[Mello's denial is perhaps understandable. No one in Mello's place would see the evidence presented to him and simply accept that he did something he doesn't believe himself willing or even capable of. Certainly no one as arrogant as Mello would entertain the notion that he could hurt someone he exalted so grievously.

Mello actually takes it a step further. So grand is his definition of pain, so tremendous his notion of suffering, that he believes if he had, even the great L wouldn't be able to face him.

L sets his jaw, narrows his eyes. Raises one of the hands that are stiff at his side to show Mello how violently it's shaking before lowering it again.]

What does that word mean to you? "Brave?" Impervious to harm, perhaps? Incapable of feeling fear?

[He shakes his head, disdainful. Disappointed.]

I stand before you because you were never going to keep any kind of promise. You asked; you know. Whether you believe is up to you, but at least in this world, there exist sources with which you can corroborate it if you mean to accuse me of lying.

[He returns Mello's venom with something equally dark. It's a bluff, in a sense that he is lying... and in doubling down, it's absolutely meant to intimidate Mello. L does so with grim confidence, because if Mello does corroborate, well...

He'll choose not to believe it, as well, or wish that he'd never been born into any world.]

You'd do well to take your chance at a new life. It's the smart decision; it's my decision.