A/N: I finished the entire chapter in one day! I'm so proud of myself! XD WooT!

I'm so proud of myself! I worked hard on this chapter. 3

Okay, so this part has more of the original arc with Light & L. The only thing is that Light didn't turn out to be Kira in the end. Light remains innocent (I like him better that way. Lol. Darn Kira!). :]

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Death Note Characters. However, this story is mine.

Over. It was finally over. The Kira Case had come to an end. Four years of tension were finally over. Every member within the investigation team never felt more alive.

It had been a month since Kira had been brought to justice. The team had still been working after Kira was caught to make sure that the unruly killings had ceased. Affirming what L and Light thought originally after the catch, all signs of Kira had stopped.

"Today's the thirty-first day! All signs of Kira are still gone! We brought Kira to justice!" Matsuda loudly cheered the team's success.

Matsuda's voice echoed through the headquarters' room. For once, Matsuda wasn't scolded for his obnoxiously loud outburst. Everyone on the investigation team was thrilled that this life-or-death chase was over. Mogi's grin stretched from ear to ear, his white teeth shining in the florescent lights. Aizawa was popping off the cork to a fine wine bottle. Soichiro was sitting in a lounging chair, sipping on some coffee while a gentle smile could be seen on his lips.

Light smiled at everyone's excitement as he leaned forward in his chair, his chin resting in his palm as he went over some last minute files. Light, like everyone else, was thrilled that the Kira Case was over. He was probably more thrilled than most, considering that Light was a prime suspect in the investigation. Now, with Kira captured, Light's innocence was proved.

Light wondered if L was having trouble accepting defeat. Although L had given a seemingly pleasant apology, Light knew that L was trying to say that he still didn't trust Light. Only Light caught this, but that could be expected since Light and L both have high intelligence levels. They knew the real meaning of each others' words even when the rest of the squad didn't understand.

Light's golden-brown eyes peeked past his honey-brown bangs and over at the detective. L usually kept to himself, but today something seemed off. The light spirit had not reached L. Even for his personal defeat—the fact that Light had not been Kira—L still should not of had an unnerving aura. It didn't seem right for the detective.

What could be wrong? Did L find some increases on the killings? Light mentally shook his head. If L had found anymore evidence, he'd voice it.

Light's eyes continued to study the detective even after Light slipped into deep thought. L's wild, black hair stood up in many directions like it usually did. His hair naturally flowed this way. His obsidian bangs fell close to his dark, onyx eyes which stared at the monitor. He was thinking hard about something, which wasn't unusually since L was always thinking about something. However, no one other than Light would be able to notice that there had been a slight change in L these last couple of days.

Without looking over, L asked, "Is there something you need, Light?"

Light almost forgot how observant L was. He had also forgotten how long he had been staring. Light turned his head towards L, giving L his full attention.

Light gave a small, content smile before voicing his thoughts. "I couldn't help but notice, Ryuzaki, that you're not in with the celebrating spirit."

Light's eyes gestured over to the rest of the investigation team. L followed Light's gaze to see Aizawa in a joyous mood, different from his usual, serious self. He had one foot resting on the coffee table, elevating his leg. He had a wine glass raised above his head as he cracked jokes about past events that occurred while on the investigation. Mogi and Matsuda laughed with the man and added their own opinions and jokes. Even Soichiro, Light's father, was in a mirthful mood and was chuckling to himself.

L's gaze returned to Light. "Do you believe me to have a jolly attribute, Light?"

"It's not about being a jolly person. I'm just saying you don't seem to be glad about the outcome of this case." Light hinted the fact that part of the outcome of this case was Light's innocence. Light needed to know if it was that alone that was bothering L, although Light doubted it.

"I don't need to show my feelings towards the outcome of this case. I thought you would have known by now that I don't openly show my thoughts." L acted hurt before turning back to his monitor to continue working on whatever he had been doing previously.

"It wasn't criticism, L. It was only an observation."

Light gave a slight frown at L's response. L didn't necessarily say he was displeased with the outcome, but he also didn't say if he was pleased. The fact that he didn't say he was unhappy suggested that he could actually be happy about the outcome. The L that Light knew was blunt enough to say if he didn't like the outcome. However, the fact that he didn't say he was pleased told Light that something could be bothering the detective, he just didn't want to say what. There was definitely something wrong with this situation, and Light was determined to figure out what.

"Hey, Light!" Matsuda's voice brought Light out of his thoughts. "You should come join us! Ryuzaki too...if he wants to." Matsuda flashed the two of them a sheepish grin, wanting everyone on the team to celebrate. He kind of looked like a hopeful Labrador with that expression.

Light smiled. He almost laughed at the irony of Matsuda's request. After just talking to L about the joyous spirit, if Light declined Matsuda's offer, it would make Light, in a way, a hypocrite. Although, Light wouldn't have declined to begin with. He could use a glass of wine.

"Sure," Light accepted the offer. "I think we should all be celebrating with the capture of Kira."

Light rose out of his chair. Before walking over to where everyone was gathered, he turned towards L. "Would you care to join us, Ryuzaki?" Light offered but already knew the answer. If L accepted the offer, he himself would be a hypocrite.

Instead of glancing over at Light, L turned around to give Light his full attention. There was a glint in L's dark, coal eyes. Only Light and L picked up on the tension that fell inbetween the two of them. L wanted Light to know he still didn't trust him, even with the capture of Kira.

Is he trying to tell me that this is why he's uneasy? Light wondered. Or does this have something to do with the celebration? Does he think I'm going to try to poison him or something along the lines of that?

"Celebrate without me. I have a weak tolerance to alcohol, and I have some things I need to attend to." L said simply.

Light couldn't help but feel both frustrated and crestfallen. Frustrated because even after the Kira case, L still didn't completely trust him. Crestfallen because Light wanted this tension to go away. A part of him wanted to be good friends with L but knew it wouldn't happen if L couldn't trust him.

Matsuda replied with disappointment, "Okay but if you get finished, feel free to join us."

As Matsuda and Light walked over to the group, Mogi handed Light a wine glass. "Glad to have you join us!" Mogi's strong voice echoed as it usually did.

Light gave a pleasant, charming smile as he accepted the glass. Before he took the first sip of the mahogany liquid, Light rose his glass a bit and said, "Glad we're all able to finally have this kind of celebration."

"I'm glad I won't have to listen to another one of Matsuda's heroic speeches!" Aizawa teased.

"Hey! What was wrong with my speeches?!" Matsuda asked, obviously confused about what Aizawa meant.

Everyone besides Matsuda and L laughed warm-heartedly. Matsuda had been the center of some of their jokes, and the fact that Matsuda was clueless about it only added to the laughter. Matsuda wasn't the only one being poked fun at, however. Everyone was cracking jokes at everyone else.

"Do you remember when Aizawa had an afro?!" Matsuda grinned. "I kept thinking there was some kind of cat attacking his head!"

Everyone laughed again. Aizawa, surprisingly enough, didn't become irritated or furious. The man only went over and locked Matsuda in a headlock. It was definite that rejoice flowed in the air; everyone could see that. Yet, even as everyone began to crack jokes and poke fun, Light still pondered about what was bothering L.

*~*~*~*~*

It had been a couple of hours since the team relaxed and enjoyed themselves. It was starting to get late, and it was about time for everyone to return home. L had walked over to the rest of the group to say farewell to everyone.

"If another case comes up," L began to kindly explain to everyone, "I'll be sure to contact each of you to give you further details. For now, all of you should return to your daily lives and enjoy a relaxing time off."

"Thank you, Ryuzaki!" Matsuda beamed, still emanating happiness, if not just a little bit drunk.

Soichiro nodded in agreement. "Indeed. You take care of yourself, Ryuzaki. This should be a relaxing time for you as well."

L gave a short nod but gave no facial expression. "Your kindness is appreciated, Mr. Yagami."

L then returned to the computers as Mogi, Matsuda, and Aizawa walked out the door. Soichiro turned, ready to head out. He called over his shoulder, "Come on, Light. Let's head home."

Light's eyes trailed over to L, watching as he typed away on one of the keyboards. He seemed to be in the middle of something important.

This tension.... Light began to wonder. He'd have no reason to be tense unless he was working and struggling on a case. Light frowned. But if L was working on a case, why would he not inform the rest of the investigation team about it? Is it because everyone finally got into a good spirit? If that was the case, L would have told everyone to come back in a week or month. He might lie to say that it was to double check on the Kira Case.

What kind of case could he possibly be just want to keep to himself? Maybe a case that would only need one intelligent mind, but if that were the case, tension wouldn't be hanging so thickly in the air.

Light's golden-brown eyes stared over at the detective for a moment longer before turning his attention to his father. "Dad, how about you go ahead without me. I have something I need to discuss with L." Light lightly told Soichiro.

The man turned back around to face his son. There was a moment of silence between them as Soichiro glanced from Light to L and back to Light again. His eyebrows narrowed slightly, and his stance became more ridged.

"If he makes any more assumptions about you being Kira, I'll be sure to set him straight!" Soichiro hissed under his breath so only Light could hear him. "The real Kira was caught, and—!"

"Dad," Light stopped him in mid-sentence, "he won't accuse me of being Kira anymore." Light glanced over at L for a short second. "L's stubborn, but he knows how to admit defeat even if he doesn't show it."

Light gave Mr. Yagami a reassuring smile. Light knew he was stretching the truth just a little bit; Light didn't really think L would admit defeat. L was way too stubborn for that it seemed. Light's father looked skeptical but nodded. Light watched as Soichiro turned and left before Light walked over to L.

L sat in his usual position. His knees were up against his chest, and his bare feet were sitting comfortably on the blue material of the chair. Although he didn't turn around in his chair, he noticed Light approaching him, almost as if L expected it.

"Shouldn't you be heading home, Light?" L asked. "It it becoming late."

Now, with everyone else out of the room, Light could get straight to the point or at least try. It was usually L's job to be blunt and down-to-earth, but Light had to know what was going on.

"L, I know you're working on another case."

L turned to face Light. L's face was gravely serious. He remained silent but his expression told Light to continue.

"I thought you would have known by now that I pick up on things like this." Light pressed, telling L he wouldn't drop the subject.

L didn't respond. His onyx eyes stared up at Light for a few moments longer before he turned his attention away. L stared off absently, which was quite unusual for the detective. Light could feel his heart pounding in his chest. What is going on?

"I am working on a case," L confirmed before turning his attention back to Light and finishing, "but this case is more of a personal case than last time. I won't be requiring a large investigation team like the Kira Case."

So he was working on a case. Light thought.

Light wondered why L told Light that he was working on a case. Was it because L knew Light would have figured out the truth anyway? Was this another one of L's many tests? It was likely to be this since L still didn't trust Light. Was L thinking I would wonder if 'personal' meant dealing with L's real name and past? Isn't all of L's cases personal because he chooses the cases he wishes to work on?

Light could feel frustration growing. Light was sure L meant that to be another test. Yet, L did seem different when saying that; it didn't sound or seem like an act.

Still, curiosity filled Light. He wished to aid the detective in this new case. Not just for seeing what the case was about but to also try to strengthen the trust between the two of them. Light still wanted to be good friends with the detective. There was something about the dark-eyed man that drew Light in. Something that Light couldn't place.

If I word this correctly, I may be able to persuade him to let me assist him on this investigation.

"What about the aid of only one person?" Light began. "Even though you don't believe you'll be needing the entire team, a case is a case. Every case needs to be taken care of as quick and efficiently as possible. We both know that if I assist in the investigation the process will move quicker."

Light gave a small smile before adding, "Besides, I've grown use to working beside you. I feel that our friendship is gradually growing. I hope I am not the only one to notice and hope for this."

Light had to admit that the last part of his persuasion wasn't necessary. Light didn't need to share his thoughts with L on their friendship. That could be considered a more personal matter. Light guessed he had consumed more alcohol than he had first planned.

After taking the words in, L nodded slowly, trying to decide how to respond appropriately.

"Indeed, a case is a case," L slowly agreed. "The process would go at a better rate if you were to assist me." He shifted his weight before saying, "I guess it is only natural that I've grown use to your company."

Stated as it was, L wasn't disproving the fact that Light was currently his only friend, but L was affirming the fact that he didn't trust Light enough to consider this matter head on. For a moment, Light wondered if L would decline Light's offer. Does L not trust me that much to where I cannot work on a case with him? Light questioned sadly.

Then, making his decision and giving Light a little bit of hope, L told him, "I believe it to be a good idea to have your assistance in this investigation."

Poor Light. L is having trust issues. x]

Just to let everyone know, I mapped out everything for this story. Hopefully it'll run more smoothly, now that I know what all is going to happen in each chapter.

Next chapter is going to be about Mello & Near again!

The introductory stuff is over with. Now the real fun shall begin. 3

I'll give each of you warm, fuzzy hugs if you review! :3

Thanks you guys! Love everyone who reads my stories~