Thursday afternoon: revividus

[firm_detective]

L is still resting in bed. He's recovered from the shock of the hallucination he experienced earlier that day, and has been turning the problem over and over in his mind, considering Mello's suggestions carefully.

The particular difficulty of the dilemma is not its strangeness: he finds that if he broadens what he's willing to accept, it simplifies things drastically. It's that, once again, he's sure the puzzle is missing a few crucial pieces. He can guess at what they might be, but there are several possibilities, and he can't yet be sure. He worries that his time will run down to nothing before he works them out.

There's a knock at the door.

[[This thread is private to firm_detective, lastrunnerup, coordinated_n, and misamisal, when she "returns from getting lunch."]]

Comments

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

Maybe. We think so. But there are -- things I probably won't know until the decisive moment.

[misamisal.livejournal.com]

::she nods, hanging on his every word. She kneels next to the bed, gazing up at him. Gently she takes his hand in both of hers::
I see. If you need anything at all, I'm here. I...I won't let you go without a fight.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He squeezes the hand under his, though there's not much strength in his grip, now. Leaning closer to her, mindful of the two other people in the room, he whispers,*

I told you -- I won't go unless I have to. But Near thinks it is likely that I'll have to be alone for e--events to come to a head.

*Because he wants the rest of what he says to be overheard, he raises his voice a little.*

It seems that the cure is an apology. I'm not sure it's something I would have discovered on time on my own... I have Mello and Near to thank for it.

*Green fluid trickles out of his nostril and down his cheek, onto the sheets.*

[misamisal.livejournal.com]

I understand. It will be hard to not be here when it happens; I want to be able to protect you. But, it's alright as long as you get better.
::she grabs a tissue and gently wipes away the green ooze, handing him another in case it happens again, then stands, turning to Mello and Near. She contemplates hugging them, but instead bows::
Thank you, both of you. ::she stands up straight, her eyes glistening slightly, but she holds the tears in, smiling softly at them:: I wish there was something I could do for the both of you. If either of you ever need anything, please come find me. I'll be happy to help with anything.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He accepts the tissue and tucks it up into his sleeve.*

I think if you could have protected me from this, it would have been over a while ago. You have done as much as you could. More effort from me is required now.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

*Mello flinches and just barely starts to reach for his gun, when Misa hugs Near, but Near... seems to be generally all right (and under any other cirumcstances, that would be some hilarious shit, Mello realizes), so Mello untenses just a tiny bit.

The bow is not all that impressive to him. He tries not to scowl.*

I'm fine on my own, thanks. And Near will be, too.

[misamisal.livejournal.com]

::she feels a bit shot down at his words and looks off to the side, her cheeks flushing slightly, though she hopes they aren't::
...I see. I understand, but, still, if a situation arrises, the offer is always open.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*His gaze flickers between the two of them, and he finds himself feeling impatient, maybe even on the edge of annoyance. He'll deal with Mello's attitude when and if he has to, but for now, occupying Misa seems like the best policy.*

Misa, please bring me that cake -- a napkin, too.

[misamisal.livejournal.com]

::she hurries over to the tray, happy that she can help, and greatful that L gave her a distraction:: What kind would you like?

::she looks over at Mello and Near:: Mello, Near, would you like something?

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

Something with fruit, if you have it. Juice, too, please.

[misamisal.livejournal.com]

::she places a piece of strawberry cheese cake on a plate, holding a napkin under it and placing a fork on the side. Next, she pours a glass of apple juice, then walks over and hands the cake to L, holding onto the juice for him, unless he wants that first::
Here you are. If you've like more strawberries, I brought some back.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He accepts the cake from her.*

Strawberries would be wonderful -- thank you. Come and sit with me.

[misamisal.livejournal.com]

::she smiles:: Alright.
::she walks back to the table and picks up the large bowl of fruit, then walks back to the bed and sits next to L, her feet pressed flat together on the bottom in front of her, but close to her body.::

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He reaches out for a strawberry: his hands still shake badly.*

Now, we wait and see, I think.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

I think we're fine, Miss Amane.

We'll be going, if you don't want me to get you anything else, Ryuuzaki.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

It's fine, Mello.

Thank you both -- for everything. I hope I'll be seeing you again.

*He sounds unusually sincere.*