Nine Months Due
By: Kaytee Kudo
Category: Death Note
Genre: Romance, Humor
Rating: T
Summary: The Shinigami decide to take matters into their own hands and attempt to put the Kira case to a close by erasing the world's memories of Kira. But this is not without consequence…
Other Notes: Alternative ending bordering AU; LxLight, Mpreg in later chapters
Quick Recap from Previous Chapter: Watari manages to find and convince the boy to come back. Meanwhile, L shows Souchiro that he is very serious about marrying Raito.
Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note…not even in my dreams…
CHAPTER 8
Arranged Marriage
Raito was left dazed in slight confusion as he realized just what kind of situation he was in. He was there, standing in a very deserted airport in the middle of the night with only a tenth of his luggage at hand. He had very little time to pack, if at all, and all he did was just ram his bags with any belongings he could find in a very small time frame, and given the state of mind he was in at that time, he knew that he had done a very poor job at it.
Of course, he didn't expect to elope. Much more, he didn't expect to elope with L, of all people, he had been his sworn enemy for god's sake! The thought had never come to his mind, ever, and with all the other incidents that happened, this clearly was a situation he had never predicted to even be possible. He had never thought that he would one day escape his perfect family to what he imagined to be an unpredictable life, bringing almost nothing with him, and leaving with the person he had least thought to be with. It just never occurred to him that these things could happen.
"Hurry up, Raito-kun", L said blandly, taking him out of his own thoughts. The super sleuth was, as always, oblivious to anyone's feelings. That one being exactly one of the few reasons why it isn't meant to be.
"We will be leaving shortly.", he added, as he took Raito's luggage with ease.
"I can carry my own bag!" Raito protested, running a little to catch up to the unbelievingly fast detective. The said detective stopped and looked at Raito in the face.
"Even if Raito can carry his belongings, I still want to carry it either way. Raito-kun can proceed walking to our jet", L said and continued speed walking.
"Hey," Raito said in an attempt to catch up to L. "Slow down a little. What's the hurry anyway? It's the middle of the night."
"Raito should please be reminded of the very essence of eloping. The time and manner of doing it is necessary to call it as such." L called back without stopping.
"Well", Raito said, huffing as he continued catching up to L. "I don't want to elope anymore."
That effectively made L come to a complete stop, and slowly, he turned his head and went back to Raito.
"I'm sorry, Raito-kun", he said as he offered his free hand to Raito. "We can walk at your own pace if you like."
Raito eyed the hand suspiciously before taking it, and as promised, they walked considerably slower than before. Raito relaxed a little and after a while got used to holding the elusive man's hand, which was a bit clammy a while ago, and did not let go of it as he took in his surroundings.
"Where is everyone, L? Don't these airports usually work 24 hours?" Raito asked leisurely.
"I commanded a complete shutdown of this airport earlier, Raito-kun, so we can take our flight in private", L said offhandedly, without bothering to look at the boy.
"I never imagined you'd be this powerful, L" Raito commented. "Or rather, how much power you could abuse."
"The management here are more than welcome to take my orders. It gives them the assurance that their facilities are safe and world class, or else L wouldn't even consider using them." L defended as they reached the departure area.
"Our jet is just outside this building. This will probably be the last time you'll be in Japan for a while." L said as he looked at the boy, who had just realized what it actually means. The boy fidgeted for a while, and L became more concerned by the second. "Is there anything Raito-kun would want to do before we go?"
"I…"Raito hesitated for a while, but made up his mind. "I want to call Sayu"
"That is out of the question, Raito-kun", L answered automatically. Raito looked crestfallen.
"Why not?", he asked exasperatedly.
"For several reasons, Raito-kun. Given the situation with your father, I do not think that it would be a good idea." L said dejectedly.
"What, you're scared of my father? I thought you're more powerful than him, and it's Sayu I want to talk to, not him." Raito said unbelievingly. "I never even got to say goodbye to my mother."
"But Raito-kun, I…" he was not able to finish his last sentence (which promptly admits his fear of the said man), when he saw Raito's sad face, which looked very hurt, and L seriously wanted to hug the boy. "Fine then, Raito-kun, but please limit it to five minutes."
Raito smiled weakly, as he took the phone on his pocket and speed-dialed to his sister. Throughout this conversation, L was very attentive for signs of discovery on the mad (L considered the police-chief to be, considering his exaggerated reactions) father's part, and L was about to laugh at himself for feeling paranoid at this point, until it was the time when Raito finally said goodbye to his little sister, and L started noticing that something is going wrong with the conversation.
"No, don't give it to him…." He heard Raito say urgently to his sister, and then, suddenly Raito was talking seriously, which would only mean that the boy was already talking to his father. "Dad…"
A cold sweat ran through L's back, as he suddenly had a desire to snatch the phone from the teen, that was, until a distinct shout coming from the phone's receiver echoed all throughout the empty airport.
"DON'T GO ANYWHERE AND WAIT FOR ME THERE!"
L could only guess what happened to the boy's poor ears after that, as the words kept ringing in his own ears. Raito looked at him desperately for what to do next.
"We're leaving now, Raito-kun", L said urgently.
"But..."
"Raito-kun should trust me when I say that he would not wish for his father to find him here, otherwise, his ears were probably damaged from what had just happened to him." L said as he quickly pulled the boy's hand, and led him to the jet.
"Ryuuzaki!..." Raito said urgently, struggling to get his hand back. "You're hurting me…"
L let go at once, but did not seem to want to just stop.
"We must leave at once, Raito-kun, we could not risk to have your father catching up to us now. We must…"
"But Ryuuzaki…" Raito complained, once more as he massaged his shoulders. "Where are we heading?"
"I had already told Raito-kun earlier. We will take my private jet to my private headquarters in England. And we should hurry up or else our plans will be thwarted by his father."
"But Ryuuzaki…", Raito continued. "I can't see any jet or planes anywhere." He pointed out.
"Raito-kun knows very well that this is not the time for jokes such as that. My jet has already been prepared hours ago. It…" L stopped as he realized that the boy was telling the truth. The airport was completely empty. "But I had already told Watari three hours beforehand…"
"What are we going to do now?" Raito panicked.
"I don't know, Raito-kun" L also panicked, if not openly to Raito-kun. "Can Raito-kun run?"
"You know I can't" Raito said irritated. "I'm already tired from walking."
"Then we are doomed"
"Stop talking like that. It's like it's the end of the world or something."
"I apologize to Raito-kun for causing him such stress. However, I think waiting for your father and facing brash consequences is the only thing we can do at this point."
"Thank you for telling me that so bluntly." Raito said as he caught back his breath.
"I will be the one to face all consequences. Raito-kun should not worry about anything." L assured, as he held the boy's shoulder and assisted him back to the airport.
Five minutes later, the whole airport was surrounded by police cars, and one angry father came rushing in.
"You…" He came rushing to L in a violent manner, which in turn the detective reflexively dodged. "How dare you kidnap my son!" He said angrily, and L could swear that the tired police chief was smoking in the ears. In the background, L finally saw the man who had allegedly betrayed him.
"I thought you'd support me all the way", L accused his former assistant.
"Forgive me L, but I feel that it would not be a good idea to sever terms with Yagami-kun's family in such a way. I think that the two of you need to finish talking it through so that neither parties would be treated unjustly."
"It would have been fine either way", L retorted.
"You bastard!" Souichiro continued rampaging. "To think I'd let you get so close to my son like that, I…"
"Dad!" Raito pleadingly said as he stopped his father from mangling L. "Please stop this, L did not force me to do this, please."
"How could you do this to us?" Souichiro demanded, turning his attention to his son. "I even had to wiretap your conversation with Sayu in order to track you down. Why are you running away from us without saying goodbye?"
"Dad…I…" Raito tried to explain, but he was already on the verge of tears.
"Your mother and I are already doing everything to fix things up, yet you go to your own accord and do this…"
"Dad, I'm sorry!" Raito cried, as tears fell involuntarily in his eyes and he fell down, his whole body trembling. "I didn't know what to do…I just…"
L quickly went down and comforted the boy, not bearing to see such a sight.
"This is all my fault, Yagami-san. I did not mean to disrespect your wishes by doing this. Please forgive me."
"How can I…"
"Yagami-san, please be more considerate, and try to calm down. We need to decide what's best for these two"
"I won't let that bastard near my son", the angry father declared defiantly.
"You need to consider it carefully, Yagami-san." Watari continued calmly. "Whether you like it or not, L is the father of your son's child, and more than anything else, Yagami-kun needs support from everyone right now, including you."
Souichiro was taken aback, and realized for the first time just how miserable his son looked, crying non-stop on the cold floor.
"Raito…" Souichiro softly said, full of concern to his crying son. Slowly, he reached out to Raito and put a hand on his head. "I'm sorry…"
Raito whimpered, but looked at the gentle face of his father nonetheless.
"Everything will be alright. We'll go home and talk this over. It will be fine, please stop crying."
Raito sobbed some more, and L held him more tightly this time. Finally, he stopped crying and rubbed his eyes as he took his father's hand.
"Then, what are you planning to do about this?"
So there he was again, facing such a demanding question, in front of the people that mattered, resuming the family conference that was interrupted hours ago.
"I intend to marry your son." L answered boldly.
Souichiro backed away slightly upon hearing it, but no one else but L noticed it. It seemed funny to think that even after all this time, Raito's father still considers hearing such things unacceptable. He raised his glasses as he refocused himself, face more serious now, as is he means business this time.
"Ryuuzaki, I understand why you want such a thing to happen." He looked at Raito, who turned away, before continuing. "The truth is, even though I trust you completely with your convictions as a detective, seeing that one of my children, much, more my son is involved makes this a completely different case. Normally, I would have just shot you in the head by now." The weary police chief said this in a straight face. L gulped.
"But, I think that, judging from the stunt you did just now, you would still marry him even if I stop you. Considering everyone's opinion, and your hold against my son, I think that I could not oppose that anymore. You should thank your future child for saving your life, Ryuuzaki", he said a little bitterly.
"I will keep that in mind in the future, Dad." L let the word slip out discreetly, but Souichiro still heard it, as he glared back at L.
"I did not permit you to call me that!" He shot angrily.
"Of course, Otou-sama," L followed up.
"Why, you…."
Watari cleared his throat at this point, just in time to break up the brewing fight. "L, please stop acting so childishly", he reprimanded, and turned to Souichiro. "I believe we have more important issues to discuss this time."
Souichiro blinked, considerably calmer now.
"Right", he agreed. "I would like to set down my conditions before I agree to this arrangement."
He stopped for a moment to look at his audience. Satisfied that they all looked attentive, especially Raito, he continued.
"Raito and Ryuuzaki must marry." The boy in question looked very disappointed upon hearing the final verdict, but his father pressed on. "It is the only way I could ever forgive such a shameful act from ever happening, and it will save the Yagami honor from disgrace."
He looked back at his son, whose head was already down, buried in shame. Keeping firm with his ideals, he decided to continue with setting his conditions. He knew that his son already got what he meant, and there will be no need for further explanations.
"However, I want you people to observe my conditions. Break even one rule and the deal is off", he said threateningly. L allowed him to continue.
"First of all, the marriage is going to take place in Japan. I heard that Watari conduct even same sex marriages legally anywhere, so I would like it to take place here."
Watari nodded in acknowledgement, and he continued.
"Raito is going to keep his family name 'Yagami', and his child will use the same surname", he looked at L's reaction. "Although, L is free to take Raito to anywhere he wants to after the wedding. I have already considered that given Raito's…situation, I think it will be for the best if only a few people will discover his state. Therefore, it will be more suitable to leave the country. But he is required to come back here as soon as the child is born. I would like to see my first grandchild at the soonest possible time."
L, who was chewing his thumb all this time, replied, "That would be for the best, Yagami-san. I may have a surname, but it will be better for our child to take the Yagami name, for his and my safety. If possible, I would like to take Raito to England, until the child is born, so no one in Japan will know about Raito's true condition."
Souichiro nodded.
"The wedding will take place three days from now, and after that the two of you can leave the country. However, I am requiring Raito to keep in touch with me and report his situation every week, so that I will know how Ryuuzaki is treating him. If I hear anything about violence, arguments, much more if I don't hear from Raito at all for more than a week, I will go to England myself and take Raito with me."
"Understood, Yagami-san"
"And there will be no displays of affection, public or private, especially from you, Ryuuzaki, before the wedding takes place, and even after the said wedding, I do not want to hear any scandalous issues about the two of you, else there will be hell to pay."
L kept still for a moment, and sighed. "I will comply with such condition, Yagami-san"
Souichiro smiled, satisfied that he at least had something to say with the inevitable matter. "Well then, I'll leave you guys to plan the wedding. If you'll excuse me, I have to go back to the headquarters and wrap up this Friday the thirteenth case."
With a loud bang, the weary police officer left the family meeting, delegating his place to his wife, who was more than happy to comply.
"Now then, any suggestions about the attire and the general feel of the wedding?" Sachiko started.
L raised his hand, but Raito got the hint and went ahead of the detective.
"I would like to reiterate, that I will NOT, in any circumstances, wear a gown, a dress or anything that has a feminine impression whatsoever. Anyone who suggests such a thing will get shot in the head by my father." Raito firmly announced, and L slowly lowered his hand sheepishly.
"Then, how about black and white? It's simple, yet elegant at the same time." Sayu suggested.
"That might work," Sachiko complimented. "But as a young mother, it had been my dream to see Raito get married in a traditional Japanese manner. I think Souichiro would also agree."
"I too, would like to see Raito in a kimono. I think it would look perfect on him." L winked, but retreated on the look on Raito's face. "Of course, it would be a male's kimono."
Watari raised his hand.
"It seems that we are all in agreement for a traditional Japanese wedding. If you may, I can arrange everything from this point, though I will have to consult Sachiko-san for further details. Might I suggest that we proceed on buying for the things we need?"
"Of course, Watari-san. I'll go with you." Sachiko merrily said as she stood up.
"I'll go too", Sayu said excitedly, jumping from her seat.
The three of them left quickly, leaving the couple alone for the first time. The awkward atmosphere swiftly returned, and the two of them were silent for what seemed to be forever.
L breathlessly dared to break the ice.
"So, Raito-kun", he said a little loudly, bracing himself as he turned to the boy. "I…"
"Don't", Raito said firmly, so suddenly that L held back his words. "I don't want to hear from you anymore." The boy said a little softly, as his shoulders dropped lowly in a depressed manner. It was the first time L saw Raito in this state, and truthfully, he didn't know what to do.
He sighed heavily as he slid back, letting go of the excess tension but still alert for what might happen. It did not take long for him to hear what he expected from the distressed teen, because after a few minutes, distinct sounds of repressed sobs where heard echoing from the closed room. Raito was clearly crying, and L wanted to hug him badly. Finally, after a few minutes of hard crying, L decided that he couldn't take it anymore and he has to make this stop.
"Raito-kun", he said gently. The boy continued crying, but L kept repeating Raito's name until the sobbing gradually became softer.
"Raito-kun", he repeated, as the teen violently rubbed his face with his arms, although with the tears continuously flowing L knew that he was doing a very bad job at stopping it. L felt really sorry for the boy, which was a first. He had never felt sorry for anyone before. He was raised to never regret his actions, after all, being a top detective. But now, everything seemed different.
When the sounds gradually lessened into soft sobs, L felt a little relieved, although he could still feel the very heavy atmosphere. L for the first time knew that he had done something wrong.
"I'm sorry", he said softly, clearly, like he really meant it. "Raito-kun, I'm sorry." He said, desperately wanting the boy to stop crying. At this point, he was willing to do anything just to make the boy smile.
"I was a jerk", he admitted, and this time, the boy looked at him with hate.
Rubbing the last tears on his eyes, he gave the detective a revolted look. "Of course, you are", he said at last. "So you finally admit that you are."
L nodded. "Indeed, Raito-kun. I never knew how much pain I might have caused you. I am an insensitive bastard."
Raito held back a sob. "Yeah, you are."
Suddenly, L's eyes widened as he saw a smile forming from the boy's face. He was genuinely surprised, that it only took a simple admittance for that very precious smile. L laughed from relief.
"What are you laughing about?" Raito asked the laughing sleuth, clearly annoyed that he didn't understand what was happening.
L realized that laughing so hard would greatly piss the boy, and stopped immediately.
"Nothing, Raito-kun", L said quickly, hoping that what he would say would be enough explanation for his irritated soon-to-be partner, else doom might abound. "I was just relieved that Raito stopped crying, is all."
Raito pouted childishly, but thankfully, he let it go and instead, let himself relax on the couch.
"I'm nervous about all of this", Raito admitted quietly. L quickly turned to look at the boy, greatly surprised at the sudden revelation.
"Raito-kun does not need to worry, since I am by his side."
Raito let out a little laugh. "That's why I'm worried."
L let out a little laugh, fully aware that it wouldn't actually do much given the situation but not knowing what to do.
"Stop that", Raito spat, irritated, "This is a very serious matter."
The lanky detective leaned back on the couch, and faced the boy with a pouting face.
"Does Raito-kun really hate me that much?" He asked in a very unnatural kicked puppy look.
"Of course", Raito responded as a matter-of-factly, puffing his chest for an added effect.
"And there is nothing I can do to change the situation?" the detective followed up.
"Absolutely"
"Raito-kun won't give me even just one chance to redeem myself?"
The said boy gave him an appraising look. "You've already had your way with me. You even won me from my father, and you're even going to marry me. What else do you want from me?"
L can see that the boy has a point. Even without the shinigami participating, Raito had been on the losing side ever since it all began.
"Love, Raito-kun", L said bracingly.
Raito blinked, then laughed hard as the words registered to him. L pouted once more, the hurt look not matching his usual emotionless face.
"I am serious, Raito-kun", he said in an offended tone. The boy did not stop laughing, rather, he was laughing harder now, to the point of tears. L endured minutes of mocking until the teen could not breathe anymore.
"What is so funny about that, Raito-kun?", he asked after the boy's laughing stopped.
Raito wiped his tears from laughing so hard, not believing that the detective can be this clueless.
"I never thought you'd know such a word, Ryuuzaki.", the boy explained. "I get the impression that you're a heartless bastard who runs on sugar. Don't use the word for granted, L."
L said nothing, and chose to sulk instead of responding. The whole room became quiet afterwards, and either of them thought the other was asleep.
"I'll prove to Raito-kun that that is not the case", L said suddenly, and the sudden jerk of Raito's shoulders gave L the knowledge that the boy was in fact awake. However, the boy did not say a word until he actually slept from fatigue.
"Do I look better now?"
Raito could swear he had asked that question a hundred times already, and it was only thanks to the limitless patience of the Yagami women that spared him from imminent danger, but he couldn't help himself. Truthfully, his nervousness seemed to increase with each passing day, and now, he was on the brink of insanity, and that was only a gross understatement of his situation. He could not remember eating properly for the past few days that he already lost a lot of weight. Today was the worse yet.
"You look good no matter what you wear, Raito. We've told you that already", Sachiko repeated for the umpteenth time.
"But I want to look my best…"
"There is no time, your father will be very irritated if the wedding wont start as scheduled."
At the mention of his father, Raito stopped hesitating and decided not to look for other varieties of kimonos Watari provided.
"Perhaps I should fix my hair…"
"Nii-chan…."
"What? It looks a little wavy on this side. I don't think I…"
"Is Raito-kun alright in there?"
A faint knock was heard from outside, which made Raito a little jumpy.
"Ryuuzaki! You know it's bad luck to look at the bride before the wedding." Sachiko reprimanded.
Ignoring the "I'm not the bride" comment from Raito, which caused L's lips to form a taunting smile, he responded.
"Though I think it is improbable that such a thing would actually happen in the future, I would not risk even the faintest chance of its possibility and resist the urge to open this door. However, I'll have to remind Raito-kun that his father is becoming impatient."
"We'll be there in a minute", Sachiko said irritatingly. "How come that boy always speaks so indirectly? No wonder…"
"Mom", Raito interrupted. "Let's hurry up."
"Sure, sweetie." His mother magically finished everything in an instant. "There, you're good to go, hun."
A louder knock was heard again, but this time, the said door opened, revealing Souichiro.
We're ready", Sachiko announced.
"Actually, I want to speak to Raito before he goes down."
"Sure, sweetheart." Sachiko said as she took Sayu with her. "We'll wait for you outside."
Souichiro cleared his throat, and nodded. As soon as the door closed, he hugged his son tightly.
"Dad….I can't breathe." Raito choked, and the weary policeman let go of him quickly.
"I'm sorry, son. I had been so hard on you these past few days, even though I knew it's not your fault."
"It's okay…" Raito managed to say after he recovered.
"I honestly wanted to protect you from that bastard, but I couldn't defend you from what he has against me. I'm so sorry." He sat down. "I am such a terrible father. We can stop this wedding if you want to."
"It's okay, Dad. I have already decided on this. I have to be more responsible now that I am an adult." Raito said with more conviction than his father could have expected from him.
"Raito" Souichiro mouthed breathlessly. "I am proud of you."
The proud father then helped his son with his suit, as they contemplated together.
"Listen, Raito if that guy ever gives you trouble, just call me and I'll fly there if I have to." The police chief said suddenly, making Raito laugh a little.
"You don't have to do that."
"And be sure to be the seme next time."
"DAD!"
The wedding in itself was simple, with the Yagami family as the only witness, and Watari acting as the judge. He was also in charge of the whole setting, which he made sure was according to Sachiko's wishes. Even with L's situation, being a detective who is very important to be seen in public, Watari did a brilliant job of turning the once boring private headquarters into a more relaxing Japanese setting. There were even bamboo fountains located around the area.
The couple, as well as the audience, were wearing kimonos, and the ceremony was very solemn. Even L was behaving properly, observing the right decorum and for the first time ever wearing appropriately to the occasion. Raito never thought it to be possible. The music, recorded beforehand and was automatically playing was soft and relaxing, but it did hinted a touch of importance and solemnity.
Raito took all his time walking down the aisle, as he was very nervous all of a sudden. It did not help at all when he saw the other groom, the very detective that he detested, staring at him shamelessly a few meters away.
The wedding ceremony was done quickly, as Souichiro still had to go back to the headquarters to wrap up the case. Watari was, true to his reputation, able to pull off such demanding requests and more, and Sachiko adored him to no end.
"If there is anyone who thinks that the two should not be together, speak now or forever hold your peace." As Watari said the last few lines, a distinct reloading of a gun can be heard from the audience. L suspected that it had to be his future father-in-law, who does not want any interruptions at this point. The wedding quickly ended in a relatively peaceful manner, and only when Watari pronounced it did L feel as though he won someone important, and he was glad that they can finally be together.
Everything went smoothly until Watari said that they may now kiss each other. Hesitating, L looked at Raito for permission. The boy did not seem to like the idea very much.
"Come on, Raito-kun. Your father has a gun in his hand and I would very much like it away from your person. Can you please allow me to kiss you even just this once?" L pleaded.
Raito nodded weakly, from fear of his father, L smiled and gave him a wet smooch straight at the lips.
Minutes later, Raito would needlessly explain to the hurt detective nursing his left eye that he did not mean to hit the man as such, and that it was only a reflex in his part.
Thus, they became a married couple.