Reunited

"Just be safe" Kirk continued softly.

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Ashely's POV

We slowly pulled into the hotel parking lot and Kirk brought the car to a gentle halt. I sighed low to myself before swinging the car door open. I slowly stepped out and turned to face the car. I bent down and smiled into the car.

"Thank you, Kirk, it was nice meeting you" I said softly before closing the door.

I looked around anxiously before walking to the back of the car and retrieving both mine and Jai's suitcase. Jai soon joined my side and grabbed his suitcase. We both gave Kirk one final wave before making our way inside of the hotel. We slowly strolled up to the front desk, where a smiling woman warmly greeted us.

"Hi, we have a booking" I said returning a smile.

"Yes, what was the names?" she questioned.

"Jai and Ashley Watson" Jai replied.

I looked to him with a smile. I wasn't ready for marriage just yet, but it was nice to hear. I looked back to the lady who lightly nodded her head and started to type on her computer.

"Yes, here is your hotel room card" she smiled as she handed Jai the card.

"Thank you" he said taking the card from her hands.

"You're in room 404" she said looking from me to Jai while smiling.

"Perfect" I smiled while wrapping my arm in Jai's.

I watched the lady at the front desk briefly breaking eye contact and glancing behind us. I turned around confused, only to witness her waving someone over. I watched as an employee of the hotel walked towards us.

"Will you please guide these guests to their room... room 404" she smiled at the man.

"Of course, right this way" the man said while grabbing our suitcases.

I looked at Jai with wide eyes as we exchanged glances before we wordlessly started trailing behind the man. We made our way into the elevator. It was a long silent ride up to our floor. The elevator stopped and the doors opened. The man stepped out and we continued to follow him. We stopped at a door, and he turned to us.

"Here it is" he said lightly.

"Thank you so much" I smiled.

"Enjoy your stay... If you need anything, feel free to call the front desk" he said letting go of the suitcases and turning away.

"Thank you so much" I said grabbing a hold on my suitcase as Jai opened the door.

"My pleasure" the man smiled before disappearing behind a corner.

Jai swung the door open revealing a magnificent sight. My eyes widened at the scene before me. I walked in with a grin on my face, dropping my bags by the door. I raced to the large window overlooking the city, I scoffed at the unbelievable view. It was breathtaking. I turned back and looked at the huge bed. I ran towards it and threw myself into it.

"This is beautiful" I said as I stared at the roof. Jai jumped onto the bed and wrapped his arms around me.

"You are" he smiled as he stared deeply into my eyes.

I grabbed his face and kissed him, a light giggle escaping my lips as I rolled over on top of him. I hovered over him with a smile. I broke eye contact shifting my attention to the captivating view outside the window. It felt good to get out of Rome for a while and I was overly excited to see Audrey. I hadn't seen her in years. The last time I saw her was at the airport, when Melissa and I first left for Tokyo. I got up from Jai's lap and walked over to my bag. I pulled out my phone and raised it to my ear.

"Hi" I said lightly into the phone.

"Hey" Aubrey replied.

"We're here" I smiled into the phone while walking around the room.

"Okay let's go get coffee tomorrow morning. I'll send you the location" she giggled.

"Okay I'll see you tomorrow" I spoke.

"Bye" she squealed into the phone. I laughed lightly. I knew she was just as excited as I was.

I chucked my phone onto the coffee table beside me before reaching into my bag and retrieving a pack of cigarettes. I walked towards the balcony and opened the door. I leant on the railing, staring into the night as I lit my cigarette. I inhaled deeply before blowing the smoke out. A low smile played on my lips as I stared into the distance, the growth that this place represented. Though I had vowed never to return, being here now affirmed how much I had overcome, leaving behind any lingering fears.

I dropped the cigarette and pressed it against the floor before turning around and walking inside. I walked closer to the bed to see Jai was now fast asleep. I giggled lightly before sitting on the bed and kicking off my shoes. I turned around and snuggled closer to Jai and slowly began to fall asleep.

...

I stretched out wide as I fluttered my eyes open. A delicious smell filled my nose as I sat up and looked to out to the kitchen. Jai was sitting at the kitchen eating some breakfast. I smiled before jumping out of bed and strolling up behind him.

"Morning" I whispered in his ear while I held onto his shoulders.

"Good morning baby" he said in a somewhat shaken tone.

"The food smells good" I smiled as I joined him.

"That's your plate there" he said while pointing to the plate with his fork.

"I'm going out with Aubrey" I said softly. "But I'll have a little bit" I continued as I reached for the plate.

I ate a small portion before leaving my seat. I walked over to my suitcase and pulled out an outfit and my makeup bag. I strolled into the bathroom and placed my makeup onto the bench. I started to undress and put on the clothes I had picked out. It was a simple pair of jeans and a white crop. I wanted to look as simple as possible, I didn't want to draw eyes. I examined my outfit in the mirror before grabbing my hairbrush. I lightly ran it through my hair before wrapping it up in a claw clip. I then started on my make up doing a simple look.

I finished getting ready and walked out of the bathroom with a smile, a mix of nerves and confidence. I was scared to walk through the streets of Tokyo alone, but I reassured myself I would be okay. I grabbed my bag and swung it over my shoulder before picking up my phone. I opened my phone and read Aubrey's text. I now knew the location and I had 20 minutes to get there. I sighed and put my phone into my bag.

"I'm going to leave now baby" I smiled towards him.

"Okay. How are you getting there?" he questioned as he turned around to me.

"I think I'm just going to catch a taxi" I replied while slipping my shoes on.

"Okay be safe" he said softly.

"I'll see you soon" I smiled while walking through the door. "Love you" I yelled before shutting the door.

I smiled low as I heard a muffled 'I love you too' as I began to walk down the hallway. I hopped into the elevator and reached into my bag, pulling out my sunglasses and placing them in my head. The elevator beeped and the doors began to open. I walked out confidently and passed the front desk. I stood out front of the hotel and looked down the street of a taxi. I noticed one not so far, so I quickly walked closer while waving my hand. The car started and began to drive towards me. It made a stop in front of me, and I opened the back door with a smile.

"Hi, could you please take me to the Shoza Café?" I smiled hoping he would understand my English.

"Of course" he smiled then pointed to his maps. I knew he was trying his best.

"Arigatō" I replied softly.

I stared out of the window in a daze, the anticipation swallowing me. I was so excited to see my sister and there was so much we needed to catch up on. We had only been in contact a couple of times in the last year, and it was only ever short and simple conversations. I wasn't too ecstatic to help plan the wedding because I still had no idea who she was meant to be marrying and it seemed like so much work. Soon enough the car came to the halt. I handed the man some money with a light smile before grabbing my bag. I huffed low before gently swinging the door open and getting out.

I turned and watched as the car drove off. I spun back and looked through the windows of the café, trying to find Aubrey, but I couldn't spot her. I took a deep breath as I walked inside. I looked around and tried to find her, but the place was crowded with people. My eyes led to the corner of the café where I finally spotted her. I smiled lightly before walking up to her.

"Ashley!" she squealed as she stood up from her chair.

"Aubrey oh my god I've missed you" I smiled as I embraced her in a warm hug.