Chapter III
Light collects his belongings and races to his car, thrusting the key into the ignition. Catching his breath and dripping with sweat, he speeds off to his house. Parking in the driveway, he gulps down his anxiety, hitting his head against the steering wheel. "Dammit! What have I done?" He loses the strength in his arms, letting them fall to his sides.
If he continues to indulge, he will surely lose himself once more.
Letting out a sob, Light rests his head on the horn. The piercing sound soon becomes too much for him. He jerks his head up and grabs the suitcase, double-checking for his priceless gift. Filing through papers he suddenly realizes something is missing. His pen. Leaning back in his chair with a huff, Light curses himself. "Now there's evidence I was there at the scene…Ohh well, it's not as if they can blame me for heart failure." Dragging the box with him, he climbs out of his car and into his average-looking home.
He tosses the keys on the end table placed next to the door. Stepping down into the living room, he flops on the couch. "I don't know why I came here. I'm just going to have to go all the way back to the office." Light's stomach churns, aggravated by his choice of foods. He rests his hand on his abdomen. Now that I possess the Shinigami eyes, it'll be significantly easier to attain my goal. I just wish I had double the amount of time I have now. Light rises to his feet, his chest building with pressure. My reign will not be long, but it shall be remembered for centuries to come!
Suddenly, with his stance, Light's mouth becomes rather watery with a fuzzy feeling in his throat. Running to the nearby restroom, he relieves himself of Sakura's treat. He slams his fist on the lid of the percaline bucket, aghast at his body for rejecting something so sweetly made by such a beautiful woman. Between hurls, he tries to speak to himself, "Damn it all…I forgot…to take off my shoes!"
Several hours later, his cell phone rings. The bathroom fills with an annoying techno ringtone. Resting next to the toilet, Light is sweaty and exhausted—but has enough strength to answer the phone, not even checking who it is that's trying to contact him. Answering the call, Sakura greets him. Light's eyes bulge to his stupidity. He would answer the phone to Sakura at one of the worst moments of his life. He weakly hello's her. She asks what's wrong, but as she does, Light builds up with another go at the toilet. Sakura states that she'll be over in a flash and ends the call. A tear forms in Light's eye. You fool! Now instead of hearing you, she'll be seeing you! After he completes his quest, Light's mouth and throat stick to the dry walls of itself. Forcing himself up, he leans over the counter and gulps tap water from the fosset. Taking a deep breath, he has the sudden urge to return to his porcelain friend. God damn it, stop before she gets here!
**XXX**
L gets to the Mayor's office, "Hello, I am—"
"I'm very well aware of who you are, L," Temari snaps, "Just tell me what the hell is going on here? Why can't I leave my office?"
"Well actually, I'm here to tell you that it's safe for you to exit now. There was a problem in the hall straight down from here, but the issue has been cleared up."
"What happened?"
"Well, it seems that an older fellow had a heart attack after leaving the lobby. It's a surprise no one noticed him there until recently."
"People are incompetent," Temari brings her hands to her hips with the shake of her head.
"Speaking of which, are you going to assemble my team or not," L counters.
She throws daggers at him, "Someone with your specific skillset requires intricate collaboration and corroboration. We're doing the best we can for right now."
"Yeah, and while you take your time, I'm on the sidelines dealing with matters of people being dead when I get there. I am required to prevent death, not find it."
"Right now, you are required to do as you are told. Do I make myself clear?"
L sighs loudly, "Crystal," and turns to walk away. Slamming the door shut, he walks down the hall where the body once rested. Analyzing the minute blood spatter where the man's forehead met the ground, L catches sight of a reflective object. Slipping on his gloves, he picks it up.
"Light's pen?"
Two officers stride down the hall, walking to L's back. He secretly tucks it in his coat's breast pocket. Sweat trickles down L's neck as they draw near. He rises as they stop just next to him, greeting him appreciatively. He replies with a nod, then abruptly leaves. Behind him, he can hear the officers agreeing to how cool it was to meet an elite. Shoving his hands in his pockets, a small smirk creeps on his face.
Pushing the glass entrance doors open, a rush of the chilling air spills over L. Clouds form in the vicinity of his mouth. A single street light shines brightly over him. L looks up into the dark sky, watching the orange and purple fade to black. Lowering his gaze, the golden beryl sun shining dimly over the city lowers into the horizon. L grabs at the pen in his pocket. We may have ended the battle, but the war isn't over.
**XXX**
Sakura rushes over to Light, resting on her knees with a firm grasp on his back. Light still hangs over the rim of the toilet bowl, sickness stringing from his lips. In a frail voice, he talks sternly to her, "I can't believe you're seeing me like this." He hiccups, "How embarrassing." A hint of crimson paints Light's cheeks.
She smiles at him, "With years of medical training, this is nothing." She rubs her hand softly on his lower back, gently infusing an even flow of healing ninjutsu in order to relieve Light of his agony. He moans slightly as his queasy stomach settles. "Do you know what caused this?"
Light hesitates, "No idea. It must've been some fast food I ate a day or so ago."
Her eyebrows furrow in frustration, "It sounds like food poisoning." Her expression softens, "And you don't have to be polite at my expense. I know it has to be my gift to you. I don't know why I insist on cooking."
"Maybe you're into torture," Light teases. She whops him on the shoulder in response. He winces, rubbing his shoulder. "Well, I feel much better now. Of course, it waits to finish until after you arrive."
Sakura keeps her hand placed on his back, continuously healing in a stealthy manner. Light takes tissue to clean his face of his unsightly bodily fluids. As he does so, he notices Sakura watching him. She was merely phasing out, watching unintentionally, but he blushes violently nonetheless. He curses at himself countless times over, wishing to conceal his bashful demeanor. Sakura blinks, noticing Light's behavior, and smiles, thinking he's so embarrassed it's pushed him off the edge. Flushing the bowl of his extremities, Light rises to a firm stance. Sakura is surprised as she had not yet completed her medical assistance. He holds a new tissue to cover his palm and offers her his hand. She giggles to the motion, and takes it. Light hastily washes his hands and face as Sakura steps out into the hall. He focuses on the pain in his heart, knowing that he would die rather soon and thus not be able to share a full life with Sakura-were he to obtain her affections. He glances at her, seeing her name stretched out randomly above her head with an enigmatic death date. He finds relief in not being able to acknowledge that day.
"Did you want anything to drink? Perhaps some tea? I have Chai."
"No thank you, it seems to be getting pretty late and—"
"Which is exactly why you could use the caffeine. The last thing you need is to sleep at the wheel," He steps out, standing tall, holding his arm out at an angle. She wraps her hand around it, and Light places his free hand over hers so he is able to lead her to the kitchen in an elegant manner. It brings a smile to her lips as they stride over. The thump of Light's heels on the hardwood floors gives him an air of authority and dominance. She looks at him from the corner of her eye, blushing slightly, but quickly shakes her head to rid the embarrassing thoughts traipsing through her mind.
Releasing his hold on her, he twists to face her and gently kisses her hand. Sakura's eyes widen, the shock stamping red all over her face. As his lips part from her flesh, he looks up at her briefly, able to conceive her reaction. Walking to the counter, Light initiates the preparation of two cups of Chai.
"I bet you're so flashy with all the ladies," Sakura folds her arms, trying to hide the flatter written at every angle of her slender frame. Light looks at her over his shoulder with a smile, then returns to the preparation.
"Now what makes you say that?"
"Well, for instance, every girl swoons at the sight of you. Even Naruto couldn't help flattering himself with his fame every once in a while. I mean, with this kind of treatment you could have any one of them."
Light quietly sighs, still smiling only with the happiness rendering dead. He knows he could have any woman with his looks, ambition, success, and aggressive nature, but none of them are the one he wants. Heating the water to a boil, Light slopes on the counter, crossing his legs while resting his palms on the tiled surface.
"Well," He argues, a twinkle in his eye and provocative grin on his lips, "Couldn't it be because I'm so familiar with you, that you receive special treatment?"
Sakura's jaw drops, but immediately closes as she will not lose her dominance in an argument. Shifting her hands to her hips and puffing up her chest in attempt to intimidate, her eyes narrow with an unfading smile. "So, what exactly are you saying?"
Light pushes himself forward, resting a hand on the island counter in the center of the kitchen. His expression suddenly turns serious. "What do you think I'm saying?"
Sakura takes immediate notice, flinching only slightly, but remaining strong in her stance. Her enlarged chest only draws attention. Light bites his lip with a silent groan, further scanning her nimble figure. His eyes rest at her naked legs, imagining the touch of her inner thigh against his cheek.
With another brave step forward, Light closes the gap between them, allowing only a breath to be interjected. His suit brushes against the fabric of her dress. Sakura loses her stance, bringing her hand to her chest-as Hinata has with every scene she's in. Light towers over her until he bends his neck to the point where their foreheads nearly touch. Sakura's chest clenches tightly, her heart in her throat. Heat rushes to her cheeks as well as Light's. His eyes relax, half-closed, full of determination and angst. Sakura remains in place, unshifting, holding her breath. Her heart beats loudly in her ears as she watches lights soft lips merge closer, inch by inch.
Then the alarm sounds off to alert Light that the water is properly heated. He halts in his movements, watching Sakura. He smirks at fate's cynicism and pulls away, the strands from his bangs brushing along Sakura's face. For some reason, she took special delight in that slight bit of contact. Watching him fix the drinks, she ponders his actions. Was he just teasing? What were his true intentions? And why didn't she pull away before he got too close?
Light spins around with a cup in each hand, a bright smile on his face. He hands her one, "Careful, it's hot." She answers with a shy "Mmhm" as he sets his on the island counter, pouring liquor in from a flask. She gives a perplexed look. He shrugs his shoulders, "Just a little something to make it stronger." She pauses, then holds out her cup. He looks surprised at first, but resides into admiration to her gallantry. "You're driving, remember?"
"I can call a cab…or Ino."
Light grows with concern, "You've never been too keen on drinking alcohol before."
She sighs loudly with the rolling of her eyes, dipping the pouch into the steaming water. She stares into her reflection, the pigment forever-changing. Light observes for a moment, then pours some into her a drink—a fraction of what he added to his. She returns his gaze. "Just a little, to take the edge off." She smiles, taking a sip, the water burning her tongue-but nothing compared to the intensity of Light's drink. He blushes at her reaction, noticing her cute features and mannerisms. He's always watched her so intricately, but never before has he wanted her so much, to the point of blurting out the words "don't go home tonight." But he is more respectable as to serve her with as much decency he is willing to give—which is not as much as normal, at this point.
Light blows on his, the tea fully converting the water. Tossing out the tea bag, he wafts the scent into his nostrils, taking a breath of satisfaction. Sakura catches herself before copying his movements, shocked at herself. Silence fills the air as they wait for their drinks to cool. When minimal steam lifts from Light's drink, he sips it, testing the temperature. Once the result concludes positive, he gulps down the cup, somewhat harshly placing it on the countertop. Sakura takes ladylike sips, watching in amazement and surprise. Tracing the rim of the cup with his thumb, light looks over at Sakura, taking special notice to her strong collarbone and small neck. The thought of digging his teeth into those items controls his judgement.
Light rushes up and shoves a kiss onto Sakura's lips. He tastes of cinnamon and alcohol. She instantly melts into his kiss, setting the cup of tea on the counter and draping her arms over his shoulders. Light slides his arms around her thin waist, holding her tightly to him. She begins to grab at his hair, flaring his sexual desire. He runs one hand down the curvature of her hip to the end of her dress, clutching a handful of the fabric and slowly riding it up. Sakura presses her hips to his. Light then wraps his hand around the back of her leg just below her butt and sets her on the counter. Worming between her legs, he works the dress up off the bottom half of her body, running his hands along her naked back. She moans his name desperately and he—
"Well, I suppose it's time I left." Sakura sets the cup on the counter, snapping Light back into reality. He struggles to collect his thoughts, shaken after visualizing Sakura in the most disgraceful way. A cold sweat starts on his back, creating a feeling of uneasiness.
"So soon?"
"Yeah, I think I have enough caffeine in my system now," She smiles.
"But what about that bit of alcohol? I'm not letting you drive."
She chuckles to his statement, "What're you, my father? I'll call Ino since you're so worried. She should be done with her shift at the restaurant by now."
"You don't have to bother her. What about your driver?"
"He's on vacation, he does have a life."
"Well, how about you stay for another hour or two? Just so the alcohol wears off enough to not impair your driving."
She looks at Light suspiciously, "And bother you more than I already have? I don't think so."
"It's no bother, really. I actually enjoy the company," Light gives an awkward smile.
She rolls her eyes happily, beaming. "Well, alright, if you insist. What can we do to pass the time?"
"My plan for tonight was to watch a scary movie. So, did you want to do that?" She shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly. Light smiles heartedly, leading her to the entertainment room connected to the kitchen. She rests on the comfy couch as he prepares the movie and leaves to dress down into his comfortable wear—with permission. With loose, checkerboard pajama bottoms and a baggy jacket that lays unzipped to expose the physique beneath, Light is fully prepared for the movie. He hands Sakura the largest shirt he owns, as well as the smallest pants—that being a pair of boxers—so she may also get comfortable. She rapidly dresses down just past the doorway, out of sight of Light—not without the lack of trying on his part. He turns off the lights and sits on the right end of the couch, leaning an elbow on the armrest. She enters the room, sitting on the left end of the couch.
The movie initiates.
Light brims with eagerness as it is black in the room, with the exception of the deep blue illuminating from the television screen. Resting his cheek on his fist, Light positions himself in such a way that he may watch Sakura as the movie progresses. She cringes and yelps—at which he laughs at—and eventually curls into herself. In every instance that she'd look over at Light, he'd immediately face the flickering screen. As she returns her gaze, he faces back to watch her further. This happens several times before they reach a significantly gory part of the movie and she crawls over to Light's side of the couch, clinging onto his jacket for comfort. He scoops her up with his arms, resting her on his side so she may lay on his exposed chest. He makes sure not to lay a hand on her, instead curling his left arm behind his head. She holds onto his jacket, at some points covering her mouth to the ghastly events in the movie. With bravery pumping through his blood—and pain rathing in his left shoulder—Light gradually places his left arm across Sakura's shoulder blades so his fingers may wrap around the curve her shoulder. She makes no indication of discomfort. With the weight in his chest fading and a smile on his face, Light begins to actually watch the movie.
In the midst of the film, Sakura yawns, encasing Light in her arms as her eyes slowly close. Red paints Light's cheeks, his heart pounding speedily in his chest. He thanks himself for turning off the lights to veil this higher-ranked embarrassment. His attention returns to Sakura. Her breathing slows as her arm falls to dangle on the side of the couch. Light lifts it with a kiss, placing it back in its original position, snaking his other arm around her so it may not fall once more. They remain like this until the movie is over. Sakura has fallen into a soft snore. The credits end and the main menu pops up. With the same tune running on a broken record, Light decides it is time for uninterrupted rest. Cursing himself for ruining this tranquil situation, he manages to move Sakura enough so that he may stand. When he takes out the movie "Disney's Beauty and the Beast," he steps quietly back to the couch. Working his hands underneath the woman's meager frame, he lifts her bridal-style, carrying her with ease to his bedroom.
Reaching the neatly-made bed, he softly snuggles her into the mattress, pulling up the covers to blanket her. She makes a noise of displeasure and throws her arms around Light, holding him close. Instead of struggling, Light stays in the bent-over position, resting his ear on her chest. The rhythm is slow and soothing, comforting to the point of drowsiness. If he remains here for too long, Light himself will collapse into unconsciousness. Reluctantly removing her arms and placing them at her sides, Light banishes strands of hair convoluting her beauty. Her pale, soft skin is too tempting to not brush gingerly with the fingers. Her snoring is no longer comprehensible, but that did not sway Light into suspicion. He watches the lovely maiden sleep soundly in his bed with a gleaming smile. "Beautiful," He whispers to himself. He makes a final attempt to rid the strands of hair, and as he does, Sakura murmurs "Naruto."
How one word—the name of his best friend—can crumble an unforgettable experience into a regrettable one is more crippling than losing God-like powers. Light's heart tears into millions of pieces. Holding back beckoning tears with the biting of his tongue, Light scurries to the entrance of the room, turning off the light and silently shutting the door. Sakura slits her eyes open, regaining consciousness. He rests his back against the upstanding plank of wood, taking several deep breaths, his eyes filling with sorrow. "But of course," He tells himself, "How could I let myself forget she's still grieving?" He shakes his head to his insolence. Though he tricked himself down this path, it hurts no less. He brings his hand to his eyes, pressing on them in hopes of halting the tears, but his efforts are futile. Light puts on a strong aura of confidence, but he is powerless to his one and only weakness.
Sakura's hand rests on the door, her head sulking low. "I'm sorry, Light," She mumbles, wishing to open the hinged wood, his heartbreaking sobs being too difficult to bear. Her jade eyes grow misty with every passing moment of perception. Light gathers himself with a deep breath, sighing roughly. He wipes his eyes with his sleeve, zipping up his jacket harshly and returning to the entertainment room, no longer able to even consider sleep.
Sakura turns the knob, hearing his disappearing footsteps. Peering out, she painfully watches his fading figure. She wonders how long it will take to heal, knowing Naruto wouldn't want her to dwell on the past. Light's eyes are rimmed with red circles and strewn with bloodshot weaves as he watches the screen-without processing any information. Sakura stands before the entrance, still in the darkness to render unseen. Light glances through the doorway with the feeling he's being watched, and the worry is confirmed by the sight his advanced eyes reveal, but he chooses to disregard the figure and shifts to his side. Sakura leaves for the kitchen and grabs a glass of water, a tear streaming down the side of her face to the sight of Light's dismay.
"Couldn't sleep?"
Sakura jumps to the familiar voice, facing the entry way of the kitchen. She sees a dark figure lingering in the shadows. Relaxing her guard, she nods, quickly wiping away the trail of sadness on her cheek. The figure steps out into the topaz moonlight, scratching his cheek. "I'm just, uhh, watching cartoons, if you wanted to join." He tries his best not to avoid eye-contact, but the decency proves too taxing in the current moment. Sakura shyly agrees to his invitation, holding the glass close to her torso.
She sits crisscross while Light slouches, resting on his fist. She takes another sip of water and places it on the coffee table at their feet. Glancing at Light, she scooches over next to him, her leg lined against his. The feeling gives Light's heart a little thrill, but soon aches heavily. She leans on him slightly. He scratches his head, facing her. Looking her dead in the eyes, he says, "You don't have to treat me this way out of obligation."
"I'm not," she states assertively, forcing her arms around his waist to lie comfortably. He opens his arms until she gets situated, then closes them around her, smirking halfheartedly, depression clinging to him. Even if Sakura believes what she feels for Light in the conscious, the true feelings are in the subconscious, and the subconscious is telling Light that she's not ready yet. Instead of focusing on that fact, Light holds Sakura tightly, motivated to wait for her until she is.