One step before the storm & Home, sweet Home

A few years ago.

─ Come here, Lawliet. ─ The sweet voice resonated loud enough for the boy to hear from his room. He was finishing putting together a puzzle he had just won, since it was his birthday.

The little boy stood up and walked to the edge of the stairs. He looked sideways at the movement on the ground floor, realizing that his mother was not alone. There was some unknown shadow casting on the floor. He analyzed it, but had no desire to approach it. In fact, he was never a sociable child.

He would really return to his room, if the brunette woman hadn't noticed the spying. She put a hand on her waist, amused by the situation.

─ Come down here, dear. - He smiled, motioning for her to come.

However, L took two steps back, intimidated. There were rare occasions when strangers (or "intruders", as the English called it) were at his home. And especially now, with more interesting things to do, L had no interest in seeing them. He remained standing, looking at his mother.

─ Children are like that. ─ He heard what appeared to be a male voice, followed by a laugh. The young woman replied with a smile, voting for L, now with a slightly impatient countenance.

─ Why don't you do like Beyond, son? He's here quietly, eager to meet you. - tried to persuade him, pointing to someone who was too far from the vision that L could have.

That name was not foreign to him. He was curious, but he gave no sign that he would go down.

The mother sighed, putting her black bangs behind her ear.

─ Do you remember what I said about your dad and your brother? He asked, giving no time for an answer. ─ I said they would come here as soon as they could, didn't I? Imagine how sad they would be if they couldn't see you? ─ interpreted a sad, sweet voice.

L certainly knew what the conversation her mother was talking about. She was always very clear about her separation from her father. Playful, he always said things like "Dad and Mom are not prince and princess, but they love you" or sometimes also used "you and your brother are our princes, even if from different kingdoms".

But Lawliet thought that speech was very silly, if he didn't even know these supposed father and brother.

And he was a child too smart to know that no one there was a prince or princess.

Without exaggeration, at a young age, I was already quite aware of all the bullshit that adults talked about. L was fine where he was.

He turned and ran to where he had just been. He closed the door from the inside, having a good tantrum, seeing the spoiled child he was.

Her mother snorted, massaging one temple with her thumb. This was being much more difficult than he thought. He had already done everything to make his son welcome his brother and father when they could finally go to see them. And even abusing child psychology, he did not achieve half the result he had planned.

I definitely had a complicated child.

─ Where is he, Daddy? ─ The other little boy pulled the base of the man's shirt, which was as embarrassed as the woman. She turned her attention back to the little one, but waited for her ex-husband to answer the question directed at her.

The boy scratched the back of his head hesitantly. He thought for a few seconds, feeling the stare

─ You are afraid, son. - He smiled at the youngest, who made a confused expression.

─ Afraid of us? He asked, incredulous, his red eyes widening. ─ Does he think we are monsters ?! He said, starting with a tearful, childish tone.

─ All right, dear. ─ the mother crouched down to keep up with the child, who was starting to get teary-eyed. She hugged him.

─ Your father told me that you were scared when you first went to school. - stroked the boy's hair. ─ It is the same thing that your brother is feeling. It's not your fault.

"Ellen ..." The father called to her, causing the woman to look away from the man. ─ You know I tried to come before, but we had so many complications at work that I ...

─ That is why they should have stayed with me. She interrupted thickly. ─ We would have no problem if you hadn't insisted on Beyond being so guarded by the judge.

The father ground his teeth.

─ Did you want to make my two children hate each other? - scolded, a little loudly. ─ I'm sure it was you who filled the boy's head so he wouldn't want to see me. He completed, approaching the woman.

─ This is a good one! ─ he said, giving a loud laugh. ─ Weren't you the one who wanted an abortion in early pregnancy? I was practically alone when I was pregnant. ALONE. ─ Ellen put a hand on her waist, indignant.

There were screams and more screams.

So many that they didn't even notice that Lawliet was standing just ahead, with boredom in his eyes.

And Birthday, crying. His two hands wiped his face until he realized that his twin was standing there.

The red-eyed owner stopped his tears, letting his eyes widen in surprise when he saw her

see an identical figure standing next to the bottom step of the stairs. Lawliet sketched an almost palpable annoyance, but he still fixed his black orbs on the brother he was only now getting to know.

Beyond smiled at the boy.

--- O ---

─ I have to go home, Light-kun. He said.

It was a half-hour of silence that passed there. They said nothing during those minutes. And if they listened carefully, perhaps the sound of breathing and the rise and fall of the lungs would be there, just to remind them that there was a life outside that embrace.

Light, who was bordering on drowsiness, was almost irritated by having that broken taciturnity. He just made a disgusted face, even though he knew that the position they were in would not allow L to see any slight disdain that the Japanese had with the sentence just given.

He followed the example of the boy below him, and simply ignored something he didn't want to answer.

─ Light-kun. He called louder. His tone became a little impatient. He grabbed one of the youngest's shoulders and shook it lightly.

Gradually, he felt a movement.

─ Hm? ─ Yagami turned his head, closing his eyes and speaking slowly, as if he had been lifted out of the deepest sleep.

"You can't sleep in 30 minutes," she looked at him, realizing the false attempt to pretend she was sleeping. He bit the inside of his cheek, trying not to laugh. Brown's scenic skills were certainly great, but he would have to do a lot more if he really wanted to deceive L about something.

─ Of course it can. He countered, using one of his hands to brush away a lock that fell on his forehead, placing it behind his ear.

This was a damn move, because every time it happened, the English eyes seemed to be totally glued to the scene.

You should cut his hair.

─ I have to go home. He repeated, ending the matter. Sometimes it was better to just cut out "speeches" like that. In the case of Light, they would probably stay until the end of time arguing about "the time needed to fall asleep", if someone did not give in.

Light snorted, somewhat disappointed by the opportunity for lost debate, and also by L really having to leave.

Not that I thought he was going to stay there forever. After all, he had a family (most likely), a lifetime to give satisfaction.

It was just ... just ...

Nah, he didn't even know what he was thinking.

─ It would be nice if you got off me, Light-kun. - he said, after the other did not give any answer.

─ It would be good if you shut up, Lawliet. - opened a big mocking smile.

L gave a unique laugh.

─ Come on, get up soon. ─ His expression was almost laughing, if it were not slightly indignant.

─ What a boss. ─ He put a hand on L's cheeks, with his thumb on the right side and his four remaining fingers on the left side, pulling the tender flesh, and consequently pouting the older man's pale face.

A risky act. Practically a death request.

As expected, L's entire facial features turned to pure indignation.

And a light coloring, too.

─ I don't know how people like you. He shrugged, pulling out any contact that Light's hand was having on his face. ─ Come on.

The Japanese partially obeyed, removing his fingers from the English face. But he didn't get up, looking defiantly at his partner. He implanted a little chuckle, with arched eyebrows.

─ What if I don't want to ?! He asked.

L blinked twice deeply, as if he didn't believe the words spoken. They didn't sound like everyone else. They were bold, convinced of their own power. Even a little vain, it could also be said.

The true nature of the perfect Light Yagami.

He regretted not having a tape recorder with him, so that he could use all that arrogance against him later.

─ Do you intend to stay here forever? ─ he returned the little giggle, even though he knew that his curving lips would never be as symmetrical as the one in front of him.

─ Yes. He replied simply.

The brown man stood up, propped on his elbow, face down. It was the perfect prospect for both eyes to meet. They connected, and not even all the boys' infinite stubbornness dared to make them dodge that league that trapped them.

Like chains.

They needed to touch.

In return for that need, less white hands encircled the older face, outlining his eyes, and his entire facial perimeter.

The skins repel each other, like electric shocks, only they are also attracted like super magnets.

It was complex, like everything about them.

It could not be otherwise.

─ Do you like my eyes?

─ I prefer your lips.

L laughed, undesirably red.

─ I will tell Misa this.

─ Good luck trying to convince you. - coughed - Who will believe the stranger at school?

─ I'm still waiting for you to get off me. ─ ignored the comment, dismissing it.

─ Go call your mom to defend you

─ he used a children's timbre, which sounded ridiculously irritating to L.

Annoying L was a sadistic pleasure.

─ No, but maybe I'll call yours to get you out of here if you don't get up. - scolded, not at all friendly.

Light finally stood up, grudgingly.

It was so, so biting the way that Light looked like Beyond, that it really got to scare you sometimes.

Speaking of which, it was time to go home, sweet home.

--- O ---

Stopping to think, everything is a cycle. At least everything that involved Birthday.

He was lying on the couch, allowing himself to eat a loaf of bread with half a jar of local jam. Much of the candy even ran down the corner of his mouth, but that was not in his interest.

He had reached a level of irritation so high that he could no longer express it. It became the purest internal, corrosive hatred.

Oh, and it was all the fault of that damn call.

The slightest thought about it already provoked blood in the eyes, which by the way were already red.

He had designed everything so well. It was working so well.

It was his duty to fix everything before it collapsed.

--- O ---

─ It was great to have you here, dear. Come back whenever you want. ─ The kind lady said goodbye with yet another sweet smile, while L finished getting up in her wheelchair.

─ Thank you for your stay. He scratched his head, not sure what to say.

Yagami knew that L had no idea how involuntarily adorable she was at times.

The older one nodded and returned to the room, leaving the two students alone once again.

─ Goodbye kiss? He whispered, uncrossing his arms.

─ Have a nice day. He cut, dictating loudly and in a good tone, at the same time as he went out the door.

Light almost laughed, watching him walk away.

Even if something deep inside screamed "DANGER" incessantly.

─ Hey! ─ The loud voice resonated, meters after leaving the Yagami house. Lawliet was already on his way home, partially turning around when he heard the other boy's voice. Light was in his entrance hall, with its semi-closed door, giving only the view of his head through the breach.

The honey eyes stared at the Englishman for a few seconds.

─ Are you sure you don't want me to take you? He said hesitantly.

L definitely wanted to. But wanting is not power, and he had already involved Light too much in this situation. It was very selfish of him to ask the Japanese to carry his problems. After all, they were just yours. And he had already pushed the limits. You should bear the consequences of your stupid and thoughtless acts.

In fact, Lawliet knew what those consequences were.

─ I'm fine. ─ His tone was just loud enough, but not a third confident when he wished. He forced a smile, with no real success. The brown man pursed his lips, not at all convinced and even somewhat disgusted by the other's almost explicit falsehood. Yagami had an incredible perception, he knew how to distinguish expressions, hidden signs, and he also knew how to use that perception to get all the information he wanted. That was a problem. Lawliet did not want to debate. The best thing is that the youngest just let go, give up, once in a lifetime. Because otherwise, it was quite capable of collapsing and trapping it once and for all in this complicated and sticky scratch web called "be L".

Luckily, perhaps, Light just closed the door.

Now the real problem was coming up.

The wheels on his chair rolled slowly. With every meter, the air became thinner, heavier and insufficient for the screaming lungs. The immobilizing agitation beat from his heart to the least important veins. Her body was adrenaline and regret.

The day did not decide to be hot or cold. Saturday was desert. The English mind was white, devoid of thought. There was only fear, fear and fear.

And it was when a small breeze hit his face that the first "What did I do?" came to his senses.

I had slept outside the house.

Someone has declared himself to him.

Beyond still existed.

And his path did not stop. He continued to roll down the sidewalks, paying no attention to the way. He was on autopilot, while his mind took care of really important things. Or not so much. Now, he remembered things that should have been forgotten. Past things. From a house that doesn't exist anymore, from parents that don't exist anymore.

From an Beyond that no longer exists.

Lawliet's mind was a true sadist.

Ellen smiled, still crouched, trying to reach the end of the trunk. The day was scorching, sun never seen in months. Finally, she took the last bag and locked her car.

─ It seems that it is only that, for the time being. He looked at Beyond, who was looking at her anxiously. The boy, realizing that his mother was finished, soon took the two largest suitcases for himself. They were really big, and he could barely walk with them. He fell to the left twice before standing as upright as possible. Ellen smiled even more, sliding her hand through her long hair and biting her bottom lip.

Birthday was really a very special boy.

─ Don't you think it's better to take two less heavy ones, big boy? ─ He removed them from another's hand, receiving a confused look almost instantly.

─ No! I was getting it. He exclaimed, with a certain sadness in his words.

─ I know you do, dear. But we need to be quick about it. Before your dad changes his mind. - Said keeping his tone calm, but making him a little more threatening as he spoke - ─ If your father decides to pick you up, you will not stay with us anymore.

─ M-But I want to stay here. He whispered, looking nothing favorable to the hypothesis just made.

Ellen stroked her black hair.

─ You will. Now hurry up and take the rest to your brother's room. We have to do everything before he comes back from school.

─ Lawli's room ?! ─ The little one admired himself. ─ Am I going to sleep there?

─ Yes, it will. You always slept together on vacation, and you always said you liked it. ─ She expected a smile, but received low, thoughtful eyes.

─ Don't you want to sleep with him? He asked after a few seconds.

─ That's not it! ─ it defended itself almost instantly. ─ I just think ... that he won't like this very much.

The brunette sighed.

─ Look, I know that Lawliet is a little difficult to deal with. But it's just the custom. Soon he will want to be with you all the time. ─ tried to cheer him up, without much success.

─ You said that two years ago. He whimpered.

─ It is because at the time, you were still very small. But look now, two big, strong guys. There is not a month to go before the sixth birthday! I bet he's grown up enough to stop that behavior. Now go and pack your things, captain! ─ pulled a smile from the boy. Ellen certainly knew how to be a good mother. He knew how to avoid all the problems involving Lawliet.

Yeah,

deep down Beyond was right. L had not gotten used to the idea of ​​having a brother with him. In the summer holidays, for example, when Birthday came to spend the month at his house, all the contempt his brother had for him was almost palpable. Perhaps it was jealousy, since he always had his mother to himself before the "invasion". Or even tantrum, stubbornness.

And that was heartbreaking, after all Birthday has always had a huge affection for him. Since they met. The excitement of the words of the red-eyed one could be heard from afar when speaking with his brother, or even when describing him to others. All L's movements and words seemed the most important and incredible thing in the world to the Brit. She approached him in every way. But still, B was smart and realized all the free disdain he received. However, he didn't care. Always smiled, regardless of everything.

Anyway, the boy took the bags his mother recommended, and went up the stairs to the white door that would be his new bedroom. He entered it, and as always, he marveled at the toys and decoration that he had. In fact, it was a beautiful room. Blue, with several clouds, windows with decorated curtains and shelves of toys, mainly puzzles and logic games. Beyond never dared to touch any of them. He knew that Lawliet would not be happy at all if he did.

Her mother followed, putting her bags on the bed. And there they spent hours unpacking the clothes and accessories of the new resident.

─ Yeah, it looks like we're going to have to buy a bigger wardrobe. ─ He observed, putting the last T-shirt in the drawer he set aside for her.

The other nodded. Simultaneously, both heard the bell ring, signaling the arrival of L.'s school transport.

─ I will answer. You can stay here if you want. Remember that the house is also yours. - left the room, hurrying.

Beyond, now alone, sat on the edge of the bed, perfectly made. He still rolled his eyes over the objects and also thought, with his childlike mind, what it would be like to live with Lawli and his mother, from now on.

He imagined that nothing could be better than being with them. Much better than staying with your father, who was always working. Now I would play a lot. And he would do his best to make Lawli want to play with him too.

The black orbs stopped at a curious toy. A cube, full of colored cubes. He wondered what the use of that was.

A few more moments, and curiosity erased the rule about "not touching L's toys". He reached out his small arm and reached for the toy. He held it tight, touched it, until one of its parts rotated. Had it broken? What if it did? Lawli would probably never speak to him again. Such thoughts haunted him, until in an attempt to undo what he did, I managed to spin back. He tried again, behold, it was spinning in several directions. What if, well, he tried to put all the colors arranged on one side?

He was encouraged by the idea, stirring constantly. He became involved in the challenge to the point of forgetting that he had just moved.

Red on red. Blue on blue. Green on green. Yellow in Amare ...

Lawliet at the bedroom door.

Beyond froze. He almost dropped the toy on the floor, but just stared at his brother's tedious face. He wore his uniform. Backpack on his back and his eyes on Birthday.

"D-I'm sorry for taking your toy, Lawli," he began, apologizing and putting the said-whose on the bed, slowly, and without turning away from his black eyes. ─ I was just ...

─ The colors. Interrupted L, pointing to the magic cube. ─ Did you decide?

─ Almost. Yellow is missing. He said, still hesitant about choosing words.

─ I saw when you were trying. Was good. ─ he entered his room more. He didn't express much, but this time he seemed more at ease. Even a little impressed.

Birthday smiled

─ Thank you, Lawli.

Yeah, maybe Ellen was right.

Lawliet had arrived. It was in front of that family residence.

Millions of ideas crossed his mind. Amazing things, the result of the accumulation of adrenaline in the blood. I felt a strong sickness, which, unlike other times, was not a side effect of any medicine. The lemon pie rolled in his stomach like a washing machine.

Even in those small details he remembered Light.

But no, not now, Lawliet.

He opened the door. It was darker than usual. Or maybe it was his vision, which was not in perfect condition. His instinct made him move slowly, controlling what he could from his nervous system, so as not to make a noise. But the wood creaked beneath the rubber wheels, corrupting the near-perfect silence of that environment.

"Even demons need to go back to hell"

At the sound of his breathing, he reached the room. There was no one there. Everything was exactly the same as it always was. Removing the apparent dust accumulated on the few pieces of furniture, and the five or six empty jars of strawberry jam on the floor.

That smell really wanted to

make him vomit.

Jelly was definitely the only candy that Lawliet didn't like.

He rolled his eyes where his eyes allowed. Apparently, the kitchen was also empty. Even though it was too dark to prove it.

What to do, now that you've arrived? Her heart was still pounding, and contrary to expectations, Birthday was not at home. At least not on the ground floor. The top floor required climbing stairs.

Mission Impossible.

Perhaps she had gone out to look for him. But in any case, it was surprising not to see the brother in wait, waiting for him. And in particular, it was neither good nor bad. It only postponed something that would happen sooner or later.

Minutes passed, and little by little, L's reasoning returned to similar proportions as usual. However, he was still on the alert. Honestly, the Brit didn't know what to do.

Noise

Her cell phone vibrated. Exactly 11:34 in the morning.

Reluctantly, he took it.

Light

11:34

"Has arrived? Answer when you see. "

The pale lips smiled, unconsciously.

Amazing how he didn't even think about anything before he answered.

"Thank you mom"

A few seconds, another message.

"You're welcome, but I'm not your mother. That would be incest. "

He was still smiling, imagining the Japanese voice, and in fact, hearing it inside. And holding that cold device, he forgot where he was, and even the fear that hid somewhere.

His senses did not obey when it came to Light.

"Now I have proof to tell Misa"

"Oh no, help."

Suddenly, they were talking.

"I know you're going to be sad, but I have to leave. Don't cry, I'll be back later. Birthday of some friend of Misa. He's not jealous either. "

"I barely contain my tears"

"I know, sorry. Bye"

"Bye"

He took his breath out of his lungs only when the word "offline" appeared on that messaging app's display. The one that Light had insisted so hard on him to download

"─ Come on, it won't hurt you. It is much easier and more practical than a call. "

So he took the cell phone out of white hands, and took charge of installing it, even under all British protests. Yagami smiled at the obviously unsuccessful attempts that the wheelchair user was trying to get for what was just taken from his hand.

─ Look, it's over. Did it hurt? Did not hurt. ─

He finally handed it over. L had the most sulky face in the world. He even thought of saying something, but he just turned his face away, with childlike contempt.

Light laughed at the sound of the signal, alarming the end of the break.

Ah, damn it. I couldn't stop thinking about him, however much I wanted to.

He felt just like all those girls around him. The ones with unnecessary cleavage and cheeky smiles. The same ones that devoured the Japanese every time they saw him, and left him embarrassed, looking around and forcing him to use all his social falsehood and his unique acting power.

But anyway, they and Lawliet were walking in common: Thinking about Yagami excessively.

Ridiculous

He found himself laughing out loud, in the middle of his dark room. He ran his hands through his own hair. What was that atmosphere forming?

─ Hi, Lawli.

A punch.

A very strong punch of all fears, frustrations, adrenaline, anxiety. Signs so sudden that they affected him physically.

And all of just two hoarse words that came after you.