(Mello P.O.V)

The car ride to Ross' hideout seemed to take forever. Maybe that's just because I was nerved by his eyes watching me ever so closely. Honestly, every time I felt those eyes stare me down I felt my stomach churn in discomfort. I instantly regretted ever wearing such tight clothing.

I really hated to be looked at that way. Like some cheap toy for someone else's amusement. However, if I wanted to take down Kira, I had to endure it. Besides, if it really came down to it, I knew how to defend myself. I was only thankful that I've known how to do so since I was less than seven years old. Still, the actual thought of it bugged me.

We had just stepped out of the car when Ross got handsy again, holding my waist and guiding me towards the door. I could see the looks on the other men's faces too. It wasn't jealousy per say, but rather annoyance. I guess they were miffed at the fact that Ross took to me almost instantly, even after threatening them and maiming one of their men. Jack was still afraid to go near me, by the way. Which… wasn't terrible.

We stepped into the warehouse, which overpowered my sense of smell with cheap drugs and liquor. This was probably the worst smell I'd ever come into contact with. But, I endured.

Some of the men looked up, but didn't really say anything. A few whores looked my way in contempt, but a quick glare from me shut up their thoughts. At least Ross had them to satisfy him when I inevitably turned him down. However, knowing Ross from my adolescence, when he wanted something… he did anything in his power to get it. A hopeless quest for him, considering I was smarter and wittier than the man. Plus, even when he didn't get what he initially wanted, he'd at least gain my help in expanding his empire…

Sorry… my empire.

Honestly, did you really think he was leading this organization? He was merely a figurehead in what was to come.

But I'm ahead of myself.

He led me into his office, not a few short feet away, with a bunch of the other men looking onward. I knew what they were all thinking, but nothing was going to happen. In fact, if worse came to worse, I knew some tactics on how to retrieve Ross' gun and make sure he never saw the light of day again.

Though, I think I mentioned earlier that I liked to outwit my enemies than to merely kill them. Much more fun – and humiliating – that way.

He finally took his hand off me as he went to shut the door. I kept a close eye on him though. The one thing I'd always learned to practice with, was to never, EVER, turn your back on someone. I already knew I could outwit and outsmart him, but his strength was another story. I really had to tiptoe right now to get what I want without giving him what he wanted.

"So then," he began, "you're still among the living. My congratulations to you, seeing as how fucked up the world has become nowadays. With Kira on the loose, and L getting nowhere, I'm amazed you haven't been killed by him yet for simply knowing L. Tell me, how is it you've managed to survive this whole time without him catching on to you and the other two?"

He had begun to circle me at this point, but I kept my eye trained on him. "L kept us and the Wammy house very secretive amongst society. You got lucky when you found us, considering Stephanie's desperation."

He sat in his seat now. "Yes, that little girl was quite the help. Though, she seemed more than happy to have me kidnap that little albino boy. When we saw you snooping around, well… we couldn't have you go blabbing around. Now could we?"

I chuckled a bit. "You know she only asked you to do that for my affection, right? She's bat-shit crazy, that one. That, or extremely loyal."

Rod Ross let out a laugh. "Looks like you got more than one admirer in your life."

Looking at Ross, I could see the similarities between him and Stephanie now. So, it only left me to turn on the charm.

A small smile, and tilt of the head was all I needed. "You flatter me, Ross. I never thought someone like you swung both ways."

Humour and compliments. It got into any man's soul. And of course, this included Rod Ross. The way he smiled only further cemented my place into the Mafia. Though, there must be more here than I first believed.

"I've been known to dabble, though I never thought for the life of me I'd try my luck on a former captive. Though, if you truly want Kira's head, and you want my men to follow you without question," I felt my stomach churn as he looked up and down my body. "You'll have to do something for me."

I huffed, flicking my head away from him. "How stupid do you take me for, Ross?"

He jolted at my sudden change in demeanor. "Excuse me?"

"I'm not a cheap whore, Ross. You have two perfectly good ones waiting for you outside these walls." I slammed my hand on his desk, making him flinch just a tiny bit. The look in his eyes changed now, to something that resembled fear. He no longer looked over my body, but instead focused in on my eyes. "I was trained to be L's successor, to outsmart shit-stains like you. The fact that I'm seeking your help means I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get Kira's head. On a pike if I'm lucky!"

I leaned in a bit now. "What you want, and what I want are two completely different things. The only thing that remains the same, is we both have to work toward that goal." I now backed away from his desk. "If I join now, I'm less than even Snyder, and I won't stand to be in the gutters under low-life scum such as him. So tell me what I have to do to raise my ranks to be at your side."

Ross was quiet for close to two minutes before saying anything. "My side, huh? As my consigliere? Mello, that's a tough rank to get to. None of my men are even close to that position. Still, if that's what you want, you have two options.

"Option one;" he started, pulling out a file from his desk drawer, "hunt and kill mission. This man has been on the run from us for over nine years now. He's changed his name over and over again. We can't seem to get a lock on him." He pushed the envelope towards me. "This man is also dangerous, having more than fifty kills on his hands. One of them being his own son."

That didn't bother me. I've met worse in my time. Besides, it only made me want to kill him quicker.

"The last place we saw him was in Venice, Italy. From there, he ripped us off on a drug deal and escaped us. He's had no further activity since then, but my contempt runs deep for this one."

I opened the envelope to see the face… and I instantly shut it. Not making another move. I tried my hardest not to laugh or smile. This was too perfect.

Ross suddenly stood up. "Option two; humility for ranking. This is much simpler, Mello, and I would suggest this one for you, since, let's face it, we'd both get what we want." He looped a hand onto my waist once more, but this time I accepted it. If only because that envelope of info put me in the best of moods.

He leaned in closer. "I think you know what I want, Mello." He whispered, slyly slipping his hand under my belt.

I could've laughed at this point. It was too easy.

I nuzzled into him affectionately. "Ross?" I said as sweetly as I could muster.

He pulled me in closer. "Yes, Mello?"

I slapped the now empty envelope into his chest, walking away towards the door. "Get me a plane ticket to Germany. I'll have this guy's head wrapped up nice and pretty for you by next week. Next two, in the latest."

The look on his face was golden. Like I'd snatched his one opportunity at the Holy Grail. His face was plastered with both bewilderment and disappointment. I almost hated that look… but, then again, whatever entertainment I could find in this world was well worth it.

I gave him a sly grin while holding the papers. "Well?"

He straightened up. "Mello, I'm giving you an opportunity to make this easier on yourself. No one has found this man, he's been underground for years."

"Don't doubt me, Ross. It's unbecoming."

The man before me huffed in annoyance. Then, suddenly, grinned. "Alright then, I'll let you take on this mission." Before I had a chance to walk away though, he stopped me at the door, pinning me to the wall with his stare. "But I'm gonna be fair here and say that if you can't find him, then option two will remain in your corner."

I rolled my eyes. "I made it very clear to you that I'm not some cheap whore…"

"And you're right. Which is why I won't treat you like one." He lifted my head with his meaty fingers under my chin. "This is exactly why I want you, Mello. I can't pay you for such a service. I have to earn it. Something I have to earn, makes the reward so much sweeter."

I smacked his hand away. "What you do to 'earn' my so called 'services' will be more than you could ever expect. In fact, I'm almost too sure you don't have a chance in the world with me, so I'd stick to your little two-dollar 'friends' out there."

Ross only grinned as he backed away. "We'll see how much your mood changes when you come back empty handed." He then finally left the office, with me grinning wickedly.

I looked at my target's face. I admit, normally, a job like this would take me longer. However, circumstances being what they are, this only further proved some god was watching over me.

As I exited the office, Ross turned up again with a wad of cash. "Use this to get your plane ride and whatever else you need for the job. I doubt there'll be penny left by the time you get back, all things considered."

"You had morons looking for him last time. With me, you won't have a problem."

"My offer still stands. It's a much quicker route than this."

I grabbed my coat off the couch. "I never take the quicker road. And with you, Ross," I turned back at the doorway, looking him over, "I think you'd be too quick for my taste."

On my exit I could hear many of Ross' men snickering and 'ooh' as I left. Like I've said before, outwitting and outsmarting has always been my strong suit. Poor Ross had no idea who he was dealing with.

I opened the papers once again to read the name of my target. It was the name he went by for a longer period, and so my heart pounded at the thought.

Target: Armin Keehl (Preferred name, unknown if he responds to this name)

Last seen: Venice, Italy (three years ago)

Very dangerous, proceed with caution. God guide you if you face him.

'You shit-faced, bastard. I suppose this day had to come at some point. Glad it's me who gets to kill you.'

A/N: Just so you all know, the next few chapters will be mainly about Mello considering there's not much I can do with Matt or Near right now. But it's all part of the plan, so stay with me. :)

Reviews appreciated

and Enjoy!