A/N: As I've mentioned, for those of you who read The Collected Letters, I've got fights coming up so I'll be spending the next little while training during weeknights, which cuts significantly into my writing time. This is why this chapter has arrived so late into the week. It also means I will unfortunately have to update less frequently. I'll still try to get out one chapter a week, which means both stories will get updates on alternating weeks. I'm truly sorry about this, but it's about all I can manage at this point.

XXIII

Surprisingly, it was Mary who woke up first. Perhaps it was because she was facing the window and the battle between her eyelids and the sunlight would have always ended up in inevitable defeat or perhaps it was the mere smell of another human being sharing her bed. It had been awhile for her. She was actually growing used to sleeping alone.

If it was the sun that snapped her awake, it was the light snoring of the man next to her that kept her from drifting back into the world of dreams. Her hands were weak and she still felt tired. Normally, she would be in a panic knowing that she had a full day of training ahead of her. But near him, within the distance of his natural body heat, she felt as though none of that mattered. Somehow, by his mere presence, she felt that no matter what, everything was going to be okay.

It didn't take long for his senses to notice the slight shifting of the bed. She was awake, his half-asleep mind gathered. And that simple thought inspired an excitement in him. He wanted to wake to see if she was truly there, that he was really still in her hotel, her bed, and that she was beside him. He wanted to confirm that last night wasn't just some fantastical dream but a future he could look forward to. When was the last time he actually looked forward to anything?

He wasn't surprised but he was happy that she was there regardless. Staring back at him with the same expression of bliss that he was sure he was currently wearing. She lazily played with the stray strands of blonde hair that cascaded across his face. She idly thought to herself that he could use a haircut. But that didn't matter right now. He was adorable in the mornings, a fact that she noticed but refused to acknowledge the last time they shared a bed.

"Good morning beautiful," Matthew whispered in his morning voice.

"You don't have to call me beautiful in the mornings," Mary replied with a smile. "I know what I look like."

"Yes…" Matthew said as he hoisted himself up to his elbows, leaned in, and kissed her gently. "You look beautiful."

She didn't reject the kiss, in fact, she savoured it deeply. But eventually she did muster the strength to push him off of her.

"Stop," Mary said with a slight giggle. "You're quite the eager one, aren't you?"

"I'll admit, I'm very excited," Matthew said. "I'm glad that I took the chance."

"Me too," Mary replied as she nestled herself between his shoulder and his chest. This would be her spot from now on.

"I suppose I'll have to thank Rose for her meddling," Matthew said as he wrapped her arms around her and cradled her close.

"Oh, can we not give her the satisfaction?" Mary asked with a lazy grimace.

"We'll have to tell everyone eventually," Matthew replied.

"I think everyone already knows…" Mary said. "I think we were the last to know."

"I suppose this will become some great dinner party story at our expense in the future," Matthew remarked.

"Oh, so you're thinking about the future already," Mary said as she propped herself up and turned to look at Matthew.

"I won't lie, I'm crazy about you, like literally crazy. I thought I was going insane just two days ago," Matthew said with a certain hint of seriousness in his voice. "So yes, I can't help but think about the future. But I want you to know that I'm here right now, I want to do this properly, because…"

"Because?"

"Because, you mean a great deal to me. And I don't want to screw this up," Matthew said.

Mary's quizzical expression broke into one of pure adoration. She mustn't let herself be blinded by the excitement of a new relationship and she certainly mustn't make the mistake of thinking that the man was perfect, but she couldn't help pondering if he was the one. Lavinia's loss was her gain. She leaned forward and laid a passionate slow kiss on his lips. A promise of things to come.

"Good, because I don't want you to screw this up either," Mary whispered.

Mary let out a sigh of relief and gazed up and down Matthew's bare chest. Was this hers? To keep? No more Tony? No more Lavinia? Is this what happiness looks like? She wanted to savour the moment forever but she knew, despite every urge in her body, she couldn't stay in bed all day. She pushed herself off of him and out of bed and lazily made her way into the bathroom, swaying as she went.

"I can stay an extra night if you want," Matthew said as he pushed himself into an upright position.

"The polite side of me wants to say, oh no, that's not necessary," Mary said from the bathroom.

"But…"

"But…" Mary said as she poked her head out of the bathroom. "I'd really like it if you stayed one more night."

"Good, me too," Matthew said with a smile. "And… I'd like to take you out tonight. Like a… proper… boyfriend."

Mary's eyes sparkled with delight. She rushed back to the bed and pounced on top of him, pinning him down between her legs. She leaned forward and kissed him again. She seemed to love kissing him.

"You're my boyfriend…" Mary whispered with glee.

"If you want me to be," Matthew replied gently.

"Oh, I definitely want," Mary confirmed.

"Then I am yours, utterly and completely," Matthew said.

"That makes me very happy," Mary said in between a few more gentle kisses. "Is my boyfriend going to come help me train today?"

"Oh, I forgot about that," Matthew said as he leaned his head back against the headboard. "I'm pretty sore from yesterday."

"Oh stop it, you absolutely trounced everyone else there, including the star on our film, mind you," Mary said as she leaned back.

"Did you not remember me, having the wind knocked out of me by John?" Matthew remarked. "My stomach is still sore."

"Awwww, my poor baby," Mary cooed, as she slid down his body, laying gentle kisses and soft caresses down his bare torso. She made her way down, roughly to the spot, where he had been kneed and blew on it slightly. "How does that feel?"

"Wonderful," Matthew said as he arched his head back.

She then laid a few kisses down on the spot and began rubbing it with her hands. "What about now?"

"Even better," Matthew panted.

Mary continued her trail of kisses down past his rippling abs. They were far more pronounced than they had been the last time. Was this simply because of sparring the day before? Was Matthew some sort of titan underneath his gentle exterior. She remembered the way he fucked her the first time, savage and relentless, perhaps like a soldier, although she couldn't know for sure. But secretly, and perhaps not so secretly anymore, she absolutely loved it. She wonder if she could coax that side out of him more often.

She stopped just short of reaching his pelvic region and blew hot air upon his skin. Her hands traveled down and grasped him. Sure enough, he was as hard as a brick.

"I know what you want," Mary whispered ominously.

Matthew simply writhed with desire.

"Come to training today and I'll give you the best blowjob you've ever had."

Matthew showed up at the gym early. He had rushed back to his hotel to grab his gym bag and a fresh change of clothes. He hadn't had time to shower which caused him to wonder if anyone would be able to smell the scent of Mary upon him. They didn't have sex but they did sleep in close proximity. In all likelihood, it wouldn't even matter. While their relationship was about as new as it could be and they were still in the process of laying the foundations, it seemed like an inevitability that they would tell their friends, family, and the world, very soon.

Matthew wasn't used to the idea and he was smart enough to know that he wasn't exactly sure what he was in for. He was also smart enough to try to keep his expectations in check and not let the overwhelming feeling of joy overtake his rational senses. But he wasn't exactly successful.

"Came back for round two, did ya?" John said to Matthew as he stepped out of the men's change room.

"You got lucky last time, old man," Matthew said as he stretched out his arms. "I'll catch you this time."

"Something's changed him in," John said knowingly as he looked over to his wife.

"Nothing's changed, I'm just more warmed up today," Matthew said innocently.

"How's your stomach?" John taunted.

"Fuck you, old man," Matthew responded jovially.

"You're going to regret that," John said as he pointed at Matthew. "We're working takedowns today."

A few minutes later the cast and stuntmen started filing in from the door. Mary was among them, along with Rose. Matthew felt a little awkward, unsure as to how much he should acknowledge her. He tried to remember back to the feeling he had when he left the gym the day before. Perhaps he should to try recapture that disposition, but it seemed disingenuous at best, and a little deceitful.

She disappeared into the change room without a look or a glance exchanged and Matthew went back to warming up. The anxiety from yesterday was still there, though tempered, but with an added sense of elation and excitement. He was self-aware enough to know that he was probably falling in love with her, but also self-aware enough to know that he should take things slowly as to not scare her off. But all of that disappeared from his mind the instant he saw Mary re-emerge from the change room. She strode out with a hop in her step, seemingly in slow motion, like one of those cheesey shampoo commercials. Gone were the black halter top and the yoga pants, and in their place was a white sports bra with black trim with matching short shorts.

He wasn't the only one to take notice. Practically the entirety of the cast and stunt team watched her as she airily glided into the mats. She took up a position next to Idris and for the first time Matthew felt a pang of jealousy. He closed his eyes and counted to ten. He imagined that this would be a common feeling moving forward.

"You look fantastic," Idris leaned over and whispered to Mary.

"Careful," Mary whispered back with a smile. "Need I remind you that you have a girlfriend?"

"Alright, alright, everyone gather 'round," John said as he waved everybody in. "Matthew, get over here."

Matthew promptly jogged into the center of the circle.

"Everyone remember Matthew from yesterday?" John asked the crowd.

There was a smattering of yes and affirmative mumbles. One person shouted, how's your stomach? Matthew merely smiled and gave a general thumbs up.

"He's fine," John said with a smirk as he patted Matthew on the spot where he had been kneed.

"We're working on takedowns today. Due to the development of that brutal bloodsport people seem to like so much these days, movies have started incorporating more ground fighting into their action set pieces. Now here's the problem. Ground fighting is extremely dangerous and effective. People tend to get hurt fighting on the ground. So today, we are going to work on some basics. Stuff so that when you are filming, one of you idiots doesn't inadvertently break a wrist or a dislocate an elbow."

John pushed Matthew back a few feet and started in a crouching position. Matthew groaned as he figured out what was coming next. John shot underneath and tried to grab Matthew's legs but Matthew spread his legs wide and leaned forward, keeping John away from him. Eventually, John wormed his way passed Matthew's defenses and took Matthew's legs out from underneath him. Matthew fell flat on the mat, spreading his arms out and slapping the ground as he made impact.

"That!" John said as he got up to his knees. "You see how slapped the ground and tucked his chin in as he hit the mat?"

There were a few tepid nods.

"That's how you fall safely," John said. "Now here's what you don't do."

He looked over at Matthew. Matthew took a few seconds to comprehend what John was looking for. Eventually, Matthew got the clue and demonstrated the improper ways of falling. He plant one hand on the ground and locked his elbows in place. He fell again and landed on his elbows.

"Good," John said. "You don't land on your elbows, you don't post your hand. These are good ways of breaking your arms. Landing on your back and slapping the ground may sound painful. And trust me, it is. But you'll be able to get up afterwards and go home with fully functioning limbs afterwards. Any questions?"

He looked around and saw no hands and her no questions.

"Really? Nothing? alright, fine, pair up and go drill," John said with a wave of his hand.

It was as if they were children in gym class again. They waited timidly at the edge of the room as the others paired up. Eventually their eyes met, Matthew pointed casually at Mary, and she in turn accepted his invitation with a polite nod.

Mary crouched slightly into her fighting stance and Matthew did the same. They circled each other for a few moments before Mary shot in for a takedown. Matthew easily blocked her shoulders and escaped. They reset. This time it was Matthew who shot in underneath Mary's arms, picked her up off her feet by his shoulder, and dropped to the mat. Matthew wasn't sure if she landed properly but did hear the slapping sound of her hands colliding against the foam padding.

"Phew," Mary said as she exhaled with Matthew still a top her. "And I thought that was going to hurt."

"Are you alright?" Matthew asked in a concerned voice as he looked up at her.

"I'm alright," Mary replied gently as she placed her fingers on his face. "You don't have to worry so much about me. I'm stronger than I look."

Matthew smiled deviously as he powered passed her legs and mounted on top of her. He began to tie her arms in a pretzel before rolling her over and take a position on her back.

"Alright, alright," Mary laughed as she ineptly fought off his grips. "I get it, I get it."

"You get what?" Matthew asked coyly as he restrained Mary's hands.

"You win, you're better at this," Mary said in a grumpy fashion. "Is this what you do? Is this what you like? Dominating your women like some kind of neanderthal?"

"You've mistaken me for someone else if you think that there isn't at least a little part of that is savage," Matthew said as he tightened his hold on her.

"Oh, I haven't missed that," Mary replied with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, and how do you know that?" Matthew asked condescendingly.

"Because I've had you inside me, remember?" Mary said as she looked back at him.

Stunned by her words and a little embarrassed by their implication, Matthew inadvertently loosened his grips on her. This did not go unnoticed by Mary as she took the opportunity to reverse the position and pin Matthew to the mat.

"Don't worry, I like it," Mary said softly as she lowered herself to his face.

She slid her knees along his sides, nudging the hem of his t-shirt upwards, placing her bare thighs and against his obliques. Her hands traveled up and down his biceps and forearms, massaging all of that aggression and tension out of his muscles effortlessly. Matthew closed his eyes and savoured the moment. The feeling of her skin on his was heavenly and because of how little she was wearing, it felt like she was naked on top of him.

Mary watched curiously as her new man fell completely under her spell. It was an odd thing to have him completely subdued when just a moment before he was in a position to utterly crush her. Actually, she rather liked it. She liked the fact that she could tame her beast. She liked the fact that he was a beast, at least in part. There was at once a danger and a comfort to it.

Suddenly, an idea popped into her head that was irresistible. When she thought about it, it seemed obvious and wondered why it took her this long to come up with it. She leaned down and took his bottom lip into her mouth and began massaging it with her tongue. Matthew's eyes immediately shot open and both of his hands snatched onto her butt, squeezing tightly causing her to let out a slight whimper. His hands gripped harder, one of them threading their way into the fabric of her shorts, pulling them tight.

They stared into each other's eyes intensely, wondering, possibly, daring the other to take it one step farther. If they stopped short of ripping each other's clothes off and fucking right there and then on the mat, it wasn't without considerable self-restraint on their part.

"You kissed me…" Matthew said dumbly.

"Your lips were right there for the taking," Mary replied.

"And what if someone saw?" Matthew asked.

"I'm sure they would be distracted by my bare butt that you are so keen on exposing right now," Mary teased, wondering if he would let go of his grip on her shorts.

He did not.

"Switch!" John called out from a distance.

Mary leaned over and laid one more quick peck on Matthew's cheek before pushing herself up to her feet and setting off to find another partner, adjusting her shorts and fixing the wedgy that Matthew had given to her.

For the rest of the time, Matthew couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Whether she was working with Idris, or Lucy, or someone else, he always had one eye on her, causing him to lose concentration on whatever drill he was currently working on. This caused him to be a little too rough on some of his training partners, while others took his distraction and turned it to their advantage.

After training, Matthew headed back into the men's change room for a quick rinse before heading back to his hotel to get changed for their date later that day. But as he undressed and saw himself half-stiff, he realized that Mary was just a few feet away on the opposite side of a wall getting changed herself.

He quickly exited the men's change room and snuck into the women's, making sure that he was quiet and discreet. He peaked in and saw several women changing but his eyes could only focus on one. Mary stood near her locker toweling the sweat off of her neck as she made conversation with Rose and Anna. He couldn't exactly hear what they were saying, nor did it really matter. He waited until one by one, each of them left the locker room and headed for the communal showers until only Mary was left.

He snuck up behind her and put his hand across her mouth. She tried to scream but little more than a muffled moan made it passed his fingers. No one came. He then turned her around and pushed her up against the lockers. He leaned in and kissed her passionately. Slowly, she fell into his embrace. She rested her arms on his shoulders and wrapped them around his neck.

"You scared me for a moment," Mary said breathlessly as they finally broke their kiss.

"You owe me," Matthew said sternly as his firm hands traveled down her back.

Mary let out a soft moan as he squeezed her butt.

"I showed up, I worked hard, despite, despite your attempts to distract me… with your… state of… undress," Matthew said seethingly.

"Did it work?" Mary asked seductively as she began to pull on the straps of her sports bra.

"Yes…" Matthew admitted. "Nevertheless, I held up my end of the bargain… now it is your turn."