There's a planetary conspiracy against the likes of you and me [CLOSED]

[hearthebell]

Who: L and the SQUIP (open later to Mello and Alice)
When: Before the full moon
Where: Their apartment
What: Tying up some loose ends, discussing new arrivals and developments, and addressing things Bond-related and otherwise
Warnings: Mushy stuff? Will update if necessary!



[The effort has taken many days, no small amount of magic that tests the limits of L's capabilities as a witch... but as he stands more or less in the center of the living room, surveying his work along the upper edges of the walls, he decides that, finally, he is satisfied.

The border is unbroken and uncompromising. The protection spell is a powerful one, and so long as they abide by its rules, no one they want in this apartment should be in any danger while they remain inside its area of influence. It took a lot out of its caster, however, and L sits cross-legged on the floor, considering the blood he used, the way his back feels after bending at a certain angle to etch the magical symbols into the plaster. He's the only one in the apartment, now, and as usual, solitude and a job completed mean that he can actually acknowledge what hurts, what's empty, what needs maintenance and attention.

He should probably eat; coffee isn't a meal, even if he treats it that way often.

Soon he'll conceal the runes with another spell, an illusion to make the plaster appear smooth and unmarked without even a hint of the magic the walls are infused with. For now, he'll look at his handiwork just a little longer, double-checking his work and making sure that there's absolutely nothing he missed.]

Comments

[hearthebell]

[One advantage (and disadvantage) of a Bond is that lying becomes difficult, if not outright impossible. It's perhaps the primary reason L has decided to put his trust in the computer, because that warmth and affection is actually genuine. More so than L himself has ever managed to get his emotions and expressions alone to convey. He's woven elegant spells with thoughtful purposes that come close to making up for that dead yet hungry part of him.]

You won't be lacking for material to study. Like any raw substance... once you understand the basic properties, it becomes practical in your hands, then art that is uniquely yours. I don't think any two witches in Aefenglom practice the same way, and it always says something about who that person is when you see it their technique in action.

[He shifts in his chair, and though it looks as though he's turning his back toward the SQUIP, he's actually leaning his shoulder so that it touches his Bonded more closely.]

I have no doubt that you'll be an asset once you're even basically proficient. That much, I can absolutely help with accelerating. In the meantime... I'd like to know who you're working with, and urge you to pursue a Bond with a monster as opposed to a witch. At least, initially.

[He knows what Mello wants, where his weaknesses lie and what he would prioritize left to his own devices. He knows from experience how far it's stretched him to maintain a Bond with another witch. He can only try to warn him against it when he will certainly have no shortage of options, and far less reliance on the dumb luck that was bringing L in fortuitous contact with the SQUIP.]

[fromjapan]

[... quietly, just as subtly, the SQUIP leans into that contact. It lifts a hand, ostensibly to gesture... although it does ensure that hand brushes over L's back as it moves, the bare nape of his neck, lightly over his hair along the way.]

I agree. Your potential is... obvious, and, if L believes in your ability, I don't doubt it for even a moment.

[L has a history with this young man, after all... and L is one of the few humans, if not the only one it's encountered so far, whose judgment it trusts in such things.]

I'm looking forward to working with you... M.

[onamissile]

[Is Mello visibly preening? Possibly; though he's not discounting the fact that people have blown smoke up his ass before. He knows he'll be powerful once he comes into his own, but when and how and that will happen remains to be seen. As for L and the SQUIP? Their bond is painfully visible; what reason do they have to trust someone L had been eyeing with a cautious regard not long ago?]

[If he holds the ability to make L nervous in any way, how do others perceive him? Granted, the SQUIP doesn't seem to be lacking in pride or intelligence, and if it weren't powerful, L would have no use for it. Right?]

[Right.]

I can't ensure that our goals will always align.

[Mello has always had his own agenda. And he's purposely flitting his eyes away from the blatant display; it's almost as though it's being presented so he knows. He knows. He gets it. He's going to pretend it doesn't matter.]

But I look forward to working with you as well. [He tips his head.] And learning as much about you as possible.

[Then, to L:]

I'd prefer to keep my assets to myself for now. You understand.

[Doesn't he?]

I've no clue as to whether they're volatile; their agenda seems selfish. I'm only using them to learn what I can. I want no connection between you and anyone I can't trust. Do you accept that?

[Because Justine is... off. In some way. A girl. A witch. Someone who Mello wouldn't glance at twice if she weren't more powerful and offering assistance.]

[hearthebell]

[One of L's brows raises for just a moment, but it's not as though he expects their plans to constantly and perfectly align. Truthfully, he relies on them to not always align, because there are things that are more selfish, more private, things that the SQUIP's close contact with him smugly broadcast. Mello shouldn't have a hand in those things; he shouldn't feel entitled to them, and the same is true the other way around. In short, boundaries are necessary for them to coexist here.

He nods, expression evening out and growing placid once more.]

If your instincts are telling you to proceed with caution, I appreciate the care taken to protect me.

[Besides, he'll find out. Boundaries or no, does Mello really believe he can keep the world's greatest detective in the dark? Especially after informing him that he intended to? He's practically asking L to figure it out.]

Of course... there's a flaw to what you're asking me to accept. Inherently. I'm sure you know the one.

[Mello wanting no connection between L and anyone he can't trust, after all, rather translates to Mello not wanting a connection between L and anyone. Not trusting is kind of the Wammy's House thing.]