[Log] Will You Lend a Caring Hand? (Kurenai and L)

[crimsonkure]

What: Helping someone in need
Who: Kurenai, L
When:Late Thursday/Early Friday
Where: Corner of North St, Kurenai's house
Rating: PG-13 (?)
Open/Closed To: L

Comments

[luke7lawliet]

L knew that walking outside without shoes was dangerous and an invitation for tetanus. However... with Watari gone, his entire ritual was thrown off, and L had to count lamp posts on the way to the corner of North just to stay relatively calm. As he neared the street corner he'd agreed to meet that woman on, he counted the last lamp post, and felt a deep sense of irrational disappointment when the number came to 26. Not a prime number... people didn't seem to favor prime numbers, when building architecture. There was something safe and human about evenness and divisibility... not that L cared for either. He only even considered himself human on the most basic terms.

Trying to forget the lamp posts, he ran through his conversation with the criminal profiler he'd spoken with. She did seem like she wanted to help, and cookies where horribly tempting; they would be the only things that had gone normally, these past few days. L had eaten minimally and hardly slept, which was normal for him, but without Watari's help, he'd had nothing to actually dedicate his time to except worry. He hoped that the woman's motives were pure, and that he would be able to find the old man again.

He could see someone, with a large dog and a container full of cookies. Ah... that would be her. He'd remembered mentions of both. He edged towards her, stopping exactly an arm's length away and staring at a a forty-five degree angle in the general direction of her feet. He wasn't sure what the proper social overture would be, in this situation... Watari usually took care of introductions.

[crimsonkure]

Kurenai had been waiting for a few minutes, watching the people who walked by sporadically. Appa was alert but calm, standing still and watching as Kurenai did her best to appear both non-threatening but self-sufficient enough to not attract negative attention. She was keeping an eye out for someone who exhibited the signs of being functional but eccentric, thinking that would be the best way to characterize the young man she had spoken with earlier. She noticed someone walking up, first very obviously checking her over, and assumed that this would be the man of the hour.

He was barefoot. He also was standing at an awkward angle, not saying anything. Appa began to sniff in his direction as Kurenai shifted the items she was holding and smiled pleasantly, extending a hand in greeting. She was quite sure that he, with his mentions of germs, would not be the hand shaking type, but it was worth a shot. If all else failed at least she had cookies and candy. In all honesty she could see something of herself in L, both seemed to need direction and purpose with the difference being Kurenai had lost hers through bad luck and L had lost his inadvertently.

Speaking in a soft, pleasant tone Kurenai began the introductions. "Hello, I'm Kurenai Yuuhi, we spoke earlier over the journals. I brought you some cookies, three different kinds, and I also got you some candy. I apologize, you never mentioned any preferences so I just bought a bunch." Giving him a sheepish grin she held out the items, hoping he responded favorably.

[luke7lawliet]

Fleetingly, L made eye contact with Kurenai before dropping his gaze to her extended hand and staring at it. Did she want something, or was she trying to get him to hold her hand...? Oh! Right, right, of course... hesitantly, he reached for her hand, grasping it with an affected firmness and shaking it twice, even though he shuddered noticeably at the physical contact. He didn't mean to, but L had a tendency to come across as rude and antisocial.

He was glad that the dog was not barking, and that Kurenai's voice was easily as soft and pleasant as a computer's. He liked the idea of there being three different kinds, a prime number, instead of one or four. The candy also caught his attention; she'd really thought this through, with a surprising amount of detail for a stranger. "No preferences," he said quietly, in his typical, even monotone. "Thank you very much." He carefully accepted the offerings, grasping the tupperware container between his thumb and forefingers and balancing the assortment of candy on top of the lid. "I go by Ryuzaki, Kurenai Yuuhi," he said, a delayed response to her earlier introduction. "Um... may I ask that you eat one of these cookies in front of me, so I can feel reassured that they are not poisoned?"

[crimsonkure]

Noticing the way L kept his eye contact minimal and openly shuddered at the hand shaking Kurenai was careful to keep her expression open and pleasant, albeit somewhat concerned. When he took a cookies and candy she quickly rooted through her small pocketbook and pulled out a little bottle of hand sanitizer, offering it to him after using a bit herself. She wanted to help him feel more comfortable with her presence, aware that he was probably far more nervous than he was letting on.

After the initial sniffing Appa appeared to accept and lose interest in the newcomer, instead paying attention to the people walking by. After glancing at his feet again Kurenai's smiled widened as she nodded, absorbing the information he provided. "You're quite welcome." She was incredibly detail-oriented, which made her job easier. You could tell a lot about a person by their posture and mannerisms. "It's a pleasure to meet you Ryuzaki, and please call me Kurenai." Again, an odd reaction, but not unexpected. "Certainly, I've been eating them all day so one more shouldn't hurt."

Selecting a peanut butter cookie she took a bite and chewed it, swallowing before pulling a bottle of water from her purse. "Are your feet cold, I notice you're not wearing any footwear." Her voice held a concerned tone, and she was careful to not attempt to get him to meet her eyes again considering his obvious aversion to that.

[luke7lawliet]

L handed the cookies back to Kurenai so he'd be able to very delicately handle the hand-sanitizer. It made him feel slightly better that she was fastidious about contaminants, as he was. He was also thankful that the dog was well-behaved; skittish about loud sound and sudden motions, canines never put L at ease. He was also glad that she was willing to eat one of the cookies. That meant that they probably weren't poisoned. An 85% chance, in fact. The remaining 15% relied on the possibility that she had anticipated his request and added a non-poisoned cookie, but L was too hungry to care too much about 15%.

He watched her mouth intently as she chewed and swallowed, and then jumped slightly when she broke the silence and asked about his feet. "Well, it's just that I never put my shoes on until Watari tells me 'good morning, would you like strawberry shortcake for breakfast?' It is because when he asks that, it means that we will be changing locations, because we never eat strawberry shortcake at any other time. But, Watari has not been around to say that... so I can't put on my shoes." he nibbled the tip of his index finger, looking troubled.

[crimsonkure]

Kurenai watched L in a casual manner, subconsciously analyzing his mannerisms like she did with most people. She put effort into not doing that with Havoc because he was her boyfriend and should be allowed to keep certain secrets, however considering her profession she really did over-analyze everything, including the way L seemed fixated on her mouth. The thought of poisoning her own cooking had never occured to her, not that she thought about harming people much anyway, but still. Had she known what he was thinking she probably would have burst out laughing at the incongruity of it all. Her cooking wasn't exactly top-shelf, but it wasn't deadly either.

He seemed surprised when she started speaking again, causing her to add a possibility of ADHD to the autism he clearly had. "I see, so you and Watari had certain codes that you used?" Kurenai pondered what might become of Ryuzaki if it was discovered that something had indeed happened to this Watari. She'd cross that bridge when they got there. "Do you like the place you're staying at? If not, we can go get your stuff and I have a guest room that you can stay in until we find him." It was a bold offer, but Kurenai constantly found herself taking in strays.

[luke7lawliet]

Feeling Kurenai's eyes on the back of his neck like little insect bites, L was uneasy, but far preferred them to actual contact. He wasn't certain whether he liked or disliked Kurenai, yet, but she was tolerant, and that alone would give him the chance to decide at his own pace. When he was allowed to do that, the chances of him liking someone increased by about 50%. In fact, he was already starting to feel that he did like her. After he was certain that there was nothing toxic about the cookies, he reached into the container for five or six, which he began to eat with supreme delicacy. He was finicky about his food, but the cookies were quite good.

"Yes... yes, codes..." he said between bites. "Codes and times and numbers... but he's not around, which means that I have to do without..." he furrowed his brow, looking half-frightened and half-concerned. "Where I am now is strange... they fold the sheets wrong and there are too many mirrors. Are there... lots of mirrors, where you live?"

[crimsonkure]

Being careful to keep actual contact with L limited due to her own knowledge of how most mentally affected people felt towards that type of thing, Kurenai kept a respectful distance and made sure Appa did as well they conversed. He had interesting mannerisms, and in a purely research-related sense Kurenai found him fascinating. Of course he wasn't a criminal, such fastidiousness would be a hindrance with the typical messy scenes associated with crimes, but he was genuinely far more interesting to her than most of the people she profiled. This Watari must have the patience of a saint to serve as his caretaker.

"I'll help you, we'll get you through this until we find him." The combination of fear and concern on his face pierced right through to Kurenai's latent maternal senses as she made her decision then and there. Havoc would probably be annoyed, but how could she not help? "Mirrors? My house has six, one in each of the two bathrooms, one in each bedroom, and one in the living room. Also, so long as the bed is made you can arrange the sheets however you like."

[luke7lawliet]

L was beginning to notice that this woman's affinity for reading people was leagues above even Watari's. She must be extremely good at her job... she hadn't done anything to put him on edge. That, in itself, put L just a bit on edge, but it wasn't like his usual ventures in public. It was actually somewhat... normal.

"Really?" he asked when Kurenai reassured him, told him that she would help him and that they'd get through his dilemma. Was anyone just... this nice? Especially a woman who made a living of understanding deviants? Wait... maybe that's why it was all right. He was a little nervous to hear about the six mirrors... it was such a nonprime number, and if there would be one in the room he slept in, he would be nervous. His own owlish eyes frightened him, truthfully. He'd cover the mirror... and arrange the sheets perfectly, as only he could. "That... sounds agreeable," he said, after a moment.

[crimsonkure]

Kurenai had a lot of experience with keeping people at ease which came from a combination of skill and training, but that didn't mean she didn't have trouble in certain areas as well. When it came to inter-personal communications she was an excellent listener and knew how to convey that into showing people what they wanted to see.

"Yes, really." she nodded firmly to L as she considered the situation. She'd have to make apologies to both Jean and Aang, and her visits to Jean's house would probably increase, but she couldn't simply stand by and do nothing and the only cops she trusted to do right by him were Havoc and Hughes - neither of whom would want to take this on. "You'd be able to arrange the room how you like, it's currently painted with pale blue walls and the mirror is hung up on the closet door. It can come down if you want." She figured the mirrors were somehow important to him. "That, and you wouldn't have to worry about anyone disturbing you. Should we get your belongings?"

[luke7lawliet]

A word was spinning softly in L's head. Impose. He wondered, if accepting Kurenai's offer was to impose. This was very sudden, after all. She'd had no time to plan, and all she knew about him was what she could tell by watching his movements and listening to his words. After all... it would drive L positively mad, if someone did this to him.

"Are you... sure... it would be OK?" he asked, plucking compulsively at the fabric of his white cotton shirt. "I mean... you don't know me, or if I'm dangerous, or crazy..." Though... he did really like the idea of not being disturbed, and of being allowed to arrange the furniture to his liking. He'd even done that in the hotel, and had a very lively fight with the maid over why the bed had to face away from the window, towards the west, and why moving the pen away from the notepad on the bedside table would ruin everything.

"Belongings... um..." L scratched the back of his head, looking uncomfortable. "No... nothing like that..." reaching into his pocket, he produced a shiny Master Card. "It's in Watari's name. If I need anything... I give a clerk the card, and the clerk gives me what I need. It works very nicely..."

[crimsonkure]

As far as Kurenai was concerned she wouldn't have offered to help L if she thought it would be an imposition. She was already thinking ahead to how she'd explain it to anyone who asked, and also how she'd set things right with Havoc again. She'd do whatever it took to make everything work and she wouldn't have offered if she didn't mean it.

"Of course I'm sure, I offered didn't I?" she smiled, unwilling to be swayed on this. He needed help and she needed a purpose, strange as it might seem. Helping him would be the first step in her getting herself back on track, second would be making it all work. "You're right, I don't know you and you don't know me. For all you know I invite young men back to my house to live with me because I'm a crazy cat, well dog-loving lady who needs company." She grinned, shrugging slightly. "Unless you've gotten a better offer?"

She blinked as L explained about the credit card, shaking her head. Kurenai knew that some people could take advantage of these things and tried to explain it gently. "Have you made sure to check that the clerks are only charging you for what you actually get? You have to be careful with that."

[luke7lawliet]

"Yes, you offered," L confirmed, eyes flickering towards her smiling mouth before he dropped them towards the ground again. As for the comment about inviting young men home because she was crazy... "I'd never presume that... it's a bit random... you're highly rational. The chances of you masquerading as a highly competent criminal profiler so consistently and successfully while you are, in actuality, an insane woman with ulterior motives, is only three percent. I don't think that you are crazy, and I haven't received a better offer," he admitted. Truly... few were truly willing to help someone with his difficulties.

He blinked in surprise when Kurenai mentioned the credit card. "Of course... I remember each transaction. Not because I want to, but because I can't forget... especially if they're prime numbers, and I can always link them in my mind. If the number in my mind doesn't match the number on the receipt, I ask the cashier to fix their mistake." his eyes wandered towards the street, shrewd despite his absentmindedness. "I don't really understand money... but I understand numbers...."

[crimsonkure]

"I'll admit, my boyfriend might make a few cracks about the house being tough on alone time, but I'll just go to his place!" Kurenai kept her voice cheery, laughing softly at his comment about her. "It is random. and I do consider myself highly rational, but anyone could be crazy. Besides, I'm sure I'm not that much older than you, and I have the space in my house. The only truth in the statement I made prior is that I do like company, I bought a place that is actually too big for just me, and that makes things tough. I don't think you're dangerous, and since I'm not crazy I think it's settled." She wasn't going to argue if he declined, but she'd arrange for someone to keep an eye on him.

She was pleased to hear that L kept a careful eye on his transactions, although she had been prepared to go to war on his behalf. "That's good, I wouldn't want to think someone was attempting to take advantage of you or your caretaker." She glance down at the street as she considered what he said, finding the statement quite interesting. "Has Watari ever tried to teach you about money and other little things like cooking, or has he mostly just taken care of it for you?" She had a feeling that Watari took care of everything, and figured she could easily adapt.

[luke7lawliet]

"Oh, a boyfriend?" L asked, tilting his head to the side. "I wouldn't bother you, or him..." he wondered why that would be an issue. Her statement about age was typical; most people assumed that L was at least several years younger than he actually was. However, he found her deduction and decision reassuring. He always loved when things were "settled."

"No... no one is taking advantage of me," L said, as if he'd never heard the words before. Though... a reason for that might have been Watari's constant presence at his side. He shifted from foot to bare foot, mentally counting the cracks in the sidewalk. "No... not really... Watari does what I am not good at, so that I can be very good at doing the things that I am good at. He cooks and he takes care of my money for me, and I don't have to worry about those things. I only have to worry about my job."

[crimsonkure]

"Yes, he's a police officer actually." Kurenai smiled wistfully, shaking her head. "I'm sure you wouldn't, just he likes to joke." She hadn't intended for it to be an issue, she was trying to be funny but as usual her humor fell flat. She wasn't sure how old he was, but Kurenai assumed early twenties and with her only being twenty-eight she knew it wasn't a great difference. He seemed to agree with her decision, so she felt better.

"That sounds easy enough then, I'm good with money and I don't mind cooking." Kurenai paused, the idea that he might need some sort of live-in caretaker when she went back to work coming to mind. Another things she'd tackle when needed. "If needs be we can even divide up the den, I converted it mostly into an office for myself for when I occasionally have to see someone from the Force since I act as their shrink, but we can add in an extra desk and computer for you if things work out that way. Still, we should probably get your stuff so we can get you settled in."