The 22nd had arrived, and Light arrived in Aoyama accompanied by Matsui. Although, jittery and uneasy, Matsui looked the part - dressed in nice, business casual clothing. His youthful exuberance made him appear several years younger than he actually was. Light opted for a cute, little wrap dress and flats, something she would usually wear when going into the city. She introduced Matsui as "a cousin from out of town" to her peers when they all met up.
"He needs a girlfriend, let's find him one," Light said teasingly with a playful slap on Matsui's chest. Her peers all laughed heartily as poor Matsui blushed hard.
"Ugh come on Light," he whined in response. This got him more laughs and sympathetic pats on the back. Finally, they all started walking around together as a group. Matsui stood behind Light, listening to the ramblings of one girl, but not really paying attention. He observed Light's behavior - she would sometimes hold the hand of a young man that was part of their group. Takada was the last name, I believe, Matsui tried to recall. There were so many of them, eight including himself and Light. Light was obviously comfortable with the man, on the surface they appeared to be dating. I didn't know she had a boyfriend! I bet L doesn't even know this! He did find it odd that L would so strongly suspect Light, she seemed like a normal college girl. Yet, the night before, L called Matsui and instructed him to keep a close eye on her. I just don't see it, but I'll trust in L's judgement. They poked their heads into shops, but mostly just window-shopped. So far, there was nothing suspicious occurring.
Unbeknownst to Light, Matsui, and even the remainder of the task force, L decided to do a little field work. He trusted Matsui, however, he knew that he was naive and may overlook many behaviors or signs. He followed Light's group from a safe distance, but was close enough to where he could pick up on some conversation. I doubt any of them will notice they are being followed, after all, we're in an outdoor mall basically, L thought to himself. Plus, he looked quite different. He wore slim, khaki colored pants and a light blue button-up shirt, sleeves rolled and cuffed at the elbow. His usually messy and long hair was pulled back into a bun, and he wore black-rimmed glasses. He even walked differently, standing straight, despite his discomfort with it all. L watched blankly as an attractive and charismatic young man put his arm around Light and brought her against his shoulder. She laughed and shoved him away playfully. L took her in, all of her - the short yellow wrap dress she wore hugged around her curvy frame perfectly, exposing her athletic legs. L allowed himself to fantasize about her every once in a while, and at that moment, all he could think about was how he wanted to bite all over her legs. He shook himself, and shifted his attention from fantasy to reality. Focus, L, you can savor those thoughts later, right now you need to watch where Light is going.
Light seemed to hesitate outside of a book store, slowing her pace noticeably, at least to L. While still walking, she stared into the shop.
"Want to look at some books, nerd?" The touchy young man asked her jokingly.
She smacked his arm, and he laughed. "Last I checked, you had one of the highest GPA's on campus. What are you calling me a nerd for?"
"Second highest, actually, after you," he pulled her into his arms and gave her a quick kiss on her lips. L groaned and looked away. Why am I so bothered by this? I shouldn't care about something so trivial. Ever since his and Light's sexual encounter not too long ago, he hadn't felt the same. He felt scatter-brained, and whenever Light was nearby, he could barely think. He had her scent memorized, and even just smelling her presence was enough to make him long for her. She's just a girl, a pretty girl that may be a killer. He tried simplifying Light but found that he couldn't. She was more than just looks, scent, and suspicion - had circumstances been different, they could be a perfect match. I just need to get laid, that's all there is to this. L pinched the bridge of his nose, and reminded himself that he is still human, and certain needs have to be fulfilled. Perhaps I can find someone today, he thought, slightly hopeful, but mostly bitterly.
Light, Matsui, and the others walked around for another couple of hours before stopping at a bar. If the second Kira made an appearance, I did not see it. Light also never spoke to anyone outside of her group. Could it be someone that is already close to her? L followed them into the busy bar, and wondered this. Not very likely, he decided. However, even though he could have called it a night since nothing happened, L stuck around in the bar, observing Light. He ordered the sweetest alcoholic drink he could manage, a Dirty Shirley, which is essentially a spiked Shirley Temple. Normally, he wouldn't consume alcohol, especially in public, but it was a long and disappointing day. Plus, he knew he was going to need a buzz if he was going to attempt to pick up a girl for a casual hook-up. He had a couple of girls come over to him, obviously far more intoxicated than him. They were getting rowdy, and it ended up getting Light's attention. L inhaled sharply as she glanced in his direction, making eye contact for what felt like minutes. Her brows furrowed and she frowned, possibly due to her trying to figure out where she recognized L from. Just the difference in hair style should be enough to throw her off, L was sure of it. The glasses were an extra differentiating feature. Eventually, she turned away, mainly due to her "boyfriend" shoving a shot of some liquor in her face. What a piece of work, L thought, annoyed with the situation. Much to his surprise, Light threw the shot back, and then another, and then another. He could hear Light getting loud, yelling at the guy until he eventually left hurriedly. L couldn't help but smirk at his dismissal. Matsui looked absolutely uncomfortable - some of Light's female friends were getting very touchy and flirty with him. He's a good guy, a good head on his shoulders. He doesn't want to break cover, but he also knows he's teetering on a thin line now. I should help him, somehow.
L ended up discreetly ordering a round of "Bahama mama's" for the ladies, and told the bartender to try to avoid giving away that it was him who bought the drinks. While passing cash to the bartender, L made eye contact, again, with Light, who was at the other end of the bar. Even with all the distance between them, he could tell her eyes were glazed over and that she definitely feeling the alcohol. She gave a sexy half-smile, and blew a kiss as her friends giggled and laughed. Once the drinks were made and distributed, Light's friends shrieked and began demanding who bought them the drinks. The bartender did his duty and shrugged, "a guy that wants you ladies to have a good time, I suppose." They kept insisting, and eventually the bartender pointed to a random group of guys. A few of the girls hurried over there, nearly tripping on their feet, Bahama mama sloshing unsteadily in their glasses, and began thanking the guys profusely. They looked confused, but played along with it. L chuckled, he was enjoying this. Although he was not "with" them, he still felt like the observing alone was enough to satisfy his need to socialize.
He was about ready to leave when he got a tap on his shoulder.
"I know you bought the drinks," he turned, and looked down into Light's warm copper eyes. They were misty with intoxication, but nonetheless, still warm and lovely. "Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret between us." She smiled up at him. Does she recognize me? L thought, a slight panic building. He maintained composure.
"I have no idea what you're referring to," he responded with a small smile. He felt warm inside from the multiple Dirty Shirleys he consumed, but wasn't nearly buzzed enough to have no control of himself. "Those guys over there seemed very interested in you and your friends. I wouldn't be surprised if it were them who bought the round for you."
Light chuckled and stepped closer to L, causing him heart to beat harder. "I also happened to notice that you've been interested in me all night," she said in a low, breathy tone. "In fact, you've been watching me for a while now."
Damn, I shouldn't have underestimated her. "Oh? Someone doesn't lack for confidence," he said playfully. "Tell me, how have I been watching you?"
Light stepped closer to him, she was now just a few inches away from his body. She had a coy look on her face, but still, she maintained eye-contact. "You've been following me all day, I saw you in the reflections on the store windows -" Dammit. "- and I caught you staring at me all night here." L inhaled, keeping his composure. He was still pretty confident that she didn't recognize him. He decided it was probably safe to flirt back.
"Well, I am only a man," he started, lowering his voice. "You are the most beautiful woman here tonight, I couldn't help myself but watch you."
Her small smile turned into a dazzling grin, and she leaned into him. Her hand gently against his chest, she said in a voice heavy with desire, "you can do more than just watch me, if you want."
L was immediately aroused after hearing her speak that way to him. He felt conflicted - on the one hand, she had wanted him in the past, that was made clear. Also, she is of age. However, she was quite buzzed. He was too, but he believed that he was in better control of himself than she was of herself. I want her to be safe though, what if she goes home with someone less considerate? All these thoughts went through his head in milliseconds, the pros and cons to taking her home versus leaving her here. He decided he needed to buy more time.
"Do you live close?" He asked, knowing exactly where she lives.
"Yes, but...I live at home with my family," she said uneasily.
L gave her a warm smile, and brought his hand her face, cupping her chin between his thumb and the rest of his fingers. "We'll be quiet, and I promise, I can be gone as early as you want me to leave."
A flush appeared on her face, and she agreed. Grabbing his hand, she led him out the bar.