AN: I really thank everyone for taking the time to read this fic. I do hope you could leave reviews and tell me what you think, so as to let me know whether you are satisfied with the way the story is written.
This is the seventh chapter. The second Avaritia chapter.
Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own DeathNote or any of its characters.
Chapter 7: Avaritia II
Light reread the article L sent. It was about the prosecutor Mikami Teru. Something about the man baffled him. The man's motives were suspicious, yet he couldn't exactly point out that the man, himself, was suspicious just because he had taken an interest in the case. The Kira case was definitely interesting and dangerous at the same time. But why would a prosecutor risk his neck to investigate that much about it? Also, the man was not aware of the murders before his family's death. He was not aware of the fact that Yagami Soichiro was already investigating the previous murders, which were not announced to the public so as to prevent unnecessary chaos. His family's death was the first to be announced publicly and he could still remember the shock the news brought to the nation. This would justify Mikami's particular interest in his family's death. But nonetheless, he could sense that there is something to investigate about the man and—
"Light-kun." Light ignored the man and continued to make assumptions in his head.
"Light-kun." He closed his eyes in defeat. Was it just him, or the man seemed to be more irritating these days? He turned to glance at the man and boy, was he surprised to see the man inches from him, too close to let him smell the faint scent of strawberry in the man's breath.
"I'm working, Ryuuzaki." L nodded and leaned further to look at the screen in front of him. The wild raven locks tickled his face when the man leaned forward, causing a strange sensation inside him. "Ryuuzaki, if you plan to reread the article, you might want to remember that you have your own laptop." Ryuuzaki pouted at him and leaned back, causing Light to smell the faint scent of strawberries again. The scent was getting to Light and he wasn't sure whether it was irritating or entrancing. He supposed that it should be the former, for the latter was too horrible to even think about.
"What are your thoughts about Mikami, Light-kun?" He almost thanked the man for cutting his weird thoughts.
"I find the man's motive suspicious. Why would he want to partake in the dangers of the case? Though, I don't think that the man, himself, is suspicious."
"Why not? He specifically mentioned your family's death." Light briefly wondered whether L was testing him.
"I'm not perfectly sure that the man is innocent. Based from this article, he appears to be an ordinary prosecutor who took an interest in this dangerous game of Kira. The man doesn't know about the previous murders." L nodded in approval. "Though, I still don't understand why he would conduct his own investigation when he must have already known that you took the case." He watched as L bit his thumb, an indication that the man was in deep thinking. He silently reminded himself that the man was L, after all. "It could be a hint of a challenge, you know."
"Challenge?" Light rolled his eyes in irritation. L was testing him. He could sense it in the man's tone.
"Yes. It is puzzling that the man took the effort of announcing his sudden interest in the case to the public. He should know the risks involved, yet he chose to do it, nonetheless. And I find it hard to believe that the man was just dumb enough to do that." L smiled and Light knew that he passed the test. He restrained himself from giving the man a triumphant smirk.
"It's amazing to know that our brains work in the same manner." L said, and earned a dark look from him.
"I assumed that you already know the capacity of my brains." L chuckled.
"Yes, I do. I just didn't expect that you think exactly like me."
"I don't exactly think like you. I'm not a pervert like you." L laughed and Light could swear he saw a glint of rascality in the man's eyes.
"Light-kun. Just because I am deeply attracted to you doesn't mean I am a pervert." Light almost laughed at him but he settled for a snort.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever, L. Indulge yourself in your justifications." He heard the man chuckle once more.
The door suddenly opened revealing the forms of the rest of the investigation team. Matsuda strode towards their direction and Light noted the dark look on L's face. He smirked inwardly. Was the man really that drawn towards him? Sometimes, he wanted to thank the heavens for his irresistible charms. It was flattering to know that the top detective in the world was this captivated by him.
"Good morning, Ryuuzaki! Light!"
He just nodded and glanced at L. The man was frowning, and he wondered what the hell was going on inside the man's brain. Was it his jealousy again? But there was nothing to be jealous this time. Matsuda just greeted the both of them. He shrugged and turned his attention to the screen in front of him. Just as he was about to open an explorer window, he felt L's hands on his forearm and he immediately turned to glance at the man.
"What?" He growled, as his eyebrows rose in annoyance.
"Light-kun's not much into body contact, is he?" He grunted, but did not pry the man's hands away from his arm.
"Yes. And I find it perplexing that you are." He said, and immediately earned a cute pout from L. He froze. Cute? He was going insane, he was sure of that. His perfect brain wouldn't even acknowledge an absurd idea like that if it was in good working condition.
"I was actually assuring myself that there was nothing to worry about, Light-kun." He raised an eyebrow.
"Huh? Worry about what?" L gave him a skeptical look.
"About others trying to get your attention away from me." He gaped at L, incredulously. "If I were to maintain this proximity then I'm sure there would be nothing to worry about."
"I didn't know that L was this possessive. Even of something that he doesn't own." L just smiled at him.
"I am not really that possessive, Light-kun. I just don't like sharing." Light grunted in disbelief.
"Well then, let me rephrase it. I didn't know that L was this avaricious. In another sense of the word."
L just smiled and said nothing. Not bothering to remove L's hands on his arm, Light resumed working.
--
Misa sighed as she entered the first-class restaurant. She was extremely exhausted due to the several takes of her new commercial. But the tiring taping was not going to hinder her long-awaited date with Light. She smiled at the thought. My Light's going to be here in half an hour! She knew she was half an hour early and she sure wasn't used to waiting for her date, but this was Light. She knew Light hated waiting, and she wasn't going to risk their relationship because of her tardiness.
A waitress came to ask for her orders. She saw the girl's eyes widen a bit as she realized that she was serving a hot idol, and she smirked to herself.
"A glass of iced tea please. I would order later when my date arrives." She said, and winked at the girl. The girl excitedly nodded and walked hurriedly away from her. She saw the girl grab another waitress and heard the barely suppressed whispers coming from the two.
She reached inside her bag and drew a small mirror out. She knew she look glamorous already, yet she wanted to make sure. Light wasn't a man of compliments but she knew he was into aesthetics. Besides, a mediocre-looking girl wouldn't look too good alongside with Light, right? A girl like her should be the one for Light. She giggled at the thought. Who would want to rival her charms? Even the most stunning figure in the show business wouldn't want to mess with Japan's number one idol. She was the perfect girl for Light. She wondered whether Light missed her. She missed him terribly. And she was not going to let anything ruin their lunch date. She was sure this would be a blissful lunch for her.
Or so she thought.
--
L was in a good mood. He was ecstatic when Light decided to ignore his hands on the young man's arms. L took that as permission and he restrained himself from hugging the man completely. The man would probably punch him if he did that. He chuckled at the thought. It was fun teasing the man, though it always earned him killing glares from the brunette. His good mood dissipated when he saw Matsuda walk towards them. He tightened his hold on Light's arms and he felt the young man stiffened a bit. Light sent him another glare but he chose to ignore it and passed a frown to the approaching man.
"Ryuuzaki, I have finished reviewing all the police reports that may be connected to the series of murders." L wanted to shoo the man away. The man was infuriatingly disturbing his alone time with Light. Was he that selfish? He didn't know he could actually be this selfish. Instead of giving Matsuda a scowl, he settled for a stoic expression to feign the agitation. Though he was sure that Light was aware of his annoyance towards the invasion of their comfortable silence.
"Thank you, Matsuda-san." Matsuda nodded cheerfully. "Please investigate something about a criminal prosecutor named Mikami Teru. You may go out to do the investigation, if you want. I want results as soon as possible." He wasn't sure whether it was a good idea to let the exuberant man do the investigation about Mikami, but he was sure that that would keep the man busy for a while. Matsuda nodded and went to gather his things. He watched as Matsuda waved at them before walking out of the investigation room. Light sighed then turned to look at him.
"What was that, L?" He just blinked at the brunette. "You honestly think it was a good idea to send Matsuda-san after Mikami Teru?" He sent Light an irritated look.
"Of course, I'll send Watari later to aid him." Light nodded.
"I thought your jealousy got ahead of you again, clouding your reasoning." L almost chuckled at that.
"What is there to be jealous about, Light-kun? I would be jealous if you pay more attention to him than me. But I sense your indifference towards the man, so need I be jealous?" He saw Light smirk, and somehow, it irritated him.
"Why, you think my indifference towards you is different?" L pouted and scowled darkly. He allowed himself to be hurt by the words.
"No. But I still think that I matter to you more than he does. Or does he matter to you more?" L held back a laugh when Light's eyes narrowed.
"For the last time, L. I am NOT interested in the man. Will you get this through your freakin' brain?" He just smiled at the brunette. Light sighed and glanced at his wristwatch. "It's 11:45. I have to go meet Misa." L set his feet down and stood up, finally removing his hands from Light's forearm. He wasn't exactly sure how long was he holding to the brunette's arm but his hands slightly ached due to the lack of movement. Was he that afraid to let go of the man's arm? He sure was starting to get creepy. The attraction is nearing obsession already. He shuddered at the thought.
"Well, then, Light-kun. Let's go." He suppressed a small smile when Light frowned at him.
"Right. You're coming with me. I almost forgot." L laughed. He pressed the intercom and with a cheerful voice,
"Watari. Please prepare the limo." He heard an affirmation and nodded towards Light. He heard Light sigh in exasperation. The brunette walked away from him towards the door and he followed silently behind. The rest of the investigation team gave them curious glances but said nothing. After all, this was L. The leader of the investigation team.
L stared at Light's nape while walking down the hallway towards the elevator. He waited for Light to enter the elevator first. He just remained in his spot for a while when Light raised an eyebrow and broke through his thoughts.
"Well? Are you coming or not?" L glanced at the irritated chocolate orbs before stepping forward.
This was it. He was finally going to meet the bitch.
He smiled at the annoyed brunette before stepping inside the elevator.
--
"Light! Misa-misa missed you!" L winced at the annoying perky voice. He watched as the girl flung his arms around Light's neck. He maintained his stoic expression. He would have to restrain himself a little bit more. She was still, after all, Light's girlfriend. He smiled to himself when he saw Light wince at the sudden embrace.
"Misa. You're choking me." He heard Misa mumble an apology. He stared as the girl continued to sheepishly smile at Light, not noticing his presence. He decided it's time to make his presence be known to the blonde.
"Light-kun. You have a cute girlfriend." L said, not bothering to hide the hint of sarcasm in his voice. Light smirked at him while Misa finally glanced at him.
"Ne, Light! Who is this… weird man?" L almost twitched at the infuriating addition of the unnecessary adjective. He knew he was far from ordinary both in looks and behavior. But coming from the girl who happened to be his love rival? He heard Light laugh and he felt the urge to punch the brunette. He restrained himself. He wouldn't want to ruin the beautiful face now, would he?
Before Light could open his mouth, L already spoke with an agitated voice.
"Light-kun. I apologize." Light just raised an eyebrow. "I must have mistaken this girl for your girlfriend. Where is she? I can't wait to meet her." He saw Misa pout.
"I am Light's girlfriend!" He turned to look at Light who just sighed loudly.
"Oh." He turned to look at Misa. "Never would have thought you like this type, Light-kun." The girl shot him a glare and was probably killing him mentally. Light massaged his temples and sighed again.
"Could we just please sit down? We're attracting attention." L happily nodded. He sat in his usual strange position. He watched as Misa pouted at Light.
"I will not sit down unless you tell me who this irritating man is!" she whined, and L twitched again. The girl was really starting to get on his nerves.
"Misa—
"I am Light-kun's special friend." To which both Light and Misa raised an eyebrow. He turned to look at Light who scowled at him. "I can't believe you, Light-kun. You never mentioned me to your girlfriend? You probably don't confide to her that much, do you?" Light opened his mouth to speak but Misa cut in.
"Of course, he mentioned you to me! I just forgot!" L laughed sarcastically. He knew he was being mean, but wasn't it the whole purpose of coming with Light? To let Misa know she's not for Light.
"Misa. Sit down." L noticed the edge on the brunette's tone. He decided not to say anything. Light could be really scary when he's pissed. He watched as the blonde girl glare at him before sitting across him. Light was about to sit beside him when Misa's voice stopped the brunette.
"Misa wants Light to sit by her side!" Tsk. He was really starting to get irritated, and by the looks of it, Light wasn't too happy, either. He watched as Light sat beside Misa, his mouth set in a thin line; an indication that the young man was trying to contain his annoyance.
"This is Ryuuzaki, Misa. He is my…" Light glanced at him before continuing, "…friend." He gave Light a small smile.
"Special friend, Light-kun." He saw Light roll his eyes.
"Whatever." L seemed content by this and threw a triumphant smirk to Misa's direction. The girl pouted again in annoyance and latched unto Light's arm, to which L gave the blonde a dark look. Light seemed to notice the glaring contest between his two companions and sighed loudly in exasperation. "Can we just order and eat?" L blissfully smiled. Maybe four slices of cake would make his mood better. L called a waitress. As soon as the waitress set the menu before them, he happily pointed out to the menu.
"I'd like two slices of this cake. This one also. Oh, and this one, too." The waitress blinked at first then wrote his order down. The girl turned to look at Light and blushed heavily when the brunette glanced at her. Tsk. Why is it that the young man's charms never fail?
"I'd like a porterhouse steak. And a glass of iced tea." The waitress nodded and blushed again when her hands brushed against Light's when she took the menu from him. L twitched in annoyance and saw Misa glare at the poor girl. The girl perhaps noticed the glare and hesitantly turned to the blonde for her order.
"I'll have Caesar salad. And a glass of pineapple juice." The waitress nodded and sensing the menace in her voice, immediately walked away from their table. As what Light had said, the blonde girl definitely has fangs.
After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, Light sighed and stood up.
"I have to go to the restroom." He eyed Misa for a while then turned to L. "I expect no mayhem while I'm gone." L chuckled.
"Why are you telling me that?" Light released a sigh, not bothering to hide the vexation.
"Because you have a far more working brain than her." L laughed while Misa just blinked, confused. He watched Light's retreating back before smirking towards the blonde's direction. The blonde raised a brow at him.
"What was that? What did he mean by that?" L resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The girl was quite an airhead. Wasn't Light's statement that obvious?
"You need not know." The girl pointed a slim finger at him, eyes narrowed.
"You are the most infuriating person I have ever known. Why are you here anyway? This is my lunch date with my Light!" L maintained his indifferent face. He had to keep his composure. It was not worth it to snap back. Though the word my before Light got into his nerves.
"Would I come here if Light-kun doesn't want me to?" He almost smirked at the stunned expression on the girl's face.
"What?! Light invited you to come with him? I don't believe you!"
"You don't have to believe me." He watched in satisfaction as the girl shook his head in disbelief.
"Light won't invite an unattractive, queer panda like you!" L twitched in annoyance. He was starting to lose his cool.
"Well, Light-kun went for you, didn't he? It should explain his strange choice of social circle." He watched as Misa blinked first in confusion before realizing the implication of his words.
"Of course Light would choose me! I'm cute, I'm ravishing and I'm Japan's top idol!" L scowled. Such arrogance… "The question is…" the girl gave him an annoying smirk. "…why would he choose to be in league with you?" He so badly wanted to punch the blonde's face but Light warned him not to cause trouble. He wanted to wipe the smirk off the girl's face but he restrained himself. He was not a man of violence though he knew he could fight quite well. The blonde was still a girl, after all. Besides he wouldn't want to be in trouble with the media. All he could do now was to use his head to get back at the girl.
"I wonder why..." He smirked. "May I reiterate to you that I happened to be his special friend. .." Misa frowned, then smirked back.
"You may be a special friend. But you are still just a friend." L narrowed his eyes and remained silent. It was true after all. He wasn't even sure if Light considered him as a friend. The girl was surprisingly winning against him and L hated himself for that. His insecurities were clouding his reasoning and he couldn't quite think of something to counter the girl's words. He brought his thumb to his lips and thought deeply.
"Still a friend, nonetheless. A friend who he even wanted to bring with him to an exclusive date." He almost laughed triumphantly when the girl narrowed his eyes. He knew he struck a nerve with that. Misa gave him a dangerous glare.
"Back off, weirdo. Light is for Misa only! Misa doesn't like to share!" L just gave her a blank look. I don't like sharing him either. He saw Light approaching and he secretly sighed in relief.
"Well, then. I believe Light would hate to hear that somebody's actually trying to own him." L smiled, directed towards Light who was now behind Misa. The girl seemed not to notice the brunette.
"Well, I do own him, dimwit!" L grimaced. This airhead dared to call him a dimwit? Ha! The irony of the situation! He shot Light an irritated shut-your-girl-up-or-I-will-make-her look. Light just raised an eyebrow.
"Who owns me?" Light asked, the menace in his voice freezing Misa on the spot and making L smile in victory. Misa opened her mouth to explain but Light interrupted. "Just shut up, Misa. I want to eat my lunch in peace." As if on cue, a waitress arrived with their orders. As soon as the waitress was gone again, Light gracefully started eating his porterhouse steak and Misa glared at L,while playing with her salad. L decided to ignore her and lighten up his mood by indulging himself with the slices of cakes before him. He saw Misa cringe at the sight of his cakes.
"Eeeeewwww… Look at that, Light! How could you put up with this man! Severe your ties with him, or else you'd end up taking care of a diabetic!" L shot Light a glance and saw that the young man was waiting for his reaction. He set down his fork and looked at Misa pointedly.
"I think, Amane-san." Not like you. "I actually happen to know how to avoid diseases such as diabetes. Though the idea of Light taking care of me doesn't sound so bad at all." Light's expression did not falter. He saw Misa grimace. Another point for him. How many points does he already have? He chuckled to himself. He picked up his fork and devoured another slice of cake.
--
Light glanced at L who was finishing his last slice of cake. He was the one who finished eating first, since L took his time blissfully eating his cakes and Misa was too busy sending glares across her. He sighed inwardly. He was getting headaches. The idea of a luncheon date with the two seemed to be a very bad one. He massaged his temples. It was the second time he did that. The date was proving to be energy-draining and he wasn't too happy about it. He glanced at L who was already wiping his lips with a table napkin. L caught his eye and nodded. It was time for them to get out of this hell and go back to headquarters.
"Light-kun. We have to go now." L said, slowly standing up. Misa turned to look at him.
"But, Light! Misa-misa wanted to stay with you a bit longer! We haven't even talked about anything yet!" Light rolled his eyes.
"I'm afraid I have to go now, Misa. We really have to go."
"It's all this man's fault! If he was not here in the first place, we could have enjoyed our time together!" Light honestly doubted that. He wasn't really that thrilled to eat lunch with the girl today but he knew she would keep on bothering him.
"Misa, cut it out." But the girl seemed not to falter. She pointed an accusing finger to the detective and bellowed.
"You're attracted to my Light, aren't you? You pervert!" He glanced towards L. The man did not answer. Light was starting to get the feeling that L was losing his calm façade. "Ha! I thought so! I'm telling you, weirdo! Light is mine!" Light twitched in annoyance. The girl was really getting to his nerves now. He closed his eyes to calm himself. No matter how irritated he was now, he should not snap back. They were in public after all. And Misa was a public figure.
"Misa." His tone was dangerously frightening and the girl lowered her voice.
"But it is true. He is attracted to you, Light!" He glanced at L, praying silently that the man would deny it so as to end the argument. But he had a feeling L wasn't planning to. He waited for L's reaction. L looked up and stared at him before sending a cold glare towards the blonde beside him.
"Attracted?" Light raised an eyebrow. Would the man really deny it? Whatever happened to the man's persistence? An unsettling feeling came over him, and he wondered briefly whether it mattered to him if the man denies his attraction towards him. He fully stared at L, who stared back unwaveringly. "Attracted? I believe that is an understatement." He said, and turned to walk away, not looking back. A strange feeling of relief washed over him. Relief? What was that?
He saw Misa gape at the retreating form of the man and he knew L won. He smirked. L suddenly turned to look at him, silently asking him to follow. He gave the man a small smile before walking forward raising a hand to wave goodbye to the still gaping Misa without glancing back.
They walked out of the restaurant and when they were about to get inside the limo, L stopped and stared at him.
"Just as I expected, she isn't good enough for you." Light almost laughed.
"I was actually wondering when you'd say that."
--
Mikami Teru walked inside his apartment, clutching an envelope with his left hand. He strode directly to living room and sprawled the contents of the envelope onto the coffee table. The envelope contains the profiles of the families of Kira's victims. He shuffled the papers, quickly scanning them over. A picture of a strikingly handsome brunette caught his attention.
Yagami Light… Yagami… He was the son of Soichiro Yagami, the NPA chief.
He stared at the picture. The eyes almost drowned him into those pools of chocolate. He seemed not to notice the other profiles and instead, focused his whole attention to the beautiful face before him. He wondered how a man could be so elegantly beautiful and dangerously enticing at the same time. The orbs seemed to reflect how smart the man was, just like the rumors have said.
He felt the sudden urge to find the man and know whether the real one would be just as alluring as the picture he was holding. He set down the picture on the table and leaned on the sofa.
The vivid image of the young brunette kept on flashing back in his mind making him restless.
He sighed. He knew it may be a hindrance to his investigation. But…
He, Mikami Teru, was definitely captivated. And he vowed that he would find the man no matter what.
--
AN: I know it seems everyone is drawn towards our Light. But I do believe Light is actually capable of attracting everyone. And L is equally capable of repelling those who stand in his way towards Light's attention. :)
Feedback please. I'd love to hear what you think about the chapter. Reviews please. The next chapter would be the third Avaritia chapter. Hope you continue supporting this fic.