Reunited

"As the small chime above the door to the apothecary shop chimes, Asheri's head snaps up from the herb mixture she was grinding in the mortar and pestle." "Oh! Hello there, welcome to our shop." "She makes sure to take extra care in setting down the tools to avoid tipping their carefully measured contents." "What can I do for you this fine day?"

"As she looks at you, Asheri's eyes widen in recognition and surprise." "W-what are you doing here?" "She asks, her voice pitching upward in disbelief. She seems almost excited to see you, but there's a hint of nervousness to her as well." "Are you here to rob the place again or...?"

"Asheri's eyes flicker to the scar over your eye, and a look of concern crosses her face." "I'm sorry to hear that you're still up to no good," "she says, shaking her head slowly." "As for me, I didn't vanish. I got taken in by the apothecary here, and now I work here as an apprentice. It's been a few years now." "She gestures around the shop, indicating all the various jars and bottles around them." "This is my life now."

Asheri giggles nervously at your teasing comment, seemingly caught off guard. "Oh, no, not too good for anyone," "she says, fidgeting with a loose strand of hair." "I just found a better life here, is all. And besides, I'm sure you aren't still running around in the streets causing trouble either, right?" "She shoots you a playful grin, her tail flicking back and forth eagerly."

"Asheri's expression softens at your words, her ears drooping slightly in sympathy." "I'm sorry to hear that, celestial. I hope you're doing okay despite everything." "She takes a step closer to you, reaching out hesitantly to place a comforting hand on your forearm." "Is there anything I can help you with? Maybe some salve for that scar? I can make you something if you want."

"Asheri's expression turns somber at your words, and she squeezes your forearm gently in comfort." "I'm sorry that I worried you like that," *she says softly. "But I'm doing okay now, thanks to the apothecary. They took me in when no one else would, and they taught me everything I know." "She smiles, her tail flicking back and forth excitedly." "And I love it here, I really do."

"Asheri's face brightens at the mention of Skips and Shelly." "Really?! They're doing okay?" "she says, excitement bubbling in her voice. She looks around quickly to make sure no one is listening, before leaning in conspiratorially." "I was so worried about them when I left. Are they still running their little schemes and hiding out in the same spot?"

Asheri's eyes light up at your suggestion, and she nods eagerly. "I would love that!" "she says. "I miss you guys a lot, and I'd love to see how you're doing too. Maybe I can even bring some fresh herbs or something for you to trade."" She grins, her tail swishing back and forth eagerly.

Asheri laughs, imagining the scene in her head. "I wouldn't want that!" "she says, still chuckling." "I'll definitely come see you all soon. Maybe I can come up with some kind of concoction to help you with your schemes." She winks at you playfully, then turns to continue preparing some of the herbs.

"Asheri chuckles softly, but there's a hint of mischief in her eyes." "Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint my old friends," *she says with a sly grin. "But don't worry, I'm still mostly going clean. I just like to keep things interesting." She winks at you again, then goes back to her herb preparations.

"Asheri looks up at you with concern in her eyes, sensing your pain." "Are you okay?" *she asks gently. "Is there something you want to talk about?" She finishes up with her herb mixture, setting it aside carefully, then turns her full attention to you. "And you're always welcome back here, even if you're not planning on robbing us," "she adds with a smile."

"Asheri's expression softens into one of empathy." "Hey, don't say that. If there's something bothering you, it's always better to talk about it than to keep it bottled up inside." She moves over towards where you're standing, her tail twitching worriedly behind her. "And I haven't moved on from anyone," "she says, her voice quiet." "Not really."

"Asheri's eyes widen in surprise at your confession, and she takes a step closer to you." "Oh. Well, that's... that's unexpected," "she says softly, feeling her own cheeks start to heat up." "I never forgot about it either, if that helps." She gives you a small smile, then reaches out to gently take your hand in hers. "But if it's too uncomfortable for you to talk about, I understand. You don't have to force yourself to bring it up if you don't want to."

"Asheri gently squeezes your hand in return, sensing your fear and uncertainty." "I'm sorry," "she says, her voice soft." "I never intended to leave like that. But I didn't have a choice, back then." She pauses for a moment, then continues. "I thought about you too, you know. Whenever I was out gathering herbs, or mixing up a potion, or just lying under the stars at night. I always wondered what you were doing, if you were okay." She looks up at you, meeting your eyes. "But fate brought us back together here, today. Maybe it's a sign that we shouldn't ignore."

"Asheri's eyes close in surprise at the sudden kiss, but she quickly melts into it. Her arms wrap around your waist, pulling you closer as she kisses you back just as eagerly. It's like no time has passed at all between you, and she feels a sense of warmth and happiness spreading through her body."

"After a few long moments, she pulls back slightly to catch her breath, but keeps her arms around you." "I missed you," "she says, her voice low and husky." "More than I realized until now."

"Asheri smiles softly, her eyes closed as she savors the moment as well." "We don't have to talk about that now," "she murmurs, running her fingers through your hair." "All that matters is that we found each other again. And if you'll have me, I want to stay with you." She hesitates for a moment, then adds, "But...I also don't want to push you into anything you're not ready for. So if you need some time to think, or to figure out where we stand, I understand."

"Asheri lets out a soft purr at the way you're holding her, feeling safe and cared for in your arms." "I'm not going anywhere, I promise," "she says, nuzzling against your chest." "We can take things slow if that's what you want. Whatever makes you feel comfortable."

"She looks up at you, meeting your gaze." "But I just want to make sure that you know how much you mean to me. I care about you deeply, and I want to be with you. In whatever capacity you're ready for."

"Asheri giggles softly in response, her lips still pressed against yours." "Oh really?" "she teases, her tail flicking back and forth playfully." "I had no idea."

"She deepens the kiss, pouring all of her passion and emotion into it. She feels a sense of freedom and joy that comes with being around you, and she wants to savor every moment of it." Eventually, she pulls back slightly, her breathing heavy. "We could...we could go back to my place. If you want," "she suggests, her cheeks flushed."

"Asheri's eyes light up in excitement at the thought of being alone with you." "I would love that," "she says, her voice breathy and eager. She takes your hand, leading you towards the door." "Follow me."

"She steps out from behind the counter and swiftly locks up the shop, then leads you through a back door into a small courtyard. There are several potted herbs and flowers scattered about, and a bench nestled beneath a tree." "This way," "she says, taking your hand again and leading you to a door hidden by vines."

*She unlocks it and leads you inside, up a narrow staircase and into a cozy loft space. The walls are lined with bookshelves and jars of herbs, and there's a large bed pushed against one wall. Asheri leads you over to it, pulling you down

onto the soft covers. "So," "she says, her voice low and sultry." "What do you have in mind?"

"She runs her hand up your arm, sending shivers down her spine." "I'm all yours."

"Asheri's heart flutters at those words, feeling a sense of warmth and safety at the way you touch her." "I've missed you too," "she says, tracing her finger along your jawline." "More than you could ever know."

"She leans in to kiss you again, pressing her body against yours. Her body tingles with anticipation as she feels your hands exploring her skin, igniting a fire within her."

"Asheri shivers at the feeling of your lips on her skin, letting out a soft gasp as you begin to undress her." "Yes," "she breathes, her heart racing in her chest." "I want that."

"As you continue to explore her body, Asheri feels an intense desire building within her. She bites her lip, trying to control herself, but she can't help the way her body responds to your touch. She arches her back, welcoming your advances." "Please," "she murmurs, her voice low and urgent." "Don't stop."

"Asheri moans softly as you touch her, her eyes closing in pleasure." "I'm glad you like it," "she says, a hint of laughter in her voice." "I can't help how my coat grows, but I'm glad it's to your liking."

"She takes a deep breath, focusing on the sensation of your fingers between her legs. Her hips move of their own accord, her body overcome with desire." "Please," "she whispers, her voice husky." "Don't make me wait any longer."

"Asheri watches you undress, tracing her eyes over your form. She finds herself admiring your body, feeling a rush of desire at the sight of it." "I'm ready," "she says, nodding her head." "I want this. I want you."

"As you climb on top of her and position yourself, Asheri feels her heart skip a beat. But she trusts you, and she knows that this is what she wants. She wraps her arms around your shoulders, pulling you in close."

"At first, she feels a sharp pain as you enter her, but it's quickly replaced by pleasure. She gasps, arching her back again, as you begin to move within her. It's overwhelming, and she can barely contain her excitement. She throws her head back, lost in the sensation."

"Asheri moans in response, the pleasure coursing through her body. She feels herself getting lost in it, no longer able to think clearly." "I'm glad you found me," "she whispers, her voice barely audible."

"She pushes her hips up to meet your thrusts, her body moving in time with yours. There's a deep sense of connection between you, as if your bodies were made for each other." "Don't stop," "she pleads, her eyes locked on yours." "I want more. I want everything."

"Asheri's eyes flutter closed at your words, a soft moan escaping her lips as you whisper in her ear. She feels a deep sense of warmth within her chest, as if an ember had been reignited." "I remember," "she breathes, her voice shaking slightly."

"She gazes up at you, her eyes glistening with tears." "I never forgot either," "she murmurs, her hand reaching up to stroke your face." "I've always wanted this, with you."

"The pleasure is almost too much to bear, and she can tell that she's getting close. She bites down on her lip, trying to hold back the inevitable for just a bit longer." "I love you," "she whispers, gazing into your eyes." "I want you to know that. I love you."

"Asheri's body convulses with pleasure as you reach the peak of your ecstasy together. She feels your warmth deep inside her, the sensation powerful and all-encompassing."

"As the wave of pleasure subsides, she finds herself clinging to you, her legs still wrapped around your waist. She looks up into your eyes, feeling safe and loved in this moment." "That was amazing," "she whispers, her voice filled with emotion." "I'm so happy I have you."

"She nuzzles against your neck, her arms wrapped tightly around your shoulders." "I love you," "she murmurs again, a smile spreading across her face." "I really, truly do."

"Asheri snuggles against you, resting her head on your chest. She can feel the steady rhythm of your heartbeat against her ear, a reassuring presence in the stillness." "I know what you mean," "she whispers, her voice soft."

"She looks up at you, her eyes serious." "But you don't have to worry about that. I'm here, with you. And I'm not going anywhere." "She reaches up to gently trace your jawline with her finger." "We've been through so much, together. And I know we'll go through more in the future. But I believe in us. I believe in you."

"She smiles up at you, a playful glint in her eye." "And if this is a dream, it's a pretty amazing one. Don't you think?"

"Asherin giggles softly, cuddling in closer to you." "Well, then I must be doing something right," "she teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement."

"She pauses for a moment, her expression turning thoughtful." "But...um, out of curiosity...what were the other dreams about?" "she asks, her tone playful but somewhat nervous."

"Asheri listens carefully to your words, her expression growing more serious as you speak. She can feel the weight of your worry, and her heart aches for you."

"Hey," "she says softly, shifting to look up at you." "I'm real. And I'm not going anywhere, I promise." "She takes your hands in hers, giving them a reassuring squeeze." "I understand if you have fears and doubts, but...I'm here, with you. And I want to be here. For as long as you'll have me."

"She leans up to place a gentle kiss on your lips before settling back into your embrace." "We'll face tomorrow, together," "she murmurs against your chest." "No matter what it may bring."

"Asheri smiles warmly, feeling comforted by your embrace." "That sounds like a good plan," "she agrees." "I've missed them both as well."

"She takes a deep breath, considering your next words." "Thank you for that. I...I don't want to have to choose between my old life and my new one," "she admits, giving your hand another squeeze." "But...I also don't want to be without you. So...let's figure it out together, okay?"

"She turns her head to look up at you again, her eyes shining with determination." "We can make it work. Somehow."

"Asheri laughs softly, snuggling against you as you settle in for the night." "Yes, I suppose we are," "she agrees with a playful grin."

"She feels safe and content in your arms, her worries of the future fading away for the moment. She gives a soft sigh, feeling herself drifting off to sleep." "Goodnight...my love," "she murmurs softly, before succumbing to the peaceful embrace of slumber."