|
Post by Fateful on Sept 24, 2011 17:58:04 GMT -5
L nodded. He watched the look on Light's face. He was trying so hard not to make things obvious, and it made him wonder what was happening. However, he nodded and went back into the room with a pad of paper and pulled a pen out of his jeans. "Write your statement down for us. Then I'll take you to get something to eat before taking you home." He put them on the table in front of Matt and smiled. "So, your real name is Mail Jeeves, is that correct?" The officer had taken his license because he'd been too shocked to speak.
"I'm sorry you had to find the body. If you need someone to talk to, you have me." He stated, smiling at the red head. He did want to comfort Matt, now that their paths had crossed. It was no wonder he went by the name Matt, rather than his real name: Mail.
|
|
|
|
Post by otakulady89 on Sept 24, 2011 18:01:56 GMT -5
The red-head smiled, "Thanks, Ry-L-Lawrence. And yeah. My dad's stupid idea of a joke." He chuckled. "You can call me Matt too. A-And yeah, I'd really like that. good would be awesome." Matt could remember having dinner before going online, and that was the last food he ate.
"Someone had to find her... and... I'm glad it was me... I... I don't know what I'd do if she'd been missing for months, and..." He swallowed. "Poor Kokoro... If only Cross hadn't... No... it's Not Cross's fault. Kokoro was weak... and she needed help." He sighed, "Hey... Lawrence? What goods the site... if it can't help people like Kokoro?" He asked, hoping that his writing would be legible, considering he was shaking so badly.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fateful on Sept 24, 2011 18:09:06 GMT -5
L smirked. His father's idea of a joke? Yeah, a cruel joke definitely. He couldn't even imagined what kind of shit he took in school for a name like that. His name was 'L', so he was familiar with how cold kids could be, even if he wasn't in a normal school for very long. He'd had a college degree by the time he was 14. "We'll talk about that once you have some food in you." He said, smiling, rubbing his back, trying to calm him into writing legibly. L could read it, but he could also read a couple dozen languages.
Once he was finished, he had Matt sign the paper and picked it up. "Come on. We can talk about this elsewhere." As they walked out, he handed the statement to Sorichiro and smiled. He said that he'd be back in a few hours after he took the boy home and made sure he'd be alright. He was told to take as long as he needed. L lead Matt out of the squad and into the parking garage. "I think that Kokoro was overwhelmed. She was smart. Too smart. She had multiple degrees, but nothing made her happy. She wanted something so desperately and couldn't find a way to make herself happy. All her relations ended. She resented me because I did not worship and indulge her, as I know Kira did. This is no one's fault. Maybe the site doesn't save everyone, Matt, but that doesn't mean it fails everyone. We lost one person, but I know we've saved many more. Cross has confessed a desire for suicide many times to me before. I'm one of the only people she trusts enough to confide in. She hates everything about herself, and wishes she could be normal. Many people trust me, which is why I come back to the site. It gives me a way to use my psychology degree besides profiling criminals." He unlocked his car and pointed the black audi out to Matt, letting him get in.
"Where do you want to go to get something to eat?"
|
|
|
|
Post by otakulady89 on Sept 24, 2011 18:15:07 GMT -5
Silently contemplating his words, Matt knew he was right, Lawrence was right on the money. Not everyone could be helped... But luckily, his Cross was doing ok. "I'm glad... That Cross talks to you, and not Kira. I..." He sighs, "I don't know. Maybe mcdonalds... Or... Hell, do you know the Burger Shack? On fifth and maine?" He asked, hoping.
It was the place his dad used to take him. On his birthday, every year. They went to celebrate his birth... and mourn his mother's death. He knew it as a place of comfort. So, he wanted to show Ryuuzaki this place too. The comfy fifties style booths, the weird paraphernalia on the walls. He was hoping Ryuuzaki would like it.
Passing Lawrence, and some red-headed kid on the way in the door, Gevanni nodded at Soichiro, before heading downstairs. There, he found his Near, sitting carefully, playing with some machine. He paused, swallowing, wondering if he should really be alone with the kid... Before giving up and moving forward. "Hey, kiddo. Whatcha doing?" He asked, smiling.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fateful on Sept 24, 2011 18:23:58 GMT -5
L was somewhat surprised by what Matt had said. "Why? Do you prefer me to Kira?" He asked, but knew the answer well enough, considering what happened. "Don't tell me you have a vendetta against Kira. He is quite defensive in his views, but I do admire his mind." He drove out of the parking lot, leaning back in his seat. His seat was positioned so he was leaning back, rather than sitting up. It was just easier for him to drive this way. Glancing at Matt, he studied his face.
"I was going to bring you to a real restaurant, but I think I've heard of it. It's modeled after a fifties restaurant, yes?" He asked, trying to make sure he had to right place in mind. He'd spent a long time in New York before, on another case. The same was true of Los Angelos. He couldn't help but wonder how Matt was feeling. At least he didn't seem a danger to himself.
Near looked up, seeing Gevanni and a broad smile spread over his face. "Gevanni!" He exclaimed, hugging him from his wheelchair. "I missed you. I'm playing a game that Lawrence asked me to play. He said he had to go help someone at the request of the deputy director. Matsuda told me that he was leaving to take a witness home and that he was going to get you!" He leaned back in his chair, loose button down shirt revealing the left side of his neck and part of his shoulder. "How are my parents doing? Are... they in a lot of trouble?"
|
|
|
|
Post by otakulady89 on Sept 24, 2011 18:29:17 GMT -5
The hug was a bit too much for Gevanni's self control. He almost couldn't let go. But in the end, he let himself, and smiled down at the object of his affections. God, something was wrong with him... "Missed you too, Kiddo. And no, not really. They're already sentanced. They've got probation again, but other than that, the mandatory counciling is their only punishment." He explained.
He leaned against the table, staring at the computer screen. "So... What is this game supposed to be, anyway?" He asked.
Matt smiles, "Yeah, that's the place, it's awesome. You'll see." He looked out the window, the streets of New York passing by. Hookers, prostitutes, the occasional business man, and thousands of people made it wonderful to look at. He swallowed, wondering why it seemed so hard to focus on anything. Maybe he was still in shock?
Once they parked, he got out eagerly, pulling Ryuuzaki towards the counter. "Yeah... I do. Kira's not a bad person, I just... I dunno, I guess I'm blaming him. I mean, what if Kokoro had been my Cross?!" He squeaked, terrified of the prospect.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fateful on Sept 24, 2011 18:38:52 GMT -5
Near sighed, leaning back in his wheelchair. He hated that his parents fought all the time. The only time they got along was when they were pretending, and they wanted so desperately to make it seem like everything was okay. If they acted, why couldn't they make it that way? He hated that they fought over him. That this was his fault. They couldn't take care of him alone, they needed one another, which was the only reason they were still married.
"Do you think that... the counseling will help this time?" He looked up at Gevanni, a hopeful look in his eyes. "Can you talk to the judge? A-And mandate that I go with them? They think I don't know that this is all my fault, but I know it is! I want them to love one another again... but I can't... I can't figure out a way to make them. I want to be in a functional family." He looked down at his lap, wondering if it was better that they fought. Afterall, that's how he met Gevanni.
Smiling, he looked at the game. "It's a mathematical game based on college level calculus. L said it was better than homework and would test my mind!"
L watched Matt; uncertain if he should ask him specific questions, or just let him figure this out on his own and then open up. In either case, he didn't want to push him too hard too fast. He went up the counter with Matt and noted that almost everything had meat on it. Ugh... he hated most meat. Not that he was a vegetarian, he just didn't like the way it tasted. It was a personal preference. He normally ate sweets, but on occasion, he'd eat chicken. Sweets were his first choice. His only preference for real food was fish. He noted that there was a part of the restaurant that was a sit down, so he took Matt's wrist. He needed to talk to Matt, so he lead him over there and had him sit. A woman came over to them and took their drink orders and left them with menus.
"I don't think this is Kira's fault. Perhaps he is not as skilled in tact as I am, but I believe that is because he is visual. He needs to be in front of someone to be compelling." He ran a hand through his messy hair and smiled. It seemed that Matt wasn't aware that Cross wasn't female. It hurt slightly, that he was the only one who knew why Cross was so self loathing: his gender and sexual interest.
|
|
|
|
Post by otakulady89 on Sept 24, 2011 18:46:36 GMT -5
Taking the menu, even though he long had it memorised, Matt let the comforting atmosphere of the restaurant soothe his nerves. Once he'd decided on the pizza, he smiled, "You don't like meat, right? You mentioned it in one of your posts. They have a killer pie here, and the shakes are pretty good too. That way you can have your sweets." He explained.
Setting aside the menu and ordering, he then turned green eyes, calculating and sad, to his elder. "I don't know. All I know is that Kira was the last one Kokoro spoke to. And that means that he isn't safe for Cross to speak to. Cross has been getting better. She even promised me a happy ending for this new story of hers. I don't want her to start writing tragedy again."
He sighed, shaking his head, "Sorry... Most of the posters think my love of her is just play... But I really do like her." He smiled, forcing thoughts of this morning out, with images he'd made up of her cute face, with snippets of her stories that he liked. "She's my perfect ideal."
Gevanni was having the same problem. He wanted Near to be safe, but... He sighed, "I suppose I can. But don't you think it would be better to let them have the illusion?" He asked, concerned. If they found out they were failing as parents, they might refuse to do the job any longer...
|
|
|
|
Post by Fateful on Sept 24, 2011 18:56:08 GMT -5
For a moment, L stared at Matt and smiled. "You do have a photographic memory." He stated, smiling at him. "I'm impressed. I know you mentioned that once, but I wasn't sure if you were being honest. I like that you're one of the few honest people on the internet. And no. I don't like meat all that much." He stated, smiling. It was no secret. The first debate he won against Light was about what is done to food around the world, especially meat and the way it was killed and treated. Most beef was bleached with ammonia before being sold. There was no way he'd eat that.
"Yes. Cross is getting better, but she's still conflicted. What ails her is not something she can fix... She's tried everything and continues to fail. She can never be what her parents want her to be, and that causes her conflict." He leaned back into his seat, and shrugged. "You seem to know what I'll like." He told Matt, and let him order for the two of them, figuring it was alright to take his advice.
Then, he smiled hearing the confession. "I know that you mean what you tell her. But she's not who you think she is, Matt. Cross is not perfect, and she's not the ideal woman you're looking for. She's self hating, self abusing..." He knew that he shouldn't be talking about this, so his back straightened and he looked away. Damn it... He shouldn't be going into this with someone so young. "Forgive me. I should not be confessing these things to you. I just felt comfortable. It breaks my confidence, and I want keep her trust."
Near wasn't sure what to do when Gevanni offered to him what he had been fearing. He didn't want to focus on his parents failing marriage. They loved him. Both his parents loved him more than anything. But why wouldn't they just get along? "I don't know what's right." He mumbled, looking down at the floor. "My parents loved one another once, but I ruined it for them... I don't know why they can't see that fighting doesn't make anything better. I know confronting them wont fix anything... but... I want a family. A real family."
|
|
|
|
Post by otakulady89 on Sept 24, 2011 19:03:23 GMT -5
For the first time, that beautiful smile... That beautiful, shining smile was gone. And it was Gevanni's own words that had removed it. Without thinking, the idiot man snatched the boy up, hugging him tightly, holding him in the air, wheelchair forgotten. "It isn't your fault, Near... It never was. The fault lies in them. You are a perfect, beautiful, wonderful person, and you should NEVER feel anything but love. I'm sorry that I said that. We'll get this fixed. No matter what. And no matter what, you have family in me. My sister too, once she wakes up. We'll be your family, no matter what." He swore. It was a rash promise, but one he'd been dying to make since he'd met the boy.
A red-head smiled, and shook his head. "Doesn't matter. I know she isn't perfect. No one can be. The fact that she's imperfect makes her perfect. She's awkward, and shy, and a little bit mean. But that's okay. Because I'm awkard too. I made my first friend yesterday. Promised him I'd see him at lunch today, but I couldn't. I don't know how I'm going to make it up to him. And I'm a bit masochistic, so even if she hates me... That's okay. Because I'll be there. Loving her. Telling her every day how awesome she is, just the way she is." He knew it was stupid, but...it was worth it. This feeling wasn't going away. He was not giving up on this love.
Just because she was hidden behind a screen, didn't mean he couldn't love her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fateful on Sept 24, 2011 19:14:44 GMT -5
Near was shocked when he was so quickly picked up. He had been picked up from his wheelchair before, but he was always asked before it happened. However, the smell of Gevanni's cologne and aftershave comforted him. Closing his eyes, he wrapped his arms around the man's shoulder. It was foolish, but he was afraid to fall. It was instinctual, and his inability to stand lead him to do something rash. Despite not being able to walk, he had control of his legs, and put his legs around the small in Gevanni's waist. This blissful silence comforted him. His legs weren't strong enough to lock behind the officer's back, so he just held Gevanni with his thighs against the officer's waist. "Thank you..." He stated, never having comfort like this from anyone. "I'll keep you to that promise... No matter what.."
L sighed. Matt's love for her was real, despite never having to see Cross. And that just made things worse... Although Matt had confessed to being bisexual, Cross would never meant him for that reason. He wouldn't want someone from the site to find out that he was male, (and lied to everyone about his gender), and, he was afraid of being rejected for who he was. His parents made it worse by talking down to him, which forced him into a position where he refused to accept anyone.
"I can see that you love her, but... that won't help you in life. It will just make you dwell on her." He stated, not sure what to do in this situation. What could he do? Hearing that he made a friend, L smirked. "That's good. And I'm sure if you tell him what happened, he'll forgive you. I'll give you a copy of the police report so you have a means to prove to them what happened." He'd do anything to help and protect Matt. He owed that to him.
Sighing, he listened to the same confession and leaned over the table and ruffled his hair. "Women are fickle. You worry too much." He stated, laughing. "She's talked about you before. She does admire you, and this I will tell you; she thinks highly of you. You make her feel special like no one else ever has."
|
|
|
|
Post by otakulady89 on Sept 24, 2011 19:49:20 GMT -5
Dear god, help him. Please, give him strength. The Lord was testing Stephan's will this morning, and he didn't know if he could handle it. But Near's small promise made his heart flutter, which was a really good thing. He focussed on that instead of the adorable possessor of his heart. "I expect you to."
The red-head flushed deep as his hair, and grinned like an overgrown child. "Really!? What else did she say?! She doesn't think I'm a creeper?" He hoped not, but he'd had no way of telling.
He paused, before settling, and looking dwon. "You know... The sad thing? If I actually met Cross... I probably wouldn't have the guts to actually talk to her... I'd probably stalk her instead, just to make sure she was happy..." He mumbled. "Pathetic, huh?"
He didn't know why he was saying this. He'd never really confided in Ryuuzaki online. He'd just liked talking to the older poster, and now... Now, he felt like he could tell Ryuuzaki anything.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fateful on Sept 24, 2011 20:10:33 GMT -5
Near smiled at the officer in front of him and held onto him. "I would never deceive you, Stephen." He held onto the male a little tighter with his weak legs, feeling the arms of the man move. He wasn't scared of falling now, it was just... a strange reaction he got. Maybe it was foolish for him to trust an officer with this much of his life. But who else could he turn to. "How is Aletta's condition?" He asked, holding onto broad shoulders to look into deep blue eyes.
L chuckled. "She admires you, especially since you never give up on her. Sometimes she wonders if you're kidding or serious. But you make her feel accepted and wanted. And she's felt bad turning you down once or twice. When she first wrote a story, it was your post that made her continue it. I guess that means you're her inspiration."
Seeing the sudden depression on Matt's face, L sighed. Leaning forward, he tapped his chin, wanting him to look up. "Matt... listen to me. I know you're shy and withdrawn. I was too when I was your age. I was boastful, but awkward. I had trouble making friends. I moved around so often that I rarely could keep friends, even when I managed to make them. You and I are a lot alike. It is hard to confront someone you care for, especially when you love them because of something outside the physical. And that's not bad. I know that you'd want to protect her. And as long as you didn't hurt her, I would over look the stalking. That's not what it would be. You'd be like a guardian angel." He smiled, trying to make him feel better.
|
|
|
|
Post by otakulady89 on Sept 24, 2011 20:19:46 GMT -5
Hearing that he was like Ryuuzaki when Ryuuzaki was young was both helpful, and annoying. Adults always said that to try and make kids see reason, and Matt knew that trick, but at the same time... At the same time, Ryuuzaki wasn't exaggerating. He really did mean it. And he knew what it was like.
And somehow, when Ryuuzaki described his actions, he knew that he was right. That's exactly what Matt would do if he ever found cross. He would protect her quietly. Make sure she never wanted for anything, but blossomed on her own, became someone she could be proud of.
"Thanks, Ryuuzaki... really." He looked up, smiling, "You're like... the most awesome older brother ever."
It was too much. Gevanni smiled, nervously, his body shaking with the urge to harm the child in the worst way possible. He set the boy down instead, taking a few deep breaths, trying to calm down, and keep it hidden from the boy. "Alletta is still in a coma, but the doctors are trying a new technique that they give a thirty percent chance of waking her up." He smiled.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fateful on Sept 24, 2011 20:31:08 GMT -5
L didn't care if it was a cliche thing to say. It was the truth. Because he had Watari, he wasn't self hating like Mello, he just slowly accepted it. Watari was always a very nurturing father, and didn't care what L was or wasn't. And it just made the stage of accepting it short and easy. But for someone like Mello, who had to fight... He couldn't even imagine what that was like... To be told that you were evil and deserved death from those who were supposed to love you.
"You're welcome Matt. I can be your big brother whenever you need one." He said, flicking some red hair from the boy's face. "If you don't mind my asking... where is your father? And what does he do?" He questioned. After all, his father didn't call, and Matt was found alone in the middle of the night, as if he was left alone.
Near looked up at Gevanni, somewhat confused. Staring, he watched him as he took a few steps backward when he was put down. "That's good!" He exclaimed, the sweet smile returning to his face. "N-Not the coma part, the new technique. That means she might wake up!" He exclaimed, leaning forward. This was amazing. Gevanni worried about his sister a lot, and to know that she might make up was the best thing that Near heard all day.
|
|
|