[ Ironically, that which originally brought them together doesn't exist in this world. The Death Note didn't travel with Light and instead, waits for his return so that they could finish the plan he put into motion long ago. In this world, they're connected because of the Kira case, but there's no real risk of death from the other outside of extraordinary circumstances. While he'd certainly taken more than his share of lives, Light isn't prone to simply walking the street to find a victim. Instead, he's left with his mind and a challenge of using it to do what he can in this world while he's here. There are complications. L knows Light does kill him in the future, and Light's undoing walks the city streets without Light's knowledge.

And Light still lied. He's been lying for as long as he can remember, though the reasoning was much more mundane. He was someone who realized he was different and not always in the best of ways. If his real personality, the one who wasn't really as social, were to leak, his existence would be much different. Instead of approaching the world earnestly, he did so as a play, playing the part of the perfect everything. That doesn't mean there were never truths. Even with L. Sincere respect exists, even as enemies. Light finds him even more fascinating than he admits, and the ability to work with an equal is more relieving than he can describe. ]

You're right.

[ Even now, they're only saying aloud a plan they've both already started in their head and agreeing on most, if not all, aspects. ]

I'll have to appear interested enough for them to believe I do have a real interest in joining, but if I agree too quickly, we'll get less information, especially as to how much pressure they're willing to assert.

They'll probably try to separate us at some point. It makes a lot more sense to keep me away from you considering your skepticism. When it happens, if we can let it happen convincingly, we should. When we meet up, I want to compare stories.