The dark hallway was starting to creep me out as we kept walking searching for our room number... Nearly coming to the point that I just wanted to turn around to go and ask that hotel lady what kind of prank this is exactly when Matt suddenly speaks up and says we're here. I heave a sigh, relieved we finally found it as I rummage around with the key card trying to open the door. As soon as I swing it open you could hear a pin drop, both of us freezing in our steps, our mouths nearly dropping to the floor. Holy shit! I cuss as my eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets and murmur in complete and utter astonishment.

'Okay, now I get it...'

'Y-Yeah...'

Matt croaks out at a loss for words. Both of us have never seen something more beautiful in our entire lives, I'm sure... It indeed was a gorgeous room, with every luxury someone could ask for. But that's not the reason both of us are shocked right now... It was built underneath the ground because it didn't have a view across the sea. Instead, we're standing in the bloody ocean itself! I gape at the back wall of the room completely made out of glass panels, displaying the deep waters behind it. Countless fish lazily pass by the glass as a million colors of coral reef decorate the sides and the bottom of the ocean.

' I've never seen anything like this...'

Matt mutters still in a daze. I nod my head in agreeance as I pull my suitcase walking into the room.

'This is amazing!'

I whisper as I walk up to the glass, my fingers tracing the spot where a jellyfish is right behind it. It doesn't even get spooked, and neither are the other fish as they just continue to do their business. Matt follows suit, closing the door behind him. We both admire the scenery for another ten minutes before I walk over to my suitcase, pulling it up the bed. I blindly stare at the sheets not even bothering to open it as realization sets in that we're supposed to sleep here together for the next few days. G-God... This looks like a fucking honeymoon sweet... I panic internally, looking around properly for the first time. The bed is large enough for nearly four people to fit in it, not that I'm complaining. This means I don't even have to go near him when sleeping. I tell myself sternly as I open the zipper, searching for something airy to wear. I get out a tight-fitting dress, torn by the sides, and open in the back before turning back to Matt as I say already heading to the bathroom.

'I'm going to get changed... My sweats are way too hot and I want to get a smoke before heading to bed.'

Matt nods, saying he'll change into something lighter here in the room. Once inside I quickly lock the door behind me before taking off and throwing aside my old clothes. Once the dress is in place I take my hair out of the bun I made earlier and give myself a look in the mirror. I can't help but grin slightly, loving this outfit. It hugs my figure in all the right places and I can't help but wonder what Matt's reaction will be once he sees it.

I peek through the door, opening it just an inch to make sure that Matt's done changing as well when I notice him sitting on the side of the bed. A grim expression on his face as he looks down at his phone murmuring something to himself, I can't quite hear.

'What are you doing?'

I ask distressed, not understanding why his mood would've gone sour so rapidly. His head instantly dashes up once he hears my voice, quickly putting the phone away as he murmurs frustratedly.

'It's nothing...'

'Doesn't look like nothing.'

I comment, leaning against the doorframe pondering what it could be that he's trying to hide from me.

'Lex, drop it.'

He nearly snarls before looking up at me, making me step back. What on earth? You never snarl at me like this. I think feeling as if someone just stabbed me. Matt gulps, I'm not sure whether it's my reaction causing it or my looks but I don't care as I snap back.

'Whatever! If you don't want to tell me that's fine! But don't go and sit here glooming and sneaking around, expecting me not to notice!'

'I wasn't sneaking, damn it! I was just taking care of something and you're meddling like you always do!'

'I was just worried for fucks sake! But never mind, go about with your sneaky business I'm going outside where I won't bother you again!'

I swear, yanking the door open and storming off before he can get another word out of his mouth, not even bothering to put on some shoes. Urgh, you make me so damn mad sometimes! I cuss as I get back into the elevator, pushing the button twenty times hoping it'll move faster because of it. Fan-fucking-tastic. Not even half an hour passed and we are already fighting again. I groan as I stalk out towards the terras. How am I supposed to survive three bloody days with him confined in the same fucking space?! I huff as the warm breeze outside envelops my body, my hair swaying slightly as I sit down on the stone steps looking over the dark sea.

'Finally, some peace and quiet.'

I grumble to myself enjoying the silence for once. Why is my life such a mess? I lament, gazing up at the stars trying to figure out what I'm feeling exactly... Numb. Hollow. Lost. Those are the only things coming to mind. Why am I feeling so numb? I should be yelling, crying, feeling heartbroken. Especially after Charlotte's revelation earlier today, but I'm not. I just feel a void and anger, nothing more. I'm not even angry at Matt... I sigh dragging my hands through my hair. Even though his reaction was out of character for him, I know I was out of line too. He's right, I have no right to meddle in his affairs... I sigh, wondering what he's doing right now. I am still mad at Ian though... While we were driving to the hotel I noticed I had a bunch of missed calls and messages from him, which is why I shut off my phone right after. How does he dare to call me after everything that happened? Why can't he just leave me the fuck alone?

I gaze over the beautiful twinkling lights, high up in the dark sky overthinking everything that happened these past few days. Matt did help me out, a lot... I sigh again, not knowing what to do with all of this. Why can't he be more upfront and tell me what he expects? I mock, hating the way my emotions are pulled all over the place.

'Hey, you...'

Matt breathes behind me before sitting down next to me. I don't look at him and just keep gazing up as I mumble back to him.

'...Hey.'

From the corner of my eyes, I can see him looking at me every other second before gazing back to the stars not sure if he should speak up or not. I should apologize for just now... I bite my lip knowing that, especially after everything he has done for me I had no reason to lash out at him the way I did. I get up fidgeting with my fingers while looking down onto the ground, unable to look him in the eye as I whisper.

'I'm sorry I blew up on you just now... You were right, I had no reason to.'

He looks up at me from the steps, a smirk hinting on his lips as he says.

'I thought useless fights were our thing?'

I can't help but snort back upon hearing his response. It's true ...I guess. Bickering over nothing was our thing. Me being the feisty type meant he could easily wind me up since he always enjoyed the competition in it. Never backing down from a challenge and both of us hate to be told no. It's genetic, we're meant to irritate one another. I sigh looking away from him. But why does it seem to bother me so much lately? I wonder staring into the nothingness of the night as I mumble.

'Just give me that joint you've been hiding in your pocket and we're good.'

Matt looks over to me, surprised that I found out and I laugh.

'We share the same space, remember? The whole frikkin' hotel room smelled like weed, you doofus.'

He tilts his head, reluctant to hand it over as I grumble.

'Are you going to give me the bloody thing, or are you just going to keep sitting there and keep working on my nerves?'

I bite my lip, immediately wanting to kick myself for saying that. Nerves, really?! I was giving him the opportunity of a lifetime, all he needed to do was take it and make use of it. Damn me and my big mouth! I cuss internally not able to look his way. Matt suddenly reaches into his pocket, lighting it before handing it over to me. No comment, no stupid remark ...nothing? I take it from his fingers, still wary he isn't using this as an excuse to cause another argument. Thank you? I think confused, lifting an eyebrow before walking down the steps. Did he not hear me, or did he just give me a free pass? I wonder as I lean back against a stone wall looking over the ocean with my bare feet in the sand inhaling deeply as Matt joins me. Normally he'd never pass up the opportunity to blackmail me. I sigh, blowing out some smoke.

'So... What is it exactly that I do that gets you on edge?'

His husky voice suddenly rasps. My eyes pierce the sand as he catches me completely off guard. I fucking knew it! I swear as I can feel my cheeks turn crimson red. It was too good to be true! I grumble to myself before I utter.

'I... I said nerves.'

'Oh, my bad.'

Matt huffs, the tone in his voice compelling me to look up. His eyes stare right back at me, a little spark in them as he closes the distance between us and puts an arm against the wall as he teases me.

'What do I do that makes you nervous then?'

My cheeks burn furiously at his words and the way he cages me in, but I can't seem to rip my gaze away from his. Damn, do I love those sparkling alluring green eyes. I groan to myself as I stammer unable to form a proper sentence.

'Th-This is what do you... Uhh! You do!'

My husk voice betrays me even more, as the grin on Matt's face widens. Goddammit! I swear as he leans a little closer, his gaze holding me captive until he no longer can do so and I feel the ghost of his lips brush against my ear. Sh-Shit! I swear before he whispers incredibly deep and sexy.

'All you have to do is tell me to stop and I will...'

My back holding me up against the wall as my knees nearly give out on me, just from the sound of his voice alone. His loose hand slides from my waist down to my hip giving it a soft squeeze, while the fingers on his other hand play with my curly hair. F-Fuck! I cuss as I suppress a moan coming from my lips. Everywhere his fingers touch me I can feel sparks running throughout my body. Without even realizing it I lean into him, completely giving myself over to his touch.

As soon as his lips make contact with the skin of my neck, fireworks go off in my belly and I close my eyes biting my lip. Sh-Shit... Taking my silence as a sign of approval he continues passionately kissing the crook of my neck, softly sucking and nibbling on the skin causing a shaky moan to escape from my lips.

'Mm-ahh...'

Feeling the satisfied smirk plastered on his lips against my skin, he vigorously continues to kiss my neck. No, no, no... This isn't a good idea. I whimper, though no part of me wants me to stop him right now, I know I just shouldn't go there... I still have no idea what Matt actually feels for me. Is this something real? Or is it just all a game to him? I just don't want to regret my decisions later on. I already made that mistake once and I wasn't about to let it happen again! Or would I? The feeling of his lips drives me insane, my brain faltering to think straight. When he finally draws back he has a crooked smile on his face, his hand still resting on my hip. At last, I seem able to draw breath. Jesus! I mutter to myself as I reckon it's my chance to turn the tables on him. You'll be sorry for this... I smirk as I lay my hands on his shoulder and chest, pushing my body up against his. Doing the exact same thing he did to me as I slowly draw my lips past his mouth to his ear and whisper, my voice low and hot with need.

'Too bad you promised to behave yourself...'

Softly I nibble on his earlobe, making him breathe more heavily while one of my hands travels down his body into his pocket. I draw back slightly, my eyes locked on his as they grow wide wondering what I'm about to do. I bite my lip, suppressing a giggle as I pull the lighter out of his pocket and swiftly take a step back to light his joint which is still between my fingertips. As soon as he sees this a groan escapes his lips, the fiery spark in his eyes dimming down slightly. Got you there... I laugh internally, unable to wipe the grin off my face. Matt rolls his eyes in frustration making me all the more curious as to what he was picturing I was about to do.

'Could've just asked for that, instead of assaulting me.'

He groans through gritted teeth. Mmm, clearly I left you hot and bothered by that. I smile as I snort.

'I didn't hear you complain just now... What did you think I had in mind?'

'Let's just say I wasn't the one letting out those sexy moans a minute ago...'

He teases, his voice still low but seeming to have found his groundings again as he continues to rasp.

'Don't worry beautiful, I won't kiss and tell...'

'We didn't kiss~'

I try to protest, but the words barely even leave my lips as he shoves me up against the wall. His lips crashing on top of mine instantly. This shouldn't feel so damn good! I groan, clutching my hands around his neck. His body crushes mine between him and the wall as I wrap my legs around his waist, kissing him back. Too damn good!

His kisses become more urgent and demanding as one hand cups my ass while the other captures my face and neck. My mind in a complete haze, not able to connect with the functional part of my brain, I moan loudly. Whether it's just him or also the joint I've been smoking, I'm not entirely sure. But right now, I don't even care! I whimper as I continue kissing him back, following his furious pace. The fingers of my loose hand tangling between his raven hair drawing him even closer. Fuck! My teeth pull on his lip, making a groan of hunger rumble from his chest turning me on even more. Sweet lord! I plead as I push my hips even harder against his, writhing against his body filled with need not able to stop myself. His chest heaves heavily as his nails dig into my butt pushing my hips down even further, nearly making me lose control on the spot. Matt feels it too, wild with desire as he gives me one last passionate kiss before we both drawback panting for air.

Shakily I shift my legs back down, staring at the ground amazed by what just had happened. H-Holy shit... My heart still beats a hundred miles an hour as I blink my eyes, trying to get rid of the throbbing feeling between my legs afraid I might jump his bones if I don't. I've never felt anything like this. Whenever you kiss me it feels like I'm under a damn spell, like nothing else around us exists anymore... I pant, looking up hesitantly. Your kisses send me right to the stars and back. I breathe, as he still holds his arm around my hip not letting go of me entirely. Just your touch makes me lose my damn mind. I can't think clearly and the only thing I feel from then on is a pure and raw desire that's unable to get satisfied. The desire to kiss him, touch him and be in his arms is beyond anything I've ever felt before. It consumes me. Matt rips me out of my lust-filled thoughts as he whispers.

'Now that we did kiss, I won't tell...'

Hearing the taunting tone in his voice immediately brings me back to reality. This is the Matty I remembered, the one who broke my heart once and easily would do it again. As if a bucket of ice water got dumped over me I instantly take a step back, knowing he's playing a dangerous game with my heart. Holding out his joint, I clear my throat before I tell him flatly.

'If that's the case then leave me alone from now on and keep your word. You would behave yourself, remember?'

I hand him his joint back not even in the mood to smoke anymore. You drive me nuts! I grit my teeth, but Matt doesn't back down as he suddenly closes in on me again whispering both daring and seductive.

'Fine. I won't kiss you again ...not until you beg me for it.'

The tone of his voice makes me gulp as a chill runs through my spine. Sh-Shit, what have I just done? I blink, unsure how my remark turned into this. A bet. My feisty mindset causing the gears in my head to spin at a rapid paste. Was it a bet though? I ask myself. I think it is... He wants me to beg him, knowing that that's something I would avoid at all costs with my feisty, protesting nature. I don't like to surrender, let alone to you... I groan as he takes a whiff of his joint patiently waiting for an answer. Both alpha types, playing for the win in these kinds of situations. Meaning he's gonna be a huge pain in the ass for God knows how long! I know he will try everything and anything to get me to cower to his will and beg him, and I'm in no mood to give in! Though a part of me is afraid that my body might try and object, surrendering to his every will. Great. Just fucking great... I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose as I mutter.

'Bets and games have rules...'

'Fair enough, shoot...'

He answers, his eyes firing up instantly knowing this is about to go down just as he hoped to. Going along with this is such a dangerous thing to do, knowing my heart will probably hang in the balance if I don't watch my step. At least make it some good frikkin' rules, Lex! I sternly tell myself before opening my mouth.

'Rule number one: no kissing means no kissing ...anywhere.'

He nods at the obvious, waiting for me to continue.

'Rule two: no touching intimate parts of the body.'

'A pity...'

Matt teases, wiggling his eyebrow at me. I roll my eyes snapping at him before I go on.

'Watch it, Matty. Your head might bloody explode when you've got that much ego inside of you...'

'Number three?'

He asks, totally ignoring my comment. I put my finger to my lip pondering over a third rule when he asks playfully.

'Do you also play or are you just on the defense, beautiful?'

I raise my brow, wondering how he even can ask that as I snort.

'Of course, I'm also playing! Hello, I'm in it for the win... Let the seducing begin.'

Shocked, Matt clears his throat and I can't help but chuckle.

'What? Didn't think I had the guts?'

He shakes his head, the smirk from before instantly back on his face as he says.

'I'm just surprised you'd agree to a bet, you know you're gonna lose...'

'Oh, Matty... I'll wrap you around my little finger.'

I wink sweetly clicking my tongue, making him laugh in return.

'Haha, we'll see about that... Rule number three: no kissing other people.'

Hearing this come from his mouth makes me do a double-take to see if I caught that right as I utter.

'Can you even uphold that one yourself? Or would you get jealous if you saw me kissing someone else?

I blurt out the last part before even realizing it. He licks his lip, trying to keep himself in check as he adds.

'I want this rule so I'm sure I won't have to kick Ian's ass. He has this way of manipulating you and I don't want to see you hurt by him again.'

'Trust me! Ian would be the last person on my list! But fine, number three is in.'

I agree. The thought alone of seeing him kiss someone else is enough to make my blood boil. But I'm also flattered that he's concerned about my well-being as I mumble.

'I think that's about it. Three rules, agreed?'

He nods and I suppress a yawn as fatigue seems to creep up on me and I murmur rubbing my eyes.

'I'm going to bed, I'm beat...'

'Yeah, I'm coming with you.'

Matt says as he flicks the little bud away from his fingers.

'Whatever you want...'

I sigh, this time not able to hide a yawn. Matt chuckles loudly as he offers me an arm to walk inside.

'Oh, you know what I want.'

I tap his hand, giggling at his arrogance as I tell him in a sarcastic tone.

'Watch it tiger, or you're sleeping on the floor tonight.'

'Wouldn't want that now, do we?'

Matt sneers tousling my hair as we walk up the stairs and into the hotel. I definitely need a game plan. I tell myself as I force myself to keep my eyes open while we're standing in the elevator. Otherwise, he's going to trample all over me before I know it...

'Dreamin' about me already?'

Matt snickers next to me. I lift my heavy eyelids, unable to keep a smirk off my lips as I tell him.

'Nah. Just picturing the look on your face when I kick your ass, Matty. That's all.'

He laughs wholeheartedly, again pulling me by the arm once the bell chimes and the doors to our floor open as he responds.

'I'll be the one with a huge grin on its face once you'll beg me for a kiss, beautiful.'

'Now look who's dreaming...'

I yawn, dragging my feet until we finally get to our room. I quickly pick a long shirt out of my stack of clothes and go change myself out of my dress in the bathroom. Once I get back Matt's already in bed underneath the covers with the lights out and his eyes closed. Guess he was as tired as me. I yawn as I crawl into the other side of the bed, trying to keep as much distance between us as possible. A calming dark blue hue extending from the sea softly illuminates the room and I gaze at the glass for another few seconds, admiring the stunning view as I can feel him rustle underneath the blanket turning towards me and I mumble exhausted.

'Matty, I swear to god, don't screw with me while I'm tired... I wanna sleep.'

He chuckles softly, keeping his hands to himself as he murmurs in a soft voice.

'Night, beautiful...'

I smile to myself at his obedience, digging my head deeper into my pillow as I whisper already drifting away.

'...Night, Matty.'

***

A few hours later Matt wakes me up for breakfast. I drag myself up straight in bed since we promised the others to be there, while still feeling tired as fuck. Matt's already wearing a pair of sweatpants and a tank top, though he doesn't look any fitter than me and I grumble sleepily while dragging my hands through my hair.

'This jetlag is a bitch...'

Matt nods, his messy hair bouncing around making me chuckle with laughter. His head of hair sure as hell is growing on me... I think to myself, remembering how much I hated his longer hair when he just got back to town. When I dangle my legs over the side of the bed I hear Matt rumble in laughter behind me.

'You look like a tiny pixy in that huge bed.'

His words make me giggle as well, jumping off the bed as I mumble back at him.

'That's not my fault, this bed is ridiculously large. It's even bigger than the one I've got at home, and I thought that one was huge already.'

Matt's eyes swiftly gaze over me as he sees my outfit. My shirt hangs over one of my shoulders, just reaching over my butt exposing my bare legs. He smiles a little seeing the logo on the front as he mumbles.

'Still wearing old band shirts as nightgowns, beautiful? Some things never change...'

At home, I'd normally make sure to change into some decent clothes. Especially since Matt has been living with us, but right now that isn't really an option. I look down at the logo, shrugging my shoulders as I say.

'They're comfy.'

He shakes his head, humor written all over his face as he says.

'Still a tomboy at heart, huh?'

I stroll past Matt towards my suitcase, crouching down not even troubled to slide the fabric back down over my panties giving him a full view as I fire back.

'The caps I still wear weren't an indication about that? Even though I'm famous now, I made sure at the get-go Delphine knew I wasn't going to change myself. I wear whatever I wanna wear and I'm not going to change that because I'm in the spotlight now...'

'Good.'

Matt replies, his voice a little deeper than before. I grab a pair of comfy clothes for breakfast before looking over my shoulders as I get up. Matt's sitting in a chair, next to the glass window studying my every move intently. His eyes wandering on my butt a little longer than they should. That's a nice head start. I giggle to myself, thinking about the bet we made last night as I parade toward the bathroom smiling cockily at him before closing the door behind me. The faster I win this thing, the better. I think while changing my clothes and mumble through the closed door.

'Hey, I was wondering... How did you even get marijuana here? I thought that stuff is illegal around these parts?'

'It normally is. But I arranged it with my doctor back home, since it's medicinal he made sure I could pick some up here. Through the doctors I got it send to the hotel, they delivered it to the door last night when you were changing.'

Matt replies from the other side of the door. I knew the reason he continued to smoke these days was mostly because of his back, but I didn't know they could arrange stuff like that overseas.

'Makes sense.'

I mutter as I drag my hair up into a messy bun. It'll have to do for now. I groan, knowing it'll take a shower and some magic to make something out of this hot mess. I rub my eyes before splashing some water on my face trying to wake myself up properly, but to no avail and I grumble.

'They better not have a busy day in store for us, because if that's the case I'm making a b-line back to bed!'

Looking at my still sleepy face in the mirror, I dab my face dry with a towel as Matt chuckles from the bedroom.

'Can't say I disagree with that. There's no way I'm going to survive a busy day of sightseeing with the two of them, feeling like this. I need at least a proper night of sleep before I punish myself into doing that.'

I swing the bathroom door open almost running into Matt, chuckling at his words not realizing he was standing this close to the door. You got a point there... Swiftly avoiding a crash he moves aside as I duck underneath his arm to get past him. The both of us grab our stuff and the room key before heading to the restaurant.

I look around while the both of us are grabbing a cup of coffee by the machine, no sign of Rebekah and Tyler yet. I grumble to Matt, annoyed that I came out of my bed for nothing. We slide into one of the booths, lazily sipping our coffee as I keep my eyes trained on the doorway and I groan.

'Where the hell are they?'

Just as the words leave my mouth, Rebekah and Tyler come flying to the door. She immediately stalks over to the buffet, getting a large plate of breakfast before joining us. I eye them both from top to bottom, trying my best not to comment on the huge bags underneath their eyes. Well, I guess it's no secret what they've been doing. They look like they slept even less than we did. I sniffle in silence.

'Had a good fuck? Uh, sleep?'

Matt chuckles, forming my thoughts into words making me roar with laughter as Rebekah nearly chokes on a piece of toast. Tyler on the other hand does nothing to wipe the grin off his face as he shrugs his shoulders, taking a sip of his coffee. With her head as red as a tomato, she kicks Matt underneath the table as she shrieks.

'Can't you just keep your mouth shut, like, ever?!'

'You know he's incapable of that...'

I retort dryly taking a sip of my coffee while Rebekah scrapes her plate empty within a few minutes. Heaving a satisfied sigh as soon as she's done, for the first time looking up at us properly while she snorts.

'And what did you guys do? You don't look like you've got a lot of sleep either.'

'We most certainly didn't do that!'

I yelp defensively, making the boys laugh in return. I instantly shove Matt in the side, ushering him to shut his piehole and help me out here. He smirks and I eye him dangerously, making sure he thinks before opening his trap.

'Really, we didn't.'

He laughs holding his hands up in surrender, making me roll my eyes at him as I continue.

'More like the opposite, it only took us what? Fifteen minutes? Before lashing out at each other? After that, I went outside.'

'I did make it up to you...'

Matt teases, the underlying tone in his voice nearly making me blush. Don't you fucking dare! I squint at him as I mumble to Rebekah.

'Yeah... And by the time we got back to the room, it was almost morning. So we only managed to sleep for three hours or so.'

She raises an eyebrow, looking between the two of us but decides not to comment as she asks.

'How's the room?'

'Oh, it's amazing!'

I squeal as I start telling them about it. The four of us continue chatting over breakfast, Rebekah going for a second and third round until she's completely stuffed. Someone sure needs the energy... I grin as I'm just happy they've got some decent coffee. When we're all done we make plans for the day. Luckily they're as worn out as us, if not more. So we decide it is just going to be a day at the beach. Lazily hanging around so we can get an early night's sleep and we can go and do some sightseeing tomorrow.

I make sure to grab the sexiest bikini I've brought with me, scrimpy, black, and just laced together with some strings wearing a see-through tunic overneat it. Trying my very best to make Matt drool all over me, hoping it won't take too long before he gives in. Matt, on the other hand, doesn't even look like he's trying. He just keeps his tank on and a short pair of trousers underneath it, saying he doesn't feel the need to go in the water. Strange...

His eyes travel along the lines of my body once I take off the tunic, making him gulp slightly. I wink at him satisfied with his reaction before heading to the water, swaying my hips and giving him a good look at my back and butt. I will win this... I grin drifting into the ocean, starting to secretly enjoy this little game between us.

The rest of the day drifts by peacefully, neither of us making any real moves. Partly because he's being a buzzkill and I can't get him in the water... Though we can't resist throwing a provocative comment here and there.

As soon as we finish dinner we all head to our rooms, sunshine and the smell of the ocean has worn all of us out even more. I take a quick shower getting rid of the salty residue on my body and washing my hair before getting back into my long shirt, again only wearing a pair of panties underneath it.

As soon as I open the door I halt in my steps. Matt is standing in front of the glass wall, just wearing his boxers. His back turned to me giving me a proper full view for the first time as he watches the underwater world in front of him. Damn... I draw a shaky breath seeing the massive tattoo on his back. It's stunning. I had seen little bits and pieces, pop out of his clothes, but this was the first time I could examine it thoroughly. His masculine body the perfect canvas for the most beautiful tattoo I'd ever seen in my life. I'm not sure whether he didn't hear me coming out, lost in thoughts as I creep up closer to him wanting to surprise him since we're still in the middle of our bet. Okay, let's do this without getting caught in the crossfire... I tell myself swallowing hard, my eyes still glued to his gorgeous back. Now sure he didn't hear me coming, I softly trail one of my nails over his spine, making his muscles tense up immediately and I whisper.

'It's gorgeous...'

The touch of my finger and the sound of my voice makes him shudder ever so slightly, though he still keeps silent. My fingers continue to slowly trace the lines of his tattoo, exploring every inch. It's a man crouched down, kneeling on the floor with one knee. With no hair, he has his face buried in his crossed arms. Big wings coming from his back, spread around him as if they were there to protect him. Absolutely beautiful... I softly let my fingers trickle over the wings and the few feathers drifting around him, making Matt shiver in response as he inhales deeply. The hidden man is in pain. Losing his strength, lost. At the verge of surrender ...a fallen angel.

'L-Lex...'

Matt whispers in a deep voice, making my breath falter as I get pulled out of a deep trance.

'Y-Yeah?'

I breathe, shaking my head slightly. I need to keep my head in the game, instead of getting distracted by your hot back. I grumble to myself, blinking a couple of times. My voice still sounds dazed from the trance I was in, maybe I can use that... I think, biting my lip as I continue to let my fingertips travel along his back and shoulders. Matt clears his throat and I can't help but grin at the thought of me making him uncomfortable for once as he murmurs with a shaky breath.

'W-What are you doing?'

I keep quiet for a few seconds, placing the palms of my hands on his back. Dragging them up ever so slowly as I whisper huskily.

'...I love it.'

My fingers slide along the lines once more. I look past his shoulders at the glass, searching for Matt's reflection when I notice he has his eyes closed. Lost in thoughts, a pained grimace on his face, looking as if he's having an internal discussion with himself. A tough one at that. I can tell that much by the expressions he's making like he's debating himself what to do. My fingers suddenly start trembling once they reach down the left wing, shock demanding my attention to drift back there. I knew Matt felt it too, his muscles stiffening instantly as well. I was so distracted by the tattoo and the muscles on his back I didn't even notice before. I murmur to myself as my fingertips softly caress the gruff red skin underneath the tip of the wing. My eyes are nailed to the spot as flashbacks fight their way into my head. No. I object, making me drawback instantly as if I just got my skin burned.

'I... I'm off to bed.'

I tell him, my voice barely a whisper as I take a step back averting my eyes from him. Before he even manages to turn around, shocked by my sudden withdrawal I dive into the bed. With my back turned against him, I squeeze my eyes shut trying to get rid of the horrid memories curling up like a ball while trying to protect myself, suddenly feeling very vulnerable. This was a mistake. I grumble rubbing my nose, trying to get rid of the nonexistent smell of rubber and iron. You damn idiot! I swear angrily to myself as I feel the mattress dip slightly when Matt gets into bed behind me, also turning off the lights.

He keeps quiet as I rustle around, trying to find a more comfortable position so I can just fall asleep and forget about all of this. Not that it'll work after what just happened! I grumble tossing and turning around in my spot. Unable to fall asleep I can feel his eyes burning on my back. Which doesn't exactly help either! After another minute or so I heave a big sigh, turning around rapidly only to find Matt's big green eyes staring right at me. I hadn't even noticed how close we were until I turned around, his face barely an inch away from mine. A soft blue glow surrounds him coming from the water wall behind me, which isn't a lot, but it captures his outlining beautifully. His eyes boring into mine as if he's looking for something and I find myself wondering what he's thinking about. We keep silent for a while. Curiosity eventually gets the better of me as I gather the courage to ask him shyly with a little blush on my cheeks.

'Penny for your thoughts?'

His fingers trace the line of my scalp, brushing my hair as he whispers.

'...Wouldn't you love to know.'

'Whatever.'

I mutter, not trying to hide my frustration as I grind my teeth looking away from him again. I'm not in the mood for this. He places a finger under my jaw, drawing my attention back to him and as I sullenly look up at him, he continues in a soft tone.

'I didn't mean it like that. It's just...'

His voice dies out, his eyes trembling unsurely before he sighs.

'Does it gross you out?'

Huh? I raise an eyebrow, clueless about what he's referring to. He sighs reluctantly before asking quietly.

'My back, the scars... Do you find them repulsive? Is that why you stopped so suddenly?'

'What, no! How can you even think that?!'

I yelp in surprise, wondering how he came up with that assumption.

'Then what~'

He murmurs confused, but his voice dies out as soon as he sees the look in my eyes. Unable to hold his gaze I look to the side, already feeling tears brimming in the corners of my eyes.

'It was you... Wasn't it?'

He asks, his voice barely a whisper. I clench my eyelids shut, trying to stop the tears from coming out. I can't do this, not with you... I think biting my lip, not liking the direction this conversation is heading into. I try to turn my head away but his hands cup both of my cheeks as he asks earnestly.

'It wasn't just in my head. You were down there with me, weren't you?'

I softly shake my head, trying to get loose while images of that night swirl through my mind and I croak out with a broken voice.

'M-Matty, I... I can't.'

But he doesn't listen to my pleas as he continues to press on, reality finally dawning on him. His voice clear and demanding.

'Lex, look at me.'

I carefully open my eyes, trying to blink away the tears as I look at him pain written in my eyes. His own eyes tremble with shock as well while he softly strokes my cheek with the tip of his thumb and asks.

'...You were there when they pulled me back from the brink of death. Tell me if I'm right, or not?'