AN: Thank you for the reviews, everyone. I'm really glad you liked the filler chapter. Because of the wonderful reviews, I was more eager to write the new chapter. Thank you for giving me the motivation. : ) I hope you could continue giving me feedbacks as the story progresses. ; )
This is the eighth chapter and the third Avaritia chapter. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own DeathNote. But I do dream of owning it.
Chapter 8: Avaritia III
Light was in a bad mood. Very bad mood. Why? Because he happened to wake up this morning, with a certain panda on his bedside, the round black eyes shamelessly staring at him in a distance of not more than three inches. Plus the fact that he had another nightmare. He supposed this was not his day. Having a nightmare and waking up and seeing Ryuuzaki first thing in the morning was definitely not a definition for a fine morning. Therefore, punching Ryuuzaki on the face and sending him flying backwards was not entirely his fault. And definitely it was not his fault when a series of punches and kicks began, and led to their very first fist fight. Good thing the fight only left barely noticeable bruises, though his body ached all over.
He glared at the man beside him, who was just blissfully eating his cake. The man somehow sensed his glare and turned to look at him.
"Does Light-kun want a piece of this?" Ryuuzaki said, raising his plate of cake for emphasis. Light answered with an angry No before turning back to his laptop. He could feel Ryuuzaki staring at him and it was infuriatingly making him feel uneasy. But he ignored the man.
"Light-kun is still mad at me?" Ryuuzaki asked, the fork with a chunk of cake suspended in mid air. Light glanced at him furiously.
"No. In fact, I want to thank you for not leaving visible bruises." Light replied, his voice dangerously menacing.
"Light-kun punched me. It's human nature to get back at your opponents." L said, earning a grim look from Light.
"It's also human nature to attack another if that person seems to invade his personal bubble making him feel uncomfortable." Light countered. L just chuckled.
"Do I make Light-kun uncomfortable?" L asked, curiously.
"Of course. How can you not? I'm the object of your lewd mind, after all." Light replied. L chuckled in amusement.
"Light-kun is afraid that I'd do something to him while he's sleeping?" L asked, his dark orbs teasing. Light raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"I'm not afraid. I'm being cautious. And I don't trust your self-control." Light replied. L laughed.
"I see. I don't trust it, either." L replied, making Light grunt in annoyance. "By the way Light," L started, his voice suddenly serious. "Have you read the new set of police reports I emailed to you? What do you think about it?"
Light nodded. The police reports were about the five new incidents in Hokkaido. Just like the previous murders, there were no other patterns that could be attributed to the work of Kira aside from the fact that the victims are some detectives and their families. The murder scenes, just like the previous ones, were messy and the brutality of the deed was evident.
"There is still a possibility that the murders were not made by Kira. They could be random murders made by psychopaths who wanted to blame the deeds on Kira. Though, it has a high chance of being Kira's deed since the victims are detectives and their families. Also, after studying all of the police reports in general, there is an evident pattern in the killings. The killer or killers, somehow always carry the murder in the homes of the family of the detectives. Also, he, or they, knows when exactly to assault the detectives. Which is a little bit disturbing. It is somehow alarming to know that the killer or killers could predict when the detectives would be home. He or they must have some kind of means to knowing the range of time the detectives may be home." Light said and L beamed at him.
"Impressive, Light-kun. You managed to reach the exact conclusion I had. Your deductive skills are really superb. All the more reason for me to pursue you." L said, and Light just glared at him. "He could be in a position where he has access on the victims' work records and timesheets." L continued, and Light shrugged.
"That is a possibility. It is not possible for him to be well-acquainted with the victims to know their daily schedule. The victims are too random. And I certainly refuse to believe that he has extraordinary powers to predict everything and pull it together for his convenience." Light replied.
"Well, he's definitely not our ordinary psycho. He has brains. Though I find his choice of murder scene, a little bit perplexing. Instead of killing the victims individually, he chooses to carry out the murder in the victims' homes." L said and Light nodded in approval.
"Right. There are a lot of mysteries in his patterns. There are no definite flaws in his murders that could lead us to his identity. I wonder if this was actually a carefully-made plan to challenge a top detective. Like you." Light said, eyeing L. He was actually considering the possibility though he found it ridiculous to make it a reason for all the murders. No. He just couldn't accept that his family's lives were sacrificed for a silly display of competitiveness.
L stared at him. The man seemed to read his thoughts.
"Perhaps. There is a 22 probability that it was a challenge directed to a top detective, or more precisely, me." L said, shaking Light out of his thoughts.
"But if that is the case, then Mikami should be investigated further. He seemed to indirectly challenge you when he announced his own investigation about the case, even though it was clearly known by the public that you, the L, is currently handling the case." Light said, while trying to stop himself from remembering the dreadful nightmares plaguing him for nights now. If L noticed his inner turmoil, the man sure made a good job of keeping it to himself.
"Yes. Matsuda-san went out today to continue his investigation."
Light just nodded and sighed. The case was really tiring him. But he couldn't let L do the work alone. He promised to avenge his family's death, after all. He decided to help Matsuda by hacking into various government agencies to extract information about the prosecutor. He was about to start working when his cell phone rang. He blinked in confusion when he brought out his cell phone and found out that the number on the screen was unregistered. L noticed also and just nodded, silently urging him to answer it. Light brought the phone to his ear.
"Hello."
"Yagami Light?" Light froze. He knew the voice was somehow familiar. Light glanced at L who was staring at him curiously.
"I'm sorry you must have mistaken me for someone else." Light replied. In times like this, it would be best to be cautious. Light saw L smile. The man was probably thinking of the same thing. Sometimes, it was really scary to know that their brains work in the same way.
"You need not be cautious." The voice was strangely calm and friendly. "I am a friend." Light raised an eyebrow. L fidgeted in his seat.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not this Yagami Light." Light replied. He was curious who the person was. But safety comes first. He would just find out later. The voice was definitely a man's. It was somehow familiar though Light was sure he hadn't met the man before.
"I know you're Yagami. There is only one remaining Yagami in the line of Yagami Soichirou." The man said, and Light narrowed his eyes. Who was this man? "Do not worry. I am a friend who wishes to avenge for your family's death." The man continued.
Light said nothing. L stared at him asking silently what the man was saying. Light ignored the stare. The man sounded serious. He briefly wondered whether this man was actually Kira, trying to get his hands on him. If this was not Kira, then the man was quite brave to actually think of going against the murderer. And what would the man's motives be? Light refused to believe that the man was really doing this to avenge for his family's death. He didn't even know the man. So why?
"Look, I don't know who you are and what you want from me." Light feigned a tinge of nervousness in his voice. "I appreciate the offer but I don't understand what good it will do to you. You don't even know who Kira is." He continued.
There was a long pause before the man finally spoke.
"Yes. But I will in due time. I am investigating the Kira case." The man replied. Light wrinkled his brows. Investigating? His eyes widened in realization."My name is Mikami Teru. I'm sure you've heard about me in the news."
Light wondered whether the man was actually Mikami or not. Though it would be odd if the name was just used. He found it unnecessary. He looked at L and mouthed 'Mikami Teru', to which L raised an eyebrow. L mouthed something back and Light nodded.
"Yes. I am also investigating the Kira case. I am curious as to why a criminal prosecutor like you would take interest in the case. If you are really Mikami Teru as you claim to be." Light said. He flinched when L moved closer to him, a cheek pressing unto Light's back hand that was holding the phone, so as to hear the conversation between the two. Light distanced himself from the detective before pressing the loud speaker button in his cell phone.
"We should discuss this in person. You should be able to recognize me immediately. And I will too." The man replied. Light smirked in satisfaction while L just let out a small smile. After talking about the details of where and when to meet, Light finally ended the call. He turned to look at L who was chewing on his thumb while in deep thought.
"We sure have luck on our side." Light said, and L turned to look at him and smiled.
"Yes, it certainly seems to be." L replied, before immersing himself into deep thoughts again. Light sighed.
"I'm going to meet him alone, L." Light said and L glanced back at him.
"Yes. That would be best." L replied, black eyes unwaveringly staring at brown ones.
"Then don't sulk. Nothing's going to happen to me."
L stared at him for a while and nodded. The anxiety on the look was well-hidden but it didn't escape Light's eyes.
Light wondered why he blurted those words. It was unnecessary. He sighed inwardly and scooted closer to L to plan for the meeting with Mikami.
--
Mikami set down his eyeglasses on his desk. The meeting with Yagami Light was set tomorrow at 7 pm. Yagami Light was an extremely smart man. He sensed it from his voice when he called him. He knew the young man was not one to be used and be fooled. He was not exactly going to use Yagami in his investigation. But the young man said he was conducting his own investigation. Maybe they could join forces to catch the criminal? With Yagami's help, he knew it was probable. They could even solve this Kira case before L does.
And there was the fact that Yagami Light proved to be irrestibly gorgeous. From the young man's pictures and interviews with his classmates in the university, Yagami sure has his share of fans of ladies and strangely, some guys as well. He knew about Yagami's affiliation with the model Amane Misa. He briefly wondered if the girl was perfect for auburn-haired man. He knew it should not be his problem but a feeling of resentment towards the model deeply resided in a corner of his mind. Why? He wasn't able to figure it out yet. But he knew, he just knew, he has this strange desire to claim the young man as his.
He sighed. The moment he saw Yagami's picture, he just had the urge to meet the young man. Therefore, he thought that perhaps it was just curiosity that actually persuaded him into meeting the man personally. But then again, he wondered how his curiosity made him feel this way… Could it be…
Love at first sight?
No. It was too cheesy to even think about. He was not a cheesy type of person.
He sighed again.
Yagami Light sure proved to be a nuisance to him. He just couldn't get the brown eyes, the perfectly curved face, the mahogany locks and the oh, so wonderful lips out of his head. He supposed love at first sight could actually be used to describe the strange feeling. But he hasn't even met the man yet.
He plopped down on his bed and buried his face on his pillow. He has to rest. It would be best to appear fresh before the man. He closed his eyes in defeat. He wasn't going to be able to ignore this… feeling… anymore. Whatever this feeling was.
As he slowly drifted to sleep, he decided to put an end to the debate on what the feeling really was.
Crush. That's what it was.
--
L looked at the brunette who was calmly adjusting his wristwatch where the built-in microphone was attached.
He considered going with Light even though he knew it would jeopardize the plan. The plan was to know about Mikami's motives and find out if the man could be Kira. L seemed a little hesitant about Light going alone, but he reminded himself that this was their chance to find out something about the prosecutor. It was risky since there is a probability that Mikami was Kira, but Light seemed determined to do it. He wanted to go to the meeting place just to make sure everything will be alright. They could go there separately so as not to arouse Mikami's suspicion. But Light flatly refused. He just told L to stay at the headquarters and monitor his conversation with Mikami. After an hour of argument, L finally agreed.
Light glanced at him and said nothing. The young man seemed to notice his anxiety. He wondered how Light manages to see through his stoic façade. Maybe because Light was used to keeping a façade all the time?
"Light-kun seems to be excited." L said, pouting. Light strolled towards him.
"We're not going to argue again, L." Light replied, giving the detective a dark look. L just stared back.
"Of course." L said, and lowering his gaze, he added, "Light-kun doesn't understand my concern for him."
Light sighed and massaged his temples.
"Don't be a worry-wart, L. It's not like you." Light said, and L looked up again to stare into the brown orbs.
"I'm always not me when you're around." L replied and Light just snorted. L was sure he saw a faint tinge of pink appear on Light's cheeks, but he chose not to point it out. The brunette would definitely snarl at him.
When the computer clock read 6:30pm, L watched Light stand up from his chair.
"I'm going now." Light said and L nodded. The rest of the investigation team watched as Light made his way towards the door. When the door to the investigation room closed along with the disappearance of the brunette's presence, Matsuda ran towards L.
"Ryuuzaki! I'm worried! We don't know whether Mikami is Kira or not! I'm going there! Please let me follow Light!" Matsuda exclaimed, causing L to flinch slightly.
"No." L replied.
"But L—
"I'm afraid you just have to wait, Matsuda-san." L said.
Aizawa walked towards the two detectives, his eyebrows raised.
"You?" Aizawa asked, his eyes asking. L reminded himself to praise the man later.
"Yes, Aizawa-san. You." L replied, causing Matsuda to blink in confusion. The other man said nothing as L moved towards the intercom and pushed the button.
"Watari. Please prepare the limo."
Matsuda just gaped in shock.
--
Light calmly stared outside the glass window of the café. He was five minutes early. Surely, Mikami Teru must be a punctual man. He should be…
He stared at his wristwatch. The built-in mic was hidden well. He remembered L stubbornly refusing to let him meet Mikami alone. He almost sighed. Almost. He wanted to, yet he knew L would probably know what he's thinking just from that single faint noise. The panda's deductive skills are frighteningly too extraordinary.
He looked at his wristwatch again. 2 minutes before seven. He straightened his back and maintained his impassive face as he waited for Mikami's arrival. He was staring at the glass doors of the café when a too familiar raven-haired figure came into his view. Light gaped in shock as the too familiar obsidian orbs met his stare.
His calm and collected expression almost shattered. He turned to look outside the window again. The faint reflection in the glass window told Light that L was walking towards his direction. Light gritted his teeth and restrained himself from snarling at the man. What happened to the plan?
Light felt L walk past him and he felt something drop on his lap. He looked down. It was a small earpiece. He picked it up and gracefully placed it in his ear, making it look like he was just tucking some longer brown locks behind his ear.
"What happened to the plan, Ryuuzaki?" Light said, in a voice more faint than a whisper.
"There was a change of plans, Light-kun." L simply stated and Light almost turned back to give the man his coldest glare.
"Obviously." Light hissed. L was about to say something but Light hushed him when the door opened and the familiar figure of Mikami Teru walked inside. The man was tall, with raven hair that somehow bears a faint color of dark green probably because of the lighting in the café. He was wearing a black coat and tie and Light thought the man was actually good-looking.
Mikami spotted Light immediately and strolled towards him. Light, not bothering to stand up, gestured for the man to sit down.
"Yagami Light." Mikami said, and Light said nothing. "I'm sure you know that I am Mikami Teru." The man added.
Light nodded. "So, what is this we have to talk about? You and I are conducting our own investigations. I assume you wanted me to collaborate with you." Light said, and Mikami blinked a bit before letting out a small smile.
"Impressive. Yes. That is my main purpose." Mikami replied. "Though, I also wanted to see you personally, that's why I asked you to meet me." He continued, and Light raised a brow. Light heard L order a cup of coffee and a plate of cake.
"To see me?" Light asked, and Mikami nodded in affirmation. "Why, did I catch your attention or something?" Light asked.
Mikami smiled and Light felt strangely uncomfortable.
"Yes. And yes. Well, you're a head-turner, after all. Let's just say a photo of yours is too captivating to the eyes." Mikami replied.
Light almost rolled his eyes. Why do I get the feeling that this is some kind of a déjà vu? He heard L choke on his coffee over the earpiece. Ah, yes. Déjà vu it is. .
"Thank you. Though I don't really find it a good compliment when heard from a guy. Well? Why would a criminal prosecutor like you be interested in this case? L is already handling it. You don't have a solid reason to do this. And you know the risks involved." Light said, his chocolate orbs fixed intently on the man, waiting to analyze the man's reaction.
Mikami smiled.
"You really are a brilliant man, Yagami Light. Would you mind if I call you Light?"
"No. Go ahead. I don't care much about honorifics." Light said, hearing a grunt of protest from L in the earpiece.
"Thank you. I know L is handling the case and I certainly do not doubt his abilities." Mikami replied.
"I find it hard to believe that you're doing this out of curiosity." Light said, folding his arms on his chest.
"You see, I never mentioned this to the media." Mikami said, leaning over the table to whisper to Light. "My lover was killed by Kira." He continued and Light had to lean back to distance himself. He was feeling really uneasy under the intense gaze of the man.
"Lover?" Light asked curiously. "Do you mind telling me who?" Light continued.
"Raye Penber." Mikami replied, leaning back, perhaps sensing Light's discomfort.
Light restrained his eyes from widening in surprise. Raye Penber was one of the victims after his family's death. He could still remember the face of the man in the news. Well, he certainly hadn't expected Mikami to be gay. Mikami laughed, jolting him out of his thoughts.
"You were surprised, I could tell."
"Well, I am." Light replied, causing Mikami to laugh again. "So you basically wanted to avenge your… lover." Light continued. Mikami nodded.
"Basically. But my motives slightly changed now that I've met you." Mikami replied. Light felt more uncomfortable with the conversation. He knew what the statement meant.
"He's interested in you, Light-kun." L said through the earpiece and Light could swear the man was sulking.
"Changed? In what way?" Light asked.
"At first I just wanted to avenge his death. Now, I also wanted to avenge your family's death. I want to help you." Mikami replied, and Light raised an eyebrow. "And of course after knowing you're investigating on your own, I find it more interesting to work with you." The man continued.
Light nodded in understanding. The man was still staring at him. Light raised an eyebrow and Mikami just smiled.
"I find it hard to believe that such a beautiful man exists." Mikami said. Light said nothing.
A sound of a fork clattering to the ground was heard. Light and Mikami, as well as several other customers, turned to look at the source. And as Light had assumed, the source of the sound was none other than a pale-skinned, raven-haired weird panda sitting in an unusual position, drawing curious looks from the customers. L stared at Light and Mikami before setting his feet down from the chair and picking the fork up.
Mikami then turned to Light.
"You're still studying right?" Mikami asked. Light turned to look at the man and nodded.
"Yes. Though I'm not actually going to the university. I have to focus also on the case, that is why I asked permission from the university to continue my studies while I'm conducting my investigation." Light replied.
"Really impressive. I take it that you don't need to listen to lectures in class? I've heard rumors about you being a genius. I thought it was just an exaggeration." Mikami replied and smiled when Light raised an eyebrow.
"Not that I don't need them. I just find the teaching quite mediocre. I prefer self-studying." Light replied bluntly. Mikami laughed.
"Mediocre, eh? And we're talking about the top university here in Japan." Mikami said, eyes showing how impressed he is. Light just shrugged and decided to say nothing. "You know, I had my expectations about you." Mikami continued and letting out a small smile, he added, "But you seem to exceed them, that I don't know what to expect anymore." Light laughed.
"Really. You seem to be too mesmerized by me. I'm flattered." Light replied, smiling.
"Of course, such a beautiful, elegant and brilliant man would never fail to fascinate anyone." Mikami replied, smiling back. Light heard L mutter something but he wasn't sure what it was. He stared at the man across him who was still smiling at him. He knew the man was flirting. He groaned silently. Why is it that he seemed so attractive to men? It's not exactly a straight man like him would take as compliment. Plus the fact that the men drawn towards him were… creepy. One was weird but extremely brilliant straight guy turned homosexual, the other was a Kira suspect and a self-admitted homosexual. With that, was he supposed to feel ecstatic?
"Light-kun. End the meeting now. Tell him you'll accept the help." L said through the earpiece. He sighed mentally.
"I'm sorry to end this conversation. We haven't even ordered something yet, but I have to finish a paper tonight. Regarding the investigation, working together would be beneficial for both of us. I thank you for the offer." Light said, standing up. Mikami stood up as well.
"No. I thank you for meeting up with me. I never expected you to show up." Mikami replied. Mikami leaned towards Light. The brunette tensed as Mikami whispered, "The weird man sitting several seats away from us was staring at you the whole time. Please be careful of stalkers."
Light secretly rolled his eyes. Yeah, right. As if you're ogling's less creepier. Light nodded and smirked.
"I've practically lived a life full of them." Light said, to which Mikami let out a low chuckle. "Well then, I'll contact you about updates." He added. Mikami nodded.
"I will call you when we need to meet. But of course, it would depend on your schedule. You're the boss." Mikami said, smiling. Light smirked.
"I am?" Mikami just laughed. "Well, then it was nice meeting you." Light said and bowed. The man bowed in return.
"So am I, Light." Mikami replied. Light heard L scoff.
"I'll be going now." Light said, and Mikami nodded. He walked away from the man and headed towards the door. He felt Mikami's eyes following him. He walked out of the café and as he disappeared into an alleyway, he heard L's voice through the earpiece.
"Go back straight to the headquarters, Light-kun. Mikami's still here. I will be with you as soon as he's gone." Light said nothing and made his way to the train station.
--
Light was gathering information about Mikami's relationship with Raye Penber when the door to the investigation room opened and L walked in. He looked up and saw L walking towards him, scowling.
"Good job, Light-kun." L said and Light nodded.
"Why do I feel that you mean the opposite?" Light asked, his eyebrows raised. L said nothing. Aizawa and Matsuda looked at each other, and turned to their work again. When L remained standing there with the scowl still plastered on his face, Light sighed. The man was obviously upset over something.
"What is it, Ryuuzaki?" Light asked and L just stared at him. After a few seconds of silence, L turned to walk towards the door.
"Light-kun, I need to talk to you about something." L said. Matsuda and the others looked at each other, before looking at Light, silently asking what was wrong with the famous detective. Light just shrugged and stood up to follow L.
--
Light scanned the room they were in. The familiar whiteness of the room greeted him. It was L's room. He remembered having their first verbal argument in this room. No. He failed to forget that argument because of the… kiss. Light sighed and turned to L who was looking out of the window, his back facing the brunette.
"Well?" Light asked, and L turned to look at him.
"You did a good job, Light." L started, and Light took note of the lack of honorific. "His motives seemed to be real. Though I still cannot say if he's Kira or not." L continued, his voice frighteningly serious. Light stared at him for a while then spoke with an equally frightening serious voice.
"What is it, L?" L averted his gaze.
"I heard everything." L replied. Light blinked in confusion. What the hell did he mean by that? He frowned when realization hit him.
"Stop this nonsense, L! Control your jealousy, for Pete's sake!" Light exclaimed.
L looked at him pointedly.
"I am trying to!" L nearly bellowed. Light was taken aback. He had not heard the man raise his voice like this before. "You just don't understand how this extreme attraction for you is destroying me." L continued.
"Then perhaps you should stop it before it drives you mad." Light replied, staring into the pool of obsidian eyes.
"I'm afraid it's too late." L replied, looking away from him.
Light didn't know what to say. He settled for a sigh and sat on the king-sized bed.
"Well then, you just have to bear with it. We have to stick to the plan." Light said, crossing his arms over his chest. L sat on the chair near the bed.
"Of course. I just wanted you to know how hesitant I am to allow you to work with him." L said, resting his chin on his knees. The man was pouting. Light sighed in relief. L heard it and looked up at Light, smiling. "Light-kun is worried about me, after all."
Yes. The Ryuuzaki was finally back. Light smirked.
"Who said I was?" Light asked, and chuckled when L pouted once more. And with a teasing tone, he added, "You sure are a selfish man."
L blinked and with a pout, he answered back.
"Of course. Who would want to share Light-kun?"
--
AN: Reviews please. Hope you liked the chapter. I like Mikami. I think he's quite handsome. : ) Though I still think L is cooler.