AN: Ok, this chapter is a bit longer and *gasp* Matt is introduced! And there's also a random bit of MatusdaxMello for no apparent reason… I'm actually not quite sure how that got in there or why I allowed it to stay, but I just couldn't resist happy-go-lucky little Matsuda with serious-business-type Mello as his superior and being all nervous. XD I hope you understand.

Grabbing his coat, Mello quickly shut off his computer and sprinted for the elevator. In his work, he'd lost track of time and now he had five minutes to get to the bar. This was entirely his boss's fault for inviting them in the first place. He wanted nothing more than to go home and get some sleep, but now he was stuck 'socializing' until God knew when. At least he didn't have to worry about getting drunk, he was good at holding his liquor.

Getting to the elevator just as it was closing, he managed to slip in beside Matsuda, the newest employee. He was eager to work and full of energy, something that made more seasoned workers nervous, but Mello didn't have to worry about his position. Knowing the poor kid would be having a hard time, he didn't let his less than cheerful mood get the best of him as they rode to the first floor in silence.

As they were getting off, Matsuda quickly stopped him, obviously a little nervous talking to someone above him. "Erm, are you going to Kelly's Bar tonight?"

"Yes. Do you need a lift?"

Matsuda nodded, looking relieved. "Yes, if it isn't to much trouble." He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Since I'm new, I don't really know my way around that well yet and I take the buss to work…"

Mello just nodded. "Sure, I've got a reserved parking spot near the entrance, just follow me."

He walked out to the faculty parking lot, the shaggy haired newbie tagging along behind him. When he reached the gleaming black Harley he grabbed two helmets, thankful he always kept a spare with him. Turning around he was amused to find Matsuda stopped a few feet away, mouth agape. Tossing the spare helmet, Mello snapped him out of his surprise as he quickly slipped it on.

"I can't believe this is yours, I've been admiring it for days!" Matsuda hopped on eagerly as Mello chuckled. The bike was something leftover from his past but he couldn't bring himself to get rid of it. Snapping on his own helmet, he quickly took off for the bar before they were late.

Obviously not used to riding a motorcycle, Matsuda clung to his waist the entire time. Mello was a little surprised but didn't say anything, grateful that his body heat cut the wind chill a little bit.

When they arrived, most of their division was already there, but a few stragglers came in later so the pair didn't stick out. Mello tried to be sociable despite how tired he was, laughing and drinking a few beers. Despite not really showing it, he had more than he would usually allow himself, becoming a bit drunk, though he wasn't the only one.

Each drink seemed to lead to another, especially when he didn't have an excuse to leave early and was forced to stay till around 11. He said his goodbyes to the group still drinking, mostly higher ups or newbies that didn't have as much work in the morning. Matsuda was of course still there, telling jokes and becoming a mite too friendly with the senior company members.

Mello just rolled his eyes. Work was going to be hell the next day for him when word got out. Though he was a bit too tipsy to drive, no one stopped him as he walked out, all to drunk to think that clearly themselves. Luckily, Mello didn't try to drive home, instead considering calling a cab. He couldn't just leave his bike though, this wasn't the best neighborhood.

Looking around, he was stuck with an epiphany. Across the street, a young redhead in too tight jeans was leaning in the window of a black beamer. It was obvious what he was discussing with the driver, and Mello quickly crossed the street before they could drive away.

He wrapped his arms around the boy's waist, pulling him back and leaning in the window himself. "I'm sorry to interrupt but he's busy tonight." The driver only scowled before hastily pulling away, clearly unhappy with being caught.

Mello turned his attention back to the redhead in his arms, who happened to be blushing heavily. Mello thought it was odd but through the haze of alcohol he couldn't really consider it much. "Listen, can you drive a motorcycle?"

The boy looked surprised, wondering it if was a trick question. "Umm, yes?"

"Then how bout I give you $50 to drive me home hu?" The redhead smelled the liquor on his breath and understood why he was asking. He actually looked relieved at the request, evidently satisfied with the amount.

"Sure, just tell me where I'm going." Mello smiled at that, grabbing the boy's wrist and leading him back to the parking lot, stumbling once on the way. This was why he didn't like to drink, not having a clear mind or full control over his actions scared him a bit.

"Wow, nice bike." He seemed genuinely impressed, causing Mello to smirk before handing him a helmet. After giving him the address, he wound his arms around the boy, not wanting to fall off in his state.

The ride home was a blur, the alcohol kicking in full force along the way. He was almost to drunk to walk by the time they got home, the kid having to help him up the stairs to his apartment when they arrived to get paid. Mello had spent all the cash he had on him at the bar and needed to get the money from his stash at home. He vaguely remembered paying the boy but nothing after that. It was like the rest of the night was blank…

End Note: Dun-dun-duuuun! So what happens that night that Mello can't remember? This just felt like a good place to stop as I think the key to me actually being able to write a multi-chapter fic is short chapters. It makes it easier for me to group my thoughts and keep me from getting to lazy to write.

Please review, I love hearing yalls thoughts even if it's just to say "OMG, I love/hate this story!!1!!one!" XD I really do appreciate each fave or story alert as well for those of you who don't like to review. *huggles*