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"My intention is not to hook them up," Near reminded. "Its to ease the tension between them that comes from their failed relationship and the fact that they haven't seen each other in some time... at least in Mello's case."

"At least he understands why there's tension," Next whispered to Matt.

Matt sighed.

"You think the only tension comes from their not seeing each other and the fact that Mello dumped Naveen?" Matt asked Near as gently as he could.

"Of course not," Near informed. "But I would prefer to not go into detail of things that are painful for me to think about."

He turned his face away.

"I just wanted to be sure you're not completely disregarding your own feelings Near." Matt sighed. "Now that I know how you feel about it..."

He trailed off.

There was a moment of silence before Next cleared his throat. "...Anyone else wondering why Mello hasn't kicked in the door yet?"

"He probably checked your room first." Matt offered. "You're closer and a friend?"

There was a sudden pounding on the door- making it rattle in the hinges.

"Why on Earth would Near hide in my room?" Next asked his lover, ignoring the pounding.

"Not hiding there, but maybe you would have passed him or something?" Matt shrugged.

"Matt, Next!?" Mello's voice came through. "Hey! If you're in there and not fucking, I need to ask you something! Have you seen Near!? Hey!"

More relentless pounding on the door.

"We're in here!" Next sighed, eying Near as the boy didn't bolt for the closet once more.

"Then open the door!" Mello called through- sounding a bit irritated, but not as much as he would have been if anyone but Next had answered him.

Matt sighed and looked at Next questioningly.

"It's unlocked," Next told him, smirking a little bit.

There was a pause before the handle turned and the door opened a crack. A head of blonde hair poked in to check if the coast was clear to enter.

"We're not naked," Next sighed. "It would be a little awkward if we were, considering Near is next to us..."

"Near?" Mello pushed the door open and came in. "Why'd you run off like that?"

He came over to the bed and looked his spouse over.

"I wanted Mello and Naveen to have a moment," Near informed. "So that they could stop being so awkward around one another."

"What are you talking about?" Mello frowned. "We're not being 'awkward'."

Matt whistled and rolled his eyes.

"Shut up!" Mello snapped at the redhead. "Seriously, everything's okay Near."