Light was on L's side the moment he left Misa's room. He believed it was a dirty trick, but no dirtier than Light had recently used on L. It was not that hard to convince him, but he did have appearances to put on.
Light stood beside L as he disapprovingly watched Misa practice her interview with Aiber. He still did not think they should send Misa in to infiltrate. It was too dangerous, he thought, but she and L insisted. It was not up to Light, anyway, and it was shoved in his face multiple times.
Misa was in her element. She would do this perfectly for her Light. Aiber was easy to work with, but he had probably made himself into that sort of easy-going person. He had to.
L called Mogi to ask for assistance. The man agreed, and soon he and Misa were off to Yotsuba. Aiber was as well, but by different means.
L and Light could only wait for results. L demanded a trip to the kitchen, and therefore, they found themselves in the kitchen. Judging by the coffeepot, Matsuda had already run in to fetch coffee for the others and they would not be in the kitchen for some time.
"You are worried about Misa-chan." L stated.
"Of course." Light said. "I hope she isn't caught.
"Aiber is there to walk her through everything."
"That is true…" Light turned away from L as the detective prepared himself his cake.
L sat at the table. He found little point in joining the others at the moment. He watched Light search the kitchen for any remaining non-sugary food.
"You chips are in the cupboard, Light-kun."
Light thanked him and stretched to reach the top shelf. Why all his food was hidden up there originally, he would never know. Satisfied with the bag in his hand, Light sat across from L.
Light wordlessly munched on his chips. It was mindless. Reach in, grab chip, place in move, chew, swallow, repeat. He would have eaten the entire package in this manner had L not spoken.
"Light-kun, you are worried about more than just Misa."
It was not a question, but a fact that had no possibility of being debated. Light glanced from his bag to L. Chocolate eyes went back to staring at his bag. L had no business bringing anything up.
But of course. It's all his business! If it's not his, then who's is it?
Mine.
Light finally settled his gaze on a point over L's shoulder. "You're right."
"Of course I am. I did not give myself the title of world's greatest detective." L teased but then said seriously. "What is the matter, Light-kun?"
Light looked out the kitchen door and L understood. He stood, cake in hand, and began to walk into the hallway. It took Light a moment to stand and catch up, but he did.
L led him into the bedroom and closed the door. He perched on the bed and once more ate his cake.
"We now have privacy, Light-kun."
Light appreciated the effort. He paced in front of L, wording his phrases in his head. He was not letting this go wrong.
"L…I trust you. You understand that, don't you?" Light began. "But… every time I think that trust is placed correctly, you accuse me of being Kira. I once asked you what you thought it would be like to be accused of being Kira. You told me it would be awful."
Light stopped pacing and fully faced L. "It's worse than that. It was dreadful when I didn't know or want to know you. But…now…"
L had placed his cake to the side as Light spoke. Now he stood and placed a well-chewed thumb against Light's open lips.
"Light." L said seriously. "I will not pretend to not be surprised by your confession. It seems out of character for you to breakdown."
Light glared at him. "Being tortured by my partner is not generally part of my character."
"But of course not."
L stared with his emotionless eyes. Light waited for something- anything.
I laid myself out to you, L. What are you going to do?
"Light… I want to trust you." Light went to speak, but L hushed him. "I told you I will end this case. When Kira is gone, I will give you the trust and attention you deserve. Until that time, I must accept that you are a suspect of this case."
Light heard the unspoken "And so you must accept it as well."
"I told you that I would play your game." Light said softly. "I guess I'll just have to keep doing so."
"Light, don't cheat this time. It is entirely unbecoming." L said.
The boy smiled at him. L paused before gently kissing Light's forehead. He could feel Light let go, the teen resting his head against L's chest. The smile was still in place, a soft smile.
"I won't." Light promised. "Although… I don't think you minded. Too much, anyways."
Light turned his head and kissed L's shirt. L embraced him as he said. "89% of me enjoyed it, Light. The rest of me was angered that I could do nothing about it."
"You could now." The words were out before Light could even consider stopping them.
L released him and took a step back. He gripped Light's chin in his hand, forcing the boy to look at him. Light seemed almost confused. More than that, though, he was embarrassed.
"You let that slip." L said softly.
"I did."
L let a small smile slip into place. A kiss pressed against Light's lips before L let him go.
"Not now, Light." L whispered. "We have a Kira to catch."
"We have to wait for Misa." Light said, just as quietly.
"Are you trying to hinder the investigation?" L asked immediately.
Light's gaze hardened. He jerked back, away from L. The teenager was silent for a moment, merely glaring at L.
"I think there is no longer anything to take care of. Let's return to the taskforce." Light said coolly.
Light stood as stone as L gathered his plate. They wordlessly returned to the taskforce, the two sitting at their computers. They could do nothing but sit, as, yes, they had to wait for Misa to return.
-T.B.C.-
So somehow my cat caught a cold…in July… He's just a little crazier when running around sneezing.