It was a hot day when Matsuda went out to the convenience store, very hot. For a short walk to the corner store he was already sweating through his suit before he got there. It was a relief when he finally got into the AC. I think I'm gonna take my time in here, let them wait for their stuff. Matsuda thought as he strolled the small aisles.
While walking the aisles he spotted the new copy of Shonen Jump on the magazine rack. "Ah! I haven't been able to buy one of these in weeks. And I think I have just enough money to buy it-oh wait." Matsuda said to himself as he pulled the bills out of his pocket. "I still have to buy Light and L their stuff..."
For almost ten minutes Matsuda looked from the magazine, to the sugar, to the coffee, then to the money. He would've repeated this for another ten minutes if a voice hadn't spoken up behind him. And it was someone he didn't want to deal with at the moment.
"Yo Pops, you gonna buy the magazine or look at the pictures?" Mello demanded as he shoved past Matsuda. "If you're not going to get it, then move it. Why are you standing there like a moron anyways?" He said harshly as he snatched a copy of Shonen Jump from the rack.
This day just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it? Matsuda thought sarcastically. "Good day to you too Mello. I was trying to decide whether or not to buy this week's edition since I haven't gotten one in so long. It sure looks like a good one..." He said, wistfully looking at the magazine.
"Then why don't you buy it? With the green paper called money?" Mello asked speaking to Matsuda like a three year-old. He had already wandered away to the candy aisle to buy some chocolate bars. "You didn't just come in here just to look at stuff, did ya?"
"N-n-no!" Matsuda stuttered looking over to where the sugar and iced coffee was. "It's just that Light and L wanted me to get them some stuff from here, so I have to buy that before I get the magazine." He scratched the back of his head nervously.
Mello cut Matsuda a glare from over in the candy aisle. "Really? Just buy what you want and screw the others. It's your money right? Why pay for someone else's crap? They can get their asses up and get it themselves if they really wanted it."
"I know that but, you know...They already told me to and I already told them yes and I'm already here... So, you know." Matsuda babbled on nervously still looking at the magazine in the rack. I really want that magazine...
"Oh I know all right. You just don't know when to say 'no' to anybody. I've seen lots of people like you and you know what I call them? COWARDS." Mello said while scooping up a handful of Hershey chocolate and Snickers. "It doesn't surprise me that you are."
Matsuda's face turned scarlet with anger as he stomped his foot. "Hey! I am not a coward! I'm just doing something nice because they're my friends. Or at least I think they are... But I'm not a coward!" He said huffily as he balled up his fists.
"Alright then, I'm not your friend. So pay for these." Mello said as he walked toward Matsuda with an armload of candy. There had to be at least $25 worth of candy in Mello's arms, plus the magazine buried under it. He stood in front of Matsuda and waited. "Pay for them right now."
"Uh, umm, well..." Matsuda didn't know what to say. I could say 'no'. I mean it's easy to say it, just two letters, one syllable. Just say 'no'. Like in school and drugs. No, no, no. Sure, he's scary for a kid and he may be part of some illegal activity, but I could still say 'no'. I CAN DO THIS!
"Uh, sure. Of course. Um, how much is it?" Dammit. Epic fail.
Letting out a sigh, Mello watched Matsuda with disdain. "I actually feel sorry for you Pops. At this rate, random bums on the street will have you buying cars for them. You need help, serious help. And I may be the one to help you get a backbone."
"YOU? Help me? You're not sick, are you? You'd never help me of your own free will. You're sick, aren't you? Don't give whatever you have to me!" Matsuda asked backing away from Mello and looking at him suspiciously. "Or do you have something else in mind? Like robbing me!?"
Letting out a tired sigh Mello freed one of his hands just to facepalm himself. "Why are you such a moron? I don't believe there's someone your level of stupid. I'm deciding to help you of my own free will, so be grateful because you REALLY need it. So, deal?" Mello asked holding out his leather-gloved hand.
"Oh, deal! Finally I won't be a walking doormat anymore!" Matsuda cheered happily pumping Mello's hand up and down enthusiastically.
"Good, and you can sign this paper since you've agreed." Said Mello digging into his pocket and pulling out a sheet of paper. "It's for the community hours I have to do to get off probation from jail. Sign on the dotted line."
PROBATION!? JAIL!? What happened to doing this of his own free will?! And what did he do this time? Thought Matsuda as he stared at the probation letter. "Is it too late for me to back out?" He asked nervously.
"Yes. Now sign the paper. Toughen up lessons start tomorrow morning. And they HURT."