AN: I apologize for not updating sooner, but you have to understand that I was so busy stressing myself over what gifts to give to my family and friends for this Christmas season. Lol And I haven't been able to write/type another chapter since I accidentally cut my index finger. It was quite a deep cut, and it swelled for almost a week. (Perhaps it was due to the infection or something.) It's good it healed already.

Anyway, I am really happy that you seemed to like the first two chapters of the story, and I do hope you'd like this chapter as well. For some strange reason, I enjoy writing this fic more than my other fics. Although, I love writing SALIGIA, there are times when I just can't think of more interesting scenes to write. Haha Forgive me for that. So, here is the new chapter, and I hope to read more reviews from you. Thank you to all those who left reviews, and of course for the faves.

Chapter 3: Nate River

When Light opened the door to his room, he was surprised to see the familiar form of Near, with his one hand clutching a robot and the other playing with his curly hair. He walked inside and sat on the swivel chair facing his desk, and turned it around so that he was facing the boy who was sitting on his bed.

"What is this visit for, Near?" He asked, gently, knowing that the boy won't speak unless he initiates the conversation. He should be feeling irritated since Near invaded his room without asking permission, but he just can't feel any resentment towards the boy's violation.

Near continued twirling his curly hair and stared at him for a while, perhaps debating with himself as to what to say to him. It was puzzling since he knew Near doesn't usually carefully choose his words. Although the boy doesn't use vulgar language as Mello does, he knew the boy has a tendency to speak what he's thinking, disregarding tact.

"I already know about Ryuuzaki-sensei. I went to ask him about it and he did not deny it." Near finally replied.

Light was taken aback at the sudden confession, but he made no move to indicate his shock. He knew Near was capable of finding out the information, but he never expected it to be so fast. It has only been two days since his confrontation with Ryuuzaki and he was quite sure the said detective was amused by the sudden second confrontation.

"Hmm. So, what about it? He invited you to work with him on the case as well?" He replied, trying to hide the curiosity in his voice. Although he knew Near was too perceptive to fall for something like that.

"Yes." Near replied.

Light felt a little irritated. He was expecting the answer but still he felt annoyed that L just invited Near as well to the investigation.

He nearly froze.

What? Did he want to work with L alone?

"Although, Ryuuzaki-sensei said I should not spend too much time in his room, since most of his time should be spent privately with you." Near suddenly said, jolting Light out of his thoughts. He abruptly turned to stare at the white-haired boy in front of him, and wasn't surprised to see the small smile. He felt his cheeks flare up and he desperately tried to fight it. Near just continued to smile at him.

"H-he said that?! That bastard!" He hissed, averting his gaze.

"He said he'd meet us later after PE class. Although he said we could spend the lunch break for the case. You've read the case files?"

Light jerked his thumb towards his laptop, which was on his desk behind him.

"Yeah. He sent me those last night. He'd probably send you those later." He replied, thankful for the sudden diversion.

Near nodded.

There was an awkward silence that followed, although Light was already used to it. Conversations with Near always have this one point when the words just skid to a halt, leaving an awkward fleeting silence. He doesn't like pointless conversations very much, so he preferred it that way.

"Light."

Light raised an eyebrow at the boy.

"I don't want to attend Mr. Fitzgerald's class." Near said, earning a chuckle from him.

"Me, either. You want me to take care of it?"

He watched as the boy smiled fully, and he can't help smiling widely as well.

"I'll help you." Near replied, and he just nodded in understanding.

"Of course. Maybe Mello and Matt would like to participate as well." He said, chuckling.

Near nodded again, before standing up. Light just watched as the boy slowly proceeded towards the door. Near inclined his head to look back at him and smiled at him again.

"In return, I will give you more private time with Ryuuzaki-sensei."

Light blushed, and glared at the still smiling boy.

"Mello and Matt are really bad influences on you." He simply said, gesturing for the boy to leave the room already.

Near just gave him a knowing smile before bolting out of the room.

Light stared at the door for a while before standing up and going to his bed. He lied down and stared at the ceiling. He knew Near was teasing him, and he certainly knew the implications of his words. Near was somehow insinuating that there was something going on with him and L.

He should really blame L for it since the detective threw that suggestive statement at the boy. Whoever knew L was gay? He chuckled at the thought. Perhaps the queer detective was bisexual or something like that. He couldn't really picture out L chasing after boys only. Perhaps L was the type who appreciates beauty regardless of gender? Maybe that's it. He was like that in many ways. Although he haven't actually tried going out with boys. There were times that he thought that boys were more attractive than girls. Especially when they have brilliant minds as well.

His thoughts drifted back to the white haired boy. They weren't exactly what you call best friends. He doesn't usually talk with him that much, although they somehow share a certain bond. They never share secrets or whatsoever, and he wasn't planning on having a certain someone to share those with. He was a man of secrets, and Near, being the perceptive one, knew it too well. And wasn't interested in knowing them. That is precisely the reason why he liked hanging with him. Also the reason why he hangs out with Mello and Matt. The two could care less about his past or his secrets. And he wasn't that curious about them either.

They were alike in many ways. All four of them have no family left. At least that's what they know. They were all orphans, and they never asked each other about it. They enjoy their life today, and whatever happened in their own pasts would remain buried in their own beings forever. That was the silent rule they established in this little circle they formed. They could be curious, but never too curious.

Sometimes, he wondered whether Near do actually feel lonely. Near was what? Thirteen years old? He knew Near was already here since he was small. How small, he wasn't sure. But he was sure Near was already an orphan when he was still a very young child. Sometimes, he could feel something akin to pity for the kid. That may be the reason why he was always gentle with him. He wanted to treat Near as a little brother, but he doesn't. Because he knew the efforts are futile. Both of them don't need someone to cling on to.

There were times when he felt Near wanted to tell him everything. What that 'everything' is, he had an idea, but it was too troublesome to think about it. Living here in this kind of school has its own ups and downs. He was not exactly thankful that they've met. Although he was a little glad about it. He wasn't sure whether it was the human nature kicking in. It may sound pathetic, but sometimes, he knew he could be one. Although a lot of times, he refused to believe it.

The sound of the bell ringing brought him out of his thoughts. Classes were about to start, and he had always been particular about being on time.

He got up from the bed, straightened both the crumples on his sheets and his shirt. He went inside the bathroom for a while to see his reflection. After making sure he looked perfect, he grabbed a pen and a small notebook from his desk and walked out of the room.
He walked down the hallway and saw Near coming out of his own room. Near saw him and nodded in greeting, and he smiled at the boy. The boy smiled back and waited for him before walking with him. The boy was clutching another puzzle board.

He stared at the puzzle for a while then spoke,

"Want me to make you a new puzzle?"

The boy looked startled, then smiled at him.

"Yeah, sure. Just make it a little more challenging, please."

He chuckled, and he brought a hand to pat the boy's head, surprising both Near and himself. He slowly withdrew his hand, and they silently prodded down the hall. They were about to go inside the room, when Near turned to face him.

"I… liked the gesture." The boy said, surprising Light once more.

He smiled again at the boy and raised one hand to pat the boy's head again. As he watched Near make his way towards his seat, he silently told himself that maybe treating Near like a little brother isn't as futile as he thought.

After all, having a little brother who is the best after him seemed great.

He was Light Yagami — the best.

And the best could not settle for less.

--

"Why is Light-kun being silent today?" Light heard L ask, and he glanced quickly at the detective who was staring at him intently before turning his attention to his laptop once more.

It was lunch break, and he was here in L's room reading some of the files related to the case they were investigating. He wasn't exactly being silent or anything, he just doesn't want to talk to L.

"Is Light-kun mad at me?" He heard L ask again, and he chose to ignore the man. He tried to ignore the intent stare, but it only made him more uncomfortable. He tried to immerse himself in reading the files, but L's heavy gaze on him wouldn't allow him.

He abruptly turned to face the man beside him and sent a glare towards him.

"Aren't you going to work? Don't just stare at me like that. I can't concentrate." He replied, using the coldest voice he could muster.

L smiled at him.

"Why is Light-kun mad at me?" L asked again, and Light felt the irritation rise in his system.

He simply sent another glare at the man and then turned his attention to his laptop once more. After a few moments of silence, he sighed loudly. He knew L won't stop pestering him about it. Really, the man could be annoyingly stubborn.

"Near talked to you." He started, and before L could open his mouth to reply, he added, "And you fed him suggestive remarks, you bastard."

L blinked at him, then smiled.

"Oh, I find it puzzling that Light-kun is mad at me because of that. Perhaps Near is teasing him endlessly?" L replied, and seeing the look on his face added, "Oh. He is teasing you indeed."

He glared at the man who was looking quite amused at the situation.

"Yes, he's teasing me, that brat. But I'm not mad at you for that."

L raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, is it okay for me to assume that Light-kun is mad at me because I invited Near to the investigation as well? Oh never worry Light-kun, I made it clear to Near that he should give us more private time together."

"I am not worried about that, you bastard!" He roared, earning a chuckle from L. He knew his cheeks are red again, and he cursed his pale skin for that. "I'm not mad at you, L."

"So why is then Light-kun giving me the silent treatment?"

"You're not my friend, L. And I am not planning to include you in my circle, either." He replied, ending the conversation.

He saw something akin to hurt flash in the obsidian orbs but the man quickly masked it with another stoic expression. He knew he was being rude, but it was the truth. He could not be friends with L. He knew being friends with L would allow L to dig more about that certain fragment of his past. He wasn't going to allow L to uncover it.

"Light-kun is afraid that I would know something about him that he had already buried in the past." L said, and he froze.

He laughed, wishing that the slight tremble in his voice wouldn't give away his emotions.

"You're saying nonsense again."

"Light-kun knows I don't speak nonsense." L simply replied, and he chose to say nothing in return. "Of course, I already know about all of the pasts of the students here especially yours and the rest of the infamous four. But there is one fragment of your past that you have hidden well enough. Something related to a homeroom teacher or something." L continued.

Light said nothing. It was useless to deny something that they both know is true.

"If one could not remember the steps he took while reaching for a destination, he would die trying to resist the urge to look back, not reaching his destination at all."

Light stared straight into those obsidian orbs, wondering where he found the courage to do that.

"Then he is an idiot for not looking back. He could have reached it if he did not resist it." He replied.

L nodded.

"Of course. But if you're that person, would you have looked back?"

He said nothing. He watched as L shifted his attention to his own laptop. He stared as L started reading the files. He knew L wasn't paying too much attention to what he's reading. He knew L was still waiting for him to speak.

"I won't." He said, making L turn again to look at him. "But that doesn't mean I'm an idiot."

"Of course, Light-kun." L replied, and they both fell silent, the sound of the occasional tapping on the keyboard left in the background.

--

Near arrived half an hour before the end of the lunch break. If he had sensed the unexplainable silence reigning in the room, Light wasn't sure. Near was carrying his own laptop, while carrying a robot with his other hand. The boy headed towards him and L, and he nodded gesturing for the boy to sit down in the empty swivel chair next to him.

"I am assuming that you have eaten enough, Near?" L asked, and the boy smiled at him, before nodding.

"You certainly took your time. I'm sure it's Mello's doing." Light simply said, and he heard the white-haired boy sighed in reply.

"He was blaming me for a lost chocolate bar again. As if I'd enter his filthy room." Near said, "I was having a hard time dealing with him. I can't actually let him follow me here, but he was pestering me."

Light raised an eyebrow. It would be bad if Mello would find out about L that way.

"So? What did you do?" Light asked, halting in his work. He saw L glance at the boy curiously.

"I didn't do anything, actually. Your ex-girlfriend happened to bump into Mello, and I sneaked out of the cafeteria while they were bickering."

Light chuckled.

"And Mr. Jeevas?" L asked.

Near turned to look at the detective.

"He was there as well." Near replied, "He didn't notice me leave since he was too busy calming Mello down."

"What's the name of Light-kun's ex-girlfriend?" L suddenly asked, making Light abruptly turn to look at him. He glared at the man and mouthed at him to stop it, but the detective ignored him and waited for Near's answer.

Near looked at the brunette beside him, smiled, then transferred his gaze to the detective beside the seething brunette.

"Hmm. Something like Xieyu or Xiezu. I'm not really sure. I don't really see her as something worthy of my attention." Near replied, and Light turned his glare towards the boy.

"It's Xiao Yu. She's Chinese, Near. And she's sixth in the rankings. How come you don't know her? She's our classmate, for Pete's sake." Light replied, feeling irritated at the amused expression plastered on both of his companions' faces.

"I only know the top five."

Light only sighed in reply.

"Why did Light-kun date her? I would assume he would date the number 5." L said, smiling at Light. Light gave him another glare in return.

"Light doesn't like her that much. Light says she has hygiene problems." Near replied.

L raised an eyebrow at Light.

"Hygiene problems, Light-kun?"

"She has mild halitosis." Light simply replied, making L chuckle.

"Good thing I don't have it." L said, still chuckling.

Light raised a brow at the detective.

"You don't?"

L pouted.

"Of course not, Light-kun. I eat sweets a lot, so I brush my teeth regularly." L replied, and Light couldn't help but smile.

"Good. Because if not, I'm not going near you again."

L laughed, but said nothing.

Light turned to look at Near who was now busy reading the case files L sent him. He turned to his own laptop and started working as well. He knew L went back to work, as well, leaving an unexplainable air of silence again.

Minutes passed and the three of them just worked silently, not bothering to start a conversation again. Light glanced at hic computer clock and saw that it was only ten minutes before the class starts again. He watched as Near closed his laptop and got up from his seat. Near looked at him, then at L.

"You still have ten more minutes. I already gave you an hour before I went here. I hope that's enough." Near said, seriously. Light didn't know if he should laugh or glare at the boy. He chose to maintain an expressionless face.

"Thank you, Near." L replied, and Light rolled his eyes but said nothing in return.

Near nodded at them before slowly making his way out of the room. He turned to close the programs on his screen as well.

"He's a good kid, isn't he, Light-kun?" L asked. Light closed his laptop and glanced at the man.

"I guess. I'm not sure. He's not naughty, but he isn't exactly an angel, either."

"But you like him, no?"

Light stared at him for a while before shrugging.

"Yeah. I guess."

L smiled at that.

"Hmm. Light-kun can be a good older brother, I know." L said, making Light raise an eyebrow. "He is surprisingly gentle with Near."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yes." L said, "Do you confide in him, Light-kun?"

Light ran his fingers on top of his laptop, wiping the invisible dusts present.

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't need it." He replied, "We both don't need it."

He felt L's intent gaze on him again.

"Maybe you just think you both don't need it." L said, "Is it that hard for you to confide in another person, Light-kun?"

"Well, do you do it, huh?" He asked back.

"No. I haven't done it even once." L replied.

"Then that answers your question." L said nothing. Light continued, "I've read once in a book that things seen by anybody isn't that important at all."

"So you think if you tell someone something important about you, it would make that part of you less important?"

Light stared blankly at the desk, and began tracking the dents present on it.

"No." He finally replied. "It means I have decided to make it less important. Which is a sad thing to do, since an important part of one's self should remain important forever."

He saw L bite his thumb out of the corner of his eye.

"But you're not going to just tell it to anybody." L replied.

Light stopped moving his hands.

"Of course." He replied, then started tracking the dents once more. "But it doesn't matter who that someone is. I will still feel the same."

"I know what you're saying, because I do feel the same."

Light glanced at L quickly but said nothing, urging him to go on.

"I don't usually talk with other people, so it is understandable that I won't confide in anyone, either." L continued, earning a faint chuckle from him.

"I'm not surprised to hear it." He said.

L simply smiled at him.

"But it did cross my mind that perhaps it would be great to have someone whom I can talk to freely." L said, "Didn't it cross your mind even once, Light-kun?"

He stared at L.

"It certainly did. I am still a human being, after all."

L nodded.

"But like me, you did not do something about it. Why not, Light-kun?"

He averted his gaze and stared at his fingers who were still tracking the dents on the desk.

"Because like I said, I felt that if I would allow a person to be someone I could talk to, I feel like something important about me would be lost. And of course, it would mean I decided it to be lost."

He saw L shift a little and started closing the programs on his screen. Light continued to stare at his fingers although his peripheral vision is more active at the moment. L closed his laptop before facing him.

"So why is Light-kun telling me all these?"

Light looked up to stare at the detective's eyes. The eyes were asking, but not in a curious way, but something else. The question was asking a lot of questions and he was afraid that his answer could answer a lot as well.

"Because I have decided that they are less important for me anymore." He answered. He knew it wasn't the right answer.

L did not avert his gaze. He just continued staring at him, as if waiting for him to blurt out the right answer. But he did not oblige.

"So it is okay to tell Near about this? Or Mello? Or Matt?"

"No." He replied, quickly, but not too quickly.

"Then tell me, Light-kun." L started, "If these are less important now, do you think I have decided to make them less important to me as well because I told you the things I told you?"

"How should I know? You should know it, not me." He replied.

"Then I am telling you Light-kun, that I am the same as you. That I think that I have decided to make these things less important to me as well." L said. Light didn't know what to say, and so he remained silent. L seemed to understand it and continued, "But I did not regret it. Did you, Light-kun?"

Light finally averted his gaze, feeling that L's stare was piercing his soul, and he was afraid that L would find the answers he was seeking for.

"No… I guess."

L finally stopped staring at him and stood up from his swivel chair.

"I believe we are already five minutes late." L said, making Light stand up as well. He followed L out of the room and walked down the hallway in silence. They were nearing the classroom when L halted in his steps and turned to face him. He stopped as well, silently asking the man what the problem was.

"Light-kun should not hesitate to decide. It was my first time deciding, Light-kun. And I am glad I chose you as that 'someone'." L said, smiling.

Light said nothing. L started walking again, and he just silently followed.

He was feeling a little light headed and he's not sure why. He felt as if some big question inside his head was answered, and it felt kinda great. He knew it was because of something L had said. He still doesn't consider L as a friend, but he knew he isn't a stranger to him either. After that small talk, he knew he and L aren't student and teacher anymore. But they aren't friends either. So what does that make them?

He left the question unanswered. It was better to leave it hanging than began pondering about it a bit more. He knew it would just make his head ache.

Besides, he still has some curious stares and knowing smiles to endure. And of course some glares to send to the detective at fault.

--

Thank you for reading. How was it? Please leave reviews if you liked the chapter. I am actually in an angst mood right now due to some good book I've read and some piano pieces I've heard. Haha I do hope you liked the chapter. I like it, and I am quite satisfied with it. I wanted to write a chapter about a stressing day for L due to the infamous four but like I said, I happened to read the book, and listen to some sad pieces. Perhaps I'd write it in the next chapter. It is Mello's chapter, after all. Haha