a/n: I do not own any rights to the Nelly Furtado song quoted within.
In the day
In the night
Say it right
Say it all
You either got it or you don't
You either stand or you fall
When your will is broken
When it slips from your hand
When there's no time for joking
There's a hole in the plan
Oh you don't mean nothing at all to me
No you don't mean nothing at all to me
But you got what it takes to set me free
Oh you could mean everything to me
Say It Right – Nelly Furtado - Loose
Burgundy eyes gazed upward from where he lay in bed, half-lidded and dazed.
He could still taste him on his tongue…scent it in the air…
'Silly'…
Strawberries and vanilla…
Light…
Beyond's eyes widened and he felt his pulse begin to race. What the fuck just happened?
What…
The…
Fuck!
The Alpha leapt out of bed as if he'd been burned, suddenly wide awake and growling as his gaze darted around the drapery darkened room, fading sun peeking around their edges. His chest heaved as he stood there in just the jeans he'd passed out in a few hours ago.
Beyond had finally been able to get a little rest and would have liked to be thankful for it. He found he was having trouble adjusting to his new sleeping arrangements. Specifically, going to bed alone was not going well the last couple days. It seemed he'd grown used to having a certain golden eyed brunette as a cuddle pillow.
The dark haired male anxiously stalked and paced around the small apartment for a minute before circling around to the bedroom again and falling back on the mattress once more, pulling a pillow over his face and screaming into it angrily. I did not sign up for this bull shit… He thought to himself, finally drawing the pillow away to rub at his tired eyes. Beyond had no doubt that dark circles from lack of sleep were already beginning to reappear as he closed them and sighed wearily.
I'll get used to it…
Learn to ignore his scent…
This means nothing…
He means nothing…
xxx
The fading scent of pomegranate was intoxicating as it invaded his senses…
Reminding him of dark dreams…
And burgundy eyes…
And a smooth voice like silk on his skin…
Light stared at the ceiling with wide eyes and watched the afternoon sun play across it, unmoving for several long moments as he tried to keep himself from losing it. He was worried that if he moved a muscle, took too deep a breath, he'd fall apart. His composure was fragile as he lay there, held together by the thinnest of threads.
I…I just can't think about it right now… Light resolved. He's already taken up too much of my ti- The brunette's stomach rumbled, twisting painfully as he realized he still hadn't really eaten since coming out of his heat. Last night he'd slowly sipped a bottle of water from a fridge in the office, knowing he'd be unable to stomach any of the sweets stocked in there and too exhausted to try to make it to the kitchen.
He'd been so focused on reading through the files on Beyond, he'd blocked out everything else, until finally he'd passed out. Clearly the water that had kept the pain at bay had been absorbed, leaving his stomach desperately empty.
Light gasped as the pain caused him to curl in on himself, stealing his breath away as he rolled onto his side, writhing in agony. "L…" He whimpered. The young man heard swift footsteps approaching, the Alpha's voice speaking rapidly as he moved towards the bed.
"…I think he's having stomach cramps. Yes, just like after his last heat, could you bring some soup…and water as well? He's probably dehydrated. Thank you Watari." The clatter of L tossing his phone on the nightstand and then-
He was there, climbing into the blankets with Light and instinctively taking hold of the younger man, bringing his back flush to his chest and enveloping him in his scent. Something in the young Omega clicked into place as the smell of apples and rain that lingered on the bedding around him was amplified and washed over him.
Safe. Home. Mate. These words danced along the edge of his conscious mind, encouraging him to sink deeper into the other man's arms. Light's whole body practically melted as L began to massage the scent glands at his wrists and croon soothingly, causing any pain to dissipate as he lay drifting in bliss.
"Thank you…" The young Omega breathed out gratefully. "I'm sorry you have to do this…" Light cringed internally, imagining that L must be scenting Beyond on him as he pressed close, his lips close enough to the brunette's neck that he thought he felt them brush along his scent glands at one point. "How can you stand it?" Light whispered. "I'm so sorry you have to scent him on me..."
"Light…" L replied in an admonishing tone as he pulled the younger man closer to him, nuzzling the brunette's neck. "Regardless of your scent, that doesn't define who you are or why I love you. Please remember that, ok?"
"M'kay." Light mumbled dazedly as L's rumbling croon kept the pain at bay, his limbs growing incredibly relaxed as he lay there, not bothering to question L at the moment regarding Beyond. Light was in a happy little bubble until a short time later when he felt L begin to pull away from him and sit up. He groaned, eyes closed as he let out a small whine of discontent when the Alpha started to gently pull him upright as well, knowing that it wouldn't take long for the pain to begin to rear its ugly head again.
"Thank you Quillish..." The young Omega opened his eyes upon hearing L say the other man's name, genuinely pleased to see Watari once again. The older male carefully set down the tray of food and brought over a couple of extra pillows, until both he and L felt they had Light propped up enough so that he could eat.
"Thank you…" Light said softly as the other man turned to leave, earning him a smile and nod of acknowledgement from the white haired Beta as he left them to their own devices. He was secretly pleased when L didn't hesitate to pick up the bowl and sat down on the bed next to him, preparing the first spoonful and guiding it to Light's mouth. The Omega knew he wasn't as frail as after his last heat, but he still felt shaky and doubted he could hold his hand steady enough.
Plus he always thought it was adorable when L doted on him like this, though he still would never admit it. Times like these when he takes care of me after my heat or when I've been hurt are...
Light was quickly reminded of his time in the house in Bude. Days…nights…quiet afternoons and dim mornings where he would lay wrapped in blankets, nestled against cozy pillows in their bed as he recovered from his injuries during the time in Max's home.
L…no, Beyond…was always close by…
He'd maintained that loving expression on his face as he brought Light whatever he needed and wanted, took care of him, held the young Omega close as they spent long hours of his convalescence discussing a myriad of topics of both the intellectual variety and sharing personal stories. They were a newlywed couple getting to know each other better, whispering and laughing softly with one another as he smiled at Light, sharing small affectionate touches, letting the young man know without words that he'd do anything for him.
As L finished feeding him the soup, Light felt a knot in his gut, but this time he knew it wasn't due to hunger. He felt sick thinking about how he'd been so thoroughly tricked.
How could it all be fake…when I was so happy? He wondered, blinking back tears as L turned to set the bowl down on the tray. The raven looked worried, taking in the change in Light's mood as he sat on the edge of the bed next to him.
L instinctively reached out to soothe the younger man, to brush away the slight bit of moisture that had escaped at the corners of Light's eyes. The Alpha's froze as he started to do so, an apprehensive expression on his face as he pulled back his hand. Light looked at him in confusion, before realizing that they still hadn't had a chance to talk through everything that had happened. He's still trying to figure out what's ok…
He doesn't understand how much I need him, the real him, right now. I have to get to know my mate all over again. Surely Beyond didn't know everything, wasn't able to imitate every detail about him. There has to be more, things to discover between just the two of us.
Light reached out to grab the retreating hand and pulled it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss there before guiding it to his cheek and resting his face against L's palm as he gazed at the other man, pleased when he smiled broadly at him. Once I do that, I'll be dreaming of you and not him, L…
The younger man's other hand sought out the small freckle at the base of L's neck and found it, his fingertips proceeding to absentmindedly run along the smooth curved collar of the raven's long sleeve white tee. He brushed against something rougher and stopped to give L a curious look.
"What in the world…" Light murmured as he began pulled a thin chain out from where it was hidden beneath L's shirt. The detective grasped his hand, a nervous look on his face as he met Light's eyes.
"I, umm, wanted to wait, because I didn't want you to feel any obligation-"
"L, let me see." Light insisted, cutting him off mid-sentence, even more curious now as the older male sighed and released his hand to allow the Omega to continue.
Light couldn't help the tears that filled his eyes, a grin simultaneously spreading across his face as he saw his wedding ring dangling from the chain. He felt an overwhelming mix of feelings flooding through him. "I thought it was lost after what happened at the spa…" The brunette's voice was thick with emotion as he beamed at L, wiping his eyes as he took in the Alpha's surprised expression at his reaction. "Why were you worried about showing me this?" Light asked curiously.
"After everything that's happened and how you reacted the other day, I wasn't sure if you'd want it..." L murmured, avoiding Light's gaze as he nervously ran his fingers through his hair. "I'll continue to keep it safe…I'd understand if-"
"L, shut up and give me my ring." Light replied softly, raising an eyebrow and smiling at the wide eyed Alpha before giving a gentle tug on the chain. L yanked it off his neck, breaking the thin metal links and unthreading the brushed platinum band set with sparkling canary diamonds.
Light noticed a slight trembling as L slid the band on his finger. The detective brought the brunette's hand to his lips and kissed it before looking to the Omega once more, a peace and contentment that was not there moments ago shone in L's eyes. We're going to figure this out. We have to…I love him so much. I won't let anyone or anything take that away.
xxx
He'd reluctantly agreed to help Light get dressed, but only in something comfortable enough that he wouldn't mind falling asleep in it. He's been so tired…might just pass out again in the office like before if he keeps it up. L had only allowed this with the caveat that he would either be carried or rolled down in a desk chair and stay resting on a couch there the entire time with his laptop.
The adorable pout that had manifested on Light's face just about destroyed the poor Alpha male, as he felt himself gazing in rapt fascination upon the plush, soft lips that just begged to be kissed, ravaged...
Oh, the things you do to me Light. How am I ever supposed to say no to you? He bit back a chuckle as he pushed the chair down the hall towards the office. He'd been thrilled at the blush that crept over the younger man's face when he'd teased him just a little while earlier, assuring him that it was ok if he actually wanted to be carried and that he was more than happy to oblige.
He noticed how Light's shoulders tensed slightly as they grew closer to the room, the rolling of the chair having long since signaled their approach to the two young Alphas hard at work. L scented the air and realized Matt had joined them as well and placed a reassuring hand on the younger man's shoulder as they entered. This should be interesting…
They all turned to glance at them as they entered and L scowled at their obviousness. 'Turn back around'. He mouthed at them from behind Light, watching them quickly spin back to their laptops as he pushed the younger man towards the couch. Light laughed softly behind his hand.
"That was subtle L…what did you just do behind my back to make them practically piss themselves." The brunette side-eyed the other two Alphas, who both stiffened slightly at the comment, while Matt let out a loud gleeful laugh.
"Oh, he's fun…" The red headed Beta remarked, smiling as his fingers continued to tap along the keys.
Light glanced over his shoulder at his mate, a playful glint in his eyes. 'Am I fun?' The young man mouthed silently before climbing from the chair to settle comfortably on the couch. L grinned and nodded as the Omega's gaze caught his again.
"The most…" He murmured before crossing the room to grab Light's laptop and bring it back to him. He sat down next to the younger man as he started up the computer so he could provide access to the secure drives and had a startling moment of clarity as Light studiously avoided his gaze. L sighed heavily before he even asked.
"You hacked in last night didn't you?"
Another laugh from Matt in the background as Light charmingly bit his lip, looking at L with a slight smile as he shrugged. The older male was half proud, half annoyed, but just shook his head resignedly. "Well, I'm still going to give you the proper access through your own laptop, ok?" L muttered as they swiftly went through the motions of getting everything setup in just a few minutes.
"Thanks…" Light whispered, as L finished up. The brunette laid a soft kiss on his cheek that L leaned into gratefully, wanting to soak up every touch he could after so long apart from his mate. The Alpha was overjoyed to feel like they might be moving towards trying to heal, that they both wanted to make this work.
"So what did you, umm…look at last night?" He raised an eyebrow at Light curiously.
"I read your case files on Beyond Birthday."
L felt a jealous rage flare inside of him, an angry possessiveness as he narrowed his eyes at the young Omega. Just hearing that name…
It makes me want to mark him…
Show him, everyone, who he belongs to…
Light's eyes widened and he let out a low whine as he felt a wave of the Alpha's pheromones wash over him, gaze darting nervously towards the other men in the room and back to L. A growing scent of arousal wafted off of the brunette, invading L's senses and causing him to let out a low, rumbling growl.
Claim…
Take…
Mine…
Several pairs of footsteps beat a hasty retreat from the room, but neither L or Light paid any attention, fully engrossed in each other as the Alpha wrapped an arm around the brunette's waist and pressed close, nuzzling the young Omega's unmarked scent gland.
Mine… He thought as his teeth scraped along the skin, causing Light to let out a soft moan and turn his head to the side, the long, swan like curve of his neck instinctively displayed for his Alpha.
"Why Light?" The detective asked, his voice low and dark as his lips brushed the Omega's earlobe. Light let out a shuddering sigh as he wrapped his arms around L's neck. "I don't want you near anything to do with that monster, it's not safe." He snarled.
The primal urge to stake his claim was overwhelming, the young man in his arms intoxicating. L tried to steady himself, holding back with every shred of willpower he had as the fingers of one hand clutched and unclutched reflexively at Light's hip, his breathing ragged.
"Why? Because I'm going to find that asshole and make him suffer…that's fucking why." Light hissed out, running his fingers through L's hair and yanking hard, forcing the other man to look him in the eyes. What the Alpha saw there took his breath away. Molten pools of gold burning with a fire that would destroy anything its path. "I'm not a princess you can keep in a tower, L." Light's voice was soft in that brief moment, however the young man before him was anything but.
Damn…vengeful and driven is a good look on him…
"Fuck no, you're certainly not…" L smirked, appeased for now with Light's response, jealous instincts dismissed as he easily pulled his head free of Light's grip to explore his neck again, taking in the scent with a groan. "You're so much more, so much better than that…"
"God…you smell good Light." He murmured, placing a kiss on the brunette's scent gland and breathing in the scent of strawberries and vanilla. He was even getting used to the pomegranate, because it was part of Light now and that made it wonderful. That was what mattered.
Light let out a small choked sob and L pulled back, immediately sobered at the sound. "Light, what's wrong? Did I-"
"No, no…I just…" He gazed apprehensively at L. "I didn't think you'd like my scent anymore, because it's changed. I'm relieved."
L smiled, beginning to feel even further calmed as he held his mate close. The additional reassurance that he was safe and physically nearby soothed the emotions that were telling him to dominate and protect what was his. "Well, I don't know if it was in his plans or not, but whatever B did to mask his pheromones has caused some interesting changes to your scent from the bonding." Light looked at him quizzically.
"Have you started to pick up on his scent yet, now that you're out of your heat and less overwhelmed?" L asked, watching Light's expression suddenly fill with annoyance.
"I believe so…" The young Omega grumbled. "Pomegranate, right?" L nodded, fighting another surge inside him, a desire to grow incensed at the idea of his mate actually smelling the other Alpha's scent.
"Correct, but did you smell anything else?"
"No…I don't…no." Light murmured thoughtfully. "Should I be?"
"This was to be expected…I think it's probably because the environment you're in is already filled with the other scent and I've been around you constantly." L watched Light's reaction carefully. "You also smell like apples and rain according to Mello and Near."
"What? Wait a minute…" Light trailed off, trying to wrap his head around it.
"I obviously can't pick up on it, because it's my own scent. I can only get the strawberry, vanilla and pomegranate. But the others confirmed that all five are present." He took the slightly shocked looking Omega's hand and squeezed it.
"Mello and Near have been conducting research for the last couple of days into what he may have used to accomplish this. They've also been looking closely at the bonding process, what options might be available to you…to us." L nervously met Light's gaze. "I hope that's ok." The young man nodded and seemed to be deep in thought.
L reached up to cup Light's face in his hands, turning it gently towards him and giving the brunette a warm smile that he hoped conveyed all of the feelings that his heart could barely contain for the other man.
"Regardless of what we find out, I want you to know that I love you and it doesn't matter to me if we're bonded or not." L murmured, drinking in the pleased expression that spread across the Omega's face. "Because there's only ever going to be one person for me Light, and you're it."
End Notes:
AF: So, that was a little awkward…
Mello/Near/Matt: *glare at AF*
Mello: You think AF? I mean seriously…I don't need to see that..
AF: Maybe you could learn something useful, new tricks… *looks at Matt briefly and winks* Just saying!
Near: Eww…that's disgusting…
Feedback me my lovely readers!
I'm on Tumblr...come around and see me y'all!
User: AnimeFanimeFic
#Treatyfic