Yagami Light (夜神月) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
worldcleansing) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
middaeg2020-11-01 09:41 am
worldcleansing) wrote in middaeg2020-11-01 09:41 am
happy birthday, linden tailor
Who: Light and L
When: Halloween Day
Where: Octeuril 31st
What: Aefenglom
Warnings: None? Will add if needed, but none expected
It's his birthday. L didn't announce it, though Light did notice enough in their time together to ask and had the fact confirmed. There wasn't a lot of time to plan, but a simple birthday isn't hard to offer.
The day starts simple enough before both men have to go their own ways. Light greets L with simple pancakes covered with fresh strawberries — he has limited experience with cooking, but he can make the dish without a problem. It's after they've both eaten that Light gives L the instructions for tonight: be back at 5:30. They'll go out to dinner at 6, but they should meet a bit early.
Arriving back from his own practice around 5, he grabs a quick bath and is waiting for L in the living room with the wrapped gifts around 5:20. In spite of what most assume, Light doesn't like to arrive early, but he's also studying while he waits for his guest of honor.
When: Halloween Day
Where: Octeuril 31st
What: Aefenglom
Warnings: None? Will add if needed, but none expected
It's his birthday. L didn't announce it, though Light did notice enough in their time together to ask and had the fact confirmed. There wasn't a lot of time to plan, but a simple birthday isn't hard to offer.
The day starts simple enough before both men have to go their own ways. Light greets L with simple pancakes covered with fresh strawberries — he has limited experience with cooking, but he can make the dish without a problem. It's after they've both eaten that Light gives L the instructions for tonight: be back at 5:30. They'll go out to dinner at 6, but they should meet a bit early.
Arriving back from his own practice around 5, he grabs a quick bath and is waiting for L in the living room with the wrapped gifts around 5:20. In spite of what most assume, Light doesn't like to arrive early, but he's also studying while he waits for his guest of honor.
no subject
L's handler, known as "Watari", had done his best. He had for every year since the young genius had come under his care at the age of eight, but in many ways, his overtures failed to acknowledge that his charge had, in fact, grown beyond childhood. It was a source of some contention, that a cake was provided when every other day, there was cake. The saccharine acknowledgment was grating, the coddling claustrophobic, and with the added stress of the Kira case, on October 31, 2004, it had nearly boiled over.
That is what Light had witnessed. No one had quite known what to do with the very lavish cake, clearly worth at least two of Matsuda's paychecks. L's stormy mood had cast a further pall on the day; no one could do right, it seemed, whether they'd known the man for their entire life or just a few months as most of the task force had. He could blow out innumerable candles, and in the end, all he wanted was his damned culprit, the killer, Kira...
...and maybe, also, just a bit, a real friend. Someone to whom birthdays meant anything at all beyond placing an order to a bakery and delivering it. L knows that Myr is such a person, earnest to the last, affectionate to a fault, but... perhaps preoccupied, today. The full moon in the sky commands much, quite a lot of it beyond L's ability or understanding, and maybe it's for the best. Maybe Myr could do with some mindless cavorting, outside the crushing gravitational pull of their highly demanding Bond, which leaves...
L is prompter than is his habit, perhaps prompter than he's ever been. He wants to know what Light has planned, just as much as he'd wanted to see what Light planned to do in the practice room at the Coven... only this time, the scale of his expectations is closer to reality. Light is brilliant, ambitious, and effective, and whether he wants to use this night to delight or devastate his Bonded, L is eager to see what's in store.
He doesn't have time to wash up; fortunately, teaching isn't particularly dirty work, and he arrives with a cup of bitter, strong coffee in his hand that he brought with him from the orphanage kitchen to save a few extra cune.]
"Home..."
The word echoes and pulls through the Bond, rather than being spoken aloud. With time, more and more perks emerge to their particular arrangement.
no subject
His life is different now. Oh, how it's so very different. He lives with L, which isn't new, but they're on their own, in a world that's native to neither of them. He's adjusting, and already in just two weeks, Light's in a much better place than he'd been in when arriving. His magic is progressing quickly, though he still obviously has a tremendous amount to go. Through odd jobs, he's saved up a bit of money, some of which went toward tonight's gifts though labor was traded for some as well — bartering seems to still be alive here at least.
Living with L is... oddly comforting. Natural. Kira is always between them, but it's not an active case either can work, and the result isn't boring or mundane. Their minds still challenge each other, sometimes conflicting, sometimes being the perfect fit for any gaps the other might have in their thinking. It's worked well, and a part of Light enjoys it in a way he doesn't normally enjoy company, even if he doesn't acknowledge it.
'I'm in the living room. You should open the presents before we go.'
They're going to dinner. That was already discussed, but one of the two gifts is important to the night and thus can't wait until after they eat, which is more common. While Light could technically ask him to wait until after for the second gift, it seems silly to do so.
no subject
...well, he's content with it, in a way he hasn't been since he's arrived, through all the highs and lows spanning the better part of two years. So much that he wonders if he's in danger of growing boring for Light in his state of comfort, but that shouldn't be a problem, not so long as he remembers that Light is, himself, dangerous, and it would be foolish to lower his guard for too long.
Fences can be built within Bonds. His strongest guard the secret connection to Near; a close second are his emotions. That one is prone to slipping at times when the detective is surprised, and it's the case now; Light will be able to sense it when L catches sight of the gifts at his studying Bonded's side.
"Should I?" he asks aloud, drawing closer, steps as careful as though one might contain a live grenade. "You didn't have to, in fact... you shouldn't have gotten me anything."
He's not materialistic; the few possessions he keeps around, even and perhaps especially the necessary ones, see a lot of wear. Myr might say something about the holes in his clothes, but through no fault of the blind faun's, they go unseen, and usually unnoticed unless a gentle touch could discern them. And there haven't been many gentle touches between them, lately, through... well, no one's fault, really. Tension can be uncertain; things unsaid can sow further uncertainty, and perhaps that was why L had been so swift to assume that the giddy mass-invitation couldn't possibly have meant him as more than an accidental oversight.
"I hope the expense wasn't too exorbitant." Especially while only one of them has paying work; it's an indulgence, certainly.
no subject
Here? L is no less his equal. When they're talking magic, the world, and theories that encompass both, that brilliant mind still shines like the millions of stars present in their bond. There's still a part of Light that longs for the meaning Kira gave him. He longs for the ability to fix the wrongs and make all things right, but he isn't bored. There's too much to learn here, too much to do, and he has a brilliant companion by his side. It's a dangerous balance, something that could tilt and fall and break at any moment because, beneath it all, Light is still Kira and L is still the detective who vowed to bring him down. However, without the Death Note, the world has hit pause on their game, and they've been forced to evaluate their relationship. It isn't the same as if they'd met before the Death Note because the past hasn't been erased, but it isn't exactly the same as it would have been if Light could have continued their mission.
"I know you wouldn't hold it against me if I just wished you a happy birthday and then had a normal day. We should celebrate what we can, and you've done a lot to help me. I'm not somebody who'd spend more than he can afford so you don't have to worry about the cost."
Light indicates the taller gift, which is wrapped in a box.
"Instead, start with that present and make your decision after you've seen it."
no subject
"You surprised me, as you often do." Glancing between Light and the gift, as though gauging whether or not he's doing it properly, he reaches for the wrapped box, tucking his feet beneath him as he sits on the floor, draws it into his lap, and begins taking apart the wrapping with plucking, delicate movements.
He pulls the lid off to reveal a very sharp-looking outfit. It's closer-fitting than most of what L owns, and appears slightly tailored to fit him in addition to actually being the correct size for his lanky frame. He holds up the silver cravat, which seems to be silk or a similar material, less constricting than a tie, pleasing to touch. It pulls flattering undertones from his skin and his hair; Light clearly thought this through, rather than doing the lazy thing and merely superimposing his own classically good taste over his Bonded's lackluster fashion sense.
"It's..."
Like many who are not accustomed to gifting, either as a giver or a recipient, L grapples with what to say about it.
"I'm meant to wear it tonight, I suppose."
It's nicer than anything else he owns by a far cry, actually in style, clean and flattering. He clears his throat, again at a loss, before he recovers and attempts to deflect with the kind of dry joke Light is probably getting a bit used to by now.
"I'll oblige if this is what it takes for you to want to be seen with me in public, of course."
Still, he seems to genuinely like the clothes in a way he wouldn't if anyone else had chosen them for him, even Watari, even the SQUIP. This feels careful and personal on a far different level.
no subject
His words are said in a smile, a reflection of L's humor, less dry and more obviously a joke. Light's done what he can to make L's wardrobe more appropriate, be it by patching a hole here or there or urging him to take the time to fix a missed button here or there. However, he can't afford to buy him entirely new clothing nor does he plan to make L into a Light 2.0.
"I did think you'd want to, but I'm not going to cancel dinner if you decide you'd prefer to wear what you have on. I do think it'll look nice on you, and there aren't many chances for us to eat somewhere nice."
Neither of them are well-to-do.
"If you do plan to change, there's another present to open first. Since the cost bothers you, this one is used."
Gently, but there's no way to hide the fact it's not new.
no subject
The Victorian aesthetic of Aefenglom calls for a bit more attention to detail, however, and even more than when he was Bonded to the SQUIP, L is starting to pay closer attention to it, to the point where he occasionally manages to notice sloppy mishaps before Light does. It's almost becoming a game, albeit one with relatively low and innocent stakes.
"You're right; I wouldn't have chosen it, but it... actually is my taste."
He thinks. Like a lot of "normal" things, it's something L enjoys or finds pleasant by itself or for others, but doesn't immediately consider an option for himself. While Kira moved effortlessly through society in Light Yagami's skin, L's personas have always been flimsy, not made to last. Hideki Ryuuga, for instance, had vanished from Light's college without a trace after a few weeks, never to be seen again.
Linden Tailor, conversely, has had to last for months, and then more months, straining the facade until something real had to surface, some amalgam of the detective L who lived a largely solitary life behind closed doors, and a somewhat newly born individual who must exist, and interact, and make decisions about his motivations and tastes in mundane everyday ways without the safety net of being able to vanish if he needs to. Sometimes, that's overwhelming as even his toughest cases never managed to be, something as small as having an opinion about a matter as inconsequential as a preferred color or pastime.
Blue, or red? A walk by the harbor, or another hour reading? Any number of jobs to choose, things you've never done, that might be interesting or terrifying? Recenter, recalibrate, rest... and repeat. That is life, now, albeit with the undeniable boon magic provides, and Light Yagami at his side reminding him constantly of what was.
And what could be.
"That's reassuring, actually. I don't want to spend dinner thinking of how I'm going to pay a debt," he says drolly, pulling the second gift closer and peeling apart the wrapping. "As long as I'm working at the orphanage, there are only so many ways I can do that, and none of them are really very-"
Whatever he was going to say is cut off when he sees the gently worn-in leather under his hands. He stares for a few moments, before offering quietly, "Ah. I suppose you'd noticed how the pockets of my jacket have torn through."
None too gently, he's been using them to cram various supplies for teaching, from charcoal to pencils to materials for simple spells and irregularly-shaped abacuses. This is a gift as practical as it is thoughtful.
"...thank you, Light. I'll make good use of this, and often." He pauses, breaking the silence with a clearing of his throat, before gathering the new clothes into his arms. "I should...?"
Change, so they can go, and maybe so he can have a moment alone to really think about the kindness that Kira has just done him on the day he's always had to share with the ghoulish and uncanny.
no subject
"You've taken to it. Teaching. I'm surprised. I didn't really think that would be something you enjoy so much, but I can tell that you do. I'm glad you'll find it useful."
In their world, they exist as foes. Neither knew of the other existence until the line was drawn and they found themselves on opposite sides. The past isn't forgotten because of a change in scenery, but they must adapt. Here, L is much more useful as a friend with no current benefit to having him as an opponent. They seem capable of challenging each other even when allies.
With a nod, Light finishes the sentence.
"Change so that we have time for dinner. I'm already dressed so I'll wait here."
It may not have been a big celebration, but Light guesses that L prefers small, intimate, and meaningful over a large party where most people won't even spend any significant amount of time with him.
And this is cheaper.
no subject
The man who looks back at him from the mirror is so different from the one who went toe to toe with Kira in their world. Childlike affectations and an unemotional, smooth face have given way to a quieter maturity. There are fine lines now around L's eyes and mouth, hardly visible unless one is very close and looking very hard. Evidence that he smiled, evidence that he winced, evidence that he's felt pleasure and pain. He hates that there's evidence, hates that there's a record... and therefore, he has trouble explaining how in spite of the way it makes him seem weaker, he's actually more self-assured than ever. It goes beyond smugness or even genuine confidence; the roots are deeper, more sorely won.
He fastens his cravat, loops every button through the proper hole. Light outdid himself, because not only do the clothes fit him, they seem cut for his thin frame, their lines complementary and flattering and going a long way towards smoothing out what is stark and awkward about his appearance. He takes a few extra moments to examine himself, and then, as an afterthought, he very deliberately unfastens the button of his right cuff.
To think, if their lives had both played out a little longer before the mirrors took them, Light might have offered input on formal wear for his nemesis under very different circumstances. If it was a casket, anyway, and not soft grey dust scattered to the winds. L died far from any definition of home; who could say?
"Ready."
On the day of his death in Japan, 2004, he would have looked absurd in these clothes. Though he's changed little physically, since then, he actually does seem to wear them more naturally, now. One might think he'd outgrown much of what intrigued him before, much of what shackled him to Light Yagami... but obsessions don't work that way, and the Bond has only sealed it in concrete.
"Your birthday is in February, if I remember correctly."
February 28. He'd never forget.
"I'll really have to return the favor."
Light will still be here, in a few months. L will accept no alternative.
no subject
The compliment flows easily from his lips, as natural as a body of water cutting through the land. The adage that clothing can make the man has roots in the truth. While it doesn't fix every flaw to exist on a human, a flattering cut brings attention to the right places and distracts from less desirable features.
"Mhm. The 28th. If I'm still here, I look forward to it. Have you planned a birthday celebration before?"
Unlike L, Light hasn't planted enough roots to hope to stay. He was winning at home, he had a purpose and a plan. A few months here, even with an interesting companion and exciting studies, aren't enough to change him.
He is a bit curious as to how L would celebrate. While his mind is brilliant, Light can't easily imagine him having planned many parties in the past. It doesn't mean he can't, but it's an interesting challenge.
no subject
"I can understand that you hope you won't be, by then... but if you are, I'll at least do my best to make it memorable," L replies. "I might not be much of an event planner in my own right, but I know fauns... and I would warn anyone not to underestimate my creativity in its own right."
It takes no great leap of deduction to realize that L rather hopes that Light remains. He doesn't even keep it a secret through their Bond; he actively hopes that Light doesn't make it back home to his family, the same way a child blithely hopes a blizzard brings down a city's infrastructure so he'll get a snow day.
That's also the kindest possible read; anyone who felt bitter about Kira and knows what L does about the future would have reasons for wanting to keep Light away from the world he could hurt that way. All of this is rather more carefully guarded through the Bond.
"Just because it's the first occasion I've had to plan an event doesn't mean it can't yield a good result, with a meticulous enough approach."
no subject
Likewise, Light doesn't hide his desire to go home. It makes more sense and doesn't need an explanation. Why wouldn't he want to return to everything he's ever known?
"I haven't expressed doubt. There's a first time for everyone on everything. Some people who succeed are naturals and some put in enough work."
It's all very true. Light happens to work hard and be good at most things, but L isn't so different.
"Instead of planning that far ahead tonight, let's go to dinner. After a long day, you're probably as hungry as I am."
no subject
His ace, of course, is Near. The other detective is not only Light's eventual undoing, but a window into ten years of a future that neither he or Light lived to see. As a result, especially with the departed Mello's information, L is quite well-informed of what happened after his part in the Kira case. That, it seems, is set in stone, unchangeable.
But this isn't; this is still exciting and new and malleable. L can only hide so much, about how thrilling he finds it. L can only pretend so much that he is willing to go home just to die, even if Light far from has it confirmed that L will die.
"I'm intuitive," he says, in his amiable defense for first endeavors. "And... starving," he admits.
The food at the orphanage is enough, on a good day, but certainly not what anyone would consider good. It's common for L to drink the coffee they brew for staff, but touch precious little else throughout the day.
"Is it close enough to walk, or are we teleporting?" L rather takes pride in his accuracy, as well as the fact that he can take another person with him. A Bonded is easier than most.
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If they were going to an especially nice place, perhaps a teleport would be necessary, but Light's funds are limited. Had L's birthday been a bit later, when savings accumulated, then it would be different, but he'll work with what he has.
"It's a fifteen-minute walk so we can teleport if you're in a hurry, but I've cleared my night so there's no rush on my end."
Living in Tokyo, Light is more than used to walking to where he needs to go. Fifteen-minutes wouldn't justify a bus or train.
"They do have a lot of options without meat so it should be worth it once we do arrive."
no subject
"There's no hurry. An opportunity to speak with you isn't one I'm ever in the mood to pass up, even if it's en route to another such opportunity."
Chronically anemic due to his practice of blood magic, L probably doesn't have Light's stamina... but it isn't as if he doesn't walk across the city nearly daily to help at the orphanage, either. Comparatively, fifteen minutes is nothing.
"You thought of that? It's not as though meat being served offends me," L replies, opening the door and stepping outside, glancing back to make sure Light is following. "It's a personal preference, nothing more..."
But options are always appreciated. The notion that someone else has thought to give him those options means more than Light might have otherwise guessed, if they weren't Bonded.
no subject
L has never tried to push vegetarianism on anyone, and Light's never felt like he judged anyone else for the decision.
"I just chose a place that has a wide-enough menu that a salad isn't your only option."
This isn't the era where so many places cater to alternative diets, but vegetables are popular enough that they can be found on most menus. A birthday celebration shouldn't be limited to a salad. This place in particular seems to have been influenced by their off-world guests.
"Outside of your job as a detective, you don't seem to care about what anyone else does enough to ask them to limit anything. I couldn't imagine a meal offending you."
no subject
In essence, strawberry shortcake contains all of his preferred food groups: fruit, dairy, and cake. The best place to take L for something he would register as an actual meal might be a patisserie or a cafe, or at least a place with a hell of a good dessert menu.
"I hope the attitude reads as 'live and let live,' and not indifference," L says thoughtfully, though he's well aware it probably did read as indifference. Was that even inaccurate, when so many people seemed to exist just to get in his way?
"Short of murder, there are so many ways to live that affect me in no way. I'm not of the opinion that non-human meat is murder, though a case could potentially be made for higher apes and aquatic mammals."