A/N: Ugh, short chapter. I'm so sorry guys!! I think I cut the last chapter too early, plus last night my dad sent me to bed before I could post this!! This is the second to last chapter, there will be an epilogue of sorts just to wrap things up. Must go, or I'll miss my Math test today!!
The two walked in silence, both wanting desperately to break it, but unable to think of something to say.
"Mello?"
Mello sighed. "Yes, Near?"
"I'm scared. Terrified, really."
"What of?" Of becoming L?
"I am quite scared that you hate me."
"Why would I.....I mean, we fight a lot, but......Do I really act like I hate you?"
Near pulled down the collar of his shirt, revealing the strangle marks from the boat incident.
"Yes. You do." Mello noticed that Near's voice was cracking, and he looked down to see the boy crying.
"What is with you today? You're crying, and freaking out! It's totally unlike you!"
"It's because I don't want to keep this inside anymore! What if you die? I can't...."
He trailed off. "I can't not do anything."
Mello wasn't sure what to say. So he didn't.
Mello walked toward the sobbing boy and put his arms around his neck. Near turned his head and buried his face in the blond's chest.
"Mello?" Near choked out, his voice muffled by the older boy's shirt.
"Yes?"
"I love you."
It took Mello a while to process the words. The person he hated most loved him, and Mello loved him back.
"Do you want to go back to the ceremony yet? Roger's probably wondering where we are."
Near pulled his head away. "Uh..uh-huh."
The two boys stood up and began to walk back toward the gathering place.
Mello felt himself smile slightly, despite himself, as the rain gently halted.
Is this you, L? Are you trying to help us? You always said you wanted us to get along better.
As Mello decided that it must be L's doing, they contently walked back in silence.
"Guys, where were you? The funeral's almost over!" The redheaded boy exclaimed. They were lining up to put white flowers on the fresh soil in front of the grave stone, which they had apparently placed while the two boys were walking.
"Sorry, Near was feeling sick and Roger said I had to watch him, so...."
"Makes sense. Here. Have some flowers."
Matt tossed two white flowers at Near and Mello, Near catching his effortlessly. As the two boys reached the altar, they placed their flowers gently on the fresh dirt, then walked inside quietly. No one noticed Near's hand in Mello's.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed!! This is the second to last chapter, there will be an epilogue of sorts just to wrap things up. Must go, or I'll miss my Math test today!!
~Aura