A/N: Now it's time! Let's go!

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Azure Paler than the Sky

four.

Thursday was the next time L's advanced class met and by then, L was close to making his decision. But even as he looked at the two sitting behind their easels, they were unaware of his intentions for them and continued on like they would normally.

"Mello, if you mix the paints like that, it'll be too thick…"

"Trust me, it's fine."

"Okay…"

As anyone could see, Near was greatly enjoying the Mello that he never really met before. The previous year when Near knew him, Mello was tied up and twisted in his own misery and sour seventy-five percent of the time because he thought his talent had poofed. Not he had all of the confidence of Michael Angelo and he was probably overconfident but that was just the way he was. Near watched his brush strokes on the canvas with wide, interested eyes and every time Mello paused to dip the paintbrush, Near would try to anticipate his next move.

But, as he soon found out, that was nearly impossible to do. Mello was too spontaneous with his paintings in general and as Near continued to watch him, he tried so hard to even try to follow the impulsiveness. It barely made sense until it all came together in the end and Near wondered faintly about the painting of himself that he had hanging in his room, the one that Mello had given him for his birthday, and if that was how he had created it.

It seemed so together and well thought out but, really, had he just thought of Near and started painting random things until it was born out of shades of blue? Is that really how Mello worked? So unorthodox? The more Near thought about it, the more it all added up. The way Mello was, always screaming and causing problems for people around him, naturally his painting technique would be strange as well.

"… There. Told you it'd be okay," Mello said, shaking Near from his thoughts. Near looked closely and blinked as all of the lines and swirls had turned into living sorbet.

Near nodded and said quietly, "That's very good, Mello. I really like it."

Mello smirked, folding his arms across his chest. "Yeah… Hey, where's yours?"

"… Mine?" Near turned back to his easel and gasped upon realizing that it was completely blank. He'd squandered away his hour just watching Mello.

Mello looked over at the blank canvas as well and whistled amusedly. "That sucks."

"Mello, this isn't funny," Near said sadly. "What can I do in less than five minutes? L will be disappointed…"

"Here, watch." Mello took Near's paint brush and dipped it in black. Near watched curiously as he took it to the blank canvas and slowly painted a hunched over stick-figure with a smiling face. Mello took the paint brush away and grinned at the painting and then at Near, whose mouth was slightly ajar. "Whatcha think?"

"That's not funny," Near pouted, staring at it.

Mello laughed and leaned over, placing a small kiss on Near's lips. Near returned it and was smiling when Mello pulled away despite his dilemma.

"Mello, keep your hormones in the dorms where they belong."

Mello frowned and looked over the top of the easel. "L, mind your own business!"

"I am. Everyone, time is up. You all may leave your canvases behind and I will see you next time." L said all of this over a mouthful of gumdrops out of a sack on his desk. All of the students left like a herd of bison towards the door and when they had all gone, the sounds of their laughter and chit-chat following them down the hallway, Mello and Near were the only two left in the class.

They were muttering to each other behind their canvases, trying not to let L hear them.

"It's not bad-"

"Not bad? It's a stick-figure, oh, he's going to think I'm lazy-"

"You worry-wart, just throw some color on it-"

"That's not-"

"Mello, Near," L called. "Class time is gone and I can't allow you to stay in here all day. What are you doing?"

"Nothing," Mello groaned.

"Then please do nothing where I can see you. And bring those paintings with you."

Finally, Mello's head popped up over the easel and he rolled his eyes as he took his canvas off of the easel and carried it over to L's stool. Near's head popped up soon after and he timidly took down his own canvas and shuffled over, keeping it pressed to his chest and his head down like a soon-to-be-punished puppy. L sent Near a questioning glance but looked at Mello's painting first since it was practically shoved at him.

L grabbed it and looked at it closely. "I can see you're having fun now that you're in the clear again. It really shows. Good job," he said finally and reached into his sack. He fished out a blue gumdrop and put it in Mello's hand.

Mello, not one to hide his feelings by any stretch of the imagination, smiled so wide that it was assumed the corners of his mouth would meet in the back of his head. He held on tightly to the gumdrop, as if it were a sign of his well-earned manhood. Saying nothing, he stood there at attention like a soldier enjoying praise from his sergeant.

L set the painting down and held his hand out to Near. Near sighed and handed it over, hiding his face in shame. L was confused as to why Near was acting the way he was but then he turned over the easel and saw the stick-figure and suddenly it was all clear.

"… Mello, do not do Near's work for him."

Mello was kicked out of his small moment of contentment. "It's called helping a fellow student, L."

"Oh, is that so? I thought it was called crappy drawing."

"Hey!"

L ignored him. "Could you not think of anything?" Then, a somewhat worried expression passed over his face. "You're not in a rut, are you, Near?"

"Oh, no, it's just… I just was watching Mello paint and lost track of time…"

"Ah, I see. That's fine then."

Near looked up, shocked. "It's fine? Really?"

"Yes, really. Though, the next time this happens, I will be forced to remove one of you from your seat and put you up here with me." L motioned to the abandoned swivel chair behind the desk. "But, Near, you do not get a gumdrop today."

"Oh, I understand…"

Near nodded and walked around L's stool followed by Mello, who was by then eating his gumdrop slowly so as to savor his metaphorical pat on the back. Before either of them reached the door, L turned a little in his sitting position and said lightly, "Oh, I forgot something."

Mello looked over his shoulder, an eyebrow raised. "You just wanna keep us in here forever."

L smiled. "Yes, I do."

Mello and Near exchanged glances.

"Let me explain," L continued and turned around completely to face them. "I will keep this brief since I have to go to the bathroom."

Mello pulled a face. "Nice."

"Anyway. I'm going to be putting together a showing in Japan… I feel suffocated as an artist when I'm not able to show off, you understand. So I've worked all summer long, but I want a few pieces to highlight the event and I think I will need some help. An assistant of sorts. Do you see what I'm getting at?"

Near blinked and then looked at Mello. "You want… one of us?"

"I can't think of anyone else more qualified," L said quietly.

Mello nodded triumphantly. "Neither can I!"

"I will inform you both of my decision later… Mello, do not call my cell phone asking."

Mello frowned and was sort of ashamed that he had the man on speed-dial. L turned back around in his chair and that was the signal that the two of them could leave then. They looked at each other before opening the door and exiting. They walked down the corridor in silence and Mello waited until they reached the courtyard to release his happiness.

"FUCK YEAH!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, pumping his fist into the air. Bystanders looked at him. Mello whirled around to Near with an excited grin. "This is so awesome, I can't wait to tell Matt!"

"Yes."

Mello blinked, lowering his hands. "What're you so sad for? Don't you know what a great opportunity this is?"

Near shuffled his feet a little. "Mello, you know… he said he would pick one of us. Not both."

"… Right," Mello said, letting it sink in. He sighed heavily and then came over to Near, sticking his hand out at him. Near looked at it at first and then looked at Mello's smirking face. He said, "Then, may the best man win."

Near hesitated but, then, placed his hand in Mello's and smiled. "Okay," he said.

-

Mello and Near continued their way back to the dorm, discussing the kinds of things that an apprentice for L would even do. Considering the man's off the wall teaching methods and love of embarrassing and mentally scarring his students, it was sure to be a demanding job.

"Really," Near hummed in thought, "that along with classes? How are we supposed to concentrate on just one?"

"Classes?" Mello asked as if disgusted. "Classes don't mean anything next to this!"

"But we have to get good grades to graduate."

"Well… but-"

"Come to think of it, Mello," Near said meekly and grabbed a hold of Mello's hand as they walked, "how do you pass every year?"

Mello frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

"… Nothing."

They came to their hallway and turned to Mello and Matt's door, opting for their room instead of Near's because Mello so wanted to tell Matt of his good luck, or rather, rub it in his face. As Mello opened the door, his head was turned and he said to Near, "You're lucky you're cute, you know…"

"Am I?" he asked with the hint of a smile and looked ahead, blinking, at both Matt and Raito on the couch facing each other. "Oh… it seems we're interrupting…"

Both Raito and Matt looked up, startled.

Mello came strolling in. "Interrupting my ass, this is my house too!"

"Mello," Near called from the door, a frown on his face.

"No, it's all right, Near," Matt said, leaning back into the couch cushions. He picked up his DS that was laying over on the coffee table. "We're all done here."

"… Are you sure?"

"Yeah," Raito said, standing. He walked over to the door and patted Near on the head who looked up at him confusedly. "I'll see you later, Matt."

"Yeah, okay," Matt said, lifting up his goggles to his forehead. "Bye, Rai."

Raito left down the hallway and Near came in, shutting the door behind him. "What was that all about?" he asked, more to himself than to Matt. The redhead didn't even get a chance to answer before Mello came in from the restroom in the hallway - where Near didn't even see him go in - and put his arms around Matt's neck and grinned at him.

Matt laughed. "What's up with you, Mel? You didn't just get laid, I know, 'cause the building wasn't shaking."

Near yipped and turned a dark shade of red.

Mello laughed and head-butted Matt lightly. "No, you ass, L just told us he needs an assistant and he wants either me or Near for the job."

Matt blinked. "Wow, that's great! Congrats, you guys."

"Yes, thank you…" Near mumbled, his head bowed.

-

A few hours later, another one of the sculpture classes let out and both Raito and Matsuda were walking away from the building.

Matsuda sighed heavily, carrying his books in his arms. "Professor Mikami's classes are so boring, Raito. Not anything like yours."

"Boring, really," Raito said absently.

"Yes." Matsuda nodded confidently. "When I watched you do demonstrations, it was so… so involving. With Professor Mikami, it's boring and I don't feel like wanting to do anything. Plus, he gives so much homework!"

"I guess."

"… What's wrong?"

Raito shook his head. "Nothing."

"Um… well, I-"

Suddenly, there was a small, grumbling sound and both men stopped in their tracks and looked down at Raito's stomach growling. Matsuda laughed lightly and Raito looked away, embarrassed.

"You're hungry," Matsuda observed. "Come on, let's go to the cafeteria."

"Oh, no, I don't think - I mean, I really ought to get-"

"Raito, it's okay. I'll buy, all right?"

Raito didn't seem to have much of a chance to say anymore as he was dragged by the hand towards the cafeteria. For someone as weak-looking as Matsuda, he was pretty strong.

Upon entering the building, there weren't very many people there. Probably because around seven and everyone had already eaten dinner. The students there were laughing or talking quietly and when Raito and Matsuda had gotten their food, they walked over to a table in the middle of the brightly lit room and Matsuda sat all his books down beside him.

"You really didn't have to do this," Raito said, sitting next to him.

Matsuda smiled lightly. "I want to."

Raito sighed, nodding.

Then, just as they began to eat, there was a sound in front of their table and both young men looked up, greeted with the sight of Mikami standing there, his glasses shining under the florescent lighting. Raito smiled immediately and Matsuda's mouth dropped open.

Where in the world does he come from? Matsuda wondered.

"Such a coincidence seeing you here, Raito," Mikami said, sitting down on the other side of the brunet. "I hope you didn't find class too boring today."

Raito shook his head. "Of course not, I was riveted."

Matsuda frowned.

"Really?" Mikami chuckled under his breath. "Most of the students seemed ready to fall asleep but I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Yes, your technique is fascinating… Where did you graduate from?"

"Irai, of course."

Raito looked up, eyes lit. "From here? That's amazing, what class were you? I don't ever remember-"

"Well, if I'm right, you were class of '04. I was '03."

"Really, so, you were a Senior when I was a Junior. How interesting that we're finally meeting like this."

"Yes," Mikami said, placing a hand on Raito's forearm, "it's a bit like fate, right?"

Matsuda was watching with his mouth agape and a horrified look on his face. Jesus Christ above! Is this guy for serious? FATE? Oh, poor Raito, he's being suckered in… If I don't do something, Matt will be very upset… Yes, as his former student and Raito's new best friend, it is my sacred duty to protect his and Matt's relationship with my very life! I'll do my best!

"Um, excuse me," Matsuda interrupted the two. They looked at him, Mikami with mild annoyance. Matsuda continued, "Professor Mikami, sir, I was just wondering if you could explain some stuff from the homework to me! Please, sir?"

Mikami blinked. "What stuff, Matsuda?"

"Uh… pages fifty-six to ninety-eight?"

"But Matsuda, that's all review."

"R-Right but there's a test coming up soon, right? So I can't afford to be bleary on anything! Um, actually, you're probably super busy, professor, so I should get Raito to help me. Study time! Come on, Raito," Matsuda shouted and grabbed Raito by the wrist, pulling him out of his seat and only got a few feet with him until Raito put his foot down and caused Matsuda to turn around suddenly.

"Matsuda! What's the matter with you?" Raito asked, frowning.

"We have to go, I really don't want to fail that test," he explained.

Raito pointed at the table. "First of all, you left your books there."

"… Oh."

"Second of all, you're behavior is extremely embarrassing."

"My behavior? Professor - I mean, Raito, he's flirting with you!"

Raito blinked and looked over his shoulder at Mikami sitting there, looking confused and a little bothered. Raito turned back to Matsuda and said, "Flirting?"

"Shamelessly!"

"Matsuda," Raito laughed, "don't be ridiculous. And even if he is, it's okay. There's no harm in showing a little bit of an interest though I doubt that's what's going on here. I think you're reading too much into it."

Matsuda gasped. "No harm? What about Matt?" he wailed.

"Matsuda-"

"If he were here he wouldn't like it at all, really, we should just leave before-"

"Matsuda! Just listen to me, for heaven's sake. We're not together anymore, all right?"

"… Who isn't together anymore?"

"Me and Matt."

"… Huh?"

Raito growled and then let out s deep breath. He took Matsuda's shoulders in his hands and forced the younger man to look up into his eyes. A thorough blush coated his cheeks. Raito said, "Matt and I broke up today, okay? So I'm single. So I don't see a problem if Mikami-"

"Oh, professor," Matsuda whined, his eyes beginning to water. "How could you be so mean! Poor Matt!"

"Poor Matt?" Raito echoed. "He dumped me!"

Matsuda broke out into tears and tore himself away from Raito's grasp, running out of the cafeteria crying loudly and bursting through the north end double doors. Raito watched him go with both eyebrows raised. He looked over his shoulder again at Mikami who was starring as well.

"What's the matter with him?"

"Oh…" Raito came to sit back down. "Nothing really."

-

"Agh, you bastard! Die already!"

"Never! Shut up and take it!"

"Excuse me… what does this button do?"

"Haha, fuck you - oh, that's the jump button, Near."

"Oh, I see."

All three boys were sitting on the floor in front of Matt and Mello's television with Gamecube controllers in hand; all of them staring at their characters as they tumbled across the screen. As Matt had said, the best way to celebrate something as great as the prospect of being L's apprentice was playing Super Smash Bros. Matt had automatically called Doctor Mario, Mello grabbed Link and Near, not knowing much, was suckered into playing the white Kirby by Matt and Mello who thought it would just be the cutest thing.

Link and Doctor Mario went at it like characters possessed, bringing chaos down around them and lunging items at each other. Kirby stood there in the midst of everything, walking around and jumping occasionally.

Near looked up from his controller. "Why won't either of you fight with me?"

There was a halt in action and Mello paused the game. They both looked down at him and laughed.

"Aw, Near," Matt said, patting him on the head. "We don't want to hurt your little Kirby."

"Yeah, it'd feel kinda pointless," Mello added.

Near frowned deeply and then un-paused the game. He ran over to Doctor Mario and high-kicked him off the ledge and then picked up a gun and shot Link multiple times.

'Winner - KIRBY!'

Near huffed.

Mello blinked. "O… kay…"

Suddenly, the door was busted open and each boy screamed, save for Near who let out a little yip, and whirled around to face whoever was there. But standing there with tears in his eyes was only Matsuda. He was panting as if he'd run a great distance and upon seeing Matt seated there on the floor, Matsuda called out, "Matt!" and literally crawled over to the redhead on hand and knee.

"Jesus, Matsuda!" Mello yelled, "You scared the shit out of us!"

Matsuda ignored Mello's cursing and grasped Matt's hands in his. "Matt, Matt! What happened? Why did you dump Pro - Raito?"

Matt paused for a moment and then groaned upon hearing both Mello and Near's gasps.

"L-Listen, Matsuda, it… it just wasn't working out, you know… I guess it had to do with me going away for two months, it… um…"

Matsuda's puppy-dog eyes just grew and grew.

"Matsuda…"

"Don't you love him anymore?" he wailed.

"Aw, come on, that's not-"

"Don't you?"

"Of course! Yeah, okay, I do but… you know, he felt the same way. It was a mutual agreement."

"Will you… go back out with him again soon?"

"… Uh… I really don't think so…"

Matsuda sighed and nodded. He dropped Matt's hands and stood up from the floor, his sad expression washed away and a determined one shining. "Then," he said bravely, raising his fist, "it's up to me to protect dear Raito from the likes of Mikami!"

"… Huh?" Matt asked.

Matsuda smiled and ran for the door, shouting back to the redhead, "I'll make you proud, Matt!"

The door slammed shut.

Mello stared. "What… the fuck."

-

to be continued.

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A/N: The stage is set! Thoughts, anyone?