Once I got back I gave Rebekah, Alex, and Néomy, who by the way was livid I kept her in the dark about what was going on, a rundown of what had happened in New Orleans. To say they were furious when they found out I'd taken dad's Colt with me would've been an understatement. Not even mentioning their reactions when I told them I shot one of Rocco's men with it, even if it was in his leg...

Both my siblings refused to talk to me for the next few days. Ignoring me entirely while Nomes did the exact opposite. She had made it her damn mission in life to lecture me to the extent, I was even considering selling the gun so they would all be sure I'd never pull a stunt like that again. I knew I'd dug my own grave as soon as I'd pulled that trigger, I understood the consequences that came with it and was ready to face them. I was honestly more afraid of their reactions than I was of the action itself, but I also immediately came to the conclusion I had to tell them the truth. By now it was clear to me that avoiding conversation and evading fessing up the truth about things would only make matters worse...

A lot of things and scenarios could've possibly been avoided. Or at least have ended in a whole other outcoming, if all of us had been more honest from the start. Because of it, I'd found a new resolve. I didn't want to be like that anymore... I wanted to break the vicious cycle we were in, so I decided to take a leap of fate and sprawl it all out in the open. Let the cards fall as they may. And that included Matt as soon as he woke up... I was still working out in my mind how to go about it all, but I was determined to make it work somehow.

We ended up talking to everyone else that we were close with, Tyler, Ryan, Jake, as well as Shelby, and Ruby. I even had a heart-to-heart with Delphine about my family relations, figuring she as my manager at least deserved to know the truth... Looking past her personality, I knew I could trust my manager to keep this a secret. She was quite supportive about it and understood why I hadn't mentioned it until now, although she was glad I ended up telling her eventually. She said it suddenly all made sense. Why I'd always been so secretive about my private life and she reassured me this would make our relationship much easier now she knew what I was dealing with on the side. I also informed her I would be taking a break for the time being. No matter the consequences it had for my career. Right now, I had more important priorities in my life.

The others reacted as equally understanding when they found out. Don't get me wrong, they were shocked! And Ruby nearly lost her shit when she heard that they were the reason that Matt got shot, but she quickly calmed down once I told her how I dealt with it. Giving me an 'Attagirl!', along with a high five. I couldn't help but giggle at the action, glad at least someone understood why I did it without judging me to no end.

Matt's parents, Rosa, and Melody were another matter though. Alex, Rebekah, and I had talked it over for hours before we eventually came to the conclusion it was for the best to wait until Matt woke up. He had to know first. Then he could be the one to decide if his family should know the truth about what happened behind the shooting and our family's involvement.

Once the air was finally cleared, and the ignoring had begun, I headed home for a well-deserved shower. I immediately returned afterward, wanting to be back at Matt's side above all else.

I hadn't been home since... My muscles refused to budge, apprehensively waiting for him to wake up. He was stable and had been transferred into a private room in the meantime. That's where the good news ended though... Other than that, his condition had still to improve and as for now, there were no signs of that happening anytime soon.

I slept, ate, and lived in the chair next to him. Not even bothered to go out for a smoke, or anything else for that matter. Néomy had brought me a bag with some of my clothes, toiletries, and some other stuff to pass the time once the hostility between us dimmed back down again. The nurses who came by nearly forced me to make use of the shower that was attached to Matt's room when nearly a week had passed. Apparently, seeing someone go from a celebrity to somewhat of a homeless person didn't settle well with them and they kept doting on me as if I was their patient as well. Making sure I was eating and drinking enough to keep myself healthy. They even provided me with a blanket and comfy cushion to keep me company in the large lounge chair. They tried to give me a bed, but I firmly declined. There were other people those beds were meant for. Besides, I refused to move even an inch further away from Matt. I was determined to stay by his side until he opened his eyes. Especially after he confessed he'd been looking for me when he'd woken up from the car crash all those years ago. This time I would be there...

***

'Querida, you're still here? Your back must be broken by now...'

The sound of Dolores's voice wakes me up from my slumber and I rub my eyelids before propping myself up in my chair. My eyesight flashes in and out of focus as I try to locate her and I tiredly murmur the same response I've given her for the past few weeks.

'Good morning to you too, Dolores... By now you should know I'm not going anywhere until he wakes up.'

'He still hasn't moved a muscle?'

She asks in a soft voice as she sits down at the end of the bed, her hand gently patting her son's leg. I shake my head, glancing over Matt's features with a sad smile. It had somewhat become a ritual between us. Nearly three weeks had crept by since the shooting happened. Dolores would spring in every morning, making sure she first tells me she's worried about me breaking my body on the comfy chair in some way or another. Me waving it off the same way every time, before she'd ask if there was any news on Matt. Unfortunately, I could only answer that question in the same manner as well.

I sigh, stretching my limbs before leaning over to Matt. I give him a soft kiss on the cheek, brushing my fingers through his messy black hair as I whisper.

'No... At this point, I'm almost wondering if he just likes the fact that we're all fussing over him and if he may be dragging it out...'

His mother laughs as she pulls me in for a brief hug before handing me a paper bag and setting a cup of steaming coffee on the table next to us. She'd made it her duty to bring me breakfast every day, saying hospital food wasn't actual food and I needed something decent in my system. We'd grown much closer these past days, to the point I wasn't even embarrassed to show loving gestures towards Matt in front of her. The first time it happened was quite comical, actually... I'd kissed Matt's forehead in an impulse when I'd woken up, whispering softly into his ear that I loved him. My head must've looked like a firecracker as soon as I noticed Dolores was already in the room, watching us both intently. She'd bursted out in laughter at the sight of my flushed cheeks. Saying that by now she knew how crazy I was for her son, so trying to hide it was rather pointless. She was right. And ever since that moment, I decided not to give a crap about whoever was in the room with us. I wouldn't hold back my feelings for him for another second, no matter who was around to watch.

Eduardo had teased me a few times because of it. But Dolores had smacked the back of his head, ordering him to stop immediately so he eventually did. I couldn't help but giggle at the sight, comparing their relationship with Matt and mine. Matt sure as hell was a spitting image of his father. He had the same cunning ways of playing around and working on Dolores's nerves, although even a blind man could see how much they loved each other.

I reach into the bag, chuckling softly as I pull out the pastrami sandwich. Purposely sliding it passed Matt's nostrils as I whisper teasingly.

'You still sure you don't want to wake up, Matty? It's your favorite...'

His mother had been bringing in the same breakfast every morning, convinced that it would wake him up eventually. I didn't mind eating them either. I now understood why it was his favorite. His mom made killer sandwiches! I munch on a piece of bread, turning back to Dolores who's watching me with a gentle smile as she says.

'He'll wake up soon enough, hermosa.'

'The doctors are getting worried...'

I tell her silently, swallowing hard as I put the sandwich to the side. My fingers softly brush the hairs on Matt's jaw, unable to look her in the eye as I continue solemnly.

'They aren't saying so aloud. They probably don't want to worry us, but I could tell from the doctor's face yesterday that he should've shown some signs of waking up by now...'

I bite my lip struggling to say it out loud, the medical staff was slowly losing hope. Dolores chucks me closer, tightly wrapping her arms around my neck as she says determinedly.

'We won't lose hope on him, Lexi. He needs us to believe in him. You most of all.'

'I'll never give up on him.'

I tell her honestly, tears straining my eyes. She pulls back, smiling gently as she kisses the corners of my eyes and murmurs.

'I know... And I'm also certain he would never let go of you as well. He's fighting in there to get back to you, querida...'

I hope so... I breathe, following her line of sight. For a little while the both of us just silently watch him in deep slumber. The beeping from the machine attached to him in sync with the rising and falling of his chest. It was a comfortable sound, a reassurance that he was still here...

***

We continue our chatter for another hour until it's time for Dolores to head out. She gives me a tight hug and a kiss on the top of my head before leaving and I give her a smile in return. I'd come to adore this woman. Her motherly ways soothed me, especially since I missed my own mom terribly at the moment. I wish she could guide me in how to deal with all of this. Some days were fine, but others I wanted nothing more than to curl up into a little ball at Matt's side and cry until I had no tears left.

Just as I'm about to get up to get some stuff from my bag, Rebekah strolls to the door. Her eyes still ignore me as she walks up to Matt's side, gazing at his features for a little while until she sighs.

'Still nothing?'

'Oh, would you look at that... Back to communicating like civilized people, are we?'

I snort, not bothered to answer her question. She could see nothing had changed and I knew my sister well enough to know it was just an excuse she used to say something and get a conversation going. She rolls her eyes, still avoiding eye contact with me as she mutters.

'I figured I couldn't ignore you forever since we live together and all... I haven't forgiven you for the stunt you pulled though.'

'I guess it's a start.'

I grumble quietly, looking my sister up and down. She's wearing a tight pair of jeans and a loose shirt, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail, but all I'm able to focus on are the dark circles under her eyes.

'You look like shit.'

I state, making her finally look up at me. Her tired eyes match my own as she squints down at me until she suddenly bursts out with laughter and says.

'Pot calling the kettle black. Have you even glanced in the mirror lately?'

'We make quite the pair, don't we?'

I chuckle back, looking down at my worn-out sweatpants before standing up. Rebekah already closing in on me as she tackles me into a hug.

'I'm sorry for being so hard on you. I get why you did it, but that still doesn't mean I agree with it.'

She mumbles into my ear, her voice faltering as I tighten my grip around her and snivel.

'I'm sorry for worrying you... I'm not sure what came over me. I blame my lack of sleep and the shitload of flashbacks that flooded over me, for my temporary lapse of insanity.'

Her nails dig into my sides, the both of us blubbering with tears as we tightly hold each other.

'I'm sorry you had to go through that again! I never should've let you leave in the first place... I should've known you wouldn't be in the right state of mind because of it.'

She wails as I push her back a bit, tightly gripping her shoulders so she looks up at me as I tell her with a stern voice.

'Don't you dare blame yourself for what happened! There wasn't a force on the earth that could've stopped me at the time~'

'Matt could've...'

She whispers as the both of us glance down at his figure and I can't help but nod in agreeance.

'True... But if doofus over there hadn't been such an idiot in the first place and had just come to either of us for financial help, none of this would've happened.'

'Okay, you do have a point there... Moreover, trying to dim that hellfire inside of you doesn't seem like a job I'd want to qualify for.'

'Yeah, only he's stupid enough to accept that challenge.'

I grin as I let go of her, Rebekah quirking an eyebrow while she tussles my hair and says.

'Never thought your hair could look worse than when you get outta bed in the morning. Jeez, you look like a cross between a feral lion and a crow's nest!'

She giggles the last part as her fingers get stuck between some knots, making me groan painfully as I try to pull back.

'Ouch, damn! I know it's bad, alright. So stop yanking at it already!'

I groan, rubbing my scalp where I'm sure she pulled out some of the tangled strands.

'Nomes already did me a favor by bringing by some stuff while you were still busy with the silent treatment. My daily hair routine wasn't one of them...'

'Yeah, well she isn't exactly the type that spends hours in the bathroom so I figured as much...'

Rebekah snorts as she rummages through her handbag, handing me my hair products one by one.

'Still mad at me but also love me enough to make sure I at least look presentable?'

I ask humoredly, placing everything to the side.  Rebekah snorts with laughter too as she even hands me my favorite hair towel.

'I wouldn't want Matt to drop dead from shock when he finally decides to wake up.'

She teases, her finger pointing at the mess on top of my head along with my face. I give her a shove in return, trying to act aloof although I end up giggling along with her.

'I missed this...'

I tell her honestly. She gives me a soft smile back, agreeing with me as I ask apprehensively.

'What about Alex? Is he still going off his rocker?'

'Phfft! That wimp wanted to come and see you the day after. He felt guilty for screaming at you the second we left the hospital. I told him to stay away, just so you'd hopefully understand this isn't a normal way of reacting.'

That sure sounds like Alex and Rebekah right there... I laugh inwardly. I had to admit I was surprised Alex kept quiet for so long, which did get me worried and I wondered if I had in fact taken it too far. Whenever the three of us would get into a fight as kids, Alex was always the one who wanted to patch things up within an hour. The guy couldn't stay mad even if he tried. I was relieved to know it was Bheks who kept a leash on him, my worries of him hating me quickly fading away.

We chat for another few minutes until she orders me to take a shower before she has to leave and get back to the shop. Damage control had taken up most of her time, along with shifting Matt's appointments and putting them on hold. She'd told the clients that wanted to wait she would contact them as soon as she had news on Matt's recovery. It had worked in a weirdly positive way as well. Word spread fast that the famous Las Vegas tattoo artist had been shot in a drive-by near his own shop, it piqued people's curiosity and the shop had been swarmed by people ever since. A part of me was disgusted by the glee and amusement people found within such a tragedy. But I decided it was best to shove those thoughts aside and just be happy the shop was thriving, even without Matt's presence at the moment.

After nudging me through the bathroom door while promising me she won't leave Matt's side until I'm done I eventually comply, being a good sister for once. I take a quick shower, giving my hair the undivided attention it desperately craved for, before heading back to the room and giving my sister a tight hug as she heads out.

***

Feeling refreshed I rummage through my stuff for my notepad and start scribbling down some lyrics. After playing along with the words for about an hour while humming softly one of the nurses walks in for Matt's daily checkup, Jinny. By now I knew most of them by name and I give her a quick smile as I close the notebook. She instantly smiles back, looking over her patient as she says with a bubbly voice.

'It's okay if you sing for him. There's a chance he's able to hear you and he could wake up because of it.'

I give her a sideways glance, trying to figure out if she's just a fan looking for a free ticket to a private concert or if she's being genuine with me while I murmur.

'Is that so?'

'Yes. Not all doctors believe this theory, but like people say the proof is in the pudding. There are dozens of documentations where patients woke up while they were listening to their favorite music or stories told by their loved ones. Some have also woken up to the smell of their favorite meal... You're in here day and night so I figured he knows you well enough to have heard you singing before, am I right?'

'He has certainly heard me sing before, you're right about that.'

I almost snort back in response. Not certain if I'm humored by the fact that she just stated the most awkward detail, that I only recently came aware of, between Matt and I or the irony that his mother already tried to wake him with a scent of a pastrami sandwich.

'Then why not take a shot? Even if it won't work, I'm convinced it'll be reassuring for him to hear a familiar voice around him. To know you're here with him.'

I give her a soft smile, my brain racking over her words. I was already playing with some words on paper, so I don't see the harm in trying... The hospital had already made sure to give us as much privacy as they were capable of. Turned out a celebrity strolling through the hallway now and again didn't go unnoticed. To make sure we didn't cause too much of a ruckus, along with patient privacy for Matt they'd done everything within their power to get us in the most secluded section of the hospital. I give Jinny a quick nod before she heads out after the check-up.

Within an hour I managed to bribe Ryan into loaning me one of the studio's keyboards, without Delphine knowing about it. Knowing she would see it as another opportunity to make money whereas I, for just once, wanted this to be a private matter. Ryan understood, even if somewhere deep down he wasn't happy about it either. He wants my music to reach the world and even though I appreciate his point of view this was something I had to do for myself, for Matty.

***

'Urgh! Since when did this become so hard!'

I grumble lowly as I throw yet another paper into the bin next to me. I've written dozens of songs about Matt in the past, so why isn't this working?! Inspiration had never been a problem with him as a subject in mind. Hell, earlier today I managed to get some stuff on paper, and now I was drawing a blank. A writer's block didn't exist in my world, at least until now! This time around it proved to be difficult, to say the least. Nothing sounds ...right. I drag a hand through my hair and down alongside my face as I drop the notepad to the side.

'This isn't going to work.'

I mumble annoyedly, chewing the inside of my cheek as I continue to play with my fingers along with the keys. Trying to come up with at least some kind of melody as I glance over Matty's features.

'Maybe it's because I've never actually tried to write something with you in the damn room...'

I grunt mockingly, sliding down on the chair opposite of Matt as I pop my feet onto his bed. My fingers continue to dance until I finally find a rhythm I like. I continue to play the same notes, studying Matt intently before I close my eyes. Don't think. I instruct myself, knowing that's what probably holding me back at the moment. Don't think, just sing...

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

I take a shaky breath, surprised by how hoarse my voice has gotten after three weeks of barely singing at all. Hesitantly I open one of my eyes to see Matt is still fast asleep. Damn... I groan silently, hoping this would've done the trick of waking him up.

'Nah, you wouldn't fall for those cheeky things, am I right? You never did.'

I snort, feeling stupid for getting my hopes up in the first place. Unable to force back a single tear I whisper defeated.

'I don't know what to do anymore... I need you, Matty. I can't let you go, you gotta wake up. You can't leave me alone, you just can't!'

I shake my head, the idea alone of him not waking up enough to make my intestines churn. I push down the nauseous feeling, angrily wiping away the salty liquid gliding down my cheek and jaw as I grumble.

'I won't let it happen... I don't care if I have to sit here until the day I die, singing a thousand songs. You will wake up eventually, you have to! You hear me? You won't get rid of me this way.'

More determined than ever I place my fingers back on the keyboard. And as if some higher power is helping me they fly over the keys naturally, filling the room with a lovely melody. I quickly press recording and set it on replay before grabbing my notepad once again. This time the words come effortlessly, and I continue writing in a rapid paste until I'm finished. Reading over it a few times, singing along in my head to make sure it's perfect before I give it my all. Grabbing the keyboard back and placing it on my lap so I can play the song myself. I take another shaky breath before I let it all out, singing directly from my heart as I let my fingers glide across the keyboard, along with the remix and DJ buttons in between.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

The second I'm done my hands start trembling vigorously. I softly draw them away from the keys and tilt my head back, not even bothering to dry my wet cheeks. I love you so damn much Matty... I sob silently as I keep my eyes closed, afraid that once I open them I'll start crying uncontrollably. My emotions still roaming all over the place as I try to steady my breathing when I suddenly feel something brush against my leg.

'If that wasn't a declaration ...I don't know what is.'

A gruff familiar voice rings in my ears making my heart and breathing stall altogether. No way! My eyes instantly fly open as I jolt upright, begging that my ears didn't betray me. Matt's dull-looking green eyes glance back at me as he gives me a pained cheeky smile and I'm sure it's the most beautiful sight I've ever laid my eyes upon.

'M-M-Matty!'

I whimper, my voice quivering as tears start streaming down my cheeks uncontrollably. I quickly drag my feet off his bed so I can get closer to him, grabbing ahold of his hand and cupping my cheek with it as I sit down next to him. Trying my best not to smother him, knowing he's probably still in pain as I snivel.

'Oh G-God, Matty! I th-thought you were n-never going to w-w-wake up!'

He gently rubs my skin with his thumb trying to soothe my crying as he jokes.

'That high note would've woken a dead man.'

I try to look angry. But between the tears and the smile from happiness plastered across my face, I'm pretty sure I must look like an idiot right now.

'Don't look at me like that, beautiful. You woke me up, right? You sounded like a goddamn angel just now...'

'Shut u-up you! You had n-no idea how w-worried I was about you! H-How relieved I am to h-hear y-your voice, I th-thought I would n-never hear it a-again!' 

I howl trying my best to let him hear me properly while I bury myself in the nook of his shoulder unable to keep the flooding of tears at bay.

'And leave you so you'd have to find someone else to quarrel with? Never.'

Matt murmurs and I chuckle softly in between my crying hiccups, burying what's left of my face in his hand as I lament.

'Don't ever m-make me go through that a-again! Please p-promise me this was the l-last of it, my h-heart can't take this a-again!'

I beg him, desperate for him to tell me this is over. No more drama or nearly death experiences, just us. He tugs at my face, ushering me to look back at him as he tries to pull himself upright. Only to fall back as he grunts painfully, hissing slightly as he looks down at the place of his wound before tugging my face once more as he says.

'Help a guy out, will you? I wanna hug you and have you close to me, but moving hurts like a bitch. So could you do me a favor and come here already?'

I happily comply, curling up against him like a frightened cat while making sure not to hurt him and continue to sob as he whispers against my ear.

'I'm so sorry beautiful... I never meant to hurt you like this again.'

He gently strokes my hair, trying to calm me down although I can hear the raw emotions coming from his voice as well. I swallow hard, drying off my tears with my sleeve before glancing up at him. His eyes are glossed over with sorrow as well and I can't help myself as I gently cup his face, dragging it in my direction. Our noses almost touching as I ask him my voice barely a whisper.

'Promise me...'

'I promise.'

He immediately replies determinedly and before I'm able to change my mind I start kissing him furiously. Don't ever leave me again... I plead with my lips and for a split second, he seems taken aback by my sudden brazenness, but that quickly fades as he surrenders himself and starts kissing me back. The kiss only lasts a few seconds before I pull back a bit, both out of breath as I mumble against his lips with a husk voice.

'Matty, I love you...'

He falls quiet, looking even more startled with my confession than the kiss before as his eyes study me intensely before he replies.

'I love you too, beautiful.'

He brushes my hair back and cracks a smile as he asks humorously.

'Have I just woken up in some alternate universe where you've become the bold one?'

'No doofus... But I'm done playing games. This was the second time I had you clutched in my arms while you were drenched in blood, thinking you were gonna die on me! I've been sitting here for eighteen days still not knowing if you were ever going to wake up!'

I grumble, grasping his sheets between my fingers so I can resist the urge to slap him across his shoulder. Matt drags my hand up to his mouth, kissing it gently before he suddenly freezes as he sputters.

'Wait, what do you mean you had me in your arms? We were on the phone when it, when I...'

'Got shot? Yeah, I know. But what did you think I was gonna do? Sit around and wait for any word on you? Wait for you to d-die? I knew the area you were in and I was the first to reach you after it had happened, besides some of the bystanders who were there.'

I shake my head and bite my lip, blinking away more tears. Not quite ready to tell him all the gory details. Matt seems fine with that too and immediately follows with another question.

'I've been out cold for eighteen days?'

I tilt my head slightly, giving him an unsure smile as I answer honestly.

'More like nineteen and a half-day... The doctors were getting anxious you didn't show any signs of waking up. That got me so worried I... Oh shit, I gotta call your mom and the others! They're worried sick, and the doctors, they need to check up on you!'

I almost jump off his bed, rambling about as I look around in search of my phone.

'Get back here... Those things can wait, at least for another few minutes. I want to have some peace and quiet with you before everyone barges in and the docs start prodding at me.'

'But your mom, she...'

'She will survive another ten minutes of not knowing, come on, get back here.'

He grins, lifting his blankets as an invitation for me to snuggle up to him. I can't help but snicker softly as I comply, swiftly hopping next to him and snuggling up against his shoulder. This is definitely the upside of being so tiny. I think to myself, deeply inhaling his scent as I softly draw figures on his chest making sure not to come close to his wounds.

'I heard you...'

Matt whispers after a brief moment of silence, making me stop in my tracks. I lift my head a little, gazing up at him wondering what he means. But he places a gentle kiss on top of my head and before I can ask he already answers my question.

'Same like last time, I heard you. With me, around me... This time it lasted longer. I know you said you didn't come to the hospital back then, now I knew you did. It's strange, I can't remember most of what you were saying. Like my mind couldn't or wouldn't filter it, but I knew it was your voice. I knew you were near, but I couldn't ...react.'

'That sounds awful... Like you're trapped in your own body or something.'

I mumble quietly, placing a kiss on his chin, in the same manner, he kissed me moments before. He gives me a soft smile in return and gently caresses my skin while I try to smoothen his disheveled, greasy, raven black hair a little.

'Yes, and no. It was calming to know you were with me, it kept me away from the other torment... The darkness... It was probably a lot worse for you...'

'I'm not gonna argue that... And just to make sure we're clear, if you ever pull a stunt like that again, I'll kill you myself.'

I tell him sternly, tugging a bit harder on his hair to let him know I'm not joking. He heaves a large sigh, plucking my hand away from his hair and showering it with loving kisses as he mumbles.

'I'm sorry for worrying you, beautiful. It was never my intention to put you through that pain again...'

He continues placing delicate kisses along my hand and wrist as if to heal all the sadness that has flown through me these past couple of days. Eventually, he places both of our hands down next to us, keeping his fingers laced through mine as he asks.

'You said I was out for a little over nineteen days and you were here for eighteen, what did you do that other day? Catch up on some sleep?'

'Not exactly...'

I mumble, clearing my throat. He asked it so casually with a hint of humor tainting his voice, but his face quickly falls as he notices my distress. I didn't expect to have this conversation so soon. I grumble silently as I pull back a little so I can look up at him.

'Then what? It's not that I'm angry you weren't here or anything, just curious. Besides, the way you're reacting tells me there is in fact something I don't know about.'

The earnest tone in his voice reassures me that he's telling the truth and also wishes to hear it from me as well. Yeah, there is something else... I give him a nod in agreement while trying to gather my thoughts on how to go about this. The expression on my face worries him even more as he knits his eyebrows together and says with some urgency in his voice.

'Come on beautiful, spit it out.'

'I wanna tell you, it's not that... Just give me a recap of what you remember happening and we'll take it from there, okay?'

Matt's eyes turn into thin slits as he studies me for a second, probably debating with himself about what he's going to say. Ultimately, he sighs with reluctance and opens his mouth to speak.

'I remember everything. We were on the phone talking... Seemingly, you hijacked my room because you were missing me. We were supposed to meet as soon as I got back from the bank so we could talk.'

I can't help a smile from creeping up my face as he teases me about my confession of laying in his bed while we spoke. Reminding me of the fact that we also still have to talk about that notebook of his, but I decide it's probably best to keep that conversation for later. It's strange how that phone call already seems ancient history while it was barely three weeks ago... I think as I squeeze his fingers, relieved that he came back to me. He clasps my fingers more tightly as well, biting his lip as he ponders over what to say next. Just be honest with me... I beg him with my eyes as I lay a soft kiss on the stubble along his jaw.

'I've... I've been having some trouble lately... I didn't want to bring it up to you because I didn't want you to worry about it. I wanted to solve it myself, but it kinda spiraled out of control... I thought I was managing it, but clearly, I didn't.'

He speaks slowly. Choosing his words carefully not knowing I already know everything, but I still listen in silence. Wanting, no needing, to hear the truth come from his lips.

'Before I left Vegas I borrowed some money from a guy I met at a casino bar... I'd never met him before and we talked for a while, he seemed friendly at first. Later I found out he was someone from the mob... I knew immediately I'd made a grave mistake but I had no way to repay him within the time limit we originally discussed because it took me so long to get the shop on its feet, I couldn't make the deadline... I thought I'd managed to talk them into giving me some more time and promised to pay off half of it, but it didn't go the way it was supposed to. When we were talking on the phone I saw a car creeping up on me and I knew... I just knew... The next thing I remember was the sound of a gunshot and feeling an excruciating pain in my stomach. And sheer panic. All I could think about was you... For a second time, I managed to stuff up and as if life was playing some sick joke with us you just happened to be on the phone with me right at that moment. I was going to scare you again! I needed to tell you, you~'

He rambles on as if a dam had just broken within him, the sudden flood compelling him to throw everything out in the open as fast as possible. I gently place my fingers on his lower lip, making him stop in his tracks as I whisper, willing to end his torment for him.

'I know...'

He shakes his head confused, as if his brain can't comprehend my words and in what way I was answering him. I know... I swallow, caressing his skin with tears still burning in the corners of my eyes as I try to explain.

'That's why I wasn't here... When I found you... At first, I didn't want to leave your side, I was afraid that the second I'd let go of you ...you would leave me forever. I rode with you to the hospital but you had to go into emergency surgery. I... I was freaking out, big time... I kept playing the whole ordeal over and over again in my head while I was stuck in the waiting area. Things just ...didn't add up. The fact that you ...apologized.'

I wince slightly, the sound of his tormented voice burned into my memory. I shake my head, trying to get rid of the sound as I force myself to resume.

'Somewhere in between everyone got here and the doctors told us the bullet had bounced back against the metal left in your body from the car crash, resulting in a lot of internal bleeding. Th-They were still trying to get all the pieces out but you had slipped into a coma, not s-sure if you were g-going to pull th-through. I can't even remember if it was before or after I heard that some agents came by to talk to me, they suspected a drive-by shooting, and again it didn't add up... Why would you have apologized to me on the phone if it was an accident? At first, I thought it was because you remembered I was with you after the car accident too and you felt bad for putting me through something like that again. I'd almost convinced myself it was just that when I got reminded you cursed on the phone before the gun even went off.'

I try to explain everything to him as best as I can. Trying my utmost best to recall the details from that moment, without breaking down yet again. I realize he wants to interrupt me and ask questions, but I beckon him with my hand to wait and let me finish first as I continue.

'I knew officers weren't an answer to all of this, something inside of me told me to keep them out of it. I became paranoid and got all James Bond trying to figure out what the hell was going on! How something like this could've happened all of a sudden. I think a part of me also needed something else to keep me distracted. I needed to focus on something, anything else than what was going on behind those operating doors! I c-couldn't think about the f-fact that you might n-not m-make it... I...'

'Shh... It's alright, beautiful...'

Matt breathes, cupping the side of my face again with his hand. Wiping away some stray tears with his fingers I wasn't even aware I was shedding. Matty... I instantly surrender to his touch, leaning in and relaxing slightly as I focus on the warmth of his skin. This is the proof my body and mind need, proof that you haven't left me. Instead, you're here. You came back to me. I gulp, placing my hand on top of his and bathing in the familiar feeling of his gruff hands against my skin as I tell him, my voice still quivering.

'And I'm sorry. You can hate me for it, I honestly don't care, I ended up stealing your phone. I had to know what was happening, I wanted to make sense out of all this. I told Rebekah and Alex what I had on my mind and that I needed some time alone to figure things out, Bhek's gave me access to the footage of the store as well. I focused on that first, not wanting to invade your privacy and actually dive into your phone. But even though it gave me some clues I ended up going through your cell after all... After a while, I found out you'd made a deal with the devil... "Rusty" Rocco Whitfield head of the mafia in New Orleans.'

As soon as the words leave my mouth Matt's body tenses, the blood draining from his face as he asks worriedly.

'You... Lexi... What did you do that entire day and a half?'

It's not really a question. Well, it kinda is... But from his facial expression, I can assume he already has a pretty good guess where I've been. Great, here it goes... I grit my teeth, the anger towards my uncle still not entirely faded as I mutter.

'What do you think happened?! I find out you made some kind of deal with a mobster and somehow you suddenly get shot at! You~ got~ fucking~ shot Matt! It doesn't take a genius to put two and two together and figure out they were the ones responsible!'

'Lex! What the hell did you do?!'

He whisper-yells, his voice much more urgent as the muscles along his arms start to tremble. The emotions inside both of us reaching a boiling point, making it unable for me to provide him the information with any tact as I blurt out hysterically.

'I went fucking rogue and took the jet to goddamn New Orleans!'

'Goddammit! F-Fuck!'

He swears harshly. The first one in terror and the second in pain as he jerks up in bed. A reaction of surprise to my words, only to immediately grip at his side in agony. The machines attached to him verifying his distress as his heart monitor suddenly jolts up, a frantic beeping noise filling the room.

'Argh, hell!'

Matt bites out, still clutching his side in distress. I hurriedly crawl up on my knees, cradling his face and forcing him to look at me.

'Shit, Matty listen to me! You got it all wrong, calm down!'

I tell him in a hurry, realizing how stupid that came out. The beeping sound of his heart still going much too fast for my comfort.

'Baby, please calm down! I'm fine, nothing happened, I swear to God! Please relax before you tear those wounds open or worse and kill yourself with a heart attack or an internal bleeding! Look at me, I'm perfectly alright! Nothing happened to me over there, I promise you...'

He grits his teeth, the aching from the sudden movement still pulsing through his body as his eyes start to focus back on mine. My fingers still caressing his face until slowly, bit by bit, his heart rate starts to settle back down. Once the machine next to us finally gets back to a natural rhythm Matt asks, slowly but determined for an answer.

'What did happen? And don't you dare lie to me.'

A solemn look washes over my features and I place a soft kiss on his lips, almost as if to say goodbye to him before I pull away. Please don't hate me... I urge him internally, not knowing how this news will go down and I take a deep breath to brace myself. The worry in my eyes mirrors his own as I force the words out of my mouth.

'Matty, there is something we, me and my family, never told you... Please don't hold a grudge against Rebekah for what I'm about to say, she didn't have a choice in the matter. Ever since we were little we were told no one could know. It was a family secret we had to deal with ourselves. We always believed it could put you in danger if you knew about it... Our mom... My mom... Her real name was Emma Whitfield. Rocco Whitfield is my uncle.'

'Wh-What?!'

Matt asks in a stupor, clearly not expecting this bombshell to be dropped on him all of a sudden. Before I can answer him the door behind us abruptly swings open and a team of doctors and nurses comes flying through the door. The first two immediately halt in their steps as soon as they see me sitting on the bed next to a very much awake Matt, nearly making the other doctors tumble over them before they catch a glimpse of us as well.

'Look who decided to wake up!'

The giddy voice of one of the nurses rings through the air as she pops her head out from the side, Jinny. She throws me a cunning smile as if to say "told you so". I can't help but blush as I scramble off the bed, realizing what she's referring to as I mumble in Matt's direction.

'I'll explain everything in a bit, alright? Promise. Just please let the doctors check you out first.'

He gives me a nod, still reluctant to let go of my hand as I step to the side so the medical staff can do its work. I give his fingertips a few kisses before releasing his hand as I tell him assuredly.

'I'm not going anywhere. I just need to find my phone and let the others know you're awake, you already had way more than ten minutes.'

He rolls his eyes at my words but nods nonetheless, knowing his mother and the others must be worried sick.

'Behave.'

I instruct him with a laugh as the doctors start going over his vitals and start poking at him to see how he is doing, making him snort in response while ignoring all the other questions that are being thrown at him.

'Same back at ya ...baby.'

Fuck you. I pout, my cheeks instantly flaring up wondering what the others in the room might think of us. I shake my head as he sends me another wink and I quickly swirl around, searching around for my phone. Even staring death in the face for a second time didn't make you less cheeky, bastard... I mutter silently with a content smile on my lips. God, I love you...