Chapter Six
Matt was in his closet, looking for a polo-neck between his belongings. The prints on his neck had darkened and he needed to hide them.
But there they were, looking back at him in the mirror reminding him that yesterday, he was the one to cross the line.
But the words were out his mouth before he could even think. He didn't mean it the way it sounded.
He was not a homophone. But a... Mellophobe ?
That guy knows no boundaries.
Yes, Mello was an exhibitionist sick pervert. But that didn't give him the right to call him a fag.
In Mello's presence, Matt had immediately felt uneasy.
Then hearing the guy who had given him an instant hard-on, talk about his ass and call him cute...
It was too gay a conversation and Matt felt that he was about to get drawn in and fall for Mello's flirting.
He did think that Mello was beautiful and without his goggles he had a close view on the eyes that had haunted him.
He had also kept the guy's wallet like a fetishist, he had looked at his picture for hours, he had followed him everywhere around the uni...
There was too much incriminating evidence.
All things considered, his outburst was more directed towards himself than the blond.
He needed to distance himself from the matter by saying he was not gay.
And Matt was truly not gay.
In the morning he had surfed the net for some gay porn. It took him five seconds viewing and a run to the loot, to confirm he indeed was not attracted to men.
Plus Matt has heard that one was homosexual from his birth. It was almost uncoded in one's genes. But Matt had never felt desire towards his own sex.
Until Mello came in the picture.
So what does that make me ? A Mellosexual ?
Matt knocked his head on the closet door.
This is not happening. Not to me.
Matt let his tired body slide down the wall. He sat on his room's floor and lit a cigarette.
The smoke hurt slightly in his throat. But Matt was not mad at Mello for trying to strangle him to death.
No, Matt was almost grateful Mello had brought him back to his senses and reminded him where he belonged.
Because a few seconds earlier, when their eyes had met, Matt had felt himself get sucked in that irrepressible and surprising desire to kiss Mello.
A desire that had caressed him long ago as he had admired Mello's picture, a desire that yesterday became achievable and real.
Too real !
There was no way for him to have such a vivid desire. He is a healthy normal straight young man. He has a gorgeous girlfriend that he is allowed to desire and kiss as he pleases.
He didn't know what he was thinking back then or what brought him to that absurd swamp.
And it didn't matter anyway. It's all in the past.
Mello is history.
"I can't believe he acted that way" Light said accepting the hot chocolate cup L offered him.
"I do" L disagreed sitting next to the younger men "Mello-kun always reacts bad to provocation and criticism."
"I'm not talking about Mello, but Matt" Light retorted " He is one of the most brilliant students I ever taught. Didn't know he was so narrow-minded"
"Knowing Mello, I'm sure he did something to elucidate such a reaction"
"Nevertheless, it doesn't justify his homophobic words" Light insisted.
"Maybe." was L's answer.
Light eyed him suspiciously. "I expected you to be on your boyfriend's side"
L almost chocked on his drink. "He is not my boyfriend. And I'm not taking a side"
"But I thought-"
"I can't quite define what my relationship with Mello-kun used to be. But things have changed"
"You're way too allusive, Ryuzaki" Light commented smiling "One can't really get what you mean"
"Is that so, Light-kun ?" L thought for a second "Well then let me try again. The person I am currently interested in, is not Mello-kun"
Light chuckled "That's not much clearer, Ryuzaki"
"I'm only interested in you."
Light was openmouthed under L's blank stare.
Watari entered the room "You have a visitor. It's-"
"It's me" Mello stepped in, unannounced. Then noticing Light's presence and his mentor's glare, he smirked.
"Hope I'm not interrupting"
"Yes, you are" L shot back.
"I need my keys back. Can't get into my apartment." Mello explained.
L walked to his desk "I had only asked for your bike key. Stop acting reckless."
"Just give me the damn keys already." Mello said annoyed.
"Here." L threw them at him "Where did you spend the night ?"
"Halle's" Mello answered walking out.
"You have to assume the consequences of what you did, Mello-kun."
"What ? Is Roger asking for my head ?"
"He wants you to face the consequences of your foolish behavior."
"Whatever, Ryuzaki. One word from you and he'll forget about the whole thing."
"I'm not rescuing you on this one, Mello-kun." L warned.
Mello flinched. Without L's support, the consequences will be heavy. "What had the old man said ?"
"He can not tolerate such violence in his respectful establishment" L reported.
"Tell him we were outside of his respectful establishment"
"Still, Mello-kun. You are a student of his university. You both are. Therefore he has to take some measures"
"He can shove his measures up his-"
"Mello-kun !" L scolded.
"Oh, I forgot we are in mixed company" Mello's eyes set on Light who looked back puzzled.
"I-I could try speak to Roger" Light offered.
"Aren't you a sweetheart ?" Mello bemocked. "Why would you ?"
"I've myself witnessed the encounter. It happened outside of the university gates and you were acting under Matt's cheap, not to mention unfair provocation."
Mello smiled maliciously. Not rescuing me, L ? Watch close !
"You think so ?" Mello asked stepping closer to the Math professor.
"Yes. His insults were uncalled for. Matt has no right to pass judgment on your sexual orientation."
"You are one wise man, Mr. Yagami" Mello couched down until his face was in Light's level. "If only Roger could adopt your impartial point of view"
Light was a bit startled by the blond's closeness "Thank you. I promise to talk to him, first thing in the morning."
"You'd do that for me ?" Mello asked with the most grateful voice he could imitate. "You have a very kind nature, Light. Can I call you Light ?"
"No, you can't !" L instantly replied and Mello could see the irritation he has been causing his mentor. Not rescuing me still ?
"I'm sure Light doesn't mind" Mello put a hand on Light's knee.
"Enough, Mello-kun !" L said with a infuriated voice that made Mello retreat his hand on the spot. "What do you think you're doing ?"
"What's the matter, Ryuzaki ?" Mello said standing up "You were sulking like a kid. I just felt like teasing you a little."
"Okay, you win." L sighed "I'll talk to Roger"
Good boy !
Mello patted his bike tenderly, before riding it.
Going back to classes after the altercation was more fun than he had expected.
As soon as his engine's sound was cut off, everyone's attention was on him. With every step he took, people moved aside freeing the way.
He quietly walked to his law class biting in one of the chocolate bars he had 'borrowed' from L's kitchen.
He sat down waiting for the lesson to end.
Law was the only potable option Mello had found for his second year. He hated this class and it's professor. Teru Mikami.
Always talking about laws and ranting about justice and how the lack of proper and strict judgment was the main cause for crime in the world.
Mello could swear that in his spare time, the professor would put on a super hero cap and fly the road eradicating the evil everywhere. Not that he minded.
Mello was one to make his own justice too. Like what he'd done two days earlier with that ignorant redhead.
It was certainly not the first time he was insulted in such a fashion, but it was the first time Mello had lost it.
And as much as it pained him to admit it, He was hurt.
Yes, hurt by the words of a guy he barely knew. Mello had nicely asked for his wallet, even complimented the guy about his incredible ass.
He had half-thanked him for his assistance in the accident and said he was cute.
What was the harm ?
Mello could not understand.
"The class is over."
Mello woke up from his thoughts at his blond classmate's voice.
"Didn't know you had the time to attend to such a boring class, Halle" He said getting up.
"Even though I have to fulfill my responsibilities as student's consul president, I'm still an ordinary student Mello"
"Don't indulge in your usual self-plug so early in the day."
Halle laughed softly. She had become long ago accustomed to Mello's bad mouth.
"Why are you so hostile so early in the day ?" She asked as they walked together across the hall "I thought you'd be more cheerful considering you were spared from Roger's wrath"
"Yeah. I owe that to Ryuzaki"
"Again ? That guy always stands by you. I remember you were screwing around on me with him. And with professor Gevanni. And with god knows who."
"Even god doesn't know." He spat.
"You blasphemous bastard !" She howled "I don't know why I put up with you."
"Because you love me." Mello stated
"I no longer do. But I still care."
"Thank you for being such a devoted friend, Halle"
"You can drop that cynical act." She rolled her eyes "I can see right through you."
"I know you do." Mello admitted "That's why I don't like to be around you."
"You say that, but to whom you came running first when your enormous pride was hurt, huh ?"
Mello fell silent.
"I'll tell you what I saw that night. I saw Mello the great break down."
Mello winced.
"That guy managed to get to you. He must be something else."
"..."
"He made your composure fall to pieces."
"..."
" He drove you out of yourself"
"..."
"He must have some kind of spell on you."
Mello dropped his head.
"I hit it head on, huh ?" Halle smirked.
"Shut up already !" Mello said disdainfully.
"Shit." Halle bit her lip nervously "I was right."
"I have to go to my next class. See you" Mello said scooting away.
"Mello !" Halle shouted after him "You're not getting away with this."
"Whatever."
AN: A useless author's note... well you need to check "Mello's United States of Whatever" on youtube !
There's also a facebook page for that song... it fits Mello so well ;)