This one is also dedicated to Storm Alert! Thanks for everything :)

Meeting

Matt winced as the back of Mello's hand connected with his cheek. A larger man came up behind him, working a meaty hand through his dark hair and pulling out small clumps while attempting to force the slender man back into a chair.

The man behind Matt finally got a good grip and jerked his head, making him dizzy. Ropes were quickly tied around his wrists, securing him to the chair. He watched Mello gesture for the man to leave.

"What are you doing here?" Mello hissed, trying to keep the shiny black gun in his hand steady.

Matt groaned. Why was he here?

After two long years, had he really expected to be welcomed with open arms? His old roommate was the head of the mafia, not the little boy that always got into trouble with him and held him after nightmares.

"Say something, damn it!"

Matt tried to look up at this stranger holding a gun to his forehead. This wasn't how their first meeting was supposed to be. He had thought Mello would be impressed by his infiltration skills.

"I…I'm sorry." Matt whispered. Mello's eyes narrowed.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"I should've…I should've gone with you." A few stray tears spilled down his face. The gun fell to Mello's side. The murderous glare was washed away by a pained expression.

"Why did you follow me?" Mello's voice was quiet now.

"I had to leave, Mel. You don't understand." The blow that followed gave him a black eye and caused the chair to rock dangerously.

"I told you to stay at Wammy's!" Mello screeched, bringing the gun back up to Matt's head.

"I'm not a fucking dog, Mello!" Matt matched his friend's glare. "You were all I had! How could you just leave me there?"

Mello fumed, cursing and pacing back and forth. Matt continued, "Do you have any idea what it was like? No one spoke a word to me after what happened! No one wants to catch 'the gay.'"

Mello stopped pacing and focused on the brunette.

"So what the hell am I supposed to do now then, huh? I have to fucking kill you, Matt. I can't just let the whole world know where I'm hiding!"

Matt almost choked on his words. "You know I won't tell anyone. Please, let me stay. I can help you!"

Mello put a hand over his eyes and sighed.

"C'mon, Mel, you couldn't hack a microwave. You don't have to pay me or anything. I just…" Matt trailed off.

Their gazes met for a moment and Matt could see the resignation in Mello's eyes. Matt grinned. It would be just like the old days.

Mello holstered his gun and knelt before the tied up man. He placed his hands on his old friend's knees and managed a weak smile.

"Alright, Matty. There is actually something you could help me with… You know Kiyomi Takada, right? That reporter chick? "

AN: Poor Matty :( It's a shame he's only in the series for such a short time. Anyway, please review! And keep suggesting M words for future chapters; it keeps me motivated!