Minagawa: Why the hell am I here? Everyone hates me!
TCLA: You are here, because the person (an actual person mind you!), who was to say this, didn't send me her mouth words soon enough, and I ain't waiting on her. Damn Kira.
Minagawa: That bitch I kidnapped?
TCLA: …no, you stupid psychotic idiot.
Chapter 32 Reunion
Soft and warm. And achy. But it was a muscle deep kind of ache one gets from running a marathon. It felt good in a strange way. Probably because it was much more muted then the sharp pains so kindly administered to me over the past few days. I was awake. There was no gentle transition from unconsciousness, something I was thankful for. I doubted I could handle any more disorientation. For a brief moment, I considered trying to fall asleep again, but decided that I needed to take advantage of being lucid for once.
I slowly looked out from under my lashes. My room. I was in my room at taskforce headquarters. Light was pouring in from a window, its curtains pulled aside, letting me know it was daytime. I opened my eyes all the way, blinking in the brightness. All the white of the room served to increase the light's intensity.
I turned my head, seeing L perched on a chair next to my bed. His thumb was pressed to his lips in his classic thinking pose. He was staring towards the window in contemplation, a small frown tugging at his lips. His hair was as messy as ever; a mop of black feathers and just as soft. The bags under his dark eyes were slightly more pronounced and I wondered if this was due to my absence. But he was still L. And as overused and cliché this is, he took my breath away.
"Hey," I said softly, not wanting to startle him.
He blinked owlishly, coming back from whatever theories and observations had been swirling invisibly in his line of sight. He stared at me in slight shock, a small smile finally appearing on his face.
"Hey," he answered matching my tone. This only served to make me smile in return. It was funny to hear such an informal word coming from him.
"Are you okay?" I asked, sincerely curious. He chuckled quietly shaking his head at me.
"You ask me if I am 'okay.' You are completely ridiculous." I simply waited for a serious answer and he sighed. "If you had asked me that twenty-four hours ago, I would have replied with a firm no, but yes, I am now 'okay.'"
"Good. I was worried."
"You were worried. Rei, I am not the one who was kidnapped and accused of being a mass murderer."
"Well not this time obviously," I teased, "but I would bet money that something of that nature has happened to you."
"Does being taken into custody by the police as a possible drug user, count?" I stared at him with wide eyes. "I am of course, joking." I stared at him for a few more moments before a small giggle escaped me. Now it was L's turn to stare as guffawed to my heart's content.
I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, getting rid of the tears that had pooled there, and struggled to sit up. L's eyes tightened and the laughter faded from them. Seeing this, I slumped back down on the bed.
"How bad am I?" I asked, proud of my casual tone. He paused.
"I do not see why that is pertinent."
"It's pertinent, because I want to get up, and if you don't explain to me the extent of my injures and let me decide if they will leave me bedridden, then I will attempt to stand and find out for myself."
"You are being far too stubborn for an invalid."
"If I wasn't, you wouldn't waste your time with me," I countered. L sighed.
"Luckily, you do not have any broken or sprained bones, nor any damage to vital organs. You lost a large amount of blood, but not enough to require a transfusion, but enough to leave you quite weak. The majority of the damage was due to bruising and dehydration. The wound on your shoulder should heal with no complications if you do not move it while the muscle tissue is repairing itself."
I nodded. There shouldn't be any issues with standing. I started to sit up again, but L stopped me with a pleading look on his face.
"What can I do to keep you in bed?" Ignoring the connotation of that… I bit my lip, quickly going over what had happened over the past few days and noticing the blanks in my memory.
"Tell me everything that happened," I decided. He tilted his head at me.
"You do not remember?"
"I know what happened on my side, but the last day is pretty fuzzy after we got down the fire escape. Besides, I want to hear you talk." I tried not to look embarrassed by that last sentence. I knew he clearly heard what I meant.
I want to hear your voice.
He nodded, clearing his throat, making a show of getting ready to speak. This coaxed a smile from me.
"You are well aware of the circumstances. I sent you along with Watari and Matsuda to the store, trying to give you an opportunity to be outside." He shook his head. "I can't say I'll ever repeat the action." I smiled again. "Watari and Matsuda returned and informed me of your absence. I lost my temper towards Matsuda and ordered everyone excepting Light, your father and myself to search for you. We were to continue searching for Kira, hoping that you would somehow return in the meantime. Obviously that was not the case, and we were floundering hopelessly until the first video was sent." L's look turned to one of pride and admiration. "You were simply flawless during the first interrogation. I was too busy admiring you stubbornness to react badly."
L glanced away from me and resumed his staring towards the window for a brief moment. He smiled himself, clearly remembering something before picking up where he left off.
"I then called on a favor for a friend and we were able to narrow down your general location with the arrival of the next video. I did not react well to that one." He ran his hand along the bandages wrapped around my fingers. "I unknowingly dragged Light to the roof," he admitted sheepishly and I laughed at the mental image. "Then there was a day that we went without any sort of communication between your captor."
"What?" I interrupted. "You didn't get the drug video?" L froze.
"You were drugged," L said flatly. "We found a form of hallucinogenic inducing drug, but we were not aware you had been subjected to it."
"It's not fun," I said weakly, trying to joke. L stared at the floor broodingly. "Please. Finish."
"Very well. Then of course was the day we were allowed to communicate. Shortly after the transmission ended, we were sent the location of a building that was in the area we had already determined to house your location. I supposed Minagawa had an unwilling accomplice from your message." I nodded. "I…subdued your brother, and left your father with the task of keeping him unconscious. Then the remainder of the task force and I went to the location. I entered alone, under the impression it would be less dangerous to you. You of course are aware of what transpired when I came face to face with Minagawa," I nodded again.
"I then learned the door I had originally entered from was locked and we wore forced to use the fire escape. After that point, I was simply helping you to the car." He was leaving something out.
"I heard a gunshot," I prompted, "and the sound of a body falling."
"I was hoping you wouldn't recall that," he said with a small sigh. "Minagawa had been on the roof, he had appeared to be holding some sort of weapon. When Watari saw us leaving, he fired under the assumption Minagawa was attempting to murder us. Minagawa had been off balance and fell over the side of the building. He died instantaneously."
"And then?" I prompted again, sounding like a child trying to prolong a bedtime story.
"We brought you to the car and removed the nail in your shoulder. After that I suppose you lost any semblance of consciousness?" I nodded. "We simply returned and Watari's experience in first aide was put to the test."
I looked back on the entire story from L's point of view. He sounded so blasé about it. Like taking out a rouge police officer and rescuing kidnapped teenage girls had hardly been challenging for him. But then again, he was L. I shook my head at him in awe.
"Fascinating as that was, I'm still getting up," I said, sitting up and swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. I carefully got to my feet. "See?" I gestured to the ground. "I'm fi-" I paused, a feeling rising in my stomach. "Shit," I murmured sprinting for the bathroom.
I skidded on the tile floor and threw open the lid of the toilet. L quickly followed me and asked in concern, "Rei, are you al-"
"BLEH!"
"Did you truly just say 'bleh' as you vomited?"
"Ugh. Yes…" I groaned, flushing the toilet. "You gave me painkillers didn't you?"
"…"
"I don't react well to painkillers. Even Advil and Tylenol get me nauseous. I have to take the kid dosage."
"Your father assured me it was merely a mental reaction," L justified.
"Well now we know it's not," I said calmly ignoring the bitter taste in my mouth and heaving myself to my feet. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
I looked terrible. I suppose part of that could be contributed to the fact I had just thrown up (damn painkillers), but the rest was surely a result of my captivity. I was pale. Not as bad as L obviously, but quite a difference from my normal coloring; most likely from blood loss. This of course forced the bruises littering my jaw and collarbone into focus. I was a splendid shade of white, blue, black, purple, yellow and green. My hair was oily, and still had some blood dried in it. Then there were my eyes. They looked huge in my face, complimented by a mixture of bags and black eyes from the multiple of blows I had taken to my face.
Rather than dwell on my horrid appearance, I focused mainly on the bags beneath my eyes. They looked almost as dark as L's. Now that was funny to me for some reason.
"We match," I said jokingly. L appeared over my shoulder in the mirror and wrapped his arms around me, resting his head on the niche of my shoulder. He stared at me through the mirror, his eyes moving across all the bruises that decorated my face, finally coming back to my eyes. I shivered.
"I'm rather partial to your eyes without the bags actually," L complimented. "Especially the color. It's like a mixture of chocolate, honey, and coffee." I started to turn towards him a feeling swelling in my stomach…and then I was on my knees in front of the toilet again.
"BLEGH!"
L pulled my hair back, comfortingly stroking my face.
"It seems I am worse at being romantic than I thought. You are vomiting because of it."
"It's like I'm pregnant or something," I groaned.
"I find that highly improbable as we have never had intercourse."
I stared at him for a moment and then burst out laughing. L gave me an indignant look.
"Ryuzaki, you are such a prude. You couldn't just say we never had sex?" I teased.
"I am not a prude," he defended hotly.
"Are too."
"Misa has accused me of being a pervert. How can a pervert possibly be a prude?"
"First of all, you're an accidental pervert. It's not like you get off on it. Secondly, are you saying you would rather be a pervert then a prude?"
"…I feel like I cannot win this argument."
"Damn straight." L chuckled. "What?"
"I find it amusing when you swear."
"It's not unladylike?"
"I have never considered you a lady in the refined way. So no. I find it attractive."
"…you're weird."
"I accept this, but I am not the one who has had this entire conversation from in front of a toilet."
"Touché."
Sad as I was to stop our witty banter, L's reminder was a cue for the sour taste in my mouth to be a main priority for me. As well as getting a shower. I got up once more.
"Ryuzaki, would you mind grabbing my pajamas to change into?" I asked, pulling out my toothbrush and squirting liberal amounts of toothpaste on it. This is where you could see the family resemblance between Light and I; hygiene.
"Of course."
I started furiously brushing my teeth, trying to make up for the four (or was it five?) days I hadn't had access to one. When L reentered, I looked like a rabid dog with blue foam rather than the classic white with my toothbrush attractively sticking out of my mouth.
"Fank you," I said through the foam.
"You're welcome." A mischievous look appeared on L's face and he snaked his arms around my waist. "You know," he whispered directly into my ear, "I could help you with that shower."
If my face had been any redder, people would have stopped their cars waiting for it to turn green.
"Please remind me again, who is the prude?" L called over his shoulder as he left.
Damn you L.
Damn.
You.
Two showers later and three more sessions of brushing my teeth, I was dressed (sort of) and ready to continue my battle with L.
Any witty retorts I had prepared dried up in mouth at the sight of the food cart in the room. My stomach twisted, this time out of hunger, and my mouth began salivating.
"Oh my God," I groaned and attacked the metal cart. I quickly grabbed a plate and filled it. I knew that I wouldn't be able to eat much, but I also knew L would finish anything I didn't eat as the cart consisted mainly of fruit and pastries. "I'm in heaven," I murmured reverently. "There is a God and Watari is his nephew." L chuckled.
"I believe that was my reaction the first time I had Watari's cooking. Though I am amused you chose him to God's nephew," L said with a grin.
"En di you eet Atari?" I asked through a full mouth. L's grin grew wider and I swallowed. "When did you meet Watari?" I repeated more clearly.
"I met Watari when I was six years old. Shortly after that, he became my guardian," L said easily.
Guardian. L was an orphan. Or at the very least he didn't have a family. Not one that wanted him anyway.
"I understand." L gave me a small smile.
"Thank you." I blinked in confusion.
"For what?" I asked honestly.
"For not saying, 'I'm sorry,'" L quoted.
I had said those exact same words to him after I had told him about Tai.
"You're welcome," I said softly.
"I am not ashamed of my past. Watari has long since been the only parental figure I've ever known. It has ceased to matter to me. You can ask me anything you would like."
"How old are you?" I blurted out.
"Twenty-four," L answered easily. "Does my age matter?"
"Not really, I was just curious… I mean you threw me a birthday party and I've almost known you for a year, and I was wondering if I missed it."
"No, you have not missed my birthday this year," L said with a chuckle.
"So you're turning twenty-five," I mused. "Damn you're old. I'm with an old man." L's chuckle turned into full out laughter. "Will you tell me when your birthday is?" L pursed his lips.
"Mm…no. It's much more entertaining to have you discover it for yourself."
"Damn you old man," I muttered.
"Why do I feel as if you've waited quite a long time to use that line?"
"…because I have." L started laughing. I pouted. "Stop laughing." When he didn't stop, I took this an invitation to make him. More specifically, I kissed him.
He smiled into the kiss, his lips curving up and his shoulders shaking. I could feel the rumble of the laugh in his chest, jarring me as well before finally reciprocating. We pulled apart after a moment and the smile was still apparent on his face.
"I love you," I said softly.
"I've been wondering if I was ever going to hear those words from you," L admitted brushing my hair back from my face. "I would feel quite stupid if I had confessed and you hadn't reciprocated my feelings."
"Which translates as…?" I trailed off, forcing him to say it. He led a trail of kisses from my collarbone to my ear.
"I love you as well."
"The guy is allowed to say 'I love you' first, you know," I answered. L nodded.
"However you forget that this is my first relationship with someone. I have no idea on when it is the norm to say such things. Especially considering Misa is the only person who has ever confessed love to someone around me. Clearly the attraction wasn't as instantaneous between she and Light," L explained. I waved a hand dismissively at him.
"Excuses, excuses. And for your information, I found you attractive immediately. I just wasn't attracted to you. There is a difference."
"I will nod and pretend I understand this difference." I laughed.
"Do you find Misa pretty?" L wrinkled his nose in distaste. "Fine. Bad example. What about Naomi Misora?"
"I suppose…I may have thought that in passing."
"And did you find yourself experiencing feelings for her?"
"No."
"Exactly."
"I do not think most girlfriends ask questions like this with your good nature. I have a feeling I would have been slapped with anyone else," L observed. I snorted.
"Ryuzaki, we hardly follow the normal pattern of relationships."
"Touché. Now I suppose you would like to see the task force? Mainly meaning Light and your father." I stood up and started moving to the door. L frowned, pretending to be put out with my eagerness. "And I was so enjoying having you all to myself…"
"Whine all you want later, Ryuzaki," I called over my shoulder increasing my pace. As a result, I reached the elevator much sooner than he did. When he saw my impatient face he slowed down even more. I rolled my eyes and rocked in place. He smiled when he finally reached the elevator door he took my hand. I sighed, but relaxed and his smile grew.
The door to the elevator opened and we stepped out, descending the steps that led to the investigation room. L released my hand, allowing me to walk the final steps alone.
He was bent over a desk, handcuffed to it actually, and he was typing something in a flurry.
"Hey, bro."
Light stiffened and turned towards me, a smile appearing on his face and growing every second.
"R-"
"REI!"
I closed my eyes associating the scream of my name to ending up on the floor. After a few moments, I realized I was still vertical, and I cautiously opened an eye. Matsuda was sprawled across the floor staring dazedly at the ceiling. L was staring at him in mild interest.
"Matsuda, I suggest you refrain from greeting Rei too overenthusiastically, she is still recovering. Please do not force me to subdue you again," L ordered.
"What did you do!" I said in horror.
"You did not see?"
"I closed my eyes!"
"…then I will not tell you."
I shook my head at him. He still was completely impossible. I sighed at him before turning to the rest of the task force.
"I missed you guys," I said fondly. Matsuda gurgled incoherently on the floor.
"Love you too, Matsu," I said with a grin.
"Rei," Dad muttered gruffly, "if you ever do anything like that to me again…" I hugged him midthreat.
"I'm sorry I made you worry." He relaxed against me. I pulled away. "I really am sorry," I repeated aiming this at everyone.
Aizawa shook his head.
"You had us worried kid." I smiled and hugged him as well, deciding that everyone, whether they wanted one or not, was getting a hug. But Matsuda's could wait until he could move again. I finished my round of hugs, walking over to Light, who was awkwardly chained to the desk.
We didn't say anything, just smiled looking at each other. For that moment, the task force ceased to exist. It was just Light and I. Just like always. I broke the silence when I caught sight of the bruise on Light's face.
"What happened?" I asked, the concern obvious in my voice.
"Um, well…Ryuzaki needed me unconscious so he could leave and detach the handcuffs and well…he punched me," Light explained lamely.
"Ryuzaki," I said dangerously over my shoulder.
"…"
"Come here."
"I think I will stay here and make sure Matsuda doesn't choke on his own tongue," L responded. I rolled my eyes at him.
"Damn old man."
"I heard that."
"You were meant to."
"Are you alright?" Light asked interrupting me anxiously.
"…actually, I'm okay. Strange right? But…I'm okay." I smiled reassuringly at him.
"I'm okay."
~Author's Note~
And so the fluff begins. I'm approximating about a chapter and a half more of fluff, and then we get back on track with the plot. Yeah, remember Yotsuba? The actual plot of Death Note? Yeah, me either.
So, last week's lack of response to reviews was due to Guys and Dolls, the musical I was in. It was fantastic, but now I can focus on this again and my New York trip next week with my choir (lives in SoCal). But I'll still be updating :D
Anyway, thought I should tell ya'll something awkward. I had my first yaoi dream. BXLXLight. Yeah. That was awkward to wake up from…
Thank you for reviewing!
Gwen: High five girlie! Way to support the fic! Glad you liked the hallucinations. They were fun to write.
K: It's a bit redundant now, but L saves Rei. Please don't send the wolves. I'll be good! I promise!
Katybugg: DUDE! SO DO I! That was my intention when choosing the premise. I've seen a lot of crappy Light has a twin, and I was all, "PFFFT. This is sad. I can do better." Because honestly, the idea has potential. It's just normally crappy. It seems like I've succeeded, or at the very least, haven't completely failed.
AlbinoButterfly: No worries. L will definitely meet Sayu. I like your anger towards Minagawa.
Rabid Cream Puffs: TWIN POWER! I have a twin, but we're not actually related. We just have the same birthday and sense of humor and everything. We are twinsies for realzies. That sounds right up my alley. Btw the vid was awesome, I would have commented, but no YouTube account for me… Gingers are amazing! Even though I have no soul… It does doesn't it (being an insomniac)? Which is why I have taken to reading yaoi then. Wait…that might be why I dreamt about yaoi… And I do like making you suffer :D
pc: …I have nothing to say to you Kira. Hi Kelsey!
SweetHearts4L: Yes fluff. Aww I'm blushing from the praise! I'm glad you mentioned that! I really try to avoid overused and cliché things, especially with romance unless I'm intentionally making it cliché to make Rei roll her eyes at it. Okay, that last part of the review made me laugh really loud. I got funny looks from a ton of people.
Clarice: Haha I like torture. Glad you stuck with me though.
Grrr(r): Matsuda's birthday is the 15th of December. And yes Misa is a hooker. Haha Riley won't like that…she considers Mello hers… I'll come for the chocolate though!
KYOKO-CHAAAAAN: Yeah…and I love hurting my characters. LET'S JUST STAB EVERONE WITH BROKEN GLASS AND SET THEM ON FIRE! :D Wait…then the story's over…damn.