It might have been a good way to handle this mess, if it weren't for the twit's damn pride. Mello had guessed by now that Near had taken the easy out he'd offered, and had been kicking himself for suggesting it. But he couldn't take it back without looking weak. No, he was stuck.

"We're not like other people. He especially isn't. Getting close to someone is a liability. It makes you vulnerable. Even if you're partners. He was forced to admit he didn't hate the idea, but it would never work in practice."