Holy-ba-gezzus! Is this another chapeter- the day after the last update? Yes. Yes it is.

I was crusing. I did some stuff. Got it done. POST IT! If there are any grammical mistakes...it is because I was so excited to publish I didn't look it all over. Thanks for the reviews so far! This is my most reviwed story after all!

But you sneaky people who watch and fave without a review...I be keeping an eye on you. Why am I not good enough to review for? Huh?

Don't blame me if I lose motivation...

Chapter 7: Cooling Down

Mello did end up being punished over what he did. For this whole week, he's been confined to his room. And considering how bad Dive had looked after tussling with him, strangely there wasn't much damage. A lot of bruising and a broken nose… And there were many speculations floating around about what had started the fight. None of them were right. I say this, because none of them mentioned the question. None of them knew, yet they all spread around word as if they were in the fight themselves. No. I do not think they know anything. They know nothing at all.

Either way, there was no stopping them. The only reason I'm even thinking about this is because it's all anyone is ever speaking about nowadays. With the cold weather, I have many more chances to hear the children talk. Three times out of four it is about Mello and Dive. I suppose that's all there is for a topic considering how the long days of harsh wind kept them all inside. The common room was always full. I haven't been there for days. Mostly, I'm in my room with the window open, playing with the toy solders that I had kept for myself.

"Somnolent?" Creole asked, walking in without warning.

I picked my head off the windowsill and watched as she walked and sat on the bed.

"What?"

She was in no rush to answer, leaning back on her hands and swinging her legs.

"Jus' wondering if you were tired or something… I don't see you much."

I turned my seat around so I wouldn't need to keep looking over my shoulder. "I'm always tired. Did you need to see me?"

She didn't answer again, twirling a finger around in one of her curls.

"No. I only wanted to talk because we can. Because when you're friends with someone, you don't need a reason to talk."

Hm. Did she mean me?

Creole looked directly at me, smiling as if my face looked funny. It might have. Without my making it- it had moved on its own. My face. It scrunched up. Which didn't make sense at all. Maybe I really was a puppet with no control over myself.

"You look confused."

What? "I look confused?"

She nodded, face still alive with a grin. "And now even more so. Was it something I said?"

Yes. I slid the window shut, no longer desiring the cold. Well…that's not it, really. But when I had thought that it might be too cold, I moved without consulting the rest of me. Creole was waiting for an answer.

"Yes." I sat back down.

She nodded, this time, rolling over to be completely on my bed.

"Which part?"

She sure was allowing herself to get comfortable.

"You think you're my friend?" That was my initial…confusion.

Creole rolled around again and stopped in her back. What is with all this movement? Did she suffer from some sort of restless body syndrome? No, I do not believe that is an official syndrome- but that you can understand the picture I am forming. Much movement.

"I know you are my friend. The question is if I am your friend."

"What?"

Creole sat back up, lightly slapping her forehead.

"Excusez-moi. I meant to say it like, I know I am your friend- the question is if you are mine."

"So you want to be around me and you like to be around me- so we're friends?" That is how Matt had put it, right? You want to and like to. Right?

Creole did a laugh, raising an eyebrow. "I guess that is one way to put it?"

Oh. Well. "What then?"

Creole stood up and walked across the room. "Hm?"

"What then?"

"What do you mean?"

"Am…I supposed to do anything?"

She laughed again, this time walking right up to me. "Nothing different than you've already been doing. But- I do have a request."

I was pulled to my feet without much resistance.

"Near, would you please come talk with me today? I've been so bored… there is nothing to do."

"Yes." I didn't mean to say it. It just happened. I've lost control of my body. Or I've one cruel puppet master who let me live my life, thinking I might actually might be human.

Creole smiled though.

"Good! Because you were coming with me anyways. You can't stay up here your whole life, it's unhealthy!"

Her closet was closed this time as I sat in the one-bed room. She must have noticed my attraction to it, because Creole looked too.

"Curious about something in there, Near?"

"Yes."

"I see." She turned to looked back at me with burning green eyes. Not really an anger- but more of a question. Do you think less of me? It was gone as soon as another smile came up.

"And I am curious about you too, Near. Can't say we know much about each other. So to start- how did you end up here?"

I didn't know how to respond.

"Oh! Never mind that! I forgot about the confidential stuff…. I can't even know your real name." She played with the hem of her shirt. "I guess I'm not used to this place yet. Désolé."

"I have a question."

Creole's head bounced upright. "Yes?"

"Are you friends with Matt?"

"I'd like to think."

"Have you spoken with him?"

Creole nodded. "Yes, I have. Why?"

"How is Mello?"

"Mello?" There was a strange expression on her face now. "I think he was doing fine. Why?"

Why? I don't know. It just came up. Again… I hope this is just a phase. Accidentally saying things that don't make sense is not normal. I think. Though I don't have much experience with being normal.

"I don't know. I've been saying and doing strange things recently… just ignore it."

"Non, non, non. This is interesting. What's been happening?"

I had her complete attention by the looks of it.

"I've been doing things that I don't mean to and have no reason to do," I said without really wanting to. "Like now."

Creole had taken up a thoughtful position, crossing her legs with a hand on her chin, nodding slowly.

"I see. Continue."

The thing is- I didn't want to. My business did not require her to know anything.

"I'm just doing things. I can't be what I was, because something wont let me anymore. I have no will. Or maybe I have a separate will. I don't know. Recently there are so many things I don't know. And here I go, saying things again."

Creole was nodding more and more.

"I see. Yes. And how does that make you feel?"

Suddenly I could feel my heart jump. Feel? Was I feeling? No… Not I. that sort of defining characteristic is not capable for me. I was born without.

"Nothing."

"Then, why does it bother you?"

"I'm…" At a loss for words. "I just…don't know."

Creole nodded again.

"I see."

She patted her lap with a lopsided smile.

"I see that I have asked a lot of questions. If you'd like…I can answer your question as well."

I could see that question again in her expression. Do you think less of me?

"No questions." Whether or not I freely expressed my own business, she could keep hers if she felt the need.

Creole smiled, stretching in place.

"Well, this was nice! I got around a bit. You got around a bit. We got some time to talk. And I feel better for it! Don't you?"

I don't know. But now it seems like a good idea for a walk.

"I have somewhere to go."

Creole directed an arm towards the door.

"Qui vous en empêche? Go ahead, and thank you for the visit!"

I headed through the drafty hallways towards my room once again. I will not take back the earlier said statements implying that I like the cold air. So, inside it was not a problem because it was cool and dry. If I was going to go outside, it would be wet though. And the combination of cold and wet is too much for a body I suppose. I'd like to avoid the weakened immune system and eventual sickness if possible. I still have that sweatshirt from Creole. I can wear it… maybe afterwards I could return it. Never realized I had it for so long a time.

I opened my door and it was still where I had left it. A light blue draped over the back of my desk chair. I put it on for the second time in my life, zipping it about halfway. I didn't have anything else though. No hat or gloves or scarf or boots. Shoes. I at least needed to have shoes. I knew from my last experience going outside on my own- wet feet are not pleasant.

My closet was not as full as Creole's had been. Nearly bare because of the dresser. Neatly lined up in the corner, were the shoes that I never really wore. They were still white, still knotted, and still uncomfortable, as I put them on. They also felt a size too small. I am a growing boy after all… though it may have been stunted a little.

I tested how walking would turn out, taking a few steps around in a circle. It won't be comfortable, but I might stay dry.

I shut my door quietly, going back down the halls and towards the kitchen. I'd already decided to where I was going. I knew no one would be there at this time of day, so I wasn't questioned as I slipped out the side door and into the cold, cold, outside air. Not the calm cold where you could see your own breath. A cold that whipped you in the face as the wind stirred around in all directions. Not that I minded.

It was all noise while still out in the open yard. Extra motivation to head towards the trees and out of sight. I didn't look back to Wammys, mesmerized by the trees shaking and watching them thrash around. The spot in the trees was over there.

Under the cover of the pines and other vegetation, it was almost as if the sound was turned off. As I walked in tight shoes to the small clearing of trees. It was as if the wind was outside. A strange thing to say because I was already outside.

I didn't go to sit next to the water this time. Sitting at the base of another tree, simply absorbing the cold. The cold always brought a nice calm. And I sat there without a care to what time it was. I hope it snows.

There was a tugging at my front that woke me from sleep. I didn't open my eyes though. I was too busy wondering about when I went to sleep. I didn't remember falling asleep. The tugging continued and my ears opened up to the sound of zipping. I didn't want to open my eyes. I wanted to forget about it and continue to rest. But, without my permission, my eyes opened anyway.

"You know, there is no point in wearing this if you don't zip it. I thought that was common sense."

"Yes, but I'm not all that common. I'm extraordinary. In the unusually strange sense."

Mello drew back his hands, looking unimpressed. Hair was plastered to his face at some parts, the rest hung heavily, dripping wet. Hm. Listening carefully, I could catch the hushed sound of rain. Mello was crouched down, arms resting on his knees while looking away. Strange.

"What are you doing?"

Mello's eyes were back to me. "I'm not doing anything. What are you doing?"

"Aren't you supposed to be stuck in your room?"

"Yes. I climbed out the window."

I really didn't know what to say. I started to say things anyway. "Why'd you come here?"

"I saw you go this way."

"Are you mad at me?" I wouldn't dare ask again if he was planning to do anything. I knew where that road led.

Mello rolled his eyes and sighed. "I don't think so. And if I was, I shouldn't be looking for someone to fight with. I'm already in trouble with Roger."

I'm having a conversation- but I'm asking all the wrong questions. I don't want to say what I'm saying- I want to be able to have some sort of thought about it first.

"Aren't you cold?" No. I want to ask about the fight. I want to ask why. But before I can, I'm already saying something else.

"Aren't you?"

"But you're wet."

"And you've been out here longer than me."

What are we doing? Talking about this? I clenched my hands, realizing that I was in fact, quite numb. I pulled them into my sleeves, balling them up in the fabric. Mello had been watching closely and raised an eyebrow.

"How long has it been?"

"I watched you walk out here a couple hours ago. I decided to check on you when it started raining."

I see. So I did fall asleep. Without even knowing it. I usually know those kinds of things. I guess today is not my day. I found myself staring back into his eyes as Mello went back to looking to the side. I could see the darkness again. Creeping near the edges, trying to break through. Something I never paid attention to before, but I was finding myself willing to see it whenever I might.

Mello stood up without warning and looked back down at me. A few stray drops slid down his ruddy, wind-beaten face.

"You're even more pale than usual- if that's even possible. Get up. You're going back inside before you die and I'm accused of something I didn't do."

I would have stood. I've spent more than enough time outside, it was raining, and it's probably already set for me to get sick. I knew all these things and I knew that I should be getting up. But I didn't. Not that I couldn't. I could have. I just…didn't. After waiting a while, I expected Mello to shrug it off and leave. That's why it was strange to see his hand come down in front of me.

"I'm not asking, Near. Get up."

It's as if I were waiting for that moment. And I reached up, without thinking again. Both my hands fit into his and I was going to pull myself up. But I didn't. Because I was surprised. I have never liked heat. Ever. Yet, right now, the feeling as my frozen hands thawed in his… I didn't let go. I didn't try to stand. I just sat there holding his hand. Even more, I craved to put my hands up his sleeves, knowing more warmth would be waiting.

"Get up."

Mello took his other hand and helped haul me to my feet. Frozen feet in frozen shoes felt even worse. I didn't make a face though. And Mello let go to start to start walking ahead. I was not looking forward to the trip. And now I was left all to myself again. All to my cold self. But I could not leave myself there. I took a few steps and my feet hurt. So I had to stop.

Mello looked back, not quite gone. "What are you doing?"

"I don't like my shoes."

"Can't you last back to the building at least?"

I wish he would warm the rest of me up too. "Yes. I will. You don't have to wait for me."

I waited for him to move. Hhe did. Right towards me. And almost as if I had been faking it, my feet didn't hurt so much as he put his arm under mine and starting to walk me back to Wammys.

Once out of the trees, it wasn't just the sound of rain. It was actual rain, coming down in sheets over us as we leaned into the wind on our way across the yard. Mello was at my arm though. Doing most of the work. All I accomplished was to stay upright and open the door once we got there.

Inside, it was a relief of warmth. I could feel a spot on the back of my head, wet and dripping down my back. I've found that I do not enjoy being wet. Mello had let go of me again.

"I have to go back the way I came. I can't be caught out in the halls right now."

"No need. No one will be in the halls right now."

Mello seemed reluctant to trust me. His hand had paused at the door though.

"I am not saying there is zero chance someone will be out. But most likely, they are all playing somewhere in the rooms. I think you'll be safe for the short trip."

Mello must not have wanted to go back out, because it didn't take any further convincing than that. He shoved his hands into soggy pockets.

"You lead the way then."

I had no problems with that. But before that- I leaned over, taking off the squelchy shoes. It felt better to have my feet free- slippery or not. So I held them in one hand, the other hand held out encase I slid and needed to catch something. We went from the plastic tiled kitchen into the wooded hallways. From deep inside children could be heard, but as I had said- none were seen. I kept a hand to the wall as I moved forward, hearing Mello's breath and shoes behind me the entire time.

We had made it up the stairs and were on our way to his room just a little past mine. Suddenly there was a disturbance downstairs and voices were much clearer.

"I thought you were sure," Mello growled.

"I said it was most likely."

I had been grabbed again, dragged into my room and the door thrown shut.

"I can't afford for it to be most likely," Mello let go again, sliding down the door to the floor. "I'm staying in here until there is no chance to run into anyone."

I wasn't going to make him leave. I'm sure I couldn't even if I tried. But I've gotten used to having uninvited guests. Well…as used to as I possibly could. Considering that fact that they were never invited. Mello was not here for me though. He was here because he had to be.

The trickle down my back caught my attention again. I did not like it. Not at all. First I had to get something dry to change into. I left Mello to sit on the floor as I went to the dresser. New shirt. New pants. I set them, still folded, on the bed. Then I unzipped the sweatshirt, dropping it in the hamper. The room seemed two times cooler on my exposed arms, making me anxious for dry clothes. The top I was wearing stuck to me in an unpleasent way, and my fingers still felt paralyzed as I fumbled with the buttons. Finally that was done and I dropped it in the hamper as well. Now it was even colder. I put my new shirt on and buttoned it- feeling better already. Next, I pulled my pants off. I'd have to get them washed and dried soon or they'd mold. I had to remember that. I put new pants on, feeling complete again.

"What are you doing?"

I looked back at Mello in his sopping clothes. Oh. Should I provide him with something too? "I am smaller than you…but I do wear my clothing large. It might fit if you'd like…"

Mello frowned. "No, that's not it. You don't wear anything under your clothes."

What? "What do you mean?"

"I didn't need to know that you went commando," he grumbled.

I didn't understand what the military had to do with anything, so I went back to the earlier statement.

"Would you like dry clothes to wear?"

Mello was quiet to muse things over.

"Just a shirt. My pants aren't that wet."

I turned to get what he asked for and heard a slap of wet clothing hitting the floor. Mello was waiting, his upper body naked. I didn't see it for long as he took the white button-up and started to put it on. I've never seen him in such a light, pure color. Him usually sticking to the darker side of the color spectrum. And as I had thought, the top fit him well. Not in the sense that I personally thought my clothes looked good on him, but the sense that he could wear it without it being too tight.

Mello kicked his wet clothes to the side. So…what to do? I wasn't much of a conversation starter. No matter who I talked to, they would usually start things. And the chatty side of me had gone dormant apparently. I've never spoken long enough to Mello to know what he like to talk about. I know things he doesn't like. Like that question. But I shouldn't bring that up. What else is there? All the things I have to say are either strange or offensive.

"When do you want me out of here? I don't hear anyone in the hall."

You know, I wasn't expecting that. Because Mello was asking me when I wanted him to leave- even though he had just said he had a chance to leave. He was completely serious though. Because Mello doesn't joke with me. Not like that.

"Well…go when you feel the need."

Mello nodded. Then he walked and sat at my desk. Just sitting there.

"You're acting different. What happened?" Oh. Now it was time for me to talk again?

Mello wiped some of the hair off his forehead.

"Nothing. Lots of nothing," His tone was dry and humorless.

Even though I had apparently woken up, I felt completely drained. My energy was gone and that was becoming apparent fast. I was able to make it to my bed before my legs could gave out. Then I crawled under the covers, this being a rare occasion where I'd use them. I didn't get to see Mello leave. I was asleep in minutes, absorbed in the good feeling of warming back up.

Oo~ lala~ getting all nude already? Yes. Yes they are.

And I'm sorry...I just can't picture Near in undie-pants. He like the cool air, remember? ;D

Reviews really appreciated!