A/N: This is an L and Near bonding fic written for my lovely unicorn daughter, who is also Near! Aly, I hope you like it.
Theme: Family
L didn't know what it was like to have a family; he didn't even know what it was like to have friends, so of course the idea of a family was something he knew he would never be familiar with.
He didn't mind this, for he had one purpose, and that was to ensure that justice was served to those who did wrong. He had no need for a family, nor did he have a need for friends.
Those training to be his successor are different stories. He didn't know how each and every one felt, but they were all orphaned and some would not see things the way he did.
Nate River is no exception.
Oh, of course he did not let that show; he was first in line to succeed L, after all. He made it seem as if people were something he did not need, which was why, even though he was lonely, he would ignore people when they asked for him to go play, he would turn everyone away. He had no friends because even though he was lonely, he would never let it show.
It was a great façade and nobody saw through it…other than L.
"You know, it's alright," he says to the boy. "I can't say that I understand what it's like to crave human interaction, but there's nothing wrong with you wanting that."
Near is silent for a moment; he is not sure how to respond. He considers denying it, but this is L and he will surely see through it because L knows everything.
"I do, but it wouldn't do me any good. The other children are different than me. They are less concentrated on their goals, they care more for playing then studying."
"Is that not normal for children?"
"Yes, but I would expect them to be different…they are here after all."
"One would assume that children are children wherever they go…but Mello is very concentrated on his goals…such as beating you."
"Mello is an impulsive fool. He hates me anyway. Also, he found companionship in Matt."
"You are lonely, though. You have no family, no friends and you are lonely. You have no one."
Near thinks about this, and says something he swore he would not say to his hero. "I have you."
The two do not speak of this conversation again, but both remember it. L could say that Near was his first friend and Near could say the same, but this is incorrect.
The more correct way to describe their relationship is to say that they were family.
A/N: I'll have you know I don't like Near, but Aly does and I am the L in our school and she is the Near. I will probably do a Mello one as a present for my friend Catherine.