There was never much to do with the free time between classes and dinner that interested Near. Often he would just retreat to his room or the playroom that was intended for the younger children. Sometimes, though, he would be found tagging along with Matt and going wherever he went. This was one of those days.
Matt went to the recreation room, Near went to the recreation room. Matt went to the library, Near went to the library. Matt went outside, well, Near went outside. As Matt lounged in the shade of a tree on the perimeter of the backyard, Near sat with his back pressed up against the trunk, legs pulled up and hugged to his chest with his chin resting atop his knees. Quietly, he observed Matt, a bit of a longing look in his gaze that was mostly hidden thanks to his thick white curls.
Matt never minded the company. In fact, he quite enjoyed it. There was a certain serenity when he was around Near that could never be achieved when he was around Mello. Sometimes, he preferred it.
"We'll finally be the same age. That's something I always had on you though, that I was older," Matt spoke as he grinned to himself.
"Don't start talking like Mello, please. It's annoying enough to have to hear him complain whenever we're in each other's company."
Matt chuckled as he rolled over onto his stomach, facing Near now. Near offered him a smile.
"Mello wanted to go get some pizza later. You should come with us."
"To the cafeteria? That hardly seems worth the effort." Why on earth would Matt ever suggest that Near go along with him and Mello? He'd just end up being ignored. It happened every rare time all three of them were together.
"No, we're going out to town. To get out of this stuffy place. It'll be fun." Matt looked at him pleadingly, even resorting to his version of the puppy-dog face. Normally it wouldn't work because of his goggles, but currently they were hanging down around his neck so his brilliant blue eyes were exposed, sparkling in the sun, for Near.
They stared at each other a moment, Near being unsure of what to do. Finally, he blinked and cleared his throat, looking down as he nodded his consent. With his hair covering his face, Matt wouldn't be able to see the embarrassment spread across his features.
"Awesome!" Matt's smile reached his eyes. Near loved that smile. He loved that it was for him.
About an hour later, Matt and Mello walked into town, Near following a couple feet behind. Not like either of them cared. They only talked to each other and bumped into each other playfully, laughing and smiling. It was like Near wasn't even there.
They entered a small family-owned pizzeria that was close to the middle of the town. They found a table in the back and sat down, Matt on Mello's left and Near across from Matt. It was awkward, but mostly only for Near.
They ordered one large pepperoni pizza that they'd all share. When it arrived, Mello and Matt eagerly began eating, the tomato sauce getting on their faces and the cheese burning their tongues. Near sat quietly, picking the pepperoni off of his slice and stacking it neatly on a napkin off to the side. Once his slice was pepperoni free, he took a small bite, chewing quietly. He didn't reach for another slice once he had finished, but sat there, observing Mello and Matt interact.
Matt caught Near's eye and smiled at him. "Isn't this fun?"
"Yeah, sure," Near replied quietly, looking down, a strained smile on his face.
"Told ya it would be." Matt scooted his chair forward, causing his foot to accidentally bump against Near's.
This peeked Near's interest and shyly he moved his own foot against Matt's. When he didn't get a response, he tried once more. Still nothing. Wasn't he doing this right? He tried one more time and all of a sudden Mello scooted back in his chair, a disgusted look on his face as he began accusing Near, "Ew! Are you playing footsies with me?"
Near's eyes went wide and Matt just stared at him, mouth partially open with a slice of pizza in his hand. Embarrassed, Near stood up. "Excuse me," he said as he rushed for the door.
"Wh-, Near…" Matt tried, but Near had already exited the building and was making his way home. He was completely mortified. How could he have done something so stupid? That's what he got for trying to flirt.
