For commenters:
Lanathellama: Hi, thank you for commenting! Theoretically, L should smell Light from the very beginning, but he is wearing a spell which is blocking the scent of a soulmate. So as long as L will have this spell on, he won't smell Light.
CHAPTER 23 - NEED YOU NOW
Light was trying to eat the dinner. He really did. But now that he was finally sitting and all the adrenalin was withdrawing from his system, he felt even too tired to eat. While everyone around already ate and were partying now, he didn't feel like celebrating. He was just slowly chewing the food, his eyes focused on one point at the table.
It was just all too much. Light thought and his mind started slowly going through everything that happened. Getting in sync was amazing. It was the greatest feeling Light ever felt. He was so powerful and free. Like there was nothing that could stop him at that moment. No barriers, no prejudices, no expectations. Just him, knowing himself and being himself.
Then later on, facing his former guardian spirit, learning that it was still somewhere inside him, brought him so much joy that he could hardly express it. He needed to talk to Lawliet about it. And soon. No matter what the man said, Light was definitely going to do fuss about it. He was going to get his former guardian spirit back.
Light knew the tourney helped him to find a lot about himself. To open to his inner self. But it was not just the tourney… it was also Misa. Misa with her constant questions about his feelings for Lawliet. It was extremely hard for Light to admit those feelings to himself but... it also did a part in their success that night. And now that Light himself was aware of that he felt somehow more at ease.
Light turned his head towards the teachers' table to look at the man. He was eating cake and laughing out loud together with Mello, Matt, Near and Sayu. Light felt a sting of jealousy. He wanted to be there too. He wanted to laugh with him and preferably, with no one else around.
He clenched his fists. He knew he shouldn't be encouraging these feelings in himself. He wanted to get over this, not to fall even deeper. But at this moment… he couldn't help it. He was too tired to resist. He just wanted to go there, sit into his alpha's lap and nuzzle against the scent glands on his neck. Light wasn't aware he was staring longingly towards the teachers' table, until a voice pulled him back to reality:
"Are you alright, Light?" Kyiomi asked and sat down next to him.
Light tried to get back his composure and looked at her with a bright smile: "Of course, just a little tired."
Kiyomi nodded and smiled back: "Congratulations on your victory. It must have been tough."
Light shook his head: "It wasn't easy, but not something I couldn't do."
He lied. Yeah, he lied. It was tough as hell and he was on the edge of his strength and abilities. But he couldn't afford to lose his face in front of Kyiomi.
"I know you are a great wizard, Light. But going through it all with Amane… you must have done all the magic by yourself. I bet she was a burden." Kiyomi said with a pitiful and very disrespectful tone.
Light inhaled sharply. This wasn't good. He needed time to figure out how to preserve his friendship with Kiyomi and be true to Misa at the same time. But he didn't have that time.
Aww… screw it. He thought. There is no reason why I shouldn't give Misa some credit.
"Actually… you are mistaken. Misa was very helpful during the tourney. She got a few good ideas and I believe I wouldn't be able to finish this tourney without her assistance." Light said in his fully composed manner.
Kiyomi was looking at him in disbelief and it took her a few seconds to react: "Oh… really? Well that's a surprise…"
"It wouldn't be so surprising if you used your eyes to look around from time to time…" a high squeaky voice said from behind them. It was Misa. Her hands were on her hips and her eyes were throwing daggers at Kiyomi.
The dark haired girl straightened her back and hissed: "Have you no manners? No one taught you not to eavesdrop on others' conversations?"
Misa rolled her eyes and took Light under his arm: "I wasn't eavesdropping. I just came here for Light." she said and pulled Light to stand up.
"Misa, I am talking to Kiyomi now, whatever it is, I am sure it can wait a few minutes." He said and tried not to offend one or the other woman.
"No, Light! It can't wait! You said we will go to Lawliet for feedback as soon as he is free and he is free now! We have to go before he will decide to go to sleep!"
Light looked towards the teachers' table. The group of kids around the man really disappeared and he was talking only to professor Wammy now. So if Light wanted to talk to him again tonight, this was the opportunity. Maybe the only one.
Light looked down at Kiyomi and turned into politeness itself: "I am sorry, Kiyomi, I really promised Misa to go with her once Lawliet is free. Will you please excuse me?"
Kiyomi looked between apologetic Light and wide smiling Misa and didn't like the situation a bit. Amane was hanging on Light's arm again and they certainly looked much closer now than before the tourney. But there was nothing she could do or say about it now and not look stupid.
"Of course… we can talk later." she said and stood up to head back to the Slytherin table while Misa dragged Light the other direction.
L spent the next 45 minutes in the company of the trio and Sayu Yagami. They were talking about the 5th year's tourney and L tried to explain the importance of collaboration to them. Especially to Mello. But the boy's ears were closed that night. He was talking shit but made sure to have his arm around Matt's shoulders every now and then. L couldn't help but laugh internally at that.
Well… for the fact that he has not presented yet he definitely knows what he wants. L thought and watched as Matt struggled to get out of Mello's grip. L knew that the following months are not going to be easy for him. The scent around the boy was getting stronger every day and it was only a matter of weeks until he presented. Then… L will need to have a long conversation with Matt.
L was also pleased with the cake. It looked strange but tasted very good. L was quite sure they did not make it alone. Madame Dorothea, the headmistress of the Hogwarts Orphanage definitely helped them. But that made it even better. L always loved her deserts. And now that Light was safely back in the same room, the night was turning out as a very pleasant one.
L's eyes wandered towards Light again. The boy barely ate something and looked like he was going to pass out every second. L was in big temptation to take a piece of his cake and bring it to him. And ideally, also feed it to him.
L's inner alpha immediately offered him an image of Light, opening his mouth for the cake and then licking it from the spoon.
Crap… I can't think about this! I can't think about this! L told himself and shifted his attention back to the group. Mello was bickering with Sayu again and L decided it was time to dismiss them. So he thanked them for the cake and sent them back to their table. He also noticed that Light wasn't alone anymore. He was now talking to Kiyomi Takada.
"He is alright L, you don't need to check on him every two minutes." Watari said with an amused voice and L turned to him with wide eyes. He got caught. Again.
Great. Just great.
"What…? Who are you talking about?" He tried to play it cool.
Watari only raised an eyebrow: "Nice try, L. But I insist on what I said yesterday."
L rolled his eyes: "Just because I grew fond of him, doesn't mean I have a crush on him, Watari. Just grow up."
Watari laughed out loud and placed his arm around L's shoulders. Then he whispered: "Maybe it's you who should finally grow up. You might realize then, that falling in love is not something to be ashamed of."
L's heart started beating like crazy in his chest but he managed not to lose his composure. His voice was bored and cold as always when he said: "I can't believe you are still holding on that thought."
Watari laughed again and drew his hand away from L's shoulders when he noticed two people incoming.
Speaking of a devil...
"Professor Lawliet…" Light started and L turned towards the voice: "I am sorry to interrupt but... if you have a minute, we would like to ask you for some feedback on our performance at the tourney."
Damn… you really came at the best moment. L thought but he also felt excited about having Light so close again. He looked at Watari who wore a really stupid smile on his face. L was pretty sure that this idea of him having a crush on Light will not leave his mind easily. But he was also an idiot himself, adding to it.
I really need to keep my distance from now on. L thought when he heard Watari saying: "That's a good idea! I am sure L will happily answer all your questions! I'll leave him to you and move to my duties."
L shoot Watari a dirty look but only met that stupid knowing expression on his face.
Light was pretty relieved to find out that Lawliet couldn't hear any of their conversations but also a bit horrified that Moaning Myrtle was in charge of the first task. That ghost was pretty unpredictable. She would be able to let them drown just to have a new company amongst ghosts. He couldn't believe that Lawliet had that much faith in her. But it was still not that bad. Lawliet also mentioned that Helena of Ravenclaw was in charge of some task of 5th year's tourney and that sounded even more dangerous. But the tourney turned out alright and everyone around seemed to be happy. So the new conception when every year had their own two victors seemed to work.
He is so strong… a natural leader. Light thought about L as he watched him speaking to Misa. Everyone seems to follow him, even ghosts. I wonder why… is it an alpha authority? Or does he simply have such a good reputation?
Light was torn out from his thoughts when he heard Misa meationing his name: "You should have seen Light, professor!"
Light looked at her and than at Lawliet who shot him a quick curious look before turning back to babbling Misa:
"I really thought we ended in the moment when all the trolls and magical creatures went against us but then Light… I don't know how exactly he did that but he fried all of them! It was unbelievable!" Misa said with adoration in her voice.
Lawliet raised an eyebrow and looked at Light again:
"Oh really? Which spell did you use, Mr. Yagami?"
"Lumos solem, professor…"
Lawliet looked surprised by that: "Lumos solem?"
"Yes…"
Misa understood Lawliet's surprise and started talking again: "But it was not like a regular Lumos solem! It was unbelievably strong! It was like a shining sun!"
"Mmm… Interesting." Lawliet said and asked Misa to continue the story telling. But he also looked at Light and gave him a knowing look while mouthing: "Later."
Light's heart skipped a beat when he saw that. He shot Misa a nervous look, but luckily, she didn't seem to notice the small exchange between them. She was happily chatting about what kind of magic they used in the next part of the tourney. Light added something from time to time but he was mostly thinking about all he wanted to say to Lawliet "later". He just hoped it was gonna be soon.
As the conversation went on, Lawliet explained the conception of some tasks and sometimes gave a recommendation about a spell that might be more effective in a situation. But Light was not able to focus on it fully. He was too tired. He just wanted to curl into a ball, have Lawliet hugging him from behind, wrap into his body heat and fall into peaceful slumber.
"And then we got to the carpet room…" he heard Misa saying and he looked at Lawliet again. His expression changed a bit. He seemed amused. "... and I almost got caught by that spider trap." Misa continued. "Light saved me and then I thought we were through it. But Light stepped on the wrong carpet and we fell down!"
At that Lawliet laughed out loud and folded hands on his chest without saying anything.
Light frowned: "How is it possible that we got to the final task even when we fell. Were there two ways?"
Lawliet shook his head: "No… you were supposed to fall."
"Whaaat?!" Misa let out in a squeak and Lawliet laughed again.
"If you would get to the other side, the door would lead you back to the beginning of the tourney. Which is how Mr. Mikami and Miss Takada dropped off."
"But… what? Why?" Misa asked, totally confused.
L smirked and leaned forward to them before he started explaining: "First of all… the whole last line of carpets would fall no matter on which colour you would step on. So Light didn't step on the wrong one."
Light and Misa looked at each other in shock and L continued: "It was possible to get to the other side a different way, but it was not the purpose of it. The task was to fall down. It was… a bit of a joke." L finished and shrugged.
Misa's eyes almost fell off her face: "A joke?! We thought we were going to die, professor! It wasn't funny!"
Lawliet tilted his head: "Oh... wasn't it? I bet you were laughing pretty bad when you landed onto those pillows."
Misa opened and closed her mouth. She was not sure how to react. He was right of course, but that wasn't the point. It scared the hell out of them.
Lawliet laughed and Light watched the small wrinkles forming around his eyes again: "But I do apologize if I misstepped this time, Miss Amane."
Misa's eyes went impossibly wide and her cheeks turned red: "I… I… It's alright, professor." she said and looked at Lawliet through her long eyelashes.
Light saw the look Misa gave their professor and he felt a sting of jealousy again. So he hurried to get back Lawliet's attention: "But it wasn't entirely a joke, was it? You wanted to say something with that…"
Lawliet looked at Light and his eyes were sparkling: "Oh, do you think so, Mr. Yagami?"
Light clenched his fists at the tone but he also knew Lawliet was just teasing. Light nodded.
"So enlighten me..." Lawliet said with his cocky tone and Light could swear he heard Misa inhale sharply.
"Even failure can lead to victory." Light said and watched as Lawliet looked down to his goblet. There was a moment of silence before he looked back up and spoke up: "You are a fast learner, Mr. Yagami. I must be careful. If it continues like this, you will be able to read my mind by the end of the school year."
Misa laughed and Lawliet laughed too. But Light didn't. That thought just stuck in his head.
It is true, isn't it? He isn't joking… I already know him well even if we are working together for just two weeks. It feels like I've known him for years. And his scent helps me to read his moods… I know exactly what he meant by that task and I know that... he looked up at Lawliet who was currently drinking from his goblet: You built the 7th years tourney for me, didnt you? You wanted to help me.
Light felt his heart rate increasing at the realization. That thought came to him before but now he was practically sure. This man, this… strange frog man with bad manners was doing everything he could to help him.
But why? Why are you doing all this? It is far beyond the line of your duties…
"About the final room…" Lawliet started again and ignored the strange silence that spreaded between them:
"I understood that you both discovered your guardian spirit is now different than the one you were born with… but there is really no reason to make fuss about it. Just acknowledge it, accept it and you will see how it can help you in your future life."
Light frowned: "Wait… so does that mean… that if someone else got to the room, someone whose Patronus never changed, he would just choose his current Patronus and win?"
Lawliet nodded: "Yes, that's exactly what it means."
Light thought it was not fair towards them but Lawliet seemed to understand his facial expression and explained: "Even if you chose your current Patronus, you would win. There was no wrong answer in this task."
Light opened and closed his mouth while Lawliet continued: "I didn't know who would get to the final room, so I could hardly plan the vinners to discover they had a different Patronus in the past. However…" Lawliet eyed both of them: "With you two it was the case and I am happy you realized it. The great wizards should know as much as possible about themselves. Having an elephant in the closet might hold you back."
Misa's eyes lightened up with thousands of sparks and were full of adoration. It was clear that she was falling even deeper now that Lawliet praised her openly. But Light… he wasn't any better. Lawliet was usually a bastard in their lessons but when he praised someone, it was from the heart.
"You think of me as a great wizard, professor?! Surely, you are just teasing now… I mean… with Light it's understandable but me?" Misa started and she suddenly looked like her self consciousness disappeared.
Lawliet chuckled but Light spoke up before he could: "Professor Lawliet is right, Misa. You are really a good witch. You have creative ideas and you don't hold back. I can't see why you couldn't be a great wizard."
Misa gasped and looked back at Lawliet who nodded: "My thoughts exactly. You do have a great potential, Miss Amane. Don't sell yourself short."
"Thank you professor! Thank you, Light!" Misa said and started giggling.
Light hoped that Lawliet would also say something nice about him, but that didn't happen. Instead he took a bite of his cake. Luckily Light wasn't too disappointed. He knew Lawliet was proud of him. And over all the teasing he thought of him highly and did everything he could for him. That was enough.
They were talking with Lawliet for a few more minutes. Misa asked him about her career options and Light stayed to listen. He was just enjoying the close proximity of the man and he was breathing in his calming scent. Then, Lawliet announced it was time to go to sleep.
No wonder, it was almost 1 AM. Light thought and felt that he really needed to go to sleep. He felt like a zombie at this point.
Lawliet walked with them to the middle of a great hall and insisted on them eating a bit more before going to bed. Then said his goodbye and left. Light couldn't help but follow with his eyes the crouched silhouette leaving the hall.
"Oh Light… I am so happy now…" Misa started and sat down on the bench: "... I never hoped he could think of me so highly. And you even spoke of me so nicely in front of him. You are amazing! Now I really feel hope that I could…"
Light heard what she was saying but he couldn't focus on her words. With every step the alpha professor took, Light felt the greater need to go after him. He didn't want him to leave. He wanted Lawliet to be with him a little longer.
No… please… please don't go, I need you now. Light thought and before he knew what he was doing he turned to Misa and cut her off: "I am sorry Misa, I have to go to bed or I'll fall asleep standing. We will talk tomorrow, okay?"
Misa opened her mouth to answer but he was already a few steps away. He somehow managed to leave the great hall without waking a suspicion. But as soon as he got to the school corridor, he started running.
"Professor Lawliet!"
L turned around to see a very emotional Light Yagami standing a few meters behind him. The boy was panting and his eyes were strangely sad. For some reason, it startled L to the core.
"Yes, Light?" L asked and watched the boy slowly coming closer to him.
"Professor… I… I thought that…" Light started unsurely. He was not sure himself what he wanted to say. He just wanted to make Lawliet stay with him: "I've been through a lot of introspection tonight so I thought that… it might be a perfect opportunity to… connect with my inner omega again…"
L's eyes widen. He was not expecting this. At least not this soon. He eyed the boy curiously. Light was exhausted. He was even shaking a little. There was no doubt that the tourney was a great emotional rollercoaster for him and it wasn't exactly easy physically either.
"Light… you are tired. You are barely standing on your feet." L started and wanted to change young omega's mind.
"I am fine…"
"Light, don't be stubborn. It will be better to wait until you process all you've learned about yourself today…"
"Please, professor…" Light pleaded and gave Lawliet the most sad puppy eyes. "Please…" Light repeated and he didn't even care that he must have looked pathetic, pleading like that.
L bit his inner cheek. Seeing the boy like this, was painful. Light was usually keeping his facade stoic, with exception of L's teasing but this… this facial expression was waking up instincts L didn't even know he had. He wanted to take the boy in his arms and soothe him with his scent as long as the boy would fall into deep peaceful slumber.
L let out a long sigh. He suggested going to sleep because Light looked like a disaster. But when he stood in front of him right now, he found himself unable just to… send him off to bed. But it wasn't that easy even when he wanted to: "The Headmaster is watching every move in the castle tonight, because of the absence of a curfew. I can't take you to the class at this hour."
Light looked down on the floor and looked like a picture of misery. L had no idea what was going on in young omega's mind, but something was definitely not right.
There is no way I can leave him like this… maybe I can talk him out of trying the vision, but at least I can talk to him.
"Ravenclaws tower attic is under a spell. He won't see us there." L started and watched as Light's eyes sparked with hope: "Meet me there in half an hour." L finished and turned to leave while thinking:
Dear God, what is this kid doing to me?
Mmmm… so the night is still not over… any ideas what might happen now? That they will be completely alone in the attic? :P I am waiting for your theories!
Enjoy sunny days! Love, J.