Saturday morning

[firm_detective]

It's the morning after the visit from B, about thirty-six hours after he lost consciousness in one of the kitchens, and L is still in bed.

At the moment, he is awake, sipping a cup of tea, trying to think past his fever. A few books (Du côté de chez Swann and Gravity's Rainbow) sit neglected on the nightstand.

There is a knock at the door.

[[Private to firmdetective, lastrunnerup, and misamisal.]]

Comments

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

I understand. I won't push it right now.

*He doesn't like seeing L like this.*

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He doesn't react for a moment, then, frowning, moves his mouth around, opening and closing it a few times, clucking his tongue softly against the roof.*

If I may ask you for a favor...

There is a glass next to the sink,... in the bathroom. Would you please... bring me some cold... water? The tea is not wetting my mouth... I'm so thirsty.

And -- don't tell Misa. I told her I wanted... tea rather than water,... but she will still blame... herself for leaving me without it.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

It's fine, Ryuuzaki. I'll get it for you.

*He stands right away and crosses to the bathroom, filling the glass with cold water from the tap. He pokes his head out first, before going back into the room, standing at L's bedside and holding the glass out.*

I won't tell her.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*His hand trembles a little as he accepts the water, but he brings it to his mouth well enough, drinks it down. After a pause, he replies,*

Thank you. That's better.

How is Near? You haven't experienced any symptoms yet, have you?

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

I'm glad.

Near is... he isn't in your condition, but he isn't exactly healthy. He has nightmares, apparently, but I don't know if it's fever-induced or if he just has them.
And I haven't, no.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He makes a dismissive gesture.*

Keep an eye on him, and an eye on yourself. And keep me informed.

I am sure I will be up and around soon. I went too far.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

I will, Ryuuzaki.

... Maybe you shouldn't... push yourself more than necessary.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

No, not more than necessary.

*He does not indicate his definition of "necessary"; instead, he reaches for the tea again.*

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

Of course.

... Ryuuzaki-- I understand that it might not be like you to just lie in bed, but... really.
*He almost, almost seems as if he doesn't know whether he should be saying this or not.*

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He raises his eyebrows.*

Nonetheless.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

--Right.

*He feels like a scolded child, somehow.*

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*Softer tone.*

Your concern is appreciated, Mello, but I am... I am young, I am healthy. It will be fine. I want to know what is happening, and here... my usual methods are useless.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

I understand.

But with all due respect, Ryuuzaki-- *And there is quite a lot of respect due.* --You... don't seem healthy, and that's the thing.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He presses his lips together, and doesn't look at Mello.*

I know. But I will improve.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

All right, Ryuuzaki.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*Another sip of his tea, then he snuggles in on his side again, pulling the blanket up over his shoulder.*

Have you heard of any new cases -- in the last day or two?

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

No, I haven't. Then again I haven't been out of my room much, since I've had Near with me.