Matt,

I love you.

No, not like how it sounds. I'm not in love with you, I just love you. Like a brother. Hell, when you grow up in a fucking orphanage everyone's your family. But you…you were different. While I may have come across as brash and arrogant to everyone else, you always had the knack for bringing me out of my fake shell and into my real one. You make me, me. I don't have to pretend around you. I love that.

I can say 'I love you' all I want, because I know that it doesn't mean what others would think. We're close, dude, but we're not THAT fucking close. I am not, in no way at fucking all, gay for you or anything about you. As cute as you are (and you know it, you sick motherfucker), I'm straight. You'll always have a special place in my heart, though. Know that.

Looking back, I can honestly say that I liked you the first time I laid eyes on you. You were all big-eyed and shy, and I was so distracted I ran into an open door. So much for a genius, huh? What's it been, ten years already? It feels like I've known you my whole life. And yeah, I ended up with a few bumps and bruises after my face became intimately acquainted with that door, but since you were the one I talked to while I healed, it wasn't too bad. Some scars are worth it.

Do you remember that time you were dating that bitch? And how you chose me over her and she dumped you? Well, good for her. She didn't understand how special you really are. Oh well, at least I got to be the shoulder you cried on. She should be lucky that I didn't meet her ever again; I'd've kicked her fucking bitch ass whore face in and walked away. People like that don't deserve to have people like you.

I do, though.

Why me? Because I was the one that was always there when you needed me, and you were always there for me. Even when you didn't answer my texts or emails, I knew you read them. Even when you couldn't answer the phone, I know you always listened to my messages. You know I always did the same. I'm willing to take a bullet or two for you; hell, I'm willing to DIE for you. Because you're my best friend and no one means as much to me as you do.

'Cause I love you.

Plain and simple.

—Mello