Author's Note : I got a few people adding this story to their alerts, thank you very much! Before we get started, Thank you to jesus-of-suburbia2o2o whom has volunteered to beta read this story because of the awkwardness that may make itself known. I am also hoping said awkwardness will help others to know how I think our subjects may feel at times. And another thanks to Black-Dranzer-1119, I am glad the story interests you. I hope you will like this chapter! And I hope those who put up alerts also enjoy this.
Conspicuous Doctrine
The Apple Of My Eye Is An Intriguing One
Chapter 02
A Place To Call Our Own And A First Of Many Kinds
Near walked behind his 'protector', Lester, the FBI agent. Anthony Lester was a well built gentleman from America, he was Caucasian with blonde hair and pale blue eyes. He was assigned to work with Near a year ago to solve a case of a terrorizing gang in The States. The case was solved in no time, but since then, Near always called upon Lester to include him in his team of investigators. Lester never seemed to have a problem and seemed to take it upon himself to always guard Near. Lester and Danny were currently carting all the teenager's bags. Near was holding a bag of toys he was going to keep with him while on the plane. Matt had his own bag that was filled with handheld games in which Mello also stashed a few of his favorite chocolate bars in. L was currently sucking on a lollipop looking wide eyed around the airport. Everyone went to discharge their things and were soon boarding the plane after Danny saw them off. They were all in first class where the seats were set up as double seats in three rows. The teenagers and their chaperones were all at the last three doubled seats to the back. Near sat at the window from the right side of the plane with Lester beside him. Matt was in the second row beside Lester, paired with Mello. In the last row beside Mello was Watari with L by the plane's left window. Matt was already playing his game while Mello had a chocolate bar in his mouth with an irate expression possibly by the games persistent beeping. Near was putting together a blank puzzle as Lester began to read a new book of his own. Watari was typing away on his laptop after he had persuaded L to get some much needed sleep. Watari had placed L's unfinished lollipop on a plate beside himself for safekeeping.
Near just finished his puzzle and was staring at it, "Lester, will you be with me while classes are going?"
"If you should wish it. Do not worry, Near. I won't lie, it might be hard for you at first, but I am sure you will grow used to it. And you will not be alone. I will be with you. You will also have L, Mello, and Matt if you ever need them." Lester watched as Near set the puzzle aside and fished in his bag for another toy.
"I have much respect for L, but I do not want to be a bother as I'm sure he is much too busy to deal with my own insecurities. Matt doesn't mind me at all, but Mello is quite competitive with me. He has gone as far as to push me down or pull my hair, but I know he doesn't hate me. And besides, because of our ages, we will be in different grades. In Japan, grades are dependent strictly on age. We would not see much of each other."
Near got out a Mancala board game and started putting the pebbles into their respected places.
"The four of you are entering a new environment, you all will have to work together and I don't think that will be much of a problem. You may not realize, but although Mello likes to pick on you, I can also see he watches out for you. L will be with you all more often, so I wouldn't rule out his cooperation just yet. Watari has informed me that he is working on you all being in a class together. The school is honored enough to have you three attending. They may agree to it for the wrong reasons, but I'm sure they will overlook the age difference and allow you all to be in the same class."
"That is much better news to hear, thank you. I hope it works out that way. Would you play with me?" Lester nodded and together they played the game. Near always won, but he hadn't tired of it till forty-three games later. Lester never complained.
Nine hours later, and they were all getting off the plane in Tokyo. Watari was carrying L in his arms while their baggage was loaded into a limousine. Watari set L on his back and covered him with a blanket after the two got inside the vehicle. Mello and Matt followed inside and then Lester guided Near inside, Lester bringing in the rear. They all sat comfortable inside with L laying down.
Mello peered at L's sleeping face, "Hey, Watari, did you slip L some sleeping pills? He slept nine hours straight."
Watari smiled kindly, "In fact, I did. He hadn't slept in eight days except for a few minute naps while waiting for his sweets. I dare say he won't be feeling too well, once he wakes. With so much lack of sleep, a sudden large amount of sleep will off-set him. But I could not pass up the moment of much needed sleep for him."
Matt muttered something about insomnia at such an age while Mello snickered, "Good one, Watari!" Watari seemed to be holding back laughter. He truly did find Mello as an engaging child. He was just often misinterpreted by others.
Matt was looking out the window, observing the area and signs. "We are in the Kanto area, where will we be staying?"
"It is a place not to far off, I think you all will like it. I call it 'Nascent Manor'. I own the premises and it has efficient security. It has a grand library, many rooms, there is a control room were you all can pick up cases as you would like."
"Sounds cool." Mello stated then continued to eat his chocolate bar.
Their ride came to an end after about twenty minutes. Everyone climbed out of the vehicle after it had parked in the underground basement. As Watari was getting L out, the raven-headed boy began to wake up. He felt dizzy and nauseous. "L, will you still need me to carry you?" L answered with a weak 'yes'. Watari readjusted L more comfortable in his arms before walking towards the entrance. "If you come in without me, all you need to do is let the monitor scan your eye and it will allow you back into the house. And if you leave the premises, please be sure to always keep your cellular phones on your person."
Each child answered affirmatively as Watari bowed to let his eye be scanned. The entrance slid open and everyone walked through.
The furnishing and décor was old English and Victorian which would give the boys a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere in case Japan overwhelmed them. It was like they brought a part of England with them. "Find the rooms you would wish to have and start unpacking. I must make a few calls to check up on arrangements." Watari walked down the corridor. He was headed to the kitchen to get L something to eat and some medicine for a headache he knew would make itself present.
Mello and Matt ascended a staircase nearby. It seemed they would rather have rooms that were on upper floors. Near followed to see where they would choose there's to be so that Near could keep the info in mind. Lester followed Near while taking out his cell to let Rodger know of their safe arrival. Mello and Matt stopped at the third floor and started looking into the rooms. Near went to the nearby elevator then came back to observe Mello and Matt. Lester was silently watching.
"Hey, Mello! I found a study over here! It's huge, I can't imagine what the library looks like."
"Cool, I found a computer room, it's efficient and has a lot of different gadgets we can mess with."
"So what do you think?"
"I think it's a keeper. Let's use the room next to the study."
Mello and Matt walked into said room and looked around. Near followed suit while Lester stayed at the doorway. The room was enormous and even had it's own bathroom. The colors were shades of a calming pale blue. There was a beautiful oak desk and wardrobe. The furniture was modern and in colors of a bright blue making a star contrast with the blue walls. The room didn't appear English at all, but Modern. Near could guess that the style fitted both Mello and Matt. "I checked the elevator, there are 23 floors. When we could pretty much have a floor to ourselves, why would you both choose to room together?"
"Well Near", Mello smirked, "If we get tired of each other, we can just go to another room, or another floor. Like you said. But we work better together and someone needs to keep Matt out of trouble."
Matt scoffed, "More like I need to keep you out of trouble."
Near started to make his exit, "I think both of you need to stay out of trouble."
"Hey Near! There's a room across this one that I think Watari designed for you in case you liked it." Mello was unwrapping a new chocolate bar. "Why don't you pick that room?"
"Wouldn't you rather have me five floors away from you?"
"Suit yourself. Matt, let's go get our things."
"Whatever." Matt put on his goggles and then joined Mello as he made his way past Near and went to the elevator near by. Mello smirked and waved at Near while Matt gave the thumbs up before it's doors closed and it descended. Near made his way across Mello and Matt's new room to the room they said might fit Near more. Near opened the door and was quite surprised. Lester must have been too because Near could have sworn he heard a cough. Near walked fully into the room with Lester behind him. There were toys neatly organized around the room. The room was white except for the toys themselves. The walls were white as well as the sheets of the bed. The bed frame was stainless steel. As well as the frames of the furniture was. Even the carpet was white. The style was also modern even though Near was quite accustomed to the English style, but Near supposed toys looked more appealing next to modern furniture. Near had to agree, they did. The toys seemed to clash with the color scheme as if you walked into a hospital with toys. It could very well be Near's asylum. Near felt a pang of affection for Watari as the old man obviously had him in mind when decorating this room. But then he was mad at Mello.
"Near, why do you look upset?"
"I like it."
Lester was quite confused but then realized that Mello must have known Near would like it. Near suddenly dropped himself to his knees and began taking out a bunch of dice from their box and began constructing something Lester would not be able to identify till a little while later. Since Near's back was faced to him, Lester allowed a small smile to grace his features. "I will be back with your things, Near."
"Yes, thank you."
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Mello and Matt were at the entrance, picking up their luggage when Watari and L appeared as well. L had a lollipop in his mouth, the same one from the plane flight. L seemed to be in a little pain but was fending it off well. Watari bent to pick up L's luggage which was only one suitcase. L didn't seem to
have any material things he liked, so Mello supposed his suitcase only held within them, white shirts and blue jeans. Maybe a few other necessities. But then he was sure Watari probably had some of L's things sent to the manor days before they all came.
"Boys, we will make a trip to a few department stores. We will be needing to pick you up all some presentable clothes since you will be out more often than usual. We will also be getting other necessities for you all and stock up in the kitchen."
"I wanted chocolate cake." Mello and Matt were surprised when they heard L speak for they could not remembering him ever doing so besides his distorted voice from a computer they heard last year. Mello and Matt stared in mild shock. After a few silent seconds, L spoke again, "I didn't want carrots. Never will."
"Well, I have some chocolate, if you'd like some?" Mello pulled out from his black pants, a bar of chocolate.
L's eyes, which until recently, held a bored and irate look from lack of cake, a monster headache and a possible fever now widened. "Really? I can have it?"
"Of course!," Mello laughed. He tossed the bar to L who caught it swiftly. "It may not be chocolate cake, but it's chocolate. That might hold you awhile."
L looked at the bar of chocolate then back up to Mello, "Thank you."
"It's not a problem. If you ever need anything chocolate-y, I'm your guy!" Mello turned his eyes from L to Watari, "We'll dump our junk into our rooms and then we'll grab Near for the trip, 'kay?"
"That sounds most agreeable, Mello. L and I will meet you back here." Mello nodded and he and Matt made their way back up the staircase.
"Hey Mello, I wonder where L's room is?"
"Probably a few floors higher than ours. I saw Watari was taking the elevator. What I'm wondering is, where Watari's room?" Mello laughed as Matt did.
"We'll probably never know. I noticed all the rooms have a device near the light switches."
"Ah, they are for communication. This place his huge, so we can contact one another with the speaker."
"Ahh."
Mello and Matt were on the second floor by the stairs when they saw Lester coming down the stairs their way. Lester nodded to them and Matt nodded back. Mello only pretended not to see him.
"Mello…Matt. You two chose the room that you did, knowing the room Near would pick was across it, am I right?" Mello and Matt stopped to look Lester full on. Matt's face wasn't readable but Mello was clearly angry. "I wanted to thank you for that. You two must care more about Near then you let on. I noticed at Wammy's House, all three of your beds where near each other. Even though Mello, you are competitive with him, you must have developed a fondness for him. I have too, so thank you for watching him when I can't." Lester continued descending the stairs without a response from the two teens, not that they would have gave him one anyways.
"What a sap."
Matt laughed at Mello's statement, "Yeah, well, we need to go grab Near."
"Right." The two made it to their room, and dumped their stuff unceremoniously onto the ground. They then left the room and walked across to Near's. The door was already open and they could see Near was in the progress of building a city he would likely destroy with his toy robot later.
Mello knocked on the door frame to warn Near of their presence, though he was sure the younger heard them in their own room. "Hey, Near! Let's hit the road! Watari is taking us shopping."
Near stopped his progress of the Eiffel Tower and turned to meet the two older teen's gazes. "You want me to go out there?"
"Yeah, Lester will be with you. So will Matt and I. And Watari. Heck, L is coming too."
"L is going?"
"Yeah, he's in dire need of chocolate cake at the moment."
"I guess if L is going, I can manage. It will be interesting to see him out."
"Well, he's still not feeling well, so don't get to stuck on the observations you'll make just yet."
"Understood." Lester than came up with three suitcases of Near's and two of his own.
"Whoa, he can carry a lot." Matt took pulled off his goggles and let them hang about his neck so he could get a better look.
"Shut up, Matt."
"Just saying."
Lester walked into the room and sat Near's luggage on the ground. "Near, Watari would like you to accompany us while we go out to some department stores."
"Yes, alright." Lester was surprised by Near's quick agreement, and missed Mello's hand trying to stifle his own laughing while Matt was openly smirking.
"Uh, Well, that's good. My room is on the fourth floor, I'm just going to set my stuff in my room and I'll meet you all downstairs."
"Alright", all three teens voiced.
Fifteen minutes later, the teens were following Watari through the clothing store with Lester following behind. Both L and Mello were eating a chocolate bar. Matt had his goggles on again while Near kept his gaze towards the floor. The group was getting quite a lot of stares from the other customers. It was most likely because none of them were Japanese with the exception of a little bit of L. Mello and Matt weren't to distracting except for Mello's deep blond hair and Matt's striking raspberry hair, but it was nothing compared to seeing a small albino whom was wearing white pajamas and was barefoot. L was also barefoot and his posture seemed to confuse others. Lester was well aware of the attention they were getting and was throwing glares are those who stared. When they saw Lester, they quickly looked away.
"L won't be needing clothes, but let's get the rest of you boys measured." Watari signaled to a pretty female worker. She smiled and made her way to their group. "Yes, Sir? What can I do for you."
"Yes, I need all these young boys here with the exception of the black-haired one, measured and assisted in finding new clothes that can be worn after school, out and about, for leisure, and special occasions. Money is not a problem. The youngest one only wears what you see him in right now, but if the situation arises that he must wear something else, he will do so. I only ask that you seek something that is loose and soft for him," Watari explained in perfect Japanese.
"Oh, yes Sir! Right this way!" The girl led them to a fitting room. She got out a tape measure and started with Matt. She had him spread his arms while she measured his chest. When her eyes flickered to his, Matt winked. The young lady laughed in a good-natured manner. "What a charming boy." Mello rolled his eyes. L was watching with keen interest 'till he got bored and started playing with a few hangers nearby. He was clanking them together to make noise. Near looked to be in deep thought.
When she was done with Matt, she wrote his measurements down and then beckoned Mello forward. Mello did so and allowed her to take his measurements just as she had with Matt. As she was measuring his waist she complimented him, "You have very nice feminine curves." Matt all but busted out laughing. Mello sharply glared in Matt's direction. "Oh, don't mind him, many young men would kill to have your body. Your hairstyle is very lovely. It's got that mod look to it. Why, you could be a model!" With that last said, she pulled away the tape measure and kissed Mello on the cheek. Matt doubled over in laughter with his hands on his knees. Mello's cheeks were now flushed and he stalked over towards Matt with his arms crossed.
"Alright, you're up now", the young lady beckoned kindly towards Near. Near walked over to her but it was not missed by Mello that he seemed much more stiff. Matt must have also sensed this, for he immediately stopped laughing. "Okay, go ahead and stretch your arms out for me, there you go, that's it." When the young lady moved to wrap the tape measure around him, Near suddenly let our a panicked sound between a cry and a whimper. Near had quickly taken his arms from their previous stretched out position to hold them in front of his face as if to ward off someone. The lady dropped the tape measure in alarm, thinking she some how hurt the child. Near stepped back and his panicked face was quickly replaced by horror with realization of what he just done. Before Near could do or say anything, Lester was in Near's complete line of view. Lester was quickly measuring Near and committing the numbers to memory. Near suddenly felt sleepy but was calming down while allowing Lester to do as he was.
Watari turned to the young lady who didn't seem to know what to do. He addressed her quietly, "I am sorry about that. You did nothing wrong. It's just that this child has a few social issues, that I am hoping to help him get through. I had hoped it would have gone better."
The young lady shook her head, "It's not at all a problem. I'm sorry, I should have been more careful."
"No, my dear, you are doing a wonderful job." The young lady gave Watari a smile then continued to watch Lester finish up Near's measurements. Lester was finished rather fast, and handed the tape measure back to the lady with a small apology. He told her of the measurements and she quickly wrote them down.
Mello and Matt saw that Near looked close to tears and his usually very pale skin was lightly flushed pink. His eyes were hooded over as fatigue had hit him.
Then L was beside him with the bar of chocolate in his mouth. L removed it and broke off a piece that had been in his mouth and ate it. He broke off another piece and then cautiously offered it to Near. Near eyed it wearily, then slowly took it. Near watched as L took off another piece from his bar and popped it into his mouth. L's mouth was moving that indicated he was swishing the piece around in his mouth as it melted. Near then carefully put the chocolate in his lips and began to nibble it. Near gave a small smile and L nodded back then went to stand beside Watari.
"Well, now that I have all of your measurements, how about we go find you all some clothes?" The boys nodded to the worker and fell behind her lead. She went first to look for formal wear. She got all three boys a black suit each. Then she picked out another suit for each but more for a special party. Mello had brown suit pants with a white cuffed t-shirt. A darker brown vest with cream pinstripes finished up the attire. Matt had white cuffed T shirt with a blue plaid shorts that went just below the knee. She picked out a simple white suit with black lining for Near. She then tackled less formal clothing that were all designers brands. Both Matt and Mello picked out more of a clean punk style often seen in the UK. Near, though more than likely he would hardly wear them, had picked out a few t-shirts that buttoned up from the front and some loose pants. She then got them all cloths that could be worn around the house and outside. These consisted of shirts, shorts, and jeans. Then they got jackets, sweaters, shoes, and undergarments. Each boy respectfully thanked the worker and soon they were looking for a grocery store after packing their clothes into the car.
Watari was now looking for simple sweets L could snack on through the days. Near mostly liked soups but also ate English cuisine. It was a little harder to find foods to make English meals since they were in Japan but one ingredient that was easy to spot was seafood. Watari also stated that they would also get ingredients sent to them. Mello and Matt ate English dishes as well but both also liked western foods. Japan also seemed to take a liking for western foods, so it wasn't too hard to find the likes of it. And of course, boxes of chocolate bars were bought for Mello who immediately grabbed one form a nearby box and started to unwrap it. L also followed suit and took a bar for himself and began to take bites out of it. Mello reached into the box and grabbed two more bars and tossed them to Matt and Near who both caught it easily. Matt said a quick thanks since he was hungry. Near looked to Mello whom playfully made a silly face and waved at the younger. Near rolled his eyes at the obvious display if childishness and unwrapped his bar as well, nibbling at the ends of the chocolate.
"Now boys, we must visit the pastry store. L particularly wants a chocolate cake." The boys all nodded, L more enthusiastically. Soon they were at a pastry store, with quite a few people inside. There were many little children eyeing the displayed deserts and tugging on their parent's sleeve for one they wanted to try. L seemed to want to run up to the glass display at the from but was containing himself very well.
A little girl pushed past Mello in a hurry to get to the a luscious looking fudge. Mello growled in annoyance and had she still been near him, he mostly likely would have kicked her.
"My, it is rather crowded in here. Lester, will you stay with the children as I take L to look at the cakes?"
"Of course, Watari." Watari and L proceeded to the cake display. Once there, L was looking intently at all the cakes with his index finger pressed to his upper lip. He was carefully analyzing all the different chocolate cakes. Three minuets past and it was now a tie between the strawberry drizzled chocolate cake or the crème cheese filled chocolate cake. He was just about to let Watari know he wanted the crème cheese filled one until he heard a voice beside him.
"Kawamata-san! Ogenki desu ka?" The young and pretty sales woman who was in front of Watari and L, boxing some cookies and tying it with a thin and simple pink ribbon looked up in surprise. She saw whom the voice was from and smiled endearingly. L also saw him, the boy was right beside him. L hadn't noticed him at first since he was so involved with looking at all the cakes.
L was captivated by this boy, he looked magnificent. He was Japanese but had dyed reddish chestnut color. His skin was flawless and took on a warm pleasant honey color. His cheeks had a light natural blush that made him all the more appealing. The teen was thin and maybe a few centimeters taller than L, though it wouldn't be known unless L stood up straight. He had this boyish look to him and he wore a neat and iron pressed t-shirt with kaki pants. He looked as if he stepped out of an Abercrombie and Finch modeling agency. The boy glanced at L real quick and they met eyes. The other teen had beautiful hazel eyes that completed his appearance. He flash a slight smile towards L with his pale pink lips.
"Oi, Raito-kun! Aikawarazu desu. Anata wa ikaga?
"Heki, heki. Kyou no osusume-ryouri wanan desu ka?"
"Dorayaki!" The young lady propped up a plate filled with what looked like two thick pancakes. They were cut in half so you could see their sweet read bean filling. On top, there was honey drizzled lightly.
"Hanni? Kore wa ii nioi ga shimasu?" The boy joked.
"Hai, hai." Raito waved his had hand in front of him with a apologetic smile. The young lady laughed good heartily. "Iie?"
"Gomen.." The young cashier merely waved off Raito's intended apology.
Raito eyed the display of cakes for a few seconds, "Kore wa oishii desu. Kore ni shimasu." Raito was pointing to the crème cheese filled chocolate cake. L pouted and slouched even lower then he previously was. The boy, Raito, must have noticed for he turned towards L's direction with a quizzical face.
Raito took in L's and Watari's appearance, and noticed that L only looked a little Japanese. He might not even be Japanese, and the older gentleman with him certainly wasn't. Raito thought of asking the strange looking boy if he had planned to purchase that cake, but then he thought that maybe he didn't know Japanese. Ah, but then how did he know Raito wanted to buy it? Oh, that's right, he also pointed at it. Raito thought the old man looked English, he certainly had the look of an English butler. He figured trying the world's most used language would be best and also since Raito knew it well enough to get him by.
"I am sorry, were you planning on buying that cake?' Raito spoke slowly to make sure each word was pronounced correctly as best as he could. Raito heard Kozumi-san's sound of awe at Raito's English, though she already knew very well how intelligent the teen was.
L was a little surprised that the boy addressed him, and in English too, though he was fluent in Japanese. He faced Raito as well, "I was thinking about it, but you chose it first."
"I'm looking for a cake for my mother, it's her birthday today. She doesn't know what kind I'm getting her, but I'm sure she would like chocolate." Raito looked at the cake beside the one they were currently talk about, "I'll take the chocolate and strawberry cake and you take this one. She likes strawberries."
"I like strawberries as well, you can take the other."
"No, I insist. You were here before me. And you looked sad when I made my decision. I want to see you smile, so you take this cake. I won't take 'no' for an answer."
L was a little annoyed at how stubborn this boy was, but L knew he was too…But he did want that crème cheese filled one. "Alright, I will take it."
"And what about a smile?" Raito looked on at L, waiting.
L couldn't believe that the other teen was serious. But still the other boy waited. A bit nervously, L managed a small smile.
Raito laughed, "You need to work on that some more, but it was still cute." Raito tuned back to the cashier, pointing to the chocolate strawberry cake, "Kore ni shimasu.!"
"The cashier smiled widely, "Nanika hokani arimasu ka?"
"Kekkou desu." As she was packing the cake carefully into a white bow and ting it with ribbon, Raito let her know that the boy beside him wanted the cake Raito previously wanted. Watari confirmed it with a nod from L. L watched as the boy left the shoppe and walked down the street. L felt a bit lonely now that the boy was gone, but then he was soon alert again. Mello was looking maliciously at a boy about their age. The boy was rather fat but fierce looking. L saw Matt stash his game into his pocket while Lester was eyeing the fat boy. While Watari was purchasing the cake, L made his way to his younger charges and successors. He took notice that the fat boy seemed to be interested in Near. Or rather, Near's chocolate, which he still hadn't finished, considering he was a slower eater. L saw Near hand over his chocolate bar as to not cause a disturbance. His face was emotionless but L knew he was nervous. L had watched his successors closely without their awareness as he was deciding who would make good successors. L also knew that Near's emotionless face often caused anger just like it used to with Mello when he was younger. Near seemed to irk those who wanted to see some kind emotion cross his face. L made it to his successors and stood by. The fat boy took the chocolate bar quickly from Near as L could hear Mello practically snarl. But the fat boy wasn't finished, just as he took the bar, he harshly pushed Near with enough force that Near gasped in pain and surprise. Lester caught Near before the boy could fall and easily lifted Near into his arms were Near was now looking rather shocked. Lester felt like showing the fat boy some FBI force, but Near was gasping uncontrollably as a panic attack approached him with violent shakes coursing his small body. Meanwhile, Matt was holding Mello back from doing something that would cause his blonde friend to be arrested.
L quickly grabbed the chocolate bar from the fat boy's hand and tossed it too a near by trash bin. "I would give it back to Near, but not after it was in your mouth. You should really watch your weight," L spoke to the fat boy in perfect Japanese. The fat boy was livid and delivered a punch to L's face. L staggered but let himself turn around as he crouched low to the ground. With one hand now on the ground, he used it to lift his lower body upwards and kicked the fat boy square in the gut with one forceful foot. The boy dropped to the floor, with his meaty arms holding his stomach as he groaned in pain. "Normally, my philosophy is 'An eye for an eye', but considering the stress you put your stomach through, a good kick to the gut would be more effective."
There was now a crowd of people around them shouting about as Watari carried the box of chocolate cake. "Let us leave quickly."
The boys didn't hesitate but followed Watari out of the shoppe and quickly got into their vehicle.
"I'll be driving, Lester, there is first aid in a small compact below the left seat should you need to use it."
Lester nodded and Watari made his way to the driver's seat as fast as he could. Mello jumped into the back and was already opening the hidden compact and taking out nursing supplies. Matt joined him and L jumped in as well. Lester carried Near to the door and handed him to L who easily carried Near to lay down one of the elongated seats by the window. Matt unbuttoned Near's shirt much to Near's disapproval which was possibly fueled by his panic attack. Lester was in by now and taking a look at the supplies Mello brought out then started to survey Near. Matt knew exactly how Near was feeling since he himself had panic disorder. He recognized Near's breathing, it was fast and Matt knew Near was fearing he would not be able catch his breath. It always felt like you couldn't take a deep enough breath as your heart raced and hurt. Matt looked into the supplies and found what he knew would be needed. Mello often had to tranquillize Matt if Matt couldn't calm down on his won. Mello was livid when he saw on Near's pale chest, two bruises in the shape of large hands starting to make it's appearance. The vehicle was already in motion with it's destination back Nascent Manor.
After a minute of Lester's attempts to calm Near down, Matt tossed Mello the tranquilizer. Lester nodded his approval as Mello crouched beside Near. Near was into so much of a panic that he hadn't noticed Mello stick him with the needle till he was pulling it out. Mello held down the pierced arm with a cotton ball and then Matt came over and taped a small piece of gauze on the tiny wound. A few seconds passed while Near was recovering. At a long last, Near took a deep breath and was relieved that he could inhale a comfortable amount of air. Fatigue was over him for the second time that day as Near let his head roll to it's side. He found himself gazing right at Mello, who was still crouched beside the white-haired teen. Near was back to showing an emotionless face but with half lidded eyes.
"Hey Near, took a bad turn there, didn't 'cha?" Near hummed in response to Mello's attempt at a small conversation. "But you'll be ok. You've got some nasty bruises on your chest, so were going to lay some ice on it. Your not gonna like it, but it'll help reduce some of the swelling." Near said nor made any sound of a response. Lester then placed a bag of ice upon Near's chest. The young boy hissed at the contact but Lester didn't remove the bag.
Suddenly the little opening that connected the driver with the passengers slid open and Watari could be seen. "Lester, How is Near doing?"
"He has been tranquilized by Mello. That calmed him down and now I am placing ice on his bruises."
"That's good to hear. Near, I'm sorry it happened to you. Maybe it is too soon to have you out in public yet." L, who was currently crouching in his seat, shook his head negatively.
"Watari, Near was admirable today. It was a bad first day here in Japan for him, but Near was very strong. Though his body is weak, he is strong. We need to help his body get stronger, and keeping him locked away will not help him. I believe for now, he should only come out in public for school, and stay at the manor when there is no classes. We can slowly work him into being out in public more often."
Watari nodded in agreement, "But ultimately, it is Near's decision. I did agree to the condition that if circumstances proved to be troubling for Near, that he could request to go back to Wammy's House. Near, what do you think? "
Near was silent for a while, and just when Mello had though Near hadn't been listening, he answered, "If L thinks it will help me, I will stay. I am most appreciative that he thinks I've done well outside. I want him to be proud of other things I will do as well."
"And I will be. Thank you Near for staying with us." L placed the tip of his thumb to set beneath his lips as he looked on at Near.
"Very well, Near. Mello, could you get L some ice? He is developing a black eye."
And so he was.
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Author's Note : In here, I've stated that Matt's hair is a raspberry color. I've seen screenshots and he seems to have a dark brown, but since reading the manga I have always pictured him with red hair. And I'm quite fond of red hair, so I'm keeping it as such. Also, I know for sure that many other fans also pictured Matt's hair to be red and still prefer it that way. Now, I mentioned Mello's is a strawberry blond, that doesn't mean I'm making him a reddish blonde. I'm speaking more of the natural highlights in his hair, and now I'm thinking the strawberry - forget it lol I'll get to that at some scene were Matt is running his fingers through Mello's hair. Lawz Anyways… I mentioned at some point that Near was close to tears. I thought about the situation for a while and was going to omit it since Near didn't seem the type to cry openly. Then I decided to go along with it so that everyone could get a better sense of how these kinds of situations feel like to someone who is socially inept. Besides, he's not actually crying but his eyes are glazed. I'm adding a lot of my characteristics and conflicts I deal with from time to time. We'll be seeing a more human side of these characters that we are not always able to see in Death Note, and these problems they have to deal with are ones that I think suit them based on little hints we are given though the manga. A good reason for fan fiction. The panic attacks I've had to go through is terrible and you can't holdback your actions and you feel so overwhelmed. After the ordeal, you just feel drained and weak. I used to get made fun of for my weakness and it makes me seem awkward, thus the reason I often am scorned. I hope by reflecting my own trivial matters through our favorite geniuses, there can be a little more understanding of how it's really like.
Also, I'm quite confident in the little Japanese that I know, even though I know it could use a lot of work, but I get the message across, hopefully. I'm quite obsessive with learning languages. I've written the exhange with Raito in romanji because I'm note sure if I write them in Japanese, if it will show up or not. And this way you can all study as well. Japanese will only be written when the conversation isn't so important and this may be the only time for it. We kind of need to make the difference in environment noticeable and I think another language helps if you haven't quite seen Japan in your head yet. Also, that would mean I just fail at story writing lol I hope this chapter was likable. The discussion of how the school stuff is going to work out is in the next chapter. I've spent a long time trying to figure it all out and how it was going to work. I'm not sure if they will start attending school by next chapter or not. If not, it will be in the chapter after the next one. For next chapter, I certainly must be getting more into L himself. And there might be some nice times with Watari. Thank you for reading, very much.