It's been two months since the day I woke up in the hospital. Eighteen miserable nights and forty-two days of intensive rehabilitation until I finally started to feel like my old self again. In other words fucking eternity! Today I finally got my green slip from the doctor's office, saying I could start to ease back into my old rhythm. He warned me not to underestimate what my body has been through, saying I should take it one step at a time. I promised him I would before we said our final goodbyes.

Once back home, Lexi and I make ourselves comfortable on the couch. She'd been playing my personal nurse for these past couple of weeks. Bringing me to my appointments every day, except today because she had to swing by the studio. Helping me with anything and everything, from cooking to assisting me up the stairs and in the shower. The latter seemed to be her favorite activity lately, taking her sweet time gently rubbing soap on my body before rinsing it off. She'd tested every inch of my self-control, to the point that I'd nearly tackled her against the shower wall. Not giving a damn if it would hurt or rip open one of my wounds. She didn't let it happen though... To my demise, she had a good grip on her self-control and it was starting to annoy the living shit out of me. Not because I didn't enjoy my time with her, I loved having her around. We'd been sleeping together every night, cuddling up against each other as we talked until either one of us drifted asleep. Most of the time in Lexi's bed, because it had the most room. Although every once in a while Lexi would drag me into my room, wanting to snuggle up close in my bed. It certainly seemed to help with the nightmares she was having. Once I pointed out that fact she could only blush as she muttered it was because the entire room smelled like me which was something that put her at ease. I couldn't help but laugh since she had me in person with her almost all of the time. She said she knew it wasn't logical, but it helped nonetheless. Silly girl. After a few weeks the bad dreams seemed to subdue, thank God, and by now they had nearly vanished altogether.

When I wasn't busy with my revalidation we watched movies on the couch or in bed, just enjoying each other's company. It was strange... Like a certain peace had fallen over us, although I felt like something was missing... Like we were stuck in this in-between. We talked, kissed, and said we loved each other but it all seemed superficial in a way. We'd talked about the night of my birthday. I swore to her I would never let something like that happen, ever, again. Regretting everything second of what went down that night. Both of us ended up in tears, and I didn't let go of her the entire night until we eventually drifted off to sleep.

I know Lexi feels the strange air between us too. I think as I briefly glance over to her. She also had been caught up in her own thoughts these past couple of days. There is still one matter we have to resolve and we both know it. I still hadn't figured out how I'd broken her heart all these years ago, and that's where the problem lies... I sigh to myself, trying to figure out how to resolve that issue. I know things won't change until I make that happen. I promised her I would. Neither of us can let it go which hinders us from truly relishing one another. There has to be something I can do... I mutter, irritated with myself.

'Matt!'

'Huh... Yeah!'

I mumble shaken out of my thoughts as I turn to look at Lexi. She sighs, rolling her eyes with a smile as she repeats.

'For the sixth time, what movie do you wanna watch next?'

We'd gone through all our favorite movies these past few weeks. First the Fast and Furious saga before continuing with all our childhood classics. By now we were out of inspiration and started to watch random movies we'd never heard of before just to pass the time. It didn't feel good. This... It doesn't feel good. I shake my head, the limbo we're stuck in is starting to drive me nuts, but I try to ignore that feeling as I mumble.

'I don't know, you choose beautiful.'

She smiles at me, even if it doesn't reach her eyes, and starts scrolling through the list hoping something will catch her eye. After a minute or so she sets the television on standby before throwing the remote aside as she says.

'Change of plans... We've seen enough movies to last a lifetime and by the looks of it, you won't be able to focus anyway. How about we go for a drive or something?'

'Sounds perfect.'

I smile, already getting on my feet so I can stretch my limbs. Maybe some fresh air will be the cure to clear my head... I think as we both grab our jackets. I pick up my keys, jiggling them in my hand as I ask.

'Can I drive?'

She gives me a smug smile in return, grasping my other hand in hers as she whispers.

'Of course, it's been a while since I've been in your car...'

A blush creeps up on her face, the memories of last time replaying in her head as we walk towards the garage. Once we get inside and walk over to the car she tugs at my arm, making me turn in her direction as she whispers.

'You're looking handsome today...'

'What's that? You didn't like me in my blue dress and wheelchair?'

I joke, referring to the weeks I had to spend in them before they finally discharged me. Lexi had been strolling me around in my wheelchair for more hours than I can count until I finally got the strength and stamina to walk long distances.

'You know I always think you're handsome... I don't care if you'd be wearing a hospital gown, or a frikkin' Mickey Mouse costume, for the rest of your life...'

'Mickey Mouse, huh? Never knew you digged big ears...'

I tease, leaning back against my car. She gives me a playful slap across my arm, snorting amused.

'I'm not. But you get the idea... Although I gotta admit I missed that jacket on you.'

What is it with you and leather? I grin, pulling her against me so I can give her a sweet kiss before gesturing at her to get into the car. I slip into the front seat, enjoying the feeling of familiarity as Lexi slides up beside me. She takes my hand, placing the rosary she'd been wearing in it as she murmurs.

'Here... It's about time you got this back.'

I give her a soft smile before hanging the necklace back on my rearview mirror as I ask.

'I've been meaning to ask, when did you manage to get this?'

'Rebekah drove your car home after you get were brought to the hospital. She gave it to your mom who handed it to me as soon as I got back from New Orleans, she figured I would want it since I'd been holding on to it after the car crash as well... I hope you don't mind?'

I can't help but smile as I look at the little dangling cross on the end. It has almost become a ritual for someone to use it as a keepsake whenever something happens to me.

'Not at all, beautiful. You can borrow it whenever you like.'

'I'd prefer it if I never have to pick it up again because that would mean you're alright too.'

Lexi snorts and I give her a small nod, understanding her line of thoughts as she relaxes back in her seat. I put the key in the ignition, rumbling the engine alive. The sound makes my heart skip a beat every time, a part of me still not able to believe Lexi got Louise up and running again. I'll forever be grateful she did that. I smile to myself as I drive out of the garage heading for the highway.

'Where are you taking me?'

Lexi asks after a few minutes, shuffling up closer to me as she rests her head on my shoulder. You've been doing that a lot lately, I think silently. Like you're afraid to let me out of your sight after everything that happened, not that I blame you...

'I didn't know I had to have a destination in mind, I thought we were going for a drive?'

I murmur picking up her hand, entwining our fingers and kissing them one by one before resting them on my lap. I love having you close to me, it makes me feel relaxed. I breathe as I glance over to Lexi who's absentmindedly watching the road in front of us while she whispers.

'You can continue driving forever, I don't mind.'

I give her hand a squeeze. Both of us enjoying the drive-in silence as the streets and other cars drift past us. After half an hour I make a quick stop for gas, trying to come up with someplace we can go. They sell strawberries here? I question, looking up in surprise at the few crates standing in the corner of the store. Suddenly an idea springs to mind and I grab a box of nice-looking deep red strawberries along with a few other things from the store, paying the clerk before dropping them in the back of the trunk.

We stay on the road for another hour as I'm purposely making a few detours so she won't immediately notice where I'm taking her, also enjoying her company with me until she asks.

'Matty... Is everything alright? You've been awfully quiet today...'

Her big blue eyes gaze up at me from the side, studying my face as she awaits an answer. I shake my head, trying to reassure her as I say.

'I'm fine beautiful. Honestly. Just thinking about some stuff...'

She clasps her arms more tightly around mine, whispering "alright", even if she doesn't sound convinced. I take that as my cue to show her where we're heading, hoping that'll ease her worries and I mutter.

'What about you? You've been kind of distracted these past couple of days as well.'

'I know... I've just been trying to work out some matters. Delphine called me to the studio earlier, remember?'

'Yeah... What did she want?'

I ask, glancing down at her for a second. She smiles while rolling her eyes as she mumbles.

'She wants me back in the studio, and the real world... She doesn't like the idea of me being out of the game for too long since I stepped out on a high. Saying this was one of the biggest moments in my career and if I continue my absence people might not care when I eventually come back.'

'What do you want?'

I ask, pulling up in the parking lot. She opens her mouth to answer but nothing comes out as she looks around noticing the car has stopped moving. Her eyes shine with glee as soon as she sees the waves playing around the shore in the distance.

'Right now, I wanna get down there!'

She smiles cheerfully already halfway out of the car. So easy to please... I can't help but laugh as I grab the bag from the trunk, along with an old blanket I always keep in there as I tell her with a smirk.

'I figured a picnic at the beach would do us both good.'

She jumps up and down with excitement, quickly grabbing the bag from my hand while she sputters.

'Let me carry that. You were supposed to take it easy.'

I shake my head, humored that she's still acting like my personal nurse even if the doctors said I was perfectly fine by now. A smile still lingering on my lips as we head down the flight of stairs. We both place our shoes on the last step, walking into the sand barefoot until we've almost reached the shore.

Ever since we found this place as kids we'd been coming here With our friends since it was so secluded. No one barely ever comes here, which only makes this all the sweeter. I think as I lay down the blanket, Lexi places the bag in the middle before the two of us lay down. Watching the waves for a little while until Lexi murmurs.

'I don't know what I want, Matty... I love being on stage, it's a part of who I am... It's just that, right now, it feels forced or something. Like I have to do it.'

'I get it... But truthfully, would you care if your fanbase got smaller after you get back?'

I ask, making her turn to look at me. She gives my words some thought, tilting her head from one side to the other until she eventually answers.

'I don't think so... I love my fans, and I think that the ones that truly love me back would respect my decision.'

'Then you've got your answer right there, beautiful.'

I smile back before pecking her lips. She smiles also, giving me a nod as if to say "you're right" while she clasps her arms around my neck, pulling herself into my embrace mumbling against my chest.

'Thanks, Matty.'

'Anytime.'

I whisper back against the top of her head. I know she's partly telling the truth, there's more to it. Work isn't the main reason you've been freaking out. I've got a pretty good impression of what she's truly terrified of. The desperate way she'd been clinging onto me had confirmed those suspicions by now. Now that I'm mobile you're afraid I might leave again, aren't you? I think, biting my lip as I gaze down at her. I want to reassure you and tell you, I won't. But I just don't know how to go about it. I want to make things right, once and for all... Beginning with what happened all those years ago, and until I figure that out there's nothing I can do... How can I convince you that there's nothing to worry about if I don't even know what happened exactly the first time around?

I straighten up, sitting down with her on my lap. I will set things straight, gorgeous. I promise silently, hugging her from behind as I rest my head on her shoulder. Both of us are mesmerized as we watch the setting sun across the ocean and I whisper against her ear.

'What is it you remember most about this place?'

Even with the red hue glowing around us I can see her cheeks getting flushed as she answers timidly.

'This is where we first kissed.'

I nod even if she can't see it, laying a few kisses on her shoulder and exposed neck while I breathe.

'We definitely did... So how about we make this place our official first date as well?'

She twists her head so she can peer up at me, her eyes shining with joy as I grab the bag next to us. Pulling out a few drinks along with a box of strawberries and a bag of beef jerky, the latter making her snort comically.

'When did you get all of this?'

She asks astonished, her smile stretching so wide I'm afraid she might hurt her face. I grab one of the strawberries, bringing it up to her mouth as I tell her.

'At the truck stop earlier. I know you like your jerky, but it isn't exactly romantic ...so I got these as well...'

She bites off a piece, giggling softly at my words before swallowing it down. Softly I drag my hand through her rowdy hair, glancing down to admire her body. She's wearing a short cropped top, accompanied by a pair of torn jeans shorts that are just begging to get ripped off her tight little ass as she wiggles around in my lap so she's facing me. Damn, you're gorgeous... I breathe, feeding her another strawberry. She bashfully takes another bite before picking up one herself, placing it in front of my mouth as her other hand travels up from my chest to my neck.

As soon as I swallow a piece she pulls herself up, her breasts pressing against my torso while she tackles me into a kiss. Your mouth tastes so fucking good! I groan, the hint of strawberry making her all the more alluring. She digs her hands in my hair, deepening the kiss as she pries my mouth open. Her fingers tugging and playing with some strands as she eventually pulls back a bit, leaving me panting for air.

'You're incredible, Matty... This is just what I needed.'

With my hands I grab her sides more tightly, delving her butt against my cross as I grunt hungrily.

'Same here... I've been craving for you for weeks now, with all your teasing in the shower.'

'I'm certainly going to miss those... Are you sure you can manage all by yourself?'

She giggles against my neck, the vibration sending another wave of pleasure down to my crotch.

'You left me with no choice, beautiful... Do you have any idea the agony you put me through every time you left me hanging?'

'It most definitely wasn't hanging!'

She stammers, laughing against my throat before dragging her lips up to my neck towards my mouth. My body shivers at the touch, needy for her to continue as I lean back closing my eyes. She makes sure her lips are only mere millimeters away from mine, taunting me even more as she rasps.

'It's just too much fun to watch you squirm.'

Before I manage to react she shoves me down with a simple push, straddling my lap as she looks down at me with a grin on her face. God, you little tease! I can't help but grin as I throw my head back. Painfully slow she drags her fingers down my shirt to the edge of my jeans as she whispers, her voice filled with lust.

'You think it was easy for me to hold back? Especially with you standing butt naked in front of me?'

'Fuck, I hope not.'

I groan as her fingers keep playing around the rim of my jeans, slipping underneath the fabric just enough to drive me crazy although she makes sure not to touch anything. I place one of my hands behind my head, letting her have her way with me as she dips her head next to my face and breathes.

'It was torture...'

The sound of her thick voice makes my heart kick in overdrive and my cock grow even harder. I'm sure she can feel it pressing against her tight ass as she moves up and down my length. Mmh, Lex! I can't help but moan at the friction while her hands delve under my shirt, her fingertips exploring me as she continues in a smug tone.

'I like it when you're struggling to hold back... Maybe I'll drag it out some more...'

As soon as her words register in my mind she whisks herself away from me and onto her feet. Skipping backward while laughing hard at the sight of my disappointment.

'You're such a goddamn flirt!'

I groan, tugging at my jeans trying to give my raging boner some room as it feels like it's about to burst out through the seam. Lexi watches me, humor twinkling in those devilish eyes of hers as she steps back into the water.

'You believe in karma, right?'

I ask a grin spreading on my face as I see a massive wave coming up from behind her. Oh, you're about to get it gorgeous... I chuckle inwardly as she shrugs her shoulders, her attention still focused on me as she says.

'Yeah, so? Are you scheming your little revenge on me already?'

'No sweetheart. If I were to do something it wouldn't be considered karma, now would it? Karma means the universe is trying to make you understand what you did was wrong...'

I lecture, barely able to hold a straight face as the water dashes closer to her with an enormous pace. In my mind, I'm already counting down the seconds before impact. In five, four, three... Bracing myself for her as she pulls her brow up to me, placing one hand in her sigh as she mutters.

'True... But what are you~ Aaaah! Jesus fuck!'

She stops mid-sentence, swearing loudly as the cold water clashes into her back, soaking her from top to bottom as she struggles to keep her footing because of the relentless power behind it. The rippling effect nearly pushes the water up to where I'm sitting while I topple over with laughter. That was some instant karma right there!

'D-D-Dammit M-Matt! You c-c-could've warned m-me!'

She grumbles, her teeth clattering from the cold as she wrenches out her hair. Rendering little droplets of salty water to fly around her as she strolls back up to me and I laugh.

'What would be the fun in that?'

'F-Fun?! I'm soaked!'

She grumbles, tapping her foot on the sand as she stands over me. Even now you're sexy as hell. I can't help but throw her a cocky smile, looking up at her as I taunt.

'Oh common now, you were soaked long before that water hit you... Admit it. If you hadn't been such a tease this could've ended in a whole other way.'

'Ohw, now you're going to get it!'

She intimidates, dashing on top of me and pinning my arms above my head. At her action makes a low chuckle escapes my lips as drops of water roll down from her hair, falling onto my face.

'Woah, now I'm scared... Please don't!'

I fake panic, a cheeky grin still plastered on my face. I can feel her wet shorts make an imprint on my jeans as she purposely thrusts them down against me, dragging her soaked top over my chest as well while she purrs.

'Don't what?'

'Don't stop.'

I grin, not even making an effort to pry my hands loose. I can already feel my cock spring back to life as her nipples, hardened from the cold, brush against my chest begging for attention. Goddammit, you're not even wearing a bra... I groan, buckling my hips up against hers. She moans in response, her eyes filled with need as she gazes down at me and whispers.

'But I was thought not to reward bad behavior...'

'Mmm... Is that right? Then why do I get the feeling you're enjoying this way too much?'

I grin trying to pull myself closer to her, but she won't let me as she forces me back down. Clamping her legs around my waist as if she's riding a wild bronco horse while snickering amusedly.

'Maybe I just love being bad with you...'

'I can live with that.'

I grunt as she drags herself over my body until our noses are almost touching. You're relentless. Her eyes still sparkling with mischief as she tackles me in a kiss. Fuck! A hungry groan escapes my lips and she immediately takes the opening, delving her tongue in my mouth. Exploring me thoroughly as she lets one of her hands slide over my arm so she can tug at my hair making me groan into her mouth once more.

Having had enough of her games I finally pull my hands loose, possessively grabbing her by the neck and waist so I can draw her even closer against me. She smiles against my mouth as I instantly take control of our kiss, pulling her plump lip with my teeth before rolling us over. My turn gorgeous. With me now straddling her instead I lean over her body, my hand still around her neck as I force her to look up at me. Her heated gaze sends another jolt of pleasure down my body as I whisper, my voice hoarse from lust.

'You know bad girls need to be punished, right?'

She moans softly at my words, her breathing speeding up even more as she hollows her back. Her body begging for more, pleading for the sweet release she has deprived herself of for far too long... I let my hand drift from her neck down to her breasts, my fingertips gently playing with her nipple through the thin fabric making her shudder.

'This is p-punishment?'

She whimpers pushing her breasts up even more.m, desperate for me to continue this sweet torture. God, you're sexy! I groan, rolling the hardened bud between my fingers before pinching it softly.

'Mmmh!'

She cries with pleasure as I start kissing down her neck. Switching from one breast to the other, making sure I give them both my undivided attention. So damn sexy! I think as her hands frantically dart over my body, jerking at the hem of my shirt. She quickly pushes the fabric up, her fingertips gliding over my skin with need as she lays underneath me panting for air. I pinch her other nipple, a little harder this time forcing her to slow in her movements as her eyes roll into the back of her head. My mouth still assaulting the crook of her neck down to the curve of her breast as I dart my other hand between her legs and grunt in between kisses.

'This isn't punishment, beautiful...'

My raw voice, along with me tackling her body on all fronts makes her squirm with heat as she sighs breathlessly. She lets her hands fall back behind her, lost with the will to fight as I stroke my fingers along the insides of her thigh. Working my way underneath her shorts as I pull myself up so I can watch her while massaging her sex through her panties. She grasps the blanket beneath her, holding on to it for dear life as she gazes up at me through her hooded lashes. Seductive little fox... I can't help but grin, feeling how wet she is. Slowly I drag one of my fingers over her slit, the thin fabric between causing even more friction as I groan hungrily.

'I knew you were soaked...'

'M-Matty... Please...'

She whines arching her back, her nipples begging me to pleasure them. I dip my head down, my lips hungrily lashing onto her breast. Sucking and biting on her nipple, making her moan in delight as she tries to move her hips.

'Please what?'

I ask, looking up at her before biting down on her bud. She yelps in pleasure, burying her hands in my hair as she murmurs breathlessly.

'Please... I need ...more!'

Another cry leaves her mouth as I swiftly delve passed the little piece of fabric that's keeping me away from her sweet spot, immediately plunging one of my fingers deep inside of her. The sudden pleasure causing her to clamp her legs, unintentionally trying to close them together to prevent me from access but I force them to stay open. Working my finger in and out of her at a steady pace while rubbing my thumb over her clit causing her to shiver in euphoria. That's it gorgeous, beg and plead for it... I think as I quickly add a second finger, increasing the tempo when I can already start to feel her walls contracting. Her body starts to shake vividly as she cries out, nearing her orgasm. Just before she tumbles over the edge I draw my fingers outside of her, leaving her panting for air as I whisper against the shell of her ear.

'This is punishment.'

She groans frustratedly, still trying to catch her breath as I pull back. Licking her delicious nectar off my fingers, my eyes boring into hers.

'Sweet, sweet, punishment...'

I groan, relishing her taste before springing to my feet. She pouts her lips, propping herself up on her elbows as she grumbles.

'Are you seriously going to leave me hanging like this?!'

'You left me hot and bothered for more than two months, beautiful. I'm only giving you a taste of your own medicine.'

I chuckle as she clenches her thighs together, desperate to get rid of the throbbing need to come undone.

'You were recuperating for crying out loud! The docs said you needed rest, that doesn't include a good fuck!'

She yells scrambling onto her feet, jabbing her in my chest. Mmm... So you get cranky when you're horny... I grin, entertained by the fire in her eyes. A cold wind blows behind us, making her shiver. She hugs herself as she tries to keep up her act, being angry way with me, as she turns her back at me and swears something under her breath. I pick my jacket up from the floor, gently placing it on her shoulders before drawing her into a hug from behind. She tries to fend me off, not really though, when I whisper.

'Don't worry gorgeous... You'll get what you want, once you deserve it.'

'Your evil.'

'Takes one to know one... The doctors never said you should give me a case of blue balls every time you helped me shower either.

She makes a "Hmph!" sound, puffing her cheeks as she makes a point of not looking at me. Her actions only make me chuckle harder as I peck her on the cheek before I start gathering our stuff and say.

'We should head home anyway, you're going to catch a cold from those wet clothes.'

'And who's fault is that?!'

She grumbles back, yanking the bag of beef jerky from my hands. Munching on a piece as if it's an act of defiance while I pick up the bag and blanket, chuckling inwardly.

We walk back to the car in silence, Lexi tightly hugging my jacket around her until she gets inside. I crank up the heater, trying to stop her teeth from shattering to pieces as I turn the car around and start driving back home.

'Remind me to just watch a movie next time...'

Lexi mutters, pulling her legs up to her chest. Rubbing the bare flesh as she glances over to me while I snort amused.

'Don't be like that... I know you had a good time.'

'Yeah... Getting drenched in cold seawater, followed by my boyfriend leaving me sexually frustrated is a date I will never forget.'

She huffs, resting her head on her knees while gazing out of the window. She didn't even notice... I smirk, tugging her arm gesturing her to come and sit with me. She fakes a reluctant sigh but quickly scoots closer to me, dangling her legs over mine as I wrap one of my arms around her shoulders. You weren't lying, you're freezing. I think as she eases in my hold enjoying my body warmth like I'm her personal heater. Her eyes drift open and closed as she struggling to stay awake as she leans her head against me. I give her a light squeeze, causing her to gaze up at me as I whisper.

'So... I'm your boyfriend, huh?'

She blinks a few times, letting the words register until she suddenly recalls her own words. Her shoulders jolting up as she gives me a shove, blushing wildly while she grumbles.

'Fuck off!'

'Why? I kinda like it...'

I whisper, unable to wipe the cheeky grin off my face. She digs her head back down in my chest, incapable to keep eye contact with me as she mutters quietly.

'You're impossible... You know that?'

***

'I'm going to get out of these wet clothes and take a hot shower, I'll be down in a bit.'

Lexi says once we're in the house, still twitching from the cold as she hands me back my jacket. I give her a nod telling her I'll whip up something to eat for the both of us while she's upstairs. She gives me a nod before perking her mouth, thinking something over until she decides to stand on her tiptoes so she can give me a peck on the cheek as she whispers.

'I had fun...'

'I know you did.'

I smirk back at her as she's already halfway up the stairs, purposely swaying her butt as she retorts.

'Then don't fuck it up.'

As soon as she's out of view I head over to the kitchen, running into Rebekah in the middle of the doorway.

'Oh, hey! When did you guys get back?'

She asks, backing up into the kitchen as I walk over to the refrigerator and tell her.

'Just now. Lex is in the shower warming up. Turns out the beach doesn't always make for a romantic evening... Humorous, not romantic.'

'Do I even wanna know?'

She asks, knowing she's normally the type to make a fool of herself instead of her sister. I shake my head, chuckling softly as I look around the fridge for something decent but coming up empty. I grab my phone, ordering a few pizzas before turning my attention back on Rebekah.

'We need to talk Bhek's...'

She squints her eyebrows at me serious tone, sitting down on one of the kitchen stools as she nods and says.

'Alright, shoot.'

I sit down opposite her. Gathering my thoughts for a second until I eventually tilt my head slightly to the side and I sigh.

'You gotta tell me Bhek's... I've been racking my brain over this for ages and it just doesn't add up.'

I don't even need to tell her what it's about, she knows. The way she reacts tells me so as she dragges a hand over her face, mulling it over as she pinches the bridge of her nose.

'Rebekah. I've never asked you for anything that involves the relationship between me and your sister, but I'm at the end of my whits here...'

She holds up her hand, forcing me to be quiet as she mutters.

'Alright, alright! Just... Tell me what you remember happened and we'll go from there.'

I throw my hands in the air, not understanding how that would be of any help since it hadn't been giving me many answers up until now. Rebekah crosses her arms, pulling one of her brows up as if to say "it's not negotiable".I shake my head, nodding at the same time making my head go around in circles as I ask.

'Starting from the party?'

She nods, ushering me to get a move on and I slip back down in my seat while I start talking.

'When I gave Lexi the necklace she seemed to be jumping with joy. It took me weeks to work up the nerve and take that step, so I was stoked... Her reaction even made me brave enough to ask her for a dance. I was living on cloud nine until she ran away from me... On pure instinct I went after her, dragging her back onto the dancefloor. I feel like a fool for saying so out loud, but it was perfect. Absolutely perfect, until what happened after... I thought nothing was going to bring my night down, even if she'd fled the scene... I just figured she was embarrassed or something. When I saw her talking to you and Néomy I walked up to you guys, but her words stopped me in my tracks nailing me on the spot. She was ranting about how stupid you guys were acting and that the gift I gave her didn't mean anything to her...'

Rebekah's eyes grow wide as she realizes I overheard the three of them and I can't help but sigh before I continue.

'It broke my heart to hear her talking about me like I was some kind of disease she couldn't get rid of... Moreover, I couldn't understand how she could accept a gift like that one second, and drive me into the ground the next. After I had finally worked up the nerve to tell her what I felt for her? Contemplating over the perfect gift until I came across that pendant at the jewelry store. Engraving it seemed like the perfect solution to my problem. That way I could tell her how I felt even if my mouth would fail me, she~'

I get cut short as Rebekah frantically starts waving her hands and yells.

'What engravings?'

'The words the store clerk etched onto the back, what else?'

I answer, lifting my eyebrow in confusion. If possible her eyes grow even wider as she jolts up from her chair. Her reaction is enough to make me realize what's going on as I swear.

'You gotta be kidding me! If you don't know, then she~'

'She doesn't!'

Rebekah replies as she grabs my arms, her body language filled with both horror and excitement.

'How is that even possible? She's been wearing the damn thing around her neck all this time!'

I yell flabbergasted. My stupor is followed by a self-mocking laugh as Rebekah shakes her finger and says.

'No... She hasn't. She had suppressed most of her memories from what happened that night. They came flooding back to her just before you got back from Vegas. She went up the attic and found her old diaries, your necklace was hidden inside. She hid it the day you left...'

'Even then! It never crossed her mind to examine the damn thing properly once she found it again?!'

I groan, dragging a hand through my hair. My God, all this time she had no idea... I breathe, trying not to laugh until something hits me.

'That's it.'

'What?'

'The missing piece...'

I mumble before I jank Rebekah into a hug. I can't believe this! I think dazed as I drawback my hands still firmly on her shoulders as I say.

'I thought she rejected me, but she never knew... That's why I left. I thought she didn't want anything to do with me!'

'But she did, Matt. She just lashed out at us because we were pestering her about it. It's a girl thing! If you would've seen her face you would've realized how head over heels she was for you, she was burning up like a fucking tomato trying to deny it!'

My eyes dash back and forth as my mind races all over the place. If that's true, then... That's why she's convinced I was the one to leave her! I swear silently, facepalming myself.

'She's the one that got it all wrong...'

I breathe, shaking my head trying to think straight. She's the one that had the facts all mixed up! I think, trying to focus on Rebekah who's already looking at me like she's wondering what the hell I'm still doing here with her while I murmur.

'I gotta go.'

She nods her head, giving me a smug smile before I dash out of the kitchen and up the stairs at lightning speed. Skipping one step in between as my body urges me to go even faster. God, beautiful! You can be so dumb sometimes... I laugh mockingly as I bend the corner just in time to see her as she walks out of the bathroom. Absentmindedly drying her hair with a towel as she walks towards her room until my quick footsteps bring her out of her daze when I close in on her. Before she manages to realize what's happening I shove her roughly against the wall, kissing her furiously. How could you've been so oblivious all this time?! I wonder as I bite her bottom lip. Stunned to silence the towel slips from her hands as I cup her face, thrusting my body into hers as I force her mouth open. You've been carrying the answer with you all this time, dummy! I groan as my tongue brushes against hers. The kiss is wild, urgent, as my tongue desperately fights with hers. Leaving her breathless when I finally pull back, still caressing her face as she sputters panting wildly.

'Wh-What's gotten into you all of a sudden?'

There's a hint of humor in her voice, the sound of it compelling me to delve back for another kiss. Completely devouring her as I whisper between my kisses.

'You stupid ... stupid ... girl.'

She wants to react, but I won't let her as I shower her entire face in kisses. Working my way down her neck as I push her up against the wall, even more, lifting her up. So incredibly foolish... I grunt as she quickly wraps her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist, moaning with pleasure as she tilts her neck giving me better access to her skin.

'M-Matty?'

She questions, her chest heaving as she clings onto my shoulders with shaking hands. I want to explain what's going on, but I can't seem to stop myself now that I've finally figured out the truth.

'Not th-that I'm complaining ...or a-anything. But what's going on?'

She breathes, tangling her fingers inside of my hair trying to coerce me for an answer. I want to savor every inch of you... I groan, sucking on her skin. Leaving little love bites all over her skin, the sensation causing her body to shudder as I growl against her skin.

'I figured it out.'

'Figured ... wh-what out?'

She pants at a loss. The innocent and confused tone in her voice makes a low rumble of laughter escape from my throat as I continue to lay soft kisses on her skin making goosebumps erupt everywhere I touch.

'Everything...'

I tell her, my voice barely a whisper. She blinks a couple of times finally coming to the understanding of what I'm going about, but I shut her up with another heated kiss before I lean my head against hers. Mumbling softly as I stroke her body.

'Shh... I need to talk... I need to tell you now ...because I'm on the verge of losing control and I need to get this out before that happens.'

I smile so hard, I'm afraid my face might break as I keep her captured between me and the wall behind her. She swallows hard, biting her lip as she gives me the tiniest of nods ushering me to continue. I take a moment, trying to steady my breathing even if I know it won't work since my heart feels like it's about the hammer out of my chest and I whisper, my fingers grazing over her features.

'Once upon a time, there was a gorgeous princess...'

She doesn't resist the urge to roll her eyes, but I shake my head desperate for her to hear me out as I continue telling her the story she's been waiting to hear for far too long.

'The prince instantly fell in love as soon as he laid his eyes on her. But her beauty was so striking it messed with the prince's head and he never seemed to think straight whenever she was around him. As if that wasn't enough the princess didn't even seem to notice how crazy he was about her... It took the prince forever to finally come up with a plan to win her heart. He decided her eighteenth birthday would be the big night. He managed to work up the nerve to give her a very special gift...'

I smile softly, letting my fingers slide over the pendant as Lexi's chest rises and falls in a rapid paste. Her eyes bore into mine, her emotions running wild as she tries her best not to interrupt me or break down crying.

'The princess thought it all went downhill from there. She thought the prince had left her all of a sudden ...but there was a crucial piece of the story she'd been missing.'

She furs her brows at my words, not understanding where I'm going with this and all I can do is laugh as I kiss the top of her nose before I proceed.

'You see... There was indeed something very special about that pendant the prince forgot to mention, he figured the princess had realized it already.'

I grip the necklace between my fingers, tearing it off her neck making a few shackles of the broken chain fly onto the floor as Lexi looks at me like I've just gone mad and yells.

'Matt!'

'Don't worry about it, I'll get you a new one. Now listen!'

I chuckle humoredly, one of my hands cupping her face while I hold the necklace up in the other and resume.

'His heart broke into a thousand pieces when he overheard the princess talking to the other maidens at the ball... She said the gift he gave her didn't mean anything, that he didn't mean anything.'

Her breathing falters as her eyes shake with shock, but all I can do is laugh. I must look like a bloody fool right now, but I don't give a damn. She'll understand soon enough.

'The prince didn't want to be in her way, wishing her every piece of happiness ...even if that meant he had to leave. So he did, and it was the hardest thing he'd ever done. Leaving behind the woman he loved the most hurt him more than he could ever comprehend... Years later the prince saw the princess again and he was stunned when he noticed she was still wearing her necklace... If it didn't mean anything, then why was she still wearing the jewelry he got for her? None of it made sense... That is until the prince found out the truth about what happened that night...'

I brush my finger over her cheekbone, trying to soothe her worries as I realize she's about to burst into tears. I lean into her, holding her captive in my arms as I whisper against the shell of her ear in a low voice.

'The princess hadn't noticed, for all these years, how special that gift he gave really was... It was a token of his love for her. Since he wasn't able to voice the words any other way, he engraved the words on the back of the pendant. So she would forever have something to cherish that would remember her how much he truly loved her.'

'Wh-What?!'

She asks, even if it comes out more as a squeal. Instinctively she tries to grab the necklace from my hands, but I hold my arm back forcing her to wait as I say.

'The prince figured she'd seen it the day he gave her the present, but luck apparently wasn't on his side. He thought the princess didn't love him back when he heard her talk with the maidens, that's why he left. He left because he loved her too much. If he had known she never realized his confession? He would've done things a whole lot differently...'

'Matt... Are you ...serious?'

She asks her voice breaking as tears start to stream down her face. I pull back so I'm able to look her in the eye, my own eyes brimming with tears as well while I ask.

'You thought I left you out of the blue, didn't you?'

'Yes!'

She wails helplessly, doing everything in her might not to break down completely as I gently wipe the liquid streaming down her face away with the tip of my finger while she whimpers.

'That night felt like a fairytale... The gift, the dance. I never wanted that night to end... Next thing I know you were standing in our living room the day after, saying you were going to leave us ...leaving me.'

'I never wanted to leave, beautiful. God, I loved you more than anything... I'd never felt so torn in my entire life! But I honestly thought you didn't want anything to do with me... I worked up the nerve to tell you how I felt and in my experience, you'd blown me off. Big time.'

I tell her with labored breath, my chest still contracting as I think back to that morning. She cries even harder, burying her head against my chest as she wails.

'I didn't mean any of it, you idiot! They were~'

'Screwing with you? Yeah, Rebekah just told me as much. That's why I was able to connect the dots...'

She grabs me even tighter, her nails digging in my skin as she sobs into my shirt. Letting out all the pain and overwhelming emotions at once while I tug her close and whisper.

'Lexi Davins... I love you for as long as I can remember and I never, ever, meant to hurt you... I'd jump in front of a goddamn train if that meant I could save you.'

Her body shakes in my hold as she tries her best to control her ragged breath and dim down her waterfall of tears.

'Every time I tried to express my feelings I made a damn fool of myself, and even when I did manage to get something out you wouldn't take me seriously! Which is why I decided to make this...'

I murmur, placing the necklace back into her hand. She wipes her face with the back of her hand, looking up at me with bloodshot eyes before glancing down at the pendant. Her hands quivering as I follow her line of sight and whisper the quote that's been engraved on the back for all these years without her even knowing about it.

'Forever yours, beautiful. -Matty.'

Her eyes dash between me and the necklace as another wave of tears pools from her eyes. Her legs and other arm tighten their grip around me as she murmurs with a breaking voice.

'O my G-God! How could I've m-missed this?!'

'That was what I was thinking... The thought never even crossed my mind that your obliviousness would miss something like that!'

I laugh, making her giggle in between her cries as well. She clutches the necklace tightly before swinging that arm around my neck too, hugging me close as she wails.

'I love you, Matt! God, I've always loved you! Please don't ever let me go again!'

'Never!'

I promise before she tackles me in a kiss. Her body pressed tightly against mine while her lips start moving with the same haste mine did earlier, now that she understands exactly where things went wrong between the two of us. With my hand I pry her loose, forcing her to look up at me as I mumble against her lips.

'Marry me, Lexi...'

She blinks rapidly, not believing the words that just left my mouth as I continue with a smile.

'I'll promise I'll buy you the perfect ring first thing tomorrow. Just tell me I get to spend the rest of my life making this up to you... I'll give you everything you've ever wanted and treat you like a queen. Just say you'll marry me beautiful, I'll~'

She places a finger on my lips, willing me to stop. I know this isn't the kind of proposal you were hoping for... I think, shaking my head. I should've taken days, weeks even to set up something romantic you'd never forget. Especially after everything we went through, but I just couldn't help myself! Now that I've finally got you, I don't ever wanna let go again... As if she can read my mind she giggles softly, brushing her fingers through my hair as she says her voice barely a whisper.

'Yes, Matty...'

Now it's my turn to look at her stupefied. Not trusting my ears enough to know I heard her right as I ask her to clarify that answer with a hoarse voice.

'Yes, what?'

'Yes, I'll marry you doofus! I want nothing more than to be yours forever, Matty...'

My mouth is instantly back on hers, kissing her passionately as I groan.

'Oh, thank fuck for that! I promise I'll make you the happiest woman alive.'

'I already am, I don't care about all the other stuff. All I've ever wanted was you, Matty... You... Nothing more. Becoming your wife would make me the happiest woman to walk the earth.'

She breathes back between urgent kisses. I grab ahold of her butt and back, keeping her tangled in my arms as I start walking towards the bedroom. So far for taking it slow... Sorry, doc. I grin to myself. Her mouth is still busy with mine as I kick the bedroom door open, closing it behind us before I walk us both toward the bed and I tell her in between kisses.

'I love you gorgeous... I love you more than words could ever explain.'