(Author's Note)--Another story about Mello and Matt when they were kids. I'd say they're somewhere between 10 and 12 here. I originally planned to have this be part of my "How They Met" story, but I changed a few things. I showed my friend today, and she liked it, so I was happy with it.

I know it's rather short, but don't hate me for it!

Also, I don't own Death Note.

"So...you're Catholic?" Matt observed.

"Hmm?" the blonde boy asked.

"Those beads. That's a rosary, isn't it?"

"Yeah..." Mello replied, holding the cross on the rosary between his fingers.

"So, you believe in God then, I guess?" the redhead asked.

"Well, my mom and dad raised me to, yeah," he replied. "This rosary was my dad's; he left it to me when he died."

"So you're not like, mad that He let your parents die?"

"Well, to be honest, I was, then I realized being mad wasn't making me feel any better, and it wouldn't bring them back, so I just decided being bitter wasn't worth it," Mello explained. "And besides, if they hadn't...you know...then I wouldn't be here at Wammy's..." He paused here, as a deep crimson covered his usually pale cheeks.

"So, the opportunity to succeed L...that makes you grateful that your parents died?" Matt asked.

"No! Not that...and of course I'm not glad they died. What kind of person do you think I am, Matt?" he asked, still blushing. "I meen, succeeding L would be cool and all, but..."

"Well, if it's not being the next L that you're here for, then what is it?" the redhead asked.

Mello rolled his eyes and smirked. "You are so clueless, Matty..."

Matt stared.

"It's because coming here led me to you, dummy!" he finally said. "You were my first friend. You accepted me when others shunned me. You stood up for me when they made fun of me. And Matt, that's why...these feelings..."

"Feelings?" Matt asked, his heart racing. Was Mello about to say what he thought he was going to say? The very same thing that he himself had been keeping inside for so long?

"I've just gotta say it. Matt, I like you. A lot. But not just like a friend. More like a...b--b--"

"Boyfriend?" the other asked, his face now nearly matching the shade of Mello's. Please say yes, he thought.

He nodded, and a huge grin spread across Matt's face. He ran over to the blonde and hugged him tightly.

"Oh, Mello, I'm so happy! I've felt the same way for a long time now and couldn't work up the courage to say it," he said, feeling rather embarrassed.

"Really?" Mello asked.

"Yeah! Why else would I stutter when I talk to you about trivial things?" was Matt's reply. "Those butterflies can really cloud your mind, Mels."

Mello chuckled. "You want butterflies?" He moved his face closer to Matt's and whispered, "You can have mine."

Then he pulled Matt towards him and kissed him. Matt felt that familiar fluttery sensation in his belly as soon as Mello's lips touched his own. He also felt goosebumps pop up all over his body as he put his arms around the blonde.

"Everything does happen for a reason," Mello said softly, his hand clutching his rosary. "And all I've been through...it's been worth the pain, because I met you. And I can't think of a better reason to be happy."

Yeah, Mello's nonchalant attitude about succeeding L is kind of out-of-character. Keep in mind he's like 10 here. He's got time to become more zealous about it.