Chapter 6: Confessions
The next morning, I wake up to my ringtone. Slightly drowsy, I answer it.
"Hello?" I mumble, getting my black hair out of my mouth.
"My apologies for the early hour, Iliana. I just wanted to make sure you were all right." L seems to be embarrassed. I rub my eyes.
"I'm fine, L, thank you."
"You called me 'L'. You usually don't do that unless we're alone."
"Oh, sorry. I'm still waking up."
"No need to apologize... Watari gave me your address by the way."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because I asked him to, so I can make sure no further harm comes to you."
"Wait, what do you mean by that?" I say, fully awake.
"Look out your window." He responds. Confused, I do so and see L standing there. He looks up at me. I smile and hang up.
"Ryuzaki, what're you doing here?" I say to him, making sure to keep my voice down.
"I... I don't know." He admits sheepishly, looking more childlike than ever.
"Hold on, I'll be right down to let you in." I close my window and go downstairs. Carefully, I open the door. L stares at me intently. I blush, well aware of my appearance.
"Did you sleep well, Iliana?" He asks.
"Uhh, yeah, did you?" I say, grabbing a mug.
"I suppose so. Are you making tea?"
"I was going to, yes. Would you like some?"
"Sure." He sits down on one of the chairs at the table, in his usual way. I put the kettle of water on the burner and grab the plate of cookies. I put it on the table, grabbing one. L smiles as I take a bite. "You are very good."
"Thank you, I think." I turn away to get a mug for him. When I turn back, I nearly drop it as L surprises me by standing right behind me. "Um..." My voice dies in my throat. L seems to be studying me and it makes me blush. The kettle whistles. I turn away again to turn off the stove. A pale hand takes the kettle. I smile.
"You know, L, I fell out of love with Light. Don't freak out or anything, but I found something when I was with him." My blue gold eyes widen as I see Melina come downstairs. L turns around.
"Oh, good morning, Ana." She says, noticing L staring at her. I clear my throat and take the kettle from him, pouring the hot water into a deep violet teapot.
"Good morning, Mel, this is Ryuzaki. Ryuzaki, this is my sister Melina. She found us a few weeks ago." I say, putting the tealeaves in the little strainer inside the teapot.
"Pleased to meet you, Melina." He bows his head to her and she bows in return.
"You as well, Ryuzaki."
"We were just about to have some tea, would you care to join us?" I ask her.
"Oh no, I have to go to work, but thank you anyway. I'll see you later, Ana. Nice to meet you, Ryuzaki."
"Bye, Mel!" I wave to her as she grabs a cake on her way out.
"She seems nice." L pours us tea and makes mine the way I like it. He doesn't do anything for his.
"She really is, despite her past. Oh, good morning, Mother." I feel awkward as Father and Ren follow her. "Good morning, Father and Ren." I smile.
"Good morning, Ana. Oh, who's your friend?" Mother asks.
"Oh guys, this is Ryuzaki. Ryuzaki, meet my Mother, Father and brother Ren."
"Pleased to meet you all." He bows to them and they return his gesture.
"Tea?" I offer.
"We'll take it outside." Mother says, taking the offered teapot. Ren takes the mugs as Father studies L.
"Alright." I bite my lip as Mother ushers the boys out.
"What is it you wanted to tell me about Light?" L asks, as though nothing has happened.
"Oh... You know, I forgot."
"You've been through a lot. I wish I could help you."
"But you have. I mean, you've been there for me when I needed you most. For that, I'll always be grateful." I sip my tea and smile.
"Do you like it? The tea I mean."
"Yes. What about you?"
"It's a bit bitter." He admits, looking questionably at his tea.
"That's because you didn't put any sugar in it." I giggle and hand him the sugar bowl. Light pink patches appear on his pale cheeks. Without saying a word, he puts his usual amount of sugar in his tea. We're both silent for a while and then L says something that surprises me.
"I think I'm falling for you, but I don't know if I should. You did just have a break up and I don't want to confuse our relationship." His words make me blush deeper. "Why're you blushing?"
"Because over these past few weeks, I've been having... Feelings for you. Feelings that I know I shouldn't, but now that I know you feel the same it's somehow relieving. I guess I was afraid to tell you."
"You were afraid? Why?"
"Honestly, I was afraid that you would reject my feelings." I say to my mug.
"I wouldn't have rejected you or your feelings, and I don't now."
"But you said yourself that we couldn't be together. It's too soon." I look up and see him half smile.
"Then I'll wait for you. I'll wait forever if that's how long it takes." His smile grows.