Blood and Sugar

Chapter X: Induction

It was the day that I was supposed to meet with Near. Mello was very distracted with watching Misa's movements. He had the same suspicion as I did; that Misa, was at least at some point, the second Kira. But it was unlikely that she was anymore, based on the fact that it was pretty much impossible for the killing to continue with under all the survellience, and her not behave suspiciously at all. Therefore, Kira's dirty work was probably being carried out by a new stooge.

I left the apartment at around eleven-thirty. I told Mello I was just getting something to eat. I walked to the hotel, as it was only a block away. Still, the trip there felt immensely longer, because it was very cold outside. I almost slipped and fell three times on the layer of ice encrusting the sidewalk. I arrived at the hotel, glad I escaped the freezing cold into the welcoming warmth. All around were Christmas decorations and generally high-spirited people. I made my way out of the lobby and down into the hallway of rooms. I felt anxious, not knowing if Near would actually hold up to his promise and not set me up on some sort of trap. I reached room 157, and I stared down the door for a moment. Somehow I really wished I had x-ray vision, or some kind of divination power to know what would happen next.

I knocked on the door softly. I heard shuffling from inside, and the door swung open. I was surprised to see Near actually standing up. He was pretty short, only a hair above my height. "You're three minutes late," he said. "I thought you weren't going to show up." I followed him into the room, and shut the door behind me. I inspected the room thoroughly, and indeed, no one else was there. "I keep my promises," Near said. "But Lidner and Gevanni are right nearby. I have a distress button I can push." I looked over at where he was sitting. He was sitting against the window, with a pile of toys beside him. In front of him was a small table with a tray of roasted chicken and a bottle of chianti. I was pretty confused at this point. "This is pretty extravagant," I said. Near picked up a toy rocket, and started fiddling with it. "This is our first date, I want you to enjoy it," he said.

"Date?" I asked. "You failed to mention that." Near set his toy down and picked up a pack of tarot cards. "If I did, then I doubt you would have come," he said. I shrugged and sat down on the other end of the table. I poured myself some of the wine and sipped it thoughtfully. "So, it is your intention to seduce me then?" I asked. "Yes," Near said. "But keep in mind, I will never physically force myself on you, so you can trust me." I set my glass down. "Well isn't that thoughtful of you," I said sarcastically. "It won't be neccesary," Near said. "I will break you down and you will fall for me. You will grow curious. You'll wonder what it feels like. What it tastes like." I eyeballed him suspiciously. "You're a real creeper, Near," I said. I picked up my glass again and took another sip. It was sweetly bitter on my tongue. "There's something I need you to do for me," he said. I plucked a piece of meat from the chicken with my fingers. "I probably won't be interested," I said. Near set his cards down and for the first time, looked straight at me. "On the 28th of January, I've set up a little meeting with the SPK and Japanese taskforce. I want you to come. I'll call you when I've verified the location and time," he said. I polished off my glass and set it down. "Fine," I said. "I'll attend your little meeting."

Near smiled childishly. "Come here," he said. "Let me read your palm." I got up and sat next to him as directed. It was strange being right next to him. He grabbed my hand, and I shuddered slightly. His hands were cold and smooth on my skin. I felt almost a little afraid as those pale blue eyes stared at my hand. "Your lifeline is strong," he said. "I didn't see you as one to believe in tha-MMMNN." Sneak attack! He was on my lap, his hands were on my neck. He was kissing me. His lips were cold and dry, but seemed move with a mesmerizing motion. His mouth seemed to persuade mine to open. His tounge slid into my mouth, and it didn't seem to have a taste. And then my brain started working.

I pushed him off me. "What are you doing, jackass?" I yelled. "You have soft lips," he said. "And I'm not a jackass." I got up, and straightened my jacket. "Jackass," I insisted. "Why are you so upset? Is Mello your boyfriend, and you don't want to cheat?" he asked. "We haven't really talked about it," I said. "It doesn't matter anyway, because I don't like you, Near." Near once again smiled childishly. "Then why did you kiss me back, Morgan?" he asked. "I didn't, jackass," I said. "Three second rule," he insisted. "Plus, I felt tongue. That was a legitimate kiss and you know it." I started for the door. "Whatever, Near. I have to go," I said. "You're only saying that because you feel awkward," he said. "And you don't want to deal with it." I opened the door and turned back to Near. "Fuck you," I said spitefully, and left.

When I got back to the apartment at around half past midnight, I found Mello staring intently at the computer screen, headphones over his ears. I approached him, without a sound, just watching the glow of the screen on his face, his weary eyes not leaving it for even a moment. I reached out my hand, and touched his shoulder softly. He still didn't look away. I sat down beside him and slowly pulled the headphones from his ears. "Come to bed," I said. "Misa is asleep. You need to sleep for a few hours. You're going to kill yourself at this rate." I wrapped my arms around him, and kissed his face. "I love you, Mihael," I said softly. "Don't you ever leave me alone." I leaned my head on his shoulder, and he pulled me close to him. "I don't think I could ever survive without you," I said. He kissed my hair softly. "You know this will always belong to you," he said softly, taking my hand and placing it to his chest. I could feel the warmth on my fingertips, the rythym of his heart under my hand.

I kissed him, slow and hot, burning. I ran my hands through his blonde hair, petting it softly. My lips tingled with pleasure, and my cheeks felt hot with feeling of tears sliding down. He broke the kiss for a moment. "What's wrong?" asked me softly. "Nothing," I said. "I just never thought I could feel this way about anyone else after...you know." He pulled me into another burning kiss, caressing my neck and hair. After a moment, we got up, and headed for the bedroom, and shut the door behind us.

I woke up Christmas morning to the ringing of my cell phone. I reached over the side of the bed and picked it up. Once again, restricted number. I answered, "Hullo?" I was drowsy and fog-minded. "Morgan," I recognized the voice as Near's. "It is my understanding that a good person is supposed to call after a first date." I immediately felt as though a brick dropped in my stomach. "That wasn't a date," I said. "Whatever you say," Near said. "Were you at least thinking about me?" I rolled over in bed and saw the clock said seven o'clock AM. Mello was already up. "No," I said. "I came home and made love to the person I love. Which last I checked, isn't you." Near laughed lightly. "Are you sure I didn't cross your mind when you kissed him? Are you sure you didn't look back just once when you licked his skin?" he said in a strange, sultry voice. I shuddered, creeped out...but somehow intrigued. "Are you sure you felt nothing for me...when you felt him inside you?"

"You are disgusting, and you have no shame," I said, getting angry. "I need no shame," Near said. "And I hope you've been using condoms, because I don't find it believeable you had any access to birth control while you were in prison, and after you left." I bit my lip nervously. It had occured to me once or twice, but I had been distracted. "Of course," I said weakly. "Your stunned silence and weakly voiced reply isn't all that reassuring," Near said. "Seeing as you two have a knack for danger, I would give the baby to Whammy's house." I clenched the blanket in my hand. "I am not pregnant, Near," I said. "Whatever you say," Near said. "I have to get going. I'll talk to you later." I hung up, and got out of bed and got dressed.

I walked out into the living room, and saw Mello once again watching Misa's house on his computer. "Happy Christmas," I said. He looked up and smiled slightly. "Is it Christmas?" he said. "I hadn't noticed." I walked over to the couch and sat down beside him. "Mihael," I began. "There's something I need to talk to you about." I placed his hand on my knee. "I have something for you. I-I'm kind of unprepared...but um..." he reached his hand into his pocket. "I want to do this right," he said. He slid down onto one knee. I knew what as coming. And I couldn't breathe waiting for it. "Marry me."

-END OF ACT II-

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Author's Note: Act II is now wrapped :D And I left you with a big stinky cliffhanger. Also, please review. I know I have lots of room for improvement. Constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated. Tell me what you think could be improved. There may be only act left, maybe I might spring for a fourth if it drags on.