Matt sat lazily with his feet up over his head, too involved in his game to care about the pain developing in his lower back. Killing the second to final boss in this game of ‘Space Armada’ was such fun he didn’t save when he finished. When asked he would simply reply with his famous smile a classic “When I’m done.”
After another few minutes of this activity, he clicked his SP off and headed down stares. Not that he was hungry, he just wanted a smoke. This particular activity was done outside at the command of his best friend and boss.
Entering the kitchen with a bang, Matt was glanced at by another young man sitting at the table. The blond looked up from his filing long enough to let Matt know to stay way, then resumed his work. “How is Near?” He asked in a voice that would cause the most hardened heart to swoon. Yes, Mello had that kind of voice that no one could resist. Matt himself had fallen for this toned voice. Its power was irresistible. Thus he became a ‘dog’ for it, wagging his tail to appease its owner.
“Dunno.” Matt shrugged looking at the door across the hall. The door lead to the basement of the mansion. Where the third member sat, never seen unless he willed it. At this time though Near had been ill. And not wanting to be seen in his weakened state the boy had locked the doors. Playing in silence.
“Check on him. If he won’t come out tell him I have a question.” Mello said moving his shoulder length hair from his vision, smirking slightly at the corners of his mouth. “He cant resist wanting to help.”
Matt laughed as he danced toward the door. Clearing his throat, he banged on the metal edged doors. “I hope he heard that.” Matt thought rubbing his knuckles.
Silence. Then came the slow shuffle of feet on the other side. “What?” came the soft drone of Near, horse from his fever. “Mello says come out!” Matt called.
More silence. Near was calculating. “No.” Came his answer. “Matt will only make fun.”
“Nu-u!” Matt pouted. “I won’t make fun of you! You’re like my little brother why would I do that?” The doors opened just the length of a small chain on the inside. Matt could see Near’s blank, black eyes peering through.
“Big brothers always make fun of their younger siblings, boy or girl.” He said before he again closed the doors.
Matt took another breath before putting his head as close as possible toward the doors. He could hear the smaller boys raspy breath, meaning he hadn’t left yet. “Ah. That’s right!” Matt practically whispered, knowing he would be heard. “But, Mello wants to see you. He says he has a question for you. If you don’t come, he’ll be so disappointed.”
Near couldn’t stop his small hands from ripping the doors open. Matt took in his friend’s appearance before his face fell in sorrow.
Near had always been thin but now he looked skeletal. His pure white hair was disheveled, the skin sweaty and flushed with an obvious heavy fever, his black eyes were blood shot from lack of sleep. It had only been three days but he must have not even come out to eat anything. Tears standing in his eyes, Matt pulled Near into his arms for a tight embrace. The boy wiggled to free himself but soon submitted, whimpering as a pain shot through his back. Just as he began to enjoy the hold, it was gone and Matt was leading him to the kitchen.
“Did you get him?” Mello’s clear blue eyes widened as he took in Nears form.
“What the hell have you done?!” He practically shouted as he rose from his place. Near winced at the way Mello’s chair slammed into the wall.
“I’d say he didn’t eat.” Mello snapped his attention to Matt, who was looking to the side. The red heads goggles were pulled down to hide any tears that still lingered. But, Mello new better than to underestimate the gamers disguise. Looking back at Near he reached in his pocket to fetch a chocolate bar. Unwrapping it he thrust it in the albino’s face, his crystals flashing a look of disappointment and rage.
Near took the candy nibbling at one corner. He didn’t want his leader to think him ungrateful. It was not often that Mello shared his candy. But, the sent of it made his head weal. Nausea set in hurling his small frame into the floor. The last thing he heard were the shouts of his friends as they tried to keep him conscious.
