(Mello P.O.V)

A whole month had gone by before my package for Matt arrived at the Wammy house. The whole month that we were there, our friendship only grew. We were almost like brothers, me being the more protective one.

As soon as Matt had arrived, the other kids had started teasing him because he stuttered on his English. I knew he felt bad about his slow ascent into the new language, so I defended him the only way I knew how… by beating up his tormentors. I always got in trouble for it, but Matt seemed touched by the action. Besides, it didn't matter to me how much trouble I got into. If Matt was safe, it was worth it.

But back to the package…

Once it had arrived, I was notified of it immediately and was excused from class to pick it up from Roger's office. I had brought it to my room, which I now shared with Matt after I scared off my last roommate, and opened it to find more than what I had ordered.

Not only was my order in the box, but there was also a hand-held gaming device – or a Gameboy, for those that are more familiar – with a tag that read 'Welcome to the Wammy House, Matt,' as well as a huge chocolate bar with another tag that read, 'To Matt's Best Friend, and Defender.' I almost instantly knew that this was L's work, but I wouldn't let him know for a long time yet.

Without much notice, Matt had walked into the room and had seen the box. It wasn't long before the questions started.

"Mel? What's with the box? Is this why… you were… excused from class?"

I had my gift for him behind my back, but I gestured for him to look. When he did, his green eyes suddenly got greener. I don't think anything could make the Red-head happier than seeing his gift from L. It almost made me feel bad about my gift.

"Holy crap!" I admit, I taught him a few swears in English… well, the one's I thought were swears at six. They gradually got worse as we grew. "Is this from L?!"

"I think so… no name though."

He laughed happily as he picked up the games and device and started it up. I guess he noticed I was hiding something, because as soon as he looked at my face, his eyes seemed to change into something of wonder.

He finally noticed my hands. "What'cha hiding?" He said as he slowly rose from the floor.

I started backing up, but I had backed into our bunk-bed and hit my head on my top bunk, giving Matt the chance to swipe what I had. When he looked at what I had been hiding, he had smiled… genuinely.

"Goggles? For me?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I saw them in a catalogue and asked L if he could get them for your sensitive eyes. But I know you like video games more, so…"

It was true though. Matt was in love with video games, and rarely did he ever leave them to other kids to play with in the rec room. Every time we had time off, he'd be playing games while I studied. I even convinced L to let us keep the ps2 console and a small T.V. in our room. A bunch of the other kids were pissed about it, until they learned it was Matt who was constantly playing it.

Everyone at the Wammy's had their own special thing to their room. Some of the more physical kids had workout stations, while the brainiacs usually had a small library of books. There were some kids that had to be put in 'special' rooms, because they exhibited some strange ability. B was a perfect case in point. No one but A really liked to be around him because of his strange behaviour. He'd just… stare at you, then smile wickedly. As if he had guessed your greatest secret. It always gave me shivers.

I was just glad I was never 'special' like B.

I was suddenly surprised by a hug from Matt. "Mulțumesc!"

I gave him a look. "Uh… mulțumesc?"

He didn't let go, but lifted his head to look me in the eye. "It means 'thank you'! These are awesome! I can't thank you enough!"

He ripped open the package and slipped the goggles over his eyes. The orange tint made his green eyes disappear, but otherwise, they looked good on him. He seemed to be in the happiest mood I had ever seen.

"Now I can play video games and not get a headache! It's… awesome!"

I smiled at how happy Matt was at this moment. He was always a happy kid, but this was a new high for him. "They're just goggles."

"From my best friend. They… it's the first gift I've ever gotten… From my first best-est friend I ever made!"

I was amused at how much he slipped up in his English. He must have been happy.

I hugged him back closely. "You're welcome, Mattie."

"Mels! Quit calling me that!"

"Quit calling me Mel!"

(B's P.O.V)

I watched them in disgust from afar. We weren't here to make friends, but there was Mello and Matt being all buddy with each other. A and me never had that problem. Probably because I hated being touched. Every time someone touched me I backed away and leered at them like they were evil. It was only A that could touch me, but even that was limited.

I watched their names float above their heads. Mihael Keehl, and Mail Jeevas. Their lifespans were almost the same. Would that mean that they'd die together? Maybe. What a sight that would be.

Forgive me for not introducing myself. My name is… or rather was… B. B for Backup. I later changed it to something more… fitting. But that will come later.

I suppose you've all come for my story. Very well, I will tell you. But try to keep up with me, it gets rather… complicated, the more I go along.

You see, I was raised in Japan by my mother. She was a beautiful woman, and was easily the eye-candy of many a man. She had no interest in them though. Not since I was born.

My mother had held a dark secret from her family. You see… in her youth, she had become a part of a cult. One that worshipped the dead. She never held that from me, but she told me never to tell a soul. But, I guess you all can learn now. I doubt any will believe me anyway. I barely believed my own mother.

But I digress.

My mother, when she was part of the cult, had gotten herself pregnant before a ritual. I believe they were trying to summon a shinigami – a god of death – but had failed… in a sense.

When my mother discovered her pregnancy with me… then later my abilities, she wasted no time with hiding me away. I was a bother, but it wasn't like she didn't love me. She just didn't know what to do with me. Hence the fact I never even met my grandparents, or uncles and aunts. I was a demon to the world, and so I was non-existent… for that time.

I suppose someone narked on her about keeping me locked in a bedroom with barely any food or water, because not long after my fourth birthday, child services had taken me away from her. I don't remember fighting them, but I didn't really want to see my mother go away. But, I suppose that changed after meeting L.

Long story short, they tested me and claimed I was a genius. No surprise there, even my own mother could've told them that. After they gave me the name 'Backup', it wasn't long until I had met L. He was only a few years older than I, but very eloquent in speech and thoughts. I was the only one on earth to know his real name.

I clung to his side like a puppy throughout my days. He was my anchor from the cruelty of the other kids. He didn't seem to care… but Roger sure did.

He thought I was distracting L from his cases and soon banned me from even speaking to him. L tried to lift the ban, but Roger wouldn't have it. This is more than good reason for why I hate Mello. The kid was by L's side twenty-four seven, and Roger said nothing.

It wasn't long until I met A, who had arrived at Wammy's just a month after me. He was the only one friendly towards me since I disliked everyone else but L. A's real name was Adrian Harris, a New Yorker who had lost his parents to a car crash. I was touched by his story, so I kept him close. Call me odd, but the sadder the stories of death and pain, the more I like the person.

Sad, I know.

I never knew what Matt and Mello's background was. But the fact remained that L favoured the two whole heartedly. So now, I waited for it all to go to hell… like it did for me.

"Come one, B." A started behind my back. "You aren't still mad at them because of L, are you? They're kids."

My eyes shifted towards him. "So was I," I mumbled as I began to walk away. A followed close behind. "I was only… a kid."

A/N: My friend absolutely loves Beyond, so I dedicate this chapter to her. Reviews both appreciated and welcomed. X)