"L? Oh, Near! It's L! L came to visit!" Mello rushed through Roger's office door, almost stumbling over his own feet. He crashed into the detective, wrapping his arms around L's slender body. L softly chuckled, patting Mello's back.

"Hello, Mello." Near plopped onto the floor behind Mello, giving L a slight smile and wave. The detective eyed the worn, stuffed rabbit that then child held. "Hello Near, how are you? I brought you a new toy." L reached inside the bag that was slung over his shoulder. He tossed Near a brown teddy bear and felt his heart warm as Near's eyes grew slightly larger.

"Thank you so much L." Near said, with a hint of excitement in his tone. L could see the irritation in Mello as the chocolatier crossed his arms.

"I brought you a gift as well, Mello." L dug around the bag for another minute before extracting a golden wrapped candy bar. "This is a special sort of chocolate that is only in Japan. I hope you enjoy it as well as I tend to."

"Thanks!" Mello reached for the bar and slid it into his back pocket. "Not to sound rude or anything, but why are you here?"

"Oh, no reason, really. I merely missed you and Near and thought it best to visit. What kind of person would I be if I didn't visit my two possible successors?" Mello's eyes narrowed as he sat on the ground beside Near. The pale child began to absent mindedly twirl the blondes' hair.

"Sure."

"Just thank L for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come visit, Mello." A smile tugged at the edges of Near's lips and Mello slipped an arm around his waist.

"I'm assuming Roger has yet to know of your little love affair?" L asked, an eyebrow raised. Mello's cheeks turned red.

"It's not like I'm going to tell him. Roger has a hard time with gayness."

"He isn't very open-minded." Near muttered, playing with his new toy. "Which is the reason why he hasn't been informed of your sexuality."

"Yes, I suppose that is true. I don't plan on telling Roger about who I chose to have relations with. I would rather discuss that with Watari." L teased.

"When do we get to meet your boyfriend?" Mello blurted out, blushing even more.

"Mello!" Near grumbled, turning and placing a cool hand to the blondes burning cheek. "You're very rude."

"You're dying to know as well, Near. You just won't admit it!"

"My love affairs are none of your concern," L rubbed the back of his neck. Why was Mello so intrigued suddenly? Yes the teen is always full of questions for me, he never seemed so interested with my affairs. Perhaps there is something more to this…perhaps he's questioned his choices about Near. Or maybe he's seeking guidance from my answers. I must speak with him alone.

"We'll meet him eventually," Near mumbled. He held Mello's hand, not making eye contact with the chocolatier. The door re-opened as Roger stuck his head through the threshold. Mello shoved the white haired teen from him.

"Get away from me you stupid albino." He snarled. L winced as Near's face collided with the cold floor. Mello has to act abusive and cruel to Near in front of Roger…it wasn't right. Just because that stuck up prude of an old man was old fashioned, it shouldn't mean that these kids had to suffer.

"Mello, must we talk about your bullying behavior once more? Come here Near. Mrs. Taka wants to speak with you about an upcoming assignment."

"Alright," Near climbed to his feet, rubbing a hand against his cheek. L could see the pain in Mello's eyes as the young prodigy walked away. The door closed once more. Mello smacked his forehead, groaning.

"Damn it."

"He understands, Mello. But what I can't comprehend is why you care about Roger's opinion. You have never allowed someone else's thoughts or beliefs influence your actions before."

"I don't want him to separate us." Mello quietly admitted. "What if moves Near to another hallway? Switches him to other classes so we can't see each other. Or what if he kicks me out? Where would I go? What would Near do?" His voice was quivering.

"I have power over Whammy's, Mello. If you exposed your secret to Roger, you would be safe for as long as I am alive. When I am dead, you will be leaving the orphanage anyway. I will handle Roger. If he insists on removing you from the boarding school, then you and Near will move in with me and I will allow you to live with me. You could still attend Whammy's classes, simply over an internet connection." Mello's eyes were huge.

"We would live with you? That would be amazing, L! Now I really hope he will kick us out!" Mello grinned. "Can I go tell Roger now?"

"Take this seriously!" L chuckled. "You will be living on the streets if you provoke him to expelling you and Near."

"You wouldn't be so cruel." Mello fell back on his hands, stretching his legs out.

"I am not exactly known for my kindness."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, so when do we get to meet this mystery man you're with?"

"Ah…."

I'm so sorry for this being a crappy short chapter. I've been sick and redecorating my room all weekend and today. My friend and I just finished drawing and painting Deidara on my wall. Next to L and Mello. XD Well, I hope you enjoyed. Read and Review :D