A.N.

Dying of sleep deprivation x.x

Disclaimer: No own Death Note

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Matt

Mello was oddly calm the morning of the meeting, humming along absentmindedly to the tune that tinkled out of the radio. It had been a week since the meeting had been rescheduled, Mello had eaten what seemed like the world's supply of chocolate but he seemed happy enough to get in the passengers seat of the car and enjoy the short drive.

His fingers subtly clutched the soft leather of the seat below him, skin stretching to an almost painful white over his knuckles as I pulled up outside the building, turning the engine off. "You okay?" I asked him quietly, prying his fingers away from the car, lacing them with my own.

"Mmmm." Mello mumbled quietly, letting out a small sigh before letting his icy I-don't-give-two-fucks attitude take over. He stood from the car, sauntering inside, purposefully putting a swing into his hips earning himself stares from both men and women at his ass. Slipping my goggles over my eyes, I followed after him and pretended not to be aware when my gaze dropped to the all too tight leather.

I sat next to Mello in the plush squidgy chair, tapping my fingers against the fake pine table adorn with matching white ceramic mugs. I watched in silence as the executives filed in, running my eyes over each and everyone sceptically trying to figure out which one was Damon. It wasn't hard to figure out if you watched Mello, his whole demeanour tensing instantly as a tall, well built man with short black hair, sat directly across from us.

I gripped his hand under the table, keeping my eyes firmly fixed on him as the company executive rambled on about some contract they wanted Mello to sign. A portfolio was shoved in front of me, indicating the kind of shots and themes they wanted for the ad. Using my spare hand I flicked through it as Mello scribbled some illegible signature on the form in front of him. He stood up, running a hand through my hair once. "Going bathroom." He told me. I nodded, continuing to flick through the photographs, whoever took these had a damn talent and even though I only had my job for money, I was fascinated by the way it was done.

I finally made my way to the end of the book fifteen minutes later, flipping it shut, I handed it back to the manager. I glanced around the table, sighing when I realised Mello hadn't returned yet, the dwindling number of figures around the table dropping in and out periodically with mugs of steaming coffee clutched in their hand.

Tugging my shirt sleeves, I stood up, walking down towards the bathroom. "Mell, you in here?" I called, brushing my hair from my eyes as I rounded the L shaped wall to see the full bathroom. I saw the suit pressing someone against the wall, I heard the pained whimper. An unbelievable anger flashed through me, almost like pure heat that boiled over. I was on him in seconds, wrapping the belt that I had shed along the way around his throat, tightening it until it became difficult to breathe. Although he was stronger and taller than me I managed to hol him in place forcing him to his knees. Seeing through the red mist, I continued to tighten the belt, watching as his face turned a light shade of blue. "Come within fifty miles of him again and I will put a fucking bullet in your skull." I snapped, undoing the belt and kicking the gasping Damon in the ribs.

I took Mello's hand and yanked him out of the bathroom, only realising how harsh I was being when he hissed quietly. "Matt, that hurts." He murmured, doing his vest up, eyes downcast.

"Sorry." I murmured, pulling him close, stroking his hair gently. I could feel him shake under my grip, desperately trying to keep his cocky attitude in place. "I got you." I told him quietly, pressing a soft kiss to his hair. "He didn't…did he?"

"No." Mello told me quietly, arms wrapping themselves around my neck, pressing his face into my chest. I held him close for a moment, gently pulling away and taking his hand leading him back down to the car where I pulled him back onto my lap, letting him sob hysterically into me.

"Shhh…" I whispered, rocking him gently. "No way in hell is he coming near you again. Kill him if he does."

Mello let out a weak chuckle. "You have the fighting skills of a lettuce."

"Ninja lettuce." I reminded him, smiling as another quiet laugh escaped him. "Lets get you home. Think you could use some sleep." Mello nodded, slipping back into his own seat, hiccupping quietly. I took his hand once more, offering the small comfort that I could.