Broken (MattxMello Yaoi Fanfiction)

Collaboration

At Wammy's, Mello often found himself in situations where there were two options. These options were either asking for help on a difficult task or remaining independent and persevering despite the lack of skill. In most of these dilemmas, Mello tend to carry out the latter choice due to his paranoia in seeming weaker than his opponents. However, this new situation placed him  in an entirely different mindset.

As he stood up, Mello knew that there was no time to lose. Damn it, how could the police be so, so stupid? There he was, worrying for his own back, when it was Matt he should have been focusing on. Guilt gnawed viciously at Mello although he did his best to ignore it; everything was bad enough as it was, let alone with a large dose of self-loathing added in.

Mello tried to think logically. He had no idea where the police came from but he knew it couldn't have been too far away... Additionally, even if he did  know, it was unlikely that the cops would actually believe him. They could flash any  evidence they liked, whether it was true or not, and label Mello as being "sympathetic towards a criminal". Yet what terrified him the most was the prospect of Kira... He had abandoned the case since the explosion, therefore the mass murderer was still very much in power. If Matt's name and photo was broadcasted on the news, he was as good as dead.

It was this realisation that then led Mello to make the decision of asking for support. An undeniably mortifying choice for the blonde, yet it had to be done. He could play the lone hero, and screw things up further, or at least have someone to yell at. Therefore, Mello pulled the phone out of his pocket and dialled the number he had detested for so long.

"Mello?" The voice at the receiving end questioned. The unmistakable sound of darts being thrown could be heard. "Near," Mello bit his lip. When speaking to L's successor, he'd often refer to him as 'sheep', like everyone at the institution did. However, this was a serious subject and Mello needed Near. However much he hated to admit it, "I need your help. Matt's been arrested."

There were a few seconds of silence before Near responded, "Why, did he have a cannabis farm hidden in the basement?" There was a mocking tone to his voice which made Mello wince. Matt was a notorious drug taker, but it stung a little nonetheless. Balling his hands into fists, Mello attempted to remain calm, "No... The police thought he was me. They arrested him for all my crimes." Another few seconds went by, "Yes, the American police certainly can be frustrating..."

Mello was beginning to feel wary of the time, "Near, please. I need you to - I don't know - find him maybe? At least clear his name, Near, anything." He felt pathetic, begging like this for Matt's safety, but there was no other way to go about it.

Near sensed this and Mello could hear a smirk, "Not so tough now, are you? Listen, I'll help Matt. He's done nothing for me and nothing against me either. This would be little more than gaining backup if anything were to happen..."  Another echoing sound of a dart being thrown was heard by Mello, "On one condition." Mello replied immediately, "Which is?"

"We form a collaboration." Near simply stated. Mello frowned at this; why would Near want to work together with Mello? They hated each other and it was Roger's idea of cooperation that had finally broken them apart for good. Was is Mello's physical abilities and strength? Or did Near actually like him, against all odds? Mello knew there would be sacrifices if he went through with this. He'd never be able to join another criminal organisation and Near would probably have the right to give him orders.

Taking a deep breath, Mello stopped chewing at his lip, "I agree." "Pardon?" Near spluttered suddenly, as if not quite believing it, "I said, I agree to form a collaboration with you, sheep."