because i really love playing around with the idea that Matt was third by choice, for Mello's sake 3 i think it'd be so sweet.

written for my friend ca_te on livejournal, who wanted some Wammy's House -era fluff. i thought i might as well put it up here :) hope you like.

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The essay wasn't that hard. Long term causes of the French Revolution. Piece of cake.

Matt cut a glance toward Mello, bent over his paper and scribbling at inhuman speeds. Most of their classmates were still struggling over the multiple choice – it had been tricky. But with Mello cramming furiously all night long, Matt had kind of… absorbed stuff through osmosis. Or something.

Six minutes left.

Matt mentioned a few more dates, chewing the end of his eraser. He didn't really feel like writing a conclusion. Not that the French Revolution wasn't interesting. It was just... Prioritizing. He had to work out how to beat this really tough level in his game.

When their tests were handed back that Friday, Near was the only one to score a perfect 100. Of course.

Mello had gotten two questions wrong.

Matt had not, but his haphazard essay had garnered a confused comment from the teacher – what happened?

Rankings were updated at the end of every week; after Math, Mello dragged Matt to go see them posted.

"I can't believe I beat you on that test!" Mello gushed, as they ran through the hallway. Sneakers skidded on tile as they turned sharply left.

Matt grinned. "All that insane studying, Mel. I haven't got the heart for it."

The rankings placed him solidly third.

Only Near stood between Mello and the goal of his life – his face lit up like Christmas.

Matt thought about it. Down one spot, just as they moved up a grade. Matt could blame it on that. He could be plateauing just as Mello came into his own. Still in the top three. The loser among the winners…

Still the winner among the losers, though.

Just enough to save his pride.

"Hey, Matt. Let's get lunch now?" Mello grabbed his hand and dragged him along, Matt protesting halfheartedly.

Worth it? Definitely.

Third was a good place to be.