Chapter 53

May 28th

I groan as I open my eyes; my room is still dark. A noise catches my attention, but I can't quite place it. I rub my eyes and realize as the noise grows increasingly annoying that someone's knocking on my door. I groan again and fling the blankets back, that I don't remember putting on myself last night. With a tired sigh I swing my feet over the edge of the bed until my toes touch the plush carpet. I rub the sleep from my eyes and glance over at the alarm clock.

It's 7…which is late for the case, but early for a day off…

The knocking continues in sets of threes with only a moment in between each set as if whoever's on the other side is listening to see if I'm getting up.

I run my fingers through my slightly matted hair and push myself off the bed. The blood rushes to my feet as I stand, and I have to take a minute for the dizziness in my head to subside. As it clears, and I finally feel like I'm not just gonna fall over, I shuffle toward the door. It makes sense now that on the other side of the door is probably Ryuzaki, and quite frankly after last night I don't really wanna talk to him.

After he shattered my heart last night I threw my cup out in the kitchen and went straight into my room, changed into my pajamas and just flopped down on top of my sheets. Watari had seen me come in the kitchen but said nothing to me, I assume he heard what Ryuzaki said. Matsuda also texted me a few times asking if I was going to join them, but I couldn't bring myself to come out…So I told him I was feeling sick and eventually must have crawled under the covers and fell asleep.

The knocking persists as I make my way to the door and without saying anything I pull it open to reveal, as expected, Ryuzaki on the other side.

"Oh…um, good morning Suzuki…" He's surprised, but I can't figure out why. He was knocking so clearly, he wanted me to answer the door. Not wanting or knowing how to respond I just stare at him with cold eyes and an ache in my heart. "Um…can I come in?" I sidestep out of the way and extend my hand into the room as an invitation. "Thank you…" He's picked up on my mood, but I can't tell if he knows what it's from.

Ryuzaki slowly walks past me an makes his way to one of the chairs all my hotel rooms seem to have and steps up and into it in order to sit in his normal position. I shut the door and shuffle after him only to sit in the seat across from him with my feet up to my side. He waits for me to say something, but I continue my silence.

"So, you disappeared on us last night…" Ryuzaki starts but he's not confident in his words. "Light left shortly after and I then examined the evidence of the tapes…the police found stands of hair and such, signifying that a female did the tape, or at least sent them…so if we can match the evidence to Misa Amane, we can take the second Kira into custody…" He trails off as I put my elbow on the arm of the chair and rest my head in my hand.

The tension grows thick and I know he can feel it too, but I don't care. Maybe he didn't count me as a friend 'cause I'm more than that, maybe it slipped his mind…who knows… all I know is that it hurt. He sighs and fiddles with his fingers that rest on his knees.

"I talked to Watari last night…" He looks down for a minute then back to me with puppy-dog-eyes. "He told me that I might've said something to upset you."

Oh, you think so?

I continue to stare at him, waiting for him to say more. "I thought about it and remembered how you uncharacteristically dropped your drink and what events led up to that…and then I…I called Light my first and only friend…I only said it to get a reaction out of him…I never meant to hurt you…I thought maybe if I goaded him he might slip up, but I never imagined my words would be taken in such a way and for that I apologize…" He finishes and I see the sincerity in his puppy eyes.

Did I over react? Probably…I knew he didn't mean it but my chest just hurt so much…it's not like me to run away but I feel like that's all I wanna do when it come to him. I don't want anything to come between us…I love him…and it's terrifying. At any moment Kira could kill us all and then what? I just wish that I could have a happy ending for the first time in my life…

I sigh and stand to make my way to him. He looks like he's about to cry. "Ryuzaki…" I wrap my arms around him and pull him out of his fetal position into a tight embrace. I feel his hands on my back as he clenches his fists and buries his head in the crook of my neck.

"I-I'm so sorry Suzuki…I'd never do anything to hurt you on purpose…" He holds me tight as if he's afraid I'll disappear if he let's go. I brush his unruly hair down as you would when comforting a child. His grip loosens as he gets himself back under control and I just hold him for one more minute.

"I forgive you Ryuzaki…I shouldn't have taken you seriously like that so I'm sorry too…I may have over reacted…" We let go and he sinks back down into the chair returning to robot Ryuzaki mode. I stand back and put my hands on my hips, frowning because he turned himself off.

"So you were saying something about finding female hair with the tapes…" He nods and moves to stand back up. I swivel to my right to get out of his way.

"Yes. First, recall how I had Mogi follow light?"

"Um…I think I remember something about it…"

"Well, he reported that Misa Amane has seen him continuously, that and the hair the forensics team found is enough for the others to suspect her and at least bring her in to question her and her ties to Kira." I nod slightly, even though I know we need actual evidence from her room to compare it to. Not just because of the law but she's an idol for shits sake and we have to play this perfectly.

"So, it sounds like you have a plan, Ryuzaki." He nods standing beside me and sticks his hands in his pockets.

"I do…but I want you to know, if this doesn't go as planned, if something happens to me…that I've instructed the team to continue or to assume that Light is Kira and…" He pauses like he has to gain control of himself again. "And I've instructed Watari to take care of you in my absence." My chest tightens and for a moment I can't breathe. He takes a deep breath and heads toward the door a little. "Now the plan…you and I are going to visit Light at the campus. I plan to inform him that if I die in the next few days that I've told the Task Force he's Kira. While we're distracting him, Misa Amane's manager will be taken into custody on a drug possession charge and it will seem like Amane will be brought in for questioning about the drugs, when in reality she's being brought in on suspicion of being the second Kira." I nod.

Simple enough plan…

"We'll have to confine her and as much as I hate to risk your safety, you'll have to assist her in whatever she may need. She has already met you, so she might be more inclined to talk to a familiar feminine face." He pauses and waits for what I assume is my input.

"Well sounds easy enough…guess I better jump in the shower and get ready for school, huh." The side of his mouth comes up into half a smirk before he shakes his head and walks toward the door, only to stop again and turn around.

"You don't have to dress business casual today…just wear whatever you're comfortable in. Also, the forecast says it will be slightly chilly today, so a light jacket or sweatshirt should be fine." I smile and nod, and he looks at me one more time before leaving.

. . .

Ryuzaki had been right about the weather, as we walked around the campus the spring wind whipped at my black zip up hoodie and jeans, sending my hair every which way. RYuzaki was not any better off with his shaggy black mop and almost uniform like white long sleeve and blue denim jeans. How he can walk around in such a thin shirt and appear totally fine I'll never know. I however chose layers; a black cotton shirt under my hoodie and my doc boots on my foot.

I stick my hands in my hoodie pockets and absently follow Ryuzaki, we get some looks as we walk together, and I swear I hear someone say, 'How did she end up with him', but I just smile to hide the laughter bubbling up within. Ryuzaki leads me into the middle of campus to the path connecting the two main buildings. This is one of my favorite areas because Sakura trees line the wide path and there are benches next to almost every tree like a pattern. Ryuzaki makes a b-line for one of these said benches and pulls a book from his back pocket before climbing onto the bench and sitting in his usual manner.

Since when did he have a book? I try to read the title but it's a hardcover and the book jacket has been long gone. I fold my arms and sit next to him, irritated that he didn't advise me to bring something to entertain myself.

"If memory serves, Light walks this way ever day toward his next class, which means all we have to do is wait." My head snaps to Ryuzaki.

"Wait?! How long do we have to wait?!" He ignores me as he pretends to read his book. I sigh and put my elbows on my knees and put my head in my hands.

This sucks, I wish I had known we'd be waiting…he made it sound like an in and out thing so I didn't even bring a bag.

I sigh and turn to my left as something past Ryuzaki catches my eye. To my surprise Ryuk, Light, and some girl who isn't Misa are walking up the path toward us. The Girl is tall and walks with both confidence and shyness, she's also dressed in a reserved manner, the opposite of Misa.

Oh, that's interesting.

I nudge Ryuzaki gently with my elbows as I sit up. "Hey, Ryuzaki…" He glances to me, then seeing my gaze go beyond him, turns around. Light stops dead as we make eye contact, looking both shocked and annoyed. Ryuzaki feigns excitement they spot each other.

"Oh! Hey Light!" His face loses all excitement as he deadpans. "How's it going." I push my laugh down by turning it into a smile as I wave at Light. He waves back and Ryuk smiles, seeming genuinely happy to see me. Light turns to the girl and says something before she wanders off on her own and Light heads toward us. He must have ditched her.

"Hey Light." I make nice with a polite greeting and smile as he comes within two feet of us, out of my peripheral I watch the girl leave.

"Hey Suzuki." He greets me back, but it's clearly not sincere.

You really must be peeved.

"Are you sure he's okay with you just leaving her like that?" Ryuzaki tries to show interest as he sets his book down on his leg.

"Nevermind her. What about you? Are you sure you should be out here? I thought you were worried about being seen."

"Well I was…but then it occurred to me that as ling as you're not Kira that I'm safe, after all you are the only one on the outside who knows I'm L. In the unlikely event that I die however, I've instructed your father and everyone at headquarters to assume that you are Kira." Ryuzaki pauses and Ryuk chuckles.

"Oh, he got you good." Something passes through Light's eyes, almost like he's fighting to keep his composure, but Ryuzaki continues.

"Besides, weren't you the one who said you missed having Suzuki and I at school? I figured why not come back for a little change of pace."

Change of pace? We just got here…how have we not been kicked out anyway? We don't attend classes and clearly don't do homework…bizarre.

"As long as it doesn't kill me, college can be a lot of fun." Seeming to be ignored I put my head back in my hands.

I don't know what college you went to Ryuzaki, but mine wasn't 'fun'. I worked my ass off to get the job I had that you basically ripped me from…not that this isn't better…

"Yeah I have to admit, without you two around, intelligent conversation is hard to come by."

Oh, now I'm being included.

Ryuzaki scoffs lightly, a sound I'm not accustomed to hearing from him. "Ah, I see, luckily Kiyomi's there to fill the void."

Oh, that's her name…I wonder how Ryuzaki found it…probably Mogi…

Light chuckles uncomfortably, I make eye contact with Ryuk who's behind Light, he shrugs as he's as confused as I am. "Something like that."

Everyone pauses, and Light seems deep in thought, as if he's fighting some internal war and trying to figure out Ryuzaki's end game.

"Hey." I jump slightly as Ryuzaki stands and slips his sneakers on. "You guys wanna have some cake with me in the cafeteria?" His book disappears into his back pocket and I smile thinking that, for a split second, this might be the real Ryuzaki, not the robot fake he usually portrays.

"Sure, I have a break now anyway." I stand to follow, next to Ryuk who suddenly seems…off. I can't place why, but a shiver runs down my spine.

"Mm, perfect, I'm really craving shortcake right now."

"Well let's hope they have it…" Light seems oddly dejected as we make our way to the café.

"I could go for like a brownie or something myself-" I try to enter the conversation, but I'm drown out by someone shouting Light's name from behind us.

"Light! There you are!" We all stop and turn at the sound, shoes hit the pavement as someone runs up to meet us. It takes me a minute to realize it's Misa. "I had a photo shoot nearby, so I thought I'd come by to see you." I turn to look at Light who is utterly shocked and …is that fear?

Quite frankly shouldn't I be more afraid of her and her big white Shinigami? I know I'm avoiding looking at it and Ryuk won't say anything to it, but I'm not the only one at risk here…Misa could kill Ryuzaki at any moment…I shake myself mentally and try to both act normal and ignore the piercing yellow eyes of Misa's Shinigami.

"Hey Misa." I wave and her face light's up.

"Hey! I know you! I saw you at Light's house, you're the friend of the family with the Docs." I nod and wiggle my booted foot.

"Yep, that's me."

"But I don't think I caught your name…"

Shit! This is what I was afraid of. Kira 2.0 has the Shinigami eyes which means she can see both Ryuzaki and my real names above our heads. She'll know I'm lying when I tell her our alias' but then again lots of people have alias' for different reasons, like witness protection. So maybe I should just act like this is my real name, because for all intents and purposes here in Japan, it is. I'll have to introduce Ryuzaki as my boyfriend too…I'll use his college name, what was it again? Hideki Ryuga.

"Oh yeah, that's right, I got a phone call that night and had to leave. I should have offered you a ride home, I'm sorry, I was so rude." I bow to show my apologies like anyone who is not a foreigner would. "But my name is Suzuki Matsui, and this is my boyfriend Hideki Ryuga." Misa smiles and takes a few steps toward us, but I swear I see confusion cross her face for a second as she realizes the names I gave her don't match the ones above our heads.

"Oh, Suzuki that's so cool! He's so different and unique, not to mention it must be awesome to go around saying you're dating Hideki Ryuga." I scratch the back of my head as if embarrassed.

"Yeah, it's something alright."

She didn't say anything about our real names, maybe she's smarter than we thought.

"Hi Ryuga, I'm Misa Amane, Light's girlfriend." Ryuzaki puts his finger to his mouth like he normally does when he's in thought, a smile snakes it's way onto his face.

"Light, you're a lucky guy to know the famous Misa Amane." His wide panda eyes never leave the blonde. "I have been a big fan ever since the August issue of Eighteen."

Misa instantly flip a switch and seems to forget all about the alias' I gave her. "What?! Really?! That's so sweet of you! I'm so happy." All at once the college students start to notice Misa and begin to flock around us, I try my best to stay with the group and not get pushed out. "Oops, I should have known I'd be spotted with all these kids around." The swarm grows, and I try my best to stay next to Ryuzaki. Ryuk even seems nervous as he dodges kids; Misa's Shinigami just floats above everyone with its big bone wings. Suddenly Misa shouts. "No way! Somebody just touched my butt!" There's a collective gasp and Misa turns around to Ryuzaki who's been standing behind her and looks like he's been caught red handed.

You didn't…

"This is an outrage!" Ryuzaki switches gears and I see a whole new personality appear. I smile, fold my arms, and watch the show. "Taking advantage of this situation is unforgivable and I will find whoever's responsible for this." He practically dances around her and finishes by pointing at her. She laughs brushing him off.

"Oh Ryuga, you're so funny."

Harder to kill us when you like us.

I glance at Light who looks angry again, but then the crowd parts as an angry woman in her thirties with a look that screams 'manger' walks right up to Misa and grabs her arm. Misa shrinks like a scolded dog.

"It's time or were you planning to be late again?"

"No, I'm sorry Yoshi." 'Yoshi' drags her away by her arm to where I assume the photoshoot is, but after a second, she looks back as if she's forgotten something. "Bye Light! See you after I'm done with work, miss you already! Bye Ryuga, Suzuki, let's hang out again sometime!" She waves with her free hand and I wave back. Her Shinigami follows closely as if nothing happened out of the ordinary for Misa and seeing as how the attraction has left, the crowd disappears leaving us thre-uh, four, alone.

Ryuzaki watches Misa go then turns back toward us. "Now, how about that cake?" Light let's out an unconvincing 'Yeah'.

"I'm actually pretty thirsty now myself…maybe I'll get another lemonade like I did the day you guys played tennis." I look over at Ryuzaki as I put my hands in my pockets, he smiles genuinely.

"Actually-" We stop and turn as Light stops. "You guys go ahead, I gotta use the bathroom." Ryuzaki's smile vanishes.

"Oh…well alright, I guess we'll see you there."

"I'll save you a seat Light." You conniving bastard…Light nods and Ryuzaki and I start walking again. I go to put my hands in my pockets, but then I look at Ryuzkai who's hand isn't in his. I slowly move to intertwine my hand with his, my heart pounding.

A pop song ringtone pierces the air, scaring the bejeezus out of me and making me shove my hand in my pockets.

Damnit!

Ryuzaki looks around a moment and then to me. "That is not me!" He shakes his head with a smile and pulls a red phone from his pocket. He holds it up by its charm in his thumb and index finger, it rings loudly some Japanese pop song that I'm unfamiliar with and after a minute he finally answers it.

"Yes? Hello?" I can't hear the other end of the conversation, so I just watch. "Oh, is that you Light? I guess someone must have dropped this phone in all the commotion earlier." The phone charm dangles catching my attention.

That's weird, that charm kind of resembles…Misa! Ryuzaki you pickpocket! You stole Misa's phone!

I turn around to see Light where we left him glaring at Ryuzaki's back, a similar smaller phone up to his ear. Ryuk is cackling, finding all of this exceptionally funny. I turn back to Ryuzaki as he shifts his weight.

"Uh…hello?" Ryuzaki acts as if Light hung up on him. I hear footsteps and turn as Light comes up behind us.

"That's Misa's cellphone, I can give it back to her." Even though they're only two feet apart Ryuzaki continues to talk through the phone.

"Oh, I see, well that makes sense." He hangs up and drops the phone into Light's extended hand before heading toward the café again.

Why would Light call Misa after just seeing her? It's easy to see the relationship is totally one sided…oh my god…It clicks into place and I glance back at Light and Ryuk. You bastard! You were gonna call Misa for our real names, so you could kill us!

Another phone start's ringing, but it's a normal ring so I pull mine out of my back pocket to check. Nothing…Ryuzaki pulls his out and smiles at me.

"Actually, this time it's my phone." He clears his throat before answering. "Yes? Yes, I see…so it's done then…I understand." He hangs up without saying goodbye and turns to Light. "I'm not exactly sure how you'll take this, but regarding Misa Amane…you should know…we've taken her into custody on suspicion of being the second Kira." Ryuk starts to cackle again as Light's eyes go from shock to cold hatred. I can tell that he blames me for everything, and another chill runs down my spine. "We gathered physical evidence from the envelopes that were sent by the second Kira. In particular we recovered hairs and fibers in the tape used to seal the envelope that match what we found in Misa's room. There would probably be a riot if we charged her with being the second Kira, so officially, we've charged her manager with drug possession and she's a voluntary witness, but I doubt any of this will get out." Light is quiet as he tries to process everything. I keep quiet and keep my hands in my pockets. Ryuzaki however keeps talking. "Are you alright Light? Suddenly hearing that your new girlfriend has been apprehended under suspicion of being the second Kira…I can understand the emotions you must be going through…If Suzuki had been the second Kira I-" I nudge him.

"Ryuzaki, enough…" Don't poke the snake. Ryuzaki shut up as Light slips on his 'concerned boyfriend' mask.

"Can I see her?"

"No…I'm afraid she's too dangerous and she might try to hold you hostage if she knows you're there…you best go home for now…or finish your classes if you can…" Ryuzaki pauses. "But don't worry, Suzuki and I will be there, and I'll make sure she's treated fairly…" Light nods.

"Then I guess I better head home but keep me in the loop as much as you can." I nod.

"Of course, Light…" And with that he turns and leaves. Ryuzaki turns to me.

"He took that remarkably well…"

"It may seem that way on the outside, but everyone has a tell, and I'm sure this 'concerned boyfriend' act is just so he can run and counter plan…"

"Yes, you're probably right…well I better call Watari and arrange for you to be with Misa." I watch Ryuk and Light as they walk away.

Why do I feel like we just kicked a hornet's nest?

HI everyone, i know it's been a long time, i just been dealing with a lot of IRL stuff...i was burnt out for a while...I work 10hr shifts and there's the issue with my relationship and most recently, i'm sorry to say, my cat Kiki that you all might remember from a while back crossed the rainbow bridge. She had kidney failure and i didn't know until it was too late. I went on a week vacay to Texas and then came home and had to dog sit and when i got home from that she was already dying. She sought out a place to hide and i scooped her up and my mom and i took her to the vet, but there was nothing we could do but make it quick and painless. She lived to be 17 and i think of her every day...a week after that sunday to sunday my great grandmother passed away so that was shitty. To have two things in my life that i never thought i'd be without pass and disappear within a week was heartbreaking. However this was all in October and i think i'm finally on the road to healing. I can think of Kiki without crying and I miss my 'Grammy' and this Thanksgiving will be awful...she had a laugh that you knew anywhere and she would always try to kiss you on the lips when she saw you, she had you by the face but we always managed to dodge it so it would land on our cheeks. *Notices the tangent* Sorry i'm getting off topic...I apologize for anyone who commented or favorited or followed recently i'll acknowledge you next chapter which i just have to type up. Hope you liked this one and like comment, go to my tumblr, go drop me a ko-fi, or even check out my tip jar. :) Kitty and the rest of her 4...i almost put 5...Kitties need to get out of here. If you like art and anime come message me for a commission, full body full color are $25 extra characters are another $5 and so are backgrounds if they're simple. The more complicated the more moohlah, but see you next chapter sorry for bumming you out.