Disclaimer: *mumbles* I do not own Death Note nor its characters...RAAAGE! D:

When it came to burying emotions, Near had long ago surpassed the title "professional." He had risen above all other aloof characters who had eventually showed their fears, weaknesses, and emotions (although Near couldn't differentiate the three) and became seemingly the most indifferent. It took much training and practice, and very few managed to pull this fake personality off. After all, it was rather difficult. You couldn't smile when your spirits were lifted or when your heart was warmed, you couldn't cry when you were upset, and you wouldn't dare scream if terrified. Even Near had troubles at first. But you see, he oozed something that the others didn't: stimulus.

Masking your true emotions was almost vital in solving any kind of case, including minor ones such as a small house robbing and mass murders such as the Kira incident. To be a successful detective, you must act based solely on knowledge. Also, the fragile child was always told that Mello only bullied him to "get a response out of" him. And so, he did the only logical thing: pursued his own interests, like L would have, and canceled out all reactions based on emotion.

Near had become a porcelain doll, one with flawless skin and snowy white hair.

This is why Near was number one, why he became L's successor. This is what caused Mello to stay awake at night, studying, although he would always be second best simply because he had emotions. Way too many, at that.

Perhaps if Mello had become a doll, he would have won.

A/N: Hey, look! It's not Matt/Mello fluff! XD Review please. c: