Near POV
Given the circumstances, I believe that if I had not skillfully made myself devoid of all emotions, I would be feeling enraged. Yes, had I not become a perfect specimen for detective work, I would currently be furious, flabbergasted, and fuming. For not only did L fail to humiliate Mello for his gluttony, but he commended him for his inferior intelligence whilst shaming me. The unexpected twist left the bitter twinge of failure on my tongue, an unfamiliar sensation that unfortunately could not be squelched by my handmade sugary sweets.
Although an inferior being would have been driven by these negative emotions, I am currently planning my retaliation based on logic and reason. Certainly plotting Mello's eventual demise was not based on my humiliation or my craving of glory and attention.
As I neatly arranged my books in my white cloth shoulder bag, I began to ponder exactly how I would crush my opponent. Setting him up for failure using his obvious addiction had failed. L clearly found Mello's actions forgivable due to his widely known inability to resist chocolate. Therefore the source of my error was the use of chocolate, Mello's most prominent weakness. If I could find a hidden weakness to exploit... yes... yes. The pieces of my plan snapped together like puzzle pieces. Thankfully, I was headed towards my philosophy class, the only one which contained and Mello-less Matt. My plan could commence immediately.
I scanned the room as I slipped past the door frame, spotting an easily distinguishable patch of bright red hair in the corner. I sat down quietly next to the gamer, who was engrossed in the game held discretely under the desk. As the lesson began, I poised my pencil above my paper studiously, creating the illusion that I would be taking notes on the class today. Though I was not planning on using my notebook for its intended purpose, it would still assist me in the acquisition of knowledge. My pencil met the paper, marking the beginning of my extra curricular research.
Hello, Matt.
I placed the notebook in between our desks. Matt noticed the pointedly placed message, and scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. He silently closed the PSP he had been distracting himself with and fished a pen out of his bag.
What do you want? You never talk to me.
Don't take offense. I don't talk to anyone.
Matt looked at me with a disdainful, patronizing expression.
I don't take offense. The point is that you've never talked to me before. We're by no means friends, so the only possible motivation for your communication is that you want something from me.
Smart boy. It's a shame you never try.
I see you're not exactly paying attention at the moment.
Oh, but I am. The class is currently debating the views of Locke and Hobbs. Quite a stimulating discussion, though it reveals nothing I didn't already know.
Matt huffed and began to scribble his response, gripping his pen a little tighter than necessary.
I don't appreciate the fact that you've interrupted me to insult my work ethic, and to boast about your multitasking capabilities and intelligence. I don't know what you're trying to prove. Honestly, I don't give a shit if you smarter or more focused than me. If you have a point, please get to it, for I would like to get back to my game.
It appears I have overestimated Matt's ability to remain calm. Strange. When cursed with the infuriating presence of Mello, Matt always remains, well... mellow. However, when engaged in a written exchange with me, (though admittedly irritating, not even comparable to Mello) he shows outward signs of stress. Fascinating. It would probably be in my best interest to avoid upsetting him, and, as he demanded, get to the point.
I apologize for insulting you. I assure you, it was not intentional. I am addressing you only for the pursuit of knowledge.
Pertaining to what?
To L. I was concerned about his reaction to Mello and myself during lunch, and, as I am clearly biased on the subject, would appreciate your interpretation.
Of course, this was merely an excuse to get him talking. I am able to look at every situation objectively without assistance.
What? Are you upset Mello didn't get in trouble?
No. I lied. I was referring to Mello and L's exchange. Is it my imagination, or did they seem overly friendly?
Matt grit his teeth.
It's not like you to gossip, Near.
Just as I thought. The prospect of Mello being interested in another is a touchy subject, indeed.
The only reason this concerns me is because I would hate for L's feelings to affect his judgment. If L returns the affection Mello seemed to display… he may give Mello his preference over me. As I said before, I am biased and most likely paranoid. However, if someone such as yourself made similar observations…
Yah. I guess I noticed something. What are you going to do about it?
I think this type of relationship is highly unprofessional, don't you agree?
If you want to split them up, I'll help you.
I appreciate your help, but Matt, what are your motives? You haven't shown interest in L's position thus far.
Do you want my help or not? That's the point of this conversation, right? To get me on your side… someone close to Mello. I'm quite valuable, aren't I?
Sometimes it's hard to remember you aren't as dim witted as you appear.
The bell rang and I swiftly grabbed our scribbled conversation. Perhaps I would burn it tonight… yes fire is an amusing means of torture for unsuspecting dolls.
"I've got to go, Near. Mello's waiting."
I nodded curtly, and he scrambled off. Mello would never suspect his best friend to be in allegiance with me. For of course, Mello would be unable to predict the motivation for Matt's betrayal. Jealousy is a powerful thing. In his quest to satiate it, Matt will harm the very person who spurned his emotional responses. Emotions are fickle and dangerous. It's a good thing I am detached.
L POV
"Well that was interesting!" Light exclaimed, grinning at me coyly.
"Have you taken a liking to my successors, Light-kun?" I made a sharp right turn, anxious to relax in the confines of my room.
"L! At least give me warning when you change directions so suddenly! I nearly slammed into a wall!"
"Perhaps Light-kun should be more observant." I heard Light release an exaggerated sigh. He could be quite a drama queen. "LEFT!"
"Waaah!" The chain grew taut as Light stumbled around the turn. "Less than a second does not constitute as a warning!"
I diligently ignored his complaints. "L! Are you listening?"
"We're here!" I whipped open the door and sprung onto our bed. I nibbled lightly on my thumb, quite comfortable with my position.
"Well?" Light prompted after a moment of silence. Must he always shatter my moments of peace? "Yes, Light-kun?" I drawled, rolling my blank eyes to study his.
"Aren't you going to do something? You practically killed me, dragging me through that maze, and you just want to sit here?"
"Yes, I am quite comfortable here."
Light groaned and flopped onto the bed on his back. "You know what? Sometimes I think you use your little antics just to get on my nerves." Amused by his thought process, I crawled over to peer down at his indignant expression.
"Is that so, Light-kun?"
"Yes! I would think that you're trying to prove I'm Kira in some strange way, but it just doesn't make sense. I think that you derive pleasure from my pain!" Through his accusatory gaze, I detected a hint of warmth in his auburn eyes. Perhaps teasing him would not have negative consequences.
"Is it so wrong to revel in the misery of Kira?"
Light sat up, eyes gleaming with competitive excitement. "No, I would forgive you for being a sadist in relation to a twisted mass murderer. But, L, you seem to forget we were talking about me."
"You certainly are self-centered, Light-kun." Light smiled; clearly pleased I had chosen a gentler topic to mock him about.
"Is it self-centered to return to the original topic of our conversation?"
"Oh, of course, Light-kun! Thank you for reminding me that it is not arrogant in the least to want to return to a conversation that one started about oneself."
Light laughed lightly. "Perhaps if you had more confidence, you would realize that wanting to talk about oneself is merely a mark of self assurance."
"Oh, and aren't you self assured, Light-kun," I laced my monotone with hints of sarcasm.
Light flashed a wide grin at me. "There's nothing wrong with that."
"Light-kun, I assure you, I do, in fact, have plenty of self confidence."
"Is that so? Well you're certainly proficient at hiding it. What's with all of the baggy clothes? It's not like your body is anything to be ashamed of. I've watched you change!" Light's face flushed a delicate pink as his face snapped from an expression of amusement to one of utter shock and horror. The transition was almost comical. "Uh… not that I was watching! It's just, uh, kinda of hard to miss. I mean, with the chain! Yah! With your stupid chain!"
Light was getting awfully defensive. My heart fluttered in my chest and a small grin became apparent on my usually generic face. I realized with a start that I liked that Light watched me dress. That could mean… that he found me attractive?
"No need to feel shame, Light-kun. My opinion of you isn't influenced by your sexuality." Of course, before we could proceed, the issue of his sexuality needed to be addressed. He claimed he was straight, but I had always had my doubts. Light's jaw dropped and his complexion transitioned to a cherry red. The man could be quite expressive. I smirked. Perhaps I did enjoy his discomfort. Lights lips moved, trying in vain to formulate a coherent sentence. Just then, Light's cell phone decided to rescue him.
'Cause if you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it'
I raised an eyebrow.
'If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it'
"It's a good song!" he snapped.
'Don't be mad once you see that he-'
"Hello?" His expression darkened. "I missed you too, babe." His voice reverted into the sickeningly sweet tone he reserved for Misa. It would have melted my heart if it weren't blatantly obvious that he was lying through his teeth. "Yah, ahuh." Of course, his blonde bubblehead of a girlfriend didn't suspect in the least that Light wasn't madly in love with her. "I'm sorry I didn't call, Misa. I've been so busy with work and I couldn't get away, but you were on my mind every second." Squeals erupted from the unsuspecting device. Light grimaced and held the phone a reasonably safe distance from his ear. "Of course I'd love to hear about it, but listen. I need to get back to work now… I know, I know I wish we could talk forever too… I'll call you as soon as I can… I know. Bye." Light snapped his phone shut and glared at it.
"Now now, Light-kun, it's not the phone's fault your girlfriend's intelligence is less than that of a fish."
Light flickered his glare to me before resigning, "I wish she had a memory of three seconds. Then I would never have to call her back."
I chuckled lightly and he tossed me a lopsided grin, clearly pleased that his humor was appreciated. I shook my head. "I don't understand, Light-kun."
Light made a face of mock horror. "What's this? The great L doesn't understand something?"
"Allow me to continue! Forgive me if this question is too personal but… if Amane-san irritates you so much, and you appear to harbor no feelings for her, why does she hold the title of your girlfriend? I was under the impression that relationships required mutual love… or at least toleration."
Light stared at the ceiling for a moment before articulating his thoughts. "I don't… exactly remember why I chose Misa in particular. But, she's really no different from any of the other girls I've dated. I've always had a girlfriend… it was another thing that made my parents proud of me. Honestly, I can't really differentiate between them- they all blur together. If it were up to me, I wouldn't have gone out with any of them, but my father…" Light trailed off, his expression pained. I startled look crossed his face, "Wait… you're not using any of this to prove I'm Kira are you?"
I shook my head. Honestly, all thoughts of Kira had flown out of my mind.
"You won't tell my father, will you?"
"Of course not, Light-kun."
He nodded slowly before turning to face me head on, eyes boring into mine, "I-I trust you." My stomach gave an excited flip. I was… I was happy. Yes that was what this emotion was. I was profoundly happy that Light had placed his trust in me. In me… who was trying to prove he was Kira… Why had he done that?
"T-thank you, Light-kun." I hopped off the bed. "Well this has been an extremely lengthy lunch break. We should check in with the Task Force."
"Yes," Light grinned at me, "let's."