Log In

"Why isn't Matt sleeping?" Near suddenly asked while Matt was going on about whatever - probably some game or something. "I thought Next was getting Matt to sleep more?"

Matt stopped mid-stream and blinked at Near curiously.

"...What do you mean?" He asked.

"Matt is pumped up on coffee and supporting a pair of bags under his eyes that could rival L's if his weren't mostly eyeliner," Near informed, before taking a sip of his water and eying the redhead.

"...Oh, seventy-two hours...right." Matt nodded.

"Matt only loses sleep like this when something bothers him," Near sighed, sitting back and crossing his arms. "What is it?"

"Nothing, I'm happy as a clam...fit as a fiddle...right as rain-" He went of on this tangent for a while.

"Matt hasn't lied to me in a long time," Near cut in after a few moments, causing the redhead to pause. "...The last time Matt lied to me was in New York, after Naveen died. He told me that Naveen had died quickly and painlessly..."

He turned his face away.

"It hurts when Matt lies," He whispered.

"...Ouch." Matt blinked. "I don't think I deserved that."

"What isn't Matt telling me?" Near whispered, giving the redhead a hurt look.

"I'm not...it's not something I'm keeping from you, okay." Matt replied- looking aside. "I have things...I know, I know...I never keep anything from you, but things are different now."

He sighed.

"...It doesn't mean I care less." Matt added.

"Like what?" Near asked, slowly reaching over and placing a hand on Matt's shoulder. "Matt... Matt knows he can trust me... so then... it must be about Next. Matt promised to keep a secret for Next, right?"

"Near, it's not about trust." Matt said- placing a hand over Near's. "I'd trust you with my life...have before."

"I know," Near whispered. "I understand... if Mello asked me to keep a secret, I wouldn't tell Matt either. Matt loves Next..." He pulled away, smiling weakly. "I'm glad that Matt and Next have each other."

"I'm glad you have Mello." Matt nodded before he reached under his goggles to rub his sore eyes.

"So am I," Near admitted with a smile, looking down at his half untouched plate. "Even after this whole thing with Naveen..."

Matt might as well have been shot up all over again after that response- it felt that way anyway.

"...Yeah, but Mels always seemed to have it in for you." Matt smirked.