[Ignoring the message or delaying -- but not denying -- the meeting had occurred to him. This is an entirely new situation and he's not at all sure that he's worked out how to handle it yet. He could have waited until he'd had more time to think. But here he is.
[Near's collar is about as necessary as Mello's hood at this point in time. No one -- save for their mystery visitor a few weeks ago -- knows they live here. Keeping their faces hidden while on the stoop of their own house is probably ridiculous. But taking precautions is deeply ingrained. Once one leaves the shelter of four walls, steps must be taken to preserve safety.
[He's never seen Mello curl up like that. Whether it's an act, a new habit or simply one Mello hadn't dared show him before, he can't be sure. Regardless, it's an obvious expression of vulnerability, pulling himself inward to protect himself. It isn't out of any sense of fairness or reciprocity that Near crouches on the porch while Mello gathers himself. He just feels like it, left leg tucked to his chest as has been his habit almost since he can remember.
[That the question comes out with no hostility is remarkable; it's the kind of thing that Mello would normally scoff or hiss in his direction, less a question than a demand. And it's anything but uncomplicated. They're raised to be dishonest creatures, to hold no stock in personal bonds. Make allies, not friends. Replying to this would be easier if Mello had continued to be ignorant of the fact that there is a personal factor involved for Near.
[But he isn't anymore. And that's why it's being asked in the first place. What does he want? And does he dare say so?
[In his normal tone, no defensive hint in his voice:] What is it you think I want? [No, it's not an answer. He can't be certain this isn't a trap of some kind, or if Mello won't use this later even if it isn't. Mello has ample motive for wanting to use the truth against him and Near would be an idiot not to consider the possibility. He'd deliberately let his guard down this morning. Now, it's back up.]
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Date: 2016-09-03 06:11 am (UTC)[Near's collar is about as necessary as Mello's hood at this point in time. No one -- save for their mystery visitor a few weeks ago -- knows they live here. Keeping their faces hidden while on the stoop of their own house is probably ridiculous. But taking precautions is deeply ingrained. Once one leaves the shelter of four walls, steps must be taken to preserve safety.
[He's never seen Mello curl up like that. Whether it's an act, a new habit or simply one Mello hadn't dared show him before, he can't be sure. Regardless, it's an obvious expression of vulnerability, pulling himself inward to protect himself. It isn't out of any sense of fairness or reciprocity that Near crouches on the porch while Mello gathers himself. He just feels like it, left leg tucked to his chest as has been his habit almost since he can remember.
[That the question comes out with no hostility is remarkable; it's the kind of thing that Mello would normally scoff or hiss in his direction, less a question than a demand. And it's anything but uncomplicated. They're raised to be dishonest creatures, to hold no stock in personal bonds. Make allies, not friends. Replying to this would be easier if Mello had continued to be ignorant of the fact that there is a personal factor involved for Near.
[But he isn't anymore. And that's why it's being asked in the first place. What does he want? And does he dare say so?
[In his normal tone, no defensive hint in his voice:] What is it you think I want? [No, it's not an answer. He can't be certain this isn't a trap of some kind, or if Mello won't use this later even if it isn't. Mello has ample motive for wanting to use the truth against him and Near would be an idiot not to consider the possibility. He'd deliberately let his guard down this morning. Now, it's back up.]