Disclaimer: I do not own Deathnote, if I did I wouldn't be writing this fanfiction, because it would be an original fiction technically...y'know, because I would be the original author..T_T

Near's Pov:

I watched Matt from my place at my desk, placing half of my attention of the teacher as I did so. At the moment it appeared that he had fallen asleep with his head resting on his arms, no doubt emotionally exhausted. The shirt he was wearing was the same one as two days ago, and his hair was, to put it blatantly; a mess.

Mello had stuffed himself in his room for a full 47 hours by now, and I had to listen to him throwing things in an angry fit. Beyond wasn't home for the weekend, so he didn't have to listen to it of course.

But, I just didn't understand it. From what I know, Mello has a bit more than a crush on Matt, and Matt can't reciprocate those feelings. But locking himself in their room didn't seem smart at all, or responsible at that. A simple talk and everything should be fine shouldn't it? And I didn't know why it was such a big deal, Mello's feelings... I didn't see why it was such an endeavor.

I didn't understand it, I supposed it was because I had never felt those feelings before, but..stressing yourself over love?

It was a concept I couldn't grasp, and what if a few years down the line everything is ruined? Then love is just a waist of time.

"Near" I felt a pen poke into my shoulder, and turned my head to look at Linda. She had been tagging along with me ever since that art class, I didn't know why, I wasn't that great of company, but I didn't necessarily mind her company so I didn't say anything. I had even begun to trust her a little.

I raised a hand to curl a piece of my hair, while looking at her inquiringly. "We are not supposed to speak in class Linda-Chan" I noted, earning a light and joking scowl.

"No one will notice, and I was wondering if you wanted to eat lunch outside today"

I stared at her blankly, "That's not allowed". Unless she wanted to break the rules, but I wasn't to keen on that. Though, in essence I didn't care all 'that' much, it wouldn't harm much if I where to get in trouble, with my grades and all.

She frowned, "I know that, I'm not a complete idiot Near, but it would be fun" her lips formed a pout, she seemed to do that a lot though so I didn't really acknowledge it.

I thought about it for a moment, before shrugging and turning back to my paper. "Alright" I replied simply, and heard her cheerful 'great!' as she too went back to her notebook. I still didn't particularly understand other people's emotions, what was so special about sneaking out? it wasn't that exciting in my opinion.

We snuck out to the middle-school playground at lunchtime, and the whole time Linda seemed really nervous. I was curious about it, though I put it too the fact that we were sneaking out as the reason, and proceeded to eat my lunch in silence by my seat on the platform.

It was certainly strange being out here with nobody around, I had to admit, and it did feel different. But I wouldn't go out of my way to do it again, once was fine, I've seen it and now its boring.

A few minutes of silence passed, and I started to wonder what was really troubling Linda, she was usually a chatter box during lunch time, and she hadn't said a word since we got out here. I started to run the reasons for her silence through my head, but came up with nothing, and eventually just asked.

"What's wrong Linda?"

She raised her head from her food, and her face tinted pink. I was confused, and it angered me slightly that I couldn't figure this out. A few lessons in basic human emotions were in order, that was for sure.

"Uh, nothing Near" She smiled at me, but I knew that she was lying.

"Its not nothing, you're being unusually silent" I told her pointedly and put down my box on the playground's platform. Her face flushed even more and she lowered her head, biting her lip, I started to feel if only a little concerned. Maybe something happened? Or she doesn't want to be my friend? That wouldn't bother me much, I'm usually alone anyways. Is she in trouble? She's blushing and being silent, what does that mean? And she asked me out here, possibly to tell me something..

Asked me out...oh, but that couldn't be right though, could it?

My eyes widened slightly, but I only only lowered my head a little to look at Linda in the eyes, hiding the surprise and slight unease rising in my chest. I wasn't so sure about this, I wasn't used to it.

"Linda?"

She raised her head to look at me again, and bit her lip. "You see, I was wondering.."

Her face was bright red by now, and that confirmed it. I let her continue, but I already knew my answer, I just wasn't interested. She was barely a friend to me, and definitely not a romantic interest.

"Would you..I really like you Near, so would you go out with me?" She rushed out the words, and promptly looked down at her lunch box again, waiting for my answer.

"I apologize Linda-Chan, but I don't like you in that way"

She stayed silent, and my mind drifted to how I still didn't understand these things. She seemed upset, Why? I didn't know, just like with Matt and Mello, it seemed like such a big thing to them. Maybe there is something wrong with me? I should really look into these things some time...

"Well.." She trailed off, "I guess, well, I didn't expect you to say no" She sighed, and stood up, while I stared at her in confusion, why is she leaving?

"Linda-Chan?"

"I should go.." She mumbled, earning and prompt 'oh' from me. She smiled sweetly and looked up finally, "I'm sorry, I should have known you wouldn't like me, you probably like someone else" She seemed to regain her composure a little, but she was clearly put down.

"I don't, and it is fine"

She nodded, and with one last smile turned and shuffled across the playground. I watched her go, not really feeling bad but..curious, and confused.

Beyond's Pov:

Near looked..odd after lunch, not his usual indifferent, but instead more purposeful. He had a few books with him and was heading off to the library, obviously skipping English class. It was rather curious, but I didn't bother questioning him. Instead I took his lead, and skipped class to sit down by my locker and draw.

I ignored the few odd looks I got from the few teenagers in the hall, and instead kept on my portrait of Naomi that I was working on. Soon, I was almost done, and only had a bit left to do on the eyes, when the bell rang for the classes to end. I ignored most everyone as the students rushed around me, probably by now used to a small portion of my habits as I didn't get a single second look. It wasn't the first time that I had done this; skip class and do something besides study, that is.

I intended to find Naomi when I was done the picture, and maybe show it to her. It was by far the best that I had done by now. Snowflakes fell in the background, and her cheeks shone with a rosy red, her hair was blowing lightly in the wind. Her eyes shone in the picture, bright and intelligent, just like her. I was quite proud of it, and maybe I could ask her out...she couldn't say no right?

Its what girls like right? For a guy to draw a picture of them, its sweet to them, romantic.

"Hey Kaito!"

I snapped to attention at the voice, recognizing Naomi's tone immediately, and my eyes promptly searched the crowd. Finally finding her boots by one of the classroom's doorways, I couldn't see very well from my place on the floor, and with so many students in the hall, but I stayed seated not wanting to bring attention to myself. Instead I strained to hear what was being said through the sounds of all the other students.

"Yea? whats up Naomi-chan?"

She mumbled something that I couldn't hear, before she spoke again, causing me to grit my teeth. "I was wondering if you would like to go out sometime?"

What? No, nonono, no, surely she isn't asking him out? Whoever he is, I only vaguely recognized the name. I tried to keep myself stilled on the floor, but I desperately wanted to jump up from my seat to see who it was.

"Um...I'm sorry Naomi, it's not that I don't like you, but I'm interested in somebody else"

I sighed promptly, relaxing significantly. She had gone out with other guys in the past, and I can say, that I just didn't like it. And I was only now seriously considering asking her out, if she started something with someone else...that just wouldn't be fun.

I tuned out of the conversation and packed away my notebook, before standing and looking over to Naomi. She nodded at the guy, who I now recognized as one of the tennis players on L and Light's team. He was attractive, I had to admit, but I didn't see what Naomi would see in him thats not superfluous.

Naomi caught my eye, giving me a friendly smile before walking off with a few friends. Meanwhile the other guy went over to his locker, which was only a little ways from mine. I ignored him, and made to catch up with Naomi before her next class; Government Studies.

I didn't know what I was doing really, I usually only spoke to her in band, so she didn't know me all that personally. And the chance that she would agree to be late for class for me was..low, but I had to try. If she got together with anybody, I wouldn't be able to handle it again.

"Naomi" I spoke up, catching her attention as she paused to look at me, giving at nod to her friends for them to continue on to class.

"Yea? Is something up?" She questioned, looking confused as I usually wouldn't search her out outside of the band. If anything, she probably thinks that that is what I want to talk to her about. I was nervous now, more than Nervous.

"I was wondering if I could talk to you for a second" I nodded to one of the now empty clubrooms, "Alone?"

She raised and eyebrow. "Uh, sure?" she said uncertainly, but followed me as I made my way to the room. She turned to me once we where inside, and took a seat on a table, crossing her legs and resting her hands in her lap. She didn't say anything, just looked at me inquiringly.

"Um.." So I really didn't know how to do this, I was also afraid that she would turn me down. I stood in front of her awkwardly, and at my silence she started to look worried. About what, I didn't know.

"Beyond? Are you trying to ask me out?" she suddenly said, and I froze, my eyes widening a little, I opened my mouth to respond, but I couldn't find any words. She guessed it? I didn't know how to feel about that, disappointed maybe, as she didn't seem excited.

She sighed, making my heart sink, as she looked at me apologetically.

"I'm sorry Beyond, I don't feel that way about you"

"Oh" I looked at the floor, a frown on my face. Well there goes everything...quickly too.

"I'm really sorry Beyond, its nothing wrong with you"

Oh? Is she really interested in that other guy that much then? I would be lying if I said I was okay with that, I really, really like her.

"Maybe ask me some other time okay?" She suggested, and I smiled halfheartedly.

"Yea, okay" I'm not completely disregarded at least, though she is probably just being polite.

I kicked my shoes off when I got home, and quickly rushed up the stairs. Ignoring everyones curious looks as I hurried ahead of them, before flopping down face first on my bed in Near and I's room.

Naomi, Naomi doesn't like me. It hurts, and I like her so much, so, so much. I have liked her for over a year, pawned over her, gotten jealous over her boyfriend's time and time again. And then she doesn't even seem like she is interested in me in the slightest. I was disappointed, slightly angry, and upset.

Whats so wrong with me? Sure I look odd, and I can be eccentric, but its not like I'm any less enjoyable to be around, right? RIGHT?

I let out a long, disappointed sigh, seconds before Near opened the door and stepped inside. He seemed to pause, before shutting the door and shuffling inside silently, setting his bag down promptly. I didn't acknowledge him at all, until he spoke up.

"What is the matter Beyond?"

I honestly didn't mind Near that much, he was blunt and didn't go out of his way to speak to people like others. It was almost like he wasn't even there, but today I wasn't in the mood for anybody, and didn't want to speak to him at all. I only let out a huff in response, and rolled over onto my back, staring despondently at the ceiling.

"Naomi I presume then" He mumbled after a moment, and moved over to his dresser, probably to pull out some of his toys.

"Be quiet" I grumbled, letting out another sigh and sitting upright on my bed. As expected, Near was in fact setting up a card tower, and didn't respond to my command. that was good, but I still felt angry.

Eventually, and without really thinking about it, I began to speak. "She doesn't like me, she likes some other tennis guy" I grumbled, earning no response from Near, so I continued. "And I like her so much, she is pretty, and she is friendly, nice, but she for whatever reason doesn't think we would be a good pair" I furrowed my eyebrows, I usually didn't speak my feelings to others, but it felt good to get it out. I was mad, frustrated, disappointed, and I felt the need to talk about it.

"I have liked her for years, and from what she said she knew it too, or at least suspected, but she wouldn't even hardly give us a chance" What she said earlier about asking some other time, I dismissed, if she didn't want me now why would it change in time? "I don't get it, I'm not unlikable am I?" I questioned halfheartedly, and I didn't notice Near's scowl until he spoke up.

"I do not wish to hear this right now, please refrain from telling me"

I blinked in confusion at him, not expecting the borderline harsh statement form the pale boy. But I stayed quiet, not wanting to get into an argument with him. Now I was curious though, he never has spoken to me like that, and I didn't even say anything particularly irritating. He has so far been the type to take everything in stride and ignore annoyances. I couldn't help but question it after a moment.

"What's wrong Near?"

He paused, and after a moment stood up from his small card tower, much to my confusion, before walking out of the room without a response, Closing the door harshly behind himself. I stared after him, genuinely confused to as what was going on with him. Eventually I sighed and pulled my bag up to me, pulling out my sketchbook and flipping to a new page. I stared at the blank page for a few seconds, before I heard the door click open and looked up to see Near again, him seeming to have calmed down quickly.

Much to my confusion he handed me a jar of jam, and I raised my eyebrows at him. He took this as me asking what he is doing, and explained after a silent pause.

"I am sorry that I snapped at Beyond, this is my apology"

"Oh" Why? I wanted to ask, and I was confused, I had never thought he would even bother apologizing.

"I consider Beyond a reliable acquaintance, so I would not wish for him to dislike me in the case that I ever needed help" He figured out my confusion from my expression anyways, but...reliable acquaintance? Wouldn't it be easier to just say friend?

"Alright, Thank you?" I said as I took the jar, earning a nod from him.

"You're welcome"

"Huh"

Light's Pov:

I stared at L's neck while we walked down the sidewalk, admiring the sliver of pale skin as my mind began to drift.

There were quite a few things going on at the moment, not completely detrimental things, but still eventful. For one, L was catching on to me, as much as I denied it, and as much as he continued to ask me at random intervals. Which was annoying, and I was getting more frustrated at it each time, but I essentially just ignored it, in the hopes that he would eventually decide to leave it.

And then Mello hadn't come out of his room since Saturday, well, technically he did come out each time Matt wasn't around, something that I noticed by the missing chocolates from the cupboard. But aside from that, Matt hadn't seen his face since we made them have that talk. Looking back, I should have realized that it was to soon for them to talk, and that we should have left them to be. But it was done, and now Mello was being a spoiled brat in my opinion.

Then the most recent thing, that was in a long time coming. Beyond asked Naomi out, and since yesterday when he did that, he has been wallowing around in his own self pity. Come to think of it, Near had even been odd since that. Not completely notably, but just odd. Little things he did, his tone of voice, how he walked around; like he was up to something' I couldn't help but think, though I didn't put to much into it.

Things certainly changed since those three got here, not necessarily for the better, but..more exciting, it was a welcome change, though I didn't think that way at first.

Huh. At first it was the worst thing possible for me, now that I think about it, I didn't want to share my room with L in the least, and that caused my slip up in my facade that day. But all was good, I wouldn't ever tell L my feelings, and other things were going to work themselves out rather easily, in my opinion.

"Light-Kun?"

Huh? Oh.

I was so deep in thought that I had trailed way behind L, and now was standing about twenty feet behind him. I picked up my pace and caught up with him, until I was standing beside him. I ignored his curious/concerned look and sheepishly apologized, earning a nod from him.

"Its fine, but are you alright?"

I pursed my lips. Am I? I think I am, hopefully my crush on L will disappear in time. It probably will.

"Yea, I was just thinking" I supplied, giving him a small smile, though I knew he could see right through it, and he knew I knew. He only gave a nod, and continued walking, this time I made sure to keep pace with him though.

A few seconds later he spoke up again, with his head tilted upwards to the sky and I made a vague note to make sure he didn't trip while he wasn't looking.

"I don't understand why you're so apt to keep it a secret"

I sighed at this, knowing exactly where he was going. "L, I don't like you like that, so what if I'm gay? It doesn't mean I'm into you, your like my brother" My voice took on a frustrated lilt near the end, and it was quite genuine.

L gave me a sideways glance, "But you do, like me, I mean" I stopped mid step, shoving my hands into my pockets as I glared at him. L stopped too, turning to look back at me over his shoulder.

"Okay L, lets just say I do like you, why would it matter? You're probably not even straight, we all know your closer to Asexual. So even if I did like you, it wouldn't matter, so stop" I told him, before proceeding to walk ahead of him briskly. I only stopped when he spoke next.

"But what if I am gay, and I specifically Like you? Speaking theoretically of course" He said pointedly, and in slight offense.

The positions are completely reversed now, not just our standing but also the theoretical aspect of it. I don't know why he is doing this, and it did cross my mind briefly that he could like me, after all, why else would he ask that? The thought sent butterfly's to my stomach, but I pushed those feelings away and responded.

"Do you?" I questioned dully. Because if you do...everything is messed up, and I don't know what I will do. I'm not supposed to love you, and your not supposed to love me.

He paused, and I was almost afraid that his response would be yes. But I didn't even know what I wanted, I didn't want him to feel that way about me, but I also wanted him to.

"No, I don't"

My heart sunk at the words, and though I hid it, I was disappointed. "Then there was no point in this conversation was there?" I demanded.

He looked at me evenly, and of course I couldn't tell what he was thinking.

"No, I suppose there was not"

"Exactly" I huffed, before turning on my heel and walking away from him. Exactly, I don't feel anything for you, you don't feel anything for me, and we can't even if we do. I continued in my head. No matter how much proof you have, we don't have feelings for each other, especially not you.

Matt's Pov:

I was studying when I heard a loud bang coming from upstairs, and immediately tuned into what was happening up there. Confusion laced on my features until I heard a shout that was most definitely Mello, and another quieter one from Beyond. I raised an eyebrow as I caught a few of the words.

"Stop being a spoiled brat Mello-"

"I'm not being a- Now get out!" A pause where Beyond probably said something, and then another shout from Mello "No, fuck you! Get out, I'm not going down there!"

"Whats going on?" Sachiko's alarmed voice come up from beside me, and I looked up at her, giving out a sigh and not responding as I put my book on the table. I sat up, an anxious queasy feeling was building up in my stomach at the last few words. Did Beyond actually break into Mello's room?

"Matt! Come here and knock some sense into this little bastard!"

I frowned deeply, and ignored the concerned look on Sachiko's face.

"I'm not a bastard, don't say that! And I am not little dammit!"

Despite the obvious command, I couldn't move, I couldn't face him, as I had messed up big time when he locked himself in there and I didn't know what to say to him. I wanted it to all be better, but what if I just made him angrier at me?

"Matt?"

I looked up at Sachiko, and she had that stern motherly look on her face. Not that I would really know what it looks like, but if anything I think that that's what it would be.

"Go"

I sighed at her command, but complied and stood up. Making my way uneasily up the stairs, where I could hear their voices clearly.

"Go away, I don't want to talk"

Beyond was holding the door open when I got up there, and from what I could tell Mello was standing just inside and trying to shut it. Beyond was effectively holding it open though, and blatantly ignoring Mello's obsessive cursing.

Beyond grinned when he spotted me, and I found it quite typical that he was finding this if only slightly amusing. "Matt, get in here and talk to Mello, if you don't I will hit you"

"And so will I if you come in here! So leave!"

I cringed, I had taken hits from Mello before, and I wasn't too sure about this. But from Beyond's look, and his next words, I gave in.

"Matt, I'm serious, you two are being incredibly idiotic, now get in there and talk"

I nodded, swallowing my nervousness, and knowing what I should do, we couldn't fight anymore, we where being stupid and at this point it was just ridiculous. I hated being away from him, and I desperately needed to see him.

Making up my mind, I briskly walked up to the door, not letting myself have a second thought, and slipped though the opening that Beyond was holding in the door. Though I didn't expect Beyond to let go so soon, and the door ended up smacking me in the nose from Mello still pushing it.

I let out a surprised and pained yelp, my hands immediately going to my nose and my eyes squeezing shut as they began to water.

"Oh my god Matt!" Mello yelped, not a second after he realized what had happened, and his hands were suddenly on me, one on my shoulder and one on my cheek. It took me a second to process what happened, as I was only focusing on the pain pulsating through my nose, but when he spoke again I realized what was happening.

"Matt, move your hands" His fingers were gently pushing my hands away, and I complied, letting my hands fall, but not opening my eyes.

He had a hand on my cheek, and one gently on my nose as he felt to see if it was broken, though I knew it wasn't. Slowly I opened my eyes to look straight into his, and they were filled with so much regret, I felt my throat constrict as I swallowed.

"Its not broken. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for that to happen" He mumbled, avoiding my eyes guiltily, but I only shook my head, closing my teary eyes before I swiftly pulled him into a hug. Earning a surprised yelp from him, though it was less than a second before he returned the gesture tightly, and as I spoke next we both began to cry.

"I'm so sorry, I really messed up" I piped through tears as I gripped him to me tightly, and I was, I was so sorry for all of this.

"Don't do that Matt, I'm the one who should be apologizing. I'm an idiot" His body was shaking slightly, But he didn't let go, or even loosen his grip. I shook my head fervently in response.

"No, no, no, you were just being honest, I'm just an asshole" By now I was really crying, and so was he, we were both holding it in before I came in here, and now we were letting it all out in each other's arms. "I love you Mello, I do so much, its just a big misunderstanding, I hate being away from you, your like my brother and I love you so much and I'm so-"

"Matt shut up! I love you too, its okay and I know, I know, you can't feel that way and I was being ridiculous.." He trailed off with a sniffle and I felt a knot grow in my stomach. "Its okay, lets just forget this ever happened, and never let it happen again" He finished as he let out a strained breath and buried his head in my neck.

I nodded and did the same as I took a ragged breath, enjoying being this close to him, breathing in his scent with his hair tickling my face, even though it was now damp with my tears. I pulled him tighter to my chest, burying my face even further into his shoulder and taking another breath. I noted how almost tense he was in my grasp, but I ignored it, he was here, and that was all that mattered. His arms holding me close, his breath on my neck, his body warming me...I wanted to be here forever, forever and ever, and I wanted him and...

I didn't need to think about It anymore, I wanted him, but for now, I just needed to hold him close. I needed my best friend to never leave my sight, and eventually I needed more, but for now I would wait here until I could take that leap.

"I love you Mello.." I whimpered.

Authors Note: I have nothing to say, Just that I hope this has the effect that I was looking for ^^ please do review, It only takes a minute or two and I will be forever grateful to you! :) (2017 AN: After re-reading this, I just had to note that Near's personality in this, portrays him as a sociopath. It wasn't intentional, but if you know the signs, and pay attention to his words, he really is 0_0)