This is kind of a filler / character-development chapter. We'll get back to the main story soon.

Review and tell me what you think.

Yori Kaneko's P.O.V.

"Is she asleep?" Weston whispered. I hated him. Everything about him just rubbed me the wrong way. But he did have a good idea to cheer Ellie up. Lately she's seemed less and less happy. She puts on a good show of staying cheery, but I can tell she's scared and depressed. So, for her sake, I put up with him and helped him with his scheme.

"Yeah. But be quiet. Avoid talking, if you're physically capable of doing so." I held open the door as he wheeled in a cart loaded with tech.

He tried miming something to me, but I ignored him, picking up each speaker and installing them around the room as quietly as possible. He dropped his hands, looking disappointed at the lack of attention. Eventually he got over it and followed my lead, placing the speakers all around the room. L raised an eyebrow at us, but ignored us mostly. He was always staring at his stupid monitors whenever he wasn't talking to Ellie.

When we finished setting everything up we left the room to let her sleep. Weston, to my annoyance, started talking again, "So, you sure you won't take me up on that date? We could go see a romantic movie, or you could give me a tour around the city."

God, he made my blood boil. "Like I've said a thousand times before, not in a million years. Don't ask again."

"Why not? You might enjoy it." I didn't bother responding. I went into my room and locked the door. Unfortunately, wood was not sound proof, "Come on, beautiful, it'll be fun."

"Go away, damn it! The answer is no."

"Why?"

I grit my teeth, "Let's just say, you're not my type."

"You never know," he teased.

"Yes I do. Now get out of here before I stab you with a scalpel." I was only partially exaggerating.

He laughed, "Alright, honey, I'll leave… For now." As he walked away I heard him call out, "You'll come 'round eventually!"

I took a deep, calming breath, pushing my glasses back into place. Why did Ellie have to invite that asshole here? I had nothing against the lgbt+ community, but I did not appreciate the constant harassment coming from this guy. I might tear my hair out if he stays here any longer.

I'd leave if it weren't for Ellie. She needs me.

When I was sure that Weston was gone, I shrugged off my lab coat and headed up to the top floor to talk to Watari. He, at least, was intelligent company.

The Lawliets had had me watch an entire anime, just so I'd know what they were dealing with. I now knew L's story, as well as Kira, Matt, Mello, even Teru Mikami. When he came on the screen I wanted to pull him out of the TV and stab him with a hot poker. It's no less than what he deserved.

I found Watari in the top floor kitchen. "Ah, hello Doctor Kaneko," he greeted, "I trust Ellie is doing well?"

"Better than expected, yes. Although I wouldn't exactly say she's doing 'well.' Her condition is still less than ideal."

"I see. That's a shame." He turned back around, mixing something in a bowl.

"Any developments on finding a way to take down Kira?" I asked, grabbing a strawberry out of a colander and popping it into my mouth.

"Not as yet, although that would be a question for L."

"Yeah, I guess. He's not exactly the talkative sort though, so it's hard to get anything out of him."

"That's his nature."

I nodded, "I've noticed." My pager beeped, signaling that Ellie was waking up. "Gotta go, duty calls."

I went to my room to grab my lab coat before going to check on my patient. When I got there, Weston was already waiting outside the door.

"Ready?" He whispered excitedly.

"It's not like I'll be doing anything, you're the one who picked the soundtrack, I just helped get things set up. That's the end of my involvement."

"You're such a party pooper. You won't put on a performance for her with me?"

"Absolutely not. Now move, I need to check on my patient."

He mumbled under his breath, "are you sure you don't mean check her out?"

I turned, glaring at him, "What did you say?"

"Oh nothing, it's just that you seem to give her an awful lot of attention."

"I'm her doctor, that's my job. Not that I'd expect you to understand a concept as complicated as responsibility."

"Really? Because I can't help but feel a little jealous of all those lingering stares you give her."

"I'd like to see things from your point of view but I can't seem to get my head that far up my ass." I pushed passed him and walked into the medical room.

Ellie was stretching her arms above her head with a yawn, "Oh, hi Yori. Weston. How long was I asleep?" Her voice sounded a lot better today. It wasn't raspy anymore. In fact, it was almost velvety. I made a note of her improvement on my clipboard.

L answered for us, "nine hours and fourth-three minutes." He was eating cheese cake. I really needed to check him for diabetes. He never stopped eating sugar. I didn't understand how he wasn't morbidly obese.

"You sound better. How does your voice feel?" I asked, taking a popsicle stick and checking the back of her throat. All good.

"I feel like I might be able to sing again!" She looked so happy, I couldn't help but smile. It disappeared when I saw Weston smirking at me. He sure knew how to ruin my day.

"Is that so?" L stood up from his chair and leaned closer to her, "Let's hear it."

She scratched her head, "I can't just give a performance out of the blue. I haven't practiced in so long," She laughed, "I don't know if I can even stay on key." I was right, her laugh was a lot nicer when it wasn't rough and gritty. This was a good sign. It meant she was healing.

"That's okay," Weston said, "because Glasses and I came up with a little surprise for you."

She tilted her head, "You did?"

He pointed to me, striking an over-the-top pose, "Hit it, babe!"

"Don't call me babe," I pressed a button, turning on the speakers. Weston had plugged in his phone and set it to a musical called Wicked. It was some kind of Wizard of Oz spoof, I think.

I underestimated the volume. As soon as the music started Ellie jumped and covered her ears. I rushed to lower the volume to something that wouldn't make us all go deaf and almost dropped the remote in the process. When she could remove her hands, she listened and her face lit up. I guess she recognized this musical.

"You said you were lacking show tunes, so we set up a surround sound system for you while you were asleep."

She gave the most genuine smile she'd given in a while, "You guys… You're the best. You were in on this, Yori?"

I felt oddly proud, "Yep. I even put up with this loser and his antics to do it." I nodded toward Weston. He ignored my insult.

"I'd get up to hug you two, but you won't let me."

"You're damn right I won't." I crossed my arms, "You're not strong enough for that."

"Then get over here and hug me yourself!" Weston didn't hesitate, jumping onto her bed and wrapping his arms around her. I opted out, despite the temptation.

"L," She said, turning to her husband, "looks like I can be touched without shattering. So get over here and kiss me for heaven's sake."

He looked at me, "Would she be alright?"

I shrugged, "Should be fine. Just don't touch her bruises and be gentle."

That was enough for him. Clearly, he'd been just as starved for her as she had been for him. Weston fangirled as he watched them, but I looked away, holding back a stab of jealousy by busying myself with my instruments.

I needed to change her bandages, but they didn't look likely to stop anytime soon, so I started walking out. Weston did not look like he would leave willingly. "Oi! You," I pointed to him, "Get over here."

"Oh? Something you have in mind," he asked flirtatiously.

"Shut your mouth and get out," I adjusted my glasses.

"Forceful, aren't we?"

I glared at him.

"Alright, alright, cool off, I'm coming."

I watched him leave toward the staircase. Why didn't he ever take the elevator, I wonder?

When he was gone I snuck a glance back at the Lawliets. They seemed so happy together. I closed the door behind me, walking down the hall to my room. When I was finally alone I leaned against the door, sliding down to the ground, covering my face with my hands.

I think Weston was starting to get to me. I couldn't let him. I needed to just block him out and take everything he says with a grain of salt. He was actively trying to mess with me. All I needed to do was block him out and ignore his horrendous smirks and accusations.

The worst part was that he wasn't wrong.