A/N: I'd just like to thank those of you reading, it really means a lot to me! If you can find time to review I would be very appreciative. Again, I will try my best to update at least once a week. Maybe twice if I'm not that busy. But anyways, Enjoy! :D
O0O
Mello wriggled in Matt's arms, loosening himself from his grip. The after effects of his outburst hung over. There was a throbbing pain in his head, as if it were being pounded by a mallet, and his throat was sore and dry.
'I can't believe I just let myself cry like that, in front of Matt!'
What did he think of him now? Had L's death been the crack in the marble that triggered his breakdown? The blond cursed himself mentally. How in the actual fuck could he let himself go off the deep end? He was Mello, second-ranked successor to the world's greatest detective! One of the brightest minds of his generation! And yet he folded- just like that- at the push of a button.
Mello tilted his head to the side, finding himself unable to look Matt in the face. He felt a warm palm gently cup his chin that beckoned him to look upwards.
"Hey," Matt's eyes shone like liquid diamonds. Mello had never noticed how charming they were; te gamer wore goggles most of the time. "You're human."
It was almost like Matt had been reading his mind.
He grinned as fingers briefly played with the golden locks framing his face. "Oh really? So I'm not a vampire?"
The teens laughed. A couple of years ago, Matt had gone through a monster-obsessed phase. He had suspected Mello to be a real vampire, going so far as to keep a journal that documented Mello's sleeping patterns and other habits. Sure enough, the chocolate lover was more than pissed and had went "monster" on Matt.
"So," the brunette started. His face took on a more serious expression. "You're going to America alone?"
"Planning on it."
Matt shook his head. "I'm going with you."
A distinct happiness bubbled inside of Mello. He desperately fought back the smile that threatened to break free. "Matt.. You don't have to do this. It'll be dangerous."
"Don't you think I know that?" His companion had already begun packing, gathering his own belongings from the room's other closet. "What time does your flight leave?"
"11:59 tonight .." The teen hesitated. He was reluctant to tell Matt that he had purchased an extra plane ticket exclusively for his sake. After all, he had planned to ask Matt to accompany him anyways. He just lucked out in the fact that he didn't have to. "I bought an extra ticket, in case you wanted to join me."
"Even better." Matt took the time to carefully fold his clothing. A rainbow of stripes and other peculiar pieces sprawled out on his bed. "And honestly, did you really think the possibility of a little danger would keep me away? I eat nails for breakfast, Mello."
"Yeah, and you smoke cigarettes for lunch, dinner, and dessert." Mello's nose wrinkled at his own underhanded comment. He threw an empty cigarette box at the smoker, which smacked him dead in the center of his forehead.
"Ahh! Quit!"
The friends were soon at war with each other, throwing whatever objects they could get their hands on. Their beds transformed into protected forts, and the area between became "no man's land." For a moment, they were children again.
O0O
9:00 pm
The parking lot was silent as the two teens hauled their purchases through the night's warm air. After dinner, they had ducked out to a nearby convenience store to pick up a few items before their departure. Matt, of course, had felt the need to stock up on cigarettes. Mello had nagged him about his habit, and told him he was going to die of throat cancer.
However, the blond got his share of torment when he decided to wipe out over half of the store's supply of chocolate candy. Matt ridiculed him all the way back to Wammy's.
"Mello," the brunette started as he held his identification card under the entrance scanner. A green light of approval flashed and the large doors began to slide open, giving them access into the building. "What made you take off so early this morning?"
Mello sighed. "I got my ass up to go wait in line at that game store. For three hours." A hint of bitterness tainted his face. "The new 'Gods of Underworld' was released today.. I was going to give you a copy for your birthday present."
"Was?"
"They sold out." Mello gave his friend a look of apology.
"Well, it's okay," Matt flashed a small smile. "It's the thought that counts."
Mello shrugged in response. "I got back here around 8:30. Roger was waiting with Near... He told me that he had some grave news."
Matt listened; he had a strong feeling about what Mello was going to tell him next.
"He told us that L was dead, and had failed to choose either of us as his successor. He insisted that we work together to catch Kira," traces of rage polluted the blond's voice. It grew louder with each passing second. "I wouldn't have it! I'd told them both they could kiss my ass! I'd catch him myself! That's when I went to find Rogue, to help me make arrangements. Lash is going to drop the thre-"
"THREE? Who said anything about that fuckwad-"
"Matt, he has connections in New York! His attendance is essential to the plan."
"How essential?"
"We'll be staying with a family friend of his, a very successful Wall Street stockbroker."
"I guess." Matt complied reluctantly. If he was going to be there for Mello, he couldn't let something as simple as that idiot get in the way. "Do you know this friend?"
"Who gives a shit! He could possibly have everything we need to beat Near!"
The two were making their way up the vast stairs, figuring the noise of the elevator would draw attention. Matt could tell his roommate was becoming irritated, so he let the subject drop. Mello didn't quite understand that Matt's purpose wasn't to help him beat Near. All he wanted was to support his friend.
When they reached the floor their room was located, a tall figure leaning carelessly against their door was spotted. As they approached closer, the lanky form in the darkness was identified as Rogue. He seemed to be in his own little world; earbuds were embedded into his ears, and his eyelids were shut.
Matt viciously ripped out the older boy's headphones. To his surprise, and annoyance, the act of spite didn't phase the urbanite one bit.
"I see you're back." Rogue lazily stretched, "I was waiting."
"I take it you're ready," Mello greeted, aiming an inviting smile at the teen.
Rogue was decked out in a pair of skin-tight, ripped, leather pants and white canvas sneakers. A long, dark trench coat was worn over a gray tank top. His frosty, blue eyes were bright, shining like new money even in the black hallway.
He nodded, flipping his ebony hair. "Lash should be back soon. He went out to gas up."
"Great." Matt spoke up, unlocking the door. He was still less than enthusiastic about Rogue coming along. Two's definitely a party, but three…not so much.
Their room was just how they left it, tidied from their little game earlier with their bags placed on Matt's bed.
"Yea… I called Alec a couple hours ago. He said he'd be at the airport to pick us up."
The three took up their usual positions once inside. Mello reclined on his bed, popping small chocolate candies into his mouth. Rogue slumped against the dresser; an earbud was planted firmly in his left ear. His right was vacant so he'd be able to hear.
Matt occupied his area by the window. The disenchanted brunette lit his last cigarette for a couple of hours. The clouds of smoke he breathed out floated like gray ghosts in the night. In reality, he couldn't believe all this was happening. L was dead, and he was going to the United States. With Mello.
'Can we really catch Kira…?' Matt sighed. This was the craziest shit imaginable; did Mello honestly think all this through? If they got in too deep, made one wrong move, it could cost them their lives. He would much rather take his own life than die at the power-hungry hands of Kira.
'Fuck! Why can't he just swallow his pride and work with Near? Why?!' Tears were on the verge of welling up in the smoker's eyes. Inside, he knew that Mello's pride would be his downfall. That his unwillingness to admit defeat would ultimately destroy him. Mello's determined heart would take him far, but it would bleed in the end.
The first tear spilled.
Mello didn't deserve any of this. He had already been exposed to so much hurt and pain. He didn't deserve it! 'I can't- I won't- allow him to get hurt anymore! I'd be happy to give my own life to protect him. He doesn't deserve any of the shit the world throws at him!'
From that moment on, Mail Jeevas was ready to die.
"…Guess that's what love does to you."
Matt flipped around to face the other two boys, snickering at their little conversation. He honestly didn't care to know, or engage himself.
A techno-sounding ringtone cut into their laughter. It was Rogue's phone.
"Yeah?...You're ready?...Okay, just pull around front." The taller teen pressed the 'end' button on his cell. "Time to go. It's almost 10:30."
Mello grabbed his bags and headed over to the door. "Alright, let's get this show on the road."
"Uhmm, I'll be down in a minute. You two go ahead." Matt said. Brown and blue eyes shot him looks of confusion and suspicion. "I gotta use the bathroom."
"I'll take your bags, then. Make it quick."
"Will do." Matt glanced at the digital clock on the nightstand. '10:20. Crap!' Ten minutes. Before he left England, there was one person he had to speak with.
The gamer waited until the others' voices became inaudible, and slipped into the hallway.
O0O
Room 001
Matt chewed the inside of his cheek nervously as his knuckles lightly tapped on the door. A few moments later, a short white-haired boy answered. His pitch black eyes had matching shadowy rings underneath, and he wore an oversized chiffon nightshirt that fell just above his knees.
"Hello, Matt. What brings you here this evening? Though I do suppose you wish to know more about information disclosed to Mello and I earlier. Please, come in." His voice was soft and slightly monotone.
"Uhh, yeah. Thanks." Matt stepped into the smaller boy's room. A pristine single bed sat in the center, with all types of toys strewn around it.
"Near..." Matt started. He didn't know why he was so nervous. It was only Near. "I'm sorry."
The boy raised an eyebrow, looking up from the blank puzzle he had resumed pondering over. "It's quite alright. L was a man of impeccable intelligence-"
"I'm sorry about Mello."
"Ah, I see." Near fitted two corner pieces together. "Apology accepted… He has had a considerably austere life, therefore I do not take his impudence into much consideration," he paused, letting his dark eyes analyze Matt. "He spoke of traveling to the United States. Is this true?"
"Yes, Rogue and I will accompany him." Matt thought he saw Near's black saucers narrow slightly at the mention of Rogue.
"I wish the three of you the best of luck." The edge pieces were all connected, now only the center remained. "I am well aware of Mello's perception of me as his rival, but I consider him nothing of the sort. In fact, he is the closest thing I have had to a friend in many years." A rare smile played at the pale child's lips as he shared a look with his guest. "So please, take care of him."
"I will." Matt gladly returned his grin as he turned towards the door. "Thank you , Near. For everything."
The teen's hand was on the doorknob when Near stopped him.
"And Matt,"
"Yeah?"
"Tell him how you feel…"
Matt nodded, giving the genius another warm smile before exiting the room, finally. Mello was going to kill him when he got down there.
"…Before it's too late." Near spoke the last of his advice, but Matt had already gone. The boy shrugged to himself, continuing to assemble the heart of his faceless puzzle.