W is for Watari

I opened the door to the hotel room and closed it behind me, feeling the eyes of my fellow investigators fall upon me.

"I'm glad you could make it, Agent Charrett." Cheif Yagami said dryly.

"Miss Charrett, would you care for some tea?" An older man stood up straight to my right, holding a small towel over his fore arm and a platter flat with his hand.

"Oh, no thank you, Mr..."

"This is Watari." L's bored tone cut in.

The older man bowed slightly to me in greeting.

"How do you do?"

I smiled at him and nodded in response, then turned to L.

"I would apologize for being late, but I don't think it's necessary with the trouble I encountered last night."

L's blank look fell on me, turning his attention away from the small plate of cake he had in his hand.

"What kind of trouble?" he asked.

"Well at first I assumed that you were talking about a man you profiled as Kira, because I did just as you expected and assumed. Silly me, I know." I replied calmly, taking off my jacket, that Watari insisted he take.

"But then, I realized he fit nothing to the profile, so it got me wondering, but what really hit the confusion was when he took me back to his room, he became a completely different person- angry and forceful, and unveiled a strange sudden hatred towards me."

The room was still silent, the other agents looked L and I questioningly.

"While tossing me around he saw my badge fall from my purse and became even more enraged, of course. I managed to escape, however he threatened to find me. So, when I got home I was curious to why exactly you had me go out and meet up with this man. I did my research and after looking at the file you'd sent me over again, I got it." I turned and buried my hands in my pockets. "He's under suspicion to be the man to be raping and murdering young brunette women, he happened to be in Japan for a business trip and you decided that it would be a good idea to have to get a lead on him." I brought my hazel gaze up to L and narrowed my eyes at him, then smirked a little. "It's something I would have done, but next time, give me a heads up when you plan to use me as your puppet."

"Did he hurt you?" Cheif Yagami asked worriedly, breaking the silence.

"You used Agent Charrett? Why would you do something like that?" Mastuda raised his voice at him.

"Honestly," L started, ignoring the two men. "I never planned for you to be hurt, that's the last thing I would have wanted. But deeming that you are alright, did you get anything that suggests he is, in fact, the murder?"

I hummed a quiet laugh, a little proud of myself.

"Yes, actually. Being that his victims all seem to be young, brunette and wealthy, and the anger Kunsiam unleashed on the victims and myself, I figured he must have some sort of bad history with a woman of this profile. In his file it mentioned he was married, and when I looked her up, she was young, brunette, and only wealthy off them men she'd suck dry and cheat on. Now with that said, while we were speaking at the bar, he proceeded to tell me he was getting divorced soon - three days from now, actually. I would say there's a ninety percent chance he's the man you're looking for."

"Hmm. I'm quite impressed. I knew sending you would be a good choice, although I do apologize for the trouble." L responded.

"Ryusaki, that was way out of your league to send one of my agents on a case that they weren't even working on." The chief started roughly.

"Yes, I'm aware, and I apologize for going without your word, but it seems Agent Charrett was able to handle herself quite well." The young man replied.

"Thank you for your good work, Agent." L said dryly, lifting his dark gaze back to mine. "Anyway, let us move on to the case we all came to discuss."

They remained silent.

"Please, have a seat." Ryusaki offered.

The men all shuffled around the couches and took their seats, as did I.

"Now," Rysuaki sipped his tea. "We all know of the FBI agents who came to Japan and investigated the police-"

"Which was way out of line," Aizawa muttered.

"- And I started to investigate the source of the deaths of all them, leading to Raye Penber. I then followed that up with looking into the people Raye Penber was investigating."

"Very well, who was Penber investigating?" The Chief asked, sounding determined like he always does.

L set the empty plate down with only a few crumbs on the table and stood and started to the window, raising his index finger to his mouth and pressing on his lips. His eyes, rolled upwards to the ceiling, then to the right while he tilted his head. "Deputy Director Kitamura; as well as Chief Supervisor Yagami along with their families." he finished, turning his head to shoot the group a look with his secretive eyes.

The team gasped and everyone was suddenly standing except me. I conformed, and stood as well, just so I was able to keep my eyes on L. It was definitely a surprise to find out that our own chief's family was under investigation. It was obvious Yagami was angry, but he was too committed to this case to back out now, besides he knew that if he were to back out, that wouldn't prevent L from placing his family under surveillance without his permission.

"I'd like to install wire taps and hidden cameras through out the homes of each, and keep supervision twenty-four-seven."

"You can't possibly think that this is a good idea! If we get caught we could all lose our jobs!" Aiwaza shouted, outraged.

"You all were willing to put your lives on the line but not your job?" L argued sternly, for the first time his tone changing.

"He's right," The chief stated.

"You don't have to do this, Chief!" Mastuda agreed.

"No, I do." Mr. Yagami replied sternly. "Although I am still offended at the thought, I will agree to this, even if there is that one percent, we can't take any chances on this case."

"Mmm, I appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Yagami." Ryusaki stated plainly. "Watari, when can we have the cameras and wire taps installed?"

"Well," The white mustache moved slightly as the older man spoke. "I can have them set up at any time, provided that we know when the house will be empty."

I have to admit, I admired L's determination.

"Very good, thank you Watari." he said. "And as a courtesy to the chief and his family only he and I will be observing the surveillance." L added.

"Actually," The Chief cut in. "I wouldn't mind if Charrett joined us. It'll be easier to have more eyes on the tapes, and if there are any... scenes I'd rather not see, I can leave it up to her."

"Very well," Ryusaki agreed, turning fully to the group, his eyes becoming board again and his hands burrowing into his pockets once more. "I think that's all for tonight. I'll see you all tomorrow, but at a different location. Watari will send you the information."

The team, still unsettled by the current circumstances, exchanged glances between each other, and their eyes burned into the chief's back, probably wondering what was going through his mind. They all said their goodbyes and headed out the door.

"I'll fetch your coats," Watari stated before elegantly striding off.

"So, did Ryusaki actually use you to get information in a different case he's working on?" Matsuda asked, his eyes wide. Aizawa, Mogi and Ukita gathered to hear my response.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Aren't you bothered by that at all? I mean, you said you almost got hurt." Matsuda reminded me.

"But I didn't." I pointed out. "I would have done the same thing, and besides, I got good information and probably helped a little with his case."

"I'm surprised you figured it out, that he wasn't part of the Kira case." Mogi stated.

"It wasn't all that hard," I admitted, shoving my hands back into my pockets and shied away from them. "I just did my research and profiled the guy. I'm sure any of you would have done the same."

"You sure you're alright, though?" A lower voice asked, Chief Yagami coming into view, the light gleaming off his glasses.

"Yeah, thanks, Chief." I smiled weakly at him, a little unsure of how to react with this sudden concern the other detectives were showing towards me. It was unlike them, and I wasn't used to people, especially this many, to care all that much.

"Good, and I don't ever want you doing anything like that alone." he added. "Next time don't hesitate to call Mogi or I,"

"Or me!" Matsuda proclaimed.

"Umm, I would prefer if she stuck with Mogi." Chief replied, leaving Matsuda to pout internally.

"Here you are," Watari approached us, jackets draping over his forearms. The men all thanked him, took their jackets and left. I took my time, putting my jacket on and fumbling for my keys in my pocket.

Just as I reached for the door L's voice called out to me.

"Ms. Charrett," he said.

I turned to him. He was back to sitting in front of the computer, staring blankly at it like he was zoned out.

"Thank you, for your help last night. It was extremely helpful in wrapping up that case, and I've arranged for his arrest on the date of his court date. I now have enough evidence to accuse him, and you also proved you are more than worthy to be a part of this investigative team." L tilted his head to be and looked up at me, his hands resting on his knees still. "I do hope you understand my reasoning for my actions."

"Of course," I replied dryly. "I would expect nothing less from an obsessive personality like yourself."

"Before you leave," Ryusaki started again, just as I had opened the door. "You had mentioned earlier that Kunsiam had threatened you."

Again, I turned my head to look at him. He was back to staring at his screen.

"Yes," I said.

"Then I will have Watari escort you to your car, and additional eyes on you to assure your safety."

"That won't be necessary-"

"I insist." L cut me off, only his lips moved but although his tone hadn't changed I could tell he was being stern with me.

I wrinkled my nose at him.

"Shall we be going, Miss Charrett?" The senior man asked me kindly.

"Yes, I suppose we shall. Goodnight, Ryusaki." I called to him.

"Yes, you as well."

Watari opened the door for me and allowed me through first. As the elevator doors closed, Watari smiled a little.

"It seems Ryusaki is quite fond of you." he stated, sounding a little proud.

"Hm?" I looked up to the tall man.

"You seem to have impressed him a great deal, and I feel he is fond of you because of the extent he is going to assure your safety." Watari replied. "That is not an easy thing to do."

"I can't say I like the thought of always being escorted, but... I'm thankful." I sighed.

We walked to my car and Watari instructed me how to get a hold of him, handing me a small necklace that had a small, well disguised button. I was to press it twice if I was ever in danger of any sort. I said my goodbyes and drove home.

As I neared my apartment complex, I watched two firetrucks race past me. Curiosity struck me, and then realization when I turned the block. My whole apartment had been set aflame, the residence all standing outside in their sleep wear worriedly stammering about the things they've lost and the safety of the other residence. Parking off to the side, I stepped out of my car and took the scene in for myself.

"Son of a bitch," I breathed, the flames licking the night sky and illuminating for blocks on end, catching the attention of everyone in the radius of it's glow. I pushed my long bangs from my face again, my mouth hanging open slightly as I felt my heart drop like a stone in water.

It seemed like I'd been standing there forever, watching my home crumble before my eyes, until a dark car pulled up near me.

"Miss Charrett?" A man asked, rolling down his window.

"Yes?"

"Would you please follow us?"

I must have giving him a look to make him believe I'd pulled a red flag up in my head, because he then smiled and continued.

"We are with Ryusaki. We are the escorts that he sent, and being that this must be your building, I'd like to ask that you come back to the hotel with us,"

Looking back up to the flames that engulfed the little that I owned, I sighed, and slipped back into my car.

We arrived back to the hotel, and the two men followed me inside and back up to Ryusaki's room. They opened the door. There he was, right where I left him. Turning his head he tilted it to the side.

"Back so soon, Agent Charrett?" he asked. I couldn't tell if it was supposed to be sarcasm, or if he was actually asking why I'd come back.

The two men stepped forward, explaining what had happened to my building.

Watari approached me.

"I'm terribly sorry to hear about our building, Miss Charrett." he said, holding his arm out for my coat. I smiled weakly and nodded, allowing him to help me remove my jacket.

"Thank you, Watari." I muttered softly, not really in the mood to play up my rough act.

The men walked back towards me, but then I realized they were just heading for the door. L had gotten up and followed them, stopping a few feet from me.

"I think it's safe to assume that this is Kunsiam's doing, at least there's a good chance. I just find it odd that only the night after meeting you did your building happen to set fire." he pointed out.

I didn't reply.

"Are you alright, Miss Charrett?" L asked, dipping his head slightly so he was able to see my face underneath the dark hair that hung in my face.

"I don't understand why they brought me back here, I can't exactly pay for a room in this kind of hotel." I said quietly, my eyes refusing to lift from the floor.

"I don't expect you to. You're welcome to stay here for tonight, and I can arrange to have a place for you to stay soon after." L promised.

I lifted my head and looked at him, a little surprised.

"I..." Was at a loss for words. "Thank you." I finally said.

"It's the least I can do for now." Ryusaki said dryly, turning to go back to his seat in front of his computer. "Make yourself comfortable, you're welcome to use the bedroom to the right in the hallway."

I watched after him, blinking, still a little phased from everything. Then, I turned to the the opening of the hallway and peered inside. The suite was living up to it's name. Pushing the door open more, I stepped inside and placed my remaining items I owned on the bed; a jacket and a bag with a wallet, cellphone, keys, badge and gun. I sat on the bed for a moment, until a light knock came on the door.

"Yes?"

Watari entered.

"Miss Charrett, I feel as though you are having quite a night. May I suggest a hot shower?" The man asked, extending his arm out with a towel draped over. I grinned weakly at him.

"Thank you, Watari. That's a good idea." I stood and took the towel from him, as he lead me to the bathroom.

"Anytime, Miss Charrett." he said, bowing respectfully and walking off.

I shut the door behind me and stripped, stepped in, and tuned the water so it was the perfect point of boiling. It had to be one of the best showers I'd ever taken. Plus, the interior had still yet to fail of being beautiful and luxurious. Stepping out was my favorite part, drying off and still being slightly damp from the lingering steam that fogged the mirrors. I grabbed my clothes and wrapped the towel tightly around my body, not quite ready to climb back into dirty clothes. My hair still dripped a little, hinting that I hadn't completely rung it out.

After I got to my room I stopped, looking down at three pairs of folded clothes set neatly on the bed. After closing the door my curiosity had my eyes scanning over them. The three tops were all very neat and fancy for my taste, the two pair of jeans a name brand as well as the skirt. Luckily, there was a fourth pair I hadn't seen until now laying on the pillow. It was a patching pair of silk pajamas. Though not my style, I couldn't help but admire the softness and nice pastel blue and white stripes. Name brand. Damn. I usually get my clothes from the department store, but I wasn't about to complain about the pajamas. Above the pair were four pairs of panties, and I felt my cheeks burn a little.

This all must be Watari's doing. He was such a kind man. Happily, I slipped into the pajamas after wiggling on one of the new pairs of panties and moved the piles to the dresser against the wall. I sighed, almost forgetting about the horrible thing that had just recently happened. Again, a knock distracted me from falling too far into my thoughts.

"Are you decent, Miss Charrett?" Watari's withered voice called through the door.

"Yes," I replied.

He entered and grinned at me.

"Did you like the my selections for you? I figured you wouldn't have any other than the ones you were currently wearing, so I took it upon myself to fetch you some new ones. I hope that's alright."

I smiled at him.

"Yes," I started. "Thank you so much, Watari. Really, this means a lot to me and you didn't have you."

"It wasn't a problem, Miss Charrett." Watari said, leaving me with a simple bow.

I went back to my thoughts, replaying the fire in my head, the smoky smell and the heat it engulfed me with. I felt a lump well up in my throat and tears push their way to the rims of my hazel eyes. Closing them, my face had twisted into a sorrowful expression, while a soft sob sounded in my throat.

I'd been wallowing in my pity for only what must have been an hour when L's voice came muffled through the door.

"Agent Charrett,"

I sat up, quickly wiping away the tears and sniffling.

"Yes?" I answered.

L opened the door and stepped inside, his hands in his pockets and his hunch in his back.

"Did you see anyone at you building when you arrived to see it on fire?" he asked. Of course, it was for his case. I can't say I blame him. I want this man caught.

"No, I parked across the street and the escorts you sent took me back here." I replied, making my voice seem as steady as I could.

"I see." he sighed. "Well in that case, are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm just stressed about my living situation at the moment, but it won't interfere with my focus to the case." I promised.

"I thought I had already told you, I will have arranged to have a new living quarters for you by tomorrow." L stated.

I paused. He did say that, and I knew he was serious but I didn't believe him.

"I'll also have anything you lost replaced."

"You can't be serious."

L simply looked at me with his pale, expressionless face.

I sighed.

"Well you won't need to replace much, I didn't have much to begin with." I said, looking down at the sheets I sat on.

"You were right," I muttered.

"Hm?"

I looked up at him again, my eyes probably saddening, I was losing my control over my mask.

"You were right, about people like us. We're so involved in what we do, that we don't have anyone, or anything else. There's not a single person in the world who even knows my name." I felt my lip quiver but I pulled the reaction back and breathed in slowly. "But it makes us good at what we do, I suppose."

"Yes, it does." L said, rather darkly. "Quite lonely, isn't it?"

I blinked at him, then let my eyes fall to the floor.

"Very."

The silence washed over us. I expected him to leave after a moment or two passing but he didn't. I had lost myself in thought again, but then, I spoke.

"Spade." I said.

"What was that?" L asked me, his head dipping lower to catch my gaze.

I lifted my head for him.

"My name. It's Spade. Spade Ray Ariorian."

"Spade," he echoed, pressing his index finger to his lips. "Hm, an interesting name."

"I know," I started, turning my face away from his constant gaze.

"My parents were big on gambling. When they won a good amount of money, my mother revealed her pregnancy to my father, and the last winning card he'd played was an ace of spades." I recited the story, reminiscing as I did. It was always better when my mother told it to me. "Silly, I know."

"No, a good story to a good name." L replied, then tilted his head, leaning in closer to me. "Why do you choose now to reveal your true name to me, I wonder?"

I ran my fingers through my damp hair.

"I suppose it's because I trust you more than anyone I've met in a long time," I admitted. "And I figure that someone should know my name, and why not the most secretive person I know?"

L stared at me intently for a moment.

"And why the name Charrett? Chosen at random?" he guessed.

I shook my head.

"No, it was my best friends name, whom I lost to a murderer on a case I was working on. He was my partner. I eventually wished I chose something at random, but in the end, it was already hard changing my name once, rather than a second time."

"You seem to get more interesting every time I speak to you, Miss Ariorian." L murmured.

"As do you, L." I replied, a small smile sweeping over my lips.

Again, there was a pause of silence.

"Well," L started. "It's late, you must be tired from your eventful night. I'll leave you to it." he said, turning to the door.

Out of habit I stood and walked him the few feet to the door, although it was completely unnecessary.

"Thanks." I muttered.

"For what?" He asked, standing in the doorway.

"You may not realize it, but you just comforted me a lot."

Without thinking, I leaned in and let my arms ribbon around his neck, squeezing gently. I could feel him tense for a moment, surprised by the sudden action, but then I felt the light touch of his hands on the small of my back. It only lasted for a moment, but I felt incredibly better, and even lighter than normal. We let each other go and he turned away from me, shoving his hands back into his pockets.

"I could actually fall for you." L murmured. With that, he walked off.

I felt my cheeks stain pink as I retreated into the room and shut the door. I couldn't help but smile. No longer did I feel sad or angry or afraid. I knew for some reason, that everything was going to be alright for me, everything was going to be fine. Sucking in a deep breath and letting it slowly back out I made myself comfortable on the bed after turning off the lights. Curling up, I closed my eyes and drifted off.

I know it's long, and I apologize, but I don't want it to be too many chapters, and I'm trying to limit myself on over detailing things, because I know I do that quite often. Let me know what you think, nonetheless!