[And he... believes N for one reason: they aren't in a race. Not right now, at least. Not racing to become L, not seeing who gets to Kira first. Though the way his rival speaks makes him sneer: Mr. Yagami, as though the thing that killed Mello deserves any respect at all.]

[Besides, the monster is a fucking kid. Mello would know; he sat across from him and was amused by what he saw. Well-dressed and charismatic, but a kid, all the same.]

[Doesn't matter that they're only a few years apart. While Near — is so much older, though he seems to retain many of the same childish qualities, upon first impression.]

I know he's not stupid, [Mello near-snaps for some reason. Maybe it's because while Kira can't permanently kill them... it means the same in reverse. Mello could fucking behead the boy a thousand times and it would mean absolutely nothing. He'll never get his justice; he'll never truly receive satisfaction.]

But I also know how bonds work.

[Half-accusing, he shoves his hands into his coat pockets.]

[Or at least he's pretty sure he does. He eyes the other: ridiculously long hair, no-longer human. It's jarring, really. But Mello will adjust. He always has. It's an ability that's gotten him through life more than once.]

[And he's not accusing N of anything, per se, but — ]

He can get into your head, one way or another, yea? That's how he compromised Linden?

[Has to be. Mello refuses to believe that L just went along willingly.]