Mello sighed heavily, placing the second blanket over Near. The boy began visibly shivering following a sudden drop in his blood pressure which the doctor assured them had been the result of a change in medication.

"You okay?" The blonde asked, Near simply nodded. He had been in the hospital for three days and seemed to be weakening more each day. Though Mello knew from the time he had spent watching over Near previously that his illness always got worse before it got better, he still found himself keeping a closer eye on him. The blond teen brushed back a few strands of white hair from Near's face.

"Do you need me to get you anything, you haven't had any water in a while, I could-"

"No. I just need to rest, I'm so tired. It doesn't matter how long I sleep it's never enough."

"You're sick, Near, it happens. Doctor said it's your medicine, give it time. It'll be-" Mello stopped, bowing his head,unable to finish. Near took hold of Mello's free hand.

"It will be all right."He said weakly. "Believe it or not, it will be."

"I don't know how you can say that. Doesn't any of this-"

"Dying is a fact of life, sooner or later it happens to everyone, that can't be changed. It won't do any good to be upset over it. It's something we all have to accept."Mello shook his head.

"Sometimes I wonder if you're even human,nothing upsets you, not even something like this, it's like...you're some kind of robot. A normal person would've at least-" A faint grin appeared on the ill boy's face.

"You've called me a lot of things over the years, but I've never heard that one. Who knows, maybe I am. Perhaps a cyborg sent here on secret mission."Mello couldn't help but chuckle.

"A cyborg, really?"

"Why not, it's just as ridiculous as me being a robot. If anything it would make more sense, robots don't get sick." Mello crossed his arms in front of him.

"How would you know, they might get..viruses, like computers."Mello knew how it sounded as the words came out but didn't care, enjoying the playful debate.

"Seriously?"Near shook his head. The older boy shrugged.

"Maybe, I mean, you'd know...so are you?"

"I'll never tell." Near teased.

"Inquiring minds want to know, Near."

"They'll just have to keep wondering. I'm not the kind of person to ruin a perfectly good plot that keeps you guessing."Mello lightly kissed Near's forehead.

"You're so weird."Near scoffed.

"Even if that's true, what does that say about you?"The ill teen retorted. Before Mello could reply, Watari appeared in the doorway, a nurse followed the old man into the room.

"Good afternoon, Near, Mello." Watari said gently, he moved to stand at Near's bedside. "How are you feeling?"

"Not much better." He answered shortly. The man nodded.

"It takes some time. This is Rachel." Watari gestured to the young woman at his side. The red haired nurse had a kind face, offering a gently smile to the boys. She held an IV bag in her hand. "She's going to make a note of your blood pressure and give you some more fluids. I'd like to talk with you when she's finished. I can take Mello back to-"

"No. I'll go into the hall if you want me to, but I'm not leaving Near."Mello said sternly.

"Mello, you have to understand that-"

"I'm staying, Near needs-" The conversation was interrupted by a sharp gasp from Near. His hands suddenly grasping at his right side.

"What's wrong, tell me wh-" Mello began.

"Near," Rachel called softly. "Can you tell me about the pain you're feeling?" She reached into her pocket, pulling out a small notepad and paper.

"It's sharp." The boy answered, squeezing his eyes closed. Mello reached out, resting a hand on top of Near's.

"It's okay." He soothed. "You can give him something for this, right?" He glanced over to the nurse, who was busy taking notes.

"I'll have to get it approved by the doctor, but he might want to stop in and have a look. Near what's your pain level, sweetie, one to ten?"

"Eight."

"I'm going to have our on call paged right now. I'll be back shortly." She hurried from the room leaving Watari and Mello to comfort her patient.

"I know it's difficult, but try to relax. It's only going to make it feel worse if you don't." The old man advised. He watched Mello stroke Near's white hair affectionately.

"It'll feel better soon, They'll have to give you something." Near remained silent, attempting to rest, but it felt like an eternity had passed before Rachel returned with the medication, adding it to his IV.

"This is more than likely going to make you sleep." She explained. "The doctor should be in before it takes full effect. Try to get some rest. If any of you need anything, please don't hesitate to press the call button or visit the nurse's station. " she offered an encouraging smile. Watari thanked her as she moved past him and returned to her work.

For a long moment, no one spoke. Watari lowered himself onto a chair with a soft sigh. It didn't take long for Near to drift into a peaceful sleep with Mello still holding onto his hand.

"I'm sorry, Near." The teen said softly, leaning down to kiss his forehead.

"So it's like that ,is it?" The old man asked kindly.

"Yeah, it is." Mello replied. "I don't care who knows it. I love Near."

"Good, he'll need it. Something like this can be difficult for everyone involved. I know you have a hard time when he comes here, it's only natural to be concerned about the one you love."

"Did you...know?"Mello asked.

"Did I know what?"

"About...I mean you don't seem surprised." the man chuckle warmly.

"My dear Mello, I've known about your love for Near for quite a while. The way you teased him, the denial, the reaction to his hospital stays and illness...I'm old, my boy, but I'm far from blind. It's a classic sign, many times young people act out toward their loved one either to hide their true feelings or because they're not sure how to express them. More recently, I saw it in the way you came here on your own to be with him, bringing him his bag and insisting on staying even after Near tried to get you to leave. Of course, Near's signals are more..subtle I suppose would be the word."

"Yeah, I didn't-" Mello sighed heavily. "Did L send you on-"

"He and I agreed that I should be here, with all that's going on-"

"Doesn't he need you, you're always with him."

"He's more independent than you may think. The reason I'm here is you." the blond boy turned to him in confusion.

"Me, but why?"

"Mello, there's a lot that you and I need to talk about, please sit down." the man's tone was soft, but a hit of sadness was evident. Mello sat, usually such a statement would cause his heart to drop and anxiety to grip him, but now, having spoken to his love he realized that there was nothing the old man could tell him that could hurt him now. He had nothing left to lose.