So, let me explain to you how he ended up in my bed…shirtless. It wasn't anything cheesy like "Oh he spilled some water on his shirt and I had to put his shirt in the dryer."

No. That's not how it happened at all. Let me back up a few minutes to catch you up…

"Well, here's my house," I said as we walked through the front door. "It's not much, but it's home."

"I like it," he approved, looking around. He kicked off his boots and put them neatly by the rest of my family's shoes.

"Um, no one's home right now. My parents are at work," I informed him. Why on earth did I tell him that? It doesn't really matter if anyone's home. We're just here to study anyway…

"Interesting," he mumbled, though I don't think I was supposed to hear that. I took my boots off too and directed him towards my room.

"This is where all my technology stuff is, so we'll have to study in here," I told him nervously. He nodded nonchalantly as he plopped down on my bed. Make yourself at home, I guess…

"Well, I actually don't need help at all in Tech class. I made that up," he confessed, unashamed.

"What?"

"I just needed an excuse to hang out with you outside of school and your Tech book was the first thing I saw."

"Why would you do that?" I didn't know whether to be flattered or pissed off.

"Well, if you were listening, I just said it was because I needed an excuse to hang out with you outside of school," he said slowly, as if I was special ed.

"Yeah, I got that. But why didn't you just ask me to hang out?" I asked, a bit irritated now.

"The last time I 'just asked', you turned me down in front of the whole cafeteria. I have a reputation to maintain," he told me matter-of-factly. I sat down in my computer chair as this all sank in.

Mello had been bothered by me turning him down to the point of tricking me into bringing him to my house…? Huh…well played, Mello, well played. I guess it's my move then…

"Okay…well now that you're here, did you want something to eat or drink?" I offered. He shook his head as he lounged on my bed.

"Matt, don't play innocent with me. You and I both know how smart we both are," he answered. I was completely shocked by what just came out of his mouth.

"What—"

"I know what you're playing at. I know you're testing me. I know you're trying to win this little game we've been playing since day one of setting eyes on each other," he said in low voice, his eyes unblinking.

"Mello—"

"You think I don't see the looks you give me? You think I don't notice how nervous you get around me? I see everything, Matt. That's why I run the school," he continued. "I know you changed your appearance to get my attention. I know you analyze my every move, my every word…just like I do to you. You think I don't know what's going on, but I do."

"If you knew what I was trying to do then why are you here?" I managed to get out before he interrupted me again. He smirked at my question and stood up from my bed, making me stand up, knee-jerk reaction.

"Maybe I don't oppose what you're trying to do," he countered smoothly. We were face-to-face. "I've never seen you this calm around me, Matt. It's your move." His voice was merely a whisper now as our faces were inches apart.

"If you're so smart, what do you think my move will be?" I challenged him, my eyes locking with his.

"Why don't we stop with the mind games and skip to the good part?" he answered, his breath brushing against my lips. Goosebumps appeared on my arms, which were just aching to wrap themselves around Mello. He was so close…

"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about…" I lied, smiling knowingly at him. He bit his lip as he tried not to smile. What a sight that was…

"Why don't we just do what we've both been waiting a very long time for…?" he practically purred.

Was he really implying what I thought he was? Was his face really getting closer to mine? Someone pinch me…I must be dreaming…or dead.

"Do you ever let your brain stop working, Matt? Do you ever just let your instincts take over?" he tempted me, his lips drawing nearer. His fingertips swept against my arm for a quick second and mine brushed against his cheek.

The hunger for him that I had inside of me wouldn't allow me to just stand there anymore. I've been holding in this burning passion inside of me for years now, and the opportunity was finally at my fingertips…literally.

With a final sigh of surrender, I pushed him onto my bed, successfully pinning him down. I quickly ripped off his leather vest and threw it across the room. I hovered over him, holding myself at arm's length.

And THAT is how he ended up shirtless in my bed.

Glad we're all caught up now.

A/N: Excuse me while I go write the next chapter. I know how much you all love hanging from that lovely cliff that just hit you in the face, but the story must go on! Review, my darlings!