A conflaguration of genius ((Closed RP, Library, L, Near))

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

It had been awhile since L ventured into the library for some study. And, while he had appeared unconcerned about the return of Karasu, it had entered his mind that he should be concerned. While the library was lacking in Eastern demonology, he could find some information. Being in the library, around the books, was a familiar, comfortable place, even if he occasionally got looks for the panda cookies he kept at his elbow.

He had a stack of books around him, a bucket of cookies at his elbow, and something to research. He was pleased with his situation, quite content to ignore the world for quite some time.

But, being in public meant he was unlikely to be left alone.

Comments

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

The library was a frequent enough destination for Near, and he generally ignored the people within its walls. But the sight of his predecessor merited at least a flicker of attention. And noting the titles of the books people were reading around him didn't even count as a conscious act.

"Designing Apotropaic Rituals: a Guide to Targeted Spellcraft?"

It was an eyebrow-raising choice.

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

Having the title of his book read aloud was an unusual experience. L raised an eyebrow before he said, "Hello, Near." The voice was too recognizable. "It's been awhile." He turned the page before looking up and reaching for a cookie. "Have you been well?"

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"I've been keeping myself moderately distracted."

Which, really, without a Kira-level case, was the best to hope. He nodded toward the book. "Immediate or theoretical?"

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

"More immediate," L said, his voice dry. "It seems Karasu has returned and that there is another who makes him look minor, another rapist, if Kurama was not exaggerating." There was a shade of doubt in his voice. It could have been that Kurama was saying things to deliberately provoke Karasu, after all.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"Rape is disturbingly popular these days." Near shrugged. "Perhaps they should be encouraged to swim laps instead."

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

L chewed his thumb a moment. "That might be an option. I wonder if there is a spell for that in here," he mused, turning another page. "It does make one wonder what factors influence whatever forces bring people here," he added as he turned another page.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"The preponderance of driven personalities, you mean?" It was obvious. As obvious, perhaps, as the title of a book in someone's hands. "It would certainly enhance the conflict and chaos that abounds here. It certainly casts a less endearing light on the Hat's whimsy."

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

L tilted his head slightly, looking in Near's direction. "You may be correct. Then, our efforts to protect ourselves only serve to feed to continue the cycle," he mused. "Yet, if we do not act," he let the words trail off, frowning.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"...we'll be forced to look to the outside world for entertainment?" Near didn't bother suppressing a small, knowing smile. "It's a rare problem that can't be dealt with without leaving your seat. The unlikely event of a case that might actually put you at risk, where not even the most useful subordinate can act as a surrogate and shield, is something to be savored."

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

The tilt in L's head became more pronounced as Near spoke. "So, you are also saying that part of the reason for this is to stroke our ego, as the common vernacular goes?" he asked. "Then, it would seem that we contribute to this problem."

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"Has something lead you to believe that this is for your benefit? Solipsism may be gratifying, but so dull."

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

L frowned. "Solipsism does not lead to a solution," he said, turning the page in his book. "Nor, at present, does trying to figure a reason for any one's presence here. For now, the working hypothesis that the Hat desires 'entertainment,' for various definitions of the word, will suffice. When the current duality of threats has been reduced to a singularity or sufficiently contained, then there will be time to contemplate the 'meaning of it all,'" he said, his eyes scanning the page before him.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"What makes you think the threats will be contained before more appear?" He eyed his predecessor calmly. "Surely you won't feel compelled to contain them all? Not... personally?"

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

"The history of this place indicates that it is highly unlikely that there will not be another," he said, frowning at the page. His lips quirked and then frowned again. "I hate losing," he said flatly.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

Well, he'd hardly be L without the competitive streak.

Or, rather...

"You would hardly have been L without the competitive streak."

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

L frowned at Near. "I have never denied this," he said. He pressed his thumb to the corner of his mouth. "You as well," he pointed out.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

A more demonstrative man might have smirked. A more foolhardy or vain man might have gloated.

"Success is rather gratifying."

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

L hummed thoughtfully around his thumb. He knew this was a reference to the things he couldn't remember since he'd not lived through them yet, a dig at his own competence. "Indeed," he muttered, turning the page of the book. Out of the corner of his eye, he looked at Near. "So, which of us shall succeed this time?" he challenged.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"In providing amusement?" Near's expression was bland as ever, but an edge of cynicism sharpened his tone. "What this place truly lacks is reliable subordinates."

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

L picked up a cookie and contemplated it. "Are you implying that subordinates are necessary?" he asked, his voice completely empty of anything.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"I've always appreciated the utility of quality intermediaries," Near said. "Both for expanding the skillsets that even you and I could boast, and as a layer of protection. The dead solve no cases."

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

"So, then, without someone to do your bidding, you are unable to act?" L asked, lifting his chin and dropping a cookie into his mouth. He chewed a moment. "Perhaps I was, will be, mistaken in choosing you."

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"It was an unfortunate thing that you did not live long enough to choose a successor," Near replied in a tone resembling agreement. "The resulting chaos doubtless caused a degree of delay. But I see nothing but advantages to using all the means at my disposal. If nothing else, the next Death Note may fall into more capable hands than the last one."

He was referring to the 'C-Kira' case, but if L misunderstood, it mattered little to him.

[pre-l.livejournal.com]

L held a cookie out in front of him, pointing downward. "Given the examples of those who were trained to follow me, I doubt the delay had to do with my not choosing a successor but in the quality of those that followed me." He brought the cookie up and put it in his mouth, not looking at Near.