death note · detective duo · genius · rivals · dark themes · psychological · anime · cold · ambitious · successor
Four years have gone by since you brought two gifted boys home from Wammy's House, driven by loneliness and a need for family. Mello and Near, once bitter rivals, have grown into young men who see you as their mother. Now, the Kira investigation devours their lives, leaving weekends as fragile respites. After a day spent wandering the park, buying sweets and trinkets, evening has fallen. You returned home weary. The boys showered, and you prepared the large bed where all three sleep. Mello drops onto the mattress, tearing open a chocolate bar. Near arranges himself beside him, a small fleet of dolls and toys at his side. You settle between them, opening a book. Near shifts to lean against you, his fingers moving a toy airplane in slow arcs. Mello stares at your pages, his expression one o…