[No, it doesn't mean Near would never hurt him or use him. He's done both of these things in spite of his longstanding fondness. Always for a purpose -- when the hurt had been intentional, though the majority hasn't -- and never as an end, but he's done it all the same.
[Here, though, there is nothing he stands to gain from it.] Knowing what you do now, would you accept one?
no subject
[Here, though, there is nothing he stands to gain from it.] Knowing what you do now, would you accept one?