It would be an interesting thing to ponder, were it not so unpleasant. Is that the reason Near had been so cold? Possible of course, always possible. But not a guarantee.

"You and I developed our similarities independently. It is equally possible that the two of them had as well." That Near had been chosen because of those similarities and not that he'd developed them as a result of being chosen. Nathan's voice carries a hint of emotion in it when he speaks next, the first chink in the unfeeling armor he's encased himself in. A determination. "I will not be that."

If that is who Near was, using people that way, uncaring of their feelings, what pain he may be causing . . . that is not what Nathan wishes to be. It's another thing for him to fight against becoming. That kind of battle is something he's accustomed to.