Yeah, writer's block sucks. But this chapter was well worth the wait. :3
Near as a young child is awesome, I really like the end as well. You do get the feeling that L would at some points feel overwhelmed with a lot of cases and such that he constantly has going on. The ability for him to just relax and feel at peace I think you put perfectly in that last bit. Looking forward to the next one as always~

Yes, I finally have time to read and review this! I feel somewhat giddy now that I have the time to review this; sorry for appearing as if I'd dropped off the face of the earth!

Many fans of the series already know of the similarities between L and Near. I mean, their eyes, their analytical throught processes, their motivation, their idiosyncrasies (such as their odd sitting positions)...what else? The list probably goes on.

What struck me about this chapter was how similar the two were to each other, in spite of the fact that Near was four and L was already sixteen.

I love how they both dismiss the thoughts that actually show their understanding of the world around them (and perhaps their understanding of each other, in a sense), as well as L's evasion of the question. It's cute, too, how Near detects that; he truly is a genius.

I'm just thinking about this chapter right now, and I've only just realized that with this brief encounter with each other, both boy and teenager have changed for the better, even if just a tiny bit. It's profound and poignant when one looks at it that way.

It's too bad that in canon, Near and L never actually met or interacted with one another. At least that's what it says in the oneshot. Anyway, if things had been different, I'd hope that they would have the kind of relationship shown here. If that were so, I'd sigh with happiness.

-

Congratulations on getting through your writer's block! As for being out of practice for writing, it seems as if you're well on your way to making a full recovery. You'll be in tip-top shape in no time at all!

I like how you focused on developing the two characters here. Their thoughts, no matter how much they dismiss them, are clear to the reader without being obnoxious. It seems very natural, somehow.

Ah, don't worry. Doesn't every writer have a hiatus once in a while? How could I possibly give up on this story? Nope - no matter how long it takes me to do so, I will review. Have no worries about that. :)

Lol, thank you for your vote of confidence! I actually have my first fic posted, and although my writing will need to improve, I encourage you to read it! You did inspire me to actually start writing seriously, see... ^^;

Okay, seriously, this story needs more reviews! Goodness!

Jeez, you always come up with really good metaphors. x3
The bells are really cool and I like how they signify different things to the orphans. I hope you make more but like you said I think this would make a really good ending chapter...

I love this chapter a lot. It explains so perfectly the balance with Mello and Near and how Mello doesn't understand that Near envies him in a way too. Time to read 15~

I just noticed right around now that Mello had a Gameboy. Lol, I wonder if there's a redhead in the orphanage at this point in the story who's looking around for it. xD

I also find it interesting that the bells rung four times in the beginning. The word for "four" in Japanese also means "death", right?

Cultural references. Gotta love 'em!

What you've done with the bells here is something I didn't expect, I admit. For some weird reason, I had this vague idea that you were going to make it so that L would hear the bells, and to use today's vernacular, go totally emo on his two proteges.

What you did instead made me want to pump my fists in the air and squee throughout the whole house.

I didn't do that, of course (there's still people here, unfortunately), but I think you get the idea. :)

One thing I want to say (before I forget it yet again) is that your writing seems to be getting progressively better. If one reads each chapter of your story, they'll find that doing so is like finding a present within a present, in a sense. Hopefully I'm making sense here.

With this chapter, I found that I could very easily visualize what was going on. In my mind's eye, I can still see the snow, the scenery, the stairs, the tower, the bells, pretty much everything you described.

In short, your imagery was like food to my imagination. :D

Okay, back to the bells. I love that you made the number of the bells' ringing actually signify something - not just the ringing of the bells themselves, although they have their own importance as well.

Before, I only thought of the ringing of the bells as a harbinger of death (Ep. 25, anyone?), not just a symbol of life and new beginnings, as well as the end and start of different periods in life. You've enlightened me in that way, so to speak.

I read this chapter again and again, by the way, especially in regards to the last few lines. This chapter was wrapped up beautifully. Foreshadowing puts a smile on my face.

As sad as I am over Episode 25, I can at least find solace in the characters of Near and Mello.

By the way, thank you so much for reminding me of Episode 37. M/N pwnage ftw! xD And Matsuda, too!

Reading the chapters of your story is actually inspiring me to start writing as well. I can only hope my writing could at least match up to yours, though. ^^;

Also, I'm taking your advice. While I will stop hyperventilating over my lack of brainpower, I'll still give you ideas should you be in dire need of inspiration. Plot bunnies and idea-ettes tend to die in my mind due to lack of release, lol.

Near seems like such an indifferent jerk in the manga (ironically enough, he's my favorite character in the series) that I love reading stories in which he isn't...well, an indifferent jerk. Lol.

I've definitely wondered about Near's childhood before. From the glimpses the manga offered, it did seem rather lonely. What I'm interested in, though, is how did he deal with his responsibilities, as well as his rivalry with Mello? Did he have any sympathy for him?

You've answered those questions here, and I'm glad. As for Near's thoughts on Mello, I have to say that the whole "I-can't-let-him-win-out-of-sympathy" attitude was dead on. Near may not have seemed as ambitious as Mello, but he, to me, has never seemed to be the type to just give up in a "race", especially in the one with Mello.

As for L, what can I say? You've done your readers proud. The way Near views L does actually remind me of Near in the series, and not only that, but the whole love/hate relationship does seem likely. After all, L may be the father figure in his life, but he's the reason why Near is Near - not Nate River.

Aww, thanks for the well-wishes. I'm not tearing up over Episode 25 anymore...

...nope. I'm getting depressed over Episode 35. Ugh! Stupid bodyguards...and, Takada, why?!

Ahem. Er...uh, please ignore that random outburst. Thank you.

I'm glad that my ideas are helping you out. :) Since you seem fine with the "bells" thing, I won't suggest any right now.

I'm not actually trying to be mean or anything like that. When I say I won't suggest any ideas, it actually translates to this:

"Dear MedliSage, my brain decided to quit on me. Again. Unlike the other times, I can't come up with any actual ideas, although I'm trying to, and if I do get one, I'll put it in my next review. Please excuse my apparently addled brain.

Sincerely,

WithABunny"

I'm really sorry. I honestly do seem to be suffering from "idea-maker's block" at the moment. When I make my next review, I'll probably have recovered from it.

Meanwhile, thank you for updating with another marvelous, wonderful, super-special-awesome chapter of a super-special-awesome story.

I'm glad I managed to be of help! To tell the truth, this is my favorite one so far.

And contrary to what anyone may think, no, it's not because I'm being conceited. Lol.

There are just so many things I love about this chapter - heck, why don't I just enumerate them?

So, here it goes:

1) The natural fluffiness that comes with fics involving a younger L, Near, and Mello interacting together.

2) The way you showed Near's "the-end-justifies-the-means" attitude. It's true, he does have one - even the creators of DN said as much.

3) The metaphor with the puzzle. I love metaphors. They make me smile.

4) The foreshadowing going on here - the events taking place here correlate with the events that took place in the actual series. I love it when fanfic authors do that, for some reason.

5) Basically the whole "Mello and Near working together" thing at the end. You're absolutely right - Near would've been defeated without Mello's help. This sort of relates to Number Four, doesn't it?

6) Finally, L's comment at the end about the two of them surpassing him together. So, SO true.

When I think about it, Mello and Near are like the two pieces of a puzzle - they fit together. Er, sort of. Mello's a rather jagged piece. Lol.

Anyway, thank you for updating! Even now, I'm still dangerously close to doing a fangirl squee as a direct result of reading this chapter, but someone's sleeping here, and I'd rather not make noise.

But be rest assured, I mentally squee'd. Yes, in honor of this chapter. xD

Sincerely,

WithABunny

P.S. I'm trying to think of more ideas, but apparently my brain has decided to taunt me by refusing to cooperate.

All I can think of is that both Mello and Near have been shown "competing" at what they each of them excel in. I also looked through previous chapters and noticed that there were Mello-centric and L-centric ones. I could be wrong, there could be a Near-centric one (yes, leave it to me to be blind) somewhere. I think I'll check again.

(Wait, my brain is working now - hooray!)

If there isn't, though, what about something showing Near's thoughts on either Mello or L? Or working with Mello?

I suppose you could also stick the trio out in the rain and incorporate bells somewhere in there - just a random thought. Apparently, Episode 25 has embedded itself into my mind. How depressing.

Well, anyway, I suppose now would be the time to end this ridiculously long post script and review. Sorry for the lame suggestions. *sweatdrops*

Thanks again for updating this wonderful fic with another great chapter! :D

Jeez, that puzzle would take a long time, especially if it was blank like that. X_x
Then again, they are geniuses so...

But anyway, I really liked how you fit that metaphor in there, perfect opportunity and everything. :D

umm...i hav an idea, how about L, is forced to eat healthy food 4 a change and asks his favorite orphan's to join him in the experiance XD mello could turn it into an eating contest

aw the puppy was sweet! u coulda just said it died of old age! then all of us puppy lovin fangirls could be happy =] great story's btw!

It didn't suck, I've always thought of Mello as the more athletic one anyway. So I can see why he'd choose that to try and beat Near at.
Anyway, hope you can think of something new soon, thanks for the update. =D

Near? Playing baseball? The mere thought makes me grin.

And against all odds, Near somehow makes it to first base while Mello doesn't - leave it to Number One to accomplish such a feat, lol. Mello's ego must have taken a bit of a dive.

I don't think it sucked - trust me, it didn't.

If you need any ideas, though, here's one that's probably suckish, but still up for grabs. If you're still planning to make chapters with child-Mello and child-Near playing around with L, maybe you could have L make the two kids work together on a puzzle. It makes for good forshadowing, and it would just be plain interesting, because Mello would be out of his element.

Sorry if that's a poor suggestion, though. Hopefully whatever muse you have can inspire you.

Anyway, congratulations on another chapter. And thanks for updating, too! :D

Aww...Sorry you were sick, it didn't suck at all. xP
This chapter was really cool for me personally because I used to do that all the time when I was little, it was a lot of fun to just run around and see how many I could get in a jar without the fireflies flying out.

Well, in terms of what to write next...Just throwing out ideas here, they could go on a picnic, paint something, or go somewhere like a museum. I can think of more if you'd like too.

I happen to live in a foggy, semi-polluted part of a city. I think that's why this chapter really stands out. I mean, I can just imagine the glow of the fireflies on the detective and his two charges...I love, love, love the imagery!

*sighs in contentment*

I liked this one, Near found a really good hiding place, though I probably wouldn't do that one myself. :P
I've done Mello's before though. Was curious to see if there'd be some of trick where they'd hide in a place where L wouldn't think to look, because he'd search in the less likely places first because they were more likely to be there? Okay, forget that, I don't think it made any sense the way I explained it. xD

Anyway, this was well written as usual, doesn't seem like being tired had too much of an effect. How many are you planning to write? (I know you don't have a plan, but when do you think you'll call it quits?)