A.N.

So this fic will be a short one. Ten chapters at the most.

Reviews would be kind :)

Disclaimer: Do not own

The bruises on Matt's skin began to heal after a few days thanks to Mello staying at work, the skin having turned a light yellow instead of the previous harsh purple. The apartment itself was unusually quiet, save for the constant dripping of the kitchen faucet which had turned into a gentle background lull.

Though none of the calm managed to keep Matt from twitching from any loud noises from outside or the footsteps that walked past the apartment door, only to go to the apartment next door, keys jingling for a moment before stepping inside. His games remained painfully untouched, collecting dust in the corner as Matt continually filled his coffee cup the sweet caffeine giving him some sense of safety.

Matt's slender fingers gripped the stained cup tighter as the tell-tale clicking of boots resounded outside the thin wooden door, the chipped doorknob turning before the door flung open, revealing an exhausted Mello who promptly flopped onto the couch, not sparing Matt a second glance. Matt quietly walked over, draping a blanket around him, easing the shoes off his feet when he realised that Mello was already asleep.

Brushing a lock of blonde hair out of his face Matt felt a small smile tug at his lips. Mello's face had dropped the stress and anger, smoothing over until he looked like a small child who'd stayed up too late. Matt stroked his cheek gently before pulling away, he knew it was a stupid reason to stay. Of course it was and Matt knew this but he couldn't bear to even think about walking out, despite having a bag packed, hidden under the mess of coats in the closet. Not that he would use it. But something about knowing it was there comforted Matt, who took seat across from Mello, watching him quietly as he slept.

Mello woke a few hours later, smothering a yawn into the back of his hand, glancing around the room. He shot a look at Matt. "Got any chocolate?"

"Yeah." Matt murmured, tossing him a bar, letting it land on the bottom half of the sofa. Mello ripped it open with his teeth, chewing on it slowly, savouring each bite.

"Need you to come to work with me tomorrow." Mello told him firmly between mouthfuls.

"Why?" Matt asked, tearing at the skin on his thumb with his teeth.

"Just need you to come with me. Stop questioning everything I fucking say!" Mello huffed, screwing up the wrapper and tossing it onto the floor. "I'll tell you when you get there okay? Then you can understand, easier once I show the equipment."

Matt nodded quietly, pulling his thumb away from his mouth as the skin became red and sore as the new flesh was exposed. "Okay, but can you wake me up please? Otherwise I won't be able to get up on time." He reasoned.

Mello scowled slightly but nodded in compliance. "Fine, whatever."

"Thanks." Matt smiled, pulling his goggles back down over his eyes.

"Want some coffee?" Mello asked, standing up, making his way over to the kettle.

"If you're making." Matt replied, smiling as a warm mug was pressed into a hand a few minutes later. "Thanks Mells." Mello watched Matt intently as he sipped at the coffee slowly. "What? Do I have something on my face?"

"No." Mello told him bluntly, diverting his eyes. "Just shut up and enjoy it."

"Yeah yeah." Matt grinned, draining the cup and setting it on the coffee table, leaning back into the chair, eying his games. "Can I…?"

"Go ahead." Mello shrugged, slumping back into the couch, yawning.

Matt leaned across the arm of the chair, reaching for his PSP, ignoring his arms as they seemed to grow heavier as he moved them.

"You okay?" Mello asked him.

"Feel bit…" Matt trailed off as he lost the use of his tongue, eyes heavy. Mello moved to the arm of the chair, running his hand gently through the scarlet locks.

"Sleep Matt, you're okay." He murmured softly in his ear, watching as Matt's shoulders fell forwards, asleep. Shoving Matt off him, Mello grinned. "I make good coffee." He laughed to himself, taking Matt's car keys from the hook. Hoisting Matt's arm around himself, he dragged him from the apartment, slamming the door behind them.