(Untitled)

[coordinated_n]

The past few days have been an odd mix of delight and misery. First the fight with N, then the bath with A, now the healing room with Mello.

Suffice it to say, Near arrives home in desperate need of another slow evening with just the two of them.

Comments

[antiqueatrocity]

There's about twice as many papers adorning the wall as last time, and A is tapping his pencil against the coffee table, chewing on his lower lip--almost frustrated with himself and the half-scribbled paper in front of him. (So much for getting out more)

The door opening distracts him before he can really get irked though, glancing over to Near with a small blink.

I'm here.

[antiqueatrocity]

...oh.

He pulls away slightly, his face falling.

Y-you know I--I really didn't mean... when I said--I was just upset, and...

[coordinated_n]

Not just you, A. Don't blame yourself, you're one of a very noble group of six.

[antiqueatrocity]

But--I really didn't mean it, I swear.

The pitch of his voice raises slightly in desperation.

[coordinated_n]

Thank you. I know.

*Not really believing it, but he isn't allowed to let that on.*

Everyone important to me says so, though.

[antiqueatrocity]

I'm sorry.

He slides his cheek against Near's hair.

I'm so sorry. I didn't--I'd...

[coordinated_n]

You were angry, it's fine, I understand. It's the easiest insult to grab at.

[antiqueatrocity]

He nods slowly, rather unsure of what to do with himself.

Right--

And then he remembers that *he* was supposed to be the one reassuring *Near*.

I'm sorry--here, do you want to sit on the couch? It's cleared off, for once.

[coordinated_n]

Let's do that.

[antiqueatrocity]

Okay.

Gently pulling Near over to the couch and kicking rearranging the cusions slightly before sitting down with a quiet sigh.

[coordinated_n]

*Settling down with him, close as can be.*

I'm sorry.

[antiqueatrocity]

You've got no reason to be.

[coordinated_n]

I'm sorry, I just can't get past it.

[antiqueatrocity]

It's okay.

Brushing a hand along Near's cheek.

You just love too much, again. It gets you hurt--but I can't very well be mad at you for that, can I? So there's no need to apologize. I'm always here.

[coordinated_n]

I think that's why it hurts- I'm doing this, when I know better. Being accused of not-

[antiqueatrocity]

I appreciate it, though. I really don't know what I would have done if you hadn't loved me.

And--and if they really mean it, then they can just... A falls into silence, biting at his lip. That's just not fair to you.