When We Meet Again

Hug Me Back Forever

Rihanna's POV

I was huffing... Puffing... Not blowing any houses down, but causing a storm. I've been running for far too long. I could feel sweat swiftly sliding down my face swerving my eyes, nose and lips.

I stood still, bent over helplessly.

I felt the presence of someone. A hand reaching outwards towards me. As I grab it, the aching fades. I feel safe and loved, but when I look for a face...

I'm alone.

I sigh in embarrassment and cross my arms. Wow, Riri. You really had yourself fooled for a second there. I slowly walk and stop to sit at a bus stop bench.

I sat comfortably and looked at my phone. I noticed I had a missed call. When did someone call me?

I must've been so focused on running... Wait... Why was I even running again? Where was I going? That's when I had a realization.

I can't normally run this long. How did I withstand the cramps, pain, and ache in my legs. Then when I do stop, I'm here.

...

This is where we would meet. We.. we.. we were always together. Smiling, laughing, and enjoying each others company.

At this point, I was having a blast of past memories soar into me. I was weak, a total wreck.

This person... He put a handkerchief on my lap and so... I look up.

Chris Brown's POV

I was seriously missing her. I never realized how lonely I was without her. Especially now that I've seen her again.

Earlier, she was only in the next room and yet... The distance between us felt so great.

It wasn't our literal distance, but it was our social distance. I couldn't believe that for years I looked down on our relationship, let alone a second.

There was a red light.

I stopped my car and saw that place. Brought back some great times.

I couldn't smile. I knew well enough that what I did to her was terrible.

A pretty little girl was sitting at the bus stop. In my eyes, this girl aged by the seconds.

At first, she was a toddler.

Next, a young child.

Then, a preteen to an adolescent.

Finally, her. A woman who deserved to be loved.

Properly.

I couldn't believe my eyes. Looking away was useless, because my diverted attention always returned back to her. I parked my car on that block and practically flew out of my car.

I had to know for sure.

It couldn't be her. This is too far from her home. Looking at my wrist, it was too late for her to be out this time regardless of her grown-up status. I lied to myself that the chances of meeting her were slim.

This woman who was sitting before me was undoubtedly the same woman one who resembled my first and only love of my life.

I felt guilty.

She was and will from this moment onward be the best thing to and ever happen to me.

Chris... Man, how could I have caused such an innocent female to experience pain someone as great as her should never experience.

Her face...

Her face...

Rihanna...

I pulled my handkerchief from my suit coat and placed it on her lap. When our eyes met... Her eyes almost bled from all the crying. I knew she finally recognized me.

Good job, Riri. You remember me.

I was so happy. I smiled from ear to ear.

"Now, please... please... never forget me. Rihanna." I basically begged. She nodded her head. My shirt was getting wet.

But it was ok.

As long as it was her tears, I wouldn't mind her crying in my arms forever.

I may be an undeserving, deceiving, and a terrible man for letting you suffer.

But if you decide to punch me... Swing at full power. Give me what I deserve. But no amount of pain could ever equal the suffering I've caused you.

As if she could hear my thoughts, she looks up at me and nods her head once again.

I held my hand to my mouth. Enough tears were shed, no. Matter how happy I was... I promised myself I would never cry in front of her. Shields must be present to protect, but when off duty... they have no obligation.

Only, it's a little different for me. I am no obligated to be here for Riri. It was a decision I came to conclude on my own. I have to be here for her.

Regardless.

"Rihanna... Rihhana. I love you."

At this moment, it was as if there was nothing else in the world. Just me. Just Rihanna. I was holding her tightly. Too tightly. As I loosened the grip. She held me tighter. I felt not nothing. No. Maybe... I could call it, everything. I experienced a million years worth of emotion in that moment. This woman. This other being. She was mine.

And she knew it.