Disclaimer: I do not own Death Note. This story contains sexual elements, blood, and dark themes. Viewer discretion is advised.

Many elements were making up the scent that filled Matsuda's nose. The pungent, musky smell of fresh sweat and warm flesh was blanketed with the fragrance of spiced orange blossoms that enhanced the aroma. Though hidden underneath all the floral notes was the delicate scent of herby body wash that Matsuda's tongue discovered as it stroked the warm pulsing skin. The salty taste of it was overwhelming as stiffened mass filled his mouth, its tip brushing the back of his throat, but he did his best to keep from gagging. He kept a tight grip on the soft fabric of the black trousers to keep himself steady as he kneeled between the executive's legs, bobbing his head up and down.

"Damn, you've gotten so good, Matsui," Higuchi sighed, satisfied, stroking Matsuda's hair and leaning back in his office chair. Matsuda smiled around Higuchi's warm cock at the compliment, his face flushing from more than just gratification. His scalp had a light sting as the hand combed through his hair, tugging on the black strands. Matsuda pulled off of Higuchi, panting for breath with glossy lips. "Come here. Let me hold you," Higuchi grabbed Matsuda's arm and guided him into his lap, Matsuda sitting on his thighs with their chests pressed together. The executive unzipped Matsuda's and pulled out his erection, an action that Matsuda came to expect, though he still shuddered when his aroused cock brushed against Higuchi's. Matsuda rolled his hips to rut his arousal into Higuchi's and buried his head into Higuchi's shoulder, breathing in his floral cologne to quiet his lewd gasps.

"Could Higuchi really be Kira?" the thought suddenly came to him, to his surprise. It was easy to forget why he was doing this, why he let Higuchi's hands run underneath his dress shirt and teeth nip at his neck in the rush of pleasure and emotion. "He would have killed me already if he were Kira, right? I would've killed me if I was Kira. I—" "Ugh!" he gasped and shuddered, feeling Higuchi latch onto his neck with his teeth, pinching and sucking on the skin with such an intensity Matsuda feared he would bleed. "I-I wouldn't have risked leaving me alive. It could ruin everything. Either he can't know my name by seeing my face or…" Matsuda whined into Higuchi's shoulder, feeling himself edge closer to climax. "He enjoys keeping me alive more than the security of his secret. I don't think anyone would like me that much." His body quivered, and his heart stuttered as he came, still not used to the pulsing sensation that raked his body. He relaxed his drained body against Higuchi as the bloodless bite on his neck ached, catching his breath in case the executive wanted another round.

"What is this?" Higuchi quietly asked.

"Huh, what are you talking about?" Matsuda asked back and tensed when he felt Higuchi jab at a specific spot on his lower back.

"This. I can feel your skin's scarred here. What's the story behind it? I'm curious."

"I forget that's there so often," Matsuda sighed, sitting up but not looking the executive in the eye. "If I open up, maybe he will too." "But I do remember its story… Do you remember that accident I told you about? The one that made me retire as an entertainer." Higuchi nodded; his attention centered on Matsuda. "That night, I was performing for a girl's sweet sixteen party. Her parents were rich enough to rent out a venue by the beach and hire entertainment, which included me, of course. Before it was my turn to perform, I remember hearing the girl's dad arguing with another man. I didn't know if he was a brother, friend, or coworker; it wasn't my business. I was there to put on a show.

"I remember getting up on stage, and the birthday girl was right in front of me with such a bright smile that her jeweled tiara couldn't outshine it. I was so focused on keeping her happy that I didn't see the man that had argued with her dad coming up behind her and…" he paused, drumming his fingers on Higuchi's shoulder. "He pulled out a gun and shot her. The bullet went through her and hit me in the back. I remember collapsing from the pain, feeling myself bleed out. It hurt so much I thought I was going to die… I can't remember much of that night after that, but I do know someone died. The birthday girl that was murdered by her uncle…"

"… That's a hell of a reason to retire," Higuchi's voice had a touch of solemness. "I can't imagine going through something that horrific. I didn't mean to dig into your past like that."

"No, it felt… refreshing to get that story off my chest. It's been weighing me down until recently… The killer was given life in prison, but that punishment didn't heal the scars he left behind. I went to gift flowers to the victim's family, and when I saw their eyes… There was nothing there like the killer had taken their souls too. Justice wasn't truly served… Until Kira showed up."

"Kira?" Higuchi echoed curiously. Matsuda nodded.

"I know they're a serial killer, but when I learned that Kira had punished that monster…" Matsuda guided his lips in a slight grin, looking Higuchi in his dark eyes. "I grinned so wide I thought my jaw would break. That birthday girl finally got justice and I get to smile." Higuchi looked surprised, eyes wide and lips parted in a silent gasp. "Was that the wrong thing to say?" "Sorry, I ramble sometimes. I don't know when to shut my mouth." He nervously chuckled.

"… Matsui, don't be ashamed," Higuchi caressed Matsuda's cheek, an ecstatic grin dawning on his face. "I'm happy Kira brought you such solace. He's done the same for me. Let's share our happiness." He connected his smiling lips with Matsuda's. Having kissed the executive as many times as he had, Matsuda could tell this one felt different than the others. Higuchi's passion was still present, but the fire kindling wasn't the typically roaring blaze that devoured anything it could. In its place was a tranquil flame that sought to comfort all in its reach with its warm caress.

"I have those reports you asked for, Kyousuke." Matsuda had many awkward moments that flooded him with embarrassment. Never before had the burn of humiliation scorched so hot when Namikawa, unannounced, barged into the office while he was still in an intimate position with Higuchi.

"There's nothing to see here!" Matsuda yelped, hopping off Higuchi and turning around to hurriedly zip up his pants and put on his suit jacket with shaking hands. "We were uh— just going over Misa-Misa's filming schedule."

"Reiji, I told you to knock," Higuchi grumbled, zipping up his trousers and swiveling his chair to face his coworker. "Did you choose to forget?"

"My sincerest apologies to both of you. I was in a hurry." Namikawa apologized with a bow and shameless expression.

"Please, don't tell anyone, Mr. Namikawa," Matsuda pleaded. "I need to tell Ryuzaki and Light to keep Namikawa quiet. How are there eyes everywhere?!"

"No, he won't tell anybody," Higuchi growled with a glare and motioned for Matsuda to come closer with his finger. "I'm sorry to cut this meeting short, but I won't cut your pay." He pulled out his checkbook and filled out a check, holding it out. "Good work today, Matsui." His grin returned, and Matsuda found himself smiling despite the residual embarrassment.

"Thank you, Mr. Higuchi," Matsuda grabbed the check with a grateful bow.

"I'll see you the twentieth?" Higuchi offered.

"The twentieth? I didn't realize it was so close."

"Do you have something already planned for that day?"

"… I can work around it. See you then, Mr. Higuchi."Matsuda left the room with the pair of executives'' gazes following him, one of disdain and the other of want.


Matsuda had a simple routine when returning to headquarters after visiting Higuchi. Greet his coworkers, go to his room, take a shower, then meet with Ryuzaki and Light to discuss what intel he had.

"I'm back! Safe and sound," Matsuda said as he entered the main hall, though he didn't turn any heads of his teammates as they worked at their typical stations.

"What did Namikawa have you do this time?" Mr. Yagami asked as he typed on his computer, not looking away from his screen with a shielding glare in his glasses.

"He just wanted me to slip an envelope full of money underneath a room door in that abandoned apartment complex near Shinjuku Station. Ugh, that place was so creepy."

"Hm, there have been reports of suspicious characters in that area," Ryuzaki muttered as he sat in front of his monitor. "I'm guessing he didn't tell you who it was for."

"No, he only handed me the envelope and told me where to deliver it."

"Light, and I will look into it. Just keep doing what you're doing, Matsuda."

"Can do," Matsuda headed for the stairs.

"Hey, what's wrong with your neck, Matsuda?" Mogi asked a simple inquisitive question that made Matsuda stop with confusion.

"What do you mean?" he replied, facing his teammate and reflexively touching his neck. The tender skin that Higuchi had marked with his teeth tingled under his touch. "Crap! I forgot that's there. Stupid Matsuda!"

"You've got bruising on your neck," Mogi said, gesturing to the side of his neck with a slight grimace. Light turned around in his chair with a surprised look while Ryuzaki turned his head to give a side eye, dark eyes dulled with disappointment. "I'm sorry, Ryuzaki."

"Bruising?" Mr. Yagami looked up from his computer, concerned. "Let me see." He got up from the table.

"Wait, you don't have to do that, Mr. Yagami," Matsuda took a step back and clasped his hand over the mark on his neck. "When uh, I was at the apartment complex, I saw, um, a cat, and I wanted to pet it, but it told me it didn't like me petting it by biting me. How unlucky am I, right?"

"That's more than unlucky. A stray could've been carrying diseases." Mr. Yagami walked over to him and gently grasped his wrist. The Chief was close enough that Matsuda breathed in his aroma of fresh herbs decorating a saffron woody base. A scent that brought him ease, even when Mr. Yagami moved his hand away from his neck. "I need to see if it drew bl—" His worried expression contorted into shock. "A cat did that?" he questioned incredulously.

"Don't get too close," Matsuda took a jolting step back out of Mr. Yagami's grasp and recovered his neck. "Like you said, that cat could've been diseased. I don't want you to get sick. I'll go clean it out. Please, excuse me," he hurried out of the main hall, though in his rush, he accidentally bumped into Misa and quickly apologized, leaving before she could respond. He locked his door behind him and headed straight for the bathroom, flicking on the light to look at his neck in the mirror. A dark purple bruising had formed around Higuchi's bitemark that had imprinted itself on his skin.

"How could I be so sloppy?" He groaned as he patted the mark with a damp cloth. "Ryuzaki looked so upset. He trusted me to keep this under wraps. He said he'd take me off the investigation if I messed up once. He was just bluffing, right?" "Who am I kidding?" he sighed. "I was onto something too. Maybe he'll give me another chance." The dreaded knock finally came to his door, and he flipped his collar up to hide Higuchi's mark before reluctantly cracking open the door to the fresh smell of earl grey tea.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Matsuda," Mr. Watari greeted with a warm smile, taking Matsuda by surprise.

"Oh, hi, Mr. Watari. Can I help you with anything?"

"Well, I was looking for some company to go with my tea," He tilted his head towards the trey of ivory teacups and silver tea pop. "Would you please join me?"

"Yes, sir," Matsuda stepped aside to let Watari inside. "He's never asked me to do anything before. I doubt he just wants company." He cradled the warm cup of tea as he sat across from his surprised guest, who contently filled his teacup. "Thank you for the tea," he cooled down his tea with a breath before taking a sip and immediately scrunching his face at the bitter taste that assaulted his tongue. "It has a—" he coughed with a thick swallow, "an exciting taste."

"Perhaps adding sugar will make it kinder on your palate," Watari chuckled softly.

"Oh yeah," Matsuda flushed, embarrassed, "I see why Ryuzaki puts so many sugar cubes in his."

"You never talked to him about it?"

"I thought about it, but I don't think he'd want me bothering him with stupid questions like that."

"There are no stupid questions. No matter how insignificant, each one has its value. Such as this one," Watari set down his teacup and took a more serious expression. "What is your true role in the Yotsuba investigation?" Matsuda latched onto the word "true." "Would lying even work against him?" "And please, don't think to deceive me on Ryuzaki's behalf. I'll know if you do." "No, it wouldn't." Matsuda defeatedly sighed, rubbing his neck.

"My role is to trick one of the Yotsuba executives into revealing the identity of Kira."

"How do you plan on accomplishing that?"

"I… The night I first contacted Yotsuba, Mr. Higuchi cornered me in the bathroom and offered me a deal. He'd give me money and make sure Misa-Misa got the job if I… got 'intimate' with him, his words. That's why I have," he pulled down his collar to show the mark. "This on my neck."

"I see why there were so many 'corrupt' video files of Yotsuba. I'm assuming he was also the one that gave you the cut on your lip."

"Yes," Matsuda ashamedly nodded. "I'm really that bad at covering this up. Maybe if I hadn't run from Kenji, I'd have experience handling this."

"And how is your progress?"

"Today I got Mr. Higuchi to open up about Kira," Matsuda brightened when retelling his accomplishment. "When I told him I was happy about how Kira punished monsters, he was too. He didn't hesitate to tell me that, and he probably would have told me more, but we got interrupted by Namikawa. That's my fault for not asking for the door to be locked. I know I can get more out of Mr. Higuchi. No matter the cost."

"You wish to continue your exchange with Higuchi," the faintest touch of surprise reached Watari's tone. "What drives you to do so?"

"Because…" Let's share our happiness, Higuchi's words whispered in his ear like a phantom. His expression molded with determination. "I want to bring Kira to justice. No matter what, I have to sacrifice."

"… I feel your conviction, Mr. Matsuda," Watari turned to the door. "You can come in now, Ryuzaki, Light." Matsuda looked to the opening door, surprised as Ryuzaki and Light walked in. "They were eavesdropping?"

"I'm sorry, Ryuzaki. I—"

"There's no need for apologies, Matsuda," Ryuzaki interrupted him without any ire to his tone. "I knew this was a high possibility, both you slipping up and Watari discovering our private operation. I was bluffing when I said I'd give you only one chance. I wanted to see how you'd push yourself, and you met my expectations."

"Don't worry about my dad, Matsuda," Light said. "I'll convince him and Mogi that your bite is really from an animal."

"This is your investigation, Ryuzaki, so I won't interfere," Watari addressed the detective. "I will ask you, how far are you willing to let Matsuda go?"

"As long as Matsuda doesn't step inside Higuchi's home, as far as he's willing to go," Ryuzaki answered, his dark eyes finding Matsuda's. "I won't allow you to fail Matsuda. We're so close I can taste it. Kira's mine."


"You can be such a thorn in my side, Reiji," the clack of bamboo swords crashing together echoed through the sparing room. "Too cunning for a snake, more persistent than a starving dog, and as bold as a charging bull," Higuchi gritted his teeth as he lunged forward to attack, Namikawa just being able to block his swing. "You've always been there to challenge me like the sly fox you are," With a groan of exertion,Higuchi pushed back against Namikawa, making his opponent stumble back. "I couldn't be more grateful!" Higuchi took his opportunity to strike Namikawa atop his head and score the winning point; Namikawa fell back onto the mat.

"Good try, Reiji," Higuchi removed his helmet, revealing his smirk. "I almost broke a sweat."

"Well," Namikawa took off his own helmet, hair tied back and smiling softly. "I'm too polite to upstage you in your own sport." Higuchi held out his hand and helped Namikawa to his feet. They set down their equipment before settling down for a refreshing drink. "That and it was my apology to you for interrupting your," Namikawa cleared his throat. "Scheduling meeting with Amane's manager."

"It was the best damn meeting I've conducted, and you had to ruin it." Higuchi took a sip of his water. "Why'd you do that?"

"You were going to tell the manager the truth about Kira."

"I didn't know you were into eavesdropping on people getting it on," Higuchi teased though his irritation was apparent, crinkling his water bottle in his tightening grip.

"It wasn't my intention. I came to deliver your reports and heard you two talking about Kira. Also, you were getting frisky in public; you should've known there was a risk of someone walking in."

"You think they'd knock first," Higuchi grumbled.

"How long have you been meeting with the manager?"

"Ever since we first met that night. What, he makes you nervous?"

"When you think about telling him Yotsuba secrets, yes."

"Oh please, he's harmless. You'd know if you spent as much time with him as I did."

"Harmless or not, I'm not confident in taking that risk. If you told Mr. Matsui the truth today, he might have accepted it, but for how long? A month, a week? If guilt punishes him enough, he could change his heart and turn you in. Our own coworkers can get cold feet. Hatori should be a reminder for you. You wouldn't want Mr. Matsui to share his fate, would you, Kyousuke?"

"Of course not!"

"I agree with Mr. Namikawa," Higuchi whipped his head around to glare at the Shinigami that intruded on their conversation. "The manager shouldn't know about you being Kira or the Death Note. I warn you, it'll be a great tragedy."

"I'm surprised you give a shit."

"I involve myself when I deem it necessary."

"Fine, I won't tell him," Higuchi relented and turned to Namikawa. "But I don't want you to be so uptight around him, Reiji. With how things are going, he'll be sticking around for a while. You need a proper icebreaker."

"How do you suggest we go about that?"

"We… I know!" Higuchi snapped his fingers as the idea came to him. "Let's have a night out at The Red Room. You know Daigo will give us the best spots. We can invite Choko too, so Matsui can meet everyone."

"Hm," Namikawa pursed his lip. "You just described the perfect disaster."

"C'mon, Reiji. Choko and Daigo have calmed down enough for your fine palate. They're not as chaotic as they used to be. You can handle them."

"That's not what worries me," Namikawa sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Then what is it?" Namikawa did not answer immediately, silently watching the condensation trail down his water bottle.

"… Never mind. I'm overthinking it. I'll go to keep an eye on you."

"Enjoy yourself too. This'll be great for everyone, I know it."


'October 20th' Matsuda rechecked the date on his phone for the third time, staring it down as if it would disappear the moment he looked away. It was a bit clammy inside his car since he'd taken out his keys though that wasn't what heated his insides in an uncomfortable knot. He glanced at the clock. "9:16? Misa-Misa has her photoshoot at 10:15. I can't stay in the parking lot. I'll be late." With a heavy sigh, he pocketed his phone and grabbed the small polka-dotted bag with a silver bow tied at the top resting in the passenger seat before getting out of his car. The rectangular, dulled building before him was alone before the withered fields stretching out behind it. The lobby was chillier than outside though the cream walls were decorated with oil paintings, and the carpeted maroon floor brought a comforting warmth. Though what immediately drew his gaze was the painted statuette of a ballerina on the front desk, eyeing her purple skirt and golden hair ornament.

"I was wondering when you'd come in, Touta," the old woman behind the desk tutted with a small smile, adjusting her round glasses. "I was about to go out and get you."

"Sorry to make you worry, Mrs. Chiba," Matsuda apologized, walking to her desk. "I just didn't know if he was too busy to see me. He wasn't answering his phone."

"You know that man never answers his phone. Don't fret about his schedule. He'll always let you drop by whenever you can, especially today. Go on, he's in his workstation."

"Thank you, Mrs. Chiba."

"It's my pleasure, tiny Touta."

"I'm not that tiny anymore." Chiba chuckled at his remark. He went down the drab halls, the stale and empty bringing a cold atmosphere. He knew he was heading the right way when the aggressive smell of rot stained the air, and he reached a door with a silver plaque nailed into it reading: Embalming Room. He knocked but expectantly received no response. "Why wouldn't he be working?" He opened the door, and the pungent odor from inside the room assaulted his senses with its base of metallic meat that infected his tongue and notes of acrid alcohol, which burned his nose more than anything. Despite the fierce stench, Matsuda didn't recoil or pinch his nose. It was an all too familiar scent that he had become accustomed to, the perfume of the dead. He quietly shut the door behind him, the static white walls and floor with cluttered counters of foggy jars and equipment making the room as lifeless as it was suffocating. The man standing beside the silver embalming table in the center of the room didn't react to Matsuda's presence as he continued to work. His greyed white lab coat matched the dullness of the room, and his long ebony hair with streaks of silver draped down his back, muted in the artificial light.

"Happy birthday, Dad!" Matsuda cheered with a smile, lightening the gloomy mood of the room. "I hope I didn't come at a bad time. This was the only time that worked with my schedule." There was such a subtle shake to the man's head that it could've been mistaken for a natural twitch. "Oh, that's good. I bought Sakura's sweet mints for you." His dad raised his gloved hand and pointed to the cluttered desk in the corner of the room, specifically the empty glass bowl atop it. Matsuda emptied the bag of colorfully wrapped mints into the bowl, bringing a splash of color to the dull atmosphere.

"So…" Matsuda started edging closer to his dad and the corpse resting on the table. He had done his best to avoid looking at the body since he walked into the room, but his eyes couldn't help but snag onto the intricate owl tattoo painted over the young man's heart, a lively contrast compared to his ashen skin despite the deep wound slashing through his chest. "Sorry for intruding on your privacy. I hope you're at peace." "I know it's the crack of dawn, but how's your day been?"

"Productive," his dad simply replied, low voice muffled by his white medical mask.

"My investigation's the same. We're finally making progress in the Kira investigation. We've narrowed it down to a handful of suspects, and guess what? It's because I took a risk that finally paid off. Isn't that great?" Matsuda smiled, and his dad continued to work wordlessly, only giving the weakest nod. Matsuda's smile faltered. "I… I just got an important role in the investigation now. I'm working undercover to get closer to the Kira suspects, a bit too close for comfort. It's really dangerous, you know?" another faint nod. "If I screw this up… I could die, Dad. Do you think I'll die?" his dad nodded again, the motion mechanical like a thoughtless machine. Matsuda bit his quivering lip. "Dad, can you hear me?" he reached out to grab his dad's shoulder but grasped only air as his dad flinched away, whipping his head up from his work to face Matsuda. His dad's dull grey eyes stared blankly through him with a hollow expression. He blinked.

"Oh…" his dad muttered with the faintest hint of surprise. "Hello, Touta. Did you want something?"

"I—" Matsuda's voice hitched, shaking his head with a false grin. "No, I'm good, Dad. I just came to wish you a happy birthday."

"It's my birthday? Well, then, thank you, Touta." His dad gave a curt nod before returning to his work.

"… Welp, I have to go. I've got important detective work to do. Bye, Dad."

"Goodbye." Matsuda left the room with only a fleeting glance behind him, catching sight of his dad's back and the profile of the resting corpse.

"How'd it go?" Mrs. Chiba asked, hopeful, and Matsuda stopped for a moment.

"Well…" he turned to her with a small grin. "He looked at me this time, and I'll take what I can get. I'll see you next time, Mrs. Chiba."

"Be safe out there, Touta."

Matsuda left the funeral home with the stench of death lingering in his shadow.