It's Puzzling by blackdragonflower

Summary: Near is staying inside to work on his puzzle yet again. As always Linda asks him if he's going to come outside and he says no. Today, she decides to join him inside. Cute fluff between Linda and Near. LindaxNear

Characters belong to Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata

Rated PG

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"Near... are you going to come outside?" Linda questioned some art materials in hand.

"..." Near continued to put the pieces of the puzzle together. "No." Linda looked around then brought herself into the room and sat across from the albino looking boy. He looked up quizically.

"You don't mind if I sketch in here do you?" Near shook his head no.

Click... clack... The puzzle pieces fit together. Linda put the small canvas in her lap and tapped her lip with the end of her sketching pencil. She watched Near for a little moment, then began to draw. Graphite formed lines, and lines connected eventually form a picture. Linda was a little shocked when Near spoke up. His voice matched his personality, calculating, questioning. "Linda why are you staying inside with me today? I was under the assumption you liked being outdoors."

Linda blushed slightly but smiled. "I know you don't need the company but..." The girl sighed. How was she to explain?

"You like me don't you Linda?" Near looked up from the puzzle, his eyes boring into hers for answers that he wanted.

"Well... I... yes." Linda admitted. "I do like you Near..." Linda looked down and finished shading in the chin of the drawing before she sighed. The picture of Near she had drawn stared up at her, just like the real Near had been a moment ago, puzzled.

"..." The sound of puzzle pieces clicking together returned to focus.

"Near... I think you're a wonderful person. I know you have what it takes to be L's successor. And..." Linda looked at him smiling, "don't ever change who you are Near..." She leaned over and kissed the top of his forehead. He didn't respond to her just continued with the large, and complex puzzle. Linda took her things and left Near alone with his puzzle.

Near put the tips of his fingers to his forehead where Linda had kissed him. It tingled with a tickling sensation. He felt something in his gut he'd never felt before. Near sighed and finished the last of the puzzle. He knew he could never return her love. And once again, the pieces were spilled apart, and he started over.