I am. [No argument.] And he does not. But he does know you've caused Linden problems in the past.

[Which would make a potential bond with Near all the more questionable, something the naga should be concerned about. But as it stands - he isn't. He isn't concerned because he doesn't care. Because as short as his bond with Mello was, as much as it wrecked him afterward, he wants to have it again.

He misses it. He misses that brief flash of warmth, like a freezing man stretching his fingers out over the dying embers of a fire only to have them fizzle away just as his hands get close.

But he can't say that. Because he's Near. Because he's L. Because emotions come unnaturally to him.

So his expression is as neutral as it typically is, eyes turning downward as though he can't be bothered to deal with Mello's nonsense, because it's easier not to look at him. The fingers twirling in his hair fall free of it, and both make their way into his pockets.]

No goal. It's an offer to save you time. There are plenty of other monsters in this place to choose from.

[But anyone else will be inferior.]