Just as You Are || Death Note || L

Chapter 26: Running With Cake

Adrenaline courses through her veins as Katelyn stands across from L panting, a sofa and coffee table between them. What started as a giggling taunt has now become a race to prolong the inevitable.

"For your well-being, I suggest you put the piece of cake down."

While his shoulders are still slumped, they are less than normally so. They're straightened slightly, adding an extra inch or two to his height. His lean muscles —normally relaxed— are stiff and ready to act on command.

His voice is deceivingly even as he stands perfectly still as though he hadn't just chased her around the entire suite. Most wouldn't expect him to be as fast as he is given his sluggish posture. But after having nearly caught her once already, it's evident.

"Why don't you make me?" She says, her tone blatantly challenging.

She holds the plate out, a fork hovering over the last piece of strawberry shortcake. She warned L that she wasn't above playing dirty but this time she's bitten off more than she can chew.

"Please. Stop this before you embarrass yourself further." His eyes narrowing at her.

That's it. She's getting to him.

Her chest rises and falls, "Sounds like you're all bark and no bite detective." She teases through her soft pants, a smirk smugly slinking across her lips.

"You know otherwise."

Effortlessly, he jumps over the sofa causing her to drop the fork in surprise. With no time to act, she chooses which direction to run.

Naturally, she chooses the left —towards the three bedrooms— but L suspects as much, and cuts her off the path. The tips of his fingers brush against the sleeve of her lounge shirt causing her to yelp as she narrowly slips away from his grasp.

As the plate wobbles in her hand, she steadies it and brings it closer to her chest before it's dropped. It's her only leverage.

She dashes around the breakfast counter and into the kitchen, where it all started. Only last time, she made it out before L made it in. Now he's hot on her heels.

Cornered, she has nowhere left to run in the confined area, as the island counter leaves only one side open. Her heart pumps as she looks for a means of escape but L is standing between her and freedom.

With her breath shallow, she watches as his shoulders relax and he returns to his slouched pasture.

"Well, it seems you have every advantage at your disposal."

She glances at either side of him as she gages her options.

Only... she has none. And he knows it.

"I'm sure you're quick enough to make it past me, if that's what you're wondering."

Though his tone remains unchanged, Katelyn can see the pull at his lips.

This smug bastard.

Air slowly fills her lungs before she releases it, steadying her breath.

"You're gonna trip me, aren't you?"

"No. That would make you drop the cake."

Her mouth falls open at his comment before it slowly curls into a grin, "You know, if you come any closer, I might accidentally drop it."

"If you do, I'll kick you."

"Awe come on. You wouldn't kick a girl, would you?"

"It would be by accident."

She won't give up, and he'll never give in to defeat.

Not ready to surrender, she does the only thing she can; make a mad dash past him. In a desperate attempt, she fakes to the right, but L sees through her plan. Her feet slip on the tile floor as she's changes direction, bringing L down with her in the process.

The white plate holding the last piece of strawberry shortcake falls from her hand as L lands on top of her, only she never hears the sound of ceramic shattering.

With the initial shock of falling melting away, she can only focus on the feeling of L above her. His hips between hers, one hand supporting himself beside her head, his face dangerously close.

Heat flushes to her face at his closeness as a hint of coffee and vanilla grace her senses. Her eyes dart around the kitchen as she avoids his dark orbs. Her body stiffens as if she's too afraid to move. Or as if she's anticipating something.

He hums and her eyes trail to his. She sucks in a quick, short breath, the pressure holding in place, as her heart nearly beats out of her chest. The thumping in her ears is so loud, there's no way L couldn't hear it himself.

His gaze is unmoving as he takes in her now ruddy features, cocking his head as he examines the color. Never has he failed to notice when the hue dusted her cheeks, neck, and ears -when flustered sufficiently.

He quickly glances at the plate now safely resting in his hand before looking down at the woman beneath him once again.

"Luckily for you, I caught it."

———
A/N: Just want to thank everyone again. So for those of you who have read this far, I'm sure you can tell how all over the place this story and the pacing is. Up until this point I've been writing what comes to me. I'd like to take the time and actually plot out the rest of this book, which should result in quicker updates -hopefully.

Thanks for the patience 🖤