It was the first time the silence in the main office disturbed L. He'd gotten so used to having Light right at his side, typing away at his computer, it felt out of place for the college student not to be there now. Or anyone, for that matter. Chief Yagami was upstairs with his son, the other Task Force agents had gone for a walk, and according to the security feed, Misa Amane was sunbathing on the roof. L thought about calling Watari, but then recalled he'd sent him out to get some supplies for Cassandra. He was all alone, and it bothered him.

I suppose I could go up and work in my room for a bit, pondered L. But Cassandra's sleeping, and I should be here in case anyone from the Task Force returns. It would be unseemly for me to be anywhere but here in the middle of such an important investigation.

Casting the idea aside, L returned his attention to the screen in front of him. But as soon as he read the first paragraph of his notes, he remembered why he couldn't focus. He'd gone over the data again and again, and he still couldn't see it. How did Kira kill with something as natural as a heart attack?

If an AED can restart a heart, there's no reason to believe something similar can't stop it completely. But if Kira used some technological gadget, the coroners would've found at least some evidence supporting that theory. Moreover, several criminals died at the same moment, yet miles apart from each other. It can't be anything like that.

L thought back to C's questioning of Howard Howe's ghost in the morgue. The man had provided no further clues into Kira's identity or modus operandi, but there may still be something in his records. Even the slightest detail could be important.
But just as L was about to dive into the NPA database, his back pocket pinged. Frowning, he reached for his phone. Watari had a clear list of what Cassandra needed, so it would strike L as odd he would text. Were it not for the argument they had earlier, he would've found the text in itself odd as well. In fact... there was only one person who texted him. But she was supposed to be asleep.

C - one new message.
'For your eyes and ears only.'

L cocked his head when a little pop-up for a live video appeared next. He had to hand it to his partner in crime-solving; she knew how to get his attention. They usually didn't video chat unless either had something very important to share. Could it be C took over while Cassandra slept and found something on Howard Howe on her own laptop? Or even better, on Raye Penber or Naomi Misora? Intrigued, L pressed on the link and waited patiently for the little wheel to stop spinning.
The elevator dinged behind the sleuth. He grunted his displeasure when Aizawa, Mogi, and Matsuda walked out. Talk about bad timing. L acknowledged the trio as they resumed their seats and then reached for his wireless earbuds in the top drawer of his desk. He detested wearing them, but he didn't want to risk the others hearing what C sent him. If she'd meant for her information to be shared, she would've just come down and told the room. Quickly, he typed 'Can't watch or talk, but I'm listening', and then let his phone slip into his lap, his hunched sitting position cleverly concealing it.

At first, L heard nothing. He checked the connection and volume of his earbuds, but everything was operational. Believing something must've happened during the load, he reached for his phone to send C another message. That's when he heard it. Faint moaning, as if someone were in pain. L glanced over his shoulder to make sure nobody was near, looked down... and froze in his seat.
The camera of C's phone was on her, but she wasn't holding it. It was standing against something, so the entire scene could be filmed. And what a scene it was. C, dressed in the same cream top Cassandra had worn when he'd left her, lay on the bed. Her back was slightly arched, and one hand fisted the sheet while the other moved between her legs. Though her leg was up, her knee at a sharp angle, the restricted view left very little to the imagination.

Abhorred, L shut his eyes. But with one sense closed, another heightened. His ears filled with the soft melody of C's gasps and moans, joined by a low strumming and continuous buzzing. Never had L heard her voice so... clearly. Crystalline, almost. She always spoke so sternly, so to-the-point, yet now...

"Lawliet."

For the second time in just a few minutes, L stiffened in his seat. C never addressed him as Lawliet. Only one person did. But surely this wasn't... Cassandra?

"Oh, Lawliet, please..."

L listened intently, focusing on the desire in Cassandra's pleading voice. At every moan, his heart skipped a beat. His body felt heavy and light at the same time. Hot and cold, but mostly hot. Boiling, even. God, to think Cassandra was actually pleasuring herself with his name on her lips... His hunched position was becoming increasingly more uncomfortable. He clutched his phone and planted his bare feet on the chair to ground himself. If he didn't, he would surely -

"Ryuzaki? Are you okay?"

L's eyes shot open. He looked sideways, finding Matsuda at the end of the desk with a file in hand. Had the junior detective noticed what was happening? No, from the curious expression on his face, L deduced Matsuda probably thought he'd fallen asleep in his chair. Wouldn't be the first time.

"Yes," he replied, subtly lowering the volume on his phone, grateful both hands were covering the device and his unruly hair the earbuds. "Resting my eyes a bit."

"You know, this not-sleeping-thing really isn't healthy. Have you tried drinking chamomile tea with some valerian root? My grandmother swears by it. She says it calms the brain or something."

"I'm afraid my brain is far too active for such a simple remedy. But I appreciate the suggestion."

Satisfied of his good deed for the day, Matsuda gave L a thumbs up and then returned to the others. L dared to glimpse down at the screen of his phone. Cassandra was panting, her chest rising fast, but she lay completely still otherwise.
Part of L was relieved he hadn't seen or heard anything. It would've made things very awkward between them, and it was highly unprofessional to be watching a personal video such as this while at work. But there was another part of L that was utterly disappointed. If there was one thing he hated, it was leaving matters unfinished.

📓💀📓

Cassandra emerged from the bathroom after cleaning herself up and flopped back onto the bed with a tired groan. It had been a long time since she'd pleasured herself. Several months, in fact. Since the last time she and L had spoken on the phone, a week after his arrival in Japan for the Kira-case.
Just like then, Cassandra wasn't entirely sure today's session had been her own decision. Her bold and sexy counterpart masturbated far more than she did, and it wouldn't be the first time C prompted Cassandra to give in to those urges as well. Like today; one moment she'd been snuggled up to take a nap in her nightshirt, and the next, she'd been lying half-naked on top of the covers with that toy in her hand. What had even possessed her to go through with it?
With a sigh, Cassandra sat up and ran her hand through her long hair. The clicking noise of the door unlocking drew her attention to it. She frowned when L came in.

"Hey, what are you doing back so soon?" she asked.

He gave no reply and merely sauntered toward her. His blue-gray eyes looked from Cassandra to the bed and then to the dresser in front of her.

"Is... something wrong?" She followed his gaze. "Lawliet, why are you -?"

But then she saw the phone standing against the black purse C had carried to the morgue. The screen was turned away, the black casing blending perfectly with the leather handbag. Silently, L grabbed the phone and handed it to Cassandra. A live video call had ended a few minutes ago. That was odd. She hadn't - oh, no.
Cassandra's head jerked to the dresser, then to L, then back down, eyes widening in horror as they traveled from purse to person to phone. Her alter ego had... and L had... while she... The redhead recoiled from the bed, throwing the device as far away as she could.

"By that response, I take it you didn't know," said L.

Cassandra shook her head, more in disbelief than in denial. Why, for God's sake, would C do this to them? She knew what their relationship entailed, and sex played no part in it whatsoever!

"I'm sorry." Her voice quivered. "I-I didn't... I never... Lawliet, I swear I -"

"It's okay."

"No, it's not okay. I-I-If I'd known s-she set me up, I-I wouldn't have... I..."

Cassandra's legs gave way. She stumbled to the carpeted floor, clutching her chest as she gasped for air. Her vision blurred. Her entire body cramped into a foetal position. She couldn't stop shaking. Couldn't stop the horrible awareness invading her mind. Laughter echoed. A gloating, wicked laughter. Monstrous.
Somebody grabbed her. Shook her, even yelled at her, but Cassandra was deaf to their urgent voice. She no longer felt the floor underneath. Light penetrated through the darkness. She screamed and thrashed when an icy deluge rained down from above. A pair of powerful arms held her down, forcing her to a halt.

Slowly, Cassandra's senses returned to her. A tranquil voice reached her through the humming in her ears. L's voice, whispering reassuringly. The shadowy haze that had fallen over her eyes cleared. Rivulets of water streamed down her face as she looked up and recognized the walk-in shower in the white bathroom. Her gaze shifted down to the arms gripping her from behind. L's arms, keeping her safe from harm.
Cassandra turned her head, finding herself laying against the raven's slender body. He was surprisingly fit for someone who rarely exercised. His heart beat was so strong. Its steady rhythm reverberated through her, willing her own heart to join in its cadence.

"Breathe," said L. "I've got you. Just breathe."

She did. Cassandra's lungs filled with much-needed air as she took a deep, long breath. Four counts in. Exhale, four counts out. Inhale again, four counts, and exhale again, four counts.
When he noticed her breathing improved, L loosened his tight hold. He made Cassandra turn in his embrace. She winced when the downpour from the shower hit her back. L promptly reached up to turn it off.
Silence invaded the bathroom. All Cassandra heard was her own breathing. She cringed when L's thumb suddenly caressed her cheek and clutched his soaked shirt, her tears mixing with the water. How could she ever face him again after what C had done? But L clearly wanted her to face him, as he brought her chin up. Their eyes met.
Cassandra was startled to find them filled with understanding and... something odd. Not anger. She'd seen that in them before. It wasn't frustration either, or any other negative emotion she could come up with. This was...

"Y-Your belt is poking me," she spoke, the hardness underneath her breaking the spell L was placing her under.

"I'm not wearing one," he replied in a strange tone he hadn't used with her before.

"O-Oh..."

L cupped her face. Cassandra wanted to believe it was the ice-cold water that made her shiver and not that simple touch.

"I understand you're upset," he said, "and I'll also understand if you don't want to talk about this. But I want to ask something."

"What," Cassandra cleared her throat, which had inexplicably just gone dry, "what is it?"

"Do you always think about me?"

She stiffened in his arms. Did he mean...? Oh God, had he heard her, too?

"You said my name," L pushed on. "Now please, answer me. Do you always think about me when you pleasure yourself?"

Cassandra bit her lip. She averted, hanging her head in defeat. There was no use in lying to L. The awkward silence already said more than enough.

"I see."

L nudged her off him. Cassandra wanted to huddle into the corner and die, but L pulled her up and guided her out of the shower. The fluffy blue towel hanging from the rack came down on her head. Gently but with a determination to his touch, L scrunched her hair and massaged her scalp, effectively drying her off as much as possible with just the towel. Next, he swept Cassandra up and carried her out of the bathroom, bridal-style. When he set her on the bed, he said, "Take those clothes off."

"W-What?" stammered Cassandra, flabbergasted by both his actions and the sudden request. "But I-I'm naked under this."

"I'm well aware. Just as I'm aware your top and underwear are soaking wet. Take them off before you catch a cold."

L set deed to word and promptly took his own shirt off, revealing smooth porcelain skin. Cassandra stared at his upper body, enthralled by the sight. He was no swimsuit model, or bodybuilder, or whatever else women generally found attractive, but he was still more than easy on the eye. His chest was firm, his belly flat, yet with the faintest hint of a sixpack. Did his abs get a mini work-out every time he got up and down from that peculiar but cute sitting position?

"Cassandra? Are you all right?"

"Huh?" Cassandra realized with a shock she must've been staring at him and blurted, "Oh, y-yes. It's just, um... I should probably get something else to wear first. And maybe, um... change in the bathroom?"

"The door is locked," said L, "and the blinds are closed. Not that anyone could see what we're doing. I had the windows tainted to protect us when I made arrangements for you to come here."

"Okay, but -"

"Where is it?"

Cassandra frowned at the impromptu interruption. She tilted her head questioningly. "Where's what?"

"I heard buzzing in the video," clarified L, "and considering what you were doing, I can only deduce you were using a vibrator. So where is it?"

Yep, officially the most embarrassing day of her life. And that included the time C had switched controls on her in the middle of the shop attendant's explanation when she bought the damn thing in that stupid lingerie store. Her eyes fearfully flashed to the nightstand - a mistake, as it revealed the toy's location to L. Before she could stop him, he opened the drawer and reached for the scarlet case it was stashed in. He opened the box and pinched his brow as he took out the red oval-shaped item to inspect it.

"I-It's a bullet vibrator," explained Cassandra. "For, um... external use."

"How does it work?" he asked.

Again, Cassandra stared at L, uncertain of his intent. Was he just curious, like he was about all the new things he encountered, or...? No, impossible. It couldn't be that he wanted to... right?
At her silence, L sat on his haunches in front of Cassandra and put a hand to her knee. His eyes captured her attention, making it simply impossible to look away. He looked so calm, yet so... resolved. The intensity of his expression made her clench her thighs, even though she wanted nothing more than to open them for him.

"With your permission," said L, "I would like to use this on you. Please tell me how it works so I don't make any mistakes."

Cassandra's heart fluttered. This was a dream. It had to be a dream. Yes, she'd fallen asleep, and this was just her mind taking the fantasy for a spin after getting a hormone rush. There was simply no way L actually wanted to... But then Cassandra recalled the lustful manner in which he'd looked at her before. It was almost the same look he'd given her in the shower. So maybe...

"The, um... white button on top. Hold it in for three seconds to turn it on and off. You switch settings with one click, and..." Cassandra's cheeks turned all shades of pink and red. How was she supposed to explain the rest to him? "D-Do you, um... know what the clitoris is?"

"I've read about it, yes."

"Okay, so you just... move it against that until I... you know."

"Hm, I believe I do. Now, will you please undress? I really am concerned you might get sick. Here, use this to cover yourself and keep warm."

L offered Cassandra the oversized green sweater lying on the foot of the bed before turning around. She hurriedly changed her top with the sweater, but lingered at her panties. Did she dare ask?
After taking a deep breath, Cassandra lightly tapped L's shoulder to tell him it was okay to turn back. She stood close to him and led his free hand underneath the hem of the sweater. "Do... you want to take them off?"

A gleam appeared in L's eyes. Again, that same unusual expression that piqued Cassandra's curiosity further. Going on a hunch, she leaned in to brush her lips against L's. He reciprocated instantly, capturing her mouth in an ensnaring kiss. Heat flushed through Cassandra's core when L grabbed her by the waist with one arm and pushed her against him. She gasped when she struck a bulge.

Not a belt... Oh God.

With a yelp, Cassandra suddenly hit the bed. L lay down on top of her, caging her body with his own, and attacked her mouth. His knee pushed her legs open. Fabric ripped as he yanked her cream-colored panties off. Cassandra would have objected had she not been so utterly absorbed by this sudden animalistic behavior. L's ardor was unlike anything she'd experienced. Never had he kissed her so... demandingly. As if she were a sweet dessert he craved. Were it not for his cold fingers abruptly touching her, Cassandra would've gladly let him eat her whole.
Her breath hitched as L spread her folds, and she tore herself away upon hearing the soft buzzing noise of her vibrator. Her mouth formed a silent 'O' when the toy's oval tip rolled up and down. The moment it touched her clit, a moan escaped Cassandra.

"Hm, there it is," she heard L say.

He leaned in again, but at the very last second, Cassandra turned her head and L's lips landed on her jawline instead. She shut her eyes, her senses overloading by what was happening between her legs, by the heat and weight of L's body, and by the murmurs against the side of her neck.

"Am I doing this right?" asked L.

"Y-Yes," answered Cassandra.

"Is it okay if I turn it up now?"

She nodded fervently, uttering a moaning gasp when the pressure on her clit changed. The continuous humming turned into a low series. Buzz... buzz... buzz... buzzzzz. Like a bumblebee flying and resting on a flower. L adapted the concise circular motions to match the rhythm, to which Cassandra felt herself get wetter. But it wasn't enough. She needed more.

"L-Lawliet, please... l-let me move."

L shifted to the side and leaned up on his elbow, creating a small distance between their bodies. Cassandra hurriedly shuffled down until she touched his knee. The wet fabric of his jeans felt rough against her.
She dared to glance at L's face. His blue-gray eyes were observing her. She put her hand on the nape of his neck, tangling her fingers in his hair. At her nod, L again pushed the button, upping the setting on the vibrator to a powerful whirring. Cassandra careened in pleasure, her hips moving, rolling, striking at both his knee and the toy. So close...

"K-Kiss me," she begged. "Lawliet, kiss me, please!"

L's mouth crashed against Cassandra's without fail. His tongue prodded at her lips, forcing them apart. Once their tongues met, the arousal coursing through her reached its peak. The knot between her legs tightened more and more until it finally gave way. With a whimpering cry, Cassandra arched her back, surrendering to the most amazing orgasm of her life.
Lost in the cacophony of her singing senses, she was only vaguely aware of the buzzing shutting off. Her trembling body fell limp. She felt a damp shine on her skin from both the shower and the exertion. Her chest rose fast, her hard nipples peaking in the sweater at every ragged pant. Her mind spun, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

In five years, we've never gone beyond kissing and an accidental touch. Yet Lawliet came straight up when he saw me on the video. He wanted to do this with me, to me, so... does he crave me, after all?

Cassandra glanced at L, hoping to see the answer in his face. But all she saw in his widened eyes was shock. As if he just now grasped what they'd done... and what else it might lead to.
When she opened her mouth to speak, L recoiled, forcing Cassandra to disentangle her fingers from his hair. He hastily climbed off the bed, picked up his shirt and threw it in the hamper before taking a new long-sleeve and a dry pair of briefs and jeans from the dresser.
Without as much as a single glance, L disappeared into the bathroom and shut the door behind him, leaving Cassandra heartbroken. She threw herself on the bed and buried her face against the pillows so not even the shadows in the room could witness her tears.

He'll never love me. Never...