Author's Notes: Aww.. people actually reviewed this? –grins stupidly- I'm so honored. Thank you.
Disclaimer: Death Note is not mine. Oh my God, it isn't.
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emotionless-robot: Turn out to be good? Seriously? I think this is AU or something, or OOC.. but thanks. :D YES, POOR BEYOND – but I just love him that way. :P
CaeliaDanan: I updated, see? This is going to be finished before Christmas Day, I promise.
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The cold, emotionless voice made Beyond whirl around in surprise, and he had not the time to push the pillow away before the door opened and the inevitable form of his predecessor became visible.
"I was thinking Watari made it clear that there is to be no cursing in the institution," murmured the teenager, walking over towards his copy and crouching in front of his fallen form. The statement was spoken with an emotionless sort of tone – and Beyond mentally slapped himself. Was he expecting L, to have affection for him? Funny. Just plain funny. Nonetheless, Beyond found himself forgiving the other male for walking into the room without permission; he was probably some spoiled brat who was used to everything going his way (well, he was a genius), and anyway, L was his predecessor. As the teenager's eye was caught by the pillow, the book and the shoes, however, Beyond knew he could not have the slightest chance of concealing what he had been doing, so before L had the chance to ask, the reply was given.
"I'm trying to dance. But this book sucks, and my feet won't move properly."
Feeling a light (uncharacteristic) blush color his cheeks at the slight quirk of L's mouth, Beyond turned away from the scrutinizing and emotionless gaze, walking to the stereo to kick it again. His back facing the other male, he tried his very best to explain his predicament.
"I'm going to the Christmas Ball," mumbled Beyond, resisting the urge to curse the event to the eighteen hells, "and it obviously includes dancing."
"And yet you say you cannot," stated L in his know-it-all tone – just on the verge of being emotionless, and Beyond winced only slightly, turning his body a little hesitantly.
"No," he replied.
Then, more of mocking (although he knew he mustn't mock the man he might become the successor of), he opened his mouth to ask something else.
"Can you?"
At this question, Beyond was surprised, so to say, to see L remove the thumb from in between his lips and his feet to shuffle only slightly. And, was he blushing? No, it couldn't be – but maybe it was just a small coloring of the cheeks. L looked as though he was re-living a precious, yet embarrassing moment, and if he were female, Beyond could have sworn L would have been using his finger to twirl some of his hair with it. This surprising pause had ended a second after, though, and L turned his head to face Beyond – dark eyes meeting his own crimson ones.
"Yes. However, there is only a ninety-eight percent probability that I know what dance it is you are speaking of."
If L weren't anti-social, Beyond was sure he would have smiled right now.
"I've never had the time to practice it, though. But I suppose it's much like riding a bike. Once you know, you can't forget it," he said with a thoughtful look.
It was then Beyond realized with a start –
"- Who taught you? No offense, L, but it just doesn't seem like somethin' major here at Wammy's to know how to dance. I mean, it's mostly all brains and stuff, if y'know what I mean."
At this, L's lips quirked upward once more, in slight amusement.
"It's not something major, as far as I'm concerned. Nonetheless, I followed the same method you did. With a pillow and a mirror." At this, Beyond blushed slightly. "And then Watari found me and taught me how, since he did, surprisingly, learn it in his younger years. It might come in handy for him to learn dancing, since he's more or less a guardian, and might have to blend in." He bit on the skin of his thumb thoughtfully.
Beyond was silent at this, effectively putting together each little piece and fragment in his effective brain; looking at a different direction. L patiently, however, awaited the response – having wanted to actually see one of his possible successors for a while now. Perhaps they would need some time to bond. Perhaps. He didn't have to wait long, though. Merely seconds later, Beyond turned his head, stunning crimson eyes looking towards the slightly taller one. Some slight hesitation was present on his face, however his voice was determined. Beyond never really asked for help, anyway, and so this would have to be a first.
"Could you, well, um, if you're not busy and you don't think this awfully uncomfortable, I'd be obliged if you would.." he broke off and stared at his (rarely) shoe-clad feet. When he finally did speak, his head was still bowed, and his voice was terribly low; to the point that L could barely pick up his words.
"If you would teach me to dance."
L, at first, had only regarded his young successor, who was still not looking at him, for reasons he could put together easily but chose not to.
True, a voice in his head said, it would be uncomfortable, and he is but a boy. You mustn't show interest in other people, remember?
Plus, the male knew what Watari would have thought about being overly-friendly to a successor – favoritism issues. But, L also knew that he had long passed the point where he became too interested in Beyond, and despite himself, there was nothing he wouldn't do to get to know the crimson-eyed young man better.
Barefoot feet taking a step forward, he nudged Beyond's foot a little gently; one of his hands nudging his face. Seeing, how the genius was torn between embarrassment and attempts to dignity, L gave an uncharacteristic (and a little creepy) smile, then nodded.
"Interesting. I'll give ninety-nine point nine of my efforts to teach you how."
The jam-lover did his best not to beam up at him stupidly.
L was a little unsure this time, for he was hesitant of dealing with males with high levels of testosterone (after all, Beyond did only start going through puberty), and then acted as best he could.
"Do you know the basics, or do you know nothing at all?"
"Nothing," Beyond muttered, his reply short and irritated – though L could pick up the tones of frustration rather than the tones of anger. The detective nodded.
"Alright. I just need to have some sort of basis of where to start," L placed his thumb in between his lips once more, "it's not very spacey in here, however.."
Beyond caught the point before L could explain himself.
"Perhaps we could use the lobby without the television in it?" he suggested.
L nodded. "Good."
His words surprisingly being chosen even more carefully then normal (pressure would not help Beyond in any way, after all), L started a little wobbly.
"Would you.. should.." and then, when he realized that modals would not help at all, he gave up on coherency. "Now?" he inquired.
Looking relieved, that L had not asked so directly, Beyond nodded silently.
He was still blushing, which L could not help but notice made him look rather.. cute, rather than the strange (and a little insane) boy he really was. L mentally shook himself. That was not an appropriate thought about his successor.
Wondering slightly, in what manner this was ever going to work, L made his way out the door and started to head for the stairs to the first floor. Without turning, he murmured loud enough to be heard, a little command.
"And don't bring the book."
A ghost of a smile passed his face when he heard the low thud of the book hitting the floor.
Beyond stood, for a while, in his room, looking absentmindedly at the pillow on the floor with a scornful glance. He then, silently, threw his gaze towards the mirror. To his annoyance (and with slight shyness), he realized that he was still wearing a somewhat stupid smile.
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Author's Notes: This is gonna be the last chapter in a while, I think. I'm unfortunately going to have exams the week after this one, so I might not be able to use the computer as frequently – IF AT ALL! I do hope you enjoyed this chapter, however. Check my profile for my messengers, if you want to see them.
Reona, out.