Hello children!! I've managed to update again, yay!

Anyone who has read Another note: the LABB murder case will understand the chapter name. Wait...is that a spoiler????

I have a few announcements to say and I would APPRECIATE IT IF YOU READ THEM! Several people have been a little iffy about my characterisation in the last chapter and I hope I clear up your worries in this one.

Also I just want to warn you that in flashbacks everything is opposite. In them normal writing will be in italics and thought will not be italics.

WARNING: There are some spoilers for Another note: the LABB murder case. Well, I don't think they are huge spoilers but I thought it best just to warn you just in case.

ANOTHER WARNING: I have had to use some of the original dialogue...so you know the bits I don't accept credit for!!

I didn't send this to my beta so I'm sorry for the mistakes but I hope you like it anyway!

L'S POV

I had managed to move us to the sofa but I was unsuccessful at removing Raito-kun from my shoulder. He had stopped crying a while ago but he seemed determined to stay attached to me for as long as possible. I had asked him what was wrong several times but I got nothing but nonsensical answers. I discovered it was best to wait for him to calm down before encouraging him to speak.

I was shocked beyond belief when I saw Raito-kun at my door, especially crying. Part of me was ecstatic that he trusted me enough to be so defenceless but another part was despairing. It seems obvious that Raito-kun could not be Kira: even if Kira was trying to win my affection I doubt he would go so far as to cry in front of me. I should probably be happy that my lover might not be a mass-murderer but that meant I had been wrong. I was never wrong. Does this mean I have overlooked other evidence because I was so sure he was Kira? Have I made any other mistakes?

Raito-kun snuffled quietly. I had draped my arm around his shoulder and he had, in turn, trapped me with his arms around my waist. I was childishly proud that so much contact wasn't making my skin crawl. I was not so deluded to believe that my aversion to closeness with other human beings was completely cured but it was obvious that Raito-kun was different. Only Watari and he had shown me kind contact and so I did not mind reciprocating.

However, I was still feeling some emotional confusion at Raito-kun's behaviour. How are you supposed to comfort someone anyway? Sweets have always cheered me up but Raito-kun won't accept any. So what can I do? How could everyone in those frivolous romance books know exactly what to do in such a situation? I felt anger at my upbringing bubble up and not for the first time. Why does this come so easily for everyone else?

Raito-kun didn't want any sweets so I did the only thing I knew to do: I patted him. It was an embarrassing gesture at best but it was better than nothing. A few minutes of patting and general holding seemed to satisfy Raito-kun and calmed him down.

After twenty minutes or so Raito-kun released me. I felt annoyed at how relieved I was. I see couples holding each other for hours outside so why can't we? Maybe it's a guy thing... I thought as I grabbed a chocolate bar. When the sweet chocolate touched my tongue I felt contentment fill me. Ok, I can deal with this now.

"What has gotten you so upset, Raito-kun?" I asked through bites of my chocolate. His eyes were red and he sniffed. I passed him a tissue.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. His voice was husky from crying so hard, and he quickly blew his nose.

"There's no need to be sorry. I understand, sometimes the pressure gets too much," I said. I was shocked that Raito-kun wasn't playing our usual games: I could see his emotions more clearly than ever. His permitted moment of weakness had made him more open, he had no walls to hide behind at the moment, and he seemed scrubbed clean of his worries. I do understand...crying always helps. "There's never any point in letting it build up too high. You're very good at crying, Raito-kun." I took the last bite of my bar.

"Huh?"

"If you cry for too long you make yourself ill but for too short a time you don't release all the tension. You cried for a suitable amount of time," I explained. He gave me a tired smile and I offered him a bag of marshmallows. He shook his head. Ah well, his loss, I thought as I popped the white confectionary into my mouth.

"I don't really like marshmallows," he said and I was caught mid-chew.

"You don't like them?" I said.

"Uh-uh," he replied. Who doesn't like marshmallows? I thought. What kind of man am I dating? I managed to push my distress to a corner of my mind for later inspection. I have a more pressing problem.

"What happened Raito-kun?" The embarrassed boy rubbed his eyes.

"My father wasn't too happy about me being gay," he answered and I felt my stomach fall.

"Oh." This isn't good. Unless we solve this, Yagami-san might be too irate to properly concentrate on the investigation. I don't think he will be as good as I when it comes to setting emotions aside...

"Yeah. I managed to make the preparations for tomorrow though." I nodded. Would it be wrong if I interfered with this problem while Raito-kun is in Shibuya? I'd hate it if I was the reason that the Yagami family split up. An argument like this could damage their ties to each other. But would it be right for me to butt in? "I'm sorry Ryuzaki. But my father knows we're together. I left before he could say much but he didn't seem happy about it at all."

Okay scrap that, I'll have to get involved.

"I see," I said. Why is he looking at me like that? Raito-kun had an apologetic look on his face. "There's no need to worry about that now. What has happened has happened and I did say I didn't want our relationship to be a secret."

"Yeah, but-"

"No 'buts' Raito-kun." I stopped to smile at him. "It seems you're stuck with me now, no matter what." The young man's laughter was very mellow and thoroughly addictive.

"I don't think that'll be a problem," Raito-kun answered and leaned a little closer to me. I was glad to see that he was much more composed. "I'm just worried about the investigation. I wasn't really as calm as I could have been." He gave me a crooked smile.

"If I was in the same situation as you I believe I would have had trouble keeping my temper under control as well. I've heard it's difficult coming out to your parents." Watari came into the hotel room and deposited a tea pot and a sugar bowl onto the coffee table. I began to mix my favourite drink.

When Watari had left again Raito-kun caught my attention by waving his hand in front of my face.

"Yes, Raito-kun?" I asked, not letting myself sound too miffed.

"Is Watari you're grandfather, or something?" Raito-kun was squinting slightly at the door said man had left through. I chuckled.

"Not quite. I was an orphan. When they discovered I was a genius Watari came and adopted me. He's been more like a father to me than a 'grandfather'. And you shouldn't let him hear you talking about his age in such a way. He gets a little sensitive sometimes," I finished. Raito-kun had an odd look in his eyes. If I'm not very much mistaken he's looking very fondly at me. Why? I haven't said anything odd. Is it just because I have spoken about my childhood? I'm sure he had guessed as much...

"Is something wrong, Raito-kun?" I asked getting a little annoyed. Surely when you're dating someone you should know them better, not have to struggle with the wider variety of emotions on display.

Raito-kun smirked but it wasn't a bad one. Whenever we had fought in the past his smirks had been meant to hurt me but this one was different: this was a loving smirk if such a thing existed. Am I reading too much into this? I wondered as I looked up at the ceiling.

"What are we going to do about my father?" He asked. His playful smirked had disappeared and he was left with a tight frown which did not suit his youthful face.

"We are not going to do anything about it," I said, tersely sipping my coffee. Raito-kun looked at me in surprise. "I on the other hand am going to talk to him. You and Matsuda-san have received the short straw I'm afraid as all the other members are having a day off tomorrow. However if Yagami-san is as angry at me as you make it seem then he will come to me regardless. I am not moving hotel rooms till the day after so he can easily find me. When he does I will explain that we will act in a professional way while we're working and so will he. If he gets angry I'll merely tell him that what we do behind closed doors is our own business. As your father he does have the right to an argument with me but he won't get far. You are not a child, Raito-kun, and if I am your choice he cannot stop you." I took a calm sip. The way Raito-kun was looking at me I felt like I should have been standing on the table giving a powerful speech to the nation. Is it really that amazing that I would say that to Yagami-san? He isn't a very violent or an angry man...but I suppose problems always look larger when you're at the centre of them.

"I couldn't ask you to do that for me Ryuzaki," he said, shaking his head.

"I know and you haven't asked me to but I will anyway. If Yagami-san has a problem with me I would prefer that he talked to me about it and not to you."

We shared a long look. Whoever said the "eyes are the window to the soul" was a genius...I thought. After a moment Raito-kun looked away, pursing his lips. I think I'll get very familiar with that look in the future...

"You can't fight my battles for me," he growled.

"There is no need for you to tell me that Raito-kun. After all you are a very independent boy. But you have done enough fighting today and tomorrow it will be my turn. Of course your father may have cooled down by tomorrow and realised how irrational he was behaving."

My lover snorted: a gesture that seemed attractive when he did it and yet always ended in disaster whenever I tried to. (1) Raito-kun crossed his arms and changed his position so he was sitting with one leg over the other. I thought it was a very prissy attitude for someone to take when they had been in tears not long ago. We sat in silence as I finished my marshmallows. The finicky boy next to me looked uninterestedly out of the window. Would he like the TV on? I wondered. I felt horrible dread at the thought of having to think of ways to entertain the teen beside me. I'd never had to worry about anyone else except for myself... This is ridiculous...Raito-kun is a big boy now and he can entertain himself. If he gets bored he could do some schoolwork. I knew that he wasn't foolish enough to want to go on frequent dates but he might get a little annoyed if we did nothing. Maybe I could go to the university again... it would be nice to play tennis with him.

I heard Raito-kun yawn to the side of me. The clock on the sideboard said it was 10:30. Not very late for a University student but I suppose he has had a chaotic day.

"You have brought pyjamas, correct?" I nodded at the bag he had brought.

"Yeah."

"If you want to you may sleep over. The bedroom is through there." I gestured vaguely to a door near the kitchenette.

"Ok. Thanks," he stammered. Raito-kun stood up, clutching his bag. He tarried for a few seconds and I caught sight of his nervous smile. He'll be lucky if he gets as much as a goodnight kiss acting in such a way. I never thought Raito-kun could act like a teenage girl. I chastised myself for being so unfair. He has had an emotionally draining day and we are 'boyfriends', even though I am clearly not a boy anymore, so it is not unreasonable to suspect such a thing.

"Goodnight Raito-kun," I said before standing up, taking his head in both my hands and placing a light kiss to his forehead. There. And count yourself lucky...I thought.

"Night," he replied, a silly smile on his face. Honestly...Despite my derision I couldn't help but smile fondly at the teen's retreating back.

He should not have to worry about so much at such a young age, I thought. I'll take care of everything for him tomorrow.

***

Yagami-san's POV

When I knocked on Ryuzaki's hotel room I was immediately allowed in by Watari. I hurriedly said 'good morning' to him before storming over to the detective. I had had several points I wanted to argue with him but I was disarmed by the impatient look on his face. Ryuzaki is never anything but stoic...

"Yagami-san, I had thought you would come to see me today. Please take a seat." The thin man gestured at one of the chairs. I wanted to launch straight into my questioning but I knew I had to be calmer than when I dealt with Raito last night. I should have been more understanding... I thought. But how could I have when he sprung it on us so suddenly? I quietly took a seat.

"Is Raito here?" I asked looking around the room to see any signs of my son. Sachiko had been so worried about him. I felt guilt stir in the pit of my stomach but I ignored it. I hadn't intentionally driven him away.

"No, he has already left for Shibuya with Matsuda-san. Raito-kun was under the impression you would have some questions for me," L said. He casually took a sip from his cup.

"Are you and Raito...dating?" It was quite the effort to say it. I did admire Ryuzaki despite his unorthodox methods but then I had the childish impulse to pick on his looks. Raito is such a handsome boy...why would he be attracted to such an ape-like man?

"Yes, if you use the term 'dating' loosely. We are not going out on 'dates', not until it is safe for me to go outside. But we are in an affectionate relationship," he answered. I briefly closed my eyes. When did this happen?

"Since when have you two been in this relationship?"

"Officially? Yesterday. But Raito-kun first showed his feelings quite some time ago. Before the Sakura TV incident."

"I see. Have you two..." I had meant to ask if they had...fulfilled their relationship yet but I could not bring myself to say it. Raito had always been such a sweet boy. When did he start doing such grown up things? But despite my apprehension Ryuzaki had grasped my meaning.

"Have we consummated our relationship yet? No, we haven't," he said without looking at me. I sighed. "But I do not see how that is your business."

"What?" I felt myself get angry and had to restrain myself. I won't lose control like last night. "He is my son; of course it is my business."

"Yagami-san, your son is over eighteen. He is an adult now and what he does out of your home is not your business. If he were any younger I would agree with you but not now. He can make his own decisions." Ryuzaki stabbed a strawberry cheesecake with his fork.

"I know he can. But-"

"So are you saying you're worried because you believe his decision will be the wrong one?" The unruffled man continued.

"No I'm not say-" Ryuzaki spoke quicker than I could.

"So you're worried because you do not understand his decisions even if they are the correct one for him? You're worried because you feel you are losing him," Ryuzaki said, taking a bite of his dessert. He seemed so matter-of-fact I wasn't sure how to react.

"Of course I'm worried about losing him. He's my little boy no matter how old he gets," I replied. I pushed my glasses further up the bridge of my nose.

"Do you not think that the way you treated him last night has pushed him further away than my relationship with him could ever have?" He fixed me with a sincere stare. That's the worst thing about Ryuzaki. You could never hide anything from him.

"I know I was too harsh with him. I just hadn't expected...I want to apologise to him as soon as possible. But he won't answer his phone." Ryuzaki was examining a morsel of his cake seemingly uninterested in our conversation. I felt anger burn in me again. "I wouldn't expect you to realise what it is like to lose a loved one." I had meant for it to hurt but Ryuzaki answered back as if I had said 'good morning' to him.

"I do know what it is like to lose a loved one. However, the difference between out situations is I lost mine permanently. You will see Raito-kun almost every day for a long time. After the Kira case he may still want to be with me and may travel with me. I will arrange for a way for you to stay in contact if that time comes. But between then and now there is no need to fear for Raito-kun. I will protect him with the best of my abilities. I am very fond of him. And if you show an understanding for his feelings I am sure he will show an understanding of yours."

I wanted to stay angry. I wanted Ryuzaki to give me a reason to shout, to hurt him but the way he said such sensible advice I couldn't find it in me to object. I have admired most of Ryuzaki's decisions and this was not an exception. It seems Ryuzaki understands my son better than I ever have. I shook my head. What have I been thinking? I had been angry at Raito-kun for not making his decision with me but he seems he had chosen correctly on his own. I have no need to worry about Ryuzaki. He is far too sensible to hurt my son.

Is it Raito I am angry with or myself? If he had only spoken to me before now...no. If I had noticed before now I could have made things easier for him. I could have helped him. Instead of sulking, why don't I be there for him if he needs help in the future? I smiled determinedly at Ryuzaki. The man in front of me would not have been my choice of son-in-law but he was one of the best I could expect.

"I understand, Ryuzaki," I said. The raven-haired man nodded once and walked over to the kitchenette to get more cheesecake. On the way he patted me gently on the shoulder.

"Good for you," he said in his emotionless voice.

***

Raito's POV

The trip to Shibuya had come and gone but no more evidence had come forward. All throughout the trip I had been thinking about my father and Ryuzaki. In fact, I was so deep in thought I had accidently agreed to carry Sayu's bags for her. But when I had gotten home my fears were unfounded. As soon as I stepped through the door my father apologised to reacting in such a bad way. I accepted his and offered my own even though I didn't want to. I thought it was expected of me.

I called Ryuzaki afterwards and thanked him but he replied "for what?" and hung up. I suppose that was one of his ways of being playful.

The next day we were all assembled into Ryuzaki's new hotel room. I was more than happy to have an excuse to show Ryuzaki how professional I could be when needed but the sickly striped furniture was back and it was a little distracting.

Aizawa and the others contented themselves about discussing how little evidence we had: Ryuzaki had explained about my suspicions. I asked if he was done viewing the tapes and he said he had seen Amane Misa talk to no-one suspicious but would like to view them all alone a second time to make sure.

But then Watari's voice emitted from his laptop. "Ryuzaki? Sakura TV has received another message from the Second Kira. The postmark was from the 23rd. I'll send you the tape through the computer before sending the real one to you." The screen cut out to the all too familiar Gothic-styled 'Kira'.

"I was able to find Kira. People at the TV station, policemen, thank you all very much." The message screen returned to its usual 'L'.

"'Found him'? This is bad!" Matsuda shouted.

"So Kira and the Second Kira have joined forces..." my father said. No, that's not right. I thought but Ryuzaki beat me to it.

"I do not believe they have joined forces. If they had the Second Kira would say something like that not like he has 'found him'. That doesn't make sense." Ryuzaki stirred his sugar sludge with a spoon.

"But where did he find him?" Aizawa asked.

"It must have been at Aoyama! The postmark was for the 23rd and the trip to Aoyama was the only date before then. But Raito-kun and I didn't see anyone holding notebooks..." Matsuda furrowed his brow.

"We cannot be sure that they met in Aoyama," I said.

"I agree with Raito-kun," Ryuzaki said taking a sip of his coffee. "We should not make that assumption with absolutely no evidence. But for now the police will have to send out a message directly to the Second Kira. We will have the police offer the Second Kira immunity if he comes forward with information on the real Kira."

"But, Ryuzaki, he's killed eight people that we know of...we can't just let him go free," my father said. I was glad to see that he hadn't retained any sort of grudge toward my boyfriend. I mentally shook myself to stay on track.

"Then we'll remain vague on how lenient we can really be. Perhaps we could say something along the lines of 'you will be treated as a hero and the police will not come after you'. I want this aired as soon as possible. It is 7:25 PM right now I want it to be broadcast at 8:55 PM on every channel."

"I understand," my father said and we all began the construction of the message.

***

Mikami's POV

An uncomfortable silence reigned over my room only broken by Ryuk's occasional Hyuk, hyuk, hyuk. B was quickly eating his way through a jam jar. I felt sicker and sicker as each morsel disappeared into his pale mouth. How can anyone be so repulsive? The thought of him in my apartment made my skin crawl.

After leaving Note Blue he had taken me to an empty house. I decided he was a squatter because the neat and bright decorations did not suit his personality at all. Our meeting kept on repeating itself over and over again in my head.

We settled into the cosy living room but the atmosphere did nothing for my mood. I was highly aware I was trapped in a house with a man who had a carving knife of the coffee table. I had a scrap of the Death Note in my wallet but I did not know his name and Ryuk was being as helpful as usual. And even if I did know his real name 40 seconds is a long time...I was sure he could do an awful lot in those few seconds.

He saw me looking at the knife and smiled that odd half-smile. "Just a precaution," he said before settling down on the white leather sofa.

"What did you want to talk about?" Came my terse reply.

"You are Kira," he stated simply and quite happily. I felt myself freeze.

"I-," I began to deny it but he cut me off.

"There's no point coming up with some sort of a half backed excuse. Your conduct earlier clearly shows your guilt. And I can't be mistaken because I can see your name but not your lifespan." He pointed an accusing finger at the space above my head.

"Y-you're the Second Kira?" I stammered. He made an undignified snort.

"You really think I'm that stupid? No I am not the Second Kira."

"Then you're a third Kira?" Despite myself I felt excitement bubble in me. The Second Kira seemed too stupid to use, it would be for the best if I disposed of him as quickly as possible, but this man seemed halfway decent intelligence wise. If he helps me then there's no way L could beat us, not when he has the Shinigami eyes. "Let me see your Shinigami and I'll show you mine," I said.

"Shinigami?" He asked. Ryuk laughed loudly behind me.

"Yeah..." I trailed off as a wide smile stretched across B's face.

"So Shinigami exist?" He rolled his eyes to the ceiling, that evil smile still on his face. "It seems you really need some help. You should have waited till I confirmed I was really a Kira." I gulped.

"You're not?"

"Nope." He giggled. I felt my mouth go dry. Dammit! I need to be more careful with this guy otherwise I could get into some serious trouble.

"What do you want?" I said, sounding braver than I felt.

"I want to exchange information."

"Why?"

"I have my reasons." He stopped but at my raised eyebrow he said, "I need to find this Ryuuga. But I'm also very curious about the Kiras..."

"Ok. If we're exchanging information let's start now. How come you have the Shinigami eyes without being a Kira? Don't you have a Death Note?" B asked me if he could see this 'Death Note' and I described it to him as I did not have mine on me. I explained the rules and he nodded uninterestedly. I reminded him of my question.

"I was born being able to see people's lifespan and name. I knew you were odd when I couldn't see your lifespan." I felt hope grow in my chest.

"Did you see anyone else like me in Aoyama?" If he saw the Second Kira and told me their name then I could dispose of them, I thought but B hadn't had such luck.

We spoke for a long time and afterwards I decided B was too useful to be kept out of sight. Now that he knows I am Kira he is too dangerous. I don't know his name so I can't threaten him...it would be for the best if I stayed on his good side. If we could work together he would be a great tool. He'd be a defenceless Kira. Of course he could always go to the cops but by looking at him I wouldn't be surprised if he had a track record.

So I had decided to let him stay with me in my apartment. It was the safest place for him but it was hell for me. How could somebody be so untidy?????

B's voice brought me back to the present.

"Have you been watching the news recently?" He asked as he scooped out the last of the jam.

"I've tried but I've been too busy trying to find the Second Kira recently."

"Oh dear..." he said, his voice filled with false concern. "That's a little silly. You'd be amazed what you'd learn about people if you watched the news more often." His eyes flickered to mine and then back to his jar.

What's that supposed to mean, I thought. I was tempted to carry on glaring at him in silence but decided to follow his advice. I turned on the news just in time to hear the reporter finish talking about a boy who was raped. I memorised the name of the supposed rapist but knew I had to wait till there was proof.

A handsome reporter came on screen. "Good evening, I am your anchorman Kimura Takeshi. The police have sent us an important message to the Second Kira."

I turned to face the TV full on where the reporter was going through the usual 'this is real, honest' routine. Even B had turned from his precious jar to watch the screen. The message began.

"This is an appeal to the Second Kira. You have said you have 'found' the real Kira but if he does not know who you are yet then it is not too late. You must not approach Kira out of curiosity. If you do you will only be used and killed. What you have to do know is think of the sanctity of life and atone for your sins! If you decide to do this, turn yourself in. You will be treated as a hero and the police will not come after you later if you also give us any information on who the real Kira is. You do this and you will save the world from the terror of Kira..."

The message cut out and I was left staring at the TV screen.

"Oh my..." B said looking very excited. "How tragic," another giggle escaped him. "I wonder how the Second Kira will react."

***

Raito's POV

It was 10:30 and I was lying on my bed reading manga. The book was called 'Kuroshitsuji' (2) and Sayu had recommended it to me. So far it had included many bishounen and an odd plot that constantly swung from the serious to the bizarre. It was ok, but it wasn't the best of distractions. I kept on thinking about Ryuzaki. It was odd...I had only seen him an hour or so ago but I already missed him. I hope I'm not turning into a love sick puppy. Shouldn't I be worried about the Kira case or something important? But I knew I couldn't be bothered to be worried. Yes, I was scared that Kira might kill me, father or L and yes, I was angry that so many had already died and will still die but it was difficult to feel so frightened when Ryuzaki was in control. I wonder if I'll ever be able to make such quick decisions as he did today...

"Nii-san?" Sayu called form downstairs. "Your friend has brought your notebook over!"

Notebook? I thought as I left my room. I haven't lost any of my notebooks... my thoughts trailed off as I saw her by the door.

"Raito-kun?" Amane Misa said as she stepped into my house.

Ooooooh! A cliff hanger! Anyone who has read the manga all the way through would know that would happen but still! Ooooooh! How will Raito-kun react to Misa in his house?? You'll have to wait I'm afraid!

(1) Does that happen to anyone else? Any time I try to snort in derision and be all high and mighty I always sound like a pig...

(2) It is an awesome manga!! You can find the manga and the anime online if you want to have a look. You haven't lived until you have experienced Sebastian's gorgeousness.

NaNoWriMo starts tomorrow so I will not be updating for at least a month. Sorry for the wait till the next chapter! I just want to take this space to say something REALLY IMPORTANT!!!!

I want to say thank you for the people who have taken their time to read my silly fanfic. I do not think my writing is very good but each review I have received has contained praise and advice and each hit my story has had has filled me with confidence. I can't believe the amount of people who have reviewed saying that my characterisation of Raito-kun was 'perceptive' and that my L was 'spot on'. I tend to just write whatever is in my head and I am surprised no one has taken umbrage at any of my plot. The amount of encouragement I have received has made me a little nervous about continuing this story: I'd hate not to fulfil people's expectations.

But despite my horrible writing Unintentional Love will continue!! I will carry on making Beyond Birthday be awesome and I will make L and Raito-kun have sex!!!!! I promise you that!!!

So, till next time...

Yours faithfully,

Snupin.