Don't be an asshole, [Mello immediately snaps. Even in jest, the question is an insult to everything they've ever worked for. Though the question does prickle at his skin; M was always about power wasn't he?]

[And while he doesn't know the details of L and Kira's bond (please, God, let him remain ignorant), he knows that it's shady at worst, inappropriate at best. Why doesn't L just drag the two of them into a room and spit in their faces, directly?]

[N, he understands. N, he knows. But L? No. Nothing about the situation rubs Mello as something acceptable in any manner. But their are more intricate matters at hand; matters that involve his progression in this life after death, and Near is handing it to him on a silver platter.]

I know that I rejected working with you, once.

[Hell, tried to kill Near, even. But that's not important, right now.]

[A pause, a shift, and Mello has suddenly become more grim. What he's agreeing to — ]

I need balance. But you? [And his very expression says t'ch.] I'm always going to wonder about your motivations.

[As will Near, regarding him. At least, he suspects as much.]

I'd like to get this through with as soon as possible.

[There's a ceremony, he knows. He turns his back to the other, preparing to walk away. Even seeing N like this ticks a box that just doesn't belong.]

Tomorrow, then.

[Mello's never been one to accept an argument.]

Unless you have plans with Yagami.

[Oh, is that a bitter bite to his words? Probably.]