This chapter is dedicated to the most lovely lynarsiane for being a most wonderful person. :) Thank you to EVERYONE who's been reviewing/alerting/favoriting. Keep it coming and I'll keep working hard!

Disclaimer: I do not own King Kong or Kleenex

Looking down at his pale hands, Near wondered if he could really go through with such a thing. Uncontrollably, his eyes lifted up to once more glance out the window where Mello was playing tag with some of the younger girls. They had been pestering him and it was either play dress up with them or tag. Of course, Mello had to salvage his pride in some way so he chose the tag. Still, it was a fact that he had accepted to play with the girls. He wasn't a cold heartless bastard.

Near smiled as one of the girls jumped on Mello's back, knocking him flat on his back. Just as quickly, the smile disappeared. He didn't want someone to walk in and see him grinning like a love struck fool; which is what he was. Tearing his eyes away from the scene of eight-year-old girls dog piling on top of Mello, Near sat down in front of his newest endeavor. It was a house built of cards, and it was proving to be entertaining. The simple and weak cards could be piled in a precise manner and it could make a stable building. Miniature building. Perhaps he could make it strong enough to hold up his gorilla doll. Twirling his hair, he thought that he could do a re-creation of King Kong. All he would need was a few more airplanes…

"Near!" a loud girl squealed.

The boy's frown deepened as he watched his card tower collapse under the burst of air from the door opening. His hand remained outstretched with a single card and he sighed inaudibly.

"Can I help you?"

"Why don't you come outside and play with us? Mello's going to have a competition!"

"I don't think I need to point out that I am in no condition to enter into any competition that involves physical work."

"You can just watch," she whined.

"That would be a waste of my time."

"Awww, come on! Even Roger is going outside to watch!"

Ugh, she never stopped shouting. "I'm perfectly fine by myself. Your feeble attempt at getting me to join the crowd through peer pressure has not succeeded. If you truly wish to join the pointless clamor over Mello showing off, then by all means, leave."

"You don't have to be such a jerk!" She sniffled a little. "And what's with you and Mello? You guys were so nice to each other, but now you won't even watch him? Are you that uppity? I bet that Mello just couldn't put up with you and your snobbish attitude anymore!"

Girls were so annoying. Mello was not. "Say whatever you like."

"I'll tell everyone that you pushed Mello away!"

"Okay."

"Don't you care at all?!"

"No." Dear Galileo, couldn't she take a hint. Shoo, go away.

"Well, Mello's better than you anyway!" She waited around waiting for a reply, but Near couldn't bother himself with her anymore. He had a tower to build or King Kong wouldn't have anything to climb. Soon enough, she decided that it would be a lot more fun to watch the boys frolicking outside. It was no big deal; besides, Roger was probably only out there to insure that no one broke their neck or that Mello didn't beat the crap out of anyone who might be unfortunate enough to beat him. His inferiority complex seemed to be getting worse.

"What are you doing in here?" a soft voice asked from behind him.

Near just rolled his eyes. People didn't seem to comprehend the fact that he enjoyed being inside instead of sweating outside. "I am constructing a replica of the Empire State Building with these playing cards."

"Are you an albino?" came the blunt follow-up question.

"No," Near replied, careful not to show his annoyance. "I was unfortunate enough to get Scarlatina as a child and was affected with a rare side-effect."

"Scarlet fever?

"Yes."

"How about your leg? Was that a side-effect of a disease too?"

What a nosy orphan. Didn't he know better than to ask questions about the past? "No."

"Care to expound?"

"…no."

There was a chuckle before the aggravating orphan shuffled closer behind him. Near refused to acknowledge the boy; if he turned around, he would only be encouraging the boy to try to carry a conversation with him. However, it seemed like this boy didn't need encouraging to continue talking. He just…kept going.

"It never leaves you know."

Sigh of not-so-eternal patience. "What never leaves?" You?

"The feel of those hands on your hips."

With a whisper, his tower collapsed again. "N-no," Near stuttered. He was faltering, damn it! No one knew about that, no one!! "I don't-"

Bony fingers darkened his view as the stranger leaned closer; it was almost as if he was going to ask "guess who?" "You always remember the smells. The harsh hands. Painful lips."

"You're wrong," Near forced out. He would not allow such a thing to rule his life. So what if he still suffered from the nightmares? In the end, he would win. "I don't feel the hands."

"No, of course not. You feel the broken hip. That's all that you need to feel."

Near supposed that he could have cried. He was only 10 years old, almost 11, so no one would blame him if he just curled up and cried. Or, he could have turned around and punched the guy behind him. Strangely enough, he did nothing of the sort. He just sat there with his eyes covered and the stranger's cool breath blowing gently against the back of his neck.

"I'm going to play now." He was no longer a precious little doll to be beaten and broken. Near, that's who he was; Nate River was buried.

"Very good." The thin hands fell away and for a moment the light stung at the boy's eyes. "You'll do well if you keep up that attitude."

Just as mysteriously as he had come, the stranger was gone. Near glanced back and caught the sight of ratty jeans and bare feet.

~_~_~_~_~_

"Score!" Mello screamed as he won again. All the kids cheered for him, even the opponents he had faced off with a few seconds ago. No one could be him; not at tag, or soccer, or tree climbing, or anything else that the excited young minds could come up with. He was the best. But then, all it would take was one look at the window where he knew Near would shyly peek out to watch and he would find himself getting upset. There was only one person who beat him.

"Great job!" Linda cheered, holding out a juice box.

"Yeah!" Jody squealed annoyingly. Fuck, she was always screeching. "You're just too awesome, Mello!"

Suddenly, he felt very tired. It had nothing to do with all the activities he had been participating in throughout the afternoon. Glancing to the side, he saw Roger fanning himself with a magazine as he lazily watched the kids running around. "Um, thanks."

"You're just too humble, Mello! It's really cute you know!" Insert annoying giggling.

"Sure," he replied, hoping that she would go away. Immediately, he caught sight of Matt. The brunette was standing in the doorway, smiling. Mello grinned in return; he knew that smile anywhere. "Hey, I'm gonna play with Matt for a bit," he declared, ignoring the other kids' groans of disappointment.

Taking in a deep summer breath, Mello sprinted to the building as fast as he could. If he closed his eyes, he could almost imagine that his feet were pushing him higher and higher into the air, letting him fly away. With a crash, he landed giggling into Matt's embrace. The gamer groaned from the impact, but he didn't let go of his best friend. "Easy there, Fido," he teased.

"Shut up," Mello snarled good-naturedly. "What'd you get me?"

"Come in and I'll show you." Pulling apart, they headed towards the library. On such a fine and sunny day, no one would be hanging out in the musty old room.

By the time they got there, Mello was practically bouncing in excitement. "Let me see, let me see!"

Reaching into his oversized sweater, Matt pulled out a soft bar of German chocolate. Mello's mouth formed a little "o" of pleasure as he delicately took the treat from the younger boy. "Do you like it?"

"Let me taste it first," Mello mumbled. He almost looked guilty about tearing the beautiful wrapper, but once he did, his soft tongue dug into the warm chocolate, tracing the foreign letters before his teeth took out a chunk. "Oh, oooohm," the blond groaned in delight as he let his eyes slide shut. He always tried to make eating chocolate a perfect experience. Sensual even.

Matt just laughed. "I guess you do like it."

Mello nodded weakly before leaning against the wall for support. He kept his eyes shut as he continued to indulge his taste buds with the fine delight. "How do you do it?" he finally asked as he licked the runny chocolate off of his fingers.

"It's easy," Matt shrugged. "Mr. Wammy doesn't protect his 'hidden' supply of candy all that well when he arrives."

"Yeah, but still!" Mello looked up at the sweating boy. "Who taught you to steal, Mattie?"

The days of old flashed by quickly, but for Matt it wasn't easy to push away. He could bring up every memory of every day of his life from about age two, and those memories about his home in the States always brought that knot to his stomach. "I taught myself," he replied in what he hoped was a cocky tone.

Mello caught that look in his eye, even through the goggles. "Well you're damn good," he complimented. "Teach me!"

Matt shook his head. "Hey, if I teach you, then what use would I have?"

"I'm sure I could think of something," Mello giggled.

Nicotine's cruel and sweet urging sang through Matt's veins as he shifted his feet. "I'm going for a smoke. Wanna come with me?"

"Sure."

He didn't know why they always went there. Maybe he was a masochist or something. Regardless, ever since Mello found out about his smoking, the blond had dragged him into the dark and private room that used to be for B, the only successful runaway. Slowly, the other rooms where the Letters had stayed were being filled up with the other orphans, but this room was still feared. It was taboo to cross that threshold and yet Mello did it so easily, dragging along his poor scared buddy. Seriously, Matt was too old to believe in stupid things like ghosts or evil spirits, but things just happened in that room. A chair that used to sit against the wall would disappear for a day, only to be found in the middle of the room the next time they came in. Sometimes the bathtub was filled to the rim with hot steaming water, and Matt would swear that he could see faint writing on the steam covered mirror. Always, it always said Always. Maybe someone just needed to clean the damn thing.

Today, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but the adolescent chain smoker kept his guard up. He wasn't going to be gutted by a…something. Anything, really. Mello just hopped onto the stiff bed and laid with his limbs sprawled out. Finally letting his ugly hands peek out from their home in his sleeves, Matt lit up a slightly bent cigarette and took a deep breath. Pleasure went tingling down his arms before journeying through the rest of his body. "Fwooooo."

Mello closed his eyes and let his fingers ghost over the glass beads of his bracelet. "Mattie, are you going to hang out with your friends again?" he asked nonchalantly.

The American smiled as he recognized his friend's attempt to get more information out of him. "Yeah. Are you going to visit with Loyal?"

"Yeah. So, are you ever going to take me with you?"

Another lazy breath of smoke was exhaled before a reply could be made. "Maybe. Hey, I don't ask to go with you to see all of your friends."

A huff shot back. "Whatever." In all honesty, Mello got jealous. It had been a few months since Matt started hanging out with people other than him and although he had been happy at first, things changed. Matt didn't seem to need him as much anymore, and that bothered him. Sometimes, Matt wouldn't even bother telling him that he was going to hang out with some friends. It was really rude. "Will you lay here next to me?"

Looking at the bed in concern, Matt wondered if there was a curse on it. Well, that was silly. Mello had been on that bed a lot, and he didn't have any curses. He was still his pretty and perfect little self. So with a deep breath (of nicotine laden smoke of course), he hauled himself onto the uncomfortable bed. They stayed there for a while, quietly enjoying each other's company.

~_~_~_~_~_

"Why did you decide to become a detective?" Mello asked innocently as he looked through L's pile of donuts for a chocolate glazed one.

Flipping carelessly through the file in front of him, L wondered how he should answer that. He settled for a non-committal shrug. "It just happened."

"But how did you know it was the right thing? Like, the thing that you wanted to do for the rest of your life?"

"My being a detective makes sense. I'm good at it, and it gives me a purpose. Without a purpose, my mind would undoubtedly turn to more destructive means of expression."

Licking his newfound treat, Mello looked up. "I want to be a detective like you."

L chuckled. "It would be terrible if you didn't want to; after all, you are in the running to be my successor."

In the running. Those words stung at Mello because he knew that he was still second place, and to a younger boy at that. "I'm going to be first, you know. That way, you'll have to pick me as the successor."

"We'll see."

Mello munched away on his donut as he watched L continue to work. L looked bored as he flipped through the papers and the blond noted that the bags under his eyes seemed to have gotten darker. Frowning, he thought back to the days when he would watch B smear stolen eyeliner under his eyes. In those days, things seemed to be a lot less complicated. Everything was black and white, but once B left him, it was like his reality had been cracked beyond repair. Now things had become distorted. Where was B now? Was he happy or lonely? Did he cry? Was he dead? Shuddering at that thought, he quickly moved to settle between L's legs; the warmth of those bony limbs was comforting.

L was surprised when Mello ran to him and snuggled between his thighs, his back resting against L's chest. It always amazed him how much Mello needed physical contact in order to remain grounded, to control his insecurities and keep his mind in check. If the poor boy ever got separated from society he would surely go insane. Near wasn't like that at all. He was strong enough to hold himself up.

"Will you ever find B?" Mello mumbled.

Throwing the file he had finished reading behind him, L answered. "Eventually. B's not the type to hide."

Lifting up Mello's chin to face him, L leaned in and dragged his tongue over the corner of those soft lips where some chocolate had smudged.

~_~_~_~_~_

Panting filled Matt's ears. The room was already hot and he barely cast a glance to the side where the other boys were roughly jerking themselves off. In front of them, the small screen was filled with images of some chick being banged senseless by a few dudes. The woman was screaming loudly (not loud enough for anyone outside the room to hear, but loud enough) and her giant breasts were bouncing around.

Honestly, Matt wondered how she had managed to avoid getting a black eye by now. Those things were gigantic. Sighing quietly, he looked down at himself and he saw how…uninterested…his dick was in the whole thing. Those huge breasts were just gross. And she was a brunette. Ick. Chase made a small whine as his body tensed, but Matt didn't watch; he just slid the box of Kleenex over. Finally, that video was over.

"It's my turn," he claimed as he leaned over to pick the next video they were going to stream.

The other boys were too busy to reply. Licking his lips, Matt scrolled down the selections looking for just the right one. Nope, nope, nope, no- oh! Yes, that one. Clicking on the play button, he leaned back and watched as the scene unfolded. Not caring for the cheesy opening, he clicked forward until they got to the part he liked best. She was beautiful. Tanned skin that wasn't too dark, taught thighs, flat belly, modest breasts, and best of all, long golden hair. The caption said that he name was Annika, but he didn't really care. All that mattered was what she did to him. Her lean back arched as she rode on top of the inconsequential guy and her oiled body glistened sexily. Lifting herself up and then dropping down, repeat, repeat, roll hips, repeat. Stroking the front of his jeans, Matt sighed shakily as he felt himself growing hard already. Yes, he definitely liked Annnika, but she wasn't perfect. Her hair was too long and would get in the way if they were really trying to have sex. This was all just scripted, so of course not a hair would be out of place. Nope, he liked shorter hair. And maybe hips that weren't so wide. Oh, and her eyes would be better if they were blue instead of ugly brown.

Biting hard on his lip, Matt reached into his pants and closed his eyes to savor the picture running through his mind. Kissing, they were kissing. He loved seeing kissing because it was intimate, and he always imagined that he could be the sappiest kisser on the planet. So, he imagined them kissing and his hands running over the slick body. Oh, he would love to feel that heat envelop his body and those thighs trembling in pleasure. He would be gentle of course, 'cause it was their first time and he wanted it to be memorable. Those eyes would beg for more and those reddened lips would always whisper, "Oh, Mattie."

"Mello…" Pumping frantically, Matt shot his eyes open and gasped as his release finally came. Exhaustion quickly followed, weighing down his limbs.

"What'd you say?" Chase asked lazily as he looked over at the red-faced hacker.

"N-nothing," Matt stumbled. Shit, he did it again! It was just getting worse and worse! "Are you guys done now?" he snapped a little irritably.

"Sure," Toby muttered, sliding the box of tissues to Matt.

Wiping his sticky hand angrily, Matt couldn't help but wonder why. Why didn't those weird thoughts of Mello go away? After months of doing this, he had watched countless porn videos with all shapes and sizes of women. Okay, so what if he didn't like big breasts or big asses? He just preferred more natural looking girls! But then, every time he watched those, his thoughts would just slide right back to Mello. Blushing, he recalled that he had caught Mello naked a few weeks ago in the shower; he had walked in, right as Mello pulled the curtain aside to grab his towel. It was humiliating to say the least, but it also didn't improve his situation. Now he just had more fodder for his strange fantasies. Great.

"Wanna do it 'gain on Sundee?" Evan asked as he tucked himself back into his slacks.

"Sure," the other boys agreed. Matt just nodded.

"Oh, here's your pack," Chase yawned as he tossed the crushed box to Matt. "Sorry it's late, but those things are damn hard to get."

"Thanks."

~_~_~_~_~_

Mello took his time walking to his room. Most of the younger kids were already in bed, and the rest of the orphans were being herded into their rooms. He watched as one of the kids clutched the nanny's hand tightly. Was he like that?

"Where were you?"

The voice surprised him. Looking at the bottom of the stairs, he saw Near looking up at him with those owlish eyes. His new pajamas were just a tad too long and the sleeves hung over his hands the way that Matt liked to have his shirts. "Why should I tell you?" Mello challenged, the air filling with tension.

"Because I asked."

Mello took a step closer to the boy. "Well I don't give a shit if you asked. I'm not gonna answer."

Near just looked at him calmly. It was unnerving, but Mello didn't want to back down. Only a few months ago they were close friends, comforting each other, kissing, and holding. And now they were doing this, having a petty staring contest.

"It's just a simple question," the pale child whispered.

"Loyal. I was just visiting with Loyal."

The younger boy's round face tilted slightly up. "Is he a…Letter?"

"He works under Mr. Wammy," Mello sighed, looking away from Near. He was getting exhausted from just standing there. All he wanted to do now was curl up in bed with Matt and sleep. "Are you done with the interrogation, backstabber?"

A small finger carefully curled a strand of hair near his temple. "I apologize for my rudeness."

Huffing, Mello walked down, and brushed past him. Near would not make him weak, he would not get under his skin. Mello was the best and he could handle this. He didn't have to be so damn sensitive; he would just get even and hurt Near the way that he was hurt. However, just as he passed, Near reached out and caught his wrist. It jerked Mello to a stop, surprising him. "What the heck do you want now?" he hissed, turning around to face the shorter boy.

Near replied with his actions. He carelessly leaned forward and pressed his lips to Mello's, not at all caring that they were in public where anyone could see what they were doing. Mello's hair nearly stood on end in surprise, but he quickly recovered. How dare this little twerp force a kiss on him after what happened?! How dare he even think that Mello was going to just take it? But instead of shoving Near away and giving him a shiner, he grabbed a hold of the boy's face and opened his mouth. Mello didn't know why he did it, but he just did. Their tongues met, and their mouths caressed, but almost as soon as it started, it was over. Mello walked away angrily, and Near sat on the steps and continued to curl that strand of hair.

Hehehe, I hope that this chapter was enjoyable. Their relationships with each other are growing and I think that's an important thing to keep in mind. Just as much as this story is about their pasts and their emotions, it's also very much about the complexity of their relationships.

Also, fyi, I searched the internet for a cause of Near being all white. I didn't want to use albinism because it's over used and he doesn't carry all of its symptoms. So, in my search, I came across a strange case where a young boy caught scarlet fever and his hair fell out and was replaced with white hair and it said that his nails fell out and he was covered in pale skin. Well, Near's nails are intact, but I thought that the case was plausible enough for me to use it as a template. If anyone's really interested, I can send you the link to the page.

Please feel free to review! I didn't go through to edit this at all, so there's bound to be mistakes. Just point them out and I'll get right on it!