Disclaimer: You know the drill.

A/N: Haha, I know that this chapter's a little UNLIKELY, but it's all for the sake of a good angstful story, so it's all good in the end, right? xD (By unlikely, I mean, not to spoil anything, what Kaeda wants for her end of the deal, because. . .why would she want it? Except that it's awesome stuff. ;o OK, I'm gonna stop talking now.)

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The following morning was a bit tense for Matt. At breakfast, as usual, he sat next to Mello. Matt barely touched his food, however. Eventually Mello asked if he was going to eat, and when Matt shook his head, Mello took his plate and finished off the redhead's breakfast, along with his own.

Matt had retrieved Ramses the night before, and the kitten was now staying in Matt's room. His roommate had not objected, but made it very clear that should Matt be caught, he had nothing to do with it.

"Kaeda." Matt said, tapping her shoulder. She turned, scowling at him. "What?"

"I didn't think Mello was treating Ramses so well, so I took him away."

"What?"

Matt glanced at Mello before continuing. "He's in my room right now. Don't worry, he's OK. I promise, I'm treating him as well as I can."

Kaeda narrowed her eyes, as if wondering what loophole there was in his words. But after a few moments, she nodded. "Thank you." "I gave him some chocolate, but I didn't manage to get any other food for him yet."

"Save some of your breakfast for him." Kaeda suggested.

Matt winced, looking over at Mello, who was busying himself eating Matt's eggs. "A little late." he whispered. Kaeda rolled her eyes. "Smart, Matt."

"Well. . ." Matt shrugged.

Kaeda stood from the table, excusing herself from the other girls' company politely. "Meet me upstairs." she whispered as she passed Matt.

Mello winked at him and Matt swallowed.

"Trying to get another date with her?" Mello asked, taking a bite of ham.

Matt shook his head. "No, I'm just. . .I don't know." he stood from the table. "Excuse me."

"Certainly."

Matt hurried upstairs, where Kaeda was waiting in the doorway to the girl's dormitory. "Hey, Matt. OK, so I checked on Ramses-"

"You what!? You went in the guys dorms!?"

Kaeda rolled her eyes. "Everyone was at breakfast, it was perfectly safe. And anyway, he looked good."

Matt nodded. "He better. He hogged the covers all night."

Kaeda grinned a very cute, attractive smile and Matt smiled back, involuntarily. She wasn't mad at him anymore. Or at least, she wasn't as mad.

"Now, my question is, Matto, did you do that so I would like you more, or for Ramses?"

Matt stiffened slightly. "That's a bit of a loaded question, don't ya think?"

"I can tell you did rescue him from Mello at least a little because you were concerned," Kaeda said quickly, "because he was all curled up in your bed, and he had some candy lying there for him when he woke up."

Matt nodded. "Kori, my roommate, donated those." he explained.

"So, I was thinking, I think I have an idea for how we can try this again." Kaeda scuffed a foot against the floor.

"I'm all ears." "Every time I think you've done a completely selfless act, we can go on a date."

Matt grinned. This would be easy. All he had to do was pretend to be selfless.

"But," she continued sternly. "Every time I judge that you're faking a good heart, you must give me a bar of chocolate."

"Chocolate? Why?" Matt shifted uncomfortably.

"Because I said so." she said, eyes narrowed. "Is this deal agreeable?"

"Uh. . .can I back out whenever I want?"

"Yes." "OK, deal."

"Shake." Matt took her delicate hand. If she 'judged' him to be faking. . .that could be dangerous. "Do I have to give you the chocolate right away?" he asked, nervously.

"Yes. Within fifteen minutes." Crud. The only way he could get chocolate that fast was from Mello. Unless he wanted to just buy a bunch to have on hand. But he couldn't. He was saving for a new game. . .and cigarettes. . .He'd have to tell Mello about the deal he'd made with Kaeda. . .

"Thank you, Matt."

Matt snapped back to the present. "You're welcome." Chocolate. Matt was beginning to feel sick at the thought of the candy. And yet. . .it was so addicting. Even now, he wanted some, despite the trouble it caused him. And he knew just where he could get some. . .he said a quick goodbye to Kaeda and headed off towards Mello's room. The blonde would probably be done with Breakfast by now. . .

Review? -waves bacon and eggs in face- :o