Matsu-tan
Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note. I'm writing this for great justice.
After Ryuzaki's death, Light gloated over his victory for a few days. All of his obstacles were now cleared. But victory seemed to wear off into emptiness. Was it because he would be bored now without a rival? Or could it be… that the friendship he had truly acquired while his memories were gone was still existent? Kira couldn't destroy the contents of Light's psyche. But Kira could use them. And Kira used that friendship to destroy L.
At the private funeral, even Kira couldn't completely hold back the feelings of grief. Why did it have to be this way? L should have minded his own business. Now who was he going to turn to for companionship?
"Yagami-kun," he heard a solemn youthful voice behind him. It lacked its normal brightness. "Are you alright?"
Light glanced toward the ground. "He said I was his first friend. I'm going to miss him."
Matsuda's voice eased with a slight smile. "He was a good man. Maybe a bit eccentric… but sweet." He grinned wider. "And we'll avenge his death by catching Kira! Oh, and Light-kun," Matsuda waited until Light looked up, then placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You still have me. We're friends."
"Thank you, Matsuda," Light smiled, partially genuinely, partially mischievously. Kira filed this away as useful information. Matsuda's blind loyalty might come in handy someday.
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Matsuda watched as everyone began filing out of Light's apartment, the new HQ for the investigation. "I guess I'll be going, too," Matsuda got up.
"Wait."
"What is it, Light-kun?" Matsuda's voice held a bit of excitement that maybe there was a development in the case and he would be the first to know. Well, besides Light.
"Misa's not going to be back for a couple hours."
Matsuda's eyes widened in surprise, then softened. Light was lonely… "You want me to keep you company till then?"
At first Light sniffed as if he didn't want to ruin his pride, but then cracked a smile. "Thank you."
"Do you just want to talk?"
"Okay."
For about an hour they chatted idly. But Light slowly eased into another conversation. "Matsuda, what do you really think of Kira's actions? Please be honest."
Matsuda shifted uneasily. So soon after Ryuzaki… "You've probably heard me before, but the crime rate has decreased dramatically since Kira appeared. The world is becoming a safer place, thanks to Kira. But… the method is abominable. Do all those people really deserve to die? That's what I think." He looked up at Light, his eyes pleading to be taken seriously. "But what he did to Ryuzaki is unforgivable. Ryuzaki wasn't a criminal! He didn't do anything wrong! We must do our duty and avenge his death by capturing Kira!"
Light paused for a moment then replied, "Matsuda… I agree with you completely."
Matsuda brightened up. "Really, Light-kun?!" He realized he was getting in one of his excited moods again and calmed down. "Everyone else either tells me to shut up or treats me like a fool for the things I say. But this is the first time someone's agreed with me like this. It means a lot to me."
"Light!" a high pitched yell called from the door. "I'm home!" Misa ran into Light's arms before he could even get up from the sofa. She turned around, "Hi, Matsu! You're here late!"
"Oh," Matsuda got up. "Light just wanted somebody to talk to. But now that you're back, I think I'll call it a night. Goodnight, MisaMisa…Light-kun," Before he exited, he turned back once more and smiled good naturedly. "If you ever need anything else, I'm here for you." Then he left.
Misa turned up to Light, "Matsu is such a sweet guy, huh, Light?"
Light just stared at the door and grinned.
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Next: When Near and Mello enter the picture, Light must assure Matsuda's loyalty is over 100 percent!