[Powerful. Yeah. Powerful enough to send him storming out on his own when he was almost fifteen with no discernible plan. Mello operated on pure rage and overconfidence, and his motivation wasn't to grow up, no. He'd already thought himself an adult back then, hadn't he? He eyes L levelly with another copious sip — maybe he'll end up on the floor, maybe he won't — and the t'ch he gives in response is his way of telling his Bonded that Mello is well-aware that L is talking him up to de-escalate a potentially rising situation.]

I didn't forfeit it to give up on my mission.

[Bitter, clipped.]

I gave it up to complete it; N would've held me back. I had to — have to — take Kira down for what he's done. If I erase you, it means nothing.

[It's hollow. An empty victory for power. No, Mello doesn't want that. At least he thinks he doesn't. He wants the satisfaction of knowing that someone slighted his mentor and lost eight fingers before losing his life. He wants the type of victory that comes with recognition of accomplishment, even if it was from a dead idol who couldn't have possibly granted it.]

[And Mello? Still feels emotions in their rawest forms — perhaps he hasn't quite grown up yet — hard enough to give off an air to anyone who would be too receptive to his emotional state. Like his Bonded. Like now, when frustration overwhelms the need to comfort; L will always reject his attempts, won't he?]

Your doe.

[The bastard.]

Said something to me that I dismissed immediately, but I'm wondering if he was right.

[He licks his lips]

About you needing care, and we needed to offer it to you as your Bonded. [He glances up at the ceiling, now.] Are you that helpless?