Bang.

Bang. Bang.

Girl screams. Bang bang bangbang bang. Argh! Game Over, the game computer chirped in a happier mood than necessary that Matt just had to swear at despite it being just a video game. He glared at it as he cast it onto the near by table.

"Fucking bastards. I was so close," He sneered to no one in particular while he grabbed his cigarette, lighting it silently as it bobbed in between his lips.

"Lost again?" A voice chimed from behind him. Matt rolled his eyes, slumping deeper into the lounge chair. Of course Hoshiko would have been able to find him here. This café was their spot, if you'd call it that. It's the first place they had seen each other in besides the Whammy's House. She had been adopted a few years back so when they ran into each other, she was ecstatic and has met him here a few times a week now.

Looking at the café now, Matt found it was the only place he actually enjoyed being at other than the house. It wasn't loud like everywhere else. Mostly bankers and such filled the small scattered tables. Each either had a low conversation with each other or sat silently alone with a book on their lap and a donut in their mouth. Just how he liked it. He could come here any time he wanted and not be interrupted from his game… Until Hoshiko came. Now she made the point to sit with him when they were both here and tease him on something. Usually his games. It was annoying but she wasn't so bad. She had gotten prettier than when they lived together. She allowed her hair to grow out more and fan out on her shoulders in a wave of dark brown silk with some minor honey hue highlights. She had grown into her looks and developed curves. Nothing to great but it fit her small figure. It didn't hurt to look at her. Sitting down now with her small plate holding her usual bagel, Hoshiko glanced up at him through one of her bangs. Her rich dark brown eyes studied him while a hint of mischievousness danced in their darkness.

"Don't you realize you'll never win at that game?" She scoffed, pulling a piece of her bagel and shoveling it in her mouth.

"I'll beat it. I only lost because you appeared. You're a jinx."

"I am not! You're your own bad luck, Mail."

Matt cringed at his real name. Glaring at her through his typical goggles, he removed his cigarette from his mouth with one hand while he used the other to raise his coffee towards him, taking a quick sip.

"What'd I tell you about that name?"

"What'd I tell you about smoking?" She quipped, snatching the cigarette from his hands before he realized it and smothered it into the ash tray near by.

"It's going to be the death of you."

"You'll be the death of me of you keep doing that," Matt muttering, eyeing the snuffed pile of ashes mournfully.

Snatching her bagel quickly, Matt ripped off his own piece to eat and leaned away from the table to look at her now.

"So, on break?" Hoshiko worked at the local 'bar and grill' down the street from them. He never understood why she would eat here if she had food right in from of her but then again he never really cared.

Hoshi pulled her bagel back, not caring he took a piece, knowing he was looking for a rise out of her for it.

"Nope. I have a day off. I stopped here for some breakfast then I'm going to the House to visit Near. I figured you would be in here failing as usual so I thought I'd see if you wanted to come with me."

"I really don't."

"Fine. I'll just walk there all alone, then."

He raised an eyebrow at her curiously. "Why not take a cab?"

"Eh, Don't have the money to spare for it right now." She shrugged then waved her hand as if to dispel any doubt.

"It's fine. It's only a few blocks away. I can deal. I have enough pepper spray to knock down ever pervert in town."

Oh, great. She was playing the guilt trip card, Matt sighed inwardly. Well, I ain't biting. Not playing her game, Matt shrugged himself and pulled out his carton of cigarettes, tapping it on the table.

"Good luck with that." Reaching down to the cigarette that poked out from the opening, He stared around the café when Hoshiko reached out and snagged the carton, tossing them into her purse before he could even meet her eyes, staring at his hand as if wondering if it was magic.

"Be a gentleman for once, Matt."

"What for?" He growled, pissed now which only made him more desperate for a smoke.

"Because…" She grinned now, knowing she had the key to trap him. She reached over towards him making him back away, confused for a second until she grinned again and returned into her upright position. The game waved in her hand as if in rhythm with her cockiness.

"I know a code to get you an extra life AND to fully restore your health. Handy for when you got to go after the Boss, huh?"

Hoshiko winked at Matt and he jumped in front of her, hitting the table with his knees.

"You're lying!" He claimed, looking for a challenge.

"Am I?"

And there it was. He was her slave now and she knew it. That crafty smile was shining like a trophy now.

Standing quickly, Matt shrugged on his jacket and reached a hand out to her to help her up.

"Which way?"

"Now, That's better. And we're going the long way. Let's go, pet."

Hoshiko took the lead while Matt walked behind her, mentally kicking himself the whole way.

The orphanage towered over them now. The large marble columns stood tall, framing the small black double doors. The iron gates that donned place name were now decorated with lively vines that spun itself all over the court yard. Even other tiles that led the way to the door appeared to have a web of green strings over it. Hoshiko stepped carefully to avoid tripping like she had many times as a child.

Maybe this was my chance to change that, she thought with confidence until her toe snagged on a particularly stubborn vine, making her stumble with little grace. She caught herself before she made a full on face plant with the concrete but it didn't prevent Matt from still laughing from behind. As children, Matt had always been the one to sit alone, silent and distant, but had never failed to tease and mock her for her lack of balance. Hoshi was dreadful as a kid. It was safe to say that becoming a dancer was far, far away from her choices of careers.

At least I have all the brains I'd ever need, Hoshi thought smugly when she regained her balance and reached the steps. She turned quickly to meet Matt face-to-face who was caught severely off guard as he hadn't notice until his nose tapped her own and he stepped back quickly with a slight stumble.

"Wh-what? What did you stop for?" He sputtered out.

She could practically hear his heart sped up and she smiled.

"I want you to know that I'm different from when I lived here. I have grown. My balance may still need work done but I have grown mentally and can beat you at anything. Any day. Got that?"

His face washed over with confusion but didn't like being challenged.

"Whatever you say, Klutz."

She gave him a look then turned back, pushing the doors open.

Inside, Children of all ages cluttered the halls and rooms. Five years sat against the walls engaged in an intense game of Chess while preteens lounged in the various rooms either watching a documentary on the large monitors along the walls or were conducting some sort of presentation to one of the adults who worked as a teacher here.

"Remember when this use to us?" Hoshi asked, sighing, enjoying the familiarity of it all wash over her.

At her side, Matt had his hands forced into his pockets while he leaned back slightly, staring at the walls dully.

"I try not to," he grumbled.

Matt had never really liked living here. He barely talked to anyone, not even herself. Only people who ever got close to him were L, Near and Mellow. Mellow was like a brother to him. His best friend. Hoshi couldn't remember a time since they met that they had ever stopped being with each other. After Matt moved out into the single room apartment had they actually did things on their own.

Not wanting to dwell, Hoshi subconsciously grasped Matt's hand and tugged him along with her.

"Let's not just stand here. Come on! I bet Near is in his room."

They whirlwind up the stairs to the third floor, dodging kids, and went to Near's room. It was only until then that Hoshiko had realized she had Matt's hand in hers. She quickly released him and moved away self-consciously.

"You think he's here?" She asked quietly, peek up at him carefully.

Matt wasn't looking at her. Instead he stared over her head, down the hall, not meeting her eyes until he seemed to realize she was waiting for an answer. He glanced down at her for a brief second before he flicked his eyes back to what held his attention before she had spoke.

"Yea, sure. Just knock already."

Knocking softly, Hoshiko listened intently but was only met with silence until she had knocked once more. A voice cut through the door softly.

"It's open."

Peeking inside carefully, Hoshiko stuck her head in and spotted Near on the floor before he noticed who it was and she smiled excitedly, pushing the door open all the way now.

"Still plotting, I see."

Near glanced up now through the short strands of white hair that covered his forehead. A small child-like smile played across his lips as he sat up straight from his crouched over pose.

"Hoshi, It's nice of you to visit."

He cocked his head to the side to spot Matt who had stayed on just at the threshold while Hoshiko now was in the center of the room.

"Same to you, Matt. Did you come for Mellow?"

Matt looked down at Near.

'Not really but I might as well see him while I'm here. Where's he at?"

"Down the hall in L's old study."

Hoshiko blinked and sat down next to Near while Matt vanished back into the hallway.

"In L's old study? What for? Is he even allowed?"

Near returned to his toys now, rolling onto his stomach to be on eye level with his latest replica of what looked like World War I. He kicked his legs back and forth carelessly as he spoke.

"He received permission, I suppose. He wouldn't touch anything though so don't worry yourself. So how have you been, Hoshi?"

"Very well. I just moved into my new apartment. That really nice one I told you that I told you about that's close to my work. It was pretty tricky moving in but I'll be unpacking tonight and be all set up by the end of the week."

Near froze for a second then looked up at Hoshiko, studying her. So many things were running through that wonderful brain, she could tell.

"I miss having you here," He stated quite bluntly that made him look more his age than ever.

"It's lonely now."

"Aw, I'm sorry, N!"

She yelped, throwing her arms around his small frame lovingly then pulled away, holding him at arms length.

"But that's why I found a place close! So I could visit whenever and be here in a flash if you ever need me. You still have my number, right?"

She asked and he pointed with his right hand at the wall next to his large desk that appeared untouched. Along the wall was decorated with pages of equations, drawings and proposals but in between the official papers was a small bright green and yellow sticky note with her handwriting on it with her address and number. She smiled and nodded once.

"Good. Now you know, you can call whenever you need me. Whenever! I'll be here in a heartbeat, I promise. Okay?"

Near smiled softly and nodded with her.

"I know, Thank you," He replied and turned away to return to his toys.

Hoshiko sat down next him comfortably watching him. Her mind only wandered once, wondering what Matt and Mellow were up to.

Matt rapped his knuckles against the door once and pushed open the door without an invite, strolling in carefully. He was met with a cool stare from Mellow from across the room.

"Old friend," Mellow spoke in greetings, nodding once while Matt shut the door to stand in the center of the dusty office.

"Strange to see you in a place like this," Matt replied as his eyes scanned the room. It looked much like any other office. Books lined the walls more for show than actual use although L surely read all of them. If you were to lift any book of choice and flipped to any odd page and you'll spot notes in the margin from where L had wrote the correct answers to whatever theory was listed along with the several of spots and smudges from his sugar craze. Matt smirked and looked at Mellow now as he sat in the large comfy chair with a king size chocolate bar on hand.

"How is it strange? I am one of successors, correct?" He said smugly in between bites.

"So am I and you don't see me playing dress up, do you?"

"That's because you don't embrace it like you should."

"I don't see why I should. It doesn't matter much to me."

Mellow stood now and circled the desk to stand next to him.

"How could it not? You're one too."

Matt shrugged, searching his pockets absently.

"So? It's not that big of a deal… Dammit."

"What is it?" Mellow asked, munching on his chocolate.

Matt growled and glared out the door, down the hall. The laughs of Near and Hoshiko echoed softly in the air as he looked down at his empty pockets bitterly.

"Hoshi took my smokes."

This, of course, got Mellow to grin from behind his candy, his dark eyes playful.

"Hoshiko, huh? How cute. I'm guessing she bribed you into walking her here to see Near?"

Matt was about to snap at him when he remembered her 'bribe'.

"Damn, that's right. She owes me a code!"

He replied angrily, making a mental note of it while Mellow laughed now at his friend as he laid down his candy and jumped onto the desk, sitting comfortably. He knew Matt was a sucker for anything game related but knew even better that it wasn't what sucked him in.

"So how is that going?"

"The game?" He asked blankly.

"Hoshi, you idiot. Anything new?"

Matt blinked, lost a bit. Mellow could see he was in denial. As kids, they had been close although they never actually shared secrets much. They never really had to, at least. The boys could read each other like a book without saying two words to each other and Mellow knew Matt well. Hoshiko held a spell over him from day one. Okay, not day one but close to it. Maybe a few weeks off, he mused. It was a childhood puppy love thing but both kept it in the dark. There was a day where Mellow and Near had, for once, sat down together and talked not as rivals but as friends and discussed their friends. If even Near could see it then it had to be true. Looking now, Matt was still in the dark, in seemed and Mellow decided to let him slide this time. He'll learn in time. Instead, they launched into conversing over their latest job.

In the other room, Hoshiko stood up, dusting off her knees and smiled at Near.

"I got to go, okay? So much unpacking is needed to be done! I'll be back later, okay?"

Near smiled up at her, reaching up to her in a hug that she accepted happily.

"Okay. I look forward to seeing you soon. Watch over Matt, okay?"

"Matt? Why do I need to watch him?"

Near smiled then reached to his toys.

"No reason. Bye."

Lost, Hoshi let it go and walked out confusedly. This remained on her thoughts as she approached the ancient office where Matt had vanished into only to stop short right before the door as she heard Mellow and Matt discussing something she didn't understand but she caught the jist of it. Mellow was still sucked into the Mafia and teaming with Matt to get information on his latest heist.

"When do you need that information?" Matt's voice asked.

"As soon as possible. We'll need blueprints, alarm system information. Oh, and tail Tamaki. Learn what you can."

"Got it."

Hoshiko eyes burned slightly. Matt had promised her once that he'd stop being Mellow's work dog. She should have known it would have been true. Reaching into her purse, she pulled out his carton of cigarettes, took a deep breath and entered the room. Both men tensed at her entrance.

Good, she thought bitterly and held the carton up before tossing at Matt, a little harder than necessary but he could deal.

"You ready?" She asked coolly.

"Nice to see you, Hoshiko." Mello greeted her with a tight smile, unsure of her mood. She was definitely one girl that the two could never really understand.

"Mellow." She replied curtly, staring at Matt. "Well?"

Matt gulped quietly. He could see it in her eyes she knew. "Er, now?"

"Yes. Now."

"Okay. See you later, Mihael."

"Later, Matt."

Leaving the room, Hoshiko took the lead, never turning back to see if Matt was still following. He groaned then attempted a conversation.

"So, how was Near?"

"Fine."

"That's good."

"Yep."

Silence. Next try:

"So when do I get that code?"

"What code?"

"For the game?"

"Oh. There was no code."

Matt's jaw dropped and this time the conversation was done with for good. Walking silently down the street, He ignored the icy shoulder of Hoshiko and led her to her apartment. She barely offered a good bye, just shook his hand stiffly and vanished inside as he stared after her. But, as he turned away to walk himself home, he felt a paper in his hand. Hoshi had left him something. Curiously, he unraveled the tiny ripped piece and read its chicken scratch. A smile lit up his face and he put the paper in his pocket, smiling giddily as he strolled down the sidewalk.

"I knew she had a code. That boss is mine!"