Just as You Are || Death Note || L

Chapter 23: Blushing Babe From Beyond

The smooth tooth of the paper slides against the tips of her fingers as she turns the page of the book she had requested of L. The others would probably think it's a fantasy or romance novel, but no. Instead it's a book on body language and how to read it. It may not sound too exciting, but the fun part is putting into practice what you learn. At least she images it is, because right now, Katelyn is having anything but fun.

She huffs, and the breath breaking apart her closed lips as she tosses her hair.

From his chair, L notices her jittery-ness, and he's already privy to the cause, "No need to be nervous Kate." He assures her, using the alias the two had agreed upon days prior.

"How could I not be? Are there absolutely no other options?"

The great detective seen this coming, but the girl had even said herself she didn't like involving Light. He was L's primary suspect after all.

"Unfortunately, there isn't."

Katelyn releases a frustrated groan, "But what if he does something to hurt you? Or the others?"

"I can assure you nothing will happen." He looks over to the woman, "Are you truly that's worried?" L asks, as he recalls a similar conversation they had a few months prior.

"Of course I am dummy! I mean, I know you still don't fully trust me, but that doesn't mean I can't worry!" Her leg begins to bounce as she looks away.

Does he trust her? While it's true he didn't in the beginning, L isn't sure that's the case anymore. In fact, he's usually pleasantly surprised by her openness, like expressing her concern for him. In a world where the detective is questioning everyone's true motives, he doesn't need to with Katelyn. Not that she's hard to read though. She's the true definition of an open book.

The only thing stopping him from completely trusting her is the claim of how she knows him. L can find no reason not to believe her other than the absurdity of the story itself. Every time she explains it, shes no less genuine about it than everything else. When he tries to humor the possibility, he can't help but feel he's going mad.

Is it possible to travel across the cosmos in such a way? L assumes not, but he's curious if her predictions will come to pass. If they do...  he has a lot to think about.

"You should just let me come with you." Her voice pulls him from his thoughts, "There's power in numbers."

"No. Today, you'll be accompanying Mr. Yagami to see the Deputy Director." He says to reason with the stubborn girl, "I'd like an unbiased opinion of him."

Katelyn purses her lips, "Fine. But if Light does anything, I can't be held responsible for my actions."

Eyeing her from his chair, a tug pulls at his lips, "Is that so?" He teases.

"It is." She says confidently.

She's being serious. While she may not really hurt Light or anyone else, L believes that in the event he died, she would truly be hurt.

Moving from his chair, he stands in front of her.

"What are you... ?"

He leans down, locking his hard gaze with hers. Her face goes from one of confusion to surprise, and begins to glow a pale pink. He can practically feel the heat from his close proximity. The aromatic scent of coconut and honeysuckle dancing.

"Why would you be willing to go to such lengths Miss Elkins?"

With eyes wide and a look of complete vulnerability, her face darkens a deep red. It can't help but make the detective feel queasy.

"Well... because I care about you." She mutters as she repeatedly breaks and meets his gaze.

L already knew, he just wanted to hear her say it.

He can't blame her. After spending months with someone, growing more comfortable with them each day, to the point of that person invading even the farthest depths of your mind, it's only logical. It could happen to anyone.

L watches her take a deep breath before locking gazes with him. The soft smile displayed on his face takes her by surprise, as she looks over his features.

"You have my word nothing will happen. Not today, at least."

"Okay."

With the word uttered, L's eyes fall to her lips. He slowly tilts his head to the side.

She swallows hard, making L refocus to see her face a bright red.

This feeling is new.