In Love with the Law 5

In Love with [the] (L)aw
5 – A Curious Spark

After L and Sakura shared the cake in silence, the girl left and decided to rest for the night. I wonder if he liked the cake? She sighed, still feeling embarrassed that she has to play the part of L's personal maid. I can't wear this all the time... I'm going to need some new clothes.

She rolled over on the couch, putting a pillow over her head to block out the light in the room. Maybe I can convince them to let me go shopping... a girl can't live without a few changes of clothes! With a sigh, she closed her eyes. Am I really trying to get USED to this new life? Maybe part of me likes it... I don't know.

There were too many questions floating around in her mind – it was impossible to answer them all logically. Sakura chose to sleep for now and leave the questions for the next day, but she was hopeful that her new way of life was only going to get better.

The next day, she woke up and did not see L in the kitchen; she was surprised because he would usually have a piece of pie first thing in the morning and immediately do a scan on the computer for any criminal activity. Matsuda happened to wander into the kitchen and glanced at her, "Morning, Ayu. How are you?"

"I'm all right," she replied, finally accepting the new name. "Where is L? He's not here stuffing his face." Mastuda cracked a smile and rubbed the back of his head. "Well, L is sick. I guess he has a cold or something, I don't know. He's resting in his room... uh, maybe you'd like to go out for a bit? You've been cooped up in here and--"

"I really appreciate the offer," Sakura said with a grin. "But I wouldn't want you to get in trouble for me. I'm going to check up on L, can you take me to his room?" Matsuda was confused by the girl's choice, "Umm, sure."

They arrived at the entrance of L's room and Matsuda shrugged. "Are you sure you don't want to go outside...? I kinda feel bad that we are keeping you here like this." Sakura was beginning to develop a friendship with Matsuda, and realized that though he may be a bit scatterbrained, he was a genuinely good person.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Besides, I get to point and laugh at L now that he's sick!" she giggled. "Maybe if I take care of him, he'll trust me and let me go, right?" Was that really the reason? The question echoed in her mind and heart, but somehow she wasn't sure anymore. "Okay. Well, see you later then, I have to get back to work." Matsuda waved to Sakura and headed back downstairs.

Sakura knocked on the door. "Come in," L's voice was raspy and low. When she entered, she saw that he was reading a thick book and eating a lollipop. The rings around his eyes were darker than usual and his skin was pale. "Oh, it's you. I thought Matsuda was going to give me on update on those murders..." he sighed a bit, but he seemed the slightest bit happy to see Sakura.

"You look creepier than usual," the girl remarked with a smirk, trotting closer to him. "You have a fever?" L shrugged, "I'll be fine. You, on the other hand, should probably leave or risk catching whatever it is I have." Sakura raised an eyebrow, placing a hand on his forehead. "Wow, you definitely have a fever." L watched her dubiously. "You really should leave me be," he warned. "I'm sure I'll feel better by tomorrow – there is much work to be done."

"Aw, you're such a hard worker, aren't you?" Sakura said in a teasing voice. "Still, you don't look too good. I think I'll take care of you... I mean, I AM your personal maid, right?" She smiled a bit, and L wasn't sure if she was mocking him or truly concerned about his health. "If you insist; I'd like some tea and cake." L said, his eyes focusing on his book once again.

For the first time ever, Sakura wasn't annoyed about L's attitude and went on her way to prepare some tea and slice a piece of cake. She also found some medicine to bring down a fever and brought everything back to L's room on a tray. "What's this?" L raised a brow, staring at the foreign dark red liquid. "It smells awful. Must be flu medicine, I assume?"

"That's right." Sakura answered. She pulled away the cake before he could take a bite. "You have to drink the medicine first, then you'll get your cake." L sighed, "Treating me like a child...? How bothersome you are." Despite his words, he drank the medicine with a straight face despite it's horrible taste and took a sip of tea.

"My cake, please." L requested, his eyes fixated on the delicious piece of chocolate cake. Sakura gave it to him and rolled her eyes, "You really don't eat anything other than sweets...? That's so weird." He took a bite of cake and talked with his mouth full. "I suppose it may seem 'weird' to someone like you who cannot use much of her brain's power. Sweets are my only viable source of sufficient mental energy, you know."

Sakura's eye twitched a bit, "Well now... isn't that a rude thing to say to the person who is taking care of you? Have you no manners? Didn't your mother teach you better?" L turned a page. "I never had a mother," He replied without emotion. Never had a mother...? Sakura was saddened to learn this, but at the same time she was happy to learn something new about him.

"Sorry." Sakura apologized, scratching her cheek and then falling into an awkward silence. "Thank you," L spoke up after he finished his tea and cake. The girl snapped back to reality, "Huh...?" She stared blankly down at him as he continued to read, daintily turning the pages. "For... hm, what did you say it was you were doing? Ah yes, 'taking care' of me."

She was shocked to hear that from his lips since his methods of communication were usually so crude and unpolished. She smiled wide, "You're welcome. ...Hey, by the way, what is your real name?" L looked at her strangely, "Why, it's L. What a silly question to be asking me." He flipped another page and returned to his reading. "I'll call for you if I need anything else; you can go paint your nails now or whatever else it is women do in their free time."

L was back to his normal, socially awkward self once again, but Sakura felt a strange spark between them – even if it was only for an instant, she couldn't help but become curious if there was something forming between the two of them. "Do take care of yourself." He uttered quietly as Sakura headed out the door, but she didn't hear him.

I wonder if L was an orphan? Or maybe his mother died when he was born... maybe he was lonely and never really had anyone to love him, so that's why he's such a hermit? He seems like a good guy though... I mean, besides the whole kidnapping me thing. But it's just to protect himself and his friends, right? They are trying to make the city – no, the world – a better place to live... for everyone. I guess I should respect him a little more. Geez, what is this weird feeling I've got...?