Journey below [L x reader] • Death Note

Chapter 21 | relax

There was something L had seen on this trips through the underworld that he hadn't yet checked out. Cleansing pools.

Scattered around the underworld were pools of water carved into marble where shades and gods alike could bathe in them, each pool having a different effect. Some washed away old cursed, some would wash away a boon you no longer needed, and some were as simple as washing away your fears and worries. L had always passed them but never actually taken a dip in one. He was always so busy with Kira, you, hades and such. But after the Styx took him yesterday, he had a little time to kill.

So he figured, what better way to get rid of all the stress of the situation than float for a while in a cleansing pool?

The one that stood under cover in a beautiful chamber of Elysium was one that was known for removing stress, and he'd had it recommended to him after he first died by passing shades. They all swore by it, saying it calmed their nerves after dying. So taking a towel, extra robes and some slippers L made his way over the the highly talked about pool.

He was rather impressed by what he saw when he entered the chambers, the air was still, a waterfall trickled from the marble carvings on the walls, there were areas to store your stuff, and the pool itself had steam coming off it indicating the waters being warm. There wasn't anyone in here at the moment, and like a Japanese bathhouse, you were to wear something to keep covered while bathing.

L hadn't had a proper bath in years, being all over the world for cases meant hotel showers and that was about it. Setting his stuff aside on one of the hangers and pulling the top half of his robes off, but keeping the bottom half on he dipped a toe in the waters to check the temperature.

So warm... like a hot tub or something.

The inviting warmth compared to the chill of the underworld coaxed him in, and the sweet smell of burning incense seemed to mix into the stream making his surroundings smell like lavender. Sitting in the waters was like being hugged by a blanket straight from the dryer, warm and cozy, relaxing and tranquil.

Maybe he should come here more often, it was so warm compared to the chill of Elysium.

"I knew you'd find your way here eventually"

He jumped slightly at the voice, but recognised it as the one god he'd been needed answers for. He looked over the ledge of the pool and found Hypnos leaning against one of the pillars.

"You did?" L replied.

"You seemed stressed last we met, and anyone who complains of stress always gets directed here" he replied.

Elysium was the place you were most likely to find a god wandering around in the underworld, along with the actual house of hades. And maybe it was just L being new, but he wasn't used to whole deities just casually running into him and talking to him, who was a mere shade.

"I love this place actually, I'm always drowsy as it is being sleep itself. But the relaxation of these waters gives a whole new level of tranquil" Hypnos said, pulling the eye mask from his head and top layer of robes off his body.

Before L knew it, he was sitting in the waters with a literal god. Hypnos' fluffy hair flattened out when he got it wet and it turned out to be a lot longer than it looked. The one wing sticking out the side of his head fluffed up and fluttered to shake the water off it. The small stars scattered on his cheeks like freckles almost seemed to glow in the dim candle light.

It was moments like these L was reminded that he was in the presence of gods. All of the gods were like finely carved statues come to life, each one unique but all stunning to the eye. Hypnos' long hair flowed around him in the water, the thin under layer of his robes stuck to his skin when wet and being white- was slightly see through. For someone who spent all their time sleeping they were in good shape, and L again was reminded he was just a shade, and Hypnos was a god.