Sorry for the wait. I haven't had very much time to write out this chapter with studying for finals and whatnot. But in compensation, this chapter is longer :3 enjoy!

Chapter 7: Promise

"Mello, there's been an accident…." The words made his heart stop.

"W-what do you mean?" Mello demanded, his light blue eyes widened.

"He was on one of the trips out to town with a few other students when their car was struck head on. It caught on fire. The other children had only minor injuries, the driver died instantly, and Matt was trapped inside, he's still in the hospital…I think they have his condition stabilized though.

"Oh god…" it all seemed so unreal. Had Matt have stayed if he hadn't been such a jerk? The possibilities were killing him, the sense of not knowing gnawing away at his thoughts.

"We were going to go check on his condition…normally we don't let any of the children come with us in an event like this, but, since you two are so close…would you like to come with us?" Roger asked, straightening his tie as an excuse not to meet the boy's eyes.

"Y-yeah…" Mello replied, "Thank you Roger."

"Don't tell anyone. The last thing we need at this time are other students complaining about the special privileges." Not that Mello would, he hardly associated with any of the children at Wammy's besides Matt. The caretaker sighed, worry lines creasing his forehead. It was never good when one of his charges was hurt, but it was even worse when it was a case like Matt and Mello. Many of the children at Wammy's had lost everything, but were able to establish many friendships with the other children. But with a case like Mello, it was harder. Mello wasn't as social as most of the kids at the orphanage, and seeing that many of them were not exactly social butterflies, it said a lot. Matt was Mello's only friend, the only person who mattered in his life. If Matt were to die, Mello would be alone again.

The very same thought had just settled itself into the blonde's mind. He and Matt had become so close in the three years they had lived together. Mello could no longer imagine how his life would be without Matt. After excusing himself to his room under the excuse of wanting to put on a sweatshirt before they went to the hospital, he threw himself on his knees and began to pray.

"Look, uh, God? I know I don't usually do this…and I know I'm not so clear about this whole religion thing yet…but…please…if you are real…and out there somewhere in some other dimension…please, don't let Matt die. It's my fault for being so obsessed with my schoolwork…I made him mad and he left…he'd still be okay if it weren't for me. Please God. Please let Matt be okay so I can fix this…Amen."

He found himself shaking. Ever since the day his mother died, Mello hadn't believed in God or religion or hope. Only in solid fact and evidence. But at that moment, he felt completely hopeless; terrified to lose what little he had left in the word. Maybe this time, things would be different. Maybe this time, God would listen.

The room was silent save for the humming of a respirator and the rhythmic, yet monotonous beeping of a heart monitor. The red haired boy groaned before trying to move, soon giving up on the attempt. He couldn't see, due to the bandages wrapped around his face. But he could tell where he was, if not from the sounds of the machines, the overpowering scent of Lysol that came from every direction could only mean one thing: he was in the hospital.

"Good to see you're awake Mr. Jeevas." Matt was rather confused. How could she tell he was awake if she couldn't see his eyes? He had to refrain from laughing at himself remembering that his attempt at moving probably gave it away. He had no doubt that the pain medication was working.

"Y-eah." He eventually managed to say, his dry throat making his voice into a garbled rasp.

"Someone is here to see you…shall I let them in?" the nurse continued, her cheery demeanor never fading.

"Y-eah." He heard to door creak open.

"Matt!" Mello rushed to his bedside. "I-I'm so sorry! It's all my fault…" he trailed off.

"Mells…shut the hell up." Matt attempted his best smirk. "It wasn't your fault…it was mine…if not the asshole that crossed over the lines." Even in all his pain, Matt was still the jokester.

"How do you feel?" Roger asked as he, too, entered.

"Numb…thirsty…" Matt replied. "The nurse went to get me some…can't seem to find her though." He smiled again, attempting to laugh.

"Matt…this isn't something to joke about." Mello reprimanded.

"Well. They do say humor is the best medicine." Roger attempted to smile. "Well, I think I'll leave you two alone for a bit, I have to go discuss the bills and report this to Watari…"

"So…ever been on fire?" Matt said casually once he heard the door shut behind Roger. "It sucks like hell." He continued when Mello didn't answer. The blonde looked furious.

"Is this some kind of joke to you? You could have DIED Matt! Do you not know how badly you're hurt?" he scolded.

"Well…with these painkillers they have me on, I feel pretty damn good."

"MATT!"

"Mells. You need to take it easy." The broken boy said. "I'm fully aware I could have died, but I didn't. I figure, enough shit's happened to me, what happens, happens. If I'm meant to die, I will. Apparently I wasn't. Life's too short to be worrying about what's safe and shit. I'd rather have a short, fun life than a long dull one. Lighten up and let me laugh."

"You have no idea…" Mello's voice finally broke. "Did you ever realize what my life would be like if I lost you? You're the only friend I have! You're the only person I can turn to for anything…I don't know what I'd do without you Matt." The tears he'd been trying to hold back finally spilled over, a few falling onto Matt's bandages.

"M-Mells…I didn't know you cared so much…" Matt whispered.

"I do. You're my best friend."

"And that's never gonna change. I'm gonna promise you something. I'm always gonna be here for you, okay? You don't need to worry about me." He replied.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

A/N: still on the short side, but this was 3 pages in Microsoft Word….I'm rather proud of myself.

What did you think? Will Matt keep his promise? What is your favorite thing about this pairing?
Please Review!

SPOILER ALERT: NEXT CHAPTER WILL CONTAIN HUMOR AND FLUFF