Realization (L Lawliet)

Fourteen

L didn't sleep for the rest of that night. He just sat curled up in front of the TV, watching crappy reality TV.

Watari had insisted to join L, since his worry was increasing by the second, but eventually he dozed off.

L didn't even notice.

His attention slowly eased off the TV screen. L got up, walking to the fridge and grabbing some sweets. He decided to look for his laptop. After all, Watari couldn't have went through extensive planning to hide a computer from L.

L pushed the door of Watari's room open, seeing nothing that resembled his stickerbombed laptop. But that didn't mean it wasn't in that room.

L looked through Watari's drawers, but seeing nothing but clothes and paper.

He sighed, getting onto all fours and looking under the bed. There wasn't even dust bunnies down there.

"Ryuzaki?"

L turned, seeing Watari step into the room, not seeing L yet. I'm screwed, aren't I?

"I know you want your computer back."

L finally showed himself, getting to his feet. "Yes, I need my computer."

"I've got you covered." Watari walked to his desk and handed L a folder. "I printed all your files out." He also reached behind him and handed L a pencil. "You might need this to take notes."

L stood there, unable to take the folder and the pencil from his horror. He was going old-school. He had no laptop, no internet, no distractions when he needed a break.

Watari must have noticed L's shocked expression since he said, "Just for now. I don't think what you're doing is very healthy."

"You have got to be kidding me, Watari. I'm fine! I've always been fine!"

"I know, Ryuzaki. Why don't you make some plans for later today? You know what's going to happen."

L finally took the folder and the pencil, going back to his room, without saying a word to Watari.

Later that day, L took one look outside and instantly knew it was freezing outside. He then looked at the digital clock across his room and saw that he had less than ten minutes to get ready to meet Nikola.

L put the folder away, exactly where he would normally put his laptop. He slid off the bed and reached for his jeans, shirt, and his fur-lined jacket.

Just about when he was about to leave the house, Watari stopped him.

L sighed, facing Watari. "You think I'm ill, don't you?"

"I never said that."

"You don't need to. I can see it, I can tell."

There was a heavy silence. Finally, Watari said, "I'm sorry, Ryuzaki. I think you're right, I'm just overreacting. I'm just really worried with this case. Remember the time I told you I wouldn't let you investigate if there was a fifty percent chance that you might be a victim?"

L didn't say a word, but Watari carried on.

"It's about seventy-five percent now. And your recent illness didn't help much, either. I've never seen you so emotionally pained with a case before, not even the BB case," Watari paused, "you probably have no idea what I'm talking about and just want to leave already."