Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note, nor do I own any of the characters but Akira Yashahiro. Also, I'm not sure where it REALLY takes place, so for the sake of sakes, it takes place in Tokyo. x3

Chapter + Reality

Multiple weeks passed with no sign of Kira doing anything different. Criminals were still dying on schedule, but no other movement.

No advances toward Akira. Nor toward L. Nothing. It was as if the kidnapping had never taken place.

Except that Akira was never quite as friendly toward Misa. Nor did she explain this new behavior.

"Why are you so distant from Misa? You used to be so close," L would ask in private.

"I'm fine, Lawliet," The answer was almost never relevant, in any way. In all cases, she was avoiding giving an answer.

The strange behavior had not only caused a distance between Misa and Akira, but Akira and L, as well. Something always seemed wrong with her, and L couldn't figure why. He stayed in her room at night, waiting, daring someone to come in and attempt a kidnapping again. He stared scornfully at the door.

Akira woke one night, and turned, smiling when she saw a dozing L next to her, perched nicely on his hair.

"Go get some sleep, doll," Akira said sleepily.

L snapped his head toward her, "You woke up?"

"Go get some sleep," She repeated.

L looked at the floor, "What if someone comes in?"

"Go get some sleep," Akira repeated again.

L looked from the door to the bed, then back again. A smile spread across his face as he stood up and snuggled in next to Akira. It took him a few minutes to get comfortable.

"It's not going to kill you to lay straight, Lawliet," Akira mumbled as he turned again.

"Easy for you to say..." L mumbled back. Finally he was settled, and his eyes closed almost immediately.

"Goodnight, my sweet prince," Akira added softly, before she herself dozed off for the night.

Matsuda didn't see L in the main room the next morning. He figured he was back in his room. With Akira.

The thought of them together still angered him, but he scarcely let it show anymore. What was he going to do? Another outbreak and he would be off the case for good. He knocked on the door.

No response.

He knocked louder.

Still nothing.

Finally, he turned the knob slowly, half shielding his eyes, so he wouldn't see more of his cousin than he wanted to. Or L. Ick...

They were clothed. He sighed in relief.

"Hey, get up. This case isn't going to solve itself," Matsuda said, half joking, half serious.

"Mmmm in all the months I've spent doing nothing but research I think I deserve sometime to sleep, Matsuda," L grumbled, turning over.

Matsuda fumed. That wasn't fair. No one ever listen to him.

"Get up, you two. It's almost eleven, now!" Matsuda scolded.

"Wake us up when you stop whining," Akira growled.

Matsuda leaned on the door frame, not moving.

L opened an eye, and looked at him.

"Good morning, Matsuda," L said, as if the previous conversation never happened.

Matsuda stamped his foot, "Good morning? Good morning?! AUUGH!" He stormed out of the room, growling and mumbling angrily.

"You do realize he's going to be pissed off all day, now, right?" Akira asked, lazily.

"Yes, I know. It's what he gets..." L slid out of bed, stumbling over to the dresser, and opening it.

"He-ey! Those are my clothes, Lawliet! Out, out, out!" Akira shooed him playfully.

He held up a pair of underwear, "I don't remember these,"

Akira snatched them and smacked his head, "Those are my panties, thankyouverymuch!"

L rubbed his head tenderly, "You hit me,"

"Don't go though my undergarments," Akira scolded.

L harrumphed and crossed his arms, "Blah,"

Akira gathered fresh clothes, ignored L's constant, "wear this pair?" annoyances about her underwear, and headed to the showers.

She had a lot of time to think in here. It was the only time where her mind could wander and she wouldn't be questioned about it later. Her mind wandered on her kidnapping.

Misa is the second kira. I can't believe it. I trusted her so much. God knows who the first one is...well, Misa obviously knows. Sheesh. She must love that guy, to threaten to kill her friend over him. She really loves him...she really loves Kira...She really loves Raito, too. That could just be a coincidence, but...she...that wouldn't mean...would it?

She finished as quickly as she could and rushed out into the main room, bursting through the doors.

"Ryuzaki!" She shouted.

L turned, quickly.

"I know who Kira is!"