Bells and Hymns

Author's Notes: I apologize for the long delay for this chapter! This chapter actually came out a little shorter than expected because I had to cut out a lot of filler moments. I hope you will all enjoy it.

Thank you so much for all your encouragement and reviews! I'm very happy to hear from all of you. Please continue to enjoy this story and leave reviews. Thank you!

Bells and Hymns

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Unfinished

The quiet and still night contributed to the echoing of their footsteps as they walked down the sidewalk from the restaurant. The winter air caused their warm breaths to forms miniature clouds as they exhaled.

Yua sighed in a sort of annoyance that L too well familiar with. "You couldn't have called my Grandpapa to pick us up?"

"The events of this date will happen on my terms, Yua" L said. "I never pronounced it over yet."

He heard her scowled softly under her breath and he smiled out of amusement. It was funny to him how easily angered she was. Even for the smallest things, she would always somehow become upset with him. L said no more and returned his attention to the road ahead of him.

As the two made their away down another street, L could see through the corner of his eyes, a couple was coming towards them, hand in hand. His eyes followed them as they walked passed.

"Wouldn't it be nice—" he began but Yua cut him off instantly.

"No..." she murmured.

"I didn't mean whatever you're thinking about," L continued. "Wouldn't it be nice for them not to waste time with romance?"

"Then why are you on a date?" Yua countered.

"Please understand, Yua. This is strictly business," L smiled at her.

He saw her roll her eyes and look away. "Are we almost back? I want to call it a day."

L didn't answer her as he led her across the street, down a few more blocks, and into a large plaza. It was brightly lit by the many golden light sources emitted by tall floor lamps and the large hotel building. A lavish fountain was planted in the middle of the square.

"We're here," Yua sighed happily.

Thunder clasped in the sky and suddenly, it was raining. L could feel the cold water showering over him. His hair and clothes were quickly drenched.

"Is this raining season or what?" the young woman beside him said. "Let's go somewhere dry." She darted off towards the hotel.

L quickly followed closely behind her. When they both reached the large door of the hotel, L stopped. He saw the young woman placed her hand on the gold handle.

"Yua," he said.

"What?" Yua turned to him. "We should get back inside and dried up before we both catch a cold."

"One minute, is all I ask." He backed up a few steps into the open hallway of the hotel's front.

Yua raised her eyebrow at him. Slowly, her hand slipped away from the door handle and she moved towards him. "Okay," she said reluctantly. "You have one minute."

L glanced around the area and when he saw that no one was there, his eyes fell back on Yua's. He noticed that she was equally soaked as he was and probably just as cold. But there was something he had to make sure of before the night was over. He stepped around her and turned his back to her, looking out into the plaza.

"I want to know," L began. "What would you do, if Watari's life ended because of this case?" Surprising, she didn't hesitate to reply.

"If my grandfather dies because of you," Yua murmured dangerously. "I'll kill you."

His heart jumped as he heard her murderous answer. Her voice was low and she didn't refer to Watari with the affectionate name as usual. Even so, a smirk formed on L's lips. He turned around and faced her again.

"Would you really kill me?" He taunted.

"Don't you dare take my grandfather away from me," Yua warned while shaking her head slowly. "You've already done enough damage for us."

L stepped forward towards her. He half expected the young woman to back away but she stood her ground and stared him in the eyes. L, despite her response, continued to advance at her.

"What are you doing?" she demanded.

He stood only a few centimeters away from her now. He searched her eyes and found that she wasn't lying. Watari... the only person he really trusted and cared about. He asked if the old man's life would end because of the case, not because of him...

L took more steps towards Yua and their foreheads touched. This time, Yua moved back quickly and collided with the wall of the hotel behind her. He heard her take in a sharp breath and her eyes widened.

"Don't worry," L breathed. "I do not intend to harm him."

"I don't believe you," Yua shot back. "You'll do anything to solve your cases. You're not above sacrificing those you need to!"

"I do whatever it takes—"

"Exactly! You only want to complete your goals. You don't care about others. You don't think of Grandpapa as anything more than your personal servant."

"You should know," L said lowly. He placed his hand on her cheek and caressed it, making her wince. As she attempted to move away, L slipped his hand behind her hair and gripped her around the back of her neck.

"What are you doing? Let go!" Yua growled, trying to pry L's hand away.

"I'm putting my life on the line in this case as well."

The detective jerked her close to him and placed his other hand around her waist. He felt Yua's hand slide off his arm.

"Damn you! Let go!" she cried and swung the back of her hand across his face. "Your one minute is up."

L felt the slap stinging as he pressed a few fingers on his check and he listened to the sound of Yua's footsteps fading away. It was a shame, he thought. It was such a shame she didn't believe him. He would never put Watari in danger... nor would he let any danger come to the elderly man. L knew there would never be a reason for her to kill him.

-

Table, chairs, sofas, and breakfast plates and cups were moving all around. The sounds of shifting suits and feet joined the noise. It was barely dawn and the officers were already up and moving, eating their morning meals and setting up the hotel suit for another day of work on the Kira investigation.

L sat in his usual armchair, sipping on his daily cup of over sweetened coffee. Another day, perhaps today they could get one step closer in this case. As he waited for the men to organize themselves for another work day, he glanced over to the area where the bedrooms were located. It was still early. The officers probably needed a bit more time to get ready.

He gently placed his cup down, got up from his seat, and walked towards his bedroom. He reached towards the doorknob and—

"Ryuuzaki," Watari said, walking up towards him.

He turned towards the old man. "What is it, Watari?"

"Do you need something from your room? I'll get it for you."

"Do you wish for me not to see your granddaughter?"

"It isn't that," Watari said. "I thought I could save you the trouble."

So Yua hasn't said anything to Watari about last night, L thought. I guess this lie is going to continue a little while longer.

"Watari," L said.

"Hm?"

"I would like to have a word with her. Please help the officers with anything they need."

"Understood," Watari nodded. "But Ryuuzaki."

"What?"

"How was your time last night, if I may ask?"

"Everything went according to plan, for the most part," L replied.

Watari grinned, nodded, and made his way into the living room. L watched him leave before turning back to the door. He placed his hand on the cool metal knob. He opened the door quietly and stepped into the dark room.

The air was still as he walked towards what was supposed to be his bed. Yua was lying curved up with her lower body underneath the comforter, locks of her hair draped over her face. With his hands in his jeans' pockets, L casually walked over to her. He carefully touched her hair and moved it away from her face. A tingling sensation built up in his stomach. It was the same feeling from the airport...

Quickly, he pulled back when Yua shifted in her sleep. Her back was facing him now. L closed his hand out of irritation; he hated it when she didn't face him. But he sighed quietly, reached for the comforter, and draped it gently over her shoulder. It was time for him to work. He shouldn't waste it disturbing the young woman.