"I'm alright," Near assured, turning to give Mello a smile - one that blonde could instantly tell was forced.

"...No you're not." Mello replied- frowning now and taking Near's hand in his own. "Why are you lying to me?"

"I'm not lying," Near informed. "Everything is fine... in fact, better then fine. Why wouldn't it be? Naveen is back... against all odds, he is alive again..."

He looked toward his brother once more, squeezing Mello's hand tightly.

Mello was quiet, but his thumb ran over the ring on Near's finger- the wedding ring- one of two that L had given Near for when they married and the only piece of aesthetic or sentimental value on the ivory-haired boy.

"I couldn't be happier," Near whispered, though he really didn't sound like he meant it.

"Near..." Mello called softly before letting go of Near's hand and lacing the fingers of his other hand with the boy- their rings together. "When I made that promise...I meant it."

Frowning, Near turned to look at his husband. "What is bringing this on, Mello?"

"I know...the idea crossed your mind." Mello said before looking down at Naveen.

"What... that Mello is going to leave me for Naveen?" Near pressed, frowning.

The albino boy turned toward his husband and firmly grabbed Mello's face with his free hand, forcing their eyes toward one another.

"Mello left Naveen a year ago for me," He informed. "I am not afraid Mello will go back to him... I am afraid that Mello will hurt him."

Mello blinked before he looked aside.

"A little late for that." He mumbled. "I already did...a year ago."

"And that is one of the last things he remembers," Near whispered, frowning deeply. "He hasn't had a year to get over it, Mello... to him it was a week ago."

Mello blinked and let go of Near's hand- sitting on the edge of the bed.

"...I hadn't thought of that." Mello murmured.

"I can't stop thinking about it," Near admitted, turning to look back at his sleeping twin. "Mello hurt him and then his best friend... well... killed him. And yes, I am his twin, but... Naveen and I haven't been close in a while..."

"...He'll need you...he'll need all of us." Mello sighed. "This whole place just changed in a year and he's got no idea where he is and who's here...apparently he was asking questions about everyone earlier."

"I didn't say I wouldn't be there," Near said, frowning at his love. "I'm just saying that... he probably feels very alone right now."

"...I don't know what to do...there's nothing that we can do, but be there." Mello sighed. "I wish there was something...or someone. Unchanged like him that could give him some stability."