Watari thought Near was an odd boy, even more so than L and that was saying something. L wasn't nearly as socially crippled as Near and was able to function normally within society contrary to popular belief. Near needed support, but since he was so apathetic and didn't care much for interaction with others, it was hard to find someone to support him. Watari was the few people who wasn't put off by Near's seemingly unemotional personality. Watari knew better. The boy could feel emotions. Watari had seen so.
The tears in his eyes when his parents died was proof.