Consolation Prize Ch 2 Loveless
A/N: This is a Death Note fanfic. It will be L x Light.
***
Only a few minutes later Light had entered the hotel. L concluded he must have called from somewhere nearby. For a split-second L thought it was a stranger prowling down the hotel corridors. L bit his thumb in confusion as he observed the teen's arrival on the monitors. His body language was all... wrong. He was keeping his head down, his shoulders slumped-what the hell? Where was the arrogant bastard that L knew as Light Yagami? And what the hell was he wearing?! L silently increased the percentage that Light was here to make some kind of confession (of the Kira kind) and was making some symbolic statement by dressing like a hoodlum. Light (L confirmed that it was indeed Light) stopped before his hotel room and timidly knocked on his door.
"It's unlocked."
Light crept inside the room and unobtrusively shut the door. He seemed to freeze and then shrink under L's stare, and then became seemed to become very interested in the floor...
"Well?" L prodded.
"Ryuuzaki..." Light began softly sounding so confused, so lost...
This is it. He's going to confess. L could barely contain his rising excitement.
"I... I didn't know where else to go. And... I mean, you can keep a secret right?"
"Of course, Light-kun," L deadpanned.
"I..." Light sighed. It was best to just show him. Light removed the beanie from his head revealing the cat ears. Light locked eyes with L, nervously but expectantly.
"Is that it?" L blurted out, not bothering to hide his annoyance. "You just came here to share your weird hobbies?!"
L observed how it appeared that the ears were jutting right out from the top of his head (perhaps he even glued them on? Would he go that far?! But then again this was Kira…) and they were the exact same color as his hair. Light obviously had way too much time on his hands..."I wasn't aware that Light-kun indulged in such fantasies..."
"It's not Cosplay!" Light roared in irritation, "I woke up this morning and they were just there! I-I have no idea how or why...?" Light ended in a squeak and seemed to shrink back into himself under L's scrutinizing gaze.
L suppressed a sigh. Of course Kira wouldn't give up so easily. But then again L realized he would have been more disappointed if Light had forfeited their game.
"Why come to me?" L demanded.
Light fidgeted again as he pleaded meekly "I-I didn't know where else to go. You're the world's greatest detective! If anyone had a clue as to how this happened to me, it would be you... because I sure don't."
"Hmmm..."
L supposed that this was in itself was a fascinating little mystery-definitely out of the ordinary. Well sure, the ears were strange, but even more so was the way that Light was acting... That in itself was very suspicious and thus, more than likely, Kira-related. As L advanced he noticed how Light seemed to be... trembling. Very curious.
L kept advancing and Light kept timidly stepping back and unnoticed by both of them was how L now had Light trapped with his back to the wall. L noted how Light seemed really nervous.
"Relax," L said soothingly and felt a swell of satisfaction as he watched how Light attempted to follow his command.
L gave one of Light's cat ears an experimental poke. It was fluffy and soft and remained in place even when L followed up his poke with a tug. All that achieved was Light yelping in pain. L still wasn't one hundred percent convinced that they were real but they were most definitely attached.
"Sorry," L said quickly. It wouldn't do to be too rude and chase Light away when he had just been presented with a most fascinating puzzle. And the ears felt good to touch, too. L stroked them gently but insistently and silently marveled at the softness of Light's new ears and his hair.
L startled and stopped for a moment upon hearing a deep rumbling sound...
"Light, you're... purring?"
The younger man blushed.
"I take it my interactions with you have elicited some response. How are you feeling?"
"I-how do you think it felt? Like your touching my ear!"
L sighed. "Light-kun."
"Fine! That..."
Meanwhile, L had drawn back his hand when Light began purring so it was just hovering there... Light shocked them both by leaning into his touch. L's shocked stare continued to demand an explanation.
Light cleared his throat and with as much dignity as he could muster confessed "that felt nice."
"You're purring," L repeated. "There's more to it than just ears."
"I have... I have a tail too."
L stepped back and demanded "Clothes off. All of it."
"Ryuu... Ryuuzaki!"
"Do you want my help or not? I need to see the extent of this for myself."
Light looked conflicted. L couldn't know that this wasn't just a matter of embarrassment or that Light's morning had been a blur of confusion and terror. Though for some reason it was a bit fuzzy he distinctly remembered nearly getting assaulted twice on the way to L's hotel. He had escaped unscathed both times but he couldn't tell anyone that! It was just too embarrassing! Besides, Light liked to think that Ryuuzaki was his friend and wouldn't try something like that. However...
"Trust me?" L asked as he locked eyes with the younger man.
Light felt an odd warmth in the pit of his stomach.
"Alright."
L continued to stare. What was wrong with Light?! He had changed and not just in spontaneously growing cat parts. He used to be so confrontational and now he deferred to his every request?
And he seemed more honest, more open. And it didn't seem like an act. His eyes were shining with innocence... Where did the guilt go?
Light undressed slowly, reluctantly-he pulled his sweater up over his head, revealing his perfect, finely-toned chest. L swallowed. Light was a very attractive young man. Of course he had known this. The most tantalizing bits were nothing he hadn't seen before from his surveillance but seeing it on the monitors was much different than having that very attractive young man here, in the flesh, and wanting desperately to do something about it…
Meanwhile Light was completely naïve to how he was "teasing" the older man...
And then went the sweatpants; the dark fabric fell, pooling around his feet. Light carefully uncoiled his fluffy tail from around his leg. It was stiff and kinky from being concealed and forced to remain still for several hours. It swished freely and happily, as if it had a mind of its own. L crept closer under the pretense of looking at Light's new tail (he had a nice ass). L touched him lightly on the shoulder to indicate he should turn around so he could get a better view. L's eyes followed it down to where it was jutting out of the waistband of the younger man's boxer shorts. It too was brown and matched the colors of his ears and hair. It was soft and fluffy too. Light gasped as L experimentally ran his hand over it.
But while the tail was interesting L didn't find it nearly as fascinating as what else was concealed within Light's remaining clothes. (Would that match too?) Or the fact that Light was already, obviously, in an aroused state. Light bit his lip and tried to stifle a groan as L continued to play with his tail, discovering several new pleasure points with his prodding. L swallowed hard at the sound, suddenly overcome with the desire to tackle the younger man to the floor and make him his, but he controlled his urges as he had never seen Light (Kira) looking so nervous, so vulnerable before... He stood there, trembling his face red with embarrassment as L continued to stare with his all-seeing gaze. To L's irritation, Light seemed inclined to stop there…
"Light-kun, I need to see it all."
"You can see the tail just fine!" Light snapped.
"I need to see where it… connects," L insisted.
Light blushed darker but obediently removed his boxers.
L noted with amusement and fascination how Light was indeed becoming painfully aroused from his stroking his tail. Perhaps then, he wanted it too? The detective decided to test that theory. The teen shivered involuntarily as he felt the detective's hot breath against his neck. Light yelped in alarm when L was suddenly fingering the base of his tail... and then the fingers went lower.
"R-Ryuuzaki!"
"It's alight." L pressed close against him. "I'm just examining…"
It was too close and L's fingers were definitely wandering to places they shouldn't go! L couldn't know that Light was still rattled from his fragmentary memories of being attacked and so when L touched him there Light didn't think, he just lashed out like a cornered animal. The detective dodged the blow but still the claws just grazed his cheek. It was only a tiny scratch but it drew blood. The detective's glare was ice cold and frightening. Light shrunk back against the wall. L's first impulse was to kick Light in the face for it but one look at Light's terrified, guilt stricken face stayed his… foot.
"Ryuuzaki! I'm sorry!" Light mewled in a pathetically small voice.
"Light-kun…" The detective's own voice was apologetic. What came over him? Surely the greatest three detectives in the world should have noticed that Light was absolutely terrified.
L gaped at his Kira suspect. "What happened to you?"
"I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have…"
Light hastily pulled up his pants and darted out the door.
"Light-kun!" L shouted after him.
Light fled down the hotel hallway in a blind panic as the memory of taking a swipe at Ryuuzaki replayed over and over in its head… along with another fragmentary image that made his blood run cold… His memories were confusing and fragmented but… but…
Ryuuzaki… I could have hurt him! I could have…
What had possessed him to come here in the first place? Ryuuzaki was the man who was unjustly accusing him of being a mass-murderer! He wouldn't be interested in helping him! He'd only use it as proof of his guilt! Why did he think this was a good idea?! God, why couldn't he even remember this morning?!
***
Earlier:
Ryuk wasn't kidding when he said that the men would find him. As he just walked down the street he felt their stares even more strongly than usual and every time he was forced to walk on a crowded street someone was grabbing his ass.
He had already had to fight off some more forward suitors-when the leader of a biker gang suggested they gang rape him Light lashed out with a swipe of his claws he severing the man's trachea. The rapist gurgled, slid down the wall, and bled out on the concrete.
Light grinned, putting his new fangs on display. "Well, anyone else wish to cross me?"
One of the huge thugs let out a girly scream and another shouted "You'll pay for this!" while they all ran away in horror.
"Heh. Pathetic fools." Light smirked as he admired his claws. He could still kill without the notebook. No doubt that would be useful in the future. Of course killing with his bare hands was dangerous, (and impulsive, and stupid) but they had wounded his pride. He couldn't let that stand. Besides, there were a lot of people in Tokyo and Light doubted a couple idiot thugs could identify him, especially since he was wearing his magic hoodie and beanie combination-but just to be safe, Light used the notebook one final time to cover up that killing with another one... As Light watched the gangster's retreating backs the whole ordeal had given him a bit of nostalgia as he remembered his Second Kill-Takuo Shibumaru. Hit by a Truck. Good times. A pity it will all be over soon.
Ryuk continued to pester Light about his plans all morning but Light had remained stony silent as he went about making a series of mysterious purchases and dodging the glances of several more interested males. Light made his way to an alleyway a couple of blocks away from L's hotel, and for a moment put his purchases on the ground as he dug out his cell phone.
"What'cha doin'? Who are you calling?" The Shinigami was getting more and more confused, especially when it became evident who Light was calling.
"Hey Ryuuzaki… Can I... can I see you…?" to Light's secret dismay he found he didn't have to work too hard to put the trembling into his voice.
Ryuuzaki had accepted. Just as planned. Now he just had to finish with his preparations here and it should all go smoothly.
"Light-o. pleeease tell me?"
Light picked up one of the packages and unwrapped it's contents.
Upon seeing what it was the undead creature took in a very unnecesary breath. "An Advance XP…?"
"The silver one."
"The one you were too cheap to get me at Christmas?"
"Yes. And here are some games for it. If you need more games they come from stores like that one. Just don't be seen. If it dies, you replace the batteries like this…"
Ryuk began to have a funny feeling about all this-he was thrilled to be getting his Christmas present (albeit several months too late) but Light was acting like he wouldn't replace the batteries or buy him more games…?
"Why now?"
"It's for your entertainment. And this is a list of apple orchards, where your favorites come from…"
Ryuk made a lunge for it but Light swiped it away.
"Uh uh uh. I'll give you these things but I want you to do something for me in return."
The Shinigami stifled a growl. Damn, the kid made a better Shinigami! "Depends on what it is."
"Don't write my name down… let me live out my remaining lifespan in peace..."
Ryuk laughed. "There'd be no point to anyway, you're a Catboy now, not a human. You're free from the affects of the notebook."
Well, that solves the whole Second Kira issue but...
"And don't write down the names of anyone close to me either... And don't drop another notebook for at least another hundred years…"
Ryuk couldn't believe what this suggested…
"You're giving up ownership?!" The Shinigami mused it was ironic-he had never seen Light looking so tragic and human.
"I've thought long and hard about this. It's impossible now. I'm under too much scrutiny and I can't hide this condition forever…"
"Doesn't wearing a hat work?" The Shinigami cackled.
"I meant in the long-term. L's going to notice if I'm wearing hats all the time! Trying to hide it will only arouse their suspicions," Light explained as he subconsciously pulled the beanie down tighter around his fluffy kitty ears.
"Would it really be so bad if someone found out?"
You can't even figure this out?! Light resisted the urge to bang his head against the wall.
"It's like I told you, Ryuk! Humans are hypocritical two-faced creatures. They hate and distrust what they don't understand. The very people I seek to protect will turn against me. Thanks to this "reward" of yours if I try to keep going now there are only three possible outcomes-I'll be captured, raped, and killed. Thank you for that, by the way."
"No problem." The Shinigami replied, not understanding the sarcasm-or pretending not to. "But you know… I'm curious. Why'd you call L of all people? I mean, isn't he your mortal enemy? He's the one who wants to catch you the most!" The Shinigami grinned wider, showing shark-like teeth. "Haven't you sworn to destroy him?"
Light looked quite annoyed by the monster's pestering. "Do I really have to explain myself to you?"
Ryuk shrugged. "Just curious… You know you don't have to tell me anything. However… I must admit I'm disappointed that the game is ending. Imagine if your favorite TV program was ending and they didn't even bother to give it a decent ending? Wouldn't that make you angry?"
"It's not personal, you know!" Light snapped. "L is just… in my way. I suppose I can forgive him his trespasses. Revenge is… pointless and stupid. After all, I am a very forgiving person."
Ryuk let out a heart-felt laugh. Light never let a little thing like reality get in the way when it came to assessing his self-image.
"You know, L sounded really suspicious," The Shinigami snickered. "Why call him now? Why not call him after you've relinquished your memories?"
"I had to call him now because once I've relinquished my memories I won't remember my reasoning but I will remember that I made this decision. Once I've made a decision I stick to it and see it through to the end." His memory-less self would remember calling L after forfeiting ownership and cling to that idea like a lifeline…
"You're right. It's not like you to give up." The Shinigami grinned as he needled him.
"I haven't given up!" Light sighed and began explaining in that haughty tone he reserved for communicating with total idiots. "I still intend to make a perfect world. I just can't do it with the tools available to me now. The Death Note is just a tool-a means to an end. But now I realize I've allowed myself to become dependent on this tool and that's no good at all." Light sighed wistfully. (Not to mention if the book made him more submissive every time he used it he could never be a proper God...) So Light sought to salvage what was left of his pride with his regal and dignified resignation speech "It's been fun, but it's time I did away with such childish things."
Ryuk's ever-present grin widened. Light sure was an interesting human. He would... miss him.
"Hey Light! Uh… not that I care or anything but… you know if that Second Kira reaches your kill count that human would get the same prize as you-couldn't L use that as proof of your guilt? And you'd be defenseless." Ryuk cackled.
"We'll stop him before that happens!"
"Hmm?" The Shinigami had a feeling he was missing something here.
"Because I'm going to work with L."
"Huh?!" Ryuk stared at his human-turned-catboy with a bewildered expression on his face.
Now that Light was a catboy he could think of no safer place to be than with Ryuuzaki. After all, L was a freak too! What with his freakish dark eyes (like a pleading puppy, 'please love me, be my friend, take me home and I'll love you forever!' Well if Ryuuzaki really wants a friend I suppose I could be that for him now...), his bare feet (adorable bare feet… er… Well at least they don't stink and it looks like L takes really good care of his toenails... Light couldn't explain it but sometimes the way L flexed and played with his toes made his mouth go dry. Not that I spent much time staring at his feet...), greasy, unkempt hair (well it seemed greasy but it also looked really soft… Light was curious. He wanted to touch it), his poor posture (the detective looked like something feral and wild (and dominant), ever-ready to pounce. Light's changed body shivered in excitement at the thought of L pouncing on him. They'd fight and they'd chase each other around and then he'd let L catch him and ooh… Light blushed at the mental images. Stupid cat hormones! The teenage catboy cursed to himself, L is... L! Of course I don't think about him… like that!
"I've thought long and hard about this, Ryuk-of what I'd do without my memories. Without my memories... I would want to stop Kira too. That's just the way I am. And working with L, we'll stop the Second Kira and anyone else that comes across a notebook before they reach my kill count. This is the only way. No, it's for the best. With L at my side I can continue my mission to eliminate crime. Just imagine it, Ryuk-if L worked with me, the two of us together-we'd be unstoppable!"
Ryuk cackled again as Light gave another of his grandiose monologues. "Do you really think L would go for that?"
Light looked a bit deflated but quickly recovered. "You're right, L still suspects me of being Kira. However L would also be certain that Kira or rather Light Yagami would never go to L for help and why I come to him will be a mystery he can't solve! And since L will always be suspicious of me he will insist on keeping me close. He'll… protect me from this "gift" of yours. Shit, this is humiliating!"
Dammit, after everything I've sacrificed for the good of the world I'm entitled to protection!
The Shinigami snickered in response.
"…and-and L has the resources! He isn't as efficient as I am at eliminating crime but he's made a worthy adversary and once I've relinquished my memories he will make a worthy partner."
"A partner, eh?" Ryuk sniggered. "I see…" The Shinigami indulged in more inane giggling "Hey, but Light-what if L becomes your mate… Or are you counting on that?"
Of course Light had considered that possibility.
L will want to keep watch over me. Maybe even have me confined until he is satisfied I'm not Kira. That should keep me away from… other men. And if he does take it upon himself… I suppose better Ryuuzaki than a stranger... that might be nice … NO! …no. It won't happen! It won't! But if it does… I suppose in the long run it can only benefit me, in winning L's trust. And if that doesn't work… well, it's sure to discredit L among the taskforce-he'll look like the bad guy for taking advantage of the Chief's son.
Light pointedly ignored Ryuk's question and threw the notebook in the trash, followed by several girlie porno mags-his amnesiac self wouldn't remember why he was setting a trashcan on fire and Light needed to give himself an excuse.
"This is goodbye, Ryuk." Light flicked the lighter and dropped it in, setting the paper-lined metal trash bin ablaze. Light watched a bit sadly as the notebook began to burn. This was it-there was no going back.
"I hereby relinquish ownership of this Death Note."
Ryuk was disappointed that Light was giving up so easily. But then, the kid earned it-even the Shinigami King agreed. Light had already done more work than some Shinigami did during the entire extent of their existence.
Ryuk chucked "For you at least. Of course, I'll be watching what L does to you."
Light gaped at the Shinigami; a horrified expression on his face.
Shinigami are indeed pervs! He concluded just before his face went blank, and all the malice drained away leaving only an innocent and confused expression behind.
Previous
***
Only a few minutes later Light had entered the hotel. L concluded he must have called from somewhere nearby. For a split-second L thought it was a stranger prowling down the hotel corridors. L bit his thumb in confusion as he observed the teen's arrival on the monitors. His body language was all... wrong. He was keeping his head down, his shoulders slumped-what the hell? Where was the arrogant bastard that L knew as Light Yagami? And what the hell was he wearing?! L silently increased the percentage that Light was here to make some kind of confession (of the Kira kind) and was making some symbolic statement by dressing like a hoodlum. Light (L confirmed that it was indeed Light) stopped before his hotel room and timidly knocked on his door.
"It's unlocked."
Light crept inside the room and unobtrusively shut the door. He seemed to freeze and then shrink under L's stare, and then became seemed to become very interested in the floor...
"Well?" L prodded.
"Ryuuzaki..." Light began softly sounding so confused, so lost...
This is it. He's going to confess. L could barely contain his rising excitement.
"I... I didn't know where else to go. And... I mean, you can keep a secret right?"
"Of course, Light-kun," L deadpanned.
"I..." Light sighed. It was best to just show him. Light removed the beanie from his head revealing the cat ears. Light locked eyes with L, nervously but expectantly.
"Is that it?" L blurted out, not bothering to hide his annoyance. "You just came here to share your weird hobbies?!"
L observed how it appeared that the ears were jutting right out from the top of his head (perhaps he even glued them on? Would he go that far?! But then again this was Kira…) and they were the exact same color as his hair. Light obviously had way too much time on his hands..."I wasn't aware that Light-kun indulged in such fantasies..."
"It's not Cosplay!" Light roared in irritation, "I woke up this morning and they were just there! I-I have no idea how or why...?" Light ended in a squeak and seemed to shrink back into himself under L's scrutinizing gaze.
L suppressed a sigh. Of course Kira wouldn't give up so easily. But then again L realized he would have been more disappointed if Light had forfeited their game.
"Why come to me?" L demanded.
Light fidgeted again as he pleaded meekly "I-I didn't know where else to go. You're the world's greatest detective! If anyone had a clue as to how this happened to me, it would be you... because I sure don't."
"Hmmm..."
L supposed that this was in itself was a fascinating little mystery-definitely out of the ordinary. Well sure, the ears were strange, but even more so was the way that Light was acting... That in itself was very suspicious and thus, more than likely, Kira-related. As L advanced he noticed how Light seemed to be... trembling. Very curious.
L kept advancing and Light kept timidly stepping back and unnoticed by both of them was how L now had Light trapped with his back to the wall. L noted how Light seemed really nervous.
"Relax," L said soothingly and felt a swell of satisfaction as he watched how Light attempted to follow his command.
L gave one of Light's cat ears an experimental poke. It was fluffy and soft and remained in place even when L followed up his poke with a tug. All that achieved was Light yelping in pain. L still wasn't one hundred percent convinced that they were real but they were most definitely attached.
"Sorry," L said quickly. It wouldn't do to be too rude and chase Light away when he had just been presented with a most fascinating puzzle. And the ears felt good to touch, too. L stroked them gently but insistently and silently marveled at the softness of Light's new ears and his hair.
L startled and stopped for a moment upon hearing a deep rumbling sound...
"Light, you're... purring?"
The younger man blushed.
"I take it my interactions with you have elicited some response. How are you feeling?"
"I-how do you think it felt? Like your touching my ear!"
L sighed. "Light-kun."
"Fine! That..."
Meanwhile, L had drawn back his hand when Light began purring so it was just hovering there... Light shocked them both by leaning into his touch. L's shocked stare continued to demand an explanation.
Light cleared his throat and with as much dignity as he could muster confessed "that felt nice."
"You're purring," L repeated. "There's more to it than just ears."
"I have... I have a tail too."
L stepped back and demanded "Clothes off. All of it."
"Ryuu... Ryuuzaki!"
"Do you want my help or not? I need to see the extent of this for myself."
Light looked conflicted. L couldn't know that this wasn't just a matter of embarrassment or that Light's morning had been a blur of confusion and terror. Though for some reason it was a bit fuzzy he distinctly remembered nearly getting assaulted twice on the way to L's hotel. He had escaped unscathed both times but he couldn't tell anyone that! It was just too embarrassing! Besides, Light liked to think that Ryuuzaki was his friend and wouldn't try something like that. However...
"Trust me?" L asked as he locked eyes with the younger man.
Light felt an odd warmth in the pit of his stomach.
"Alright."
L continued to stare. What was wrong with Light?! He had changed and not just in spontaneously growing cat parts. He used to be so confrontational and now he deferred to his every request?
And he seemed more honest, more open. And it didn't seem like an act. His eyes were shining with innocence... Where did the guilt go?
Light undressed slowly, reluctantly-he pulled his sweater up over his head, revealing his perfect, finely-toned chest. L swallowed. Light was a very attractive young man. Of course he had known this. The most tantalizing bits were nothing he hadn't seen before from his surveillance but seeing it on the monitors was much different than having that very attractive young man here, in the flesh, and wanting desperately to do something about it…
Meanwhile Light was completely naïve to how he was "teasing" the older man...
And then went the sweatpants; the dark fabric fell, pooling around his feet. Light carefully uncoiled his fluffy tail from around his leg. It was stiff and kinky from being concealed and forced to remain still for several hours. It swished freely and happily, as if it had a mind of its own. L crept closer under the pretense of looking at Light's new tail (he had a nice ass). L touched him lightly on the shoulder to indicate he should turn around so he could get a better view. L's eyes followed it down to where it was jutting out of the waistband of the younger man's boxer shorts. It too was brown and matched the colors of his ears and hair. It was soft and fluffy too. Light gasped as L experimentally ran his hand over it.
But while the tail was interesting L didn't find it nearly as fascinating as what else was concealed within Light's remaining clothes. (Would that match too?) Or the fact that Light was already, obviously, in an aroused state. Light bit his lip and tried to stifle a groan as L continued to play with his tail, discovering several new pleasure points with his prodding. L swallowed hard at the sound, suddenly overcome with the desire to tackle the younger man to the floor and make him his, but he controlled his urges as he had never seen Light (Kira) looking so nervous, so vulnerable before... He stood there, trembling his face red with embarrassment as L continued to stare with his all-seeing gaze. To L's irritation, Light seemed inclined to stop there…
"Light-kun, I need to see it all."
"You can see the tail just fine!" Light snapped.
"I need to see where it… connects," L insisted.
Light blushed darker but obediently removed his boxers.
L noted with amusement and fascination how Light was indeed becoming painfully aroused from his stroking his tail. Perhaps then, he wanted it too? The detective decided to test that theory. The teen shivered involuntarily as he felt the detective's hot breath against his neck. Light yelped in alarm when L was suddenly fingering the base of his tail... and then the fingers went lower.
"R-Ryuuzaki!"
"It's alight." L pressed close against him. "I'm just examining…"
It was too close and L's fingers were definitely wandering to places they shouldn't go! L couldn't know that Light was still rattled from his fragmentary memories of being attacked and so when L touched him there Light didn't think, he just lashed out like a cornered animal. The detective dodged the blow but still the claws just grazed his cheek. It was only a tiny scratch but it drew blood. The detective's glare was ice cold and frightening. Light shrunk back against the wall. L's first impulse was to kick Light in the face for it but one look at Light's terrified, guilt stricken face stayed his… foot.
"Ryuuzaki! I'm sorry!" Light mewled in a pathetically small voice.
"Light-kun…" The detective's own voice was apologetic. What came over him? Surely the greatest three detectives in the world should have noticed that Light was absolutely terrified.
L gaped at his Kira suspect. "What happened to you?"
"I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have…"
Light hastily pulled up his pants and darted out the door.
"Light-kun!" L shouted after him.
Light fled down the hotel hallway in a blind panic as the memory of taking a swipe at Ryuuzaki replayed over and over in its head… along with another fragmentary image that made his blood run cold… His memories were confusing and fragmented but… but…
Ryuuzaki… I could have hurt him! I could have…
What had possessed him to come here in the first place? Ryuuzaki was the man who was unjustly accusing him of being a mass-murderer! He wouldn't be interested in helping him! He'd only use it as proof of his guilt! Why did he think this was a good idea?! God, why couldn't he even remember this morning?!
***
Earlier:
Ryuk wasn't kidding when he said that the men would find him. As he just walked down the street he felt their stares even more strongly than usual and every time he was forced to walk on a crowded street someone was grabbing his ass.
He had already had to fight off some more forward suitors-when the leader of a biker gang suggested they gang rape him Light lashed out with a swipe of his claws he severing the man's trachea. The rapist gurgled, slid down the wall, and bled out on the concrete.
Light grinned, putting his new fangs on display. "Well, anyone else wish to cross me?"
One of the huge thugs let out a girly scream and another shouted "You'll pay for this!" while they all ran away in horror.
"Heh. Pathetic fools." Light smirked as he admired his claws. He could still kill without the notebook. No doubt that would be useful in the future. Of course killing with his bare hands was dangerous, (and impulsive, and stupid) but they had wounded his pride. He couldn't let that stand. Besides, there were a lot of people in Tokyo and Light doubted a couple idiot thugs could identify him, especially since he was wearing his magic hoodie and beanie combination-but just to be safe, Light used the notebook one final time to cover up that killing with another one... As Light watched the gangster's retreating backs the whole ordeal had given him a bit of nostalgia as he remembered his Second Kill-Takuo Shibumaru. Hit by a Truck. Good times. A pity it will all be over soon.
Ryuk continued to pester Light about his plans all morning but Light had remained stony silent as he went about making a series of mysterious purchases and dodging the glances of several more interested males. Light made his way to an alleyway a couple of blocks away from L's hotel, and for a moment put his purchases on the ground as he dug out his cell phone.
"What'cha doin'? Who are you calling?" The Shinigami was getting more and more confused, especially when it became evident who Light was calling.
"Hey Ryuuzaki… Can I... can I see you…?" to Light's secret dismay he found he didn't have to work too hard to put the trembling into his voice.
Ryuuzaki had accepted. Just as planned. Now he just had to finish with his preparations here and it should all go smoothly.
"Light-o. pleeease tell me?"
Light picked up one of the packages and unwrapped it's contents.
Upon seeing what it was the undead creature took in a very unnecesary breath. "An Advance XP…?"
"The silver one."
"The one you were too cheap to get me at Christmas?"
"Yes. And here are some games for it. If you need more games they come from stores like that one. Just don't be seen. If it dies, you replace the batteries like this…"
Ryuk began to have a funny feeling about all this-he was thrilled to be getting his Christmas present (albeit several months too late) but Light was acting like he wouldn't replace the batteries or buy him more games…?
"Why now?"
"It's for your entertainment. And this is a list of apple orchards, where your favorites come from…"
Ryuk made a lunge for it but Light swiped it away.
"Uh uh uh. I'll give you these things but I want you to do something for me in return."
The Shinigami stifled a growl. Damn, the kid made a better Shinigami! "Depends on what it is."
"Don't write my name down… let me live out my remaining lifespan in peace..."
Ryuk laughed. "There'd be no point to anyway, you're a Catboy now, not a human. You're free from the affects of the notebook."
Well, that solves the whole Second Kira issue but...
"And don't write down the names of anyone close to me either... And don't drop another notebook for at least another hundred years…"
Ryuk couldn't believe what this suggested…
"You're giving up ownership?!" The Shinigami mused it was ironic-he had never seen Light looking so tragic and human.
"I've thought long and hard about this. It's impossible now. I'm under too much scrutiny and I can't hide this condition forever…"
"Doesn't wearing a hat work?" The Shinigami cackled.
"I meant in the long-term. L's going to notice if I'm wearing hats all the time! Trying to hide it will only arouse their suspicions," Light explained as he subconsciously pulled the beanie down tighter around his fluffy kitty ears.
"Would it really be so bad if someone found out?"
You can't even figure this out?! Light resisted the urge to bang his head against the wall.
"It's like I told you, Ryuk! Humans are hypocritical two-faced creatures. They hate and distrust what they don't understand. The very people I seek to protect will turn against me. Thanks to this "reward" of yours if I try to keep going now there are only three possible outcomes-I'll be captured, raped, and killed. Thank you for that, by the way."
"No problem." The Shinigami replied, not understanding the sarcasm-or pretending not to. "But you know… I'm curious. Why'd you call L of all people? I mean, isn't he your mortal enemy? He's the one who wants to catch you the most!" The Shinigami grinned wider, showing shark-like teeth. "Haven't you sworn to destroy him?"
Light looked quite annoyed by the monster's pestering. "Do I really have to explain myself to you?"
Ryuk shrugged. "Just curious… You know you don't have to tell me anything. However… I must admit I'm disappointed that the game is ending. Imagine if your favorite TV program was ending and they didn't even bother to give it a decent ending? Wouldn't that make you angry?"
"It's not personal, you know!" Light snapped. "L is just… in my way. I suppose I can forgive him his trespasses. Revenge is… pointless and stupid. After all, I am a very forgiving person."
Ryuk let out a heart-felt laugh. Light never let a little thing like reality get in the way when it came to assessing his self-image.
"You know, L sounded really suspicious," The Shinigami snickered. "Why call him now? Why not call him after you've relinquished your memories?"
"I had to call him now because once I've relinquished my memories I won't remember my reasoning but I will remember that I made this decision. Once I've made a decision I stick to it and see it through to the end." His memory-less self would remember calling L after forfeiting ownership and cling to that idea like a lifeline…
"You're right. It's not like you to give up." The Shinigami grinned as he needled him.
"I haven't given up!" Light sighed and began explaining in that haughty tone he reserved for communicating with total idiots. "I still intend to make a perfect world. I just can't do it with the tools available to me now. The Death Note is just a tool-a means to an end. But now I realize I've allowed myself to become dependent on this tool and that's no good at all." Light sighed wistfully. (Not to mention if the book made him more submissive every time he used it he could never be a proper God...) So Light sought to salvage what was left of his pride with his regal and dignified resignation speech "It's been fun, but it's time I did away with such childish things."
Ryuk's ever-present grin widened. Light sure was an interesting human. He would... miss him.
"Hey Light! Uh… not that I care or anything but… you know if that Second Kira reaches your kill count that human would get the same prize as you-couldn't L use that as proof of your guilt? And you'd be defenseless." Ryuk cackled.
"We'll stop him before that happens!"
"Hmm?" The Shinigami had a feeling he was missing something here.
"Because I'm going to work with L."
"Huh?!" Ryuk stared at his human-turned-catboy with a bewildered expression on his face.
Now that Light was a catboy he could think of no safer place to be than with Ryuuzaki. After all, L was a freak too! What with his freakish dark eyes (like a pleading puppy, 'please love me, be my friend, take me home and I'll love you forever!' Well if Ryuuzaki really wants a friend I suppose I could be that for him now...), his bare feet (adorable bare feet… er… Well at least they don't stink and it looks like L takes really good care of his toenails... Light couldn't explain it but sometimes the way L flexed and played with his toes made his mouth go dry. Not that I spent much time staring at his feet...), greasy, unkempt hair (well it seemed greasy but it also looked really soft… Light was curious. He wanted to touch it), his poor posture (the detective looked like something feral and wild (and dominant), ever-ready to pounce. Light's changed body shivered in excitement at the thought of L pouncing on him. They'd fight and they'd chase each other around and then he'd let L catch him and ooh… Light blushed at the mental images. Stupid cat hormones! The teenage catboy cursed to himself, L is... L! Of course I don't think about him… like that!
"I've thought long and hard about this, Ryuk-of what I'd do without my memories. Without my memories... I would want to stop Kira too. That's just the way I am. And working with L, we'll stop the Second Kira and anyone else that comes across a notebook before they reach my kill count. This is the only way. No, it's for the best. With L at my side I can continue my mission to eliminate crime. Just imagine it, Ryuk-if L worked with me, the two of us together-we'd be unstoppable!"
Ryuk cackled again as Light gave another of his grandiose monologues. "Do you really think L would go for that?"
Light looked a bit deflated but quickly recovered. "You're right, L still suspects me of being Kira. However L would also be certain that Kira or rather Light Yagami would never go to L for help and why I come to him will be a mystery he can't solve! And since L will always be suspicious of me he will insist on keeping me close. He'll… protect me from this "gift" of yours. Shit, this is humiliating!"
Dammit, after everything I've sacrificed for the good of the world I'm entitled to protection!
The Shinigami snickered in response.
"…and-and L has the resources! He isn't as efficient as I am at eliminating crime but he's made a worthy adversary and once I've relinquished my memories he will make a worthy partner."
"A partner, eh?" Ryuk sniggered. "I see…" The Shinigami indulged in more inane giggling "Hey, but Light-what if L becomes your mate… Or are you counting on that?"
Of course Light had considered that possibility.
L will want to keep watch over me. Maybe even have me confined until he is satisfied I'm not Kira. That should keep me away from… other men. And if he does take it upon himself… I suppose better Ryuuzaki than a stranger... that might be nice … NO! …no. It won't happen! It won't! But if it does… I suppose in the long run it can only benefit me, in winning L's trust. And if that doesn't work… well, it's sure to discredit L among the taskforce-he'll look like the bad guy for taking advantage of the Chief's son.
Light pointedly ignored Ryuk's question and threw the notebook in the trash, followed by several girlie porno mags-his amnesiac self wouldn't remember why he was setting a trashcan on fire and Light needed to give himself an excuse.
"This is goodbye, Ryuk." Light flicked the lighter and dropped it in, setting the paper-lined metal trash bin ablaze. Light watched a bit sadly as the notebook began to burn. This was it-there was no going back.
"I hereby relinquish ownership of this Death Note."
Ryuk was disappointed that Light was giving up so easily. But then, the kid earned it-even the Shinigami King agreed. Light had already done more work than some Shinigami did during the entire extent of their existence.
Ryuk chucked "For you at least. Of course, I'll be watching what L does to you."
Light gaped at the Shinigami; a horrified expression on his face.
Shinigami are indeed pervs! He concluded just before his face went blank, and all the malice drained away leaving only an innocent and confused expression behind.
Previous