Just The Wind

Chapter Three

Mello

As expected, there was instant outburst. "I'm not kissing that fucking sheep!"

"Mello? No!" Near seemed as disgusted as I was. Huh, emotions. That's a first.

"Kiss kiss kiss kiss!" Sandra and Oliver were trouble. Matt never should have invited them. A glare silenced them - but only for a second. Damn.

But, honestly? I knew I couldn't turn down that dare. Neither could he. We did have reputations to keep, no matter how small or sad they were. And, honestly? I just wanted to get human emotions out of the white block of wood that was Near. Other than shame, disdain, or disgust, that was.

"Okay," I breathed. "Near, I'm okay with it." Matt's eyes widened, just a fraction. What, this was a fucking test?

And that was how I got to be sitting a couple of inches away from Near. I think that that was the closest I'd ever been to him without assaulting him.

I began to have second thoughts. "You don't have to, Near. We won't judge you, much." He shook his head no. The kid had resolve, I'd give him that.

And he just leaned over and his lips landed right on mine.