A/N: So this will be a series of oneshots, I guess. And yes, Mello and Near will get together eventually.
This is the first fic I've written in months. I had a major case of writers block, so hope it's not too bad. Oh, and sorry about the shitty title. Enjoy :D
Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note.
Mello sat in his room, puzzling over the homework that the students had been given the previous day. No matter which way he looked at it, he couldn't find the solution. He didn't understand, and the harder he tried to work it out, the more frustrated he got.
"Fuck!" The blond banged his hands down on the desk. This was why he always came second to Near. Always. Mello let his emotion get in the way, and that was his problem. He couldn't think straight with anger and frustration clouding his mind, couldn't see the solution that was right in front of him.
Mello took a deep breath and tried to concentrate. It didn't work. Frustration still seethed in the corner of his mind. Some of it was directed at Near for always beating him, but mostly it was aimed at himself. He had to get this homework done, otherwise his rank would drop, and then he would be even further away from his goal of beating Near. As much as it disgusted him, Mello knew what he had to do. Just this once, he had to ask Near for help.
Gritting his teeth, Mello picked up his homework and walked down the hall to Near's room. He knocked softly on the door.
"Near?" There was no answer, so Mello pushed the door open, peering into the room. Near was sitting cross-legged on the floor, playing with two toy robots. "Near." The blond stepped into the room, shutting the door with a snap. Near gazed up at him with pale eyes, tilting his head to the side.
"Yes? What does Mello want?"
"Uh…" He shifted uncomfortably. "How did you do yesterday's homework?" The white-haired boy stared up at Mello for a moment before standing and shuffling over to his desk.
"Here." He pushed a piece of paper at Mello. The blond studied it for a few seconds, then handed it back.
"I see." Near nodded. Hovering awkwardly by the doorway, Mello tried to smile. "Um, thanks." He turned to leave, but felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Mello." Steadily, he turned to face Near.
"What?" The pale boy stared seriously up at Mello.
"If you want to succeed, you have to learn to control your emotions. Anger leads to bad judgement." Mello balled his hands into tight fists.
"That's none of your business! I'll do what I want. I'm not taking advice from you, Near!" He stormed out the door, slamming it behind him. Near shook his head sadly, returning to his neglected robots.
"Mello could succeed, if only he learned to control himself."
A/N: Reviews are much appreciated! Next chapter will be up soon (maybe).