Disclaimer: I disclaim.
Author's Note: (Peeking from her bunker) Uhm…Hello everyone. I really, REALLY am SORRY for the two-month disappearance! Finishing college and a colossal writer's block (and then some) were in my way. However, thank you, thank you, thank you (!!!) to those who have left me reviews and those who put this story on alert. I have kept you all waiting far, far too long…
~Sunday
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Chapter 3: Regard
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L was a very patient man if he wanted to. He could watch the same video footage over a hundred times just to find a killer – as he was doing now. He could wait in the shadows for days like a sniper would, just to catch his suspect. He could keep working on a case for months on end waiting for the perpetrator's one wrong move, even if every other investigator would've given up by then. He could watch a man being tortured or torture a man for hours without losing his calm. He could be cold and detached. He could be a bastard if needed, or God's angel on earth. He would do whatever it took to solve a case, because if there was anything L was not, it was a loser.
He was also rather… spoiled.
When Raito had openly defied him yesterday, it was baffling. No one, but no one, disobeyed his orders, veiled or direct. He most usually got what he wanted. He was a genius among genii, and everyone knew that. He was the best. People were usually either too intimidated by 'L', or more conventionally, they couldn't reason out better than him; so, they just did as he told them to. But Raito Yagami had even said that word – flawed. Very flawed.
He was never flawed. He is always, for always, will always be correct. He had caught criminals that eluded Interpol for years in a matter of weeks, even days at times with just his logic. He had cracked cold cases that had been in storage for decades with just the evidence that were filed. He could answer every single question in Jeopardy, Who wants to be a Millionaire, Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader, and every other game show there is or was without even thinking about it! He was not flawed – at least not in the intellectual sense.
L paused the video he'd been watching and strode to the window to look at the Tokyo skyline. He sighed. It didn't really bother him. There were more ways to solve this case but… Alright, it did bother him somewhat. He didn't know exactly how he felt about his conversation with Raito Yagami, or more to be more precise, he didn't know why he was actually feeling something about his conversation with Raito Yagami. If he allowed his emotions to surface, on one hand it was interesting, and on the other hand it was annoying. (It was actually rather refreshing, but he'd burn in hell before he admitted that to himself.)
The plan he had formulated was the best for the scenario, and both knew that; and still the boy didn't want to cooperate. Why? It was apparent he didn't want to play the violin – that was the main factor, but again, why? L wanted to know… and also, he just wanted to hurl the boy's defiance in his face. But how…?
No. He should just let the boy be. He wasn't needed. L resolved cases with lesser evidence. He didn't need a petulant, stubborn, arrogant college student for his plans.
He slipped a hand into his pocket and watched the lights of Tokyo glow as he gathered his thoughts.
The lights of Tokyo…
"Tokyo no Raito?" L whispered.
"Light of Tokyo," he smirked.
Well, Watari had always told him to trust his instincts, didn't he?
He abruptly turned on his heel and crouched down to where the microphone stand was.
"Watari," L said as he flipped a switch.
"Yes L?" Watari replied from the other end.
"Raito-kun doesn't want to go with my plan."
Watari paused for a few moments before responding, "Oh… Well… We could always get someone else, L. You have a lot of contacts."
"I suppose…. But he was quite adamant Watari. It makes me wonder why such a prodigy like that would be like so."
"People have their reasons, L." Watari said.
"I wonder what he's hiding…"
Faint clicking of keys could be heard from Watari's end as seconds ticked by.
"Is it relevant to the case to find out?" Quillish then asked.
L thought for a moment. "… Not at this point really, no."
"Then if it is not necessary, give him his privacy young man. Though I admit, it is quite a shame that he's given up such a wonderful instrument. Such talent as well…"
"Hmm… But he's just perfect for the plan Watari…"
"I'm sure there are a lot of other talented young men who'd be glad to pose as bait to capture a murder, L."
"… I believe that that is your way of telling me I am being selfish again?" L sighed, finally sitting down on the floor and leaning back on one hand.
"Perhaps… Aren't you?"
"He is just the perfect candidate. The return of a prodigy – wouldn't that make a stir?"
"Yes L."
"And he's already a personality with having a perfect score at the Todai Exam;"
"Yes L."
"His looks and people skills are exemplary and would charm the entire population;"
"Um hmm"
"And to top it off, his investigative skills are the best I have seen since Near."
"Uh huh"
"Watari, are you listening?"
"Of course."
"Then don't you think he should be the main part of this plan?"
"Are you sure you don't have any other candidates?"
"Certainly, but…"
"You think young Yagami is the best one."
"…Yes."
"Well then, L, I suppose you must compromise."
"Hmm… I know, but his argument…"
A sigh is heard from the other line. "… It's your choice, L. You're the one who took this case, and you know how to handle it best."
"Hmm…"
"Is that all then?"
L looked up abruptly, not realizing his gaze had drifted to the floor. "Uh yes, Watari, thank you," he said as he reached for the switch to end the conversation. "Oh, and please retire already. It's getting late… Good night."
"Good night L," Quillish said as he watched the 'L' logo disappear from his screen. A smile bloomed on his face. "Well, at least it looks like he's beginning to have fun."
Yes, L was spoiled indeed; and Quillish was the one who indulged him.
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At the sound of his name, Raito looked up from the thick Criminology book he was absently staring at, and met the bespectacled eyes of his professor around six tiers below him.
"Yagami-kun," the middle-aged man said, "would you be so kind as to tell us your view on the suspect's course of actions?"
Squashing the impulse to sigh, Raito stood up gracefully and modulated his voice to be able to reach the top rows. He gestured lightly with his hands to emphasize points, and looked at his classmates from time to time. His gaze always settled to the professor below him however, who had crossed his arms and nodded his head now and then in approval of Raito's answers. When Raito finished his explanation, the teacher asked follow-up questions which he also responded to without hesitation. Finally, he was praised for his wit, yet again, and cued to sit back down. Admiring eyes and smiles were directed his way, and he met them as humbly and charmingly as he could. He had a lot of practice, so it was second nature. If anyone could peek into his mind though, they would see a very, very bored individual. He was looking forward to school being done for the day, but instead of anticipating that particular second to be free from the lessons and school work and go out for leisure like the average student; he was awaiting the time to be able to finally go to the NPA. Anything was better than 'studying' a case that had been solved, reviewed, rehashed a thousand times over anyway.
It was only yesterday that he had met L and was asked to join the investigation team for the murders, and to be quite frank, he didn't think he did very much. All he did was read reports all day. When he had returned home the night before, his father had questioned him on any progress at the dinner table. Both couldn't get into the details and were very vague because Sachiko and Sayu were present, but when Raito thought about it, there weren't really much accomplished that day. Hence, he couldn't wait to get back. There must've been something they missed. He had to review all the reports again. They only had a month, assuming the killer follows his pattern.
Idly, his mind drifted to L, as the professor droned on about the case they were studying. L was the Greatest Detective in the World. Presidents, Prime Ministers, highly influential men and women came to him to ask for distinctly difficult cases. But this case wasn't really a very big one, was it? It was a homicide case. It wasn't a threat to National Security; there was no genocide; there was no terrorism; hence the small amount of man power the NPA was utilizing. But then it would be presumptuous that L only took big, high profile cases. If he did, there wouldn't be much on the news, would there?
Raito pondered if it was something personal. In his case, it got his attention because the killer was targeting people who played Classical Music, a genre which he 'loved,' for lack of a better word. Admittedly, it had intrigued him because he was a violinist, albeit secretly. With L, was it because it was themed and the killer was deliberately baiting the police? Was it because it was one of those cases that hardly had any clues? Wouldn't it be funny, no make that weird, if he was really musician in secret as well? He recalled their conversation to see if he could derive an answer, but then his brow creased ever so slightly in irritation as he remembered the last part. At the moment the best way he could describe the infamous enigmatic detective was: that infuriatingly conceited fucking laptop.
The bell finally rang, signaling the end of the class. Raito's eyes then focused on his surroundings. Now, he really did sigh. He gathered his things and followed the stream of students out. A lot of them were finished for the day and were happily frolicking about like bunnies in a meadow. Ah, for once, how he wished he was them, minus the show of lack of dignity of course. He still had another boring class to go to before he was free. With a shrug, he turned to the hallway, heading for his last class, hoping to a god he didn't believe in that by some miracle it would be at least mildly challenging.
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Aizawa eye twitched as he watched his cellphone vibrate on his desk. It whirred and danced with each set of tremors. The screen lit up with the caller ID and it was almost enough to make his ears bleed to know who was on the other line.
Gerard Rousseau
Again.
Dammit.
"Hey Aizawa-san," Matsuda loudly whispered, "Someone's calling you again."
A vein popped out of the detective with the afro. "I can see that, Matsuda."
"Aren't you going to answer it?"
The eye twitching increased.
No, Aizawa was not going to answer unless he could help it. He had given the pianist his number to contact him if he remembered anything he thought would've been significant to the case. Yesterday, he had excused the man's overly talkative behavior as a sign of distraught, but after five phone calls of random 'clues' such as remembering the janitor picking up a water bottle back stage while there was a performance, he just had it. It was obvious the so-called artist was trying to gain some attention from being the 'zealous friend' of the murder victim, and Aizawa would be damned to deal with people who weren't sincere about solving this mystery. They were talking about human lives after all.
The phone kept vibrating.
"If you don't want to answer, reject the call Aizawa," he heard Mogi say.
"Did that. He calls back ten seconds later."
"Turn it off then."
Aizawa unfolded one arm from his chest and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I can't do that," he sighed, "its parent visitation day at Yumi's school today. Eriko gave me hell last night when I told her I couldn't make it."
Mogi and Matsuda blinked in confusion.
"She going to videophone Yumi's 'Show and Tell' and I have to see it or I get a week on the couch plus toilet cleaning duty all month," the family man explained.
The rest of the team broke out into modest chuckles.
"Let's see how you'll laugh when you guys get wives of your own," he groaned.
"Aizawa-san's wife sounds quite formidable," said the voice from the laptop in front of a silent Watari. "But we have a job to do. Please connect your phone to your computer, Aizawa-san. I will screen the calls and only allow your wife to get through. Everyone else will be redirected to your voice mail. Would that be adequate?"
Aizawa looked as if the pearly gates of heaven opened up for him and Handel's Hallelujah Chorus broke through the clouds in a brilliant sun burst. With a fervent nod of thanks, he did as L asked, and after a minute the vibrating stopped. Aizawa slumped in his seat in relief, and the door opened soon after.
"Ah," the laptop greeted, "Good afternoon Yagami-san. Feeling better?"
"Good afternoon," Soichiro replied, bowing to the rest of the team, "Yes, thank you very much."
Another figure came through the door. "Raito-kun, welcome back as well."
Raito paused for a moment before bowing silently to the general direction of the room's occupants, laptop included somewhat grudgingly. "Good afternoon."
Soichiro took his normal desk which left Raito a bit disoriented. "You can sit there Raito-kun," Matsuda said pointing to the desk two rows from the laptop and Watari, where he would be in clear view of the web cam. "L left you files to read there."
Raito looked towards where Matsuda was pointing and sure enough there was a pile of folders, CD's and papers placed quite neatly on the desk beside a computer. He glanced sharply at the laptop before resuming his blank façade and walking towards his chair.
"What are these, L?" Raito asked when he sat down and sifted through the papers.
"These are detailed profiles of musicians, Raito-kun," L droned, "That shall be performing within the Kanto region in the following month. Some of them are playing in the same event, but I would like you to judge who would the killer most likely target."
Raito let out a deep breath, just realizing that he had been tense since he walked into the room. "Judge?" He asked the laptop in a friendlier tone.
"Yes, you see, you are probably the most musically inclined of us all. Yagami-san told me that though you do not play any instruments now, you still listen to Classical music CD's quite often. You also admitted that you knew of Bella Grimshaw. The rest of the team did not know her until she was murdered. So, this activity would be most suitable for you, don't you think?"
Somehow Raito thought that L sounded vaguely condescending, but he decided to let it go. He was going to work with this pers- laptop, so might as well be on good terms with it. L seemed to be giving an effort to get along. Anyway, he was technically working for him… it.
He gives the laptop a curt nod and begins to read the names on the folders.
"But L," Soichiro said, "there is no guarantee that whoever Raito chooses would be the murderer's next intended victim. What will we do if we protected the wrong man?"
"That is true Yagami-san, but to be frank, I'm not asking Raito-kun to do this so as we can protect the next potential victim."
"Then wha-?"
"We're looking for someone to become bait, otou-san," Raito explained.
Every pair of eyes in the room turned to the auburn-haired genius. "L and I agree that the best way to capture this killer without any more casualties is to lure him out. Apparently, he has a preference for musicians that have a fairly significant performance or concert during the month. Matsuyama was in March, Grimshaw in April and then Ivanovich the other night. Therefore, it's plausible that the next murder will be next month."
"But," Matsuda injected, "Who'd agree to pose as bait for the murderer? I mean, it's hard enough for someone in the police force to go into a… a raid or something! What about a civilian?"
(Well, what do you know? Matsuda did have a brain.) Raito hid a small smile…
"We can only hope that whoever Raito-kun chooses will have a good sense of justice then."
… that turned into a frown within seconds. (And L is a complete bastard.)
"I'm sure you can convince whoever I chose to take it on, L."
"Oh, but it would be Raito-kun who will do the convincing!"
"Say What?!"
"Well, if you remember Raito-kun, my powers of persuasion are quite insufficient. I'm sure you will do better."
"…you…" Raito growled.
"Now, please hurry, Raito-kun. We only have a month after all. If possible, I would like your best candidate by the end of the day."
"You are aware that you're accusing me of being able to think like a serial killer."
"Take it as a compliment."
Raito gave the laptop his deadliest glare before turning his fuming attention back to the papers at hand, refusing to lose his poise in front of his father and co-workers.
Beep beep beep
"Aizawa-san," said the laptop, "Your wife is calling."
Aizawa jumped and flustered for a moment not knowing whether to disconnect his phone from his computer or not. Soichiro and Raito look at him questioningly. He looks to 'L' for instruction.
"Please sit in front of my laptop so you will be clearly seen with the web cam."
Aizawa nods and soon the 'L' logo disappears and the face of Eriko Aizawa is seen on the screen. "Anata! Are you there?"
"Yes, yes I'm here," Aizawa fervently nodded, "Is it Yumi's turn?"
"Just about. Here honey, say hello to your otou-chan." Eriko said to someone out of frame. After a few blurs of movement and cracking sounds of the phone being handled, a small rosy faced girl came on screen.
"Otou-chan!"
The team were trying to be polite so had their turned their eyes away when their colleague was speaking with his wife, but when the little girl's voice came up, curiosity got the better of them, Raito included.
"Hello there Yumi-chan!" Aizawa smiled. "It's your turn for 'Show and Tell' now?"
"Yup!" The girl jumps holding up something wooden and reddish with both hands. "I brought my violin, see! You watch, 'kay 'tou-chan!"
Raito blinked. The rest of the teamed cooed and aww-ed.
"Of course honey!"
The watched as the little girl ran from the camera into the end of the room with a blackboard. A few kids' heads could be seen at the bottom of the screen, and Yumi went to the very front of them, small violin and bow in hand.
"Good afternoon classmates and parents and my 'kaa-chan and my 'tou-chan!" the little girl greeted. "Today I'm gonna show you my violin!" She held up the instrument to show the crowd. "It was a birthday gift from 'tou-chan and 'kaa-chan last year. I used to want to play piano, but one Christmas I saw this boy playing the violin on TV and I thought that it was really cool! I had to beg my 'tou-chan for it, but he said it was too expensive." Yumi pouted a little then broke into an excited smile with twinkling eyes within seconds. "Then 'kaa-chan had a friend of a friend of a friend that played the violin, so 'kaa-chan had her give me violin lessons and I borrowed hers for a while. I was happy with it, but then when my birthday came, 'tou-chan bought me this! And I was very, very happy! He said it was 'coz a violin was less expensive than a piano and at least it could fit in our house." Giggles were heard in the background, and a louder laugh assumingly from Eriko "My old teacher said hers was better since it was more expensive but I like this one better 'coz my 'tou-chan bought it for me! So thank you 'tou-chan!".
Aizawa watched his daughter with a fatherly smile on his face, and a slight flush in his cheeks. He bit his bottom lip when Yumi was saying the last part.
"Anyhow, it's my 'tou-chan's birthday tomorrow,"
The surprised team all suddenly looked at an equally astonished Aizawa.
"And I've been practicing this song for a month now,"
Aizawa's jaw dropped as everyone watched Yumi tuck her violin under her chin and raise the bow to the strings.
"I'm still not very good, but I hope you like it 'tou-chan! Tanjoubi Omedettou desu!"
It was a bit choppy and in some parts, the violin screeched, but everyone could hear the melody was indeed the Happy Birthday song.
Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to you…
"Oh my gosh, that's really sweet Aizawa!" Matsuda proclaimed.
Happy Birthday… Happy Birthday…
The rest of the team nodded in agreement. Aizawa on the other hand had his full attention on the girl on the screen. His lips were trembling and hands on his knees had become fists.
Happy… Birthday… to… you….
The crowd broke out into applause as Aizawa sobbed into his jacket sleeve. Matsuda was dabbing the corners of his eyes with a handkerchief; Ukita was clapping from the far end of the room; Ide and Mogi were smiling from their desks at Aizawa. Soichiro was looking at the screen with a wistful look in his eyes. Raito who only been giving the laptop a sidelong glance returned his gaze on the papers he was reading when he caught his father's expression from his peripheral vision. He raised his eyes towards Soichiro and golden brown eyes met their older version. They looked at each other for a second before the older man gave his son a soft smile. Raito blinked and gave him a perfunctory grin back and looked down. He knew exactly why his father had that look in his face. He was remembering that…
"Happy Birthday 'tou-chan!" the child waved. "See you at home!"
… Raito had done the very same thing for him many years ago.
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The end of the working day was near. Predictably, no new evidence had surfaced. Aizawa, Mogi and Ukita had watched the security footage all day to cross reference the people with the guest list, crew and performers and where they went with the floor plans. Nothing suspicious in terms of plotting murder, but the team was convinced that a few men were there with women who weren't their wives and far too different looking to be their daughters. There were also a few people who distinctly wore their hatred for one another, but opted for scathing glances and slandering – nothing physically injuring so far. There were some people, usually the young ones, sneaking out of the crowd; janitors disappearing into corners when the elite came into view; a few figures standing around alone as if depressed or bored; but no obvious murderers. Well, they only went through just over half of the list. Maybe the other half would reveal the killer. Maybe. Maybe not. It was something to do at least.
Soichiro and Ide had to scour the records for any similar crimes in the past or unusual deaths concerning musicians. They still yet had to find something. They also visited the forensic department. It was their last day to have Ivanovich's body, so they gathered a load of pictures and samples from the corpse. It was to be shipped to his home country of Russia the following day.
Matsuda had volunteered to go back to Rousseau and hear everything the pianist had to say. Aizawa readily gave him the thumbs up and prayed for his hearing and sanity, though with Matsuda's carefree personality, everyone knew the he was going to get along with the eager Frenchman. It was nearly 6pm and he still wasn't back. Apparently, his conversation with Rousseau still wasn't finished and they were taking it to dinner.
"And to think that could've been me," Aizawa muttered after he put down the phone from Matsuda's call, "My luck is good! Thank you kami-sama!"
Only Raito, Watari and L, in the form of his laptop, were left in the Investigation Room. Aizawa, Mogi and Ukita had already left. L said there was really no need to stay late since evidence pointed out when the next murder would be, and it was already agreed that they were going with what L was planning. Ide and Soichiro were still in the records room tidying up, but were finished for the day. There was still one issue to take care of before the day ended though.
"Raito-kun," the voice from the laptop droned, "Do you have your list of candidates?"
Raito sighed and kneaded his temples. "Yes."
"…Well?"
"… A man named Teru Mikami," Raito said quietly.
"Hmm… Mikami is also a violinist. Trained at young age. He was president of the student council in his middle school. He went to the same high school as Raito-kun. Just graduated from Toho Gakuen School of Music. Intelligent and popular. He has already played in a number of concerts, some in Europe and a couple in America. Ah, he has a charity benefit concert next month here in Tokyo. He sounds like the perfect candidate. Good choice Raito-kun."
"Hmm…"
"I trust you to take care of this tomorrow then?"
"…"
"Raito-kun?"
"I have two other candidates and they're just as good as he is, but they're foreigners and aren't in the country yet. Are you sure there isn't anyone better who'll be performing in June?"
"Only Raito-kun can be the judge of that. I have given you the list of all the allegedly must-see performances in the entire Kanto region."
"Hmm…"
"If Raito-kun had continued his violin studies I believe he could've been much better than Mikami or any of the musicians that will be performing next month."
"IF I had continued," Raito smirked.
"I still wish that Raito-kun would go with my original plan."
The smirk turned upside down. "… No."
"I am ready to make a deal with Raito-kun, and I will ask him to listen to everything I have to say before he speaks again."
"I sa-!"
"Raito-kun, just listen. Watari please leave the room for a moment."
The cloaked figure just nodded and serenely disappeared through the doors. Raito gaped slightly in surprise. If Watari was going out of the room, it must mean something.
"…"
"It occurs to me that Raito-kun does not wish to play the violin. That is the main reason, am I correct?"
Raito nodded.
"Raito-kun's ability or inability to play the violin is only a small fraction of why I want him. There is also Raito-kun's natural charisma and remarkable intelligence. He has an innate ability to draw people. He would be easy to market and would be convincing to advertise. Also, since he also possesses very good acting skills, he would blend in very well with the other musicians if a personal appearance is needed. He is observant, resourceful and has first-rate investigative abilities that may spot the killer. Raito-kun is the best choice in those aspects; however, since he is also adamant at openly manipulating people and does not wish to risk his life for justice, I am ready to compromise."
Raito raised his chin a fraction in defiance at the 'does not wish to risk his life for justice' part, but the word 'compromise' kept his mouth shut. He settled for giving L all his attention in the form of a ruthless, challenging glare.
"If Raito-kun will accept my proposed plan, he will not need to reveal himself to the public as Raito Yagami."
Raito's brow creases in bewilderment.
"He may hide his identity and this plan from the Task Force if he wants to. I believe the hype created by a mysterious violinist would sell quite well. People these days are into that sort of thing."
A pause.
"In addition, since Raito-kun obviously fears for his own well-being, I will personally accompany him as his body guard."
Raito starts and blinks in disbelief.
"However," the computer voice quickly added, "I will only reveal myself to Raito-kun, not the Task Force as well, if he chooses to keep this plan secret."
"…"
"I will give Raito-kun until Wednesday evening to make his choice. If he accepts, we will iron out the details then. But for now, just consider and let me know your final decision on the deadline. We are at a time limit, Raito-kun, so think about it carefully."
After a few seconds, Raito was still recovering from his shock, when Watari came back in with Soichiro and Ide.
"Ready to go home son?" Soichiro asked.
Raito looked as his father then the laptop.
"Will Raito-kun reconsider then?" L asked.
Raito took a deep breath. "I'll think about it."
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Dinner was a quiet affair that night, and Raito admitted to have a lot on his mind when Sachiko asked him if anything was wrong. Soichiro reiterated the question, but Raito only smiled and assured his family that it was just a tiring day. His father nodded sympathetically.
When dinner was over Raito headed upstairs and took a bath then went straight to his room. He was really was tired actually. Reading small print and listening to recordings all afternoon did take quite a toll, but then L's words just kept swirling about in his head and didn't leave him alone.
He sat at his desk and took the three files of the top three candidates he had chosen earlier. Mikami was still the obvious choice, but the other two were just as good in ability. The killer was targeting the best performance of the month like an ice cream flavor, and well, Mikami was good, but in order for them to be sure of that he would be the next victim, he had to be better than the other two, and he was just… not. They could advertise that Mikami was the better one, but if the killer was as meticulous as Raito thought he was, the number of posters didn't really matter. He'd be there at all the performances, judging the music himself.
Of course they could put surveillance on all three, but that was a waste of time and man power. All three of the musicians had tight schedules as Raito had checked. Giving any of them training to hone their craft was unlikely, unless they cancelled their concerts or recordings or tours. And again, there was the issue of them agreeing to pose as bait to capture a serial killer.
Damn. It was frustrating! Wasn't there anyone better than those three? God! He was bet-
Alright. Stop. He was stopping right there.
"He may hide his identity and this plan from the Task Force if he wants to…"
Raito shook his head. No, he was not going to play the violin. He had promised himself he'd never perform ever again.
"He will not need to reveal himself to the public as Raito Yagami…"
Dammit. Even in his head, L had an answer to twist his words.
"I will personally accompany him as his body guard..."
L would reveal himself to Raito if he went with the plan. Damn, but it was tempting. How many actually knew L aside from Watari? Not many Raito was sure… To know what the Greatest Detective in the World looked like… Dammit!
Raito threaded his fingers into his hair in frustration.
L said he didn't need to tell anyone about the plan. No one would know that it was him playing the violin, if he ever played. He would be working first-hand on a case with Greatest Detective in the World, in the realm of Classical Music no less. Damn. Damn. Fucking Dammit to hell!
Raito wanted to do it. He really did. The notion of working undercover was appealing, and he hated to admit it, but he did miss the world of the violin with its theatres and orchestras. His irregular visits to the Honda House paled in comparison to what L was offering him. He could play again. He could openly play and no one would know it was him. No one…
The image of his father's eyes that afternoon, while they were watching Yumi Aizawa, came to mind. Raito remembered that look. His father always had that smile after he won his competitions… or more specifically, after his performances before. He knew it very well because it was usually the first thing he saw. Soichiro always sat as close to the stage as he could. Always…
"Nii-chan?" A small voice called out from the hall, breaking into Raito's reverie.
Raito looked up from his desk. "Yes? You can come in, Sayu."
The girl peeked through the door and in the usual kid sisterly way, barged in and flopped herself on the mattress with an 'Ouf!'
"Shouldn't you be sleeping right now? You have school tomorrow," he asked.
"So do you!" Sayu cried indignantly, as she sat up, Indian-style, at the foot of the bed.
"My classes start later than yours, Sayu," Raito said, turning the chair to face his late visitor. "And stop messing up my bed."
"Why? You're gonna sleep in it anyway. It's gonna get messed up soon enough."
"Excuse me, little sister," Raito smirked, "but not everybody sleeps with their head on the pillow, and wakes up on the floor like you do."
"Hmph," the girl huffed, grabbing the pillow from behind her and hugging it. "Anyway, why did you come home so late, 'nii-chan? Weren't your classes only in the morning?"
Raito waved a hand flippantly. "I just had some finishing up to do at headquarters."
Sayu's eyes widened and her face became an expression on awe. "Wow… So you're really working with otou-san on a case!"
"Uhn," Raito nodded, "the musician murders."
"Otou-chan said that L personally requested you. That true?"
"Something like that."
"Kyaa~!" Sayu exclaimed, "My Big Brother was requested by the World's Greatest Detective? Being you should be a sin!"
Raito quirked a brow. "And why is that?"
"'Coz everything is so easy for you! You want to be an investigator right? Well if you get to work with L, then you'll sorta be certified as one of the best. You could probably just walk into the Director's office and put your name on the door and boom! Gosh! And you just started college too!"
"Stop it Sayu," he reprimanded the girl as he crossed his arms, "only the top people will know I'm in the team. When I start working, I intend to succeed on my own with no help from otou-san or anybody else."
"Hmm… I guess," Sayu said by way of apology. "Either way, you'll go to the top. You always do."
"Sayu," Raito sighed, "if you were just a bit more serious with your studies you could be top of your class too."
The girl laughed. "Maybe… Anyway, what does L look like? Tall? Old? Clean-shaven?..."
"I wouldn't know. He talks to us through a laptop," Raito shrugged.
"Huh? Really?!"
"Yeah."
"He doesn't even let his co-workers know who he is?"
"No. He even disguises his voice."
"Paranoid much?!" Sayu said as she kept staring at her brother with disbelief. Raito just nodded his head in confirmation. "Hmm… But then," Sayu mused, looking up the ceiling, "with all the big cases he's worked on, a lot of people would want him dead… So I guess it's practical."
Raito blinked. "…Uhn… Yeah, all the big cases…"
"Are there any pretty girls on the team?" Sayu asked suddenly.
"Huh? Uh… No. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, I was just thinking you looked kinda happy when you came home last night s'all. Thought you might've met or gone over to see a girl."
"Nope, 'fraid not," Raito chuckled. "I'm working with a bunch of old men." He then turned to his desk and started gathering the files he was working on. He put them back into the folder and began shutting down his computer.
"Hey onii-chan…"
"Hmm?"
"Why don't you have a girlfriend yet?"
Raito glanced sharply at his sister. "Huh? Say what?"
"You're popular, good-looking, extremely intelligent, 18 and in college; but you've never had a steady girlfriend. On the rare times you date, you never enjoy yourself, not really."
Raito looked at Sayu, but his sister was intensely focused on some imaginary stain on his bed spread. "Why the sudden question?"
"No reason. I was just… wondering." The pause did it. It caused the epiphany.
"Oh ho! Did you meet someone, Sayu?" Raito teased.
"Hey this isn't about me!" Sayu blushed.
"…" Raito quirked a brow before he looked away to turn off the study light and stood up. He walked towards his bed and sat down beside the young girl who was still pouting at him with flushed cheeks. He quirked his brow again, making the person he had lived with for fifteen years give in.
"… Okay… Kind of…"
"I hope he's filthy rich and has good lawyers then. God knows that you'll bankrupt him soon enough," Raito deadpanned.
"Grrr… Meanie!" Sayu cried, hopping off the bed.
"Okay, okay! Hold it! Sorry…" Raito chuckled, grabbing her hand and pulling. "Come back, Sayu. I'll stop teasing you. Honestly, and people think you're sweet tempered."
"You're a hot head too y'know!" The girl said, plopping herself beside her brother again.
"Shh… Don't ruin my reputation little sister. Now, talk to me."
Sayu brought one leg up and hugged it against her chest. Raito leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees and threaded his fingers together. He twisted his head a bit to look at his sister's profile, and waited.
"… Have you ever liked liked anyone, nii-chan?"
Raito blinked. Ah… this sort of conversation. He sighed and sincerely thought about all the people he had dated for the past few years but the answer was the same."… No."
"How do you know if you like like a person?"
"I don't really know," Raito said truthfully, "Like I said, I've never really liked anyone."
"Hmm… Then why did you go out with those girls before?" Sayu asked looking sideways at her brother.
Raito met her eyes. "They were okay, Sayu. I liked them enough… Just… not the way you're implying."
"Yeah but… Didn't you like some of them even a tiny bit?" she insisted.
"… To be honest, I really wasn't interested. You know how it was. They wouldn't leave me alone until I had at least one date with them."
"So… you just dated them to get rid of them?"
"No!" Raito exclaimed. "No, Sayu. I tried to see if I liked them but…I just… didn't."
"Oh." Sayu muttered, turning away.
"Oh?" Raito straightened up, and looked down at his sister's bowed head.
"Well… you see… this guy… Uhm… He uh, he kinda asked me out…"
"…And?" Raito prodded.
"I… said yes…" Sayu began to fidget with the covers.
"So what's the problem?"
"… I don't know… I just…"
"Just?" Raito persisted.
"…I'm not sure if he's serious about me," came the muffled reply.
Raito blinked and then smiled. He leaned back on the bed with his two hands before he said, "First of all little sister, you are far too young to be serious with anybody…"
"No I'm not! I'm fifteen!" Said Sayu with her furiously blushing face snapping up and facing Raito.
"…And two, if this guy so much as harms a strand of your hair, you can be sure I'll make his life a living hell."
"…" Sayu pouted.
"You know I can do it," Raito whispered dangerously.
"You scare me sometimes," Sayu huffed.
"Good thing I'm your brother then," Raito laughed, raising a hand to ruffle the girl's hair. "You have immunity from my wrath."
Sayu shook her head to release it from Raito's clutches and then turned fully to face her brother. "So you think it's okay I go out with him?"
"Depends," Raito shrugged. "I'm trusting that you'd pick a decent guy?"
"Of course!"
"Have you told our parents?"
"Uhm… not… yet?" Sayu said, eyes downcast and alternately looking left and right.
"Well, it's up to you. It's your life Sayu. But if you need me to punch the daylights out of the guy, I'm just a phone call away."
"… I think I like him, nii-chan…" Sayu whispered, hand fisting on her pajama collar.
"Good for you then, Sayu," Raito said quietly.
Sayu looked up at her brother and smiled. "I wish you'd like someone too."
"Keep wishing then," Raito sighed and fell back on the bed, feeling his eyes growing heavy. Fatigue was finally catching up with him and he welcomed it as it numbed his mind. "Keep wishing for me and just maybe it'll come true."
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LONG Post Author's Notes:
-- Well! That was a lot of movement and dialogue and internal ramblings! Jumpy? Too fast? Dragging? All of the above? I apologize. The main issue is to get the L and Light together neh? I'm moving towards that. Writing conversations with a laptop leaves so much to be desired. And yes, Teru will really come out in the later chapters. He's not just a file, or rather he won't be. Also, yes! I introduced the romance factor! Weeee! And yeah, so much drama in this chapter yeah? Lol!
-- On the first part: I purposely switched from 'Watari' to 'Quillish' to indicate the change between 'supposed assistant' to 'guardian.' L was asking permission if he could divulge their 'identities' and ask if it was wise of him to do so, since it would be a rather self-indulgent and spontaneous act on his part. I am well aware that L is the type of person who just does what he wants, but Quillish is by far the biggest part of his life and he allows himself to just be a bit less assured of himself around his father-figure – in this fic at least. Anyway, exposing himself is exposing Watari too. Oh, and BTW, you're not supposed to 'know' what L looks like yet. Remember the first chapters of the manga where you couldn't see his face? That's how I envisioned the scenes here.
-- On the third scene: I wasn't making it up. That scene was on a Monday, May 10, 2004. Tuesday would've allegedly been Aizawa's 35th Birthday, the 11th. I checked the calendar. I'm such a geek. u Translations: Tanjoubi Omedettou – Happy Birthday; 'desu' is a term usually added at the end of sentences to indicate respect, at least that's how it was explained to me.
-- Fourth part: Innuendo alert! Did you guys catch it? Though I don't think L realized it himself muahahaha! L is just intrigued by Raito at this point. Nothing sexual yet I'm afraid. Later though… Later…. ^_^
-- As usual, please review! It was rereading your reviews that made me recover from writer's blockiness! xDeepestEndx, yours still makes me laugh – hard. I wish I could translate it so people would get it, but I don't think it'll come out as funny. XD
-- Shameless plugging! Please read Havisham, a horror fic my friend Gabi and I wrote. It's our first joint literary venture and it's in my favorite stories list. Basically, it's a story in which Light returns to torture those who have caused his death. It's our first attempt at writing such gory things (horror) so please go see how we did, and if y'all would be so kind, leave us a review there for us as well.
-- And that concludes this chapter! See you all next time!
~Sunday~
P.S. Whoah. I haven't logged on FF for around two weeks and man (!)The new format got me so disoriented! But I love it!