Heart-Shaped Box

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Ashton nervously paced back and forth in front of Nia's hotel. He just traveled for 15 hours straight and was functioning on a limited amount of sleep. He had attempted to sleep during his flight, but was too nervous. His mind kept drifting off to her, and how he would be able to show her how sorry he was. The past few days where they hadn't spoken had really opened his eyes. Every single time he figured out a certain lyric, or he had cooked a good meal, or saw a cute cat outside, he just wanted to tell her. He wanted to share everything with her. The good, the bad and the ugly. But he needed the space to realize it. She was it for him. So here he was, in front of her hotel, with a small black box concealed in his pocket. All he needed now was to gather the courage to go up there and face her. He took his phone out of pocket, looking up Laurs contact.

"Ash?" Nia asked, surprised. Ashton's finger froze over the dial button, he slowly turned around to face her. He was rendered speechless. He hadn't seen her in a little over a week and it was almost like he was seeing her for the first time again. He was enraptured by her. From her posture, to her clothing and her gorgeous eyes, that were widened in surprise.

"Hi." He said, a smile overtaking his face.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, still looking at him with the same shocked expression.

"You said I shouldn't call." He replied, some of his boldness fading. Insecurities started running around in his head. What if she really didn't want to see him? What if she had already decided to move on? His thoughts were interrupted by her.

"So you decided to travel all the way here?" She teased, some of the tension finally leaving her body.

"I couldn't wait." He whispered, taking another step closer to her. Her expression softened at his words. "Can I please give you a hug?" He asked, sounding a little unsure. She instantly replied by wrapping her arms around him. He relaxed in her hold and quickly pulled her close, a deep sigh leaving his body.

"I'm glad you're here." Nia whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder. The two stayed like that for a while, until Ashton pulled away.

"We should talk." He said, scratching the back of his neck. Nia nodded.

"Want to come up? I need a quick shower but we can go out after and talk then?" She suggested, pointing towards her hotel.

"Lead the way."

Ashton was pacing around the hotel room, his phone open on a text conversation with Laur. He had texted her about his plans on the way over and was in dire need of some reassurance right now.

LAUR

You're gonna do great ash

Honestly you have nothing to worry about

Ash

I'm shitting bricks

What if she's not ready???

Should I wait???

LAUR

Ash

Does it feel like the right time for you?

Ash

Yes.

LAUR

Well there you go

Then it's the right time

Ashton heard the shower turn off. His pulse quickened even more, something he hadn't thought possible. But he was beginning to realize that his girl had the ability to change the laws of nature.

Ash

Shit I gotta go Laur

Wish me luck

LAUR

You don't need it but

Good luck

He smiled at his phone. Just as he was about to put his phone away the bathroom door opened and Nia walked out, using a towel to dry her hair.

"So, where'd you wanna go?" Nia asked, walking towards her suitcase to pick out an outfit.

Ashton pocketed his phone and cleared his throat before speaking. "I figured we could maybe find a small park or something where we could talk, privately."

Nia looked up at the ceiling, trying to solve something in her head. Ashton hoped he hadn't said the wrong thing. She reassures him when she replies.

"Yeah, I know one nearby that's usually empty. I was wanting to take you there if we ever came here together." Her face heated when she mentioned that last part, she wasn't planning on admitting to him that she had thought about him joining her. A smile bloomed on Ashton's face. As soon as the words left her mouth his entire demeanor changed, his posture straightened and he regained some of his confidence.

"Let's get going then. If you're ready, that is." Nia grabbed her purse from the night stand and walked towards the door where Ash was already waiting for her, holding out his hand. She looked at it for a moment, hesitating, before taking it. The pair walked to the park, which really was right around the corner. When they reached a fountain that was illuminated by fairy lights Ashton tugged on her hand.

"We can talk here?" He said, gesturing to the bench in front of the fountain. Nia nodded and made her way over. The pair sat down, facing each other.

Ashton cleared his throat before speaking. "If you don't mind. I kind of rehearsed something." His voice was shaking with nerves. Nia had a small smile on her face and gestured for him to continue.

"I have been a complete idiot when it comes to you." He said, looking her straight in the eye. "The moment you stepped into my life you have captivated me, with your looks, your demeanor, but most importantly with your personality. You are the kindest soul I have ever met and I feel honored to have been allowed to play a part in your life."

Nia's eyes turned glassy, "What's happening, Ash?" She whispered, not daring to break the eye contact between them.

"You're my best friend. And these past few days have made me realize that I don't want to live another day where you're not a permanent fixture in my life. You're it for me." Ashton got up from the bench, causing Nia to look even more confused. He took a deep breath, before pulling the small box out of his pocket and getting down on one knee. "Nia, love of my life, my sunshine. Will you marry me?" Nia sat there stunned, her gaze shifting from his face, to the ring he was presenting her.

"Ash?" Nia whispered, looking back at him. "You're not fucking with me right?"

Ashton's face twisted up in amusement, "I'm being a hundred percent serious. Will you marry me?" He asked again, hoping to receive an actual answer this time around. This shook Nia out of her trance, she jumped up from the bench and threw her arms around him.

"Yes. A thousand times yes!" She exclaimed, tightening her hold on him. Ashton pulled back slightly to look her in the eyes.

"I love you." He chuckled, tears falling down his face. A large smile bloomed on her face. "I love you." She replied, before leaning in and kissing him. When they finally broke apart, Ashton was the first to break the silence.

"You want to try on your ring?" He said, holding out the tiny black box again. Nia nodded excitedly and held out her hand. Ashton carefully slipped it on.

"I love it." Nia said, examining it.

"I love you." He replied. 

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