"Hello. Who is this?"

Light stiffened upon hearing the soft and solemn voice. It sounded depressed, which was a bad sign. Raito clenched his fist, mentally preparing himself. This would work, somehow.

"Ryuuzaki, it's me," he choked out. "I need to have an urgent talk with you…" he trailed off, waiting for the raven-haired man's answer.

"What do you want." It wasn't a question. Light breathed in deeply, trying to steady himself. This was hard, but necessary. Taking in a deep breath, he forced a smile.

"A talk. Please. It's all I ask for," Raito pleaded, his face serious. "Can I meet you outside? Now."

Much to the light brown-haired guy's surprise, he could hear muffled noises coming from the other side of the line. Was L crying? Light panicked like he always did, trying his best not to show anything.

"What do you think?" L replied, after a moment of dreaded silence.

Raito closed his eyes and gripped his phone tightly. "L, please. I can explain. We can work this out…please don't be rash. You know I still value you as a friend. It would hurt me to be separated from my childhood companion. You have known me for a long time. You know my character. Even though I was wrong, I have feelings too. I won't do it again. Anything for you, Ryuuzaki. Just…please," he blubbered into the phone. "Give me a chance. We can still be friends. Like before."

L remained silent for a minute. "My suspicions were right, after all."

Raito tensed, thinking of what to say next. "Give me a chance, L. Meet me outside, and I can prove that I have changed. I'll do anything for you."

"Give me a reason why I should trust you, after you betrayed me like that." There was hurt in L's voice as he said it.

"Because I'm your friend and I will always be one. Just…trust me. Meet me outside. I'll prove it to you!" Light almost screamed, stomping his foot. A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.

A few minutes passed without any reply.

"…Ryuuzaki?"

"Fine."

Raito got to his feet. "Is that a yes?"

"It appears so," came the reply.

"I'll be waiting for you at the nearby café. Meet me there." Light was so excited, he could barely contain himself.

"Ok." L hung up the phone.

Raito stared at his cell phone, a dazzled look on his face.

"I did it," he uttered, in a state of confusion and glee. But there was still a pinch of sadness in his heart. This was only the beginning. He struggled, trying to make a choice. World domination or his loved one?

"So, Light, you succeeded," Ryuk cackled loudly, appearing in front of the shocked boy. "That was a nice show."

"It was?" Raito mumbled to himself, getting up to put on his jacket and shoes. Ryuk watched him until he was done.

"I'm going now, Ryuk. Come along," Light said flatly, turning the doorknob.

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Editor's note: Reviews, please! I need motivation to continue this story. Please be honest and don't lie to yourself while typing the review. ^^ Hope you liked this chapter.