A/N First authors note! WOOT! I just thought it was necessary to apologize for this chapter. I know it's short, and not very good, but I was slammed by writers block and hadn't updated in almost a week! *gasp!* Thank you all for your amazing reviews. This is my first multi-chap story (and second story ever...) so your reviews are much needed and appreciated for their motivation and encouragement! I couldn't have gone on without you all. I think I know where this is going... but a little more plot was needed? Yes? Thank you all for reading!

L POV

After our cake induced adventure, Light and I found ourselves back in our room. I was, once again, pouring over useless information, and Light had given up the facade of working all together. Normally, I would have reprimanded the arrogant teen, but even I could find it in myself to admit that his "work" would be of no real assistance. I almost considered joining him in his apathetic stupor, but with the investigation so thoroughly stuck in the mud, taking yet another break would feel like giving up.

Of course, I thought as a glanced furtively at my cuff-mate, I could be much closer to Kira than it appeared. If Light was Kira, I would technically already have the murderer under lock and key. Surprisingly, this frequently visited train of thought did not offer its usual condolences. I thought of Light, laughing manically in the face of death, locked in a poorly kept prison cell with an unfashionable attire, trying (and hopefully failing) to kill me, Light as Kira... I held back a shudder. I felt... disturbed. Disturbed and... sad? No, no, that wasn't a strong enough word for the emotion that had twisted my stomach in a painful knot. Perhaps... miserable? It was an odd thought, misery at the thought of justice being served. This had never occurred before. The lives and fates of my criminals never induced any form of emotion. My duty was to catch the criminals, then sit back and let justice take its course. This murderer shouldn't feel any different.

But then again, what solid proof did I have that Light was Kira? Profiling? A strong gut feeling? Of course, my instincts had a 100% accuracy rate... But perhaps this misery, this emotion was another instinct. A form of guilt at having accused an innocent man? No, I could not allow myself to have second thoughts! A conflicted mind does not work at its full capacity. If I was going to truly catch Kira... Light... my friend... then I had to be resolute.

"L?" My suspect's silky voice disturbed my troubled musings.

"Light-kun, please silence yourself, I am trying to work."

"But, you're not working any more." I glanced down at my still hands. It appeared as though I have unknowingly ceased my research.

"That is correct, Light-kun."

"Why? I mean, are you okay? What are you thinking about?"

"Do you honestly believe I would allow a potential Kira to peer into my thoughts? Suspiciously nosey, Light-kun..."

"L, I am not-"

"Your denials will not change my opinion." For nothing would change my opinion. For the sake of the world, I must be firm in my beliefs.

Light groaned, "Why can't we ever have a normal conversation, L? I'm worried about you, and you jump to accusations!"

"I must consider all possibilities, Light-kun. You, as Kira, could be attempting to leap one step ahead of me by gleaning my thoughts."

"Must you always be so cautious? Even if I was Kira, I would have no idea how to use such information against you."

"Nevertheless, the inner workings of my mind is a confidential area."

"I suppose that's understandable. I guess I just wanted to know what you were worried about, because... I'm slightly concerned at our predicament."

"Please elaborate."

"We haven't gotten anywhere in the case in the past two months. There are no new leads, no new clues. It could easily continue in this pattern, then Kira would continue to reign. He could win, and we could lose. Plus, I'd have to remain handcuffed to you for the rest of my life," He tossed me a playful smile for good measure. I nodded considering his words.

"I would like to instill confidence in you, Light-kun, but I myself am having similar thoughts." His face fell slightly, and he continued to stare at me, as if he wanted to continue speaking with me, but had nothing left to say. "Light-kun?" I ventured.

"Yes, L?"

"Is it true that you so adamantly dislike being handcuffed to me?"

Light's eyes widened and his face flushed a delicate pink, "Uh... to be perfectly honest I-" He averted his eyes from my prodding gaze, "I don't really mind, that much. I mean, I would like to have more privacy, and being with you twenty four seven can lead to fights and annoyance, but... I'm glad it's you."

I felt as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Had this truly been a concern of mine, whether Light was repulsed at the thought of being with me or if he enjoyed my company? Nevertheless, it seemed the latter was the case. Light was still looking down, chestnut hair obscuring his bright eyes. Was he truly ashamed at such an admission? Why wouldn't he want to admit that he was at the very least tolerant of me?

"Light-kun, you should know that I very much enjoy your company. I am also thankful that you are the one I must share my time with."

"Uh... thanks..." He mumbled. His behavior was awfully strange. His abashed response was not characteristic of the young prodigy. Uncharacteristic, but rather... cute, I decided.

It was as if Light had slipped from his pedestal of perfection and vanity, peeled off some of his mask. Underneath, I found a boy who was charming, slightly insecure, caring, and rather adorable. I had previously thought that his facade hid a person much more sinister and, to be perfectly honest, blatantly insane and murderous. Otherwise, what was the purpose of acting? I wondered if such an inquiry would be to prodding, crossing the boundaries of interaction even as friends. However, there was only a 3% chance it would hurt to try. And knowing such a thing would... benefit the case. Yes, investigative purposes only.

"Light-kun?"

"Yes?"

"Why do you censor your behavior?"

The poor boy looked honestly confused. "What? What do you mean by that?"

"I was curious as to why you hold up a facade."

His copper eyes darkened. "I have always been honest with you, L. I am being perfectly sincere when I tell you I'm not-"

"Hypothetically speaking," I interrupted. Annoyance flicked across the teen's indignant face. "if you weren't Kira-"

"Which is true."

"Hypothetically." I amended. "You would still permeate an aura of lies and deceit. I can tell when someone is being honest with me, Light-kun. Especially after being in your constant company, I can tell what is your true self, and when you are putting on your mask. Recently, it seems as though you are being rather sloppy. Are you simply overwhelmed by the change of environment? Or is it something else?"

"I-uh-I"

"I can assure you, Light-kun, your response will not affect your percentages."

"Your lying. Everything affects your percentages."

"Perhaps we are both hiding behind a false face. I do so out of necessity, considering my position and upbringing. Tell me, what is your reason?"

"I-I don't know. That's the way it always has been. I suppose, I don't like to get too close to people either."

"But, Light-kun, you have many friends, and prior to this case, an average life. There is no need to withhold yourself from others."

"Well..." Light's eyes grew distant and his voice dropped, as if he were speaking to himself rather than upholding a conversation. "They wouldn't like me. They all like perfection. I can be perfect. I willbe perfect."

"Light-kun, no one can truly be perfect."

"I am perfect."

"Your need to hide your true self speaks otherwise." Light glared at me, a pregnant silence filling the air.

"You have no right to judge me," he eventually spat out. "You are no better."

"I never claimed to be perfect." Light scowled and faced the wall. What a fascinating, fascinating boy. I wanted to study him, to unravel his complex, brilliant mind and learn his secrets. No, I wanted to earn the secrets of this beautiful, troubled teen... for the case of course. He could be Kira... I forcibly pushed that thought aside. Kira wouldn't allow me to see him so vulnerable. Of course, it could have been a tactful trick to guide me to this very conclusion. I quickly buried that thought. I can tell when someone is lying, and those word were spoken with sincerity.

Ring! Ring!

I picked up the offending object between my thumb and finger.

"Who is it?" Light reluctantly faced me, clearly riddled with curiosity.