Disclaimer: In the Prologue

Chapter 06

"Answers"

The trip to New York didn't take very long, but it was most certainly an experience Matt was still very much unaccustomed to. He hated crowds, and being cramped in coach with many tired and stinking patrons was not on the top of his list of enjoyable things he'd rather be doing. The trip from England to LA was one thing, jetting from LA to Japan was another. The return trip back to LA as no better.

He was grateful thought that Near was considerate and got them out of the security checks unscathed when entering and exiting the stations in LA and New York. This of course pissed of Mello because he knew he'd have to thank the sneaky albino for getting them there without being arrested on the spot. It also meant that he held some curiosity into Mello's grunt, as Matt had been so aptly nicknamed.

They rented a shitty motel room for a week at the most, mostly because they did not intend to stay no more than a day or two. Call it a waste, but it was a personal and agreed rule they set for wherever they went, all the better for covering their tracks with the authorities.

After a night of rest and getting out of jet lag, Mello decided he'd waited long enough and took Matt to Near's headquarters. Mello knew this place well enough it seemed, he'd navigated the place like he owned it and knew his presence was powerful enough to draw attention to him, like it or not.

Near let them in without a fuss and upon entering the large monitor room, saw the albino making a rather large fortress out of cards. Matt saw Mello's hands practically aching to tip the pile, but the consequences could only be apprehension on the spot for their crimes.

Without looking up to acknowledge their presence, Near spoke, his voice still that annoying monotone.
"Mello and Matt. Long time no see. I was rather hoping the both of you would show up at the conclusion of the Kira case. I would have liked you to witness it. I admit I am rather disappointed in you both. That is not why Mello is here though and I apologize for my bluntness."

Emotionless grays gazed up to meet the blonde's glaring blues.
"What is it that Mello has traveled all the way to New York to see me?" Matt saw his friend visibly tense his jaw before speaking.
"Something happened almost 3 months ago that I thought I had the answers to, but only ended up raising more questions. Matt and I went out for a bar run, got drunk and at some point met up with this drug dealer and might have bought a couple. I have no clue what sort of drug it was, but Matt seems to be suffering its effects more. We've already drawn the conclusion that whatever this drug is, it is no ordinary street drug. We theorize that it was a smuggled drug that was still going under testing in a lab or something."

Near listened with rapt attention though it seemed like he wasn't, that was just the way the albino's mind worked.
"I see. What sort of symptoms has Matt been having since taking this assumed drug?" Mello looked to Matt before returning the albino's gaze.
"These symptoms developed about 2 weeks after taking the drug we assumed was in his system. First he started to vomit on a daily basis for about a week and a half, then that was followed by some infrequent dizzy spells and most recently, his stomach seems to have become sensitized."

Matt saw the albino nod as he processed the information given to him, likely calculating several plausible scenarios. He saw his brow furrow for the slightest moment, indicating a conflict.
"What happened between the time this supposed drug entered his system and when the symptoms started?" Mello again looked to Matt, making the white haired teen raise an eyebrow.
"We actually don't have any memory beyond that, but Matt drew the conclusion that our hormones got the better of us."

Again there was a pause before Near's eyes widened in what appeared to be disbelief, it was a worrying sign to Mello who glared.
"Well… based on what I've told you, what can you tell me about Matt's condition?" Matt looked on as the albino stood from his position on the floor and began to walk rather quickly to what he assumed might have been a medical ward. They were flagged down and followed the teen as they were led into an examination room where a medical personnel was taking care of some minor things.

Matt felt his hand being pulled as Near urged him onto the small examination table and to lay down on his back. He looked as Near whispered something into the doctor's ears whose eyes widened just as wide as his, making Matt uncomfortable.
"I have come to this one and only conclusion that may shock you, but sadly, I can no longer do blood work because the drugs would have already been absorbed then expelled at some point before today. Back to topic, this conclusion should not exist, but I seek to make sure that it is not true. We are going to do a quick ultrasound on you Matt."

Matt's heart rate picked up and he began to panic, this prompted his friend to restrain him as best as he could.
"Are you telling me that I have a growth inside of me? Is it dangerous? What the fuck Near?" The albino's cold gaze met his before shaking his head dismissively.
"There is possibly a growth inside of you and no it is mostly harmless if my theory is correct. However, if it is correct, I am afraid that the damage is irreversible at this point."

He watched as Near moved for the doctor who lifted his shirt to briefly examine the small bump before applying a cool gel over it, making him shudder. The ultrasound device was then placed over his stomach and moved around for some time before the doctor paused altogether, the same expression of disbelief on his face, unnerving Matt all the more.

Mello's patience wore thin soon after and he stood up to look at the monitor.
"What am I looking at here Near?" The albino looked up at his long time rival. Putting on a calm demeanor.
"What you see here is a unique growth unlike anything I've seen. This is highly unusual because usually women are affected by this particular growth. This growth has been around for nearly three months, and will continue to grow for another 6 before it can be removed properly."

A look of confusion crossed the pair's faces, prompting the albino to continue.
"I will not get cryptic on you like I usually do. I will get straight to the point. Matt…" The redhead looks at the white haired males' gaze.
"You are pregnant." Matt absorbed the prognosis and his eyes widened.
"Not possible! Men can't get pregnant, there is no fucking way!" It got too much for him and he blacked out, welcoming the darkness and wanting to wake up from this nightmare that had occurred.