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

[firm_detective]

*He looks over and raises his eyebrows, about to let some retort out, then deliberately closes his mouth. After a moment, he opens it again to speak.*

I am not in the mood, Mihael.

*There is no venom in his voice, just quiet tiredness.*

[firm_detective]

*He sighs.*

Do you remember the night you came to my room, because Light had vanished?

*Without waiting for an answer, he takes a sip of tea.*

[firm_detective]

*He doesn't immediately reply, staring into his teacup, which is cupped in both of his hands.*

...

Yes, it is Misa. Last night, while she was getting ready to go to sleep.

[firm_detective]

She was -- standing in the bathroom; she could not have left the room without me seeing her.

*He takes a long sip of tea; his tone is hesitant, unemotional.*

I am hoping she will be back, but in the meantime....

[firm_detective]

Yes, I will be fine.

*He sounds unconvincing, except for the last word, which he bites out, overstressing it.*

Please, if you see her, whatever state she's in, let her know that I'm looking for her.

[firm_detective]

*He nods, contemplating the sugar bowl, then makes his flat reply,*

Yes.

... Thank you.

Did you ever -- the other day?

[firm_detective]

Your situation in general, I suppose. It has improved?

*He doesn't sound like he cares, exactly, but it's something different to talk about.*

[firm_detective]

*This garners a quizzical look, which is probably more energy than L has shown since Mihael began to speak to him.*

Strawberries, Mihael?