It would make Mello's frustrations all the more understandable. He works hard, tries his best . . . and yet still perceives himself as coming up short to someone who seems to do it all naturally. For all Nathan knows, Near hadn't done anything to discourage this perception, either. It hardly excuses the threat on his life, but it's easy to see how the situation could have come about, sad as it is.

It's the bruised shoulder that Lazarus ends up patting, but Nathan doesn't flinch. A little bit of pain, but familiar and negligible.

"Yes. We can both be better people, I think."

Their Others had been talented people, without a doubt. Had useful skills and keen minds. Nathan and Lazarus can use those skills, but they do not need to be their Others in order to do so. And for all concerned, that is likely a very good thing.