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Fandom: Death Note
Rating: I'm gonna go with 'Teen'.
Pairing is here (Beyond/Kyoko). For this story, it's getting fluffy.
DISCLAIMER: ...These are really hard to come up with, aren't they? I don't own much. Poor college student here. Definitely not highly successful things that would mean I'd actually have a lot of money to throw around.
Too much homework. Midterms. Therefore must post. (It's perfect logic, shut up)
Probably going to hang out in Croatoa until the end of October. Unfortunately, can't go trick-or-treating in CoH... :(
Unrelated note: Why does the busy emoticon look happy? I don't really understand that one.
What, chapter? Oh, yeah, I suppose.
Pretty sure both Beyond and I had way too much fun making Light answer questions about relationships. :D
Both sides need a little while to recuperate and rethink strategy. Beyond must reconfigure his plans for two and a half people on his side (Matsuda only counts as a half, because he cannot tell the former police officer everything), while Light, having miscalculated and attempted to send ‘Rue Ryuzaki’ to his death, must now come to terms with the fact that he has failed and find a way to make Rue useful without revealing too much information to the ‘brother of L’…
This Is My Selection When I’m Sure
“So, who’s Nakasato-san anyway?” Light asked casually, taking another sip from his coffee.
Rue pushed the hair out of his eyes for the thousandth time, sighing slightly in annoyance as it fell down again. He was smiling shyly. “Um, well, she goes to our school, and she was the one at the tennis game…I think she had a crush on my brother.”
Which would explain why she was so loyal to Rue so quickly. Misa was obsessed from the first glance, but then, Light hoped with all his heart that not all women were like that blonde crazy model. “You should ask her out,” he stated, again acting the typical college student.
The younger Ryuzaki blushed and looked away, staring fixedly at the ground. “That’s a bit tacky, isn’t it? I mean…she didn’t like me. She liked my brother.”
“So? It’s not like he dated her before you or anything. I doubt he even noticed her. Come on, the worst that can happen is that she’ll find you’re not what she’s looking for in a boyfriend and break up with you!” That didn’t seem to help. The raven-haired kid’s expression turned even more distraught. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, To-Oh’s tennis champion stated gently, “I don’t think that’s going to happen, frankly. You’ve got a personality that most girls should fall all over. You’re slightly dangerous, because of the depression, and girls love that sort of thing. But at the same time you’re stable and you won’t go chasing anyone else. She saved you, and you talked to her a little. It’s obvious she wants to get to know you at least slightly better. Besides, as long as she’s not dating the two of you at once, which can’t happen, I don’t see why there’s a problem.”
Beyond on cue turned a bright bright pink and despite the part of him that whined about not getting to finish his drink, he spilled his tea again. Light watched amused, completely in control of the situation. He called for a waitress to clean up the spill and told her sweetly, “I think my friend needs another cup of tea, thank you.” Flushed, she cleaned up the table and then rushed to do as the handsome man said.
Beyond Birthday found it sickening, but couldn’t react. Maybe he could rant about how manipulative Kira was to Kyoko. That sounded like fun.
“You’re a bit clumsy, aren’t you?” Light asked, still entertained by this clueless, normal brother of L (well…comparatively normal.)
Rue smiled one of his embarrassed smiles that he’d been practicing. “Um…yeah, and easily flustered. Obviously. I just…what do I do if she does dump me? And I don’t want to just piggy-back off of my brother’s looks…”
“You won’t be,” Light assured the still somewhat skeptical fellow student. “You have your own merits and flaws that Ryuga never dreamed of. You’re different than your brother, and I think she’s seen enough of you both to know that. Just give it a try.” The obsidian haired young adult beside him shook his head, panicking, and he sighed. “If you don’t do anything, date anyone, you’ll end up alone for the rest of your life. Barring friends, of course. Is that what you want?”
That was a question Beyond Birthday had never bothered to ask himself seriously before. He was given a chance to think about the answer as the waitress, still blushing, brought a new cup of tea. He stared into its dark depths, willing to give him an answer. He knew what Rue would answer, but that was only an identity created to interact with the world. What did Beyond want?
Well…he didn’t care about it much one way or another. On the other hand, as far as he knew, L had never had relationships of any kind. So if he, one of the ‘messed-up Wammy’s boys’, could succeed again where L had failed…
To catch Kira. To have a girlfriend. He supposed he would like that very much.
Besides, she was a good source of a strawberry jam supply. She was unusual and her personality seemed to flip-flop as much as his own. She didn’t care about the darkness within him, and would probably hurt him if he tried to abuse her. If she didn’t…well, he’d tell her to do so. As much as he thought he’d probably end up in an abusive relationship one way or another, that didn’t mean that it was a good idea. For either of them. She did the unexpected, so she would keep his interest. And, most importantly, she had saved his life and annoyed Kira by interfering with his plans. A woman after his own heart.
Yes, he wanted it…to try at least. And while he might not mind being alone in the long run, having someone like Kyoko around would be far more intriguing than simple solitude.
“No…” he muttered morosely into his cup in response to Light’s question, and the leader of the Kira taskforce smiled.
“So ask her out. It’s as simple as that.” Simple? For a player like Kira, maybe, but Rue had never done it before…
“How?” he asked, helpless. He might be an expert at driving people crazy, but he had no idea how to interact with a simple girl. Normally, anyway…Perhaps that was one of the things he should have researched in order to make his persona more effective. On the other hand, confident as Rue Ryuzaki might appear in social matters, he’d probably never gone out on a date either. At least, that’s what the story suggested.
Light Yagami outright laughed at him, tossing him his phone back, which he’d taken earlier exclaiming about the expensive make. (That was true, but he was more likely checking for suspicious contacts, bugging devices, and the like. He wouldn’t find anything, of course. Beyond was far too careful to let a simple phone like this have anything on it which might betray his true identity. In fact, the phone had been bought new solely for this situation and had random names and numbers he might know inserted into it. More than a few would turn out in prank calls, a reason why he was slowly and unnoticeably altering them to school mates.) “You call her and ask her whether she’d like to go and see a movie, or something like that. Keep it simple.”
Rue was blushing very deeply as he clumsily fingered the buttons, finding her number.
Light smirked at him. “If you weren’t planning to ask her out…why did you get her phone number?” So he had been checking the contacts at least...and was acting like he’d guessed all along. Clever.
If possible, the younger Ryuzaki turned redder. It was a shame he hadn’t known he was this good at blushing on command; he could think of so many situations where it would have been useful. “She…practically forced her number on me. I didn’t ask for it…”
“See? She really likes you. Just take the chance for once!” Light encouraged him, and he was acting normal. Again. This might be why Kira hadn’t been caught yet—he was so good at blending in. In a way like Beyond…only Beyond was the private detective, infiltrating, risking his life to catch the killer…actually, this was ten times more fun when he thought of it like a noir film. If only he had the hat and the jacket. Someday, he promised himself. The fight between the two masters of disguise; the chameleon and the shapeshifter. Again, he liked the sound of that.
“Okay, fine!” Rue answered, sounding hounded, pushing the button and bringing it up to his cheek. Mr. Perfect gave him an encouraging smile.
As he waited, the fake nervousness started turning into actual anxiety. What if she didn’t pick up? What if she’d decided he was too freaky and ignored him? What if Kira had already gotten her and she was lying dead somewhere?
Relax, Beyond…you weren’t even this freaked out when you tried to set yourself on fire. I can’t tell whether you’re just a good enough actor to convince yourself, or whether you’re really feeling for the first time in more than a few years…
When she answered, it was almost a relief. “Hey, Kyoko-chan,” he stammered, not realizing that he was already using her given name—something that wasn’t much out of the ordinary in England, but still signified general close relations in Japan. “Um…I was wondering…well, you saved my life, and…I don’t know if you’re still interested, but I thought you might like to…take a tour of the ice cream shop up in Shibuya? Or the bookshops in Jimbocho? I haven’t been to them yet, and I was wanting to…and I…”
There was a smile in her voice as she answered. “Shut up. Those are a bit unusual…we’ll be kind of alone together, and that’s not proper for a first date.”
Somewhat surprised that she was actually lecturing him on what was proper, Beyond nearly dropped the mobile.
“Tell you what, I’ll get my friends to bring their dates along. That way, we can have some time alone if you want to talk, but we also have an escort.” She was thinking with a rapidity that surprised him from the mousy, shy, humble Kyoko. Even more amazing, she dancing around the truth she’d just recently discovered, using code in case someone was listening in on their call. …actually, Beyond wouldn’t put it past Light to have planted some sort of bugging device in the student’s earlier examination of his phone.
“Oh, I wasn’t…I wasn’t suggesting…I hope you don’t think that I’d…” If anything, he was blushing even more furiously, clumsy fingers barely holding the phone.
Her light, airy laugh surprised them both. “No, I don’t think you would. Even you. Actually, I hope you don’t think me that suspicious…” Her voice trailed off as her newfound courage began to crumble.
He took a deep, shaky breath himself. If he wasn’t careful, they’d both end up nervous wrecks by the end of this. “No, I don’t…and I understand your concerns. I just…have no idea how to go about this. I’ve never done this before.”
“Well, traditionally, the cinema’s one of the first suggestions. But you’re not traditional. I can just tell. Oh, and, er…how much money do you have?” Was it just him, or did Kyoko sound hopeful? Was she wanting presents of some sort? (Was it even a good idea for him to get them, thus focusing the relationship on the material? Should he even be asking these questions? It wasn’t serious…was it?)
“Um…a bit,” he confessed. Actually, he had more than a bit, considering that he had an allowance from Wammy’s and he was able to hack into L’s account at any time.
He could hear her smiling. “You may have to buy me a few things, then. But don’t worry, I won’t burden you or anything. You can spend whatever you’re comfortable with. Actually, for the most part I don’t want you to buy me anything…it’s just, my girlfriends will think it weird if you take me shopping and don’t buy me anything…” Oh. Smart again. She was the sort that didn’t want people to fuss about her, take care of her, or feel obligated to do anything for her. But if he didn’t spend any money on her in this outing, that might make Light Yagami, also known as Kira, suspicious about what they were doing instead. And they wanted to avoid that at all costs. Rue was the sort that would spend lavishly on others, especially his girlfriend, but only get stuff for himself after being nagged for hours. Beyond didn’t tend to spend money much, except on necessities (like disguises and strawberry jam), and tended to steal when he could get away with it. Just another game.
“Well, we’ll all meet in Shibuya Station, unless that’s too crowded. If not, we’ll meet somewhere near Hachiko Statue. If you can’t find us, just call us, or we’ll call you. Pretty much everyone will have their cell phones on. How’s tomorrow sound?” With computer-like precision, Beyond memorized the directions. Shibuya…wasn’t that one of the places mentioned in the Second Kira’s diary?...but then, as far as he could remember, it was a fairly popular shopping district. So it wasn’t all that weird. Also, the name ‘Yamanote line’ sounded familiar, but he’d have to look it up later. Spending forever trying to remember what in the world that meant would definitely be suspicious.
“Meeting group. Shibuya Station. Gotcha. Sounds good.” His slang made her giggle again. He noticed Kira’s sudden interest. So he’d remembered correctly. “Anything else I should keep in mind?”
She laughed at him again. If he hadn’t found it endearing, he’d probably be angry. “Just…it’s a bunch of college students on a shopping trip. Don’t plan to be anywhere else for the rest of the day, and be prepared to be low on finances for a while yet.”
“I’ll keep that in mind…oh, and thanks!” He was smiling now, suddenly giddy. Had L ever worked up the courage to call a girl on the phone? Did he even care enough to try? Probably not.
“No, thank you.” He pictured her beaming face, then in a heartbeat she was gone. He almost panicked before he realized she just probably hung up, too nervous to continue.
“Shibuya, huh? You’re moving about as quickly as me.” Light’s smug expression was too much to handle, and Beyond’s hand actually twitched longing to punch him in the face.
“I hope not,” he muttered, causing one of Light’s eyebrows to travel skywards. “I just said the first thing that came to mind. I panicked.”
The young Yagami reached out a hand and squeezed Rue’s shoulder gently. Encouraging, or with the restrained fury of a killer? “I know. Just…please don’t panic so much. Everything will turn out fine. Just be yourself. And don’t do anything stupid. You’ve got a girlfriend now.” A warning, or a threat? Somehow, Beyond imagined it was both.
Yuki smiled and hugged her friend. “You’re kidding! A boyfriend? Does this mean you’ve stopped mooning over stupid Ryuga already?”
Kyoko smiled sheepishly, taking her glasses off and cleaning them. “Um…it’s that new guy. Ryuzaki Rue.”
As expected, her friend’s expression turned disgusted. “…Kyoko, are you crazy? He’s almost as weird looking as Hideki Ryuga—the school one.”
She shrugged helplessly. “I still think he’s cute, and his cousin isn’t too bad either. Besides…he’s nice…”
“Is he as rich?” Trust Yuki to ask about that.
“Not as much as his cousin, but yeah. Anyway, he’s coming with us shopping. I figured no one would mind because other people’s boyfriends and girlfriends are going too.” So self-conscious…even though she knew that Rue wasn’t about to leave her at least until Kira was caught. He actually cared about her in some way. Or at least…he appreciated her and noticed her, which was something. No one had done that before. And he liked her kiss. She thought. And…well, she was hopeful enough to think that he might kiss her. Just maybe.
“Well…he better be nice, because he’s kind of weird looking.” Yuki was trying to let the matter go for her friend’s sake.
The unexpected fire returned. “Yuki! He’s not that weird! And he’s more ‘normal’ than his brother!”
Her brown-haired friend started. Then a slow, sly smile spread over her face. “Kyoko, I think this black-haired ‘beauty’ of yours may be just what you need. Okay, so he’s not traditionally handsome, but…he can actually make you stand up for…anyone!”
Kyoko laughed weakly, but wondered at her friend. She was always talking about how none of the guys were good enough for either of them, so she was glad they were both single. Only Yagami Raito seemed to pass her exacting standards… ‘…and he’s Kira…it’s ironic, and it’d be funny if it wasn’t terrifying…’ Yet here she was, actually encouraging her…
“D’ya want to kiss him?” That was said with a roguish, teasing grin.
“Yuki!” She was blushing furiously now, remembering her earlier, aggressive kiss and hoping fervently that no one ever found out about that particular action, even though it did apparently have the wonderful affect of getting Rue Ryuzaki interested in her in the first place.
“Yep. You definitely want to kiss him.” Hanari was giggling at her, lighthearted teasing evident in her tone. The mousy girl marveled again. Her best friend only ever bothered to tease her if she was comfortable with what the black-haired girl was doing. So…she sorta approved? All because she’d stood up for the guy. So weird.
The reply was quiet, but apparently not so quiet that Yuki couldn’t hear her. “Actually…I want him to kiss me.” Whatever she was going to say next was lost as she was snatched up into a huge hug.
“Aww, that is soo romantic! I’ve never seen you so soppy over someone, even Ryuga! Okay, he better be the guy for you, because if he isn’t, he’s going break your heart, and I’m going to have to hurt him!”
“Yuki…” In that moment, Kyoko wished she could spontaneously develop invisibility, like all the manga promised was possible…
For once, Beyond was let out of sight of the ever-present Matsuda, and it was blessed peace. Of course, there had been arguments about that, but Yagami Raito’s word was as close to law as anyone on the task force was going to get. As such, begrudgingly, they let him out of their sight. They almost concocted an excuse for Matsuda to go along, but the ever cheerful former police officer had developed the flu, and no one else was quite right to take his place…except Light, who flatly refused to go out in public. So he was on his own, and it was bliss.
He’d been under even closer scrutiny before, at dear L’s wonderful madhouse. But that was to make sure he didn’t…set himself on fire, or anything. He’d hated the pitying look in L’s eyes every time the raven-haired detective came to visit. The sadness in his near mirror image’s eyes as he stared at Beyond Birthday. The look of guilt that was omnipresent, and the questions concerning his health…They still made him burn with anger, even after all these years. Even after the man was dead. He had meant to make L feel guilty, of course. With two of his pupils having committed or attempted to commit suicide, the man should feel responsible for their deaths or potential deaths. For what had been done to them. But…Upon facing a remorseful, guilty L, he realized he preferred him when he wasn’t quite so…human. The constant fear as they watched him, the disgustingly helpful warders…they were almost enough to push them over the edge just by themselves.
As afraid as he was of losing his own soul, he’d prefer to be unsupervised. That was one reason for his innate dislike for authority. The other, of course, was that when most people were handed power of any sort, they tended to become stupid.
However, the fact that he was being let alone for now meant that Kira had a plan. He’d think himself paranoid…if Kira didn’t always have a plan. He seemed the scheming type…plus he outstrategized L. That took some doing.
He took a look in his (Rue) wardrobe, and found the fanciest clothes he had were some dressy jeans and a nice-looking t-shirt. Rue Ryuzaki must not be a very formal person, he noted, changing into his ‘dressy’ outfit. He only had sneakers, too.
Beyond wasn’t certain when he’d started referring to his alias in third person, but it was easiest to think of Rue Ryuzaki as a completely different person than himself. This option was simplest. They were completely separate, though both were slightly based on the other. He could at a moment’s notice slip on one identity or the other with little effort. He could imagine that Rue was a real person, with a real life…somewhere. That idea alone made him much more believable. At least, that’s what he told himself.
He felt a hint of nervousness skim through his body as he approached the train station, following directions given to him by Light Yagami. So many people…and so many names. They were overwhelming, and he found his head begin to pound. He gnawed on his thumbnail absently. Then a nasty thought occurred to him. Would Light have given him the wrong directions, so he’d miss Kyoko? Would he be blamed for that, suspected of sinister motives? Or would it be written off as just one silly foreigner getting lost?
Don’t worry about things that haven’t happened yet, Beyond. Or at least…nothing that’s been proven yet.
Not following the instructions, which seemed to tally with the ones Kyoko had given him, would most certainly get him lost. Listening to his new…um, girlfriend…and Kira might get him lost, but it was a higher percentage chance that he’d get where he needed to if he followed instructions rather than striking out on his own. For once, anyway.
Upon entering the subway and snagging himself a seat (it was as far away from people as he was going to get on this ride) he realized that they were probably watching him on the cameras. That’s why they let him go alone. Good thing he was an expert at acting clueless. His exploits in his youth led him to be very good at spotting cameras, and, if he had to, he could avoid being ‘seen’ by any camera while not drawing suspicion to himself. He’d only do that when it came time to talk to Kyoko, though.
He closed his eyes, hugged his knees to his chest, and tried to pretend that he wasn’t trapped in a moving metal box with hundreds of people…
