Music Vs. Coffee

AN- This is my first posted DN story. I've been wanting to write with these guys for a long time, and I hope I've managed to stay in character. There are no spoilers, just a bit of language and L having emotions. Run in fear, he's human! I haven't written much with these two, so I'll do my best. I don't know where this story is going, just that it's going somewhere. All reviews are welcome, even flames, because at least ya took the time to read it!

Also, one tiny little thing I wanted to point out. Kira is not mentioned any where in this chapter. Nor are percentages, nor does L make any accusations, nor does Light do anything suspicious. I'm proud of mehself...muahahaha

Disclaimer- I do not own Death Note, or the series would have stopped at book Seven. I also do not own either of the music pieces listed, nor do I have any right to tell you to look them up on Youtube, because they are wonderful.

Music Vs Coffee

It'd been two weeks. Too long, yes, it was far too long, and if Light Yagami didn't like it… that would just be unfortunate. L glanced from his screen to his near-twitching fingers where they rested on the keyboard. Light was sleeping soundly, and would have to wake soon anyway. It was nearing seven in the morning, time to rise and dress for the day's work. He had only another half hour to sleep. L decided that two weeks of his own sacrifices warranted some in return. Measure for Measure, Light-kun.

He saved his files to network's server, where they could be accessed from all computers in the building. He'd put together a report for the team to read through while Light slept. A quick glance at Light's face and tiny pang of guilt sounded in his mind, but it was quickly smothered by need. L shut down his laptop and looked away pointedly, as though the youth next to him would pick up on his intentions if he blinked too often. He placed the computer at the foot of the bed, moving slowly so as not to jingle the chain. Then he reconsidered, because he was, after all, about to rudely awaken Light anyway.

He slipped off the bed and pulled his case from beneath it. A quick glance, and yes, Light was still asleep. L usually wasn't this spiteful, but he'd given up a number of things since chaining himself to this arrogant teen. There were some things that just couldn't be set aside, however. The sweets didn't count, they were as much a part of him as his eyes or hair. Still some things…

He returned to the bed and sat cross-legged, something he only did in times like this. While it lowered his reasoning ability, it was well worth the patience it required. He opened both clasps on the sturdy wooden cover and eased it open. The smell of old books, cedar, and fine oil rose, making his hands tremble as he took out his treasure. Light shifted, and L froze for a second, his prize half way out of its case. No, Light still slept on, and damn, L wasn't waiting any more.

He set the violin to his chin and began to play. Softly, at first, he coaxed the scales from the strings, the only form of warm-up he required. L had long loved classical violin, and he was sure that…maybe three people in the world knew it. Himself, Watari, and probably Near had figured it out by now. He glanced at Light again over the top of the case and for the first time in a week, smirked to himself. Soon to be four people.

Nicolo Paganini's Caprices No. 24 (4)… one of L's favorites. He had it memorized, and it seemed just the sort of music to wake up to. Decided on his piece, he closed the case and set it aside. Without further consideration for anyone else, and an MnM to ease his chocolate craving, he began to play the piece.

It started slow, and L glanced at Light, who had not yet awoken. It jumped to life, dancing, and L forgot about Light, because he needed this. The case was killing him, and exhausting and exhilarating as it was, he'd had little to no stress relief. It'd been two weeks, too long, and here he was with his precious music. The sun was coming up in the window behind the bed and it was warm on his neck and left shoulder. He was dimly aware of Light, jumping to life in front of him, but then that was fading too…

Light was staring, he had to admit. He was furious at being woken early, and he knew it was early, because the alarm was his side of the bed. He'd opened his eyes and seen L's knee, inches from his chest. Strange, and when he looked up, and recognized the sound, he'd froze. He sat there, still. He'd always had a taste for classical music, because to him, it was the perfect form of musical entertainment. It was decidedly human, but it lacked the voices that often ruined other songs. It was a look into what was beautiful about the human mind, without the taint of humanity.

He hadn't known L could play. He was still irritated, but L seemed to be either ignoring him, or lost in his playing. He was so lost in fact, that he was smiling, his eyes closed. That was decidedly new, so Light had sat up, rearranged his pillows, turned off the alarm clock and listened. L held the bow like he did everything else, as though both afraid he'd break it and that it would bite him. His long thin fingers possessed a frightening agility on the neck of the instrument. The violin itself was beautiful, and one could tell it was lovingly fretted over. It was in pristine condition, and it looked almost comical when compared to the unkempt human playing it. The music was amazing…and if L missed a note, Light's half-trained ears never heard it.

Sometime later, the intercom on the desk behind Light buzzed. He got up slowly to answer it, rubbing his suddenly stiff legs. Watari's voice greeted him.

"Good Morning Young Sir."

"Morning, Watari."

"I see L has finally returned to his violin."

"Yes…" Light turned to lean on the desk as he talked, thankful for the extra length of chain that allowed this.

"I had wondered when he would give in again."

"I didn't know he played.", A pause. "Again? So this is normal?"

"Frankly, Yagami-san, you don't know much of anything about him. This is very normal; in fact he has abstained from his playing during your confinement only because he did not wish to be rude. Also, he's a very private person. Now tell me, is his smiling?"

"I…yes."

"Then it will be necessary for you to stop him now."

"I have to stop him? Won't he stop on his own?" Light frowned at the mike, but L's playing had reached a climactic level and Watari's answer was lost in it. "Could you repeat that?"

"Yes, I said that he will not stop once he has started playing like that. He'll play until he falls unconscious from lack of sleep or until his sugar cravings make playing impossible. Roughly three days in either case. What piece is he on?"

"I'm not sure…sounds like a Mozart."

"Ah, I was afraid of that. Yes, you must stop him. You're both two hours late for the morning meeting." Light's face paled.

"We're what?! We…I'll…We'll be right there."

"Shall I inform the Team that you are on your way?"

"Um…Yes, Do that. Talk to you again soon." He disconnected, staring in shock at the clock. How had time gone so quickly?! He admitted watching L play was fascinating…or rather, seeing L with an expression was fascinating. Especially a smile, but it had cost them both. Light had no idea what to tell the team, but a thousand horrible jokes at their expense were already streaming through his head. He jerked the chain.

L was snapped out of his reverie by a painful tug at his wrist, and the music ceased abruptly. Mozart's Violin Concerto 5, L's absolute favorite, died pitifully on the strings, and a rush of anger flew through him.

"Damn it Yagami, what do you want?!"

Light stood in shock…utter and complete shock. L's cheeks had a bright flush to them, and he had…cursed? He was angry? He had to be…he'd dropped all honorifics and was using his last name as well. Light stored this away, and tried to gather his thoughts. This morning, L seemed almost alive. He pointed wordlessly at the clock.

L's eyes went wide, and he snatched at the case, fumbling it open. Still gently, almost worshipfully, he laid his precious violin down, stored the bow in its silk sheath and tucked it in beside the body. He snapped it shut and dimly realized that Light was still in his pajamas. He motioned him over irritably and un-cuffed him long enough for the boy to throw a shirt on.

"Piano…"

"Excuse me, Light-kun?

"I thought you'd play piano…"

"Well, You were wrong, weren't you?" Light glared at the detective as he lashed his belt. He was in an unusually expressive mood. However, he wasn't talking in circles for once, and that was refreshing.

They hurried into the work room and found the rest of the team already slaving over the computers. L gave Light a harsh look, as though this was his fault, and then the mask was back in place. Matsuda hailed them from the back of the room and was promptly dismissed by both. They walked back and took their spots at the huge desk. Matsuda made some small inquiry as what happened…

All he got was Light mumbling something about L playing with his instrument.

He decided not to ask for clarification.