For a long moment, I didn't really understand what just came out of Kimmy's mouth, but slowly my brain processed that she was supposed to kill Mello and it started to scream warning alerts at me to do something. My first instinct was to rush her, pin her down, and demand to know if she was followed. But with a closer look at her face, I found her cheeks flushed while the rest of her face was bone white and knew that she came alone, risking her own safety. My second instinct was to get up and start moving, start planning.

"You're an assassin?" Mello demanded, slamming the picture down onto the coffee tables top, crumbling it under his fingers before letting go, leaving it in a messy ball. I reached over taking it up and carefully unfolding it. It was the first picture I'd ever had of Mello. It was nothing compared to the real thing, but if anything were to happen, I wanted to keep this as a reminder.

"I was. . .I am. . .look I met you, I can't kill you, so I have to help you get away." She stammered, glancing nervously at Matt who was still sitting on the floor, his eyes trailing over the scene in front of him. I wonder if he caught me sticking Mello's picture in my back pocket. Probably.

"Your going to help us get away? Why the hell should we trust you?" Mello narrowed his chocolate eyes at her, making her squirm under her own skin. She looked at me, almost pleading to call off Mello. I stood up, pushing Mello lightly onto the couch, he tried to fight against me, but thought better of it and sat down.

"We can trust her. I went to see her today without anything to fight her with, she could of easily killed me and she didn't. She listened to me and she came here to warn us. If she went to all this trouble to tell us that people are out to kill you, why would she let us get away so it would be more work for her to find us again?" Mello stared up at me, his eyes searching my face, trying to process what I said. I knew what he wanted to do, he wanted to start fighting and throwing things around, breaking everything down in his path, and blaming Kimmy for everything.

"But. . .how. . .I was careful, I didn't tell anyone my name." This caught my attention and I turned my full attention on him, catching the puzzled look on his handsome face. His hands were shaking slightly, and I couldn't tell if it was out of fear or anger.

"What do you mean Mello? Who didn't you tell your name to?" He turned his face up to meet mine, and that's when I knew. The look on his face, the fear hidden in those swimming chocolate brown eyes. Guilt was stamped to his forehead. "What did you do Mello?"

"Joe, I'm sorry. I was going to tell you, but I couldn't. You were right, we needed money, and you weren't bringing it in anymore, so I had to do what I had to. . ." He stood up, his hands out like he was going to reach for me, but I took a step back. That small gesture was like a slap to his face and a look of hurt crossed his face.

"When were you going to tell me Mello?" My voice was quivering and I knew this wasn't the time for a fight, but I also knew it couldn't be avoided.

"I wasn't." He whispered, his eyes lowering to the ground.

"WHAT?! You weren't going to tell me that you were risking your life for something as stupid as money?!" I screamed in a shrill, panicked voice.

"You have no room to talk Joe! LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?! If you'd just listen to me things like that wouldn't happen!" He snarled, glaring hard.

"Listen to you?! IT WAS YOUR FAULT. . ." I quickly stopped what I was about to say by slapping my hand over my mouth. Mello's eyes were wide and blank, his face as white as Kimmy's. "I didn't mean it. . .I didn't mean to say that Mello."

"Yeah, well you said it." He turned, marching off to our room. "Get your stuff together, we have to get out of here."

"Come on Kimmy, you can help me. They need to be alone for a little while." Matt stood up, motioning for Kimmy to follow him to his room. She stared at me for a beat longer before nodding, following after him.

I rushed to our room, seeing Mello standing in the closet, throwing his clothes angrily into an open suitcase on our unmade bed. He didn't pause to look at me, didn't even acknowledge my presence. I waited until all of his clothes were either scattered on the floor, or hanging from the suitcase. When he didn't come out of the closet, I walked over, peeking in to find him standing in the middle of a mess, staring up at all the hangers.

"Mello. . ." I whispered, causing his shoulder to tense up. He didn't turn to look at me, but I didn't really expect him to. What I said was wrong, no matter how mad I was, I shouldn't of said it. I walked into the closet with him, sliding my hands over his shoulders, coaxing them to relax. I slid my arms around his waist, pressing my head into the middle of his back, and hugged him softly. "I'm sorry."

"I know. . .I am too." He sighed, breaking my hold to turn around so he could wrap his strong arms around me, pulling me into his chest. "Come on, we gotta go."

I nodded, taking in a deep breath, the smell of chocolate filling my nose, and let go. It didn't take long for any of us to pack our things. We left what we didn't want anymore, took only what we needed, and wound up with two bags to each of us. Standing in the living room, just about to leave, the sound of footsteps came racing up the stairs to our room. Too many footsteps, too many people.

"SHE TOLD THEM WHERE WE WERE!" Mello shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Kimmy. He reached around, ripping his gun from his back pocket to point it an Kimmy but I reached out, grabbing his writs hard.

"Leave her alone, she didn't do anything." I growled, narrowing my eyes dangerously. He stared at me for a second before rolling his eyes, sighing and relaxing. I walked over to Kimmy, taking her wrist just as the front door blew in. I turned to Matt who was snapping the safety lock off his gun, and reached into his coat pocket, slipping his cell phone out with him noticing it.

"We're gonna split up!" I shouted and Mello turned to me, his face twisting up in worry. "Don't worry, we will be safe."

I leaned over, kissing him softly on the lips before shoved Kimmy it Matt's room. I lead her to the window with the in case of fires emergency stair case and pushed her to climb out of the window. Matt's door went fly off the hinges as two guys squeezed their way in, their guns pointed right at my head. I smiled before slipping out after Kimmy who was having a hard time on the shaky stairs.

"There's no time for that, JUMP!" I shouted and was surprised when she listened. She glanced over the railing to find a dumpster, and didn't think twice before slipping under the railing and into the trash. I quickly followed after her, helping her out of the dumpster and to one of the many cars Matt hot wired and stole. I jumped into a sleek black car that Matt loved to ride on crowded streets so he could zoom in and out of traffic. I found the two wires he showed me to use, and pressed them together, hearing the car roar to life. By the time the two guys had worked their way out of the window and half way down the stairs, I was screaming my way out of the alley and into the streets.

"Where are we going?" She asked breathlessly, and I was happy she said we and instead of just me.

"I know someone who can help us. . .I just have to find him."

*~*~*

It wasn't hard to find my brother's number, and it was even less harder to find his building. It was one of the many huge buildings in the city, but for some reason this one just seemed different from all the rest. Kimmy didn't ask any questions as we got out, rushing through the rain to the swinging doors. She had a fun time watching me jump through them while they spun around, but I ignored her laughs and lead us to the room he told me to go to. I knocked four times to let him know it was me, and I wasn't surprised when he opened the door.

He stood there, his normal baggy white shirt on, his faded jeans, and no shoes or socks. He looked at me through his shaggy black hair and a small smile slipped up his face before quickly disappearing. I threw my arms out, clinging to his thin neck and his arms awkwardly found a way to hug me around the book bag.

"It's good to see your well. . .who is this with you?" My brother leaned around me to glance at Kimmy who was staring openly, not even caring that L noticed.

"That Kimmy. . .she's a friend. I just need a place to stay for awhile, until Mello calls me and tells me where to go from here." I tried to explain, but L didn't seem to want to hear any of it. Maybe the idea of his little sister on the run, with a guy, was to much. Or maybe he just honestly didn't care about the details. I could never tell with him, but I followed him in anyway, leaving my bags by the door since they were wet from the rain. Kimmy quickly fell into step behind me as we followed my brother into a large living room. He fell down on one of the white couches, his knees drawn all the way up to his chest. I smiled, relaxing into the familiar-ness that my brother carried with him. No matter how many changes I went through, I could always count on my brother to stay the exact same.

"So tell me, Kimmy, how did you meet Josie?" I noticed how he used my nickname instead of my name and knew that someone else was here. I started to look around, scanning the room, but it looked normal. Just like any other hotel room, just a little bit nicer than the ones I'd stay in.

"It was really odd how we met." She flushed as L looked up at her, those dead black eyes staring long and hard before lowering back down to a cup on the coffee table. He started to take sugar cubes from a dish next to it, dropping them in one at a time, the little plop noise they'd make was the only sound in the room. Finally he took a long, forced drag of breath and let it out in a big whoosh.

"Sometimes the odd circumstances we are put in, always turn out to be the best." His eyes slowly lifted up to meet mine and I quickly looked away.

"You really believe that?" I asked, staring out the window that was basically a wall. The lights from the New York night glittered brilliantly, and I understood why L chose this place to live in. It was beautiful.

"Do you even have to ask?" I tore my eyes away to find him smiling childishly at Kimmy whose face was turning a deep red. I smiled at her, but she was to focused on L. My brother the charmer, and he did it in such a dorky way. I was about to say something when a white haired, will dressed man stepped into the room, pushing a cart filled with all kinds of fancy candies, cakes, and sweets.

"Oh my. . .I had no idea you had guests sir. I will go fetch some more tea." He pushed the cart near L who quickly snatched a strawberry shortcake from it.

"Thank you Watari. But Josie would prefer coffee." He motioned for Kimmy to help herself but she shook her head. Probably to nervous to get up and get something.

"Is there any special way you like it fixed Miss. Josie?" Watari smiled kindly, his kind old eyes hidden underneath his glasses. He reminded me so much of Mr. Whammy back at the orphanage, and I felt a pang on longing. I missed the old man, and all the sweet things he would do for me and my brother.

"No special way. Any way is fine." He nodded and turned without another word only to come back shortly after with a steaming cup of coffee and a cup of tea for Kimmy. I gladly took it, not wasting any time to let it cool, and took a big sip, enjoying the burn on my tongue. I caught L staring at me and set the cup down, knowing he wanted to talk.

"What have you been up to all this time?" I asked casually, knowing he wasn't interested in small talk. He brushed it off by turning the focus on me.

"I could ask you the same thing. But let's save that for another day." He glanced at Kimmy who had a dumbfounded look on her face. I knew she didn't understand what was going on, that she didn't know this was my brother. But that was better that way, the less people that knew, the safer I was. "I've been looking for a new hire to take over my position once I'm dead."

"Your not going to die, your not that old." He ignored me and lifted his thumb to his mouth, biting down softly.

"You didn't let me finish. I've been considering Near or Mello." My heart slammed in my chest. Mello against Near? That was impossible. Mello was brilliant, and so smart, but his temper always got in the way. There was no way L would pick Mello over Near.

"When will you tell them?" I cleared my throat, trying to hide the fact that this bothered me, but he caught on. He wasn't stupid.

"Soon." I nodded, picking up my cooled coffee and taking a long slip. "How long will you be here?"

"Not much longer." And as soon as I said it, Matt's cell went off in my pocket. I quickly fished it out, L giving me an aggravated look before turning his focus back onto a neglected Kimmy. While they chatted, I left the room, slipping into what looked like a bedroom, but was filled with computers of all shapes and sizes.

"Hello?" I whispered, hoping that Kimmy and L were caught up enough in a conversation to forget I'd left.

"Joe?" Mello's gruff voice growled into my ear and I smiled to myself. "Joe where are you?"

"I just found a place to hide in, it's no where. Did you guys find a place to hide?"

"Yeah, it's an old hotel a little out of the city. You need to come here now." I found a pen and notepad in the drawer of a dresser and scribbled down the address Mello rattled off to me before promising to be safe and come quickly. With the same notepad, I quickly scribbled down Matt's number for L and told him to call me sometime, leaving it on top of his laptop so he would find it. Leaving the room, I found a stuttering Kimmy and an amused L still waiting.

"Okay, looks like we will be leaving now. Thanks for everything." As Kimmy got up, leaving to find her bags, I quickly hugged my brother, kissing him on the cheek, and promising to visit soon. He didn't say anything, just patted my arm and picked his tea back up, not bothering to sip from it, just staring into the brown liquid. I hated to do this to him, cause I know we never saw each other, and it really bothered him, but Mello was waiting.

My brother would understand. . .he always did.

*~*~*

A few days later, Kimmy agreed to stay with us. It's not like she really had a choice. Matt took her back to her apartment to get whatever she needed, but she didn't come back with much. Apparently her boss had been there, trashed the whole place, looking for her and probably for us. Too bad for him, we aren't that easy to find. Since Matt's phone isn't listed, it's stolen, we don't really have to worry about them trying to tap a line. We refuse to use the hotel phone, and we only go out if we have to. But living like this will have to stop, and soon. I wanted to go and see my brother again, to talk to him without Kimmy just to know how he feels about everything. About me leaving, about how much I've changed. About his thoughts on Mello, and whatever it was that was going on between us.

"The damn T.V. is busted again." Matt complained, pressing buttons on the remote control. Like it would make any difference. I stared at the fuzzy grey screen, waiting for a picture to come back on, when Mello walked over, slamming a fist on the top of it.

"Stupid piece of junk!" He hit it a few more times, and when nothing happened, he growled and walked away.

"Bravo!" I cheered half heartedly and he sent a death glare my way, which I politely ignored.

"Maybe if we try unplugging it and plugging it back in?" Kimmy offered and Matt jumped up, racing behind the T.V. It went black before zapping back on to the same fuzzy grey picture.

"Did it work?" He called out but knew he didn't need an answer. Without any other sound than static it was clear it didn't work. "I give up."

"At least you tried and didn't just give up, unlike some people!" I called loud enough for Mello to hear in his room.

"SHUT UP BRAT!" Was all he had to say before going back to doing whatever he was doing in there. I sighed, shifting to reach into my back pocket, pulling out Mello's picture. It was from when he was little, he looked exactly the same as the first day I'd met him. I could tell it was taken at old Whammy's place because they took a picture of everyone to have on file, just incase runaways decided to leave. That was probably how Kimmy's boss got a hold of it. When me and Mello left. But they wouldn't have one of me, I was just a baby when I first came. I stared into those familiar eyes, still wild and filled with a million ideas I would never understand. Even back then he was always planning. He had a slightly crazed look on his face, one that I knew so well, but hardly ever saw anymore. I smiled down at him, getting ready to fold it back and put it away when it was snatched right out of my hands.

"You actually keep this with you?" Mello snarled as I jumped up from the couch, nearly knocking Matt over to get my picture back.

"Yes I do! Now give it to me." I shouted, reaching out as he swiped it up in the air. I growled, struggling to reach for it, but he had a good foot over me.

"I don't think I will." He teased lightly, holding it up to stare at a boy that no longer existed. "I look horrible in this picture anyway."

"NO YOU DON'T!" I shouted and he paused, staring down at me, seeing how upset I was.

"Why do you care about this anyway? It's only a piece of paper." He glanced back up, narrowing his eyes at himself before lowering it down. I didn't try to snatch for it, scared that I might rip it if I do.

"It's not just a piece of paper, it's you." His eyes widened for a second and he scoffed, handing me back the picture. I clutched it tightly to my chest, scared he'd try to take it back.

"Don't be stupid Joe. I'm not paper." He pushed past me, heading back into the safety of his room. The place he'd been spending most of his time.

"I'm not stupid for missing you when your not around." I mumbled, not bothering to turn and catch his shocked expression. I glanced down at the picture one last time, at the face of the boy I once followed around like a lost puppy. I would do anything he told me to, and believed everything he said to me. I missed him. . .a lot. Stuffing the photo in my back pocket, I walked off to my room, ignoring Matt and Kimmy's wide, curious eyes. Slamming the door, I threw myself on my bed, hugging a pillow tight to my chest. A couple of minutes later the door softly clicked open and someone slipped in, closing it behind them.

"I didn't know it meant that much to you." He mumbled and I didn't bother to turn and look at him. I just hardened my glare on the wall across from me, fighting back the urge to forgive him.

"It does. I want something to remember you by incase you leave me." I grumbled like a spoiled little brat. I sounded like one of those cry babies that whine when they don't get their way.

"I wont leave you, you know that." He mumbled walking over and sitting down on the edge of the bed. He lifted a hand and softly touched my side, trying to pull my gaze on him, but I refused it.

"How am I supposed to know that? What if someone finds you, and takes you from me. . .I just want something to hold on to for forever Mello." He sighed as I sat up, trying hard to glare at him, but it wasn't really working out anymore.

"I'm sorry I called it stupid. I didn't know how important it was to you." I nodded as he pulled my head close to his, kissing me softly on the forehead, hugging me tight. If only I'd known within a few short weeks how important that picture would be.

If only I'd known that the next call on Matt's phone would be for Mello I would of stopped him from going to visit my brother.

If only I'd known that would be the last time I'd see Mello smile for a very long time