There was an assignment due the next day, a paper outlining the effect of the Cold War on modern day society, and Near's fingers flew over the keyboard of his laptop, having put off working on it until the night before. He knew the subject well enough and he saw no reason to have to get it done early. It wasn't like he was going to sleep tonight anyway.
Seated on his bed, the light admitted from the laptop's screen was the only source of light in the room, the ceiling light and lamp light turned out, the blinds drawn tight so not even the moon's gentle glow could enter the room. It was his sanctum, his sanctuary, and nothing he didn't like was allowed in.
At precisely 3:03 A.M., there was one brash knock on the wooden door and before he could give a response, the door was opened and a brunette head peeked in. Near's fingers froze in the air, hovering over the keys as he stared at the intruder.
"Knew you'd still be up," the intruder commented, entering the room and shutting the door softly behind him. He walked over and sat at the foot of Near's bed, a smile on his face. But this smile wasn't meant for Near. No, it was just his typical smile. It was the smile he usually wore after hanging out with Mello. That smile belonged to Mello and Near detested it so.
"I have to write a paper," Near replied quietly, looking back down at his computer screen. His fingers didn't move, but continued to hover over the keys.
Matt's smile dropped a bit, but picked up, brighter than before, as he announced, "Hey! I got you something!" He began rummaging around in his jeans pockets, trying to find his gift. Near looked back up, taken by surprise that Matt had actually thought to get him something on his excursion to get chocolate with Mello. Near couldn't think of a thing that Matt would think to get for him, so he waited patiently until Matt pulled a bracelet made of beaten up wildflowers out of his back pocket, the kind kids in elementary school make when they're bored.
"We went to the park and I didn't have anything to do, so I made this for you," Matt's smiled remained as he handed the limp thing over to Near. Near took it, delicately holding it between his thumb and index finger, holding it over his open palm in case it should fall or start to come apart. Honestly this was the last thing he had been expecting. He stared at the thing, managing an almost inaudible "Thank you" as he slipped it onto his thin wrist.
"Consider it an early birthday present," Matt replied, his eyes warm as they took in the sight of Near's curious eyes examining the small gift.
Near blinked. That was right. His birthday was in two weeks. What shocked him more than the fact that he forgot about his own birthday was the fact that Matt had remembered.
"Mello said it was silly when I was making it. But I thought you might like it." It might have just been Near's imagination, or the lack of proper lighting in the room, but he swore he could see the bridge of Matt's nose turn just a tint more red.
"I do like it. Thanks, Matt." Near smiled as he fingered the delicate flowers.
"I'll let you get back to your paper then," Matt said as he stood up. He began toward the door when he was stopped by Near calling out softly, "Matt…"
He had no idea why he had done that. But he had. And maybe it would make Matt stay for just a little bit longer.
Matt smiled warmly at Near, heading back over to the boy. He stopped in front of him and bent down, placing a kiss on the top of his head. Near's eyes went wide, his mouth opening a bit, as he unconsciously stretched his neck out a bit as Matt's lips retreated from his head. He wanted more.
"Night," Matt smiled and waved as he left, shutting the door quietly behind him.
There was no way that paper was getting done tonight now.