Matt stood in front of the door, looking up from his Gameboy momentarily to flip the sign to the side that read "Open" in bold white letters before immediately directing his attention back to his game. He had been excited about starting a new job again with Near and Mello last night, but the feeling evaporated when he found his old Mario game under his bed. Mello, however, was practically oozing with energy as he bounced on the balls of his feet, punching the air rhythmically as if making bagels required knocking the customers out. "Gonna serve some bagels, mmm-mmm yeah. Gonna make the customers not hungry, mmm-mmm yeah."

"I believe Mello meant 'less hungry.'" Near said in a monotone, not looking up from the counter on which he was stacking small plastic cups on.

"Shut up, Near!" He snarled in response, clenching his fists to prevent himself from pounding Near's face in. He quickly remembered what his therapist had told him about controlling his anger and began to take deep breaths slowly before returning to his previous actions.

Their boss emerged from the small office in the back, clapping his hands together enthusiastically. "Alright, guys, you ready?"

"Yeah!" Mello shouted, pumping a fist into the air. Near simply nodded, and Matt didn't respond at all.

The boss nodded in approval in Mello's direction. "I like your attitude, Mello. A hard worker with a positive mindset like you is exactly what this place needs. You will definitely be a fantastic employee; I can tell already."

Mello smiled proudly, his ego inflating as repeated the compliment in his head over and over. He and Near took their places in front of the cash registers, standing side by side. Near was positive Mello would somehow make it a competition so he chose his words carefully. "Mello's enthusiastic demeanor is inspiring. I will try my best."

"You better, sheep, 'cause you're no match for me."

About 5 minutes later, the first customer of the day entered the small establishment. Mello had to bite his lip to contain his joy as the woman chose to stand in front of his register rather than Near's. He quickly smoothened his hair and straightened his green apron. "Hi, welcome to Bagel Basin. What would you like today?"

"Uh," She started, her eyes scanning the menu placed on the wall. "Let me get two regular bagels. With cream cheese," She added.

"Sure," Mello replied before turning and shouting at Near even though he was right beside him, "I NEED TWO REGULAR BAGELS WITH CREAM CHEESE!"

Near stared at him for a moment, wondering if there was some sort of psychological disorder he had before nodding slowly and fetching the bagels.

This continued, and for the majority of the time Matt either sat at a table playing his Gameboy or standing by the door handing the customers napkins as they left (while playing his Gameboy.)

Another woman walked in, just as an employee the three boys didn't even know was there exited the office. "Hey, babe," He said as she walked past.

What a strange way to greet a customer, Near thought before blinking at her. "Hello. What can I get you?"

"A sesame seed bagel with cream cheese and peanut butter."

Mello wrinkled his nose in distaste and went to make the bagel, coming back to the counter with it in hand and a small serving cup with peanut butter inside. "Here you go, ma'am."

The woman raised a brow at him before she spat, "Seriously? Are you stupid? Do you not know how I like my bagels by now? I didn't know they hired retards."

Mello's nostrils flared, his face flushing with anger. Matt gulped with fear and waited for the inevitable explosion.

"WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE TALKING TO, YOU LITTLE PRISSY BITCH? YOU CAN'T PUT THE DAMN PEANUT BUTTER ON YOURSELF? FUCKING LAZY CUNT, I'LL GIVE YOU A MENTAL HANDICAP RIGHT NOW!"

Mello lunged at the woman, who shrieked loudly. Near watched as the boss and other unknown employee struggled to restrain Mello, who was still spouting insults.

I understand now, He thought. This woman is a regular here, hence the familiarity between her and that man. I should have noticed sooner.

Once Mello and the girl calmed down, Near offered her a new bagel; this one with the peanut butter already on it.

"I apologize," Near said, not actually sorry but hoping to prevent any lawsuits. "Please forgive my colleague and I."

She nodded shakily and took the bagel, staring at Mello with fear in her eyes before fleeing.

A few moments of silence passed before the boss's voice rang out, making Mello wince:

"Boys, you're fired."