Followup to my meta: Analysis of the romance in Death Note's Spiraling Trap
Here's a collection of my favourite quotes and misc from L in the Spiraling Trap game. These can be accessed from the L Communicator in-game. Perhaps some are from the main game, but I'll group them in sensible lists by category. Except for the obvious romance ones, I won't try to categorise them by number of hearts, but rather from how formal -> warm L becomes in speech.
L says a lot of sweet and insightful things depending on the season, his relationship with the MC and the time of day. I've thoroughly enjoyed discovering these quotes (though some I could only get from the translated patch files) and thought others might be interested in them as well.
Without further ado, let's go. I'll be filing this post under my helper section for writing L in case anyone wants to use these quotes for fanfiction. At the very least, they're interesting to analyse his speech patterns when in a hypothetical romance.
Romance
1. L becomes gradually less formal and wary around the MC
As a note, L refers to the MC by their First Name, which will be henceforth signalled as [F/N]
Aren’t you bored? You don’t have to check in on me.
That is all I have to say. Please drop by any time.
I’m a little curious about you, [F/N].
Are you having a good time? I’m just curious.
You’re kind of… Ah, no, forget I said anything.
These below are interesting in that L is being rather sweet and caring towards the MC. He wants to know them, but approaches it cautiously. Bit like a moth being drawn to a flame. He wants to spend time with the MC and shares his thoughts often.
Here, you can take a break from the investigation and talk to me.
I’m sure you know that brains are powered by glucose. I’m forever trying to recharge mine.
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Though, I’m not really one to talk…
Staying up late talking to you… It makes me feel calm.
Are you sure you don’t need to sleep? I’m all right, but…
I’m childish and I hate to lose. Are you the same?
I know this is out of the blue, but do feel itchy? My ankle is a little…
Why don’t you try sitting like me when you need to think? You might find it helpful.
[F/N], I hope you get to see me do some kicks next time. I do capoeira.
[F/N], you seem to be incredibly talented at picking snacks that hit the spot.
There's a point in the game when L becomes more and more visibly infatuated with the MC and his romantic side starts to shine. He gives compliments freely, and while still cautious he's more confident about displaying his feelings.
[F/N]… You’re pretty formidable.
It’s reassuring to have a partner like you. You’re someone I can trust.
The fact we’ve become so close was an unexpected development on my part.
[F/N] you’re the light that illuminates the dark night. That’s an exaggeration of course, but…
What I need to live is glucose… and to talk to you. Nourishment for my brain and heart.
When we’re together, I feel like there’s no problem we can’t solve.
[F/N], when I talk to you, I feel very at peace.
The time I spend with you is as important to me as the sweets.
For your sake… I’d think of a way to get through anything. We share a bond.
When you have time, I’d like to take you to a shop that makes the best sweets.
When you’re free, how about we play tennis together? I will have Watari reserve a court.
If something were to happen to me… I want you, as the person I hold dearest, to carry on the L moniker.
When my thoughts hit a dead end late at night, I feel like I’m stuck in a maze. But, having you here makes me feel reassured.
Some of the following quotes occur when the relationship is at 5 hearts.
I learned from you that sweets are the bond that brings people together.
You give me true peace of mind. No one could ever replace you.
The way I am now, I… I can’t think straight when you’re not around.
You understand, don’t you [F/N]? What my heart so strongly desires is something more…
When I talk to you, I feel like my senses are sharpened. Thanks to that, my radar has become more sensitive.
That was a great decision. Don’t tell me, [F/N]… Are you a mindreader?
2. Times of day
Here's a few quotes related to times of day. I found it very sweet how L respectfully questions the MC for their preferences.
Morning
Morning has come, [F/N].
It appears to be morning.
A new day is upon us, [F/N].
When dawn breaks, surely…
I wonder what today is going to bring.
I wonder what kind of morning this will be.
It seems the air outside is crisp this morning.
Today is going to be a better day… Let’s think positive.
Eating breakfast is important. You shouldn’t skip it.
Are you a morning person? Not that it really matters, but…
How are you today? I’m the same as ever.
I feel good this morning. Maybe it’s because you’re here.
Today is going to be a remarkable day. Let’s think positive, [F/N].
This is our morning. I want to share this day with you.
Good morning. It makes me really happy to see you here.
Mornings like this give me the confidence to solve difficult problems.
Afternoon
It’s lunch time, [F/N].
The sun will set soon.
The day has gone by so fast.
It’s nearly sunset. Time for children to go back home.
Spending the afternoon with you isn’t so bad.
What are you doing this afternoon? Oh, should I not have asked?
[F/N], what do you think of when you see a sunset?
How was your day? Mine was the same old, same old.
It’s noon. I hope I can be of use to you, [F/N].
The afternoons I get to spend with you are precious to me.
Being able to share this sunset with you, I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Some people get very sentimental when they see a sunset. I don’t have the luxury of such time.
Evening
Tonight… No, it's nothing.
I want to finish what I need to get done before night falls.
It’s evening… Time flies like an arrow.
It has gotten very late.
It’s already getting dark…
I don’t think I’ll be able to get any sleep.
Looks like night has fallen.
It’s night. Another day has just flown by.
It’s the middle of the night.
Night is here, [F/N].
You’re up at this hour?
There’s something different about the air at night.
Night-time… I guess the day’s already over.
Night-time, dusk… It’s the witching hour.
It’s already evening… Time keeps passing me by.
Evening, hm? I’m feeling pretty on the ball right now.
If you just stare into space, night will be here before you know it.
Even though it’s late, you’re not going to bed, huh?
You must be a night owl, [F/N].
Are you a night owl? Oh, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want.
[F/N]… Do you think it’s going to be a long night tonight?
You know [F/N], night is… the time to hone your thinking skills.
The darker it gets, the more I can feel my focus return. It’s thanks to you, [F/N].
It’s night. You’re not going to sleep yet, [F/N], are you?
We’re both late workers, huh? That makes me happy.
It’ll be night soon, but talking to you gives me energy.
The evenings I spend with you are always a pleasure.
When I can eat something you’ve picked, my evening is made.
If I’m talking to you, I don’t feel sleepy even though it’s late.
Seasons
These seem to allude more towards romance.
Your feelings have been received. (Valentine's Day)
Valentine's Day Chocolate? This wasn’t part of my calculation. After all, you are…
Valentine's Day Chocolate? I can tell the difference between romantic and obligatory gifts.
Oh, a birthday cake? Did you go out of your way to get this?
I’m sorry for making you go through all that trouble. The number of candles is fitting, isn’t it?
Happy New Year. I hope you have a wonderful year.
Today’s White Day, isn’t it? Thank you for always bringing me sweets.
It’s not Valentine’s Day, but…
It’s not the right time of year for it, but thank you.
As a fun note, you'll notice that L is very keen on receiving season-specific sweets, otherwise he'll get disappointed.
Spring
They say spring is the season of new encounters. I wonder what encounters are waiting for you.
The day before spring starts is Setsubun, isn't it? Do you do throw beans? I never really bother.
It’s a staple of springtime snacks in Japan. A typical offering for equinoctial week.
It’s practically a symbol of the cherry blossom season.
Cherries? It is the right season for them.
The spring breeze is nice, but… It must be a tough time for hayfever sufferers.
Cherry blossom season… Seeing cherry blossoms at night is a mystical sight, don’t you think?
I never understood Golden Week. People rush off to crowded places only to come back tired.
Summer
Out of all the things you could have chosen in this hot weather… Shiruko?
Don’t forget to stay hydrated to combat the hot weather.
When the weather is like this, doesn’t it just start to make you worry about global warming?
Instead of getting angry with the sun, it’s important to keep a level head and take measures against the heat.
It's beach season. The cobalt blue water of the sea...It must be salty if you lick it.
Autumn
Something with chestnuts for autumn? That makes a lot of sense.
Ah, come to think of it, September 1st is Kiwi Day, right?
Autumn has come. The sun is setting earlier every day.
Autumn is the time for eating, reading and playing sports.
This time of year really is the best for reading crime novels.
Feliz Cumpleanos… I thought I’d celebrate in Spanish.
Obon is here. The time to welcome and then see off the spirits of lost loved ones… It’s sometimes called the ‘Festival of Souls’.
Today is Thanksgiving Day. I am truly grateful to Watari for his diligence.
It’s the time for autumn leaves. They say babies’ hands look like maple leaves, but no one ever says the leaves look like hands.
Winter
You need to watch out for colds and viruses at this time of year. Look after yourself.
Shaved ice in the middle of this cold season…?
It’s the perfect drink for the cold season.
Merry Christmas. I doubt Santa can find this location, though.
It looks cold outside. It’s best to stay inside where it’s warm.
Happy New Year. I hope we both have a good year.
It’s New Year’s Eve. Let’s welcome this new year with peace of mind.
Ski season, huh? It must be exhilarating to ski in a snow-white landscape.
You wake up one morning to find the whole world covered in snow… This is the time of year when such things are possible.
Another year has come to an end. There are still a few loose ends I have yet to tie up, but I think it was a good year.
Even though Santa Claus comes in through a chimney, he never gets charged for trespassing, huh.
Misc Quotes
About K
This sequence might refer to K from L: Change the WorLd, though I'm unsure how gender translated from JP to EN. Otherwise, it's another of the 'letters' from Wammy's.
Once upon a time, K used to work with Watari investigating criminals.
The reasons K left Watari… I may be one of them.
I caught the criminal that K was trying to let slip away… Now that I think about it, that must have been the trigger.
K felt that there was a limit to law-abiding criminal investigations in the wake of a certain incident, and split from Watari.
While K was working with Watari, he felt that the motive behind a certain crime justified it, and wanted to let the perpetrator off.
After he left Watari, K traveled around the world doing research. I wonder what he found…
Philosophical thoughts
When you get stuck, you should go back to the basics, huh?
If you start to consider double bluffs as well, there’s just no end.
I think the power to solve mysteries is concentration.
Every night is followed by morning. Every mystery has a conclusion.
Two sides of the same coin… The flip side of the same coin… is the same coin?
It's always darkest before the dawn… or so the saying goes.
If you use your head, you won’t get fat even if you eat sweets.
“In spring one sleeps a sleep that knows no dawn.” Though, too much sleep isn’t good for anyone.
If you think about things persistently, noticing all the sides to them will come naturally.
When something’s got the words “a la mode” in it, it suddenly sounds a lot cooler.
It’s the kind of night that makes me worry about the Stars. Ah, I mean the criminal group, not the sky.
Being childish is a surprising useful weapon. So is hating to lose.
Being extremely childish sometimes trumps half-baked maturity.
If you take your time, you will always find evidence. Isn’t that true for all investigations?
Solving crimes is the ultimate diet. I won’t put on weight.
Strawberries… Despite the name, they aren’t actually berries. How berry disappointing.
Thinking too hard isn’t good for your stomach, but there are times when you just have to push through it.
Sleeping while awake… It’s an advanced technique where you rest part of the brain while still being able to think.
Like a marathon runner’s high, if you throw everything into deducting, you start to feel euphoric.
The one who has thought it through wins. It’s true for chess, and for deduction. But in the case of love… I don't know.
Musings
Right now, they’re probably…
I’m bored.
Two sides of the same coin…
After this, I need to…
Am I reading too much into it…?
Um, Watari is…
I thought I’d calculated every possibility, but this…
Somewhere, they must also be…
I’d say it was about 70% right now…
Maybe tonight…
I’ll have to test that theory next time.
Mmm…
Thank you for that, Watari.
If I start to lose my touch… I guess I’ll retire.
Another day, another mystery…
I wonder if Watari’s asleep?
What could Watari be up to?
The plan for today is… right.
I have a lot of thinking to do.
50%… No, 30%.
Come to think of it… That’s right.
Um… Nothing to report.
I should ask Watari about it next time.
I feel like doing some capoeira…
I haven't played tennis for a while.
Watari will explain the details.
Don’t you have stuff to do?
The weather today is… Well, it matters not.
I, um… No, ignore me.
I’m not really sure what to say, but thanks.
Dislikes
Did I enjoy it? Let me just say “no comment”.
I don’t really understand what your intentions are, but thanks.
You seem to have an ulterior motive.
To tell you the truth, there are many other things I would have preferred.
I think I would have preferred something else… Oh, please don't be offended.
“I wish I’d never tried it”, but… please don’t take it personally.
Is this how it tastes? I see. I think I would have… No, it’s fine.
I’m quite positive that’s… Well, I’ll let it slide.
That aside, I do prefer… No, never mind.
[F/N], I hate to say this, but I really would have preferred something else.
[F/N], you must know that I was hoping for something else, right?
[F/N]… It’s not my favorite but, it made me really happy.
About sweets
Ah, a sugar cube…
A cute light-blue lollipop. Has a refreshing soda taste.
(about Shiruku) This is the taste of a Japanese winter.
(about cherries) …I tied it together.
Ah… Ham and melon?
You brought a parfait? Very interesting.
Wait… So that’s what it’s all about.
The balance was just right, I enjoyed it.
Ah, this is soft serve ice cream?
I normally eat the outside first.
I ate the leaf as well.
Vanilla, huh? The classic approach.
I really like this flavor.
It’s extremely sweet.
Mint Choc Chip? I wasn’t expecting that.
It’s not my birthday, but…
The crunchy cone is nice too.
I licked the wrapper too.
I reckon today’s an ice cream day.
In England, they call it “jelly”.
Ah, a Mont Blanc?|I can’t say I was expecting that.
It tastes better if you give it a good stir.
The color of a cooked crepe depends on the amount of sugar in it.
I heard that the white strings that come from the peel are good for you.
I heard that it originally came to Japan through China.
A doughnut in its purest form. Its simple but delicious taste is impossible to tire of.
I think the word “doughnut” sounds better than “donut”.
You do realize I’m a man, don’t you? Well, I’ll accept the chocolate anyway.
A luxurious and fragrant crepe with juicy pieces of ripe melon.
Bittersweet marmalade makes this crepe a bit more mature.
Colorful, cute dango. Three flavors on one stick.
I was just thinking that I really fancied one.
If you eat it too fast, you get brain freeze.
Rum and raisin, hm? Rum is primarily made from sugar cane, isn’t it?
Ah, birthday cake. Is it your birthday today?
A special oversized Valentine's chocolate made with love. (might be an item description)
Come to think of it, I don’t suppose chashu pork and watermelon would make a very good pair.
Chocolate Swirl Ice Cream? My eyes are drawn into the pattern.
The dango are squishy, but the sharp point of the skewer can be used as a weapon.
Do you think the rumor about the everlasting lollipop is just an urban legend?
In French, “choux” translates to “cabbage”. Not that it really matters.
Cravings
I want something to eat.
Sweets… My sugar fix…
It’s late. I can feel a craving coming on.
My rational processing is powered by sugar…
I’m waiting for my midnight snack.
Thank you. It was delicious.
I want to feel 100% refreshed.
I guess you could call it a favorite of mine.
The sun’s set. I’m in the mood for something sweet.
It’s lunch time. I can feel my mouth watering.
It’s the kind of morning that makes me crave sweets.
I want a midnight snack so badly…
That was right up my alley. I really appreciate it.
Noon… My brain is telling me I need something sweet.
I can’t focus at all this morning. I need some food.
I want some food so badly I can almost taste it.
Both my mind and body are craving a mid-morning snack.
It’s noon. Something to keep my mouth company… Ah no, I wasn’t trying to suggest anything.
I can't stay awake any more without sweets.
