A/N: Hey, I was completely surprised (pleasantly so) that I got reviews for such a short prologue. It really did encourage me to get the first real chapter out there. I hope this satisfies you guys!

Mello stood outside Near's bedroom door. He was contemplating, turning several seemingly random ideas into a plan.

"I got to find some way to break him. He isn't afraid of getting beaten, so that means I have to find a different approach."

Mello thought back to all of his previously failed attempts at causing fear to the smaller boy. Sure, he would get a few unsatisfying flinches, but no real show of panic.

Then, it suddenly occurred to him: Mello has only used violence as a means of evoking reactions. He had only been targeting Near physically.

Mello couldn't believe his stupidity. To destroy someone Like Near, he would have to attack his mentality, mess with his head.

Smirking at the conclusion he made, the tall blonde proceeded to open the door in front of him, and waltz in, making sure to lock the door behind him.

"Hello Near," Mello said in a menacing tone, staring at the small form in the corner.

Near chose then to look up, as if he only just noticed someone was in the room with him.

"Hello Mello. What brings you here?"

Near waited for a response, but nothing was said, so he returned to his puzzle.

That was fine with Mello. The blonde stalked over to where the younger boy was sitting on the floor, and just loomed above him.

This tactic wasn't meant to unsettle the albino, but if it did make him feel like uncomfortable, that would be an added bonus.

"Is there something that Mello needs?"

Mello couldn't tell if Near was just good at hiding any and all emotions, or if he even had any to begin with. However, he was certain he would find out soon.

"As a matter of fact, Near," Mello roughly shoved him down, and proceeded to slap the boy across the face, "I need you." And with that, he placed a gentle kiss on the white-haired boy's reddened cheek.

A/N: Ah, I was hoping for a longer chapter. But I thought it would be more fun for everyone if I saved the next scene for chapter 2. Thank you to all who reads this! I hope you find this story interesting enough.