Happy Ending (MattxMello)

2. Reunion

Matt
Sitting in my shitty apartment, surrounded by rubbish, I can't help but think of him. It's been three years and I still think about Mello everyday, wondering what he's doing, if he still thinks of me, if he meant what he said that night. "Ow!" I push my laptop onto the couch next to me, it's overheating again. I grab a cigarette out of the pack sitting on the coffee table and light it, not bothering to go outside. I'll need to go get more soon, I've only got two left and they'll be gone by tomorrow. There's a knock at the door and I get up reluctantly, expecting the landlord. Nobody visits me. I open the door and fold my arms over my chest. Standing in front of me is some short, blond guy wearing leather and a red rosary. I have to do a double take just to make sure it's really him I'm seeing. "Mello?" I ask, the shock in my voice evident.

Mello
He's taller now, a lot taller. He stands there, arms folded, cigarette dangling in the corner of his mouth. I look up to see his orange goggles covering his eyes but not hiding the surprise in them. "Hey Matt, long time no see." I say, stupidly. My nervousness is making my voice shake a bit. "No kidding. I was starting to wonder if I'd ever see you again." Those words sting me a bit but I smile anyway and say, "Well, I promised I'd be back and I am a man of my word, so..." He smiles at me, a huge, goofy, genuine smile and says, "Come in! I haven't had a chance to clean up much but it shouldn't be too much of a problem." We walk into his little apartment and sit down on the couch. The lounge space, while very small, houses junk food packets, cereal boxes and full ashtrays by the dozens. "You smoke now." I say.

Matt
It wasn't a question. "Oh... Yeah, I guess I picked up a few bad habits after I left Wammy's." I smile nervously. "I see." He says, moving my laptop over a bit. This is so awkward, it feels like we're complete strangers and can't spark a proper conversation. "So... What have you been up to?" I offer, hoping that I could get to know more about him. "Long story. Also, kinda the reason why I'm here. I need your help." This sparks my interest, "Oh yeah? With?" He shifts around in his seat a bit, "I assume you're still as skilled with technology as I remember?" Well, that was and is my specialty. "I'd like to think so." I say, looking at him now with a raised eyebrow. He lifts his head and looks at me in the eyes, "Good, it has to do with Near and... Kira." He says that last part quietly. I pretty much assumed it was about Near, but Kira? He must've seen the change in my expression, "I realize how dangerous it is, but Near has the upper hand right now and I... I just need to do this." I nod, knowing that nothing I say will change his mind. "Alright, what is it exactly that you need me to do?"

Mello
So he's in. I didn't really want to get him involved but frankly, right now I don't think I have any other choice. Either way though, I really just wanted to see him again. "I'll explain later, but for now I'll need you to come with me." He nods and we begin discussing details. He hasn't changed really but I know that I have. It'll take a while to get back to the way it was, if it ever does go back to the way it was. When we're done talking, I start walking out but he grabs my hand before I can leave. "Hey, Mells. I've missed you." He's completely serious. I look down, "I'm so sorry, Matt." I whisper, my voice cracking a bit. He pulls me closer and lifts my chin, "For what?" He looks genuinely confused. "I'm sorry that I was gone so long, that I didn't call, that I didn't try to find you sooner." He nods, "It's okay, really Mells." I don't think it is. The tears start and I try to pull away so that he can't see them, but he keeps me there, looking at me like I never left, like I deserved this kind of affection. He kisses the tears off my cheeks and pulls me to him. My head is on his chest, listening to his gentle heartbeat. He hasn't changed.

Matt
I keep him there for a moment and when I pull back, I look at his blue eyes, shiny with his tears. I can't help but love him. He collects himself and clears his throat, "I should get going, see you next week." I nod, "Let me walk you out." We leave without another word. Walking down the hallway he slips his hand into mine and squeezes it. I smile and we walk hand in hand to his car. "You sure about this?" He asks, seriously. Even if I wasn't, I would've gone with him. There was no way I was losing him again. "Of course." I smile at him reassuringly and I watch him get into the car. I'm just glad we're together again, no matter the circumstances. "I'll be back for you, Jeevas." He says just before he closes the door, then he drives away.