Jane: We're separated right now.

Ryuzaki: Kira forced us to temporarily part (you make it sound like we broke up!).

Jane: But in honor of Valentine's Day…

Ryuzaki: The Day of Lovers…

Jane: We'll be back under the same roof.

Ryuzaki: This never actually happens in the plotline, mind you, so the timeline is disregarded totally.

Jane: Wait… you mean Lightningpelt's doing fanfiction… for her own fanfiction?

Ryuzaki: Basically.

Jane: *grumbles* Insane cat…

Ryuzaki: I don't mind. I miss you! *hugs Jane*

Jane: It's only been two chapters, you baby!

Ryuzaki: *into Jane's shirt* Don't care.

Jane: *sighs* Well… on with the story, I suppose.

Near and Mello: Enjoy!

Jane: Whoa! Why are you guys here?

Mello: For the new chapter, obviously!

Jane: This isn't even a proper chapter!

Mello: D':

Near: Whether it is a proper chapter or not, we will make an appearance.

Mello: That's right! When was the last time I was even mentioned?

Jane and Near: Part One, Chapter 15.

Mello: D':

Jane: Enough of this! This stupid intro is longer than the fic!

Near: Than Lightningpelt fails at story length.

Me: No, you guys fail at intros. :3

Mello: I fail at life! D':

Near and Jane: Snap out of it! *slaps Mello*

Mello: *sniffles* Sorry…

Jane: Roll the bloody story! *looks down at Ryuzaki* And let go of me you goof-head!

Ryuzaki: *into shirt* Uh-uh.

Mello and Near: *snickers* "Goof-head…"

Me: *pulls down curtain* *bows* Enjoy the fic!

… … …

Mello: Hey Matty, want to play a game?

Matt: Unless it's Zelda, I'm not listening. *returns to DS*

Mello: *pouts* Well, for those of you interested, Lightningpelt has hidden four "Easter Eggs"- references to other anime –in this fic! If you find two of them, she'll write a requested one-shot for you! Find all four and you'll get… well… something specialer!

Matt: "Specialer" isn't a word, Mels.

Mello: Aren't we smart. :P Even she hasn't decided what'll happen if somebody tracks down all four!

Matt: How would I submit answers?

Mello: By PM. No review answers accepted; they just give away the answers.

Matt: Well have fun.

Mello: I will! Hmf.

Me: Enjoy the game! Now here's the story!

Ryuzaki had never thought much about Valentine's Day. yet, as he stared down at the red and white and pink heart-shaped doughnuts, somethin hit him.

This year is different.

This year I am involved in a romantic relationship.

Glancing across the street, through the shop window at their apartments, he drew a deep breath.

Valentine's Day… candy… roses… lovers…

"That's all I've got," he said aloud. And that was all he knew about the formerly non-applicable holiday. Finding the shop all but deserted, he pulled his phone out of his pocket.

"Yo."

"Mello. Have you ever had a girlfriend?"

"…"

"… Scratch that. What does Matt get you for Valentine's Day?"

"Et tu, Lawli?

"…"

"…"

"… Fine! What should I get Jane for Valentine's Day?"

"That I'll answer." Mello, some 100 miles away, sat back in his chair. "Diamonds, Lawli dearest, are a girl's best friend."

"But Jane doesn't wear jewelry," the other objected.

Mello thought for a moment. "Alright, what's her favorite restaurant?"

"Home cooking."

"Favorite candy?"

"She makes it."

"Favorite flowers?"

"No clue."

Mello let out an exasperated sigh, spinning on his desk chair. "you're giving me nothing to work with, my friend!"

"I have nothing to work with," Ryuzaki replied, and the blonde groaned dramatically.

"Alright, alright," he said, "here's the deal: take her out to Lee's Curry of Life; that's a pretty fancy place, and they've got a V-Day promotion going on. Then you take her down to the beach at sunset and surprise her with flowers, preferably red or white roses; bring a blanket and sit there for a while and talk about your feelings. If you're planning on proposing, that'd be a good time. She'll love it, I promise."

Ryuzaki was unconvinced. "Thanks, Mels. I'll give it a try."

Hanging up, Mello let out a sigh. Then, arching over the back of his swivel chair, he called, "Matt! I hope you were taking notes!"

"Hm…" Ryuzaki wasn't quite certain that he could take the blonde mafia leader at his word. So, selecting a doughnut from the display, he dialed another number.

"Hello?"

"Mmf." The boy had picked up faster than expected, catching his mentor with a mouthful of pastry. Swallowing hastily, Ryuzaki cleared his throat. "Nate. What do I need to do for Valentine's Day?"

"Don't ask me," Near replied, fiddling with his thin white hair. "I've never dealt with romance or anything of the sort; ask Mello."

"I already did," the other sighed, "and he gave me some cliché about diner and a beach sunset."

"… Yeah, that doesn't suit you," Near said bluntly, and then thought for a long moment. "How about… ballet? Does Jane like ballet? Halle dragged me to that one about the duck, and it was fairly good; excellent, if you're into that sort of thing."

"A ballet… about a duck? You mean Swan Lake?"

"No, not a swan; a little yellow duck, I'm certain."

"… Forget it." Ryuzaki gave his fuzzy head a shake. "I don't think she's into ballet, anyway."

The younger boy huffed slightly. "Well then… what about a romantic night at home? Set up some candles, use the nice table-wear, order some fancy food, etc. You've still got access to the power and wealth of L; make some things happen."

L nodded slowly. "Alright… alright. Thanks, Nate."

… … …

"Meow!"

Ryuzaki smiled down at the little white cat, playing with her own Valentine's Day present: a little catnip stuffed heart. She clutched the toy with her forepaws, gazing up at the human curiously. "Hush," he said, patting her head. "Watch your tail around the candles, now."

The doorbell rang, and the ex-detective shuffled over, hands in his pockets until one was needed to turn the knob.

"Ryuzaki… san?" the blonde delivery boy asked, and Ryuzaki nodded. "Your order comes to $75.32, hmm."

The raven haired man shelled out the requested amount, and the delivery boy accepted it with gloved hands. Retreating back inside, Ryuzaki busied himself with making everything just right: he set the table, arranged the food, dimmed the lighting and put on Jane's favorite music; he even decorated the cake- if a bit sloppily –that he had made himself –if a bit clumsily –and set it in the center of the table.

Of course, as soon he was standing back to examine his handiwork, his phone rang.

"L! We've got an emergency here!" Mello sounded almost frantic. "Listen, they're calling him Saint Valentine's Assassin in the news; he's hit three chocolate shops in the past hour! All the victims seem to have been hit by a stun gun of some sort, and at the last scene police uncovered a yoyo… that weights over a hundred pounds! Nobody's even heard of the alloy it's made of!"

It was the type of case that L would have jumped at; the type that made his life worth living. But, at that moment, something far more meaningful to the raven-haired man was coming through the door, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. And the phone slid from Ryuzaki's fingers, hitting the carpets he smiled.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Jane."

Matt: That was *sniffs* beautiful, man…!

Mello: when did you get here?

Matt: *presents chocolate*Happy V-Day, Mels.

Fangirls: Aww…!

Rabid fangirls: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Ryuzaki: *burrows farther into Jane's shirt* My ears…!

Near: *face palm*

Jane: *sighs* Guess we're gone. Hope you guys enjoyed!

Ryuzaki: I wish it had really happened…!

Near: It did happen, within the deepest corners of your soul where the purest love resides.

All: O_o

Me: *jumps out* Happy V-Day, everybody! I hope you enjoyed reading, and don't forget about those Easter Eggs (for Valentine's Day…)!