Disclaimer: I think you guys know by now that I do not own Death Note nor its characters. :p

There was a click, a flash of silver, and movement all at once, and Matt knew there was gun aimed directly at his temple. He didn't turn to look; he didn't even flinch, just sat there in that lifeless way he had adopted. He was exactly like a statue: cold, motionless, dull unblinking eyes staring off at nothing in the distance. If it weren't for the slight rise and fall of his chest, Mello would've thought he was dead, had he not known better.

When did that ever-so-cocky smirk leave his face? How long ago was it that the light had slowly faded from those emerald eyes, only to be replaced by unflattering purple bags that grew progressively worse as the weeks went on? Mello couldn't remember - couldn't even remember how things had gotten so bad in the first place. Matt and Mello fought so often that Matt had just shut down, because that was the only way Mello's words didn't sting, or burn, or bite, or rip open old wounds and spit on them. The end result was this - this unresponsive robot that reminded Mello too much of Near, and lead him to do impulsive things just to evoke a reaction from Matt.

"Say something," Mello growled, low in his throat. His head was lowered so that shadows eclipsed his face; looking at Matt had become too unbearable for even him, who could stare down just about anybody. When the redhead didn't reply, he yelled a rugged, "I said say something!"

Any normal person would have cringed, but Matt wasn't a normal person anymore. He had created a barrier around himself to shut out Mello's harsh words, and in turn had shut Mello out completely. He supposed losing Mello would be his punishment. The assumption was too painful to think about, and so he blocked that out, too.

"God damn it, Matt!"

The way Mello's usually steady voice cracked was enough to cause Matt to glance over, and he was more than shocked to see Mello gritting his teeth, fighting back tears as he crumpled against the wall, hiding his face with one hand. Mello's exterior had shattered, and Matt's shield had along with it. It was so out of character that Matt blinked a few times, wide-eyed, his mouth parting slightly. He stood from the couch, slowly making his way over to Mello.

"Mello," he said, outstretching a hand as if to reach out to him. Honestly, Matt didn't know what he had planned to do with it.

Mello's head snapped up so that his icy orbs could bore into Matt's, tinted by goggles. "Get away from me!"

Matt recoiled, jerking back as if Mello had physically slapped him. He wore a look of utter hurt, and the hatred instantly drained from Mello's features. Matt had finally reacted.

Mello's hand automatically flew up to grab Matt's wrist and yank him down, crashing their lips together. Startled, Matt gasped slightly - another response. Mello was the one to break the kiss, pulling Matt against his chest and leaning his head against the gamer's.

"Don't you ever shut me out like that again, regardless of how painful," Mello said, a little breathlessly. He knew he was being selfish and he knew it was wrong, but he didn't care at the moment. Or at any moment, really, albeit he did want Matt to be happy. All he cared about was making sure that Matt would never leave, that Mello would always be able to call him 'mine.' "Swear it." Hearing no answer, Mello repeated himself, his voice wavering. "Swear it!"

Matt detached himself from the other male, drawing back so that he could look him in the eyes. Mello's held just a hint of desperation - though must would mistake it for rage - and Matt's were oozing sincerity. He leaned in and gave the blonde a soft, lingering kiss, pressing their foreheads together.

"I promise."

A/N: Thanks so much for reading! This isn't really my "style" or whatever, but I'm practicing. I apologize for OOCness, please review, yadda yadda yadda…. c: