combined a couple chapters, removed a bunch of filler and added a little bit of extra stuff with a dash of humor. maybe. possibly. i don't know.

however, i do know that the boys time together! :D

enjoy.

"One day lovers will dream of this undying kiss.
Not of Romeo or Juliet;
stories told of our love will never die."

- As You Wish, Alesana.

Sunday came with a harsh pounding on his bedroom door and little time to get his mind around everything that had happened over the last twenty four hours. Mello was given no break from the hectic schedule his mother prepared for him; attending morning service, a family lunch that even his father didn't seem to enjoy, and chores that she didn't want to take care of. After dinner and getting settled in for the night, he barely had his homework finished before he found himself being lulled to sleep with thoughts of Matt.

Monday rolled around without much warning and he didn't see a point in getting out of bed. The prospect of lying around and forgetting the world outside his room existed had a nice ring to it. It wasn't likely that he would get to skip school, but he could hope. Ditching, to his exhausted mind, sounded like a great idea as he dug his palms into his eyes in attempt to wake himself up.

The ride to school was normal, offering little silence as he listened to his peers talk about their weekend and what they did or didn't do. Mello sighed, leaning his head against the window and closing his eyes, thanking whomever had been watching over him for giving him a substitute driver. They wouldn't get to school as fast; he'd get to doze off.

Mello opened his eyes as the bus jerked into the loop, much to his annoyance. He honestly wasn't looking forward to dealing with anyone. He didn't feel like listening to Sayu explain to him what happened after he ran from their family gathering; he didn't want to be around Matt out of fear that he'd further ruin his life and he damn sure wasn't up to dealing with Light.

Word had gotten around, like he expected, when he fled the scene two days prior. Someone had informed his mother of his disappearance, claiming they weren't sure what had gotten into the blond. Of course, the woman had been thrilled by the news that Mello had found himself a girlfriend, but she wouldn't lie and admit that she wasn't disappointed in how he handled the situation. She told him of her feelings about it, reprimanding him for the horrible way he treated the Yagami family and praised him for finally seeing the errors of his ways. According to her, Mello had finally found his princess.

But, fuck, he didn't want a princess.

What he wanted more than anything was the redhead that was standing against the brick building with his hands in his pockets. Matt, who was waiting for him as he stepped off the bus. However, fate had other plans.

"Mello," Light called, stalking towards the blond as he shifted his bag against his body. "What the hell happened Saturday?"

"A picnic," he deadpanned.

"I know that," Light told him, wrapping his fingers around Mello's arm and pulling him close. "You ran off. Why?"

"I don't think Sayu would appreciate how close we are," Mello said.

"To hell with her and your farce," Light seethed, nails painfully digging into his skin. "Tell me what fucking happened."

"You looked like you were enjoying yourself. I imagine it's nice to fight with your sibling from time to time," Mello spoke, jerking his arm away from Light. Curiously he looked back at the spot he'd seen Matt in, hoping to catch another glimpse of him before school. A frown marred his face when he realized Matt had left; it was probably for the best anyway.

"You better not take me for a fool, Mello," Light started, eyes hard as he watched the blond, "because I am far from one. I will put an end to your relationship with my sister and I will destroy him."

Mello had no doubt that Light would keep his word, but he didn't have the energy to care.

"Hey," she greeted him, embracing the blond. "What happened?"

"Your brother," Mello sighed. He wrapped his arms around her thin form, holding her close. She wasn't the person he wanted, but it felt nice regardless.

"He's just mad," she said.

"I know," Mello whispered. "But..."

"Mello, don't worry. I got this." Sayu told him as she pulled away, offering her hand to keep up their appearance and smiling softly when he laced their fingers together.

Mello nodded in response as they walked down the hall, stopping only to talk to Near and Misa. They were unable to hold his attention, save for the rumors of the new guy that people had seen nonchalantly wandering around the school. The person that Mello randomly stumbled across over the weekend.

The very same person that was holding onto Matt as if their lives depended on one another. Mello fought to keep the shock from seeping onto his face as he watched the way Matt's arms tightened around L's body. Matt looked comfortable - like he was supposed to be in the arms of his friend. The blond wasn't sure if this small act of affection was something he was supposed to witness, but he had and it broke his heart.

Why was L there? Matt had once mentioned it was the black haired teen's parents, but Mello was beginning to think it was something else. Was he there to steal Matt? Did he want to take back what he thought was his?

Mello could vaguely recall what Sayu and Misa were chattering about as he stood, eyes wavering and heart beating erratically against his chest. That was supposed to him with Matt - he was supposed to have the redhead wrapped his arms as he begged Matt to forgive him for screwing everything up and not listening to his heart. It wasn't supposed to be L in his place.

Shakily Mello squeezed Sayu's hand to get her attention, knowing that if he were to speak his voice would betray the emotionless expression he was trying to wear. She tilted her head, eyes following his gaze as she turned to look at what had the blond a mess beside her. Offering a rushed 'see ya later!' to their friends, she tugged on Mello's hand, pulling him away from the heart wrenching sight before them. Sayu couldn't believe what she was seeing and she caught herself when she opened her mouth to ask if his ex-boyfriend was trying to get back at him for asking her out.

"Fuck," Mello's voice was small. "Sayu, what do I do?"

"I don't know," she answered honestly. "I'll figure something out."

They rounded the corner, finding a different route to class. If Mello had bothered to look back one last time, he would've seen L watching him, waiting for a reaction. Instead, he was fleeing from the vicinity to keep his emotions in check and trying to come up with an excuse for what he'd seen.

Matt escaped the minute he saw Light approach the blond when he stepped off the bus. His life was far more important than his comfortable position.

Standing in the English wing, he watched the two converse. Mello looked aggravated as he seemingly shouted at the teen, tearing his arm from Light's grasp and clenching his fists at his side. Light, very obviously peeved, stalked off in the opposite direction of Mello before the blond started his journey to the double doors leading into the building. He half expected to see Sayu with him during the exchange, but she wasn't there for Mello until he entered the school and walked directly into Matt's view.

Matt peeked out from around the corner, watching Sayu hug Mello. His heart sank when the blond gently gathered her in his arms, pulling the girl closer. Closing his eyes, he leaned back against the wall and sighed, unaware of the presence beside him.

"Matt?" a voice came from next to him. It was warm and familiar. It made him smile.

"Hm?" he opened his eyes and turning his head to face him.

"I told him it was a bad idea to bring her into this," L stated, rocking back and forth on his heels. "It's only going to cause more pain."

"I know," Matt whispered, "but he said he has it under control."

"Are you sure?" L questioned. "I'm going to be honest, Matt. I don't think he's trying as hard as he claims. If you want him back you need to fight for him."

Matt found it easy to believe that Mello was giving up on him, if the way he looked with Sayu was any indication. Matt couldn't see anything good coming from pretending to be in a relationship, no matter how much Mello insisted it would work. Sayu had been one of, if not their biggest, fan since the redhead moved into town, but he knew that eventually she would want a tad bit more out of Mello for her service. Or, at least, that's what he deducted from watching them.

"I don't know how to do that," Matt admitted.

"You have to do something to grab his attention. What happened to the Matt that I met a long time ago?" L asked, wrapping his arms gingerly around Matt's waist. He soothingly stroked Matt's back; it was a simple gesture, but Matt found comfort it in as he realized that he missed being like this with L.

"I don't know," Matt's voice was quiet when compared to the bustle of the hallways.

Matt struggled to keep his composure as he held onto L. The redhead knew that he was right and that sooner or later Mello would become comfortable with Sayu, and maybe, after enough time had passed he would agree to being with Light again. He also knew that L was correct to assume that Matt had lost himself; he was no longer the strong person that L remembered.

The Matt that L knew wasn't a coward by any means and he wouldn't stand for someone threatening his life, no matter what the circumstances were. The Matt that L called a friend didn't allow someone to dictate his life and who he was with. That person was an entirely different person; he didn't quit when things got tough, nor did he lay low and wait for things to work themselves out. The Matt that L had grown close to was strong, determined, and, at times, stubborn.

Matt knew that he wasn't a quitter, but he'd definitely been acting like one.

"Matt, you need to understand," L began, continuing to rub Matt's back, "that in order for you to find the happiness you deserve you need to get over these obstacles. You need to do something about Sayu and about Light."

"I know, but..." Matt dipped his head against L's shoulder and inhaled the familiar, sickeningly sweet scent.

"There are no buts. You either decide to have Mello for yourself or you allow other people to share him and ignore the situation completely, wondering how things would have been if you hadn't given up so easily."

Matt made a promise himself when he wrote his note; a promise to Mello that he would fight for him. But, why was it so hard? The words were easier said than done, he knew, as L tightened his hold on the redhead.

"Mello?" Sayu called out to him. "Class is going to start."

"Go ahead," he told her, smiling sadly.

"Okay," she nodded. Sayu knew what he was doing to do and she wouldn't stop him. That's what she was there for - moral support, the stand in partner. "Talk to him and make sure he's free tomorrow night."

Mello arched a brow in her direction as she dropped his hand and walked off to her first class of the day. Sighing, he stood awkwardly in the middle of the hall and watched as people shoved past him with frustrated commands of 'move', and 'hurry your ass up'. He'd considered going to class, but he didn't feel like subjecting himself to learning about things that held no interest. Instead, he wanted to confront Matt over what he saw.

"Mello," L said, causing the blond to jump.

"L," he greeted.

"Matt's in the abandoned class at the end of the math hall," he told him, worrying his lip. "Go to him."

The bell sounded shortly after he reached the door to the old room that was no longer used. He remembered being told that the wing was used for science classes back in eighties and some idiot caught the room on fire, deeming it unusable for school purposes. Why they hadn't bothered to fix it was beyond him, but it wasn't like he was going to complain. The room was still used for many other things.

Mello stood at the door, chest rising and falling as he calmed himself down after he sprinted from one end of the school to the next. Raising a hand and grabbing the silver knob, he paused, lost in thought as the realization of what was happening washed over him. Matt was on the other side of the door; they would be alone.

Oh, the possibilities.

Mello opened the door with a protesting creak and stepped into the cool, darkened room. Time seemed to slow down as they stood staring at one another; Mello flexing his fingers as his arms hung beside him and Matt watching him warily. They were close - all it would take was a tiny movement of their arms and they would be together.

"Mello?" Matt asked softly, stepping closer to the boy in question.

"Matt," he murmured.

"Hey," the redhead sighed, closing the gap between them and wrapping his arms loosely around Mello's waist, his face buried against his shoulder. "I missed you."

Mello blinked and looked down at Matt, his mind finally registering Matt's arms around him. The voice that spoke to him hit a soft spot in his broken heart, and even though he was still frustrated with the way Matt had been clutching onto L, he couldn't find it in himself to stay upset. Matt was there and he was hugging him. All of his insecurities flew out the window with the minuscule action and Mello felt a smile work its way onto his face.

"God, I missed you," Mello whispered, avoiding how he felt before their meeting and focusing on the boy in his arms. "I miss you so much, Matt."

Mello slid his hands along Matt's side before resting them on his hips, pushing Matt away from the door in case someone were to walk by and see them. The odds of that actually happening were slim to none, but he didn't want to take any chances, instead opting for what little privacy they could get hidden in the shadows.

"Matt?"

"Yeah," the redhead responded.

"I love you," Mello confessed as he lifted a hand, using his thumb and index finger to gently grip Matt's chin and pull his face towards his own, reiterating his spoken vows with a silent kiss.

Matt applied pressure to the kiss, slipping a hand around to Mello's rear as he meshed their bodies together. A small moan escaped his throat as he pulled away with an audible pop and smiling. Mello mimicked the expression, foreheads pressed together, blue capturing green.

A sadness Mello had never seen before lingered in Matt's gaze and he immediately knew it was his fault. If he'd followed his heart there would be no sneaking around, no pretend girlfriend, no secret meetings in abandoned classrooms, stares from across the lunch room, and no dates he would have to take Sayu on in order to spend time outside of school with Matt.

They'd be together properly and everything would be right, if only he would listen to his heart. Mello longed to hold Matt, caress him and care for him whenever he wanted, but that would never happen as long as he ran from the real problem. Things would never be the way he so desperately wanted them and it hurt. It hurt nearly as much as the shrill of the bell that signified first block being let out.

"Mel," Matt stuck his tongue out and teasingly licked Mello's lips. "I don't want this to end."

"It doesn't have to," Mello explained in simplest terms, planting a chaste kiss on Matt's lips.

Matt looked at Mello with uncertainty. Was he implying what the redhead thought he was?

Voices filled the hallway outside their safe-haven and they stood in silence, listening. There was laughter, shouting and the occasional girl talking a little too loudly about trying to get the new guy to notice her. It was a waste, her attempts, but she didn't know that. To her, L, the rightfully dubbed 'new guy', was just playing hard to get.

Matt pressed harder against Mello, closing any remaining spaces between their bodies as he laid his head on the other's shoulder. Mello shifted, placing one hand on the small of Matt's back and the other against his right hip, fingers impatiently tapping. This was what he had been waiting for since things started to go haywire, and he would be damned if the chance was stripped from him. They would be Matt and Mello - the perfect couple. If only for a short period of time.

Lifting the hand located comfortably on Matt's hip, Mello lightly ran his fingers through Matt's hair, relishing in the soft texture of his crimson locks. Matt moved slightly, turning until he was able to nuzzle the crook of Mello's neck, a contented sigh crossing his lips and ghosting over exposed flesh. One of Matt's hands toyed with the belt hanging loosely on Mello's hips, fingering the silver studs that decorated it.

Matt was very aware of what was going to happen the minute the hallway cleared, giving them the signal to continue with their ministrations. Despite his mental refusal when it came to hooking up with Mello in a classroom, Matt wanted it just as much as his ex did, if not more.

Another bell sounded for the students that were trying to skip class with a promise of being found by a hall monitor. Matt was almost positive that he and Mello would be the only people to escape the wrath of those that patrolled the halls in attempt to crackdown on their rules. Nobody ever bothered to check the old room, though there were many rumors floating around in regards to what it was often used for. An activity that the two were ready to engage in.

"Matt,"

"Yeah," Matt mumbled against his skin.

"Are we... uh, do you want th-" Mello was finding it difficult to speak. He was afraid of ruining things before they happened.

Did Matt want it? That was a major component to their predicament, and one he seriously needed to know.

In response to Mello's not so graceful question, Matt pressed his lips to the junction between Mello's throat and collarbone. He suckled on the flesh softly, letting his teeth graze the area as recalled all the spots that turned Mello on. The redhead tried his best not to leave any proof that they'd been together. Matt's hand, the one that wasn't playing with the belt, came up to rest upon Mello's side as he pushed his pelvis down against Mello's body. If that wasn't an indication to what he wanted, Matt honestly didn't know what was.

Mello quickly inhaled, releasing the gasp that he tried so desperately to hold in as he felt Matt's mouth move against his heated skin. Matt left a trail of fire in his wake. The blond missed his kisses, no matter the location on his body.

"Uhn," Mello choked out, his fingers curling into Matt's hair and tugging lightly as the redhead continued to work around his neck.

"Mel," Matt pulled away to look at Mello with half lid eyes and his mouth open in a silent gasp. "I want it."

"Me too," he agreed.

"I want you," Matt told him, pressing his lips flush against Mello's mouth and looking to obtain entrance. Mello obliged his request as he tilted his head for better access, their tongues colliding with one another in awkward timing. It felt like their first time - clumsy and a bit sloppy, but completely worth it.

It had been their first kiss, inspired by Mello's boredom and an intriguing redhead at a convention that brought them to this point and he couldn't have been happier with himself if his life depended on it. Everything that transpired between them was nonexistent; nothing else mattered more to him than the body that was pressed against him with same needs and wants.

All they knew were two things. One, they were both extremely hard and wanted release. Two, they were in love and in love was how they wanted to remain.

Mello slid his free hand under Matt's shirt as he traced the lithe frame that he'd come to miss. He splayed his hand out over his chest, his fingers toying with the closest pert nipple. This brought a strangled moan from Matt, and Mello ate it up greedily as he crashed their lips together once more.

"Mel- I, uhn," Matt shuddered, thoroughly pleased with the hand that was hidden beneath his top.

Pulling away, Mello slowly slipped his own shirt off before grabbing at the base of Matt's shirt and tugging upwards, hoping that the redhead would get the idea and remove said annoying article of clothing. It was in the way, just like the rest of the clothes adorning Matt's body. Smirking as he dropped the fabric to the floor, Mello pushed against Matt's bare chest and he captured his lips in another steamy kiss that could have - and probably should have - set the fire alarms off.

"Mello!" Matt nearly shouted as the blond began to grind his hips against Matt's. A small electric current spread throughout him.

"You like?" Mello's voice grew deeper as he repeated the action, gaining an almost identical response.

"Y-yes," Matt stuttered, rolling his hips towards Mello's as he wound his arms around his neck to support him while his spine tingled and his legs turned to goo. Matt could barely keep himself upright.

"Good," Mello whispered, very pleased with this revelation and the feeling of Matt's clothed hard-on pressing into his own. God damn, he fucking missed this.

Mello pushed forward until he was sure that Matt could support himself against the yellowing concrete wall; he wanted to ravage the nude torso of his beloved. A saliva trail started at Matt's clavicle, ran along his sternum and down his stomach, where Mello stopped at the top of Matt's jeans, sucking and nipping at Matt's skin located there. Looking up, he could visibly see how heavy Matt was breathing and how breathtakingly beautiful he was with his eyes screwed shut, mouth agape and red locks falling into his face. He'd always been a sight for sore eyes, especially in the bedroom - or, in this case, in the classroom.

"Mel-Mello?" Matt inquired, peering down at the teen in question.

"Yes?"

"What... what are you doing?"

"Well," Mello smirked and placed a hand at the top of his pants, his fingers playing with the button as he slowly undid it and zipper. "I was thinking of doing this."

With that, Mello had Matt's pants pooling around his ankles and his hand pushing Matt's boxers out of the way to reveal Matt's manhood; another sight he rather enjoyed. The cool air forced a shocked gasp from Matt's lips, but he was soon hushed as a warm sensation blanketed the tip of his cock. Matt's eyes shot open, and for a moment, he wasn't sure how to take things, though he knew what was happening. He also knew Mello's tongue was running along the length of his cock, an action that earned a pleasured shutter and fingers grasping golden tresses.

"F-fuck," Matt moaned, bucking his hips into the wet warmth.

Mello hummed as he began to suck Matt off, using his tongue for added pleasure as he brought a hand up to grasp the base. Mello would pull back only for a moment and let the cool air hit Matt's length before replacing his mouth; rinse, wash, and repeat until the job was finished.

"Mello!" Matt cried out moments later, releasing his seed into Mello's mouth.

"Mm," the blond released Matt's member, his tongue darting out to lick around his lips for the remains of Matt's spunk.

Mello stood up, a lopsided grin riddling his face as he kissed the redhead. Matt could taste himself on Mello, and while it would normally gross him out, he rather enjoyed it. An odd mixture of the blond and himself.

"Mello," Matt breathed, his eyes closing as he trembled.

"Yeah, Matt?"

"What about you?" Matt asked, his voice small and lacking as he came down from his temporary high.

"Don't worry about me," the blond chuckled. "I'll deal with it later."

"But..."

"Seriously."

"Alright."

Mello bent down, with a little trouble as he'd failed to will away his erection with images and thoughts that were big turn-offs, and he picked up their shirts. Handing Matt his shirt back, he quickly slipped his own back on and straightened it out. He couldn't leave the room, after having been missing for two periods, looking like a mess.

The bell for second period ending rang, bringing their adventure to a close. The halls were once again littered with voices, laughter and the same girl from earlier that was way too determined to get into L's pants.

Mello genuinely laughed at her sad attempts. The noise sounded foreign to Matt, but he found that he missed it. Very much.

"Mello," Matt whispered, embracing the blond. "I love you."

A faint smile graced Mello's lips, the words warming his heart as he pulled Matt closer. "I love you too."

Opening the door and taking a step out in a world he didn't to be in, Mello told the redhead to wait a few minutes after he left before leaving. He didn't want it looking suspicious. People would stare, question, and rumors that weren't needed would fly.

"Oh," Mello remembered, poking his head back into the room, blue eyes locking with Matt's green. "Sayu said to make sure you're free tomorrow. She wants us to go out."

Matt nodded in response, ushering Mello out. She was planning something? Maybe, just maybe, having Sayu around would work.

Meanwhile, in the hallway, L was busy tracking Light down. However, thanks to an onslaught of annoying people of the female persuasion and mindless flirting, he was having a rough time keeping up with him. Why couldn't they realize that he wasn't interested? And fuck, why was it always the worst ones fawning over him? L swore that someone, some higher being, was against him for something he did or didn't do in a past life. It wasn't fair.

"Leave," L demanded, catching sight of Light's head in the sea of people.

"That's not very nice!" She pouted.

"I don't care," he deadpanned. "I said go away."

She took the hint when he roughly shoved her away, leaving him to make up for the time lost between him and Light. Thankfully, the auburn haired teen stopped to talk among a group of girls - namely consisting of the same ones that had been harassing him. L mentally face palmed, standing off to the side and out of Light's view.

He'd been curious about Light ever since the incident in the park. He was obviously well versed in getting what he wanted and when he wanted it, but then Mello came along and disrupted that. L had intentions of figuring out why Light was so determined to have the blond, despite knowing that he was putting Matt and Sayu on the line. Was one person really worth it? Was Mello worth the damage that would be inflicted on people he cared about?

L listened to their conversation until the girls giggled about a rumor that had spread, ultimately dispersing the group and sending Light around the corner to walk towards his next class. L caught up to him, hands in his pockets as he walked quietly beside the Yagami heir, unbeknownst to him.

"Light Yagami?"

"Huh? Who the hell are you?" Light jumped, glaring at the unknown individual beside him.

"A fan," L's voice was dripping sarcasm. He mentally mocked the flock of girls that had been around earlier, claiming to be Light's fan-girls.

"A fan? Uh... huh," Light was skeptical. This person didn't fit the fan criteria.

"Yes," L stated with a matter-of-fact tone. He was clearly enjoying himself.

"What do you want?" Light questioned, rolling his eyes at the dimwitted expression that L was sporting.

"I want to talk," L simply told him as he began to rock back and forth on the balls of his feet, watching confusion flutter across Light's face. "I've recently acquired information about you making my friend's life hell and I want to know why."

"Me threaten your friend? Riiight," Light arched a finely sculpted eyebrow.

"Yes. You see, Matt is a dear friend of mine and I'd like to know why you're threatening him over something so trivial." L tilted his head to the side, wide eyes gazing up at Light with little interest as the other boy laughed in his face. "I'm not going to beat around the bush, like some people say, and act like nothing is going on when something is... so, tell me, Light. What's going on?"

"Why should I tell you?" Light asked, growing irritated as the warning bell chimed.

"I believe I've already told you why," L said. "Or, are you not smart enough to have realized that?"

"Excuse me?" Light blinked, dumbfounded.

"You're excused, but I do believe I just insulted your intelligence. Are you going to tell me or not?" L inquired, chewing on his bottom lip thoughtfully.

The hall they were in was void of people as they stood staring at each other. A door slammed shut in the distance and Light jumped, a reaction L paid close attention to. It appeared to him that Light was steadily growing uncomfortable with standing in the middle of the hall.

"Not," Light answered him with a smirk, waving a hand in L's direction to signify the end of their conversation as he stalked off to the last classroom at the end of the hall.

L shook his head as a grin spread across his face. If Light wanted to play a game of cat and mouse, he'd happily play and he'd win. This was going to be more interesting than he'd thought.

i hope this chapter was up to par. if not, i sincerely apologize.

i've written out the final story to this the convention series and i've decided that it'll be a trilogy, as deleted any extra one-shots pertaining to the series. there will be a time skip, but i hope it'll be worth it in the end.

review, please. thank you.

.

.

.

V