L released the button on his microphone, resting back into his normal crouched position. He felt, rather than saw, the other Task Force members exchanging looks.

"Ryuzaki, are you sure that it's safe to just invite somebody into Headquarters like that?" Soichiro Yagami asked.

"Why not? I invited you." Soichiro exchanged a surprised look with Mogi. L had never spoken so casually before.

"How can you be sure that she's trustworthy?" Ukita asked.

"I trust her with my life." L replied, in a tone that signalled the end of the conversation.

It was a while before a knock was heard on the door. "Come in," L called.

xxx

Naomi heard a voice call "Come in," from inside the room, and goosebumps popped up all over her arms. Where have I heard that voice before?

Aizawa opened the door for her, stepping back respectfully. Naomi walked by, murmuring thanks. Raye had used to do the exact same thing.

She stopped at the sight in front of her. A man was squatting in a chair, sipping his tea, which Naomi was almost positive must be heavily sugared. He had pale skin, dark circles under his wide black eyes, and an unruly mess of black hair atop his head.

"Beyond?"

xxx

The door creaked open, and L watched Naomi Misora walk into the room. His breath caught. She was different. Gone was the fiery determination from her face, the fierce blaze in her eyes. She looked meeker, gentler. She was skinnier too, but not in a good way. It looked like she had shed half her muscle since quitting the FBI. The only thing that remained the same was her leather jacket, and even that looked weak. As if she was trying to recapture a spirit long since forgotten

She stopped when she saw him. He titled his head to the side as her eyes widened with shock. "Beyond?"

The Task Force members exchanged confused looks. Soichiro Yagami cleared his throat, "Ryuzaki, what –" L cut him off with a wave of his hand, hopping off his seat to walk up to Naomi.

She stepped back. "You – "

"Maki-San, I can assure you, I am not Beyond Birthday." he said calmly.

Naomi looked at him, scrutinizing him again. Then her eyes grew, if possible, even bigger. "Ryuzaki? You're L?"

"Try not to sound so surprised." L cracked a grin, and mentally winced. He was unused to smiles, and they came difficult to him.

Naomi shook her head, bemused. "I want to hug you right now, but I feel like you owe me a kick down the stairs." she chuckled, and L raised an eyebrow.

"So, a handshake instead?" he offered his hand, and she took it. He smiled. "Maki-San, I'm not going to be beating around the bush. I would like you to join the Kira Investigation, working directly under me once again."

Naomi blinked. "L. . ."

"And please, you'll have to call me Ryuzaki from now on." L said. "For security reasons."

Naomi pulled her hand back. "L. . . this. . . I can't. . ." she sighed. "I'm not an agent anymore, L. I won't be of any help to you."

"On the contrary, I believe you will be of great help. You are quick-witted, have a strong sense of justice, and moreover, have a personal obligation to this case, do you not?" L leapt back onto his chair, pulling his knees to his chest. Just like Beyond had. Or had Beyond been copying L? Naomi shook her head. This was too confusing.

"Maki-San?"

"L. . ." she shook her head again. "I'm just confused. You just come out of nowhere and ask me to work with you, so soon after Raye. . ." she groaned. "And it doesn't help that you act so much like. . . him."

"Would it help if I told you he was copying me?"

"No, no it would not."

"I see."

An awkward silence descended upon the room, the Task Force member afraid to move, or disturb the silence. Finally, Naomi said, "Can you give me some time, L? I've got a lot going on right now, and. . ."

"Of course," L nodded. "Come back when you're ready."

"Thank you," she nodded to him. "And I'm sorry for wasting your time." she added, bowing to the Task Force members, who all looked surprised that she had even acknowledged them at all.

She turned and left the room, letting the door swing shut behind her, leaving L to stare after her, mind wrapped in thought, bare toes waging war with each other.