Silver had gleamed in the dim winter's moonlight and the snow froze midfall whilst a sudden pain tore through his jaw and chest. Mihael's cold azure hues glared at the man he had punched, watching as Simon fell and pierced his own heart with the dagger meant for Mihael.

Raven feathered wings beat the air and a frown came over the observing hybrid's features as he watched the scarlet droplets taint the once pure snow. Simon fell to his knees, releasing a final cloud of breath before death took him away. Heavy huffs escaped the quaking blonde who turned his attention to the wounded boy a few feet off. A deep red kissed the crisp snow but there wasn't a hint of fear in the onyx gaze that watched as Mihael approached.

"Come on," the blonde breathed, pulling Near to his feet, "we should get you inside and tended to before that wound claims your life."

"There's no need to worry about that. I can't die."

"Of course not." Mihael sighed, and then teased, "You're immortal, aren't you?"

"No. I just made a final deal with one last devil."

"That necessary evil? What did you mean b-ugh!" He didn't get a chance to finish that inquiry for an unseen force had reached deep into his chest and began squeezing his heart in an unforgiving grip. His knees buckled beneath him as his hands gripped at the dark material of his shirt. Near knelt down beside him, embracing him in a comforting hug and pushing him back into the snow.

Also, there is one last thing I would like for you to do.

"Shh." He soothed, despite the look of betrayal he received. Placing a gentle kiss to his dying love's bluing lips, Near took Mihael's hand in his and began to stroke the back with his thumb. "Everything will be okay." He promised but his voice had started to shake and he wasn't too certain of how sincere he truly was. "Don't worry, Mihael, everything will be okay."

I want you to write my name in the notebook. Mihael's name will also need to be written for December 13th with exactly forty-eight hours in between us.

A dark clad hand gripped his and whether it was meant to be as a sign of hate, comfort, or pain he didn't know and he didn't want to know. His voice drowned out the cold wind that had began blowing once more and he focused on the one he held close whilst the snow began to fall once more. Near continued to speak, ignoring everything else, as he fought against a multitude of emotions rising up within him.

"There had to be time for me to get things ready." He quietly explained. "I knew you wouldn't agree to this part of the plan if you knew and, frankly, I knew L wouldn't either. That's why I kept it secret. Don't worry," the pressure on his hand went, as the spark finally faded out of the stunned azure orbs, "this is all just a bad dream. Tomorrow everything will be better."

And just like that the nightmare was over. Mihael's death was laid at the feet of Simon and nobody bothered returning to the mansion to investigate much into it. As far as the entire town was concerned, the Kheel family Near needn't fear his father or the dark magic he had once wielded ever again.

Ownership of L at last passed from Near to Beyond and with his name in the shinigami's book his fate was unavoidable. He spent his final days seeing the remains of what had been his life and thinking of what the future would hold. Despair wasn't apart of any of his thoughts since he had already undergone so much of it. There was so much he didn't understand. Certain things, events, flashed before him as he walked about the streets. The death of his mother and sisters haunted him as did the faces of all those he had murdered. Mihael's death left an agonizing shard in his chest. One that would surely make his inevitable death pale in comparison.

Turning from death, he faced life in the last few hours. Mrs. Yagami lived happily with her family and had gotten another maid job that allowed her more time with her family. Her son, Light, became engaged to Takada who lived just down the street from the Yagami family. They planned to marry in the spring. Needless to say, Misa was devestated and faced her own death sentence when she was taken away to the town asylum. Meanwhile, Matsuda had found a job as a gate guard for the very same asylum Misa Amane had been imprisoned. Life went on for the former Kheel servants and Near was able to get a glimpse of it all. Nobody seemed to take notice of him, which suited him just fine.

Crisp snow crunched and crackled beneath his feet. Before he even reached the cemetary the chill in the air enveloped him in a hold much tighter than any other he had felt. A pair of wings beat the air, signalling the arrival of his former companions. Gazing up to a nearby tree he saw L perched on the snow covered limb in his human form whilst Beyond sat at his side appearing less cheerful than Near had expected.

"It is almost time," he announced.

"Why are you so unhappy? I thought this is what you wanted."

"Yes. It was."

"Near," L addressed sadly, "are you ready?"

"You know I have been ready to sleep for a long time now. My life has only been darkness and I only wanted my journey to end, but now I...don't know why...I don't know why I ever wished that. This is what I deserve for all my sins, but I do not want to leave things off like this."

L shared a brief stare with Beyond who spread his wings and drifted down to the ground whilst L leapt from the snow covered branch sending a white slush down below where it plopped onto the snow around Beyond. The two moved over to where they stood on either side of Near. L was the closest, crouched at his side, while Beyond stood off to the side watching as Near's lifespan continued to shrink.

"Once I learned of your and Beyond's deal I felt as though I were being torn open."

"I am so sorry, I never meant-"

"No, it's a good thing." L interjected, smiling softly. "I never thought I would feel such pain. It hurts but it tells me that I am alive and that I love. Those are two things I thought I would never genuinely experience, and yet I have because of you, Near. Thank you."

Near was speechless. He knew he was L's friend and that the shape-shifter cared for him, but he had no idea L had cared that much. It was enough to make him cry. Resting his head against his friend's chest, Near began to silently weep. He anticipated a cruel taunt or callous comment from Beyond but his silence was much more upsetting.

This is just for L, Near supposed, Beyond doesn't want him to be mad at him.

Time was drawing closer and he felt helpless as he leaned close to L with the weight of the cold stone behind him pressing itself upon his conscious. It was his fault. People died because of him. It was only fitting he die as well.

"You're not frightened?" he murmured curiously. This fact needn't said, being that it was obvious, as the boy's heart rate increased despite the eerie calm that overtook his fear and nervousness.

"I want to wake up, L." Near conceded. "I want Mihael back. I want nothing more than to wake up from this depressing dream, but I know that is impossible. My name was written in Beyond's book and nothing can change that. Not even you."

"No, I can't."

Seperating from L, he leaned against the grave marker standing ominously behind him. Exaling softly, he reflected back upon everything that had led up to this point. It seemed so strange. Yet, at the same time, he found it all to be magical in and of itself. Who would have thought that he, who had been raised by an evil father hellbent on revenge, would have turned out as well as he did or found the friends that he had even if they had fell away towards the end, Near didn't regret meeting them. He felt no remorse for his actions up to this point and he even found himself looking forwards to what was ahead.

"I accepted this long before now. My inevitable end." Glancing to Beyond, he gave the hybrid a smile and asked, "How much time is left?"

"You had better have all your sappy farewells out of the way. You have only a minute left now."

Still smiling, Near nodded and rested his head back to stare up at the ceiling of clouds floating far above the earth. He figured that his demise was somewhat upsetting for Beyond as well even if he wouldn't openly show or admit it. After all, if not for Near he would never have gotten to keep L nor would he have had as much fun as he did. Still, Beyond wasn't one to get all sappy and teary-eyed over death since that was his business after all. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but to wonder over what possessed Nathan River to die for Mihael Kheel of all people?

Normally, humans spent their entire lives trying to avoid death, but Near seemed to be the exception as he willingly hung himself for the sake of another. People such as that were a mystery to Beyond, and yet he couldn't help but to admire that trait if only a little.

"Good-bye, Nathan."

"We'll see you in another life."

These were the last words he made out before he was taken by a sudden knot of pain that formed within his chest. It ended quickly and his body lurched backwards dead before it ever hit the tombstone. His head drooped down and he appeared to be sleeping. L and Beyond lingered for a few sad moments after it was over then departed leaving their past behind as they walked onwards towards their future.

Snow flakes graced the orphanage grounds on the fine winter day. The last leaf of autumn had fallen just days ago and the snow followed soon after. Children of all ages gathered outside to play in the chilly frost. Similarly, beyond the forboding gates of an institution known as Whammy's House, kids wandered outside to indulge in a snow day. However, it was also on this very same day and around this very same time a sleek black car came up the icy drive that had yet been shoveled.

Exiting the car was an elderly gentleman who was followed promptly by a young boy clad in winter clothes that he had initially been reluctant to wear. Nevertheless, he followed after the man who had brought him here, both excited and slightly annoyed as he trudged through snow to get to the front door that was held open for him. Once he was inside he started to do away with his winter aparrell kicking off his boots and throwing his scarf to the side along with them in addition to a coat and mittens.

"Calm down, L," the elderly man chuckled, "it's not like you'll miss anything."

Sighing, the boy picked up the articles of clothing and assembled them into a pile beneath a small table near the door. He received a warm smile of approval and was led upstairs to a brightly lit room where he spotted the toddler he had came so far to see sitting alone in the corner of the room playing with some blocks. L knelt before him, intrigued. The little boy glanced up from his box to the elder boy seeming just as curious.

"Hello," L greeted. "What are you building?"

There was no reply as the toddler continued to stack his blocks. He tried to get his attention but was quickly waved off. Frowning, L stood and returned to Whammy who had been observing from the door.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No. I'm certain it's him."

"That's good. Will you contact B now?"

"No, not quite yet. I want to be alone with him for a bit."

"Very well then. I will make sure you are not disturbed."

The man left them alone making sure that he closed the door behind him. It had been roughly twenty-five years since he had convinced Beyond to temporarily entrust him to Quillish Wammy, who had caught L's eye during his search for his long lost friend. The man had made a mark on the world and was very successful because of it. He had also established numerous orphanages all over the globe and sponsored various charities and organizations meant to help the less fortunate. L knew if anyone could be of assistance to him as much as he could to them it would be Wammy. And as usual he was right.

Now, he stood before the small boy with a sense of paternal pride swelling in his chest. Near was alive. It had taken nearly two hundred years for him and Mihael to return. Beyond had located and recovered the feisty blonde from Russia. He spent the last few years caring for young Mihael, which worried L a bit since Beyond wasn't the best role model.

"You and he will be together once more, Nate. I promise." The child clearly had no memory of his former life. That was expected. Those memories would come in time and when they did L knew he would be there along with Mihael and Beyond.

"As you were my servant, I am now yours, but forever dear you shall remain and no spell or curse will be able to sever my love for you, dear servant."

Working to stack the blocks into a pyramid, Near looked up to the elder male with a smile as if he understood the inspiration behind the poem. L smiled as well. Aiding Near in his stacking, L envisioned a bright future for the boy who would play and laugh, grow to love and be loved. At long last, Nate and Mihael had received their second chance, their happy ending.

Spent all night trying to figure this out and I am so happy with how it turned out! I just hope that wasn't too cheesy. I wanted it to be a sweet ending. Sorry for the insane amount of time it took to compose this, but I am truly grateful for those of you who have read, enjoyed, and inspired me to finish it. Thank you all for your love and support!

Now, let's see what other stories I can finish.

~With Love, Fairylust~