A/N: Okay, a bit cleaner. First chapter.

Even through the roar of wind in his ears, he could hear the crowd thundering in applause and cheers as he passed the finish line first. Oh yes, Victory was sweet. As his motorcycle came to a slow stop, he pumped a fist into the air in triumph. The crowd went wild. He had won and the grin on his face seemed to had taken a permanent residence on his face.

Removing his helmet to better see, he scanned the area for the one person whose cheers and words of acknowledgement mattered most. To his annoyance, he was nowhere to be seen...and there went the grin.

"Excuse me," He grunted. His helmet was once again replaced, and he kicked his motorcycle to life before riding off away from the confused crowd. He was so pissed! How could he not have been watching? Sure...it wasn't a major race, there was no money involved...it was just a show off run, but he had won! Oh, when he found him he was so going to kill him!

Not farther ahead, he came to stop at a large tented area where food and drinks were being sold. He had to be here...there was no where else that he could be. With a creak of riding leather from his suit, he climbed off the bike and stalked over to the person sitting closest to where he had parked his bike.

Dyed red hair, the color of fine red wine. Slender shoulders covered in cotton stripes...his anger quickly melted away. Instead of strangling the redhead like he had planned, he gently ran his gloved fingers through the soft locks.

Helmet now off once more and deposited on the table the seated male inhabited, he wrapped his arms around his shoulders, holding him from behind. "Matt," He began. Lips brushed against the redhead's cheek. "You missed my race you asshole."

Matt, the boy in question, chuckled softly. There was a PSP clutched between his hands, fingers moving rapidly over the buttons. "I know, Mello." Sensing the others mood, the game was shut off and placed on the table beside the black helmet.

There was a snort of annoyance and creaking of leather as Mello moved to sit down in one of the plastic chairs with the "Coca Cola" logo at their backs. "You know. So why the fuck weren't you there then?" He growled.

"I knew you'd win." was the instant reply. Matt reached up and removed the dark sunglasses that almost always hid his eyes from the world. His bright green eyes seemed to almost sparkle in the artificial light. "And you did," He reached over and brushed his fingers through Mello's shoulder length blond hair, moving it away from his face.

"I did." Mello replied a bit flustered. Stupid Matt...made him feel so girly sometimes.

From the track, they were announcing that the next race would be taking place soon. Drivers should start making preparations.

Matt grinned to himself. "Looks like I'm up."

"You have twenty minutes." The blond corrected. Something deep in the pit of his stomach, was starting to bubble to the surface...something like fear, or panic. He swallowed thickly, for his throat had suddenly gone dry. His eyes flashed to Matt's. The urge to tell the redhead to pull out of this race was overwhelming.

"Yeah," Matt watched the blond closely. "something I'm missing?" The blond nodded.

He was just about to explain to Matt about his nagging 'Something bad is going to happen' feeling, when he was interrupted by the sound of screeching breaks and a few grumbles of annoyance.

"Hey!" Matt exclaimed happily. "Light and L actually came!" There was a wide smile on the redheads lips, and Mello forgot all about his worries.

The doors on the drivers side and the passengers side opened simultaneously, revealing a tall brunette with clothes that looks straight out of an Abercrombie and Fitch photo shoot, and a dark haired man with plain faded jeans and a white t-shirt.

"I don't see why you insist on driving. We both know I'm the better driver." The brunette grumbled as they made their way over to them.

"I think I'm an excellent driver, Light." Was the dark haired man's reply.

"Oh yes, L!" Light said with fake enthusiasm. "And one of these days, you'll be excellently driving us off the side of a bridge!"

Matt and Mello exchanged looks of amusement. They waited for the new arrivals to take their seats, not wanting to interupt their intriguing conversation.

"Evening!" L greeted as he pulled himself into a crouching position atop one of the plastic chairs.

Light took his seat beside him, one leg crossed delicately over the other. "Sorry we're late. L wanted to stop for Ice cream." He gave Mello an apologetic look for having missed his run.

Mello rolled his eyes. Oh, they weren't the only ones; his eyes flashed to Matt before he turned on L. "Ice cream is more important to you than I am?!" And Matt laughed along with Light as L countered with the simple fact that ice cream was sweet and eatable and Mello was not.

"Oh I beg to differ." Matt said, before Mello could lunge at L. When the redhead was received with two raised eyebrows and a look from the blond that quite plainly said: 'What the fuck are you on?' he continued. "See, you can eat Mello. It's called cannibalism though, my friends and that is not taken kindly to around these here parts."

A few seconds of silence, then laughter.

"Mail has a point." L commented, and the redhead pouted as he lightly punched one of the older man's knees.

"Don't call me that. I hate my name..." he whined.

"Mello, did you at least win?" Light interrupted what looked like one of Matt's rants about how stoned his parents must of been to name him that way. A rant that the three had heard countless times again and again, before effectively refraining from even mentioning it, for it was 'Taboo' as Matt had said.

The blond smirked a slowly cocky smirk. "I'm almost insulted you have to ask."

Both L and Light applauded and Mello stood to take low dramatic bows.

"So that means you better not screw up, Matt." L said matter-of-factly. "Losing is not an option here. No pressure."

Matt laughed. "Thanks, L."

At this, Mello was quiet and thoughtful once more as he took his seat. That feeling of panic that had faded with L and Lights arrival returned now with greater force. His fingers found the small bump under his racing suit that indicated where the silver crucifix from the rosary he always wore around his neck was. He really wanted to tell Matt to sit this one out...but he didn't think he could. Not when Matt was so happy that their best friends had actually taken time from their busy schedules to come watch a practice race.

"Something wrong, Mello?"

The blond broke from his reverie, his hand falling from where he had been idly tracing the grooves of the crucifix through the leather jump suit. His eyes focused on L, who was watching him with those dark eyes that seemed to be able to read everything with just one look. "No, nothing. Just spaced." He grinned and as he watched the redhead out of the corner of his eye, he knew that he hadn't fooled him.

In the distance, there came another announcement for all drivers to come to the starting line. The race was about to begin.

"Shit!" Matt cursed as he jumped to his feet so fast that his chair was knocked backwards.

"We'll drive you to your car." Light offered as he stood. He looked to L sternly. "And when I say 'we' I mean, Me." L seemed to deflate a little at this but he said nothing.

"Thanks, C'mon, Mell." Matt helped the blond to his feet and the four of them piled into the black Mustang. With Light at the wheel, they speed off towards the parking area where Matt had left his car.

The red Camaro sparkled under the street lamps. The paint was slick and glossy.

Light hadn't even stopped the car yet before Matt had the door opened and was jumping out. Mello quickly followed, his panic was rising once more, he could feel it choking him as it settled in his throat, desperate to burst from his lips and beg for the redhead to stay put. "Matt..." he choked.

The redhead, whose upper body had disappeared inside the car so as to stick the keys into the ignition, came back out to look at the blond. Upon seeing the look on Mello's face, Matt rushed over and took his face in his hands, green eyes searching deep into sky blue. "What? Mello, what is it?"

Mello's lips were rough and demanding against Matt's. His arms held the younger man to himself, crushing his body to his own. When they parted, Mello was the first to speak. "Be careful," He unzipped the leather jumpsuit he was still wearing, just enough to free the red beaded rosary and remove it from around his neck. He slipped it on over Matt's head, and quickly crossed him, ending at the redheads lips as he whispered something in Latin that Matt couldn't quite catch. "Amen."

"Mell..." Matt tried to reassure the blond with a small snort of laughter. "C'mon. I'll be fine, what's wrong with you?" He leaned in for another kiss. "I'll be fine. Relax, and go cheer me on." Then he disappeared inside his Camaro and took off towards the other racers who were already lined up at the starting line.

Mello was left to watch him go. Why did he feel so scared? This wasn't Matt's first race, and even then he hadn't felt this way. Matt was an amazing driver...he could do it in his sleep if he ever happened to sleep walk out of their apartment for a pack of cigarettes. After a honk from Light, Mello climbed back into the Mustang. They would go and cheer Matt on and everything would be fine...Besides, Matt had his rosary with him. It would bring him luck.

"Hurry, L, they're starting!" Mello whined as he and Light pulled the slower man along to the front lines of the cheering crowd. Since this really wasn't a professional race, just mean to show off some skills, there were no stands, just sidelines for people to stand watch. The three pushed themselves through the crowd until they reached the very front.

Matt's red Camaro was the first closest to them. Mello called out Matt's name and to his surprise there was a distinct tap on the window from the drivers side that was audible to the blond even through the roar of the crowd. And Mello smiled. He was so silly to worry over nothing. Maybe he should stop going to church so much...would do his mind some good to rest.

There were only five cars racing in this run. Mello was sure that Matt would win with no problems.

"Drivers! Start your engines!"

The roar of engines drowned out the sounds of the crowd as they simultaneously started up. Mello laughed and he heard Light cheer beside him as the red Camaro lurched forward suddenly and then moved back. "Show off!"

"GO!"

They were gone, just like that. Like bullets out of guns under the command of a single word trigger.

- - - -

He started off slow, taking his time. The cars were racing off ahead of him. Matt would let them feel cocky before he crossed the finish line before them. Wouldn't be too hard. At the first turn, he sped up just a little, passing two of the cars and taking third place for the time being.

- - - -

"What's he doing?" Light complained as they turned to keep their eyes on the race. "He's going way too slow..."

"He always does that." Mello replied. "Likes to have a flashy ending."

- - - -

The second turn was much the same. He brought himself to second place. There was a small grin on his face as he put himself neck and neck with the leading driver. He kept up with him as they reached the third turn, neither advancing or falling behind. Why not give the crowd a show, right?

- - - -

"Yeah!" Light cheered. He was practically jumping in place as Matt was tied with the remaining driver. "Go, Matt!" Mello couldn't help but laugh. If Light was enjoying himself this much at a simple practice run, then he should come out to the real races.

"Woo!" Mello cheered as Matt finally got bored and raced on, overtaking the driver he had been keeping speed with. His feelings of panic were being drowned out by the sense of relief. The race was almost over and everything was fine. Matt was fine.

- - - -

With another burst of speed, he had left everyone else behind. No doubt these were rookies wanting to show off a little for the masses. No real competition. Oh well...With a sigh, he made to tap the brakes a little to slow down enough for a clean turn. Nothing.

The car didn't slow whatsoever. "The fuck?!" Matt cried out in panic. His eyes widened a little as he took in the tight curve. Oh there was no way he would make it at this speed. He would total his car. He tried again, and again. Nothing. "Oh shit..." The car seemed to be going faster instead of slowing.

- - - -

"Matt has this in the bag." L commented as they turned in place once more to better watch the racers. Light mumbled his agreement.

Mello couldn't keep the grin off his face. It was almost over...Then he could take Matt home and sleep, god knows they needed it.

- - - -

No...there was no making it. With a jerk of the wheel, he sped up slightly in an attempt to make the turn. No such luck... The front end of the car caught the cement dividers that marked the track. It sent the car into a series of front flips and a snowball of parts, rubber and thick smoke.

It finally skidded to a stop, upside down, the wheels were gone only one remained and even so, it was torn to shreds.

- - - -

Everything seemed to move in slow motion. The white truck that always stood on stand by with its full staff of trained people, looked like it was moving backwards with its slow speed. The collective gasp from the crowd sounded so muffled...so far away.

And he couldn't seem to move.

Firm hands shook his wildly. "Mello?"

"I think he's in shock, Light." ... L?

Matt...the race...

The red Camaro was laying on its back, like a broken wind up toy. The glossy red paint was no longer visible through the thick smoke. Hell...there was not much left of the cars sides at all.

Matt...crash.

"MATT!"

He was running. "Matt!..."

Someone was shouting after him but he didn't turn back. No, how could he? He couldn't just leave Matt all alone... No..maybe this wasn't Matt. He was already past the finish line. This was someone else's car. He just wanted to make sure.

"Mello!" Light shouted after him but he went ignored as the blond ran faster. Both he and L and his heels.

"It's not him!" Mello cried. "It's not, Matt!" Oh god, no. It couldn't be Matt. No...Matt had his rosary...it was suppose to protect him! It wasn't him!

His lungs were burning when he finally reached the wreckage. He felt so numb...

The trained on location people were pulling someone from the wreck, through where there was once a door. This someone was limp, like a rag doll. They were covered in blood, and glass. His head lolled back, as if there were no bones in his neck as they lowered him to the ground and began to search for any signs of life.

The car was still smoking. Mello was surprised that it hadn't burst into flames.

Red hair. Matt's red hair...it looked shades darker now that it was matted with blood. The white stripes of his black and white striped shirt were now red with his blood.

"Matt!" Mello made to run to him but strong arms wrapped around his waist from behind, keeping him to the spot. Try as he might he couldn't break free. He kicked and kicked and cried and begged but still he could not move. Hot tears spilled down his cheeks, momentarily blinding him.

"Mello, calm down." Light whispered against his ear. His voice sounded so distant...

The blond shook his head wildly. No! Matt wasn't dead! He...he was just... "NO!" He shouted at the sky. "YOU CAN'T HAVE HIM! YOU CAN'T TAKE HIM! HE'S MINE!" He was bordering insanity...or maybe he was already there. More people had gathered around and were watching the scene with shocked expressions. "Y-you can't have him!...God, NO!"

"Shh, Mello." L placed a comforting hand on the blonds' arm. "He's gone."

"There's no pulse." One of the on location people said into a small black walkie-talkie. Why hadn't they asked for an ambulance yet?! Matt could be saved! He wasn't dead!...He was just joking!...Ha ha...just a joke! Matt would get up soon, they would see!

"He's not dead!"

"Mello." L said sternly. "Calm down."

But Mello wasn't listening. He was kicking again and trying to get out of Lights grip. "NO!...watch!...Matt, get up!"

An ambulance sounded nearby.

A rough blow to Light's stomach with his elbow, and Mello was free. He pushed past L and shoved the man who was tending to Matt, aside. "Matt!...stop fucking around it isn't funny!" Mello had dropped to his knees, his arms held tightly around the redheads limp and broken body.

Matt's eyes were half lidded; blood ran down from his forehead, down one side of his face. His blood covered lips were parted just slightly, and blood spilled from them over the sides of his cheeks. He felt so cold...

He was dead.

An agonized cry of misery sounded from the blond. He was sobbing uncontrollably regardless of all the eyes on him. "MATT!" He had to keep his hand against the back of Matt's head so that it didn't just fall back. God had taken Matt from him. This was what he had been frightened of earlier. Why?...Matt had done nothing wrong. He was so innocent...so young. Mello turned his face toward the dark sky once more, his expression angry, hurt...betrayed. "HE'S MINE! YOU HEAR ME?!"

The rosary was ripped from Matt's neck and the beads fell like rain drops onto the soft red splattered grass. The crucifix however was no were to be seen. It had probably fallen off in the crash...Mello didn't care. Not anymore.

"HE'S MINE!"

Matt was dead.

And Mello blamed himself.

A/N: Alright, so this was the first chapter. Sad, I know, but it gets happier. -sniffles- trust me. So, tell me if you would like for this to be continued, I don't like wasting my time.

Matt.