Title: Life Imitating Art
Chapter Ten: Falling Off the Edge of My Mind
"Raito-kun…" L stared at the boy in front of him, not sure what it was he could say to console him.
"You look as if I just told the sky was going to fall." Raito softly spoke to the shell-shocked detective who still didn't know what the hell to say. "Are you that surprised?"
"If I am to be quite frank, then no, I am not incredibly astonished that Raito-kun's significant other has… passed." L began to shuffle his bare feet against the bed in anxiousness, his toes wiggling sporadically at the strangeness of the conversation. "Raito-kun is an individual ruled by both his beliefs and his passion, so I doubt he would give either up that easily."
"So what is it that has you so shocked, then?" The weary brunette rubbed his eyes, leaning against his wall.
"That Raito-kun actually spoke the truth, I suppose." The sugar-addicted detective admitted, already chewing his thumb mid-thought. Raito blinked, already feeling the ever-present frustration that was always in the back of his mind build up once again. "I hardly would have believed that Raito-kun would be willing to tell me about his personal life without more of a fight, or at least lied his way out of telling the truth."
"But… you said… You didn't expect me to say anything?!" L shrugged, popping his thumb out of his mouth and scratching the side of his head mundanely. "Then why did you say all those things about trusting you and you finding out eventually if you didn't even think I would tell you the truth?!"
"No use in not trying." L stated blandly.
Raito felt his eye twitching, his hand just itching to punch that annoyingly blank face in one fell swoop…
"That and what I said about prying into Raito-kun's past is true." Dark eyes shadowed with ebony bags narrowed as Raito's back stiffened in what seemed to be an automatic reaction. "I would not have liked to have done so, but I would have had no choice but to look into Raito-kun's personal background myself."
"Hm." Raito turned away from the analytical detective, bringing his gaze out towards the window next to him. The bright lights of the city twinkled as cars zoomed past down the multitude of streets, pedestrians laughing gaily as they walked down the crowded sidewalks of New York. "You wouldn't have found much."
"What does Raito-kun mean by that?" L once again blinked, head already clouding with the unfamiliar confusion that seemed to torrent his mind these days.
"You'll find out soon enough, L." Raito turned towards one of the many bureaus surrounding the spacious bedroom and began to pull out clothing, his body aching for the warm spray of the shower and a long, deep sleep in his very comfortable bed after a hard day of working on a case that was killing his nerves, and confessing to things that continued to eat away at his soul.
"Raito-kun is exhausted and wishes to continue his dialogue of this in the morning?" The 17-year-old singer nodded, glad the older man was not pushing him to continue on speaking, as was his custom.
"I'm going to go take a shower."
With those final words, L allowed the boy to take his leave, knowing that to push the boy anymore, would lead to nothing but more conflict and unproductive silence.
The sounds of water pounding against ceramic tile quietly echoed throughout the apartment ceasing all other thoughts within the onyx-haired detective as L rose from the bed, feeling quite exhausted himself.
'No more waiting, Raito… Not anymore.'
"Ngh…"
L blinked as he stared over at the slumbering figure beside him tossing about on the bed, restlessly feigning sleep. After the emotional turmoil of the day, L said nothing, allowing the boy to pretend all he wanted.
Looking down back at the papers resting around him on the bed, the insomniac lamented the loss of his laptop after arguing with Raito about the 'annoying clacking of keys' that seemingly kept him awake. L was tempted to just grab his computer and just work off that, but no doubt he would hear nothing but complaints from his already irritated companion.
Grabbing the folder on his farthest left side (where Raito was conveniently located), L gave the pop star one more glance, enjoying the way the dim light from the lamp beside him on the night table illuminated the smooth auburn colored locks and slightly slack jaw. The older man's fingers twitched, aching to feel that downy skin for himself.
Blinking out of his Raito-induced stupor, L opened the folder and concentrated on the page in front of him, staring down at the items giving him the worst of migraines.
'Damn flowers…'
Thumb within his mouth, L began to ruthlessly gnaw at the appendage in frustration. After all the analyses done on the plant life found within the crowns on top of the victim's heads, no foreign substances were found. And if that wasn't enough, the meaning behind each flower left more to uncovered as L began to scan what each one was said to represent.
Notes on the Plant Life found within each Crime Scene:
After a thorough examination on all of the crowns found at the crime scene, no harmful or suspicious substances were found within the flora, or used to cultivate the vegetation.
After a background check in accordance to your request, each flower's 'meaning' was researched. The results are posted here-
Crime Scene (A): Chrysanthemum (Yellow) - Commonly given through secret admirers, or those who wish to show their admiration. (Also known as the 'flower of death')
Crime Scene (B): Cosmo - Peace, or tranquility. Known to represent serenity within individuals.
Crime Scene ( C): Hydrangea - Perseverance in acquisition of something or someone.
Crime Scene (D): Orchid - Delicate beauty within an individual; could be either physical or emotional.
Crime Scene (E): Daisy - Innocence, or purity.
Crime Scene (F): Heather - Solitude, shown in accordance of the person's self or the one being given to.
Crime Scene (G): Iris - Inspiration sparked by someone or something.
After matching these in accordance to the crime scenes, no DNA is found within the flora, nor any decay within the plants themselves, indicating that the plantation itself was fresh and picked that same day, possibly within the same hour.
L stopped reading, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration. None of it made any sense, at least, not to the common mind. L realized that whoever had done this, wanted him to know exactly who it was.
But what the hell did flowers have to do with anything.
'At least, these kinds of flowers…' L thought to himself, shaking his head in disbelief.
Though it was possible…
'This is leading up to something. These deaths are nothing but the prelude to what this murderer really wants to exhibit.' L put down the files, placing his chin against his raised legs. 'Chances of the person behind this knowing of my true identity; 73 percent.'
L's shadowed gaze slowly wandered towards the person next to him, sensing his confusion bubbling up once again.
'Yet if this is true…' The sugar-addicted insomniac sighed as he unfurled his legs and laid back against the bed, facing the teenage sensation who entertained millions. 'What would they want with Raito?'
Eyes slowly closed as L left the calculations and connecting puzzle pieces within the back of his mind, concentrating solely on the comforting heat beside him and the weariness permeating throughout his body as he drifted off into his own sleepy dreams.
'What could they want with Raito…?'
"You're going to be fine."
Raito smirked as he stared at Mikami once again straighten his tie and dust off his very expensive, Armani suit. He himself was only wearing a white button-up and a pair of fitted khakis, laughing at the sight of his boyfriend so dolled up for an evening with his parents.
"I can't believe you actually expected me to come casually-dressed." Mikami scoffed, raking a hand through his already-immaculate hair. "I don't want to give your parents a bad impression of me when we first meet."
The amused brunette rolled his eyes, smiling without repent as he sat on top of his boyfriend's bureau as regally as he could. "Yeah, because seeing you in an Armani suit whilst strolling out of a bright red Lamborghini with their son hanging off your arm isn't going to make them think badly of you whatsoever."
Mikami blinked.
"Should I bring the Mercedes instead?"
Raito sweat dropped, knowing his boyfriend had missed the point entirely. (Whether intentional or not, Raito preferred not to know)
"Have you even told them of you're… err… preferences, Raito?" The bespectacled man asked as carefully as he could, giving up on his hair as he turned to stare at his partner.
Raito blushed as he began to play with the sleeve of his shirt, refusing to meet Mikami's gaze.
"I'm guessing that's a no, then." Mikami smirked slyly as Raito blushed even brighter than before.
"I just… my father already disapproves of my lifestyle as a musical artist!" Raito jumped off the bureau, face still as red as a tomato. "I don't expect him to approve my tastes in lovers either, Teru, whether they happen to be men or women. I'm just worse off since they happen to be men."
"So this is your way of coming out?" Mikami smiled as Raito nodded meekly. "Then it's a good thing I wore the Armani, then. Brings out the color of my eyes and wallet…"
Raito stomped his foot against the floor, glaring angrily at his boyfriend. Mikami simply laughed before grabbing onto his lover, not surprised when Raito did not push him away.
"Teru! You honestly think my father cares about that? He's a police officer for Kami's sakes!" The older man shrugged, shamelessly ogling his boyfriend's behind from over the brunette's shoulder. "Money talks, honey, especially when it comes to the older crowd. He'll be putty in my hands…"
"Not with my dad." The 16-year-old musician muttered as he leaned into his boyfriend's embrace, eyes closing in exhaustion as the young boy thought of what was to come. "Not with my dad…"
"I'm sure it'll be fine. I've overthrown even the most annoying of homophobes." Raito rolled his eyes as his lover chuckled before pulling out of the hold and striking a dramatic pose. "What? Don't think I have it in me to take on your dad? I handle money-hungry producers and bratty wannabe-musicians on a daily basis. Your father should be a piece of cake compared to all of that."
"You would think." The future-pop star smiled as he dug his hands within his pockets, laughing at his boyfriend's antics. Mikami winked before grabbing his boyfriend's hand and pulling him forward, landing a small kiss on the edge of his mouth.
"I know… everything is going to be just fine. I promise."
"Err…"
Mikami smiled as he bowed, barely looking affected by the situation at hand. Raito attempted to smile as well, but a grimace overcame his features as the scowl on his father's face deepened along with the tension seeping within the room.
"Hello. It's very nice to meet you, Yagami-san. My name is Mikami Teru, and I am a corporate executive producer at your son's label."
Soichirou's eye twitched at the introduction, his frown spreading across his face even further as the smile on Mikami's face barely even twitched.
"How… charming." Soichirou sarcastically replied, causing Raito to almost flinch at the harshness in his father's tone.
Still, Mikami's smile didn't dissolve in the least.
"Well, I'll just check on dinner." Sachiko hesitantly smiled herself before excusing herself from the room, making her way into the kitchen.
"Sir, I have to say-"
"Just who the hell do you think you are," Soichirou interrupted before Mikami could continue, eyes blazing with righteous anger. "Coming into my house and acting as if I would care about what you have to say. Raito knows how I feel about his choice in careers and I doubt you would come here to try to win me over for any purpose when he's of age."
"You're right." Mikami spoke in all seriousness, knowing that this would not go over well as soon as the hard glint turned steely within the older man's eyes. "This doesn't have anything to do about business."
"Oh?" The older Yagami blinked, swiveling his gaze over to his still-silent son. "Then why are you here?"
Raito then stepped forward, his face burning brightly as the bespectacled man stepped back, waiting for the suddenly shy brunette to say what he had to say.
"Dad… we have to talk."
"What the hell were you thinking bringing that man into my home?"
Soichirou glared at his son, the maliciousness of his gaze hitting the poor boy straight on. Raito slumped over the couch, not even able to look his father in his eye.
"He isn't just some random guy, dad." Raito leaned back up, braving the sight of his furious father as he gripped the handle of his backpack and suitcase. "And I refuse to listen to you speak about him that way."
"He's just using you, Raito!" The older Yagami flailed his arms into the air, frustrated by his son's lack of understanding of the situation. "That pedophile doesn't give two shits about you! As soon as some other naïve child comes walking into his studio, he'll drop you in a second!"
"Maybe…" Raito smirked, hefting his stuff up as he walked over towards the front door. "But at least I can say I took the chance and didn't simper around like a pathetic little puppy."
"You are honestly going to choose that fagot over your family."
Raito's back stiffened, his anger automatically piqued once again.
"If that's the ultimatum you're giving me…" Raito grabbed the door's handle and strolled out of the house towards his boyfriend's car, leaving the fuming figure of his father's silhouette within the home he now had no choice but to leave behind. "Then I can't really bring myself to regret what I'm about to do, now can I?"
Raito stared into the hospital's bathroom mirror, not sure if he could believe what had happened himself. His father stared over at him, sorrow masked within his mahogany depths as the cuts and bruises decorating his cheeks began to sting from the tears pouring down his own set of eyes.
"They said he died almost instantly."
Soichirou looked down at the ground, his shame pouring out in waves.
"They said that it must have been agonizing, even if it was for a second."
Still the older man kept his gaze to the ground, knowing that anything he said now would be for naught.
"They said… they said he could have been saved."
"Raito…" Soichirou's voice, hoarse from hours of crying, echoed throughout the empty hospital room. "I…"
"You told me as a child, that out of all of the principles you held as a police officer, you dedicated yourself to justice the most." Raito traced one of the many cuts decorating his now bare shoulder, the bluish-purple bruises standing out against his tan expanse of skin. "They destroyed us both, and yet no one said a God damned thing about it. So tell me father…"
A pair of broken molten amber eyes turned towards the older man now staring at his son's decimated complexion, regret chocking the words now blocked within older officer's throat.
"Where's the justice in that?"
Eyes blurred over as tears once again threatened to fall out of the weary gaze vacantly staring up at the ceiling.
Raito turned over, not that surprised to the spot within the spacious bed empty. Hands traced over the cooling spot, knowing that it was probably hours that the space had been left empty, yet still feeling a bit remorseful of the fact.
The dim morning light began to peek through the bedroom's thin window curtains, causing the boy's mind to become much more conscious.
'L…'
Without realizing it, Raito's hand bumped against the notebook laying down on the night table beside him, surprising himself at the cool feel of the leather exterior. Blinking, the boy hefted himself up from his prone position and stared down at his journal, wondering.
'There's so much on my mind that I wish I could tell you…'
Hands gently picked up the mass of binding and paper, tracing the cover endearingly. Really, there was so much tossing and turning within his own mind, and yet Raito had no idea how to phrase what he wanted to say.
'But how do I tell you without killing what's left of me?'
A spark ignited within the still sleepy brunette's mental processes as he glanced over at the spot L had at one time during the night inhabited.
'How…?'
Quickly, so as to not lose his inspiration whilst he still had it, Raito grabbed the pen that was lying next to the notebook, opening up to most recently available page and began to write without abandon.
Wandering down a ruined path
On an endless road to nowhere-
Breaking down inside myself
As the truth hangs over my head.
Leaving you with so many
Unanswered questions.
I wish I could have told you…
I only had the best of intentions.
Don't let me lose myself
To these never-ending glowing lights.
Forget all the 'what-could-have-been's'
And lift me from these damning depths.
I've encased myself in this gilded glass
Without thinking of the consequences…
What's left of me has shattered,
Leaving you with nothing but broken pieces.
'Pieces…' Raito looked down at the word, pen stalling in its rapid succession of flowing ink. 'Is that really what's become of me? Just pieces of what I used to be?'
As Raito's finger's clenched against the cool metal of the writing utensil, he continued on writing, knowing in some small region of space within his mind…
Don't let me lose myself-
Even if he wished otherwise-
Be there for me, even when I try to run.
And God knew he wished otherwise…
Believe me, even if I say otherwise-
It was true.
You are my only o-
"Raito-kun?"
Raito ceased all movement, hearing his name echoing from the hallway through his open doorway. Without a second thought, the 17-year-old quickly shoved his notebook within the night table's drawer and shut it as quietly as he could.
Still weary from exhaustion, the teenage pop star stretched out his aching muscles as the hunched over figure he had come to know as the greatest detective in the world wandered into the room with very little enthusiasm.
"Yeah, L?" Raito hesitantly answered back, feet hitting the floor in a swift movement from barely-awake to full-drive.
"We shall have to make haste in our conversation." L sat down at the bed, watching the boy's back slump at the reminder of his end of the bargain from the night before. "I am afraid that we shall be entertaining visitors in but a few hours."
"What?" Raito blinked as he turned to face the detective, not sure whether or he was serious or not. They had been investigating for over a week now, and neither had even spoken to anyone that wasn't Watari, let alone considered the notion. "Who…?"
L could sense the brunette's hesitation, being able to reflect the same feeling within himself.
"A pair of officers I have worked with prior, and who are currently working on this case now." The dark-haired man stared at the singer beside him on the bed, now staring at the floor as if it was the most interesting thing within the room. "They shall be briefing us on their own findings."
Raito nodded, barely lifting his head up to do so.
"I understand that Raito-kun feels insecure and uncomfortable with speaking to me of this problem, but-"
"Talking about how your lover died is never an easy thing to do, L." Raito deadpanned, giving L the blankest stare he could muster. "Especially…"
"Especially?" L echoed back, sick of playing the same old game with the boy, yet understanding a bit more just why he was so hesitant to speak of such things. The insomniac detective had never been that patient, nor empathetic with others for that matter, yet this one singer inspired things within him he had never actually felt before.
Raito sighed, too tired to even evade anymore.
"Especially when it happened right in front of your face."
L stared at the boy with large onyx eyes, once again slightly shocked at the admission.
"… Should I just start at the beginning and go from there?"
The sugar-addicted detective nodded dumbly, knowing after this moment, he would most likely have all the information he would need to wrap this case up. L ignored the gurgle in his stomach at the thought of finishing off the case…
'He'll no longer need you after this…'
L began to nibble on his thumb in earnest, throwing all of his attention to the singer still speaking.
"Well then, let's begin with a dream had by a certain brown-eyed teenager with just a guitar in one hand and a notebook full of lyrics in the other…"
Many thanks to Kitsune55 for the info on the Chrysanthemum (Death flower?! I didn't even know that! Damn you research for not letting me know...) and for beta-ing as well! She's a superstar! ((Watches too much Saturday Night Live)) XD
I think next chapter shall be made of pure gold. And maybe some diamonds, just because they're a girl's (Or guy's... C'mon, who doesn't love diamonds?!) best friend. Lol! See?! More is being revealed! Now let me hear some predictions! Give me your best shot! Oh, wait... DAMN IT! I've got to stop doing that! Lol!
Disclaimer: Once again, nothing to really disclaim. Lyrics are mine, and plot is shared with Kitsune55. Well... I guess the information on the flowers isn't really mine. Would you like me to disclaim that? Lol! Considered it disclaimed.