Happy Ending (MattxMello)

7. Haunting

Mello
I can't stop thinking about that nightmare. It haunts me now, whether I'm awake or asleep. I see it all the time when I close my eyes, Matt slumped over covered in his own blood and somehow, in the back of my mind, I know it was my fault. I try to shake the thoughts out of my head, they're not helping right now. I need to focus. Focus. I put my head in my hands, shielding my eyes from the bright computer screen. I feel Matt's hands on my shoulders, they're strong and the grip is firm but it relaxes me a bit. I lean back to look at him, everything looks so ridiculous upside down. No, focus.

"Something wrong? You haven't been yourself today." There's a worried edge to his voice that just makes me feel worse. I shake my head causing my growing headache to worsen. "No, I think I just need a break." I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, it's only half a lie, I do need a break. I rub the back of my neck and close my eyes for a second. Bad idea. The set of images runs through my head like an old film strip causing me to shudder and flick my eyes open suddenly. My breathing quickens, I don't think I can take much more of this. Suddenly Matt spins my chair around rather roughly and looks me straight in the eyes, "Tell me Mello, I know it's not nothing." The words are harsh but I know he's right. "Okay..." I should tell him. He deserves to know and perhaps he could offer some words of comfort. I open my mouth to tell him but shut it closed immediately, I change my mind suddenly. "I think this case is just too dangerous, I'm not putting you through this Matt. As of right now, you are no longer working on the Kira case with me." I straighten up a bit, the words are firm but they feel right.

Matt
His words don't register immediately but when they do I feel a wave of anger come over me. "Bullshit! I'm on this case now whether you like it or not." I'm determined, I've let him get away with too much lately. I've got a firm grip on his shoulders, staring at him intensely through orange tinted goggles. He's a little shocked at my reaction but only hesitates for a second with his answer. "No you're not, I refuse to work with you." His tone is angry too, clearly as determined as I am to win this. I feel all previous calmness that may have existed within me dissipate immediately, I refuse to let him do this again, I refuse to let him shrug me off anymore.

Before I can stop myself, I slap him. He's stunned, a red mark now forming on his left cheek. He sits there for a moment, processing my action. He turns back to me and I see the fire in his eyes ignite, he stands up and shoves me roughly backwards causing me to fall hard on my butt. He stands over me and takes a fistful of my shirt, "Listen here Jeevas, you don't get to tell me what to do during my own investigation, got it?" His teeth are clenched as he hisses the words at me, his face about an inch from mine. My determination hasn't left me and unfortunately for Mello, neither has my anger. He pushes me back onto the floor and stomps out, slamming the door to our bedroom shut behind him. I flinch at the sound despite myself. A hint of regret dilutes the anger fueled cloud over my mind but I don't move. I'm right and I know it.

Mello
As soon as I get into the bedroom, I grab my suitcase and rapidly throw things into it. If he's not going to listen to me, I'll protect him in a different way. I'm not involving him in something that could get him killed, I refuse. It takes me about ten minutes to pack all my things. I fling the door open to see Matt, still on the floor, his face red with anger. He gets up when he sees the suitcase, his hard expression faltering for only a second tinting his eyes with sadness, "Fine Mihael, leave! You've never really had trouble doing it before, have you? Just don't expect me to be waiting for you when you decide to come back. I'm done waiting for you, I don't fucking need this." The words leave wounds, but I won't let him see this.

I narrow my eyes at him, "I am leaving Matt, wish granted. You know what?" A malicious sort of smile spreads across my face, "This time I won't bother coming back for you. I refuse to help you out with your fucking death wish!" I scream at him as I continue walking to the door, looking back for only a second before throwing my set of keys at him and slamming the door behind me. Hot, angry tears are burning my face as I stand outside our apartment with everything I own. I squeeze my eyes shut tight, letting the images haunting the darkest parts of me come forward. I won't let it happen. I know exactly where I'm going now, I don't like it and Matt won't either but I go anyway.