A/N: Thanks for the reviews you guys! This is so exciting! Yeah, I decided I'm going to be posting these things like every day of I can because the stories already completely typed, so it's just a matter of posting and you guys reading and reviewing!

In this chapter, L learns a little lesson about sensitivity. Please review!

Chapter 17: Lesson

"Mom, it's fine. I'll come pick him up," Miya insisted as she brushed her hair, the phone held to her ear with her shoulder.

"Sweetheart, we still haven't seen your new house," her mother continued. Miya could hear Noah in the background giggling happily over something. "I really want to drop him off so I can see it."

"Mom, I'm going to be out all day tomorrow and it would really work better for me if I could just swing by and pick him up while I'm running errands," Miya continued to argue. True, there really weren't any errands, but she couldn't have her mom come see the huge high security detective complex she lived in. At least not yet. The excuse for why she was living there hadn't quite popped into her head.

"Alright fine," her mother sighed. "But really sweetheart, I want to see your new house."

"I know mom," she sighed, placing the brush down on the counter and checking her appearance. "You'll be able to soon." Miya hoped that would satisfy her for now, but sooner or later her mom was going to bust down the door.

Miya was almost to the main area of headquarters when she heard what sounded like a very serious conversation going on.

"They made it quite clear," Mr. Yagami was saying. "If you continue to work with L you'll be fired. That's all there is to it."

"Huh?" Miya wondered out loud, now jogging to the door. She entered the room to see the chief and Mogi facing Matsuda and Aizawa, who looked quite shocked. Light was over by the computers next to Ryuzaki, looking on at the scene. L was the only one who didn't seem concerned, but Miya knew that he was paying more attention than anyone.

"So, then chief you're gonna…" Matsuda trailed off.

"In a few hours I'll no longer be your chief," Mr. Yagami said with a touch of sadness. "However, we all have our own lives, so think it over carefully." Miya furrowed her eyebrows and slowly crept over to where L was, not wanting to interrupt the conversation going on.

"That's true chief," Matsuda agreed. "Especially if you've got a family to support." He was clearly talking about Aizawa, who was starting to look upset on top of surprised. Miya was still a little unclear on the exact situation and she couldn't help but ask.

"What's going on?" she whispered, mostly to L, though it was Light who answered her.

"The police gave in to Kira's bribes," he said back. "NPA members are no longer allowed to work on the case or they'll be fired."

"So they have to choose?" Miya clarified, placing a hand to her chest in concern. Light nodded and tuned back in to listen, as did Miya. However, it was L who spoke next.

"If you want my opinion, you'd be better off as police officers." Everyone gasped and turned to look at him as he continued. "I was alone when I started this case, and although I'm grateful to all of you for staying with me as long as you have, I know that I can do this by myself. I'll be sure to visit you at the department and bring you Kira's head as a reward for all that you've sacrificed."

'Ew, what a gross reward,' Miya couldn't help but think as Light spoke up.

"Ryuzaki, as long as I'm alive you won't be working alone. You have my word on that." He sounded so firm, and Miya was instantly worried. What if they did return to the police force? L would be working side by side with a person who was very possibly Kira! And so would she! But she would never leave L, and so she made her dedication known as well.

"Me too," Miya agreed. "I'm here to stay, no matter what happens." She eyed Light for a moment. She didn't like the idea of a team of three, especially if one of the three was still a suspect, but there was no turning back if that proved to be the case. She was in too deep in more than one way.

"Hmm that's right," L agreed. "I'll have Light working with me until I catch Kira, and Miya as well, so I won't be alone after all. But as I said, I think the rest of you should remain as police officers."

"But when you first contacted us," Mr. Yagami said, looking confused. "You said you would need the help of the police to solve this case."

"That's because the police as an organization were still hoping to arrest Kira," L continued. He held two cherries connected by a stem between his fingers. "They weren't bowing to him. Besides with all due respect there's a big difference between the help of two or three civilians and the police as an organization." He popped the fruit into his mouth and continued talking as he chewed. "As you said, the police have made their position clear. They don't want to catch Kira so let's just leave it at that."

'That makes sense,' Miya thought as she observed everyone's face. 'But still, I don't think everyone would want to just leave the case behind. We're all too caught up in it.' Apparently Mr. Yagami was thinking the same thing.

"Huh, well I suppose what you're saying makes sense," he agreed. "If we're not police officers anymore we won't be of much use to you. However, we're all personally involved in this. All of us have risked our lives to catch Kira. Doesn't that give us the right to decide whether we stay here or return to the police force?"

"Mm, good point," L said, pulling the cherry stems from his mouth. "By all means, please, make your decision." Miya wasn't sure how he could sound so uncaring about this. The idea of losing Aizawa, Matsuda, or Mr. Yagami as a team member was upsetting to her, and she hadn't even been on the case since the beginning. Her thoughts were completely skewed, however, when she noticed the stems in L's fingers. They were tied together in a knot!

'Damn…' Miya sighed in her head. She shook the distraction away, however, and turned to the other detectives to hear their answers.

"But chief wait," Aizawa was saying. "If you quit your job with the police force you'll be unemployed! Even if we do catch Kira, what are you gonna do after that?"

"After that?" Mr. Yagami repeated, cracking what Miya perceived to be a sort of smile. "I hadn't really thought of it. But I suppose after we catch Kira, I'll have to dust of my resume."

"Count me in!" Matsuda shouted enthusiastically. "I'm gonna quit the police and chase Kira too chief! And I still have my job as Misa Misa's manager! Besides, if I stayed on as a police officer, I'd feel like a total loser!" Miya rolled her eyes. Way to be insensitive Matsuda. She and Mr. Yagami were totally on the same page, as the lead officer cut him off sharply.

"Think before you open your mouth Matsuda!" Everyone then turned to see Aizawa, who now had his head hung low. Miya had a very strong urge to give him a hug and comfort him, because she knew he was thinking out of his family's best interest.

"Is there any way I could still keep my job and help you in my spare time?" the defeated detective asked hopefully.

"There isn't," L replied flatly. "If you remain a police officer then please don't come back here." Miya's mouth almost fell open. Was he really being this insensitive to someone who had been helping him for months?

"But you know I won't leak any information!" Aizawa shouted back.

"I won't be sharing any information," L replied, resulting in a number of gasps. "You're free to pursue Kira on your own if you want to but I don't think it's fair to your families to burden them by giving up your livelihood just to continue this. I can't see how that's a good idea." Hmm, so that's what L was thinking?

"It's as Ryuzaki says," Mr. Yagami said. "No one is going to blame you for quitting." Aizawa was clearly overwhelmed with emotions as his shoulders started to shake from his slight sobbing.

"Yeah, right," Matsuda said understandingly. "Well all understand why you've gotta do this."

"But the chief has a family too…" Aizawa managed to point out.

"Our situations are completely different," Mr. Yagami said.

"Yeah Aizawa you should do what's best for your wife and your kids," Miya agreed.

"Damn it…" Aizawa groaned shakily. "To leave now after all we've been through. I said I was prepared to die if that's what it took to catch Kira and I meant it!" His words turned to screams as he continued, and Miya felt tears pushing against her eyes. "What kind of friend would I be to Ukita if I quit now?! I became a detective so I could catch the bad guys, not run away!" Miya jumped slightly at the sound of Watari's voice chiming in over the computer.

"Ryuzaki," he said. "Early on in the investigation, you specifically told me that if a task force member were to lose their job under any circumstances, I should make preparations to ensure that their family's financial future was secure. If you recall, a trust was set aside for that very purpose. I'm a little curious as to why you're withholding this information?" Aizawa looked up in shock, as did Miya. Why would L keep that to himself? She knew damn well he didn't forget it; that wasn't like him.

"This is not the time or place Watari," L snapped.

"I'm sorry…" Watari apologized, buzzing out. Miya was suddenly very unhappy with where this session was going.

"No way," Matsuda said, walking up behind Ryuzaki. "So all this time we had nothing to worry about? I can't believe you did that! There you go Aizawa! Isn't that great news?" Aizawa, on the other hand, did not look relieved.

"Ryuzaki…" he said angrily. "I assume that was some kind of test to determine how committed I was to this task force."

"I-it's not like that Aizawa," Mr. Yagami stuttered, placing his hands up as a symbol to calm down. "Ryuzaki's just not the type to say things directly. You should know that by now."

"Yeah that's right," Matsuda agreed.

"That is right," Miya said in a stern voice. "But this was something different. You aren't just being indirect, are you?" She felt anger rise up inside her as L replied.

"No. I was testing you," he was now speaking to Aizawa, who was clearly angry, just as Miya now was. "I wanted to see which one you'd choose."

"Ryuzaki!" Mr. Yagami said, shocked.

"Fine then," Aizawa yelled. "If I wasn't sure before, I am now!"

"But Aizawa!" Matsuda protested.

"Let's face it," he continued. "I wasn't able to decide right away like you guys. I was leaning toward going back to the police."

"Come on Aizawa," Matsuda begged. "Don't be so stubborn!" Miya was glaring at L, fuming. How could he do this to Aizawa? Force him to choose!

"No I quit!" Aizawa yelled. "Now I know this for sure. I've always hated Ryuzaki. I hate him and his way of doing things!" He then turned and stormed for the door, leaving everyone standing around.

"That's too bad," L sighed. "Because I like you Aizawa." Aizawa froze at the door and turned around.

"I also hate how you've always gotta have the last word! You insult me, now you say something like that? That's it! I'm outta here!" And with that, Aizawa left the task force.

"Thank you for everything," L managed to say before he left. He didn't even turn around, and Miya wasn't sure if he was sincere or not. And she found she really didn't care. She took a deep breath and headed for the hallway.

"Where are you going Miya?" Matsuda asked, lifting his head to look at her. He looked concerned, and Miya wasn't sure how he managed that emotion on top of everything that had just happened.

"My room," she said. "I don't think I'm fit to work on this case any further."

"What?" L said, turning around. "But a moment ago you said…"

"That was before I realized a requirement for working on this case was putting your family's needs last," she snapped, turning to face him. "Sorry, but if it came down to Noah's security and this case, I'd choose Noah. My family. Just like Aizawa did."

"Miya…" L began.

"I'll be out first thing in the morning, don't worry," she snapped before storming from the hall. L slumped back in his chair as everyone cautiously returned to work. Matsuda shot him a glance, knowing the detective was feeling the hurt now. And L was suddenly feeling very bad about his words. He hadn't meant to suggest to Miya that the case was more important than her own son. But suddenly he wasn't sure what to do to fix things.

"How are you just sitting there?" Matsuda whispered to Ryuzaki when he had the opportunity. Mr. Yagami, and Mogi were across the room, busy with work for the investigation, and Light was as far away as handcuffs would allow, typing away on the computer. "Miya is upstairs hating you right now. Shouldn't you go talk to her?"

"I intend to," L replied. "But I can't rush off now. Everyone would assume things about Miya and me."

"But…you're dating, so what's it matter?"

"I can't risk Kira knowing about her."

"Okay fine but…I really think you should go see her now. Just some advice to a guy who somehow got lucky."

"Matsuda, please get back to work," L replied flatly. "Obviously you're forgetting a small detail that prohibits my leaving." He jangled his wrist slightly to point out the handcuff.

"So what?" Matsuda said back, finding some type of confidence. "I know you're thinking about talking to her, and she's probably upstairs packing right now! You honestly want her to leave?"

"…no…" L said finally.

"Then go get her!" Matsuda encouraged.

"I agree," Watari added from across the line. L just sat in his chair, staring blankly. How exactly did they suggest he go without dragging Light with him?

"What are you guys talking about?" Light wondered, turning from his computer to look at the group. "Why are you whispering?"

"Oh…hehe…uh, Ryuzaki isn't feeling well! I think he's going to be sick!"

"Huh?" L wondered. "Oh, yeah I feel very sick."

"Great, then I guess we need to go to the bathroom," Light sighed. "I didn't exactly picture spending my day watching you throw up but…"

"No, you can't go with him Light Yagami," Watari's voice chimed in. "I was in the midst of sending some case information I wanted Ryuzaki to look over but now that he's sick, I need you to do it."

"But we're attached…" Light pointed out, holding up his chained wrist.

"Ryuzaki has a key," Watari said. "Quick, unlock yourself and go before you feel worse."

"Yeah, you look a little green," Matsuda added.

"Light will be fine with us watching," Watari added. L sighed and reluctantly unhooked the cuff, looking around for somewhere to hook it. He settled for Matsuda, who found himself hooked to Light in a matter of seconds.

"Just for a few minutes…" L said. Matsuda shot him a look, and L remembered he was supposed to be sick. "Ohhh…." He moaned on the way out. He wasn't sure what to do to add to the sound effect, so he just walked faster, clutching his stomach.

"Where's he going?" Mr. Yagami wondered as L stepped out the door.

"Oh, he had a vegetable or something for lunch," he heard Matsuda explaining as he headed toward the elevator. "Doesn't really agree with him apparently. He looked like he was going to puke right on the desk. I'm betting he'll be gone for a while." L shook his head and stuffed his hands in his pockets. That idiotic Matsuda. But it seemed effective enough, as L was on his way to Miya's room alone…which now had him worried. What would she say? And what was he supposed to say?

He made it to her room and knocked cautiously. When no one replied, he turned the knob and stepped into the living area, looking around for the brunette. He found her in the bedroom, an unpacked suitcase on the bed. She was watching TV, her arms crossed in front of her.

"Go away L," she snapped without looking at him.

"I didn't mean to upset you…" L began. It was all he knew to say. Miya ignored him for a moment before taking a deep breath and turning toward him.

"How could you do that to Aizawa?" she demanded.

"I didn't do anything to him," L replied. "He chose to return to the police and that's that."

"No, you made him think it was either the police or financial insecurity," Miya reminded. "You were testing him to see which he'd choose."

"I was," L admitted.

"Well, what's the point?" Miya snapped. "What does it matter? He wanted to help with the investigation! Why couldn't you have just told him about the trust? That way he could have spared himself that hard decision?"

"Miya, what's this really about?" L wondered. "Is it truly about Aizawa?"

"No, it's actually about me," Miya replied sharply. "Because it seems to me like Aizawa and I are not that different. We both have families to think about, and I'm going to be honest with you, if it had been me in his situation I would have chosen the police in a heartbeat. I wouldn't risk Noah's security even if I wanted to stay on the case."

"I know that," L said.

"Do you?" Miya wondered. "Because I mean that. If I were forced to choose between making sure Noah was secure or working on a case with you, I would choose Noah. You realize this?"

"I do," L said. "Noah is everything to you."

"Then how could you make Aizawa make that decision?" she snapped. "So what if he put his family first? I really can't stick around here L if you expect me to put the case above my own family."

"I never said I expected that," L defended.

"I just think you were being one hundred percent insensitive," Miya clarified. "Aizawa cared deeply for both his family and his work and you forced him to choose. I don't think you really know what that feels like."

"Perhaps not," L thought out loud, placing his finger to his lips in thought.

"You care for me and Noah, right?" Miya asked suddenly.

"Even more than you're aware of, I think," L replied.

"Okay then, if I asked you to drop the case right now for me, would you?" L eyed her curiously.

"Hmm?"

"I'm asking you to drop the Kira investigation," Miya explained. "Let someone else take over. I can't handle it but I don't want to leave without you. Will you come? If you don't I understand, but I won't be able to see you anymore if you choose to stay."

"Miya…I…" L sputtered.

"Well, which do you choose?" she wondered. L sighed for a moment before speaking.

"I understand," he said finally. Miya stood up.

"Do you see how difficult that was? That's what you did to Aizawa today in front of everyone. I know you've never had to make a choice like that before, and I know you've never really had anyone else to worry about besides yourself, but maybe you can start thinking about the factors that weigh on people's lives."

"I'll try," L said.

"Thank you," Miya sighed, sitting back on the bed. "Because you really pissed me off in there, and I was this close to quitting, I'm telling you." She met his eyes to let him know that she was serious.

"I know," L said. "I saw it in your face earlier. I was worried, that much is true, but I'm glad you've chosen to stay."

"Well you were being a smart ass on top of everything else so you're lucky I'm talking to you now," Miya continued.

"A…smart ass…?" L wondered. Miya ignored him as she continued.

"And one more serious thing we need to talk about."

"This is turning into quite the lecture," L mumbled. "What is it?"

"Why did you not tell me you could tie cherry stems into knots with your tongue?" This caught L off guard, and Miya laughed, standing up to grab her empty suitcase and shoving it under the bed.

"Sorry, a fit opportunity to share that information never really came up," L replied. Miya rolled her eyes and pointed to the door.

"Alright now get out of here you jerk before the task force wonders where you went." It then occurred to her that something was missing. "Wait, where's Light? And your handcuffs?"

"Light is currently attached to Matsuda, who along with Watari devised a foolproof escape plan," L said, standing up and heading for the door. "Matsuda has informed everyone that I am throwing up due to eating vegetables."

"Very believable," Miya nodded. L stopped at the door and turned to face her.

"I am sorry," he said sincerely.

"It's okay," Miya sighed. "I think you understand a little better now." L nodded and headed from the room, now with a slightly new perspective on things.