Chapter 4

Oh, my, this took so long to write! But at least I managed!

Huge thanks for everyone who reviewed, favorited and alerted this story! I'm sorry I didn't reply to all of you individually, but I really appreciate them! Lots of kisses and hugs, and cakes and cookies, and pizzas, and whatelse for all of you!!

Anyway I will not be around for a time, since I'm temporarily changing location and my internet got disconnected!

Disclaimer: if I owned Death Note I wouldn't wake up every morning to the sound of my neighbors having… doesn't matter, I don't own it anyway.

Enjoy!

-

Chapter 4

The monotone humming of his computer almost made Light doze off. He yawned and stretched, looking at the screen. He had been waiting for at least a few minutes for this particular site to appear, but the screen was still blank.

Sighing he stood up and restarted the computer. The poor thing desperately needed some new components. Or maybe to be traded to a better one.

Idly wondering why he kept it for so long, Light got up and wandered to the door. He needed coffee.

He looked at the clock before exiting his room. Eleven thirty. His parents were probably sleeping already, which meant he had to walk silently, as not to wake them.

Light could very well be sleeping himself. Or at least spend his Saturday evening in a more enjoyable company than his half-dead computer.

But no, he was stuck with said object and a bunch of useless sites that didn't mention anything useful for him. All this because he wanted to get in the pants of one boy. One slouching, antisocial, irritating boy, that had no fashion sense (white, baggy shirt and faded, also baggy jeans didn't scream fashion sense, no matter how you looked at it). With most-likely bone crashing legs. And hair that had never seen a brush. And eyes that seemed to see his deepest secrets. And unmarred, pale skin, which felt like silk under his touch.

Victory better be much sweeter after all this hard work!

Light had never imagined that it would be this hard to find some information on the peculiar student. Yet after three days of searching and hacking the data found on L was minimal and general.

Although at least now he knew that there was something to search for.

He made a few calls earlier that day to people that were L's former schoolmates (it was almost a disappointment how easily he acquired the numbers), and upon asking about the boy, he received the same answers: he was reserved, and didn't usually talk to nobody. If asked he would answer, but otherwise he would keep to himself. As if Light didn't know all this.

Oh no, the cat was dug somewhere else. Namely, around L's reasons for leaving that particular town to come to this one.

Every person he talked to avoided the subject like the plague. However there were few hints about some incident between L and his father. And by their tone it was far more serious than some random dad-son fight.

"Look, if I was you, I wouldn't mess with that guy" he recalled one of the girls saying, and he couldn't help but wonder: is L really dangerous, or are they bluffing?

Mug in his hand, he returned to his room, glad to see that the computer was functioning fairly well. He would get to the end of this tonight, even if it meant he would sleep less.

Sitting in his chair, he went back to the boring task of skipping through online local newspaper from where L lived before. It was tedious and long work, but he knew that it was probably the easiest way. From the conversation he had with the people it was obvious that L's father was someone powerful or at least well-known in their area. This meant that if something happened to him, it would probably be all over the newspapers.

It was half an hour later that Light finally found something worth reading between all the junk about political issues or sport news. In fact, Light believed that he had just found whatever he had been looking for. Said article bore the title "Gerald Lawliet dead" and by the matching surnames it was safe to say that the man was L's father. There weren't many Lawliet's in Japan after all.

As he skimmed through the first paragraph he couldn't help but gasp at what he read. It couldn't be true!

Light waited for a moment to relax, and then started reading again, this time more careful. As his eyes devoured every single word, a victorious smile bloomed on his face.

This article was pure gold! Hell, it was more than that!

He was sure that every god that existed out there favored him. Although he knew the fact before, he never thought that it was to this extent. But then, why would they arrange all these convenient events. Eiko's death on one side (which although was extremely sad, it also gave him something to relate to L), the article on the other; all he needed to bend the raven haired student to his will.

His mind, although tried, was already forming a plan. It was still sketchy, but easy to execute, and wouldn't take up much time.

All he needed was to talk to L. He would persuade (more like manipulate) him into complying. Not complete surrender. It's too soon for that. It would make all his hard work null.

Light waited until everything was in order and then he turned his computer off. He climbed into bed and fell asleep almost instantly with a satisfied smile on his lips.

He could barely wait for school.

-

Physical education Monday morning was probably the worst idea ever. And yet Yagami Light couldn't be more grateful for it, because this was the perfect opportunity for him to have a friendly chat with L.

He wondered for a moment if he was obsessed. After all, lately he spent most of his time thinking about the student. But it was understandable. He was used to have everyone at his will, and now that someone denied him, it was expected to arouse his interest.

Light looked over to the door of the changing room to see that the object of interest has arrived. L entered the room in his usual attire and instantly went to the farthest corner from him, sitting down and taking out his sport equipment: the obligatory white t-shirt and black training pants.

Light watched curiously as L removed his shirt to reveal a thin figure, with slightly toned muscles. His gaze swept over the lean arms, pale chest, the small nipples and the flat stomach, before everything was hidden underneath the shirt. It was then he noticed that L was looking at him with narrowed eyes.

He got himself a little carried away.

But now that he was finally noticed he could as well talk to L. Light slowly made his way to the student watching as his expression gradually darkened.

"Good morning", he greeted cheerfully.

"I don't appreciate being watched, Yagami-kun", came the response.

"However, it's very satisfying to watch you, Lawliet-kun."

"I suggest you to refrain yourself from watching me again. Otherwise I will have to hurt you again."

Light didn't answer him; he only turned around to let L change pants. He saw how some of his classmates threw a glance at L, and refrained himself from grimacing at them. It was unfair how they were allowed to look and he wasn't. Yet.

"I have something to talk with you", he casually remarked when L was dressed up.

"Hasn't it crossed Yagami-kun's mind that perhaps I don't wish to talk to him?"

"Not really. What I'm about to tell you, will help you a great deal, so it's better you listen."

"How could Yagami-kun ever help me?"

"By not letting something bad to happen to you."

L snorted and looked at him incredulous.

He leaned closer to L, ignoring the flinch he received, and slowly whispered to him:

"We will talk after everybody leaves. I promise I won't disappoint you."

L didn't respond, but Light knew that he would stay. He was curious.

Light went to one of his classmates, and told him that they might miss class, due to some problems. The boy only grinned and waved him away.

They both waited in silence until the room cleared. When there was only the two of them left, Light moved away from L sitting down at a safe distance. He certainly didn't want to get reacquainted with L's leg. One encounter was enough.

"There is something I want to ask you before", Light started. "Why are you so interested in Eiko-san's death?"

L's expression didn't change at all at his question.

"I could say that I'm attracted to mysteries. Why is that?"

Light sighed in false defeat, and then remained silent for a moment, as if in turmoil.

"Lawliet-san", his voice was sad, almost dejected. "I believe… that you might be the one who killed Eiko-san."

The stunned silence that followed his words was probably the best answer he could get. L's eyes narrowed in displeasure, a frown replacing his calm features. Their eyes were locked, and Light could see, that the other didn't believe him.

"Why would you say that, Yagami-kun?" his voice was low, and almost threatening. Light found it arousing.

"The coincidences are far too convenient. You arrived here at the beginning of the holiday, and she disappeared last Saturday. You live relatively close to her. You were seen in the area at the night she disappeared. And not lastly there is your strange interest in her death. Before, you were avoiding everyone, and after her death you became almost a social butterfly."

"How did you acquire the information about me?" L's eyes flashed angrily. Intriguing how he was more concerned about the break of his privacy than the fact that he was accused of murder.

"It wasn't hard at all", Light decided to indulge him. "The school records have your address. Also a few people I asked about you helped me."

L didn't bother to hide his irritation anymore.

"Yagami-kun's insolence is infuriating. How dare he search after my personal business? And for such a reason. Your evidences are most clearly not enough to mark me as a suspect."

"My suspicion of you is minimal. However it is there. And I'm not someone to just leave it like this. I have to figure out whether it's you or someone else."

"I assure you, Yagami-kun, that I didn't kill her."

"Just like you didn't kill your father?" Gotcha!

Light watched with satisfaction as L's eyes widened to an impossible extent, and he took a step back, before trying to compose himself once more. Trying and failing.

"What are you talking about?" his voice was shaky.

Light didn't answer. He instead dipped into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. He unfolded it, and then began reading out loud:

"Gerard Lawliet, the well-known businessman, was found dead this night around 1 a.m. in his bedroom by his son. According to our sources he had been murdered, and the police have already determined that the killer was most-likely his own son (whose name will not be revealed). 'The hidden cameras installed in the bedroom have caught the figure of the killer, which resembled the son of Gerard Lawliet both in appearance and structure. Although we were not able to see it perfectly, we're almost sure that he is indeed the person responsible', said the police chief. The teenager was arrested on spot, and is currently being questioned."

L was barely able to control himself from breaking down, Light could see. His eyes were still wide as fear and mostly rage coursed through them. His breathing became faster, and he was slightly shacking.

"Where did Yagami-kun find this?" Light was satisfied to hear that L's voice lost that irritating monotony to it, becoming a hoarse whisper.

"Online newspaper. Of course, I looked into it, and found out that you were declared innocent afterwards, but this doesn't mean that you couldn't be the killer."

There was a short silence, when L most likely contemplated how to kill, or at least injure Light.

And that was exactly what he did. If he went for the right then he might surprise Light and at least land one blow on him. One that would have him see the stars. Or maybe…

It was then L realized what he had been doing. Contemplating how to cause pain to Yagami Light wasn't the best way to solve the situation.

What did Watari teach him in moments like these? Keep cool. Don't let him see your emotions. Well it was a little late for that. He could still save the situation. Couldn't he?

Getting hold of his facial expressions he let his blank face slip back, and when he was sure that he was also in control of his voice, he took the easiest route: he evaded the statement.

"I still can't see Yagami-kun's point. How would accusing me of murder benefit him?"

Light's face showed surprise, but he quickly got the hint, and decided to let the previous topic drop. After all, he only needed the information to make sure L would cooperate, and it would be truly satisfying if L came to tell him the story himself.

"As I said earlier, I want to help you." He said with a sweet smile. "I don't want you to be a murderer. However that can be only achieved one way: I want to work with you to find the killer. Also that way I can observe you and determine your innocence."

"How does Yagami-kun think that he attested enough to observe me?" L's eyes showed a hint a mockery.

"My father is the one leading the case. I have helped him during numerous cases before, so I can say that he trusts my opinion. I could simply just pass you to him, but I'd rather observe you myself. If you can handle my presence, of course." with that Light showed a mocking grin. "So what do you say, L?"

L stood silent for a moment before speaking up.

"I'm not sure if enduring Yagami-kun's presence would help me at all."

"Why is that, L? I'm most certainly better company than all those investigators that would interrogate you. It's best for both of us: I get to know you, and you will get to work on the case, with every information available."

L was silent, most likely contemplating the answer.

"Look" Light started again, "I'll leave you to think until the end of school. We'll talk then."

And with that he waved to L, and swiftly left the room.

-

Any opinions? Please share them with me!

Love ya,

Niya