[Well, I have to say that I'm a little disappointed about not getting my 25 reviews... But my deal still stands. 18 more reviews before next Friday, and I'll upload five chapters instead of just one. Please remember to review! They sure do mean a lot to me, even if it's just one word. :) ]

[Chapter Twenty-Six]

Layla's name wasn't Layla. Her real name was Shima Okadaya. Okadaya.... You had seen that name before. You had seen an Okadaya's name on Light's death note a few months ago. When you had researched criminals that Light had killed, Shima Okadaya had been one of the names that constantly appeared. Her father... was it? Serial killer. He had been one of the only criminals that had a daughter. Light killed him because his daughter had already grown up and his wife was dead. He had weighed the decision very carefully.

She led you to a room that was extravagantly decorated.

"I'll be back in just a moment with your pen and paper."

"No rush," you assured her, walking into the bathroom. You had been fantasizing about bathing for the past day.

"I'll bring you some fresh clothing as well."

As she walked out, you peeled off your clothing and stepped into a warm shower. The room was probably bugged—but you doubted there were any cameras in the bathroom. Even so, you couldn't be completely sure.

You took your time in the shower, enjoying the comforts of warm water. When you finished washing off, you dried your hair and put on the pajamas that Shima had left outside the bathroom door. They were two sizes too big, but at least you were clean.

"Your paper and pen are on that desk, along with your dinner." She sat in the corner, reading a book. "Please, act like I'm not even here."

You smiled warmly at her, and sat down to eat. They had given you clam chowder and cornbread. The meal was certainly not up to L's standard. While you ate, you wrote all of the events of the past week down. You intentionally started the entry with "Isamu is a nice name for a child. I thought of it yesterday." It would get Isamu's attention. You were careful to only write on one side of the page, so Isamu wouldn't have to flip it over—there might be cameras in the room, and it would look strange to anyone watching. You made sure that you included that you were being kept under surveillance by an "interesting woman named Layla." There was no way Isamu could misinterpret this seemly harmless note. You made sure it was face up on the desk before you climbed into bed. Near wouldn't find anything suspicious in that note.

Exhaustion hit you as soon as your cheek made contact with the pillow. It took no less than five minutes for you to fall asleep.

* * *

When you woke up, you couldn't tell what time of day it was. Isamu was sitting on the desk, knees to his chest.

"Tomomi. I'm happy that you're awake."

You sat up and smiled at him dreamily, still half-asleep. You knew that you couldn't talk to him without raising suspicion. He knew too.

"How do you want me to relay this information to Light? Should I show myself to him? Yawn if yes, stretch if no."

You lazily stretched your arms. Light had made it clear that he didn't want you to show your shinigami to him.

"Should I write a note in front of him then?"

You yawned.

"Okay." He paused. "Light was furious when he woke up." He paused a second time. "He misses you. I'll be sure to tell him that you're alright."

You smiled at him.

"Should I go now?"

Before you could answer, Shima spoke up.

"Are you feeling alright, Miss Bourne?"

You turned to her. "I'm just fine. Why?"

"You just yawned twice, and have been smiling at the same spot for the past five minutes."

"I just had a pleasant dream, that's all."

"Oh? What about?"

You examined this woman in the daylight. She couldn't be any older than Light.

"Light. Light Yagami, my boyfriend. The one they suspect as Kira."

When she spoke again, her tone was heavy. "Yes. I know about Light."

"I miss him already. He's always so positive... always thinking of the good side of things."

"Really?" She looked as if she regretted asking immediately. "I mean—I'm sorry. It's just that I've heard he's a maniac."

"No... no. Light... Light is a truly divided person. There is a Kira side and a Light side. Even after being rid of the evil that was controlling him, he suffered relapses. I don't think it was killing the criminals that got to him. I think it was using the death note against innocent people... Using Kiyome and Misa. He was forced to use his charm to get closer to L and Near. I truly believe that is what made him crazy." You looked up and laughed. "You probably don't even have the slightest clue of what I'm talking about."

"Oh—no. I know about Light." There was a long pause. "Do you love him?"

"Of that... I have no doubt."

"But he's killed so many people!"

"And he's saved countless others. Just because he's killed people doesn't mean that he wanted to." She was silent. You let the silence hover in the air a few minutes. "He's human."

"He killed my father."

"He didn't have a choice."

She stood up.

"How would you know? You don't know me."

You lowered your voice. "Is this room bugged?"

"No. There are only cameras."

"Then let me tell you something, Miss Shima Okadaya. I know that Light killed your father, and I know because he had no choice, and was emotionally damaged from the experience, having lost his own father. Look at him now! He's using what he's learned to catch Kira. Light isn't evil!"

"How—how do you know my name?"

"I know because I researched every single one of Kira's victims. Very rare is it that they have close family." You didn't like lying to her like this, but it was all to ensure your future with Light. It got you points. That was the only thing that made you lie. "Light didn't have a choice. I'm sorry for your loss."

You looked around the room for Isamu, positive that he wouldn't leave without confirmation from you first. You found him by the window, and made eye contact. "I wish that Light would come here to get me. It's safe now that I know Near won't kill us."

Isamu nodded.

"I'll go now," he said quietly.

You smiled.

"You—you risked your own life for his? By coming here?" Shima looked horrified.

"Yes. I love him. He's not evil at heart—really." There was silence for a while. "What time is it? I sure am hungry."

"Oh! I forgot to bring you breakfast!" Shima got up and rushed out of the room.

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