Kitchen: Thursday evening

[firm_detective]

L sits at a kitchen table. A pot of Darjeeling tea is on the table in front of him, with sliced lemons and a bowl of sugar cubes; he's picking at a piece of Black Forest cake. He looks rougher than he has in a while.

Misa has been missing for almost a full day; she vanished in a way that made it obvious that either something new is happening in

Comments

[beyond_boredom]

.....

[firm_detective]

........

[beyond_boredom]

You look unhappy, L.

[firm_detective]

I do?

*He thinks his face is expressionless; his tone is weary.*

I suppose I must. Misa is missing.

[beyond_boredom]

Amane is missing?

[He frowns, nibbling at his thumb.]

Have you checked all of the floors? They move around sometimes, you know.

[firm_detective]

It is impossible to check the entire Mansion, but she vanished in such a way that makes it seem likely she was sent home. So, while I have looked for her today -- I doubt there is any point to it.

[beyond_boredom]

Oh.

[He frowns again.]

I'm sorry, L.

[firm_detective]

Hm?

*A slight lift of his eyebrows.*

You were gone for -- what, perhaps two months? It was a year and a half for you, yes?

[beyond_boredom]

Yes, L.

[Nibbling his thumb, thinking, then he brightens.]

And I came back! No burns! There's a very good chance Amane will as well!

[firm_detective]

*If he were in a better mood, there might be a twist of amusement to this; as it is, he doesn't react in any particular way.*

Perhaps.

*He doesn't want to hope, when it may not happen; self-deception is pointless.*

Though I doubt she is in much danger of being burned.

*Using his fork, he pokes at the cake with no enthusiasm.*

[beyond_boredom]

[He nibbles his thumb, pondering.]

Yes, L, I think you're right. Amane did not seem the type to set herself on fire. She's probably fine!

[firm_detective]

*He pauses, to give B a peculiar look.*

... I wish I could share your optimism.

*He lifts the bite of cake to his mouth, eyeing it suspiciously before consuming it. When he speaks again, he has recovered his composure; his voice is more normal, with a hint of idle curiosity.*

How have you been occupying yourself lately?

[beyond_boredom]

Oh, you know, L. Various things.

[firm_detective]

That covers a multitude of options, and says precisely nothing.

*He sounds cranky.*

[beyond_boredom]

It does? [Nibbling his thumb] Hmm, yes, I suppose you're right, it does.

[firm_detective]

Which makes it the opposite of an answer to my question. In fact, I think it counts as a refusal to answer.

*He's sounding touchy, now.*