It had been an honest mistake, uttering those words while so exhausted. Of course, he was lost in his memories, something he didn't like to do often. However, somehow, he had gotten it into his head that whomever was tucking the blankets around him and rubbing his back and humming a soft lullaby in his ear was his mother.
She wasn't a big part of his life while he was a toddler, but he remembered her tucking him into bed. She would always rub his back softly, trying to coax him into a dream-filled sleep. She would smile and kiss his forehead while whispering a 'good-bye', because she was rarely sure if she would come back for him.
So, when he felt a hand upon his forehead and heard the soft humming, he smiled gently. He reached for the hand and pulled it to his lips and pressed a kiss upon the knuckles. Without a care in the world, he muttered, "I love you."
Upon not hearing a voiced reply, he opened his eyes, seeing blond hair. From inside his memories, he couldn't remember his mother having blond hair and sat up a bit. He heard the other shuffle around awkwardly for a word before pressing a kiss to his forehead and murmur a half-hearted 'I love you too'. He leaned back into his bed and closed his eyes, a feel of serenity washing over him.
"Good night, Mello," he said softly, rolling onto his side.
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Standard disclaimers apply.
Written because Mello and Near are my muse.