Warning: Rated M for language and yaoi for later (of course). Cursing doesn't seem like a big deal to me, but you know how it is. :P

Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note (sad moment) but I do own this fic, so that'll have to do… (cries) but it's still not fair!! D'X haha.

A//N: Hi crazies! The story line is pretty much the same as the anime's -- Light still feels that the world is a disgrace and needs to be cleaned up and L still figures out hard core cases while loving sweets. But it twists in my favor (you'll see haha). I just wanted to say that L's behavior will probably be totally different ^^'' I just couldn't fit him in as the bad ass he really is, but don't worry, like I said he's still as great as always, I just kinda changed how he operates. Lol

Anyway, I hope you like it! Here's Almost Excited.

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"Light! Mom has breakfast ready, you want some?" Light's sister Sayu asked loudly and sweetly from the bottom of the stairs.

Light slowly opened his eyes. He'd been lying awake since 6:00, too bored with the same routine. Since sleeping in and skipping school was pointless and stupid, lying on the bed drifting in and out of thoughts was the next best thing, or so he put it.

"Sure, I'll be down in a second." He replied. He lifted himself up and ran his fingers through his hair quickly before grabbing his book bag and heading down stairs. He was soon sitting at the dinner table smelling the delicious smell or bacon, eggs, and toast. Breakfast was once again perky and awake like every morning with his mother and sister. Those two can really be annoying, but still, gotta love their enthusiasm. But despite their perkiness, the morning was still a dull, normal morning like always.

Speaking of overly enthusiastic, Sayu ran up behind light and hugged her big brother good morning, happier than normal, which is saying something. He didn't mind, for the most part, as long as she didn't do it all the time. She let him go easily and smiled, being as respectful as she can to her only and favorite brother. She admired him so much.

"Good morning to you too Sayu." He said kindly, but his face was expressionless with boredom once again. "I see you're especially hyper this morning."

"Yes, she's been buzzing around like this all morning." His mother added with a warm smile while pouring orange juice.

"Well, it's not like I can help it, I mean, today's the day before the big dance! I'm so excited!" She beamed happily.

Her mother laughed and continued to serve up breakfast. Light looked up at them and grinned, but still felt nothing. His father had gone to work early again, probably still exhausted from working such a hard case last night. He was the Chef of Police and was currently undergoing a lot of cases. Even though most were just regular robberies, thefts, and your average weirdoes. But then there were abductions, murders, bribes, rapes, arson, everything everywhere. There was such a large quantity that lately the police have been on their toes every second, unable to blink without another insidious crime showing up.

It made Light sick with infuriating disgust.

After leaving home, he was soon nearing the High School's main gates. Once again, the day seemed to drag on forever. He was the smartest and most handsome kid in school, ask anyone and they'd tell you that. He had the girls wrapped around one finger, and the teacher's on the next; everyone admired him. But to him, the popularity wasn't even that great of a leg to lean on, let alone the 'good-life'. Sure he got his kicks messing around with people, but it wasn't really interesting. All the people around him were like putty in his hands, no, even less than that.

He'd see it everyday. Everyday someone else would prove how useless and inferior they were in some new idiotic way.

These people don't deserve the breath of life if they can't even think for themselves to live it…

Is what most of his thoughts came to.

And it worried him. How could he just keep letting himself think like that? He felt guilt, but more so and at an increasing level, he felt it justified. Which worried him more.

The final bell had rung and the students soon filed out of the school halls as did Light. Exams were this week, but he wasn't worried of course. But he would study regardless; he wasn't First In Class for nothing after all, but aside from that, he'd probably study out of sheer boredom.

He stood in the small court yard of the school and looked at his watch: 4:12 PM. Deciding to take the long route home, Light walked from the school into the endless streets of the city. He walked past familiar shops and stores, quiet and bland. Then he took a sudden turn to see streets more grim and disgraceful than anywhere before. The sight was all too familiar and it disgusted him even more. He'd see T.V's in store windows displaying the regular depressing News of yet another hideous crime. He didn't bother to stop and glance, only listened as he continued his pace.

I don't know how much more of this the world can take. He thought to himself as he walked. Surely the police have had enough. Dad hasn't slept in weeks as it is… He soon let his mind cross over into that state of 'justice' and shook his head twice. No. I can't let myself think like that anymore, but I have to help somehow, this world needs it…

He continued on, being sure to pay attention to his surroundings, he did it almost subconsciously. Now he was walking on fancier streets with dark allies in between big business buildings. He heard the muffled sound of a sleeping beggar in one of them. His watch read 6:23 PM and he kept walking down the long street. The cherry trees were cold and bare; it was winter after all, but the sight was still almost peaceful to him. Small amounts of snow settled on the benches he saw in between the rows of cherry trees.

Then he thought he saw something on one of the benches father away. Just a dark form. His eyes narrowed trying to see what it could as he continued down the street. Probably just some guy waiting for the bus. He thought to himself.

Sure enough, there sitting at the end of one of the benches sat a man, a very odd one at that. He was … strange to Light. He unknowingly slowed his pace so he could examine the man longer without looking suspicious.

He was sitting on the bench with his feet tucked under him and his knees brought up to his chin. His back was curved and his shoulders slouched forward while his hands rested on his knees. His wild spiky hair was jet black. He wore baggy jeans, a dingy long white T-shirt, and a pair of old sneakers were on the ground and not on his feet, even though it was very cold. He didn't even wear socks.

The man was staring straight ahead. From this side, he almost looked deep in thought … a lot like Light always did. He was nearing the edge of the bench still staring at him, when the man almost startled him when he spoke. "You know it's not polite to stare." He said in a friendly voice, but it was somehow eerie.

Light didn't realize he'd stopped completely and in fact was staring at the man. He quickly composed himself and lightly laughed. "Sorry, I guess it's just weird seeing someone else out in the cold is all." He said with a fake smile to match his fake laugh, charming as always.

His face soon faded into what he thought had to be wonder as the strange man turned his head slowly to face his own. His eyes were insanely deep, with black circles like heavy bags under his eyes. But his even darker eyes looked as though they could pierce through skin, yet unreadable in every way. He was eerie from every angle. "Yes, I suppose it is strange. Then again, I could say the same for you." His eyes never blinked.

Split seconds later Light put his thoughts behind him and let his curiosity get the best of him. "True." The man's expression never changed but Light thought he saw a tiny line of relief in his eyes and wondered why. But he was probably imagining it. "My name's Light Yagami." He stuck out his hand for a friendly shake. The man looked at him for a silent moment before exposing his own hand and shaking his. The man's appearance was strange enough, but when he shook Light's hand he did it in such a bizarre way, it still almost made since to Light, like it was the most natural thing for this man to do, since everything he seemed to do naturally was completely unnatural to most. Which was strange, but he put it behind him.

"My name's Ryuzaki." He withdrew his hand and continued to pierce his eyes through Light's. "Would you like to join me? I'm waiting on an old friend anyway." The wind started blowing making his spikes sway. "That is, unless you have something better to do." He said in a strangely calm voice.

Light felt as if this man could read his mind. It irritated him. But at the same time, fascinated him. Which irritated him more. What a paradox. "Sure. You could probably use some company while you wait." He smiled as he watched the strange man soften only for a second to move over a little and give him room to sit down.

It was quiet for a moment. Light took this time to let his curiosity roam again. He's calm… too calm. And he's gotta be the strangest guy I've met. It seems odd that he has the same name as the pop star, but still, he didn't bother telling me his last name. Should I be suspicious? Probably not, but just in case, I'll keep both eyes on him. "Mind if I ask you something?" Light asked, not acting at all as curious as he truly was.

But somehow this man…this Ryuzaki, if that was even his real name, when he looked at him, he felt like he was truly reading his mind. It made him twitchy, but he was getting less bored every second. How does he seem to know? Is it because he could be a lot like me…? I wonder…

"Be my guest." The strange man answered while resting his chin on his knees, it was almost childish, but again, the sight just seemed to fit. "As long as it has nothing to do with my past, because most of it is not very interesting."

You saw right through that huh. He laughed"No it's nothing like that, I just wanted to know why you have your shoes off. Aren't you cold?" He easily said.

Ryuzaki blinked twice. It was the first time Light saw him blink the whole time they were sitting there. "I don't like them." He said simply. "Or socks. They're itchy." He wiggled his toes for emphasis.

Light just stared at him. He didn't know whether this strange guy was testing him or if he was truly as silly as he was acting. So he had no idea how to reply to that. It kind of irritated him. But he gave it a shot anyway. "Ryuzaki you're one strange guy." He said with a smile.

"Yes." He said almost sadly, and Light almost (almost) regretted saying it, for some reason – he never regrets his words no matter how harsh at times. "I am very strange, but in a world full of cruelty and evil, I'm better off where I stand now. Trying to preserve justice."

Light sat in the cold surprised for a moment. Normally he'd put logic over curiosity every time. He was smart, cunning, clever, and had an acute sense of deductive reasoning and believed fully in justice. So why did all of that natural brilliance fade so easily from just sitting with this strange man? He didn't know. But the more he talked to him, the more he wanted to talk to him. He felt like he'd actually found another living soul capable of talking in brilliant code with. Maybe the same kind of person who could understand him fully and help him to achieve his goal in a more, less criminal world.

Or maybe he was pushing it too far.

Before he had time to reply, Ryuzaki was looking up the street. "Ah, there he is now." Light looked over to where he was staring. A black expensive car pulled up in the street in front of them. The glass was so tented and dark Light couldn't see through even this close to the car. Ryuzaki stood slipping into his ragged shoes then slouched across to the car door with his hands in his pockets. Light stood as well, still analyzing what Ryuzaki had said earlier.

Ryuzaki turned to Light. "Light I'm afraid I have to go now. It was nice meeting you." He said in that same calm civilized voice. Light felt disappointed but dared not show it. "That's too bad, hope you have a nice trip." He grabbed his backpack and looked at his clock. 7:33 PM. I can't believe I stayed out here so late. Oh well, I usually don't get home till 8:00 anyway.

The sound of the car door opening brought him back out of his thoughts. He pretended to shuffle a few books in order in his book bag as he kept his both eyes on Ryuzaki and this new chauffeur that had stepped out of the car and was now opening the door for Ryuzaki. He was an elderly man obviously; short white hair and a mustache. He wore a black tux with a black bow and white button up shirt. He respectfully held his hands behind his back and looked almost identically to a butler, for all Light knew, he was Ryuzaki's butler. The way the old man presented himself gave a hint of superiority, but still respectful and very trusting.

… A fancy car and a butler? Interesting Ryuzaki, are you wealthier than you appear? Or is this all a set up? Too bad you're leaving, or else I would've had fun investigating. He couldn't believe he said fun, it seems like forever since he could actually put that word into context again and really mean it.

Ryuzaki got into the car and was soon in that strange position again. Light guessed his shoes were somewhere in the floorboard and rolled his eyes at the thought then almost gave a small grin to no one in particular. The older man shut the door and got back in the driver's seat then started the engine as Ryuzaki rolled down the window.

"Hey Light." He called out. Light walked over with his book bag on his shoulder and looked in those dark eyes again. "Tomorrow there's an Art Gallery in Tokyo. They claim that a thief might steal one of the main pieces, but it could be nothing more than a rumor." He said, almost looking bored. "Well. I must leave now Light. It's been fun." And with that, he rolled up the window and drove off down the street.

Light looked in the corner of his eyes to make sure he'd really left. Then looked fully in the direction the car had gone, pondering. Why would he tell me that? Art Galleries are pointless. But that last bit of info… he must have something planned… He shook his head again. No. I'm getting ahead of myself. I barely know the man after all, in fact, I don't know him at all really. But still… He began walking and was now almost home. He looked at his digital watch: 8:45 PM.

He went inside where his sister greeted him with a smile, obviously happy about her day. "Light! You're home! You won't believe what happened today…" she smiled talking happily.

"So tell me about your day Sayu. How's school coming along?" He asked charmingly. They talked for a little while before she let him go and continue to his room. She really did respect her brother, he'd helped her with homework all the time. Not only that, he was kind and always good to her. To her, Light was the perfect brother. Though like all little sisters, she had her moments of annoying-big-brother at times.

"Oh, and mom's cooking dinner; we're having steaks! You want some later?" She asked before he'd made it all the way into his room.

He wasn't hungry. All he'd wanted to do was go in his room and search his mind only this time, with interest. He wasn't angry to talk with her, but he was still grinning over the fact that he wasn't going to be bored for a little while. Or at least, not until the art show. He knew something was going to happen, but after that it'd probably all end. "No thanks, I'm kinda tired. I'll see you in the morning."

"Ok, goodnight Light." She finished before leaving for the living room.

He went into his room and locked the door behind. He then slid his book back off and onto the floor beside his bed quickly falling on the soft blankets and relaxing. Or at least his body was. His mind however, was alert and already calculating, running full speed ahead.

…I've heard about that rumor too; about the thief planning on stealing a major art piece tomorrow. He got up and was soon on the searching the web and turning on the News. He easily found much info. Apparently, a note was left at the police station telling him that he would, anonymously of course. He was obviously doing it for attention or desperation. But he might as well should've signed the damn thing, the fool. Forensic specialist could've traced him easily had there not been so many cases piling up at the time. They've been way over their heads lately with much worse criminals than this amateur.

He searched around a little longer quickly finding out more about the art gallery. Most of the pieces were abstract and pricey, but none of them really stood out. Light deducted that the cocky thief would want the biggest, flashiest, and/or the most expensive piece there. Then he saw it. That'd be it all right. It was small, but brilliant painting of a modern day Mona Lisa. An artist named Christopher Pas decided that the "old Da Vinci's version" just wasn't "modern" enough. So he re-created the famous piece into a piece far beyond bright and abstract and put a price tag of on it for $5,000.

I don't know which one's worse: The man about to steal the art or the artist himself. He sighed then searched the web some more as he listened to the News. It was 9:30 so he got off, almost tired but still partially excited. He finally got off the computer and went to bed. Though again, as tired as he was, his mind still wouldn't let him rest. He thought about the Art Gallery and the criminal. Then a sick feeling in his stomach settled when he kept dwelling over the corruption of the world. His eyebrows furrowed in frustration, still trying to think of a way he could help and disappointed that he hadn't yet. Then he remembered talking with Ryuzaki. Ha. That guy sure is strange … maybe even insane. But it was still amazing what he said; it's almost like he knew me exactly…And the Art Gallery. Is that a test? Why would he tell me something like that and just leave? As if he knows we'll meet again or something? He hadn't realized he'd lost all his earlier stress. How comfortable he was. Or even how much he just wanted to talk to him; someone else just as capable of intelligent thought. It was almost surprising.

He hadn't realized he'd practically thought himself to sleep too, almost happy.

Well… Chapter One is done (whether that's a good thing or not, the world will never know XD)

So yea, I was thinking about it and thought "Hm… I wonder what L would be like if he wasn't so protective and went outside?" He'd probably get shot, but not in this fic he won't XD no way.

And don't worry, I don't know if that whole idea would make anyone mad, but as a Death Note fan, it might… SO just in case, I'm gunna tell you that he really will be all protective and secretive (as much as I can manage that is) so it's all good.

Well, other than that, I've got nothing. Haha, hoped you liked it ;3

P.S. = Reviews feed the soul. And this soul could be starving, you never know. Please. Feed the souls; Review. This sponsor is brought to you by: "CookieCake and all its glory."