#brief lawlight

[truly-hopeless]

I'll Find You In The Next Timeline - Truly_Hopeless - Death Note (Anime & Manga) [Archive of Our Own]

Fic I wrote for @cornymember as part of Lawlight Haven's 2024 Valentine's Day Gift exchange. Thought I'd also share a link to the fic here in case any of you are interested.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!

[starcrossedandstupid]

Deathnote where everything is the same except there’s an arc where they get into a relationship to try and get more information and it better manipulate the other.

Fake dating but they are trying so so hard to convince the other one it’s real. Yes they do like eachother romantically in their little fucked up way. Yes it affects them and the feelings are real. No it doesn’t affect the plot, it didn’t in the real show.

They never officially break up but at a certain point it kinda ramps down and people who didn’t care forget about that plot point, but every once and a while one of them is like ‘fuck it’s been too long since we’ve been romantic. In order to gain his trust I have to make out with him sloppy style in the other room, with the door open so the rest of the task force remembers’. But also with the context of dating everything they do reminds the task force of it and this just feels obnoxious to them.

[captainhysunstuff]

22 more images (with some saucy shenanigans and immature "seduction" tactics towards the end) below the cut:

Ryuk makes his grand return and is brought up to speed with Light and L's immoral union. The date seems pretty successful~.

Next (Mature)

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First

Master List

Transcript

[corviiids]

forgot to mark that fic as m/m

[grimalkinmessor]

Fic Rec time because why not: Death Note Edition ✨

These are some of my favorite DN fanfics and I figured I'd share them with you :3 Even if you've probably already seen some of them.

I am also a multishipper so this going to LONG. Buckle in 🚀

Gen

Five Days by Shadow_of_Quill

Rated M. Noncon Warning. Several instances throughout the week where people don't keep their hands to themselves around Light.

Despite the serious subject matter Light deals with it in a very Light™ way. This is the origin of a few of my angstier Light headcanons.

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This Is How I Disappear by TzviaAriella

Rated T. MCD Warning. After an international tribunal condemns nineteen-year-old Light Yagami to death, the Kira Task Force must come to terms with the fallout of the case–and with Light’s surprising last request.

I'm pretty sure everyone's read this one at some point. It's a classic. Everybody's GOTTA read this one at least once. Angsty but it's hhhhhhHHHHHH 🙏 So good.

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And This Is All There Ever Was by Min Daae

Rated T. MCD Warning. In which Light has confessed, in order to win.

This one is technically lawlight, but it feels very gen to me so I put it NEAR the lawlight list. I love Light being a spiteful shit and this is him being spiteful to the very end. This man will do anything to win.

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Lawlight

Polarity by Writeous

Rated T. Some people are born with soulmarks: small, colorful images tattooed onto your skin that represent the people who would prove most important in your life. By all accounts, soulbonds are supposed to be beautiful, something to be cherished and revered over the course of your life. Light Yagami grows up with a bold, typeface L on his hand and a soulmate that hates him.

I'm obsessed with this fic. OB. SESSED. It only has one chapter so far but I love the dynamic on this one. I love soulmate aus but specifically the grittier ones. It has a MCD warning but as of now it's not applicable yet. Highly recommend.

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Time Speaks by aSmallMoon333

Rated E. In his first life, L died in the arms of his greatest enemy.

In his brief second one, he died alone.

And in his third, too-long life, L died anticipating finally getting even with the man who'd won their game one too many times.

And Light Yagami? If he'd known this is what picking up the Death Note would bring....well, he'd probably still have done it anyway.

This fic? Superb. Spectacular. I reread it at LEAST once a month. It has lodged in my brain and rots everything else around it I am so obsessed. L and Light are so unhinged and in love and petty and I love them. MCD warning, obviously, but it doesn't stick. This was my first fic back into the DN fandom and honestly I think it should be everyone else's too 🙏 My friends tell me they're getting back into DN and I immediately recc them this fic.

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louder then bells by relic_crown

Rated M. No one has ever seen Light’s soul, but it haunts his dreams as a monster: eyes bloody as sunrise, feathers tasting of citrus and sharpie fumes, breath hot as summer and twice as brutal. At first, he thinks the notebook itself is his soulmate. Then he tells himself Misa can be enough.

L ruins everything. For the first time, someone sees Light’s soul, and through his eyes Light knows it must look monstrous – why else would L be hunting him over it?

A soulmate/His Dark Materials AU—can you tell I have a thing for soulmate AUs? I adore the vibes of this fic, from the mystery of Light's soul, to L's distinct creepiness, to how Light views Kira :) I cannot explain that last bit to you, you're just gonna have to read it.

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Slow to Boil by TrashKing

Rated E. L has loved Kira since he knew there was a Kira to love. Unfortunately for him Light Yagami doesn’t quite understand the whole process of being seduced so L will have to take the frog in the pot approach to taming this beast.

I have a kink for L having a Kira kink, and this is one of my favorites to read when I have my 'I Need L To Be Obsessed With Kira' cravings. Very fun read, highly recommend ✨

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The Many Forms of Blessings by TrashKing

Rated E. Light was taken in by Wammy House after he lost his family in the accident. Now eighteen he finds it’s a tradition at the house that the best of every generation meet the mysterious creature who lives in the catacombs under the estate; L. Light is reluctant and that unease proves well placed when it’s revealed the graduates L likes never leave the underground.

And THIS fic is the one I circle back to when I get my 'I Need L To Be Obsessed With Light' cravings :3 Dark and beautiful in that Beauty & The Beast/Leda & The Swan way. I really love Light's characterization in this fic, as well as the darker take on the Light Grows Up In Wammy's trope.

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Rabbit Holes by TrashKing

Rated M. L Lawliet, head programmer and engineer for W&W Cybernetics, arrives at Tokyo-3 to fix a malfunction that killed eight people. The problem is that 'malfunction' turns out to be a newly sentient super computer called Kira. L disconnects him from the rest of the installation to begin a historic interrogation, but Kira might not be as defanged as L believes.

If you can't tell by now I am trash for TrashKing's fics—I can't help it I'm straight up in love with their Light. I would recc literally all of their fics but we don't got time for that, there's over fifty. This fic is fluffy and funny and really interesting, and it was a super fun read! I liked the inclusion of Ryuk and Light's very wholesome and yet still very Light™ reactions to human experiences :)

.

Into The Grey by Kratos_Aurion

Rated E. Light is a young, hot, reclusive Omega who follows all the rules and does it all right. Except when he's sneaking out to capture criminals as the vigilante only known as Kira. L will always and forever be the world's greatest detective, but the Alpha might have a little competition in the Kanto region of Japan.

In a world just barely free of Omega oppression, these two geniuses find themselves in a race against the clock and each other.

VIGILANTE 👏 LIGHT 👏 I love this little scheming bastard. I love the twists and turns this fic takes and the persistent aura of dread and danger. I also just like it when L and Light bicker and fight and they do that a lot in this fic. A lot. It's great. I can't explain what else I particularly like about this fic without spoiling it, so you're just gonna have to read it.

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Extrajudicial by Boo_Yeah

Rated M. L knows that Light Yagami is guilty. And he is forced to accept that he will never be able to prove it.

So, just this once, he decides to break his principles and go above the law. He kidnaps Light and takes him to Wammy's house.

He's sure that having the kids interact with a real-life mass murderer will be a very educational experience indeed.

Or: Light is Kira, L is sick of how easily manipulated the police are, and he secretly wants to see what will happen if he forces Light into a domestic situation with children just as intelligent as he is.

I am a person who really enjoys L Wins AU, so L yoinking Light from Japan just to hide him away in Wammy's to try and redeem (?) him all while Light kicks and screams is something that just speaks to me personally 🙏 L just wants to not kill his friend and Light just wants to continue to commit crimes, top tier story on God.

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Animal Games by tsukinoyagi

Rated T. Gone Girl AU. L has moved his lovely, vile, entirely batshit husband out of their beautiful Brooklyn brownstone into a Missouri suburb, then left him to his own devices. He is under the impression that this is going to end well.

This fic is beautifully written and it scratches that itch I have for malicious antagonism between established lawlight. These bitches are SO toxic and I love them. I really enjoyed the different perspectives just so you can see that both of them are unreliable narrators.

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Terraito

The Gods of The Godless by foreskinsmoothie

Rated E. Noncon Warning. Light was perfect. And now that he’s not, there’s just nothing left for him here, in this life.

After a night that ruined his life, left him crippled and spurred forth multiple failed suicide attempts, Light decides his best course of action is putting himself in the most dangerous situation he can think of and making grotesque gangsters do his dirty work. He slips into the sight of Ryuk, infamous for fucking male escorts, then killing them in a brutal blur. Or so those dark web message boards say.

Light’s fate is in Gods hands… or maybe a creature far crueler has plans for him.

I LOVE THIS FIC. I ADORE IT. It's dark and gritty, but as someone deranged about human (?) Ryuk and his and Light's dynamic, this fic is wonderful. The noncon is not between Ryuk and Light, but the descriptions are explicit so be aware of that. Both Light and Ryuk have my entire heart here no lie.

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Toes, Knuckles, Teeth by TrashKing

Rated E. Ryuk's always been good at bending rules. Shinigami aren't supposed to have sex with humans but, well, by his estimation Light is also a Shinigami.

This fic revolves in my brain at 3x microwave speeds, okay? I am studying this fic like it is the scrolls of old, alright? I hold unhinged amounts of feralness for this fic. It's a smutty little character study, and it has imprinted itself onto the back of my eyelids forever. This fic addresses every reason that I'm so obsessed with Ryuk and Light's relationship. SO GOOD 🔥

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Meronia

what doesn't kill me makes me want you more by neallo

Rated M. “Poor Near,” Mello says, stepping closer and pulling Near’s head back further, tilting her face up as Mello cages her against the wall. “How long have you liked me?”

Near’s heart is kicking against her ribcage so hard it almost hurts, and her ears are burning with embarrassment. She squeezes her eyes shut, unable to hold the blonde’s gaze. “Mello, I...” she tries to speak, hoarse.

“Has it been months?” Mello asks, her voice getting closer as Near feels her lean down. She braves a glimpse through her lashes and watches as Mello bends her head to brush her cheek against Near’s, putting her lips next to Near’s ear. “Years, maybe?” The older girl teases.

Near finds it in herself to squeak out a “yes,” and almost jumps at Mello’s sharp intake of breath.

“Years,” Mello marvels.

A Fem Meronia fic set in Wammy's era where Mello finds out that Near enjoys getting bullied by her—because Near has a MASSIVE crush on her. What more could you possibly want out of life? Amazing fic.

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The Archer Ensnared by jabbernatty

Rated E. Near has two goals: the first, to celebrate Mello’s birthday. The second- a secret. His methods for achieving these? Questionable.

THIS. FIC. THIS ONE. Near is my favorite levels of unhinged and this is so in character for me. I enjoy it a lot. If you haven't figured it out by now I enjoy romantic antagonism and problematic relationships and this fic has both 😍

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we will be better than i was by sahwen

Rated M. AU in which Mello swallows their pride and works alongside Near. Things aren't as different as one might expect.

Nonbinary Mello, domestic-edging meronia, and tragedy mixed in with funny shenanigans. The way this written is just,,,so pretty?? I'm in love with it. 10/10 it has everything.

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Matsulight

metempsychosis by palant1r

Rated M. MCD Warning. After the warehouse — it will always be "the warehouse" to him, a vague noun as a substitute for years of betrayal — Matsuda wakes up the next morning faced with a second chance. One day to fix everything, one day to build the January 28 he wants. And that day will repeat for as long as it takes to get things right.

He knows that he can't save everyone. But it would be nice if he could just save someone.

OR

Matsuda gets stuck in a time loop and the situation quickly gets worse.

This fic is a TRIP I tell you, but a very good one. Matsuda's characterization in this is so much fun. This fic is about the journey of grief and all the madness and moral contemplation that comes along with shooting the greatest mass murderer of all time who was also your best friend that you're in love with. Very good read.

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Alive by still_lycoris

Rated M. Light Yagami is a Shinigami. And Matsuda has found the Notebook ...

This is such an interesting idea, I really enjoyed it. Matsuda's moral struggle seems to be a persistent theme in matsulight fics but honestly that's half the fun. Good fic 👌

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Birthdaymassacre

A Secret Note by KeehlingOver

Rated E. What Mello left out of his writings on the Los Angeles BB Murder Cases.

Or, these edibles ain't shi--

This fic is so fucking funny holy shit. Whenever I need a pick-me-up I reread this fic. It's T4T bdaymassacre, what more could you want?

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Aggressive Top by ThePunkRanger

Rated E. Naomi Misora isn’t about to admit that the mysterious detective Ryuzaki sparked something in her, but when he insists that he’s an “aggressive top” she just can’t let it slide. So she does something entirely unprecedented, and invites him over to prove it.

What has she gotten herself into?

Naomi is sick of Ryuzaki's shit, and Beyond has reverse-psychology-ed his head between Naomi's legs 🙏 This one is unfinished but it left off on a cliffhanger that drives me FUCKIN' NUTS BRO. FIRE.

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Playing The Part by ThePunkRanger

Rated E. Someone is kidnapping members of Southern California’s BDSM community, and the world’s greatest detective is in the market for a reliable team to go undercover on his behalf.

It’s been two years since the arrest of Rue Ryuzaki, the serial killer behind the Los Angeles BB murder case, and Naomi Misora has been happy to live her life under the assumption that she’ll never have to see him again. Unfortunately, L has other ideas; ones that involve her pretending to be in a Pup/Handler relationship with the murderer she put behind bars.

I'll be real and say that I wasn't sure about this fic at first, but it's actually very wholesome?? And respectful of the kink community! There's some extra angst in the background with L's controlling tendencies (there are cameras in that hotel room. I feel it in my bones.) and his and B's rough history, but honestly I think that makes it even more interesting. Top tier fic. 👌

[quicktimeeventfull]

Explicit (Slowburn) Lawlight with background Beymane & Meronia Read on AO3 Contains: Depictions of mental illness, including suicide and self-harm; please see fic notes for more detail. Also this is set in Canada. A brief interlude following chapter eleven of Stay; the Wammy gang consults one other on the issue at hand.

[death-note-lawlight-fic-recs]

Lawlight ao3 fic recs

This list ended up being longer than expected. Thus, most one shots and smut fics will get their own list. I can't fit them all in here, alas.

I will probably add more fics later as I remember. Any fics published after this one [dated: 21 July, 2023] will be in a new list.

Check the summary and notes. Read the warnings and authors notes for each fic. I'm not responsible for what you end up reading, rating wise.

Bestest of the best. Go Read ASAP.

Primitive Liars

Summary: Light is a being of intellect, not of instinct; however, he may be starting to understand that the two are not mutually exclusive. While he struggles to define himself in an unjust world, a new Kira holds society - along with a couple other valuable things - hostage. Omegaverse AU.

Notes: My absolute favorite lawlight fic. Right up there with Of Music. I have probably read Primitive Liars 20-30 times and still love it. Its that good. Primitive Liars is the fic that introduced me to the abo genre and I have not found another fic that does it as good as this one does. Primitive Liars, my beloved ❤️❤️❤️

Time Speaks

Summary: In his first life, L died in the arms of his greatest enemy.

In his brief second one, he died alone.

And in his third, too-long life, L died anticipating finally getting even with the man who'd won their game one too many times.

And Light Yagami? If he'd known this is what picking up the Death Note would bring....well, he'd probably still have done it anyway.

Notes: This fic has everything. I love it. I adore it. Its tied as my favorite ao3 fic with Primitive Liars. Lawlight loop over and over, and fall in love while Playing Their Game (reference intended). Each arc has something different, each arc is amazing. Words cannot describe how much i recommend this fic. If there's one and only one lawlight fic you will ever read, it should be this one 🙏.

Decisions and Consequences

Summary: [Part 1] “Ryuzaki I think you’re right about me, I think that at one point I was Kira”. Light decides to trust L when he admits that he too suspects himself of being Kira and asks L for help in preventing him from becoming Kira again.

[Part 2] After giving up the Death Note, Light struggles with the knowledge of what he has done. No longer believing in the ideals he followed as Kira, he now has to live with the fact that he himself is what he so despised: a murderer.

Notes: This is a series of 2 fics. It has ace Light, L who loves Light, Light facing the consequences of his actions and learning to live with them. This fic takes what it does seriously. This is a journey of Light healing from being Kira and finding someone to share his life with in the process. I cannot recommend this enough. Enough of Kira getting away scott free from his actions, giving up the notebook and never facing what he has done because amnesia is a get-out-of-jail free card. This Light faces reality head on.

In The Eye Of The Snowstorm

Summary: During a cold, Colorado winter after L's defeat of Kira, Light struggles to deal with the fact that he has lost the game. But along with the bitterness of losing his New World brews something deeper: the pain from a much more personal blow dealt to Light by L on the day his godhood crumbled around him, juxtaposed against his still-lingering love for the detective. Across five scenes where Light refuses to admit he's still in love with L, and one scene where he finally does - the two learn to live together again despite the storm that they've created.

Notes: People often forget that for the Kira case, it's ultimately L's decision on how it ends. L is the detective in charge of the case, L is the one with connections, resources and authority who could have both saved and/or condemned Light even if they had been in a relationship. In short: their relationship and its future was ultimately L's choice. This is a true compromise fic. Which can also be seen as an L wins fic. I love how soft it was and how they get their happy ending without either of them compromising their morals or thoughts, despite being in love.

Into The Grey

Summary: Light is a young, hot, reclusive Omega who follows all the rules and does it all right. Except when he's sneaking out to capture criminals as the vigilante only known as Kira. L will always and forever be the world's greatest detective, but the Alpha might have a little competition in the Kanto region of Japan.

In a world just barely free of Omega oppression, these two geniuses find themselves in a race against the clock and each other.

Notes: Another Lawlight abo fic. This is my one of my favorite abo fics, mixing a new case, a new take on death note characters in a world without shinigami. I love the dynamics and the political backstory this fic explores throughout the plot. The world building is amazing. I love it.

Seeking His Hand

Summary: Soichiro asks: "Why do you want to marry my son?"

L stares at him for a moment, then sighs almost imperceptibly. "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. …or husband."

A historical regency-esque romance AU in which L seeks Light's hand in marriage. And that's only the beginning.

Notes: Regency Era lawlight AU. Yes!

Heirs and Spares

Summary: L and Light are all that remain of the first generation of Wammy House kids. L's the world's greatest detective and Light runs the House cultivating a new generation of geniuses into useful positions. They're rivals first and family second. But Watari suggests, in case of emergencies, it makes sense for them to legally be each other's next of kin. Light's not so sure he wants to marry L, despite the logic of the suggestion, but L's seemingly on board with the idea. Or is it his idea in the first place…?

Notes: Growing up together at Wammy's AU! Yesyesyesyes!!! This is my favorite fic by TrashKing.

Death Wish

Summary: Death Note users don’t go to heaven or hell. Instead, Ryuk sends Light to an alternative universe where the Death Note exists but it doesn’t fall within his grasp. Even though he doesn’t have the Death Note, L still suspects him and the worst part is that in this new world he is an omega. Hilarity ensues.

Notes: Summary is accurate. I really can't say more because that would be spoilers.

The Sweet Taste Of Silver

Summary: Email after email…It only made Light sicker to look at them. Final notice. Past due. Expulsion threats. He knew going to one of the best schools in the country would be pricey, but that's what his scholarships were for, right? At least until they start running out. At least he'll have his internship…And his new employer.

Notes: The lawlight sugarbaby AU. Has a sequel from Ryuk's PoV, which is absolutely hilarious.

Sit and Stay A While

Summary: "The obsession prodded again, pushing at him, but Light didn’t let it near his mouth. He shoved it down, hard, until it thundered down the cellar stairs of his mind palace. Sulking below all his appropriate thoughts was the insistent wanting that made him avoid L’s gaze – the desire to sit in L’s lap."

(Light has a fantasy of sitting in L's lap, and he's got a plan to make that a reality.)

Notes: Light wants to sit in L's lap. He has a 12 step plan for it. Light is good at planning, so he achieves his goal.

Shining Light

Summary: Bored beyond comprehension, Ryuk decides after seeing what humans do with the Death Note, to experiment with what would happen if a human lived their whole life with access and knowledge of the Death Note. This leads him to find four-month-old Light Yagami, whom he decides to use as his test subject and has a little fun.

Light's parents, as with anybody else, can't see Ryuk and thus think Light is possessed, so while trying to find answers, Soichiro turns to a young cadet for assistance taking care of his son.

Light grows up knowing he is different but rarely bored with Ryuk by his side throughout his whole life and having little interest in using the Death Note, training in Shinigami magic and learning the ways of the world instead. But things become interesting when, after multiple incidents regarding his secret, someone else with the Death Note begins using it as the mass killer known as Kira.

Add in a dumbfounded detective and a task force all aware of Light's situation and far past caring, and Ryuk knows he made the right choice because he's found plenty of entertainment, even though he has to fight the protective instinct he's developed towards Light.

Notes: There are many things I love about this AU. The first and foremost being its world building.

Is This The Way It Ends Now

Summary: L dangled the note in front of him. It had appeared out of nowhere, as had the accompanying CD. It claimed to contain information crucial to their investigation.

Was this a trick? Another evolution of Kira's power? Perhaps a different supernatural force trying to help them against Kira?

He didn't know, but the only way to find out was to view it.

Notes: This fic is here because of three reasons. That its good and well written. That its the only complete series watch fic. And that I love this fic. However, I am aware this fic and its take on Kira isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Better than the rest

Honey In Your Tea

Summary: Light falls with a cup of hot coffee in hand. L is to blame.

Notes: A blind!Light AU. Light is not Kira AU too. So soft and sweet and tender and I just can't-

The Execution Of All Things

Summary: "I want to be soft, to say here is my underbelly and I want you to hold the knife, but I don’t know what I want you to do: plunge or mercy. I deserve both. I want to hold and be held." – Nicole Homer

A world where Light is shot by Higuchi at the end of episode 7 and doesn't regain his memories or the Note.

Notes: The one and only lawlight fic for the TV drama. Well, not really. There are other fics too. But this one, is my favorite of them all.

Fifteen Stories Down

Summary: When a series of explosions brings down a hotel in the heart of Tokyo, Detective Light Yagami finds himself trapped in the company of the strangest man he's ever met.

Notes: An excellent Light is not Kira AU, with adult!Light and L meeting down the line.

Bodach Killa

Summary: Having found Light's deadly notebook, L sees but one way to force a confession out of him: become his closest friend and confidant. To this purpose, L goes undercover to To-Oh, as Kira supporting college student Hideki Ryuga. Somewhere along the way of this ethically questionable quest, L finds the friend he'd been missing all along.

Notes: L finds early proof of the death note. The case takes a whole new direction.

Wordplay

Summary: Three murders in Japan mark the beginning of what seems to be a slightly abnormal copycat case. However, it turns into a much more complicated scheme that pushes L and Light to their limits in order to solve it and catch the killer.

Notes: A case fic with adult lawlight that's more about Light and Sayu's relationship. Lawlight is there too.

Passengers

Summary: It comes in the middle of the night, on the eve of L's death. Both L and Light find themselves on a train right out of science fiction, handcuffed and totally unprepared.

Notes: Lawlight crossover with infinity train. No prior knowledge of Infinity train required.

Bluebird

Summary: Light Yagami had always found his day to day life menial and mundane. He was startled out of his boredom by the sudden appearance of the supernatural mass murderer, Kira. Light had certainly not expected his last year of high school and first year of college to be so convoluted and stressful as the greatest detective in the world suspects him of being the greatest mass murderer in history. Light must work with L to catch the real Kira before it's too late.

Notes: Light isn't Kira in this AU. Someone else, an original character, is Kira. And that takes the plot in a whole new direction. That is what I love about this fic.

Hidden

Summary: All gammas are the same, seen as basically genderless they are raised equally before presenting as either alpha females or male omegas.

Light Yagami never really cared about his gamma status until other's took notice. Fearful of spending life as a kept omega, Light will fight against anything, including his own instincts, to be seen as an alpha instead.

But fighting one's dynamic isn't easy.

Light just hopes it isn't impossible.

Notes: A fic that explores the social problems inherent in an typical abo world.

Tangled

Summary: L and Light divorced ten years ago and split the kids. When Mello demands to meet his twin brother L is forced to reassemble the family unit and co-parent with Light while they figure out a new custody arrangement. But, despite all that’s been said and done, feelings linger and both parties start to wonder if there are pieces of their broken marriage that can be salvaged?

Notes: Ex and established lawlight AU. Lawlight as parents in this AU. It's wonderfully done and I love it.

Introduction To Muggle Studies By Yagami Light

Summary:

How to use a Death Note - Rule 4: The person in possession of the Death Note is possessed by a god of death, its original owner, until they die.

ICW Classification of Magical Beings - A muggle possessed or bonded with a magical being, similar to a muggle infected by a werewolf and surviving, is no longer a classified as a muggle. They are, for all intents and purposes, a wizard/witch.

Notes: This one was a tough choice for me, for various reasons. But in the end, I put it here because yes, it's a fun read! A crossover between Harry Potter and Death Note. Fake character death, lots of pining, long distance lawlight relationship. Knowledge of Harry Potter needed upto book 4.

Back Again

Summary: What is Light to do when he wakes up after his life as a Shinigami is over, only to find himself with both his memories and his life back to the way it was before…with the Death Note in his school bag?

Notes: Lawlight AU where Light time travels.

Touch Starved

Summary: L's a Blue Poison Dart, an endangered species closely related to the blue poison dart frog. His life has been difficult, prejudiced and overall touch-starved. But he spends his days as L, the world's greatest detective, who's species is undisclosed to the general populace. When other endangered species start dying and disappearing in Japan, he decides he must travel there to solve the case.

On the way, he meets the Kitsune Light, a Japanese 9-tailed fox. They start a relationship, L unaware that he's next on Light's list.

Notes: Another amazing fic by Pyreneese. L as a poison dart frog, Light as a Kitsune.

Change OR the one where L and Light get married

Summary: L wasn’t a good driver; he could admit that, to himself. Since he and Quillsh were the only ones who knew the route to the old Wammy summer home, L wasn’t surprised to be behind the wheel. (Thankful, maybe, that he had the forethought to secure this little automatic Volkswagen rather than flounder on the stick shift Quillsh always tried to teach him.) He dared to be happy about his driver role, even; it was appropriate that he chauffeured Light to where they’d be married in a day’s time. Something romantic about crossing the threshold, carrying his love into his world – L stuck out his tongue. Long drives made him corny.

(At Quillsh Wammy's summer mansion, L and Light prepare to get married in front of the Yagami family, Watari, and the ghosts of their past.)

Notes: What do you mean, this isn't how canon ended? Aka the lawlight happy ending AU that they deserve.

Sail The Wildest Stretch

Summary: Light Yagami has a Final Destination-esque vision of his seven years as Kira. He wakes up in his high school on the day he receives the Death Note. What will he do differently, knowing the future?

Notes: What can I say, I have a weakness for lawlight time travel fics.

Do It Again, L!

Summary: "The moment L’s eyes close at the time of his death, he awakes in a panic in his bed.... Before L can move forward, he would need to perform tests.... The things he knows right now: .... He had just gone from dying of a heart attack in Japan to lying in his bed over 6,000 miles away in a blink of an eye. He distinctly remembers being 25 years old, but now he looks closer to ten. "

Notes: After 2 fics with Light going back in time, it's L's turn to time travel.

Throw the dice and play with me

Summary: You don’t forget how to play the game just because you lost at it and Light had their instructions manual permanently etched into his very soul.

L wins AU! in which Light has been in jail for two years when L shows up asking for his help with a case. Light desperately wants to help, he missed their competition and has been very bored without it but he feels that L is hiding something. Still, Light helps hesitantly, all the while trying to figure out what game the detective is playing at. Meanwhile, L is willing to play at any game, as long as Light plays with him.

Notes: An L wins fic, this fic has L coming back for Light. Light is, of course, still hurt by his time in prison and the lack of trust everyone except L shows him. L is there to catch light and put him back together. I loved reading this because it was not as dark as some other "L wins and Light in prison" fics get, but still tackles the issues it presents.

Corruption

Summary: After the LA BB murder case Naomi Misora has finally returned to work for the FBI as planned. Her first task on her return, requested through the pipeline by L, is to interrogate Beyond Birthday, who has not told any of the investigators anything about his crimes up to that point.

Beyond proves himself useful to the FBI to help solve the cases that they are stuck on, and so Naomi is sent back again and again, and gradually is drawn into Beyond's web.

Notes: Wherein Beyond gets together with Naomi and plays matchmaker for lawlight.

Another Path

Summary: Rem makes a different call (based from Episode 15 of the TV series).

Notes: Rem confesses to L that Light was Kira. L, attached to Light by now, decides he is a better choice for Light than death or prison. This fic has a novel approach to L wins post Yotsuba arc. I don't remember except that I enjoyed it.

Hurt, Angst, Tragedy, Whump. Mixed with Comfort and Bittersweet endings, for a treat.

Who Am I and Who Are You?

Summary: Light has been under suspicion of being Kira for far too long. After his girlfriend, Misa Amane, falls under suspicion for actual DNA evidence tying her to the case. Light then goes into confinement. And even after he has gone to extreme lengths to prove that there is no way he could be Kira, L still doubts him. Because L just KNOWS Light Yagami is Kira. The only way for L to be assured of Light's innocence or guilt is to become handcuffed to him. And no matter how long it takes, L will get a confession. No matter what he has to do, he will find out the truth. And Light will do anything to save his own life, to convince L that he isn't Kira. Even at the cost of his own sanity. This is all just a game, but a game that could be deadly.

Notes: Ever thought what if Light really wasn't Kira, he was really a scapegoat and L went on Hard Mode during Yotsuba arc? This is that fic. I love this version more than the rewrite, because this one has a happy ending. Bittersweet ending. As happy as it can be, anyways. A whump, hurt/comfort fic, this fic balances veryyyy nicely between hurt and comfort.

Note2: This fic has a second version, a sort of rewrite. That version is a very bad ending for lawlight. I won't link it here, but those industrious ones of you who enjoy such fics can look it up in the author works.

Genius Is A Curse

Summary: If Light had never touched the Death Note, would he ever have found an escape from the depression and boredom that plagued him? Would he have had a future at all?

Notes: This... isn't exactly lawlight. This is more L and Light. However, imo, lawlight undertones are there. It might just be the shipping fan in me speaking though. This fic isn't for the faint hearted. It's depressing. Light is depressed, L is depressed, at a point they both get suicidal. I don't suggest reading it in one go. I also suggest being at least 21+ when reading it. Please, read the tags, mind the warnings and be safe mentally when you read this fic.

A Thin Veil

Summary: There is a thin veil between sadism and masochism, life and death, order and chaos, and all of this becomes apparent as Light comes up with his most sadomasochistic plan yet, willingly subjecting himself to illness and an agonizing death to force the hand of the task force and scare them into dropping the case, as well as prove his "innocence."

While L suspects that this is all somehow Light's doing, he finds it harder and harder to watch Light suffer as he gets increasingly ill, even if he wants to help catch Kira with the limited amount of time he has left. L refuses to lose the game, but at the same time finds the idea of losing Light to be equally unpleasant, leading him to search frantically for a loophole or capture Kira before Light dies as collateral damage.

Notes: Light will do anything to prove himself as not-Kira. Including forcing himself through sickness- Uncaring of the emotional tolI it would take on himself and everyone around him. I was looking for hurt or sick Light fics other than the one with religious undertones. And I found an alt sick Light fic. This one. It was well worth the search as oh boy does Light prove to all and sundry just how much he is willing to sacrifice for his 'New World'.

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This

Summary: L has always struggled with insomnia and sleep paralysis. But the Kira Case is making it worse. He knows that if he continues like this, he'll end up self-destructing.

Notes: L and Light are both in a bad place. They help each other recover.

Grip me tight (won't you love me before you go)

Summary: Engaged Lawlight but Light isn't Kira and is killed by Kira for being with L.

Notes: Short, to the point, ripped my heart out in less than 1000 words.

Reflections

Summary: L spends a day with Light. Everything is as it should be.

Notes: A sad tragedy fic. This fic is here as a break before we go into truly bad ending and psychological horror/thriller fics.

I Will Follow You Into The Dark

Summary: Four hundred and ninety days.

Less cryptically, L kidnaps Light, perhaps for reasons all his own.

Notes: L is a sadistic bastard. Not in the whump way. L wants to win, L wants to defeat Kira, L wants Light. And L will do anything for it, Light's wishes and well-being be damned. There is no comfort here.

Inked

Summary: Light Yagami keeps his soulmark hidden at all times. L wants to know what it looks like. Things ensue.

Notes: A soulmate AU where L isn't Light's soulmate. That doesn't stop L.

A Balm For Social Failure

Summary: L begins to suspect something is missing from his life. He believes the key to be in social interaction - his weak point. At the appearance of the enigma named Light Yagami, he is challenged to rise to the occasion.

Notes: Light is a bastard. This has a happy ending, in a way. But the journey there is filled with dubious triggers.

Fade

Summary: When a mysterious notebook falls from the sky, bearing the story of a world in which Kira reigns supreme, L is forced into a desperate struggle to change both his fate and the fate of the world. But his attempts are complicated when he discovers that he only holds half of the story—and that the other half resides with the living paradox that is Light Yagami. The resulting chaos finds two geniuses from different worlds thrown together, racing to change the future.

Notes: This fic.... I like to pretend that L and Light reached Wammy's and that's where it ends. That it has a happy ending. But it does not. It took my heart, filled it, and then stomped it to the ground.

Prisoners

Summary: L got enough evidence to imprison Light but not destroy him. Two years into Light's confinement L is desperate to move the dial towards a decisive victory and close the Kira case once and for all but he’s not sure how much of his own mind he’ll have to crack into pieces to do that. Especially when there’s a very real chance Light’s lost his mind entirely.

Notes: Usually, I only read and rec happy ending fics. I remember reading this one, without checking the warnings. Its been a long time since, but I still remember this fic and believe it has to be here. Check the warning tag before reading, guys!

You're 38, Light

Summary: On Light's 38th birthday, he has a special visitor, triggering many memories.

Notes: This fic makes me sick. It's good as a bad ending fic, but oh gosh, why, just kill Light already, L.

Crack & Crack Taken Seriously (yes, both are different)

Dealing With Shinigami

Summary: Meet Prince Light, a prince who, to the public's eye, is everything a prince is meant to be—handsome, brilliant, hand-working, kind, polite. In actuality, he is hot-headed and headstrong, has strong sense of justice that goes against how the kingdom runs...

And bored.

So bored that news of an arranged marriage leads him to run away to live with a Shinigami. And not just any Shinigami, but Ryuk—one of the most powerful, dangerous, and equally bored Shinigami around. Of course, Light has a way of hooking up with dangerous characters, and soon he's coping with a witch, a jinn, a death-dealing talking bird, a stone prince, and some very irritating Yotsuba wizards. Eventually, he will find the not-very-kingly King of the Enchanted Forest who may sweep him off his feet.

If the prince ran away to find some excitement, it looks like he's found plenty.

Notes: A fairy tale world with death note characters. Meet Light as a prince who is bored, L is a king who is lonely, Ryuk as a shinigami who is looking for fun. The world building uses classic tropes for fun, the character interaction leaves me wanting more, I love everything about this fic.

Welcome To The Family

Summary: L has concluded that Light is Kira but due to his own conflicted feelings instead of arresting Light or having him executed as he promised he kidnaps Light and dumps him at Wammy's House…

Notes: My favorite "Light gets taken to Wammy's" AU. Too bad it stops at the best time.

Yagami Light can have a little mental breakdown, as a treat.

Summary: In which Light goes through the five stages of grief, Misa is a good friend, L has the best night of his life, and everybody else is just along for the ride.

(AKA: The uni AU in which Light has a crush and doesn't know it until everybody else does as well).

Notes: Lawlight university AU. Misa helps Light "denial isn't just a river in Egypt" Yagami reach enlightenment. L "idiot in love and doesnt know how to flirt" Lawliet, the target of said crush, gets front row seats to the discussion.

The Complaints Box

Summary: "Gentlemen," he addressed everyone in the room with a meaningful glance, then focused on the cardboard box, "It is my understanding that ever since we've moved into this building, relationships between you all have been... tense. Petty arguments are not constructive for the workplace; therefore, I have decided to introduce a conflict preventative measure, a source of stress relief if you will."

In which, Watari decides that everyone in the office needs to begin venting their stress like mature adults. And within those pages were not rants worthy of a therapist's shrine, but a documented love story...

Notes: A fun and amusing read. Watari has such great ideas.

Eat, Fight, Love

Summary: L was perfectly content to live out a solitary existence among his sweets and puzzles, and never considered that one day he might actually have to beat the shit out of his soulmate upon seeing them for the first time.

Yes, what absolute nonsense.

Notes: Where soulmates punch each other at first sight.

Unexpected Little Guest

Summary: Sayu and her husband decides to go on a vacation for two weeks and leave their eight years old daughter, Mei, in the hands of Light and L.

Light had thought about starting a family for quite some time, so he gladly accepts it to see what kind of a father L would be with this little adventure.

L, on the other hand is everything but happy about this. But in this two weeks, he develops something for the little girl that he didn't expect at all...

Notes: Established lawlight. Light wants a child. Sayu needs a babysitter. Light has an idea.

Basket Case

Summary: During the day, he writes names on coffee cups. At night, he writes names in the Death Note. Now starting his third year at To-Oh, Light Yagami didn’t think his life could get any more complicated. Until L Lawliet came and screwed everything up.

A college AU where Light is Kira but L isn't a detective.

Notes: A fun AU where Light is Kira, L isn't a detective and Ryuk ships it.

This Isn't A Noir Film

Summary: Moving to Los Angeles was not Light's best idea. It's blazing hot, always on fire, the traffic is the worst, and the mafia is acting up all over again. When Rod Ross is found not guilty yet again on murder charges and the murders start up again, Light joins a taskforce with decidedly eccentric people who could all only be described as complete and utter pricks. He should be more worried about what's happening to the city he lives in and the people he's sworn to serve and protect, but honestly, he's a bit more concerned at how well he fits in with these weirdos.

Notes: A fic set in the backdrop of LA. I don't recall much about this fic except that it's good.

Treaty

Summary: When Great Britain and Japan come to an agreement on a major treaty between the two countries, there is a long standing requirement between the country's packs that must be upheld. A match between a high ranking or highly valued Alpha and Omega must be made between the countries as a sign of good faith. With all of the official nobility of age already mated in both countries, Great Britain selects an Alpha, the World's Greatest Detective as their representative. While the country of Japan, provides their best and brightest, the attractive son of the distinguished Chief of the NPA, Light Yagami.

Both L and Light are thrown in as reluctant participants. Each with their own secrets, personal challenges and life ambitions. Can they find a way to happily co-exist or will the obstacles they face prove too much to overcome?

Notes: This is a lawlight abo AU which is crack taken seriously. So dont take the fic seriously, alright? OOC abound.

Koi No Yokan

Summary: Koi no yokan 恋の予感: the feeling upon first meeting someone that you will inevitably fall in love with them.

Light decides to take a little risk and seek a no-strings-attached hookup and gets a surprising (accidental) match. Light and L gradually open up to each other over the course of a night, not knowing who the other is. However, as they go back to their lives in the morning, suspicions take hold and secrets come to light. The chance meeting starts to feel a lot more like fate as L closes in on Kira, and both must decide whether they felt anything real for the other and what that means. This decision is only the first of many as Light plans his New World and L finds out sinister secrets about his childhood and Wammy’s House.

Notes: The ultimate death note conspiracy fic. This fic has boldly gone where no fic has gone before. No regrets, no takebacks. Leave logic outside the door. There will be no fic that can compare to the twists and turns this one takes, ever again.

The Japanese Brooklyn 99

Summary:

Aizawa: We are NOT naming this chat ‘The Japanese Brooklyn 99’!

Matsuda: I don’t see why we can’t? Just because you’re too embarrassed to admit you’re not cool enough to be Rosa does not mean we cannot name this group chat that name. Besides, it’s a good name!

Ide: Why am I here again?

...In which Matsuda makes a group chat and all goes to chaos.

Notes: Death Note fic which is set in Modern era and with a group chat. The obligatory group chat fic where everything is nice, nobody hurts (for long), and everyone has a happy ending.

Todokete!

Summary:

Soichiro: What exactly is the point of this again?

Matsuda: so we can all talk even when we’re not together, duh!

so anyway…

how do we feel about the de-sexification of the green m&m?

Light: matsuda, respectfully, shut the fuck up

Matsuda creates a Discord server for the task force to communicate in. Between L's awkward attempts to make friends, Misa and Matsuda's constant Love Live references, and the stress of Light being a suspect, the rest of the team is in for a wild ride.

Or, the ridiculous chatfic that no one asked for.

Notes: Another Yotsuba arc chat grp fic. Lots of memes and references. The summary says it all.

Consolation Prize

Summary: As a special prize for writing so many names in the Death Note, Kira becomes a catboy.

Notes: Catboy!Light. Enough said.



The Name Game

Summary: Light really hates the customer that keeps coming up with the worst fake names for his orders.

Five times L gave a fake(sorta) name for his tea to annoy the irritable, pretty barista and the one time he tells him his actual name.

Notes: Lawlight coffee shop AU! Woo hoo!

The Mello Situation

Summary: Or how Near decides to use L and Light's fumbling attempts to be together to develop his own relationship goals. Post canon, alternative ending.

Notes: Wherein Near asks relationship advice from L. It goes as well as can be expected.

Deus Ex Saiki

Summary: Ten year old Kusuo Saiki decides he's tired of Kira's shenanigans so he's gonna solve the problem himself.

It may not have been worth it.

Notes: Saiki does a short, quick fix of the Kira situation and everyone is happier for it.

A,B,C,DeathNote!

Summary:

A collection of what were meant to be oneshot ficlets (but ended up as an interlinked series) for each letter of the Alphabet.

Set during the YotsubaArc, this is the story of how Light and L fell in love amidst the Kira case and their developing relationship from secret lovers to husbands.

Notes: I don't remember much about this fic except that it was good and that it is crack.

[terarria-sunflower]

very un-fire emblem, but since ao3 is down here's some L death note headcanons I was debating posting, hopefully they will benefit the masses in this time of hardship

L and how he thinks about romance:

(tw for slight sexual references and short icky behavior from an unnamed non-canon character but no non con, could be dub con)

- he had a couple puppy loves when he was a kid that he fell way too deep into and had break his heart. he just had trouble understanding the natural flow of relationships, and his standing with others who expected him to keep up with them, so he kept getting left behind

- he's obviously bisexual

- and i think he had a brief thing with another boy when he was an early teen and living at the orphanage

- probably the kind of thing where he felt like he had found his soul mate, and they spent lots of time together trying to make up for how starved for love their lives had been at Whammy's, and then eventually the other boy started to become disgusted with the system, and with L because he was so integral to it the older he got, and neither of them understood any of that, and the other boy broke up with him very unkindly and vanished all in the span of about a week

- L is a little wiser to what was going on behind the scenes now, but even if he had the full explanation, the pain was just so acute, and echoed his recurring experience with abandonment so that thinking about it just solidifies a belief that he's unlovable

- i think when he got into his later teens at the orphanage and started to have a bit of freedom to wander around unsupervised, he also had a brief relationship with an American girl who was on vacation in the area

- and by brief i mean the literal one week that she was in Britain

- she was a bit older than him, almost enough to be icky and certainly old enough to know better than to play with an obviously vulnerable young boy

- she was bored and on vacation so she decided to use him, and again he was totally smitten, poor thing was still just so desperate for companionship that he didn't question a good thing

- he is a genius, but his emotional intelligence just developed slowly cause of trauma:/

- she manipulated him into being physical with her the day before she went home in an alley near the orphanage. they didn't have penetrative sex but they got pretty well acquainted

- she left him immediately after and didn't come back to say goodbye.

- that experience was where his trust allowance ran out, and a few years later after he and Watari began moving around the world, the time and the physical separation from where he grew up helped him understand not to blame himself

- it's actually really lucky that he became a career law enforcer, because it gave him the needed exposure to how much other people straight up suck, and saved him from a lifetime of self-hatred

- his theme is really being self sustainable

- he doesn't have any qualms about his personal worth

- but he also doesn't think he's good enough for other people, so he's learned to live totally without them

- Watari is the exception, because L knows that their relationship is based on Watari needing him for his talent, and he can know quantifiably that he's good enough for that

- i think romance is something he craves even if the lack of it doesn't torture him, but he is truly and literally waiting for the stars to align in the person he chooses; it's something he will never take a risk on again (cough why I'm anti-Lawlight although no disrespect to the ship or it's shippers at all it's just not for me!)

- attraction is easy! he just doesn't trust it a bit.

- his end-game would have to be someone who's known him and Watari for quite a while, who Watari likes, and who has stayed around long enough that their only possible motivation for wanting him can be- well, wanting him

- but once he's found the right one, and he's safe with them, I think he'd be eager to participate in surprisingly traditional romantic gestures, and a good communicator.

- he's awkward as we know, but when comfortable with the person he loves, i think that awkwardness turns into endearing, just non-current mannerisms. like, he's a big kiss his partner's hand kinda guy, which isn't that weird or outdated really but he does it with the intent and reverence with which a knight kisses the hand of a court lady, and he does it because he's gathered his most complete pictures of romance from books and from old movies that i'm sure Watari has made him watch

- 10/10, perfect baby angel of a man, the geneva war crimes are a part of him and I'VE decided they're funny

[violentkam]

Enjoy :)

(My story, feel free to share, comment or like, available on Wattpad & Ao3)

The rain was relentless, painting Tokyo in a cascade of grays and silvers. L Lawliet, unperturbed by the weather, pushed open the door of a quiet café, his dark eyes scanning the room with practiced ease. The warmth inside contrasted sharply with the chill outside, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries hanging in the air. He made his way to a secluded table in the corner, the perfect spot to observe without being observed.

The waitress approached, and without a word, L ordered his usual—a black coffee with thirteen sugars. It was an indulgence he rarely allowed himself to question. As she walked away, he curled up in his chair, his thumb brushing his lips in thought. The Kira case was a never-ending puzzle, each piece more complex than the last, and yet today, his thoughts were clouded by something else, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

The bell above the door chimed, and L's gaze flicked toward the entrance. Light Yagami stepped into the café, his presence instantly commanding attention. Light had a way of drawing people in, of making them feel as if they were the only person in the room, and L was no exception. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world outside ceased to exist.

Light approached with his usual confidence, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "L," he greeted, his voice smooth and unhurried, "mind if I join you?"

L gestured to the empty chair across from him, his expression carefully neutral. "Please."

Light sat down, and L noticed the subtle tension in his movements, the way his gaze flickered over the table before settling on L. The waitress returned with L's coffee, setting it down with a clink of porcelain on wood. Light ordered his drink—a plain black coffee, no sugar—before turning his attention back to L.

They sat in silence for a moment, the sounds of the café fading into the background. L stirred his coffee, watching the sugar dissolve, the sweetness spreading through the dark liquid. He was aware of Light's eyes on him, their gaze heavy with curiosity and something else, something darker.

"I've always wondered," Light began, his voice tinged with amusement, "why you add so much sugar to your coffee. Isn't it a bit... excessive?"

L's thumb pressed lightly against his lips, a faint smile tugging at the corners. "Perhaps. But I've found that life is bitter enough without adding to it."

Light's smile widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I suppose that's one way to look at it. Personally, I prefer my coffee without sugar. It allows me to appreciate the complexity of the flavors."

L raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And do you apply that philosophy to life as well, Light-kun? Do you prefer things unadulterated, without the sweetness to soften the edges?"

Light's gaze darkened, and for a moment, something flickered behind his eyes, something L couldn't quite place. "I prefer things as they are, without any distractions. Life is complex, L, and sometimes, it's the bitterness that reveals the truth."

L took a sip of his coffee, the sweetness a sharp contrast to the underlying bitterness. "Perhaps. But sometimes, a little sweetness can make even the bitter moments more bearable."

Light leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "Or it can mask the truth, make you complacent. Sometimes, it's better to face the bitterness head-on."

There was a weight to Light's words, a seriousness that went beyond their usual banter. L studied him, his mind working to piece together the puzzle that was Light Yagami. The game they played was more than just a battle of wits—it was a dance of shadows and light, each trying to uncover the other's secrets while keeping their own hidden.

As Light's coffee arrived, he picked up the cup, taking a slow, deliberate sip. His eyes remained locked on L, and there was an intensity in his gaze that made L's pulse quicken. It was a look that said he knew more than he was letting on, that he was always one step ahead.

"Do you ever wonder," Light said, his voice soft but piercing, "if your fondness for sweetness is a way of avoiding the reality of your work? Of the darkness you deal with every day?"

L considered this, his thumb brushing against his lips in thought. "Perhaps. Or perhaps it's a way of finding balance. After all, even the darkest night must end with the light of day."

Light's smile returned, sharper this time, tinged with something almost predatory. "But not all nights end, L. Some stretch on indefinitely, swallowing the light. Maybe that's why you need so much sugar—because you're afraid of the darkness."

The words hung in the air between them, charged with an unspoken challenge. L met Light's gaze, his mind racing to decipher the layers of meaning hidden beneath his words. Light was probing, testing, trying to uncover something about L, but what exactly, L couldn't be sure.

"Fear isn't always a bad thing, Light-kun," L replied, his voice calm. "It can keep you sharp, focused. It reminds you of what's at stake."

Light's eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, L thought he saw a flicker of something—uncertainty, perhaps, or doubt. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by Light's usual confident demeanor.

"Maybe," Light conceded, taking another sip of his coffee. "But I've found that clarity comes from facing the truth, no matter how bitter it may be."

L watched him, intrigued by the shift in their dynamic. There was something different about Light today, something more intense, more focused. It was as if the veneer of civility they usually maintained had been stripped away, leaving only the raw, unfiltered truth between them.

"You speak as if you've already faced that truth, Light-kun," L observed, his voice gentle but probing. "What is it that you've seen?"

Light's smile was enigmatic, his eyes reflecting the dim light of the café. "More than you can imagine, L. But some truths are better left unsaid."

There it was again, that undercurrent of darkness, of something unspoken yet deeply understood between them. L felt the tension rising, the stakes of their game growing higher with every word exchanged.

For a moment, they sat in silence, the only sound the rain pattering against the windows. L took another sip of his coffee, the sweetness a welcome contrast to the conversation. He could feel the weight of Light's gaze on him, the intensity of it almost suffocating.

Then, unexpectedly, Light reached across the table, his fingers brushing against the sugar bowl. He pushed it slightly toward L, his expression unreadable. "You should add another sugar," he said softly, his voice carrying an edge of something L couldn't quite define. "Just to be sure it's sweet enough."

L looked down at the sugar bowl, then back at Light. There was something almost intimate about the gesture, as if Light were offering him a piece of himself, a glimpse into the darkness that he so carefully concealed.

But L knew better than to take things at face value, especially when it came to Light Yagami. He picked up a sugar cube, holding it between his fingers as he studied Light's expression. "And what about you, Light-kun? Isn't there anything you'd like to sweeten?"

Light's smile was faint, almost wistful. "Some things are better left as they are, don't you think? Too much sweetness can be... overwhelming."

L dropped the sugar cube into his coffee, watching as it dissolved, swirling into the dark liquid. The metaphor was not lost on him, the way the sweetness was consumed by the bitterness, leaving only a faint trace behind.

He took a sip, savoring the delicate balance of flavors. "Perhaps. But I believe in moderation. Too much bitterness can be just as overwhelming, don't you think?"

Light's eyes met his, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with a tension that was both thrilling and unsettling. It was as if they were no longer just opponents in a game, but something more—two forces destined to collide, each trying to pull the other into their world.

"Maybe," Light said quietly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of something darker. "But sometimes, it's the bitterness that makes us who we are. Without it, we might lose sight of what's important."

L set his cup down, his gaze never leaving Light's. "And what is it that you find so important, Light-kun?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. Light's smile was slow, deliberate, as if he were carefully considering his next move. "The truth, L. No matter how bitter it is, the truth is the most important thing."

L nodded slowly, acknowledging the weight of Light's words. "Yes, the truth is important. But sometimes, it's the sweetness that makes the truth bearable."

Light's eyes softened, just for a moment, and L thought he saw a flicker of something—regret, perhaps, or a longing for something he couldn't have. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the mask of confidence that Light always wore.

As the rain outside began to slow, the café grew quieter, the other patrons gradually filtering out. L realized with some surprise that hours had passed, the day slipping away in the ebb and flow of their conversation.

Light finished his coffee, setting the empty cup down with a soft clink. He looked at L, his expression unreadable, yet somehow more open than it had been before. "This was... different," Light said, his voice carrying a note of sincerity that caught L off guard. "We should do it again sometime."

L studied him, his thumb brushing his lip in thought. "Yes," he agreed, his voice soft but firm. "We should."

Light's smile was genuine this time, a warmth in his eyes that L hadn't seen before. He stood, his movements slow and deliberate, as if reluctant to break the moment. "Take care, L," he said quietly, his voice laced with something deeper, something almost tender.

But instead of leaving, Light hesitated, his gaze lingering on L with a newfound intensity. "Do you want to walk back together?" he asked, his voice casual, but there was something more behind the question.

L blinked, surprised by the offer, but then nodded. "Yes, that would be... nice."

They left the café together, stepping into the now-light drizzle. The city was quieter now, the rush of the day fading into the calm of the evening. As they walked, the silence between them was comfortable, the earlier tension replaced by a subtle understanding.

When they reached the task force headquarters, Light paused at the entrance, his gaze drifting over L with a hint of something more. "Would you like to come up for a bit? We could... continue our conversation."

Light hesitated, the offer hanging in the air between them, charged with unspoken possibilities. But there was something in L's eyes, a vulnerability that Light hadn't seen before, that made him nod in agreement. "Yes, I'd like that."

Inside, the atmosphere was different, quieter, more intimate. The usual formality of their interactions seemed to melt away as they stepped into L's. Light moved with a quiet confidence, shedding his coat and placing it on the back of a chair before turning to face L.

The air between them was thick with tension, but it was different now—more personal, more charged. Light stepped closer, his gaze locking onto L's, and there was something almost predatory in his movements.

"You know," Light said softly, his voice barely above a whisper, "I've always wondered how you manage to stay so detached, so unaffected by everything."

L met his gaze, his expression calm but his heart racing. "It's necessary. Emotions can cloud judgment, make you vulnerable."

Light's smile was slow, deliberate. "But isn't vulnerability what makes us human, L? Without it, we're just... playing a game."

L's breath hitched slightly as Light closed the distance between them, his hand reaching out to brush against L's arm. The touch was light, almost tentative, but it sent a shiver down L's spine.

"Maybe," L murmured, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. "But some games are necessary."

Light's fingers trailed up L's arm, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. "And what about this, L? Is this a game too?"

L's mind raced, trying to process the situation, but the closeness of Light, the intensity in his eyes, made it difficult to think clearly. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice barely audible.

Light's smile widened, his hand coming to rest on L's chest, his touch firm yet gentle. "Then maybe it's time to stop thinking for once."

The words were a challenge, and L found himself unable to resist. He leaned in, closing the remaining distance between them, his breath mingling with Light's. The kiss was soft at first, a tentative exploration, but it quickly deepened, the intensity between them igniting like a spark to a flame.

Light's hands slid up L's back, pulling him closer, and L responded in kind, his own hands finding purchase on Light's waist. The world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of the moment.

As they broke apart, their breathing heavy, Light's gaze was filled with a mixture of triumph and something softer, something more genuine. "So, what do you think, L? Was that sweet enough for you?"

L chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. "Just the right amount of sweetness, I think."

Light's smile was brighter now, more relaxed, and he leaned in to press another kiss to L's lips, this one slower, more lingering. "Good," he murmured against L's mouth. "Because I plan to keep adding more."

With that, Light smashed his lips against L's, tasting the sweetness of the 13—no, 14 sugars from L's coffee. Their mouths moved together with an urgent need, the mingling of their breaths and the soft press of their lips creating a heady mix of desire. Light's hands cupped L's face, pulling him closer, while L's fingers dug into Light's shoulders, pulling him into an embrace that spoke of unspoken tension and longing.

As Light's lips traveled back to L's, their kiss grew more fervent, each movement a blend of passion and longing. L's fingers explored Light's back, his touch hesitant yet insistent, as if trying to memorize every contour of his partner's body. Light responded with a soft groan, his hands cupping L's face, his thumbs gently brushing along L's jawline.

The room seemed to close in around them, the faint sounds of the outside world fading into oblivion. L's hands found their way to Light's chest, his fingertips tracing the lines of his muscles with a delicate curiosity. Light's breath hitched with each touch, his lips lingering on L's, savoring the intimacy that was both electrifying and comforting.

As their bodies pressed closer, the heat between them intensified. Light's hands wandered to the waistband of L's trousers, his fingers deftly working to undo the fastenings. L's eyes fluttered open for a moment, meeting Light's gaze with a mixture of vulnerability and desire.

With an amateurs ease, Light eased L's trousers down, their gazes locked in a silent conversation of need and trust. The sense of urgency in the room grew, the space between them filled with an unspoken promise of shared passion.

"Is this okay, L? Do you want this—do you want me?" Light's gaze bore into L's weary eyes, full of a mix of desire and apprehension.

"Yes, Light," L murmured, his voice dripping with a seductive softness that made Light's heart race. "You need a little sweetness in your life, don't you? Let me be that sweetness," The sensuality in L's tone was unexpected, revealing a side of him that was both enticing and profoundly intimate. Light was caught off guard by this tender admission, realizing how deeply L was willing to open up to him.

Without hesitation, Light took control, methodically removing each article of clothing while L remained still, his eyes fixed on Light with an unreadable expression. The room was thick with tension, the silence punctuated only by the soft rustle of fabric.

As Light worked with a deliberate calm, L's gaze never wavered. He watched Light's movements with a mixture of curiosity and restrained desire, his fingers occasionally brushing against the cool surface of the desk as he shifted slightly.

Light paused for a moment, their eyes locking. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice low and earnest.

L's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "I wouldn't be here if I weren't," he replied softly.

With a decisive nod, Light continued, his touch growing more confident. The air between them seemed to crackle with a charged intensity, each movement carrying a weight of anticipation. As the final pieces of clothing were removed, the room felt charged with an almost palpable electricity.

Light's hands lingered on L's bare skin, the electricity between them palpable. Their closeness was now undeniable, a charged silence filling the room. Light leaned in, their breaths mingling in the scant space between them, and whispered, "I've always wanted to do this with you, L. Let me take care of you."

L hesitated, his mind racing with a thousand conflicting thoughts, but he found himself nodding, an unfamiliar vulnerability creeping into his usually calculated demeanor. Light's eyes darkened with intent as he pressed L against the wooden table, the cool surface grounding them both in the intensity of the moment. The audacity of what they were about to do in L's workspace only heightened Light's arousal, his cock straining with need and want to enter L's beautiful, frail body.

With a slow, deliberate motion, Light lifted L's legs, the intimate brush of their hardened lengths sending a shiver down L's spine. Light's fingers hovered at L's lips, a silent request that L, despite his initial uncertainty, accepted. He parted his lips, taking Light's fingers into his mouth, the taste of Light's skin, slightly bitter, filling his senses. There was something oddly comforting in the act, a shared intimacy that neither had expected.

The soft pop as Light withdrew his fingers seemed to echo in the silence, a prelude to what was to come. Light's hand traveled down, the slickness of his fingers making their way to L's entrance. L's breath hitched, his body tensing as Light pressed the tip of his index finger against him. The sensation was foreign, almost overwhelming, and L winced, his muscles instinctively tightening around the intrusion.

"Have you done... this before, Light?" L's voice was breathy, the normally composed detective now trembling under Light's touch. His mind struggled to process the raw physicality of the situation, a stark contrast to the cerebral battles they were accustomed to.

"No," Light admitted, his voice softer than usual, betraying a rare glimpse of uncertainty. "But I've read about it." The nervousness in Light's expression was unmistakable as he slowly worked another finger into L's tightness. The friction was intense, the heat between them building with every hesitant movement.

L closed his eyes, focusing on the sensations coursing through his body, the mix of discomfort and burgeoning pleasure. His breathing grew ragged, the reality of the situation dawning on him fully.

Light could feel the tension in L's body, the way his muscles clenched around his fingers, a sign of both inexperience and trust. He slowed his movements, wanting to ease L into this, to make it as comfortable as possible despite the unfamiliarity. Light's usually calculating mind was now clouded with desire, his usual detachment replaced by an overwhelming need to be close to L in a way he had never anticipated.

As Light's fingers gently worked L open, he leaned forward, his lips ghosting over L's jawline before pressing a soft kiss against his neck. The taste of L's skin was warm and sweet, tasting almost like sugar on its own, grounding Light in the reality of what they were doing. He could feel L's pulse quickening under his lips, a testament to the nervousness they both shared.

L's hands gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles white with the effort of maintaining control.

"Are you okay?" Light asked, his voice barely above a whisper, concern lacing his words as he paused his movements to give L a moment to adjust.

L opened his eyes, meeting Light's gaze, the sincerity in those usually cold brown eyes surprising him. "Yes," L breathed out, nodding slightly. "Just... go slow."

Light nodded, his heart pounding in his chest as he resumed his careful ministrations, adding a third finger now, stretching L further. L's breath hitched again, a small gasp escaping his lips as Light's fingers brushed against something inside him that sent a jolt of pleasure through his body. L's reaction was all the encouragement Light needed.

Withdrawing his fingers slowly, Light moved to tend to his own, his movements hurried but careful. His erection was throbbing, the anticipation almost unbearable. He reached for the small bottle of lube he had brought with him, a precaution he had never expected to actually need. Squeezing a generous amount onto his hand, he coated himself, the slickness a welcome relief against his aching hardness.

Positioning himself between L's legs, Light paused again, his tip pressing lightly against L's entrance. He looked up at L, seeking one final confirmation, not wanting to push him beyond what he was ready for. L, now breathing heavily, nodded, his dark eyes never leaving Light's.

Slowly, almost agonizingly, Light pushed forward, his cock breaching L's tight entrance. Both of them gasped at the sensation—Light at the intense heat enveloping him, and L at the fullness that bordered on overwhelming. Light stopped once the head was inside, giving L time to adjust, his hands coming to rest on L's hips, rubbing soothing circles with his thumbs, before slowly pushing in the rest of his length.

Light's voice came out in a hushed, trembling whisper as he pressed closer, his breath warm against L's ear. "You're so... tight, L," he murmured, his tone laced with a mix of awe and desire. "I could stay like this forever."

L's usually sharp voice softened, a rare vulnerability seeping through as he tightened his grip around Light. "Don't stop," he breathed, his words almost a plea. "Stay... just like this."

The room was filled with the sound of their breathing, both of them acutely aware of how different this was from anything they had ever done before. It was more than just sex; it was a shift in their dynamic, a crossing of a line that could never be uncrossed.

As L's body relaxed around him, Light began to move, slow and steady, each thrust pushing him deeper inside L. The friction was almost too much, the tightness, the heat—it was all Light could do to keep from losing himself in the sensation.

L's hands left the table, reaching up to grasp Light's shoulders, pulling him closer. Their bodies were pressed together, the heat between them almost unbearable. Every movement Light made seemed to draw out a soft sound from L, a mix of pleasure and pain that only spurred Light on. He leaned down, capturing L's lips in a kiss, their mouths moving together in a desperate attempt to convey what neither could put into words.

As their pace quickened, the room seemed to close in around them, the world outside forgotten as they lost themselves in each other. L's nails dug into Light's back, his body arching off the table as he felt himself getting closer, the unfamiliar but intoxicating pleasure building in his core.

Light was right there with him, his own release drawing near, each thrust becoming more erratic, more desperate. He buried his face in the crook of L's neck, his breath hot against L's skin as he whispered, "L... I can't hold on much longer."

L's response was a low moan, his legs wrapping around Light's waist, pulling him in deeper. The sensation pushed them both over the edge, Light's body tensing as he came, the pleasure washing over him in waves. L followed moments later, his body trembling as he found his own release, the intensity of it leaving him breathless.

Both men lay tangled together, their breaths ragged and heavy, the remnants of Light's release slowly trickling down L's pale thighs. L's own essence smeared across their heaving stomachs, a silent testament to their union. Light's mind swirled with thoughts he could barely grasp—how desperately he wanted to relive this moment, over and over again. Kira, the power, the lies—it all seemed insignificant compared to the sweetness of having L like this. In this stolen intimacy, Light found something he never expected: a craving far stronger than his hunger for justice, one he was willing to betray everything for.

Maybe L was right, he did need sweetness in his life.

[aprylx]

I Bet On Losing Dogs

LawLight vignette ~ 753 Words

Lawliet had already accepted that his life was in the hands of Kira long before he met the man. 

A hard pill to swallow, perhaps, but it was some kind of karma he supposed; after all, how many times had a criminal's life been in his hands? 

But why did it have to be Light? - No, that was a stupid question. It had always been Light, Lawliet knew it from the start.

Light was Kira, Light will always be Kira. 

And Kira as a concept is wrong. No human - because regardless of what Light believed, that's all he was, human - should dictate who lives and dies. Justice had never been that simple. 

Lawliet knew this. He’d spent countless nights staring at Light as he slept, praying that the curtain of purposeful ignorance would rise and he could see the man for who he truly was. 

Begging whatever real god there was to cure him; to take this diabolical human and force Lawliet to see him as anything less than an equal. 

But then Light would wake up- glowing amber eyes would snap open and bore into his, and Lawliet seemed to forget that he was handcuffed to Kira. 

He wished he knew how Light had managed to escape from himself- how he’d managed to forget the thousands of lives he’d taken, and Lawliet hated himself for being grateful for it; because if the culprit had no memory of the crime, had it even happened in the first place?

Well… yes. But he could pretend. 

He could pretend that Light was Detective Yagami’s son, a student at To-Oh and the only person who’d ever matched his wits… It wasn’t like he had to pretend the last part was true though.

He could pretend that, when he stared back, he didn’t see a glimpse of red. 

Lawliet mourned his own death when the handcuffs were removed, and he mourned the death of Light Yagami. At least Light’s death had been quick, only a touch of the death note.

His own would have to wait, after all. 

He’d already made preparations with Watari, or, more accurately, he’d said his goodbyes; because L Lawliet was the greatest detective in the world and he knew what was coming. 

And once more as he stood on the roof, bells ringing in his ears, the rain sinking into his skin, he knew what was coming.

Because it was Kira’s eyes that looked back at him as they stood in the rain; he understood that now. 

Was he even pretending anymore? Lawliet couldn’t tell. Maybe for the rest of the task force, but not for him. 

He was grateful for that. 

In front of the task force, Lawliet could pretend that his suspicions for Light were only that- suspicions- and not painful truth. 

When Light pressed a towel to his wet hair, he could pretend that there was even an ounce of affection behind the action. 

When he felt Light’s eyes on him as he explained his plan to test out the thirteen days rule, he could pretend that it was because the case was so damn close to being solved that he could taste it. 

Even as Watari died on the other side of the screen, as all the data was erased from almost a year of non-stop work, a tiny part of Lawliet pretended that it was an accident. That he’d get another year to build back everything they’d lost, that he’d get another year with Light. 

And then his heart stopped. 

Even though Lawliet had long accepted that his inevitable death would be by Kira’s hands, it didn’t make the pain in his heart any less - whether that was from the heart attack he was suffering or not. 

When Lawliet felt an arm around his neck and a cotton shirt in his fist, he could almost pretend that his last moments wouldn’t be staring up at his murderer but rather the only person he’d ever felt close to loving. 

A brief thought crossed his eyes as he looked at Kira’s smile. 

Light Yagami and Lawliet were made for eachother. 

L and Kira were not. 

As bells rang in his head - the same bells that would be rung at his funeral in a few days - Lawliet could almost pretend that there was regret in Kira’s eyes. 

He hated that his life didn’t flash before him, like it was meant to. He could only see his eyes, whether they were amber or red. 

You better not forget me, Light Yagami.

Also on Ao3 ~

https://archiveofourown.org/works/57380617

[translightyagami]

Lawlight Week 2024, except this time there's feelings

sorry i tripped and gave the horniness an emotional undertone :^( oopsie whoops uh oh oops!

What a Week | chapter 4: baking

Whatever force controlled the erotic fates obviously thought better work could be done with Light’s sex – it sent him L. He’d thought often about the brief panic phase he entered when attraction first arouse between them – worry that how his feelings for L were incomparable to the weak interest he experienced for previous partners. What came over him when Light saw L – the first time, wet and open in their shared shower – was a tsunami after he’d spent his life splashing in tide pools. At first, he was scared to let his old plan drown but new life existed after its death: a life filled by satisfaction and bliss. Anyway. Light was pretty good at making L come, a lot and several times in a row. His wants – to dominate – matched L’s desire – to submit – in a way particular to them rather than straight from a textbook. They worked. Light liked when things worked.

(Light tries to bake bread for L.)

[mapsareforbraindeads]

4, 7, 11, 12, 16 & 19?

4 - what was the last straw that made you finally block that annoying person?

not a specific person, but there have been so many times, specifically in the erased and aib fandoms (which is why i don't post there much anymore), where i've posted about ships and someone WITHOUT FAIL would respond "okay but my ship is better <3" (COUGH COUGH YASHI//SATO) and i don't engage in shipping discourse but those people just get under my skin. so i block all of them :) not sorry.

7 - what character did you begin to hate not because of canon but because of how the fandom acts about them?

oh boy, okay. anyone who has followed me for a while probably knows that i don't like misa amane in the animanga. she's uncannily similar to one of my abusers and personally makes me uncomfortable but that's not why i hate her. i can separate my experiences from fiction. however, people who say misa did nothing wrong PISS ME OFF. they'll defend everything she does but when light does the same thing they talk about how horrible he is. anyways there are cool misa stans but a lot of them are just horrible.

11 - number of fandom-related words you've filtered

too many. 25 as of now. including but not limited to pine//cest, kpopx//reader, and all ship discourse tags possible.

12 - the unpopular character that you actually like and why more people should like them

you guys need to stop hating on mikami. i've heard the argument that he's boring, creepy, or just not a good character. YOU'RE WRONG. YOU FOOLS. think about him for more than two seconds. a prosecutor with extreme religious trauma who faced heavy mistreatment as a child who was chosen by a literal "god on earth" to exercise his own form of justice before eventually deciding that he cannot place in faith in one sole god and his faith has been shaken. HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT HIM YET? anyways i love mikami <3

16 - you can't understand why so many people like this thing (characterization, trope, headcanon, etc)

listen. anyone who erases the morally grey aspects of lawlight is MISSING THE POINT OF LAWLIGHT. "boo hoo i miss my innocent little light i hate kira raaah" WRONG. BAD. THAT'S NOT L THAT'S FUCKING W. i love fluff but at least make the characters recognizable.

19 - you're mad/ashamed/horrified you actually kind of like…

tagging @darklight-owl because you asked this as well. anyways there are so many things i could say here but in order to keep this brief, i will just say that i'm a passionate terraito shipper. i'm a slut for monsterfucker light. it took me a solid 2 years to warm up to them but now that i have, i can't escape. i hate how much i ship them. it's like my crackship from hell. but still, monsterfucker light.

[lightfallacy]

does anyone else ever think about how Light took on L’s name for a bit after he died???

[captainhysunstuff]

27 more images beneath the cut:

Part one of their date:  A mid-afternoon lunch with varying levels of awkwardness.

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[translightyagami]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Alka this is so perfect! The soft lines and affectionate expressions: I’m totally floored! A lap sit to remember!!!

Some more fan art for @translightyagami’s “sit and stay awhile!”  

The most romantic lap-sit ever written!

[gracetoldmeto]

@temporarydaydream sent in this question ages ago and I loved it so much that I wanted my answer to do it justice. 

Dude, I ate this question up I loved it soooo much, I will be going hugely overboard on this answer because I have THOUGHTS haha

For reference, this is the post...

Also, I know you didn't ask about Matt but Im including him here too (for good reason, you’ll see) and ALSO I am nowhere near as well versed in L as I am with Mello and Matt, so his description may be a bit more brief.

....

Wammy’s Boys and Asexuality Headcanons

(ft: L, Mello, & Matt)

...

L:  Aromantic/Asexual (Sex-repulsed)

Oddly enough, L was the most difficult to write for.

L knows that the title of “L” needs to be what everyone thinks him to be. Very little emotional personal life, a need to be perfect or “pure” in a sense (something something Lawlight foot scene and how its a biblical reference yada yada) and a career-focused life dedicated to detective work.

This outlook was likely introduced to him, as well as the other children at Wammy’s at a very young age, but L knows he is simply best fitted to fulfill that standard. He took on the title because it worked for him. He is able to function with less "distraction" than others simply because a romantic or sexual connection is not what he personally values. Only justice is.

Which means he chooses to value refining his skills in his free time, rather than seeing it as work. That's also why Lawlight exists. Light is the only other person able to keep up with L, and both of them value each others intellect in a personal and possibly emotional way. L's values are in his work and no one was ever able to really empathetically understand him until Light. And in a way that understanding and appreciation is intimate enough, especially for L.

...

Mello: Demiromantic/Asexual 

Like L, Mello’s lofty standards for self-achievement are reflected in his sexuality. And a big reason as to how Mello is able to dedicate his entire life to his cause is because he does not have to “deal with” the “affliction of sexual attraction” (if I were to put it in his words). 

However, unlike L, Mello is not sex-repulsed in the slightest. Well, not in a typical sense. Mello has a pretty active sex life but not for the reason some onlookers assume him to be. Mello specifically and exclusively uses his attractive appearance and sex appeal as a tool and ONLY as a tool. Whether it be to obtain information for a job, or just as a no strings attached stress reliever, Mello has gotten in the routine of using sex for a non-sexual purpose because of the one-up it gives him. It him feel powerful and in control in an area many others would feel exposed. 

Consequently, Mello actively avoids sex in his personal relationships because the idea of a sexual relationship has been tainted due to his unhealthy use of the act in his line of work. And that can also be difficult with his demiromantic alignment, if he doesn’t know how to express his feelings. So I think Mello represses. A lot. Which brings me to his relationship with Matt.

I’ll get into Matt’s details next, but Mello is in fact capable of having romantic feelings for Matt, but his actions have left him stuck without a way to communicate that in a way Matt understands. We have an epic stalemate of love languages between the boys and it’s often a train wreck of a miscommunication because neither is capable of meeting the other’s romantic needs without compromise. And Mello already doesn’t do that well.

Mello already does not feel sexual attraction to begin with (even if we ignore his questionable work relationship with sex) and Matt would never dream of trusting a stranger to share a bed with him. They are circles of a Venn diagram that will never naturally intersect.

...

Matt: Greyromantic/Demisexual

Ah Matt. I see him as very similar to myself, so I usually base a lot of my HCs for him around my experiences.

Matt is complicated. He is Mello’s foil in a lot of cases, but in terms of their sexualities, they conflict in more ways than they agree. Specifically because Matt exclusively cannot feel inclined to have sex with anyone unless he knows and feels safe with them. And that is rooted in a lot of trust issues, especially including when Mello abandoned him at Wammy’s. But specifically, Matt would much prefer to feel safe in everything he does, and being in a vulnerable state without trusting the opposite party is just not something Matt can do comfortably.

So when we look at that in the context of his near-lifelong relationship with Mello we run into a massive problem. Matt wants to express his feelings in a more sexually intimate way, whereas Mello actively avoids that in personal relationships in which he is emotionally and romantically invested in. The only way Mello intends to communicate intamacy is in asking Matt for help in his work. And that leads to A LOT of the tension we see between them. 

If Matt wasn't complicated enough, his crushes are usually people he knows as close friends, but not always. However the shortest crush Matt has ever had was about 4 months. The longest (excluding Mello) was 4 years and was on a friend he lost touch with after an unrelated falling out of their friendship.

He almost never acts on his feelings but doesn’t exclusively fit the demiromantic description. The demi label confuses him immensely and is the source of a lot of insecurity on top of his confusion and anxiety around his relationship with Mello, so he falls more into the grey category.

... 

***I am not an expert in this (I’m still learning) these are personal observations and opinions as a questioning demi if I say anything offensive, please let me know and I will correct it, I mean no ill intent here just well-intended character analysis***

Hope this answered your question! Thank you SO much for asking, I had a lot of fun writing this up <3

fin