The vacation both for L and Light was a bit uneventful. Light continued with his part-time job while L did his best to keep the house as clean as possible. And even before they knew it, it was just two days before Christmas.

It was that night, that Light went home from his job to ask L what gift he▓d like for Christmas. Or at least that's what he intended to do.

⌠Ryuzaki,■ Light began as he joined the detective on the dining table. L on the other hand was busy constructing a tall building out of toothpicks on the table.

L stayed focus on what he was doing and replied in a bored tone, "What is it, Light-kun?" Light's enthusiasm somehow perished but he went on anyway.

For what reason? He didn't himself either. Was it because they're going to spend Christmas together or something else? Light didn't want to go deeper into that thought so before L could put the last piece of toothpick on his empire state building, he spoke, "What do you want for Christmas?" He said it as casual as possible to hide... nothing. He didn't look at the detective instead he eyed the floor.

L halted, slowly putting the right piece on the top. "This tower would not collapse if I give it a push here." L didn't seem to hear what the brunnette had just asked him and pointed at the lower portion of his tower. Light gave him a confused look as he continued, "But if I will push it up here," he pointed at the top part. "It wouldn't. Maybe just the top part itself where I will apply the force but not the whole body. My theory is this tower is comparable to the human body and the nature of the person. Do you believe me, Light-kun?"

Light was speechless. He didn't know how to react since he barely listened. He was preoccupied of thoughts of what L would answer to him. So he just stared blankly at L, hoping he would end his blabberings and just answer his question.

"It's comparable to you. Strong in the mind but not in the heart." L showcased to Light a grin and made him feel terrible. "Anyway, I'd not like a gift, Light-kun. Letting me stay in your house is more than enough for me."

Light was suddenly relieved of the tension and felt a drop of cold sweat run down his temple. "Are you sure?"

"Buy me anything from the cakeshop down the street we pass by before going to school. I guess we could share the treat for Christmas eve." L got up from his seat and headed to the staircase. "I have a present for you as well Light-kun. Goodnight." He waved a hand and disappeared through the stairs.

Light sighed and gazed at the tower or building L constructed. 'Strong in the mind but not in the heart...' Light thought deeply. 'Oh shit!' Light almost said aloud. 'He didn't figure it out. He certainly did not.' Light felt something build up in his stomach. It was a feeling you'd have when you have your first ride on a ferry. 'What am I thinking! There's nothing to know more than the fact that I am Kira.' Light brushed a hand against his styled hair. And now his hair was just as messy as L's.

Just before Light was about to follow L to his room the phone echoed loudly and just for the curiosity that it might be Sayu or his parents he went to answer.

"Light-kun!" Misa screeched so deafeningly that the brunette moved the phone away from his ear as he winced in pain. And now he felt sorry for himself for answering the phone. "Light-kun this is Misa-chan!"

"I can definitely identify you from your voice, Misa." Light slowly recovered. "What is it in the middle of the night?"

"Christmas is about to approach, Light-kun. Two days away." Misa, on the other side of the phone had to count in her slender fingers in front of a calendar with the bold number 25 decorated with pink hearts and flowers. "Misa has a gift for you!" Light raised an eyebrow. "Light-kun, would you be happy if you will... spend Christmas eve with Misa-chan?" Misa crossed her fingers and shut her eyes closed, hoping for Light's affirmative response.

Light on the other hand was anxious with his mind battling over an argument. He thought that this could he his only chance to shake L out of his mind. He thought this was the only way to prove to himself his odium to the only hindrance to being a god. He had to eliminate him. He could prove himself by going out with Misa, right? Besides, Misa could be a lot helpful for him in the future. She had always been willing to do anything for him... even die for him which for a fact, he knew the monkey detective would never do for him. What the -?

"Of course," Light said in a very faint and uncertain voice. And there went Misa's loud shrill cries again and he had to make distance from the phone. At this very moment something inside him felt regret.

"Light-kun, Misa-chan loves you very much! I will do my best to prepare for tomorrow. I will cook for you, Light-kun! Misa-chan promises you will not regret it. Misa's gift is precious for her as well! See you tomorrow!" Misa put down the phone.

Light was confused. "Why did I even say yes? Now I'm caught in between." Light eyed the stairs which led to the room he and L shared ever since his family left for California. 'Why did it even have to come to this?' he thought as he wearily climbed the stairs.

The next day, surprisingly, Light woke up at 12 noon. Upon opening his eyes, he got up and rushed down the stairs. No Ryuuzaki was there to greet him. Instead he found a piece of paper folded on the table. He opened it as quickly as he could and recognized it was L's handwriting. -
Light-kun,

I'll be down at the cakeshop to make reservations for later. You know well that a lot of people will buy theirs so we have to make sure to reserve one for ourselves. Sweets are a must! Anyway, your lunch is on the fridge. Just heat it up.

Ryuuzaki ---

Light almost laughed at the end. The signature made him so because the real signature was a big "L" but was erased and replaced with "Ryuuzaki". But Light's bliss soon turned into a haze after remembering what he and Misa talked over the phone last night. And if he was really going to spend the night with Misa, he'd have to tell Ryuuzaki. Light felt a tear roll down his eye. 'What the hell?!' he crumpled the paper in his hand and hastily went over the phone to call Misa up.

"Yes, yes?" Misa answered cheerfully.

"Misa, this is Light."

"Light-kun!! Misa-chan is delighted to hear your voice!"

Light was now used to the deafening cry Misa made and was hopefully able to tolerate it. But he had to say it... he had to apologize and say that he'd spend Christmas with Ryuuzaki.

"Misa has began her preparations! Misa-chan has cooked a lot for you, Light-kun. Misa-chan loves you!"

Light hesitated for a moment. "Misa, I... I..."

"What, Light-kun? Are you alright?"

"I love you." What the hell was that? Pride has already eaten him. He closed his eyes and thought why he said those words. Misa is good... willing to die for him. Misa could take away whatever he feels for L. He will love her forever and be successful with her.

"Misa-chan loves you very very very very very much!" Misa's voice echoed through Light's mind and he didn't feel anything towards it. He became annoyed.

"I'll be there later." Light put down the phone and headed to the bathroom for a shower.

'I'm not making any mistakes. Gods don't make one.' He thought repeatedly as the cold water hit his bare body. placed both hands firmly on the wall and lowered his head. 'I am going to be a god and gods don't feel any regrets in whatever they do.' The cold water at the beginning hit him like a thousand sharp knives but gradually it felt normal, as if the knives sprang away even before hitting his back. Light's eyes felt hot and as soon as he turned off the the shower and faced the mirror, he was shocked. Tears were uncontrollably falling from his eyes and the only thing that filled his thoughts were L.

'I'm not loving someone who's not loving me back.' He thought with sheer aghast.

As soon as he dressed and fixed himself up he went back to his bed and let himself drop on it. He felt so tired. Tired not because of studying but because of thinking. In fact this was the first time he did and it surprised him that thinking of such things could really wear out the focus of a person. Just then he heard the door open. It must be L. He got up and went down to see L in the kitchen, arranging the brown paper bags he probably bought from the market. Light noticed the box of cake on the table. He didn't waste his time and finally spoke.

"Ryuuzaki," he began.

"What is it, Light-kun?" L turned to face the brunnette.

"I'm sorry. But I have to leave before sunset. I'll be spending Christmas with Misa. She called up yesterday and invited me. It is sort of a date."

"Why are you requesting for forgiveness?" L beamed his unfathomable and expressionless face.

"I..." Light was lost for words to say. He just couldn't get into the thoughts of this man before him and he hated himself for that. L could've been hurt. "I know you went through all that just for us to have the perfect Christmas." Light's brows curled as L turned his back away from him and continued pulling out bags of candies and assorted goodies from the paper bags.

"Who said this is for you and me to share, Light-kun? I bought these for myself."

"But -"

"Misa called earlier this morning. I know about it so you need not say your apologies. I'm fine by myself." L folded the emptied bags and placed them on the counter. He got a bag of candies and went in front of the television and turned it on. "You should be on your way, Light-kun. There's heavy traffic on the street and you may not make it before supper to Misa's." L said as he opened a pack and gently placed it in his mouth.

Light sighed. It was all set and besides, L knew anyway. He should be going now. "I'm leaving and be back later tomorrow. Happy Christmas, L." Light got his coat and left the house without hearing L's response. But as he walked down the bus station he felt an utter anger in his heart. Why didn't L stop him? Was he alright by that? By spending the night all alone? Was Light not important to him? What kind of person was he anyway? He feels no sympathy for others. He is uncaring and insensitive.

Light's mind was full of such thoughts even when he got inside the bus and on until he reached the station where he got off the bus. Then while he was walking to Misa's apartment he felt a finger pressed against his forehead.

"Why a gloomy face, Light-kun?" Light was suddenly pulled out of haze and realized it was Misa. He didn't notice that all the time his eyebrows had curled up while he was in thoughts.

"Nothing. Now let's go." Light didn't even bother to greet her happily but of course Misa was still the same. Smiling and joyous - ignorant of Light's troubled mind.

Once there, Light was surprised to see Misa's room, particularly, the preparation she made. "What's that, Misa?" Light pointed to the bed which was fancily decorated with red rose petals and the red wine that sat on the table next to it.

"Misa-chan," Misa blushed as she spoke. "has decided that since Light-kun loves her, Misa's gift would be herself. Misa is willing to do this with you, Light-kun, since you are the reason she lives." Misa shifted her weight from one side to the other sweetly as she spoke, her face turning into a nice shade of red. Light was stunned at this. "I love you, Light-kun. Please prove to Misa-chan that you love her as well." Then she wrapped both hands around Light's waist.

Light was once again pressed by a thought. 'Is this it? Is this the only way to prove myself? Do I have enough courage to accept this or am I just afraid of admitting defeat against this feeling inside of me? Is this the only remedy?' Light's face was now showing his confused side. And Misa kept talking... figuring out why Light was so.

'I'm not making any mistakes. Gods don't make one. I am going to be a god and gods don't feel any regrets in whatever they do.' Light nodded and suddenly grabbed Misa's shoulders which made her gasp.

"Misa," he looked her straight in the eye. "I... l-love... you." And with that, the puzzled Misa was overjoyed, and gave him a tight hug. Light on the other hand wrapped his hands around her and as he did he was suddenly reminded of L on the night after they had the double date. The hug that L gave him made his heart race but this hug right now felt hollow.

He frowned.