'Well that wasn't too bad, was it?'

Rebekah chuckles softly as Lexi storms out of the kitchen, her hair swaying behind her. Walking up the stairs while she's cursing like a sailor who just stubbed her toe. She's sexy as hell when she's mad... I can't help but laugh as I turn back to her and say.

'She's still feisty, that's for sure...'

She crosses her arms, raising her eyebrows as she looks me all over and huffs.

'Only whenever she's with you.'

I can't help but smile at the thought. I like that I'm the only one that can rile her up like this, it's what we do. But even though Rebekah is trying to play it off as just another fit, I could see she really wasn't pleased to see me. I bite my lip as I take my phone out of my pocket to see there's a message from the realtor. I look back up at Rebekah as I mutter.

'He found another shop we could take a look at tomorrow afternoon. Wanna come?'

'I would've liked that! But since you pulled me out of work this morning when you called, I told my client I would reschedule with him tomorrow at four. Lucky for you he had a day off, as did I. Otherwise, you would've been stuck in your car, with all of your junk, for the rest of the day. Idiot.'

She groans tapping her feet in irritation. I raise my hands innocently as I chuckle.

'I wanted to surprise you!'

'Hey! I'm stoked you're here, but you could've at least given me a heads up...'

'You missed me, didn't you?!'

I joke as I rub my knuckles on her hair while she tries to fight me off and yells as she pinches my armpit.

'Of course, I did. You bloody moron!'

I wince slightly pulling her arm away, holding her so she can't grab me anymore as I say.

'Good. Now tell me all about that Tyler guy who stole your heart.'

She laughs ripping herself away from my grasp, sitting back down on the counter as she starts telling me all about her lover...

We continue catching up until the break of dawn. Talking about all sorts of stuff. Lexi ended up texting Rebekah that she wasn't going to make it home for the night. Eventually, the both of us ended up falling asleep on the couch.

***

The next day we're both up late, due to a lack of sleep. After drinking some coffee I turn to Rebekah as I mutter.

'Can I take a shower?'

She looks lifting up an eyebrow, muttering in a sarcastic tone as she puts down her spoon.

'What else were you gonna do? Become a caveman, reeking like a dumpster while you live here? Of course, you can use the bathroom!'

I chuckle thanking her again for letting me stay here before I walk upstairs. Once I put on the water in the guest room I find out the drain is clogged. Just my luck. After trying to fix it for half an hour I yell to Rebekah who's downstairs in the living room.

'Goddammit, Bheks. What on earth did you guys do in here?'

'Nothing! We barely ever come in there, just use our bathroom for now.'

She shouts back from the end of the staircase. I wipe some sweat off my forehead, leaving some tools on the floor as I hurry to their bathroom. I'll take a look at it later, I think rushing into the shower since I need to get ready.

After I get out of the shower I quickly dry myself off, putting on a pair of boxers and my jeans when I hear someone walking up the stairs. Right, Rebekah needs to leave later as well... I think as I turn around grabbing the towel off the floor so I can dry my hair. I hear the door open, I don't bother looking over to the side as I continue to dry my hair while searching for my shirt until I realize she's being awfully quiet. What's up with her? I wonder as I throw my towel into the laundry bin, before twisting in her direction as I open my mouth to say something. Although the words never leave my mouth once I see it's Lexi who has walked in on me. She stands in the doorway her mouth wide open, clearly not expecting to find me in here. I can't help but beam seeing the expression on her face as her eyes glide over my body and I say.

'Hi there, beautiful... Did you wanna join me?

'N-No...'

She stammers, trying to evade her eyes from me. This'll be fun... I think crossing my arms, enjoying seeing her squirm in front of me. She's wearing the same teared-up jeans and blouse she had on yesterday, her enchanting long blond curls loosely falling over her shoulders. Still drop-dead gorgeous... I think as I see her eyes quickly glance over my chest, the tips of her ears turning slightly red as she hastily looks the other way while I mumble.

'You're a little too late, darling. If you'd walked in two minutes earlier, you would've seen me naked.'

'D-Don't flatter yourself, I'm not interested!'

She snaps, clenching her jaw she continues to stare at the wall. ...Is that so? I wonder and decide to challenge her a bit, closing in on her, standing only a few inches away. My eyes glance over the necklace she's wearing which I gave her for her eighteenth birthday. Why still wear it? I wonder as she softly bites her lower lip slowly turning her vision up to me. Unable to resist any longer her eyes travel over my body, following the ink on my arms and chest getting an eyeful. The last time you saw me without a shirt on must've been a decade ago... I think as I keep quiet peering into her eyes wondering what she's thinking right now. You're throwing me for a loop here. I think just as I see a faint grin playing on her perfect lips once she notices my nipple piercing. Her eyes continue to travel over my abdomen following every line as I whisper softly.

'Do you like what you're seeing?'

Only now realizing what she's doing she immediately snaps out of her daze, tearing her eyes away from me as she snarls.

'S-Screw you!'

She turns around and walks to the mirror, muttering angrily under her breath as she starts doing her hair.

'For fucks sake, put a shirt on already.'

I can't help but laugh at her contradictory behavior. You never could admit when I was right about something... I think to myself as I chuckle.

'The color of your face is telling me otherwise...'

'It's not!'

She tries to deny it as she looks at herself in the mirror, biting her lips once she sees how red she is. Told you so... I smirk as she closes her eyes taking a deep breath while her hands continue to drag her hair up in a bun. I pick up my shirt from the floor as she mutters.

'What are you doing in here anyway?'

'The shower in the guestroom is clocked, I'll take a look at it later.'

She opens her eyes looking over at herself in the mirror as she grumbles exasperated.

'How is that even possible? No one ever uses it!'

I shrug my shoulders pulling my shirt over my head and I chuckle.

'No idea. I'll fix it when I'm back.'

She nods slightly, grabbing a few bobby pins still not daring to look my way as she murmurs.

'I won't take long... After I'm gone you can do whatever you want, just keep your hands off my stuff.'

'I'm dressed. No need to get red again, beautiful. It's fine, take your time. I'll wait until you're done.'

'...Whatever.'

She huffs, peeking over to me through the mirror making sure I'm telling the truth. I lean back against the wall, watching her for another few minutes as she continues to pin her hair in place. Why on earth would you wanna hide those curls of yours? I wonder as I heave a sigh. When she's done, she starts doing her makeup bending a little closer. I keep my eyes trained on her through the mirror and ask.

'Where did you go last night? Couldn't handle being with me in the same house?'

Stunned she takes her eye pencil away from her eyes, looking back at me as she mutters.

'Believe it or not, I've got an actual life. I mean besides you pissing me off all day...'

I snicker softly at the offensive tone lingering in her voice as she says that and I sneer back.

'I've heard. Little Lexi has become quite famous while I was gone...'

'Fuck you. At least I made a career! You went to Vegas for years to do God knows what and now you come crawling back, asking us for a place to stay.'

She spits lifting an eyebrow, challenging me. I snicker in amusement at how oblivious she is as I tell her.

'Maybe there's a reason I came back?'

She looks at me over her shoulder as she says sweetly clicking her tongue.

'Oh, please... Do enlighten me.'

'I rather not talk about it.'

I try to whimper her off. She drops her pencil and turns around cracking up as she chuckles pointing her finger at me.

'O my god! You got fired, didn't you?! Please tell me you didn't screw up someone's body with your ink? That would be so messed up.'

She snorts as she holds her hand in front of her mouth, barely holding it together. Jesus Christ, really? That's the best thing you could come up with? I ask myself rolling my eyes at her as I fire back.

'How can you even think that! The three of us went to art school together. You know my work, your sister is covered in my fucking tattoos...'

Knowing she hit a nerve she starts laughing even harder clutching her stomach as she sputters trying to calm herself down.

'Chill out. I was joking, moron! Tell me the real reason you came back then...'

Shameless bitch. I laugh to myself knowing she never takes no for an answer. Double-crossing me, just so I'd tell you... I shake my head as she turns back to the mirror and I sigh.

'My work in Las Vegas was done. I've learned from the best and now I want to open up my own shop in Los Angeles, little meddling minx.'

At least that's part of it... I grin knowingly while she keeps focused on doing her makeup as she mutters.

'Does Bheks know?'

'Of course, she knows... I asked her if she wanted to be my business partner.'

'Now that sounds like a plan, she would be a great asset to your shop.'

She murmurs softly trying not to pull a face as she applies some eyeshadow on her eyelids.

'That's why I made the offer.'

I tell her as my eyes follow her movements. You don't need all of that shit. You're more beautiful with your hair down and without all of that rubbish plastered on your face... I think silently as I pull a face. Luckily she isn't able to see it since she's still busy focusing on her eyeshadow. We both stay quiet for some time until she puts down the brush, wanting to pick up her mascara but she stops in her tracks, looking up in the mirror. Her gaze scrutinizing, glancing at her own reflection as if she's trying to come to terms with something... After a few seconds, I can see her hand twitching slightly as she lays the mascara back down and she peeks over to me in the mirror while she whispers.

'Matty... Can I ask you something?'

You're still calling me Matty, I suppose that's a good sign. I smile as I reply.

'Sure, what's up?'

She bites her lip, her gaze still fixed on me looking a little unsure as she asks softly.

'Are you back ...forever?'

Her question catches me off guard and I blink a couple of times wondering if I heard her right. I thought you wanted me gone? I think amazed as I murmur at a loss for words.

'I... hope so.'

She turns back to the mirror looking slightly confused by my vague answer as she picks her mascara back up. What is it you wanna hear? I want to know and before I can stop myself I tease.

'Why? Did you miss me that much, you can't stand the idea of being without me again?'

She accidentally stabs her eye with the end of her mascara, throwing it in the sink swearing loudly as she turns to me pinching her sore eye.

'Screw you! Goddammit, that hurt! Why can't I ever have a normal conversation with you?!'

I can't help but laugh as I see a bit of mascara running over her face because of her teary eye and I chuckle apologetically.

'Sorry! Teasing you is just way too much fun, I've missed that...'

She turns back, quickly grabbing a tissue trying to wipe away the stains as she grumbles.

'I certainly didn't miss us arguing, if that's what you mean!'

I creep up behind her looking over her shoulder to her reflection, seeing she's nearly done as I whisper next to her ear.

'...So you did miss me?'

Her whole body tenses up as soon as she feels my breath against her neck and she stammers turning around, trying to push me away.

'W-What? I n-never said that!'

You're cute when you're in denial. I grin as I let her push me back against the wall. With her hand on my chest, she keeps me at arm's length as I tell her looking deep into her eyes.

'You didn't have to. You said you didn't miss fighting with me, which means you did miss the other side of me...'

She looks back at me biting her lip, looking frustrated as she hisses through clenched teeth.

'What other side? I can't remember anything else besides you being a pain in my fucking ass!'

Involuntarily my eyes glance over the neckless around her neck. She notices it too, immediately stepping away from me as she bites out her eyes cold.

'I'm done. The bathroom is all yours.'

Without saying another word she turns around, stalking back to her room. What was that about? I wonder as I watch her leave. I decide to let it slide and quickly get myself ready before going downstairs. Rebekah is sitting on the couch as I check my phone and see I still have a few spare minutes before I have to leave. As soon as she sees me, she comes dashing my way and asks in a high-pitched voice.

'What happened? I tried to warn her you were still in there, but she didn't give me a bloody chance and raced upstairs before I could stop her! Oh god... She's going to kill me, isn't she?'

I wave my hands in order for her to calm down as I chuckle.

'Relax. I was already out of the shower and in my jeans, so I think you'll survive this one.'

'Okay? So you're saying nothing happened?'

She asks looking quizzically. She checked me out if that's what you're asking... I laugh to myself but choose not to tell her as I say.

'We talked for a bit...'

'If that's what you call talking!'

Lexi grumbles behind me as she walks down the stairs. At the same time, the doorbell rings and she briskly walks past me to the door not even bothered looking my way. She's wearing a black jumpsuit that's hugging her tiny figure in all the right places. The sides are slightly see-through, a deep neckline showing off her cleavage in just the right amount as my necklace dangles in the middle, accompanied by some silver earrings and a pair of black heels. You look smoking hot... Even though I prefer her without the makeup and her hair loose I can't deny she's making my heart jump as she parades in front of me. My eyes still glued on her backside I murmur.

'What are you up to, beautiful?'

'I'm going out.'

She huffs just before she yanks open the front door. A guy with bleach-blonde hair walks in and as soon as Lexi closes the door, she jumps in his arms kissing him on the lips. My eyes follow her movements gobsmacked. I sure as hell didn't expect that! Is the only thought running through my mind as Lexi stands back down, turning to me and Rebekah with a smirk hinting on her lips as she says in a bored tone.

'Ian, this is Matt. Matt, this is my boyfriend Ian.'

My mood immediately turns sour as soon as the words leave her mouth, Of course, she has a bloody boyfriend! I growl to myself, but I choose to behave and shake the man's hand. He does too, although I can read the resentment in his eyes. What did I ever do to you? I grumble to myself and say.

'Hey man, Matt Blackwell. I'm Rebekah's best friend, I just got back to town.'

'Ian Moore.'

He's wearing a pair of jeans that honestly just are way too tight, making me wonder how he even manages to sit down. Or bloody walk without looking like a damn penguin. His spiky bleached hair and teeth make me wanna cringe. There's so much product in there I'm convinced I could hit you with a bat and it still wouldn't budge... I laugh to myself all the while giving him a polite smile. After shaking my hand he stands back wrapping his arm around Lexi's waist as he turns to her and says.

'Are you ready to go, babe?'

What on earth do you want with that wannabe backstreet boy? I groan to myself grabbing my jacket and car keys from the table having seen enough of this shitshow. She nods smiling happily telling Ian she's ready to leave. With cold eyes, I walk past them both as I say clenching my jaws together forcing the words out of my mouth.

'Have fun.'

And while you're at it I hope you'll make a bloody fool out of yourself, ripping out of those jeans. You'd be doing them a fucking favor. I curse to myself seeing the smug look plastered on Ian's face as I turn back to Rebekah, grabbing the door handle and muttering.

'I'll let you know how it goes, see ya later Bheks.'

She nods back at me, studying the situation in front of her quietly as I walk out the door. Why am I not surprised she'd go for a douchebag like that?! I swear to myself kicking some gravel underneath my feet as I walk out of the gate heading to the store. The two of us are polar opposites... I mutter as I get in, but I can't help but question the reason she would still be wearing my necklace if she has a boyfriend. When I saw her on television the other night I couldn't believe my eyes. Even after all this time, she still has it... Why? I ask myself as I walk into the supermarket as if the universe is playing tricks on me her voice rumbles out of the speakers on the radio.

'And then there's that bloody song!'

I curse making a few people around me look up, but I couldn't care less. I thought... I shake my head dismissing that thought right away as I walk to the counter and buy a pack of cigarettes along with a pack of gum. It must've been a mistake. I sigh as the girl behind the counter gives me my change before I head off to my appointment.

'In the end, I was the one who packed my stuff leaving this life behind. Giving her every right to move on.'

I grumble to myself. Even though it fucking kills me to see her with someone else. Grinding my teeth I troth through the streets thinking back about what happened in the bathroom earlier. She has no fucking clue how much she's messing with my head...

***

After I get back from another disappointing viewing I send Rebekah a quick text before heading back. *Jesus, another bust... Maybe your idea of building a brand new shop wasn't so bad after all. I'm on my way back now. Matt.* She doesn't reply as I lazily wait by the bus stop, probably still busy with work. Since she gave me a spare key last night I'm able to get in on my own and I whip up a quick dinner before heading upstairs. It ends up taking another hour or so before I manage the fix the shower in the guest room, and that's when I hear my phone beeping. With my arm, I wipe some sweat away from my forehead as I grab my cell. *Told you so... A regular shop won't meet the expectations you have, I can hook you up with our relator if you want? I know for a fact she has a few pieces of ground for sale that would work. Anyway, I'm having dinner with Tyler tonight so I'll see you later. In the meantime try not to kill each other while I'm gone! xoxo Bheks* I can't help but laugh at her last sentence as I type back. *Sounds good, we'll talk about it in the morning. Have fun! She isn't back. So no casualties, yet... Matt.* I press the send button and hoist myself up walking over to the sink to wash my hands. Once I'm done I put away the tools I've used and change into a pair of sweatpants. Goddammit, I curse as my back starts to ache again. I walk over to one of my bags and grab a wooden box before heading downstairs. I guess I need some to relax my muscles after being in that shitty position for over an hour. I grumble to myself as I sit down on the couch. I put the box on the table before getting out everything I need, sprawling it out in front of me.

I'm a few days late... I laugh ironically to myself once I'm nearly finished. Just as I close the box the front door swings open and Lexi strolls inside. She doesn't see me as she turns back to Ian who says.

'I'll call you tomorrow, alright?

'I'll be fine.'

As Ian sees me sitting on the couch, Lexi giggles instantaneously a sinister smile playing on his lips as I lean back lazily to watch the show and he says.

'Alright then... Bye, babe. I love you.'

Bye handsome, I'll miss you.'

Lexi says before she gives him a peck on the cheek. She didn't say, love... I think, picking up on her tactical avoiding skills as Ian mutters a hint of satisfaction lingering in his tone.

'Bye, Matt.'

'Bye.'

I mumble as he turns around to leave. Lexi looks over her shoulder at me, slightly startled as she closes the door. Good riddance... I grumble to myself looking down and getting my lighter out. Lexi walks over to me a little hesitant as she murmurs.

'I didn't see you there...'

'No kidding. How was the date with your boyfriend?'

I ask in a cold voice taking a draft. Not that I want to hear about it... Lexi sits down on the armrest of a seat opposite from me as she looks the other way and says.

'It was fine.'

'Sounds exciting...'

I almost snort, leaning back and she immediately snaps her head in my direction as she spits.

'Mind your own damn business!'

'Come on... It was just getting interesting.'

I joke taking another whiff, keeping my eyes trained on her the entire time. Sighing she looks away again as she grumbles in a low voice.

'...Just drop it already!'

'Alright, alright. I'll let it go.'

'Where's Bheks by the~'

She stops mid-sentence raising her eyebrows, and sniffing her nose. I lean a little forward tapping the end on the ashtray as I say.

'She's at Tyler's.'

All of a sudden she dashes forward grabbing my hand as she shouts.

'Are you smoking a fucking joint?!'

'What? ...Want some?'

I ask shrugging my shoulders. We used to do it all the time... I tell her with my eyes as she snatches it away from me and yells.

'Matt! What the hell?! Go smoke that shit outside, you fucking idiot!'

'Party pooper.'

I huff as I stand up. I walk over to her grabbing my joint back taking another sip just to piss her off and she hisses.

'You really should quit smoking that shit.'

'Just like you quit smoking? At least I'm open about it, what's your excuse?'

'Hey! I only smoke one cigarette a day. I don't smoke weed!'

'Anymore...'

I correct her. Vexed she sticks her tongue out while I go on.

'I only roll one when my back is aching and since I just spend over an hour fixing your bloody shower...'

'I could've just called a maintenance man to fix the shower, you know... Why would you screw up your back for that?'

'It's fucked up already anyway.'

I shrug, she lifts her hands in defeat as she plops down in her chair and murmurs pinching the bridge of her nose.

'I give up, just sit your ass down already... The house already reeks of weed so it doesn't really matter now, does it?'

I walk back to my seat, knocking some ash in the ashtray before sitting back down. Still as indecisive as ever... I think as Lexi takes off her shoes, her legs dangling over the armrest while she throws her bag to the side. She observes me as I take another draft, her fingers playing with the hem of her dress a nostalgic smile hinting on her lips.

'Penny for your thoughts?'

I ask intrigued, leaning my elbows on my knees. She turns to me with a crooked smile on her lips as she sniggers.

'I was thinking ...you're a little late. The first weekend of the month, remember?'

'I can't believe you still recall that.'

I chuckle slightly astonished. When we were still in art school we made a pact to smoke one together every first weekend of the month, to blow off a little steam. I thought you'd forgotten all about it. The pressure got to all of us sometimes since so much was riding on our projects. It feels like a million years ago... I smile reminiscing about the good old days. Lexi leans forward snatching the joint out between my fingers taking a whiff as she snorts.

'How could I forget?! It was the only day a month we didn't catfight with each other.'

'We actually had a good time, didn't we?'

I laugh thinking back to those nights. She nods smiling taking another draft, I raise my brow as she inhales deeply. Why do I have a feeling that tomorrow this will come back to bite me in the ass? I cuss to myself as I say.

'What happened to missus I don't smoke pot anymore?'

She squints her eyes at me, slowly blowing out some smoke as she rasps.

'You drive me to do bad things...'

I look back quizzically at her, biting my tongue. You should really be more careful about how you phrase things, beautiful. I grin to myself as I say a menacing tone lingering in my voice.

'Oh, do tell...'

'Nah-ah, we're not going there. You're barely a day back and I'm already smoking again! You drive me bloody insane, let's just leave it at that.'

Innocently I raise my hands unable to suppress a laugh. Right back at you, darling. I think as she squints her eyes at me but chooses to drop the subject. You're making me go loco for a long time now... I sigh as she takes another puff she suddenly bursts out in laughter, the smoke in her lungs making her cough as she sputters.

'Can you imagine *cough* Rebekah's face *cough* if she'd walk in on us right now?'

'Either I'm in big trouble for allowing you to smoke, or she's glad to see we're not at each other's throats.'

I joke grabbing the joint from between her fingers. That's quite enough for you. She glares at me, still not able to stop giggling as she stands up, walking to the kitchen ushering me with her hands from behind to follow her. Cravings... I murmur as I lazily walk after her with the ashtray in hand as she chuckles looking over her shoulder.

'As long as you don't give her any, we're fine.'

She opens up the fridge throwing me a beer, after which she opens up the freezer grabbing a pint of ice cream. With a spoon full of ice cream in her mouth, she hops onto the counter sitting down while swaying her legs as I groan.

'Hell no, she's such a bad stoner... Remember the last time she joined us?'

She sniggers, nodding her head and scooping up another bite of chocolate ice cream as she murmurs with her mouth full.

'Mmhmm, took us ages to clean up that mess! Let's just say she's the one who can handle the booze, while I prefer smoking instead.'

'Do you remember that time when all of us went camping and we snuck out in the middle of the night together to smoke some?'

I grin as I sit down opposite her. Nearly dying of laughter, she clasps a hand in front of her mouth desperately trying to keep it shut so she won't spill her ice cream as she thinks back about that night. Your face was priceless! Once she manages to swallow her bite she snorts.

'Jesus fuck, Bheks nearly scared us both to death when she caught us and jumped out of those bushes!'

'You screamed as if a serial killer was coming at you, waking up everyone else in the tents...'

I roar before taking a sip of my beer as she takes another bite and grumbles.

'Hmhm, I was so petrified I fell backward...'

'I remember. You fell into the lake. I jumped in right after, to get you out.'

She looks back up at me, pointing her spoon at me as she smiles and says defiantly.

'Yeah... You were really sweet to me that night, weren't you? Thanks for that. It happened all so fast, the only thing I remember is that the water was freezing and I was unable to move.'

'Always to your rescue, beautiful.'

'You're such a sleazeball!'

She mutters her mouth full of ice cream. I get off the counter and walk to her trying to grab the bucket out of her hands but she slaps me with her spoon while she shrieks.

'Nah-ah, give me that joint back first! Otherwise, you're not stealing away my food.'

She holds the bucket behind her in the air, her eyes challenging me to forget how close we are. Bad move, darling... I think as my eyes glide over her face. I see she has spilled a bit of chocolate by the corner of her mouth and I lean in a bit more as I whisper in a low voice.

'...I'm going to get some of that ice cream.'

I can feel her body tense up slightly, but she tries not to show it as she snaps squinting her eyes at me.

'And I'm getting that joint.'

I bite my lip trying to hide my smile, looking deep into her eyes as I lift my finger up. I'm so going to regret this later... I think, swiftly dragging it across her lip. But it's so worth it! Her eyes nearly fly out of her sockets when she feels my touch and quickly she dashes back a bit. Her eyes follow my movements astonished as I put my finger in my mouth, fucking delicious... I swear to myself as I taste the melted chocolate on my tongue. Heat creeps up her face and she quickly averts her eyes shoving the bucket in my hands and making me laugh. As I step back and turn around I look down into the bucket, to see it's nearly empty. Sneaky little fox. I snort as Lexi swiftly jumps off the counter rushing past me to get to the ashtray. She grabs the joint playing around with it between her fingers as she says sweetly clicking her tongue.

'Gottcha...'

I shake my head laughing softly, setting the bucket back on the counter as I mumble.

'Didn't that guy at least feed you while you were out?'

'Don't blame Ian, you're the one who got me stoned... You know I get cravings when I smoke.'

She grumbles as she's rumbling around looking for a lighter. Yeah, I'm really forcing you... I snort as I reach in my pocket and throw her mine before I turn around in search of something else to eat while I murmur.

'Alright, let's just say I'll play along with that theory... In all seriousness, can I ask one thing though?'

I grab a box of cereal since it's the only decent thing I can find around and turn back to her. Because I do have a burning question... She looks a bit dubious but nods nonetheless for me to go on as she inhales some smoke. I can't help but crackle up as I ask pointing downwards with the box still in hand.

'Those pants! I mean, really?'

She grunts holding a hand in front of her mouth, trying to stop herself from laughing. No. Come on, Lex. Seriously?! I try to tell her with my eyes looking astonished but chuckling at the same time. No, just no. I shake my head and hands, it's just wrong! Unable to hold back any longer she bursts out laughing as well, knowing exactly what I'm talking about. Holding her stomach barely able to get a decent word out as she whimpers.

'Phff! I- geh-eh... I admit, haha! T-That could use some help... Whahah!'

'Some?! Whahah! Jesus, it's no wonder you were home this early. God knows why, but he was torturing himself, getting himself a serious case of blue balls! ...And not the good kind!'

I yelp truly dumbstruck pointing to my junk. Lexi's laughing so hard, tears start to stream down her face as she crumbles to the ground unable to stay up straight. You can't tell me you have a thing for that, it's just not possible! She shakes her hands at me, roaring with laughter as she chokes out.

'God! Matty, please! Hahah! S-Stop it, I ...I can't! Whahah!'

As she tries to catch her breath I slip down next to her. Opening the box of cereal popping a few pieces in my mouth before I look down at her and sneer.

'Just saying... It's no surprise you aren't getting any action. He's probably still trying to get those off right now. With a pair of scissors might I add, because there's no way in hell he'll able to get those off normally.'

She turns her head up to me, but as soon as we make eye contact she starts laughing all over again. You know I'm right... I smirk, chewing on some more cereal not bothered to get a bowl or some milk. She buries her head in my shoulder, holding my arms as her body is shaking with laughter while she wheezes.

'For fuck's sake, whahaah! You're the worst! Hahah!'

When I look at her hair I see several strains have come loosened from her bun and I grin setting the box down on the floor. I'm done with this hairstyle... With my loose hand, I start to undo her hair. Pulling out some bobby pins and throwing them on the floor as I murmur with a smile on my face.

'I've missed that laugh...'

She snickers softly, lifting her head as her hair tumbles down her shoulders. Now that's better... I smile to myself as she mumbles looking up at me, her cheeks slightly flushed as she lets go of my arm.

'...I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard, my stomach hurts.'

With one hand, she rubs her abdomen to ease her muscles while she drags the other through her hair leaning back against the cabinets. I grab the box of Captain Crunch and continue to eat some more as my eyes drift over her.

She wipes her cheeks and under her eyes, getting rid of the tears and some run-out mascara, and with that most of her makeup as she slowly calms down. Now that's what I call beautiful... My eyes stay glued on her, taking in everything that has changed over the years. Still exactly the same... Her hair has gotten even longer than it used to be and I noticed earlier she has gotten a helix piercing, but other than that she's exactly the same as I remember. God, I've missed you... I think to myself as I sit back as well swallowing my bite as I continue to look at her. As she opens her eyes she looks down at the empty box of cereal on my lap and huffs amused.

'Oh, you're in some deep shit tomorrow morning...'

Only when she says that it registers in my brain what I've been eating. Peanut butter Captain Crunch. Shit, those were Rebekah's... I groan as Lexi mumbles.

'Boy, am I glad I won't be here to see that.'

'Nah-ah, you're my partner in crime with this. I can't help it you're a bunch of health freaks, you ate the only other decent thing around here!'

'Hell no, you're not dragging me down with this! You know how she gets when someone touches her breakfast. She's going to kill your ass and I'm staying clear out of this one...'

She fires back waving her hands at me, I roll my eyes and hoist myself back up. While I place the box back in the exact same spot where I grabbed it I joke.

'I'm just going to pretend I've never touched it.'

'She'll never fall for that and you know it.'

She snorts shaking her head at my attempt to erase the evidence. She sticks her hand out to me in order for me to pull her up, when I help her up she almost loses her footing and she ends up colliding against my chest. Can't help it, huh? With my arms, I hold her steady against me as I whisper next to her ear.

'See, always to your rescue...'

She puts her hands on my chest looking up at me as she murmurs.

'...Thanks.'

Biting her lower lip she sees we're only a few inches away from each other, studying my face for a minute before she whispers softly.

'I should probably get some sleep...'

'Yeah, same here.'

I say as I let go of her reluctantly looking at the clock to see it's almost midnight already. Feeling a bit awkward she drags a hand through her hair as she mumbles.

'I uhh... I'll talk to you tomorrow.'

'Sweet dreams, beautiful.'

I tell her with a smile on my face before I tear away my gaze from her and I start to clean up the mess in the kitchen. As she walks away, she stops by the door looking over her shoulder at me as she whispers making me turn back to her.

'Matty? ...I had a really good time tonight.'

'Me too.'

I smile even though my heart isn't really in it as she walks off. I just wished you didn't have a boyfriend... I grumble to myself as I continue to tidy up the kitchen before I head off to bed as well.