The Fawn | Death Note

24. Ghosts of the Past

Author's Note: There is a short story on my page called "Key Memories" that takes place between this chapter and the last chapter. I would have put it in here, but it felt like it disrupted the flow of the story. You don't have to read it, but it sheds more light on Bambi's past.

Also, I know that Matt's official name is listed as "Mail", but given that it's pronounced "Mile" in Japanese, I decided to go with Miles as his real name.

Anyway, I hope that you enjoy the chapter!

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* * * July 2 * * *

Bambi and Matt made it to Iowa early yesterday morning, exhausted. After taking a taxi to a hotel on the outskirts of her hometown, the both of them spent the day resting and planning. Unfortunately, the teens were unable to get a rental car for the course of their stay because neither of them were old enough.

Bambi led Matt down the sidewalk as they walked to her old school. As the brunette looked around at the scenery, she smiled. Everything was just as she remembered it being during this time of year. It was hot and humid, both computer geeks opting to wear shorts and light shirts.

School wasn't in session anymore, the eldest class having already graduated. A sigh escaped the brunette's lips as she wondered how her friends were doing.

The pair walked in silence for a few minutes before passing an old playground on a hill. A warm smile graced the young woman's lips as she looked up at it.

Matt raised an eyebrow and smiled. "What are you thinking about?"

"I have a lot of fond memories of this place," she confessed. "I used to come out here with my friends often. During the summer, we would sneak out at night and go stargazing from the top of the hill. I got caught a few times, but they were pretty lenient about it."

"You stargaze?"

"It was more Melinda's thing than mine, but it was fun to tag along," she explained. "Plus with two against one we were able to drag Kato along most of the time."

He laughed. "I know the feeling. Mello used to drag me out to the chocolate store all the time, but I never got as into it as he is."

"He's practically obsessed," she commented with an awkward smile as her mind returned to her rejected crush.

Matt winced and glanced to the side when he realized his mistake.

A few moments passed before he asked, "So, what else did you do around here?"

She smiled up at him as she reminisced. "One time I climbed to the top of the playground and started a snowball fight with a bunch of kids from my class. It wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done. I slipped off and broke my arm, but it was still a fun day." She paused for a moment before adding, "It was only a year or two before I started the whole Robin Hood thing."

Her companion nodded his head before asking, "Hey, does anyone here actually know the truth about what happened to you?"

She shook her head. "Officially, I was caught illegally downloading movies and music. Then I was adopted by the head detective and moved away."

The redhead pursed his lips and nodded. "Oh yeah! I've been meaning to ask, why did you get two badges from Watari?"

"The one with my real name is for the people who know me," Bambi explained as she directed him to turn toward the school. "The other one is for everyone else."