Choices

AN: Well I have to say, most of this chapter wasn’t planned. Lol. It was originally supposed to skip ahead to Thursday and have things happen that day, but Mello and Matt had other ideas for me. So you got a longer chapter. Yay?

*yawn* I’m tired but I told Pyroluminescence I might update….. so you can all thank them. :)

Suggested listening: Leave it All Behind by September; Two is Better than One by Boys Like Girls (great for the outside scene... that’s all I’ll say)

Chapter Twenty-Five: Firefly

The next two days had passed peacefully, well as peaceful as life around Mello could. Meaning that it had been filled with chocolate, the horrid outdoors, boring classes, awkward meal times, and Mello being Mello. Matt supposed he wouldn't have changed anything really.

But by the time Wednesday morning had rolled around, he was bored again. Though that was nothing new really. But it just felt odd with nothing of importance going on. He hadn't even seen L since that glimpse on Sunday, despite him and Mello having decided to eat their lunch in the kitchen the day before. Matt had to wonder if L had even gotten the change to look at the system yet, or if he was still involved in whatever he'd been doing that day.

But Matt guessed it didn't really matter when L got to it. The system was secure, as Matt had, with Mello watching over his shoulder, attempted to hack into the new and improved Wammys. And Matt had only gotten passed the first security line before he'd been shut out, and that was with the knowledge of how his system worked.

Mello had a good laugh out of his failure until Matt had made him try; he hadn't even lasted thirty seconds. It had led to an awkwardly silent moment, and Matt having to stifle his laughter at the aghast look on Mello's face.

Mello hadn't been pleased, to say the least, and had insisted that Matt had an unfair advantage with having created the system. Seven failed attempts later and Mello grudgingly conceded to the fact that he just wasn't nearly as good with computers.

Mello had been fine after he ate two bars of chocolate...

That had been the day before, though Matt caught Mello glare at his laptop as he shut the lid, Matt having played an online RPG on it, as L had his.

“All set now?” Matt asked the blonde. Mello looked up from where he was crouched beside his chocolate stash, and after he grabbed another bar, he nodded. Matt shook his head in amusement. That was a total of eight bars so far.

Three of them eaten, and the rest hidden somewhere on Mello. Damned if Matt could figure out where. He wouldn't have minded the search though... And by the time they actually got to class, there was one less bar. Matt really wondered how Mello didn't have serious health problems with all the chocolate he ate.

Then again... the same could be said with how much he smoked.

As soon as class started Matt settled back into his routine of only half listening as he played the PSP underneath the desk. He had wanted something more to do with his time, and he supposed it was better than just sitting around.

He did have slightly more distractions to ease his boredom. Though he was still bored. He knew it was probably worse because he didn't have any large project to fall back onto, or worry over.

He smirked. As though his missing memory wasn’t enough to get worked up over..

Other than that though, things had eased off. He didn't have to worry about getting frustrated with needing help every five seconds, as his legs seemed to have gotten used to all the walking he did.

Which really was surprising as it seemed like all he did was laze around and play games or smoke.

Well that and he'd recently, as in only a day ago, started attempting push ups before breakfast. He found it rather pitiful just how weak his arms were, but knew it couldn't be helped at the moment.

Mello had periodically watched him as he'd gotten ready for classes, carelessly pointing out when he messed up and generally being a nuisance. But Matt couldn't be bothered to be angry with Mello.

It was nice, all the time he was able to spend with the blonde. He knew no one else ever got to see half of what Mello showed him, and he doubted Mello would ever let anyone else either, besides maybe L.

“Matt, can you answer the question on the board?” the teacher snapped, clearly not amused with his inattention. Matt was suddenly reminded of something similar from his first week at Wammys, and rambled off some number halfheartedly.

He ignored whatever comments the teacher had made to him, and rubbed absently at the bridge of his nose; he felt Mello's gaze on him. He'd probably gotten the answer wrong than, which would have caught Mello's attention immediately.

He would probably have to answer to Mello later on, but figured the blonde wouldn't be angry with him for not having paid attention.

He blinked a few times and sighed lightly as the pain subsided. He always wondered why it was painful to remember things sometimes, and not others, but the doctor hadn't really tried to explain it.

And Matt wasn't bothered enough to look it up, it wasn't as if knowing the problem would have made it go away at any rate. He couldn't stop the pain from coming, though he had learned not to force a memory if he could help it...

The classes changed twice more before lunch came. Though Matt found he really wasn't interested in food right then, but knew that Mello would force him anyway.

“So what was that about in class? You get another headache?” Mello questioned him as they sat down, and Matt knew Near was interested in their conversation by the way his head unconsciously tilted foreword ever so slightly.

“I don't suppose you would remember a similar situation between me and that teacher in the first week, would you?” Matt almost laughed at the confused expression on Mello's face.

“No...why?”

Matt just looked at him.

“Oh.” Mello exclaimed as it dawned on him. “I don't suppose you remembered much else, huh?” Mello asked with a weak smile.

Matt shook his head. Despite certain aspects of his past that he would have rather not known about again, he really did want to remember. Or at least remember his time from Wammys, as that was what pertained to Mello.

He knew it hurt the blonde to not be remembered, or at least not completely, as Matt had remembered some things about him, and he just hoped that he wouldn't have to wait too much longer. He did seem to remember a lot more things as the days went on; nothing of any real value in his opinion, but at least it was something.

“Perhaps Matt should place himself in situations where a memory would likely to be triggered.”

Matt looked up at Near, who had spoken, and then over to Mello who had narrowed his eyes. He sighed and picked at his food. Would it be considered horrible if he allowed them to get into a fight, simply because he didn't want to deal with it?

Probably.

“Mello.” Matt tried to get his attention but Mello had already started in on Near. Matt spooned up a piece of discarded fruit, pineapple was evil, and flung it at Mello. Mello's entire body flinched as he stared wide eyed, mouth open in shock, at Matt.

Matt couldn't help the laugh that escaped his lips. “What the hell, Matt?!” the fact that Mello hadn't retaliated spoke volumes of Mello's shock.

“Can't we enjoy one meal without you practically leaping across the table to kill Near? Seriously, just ignore him if he pisses you off so much.” Mello continued to gape at him, and Matt wondered if he should attempt to toss fruit into his mouth.

But decided it wasn't worth the injury he would surely receive should he try. Though it would have been hilarious, if Mello's reaction to being hit with the fruit was any indication.

Mello huffed, glared at Near, crossed his arms, and looked away. All in less than five seconds. That had to be some sort of record.

Matt popped a grape into his mouth and juice filled his mouth as he crushed it between his teeth. Crisis averted?

Or postponed?

The amusement, well what Matt took as amusement, in Near's eyes said postponement. Though if Near started it next time... it might be fun to see Mello lunge at him.

Near's idea had its merits though. Assuming he didn't have to be shot in the head again and crushed under a fire torn building again... other than that... he supposed it would be up to his doctor if what Near had suggested should be tried.

For all Matt knew it could make things worse. Wouldn't that be fun?

Lunch ended without any serious incidents, though Mello had turned his glare on him for a while which had only amused him as Mello had only been sulking.

The first few afternoon classes had passed with relative ease, as Matt had paid more attention to the PSP than the classes. But as the computer/technology class rolled around Matt was more than ready to have the day end.

He actually wanted to finish that mystery book he'd started. And never finished...

“Damn it!” Mello swore from across the room and Matt noticed the teacher flinch. That happened to be Mello's worst class as it dealt mainly with the intricate workings of all things electronic.

And Mello plus technology didn't mix. Mainly because when Mello was involved with technology, it broke.

Matt had finished his work within the first ten minutes of class, computers were his specialty after all, so he unseated himself and walked calmly over to Mello and the blonde glanced up as he leaned over him. “Need help?” he asked. The entire room seemed to hold it’s breath as everyone watched and waited for the inevitable backlash of such a question.

“Yes!” Mello snarled and gestured angrily at the screen where a red box had popped up telling him that he had failed, again. The class had been learning how to hack certain sites for the passed while, though Matt had hardly needed any help, and Mello absolutely sucked at it.

Which was why Matt knew that if L ever chose Mello to be his sole heir, Mello would probably drag him along because of his knowledge with computers. Not that he minded in the slightest.

“I'll help, but you start off.” though he doubted Mello would have had it any other way. Just because he had allowed him to help didn't mean he wanted Matt to do everything for him. He waited until Mello almost made a fatal mistake before he softly explained what should be done.

Mello did as was told and grinned as he was kept from being detected. That continued on for the rest of the class, as Mello tended to make rather simple mistakes, but Matt was confident that Mello had learned at least a little bit.

Hands on training was the best way to work, in Matt's opinion.

“Thanks Matt.” he heard Mello mumble quietly as they were told to gather their things as class had ended. He smirked at the shocked faces of those who had incidentally overheard Mello.

“You do realize-” Mello began as they exited the class “-that you are now expected to help me in that class. I don't know why I didn't just ask you before. I have a computer genius living with me and I could have beaten Near in that class ages ago!”

Matt rolled his eyes as Mello jabbered on even as they entered their room. Honestly, he doubted Mello would have accepted his help much earlier. And doubted even less that Mello would have ever asked.

But he didn't say anything. It was good to see Mello so lively, and not have it being negative or twinged with unhappiness.

“Mello!” he whined. The blonde stopped mid-word and blinked at him. “Go study while you are in such a good mood. I want to finish the book I started a few days ago.” he almost expected Mello to be put off at the blatant dismissal, but Mello merely grinned and shrugged to him as he collected his books.

“Who am I to argue with that suggestion.” Mello commented as he flipped open a textbook. Matt rolled his eyes and searched through his dresser until he found the large book and flopped onto his bed with it.

He'd only had a little under half of it left to read and finished it quickly. Matt looked up and noticed that Mello's attention was on something outside rather than on his books, though he didn't say anything about it, as Mello could use a few moments to space out.

Though Matt couldn't figure out what had caught the blonde's attention, as it was dark outside the window and made things hard to see. He decided that perhaps Mello was merely lost in though and had unintentionally locked his gaze with the window.

Matt supposed that it really didn't matter much.

He sat in silence, as he watched Mello and his entranced expression for a while longer before it became apparent dinner would soon be under way; if the noise from outside was any indication.

Matt hadn't even had to say anything, for as soon as the voices had reached Mello's ears he had looked away from the window and stretched. “Guess we should go.” Mello mumbled with a yawn. Matt shrugged but slid from the bed as soon as Mello opened the door.

“Eat quick, we're going somewhere after dinner.” Mello said to him as he gathered items onto his own plate. They were going somewhere?

Just what did Mello have planned...?

He ate slowly, as he mulled over the possibilities.

“Matt, are you purposely trying to be a pain in the ass? You'll like it, now hurry up so we have time.” Mello hissed at him, though it had been loud enough to catch Near's attention. The albino's dark eyes had widened a small fraction, though Matt had to wonder why.

He didn't allow himself any time to think on it as Mello had glared at him until he'd eaten a fair amount of his food. “Finally!” Matt didn't even have time to put his fork down as he was dragged from his seat and out of the cafeteria.

He didn't have any idea where Mello would want to take him, so it was with a small amount of confusion as he let the blonde lead him outside and into the night; though the blondes grip on his arm didn't lessen until they were in the middle of the field and by the large tree in the back.

Matt was momentarily startled by the almost greenish colored blob that appeared before his goggles, which in turn made Mello laugh. “It's a firefly; don't tell me that you're scared of them?”

Had Mello brought him out there to watch the fireflies? He would have been able to see them from the window...

“No, I’ve just never seen one before outside of a movie.” he pulled down his goggles so that they rested around his neck. Just that once, it would be OK to leave them off.

“Never?” Mello asked him, as the blonde stared intently at his face. Matt shook his head. “It's the perfect weather for them...” Mello trailed off and Matt had to grin.

“They are interesting.” Matt told him as he caught a pair in his hands and brought it closer to get a better look. Really, who would have thought bugs that glowed would be kind of cool?

Something warm was suddenly pressed against his side and he glance over at Mello who had taken to leaning against him to get a better view of the fireflies in his hand. Though Matt didn't mind.

After a few more moments he opened his hands completely and watched as the fireflies took back off into the air. It seemed to cause a ripple effect as a mass of glowing orbs suddenly filled the night air.

Mello had backed away and his eyes were transfixed on the sight around them, a huge smile on his face.

Matt decided he rather liked fireflies. He loved the way they flew passed Mello and their light illuminated his face; he hadn't seen such a simple expression of joy like that from Mello in a while, if at all, since he'd woken up.

Mello had his arm outstretched and Matt watched in amusement as the fireflies seemed to use it as a landing strip.

Matt wanted nothing more, at that moment, than to pull the blonde into his arms and kiss him senseless; but knew he wouldn't, not yet. Perhaps not for a small while longer... not until Kira was out of the picture.

Maybe he would be the one to bring Mello to the fireflies next time... maybe...

But until then, he was content to watch Mello and the fireflies.

“Hey Mello?” he called softly.

“Yeah?” Mello had only briefly glanced at him, attention still mainly on the floating blobs.

“Thanks.” Matt smiled. He doubted he would have ever noticed the fireflies otherwise. He was usually concentrated on his smoking and nothing else and generally stayed on the steps by the door rather than going off by the tree like they were.

“Sure. We should probably go though; we do have class in the morning.” Mello said reluctantly. Yes, Matt thought, he would definitely have to bring them out there again, even if it didn't end in a confession.

Mello lightly shook his arm and the fireflies took off.

They were both silent on the way back, though it was a comfortable silence. “Matt.” Mello called to him softly. He turned and stilled as Mello's hands grabbed at his goggles and pulled them up to cover his eyes.

“You forgot.” the blonde said simply before he headed inside. Matt's heart hammered frantically inside of his chest, eager to feel the brush of leather against his cheek again, but he shook it off.

It was definitely not the time for those thoughts.

It was later than he'd thought, as he glanced at the clock; they had spent some time out there. But not an insane amount. Matt found that his gaze drifted to their window, and the glowing orbs that he could only faintly see in the darkness.

From Mello's smug look he had noticed his action. But at least Mello knew he had enjoyed their time out there.

Matt changed into his night clothes as Mello went into the bathroom, and shut his light off the moment he was in bed. Though he had pulled the PSP out and started up his game. There might have been class the next day, but he was far from tired.

And it seemed that neither was Mello, as even after the blonde had turned his own light off, he could see his eyes as they gazed out into the night.

It really had been a good night.

-

It was the next morning just after breakfast, as they readied themselves for classes, that Roger knocked on their door.

“Matt, L has requested to see you. You will be excused from your classes for today.” Roger had told him with a frown. Really that man needed to get over himself...

“Alright, thanks for telling me.” Matt mumbled, though he really just wanted the man to leave. Roger, thankfully, seemed to want to get as far away from him as possible, and left after that. You out yourself as a spy once, and no one trusts you again. Geeze...

“Matt, I’m coming with you.”

Matt looked over at Mello with slight surprise.

“Well, you will be helping me study later since I’m missing classes.” Mello stated, and his tone left no room for argument. Matt knew that Mello really wanted to see L, as he hadn't in a while. So he merely nodded. He didn't mind too much. At least not at the moment. He would probably regret it later when he had to study...

“Lead the way.” Mello told him, though Mello had to have known the way.

Matt shrugged and flung his book bag down and the two of them took off for L's room. “I wonder what he wants you for; do you think it's about the system?” Mello asked.

Matt had wondered that as well. Though now that he'd had the time to personally test his work, he knew there were no flaws in it, so it was possible he just wanted to go over it with Matt there, though there was no guarantee that it was about the system at all.

“Who knows.” Matt finally settled on, which left Mello to glare at him. “Though perhaps we can get him to give us more of those chocolate filled cinnamon candies. I actually kind of liked them.” he said.

Mello nodded in agreement as they rounded the last corner and began to walk down the final hallway. Matt could already see the detective’s door.

They both stopped, stunned, as someone was kicked out of the room and crashed against the wall with a groan. The figure quickly stood, brandishing a knife, and skidded backwards in their direction.

The man was dressed in all black and seemed rather familiar...

L walked calmly out of his room, though it was easy to tell he was on guard. “L, what’s going on?!” Mello shouted, his fists clenched as though he wanted to join in. Though Matt knew it was more likely due to the fact that it was L in possible danger.

The man looked backwards for a second at Mello's voice and L used the chance to attack. One of L's feet connected with the man's chest which sent him flying backwards. He used the motion to grab a hold of Mello's arm to pull him close to keep his balance and pressed the knife to the blonde's neck in such a way that would spell instant death should the knife slip.

Matt's breath caught in his throat and he froze, surprised. His eyes went wide behind his goggles and Matt vaguely heard shouts that faded into the background as the dark haired man looked at him with a small, composed, smirk.

His eyes were so familiar...

There was something missing from his appearance... glasses?

Mikami..

Oh god.

He barely heard the threat tossed at L as the detective moved closer only to freeze at the winded assassins words. Matt watched in a semi-daze as Mikami dragged a frightened, but angry, Mello out of the hallway to disappear.

Everything swam and Matt swayed on his feet. Names and faces flew across his mind and he had to shut his eyes. He was breathing heavily as he backed up to the wall behind him where he slid down.

He ignored the worried voice that called out to him, and clenched his fingers. He couldn't focus and felt so damn sick as he teetered in place, shaking.

Something clicked in his mind and he opened his eyes. Watari was crouched in front of him with a worried expression. Matt attempted to say something only to slump foreword, eyes rolling into the back of his head.

-End Firefly-

AN: Yes, I did just end it there. Buwhahaha! Sooooo next chapter is going to be the last before the epilogue. W00t. I start my work week tonight at 11pm (which is why I have been updating like crazy on my off days) so I have no idea when it will be out.... aren’t I lovely?

So what did everyone think? I had such fun writing this chapter, and I adore the firefly scene, and honestly have no idea where it came from. :)

I so wish I could draw the scene with the fireflies. I have Photoshop but I suck at using it (never mind that it would require me to actually draw it......) Maybe I’ll try it.... eventually.