Innocence (MelloxNear) (Death Note)

Chapter 11 | How Did You Know

Child don't follow me home

You're just too perfect for my hands to hold 

-

When Near had been told he was going to be treated properly when he was investigating with L, he didn't know what he'd initially expected. In fact, he hadn't really made any assumtions, and decided to deal with whatever was given to him. But a single bedroom in an apartment block in Tokyo really wasn't on his wishlist. Sure, it wasn't the worst, but surely L got paid more than just this?

Rolling his eyes at his bitter childishness, Near spilled his puzzle onto the cream carpet, even after weeks of being here not used to the fact that it didn't all look like a snowy wonderland, but a drab, dull place like he'd never seen before. Of course, he wasn't going to complain, after all, he had been invited here especially by the worlds best detective, so he chose not to voice his opinions out loud. Not as though he was going to anyway.

L himself was a different story, and nothing like Near had imagined. He had honestly been anticipating a Sherlock Holmes wannabe, complete with suede hat and all. But when Watari had opened the door, revealing a black haired man in his mid twenties, hunched over and nibbling on the end of a rainbow coloured lollipop while looking like he hadn't slept in weeks, that had not in a million years been what he was expecting. Then again, L probably hadn't been expecting a scrawny albino who looked like a nine year old clutching a toy robot to his chest dearly, either.

In complete truth, in the time he had been there, the most investigating he had done was discovering what had been scampering around at night (It was a mouse.). Near was seriously regretting coming, considering he literally had no idea why L had even bothered with all of these preparations in the first place if he was just going to be an ignored roomate. It just made no sense even if he put it into different contextes.

Standing in the doorway and monitering the insomniac before him, Near attempted to figure out the best way about this. Should he just confront him? No! That would ruin the facade and reveal too much... Near cleared his throat, attracting the attention of the older male.

"Was there something you needed, Near?" L asked in that monotone voice of his, tilting his head as he looked over at the albino. Taking a moment to put the words together in his head, Near knew what he was going to say.

"I was just wondering why L brought me here. Seems to me that L is the one doing all of the work." Near answered, knotting a finger in his hair and twirling it around his finger, even though he thought he had grown out of that childish habit. Old habits die hard, he reminded himself. He felt the silence poison the air, and shifted his footing between his two feet in the awkwardness as L worked up a responce.

"I suppose it's for your own protection. Think of me as a bodyguard for you." L seemed pleased with his answer, nodding his head before nomming a piece of cake that was previously precariously hanging on the edge of his fork. Bodyguard, but why would I need guarding? Unless... 

"No..." Near whispered to himself, eyes widening as his young nature broke through his adult wall. He could feel the fear sweeping through him as he realized what was happening. Dropping to the floor on his knees, his gut quenched in anguish as his mind flashed with the horrors of the memories. He was never scared, until now. The tears were welling up in his eyes, as L watched over the whole situation, as bored as ever.

"Afraid so." Another bite of strawberry cake. "Seems like Beyond has came back on our radars." Near's body was shaking as he once again reminiced on the past, the scar on his back stinging more than usual, reminding him that is would never leave. That damn mark would haunt him wherever he shalt go. It was like Beyond's ghost was following him around, not leaving, not for anything. But even in his desperate moment, Near's mind picked up on one major detail.

"How do you know what happened?" The whitette's voice cracked halfway through and it came out no more than a whisper, but L managed to hear it. He sighed, shifting from his spot on the couch before crouching next to Near. 

"He told us. Sent a letter saying he wasn't gonna let you go easily. Of course, we did some research, got some kid at Wammy's to check if you had the scar." A wisp of cold air hit Near's back as he felt the crisp material of his clothes ride up, until it was all revealing the prestigious BB. He flinched harshly at the contact, but couldn't bring himself to move. All he could think was how similar this felt to years ago.

"It was horrible." He managed to get out, and he could feel the horror of the time rushing through his veins. He felt a ruffle in his hair, and came to the conclusion L must have been trying to comfort him. Judging by his previous activities in the few weeks, he didn't seem like that kind of person, so Near took this as a good sign. That was before he heard a slight hitch in the man's breath. 

"Near, just what is this?" L asked, confuzion ridden in his voice. Another gust of air reminded Near that his shoulder was on display. A splutter escaped his mouth when he remembered what was there, and attempted to hide it away, yanking the white material back upon his neck.

"There was an incident with a rabid dog, nothing that L should worry about." He tried to make it sound believable like all his other lies, but this was a prime example of the fact that no one can lie when they are scared. It sounded more like a question, and he knew he had been caught out. Near sighed, shrugging away L's hand and reluctantly bringing himself to his feet. He sent one last glimpse at the detective before walking off, muttering a, "I'm tired." and dissapeared into his room.

Shuffling over to his laptop once again, L popped a strawberry coated in cream in his mouth, savouring the taste before opening up his email.

To Watari, please attempt to keep your children in line. Bite mark found on Near's shoulder, scarred over. Certain I detected a slight trace of chocolate hidden. Bring Mello to me. 

Flexing his fingers and leaning back slightly, L groaned quietly to himself. This case with BB was proving fruitless, even for someone of his standard. It was as though the maniac could predict his every move. Bringing Mello to him was probably all in BB's plans too.

"You won't escape me, Beyond." L muttered to himself, typing aimless notes to himself. "Near is the perfect bait, you won't be able to resist the temptation."