Author's note: So I know a lot of people don't like Misa and think she's a bit of an idiot, but she isn't completely stupid. I'd like to remind everyone that she thought ahead enough that she had some success as the second Kira, plotting, sending the tapes, and finding Light without a bump. Just because she is also bubbly and enthusiastic doesn't mean she's any less intelligent- I think a lot of the stupid things she did in the original series stemmed from her infatuation with Light, which impaired her judgment. Not saying you have to like her, or anything, but I am of the opinion that she doesn't get enough credit.

February 9th, 2004

7:00 am

Light did not move as Misa slipped quietly into the seat beside him. She was silent for a few minutes, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, but eventually she gave up and spoke.

"Shouldn't Light have school today?"

Light shifted slightly, making eye contact with the model for the first time. "I preferred it when you talked in the first person."

"Sorry. Shouldn't you have school today?" Misa corrected, blushing a little.

"Yes, but I'm skipping. I'll be okay if I miss a little school. Besides..." he glanced at the double doors at the end of the waiting room. "I wouldn't be able to focus, anyway."

Misa nodded. "I guess that makes sense... have you learned anything new?"

Light nodded as well. "I got to see her a little while ago. Mom and Dad are in there with her, now. She's on a respirator, but she should be off it soon."

"I see... has she woken up at all?"

Light swallowed, mouth dry. "No."

Both of their heads snapped to the doors as they swung open. Light's mother entered the waiting room, and both stood. Sachiko Yagami smiled weakly. "She's doing better. They say that she'll wake up soon."

Some of the tension in Light's shoulders eased. "Could we see her?"

Sachiko's eyes lingered on Misa for a moment before she focused on her son. "Only two at a time, Light, and your father's with her now. I'm going home to bring your father some clothes and food. You should come, Light."

Light glanced down at himself. He hadn't changed his clothes since last night—he was still covered in dried vomit. "I suppose you're right... Oh, Mom. This is Misa, a friend and coworker."

Sachiko smiled and bowed a little. "Nice to meet you, Misa."

Misa bowed deeply. "Glad to meet you, too, Mrs. Yagami. I'm sorry it's under these circumstances."

Sachiko smiled more sadly now. So that's where Sayu got it, Light realized. "Yes."

Misa shifted from foot to foot. "Light, could Misa—um. Could I take you to get an early lunch or something, once you've changed? I'd like to talk to you."

"I think that's a wonderful idea," Sachiko decided for her son. Light nodded in acquiescence.

"Oh, um, good. How about here?" Misa scribbled an address on a small scrap of paper. "About 11?"

"That's fine." Light accepted the slip of paper and placed it in his pocket. He just wanted to get home and take a long, hot shower to wash away the sick and exhaustion.

11:00 am

Misa had let her hair down. She also wore a simple, unadorned black dress and light make-up. The effect made her look older, more mature, and very much unlike her usual self.

Light figured that this was the point, brushing his hand against the pepper spray that he had taken to carrying around with him again. Not that it would protect him from poison.

Misa forced a smile as Light sat down across from her at an out-of-the-way table at the back of the cafe. She pushed a red gift bag across the table toward Light. He raised an eyebrow in question.

"For when Sayu wakes up," Misa said, keeping her voice light. "She's a fan, right? I though she might like some of my clothes. We are about the same size, after all. Don't worry, big brother," she teased, "They're conservative enough."

"I wasn't worried," Light said smoothly. He was beginning to change his opinion on Misa—she was actually quite pleasant, it seemed, as long as she wasn't being overbearing and loud. "It's a kind thought."

There was a lull in conversation while Light and Misa perused the menus and ordered food. Light took a large coffee as well, and Misa frowned.

"Have you slept at all?"

"A little," Light said evasively.

"...In a bed?"

Light smiled wryly. "No."

Misa shook her head, then said, "You said... would you mind if..."

Light thanked the waitress as she set down his coffee and Misa's water. "Go ahead."

"Could I talk to you about your stalker?" She asked the table in a quiet whisper.

Light had expected that. He sipped the black coffee gratefully before sighing, "You can, but I can't say too much about it."

"That's all right." Misa hesitated. "Did you know him?"

"No. We were never introduced."

"Yeah..." Misa said. "Me neither. What did he do?"

"Student." Light said shortly. He killed criminals. You supported him.

Misa seemed to realize that was a touchy area because she said, "Where is he now?"

Light smiled bitterly. "Institution for the criminally insane." He should be dead.

Misa smiled, too. "Well, that's good." Her smile fell. "I didn't even know he was following me, you know?"

Light hummed. "Your agent gives you your mail, right?"

Misa blinked. "How'd you know?"

"My bet is that he screens it for anything negative or threatening. Your stalker probably tried to contact you, or at least sent you a few letters."

"Did yours contact you?" Misa asked, looking sick.

"Letters every day, phone calls every night. He broke into my house a few times." Light paused, wondering whether to tell Misa the next part. He decided that it couldn't hurt—it was, after all, in the police report. "He left rotten apples as gifts."

"Oh, Light," Misa sounded defeated. She put her head in her hands. "I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault."

Misa looked miserably at Light. "That doesn't make me feel any better."

Light sighed and looked away. "Yeah, I know."

12:30 pm

"Hey, Light," Sayu said weakly. "Hey, Misa. You guys dating yet?"

Light smiled weakly. "You must be okay, if you're already teasing me."

"I got you something," Misa said quietly, handing Sayu the red gift bag with a smile. Sayu took it with mild curiosity, withdrawing a black dress with white and gray lace and bows. Sayu grinned and coughed a little.

"Is this what you wore for the Teen Reader shoot?"

"Yeah, they let me keep it. I thought you'd like it."

"Thanks, Misa. You didn't have to do that."

"Did Dad tell you what happened?" Light asked gently. Sayu nodded.

"And I don't blame either of you, so you can stop beating yourselves up now."

Light chuckled. "Doubtful."

Sayu pouted a little. "Don't be such a downer, Light. It's my fault, anyway, for pigging out on a whole plate of cookies."

Light frowned. "Don't say that, Sayu."

Sayu rolled her eyes. "Now you know how ridiculous I think you're being. Although..." She paled a little bit. "I don't think I'll be eating cookies again any time soon."

1:45 pm

"Misa."

Misa turned hopefully to Light, watching the afternoon sun illuminate his tired, but still handsome face. "Yes?"

"I'll be seeing you on the fourteenth, because it's already been agreed to," Light began, "but after that I'm not modeling for anything but the art class anymore. I think it'll be better that way—both for myself and for my family. It's not your fault, but I wanted to tell you now, in person, rather than have you hear it through your agent."

Misa nodded, disappointed. "Mi- I understand. I wish you'd keep on with it, but... do you mind if I stop by sometimes? To visit you, and Sayu?"

Light shrugged. "If you like."

He turned and walked away. Misa watched him until he disappeared around the corner, then scuffed her shoe on the ground. It was a cruel world, she thought, where the one boy who didn't love her was the one she fell hopelessly in love with.