Chapter Fourteen Love Is Blind

It was two weeks since I returned to the SPK Headquarters, and everyone was treating me just the same as always, save maybe Commander Rester. Though I hated to admit it, we were a little kinder to each other. I hadn't tried to pick a fight with him in a few days, which was saying a lot for both of us. I had learned more about him in the two small weeks together, and was surprised to discover that he had a family. His daughter, he had told me, was the apple of his eye and the best thing that ever happened to him. He loved his wife very much, though he refused to tell me any of their names. But I understood his need for secrecy: if he were ever singled out, his family would be his greatest weakness.

Halle and I spoke quite a lot as well. She did not have a husband, but she did have two sisters. One of them also worked with the police, though she was located in China. Her other sister, she had told me, was a housewife to a prestigious man. I didn't press any further than that: I was surprised that she had even opened up to me. She had seemed so very strong, both physically and mentally, but she did have her soft spot, and like Commander Rester, it had to do with family.

Still, I didn't understand why family was so important. My parents, though I had loved them dearly before they died, meant little to me today. I hardly even remember what they looked like. I had no brothers or sisters to love, and the only person that had ever truly shown affection to me was Nate. At that, I began to think about just how much he meant to me, and perhaps I realized that if I had a weakness, it would probably be him.

If I had a weakness, I amended quickly, not liking how my heart sped up at the thought of the white haired man.

It was the fifth of May when it happened. I was just coming back from getting a few groceries, accompanied of course by Gevanni. Though I knew the SPK had my full trust, it was still crucial not to be alone after going under cover for Nate.

My hair was, once again, dyed gold around the bangs. My purse was slung easily over my shoulder, and in my hand was a small bag. Gevanni was carrying the others.

It was a fifteen minute walk from the grocery store to the Headquarters, and we could already see the tall building as it loomed above us. About 50 feet from the doors, I stopped suddenly, making Gevanni tumble into me and drop half the load he was carrying.

"Damn it," he cussed, and began to bend to pick up the fallen items.

"Wait," I ordered, my hard voice making him stop and straighten up, "There's someone in the building."

Gevanni frowned, allowing his eyes to skim over to the metal doors as he realized I was right. There was a sleek black car parked just outside the doors. The sight of it made me narrow my eyes in suspicion. Was it Light? I don't think he'd risk such a visible confrontation with Nate. So it could only be one other person.

I shook my head, clearing my thoughts, and began running toward the doors, imagining the orange haired man who was no doubt with Nate this very second.

*Page Break*

A loud snap filled the room, and slow, soft chewing followed. The orange haired man swallowed the chocolate leisurely, taking his time as he enjoyed his obsession.

"So you don't have it?" he asked suddenly, eyeing the white haired man with shrewd indifference.

Near shrugged, seemingly uncaring as he fiddled with a few of his toys, "I never said that. I merely told you that coming here would be pointless. You see, I don't intend on giving you what you wish."

Mello leaned forward, eyes narrowed, "Damn it, Near, don't mess with me! I'm not in a good mood."

Near glanced up at him, his blank face unchanging, "Commander Rester, please allow Luck to come inside."

Commander Rester tore his eyes from Mello and nodded stiffly, not liking the idea of leaving Near unguarded.

"It's alright," Near assured, "Mello and I are going to have a little...talk. You may leave as well, Halle."

The woman nodded and cast one last glance at the two before following Commander Rester out the door.

As soon as the glass door was shut, Mello scoffed, "Why are you bringing her in here? You know I want her on my side."

Near nodded, getting up from the ground and making his way to the metal chair, "If she willingly goes to you, I won't stop her."

Mello turned his narrowed eyes- which were previously scanning the room- to Near's face, "You love her."

Immediately, the white haired man stiffened quite visibly, and snapped his eyes to meet Mello's, "...What?"

Mello smirked, seeing a flaw in his rival's apathy, and went on to say, "You think I'm blind? You care for her. More than other women," he laughed and leaned back in the couch, biting into another piece of chocolate, "And rightfully so: why do you think I want her so badly? It's not just because she's good at unlocking things."

Mello watched in spiteful humor as Near twitched in annoyance. The man frowned at Mello in normally hidden emotion, "Don't talk that way about her."

Mello smirked wider, "You really do love her, don't you? I can't believe it...I wonder what L would've said?"

He laughed loudly just as the glass door opened to reveal the said woman.

=D The truth is revealed! Well, at least between dear Mello and Near...Alice'll have to wait a tad bit longer. Anyways, Light won't be back for another few chapters =D I like Light, even if he scares me and I portray him badly. o.O He's not exactly a...normal person? XD I'm considering writing some Death Note ficlet about him and Mello...but I'm a bit afraid of slash and that's probably where it would go haha we shall seee

Draco Malfoy? Yeah, I'm completely obessed at the moment (God help me!) If anyone knows some awesome stories 'bout him message me~! I would adore you forever =D