Hide And Seek
By Andruindel
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"Near, where are you?"
There was no reply. Not that L had really expected one. Even Near, at the young age of six years knew better than to speak when playing hide and seek. Mello, on the other hand, was a different story. L heard a muffled snicker, and turned on the spot, casting around for the source of the noise.
"Alright, Mello, I know you're here somewhere."
Another snicker, and then L let his eyes rest on a huge armchair, behind which Mello was hiding. L made his way toward the armchair, in his usual slouched position, and peered around the chair, smiling lightly when he spotted Mello. The boy, barely over eight years old, sat with his back to the chair, and his shoulders hunched. It looked like he thought L couldn't find him.
With a smile touching his lips, L touched Mello's shoulder. "I find you, Mello." He said softly.
"Dang it!" Mello frowned, and stood up, glaring at L.
L knew better than to tell Mello it was just a game. To the young blonde, it was more than just a game. It was another chance for him to prove that he was better than Near. And L had yet to find Near.
Without a word, L continued looking around the library. But Near was no where to be found. Finally, L came to a stop in the center of the room, nonplussed. Where on earth could Near have been?
Mello, slouched in the armchair he had previously been hiding behind, smirked. "I know something you don't know." He said slowly, torturously.
L turned to the boy.
Mello's smirk widened. "I know where Near is hiding. But you have to give up, or I wont' tell you."
L considered for a long moment, his dark eyes meeting those of the boy. Finally, he shrugged. "Very well." He said carelessly. "I give up."
Before Mello could reveal his secret, a small voice, belonging to a child, piped up from a corner of the room.
"Does that mean I win?"
L turned only his eyes to look at Near. The small boy peered from behind the curtains, a curious look on his face. One of his small hands had closed on a fistful of the curtains, and he looked hopeful.
A smile crossed L's face, and he dropped to his knees. The boy dashed forward and into his arms. "Yes, Near, you win." L said softly.
Noting the sour look on Mello's face, L opened his arms again, inviting Mello to share the embrace. After a moment's hesitation, Mello approached, and was pulled into L's arms.
"Are you two hungry?" L asked.
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Yes, it's another one-shot featuring L, Near and Mello. I just love how cute Near is when he's little. xD Expect more from me. The more I see of Near, the more I learn to like him. So, thanks for reading, and please review.