Unpopcorning of L

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

Pop!
There is nothing so disorienting as one moment, knowing where you are, and the next, not.

That’s not to say L has an idea where he just was. But wherever it was, he was content there. He may not have had all the answers to his questions, or perhaps he doesn’t just remember them, but it was a comfortable state to be in.

Whereas now, he doesn’t.

It’s not very often that L is completely confused. Whether or not he has all the answers to the problem, he can usually formulate some sort of guess. The universe tends to conform to certain rational standards; if an unseen figure sets tea down at his elbow, it is usually Watari. If a woman is missing and her husband is on the television pleading for her safe return, he is usually responsible. They are simple formulas that, while not always universal, get him comfortably through the day.

There is nothing comfortable, universal, or logical about this. He takes a step, slips, and finds himself sprawled on the floor and coated in what smells like butter. He discerns that he’s surrounded by popcorn.

Ahead of him is a door. In that list of rational standards, there’s another rule. Doors lead somewhere. So L makes his way towards it, gingerly. The slightly scrawny, extremely pale, twenty year old detective (who already has deep dark circles etched underneath his eyes) pokes his head out uncertainly.

“Excuse me?”

[ooc: this L is pre-canon, and will remember nothing of past interactions here. Under new management.]

Comments

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"I appear to be covered in butter."

And younger than his pupil, which is a little bit shocking in and of itself. But then, he has always been younger than people, there is no reason that Near should be any different.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"I can't explain that part," Near said apologetically. "But there are strange things afoot here. Perhaps being covered in butter is something that happens. It didn't happen to me."

He shrugged. "I can offer a shower and a change of clothes, if you like."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"That would be much appreciated." He rubs the arch of one foot with his toes. "I do not quite have my bearings."

It'll only be a moment. Being clean will help.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"It's a large building," Near explains, leading the way to the Ravenclaw common room. "And it can be very contrary. Some of the hallways seem to change. But for the most part, it can be navigated without much difficulty."

They stroll the halls without incident, Near pausing now and then to point out the Great hall and the library. Finally, they reach Ravenclaw.

"This is where Mello and I have our room." Did I just say that? It's true , but... does it really feel so natural already? "Matt's room is here as well."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

L takes a closer look at the marks around Near's neck, and gives him an appraising, bland look.

Interesting to know. Inconsequential, probably.

"No doubt there will be space for me somewhere somewhat nearby?"

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"There are plenty of empty rooms," Near tells him agreeably. The glance isn't missed, although he doesn't comment on it, leading him up the stairs instead, to the hallway where their rooms are. "For instance, in this hallway, of all the rooms, only that one," he points at Matt's room, "and this," he opens the door to the room he shares with Mello, " are occupied." He leads the way into the cozy room with its thick carpet and snug window seat.

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"And it will be alright if I just move in to one?" He fingers the hem of his shirt, greatly anticipating the shower.

There's something about the scent...

Oh well.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"When I was sorted, I asked one of the house elves... they're a bit startling looking, about so high," Near held a hand up at not quite waist-height, "big ears, excessively servile. Don't let them spook you. Any room that's unoccupied. Once you'd taken it as yours, some of your belongings will appear there."

He pulls the jeans and chambray shirt that professor... Dr. Jackson, was it?... had given him at Mello's sorting. He certainly didn't need them anymore, and they were clean. "The shower is through there," he said, pointing. "You can change into these when you're done."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"Thank you, Near. Please, if anyone comes by, and for the future, I would prefer that you intro duce me as Ryuzaki."

That name comes with a few less complications, for the time being.

"I will rejoin you momentarily."

He runs the shower hot, and takes the liberty of borrowing soap. He's not precisely obsessive compulsive, but he most certainly dislikes having his hands dirty.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

Well.

This is certainly an interesting development. Near curls up in his window seat, taking up his wand and idly practicing levitation charms. He can float an entire book, now.

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

When L emerges, he has a towel draped over his head, and he looks bedraggled and incredibly bony, draped in a little too much chambray for his own good. He will always look like a drowned rat when he's wet; it's something about the eyes and the hair.

He inclines his head, and stands just past the doorway, slouching unconcernedly.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"It must be refreshing to be rid of all that butter. Although it seems less of an ordeal than a sorting. There must be some pattern to it. I'll have to ask around. I'm sure one of the professors will know."

He smiles. "I've yet to attend a class, but I've met a few of the professors. I've asked one for assistance with an experiment I'm planning."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"We are expected to attend them?" He'll decide whether he wants to or not, based on the individual subjects.

The study of magic is one he's obviously never been exposed to. It could be fascinating, or at least, a way to pass the time.

"I assume there is no way to leave? Or are you choosing to remain?"

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"A sign-up sheet was posted recently for Care of Magical Creatures class, so I assume they are opt-in. Personally, I am looking forward to attending classes. There is a library full of books I've never read. How could I not be fascinated?"

Near sighed. "I could leave, I suppose. I got my wand in a nearby village and had no difficulty getting there. But... Mello's here. He... he was dead, L... Ryuzaki. There are people that are alive here who were dead. People I am unwilling to leave."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

Perhaps he would have something more to say about this if he knew that Near was the current L, but he has no reason to believe himself dead, or that that's the case. So he nods, understandingly; Near obviously has a close relationship with Mello in the future, and would be understandably reluctant to leave him.

"I do see, Near."

He may look like a drowned rat, but he is also a knowing drowned rat, if that is any comfort.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"I thought you might." A wry grin. After all, it was their room, with its one large bed. Impossible even for the average person not to surmise that there's some variety of relationship going on.

Even if he wasn't quite sure what to call it just yet... but it was getting closer.

"Perhaps you might like to see this."

And as he had while L was in the shower, he lifted his wand, intoned the charm, and lifted a heavy textbook into the air.

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

L sort of wishes it wouldn't result in strangulation marks, but supposes that if it really bothered Near, he would be more than capable of saying something. The young man is hardly timid, after all.

He's also... levitating a book.

"Fascinating. I will need to procure a wand."

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"The village isn't far. I'll draw you a map." Moving the wand, he makes the books follow it in a lazy circle. "I read up on the theory beforehand, of course. I've finished some of these books," he points to a large stack, "if you'd like to start reading them."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"I would."

He will get as much a grounding in the topics and subjects as possible. Yes, that really would be best. Then, hopefully, he will speak to someone on the staff, clarify his picture of what's going on further, and find out if he's really stuck here. If walking out the door leads him to Near's time, then he's sort of in some trouble.

Hopefully, there will be knowledge gained in the process.

"It would be best to know what a magical creature was before being required to care for it. Mello and Matt, where are they now?"

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

Near began stacking the books he'd already read into a neat pile for L.

"I'm not sure just where they are right now. Studying, perhaps, or exploring. As far as magical creatures go, I know unicorns are counted as such."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"I would like to meet with both of them as soon as possible."

Again, to discuss the question of his identity. But also just to see how they turned out. He kept watch, while they were young. Distantly, but he did.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"That shouldn't be difficult to arrange." Indeed, both Matt and Mello would probably be delighted.

[mello-n-choco.livejournal.com]

"What shouldn't be difficult to arrange?" I ask coming in the room. I'd tried finding Matt to no avail. I stop just inside the door. "You?" I gasp, hardly daring to actually say the word. I know it's not B...I've studied them enough to know that. This is the real deal, the one Near sought to replace as I sought to challenge him. I manage to cover my surprise. "It's been a long time."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"For you, Mello, and a time yet until for me. I have never met you in person, but I am glad to. Even if you are not the nine year old I might expect."

Although, he's amused by how unchanged they are as well. He would have recognized the hair, the eyes, the black clothing.

[mello-n-choco.livejournal.com]

Nine? That's even before... "So it would seem." I frown, remembering. "For you, how long as it been since you talked to us, the kids from Whammy's house?" The time Near and I didn't say anything, just watched the other kids. "And, what are we to call you here?"