A Different Suite
Chapter 11
"Je t'aime."
I love you.
Their breaths fanned against one another's lips as L spoke such intimate words in that sensual tongue. The words resonated through Light's mind as he silently gazed into obsidian eyes. He could feel the coldness of the shower wall along the grooves of his bare back and the contrasting warmth of the steam drifting in the air. The flowing water from the shower head seemed to pit patter louder at their feet. It was peculiar how Light's awareness seem to sharpened in the moment.
L's warm fingers tenderly stroked Light's wet cheek, willing his hand to be steady. As soon as the words slipped from L's lips, he felt swallowed by so many emotions. He could feel the quick fluttering of his heart and his mind was strangely blank. As one of the most clever and influential people in the world, it was an odd emotion for him to experience. Yet, as he gazed into those wide melted chocolate eyes, it consumed him. It was conflicting, to feel both incredibly hopeful and afraid of what would happen next. It was especially irksome how he could not accurately predict Light's reaction.
The raven could feel the growing heat of the youth's face as he stroked and was surprised when he felt Light's hand moved up to stop its movement. Light pulled the detective's hand away and released it at his side. Their gazes remained locked and L searched his face for any indication about what Light was thinking. What if Light wasn't interested in a relationship? What if it was purely physical? Perhaps he should have kept that truth tucked away.
The youth didn't know what to say nor do. He had been told this countless times in his life by many eager girls and he always waved them off, telling them he wasn't interested in dating. It wasn't entirely a lie, he was less interested in dating than the students around him.
But he couldn't brush this aside, this was L. The greatest detective in the world, the man he had spent countless mornings with in the last month munching on pastries and enjoying coffee while having stimulating conversations, and not to mention, his best friend. The notion stirred him.
His best friend.
That he just coincidently had amazing sex with against a bathroom counter.
And now they were standing in a shower naked together.
Feeling his face glow new shades of red, Light turned away from the man and intently gazed at the water slowly rolling into the drain. He was silent as his thoughts continued to race. Over the last week, so much had happened. The youth had watched Misa die, he had been stabbed by BB, had almost died not even an hour ago under BB's knife again, and now this. If he was with L, would this be a normal week? It would be risky to be with someone like L, but Light couldn't help but feel giddy as the raven's words echoed in his mind.
L loved him.
Why did that simple idea make him feel so . . .happy?
The detective subtly frowned as Light looked away from him and suddenly wished he never said the idiotic confession.
As he originally thought, his emotions had clouded his mental capacities and significantly affected his behavior. Instead of giving the case his undivided attention, he had preoccupied himself with frivolous matters. He was suddenly angry for allowing himself to become fixated with the youth. He was forgetting what it meant to be codename L. He simply could not afford being in a relationship with someone. Besides, why would someone like Light want to be with him?
It was better this way. For both of them.
L stepped away the silent youth and felt his impassive, cold façade slip over his face.
"Watari has informed me that BB is in custody at the investigations building and is ready for interrogation. Yagami-kun may finish his shower, but quickly. Watari is waiting outside with a car."
Light's gaze returned to the raven but before he could say anything L was already closing the shower door behind him. L spoke to him so formally and seemed almost callous . He sighed and leaned his head against the cold wall.
"Damn it . . ." He clenched his fist. He could have dealt with that better, but he became so engrossed with his own thoughts that he didn't even acknowledge the eccentric man's words. Light was certain that L had never told someone that before.
The student didn't bother finishing his shower, he simply stood where the detective kissed him and recalled the gentleness of the kiss.
So L really did care.
But how did he feel? Did he feel the same way?
Light touched his lips, suddenly wishing he could feel L's lips against his once more. He didn't know what to do. He suddenly envied the water dripping down the wall. It was guided by the simple laws of physics and chemistry. It didn't experience the complexity of relationships or emotions. It simply . . .existed. He yanked his hand away from his lips as the shower door opened once more.
"My apologies, but Yagami-kun must make haste. We need to leave at once." L was not facing the student as he spoke, but held out a towel. The man had apparently dressed while waiting for the youth as he was donning his usual jeans and white long-sleeve shirt. His extended pale hand shook subtly. After turning off the water, Light wrapped the towel around his hips. How long had he been lost in his thoughts? He felt a pang of hurt at the raven's words once more. Why did it hurt so much?
After Light tended to his wounds and dressed, the pair took the elevator down. The detective's monotonous voice pierced the awkward silence in the small space.
"I appreciate Yagami-kun's assistance on this case, but it is no longer required. Watari will be dropping you off at your-" Light abruptly found his own voice.
"No!" He blurted and immediately wanted to smack himself for the outburst.
The detective quirked a nonexistent brow curiously.
"I-It would be better if I continued to help with the case." He chose his words very carefully and met the black scrutinizing eyes with determination. He did want to complete the case with the detective, but more importantly wanted to understand his feelings for the man. He just needed more time.
"Yagami-kun has already sustained several injuries and psychological trauma that has surely damaged his psyche. As he is one of my only friends, I cannot ignore the risks-"
"All the better reason for me to stay with you!" Eh. Insert more thoughts about palm meeting face.
". . ."
"In other words, if I were to return to my dorm or my parents, BB certainly knows where I am. We don't know if he was working with someone and if he were to escape somehow from the investigation building, he would more likely come looking for me."
He rationalized, hoping it would sway the detective. The raven touched his thumb to his pale lips and moved the digit over to the counter of his mouth in thought. Light tried desperately not to stare or recall how talented of a mouth it was.
As the elevator hummed and smoothly settled on the bottom floor, L turned towards the door.
"Yagami-kun may continue the case with me, but will return home immediately afterwards. I was merely thinking of his wellbeing." He exited the elevator and the younger man followed.
While Light was relieved that L was allowing him to continue the case with him, he was seriously considering punching the man if he was referred to as "Yagami-kun" one more time.
His crimson eyes were rolling over her face and settled on pale lips. He imagined sinking his teeth into those full lips. He could see the blood tickling down her chin and farther down along that shapely throat.
Yes. It was an enticing image.
Her dark eyes descended to his mouth, but her expression remained indifferent. Her lips moved and he should see well-defined teeth ready to bite. She was asking him a question again.
His own lips suddenly filled with warmth, and a dull stinging sensation arose. He licked them experimentally and nearly snickered at the delightful metallic taste. He had bit his own lips. How amusing. This was all so amusing.
". . .and while is it undeniable, we are providing an alternative. Instead of an execut-"
"Misora-san doesn't wear make-up." Besides a slight quirk of her eyebrow, she remained passive to the random observation.
"That is irrelevant." He wanted to play with her.
"Hmm, perhaps. But I find it notable. Misora-san has a very attractive mouth that could only be highlighted by the use of lip stick of sorts. Yet she does not."
". . ." She merely listened, not understanding where this was going. Beyond leaned further towards the FBI agent, wishing his hands were not cuffed behind him. Though, it was more interesting. He was twisting his hands in the metal and pulling them apart, the cold edges were digging pleasantly into his skin.
"Ever tried using those charming products? It is rather fascinating. Do you know what gelatin hydrolysate is?" He was leaning further towards her from the cot. The solitary cell seemed incredibly small and after nearly an hour of interrogating, Naomi was beginning to feel a rather insistent poke at the barricade surrounding her sanity.
BB was the striking image of L. He precisely spoke like the detective, sat like him, and was remarkably intelligent like the man. Utilizing Interrogation techniques felt almost completely useless, but she refuse to let that show.
He didn't wait for her to answer.
"It is elastic transparent material comprised of denatured animal bones and a connective-tissue, collagen. It is used in shampoos, conditioners, lipsticks, protein drinks and other things that people place high moronic value on using."
His eyes narrowed and became hooded as he suddenly gazed at the mirror next to him. L, Light, and Watari observed from the other side of it. Light shuddered as those eyes somehow found his through the glass. No, that wasn't possible. Though it was irrational, his stomach tightened with a growing anxiety.
Why were they interrogating BB anyway? There was an endless amount of evidence against the deranged man and it would bring Light a great deal of comfort if he was executed as soon as possible.
The serial killer's voice became softer and held a dreamy quality, as if he was visualizing something marvelously romantic.
"It stirs a rather intriguing image in my mind: Putrid bones, the remnants of discolored tissue, and fecal matter all malingering about in massive boiling pot. Hmm, it is rather remarkable that it is utilized in products to make one look delicious."
There was a sudden giggle as though he found his own words humorous.
Naomi simply observed his behavior, taking note of changes in tone, posture, and expressions. However, with the criminal's training being as extensive as L's, it was very likely that BB was aware of his nonverbals and was simply toying with her.
The giggle grew in loudness until finally it was a full-fledged crackle. The man's face was twisted and contorted in an ugly way. For a mere instant, Light could see him. Beneath the intricate imitation of the detective, obsessions, and dark humor, there laid a brutality and insanity that he felt afraid to even glimpse.
L frowned as he noticed a tremble in Light's hand. He wanted to touch him again. He wanted to reach out and intertwine their fingers.
Naomi stepped into the room and nodded at the detective in greeting. Her long ebony locks were matched by darkness of her clothing and her pale, passive expression paralleled L's.
"It's good to see you again, Ryuzaki-san."
"Likewise, Misora-san. This is my friend, Yagami Light." He tilted his head towards the youth, who nodded towards her.
"He has offered his assistance for this case. Yagami-kun, this is Misora Naomi. She is an FBI agent and has assisted with cases in the past. Misora-san, due to BB not responding to our proposition, we shall have to find other motivating factors. Hmm... any thoughts, Yagami-kun?
Two pairs of scrutinizing obsidian eyes flickered towards the youth and a wave of irrational nervousness filled him. He brushed it aside.
"Ryuuzaki-san, I recall you stating that each child at the orphanage had their idiosyncrasies. I'm assuming yours is how you position your body and your consumption of sweets, but what is BB's?"
In the background, BB's laughter was loudening and then was suddenly muted. He touched his thumb to his lip, as if contemplating the sound. Then he abruptly began again, the tone of the crackle slightly higher pitched. It was as if he was practicing…
L's eyes gleamed and he divulged a small smile towards Light. He unwrapped a pink lollipop and plopped it into his mouth. While BB was uninterested in their false proposition to lift the death penalty and let him terrorize a psychiatrist for as long as he pleased, he was more likely to believe an offer of jam.
"He was rather obsessed with jam. I believe we may acquire information through that method."
The student nearly snorted. They were bribing him with jam?
"What information exactly?" Light inquired, still wondering what the point of all this was.
"BB has been missing from the orphanage for roughly two years and I have deduced he may be responsible for the deaths of several missing people. It is unlikely that he only began killing the last month or so."
Where was the man hiding all this time? Perhaps he killed someone, destroyed all the evidence, and used their home. BB's silky words crept in the student's mind again.
Putrid bones, the remnants of discolored tissue, and fecal matter all malingering about in massive boiling pot.
Was it possible for BB to be a cannibal? The mere notion was revolting.
Later, Naomi was in BB's cell again. His expression was feral and hungry as she offered a shining jar of strawberry. It was very fine jam and the longer he gazed upon it, the more ravenous he became. She stated the proposition and he offered his own end of the bargain.
"Feed it to me, but not you. Ooh, no. I will tell Lawli what he requires to know, if and only if, Light-kun feeds me. I require that he does it alone, no need for an audience." His smile was lop-sided.
L's face hardened and his eyes flickered over to the youth. BB knew of his affection for the student. What was he planning?
"Very well, I will speak with Ryuzaki-san."
Light swallowed tensely as Naomi stepped into the room with them again.
He would do it.
He had to.
Not for the information or L, but for himself. As repulsive as the idea sounded, he had to overcome his fear for the man. He turned to the raven with these thoughts and was immediately cut off.
"Misora-san, please leave us for a moment." She reluctantly nodded and left the room. L turned towards the standing student in his grey swivel chair.
"Absolutely not." The detective stated flatly.
"L, it would greatly benefit the case-"
"Perhaps Yagami-kun needs a reminder of how dangerous BB is or that he may not tell us anything after you risk your life?" He narrowed his eyes, seeming annoyed with the youth. There was a cracking noise as he bit down on his lollipop.
"I am aware of the circumstances, but if we-"
"Then Yagami-kun is merely being idiotic and-"
The younger man suddenly found himself rushing forward and gripping the arms of the swivel chair.
"Stop calling me that!"
He cried out, thoroughly irritated with the interruptions and how condescending the detective sounded. Why was he being so cold? L silently regarded him with the stick of his lollipop rolling around in his mouth. Light had the urge to yank it from his mouth with his own mouth.
L lowered his legs and swiftly stood, causing Light to slightly stumble back in surprise. L tossed the stick into the trash and advanced towards him until his back collided with the door. With his habitual slouch absent, a pale hand reached out and touched his neck, moving smoothly up along his jaw. His hand was warm and surprisingly gentle.
"BB went to Whammy as I did and therefore, has a similar intelligence and acquired skills. If I were to leave Light-kun alone with BB, he would likely try to kill him again." He explained softly.
". . ." The man's close proximity was distracting and Light unusually couldn't think of any valid arguments.
"He knows of my . . .affections for Light-kun. He doesn't want me dead, he wants me to suffer. Thus, it is logical that he would endeavor killing Light-kun." At L's timid words, Light felt his anger drain away and be replaced with an odd nervousness. He was reminded of the quiet words in the shower.
"Why does he hate you?" Light asked quietly, leaning into the man's touch. His heart seemed to flutter as his eyes locked with the detective's dark ones. L sighed.
"As children, BB and I were friends. After I left the orphanage to become codename L, that changed. It is likely something that grew over time. I didn't visit and consequently, he seemed to grow resentful and jealous." L suddenly realized what he was doing and pulled his hand away from Light's smooth face. He stepped away and perched on his chair, no longer facing the student.
BB was once L's friend?
"Regardless, he is to be executed tonight."
Light slowly nodded. While L's voice was monotonous and his expression blank, Light wondered if the man felt guilt for neglecting his friendship with BB or if he felt responsible for the deaths that had occurred. However, the youth knew that if the detective experienced any of those emotions that he would deflect with cold, comforting logic. L slipped another lollipop from his pocket and delicately unwrapped it. Blue disappeared into his mouth.
"If Light-kun requires sustenance, the kitchen on this floor is fully stocked. I shall be continuing with Misora-san."
Light nodded and headed in that direction. Food sounded like a good opportunity to momentarily escape the tension between the pair, the serial killer's insistent giggling, and all the morbid discussions. When was his last decent meal anyway?
He wandered away from the interrogation rooms, passing several police officers and guards. While L usually preferred to remain anonymous, he seemed to making an exception with this case.
Light marveled at the incredible quantity of desserts and fruit in the kitchen. It certainly wasn't surprising. The fridge was full of white boxes with colorful labels from a local bakery and there was a remarkably limited selection of fruit – that being cherries and strawberries. Apparently, L was particular about what fruits he liked.
Feeling his mouth water oddly for something sweet, Light grabbed a box at random. Soon he was sitting at a table with a slice of cake and poking at it cautiously with a fork. It had been years since he had tried anything quite this sweet. It continued to sit there, looking so innocent.
"I assure you, it won't bite."
Light looked up from his plate to find the elderly man looking rather amused. He immediately noticed there was a gun holster attached to his shoulder.
"Perhaps." The cake was ascetically pleasing with chocolate shavings on top and swirls of chocolate icing. He tried some. It was surprisingly good.
"I thought you didn't like sweets, son." Watari remarked, pulling a mug out from the cabinet.
"I'm in a peculiar mood."
"If you were Ryuzaki, that would be the third slice already."
"If I were Ryuzaki, I might as well eat from the box. Really, sometimes I wonder if he chews at all." Watari chuckled warmly, pouring himself a cup of coffee. Not adding any sweeteners, he brought the white mug to his lips.
"I have a request, Yagami-san."
"Hmm?" He was on his last bite and was contemplating getting another piece. L must have been rubbing off on him.
"L is like a son to me. I have cared for him since he was a small boy and assisted him in fulfilling his goal of being the best." He began slowly, his grey gaze steady on the silent youth as he leaned against the counter.
"He cares for you. I fear he may never tell you this as he has taken principles I have taught him far too seriously. I taught objectivity to prevent him from being preoccupied with details of cases, but it has moved to his personal life." If Light were speaking to anyone else, he was certain he would have flushed in embarrassment. But with Watari, the man who practically raised L, he felt oddly comfortable that the man wouldn't judge him and would be discrete.
"Actually, he has told me." He found himself responding, his lips quirking slightly.
"Has he? I am pleased to hear that. Perhaps he has changed since he met you. I never imagined he would say something like that directly. He is certainly not the sentimental type."
Light cut another slice and slid it onto his plate.
"I will respect whatever decision you make towards his affections, but I only ask one thing: consider what he said, son."
There was a silent, delicate moment as Light poked again at his cake and Watari sipped his coffee. He had already considered the raven's words.
"I think-"
BANG-BANG.
It was a terrifying noise and Light's mind momentarily stilled as he realized he heard gunfire shots from inside the building nearby. There was shouting and the sound of a heavy weight crumbling to the floor. It sounded like it came from the interrogation rooms.
Where BB was.
Where L was.
What if . . .
Light snapped from his seat and bolted towards the door. There was a high pitched crash as Watari's mug shattered on the floor and with a flash, he was abrubtly blocking Light's way. For an old man, he certainly was fast.
"Move!" L could be hurt. He could be shot and bleeding. He needed to know if he was fine.
"No, Yagami-san will stay in here and hide while I investigate. No arguments. Here." A small, black pistol was shoved into his hand. Light glared at the weapon. Not this again.
Watari slipped out of the room before the youth could respond and Light heard the distinctive sound of a turning lock. He tried the handle. Locked. Damn.
There were faint sounds of struggling, yelling, and items hitting the floor. Light narrowed his eyes in thought. He couldn't stay here. He refused to just sit around when L could possibly be hurt. The interrogation room with BB was only a few rooms over. He didn't have the strength to kick the door in and picking it would take too long. Another idea occurred to him.
The window.
If he could only get into the room next to this one, he could get to the interrogation room from there. Was he really considering this? He was ten floors up! This was insane.
But L . . .
There was no time and he had to decide! Tucking the pistol into his slacks and eyeing the window with a new sense of determination, Light stepped towards it.
He could only hope that he made it in time.
A/n: Super sorry for the VERY late update. I had laptop problems (hardware issues that led to computer not turning on). Next chapter has many wonderful things: Near-death-experience, heavy realizations on Light's part, huge plot twist, and character death. Don't worry, I like happy endings! There are only one or two chapters left of this story. This chapter dealt with a lot of plot and character development, so it wasn't very exciting to write, but it is very necessary for good stories. I hope you guys at least somewhat enjoyed it?
Thanks for all the reviews, alerts, favs, and notes about this story. You guys are really awesome. :)
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