(I do not own Death Note.)

Please read the note at the end of the chapter! It's important!!

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Chapter 14

After being outside for awhile enjoying the bright sunny day, I was on my way back to my dorm room when Roger came out of nowhere and stopped me in the hallway.

"Mello," he said in a flat voice.

"Huh?" was my response as the elderly man grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me in the opposite direction down the hall.

"And Near, come to my room," Roger added to the albino child who sat playing with a puzzle on the floor.

"Yes," Near replied in a monotonic voice, scooping up his puzzle and bringing it with him down the corridor to Roger's office. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't annoyed that Near got to walk by himself and even bring a toy while I had to be dragged there by the wrist. Did Roger think I wouldn't come with him of my own accord? How rude of him.

Once in Roger's spacious office, the old man sat down behind his large wooden desk, which had a laptop open on top of it. The lamp on the corner of the desk was turned on, providing us with not needed light. Roger looked very official sitting behind his desk with the large bookshelf behind it, looking gravely downward and not wanting to look at Near and me.

"What is it, Roger?" I asked, prompting him to continue, and also wanting to leave the office and get to my dorm room to study.

Roger folded his hands under his chin. He still refused to look at the two of us, and actually closed his eyes before saying in a quiet, depressed voice, "L is dead."

My whole world was turned upside down. Had I heard wrong? L….dead? It couldn't be. L didn't die, it just didn't happen. He was the idol of 99% of all the students at Wammy's, and he was a symbol of hope and justice for the world. How could he die? Who would defeat Kira? Who would bring peace and order to the world, if not L? If L could be defeated, how were we ever going to win? My head kept spinning. I felt dizzy. I'd dreamt for so long of taking L's place, but I thought it would be a long time from now, and I never really realized that in order to take L's place he would have to die. My stomach kept doing flips at the thought. Below me, Near simply continued playing with his puzzle.

Sickened not only by the news, but also by Near's ridiculous reaction to it, I lunged forward, slamming my hands angrily on Roger's desk.

"Dead?! W-why?!" I questioned the man, anger pulsing through me and my head still spinning.

Roger didn't say anything, he just kept sitting there, hands folded under his chin.

Near completed his puzzle with a final clack as he put the last piece in place. I glanced down at him for a split second, fury blazing in my cerulean eyes.

"Y…You mean he was killed by Kira? Is that it….?" I asked, still mad with anger, and I leaned in closer so I was mere inches away from Roger's face.

"Most likely," the elderly man replied quietly.

Grabbing Roger's coat front in my fist and shaking his shoulder, I yelled, "He promised he would see Kira dead!!! L was killed…? Are you sure?!!"

A beat of sweat trickled down the side of Roger's head. "Mello…" he began only to be cut off by Near.

"If you can't beat the game, if you can't solve the puzzle, you're nothing but a loser," Near said in an apathetic tone that had just a hint of arrogance in it, and he dumped his puzzle back out on the floor, only to begin to do it yet again.

I stared at him, eyes wide, for a few moments before turning my gaze back to Roger. I clamped my hands back on the desk, forcing myself to remain at least somewhat calm.

"So then which of us did L…." my voice trailed off as I spoke the ultimate question. I stared at Roger, eyes still wide, and Near continued to play with his puzzle, but I could feel that we were both anticipating the answer of the man sitting across from me.

Roger looked me in the eye, saying, "Neither of you, yet…He can't choose, now that he's dead."

I stared at Roger in shock. How could L not have chosen? It was a simple matter really, it should only have taken the great detective a few moments out of his busy life to decide, yet he hadn't. Why not? And what would happen now?

Roger, clearly not wanting to see an argument or worse, a fight, said in a compromising tone, "Mello, Near…How about you two work together…?"

"Sounds good," Near said from his spot on the floor.

I bit my lip in utter distate, glancing at Near in absolute disgust. It was my signature look of disapproval and disgust, and it clearly showed how against that little plan I was.

"That's impossible, Roger," I said surprisingly calmly, but still with a hidden fury that could have destroyed anything, "You know Near and I don't get along. We're always competing." Realizing the situation, and feeling so incredibly helpless, I said, "It's fine, Roger…Near can become L's successor. Unlike me, Near will calmly and unemotionally solve the puzzle. I'm going now…I'm leaving the orphanage too, after tonight's dance."

"Mello," Roger said, a clear attempt to change my mind.

"I'm almost 15 anyway, Roger," I cut him off, "I'll live life my own way."

After that I walked ever-so-slowly back to my dorm. I had to think a lot of things through. What should I bring with me? Clothes, that was a given. And chocolate of course. A hairbrush, a toothbrush…. I randomly got the feeling I was having a sleepover with a friend I hadn't seen in years, but that was, of course, impossible since my only friend was Matt and because that was just not the case. I was leaving my home of most of my life and venturing out into the unknown.

Matt….what to tell him? He'd come with me if I asked him to, I know he would. But was this a journey I had to the right to force upon him? A journey out into the real world where anything could and probably would happen? Could I really ask my best friend to sacrifice a nice, comfortable life here at the orphanage just so I wouldn't be alone? The small coward in me said yes, but I said no. I knew I couldn't expect Matt to do all that for me, even if I did love him, even if he loved me. It was just too much to ask of the redhead, so after tonight, it would be good-bye.

The dorm room Matt and I had shared for so long was empty, to my happy surprise. This way I could pack now and leave right after the dance tonight. I tugged my suitcase out of my dresser drawer, opened it, and placed it on my bed. I looked around at the room. I laughed a single hollow chuckle. It was so obvious that Matt and I lived there; video games were strewn across the floor and chocolate wrappers filled the garbage basket to the brim. In Matt's laundry pile, stripes dominated all, and in mine, leather glimmered in the afternoon sunlight. Who else would live like that, if not us?

I shook my head, trying to clear it of all these depressing thoughts. I was leaving after all, and lingering here on broken memories wouldn't change anything.

I turned back to my dresser, grabbing out my clothes, first all my pairs of leather pants, then my favorite leather vest, and finally my other black shirts. I tossed in my pajamas, my hairbrush and toothbrush, along with toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner. A thought suddenly crossed my mind, Will I even have the opportunity to stay clean? I can't afford a hotel, so where am I going? If there isn't a shower, then bringing all this is pointless… But I still brought it, trying to convince myself that if I brought clean things, then I'd stay clean, but all the while knowing this wasn't the case and I might end up living just on the streets for a long time.

After placing just those things in the suitcase, I was pretty much finished packing. I wouldn't add my chocolate bars to the lot until it was actually time to leave because I didn't want them to melt. So, I shoved the bag under my bed, keeping it hidden from Matt's observant gaze.

I lay on my bed and sighed. I rolled over and looked back at my dresser. There was still one thing I hadn't packed yet; the outfit I was to wear to the formal dance that night. Every year for the 8th graders (or what would be 8th graders in a normal school system) the orphanage held a formal dance. Everyone went out and bought nice suits and dresses and showed up looking all pretty. Then they danced and ate and enjoyed themselves for a few hours as they talked about their life plans. You see, once you turn 15 years old, you pretty much have to leave Wammy's House, though there are some exceptions. By the time people are in a normal school system's 8th grade, they are almost 15, so that's why the dance is commonly referred to as the 8th grade dance. It's a sort of graduation dance, from Wammy's to the real world, just like 8th grade graduates to high school. Anyway, it's just a traditional thing, so even if it doesn't make much sense, that's okay.

So tonight, Matt and I would be attending the dance together. We've had a plan for most of the year about what we were going to wear to it. Since it's formal, obviously nice clothes are mandatory, but we thought it would be pretty funny to crossdress. Well, actually, that's not exactly what happened. Matt said he'd take me out for ice cream after the dance and give me a big kiss if I wore a dress to the dance, to be his date. Originally I didn't want to do it, but after thinking it over, what the hell? Especially since I'll be leaving and won't see any of these losers ever again, I might as well have fun and mess with the system on my last night here.

Feeling all motivated, I got off my bed and picked my dress up off my dresser. It was pink, a fairly dark shade of pink, like hot pink or something, but pink nonetheless. It was a halter, and it when down just past my knees. I had matching high-heels to wear with it, and a silver handbag, courtesy of Matt's fantesy. I couldn't believe I was really going to wear this thing out in public. Walking over to the mirror, I held it up in front of me. Not trying to sound all flaming-homo, but it went with my skin and hair very well.

I shook my head violently and turned from the mirror. I can't believe I just thought that, I thought to myself. I looked at the clock, suddenly wanting to put the dance off just so I wouldn't have to wear the stupid halter dress, but it was already 5:30 pm, which meant the dance started in a half hour and I had to get ready.

I stripped quickly, standing in the room naked while contemplating one last time if I should really wear the dress. Just then, the door to the room opened, a readhead with goggles over his eyes entering. My eyes turned wide as a blush turned my face beat red. Matt stared, wide-eyed, clearly in shock.

"Close the door!" I shrieked, lunging over and slamming the door shut.

My heart was pounding and my breathing was heavy and uneven. I looked down at my exposed flesh, my blush turning an even deeper shade of red.

"I-I-I'm sorry! Mello, um, I had no idea. I, um, I…." Matt stuttered, trying to find a reasonable explanation for walking in on me changing.

I put my face in my hands, not even bothering to try and cover up a certain lower area that was now on display. Matt took a couple steps forward, a shaking hand extended. His touch was soft as he put his hands around me, pulling me into a hug. It was his turn to smirk as he said, "No need to be embarrassed, Mells." I groaned in response, hugging him back.

Matt pulled me closer, our bodies only separated by his clothes. I rested my head on the redhead's shoulder, feeling content there in his arms. I wanted to stay like that forever, but it could not be so. Not only was the dance approaching, but I was leaving him for good after that. The thought tore at my heartstrings, a painful pang in the chest. But it was necessary. I couldn't ask Matt to come with me.

Matt's body shifted, causing an up-and-down motion that rubbed against me. My blush returned as I felt something happen. Oh God, could this day get any worse? I thought in horror. Matt chuckled, saying, "Hey, Mells, you're stabbing me."

"Shut up," I said, burying my face in his shoulder. I shuddered; feeling this uke was not normal for me.

I released Matt from the hug and picked the dress back up. He watched me examine it, a smirk on his face. I rolled my eyes and slipped it over me head, putting it on expertly.

"Wow, nice job, Mells. Do you have experience wearing girls' clothes?" Matt said teasingly. I ignored him and slipped on my high-heels, testing them by walking around the room, making sure not to trip and fall. Last, I grabbed my handbag, checking myself in the mirror, and looking back at Matt who had already changed into a very handsome suit. "Shall we?" Matt said, offering me his arm. I rolled my eyes again and grabbed on, letting him lead me out of the dorm room and towards the dance.

At the dance Matt and I mostly hung out with Linda. Everyone got a real kick out of me wearing a dress, and I remained a good sport about it as well. I mean, it really wasn't that big a deal in the long run. And Matt looked amazing in his suit thing. He wore plain black pants, nice shoes, and a nice white shirt underneat a killer black vest that, of course, had little stripes on it. His goggles remained on his head the whole time, and his gameboy, I saw, was in his pocket in case of emergency.

Linda looked pretty stunning herself, actually. Her brown hair was pulled up into fancy pig tails, each looking rather elegant on top of her smiling, shimmering face. She was wearing eye make-up, which emphasized her big brown eyes. She wore a long bright purple dress with spaghetti straps and little frills randomly towards the bottom. She wore silver high heels that added to the effect, and her little silver handbag, which was quite a bit like mine, completed the outfit. All in all, I had no idea Linda could looks so beautiful.

Mostly the music consisted of rap crap and hip hop nonsense, both of which nearly gave me headaches. At least it was bouncy enough to properly dance to. That was a plus, I suppose. Other than that, there was some techno played, much to mine and Matt's enjoyment. I think the redhead was sort of pretending that we were at a rave of some sort. Either way, it was really bouncing around and jumping all over the place to the beat of the music.

After being at the dance for about an hour, the food was served. Because the dance was oriental themed, the food was bought from a local Chinese restaraunt. I piled up on egg rolls and crab rangune, of course not neglecting the fried rice, or even the pizza they had for people that don't like Chinese food. Since a lot of people hadn't liked their crab rangune, I ended up with a lot of it, which was perfectly fine with me, since I think it's great.

The dance continued in the same fashion for another couple hours, Matt and I dancing, and other people dancing with us. We had fortune cookies for a dessert, which didn't really appeal to me since I don't like fortune cookies much. I was happy to get the fortune, though. It had said something about being with the one I love. Ha, not after tonight I won't be, I thought grimly in response to the fortune.

Towards the end of the dance, they started playing slower songs, some about graduating and moving on, others about leaving people behind. Both these topics had me getting rather emotional and upset, so at two different points I found myself crying into Matt's shoulder. Like the good person he is, Matt didn't question it, he just held me and let me stain his clothes with my tears. I was crying because I knew that in just a short time I'd be leaving Matt, quite possibly for good. This thought saddened me more than I thought it would, more than I believed anything ever could. It ate away at my heart and caused tears reflecting my pain to pour out of my eyes.

At the end of the dance Matt took me out to the nearby McDonald's for ice cream, just like he said he would. Be both had oreo McFlurries, which were very yummy. By this time I wasn't quite as upset about everything, and we enjoyed an hour of talking and goofing off.

At one point, a Hispanic lady that worked there was cleaning out the soda dispensers and she was staring at us because we'd made a comment about having sex, just as an inside joke, but she clearly didn't understand. She was practically glaring at me, trying to decide how old I was, and maybe even if I was a boy or a girl.

In response to the lady's evil looks, I said rather loudly and in a girlish voice, "I'm sixteen, I can have sex if I want." At that the lady looked away and stopped watching us. Matt gave me a look as if to question my statement and possibly my sanity. I looked back at him, and, once the lady left her post by the soda dispensers, I explained how the McDonald's employee had been watching us.

We both laughed about her stupidity and continued with our night, which didn't last much longer. We were soon back outside in the dark, walking slowly back to our dorm. It was then that I began to get a bit emotional again, though I refused to let myself cry again. I forced myself to stay cheery and continue on with my conversations with Matt.

Once back at our dorm, Matt and I basically just got ready for bed. I realized I didn't have pajamas since I'd packed them up already, and had to quickly get them back out of my suitcase while Matt was in the bathroom. Naturally, he didn't suspect a thing, and soon we were both lying in our beds, the lights off, and nearly asleep. Soon enough, Matt's breathing got deep and even, and I knew for a fact that he was asleep.

Silently, I tiptoed out of bed and crouched down to grab my suitcase out from under my bed. I looked over my shoulder to make sure Matt was still asleep, and, sure enough, he was. I quickly slipped out of my pajamas and into a standard outfit of leather pants and my leather vest. With a pang of shock, I realized this was the exact same outfit I'd worn the day Near came to the orphanage. It felt strange, thinking about all that. It seemed to ever long ago, and so much had happened since then.

I slid my shoes onto my feet, securing them. Promptly, I flung my bag over my shoulder. I fingered with my rosary, something I suddenly realized I hadn't done in a long while. Doing so now felt like slipping back into an old forgotten habit, like becoming someone I hadn't been in a lifetime. It was an odd feeling, though not entirely unjustified.

I walked over to Matt's bed, bent down, and gave him a quick kiss, fast enough so as not to disturb his much-needed sleep. With one last glance at the boy I loved, I walked out the door of our dorm, Wammy's, and the only life I had never known, never to look back again.

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Alright guys. This is the end of my story. Or at least, this is what was originally supposed to be the end. But, here's the thing:

Do you guys think I should continue it? Like go on to say how Mello becomes the leader of the mafia, meets up with Matt again, etc?

I plan on taking everyone's opinions into consideration, but I'll only be able to do that if you send me reviews saying whether you think I should continue or leave it as is.

So please tell me what you think!!

-Bloodmuffins