DN: Love Me Not

Later, around five that morning, Mimiko would be in the kitchen of all places. Her sleep pattern was now reversed. Sleeping for only a couple hours during the day but then being up all hours of the night. At least she wasn't on Happy Farm.

"There is never anything on this early in the morning..."

"The news is on."

"Hm?"

She was sitting on the couch, waiting for her cookies. Now hearing her father come walking through.

"What are you doing up so early."

"I'm still sick."

"You're sick, and making cookies at five?"

"I was bored?"

"Right kitten. Did you make coffee?"

"I just had a pot for myself, but I made more, there should still be some..."

"Sick and on caffeine. Nice mix kit."

Taking her dad's advice, she switched on the news. Now turning around as she leaned herself up on the back of the couch watching as he went into the kitchen.

"Check my cookies for me dad!"

"No way kitten. If the house burns down it's your fault not mine."

Giving an a lazy sort of groan as she pulled herself off the couch and wandered into the kitchen to check the cookies. Her father standing over by the counter as he made his usual cup of coffee. Now growing a bit curious of what her mother had said to him last night.

"You got a new boyfriend or what kit?"

"Nah, just a fan club."

"Your mom say these boys have been stopping by a lot recently."

"I don't think it's a big deal."

"You're not uh... doing... anything... y'know?"

"Please dad."

"Hey, a parent has to ask these things. Bad enough you stay in your room all the time now."

"I'm fine dad."

"Just checking kitten."

She walked over, picking up her usual cup. Her only cup, she got for valentines day, it was white and decorated with red and pink hearts.

"How long are you going to fake sick from school. They'll ask for a doctor's note if you stay out too long."

"I might go back today... I dunno."

"Did you sleep?"

"No."

"Stay in today and sleep. You're mother will lose it if you bring home bad grades."

"I'll figure something out.

Surely enough. Mimiko was in school that day. Though halfway through she was regretting her choice. At least lunch would give her a good forty five minutes to nap. If only that bell would ring.

"So she did come today."

Raito would notice this. He could have sworn he saw her in the halls but wasn't sure. But she didn't show up for home room, which was odd. But then again she could have been late. Again, odd. Because by the look of it she is tired. As if she stayed up all night. If that's the case, then she would have been up to get to school on time.

"Miss Hitori."

The instructor had noticed that she wasn't paying attention. In order to get the girl to do so, he called upon her to answer a question. Yet the girl did not respond. Instead, Mimiko sat still, leaning her cheek into the palm of her hand.

"She's probably asleep..."

"Miss Hitori!"

"I'm telling you, she's alseep."

"HITORI!"

Well it wasn't enough to wake her. When the teacher had come up to her desk, slapping a long ruler across it. The sudden shock must have traveled through causing her arm to give way under the weight of her head. Thus, the arm would slip and Mimiko's head connected to the desk with a 'thud'.

"...hn."

"She sleeps like she's dead."

Thankfully enough the bell rang. And just in time for some lunch too. And that didn't even wake her up. Not anything else. Not even the sound of everyone up and leaving the class room or even the muttering of her teacher as he left the girl to sleep through her lunch period.

"Hey..."

"...hn"

"Hey c'mon, wake up..."

"Mmm..."

Apparently the abrupt, head hitting the desk wasn't enough to wake her either. And Raito was even trying his sweetest voice too bring her back to consciousness. So there could only be one thing. Now snaking his arm across her lap and reaching for her bag. He would quietly mutter something, certain it would snap her out of it.

"I'm stealing your cookies..."

And with that, a quick tightness overcame his wrist as he looked up to see one eye popped open. A blue one at that.

"Those aren't for you. Drop it."

"Let go of my hand first, jeez."

"Drop the cookies first."

"No."

"Yes!"

They would be the only two in the class room. Even the teacher had stepped out to get his own lunch apparently.

"If they aren't for me, they must be for you then. A little greedy don't you think?"

She still had grip on his hand. Refusing to let go unless the little bag was dropped first.

"They're not all for me either."

"Oh? Someone special then?"

"No."

"I think you're lying."

"Prove it."

"You're a girl."

"So?"

"All girls lie."

Being called a liar isn't very nice. And Mimiko was right handed. Unthinking, she let go of Raito's wrist in order to draw back and slap him across the face. All the while, he still kept the bag of cookies tight in one hand but certainly wasn't expecting that sting to hit him so forcefully. That didn't settle very well. Probably not as much as being called a liar to the face.

"Yagami-kun!"

And it didn't help that L had walked in at the wrong moment too. Only hearing the slap before stepping in, now finding that Raito had the girl's arm in the grip of his hand and holding her up. Both of them turned and looked as they where stared at. Though it wasn't until they turned when L realized who actually did what. Seeing that it was Raito who had the forming red mark on the side of his face. Causing him to crack a bit of a smile. He probably deserved that.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"She hit me first!"

A childish remark, but it was truth. Now trying his best to ignore Ryuku laughing at him and making fun of him for behind hit by a woman. Mimiko would snatch her arm back now, reaching over as she ripped the bag of cookies from his hand. Picking up her school bag as well as she started to head out.

"Mimi-chan."

". . ."

As Raito was gathering up his things he wouldn't help notice the short conversation which was exchanged between the other two. Seeing Mimiko stop as L had said something.

"I'm sure whatever Yagami-kun did t-"

"He tried to steal them. Here."

"Hm?"

At first giving an annoyed look as he was cut short. He didn't like being interrupted. But seeing she was offering him something, let her get away with it. Arching a brow as he poked at the bag first and looked to Mimiko. Who was obviously avoiding eye contact as she kept her head down.

"What's... this?"

"Cookies."

"Uh..."

"They're good this time. I promise. I made them with love and patience, just like you said. And they didn't burn or come out deformed or anything."

"Uhm, thank you Mimi-cha-"

Cut off again! Once taking the cookies from her she quickly grabbed her school bag and hurried out of the room. Raito would then walk up instead. Looking at him strangely and then to the door and back at him again.

"What the hell was that about?"

"Apparently you where trying to steal my cookies Yagami-kun."

"What?! You're the special person?!"

"...Special?"

The door was opened, only to slam shut again. Followed by racing footsteps up the stairs. Where another door was opened, then slammed shut.

"Hm... School is out early I guess?"

Mother was usually clueless. But not a complete idiot. She knew well enough there wasn't a half day or anything of that sort. The parents would be notified of something like that. And taking from the slams and pounding footsteps, it was more likely her daughter was upset over something. So it was time for the mother to check in.

"Mimi-chan. Sweetheart, is everything ok?"

Knocking twice before opening the door just a bit and peeked inside. And there she found Mimiko sitting at her computer.

"Did you have a half day at school? I wasn't expecting you so early."

"I didn't feel good."

"Should I call the doctor?"

"No I'll be fine."

"Can I get you anything?"

"No I'm fine thanks..."

"Alright... I'll be downstairs if you need me ok?"

"You still have those things?"

The end of the day came quickly. Raito was now heading home, but not without his ill postured shadow lingering behind him. And still holding that bag of cookies. Every now and then taking one out to munch on.

"Why wouldn't I Yagami-kun?"

"Because they're awful... I don't see how you two can eat those things."

Watching as the awkward detective reached in for another one. But not bringing to his lips. Instead, she shoved into Raito's mouth for a second opinion.

"Gah! What the hell?! Are you trying to kill me?!"

"So?"

"So?!"

"How are the cookies Yagami-kun?"

It took him a moment. Having it forced down his through like that, he coughed most of it back up. But from what he did get from it, he noticed there was no crunch and it didn't smell burnt at least.

"Pretty good I guess."

"That's why she made them for me."

"Which brings me to this question... Why, did she make them for you?"

"Because I told her I like home made sweets better then just buying them."

"Huh? But why?"

"Because they're made with love Yagami-kun. I thought I told you that before?"

The detective spoke matter of factly about the reasons. As if it was only common knowledge. Which to Raito, it apparently wasn't. Something else was different too.

"Hey, where are you going? Aren't you being picked up at my house?"

Raito would stop and look back, seeing that L had turned the corner.

"Someone has to give Mimi-chan the work she missed today. It seemed you upset her and she went home early. I noticed she was not in her classes so I took it upon myself to gather her things."

"...You're going back?"

"That's what I said Yagami-kun."

"For round two? It didn't go terrible last time?"

"I don't see the problem you and Matsuda-san had complained about. She seems pleasant. We had a very nice conversation last time. And I was even invited for dinner."

"You had dinner?"

"Oh no, I couldn't stay."

"...Yea well... I was invited for dinner too."

Giving a sort of pout. Raito always had to have the last word in any situation.

"Mimi-chan, I thought you where sleeping dear?"

Her mother being a little surprised that she heard her daughter come walking back down the stairs.

"I'm going back to pick up my work."

"Won't someone get it for you?"

"I don't think anyone noticed that I left early. It's alright. I shouldn't be long."

"We could call the school and see if someone could bring them?"

"Nah, it's a little late I think everyone is on their way home by now. Don't worry about it I'll be back in a few."

Stepping over to the door as she opened it and nearly walking right into the only one who noticed she left early that day. Unfortunately trying to hold books, papers, cookies, and trying to ring the door bell all at the same time wasn't easy. Being bumped into made things worse when everything just fell to the ground.

"Eek!"

"Apologies Mimi-chan. I didn't know you where at the door already."

"No it's not your fault. I'm an idiot, I probably should have looked first."

Mimiko would move down and start picking up everything. Looking over as she saw the bag of cookies. Only half eaten.

"They didn't turn out any better?"

And then he too would stoop down, helping with the gathering of the fallen items.

"I was hoping to make them last me all day... so I've been pacing myself."

"Oh really?"

"Yes Mimi-chan."

"How did you know I went home early? We don't have classes together or anything...?"

"I notice lots of things Mimi-chan. It's what I'm good at."

"Oh... Hey um, could I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"Shoot?"

She would pause for a minute. Finishing picking everything up as bother stood.

"You where going to ask me something Mimi-chan?"

"I uh... forgot what I was going to say."

"I see."

"Yea... Uhm, thanks for bringing me everything. You're welcome with the cookies and all. I should get back inside and stuff."

"Mimi-chan? If I may ask you something please..."

"Yea?"

"What did Yagami-kun do to cause you to hit him?"

"Oh that. I'm sorry. It wasn't as bad as it probably looked when you walked in. He called me a liar, that's all."

"Why would Yagami-kun say something like that? Did you lie to him about something?"

"He said all girls are liars. But I guess he's right, I did kinda lie to him about something... It's nothing big though. I haven't been sleeping much lately and I get kinda crazy."

"You should eat more cookies Mimi-chan.

"Yea I'll remember that next time."

"What is this all about. I was going to go to the movies with Sayu tonight, but no. I have you calling me just while I was walking out the door. Do you know what I had to tell her in order to get out of going...?"

"What did you tell her Yagami-kun? Did you lie?"

"Yes! I had to tell her I had stomach problems! And it wouldn't be able to see the movie if I keep running to the bathroom all night."

"So that would make you liar then, right?"

"It's called a 'white lie' it's not really a bad thing. What's this about anyway?"

Oddly enough, the detective was not in front of his computer. Instead he was out in the living room area sitting on the couch. Watching the weather channel. The table was covered in it's usual various forms of sweets and other confections. Which didn't seem to be touched for some reason.

"Mimi-chan informed me that you called her liar today. Which was why she struck out at you Yagami-kun."

"She is a liar. And it's obvious."

"What did she lie about exactly?"

"Those right there! the cookies you're eating!"

"...Cookies are not lies Yagami-kun."

"I only asked her who the cookies where for."

"And her reply?"

"She said no one."

"Yes?"

"Then she gave them to you! You don't look like a 'no one' to me!"

"...I see."

He would stick another cookie in his mouth as Raito just looked at him, almost expecting there to be more from this conversation. Blinking, as he heard the strange elevator like music coming from the television. He almost forgot the weather channel was on.

"What are you watching?"

"The weather."

"Why?"

"Because it's never a re run."

"That's ridiculous..."

"But it's true Yagami-kun."

"Have you talked to her today?"

"Who?"

"Cookie?"

"Mimi-chan is Cookie. I talked to her after school."

"Does she know, that you know, that she's Cookie?"

"No. She doesn't."

By now, the droning music of the weather channel was starting to irritate Raito to no end. Stepping over as he stood in front of the television and turned it off only to turn back around to face the other who stared up at him from his seat. Having a cookie hanging out of his mouth.

"Have you noticed we haven't done a single bit of work in the past few days?!"

"...I'm fully aware Yagami-kun."

"And do you know why?!"

"...No, not really."

"...What? Wait, what do you mean you don't know?"

"Exactly as specified Yagami-kun. I don't know. Meaning therefore I do not understand the situation at hand."

"Ew... I see what's going on here."

"Then please explain it. Because I think I'm getting a stomach ache..."

"You don't want to know."

"Oh but I think I do Yagami-kun... Please tell me."

"You know that 'stomach ache' you just mentioned?"

"M'hm..."

"It's become apparent to me, that since we started this little 'side mission' with Hitori Mimiko that you've gotten more strange then usual..."

"Explain faster please."

"Are you... ok?"

Crossing his arms as Raito sort of cocked his heads to one side. Watching as L sat there in his usual curled position but hugging tightly at his stomach. Perhaps something really was wrong. But he got no answer, instead seeing the detective spring up from his seat and jumping over the small coffee table as he made way for the bathroom. Where he proceeded to toss his cookies... in the most literal of fashions.

"Oh gross..."

So maybe his hunch was wrong. And L wasn't getting 'butterflies' as he so thought. It was cookies.

"I told you they where bad..."

"You ate one too Yagami-kun..."

"Exactly. I ate one, and only part of it because most was spit out after you crammed it down my throat."

"Is she trying to poison me or something?"

"I dunno. Maybe she's Kira."

"Possible... Excuse me."

"Just putting the thought in your head... gotta get you off my back somehow."

Again having his head in the toilet, Raito would look away till he was done of course.

"So, how did your visit go today?"

"Beg pardon?"

"When you dropped off her stuff after school today. How did it go?"

"It was a short visit. I dropped it off and left."

"Oh?"

"Literally."

"You... dropped everything?"

"But I helped pick it up."