Gathering Storm
Six
Warning: Spoiler for final volume of the manga.
There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.
It had finished raining but the air still held moisture in the form of glittery, swirling mist. The sparse green of the foliage was sharp and renewed, stark against the purple twilight. Angry black clouds had built again and were rolling in from the west, their menacing front enhanced by the eerie fog and abnormally quiet wildlife. Distantly, thunder growled a warning as it began its cacophony of destruction. The air had a charged, electric feel, tangible enough to make the hair on her arms and neck prickle as they erected in alarm.
Misa gazed at the approaching tempest with curious eyes for she had never actually had the valor to brave the frontal threat of a severe storm. She traced invisible patterns on the black leggings she wore and huddled deeper within her favorite sweater; it was cream-colored, heavyweight Irish knit and stolen from Light's closet. Hot chocolate was cooling in sweet-scented waves of steam beside her. She had chosen a large Christmas mug, all reds and greens and swirling gold glitter even though Christmas had been a month prior.
The wind turned sharply cool and nipped at her nose, and it succumbed to the chill, turning a faint shade of pink. Misa held wildly flapping bangs away from her eyes and gazed at the storm, wondering if the thunder and rain and lightening would die down and become snowflakes overnight. Another gust attacked the loose pieces of hair around her face and Misa tugged the black cloth of her headband down around her neck so she could gather up her lengthy blonde tresses into a tighter ponytail. She repositioned the headband before grabbing her hot chocolate.
The warmth of the mug stung against Misa's chilled fingers as the heat seeped in and chased away the cold. Sipping the sweet drink she tucked her knees up to her chest, listening as the CD player within the house whirred and CD's changed places. Mairi Campbell's soft voice drifted out, singing Auld Lang Syne. It was by far the best version of the Christmas tune Misa had heard and she found herself closing her eyes, leaning her head back against the brick behind her, and awaiting the gathering storm with a gentle peace in her heart and mind. One she hadn't felt since before Light died.