Chapter Text
It's not that he hated alphas, because he thought the same for all the others.
Alphas, at the very top of the hierarchy, can get anything they want with just a little hard work. They don't have to save the world from poverty to be worshipped like some God. Everyone obsessively fell on their feet, by a single bidding, especially those omegas.
Betas were people Near could tolerate, but omegas - they gave him an unpleasant feeling in his stomach; he could feel himself gag. He doesn't understand why either, but living those 17 years was enough for him to see their place, and their wretched 'fate'.
No, he doesn't hate them. He harboured no respect, that is, for both alphas and omegas alike.
Wammys Academy, known for offering the best education in the country ( if not in the world ), is home for the most successful individuals from all kinds of fields. From daughters of politicians to entrepreneurs, airline owners or even celebrities themselves – it was the ideal royal den. From the outside, and to those who could only watch from afar, did not call it just that, but an 'Alpha's Lair'. However, it's not that all alphas get in - status matters, family matters. Wammy Alpha, that's what they said.
You can't possibly expect every single one to be an alpha though. A small percentage of the academy are made up of betas, and even less than one percent are omegas. These betas were exceptional, of course - money and fame was what they had. They graduate with remarkable positions ready for them, or even serving along side alphas.
The omegas had money, too, but unlike the others, they weren't seen as some breadwinner, or promised with the same future as that of alphas or betas. It’s an open secret that they’re the talk of the town, said to be arranged mates for some alphas. They hid very well, but in this type of place, nothing is kept for long.
They said they ran for the easiest gold they could find.
"Did you hear, that the number one of Wammy's..."
Talk of the town, indeed. Treated like trash, or toys that if you did not look after enough, can easily break. Near had gotten used to that kind of ignorant behavior; it's not as if they got anything else to make them feel better either way, other than their nature and wealth. He could feel their gaze run him up from head to toe with every step he took, and he could only grimace in pure disgust.
"...Is actually some sugar baby."
"No fucking way, well, how else do you expect some nobody get into this kind of school?"
"Shut up he's L's adopted son!"
" Son, is it?"
Recently, some rumour has emerged about Near. They were right about being L's adopted son, and that despite having no relations to the man, he had received the luxury not even most of the alphas in the school could afford. The situation wasn't like this a week ago, however. Not until last Tuesday, when the exam results were out, and he was effortlessly at the top of the list again.
"Near, you're really smart. You must be an alpha, right?"
"Hey Near, that's why that famous businessman adopted you right? Because you're a talented alpha..."
"I'm not an alpha, though."
"Oh, a beta then! No wonder you haven't showed any interest to omegas..."
"I'm not a beta either."
"....Huh?"
"I'm an omega."
The news spread like wildfire. Near did not intend to hide his nature, he just never confirmed anything. He was not proud of it, but neither did he feel that he had to be honest to those self-proclaimed 'friends' of his. These people can make assumptions and accept it without any further argument. They live everyday believing whatever they wanted to be true, following their nature as if it were religion, seeing the world without another perspective. Near was simply curious. How will these stupid people react once they find out an omega is better than them?
That will be a huge blow to their pride, won't it?
"What the hell? Gross."
That's what they said before they all left. The next day, no one dared to step near him. In just a week, they've already come up with this huge, made-up story about his life.
'L's sugar baby, huh? They really took it up a notch.' Near thought to himself. Even if he were to tell them it wasn't true, or denied the rumours, it's not as if they will stop biting into the bait. Alphas don't listen to facts, after all. It's one thing they have a hard time realizing, it seems.
"Oi." A familiar voice interjected from behind him, and although this person had never once talked to him, he knew whose voice it was. The albino boy turned to the brunette behind him, his goggled eyes watching him intently.
"What is it?"
"I had a hunch but, I didn't think you were actually one." This immediately ticked Near off.
Near coldly stares, "What's your point, Matt?"
"Chill out, dude. I'm not gonna jump your or anything."
"I didn't mean that –“
"Just don't let the rumours get to you." Near quirks a brow. What is this, comfort? They may be classmates but, he was an alpha and they never once officially interacted with one another. Near knew of his family, just like how Matt was aware of his 'tragic' life story, but they kept those thoughts to themselves. What Near does know, is that he did appear more aloof and less of a windbag than the rest who hung around him. Still, out out of all people, it's some gamer who's trying to be nice to him now.
"Of course, besides, they're all lies."
"Your face says that you don't need pity so 'leave me alone'. I'm not pitying you, I'm just relieved I have someone to share vent up emotions with."
"Vent up emotions about what?"
"I hate alphas too. I mean not all, but most. No one has convince me otherwise." Near completely turns at him now, and Matt smiles upon realising he has caught the full attention of this untouchable omega.
"It's not like I hate them. I just...don't respect them."
He shrugs. "It's just the same. I don't respect them either. They brag all day and - ugh, it's giving me goosebumps. It’s great you’re not one" Near does not react but, a gut feeling is telling the male that Near was quite happy. His eyes were the same, but he could see Near in a new light now.
"Interesting."
"I'm trying to start a friendship here, is that all you have to say?" Near freezes - no one has ever bluntly told him that they wanted to be friends. All these years, he could just sense people trying to get close to him because of L and being the number one, but Matt was just too sincere, and Near was not ready at all. What is he supposed to say to that?
"I...accept it then." Matt bursts into laughter once the words escaped Near's lips, and Near could feel his pale skin flushing up with embarrassment. He thought at the same time if friends were supposed to be annoying and this carefree, too?
"W-What the hell is that reply? You're crazy!"
"….you're the real crazy one, Matt. "
The teacher steps in, and her usual monotone voice is excited. It instantly echoes in all the corners of the room, "Class! Tone down! A new student will be arriving today so make sure that you welcome him."
’Who?’Matt and Near thought at the same time.
"He's a great alpha from a well-known family. I think you'll know him once you see him so be friendly."
Near involuntarily rolls his eyes while Matt loudly groans, both knowing they didn't need another pompous braggart in the club.
"We are honoured that out of all the offers, you chose to attend Wammy's."
"It's just because that old man went here." The silhouette that quietly toured around the vast expanse of the academy belonged to a blond male. Despite the relatively humid weather, he was clad in leather from head to toe, a signature look he just couldn't afford to lose.
"You see, everyone has gone to their classrooms so it's quite empty here..."
"I should be in New York right now. Just what am I doing in this ratshit place?"
"I-I apologize! You must be tired from walking! Would you like some water, Me-"
"Forget it. Where's my classroom?" The older male, who the younger man had just realised was the principal a couple of minutes ago, was sweating like a rabbit. The guy - who was not to mention, approximately in his sixties - kept calling him 'master', so he thought it was just some rich kid's butler. How can a principal act this way? Just because of his name?
"I-It's at the Keehl building, room 3." His wrinkled finger points at a tall, glass structure. It looked more like skyscraper, genuinely expensive looking and upper class for something students would curse to hell.
'It's fucking far.'Besides, why on Earth is a building named after that old man of his? He could feel his shoulders flinch. Did he actually end up in a lame school, and that those talks about it being the best are all some exaggerated lie?
"I'll go there myself. don't follow me."
"But your father-"
"He's not here now. So you, follow my command." He bows his head, and he proceeds to walk. It's hot and the leather feels sticky. If he were in New York, it wouldn't have been like this. He could've been able to pursue his career and learn more, and at the same time have a tour around Europe with his band.
"Mello, if you can't prove your worth as my son, then what else can you be?"
He was more than that. He's more than just having his father's name. He's here to prove that and make a name for himself, so he could fly back to New York as soon as possible, and be a singer. Besides, it should not be that hard. He's got a solid fanbase, and has had multiple concerts and interviews with popular magazines. He was ranked as the number one 'hottest guy' last 2017, right? On top of that, he's academically capable too. He's not some goner who could only sing. He was a talented alpha, and he'll make them bow to him.
He's been always at the top, so it should be easy here too.
"Ma'am, aren't we starting the lesson?" Matt exclaims.
"Yes, I'm just preparing the power point."
'You mean you're waiting for that kid to arrive. Why the fuck is he taking all the time in the world?' Matt sighs. He's being pretty mean. What if the kid's disabled, or he got into an accident? Shit.
"Hey Near, in this world, its impossible to not know someone anymore, you know? Who do you think it is?"
"I don't know." Matt is talking to him more than all those years anyone has ever heard him talk summed up.
"Maybe a son of a pharmaceutical company?" Or a diplomat - Like a secret son, since that type of drama is frequent, and considering that they always happen to be in heat wherever they go.
"Don't they have an own academy for themselves?" Near says quickly. Right, Matt thinks. It seems that it's not so easy to make a decent conversation with Near.
"Do you think he's ugly?"
A very faint chuckle was heard. Matt could not believe his ears, his eyes, or whatever it was, that he just witnessed the boy who never smiled, actually laugh. At him? At something he said?
"Beauty is inversely proportional to wealth, after all." What? Near had a sense of humour, too? It's not that bad to be friends with him, huh. Matt can't help but be fascinated -
The order of his thoughts have been disrupted when a loud, slamming noise resounded. All heads turned to the source, seeing a tall, blond male standing by the door. The teacher's eyes immediately light up, almost ogling the seventeen-year old, while clasping her hands.
"Mello!"
"Mello?!" A huge uproar exploded within the class, the women shouting and while some are frozen, did not forget to have their phones out and taking pictures for the unbelievable moment. Alphas, betas, and omegas alike were in shock but greatly thrilled. Mello was still standing there though, an apparent foul expression on his face as the students crowded him. It was already hot as it is, but these people and their chain of questions, the flashes – everything is thinning Mello's patience.
Near could only look, completely clueless of what's happening. He had closed his text book to see how Matt is doing, but Matt's features were also painted with surprise. He begins rubbing his eyes with his gloves, disbelief clearly gaping his mouth.
"Students! Get back to your seats!"
"Mello from ASX band!"
"I can't believe it, what is he doing here?" Everyones voices mixed like this disgusting string of disharmony, to the point Mello could not even take it. Despite his annoyance slightly slipping through his image, he displays a television smile, saying small thank you's, while going to his seat.
"Class! Detention if you don't calm down at once!"
In an instant, everyone was seated. But, all their eyes were on the handsome singer, still excitedly whispering to each other. Well, except for Near and Matt.
It just so happens that Mello, out of all the seats that stretched until the back of the room, sat beside Near, and across from Matt. For some unknown reason, he could feel a sensation crawl up his skin, but Near brushes it off as a feeling of irritation and displease. He cannot deal being seated with an alpha if he will be crowded like this every single day, and Near wants to puke just by imagining how much more people will be around his private bubble once everyone finds out. Near glances at the blond but, he just could not recognise him. He did not know anything about modern music, since he only listened to classical ones.
Is he going to have attitude like the rest of the alphas? Oh dear, Near just wants to get away as he started imaging all possible scenarios.
More importantly, Matt became silent. He did not comment or speak about some alpha being the center of attention again, so that was another thing at the back of Near's mind.
"It seems we will not need any more introductions since everyone knows who he is. Be nice to him, okay?" Everyone nods in unison. He does have life easy.
"Let's start class!" Mello was relaxed now, his face neutral for the most part. He got a textbook out, much to Near's surprise, and began listening to the dragging math formulas intently. He must be in discomfort, too, and is trying to hide it by studying. Although he was flashy ( all that leather and accessories ) he appeared serious, not saying a single word.
For the whole first period, no one was focused. Near was beyond irked with everyone's heads turning all the time, and nothing went into his head at all.
'What the actual fuck was that?'Mello imploded. his head screamed, he did not like how those girls clung to him. However, he did like that he did not have to do anything to get to that level, and that people already knew of him right off the bat. He seems to be the most popular guy in school already, and that did give him a little pride.
The lesson was easy. He's learned it before, or maybe he had read it somewhere, and happens to remember it so perfectly. Though, the class was not exactly quiet with their opinions, and he could hear what they're whispering about.
"He's super kaduper rich. Like, he's the son of the president of the Keehl Corporation. They own a lot of things and my dad says that even though he doesn't see them often, they actually host most of the parties everyone attends...."
"The building is named after them."
"They just have that much money to spend.."
"But to think he'd go to this school. He was in New York last week. I saw it on twitter."
Everyone knows everything about his life. He can't keep any secrets in this place. Everyone just won't shut up. Nevermind, not everyone.
He's sat beside this albino boy. It freaked him out at first but, he's really in no place to judge. What if he's related to a politician or something? It might get him in jail. He noticed one thing, though. He's the only one who did not stand to see him up close, or even spare him a glance. He looked at him and as if wondered what the ruckus was all about. What the hell? Doesn't he recognise me or something?
“I sat beside him, and he did not even dare to greet or start a conversation. He didn’t even look the least bit glad that I sat there out of all places. The room is big after all."He didn't care, but, he can't help but keep thinking about what the answer must be. Oh, right. Maybe they've already met somewhere. In a party or abroad, so seeing him again wasn't that big of a deal.
Other than that, someone else is bothering him. The brunette behind him keep burning holes to his back for a while now, but likewise did not even try to say anything to him.
"That's all for today, class is dismissed."
With that, everyone stood, and slowly gathers around Mello again. The boy beside him packed his things as if he was more than ready to leave the room.
'Whatever. Stupid kid.'
A manicured hand taps on Mello's desk,"Hi, I'm Ana!"
"Hey Mello, my name's Tristan. How about we grab some lunch together later?"
"Do you remember me? My father used to work with your dad before."
'I don't care about your name. I don't wanna grab a lunch with you. I don't mingle with my father's underlings.'was what he wanted to say. He fakes another smile and gets up to leave, telling the he's busy with work. They made a couple of 'aws'.
"Mello." A male steps in front of him, and Mello immediately recognises that it's the guy behind him.
"...Do you need something?" He's tired alright.
"Matt. The name's Matt Jeevas."
'I didn't ask for it.'He thought. "Nice to meet you then."
"Don't you remember me, Mels?" Mello halts at the familiar nickname. Only one person called him that, his childhood best friend, Mail. Mail....Mail Jeevas?
He turns, "Mail?!"
An exhausted sigh escapes Near's chapped lips. That whole morning was dreadful, he thought to himself over and over again. At least, he's back at his own comfort space – in the library, at the very end of the room, away from the more people-dense part of the area.
He takes a seat, going back to the pages he had missed all because of that damnedmorning, and he was finally lost in thought as he read continuously, every word automatically getting plastered in his head.
His peace is broken then again when his phone begins to vibrate. The caller I.D. was of an unknown number, which makes him wonder if it is one of L's colleagues again or maybe, worse – another person who just wants to give him an earful for being an omega. And, considering that it already did happen a few times this week, he was convinced it was the later.
"What is this, still trying to keep your face despite everyone knowing?" Near lifts his head, not recognising where the taunting voice came from. As expected, it's from that guy with bleached hair and lip piercings from the other room. Near heard that he was a spoiled son of some politician, and when they say that he had issues, it meant very badfor people like Near.
"A smart omega is not bad from time to time. Not to mention, Wammy's number one." His finger caresses Near's nape, which pushes Near to immediately slap his hand away.
"Who are you to be touching me so easily?"
He grins. "Woah, still acting all high and mighty. Well, living the few years of your life like an alpha, then suddenly being like this must be hard from you. But you see, omegas should be used to being touched by alphas." Near hasn't felt anger swell up that much inside him for a long time, but this must be the worst out of all those instances.
“It shouldn’t be that bad, since I heard that L is actually more than that to you. Let’s get along, yeah? I just want to be with you –
People like him were lower than those omegas he saw on the streets. No, the alpha's stench made Near want to run out of the room at that moment. Near was never strong enough to pick a fight, but he's tongue was itching to say all the thoughts training his head. This alpha has to know what Near has to say.
"Does it feel great then? Since you’re otherwise incapable of anything remotely useful without the money you’ve never even earned, you pick on omegas like me, the weakest link?" Near took a step closer to him, slowly eyeing him from head to toe, "Aren't you that son of Martin Samelford? Corrupted, wasn't he? Disowned by this society, even omegas would rather die than to be with you." His voice was dead cold. Unfortunately, the ice was sharp enough to make the cut. The alpha's eyes were wide with rage and Near could feel the man slowly lift his arm, while Near could only close his eyes and take a step back.
Though, the swing never came. "Dirty scumbag, what the fuck do you think you're doing?"
'Matt...?' Near opens his eyes. True enough, the brunette was there, a firm grip on the his attacker’s hand.
"Dammit! Let go of me, if only you knew what he said-" He was caught mid-sentence, since Matt already had him shoved into the wall. Near was just standing there, though, quite not processing what was happening.
"He wouldn't have said whatever the fuck he said if you weren't being an asshole in the first place." Matt laughs, in an ultimately fearsome way.
"W-what the heck Matt, you're an alpha too, you should know! And we used to be classmates!"
"I should know just which alphas don't even deserve to be one. Robin, right?" Matt leans close, then he starts to whisper. "Robin Samelford. I know your family very well like how you know what us Jeevas can do. If you don't want your entire clan in jail, fuck off."In less than a second, the tall delinquent was on the run, chasing a bee line out of the long library.
“….alphas like him don’t stand a chance.”Matt shrugs.
“I could have handled myself.”
Matt raises both his brows, “You were literally about to get hit.” Near knowsthat. He thought, he would let it happen. After that though, he’ll have L send him to jail, also his father, and his brothers.
Matt pats Near, who was frozen on the spot. "I was calling you, but you literally declined my call. Why is that?" Somehow, Matt was smiling but Near could see beyond that mask.
"I though it was just an unknown number."
"Oh! Right, we weren't friends until an hour ago."
"How'd you get my number then?"
"....I have ways." That just sounded plain suspicious, didn't it? Near didn't think Matt will be calling him, just because they were friends. People called him when they needed something, and not to hang out, especially since it will be weirder with a bunch of alphas.
"Hey, you know that flashy guy this morning? He's actually a really good friend of mine. I'll introduce you to him."
Pardon? That took an unexpected turn. Matt didn't belong to any group, and had been always deeply involved with his family's business. Although his fashion sense can leave a different impression, he did not mingle with the popular guys. He did say he didn't like alphas who inflated themselves, so that could be a reason. Matt and Mello did not entirely match, but Near is inept when it comes to personal semantics, so he could be wrong.
Near had completely forgotten to reply, which leaves Matt hanging, then again. "Why are you introducing him to me again?"
"Because he's my friend, duh. And you are too."
"We will see each other later again anyway. I know what he looks like already."
Matt rolls his eyes and sighs. "That's not the point. I'm saying the three of us should hang out, won't that be cool?"
"....Oh."
"..So? Let's go, I'm hungry." Friends? The three of them?
Near followed closely as they made their way to the cafeteria. Matt was happily spouting about games and whatnot, which Near had no background information about. He couldn't focus on the brunette, either, when he could feel eyes on him. He's getting used to be talked about nowadays, but something was different. Something about being close to Matt, made it bad.
He read their lips as they walked. The women at the corner tables were glaring as they munched on their salad.
"He's attracting other alphas already."Could they be a little less obvious?
Being friends with these people might be a bad idea, after all. He had grown into his solitude, and he preferred it that way. It wouldn't affect him if he went back to his old cycle of libraries and skipping lunch.
"Apologies, I'm busy after all."
"What? Come on, it's not like there's homework. Not when Ms. Adamson was also busy posting about Mello all over social media." Matt jives, trying to lighten the mood he's starting to sense, but to no avail.
"I'll see you in class."
"Huh wait –"
It's not like his emotions were hurt, it just that he did not need more problems. Making more friends will mean more responsibilities to Near, while being surrounded by alphas might not only stain his reputation, but L's as well. He was not put into the academy to live the rich, ordinary life and he wouldn't bargain for more, to be honest he's never even thought about it. An omega like him who was given the chance to be seen past his reproductive nature shouldn't be asking anymore than what he already has. He didn't mind that fact, and he liked that no one minded his business, either. Yet, now all eyes are on him. He's suddenly become so visible, and being around with people like Matt and Mello, will only worsen that.
He needs to breathe. It's been a long day.
"Mail?!"
He couldn't believe it. It's been ten years since they've parted, when Mello moved overseasand Matt stayed behind. They tried to keep in touch, but due to some circumstances, Mello wasn't able to. He always wanted to look for the brunette boy who shared great dreams with him, but when he went back to England, Matt was no longer there.
But who knew he would be here, out of all places in the world and even in the same class as him?
"It's been so long! What the hell, you changed a lot!"
"You didn't even recognise me, you bastard!"
"Well what kind of stupid idiot starts calling himself Matt?! Where the fuck did that come from?" laughter erupted from the room. heads perked at the sudden noise, curious as to what was going one between the two.
"Why are you here? Really, why Mello?"
Mello sighs. "Old man's orders." Mello punches him. "You didn't even call me? Don't you see me on the T.V. or something?"
"No! Your hair got so long and you voice wasn't even nice when we were eight!" Mello glares. "It's not like I paid attention to your face. And when we were younger you were fa -"
Mello couldn't help but laugh out loud into the air. The school may not be so bad after all, especially when he's got someone great to hang out with everyday. The Wammy's was big alright, but he had a hard time getting through the halls without getting mugged. His hands were sore from autographs, and his jaws are numb from trying to smile to hard. He finally found a place where he could rest, without any crazed fan bothering him. The Keehl building had a rooftop, so Mello just took the risk. As expected, it wasn't an ordinary rooftop. There was a pool, a few tables, but no one was there.
Mello was leaning against the glass fence, the cityscape seen below. The place wasn't so bad. He heard alphas went here, so he will be surrounded by people of the same level as him, right? All he has to do is to prove he's better than those alphas, and he's good to go.
"Actually..." When he goes back to New York, he should invite Matt too.
Whats' the next subject again? It didn't matter. By the looks of it, this school doesn't have anyone that could possibly as brilliant as him. He smiles, he can't wait to show everyone what he's capable of. He'll make it through without much effort. Anyway, that albino boy, something's up with him too. It creeps him out to sit beside him.
'That's exactly what running away was.' He found himself in this place again. The first time was when he argued with L over the phone, the second time is now. The rooftop had another hidden stair case, which lead to this small veranda. He opened the windows and let the breeze brush all his thoughts away.
Their eyes loathed him the same way he did to other omegas. They looked at him as if he were on the same level, begging to be owned by some alpha.
17 years of being number one wasn't enough to prove he wasn't to be defined as just that.
It makes him sick. Being an omega feels terrible. I can feel my body churning, trying to respond to its nature and waiting for the heat to come. But no - he'll never let it happen. Near did not always look up to the sky, but now that he did, it felt like he could just let go. He didn't care before, he should start caring even less. If he could only dissociate himself as easily as he could with other people, that will be great.
Near had forgotten the weight on his hand, and in just a few minutes his hand had given away. The textbook falls from the height, landing on the ground.
'...I don't want to pick it up.'Or so he thought.
"What the actual fuck?!" A loud scream perturbs Near's solemn ponder, his obsidian eyes now wide with realisation. Near peaks out of the window, seeing his textbook on the floor but, beside it was a furious man with his palm stuck to his head.
Blue, scorching eyes meet Near's shocked daze.
"You better come down here!" He had gone ratchet, and Near gulps. He makes his way down but takes an awful amount of time, trying to formulate the right words and apology to the man. His recklessness had definitely gone overboard now.
Near was met by a clearly infuriated blond, seeing how red his face was, and that particular part of his forehead that’s starting to form a bruise.
"So it's you, you bastard." Near did not know what to say, no one has ever outward cursed him out. He's louder than he thought earlier too. What happened to the flower boy that the women fell over heals for? It's just this violent, estranged man, who had totally thrown the concept of calming down off the boat.
"I'm sorry, it was an accident." Mello scoffs, Near was sure he was not going to accept a simple sorry. Though, Mello's tense shoulders backed down, and he eyed Near from head to toe. He's just so white. How can someone be as white as this? It's not like he had never seen an albino before but, the kid was too silent, too, Mello would've been convinced if he were ghost.
Maybe he should show a bit of mercy. He would kick him out of this place, but by the looks of it, this frail figure before him will die if that were to happen. "...fine." The boy neither reacted nor thanked him. It's like he's talking to a mechanical toy, it's even weirder.
Near's eyes darted to his poor textbook. Ninety-percent of their conversation was just, in reality, him thinking of how much damage the blow on his text book might have actually gone through. Mello follows his gaze though, and before Near reaches out for the material, he grabs it instead. "You were studying," He says, he wasn't sure but, it was just a wild guess. This boy had been disturbing him, with all the nonchalance and disregard for him. He's doubtful of Near's indifference.
"...Yes." Near waits for a minute, thinking Mello would hand it to him. But, the taller of the two just kept brushing over the pages, not even to check them out but, he just had no intention of giving it to him.
"Do you mind giving it back?"
He closes the book, a smug expression on his face. "And what if I don't?" Mello answers.
"...I don't see the point of why you shouldn't."
"It's for almost scarring my face. You know me, right?" Mello steps closer to Near, pointing at himself. Then and there, Near could only think of how many times something like this had happened. Alphas and their inherent nature of always being somebody. Near deepens his frown.
"Who are you supposed to be?"
"Are you trying to piss me off?" Mello declares. Is he faking it? To get his attention or something? His posters are everywhere, it doesn't make sense. He thought they might've already met before and that's why he wasn't so surprised, but thinking about it didn't add up. This little shit really had no idea who he was.
"I did not know you until today."
"What?" Should he laugh? Or should he throw him off the balcony?
"Oh I see. You're one of those then."
"One of what?"
"People who don't like our music and shit. An anti-fan?" Mello nods to himself. Yikes, that a great point now. Why didn't he think of it sooner?
"...I'm really not." Near asserts. He can't deal with this anymore. Can this blond just get over himself? It's wasting his time. Plus, he can't believe this is the man Matt thought Near would get along with. It's chaos.
"You've never heard of us before?"
Without a second thought, Near replies. "No."
"Are you from mars?"
"Are you Bon Jovi or something? Is it really important to know you?"
"Yeah? That should be obvious by now." Near couldn't hold back his scowl. To Mello, he couldn't put a finger on what the boy was thinking. It looked like a mix of indescribable emotions and he's never seen it before.
"You know, you've been ticking me off."
"The feelings are mutual." Mutual? What, he hates Mello too? That's funny. Though, it's even funnier than some weird-ass kid is the first person who will ever come to dislike him.
"I can't help but notice how you always act so mighty. Are you the number one here or something?" Near gives him a skeptical look. He hit the point. Yeah, he was, but why does he care? Mello smirks.
"Yeah, right. Impossible." Mello scratches his head, and begins to prod away from Near. That was amusing. Mello did not know the truth, and to him, Near is just another bland reject. Near hesitated, he could've told Mello he was, but it's not like he would've just stood there and takes it in without much complaint. Where's the fun in that? He is Wammy's number one. It’s one thing he can’t take away from him. Near wants to see awe in his face once he finds out. An omega, at that. He can visualise Mello hating him all the more.
'...Ah.'And he was alone there, with empty hands. This is dumb - Mello still has his book.
Matt has been racking his brain for the reason why Near would pull away just like that. They may not be as close yet, but it wouldn’t take a life time to see something was wrong. Surely, the filthy alpha a while ago must have some sort of affect on Near. Think about it - no one has ever gone so close to Near, even enough to touch him – hell, Matt knew by just short gestures and words that Near was not used to socializing. A threat like that must’ve shaken him.
‘Ah, he probably doesn’t want to talk right now though. Maybe later, I’ll text him or something…’The Samelfords aren’t even much of a big shot anyway. He should cut off negotiations with them.
He sees Mello walking towards the cafeteria entrance, students coupling around him. He waves, and the blond takes notice of him.
“I already got food for you though.” Matt takes the burger from his tray and hands it to the blond. He appeared slightly more distressed compared to when he left him to get snacks. He murmurs a small thanks, and Matt immediately caught the signal – he wanted to get away, as soon as possible.
Matt musters a forced smile at them. Take not that there were at least ten of them, while others just tailed from afar. “Can you leave us for a moment?”
“What, we are his fans, you don’t own him Mattie.” Some girl squeals. Matt cringes at the pet name, he doesn’t know her alright, so what the hell is with that overfamiliarity? It’s not that he’s only doing it for Mello, but these kids as well. Mello is a ticking time bomb that is about to snap, and it will be no good if people were to see that side of an idol.
“I said its annoying.” Matt would rather be the bad guy now. It’s not like he was friends with them, too. The noise is also getting to his nerves. They were silent but they slowly let go, leaving Mello. For one, Matt never got mad, or even expressed displeasure, in any sort of way.
They could’ve protested, because it’s not like he was anyone to order them around. But if one had been here long enough – well-versed enough with what type of peopleattend Wammy’s, surely, he will know that Matt Jeevas wasn’t someone to mess with.
Once they left, Mello sighed with relief. He takes the burger from Matt, and decided to head up early. Matt’s eyes are suddenly drawn to Mello’s hands, and he halts with confusion.
“Uh…isn’t that Near’s text book?”
“No?” Mello carelessly replies, but then he realized what happened just thirty minutes ago, and his friend is right.
“That’s his sticky note peeping out from the page.”
“I forgot to give it back.” Mello brushes it off, and pushes it against Matt's free arm in attempt to end the subject.
“Wait wait, you guys were together?” Mello could see what he was thinking spelled out on his forehead.
“That’s not it, okay, we didn’t hang out without you or anything. The little shit's text book fell on me, then I just got it and somehow forgot to give it back.”
Matt nods his head in understanding, he wished he had seen that happen. “That’s great then. I was about to introduce him to you awhile ago but he ran off.”
“Why, you guys friends or something?”
“Yeah we are.” Mello stops eating his burger, and takes a good five-minute look at Matt. The brunette didn’t know what to make out of that, but the blond’s brows were creased, and his mouth was open, trying to let the words out.
“He’s a freak.”
“What the hell dude don’t be rude! He’s really great, I promise. He’s kind of hard to talk to sometimes but he’s one of the very very few people I can actually take seriously. You know my shit, I can read people.” Matt slaps his back, “He’s kinda prideful just like you, so I’m sure you’ll love him."
Mello swallows hard. “Love him my ass.”
The shutter of lights had stopped blinding him long ago. They keep adding up – the paparazzi – every single day, it wasn't anything to be bothered about anymore. The center of attention, in his suit and tie, is taller than what most people thought. His slouched back might be the cause of that, as if he’d been carrying the weight of the world behind him, which is most likely close to the truth.
L Lawliet had just come home from Paris after another successful deal with the Lu Versae. He’s finally expanding his business in France, too, and he’s got a good eye in stocks – without a fail, more fortune will be coming his way.
He finds himself in a grand room of golden lights and rose, marble paths. His polished shoes padded across the floor and to the carpeted hall ways which contained the different lounges.The concierge had been waiting for his arrival, and they all elegantly greet the male before hustling to get his baggage.
“How long would it take you, sir?”
“Forty minutes at most. Watari, call Near and tell him to come early. I don’t see that boy often these days.” The old man nods, and he leaves his employer in the room. The carpeted floors have been extra brushed, the glass tables polished thrice, all in anticipation for L’s presence.
L takes a seat in one of the cushioned couches. A tray with a variety of high-end desserts comes to his sight, as well as a single cup of black coffee and a small bowl of sugar cubes.
“Sir L, if you must need anything, we will be waiting at the door.” L doesn’t say another word. He unfolds his laptop, bent into his work again.
“They’ve never served me cakes before.” A much older man remarks from the other side of the prestige room. The room is for two, yes – L didn’t mind, although he usually had the whole area to himself. He came without prior notice, and the only room available happened to be with this grumpy sounding, middle-aged man.
“You are welcome to try some.” L counters. It wasn’t a true invitation though, that should be obvious. He wanted to work in peace and have his light sugar fix without having to engage in an unwanted conversation.
“I saw the panic in their eyes when you arrived. They seem to be aware of your taste preferences, too.” He glances at the bowl of sugar beside the coffee, “It makes me wonder what someone so young could be doing here.”
“Primarily to have a snack, and for work.” L rubs his lower lip. The older man presses a button on his chair, and one of the female staff enters the room with a the biggest smile.
“May I help you, Sir William?”
“Get me an cake too, won’t you? Preferably Opera.” He then whisks his hand away before returning to his news paper. She hesitantly bows her head.
“…My apologies sir, but I can’t do that.”
The old man’s eye runs her down, not knowing if he had just heard the greatest insult of his life, or he were deemed dispensable, compared to that crouching lad. “What do you mean? You serve him the plateful of cakes, and you’re saying you can’t give me one?”
She shakes her head, and she was clearly stuttering for an explanation. William Counte – he visited often, losing heaps of money in his gambles and conspicuous leisure. He wasn’t someone who would take a ‘no’ for an answer. “Oh, you see, those cakes have been specifically handmade by our head chef for the man over there. I cannot just serve them –
“Lady, do you know who I am?”
“O-Of course, Sir William Counte.”
“And you know of my deep connections with this hotel. You’re saying that you will not give me the same service you’re offering this young nobody, is that it?” He’s pointing a finger at her now. His ego was blatantly stepped on.
“Such poor customer service shouldn’t exist in a five-star hotel, moreover in a VIP lounge. Do you want to lose your job?”
She mumbles a string of apologies, and he raises his voice once more. How ever you look at the situation, she was on the losing end. “Sir, I-
“Stop right there.” A strong voice intervenes. “Ms. Lina, you may leave the room. I will handle this.” It came from L, his gaze apathetic, they swore they had just shivered. The young concierge haphazardly sprints out.
“I understand your concern Mr. Counte, but you are in no position to threaten the employees.”
“What? Just who do you think you are to answer back so bravely?” He crosses his arms, “If you did not know, I can have you leave this room in a split second. You should be taught to have respect for your elders, you have a long way to go.” L is not fond of that kind of downplay, that’s for certain.
“Well I’ve learned, in this very young age of mine, to give respect only to those who deserve such treatment.”
This sparks the accumulating tension between to rupture. “You bold brat – “ He bites his tongue, seeing that L is scrutinizing him now; as if he’s tearing him off piece by piece, piercing through all his underhanded actions. What does this stripling supposed to know? At the back of his mind, though, he knew L was not some nobody – the chilling and distant clouding the young man was something he had experienced before – not in person, but he’s heard (or seen) it somewhere.
“Sir Counte, you had caused me to definitely lose my appetite, too bad since they’ve gone to such lengths to prepare it for me.” L places the teaspoon back in the tray.
“I think that between you and Ms. Lina from a while ago, you should be the one afraid.” He then stands up to leave, straightening his suit that had been wrinkled by his poor posture.
“Kindly tone down that attitude of yours, it is extremely unpleasant.”
William did not seem to get the idea yet, and decides to continue. “I will not let this slide, you hear me?! I will make sure they will know of this, and have you banned from this place!”
“Reserve your efforts, heis very aware of what had taken place, and your self-centered opinions too, of course.” The raven man jaunts to the door, rather too slowly, proving a point; and now that his back was facing William Counte, the inadvertence all made sense. He had glimpsed at this strong, alpha back before – only for a short moment, in this very place.
“You must be late with the news but, I own this hotel.”
The day flew by fast. Mello's presence made it happen. it drained not only the blond but Matt too, with everyone minding them way too much to be normal. He hasn't seen Near since the last break, and it was not like the boy to be skipping. It tugged at Matt's chest, he can't help but wonder where the boy was.
He and Mello decided to catch up in his dorm that afternoon, everything that happened in the last ten years, they laughed about it. His room in the dorm wasn't also similar to what everybody else had; it appeared more like million-dollar flat, with a butler that patiently awaits him. The private place wasn't something he begged out of his parents pocket money, too - he earned it himself, and it's one of the few things he could be proud of.
"...wait so you actually never dated, like never?" Mello asks. It's incredulous.
"Nope, nuh-uh. Never. Everyone's looking like a china vase out here, but they're really nothing more than a butthole." Matt slumps himself on one of the couches, then the fire place automatically heats up. Mello nods, impressed. Impressive for someone who dressed nothing like what he's actually capable of.
"You? Alpha of the alphas, I bet you've had a fair share."
"Just a fair share. Nothing worked out." Mello smirks, the brunette rolls his eyes.
"...do you have some -"
"It's at the top shelf over there." Mello, like a little child, happily runs toward the pantry, rummaging for his wrapped-up addiction.
Matt couldn't wait, he didn't expect Near to tell him his whereabouts anyway. He dials the boy's number.
‘Near, you should have my number saved by now, right? You weren’t in class a while ago. You went home?’
It only took a moment for his phone to buzz. He opens the message, and all it said was: ‘L came back from Paris.’
How cold, Matt has to keep the conversation going. ‘Ohhhhhhh. Alright. By the way, you’ll still be performing in the music festival, right?’
‘Yes. Nothing has changed. I’m rather busy as of the moment. I will see you tomorrow, Matt.’
Matt smiles, then stretches his arms. “That’s great news!”
Mello goes back to his position, now with a bar of dark chocolate at his hand. “What’s up?”
“Near's performing in next week’s music fest. It’s kind of a tradition, you see everybody there. Near had always been the ‘top grosser’ in the academy - he's been having these high-class piano concerts since he was like what, seven?”
Mello stops chewing. The topic about Near had got him interested, but it was utterly appalling. He didn't expect that someone who had such flimsy, weak hands - not to mention weak enough to drop a humongous book on his head - is skilled in that aspect. Moreover, that meant that the brat would have something against him - just what did Matt mean by top grosser? Like's the best? Not anymore, Mello thought. He will be taking the spotlight that day, whatever that is.
“He’s got a talent?” was all he could say.
“Yeah, if you think about it, more people will be coming because of you, right? Near is a crowd favorite though so, don’t let it get to you.” Mello found the comment irksome, because Matt is elucidating the impression that before him, Near was the best. Even if he were here, he might still be the best. Here he thought he's got something in him Near will never have.
“I thought he’ll skip this year. Oh and, you know that famous L Lawliet? The one who got rich with auctions and stock companies Lawliet. Near’s his adopted son or something like that.”
He's heard of L Lawliet - though, not everyone has had the chance to see him face to face. They called him the ideal alpha, who was a bachelor too. He can't be so outward with admiration, though - his father despised that man with a passion. He knew he adopted some kid one time when he was in in Asia. It was a big revelation to the world, when he came back with some random kid in his arms. He didn't think that, the boy he just had an earlier feud with (only in Mello's perspective, though), would be L's son. “The twit sounds like he’s something, huh?”
Then he replays what matt had previously said, and poked further. “But why did you think he would skip this year?”
“Oh, that. I forgot to tell you, but Near is Wammy’s most valued student. He’s crazy genius, and I guess you can say he’s been always the number one, and everyone lived with that.” Mello stopped munching, and Matt noticed that he went completely tense. Mello's guard was up, and he was blankly gawking at his best friend. What is that supposed to mean? Matt thinks.
'Number one? That kid?' Impossible. Mello did not particularly like Near, but he had nothing against the guy. But the more Matt had talked about him, the more he grew to realise what type of position he had compared to Near. That someone else had been already holding a trump card he thought no one was yet to possess. Does everyone think the same way Matt thinks of Near? That makes Near a rival, isn't it? But as expected, the alphas of this place are truly something. He's up for the challenge and won't back down, it's an eye for an eye, against two alphas -
“…it also so happens that he’s an omega and everyone found out.” Mello's chocolate drops to the ground.