Now he can’t sleep.

Wear less layers.

He woke up sick.

Bored. Stacking a card house together.

. . . Nothing to say. Only starting to stack them again.

❝.. You seem troubled.❞ A small comment as he kept his gaze forward, focusing on rebuilding his project.

❝Because, I’ve been around your emotions for most of my life. It’s natural for me to be concerned about you.❞

He gave a small shrug in response, sparing a glance at him. ❝I offered my shoulder. I’m fairly certain that’s what you’re meant to do with troubled people.❞

❝I care. I just don’t show it the way others do.❞ He stopped what he was doing for a moment, staring at the card in his hand. ❝I don’t dislike you the way you seem to with me. And that’s fine.❞

❝And you’re worried about him.❞ He resumed his work, going back to stacking his cards. ❝What did he go out for?❞

❝That seems in character for him. Matt has never been a happy individual.❞ Bluntness in his tone as he spoke, seeming to show little concern for their friend. But it wasn’t exactly the case. ❝Did you two have another fight, by chance?❞

❝It just seemed like a possibility. You two argue often.❞

❝You do. I’ve witnessed it for years.❞ Near could see right through him, and he knew that it irritated the other. ❝You lash out at him from time to time.❞

❝Maybe he just wanted to leave for a while. That’s what you did.❞

Stacking another card, his tower crumbled once again. It caused him to turn and finally look at Mello. ❝You make it sound like he’s your property.❞

❝He cares about you too much to let himself die.❞ Another blunt statement, his expression unchanging as he maintained eye contact with him.

They may as well be married with how much they argue.

I don’t think I will.

When you two do eventually leave each other, I’d like to go with Matt.

If you say so.