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That's actually ideal. I think that if I can witness and experience a naga's crude first efforts, and the refinement into something more effective, I'll understand better how to lay my own defenses.

[At Near's question, he chuffs a breath of laughter. Through the Bond, it's possible to pick up on the fact that it is laced with nerves.]

Unfortunately... if I give you instructions and you follow them, I'll know what to expect. That is, itself, a defense. This is why it needed to be someone I trust.

[No pressure, or anything.]

[Crude. Such a vote of confidence, but unfortunately not inaccurate. There's little chance it will be anything but. And he frowns slightly, because that means he'll have to be cautious himself. He can't be sure how a witch's mental magic might affect him through the sort of connection that something like hypnosis would entail.

How should he go about even trying to use this ability? Surely it should come natural to him.]

You'll have to give me a moment to... try and tap into my instincts.

[It sounds silly but that's really what it is.]

[L means nothing by it, truly, certainly nothing offensive. But Near brings out a bluntness in him perhaps, the sense that attempting to tiptoe around niceties might be seen as a waste of time or unappreciated.

It's strange, how typically L is in that position with other people.]

Of course... take as many moments as you need.

[A pause.]

You'll... let me know, if there's anything I can do to help you along, or...

You'll know.

[Hopefully. Near wants to sound more certain about this than he actually is, even if he's already stated that he doesn't know what he's doing.

If he needs to catch the man slightly off guard then he should try to do this immediately, without warning him first. So he narrows his eyes at L (well, as much as he can without proper eyelids), stares at him hard and...

Nothing. Absolutely nothing happens.

He'll have to do better than that.]

...This person you're concerned about. What about their actions makes you think they might have been hypnotized?

[Is he trying? L does his best to let his mind go blank, anything to make this easier for a novice to approach.

When Near speaks, he realizes that it probably didn't work. He clears his throat.]

Forgetting appointments, and it's not like him. This started after he began attending Circle meetings, and he's been consorting with a Naga recently, as well. It may be nothing, but...

[No, he can't doubt himself. It is something. He sets his jaw.]

My divining efforts turned up a patch of memory that's full of contradictions. It looks like a fog at first glance, but on closer inspection, it looks like a long list of operations, canceling each other out repeatedly, and the answer at the end of it is just 0. There's too much work, and too much left unaccounted for.

[He's not sure if any of that will make sense, but if it would, to anyone? Near might be the guy.]

Of course it isn't nothing.

[Near does understand, for the most part. He's also bothered by the idea of anyone (even his bonded - or perhaps especially his bonded) being able to get into someone's mind to that degree. But he already knew some of what L was capable of, and at least this was done for the benefit of another. If there are going to be witches (or monsters) using magic that manipulates the mind then there should be others to counter it, however dangerous a road that is to go down.

Whatever the other naga had potentially done is more complicated than anything Near would want to start with. He just needs a small suggestion, something to make L take an action he normally wouldn't without thinking much about it. He's been staring at his bonded the whole time, hoping that perhaps one of these moments his eye contact would pay off and he'd be able to push a suggestion through.

All he wants L to do is scratch his nose. He repeats the command in his mind over and over, attempting to assert it. Will it be noticeable if he does?]

[L's mental resilience and conviction in his own intuition have been, by necessity, astonishing. He's had to withstand no small amount of hearing others attempt to convince him that he was wrong, that he was overthinking, that he was paranoid, that he was crazy. The Kira case, at the end, had been difficult, with so many doubting him so strongly, and so constantly. Aefenglom has further eroded that internal sense of a true north, leaving him doubting more frequently.

Near's affirmation, strangely, goes a long way toward easing his unquiet thoughts about whatever is going on with his Bonded faun.

He nods, peering back, his round, dark grey eyes unblinking. He's trying to leave this shot open for Near, with no interfering or defensive attempts, and it's surprisingly difficult.

His hand raises, then swats at his nose. He blinks now, actually flinching a bit in startlement, but he seems elated, rather than annoyed.]

That was good... you did that, right?

[He nods vigorous encouragement.]

Was that what you intended?

[If not, did it come close?]

[It hadn't been the exact motion Near had been going for, but it was close enough. It's something, and it doesn't seem as though L had realized what was happening at the moment he'd hypnotized him. Though he'd noticed right after, meaning his mental grip hadn't been that strong.

It's still a starting point.]

...Yes. That was a success. Even if that word is a stretch.

[He has some idea of what to do now, but not how to make it better. Still, he should be able to work with this. Solving mysteries is what he does, and this is nothing if not a mystery. Unfortunately he has a difficult target.]

How did it feel?

[It's something. First attempts are vulnerable, a risk, almost a guaranteed failure. L knows it probably takes a lot for Near to go through with the one in front of him, or anyone... but his appreciation is an intense flare in his chest. No Bond, no matter how distant, could miss it.]

Success is not a stretch, to call it. I'm glad it worked.

[He's glad that Near is a fast learner, that ensuing attempts can only get better. Of course... the other side of this is really that encouraging Near to hone this skill is putting L in a position to trust to an extent that is rather absurd for any of their ilk.

A concern, perhaps, when they come to it at some point in the future. For now...]

It wasn't quite an instinct or a reflex. Something like an impulse, but... a suggested one, like when you witness someone yawning and feel the need to do it as well.

[Can Near relate? L wonders, and uses the example anyway. If the universality extends that far, his point is as good as made.]

I want you to keep trying. It can't just feel like something I agreed to, or believe, but something I came up with by myself.

[He has to know, in other words, how it felt for Myr.]

Edited 2021-02-19 22:49 (UTC)

[That's the hard part, isn't it?

L's example is a good one. Even someone like Near isn't immune to that sort of natural reaction. The problem is that it can't just be a reaction. It has to be more than that.

Whoever is potentially controlling L's friend has to be someone for who control comes naturally, as well as someone who's good at getting to know an individual's personality, their strengths and weaknesses. It wouldn't be someone they'd just met that day.

Near is L. But Near still knows very little about the first L. He should be good at reading people. It's part of his job. Part of how he manages that, however, is relying on generalizations. Your every day human being falls into certain easily categorized stereotypes. Figuring out those that don't fit into those particular outlines is made slightly easier through dealing with those that do and how the unusual personality interacts with them.

He knows himself. He knows the image of L that he'd held in his mind for years. He knows how L has interacted with him here. All of this can form an image, a roadmap to rely on when it comes to directing the man in front of him.]

I admit that part of me would enjoy seeing what you look like trying to stand on your head, but that seems too unreasonable for the scenario.

[Staring isn't enough. If the hypnotizer had stared at L's friend all the time then surely it would have been apparent that something was off. Perhaps vocal commands? Thoughts woven into verbal suggestion. But what to have him do?]

[The situation is complicated. For L to care this much about something, beyond how much it affects him, is notable in itself. It drives his dedication and his effort, certainly, as well as his determination for a fruitful connection at this specific juncture.

It doesn't mean he's beyond the capacity for surprise. Near's words startle a sound out of him, not quite laughter, but joltingly real.]

It's... I'm grateful, truly, to know something that you would enjoy.

[You voice those things so seldom.]

Perhaps another time if you're truly sure. For this occasion... and any persuasive exercise, I suppose it's helpful to know what matters to the victim. Myr is a person of faith; Myr is also determined to see gentle motives, perhaps to a fault. I know that even without the ability to hypnotize him, someone with enough skill could take advantage of those things.

[He sits forward, meeting Near's eyes steadily with his own round and haunted gaze.]

You know what motivates desire and fear in humans. Surely those things could also motivate a mind that is being broken or compelled according to your will.

[Near wants to roll his eyes at the first response, but he doesn't. It's true that he hasn't been very forthcoming about his likes and dislikes, but that's just how he is. It's either obvious or it goes unmentioned. Just because L is his bonded now doesn't mean he's willing to spill every secret about himself (though there are surprisingly few secrets to spill in the first place).

He takes in everything the other man divulges about his friend. It's helpful to know in the long run, but very little of it pertains to L. It will be far more difficult to take advantage of the same thing in his mentor's case, especially if he's expecting it.

The best thing to do would be to continue the conversation and attempt to get the man to speak more on a subject he wouldn't otherwise. Something subtle that won't make him feel as though any boundaries have been crossed.]

Myr. This is one of your other bonded, correct? It seems like an odd bond choice for you, but I don't know the circumstances it formed under. It's alright, I'm not going to ask you to tell me.

[But perhaps, comes the attempted persuasive undercurrent, you can tell me what shirt you were wearing when you met. It's a silly request, but at least it will be obvious to both of them if it works.]

[Being forthcoming or open isn't really in their nature; L knows it's the case, even as he continues, incrementally, to encourage Near in that regard. Every secret isn't necessary, but... something, occasionally, to let him be helpful in their Bond and knowledgable about his partner's personality and tastes would be an appreciated token.

What L shares about Myr could be considered such a token. While he and Myr are very different, it's a hint, at least, of the types of things L may pity or admire in others. Paradoxically, they're both true in this case... and L isn't intent on hiding or denying that duality now.]

The only reason I don't tell you things like that, unprompted, is because I don't want to bore you with sentimental matters. My impression has always been that they don't interest you, or that you find them tedious.

[He sounds amused, before saying, as though it follows naturally]

I was wearing a light blue shirt. Wrinkled, with a coffee stain under the left breast pocket, under an open grey vest.

[The small smile that appears on Near's face is unavoidable as that attempt is successful. The lack of a need to verbally state what he needs to be done, as well as not having to make eye contact, makes the task of hypnosis an easier one. Unfortunately this goes for the other naga as well.]

How unprofessional.

[Says the man who's spent most of his life in pajamas on L's past clothing choices.

He hadn't asked for anything meaningful - nothing that would immediately cause the one under his thrall to resist because they wouldn't spill the information naturally. If what the other naga did was similar, small things that wouldn't go directly against Myr's nature, then there's a considerable amount he'd be able to accomplish that way.]

They don't interest me. [He returns to the original subject.] But that doesn't mean I shouldn't know a little about the bonds of my bonded.

You think so?

[L blinks, coming around, uneasily, to the reality of what it means that Near knows. This time, certainly, the "suggestion" was more pointed and powerful. He should be glad; this is cause for celebration. He smiles overbrightly.]

I don't think Myr would be opposed if I shared information about him. He would probably share it himself.

[Even if his experiences lately with nagas haven't been incredible, L has vetted this one. L's opinion of this one is high, and that comes through the Bond.]

Especially compared to our other mutual Bond... Myr isn't looking to deceive anyone. Especially those close to him.

I didn't ask for information about Myr. I just asked what shirt you'd been wearing when you met.

[Anything else L had provided on his own, and Near isn't looking to learn any more about Myr than he can find out on his own. The faun is a comfort to his former mentor, but he's also a weak spot. If L is fine with that then so be it.]

If I want to know anything else about him I'll ask you plainly.

[He's not sure how far he should press his hypnosis ability, given that he's still learning it. But if it's been this easy for him to pick up then any other naga would be able to master it to some degree with even a little time to practice. Jin Guangyao has been here for months.]

It was a small suggestion, but I don't suppose you feel any differently after?

[L regards Near silently for a few moments. He's not sure that he appreciates being spoken to that way, but... he is the one who came to Near, asking for a favor, proverbial hat in hand. He can suffer a bit of haughtiness and shortness, and it's not like that wasn't part of the package deal from the very beginning.

Like it had been with Mello, a Bond comes with significant drawbacks. Given the choice, and knowing what he does, L vastly prefers Near's cold distance to Mello's stifling heat.

The question, then. He nods, considering his state of mind, the responses of his body and emotions following the mild but effective hypnotism.]

I don't feel differently. Nothing's been added, and nothing is missing.

[To his knowledge, which he believes to be reliable.]

Perhaps it's because that's something I would have told you anyway, if you'd asked. The secrets I would keep from you aren't petty, or just for secrets' sake. Although...

[He considers.]

It gives me something to consider with the situation I'm currently dealing with. I'm sure hypnosis is more jarring and distressing the more it deviates from a person's natural personality and inclinations.

[It's not like Myr to forget or overlook or steer clear of things that would affect those close to him. He would rather meddle and make sure that someone is safe; L's sure of that.]

[Most people likely don't care for the way Near speaks to them, but as his closest assistants put up with it he paid little heed to what others thought. He's always lacked certain social graces. Unfortunately L is now more prominently on the receiving end of them.

He should be glad. If Near didn't care he would simply ignore the man.]

That's good. I hadn't intended to cause actual harm and would be bothered if I had.

[Mostly because it would speak very poorly of his skills, but he would also prefer to keep L's mind intact.]

Do you want me to attempt something more controlling?

[The social graces lacked by L himself allow Near some slack, as well as the fact that the man does not value or prioritize his own emotional needs and responses particularly highly.

It's this particular tendency, perhaps, that nods his head, keeps his gaze level and lucid and steady.]

I absolutely need you to, Eli.

If pushing further leads to any lasting harm, I'll need you to let me know.

[He turns back away then, fingers in his hair. Near slithers slowly back and forth across the floor for a few moments, thoughtful. It's important to approach this matter cautiously. L is still expecting the hypnosis from him so he'll have to do it in a way that manages to throw him off guard. And the longer he waits, the more difficult that might be.

There's only so much in his house to distract his bonded. He also has to take into account the fact that the link between the two of them might affect the way the hypnosis works. It could make it either easier or more difficult to accomplish, depending. The important thing is that it works so that L can compare.]

Can you grab something for me? [He asks this absently, an afterthought, as though the item he needs is what's necessary for his task.] In the bathroom, in the top drawer to the right of the sink, there's a hand mirror. I'd like to try something with it.

[The request is simple, but the words woven mentally behind it convey a different message. Get a knife from the kitchen, they demand, and stab me in the shoulder with it.]

[As convenient as it would be to put himself in a state of mind where he was absolutely uncertain and ignorant of the potential for hypnosis, L's very informed, and there's no undoing that easily, especially for a novice. Perhaps the ironic pinnacle of Near's success would be making him forget, but L would consider that lasting damage; L would be displeased, with as much.

He nods, though he seems hesitant. L, after all, has somewhat skewed standards for what constitutes permanent harm. Within that category, he also has much he considers acceptable harm. The line can be hard to locate, and tough to distinguish from other related lines.]

Of course...

[The request is odd, but there are scenarios in which L can picture a hand mirror being useful, while testing hypnosis and looking for its limits. He shuffles off to find it with just a solitary glance over his shoulder back at the naga, as if looking for some sleight of hand, some trick.

The expected sounds can be heard. Footsteps, a drawer opening and closing... but it's followed by the jarring sound of glass shattering. L returns with a longer shard of the mirror, roughly knife-shaped, held loosely in a hand dripping blood, with all the mundane calmness as if he was just delivering the requested mirror.]

Found it.

[...Clearly. He holds it out, at the speed one would offer an object to another, but he's "offering" the sharpened point to Near's shoulder.]

Stop.

[Near expresses this command in every way possible - out loud, through hypnosis, and through his bond.

He doesn't grab him, nor does he move out of the way. The naga doesn't want to take any action that might throw him off or cause him to fight back. It's enough that he halts his actions before he causes any more damage - mostly to himself.

In hindsight, Near is annoyed with himself for not taking into consideration the possibility of his request and command merging this way rather than simply being ignored.

But at least now they know.]

That's enough. I'll wrap up your hand.

[The smell of blood on his carpet is going to drive his hyena dog crazy for days.]

[The intake of breath is sharp and startled; the splitting of a shard of glass just as much, so. L's grip is enough to break the fragment of mirror in half, and it drops summarily to the floor along with several droplets of vibrant red blood.

His reaction, now that he has full agency of his thoughts and movements, is immediate. He recoils, clasps his wrist, draws back, but.

He invited this, didn't he? As good as told Near to do his worst, give him insight into the pain and fear that Myr must feel?

It roils; it pulses. L shudders.]

No... I'll wrap it.

[Later. He presses his palm against his inner thigh, letting his pant leg sop up the blood.]

Again. More...

[Pleading, harsh. In so many ways, the purity of his craft is this willingness, the one that says he will, in fact, do anything for a case or a cause.]

Edited 2021-03-04 08:07 (UTC)

No.

[Near's mouth is drawn into a thin line, his brows furrowed. The denial is low and clipped.]

I will not risk causing you any lasting mental damage. You will recover from this first.

[Delicate, scaled fingers reach for L's hand, but his gaze is clinical. He's assessing what he can see of the injury.]

I would also prefer not to make a bigger mess in my house.

[It's not that important, ultimately. Messes can be cleaned. But he wants to draw his bonded back into the present to fully take in what's transpired.]

[There's a tense moment, pulled taut to the shredding point, over their Bond. L's conflict moves between the desire to concede and desire to argue and insist that they are not finished, but...

They are finished. In some way, and Near won't budge on that. The conflict fades, and he allows Near to take his hand and look at the lacerations where glass sliced into skin.

There's sullen silence for a few moments but what's in motion must remain in motion, and this strange, uneasy energy has to go somewhere.]

Why that?

[He ignores the comment about the blood, no doubt meant to shame him into compliance.]

Of all the things you could have compelled, you chose a course that could threaten you.

[And he's angrier, the more he thinks about it, though something doesn't add up. The series of movements and choices felt spliced, like two separate quilts disassembled and woven together. At the very least, the commands mutated like a cruel game of telephone.]

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Gosh if I don't remember what he was actually wearing lol

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