Chapter fifty-two- Change of plans: part one.
L noticed Misa was bright and smiley when they went to work the next day. She'd waved after Watari as he drove off and actually refrained from saying something snippy about something on him. Not that she paid him any compliments either.
He held the door open for her like the perfect gentleman he was. She nodded her thanks and stepped inside.
When they approached the front desk, the man behind the counter straightened up and gestured them forward without taking I.D. No security measures were taken. "The boss goes through without a fuss," that's the rule. And anyone with him. Without him there, Misa would have gone through the whole fiasco like she had the other day.
The next security guard turned several shades of red when the slight woman glared at him. He wasn't sure if he should be afraid or laughing. She was TRYING to be scary and it was more comical than terrifying.
Misa smiled, satisfied with her work. Oh yeah, he definitely remembers me, she mused smugly.
Meanwhile, L was gesturing behind her head at the guard to play it cool. The grateful man took heed and listened. Misa found it a rather indifferent move when he completely ignored her.
Before she could march right up to him and give him a piece of her mind, L was pulling her through the doorway and up three flights of stairs. The door slammed loudly behind the mismatched couple. The security team was left wondering if that had really happened or not.
L's attitude was getting on Misa's nerves- AGAIN . He was treating her like she was a child and he, her father. Likewise, in reverse, she was doing the same to irritate him. Why did he always have to take care of her?
"Okay, we're away from them," she protested, resisting him as he dragged her along behind him. His grip did not ease. "I know how to walk, thanks! You can let go of me now!"
"Misa, if you'd just grow up, maybe I wouldn't have to baby you all the time. The fact of the matter is you still display signs of immense immaturity and always need someone to take care of you."
She spoke through bared teeth. "I swear I will kick you in a minute!" She growled.
All at once, his steel-tight grip released and she was free. "Walk beside me."
She rubbed her sore wrist while they walked. The corridor seemed even more endless than usual. "You know, for a moment who fancies himself a gentleman, one; you're kinda of pervert. And two; you're kinda of douche."
L huffed. He honestly couldn't care less what she thought about him. He was L. L had become him. And that was enough. Plus, he couldn't resist a jibe. "Behave, Misa. You're supposed to be the role model of young men like me everywhere."
He'd played the seductive "pun card" about her job. She'd been on plenty of past dates where men had done the same. She crossed her arms and held her head high. Time for a jibe of her own.
"And you're supposed to be a professional private detective," she countered. "And I'm selflessly giving up modeling job for now to help you as an unpaid consultant because you think my ex is Kira and I'm trying to clear his name."
"That's not the way I see it."
She stopped and whipped around to face him. Yes, they'd have this conversation again. Cause the first six times weren't good enough. "How do you see it then? Am I trying to kill Light, is that what you're saying?"
"Yes, in a way, you are. Use your brain for once, Misa. If Light is Kira, you're helping me condemn him for the crimes he's committed. And you benefit if he's not, because then you can point out that I was wrong and you were right. Though, after this is all over, I'm afraid we won't see each other again. And if we do, it'll be under the most unfortunate circumstances."
She didn't bother asking him what those circumstances were. She figured he meant Light's imminent execution. "We'll meet again under a certain set of circumstances. Those just won't be it."
The fire he'd grown to adore was blazing bright in her eyes. She was smiling at him and he felt at home in her presence. So perfect. That's exactly something the Second Kira would say. L found himself believing it more and more as the time ticked away forever.
"Hm, maybe we will."
The door miraculously appeared before them. It'd been only a few inches away, but neither of them had noticed it while they'd been fighting.
"Come on. We should get going. Light will want to be assured of your health." The last sentence sounded vaguely sarcastic from the young detective's mouth.
He didn't allow Misa time to ponder it. He had already opened the door and pushed her through it. A group of smiling faces huddled around and waved at her. She smiled back awkwardly and did her best to reciprocate the gesture.
Matsu jumped up and ran over to them. "Misa-Misa, thank God you're alright. We were getting worried about you. I knew I shouldn't have let you outside that day," he suddenly murmured sadly. "It's my fault, really."
The Japanese idol felt that his self-inflicted guilt should make her annoyed, but all she could feel was the guilt for making him feel such a way. But she was Misa-Misa and Misa-Misa wouldn't have let such a thing show. She placed her hands in her hips sad scowled at him. In her best Misa-Misa performance, she barked, "Matsu, don't you dare shelter me and take all the credit of my getting hypothermia for yourself. Listen, it was a dumb move in my part. And you're not my bodyguard. So don't worry about it."
"But, Misa-"
"No. I won't hear it. Don't even speak of it. Let's put the past where it belongs. Right where it is."
Matsu smiled fondly. Light cleared his throat and stood up, walking over to their little group. He took Misa's hand in a handshake and faked charm. "Glad to see you're well," he said. He could see L watching him from the corner of his eye. The possessiveness was apparent. Feelings were growing. Perfect. "Do me a favor and stay that way."
Misa wasn't so sure, but she thought she heard an irritated growl coming from the left of her. L? Growling? Surely not...
Light's words finally sunk in and Misa's face flushed at the flirtatious tone coming from her ex. Light had never been that coquettish while they'd been dating. Something was wrong. Her stomach dropped at the realization. She forced herself to nod in response. "Yeah, I'll be sure to. I don't need him," she pointed at L, "watching my every move."
Light laughed. "I can imagine."
An awkward silence filled the air. Misa bit her lips and waited for someone else to restart the conversation. She already knew L wouldn't be the one to do it, so hopefully, Light would take the hint.
Wrong again. "It's... nice weather we're having," L said.
Misa laughed and shook her head. "Ryuuzaki, that's only something you're supposed to say when you don't know what else you can say."
"What else was a supposed to say? And Misa, check your facts; I am L, not Ryuuzaki."
"You're- Oh, you're right. I'm sorry, L!" She whispered in confusion. He watched her hand brush the side of her head as though trying to recall some missed information. Recognition gained on her face for a single moment before it was gone. It'd been so close to the surface.
The taskforce shifted awkwardly. Even the dumbest of them ( Love you, Matsuda) understood what the newest development meant. The Second Kira, in all of her terrible traits, was breaking through.
Light was more than delighted to see this reaction. He recognized the time had been a long time coming. He'd just used L to speed up the process.
He turned instinctly towards L, who was after all, her husband. "You don't mind if I barrow Miss Amane for a minute, do you?" Both men cast a glance towards the glazy eyed blonde. So deep in Dreamland.
L didn't respond. He gestured for Light to do as he pleased. He remained completely stoic until Kira had left the room, dragging the Second behind him. "Get me visual," he barked at Matsu.
The older boy bustled around hurriedly. L settled into his chair and resumed his professional persona. "There won't be any audio," the officer informed him.
He took the information in with a nod. "So I've speculated. Stop gawking, Matsu. I can read lips."
Soichiro had to question L's eager expression. "Ryuuzaki, what is the meaning of this?"
"Mr Yagami, does it not strike you odd that Miss Amane suddenly recalls her memory of me? And what's more, Light asks to see her alone. Now, if I were Kira and the Second Kira- the stupid, liability- started to remember my nemesis, I'd test to see how much she remembers of him. Either Light decides that the loose end isn't worth it and kills her, or we see Kira try to save his Second in command.
"What about the deaths that have been happening with Amane in your custody?" He reasoned. "I believe that clears her of suspicion."
"Your argument is reasonable. However, think of it this way: the Second Kira's attitude started changing mid October. She became less reckless and somewhat more intelligent than the previous Second."
Aizawa's eyes widened. "You're saying we're dealing with three Kiras'?!"
L shook his head, but continued to stare at the screen. "No, I'm saying the true Second Kira disappeared a few weeks after Misa was taken into custody. It seems Kira has enough loyal followers to have his pick and choose of his successors."
"Hold on for a second," Aizawa cut in. "How can you be sure there are three of them? Don't get me wrong, your logic is pretty solid. But I'm going to need more evidence to go on than a mere speculation. What's your point, L?"
"My point is that the shift in intelligence is too high to go unnoticed. Kira made a vital mistake when he recast the part to another genius instead of another idiot. He thought his plan was foolproof. But the shift was caught too soon for his plan to succeed. Because of his carelessness, his scheme will fray at the edges."
"So Misa Amane is Kira?" Soichiro asked almost hopelessly.
L froze. "I'm 89% sure she is the Second. And even if Misa isn't Kira," he smirked, "I'm quite jealous your son's alone with my wife."
Okay, here it is, the first Writer's Rave. I promised I'd start writing back to those of you who commented. So, here's the list;
Tsar of Kaisa: No, clocks don't actually do that. I was extremely tired when I wrote that. But I've decided to leave it in as a blooper who can find it on their own. I was not one of these people XD
Hikari: Thanks for helping inspire me to continue writing through a block. Sometimes a kind reminder is all I need.
FNAFFRENZYCAT: Thanks so much! It truly is a high praise from you. But why are you jealous?
Vampgirliegirl: Yep. Writing delirium is a specialty of mine. Insanity itself is a hobby I enjoy. Maybe I'm insane... ×_×
TheGirlWithTheBigHair: Here it is. And the next chapter's being written. Thanks for the compliment. It was very kind.
WildfireDreams: You have my sincerest gratitude for all your past comment. You've been there for me through all of my blocks and twists, never leaving the story once. So, thanks.
If you guys- any of you guys- have any questions regarding the story, don't be afraid to ask me. "Though, I might not answer ALL questions," she says deviously. "Nah, I'll just let it hang."
But seriously.