Two years ago Misa had launched what she thought was her greatest plan ever. Two years later, however, she found that she might have come up with one that could top it. Maybe.
Getting Light and Ryuuzaki together was one of her proudest moments. She knew it would work out well. Sure, they fought a lot in the beginning, and she'd be lying if she said they didn't fight now, but now their arguments were more subdued and could be considered friendly bickering.
Her heart still ached occasionally, but that faded every time she saw Light smile. He did that a lot now. She even saw Ryuuzaki smiling on occasion, and it was different from the childish one he used to put on that reminded her of a small critter. They were happy.
The first few times she caught them holding hands, Light would immediately let go and his face would flush. Both her and Ryuuzaki always got a kick out of it. Now that she wasn't dating him, it was surprisingly easier to be around him. She didn't feel like she was too stupid for him and he respected her skills and talents. There was no pressure to please him and Misa could tell he felt better too. Who would've thought they would have made such great friends?
The same could be said for her and Ryuuzaki. Teasing Light together was now one of their favorite past times. It was almost too easy. They also went on sweet runs that sometimes ended up lasting for hours because Misa never knew which one to choose and L had to be talked out of buying everything in the entire bakery.
Life was good.
They loved her and she loved them and that's why she was able to get away with this. They had both protested a wedding. Neither felt that they needed to solidify their relationship with rings or vows or an audience when they knew they wouldn't leave the other. Still, she had insisted. It wasn't until she pleaded with Light, asking him to let her give him one last thing in return for saving her. She was pretty sure he didn't know what she meant, but could tell it was important to her, so he gave in.
So here they were.
Today was the day.
Everything was pristine. Misa placed the last of the centerpieces filled with flowers on the table and twirled away in her sleeveless, indigo bridesmaid gown. The reception hall was done, and they had finished the ceremony area outside this morning. Guests were due to arrive soon and she was ready to greet them.
"Misa-Misa!"
Misa turned around and spied Matsuda hurrying over to her.
"Matsuda! Everything all ready?"
He beamed at her. "Yup! We're all set, and people are arriving. The Chief and his wife and Sayu just got here!"
"Yay!" She leapt up and hugged him, squeezing tightly. He chuckled nervously, but returned it after a few moments. "Thank you! You're the best!"
"Well, it is Light's and Ryuuzaki's special day!"
"You're right. It's gonna be great!"
Matsuda was another member of the small wedding party that only included him, Misa, Sayu, Near, Mello, and Matt. The groomsmen were dressed in tuxes that matched the indigo color of the girls' gowns.
Misa grabbed Matsuda's hand and pulled him along with her towards the exit. Stepping outside, Misa could see that almost all of the investigation team and their families were already here and they were chatting away with the Chief and his wife. Some younger children were sitting in the seats and Misa assumed that they were the children from Wammy's House. Sayu spotted them and bounded over.
"Misa! It's so great to see you!" Sayu jumped into Misa's open arms.
"You look beautiful!" Misa regrets that they would never be actual sisters, but the friendship they've formed was the next best thing.
"So do you! How's my brother looking?"
"I haven't seen him since he got here, but I was just about to go check on both of them."
Sayu released her and hugged Matsuda. "Well, I'll let you get to it then."
"Thanks. Could you make sure the other boys are ready? Last time I saw Near, he was still in his pajamas and I think Mello was trying to cut his suit jacket into a vest. And Matt's probably off somewhere playing his game." Sayu nodded and Misa started to skip away.
"Misa!"
She turned to face Matsuda.
"Need any more help?"
Misa smiled. "Awww Matsuda, you're too sweet. Hmmm let me think…" Misa put her finger to her chin, pondering if there was anything left to do. She should really consider doing this as a career after modeling. She was really good at it, and helping give someone their happy ending made her happy.
"I don't think so…I'm just going to check that Ryuuzaki and Light are almost ready, but I think all we need to do is make sure everyone is settled and ready to go. Could you do that for me?"
"Sure!" His face softened. "You've done a really great job putting this together Misa."
Misa blushed. "Thank you."
He paused for a moment before walking away to join the crowd. Misa turned as well and made her way to the dressing rooms. She knocked on Ryuuzaki's door first. She waited until she heard a soft 'please, come in' before entering.
Ryuuzaki was handsomely dressed in a white tux, a pleasant change from his normal white shirt and jeans. The entire ensemble was put together nicely, save for the bowtie he was attempting, and failing, to fasten around his neck.
"Here, let me help."
She took the tie from his spidery fingers and smoothed it out before wrapping it around his neck. It was quiet between them, neither knowing quite what to say.
"Nervous?" she finally spoke up.
L was silent for a moment more. "I don't believe I've ever experienced a feeling quite like this before. I'm not certain what to call it. I am happy to marry Light-kun, but there is almost a feeling of…hesitancy, but I do not understand. I am not thinking of backing out. So why…"
Misa finished the tie and placed her hands on each shoulder. "That's perfectly normal, Ryuuzaki! Well, that's what people say anyways. You love Light, so it'll be fine. I promise."
"Thank you." He nodded to her and turned to look at himself in the mirror. He straightened up to view himself fully. Misa never realized how tall he was and it was almost unnerving to see him without his signature hunch.
"We're going to be starting soon, so get ready, okay?"
He nodded again, and Misa moved to leave.
"Wait."
When Misa turned back, she did not expect the sight that greeted her. Ryuuzaki had his arms open wide, inviting her into a hug. She was rooted to the spot for a moment, before rushing forward. This was the first time he ever willingly hugged her, and he had even initiated it. She squeezed him tight, savoring the moment that would probably never happen again. Despite how awkward his limbs looked, he actually was a decent hugger.
It lasted for several moments until she could feel him starting to pull away. Ryuuzaki was like a cat that only allowed a few seconds of physical contact. Except when it concerned Light. Even before they were dating, they touched more often than was deemed normal. Misa considered herself lucky that Ryuuzaki tolerated her random affections.
But that was nice. She felt like she had just witnessed a side of him that was hidden to everyone outside, save for perhaps Light and Watari. She will treasure this moment.
"It's going to be beautiful, Ryuuzaki."
"I'm certain it will. Thank you, Misa. I will be ready in a few moments."
She took her cue to leave and walked down the hall to Light's room. She took a deep breath before knocking.
"Come in."
Misa opened the door and her breath was taken away. A wave of emotion hit her as Light stood there in his black wedding tux. No, she told herself, you had forgotten this long ago. Not now. Please.
"Hey, Misa."
"Hi, Light."
She cautiously walked up behind him and they both looked him over in the mirror. A tension that had never been there before had returned and neither one wanted to be the one to comment on it. Misa knew it was never going to happen and didn't actually want Light in that way anymore, but…it was still painful to entertain the 'what ifs'. He was perfect, but she now knew that 'being perfect' and 'being perfect for her' are two very different things.
"You look very handsome, Light."
"Thanks."
"You look a little scared," she teased him, finding it much easier to avoid the emotions she was internally fighting.
"It's only natural. It is my wedding day."
"It is." Misa paused for a moment, before perking up. "It is, so let's see a smile!"
She reached up to force one out of him, but he gently brushed her arms aside and she saw the smile she was looking for.
"That's better."
"So is everyone all ready out there? I assume that's why you came to get me?"
"Almost. Matsuda is making sure we're all set up."
"So we're in good hands."
"Be nice," she swatted his shoulder. "Are you ready?"
Light fixated his gaze back on the mirror. "I think so. You know, this wedding has been a lot more stressful than I anticipated. Being together with someone is easy, but once it's official…it's kind of scary."
"Well if anyone can do it, I'm sure it's you two. I mean, I think you reached the necessary quota for married couple fights three months into dating."
Light laughed.
"I'm really glad you agreed to this. I think in the long run, you and Ryuuzaki will be glad you did it."
"I agree. But it is thanks to you Misa." Light turned around to face her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I mean it. All of this is because you were kinder than I was."
"What? Don't say that Light! You are kind-"
"No, listen, Misa. Even after I realized the reason for our relationship was not due to romantic feelings, I didn't break it off. I was too scared and I didn't want to think about what I actually wanted. You were strong enough to do it. I know it probably hurt you a lot…but I'm grateful."
And for the second time that day, she was enveloped in a hug by someone that does not give them out willingly.
Light was warm and he smelled really nice. Actually, she thinks that was the cologne she got him last Christmas. She wrapped her arms around his back and- no. Not now, don't-
It was too late. The tears had bubbled up and started to fall. She quickly pushed him away so she wouldn't ruin his suit.
"I'm sorry, Light, I'm so sorry."
Light was at a loss, but quickly regained his senses and found a tissue to hand her. Misa quickly dabbed at her eyes, taking care not to mess up her makeup. The whole incident lasted a minute or so, but Misa already felt the guilt weighing down on her. This was his special day and now she had to go and cry on him!
"I'm sorry, I don't know what that was. I'll just go."
Light stopped her before she could leave. He stared at her for a moment, before lowering his head.
"I'm sorry I couldn't love you."
Misa gasped. Never had she expected those words to come out of Light Yagami's mouth. Being with L really has changed him for the better. She reached out and put her hand under his chin, making him look at her.
"It's not your fault. Things like this happen all the time. It's called dating, silly." She poked his nose. "But you did save me, Light. Regardless of the mess we might or might not have caused as the Kiras, you still looked out for me. Light Yagami made me feel needed. Kira only gave me my revenge. So please don't feel sorry for being unable to give me more. That's why I told you it's time for me to give you something, remember? I want to give you the chance to be happy."
Light was speechless. She pulled him back into a hug and laughed into his shoulder. It's amazing how only a few words made her feel like she could fly. She finally had what she needed. Closure.
When they pulled away, Light was smiling. She grinned back.
"Thank you. For everything."
"Absolutely!"
"Goodbye, Misa."
"Goodbye, Light. Though I'll see you out there in a few minutes, so I don't really know why we're saying goodbye." She laughed.
"Actually, I'm ready now, so I'll just come with you." He offered his arm. "Shall we?"
Misa took it and they made their way out to the ceremony. Everyone was shuffling into place, so the two of them joined in and took their spots.
Like Misa had told Ryuuzaki, it was a beautiful ceremony. Both Light and L were all smiles the entire time, though she could tell they were trying to hide it. Chief Yagami actually cried and his wife had to comfort him. Misa teared up as well, but it was from pure happiness. Two of her favorite people got married today and she was the reason for it.
"You should feel proud," Matsuda interrupted her thoughts as he joined her on the veranda.
"Of what?"
"Everything. Not just the wedding either, but those two." He gestured inside to where Light and L were dancing together on the floor. "They really needed all the help they could get."
They laughed.
"Well, I've always believed in love, so I think it just goes to show there is someone out there for everyone."
Matsuda stared at her.
"You think so?" His gaze was too heavy for that to be a simple question.
She returned it with equal intensity. "I do."
His goofy grin returned. "Great! So how do you feel about dancing, Misa-Misa? Care to join me?"
He offered her his hand, which she eagerly took.
"Lead the way, Matsui!"
x-x-x-x-x
A/N: Well that's all! I hope you enjoyed it. Please R&R!
