Chapter 3 - Admission and acceptance

Mello P.O.V

...He's kidding, right?

I think it's pretty obvious that I care, surely?

"Near, tell me. I promise I won't make fun of you or anything. I'm trying to fucking help you."

The only response I receive is a turn of the head and a muttered, "Go away, Mello."

HELL NO. I'm not having that. I'm trying my best to be nice and care but he just totally ignores it. It's ridiculous.

I try and hold back the irritation in my voice as I get to my feet, my hands by my sides as I drop his arm. "Fine. I'm only trying to help you, Near. But if you're going to be like this about it then maybe L and Roger should get involved."

As soon as the words are out of my mouth Near turns and looks back at me, his eyes wide and if anything, his face is paler than normal. His voice sounds like it's shaking as he speaks, his words rushed.

"No! You can't. Don't tell anyone, I don't want anyone to know!"

I sigh and after a moment of hesitation, I reach out and rest a hand on his head. Wow, his hair's pretty soft. Like a sheep.

Seems fitting.

"Near, I won't tell anyone if you let me help you. I might hate you sometimes but you're.. I guess you're like a brother to me. A little shit, and a pain in my ass, but still a brother. And big brothers take care of the little ones, right?" I manage to force a small smile as I talk, ruffling his hair gently with a sigh.

Near is silent as he listens to me, his eyes widening further. Once I'm finished there's a short silence and I spot his lip trembling slightly before he looks down, his arms wrapping around himself. I let my hand drop back to my side and I sit beside him on the bed, going silent. I don't really know what to do now.. I'm not too good with being nice to people. But hey, he knows I care, right? That'll help a little.

And apparently it DOES help, because the next thing I know Near has his face hidden in the front of my shirt as he cries into it. He doesn't make much noise, small hiccups here and there, but I can feel his tears through the fabric. I wrap an arm around him and stay quiet as he lets it all out. He calms down after about twenty minutes, and he sits up a little as he rubs his eyes on his sleeve.

Near clears his throat and speaks softly, though his voice is still shaking.

"I'm.. Sorry. I made your shirt wet."

I almost laugh at this, but instead I ruffle his hair and smile a little. "It's okay. It's good to have a big cry once in a while, let everything out y'know?"

He nods slightly and reaches up to twirl his hair through his fingers. I tilt my head slightly.

"Near...I'm going to help you. You're not totally alone in this. Okay? I promise."

A small moment of hesitation, then he nods.

"Mello... Will help me. I'll be fine." He took a breath to keep his voice steady. "I'll be fine."

((Hello! I'm sorry it's another short chapter, not much happened but basically this is what went down in Near's room during the flashback. Matt's going to get involved in the next chapter, Near's going to explain his reasoning, Mello's going to be well, Mello. XD Also! I know I have this down as a Mello X Near fanfic, but if you want a different pairing then let me know! :) Also, I'm accepting OC's for later on in the story :D Bye for now!))