Okay so. I have not seen past Season 3, Episode 1. I won't be able to since I don't have cable. That's alright though. My idea for how Mike and Gus meet in this fan-story was already set before S3 came out. So be aware, it'll be different. I'm going in blind so it's definitely not canon-events ahead.
That being said, please enjoy this fanfiction.

The meet would be in the desert - big surprise. It was also understandable, however, that Nel would be nervous. So two days after she had made a house call, he picked her up at her apartment. He insisted. It wasn't something he did normally, but he would feel better if he had some sort of...control of the situation. Not with Fring, no he felt comfortable for that, but of Nellie.

If she had any reluctance or doubts to get into his car, she certainly didn't show it. In fact, as they drove the hour out of town, she wouldn't really shut up. Anyone else might think this a nervous tic, but not him. Her habit was to toy with things, to have her fingers or hands moving. The picture from the corner of his eye was that of stillness - except her mouth. His jaw tensed at this.

It was of the most pointless things too. From music, television shows, and art to food, weather, and colors - of which were two in the desert. More than once he had shot her a glare that had no effect on her talking. Halfway there, he finally growled, "Nel. Be quiet."

She turned her head and raised a brow at him, her smile of amusement wide. "So says the nosy bodyguard!" She rest her elbow on the window ledge. "Why? You don't need that much attention on driving; it's a straight road with nothing but sand on both sides. If something popped up, we'd see it a mile away."

Mike had to keep from responding right away. No, rather, it was still important to pay attention to the road. His own little trick with Salamanca's driver - the makeshift 'gardening hose' - was a testament to it. One, unfortunately, that Nel couldn't know about. So instead he grunted.

For a brief blissful minute, she stayed quiet. She kept her gaze on him, studying him and silent. That was fine with him, a good trade. Then she turned to look ahead and started to tap her foot. He rolled his eyes briefly. Naturally she'd find another way to annoy him.

"How long do you think the exchange will last?" He asked, refusing to give her the satisfaction of caving once more.

She shrugged and rest her head against her hand, her fingers lost within the wild curls. "If there are lots of questions, maybe thirty minutes? The explanation should take only, what, fifteen probably?" She kept tapping her foot against the door. Luckily before he could comment further, he spotted a car up ahead. They took the dirt road and traveled a few more miles to get to it.

Mike was so preoccupied with the bumps and with the area that he almost missed something very important: Nellie was playing with her hair. She was nervous. He glanced over at her before looking straight ahead once more. As he slowed the car to a full stop a couple yards from the other, he said quietly, "It'll go well. Don't worry."

She looked over at him and paused in her hair-toying. Finally she nodded slowly and undid her seatbelt. "Hope you can promise that, for my sake." She mumbled before opening the door. He followed suit.

She walked a couple of feet before him, her flats stepping on bits of rock. Across from them by a several feet was a tired, average looking car. More importantly, the person inside it got out as they started to walk.

It was indeed Gus Fring, Mike recognized him from his picture. During his brief time before the meet, Mike had performed a quick search and discovered that he owned a restaurant chain. Whatever he needed Nel and her computer skills for, he had no idea, but he didn't anticipate this to go south. After all, from what Mike could tell, Gus was alone.

…

At least, he should have been. That was why when Nel kept walking, stopping only to stand next to Gus and to turn to face Mike, that the older man felt that uncertainty in his gut turn to ice. Despite the itch in his fingers to go for his gun, he didn't move. He didn't react. Not yet, at least. The situation was always in control, his control, if he kept his cool. So far, the other two were keeping their cool as well.

Yes, he thought with a scowl, 'they', 'the other two'. It was clear in that moment that he had been set up. At the very least, Nel had the decency to look embarrassed, though he saw no shame or remorse in her gaze. Would he be killed? What for? No, there was more to this story.

Gus, like Mike, wore a neutral expression. He was taking in the situation as well. Finally he spoke in a smooth, crisp voice. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Mike. I trust you know who I am?"

Mike's chin raised slightly as he took measure. "I do." He wanted to see what Gus would do first.

The restaurant owner nodded slightly. "I have asked Nel to invite you here today in order to offer a deal."

Mike's eyes flickered to Nel. 'Invite'? He wondered if her apparent boss knew under what lies she had told. Well, even if he did, Mike doubted he cared so long as it got Mike where he stood currently. It did, however, explain all of his bad feelings.

"And what's that?" He said shortly, looking back at the man.

"I have been made aware of your attention to a certain person." The wind carried his voice easily to Mike a few feet away. "Hector Salamanca." It was easy to catch, the strain of steel in his otherwise pleasant voice. There was history.

This information, however, made Mike grit his teeth. And who would have found him out? He didn't look at Nel although it was tempting. He didn't respond though, prompting Gus to continue. "While I share similar views as you in this regard, I must request that you stop."

Mike raised a brow. "You're presenting a tempting deal," sarcasm dripped off his words, "but I feel obligated to ask...what do I get if I do?" The oddity of this all didn't escape him. The restaurant owner had an issue with the cartel...if this wasn't the rabbit's hole…

Gus didn't take offense to his sharp words. Instead, he smiled ever so slightly. "I have also been made aware of your...talents." He paused. "I would like to offer you a steady job of sorts. I have need of someone with experience and a sharp eye to detail." Gus paused again, this time his smile a bit wider. "Someone who will get a job done even if it means taking a blow or two."

Mike's face ached at the mention, a phantom pain at the memory. Yeah...that wasn't the greatest time he had. "Why?" He stated coolly.

"Because if you continue down the route you're going, I'm afraid my alternative offer will not be as...kind." The clouds moved over the sun, giving them a brief moment of shade. "My offer in terms of payment will be more than enough, more than what the Vet can provide as the middleman." Pause. "Think about it. You know where my restaurant is." He gestured his hand slightly, allowing Nel to walk forward once more as he got into his car.

Fifteen minutes. Less than, really. Like she had said, the meeting was short. As she walked towards Mike, however, her otherwise neutral expression cracked into one of concern and uncertainty. It was tempting, oh so very tempting to leave her in the desert...but that wouldn't do for his conscience or the chicken man.

Still, if looks could kill, she would be dead without Mike lifting a finger. She stopped about a foot away, their gazes locked. Gus' car started, but it did not drive off just yet. Nel swallowed thickly and started to tap her fingertips on her jean-covered thigh. It was apparent she wouldn't be the first to speak.

So be it, Mike thought, for he wouldn't either. What he wanted to say wouldn't have quite the effect on her as his silence would. Oh, the next hour would be torture on her and he decided to enjoy every second. He turned and walked back to his car. Nel followed. Only then did Gus drive off.