[Paul and L have that in common, a need to affect a sturdy and resolute front even when the ground is crumbling to ash and the sky is falling, star-by-star. They've both practiced wearing flint over fearful eyes and gritting their teeth instead of letting their lips part and sound in dismay. Anger is different, because anger is forward-motion and has agency. Anger is not a victim; anger stokes a fire and drives towards victory.

This is quite different, on both sides. Paul doesn't stand, and so neither does L, who is still reeling from the shredding in his chest that left him staring, stricken, and desperate to fall into a sleep deeper than the deadly water.

Remembering what happened grounds him. It's all back, for now, and it makes him wrap his arms around Paul, holding him tightly, squeezing him with all the reassurance his bony arms can muster.]

Listen... if there's a shred of a chance that you could have done something differently, and changed the outcome, I haven't found it. And I've been looking, Paul... I've searched for those differences, I've seen over a thousand. So far, you haven't lived. So far... changing an element breaks even, or does more harm by far.