Days blurr into weeks into months. Near is still in his room. The k'nex come down eventually, he makes surprise things for A, leaves him thoughtful gifts, takes deep breaths.

For once, the world is good.

Near hasn't been seen in public for some time. But there's only so many two am kitchen trips you can make before you lose your sense of time and accidentally go when there might be people there.

So, Mello's gone. Lost. Not his any more.

Near is sitting on the kitchen floor, in a bit of a state of shock.

* Just after dying, Near appears in the hallway, out of breath and shuddering from imaginary pain. Being ripped apart alive is something he doesn't want to get more used to than he already is.*

Right.

*Nothing to do but wait and hope that the other two make it out.*