Death Note: Sweet Sacrifice

Chapter Twelve

Now into June, the Kira case had progressed but no further. As if L was running trying to catch Kira but Kira had L placed on a surface that was constantly changing, where he could not move forward and couldn't until he removed himself from Kira's design.

Light kept purposely placing hints which L would pick up easily. This was simply to keep L busy.... Not to mention it was fun to toy with L like this. And L, being the man who he was found this quite vexing and was becoming upset with himself for not being able to get Kira yet.

Presently, L was standing on the veranda of task force headquarters alone. He worked best alone, though he knew this was a time when help was needed. Still, he needed his space.

The city below was filled with so many people going about the frivolous things that an average person would do in their day; buying groceries, walking their dog, going to work or school, meeting up with friends. The thought L these activities seemed blissful to the detective. He had never gotten the same chance at a peaceful life that these people had, but watching these people go about their day did not make him happy. These people were living under the horrifying god-like power of Kira. If L were to pass, then perhaps these poor people would be left helpless. While L may have never gotten the same chance at a blissful life as they had, he did have the chance to keep them living peaceful lives. He was the one standing between their happiness and Kira's terrifying rule over humanity.

L most certainly had set up successors to take his place when he was gone but even L had to worry that if Kira could defeat him that nobody could bring Kira down. It wasn't narcissism that made L think this either. L knew that he was one of the few individuals in the world with power and intelligence to defeat Kira... And now even he was becoming afraid. How would the world be without him? Would Kira move on to kill those pettier than who he killed now? Would he kill bullies, cheaters and liars? Would these people live in fear of their lives every time they could not meet this fake god's expectations?

"Ryuzaki."

It was Light's voice calling to L presently. Turning around L was able to see the young man standing behind him with a concerned look on his face. "Light-kun..." Replied the detective slowly. "Why have you come for me?"

"I've become worried." Light outstretched a hand as he spoke and placed it against L's shoulder. He slowly moved his hand down L's arm to capture the detective's hand in his as he spoke.

L's lips parted slightly to release a quiet sigh. The detective's exhaustion almost never showed through his actions and even now he didn't wish to make how he felt obvious. "I am worried, Light-kun." Spoke L truthfully, as he almost always did. Right now he had no reason to lie.

Light's hand gentle squeezed L's. "You're worried over the Kira case, aren't you?" L nodded his head slightly. He decided to elaborate. "I've actually become a tad depressed, really. It seems every clue I'm finding on Kira is irrelevant. It's as if Kira is trying to keep me busy. They don't wish to give themselves up but at they same time they don't want me to give up on the case. It leads me to think maybe Kira had developed some sort of interest with me...." L place his free hand close to his face and chewed on his thumbnail, occupied by a set of thoughts now going off in his mind.

Light's Adam's apple bobbed slightly in his throat. It was a barely noticeable movement. "Ryuzaki..." He spoke slowly, carefully choosing his words. "I'm here to protect you and fight with you against Kira. Whatever they have planned, I won't let them win." Though it was unnoticeable to anyone else present but Light, Ryuk snickered. "Boy, isn't this ironic?" Light ignored this comment.

Ryuzaki nodded slightly in response. Still, Light could see that he was still worried. Again he spoke in an attempt to satisfy Ryuzaki. "You're letting your work consume you, Ryuzaki. You need a break." He paused, looking for a reaction. Ryuzaki raised his gaze from his own feet to Light's eyes. With this, Light continued. "I'm going to take you out shopping. I'll buy you some sweets and whatever else you want. It will just be you and me." Now he offered a kind smile.

Ryuzaki lowered his one hand which was occupied by Light's back to his side. "Well, Light-kun... Since you seem so eager to go on a date with me, I suppose I'll just have to go if it will satisfy you." Light smiled to this, as if he was happy to hear this response. "I'll meet you downstairs. I just have to check something first." Added in L. To this Light gave an accepting nod, turned and left L alone on the veranda once again.

From his pocket, the detective removed one of his several cell phones and flipped it open. Still on the screen was the anonymous message which he had received previous to leaving his working space. Again, he read over the message before closing his phone. He couldn't figure what to make of this message. If what he had read was sincere, he might be a step closer to catching Kira than he thought. Chewing on his bottom lip in contemplation, L returned to his personal working quarters and switched his cell phone for another before leaving. He would hate to have Light find that message.