To ZaillaOrchid303: First, I am truly sorry that you didn't like the way I portrayed the relationship between L and Light. That was just my interpretation, so you're completely free to disagree. But it's over now since they're both dead so it shouldn't bother you anymore, because after all nothing really happened between them. Though I didn't lie to you by including them in the story, because I mentioned the ship in the introduction of the first chapter, you can check if you want. But you are right, this is a MelloxNear story, that is why the flashbacks only lasted a few chapters, and now I'm back to the main plot. I am sorry if you didn't like that part, but I assure you that it's over now.
And I must precise I didn't make all the characters gay, like you said. You're right, the world is no like this and showing such a world was definitely not my intention. Let me explain myself.
In fact, I don't even consider Elena Cabestan (the OC) gay for she dated men before. But in that case, let's say she was simply "having fun" with Takada. As she said herself, she wanted to make Kira suffer, so she found that taking Takada away from him was a good idea, but she didn't succeed. As for Takada, I assure you she is not in love with the OC, she is in love with Light Yagami. She considered her little affair with Elena as a mistake and she gave in to her solely because Elena did everything to resemble Light and take his place. To sum up, it was not even real, but merely an illusion. This mistake doesn't make her gay, because once again, the world is more complicated than that. And in the end, Kiyomi rejected Elena and got back to Light, the man she truly loved. She even died for him.
But you are right, perhaps it wasn't clear enough in the way I worded it in the story, so I will give all the explanations you lack in the next chapter (Chapter 22). I hope it will solve the problem and that you'll be able to understand what was my intention in the first place. I'm sorry that you got it wrong. It's all my fault, really.
I apologize if I disappointed you but I really hope you will not stop reading this story. Because now, it will be only centered on Mello and Near, so perhaps you'll like it more. But if you don't want to keep reading, I'll understand.
Anyway, thank you for reading so far and thank you for sharing your thoughts! Constructive reviews always are welcome. So thank you for being honest!
I can't help but hope I'll hear from you again...
To Sadnerd707: Thank you very much for your support! Finally, Mello and Near will meet face to face! I hope you're going to like what is next, and please keep sharing your thoughts, that means a lot to me!
To CalypsoDansLaLune: Me revoilà pour une update ! Je suis contente que tu aies apprécié le dernier chapitre, et j'espère continuer à te surprendre dans les chapitres suivants ! Oui effectivement je suis en droit ! Apparemment mon secret a été dévoilé sans que je m'en rende compte xD
Merci encore pour tes mots d'encouragement, tes reviews me font toujours sourire ! J'espère que ce nouveau chapitre te plaira !
New York City M.N. Murder Case
Chapter 21: Fall
Rester was approaching the golden-haired woman very slowly, carefully as he spoke sternly. ''You have the right to keep silent, but everything that—''
''Don't bother, I know my rights. What do you think I learnt in law school? Knitting?'' The lawyer snapped. ''Just get this over with.'' She said emotionlessly as she stretched out her hands towards L's agent.
Without another word, Rester handcuffed her and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her towards the front door, which was no more.
''Hey!'' Mello shouted at the older blonde man. ''What the fuck are you doing? Didn't you hear what she said? She didn't help Kira, she was just seing him, that can't be considered as complicity! So release her at once!''
''I am sorry,'' Rester replied dully, ''I am merely obeying orders.''
''What?'' He spat, then glanced at the silent criminologist. ''Elena, what are you doing? You're a lawyer, right? So tell him he's no right to do that! Defend yourself, for God's sake!''
Cabestan barely smiled as she was being dragged by the strong SPM member. ''Don't worry, Mello. It's no big deal, really. This was bound to happen one day or another.''
''But you're not Kira's accomplice!''
''Well, technically speaking...'' She winced. ''I am. Because I was aware of his actions, but I didn't do anything to stop him.''
''But you couldn't do anything, he was threatening to kill you!''
The little group was now walking down the miserable corridor and towards the metallic stairs which would lead them to the parking lot.
''The first day, maybe. But it didn't last long. In the end, Kira was even trying to protect me. Ironic, isn't it?'' She laughed joylessly.
''What?'' Mello asked hurriedly, his voice husky and wavering as he was escorted by a quiet, collected Gevanni. ''Why would he do that?''
''Believe it or not, Mello,'' the lawyer answered quietly as a hand was applied on her head, pushing her on the back seat of a large black sedan, ''but Light Yagami was my friend.''
Mello was left speechless. He was interrupted in his trance by a firm hand on his shoulder which urged him towards the opposite seat. He sat next to the now arrested lawyer and looked up to see Gevanni settle in the driver's seat, while Rester took place in the passenger's seat.
The engine purred and the car started.
I am coming, Near.
15th of September of 2011, 4:38pm: SPM Headquarters.
Everyone kept their mouth shut as the two SPM agents guided the mafioso and the criminologist into large, luminous corridors, and into the lift, and finally, through the sliding metal doors that lead to the working room where the world's greatest detective was waiting for their arrival. As the doors slid open, Rester walked towards the young white-haired boy crouched on the ground, still holding on Elena's arm, while Gevanni simply nodded to Mello, gesturing him to come forward as well.
A blonde silhouette suddenly raised from its seat in the darkest corner of the room and took a few menacing steps towards the older of the agents.
''Rester, what do you think you're doing?'' Hal Lidner growled, before she shot a glance above her shoulder towards Near. ''L, what is the meaning of this?''
''Do not worry, Lidner.'' L's empty voice echoed in the large room. ''Rester is merely acting upon my orders. I told him to arrest Miss Cabestan as she admitted herself to have hidden vital informations from the authorities in order to protect Kira. Consequently, I am obliged to convict her for complicity of crime against humanity.''
''That's nonsense, L.'' Lidner huffed as she reached up towards the lawyer, but she was stopped in her tracks by her colleague who stepped forward, blocking her way. Blue eyes narrowed at him, but the man remained impassive. ''I know Elena can indeed be considered as Kira's accomplice according to the law, but considering the circumstances, I think we can all agree on the fact that she never truly helped Kira. At best, she helped him on a psychological lever, but she never assisted him in his murdering spree.''
''That is true.'' Near agreed as he placed a domino thoroughly behind a long line formed with at least a hundred of his fellows. ''Nonetheless, you are not without knowing that I am but the servant of law.''
A sarcastic, joyless chuckle resounded behind the blonde woman, which caused all the eyes to cast upon the source of the noise, except from Near's obsidian orbs that remained focused on his domino rows.
''If I may ask, what is so ludicrous, Miss Cabestan?'' Came L's bland question.
''How you manage to say such absurd things without your voice even faltering, I'll always be impressed.'' The golden-haired woman replied playfully, still tightly restrained by the handcuffs around her wrists and Rester's merciless hands on her arms.
''You are quite serene for a person that is currently under arrest for complicity of crime against humanity...'' The world's greatest detective mused aloud, tilting his head to the side as he raised a black domino to his eyes, before putting it back down, including it in the ranks.
''Perhaps because I know this is nothing but a charade.''
This time, all pairs of eyes turned to Near, waiting for his reaction with dread.
''What?'' Lidner almost shrieked.
''Yes, what do you mean, Miss Cabestan?'' Near inquired very calmly, his eyes still not meeting hers as all his world seemed to revolve around dominos. ''Would you care to explain to us why you are saying that?''
''You may be a good liar, L,'' Elena scoffed, ''but you're still very naive if you believe that I'd fall into your trap. Always remember that I was the only one able to read both L's and Kira's mind, so you are no match to me on that area.'' She was now the centre of attention of all the persons present in the headquarters. ''You have no proof against me, you can't arrest me and you know it. Not to mention that you don't even want to arrest me. This is all a test, actually.'' She stated confidently as she looked around, as if checking everyone was listening to her every word.
Strangely enough, Mello had remained silent during the whole exchange between Lidner, Near and Cabestan. He simply watched, hidden behind Gevanni's form, staying by Elena's side, who was herself standing in Rester's shadow, but he did not talk. It had been so long since he last saw the younger boy. He did everything in his power to get that man's attention, and this time, he will not be the one to take the first move. He felt as if for now, he had to observe him, observe him until he was sure this was the Near he had always known. The Near he had always loathed, despised, and... loved.
''A test?'' Hal furrowed her eyebrows as she met Elena's twinkling eyes. ''What are you planning again, Elena?''
''Oh, I didn't plan anything.'' The criminologist snorted. ''L did. He planned everything. This is not real, this is all a test. A test... for Mello.'' She turned her head to glare at the blonde man who was staring wide-eyed at the detective.
Indeed, the young detective's lips were twisting upwards, forming a thin line akin to a smirk as he stretched a finger, knocking on the domino that stood before him. The domino struck the one before, which hit the one before, and so on, until the whole room was filled with a deafening, everlasting ticking noise as the endless lines of dominos all fell to the ground, one after the other.
Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic. Tic.
Tic.
The last domino hit Mello's right boot.
Utterly dumbfounded, the blonde looked down in pure disbelief as he was drawn into the view that spread before him. Two lines of dominos started in the middle of the room— right where Near was sitting— joined in the center, then expanded to the computer desks, and going back all the way down, almost reaching the doors.
All the protagonists gasped at the same time as they followed Mello's gaze. The fallen dominos sprawled all over the floor formed one single capital letter.
M
''That is right.'' Near finally spoke, putting an end to the general astonishment. ''It was indeed a test.''
''Near...'' Mello uttered the words almost shakily, his eyes still fixed on the domino that touched his feet.
''Mello.'' The white-dressed boy responded immediately, causing the older man to look up at him.
''It's been a long time.''
''Indeed.'' Near's dark eyes were cast downwards on the domino that started it all.
''Near... Look at me.'' Mello said quietly.
For the first time in almost ten years, black hypnotizing eyes met deep, fiery blue.
He took a careful step forward, making sure not to walk on the dominos that he knew were here for him, and not to lose Near's gaze for he wasn't sure if he would be able to catch those eyes again.
Rester made a move to prevent him from getting any closer to his boss, but he was stopped by red nails digging into his flesh. ''Let him.'' Elena Cabestan ordered spitefully.
''Near, what the hell is that test?''
''I am sure Mello can figure it out on his own.''
''Fine.'' He puffed in annoyance. ''Let me guess. You wanted to see if I'd intervene and try to dissuade you? You wanted to know if I'd oppose you and take Cabestan's defense, right? Why?''
''I see Mello hasn't changed at all. He is as perceptive as ever.'' Near avoided his question in his usual cool voice, but the words he pronounced had a certain effect on their receiver who blinked in wonder.
''Y-You—'' He stuttered, then paused, sighing. ''Whatever. You didn't answer, Near. Why? You wanna check if I'm ready to give up on a friend for you?'' His voice raised dangerously. ''Then yeah! I'd give up on her without any remorse! I'd give up on my own sanity, I'd even give up on myself if I had to! Yeah, I'd give up everything just for you to acknowledge me! Happy?'' He howled in frustration, throwing his hands into the air. ''Or maybe you just wanna be sure I trust you enough not to interfere? But I know you, Near. And I know you won't send someone innocent in prison just to provoke me. Though I admit it, I would gladly let the whole world be thrown in jail as long as I can stay with you. Does that make me selfish? Does that make me horrible? Well, y'know what? I don't care! Satisfied?''
''Yes.'' The younger boy answered evenly, the perfect opposite of Mello's enraged screams. ''I apologize, Mello, but I had to make the experiment.''
''Sure.'' The blonde grumbled in response, clearly unconvinced.
''One word from you, Mello,'' Near began, his voice lower, deeper than usual, ''and she is free.''
''You know she's innocent and she has nothing to do with this. So let her be.''
''Very well.'' He nodded in approval, and without tearing his eyes off Mello, he called. ''Rester, please release Miss Cabestan.''
The old SPM agent did as he was told in silence, and the lawyer took a deep breath of contentment as she rubbed her sore wrists. ''Ah, I was starting to wonder when you'll stop your little joke because I could hardly help you guys solve your lovers quarrel from my cell, and those handcuffs—''
''Lidner, Rester, Gevanni.'' L's cold, authoritative voice cut her off. ''From now on, I will leave the command of the operations to Miss Cabestan. If you have any question or interrogation, you will resort to her. I will now ask you all to leave Mello and myself alone and no one is to interrupt us until further notice. Did I make myself clear?''
Gevanni and Rester exchanged a half-puzzled, half-anxious gaze, before they nodded in silence and headed towards the exit. Lidner's clear eyes met Elena's brown orbs and the two women smiled at each other, as if to say ''We have won, my dear.'' Without an hesitation, the blonde woman stepped towards the french woman, still grinning. When she reached Elena's level, the latter wrapped her hand around her forearm as she lead her towards the sliding doors, a soft smile tugging at her red lips. Hal gladly let herself be pulled gently towards the doors which slid open at their approach.
''I can't believe you dit it, Elena.'' She murmured, shaking her head, a genuine smile crossing her thin lips. ''No one could do it. Not L, not Kira, not me...but you did.'' She sneaked a glance at the criminologist whose gaze remained fixed straight ahead, though as her lips widened, she knew she had heard her.
''I told you I would bring Mello and Near together no matter the cost, didn't I?'' She said teasingly, as her grip tightened around the older woman's arm.
''Yes, you did.''
The two women soon joined Rester and Gevanni who were waiting in front of the lift. At hearing the women's footsteps, they turned around in the same movement. They frowned slightly at the sight of Elena's hand encircling the blonde's forearm, but they kept their mouth shut.
''What shall we do now?'' Rester asked eventually.
''Well, are you all ready to respect L's wish and listen to my orders?'' Cabestan asked, eyeing the two male agents seriously.
''Yes.'' Gevanni and Lidner spoke with one voice. Elena then reported her attention on the last member of the team, frowning at him.
''Yes...'' Rester mumbled eventually, and everyone could say this was costing him greatly.
''Great!'' The criminologist exclaimed cheerfully, before she used a more bossy tone. ''Rester, are the working room doors bulletproof?''
''Yes, they are.'' Answered the man, slightly surprised.
''Perfect. Gevanni, is there any furniture or any heavy object on that floor of the building?''
''Uh... Yes, I believe there is a heavy bookshelf in the archives, but what—''
''Good news. Rester and Gevanni, please go and fetch that bookshelf. Bring it here, right in front of the investigation room doors.''
''Alright.'' The black-haired man agreed though skeptically as he obeyed, soon followed by a even more reluctant Rester.
''Lidner,'' the french woman addressed the blonde woman, her voice slightly warmer, ''do you know how to block the sliding doors?''
''Yes, all it takes is to disable the presence detecting system which causes the doors to open if it senses someone coming closer. But why are you asking?''
''Good. Do you know how to disable the system?''
''Yes, but—''
''Do it.'' The lawyer turned to face her, glowing amber eyes meeting bright blue.
Lidner quirked an inquisitive eyebrow. ''Elena, what are you planning?''
''You will soon find out.''
''Very well.'' The SPM agent sighed, before she made her way towards the control room to carry out her duty, leaving the penal law professor alone in the corridor.
A few minutes later, the two men arrived, dragging a huge, large bookshelf along with them, one on each side of the furniture, whether pulling or pushing to slide it on the floor.
''Ah, you're here. Great.'' Elena acknowledged their presence with an indifferent, yet cynical tone to her voice. ''Please wait for my signal before you move any further.''
The two men slowly straightened up, breathless and sweating, and glared at the criminologist who didn't spare them a glance. Soon, light footsteps made themselves heard on the other side of the hallway. Elena Cabestan turned around to face a very composed, stoic Lidner who bowed her head slightly as she reached the small group.
''It is done, Elena. The system is disabled.''
''Well,'' The curled-haired woman turned away to look at the two male agents, ''Rester, Gevanni, please move the shelf against the doors.''
Unsurprisingly, she was faced with wide, blinking eyes as the two men gaped in shock. ''But... Miss Cabestan... This isn't necessary...'' Gevanni sputtered, completely stunned. ''If you don't want us to enter the room, you can simply tell us not to. We have to obey you until L takes back the command, anyway. We don't need to block the doors with a bookshelf for that.''
''Oh, but I'm not asking you to do that to prevent you from entering...'' The young woman declared in a mysterious tone as she crossed her arms on her chest, a tiny smirk creeping on her features.
Lidner gasped quietly as realization struck her. ''No...''
''Oh yes.'' Elena's lips curled up into a toothy grin. ''I see you've kept up with my reasoning rather quickly, Hal.''
''Why are you asking us to block the doors, Cabestan?'' Anthony Rester snapped, venom barely hidden in his usual hollow voice.
''Well,'' she sneered as she sustained his gaze, ''I am asking you to block the doors because...''
Without a word, she turned on her heels and, with a swift glance directed towards Lidner, they seemed to reach a tacit agreement and the two women headed towards the shelf. Using the weight of their bodies, they leaned against the side of the huge furniture and pushed it against the doors. It hit the metal in a loud thump.
''I want to prevent them from leaving.''
Elena Cabestan and Hal Lidner then stepped back, as if admiring their work, before turning around to face the two astounded men.
''But...why?'' Gevanni's voice was more hesitant, more insecure.
''They have run away from their feelings for far too long.'' Elena replied quietly, but not less fiercely. ''This time, there will be no escape.''
''So...'' A blonde man began, his voice husky and rough. He took a few steps forwards, between two large lines of fallen dominos. ''Now we're both here, all alone... Cabestan is happy... And then what? What are we supposed to do?''
''To be honest, I have no clue.'' A white-haired boy replied dully, his head lowered downwards.
''Wait.'' Mello shut his eyes, inhaled deeply, before his eyes fluttered open again. ''You tell me you agreed to her deal without even knowing what it's all about?''
''Well, I believe Miss Cabestan didn't require any further condition beside us meeting alone face to face.''
''Yeah... Right.'' The older man rolled his eyes. ''So I guess we're free to do whatever we want, then.''
An unsettling silence took over the investigation room, before Near finally spoke.
''...Yes.''
Mello arched an eyebrow in curiosity. ''So tell me, Near,'' he gestured to the floor in a lest move, ''what's the meaning of this? I know that at the age of twenty you're still into toys, but this? This, really?'' He chuckled sarcastically as he bent over to grab the last domino that still lay on his feet. ''A dominos party? Dominos falling to create a capital M? Why? Why did you do that?''
''You know how I work.'' The albino shrugged nonchalantly as he too held a black domino in his pale hands. ''I was merely occupying my hands while thinking, and minute by minute, domino by domino, it happened to take the shape of a capital M. There is no more to it than that, I am afraid.''
He is playing indifferent— well, more indifferent than he already is. That can mean only one thing...
Mello frowned slightly as his brain cells started to work and ride like gears.
He's lying. That's his way of hiding the truth. He acts as if he doesn't give a shit, even less than usual. It could work if I didn't know him better. He doesn't give a shit about anything and he never needs to put an act to make it clear, it's just natural for him. So the very fact he's overacting disinterest means that he isn't indifferent. As simple as that.
But where'd be the fun if I let him know I got it?
''If you say so.'' He said as he put his head down, causing blonde bangs to hide his face. He didn't witness the sight of the world's greatest detective who looked at him, his head titled to the side quizzically.
He does not insist on the matter? How odd. This is very unlike the Mello I know. Very well, then. It seems that I will have to take the matter into my own hands.
''May I ask you a question, Mello?'' He inquired suddenly, breaking the silence.
The latter raised his head to peer at the younger boy. ''Yeah, well,'' he shrugged as he reached up inside his black fur coat, pulling out a very known item, a chocolate bar, ''since I'm here and we're supposed to stay alone for a while, let this not be for nothing. Go ahead.''
The question came right away, uttered by a cold, emotionless voice.
''How did you manage to fake your death and play dead for almost a year?''
''Ah, that.'' The blonde sneered as he ripped his snack packing open. ''You mean how I managed to fool you and escape your control for more than a year?''
Croc.
Near pursed his lips together, though it might be invisible for everyone else, Mello noticed, and that caused him to smirk.
''Yes.''
''Well, that was not so complicated actually.'' He balanced his weight on his other leg, still biting at his chocolate bar. ''I succeeded thanks to Lidner's help, though she has no idea she helped saving my life.''
''Lidner?'' Black endless pools blinked at him.
''Yeah. Lidner was Takada's employee for a while, following your orders. And like we all know, Takada was Kira's accomplice. Contrary to you, I'd guessed Kira would have Mikami carrying a fake Death Note with him when Gevanni was spying on him. So when you'd get your hands on the notebook to change the pages and supposedly save your life, you'd only change the pages of an ordinary notebook, and Kira would use the real one, killing you all. He was succeeding. You had no idea you'd just fallen into his trap. You...'' He averted his gaze, turning his head to the side. ''You were going to die, Near.'' He added quietly.
''I know.'' His rival responded just as quietly.
''So I had to do something.'' Mello looked up again, clear blue eyes locking with dark. ''That's how I came up with a plan.''
''Kidnapping Kira's associate so it would force Mikami to go fetch the real Death Note and eliminate Takada, who had now become a threat.'' Near complied.
''Yes.'' Mello nodded. ''Then I had no doubt you would come up with a new plan to get the real Death Note and defeat Kira. I had to do something. Anything. Someone had to do it. So I did.''
Croc.
Near's eyes widened, growing as big as saucers as he stared at the mafioso, his lean hands freezing not an inch above the dominos. ''You were willing to sacrifice yourself so I could defeat Kira?''
''Yeah, well,'' he chuckled darkly, ''that bastard had to be stopped one way or another, right? So yeah, at first, that was the plan: kidnapping Takada, getting Mikami to show the real notebook and give you the opportunity to take it. I had no way to know if I'd make it, 'cause Kira's father knew my name, so I was almost sure Kira knew it as well. I could die at any moment, and I couldn't do anything about it, that's why I needed to act quick. But then... By chance, I had an idea.''
The black eyes bore into him, seeing nothing, no one but him, urging him to continue his story.
Finally I am the centre of your attention, Near. I'd die to have your eyes locked on me and me only for ever.
He refrained the desire to smile as he went on. ''It started with something stupid. Really stupid.'' He held back a laugh at the mere memory. ''Matt told me about one of his ex-girlfriends who used to keep her money into the lining of her bra. She said that, as she looked like a perfect respectable woman, no one would guess she had money hidden in her bra, so even if she were to be searched or ordered to strip, she would always keep her bra on 'cause officers are usually very prude people. Of course, she had no such guarantee if she were raped or assaulted for example, but then she simply argued saying that in that case, she wouldn't care about money anymore.''
The blonde paused as he sank his teeth into his snack, under the very intent gaze of the young detective.
Croc.
''So I came up with a plan that could prevent myself from dying. When I last called Hal Lidner, I told her what I was about to do. She tried to change my mind of course. I told her I was the only one who could do it. She understood what I meant, I know she did. Before we hung up, I asked something of her.''
This time, Near's blank eyebrows furrowed lightly in expectation.
''On the 25th of January, the day before the kidnapping, I asked her to do something the next morning, right before Takada left her house to go to work on the day of the kidnapping. Lidner told me Takada used to shower in the morning, so I used that to my advantage. I knew she was not going to change in the evening. Lidner was working undercover as Takada's bodyguard, and for some reason, the journalist trusted her. Enough to allow her into her private apartment.''
Mello kept his piercing eyes still anchored into Near's, making sure he was still driven by his speech.
''So I asked Lidner to creep into Takada's bedroom right before she got ready to shower and look into her bra. I told her to replace the piece of paper she'd found into the lining by another one, strictly identical. By doing so, I was sure that, once Takada would leave her apartment, go to NHN and then get back home, she'd have no time to change her clothes. So when I'd kidnap her, her only way out would be the Death Note paper she kept hidden in her bra. But if that Death Note piece was false, well...''
''...Mello would survive.'' Near finished for him, his voice as empty as ever.
''Exactly.''
A tensed silence followed the older man's story. Soon enough, the flat, emotionless voice of the world's greatest detective filled the whole room.
''Mello was very lucky. There was only a thirty-six percent chance that this plan would work as he wished. He took ill-considered risks, provoking Kira so blatantly.''
''Like I said, someone had to do it.''
''Someone ought to do it for Kira to get caught?''
''Yeah.''
''And?''
Mello quirked an eyebrow. ''And what?''
''Was catching Kira your only motivation when you developed that genius plan of yours?''
''I told you.'' The blonde muttered under his breath. ''If I didn't do anything, you'd have died. One of us had to make it. If I died, you had to live so L's name could survive.''
''And?'' The slouched figure repeated blankly as he engaged in stacking a few dominos, building a small pyramid.
''And...'' Mello gritted his teeth, not willing to say the words he was obliged to pronounce. ''And I didn't want you to die.''
At his greatest surprise, Near then raised his white head to stare at him, his livid lips twisting into a smirk.
''That is better.'' He stated, a hint of— was it satisfaction? joy? delight?— in his voice.
''Y-You... What do you—'' The blonde sputtered miserably, before he regained his composure, groaning. ''Whatever.''
''However, there is still something about Mello's behaviour one year ago that is disturbing me.''
''What'd that be?''
Near's hand stopped in mid-hair, his dark eyes casting downwards. ''Why did you let the whole world believe that you were dead?''
''You mean why did I let you believe I was dead?''
The white-haired boy then reached up, a lean hand intertwining in silver locks, twirling a strand around his index finger. ''Yes.''
''Well...'' The mafioso found himself forced to look away from the small boy before him. ''I just thought it was the best thing to do. I was just a criminal. Who knows? After the Kira Case, you could have tried to arrest me so you'd be L's only true successor. Anyway we both know I'm not cut out for becoming L, so I'd rather disappear and let you take all the credit. At least I could be free, even if that meant living in the shadows for the rest of my life. It's not like you needed me to solve your cases anyway.'' He snorted.
''Fair enough.'' Near spoke, his voice as sharp as a knife. ''But you forgot one very important thing to take into consideration.''
''What?'' The blonde fought with himself to meet dark impenetrable eyes.
''I did not want Mello to die.''
Mello gaped in shock, opening his mouth as if to talk, then shutting it, unable to let out a single word. Despite Elena Cabestan repeating it to him again and again, hearing the man voice it aloud now, in front of him, his black orbs fixed on him and him only... That took his breath away.
''W-What? I mean...I thought...'' He grumbled, mincing his words. ''I thought you didn't care. Or maybe...I hoped you'd care. Then you'd understand what it's like to feel alone.''
''I did not need you to die to feel lonely.'' Near replied dryly.
''Yeah, well...'' The mafioso swallowed hardly, a bit taken aback by such a fierce reaction from the usually callous boy. ''It's not like you've ever expressed your feelings.''
''I suppose you have a point.'' The white-dressed man resumed the construction of his domino tower. ''So Mello wished for me to suffer.''
''I...I just...'' The blonde sighed deeply, then as if gathering all his courage, ''Well...yeah.''
''Therefore I must congratulate Mello.''
''What?''
Near put his head up, causing dark bottomless orbs to bore into blue, and they held such a strength Mello felt like they were absorbing him whole into their shadows.
''You made me suffer like no one ever did before.''
For once, Mello was left speechless.
Fuck. What I'm supposed to do? I want to touch him. I want to tell him. I want...
''I know.'' He murmured.
''Do you, really?''
''Yeah... At first, I thought you didn't care, but now... I understand you do.''
''I apologize,'' Near objected neutrally as he tore his eyes off the blonde, ''but I do not believe so.''
''What do you mean?''
''I mean that you cannot possibly understand how it feels to believe that the only person who ever mattered to you is no more.'' He answered deadly slowly, emphasizing every word he wanted to carve into Mello's soul.
Do you understand, Mello? Do you feel? Do you believe?
Mello clenched his fists in pure rage. Angry at his enemy, angry at himself? No one could tell. But one thing was sure: he was definitely, utterly mad with anger.
''Okay, I'm done with this shit.'' He growled as he lunged forward, trampling on the scattered dominos carelessly, until he was before the other boy, his little white figure crouched right at his feet.
Without further ado, he bent on his knees, lowering himself to Near's level and clasped one of the detective's hand tightly in his. Using his other hand, he reached up to place two slim fingers under the younger man's chin, compelling their so different, yet complementary gazes to meet and melt together.
''I'm sorry, Near.'' He breathed. ''I really thought you were heartless until I realized— thanks to Cabestan— you were just as broken as I was. Maybe even more than me, actually.'' He laughed bitterly. ''But...'' He trailed off, as he slid his hand from Near's chin to rest it on his shoulder, twisting his fingers into the white fabric.
''But I don't know if I can fix you. I don't know if I can be fixed neither.'' He sighed again and put his head down, blonde bangs mixing with white locks. ''Look at L and Kira. They fought until they destroyed each other. I don't wanna destroy you, Near.''
''You do not wish to destroy me?'' A low, quiet voice made itself heard from under a stunt of white hair.
''Of course not.'' Came a hoarse whisper. ''All I ever wanted was for you to notice me, for you to acknowledge my presence. I wanted you to recognize my true value. I wanted you to see me as the person I truly am.''
''And who are you?'' Near's fresh breath tickled his cheek as he spoke.
Mello huffed. ''Just a mere criminal that has fallen in more ways than one, because of one single reason.''
''And I am but a detective that has fallen more and more low each time one single person fell.''
''Bullshit. I bet you didn't fall once.'' Mello taunted from under his own hair that still spread all over his face.
''I beg to differ.'' A small lean hand reached up to pull away the blonde strands, then made its way towards the older man's cheek, stroking it as lightly as a feather. Nonetheless this unexpected gesture had the effect of shutting the mafioso's mouth immediately.
''The day you learnt about L's death...'' His nemesis began, his hand still lingering on his cheek ever so slightly. ''I fell from Heaven.''
Mello could do nothing but stare right into those unreadable dark eyes, as if hypnotized.
''The day you left Wammy's House...'' The pale hand rolled up to touch his forehead. ''I fell to the ground.''
He stayed there, motionless, completely frozen in place by Near's icy touch on his skin. The only thing he could do was tightening his grip on his rival's wrist unconsciously, almost desperately.
''The day you were declared dead...'' The delicate fingers slid down onto his other cheek, running down his jawline. ''I fell with you.''
Mello's eyes were gradually widening in pure shock, though he still couldn't avert his gaze from the mesmerizing obsidian orbs. He was trapped into their dark, alluring prison.
''And today, the day you finally came back to me...'' A soft finger brushed his lips smoothly. Mello's mouth opened slightly, a silent gasp escaping his lips.
But as the finger pressed against his lower lip, he was reduced to silence once again. Then, a quiet exhale came out of the white-haired boy as he simply looked down at the blonde's mouth with curious, intense black eyes, thin eyebrows knitting as if in deep concentration. Mello felt as if he was being dissected, eaten alive, and he found that he liked it.
Near's voice was but a bare whisper, both angelic and demonic as he pronounced the sinful words.
''I am falling for you.''
Author's Note:
Thank you all for reading, I hope you liked that chapter!
So here we are, back at the present time. Flashbacks are over (much to everyone's relief I know), and Mello and Near are finally reunited. This story is slowly getting closer to its end, but there's still many things that have yet to happen. I estimated there'll be a total of 26 or 28 chapters approximately, the only thing I know for sure is it won't exceed 30 chapters.
Some of you rightfully told me about their interrogations about Takada's feelings, so I'm going to clarify it here to make sure everyone got it: Takada was never in love with Elena Cabestan. Please check my response to the first review at the beginning of the chapter for more informations.
If you didn't understand what really happened between Takada and Elena, or Light and Elena, don't worry. Everything will clear up in the next chapter.
I think I'll be able to update maximum in the next two weeks, so please be patient.
Until then, please leave a review or PM me! I would be glad to know what you think about this chapter or the story in general.
Your feedbacks are my drug!
Bye bye, humans!
C.