[Thief takes Time]

Chapter Four: Resentment

I still don't get it.

When Near said that the bird song we heard in the snow was not a real bird yesterday, I didn't get it at all. I mean, it sounded so real, but he was right when he said it didn't match any songs in the bird guide. Of course, it can definitely be another bird guide or the author accidently missed out a bird tune but those possibilities are just vain hopes of finding a match. As well as the guess of it being a new species, we haven't even seen the bird so that guess was put aside.

Then he pointed out something I did not catch, seriously, did this guy have some recording device stuck in his head? He described the tune as a hollow windy tune, like a wannabe bird that isn't really it. He also said the tune was rather soothing and he admitted he liked listening to it. Though he only heard it faintly, he had all these descriptions in his head like he heard it over and over before.

I'm still not exactly convinced with the idea of it being a fake bird song. I stared up at the ceiling of my room, lied down on my bed even though it is 2:00pm in the afternoon, "not a real bird…" I repeated to myself, "a hollow windy tune…" I tilted my head at the description, certainly Near must've heard wrong?

He sounded so positive he was probably correct, but I can't be for sure. I looked down at my whistle on my neck boredly, to be honest; I am bored all the time really. I took the wind instrument and blew a long flat note. I sighed and sat up, thinking this over was really eating into my studying time… then it hit me.

How could I have not realized it at first? It was so obvious! The whistle I have sounded like a train but it wasn't, the bird tune in the snow sounded like a bird but isn't. I can almost hear the gears clicking into the right place as I reasoned it out myself. A bird whistle!

Someone had been playing a bird whistle on the day I came here! The instrument was probably made out of wood as well, hand carved by the same professional like the one who carved me this whistle! That stranger, he must've given me these clues to tell me who he was! But a bird whistle? What is that supposed to tell me?

I shook my head and told myself I'll get to it later, but for now, I got to tell Near…

[o]o[o]o[o]o[o]

It was a clear path to the playroom, which was great because I did not want any distractions. As soon as I reached the playroom I rushed in without even bothering to knock, this place is basically for everyone anyways. As I rushed in, I first spotted the huge line of dominoes, about half done from what I'm seeing. The chain was so big I froze in awe for a second until Near faced me with a questioning look. I shook myself out of it, "a bird whistle!" I blurted out.

The white haired boy kept looking at me, as if silently letting me continue, "you were right Near! It wasn't a real bird after all! You said that the tune sounded sort of hollowed out right? That's because the bird whistle was made out of wood like this one!" I took off my whistle and blew a note for him, then looked to him, smiling at my reasoning.

After explaining what I found out, I expected Near to look at least the slightest impressed but his face hadn't changed a bit since I first barged into the room. Then he gave a small frown again, the same kind when he was analyzing the birdsongs of the book; I started to lose certainty that my prediction is wrong. Who knows? Near is smarter than me anyways…

"Is that all?"

I looked down at Near, who stared back at me with those same monotone eyes. He looked confused as much as I am; I guess it'll drive anyone mad to figure out why the bird whistle is playing in such weather. Maybe just for fun? No… there had to be some purpose into it. For some reason I knew that the stranger was playing it as he left, the wind had blown out the tune back then but it came to me clearly now. Then I realized, Near didn't know about the stranger at all! Probably he can help me figure out who he is somehow and I can give the person a rightful thanks.

"Not exactly" I started off slowly, looking down at the whistle in my hands, "when I came to the orphanage, I didn't come alone"

"Oh?" Near didn't sound surprised, he must've been expecting something like this. Like, it was pretty cold out there; it would be surprising if I came here alone in weather like that, "may I ask who accompanied you here?"

I glanced sideways at the pile of toys as if they'll give me the right words to say it, and the confidence as well. I looked back at Near who was patiently waiting, no longer looking at me as he placed his dominoes in his chain but I knew he was still listening. I took a deep breath and spoke, "I came here with a stranger, I have no idea who he is and what his name is"

This seemed to interest Near a little, he glanced at me for a brief moment to beg me to continue then went back to his domino chain. I started to gather up hope that I'll find the identity of that person again, "he wore a dark blue cloak, the hood always seemed to cover his face, I didn't see him so clearly through the dark weather but he did have the nicest smile" I felt weird describing someone's smile but it felt important in the description.

Then the room fell silent, even more silent than it already was. There was no one in the playroom but just me and Near, and it still felt strange to be this quiet. I was looking at Near and waiting for a possible explanation when I noticed that the boy had frozen at the end of the explanation.

His hand in mid-air, still holding his domino piece as he was about to place it in the line. The boy's eyes were still aiming for the end of the domino line since that was where he was going to put the block of wood anyways. I couldn't tell what he was thinking through the thick empty mask of his but I knew he was thinking… just… frozen.

Then after a long moment of silence, with me standing uncomfortably still and waiting for an answer or anything, Near unfroze and placed the domino down into its chain. He sat up, twirling a strand of hair in his right hand, his gaze still focused on the chain when he said flatly, "I see… you may go now, Time"

Even in his voice he gave nothing away, I didn't suspect as much but 'you can go now'? What was that supposed to mean? Was he kicking me out? I don't think he was angry or upset with me or anything, but his emotions are so guarded I couldn't tell.

"Uh… okay?" I said awkwardly, then I turned slowly towards the door again, looking back over my shoulder often as if expecting Near to call me back. He didn't, he just patiently waited for me to step out of the room and close the door behind him. Weird…

So now I'm outside again, in the hallways with nothing to do. I thought about my reasoning for the wooden bird whistle. It was correct but why do I feel more confused than ever now? And strangely, what's with Near's reaction? He almost seemed… confused, very confused…

I was starting to think I would have this over by today but then it seems like I came up with more questions than answers. This is starting to become like an old detective novel almost, and I feel like I'm just repeating history again. I wouldn't complain if Near was confused, to be honest, I have no idea what to think about now…

I trudged through the hallways again, passing a few people and with no real destination to go. I guess I would head back to my room but then I heard my name being called.

"Hey, Time!"

Turning to see who called me, I thought of all the people that were most likely to know my name. Probably the ones I introduced myself to… and the list was sadly small. Turns out to be Matt, who was waving me over to where he was standing. Of course I was aware that Mello would be around since that gamer boy always seemed to follow him everywhere but I didn't see him close by.

With that confirmed, I let out a small breath of relief and walked towards Matt, "hey" I said, trying to sound social. Sometimes I wonder how the majority of people can sound so casual while talking; I may have mentioned this before but I'm pretty sure I was supposed to sound more enthusiastic.

But Matt didn't seem to mind. He looked pretty excited about something, I knew that kind of smile and with the few hours I've been with him yesterday I tend to catch on with certain things rather quickly. He looked around to see if no one was in listening range, rather cautious for someone that plays video games all the time. Then he looked at me and whispered, "I think I know how you can become friends with Mello"

Me? Friends? With Mello? That cranky, chocolate loving, cursing encyclopedia jerk that humiliated me on the second day I've arrived in the orphanage? Okay I may be exaggerating too much but still! "Why do you care?" I said in the same low whisper. Even the words seem to come out harsh, I didn't mean to make Matt feel bad, but if he did he brushed that aside.

"Oh come on" Matt begged, looking around again, "I mean Mello does seem a little harsh sometimes…" he saw my raised eyebrow then sighed, "okay, probably has some anger issues but that's not my point"

I crossed my arms, still looking doubtful Matt continued, "trust me, you're going to like this" he pulled out something from his pocket and handed some object to me, "remember the water gun war?" he smirked as I stared at the object in my hands.

Matt was right, I am going to enjoy this… a lot.

[o]o[o]o[o]o[o]

So let me sum this up for you. First I figured out why Near said that the bird song was made by a fake bird. Then I got kicked out because I described that stranger by my first friend. And now I'm just going to follow a crazy red haired gamer boy to my definite death… yeah, this is going to be a wonderful day for me.

But still, Mello needed some of his own medicine and I wanted to make this a good day to remember. Though I do have some doubts with how Matt was saying the plan.

"So I just go over there and do all the work while you're doing… what exactly?" I was saying to Matt in the hallways of the orphanage. We were just at the door of the back field; outside had many kids playing soccer. The windows gave us a clear view of the outside and the people outside of the inside; hopefully the kids are too pre-occupied with their game to see us.

Matt put his arms behind his head, "well I'll be here cheering you on of course! What else?" he smiled at me as if this was the best job he can ever have.

I opened my mouth to protest then shook my head, "fine, but if I get killed out there, I'm blaming you" he pointed at Matt to make my point.

The red head grinned at me and started to push me outside, "yeah, but if you're dead then you can't blame anyone, right?" he did have his own reasoning sometimes, pretty good for a person that always plays video games.

Just as I stepped outside, one of the kids called for a break and everyone headed off to a bench or to get some water. Luckily, my target was still standing around. I gripped my hands around the handle of my water pistol that Matt gave me and looked back at my friend for reassurance. He gave me a thumbs up and I thought, geez, am I really taking orders from this guy? I thought he was the one that took orders from Mello… then again; I am still getting to know this place.

When I looked back at Mello again, who still has his back to me; I took a deep breath and started towards him, hiding the water gun behind my back. I knew I'm horrible at making jokes like this but one has to try in order to see if that is true, right? Anyways, it was just water… right? Well you got this far, might as well get it over with.

I tapped on Mello's shoulder as I stopped behind him, telling myself this was going to be quick and sweet… just without the sweet part. The blond turned around and scowled at me, probably remembering me at the cry baby at the big water gun event, "what do you want?"

The harsh tone made me waver a little bit, making me doubt that this was a good idea. I glanced back to the windows of the orphanage and spotted Matt waving at me, giving me the 'ok' sign with his hand. Knowing that the red head was keeping his word I looked back at Mello, and strangely, I started to smile, "I forgive you"

"What?" Mello blinked, confused at the direct words. That was the exact expression I was hoping to get.

This time, my smile grew just by a little as I continued, "for the stunt in the water gun war, it was nothing to cry about anyways so I forgive you"

When I repeated the last three words it seemed to draw Mello into a wordless corner. He stared at me for a few seconds in silence. Then he crossed his arms, acting casual like this was nothing and said, "yeah well, you shouldn't have cried anyways, it's not a good strategy to use against others. You'll just make yourself look weak out there" he sneered as if he was expecting that I would go running back inside like I did in the event.

But I didn't; in fact, I felt almost no urge to go back. I just kept smiling like it was no big deal, "that's why I wanted to say that I forgive you. It was my first water gun war and I didn't know how to act so-" I held out my hand, the one not holding my water pistol of course, "how about we call a truce? Friends?"

The blonde stared down at my hand like it was some disgusting creature but then he shrugged, "yeah, sure, whatever" he took my hand and shook it once.

To be honest, I never thought the plan would actually work! To think this blonde would have some sense in him to avoid things like this! I quickly took my hand away and pulled out my water pistol, spraying him with a powerful shot of water. Before the shock can even register on his face, I spun around on my heel and dashed off. I heard the kids that I passed by whispering to their friends that this wasn't going to go anywhere nicely but I didn't care. Sweet, sweet revenge.

"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT FOR?!" I heard Mello's roar split the air then started a mad dash towards me. This guy was faster than I thought!

But I swerved my head around to spot his face, covered with water and steaming with anger. That just spelled a recipe for owned. I tried not to laugh as I called back, "now we're even!" I held up my water gun again and sprayed Mello with another shot of water, but this time it was in attempt to hold him off.

He looked angry. I knew that angry Mello was not a good Mello. But I couldn't stop myself from laughing as I ran a few steps backwards, "fooled ya!" I quoted the very words he said to me that day. Then I smiled turning forwards and ran for my life.

It was worth the time, getting to see Mello's reaction. Now that I have my revenge, how do I get this crazy, totally pissed off blonde off my trail?

I hurried down to the orphanage and skidded to the right to where matt was waiting for me. He came over to me but I was still running so it was unnecessary, "sweet! You really showed him there, Time!" he seemed completely unaware that I was in a life and death situation here.

I couldn't stop to talk to him so I took him by the arm and dragged him down with me, racing through the hallways, "yeah. Thanks. Hiding place. Now" I said in between breaths, looking behind me to confirm that Matt was keeping up… and sadly, Mello as well.

"Yeeeeah… about that…" Matt started slowly, still dashing beside me. I looked back at him as I was running, I recognized that face and I did not like the meaning, "I sorta forgot to find one before you ran off, sorry"

Oh great, I thought to myself as I kept running, there goes all the fun, now with Mello on my tail, no hide out to run to, and I have to drag a gamer boy that I might as well beat up later for this if we get out alive. Why did I even say yes again?

[o]o[o]o[o]o[o]

"Thank you, Roger"

Back in Roger's office, I didn't think I would ever need to come back here again. It was a pretty big office, with papers piled up on places and books stacked on the side. Chairs are placed against the walls if the visitor wanted to sit and a huge window spread across the wall behind Roger's desk. It was starting to get a little cold again this November, the 19th right? The 24th was my birthday but I was hoping that nothing like this would tend to show up. I wouldn't blame Roger for catching us, who wouldn't with all the racket going on around the commons room?

We just received a long lecture from Roger, me and Mello [yes, surprisingly Matt weaseled his way out of this one, I had no idea how he did it but I am totally going to get him for it]. I received no punishment this time since it was my first time causing trouble but Mello received a sharp warning for next time, which I guess means that he was being let off easy for now. I had no idea how big of a trouble maker that blonde was until Roger mentioned it in our little 'talk'. He must be surprised himself to even be let off that easy.

I dipped my head to Roger and Mello just scowled at me before we turned to walk outside. He was still dripping wet from the water gun ambush, his mood has not improved one bit. I was hoping he'll give me at least a five second count before he started getting all mad blonde again; I'm just way too close to make a run for it.

Then there was Matt, the little weasel himself made himself comfortable on the outside of Roger's office. He was leaning against the wall with a video game in his hands, I recognized the device as the same DS we played together yesterday. When we came out, Matt paused his game and shut the lid of his DS, walking over to us, "so you made it out of the monster's lair alive, good for you" he smiled at both of us, I swear he just winked at me.

Mello's expression seemed to turn from angry to relieved, "yeah, even after the last time Roger threatened me that I'll lose my second place if I continued with the stuff. I could've really regretted that" then he darted his eyes over to me, his eyes… not so friendly, "what the HELL were you thinking?! Did you know what that would've cost me?!"

I gulped, starting to lose the last bit of enjoyment I had gathered up today, "I didn't know…" I trailed off and looked at the ground, fumbling with my whistle in my hands.

It was up to the red head to calm things down before things can start getting messy again, "hey, all that counts now is that it is over, right?" he looked at Mello and me, "how about we try again with the truce thing and-"

"Truce?!" The blonde barked at Matt, the tone made both me and him jump just a bit, "with him?! After all that? You've got to be joking, Matt!"

He sounded really irritated that his only best friend was standing up for me. He shot a glare at me but before he can make his next move, Matt took his friend's hand, "okay, maybe not a truce but probably a handshake or something?" he suggested, his eyes still hopeful that both of us can be friends.

The blonde looked at Matt and considered that for a moment. Then he jerked his hand away from Matt and turned his gaze on me. For that moment I thought he was going to land a punch on me when if sighed irritably, "fine, but you'd better not do that again" he held out his hand and I took it.

After we shook hands I smiled a bit, Mello isn't so bad when he had someone to calm his nerves. I wonder why that didn't work for Near as well… "hey… um, Mello?"

"What now?" Mello growled annoyingly, apparently wanting to get away from me at the quickest notice.

"I was just wondering…" I approached cautiously, but not cautious enough, "but why do you hate Near so much? He's a pretty friendly guy if you get to know him"

This was just the wrong words to say, the wrong time, the wrong topic. Suddenly everything Matt said went flying out the window. Mello took me by the collar of my shirt and hauled me off the ground with no sweat, "what did you just say?!" he said through gritted teeth though it was not an attempt to stay calm.

Matt waved his hands around and placed his hands on the blonde's arm, "Mello! Let go! You're scaring him!"

Well the red head got a point; I was frightened out of my skin. My feet barely touched the ground and my face was just inches away from Mello's. He looked even angrier this close. His nostrils flared, he turned to Matt and practically shouted at him, "Matt you idiot! This dumbass is friends with the albino freak!" he looked back at me, his eyes burning with new hatred to me.

Just then he threw me to the ground, for a 6 year old, he was rather strong… and tall. I bumped my head hard on the wall and the world went spinning around me.

"Mello!" I heard Matt shout, starting to run towards me to see if I'm okay.

"Matt!" Mello's sharp voice made the red head freeze, "away. NOW" he ordered.

I guess Matt was too submissive or too used to Mello ordering him around or that he was too worried about their friendship. The red head backed up from me and started to confront Mello face to face, "Mello! He didn't do anything wrong!"

The blonde's nose crumpled up in repulsion at me, "whoever is a friend with the freak has every right to share his misery" he said with a cold edge to his voice.

And there I was, gripping my head in pain, looking down at my knees. I probably look like a complete idiot right now, just begging for mercy. I heard Matt try again to reason with Mello but then he saw that it was no use.

I looked up to see Mello glowering down at me, "just get out of my life, newbie" he hissed, turning away from me, resenting every bit of my existence like Near…

Author's Note: Well here's Mello's part in Time's life. I think I did portray his character rather well, seeing him as someone that hated Near it was only reasonable that he hated anyone that was friends with him, not only friends, but someone that knew the white haired boy better than anyone else. Poor Matt, he just wanted the two to be friends, since he was friends with both of them he thought it would be easy right? Well that didn't turn out as planned… more action soon, I just got to squeeze in some time because of school…

Oh and talking about school, this is the first chapter I completed in the school year! To think I'm too piled with homework for that XDDD

Trivia: I picked 'Resentment' for this chapter to show Mello's hatred for Time. Not only that Time is friends with Near but his only friend, Matt, had decided to become friends with the boy too. Introducing Mello... the short tempered, swearing encyclopedia.

Disclaimer: I do not own Death Note as much as I don't own the DS Matt was playing with. I only own Time, my OC.