Chapter 2

Suki Miyagi couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so much over a meal. She and her boyfriend, Touta Matsuda, were having crepes for dessert after having dinner out…well they were trying to have dessert. They had to stop so often due to laughing that she thought they'd never get them down.

The problem was the couple they were having dessert with simply wouldn't stop being amusing and it was making her face ache. First of all they weren't the kind of couple she was used to…they were both men. Matsuda's partner at the NPA and best friend, Detective Light Yagami, was gay and his life partner was...well...odd was the best word…and was a guy named Ryuzaki and a more unlikely couple she couldn't imagine.

Light was really good looking, perhaps the most attractive guy she'd ever met with auburn hair and smokey honey-eyes that complimented perfectly. He always dressed impeccably, his suits were always crisp and pressed; shoes that almost always seemed to be in perfect condition, never a hair out of place and a smile that would win over a brass statue, and if that wasn't enough his personality and obvious intelligence were the icing on an almost perfect cake. The only flaw she could find was that there were times he had a confident stride and aura that almost came off as arrogant, but not quite, and he tired quickly of the inane and non-intelligent. She also knew that he was the Deputy Director's son as she also worked at the NPA, and that he had practically written his own ticket when he joined due to his high graduation scores at bothTo-Oh University and the NPA.

Then there was Ryuzaki who was completely opposite. Not that he was ugly, she definitely wouldn't say that, he was nice looking, but against Light she had to admit that most guys wouldn't quite measure up. While Light's skin was slightly tanned, Ryuzaki's was porcelain white, almost to the point where she thought he might be unhealthy. Although after returning from their vacation, there was just a bit of color that hadn't been there before. His dark eyes were unusually large with dark circles underneath she assumed was from not getting a lot of sleep as Matsuda had told her he was a bit of an insomniac; and his gaze could sometimes make you feel as if he were staring right through to your soul; constantly questioning every word you uttered. She thought his best feature was his slightly upturned nose, which would rise up even further in disdain or annoyance. His worst feature, his impossible raven black hair. It looked as if he never touched it, but if she went by how Light's fingers would just go through it without any problems when he sometimes affectionately ran them through, it had to be incredibly soft and tangle-free. It stood up all around his head in varying directions, and down the back of his neck, touching the top of his shoulders. She had noticed that it had gotten longer since she'd known him; perhaps he was letting it grow or he had just given up on it. And while Light was always impeccably dressed, Ryuzaki's choice of clothing was constantly the same, a long sleeved white shirt and jeans that looked a size or two too big. Once in a while Light would talk him into a different color at least, but it was always the same texture and make. Matsuda had explained that he was a bit on the eccentric side; he was a certified genius and those kinds of people were always a little different. After time she began to not even notice that he wore the same thing constantly, only when she compared him to his fastidious partner.

Then of course there was the way he sat, with his knees drawn up and his feet on the chair; not to mention how he held everything as if he were afraid of catching something from it, but once again she chalked it up to being a genius and accepted it. She had been to their apartment several times for dinner and/or drinks where she noticed he was constantly barefoot, and where she had also met Mr. Wammy, or just Wammy as he had insisted. Matsuda had introduced to her as Ryuzaki's assistant and who had been with him for a very long time, taking care of him way before he had met Light. He had mentioned that Ryuzaki was a private investigator and had done well for himself but had been a recluse until meeting Light which was why he had needed someone to do things for him on the outside and that the older man was much like a father to him.

What had been difficult at first was getting used to them being gay. Homosexuality was very rarely discussed in public; of course everyone was aware of it but it wasn't spoken of generally and she'd never known one before…or if she had they had hidden it and that was quite possible.

These two definitely didn't hide it; not that they were blatant or embarrassing about it, but if you spent any time with them you'd know they loved each other. At first when she first began to date Matsuda, she had heard a lot of the talk about Light and she had been slightly alarmed knowing that Matsuda was with him constantly and for all kinds of hours; she had been warned that being with Light for so long could possibly change her own boyfriend's leanings. Bringing that fear up to Matsuda had been their first and so far only fight. Matsuda had known Light since he was a teen, and although he hadn't known he was gay until his relationship with Ryuzaki, he assured her that it was not contagious and was angry at her for listening to the foolish gossip. He had then made it quite clear that not only was Light his partner, but his best friend; both of them were, he would not stand for them being talked about that way and if she could not accept them as he did, it would be a deal breaker in their relationship.

She had been surprised by his ferocity on the matter, but then as she had begun to get to know them she began to understand. Matsuda had precious few people in his life he could call friends that accepted him and didn't think of him as stupid or untalented. Light and L appeared to be the only ones who not only accepted him and welcomed him in, they also realized he was more talented than the others would give him credit for. So in the way that neither were completely accepted by their peers, they found a commonality that few could share.

Several things were very clear to her about Light and L; one was how much they loved each other. Another was also that Ryuzaki delighted in exasperating Light and pouting when he didn't get his way, but it was also clear how much patience Light had with him and how he doted on him. Matsuda had said they had met in college, but there was something about them that made her think there was a history with them that kept them bonded more than most couples had and it intrigued her. Had she known that eccentric Ryuzaki was really the world renowned detective known as L, and that Light had once been the notorious Kira that L had sworn to capture, she would have known what that bond was and understood. And even though Ryuzaki seemed to delight in baiting Light, there was no mistaking the deep love he had for him.

As she sat musing over her companions, she had no idea that there were others in the restaurant who were doing the same. Sitting a few tables away from them was another who was musing over the two; but not in the same way as Suki was. This person was disgusted by the relationship the two obviously had, and in particular Ryuzaki. She thought it was disgusting that someone as attractive as Light seemed to be roped in by the obviously perverted older man. She was sure that if circumstances were different, he never would have been able to get his hooks into the younger man, much less sway him into living the sordid life she just knew they must share.

She stared at the table again, wrinkling her nose in distaste and running a hand through her blonde hair. She and her manager were sitting towards the back of the restaurant so not to attract too much attention; she was easily recognized and she really didn't want to sign any more autographs today. She had been happily chatting when she saw them walk in. She was surprised to see them, she had been told that they were leaving the country the last time she saw them. Perhaps they were here for a visit; Light's family was here after all. As she gazed at Light she remembered moments with him that she would always hold close, the softness of his kiss. Even when he was handcuffed to that ridiculous pervert he still tried to spend time with her. She was sure that was when Ryuzaki began to work his evil on him; and if she'd paid more attention, perhaps things would have worked out differently.

"Excuse me Ms. Amane, but would you like more coffee?" Misa stopped her musings long enough to look up at the waitress who stood at her table.

"Yes, I would," she answered, her gaze going back to Light.

"Really Misa? I thought you wanted to get back to the studio?" her manager asked and Misa shook her head.

"Why don't you go back and tell them I'm too tired to do anymore tonight. I'll go back in the morning."

"Misa, that's not going to make them happy," he manager began and Misa shook her head.

"I don't care, I have a headache," she answered and her manager sighed.

"Fine. I'll tell them something you ate isn't sitting right with you. I'll have the car pick you up early tomorrow so be ready." Misa nodded absently, her gaze still on Light as her manager stood up and left the table. The waitress followed her gaze as she poured the coffee and then smiled.

"Which one has captured your eye, if you don't mind me asking?" she asked with a small giggle and Misa looked up at her.

"Which one do you think, the handsome one!" she snapped, but it didn't surprise the waitress. Misa had been frequenting the restaurant for a while; she was used to her behavior.

"I'm sorry, of course it would be the handsome one. Those large eyes are simply amazing aren't they?"

"Large eyes?" Misa asked, her voice rising in annoyance, "I said the handsome one, not the one who looks like an owl!" The waitress turned and looked at the table again in surprise. She had assumed she had meant Mr. Ryuzaki, she had always found him quite attractive, much more than Mr. Light. Mr. Light was good looking definitely, but in a normal, every day way. Mr. Ryuzaki was different, deliciously different and she found that extremely attractive. She smiled back down at Ms. Amane; well at least she didn't have any competition from someone like the pop star, she could continue her trying to get Mr. Ryuzaki to notice her without any trouble.

"My mistake Ms. Amane, I'm sorry. I rather prefer the dark haired one,". Misa snorted her disdain at the statement.

"What do I care who you like, as long as it isn't Light," she said and then sighed, "I have to go over and say hello. We're old friends, I'm sure he'll be happy to see me. Do they come here often?" the waitress nodded with a smile.

"At least once a week; Mr. Ryuzaki loves the chocolate crepes here. Mr. Light doesn't eat them so much, but what Mr. Ryuzaki eats makes up for it! As a matter of fact, it's just about time for his second chocolate crepe, so if you would excuse me?" Misa waved her hand in annoyance.

"I don't care, go," she answered and the waitress bowed slightly and walked away. Misa scowled as she sipped her coffee and continued to watch.

L was beginning to be annoyed as Light attacked him with his napkin after practically every bite of his crepe; ignoring the fact that he seemed to have most of it on his face afterwards. He had just threatened to attach Light's hand to the table with his fork if he even tried to come near him with the napkin again causing Suki and Matsuda to start giggling again.

"Perhaps if you didn't leave so much on your face…"Light had answered moving his hand out of range of Ryuzaki's raised fork.

"Perhaps if you spent more time eating your own instead of watching me eat mine!" Ryuzaki fumed at him and Light countered.

"Perhaps I wouldn't have to if you would eat like a human being," he told his partner who's large eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Perhaps…" he began and Matsuda raised his hands making a time out signal with them.

"Guys you have to stop, you're killing us!" he said laughing and both genii stared at him and Suki, having almost forgotten they were even there.

"I fail to see the humor in Light treating me as though I were a child," L complained as he finished his crepe, "Next he will be tying a bib around my neck."

"Don't be ridiculous Ryuzaki," Light said with a smile, "A napkin would do the same thing perfectly." He then picked up a napkin and straightened it out as if he were about to try it and L waved his fork at him as a warning.

As Suki laughed again, she noticed their waitress staring at the table. She had noticed that she had been doing that quite a bit during their stay. She thought at first it was because she disapproved of the couple, but as Light and L had been here many times on their own as well as with the two of them she didn't think it was likely. It was also not likely she was just keeping up with them if they needed her as she had a look of longing on her face as she stared. She followed the waitress's train of vision and assumed she must have been staring at Light. That was something that happened often, girls staring at Light. But then she noticed that when Light excused himself to go the rest room, her eyes didn't follow him as Suki expected they would, instead they stayed focused on the table...and then it was obvious that it was Ryuzaki she was staring at. Suki smiled at the idea that it was Ryuzaki for a change; she'd have to tell him.

"You know if you like him that much, why don't you say something Maki", another waitress said to the staring waitress with a smirk and then watched as Light walked back to the table from the men's room.

"If it were me he's the one I'd be looking at," she said and Maki looked at the young detective and shrugged as she prepared a dish with another chocolate crepe.

"He's too ordinary, just a regular guy. But Mr. Ryuzaki is very different, he's not like any other guy I've ever seen," she frowned as her friend snorted her amusement.

"That's for sure, he's definitely not ordinary. So…say hello the next time you go over there, you already managed to get his name."

"That was easy, his friend says it often enough," she answered and that brought on a full laugh from her friend.

"That's another thing, I think there's more there than being friends. I think they're lovers and you're completely out of luck!" Maki frowned at her friend.

"That's disgusting, and if it's true I'm sure it's only temporary. He probably hasn't been able to find the right girl that understands him. Once he finds the right girl he'll get over that."

"Oh and you think you're the right girl I take it? How are you going to let him know this wonderful information? When he's here he's always with the other one, they're never apart! Good luck, you're going to need it," her friend said and walked away laughing as one of her tables called her over. Maki frowned at the laughter and then noticed that Mr. Ryuzaki had finished his chocolate crepe. She quickly finished putting the new plate together.

"I think you have an admirer Ryuzaki," Suki said nodding towards the waitress who was now moving towards them. L frowned and looked at the direction she was nodding and saw the waitress coming, locked eyes with her when she had turned to looked up at him, ignoring her blush.

"I doubt that," he said sipping his coffee, "They are always looking at Light, not at me." Suki shook her head.

"Not this time, I'm surprised you don't have a burn hole in your back the way she's been watching you!"

"Obviously she's a little confused," Light said with a grin as he sat back down and L turned to look at him.

"Why is she confused Light? Because someone might be interested in me rather than you for a change?" Although it was said lightly enough, Light knew there was more underneath that statement than what it sounded like and he had to answer carefully.

"Of course not, I didn't mean it that way. But she has to be aware by now that we are together and that you are not available, we've been here many times together." He hastily answered and L studied him before answering, his finger coming to rest at his mouth.

"This is a fact," he said and then smiled at Suki, "I am sure you are probably misreading her intentions anyway, I have never been the object of anyone's interest." He told her and Light grabbed his hand.

"I'm sorry, what did you just say?" he asked and L smiled at him.

"Except for you obviously and there are times I still don't understand how that happened," he said almost sadly and Suki suddenly felt for him. She was sure Light had a never-ending parade of interest for him, but it obviously had not been the same for Ryuzaki.

"There was also that idiot in Florida, remember," Light reminded him and L rolled his eyes.

"Yes, well the sooner he is forgotten the better," he said but Suki wanted to know more about this guy in Florida. Before she could add to the conversation, the waitress reached their table carrying a new chocolate crepe. She removed L's empty plate and placed the new one in front of him.

"I thought I'd go ahead and bring this, I know you usually have two," she said sweetly and smiled warmly at L. He looked up surprised and locked eyes with Maki again and watched with some amusement as he saw color rise to her cheeks again. Light on the other hand was not amused at all.

"Thank you, I was just going to ask," he said and she nodded.

"I was sure you were going to. Would you like more coffee as well?"

"Yes, thank you I think we all could use more…" Matsuda held his hands up.

"No thanks, Suki and I have to get going, but thank you anyway," he said thinking that if the look on Light's face was any indication, there might be a discussion he didn't want to be privy to.

"Yes, that's true," Suki agreed looking at her watch, "Thank you again so much for the gifts, we really didn't expect anything at all, and these were beautiful!" Matsuda nodded his agreement and held up his arm, showing off the new watch. "And as usual we had a great time and look forward to the next one!" she said and Light stood as they got up.

"See ya in the morning partner," he said to Matsuda who nodded.

"Good night Matsuda, Suki," L said and they returned the wish and left, Suki taking one last look behind her at the table as they walked out.

"Matsuda, I know you think I'm over thinking this, but I really think she's attracted to Ryuzaki," she told him and he turned to look back at the table.

"It could be, but that's something they can handle I'm sure. It's happened often enough with Light and….wait a minute is that…"

"Who…who are you talking about?" Suki asked and noticed an attractive blonde walking towards the table they'd just left.

"Oh my God it is her!" Matsuda exclaimed and Suki shook her head.

"Her? Her who? Who is she?" Matsuda looked at her and grinned.

"Don't tell me you've never heard of Misa Amane, the pop star?" he asked and she looked back and suddenly realized she was very familiar.

"Ohhh yes, I see. I never knew you were star struck Touta!" she said with a laugh and he shook his head.

"It's not that, we worked together for a while on a case. Come on, I want to say hello and introduce you!" he said and pulled her back toward the table.

"Light, that is you!" Misa said sweetly making both the men at the table suddenly stop and look up at the voice. L's eyes narrowed dangerously as he took in who was standing before them, his free hand clenching into a fist. He had hoped never to see her again, and they had managed for over five years to do just that. Now here she was, not only in their faces but in HIS favorite restaurant.

"Misa?" Light said in surprise, then stood up as she got closer to the table.

"Light, it is so good to see you again!" she said as she got closer to him, reaching out to gather him in a hug. L dropped his fork noisily onto the table as she also tried to lean in for a quick kiss which Light deftly avoided and gently pushed her away.

"It's good to see you as well," he said with a quick glance at L, "I've noticed that there's barely a magazine or commercial that doesn't have you on it these days."

"Thank you, I'm glad you noticed," she answered grinning.

"Yes, it appears your career has flourished since the last time we saw each other," L said, making sure she remembered he was there. She frowned and looked down at him and plastered an obviously fake smile on her face.

"Oh, hello Ryuzaki, I didn't notice you were there," she said and turned her attention back to Light just as Matsuda and Suki had made their way back to them.

"Misa Misa! I can't believe it's you! How are you!" Matsuda called making the pop star roll her eyes, as now the entire restaurant was aware she was there.

"Hi Matsuda," Misa said, "It's good to see you. Weren't you leaving? I don't want to hold you up!"

"Oh, it's okay," he said grinning widely, "I saw you and I wanted to say hello and introduce you to my girlfriend. Suki this is Misa Amane!"

"Yes, I know," Suki answered with a slight bow, "I am happy to meet you, Touta has mentioned you to me." Misa giggled while not relenting on her hold on Light.

"That doesn't surprise me, we did work together for a while. Well, don't let me hold you up," she said and turned back to Light, "I'm really surprised to see you. I thought you had moved away from Japan." She said effectively shutting out Matsuda and his girlfriend.

"Yes…well..okay. Good to see you Misa!" Matsuda told her, then turned with Suki and headed out of the restaurant again.

"This is the girl you were talking about before?" Suki fumed, "She's such a bitch. She only had eyes for Light!" Matsuda shrugged.

"That's not nice Suki, she's probably just glad to see Light again. They were an item for a while back in the day." Suki stared at him in surprise.

"An item? She and Light? I don't understand…"

"Well, Light hadn't told anyone about his real feelings. I guess he kinda used her more of as a cover, you know, he was afraid to let his family know what he really was. It was kinda sad when he finally told her that he was in love with Ryuzaki instead, but at least he did finally tell her. She didn't want to believe it, but eventually she had to." Suki turned quickly and looked back at Misa as they went out of the door, noticing she was still holding onto Light's arm.

"Something tells me maybe she still doesn't, and that concerns me," she said and Matsuda also looked back and frowned.

"I don't think we have to worry about that," he said, "I don't think there's anything that could come between Light and Ryuzaki."

"Maybe, but she certainly looks as if she still has strong feelings for Light," she added worriedly and Matsuda stopped walking and turned towards her.

"Look, if it's really bothering you that much I'll talk to Light about it at work tomorrow. It's not totally impossible that she may be a little over zealous, but it could just be because she hasn't seen Light in so long. But I'm not one to discount anyone's gut feelings; I go by those a lot myself. But there's nothing we can do about it right now, okay?" Suki smiled and nodded, then leaned forward and kissed the young detective's mouth softly.

"Okay, and thank you for not thinking I'm being silly," she said and he smiled back.

"I think it's great that you think that much of them to worry, that means a lot to me," he told her as they began to walk again and reached the car.

"Well, they kinda grow on a person," she said laughing as she got into the car, "I certainly don't want to see either of them hurt." Matsuda gazed at her when he got into the car, then leaned forward and kissed her. He didn't know how he'd managed to get so lucky to get this attractive traffic clerk to even say yes the first time he'd asked her to breakfast, and now she had become everything he had ever hoped for in a relationship.

"I think I love you," he said when he had pulled away and she laughed.

"Tell me that again when you're sure," she said and dropped her hand onto his thigh, "Now, I think it's time we stopped by your place." Matsuda cleared his throat and started the car, pulling into traffic as quickly as he could while Suki giggled beside him.

Light had pulled his arm from Misa's grasp and had gestured for her to sit in one of the chairs that had been vacated by Suki and Matsuda, ignoring the hateful glare he knew he was getting from L.

"Well, yes we had moved away for a while, but Ryuzaki knew I had always wanted to be a member of the NPA and he made it possible for us to move back here, and for me to finish my courses and join the NPA. So…here we are," he reached over and took L's hand, "I'll never be able to thank him enough for letting me have the life I always wanted."

Misa tried not to gag as she listened to him, and then watched as he looked at the pervert with such affection it was nauseating. She knew it wasn't real love, it was the kind a kidnap victim felt for his kidnapper after a while, she was sure of it. Perhaps now that enough time had gone by, and he had been living whatever sordid life Ryuzaki had given him, he'd look more favorably on a normal life she could present to him. She would just have to take her time and do it carefully.

L watched her closely; he could almost hear the thoughts that were going on in that ridiculous mind of hers. Somehow he knew that she was plotting some way of getting back into Light's life and he would never stand for that. As a matter of fact he would put an end to the situation right now. He looked up and saw Maki looking towards their table and he raised his hand, waving her over. She smiled and immediately came over.

"Do you wish more coffee?" she asked, then looked at Misa, "Would you like me to bring your coffee here?" she was surprised at how quickly L shook his head.

"No, we wish for the check, immediately please," he said and turned to look at Misa, "Please excuse us but we have further plans for the evening." He said and she narrowed her eyes at him then turned to Light.

"But we've only just met again Light, can't we talk for a little while before you leave?" she looked at L, "You can go if you have something to do." Light could feel the anger radiating from his partner beside him and he squeezed his hand.

"I'm sure now that we've run into each other, we'll run into each other again Misa, but we really do have to leave." He released L's hand long enough to take care of the check, then took it again as they stood to leave.

"It's good to know you're doing well Misa, and that what happened between us never held you back. Good-night." He said as he and L headed for the door. Both Misa and Maki watched them leave, Misa growling under her breath as she sat back in the chair.

"I think it's a mistake, they're being together like that," Maki mused and Misa looked up at her.

"A big mistake, and I intend to make Light realize it this time," she said and Maki giggled.

"Let me know when you have Ms. Amane, and I'll take Mr. Ryuzaki."

"With pleasure," Misa said and stood up, "Perhaps we can even work on this together since we both want it over. I'll be in touch." She got up and walked out of the restaurant leaving a very surprised Maki behind.

"I cannot believe that you cannot see what is happening!" L fumed as they walked into their apartment.

"I can see that you're over reacting," Light said as he shut the door behind them, "It was unfortunate that we ran into Misa, I was hoping we could continue avoiding her, but I guess eventually it had to happen. Nothing has changed L, relax."

"Could you not see that she has not changed one bit? She still feels she has a change with you, I can see that she is going to try something, can't you see that?" Light sighed and wrapped his arms around his fuming partner.

"Okay, I admit that she seemed a bit more…familiar than she should have been. But I believe I made it quite clear that there was nothing between us, that I was with you. I can't help how she feels, L. All I can do is make sure that she realizes there is nothing she can do to get between us." He leaned down to kiss L and was surprised when the detective turned away and pulled out of his arms and began to pace.

"Why does she have to show up now? I'm already dealing with the sobering reality of the possibility of life without Watari, and now she's trying to take you away from me too? This is not something I wish to deal with ever, and especially not now." Light caught up with him and held him in place.

"You don't have to deal with it at all, L. Leave whatever happens with Misa to me, I will take care of whatever she tries to do, if she even tries anything," he put his fingers under L's chin and made him look up at him, "We have faced so much worse than whirlwind Misa Amane, she's nothing to us, much less a threat to you. I love you with every fiber of my being L Lawliet, there is no one and nothing that can ever change that. Especially not a delusional blonde pop star." L sighed and smiled sadly.

"You may love me, but I also know that you have guilt feelings on how she feels about you. She may use those feelings against you somehow." Now it was Light's turn to sigh and he nodded.

"Yes, I'm not going to lie and say that I don't feel somewhat guilty for what I did to her, but it isn't going to make me go to her. You can't believe that I would ever do that!"

"No, of course not Light, but I'm not sure what she's capable of. Especially now, she's even bigger than she was before…"

"What's that got to do with anything?," Light asked and then smiled slyly, "Besides, no matter what she has, she'll always be missing something I desperately need." He began to slowly slide his hand into the oversized jeans and boxers, his hand not stopping until it grasped the warmth inside, beginning to stroke it slowly. L's eyes closed at the touch, a soft moan escaping as all of his arguments and worries disappeared under Light's ministrations.

"I love you L," Light whispered in L's ear as he continued to stroke him, "And I certainly couldn't live without this." He lowered his mouth onto L's neck as he continued to stroke him, making L's knees weaken under him.

"Let's take this into the bedroom," Light suggested and L moaned his agreement, allowing himself to be pulled into the room and onto the bed.