Chapter 21 – End

I leaned back, sighing. This work was bearing no fruit, even a month after Higuchi's death. I rubbed my red eyes, irritated as Ryuuzaki continued to (noisily) devour a cake. I was on the borderline of nighty-night land; I hadn't slept for almost six days straight. Bags were under my eyes, but at this point it didn't really matter anymore. All I was intent on was finding the original Kira. Though the task force (and my father) had already thrown in the towel, and even though L had taken off the handcuffs, I pursued the mass murderer, eager to prove that he was still out there.

But alas, all signs had vanished.

My eyes were closed as all the task force members filed out. I drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Peaceful, that is, until Ryuuzaki placed his lips on mine, intruding the space within.

-Err. Uncomfortable scene omitted -

I flopped back onto the bed, tired. I closed my eyes, and for the first time in nearly a week, had a long, undisturbed sleep.

The next time I woke up, I consulted my watch, the hands shimmering dimly in the moonlight. My vision was blurred from sleep and I could barely see the time. Ugh. 4:15. I turned over, moaning. More sleep… I clung onto the closest object, and, finding warmth, snuggled closer.

I woke up again to afternoon sunlight. I could hear voices murmuring – or was it shouting? I wasn't very sure – beyond the door in the background. I couldn't make out the words at all; it was just voices and grogginess. I sat up slowly, not wanting a head rush, and then attended to my morning duties (although I was positive I was about three hours late).

I walked into the workroom to find Ryuuzaki and the crew. The detective was, as always, sitting down, calm as ever, as he poked at his cake. My father and his fellow workers, on the other hand, were standing, their body language telling me that they were clearly agitated about something. Upon seeing me, they instantly sat down, seeming to be ashamed.

"What's going on here?" I asked politely.

Ryuuzaki put down his cake and looked at me, his large eyes seeming to be haunting. "I have decided to put the Kira case on a hiatus until the killer makes his next move. I am dismissing your father and his coworkers, but I would like you, Raito-kun, to stay and become my partner." He paused, a little, awkward grin forming on his lips. "Together, we will become invincible."

I blinked, hearing the double meaning that only I could, since only Ryuuzaki and I knew of our… bed business, I shall call it. Become my boyfriend. We'll be in heaven every night. I smiled. What a slut. "Of course, Ryuuzaki. It would be an honor to be a partner to such a revered detective."

My father and his coworkers seemed relaxed, satisfied that I was in good hands. He turned to leave. "Well, then, Raito; it seems you've decided your path in life. I guess it's time for your mother and I to step out. Is there any way we can contact you while you're working?"

Ryuuzaki cut in before I could speak. "No. It would be troublesome if an enemy of mine found my location because of your connections to my partner. I apologize; I will allow Raito-kun to have some days off to visit, but I will go with him. If he were to be kidnapped, then that, too, would be a problem. Now, as for the matter of his new alias…"

The next afternoon, my family gave me a hug before I boarded the plane, with L, as Ryuuzaki had nagged to call him when we were alone, and Watari waiting patiently by the entrance.

"Remember to visit us sometime, nii-san!" my sister called to me, on the verge of tears.

"Work hard, Raito," my father said. My mother smiled and nodded silently through her tears.

"I will," I promised as I boarded the plane, glancing at them one more time before leaving.

End.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry , dear readers, that I pulled you through that long hiatus just for the series to end. –dramatic spotlight shines- Alas! All stories must come to an end sometime, and… -sniff- This is it for this story. T T

I might do a sequel, if I have the time and patience…. Of course, it'll have to be after I finish my new series (the full title – it didn't fit on the title thingie – is called Memoirs of a Melancholy Assassin: The Life of Sephiria Arks. It's for one of my favorite characters in my new favorite manga, Black Cat. If you have the time, read it. It's pretty long per chapter, though, so watch out.) and after I come home from Vietnam (yes, another hiatus), which will be on August 12. :P Yes. This lazy writer likes her breaks.

I kind of have a sequel brewing in my head, but if anyone wants to beat me to it, go ahead :D Just, if you do, review one of the chapters and send me the link.

You guys have been awesome, and I'll miss your constant reviews... :D But, alas, this story has reached its (rather temporary) end. :P

Sora Pwns x3