there are worse things than

being alone

but it often takes decades

to realize this

and most often

when you do

it's too late

and there's nothing worse

than

too late.

Charles Bukowski, Oh Yes

Misa sat in the back of Watari's car, leaning her head back, her eyes closed. Her agency determined that enough time had passed from her disastrous meet and greet and her doctor agreed she was healing quickly enough to return to work as long as it wasn't strenuous. She was desperate to get back to work, to distract her mind.

She cracked an eye open to look out the window, watching the muted colors of the people walking on the sidewalks, umbrellas and rain obscuring their misty forms. It was a grey and lonely few weeks. Her thoughts strayed to the enormous arrangement of flowers that currently sat on L's dining room table, a gift from Light, that managed to bring some sunshine into her life. She messaged him not long after the attack to explain what happened. And since then, she was never without fresh flowers. They arrived nearly every other day.

She had admired the most recent bouquet, one with bright yellow sunflowers, carnations and sprigs of baby's breath, grateful he knew to skip out on roses. Naomi, who adored all plant life, also admired them with her earlier that morning.

"He certainly makes an impression doesn't he?"

Misa nodded, running her fingers over the delicate, silky petals of a red carnation. She couldn't exactly look back on their date with much fondness, but she appreciated the gesture. And the attention.

After L rejected her, he stayed away from the apartment. The only time she saw him was when she peeked out of her room one night to see him grabbing folders from his office before locking it tightly and leaving again. His back had straightened and for a moment she wondered if he sensed her looking at him. She just closed the door silently and buried herself in the cold bedsheets.

"...you should know if I was ever interested in you, I would have tried by now."

She had never faced rejection like that before. To say her ego was bruised put it lightly. He told her she was confused, that he wasn't interested. He wasn't interested...in her. Along with the hurt, she felt distinctly put off that any man would reject her. Especially one that looked at her like he did when she kissed him, when he saved her.

It doesn't matter. She thought sullenly. She didn't try talking to him again after that. She knew what it was like to have someone not take no for an answer.

"We're here Miss Amane."

Misa looked up, Watari's kind eyes regarding her through the rear view mirror.

"Thank you Watari."

"Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

The old man had made sure she wanted for nothing the moment he arrived back from his trip. He visited her nearly everyday and cooked for her every evening, even when she insisted she was fine. She was grateful for his company even if he usually had to leave soon after to assist L.

"Yeah of course. I'll see you later." She gave him a small smile before ducking out of the car, opening a bright red umbrella to shield her from the pellets of rain. She steeled herself against what she assumed would be lots of backhanded whispers and sideways glances based on everything she'd been through in the past few months.

What Misa did not expect, however, was to be ambushed almost as soon as she came through the door. Several models clamored and crowded around her as she shook off her umbrella, all talking at once.

"Are you alright?"

"Misa is it true there's a serial killer going after models?"

She blinked in surprised. She wasn't sure of how much the other models at her agency had been told, and in fact assumed they were all in the dark. Serial killer? The words rang with alarm inside of her.

"Don't tell me someone died?" Misa asked feeling sick.

"Well, no, but Kana is missing." One said, her face pale. "Her roommate was a makeup artist here, she complained to upper management and she was dismissed!"

"Not just her." Another said cutting in worriedly, "You remember Yori Nakamura? She used to work here a few years ago. I heard she went missing too. They said it's the same guy."

Misa felt her stomach drop. She couldn't exactly lie to them. She was hoping nothing would come back to her agency about the stalker, but apparently it was too late for that.

"Oh Misa is that who attacked you?"

"You heard about that too then?" Misa said with a grimace. "I think so, but I haven't heard much either to be honest."

"We thought you'd be next. I'm so freaked out. I actually turned down a shoot next week."

One of the models clasped Misa's hands, speaking tearfully. "That's why you freaked out at that meet and greet isn't it? We all thought you just went crazy. I get it now. I'd probably act the same."

They all nodded solemnly around her. Their eyes filled with worry-not mocking her like she assumed. It was a relief on some level that she wasn't being treated like a pariah, but it worried her too. She didn't want to expose anyone else to her issues.

"The police are looking into it." Misa said weakly. "When I know more I'll make sure to let everyone here know."

"Well why haven't they caught him yet?"

A few more echoed that sentiment, complaining about their safety. She didn't have any answers for them. Her stalker seemed to be even more dangerous than she first thought, but she didn't want to tell them that. It would just scare them even more. She recognized her makeup artist who was waving her over from down the hall.

"I gotta go, but I promise if I hear more I'll let you know!"

She left them feeling her regular pit of anxiety stirring in her stomach. Where did a rumor about a serial killer come from? He was just a stalker, right? But the other missing girls...It occurred to her that something bad had to happen to them if they weren't back after that many years.

She thought of the van and being tied up and thrown inside. Where exactly would he have taken her? What did he have planned? She imagined a future where no one was there to save her, a future where everyone assumed she just quit, like the other girls. With no family to file a report, she'd stay missing forever.

"You'll be working with a new model who came in from overseas." Her makeup artist said cheerfully, cutting into Misa's bleak thoughts. She checked her watch as she ushered her into a chair. "Wait until you see him."

New model from overseas? She had a feeling she knew exactly who she'd be working with.

Misa was pensive as people came in and out, brushing and straightening her hair until it was silky smooth, applying shimmer to her eyes and spreading a peachy pink balm on her lips. She noticed a certain tenseness that pervaded the air, replacing the lighthearted excitement that she usually felt before a shoot. Everyone was on edge. News of Kana's disappearance along with the implication that other models had been missing for years before had everyone nervous.

She was dressed in a pale pink Lolita-esque dress with a matching pink collar fastened around her neck. Looking over the progression of her wardrobe, her outfits became darker, more seductive in color, with less and less fabric, each with its own matching collar. She wondered vaguely if she was being put into some kink magazine. It wouldn't be the first time.

She was lead into the studio where, lo and behold, Mello sat draped on a red velvet couch, a black crown artfully skewed on his carefully tousled hair. The golden lighting that was set up on him made him look like a fallen angel. Adding to this effect was the wicked smile that lit up his face as Misa entered.

"Misa-Misa!" He grinned, eyebrow cocked at her outfit, "I didn't know I'd have the honor of working with you today."

I seriously doubt that she thought sourly, mentally rolling her eyes. He probably jumped at the opportunity to work with her so he could criticize and annoy her all day. But careful to keep up the pretense that they'd never met, she treated him like anyone else. She gave him a small bow, smiling brightly.

"Let's have a great shoot today!"

He smirked under her sugary sweet smile. She was placed at his feet as an assistant arranged her dress.

"I thought you'd be a little more feisty." He muttered under his breath to her. "I get the impression you don't like me."

"I'm a professional." She responded sitting up straight, still keeping her face sweet, "l can ignore how annoying you are if I'm getting paid to do it."

"Oh is that all it takes?"

Another assistant came over, hooking a black leash to Misa's collar, the other end he placed into Mello's hand.

"Keep that relaxed for now." The photographer directed, standing back to check their positions. "We'll have you do different poses for each of her outfits."

"Don't worry I won't let her get loose." Mello vowed. He winked down at Misa, who had the sudden urge to stomp his smug face with her pink platform heels.

She thought she might be uncomfortable with Mello as a partner, given his biting attitude and sarcasm, but surprisingly he was professional and admittedly-a natural. He took cues on demand, knew the right facial expressions for every pose the photographer wanted. He even made his own suggestions that, when she looked over the photos after, definitely made a huge difference in the quality of the shots.

As the shoot progressed her sweet Lolita princess dresses steadily melted away and were replaced with more black leather and lace, with her final outfit being a tangle of provocative leather straps that hugged her body.

Misa stood in front of a mirror checking her outfit. Her side was beginning to ache from the different positions she was put in, not to mention how the director insisted on having her lay on the hard ground while Mello lounged on the sofa above her.

The photographer came over to help adjust her outfit. The way he arranged the leather straps on her panties wasn't exactly obscene, but he lingered there a moment longer than necessary, his cold, clammy hand brushing down her backside. She suppressed a shiver and grit her teeth through it. Not the first time, wouldn't be the last, and from experience if she complained she'd be losing work. She couldn't afford that now.

"Is that really necessary?" A voice said from behind her. She turned to see Mello's manager, who she only saw briefly before, with her arms crossed over her chest. She wore a tight black business suit that Misa thought looked very classy with her red lips. She was zeroed in on the photographer who withered under her sharp gaze.

"I'm just adjusting-"

"Yes, she's very well adjusted thanks to you."

"W-we'll take a break." The photographer stuttered, smiling weakly and looking nervous as he backed up.

Misa turned back to Mello's manager, who she knew as Halle Lidner. Halle watched the photographer scurry away with a look of disdain on her face.

"Thanks." Misa said shyly. "They aren't all like that I promise."

"He's the second one I've had to watch mishandle a model. This agency is-"

"They're all like that." Mello cut in, approaching from behind them. He nibbled at a chocolate bar, looking bored. "I've had some handsy assistants myself."

He grinned at Halle, leaning in. "Would you protect me like that?"

She eyed him cooly. "Of course, I'm your manager." She snatched the chocolate bar from his hands and tossed it into a nearby garbage can. "There. I'm protecting your figure."

He gawked at her as she walked off.

"I like her." Misa said dreamily. She reminded her of Naomi. Both women had a way of speaking their minds that she admired. And envied. Seeing Mello sulk was a definite plus, too.

"She's a pain in my ass." Mello muttered, still watching Lidner's form as she approached the director of the shoot.

"She's your parole officer?" Misa asked curiously.

"Yep."

"Maybe you should be the one wearing this then." She said tossing the leash she wore during the shoot at him.

He caught it, rolling his eyes. "Don't threaten me with a good time."

Misa's makeup artist called out to her, jogging over looking flustered, "Misa, the president's son wants to talk to you. He's in the dressing room."

"Oh!" She said, pulling on the short grey robe the assistant held out for Misa.

Mello's eyes narrowed as Misa quickly walked around him.

Almost as soon as she was through the dressing room door, Light was at her side. He approached her swiftly, pulling her to him and squeezing her body to his which made her keenly aware of how little she was wearing, the thin silk robe being the only barrier, and how she still had more healing to do. She winced in his crushing grip.

"I've been so worried about you." He sighed in relief. She could feel his lips moving in her hair as he breathed in. "I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit you."

He pushed her back gently to get a better look at her, eyes going to the now mostly-healed scar on her head. When covered with makeup it was hardly noticeable. He reached a hand up to cradle it with his, thumb tracing over it lightly. His expression darkened.

"I knew something like this would happen. He isn't protecting you at all."

Misa tried brushing his hand away, "I'm f-"

"Don't say you're fine." He said quietly, "I went to your apartment the day after." His eyes closed, as if in pain. "There was police tape...I saw blood. When I called Ryuzaki to ask what happened, he wouldn't tell me anything."

Misa frowned, "He...didn't tell me you called..."

Light scoffed, pushing his hair back in exasperation. "Of course he didn't. He's incompetent at best and dangerous at worst. What will it take for you to see it?"

He pressed closer to her, his hand caressing her face. Her pulse fluttered in her chest, trying to think of a way out of his insistent grip. I can't handle this right now! She twisted in his arms.

"Someone might come in, they'll see-"

"This company is about to be mine." He murmured darkly. "I don't care."

She stayed still, mind going starkly blank and unable to reason her way out of it. His lips parted, eyes half lidded as he bent low, leaning to capture her mouth.

"Light, please."

He stopped and pulled back to search her eyes. "You don't have feelings for that detective do you?"

She froze, holding her breath. Was it that obvious?

"I do. I mean, I did...and I told him." She admitted. "But he..."

Misa looked down, feeling her face redden. Don't make me say it. It must have been answer enough for him though as his eyes glowed in triumph. His grip on her tightened and his laugh was slightly cynical.

"He's even more stupid than I thought."

"That's not fair-"

"Sorry to Interrupt."

She whipped her head around to see Mello who was leaning casually against the door frame, swinging one end of the leash.

"We're due back for the next shots."

Light still hovered near her for a moment, but nodded and leaned back, "Sorry to keep you. I'll call you tonight."

He left looking pleased, which she found confusing considering she just told him she did have feelings for L...but she sighed in relief. Whenever he ambushed her like that she couldn't think straight. Maybe she knew a little of how L must feel when she did the same to him.

Mello whistled low. "Is that how he is with all models? Should I prepare myself?"

"Oh shut up." She said walking past him. He quickly caught up.

"So my brother isn't enough for you, you're seducing your boss too? You're more of a conniving minx than I thought..."

She turned on her heel to block him, causing him to nearly run into her.

"Not that it's any of your business, but your brother turned me down." She said hotly, "So it doesn't matter who I'm flirting with does it?"

"He did?" He asked looking surprised.

"Yes." She hissed turning away to wrench the door open, "Go ahead and laugh! I don't care!"

"He doesn't seem like your type anyway." He said suspiciously.

"Yeah let's call it a momentary lapse of judgment." She muttered, taking off her robe and bundling it up before tossing it to a flustered assistant. "I'll get over it."

She threw herself down on the floor in front of the couch, chewing on her bottom lip in agitation.

"Yes," Mello said hooking her to the leash, his voice light, "You do seem very over it."

The penthouse was dark and cold by the time she arrived home. Misa heaved a sigh as she slid the door to her room open, stripping off her jewelry, letting it clatter on the dresser.

She walked out to the living room, not bothering to turn on any lights. Heavy fog had rolled in, obscuring the city lights, making her feel like she were 100 miles up, high in a lonely tower. She walked out to the balcony, shivering as the a gust of cold wind bit at her face.

It wasn't exactly the day back to work she wanted. She was hoping to come home feeling accomplished, but where she was staying wasn't home. She hated coming back to the empty penthouse. Hated that Naomi was busy. That L wouldn't speak to her. That she wanted to sit and talk with him or bring him coffee and snacks like she did before. God I'm pathetic.

She wanted an escape. One opportunity did present itself to her. A director she'd never worked with before approached her about doing a winter photoshoot all the way in Hokkaido the following week. She told him she'd think about it. A week away sounded nice.

Her phone rang from in her pocket. She pulled it out to see Light's number. She walked back inside, sliding the doors to the balcony shut as she answered.

"Hello?"

"I'm sorry if I'm calling too late."

She found her cardigan laying on the couch and pulled it on as she walked through the apartment. "Not at all. I was actually feeling a little lonely to be honest."

She could hear the surprise in his voice, "You're not there alone, are you?"

"Yeah, Ryuzaki moved his office to another part of the building i think." She didn't bother trying to find him or asking Naomi, who would have surely told her where he was. He didn't want her near him, he made that clear.

"Are you always there alone?"

"Kinda, yeah."

The line was silent for a beat. She wondered for a moment if he had left, but he spoke again, his words had a careful, controlled quality to them.

"Misa, if I find your stalker, would you choose me instead?"

Her mouth opened and closed. "What? But, people are already looking for him."

"And they haven't found him yet. They won't." He said, a quiet urgency behind his words, "I wouldn't leave you alone. I wouldn't leave you locked up there in the dark." He paused before continuing, his voice steady and determined, "I know about your parents."

This rendered her speechless, panic causing her to feel dizzy. There's no way! "W-what about them?"

"I was going over some documents for when I take over the company and I saw. Misa, if you don't have a family, I can give you one. We can make one-the perfect one."

"Light." She whispered, tears beading in her eyes as she sunk down to the cold floor in front of the windows. "You don't understand I didn't want anyone to know-."

"I can give you things he can't- things he won't." Light insisted, his voice was almost hypnotic in its softness, pulling her in. "I want you. I always have. So let me take care of you."

Misa felt the unmistakeable heavy pressure of loneliness sinking into her, like she could sink through the marble floor beneath her from the weight of it. She used to think that part of what made her connection to L so special was his intimate knowledge of her pain. He was the only one she could trust, the only one who saw her when she was at her lowest, who helped her out of the dark. But Light was offering her everything she wanted, a place to belong and someone to care for her.

She turned to look at L's dark office, feeling another rush of painful longing. She used to dream about seeing him again after he solved her parents murder. When she did a TV commercial or landed a coveted spot in a famous magazine, she imagined him seeing it from wherever he was in the world, and being proud of her for growing, for taking his advice to heart. She wanted to meet him again, to tell him how much his comforting words meant to her, how they shaped her. How much he meant to her, tell him how often she thought of him, how often she wished she knew more about him. But that meeting had been tainted, perhaps forever, by her stalker. It wasn't at all how she dreamed of seeing him again. She wanted to meet up with him as a friend-not a client. But it occurred to her that he would probably always see her that way, so it didn't matter what she wanted.

"Light I-" She swallowed at her tears once more, "I'm just so lonely."

"I know. Look, I'll see you at work tomorrow, I promise. I'll make everything better...I have to go. We'll talk about this more then."

L watched as Light quickly hung up the phone, tucking it into his pocket.

"You can come in now, Mr. Yagami." L said politely.

The two men entered the interrogation room together. Watari and Mello were watching from behind the one way mirror to observe the questioning. He trusted Watari's expertise and Mello too had exceptional observational skills he could utilize. It was the first time he was getting Light Yagami alone for a conversation. The first of many he assumed.

Light sat down opposite him, his face polite, but distant.

L could see the slight outline of Light's cellphone poking out of his jacket pocket. "I heard you on the phone before you came in."

Light smiled, "Yes, it was someone important to me. I'll leave it at that. You don't want to get into my dating life."

"On the contrary I'd love to hear about your dating life," L said casually, pulling his tea towards him to sip on. "You seem to have a pretty sparse one. It's surprising."

"Why is it surprising? I'm a busy man and I always have been."

"Too busy for a relationship?" L mused. "I find that hard to believe."

"Well, what about you Ryuzaki?" Light asked, he leaned back in the chair comfortably as he spoke. "You seem pretty busy too, I'm assuming you don't have a partner as well?"

Turning the question back on me. Deflection.

"Hmm." L responded thoughtfully. "I suppose it is possible to be too busy. We're two different people though. Different goals and expectations...And as I gathered from your illuminating conversation with Miss Amane a few weeks ago, you're seeking a wife almost immediately, so you'll have to excuse my confusion as to why you're now so eager?"

Light didn't outwardly react to the news that their dinner wasn't private. L thought he must have had some clue that it wasn't. Still, he watched him carefully.

"Everyone needs to settle down at some point." He said reasonably, shrugging a shoulder. "I'm about to take over a large company, I want my life in order before I do it."

L set his cup back down. "I have to wonder what keeps you occupied outside of your work life. What hobbies do you have?"

Light smiled, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm sure you've looked into my habits and hobbies enough to know that answer."

"Yes, I just wanted to hear it from you. I'm very curious as to what goes on in that head of yours. You're very guarded."

Light's head tilted slightly. "And here I thought you had a stalking case to take care of."

"So I do." L murmured.

Light's eyes went to the manilla folder sitting on the table between them. Aside from his tea accoutrements, it was the only item on the table. L purposefully hadn't referred to it. Instead he continued their conversation.

"How long have you known Teru Mikami?"

"Sorry, I don't know who that is." He could tell Light expected the question. There was a practiced and careful look of confusion that flitted across his face. What an actor.

"It's the man who assaulted Miss Amane." L said, keeping his tone light and even. "Facade hired him for set construction in January this year before he was fired for sexual misconduct in April."

Light stared at him as if he were dense. "If you know who her stalker his, why haven't you caught him? Why bring me in?"

"Because Mikami isn't her stalker." L said, reaching across the table, his hand hovered briefly over the folder before pushing it aside to pull a small bowl to sugar cubes towards him. Light's eyes followed the movement carefully.

"I suppose you can't remember everyone the company hires though, can you?" L mused again, plunking more sugar into his tea.

"It looks like we did the right thing by firing him." Light said seriously. "He was dangerous. I'd be more than happy to help you if needed. I once had an interest in criminal justice you know."

For a moment he considered it. His main suspect was volunteering to help with his investigation. Interesting. Was it a play to look innocent? Of course it was. But keeping him close could be a unique opportunity. An image appeared in his mind of the two men playing chess, with Light grinning at him triumphantly from across the board. How simple would it be to make him falter? To watch how quickly his confidence would ruin him? It would be a challenge, a tempting one.

But this wasn't a game.

All of his excited thinking halted, however, when he remembered where his headquarters were and who currently resided above them. Misa. He felt his chest tighten. Keeping Light Yagami too close would undoubtedly be dangerous. The thought of bringing Light anywhere near Misa was out of the question. He wouldn't risk her safety anymore.

"I'm afraid I'll have to decline." He said quietly.

Light sat back looking disappointed."That's too bad." He responded, "I have some free time before I take over the company and-"

"Are you bored?" L asked softly. "Have the women you've taken finally lost their appeal?"

The room was suddenly silent, void of air. Even the hum of traffic outside the building, the footsteps down the hall, the ticking hand on the clock, all seemed to cease. L again saw a flash of the sociopath he knew lived inside of him, behind the carefully crafted shining facade. L continued on, keeping his voice light.

"Perhaps they're not even around anymore to tempt you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about Ryuzaki." Light cut in, his voice razor sharp. "But if you're insinuating what I think you are, this conversation might be better had with a lawyer present."

"Why did you agree to speak without one?"

"I respect you. I was hoping to work with you." He spat the words out in anger.

L cocked his head in surprise. That might actually be the truth.

"But it looks like I'll need to go ahead with hiring my own investigators-you're not taking care of my model."

For the first time since they started talking, L felt irritation pricking under his skin at those words. He felt his palms itch. My model. The possessive monster inside of him sulked at that. She's not yours.

Not mine either.

Unfortunately, he was more perceptive than L hoped, his eyes narrowed in understanding. Light stood up, metal chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"I think I'm ready to leave. I'm sorry we couldn't work together Ryuzaki." He said coldly.

"It's unfortunate." L agreed.

The door to the investigation room opened, with Watari entering, probably noticing the subtle shift in L's mood and sudden hostility from the usually mild mannered Light.

Light paused in the doorway, turning to Watari.

"Sir?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry to bother you, but do you know of any good jewelry stores nearby?"

Watari blinked looking bemused. "There's Piaget in Shinjuku and I believe a Harry Winston nearby as well-"

"Thank you." Light said with a tight smile. "I'm in the market for a ring."

L's body felt tightly coiled and tense. He swallowed back the fierce possessiveness that boiled up inside of him as Light slammed the door behind him. Trying to mark your territory I see. L realized he may have been making a mistake pushing Misa away all this time. Perhaps he needed to remedy that.

Mello had wandered in after he was sure Light had gone. He flipped open the manilla folder on the table with a laugh.

"It's empty!"

L bit his thumb, mind still partially distracted by thoughts of Misa. Just how close was he supposed to keep her? He responded to his brother absentmindedly.

"I needed him to think we have more information than we do."

Mello hopped up on the table, tossing a few cubes of sugar directly into his mouth.

"It worked. He couldn't keep his eyes off it. I bet he's wondering what dirt is in there."

"What do the other models make of it?" L asked suddenly, remembering something.

"They're scared." Mello said simply. "I've overheard them. I spread the rumor a few days ago at a drinking party after work like you asked. They're definitely being more cautious now."

L nodded, satisfied. If Facade wouldn't warn their models about a dangerous predator in their midst, he'd have to do it for them. The more models on alert, the better.

L wasn't sure exactly what Light did with the models, but he did know that any model would willingly go with him if he asked. He was charming, handsome and in a position of power. Based on his internet search history, which he finally managed to get a hold of, Light had a taste for sexual torture. It wasn't enough to bring him in for anything more than the questioning they just had, but it was enough to solidify what he knew from the beginning: Light Yagami was not safe.

"You'd better do something about him." Mello said seriously. "I wasn't sure at first about it being him at first, but I saw him getting cozy with your little model today."

"What were they saying? Did you keep an eye on-"

Mello held up a hand. "I'm not an idiot of course I kept an eye on her. He's a good actor when she's watching him, but the moment she's not." He paused with a frown. "There's something not right about him."

So Mello sees it too.

Continuing in a slightly lighter tone he added, "There's got to be something wrong with him if he's talking about marriage."

"I would like the two of you to settle down someday."

Watari had come back in the room from escorting Light looking weary.

Mello looked aghast at the idea. "Us?"

Watari nodded. "You-neither of you-will be young men forever. It would be nice to see you happy."

"And-" Watari added, pulling on his long grey overcoat. "I would like to retire and be a grandfather someday, and not spend so many of my nights outside of an interrogation room."

Mello rolled his eyes. "You may have adopted the wrong sons then."

"I've pulled the car around you should head through the back door first so no one sees you."

Mello cocked an eyebrow, but obviously recognizing the dismissal in Watari's tone, he nodded and left.

L and Watari left the interrogation room together, walking in silence. L felt ruffled by his conversation with Light. He didn't learn much of anything new, but his relationship with Misa was advancing much more quickly than he preferred. He couldn't ignore the constant delivery of flowers to his apartment everyday. After all, Light designed them that way. They were extravagant, over the top displays of affection. What was the term? Love bombing? Typical behavior of abusers to overwhelm the object of their desire with gifts and flattery in order to better control them later. He'd seen it many times before. Light was at least predictable in that way.

He would have to think of a way to distract her from all that. "I apologize for pushing you away Misa, I actually lied I do want you." Yes, that would definitely go poorly, wouldn't It? So what, enter into a fake relationship to distract her away from Light? Just until he had enough evidence to prosecute him...It could work. It didn't even have to be a relationship per se, just some distraction. Though, eventually he'd have to end it, whatever it ended up being. He wasn't looking forward to that conversation. Maybe he'd make himself into a terrible romantic partner, to make it easier? That won't be hard he thought sardonically. All of this, of course, was dependent on if Misa was still angry with him which he had a feeling she was. So it might not even work out anyway. But if it did, there would certainly be other benefits.

He tried to ignore the guilt that came with those thoughts.

"I rarely give you advice," Watari said, cutting into L's thoughts. They were at a back area of the police station. Watari stopped him before he could head out the door to the waiting vehicle, "-but I feel as though now I should."

L frowned. "That's not true, you always give valuable input on cases."

Watari shook his head. "Not that kind of advice."

He could tell Watari searched for the words carefully before he spoke.

"Someday, when you're an old man like myself, you will look back on your life and reflect-it's what old men are best at- and in those quiet moments you'll notice what's missing. You'll come home to an empty house and you'll spend many lonely nights wondering what you could have done to keep her beside you."

L let out a breath. He should have known exactly where the conversation was headed. There were many times recently he noticed, particularly after he spent time with Misa, that Watari would look at L with something similar to disappointment. It was uncommon for him, as he spend most of L's life telling him how proud he was. He was also somewhat shocked at how sentimental the old man was.

"And so your advice?" L asked softly.

"My advice: When you become an old man reflecting on your days, make sure you have a wiser old woman beside you."

He gave L a gentle pat on the shoulder before putting on his hat and heading out the door. L stopped and watched the cold wind pick up the last scattering of brown leaves swirling around.

If only it were that simple.

I apologize for the late update. I live in the US and this election combined with school and work have me seriously beat, but I'm not abandoning my child, no worries. This is my little self indulgent escape I'll always return haha.

I did get a question on FF about how long this story will be and when I outlined it earlier this year it was around 20 chapters, but I've changed a lot of it and added some things since then sooo long story short...uhhh who knows! We'll see haha!

Thank you for the support and comments you leave, they have made me so happy to read and made me finally sit down and update properly.

AN: I forgot to mention! There will be a little bit of *SPICE* within the next two chapters don't worry ;)

AN: Hey there! Just a quick note here since I've received multiple pm's and reviews on this site specifically asking me to make my updates quicker: while I so appreciate your enthusiasm and how much you enjoy my story, please understand that I am a busy person, I've stated multiple times that I work full time and attend classes on top of that as well and that this story is something I write with my limited free time. Please understand that before messaging me telling me I'm too slow, or demanding I post multiple chapters at once, it comes off as a bit unkind and doesn't make me want to update any faster I promise.