After receiving all the notifications and alerts in my inbox, I decided to update this story early. That means the chapter is shorter than I originally planned, but I'll compensate for its length soon, I promise =]
Disclaimer: I own nothing
The bar that Mello wanted me to meet him at was located on the very outskirts of L.A., and had been closed for several years. I parked a few blocks away from my destination, wanting to have time to clear my head and get in another cigarette before confronting Mello.
My hand shook slightly as I lit up the end of my Menthol, but I forced it to stop immediately. If I appeared afraid when he saw me, it would only end badly. I needed to put up a strong front, despite how nervous I was on the inside.
The light behind me was dying me as I turned onto the street the bar was located on, and I could spot a single figure standing far away. I pushed my goggles reluctantly up onto my forehead as I languidly slung along the pavement, focusing in on the person on the far end.
As I drew closer, the figure became illuminated by the street lights and fading sun. It turned to me slowly, and at first, I thought I was looking at a girl. Funny. After all this time, Mello still hadn't lost his feminine features.
"Hey, Matt" He said casually, a tiny smile gracing his features.
"H-Hey..." I answered weakly, flicking away my cigarette.
"Its been a while, hasn't it?"
Suddenly, all the confessions and things I had yearned to tell him fled my mind. Instead, I wanted to give a sarcastic retort back, somewhat irritated with the way he phrased the question. Yes, it had been a while, but that was his fault. He was the one who left Wammy's in a huff, brushing past me on his way out as though I was part of the wall and not his only friend in the world.
The words caught in my throat, and I stayed silent. He didn't seem surprised by my response, though, and approached me slowly.
As he came closer, something seemed off. Perhaps it was his eyes, which for a moment appeared to be a darker color than their usual green. His features were still soft, but there were angles to it I didn't think anyone could acquire in just a few short years.
He extended his arms slightly, beckoning me forward. Without my brain's consent, I walked forward, surrendering as I embraced him lightly.
"Mello..." I murmured softly.
He gave a small laugh in response, and I stiffened. That laugh sounded harsh.
I was about to pull away, but I felt something dig into my back. There was a sharp pinpoint of pain, and I suspected I had been injected with something.
I swore, staggering backwards as my vision began swimming. I looked up into the eyes that gazed down at me wickedly, and I felt myself falling backwards, towards the pavement.
A pair of arms caught me carelessly, and I was heaved upwards as I was cast completely into darkness.