Chapter twenty- Ryuuzaki.

"That's it!" Misa cried, throwing her hands in the air. "I freakin' hate that man!"

Matsuda followed closely, absolutely mystified by her rantings. "Uh, L or Ryuuzaki?" He asked sheepishly.

"BOTH! She answered automatically. "And I hate you, too, Matsu. So don't even start."

Matsuda knew better than to take offense in her angry state. She might as well have started yelling that unicorns existed and they were in league with the aliens (a.k.a, the leprechauns), who only sought to steal the peoples' left shoes.

"Misa, why don't we-"

"Why don't you shut up, Matsu! You had no problem doing that when L started fondling me."

He mentally rolled his eyes. Come on, I can see through you, Misa. You enjoyed it... Aloud, he countered, "I know, Misa-Misa, and I'm sorry."

Oh, you liked it!

As if reading his thoughts, her cheeks flushed. "Oh, yeah, sure. I don't believe you, you pervert!"

He didn't even have to feign a flinch. It came on its own, unwantedly. "Don't go that far, Misa," he begged. "I'm not a pervert. I'm just a man who made a mistake."

And why exactly am I apologizing to you for your mistake again?

Misa smiled prettily at him suddenly. "Come on. Let's find Ryuuzaki. I'm dying to know what he looks like!"

Matsuda frowned in absolute perplexity. "If you don't know what he looks like, how will we find him? We can't exactly act anyone who's wondering the streets if they're your husband without finding a few weirdos."

She smirked pointedly at him. "You're right. So I guess it's a good thing I've known and heard his voice before."

Matsu almost fainted right then and there. He could feel himself sweating (thanks for that image, right?) "You-you've heard his vo-voice before?"

"Oh, stop stammering," she complained. "You sound like an idiot when you do. If you're going to follow me, there are three rules; 1) you will be helpful to the search, 2) you will not complain about anything, and 3) you won't stutter."

Matsu exhaled deeply. Well, at least we know he trained her well... he griped to himself silently. Audibly, he spoke, "Okay, agreed. So, you'd know his voice?"

She nodded affirmatively.

He sighed, falling into a graceful bow that was suppose to be half-mocking. "In that case, lead the way, Misa-Misa."

She took no notice as she sashayed herself around dramatically, pointing back at the building they'd just left. "Right! Then let's go back into the police station. I get the feeling Ryuuzaki's working here. Maybe even under L on the Kira case."

Matsu had to keep his eyes from widening in horror at how close she was to the truth. Had Ryuuzaki accidentally rubbed his deductive-reasoning skills off on her?

"Matsu, what the heck are you waiting for? An invitation? Come on already!" Her voice broke through his thoughts.

He faked a smile as he followed after her.

The men at the desk frowned upon seeing the odd companions again so soon. "Um, miss, mister, I thought your visit with L was over?" One of them inquired.

"It is," Misa trilled. "I'm actually here to see Ryuuzaki L Amane, maybe you'll know him just by Ryuuzaki L. He's my-" she cut herself off after realizing she'd almost said "husband." "He's my friend."

The guards tossed puzzled looks to each other. This woman didn't know that her lover, L, was the same person she was inquiring about? Something must be up...

Sensing their suspicions, Matsuda chipped in, "Yes, they are quite friendly," to the men, hoping they'd catch his drift. "So friendly that she wants to know where Ryuuzaki is."

They winked at each other. "Yes, Ryuuzaki isn't here, miss. Excuse the confusion, please. Would you like to speak to head-detective, L?"

Her face was that of absolute horror, as though her parents' murder was playing before her again."NO!" She hissed.

Seeing Matsuda's warning glance, she added in a softer tone, "No, me and my," she cast a glare Matsu's way, "lover are having a slight spat. It's probably best I stay away from him for a while. Now are you sure Ryuuzaki's out? This is urgent."

They shook their heads in unison. "Sorry, miss, 'fraid we can't help you."

She sighed. "Fine. If worse come to worse, I'll bite him. Where's my he-devil?"

"L," Matsuda broke in. "She means her lover, L."

She gritted her teeth as she nodded. "Thanks, Matsu. Yes, my lover. Or is he out, too?" Her tone came out menacingly vicious on the last sentence.

They were duely afraid of this girl. Something told them that she wouldn't hesitate to find a way to make them pay if they answered wrong. "Er, he's on the top floor, third door to the left. Um, good luck."

She clicked her tongue harshly and gestured for Matsuda to follow her. She was not happy and her day was only about to get worse.

Lawliet... how I despise you.

And here she was, going up to meet him for the second time that day.