"You'd better," Mello muttered, honestly a little embarrassed to have been caught being insecure. At least it was only Matt; if someone had to know that his arrogance was mostly an act, he'd rather it were him than anyone else. Matt could be trusted not to use it against him; anyone else would see it for the weakness it was and take full advantage.

Shivering a little at the jolt the phrase "shag you senseless on the sidewalk" sent up his spine, Mello cast around for a location closer than his apartment. "There should be an alley this way," he said, taking Matt by the hand and leading him off through the crowds. Yeah, they could just get a hotel room, too, but they were both damned impatient. At least he assumed Matt was; Mello had no doubts about himself. Neither did anyone else, if they were looking, but most people here probably weren't.