[Near's attempts, much like his appearance in general, are amplified into something greater than they are. It could be because fever and delirium warp L's perception, or because he's clinging to every scrap and shred, and fabricating significance and gravity where none otherwise exist.

It's enough, in other words, for Near to not affect irritation. L can fill in the rest with a misfiring mind awash in painful detail. There's plenty for both of them.]

Please ask. Ask for anything at all, but that...

[He shakes his shaggy head, which appears quite heavy.]

I've seen that death before. I know what happens when it's survived, I... know how long it takes to cut through a rope with a pair of sewing scissors. But I don't know what you wanted. I don't know, because I was in Dubai and maybe that was still too close...