Keiko’s POV:

Keiko let out a sigh, the shinigami’s words echoing in her mind, ‘I care about Misa…and if anyone tries to do anything to hurt her in any way…mark my words…I’ll kill them.’ I don’t know why Rem is so protective over Misa, but at this point, that doesn’t matter…what matters is, if anyone goes against Misa in any way, they’ll be killed...and if I know anything at all about L, then I know that he still thinks that Light Yagami is Kira and Misa Amane is the Second Kira. That being said, I assume he also suspects that those last two rules could be fake…but, if he does anything, he’ll be Rem’s next target…there must be something I can do…there has to be a way, there just has to be.

The girl glanced over at her ex-boyfriend. At Kira. He was typing away on his laptop, as casual as ever. Keiko supposed if she wasn’t numb with worry, she would have cried. After all, that would be a relatively normal reaction upon discovering for a fact that you dated a mass murderer who probably never truly cared for you at all. However, she didn’t have the urge to cry at all.

I meant it when I told Rem that, on some level, I always sort of knew that Light Yagami is Kira. I just didn’t want to believe it. Now, there’s quite literally no denying it anymore. The shinigami confirmed it herself; Light Yagami is Kira and Misa Amane is the Second Kira.

I dated a monster. Her stomach gave an involuntary lurch. There was a bad taste in her mouth, no, I was in love with a monster. All he did was use me. He never cared about me. He never loved me. And Misa…knowing Light, he used her. He used her like he used me. And, if they both have their memories back, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’d use her again…after all, it seems it would be way too risky for him to act as Kira himself while he’s still investigating alongside L and I. Misa, on the other hand, could easily act as Kira once more. She’s been freed, no more surveillance for her. And, if she starts killing again, L will know for a fact that she is, in fact, the Second Kira. Knowing him, he will want to test out the last two rules at that point. I already suspect that he thinks those rules are fake, but Kira killing again will allow him to freely express this theory about the notebook…but, if he does that, he becomes Rem’s victim…wait a second!

Keiko’s eyes widened, and she had to stifle a gasp. She didn’t want to draw any attention to herself, she couldn’t let Light know that she now knew the truth, no way! Was this Light’s plan all along?! Is this how he wants to get rid of L once and for all?! I don’t believe it! But…I have to say, it makes perfect sense…Light’s a genius, he had to have figured out that Rem has a soft spot for Misa. He’s using those fake rules, and Rem, as a way to ensure that neither he nor Misa gets caught! I can’t let him get his way! I have to stop this somehow…but how? I need a plan, and fast! If Misa has her memories and her powers back, then it’ll probably be a matter of time until criminals start to die again! If that happens…then…L will want to test the rules! No! I can’t let him! Perhaps I can try and speak to him alone…but first, I need a plan… I can’t make any mistakes, not when L’s life is on the line!

Keiko looked around, spotting the shinigami in the corner of the room. Her eyes narrowed, so, you’re willing to kill anyone who hurts Misa, hmm? Wait a second…if that’s true then…why haven’t you killed Light? After all, you must know that he’s using her, right? …is it because she’s infatuated with him? However, Light’s still putting Misa in some rather dangerous situations…if it weren’t for you, Rem, Misa would easily be convicted of being Kira, that is, if she started killing again and the fake rules were tested…after all, she’s the one sticking her neck out if she kills again. Wait...Rem, do you realize that Light is probably planning on using Misa again? Even if you don’t know, shouldn’t you be mad at Light for having used her in the past? If you care about Misa, truly care about her, then shouldn’t seeing how carelessly Light treats her upset you? Wait…! I think I’ve got it…I think I’ve got a plan! It’s a long shot but, if Rem truly cares about Misa and Misa’s well being, then it should work! But, first, before I put this plan into action, I need to speak with L…I can’t let him do anything risky.

“Ryuzaki-san,” Keiko stood up, looking over at the raven haired detective. She could feel Light’s curious gaze on her back, but she didn’t allow herself to look in his direction.

Just wait. I’ll be getting to you later…

L looked up from the monitors, “yes? What is it?”

“May I please speak with you alone? I, er…” she trailed off. She knew she was probably being paranoid, but she was hesitant to say that she wanted to talk to him about the investigation. There was no way she wanted Light to question why she’d want to talk to L alone about the investigation, she figured that would only make him suspicious. Making Light suspicious was the last thing she wanted to do.

It’s better if I don’t say aloud what I want to speak with him about…

Luckily for her, it appeared that the detective caught on to her hesitancy.

“Of course,” he replied. “I assume it’s a personal matter, right?”

“Y-yeah,” Keiko managed to stutter out. She flashed him a soft smile, knowing Light was still watching her.

I don’t need Light knowing how worried I am…after all, why would I worried because we’ve managed to ‘catch’ Kira? And anyway, now Higuchi’s dead…with him dead and Light and Misa cleared from suspicion, I shouldn’t have much to be concerned about at the moment.

“Alright,” the detective stood up. “Then let’s go.”

/timeskip/

“We’ll be safe here,” L announced as he led her into one of the headquarter’s safe rooms. “The walls are soundproof, so even if one were to try to eavesdrop, they wouldn’t have any luck…”

“Thank you, Ryuzaki-san,” Keiko said softly.

It’s funny, she thought bitterly to herself, I wanted to get L alone to scold him about before, and now…now I have to worry about whether or not he’ll even still be alive. Now my main concern isn’t my feelings, but rather, ensuring his safety… anyway, what’s more important, my feelings or his life?

The detective gave a slight nod, looking her over as he did so. “Now, what is it you wanted to talk about?”

“You’re in danger…” Keiko met L’s eyes, letting her facade from earlier fall away. She knew there was no reason to hide around him. There was sadness in her voice as she added, “but you already knew that, right?

At this, the detective was silent, but she couldn’t help but notice the look in his eyes. He was pensive, and dare Keiko say, a bit scared.

Her heart dropped, so I was right…he knows…and it appears even the world’s greatest detective gets scared sometimes.

When he didn’t speak, she continued on, “you were right, you know. You were right all along. About everything. Light Yagami is Kira and Misa Amane is the Second Kira. I know that for a fact. It’s the only thing that makes sense...”

“Not according to those rules, they’re not,” the detective spoke. His voice, though firm, was soft. “According to those rules, they’re cleared of all suspicion.”

That might be true but…

Keiko rolled her eyes, “you and I both know those rules are fake.”

At this, L glanced at her, his dark eyes meeting hers. “That might be true, Kagami-san, but we’d only be able to test that theory if-”

“No!” Keiko exclaimed suddenly. She shook her head. The detective quirked an eyebrow, shocked yet curious at her outburst.

She continued on, ignoring the questioning look that L was giving her. “Not even then...even if the killings start again, we can’t test those rules…at least, not yet. If you test those rules, then you won’t be safe. You have to give me your word that you won’t do that right now, not even secretly.”

At this, L took a slight step towards her,“but, Kagami-san…”

Keiko swallowed hard. She could feel her emotions slowly starting to catch up with her. Even though it had been a while since she last cried, she could feel her eyes threatening to water and her voice threatening to crack, “no! If you-if-if you…Rem will k-you’ll be…”

“Kagami-san,” the detective repeated. Even though Keiko was unable to finish her sentence, he seemed to know exactly what she couldn’t force herself to say. Once again, his voice was soft. “From the very beginning, I knew I was taking a risk...I knew there was always a possibility that I’d-”

“No! Y-y-you can’t-” Keiko choked out, “I-I can’t let that happen. I won’t let that happen.”

I can’t lose you…I can’t let Light win! She took a shaky breath, attempting to calm herself. It’ll be okay, Keiko Kagami...trust in yourself, you have to trust in yourself. You have to be confident for him, and show him that he can trust in you.

She stepped towards him, attempting to control her emotions. Keiko knew that she had to be strong, despite her worry. Her voice was slightly less shaky as she announced, “I have a plan, Ryuzaki-san…”

“Kagami-san-”

“No,” Keiko looked at him as she took another step forward, slowly closing the space between the two of them. “Listen to me. Please listen to me. Right now, you’re a sitting duck. If you test those rules, then you’ll be killed immediately. I know that, you know that. You can’t say anything about wanting to test those rules. You can’t. Please. Even if you don’t do anything...you’re still a target…but my plan…it’s a long shot, and it’s risky, but it’s better than nothing. It’s better than sitting around waiting for you to die.”

L took another step towards her, his eyes meeting hers. “What is it?”

Keiko bit her lip, “I’m afraid I can’t tell you that. Not yet. Not until the time comes. It’d be too risky. But, please, just trust me. I know what I'm doing.”

Or rather, I know what I want to try to do, in order to protect you… and capture Kira once and for all…

“Kagami-san,” the detective was about to speak but Keiko cut him off once more.

Please! Please trust in me, L! I want to do this! No, I have to do this!

There was desperation in her voice as she continued on. “I know, I know…there’s a lot of reasons why you shouldn’t let me do this. It’s a long shot, it’s risky, and I’ve let Light manipulate me before, I’m still a rookie, I can let my emotions get to me…but please,” before she could fully understand what she was doing, she reached forward. She found L’s hand and lightly held onto it with her own, “let me do this. For you. This might be the only chance we have at saving your life.”

L’s eyes slightly widened at her touch, and Keiko could feel her cheeks turning red as she realized what she had done. She loosened her grip, and was about to let go when all of the sudden L entwined his fingers with hers.

“R-Ryuzaki-san…” her heart pounded. Once again, she could feel her face starting to heat up at the unexpected contact.

What’s going on right now? L, the world’s greatest detective, holding my hand?! What is this? …is this…is this real? Is this really happening right now? This isn’t like him at all…

“I wasn’t going to say any of those things at all, Kagami-san,” his voice was even softer than before. There was a glimmer of something, perhaps hope, in his voice. “If you say you have a plan…I suppose I’ll have to trust you...after all, I doubt I have anything left to lose.”

“L,” Keiko gave the detective a look of disbelief, her cheeks still tinged with pink, “are you…are you saying…?”

L gave a nod, “I’ll have to trust you, Keiko-chan…and if you don’t want me to test out those fake rules for the time being, then I won’t…though that will have to be done, eventually. I’m sure you understand that. No matter what, this case has to be solved.”

Thank goodness...and although I’m not sure if this plan will work or not, I am glad he’s at least letting me try. That alone means the world to me.

“Th-thank you…” Keiko stuttered out, “thank you for trusting in me. I’ll do my best.”

“I know,” the detective chuckled softly. There was a hint of a smile playing on his face as he added, “I know you will…you should give yourself more credit, you know. You’ve grown a lot from when I first met you. Although I’ve never met him, I’m sure your father would be proud…I know I am.”

He’s…proud…of me?

Keiko looked up at the detective, a soft smile playing on her lips. It had been a while since she had last been this happy. Before she could stop herself, she leaned her head upwards, and kissed the detective’s cheek.

“That’s the second time,” he murmured. Keiko watched as L brushed his free hand over his cheek, his eyes wide.

“Hmm?” Keiko’s eyebrows furrowed.

“The second time someone’s kissed my cheek,” he responded matter-of-factly.

“Oh…”

Right. The first time must’ve been that night with Misa, Keiko made a face of disgust, her good mood rapidly turning sour. She then dropped his hand, feeling the slight ache in her chest once more, I had been so distracted that I forgot about that…what was it he said again, ‘you know, Misa-chan, I could fall in love with you’...? Right, that was it, how could I ever forget?

L’s voice broke the silence. He sounded almost apologetic. “I didn’t mean what I said that night, you know…”

At this, Keiko scoffed. If you didn’t mean it, then why’d you say it?!

“If I were to fall in love with anyone…it’d be you.”

M-me?! Yeah, right…

“Me? Real funny, Ryuzaki-san,” Keiko was sure he could hear the bitterness dripping from her words, “you shouldn’t joke about that.”

You know how I feel about you…

“On the contrary, I was quite serious.”

Keiko, unable to decipher his tone, turned away from him. Before, she had wanted nothing more than to rip into him for what he had said that night, but now she found that she just didn’t want to talk about that night at all. Not now. She supposed she already had enough to deal with. She wanted him alive, yes, but she didn’t want to have false hope about his feelings. Therefore, she supposed it would be best if she left.

“I-I should go…they’re probably wondering what’s taking us so long.”

“Wait,” the detective reached forward, gently grabbing her hand once more. “Please don’t go yet, Kagami-san…”

He…wants me to stay?

Keiko stopped, letting L’s hand wrap around her own. She slowly turned back around to face him once more. His noticed his hand was a little sweaty as it gripped hers, but she had to admit, she liked feeling his warmth. She also noticed that the detective was awkwardly shuffling his feet.

Is he...is he nervous?

Although he seemed a bit hesitant, he looked right into her eyes as he spoke, “I’m sorry, Kagami-san. I’m sorry for hurting you. My behavior was inexcusable and I should have considered your feelings more.”

Keiko searched his eyes. From what she could tell, he was being sincere, he’s really serious about this...

“L,” she started to say, but he cut her off. Again, he seemed a bit nervous.

“I really am sorry. And I meant what I said just now…” his gaze, while still serious, was also thoughtful. “If I were to fall in love with anyone, it’d be you.”

If Keiko’s face hadn’t been red before, it was certainly red now. She could feel her heart going wild.

He-he-what?! Oh my-he’s serious…?!

“I know I’ve said this before but, I really did mean it when I said I kissed you because I wanted to…” the detective continued on, a mischievous glint in his eyes. For a moment, he was his usual self once more, “do you think I’d kiss just anyone, Keiko-chan? I…I think very highly of you…”

Wha-what?! He kissed me because he wanted to?! And he thinks very highly of me?! What is this? Then, when he complimented me all of those times, he really did mean it...but, what about what he had said afterwards?

“If you wanted to kiss me, then why’d you say it was a mistake?” the question rolled off Keiko’s tongue before she could stop herself.

“Do…do you really want to know?” L questioned, his eyes searching hers.

Unable to look away, Keiko nodded. “If you’re going to talk about this then just tell me the truth, please…”

It’s been on my mind since that night...

He exhaled slowly. “It was a mistake because…because I can’t let myself have feelings. For anyone. Considering my line of work, it’d be too dangerous...but you,” the detective chuckled softly. “You’ve almost...no, you have grown on me. Therefore, if I were to fall for anyone, it’d be you.”

Keiko was stunned, she’d never seen L talk so earnestly before. He was being terribly honest, perhaps the most honest she’d ever seen him. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

I...I honestly don’t know what to say. Am I dreaming? If he were to fall in love, it’d be with me?! I-I can’t believe...I can’t believe it.

Keiko was about to move her hand to pinch herself, but she realized that she couldn’t, because L was still holding it. It seemed that L realized this as well, because he suddenly let go of her hand. Although she could no longer feel the warmth of his hand, his confession was more than enough to warm her heart.

“I-I…” Keiko stuttered out, still trying to process everything.

He’s serious. I still can’t believe it! As happy as I am right now, I just can’t help but wonder why he’s telling me this. It’s just not like him...wait! No way! Keiko’s eyes widened at her sudden realization, is he only telling me this because...because he knows he might die soon? Is that why he’s being so honest with me?

“Kagami-san…” the detective started after a moment. It was only then that she realized he was still waiting for her to finish her sentence.

“I-I don’t know what to say,” Keiko finally spoke. She looked up at L, the ghost of a smile playing on her lips, “I’m flattered. Honestly. Hearing all that made me so happy. And...and now all I want to do is help keep you alive, and help to solve this case, no matter what. That’s all I want.”

Although his emotions were undeterminable, L had a soft expression on his face. Keiko noticed that he looked so vulnerable, so tender. It was something she wasn’t used to seeing. Before she could stop herself, she found herself staring at the detective’s lips. He was close, so close to her. Keiko wanted nothing more than to lean in and kiss that soft look right off his face. It was a purely selfish desire, Keiko knew that. It was also something she couldn’t allow herself to do.

Therefore, before she could give in, Keiko turned away from the raven haired detective. She gave a slow exhale in an attempt to calm her racing heart.

That was way too close! Did he notice I was staring…?

“Kagami-san…?” The detective prompted.

That tone...is he worried about me?

“Y-yes?” Keiko stuttered out. Even though she wasn’t facing him, her face was still turning a shade of pink.

“Are you alright?”

Am I alright? What does he think?!

“I-I’m as alright as I can be,” Keiko swallowed. “I, um, I should go. The others might get worried.”

With that, Keiko took her leave. She hurried down the hall, to safety, away from the detective.

There’s no way I can let myself kiss him. I can’t be selfish, not when he already told me how dangerous it would be for him. That would be too much! Right now all I can do is put my plan into action. This is the best way, no, the only way I can help him…Keiko Kagami, let’s do this!