Day 26: Cafeteria, Lunch

[right-handed.livejournal.com]

Scar felt cold and sick, though more the latter than the former. As he rose from his bed, he didn't quite know which way was up, and the artificial light coming from overhead seemed as hot and as blinding as the Ishbal sun.

His head hurt, but that was nothing new. After all, the last thing he remembered from the night before was fighting a homunculus off of Lust and then having a conversation about events best left forgotten. The man hadn't been his brother. He just hadn't. And if what Lust had said they'd done to her was true...

Scar stood with shakiness that he wanted to attribute more to a bizarrely weakened physical state than a mental one. Had he been knocked out by some kind of lurking monster before the morning had come? He felt as if he had been out for days, being a veteran of such circumstances, though as he took the practiced role of being an obedient follower behind the nurse and orderlies that came for him, it didn't seem as if much had changed.

This place was probably just playing tricks on him again, and he was tired of being the man left out of the loop. He grabbed some food he didn't really care for and sat down, not seeing anyone he knew already seated. On one hand, he wished he had someone to talk to, and on the other, it scared him that he was no longer used to being alone.

He dug his fork into his food and tried to block out any related thought.

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[godhood.livejournal.com]

This all would have gone so much better if L hadn't been around, Light was sure of it. If either the detective or Artemis had been any more forthright about how childish they really were (or more inclined to act his age, in Artemis's case), he had no doubt that the name-calling and bickering would have gone on for hours. As things were, he was losing patience that he was sure would have lasted much longer if it weren't for all of the things that had managed to go spectacularly wrong within the past twenty-four hours.

Naturally, most if not all of those events could be traced back to the man currently sitting across from him, but even though it grated on him, Light knew he would have to tolerate L's presence for a little while longer. An opportunity to get him off his back would soon present itself, he was sure of it. L wasn't the most social of creatures, and with how much time they'd spent in each other's presence within the past three months, whatever tactic he could think of would likely serve as a temporary measure at best, but it had to be enough. But what?

And as Light silently observed Artemis under the guise of considering his offer, he realized that he was staring straight at his answer.

... However, the plan that was quickly unfurling in his mind had to be put on hold when L decided to make yet another ill-timed and extremely unhelpful comment. An eye for an eye, it seemed like, but the added remark about the tea meant that unless he said something soon, things would rapidly spiral out of control. If Artemis was already being supplied by tea, it was entirely likely that he would request something more difficult to obtain to replace it in their deal, and if that item was something else L could offer...

It all boiled down to a simple case of supply and demand. That on its own would have been fine, but as L obviously had no intention of helping him acquire the transcripts (Light's interest in them was stronger than ever after what Artemis had said, and unlike L, he simply would not be content with anything less than a perfect record), he was feeling incredibly irked. This was too much trouble to go through just for some transcripts, surely. Damn L for making this harder than it had to be.

Sending the man a look, he said, "I happen to be of the opinion that everyone-- regardless of their age, maturity, reasoning, or intelligence-- deserves to know when they have said or done something worthy of reproach. I fail to see how doing that is any more disrespectful than stating outright that you question someone's trustworthiness or avoiding eye contact during a conversation with that same individual."

To Artemis, he smiled somewhat sheepishly and said, "If any of that did offend you, I sincerely apologize. I didn't intend to do so." Another small glance in L's direction, as if he had thought of apologizing on his friend's behalf as well but thought better of it. Who knew? Maybe "Ryuga" would follow his example and apologize himself.

"In regards to your offer," he continued, expression turning thoughtful again, "the fourth option sounds like the most preferable out of those already mentioned." It was unlikely any further compromises would be reached after all, so even though he found this "quick trip to the kitchen" to be more than slightly dubious-sounding, it would have to do. "Would there be a specific time you would like to receive them by?" he added, already knowing that Artemis would want the tea and metal delivered soon but needing a more definite time period than that before he considered accepting. He wasn't a trained fighter by any means (what he did know consisted mostly of self-defense his father had taught him and the largely spur-of-the-moment fist fighting that he'd used against L), so if there were monsters in the kitchen that he couldn't deal with on his own, he'd need to arrange for some kind of back up or escort. Things like that took time, and while he was sure metal would be easy enough to locate, finding packets of Earl Grey tea in a darkened kitchen or storage closet would be considerably more difficult. With any luck, Artemis would understand that, but if not....

[byname-bynature.livejournal.com]

That's check, and mate, Artemis thought, barely containing his excitement. He had barely done any work, and already Ryuga and Light had been played against each other. Why Ryuga wanted to talk to Artemis again, especially when the man had no interest in the transcripts, Artemis wasn't sure. But one thing was certain: he'd just gained two sources of tea. Perhaps that fact overshadowed the tiny voice in Artemis' head that questioned why the two were fighting over him.

Light seemed to have a good head on his shoulders. He took control of the situation, and recognized Ryuga and Artemis' spat for what it really was. And then he took Artemis' fourth option before the boy had a chance to revise it. Yes, Light had business-sense, which pleased Artemis. Sure, trying to outmaneuver Ryuga was entertaining, but this was business. Ryuga had merely succeeded in getting Artemis to push back, which wasn't furthering the negotiations. Light had realized that Artemis did indeed have the upper hand, and took the deal. Getting his way always gave him a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

"Wonderful," Artemis said to Light with a smile, "I would like the metal as soon as you're able. I understand from personal experience that the task can be slightly difficult. As for teh tea, if you have to horde packets for a couple days, that won't be a problem. Just give them to me as you get them. Perhaps we could have a chat every once in a while, then."

Artemis flashed his smile to Ryuga, "And I'll take you up on your offer as well. I've enjoyed our conversation, and who knows when I'll be able to talk with another intelligent being again." His smile slowly metamorphosed into a smirk, "You nearly had me. Nearly."

And back again to a pleasant smile to Light, "And there's no harm done, Yagami-san. I didn't detect the slightest intention to patronize me. It's not personal, just business, correct?"

Artemis pulled a sheet out of his first notebook, "I prepared a copy for you beforehand, Yagami-san. Here is the first third of the transcriptions. I'll give you the second page upon receiving the first installment of tea, and the third upon receiving the metal," Of course, Artemis had saved the most important announcements for the third page--the metal, after all, was much more important to him than packets of tea. "I hope you'll find that this arrangement is reasonable," The boy finished with a smile, extending the folded page to Light.

The Hunter was back, and in top form.

Or so it seemed.

[First page of transcriptions contain the first intercom announcement and the first radio broadcast found here (http://byname-bynature.livejournal.com/4317.html#cutid1).]

[el-lolly-eat.livejournal.com]

All the moves he had made had been necessary. This transaction was something that Light had started; there was little maneuverability for L here. It was best for him to create a situation that allowed him to better examine Artemis on a one-on-one level. An invitation for tea on another occasion was the best answer. Not only did this indicate that L had gained respect for the young man, but it also gave him the opportunity to meet him again as well as offer a challenge to Light.

Artemis’s latest statements had made it was clear that this boy was attempting to drive a wedge between the two of them that L had started. This was exactly what he was hoping for. If Light hadn’t picked up on what he was trying to do, he would fill him in later on the details. What better ways to gain information than by having Artemis treat them as two opposing individuals? ---Not that L trusted Light not to take advantage of this as Kira… He would simply have to keep a close eye on him.

L’s test had shown him quite a bit about Artemis. It seemed that he delighted in being in control and quick to recover when challenged.

Still the boy had left out an important detail that L felt compelled to inquire about; “Out of curiosity, what kind of metals are you looking for? Surely since you offered specific requirements, you might be seeking a specific metal as well. Or did you mean that any old cheap metal will do? There is a difference between tin and titanium. Why neglect such an important detail?”

[godhood.livejournal.com]

Slightly difficult had to be an understatement, but even knowing that didn't affect Light's feelings on the matter. He had what he wanted, and with future meetings ensured by their deal, everything was going according to plan. The only hitch was making sure L wasn't around to eavesdrop on those conversations when they happened. Given that Artemis had agreed to meet with him separately, it probably wouldn't be a problem, but Light had the sneaking suspicion the detective would be asking for every detail of those meetings anyway. He'd certainly do the same for him, but it was much more difficult on his part when he considered what questions might arise if he appeared too curious.

There was also the fact that L would be able to confirm whatever Light told him about Artemis on his own, and depending on where he decided to take this plan, that could complicate things considerably. Artemis's untrustworthiness also had to be brought into consideration, and with the conflicting information he could deliberately end up feeding both of them, well, Light had his work cut out for him. It was possible he could use this excuse if L did end up hearing differently from the boy, but that did not eliminate the possibility that Artemis could find out that he was using that tactic.

The best way to circumvent all of this would be to win Artemis's cooperation somehow, but again, he couldn't do so without letting the boy know that the upper hand was his if he chose to take it. If L chose to make a similar move, it was possible that Artemis could end up manipulating both of them, but Light was certain that both he and the detective would find out soon enough if he tried.

What he needed was a bargaining chip capable of demanding Artemis's attention and his loyalty. Something powerful enough to counter whatever schemes the boy could come up with without earning his anger or resentment. His options were sorely limited in this department-- coercion wouldn't work, and it was incredibly unlikely that he could get either Artemis's file or his box from the Patient Possessions room without getting himself killed-- but he had to think of something if he wanted this to work at all. If not, Artemis would merely serve as a source of information on the institute, and while that would be fine if L wasn't around, it simply wasn't good enough now that he was.

Until he came across a solution for his dilemma, he'd just have to work on establishing himself as an indispensable business partner. That on its own might not be enough, but trying to cultivate a friendship with the boy would yield even less results. He didn't seem the type to trust easily at all, and with how little his earlier attempt to manipulate them seemed to bother him, Light doubted he had very much experience with on the matter. A business relationship would be more beneficial for both of them anyway.

With that decided, Light nodded at Artemis's explanation and the statement that it was "just business." Professionalism was important here, but playing the role to a tee would alert L to what he was up to and possibly give Artemis the impression that he was trying too hard. That was the last thing he wanted.

Accepting the folded piece of paper, Light smiled gratefully and said, "Yes, it's reasonable. I'll do what I can to get those items to you quickly, but depending on the type of metal you have in mind, that may take even longer." Damn L for bringing that up. If Light had ended up collecting the wrong sort, he could have always used the fact that Artemis had never specified what type to retrieve to his favor, but now that the question was out there, he could hardly ignore it. Interesting that he was now the one looking for loopholes when he had warned Artemis off doing the same.

The fact that Artemis had singled out L as the intelligent one also annoyed him, but playing into that belief would only end up hurting him. Light doubted that Artemis would care to ally himself with someone he viewed as intellectually inferior after all, so it would be best to disabuse him of this notion as quickly as possible.

[byname-bynature.livejournal.com]

"Why didn't I specify?" Artemis repeated with a grin, "There isn't much metal here that is unsuitable to my purposes. Suffice it to say, I need something sturdier than tinfoil, and I haven't heard of much of that being found in the kitchens." The boy put a finger to his lips in thought, "However... even if it was aluminum, if one was to re-arrange the molecular structure..."

He stopped and shrugged, "I did not specify simply because it does not matter what kind of metal I receive--as long as it is metal. And Yagami-san seems bright enough to know what that is, wouldn't you agree Ryuga-san?"

At that moment, the intercom signaled the end of lunch. Artemis sighed and gathered up his journals. "Time to waste more time," He muttered with a sigh. Before he stood though, he offered his hand to Light.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you. Let this be the beginning of a profitable relationship," And with that, he shook Light's hand, smiling up at the teenager.

Pawn to King's four...