When Y/N found L softly playing the piano in the darkness of a small room, it wasn't too surprising.
And even as he sat on the piano bench, L's knees were drawn up to his chest and his arms maneuvered easily over and around his legs. It was a practiced motion and Y/N could see that L played with a certain hesitant familiarity.
Y/N had long since suspected that L played some sort of instrument but Y/N had never thought it necessary to ask.
If L wanted to share it, he would show it eventually and on his own time.
That said, when Y/N found out, it was an accident. Or so it seemed.
They had decided to play a visit to Wammy's House, as L had decided that few cases needed his immediate attention and Y/N was more than happy to take a brief break.
Then, in the late hours of the night, Y/N had awoken to an empty bed and an empty room, though it wasn't too unusual.
L always did like to wander around the place he had grown up in whenever they returned so Y/N didn't worry too much.
But Y/N did decide to get up and search the kitchen for a late snack or water. Whichever was found first.
After some stumbling in the dark and low cursing, Y/N was well on the way to the kitchen when a nearby room echoed a quiet melody.
Piano. Y/N recognized it immediately.
Y/N wasn't too concerned about someone being awake so late. It was a house of genius's and some of them often paced deep into the night and early mornings. Playing games. Reading. Puzzles. Or, in this case, playing an instrument.
Y/N couldn't help feeling curious as to which one of the many children was playing so well and so late. And the door was on the way to the kitchen anyway so it was only natural to peek.
But even before Y/N had glanced into the room through the ajar door, something said it could be none other than L.
And there he was. Hunched over the keys. Hair messy and falling over his eyes but his fingers touching down on the keys easily.
And the song. It was beautiful. It's notes floated around him like a gentle breeze.
It was sad. And it was hopeful. And it was suffering. And it was rising and lowering. Sometimes it was quick and other times it slowed down.
Y/N didn't know how long it went on or how long they were there but L continued playing.
Y/N couldn't tell very well but L seemed to be speaking. Or perhaps mouthing words that went along with the song. Y/N couldn't hear but it wasn't too necessary.
The song alone was beautifully enough.
And then it was over.
"Did you like it, Y/N?"
Slightly startled, Y/N took a moment to blink and walk fully into the room.
"I did. It was... it was amazing. How long did you know I was here?"
L turned to face Y/N but his fingers still lingered over the keys. He gave Y/N one of those rare and gentle smiles.
"I knew you'd come looking so I left the door open. I wanted you to hear it."
L took one of Y/N's hands and led it until both their hands were on the keys.
"I wanted to share this with you," he murmured quietly. Almost embarrassed.
Y/N sat down next to L until their shoulders touched. Then Y/N smiled, touching down on a key.
"Play something else for me?"
L shrugged and nodded once.
"I may be out of practice. It's been a while..."
But the detective set his hands on the keys and played once more.
On and on into the night and into the early morning.
And then, when they finally left the room, going to speak to Roger or the children, L spoke of it no more and it was almost like it had never happened.
But Y/N was reminded that it did when L would deliberately tap his fingers against Y/N's hands.
And L would give Y/N a small look at that smile he have made when he was sitting at the piano.
If anyone is curious, the name of the song I listened to while I wrote this is called Earth by Sleeping At Last. It's the song I pictured L playing.
I recommend listening to the original (with words) and also the instrumental.
Silhouettes by Sleeping At Last is also a good song
Thank you for those of you who recently favorited this fic. And thank you for waiting so long for an update.
Please review. It's appreciated.