[There's an in, here; this has been effective. L has some kind of high ground, and he won't waste it.]
We were Bonded. I'd know, but... in a manner of speaking, it wasn't you. You have no memory of these events.
[Events that L has taken some softened liberties with to lessen the blow that he didn't want to have to deliver in the first place... but still events that would track as the truth's bleached skeleton, should Mello dig further. L doesn't think he will; this, alone, is enough. The idea of anyone coming to physical blows with a wisp of a man like L, to the point of fucking him up "badly", likely puts it over the top, even without the decorum demanded of their positions.]
I don't blame you, but to see your face is--
[He shakes his head. All the words that come to mind feel too callous and cruel, though he may have said them aloud once.]
no subject
We were Bonded. I'd know, but... in a manner of speaking, it wasn't you. You have no memory of these events.
[Events that L has taken some softened liberties with to lessen the blow that he didn't want to have to deliver in the first place... but still events that would track as the truth's bleached skeleton, should Mello dig further. L doesn't think he will; this, alone, is enough. The idea of anyone coming to physical blows with a wisp of a man like L, to the point of fucking him up "badly", likely puts it over the top, even without the decorum demanded of their positions.]
I don't blame you, but to see your face is--
[He shakes his head. All the words that come to mind feel too callous and cruel, though he may have said them aloud once.]
I'm truly sorry.
[That's why.]