AN - Okay so this is a long one. I was considering splitting it in two parts but it does better as a whole and long updates are some of the best things. It's about twice as long as the regular lengths of my chapters, but a lot happens like usual and something else comes to light... I also adore Sayu so she makes a few appearances along with another constant character. It can get kinda of cheesy at certain points, but bare though it bc this is probably as cheesy as it's going get (well probably not i really have a thing of all encompassing loves) Also, I'm so happy i managed to get this up tonight. There's been this music festival where i'm living and i've been going thursday and today (the last day is tomorrow) and it's honestly one of the best experiences i have. I've managed to be in the very very front so i essentially cannot get any closer to all the bands that performed and I met three of them after and got their autographs and talked to them for a while and i cannot even begin to describe the perpetual high I'm undergoing. Saturday is the last day however and there's only two more bands left which is so upsetting but that means I'll be writing a lot in an attempt to overcome the post concert depression.
Thank you so much for everyone's reviews thus far. An special shoutout to High on the Rainbow ( I just started Raising Hell and I can already tell it's going to be the death of me), and FreakShowCentral (Lonely Hearts is going to make me cry if I'm not careful) for always leaving wonderful comments that brighten my day. Also, everyone should go check them out because they're both fantastic writers and definitely worth reading. Any additional reviews are always welcomed and don't feel shy or uncomfortable leaving anything. Seriously, the action enough means everything.
Okay, anyway, back to the story...
Disclaimer - I really don't own Death Note; the title is from Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare. It's in one of my favorite passages in the play.
Chapter 7 - As They Kiss, Consume
"Mom, I'm home," Light announced from the entrance to his home. L awkwardly shuffled in behind him, uncertain of what to do. After Light revealed his secret and L agreed to help him, Light decided to take L back to his house. L had never been invited to someone's house before, and he was anxious at meeting Light's parents, considering how he had been kissing their son senseless a couple of hours before. He hoped they were nice people.
"Light!" a girl's voice shouted out, and a young girl with dark brown hair came running into the hallway. "I got my English test back and I –"Her voice cut off immediately when she caught sight of L. She stared at him, her eyes wide. L stuffed his hands into his pockets and nervously shuffled his feet.
"Sayu, this is my friend, L. L, this is my sister, Sayu. She's a bit a pest to be honest."
"Light, don't tease your sister." A middle-aged woman appeared in the hallway. She spoke of homeliness and hospitality. She smiled softly at L.
"Mom, this is Light's friend, L. He must go to college with Light." Sayu chirped up. Her initial shock replaced by her usual enthusiasm.
L expected it was about time to say something so he stepped forward and extended his hand.
"It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Yagami."
"Oh, it's finally so nice to meet someone with proper manners." Mrs. Yagami smiled warmly at his as she took his hand. "You must be the one Light's been obsessed with."
"Mom, I'm going to go upstairs with him, okay? Call me when dinners ready" Light cut off sharply. L took notice of Light's sharp tone and concluded he couldn't pass up on such an opportunity.
"Obsessed with, Mrs. Yagami? May I ask what you mean by that?" L asked with the most innocent look he could muster.
"Oh, well, obsessed may be a strong word, but I've never seen him so interested in anyone."
L could sense the irritation radiating off Light, but he couldn't resist.
"Light-kun speaks about me to his family?"
Mrs. Yagami and Sayu exchanged a knowing glance.
"Well, not exactly. Nonetheless, it's very nice seeing Light connecting with people."
Light grabbed on to L's shoulders before he could gather a response and pushed him towards the stairs.
"We're going upstairs now."
"But I haven't finished my conversation with your mother.''
"You can finish talking to her later, if you so desperately need to."
"Very well." L looked over his shoulder at the two ladies watching the spectacle with amused expressions. "It was very nice talking to you, and I hope to continue this conversation later."
Mrs. Yagami smiled at him, and he sent a small smile back. He rather liked her; she was kind and didn't make him feel uncomfortable. L wished there were more people like her to make meeting families easier.
L, in his thoughts, had ceased moving as fast as Light wished, so when they reached the staircase, Light grabbed L's hand and pulled him up. L stumbled slightly as his foot caught on a stair, but he quickly regained his footing and followed Light up the stairs.
The walked down the hallway until the third door, where Light stooped to remove a piece of paper from the doorway. Then he moved to remove a piece of pencil lead cleverly hidden on the door hinge. L watched amused.
"I suppose paranoia comes in the job description."
Light glared at L quickly before pulling him into the room and roughly shoving him onto the bed. The intensity in Light's eyes made L's breath hitch slightly. He had expected he would be in this position sometime this night but not nearly this soon. On a side, he noted that the bed was perfectly made and the room was completely organized. Light's shelves were filled with a multitude of textbooks, all ordered perfectly. There was not a speck of dust anywhere. The room was empty of any personal artifacts; the only objects that could link the room to Light were several framed awards. The room actually made L feel rather sad. There was no warmth in it, no sign of life; instead it spoke simply of orderliness and sterility. He supposed it fit Light, but he still wished that there was something physical Light treasured for emotional value.
"What is it?" Light breathed heavily. "You look…sad. Is something wrong?"
L lifted his head to look at Light. "Your room feels so empty, Light-kun." A look of confusion crossed over Light's face.
"Huh?"
L sat up completely now. "Your room…it is empty. There is nothing in here that speaks of you. "
"What would you want me to have in here? It's simply my room, L. I don't need to make it into something special."
"You don't plan on being here much longer."
"I'm not sure why this is important." Light sat down on the bed next to L and reached his arm past L in order to close the space between them. "Especially when there other, more…enjoyable things we could be doing…" Light whispered breathily into L's ear.
"No, I do not think so. Not yet at least."
Light jerked back and confusion crossed his face again, before flickering into annoyance.
"Well then what do you want to do if you're going to refuse anything I do?"
"Light-kun does not need to get so upset. Simply because I refuse to do it now does not mean I will not do it later. Good things come to those who wait. Anyway, you still have to show me how you kill as Kira, and I must tell you my darkest secret since you have revealed yours."
"You still want to do that?"
"It would be only fair."
"Okay, then. Go ahead."
"Light-kun," L spoke in a small whisper and Light had to lean in to hear him clearly "I think…there is a 87% chance I'm gay…"
Light stared at him for a brief second before bursting out laughing. "Really? Are you completely sure about that? Because I don't know, on the way home I saw you checking out some girl."
L shook his head back and forth. "Light-kun must need new eyes, Light-kun, because you clearly saw incorrectly. At the very least, I was checking out a male. On that note, there was one particularly attractive one on the way here…"
Light smiled deviously. "Is that male happening to be sitting right next to you perhaps?"
"No. This male had very nice black hair and eyes and was wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans and was very attractive."
"Oh, I think I saw him too." Light paused, tilting his head in remembrance "but he really wasn't that attractive, I don't think. Nah, not my type. Too ungainly."
L shifted slightly so that his mouth was barely an inch from Light's. He could feel Light's warm breath mingling with his own.
"I don't believe you." L whispered. Immediately, Light's eyes dilated and he pushed L onto his back. His mouth struggled to form words, but finding none, it moved to press itself against L's. L opened his mouth to meet Light's and moaned softly as Light's tongue moved to explore his mouth. It also reminded him that he hadn't had a chance to taste Light's mouth yet. He was going to have to change that and soon. The kiss continued for a while until they finally broke apart. They both gasped for air, and Light sat up to straddle L. L's body responded to the sudden warm weight on that particular part, and L blushed at the resulting body function. Light only continued to smile down at him.
"I'm still going to want to know your secret, L. You don't have to tell me know if you don't want, but as you said, it is only fair." Light shifted slightly, rubbing against a particularly sensitive part. L couldn't keep the moan from escaping and in turn, blushed deeply.
"I'll…I'll tell you later…and Light-kun stills have to tell me…AHH" L's train of speech trailed off as Light slid one of his hands under L's shirt and up his chest, tracing the soft abdomen. Light also leaned down to press hot kisses along L's neck, nibbling along L's jawline.
"What were you saying L? I have to tell you what?" Light asked mischievously. He continued to kiss along L's neck, pleased at L's reactions.
"I…I… stop…stop it Light…secret…" L gasped. Light paused in his motions briefly.
"Yes?"
L took a few seconds to compose himself. "I'm not experienced in such actions." L stated.
"Really?"
"Yes, Light-kun." L looked away. Light had probably done it with a ton of people already. It bothered L how inexperienced he was at these things.
"Was today your first kiss?" Light asked softly. L still refused to look at him.
"No. But it was one of a few." L muttered. He shouldn't feel ashamed about this.
Light rolled off him to lay next L on the bed. They laid next to each other for a minute in silence.
"Y'know, if you didn't tell me that, I wouldn't have known. You're a very good kisser."
"Thank you. Light-kun is also very good kisser," L responded.
"I know." Light agreed. L shot him a glance, only to freeze when he met Light's eyes. Light was looking at him in such a warm, dare he say loving way. He couldn't break the gaze if he tried.
"Would you like me to take it slow? I don't want to rush you into anything."
"I- if that's okay, Light-kun. I'm sorry that –"L began to apologize but Light clamped a hand over his mouth.
"No. Don't even apologize for something like that. Honestly I would rather take it slow too. I have finally found something worth keeping and I'm not going to ruin it by rushing it." Light declared. L lifted one of his hands to remove Light's hand from his mouth. Without warning, he sat up and swung one of legs over Light's hips, replicating Light's potion from before. He hesitated a second before speaking.
"Why are you being like this to me?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Light-kun does not seem like someone who would be so understanding and willing. Light-kun take what you want. I have observed that whenever Light-kun talks to someone there is a 86% chance it's for Light-kun's own benefit and gain. Except with me, Light-kun do not seem to do that as much. Only when Light-kun told me you were Kira, did Light-kun try to convince me to do something for Light-kun's benefit. I understand you want my intelligence, however you have been overly kind to me, to the point where you no longer gain as much as you could. Or maybe this is a way for you to cement my loyalty. Nonetheless, Light-kun is the person who only does things for his own gain."
L shifted anxiously, waiting for an answer. After a few seconds, Light let out a low chuckle. He sat up slightly, forcing L to sit more in his lap.
"Yet you remain."
"Against my better judgment, I do."
Light brought a hand up to brush away a few strands of hair that had fallen over L's face. With a sudden fluid movement, he pushed L onto his back, and positioned himself so he was on all fours overlooking L. Additionally, Light brought his knees hard against L's wrists, clamping L's arms to his sides. He brought his head down to L's ears.
"Tell me your darkest secret." Light ordered softly. L paused.
"Do you really wish to hear it?" L hated how timidly his voice sounded, but their current position wasn't exactly helping.
"What do you think?" Light whispered sensually causing L to shudder. L inhaled deeply.
"I used to be involved in an abusive relationship, Light-kun." L sighed reluctantly. It was a strange feeling to get this off his chest as he really never discussed it with anyone. It was a very dear secret, and one he kept hidden. The secret had remained private until this moment. There was some relief in telling Light, yet he was also surprised by his willingness. It had only been two weeks and here he was confessing this. The one secret that could destroy him and everything he loved. It was only fair however. Light had revealed his, and now L must do the same. Light quickly removed the pressure of his knees from L's side.
"I'm sorry," Light choked out "If I had known I wouldn't have…"
"You did not know. You cannot be held accountable for that."
Light looked down at him, and his initial shock was replaced by a morbid curiosity and simmering rage.
"Who was it?" Light hissed.
"His name is not important." L began, comfortable in providing no additional information. However, Light's urging stare convinced him to expand on the detail. "He was not a bad person. He simply had several issues and mental illnesses that he dealt with by hurting others. We used to be very close, Light-kun. We grew up together and were essentially brothers. He was very intelligent, and I greatly enjoyed his company as a child. However, his best friend ended up killing himself, and he was never the same after that. He sought solace and comfort in me, which I provided. Eventually, he grew obsessive and dangerous, and I was the only one who could control him. One day, even I couldn't prevent his murderous tendencies. He killed three people, which is ironic considering how you are the one who punishes his type. He came to me afterwards, begging for my forgiveness and help. I refused to forgive him, but I offered to help. It wasn't enough for him as he thought I was betraying him so he burned the house down. He fled and no one has seen him since. I miss him Light-kun, but he was not good for me, nor was I for him. He was too dependent and I was unable to provide him with the emotional support he needed. I blame myself for those murders Light-kun. I could have prevented it, but I didn't. I loved him. No, I still love him." L breathed a large breath as his long speech had left him breathless. He hadn't meant to tell the whole story in such detail, but for some reason, he felt like he should tell Light everything concerning this. There was a 76.5% chance that something related to this would occur lately, and Light should be prepared for such a situation. He stared into Light's eyes, daring Light to accuse him of horrible mistakes and disastrous naivety. Light's eyes had taken on an almost blank quality as he absorbed the information.
"So you're saying this person you knew and loved killed three people and set your house on fire?" Light asked expressionlessly.
"Essentially. He's part of the reason my caretaker was so insistent of sending me out of the country. He thought it contained too many bad memories for me, which is partly true. He also wished for me to assume an alias in order to disguise my identity, but I am not one to hide who I am. Britain is my home and wish to return as soon as possible. There is not much in Japan I enjoy. Except you, I suppose."
Light stood up slowly and walked over to his desk. L sat up on the side of the bed as Light sat down heavily on his seat.
"Is he still missing?" Light inquired vacantly.
"Yes. His intelligence is much like mine, so it would not be of great difficulty for him to evade the police."
"So, he's never been held to justice-"
"Light-kun, I will not tell you who or where he is. If he does murder again, I will put a stop to him. But he hasn't. And lest of all would I want you to sentence him death."
Light slammed a hand onto his desk. "He killed three people L! Are you saying that murderers should walk free like that? There should never have to be a next time. It's my job to ensure that there are no possibilities that previously convicted criminals don't relapse and harm innocents. How do you know the next person he kills isn't going to be some child or something?"
"He won't kill a child, Light-kun."
"How the hell do you know that? People like him simply kill whoever they see. There is no reasoning or rationality."
"I know it because the next and last person he will ever kill will be me."
Light let out a harsh laugh "What the hell L? What does that even mean?"
"It means that he wishes to kill me, and for him, no one else matters. Shouldn't that make you happy that he's not going to kill innocents?" L couldn't keep the irritation out of his voice.
"You're harboring someone who killed three people. It doesn't matter who he intends to kill or do next. He needs to be punished for what he has done." A cold look settled on Light's face. "Tell me his name."
"What?" L asked startled. His name? Why should his name matter? Unless if –
"His name, L. Tell me his name." A harsh edge had entered Lights voice.
"You need his name to kill him, don't you? That's how you kill people isn't it? You find their name, and through some means you use that name to kill them. Except what do you do if people have the same name? All people sharing the same name don't drop dead when you kill someone. No, there is a 69% change you need a picture of them, don't you? Something to differentiate them from others. And what exactly do you do with that information when you have it? It would be much too risky for you to simply wish for someone to die. If that was the case, you would not have as much control over your killings as you would like as you may carelessly wish someone dead simply because they were irritating. Perhaps some method in which you write it down? Yes, that seems right. A book of some sorts? Or is it possible that have supernatural aid that does the killing for you? I do not like to believe in the supernatural, and previously have put it down as ludicrous. However, no one is capable so singularly killing like you are, so there is a 93% chance of a supernatural element of some sorts? I am right, aren't I? I can tell by your face. Sometimes you are ridiculously to read, but that isn't necessarily your fault. Additionally, if you are trying to kill my friend then I would like you to think of my face and name. Understand?"
Light's mouth hung open in shock. L almost started laughing at the sight. Light simply look so shocked and affronted, which only confirmed L's theory even more. It had been spur of the moment, but then again most of his deductions were, and this one wasn't even that difficult.
"How?" Light choked out.
"Ah, so I am right. There is a 91% chance this supernatural book is in your room. More specifically in your desk, considering how you glanced at it for the briefest of seconds when I mentioned the book. It's interesting how people always seem to do that."
A look of awe passed over Light's face. "Do you know that one of the greatest minds in the world has been trying to figure that out for the past couple of months? And you come in here and figure it all out in minutes." Light shot a sly smile at him. "This makes me very glad we aren't enemies and very glad we are friends." Light skimmed his eyes along L's body. "Close your eyes," he ordered.
"Light-kun, I thought-"
"Just do it L." Light directed. L hesitantly shut his eyes, enclosing himself in darkness. He felt uneasy; this situation put him at an extreme disadvantage to Light. There was no way to track Light's movements, except for a few ruffles that revealed nothing. For all he knew, Light could be writing his name in that book of his and condemning L to death. Kira's victims all died from heart attacks, which always struck L as a horrible way to go. A blaring pain across your chest as your heart gave out, followed by the eventual succumbing to darkness. A bit like he was doing now.
"Light-kun, I-mmphh" L's voice was cut off as Light firmly pressed his mouth onto L's. He was kissing him hard, and it hurt a bit, but not enough to dismay L from kissing back even harder. The pressure was maddening, and L resolutely attempted to get Light to open his mouth so the kiss could deepen even farther. He was having no luck, and before he knew it, Light had pulled back. L began to open his eyes, but Light quickly placed his palm over L's eyes.
"No, not yet."
"Why not?" L growled. He didn't understand Light's insistence for keeping his eyes shut. However, he kept his eyes closed against his better wishes.
"You were right about the book, L. You were also right about the name and face. I do need a name and face to kill, which as you can imagine can be irritating at times. The notebook is indeed in my desk, but I strongly advise you from actually attempting to take it. If you do attempt to, well… there will be consequences." Light's mouth skimmed along L's jaw. "You were also right about the supernatural being. It doesn't actually kill for me, but it does accompany the notebook. It is also currently in this room, which is why I told you to keep your eyes shut. It's a startling sight and wanted you to be prepared before you saw it. It will not harm you either, so you have nothing to worry about. It's just the appearance itself. You may open your eyes whenever you like now."
L took a second to absorb what Light was saying, and a flurry of questions dashed through his head. He hesitantly opened his eyes and couldn't help flinching back in horror as the monstrous creature that was hovering right over Light's shoulder. Its eyes bulged, its mouth was filled with pointy teeth and rimmed in large black lips; its shoulders were much too wide and the legs and arms were much too long. The creature looked like something straight out of a nightmare, not something that casually hung out in teenager's rooms. Most noticeably, the creature emitted a vibe that made L sick to his stomach. It was obvious he didn't belong anywhere near this place. He wasn't meant for this world.
"Name's Ryuk." The creature said, his voice raspy. It looked at L with its mouth twisted in what appeared to be a smile. "Pleasure to finally meet you." It let out a low gravelly laugh that sent shudders through L's spine. Light sent a look of irritation at the creature. He then looked back at L, his gaze softening.
"It's a Shinigami," Light explained casually. "They're Gods of Death. I think they're in charge in killing people or some sorts. I don't know a whole lot about them, considering how this particular one is as least helpful as you can get."
Then creature let out another low chuckle. "Now I don't think that's very fair. I've been very considerate towards your cause, especially since I have no obligation to help you at all. You just want everyone to tell you everything, no strings attached."
Light sent a look of irritation at the creature. He then looked back at L, his gaze softening. "You okay? I know it's a lot to take in."
"It's fine; I just need some time to think." L responded, captivated by the creature.
"As much time as you want." Light leaned back on his bed, spreading himself out. He shut his eyes contently and a small smirk spread across his face. L was his now, and he was honestly surprised at how easy it had been. It was a risk, admittedly, telling and showing L all of this, but it was one that was necessary. From the moment Light met him, he could tell L was one who would only listen to the truth. Lies were wonderful methods of achieving his goals, but it was a technique he couldn't use on L. Even if L didn't see right through them, it would take a lot of work to keep the truth secret, especially since he planned to make L his partner. Furthermore, Light knew L wouldn't be completely persuaded by the truth alone. Instead, Light had to become someone L would fiercely pledge his loyalty too. Someone he could love enough to place everything on the line. This part was a bit trickier, but still manageable. L had a huge hero complex mixed with undying loyalty. Light needed to become someone L believed he could save, or at the very least someone possible of redemption. It eliminated any chances of L telling anyone, because as long as L thought Light was redeemable for his actions, he would continue to attempt to save him. This bought Light the time to change L's views on Kira and help him see the light. He would understand one day. It was only a matter of time.
A sharp tap at the door drew both L and Light from their thoughts.
"Light, dinner's ready. And Dad's home too so you can talk to him." Sayu's shrill voice called out.
"I'll be out in a moment." Light called back lazily. He listened as Sayu's footsteps landed on the stairs. After a moment, Light propped himself onto his elbows. L sat in a state of comatose, deep in thought. He watched for a moment, before gently tapping him on the shoulder.
"Yes?" L tensed slightly from the sudden interruption. He relaxed once he realized it was Light. "What is it?"
"Dinner's ready. You can either stay here or go back home if you want." Light looked languidly at L.
"I think I want to go home Light-kun." L swallowed and glanced back at Ryuk. Ryuk flashed a large toothy smile.
"You really don't have to be afraid of Ryuk."
"I'm not Light-kun." L responded sharply. "It's just been a long day and I wish to spend some time alone."
Light sat up, leaning closely into L. "And will I be seeing you tomorrow?" L met his gaze steadily.
"Yes."
Light let a large shining smile cross his face, noticing how L's cheeks tinged a shade pale of pink and how his eyes flitted down to Light's lips. Taking advantage of L's distraction, Light quickly closed the distance between them with a firm pressing of lips. He pulled back before anything else could happen, much to L's dismay.
"You want to meet at the café tomorrow?" Light said, standing up. He stretched his arms briefly and his shirt rose just so to reveal a thin crescent of skin. L's eyes immediately darted towards the sliver, and Light almost let out a laugh. However, his amusement was cut short when L seductively bit his lip, drawing all of Light's attention. His eyes widened slightly, and when L realized the effect of his actions, a brilliant scarlet spread across his face. He quickly averted his gaze and focused intensely at the desk.
"That sounds good. I will see you tomorrow." L stood up suddenly and made for the door. Light reached out and grabbed L's shoulder, pulling him back into his arms. L's head burrowed into Light's collar bone and Light buried his face into L's black hair. He inhaled deeply, bringing in all the scents he could conjure. There was something maddeningly familiar with L's scent, but Light couldn't place it.
"I really should be going now." L muttered weakly against Light's collarbone.
"Smoke…" Light whispered at the sudden realization.
"Light-kun?"
"You smell like smoke from the fires my family used to make when my father attempted to connect to his 'wild' side and took us all camping in the summer. Sayu made us have s'mores every night and I always burned mine. I hated it." Light paused, distracted by the sudden thumping on the stairs.
"Liiiiight" Sayu's shrill voice called out. "Are you coming or not? I'm hungry."
Light sighed against L's head in irritation. He held him a second longer before stepping back.
"I suppose I'll see you tomorrow." Light muttered tiredly. L regarded him for a second, before leaning in quickly to plant a chaste kiss on Light's lips. Light's shock was apparent, and before Light could muster any reaction, L was already heading for the bedroom door. He paused at the doorway to nod slightly in Ryuk's direction.
"There is a 76% chance this will end horribly, Light-kun." L spoke nearly inaudible. His shoulder blades showed through the thin white shirt, creating sharp angles and depressions. Light imagined wings unfurling from the angular bones: beautiful holy wings that captured the light within its snowy white feathers, reflecting both the beauty and horror of the world in a simultaneous eruption. It took Light's breath away. It was fitting for a god to have an angel. He shook his head violently to dispel the image. He was acting dramatic.
"It's a risk I'm willing to take." Light responded. L considered the answer for a second before exiting the room. Light followed swiftly and descended the stairs, but L was gone. His family was sitting at the table and the aromas of the food drifted through the house. His mother looked worriedly up at him.
"I asked L if he would like to stay for dinner, but he denied without much of a reason. Is everything okay between you two?" Light's mother asked. Her need to be involved as much as possible in Light's personal life irritated him. She was a kind woman, but bland, content with a simple home life. He supposed people would envy her for being so content with achievable desires, but Light scorned her for her lack of ambition. His father had ambition, but his morals were so rigid that it prevented him from taking the necessary steps to truly eradicate crime. Instead, his hard work and late nights were put to waste as criminals continued to commit horrendous crimes. His father was a single man against an overwhelming flood of crime, and it filled Light with a sense of hopelessness and waste. The Death Note changed all of this. Now Light could finally destroy the evil that afflicted the world and bring meaning to the work of good men, and he was going to do it all with the one person he considered the closest to an equal. Light felt his lips curling upwards into a triumphant smile.
"Oh, yes. Everything's perfect." Light declared.
