Near was one of the best at the Wammy's House. Actually, he was the best. And he knew it. He wouldn't be one of L's successors if he wasn't. That didn't mean he was cocky, no, actually he was far from it. He was never cocky. He never said anything, actually. He didn't feel the need to. Words weren't as important as actions. Words are falsely used and can cause more dramatic explosion.

That example being Mello. The exact opposite of Near. From their appearances. To their work ethics. Nothing was the same for either of them. Mello loved sweets, while Near had a liking for sour foods. It was just one, of a million things their were opposites of.

But only one thing was what they both had a similar too. Becoming L's successor. It was a want they both strive for. One that fueled Mello's hatred towards Near. And Near's distance away from other children at the Wammy's House. But, Near was fine with that. Because Near didn't need people. People held emotions that make their minds unclear.

Puzzles were good enough.

"Don't you ever get dressed? I mean really, how old are you? Five?" Mello's usually ice cold voice broke through Near's concentration. It was like this everyday. The same attics. The same voice. And almost the same insults. It was wasted energy from Mello's end. He could use that energy to work harder. But he didn't. Because he used it to try to provoke Near.

Near didn't say a word. He just continued to work on his pure white puzzle. He had the outer boarder done. He just had to put together the inner part. It would be simpler if Mello wasn't here. He usually doesn't bother Near more than the first two insults. But today. Unknowingly to Near, Mello was on a mission to torment Near to his breaking.

Because Mello's heart was shattered. By L. L, the man he looked up to and strove his hardest to become his successor. The man he wanted to become. His example. But that image was shattered. Because of the white haired boy. The one with the dark gray eyes and the abnormal calmness.

He ruined everything. He ruined Mello's dream. His life goal. His...Everything.

But Near didn't know this fact...Yet.

And that is why Near continued working on the puzzle. Holding a small jaded white piece in his left hand, and twirling a strand of his choppy white hair in his right hand. He didn't even glance at Mello. But if he did, he would see the fire blazing in his dark blue eyes.

But he would also see the pain breaking out at the edges.

"Come on, Robot? You got nothing to say? Pathetic, really." Mello spat, his words thick with poison. He was burning with hatred. Near could feel the environment change drastically. He calculated wrong. This wasn't like the other times. Something was off. Something was making this much more different.

But Near hasn't put together the puzzle yet. The puzzle of Mello's anger, today.

This time Near did glance up at Mello. His deep gray eyes showed a speck of cuirousity. But that was all that was revealed from Near. Because Near didn't show his emotions...Because, quite frankly, Near didn't have any emotions for anything. He did his job well as one of the successors for L. He figured out missions and puzzles that most couldn't even understand at a glance.

But he held no attachment for people or things. Other than his puzzles and toys. But even with those, they were just used to pass the time. He wasn't even human, most would say. Some would say he was born without emotions. Some would say he is a robot, like Mello just mentioned.

Others would say nothing at all. Because, you can't know someone if they don't speak to you. Or anyone, at all.

"Don't tell me you don't know? You have to know. I bet you are happy now! Knowing you won!" Mello's voice went sarcastic, as his eyes blazed more brightly. Near was right. Something was off with Mello. This whole spat was off. Because there was a darker ring around it. And Near had a thought of what happened.

Mello had a meeting with L. Which is something that rarely happens. L never visits the orphanage. Unless it's very serious or important.

And if it had anything to do with Mello's outburst...Near knew it had to do with the successor. And that L made his decision. Near won. Near was named L's successor. Which meant...Mello's hard work was shattered. And so was his passion to become the best. Because he wasn't the best. The robot was.

And for some unknown reason...

Near felt something. For the first time since he was dropped off at the Wammy's House.

He felt a ping of pain...For Mello.

"I'm sorry, Mello." His first words that held emotion.

And they were for Mello.

TBC

Well this is my first story, so sorry for how short it is! I promise the next chapter will be longer. This is just the beginning of how everything for Near and Mello will change. The writing may change, it may not. We'll see.

So thank you all for reading. And taking the time out of your day. It means a lot.

Bye. :)