9:22 a.m.
Near woke with a start. Cold hands covered his mouth to keep him from saying anything. An arm grabbed him around his small waist pulling him up off his bed. He kicked out with what strength he had and connected with the person’s side. His captor dropped him hissing. “Dammit! Near! Why did you do that!!!”
“Who are you!?” Near pressed in hushed whispers, gathering himself in a position that resembled a cornered animal. Even his hair seem to stick up on end. “If I was stronger, I’d put you out!”
“You seem strong enough!” was the reply. The figure stooped again attempting to grab Near. Who simply moved under the table to avoid contact, or so he thought. The I.V. latched onto the table edge causing the boy to jerk backward. Near grabbed the tube in his arm to pull it out, but didn’t have time as those freezing hands wrapped around one of his ankles. “STOP NEAR!” came the unwanted voice. “DON’T DO THAT!” The voice’s tone feel as if it were afraid of scaring him more. Near let himself be pulled out.
In the light that crept through a partially closed window, he saw the obvious man pulling at the cord that turned on the lights. It clicked, forcing Near to adjust to the tiny sun. Was it just his eyes or…no it couldn’t be?
“L?” was all he could manage as he stared into those vacant eyes. A smile played on his lips. It was L! His master and mentor stood before him with his head cocked to one side.
Then L broke into fits of laughter.
“What?” he gasped, “L????”
The laughter subsided. Near was bewildered. L never laughed like that.
“The others tolled me you had hurt your head when you fell. Now let me help you to the couch.” Near lowered his head in disappointment as the ‘L’ picked him up and carried him into he living room.
When he looked up again he saw Mikami standing over him, an amused grin plastered across his smooth face. “Now.” The man said plopping Near on the sofa. “Lets take a look at you.”
Mikami took his time testing Nears joints, checking his ears, pulse, and heart. Mikami frowned slightly as he placed his steth a scope on Nears back. “Breath.” Near did until it came to the deep breaths, he chocked and grabbed his chest so violently he almost fell from the couch. Mikami gently pushed him back until he was laying flat on the cushions. “Hmmmm……” He mumbled taking a needle and syringe from his case, Near turned his head away as Mikami tied a rubber band on his forearm.
A gasp came from the door way just before the needle was injected. “Out, Matt.” Mikami said, “Or I’ll take some blood from you too.” He teased. Matt’s eyes popped and with a screech he raced from the room. ‘Great he’s got Near scared.’ He thought as he felt Near trembling. Turning back, he was relieved to find the small boy suppressing himself from laughing at Matt’s foolish behavior.
As he proceeded to take blood, he could have sworn he heard Near sigh with a look of deep sorrow in his void like eyes. Nears breath hitched, “Don’t cry.” He tried to sound consoling, “The needle might slip or you’ll feel it easier.”
Near carefully nodded. He really missed L, the man he was to one day replace. Mello was also on the list of ‘L’ substitutes but his reputation might stop that. Mello was emotional, something they both new lost you points at Whammy’s, the orphanage they had grown up in. Well, not Mello and Matt but he had.
Near new nothing of family life or even close companionship with a relative. All he knew was that one morning L had stepped out on the large porch and found him. His mother had obviously just had him since he was proclaimed two hours old. L use to look at Near as they worked on a problem and declare his mother a fool for giving him up. Near didn’t care much, for all that mattered to him was that L was his guardian and with him he was always safe. Once L was gone though, he followed the only other people he had feelings for. The very two people he now resided with.
“Done.” Near looked at Mikami. The man was placing the three vials of his blood in a compartment of his bag. “I’ll get it looked at. And when the results come in I’ll bring them back. Should be about two-three days.” Mikami pat Nears head, “I know you miss L but there is nothing that can be done.”
He strode to the door to find Matt waiting. “Vampire!” The younger declared, only to back away as Mikami brought out another needle to show Matt. “No! NO!” He yelped. “I’m fine Mika, seriously!”
The man simply chuckled putting the needle back. “Mello shouldn’t wake up for a while. So I’m bringing Nears blood back. Call me if he does come around.” As he stepped to the door, he said Outa was staying to help. Then with a roar of the motorcycle he was gone.
