here, I’ll do anything! Please!” 

“Interesting.” L replied tauntingly, his lips lifting into a smirk. “Does Kira do things like this to you? Does he watch you struggle and enjoy it?”

“Ugh, ew!” She denied quickly, turning her head upwards in disgust. “You think I’d let some weird mad scientist touch me?“

“Why not..?” L retorted, using her reply as leverage for more pressure. “He killed the man who orphaned you.”

“So?” The words were unimpressed. Scoffing at his accusation. “I’m thankful to him, but he’s still a weirdo.”

“Ah, I see. Thankful is the right word.” L acknowledged her words politely before switching back to his demands. He asked unceremoniously: “Did you show your gratitude with sex?“

“I-It’s too tight— I can’t do it!” Misa cried, thrashing wildly against the ropes. She lost energy quickly, stopping to give a coherent answer. “If Kira was here right now, I’d tell him thank you! But after that, he can totally get lost! I’m seeing someone, okay?”

“Hm. Tell me— if Kira were in front of you, where would he place his hands?” L ran his finger across his lips again, his free hand pushing further into his pocket. “His nature will incline him to punish. An ache for power drives him. All else is an afterthought. So.. where is his choice?”

“… I’m so confused, please… just let me go!”

“You may gag her.” 

L’s quick orders were soft-spoken, but had no hesitation. The guard at the front door wrapped a white cloth around both of his fists, coming up behind her and hovering his open arms around her head. The cloth was sitting mere inches from her face, and she could smell the strong cologne coming from the man’s body.

L stated: “I will remove this only every three minutes.” 

The gag was quickly pulled between her teeth, an unyielding force wrapping against her tongue. She tried screaming, but it only came across as muffled, quiet whines. Another command arose from him, this time forcefully. “Once free, you will tell me everything. If you disobey, you will be gagged again and again. The strain will reach unimaginable heights— until you give in.”

“There is so much he can take from you.” L used the chair to hop on the table suddenly, leaning over to the utility bag that sat on the edge of her seat. He took a metal crowbar into his hand, holding it weakly at his sides. It lifted abruptly, enough to whip Misa’s face with a rush of cool air. 

“Would he take advantage of your weakness, and revel in your enthusiastic submission? Would he restrict your body to prove his strength is unquestioned?”

“He will avoid your eyes, your humanity.” L used the prodding tool to point at the blonde’s face, a blunt metal end hovering just to the left of her cheekbones. Goosebumps began to appear with the slight touch— it felt like a claw was threatening to dig against her flesh. He muttered each word, as if his voice had become too heavy to carry.

Tears started rolling down her cheeks, her body completely frozen. Her lips wrapped tighter around the white cloth, biting down. The breaths that left her were shallow and rapid. After a moment, she stopped struggling entirely.

“Or..” L raised the tool steadily, his words lingering as threats. “Will he move to your chest, pressing down on your still-beating heart?” He poked the tool between her collarbone rigidly, tracing the bone. “Will he want to crush it?”

“What in the hell is he doing..?” Aizawa squinted at the glass, the risqué comments still echoing out of the speaker. He was disgusted. “Am I the only one who could see that note had nothing but some stupid names?”

“Everyone, look! I just got a text of her lab results.” Matsuda turned the open screen to face everyone in the room, his expression surprised. There was a single photo of a paper on the screen, and a written diagnosis attached to the message. Everyone began to bustle with various sounds of shock and interest, Ide even snatching the phone in his hands to get a closer look. They huddled together, Matsuda continuing to reveal information happily. “She really was sick! Low blood pressure and anemia, poor girl..”

“Is it justified, Kira..?” L moved the tool even higher, this time sweeping her shining blonde hair to rest behind her ears. “Can you resist going for her throat.. when that fire is within you..?”

L gasped slightly, his eyes widening. His pale face was lost in an abrupt captivation, mind running wildly in every direction. The world disappeared for him. He dropped the tool suddenly, letting it crash violently to the floor and clang loudly in place. His hands stayed tense, the muscles inflexible as his vision seemed to open even more.

“—Her body! There’s something here.. but could it really be?”

Matsuda grunted, making his way to the microphone and holding it tightly in his hand. He leaned forward in a cold sweat, pressing the speaker button to allow his voice inside. 

“L, that’s enough! We just got back that she’s not lying about being sick! You have to stop!”

“Eh?” L blinked rapidly, pulling himself out of the trance. “Oh, that’s right.. I was wrong.” 

L rolled the rubber gloves off of his hands, placing them in his pocket rather than in the trash can. A clear fingertip casing protruded from his hips. He admitted his next thought curtly. “However, I cannot release her yet.”

“Are you crazy?” Aizawa now took over the microphone, growling in anger. “She’s in no condition to keep doing this!”

L didn’t respond, the seconds winding down to three minutes past. He didn’t ungag her as promised, instead staring at the nearly invisible redness that was hidden underneath her hair. No one else would have noticed it but him. In such a deep observation, there was no way to get his attention. He just kept seeming lost, his lips parting as his large eyes swept over her.

“Ahem. May I borrow the microphone?” Soichiro separated the small crowd, placing a firm hand on Aizawa’s shoulder. His eyes seemed rife with concern, and he carried a deeply sympathetic expression. “I’d like to speak directly to L.” 

“L, I will aid your investigation using everything the military has to offer.” General Yagami spoke powerfully into the speaker, as if he were addressing a mass of people. “Just let that young girl go..!”

“I would think this was obvious, but please do not mention major details in front of the suspect.” L turned his head slowly to the two-way mirror, somehow glaring directly at Soichiro. His eyelids were heavy with annoyance. “And I will.. in exchange for one thing.” L retrieved his cell phone from his back pocket, hunching even further towards the screen to type a message. “Hold on. I will text it to Matsuda.”

Matsuda held out his phone far from his body, keeping the messages open for everyone to see. A small notification appeared, and he pressed it immediately. He read it out to the group to ensure it was understandable. “He’s saying he wants to investigate every man who texted Misa, at least all the soldiers. Woah— installing secret cameras and microphones? Sexual profiling?”

“Does he mean my son or just my soldiers? Light doesn’t have any military training, he’s only a receptionist and a student.” Soichiro dipped his head to look closely at the phone, seeming confused by the glowing text on the screen. After a moment he pulled his head back high, making a strong suggestion. “Please spare him from such a ridiculous invasion of privacy.” He added: “You can put that in your reply.“

“O-okay.” Matsuda agreed. “Please spare his son Light.. he’s not a soldier.. invasion of privacy..” The message was sent quickly after typing, and received a near instantaneous response. 

“Oh no.” Matsuda replied to Soichiro, delivering the bad news. “He says, Light Yagami is not an exception.”

“Damn that detective.” Soichiro balled up his fists at his sides, his words exasperated. “He really won’t let her go unless I allow it, will he?” 

“Knowing L, probably not.” Aizawa locked his crossed arms even closer to his chest, speaking cynically. “He’ll just keep her here for the rest of the 23 days.”

“I have no choice.” General Yagami lowered his head, making large strides towards the speaker. He flipped it on, powerfully shouting his decision to L. “Yes. I will allow it..!”

“Mm.” L nodded weakly, seeming discontent. He ran his eyes along her body again, plainly obvious to the task force— which now had their attention locked on him. He retrieved another pair of rubber gloves from the array of tools, sliding them over his fingertips and pulling back at the plastic around his wrists. The way it snapped against his flesh made Misa flinch.

“But before I leave.. can we perform a physical exam of Misa? It’s usually mandatory in these situations.” L held out his protected hands, inspecting them while creeping towards Misa’s body. His next reply was unnerving, and spoken in a near whisper: “Let me take your clothing.”

“No..!” Aizawa took possession of the microphone again, denying the detective quickly and loudly. “L, for goddamn sakes learn some subtlety. You let her go now, or the man will not agree to the deal.” He spoke for everyone— no one contested his words.

“I understand.” L conceded fully, his body relaxing. He bowed forward, picking up the crowbar between his fingertips. He placed it delicately into the utility bag, hovering near the doorway. The tools and ropes were collected in his hands to avoid an accident, as well as her purse. The handcuffs and blindfold would stay. “Amane may be set free. Matsuda, please make sure she gets home safely. Keep the blindfold on until she reaches her front door.” He waved his hand up, moving to exit without any plan to untie her personally. “Please take care.”

Chapter Text

He knew they were watching him. A slip of paper and pencil lead— clever indicators, ones that ensured his safety. The trouble was he had no way to blind their investigation. It left him agitated, paranoid. No good reason to tear apart his room and reveal the surveillance. Misa knew not to contact him since her arrest.

The corpses could amass and stretch for miles now. The discolored blood, the foul tears of sluggish bodies. Rotten. 

The soaked street can remain and the rest may fall in God’s benevolent arms. Like a precious infant. Empty handed, sobbing for that icy embrace. An intimate reunion, leaving a sunken vessel that would crack and dry like blackened cinder. 

Misa was no different, when she turned to kneel and follow him. The fear and misery in her eyes, the readiness to withstand the cruelty. That was her sentence— the swelling tide inside him, invading her. Surrounding her and receding again, out of sight. A distant voice, hand, shadowed face. Reaching out to her. Fated to close the door on a weeping, stripped body.

Her cries of anguish, her helpless pleading. 

Then, deliverance of approval. Acceptance, at least. The strain in the brow, the sympathy forming through tight-lips and rosy cheeks. A welcome to his perversion. 

The palpable memory of his own burning face, like his jaw had been set above a strange tea. Neither a mystery or otherworldly, yet too intense to stare at. The cup was his, anyways. What use was there in looking, when he could still pour the image down his throat? Feel it warm, there. In his stomach.

He looked at where she laid on his bed, now gone. Someone had once been there, moving and then motionless. It wasn’t lived in anymore— only a flat painting with stilled charm. Unsettling with all his conspicuous neatness.

His hands waited over his belt. He would bring back that invisible memory, which tunneled through him in strange ways. Those colors. A stormy grey— waves to swell and crash in a foamy sea, shivering flesh and bone. Of red— blood and a burning horizon, sweltering just at the hips.

“You’ll endure it. You’ll pay for what you’ve done.” He thought of a sudden justification, pressing his freed hand to the space between his legs. He swallowed, desperation shallowly sown in his eyes. The invisible haze around his mouth burned. He began to inhale through high gasps, every breath a flame in his throat. A private confession escaped him, dancing from his lips.

“Don’t disobey me..”

Fretting, pained. The blurred eyes like bright cellars, wide and flooding. Lips pulled down, shut like hatches. Trembling after every string of apology. She saw Light’s form as an unreachable, stiff thing. Extending all the way to the heavens. Just as he liked it.

His eyes became exhausted, opening the gates of that windowless house of depravity. Only wishing to illustrate a perfect gallery, where you could feel the paintings that were too revolting to look at. It lived in his mind, sketched but not complete. His hands became tense against the fabric, sharper. His chest began to billow like rolling waves of sea.

L seemed to nod off, his latest venture proving to be useless. The first time General Yagami’s son had touched himself since the installation, but it was unremarkable. Prior, L thought he had little interest in sex. It was amusing, though, to see his rigid, well-mannered body unfasten and sprawl out on a desk chair. 

“Don’t disobey me..”

He heard the words resonate through the speaker, honeyed and soft-spoken. Barely there. L became like a wide-eyed witness, shuffling through the aisle. 

“What is he thinking..?” L circled his thumb around his mouth, drawing his face closer to the screen. 

None of the other men said such a thing. Yes, there were odd assortments of pornography, but never to the level of taunting, commanding with words. And he was remembering someone, not looking at a face on a magazine. That much was clear. 

Bowed backwards against the arch of the chair. His rough jointed fingers pinched the top of his zipper, which slid down the teeth slowly. Light’s face seemed to contort at the brows first, and inch down to his mouth. Then his throat would move to swallow, cascading to his stomach and trembling at the hips. He seemed overwhelmed by the opposing thoughts, in his brilliant mind. The question of if Kira meant he couldn’t do this, touch the vast and unfathomable waters. Of hurting others. Feeling only warm, wrapped, locked up tight in the waves. Seas of tears, sorrows, the pale wine he could take from someone’s heart. To drink and fill himself, like a selfish king.

The divine would be without sensation. Hoisted up coldly on a pedestal, weighing the scale of judgment. Not something as meaningless as foolish lust, the pleasure in Light’s narrow smile or moan when he reached the highest of high, whether sexual or not.

Impatient, childish.

He would raze the dolls body. Complain at the loss, long for it back. He’d fever to piece it together, and watch it break again. Take cherry-red life into his hands and squeeze it down his throat. Let it run all over him. 

After a sharp moan he came, muscles tense. Sending his own filth running down the ridges of his stomach. There was so much of it inside him. His elbows were caught at the arms of the chair, wrists and palms outward and relaxed. Fingertips weakly curled, hands heavy to the floor. He looked like a painting of a false Christ, his white dress shirt open and draped against the sleeves. An unclean, ordinary image. 

The only curious thing to L was the words he said. He knew Light could fit Kira’s sexual profile, but when only afforded a meager string of words— there wasn’t much to work with. A sadistic male who would enjoy reliving his work. Psychological torment above the physical. Have a pattern of using and discarding. Those things were vital to the case, and could be tested. 

“It’s settled, then. I’ll see him soon..” L thought, tilting his head in quiet interest. “I’ll modify some equipment, and prepare for a psych exam. Will you say yes, Light?”

Chapter Text

The proceedings of his university reward ceremony were loud, bustling with people. This was the third year in a row he was esteemed with the title of top student, which was an evasive goal for some but not to Light. The gruff voice of an announcer talking into the speaker ended briefly, and a black-haired, thin man sat next to him. He hunched oddly and pulled his knees to his chest, turning his face suddenly and sharply towards Light. He whispered in a single breath: “I am L.”

“Impossible! What is he saying…?” Light swallowed hard and maintained his eyes forward, unable to look at him. He kept still as stone in his chair, watching the happenings fly by and motion blurring in the distance. 

“Before this semester concludes and we can enter summer break, I’d like to welcome one Caligula Murakami to the stage! This transfer student has only been enrolled for two weeks, yet has single handedly donated a record amount to our campus! And, in the sophomore class we’re also giving a special thanks to Light Yagami! He is being awarded for his service to the school board, and is sure to graduate with valedictorian!”

“The… name of a Roman emperor? What does that mean?” Light gave thoughtful consideration to each word spoken, keeping his palms glued to his knees. More students names were called out and applauded, for a variety of successes and special thanks. “And his last name is borrowed from DST’s president! Should I say it sounds strange, fake?” 

“Don’t touch the hair.” L hummed after a moment, rising blankly from his seat to approach the podium.

“You’re L?” Light spoke through his teeth in a low voice, attempting to be quiet as they followed each other. He followed shortly after him, walking just a step behind him. They accepted the title and exchanged pleasantries with the announcer, and were sent back to their seats.

—

Then was the offer for a tennis match, a friendly competition which would ensure a proper greeting between the both of them. It stretched a long time and gathered a crowd of people, all impressed by the quickness and stamina of both players. Through their minds, there could only be one winner. Kira hates to lose. L kept this thought forward as he played, uncertain on how close Light was to such a feeling. L lost after a laborious but short time, 6 sets to 4.

“Both Light and Kira hate to lose.” L’s arm wiped the tennis racket clean, which rattled against the touch. He tilted his head in quiet inquiry, thinking. “Now I am sure.” 

“A close match indeed.” L congratulated apathetically, running his eyes across the field of grass in the distance. “You know, when I was 18… I was a junior tennis champion in Britain.” 

He waved his arms as he exited the court, adjusting his sleeves. Then his large sweeping eyes met thoughtful ones. “But there’s nothing there that will tell you about my bloodline, I assure you.”

“That’s interesting.” Light turned to him and began to walk alongside the metal frays, close to skimming his dress shirt. There was no sweat on him, and he kept a handsome, winning face. He spoke with curiosity. “And you happen to share the name of both a Roman Emperor and prominent CEO. I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to guess if I tried.” 

“Oh?” L’s eyes tilted. He began to lag behind Light, changing his position to walk on the other side of him. He lingered behind him as he spoke, as if trying to intimidate with closeness. “So you might be thinking that’s not my true name. Is that correct?”

“He’s trying to corner me!” Light’s mind raced. His expression changed subtly, a twitch of the brow running across his forehead.

“Since you’ve claimed to be the detective L, I don’t see it as out of the realm of possibility.” Light reasoned gently, narrowing his eyes at the distant sun. “After all, you’d need the protection.” 

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” L’s eyes rolled across to the university entrance, holding there to watch the crowd. He continued to walk at a slow pace alongside Light, then abruptly stopped. 

“You’re under no obligation to do this, but would you be interested in aiding my investigation?” He asked in a cordial manner, bowing his head in a show of meekness. “It would not take more than an hour, I promise you.”

“No. I can’t say yes right away.” Light thought quickly, heel turning to pause his movements. He returned L’s offer with a friendly smile. “He’ll only wonder why I’m not suspicious of him.”

“I’m sorry, but how can I be certain you are who you say you are?”

“Take a look around you.” L snapped his head to make intimidating eye contact again. “There are several men in blue standard issue FBI uniforms, gathered sparsely around corners. You haven’t noticed?”

“Of course I did.” Light thought in annoyance, his face unchanging.

“Now that I look at it, there are.” He answered politely, observing the men as they stood sprawled covertly across the university campus. 

“Hm. Watch as I bend over.” L’s thumb twitched, and his hand flattened out as if to prepare to catch something. “Their mouths will all open to speak, because they are instructed to record any unusual movements I make.”

L’s body suddenly curved, his out-turned palms slapping loudly into the grey pavement. A breeze threw itself through his loose clothing, unwrapping and billowing his sweater at the stomach. His lean body began to tense and flip upwards, long legs stretching into a handstand. Ribs pale, exposed. Few stopped to offer a confused glance, then turned to walk on.

“Woah..!” Light’s body shuffled forcefully to the side, missing the sweep of L’s leg by a close margin. He eyed the undone clothing and his bare stomach for a short amount of time, then moved his gaze to the men as instructed. The pattern was observed. As predicted, the FBI agents all opened their mouths at once. Lips moving secretively into their collars. Light’s eyes widened at the image.

L’s legs began to dangle at the knees and relax themselves, his body curling backwards again to plant him on his feet. His white sweater still bulged with heaps of wind, but began to fall down to his belt again. He flattened his palms and wiped down at the fabric, straightening it out. Some dirt from the ground transferred to the seam, hands still moving and pulling it down between his legs. He let go, then shot a curious stare at Light. His hair ruffled with the previous motion, settling in a mess at the top of his head. 

“Pay attention, Light.” L encouraged, tilting his head towards one in the scattered sea of agents. “They are all wearing FBI uniforms. If you can understand that, you should have no fear.”

Light grew irritated at the sight. “If I try to obtain anything now, I’ll get caught. I’ll have to wait.”

His lips curved into a well-mannered smile, and he began to resume his walking. He shrugged, and then spoke: “I understand. You’re probably at least a member of law enforcement. I have no problem helping you, then.”

“I’ve borrowed a university space for it, just around this corner.” L’s hand chopped at the air, swinging upwards as if to point to something. He sighed. “A small screening room.” 

The building glinted with a blocky tan, which was chipped from years of standing. A quaint little space that had black blotting out the windows, banning the sun from entry.

L shuffled forwards and stopped. He gathered plastic gloves from his pocket and snapped them on, some low, bored utterances escaping his throat. Light only watched. The handle to the door was slippery in his hands, nails scratching at the iron as he pulled down. The door was urged open weakly. Hinges creaking. The thick grey metal shuddering and wobbling as it swung. At the very end of the room was a white board which could be used for film projections, and a row of markers beneath it. Sprawled across the desk were assorted boxes and papers, as if in an interrupted session of work. Full of black lengths of wire and remotes. The ceiling light switched on. 

L walked over to the laminated, paper-wood desk and turned on a computer monitor. It began to whirr and buzz, paling his complexion even more with a pronounced white. His dark circles deepened as he drew closer to the keyboard. After the tap-tapping of some letters he turned his head to Light. Then spoke bluntly: 

“Have you heard of phallometric testing before?”

Light’s brow furrowed, and he crossed his arms. He shut the door behind him, looking around as if it would help him discern his thoughts. 

“Well… phallo is Greek for the male sex organ, while metric might imply it’s related to science.” He answered with confidence, approaching the computer desk. Then added a question: “Is it a medical exam?”

“Yes, you’re exactly right.” L nodded slowly, turning his attention back to the monitor. He clicked an application, and it whirred again. “That’s the test I’ll be doing on you.”

“What?” Light asked with slight concern, turning up his nose. “What is this for, exactly?” 

“If I told you,” L admitted curtly, “it would interfere with the accuracy.” He continued to speak flatly, never moving his eyes from the glowing screen.

“We’ll just have measures at the thigh, chest, arm, and upper pelvis. Usually the subject should be fully naked, but I’d like to ensure your comfort.” 

“I don’t know about this.” Light shook his head, frowning slightly. His words were faintly combative. “What are you planning on measuring?” 

“Heart rate, respiration, skin conductivity, et cetera.” He tapped his foot and reached to touch his mouth as was ordinary for him, but stopped. His hand drew away shakily. “As it relates of course to a stimulus given.”

“It must have a similar purpose to a polygraph.” Light thought quickly, going over every detail said. “He’s suspicious of me, and now I’m nearly certain he installed surveillance in my room. I have to be careful.”

Another question left him: “So something like a polygraph, right? Are you researching students?”

L’s lips turned down and his eyes rolled up. “Yes, you could say that.” He pointed again to the box on the chair. On close inspection, there were black straps on either side of the heavy arms, unraveled and hanging down. Meant to hold a subject in place. “Please take off your clothing and put those shorts on instead. You’ll need to be shirtless for the exam as well.”

“Yeah.” Light pursed his lips and tilted his head towards the box, denying the order quickly. “I’m not exactly comfortable with that, L.”

“Ah, I see.” L responded as if surprised, swiveling around and childishly covering his eyes with both hands. His body rocked and slouched in place. “I’ll turn around.”

“What the hell is this…?” Light stared at him with a quiet anger, thinking heavily on the choices before him. “Does he think I can’t see the cameras?”

Light swallowed back a groan of irritation. He inched towards the chair, seeing a mass of wires underneath a thin pair of white shorts. His fingertips took them and pinched at the fabric, holding it up to the air. The dusted ray of the projector beam crossed it. He began to undo his belt while watching L’s movements, patting down his white dress shirt to cover himself. The leather and silver clattered to the floor. Scratching sounds like sand between fingertips was the only noise— bare skin against sliding fabric. The tan trousers piled in a heap along with his underwear. He looped the pale shorts over his shoes by one leg, following with the other. Then up to his hips. His heel kicked the trousers away by a notch in the zipper, moving it closer to the computer desk on his side. The box followed. 

He sat down in the chair which creaked under the pressure, rubber stoppers squeaking as it shifted back. Then his fingers squeezed at the buttons of his white dress shirt, pulling them out of the holes one by one. His back curved forward as he slid off the garment by the sleeves, taking it between his hands and gently laying it on top of his other discarded clothing. L kept still with his eyes covered, and the silence dragged on. Light looked at him through the corner of his eyes, straightening his hand against the armrest. 

“I’m done.”

L turned around slowly, his legs seeming clunky and oddly positioned. His expression didn’t waver. He approached, shoes scuffling across the hard tile. Then began to unravel the wires, pulling out puffy sleeves of blood pressure equipment and sticky electrodes. He ran his finger along Light’s chest, and then placed a heavy sensor on it. The bare skin raised at the coldness of the wire. L slouched forwards and placed another sensor at the bottom of his stomach, ensuring it was close to the correct blood vessels. Then wrapped tight velcro measurements around the top of his thighs, and his arms. After that he strapped his wrists to the chair, being careful not to tighten it against the skin. Light didn’t speak, only allowing it to happen while he stayed in deep thought. L bunched up the strings of wires, yanking the plugs out of the box. He trailed his hand along to the edges, and backed up towards the monitor with the wires in his hands. They connected with snaps and clicks, and the computer breathed heavily again. 

“Don’t turn your head, or close your eyes. Movement must be kept to a minimum. Blink normally.” The projector puttered, sending a steady stream of light to the board. A blank image appeared. “Here is an ordinary white screen.” 

The silence dragged. 

“Now, here.” L’s voice picked up with interest, and he flashed an image up of a blonde woman in regular clothing, only the slightest seductive tone present in her low cut top and welcoming eyes. “Here is an attractive blonde female. I’ll expect some response here.”

“Is this..?” Light’s eyes widened, the reflection of the projector floating in his amber irises. His thoughts became smug. “Now I’ve got you, L. He’s trying to see if I’d be attracted to Misa!”

“Hm.” L muttered.

“What is it?” Light asked inquisitively, seemingly getting ready to turn his body. “See something interesting?”

“Don’t turn your head.” L dismissed firmly, lowering his tone with a cold seriousness. “I don’t like to repeat myself.”

“Yeah, sorry.” Light apologized, stopping himself and focusing back on screen.

“Here is the same woman with less clothing.” Another image flickered on. Her top was pulled down, exposing her filling bra. She was wearing tan spandex tights, cut out at the crotch exposing her black panties. Her mouth was popped open, gloss colored with red and inviting. L watched the data observantly as it poured in. Then added: “Uh-huh. Interesting. You also have no response here as well…”

“If I show any signs of excitement, he’ll have reason to believe I’d be with her.” Light thought, self-assured. “This will be easy.”

“I don’t understand.” He shook his head slightly. “Are you testing my reaction to women? If you want my preference, I like elegant looking women, without the bright hair. This isn’t really my taste personally.”

“Don’t you know that woman is just a tool to Kira?” Light’s thinking became exuberant, and the corner of his lips twitched as if aching to smile. “You’ll have no choice but to end the test once she’s fully stripped. You have nothing on me, L.”

“Good work— we have a baseline.” The keyboard clacked as L’s voice droned. The woman disappeared from the screen, and the previous white image returned. “Now, let’s get started with the test.”

“What?” Light’s mind scrambled, “it hasn’t even begun..?”

“Here is some assorted sexual noises, female.” L pressed a button, causing the room to resonate with delicate, high-pitched moaning. It lewdly echoed from the computer speaker, filling Light’s ears. “Imagine anyone you’d like.”

“Perfect..!” He mentally prepared, “I’ll just force myself!”

His legs shifted as he attempted to speed up his heart rate, quickening his own breath and staring intently at the blank screen. He stopped in disbelief after a moment, easily sensing that he was unable to get an erection. The confidence in his face crumbled.

“What…?!” He panicked, face paling. He glanced inconspicuously between his legs, head frozen in place and stuck on screen. “Why can’t I... why can’t I control my body?!”

Light continued to try and arouse himself, focusing closely on each feminine sound as it flowed. Long seconds inevitably passed, ending with failure. The audio cut and followed with clicking keys, the ominous quiet and stillness returning.

L finally spoke. “No response here either. How interesting.”

“I’d say I feel somewhat aroused right now, hearing that woman.” Light disagreed, his words passive. “I think you’re mistaken.”

“Hm… that’s not what the test says though.” L hummed, teasing him with the truth. “No reaction here.”

“The accuracy of this is questionable.” 

“Now. Here is another woman. Make things feel good for her, like a true gentleman. Flowers, kisses, hugs. Hear her sounds of pleasure, laughing with delight. Gentle, kind, slow. What do you think of this image… Light?”

A pornographic photo appeared of a woman’s rear, upturned and pale. Her entire body was positioned to imply the aftermath of bare sex, and a black length of hair curled at the middle of her back. 

“Damn… that woman’s laugh is annoying.“ Light thought impulsively, the scenario keeping his body disinterested. He leaned back and began to fidget, mimicking sexual feelings but still unable to feel any.

“Well, biologically I have a desire to reproduce..” Light argued at length, keen on giving extensive reasoning for himself. He attempted to fill his responses with falsified arousal, opening his mouth and straining to catch a blush. “So seeing my own fluids near that area would definitely turn me on. I’m a man, so it’s only natural.”

“Mm.. no.” L playfully responded, adding more pressure to perform. He shrugged. “Not seeing anything like that.”

“How could I not…” 

Light’s eyes tensed.

“… How could this be happening!?”

“His breathing pattern is being set manually.” L gazed at the sprawl of numbers, mentally theorizing an explanation. “He’s trying to force himself… but why?”

“Well, being watched might be a factor.” Light contended, his words firm. “I won’t lie, I enjoy things like this.” 

“Now, for this next scenario… let’s say you’re Kira.” L spoke the last of his words slowly, intending to provoke. 

“I’m confused, L.” Light answered, “is this related somehow to the test? 

“Yes. You could be Kira.”

“Ha-ha,” He joked, “you think I’m Kira?”

“All in good time, Light. Now... that very same blonde woman.” The near-nude image of the model came back on screen, in her second, more racy outfit. “Here is what the woman says: “Please, Kira, don’t hurt me. I’ll do anything you want. Use and discard me. I’m worthless. I don’t deserve any less than torment for the rest of my miserable days.”

“L… saying he’s a…?” Light’s breathing began to pick up, sudden feelings roused by the detective saying that to him. An air of superiority floated inside him. “Bastard. You’ll be saying that soon enough.”

His heart rate began to steadily rise at the words. Naturally. He wanted to look at the detective as they were said.

“Hurt me.” 

Beating. 

“I’m a worthless bitch.” 

Beating louder.

“Hm.”

“What is it, L?” 

“Nothing.”

“Then, you say: “Anything I wish is not good enough. I’m Kira, and you won’t disobey me. I’m going to make you cry in pain like the desperate, stupid woman you are.” 

“Did I… say that out loud? Impossible…” Sweat began to roll down his cheeks, his mind racing nonstop. “There’s no way. There’s no way I’d make such a foolish mistake!” 

“Now, here’s some muffled sounds, and the like.” L sounded bored, the same still photo casting a dull flash across Light’s motionless face. The noise started to drown out in the air, softened high yelps coming out through fabric. 

Light’s body shifted, and through his ears it played as something sweet, like honey pouring down into his veins. He knotted his eyebrows and tried to avoid imagining Misa, images of her shaking underneath him and hot swatches of blood and bruises. As he kept his hand over her mouth, fingers catching a river of warm tears. He swallowed, trying to blink the feeling away with little success.

“Misa…” He thought. “I’ll kill you.. I’ll kill you..”

L stared at the results, a telling array of signals bursting into each tab on the monitor. He kept his hand away from the keys, considerate of adding any additional noise due to Light’s progress. After a moment, his lips opened with a sly question.

“You’re becoming aroused. Can you not control it?” L’s mouth twitched with fascination, and he quietly clicked on another image. “Here is the sight of her.” 

The blonde’s body was in the same clothing, but twisted up and running with tears. Her eyes looked dead and glossed over, the camera focusing only on the niche suffering rather than on her body. 

Light’s voice broke unintentionally, trying to hold back his heated storm of thoughts. His eyes ran impulsively over the bruises, circling around them as if he were a predator catching blood. His nose flared and his pupils dilated, lashes shivering in place over the helpless tears. “Did I develop feelings for her? No.. it can’t be that. It’s just my… body…!”

“L, I don’t see the point of this—“

Light’s thighs began to press together, using what little room he was afforded to hide his guilt. His knees started to swing back and forth as he tried to temper his pleasure, forcing ordinary thoughts inside. They only drowned out and were overpowered, the sadistic fantasy clawing deep into his skin. Holding to him tightly and refusing to release itself.

L spoke faster, a stream of soft words dancing from his lips.

“Can you imagine it? This sad, easy woman. Hold her down. Feel her writhe underneath you and cry. Make her feel all the pain that she deserves, Kira.”

He cradled and held the words with the same reservation that kept him motionless. His eyes flickered suddenly when he saw yet another eager fantasy— eyes flashing some kind of anger, piercing with a hungry power. The way the image could catch and spoil his innocent and kind face. Wanting to make him act. He clenched his fists as if grabbing a wrist, a throat, a body. His feet slid back to the chair legs. Then his heels lifted and dug into them harshly, as if he wanted to break them off.

He was just another criminal, wasn’t he?

Light forced himself to bite back a groan. The blonde girl and the dark-haired detective blurred in his imagination; in his mind, he was all-powerful, hurting the shattered and weak... that very thought was hard to endure.

He made a firm suggestion. 

“That’s enough, L.”

But the detective went on. He spoke quickly and with great power, as if reciting a visceral memory. “She’s good for nothing but being a fuck doll who does exactly as you say. She’s yours to use for anything you desire. Worships you, follows you. Lies down for you to unleash all the feelings you have inside. All your anger. She’ll take all of it, she’ll let you ruin her. And isn’t that all women are good for? To fuck and obey Kira?“

His heart beat louder. Urging to pop open at the walls and flood the room. Gushing heated blood which ran with the deep coldness in his eyes. Splotching the husk of falsehood with irreversible, putrid truth. Whenever he could fuck into the world and leave it trembling in his wake. His mind let the words wrap around, tangle him up inside. Made him want to fuck, ruin, break, see it. See it happen. Being Kira’s holy greatness he’d be just in all his desire, they’d want more and more. And for that he had no reason to stop. In truth he didn’t want to. And that made his flesh hot, and his eyes lazy. His throat corked up and squeaked. 

“Listen… Listen, L!” Light stuttered out loudly, “I’m just an ordinary man, and the things I like are just that— ordinary. I think the women I’ve dated will attest to that.”

“Oh, is that so?” L tilted his head, wryly dismissing the answer. He lowered and steepled his hands with the same calm, speaking in low authority. “Your heart is beating madly, Light. There is unimaginable pressure in your abdomen. You’re sweating, and blood is filling your erection.“

“Honestly, I feel afraid for this woman, L.” Light blinked rapidly again, water from the strain gathering under his lashes. His cock twitched in the shorts, flopping from one side of his thighs to the other. “I don’t want to do that to her.”

“Well we’re both men here, so there’s no need to be prudish.” L sighed, lowering his voice. He seemed unconvinced. “I’ll tell you a secret, Light. When I was your age, I did extensive study on bondage rope knots. I know almost every single style…”

“Yet you suspect I’m Kira because of what you think I like sexually?” Light scoffed. “That’s a little hypocritical, isn’t it?”

“I suppose so.” He admitted curtly, not bothering with a loud or long answer. “Here is the same woman with a bitemark in her neck. Let’s hear her cry, shall we?”

Light became mortified.

“Did he see?” 

"Are you aroused by her pain, Kira? Tell the truth."

Then the impulsive set of images flooded in. Like little flip books, focusing in on targets. The way his fingers squeezed into her arms. Turned them red. How easily she stood still, how foolish she was to believe him, how massive his control. How he could watch as she gave everything to him, fell right into the narrow line he needed. Allowing all the humiliation, neglect. Asking for more enthusiastically. In all her idiocy, shaking like a lamb with big shining eyes. That was the only way they could be beautiful. Nightmares that made him desperate to drain his cock into that woman who would let him do it. Breathe in her hurt like the smell of sweet cherries, and keep breathing, keep his mouth open. Ready to take more because it’s not enough. It won’t be until she’s all used up. His locked jaw pried open and a moan escaped him. 

“Nh.. I’m not.”

The detective stifled a sound of surprise. 

"You’ve made a strange noise. Is it so strong that you can’t control it? 

“You forget this test measures all nerve responses." Light droned, as if needing to speak automatically.

L nodded his head, seemingly amused. “It must be a newborn feeling— over time there will be tolerance. Did you just recently discover a source of sadistic pleasure? Some… big change in your life?”

“No. I’m a…” He gulped, “hardworking student with a passion for helping others. Anyone I know will tell you that, L.”

“I understand.” L patronized. “Now let’s put our hands on her throat and make her hurt more.“ L began an audio of a woman begging, and the images began to change, flickering against the bitemark, around the skin, red scratches and black neck prints. It should have been revolting, and he knew it. Knew that he shouldn’t feel anything like this.

“It hurts… it hurts… it hurts.. please… I’m sorry.. please… I’m sorry!"

Light tried to look away, to turn his head. A childish tantrum began in his voice, slipping out of his gritted teeth. 

L shouted thunderously: 

“Light Yagami! Eyes on screen!”

His mouth contorted downwards, shaking at the corners. As if he were resisting something that couldn’t be helped. His irises twitched from side to side, focusing on the jagged violence at the neck. They crawled up and stapled to the tears. Then down again. He blinked harder. 

“Annoying, stupid idiot. I should kill her right here. Let’s play with her first, shall we? Worthless woman, who does exactly as I say. She will answer to me in fear. How I ache to destroy every part of you. I’ll turn you into something new. Of my design. I’ll do it to you mercilessly, until you can’t breathe. That is the only way I’ll be satisfied. Cry for me, please, please, please let me hear it. Your life is in my hands, I need you to say it! I need you to.. otherwise I don’t feel anything at all!”

He felt a warmth swirl up inside him, an overflowing feeling that crawled down his stomach and made his cock stiffen. His wrists pulled up at the restraints, the cords of the equipment slapping against his chest as his back hit the chair. A faint gasp was pulled through his nose.

“No, I’m going to…! No… I can’t hold it!”

His knuckles turned white as he clamped down, yelling suddenly in a convincing show of fear.

“I’m afraid, L! That’s all there is— so just cut it out, alright!?”

"Can you not see your own body right now? Your breathing is remarkable, Light. Your chest. Tch, tch.” The detective wagged his finger up and down, clicking his tongue like a clock. “Tch, tch. Like you’re running a marathon."

“That hardly means—!” Light snapped, but then calmed, “L, don’t you think it’s normal to have a little bit of fear in this situation?”

“Mhm.” L mumbled in a weak agreement, faint with sarcasm. “You have a visible erection, dripping and preparing to orgasm. Light Yagami, in all likelihood, you are a sexual sadist. The test is complete.”

“I don’t appreciate the accusations after we’ve just met!” Light shouted in desperation, “I treat women as equals, and I’m certainly not a… sadist! Feel free to speak to any women I know!”

“No need to be embarrassed," L answered with a tight-lipped smile. He bowed his head slightly and closed his eyes, as if in a show of consideration. “I’m sure you’re close to ejaculating. You can finish.”

“What..!?” Light choked.

“Just a suggestion.” L answered, further talking down to him. “You can leave at any time.”

L tapped his fingers on the keys rapidly. In the quiet, Light sweated himself out of the restraints and stood up. The equipment was peeled off. He let the electrodes fall, hang, and stick to the floor. He hurriedly gathered up the pile of clothes and stuffed them underneath his arms, taking each item out as he needed it. He swung his legs into the trousers, stomping down onto the floor while jumping. His belt wrapped around and locked shut. He gave L a glance, saying nothing. Keys continued to tap. Light was given little attention. He walked out while losing his erection, adjusting his hair while pushing at the handle. It opened, then closed. 

L kept typing. 

Chapter Text

The day after the ceremony, Light Yagami sat in the university library, meticulously arranging his notes for an upcoming exam. His eyes flitted over the textbooks with precision, but his mind was elsewhere.

I can’t afford to make any wrong moves. I have to play this perfectly.

He leaned back in his chair, contemplating how best to approach the situation. To disarm suspicion, he needed to demonstrate a persona of sincerity. L was clever, observant, and unpredictable. Yet, Light knew his charm, combined with a careful strategy, could potentially turn the tables….

Just then, a soft knock on the table startled him. A classmate, a girl with long dark hair, shyly stood next to him with a pile of books.

“Light, I was wondering if you could help me with this.” She smiled nervously, holding up a textbook. “You’re the top student, so I thought… I’d ask for your advice.”

Light's expression brightened instantly, and he gave a warm, gracious smile. “Of course. I'd be happy to help,” he said kindly, shifting his chair to offer her a seat. He patiently explained the concept she struggled with, going over the details in a gentle tone, making sure to appear genuinely caring.

As he finished, he could feel a presence nearby—L. He had entered the library silently, watching the interaction with his typical hunched posture and blank gaze. Light could feel his eyes scrutinizing him. Perfect timing, he thought.

After the girl thanked him and left, Light decided to approach L. His steps were light, and his expression carefully composed, wearing the face of someone concerned.

“L,” he greeted, his voice soft and amiable. “I didn't see you not long after what happened. I wanted to say I felt like we got off on the wrong foot, and wanted to start over after making amends. Would that work for you?”

L didn’t answer right away. His eyes, wide and curious, traced Light’s expression, as if searching for something beyond the words.

“Your interaction just now—it was quite thoughtful...” His eyes never left Light. “It’s all right, yes, I do think I’d like that. I must admit, I got excited at the prospect of finding something that would aid the Kira case. But in reality… it didn’t help me much.” L says, already knowing how well Light treated women from talking to people who associated with him. “Tell me, do you make a habit of helping women like that?”

Light gave a soft chuckle, seemingly surprised by the question. “I try to, yes. I believe that if I have the ability to help, I should. People have always been very kind to me, so I like to give back when I can.”

L’s posture shifted slightly, but his gaze was still unnerving. “You’re very generous, Light Yagami.”

Light could hear the hint of suspicion, though L’s voice carried no overt tone of accusation. He needed to push the image further. He needed to be literally kindness incarnate.

“If I’m being honest, I’ve always admired those who can give without expecting anything in return,” Light said, with a thoughtful smile, his eyes casting downward as if lost in reflection. “There’s something truly noble about putting others before yourself. My father taught me that…”

L’s fingers tapped against his leg, his expression unreadable. He remained silent, allowing the words to hang in the air.

Light seized the moment. “Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to join me at the honor society sometime. I volunteer there sometimes to help them with their studies. They’ve been struggling a lot lately keeping up with you and me, and I could use the extra help. I think they’d love to meet someone like you who was an impressive guest at the ceremony, even if you’re a bit of an eccentric.”

For the first time, L blinked in surprise, as if the suggestion genuinely caught him off guard. “Me?” he repeated, his voice flat.

“Yes.” Light’s voice remained soft and encouraging. “You don’t have to stay long, of course. But I think it would be good for them to see that there are people who care. It’s small acts of kindness that make a difference in their lives.”

L's eyes narrowed, as if weighing the sincerity of Light's words, searching for any cracks in his carefully crafted façade.

“Hmm…” L tapped his chin, looking at Light thoughtfully. “I suppose… it could be interesting.”

Light smiled. “Great. I’ll meet you at the gate at 10 AM tomorrow then.”

As Light turned to leave, he could feel L's eyes boring into his back. He knew that every word, every gesture, every act of kindness was under scrutiny. Yet, Light Yagami walked away with a serene expression, knowing full well that L’s suspicions were inevitable—but being kind? That was part of his plan. The more genuine he appeared, the more difficult it would be for anyone to see the truth lurking beneath.

Now the real game begins.