Chapter Text
The decision to enter the world of gaming was both a fairly simple one and a surprisingly difficult one.
On one hand, it was a normal hobby that could occupy his brain for at least a few months before he got bored. On the other hand though, it was a low-brow activity that wasn't very fitting for the perfect son, student, and child that was Light Yagami.
He took weeks debating the issue with himself. Constantly finding new pros and cons to add to the list.
By the end of it all though, he could confidently come forward with his answer. And so, ten-year-old Light broached the topic with his mother.
He was well aware that she would say no to his first proposal. He knew it would take time to wear her down and get her to his side of thinking.
He would purposely make his first request one of passion, letting her think her son genuinely wanted this.
Then, when she refused, guilt would build up in her. After all, when had Light ever really asked something of her?
He would then strike when she was still disoriented by confusion and guilt, overwhelming her will the pros of his proposal.
All in all, it was the perfect plan.
The only thing that could put a wrench in it was his father.
Light would like to think that he could handle such a situation but he knew better. His father was a strict, loving man that would not hesitate to deny Light’s request.
It’s why he waited until his father was deep in a new case before talking to his mother.
“Hey mom, can I talk to you for a second?” Light asked nervously.
His mother looked up from where she had been clearing up the table. Light was quick to jump up and join her in putting away the dishes. Sayu was upstairs, having jumped up to leave at the first opportunity.
“Of course Light, what’s wrong?”
“I was wondering if I could start playing games on the computer? I’m old enough to not tell strangers my information and my grades are the best in the class so I promise I won't fall behind and-” his mother held up her hand. She frowned slightly, her eyebrows drawn together as she seemed to think deeply. Light waited patiently, already knowing the answer.
She hummed, turned around, and started to wash the dishes. Light blinked, startled at the unexpected turn of events.
“Mom?” Light asked hesitantly. His mother ignored him though, her hands carefully cleaning the tableware. Her back was towards him so he couldn't get a grasp on what she was thinking.
Was she angry? Was his question too out of line? Where had he gone wrong? What had prompted this reaction?
The kitchen was silent except for the sound of plates clicking together and water running.
Finally, when the last plate was put away she turned around, a towel delicately drying her hands as she looked intently into Light’s eyes.
“I’ll get you whatever game you want as long as you do all your chores and stay on top of your schoolwork,” she told him. Light blinked, taken aback.
“...what?” Light asked, unsure if what he was hearing was what was actually being said.
His mother rolled her eyes fondly, she swiped him gently with the towel before leaving the kitchen, leaving Light standing there alone.
“Be sure to give me a list of all the games you want by the end of the week,” she called out, turning off the lights on her way to her bedroom.
...what?
Was that- did that actually what happened?
So all his preparations had been useless?
It had really just been that easy to get her agreement?
But that- that didn't make any sense.
His mother should have been more concerned with his grades.
She should have denied him his request and then agreed later on after Light tired her out.
His mother had always been more concerned with his grades than his mental well being so why the sudden change?
What was he missing?
Was he just overthinking this?
Surely not.
He knew his parents and their reactions like the back of his hands, it just didn't make any sense for her to react like that!
Light was still standing motionless in the middle of a dark kitchen when Sayu popped in for a late-night glass of water.
Her scream of terror would have filled Light with a sense of glee if he wasn't too busy having a mental breakdown.