AN: Update, at last. I had several free days to write the new chapter but sloth took over me. I apologize. lol Anyway, it doesn't matter since here it is. :) Thank you once again for the wonderful reviews. I really wish you could continue giving me feedbacks every chapter. It really makes me more eager to write new chapters. So, if it's not too much trouble, please leave comments about the chapter.
This is Chapter 12 and the first Superbia chapter. Superbia is the Latin term for Pride. Please correct me if I'm wrong. But I do hope that if it's wrong, the correct one still starts with letter S. :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note.
Enjoy.
Chapter 12: Superbia
Light woke up, the brightness of the room indicating that the sun was already up. He winced in pain as he tried to get up from the bed. His bottom, especially, was throbbing painfully, so he decided to lie down for a few minutes more. He was really going to kill that damn panda. He glanced sideways, only to find the other side of the bed empty. Where's the damn panda? He cursed inwardly. Here he was, aching all over, while the man responsible for it was nowhere to be seen. Light closed his eyes and contemplated on last night's unexpected events.
He had sex with L. He knew it was wrong. He wasn't gay. He wasn't even interested in men. But then why did he do that? The most logical reason that he could come up with is that he is attracted to L. L wasn't really unattractive, nor was he also the handsome cool type. But L was extremely intelligent. L was the only person that was on par with him when it comes to thinking. Perhaps that was the reason why he felt attracted to the man? Partly yes. He knew there were other reasons. One of them would be L's honesty, or bluntness to be precise. It was sometimes irritating, but most of the time he found it amusing. He had never met anyone that blunt before. Also, L's childish traits are cute, although sometimes, he finds it extremely annoying as well. All in all, L's persona was too complex and difficult to grasp.
Okay. So he was definitely attracted to the man. But L should not know. At least not now. He sighed loudly. Just thinking about the man causes headaches.
"Are you not feeling well Light-kun?" He heard L ask, making him open his eyes immediately. He stared at the man who was standing beside the bed, looking down at him.
"I didn't hear you enter." L smiled at him and walked around the bed to sit on the empty spot on the bed.
"Of course. Light-kun was still in La-la land. Perhaps he was thinking about last night?" L replied, and Light gave a glare in return.
"Who won't? My muscles are aching, my bottom is stinging in pain, and my mind is still in turmoil. Should I ask you whose fault is it?" Light replied, and the man chuckled in amusement.
"I apologize, Light-kun, for the pain and discomfort. But I'm sure you'll get used to it." L replied, smiling. Light scowled.
"I refuse to get used to it. Who said there would be a next time?"
"I'm sure there will be." Light just rolled his eyes.
"If having sex with you means that I would get these muscle pains, then I happily prefer sumo wrestling." L chuckled, and opened his mouth to speak but Light interrupted. "And I still can't believe I let you do that to me. Stay away from me from now on."
L pouted childishly and Light twitched in annoyance. There he goes again with the irresistible pouting.
"Light-kun need not worry about his pride as a man. I would let him be the seme every once in a while. Although I still feel reluctant about it. I, too, have my own pride." L replied, to which Light narrowed his eyes.
"That is not the main issue here, L. I told you there would be no next time."
"We'll see." L said, smiling. Light snorted in response. He slowly got up to sit, wincing in pain as he did so. L just watched him.
"Why do I feel that you find it amusing to see me in this kind of situation?"
L blinked at him for a moment before chuckling.
"I certainly do not find it amusing, Light-kun, to see you in that state of… pain. It was my fault after all." L replied, to which Light rolled his eyes in annoyance. Obviously. "Would Light-kun like to have a rerun?"
Light almost choked in shock.
"W-what?" He asked, frowning at the detective.
"I was asking if Light-kun would like to have a rerun of last night's events." L replied, smiling in amusement as Light's frown turn into a pure image of horror.
"What do you mean rerun? You bastard. I feel the urge to beat you endlessly today." Light hissed, sending killing glares to the man. L just stared at the brunette, his wide obsidian orbs twinkling in amusement. L leaned closer to the brunette.
"A pity, Light-kun, since I do not have masochistic tendencies." L whispered to Light's ear, making the brunette flinch. He heard L chuckle faintly. He pushed L away from him and glared at the man. The man just smiled at him, and he rolled his eyes in defeat.
"Did Mikami call?" Light suddenly asked, and he almost smirked when L's face darkened.
"Does Light-kun really enjoy making me jealous?" L asked, the ever irresistible cute pout present, making Light twitch in irritation. He stared fully at the man, before smirking.
"Why would I want to make you jealous? Did it ever cross your mind that I may actually like Teru? He's quite the handsome type, you know." Light said, smirking in satisfaction when L's eyes narrowed when he used the first name. It was certainly flattering to know that he could break L's expressionless face that easy.
"Light-kun does certainly enjoy making me jealous." L remarked, scowling darkly. Light watched as the detective lowered his gaze and got up from the bed. "Light-kun doesn't understand how much it affects me." L continued, and Light was sure L's voice was slightly trembling. He secretly smiled to himself. This was one of the moments when he find the damn detective quite cute.
Light laughed, and grabbed L's wrist, making the man turn to blink at him in confusion. He smiled, and pulled L to sit on the bed again.
"I was just teasing you. Really, sometimes I do find your jealous antics quite cute." Light said, chuckling. L just stared at him for a while, before smiling.
"Light-kun should laugh more. He looks prettier when he's happy."
Light released L's wrist, and turned to look away so as to conceal his red cheeks.
"Well? Did Mikami call or not?"
"Yes. Amane did, too. She called you ten times."
Light raised an eyebrow.
"Ten times? That's weird. She usually calls me at least thirty times until I answer it."
"Well, I answered the eleventh call."
Light stared at the man. L just stared back, fidgeting.
"You what?" Light asked, his eyes narrowing.
"I answered it. It was annoying, so I answered it." L replied.
"And? What did you say?"
"I told her Light-kun was still sleeping." Light stared at the man in shock.
"You told her I was still sleeping? Have you lost your mind?! She's not that dumb to not know the implications of your words, L!" Light said, fuming in irritation.
"Exactly." L said. Light stared at the man incredulously. "There's no need to hide anything from her, Light-kun. I don't want to share you, Light-kun. It's better to break up with her this early. We're exclusively dating now, after all."
"We are?!" L gave him an isn't-it-obvious look.
"Of course. Unless Light-kun assumed that what happened was only a one-night stand."
Light opened his mouth to protest, but closed it again. It was true after all. What happened between them was definitely not a one-night stand and Light understood it very well.
"But that doesn't mean I am happy to announce this… relationship, whatever you call it, in public."
"Is Light-kun ashamed that he's going out with someone like me?"
"It's not that, L. You know it." Light replied, frowning. "We're both… guys. You know how society works."
"In case you have forgotten, Light-kun, I do not live with society's rules. And I believe we should call ourselves homosexuals now." L said, and Light twitched in annoyance. "But if Light-kun is bothered with what others will say, then I will try to keep this relationship secret."
Light rolled his eyes.
"Should I thank you?" Light asked, sarcastically, then without waiting for an answer, reached out for his cell phone on the bedside table and dialed Mikami's number.
"Mikami." Light started. He felt L move closer to him but he ignored the man. "Any updates?" He felt the thin arms encircling his waist. He glanced at L, who just stared back at him.
"I see. Meet me later at the same café." He felt L's hands tense a bit. "Seven will do. See you." L rested his chin on his shoulder, probably trying to listen to the conversation. He smirked at the detective.
"Your voice sounds sexy as ever, Light." Mikami said on the phone. Light was sure L heard it for the detective tightened his hold on his waist. Light just chuckled in reply. As soon as he ended the call, L grabbed the phone from him and threw it on the other side of the bed. He blinked at the man, who just pouted at him and hugged him tightly.
"You're really possessive." Light remarked.
"Of course. I'm childish, Light-kun. Besides, Light seems to be fond of Mikami's flirtations." L replied, pouting.
"He knows how to flirt. And his flatteries are good enough to charm people."
L turned to stare at him. The obsidian orbs directly gazing at the chocolate ones.
"Is Light-kun charmed by him?"
Light stared back unwaveringly and smiled.
"Do you really want me to answer that?"
L lowered his gaze and rested his chin again on Light's shoulder.
"No." L whispered. Light smiled, and brought a hand to ruffle the raven locks.
"I'm not charmed by him, don't worry." Light whispered back, and L's head suddenly shot up. Light almost chuckled at the obvious expression of joy on the man's face. L smiled at him before kissing him shortly on the mouth.
"Light-kun does love me, after all." L said, smiling widely. Light rolled his eyes.
"As if. I'm just not interested in him. Don't get your hopes up." Light replied, to which L just shrugged.
"If Light-kun doesn't want to admit it yet, then I would not force him to." Light twitched in annoyance but said nothing in return. L buried his face on Light's brown locks. "Light-kun."
"Hmm?"
"Let's avoid talking about my love rivals often." L mumbled.
Light smiled genuinely. How can this man be so damn cute?
"You're the one who's always bringing them up."
The detective said nothing and he felt the hands around his waist tighten more.
--
Light restrained himself from sighing the third time. Mikami was staring at him strangely since he entered the café. What was with the man today? Why was he looking at him like that?
Light picked up his cup of coffee, as he eyed the man who was still staring at him.
"What?" He asked, as he sipped.
"Did you find yourself a better lover?" Mikami replied, making Light choke a bit. "I see, you did find a better one."
Light calmly set down the china cup.
"Sorry to contradict you but I am still with my current girlfriend." Light said, smiling. Although it seemed a bit forced, but Mikami seemed not to notice it.
"Ahh, with Amane Misa, still? But you've become more… sexier these days, and I'm pretty sure Amane's not the reason." Mikami replied.
"Really?" Light absent-mindedly asked. He was actually cursing L mentally. Did L really affect him that much?
"Yes." Mikami replied, interrupting his thoughts. "I wonder who it is…"
Light said nothing.
"Would that be me, Light-kun?" L said through the earpiece.
Light's eyebrow twitched. How could he forget that the bastard was listening? He mentally sighed. Had something really changed in him? Did he really look… sexier? He shuddered a little. Was it really because of L? Or his mindblowing sexual encounters with the man? But then again, would a sexual intercourse with another produce such similar changes in him?
He glanced at Mikami, who just stared at him, perhaps wondering what was on his mind.
No. Perhaps having a night with this man wouldn't affect him that much. He wouldn't even allow this man to touch him.
He froze.
Was he really this attracted to L then? If not, how come L's an exception? Did he really fall for L?
"Light?" Mikami suddenly said, interrupting his thoughts. He smiled at the man gratefully, who just blinked at him, questioningly. He would leave the question hanging for now. He wasn't exactly sure what the answer is yet.
"So you're now sure that they're from Yotsuba." Light said, changing the subject. He watched as Mikami's questioning face relaxed. The prosecutor leaned back in his chair, and eyed him for a moment before answering in a serious voice,
"Yes. After I've found out about that, someone from Yotsuba sent me an invitation to a party. There were other prosecutors invited, although somehow I have a feeling that there's something more to the invitation."
Light raised an eyebrow. A party? It's too suspicious. Why would Yotsuba suddenly invite Mikami to the party?
"A party, eh? Do you have any acquaintances with the men behind the Yotsuba corporation?"
"Ahh, now that you mention it, yes. I am actually well-acquainted with Namikawa Reiji. He's the VP of Sales. I'm sure you've heard about him."
Light raised an eyebrow. Mikami's acquainted with one of the Yotsuba members? Mikami seemed to have read his mind and smiled at him.
"Does that fact make me suspicious? Yotsuba's our lead suspect now, after all." Mikami said, jolting Light out of his thoughts.
"Not really. How come you know him?"
"He's a college friend."
Light just nodded and said nothing. If Mikami's related to one of the members, then that would be a reason for the invitation. Although it seemed to be too coincidental that the invitation came right after Mikami had found out about Yotsuba following him.
"Why don't we attend the party together?" Mikami suddenly asked. Light spared him a glance before immersing himself with his thoughts again. Indeed, it was a good opportunity to know more about the corporation. But it was also too risky. If Mikami proved to be related to Kira, or something close to that, then he would surely be in deep trouble. But then again, this would be the perfect chance for them.
"If you're sure it's fine, then I'd be glad to go with you." Light said, earning a wide smile from Mikami.
"I'm looking forward to the party now." Mikami replied, smiling. Light decided to say nothing and just smiled back at him. "By the way, Light, be careful. If one of the members of the Yotsuba is indeed Kira, he would have known by now that you're working with me."
Light nodded.
"Of course. But it would help us a lot if Kira draws closer to us. We just have to be very careful."
"You must believe much in the old cliché 'keep your enemies closer' eh?" Mikami replied, and with a serious voice, he added, "But I'm worried it might get too dangerous to get closer to Kira. This is a killer we're talking about."
"Yes. But I'd prefer to take the risk."
Mikami eyed him for a while, then nodded in understanding.
"Tell me what I have to do, then." Mikami said, earning a genuine smile from Light.
--
L glanced at the time displayed on his laptop's screen, and bit his thumb hard. It was exactly 10:07 pm. Even though he was practically aware of Light's actions, thanks to the wonderful mini earpiece to which he entrusted Light's life to, he was still worried. He knew the dangers of allowing Light to go out by himself. The thought that Kira could be somewhere near the vicinity of the brunette, his brunette, was endlessly gnawing at him, making him feel restless. He was worried and scared. And the feeling was foreign to him. He knew Light wasn't the weakling type, and he was sure the brunette could handle himself well even in the presence of the notorious serial killer. But still…
He chewed on his thumb, ignoring the faint taste of copper caused by his unconscious hard chewing. He glanced at the clock again. It was 10:09. Why was the brunette still not here? The dinner with Mikami ended thirty minutes ago, and the restaurant wasn't really that far from the headquarters building. He was starting to regret his decision of coming back to the headquarters. They should have stayed longer in the hotel. The hotel was definitely nearer to the restaurant.
"Ryuuzaki, are you alright?"
L turned to glance towards the owner of the voice, and wasn't surprised to see Matsuda, staring at him worriedly. L stopped gnawing at his mouth.
"Yes, Matsuda-san. Are you done with the list of the employees of the Yotsuba?"
Matsuda nodded, still staring at him with a worried expression.
"Yes." Matsuda replied. L just nodded and brought his thumb to his mouth again. He was about to go back to his worrying, but Matsuda was still staring at him intently. He looked up at the man again, and stared back, waiting for the man to speak. "Uh, your thumb is bleeding, Ryuuzaki."
L blinked at the man but did not stop chewing. The coppery taste was strong now, and he could feel a slow trickle of blood down his wrist.
"I am aware of that, Matsuda-san." L mumbled, and thanked the man silently, when the man did not say anything more and just scratched the back of his head and walked towards Aizawa and the others. He heard Matsuda whisper something to the others, and the rest of the investigation team gave him worried looks. He turned to fully face them, his bloody thumb completely in view. The team stared at the bloody finger but said nothing about it. L stopped chewing and removed the bleeding thumb from his mouth. He almost smiled when the team's worried face relaxed.
"We will start the meeting as soon as Light-kun arrives. Until then, you may do whatever you wish to do, provided you have finished the task I assigned to you." He said, and the others nodded in understanding.
Suddenly, he saw the familiar figure of the brunette on the security camera walking towards the elevator, and he sighed in relief. Really, it was a wonder how a single Light Yagami could make him feel these foreign, not to mention frustrating, strong feelings of fear and anxiety. But then again, Light was an epitome of a person nearing perfection, and so it would not be surprising that Light had exceptionally induced these feelings within him. Just how much did Light change him?
He was suddenly interrupted by the sudden opening of the door, and he turned to glance at the brunette who was smiling and exchanging a few words with the team. The brunette caught his eye and started walking towards him. He saw Light's face brighten a bit, but he wasn't sure. This was Light, after all. The man who has the perfect features and at the same time, the greatest pride one could have. The very proud man who refuses to admit that he was attracted to him, even after all the mind blowing sex they had. But as the man drew closer to him, all the doubts faded, and he was now perfectly sure the brunette's face did brighten after seeing him.
L smiled at Light, then blinked in confusion when Light's brows wrinkled questioningly.
"Your thumb is bleeding. You've obviously chewed it a bit too hard, L." Light said, sitting on the swivel chair beside him.
He smiled. He could swear he saw an expression of something akin to worry flash on the chocolate orbs.
"Yes, I have noticed it too, Light-kun. But I believe I was feeling a bit too anxious to pay attention to it." L said, making Light raise his eyebrows questioningly. L decided not to say anything, expecting the brunette to understand the implications of his words. After a few seconds, Light sighed.
"Should I thank you?" Light asked, to which L pouted. Light laughed shortly. "I guess I should be grateful, eh?" The brunette continued, then with a small smile, he added, "I'm sorry for worrying you. I passed by a candy shop, and decided to buy you at least a bag of sweets."
The young man fished out a small bag from his pocket and offered it to L, who was gaping at the brunette in shock.
Light bought him some sweets? The world must be nearing its end. Either that or the man in front of him was Light's long lost twin brother who happened to be related to Kira.
"You don't want it?" Light suddenly asked, and L immediately grabbed the bag. Light laughed. "Eat it after the meeting."
He smiled at the young man.
"I won't eat this." L said, and Light blinked at him in confusion.
"Why not?"
"This is the first ever gift I have received from Light-kun." L replied, smiling sheepishly at Light. "I know Light-kun's not much into giving presents; that is why this is a very important one. Therefore, I believe it would be terrible to just let it go down my digestive tract, and eventually out of my system."
Light rolled his eyes.
"Whatever. It's yours anyway. Do what you want."
L smiled wider. He had the sudden urge to kiss the man right then and there but he knew it wasn't a good idea. So he just gave the brunette a long grateful, loving gaze. He saw Light's cheeks turn pink, but he said nothing.
"Let's start the meeting, L." Light said, standing up.
L nodded and stood up as well, then walked along with the brunette towards the rest of the team.
The small bag of sweets clutched tightly in one pale hand.
--
"You will be attending the party?" Matsuda asked, and L spared the man a glance.
"Yes, Matsuda-san. Along with you and Mogi-san. " L replied. He glanced at Light for a while then continued, "Light-kun would go with Mikami."
Matsuda nodded eagerly.
"I see. So Aizawa-san and Ukita-san would monitor everything?"
L glanced at Aizawa and Ukita before responding.
"No. They would be the back-ups. Light-kun and I would review the taped conversations later on." He glanced at Light who flashed him a small smile.
"Wouldn't it be dangerous for you to be there as well?" Aizawa asked.
"I believe so." L replied, earning a few questioning looks from the others. "I have my reasons." Personal reasons, actually. He heard Light shift uncomfortably in his seat, and L suppressed a smile.
"But how can we attend the party when we have no invitation?" Matsuda suddenly asked, and L almost praised the man for having a sensible question for once.
"I will have Watari work on that."
The men nodded in understanding. He glanced again at Light who just looked back at him. The man seemed to be thinking deeply.
"If there are no more questions, then you may retire for the night. Light-kun and I have to discuss some more things, and I believe it is unnecessary for the rest of you to stay longer. We will tell you all the details tomorrow." He said, and the others just nodded.
As soon as the others were out of the room, L turned to Light who was still thinking deeply.
"Is something the matter, Light-kun?" He asked, jolting the brunette out of his thoughts.
"No. I was just listing the probable reasons for your decision to attend the party."
L blinked.
"I am surprised Light-kun doesn't know the main reason why I decided to attend." L said, earning a frown from the brunette.
"If what I'm thinking is your main reason, then I certainly refuse to acknowledge it." Light replied.
"Would Light-kun like to voice out what he's thinking?" L said, with a barely hint of teasing in his voice.
Light sent him a glare, and he chuckled in amusement.
"You're attending the party to keep an eye on me." Light hissed.
L chuckled again.
"Not exactly keep an eye on you. The correct one would be to keep an eye on others who would try flirting with you."
Light ignored his reply, and continued.
"Also, you're worried about me. Too worried, in fact." Light added.
He stared at the brunette before letting out a small smile. He was impressed. Light had just precisely pointed out the two main reasons for his decision. He knew it wasn't good to let his decisions be affected by personal reasons, but he also knew it would also continue to affect him greatly, if he would allow Light to go to the party alone. Well, he could still let Matsuda and Mogi go to the party as well, but still, he knew the gnawing feeling of worry and fear inside him would continue to persist. He knew that one way or another, letting Light go without him would greatly affect his thinking. Therefore, the logical solution was to attend the party with him.
"I'm not a weakling, L. I could certainly handle danger, and you know it."
He glanced at the brunette, who looked back unwaveringly. He mentally sighed. He expected this. Light was a proud man. Too proud to even attempt to refuse an act of worry.
"I know, Light-kun."
"Then you don't have to do this. Matsuda and Mogi would be enough."
L met Light's gaze.
"I know Light-kun could handle the danger well. Even if it involves someone as notorious as Kira. But I certainly can't handle this feeling of worry I have, everytime Light-kun goes to take the risks alone. And I certainly won't handle it well, if anything happens to Light-kun."
For a few moments, they just stared at one another. Still staring, Light started,
"You're worried about me that much?"
L equally stared back, unwaveringly.
"No. I love you that much." L replied, and Light averted his gaze, finally ending the staring escapade.
--
AN: I hope you're not disappointed because there weren't too lovey-dovey scenes in this chapter. : ) I am trying to quicken the pace of the story now. I think I spent too much chapters already for the development of L and Light's romantic relationship. The succeeding chapters would now probably focus more on the plot, but I would still be inserting some cute scenes and some mild lemons, of course. I am a fangirl after all. Although it greatly pains me to suppress these urges to write more romantic scenes. Lol
Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter, and feedbacks are greatly appreciated.