Firefly nights
AU because L didn't die and is still on the Kira Case. I want Near in Wammy's for this plot! xD
Always told out of Near's POV unless I say otherwise ^.^
Chapter 1
I always preferred silences. But when I started living in Wammy's house, it was quickly decided that I didn't have that much luck. I should count on noise every hour or two. I did live in the same building as Mello after all.
"Oi, sheep!" My door was thrown over and loudly made contact with the wall – I wonder if the impact of the thrust did something for damage.
"Yes, Mello?" I reply while not taking my eyes of my tower of carts. As expected, he kicked the tower and the cards flew to the ground slowly. Nonetheless, I refrained looking at him. If it was another bullying today I rather just ignore him.
"Roger told me to tell you your roommate arrived." Never beats around the bush, does he. Not exactly roommate though, we only share the same bathroom.
"He tells you to go down and meet her."
So it was a girl after all – I had never been informed about the gender of the new addition. Roger told us that she came from a fairly wealthy position, thus we lacked knowing the reason why she came here. Roger didn't tell us.
I got up slowly and leave the cards for what they were, knowing I'll clean them up later, before following Mello outside the door. "Where is she, then?" I asked quietly, my hand moving up to curl my hair.
Mello snorted. "Go find it for yourself, I ain't no messenger." Ah, typical Mello is always being stubborn. It wasn't hard to think this for myself; she would either be in Roger's office, her room or in the front hall.
I discarded the two first options and slowly made my way over to the stairs that would lead directly to the front hall. The room beside mine had been unoccupied for quite a while, and I was a little surprised when Roger told me that somewhere would reside in it as of today.
I stopped midway down from the stairs and sat down, looking at the girl. Frankly, there were a lot of children around her. They always seemed to get out of their cottages when someone new was here. Personally I did not like crowds or any form of it, so it was only natural I'd wait at the stairs.
"Children, calm down, please." Roger told the kids. "She might get frightened." To my surprise, Watari was behind the girl, petting her head in a comforting manner. I wasn't informed of Watari's arrival either. Wasn't he supposed to be in Japan with L?
It did look like he was leaving immediately. Perhaps only a short visit. As I had thought, Watari left soon and the girl looked around nervously, stepping a little closer to Roger.
Roger smiled and put a hand on her shoulder. "Children, this is Mai. Please treat her nicely." I observed her quietly while the children asked her questions and she awkwardly answered them. She had reddish brown hair until her shoulders, some locks pulled up with a tiny fake lily, and large blue eyes. I had to admit, she looked pretty. And also radiated 'rich'.
Well, only a little, I must not exaggerate. It might be the summer dress she was wearing and the silver lock hanging from her neck. She also bowed each time someone told her name.
I wonder what her talent is… perhaps artistic. Or mathematical, like myself and Mello. Maybe something more personal. I fiddle with my sleeve for a second before twirling my hair. I'd find out soon enough. As soon as the herd of children got ordered to go back to their classes and rooms, I descended from the stairs making sure not to trip over any discarded toys. At least I always cleared mine up.
"Ah, Near." Roger announced happily and pushed the girl, Mai, in front of himself. She looked at me nervously, a smile playing on her lips. "Mai, this is Near. He'll be in the room next to you, remember I told you?" She nodded.
"Near, I have matters to attend too. Will you be so kind to guide and introduce her?" Of course that had to happen. I really wanted to get back to my room to finish my towers – in silence.
"Sure Roger." I said monotonously, waiting for him to leave. Mai smiled at me awkwardly and looked around once more.
I turned around and randomly started to walk a way, eventually I'll end up somewhere important. "Come along." I murmured and Mai looked at me immediately and caught up with me. "Most of these hallways are rooms." I explain. "Always take two times left, one time right and one time left, and you'll end up in this space . Easy to remember." She nodded and muttered something I expected to be the instructions.
I stopped in front of the kitchen. "This is the kitchen. You won't need to go in here unless you missed a meal. Over there," I stopped and pointed to the only door that was in the hall straight forward. "Is the dining room. Breakfast is at half past eight, lunch at twelve and dinner at half past six." Maybe I was telling her too much and too fast, but she'd come and ask me or someone else if she didn't remember it.
"Wow, it's really strict, isn't it?" She softly said, more to herself I reasoned. I nod disinterestedly before continuing walking. "If you go up that stairs, you'll find the classrooms. Roger will show you them while you need to discuss which classes you are going to take." Thus I could leave those be, I happily thought while I walked over to another hallway. If I were new, he would've surely got lost without any introduction. But, Mai might not be as intelligent as him and forget most of it by the evening. "This is the library."
This continued for a good half an hour before I stopped at the common room. Hopefully Linda would take her of my shoulders for now… Was it rude to think that? I didn't dislike her but I just need a little time for myself now.
"This is the common room. It's a large space," I said and opened the door. "Where most of us spend time when it's not good weather outside."
Mai looked at the huge space and I wonder if she was indeed wealthy, if she had a room just as big as this and a common room three times the size of this one. If she had a house two times the size of this orphanage. But then again, maybe she was only a little wealthy.
I saw Linda standing up and waving at me, before smiling at Mai. I was grateful, but somehow felt I was being mean towards the new girl. I wouldn't know why though…
"Oi!" Oh great, Mello. I hope he doesn't traumatize her. "What'cha doing Neary?" Mello taunted with Matt behind him, his eyes glued to a red DS. I ignore the question. "Mai, these are Mello and Matt." I introduce her faintly when she shoots me a confused glance. I kept the 'look out for them' hided in my thoughts because they were actually here. Matt wouldn't hurt me, but Mello… you can insert your own thoughts there.
"Showing your girlfriend around? Isn't she cute." Mello laughed and bit off a piece of chocolate. I twirl my hair. "She's not my girlfriend and you know that. She's the new child you instructed me to go and see."
I shouldn't have said that, on second thought. Mello grabbed my collar and pulled me closer to him. I instantly heard Linda leave the room - to get Roger, probably.
"What's that, pipsqueak?" Mello threatened, his chocolate discarded in his pocket and his hand balled in a fist. I didn't reply and waited for a hit in my face patiently. I think my nose got used to the fact it would be dislocated every month.
"Stop it, please." Someone said softly and I see Mai's hand rest on Mello's arm, the one that held me. Mello snapped his eyes over to her, and I was surprised she didn't flinch. Linda would have.
"Don't tell me what to do." He sneered at her, releasing his hold on my harshly so I need to regain my balance. He towers over Mai with his 1 meter and 70 centimetres, but she didn't seem intimidated. However, she did look fragile and easy to break. Mello won't hurt girls though. Not physically, I hope.
She looked rather disappointed then scared and Mello started a staring contest before harrumphing and glaring harder at her. "The rules tell you to not mess with me, princess. Things might occur." He said and Mai blinked. "I'm sorry." She told him quietly before releasing his arm.
"I won't interfere with you again. But please don't bully people inferior to you."
That was an indirect insult. I guess I was inferior to Mello physically… but still. Truth came harsh.
"Mello?" Roger called out. "What's wrong?" He asked, his look turning to Mai. Mai smiled brightly at Roger. "Nothing Roger."
Indestructible, that's the word at how she told the lie so easily. I hope that wasn't her great ability, I tend to fall for lies when told honestly.
Roger nodded unsure and Mai put some extra on it. "I just made a new acquaintance. Right, Mello?"
Mello released his glare and bit of a piece of his chocolate. "…Right."
At least he didn't cause any more trouble. Roger left after a while and I sat down promptly after pulling out the white puzzle I stacked here the day before. And each time I solve it I remember myself to ask for a new one.
"Do you mind if I… watch you?" Mai suddenly asked, and I looked up to see that she escaped from the girl's wrath of Mello-questioning. Why the girls fancied Mello, I did not know. Matt was popular too, and I never inquired I was popular. I always kind off hoped not – it saved me social traumas.
"Do as you please." I reply after eyeing her for a second. I know there were more people who watched me when I solved yet another puzzle, but none of them actually asked me if I minded. Interesting. I might get along with this girl after all. If she wouldn't cling on me, that is.
Description as how the files at Wammy's tell them.
Pseudonym:Mai
Age:14 years.
Height:1 meter and 63 centimetres
Hair:Reddish brown
Eyes:Blue.
Date of Birth:18th September.
Nationality:French
Special information for reader: Loves ribbons, cinnamon, grapes, blue and sleeping out. Hates high heels, carrots, early hours, orange and selfish people.
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NEAR:
Age: 15 years
Height: 1 meter and 67 centimetres
R&R! :D