Near's eyes couldn't focus right. His eyes wouldn't tell him up from down, couldn't remember left from right. He sat with his eyes staring straight ahead at the pile of dice. Word of Mello's disappearance were everywhere in the orphanage. He knew that the blond boy would have left eventually, with his side-kick of course. He'd never expected for him to leave so soon after his idol's death, without Matt.

His eyes cleared as he felt a tear roll down his cheek. His hand touched his face, as if he questioned the tears. He knew though. He knew their reason. He looked into his lap, allowing more of the warm liquid to fall from his eyes.

The blond hadn't spoken with anyone before he'd left, besides Near when he'd told him he could take over. That wasn't what he'd wanted though. Near had wanted Mello to stay beside him and catch Kira together. He knew Mello though. Instead, though, he'd left, probably catching the last bus and hopping the last train. Grey eyes glanced up at foggy orange goggles. Sniffling pathetically, he swallowed and glanced away.

"It's not your fault," the red-head said, pushing up the useless eye-gear.

Using a sleeve, he brushed off the last of his tears and shook his head. "Oh, but it is, Matt. I'm the reason he didn't say good-bye."

The red-head shrugged. "Maybe he just didn't know how to say it."

-----

Standard disclaimers apply.
Inspiration: "How To Say Goodbye" by Paul Tiernan
Written because my heart needed it.
Note: If there are any mistakes, let me know. I am currently searching for a beta.