Work Text:
Quiet mornings were always the best. The kind with birds chirping next to windows and soft breezes of wind occasionally flowing around. And by some stroke of luck the campus was quiet too, with no depressed students trying to cram themselves together in the small library their school offered to try and squeeze out some more information just before their tests.
The last part was probably due to the fact that it was a sunday, and most people preferred to chill in their dorms preparing for the next day than go out anywhere.
The blissful atmosphere was interrupted by a frustrated groan coming from an exhausted freshman who was currently debating strangling himself to avoid getting out of bed.
How nice it would be to laze around all day, too bad Light didn’t get to think about such a luxury, much less live it.
No, no.
Light Yagami had fucking work first thing in the morning.
An alarm clock could be faintly heard being smashed against the floor, followed by a long string of curses.
The clink of the bells rung faintly in the small bakery/pastry shop/cafe when a figure entered through the door (that was after pulling the door for a good 5 minutes when there was a clear sign above that said 'push').
He quickly infiltrated the place, then stopping abruptly just before the counter, his awkward stance making him look slightly out of place.
Naomi gave him an ugly look pointing to her watch before throwing him his uniform.
“You’re 15 minutes late, im deducting them from your pay. What took you so long?”
Light stared at her, a faint vein bulging slightly from his temple.
”You can’t be fucking serious.”
She raised an unimpressed brow. He crossed his arms.
”If you’re so interested, my alarm clock broke and those Starbucks employees fucked up my order.”
“Yeah, im sure it broke on its own, but i suppose it’s not entirely far fetched, if I was your clock i would probably put an end to my misery as well.”
Light glared at her. She just shrugged in response then sighed.
”Whatever, i don’t give a shit. Hurry and get your ass behind the counter so we can open before tomorrow comes, at least.”
”Just because you’re my manager doesn’t mean you get to boss me around.” he scoffed.
”I can and i will. Get a move on or else you won’t be getting your check at the end of the week.” Naomi replied coolly before disappearing in the back.
Light glared again but didn’t comment this time, tying or more like trying to tie the apron behind his back. Finally, he managed to tie it in a wonky kind of ribbon, not bothering much with its appearance.
He slid behind the worktop just as the first customer walked in, and immediately after he saw him, the customer started assaulting his ears with all the abominations he wanted to eat first thing in the morning.
Dear god, this was going to be a extremely long day.
What the fuck.
Okay maybe that was an understatement.
What the actual fuck.
The man in front of Light just blinked owlishly, unaware of his internal crisis. Light looked at him, then back at the ticket, then back at him and back at the ticket again.
His brain could not process this so early in the morning.
”Okay so,” he began “just to double check, you want a large banana splits,4 slices of strawberry flavoured cheesecake, one lemon bar, a stack of donuts, a batch of cream puffs, 2 whole strawberry shortcakes and 3 chocolate muffins topped with cherries?”
”Yes.” the man replied “Is there a problem?”
Light turned his attention back to the man and really took in the sight of the person before him.
What the fuck (for the third time).
Since when were parasites allowed to enter he absentmindedly wondered (Light made a mental note to check their store policy later).
The hair involuntarily caught Light’s attention first (probably because it took up about 80% of Light’ vision). It looked erratic, like someone pulled it right after playing with slime, a pitch black that was surprisingly not a bad color if it didn’t have the misfortune of belonging to an undiscovered specimen. And it would have looked better if it had been brushed anytime in the last 4 months (c’mon dude, buy a comb).
Next on the list was its attire (Light barely stopped his nose from wrinkling). It wasn’t anything bad per-se, just a simple white long sleeved shirt and a pair of blue jeans, yet somehow managed to make the man look even more homeless than he already was, but then again, Light didn’t think anything would make him not.
And oh my god what was that posture. Did it have scoliosis.
.
Yeah it definitely had scoliosis because there was no way in hell anyone could maintain the position of a shrimp for that long out of their own volition.
And the cherry on top, were the eyes. Light examined the unblinking mass of darkness situated right on his face. They were… kinda like a bug’s (Light didn’t know whether that would be considered cute or not). Truly an eyesore he concluded (no pun intended).
If he had to put him in three adjectives it would be wonky, weird and freaky.
He was weird, Light concluded , knowing absolutely nothing about the man beside the way he looked.
”Are you done staring?”
Light blinked “what..?” before realizing that he had zoned out completely while over analysing him.
”Oh, im sorry, i got lost in thought. Just let me confirm your order right here.” he said with the most customer-service worthy smile he could manage.
The man hummed “I noticed that” he replied.
A beat passed.
”Do you think im attractive?”
Light almost dropped the machine in his hands.
”E-excuse me?” he sputtered. No way, there was no way he just asked that, maybe he misheard.
”Do you think im attractive?” okay, no, he didn’t.
He just finished roasting this guy’s entire existence and now he asks this?
”I heard you the first time.” Light let out throughout gritted teeth.
”Why else would you zone out while staring at me.”
The man shrugged, indifferent.
“Well?”
Light felt his face get hot. “Sir, i think it would be highly inappropriate if i responded to that, pleas understand.” his voice was a pitch higher, Light did not like that.
The man smirked “That’s not a no.” before returning to his previous unbothered self.
Light exhaled, the morning had just begun, yet he was tired already.
“Could i get your name?”
The man’s eyes widened slightly, twinkling with something like mischief.
Light realised his mistake far too late. His face heated up again.
”For the order sir.” He let out weakly.
The man smiled. “Sure, its L.”
Any embarrassment Light had dissipated in that moment.
“L? Like the letter?” he raised a brow.
“Yes. It’s quite unique. And yours is Light?”
Alarm bells started ringing in Light’s head at the mention of his name. He looked at L, startled.
”How did-“
L simply pointed at the name tag on his uniform, yet Light could see him hiding a laugh.
”Oh. Right.” his skin was permanently dusted with a faint pink and he stopped caring enough to hide it.
He sighed as he tapped away the last details.
”Your parents must have been reaaaal uninspired when they named you.” he mumbled under his breath.
L chuckled.
“Don’t laugh, the name really gives me the impression of a freak.” Light snorted.
L leaned in startling Light. Their faces were close and for some reason he couldn’t help but hold his breath. L stared directly at him, his lips were moving, he was whispering.
”I guess we’re two sides of the same coin. Two freaks make a normal don’t they?”
What was this guy on about.
Light raised his hands to maintain the slowly disappearing distance between them.
“I doubt you would know, but bacteria has a higher chance of transmitting the closer you get.”
L laughed. A genuine, bewildered laugh.
”Are you implying that im carrying diseases?”
”I suppose we might just never know.”
L leaned back, not breaking eye contact.
And Light didn’t break it either, avoiding it would be like admitting defeat.
”Are you wi-fi?”
Light frowned, clearly confused.
”What?”
”I said are you wifi? Because i feel a connection.”
Light gaped at the utter audacity this man gave him after just 5 minutes of knowing him.
”Wow, a freak and a schizo, who could have thought.”
“Can you hear that noise? It’s my heart being torn apart by your words.”
”They do say that truth is a powerful weapon, no?”
L licked his lips.
”You’re interesting. You keep saying things you don’t mean and yet you continue entertaining me. Is that how your everyday life is as well? Lying through your teeth and playing the character people want you to be?”
Light narrowed his eyes. A scowl forming of his usually delicately polite face.
”What do would someone like you know?”
”Ah, i know a lot of things, more than you can acknowledge at least, since your narcissism won’t let you see anyone else as anything except scum beneath your feet.”
Light’s protest caught in his throat, failing to formulate a response.
”Stop spouting nonsense.”
”You know im right. After all, you said it yourself, truth is a rather dangerous weapon.”
Distantly a voice could be heard yelling ‘Order for L?’
L stepped back and had the nerve to wink at Light, a lazy smile playing on his lips.
”See you around Raito.”
Light’a heart skipped a beat. L was out the door in record time, hands full with his diabetes source.
Light knees gave out, he collapsed on the chair behind him.
What the fuck was that.
Naomi whistled behind him.
”Damn.”
To be completely honest, Light didn’t expect to see the dude again after that.
He figured that maybe it was a one time thing, that maybe he was doing it for shits and giggles to just about anyone when he went outside (not the the guy seemed to do that too often).
Imagine his surprise when on Monday morning, during his opening shift he was the first in line.
They made eye contact, but Light chose to disregard his presence. L approached him, armed with a Cheshire grin on his person.
”Hey”
”…”
Light busied himself with the non-existent order to avoid answering. L didn’t seem to take the hint.
“You’re theoretically a server, yet you don’t need no pen or paper to draw my attention.”
Light involuntarily let a small smile that turned tight after he realised it escaped without his permission.
“… that was even worse than yesterday.”
”Didn’t know you were such a party pooper.” L leaned against the counter, supporting his weight on the small glass pannel next to him.”What’s up, princess, waiting for your Prince Charming?”
A small veined bulged on the side of his forehead.
”As a matter of fact, yes. I would appreciate if he would better hurry up before the ogre in front of me steals me away. I would also appreciate if the ogre told me what he wants already so it can get out of my sight.
L chuckled dryly.
”So you do have a sense of humour, but the last comment was a little uncalled for-“
”What would you like to order, good sir?”
L was momentarily stunned from being cut off but regained his composure just as quickly. He sighed dramatically.
”You wound me mr. barista…”
”It’s patissier, thank you very much.”
“… ill have the same as yesterday alongside another slice of both shortcake and cheesecake. I’m sure you remember, no?”
“Your order is literally longer than the manuscripts in my history book.”
To his shame, he did in fact remember the whole order and he didn’t forget the extra slice of cheesecake.
”Here’s your meal, or whatever you call this abomination. Please tap your card here.”
He extended his card over.
”Am i right to assume that you don’t like sweets, Light-kun?”
He swiped the thin piece of plastic.
”I don’t really like sugar packed things in general, i feel sick after eating them. However i don’t mind some chocolate once in a while though.”
L dragged his tumb over to his mouth, pensively biting on it.
Light watched the endeavour with distaste.
”That’s really unhygienic, not to mention gross, you know that right?”
”I assure you my hands are as clean as possible. As for your dislike of sweets… well, i suppose that i’ll help you find the wonders of their world once i take you out on a proper date.” he wondered out loud “ It doesn’t exactly make sense does it? A snack such as yourself not liking other delicacies is quite unheard of.”
Light covered his eyes, a furious blush climbing on his cheeks.
“Would you stop that-!”
L grinned.
”No i dont think i will. Now, if you’ll excuse me, i must go research more pickup lines for our meetings tomorrow.”
He blew a kiss in Light’s direction. He dodged it.
“Okay then-! Don’t come back. See you never.”
The next day Light went to work after his first period. He was still a student and had to attend university after all.
This time he wasn’t late, to which Naomi gave a thumbs up after seeing him head in the back looking for his work form.
Just as he was ready to get to the front he spotted Naomi packing up her belongings.
”Where are you going?” he asked casually.
”I’m heading out, i’ve finished my part today.”
Ah, right.
It was Tuesday which meant Naomi was leaving early.
Crap.
”Make sure to turn off the lights, you’re closing today. Also make sure the fridge is working, oh and if some of those new cookies we tried out don’t sell you can take them home, okay? And don’t give me that look.”
Light just stared at her.
”What look?”
Naomi sighed in frustration.
”Dont act like you don’t know” she grumbled and continued “Mikami ain’t that bad, do try to get along, or not, i know you’ll ignore him anyway. Besides, he isn’t going to ever say it outright much less try antything, the kid’s way too shy about it.”
”Come on, Naomi,” he whined “it’s bad enough that i have to work with him on a normal day, but alone? That’s just cruel. I might just pull my hair out if i catch him staring at me again.” Light bemoaned.
It was Naomi’s turn to stare.
Light paid her no mind.
”Wasn’t Matsuda supposed to be working today? What’s up with him?”
Naomi shrugged turning around to look for her clothes.
”He said he had a family emergency and wouldn’t make it today, im not sure about the details.”
She zipped up her jacket, preparing to leave.
”Well, im off now. Be a good kid,m’kay? Don’t burn this place down while im gone.”
Light nodded, not bothering to fight her about the nickname. He tried to a few times but in the end Naomi did what Naomi wanted.
As she passed through the doorstep, she suddenly turned around as if struck by lightning. A small smirk spreading on her face.
”If things do get bad, im sure your knight in shining armour will come to the rescue.”
With that she scurried away before Light had time to retort.
“You-“ he shouted uselessly after her, before he slumped forward, defeated.
Whatever, he didn’t care about what Naomi had to say, said he as his cheeks burned hot with embarrassment.
There were more important mathers at hand, like how he was going to get through the whole day, alone, with Mikami of all people.
He didn’t hate Mikami, no. He was a chill dude most of the time with a decent enough personality. He just so happened to have a thing for Light. Which sure, Light was amazing, smart, hot, funny, etc, but he could at least try to hide it.
Light had a bone to pick with people who gave him puppy eyes, to say the least.
He may curse Naomi a lot, but god did he love her 100 times more than any idiot here (he probably liked her more than most of his other school friends as well.
Light started walking back to his desk.
‘You can do this, you can do this, you can do this…’
He hyped himself up mentally before stepping into the room which would slowly start to suffocate him for the following 6 hours maybe.
Mikami was already over there. He gave a bright smile after spotting Light.
’Fuck. God if you exist take me now. Actually, no, don’t let me die in a room with him.’
Light tried his best to return it, hoping that it didn’t look as sour as he felt.
“Hi there, Light-kun! I hope our work will be easy today, even if it’s just us.”
Light nodded, looking anywhere but him.
”Yeah,” he agreed “ let’s hope it ends quickly.
It would not, he knew it, but Light still like to hope it would.
It was slow as fuck.
There were barely any people, which yeah Tuesday wasn’t their best day but the place was unusually deserted.
Which naturally made Mikami shoot his shot at small talk, which meant Light had no choice but to reply to every one of his questions with the polite smile that was just about a permanent part of his face by now.
Just as he was praying for a miracle to happend that would prevent his face muscles damaging themselves permanently, an angel decided to grant his wish and walk through the door.
Light was never this happy to serve a customer, in his entire career.
He almost leaped across the counter, this time a genuine smile taking root.
”Hello! How may i help- oh, it’s you.”
Out of anyone in the goddamn world-
“I’m happy to see you as well, Light. Truly a sweet extra slice of joy.”
To escape and idiot you must first find another.
He scowled.
”I don’t know which one of you i hate more.” he muttered under his breath.
L raised a non-existent brow.
”My bad, i didn’t quite catch that.”
Light scoffed.
”It’s nothing. Anyway, what are you here for this time? Another heart attack or do you just wanna get on my nerves?”
”Hmmm, i was hoping for a little bit of both actually, but i wouldn’t mind if you would like to give me more of the second option.”
What both of them failed to notice was the third ominous presence that was beginning to grow restless like an angry cat.
Light began saying something but was cut out by Mikami.
”Excuse me, but who are you? Don’t you know that it’s inappropriate to talk like this to a worker?”
L’s eyes boredly moved to examine him, briefly skimming him from head to toe before casting his gaze back to Light, completely ignoring him.
”Hey- im talking to you!”
”Okay, Mikami, that’s enough-“
“Damn, i didn’t know we had a spoiled child on our hands, is Light your mother or something?” L commented uninterested.
Mikami slammed his hands down, the sound echoing through the empty store.
”What is your problem?! You have no right insult me like this nor do you have a right to speak with Light-kun like this!”
Light cringed internally at this.
”Look Mikami, calm down for a second. L isn’t a stranger he’s an… acquaintance, it’s totally fine.”
L wheezed silently under his breath. Light shot him a nasty glare. He composed himself slightly but didn’t bother to hide the stupid grin on his face.
”Mr. Mikami yes? I apologise if i offended you in any way, though please believe that i was merely speaking the truth.”
Mikami narrowed his eyes.
L continued.
”Still i have a question for you, if you don’t mind, say, do you like Light?”
Light chocked on his own spit, while Mikami started sputtering something unintelligible.
”L what are you even-“
L cut him off.
“From your reaction, i would say that my suspicions weren’t entirely baseless. But i have to say, i do feel bad for you, Mr. Mikami, because me and Light over here already have something going on, so i would appreciate you not coming in between us, m’kay?”
”…”
”…”
Mikami looked at him as if he grew a second head, meanwhile Light was horrified.
“Ah, i guess you didn’t know? It’s not surprising, after all, Light only tends to share personal things only with people he’s close with and likes.”
That seemed to break both of them out of their stupor.
”W-wait, what? I-i mean, yes? But no, L what are you-“
As Light was struggling to come up with a good enough reply Mikami dejectedly left his side, heading to the stool opposite them with a sad puppy look on his face.
L watched him leave with an amused expression, oblivious or simply uncaring about the fact that Light already broke two plastic spoons in the background.
He then glanced at his wrist. Light watched as a sense of urgency glossed over his features.
”Would you look at the time, it’s about time i hop back.”
He moved his eyes to gaze at Light.
”This has been fun, but i truly must float away, like my heart has after seeing you, take care Raito.”
And with that L left.
Light watched him go, the redness dusting his ears still prevalent enough to catch the attention of an upcoming customer.
”Hey, Light, sorry to disturb but” Naomi greeted apologetically.
”I think i forgot my phone here somewhere. Also, by the way, do you happend to know why Mikami’s ugly crying in the back?”
Safe to say, Mikami won’t be bothering him for a while.
Wensday came fairly quickly.
And if anyone thought that Light seemed eager to go to work, they were wrong.
Light just… wanted to get the whole thing over with faster.
Yeah, no other reason at all.
”Are you a lamp? Cuz you light up my way forward.”
”What the fuck are you doing here.”
Lo and behold, L, in his glorious jeans and white shirt, presented dutifully before him at four o’clock in the morning.
”That’s a rather stupid question for someone as intelligent as you. What would i do outside of a bakery shop.”
”It’s literally still dark outside???”
That much was very true, in fact, there were still plenty of stars on the night sky.
Truth be told, Light was a little jealous seeing L stand so relaxed while Light had a bloody battle with his alarm.
”I wanted to be the first in line and get some treats while they are still soft. Am i not allowed?”
He sighed. Light gave up.
”… you know what, i don’t even care anymore. Move, let me open up.”
He turned the key and opened the door while L floated happily behind him.
Light went and grabbed his uniform.
”Just so you know” he started talking while attempting to tie a knot behind him.
”If you really want to get some treats you’ll have to wait a little. I need to bake a few batches first.”
He struggled to tie the knot, arms flailing around uselessly before dropping to the side.
“Would you like some help with that?”
”…yeah.”
L moved behind him, arms holding his waist in place.
”Stay still. Also you were saying?”
He started tying the string together, fingers moving masterfully along the small of Light’s back.
Light felt himself get tongue tied but willed his mouth to continue speaking.
”Yeah, well, i need to actually start preparing the ingredients for baking until Matsuda shows up because he’s always running late, those things you’re so obsessed with don’t just magically spawn by themselves.”
L continued working, making sure the string went inside the loop and holding itself securely.
”I thought you just work as kind of a cashier, taking orders mostly.”
”Yes, but that’s about only half of my job. I work at the counter along with Matsuda and Misa. Us three along with Naomi who is also our manager and Rem who’s usually the one spending most of the time creating the recipes and and perfecting them work in the kitchen. And Mikami is in charge of the drinks and takes over Naomi’s business when she’s not here and and also occasionally works at the counter himself.”
The threads connected creating a beautifully intertwined ribbon. He stepped back, admiring his handiwork.
Light caught himself saddened by the missing warmth.
He examined himself in the glass panes.
”Huh, not bad. You seem pretty good with your hands.”
L smiled mischievously.
”I can do a lot of things with them. Would you like to see?”
Light’s cheeks turned rosy.
”Get your head out of the gutter, i didnt mean it like that.”
L raised a smug brow.
”What are you talking about Light-kun? I merely wanted to propose helping you bake until Matsuda shows up.”
Light grit his teeth, his whole body now tinted pink.
”Forget i said anything, smartass.”
”Hmmm, i don’t think i will. But i think you have forgotten something very important.”
Light stared at him.
”And what would that be?”
”Dont you think i deserve a reward for yesterday? Helping you and all,” L practically purred “i accept payment in phone numbers too, you know.”
One of his eyes twitched.
”Why should i give you anything, it’s not like i asked you to intervene. Wait, now that i actually think about it, what the hell was that stunt for?!”
Light stepped towards L. L backed away slowly, hands in the air.
”Wellllllll, would you have rathered he kept bothering you the entire day? And besides, its not like i said something untrue, you know?”
”Untrue my ass.”
L coughed.
”I can agree that your ass is in fact very much true and present. But anyway about that phone number…”
Light stopped dead in his tracks and snorted loudly.
”So that’s why you were here. And here i was genuinely believing someone would go out like a madman in the middle of the night for some cookies.”
He pointed an accusatory finger at L.
”You are going to drive me insane.”
L smiled sheepishly.
”The act of driving someone insane implies that the person in question was thinking so much about something that their mind couldn’t take it anymore. I’m glad to know you’re thinking about me that much then.”
“Oh my god.”
He rounded up the corner straight to his work counter. He then proceeded to rip a piece of paper from a notebook they kept around to count the inventory and scribbled furiously on the scrap. He then went back and handed it to L.
“Here, take it, shove it up your ass if you will, now scram.”
Just then Matsuda walked in. Light shunned him towards the door, feeling the way smugness practically radiated from him.
L left right after stepping through the door but not before shooting Light a triumphant smirk.
Light tried to not let it get to him. He heard a confused Matsuda behind him.
”Isn’t that the guy that always ask’s for you when he comes here?”
Light’s head snapped back at Matsuda.
”What did you say?”
L actually texted him later that day.
’Well, here i am. What are your other two wishes?’
In handsight Light should have expected that he’d start with something like that.
’can you stop with the pick-up lines, im getting secondhand embarrassment’
’how would you feel about a no,’
’fuck you’
’well if you insist’
’it was a figure of speech, you sick perverted imbecile’
’you should know, i don't appreciate people calling me that>:C actually im coming over to the shop later to settle the score about this. What time are you getting off?’
’are u planning to stalk me? Creep’
’just answer the question, pretty boy’
Light had to do a double take at that.
’???’
’i get off at 6, don’t be late ig’
’okii, see you C:<‘
Well, apparently he was meeting the dude again today, huh.
Light closed his phone and let out an exasperated sigh, massaging his temple in the meantime. In the end, he settled on letting them rest on his face.
”Hey, Light, are you sick?”
Light turned to look at Matsuda.
”What? No, why are you asking?”
”Uhm” Matsuda scratched his cheek nervously.
”No reason, just, your ears are extremely red for some reason.”
Light blinked and guided his hands to touch them. They were, in fact, scorching hot. Strange, he was blushing much more these days.
“T-that’s just cause it’s so warm in here!”
Evening came, L was outside the shop just as promised.
”Geez, you sure are always free, don’t you have classes or something?”
L, in lieu of a reaction, raised a brow.
”Should i take this as a sign that Light-kun wants to know more about me?”
”Don’t get too cocky now.”
”I’ll take that as a yes, and to answer your question, i already finished university and im working as a detective. And if i may brag, a very good one at that.”
Light’s eyes almost popped from his skull. Light gave a amused smile.
“Why are you so surprised? Where else would i have the money to buy all those sweets.”
Light chewed his lip as he thought about the answer.
”Uhhh, i guess i just assumed that you were using your parents money or something.” he wondered “Now that i think about it, it does explain your whole… appearance let’s say. But that’s still super impressive.”
“Rude.” L glared at him offended. “And also, for the record , your first assumption is extremely wrong because i don’t actually have parents.”
Oh.
Oh.
Well, that was a shitty thing to say.
A third, resounding “O” escaped Light as his face contorted with shock.
”Oh fuck, that’s was a shitty thing to say, im so sorry i didn’t know.” Light moved closer to L. “I’m sorry.”
L looked at him strangely.
”What are you apologizing for? Besides i have a guardian who’s also kind of my right hand man. Besides, i don’t even remember my parents since my guardian took me in when i was basically 7 years old.”
L chuckled slightly.
”So it’s no biggie.”
A awkward atmosphere settled over them. Light shifted on his feet uncomfortably.
L being L of course noticed that, perhaps that sharpness was thanks to his profession.
L studied him intensely.
”A question to change the mood in here.”
”Go on.”
Light coughed in his hand before beginning.
”Why exactly did you come here now for, i mean, you came exactly after i closed, so i doubt you wanted to buy anything.”
“What if i just wanted to see you?”
Light shrank into himself, once again warmth tingling his face.
”Shut up.”
L laughed, the sound a melodious symphony that kissed Light’s ear.
”Haaa, you’re right, i do have ulterior motives coming here. Primarily to annoy you but also escort you like a proper gentleman to your room.” He bowed slightly, mimicking the way a princess would raise her dress. Despite himself, Light couldn’t help the goofy smile spreading across his face.
”Secondly, i would like to ask you out to dinner tomorrow as well, since a little birdie told me you’re free after classes end. Of course only if you would accept that is.“
Light wanted to decline the offer so bad. He gazed pitifully at L.
“Why?”
L looked like an angel illuminated by the cheap, shitty light from the lamp. He looked strangely gentle in that moment.
”I think it’s fairly obvious, because i like you. I think you’re smart, caring, and you have a rather charming personality. You’re also quite charismatic, and i am begrudgingly admitting that you are extremely pretty as well. Above all, you are the most interesting person i have ever had the change of meeting in my life, and i would love to get to know you better. You are sly, witty and cunning, you didn’t back down when i provoked you and i loved that about you, you are also an extremely big asshole-“
Light took passed L, stepping into the shadows in front.
L surveyed him, dumbfounded.
Light stopped and turned to look at L.
”You know what, ill come regardless.”he began.
“As you said, i am kind and gracious enough to not let you embarrass yourself alone. Now hurry up and take me home, or are you backing out now?”
Light purposefully stayed in the dark, trying to hide the shine in his eyes and the dumb grin he had on from L. He was too proud to let him see how happy he was right now.
Unfortunately for him, L noticed and smiled at that, really smiled. He went and planted himself next to Light, intertwining their fingers together.
”What are you waiting for then?”
Honestly, this was stupid.
There was no way in hell Light spent that much time getting ready. Nope, nu-huh.
And yet the clock showed no mistake, 3 hours have passed ever since he started getting ready for this damn date.
Date.
Huh.
Behind him Ryuk, Light’s roommate and unfortunately best friend, was cackling maniacally.
”I still can’t believe that you agreed to go out with him. Who would’ve thought the great Yagami Light would let go if his pride and actually accept someone invitation?” he plopped a gum into his mouth.
”I have to meet this L guy.”
He froze up for a moment, then after a beat started howling again.
”Pftt- L, seriously, what kind of name is that?! Pfft- hahaha!”
Light was barely holding himself back from punching Ryuk in the face. After a few moments he snapped.
”Shut the fuck up. Keep your stupid ass remarks to yourself. It ain’t my fault that you got no bitches in the first place so don’t humiliate yourself further when you know that nobody would look at your ass. Can’t you see im stressed over here!”
Ryuk was stunned before regaining his composure. He whistled.
”Well shit, struck a nerve did i? Still why you making this out to be such a big thing, just wear some jeans and style your hair properly. Actually now that i think an about it, you never gave a fuck about these things before, what’s up?”
Light didn’t answer, though Ryuk could see his ear hueing a soft pink. He smirked under the cover of his hand.
Light met Ryuk in his first year of high school after he saw him getting absolutely shaton by a teacher for not doing the homework. At first glance you wouldn’t even be able to tell they knew each other, much less willingly interact with one another.
Ryuk was your typical college bad boy, he had like 50 different piercings and shitty box dye in his hair. And god, did he have the most horrendous fashion sense. Light thought he was edgy, Ryuk called himself a cool emo or something like that.
Despite that he was still one of the most popular guys around, so much so that he and Ryuk were in the same rank.
Overall, even though their personalities clashed like hell and heaven they still somehow were something akin to best friends that also chose to be roommates (a decision Light regretted to this day).
”Yo, so uhh,” he cleared his throat “is he like, special, or somethin’?”
”Can you fuck off?”
Ryuk pretended to ponder the question for a few seconds. The shit-eating grin on his face wasn’t exactly a sign that screamed honesty.
”Chilax bro, don’t shit yourself too much, you’re too whiny when you do.”
He leaned back and began fidgeting with something in his pocket before pulling it out. It was a crumbled kind of cigarette, although it looked more like a poor imitation of one. Ryuk extended it to Light.
”You want one?” he asked.
Light wrinkled his nose.
Another thing about Ryuk is that he smoked.
”No thanks, i don’t want to start crying because i started seeing the ghosts of my dead ancestors, and don’t fucking smoke inside, it stinks.”
Ryuk rolled his eyes.
“Real pissy, you know Light, you’re almost like a girl sometimes, but fine, you do you, don’t come begging for one when you realise what you missed on.”
He took another puff before unintentionally resting his eyes on Light’s figure. He tched when he saw him.
”You seriously want to wear that?”
For reference Light was wearing some simple jeans and a sweatshirt.
”Whats wrong with what im wearing?”
Ryuk gasped audibly.
”That’s what you want to wear on a date?! Damn glow stick, you’re truly hopeless.”
He chuckled slightly.
”Oh my god. You’re lucky im in a good mood today, come here before you go out embarrassing yourself.”
Before he had a change to protest Ryuk dragged him next to the closet. He began furiously rummaging through the pile of clothes that was scattered around haphazardly.
He managed somehow to put together around 3 different outfits and ushered Light to try them on.
And so, Light became a living-breathing doll for the past half hour.
”I look hideous.”
Ryuk scratched his head in thought.
”Can you stop with the fancy words bulb, i can’t concentrate.” he scanned him over.
”Although you are right, those cargos are fugly. You look like a fashion disaster.”
“No shit Sherlock, it doesn’t take a genius or the fashion police to see that.”
”Go fuck yourself, anyway, there’s the last one that i managed to put together. Go wear it and if it doesn’t work, i give up.”
Light mentally facepalmed but did as he was told.
He inspected the clothes he received instead.
Huh, he didn’t remember owning them.
There was a dark red shirt that didn’t stray too far from his usual tuxedo like top half but seemed casual enough to wore outside alongside some black, fairly fitted pants. For accessories he saw a belt that didn’t look so bad either, and he also saw Ryuk fiddling around with some jewellery that he would undoubtedly force Light to wear.
He got dressed and stepped out, waiting until Ryuk turned around to give his verdict.
”What do you think?”
Ryuk gaped.
”Holy shit dude, you look… surprisingly fine! See even if i had almost had nothing to work with papa still pulled it off.”
”Shut up and die already.”
”Not yet, later maybe, anyhow you still need the final touches cause you look boring as hell.”
Just as he expected, Ryuk slid a golden, pretty looking bracelet around his wrist and a nice chain around his neck. He pulled out one of Light’s special occasions coat and slid it over his shoulders.
”Yo bro, i need you to trust me on this one and stay still.”
Light very much groaned as he started to get tired of Ryuk’s antics but obliged nonetheless.
”I trust you even less now but ok.”
Suddenly he felt a feather like sensation on his face.
“What the fuck are you-“ instinctively, he tried to open his eyes. Ryuk’s hand flew out to cover his eyes.
”Shhh bro, i promise it’s not drugs so be a good boy, aight.”
”Don’t call me that, wait, are you applying makeup on me?!”
Ryuk laughed nervously.
”Of course, only your future boyfriend can call you that. Umm, mayhaps? Is that how you say it?”
”Dont fucking mayhaps me, im not a girl so why would i need this-”
Light tried to slap his hand away, Ryuk didn’t budge.
“Oh come on mannnnn, don’t be like that i promise it’s just a little! Besides, men wear makeup too, that’s what the progressive world is all about, i mean, just take a look at me!”
”Yeah, well the rule clearly doesn’t apply to you.” he grumbled “okay, fine, just, don’t overdo it.”
Ryuk beamed and continued his ministrations.
“Aaaaaand, we’re done! Take a look in the mirror and see what your fashion saviour has done.”
Ryuk guided Light to the mirror.
“See? Now, if only you put at least half this effort in your appearance everyday maybe that guy wouldn’t have taken so long to ask you out.”
He put a hand of Light’s shoulder and whispered in his ear, trying to sound sultry.
”By the way, you owe me big time for this, Lighty~”
Light snorted.
”Yeah well i don’t think that he went out of his way to make a fool out of himself until now if he thought i looked ugly, you’re just insecure. And for the record, you ain’t getting shit.”
Ryuk pouted.
“So mean, and for your information, i ain’t, im just giving advice like a good friend would.”
”Whatever you say.”
Light glanced at the watch on his wrist that wasn’t previously there. Ryuk must’ve slipped it on when he was trying to ignore the setting powder that was flying into his nostrils.
He read the time.
Shit.
He was going to be late if he kept dilly dallying any more.
”I should probably head out.” he announced.
Ryuk whistled.
”Of course, wouldn’t wanna leave your prince waiting.” he sniffled dramatically “my baby’s all grown up now.”
“Shut up.” Light didn’t argue, too busy imagining his date with L while heading to grab his shoes.
Date.
The word made him feel giddy.
Ryuk lazily followed him to the front entrance.
“You have to tell me all about it later, oh-wait- your hair got all messed up.”
Light sighed for the nth time that day and let Ryuk buzz around him to smooth out any wrinkles or imperfections might have bugged his eye.
”Okay, we’re done, like for real this time.” he cheered.
“Now goooo~”
“You’re extra annoying today. I’m leaving. And just in case, don’t text me, don’t call me, don’t even think about me for the next 4 hours or so. Else i will kill you.”
”Yeah yeah, go now, you dumb bastard.” Ryuk ushered him.
Light stepped out the doorframe, anxiety and anticipation rising within his gut. He heard Ryuk shout behind him.
”Hey Light,” he could feel the grin practically melting off him.
”Make sure to use protection!”
By the time Light got to the location that L texted him to meet him at he was positively fuming.
Why exactly?
Because the place L asked him out to was the same fucking shitty cafe/bakery/pastry shop he worked at.
L was already there.
”Are you fucking kidding me right now.”
L grinned under the sunset.
Light loathed to admit that he looked beautiful. He changed his signature blue jeans and white shirt, which was honestly surprising since Light had never seen him wear anything else the entire time he knew him for.
Instead a nice navy blue shirt snatched his torso, revealing a shocking amount of muscle for how lanky he usually looked, followed by a nice leather jacket and some black jeans.
Light remembered the first time he saw him and wanted to slap him self. How could he ever think this man to be ugly. Consumed by these thoughts, he almost forgot that he was pissed off.
“What makes you say that?”
“You know exactly what im saying. When you said you wanted to take me to dinner i thought you meant anywhere but this.”
”Whats wrong with this place? I think it’s nice. Look, you guys even have flower beds on the windows.”
“You can’t be serious right now. You know what, fuck this, i’m leaving!”
Light turned on his heel and started walking back the way he came from.
”Wait, Light!”
L sprinted after him to catch up.
”Hold up, seriously stop for a second.”
Light halted in his tracks and turned to glare at L. L tried his best to pay no mind to it.
”There’s a reason for why i wanted to meet here, a very good one at that.”
”Spill then.” he grumbled. L fidgeted with his fingers awkwardly. He began somewhat timidly.
”What better better place is there to have our first date than the place we first met? I thought about where we could go but nowhere else seemed as fitting as here. I’m sorry if i disappointed you.”
Light’s eyebrows shot upward.
”That’s… actually really thoughtful and sweet. Who would’ve thought you’re such a romantic.” he turned around and avoided eye contact.
“I’m sorry for lashing out. And for the record, i wasn’t disappointed, i just didn’t want to spend my time with the best person i had the chance of meeting in a while at my workplace.” he deflated like a ballon “I feel like a jerk now.”
L shook his head.
”It’s okay, don’t apologise.”
A beat passed between them. L cleared his throat.
”To avoid making our first date more awkward, would you mind accompanying me inside, it’s starting to get rather chilly.”
”Ah- you’re right, sorry”
L laughed slightly.
”Why are you acting so shy now, the Light i know would’ve cussed me out regardless.”
Light mirrored the reaction, exasperation written on his face.
“And the L i knew would have said one of those shitty pick-up lines that he enjoys using to annoy me.”
”Thats because i wanted to start using them inside, but since you’re so fond of them and all, i’ve prepared an arsenal full of them, actually i’ll humour you and use one of them right now. You see, i don’t normally chase people, but for you, i got my crocs in sport mode.”
He pointed down to his shoes. Light made the mistake of looking down.
He was flabbergasted.
He couldn’t blame L though. He practically asked for this one.
”Please, please, don’t tell me whose are actual crocs.”
”They are. They’re also super comfortable, unlike other kinds of shoes.”
They reached the door. L opened it and stepped aside, bowing dramatically in front of Light.
”After you, my queen.”
”I think this is the last time im ever agreeing to come with you.”
He sighed but stepped in with L following right behind. Suddenly, he felt a pair of hands gently find home covering his eyes, completely obstructing his view.
Light shook his head, exasperated.
”Mind telling me what you are doing at least?”
”Nope, it’s a suprise.”
They continued to walk slowly while L gently guided Light. Once they reached a place that, following’ Light’s hypothesis wasn’t very far away from the spot they were supposed to stop at, L retracted his arms.”
”Supriseee!”
Light opened his eyes to see a beautifully ornated, candlelit dinner waiting for him. Well, not exactly dinner but an abundance of expensive looking sweets that were sure to give him cavities.
”I told you one day im going to teach you the wonders of the sweets, buuut i also brought some chocolates in case things do go south, which i hope they won’t.
Light’s eyes sparkled around the cafe, the place barely recognisable from what he remembered just from the day before.
In the centre of the table was a big bouquet of luscious red roses and those same kinds of petals arranged throughout the whole establishment. Ballon arrangements were also sprinkled in, not too many to make the room stuffy but enough to enchant a romantic mood. There was also, for some reason, a giant, fluffy bear just chilling in one of the corners. As well as soft glows of candles were scattered about casting a lovely atmosphere over the whole thing.
Absolutely breathtaking.
”Gorgeous…” Light whispered. He turned around to L.
”L this is simply stunning - how did you manage to do all of this?”
L merely smiled and indicated behind Light, Light followed the direction of his finger.
In the middle of it all was a sign. It was the main thing that captivated Lights attention.
”Will you be the strawberry to my cheesecake…?”
L nodded.
”A pretty important question, don’t you think?” he chuckled warmly “one to which i would like an answer to.”
”And you just had to ask it in such an Oscar award worthy way.” Light tried very hard to contain his smile, he really did. But in that moment he couldn’t help grinning like a fool so he just stopped fighting it.
”Hah, so you do admit they’re good. You’re such an cutie, all these desserts here and they’re nowhere near as sweet as you Light-kun.” L sighed dreamily.
Light huffed “You big, utter idiot.”
He approached L, grabbing a hold of his hand. He squeezed tightly.
”Yes, you dumbass, a hundred times yes and over! Yes i will be the strawberry to your cheesecake, you don’t even have to ask.” Light giggled happily.
He jumped into L’s arms, closing the distance between them and giddily locking his lips with L’s.
L was momentarily caught off guard but quickly recovered as he embraced his now boyfriend and reciprocated the kiss while a smile slowly broke its way through.
Just as they were about to continue a high pitched squeel cut interrupted them.
In the back office, huddled close together behind a wall, Naomi and the others were watching the scene before them unfold.
”Whats going on over there Matsuda? I can’t see for the life of me. Also, Mikami, stop hitting me in the ribs-.”
”I don’t know boss, but it seems they’re discussing- oh, i think Ryuuzaki just asked him the big question!”
Mikami was still sulking but didn’t comment, but he was ready to pounce in case his beloved Light said no and that creep wouldn’t know how to stop.
Misa curiously watched L in front of her, while Rem was holding her hands tightly.
”Rem! I can’t hear anything, can i please, please, pleaseee go closer to look? I’ll be as quiet as a mouse i promise!”
Rem sighed tiredly.
”No, Misa, we already talked about that.”
Misa pouted, frustrated.
Naomi focussed her attention back on the two.
”They’re talking more, but it seems like Light is just shitting on him…”
Snippets of their conversations could be heard, but vaguely.
Naomi felt herself getting more annoyed.
”Everyone just shut up for a second!”
“…”
’Yes, i will be the strawberry to your cheesecake!”
”He said yes! Oh my gosh he said yes! Look, i think they’re kissing!”
Naomi felt a proud tear coming to her eye. L was going to owe her big time for this.
Misa jumped from Rem’s grasp and squealed as hard as she could.
Light probably, later that day: wait so you’re telling me you helped plan all of this