Disclaimer : I don't own Death Note or Moulin Rouge!
When the two men returned to their suite, L settled himself down on the couch with a generous-sized slice of cake. The room was quiet and thoughtful, giving both detectives time and space to think about what had all transpired in the hallway.
Light was hoping that L would say something, anything. He was hoping that his explanation and the unpredicted kiss would have made the great detective change, or at least lessen the accusations made against him. It hurt Light, that L, the man that Light so desperately wished to become close with, to form a stable friendship with, still hated and detested him. The younger man wished for Ryuzaki to say anything, even if it were to condemn him for that immoral kiss; anything would be better than the silence that Light was suffering through at the moment, not knowing what the man beside him was thinking.
L, who generally is the one who breaks such awkward silences, again took initiative to start a conversation, though its content surprised the younger boy he was speaking to. "Light-kun," L began, "what do you think is the greatest thing a person will ever learn?" Light's face twisted itself into an expression of disbelief at what L had just asked, though he knew the answer without even having to think about it. Ryuzaki's earnest stare pushed Light to answer, softly, but definite.
"That's easy Ryuzaki. The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return."
L cocked his head to the side, "That's strange, Light-kun, that you would say that," he mumbled, "that is the same thing Matsuda was saying when he was watching that movie that one night. Do you really think that is the absolute greatest thing a person can learn? What about justice, and sugar ratios, and how to make cake; you know, the things that most people concern themselves with; how can it simply be to love and be loved in return?"
Light chuckled to himself, "Ryuzaki, do you honestly think that normal people concern themselves with cake and sugar ratios?" The younger man took the opportunity to steal a glance at L's eyes, and he could tell that he sincerely did; Light really did have to find this man some new hobbies, perhaps they could take up golf? "Well, yes, I do believe that. Ever since I watched Moulin Rouge, it has been one of my personal quotes; I had never thought about it like that before, but once I did, the quote made absolute sense."
L thought for a moment, "But, Matsuda always says such stupid things… how could he possibly say or believe in something that you claim to be so true and sacred? He isn't that smart!" L scoffed.
A smile played on Light's lips. "Well, Ryuzaki, I suppose that perhaps our little Matsuda is finally starting to grow up and learn the important things in life."
L returned Light's smile. "Psh, as if that could ever happen! Though… I suppose you might be right… However, I still think justice has more to do with great knowledge, rather than love."
The younger man started at the dark-haired detective for a few silent moments before speaking again. "Ryuzaki, have you ever seen Moulin Rouge?" L shook his head no, his face remaining blank and passive. Light spoke again, "Would you like to watch it with me?"
"Light-kun! We can not steal Matsuda's movie! You know how much he was dying to watch it," L exaggerated.
Light smiled, "I know, you would never participate in something illegal, such as stealing! We don't have to even borrow his copy, I have my own."
"Really?" L asked, surprised that he hadn't known this fact about the man he had been watching for the past months. "Well then, I suppose we can watch it, we have the night off, after all. Where is it?"
"I put it on the bottom shelf of the television stand weeks ago. Do you mean to say that you didn't notice it?" Light asked with a playful smile. "Come on, I'll put it in, then we can get some blankets to cover up with, it's starting to get cold, from the weather outside."
The two men settled down on the couch, each of them wrapped up in their own blanket, and watched the musical. Light sat back and relaxed, enjoying the movie he had grown to love over the years. L, however, studied and analyzed every action and word spoken, trying to discern the truth of the quote they had been discussing earlier.
When the movie was over, L was still curled up, his face composed and distant, absorbed with wandering thoughts. His crackling voice broke the serenity and stillness that the musical had enveloped the room in, "Light-kun… I think I understand why this quote seems to ring true in your heart, as well as Matsuda and the actors' hearts. Love is powerful and redeeming, I can see where it is better than sugar cubes and slices of cake." He remained facing forward, in order to hide the single tear that was escaping down his cheek. It was appalling that this movie, this single musical, had managed to do this to him; that it was able to uproot everything that he had previously believed in, and thought he knew. Everything had changed, so quickly, and to such a degree that it scared L; he wasn't quite sure where this discovery would lead him, or if he was ready for it.
Light glanced at the man sitting beside him. He didn't need to be looking directly at his face to know that it would be contorted with a twist of sorrow, discovery, and hope. The younger man knew this, because it was the same for him when he first saw the movie. He had become overwhelmed with the thought that he had lived his entire life thus far without searching for love, and that was why his life had been so empty. Looking at L's face now, Light uncovered another hidden thought, a thought that he hadn't even perceived as being possible until now. Was it at all possible that the reason he had at one point believed himself possible of being Kira, thus leading to his imprisonment, was all because he had lost sight of this simple truth that was addressed in this movie? Had the forgotten insight lead to a downfall of self-confidence and whole-goodness of character?
Light frowned into the darkness of the room, as it had now grown late. A single tear made its way down his cheek. These thoughts were too morbid to think about after watching such a beautiful movie. He once again glanced at L, and feeling as though he simply had to comfort the man beside him, in some way; even if to just let him know that someone else in the world feels the same thing that he does at the moment, he wanted to do it. Light scooted closer to L and leaned his head against the detective's shoulder.
The sudden proximity startled L, but after he realized it was only Light, he relaxed and lay his head against the other man's. "Thanks Light," Ryuzaki mumbled, suddenly growing drowsy.
"Hmm? What for Ryuzaki?"
"For letting me watch Moulin Rouge with you, and for revealing this truth to me. Thanks Light-kun."
The two men gave a simultaneous yawn, and within minutes, fell asleep; their heads, each filled with their own thoughts of the movie, and quests for love, still laying against the other.
A/N : i hope i got chapter 3 up soon enough to please some of you. =) now, i am contemplating two directions to take the story, a short version, or a longer version. i have created a poll, which you can find on my profile page, explainnig the inner-workings of both choices, to a certain degree. long story short, i'm leaving it up to the readers to decide if you want a longer or shorter story. so please vote, or i will have to postpone writing it, or choose for myself... and i'd like to try to keep as many people on here as happy as possible.. so please vote. also! i encourage everyone to review!!! i want to know what you're thinking about this story/chapter. for everyone who has reviewed, thank you! your reviews are honestly the drive that keeps me writing. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!! ^_^ -until next time. xo.
