Challenge: Drinking, Drunk. Let's see 'em smashed.
Author: subdivided

Disclaimer: DEATH NOTE isn't mine


"More wine, Raito-kun?" L asks. He hoists an elegantly monogrammed bottle that is less than half full.

"Of course," Raito answers, already offering his glass. L reaches half across the narrow table to pour, his hand disappointingly steady. Inspectors Masuda and Yagami have just begun another inappropriate drinking song; Raito winces and reflects that Matsuda's gallant sense of pitch is almost enough to make up for his father's braying monotone. Aizawa has fortunately turned out to be a quiet drunk, content to brood alone in the furthest corner of their poorly-lit hotel room.

"And you, Ryuzaki?" Raito asks. He takes a single cautious sip of wine. It is excellent, obviously imported although he never would have guessed Australian. Raito surreptitiously shifts his glass to his left hand as L's eyes turn upward, considering.

"Of course," L replies, after a long moment. Raito obligingly fills his glass to the very brim. L, too, is cautious; Raito concludes that this has been one of his less elegant schemes. He transfers his - considerably lighter, and his sleeve is slightly damp with wine he won't be drinking - glass back to his right hand for a toast; after a minute L does the same.

They continue this way through two repetitions of "The Drunken Fishman" and one of "Those Yokohama Strippers" before L begins to blink, rapidly.

"Is something the matter, Ryuzaki?" Raito asks in tones of calculated concern. He can't help glancing toward to bottle- it's empty.

"Not really," L replies. "It's only…" and here he lifts his right arm, the one attached to the chain. Raito's left arm rises with it and his eyes narrow as he considers.

The lighting might be bad, but it isn't so bad that he can't see the way the chain is dripping, or that his sleeve isn't the only one stained red with wine.