[L's tone is enough to make Mello flinch with his tea half-raised to his lips. He doesn't know if more severity to the man's voice would make things better or worse. Regardless of what the blonde has done — in L's name... no. In his own name. L was always an excuse wasn't he? — he fears he will be an eternal child before his ex-mentor who wants nothing to do with him at all.]

Doesn't seem like you want me to thrive.

[Because Mello can be a cold thing, too.]

Seems like you'd rather me disappear so you can carry on with Kira without judgment, yea. [After all, isn't this what it all comes down to?]

[T'ch.]

I'll leave it alone.

[No, he won't. L isn't the only detective at the table.]

On one condition. [Might as well take it where he can get it.] At least tell me why you didn't choose. [Finally, he takes a sip. The liquid is warm and acceptable; it's definitely leagues away from proper British tea.] You knew that case could've killed you. [And it did. Fuck, it did.] You had two successors lined up.

[Since they're being bold, and all.]

You left fucking kids to pick up the pieces. Destroyed all evidence. I almost murdered N because of you.

[No, he won't refer to Near as "Eli" while speaking in this context. The connection could be made by anyone with an open ear.]