L pulled Light by the hand, Light trailed behind him with an odd blush, "Do you have to lead me everywhere by my hands?"
L stopped abruptly and ran his thumb along his bottom lip in thought. Light walked into the back of him. "Mm, Light, I feel there is a sixty-five percent chance you'd get lost without me. Then you'd never make it to group sessions…"
Light stared at their hands with a raised eyebrow, "Okaay… So, you're still holding my hand, why?"
L gave a tiny smile at the younger brunette, "Maybe, I think, Light is attractive."
Light closed his eyes and shook his head quickly in a confused manner, "I'm sorry, what?!" He could feel a light heat and tingling in his cheeks.
Caspian stopped next to L and sighed, scolding him in fast motions of sign language. L hung his head slightly and released Light's hand, "He's right… I'm sorry. I shouldn't test my theories on you."
Light fluttered his eyes in confusion, then a evil smirk played on his lips, "Caspian is more my type anyway."
The blonde widened his deep eyes and blushed feverishly ducking into the group session room quickly. L gave Light a tiny smirk, "Nice." Light and L gave each other a friendly high five, "If it isn't too personal of a subject… What is Light's type?"
Light raised an eyebrow, "Why the sudden curiosity?"
L shrugged as they walked into the room, "You said earlier you've never really put a lot of thought into it. I had just wondered if you had even thought about what type of person you would be attracted too."
Light shrugged as the others filed in, "I'm more curious as to how they separate the wings versus who I would potentially be attracted to."
L nodded silently, "Intelligence levels... Wing six is highest of males and wing five, where Misa is, is highest in females." L nodded once again and sat next to Caspian, nudging the still blushing, blonde with a smirk.
Matt and Mello placed themselves on the other side of Caspian, and Near next to Matt. Leaving two empty seats. Near sighed, "I just want to voice this now. I don't want to sit next to a non-catatonic, Beyond."
Dr. Mendez folded his arms and looked at his watch, placing himself next to Near, "You don't mind, right, Raito?"
Light shook his head nervously, the door opened and Beyond was dragged into the room and dropped in the seat next to Light. Beyond kept his eyes downcast.
Mendez cleared his throat, "Good! My entire wing is in attendance. Well, first this in the agenda, as we all know, our new patient is joining us, though, I'm under the impression you've all met. Let's start with formal introductions. Who'd like to start?"
Everyone shifted an uneasy stare to each other, Beyond kept his eyes down, "My name is Beyond Birthday, I'm twenty-two years old, I'm a convicted felon and I like challenges. Up to and including challenging authority." He lifted his eyes from the floor and gave a devious smirk to Mendez, who chuckled in response.
"Thank you for breaking the ice, Beyond. Nate?"
Near shifted a cold gaze to Light, "I'm Nate Rivers. I'm seventeen, I don't much care for social interactions, I like building things. Generally, Beyond knocks them over…"
Beyond rolled his eyes with a ghost of a smirk, "It's true." Light stifled a small chuckle.
Matt sighed, "I'm Mail Jeevas, I'm twenty years old, I like video games and computers."
Mello nodded, "I'm Miheal Keheel, I prefer to be called Mello, I'm nineteen years old, I'm pretty much awesome at everything, so I pretty much like most things, but I love chocolate."
Caspian sighed softly, "I'm Caspian Winters, I'm twenty-six years old. I can't say I like or dislike anything in particular." Mendez quickly made notes in his notepad.
L smirked, "Guess that leaves me, I'm L Lawliet. I'm twenty-four years old. I like puzzles and a good mystery."
They all stared at Light, who chuckled and scratched the back of his neck nervously, "I'm Raito Yagami, I'm twenty-one years of age, uh. I like tennis and reading."
Mendez crossed his legs, "Very good, let's talk about how we're all feeling. Let's start with Beyond again, since this time we have the pleasure of his conscious mind this time."
Beyond glanced back to the floor, "Don't start with me with feelings… Or at least be a little more specific…"
Mendez chuckled, "I forget, you prefer specifics over broad spectrum. Alright, since the topic is up, let's talk about our new friend here, how do you feel about him?"
Light frowned a little, 'I feel a little on the spot…' L leaned over and whispered, his breath ghosting over the shell of Light's ear, "Don't worry, he's done it to everyone when they were new." Light nodded softly, 'Alright… Well… I feel a little better then…' L snickered at Light's visible calming, "I was the first one in the wing… You should have been here for Beyond's introduction… Of course, that's before he sliced open Mendez's face." Light stared at him and shock. L nodded, "That's why I can respect him as a doctor… He tolerates our bullshit and keeps coming back. Each time a little craftier, and little wiser…" L smiled softly at the doctor who was attempting to coerce Beyond into speaking.
Beyond gave Light a sidelong glance, "He's nice. Nicer than most. I like him." Light gave Beyond a pleasant smile and bowed his head with clasped hands still in his seat. Beyond smirked, "Yeah, I like him a lot. He has a nice smile."
Light let out a soft huff of laughter. "Thanks…"
Beyond smirked, "He's pretty, too." Light blushed brightly and looked away causing both L and Beyond to snicker.
L chuckled, "You're not so bad, Beyond."
Beyond smiled softly, "No. I'm awful. What's that saying about you Lawli?"
L rolled his eyes playfully, "I believe that makes me awful, too. Because, I think, he's pretty too." Mendez was beside himself in trying to mask his laughter with coughs.
Light was beet red, "You're both terrible!" He couldn't force away the persistent smile regardless.
Beyond gave a knowing glance at L, "I'd high five, except… Well…" He rolled his shoulders which were successfully bound by the straight jacket, "Maybe in a year we'll high five about that." Beyond flashed a playful smile causing L to chuckle and nod.
Caspian sat with a quite smirk. Mendez was breathing heavily trying to stay composed, "Well, Raito, looks as if you have some admirers." Light smirked and nodded. Mendez turned to Near, "Nate, would you care to speak?"
Near shrugged, "To be fair, I don't like anyone, but Light is alright. I don't dislike him, he's very friendly."
Matt smiled at the confused face that Light was betraying, "That's Near speak for: he likes you, don't worry, Yagami." Light chuckled. Matt cleared his throat, "I can't say I've had ample opportunity to speak with you, but from what I've seen, you're really nice. I think we could be good friends."
L chuckled, "If you could ever put that device down long enough."
Matt smirked, "Maybe I will."
Mello rolled his eyes, "That'll last an hour."
Matt shrugged, "Still an hour."
Mello laughed and crossed his legs while folding his arms, "Well, I like him! He's fun to talk to!" Caspian nodded in agreement.
L smiled, "Light is one of my friends, of course I like him. But, I challenge him at tennis next outdoor recreation."
Light returned his smile, "I'll take that challenge."
Mendez glanced at his watch. "Well. I suppose we could wrap this up and cut to it early, I think you boys deserve some extra time outside, you've all been on your best behavior."
Mello shot up from his seat in elation. "Really Doc?!"
Mendez smiled and nodded, "Sure thing, it's cold out, so go get an extra layer on and I don't see anything wrong with it." Beyond lifted himself from his seat and approached his guard, "Oh, no, Beyond, you'll be joining us. You're part of general population now."
Beyond glazed back at Mendez with a look of shock, then he gave a tiny smile, but remained silent and nodded. Mello ran out the door and made a beeline for his room, "Come on, Matty! I demand a rematch!"
Matt chuckled, "I beat him in basketball last time…"
L smiled and grabbed Light's hand, "Let's get you some warmer clothes." Light shrugged and followed L out and down the hall.
Caspian and Near following behind them. Mendez cleared his throat, "Talk to me for a moment?" Beyond nodded and plopped himself back down in a seat, "You saw him, the night he arrived?" Beyond nodded silently, "Good, then you know what he's capable of. Yet, you still choose to get closer to him in the fleeting opportunities you get, why?"
"The most dangerous and beautiful are the most interesting…"
Mendez smiled, "I see. Beyond, I want to trust you and lower your risk factor, but you know this will be a process. Stay on your best behavior? For me?" Beyond shifted his glance away and Mendez smirked, "For him? You want to get to know him, because you don't know everything about him… Am I correct?"
"I don't like not knowing things…" He huffed in a small amount of frustration.
Mendez smiled, "Play nice and I'll give you all the opportunity…"
Beyond nodded silently and lifted from his seat again, "Is that all?" Mendez nodded and Beyond's jacket was snagged and pulled on to be led to his room to change.
"Gateway Restitution Asylum?" A young girl with chestnut hair stared at the officer. "Matsu..? Where is that?"
The young detective looked up, "Rural Great Britain."
She blinked several times, trying to flutter her tears away, "What?! Why would they transport him so far from home?! Matsuda! I want to see him! He's all I have left! Crazy or not!"
The brunette detective sighed, "I don't know, Sayu… I'll talk to his doctor and see if there can't be something arranged…"
She scowled at him, "What's his doctors name?! I'll ask myself! I don't want you mucking up the message, if there's a reason I can't see him I want to know it myself!"
Beyond sat on the bench watching Light and L rocket the tennis ball back and forth in a near perfect volley. Mendez sat next to him with a cup of piping hot coffee and a book. "They left you in the jacket?"
Beyond chuckled, "Protocol."
The doctor blinked a couple of times before a loud buzzer was heard from the exterior of the building, "Screw protocol, but if you hurt someone, I'll put you back in the jacket and throw you in a dark corner, heavily medicated."
Beyond stared at the doctor in disbelief as he set his coffee and book down, and started unbuckling the straight jacket, "Uh…" His scarlet eyes darted around the yard nervously. "Maybe that's not a good idea..."
Mendez gave him a stern look, "Young man, I'm giving you personal trust, not trust extended from the institute. It could mean my position here if you mess up..." The jacket fell to the ground, "Run along, go play with the others…" A large group of patients ran past him to join wing six in the outdoor activities before dinner.
Beyond shifted a glance to the ground, "Doctor… Not even the other black scrubs want anything to do with me…"
Mendez looked up and smiled and L and Light who were talking quietly among themselves. Light jogged up and held his hand out, "Beyond, come play with us."
Beyond stared at Light's hand, "Oh. I'm afraid I would be terribly outclassed in a game with you guys… I haven't played in years…"
L chewed on his thumb behind Light, "It'll be like riding a bike, you'll remember…"
Beyond looked up to L, "It's kind of an even game, there's only three of us."
Misa squealed from behind them and ran up and hugged L, "You really want to be my partner?" L nodded and chuckled at Misa slowly untangling himself from her grasp.
Light smiled, "Guess that makes you mine."
Beyond glanced at the doctor who was sitting next to an elderly man both talking over coffee. He looked back and Light with a weak smile, "If I suck, I'm sorry… I haven't really been out of a straight jacket much in the past few years…" He placed his hand in Light's and was yanked off the bench and dragged to the opposing pair.
Misa smiled cheerfully and bounced the ball on the court before tossing it up into the air and sending it rocketing across the court. Light actually ducked, to avoid imminent contact. He sighed in relief when contact was never made. Then smiled in realization the ball was returned with just as much speed and intensity. Misa leaped out of the way and L smirked. "This just got interesting…"
Beyond smirked, gave a smug nod while twirling his racket around his hand and held his other hand up, "My serve."
Misa giggled and tossed the ball back to Beyond, "This is going to be fun!"
The crowd around the court grew after some time and quietly talk among itself, commenting on the game, players or otherwise dull conversations about their lives.
The two doctors watched contently from a distance. A deep feminine voice called behind them, "Is that what I think it is?"
Both doctors looked back and smiled, Mendez cleared his throat, "Busted."
Dr. Wammy chuckled, "They drew quite the crowd."
A woman with long, medium brown hair leaned over the doctors. "A level five? This is the one from your case notes? Am I to believe this is the same one who couldn't be around others for a year?"
Mendez smirked, "Something interesting about that…"
She folded her arms, "Indeed. Reduce his factor at the end of the week should he continue to improve. I'm impressed Mendez, if your reports are accurate, your level one will be discharged by the end of the month, no?"
Mendez smiled and nodded. "Sometimes they just need a reason to try."
Her voice purred deeply as she walked away, "Indeed…" A loud buzzer was heard from the exterior of the building. When the doctors turned around to view the elusive headmaster she was gone.
L smirked and shook Light's hand. "I have indeed found my equal. At least in games." He gave a tiny smile and Light's excited smile. They all walked back up to the main building, Beyond trailed behind them and waited by the bench for his jacket.
Mendez smiled and placed a hand on the other doctor's shoulder, "Always a pleasure, Quillish. Say hello to the orphans for me." The older man smiled and nodded getting up from his seat. Mendez walked up to Beyond and clapped a hand on his back, "I'm not sure that will be necessary anymore, kiddo." Beyond gave Mendez a tiny smile. "Winifred watched you play today…" Mendez walked next to Beyond, he paused and watched Beyond's brow crinkle, "She says I can lower your risk factor by the end of the week, if you continue to improve."
Mendez gave Beyond a tiny shove towards the small group waiting for him, "I'll be dismissing your guard. Don't disappointment me, Beyond."
Beyond smiled at him one last time and ran up to the group he'd played tennis with and walked up to the building with them.
Misa talked loudly and quickly to Beyond who seemed to be listening to every word coming from her fast paced mouth. L smirked and whispered to Light, "Oh my. Look what you've done."
Light laughed quietly, "Maybe I'm just the excuse…"
L blinked a couple of times filling his tray full of sweets, "That's more likely… He has been quite docile since before you arrived."
Misa continued to talk until she realized Beyond was returning to his usual corner or the cafeteria, "Where are you going?"
Beyond looked at her confused, "To eat…"
Misa shook her head and interlocked her arm with his. "No, you're my friend now, so you sit at my table, that's the social status, that's the thing to do when you have friends!"
Beyond blinked a couple of times in confusion, "Friends?" He analyzed her arm around his before flashing a timid smile.
Misa snorted in laughter, "Duh. You're my friend, you sit with me, that's how this works, get with the program!"
Beyond nodded deep in thought, "Yes, ma'am."
L smiled and sat next to Misa, "Great game, we'll get them next time."
Misa smiled and nodded in determination, "Hear that? I challenge you guys to a rematch!"
Light sat down next to Beyond, whose mind seemed to be very distracted, he smiled, "If Beyond will play with us, I'm up for it…"
Beyond blinked several times and shook his head in surprise after a cherry tomato made contact with his forehead. "Hello? Beyond? Earth to Beyond…"
L snickered, "That's kind of funny…" Light smiled softly at the joke.
"What? Did I miss something?"
Misa huffed, "Space cadet, I challenged you to a rematch tomorrow!"
Beyond nodded, "Yeah. That sounds fine."
Caspian sat on the other side of Light, "Seems the great level five graces us?"
Beyond smirked, "Misa made me do it." Misa smirked triumphantly before flashing a confident toothy grin and a lighthearted giggle.
Mello sat his tray on the other side of L, and stared at Beyond nervously, but sat down. Near approached the table very slowly, giving Beyond a wide range, he sat his tray down next to Caspian and hid behind him. Matt sat across from Near, "Here to stay, Birthday?"
Beyond sighed, "If I'm allowed. I'd like to…"
Mello watched Beyond from the corner of his eye, "As long as you don't spaz out on us, I don't see why not…"
Beyond nodded slowly a tiny smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "I can do that…"
They all sat and ate either in comfortable silence with one another or quietly talking. Beyond sat quietly watching the cafeteria either whispering or gawking at their table. He looked down and lifted from his seat. Misa stopped him by placing a single finger over his tray, "Where are you going?"
Beyond shifted another uncomfortable glance around the room, "They're whispering… I'm going to go back to my room…"
Misa shrugged, "Let them. Who cares."
Beyond sighed softly, "I'm on a new medication, it makes me pretty tired. I have my own selfish reasons for wanting to go. Thanks anyway, Misa…"
She gave him a soft smile, "Anytime, B." He smiled softly at his new nickname and turned to leave.
Mello sighed, "Yeah. Extra recreation time outdoors pooped me out too, I'm going to hit the showers and head to bed."
Matt pouted slightly, "I guess I'll go too."
L rolled his eyes, "Don't get caught."
Matt smirked and winked at L, "If Beyond will play nice he'll play look out."
Caspian smirked, "That. Would be a sight."
Misa giggled, "I think they're cute…"
"Hey fags!" Mello and Matt glanced over their shoulders from facing the wall, showering.
Matt shot Mello a slightly panicked glance. Mello groaned, "Leave us alone, we didn't do anything wrong…"
The boy laughed, "Sure you did. Existing." He reached out to grab Mello's hair but had his wrist caught by long slender fingers.
A deep voice growled, "Very unwise course you're choosing… Recently, I've been medicated into merely a witness. However. I am not restrained, I highly suggest you apologize and mind your own business…"
Mello flinched at the voice and whispered towards Matt, "Beyond?" Matt nodded and tried not to make any eye contact all while observing the situation.
The boy laughed, but an edge of anxiety could be detected, "Yeah right, level five what, you don't scare me…"
Beyond betrayed a sinister smile, "I should…" His grip on the wrist began to tighten down like a deadly constrictor. Mello squeezed his eyes shut tightly.
"Hey… You're hurting me…" The boys boldness seemed to be losing its intensity, Matt glanced away from the boy and looked down.
"What do you think you should do to stop that pain?" Beyond's voice was laced with venom.
"I'm not saying I'm sorry to these faggots!"
"Wrong answer…"
L and Light chuckled among themselves towards the showers, Light was knocked over by a boy with a bruise already forming over his left eye, tears streamed from his eyes. L blinked a couple of times in surprise, "What was that all about?"
L held out his hand and Light shrugged and took L's hand, "Who knows… This place is full of unknown for me."
Review Response:
I'm so glad this story has someone intrigued! I've been flirting with this idea in my mind for months now, but decided to set it aside until I became a little bolder in my writing to execute a story of this caliber...
A/N: Bear the slowness, once she kicks up I promise she won't disappoint. Just wait and see what I have planed for their personal actual therapy sessions ;)
