"I've tried to go on like I never knew you

I'm awake but my world is half asleep

I pray for this heart to be unbroken

But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete."

-Incomplete, performed by: The Backstreet Boys

Summary: What would happen if you made a friend who meant the world to you and you almost lost him? You'd lose yourself, almost... wouldn't you?

Don't Wanna Be Without You

by: Sparxyu

Chapter 3: Panic

"Drive, damnit, DRIVE!!!!!!!!" Mello's screech rang through the ambulance as he stood next to the gurney Matt was strapped to. His finger's were still wrapped around Matt's hand.

If not for the leather gloves that encased his hands, his fellows would have seen his white knuckles, but these were currently out of view. The only sign of Mello's godforsaken panic was the wild look in his eyes.

"Sir." The volunteer next to him tapped his shoulder. "Please try to calm down. We should be at the hospital in about eight minutes." He regretted what he said almost instantly; Mello's hand had suddenly pulled him up by his shirt.

Fury took root in the blonde's eyes, providing a dangerous additional mixture to the panic that was already there. "Listen to ME!" the blonde thundered, a leather glove tightly clenching in the collar of the volunteer's white shirt. "You get this driver to floor it right now or I'll do it myself... right after I throw your sorry butt out the windshield! He could be DEAD in eight minutes!!!!!! Get the driver to floor it, you understand me?! NOW!!"

"Y-yes, sir," stuttered the shocked volunteer.

"That's what I thought."

They reached the hospital in a minimum of four minutes. Matt was taken out on the gurney, the volunteers rushing him to the ER as quickly as possible.

Mello glanced up slightly at signs that directed him to the waiting room and following them. Once there, he dropped into a seat, trying to keep his eyes open. They slipped closed, giving way to a slumber he did not want, but surely needed.

Half an hour later, he was awakened by someone shaking his shoulder and the words, "Mr, Keehl?"

Mello's eyes snapped open instantly. "Yes?"

"I am pleased to inform you that Mr. Jeevas is going to be all right. He's awake and has been asking for you. If you'll follow me...." The doctor's voice trailed off. "By the way," he added, pressing the button for the elevator. "My name is Dr. Tsuge."

"Mm."

The trip to Matt's room was short and silent, Mello being lost in thought and relief.

"You'll need room 9," Dr. Tsuge told him.

"Thank you."

Mello entered the room, thinking, 'Too much white.'

"Mel..." A voice startled him from his thoughts.

"You jerk," Mello responded. "How do you feel, Matt?" He softly ran a gloved hand against Matt's forehead, sweeping back strands of haphazard red.

"I feel a lot better."

"..."

"Have you told L & Near yet?"

"No. I should get on that. I'll be right back." Mello stepped out, searching his pockets for his cell. "Damn!" he cursed aloud when he couldn't find it. "Hope there's a pay phone around here." He dialed L's cell phone number, hoping he would pick up.