"Mello was supposed to give you a photo of himself," Missy explained to a confused Near. "That you eventually give back to him... or, well, he asks for it back."
"I was gone eight years," Near informed, his calm facade breaking. "Eight years. Can Mello imagine walking into a world and finding out everyone he cares for has grown up without him?"
"...Or dead." Mello added darkly. "At least you weren't around for some things...and you get to meet up with us like...the next day to you, even if we're older. I did wait eight years...we all did."
"And I have to sit here and look at Mello, who is eight years older, scarred, and obviously doesn't remember that he was meeting me in the closet to give me the same birthday present he gave me every year - a kiss!" Near hissed.