Okay 2/26! I actually have a friend who has the same issue as Mello in this one. Though she reacts even worse. Enjoy (I hope)

Disclaimer: Still don't own death note. (Now when will that lamp I ordered get here?)

-I'm just going to let this disclaimer count for the whole fic. I will notify you if the lamp arrives.

B for Balloons

Mello knew it was stupid, he knew it was irrational and he knew it was wimpy. The problem was he simply couldn't change the fact he was terrified of balloons no matter how many times he tried to tell himself the logical side of the situation.

Globophobia: An intense fear of balloons.

He couldn't recall how long he had feared them, or whether it had always been that way.

He wasn't sure exactly why he feared them either, whether it was them popping, deflating or just bouncing around. It wasn't often Mello had to confront his fear. Wammy's held birthday celebrations for all those who wanted one, however Mello didn't have many close friends, he wasn't exactly the most approachable child, so most of the time he wasn't invited. Matt, someone who WOULD invite him, didn't like being the centre of attention, so birthday parties never really happened. And of course, Mello could simply request to not have them at his own celebrations.

This meant that he never really had to make a big issue of balloons, they were avoidable. However it was the 15th of April, Linda's birthday, and Mello was invited.

2 more hours left, Mello thought, hopelessly glancing at the clock. His hands were sweaty, breathing irregular and erratic and thoughts a spiralling tunnel of panic and despair. Seriously, what was wrong with him? No one else had this problem, and he was meant to be tougher than others. So why was it such as issue?

Time flew by with Mello sitting in a state of semi panic. Soon Matt was in the room and putting on some nicer clothes. Mello barely registered his 14 year old roommate as he went about getting ready.

'MEL!!' Matt was shocked out of his thoughts as his best friends shouted at him.

'Huh...' Mello tried to form a solid answer, he really did. Eyes locked with Matt as he glanced up. A few seconds went by before,

'Are you going to answer, or just stare at me?' Matt seemed slightly confused by Mellos actions.

'Oh, um..right..yeah, what was the question?' Mello replied hazily, jeeze, he had to pull it together.

'Hey, you alright?' Matt asked, wondering what was possibly up with his friend.

'Yeah..all good..' He didn't sound confident.

'The question was 'Are you ready to go?' Matt repeated looking unconvinced by Mello's previous answer.

Mello just nodded, not trusting his voice anymore, and slowly made his way out the door Matt was holding open.

As they reached the main hall where the party was to be held, Matt looked around in awe at the decorations and food. Mello looked in horror at the sheer mass of balloons, both helium and air filled. He wasn't prepared for this. Looking to his left he saw a group of boys bouncing a balloon around in the air trying to stop it touching the ground. He shuddered.

To his right was a bunch just sitting on the floor and to his horror one was slowly rolling away from the pile towards him. He froze, panic etching at the sides of his mind, watching as the offensive object made its way toward him with agonising slowness.

Just as it was getting way too close Matt yanked him forwards (his knight in shining armour), with a

'We should probably give Linda her present.'

Mello nodded jerkily, blue eyes wide with fear. Matt gave him a confused, pondering look.

'You don't have a crush on Linda, do you?' Matt asked quizzically.

Mello's mind was temporarily over come with surprise and shock that allowed him to think straight.

'WHAT??? No!!!!!' Mello started, 'Where could you possibly get THAT idea?'He seemed horrified at the suggestion.

'Jeeze, sorry. Just asking..you were acting kinda odd, nervous..kinda seemed scared.'

'I'm not scared.' Mellos automatic tough guy attitude was back. Halleluiah.

It wasn't as bad as he thought. Mello was able to avoid the balloons the whole time and there was only about 20 minutes left before they had to get ready for bed, but then dreaded words were spoken.'

'Time for the balloons bursting game!' All of Mellos senses shut down and he barely registered the fact that he'd just grabbed Matts arm in a fist of iron sinking his nails into the pale flesh. Matt made a muffled squeak before whirling around to face Mello, his face a mixture of 'What the hell?' and 'Wow are you okay?'

After one glance at the blonde, he went with the second one.

Roger began announcing rules to the game.

'Each person will be given a balloon at random. Inside every balloon is a sheet of paper. Most will have a yellow dot on it but 3 will have a red dot. You all stand in a circle and pop your balloon one at a time. The three with red dots may proceed to come up and collect prizes. Good luck!'

'I really don't like balloons' Mello told Matt in a hurry followed by a panicked whimper.

'Oh, ah, you know they can't hurt you right?' Matt asked.

What did he think Mello was? Stupid?

'Of course I know that!' Mello whispered angrily. His voice became unsure,

'I just don't like them..I can't touch them'.

Matt registered Mello's panicked eyed, shaking hands and obvious distress accompanied by how hard Mello had grabbed his arm, it still hurt. He was telling the truth, he wasn't coping.

'Okay then, you go back to the room, it's nearly over anyway. If anyone asks I'll just say you were really tired.' Matt responded.

Mello resisted the urge to hug Matt with all his might, thanked him and exited the room.

Upstairs away from the terrifying situation, Mello slowly began to calm down from the traumatising experience. It was over. It was really over. Slowly relief began to slip into his mind.

The door opened fairly soon after and Mello found a chocolate bar dropped onto the bed.

'They made me do yours too, said it was unfair that you missed out. It had a red dot on it.'

Matt smiled as Mello bit into the chocolate.

Mello pictured the balloon that had slowly made its way towards him before....

Thanks for reading! Do post a reply, please *puppy dog eyes*...if not i can always attack you with balloons *evil grin*.

Tarqui