The first year of Heiwa's life seemed to pass with extraordinary speed to those around her. At ten months old, she spoke her first words, and both Light and Misa were there to see it.
Light had sat on the floor with her as she played with one of her favorite stuffed animals, smiling happily at her. Misa had been on the couch, a magazine in her lap as she flipped through the pictures, trying to get to the articles inside. Light had been tickling her for a moment, just to hear her squeal, before stopping. She'd looked at him, and said her first words.
"Dada!" Came the happy squeal.
Misa had stopped flipping the pages. Light had frozen on the floor.
Then, the biggest smile graced his face as he pulled her into his arms and gave her a huge kiss, making her squeal again. He turned to his wife, who looked like she was about to cry with happiness. She'd joined her husband on the floor next to their daughter, and shared a kiss with him, before they both kissed her cheeks.
In the same month, Heiwa touched the death note for the first time. She'd been sitting in Light's lap as he wrote in the death note, when her tiny hand brushed one of the pages. In the same instant, Ryuk was visible to her. He'd been standing beside the desk Light was working at, when he noticed that the little girl seemed to be staring at him. Curiously, Ryuk cocked his head to one side, wondering if she could see him. She mimicked him.
"Light." He said.
"What is it, Ryuk?" He'd answered, not looking up from the death note.
"She can see me."
Light's pen halted in it's continuous flow of writing and he set it down, looking at his daughter.
The way she was staring made no mistake about it. She could see Ryuk, alright. But he wondered why she didn't cry.
Ryuk squatted down to her eye level. "Hi there."
To his surprise and delight, she giggled and clapped her hands, reaching out to him.
Ryuk looked to Light. "Can I…?"
"Well, she isn't scared of you. Go ahead."
Ryuk gently picked the baby up off of Light's lap, and held her for the first time. She seemed fascinated by him, touching his face and his outfit in amazement. It was the first time he'd gotten to see her up close in such a personal way, and it was an incredible feeling. He had never before deigned to consider the concept of how much he could love somebody- anybody- but found that he did love this tiny child. To his surprise and delight, she seemed to reciprocate his feelings. He was certain it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Her first birthday party came up far too quickly for both of her parents' liking. The guest list was rather small, just Light's family, Nori, and of course Ryuk, but it was a joyous affair nonetheless. Chief Yagami had taken the day away from the Task Force to celebrate the festivities, and had gotten the chance to be with his family- a rare treat. Sachiko and Sayu both gushed at Heiwa, who seemed always happy to see them, before she stretched her tiny arms eagerly to her grandfather, who was a much rarer sight to see. Chief Yagami smiled and took the little girl in his arms, bouncing her the slightest bit the way he had done with Light and Sayu at her age. She seemed quite comfortable around him, easily dozing off to sleep in his arms, which made everybody there smile.
When she woke up shortly after, they decided it was time for cake and presents. Her parents unwrapped each gift for her, and she loved every one. A see-and-say from her grandparents, a new stuffed animal from Sayu, multiple gifts from her parents, and a walk and talk toy from Nori that she promised would help develop her motor skills.
After the gifts were unwrapped, Heiwa was lifted into her high chair as a little smash cake was set on her tray. Flashing lights were going off as cameras memorialized the occasion forever, before everybody began to sing. The smash cake had pink and white frosting, with a vanilla cake. It would be her first time trying cake in her life. She didn't wait until the song was over to begin digging her hands into the small cake, shoving some of the cake into her mouth. The look on her face when she tasted it for the first time was one of awe and wonder, one that everybody got a chuckle out of. Then, she shoveled it in, getting cake all over her face, arms, and legs. Misa found herself thankful that she hadn't changed her daughter into her party dress yet, as she picked her up to go clean her off.
When Heiwa was clean and changed into her dress, they all sat around the dining room table and had cake themselves. They talked and laughed, though someone would occasionally take notice of the fact that Heiwa would occasionally stare at seemingly nothing. Little did they know, Ryuk was there, making silly faces at her to hear her laugh. Light gave a very discreet approving nod to the Shinigami, glad that Ryuk made her so happy.
When it was time for her nap, it was also time for the guests to depart. They hugged and kissed the baby, and thanked Light and Misa for their hospitality, before they left. When it was just their family again, they breathed a little easier. Light cleaned up the kitchen and living room as Misa prepared their little girl for her nap. She got her clothes and diaper changed, and nursed her, before it was time to put her down. Light had finished by then anyways.
Misa laid her daughter down in her crib, giving her a gentle kiss. Light did the same.
"Goodnight Princess." He said softly.
"Happy birthday." Misa added.
Heiwa let out a small yawn, and her little eyelids fluttered closed, as her parents watched over her.