I do not own Death Note

Chapter 39 Mirror Mirror

The card slid smoothly into the slot. A small green light flashed, letting me know the keycard Watari had given me had worked. I slipped the card back into my pocket and held back a shudder. The hallway outside of L and Light's room wasn't necessarily cold, but the dark just had that effect. I rubbed my bare arms once, trying to get rid of goose bumps as I waited for Watari to give the go ahead for the door to open.

The wait was short and the door smoothly popped open with a barely audible click. I stepped inside, shutting the door softly behind me. The room was dark. Just as dark as the hallway had been, which would explain why L hadn't immediately noticed my presence. There wasn't any light to leak in, revealing me.

I waited for my eyes to adjust, the small green light from the door leaving spots in my eyes. Light was most likely asleep, and while he was a heavy sleeper, I didn't want to risk waking him up by blundering around. Slowly the room came into focus. It was nearly a mirror image of my room. That was my first impression anyway. Until the differences made themselves known.

The bed was larger. Compensating for the other body that I doubted would ever lay in it. There was a lock on the large window. There wasn't a lock on the bathroom. Small things really. Little securities L had. It was then I noticed the mirrors.

My room only had a mirror in the bathroom; nowhere else. Here though, the room was full of the reflective surfaces. I was slightly surprised. L was not one for mirrors. I turned towards one out of curiosity. In the darkness, I looked slightly unreal. My skin looked pale, silvery almost. My eyes looked too large for my face, and too dark. My hair seemed to weigh more and was also darker. I cocked my head. Any warmth in my expression seemed sucked away. Movement in the corner of the mirror made me look down, to see L staring at me through the mirror, his expression blank.

I whirled around, my head and heart pounding. He met my wild gaze steadily, unblinking.

"You scared me," I whispered hoarsely.

"I surmised as much," he answered, his lips curving up into a smile.

I relaxed, straightening from the instinctive crouch my body had sunk into. I crept over to the bed, now hyperaware of all the mirrors tracking my progress. I sat on a chair near the bed; an exact match to the one L was perched in.

"I…I just." I stopped, starting again. "We haven't talked much lately,"

"We talk every day," L interrupted.

"I mean outside the case," I corrected, "and I wanted to…apologize."

"In that case, I accept your apology. Though I do not know under what circumstances," L admitted his voice low.

"For the whole Yotsuba situation." L tilted his head, clearly not understanding. I ran a hand through my hair. "I shouldn't have undermined your authority. This is your case, and in situations regarding the case, I need to behave accordingly. I'm supposed to be supporting you, not fueling arguments from everyone else."

"I was not upset with you in either case," L said. "I was well aware of your friendship with Matsuda and the set of ideals your father raised you with. In any case, it was more upsetting how Light and your father refused to rationalize the situation. But I suppose I also owe you an apology as well."

"For what?" I asked in genuine surprise.

"For my manipulation tactics tonight."

"Actually, that was funny. You weren't really coercing Misa into anything she didn't want to do. And Light would have been exceptionally bored if he was working with Dad anyway. He's only pretending to be angry to save face," I explained. L smirked.

"That is not surprising in any case. However, while you are here, I want to discuss something with you."

Almost instinctually, my eyes flashed over to where Light was sleeping. Automatically, I checked for the signs proving he was faking unconsciousness. I relaxed when I heard a small catch in Light's breathing. Light's breathing was smooth while he was awake and as far as he knew, he didn't even show a difference when pretending to be asleep and actual unconsciousness.

L leaned forward, bringing my gaze back to him. I shifted uncomfortably, aware of what was coming next.

"In regards to my earlier theory, what do you believe is the truth?" L asked his eyes keenly focused on me.

What do you believe is the truth?

I swallowed heavily, and my posture sagged. I was sure defeat was plain on my features.

"I think you're right," I admitted softly. "Light is…was Kira, at one point." I looked over at Light's sleeping form once more. His face was so innocent; so open. I shook my head. "But not anymore. Whether by his own devices or by some God playing puppeteer, I don't know. But not now. I want to say he never will be Kira again…but I can't. I can't say that honestly." My voice sharpened. "But know this Ryuzaki, I'm going to enjoy every damn minute I've got left with him like it's our last." I paused, wanting to make sure he understood. "So for now, could you hold off please? I just want to forget that. I don't know how much longer I'll be able to treat him as my brother." L nodded solemnly.

"At this point, I'm unsure if I'll have the strength to execute Light if I do convict Kira." I looked at him in confusion. "Please don't misunderstand, it is not my own friendship with Light that causes me doubt. But at this point in time, I truly believe death too merciful for Kira." The room seemed to get colder at the moment. The ice in L's voice seeping into the room. I felt the irrational desire to place myself between him and Light.

"And if Light was proved to be Kira, it would be a waste. A waste of his intelligence and of the surviving families of his crusade. No. For Light, for Kira," L corrected himself, "it would be far more suiting to have him chained at his enemy's feet. That would be the ultimate humiliation." L sighed, losing his heavy tone. "And the effect on you would be devastating. Your reaction to his confinement resulted in you becoming nearly comatose, in the event of his actual execution, you may be reduced to little more than an empty shell."

"Do you really believe that?"

"Yes. I do. The two of you are extremely codependent. Before Light's confinement, he displayed it in acts of aggression and manipulation. He disliked sharing you, and the thought of losing you to my side was nearly unbearable. However, since the confinement, your relationship has become more muted and healthy."

I blinked at the blunt analyzation. "Really? We're codependent."

"To a much lesser extent at the present, but yes." L paused for a moment. "Out of curiosity, is our relationship," L hesitated again, "…normal?" I smiled, while L fidgeted uncomfortably; a complete one-eighty from moments before.

"Normal?"

"Ah, yes."

My smile grew. "I hadn't really considered it, but yes I suppose. We seemed to have skipped the uh, 'physical stage,' but otherwise we seem to be following the standard."

"Physical stage?" It was my turn to fidget.

"You know what I mean. Where we um, can't keep our hands off each other?" I winced. L made a noncommittal noise. "Did you want to have a more physical relationship?" I found myself asking, face flushed.

"Ah, not necessarily. It was merely an errant thought. Not that I don't enjoy being physical with you…" L trailed off, clearly uncomfortable. "You should probably go to sleep," L suggested awkwardly.

"Yeah," I agreed, I glanced up, another mirror catching my eye, "but can I ask you a question first?" L nodded. "Why are there so may mirrors in here?" L sighed and leaned backwards.

"That is an irrational addition on my part. I seemed to have convinced myself that Kira will be unable to kill me this way. The mirrors will act as a sort of talisman, revealing his presence before he can act. That of course is not the case, but I feel more secure."

"I would find it more unsettling then reassuring."

"I suppose, but the only thing more frightening then looking into a mirror alone, is to find someone behind you."

"Good night, Ryuzaki."

"Good night, Rei."

I kissed his cheek, and left, shutting the door on the mirrors and their reflections.

"Alright, let's try it again from the top," L ordered from behind the yellow cone.

I smirked from where I was sitting; tucked up in one of the many chairs Misa's room had. Light stood disinterestedly behind L, the chain preventing him from sitting as well. Misa sat across from Aiber. The two were currently rehearsing the speech L had prepared in order to fool the Yotsuba group.

"Tell me, Misa," Aiber began, leaning forward, his hands interlocked beneath his chin, "is is true you once said that you came to Tokyo in order to meet Kira?"

"WHAAAAAAAAT?" Misa answered in over exaggerated disbelief.

I held back laughter when L brought the faux megaphone he was using down on Misa's head. Aiber winked at me, which only prompted more laughter. Light's expression turned irritated.

"Misa, please stop overacting. It looks too cheesy, not to mention fake," L critiqued blandly.

"Huh? But I thought that was a realistic performance…" Misa whined.

"Do it again."

"Whatever you say oh so great director," Misa mocked waving her hands around.

"If you don't get serious about this, I will kick you."

Light sighed and sent me a pleading look which I returned as sympathetically as I could manage. Which incidentally, wasn't all too sympathetic. I was enjoying myself far too much.

Enjoying the moments before we were thrust into the fire.

I sighed softly, looking out the window of the car Mogi was driving. I forced myself to watch the changing scenery rather than my own reflection. It wasn't preventing narcissism that I had in mind, rather L's words last night.

Since that conversation I had been preoccupied with anything with a reflective surface. That idea of seeing someone over my shoulder…it was chilling. I know L hadn't meant to frighten or worry me with the explanation, but I found myself still fixed upon the idea.

I pulled myself away from the window, instead turning to Misa and Mogi.

"And of course that means you two can't forget your covers either!" Misa reminded, apparently in the midst of a conversation I hadn't realized I was a part of. "Mochi, you're going to play the character of a hyperactive manager, okay?"

"Right! Bring it on! HUUH!" Mogi said, the normally stoic man getting in character.

"And Rei, you're gonna be my quiet and mild mannered escort, got it?"

"Of course, Misa," I said softly, fixing my glasses.

Mogi pulled into the parking complex, and we all emerged in character. Mogi was practically bouncing as he pelted Misa with encouragement. Misa ate it up, glowing. I trailed behind, fidgeting with my skirt and glasses; brushing back nonexistent flyaways.

We stepped inside and Mogi spoke with a secretary who made a call, assuring us we would only have a few minutes of a wait. True to her word, two members of the Yotsuba group, a bald man I recognized as Ooi, as well as another came down to personally take Misa to the meeting.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Ooi apologized stiffly.

"Good morning! I'm Misa Misa's manager Konichi Mochi, I'm also known as Mochi," Mogi introduced giving the men his alias. "This is Misa's escort Rei Asahi." I gave a slight bow, keeping my eyes focused downwards.

"Ooi-san! Shibura-san! It's so nice to see you again!" Misa greeted happily.

"Good luck Misa Misa! I'll be right here ready to celebrate when they decide to hire you!" Mogi called out as we were shuttled to the elevator.

I focused on making myself as small as possible in the elevator and continued to avoid eye contact. Luckily the men proceeded to ignore me, and Misa filled the silence when brainless chatter.

When they were about to actually enter the conference room, I took a seat outside. I was here to provide incentive to return Misa. The plan required the group to be alone with Misa. It would be easier for Aiber to question her that way.

I relaxed slightly once Misa was inside, and the first questions didn't seem to take long, as Higuchi burst out only after a few minutes. Misa followed after, murmuring something to me about the bathroom. I stood to follow, but a hand grabbed my wrist.

"Asahi-san?" I turned to see Namikawa.

"Ah, hello," I answered, the shaking of my voice not entirely forced.

"Are you accompanying Misa?" he asked, curiosity in his voice, though his eyes were narrowed.

"Yes." I nodded fiercely, my eyes on his grip on my wrist.

"I apologize," Namikawa said, releasing my wrist. "I merely wanted to catch your attention. I wished to express my condolences for your friend." Right. Matsuda.

"It couldn't be helped. He was careless, it was bound to happen eventually."

"Yes, but I was considering the traumatic aspect of it, and I was wondering if…perhaps you would like a position here at Yotsuba?" I looked up sharply at him. His face was pure calculation. He hadn't bought my act. He was hoping to obtain more information from me. "I assure you it will be quite a high position, paid well and won't require your interaction with anyone excluding myself." I returned his gaze coolly.

"I'm afraid I can't accept. I've become rather attached to this position. Its rewards are more than monetary gain," I said icily. He recoiled slighty. We both knew we weren't talking about a job anymore.

"Of course. I understand. But the offer still stands, regardless of your choice now. Who knows what sort of circumstances will occur after this?" I ignored the implied threat.

"Now if you'll excuse me, Misa may need me." I left before he could answer.

I followed the same path the blonde had taken down the hallway. I stopped in front of the restroom, about to enter, when the sound of voices stopped me. Or rather just Misa's voice. I paused, deciding not to open the door any farther. Instead I pressed my ear to the crack, listening.

Misa was talking to herself. Now under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have found this strange, but she was pausing in between sentences, as if she were talking to someone or something. I couldn't make out any of the words. The reverberation from the bathroom, while amplifying sound, garbled the words themselves.

There was a long pause, and I backed away from the door. Misa came out a few moments later, a big smile on her face. I returned it, and she began to walk back down the hallway. Rather than follow her, I waited until she was out of sight, and then I went inside.

The sound of my footsteps echoed heavily in the empty bathroom. I bit my lip and stopped moving, holding my breath. The silence was pressing down on me. I couldn't breathe anymore even if I wanted to. My heart began thudding loudly in my ears, my pulse rocketing skywards.

Moving slowly, like in a bad dream, I moved towards the mirror on the wall. I placed my hands down on either side of the sink, still avoiding the mirror's reflection.

"I suppose, but the only thing more frightening then looking into a mirror alone, is to find someone behind you."

I looked into the mirror.

There was nothing there.

My breath rushed out.

Just me and my pale face and rushed breathing and fear in my eyes.

"Mirror mirror," I muttered weakly to myself.

~Author's Note~

This still wasn't as creepy as I wanted it. Darn.

I got another fanart from the wonderful World without L is just a word. It's of Rei and a cute little chibi L. It's adorable. It's on the Survivor Facebook page. It's gorgeous. Go look at it.

Thanks for all the reviews!

littlecookiefan: Exactly what I was thinking actually. L isn't one to screw around with girls anyway.

AlbinoButterfly: Right on all accounts actually. AHAHA I still crack myself up. Rays of Light indeed.

Pc: Whitmore would like that, eh? Sowwy about your back.

Jayne Foyer: Why are you telling me this? I learned everything about writing from you! Seriously! Yes. We need to Skype. Soon. I'll be waiting my sister.

World without l is just a word: Are you kidding me? That review was HUGE. I can't promise I won't kill L. I may, I may not. Who knows? Well, I do. But I can guarantee a happy ending. I've been sitting on that joke for a while actually XD. Nobody seems to have gotten how Rei's name is sort of a pun, so I just threw it out there. The picture was BEAUTIFUL. I'm so jealous of your skills. Especially because I used to be able to draw anime, but now I can't. Just apples. Weird, but Ryuk would approve. Sorry about college, but I'm really looking forward to college. High school is incredibly easy and boring for me. I'm in all the stupid smart classes. So we have advanced material, but have to go slowly because of all the dumb smart kids…if that makes sense.

Clarice: Sorry for the lack of smart talks. There's really nowhere to fit them in. They tend to work better when Rei and l are alone, and that's hard to do with the handcuffs. I sort of managed it here, but not properly. I can promise a smart talk once the handcuffs come off. After L's bday ;)

Grrr: I actually live in Cali, but I've got a friend visiting there right now. But I've been there. It's my dream city. I love it. It's beautiful.

Gwen: I usually only watch once usually, but I make notes on dialogue, movements, inner monologues and such.