(Near P.O.V)

I almost wanted to tell him. But I questioned as to whether or not it was any of my business. I decided to let it be in the end, but I still wondered if it'd made any difference.

Mello had shown himself a few months prior. I did wonder if it was really him, but there was no mistaking the body. Armin Keehl. From what I've learned, 'Keehl' had been Mello's real surname. And I didn't know anyone else who had this big of a grudge against the man.

I wanted to tell Matt, but the red-head was being tormented enough as it was. Apparently, his father hadn't been quite truthful with him in the past about his mother. I couldn't begin to imagine the turmoil he was suffering in his mind right then, so I kept the topic of Mello on the fence. Besides, I don't know that telling Matt that his beloved Mello had gone insane would make him feel better about his absence.

I tried to track the blonde after that, but lost him. Mello was gone once more, and now I had to focus on the Kira case.

I was ready to begin. I had gone over everything L had done right and wrong. It took me a number of years, but I did it. I could successfully say that I was ready to fully begin the Kira case. The only thing that bugged me was the number of deaths in the world that happened because this so called 'L' that posed as our own beloved L, was allowing it to happen. I suppose this is what solidified my reason to begin with the case.

I needed help, so I enlisted in a few specialty people to help me accomplish what L failed to do. I'd meet up with them in the states when I arrived three days from now. For the moment, however, I enjoyed what little time I had left at the Wammy house.

I was back in my usual spot in the playroom, most of the other kids looking at me oddly – as per usual – making quick decisions on what to do when I met the president.

Matt was in the corner of the playroom. Since he no longer was being schooled here, having technically graduated, he offered his assistance to the younger generation. Helping them with either homework, or just plain keeping an eye on them. Roger allowed him to stay, and even gave him payment for his help. If only he didn't spend it all on cigarettes.

Suddenly, Linda appeared, sitting next to me with her sketchbook. She also seemed to be holding an envelope.

I had been too deep in thought to acknowledge her right away, but thankfully she hadn't been too put off by my rudeness.

"So, Near, ready to begin your first day as L?"

I shrugged a bit. "I guess. Though I still believe Mello is better suited for this. I suppose there's no helping this though." I looked up from my puzzle towards her envelope. "What's that?"

She looked down at her hands. "Oh! Thanks for reminding me!" She suddenly sprung up and trotted over to Matt just a few feet away. "I forgot to give these to you, Matt. It's the pictures from your camera that you wanted developed."

Matt took the envelope gently. "Oh. Thank you Linda. I'd forgotten about them."

I stood up and walked over. "Could we see them?" I asked politely.

Matt only shrugged as he slipped the pictures out of the envelope. Most of them were either flowers or statuary around the orphanage. But there were a few pictures that caught my eye the most.

The ones he took of Mello were sublime. Nice colouring, good lighting, and he seemed to capture a part of Mello only he ever got to see. Even Linda picked out one of his as her favourite. Maybe I had just forgotten what he looked like, but I couldn't take my eyes away from them.

Matt suddenly threw them on the ground. "Take 'em. I don't want 'em."

Linda looked hurt, but collected the pictures anyway. "You sure, Matt?"

He turned away from us. "Yes, now go away."

Linda stepped back a bit, but held the photo's close. I then took her arm gently and guided her away from him.

"Matt's still sensitive about Mello, Linda." I whispered. "Don't take it to heart."

She nodded a bit. "So what do I do with them?"

"Keep them close. And I don't suggest giving them to anyone you don't know."

She looked right at me. "Why's that?"

I couldn't tell her about Kira's power and how it worked. "Let's just say that some people shouldn't get a hold of information like this. As much as L needed protection, so do his successors. Mello, Matt, myself, even you Linda. We all need to be careful."

She nodded. "Then, why don't you keep 'em safe?"

I sighed and was about to decline, when I noticed one of the photos of the blonde loosely hanging off her hand.

I then took it and analyzed it quickly. In L's notes he said something about Kira's power. Something about a name and face.

I stuffed the picture away into my shirt pocket. "Linda, burn every picture we have of Mello, Matt, and myself."

"What! Why?"

"It's crucial for the investigation. We can't have anyone knowing what we look like. Not until Kira has been destroyed."

Linda nodded at me. "I… I'll do as you ask." She then ran off with the other pictures to complete her task.

I sighed then, feeling a bit of weight fall off my shoulders.

I knew of Linda's… affections towards me. I had entertained them at a point in time, but realizing that it would only get in the way of the Kira case, I set the thought aside for now. There was even a time where I amused myself with thoughts of Mello. Those quickly stopped when I realized how much more Matt cared for him. Still, I wondered what it'd be like to have a partner. Someone to love and care for like none other.

But like I said. Those feelings had to be put aside for a while. I doubt I'd even have time to think about that now, what with my new role in life. I sometimes wondered if L had ever once felt love, or the need to have a partner in his life. He was so closed in, it was hard to decipher what he truly wanted in life.

I went back to my puzzle now. But I remembered Matt was still in the room with me.

He had been keeping an eye on some younger students when I decided to pipe up. "You know, I think Mello truly loved you, Matt."

This caught his attention. "Oh? And what makes you think that?"

I grinned at him. The first time I had in a while. "I saw the way he looked at you. Like you're the last piece of chocolate on earth for him. He always smiled when he was around you, which clearly shows he was more than just friendly to you. I think even L was beginning to pair you two together."

Matt chuckled a tiny bit. "L was far from those internet shippers you see these days."

"No, you're right. He was much more silent about it. But still, you and Mello work well together. I'd even go as far as saying you two were meant for each other."

Matt only sighed. "Yeah, well, he ain't exactly here now is he?"

"Things can change, Matt. You may see your blonde lover again someday."

It was then that a plush toy was promptly thrown at my head. I couldn't hold back the small giggles.

Teasing Matt about the blonde was more fun than I imagined. He always blushed whenever I called Mello his 'lover' or 'soul mate'. And whenever I brought up the evident handholding and closeness the two got to do, he'd immediately leave the room. I admit, it was fun being the little brother again. Especially since Mello wasn't around to scare me into shutting up.

I looked at the red-head. "Something wrong?"

"Yeah, you're here." He said jokingly.

"And Mello isn't." I finished, landing me another blow to the head with a stuffed animal.

I was going to miss this when I started L's case again.