I am so sorry to all my readers who are still actually reading this. I didn't mean for it to take this long, but with college applications and finals, and I'm in too many after school activities than need be, I just couldn't find time to write.

But thank goodness for the holidays, and the breaks that come with them.

Good news aside from getting the new chapter up and running: I've gotten accepted into 2 colleges already, and the other 6 I hear from later!

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Just a little note here, Chiyo has a little rant about Christmas and it's origins, just know that if you find offense to it, I'm sorry I didn't mean anything by it. I love Christmas, and the little rant is not meant to offend others beliefs, I just thought it would add a bit more to her character.

Happy Holidays!

Chapter 10

"Chiyo?" Light knocked on her door for the third time that morning. Finally, giving up his efforts, he opened her door.

Sunlight lit up the clean but empty room. Light walked in and looking around, noticed it seemed so…her. There were posters of her favorite movies and T.V. shows hung about, pictures of him and her and a lot more of her friends from home.

He walked over to one picture. It was one of Chiyo and her best friend Matt. Their arms were about each other and they made faces at the camera, one thing though made Light uneasy about this Matt character. Chiyo was on his lap and they were holding hands.

Light knew that the girl didn't have feelings for her friend, but he was sure from stories she would tell him, that Matt was a bit friendlier to her than need be. At least he was in America. The genius wasn't completely sure he'd be able to resist the urge to use the death note on this guy if he was here.

Maybe Chiyo was right, Light could be…a little…controlling, but she didn't need to know that. He and Ryuk had stayed up late previously because Light still couldn't figure out what he'd do to win her heart again. Surprisingly the usually suave boy didn't have anything up his neatly ironed sleeve.

"Light, Chiyo left earlier this morning. She seemed mad." Sayu said from the doorway drying her hair out with a towel.

"Yeah…well we had a little spat last night." He said putting the pictures down

"What'd you do this time bro?"

"Why do girls always assume the guy did something?"

"Because boys can be so immature."

"Don't you have something to do? Like get ready for school?"

"Fine, see you Light." She turned to leave, but something in the back of Light's mind made him ask.

"Sayu?" she looked back at her brother, "If you were mad at guy because he did something stupid…what would you want as an apology?"

She smiled at his defeat, and from the doorway pondered at the question.

"Hmm…well it depends. If it was something really stupid, I'd want the guy to say he was sorry, and I don't know…a gift would be nice." He watched her walk away before

She wants to know that she can trust me. He thought to himself, suddenly he knew what he had to do.

"Chiyo!" he called once the bell rang. The rest of the students got up from their chairs and headed to the door. She didn't give any indication that she had heard him, so the young genius ran over to her. Grabbing her arm, he pulled her down the hallway past many busy students.

"Oi! Light, let go of me!" she said trying to get his hand off her, "Light…"

He opened up the janitor's closet, and once they were both inside he closed it. She could only hear his heavy breathing until he pulled on a chain that turned the lights on.

"I need to talk to you."

"You couldn't have done it outside a closet?"

"You weren't listening to me…"he sighed, "Anyways I have something to give you."

"What?" he unzipped his backpack, and reaching inside he pulled out something black. Her blue eyes narrowed, "the Death Note…you're giving me the death note?"

"Yes," He stated simply "and a flower…" she but her lip as a red rose came into view.

"Why? So that I'll forgive you, and when L finally catches you, you're able to blame the whole thing on me?" His amber eyes narrowed in anger at her, but calmed himself.

"Don't ever accuse me of being so low as to use you." he stroked her cheek softly, "I'm lending you the Death Note because I trust you. You'll be able to monitor everything. Hell, you could hide it from me if you wanted."

Chiyo nibbled her lip again, "Light…"

"I just want you to trust me." He took her shoulders and met her eyes, "I-I really like you Chiyo. And I wouldn't dream of hurting you."

She looked down, and grabbed the front of his blazer. He stood there shocked for a moment as she leaned into him.

"Alright Light…thank you."

"Here," He said handing her the notebook.

"Oh, no thank you." she said putting it back in his arms, "You keep it."

"You're so difficult." He sighed, slightly annoyed, but nonetheless he was happy that she wasn't peeved at him.

"Yes, I know. Blame my dad." Her arms wrapped around his torso, leaning into him. Her head rested upon his chest, and she could here the slow beating of his heart, "I liked the flower."

"I knew you would." he lightly kissed the top of her head.

"Just, can we try to keep your night job away from us?" she asked, and he gave her a reassuring smile.

"I can do my best."

"Hmm…you're best?" she said sarcastically.

"Very funny."

"Aren't I?"

"The funniest, but hey, we should go eat. There's only about 15 minutes left."

The two opened the door from the janitor's closet, and carefully walked out. A cough from behind them though made them both turn around.

Mrs. Nanako, their old bat of a math teacher, stared at them accusingly. Chiyo froze but Light just wanted to laugh at her deer in headlights look; instead cleared his throat.

Mrs. Nanako, who had reached her prime a long time ago, always had a creepy thing for Light when she realized that he was the first student who was better at math than she was.

"Hello Mrs. Nanako." He said calmly flipping his hair.

"Light, Ms. Mochrie." She said sternly.

"Chiyo left a book of hers over the weekend outside of her locker. The janitor was kind enough to hold onto it for her. Is that a new blouse? Because I must say, it is stunning." He flashed one of his dazzling smiles, and the older woman swooned.

"Oh Light." She chuckled, "Ms. Mochrie," she said sharply, her dark eyes narrowing at the girl, "Don't leave your things behind, it shows lack of character." The students watched her leave as her heels clicked on the floor beneath her.

Light's arm snaked around Chiyo's shoulders, and they made their way to the lunch room.

----

Saturday morning, and Chiyo was lazing around with Sayu on the couch watching a movie. Mrs. Yagami who had been cleaning the house, walked into the room with a bag.

"Sayu," she said warmly, "Take these clean clothes to your father, will you?"

"Aw, but mom, I'm going out later."

"Then leave early." Mrs. Yagami held the bag out for Sayu to take.

"I'll go." Light said getting up from the kitchen table where he had been studying. What a nerd.

"Oh, thanks brother!" Sayu said.

"Are you sure Light? You're midterms are coming up!"

"Yeah, this is more interesting than practice exams anyways."

"I'll go with!" Chiyo said getting up, "I need to pick up something for Akiko's party tonight anyways."

When both were downstairs and ready, Mrs. Yagami handed Light the bag.

"Now remember, before you reach the station-"

"I know, give dad a call." He took the bag, "well, we're leaving."

Light opened the door, but was surprised to see Akiko standing there.

"Oh! Hey Light."

"Akiko."

"You and Chiyo heading out?" she asked. Chiyo popped her head out the door.

"Akiko!" she squealed, "want to come with us? We were just heading out to drop something off for Light's dad, and then do a bit of shopping."

"Sure, sounds like fun." She said, "Hi Mrs. Yagami!" she waved, and the three of them were on there way.

"Akiko…what should I wear tonight? I've been thinking about it all week, and I can't decide." Chiyo said. Clothes and makeup…Light was amazed. Of all the interesting topics he and Chiyo usually talked about, those two never really came up in conversation. This was probably of course, due to the fact that Light was indeed a boy. A boy who could care less about clothes and makeup…well makeup at least.

Ryuk chuckled. As foreign of creatures as they were, he loved human girls. They were so entertaining. Well…a different entertaining than Light trying to become a god, because that was pretty damn hilarious.

They all reached the station, but Chiyo and Akiko both saw a very trendy store that was having a huge sale. After telling Light to meet them in there after he dropped his dad's things off, they were searching for outfits for the party later.

"So tell me how things are with dear old Light." Akiko said from the changing room next to Chiyo's.

"Oh, you know." The brunette answered.

"Darling, I don't know. I need details!" she begged.

"There's nothing to tell. We're taking it slow."

"Slow? It's been several months dear. I think Paris Hilton's brain works faster than you do."

"Well, we're both really busy. Oh ew, I hate these pants." She called.

"Too busy for a pick me up? Try on the dress then."

"Entrance exams are just around the corner, and you know how much school means to the Yagami's."

"I guess so, but I'll tell you something. If you don't hop on that band wagon soon, someone else will try to take your spot. Alright, I think I found it."

"Me too, I'm coming out." Chiyo decided to ignore the warning. Light wouldn't leave her for some bimbo like Yuri right? No of course not.

They pulled the curtains back and stepped out, and gasped.

"You look gorgeous!" they both squealed simultaneously.

"I love the color! It totally brings out your eyes! You need to get this."

"It is pretty cheap." Chiyo said looking at the marked down price tag.

"A deal is a deal, you're getting that, and I'm getting this."

After buying their purchases, Light still hadn't made his way into the store after forty five minutes.

"Hmm…maybe he's still at the station. Let's go see." Chiyo said after checking her phone again. They walked outside into the cold and suddenly snowy weather, and headed to the station. They saw Light talking to a woman, he started smirking as she walked away from him.

"Light!" she called hurrying over to him.

"Hey guys." he said as they reached him.

"Who was that?" Chiyo asked, pulling her coat tightly around her.

"Oh, I don't know. Some lost tourist. Look, my dad wasn't at the station, so I have to wait for him to call me from headquarters."

"Ooo! Headquarters? Sounds official," Akiko said with interest, "is your dad on the Kira case?"

"Actually, I don't know. He's not allowed to tell us much about his work." Light lied.

"Wow that is so cool. My dad's just a boring CEO of a company."

"Do you think he'll be much longer?" Chiyo asked, and speak of the devil, Light's phone started to ring.

"Shit! I have to run. Last minute party stuff that I need to set up. I'll see you guys later alright!" Akiko said looking up from her watch. Chiyo and Light waved goodbye as the multi colored hair girl left.

---December 24---

"Mom," Light began, "would it be alright if Chiyo and I went for a walk?"

"Light dear, are you sure? It's freezing." Mrs. Yagami asked from the kitchen.

"It's not that cold." His mother sighed, and rinsed her hands to walk out to them.

"Alright, I suppose. But Chiyo take your scarf, otherwise you'll catch your death." She handed Chiyo a black cashmere scarf that was hanging from the arm chair, "Be back soon." The older woman said kissing Light on the cheek, and hugging Chiyo.

"Thanks Mrs. Yagami" Chiyo smiled.

"Don't be late. We're preparing Chiyo a special dinner!" Sayu waved.

"Bye everyone!" Chiyo waved as they walked out the door, "Merry Christmas!"

Once it closed, Light laced their gloved hands together, and brought hers up to kiss it.

"Christmas? Chiyo I thought you didn't believe in Christianity." Ryuk said casually floating behind them.

"Well…I don't, but if I didn't celebrate Christmas, I would feel as though I was missing a huge part of my culture." She answered, "Anyways Ryuk I though someone as old as you would know that Christmas is based off a Pagan holiday, Yule. And they celebrated the trees, not Jesus's birthday."

Light laughed at her little rant, "As for me, I don't celebrate pine trees or a birthday, I celebrate good will towards men by giving them all presents."

"Hmm...Maybe it's just because you like getting gifts from people, I know I like things for free." He laughed.

"Yeah, like apples."

"Are you sad that you can't be home?" Light asked.

"A little bit. I'm just sad that my grandpa will be all alone tomorrow, but I sent my present to him last week. Hopefully he likes it."

"I'm sure he will."

"You know, I was very grateful for the large bag of apples on Light's bed this morning." The Shinigami piped in again, "I suppose I can thank you for that huh Chiyo?"

"Why wouldn't I have given you the apples Ryuk?" Light said as they turned into a small park.

"Because you're too mean to me. Out of the two of you, she's the one who respects me the most and she doesn't even own the note."

"Oh I love winter! It's just beautiful." she said ignoring Ryuk. She didn't have a problem with him, it's just whenever he spoke of the Death Note she was reminded of its strong pull to her, almost as if it was daring her to try it. The thought sent shivers down her spine. "Hey look, you can see my breath!"

Light laughed as Chiyo began to blow air out of her mouth sending a puff of cloud into the night air.

"How long have we known each other Chiyo?" he asked.

"Hmm, four months or so I think…why?" He stopped walking, and she turned to meet his fond gaze.

"Well, we actually met this day four months and twelve days ago." He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a long black box, "So I figured since it's Christmas, and in a way a certain four months and twelve days anniversary I would give you this." He opened the box carefully with both his hands.

Chiyo gasped as she looked at the beautiful diamond silver necklace.

"Light…" she could hardly speak, it was beautiful.

"Do you like it?" Light asked expectantly. She looked down at the black box then up at Light again.

"It's…it's breathtaking, but Light, it's too much. I can't take this…"

"Now now, let's have none of that. I want you to have it." He took it delicately out of the box, and stood behind her. She did not put up a fight as he clasped it around her neck. He turned to look at her.

"There! Now it's even more beautiful." He said smiling. She gently fingered the blue diamond charm hanging on the silver chain.

"Thank you, Light." she said still shocked by the gift. She bit her bottom lip a little worried because her gift was no where near as exquisite or expensive as his was. His finger lifted her chin and lightly kissed her.

"Merry Christmas." He said once he pulled away.

"Merry Christmas." She said back and smiled. The trinket of sliver rested upon her smooth neck as they continued walking.

Chiyo felt bad, she wanted to love Light…she really did. But ever since she discovered that he was Kira, it seemed almost impossible for her to really feel completely comfortable around him. She just couldn't see eye to eye with him, and his sense of justice. Yes, some people he was killing deserved to die…but was it in his right to make those decisions? She didn't think anyone had that right. No, she was positive no one did.

"Are you okay?" he asked as they continued walking.

"Yes, I'm fine…just a bit speechless is all."

"I'm glad you like it."

Their walk was short because the wind chill was getting to them. However, before they reached the front door Light pulled her to him kissing her passionately. She stood there rigid caught off guard by this boy again.

"Sorry," he said once he pulled away, "you're lips are just too tempting."

Chiyo laughed. The funny thing about Light was that he could make any girl swoon with the lines he used, no matter how cheesy.

"You're such a cheese head-" she teased as he opened the door.

"-Says the girl from Wisconsin." He smirked as she stuck her tongue out at him, and walked through the door.

They both quickly made their way upstairs to Chiyo's room. She had yet to give Light her present.

"Okay, well what I got you…" Chiyo said as she dug through her closet on all fours. Light sat on her bed enjoying the sight before him, "is not as fancy as your gift."

She pulled out a box wrapped in light blue wrapping paper, and walked over to him.

"It really isn't much." She muttered handing it to him.

"I'm sure it's fine Chiyo," he said as he began to unwrap it. Frankly she could've gotten him a lump of coal and he would've been happy, if it was from her it was perfect.

He opened the box and pulled out a pair of fine black leather gloves, and a picture.

"It's from Akiko's party a week ago. I hope you like it." The picture was one of Chiyo and Light kissing underneath a mistletoe. They were both covered in snow because it had been falling pretty hard, but when they came in, the mistletoe hanging above them forced them to kiss.

The young genius smiled. Chiyo looked beautiful that night. Her hair was long and wavy, full of snow. The blue dress she wore brought out her striking features, and the best thing about it was that it wasn't that fancy, but not too casual.

He and Chiyo joined in on the foolish kid's game of spin the bottle/ seven minutes in heaven. Several times he thought he would break out the Death Note after watching Chiyo come out of the closet with boys from his soccer team. Afterwards she reassured a million times that she didn't let any one of those boys touch her or kiss her.

The highlight of the evening was when she got put in the closet with Yuri. For the first few minutes there was complete silence, until loud banging sounds erupted. Chiyo stepped out looking slight flushed and Yuri followed with messed up hair, and a bleeding nose. Oh good holiday memories.

"And the gift receipt is in there somewhere if you don't like the gloves. I just figured since you didn't really have any of your own you could use a pair-" Light leaned over and kissed her.

Pulling away just slightly he told her, "I love them." He leaned in again.

"Hey! Guys, come on, dinners ready!" Sayu shouted from the bottom of the stairs. As the two teens made their way downstairs Light whispered to Chiyo.

"You know…my birthday is coming up. Maybe then you can give me another sort of glove that both of us can use." Chiyo's face turned bright red. Light was most certainly not talking about leather gloves, but rather…condoms. Laughing nervously she turned to him.

"Geeze Light you're such a horn dog." She lightly teased so she wouldn't have to give him an answer.

"-Says the girl that ogles Hidieki Ryuga with my sister whenever he's on T.V."

"It's not my fault he's gorgeous." He walked by her to the table, but made her jump as his hand gave her a little squeeze. She stared at him in disbelief. He was being so forward tonight, but nonetheless she sat next to him at the table.

The Yagami's had really outdone themselves in hospitality. They prepared a roast with mashed potatoes and delicious fresh bread, and to top everything off they had a minty grasshopper pie for dessert.

They gave Chiyo her presents, and she gave them hers. From Mrs. Yagami she received a very warm blue cashmere sweater "To go with your eyes dear."

From Sayu she got the newest Ryuga movie that came out "Isn't he the best?!"

Then she fell asleep with Light on the couch as they watched A Christmas Story, a movie that Chiyo loved, and usually watched at home with all of her friends.

With his arm around her, he carefully adjusted himself so he was comfortable on the couch. Looking down, he observed Chiyo's serene face. She looked like an angel.

Oh god he was a cheese head.

Well as long as she kept eating it up, maybe one day she'd fall in love with him. Actually, he was sure she already loved him. There was just her whole trust issue. He couldn't understand what her deal was.

But that was unimportant. One day she would see the god he was and would become. In time…he thought closing his eyes.

---Meanwhile---

"Everyone, please investigate all the people Penbar was following ever since Kira began his experiments on December 19th." The young detective said, "The list should be small." He knew once the team found out who was on that list, he would fall even lower on their popularity scale.

"However, Kira should be among them. So we can't reveal ourselves by directly confronting those people. Although he said no one in the families Penbar was suspicious, please place install hidden cameras and bugs in each household."

"What?!" shouted Matsuda, "You can't do that in Japan!"

"Yeah, no matter how powerful you are! It's a breach of privacy, and if it's discovered that we did this, we'll lose our jobs!" L rolled his eyes, and turned his heavily lidded eyes to meet the agents.

"Do you value your jobs over human lives?" he said staring lazily at them. Mr. Yagami spoke.

"Who was Penbar investigating?"

Matsuda looked at the paper, "from the 19th, he was investigating-" he stopped suddenly unable to produce the names. L looked over to the eldest of his agents.

"Sub-chief Kitumaru's family, and Chief Yagami's family." He said stoically, "Please install cameras and bugs inside each household."

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Author Notes:

I do not own Death Note, but I do have L stored away secretly for my personal use: 3

I hope you guys liked it. I'll try and get the next one up soon, I've already got a little bit written. Anyways, I've got to go to bed, but much love! And I love reviews, they make me smile like this :3