#can science explain why pairing artwork with writing feels so incredibly nervewracking. like....

[jessaerys]

“—How was I supposed to know that?” Near’s mouth twists this way and that, struggling to find its composed shape. “This might be shocking to you,” he mumbles, “but I do not often get flirted with.” This is a Near that Mello hasn't seen since they were little: plaintive, wounded and wide-eyed and furious, whether over a toppled card tower or being called bug-eyes; when something was out-of-place or not-right and he wanted it put back. Even when Mello had resented it, even when he had caused it, the sound of Near wailing had tugged something raw and primeval in him. It finds that same spot in him now, stitched into every chamber of his chest. "Oh, μικρός αδερφός." (Somewhere dimly Mello registers that that phrase is ruined for him forever, now that he will always associate it with Near pink-mouthed beneath him—) "Well, for your future ventures," he whispers, grins. Catches Near's bottom lip between his teeth before letting it go. "That is definitely flirting."

allegedly quick sketch that got wildly out hand from a (very) future scene in august underground which i prommy will be updated this weekend with ch2. in the mean time, spoilers for chapter like, eight............... 🚬