A/N: Yay! Finally done this chapter! More coming in tomorrow, so I hope you all can wait!

Reviews appreciated, and enjoy! :)

(Matt P.O.V)

It was kinda distressing getting the call from Near that he could no longer fund us for the time being. However, knowing Mello, he already had a plan for everything. He had Mafia ties around America, including New York. So when the time came, we had what we needed to get around.

He asked me about Near's headquarters and who worked with him. I gave him the names of the ones I'd heard from him. He seemed chiefly interested with Miss Halle Lidner.

As we drove through the city, he explained to me what he was planning.

"First and foremost, I need that photograph he has of me. I don't trust him for a second to keep it safe. Halle might know where his operations are at the moment. Plus, I wouldn't doubt that they're desperate for help right about now."

He had been flipping through his laptop, which was one of the only things to survive the explosion, and was sifting through classified documents. From this he gathered where this Halle Lidner lived.

"But what about after we see him, Mels?" I inquired.

He continued to flip through his laptop. "We get as close to our suspect as physically possible, without him knowing."

"I'm sorry, you want to get closer to the guy that killed L? Why's that exactly?"

"If anything, it'll give me clues as to how Near will be able to take him down. I have no doubt in my mind that Kira believes I might still be alive. It won't take him long to figure out that I'm around and tailing him. So, for now, we have to work fast. At least until we can find a base of operations."

"And that means finding Near first." I added. "Alright, I get that. But I have a feeling there's more to your little 'visit' than just getting your photo back."

"I'll explain more about that later. Take a left here."

I did as told and made a left turn. "But are you so sure that Halle will be cooperative?"

He took out a chocolate bar then, taking a snap. "No. But she might know who I am. I doubt Near's been anything but secretive of my existence."

I hummed. "I guess so."

We drove down the road until we hit an apartment complex. From there on, Mello went about his business alone. Nightfall disguised my car as I turned off the engine and the lights dimmed to nothing. Mello had already put his coat on and covered his head with his hood. He couldn't be seen at the moment.

When I saw him cock his gun, I gave him an incredulous sort of look.

He looked back at me. "It's only if she doesn't come peacefully."

"Sure." I mumbled under my breath, grabbing a cigarette. After lighting it and taking a single drag, I told him, "Just don't fire it. We don't want to alert the police."

A nod was all I received before he exited the car and went about his business. To tell you the truth, I wasn't really too fond of what we were doing right now, but knowing Mello I wouldn't be able to back out of this so easily. Besides, I did agree to help him. Thought I think kidnapping was a little much.

Oh well. Like he'd said, he wanted to work fast.

And fast work he made.

I think it was twenty minutes before I saw Mello walk out of the building with a tall, bleach blonde woman walking in front of him. Gun to her back, and seemingly half naked, yet she didn't look too scared. Strong woman.

She got into the back with no problems. "Good to see you're still around, Matt. Near was beginning to worry something had happened."

Mello sat up front and I started up the car. "No worries. I've never been part of confrontation. It's probably why I'm still alive."

"So what's my excuse?" Mello chimed in.

I snorted. "Incredible luck, and a man willing to save your sorry ass."

"I never did thank you for your kindness, did I?"

"'Kindness'? Try 'devotion' or 'love'. Because, let's face it, kindness from me – had I not known you at the time – would not have helped you stay alive."

"Touché."

I heard Lidner chuckle a bit as we drove off. "Near was right. You two really do deserve each other. It's almost adorable."

"Shut up, and tell me where that freak is." Mello barked. "I want my photo back."

Lidner complied and directed us to the SPK headquarters. It was a surprisingly short drive, as she lived almost right next to the place. But it still didn't stop Mello from being wary.

He held Lidner at gun-point. "Out of the car. I need you to get me inside."

"I'm sure Near…"

"Now!" He demanded.

Lidner complied yet again with a heavy sigh. She jumped out of the car and allowed Mello to push her forward. I admit, this was new to see in Mello. He wasn't exactly one to man-handle anyone, especially a woman. However, I could see in his eyes that this was all part of his plan. I didn't know what for… but he knew what he was doing.

"Keep the car running. Once I'm done inside, we'll head to the airport."

"Airport?" I questioned.

"You'll know why when I come back." And with that, Mello got back to business. He pushed Lidner forward once again, and she led him to the entrance.

I slunk back in my seat. "Good luck… I suppose."

(Near P.O.V)

Sitting in my usual position, I continued to think about events whilst playing with my toys. That's when Commander Rester spoke up.

"Near!"

Upon hearing my name I looked up, but was stunned to see the security monitors showing Lidner at gunpoint by a man dressed all in leathers. However, the blonde hair gave him away instantly;

Mello.

Rester seemed worried. "What should we do?!"

I remained calm as ever. I was prepared for this. "Let him in."

"But Near…!" Gevanni tried to speak up, but my glare stopped him.

"He is our guest. Show him some courtesy."

"He has a gun!" Rester informed. "And Halle…!"

"Never mind that. Mello won't shoot. Believe me, she's safer with him than away from him."

They seemed nervous by my decision, but complied anyway.

Once the doors were unlocked, both Halle and Mello stepped inside the building. Now, for the real confrontation.

(Mello P.O.V)

The doors slid open and I stepped through, Lidner in front and gun to her head. I knew Near wasn't frightened, but his members had to know who was really in charge of the situation.

The two remaining men of the SPK had their guns drawn and trained on me. They weren't taking any chances.

Near hadn't turned from his toys. "Mello, welcome…"

"Drop your weapon!" The larger man demanded.

I kept my gun where it was, staring the other men down. If Near had told them anything then they should've known not to screw with me. I was in pain, agitated, and not very patient. I wanted to get this over with and get on with my plan. Besides, I was still a bit weak from my previous escapades and wanted to go back to Matt's car and rest.

A stand-off arose and it felt like a long time before Near decided to break it up.

I'd known him since we were kids, so it wasn't hard to tell from his posture how annoyed he was with his members. "Everyone, please put away your guns. Having a shootout here would achieve nothing."

"Sir, with all due respect," the larger man spoke again. "Mello was the one who killed all our partners."

I almost grinned at what Near said next.

"Please don't make me say it again." He said, more exasperated then the last moment he spoke. "Remember that our primary objective is to catch Kira. Killing Mello right now will do nothing to benefit our investigation."

I stared down the larger man now, knowing he wouldn't shoot. He and the other were less than pleased that Near was willing to keep me alive. Then again, I knew I was worth more than those two. The only reason Near kept them around was because he was almost incapable of doing things for himself. I knew he never travelled on his own, nor did he know how to operate any type of vehicle. In truth, Near was just an overgrown child, with the mind of a super genius.

Just like L once was.

The larger man groaned a bit. "Fine."

The two men lowered their guns, and I lowered mine. I then lowered my hood, not even caring at the look the younger man gave me. I was only here for one thing; my photo.

But I couldn't be too hasty. I was a guest after all. Uninvited or not.

"It looks like things are going just as you planned, Near."

I guess he decided to humour me back. "Yes. I take it you've already heard all about second L from Lidner by now."

'Not really. It was more Matt than Lidner.' I thought.

"I've pretty much figured out who Kira is, and it's all thanks to everything you've done, Mello."

I couldn't help it. My temper flared at the thought that Near was using me and my own findings for himself, not caring whether I lived or died. All that there was, were him and his puzzles.

I drew out my gun and pointed it straight at his skull. "SHUT UP, NEAR!"

The two men drew out their own guns once more and aimed at me. I didn't care though. I was sick of listening to Near. Sick of his voice being unemotional, uncaring, and closed off. It was like he hadn't cared that I almost died! Like he hadn't even made the effort to care!

I had to keep my voice even as I spoke. "I'm not just some tool for you to use in order to solve your puzzles you know!"

What he said next surprised me.

"Mello, if you really want to shoot me, then go ahead and do it."

It was like my heart stopped. I couldn't feel anything in my body. No pain or feeling. Just nothingness.

I was suddenly brought back to the day I'd killed my own father. The day I'd shot him multiple times and still didn't kill him. It wasn't until I finally shot him in the head that he slumped over. But now, looking at Near, and seeing how much in common he shared with L. Remembering my promise to L that I never kept. I promised to protect him and Matt, at whatever the cost. And now, he I was pointing a gun to Near's head, having Matt risk his life to hide me away.

I clicked the trigger, hearing the words L asked of me. 'I'd like you to promise me you will always, always, look after Matt and Near. I know you don't get along with Near as much as Matt, but he will need you. More than he'd ever like to admit. And I know you can be a good older brother to him.'

I was brought from my reverie by Lidner. "Stop! If you shoot him, then the rest of us will have no choice but to shoot you too! What will it solve if both of you die!? That's just what Kira wants."

I stared at her for a good minute, mentally thanking her for stopping me. I couldn't revert back to what I was. Constantly killing for sport and selfish reasons. I'd already gone as far as trying to off Matt. And I needed Near's cooperation.

I lowered my gun. "You have a good point. Anyway, I'm only here for one thing. I've come to take back that photograph you have."

"Of course." Near said nonchalantly, as if I hadn't just tried to shoot him. "I got it at the orphanage. There's only one, and no copies have been made. I've already gone ahead and dealt with everyone who knows your face, inside and outside Wammy's house. They'll keep quiet." He threw the picture.

Catching it easily, I inspected the picture as he spoke. "I can't say a hundred percent for certain, but it shouldn't be possible for you to be killed by the notebook."

I felt my heart sink with this picture. In my mind, what I looked like before the explosion was perfect. Clean face, free of scars, combed hair, and easy on the eyes. Now, however, I doubted that any part of me was handsome anymore.

I turned the picture over to see writing on the back. 'Dear Mello'

I glared at the writing. Like this little freak cared at all about Myself, Matt, or even the Wammy house.

"Is that the only business you had with me, Mello?"

I growled a bit. "Near…"

A long silence rung out between the two of us, and I was suddenly reminded of our time at Wammy's. How this kid in front of me wanted to be by my side, to be my partner along with Matt. He was more subtle about it now, but I knew he wanted me to help him. Well, I couldn't do that. Not just because I didn't want to work with him, but because I would just be a hazard to his team.

However…

"Let's get one thing straight. I have no intention on working together with you in this."

His voice sounded just a bit disappointed. "Yes, I know."

"At the same time," I continued, "I can't just take my photo and leave. That wouldn't be right, so I'll settle my debt."

He looked back at me then with curiosity.

I breathed out. "The killer notebook. It belongs to a shinigami. Whoever touches it is able to see a god of death."

"That's crazy." Said the larger man.

"Who the hell would believe in something like that?" Said the younger.

I glared at them before Near answered. "I would. I believe him completely."

At their curious glances, he explained. "What good would it do for him to tell an outrageous lie like that? Even if he had something to gain, he could at least some up with a more believable story. Therefor these 'gods of death' must exist."

I shot the two men a slight smirk as I continued. "The notebook I'd obtained had previously belonged to another shinigami. Perhaps even Kira himself. Also, some of the rules written inside are actually fake." Near seemed chiefly interested in this, but I decided to take my leave there. "That's all I can tell you for now."

Turning away from them, I headed to the door. My photo safely in my pocket, and I felt cocky as ever with my new plan.

In my other pocket, I grabbed my chocolate in craving.

I stopped just before the door. "Near?" I said, taking out the bar.

"Mello?"

I took a snap from the bar. "Which of us is gonna reach Kira first, I wonder."

I could almost feel the smile behind me. "The race is on."

"We're both headed for the same destination. I'll be waiting for you." I started walking again.

The albino scoffed. "Right."

Walking out the door, hearing it close behind me, and heading back to Matt's car, I began thinking of my promise to L once again. My promise to keep them safe. To be their protector, their older brother of sorts.

I was the oldest of them. I should've picked up where L left off. Instead, I abandoned them. I left Matt to rot at Wammy's all alone, and Near to face Kira alone.

Well, there was no more running and hiding. Not from me.

Once I'd reached Matt's car, I slumped into the passenger seat. My energy was drained constantly now, and I had to reserve what I could. Still, I'm glad the explosion didn't take my intelligence. I needed that more than anything else.

I felt a pair of lips plant on my burned cheek. "So, how's Near doin'?" The red-head asked.

I pushed him away, rather feebly though, and rested my head on the window. "Same as always."

He chuckled at that. "So then, where to next."

"Motel." I said tiredly. "Tomorrow we'll head to the airport."

"Will you explain why we're going to the airport? Where will we be going?"

I sighed. "I'm going to Japan. Your choice is to stay here and help Near, or…"

"I'm with you all the way, Mels. You might do something stupid again if I leave you alone."

I looked at him. "How so?"

"Well, last time I left you alone, you blew yourself up, you kidnapped Lidner here, and I'm almost too sure you were close to shooting Near today."

He knew me way too well. "Shut up and drive us to the closest motel."

"I knew it!"

I only waved him off. "Almost, Matt. And he dared me."

He drove off then, shaking his head. "Tell me again why I fell for you?"

I shrugged. "Because I'm good-looking?"

I punched him as hard as I could when he started snickering after saying something about me looking like a female, causing him to swerve a bit. "Jesus Mels, take a joke!"

"I'm NOT a girl."

Another punch to his arm when he said something about me being on a constant PMS trip. After that, I was too tired to punch him anymore. Hopefully when we got to a motel I'd be able to thoroughly beat him up. Something told me I wouldn't have the strength, though.

'Maybe tomorrow.' I thought hazily before falling asleep. No nightmares followed me that night, and I was thankful. But I did wish for a dream. Something to take my mind off of things. Just for one night.

(Near P.O.V)

"Lidner." I commanded harshly. "Do not come between myself and Mello again. Do you understand?"

She looked at me incredulously. "But Near…"

"Mello wouldn't have shot me. I trust him enough not to do so. And I was trying to help him see that he wouldn't. If you keep getting in the way, then he won't come back to what he was beforehand. Am I clear?"

Lidner was silent for a while, along with Rester and Gevanni. She then sighed. "Yes."

"Good. Now," I stood from my spot then, feeling my legs cramp a bit. "About these gods of death…"