Mello leaned against the wall just outside Near's room, crossing his arms over his chest. He could hear parts of the conversation between Roger,Near and the newly hired doctor.
Mello shook his head. Lately it seemed that Near required frequent visits with the man and spent days at a time resting in bed. Roger often assigned Mello to keep an eye on the ailing boy, as was the case since they were small.

Being Near's 'slave' was something the blond boy was used to by now as the younger boy was often ill. There had been many times he accompanied Near to the hospital, a trip he dreaded.

"Bed rest and make sure he takes the medication. If he doesn't improve in a week's time, or he's having increased pain or weakness, we'll have to consider moving him to the hospital for tests and treatment." The doctor instructed. Roger thanked the man turning back to Near.

Mello watched the doctor,who stopped briefly to give him a nod of acknowledgment before returning to his office.

"You heard what the doctor said, Near." Roger said.

"Yes, but he didn't say anything about needing constant attention. Checking in will do. I rest much better when I have quiet." Near said weakly. Mello sighed.

"He'll be quiet. You'll need someone here in case you need something." The man insisted.

"You know he complains about it. He does have a point, it's not his responsibility to tend to me, it wouldn't be fair to-"

"Near," Roger said sternly. " You know-"

"If you could bring me the over bed table, water and medicine, I can look after myself. I'm not a complete invalid."

"I know. If you were to need something, bed rest means you have doctor's orders to remain in bed, you're going to need someone to help you. That's my final word." Roger said, exiting the room.

"I assume you know why you're here?" Mello scoffed.

"Yeah. But tell me, why do I have to be the one to babysit Near, it's always me. Shouldn't you have the doctor stay if he's really that sick?"

"He can't, Olivia has pneumonia, at her age she needs his attention. You've sat with Near before, so you'll be prepared in case he needs something and you'll know when to contact me if he gets worse. You've seen it before."

"I'm not the only one in the house that can do this. Why is it always me, I don't see you sending him in to my room when I'm sick to do everything for me. What makes him so special?"

"Mello, please don't give me a hard time about this. Just go in there and sit. You don't have to talk to him. Just behave yourself." Mello groaned in frustration, but did as he was told.

Upon entering the room, he found the younger boy sitting up in bed, rearranging his pillows.

"Before you say anything, I want it understood that I did try to get you out of this. Contrary to what you may believe, I don't enjoy-"

"You like torturing me. My show's on today and because you're sick, I'm not going to see it. You're always sick, Near. Stop it." Mello raged. Near leaned back against his pillows, his hands resting on his belly.

"Don't worry, Mello. You won't have to 'babysit' me much longer. I am sorry that you end up stuck here. Be patient a little longer." Mello narrowed his eyes at the boy.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Near offered no explanation, instead turning his head away from his rival. Mello's expression softened slightly. He wanted to break through the angry facade and reach out to the boy. Tell him his secret. The words scared Mello.

What exactly are you telling me, Near? He thought, puzzled by the message. Whatever it meant, Mello wasn't sure he liked the sound of it