fifth. text (backdated to the 10th).

[torrefied]

[Shortly after it becomes apparent that the newest crop of arrivals has started trickling in, Mello sends the following network-wide message:]

Those of you who have just arrived would do well to read this. (Attachment: README.txt)

Those of you who aren't new will no doubt have commentary to add, since it's typically known that those who are unable to do things themselves tend to have no trouble criticizing those who can and do.

[Mello's not bitter. YOU'RE bitter.]

Comments

Text

[torrefied]

[And unlike basically everyone else, it's not like Mello can pretend that Near's opinion of him means nothing. Still, he's come to a certain understanding about Near.]

You're doing that thing again, aren't you.

Text

[solvethepuzzle]

And if I am?

permatext

[torrefied]

If you are, I'd want to know. It's difficult to discern tone through text.

permatext

[solvethepuzzle]

[Near would probably need to clarify his tone even if he weren't texting. In fact, they've had that discussion. But he won't point out the latter publicly.]

If you insist. Yes, I am doing that thing.

[He could have refused to clarify, if he'd wanted. And he may not have bothered if he didn't think it important in order to maintain their new understanding. But that Mello needs to be told whether he's teasing or not indicates that, at least for now, it is.]

[torrefied]

And am I giving you the desired reaction?

[solvethepuzzle]

[Given Mello's contrary nature, should he say so? Sigh. After a moment:]

This is sufficient.

1/2

[torrefied]

Good.

[torrefied]

Brat.

[That's ... what you do, right? When you're not angry and you recognize teasing for what it is rather than criticism? Tease back?]

[solvethepuzzle]

[Don't ask Near; you're supposed to be the one that's up on social protocols, Mello. As it is, Near is pretty much satisfied with some level of participation in the matter, so long as it's not potentially self-destructive. Anger is funny, but return teasing is fine too.]

That's terribly rude when I've said such nice things.

[This is odd, but nice in its way. Still, he's all too aware that Mello could still turn this into a weapon one day.]

[torrefied]

Yeah, well, you know me. I'm an asshole.

[Mello is fully aware that he's given Near plenty of ammunition of his own through his reactions to what Near said and what they both said on the porch of their house, afterwards. It's not trust, but it's something almost alike - mutually assured destruction, maybe.]

[solvethepuzzle]

Yes. I would catalogue all examples of it, but that would occupy too much data.

voice; private.

[torrefied]

[Since this is edging into personal territory, Mello switches to a private voice message instead.]

And what possible use would you have for such a catalogue?

voice; private.

[solvethepuzzle]

Simply personal reference. I wouldn't want to forget anything. [As if he would.]

voice; private.

[torrefied]

... So you want to keep tabs on me?

[A hint of a knowing smile edges into his tone.]