A/N:Hola. Chapter 10. Well in my search for a name for the infirmary aide I came across something interesting. Near's mother's first and middle names both mean "mother." Kind of ironic. Just thought I'd share. And I will add a section at the end of this explaining the chapter titles for anyone interested. And a bit about Near and Roger. They have a fairly unique relationship. I think Roger is to Near what Watari is to L, so there's that natural understanding and, as weak as it may be at this point in the story, a mutual trust there. Also, there's now a companion to this. It's called Fallen and it'll follow Mello. Eventually there will be two more like these. That's about it. On with the chapter.

Thank you to Renkin-chan and Nanairo Suishou for reviewing! I found it interesting that both of you said that Near's mother makes you sick...

Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note.

Near woke only twice because of nightmares, and both times he was too tired to stay awake. When he finally did get up it was after nine on the following morning. It didn't really surprise him – he had gone nearly forty eight hours without sleeping – but he was a little upset because he was late for his first class. However, when he stood up and the room started to spin he decided that perhaps going to class wasn't such a good idea.

Roger came at noon to see him because he had skipped breakfast and dinner the day before and he had slept through breakfast that morning. Learning that Near had missed three meals, four if you considered that he never ate lunch, and all of his morning classes was enough to worry Roger. Near barely ate as it was and he never missed classes.

When the old man arrived, tray in hand in case he could convince Near to eat something, the boy ignored him. He was sitting at the head of his bed in the corner where two of the walls met, a blanket draped around his shoulders as though it could hide him from the world. His grey eyes were wide and clouded as he watched Roger enter the room and set the tray on the desk as he always did. But instead of taking his usual place in the chair at the desk he sat at the foot of the bed and folded his hands in his lap, just watching the tiny boy. Near pressed himself a little closer to the wall and Roger sighed. Something had happened.

"What's wrong?" the caretaker asked.

Near shook his head. He didn't feel like talking right now.

"Did someone do something to you?" Roger persisted.

Again Near shook his head.

"What happened?" The old man was rather frustrated that Near wasn't speaking.

For the third time, the boy shook his head.

"Did someone say something?" Roger asked gently. He knew it would upset Near if anyone knew what had happened to him. The incident with Linda was proof enough of that.

Near shook his head again, snowy curls falling in front of his eyes. His hair was getting long, but he wouldn't let anyone cut it for him.

"Did someone touch you?" he asked, hoping that wasn't it because that would probably be a major setback for Near.

Near didn't move.

That was it then. "Who?"

"L," Near said quietly.

Roger was slightly relieved by this. L rarely ever allowed himself to touch or be touched. The older boy had seemed a bit quiet the previous evening, but he had probably been analyzing the situation with Near just as he did any unusual event. "If it was L then I promise you it wasn't intentional. He hates contact almost as much as you do. Actually, I think it threw him a bit as well."

Near looked unconvinced.

Roger watched him for a moment before speaking. "Give me your hand."

Near tensed and backed up a little when Roger offered a hand.

"There's nothing to be afraid of," the old man assured him. "If you don't want to I'm not going to make you, but please, Near, just try."

Near considered him for a moment, watching with untrusting eyes. Roger made no move toward him, just sat there with one hand outstretched. Near didn't want to, but the caretaker had never given the boy reason not to trust him. Slowly Near reached out and gave Roger his hand. He was mildly surprised when nothing happened. Roger just held Near's tiny, pale hand in his own larger, calloused one.

"See?" the caretaker smiled. "It's alright. No one here's going to hurt you."

Near nodded silently and withdrew his hand. He still didn't like it, but it wasn't so bad since it had been on his own terms. He understood why the children here looked to Roger as a grandfather figure. The old man was kind and gentle and he seemed to understand how to handle just about any situation. Beyond that, though, Near could see from his expression that it pained Roger to see any child suffer the way Near was suffering.

"Why did you skip your classes?" Roger asked after a moment's pause.

"Didn't feel well," Near said softly.

Roger nodded. "Rest, then. And eat that," he said, pointing to the tray on the desk. "Anne tells me you haven't eaten in over a day. You can't do that, Near." He paused for a moment. "Will you be alright?"

Near nodded and Roger stood up.

"Alright," he said. "I'll let Eira know you aren't coming this afternoon. If you need anything let Anne or I know, ok?"

Near nodded. Anne was the aide from the infirmary Roger had watching over Near. She normally came to check on him once a day at least, but Near didn't mind her. She was a sweet old lady, possibly older than Roger, and one of the least threatening people Near had ever met, which was probably why she had been asked to watch over him. There was no way Near, or anyone else for that matter, would ever be intimidated by her.

He watched in silence as Roger shut the door. Their short discussion had certainly given him plenty to think about for the time being.