[So Kira knows something, which is more dangerous than him being an eighteen-year old psychopath with goals who knows nothing at all. Mello takes note of it, nods in response.]

[And Mello? Isn't concerned at all regarding the specifics of this potential Bond. He knows the basics: he will feel what Near feels and as far as he's concerned? Near has always felt nothing at all. The potential power is what lures him; having such an intelligent, ruthless mind on his side is what lures him even further.]

[M has never been one to say no to power. In any form. Even if it ruins him, in the end.]

[When he chuckles, it's unintentional. This is all so absurd.]

You expect me to believe that you're doing me a favor.

[And he knows that to be a lie. His expression shows it, even if Near won't look at him, right now. But fuck if this isn't inherently uncomfortable, even if the two of them are made from the same cloth.]

You know what I think? [Rhetorical.] I think that you're as disturbed as I am by Linden's bond with our enemy. And I think you're lost.

[Almost snarled. Because Mello will always be a vile thing.]

[Besides, Near is correct. Anyone else would be inferior. So Mello takes a deep breath, measures his response accordingly.]

But I'll accept.

[His voice holds a sneer to it. This isn't an arrangement with which Mello is particularly pleased.]

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt — [Lie.] — that such an agreement doesn't end in a situation similar to Linden and Kira's.

[Also known as: this purely business.]