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Beyond_Jadee: Oh btw, US MATT FANGIRLS WILL TAKE OVER THE WORLD AND MARS ;D

RavenFire40: I am in this army of fangirls. However, as much as I love Matt, I know it could never work out. MattxMello forever!!

XXThe_wish_GranterXXYay!Thanks for the update, and it was uber cute! I'm one of Matt's fangirls, but don't worry, I'll only take over part of the world...^^

Me: MY GOSH, THIS ARMY OF YOURS IS GROWING MATT. O.O

Matt: BUT OF COURSE! What else do you expect from the man who single-handedly brought sexy back?

Me: Wasn't that Justin Timberla-

Matt: HE CAN GO CRY A RIVER, I DON'T CARE.

Mello: You're both wrong. Sexy was never gone because I had it all along in safe keeping.

Matt: And where would it possibly fit? Those pants are WAYYY too tight, and honestly, if your trying to accentuate something, I just don't see anything down-

Mello: *punches Matt* BASTARD!

Me: ANYWAY, someone has to do the disclaimer, guys.

*Mello and Matt are too busy pummeling each other*

Me: FINE, I'll bring in someone else.

Aizawa: Why am I here?! O.O

Me: OH PLEASE OH PLEASE WON'T YOU DO THE DISCLAIMER, AFRO-MAN? I MADE YOU THAT CAPE I PROMISED :D

Aizawa: .....Uh, Misseh does not own Death Note or it's characters. She doesn't own Mr. Brightside by The Killers, and she also doesn't own anything by Justin Timberlake referenced in the disclaimer. She does, however, own the OC, Far.

Mello: Don't forget-OW-to add that she doesn't own sexy. I DO.

Matt: I HEREBY TAKE SEXY FROM YOU.

Mello: STFU!

Me: ANYWAY, we'll leave this up to the reviewers. Best answer wins some pie :D Also, just to let you know, THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS A TIME SKIP.

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Ten: Lady in Waiting

Puberty.

Perhaps the most frightening thing Near had ever experienced in the short amount of time he'd lived.

As if the chaos his mind was going through when he was sorting out his feelings for Far weren't enough, this natural occurrence of "coming of age" was on a whole different level. This frightening experience seemed like a plague that spread throughout Wammy's, affecting all the children starting from the ages of about 12 to 14. Everyone seemed to be becoming more emotionally unstable, and mistakes were seen much more often. Maturity was in development for some, but for others, it seemed like their minds were degenerating; becoming immature creatures that were shadows of a proper human being.

In the words of what some would think to come out of a sarcastic bastard's mouth, the "Mello type" was multiplying.

However, the changes were much more than just mental and emotional. At the same time, there were quite apparent…physical changes, both in the males and the females. Both genders got taller, obviously, their bodies going through gradual growth spurts. However, there were certain specifics with each member of the sexes.

Males became more built, and had to become more hygienically conscious….if they truly wanted to, or even cared, on that matter. Their voices would vary constantly, sometimes cracking midway conversation as their vocal cords made the journey to deepening their tone. Also, something that Near found significantly frightening, were the changes occurring in…lower regions. Every morning; every time the boys would rant about something sexual; every time an inch of extra skin was flashed by the girls, it was like a bomb going off in Near's emotional control center. He hated that cursed tent in his PJ's with a fiery passion.

Now, moving to the cause of the boys' "sensual pleasures": the changes in the females. These were a bit more dramatic in that they changed from little girls to young women in what looked like a heartbeat. Almost overnight, girls grew taller, curvier, and bustier on top, and once a month, they became hissing beasts from another world, where no matter how much you consoled them, they would decimate your being and self esteem to a pulp.

With changed looks and reformed minds, the girls seemed to control the boys, and the boys controlled them. No longer did either side have a fear of "cooties", and interests in each other sparked and remained inflamed.

Puberty.

Yes, Near deals with these disturbing changes every day; watching at how his 14 year-old body would "morph". Though he looked behind when compared to other children, he was still going through the same thing they were. His body had revolted against his mind, it seemed, and now these uncontrollable emotions were harder to keep under wraps.

Now, add an adolescent Far into this poisonous mix to his self control.

Exactly.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

"Far, pass it over here!"

"I'm open, I'm open!"

"No, go for it! The goalie's weak!"

Near watched from the sidelines in admiration as his little Snow Angel pounced across the field, with members from the opposite team in pursuit. She took long strides until she was in enemy territory, and with one strong kick, she launched the ball right into the goal.

"Yeah!" she shouted, doing a little victory dance on the field. Her teammates crowded around her, pulling her in a tight embrace as reward for a job well done. She was good at the game, and when she was on one team, they were practically labeled the victors without having the event take place.

Brushing her teammates aside, Far jogged across the field to where Near sat, a smile plastered on her face.

"Did you see that goal?!" she said excitedly in her singsong voice that was always soothing to his ears. "They didn't see it coming."

Near only frowned, staring at all her fresh bruises from the game. "I'll never understand how you do that. You're so fragile and you know it, yet you toss yourself into these types of violent sports…"

Far smiled, taking his hand into hers to pull him to a standing position. "You worry too much! Besides, I invited you to play, but as always, you denied."

Near frowned again, giving her hand a microscopic squeeze before quickly letting go. He stared at his palms as they walked, thinking deeply.

He longed to feel that warmth again; that feeling of unrequited devotion with each touch. However, now was very unlike the then he had become so fond of. His time of childhood innocence and coddling had long since passed, and matters had taken the toll for the worst. If he would hold her, or if she would hold him, these newly acquired emotions and this lack of control made him fear himself. He feared what he would do if his heart had its way.

Looking up, Near stared into Far's face, her eyes soft and her smile sweet. However, a smile hid what one truly felt, and for Far, that was pure disappointment and self hatred. Every time he would push her aside; every time he would chose to let go instead of holding on for just another moment; each time he would ignore what he felt and leave her lips lonely of his and her ears longing to hear those three precious words, she would blame herself. Was she not good enough? Was Near that far out of her league? All those years ago…he couldn't say it then, so how could he say it now?

Far and Near entered Wammy's in silence, zoning out the clamor around them.

Near…I said I'd wait for you, and I always will…but how long do you intent to keep me?

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Near sat with his knee close to him in the playroom, waiting for Far to come get him from her shower. He put one piece after another of his blank puzzle into place; the task being almost simple to the genius. The children filed in from outside, their running echoing through the halls. Near sat placidly, listening to the buzz of the talk from the orphans.

"Near?"

He looked up, not having noticed someone arriving at the playroom door. Roger stood with his hand firmly around a very confused Mello's wrist; his aged face forlorn and saddened.

"Near, you and Mello have to come to my office, please."

"Alright, I'll be right there."

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Far lay back in the bed of the dorm she shared with Near, her arms wrapped around a pillow.

Hmph…Near, how could you ditch me?! I told you I'd come get you after my shower, she complained inwardly, plugging in her headphones to her mp3 player; a Christmas gift from L.

What a self-centered bastard he can be sometimes, she thought bitterly, moving her silver bangs out of her eyes.

I'm coming out of my cage

And I've been doing just fine.

Gotta gotta be down

Because I want it all.

Far closed her eyes, seeing a mental lyrics sheet appear in her head as the song blasted through her headphones. She hummed the tune, smirking at how ironically accurate it could be in some parts.

It started out with a kiss

How did it end up like this?

It was only a kiss

It was only a kiss…

Near opened the door to the dorm quietly, his eyes traveling to where Far lay on his bed. He shuffled to her bedside, kneeling down and watching as she hummed the song. Holding the cord between two fingers, he carefully pulled out one earpiece from her ear.

"GAH!" she cried in surprise, shooting upwards with her hands wound tightly around the pillow in her arms. "N-Near, don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry," he apologized flatly, twirling the cord between his fingers. She frowned, tilting her head a little. "Near, just where were you?"

It was small and quick, and almost unnoticeable, but Far saw a flash of pain in his eyes. Pale, dark irises looked deeply into hers, searching for something before Near spoke.

"I have…something important to tell you. I'll be taking up the Kira case."

Far's eyes widened, shock showering over her face. "K-Kira?! That's just amazing, Near! But hasn't L been working on that for a while now? Did something happen?"

Near frowned, the corners of his lips twitching slightly. "L has…handed the case over to me. He feels I'm capable, and I won't waste the opportunity; that's all."

Far looked doubtful for a moment, but after the explanation, she seemed satisfied. "Congratulations, Near! I'm so happy for you." She motioned for him to sit next to her on the bed, and he silently obeyed.

Now they're going to bed

And my stomach is sick

And it's all in my head…

Far smiled at Near, and Near stared at Far. Her pure happiness for him; the complete self sacrifice for him; he saw all that in her smile. And if there was one thing he had that was dwelling in him for a while, it was love for this smile. Love he hadn't expressed…love he regretted not being able to show.

Moving slowly, Near leaned forward; taking the pillow from her arms and tossing it to the floor. "N-Near?" she called, her voice wavering.

But she's touching his chest now

He takes off her dress now

Let me go…

Near only moved in response, taking position on top of her waist and pushing down. Fear shot through her, but she calmed when he only curled up, nuzzling his face into her shirt and cuddling into the warmth. "N-Near…is something wrong?"

Near hid his face, but shook his head. Far took in a sharp breathe as he placed a row of butterfly kisses along her collarbone, wrapping his arms shakily around her middle.

"I've kept you too long. I…..I…..I l-love you, Far."

Far lay still, a blush deepening on her cheeks. She smiled; feeling tears of joy well up in the corners of her eyes. She kissed the top of his head, hugging him tightly.

"I love you, too, Near. Thank you….so much….I…..I know! I'll encourage you and help you any way I can when the time for the case comes. I know how hard it will be to manage your studies and the case, so I'll help!"

'Cause I just can't look, it's killing me

And taking control…

They say ignorance is bliss, and it truly was. Near concluded there would be less pain if she didn't know, but at the same time, what haunted him was that he lied. Yes, lied he did, and quite severely. The words uttered in Roger's office stung him and marked his heart.

"Near," Roger said quietly, staring at the doorway Mello stormed out of after realizing he would have to work with Near on the Kira case. He was running away, and there was nothing to be done.

"Near, the sooner you are able to get started, the better. You'll be leaving Wammy's and heading to the United States to get them as allies on the case. It would be a great deal if you could pull it off. Everyone is counting on you, Near."

The entire world was counting him. Lives were at stake, and a huge weight was placed on his shoulders. He didn't really have a choice.

"Alright, I'll leave tonight then…"

Near gripped her shirt tighter, holding her close. There was nothing to be done, and he was bitter, saddened, and angry. Emotions swirled through his mind and made him feel like he was in a daze.

Jealousy, turning saints into the sea

Swimming through sick lullabies

Choking on your alibis

But it's just the price I pay

Destiny is calling me

Open up my eager eyes

'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside.

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Far's eyes fluttered open, just having realized she dozed asleep. She sat up quickly, turning and searching the room for Near, who was nowhere to be found.

Hmph…Near left me again, I see. She turned to the night table beside the bed, and quirked a brow at a note that was left behind, addressed to her. Picking it up gingerly in her hands, she read it quietly to herself.

Far,

If it means anything, I give you my word that I am truly sorry. I had to go work on the case. I will come back for you; that, I swear.

~N

Wow, such chivalry in those words for a person who just went out to work on the case, Far thought with a smile, expecting that he was somewhere around the orphanage.

She turned to look as the entanglement of sheets on his bed where she got up from, and immediately tidied up the mess. She made sure everything was clean and ready for his return before she took a seat on the floor, plugging in her mp3 player again and staring at the doorway.

Fat spent many a lonely night, just like this, waiting for someone who would never come.

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A/N: LE GASP! A CLIFFHANGER? Hehe, now I bet you're all wondering what's next since they're separated. WELL TOO BAD. BWAHAHAHA!

Mello: Bitch, please.

Me: PSH, shut up, Mello. I can have evil moods, can't I?

Mello: Yeah, yeah. Just keep the evil laughing to yourself.

Light: ESPECIALLY since you didn't do it right. It's more of a hehehe....hehehe...haha.....HAHAHAHAHA! AHHHH HAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!

B.B.: ABSOLUTELY NOT. I've been practicing for years, and I believe it's more shinigami-like, such as: kya kya kya! KEH KEKEKEKEEKE~

Me: I'm apparently getting schooled on evil laughter.

Lelouch: MWAHAHAHAHA, HAHAHAHAHA, HAAAAA!

The Entire Higurashi Cast: HEEE HEHEHEHEEEEE HEHEHEEE!

Mello: GET ME THE HELL OUT OF HERE!