...and kissing him.

Near felt Mello's lips graze his own. They were surprisingly soft and delicate, tasting like chocolate and warmth. He had been correct, as usual, but this had been beyond his calculations. Mello was like that sometimes; a roll of the dice, a tarot card plucked from a stack of well-shuffled ones. Surprising, and beyond calculation.

But there was no time to calculate the odds; Mello was kissing him. Near had felt love for Mello for a long time now, but now that the blonde was kissing him, it was almost terrifying. The idea that Near could easily be bent to Mello's will like this, controlled through his emotions, was scary. Mello's arms were wrapping around the albino's delicate body, his warm pink lips pressing into Near's pale ones, Mello's tanner, warmer hand clinging to his own. Near felt so warm, happy, and yet imprisoned in these feelings. He wanted to cling on to Mello, depend on Mello, and yet he could ascertain that that was stupid.

To be dependent was to be foolish.

Mello's arm had snaked around Near, his hand at the small on Near's back, his azure eyes focused on Near's hollow gray ones. Finally, the kiss broke, Mello inhaling a deep breath of the dusty air in Wammy's house. Near's pale, colorless face had turned pink; bright pinks and reds were splashed against the albino's skin. Mello smiled softly. Near smiled back, not resisting.

"I guess..." Mello started. "I guess you are always right, then..." Mello blushed darker.

"I do love you..."

Near smiled a soft, gentle smile.

"Will you help me rebuild my tarot city?"