Miyagi Yō - just borrowed for a moment from Junjō Romantica and belongs to Shungiku Nakamura

ChillingShadow and Mary Lou - Thank you VERY much for reviews! I'm really glad you liked it. Here's the next one. ENJOY!

Chapter 2 Beta-edited by the wonderful shojen12

Light was perfectly on time to his entrance exams and had no idea why the man at the gate acted like he was late. He took his seat and waited for the sign to turn over the sheet with questions. He heard the door open and close and caught the sight of someone taking a vacant place behind him. Someone was even later than he was.

The questions weren't particularly easy but they were not difficult either. Light did them one by one without hurry. The professor scolded someone, and told them to sit 'normal'. How can you sit in abnormal way? Right after that thought his mind provided him with countless images of one strange person who didn't seem to do anything in a normal way. Freaking Ryuzaki was invading his mind way too often…

He was tempted to turn around but he didn't want to be accused of cheating and copying the answers. Another few minutes passed and then the same person, the same that was late and sat the wrong way, was being scolded again, this time for not doing their test.

"I have already finished."

This time Light couldn't help but look back. He knew that voice. And he sure as hell knew this face, those black piercing eyes and messy hair. He knew those clothes… but he couldn't really say he knew that annoying person because he still didn't even know his damn name. He tried to ask his father many times but without success.

Their eyes met for a brief moment but soon after Ryuzaki had been kicked out of the room.

When Light left the building people surrounded him, asking how did he go, where was he from or if he had a girlfriend. People were crowding around him and even though he tried his best, he couldn't spot Ryuzaki. Why was he even there? Was he really going to enroll to the same University as Light?

Sachiko Yagami was the happiest and proudest mother on Earth. Her son passed the exam with 100% accuracy. She really wanted to hug him, to squeal and throw a party, but Light was acting like it was nothing. He practically ignored her joyous attempts to congratulate him and simply headed to his room, where he spent most of his time. There was nothing to celebrate.

The entrance ceremony was supposed to be just another mundane task Light had to deal with. He would have to sit there for almost an hour and then read his speech. Then he would finally go home to hack his father's computer. Since he had first met that strange man in their living room he was looking for any information on him but there was completely nothing. It was driving Light crazy because he liked to always know everything and he knew completely nothing about that freak.

"Please welcome the freshmen representative that passed the entrance exam with the highest possible grade: Light Yagami…"

"Here!" Light stood up and approached the scene.

"…and Hideki Ryuga."

Light turned around, mildly surprised to hear that someone matched his score. He wondered if it was that actor his little sister was so obsessed with. He almost chocked on air seeing that the person didn't look anything like the actor… and everything like someone HE seemed obsessed with.
Light was calmly reading his speech trying not to stare at the freak beside him. The man was dressed in the same jeans, old sneakers and white long sleeved T-shirt he was wearing when Light first met him… He looked exactly the same and completely out of place. He also didn't seem to care in the slightest.

So… He was the person who passed the tests with the same result as Light… Even though he had been kicked out of the room after just twenty minutes… So he wasn't joking. He really did finish it that fast. Light had to reluctantly admit that it was kind of amazing. When was the last time Light was impressed with someone? Was he ever?

Ryuzaki took the sheet with the speech and read it with his low monotone voice. It was still sending shivers down Light's spine. That asshole had an amazing voice. The way he was holding the paper was ridiculous and Light wasn't sure if he was making fun or what. It looked like Ryuzaki was afraid of the germs residing on the sheet of paper and held it with just the tips of his fingers. When Ryuzaki finished reading and locked gazes with Light the younger boy realized with horror that he had been staring again.

What was HE doing here? Was he really going to study in the same University as Light? Or maybe it had something to do with that night they had met? Maybe he was trying to confirm his cover as a friend of Yagami Soichiro's son? Or maybe… (Light blushed at the thought…) Was he here to protect Light?

Later he was once again surrounded by people. Some of them he knew from high school, others were just trying to introduce themselves. They were like a locust. Light was looking around hoping to spot the messy mop of black hair somewhere around. He would force some answers from the irritating man even if he had to beat him up to achieve that.

The first day was boring and disappointing. It consisted mostly of preliminaries. It was such a waste of time… Light was looking around the room. He wasn't looking for Ryuzaki but… he wanted to talk to him and ask what he's up to. Another period passed and Ryuzaki just wasn't there… Would he ever show up?

Light tried to push all thoughts of him aside and concentrate on socializing. He was sending the most charming smiles all around the campus, breaking hearts with a single bat of an eyelash. Before the lunch time he had them all at his feet.

Finally Light had some peace of mind. Everything was as it should be. He was sitting somewhere in a middle of an aula, listening to his Criminal Law professor – Miyagi Yō. The man was young and charismatic. Light liked that, but he already knew about the history of Criminal Law….

"…The first written codes of law were designed by the Sumerians. Around 2100-2050 BC Ur-Nammu, the Neo-Sumerian king of Ur, enacted the oldest written legal code whose text has been discovered: the Code of Ur-Nammu…."

Boring…

"Hey, you! Candy-man, why don't you tell us what are the objectives of criminal law?"

Light smirked and looked back at the person that the professor addressed in such a manner. There was Ryuzaki with a lollipop in his mouth.

"Criminal law is distinctive for the uniquely serious potential consequences or sanctions for failure to abide by its rules. Every crime is composed of criminal elements. Capital punishment may be imposed in some jurisdictions for the most serious crimes. Physical or corporal punishment may be imposed such as whipping or caning, although these punishments are prohibited in much of the world. Individuals may be incarcerated in prison or jail in a variety of conditions depending on the jurisdiction. Confinement may be solitary. Length of incarceration may vary from a day to life. Government supervision may be imposed, including house arrest, and convicts may be required to conform to particularized guidelines as part of a parole or probation regimen. Fines also may be imposed, seizing money or property from a person convicted of a crime."

The professor raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Good!" The professor started to walk through the hall to approach Ryuzaki. He passed Light without even a glance. "Look… I don't mind you eating at my lectures even though it kills me to see someone eat this… It's not good for your teeth! But you're distracting others, you know…."

"I'm sorry." Ryuzaki's low voice reverberated through the room like a silent hum of thunder. Then he loudly crushed the candy with his teeth and swallowed. Miyagi chuckled and scratched his head.

"I don't mind the way you sit either, but…"

Light wondered how Ryuzaki repressed the urge to roll his eyes. He didn't even say anything. He simply let his legs slide down until his bare feet touched the floor.

"What's your name?"

"Hideki… Ryuga Hideki."

"Ok, Hideki-san, do you know the five objectives that are widely accepted for enforcement of the criminal law we're going to talk about next?"

"You mean punishments? Retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation and restitution."

"Subarashi! Now, who wants to tell us about the first one? Retribution…"

Miyagi looked around, spotting very few hands raised. Without much thought he pointed to Light, who gave a perfect answer. Miyagi smiled again and nodded.

"I see we have some really brilliant students this year. Aren't you two those top graders?"

"Yes sir, my name is Yagami Light."

"Alright then, Yagami-san, please tell us about the remaining four punishments then…"

And so Light continued. It felt great to show off in front of Ryuzaki, to show him that he was as smart as him! Or even more! Yes, he would show Ryuzaki who is smarter and who deserves more to be L's apprentice. Light raised his hand every time some question was asked while Ryuzaki didn't raise his hand even once, so… Light felt triumphant. Until he didn't know the answer to some question. No one raised a hand so Miyagi looked around and stopped his gaze on the black mop of crazy hair.

"Hideki-san?"

Ryuzaki reluctantly looked up. Was he... pouting? Was he still angry that the professor asked him to put his feet back down on the floor? But he answered - perfectly. Light's jaw dropped. He knew he was smart but what Ryuzaki just said required some serious knowledge and not everyone had access to things like that. The professor seemed to reach the same conclusion because his face was priceless. Light waited for him to ask Ryuzaki HOW did he know that but Miyagi just nodded and finally dropped it moving to the next subject.

Oh how Light envied him now… This damn alien had access to information none of them should have. There was no doubt that he acquired them during his work for L. It was so unfair! Light also started to wonder, how old was Ryuzaki? He probably graduated years ago and that's why he already knew all that… He worked for L after all! And once again, Light asked himself a question, why was Ryuzaki here? Gods, how Light wanted to hate him… He wanted…. But couldn't. Not really. He cursed Ryuzaki in his head and even wanted to beat the shit out of him but… He couldn't hate him. He would have to know more about the mysterious man to be able to actually hate him…

After the lecture he pushed through the crowd of fan girls (and fan boys) and tried to reach Ryuzaki before the man disappears again.

Maybe Light could just yell at Ryuzaki to stop him, maybe he could just pat his shoulder to catch his attention but… he grabbed Ryuzaki's hand. It wasn't bigger or smaller than his but definitely was paler and bonier. And it was cool, almost cold, and it made Light shiver. Or maybe something else did, but Light still liked to think it was because of the low temperature of the other man's hand.

He tightened his grip instinctively feeling that Ryuzaki is trying to shake him off.

"You know, Ryuzaki, nine out of ten of these people would kill just to hold my hand!"

"Oh, I am pretty well aware of that, Yagami-kun. And I have no intention of being the one they will try to kill so if you would be so kind as if to let me go and…"

Light dropped his hand angrily before he managed to finish the sentence.

"What are you doing here, Ryuzaki?"

"I am attending a lecture on the criminal law…"

"So you're not stalking me?"

"Why would I be stalking Yagami-kun?!" Ryuzaki's tone was still impassive but Light knew he surprised him.

"Is there a problem, Light-kun? Is this creep bothering you?"

"Oh, no, Mikami-sempai. We were just talking."

Tall brunette in thick rimmed glasses put his hand protectively on Light's shoulder and glared at Ryuzaki.

"I heard you say that he is stalking you."

"I was merely teasing Ryuzaki."

"Ryuzaki?" Mikami tightened his grip on Light and his eyes hardened even more. "I thought he's name was Ryuga. And why are you calling him by his first name? Is he your friend?" Mikami sounded truly disgusted. Even though Ryuzaki didn't know this man he felt like straightening up a bit more, to show that he was taller than he looked. Light noticed that he was almost the same height as Mikami and couldn't help but blush. He looked at both men. Ryuzaki was dressed in the same clothes as ever, while Mikami was wearing a tie, a shirt and a black jacket. He imagined how Ryuzaki would look dressed in a well cut suit or something similar. He would be stunning… with his pale complexion, dark eyes and black hair… Lost in his thoughts Light forgot to answer Mikami giving Ryuzaki an opening to flee.

"If you'll excuse me, Yagami-kun…" The effect his low voice had on Light was kind of scary for the younger man. It was alarming. Then, the fact that Ryuzaki was trying to leave was even more alarming and Light without thinking once again tried to grab his hand, but only got a hold of Ryuzaki's fingers. Ryuzaki turned to look at him questioningly.

"Ryuzaki… we need to talk…." Light felt his blush deepen. He felt ridiculous. He was standing in the middle of a hallway of his University holding hands with the weirdest man he had ever seen. Not only that, he was freaking blushing like a schoolgirl with a crush. What the hell?

Ryuzaki's hand was cool and smooth and Light suddenly felt the urge to press it to his hot cheek to level the temperatures. Luckily he stopped himself from doing so. THAT would be even weirder than everything he did thus far. He nervously cleared his throat.

"Why don't we go to the cafeteria and have lunch together?"

Mikami gasped. "W-what? What are you talking about, Light-kun? Let's have lunch together!"

Both Ryuzaki and Light ignored him completely.

"I'm sorry, Yagami-kun, but the cafeteria has an awfully poor assortment of confectionery, hence I'm forced to go elsewhere to have a decent meal. Would Yagami-kun like to accompany me?"

"Sure… why not?"

"Alright then." Ryuzaki cast a one last suspicious look at Mikami and turned to leave. Light followed obediently.

"Yagami-kun can let go of my hand now. His real stalker is no longer watching us."

"Mikami is not a stalker. He's just…"

"My hand, Yagami-kun."

"Sorry…" Light dropped Ryuzaki's hand and fell into step with him.

"Where are we going, Ryuzaki?"

They left the campus and walked side by side.

"There is a place nearby that serves an excellent cheesecake."

"Cheesecake? For lunch?"

"It is as good for lunch as for breakfast or dinner or supper."

"That's ridiculous."

Light's eyes widened when he realized where Ryuzaki was leading him.

"Stop. I… I can't afford a lunch in this place! And I'm underdressed!"

"Do not worry. I invited you, so I'm paying. Besides, what difference does it make what Light-kun is wearing? We're here to talk and eat, not for Light-kun's love concurs."

Light snorted.

"I just don't want to feel out of place."

"Well, since Yagami-kun is here with ME it seems unavoidable."

A waiter took them to their table. He removed the sign 'reserved' from the center and placed a menu in front of Light.

"Your order is almost ready, Hideki-san."

"Thank you." Ryuzaki's voice was unnervingly sexy but Light tried not to think about it. He opened the menu but there were no prices there so he just ordered what he really felt like eating.

"So…" Light started when they were left alone. "…Why are you in my course?"

"Do I really need to explain? I'm sure Yagami-kun already knows."

"So, I was right. You are a stalker." Light was surprised by his own tone of voice. He never used it before. It sounded like… flirting.

"…no." Ryuzaki seemed completely unaffected by all the attention Light was giving him.

"Ok, you're here to protect me from the bad guys." Did he sound too hopeful?

"Third time lucky, Yagami-kun." Damn it….

"Is it about those guys who were watching our house? Back then you pretended to be my friend and you're doing this to keep the cover."

"That is mostly correct but… Those are not my only reasons to stay close to Yagami-kun."

Light blushed again. "What do you mean?"

"I hoped Yagami-kun would never have to learn about the rest of my reasons. I can assure Light-kun that I will do everything I can to keep him from any harm's way."

"What makes you think I'm in danger?"

"Mikami Teru."

"Mikami? He would never hurt me! He likes me."

"What is Yagami-kun's opinion on the punishment's given by the abiding law?"

"Well… It's not something I would say on Miyagi's classes but it pains me that after my father and other policemen risk their lives to catch criminals those bastards will be set free after the trial…. "

"Sounds awfully like Kira's point of view."

Light snorted. "You don't suspect ME to be a part of Kira, do you? Seriously, Ryuzaki…"

"Have you ever talked about it with Mikami?"

Light tried to remember if he actually did…

"I'm not sure, but it is highly probable. We often talk about things like that."

"He may see you as an ally. I think he will try to convince Yagami-kun to join Kira."

"Ryuzaki… Mikami is not a part of Kira! He may seem a bit… weird, but he's not a murderer."

"I can prove it, Yagami-kun."

The waiter brought them their meals and Ryuzaki's attention diverted from Light completely. From this point on the complete focus of his being was a creamy cake on his plate. Light couldn't wait for him to finish it already, but then some more sweet treats filled the table and Ryuzaki seemed determined to eat it all. Light tried to think about accusations that Ryuzaki threw at his colleague, but he was too distracted by the tiny little drop of pink whipped cream on Ryuzaki's chin, very close to his lower lip. His very nice and pink lower lip…

Disgusting…

But still it consumed Light's attention to the point that he had forgotten to eat his own food.

"Did the sad truth about Yagami-kun's friend kill his appetite?"

"Um… what? No… I'm fine… ", Light finally started to eat his meal, while in the same time he tried to bring the conversation back." And Mikami is not my friend. He's just a colleague."

"Really?" Ryuzaki's pitch black eyes were now directed straight at Light's brown ones.

"He seemed pretty close to Yagami-kun."

Light laughed softly, making sure it sounded sweet and sexy at the same time, because… why not tease the freak a bit? It could be a great way to show L that his 'apprentice' is nothing special after all. It was a good plan… to flirt with the freak a bit, to have him head over heels in love with Light, wrapped around Light's little finger… and then show him the middle one. Crush him showing how weak, pathetic and useless he really is…

This thought seemed ridiculously appealing.

To seduce Ryuzaki… not for real of course! … just to make him feel like he had a chance… and then crush his hopes, hurt him and destroy him… make him suffer. His own cruel thoughts were as scary as surprising, but he really wanted to do it. He didn't remember when was the last time was up for a challenge like that, when was the last time Light actually wanted something?

He needed to get close to this man, whoever he was. Close enough to destroy him and take his place.

He smiled seductively. "Well… he has a crush on me, you know?"

"Is Yagami-kun sure about that? Is Yagami-kun sure that Mikami isn't just pretending, to gain Yagami-kun's trust and liking?"

Light's face fell. How dare he?! How dare Ryuzaki suggest that Mikami was not completely crazy about him, while it was obvious that he was!?

"Are you trying to tell me I'm not crush-worthy?"

"Yagami-kun, all I'm trying to say is that not everything is about YOU."

Light's smile was back full force.

"So now you say that I am worth of being crushed on?"

Ryuzaki released a frustrated sigh and tussled with his messy hair. He didn't know how to talk to this boy.

"Stop playing these silly games with me, Yagami–kun. I know you are not that shallow."

Light blushed realizing that he was acting like some spoiled princess. Maybe he went a little overboard with pretending to flirt with Ryuzaki after all. Romance seemed to be the very last thing on this man's mind. Just as it was the last thing on Light's mind so far. Why did it change? Why was he so obsessed with the idea now…?

"So you are here for Mikami, not me?"

"I am not here FOR him; I am here BECAUSE of him. Yagami-kun's acquaintance with Mikami is just making things easier, since their people had already seen me in Yagami-kun's company. It is very convenient for my cover. I didn't expect Yagami-kun to approach me though… and now Mikami seems for some reason very hostile toward me."

"He was just jealous."

"We merely had a short conversation. It is hardly a reason for jealousy, but maybe he suspects that I am not who I pretend to be? And maybe that is why he tried to take Yagami-kun away from me."

"You still don't believe that he likes me! But he does! And he WAS jealous! And WE (you and me) didn't JUST have a short conversation. We actually went to have lunch together. He probably thinks we're on a date! So, he has every reason to be jealous!"

Ryuzaki just stared at him with a mysteriously blank face.

"What is Yagami-kun up to? Maybe Yagami-kun actually WANTS to make Mikami jealous on purpose?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Ryuzaki. I'm not interested in Mikami and I don't care if he is jealous or not."

"Then why was Yagami-kun so angry when I suggested Mikami might not have any real feelings for him? Maybe Yagami-kun does care after all?"

"Heh… or maybe I'm using Mikami to make someone else jealous?" Light was watching Ryuzaki from behind his long eyelashes, his tone suggestive.

"I wasn't aware that Yagami-kun needs to use such a means to get someone's attention. It seems pretty desperate."

"I'm not desperate!" That was definitely NOT what he was going to say… shit. Why was he acting so stupid? Ryuzaki was getting on his nerves.

"Yes, I can see that…" Ryuzaki's tone was emotionless and even; the sarcasm was as clear as day. Light blushed. This was really unnerving that this freak could make him loose his wits. "I must admit that a person who will win over Yagami-kun's heart will be up for a very hard but also interesting challenge."

Light smiled feeling his heart flutter at the first glimpse of success. He put his elbows on the table and leaned forward to get closer to his future victim.

"Does it look appealing?"

He reached out and slowly extended his index finger using it to wipe the cream from Ryuzaki's chin. Ryuzaki couldn't help but look as the appendage disappeared between Light's moist lips.

"Is Yagami-kun still trying to convince me that he is crush-worthy to prove that Mikami's feelings are true?"

"Forget about Mikami for a moment, will you?"

"I'm afraid it's not that simple, Yagami-kun. It's practically impossible for me to forget my cases."

That brought Light back to reality. He leaned back on his chair reminding himself that Ryuzaki was his rival!

"Did you solve many cases?"

"Thousands…"

"A… h… how? How is that possible? How old are you?"

"It's confident."

"Then how old were you when you started?"
"Officially? Seven."

Light was shocked.

"Yagami-kun is lucky to have a normal life, family and friends. I like what I do, but I would lie if said it is easy."

"I… I don't know what to say."

"There is no need for Yagami-kun to say anything; it is irrelevant either way."

"But… to work since childhood… it must have been horrible…"

"It wasn't horrible, Yagami-kun. It just was. I never knew anything else. I solve cases. That is what I do, that is what I always have been doing. That is all."

For the first time Light reconsidered his decision to destroy the other man. He felt pity (and that didn't happen to him often), sympathy and some weird urge to give a hug. He maybe even would hug Ryuzaki if not a nagging feeling that his generous show of affection wouldn't be appreciated. Still, he wanted to cheer Ryuzaki up. They left the restaurant and walked together side by side.

"You know, Ryuzaki, I played tennis since I was seven. At first I also wanted to play with other kids instead of training but later I was glad I didn't waste my free time on silly things like playing hide and seek. I was a junior champion!" It was supposed to sound encouraging and positive but did much more.

"Yagami-kun plays tennis? I used to play tennis. Shall we have a match one day?"

"Really? Are you sure? Even though I quit I'm still pretty good."

"It's alright, Yagami-kun. Winning is not everything. Good game is the best part, while it lasts. Then someone wins and… it ends the game. Then the fun is over. Of course wining is great, but it's not all there is."

"Then let's make it more interesting, more worth winning. What would you say about a bet?"

"What kind of bet is Yagami-kun thinking about?"

Then the luxurious car stopped nearby and a nice looking older man left the driver seat. He looked at Ryuzaki pointedly and said only:

"Emergency, master Ryuzaki."

Ryuzaki sighed. He enjoyed his conversation with the younger man and looked forward to their walk back to the campus.

"Of course, Watari. Let's give a lift to Yagami-kun though."

"Yes sir."

"Yagami-kun…" Ryuzaki looked at Light and gestured for him get into the car first. Light blushed and got in thanking him softly. Watari was driving.

"Yagami-kun, please meet Watari."

"Pleased to meet you Watari-san."

"The pleasure is all mines, Yagami-kun."

"Watari takes care of me since I was a child."

"Oh? Really, so he knows you well, doesn't he?"

"Yes, Yagami-kun, he does. If anyone then it must be Watari."

"Then please, Watari-san, tell me what Ryuzaki is good at?"

"Well… to be honest he's skilled in a lot of things."

"I don't doubt that. But I wanted to make a bet with him and I was wondering what could he do for me after he losses."

Watari smirked.

"Well, I must say he's particularly good at giving massages. Would that be satisfying?"

Light's smile almost split his face in two.

"It's perfect, Watari-san. I'm sure it will be very satisfying, at least for me. I'm kind of… exacting person. So, Ryuzaki, let's have a bet. If I win the game you'll give me a massage."

"Alright, Yagami-kun, but what if I win?"

"What would you like? A massage?"

"Can I ask for whatever I want?"

Two challenging gazes met.

"Let's see what's on your mind."

"I want Yagami-kun to stay away from Mikami Teru."

"W-what?" Light's face fell. "You can ask me for anything you want and you still choose something related to your job?"

"Yagami-kun wouldn't listen if I asked him to do it in other circumstances, but when it becomes a matter of honor, I think Yagami-kun wouldn't let himself to do otherwise."

"Fine, but if I win, you will have to massage me until I say so, until I feel… satisfied…"

Light's anger at Ryuzaki somehow added to the thrill of his excitement. He wanted to win so much! To show this… this… insufferable weirdo who is better! Ryuzaki may be closer to L, but Light was fit and was really good at tennis. Someone as scrawny and unhealthy looking, who ate only sweets and couldn't even sit normal, couldn't stand a chance against Light's perfection! Light would win for sure, no matter what. He was so ridiculously excited by the whole thing that his blood started to run faster, his heart beat increased in speed and even his breathing fastened. He found the thought about winning with Ryuzaki strangely arousing… Because it had to be THAT, he certainly wasn't excited by the perspective of receiving a massage from the older man… by the thought of those pale hands on his body… touching him… with those long fingers slick with aromatic massage oil sliding all over his completely naked body…

"Yagami-kun!"

"What?"

"I was talking to you… We arrived."

"Oh… Sorry… Thanks for the lift."

Light flushed and awkwardly started to stumble out of the car, realizing with horror that his weird thoughts had a very sudden and unwanted effect on his libido. He practically ran to the building even forgetting to say 'goodbye' to Watari.