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When: November 19, early afternoon
Where: SPK Headquarters
Summary: After having reasoned out that the second L is likely the one who is Kira and then having witnessed the U.S.'s capitulation to Kira, Near is not in a particularly good mood. With Halle and Gevanni out taking care of various errands, Near is left alone with Commander Lester as he begins plotting out his next course of action. Unfortunately for Near, it has been some time since he last remembered to eat something or sleep...
---
Near sat on the floor, as he so often did. One leg was folded up against his chest, and one hand was in his hair, absently twirling a snowy lock of hair around his pale, slender fingers. He was in the process of constructing an elaborate train set upon the floor of the SPK headquarters. With careful precision, Near placed piece after piece of track and locked them into place. Near's clever hands were busy with the laying of the track, weaving it around various chairs and tables.
His mind, however, was not on the model railroad he was building at all. Near's mind was fixed upon a few particular matters of concern to him. One was how best to proceed now that SPK had "officially" been dissolved. Now would be a good time to turn to less typical methods. He would need to have Lester assemble those who opposed Kira for future use. Money could buy the assistance of those who would admit to opposing Kira, and L had left him plenty of money. That much was simple.
More complicated was attempting to determine Mello's next move. Given Mello's situation, he would be left somewhat desperate. His organization was gone and he'd lost the Death Note. In order to try and be the first to defeat Kira, he would need to try and give himself some advantage. That likely meant that now he would seek out Near and the knowledge that he possessed. In doing so, would Mello have some ally? He would have to if he held any hope of finding Near. Mello held some information about the SPK, perhaps... Mello had killed off several members of the SPK through knowledge gained from one of his spies. Commander Lester would likely be safe, but the other two... their identities could well have been leaked. Perhaps that was how Mello intended to gain entry. It seemed likely, as Near considered it.
His mind, however, was not on the model railroad he was building at all. Near's mind was fixed upon a few particular matters of concern to him. One was how best to proceed now that SPK had "officially" been dissolved. Now would be a good time to turn to less typical methods. He would need to have Lester assemble those who opposed Kira for future use. Money could buy the assistance of those who would admit to opposing Kira, and L had left him plenty of money. That much was simple.
More complicated was attempting to determine Mello's next move. Given Mello's situation, he would be left somewhat desperate. His organization was gone and he'd lost the Death Note. In order to try and be the first to defeat Kira, he would need to try and give himself some advantage. That likely meant that now he would seek out Near and the knowledge that he possessed. In doing so, would Mello have some ally? He would have to if he held any hope of finding Near. Mello held some information about the SPK, perhaps... Mello had killed off several members of the SPK through knowledge gained from one of his spies. Commander Lester would likely be safe, but the other two... their identities could well have been leaked. Perhaps that was how Mello intended to gain entry. It seemed likely, as Near considered it.
November 27 2006, 12:52:26 UTC 5 years ago
Unfortunately for Near, Lester had other plans - the office was quiet for now with Halle and Gevanni out and Near, though doubtlessly thinking thoughts far greater than most, was vulnerable.
Lester cleared his throat, peering around his computer screen to lock eyes with... the mass of curly, inattentive hair that greeted him. "Near, did you pick up the sandwich I left for you this morning?" He knew damn well that the white-haired boy hadn't, since he'd binned the neglected article only half an hour previously feeling that limp lettuce was not what was required. If Near didn't eat something now, though, Lester would be most displeased. He may not be able to do much at the moment but he could make sure their head of operations was fully functional biologically if nothing else.
November 27 2006, 19:58:59 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] ... Who appointed you my mother? O.O
Near had calculated that the odds of Lester interrupting his silent train-building activities sooner or later to be about 73%. Lester was a good subordinate and listened to Near's orders, and he wasn't one to interrupt needlessly, but he also had the unfortunate (or possibly fortunate) habit of looking after Near and making sure that he was getting at least some semblance of rest and nutrition. It could be rather bothersome at times, but Near had to concede that it was better that he did eat enough to continue to function and sleep for at least a few hours most nights. (Near was aware that Lester believed that he should sleep more, but it really was unnecessary.)When Lester addressed him, Near continued building the section of railroad track that he was working on without looking up. This question meant that he would inevitably be interrupted for food, but it would be ridiculous to lie. "No, I did not," Near replied, his voice holding no hint of guilt or apology. He had been busy piecing together the connection between the second L and Kira, and processing the news of America's capitulation to Kira on top of that. There was no time for food when his mind was moving so rapidly.
November 27 2006, 22:35:29 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] None of your cheek, young man! D:
This, Lester considered, must be what it was like to be someone's mother. It was disheartening that he was firstly male and secondly had only ever wished to partake in the paternal side of looking after children which, as far as he was concerned, involved more soccer and fewer sandwiches. Near could at least try to sound apologetic...Carefully, Lester extricated himself from his desk and trod carefully around the tracks until he was somewhere near Near, but not too close - enough for his presence to be felt as he loomed, arms crossed, waiting to force some kind of substance down his young master. "In that case you haven't eaten all day. You can't possibly be at your best if you haven't eaten anything, Near," Lester informed the bob of hair severely, for all that he'd said it a hundred and ten times before. One day... "And you didn't go to bed until late last night either."
Good God, his own mother had said that to him when he was Near's age...
November 28 2006, 00:38:51 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] ... Next thing, you'll be trying to ground me. o.o
Near could hear Lester moving clearly enough, yet he did not look up. He continued to work on building his railroad track until Lester had come to stand before him, his shadow crossing over the patch of track that Near was laying. Near hadn't needed to look up to know that Lester would be giving him a reproving look, and the other's words confirmed this.At long last, Near looked up, his round blue eyes briefly meeting Lester's. "I am functioning at nearly peak efficiency," he stated, his voice placid. "I have told you several times that it does not particularly matter when I sleep. A few hours is always sufficient. Commander Lester worries about such things too much."
With that, Near went back to building his railroad, looking for all the world like a child who was too engrossed in playing with his toys to come when dinner was called. The probability that Lester would insist that he eat something was high, and when Lester directly suggested that Near eat something, the white-haired teen was unlikely to refuse. Until then, however, he would continue ticking along and building the train route.
November 28 2006, 01:01:52 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] .. You took the words right out of my mouth >:|
"You have," Lester conceded, feeling that no one could possibly know how much or little sleep they actually needed - and didn't everyone feel better for having a good, fulfilling night's sleep? Lester knew he certainly did, and besides, Near might still be growing and that meant he needed all the sleep he could get. Heaven only knew that no one else seemed to think about such things and so, as much as it belittled his masculine pride, he found himself worrying like a mother hen...Without realising what he was doing, Lester rolled his sleeves up, a habit he had taken to whenever faced with a particularly taxing job. "Nevertheless, I maintain that it's not healthy for you in the long run..." Though doubtlessly Near had probably already calculated the percentage risk not sleeping or eating regularly had on his long term health, he thought a little wryly. "Are you sure that you're not hungry?" Not that Lester wouldn't make him eat even if he claimed not to be.
November 28 2006, 21:19:21 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] ... You cannot ground me. I'm your boss. o.o
Near was completely confident in his ability to determine how much sleep he required to function efficiently. It had been years since he had slept more than a couple of hours per night, even staying up for a few consecutive days if the case needed his constant attention. L had lived in similar fashion, as far as Near had been able to determine, and L had always functioned efficiently when Near had seen him. There was no reason to worry. However, convincing Lester of this fact in spite of all the scientific evidence available to support his claims seemed nigh impossible. Regardless, Near would continue to do as he wished.At Lester's next words, Near did not look up. The building process continued apace. "The probability is high that my health will be unharmed in the long run. If my need for sleep were consistently unsatisfied, my body would correct the deficiency on one of the nights you slip in and turn my alarm clock back a few hours." As it was, Near usually woke up on his own anyway. "I did not say that I was not hungry. My hunger level is about 50% of my maximum expected possible hunger."
November 28 2006, 21:51:41 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] Then I shall instead be forced to rid this place of toys due to Health and Safety!
Damn. Lester wasn't sure how the boy managed to do it. Logically, he supposed that he was the only one who fussed over Near enough to be accredited with fiddling with the alarm clock as Near slept.. he certainly couldn't imagine Halle or Gevanni caring enough to do so. All the same, Near could at least pretend not to realise or just not comment on it...Nevertheless, stubborn to the last and unblushing, Lester continued to stand over the boy. How anyone could live on that little sleep was beyond him. Part of him wondered if Near napped when no one was looking, like Nelson or Napoleon or one of the other leaders whose name had started with 'N'.
Perhaps not. Maybe the lack of sleep was getting to him instead.
"I fail to see how you can accurately predict that," Lester replied stubbornly, though he was willing to trust Near's careful judgment on other, far more influential matters. "And if you're 50% hungry then it is definitely time for lunch. We can go to the canteen," he added, determined to shift Near out of this room and have some sunlight shed on that pale skin.
November 29 2006, 08:20:27 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] My toys are all healthy and safe. O.O
It was just as well that Lester was stubborn and unblushing, because Near most certainly was stubborn and unblushing as well. He always was. Tact was something rarely employed by Near, after all. He saw no reason not to be direct with those who worked for him on this case."I have read the relevant medical texts and journal articles," Near replied calmly, another snowy curl being twisted around his fingers now. "While there is no guarantee that current medical knowledge is entirely accurate and reliable, what data there is suggests that I will much more likely than not be fine. The case is more important than some negligible risk to my health caused by lack of sleep anyway."
At long last, Near glanced up at Lester when the man suggested that he not only eat lunch, but actually venture outside of SPK headquarters. That most certainly was not going to happen today, nor any day soon. Near did not like going outside due to risk of exposing himself in any way. True, the odds of a photo of him being taken anywhere in the immediate vicinity were minute, but Near still felt fear from Kira. Additionally, there was the strong possibility that Mello could be in the area. Near was becoming increasingly convinced that Mello would come here. It would be much better to deal with that situation within the calm of SPK headquaters.
"I will not go outside, Lester," Near said, gazing up at the man round-eyed. "I won't go out because I feel fear. Also, Mello may well be in the area. If I am to be confronted by him, I would prefer it happen here."
November 30 2006, 18:50:11 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] Yes, but they do obstruct fire exits occasionally
Trust Near to have done research into his own wellbeing and how much or little he could get away with, biologically speaking... Lester bit back a sigh that he very much wanted to sigh. He couldn't win. He knew he couldn't win. It was just a question of how to lose with the maximum overall gain, eg, making Near eat or sleep or both."I am not convinced," Lester summarised, though he could not argue that the case was probably more important than Near's life in the long run - it didn't mean he didn't worry that the boy was doing himself harm, however, by trusting the written word of doctors. He wouldn't push it any further, however, especially not greeted with the wide-eyed look Near gave him.
His heart sank a little in his chest - that was true, was it not? Especially now that the President had more or less aligned their country to Kira... it was not safe for Near anywhere but here, and even in here it was debatable how much one could trust another. Lester could only hope that Near felt he could trust him as completely as Lester felt that he himself was trustworthy - which was to his mind, 100%.
"That's... reasonable," he conceded reluctantly, arms uncrossing as he took a less demanding posture unwittingly. "Shall I fetch you something then, or do you want to wait until one of the others get back?" In some ways, Lester would prefer it that way - the idea of leaving Near alone, even in a place such as this, was not a comforting one - especially if Near felt that Mello might be somewhere in the area. It was frustrating to Lester not to be able to have that freedom any more...
November 30 2006, 20:09:56 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] O.O So does your body.
Near shook his head slightly at Lester's reply, wondering why one who was typically pretty rational was so irrational about this issue. Kira might well win out and kill all of them, after all. Near did not intend to allow him to do so, of course, but he was far from denying the possibility that it could happen. If he were able to stop Kira, then his life would have served the most useful purpose that it possibly could. Either way, worrying about the state of his future health seemed quite minor in Near's opinion compared to the far larger issue of stopping Kira before he stopped all of them permanently.The fact that Near trusted Lester a great deal should be apparent by the fact that the man stood beside Near at present, able to see his face. Near had to trust those within SPK to a great extent, and of all within SPK, Lester was the one most likely to be by his side until the end. Lester was the one whose face had not likely been discovered by anyone yet. Near, of course, would not turn a blind eye to anything suspicious, but he did not see anything suspicious in Commander Lester. The man was devoted to aiding him in stopping Kira, and he was a useful tool to that cause.
Near considered Lester's next question for a moment and then shook his head. "It is not necessary for Lester to fetch anything. Gevanni brought in groceries last might while you were sleeping," he said, knowing that Lester would prefer not to leave him. Near himself would prefer that Lester did not go as well, as he indeed felt that Mello could possibly appear.
December 1 2006, 00:17:25 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] Yes, but I wouldn't stop people getting out if there was a fire
Well, it was nice to hear that someone had done some shopping, Lester thought. They had been running rather low on... well, everything in the food department what with all the things happening over the past few weeks. Of course, what Gevanni had considered to be appropriate food for an overly industrious young man was probably vastly removed from Lester's, but it did at least mean that he didn't have to go out today.It was depressing that he was growing this paranoid, he thought as he smiled slightly, a twinge of evil perhaps tugging at the serious line of his mouth. He should be able to walk freely in this country of all countries, surely.. He did not voice his views, however, instead saying: "Good. In that case we can go down to the kitchen and sort something out for lunch then, can't we?"
The use of 'we' was more than deliberate. It was full of purpose and steely intent that meant Lester was going to force Near out of this room and into a new environment, somehow feeling that this was the next best thing to getting some fresh air.
December 1 2006, 06:52:12 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] Neither would my justice gundam. o.o
Near was one who would prefer not to venture outside very often even if the Kira case was not underway. As it was, remaining inside of SPK headquarters bothered him far less than it would most people. Really, it was only slightly bothersome for Near to be unable to go out if he should ever feel like doing so. Perhaps that was because the probability of him feeling like doing so was quite low.Near had resumed his building once more by the time Lester spoke. "It is possible for us to go down to the kitchen, yes. However, I do not see that it is necessary. Lester will be the one to prepare the food anyway, will he not?" Near asked, looking up. Commander Lester might be intent on getting him to accompany him on this trip to the kitchen, but Near did not see the need for it. He was not involved in food preparation in any way. If the man was as determined as he seemed, however, Near might agree to accompany him for the sake of Lester's mental stability and contentment. After all, it was not easy for the members of SPK to remain in headquarters for so many hours on end, and Lester had been spending more time here than either of the other two.
December 1 2006, 20:53:29 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] ...whatever. I will still confiscate them if you don't obey D:
Debates like these could go on for days. Lester didn't see why Near was so averse to taking breaks for food and sleep since they were both perfectly normal, natural bodily functions that had to be attended to as much as breathing did. Besides, taking a break would probably do him good - he was clearly not so preoccupied with his thoughts that he wouldn't be distracted from them by Lester, so perhaps a break would do him good.There was no point in voicing any of that, of course. Lester had soon found out that as soon as you gave some logical reasoning to Near, you gave him a means to intellectually outwit you and thus, it was best sometimes to be completely irrational.
"I won't stop bothering you until you've at least come down to the kitchen for a while. It's not good to be cooped up in one room like this all the time," Lester stated stubbornly, stance making it quite clear that he was not going to shift on this position.
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December 2 2006, 06:59:39 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] Because I am Near. ^.^
Near might have laughed if he were given to such things, but as it was, his laughter was a very seldom heard sound indeed. As it was, he simply cocked a wide-eyed look in Lester's direction. He could not imagine that the man would ever have the intent to give him food poisoning deliberately. And really, the probability of this meal causing Near digestive problems was probably lower than 0.03% now that he had made the comment. Lester tended to prepare things that were at least fully cooked and fully edible, and now he would be extra careful."I believe you do not," Near said, accepting the glass of orange juice. He stared at the orange liquid as if it were some sort of a foreign substance, watching it sway in the glass. Near took a single sip and then placed it on the floor. It tasted as one would expect, sweet and orange-y.
"I am not without all of my occupations," Near replied, drawing a deck of cards out of his pocket and beginning to construct a tower of cards, placing them meticulously one by one. "It would not have been practical to bring the track here. I will have finished eating before I could even finish moving all of it. It is more efficient to eat and return," Near added, continuing to build his tower. It would be easier to clean up the cards before returning to the main room as well.
"What are Lester's thoughts on recent developments?" Near asked, after a few moments of silence had passed. Previously, the others had chided him on offering too much of his opinion by stating that the second L was Kira with 7% certainty. Now that Lester had some time to absorb it, were his thoughts unchanged? Also, what did the man make of today's developments? While these things were not important in solving the case, knowledge of Lester's thoughts would be useful to Near in determining his psychological state. If all was as expected, they would only confirm the man's unflinching dedication to catching Kira, and hopefully his faith in Near as well. Those who worked within SPK could think for themselves, but in the end, they had to follow Near's instructions. Otherwise, they were not the right subordinates for Near.
December 2 2006, 23:31:34 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] ...I supose I can't answer that ._.
"Good," Lester replied judiciously. He couldn't see that Near could possibly think that he would mean him any harm, after all - though then again, Near was suspicious to an extraordinarily high degree it seemed to Lester; he had to be.Still, he couldn't help but look fleetingly amused as Near produced a pack of cards and began assembling a house of cards - it was so like him to keep his hands busy all the while. Glad that the boy was occupied, he turned his attention more fully to the business of grilling chicken and preparing vegetables. "It's true that the track would be rather awkward in here," he agreed.
He had been quite happy with the peaceful silence that fell over them, broken only by the quiet scraping of potatoes. Near's question was not expected, causing Lester to look over at the mass of white curls, eyebrows raised. He had already expressed his thoughts on Near's thoughts about this new L - it seemed difficult to believe that he really could be Kira, but Lester had thought a little longer on the matter and concluded that Near could be right, even if it was hard to comprehend. Still, it wasn't something he wanted to contemplate for now.
"..I am disappointed in President," he said finally, adding another potato to the pan of water. "And I fear what other countries will do now we've taken this step. I wonder what Japan will do... and how L is feeling about it." The back of his hand wiped across his brow, a thoughtful gesture rather than one of exertion. "I don't see what we can do about it other than keep working against Kira whilst we still can.. if you say we can't trust L then that makes it harder."
December 3 2006, 01:37:12 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] That is true. Near always wins. ^.^
Near nodded at Lester's words, intent on building his house of cards now. Too intent to look up, though his attention was not removed from what Lester was saying. Near could usually predict most of what Lester's opinions would be, but all the same, it was no substitute for conversation. For Lester to be in a peak psychological state, it would be better for him to talk things through to a certain extent. And his loyalty to Near would only be strengthened if Near expressed interest in his opinions.Near noted that he could smell the cooking potatoes quite strongly now, with weaker scents of chicken and vegetables also wafting on the air. The smell would likely linger with him later on, which was less than pleasant. Near preferred to always smell clean, and thus always preferred to wear clean clothing as well. It would be fine, however. He would take a bath later and play with his rubber ducks as he continued to study the case. It would be enjoyable.
"The President is a chickenshit coward," Near said, calmly placing a horizontal card atop two precariously leaning cards with perfect balance. "He is lower than shit, giving in to Kira like that." Curse words were not used by Near frequently, but they did all the more strongly convey his low opinion of the President now. "Other countries will fold to Kira now. One by one, until no one who matters is left," Near predicted, reaching out and toppling his tower of cards with the sweep of his hand. The movement was calm and controlled, but the destruction was a hidden method of Near's for expressing his displeasure over this turn of events. "Japan will fold as well. That will make things easier for the imposter who has taken L's place if he is Kira. He will be feeling as if he is closer to his goal. If only he can kill Mello and myself, his victory will become complete. Because Mello survived, his job is harder. We will keep working against Kira. And I will find a way to bury the remaining 93% uncertainty."
December 5 2006, 13:44:47 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] I hope that is true in the case against Kira
Lester was not used to such strong words from Near, but he had to admit to himself that his opinion was not far different. He couldn't find any reason, any reason at all, that could possibly justify the President's actions. It was not just the effect it would have on Amercia, but the effect that would run over onto the entire world. Such short-sightedness in their leadership unsettled Lester deeply, and if anything, deepened his already heart-felt resolve to help defeat Kira in any way he possibly could. He was lucky that he was in a good position to do just that.The sound of falling cards made Lester glance over, noting the mess with a strong sense of symbolism - this was all that would be left of them if Kira had his way; a collapsed pile, disorganised and unable to support any kind of resistence, unable to trust anyone, hunted... his jaw tensed as he returned to what he was doing, putting a plate into the oven to warm. He wasn't sure why he did it, other than the memory of his mother doing it before him.
"So you're determined that Kira is this second L?" Lester remarked, poking the potatoes to check to see if they were cooked or not. "It... still seems strange to me, but it does make some of thing start to make more sense if it is true. The Japanese ineffeciency in handling this case, for example.." That was the second reason that Lester felt that perhaps Near was right - the first was merely that Near thought he was right. After working with the boy for this long, Lester had developed a deep respect for his abilities, even if his opinions were sometimes uncomfortable to deal with. It seemed too that Near was the only person left with a clear directive and ability to lead an investigation of this sort effectively... L had gone, the new L was not trustworthy, the President had fallen to Kira.. Lester resisted an urge to rub his brow in frustration, instead draining the potatoes carefully, avoiding the billow of hot steam. "I wonder what L will try next," he mused out loud, curious to see what Near's response would be.
December 5 2006, 22:45:44 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] Of course it will be. ^.^
Near picked up the cards one by one and began building once more. This time, he was constructing a wider structure than the first tower had been. It was important to vary such things.Near nodded at Lester's words without looking up. "The consistency matches. It logically makes sense that the second L is Kira. There are many elements that have led me to think in that direction when one combines them." Near had laid all of those elements out for the SPK team earlier when they had asked for his opinion on the case. Even if they did believe he was going too far in his words, Near could not agree. He had given him the honest truth of where his thoughts lay. It was important that they know this now, so that they would not give too much trust to the second L's words.
"The second L would like to eliminate Mello and myself. He will likely be watching for Mello to resurface. He would imagine it easier to eliminate Mello than it would be to eliminate me right now.
"Mello is without his subordinates. He will want what I have here. That is why I anticipate that the next move in this game will come from Mello. We should see him soon," Near added, curling a lock of hair around his finger once more. "Probability: 77%."
December 6 2006, 22:33:00 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] ^_^ I'm glad to hear it
The more Near seemed to say it, and the more confidence he seemed to put in those words, the more Lester felt like he was inclined to believe this slightly odd theory. He couldn't even begin to imagine how Kira would manage to get himself into such a position, and that worried him - Kira was perhaps even more manipulative than he had imagined before, then, if this was the case... Lester glanced at Near, wondering how Kira's intelligence would compare to his, and then dismissed the thought abruptly. He would not allow self doubt or doubt in Near's ability, not in this case. Loyalty had to be absolute and Lester was determined to be a figure Near could rely on above all others, and to serve with all his ability."I would agree with him - that it is easier to get at Mello than at you," Lester said as he drained the potatoes and checked to see how the chicken was cooking. It wouldn't be long now.
Curiousity snagged for a moment, causing Lester to look back at Near as he drew the plate, now warm, from the oven. "You knew Mello well, didn't you?" He knew the answer to that, at least, but hidden within the question was another: Do you fear him, Near?
December 8 2006, 07:46:17 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] Lester has been good. He can have a cookie. ^.^
Near simply continued stacking his cards, ignoring Lester's movements around the kitchen or the fact that the smell of cooking food was intensifying. Near knew that things were nearly cooked, judging by the scent, but there was no need to move from where he was or attempt to seek out food until Lester insisted that he do so. Lester would insist, Near knew. And then he would eat. Now that he was here, it was by far the most reasonable thing to do, and it would save him the trouble of having to eat again soon."Mello is vulnerable, but he is still an opponent with whom Kira must reckon. He is not easily predictable in his actions," Near added, his hand stilling in his hair for a moment at Lester's next question. He tilted his head to one side thoughtfully. "Mello might claim otherwise, but I did. I knew Mello very well indeed. That does not change," Near added, twirling his hair around his finger once more.
December 8 2006, 22:54:32 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] After making and baking them, I should hope so too ¬¬
It was slightly comforting that Near claimed to know Mello well - As far as Lester had seen Near's judgment of characters, the boy had never been wrong yet. It was slightly less comforting that Mello's actions were described as unpredictable, but he supposed it was to be expected in the end. If he was predictable then he would surely not have lasted this long.After piling the food, in its considerable quantity, onto the warmed plate, Lester carried it over to the table that sat in the corner of the room close to where Near was sat. He set out a knife and fork, trusting that Near would carry across the glass of orange juice he had given him earlier. "Lunch is ready," he commented needlessly before retreating back to the sink to start on the washing up.
"Do you know why Mello is fighting Kira with such determination?" Lester asked, a rare display of curiosity getting the better of him. He didn't know much of this Mello person, but whoever he was he seemed to be associating with the roughest and the worst.. Near had said that Mello's aims were to make himself number one, but surely it would be easier to do that by collaborating with Kira and then stealing his power at the critical point and taking the glory for himself? If he was of that disposition, Lester felt fairly certain that that's what he would attempt... "He doesn't seem to be particularly well endowed with moral character," he added.
December 9 2006, 05:47:32 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] Lester has a lot in common with Betty Crocker. o.o
Near was entirely certain that he knew Mello well. No passage of time or circumstances could alter the essential things that formed Mello's personality. Like Near, Mello was not susceptible to being too greatly influenced. Mello might have become harsher and more ruthless due to his environment, which would have made it necessary, but Mello would still be Mello. He would still bear his jealous grudge against Near for always coming in number one in their classes. He would always be obsessed with beating Near. And he would always be obsessed with catching Kira and avenging L's death. Yes, until the situation with Kira was resolved, Near did not believe Mello would essentially change. Bitter, violent, unpredictable, sharp, intelligent. That was Mello.Near finished his tower before he picked up the orange juice. He carried it with him and walked over to the table to take his seat. Near ate in silently efficient fashion, cutting his food into small pieces methodically before eating the bites one by one. As soon as he had finished cutting his food, one hand once again strayed back to Near's hair, fiddling with a shining curl.
"Yes, I do. Mello has two good reasons to fight Kira. One, he strongly wishes to bring the one who killed L to justice. And two, Mello wishes to prove that he is superior to me. He will not stop until it is over. Nor will Mello be stopped by usual considerations." That included the legality and morality of Mello's actions. Those things would not hinder him.
December 11 2006, 18:16:05 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] Lies! All filthy lies! ¬¬
Lester watched Near decimate his food into small, practical shapes and sizes with an inward sigh. Was this normal, he wondered without much hope - he was almost certain that such economic eating habits were fairly limited in the general population of teenagers. Sometimes he wondered if Near had any normal teenage habits at all, and then realised that he didn't really want to know that much. Teenagers were teenagers and he was well past that age now.Nevertheless, Near's reasoning on Mello's behaviour seemed, as ever, logical. However, it did little more than add another element of concern into Lester's mind. Near had said that if Mello came here, then they should do as he said.. it was easy to say here and now, but it surely depended on what Mello was to ask of them? If it in anyway endangered Near's life.. Lester shifted uneasily, returning his attention to the washing up. "What do you think Mello would do after defeating Kira, if he did it before we got to him?" Lester asked, distracting himself from his own thoughts as he rinsed a pan in the soapy water.
December 11 2006, 22:09:49 UTC 5 years ago
[Near] O.O Is Lester not a good cook, then?
Near ate mechanically, putting bites of food into his mouth and chewing at even intervals. There was a lack of thought put into eating on his part. In a way, it was almost as if Near were still playing with one of his toys, his mind completely focused on something other than what his hands were doing. Of course, Near by far preferred his toys to food, as food had odor and was messy and not at all engaging, really.Near shrugged his shoulders at Lester's next question, before turning away from his food to give Lester a glance before turning back to his plate. He toyed with his food, shaping it into an image with his fork as he spoke. "If Mello defeated Kira, he would wish to take his rightful place as L's successor. If he defeats Kira first, then that would be his right. I will not stand in the way. I will not lose, however," Near concluded, putting a hand to his hair and twirling a lock.
December 12 2006, 19:44:14 UTC 5 years ago
[Lester] .. do you think I'm a good cook?
Near even ate as though it was a game. It was an endless source of fascination to Lester - how purile such a brilliant mind could be. When he had been told he was to be working with a child prodigy, he wasn't really sure what to expect and had been wary - the first impression had been good, if tainted by a toy aeroplane and Near's natural brusqueness. Lester had initally thought the toys were a mockery of the adults around him, and then later wondered if they represented some kind of thought pattern in Near's own world - he certainly used them to illustrate points at times - he was currently of the thinking that Near's hands grew bored when he used nothing but his brain.Unfortunately for Near, this only increased Lester's determination to have the boy do something active now and again, despite the dangers of the case they were dealing with. Of course, now they could not even go outside without rising their lives.. Lester glanced at the window of the kitchen that was covered by blinds. He wondered how long it would take for them all to be able to walk freely in the open air again.
"I see," Lester responded as he finished the last of the washing up and drained the water away. Taking up the drying clothe, he noted that Near was moulding his food into some kind of shape.. it would be cruel to scold him for that, he supposed, but looked away nevertheless. Watching his hard work being violated was not a favourite pastime of Lester's. "I'm glad you feel confident," he added genuinely. If nothing else, Near was always sure of himself. It was one of the features that made him such a talented leader. "And now I suppose there's nothing much we can do beyond waiting.."
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