My eyes went wide. I couldn't believe what he was saying! It had to be a joke, right? Some really bad, in poor taste joke? Ryuzaki, or L rather, read my mind and barely smiled.

"You must be confused. I'll have you know it isn't a bad joke." He said, dropping sugar cubes into his coffee.

"So...why do you need my help? I'm not a detective."

"Neither is Light, but I've employed his help as well."

So Light was helping with the Kira investigation? What better way to fool your enemies other than to make them think they're safe? Very clever Light, kudos to you.

"I'll help the best I can...L." I replied reluctantly after some careful thinking.

"Good. Just know that you don't have to do this, I simply welcome any cooperation you would give."

"Of course. You have my full cooperation. Now where are we going?"

Ryuzaki took a sip of his coffee and glanced at me over the rim of his cup. This was the first time I've ever noticed the dark, dark rims under his eyes. Does he ever sleep?

"We're heading back to my hotel room,"He replied, then after seeing my expression he added, "Relax, it's my hideout. Nothing's going to happen."

I sighed in relief as the limo came to a slow stop. Watari opened the door for me and I followed L upstairs. He opened a door and kicked off his shoes, sighing. There was no one in the room but us. It was completely dark, save for a dim lamp in the corner.

"I thought you said this was your hideout." I remarked, setting my bag down.

"It is."

"Then why is no one here?"

"Truth be told Tsukiko, you're the only one who knows I am L. Well, the only female anyway."

I was slightly shocked, but not really considering his deep infatuation with me. I only hope it won't get in the way of anything.

"Why me?" I asked anyway.

"Because..." He paused momentarily, "I really don't know."

I rolled my eyes slightly and dug into my makeup bag.

"I'll be right back. I have to adjust my makeup."

"But you're not wearing any."

I smiled slightly. Observant, wasn't he?

"Exactly. Now I'll be back."

I went into the bathroom and flipped on the light. It was rather extravagant for a simple hotel bathroom, so it must be pretty expensive. I wonder where Ryuzaki...L...got the money from. As I applied my mascara I heard the door open and L talk in hushed tones. Someone was here, so I quickly finished up and left the bathroom.

"Come on, we're starting." Ryuzaki called out.

He must have been talking to me, so I calmly walked into the 'living room' and sat down next to a very shocked Light. Ryuzaki talked everyone's ear off about Kira and how he was called in to help and so on and so forth. Light and I were too busy whispering back and forth to each other to pay close attention.

"How long have you known?" He whispered.

"I learned shortly after you. He says I'm the only female who knows."

Light looked around the room.

"Well, he was right on that part."

"Is there something you'd like to share with us Light? How about you Tsukiko?"

My face burned in embarrassment. It was so immature to be talking while someone else was. That's something you learn in elementary school for crying out loud! I was about to make up a lie on the spot but Light intervened.

"Sorry L, we're still shocked." He gulped.

L didn't move.

"Just...don't do it again. And call me Ryuzaki from now on. Same goes for everyone."

I nodded and sighed quietly.

I was in for one hell of a ride.