I peer deep into Matt's gorgeous green eyes, completely captivated by them. The cold from the water long forgotten. The shocked expression on his face almost makes me want to giggle. He clearly didn't expect me to be so bold and straddle him in place. But on the other hand, I never expected him to act as he did seconds ago either.

'W-Why did you stop?'

I ask my voice still husky. The feeling of his lips against my neck still lingers on my skin and I can't help myself but want more. I know I shouldn't be acting like this, feeling like this... Especially since it's only hours ago that I found out that Ian was cheating on me. But it just felt too good... No part of my body and mind wanted him to stop. I know you felt it too, so why did you hold back? I plead him with my eyes. There's an unmistakable pain on his face I can't describe as he gently cups my cheek, delicately stroking the flushed pink flesh as he murmurs in a deep voice that makes me shiver to the bone.

'Because we shouldn't right now. I shouldn't~'

I have to hold myself back from rolling my eyes in frustration as I stop him mid-sentence, placing my hands softly around his neck and pulling myself closer to him until we're just a hair away from our lips touching. Smiling, I look deep into his eyes as I whisper faintly.

'For once. Can you just not overthink things and ruin the moment?'

His face contorts in a mixture of agony and indecisiveness, which kills me from the inside out. My eyes wander down when I notice he's biting his lip, hard, as he's probably contemplating what's the right thing to do. With trembling fingers I softly skim over this lip ushering for him to stop, afraid he actually might bite himself to the point it starts bleeding. My breathing hitches as he gently lets go of his lip, answering my touch. God, how badly I want to kiss you right now... I curse to myself, my mind a complete jumble. It's now or never! I tell myself and before I can change my mind I crash my mouth onto his, kissing him deeply. 

Holy shit! I swear as he answers my kiss and I close my eyes, relishing in the taste. My fingers grasp his hair trying to get him even closer against me and a  groan escapes Matt's lips as he wraps his arms tightly around me, one of his hands near my shoulder as the other one cups my butt. I can't believe I'm actually doing this! I squeal on the inside, but Matt doesn't leave any room for me to reconsider as he pries my mouth open. His tongue completely devours me as I cling to him for dear life. Please, don't stop! I plead silently as my fingers roam over his neck and the stubble on his jaw while I tilt my head slightly, returning his furious kisses. I can feel him smiling against my mouth, which only makes me want to kiss him even more. My heart nearly jumps out of my chest as I continue to explore his mouth. I've never felt anything like this! It's as if my entire body has been lit on fire and I just want more. Your kisses are the best drug in the world, I'm sure of it. I moan as he gives me one last deep kiss before drawing back slightly, his forehead against mine as he rasps.

'You drive me fucking crazy... You know that?'

I manage to get out a giggle between my gasps for air as I breathe.

'Just admit it... You love that ...about me.'

'Never.'

He teases with a smirk on his face. But even though I know he's joking, it somehow hurts. How do you always find a way to screw up perfectly good moments? I sigh, suddenly wondering if this was the right thing to do. Matt spots the anxiety in my eyes and instantly puts one of his hands on my jaw, drawing me back to him. Kissing me once more. This one is different, more intense... I can feel the need and hunger inside of him, his teeth plucking and tugging at my lip as he kisses me even more fiercely. His actions easily erasing all of my worries in an instant.

'Mmm... Ahh, M-Matty...'

I can't help but moan aloud, panting in between our kisses. My fingers intertwined in his hair, tugging softly at the strands as my other hand roams over his body toward his neck wanting every part of him close to me. He gives me some room to catch my breath as he starts trailing kisses along my jaw, over my neck down to my collarbone. F-Fuck! His teeth hungrily rasp against my skin making me whimper again as my fingers claw his hair out of desperation, making him groan as well. Sweet Jesus! I curse hearing his deep raw voice filled with yearning and I quickly yank his head back up. God damn you! This time it's me who's kissing him wildly, feverishly, as if my life depends on it. My hands claw at his hair and back as I push my butt deeper against his groin, making Matt moan against my mouth. 

My lust completely takes over as I feel his excitement grinding between my legs. Oh, God! I swear silently, wanting nothing more than to tear what's left his clothes off here and now. Knowing that's not an option I let my hands wander underneath his top, my fingertips following every line of his perfectly shaped body. Every fucking inch of you is sculptured to absolute perfection. I cuss and I can't help myself from playing with his nipple piercing for a second, making him growl and squeeze his fingers deeper into my butt in return. I softly bite his lip before dragging my mouth along his beard to his jaw. Madly I continue kissing him there, making sure I leave no spot untouched.

'F-Fuck, beautiful!'

Matt pants, his voice sultry and hot with need while I continue my assault on his neck. My fingers still playing around on his chest, as I softly suck on the crook of his neck. He lets me do so for another few seconds before he gruffly pulls me back. I want to protest, but I lose the ability to speak or move as soon as I lay my eyes on him. The bright green in his eyes, now replaced with a much darker shade of emerald. Jesus... His gaze is completely taken over by an animalistic hunger that's making me melt like putty in his arms. Somehow I manage to find some strength in my limbs again as I raise both of my trembling hands, softly stroking his cheeks and under his eyes.

'I like that look on you...'

I whisper my voice hoarse, not realizing I said that aloud making Matt chuckle ironically. Still winded he tries to find a steady rhythm so he can speak up as I rapidly look down, suddenly feeling bashful now that I realize he must've heard that. Shit! I mutter internally also still out of breath myself, my chest rising and falling in a frantic paste. He gently puts a finger underneath my chin, lifting it so our eyes meet again as our breaths mingle. He stays silent for another minute and when he finally seems to have found his groundings a bit, he mumbles voluptuously.

'Another minute and ...that would've been the ...death of me.'

Even though a part of me wants to curl up into a ball and disappear, my lips curl up into a little smirk suddenly feeling proud that I have the ability to get him so worked up. Matt doesn't miss my satisfaction either and he feebly pinches my cheek as he chuckles quietly.

'Can you stop giving me those sultry faces? ...You're tempting me into doing something I shouldn't.'

I bite my lip at his bluntness and his attention instantly turns down to my mouth as he says, his voice dripping with desire.

'I told you to cut it out... You bloody well know it drives me mad whenever you do that.'

Without wasting another second his mouth is back on mine, his teeth tugging on my bottom lip. I welcome the intoxicating taste of his mouth eagerly, letting him take complete control as he leads me into a soft and slow kiss. This time he's being much more delicate as if I'm made from glass, afraid that I might break at any moment. His gruff fingers tenderly skim over my neck, making me shiver under his touch as he buries his other hand in my hair. Oh, God... Tilting my head a little, I grant him easier access as he gives me one more deep kiss before he pulls away reluctantly. Not looking me in the eye as he rests his face alongside mine, peering down at his necklace still hanging around my neck. His eyes painfully still. 

He says nothing as he keeps gazing motionless while trying to catch his breath. I'm not sure whether he's in fact studying it or if he's so drained of energy that he's just staring there blindly without even realizing it. I cup his face, finally able to look him in the eye. There are so many emotions swirling through his emerald eyes and I can't seem to pinpoint any one of them. Matty... I softly place a kiss on his jaw, suddenly feeling the urge to do so. This seems to rip him out of his dazed state and he smiles gently. His eyes glisten happily as he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me into a hug. As we stay in our embrace I can't help but let my eyes wander down his soaked tank top, pausing at the little bump caused by his nipple piercing. Remembering the feeling in my fingertips as I grazed over his bare flesh and the cold of the metal against them with a shy smile on my face.

'What is your obsession with that thing?'

Matt suddenly asks, humor lingering in his tone. I peek up to see he's been watching me and murmur.

'I'm not obsessed with it. I was just wondering... Going by your reaction just now, that's one of your sensitive spots, isn't it? Your piercing?'

I tease, letting my fingertip roll over the fabric. He gives me a sly smile, licking his lips as he rasps.

'Oh, so you think that after a few kisses you've got me all figured out?'

I can't help but snicker softly seeing the smug look on his face. At least some of them... I grin, dragging my fingers up to the side of his neck brushing the place I kissed earlier as I whisper sweetly clicking my tongue.

'I think this is another one...'

A quiver instantly runs over his body as I drag my nail over the same spot before he grasps my hand, taking it away from his neck. He kisses each of my fingertips slowly, his eyes still watching me intently as he hums.

'Alright, foxy one. Maybe you've found a few...'

A blush creeps up my face as I'm unable to avert my eyes from him. Damn, he sure knows how to make my heart flutter... I breathe.

'Having fun out there?'

A familiar voice suddenly calls out from the beach making me freeze over in an instant. Oh no! My eyes quickly flash in the same direction the sound came from. Fuck my life! I curse as Matt lets his head fall back, begrudgingly heaving a sigh.

'ALEX!'

Rebekah's voice snaps, cutting through the silence while she punches him in the side before she continues in a sharp voice.

'Couldn't you just let them be?!'

'If I'd done that, they would've stayed at it until sunrise...'

He grumbles loud enough for us to hear. My face ablaze, I try to look everywhere but Matt as I scramble around trying to get off his lap. Fuck no! No, no, no, no, no ...no! I panic, mortified not knowing how to get myself out of this situation. The excitement and heat I felt only moments ago, now completely vanished into thin air. How frikkin' long have they been standing there?! I question internally, my eyes wide as Matt keeps holding me in place. Scratch that, I don't even want to know! I whimper afraid of the answer. Matt seems to find my distress humoring, to say the least, as his hand keeps caressing me on my back while he whispers with a smile on his face.

'Too late now, beautiful...'

I roll my eyes at him, pinching his side as I mock quietly.

'This isn't funny, Matty.'

He lifts a brow, trying not to laugh as I keep squirming on his lap trying to free myself. I've never felt ashamed in my entire life! I cuss to myself.

'Will you let go of me already?!'

I plead, my cheeks fiery red as I keep my eyes turned down onto the watery surface. Someone, just kill me now... I beg silently as Alex whistles loudly. But only after I kill him first!

'Ask me nicely...'

Matt chirps, his smug voice instantly drawing my attention toward him. I squint my eyes, trying to look bitter but my crimson cheeks betray me. Damn you. I sigh before I murmur.

'Can you please let go of me?'

He smiles triumphantly, quickly pecking my lips. His movement causes another wave of heat to flush over my face before he lets me go and chuckles.

'See... That wasn't so hard, now was it?'

I grumble a bunch of curse words under my breath as I scramble to my feet, debating if it isn't an option to just dive deeper into the ocean never to be seen again instead of walking back to shore. But a voice in the back of my mind tells me there's no way out of this one. Great, just fucking great! I swear as the cold wind sweeps across my body making me shiver from head to toe, not in the good kind of way. Matt, seemingly on his feet as well, wraps an arm around my waist trying to protect me from most of the cold as he leads me to shore. As soon as we step out of the water into the sand Rebekah comes flying over to us, a huge grin on her face and with a bunch of towels in hand.

'Here, you guys must be freezing!'

'They seemed just fine back there...'

Alex winks as he sits on his knees gathering a bunch of wood to start a fire. I scowl back at my brother as I wrap one towel around me and use another one to create a turban in order for my hair to dry. I swear, I'm gonna kill him! I cuss as Rebekah snaps her fingers in front of my face, trying to get my attention as he says.

'I also brought you guys some dry clothes, I put them behind the rock over there so you can go and change.'

'You can go first.'

I tell Matt, still tugging at some pieces of my towel so it stays in place. He nods before heading off and I turn back to Rebekah as I ask.

'How did you know we were here?'

'Matt texted me earlier that you guys were here. We had already brought sleeping bags and a bunch of other stuff so we could stay the night, thinking it would be a nice way to put your mind off things.'

She motions to the pile of stuff next to Alex as she continues.

'When I spotted you guys in the water, I figured you could use some towels and a fresh set of clothes as well.'

She grins her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. I squint my eyes, but before I manage to react I hear Matt cursing from behind the place he's changing.

'Goddammit, Bheks. For someone who makes art on people's bodies for a living, you have a terrible sense of fashion!'

'Stop whining moron, you should be glad I even bothered to bring you some clothes at all.'

I lift an eyebrow wondering what he means as Rebekah giggles beside me, a dangerous glimmer in her eyes. I clear my throat, my eyes all over the place as I ask carefully.

'H-How long ago exactly since the two of you got here?'

'Long enough!'

Rebekah snickers making me whimper in return. Alex who finally managed to get the fire going turns to us as he snorts.

'Charlotte told us what happened in the club. We thought you'd be devastated, but by the looks of it, you had whole other things on your mind... I thought I'd at least wait long enough for the two to hit the pause button, before shouting I mean. You know, afraid you'd bite each other's tongues off otherwise...'

My eyes dart out of their sockets as I nearly stumble in my steps. Is he frikkin' insane?

'Alex! I swear to god, another word and I'm shoving your head in that damn fire!'

I yammer mortified and angry at the same time making him bark with laughter. Matt emerges from behind the stone now fully clothed again and I can't help but giggle as I see the outfit he wears. The green pair of sweatpants clinging on his hips look just fine, but the washed-out checkered black and grey vest going along with it is indeed not a good combination at all. I want to sputter in laughter, but as he walks up to me something dawns on me and I ask in awe.

'...Is that?'

'The vest you got for me on the last birthday I celebrated here? Yeah, it is...'

He mumbles bashfully, nearly making me swoon before he throws a glare toward Rebekah. I can't believe he still has it. I smile as I walk off to get changed myself. I don't remember it being so washed-out and damn ugly though... I chuckle, picking up the stack of clothes from the ground and quickly slipping out of my wet attire glad to see she picked a completely black outfit for me. I swiftly pat my body down with a towel before sliding my dry underwear on, followed by a pair of black sweatpants. At least this isn't such as frumpy as Matt's~

'REBEKAH!'

I suddenly cry out at the top of my lungs. Sister or not, you're dead meat! I grumble reluctantly as she giggles innocently.

'Yeah? What is it, sis?'

'Oh, don't act so damn innocent! You did this on purpose!'

I scream, popping my face out from beside the rock as I scrutinize her with my eyes. Wait until I get my hands on you! Matt and Alex also look over at me, clueless as to what's going on. Matt's eyes hesitantly flick between my sister and me as he asks.

'Lex, what's going on? What did she do now?'

Already suspecting something's up after his own clothing mix-up. My eyes quickly glance in his direction before I dart back behind the rock as I snarl.

'My sister is such a hag, that's what's going on!'

'I've got no idea what you're talking about...'

Rebekah spins menacingly, knowing perfectly fine the position she's putting me in. You've got to be freaking kidding me... I groan while putting on a thin black tank top, considering if I should just walk back like this. It's too damn cold... I sigh to myself as I curse at Rebekah.

'You bitch... You picked this goddamn top on purpose, didn't you? So I'd have no fucking choice but to put it on!

I'm bloody freezing! I grumble as I shove my arms into the jacket and yank off the towel around my hair. Aggravated to the max, I try to hide as much fabric as possible from the jacket with my hair but it's to no avail. Here goes nothing. I sigh as I step out behind the rock making large strides toward Rebekah trying my best not to glance over to Matt, anxious for his reaction as I yell.

'Come here, you bloody shrew!'

Instantly tackling her from behind. Got you! She didn't expect me to close in on her so fast, gasping in surprise as she collapses to the ground. Oh! You are so going to regret this! I grumble, locking her arm behind her back as I sit on top of her. She looks up at me sideways, tears rolling over her cheeks from laughter as she wheezes.

'It makes for a great pair, don't you think? One bought, the other nicked...'

Oh! You're dead, alright! I grind my teeth, almost staring her to death.

'Whahaha! You sh-should see your f-face right now, priceless!'

She roars and I pull her arm up a bit, making her flinch slightly. I whisper against her ear in an ominous tone while I continue twisting her hand ever so slightly.

'I'll get you back for this... If you ever get married, I swear to God, you're screwed!'

'O-Ouch! Whahahaha! Alright, alright! I'm s-sorry!'

She sputters in a mixture of pain and laughter. I'm going to torment you for the rest of your life after this. I silently promise her with my eyes. Not realizing Matt has approached us in the meantime of our scrumble, standing right behind me finally putting two and two together. Rebekah notices him immediately as he leans over us and she starts laughing even harder. Before I realize what her breakdown is all about Matt grabs the back of my jacket hoisting me up in the air, my arms cramping stiffly in front of me like a kitten who's being picked up by their elder. Shit, he knows...

'You've got to be kidding me...'

He huffs studying my vest to make sure he's right as I fidget on the tip of my toes, trying to get loose as I throttle with the zipper against my neck.

'Urgh, can you at least ...put me down!'

He swiftly puts me back on my feet and I rub my neck, sheepishly looking up at him as I murmur.

'I can ...explain?'

'Explain what? That you've had this damn thing all along?!'

I lift one of my hands innocently, scratching behind my ear with the other as I mumble.

'...Maybe? It's comfy.'

He pinches the bridge of his nose, tapping his foot frustrated as he sighs.

'I know it's bloody comfy, it's mine! Do you have any idea how many hours I've wasted looking for that jacket?'

I perk my lips, dragging my finger over them quick-witted as I tease.

'Judging by your reaction, a lot.'

I can't help but giggle when he grunts frustrated, seeing this as my way out and I immediately start to make a run for it. Matt instantly starts chasing me, clearly enjoying the hunt as he yells playfully.

'I will catch you, you little fox!'

The proximity of his voice persuades me to look over my shoulder as I try to keep up my paste, the glimmer in his eyes sending a jolt of excitement rushing through my bones. Shit, he's close! I dread, trying to run even faster. But the darkness is playing tricks on my eyes and I trip over my feet, tumbling into the sand. Matt diving on top of me in an instant. He holds my arms over my head, a playful look on his face as he whispers.

'Got you.'

'You didn't catch me, I fell.'

I chuckle. I feel his body press onto mine as one hand still holds me captive while the other softly tracks down over my arm to my side, almost making me groan as he says.

'So you want me to catch you?'

I softly bite my lip, only now realizing how wrong I phrased that sentence. Catch me if I fall, really Lexi?! That sounds so tacky. As his eyes wander down to my mouth I immediately let go of my lower lip, making him grin cheekily.

'Don't be so full of yourself.'

I mutter writhing against his body trying to get loose. Only resulting in him pushing his hips against me even stronger forcing me back down in the sand, bashful as he murmurs.

'I can't believe you had it all along...'

His fingers grasping the rim of my, his, vest making me giggle.

'That t-tickles!'

He lifts an eyebrow innocently, as he starts to tickle me even more and says.

'What, this?'

'Whaha! Yes, n-no, hahaha! M-Matty, please s-stop it!'

I beg, moving around and kicking my legs uncontrollably as his fingers start assaulting me in my side and underneath my armpit.

'M-Matty, please! Whahaha, I can't b-breathe! Geh-eh!'

'No, beautiful. It's punishment for stealing it.'

He smirks as he still continues his onslaught, tears streaming down my face from laughter as I try with all my might to get my hands out of his grasp.

'Aaah, whahaha! B-Bheks, Alex, h-help me!'

I screech, pleading with them for aid. I can't take this much longer! I cry, shaking my limbs to no extent.

'Sorry, no can do.'

Both of them chime in unison, making me swear under my breath while feeling as if I'm about to lose consciousness.

'Matt is too damn strong for me!'

Rebekah yells, followed by Alex's rumble of laughter as he chuckles.

'And you know I can't stand being tickled! You're alone on this one.'

Matt looks at me triumphantly as I wheeze gasping for air.

'P-Please, hahaha! Matty, I b-beg you! Whahaha... I-I'm gonna p-pass out, geh-eh, if you continue l-like this! Hahaha!'

Apparently feeling content, he listens to my prayers and stops his fingers from moving around. I take a few big gulps of air, trying to steady my breathing as my laughter slowly dies down. Matt is still on top of me, although he gives me enough space to breathe as he asks.

'Since when?'

'When you stayed the night at our place after we got back from one of the races. You and Bheks played video games all night long until you passed out on the couch. In my defense, you actually forgot it yourself...'

He shakes his head a low chuckle rumbling from his chest.

'Jesus Christ. That didn't mean you had to keep it for over ten years!'

'Like I said, it's comfy!'

I protest my voice sweet, hugging his vest close to me betting my eyelashes at him. Don't you dare to try and get it back. He sighs, a cheeky smile still plastered on his face as he huffs pinching my chin.

'Keep it, looks better on you anyway...'

Matt hoists himself off of me offering me a hand to help me up, and can't help but blush. Rebekah and Alex closely watching us the entire time, though neither of them bothers to comment, luckily. I brush some sand off my clothes before walking back to the bonfire together.

As the boys get out the camping gear, I ask Rebekah to braid my hair. Afraid I'd otherwise wake up as a scarecrow due to the leftover salty water in my already rowdy curls. As her hands tuck on my hair she tries to pry out of me what happened exactly tonight, but I keep my lips tightly sealed together not sure what to say. What did happen? Everything happened so quickly that I'm not even sure myself. I was devastated about what occurred with Ian, still am. But I also think that in my heart I knew something was off the last couple of days. Ever since my drinking episode we barely saw each other, I kept hoping it was just me being worried. If he didn't want to continue, or if he had his doubts, he just should've ended it instead of cheating. I grumble silently still worked up he had the nerve, making me question every intention he ever had.

'Lex! Come on, give me something at least.'

Rebekah yammers as she yanks my hair a bit. Urgh! She isn't going to let this go, is she?

'I don't know, alright?! He was just consoling me and then I told him he was being weird because he normally only teases or annoys me. Then suddenly he picked me up and dragged me to the ocean. One thing led to another and I ...kissed him.'

I murmur, still astonished myself that I even had the guts.

'Wait... What? You kissed him first?'

She whispers flabbergasted, her hands still as she looks at me from the side.

' Y-Yeah... At least, I think I did?'

I stammer, my eyes quickly flashing over to the boys making sure they don't overhear us before I continue.

'I don't know, he did kiss my neck but then he suddenly decided to overthink things and halted. The only thing I remember thinking at that moment was that I didn't want it to stop. He made me feel loved and cared for. Everything I thought Ian had crushed...'

Speaking his name alone nearly makes me want to vomit, leaving a bad taste in my mouth. I quickly shake my head trying to get the thoughts out, also jolting Rebekah awake as she continues her braiding and asks.

'And then?'

'And then like a frikkin' moron I decided to crush my lips on his! I don't know what the hell I was thinking, or how I even found the courage...'

'Is he a good kisser?'

Rebekah asks teasing me as she finishes the last of the braiding. I turn to her outraged as I whisper yell to her.

'W-What? Rebekah!'

'Well, I guess he is. Otherwise, you wouldn't have continued at it...'

She mumbles out loud, making me want to tackle her again as I grumble.

'I can't believe you even want to know since he's your best friend for crying out loud! But yes, unfortunately, he is...'

'Unfortunately?'

Rebekah inquires, raising an eyebrow in amusement. Yes, unfortunately! Because it keeps playing around in my mind over and over again. I frown at her. The fear that this might be just a one-time thing between us starting to settle in. He hurt me once before... Why wouldn't he again? I question silently. And as if our twin connection talks on my behalf, Rebekah whispers.

'That didn't look like just a fling out there, Lex... Something changed between the two of you tonight.'

'That's exactly what's scaring the hell out of me.'

I croak out, trying my best to keep my gaze away from him. After what happened tonight, I don't think I'd survive losing him again... Even if I don't know how to continue either... I sigh, not knowing what to make out of this mess.

'Right now, I don't even know if I should've done it at all. I... I don't know, I just need some time to get my head together I think.'

I mumble, rubbing my temples trying to calm myself. Rebekah nods, giving me a gentle smile as she rubs my back trying to assure me it'll all be alright.

'Are the two of you nearly done?'

Alex shouts to us both as he gets up. Rebekah gives me a hug as she whispers in my ear.

'Just try to enjoy the rest of the night. The answers you're looking for will come with time, I'm sure of it.'

I give her a tight squeeze back, saying thanks before letting go and we join the boys by the fire. I huddle up, putting my legs into my sleeping bag enjoying the warmth of the fire as the others start chatting. It seems like forever ago since we last did this... I smile to myself, my eyes gazing at the dancing flames.

'Hey sis, isn't that the jacket you wear whenever~'

Alex suddenly speaks up, now able to see what vest I'm wearing clearly as the light of the fire illuminates upon us. Rebekah gives him a hard shove in order for him to shut it. Bloody hell, sometimes you have the brains of a seashell! I swear silently before I grumble.

'I swear to god Alex! You know your face is dangerously close to that fire, right? Shut it, before I make use of my threats and shove you in it after all!'

Matt looks at me from the side, wondering what Alex was about to say. Do you enjoy my suffering or what? I squint at my brother. Luckily Alex gets the hint, finally, as he quickly changes the subject and rummages through a bag next to him. He throws Matt's wooden box over to him before he grabs a guitar behind him, handing that over to me.

'Here, we brought this for you too.'

He smiles hesitantly, hoping this will change up the conversation. I roll my eyes at him a smile on my face as my fingers trace over the strings before I start to play a bit. Avoiding my own songs, I play an old tune our father used to play for us when he was still alive making my brother and sister smile gently as they start to sing along. Matt smiles as well, his foot tapping along with the rhythm as he says.

'It's been a long time since I've heard that song...'

Alex nods in agreeance as Rebekah whispers.

'Me too. You haven't played that ever since mom and dad died...'

'I felt like it.'

I smile as I continue to let my fingers glide over the guitar strings. For the remainder of the night, we continue to talk, laugh, and sing around the fire. Dragging up stories from our childhood all the while my fingers never stop, playing several tunes. 

It's deep in the night when I notice Alex and Rebekah have fallen asleep. I smile gently, hoisting up the end of their sleeping bag so they're nice and warm before settling back down. Matt puts some more wood on the fire as he sees me shiver slightly. The cold from the water set in my bones so I still can't seem to get warmed up throughout. He spreads his arms, gesturing that I'd come and lay next to him. Should I? I contemplate his offer for a few seconds when he says.

'Come on, you're still cold. You can't afford to get sick.'

With my legs still in my sleeping bag, I hoist myself over to him looking like a mermaid stuck on dry land causomg him to chuckle softly while he tries not to wake the others. Hesitantly I lay my head against his chest, making sure the rest of my body stays at a safe distance while he tucks his arm around my shoulders. I keep my eyes trained down as I welcome his warmth murmuring softly.

'How come you aren't cold? Are you sure we were in the same water earlier?'

Laughing softly, the rumble of his chest vibrates in my ear he says coyly.

'Oh, I'm sure...'

My cheeks instantly aflame, knowing what he's referring to and I dig my head deeper into his chest afraid he'd notice otherwise. We keep quiet, his hand gently rubbing my shoulder and arm to keep me warm. God, I'd love to stay like this forever... I breathe, the saltiness still lingering over his body, partly masking Matt's scent but still calming me down with every breath. I make myself more comfortable tucking my arm against Matt's chest, my fingers tracing the lines of the tattoo on his wrist as I ask.

'When did you get this?'

He doesn't even look up, knowing that I'm referring to the black forest around his wrist as he mumbles.

'After abuelo died two years ago.'

'I'm sorry... Rebekah told me back then. He used to take you and your sister to the woods during the holidays, right?'

I smile up at him, remembering how giddy he'd always used to be whenever they were going on a trip with their grandfather. He nods in agreement, his eyes filled with nostalgia as he thinks back to those days. I continue with my fingertips digging my head back down, tracing every branch and twig enjoying the feeling of his skin underneath them. Everything that I felt for him in the past and I thought I worked through or at least hid back in a very, very, far corner of my mind, now comes flying back at me in full force and in tenfold. Overwhelming me slightly as I draw a sharp breath, what is it with you that makes me so vulnerable? I question him silently. Without even trying, you get me wrapped around your finger so easily. Even after all these years... I sigh not knowing what to make of our situation right now.

'...Can I ask you something?'

Matt suddenly asks, his voice soft as if he's only moments away from falling asleep.

'Mmhm, what is it?'

I whisper, starting to feel drowsy as well with the hypnotic way his hand and fingers stroke my arm.

'What did Alex mean earlier?'

'You caught that, huh?'

I jawn, not even the strength left to debate myself if I should even tell him as I murmur.

'I wear your jacket whenever I feel down or sad... When mom and dad died... Also wh-when...'

My voice dies out unable to form the words, but Matt presses on curiously.

'When what?'

'...When you left, Matty.'

I whisper, my voice barely audible as I bury my head even deeper in his chest. But the surprised twitch in Matt's fingers tells me he heard me loud and clear. Shit...

'Y-You did?'

He asks, his voice more evident and full of wonder. I nod my head, still staring into his chest as I murmur ashamed.

'Mmhm, I... I kinda missed you, alright? You were always around, like ...family.'

'Family, huh?'

He asks. But in his pesky tone is also a hint of disappointment and I immediately regret saying it. But before I can stop myself, I pinch him in his arm as I stammer defensively.

'L-Like the annoying brother you can't get rid off... But then again, you miss him whenever he's gone.'

Why the fuck did I compare him to a brother?! I curse myself for not keeping my mouth shut in the first place.

'You have a funny way of dealing with your brother.'

Matt snorts, not hiding the mischievous tone in his voice as he hugs me closer. I can't help but snicker as well, pinching him again as I grunt.

'Don't even go there right now, I'm way too tired...'

'Very well then. Goodnight ...sis.'

I instantly hit him on his chest for his snarky comment as I hiss.

'Don't ever say that again. That sounds so messed up!'

'You're the one who compared me to your damn brother...'

He chuckles, pinching me back. I know dammit! I swear to myself before I grumble softly.

'Just don't...'

He nods kissing the top of my head, holding me tight as he whispers.

'Alright. Sweet dreams, beautiful...'

That's better... I think happily as I cuddle up against him. With Matt's nose still in my hair, murmur just before I doze off to sleep.

'...Night, Matty.'