"...Matt was making me pancakes?" Near asked, slowly looking back toward the redhead.

Why did he feel so shy? This was Matt. He'd known him for years!

...Then again, he hadn't known him for eight...

"Well, I wanted you're welcome back to seem...welcoming." Matt smirked.

"...Mello keeps reminding me that it's only been a day and a half for me," Near informed, sounding a little cold.

"He's hoping that makes it easier." Matt sighed. "So it's not like you 'lost time'."

"I didn't lose time," Near whispered. "I lost Mello and Matt..."

Matt's features softened and became a little sad. He set down the pan and untied the apron- pulling it off before he walked over and hugged Near tightly.

Near tensed a little bit, but then relaxed and buried his face into Matt's shoulder - taking in the redhead's scent, which was so different that it hurt.

"...Don't cry Near." Matt said gently- petting the boy's hair and rocking him gently. "We got saved this time so you didn't have to cry over us."

"How did Matt know I felt like crying?" Near whispered, though he smiled a little.

"...I held you like this once before." Matt smiled. "Remember?"

"If I said 'I remember like it was yesterday', would Matt laugh?" Near asked, looking up at the redhead curiously.

"Only if it would make you smile too." Matt smiled down at Near before leaning down and kissing his forehead.

The teenager sighed, feeling relaxed and like he was back in his own time as he closed his eyes, just letting Matt hold him for a little bit.

--

Nate stepped in front of the door to block it, eying the crew slowly. "Just like I remember you guys."

"You could have seen us on TV," Light scoffed.

"Oh, I did," Nate snorted. "And I realized how bad of an actor you are while I was watching the series."

"You just realized?" Mihael blinked.

"Oh, no, I knew back then," Nate laughed. "But I wouldn't have said it to him. I would have been afraid he would replace me but now he doesn't really have a choice."

"You really think we care about the show!?" Missy snapped, making Nate jump in surprise. "We came here to find you, not because we need you to act for us!"

"Calm down!" Mihael shot at her. "He was just making a joke to keep this all light."

"Light?" Lawliet blinked and looked at the Japanese man.