A/N: Been a long week. Work caught up with me. Very tired...

Shout out to shewhowearsred, Day, Kathryn and NekoKitten.

NekoKitten: Of course I'm still updating. It's only been a week. Most fanfic writers don't update more frequently than that. Heh.

House of Cards

By Catsitta

Part fifteen: Not Quite Cinderella

The sight that greeted L when he returned and hour later was not what he expected in a million years. He stared. No. He gaped. In all its inglorious, goldfish likeness, L dropped his jaw and his eyes widened into saucers. It took a minute for him to regain his senses and blink.

"You're going to catch flies," Light groused, displeasure pinching between freshly plucked brows. The detective rolled his gaze to the sky above and swallowed. What exactly had Mrs. Yagami been thinking doing to Light? "I thought you were in a hurry."

Snapping back into attention, he peeked back at the girl—woman—standing cross-armed in the doorway, poised but indelicate . Clad in what was presumably one of her mother's dresses, L saw for the first time what Light might have looked like had she been able to live her life openly as a female. The garment was made of structured fabric, was demure and a rather unflattering shade of navy that fell a few inches below the knee. A belt nipped the dress at the loose waist but cap sleeves strained at wider than average shoulders. Her hair was pulled back with gel and a comb, revealing a powdered and painted face. Pallid skin was dusted to an ethereal ivory and a hint of color teased her cheeks and lips.

"Light looks..."

There were so many words one should use in a moment like this.

"...strange."

That was not one of them.

Her lips tightened, an angry flush rising beneath that layer of make-up.

"How charming you are, Ryuuzaki." He flicked his gaze to Mrs. Yagami, who had walked up behind her foreign-looking daughter. "I see it was your eloquence that swayed my daughter's heart into matrimony." Ah, there were barbs in those words and poison in that smile. For some unfathomable reason, she dressed up her daughter to look more a 'wife' despite Light's obvious preference to remain acting the son.

Something clicked.

They were being punished.

Why exactly had Light gone and confessed the nature of their relationship? Didn't she foresee this kind of reaction? True, the hasty kiss hinted at romance, but their flimsy marriage had to have passed between Light's lovely lips alone. He met Light's eyes. She was watching L with calculating intensity. What was it that she wanted to do? What reaction did she want to provoke?

Telling Mrs. Yagami would gain Light little footing. If nothing else, it would build tension between the pair. Was it to turn the older woman against him? A mother's instincts to protect her young were quite strong. Or was there a deeper reasoning?

Mind awhirl, the detective didn't respond, his thumb absently jabbed between his teeth, unblinking and barely breathing.

The silence was broken by Light, strangely enough, who strode from the door and passed L to walk down the stairs, her heeled shoes clicking against the concrete. L turned to watch her walk, only to have something heavy hit his chest in his lapse of attention. A suitcase? Why was Mrs. Yagami shoving a suitcase into his arms?

In fact, where did she get it?

"I expect you to bring her here for an hour every Saturday."

"Pardon?"

A lightning quick hand shot out and gripped his ear of all things, yanking harshly. L jerked back, but was unable to elude the elder Yagami female.

"Don't make me repeat myself, young man."

At this point, the occupant of the flat next to them opened the door and grinned, clearly amused by the scene.

"Afternoon."

Mrs. Yagami twisted L's ear as she offered a polite bow to the older gentleman, "Off to work, Mr. Johnston?"

"Indeed. Now, do try not to scar the young chap. I'm sure he's learned his lesson. Though you never know with kids these days."

"I'm no child..." L grumbled.

"I thought you were in a hurry, Ryuuzaki!" Light sounded almost...amused. She was likely watching this whole affair from the bottom of the stairs.

"That doesn't sound like little Sayu."

"My oldest."

"Ah. Boyfriend?"

"Husband," L offered, earning himself another twist of the ear. "Insufferable woman. Release me this instant."

"They eloped?"

"A few months ago. I was told today."

Mr. Johnston whistled, "Good luck, chap. You'll need it." He patted L on the shoulder and proceeded down the stairs. This was humiliating. And it would be in poor taste to break the hold that held him since this was Light's mother. Perhaps it was a mistake to return them together if this was the result.

A few second later, he was released, but Mrs. Yagami pinned him with a familiar stare.

"You have done a great deal for my family, Ryuuzaki, including saving my daughter's life...but I know Light has not told me the whole story. She's always been so careful. How would someone simply stumble upon her gender? Why would she be as foolish as to marry a near stranger who dangled her about in danger?" She crossed her arms. "I am thankful that I can see my Light as a woman grown, but I wonder if that reality was paid at too high a cost."

"Your daughter will remain safe."

"Tell me, is it true?"

"What is? The marriage? That I wish for her to be my envoy? Both of those things remain true."

She huffed and folded her hands primly, "That you love her."

"Light said that I..." he rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. "I...it is true."

"Hm. Next Saturday. Noon I believe would be ideal."

"Mrs. Yagami, that may not be poss-" he coughed. "Very well."

"Good boy. Now off with you."

"Just one moment."

"Yes?"

"Light's gender...does it remain a secret?"

"If she wishes it. As of now, it is hers to keep or forsake. Did you think it was I who thought of dressing Light like that? For most of her life, I thought of her as a son. It is almost unsettling to see her look like that. To think of her...as a she. Despite everything, Light is my son as well as daughter. Whichever she chooses to be. And you should take care to respect that."

L blinked at the older woman, "I see. Light is fortunate to have a mother like yourself."

"Hmph. Don't flatter me, boy. You hurt her and I'll do more than twist your ear."

The threat made his heart ache. Oh, if only she knew the full truth; she'd never let him set eyes on her child again. Kidnapping, sexual harassment, physical violence and forced wedlock were not things any mother would approve of in a potential partner for her precious offspring. Not that he was planning on letting go of the creature who wrapped herself into his life so tightly.

"Duly noted. I must be going now."

He bowed courteously before lugging the trunk down the stairs. Light was leaning against his car, looking agitated. It was quite strange looking at her dressed like a female. He was quite used to her prim, son-of-money appearance, with loose hair and fitted slacks. Had she really been the one to volunteer herself for such a transformation?

"If Light wanted a dress, he could have asked." Slowly, L unlocked the car and stuffed in the trunk, filled with what he presumed were bricks judging by the sheer weight of the contraption. Light simply huffed arrogantly and settled in the passenger seat. A small smile crept on his lips. This was his Light. "While Mrs. Yagami's clothing suits her, it seems they do not flatter Light in the same way. If Light would like, I could take him-"

"Shut up. Just...shut up and drive."

L sat down in the driver's seat and squeezed the wheel.

Back in Japan, the cherry blossoms would be blooming soon. Just another month or so...

We were simply two people who met under the cherry blossom trees.

He started the ignition and pushed all thoughts aside as he pulled back into the street.

tbc

A/N: (Thanks for reading. Please review. Feedback is love, especially when I'm feeling uninspired. See y'all soon