Sometimes I have the strangest feeling about you. Especially when you are near me as you are now. It feels as though I had a string tied here under my left rib where my heart is, tightly knotted to you in a similar fashion. And when you go to Ireland, with all that distance between us, I am afraid that this cord will be snapped, and I shall bleed inwardly.
-Charlotte Brontë
"So he left you another flower?"
Misa watched as Naomi knelt on the balcony outside of her apartment, apparently searching for any clues. Her lips were pursed in worry, her dark brows knitted together in concentration. She pushed back her a tendril of hair that had come loose from the low messy bun Misa had insisted on helping her do. Whoever Ryuzaki sent to clean up did a good enough job, but remnants of the glass still glittered in corners under the hot sun over a week later.
Misa nodded, glancing up at the shiny new security camera installed at her front entrance. The morning after she woke up at Ryuzaki's penthouse, Aizawa was waiting to take her home, without her even having a chance to say good morning to Ryuzaki.
"A rose." Misa clarified. "I guess he's trying to be romantic again."
"I'm so glad you weren't home." Naomi said standing and patting off her jeans.
"That's what confuses me though." Misa said as she locked the door. "He seems to know where I am all the time. Why did he wait until I wasn't there to break my window? Wouldn't it scare me more if I was there to see it happen?"
"Are you saying he made sure you weren't home?"
Misa shrugged as the two women headed down the stairs towards Naomi's car. "It kinda seems like it doesn't it? Like...I don't know, maybe he didn't want me to get hurt? Ryuzaki seems to think he's just trying to scare me."
Naomi paused with her hand on the door handle. "It's true men like that are after fear and domination. They usually follow a pattern."
A pattern that was accelerating according to Ryuzaki. Misa was grateful that the last week had been relatively quiet. No pictures, no messages, no unwanted packages. She had no time to feel relief however, deciding that it was likely the calm before the storm. Watari would often be waiting for her after she finished a photoshoot. He sat in his vehicle with a friendly smile, ready to drive her home. She appreciated his company, but couldn't stop herself from squinting through the tinted windows every time to see if Ryuzaki was in the back seat waiting. He never was.
"What is this meeting about by the way?" Naomi asked.
"I don't know." Misa replied unconcerned. "They just said to to come in at noon, but it's probably about a new brand deal or something."
She received an email requesting her to show up on her day off to an meeting. She asked Naomi for a ride there, partly because she felt bad always riding with Watari and also because she just wanted to spend time with her. Naomi's calm demeanor was incredibly soothing to be around after the stress of the last few months. She even convinced her to stay with her for a few days, much to Naomi's chagrin as it meant she was forced to be Misa's dress up doll. She noticed Naomi eyeing the bright red manicure Misa gave her dubiously as she drove, noting it would be a miracle if she didn't pick it all off by the time she finished her meeting.
As Naomi parked outside of Facade, she turned in her seat to face Misa.
"You know I'm here for you. If this detective of yours can't do more, let me know. I just want you to be safe."
Misa smiled lightly, looking down to fiddle with her hair. "Thank you. He's doing great though I mean...aren't you wondering where I stayed that night?"
Naomi's mouth fell open. "Misa!"
She giggled at Naomi's scandalized expression. "Nothing happened! I slept in a guest room all alone. He was very respectful as usual."
"You sound disappointed." Naomi commented slyly.
Misa blushed. "Not at all."
She knew nothing would happen of course. But she did secretly hope he would have been there when she woke up that morning and that their conversation the night before would have at least jump started some sort of friendship. So far no amount of reaching out to him brought her any closer. She tried texting him throughout the week without receiving a single response back, leaving her feeling lonely and ignored.
Naomi smiled indulgently, "I have to admit: it's nice seeing you like this, even if I wish it were under better circumstances. I'll have to meet him sometime and make sure he's suitable for you."
Misa went even more red, "You're talking as if anything will ever happen. I really don't think he sees me that way."
"Maybe not now because he's focused on helping you-which by the way is a good thing-but you won't have a stalker after you forever. Who's to say what the future holds?"
That was her dilemma though. What happened after she didn't need his help anymore? That question kept her up at night nearly as much as her stalker did. Ryuzaki vanished completely from her life the last time. No goodbyes, no way to contact him. He was her hero and then he was gone the day after the trial ended, leaving behind an impression that still lay so deeply upon her. Little things he did now, she noticed, were starting to press into her heart far too quickly for her to simply brush aside. It frightened her. She could already tell when they did part again, it would be much more difficult to bare.
"I better go in." Misa said quickly, "Wish me luck. And thank you for looking out for me."
To her dismay, the meeting wasn't over a brand deal like she initially thought, but instead Misa was directed immediately to the office of Soichiro Yagami, the CEO of Facade.
He sat on one side of a long conference table along with another man she didn't recognize. She'd never met the CEO before and sincerely wished someone had told her beforehand who exactly the meeting was with, because of course she chose that day to wear torn fishnets under her short skirt. She pulled nervously on her plunging corseted blouse trying to look a little more professional.
The CEO was a stern looking man with graying hair and square glasses. He gestured to a seat across the table where she was shocked to see Ryuzaki sitting.
"Please have a seat Miss Amane."
She took the chair next to Ryuzaki, who was of course perched in his usual very unusual way. She felt a mixture of anxiety and embarrassment, mentally willing him to act like a normal human being for once.
The CEO introduced the man next to him as a lawyer named Setsuo Takahashi, who represented the agency.
"I've been told you hired this man here because of a situation with a fan, is that correct?" As he said it he inclined his head towards Ryuzaki, with a look of disdain, clearly not impressed by Ryuzaki's casual state of dress and odd mannerisms.
'Hired' was a generous interpretation she thought, considering he refused her money and asked to be paid in cake of all things. She glanced sideways at Ryuzaki apprehensively, "Yes, I didn't know where else to turn."
Mr. Yagami looked grave adjusting his glasses which glinted ominously under the fluorescent lights. "You could have told someone here surely?"
"I did." Misa replied, "I told my manager about it months ago when it started."
Mr. Takahashi spoke with an unpleasant smile on his face. "I believe you were also told to follow up periodically with that manager to make sure all was going well, but you chose not to."
"Because I wasn't getting any help!" Misa said fiercely, her voice now rising, "They told me I should be grateful for the attention!"
Ryuzaki held a hand up to quiet her. She scowled at the lawyer. What right did he have to assume she didn't do anything? She always took the proper measures, but why bother following up when their answer would be useless?
The lawyer shrugged as he waved a hand dismissively. "These things happen. Every model has the occasional...let's call them, overly-dedicated fan. Perhaps If you can't handle the pressure you should seek employment elsewhere?"
Misa panicked at hearing this, wondering if she should have just kept her mouth shut. She glanced at Ryuzaki to see his reaction only to find he was actually smiling.
"Misa Amane is your best selling model, you'd be incredibly foolish to lose her." He said, finally speaking up. "But if that's how you feel I have several connections within the media who would be interested to learn more on how Facade mishandled not only her stalking case, but the numerous others you've swept under the rug."
Mr. Yagami now leaned forward frowning. "What other cases?"
"Two years ago a model listed under your agency, Asami Ito age 19, went missing. A similar situation to Miss Amane, a fan sent threatening messages and photographs. Her concerns were pushed aside as well. She hasn't been seen since."
Mr. Takahashi sat back with a harsh laugh, "I remember the model you're referring to. She didn't show up to 3 consecutive photo shoots and according to her contract she was dropped. What happens after that isn't a problem that concerns the agency."
"The safety of your models doesn't concern you?" Ryuzaki asked cocking his head in question, his eyes focusing on Mr. Yagami who looked uncomfortable and clearly unaware of any disappearance.
The lawyer again brushed this off, "She probably got a boyfriend and left the modeling world it happens."
"It happened again," Ryuzaki continued, "Nearly a year later. This time Yori Nakamura, age 21. She went missing after a meet and greet. She filed multiple complaints about a man following her home at night. She too hasn't been seen or heard from since."
The room was silent. Even Misa hadn't known about any models going missing. True, sometimes she heard about one abruptly leaving the agency without notice or rumors about landing a better gig elsewhere, but now she questioned if that had always been the case after all. If she hadn't contacted him, would she have ended up like them too? She shuddered at the thought.
Ryuzaki leaned forward his dark eyes set intently on Mr. Yagami. "You need to be made aware of what's happening within your agency. The more I research, the more I believe it may be an in-house problem you're dealing with."
At this Mr. Takahashi's face went red with anger, "Just what are you insinuating?"
"If you even remotely care about the safety of your employees, or at least keeping this agency afloat without a scandal, I'd be sure to hire me to investigate further."
The lawyers mouth fell slack, taken aback by Ryuzaki's audacity. "Is this a joke? What makes you think we'd ever hire you after the disrespect you've shown?"
"Because you only have the two options." Ryuzaki said grimly, "Either you accept my help and allow me to investigate or I go to the press and expose you from there. Either way, I'll get what I want. I only came here today as a courtesy to my client. Rest assured if Miss Amane or any model currently employed here, is harmed due to your negligence, I'll make sure your agency is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
Mr. Yagami seemed to be struggling for words. "I still don't understand why we should trust you."
Fortuitously, the phone in the middle of the table lit up with an incoming call. Ryuzaki nodded at it. "That phone call may help you make your decision."
Mystified, Mr. Yagami picked up the phone, his eyes focused on Ryuzaki. Almost immediately his face went pale.
"I see. Very well. No, I think I know what we have to do."
He hung up. He drummed his fingers on the table for a moment, his eyes searching around the room. He sighed in a defeated sort of manner.
"Consider yourself hired."
The lawyer looked at him aghast. "Sir?"
"He has full authority to investigate as he sees fit." Mr. Yagami said as he rubbed his temple, his eyes closed as if the room were suddenly very bright.
Mr. Takahashi looked bewildered. "I don't understand sir, are you sure?"
Mr. Yagami looked up, speaking directly to the detective.
"Do what you need to. Just don't allow this out to the press. Handle it quietly."
"Done."
Ryuzaki now stood up, gesturing for Misa to do the same. She awkwardly tugged her skirt down into place as she followed him to the door.
"Ah gentlemen I should mention," He said, pausing at the door. "I've recorded this conversation, so I hope you don't plan to go back on your word. I'll have someone come by for my down payment later."
With that he exited. Misa hurried out the door with him, leaving the two shell-shocked men behind.
"Who called him?" Misa asked breathlessly as they left. "Why did he change his mind so fast?"
"Just some old friends at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department." Ryuzaki said checking his watch. He turned back to Misa.
"Obviously this constitutes a slight change of plans. You'll need to let me know where you're going at all times from now on, but at least now I don't have to keep hacking into your agencies database."
"But was all that necessary?" She fussed, "What if I lose my job?"
"You won't." He said confidently, "As I told them you're too valuable."
She could sense a sort of subtle electric excitement emanating from him as they walked. It surprised her since his usual disposition was more reserved.
"You seem happy." She observed.
"I like when things go my way. It makes everything much simpler." He said, holding the door for her as they stepped out to the parking lot. She rolled her eyes smiling to herself that makes you sound like such a kid.
Ryuzaki excused himself to look for Watari who would he driving them back. Not long after she heard someone call her name. She raised a hand to shield her eyes from the brilliant sunlight to look for the source.
"Misa!"
Light waved at her across the parking lot with a friendly smile on his face, though as approached he looked somewhat puzzled.
"There you are." His warm eyes searched hers in concern, "I heard you were having a meeting with my father and some lawyer over a stalker? Is everything alright?"
"Yeah I'm having um...a small problem." she admitted.
"I had no idea that was happening." Light said, his forehead creased in worry as he ran a hand through his hair. "You should have told me the other day I would have helped."
"Oh no, I wouldn't want to drag you down with my problems! Besides I do have a detective helping me."
"So you hired someone?" He asked. "When I heard what was going on I actually thought I could help you out if you needed."
"That's really nice of you, but I think the detective I mentioned is doing a good job it's just-oh here he is actually."
Ryuzaki approached with his hands crammed into his pockets, pausing briefly when he saw Light. The contrast between the two men was almost comical: While Light was dressed more casually than the first time they met, with his charcoal grey suit jacket slung over his arm and his shirt collar unbuttoned, he pulled off a more sophisticated look whereas Ryuzaki simply looked disheveled. Though it wasn't necessarily unattractive to her for some reason.
"Light this is Ryuzaki the detective I mentioned. Ryuzaki this is Mr. Yagami's son."
Light smiled good naturedly, "It's nice to meet you. Thank you for looking after Misa and I hope my father didn't give you any trouble in there."
"None at all." Ryuzaki murmured his eyes narrowing, "Do you work here Light?"
Light raised his eyebrows, "I do. I'll be taking over my fathers position when he retires later this year."
Light turned back to address Misa, "I was actually curious Misa, if you're still doing your meet and greet this weekend?"
Misa covered her mouth, "Oh! I can't believe I almost forgot about it. Yeah of course I wouldn't dream of missing it!"
"Well don't worry then," He said, as he clapped Ryuzaki on the shoulder, "After hearing about all of the trouble she's going through I insist on being there personally to watch over her."
Misa beamed up at him. "That's really sweet of you, but I don't want to take up any of your time."
"Not at all. I'm your fan too remember?" He winked at her and she giggled.
Ryuzaki scrutinized the two of them intently, his tone more clipped as he spoke. "I see. We'll be in contact then. Let's go Misa." At this he placed a hand on Misa's lower back steering her gently, but insistently towards Watari's waiting car.
"So pushy." She whined, but felt unmistakably warm at his touch. She turned back to wave at Light, "Sorry, I'll give you a call or something later!"
Ryuzaki held the door open for her as she got in with him sliding in beside her.
"Don't be alone with him." He said as soon as the car took off. Misa looked at him incredulously.
"What? Why?"
"There's something about him I don't like."
She rolled her eyes. "Well I'm not going to be rude to him. He's the CEO's son!"
"At the very least he's going to be taking over an agency that's been complicit in disregarding the safety of their employees, I don't trust him."
She thought of how kind Light had been to not only her, but everyone on set. The general feeling he gave off was more helpful school-boy not nefarious overlord. She just couldn't imagine him being as bad as the other men in charge at Facade. In fact, she actively looked forward to the day he took over.
She pouted, "If you're jealous just say so."
"I'm not jealous." He said dismissively. "More importantly we need to discuss how you're going to handle that meet and greet. I'm assuming you won't want to cancel it?"
"No way! Just because I have one creepy guy after me doesn't mean they all are. I love my fans."
"Then your security will need to be stepped up. My team will be watching, but you should know it's likely your stalker will be there as well."
"Fine."
She sat quietly with him in the back seat feeing out of sorts. His mood was so much more upbeat earlier. She picked at her nails, wondering idly if he actually was jealous of Light. The thought gave her some pleasure, and a wicked part of her wanted to exploit it if she could...but it was more likely he just didn't trust anyone working at Facade. She couldn't exactly blame him. How had she not known about years of models going missing? And now it seemed that the same man was after her.
"Ryuzaki," she said after a while, "Are you sure you'll be able to catch this guy? He got away with it before."
"He didn't have me looking for him before."
There was that confidence again. Something about it made her unable to sit still, stirring up a sort of agitation inside of her.
"Did I let you down the first time I helped you?" He asked pointedly.
"Of course not." She muttered, poking at a hole in her fishnets.
"And I won't this time either. Just do what I tell you to do and you'll be safe."
She felt a twinge irritation. "Fine, but when I text, could you at least text me back? I get you're busy, but it's been a whole week and you ignored all of my texts! I'm kind of sick of being left in the dark over here!"
He blinked at her as she continued ranting, "Another thing: you could have at least told me I had a meeting with the CEO today, look at me!" She waved a hand over her provocative outfit. "I can't believe I met him wearing this!"
His dark eyes traveled along the length of her body before saying matter of factly: "You look beautiful as usual I see no problem here."
That blew the wind from her sails. As usual? How could he say that so casually? She felt her cheeks reddening.
"You think I'm beautiful?" She asked in a hushed voice.
His mouth opened and closed for a moment as if on the verge of saying something, but decided better of it. Instead he responded, "You're a model, Misa, I'm sure you're told that on a regular basis."
"Yeah, but It's different when you say it." She said softly, unable to look anywhere except her knees. Her heart drummed in her chest.
"I don't see how-"
Watari cleared his throat from the front seat. They had arrived at her apartment and she didn't even notice.
"Ah! Thank you for the ride Watari!" She scrambled for her purse and struggled for a moment to get the door unlocked and opened in her flustered state. As she got out Ryuzaki rolled the window down to speak to her.
"We'll stay here until you're inside safe and-"
He paused, seemingly searching for the words. "I will...do my best to respond a little quicker to your messages from now on."
She smiled softly, "Thank you."
She looked back to see him rolling the window up again. As she unlocked the door and came inside, Naomi was waiting there, surprised to see her.
"I didn't know you had a ride back I was just about to call-are you alright?"
Misa glided past Naomi over the couch to bury her face in a velvet throw pillow. When she spoke her voice was muffled.
"He thinks I'm beautiful."
Some people, L knew from experience, were more untrustworthy than others. Human beings were the amalgamation of countless ideologies and upbringing. Nature and nurture. He learned from a young age not to judge the wrappings a person came in; often they obfuscated the truth. But the young man in front of him set off every alarm in L's mind. A vital essence inside of him was missing; instead something darkly sinister and calculating peeked out from behind his eyes. It was there for only a moment, before he blinked and a friendly smile graced his handsome face.
Some foreign and deeply possessive creature reared its head inside of L, urging him to act. He placed a hand on the small of Misa's back, the other lightly on her shoulder to move her around himself and closer to Watari's car. His eyes glanced over to Lights to gauge his reaction, unsurprised to see a flicker of annoyance flash across them.
Long after the encounter he was left to ponder if her stalker felt the same type of bizarre possessiveness over Misa that he was struck with and if so, what made L any different?
AN: Chapter 4 down! So I work full time and I'll be taking classes on top of that starting next week, but if all goes well my posting schedule should still be fairly consistent. I've been making sure to set aside time for writing lately because it's my stress reliever in these ~trying times~. I've been obsessed with this pairing since 2008 and all it took for me to finally write about them was a pandemic, who knew?
As always, thank you for the feedback you're leaving me! I'm posting this on FF and AO3 so wherever you decide read it and comment I appreciate it so much, it means the world to me.