thanks :) xoxoxo im loving the story tell me when u write another part :) x

A Warning Sign[/color]'. Just a heads up this chapter is quite long and the second part contains sexual content :o

 

Here it is, enjoy!

 

Chapter Three: Part One

 

 

 

 

 

March – Australia: April POV

 

The memory of last night is still somewhat hazy and I make a mental note to not, under any circumstance, trust Guy when he says there is no alcohol in the drinks he’s handing out.

 

After being friends with the band for five years I should probably know these sorts of details but the mild hangover is a small price to pay for a night of hilarious entertainment. Being around a group of guys when they’re more than slightly drunk and in good company is a very telling experience and I knew it’d be great material for blackmail should I ever need it.

 

Shaking my head at the antics of the night before I try to focus on what I’m doing. I’m standing in our hotel room at the edge of the king-size bed, Jonny’s luggage open in front of me as I sort through it. I fold a pair of grey jeans and put them in the ‘clean’ pile before gathering a blue button down shirt and miscellaneous pairs of socks and throwing them in a pile on the floor destined to be laundered.

 

I fold a few more of his shirts, leaving aside one of Chris’s that seems to have gotten mixed in somehow, when I come across something hard tucked into a pair of rolled up socks at the bottom of Jonny’s bag. I can’t help but gasp as I uncover a small, black velvet box. Struggling to keep my hands steady, I debate whether or not to open the lid as my heartbeat pounds wildly in my ears.

 

This can’t seriously be what I think it is, can it? I mean sure we had talked about it before and we practically lived together when he wasn’t touring and when I didn’t have to be in New York. But still…after almost four years of being together I guess I had figured he was pretty comfortable with where we were and wouldn’t want to risk changing the routine we’d grown so accustomed to. My sister constantly teased me that he’d never go through with it and we’d be perpetually dating because Jonny was too scared of commitment. I’d always laugh it off but lately maybe I’d actually begun to believe her.

 

Throwing caution to the wind I quickly lift the lid. My heart stops for a moment as I stare down at possibly the most perfect ring I’ve ever seen in my life. The band is smooth platinum with a beautiful round cut diamond in the center accented by two smaller diamonds on either side. The size is classic and delicate, maybe about 1 ½ carats and absolutely exquisite.

 

I see something white wedged between the side of the box and the small insert that held the ring. When I pull it out I notice it’s a sales receipt but it’s not the price that I’m worried about, I scan the slip looking for the date of purchase and stare at it in disbelief.

 

18.12.2007

 

My mind is racing as I reread it, scanning it over and over to make sure I’m not seeing things.

 

He’s had this ring since December?

 

I count aloud quietly before letting out a long sigh, “Fifteen months.” He’s been carrying around an engagement ring for 15 months and there had been no sign of a proposal whatsoever.

 

I try to remember if he’d even hinted at anything two Christmases ago. The past year had been so hectic it was hard to remember last week let alone almost a year and a half ago.

 

My mind runs through a checklist of what I can remember; We had been at his parents’ house for Christmas Eve and then spent Christmas Day at his flat in North London. The guys had been working long hours to finish the album in time for the spring, which meant he was constantly at the Bakery. Meanwhile I had been editing scripts for Universal pretty much through the holiday and was continually flying between New York and London so that we could spend time together. He had surprised me with a daytrip to Paris in late January and when we got there he said he had booked a hotel and planned a romantic evening…

 

 

He had already bought the ring by then, “So what happened?” I say softly to the empty room. Why didn’t he go through with it?

 

I’m replaying the night in my head, wracking my brain trying to recall everything we had talked about during the trip that seemed so distant now. Did I say something wrong or did he just chicken out?

 

He had become one of my best friends even before we had started dating and I trusted him more than anyone in my life …so didn't he believe in us enough to go through with it? I stop myself suddenly when I realize I’ve been pacing the same path in the rug for the last five minutes.

 

I cover my eyes with my hands and gently apply pressure, there was a migraine coming on, I could feel it. I just needed to calm down.

 

He was scared and it was understandable; marriage wasn’t something to be taken lightly and maybe he wanted to wait until things settled down with the constant cycle of touring and writing and recording before he fully committed to a life together.

 

I refused to continue this internal battle with myself because it seemed ridiculous to be filled with unjustified doubt about our relationship, I know he loves me.

 

I make sure the receipt it tucked back into place and take one last fleeting look at the ring. I can’t help but smile as it catches the sunlight and sends radiant little beams of white dancing around the room. Closing the box I lodge it safely in the pair of rolled up socks in the bottom of the bag and arrange Jonny’s clean clothes on top of it zipping the bag shut and then shoving the dirty clothes from the floor into a laundry bag

 

I figure the boys should be done with their band meeting so remembering Chris’s shirt, I head out of the room, pushing all thoughts of the ring to the back of my mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Three: Part Two

 

 

 

 

March – Australia: April

 

Stepping off the elevator I make my way past the concierge desk down a small hallway that leads to a room marked ‘Board Room’ with a sheet of paper taped below reading ‘RESERVED: MEETING IN PROGRESS’.

 

I peek through the small paneled window above the door handle and see that for the most part everyone has gone except for the boys, the band’s assistants and sound technician Dan Green. Jonny was on the far end of the long table, chatting quietly with Will, while Guy and Chris stood near the door with Phil who was texting furiously on his blackberry.

 

I open the door stealthily and poke Chris playfully on his side.

 

“I’ve just felt someone try to kill me I think” Chris tells Phil who doesn’t look up from his phone.

 

“Hm?” he continues typing madly while Guy watches, slightly bemused.

 

“There is a mass murderer on the loose and she’s in this room, at this very moment. And she’s just told me that she only kills gingers…it’s like her fetish or something, and now I’ll be killed for telling her secret.” Chris pulls me into the room, keeping me hidden behind him.

 

“Is this you’re way of telling me to fuck off because I said your idea for the setup at Wembley was moronic? Practically everyone agreed with me.” Phil has stopped typing and looks Chris in the eye.

 

“Will doesn’t count. He hates most of what I say.” Chris says, a bit more serious now.

 

“Chris…” I hear someone say disapprovingly and I peer around his shoulder to see that Guy, growing bored of the antics has made his way across the room to join Will and Jonny.

 

“He’s right most of the time…we’ll leave it at that,” Phil says slipping his phone into his pocket, “Also, the killer should know that I’m not a natural red head and so my life should be spared” he says lightening the mood.

 

“Well then I’d tell her that if she’d do her research she’d realize that the carpet matches the drapes so to speak, and you would not only be killed but tortured first for lying.”

 

“How long is this going to go on?” I ask, stepping out from behind Chris and tapping my foot impatiently.

 

“Oh I could do this all day, or we could just skip to the part where he tells me I’m a child after which I agree and call him a fucking wanker for stating the obvious and then we go on our merry way.” Chris says grinning.

 

“You’re such a child,” Phil mutters under his breath.

 

“Obviously, you fucking wanker.” Chris smiles and Phil dismisses himself making some excuse about arranging dinner reservations for the night.

 

“See? Simple.” Chris says with an air of accomplishment.

 

“Now that I’ve got you alone Chris, there’s something I need to know.” I say lowering my voice, “Are you sleeping with my boyfriend?" I lightly shove the shirt I had in my hand against his chest making him take a step back.

 

“I found THIS in his bag so don’t try to deny it.” I say, narrowing my eyes jokingly.

 

“Damn, I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this…” he shakes his head.

 

“You didn’t hear this from me but…” he glances around to make sure no one will hear us before leaning in, “I won’t sleep with him because word on the street is, he’s been screwing around with Terry… who’s got what some like to call, ‘the clap’ ” he whispers out of the side of his mouth. “STDs aren’t really my thing…” he continues, scratching his head.

 

“And who’s Terry?” I whisper back.

 

“Terry…y’know… Terry,” He says vaguely, grasping a few strands of my hair in his hand and tickling my chin with the ends, his eyes glinting deviously.

 

I’m thinking hard when it hits me. He’s talking about an inanimate object.

 

“You’re talking about the fucking television? That disturbing little thing that you use during shows?” I ask, shuddering at the thought as I brush his hand away.

 

“Whoa Ho! Listen to that mouth” he says acting shocked.

 

“Jay, your April is getting dirty with me” he yells loud enough for the entire room to hear.

 

“She says she wants to do naughty things to me and I just might have to oblige unless yo - - ” I clap my hand over his mouth to stop his incessant babbling.

 

“Christopher Anthony,” I say scolding him, “I will count to three and then you’re going to behave,” his muffled words continue on as if my hand weren’t placed firmly over his mouth.

 

“One.” He’s still talking.

 

“Two.” Not surprisingly, still talking.

 

“Two and a half,” his eyes are wide in amusement as he babbles on.

 

“Three.” I wait a beat and am shocked to hear that he’s stopped but realize Chris suddenly isn’t looking at me anymore.

 

I follow his eyes and turn around to see Jonny standing there with his arms crossed, a menacing look on his face.

 

“Yikes” Chris lets out a feminine squeak. “I’ll be good, I promise” he smirks.

 

“Right” Jonny says, trying not to laugh.

 

“Maybe I should leave you two to duke it out,” I say, stepping out from between them.

 

“Try not to die, Jon. I’m kind of partial to having you around.” I kiss him on the cheek before making my way into the hallway.

 

“OOW” I hear Chris yelp through the doorway followed by Jonny’s loud laughter.

 

The door opens again and it doesn’t take Jonny long to catch up to me. He places his arm around my shoulder as he walks next to me, timing his long striding steps with my much shorter ones.

 

“Fancy going to dinner with me?” He asks kissing my temple softly.

 

“Hmm…like a date?” I ask smiling up at him and encircle his waist with my arms, stopping to turning and face him.

 

“Yes like a date.” He grins cutely kissing me on the lips and crushing me to him tightly.

 

My mind wanders for a moment, as I remember the box buried away upstairs and how I’d worried over nothing, our relationship was fine. Everything was the way it’s supposed to be.

 

“Well, unless…I mean, we don’t have to…” he says softly, loosening his arms from around me. His green eyes were staring intently, trying to read me.

 

“Are you kidding? After finding out that you’ve been screwing a television? I think you owe me one hell of a date.” I say kissing him lightly on the shoulder and giving him a gentle squeeze around the waist.

 

“Should I even ask?” he chuckles lightly, obviously confused.

 

I think for a moment before responding, “Probably not, it might end with Chris getting his ass kicked. Again.”

 

“Ah, right.” We continue our walk down the hallway and to the elevator.

 

“How much time before our date?” I ask leaning against the elevator wall and pulling him towards me once we’re inside.

 

“Why…what did you have in mind?” he places his hands on either side of me and leans in.

 

“Oh, I dunno. nothing special.” I kiss his neck slowly, flicking my tongue against his quickening pulse and allowing my teeth to catch his skin slightly. I smile when I hear him inhale sharply, his hands coming to rest on my hips to balance himself.

 

“You’re such a flirt. How can you stand it?” I can practically hear the smile in his voice, his lips against my ear, as the vibration from his words send shock waves down my spine.

 

When the elevator arrives on our floor he takes my hand in his, and I pull our room key from my back pocket.

 

As soon as he pulls the door shut behind us his lips find mine and I push him closer to the bed, forgetting about the bag of laundry on the floor. His foot catches it and he tumbles onto the bed taking me with him.

 

“Slightly less graceful than expected.” he beams up at me charmingly as I take off his hat and run my hands through his somewhat disheveled hair.

 

“Why are you so cute? It’s hard to dirty things to you when you’re this adorable.” I trace the curve of his lips with my finger, straddling him as he unbuttons my jeans.

 

“Well, there are harder things, I’m sure” he says cheekily, flipping us over, pulling my jeans down and tossing them on the floor.

 

“I’m not sure…I know….what…you’re talk….talking about Jonathon.” I say between kisses. He tugs his shirt over his head before helping me with mine. While he’s unbuckling his pants I make my way closer to the headboard and prop myself up on the pillows, motioning him to follow.

 

When he’s close enough to touch I reach my hand out to tug on the elastic of his boxers, sliding my hand lower to run my fingers along the tip of his obvious arousal.

 

“What do you want, love?” I ask, looking him in the eye as his hips move toward my hand involuntarily.

 

“Just you.” His voice is filled with longing and soon he's laying me down and unhooking my bra; pushing the straps from my shoulders and sensually kissing the exposed skin.

 

I allow him to remove my bra completely, followed by my underwear while I push his boxers down the rest of the way until there’s just the heat of his skin upon mine.

 

I want to scream from the anticipation but bite my lip to keep the sound from escaping as he aligns his hips with mine.

 

The pressure of his hardness against my thigh is almost too much to take and finally he grips my hips for leverage, gasping as he enters me. The feel of us entwined is pure bliss and my head tips back on it’s own accord, no longer able to contain the cry of ecstasy.

 

“Mmm” he’s breathing hard against my collarbone as our bodies move in unison, my skin on fire from his touch.

 

I clutch his shoulders to steady myself, his momentum picking up and he grabs my legs wrapping them around his waist. Our bodies are slick with sweat from our frenzied movement and my eyes flutter shut from the sensations he’s causing.

 

“Open your eyes, April” he says kissing my jaw. I do as he tells me, and open them to find him staring fervently back at me. The sheer intimacy of his gaze rocks me to my core, sending an orgasm rippling through me, and I'm unashamedly moaning his name against his mouth and arching my back as it hits.

 

My response seems to send him over the edge and a quiet “Fuck” escapes his lips as he climaxes, his body shuddering against mine. He rests his head on my chest, exhausted and out of breath as I tenderly run my fingers through his hair and down the sides of his face.

 

He rolls over and wraps me in his arms, pulling the sheets around us. I bury my face in his chest smiling but he reaches down, tilting my chin to look at him.

 

“You’re beautiful” he says softly, the fingertips of his other hand drawing imaginary circles on the small of my back. My breath catches in my throat and in our closeness I'm positive he can feel my heart hammering wildly from his words.

 

“So are you” I tell him sincerely, trailing kisses along his chest and shoulder.

 

“Love you,” I whisper.

 

“I love you too.” He says.

 

I try to stifle a yawn but my eyes feel heavy, the sanctuary of his arms is far too pleasant and much too comfortable to fight sleep.

 

Jonny says something but I don’t quite catch it, I’m already drifting into darkness and I yield to it willingly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

:worried2:

ok, so please let me know what you guys think about this chapter, I was somewhat worried about posting it and I still don't know how I feel about it but any feedback would be awesome and very greatly appreciated!

oh my godddd, i LOVE it. your writing is just perfect. i love jonny:heart: and the bits with chris:lol: please please pleaaaseee continue writing! :nice:

Thank you guys for all of your really sweet comments about my writing :heart:! I'm very happy that you're enjoying the story!! :escaping:

i cant wait for the next chapters xoxoxo

"a warning sign" is freaking awesome!!

i no init xoxoxo

i no init xoxoxo

 

Whaaaaat? :confused::lol:

that a warning sign is a gr8 read xxoxo

Yeah, but can you translate your previous post?

i no init xoxoxo

"I know, ain't it. Hugs and Kisses";)

 

Here is your translation, well at least I think it is :p

Haha thanks :lol:

No problem at all;)

That's how british people say that sentence irl.. With an english accent;)

 

Can't wiat to read more awesome stories :D

But for now, good night ;)

Well I could assume what she meant. And I did understand it. But I think it's better to write... in a normal way. ;) Thanks anyway, good night :nice:

yeah i am still here you know i like to say things quicker

can you read this

is this okay ???

OK OK OK YES I can read your posts... :lol::lol:

It's just that that post of yours up there looked weird, I DID understand it :lol:

okay thank you :)

Chapter 3! :dance:

 

 

 

Guy's POV

 

I managed to get through the morning without thinking about how miserable I was. Up until this day, everything I saw reminded me of Scotland, and thinking about Scotland always brought angry tears to my eyes no matter where I was. It wasn’t like I hated England or anything; it was a great country. It just wasn’t home.

 

Sighing, I threw some of my books into my locker and yanked out a few others. At least it was time for art class. Art was one of the only things I looked forward to. I was good at math as well, but I didn’t particularly enjoy it.

 

One of the reasons I loved art so much was my teacher. She was young, graceful, optimistic...and I had to admit that I had a massive crush on her. Whenever she took a paintbrush or pencil from my hand, her hair would kiss the air near my face and I could smell her shampoo, which was usually rose-scented. Then I would blush embarrassingly as she added a line or two to my composition and made it perfect. My mum had met her once, and when she saw me again that night, she had smiled and told me how sweet my teacher was. She then asked me if I liked her, and I had growled ‘she’s fine’ before sprinting to my room.

 

Since I had skipped lunch in favor of sitting outside for a while, I had ten minutes before I needed to go to class. I decided to take an alternate route to the room, thinking it might help me learn my way around the school a little better. As I strode along the empty hallways, I saw a familiar face. Jonny, who was in my study period, was standing by some posters on the wall, running his finger along one of them. He was so occupied in reading the thing that he didn’t notice until I was a few feet away from him.

 

“Guy!” he said cheerfully. “How’s it going, man?” I blinked; surprised that he was treating me like we'd known each other for years.

 

“Just heading to the art room,” I shrugged. “I just thought I’d say hey.”

 

“Well, hey then.” said the other boy, smiling. I glanced at the poster he’d been reading. It was an advertisement asking musicians to form a new club. I didn’t pay much heed to it; I didn’t have any interest in clubs. But it did make me wonder if Jonny was any sort of musician.

 

“Do you, um, play something?” I asked, gesturing to the advert. He bit his lip uncomfortably.

 

“I play the guitar. I’m shit, though. Never had formal lessons.” I was surprised by his answer.

 

“I play a little bass.” I said quietly. Jonny’s eyes seemed to light up a bit.

 

“I’m trying to get my best friend to join this thing with me, but he doesn’t want to. Would you be interested?”

 

I shook my head immediately, and he shrugged. “Well, it was worth a shot. I’ll just keep bothering Chris about it, then.”

 

"Chris?" I asked. "He in your year?"

 

"Uh, yeah. Tall, lanky, blue-eyed, his uniform doesn't fit right...?"

 

"I think I met him, yeah. I, um...kicked a football into his face."

 

Jonny laughed. "So that's where that bruise is from! I thought he'd walked sideways into a door!"

 

"Shit, he has a bruise?" I asked, feeling slightly guilty.

 

"Oh, he's fine. It's small." Jonny looked up at the clock on the wall and sighed. "Well, I'll see you later. Maybe I'll catch you after school."

 

"Yeah, see you." I said as he waved and walked away. I bit my lip, his offer at the back of my mind. To be honest, I didn't want to join that club. I didn't like clubs much, I wasn't social enough for it.

 

I finally decided to think about it later as the hallway was filling up with pushy kids. At least it was time for art class.

 

 

^^AWWWHGUY. :wacky::heart:!!!

 

it's great!! :D

Chapter 3! :dance:

 

 

 

Guy's POV

 

I managed to get through the morning without thinking about how miserable I was. Up until this day, everything I saw reminded me of Scotland, and thinking about Scotland always brought angry tears to my eyes no matter where I was. It wasn’t like I hated England or anything; it was a great country. It just wasn’t home.

 

Sighing, I threw some of my books into my locker and yanked out a few others. At least it was time for art class. Art was one of the only things I looked forward to. I was good at math as well, but I didn’t particularly enjoy it.

 

One of the reasons I loved art so much was my teacher. She was young, graceful, optimistic...and I had to admit that I had a massive crush on her. Whenever she took a paintbrush or pencil from my hand, her hair would kiss the air near my face and I could smell her shampoo, which was usually rose-scented. Then I would blush embarrassingly as she added a line or two to my composition and made it perfect. My mum had met her once, and when she saw me again that night, she had smiled and told me how sweet my teacher was. She then asked me if I liked her, and I had growled ‘she’s fine’ before sprinting to my room.

 

Since I had skipped lunch in favor of sitting outside for a while, I had ten minutes before I needed to go to class. I decided to take an alternate route to the room, thinking it might help me learn my way around the school a little better. As I strode along the empty hallways, I saw a familiar face. Jonny, who was in my study period, was standing by some posters on the wall, running his finger along one of them. He was so occupied in reading the thing that he didn’t notice until I was a few feet away from him.

 

“Guy!” he said cheerfully. “How’s it going, man?” I blinked; surprised that he was treating me like we'd known each other for years.

 

“Just heading to the art room,” I shrugged. “I just thought I’d say hey.”

 

“Well, hey then.” said the other boy, smiling. I glanced at the poster he’d been reading. It was an advertisement asking musicians to form a new club. I didn’t pay much heed to it; I didn’t have any interest in clubs. But it did make me wonder if Jonny was any sort of musician.

 

“Do you, um, play something?” I asked, gesturing to the advert. He bit his lip uncomfortably.

 

“I play the guitar. I’m shit, though. Never had formal lessons.” I was surprised by his answer.

 

“I play a little bass.” I said quietly. Jonny’s eyes seemed to light up a bit.

 

“I’m trying to get my best friend to join this thing with me, but he doesn’t want to. Would you be interested?”

 

I shook my head immediately, and he shrugged. “Well, it was worth a shot. I’ll just keep bothering Chris about it, then.”

 

"Chris?" I asked. "He in your year?"

 

"Uh, yeah. Tall, lanky, blue-eyed, his uniform doesn't fit right...?"

 

"I think I met him, yeah. I, um...kicked a football into his face."

 

Jonny laughed. "So that's where that bruise is from! I thought he'd walked sideways into a door!"

 

"Shit, he has a bruise?" I asked, feeling slightly guilty.

 

"Oh, he's fine. It's small." Jonny looked up at the clock on the wall and sighed. "Well, I'll see you later. Maybe I'll catch you after school."

 

"Yeah, see you." I said as he waved and walked away. I bit my lip, his offer at the back of my mind. To be honest, I didn't want to join that club. I didn't like clubs much, I wasn't social enough for it.

 

I finally decided to think about it later as the hallway was filling up with pushy kids. At least it was time for art class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

:wacky: :thumbsup:

 

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! :nice: :nice:

 

:dance:

Part 3, Loved it, I like the fact all the boy's are being in the story, and trying to visualize them at that age. Good job!!!

I LOVE IT KYRA!!:D

"I think I met him, yeah. I, um...kicked a football into his face."

 

*chuckles* :D Brutal but FUNNEH :lol:

 

 

I already said I HEART your writing style. Sooo... yeah.

 

 

 

:wideeyed:

 

*wants more*

Part 3, Loved it, I like the fact all the boy's are being in the story, and trying to visualize them at that age. Good job!!!

 

It's funny, because I can't even visualize them at that age! I'm still trying very hard. :laugh3:

 

And Thalia, your signature makes me so happy. :drunk: < It's so colorful...

^ aww thank you dear :kiss:

 

 

 

 

 

Part 1 of Lovers in Japan

 

Rating: PG-13

 

 

 

 

 

 

I finished off my second iced tea, and put my glass back down on the table. I glanced at my cell phone again. 2:37. He was now almost 40 minutes late. The waiter came by and took away my glass. He asked if I wanted another drink, and I started to think that maybe something a little stronger than an iced tea would help to pass the time.

 

I ordered a beer, and then looked at my phone again. Maybe he had forgotten the name of the place that we were supposed to meet. The waiter had just placed my drink down, and I decided that there was no point in waiting. I picked it up and started to take huge gulps. Then over the rim of my glass, I saw him walk into the restaurant. He was tall, slim, and slightly tanned with brilliant blue eyes and an excitedly nervous jitter about him. Yeah, that was Chris Martin.

 

“Finally!” I thought to myself. I saw him scan each table quickly, when his eyes finally locked with mine and he walked over to the small table that I was seated at.

 

“So… I see you’ve started drinking without me!” he said through a broad smile, as he slid into the booth. His expression changed to one of fear before he said “Wait, you are from Rolling Stone… right? Here to interview me?”

 

“Oh yeah don’t worry, you’ve got the right person.” I reassured him. He sighed and went back to smiling.

 

“I’m Charlotte, nice to meet you.” I extended my hand across the table. “I’m Chris, nice to meet you too”

 

I always found it funny when I interviewed a celebrity and they introduced themselves as if I didn’t already know who they were.

 

“I’m so sorry that I’m late, I was with playing with my kids and completely lost track of time. I don’t get to see them a lot with the tour, so whenever I’m home all I do is spend time with them”

 

“It’s fine, really.. you’re not that late. I can’t even imagine how hard it must be to have to leave them.” I knew from my days and days of research that he didn’t like talking about his family, so I quickly changed the subject.

“So.. Are you ready for this? It’s going to be epic. 9 hours over 4 meetings. A huge feature.”

 

“Haha, I’m never ready for huge features. I don’t really like to talk about myself” He said.

 

“Don’t worry, it will be fun!!” I winked at him and picked up my beer again.

 

_____________________________________________________________________

90 minutes, and quite a few drinks later and we were still there.

 

“I like the way you’re doing uhh conducting this..,” He said, already slurring his words. “It doesn’t even feel like an interview. Just like a conversation.”

 

“Good,” I said “that means I’m doing my job.”

 

Chris finished off his whiskey and handed the empty glass to the waiter who in turn handed him the check.

 

“So when’s the next time we do this? Ya know, the next bit of the interview?” he asked while signing the check.

 

“Hmm, Well you’re going to Japan tomorrow. And I think you’ll be there for a week.. Right? So in 8 days.. I am meeting you and the rest of the band at your studio… the bakery.”

 

“8 days?” His eyes opened wide “No… that’s too long. Too far away from now.” He stopped talking for a minute and sat back, he seemed to be brainstorming something. Finally he jolted forward. “Hey I’ve got a good idea.. Have you ever been to Japan?” He asked excitedly.

 

“Umm yeah, I went once to interview David Bowie in some fancy hotel in Tokyo.. But I only got to stay for one night and didn’t really get to see much.. Why?” I asked curiously.

“How about you come with us! Come to Japan, and we can do the interview there with everyone. It will be fun!”

 

I had heard about this. Chris Martin coming up with these absurd ideas of “kidnapping” journalists and bringing them all around the world on tour with him. This could actually be fun. A week in Tokyo with the biggest band in the world? Sure why not!

 

“I’d love to,” I finally said “But I can’t just pick up and go.. I’d have to check with my editor first. I’ll need 8 days off from work and I need someone to cover a piece I was supposed to start writing this week. Hmm, let me make a call.”

 

I picked up my cell phone and dialed my boss’ number. She was always nice and reasonable and I knew that it probably wouldn’t be a problem. I explained it all to her and she cleared me for the 8 days off, and told me to have fun.

 

“Okay,” I said after snapping my phone closed “Let’s go to Japan!”

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________

 

My eyes open slowly and I’m staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. I blink a few times before looking around at the rest of the room. It’s sleek and modern with gray walls, white lamps and the bed that I’m in is over flowing with cream colored blankets and pillows. Then suddenly I shoot straight up in bed, and the events of the previous evening race through my head. I peek under the sheets, and sure enough there is nothing under there but me. The nightstand table has an empty bottle of vodka on it, and two glasses.

 

I see my dress on the floor by the window, my bra is hanging off the edge of a chair. I sit up further and reach for his shirt. It’s at the end of the bed, and I grab it quickly and throw it on. I get up and walk over to the huge floor to ceiling windows and stare at the skyscrapers surrounding me. Tokyo is breathtaking at 5 in the morning. The hotel suite is small, barely even a suite at all. Just a bedroom with an attached bathroom.

I hear the shower turn on and I quickly turn around to face the bathroom. Just as I do, the door opens.

Chris is standing there, wearing nothing but a broad grin.

“I’m going to take a shower.. Would you like to join me?”

__________________________________________________________________________

 

72 hours earlier

 

I pack up the last of my bags and bring them down to the waiting car. Chris was nice enough to organize a car to come pick me up. The whole way there I can’t help but get lost in my thoughts.

 

Holy shit, I’m going to Tokyo with Coldplay!! I think to myself. I wonder what they’ll all be like. I wonder if Guy drinks as much as I’ve heard he does. Ohh I’ll get drunk with him, that will be fun!

 

I finally arrive at the airport and the car drives straight onto the runway and pulls up in front of the stairs to a small private jet. I get out and am greeted by a man who tells me that he‘s part of Coldplay‘s team. “Hi I’m Phil, nice to meet you. I understand you’ll be traveling with us for a while.”

 

“Umm, yes Hi… I’m Charlotte. Nice to meet you” I say nervously. This guy’s killer smile has me flustered. He assures me that my bags will be taken care of and leads me up the couple of stairs and onto the plane. He tells me to sit anywhere I like, and I chose a row in the middle of the plane. One by one the members of their massive entourage start to arrive. Assistants, tour managers, and then finally the band themselves.

 

First Will arrives. Phil introduces me. Will seems lovely, maybe a little tired but still very nice. He talks to me for a minute or two and then goes directly to the last row of the plane and busies himself with his laptop. Then Jonny arrives. He’s absolutely charming, so sweet and friendly. He takes a seat a few rows ahead of me. Guy shows up and immediately introduces himself. He asks if he can sit next to me, and of course I say yes.

 

Chris is the last to arrive but he sits down and talks on his phone for a while before saying anything to anyone. He finally comes over and says hello to me.

 

“So,” he says “Are you glad that you came?”

 

“Absolutely!!” I can’t help but smile. This is going to be unforgettable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part 2 of Lovers in Japan

 

 

 

 

 

I feel something nudging my elbow, and I slowly wake up. I lift up my sleeping mask and look to my left to find the source of the movement. There is no sign of Guy, instead I see Chris leaning over me, wide eyed and smiling. “Are we there already?” I ask sleepily.

 

“Nope not for another 6 hours. I was just coming to ask if you wanted to watch a movie with me.” he patiently waits for my response.

 

“Um sure, what are you watching?” I ask.

 

“Well that’s the problem, I only brought one. Back to the Future, and I’ve already watched it two and half times. Did you bring any movies with you?” he asks, eyeing my carry-on bag.

 

“Yeah I brought a whole bunch.” I lift my bag from between my feet and balance it on my knees.

“Hmm lets see, I brought ‘The Shining’, ‘Closer’, ‘The Departed’ … ‘Match Point’.”

 

“Oh a Woody Allen Movie!” he almost screams it. “Yes, lets watch Match Point.”

 

I take out my laptop and we decide to use headphones out of consideration for the people sleeping in the rows around us.

 

Half way through the movie, I start to nod off again and my head keeps drifting further and further to the left until finally I’m resting on Chris’ shoulder. He doesn’t seem to mind and I find it comforting to feel his strong arm underneath me. Slowly I fall back to sleep.

_____________________________________________

 

“Hmm okay go get me a little Jack Daniels one!” I tell Guy. This new game that we have invented is fun. It doesn’t really have a name but it basically involves going to the back of the plane and stealing the tiny bottles of alcohol that are back there. He obeys and brings it back to me with a sneaky expression on his face. We share it and then it’s my turn to do the stealing. “Hmm,” Guy says thinking hard “Bring me a tiny bottle of Jameson!!”

 

I tiptoe to the back of the plane and rummage through the flight attendants cart. The great thing about traveling with a big band like this is that they rent out their own private planes, so they come with all of the good stuff like alcohol but you don’t get any of the annoying stuff like flight attendants.

Soon both Guy and I are pretty tipsy, but it’s just as well because Franksy their tour manager announces that we will be landing in 20 minutes.

 

After the plane lands, Guy and I grab our carry on bags and stumble to the front of the plane. 4 black vans are waiting on the runway and we climb into the vans and soon we are traveling through the busy streets of Tokyo. After 10 minutes we arrive at our hotel. The hotel is gorgeous, modern and clean and I’m so grateful that Chris has organized for me to come along. I get up to my room, throw my luggage in the corner and climb into the huge inviting bed. It’s 9 am and the band are performing in 12 hours. I decided to catch up on some sleep and I’m sure that Coldplay & Co. are all doing the same thing.

___________________________________________

 

It’s 8:00 pm and I’ve just finished talking to Jonny backstage at the arena that they are about to perform at. Jonny leaves me in the “Coldplay Family & Friends Room” and goes back to the dressing room to get ready for the show. I turn off my recorder and take my notebook out of my bag. Jonny just gave me some great stuff and I decide to jot down a couple of notes. As I’m writing, Chris walks in. He sees that I’m working and quickly says “Oh sorry, am I bothering you?”

 

“No, not at all,” I say while closing my notebook “What’s up?”

 

“Nothing much, was just looking over tonight’s setlist.” He takes a seat on the couch next to me.

“Oh cool!” I nod “Anything special planned for tonight?”

 

“Nope” he shakes his head “Just the regular setlist. “Why, what were you expecting?”

 

“Hmm I don’t know. Shiver is my favorite song.. Do you guys ever play that?” I ask hopefully.

 

“No, we don’t…But-”

Half way through his sentence he is interrupted by a knock at the door. Phil appears in the doorway.

 

“Showtime Chris, let’s go.” He waves him out.

 

“I’ll see you after the show Charlotte” Chris says as he walks out.

_____________________________________________

 

It’s 9:30, the show is about 15 minutes in, and they are playing their big hit from this album “Viva La Vida.” It’s honestly electric. I watch each of the band members and it looks so natural to all of them. To just be on stage and perform, it’s where they belong. The rest of the show is amazing, although the Japanese audience is a bit quiet, it doesn’t seem to phase the guys one bit. It’s nearing the end and they have just finished their encore. I gather my stuff and get ready to go back stage, when suddenly I stop. Chris has motioned Guy and Jonny to follow him over to Will, and they are all huddled around the drums. Then Chris walks back to the front of the stage and speaks. “Alright, we haven’t played this one in a while but we’re going to give it a go… Sorry if it’s shit.”

 

The band starts up the song and I realize that it’s Shiver! My jaw drops and I’m rooted to my spot. The song ends too quickly and I’m left there smiling like an idiot.

 

____________________________________________

 

I slide the tape recorder closer to Will so that it can pick up everything that he’s saying.

“So you don’t think too much about the future of the band then?” I ask him.

 

“No, you can’t really do that. If you think too much about it then you get caught up in worrying about it all, and planning everything out. Like ‘Oh we have to have an album out by this date, and we have to be touring by this date.’ Getting our own studio this time round really gave us a lot of freedom. Of course we’d like to be able to do this for as long as possible, but right now we’re just enjoying it all day by day.”

He finishes answering and starts rubbing his eyes. He looks exhausted.

 

“I’m sorry, am I keeping you up? You look tired.” I ask him.

 

“What’s the time?” He asks.

 

I take out my cell phone. “Holy shit, it’s 2:50.”

 

“Yeah,” he says “I should probably get to bed.” He puts his beer down and stands up from the bar.

 

“Okay, thanks Will. Good night”

 

“No problem, yeah I’ll see you tomorrow Charlotte.” He walks over to the elevators, and I look around the hotel bar. It’s deserted and I decide that I should probably head to my room as well. It’s been a very long day. I got up and start walking towards the elevator. I’m on my way out of the hotel bar when I look to my left and see an amazing balcony overlooking the city.

The bar is on the top floor of the hotel, and along with it there is an observation deck. I decide to go out quickly and take a look at the beautiful city. I step out through the large glass doors onto a long patio that stretches the length of the whole 25th floor. The warm air hits me and I breath it in. There are small lights everywhere and glass patio tables and chairs. Instead of taking a seat, I go over to the edge of the balcony and lean against the railing. I stand there for a few minutes just looking at the lights, and cars and amazingly tall buildings. Then suddenly I hear a voice behind me and I jump.

 

“Mind if I join you?”

 

I turn around. It’s Chris.

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Part 3 of Lovers in Japan

 

 

 

 

“Oh hey, god you scared me. No I don’t mind, come over.” I turn back around and face the beautiful city below us.

He walks over next to me, and leans against the railing just as I’m doing.

 

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he asks, turning to face me.

 

“Yeah, breathtakingly beautiful.” I reply.

 

“Do you see that a few blocks over? Those trees? It’s a really great park. Very calming. I go there whenever we’re in Tokyo. It’s amazing how it’s just in the middle of all of those skyscrapers and buildings, but once you’re within it, you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.”

 

“Sounds amazing,” I say “ I’ll have to go before the end of the week.”

 

Chris nods and then is quiet for a few seconds before he suddenly speaks.

 

“Let’s go now.” His eyes light up with this brilliant plan.

 

“Now?!?!” I ask “But it’s 3:30 in the morning!”

 

“So what? I can never sleep and it seems like you’re having the same problem. Let’s go.” He says.

 

I think of how this is a wonderful opportunity to get some good stuff for my article so I accept his invitation.

“Hmm okay, but let me go to my room first and get a blank tape for my recorder.”

 

“No no, don’t. Just you. I don’t want any journalism shit tonight.” he says.

 

I look at him wide-eyed.

 

“Sorry,” he quickly apologizes. “ I just don’t feel like having to watch what I say. Just you, no recorder.. Please?”

 

“Of course, I understand. No recorder.” I nod my head. Poor guy. He’s probably so used to people trying to take advantage of him and just get a good story out of him. No journalist questions tonight, I think to myself.

 

We walk back through the sliding glass doors and towards the elevators. After we get down to the lobby, I start to wonder how we’re going to get to this park.

As if he can read my mind he says.. “Hmm lets take a taxi. Too far to walk I think.”

We leave the hotel and walk a block or two to one of the main streets. It takes a few minutes to get a cab, but when we do, Chris opens the door for me and I slide in. The ride is only 3 minutes, maybe less.

 

When we arrive, I get out and wait for Chris to pay the driver. When he’s finished, he comes towards me and puts his arm around my shoulder and we walk towards the park.

 

“Let’s go!” he whispers, as if we’re going on some grand adventure.

 

We start on the path through the park and I can see right away why he loves it. It’s filled with Birchwood, and cherry blossom trees. The gates that line the trail are covered in vines and roses. Every flower is pink and red and wonderfully alive. There are small lights lining the trail and we walk slowly and quietly. It’s so warm and peaceful and I want to remember it forever.

 

We reach the end of the path and the trees clear out slightly. I see a small pond with a waterfall trickling into it. We stop and decide to sit in the clearing. There are no benches around but Chris doesn’t seem to mind. He’s already sitting on the grass under the cherry blossom trees a couple of feet away from the pond. I walk over and sit down next to him.

 

We sit there for what seems like forever talking about everything. Music, writing, movies, time and ages. When I tell him I’m 23 he says that feels like he can’t even remember being that age. I don’t think I’ve ever poured out my soul to someone more than I did that night. We talk about culture, and traveling, and love and relationships. By the time we’re done talking it’s 5 am and my brain hurts.

 

“I’m getting kind of tired.” I say “ maybe we should go back.”

 

“Don’t you want to wait for the sunrise?” he asks.

 

“Ok sure, but I can’t keep my head up any longer.” I say, yawning.

 

“Here.” He takes off his hoodie and spreads it out on the grass behind us. “Lay down” he commands.

 

I lean back and rest my head on his warm sweatshirt.

 

“Move over a little” he says.

 

I slide my head over to make room for him and he lays down next to me on this makeshift pillow. We’re so close and I find it comforting that his leg is resting on mine and our arms are lightly touching. My hand is on the grass inches from his and suddenly he takes it. He’s holding my hand in his, then he lifts it to his face and kisses it. He smiles a goofy smile at me as if it’s just normal for him to show affection towards anyone. I don’t take it that way because I know that he seems a little flirty with everyone so I shrug it off and smile back at him.

 

But his smile slowly fades and he’s just looking at me. Directly into my eyes. Like he doesn’t see anything else. He props himself up on his elbow and leans over me. His face comes closer to mine until his lips meet my cheek. I pull back for a second but only out of surprise.

His face is still close to mine, our noses are almost touching. He kisses me again. So gently that our lips barely touch. Probably just testing the waters, I think to myself. I decide to reassure him so I kiss him back.

 

He shifts his body slowly so that he’s on top of me. He kisses my lips and cheek and neck. His hands slowly creep underneath my shirt. I feel him trace the small of my back and his hands go up further as he starts to unhook my bra.

 

“Wait, wait….. Chris.” I’m already out of breath “We …. are in… a… fucking…. park.”

 

“I know. I know..” he says.

 

“Let’s go back to the hotel?” I suggest.

 

I sit up and grab my bag and his sweatshirt. I stand up and take his hand.

 

“Come on. Lets go.” I say.

 

“Alright, I just need a second.. Ya know before I can get up and walk.” He mumbles, glancing down at his rising bulge.

 

“Ahhh okay. Alright.” I nod and wait, trying to be serious but soon I’m giggling.

 

“Hey, come on!” He says.

 

“Sorry, sorry.” I say shaking my head. I wait another minute and then ask. “Are you ready yet??”

 

“Yup lets go.” He replies. He stands up from the grass and takes my hand and we walk down the path towards the parks exit.

 

It’s easier to get a cab now because it’s nearly 7 am and people are starting on their way to work. We get in and I lean against him. His arm is around me and my head is resting on his chest. I feel so comfortable that I close my eyes and almost fall asleep. But after what feels like only a minute, we’re back at the hotel and Chris helps me out of the cab.

We walk quickly through the lobby towards the elevator when suddenly a voice stops us.

 

“Chris?!?”

 

We both turn around.

 

It’s Phil.

 

“Hey, what are you doing?” Phil asks.

 

Chris and I walk over to him.

 

“Umm, Charlotte was just … interviewing me. We went for tea….. And…” Chris mumbles.

 

“Alright never mind.” Phil says. “Lets get going.”

 

“Where?” Chris asks.

 

“You have that radio interview. Remember?” Phil checks his watch impatiently.

 

“But it’s 7 in the morning.”

 

“It’s a morning show! Now come on, or we’ll be late.” Phil says, grabbing Chris’ arm and pulling him towards the door.

 

“Alright, alright. Let me just walk Charlotte to the lift first.” Chris says, pushing Phil away.

 

Chris turns back towards me and we walk slowly towards the elevators. They’re at the other end of the hotel lobby, and with Phil out of sight, Chris places his arm around me again. When we reach the elevators, Chris kisses me lightly on the lips.

 

“I’ll see you later okay?” He says, looking me in the eye.

 

“Yeah, see you later.” I watch as he turns and walks back to Phil.

 

I get in to the elevator and as it travels up to my floor, I realize that I’m still holding his sweatshirt. I put it on and smile. I can’t wait to be back with him.

 

 

 

 

Part 4 of Lovers in Japan

 

 

 

 

When I finally wake up it’s 3pm and I’ve had an amazing 8 hours of sleep. I wake up thinking of Chris and smiling. I realize that the band has a show tonight and that I’d better start getting ready. After taking a shower and getting dressed, I grab my bag and a few blank tapes and head to the hotel bar. Guy and Jonny are already there and I walk over to them.

 

“Good Morning!” I say as I sit down on a stool next to Guy.

 

“You mean good afternoon?” Guy smiles. “Did you just get up?”

 

“Yeah sort of.” I reply “I did a lot of um… writing last night.”

 

“Oh. Well have a beer with us. There’s no sound check today so we’re not leaving till 6:30.” Jonny says.

 

“Where’s Chris?” I ask nonchalantly.

 

“Still out doing interviews. He’ll be out for the rest of the day. He’s just going to meet us at the venue.” Guy says.

 

I nod my head and pick up the beer that Guy places in front of me. Will joins us after a while and we all sit around talking and drinking until Jonny gets a text from Phil saying that the van is waiting downstairs.

 

We take the elevators down to the lobby and pile into the van. When we get to the venue and are shown to the dressing room, my first thought is of finding Chris. When I see Phil, I know that means that Chris has already arrived. I ask Phil and he tells me that Chris is in the “Family and Friends Room.” I follow the arrows posted on the wall, and when I get there I open the door quietly and slip in.

 

“Hey Chris” I see him and I’m already smiling.

 

He’s sitting on the couch eating a fruit salad and he looks adorable, tired but still adorable.

 

“Hi” he says.

 

He puts down his bowl and stands up. I put my bag down and walk over to him. He takes my face in his hands and kisses me. He tastes like strawberries. We sit down on the couch together and he picks up his fruit salad again. He feeds me a piece of melon and then takes a blueberry for himself.

 

“Aren’t you exhausted? You didn’t sleep all night.”

 

We’re sitting with our legs crossed facing each other and in between bites, he drops his fork to play with my hair or touch my cheek.

 

“Yeah I’m a little tired.” he replies. “I think I’m going to take a nap now before the show. We don’t go on for another two hours.”

 

“Okay, do you want me to leave so you can rest?” I ask.

 

“No.” he smiles. “I want you to stay.”

 

He puts his empty bowl on the table, gets up and walks over to other side of the room. He locks the door and flips off the light switch. There are a few candles on the table giving the room just the right amount of light. I spread myself out on the couch so that I’m laying down, taking up almost all of it. Now he has no choice but to lay on top of me. My pervy plan works and he crawls onto the couch and rests his head on my chest.

 

“This is a nice pillow.” He says, and we both laugh.

 

I place my hand on the top of his head and run my fingers through his short blonde curls. He tilts his face up to look at me, and I kiss his forehead. He smiles and closes his eyes, and after a few minutes he’s asleep.

 

_________________________________________

 

I wake up to the sound of Chris’ voice.

 

“Charlotte, Charlotte wake up. It’s time to go.”

 

I open my eyes and Chris is on his knees next to the couch, leaning over me.

 

“Oh the shows starting?” I ask sleepily.

 

“No, the show’s over! I mean it’s time to go back to the hotel.” He says helping me up.

 

“The show’s over? Why didn’t you wake me?” I ask him.

 

“ I couldn’t. You looked so cute and peaceful.” He kisses my cheek.

 

“Mmm you smell good.” I say, breathing him in as he kisses me.

 

“I just got out of the shower. Now come on, the car is waiting.” He takes my hand and we walk through the winding halls of the venue until we reach the back exit. We get into the waiting car and start the 10 minute trip back to the hotel.

 

“Wow I slept for so long. I’m so awake now.” I say.

 

He takes my hand.

 

“Good.” he says “We can stay up all night.”

 

“Hey lets go swimming!” he suggests.

 

“I didn’t bring a swim suit.” I tell him. “Plus, I don’t think the hotel has a pool.”

 

“Yes they do. It’s on the roof. And don’t worry we can stop and buy you a suit. Or you can just go in nothing.” He winks at me.

 

He tells the driver to let us off a couple blocks early, and soon we’re walking through the busy main streets of Tokyo.

 

“I can’t understand anything.” I say.

 

“Just look for a sign in English.” he tells me.

 

We both keep walking and finally I spot something.

 

“Victoria’s Secret!! Look right there.” I point. “They have swim suits there, let’s go.”

 

We go in, and walk past the lingerie and pajamas to the back of the store where I see the suits.

 

Chris picks up a thong bikini bottom.

 

“This one!” he exclaims.

 

“No,” I tell him. “I don’t do thongs. Pick another one”

 

He looks at me with sad puppy dog eyes before putting it back.

 

“Here how about this one?” he holds up a small black bikini.

 

“Good enough, lets go.” I say.

 

He pays for it and we leave the store. We decide to walk because the hotel is only a few blocks away.

 

When we get there he tells me to go change and he’ll meet me on the roof. I go to my room, change, and wrap my towel around me before taking the elevator up to the roof.

 

When I get up to the pool he’s already there.

 

He’s sitting on the a lounge chair next to a small table.

 

“Here.” he says. “ I got us some drinks.” he hands me a glass.

 

“It’s so beautiful up here.” I take my towel off and place it on one of the lounge chairs before taking the glass he hands me.

 

“What is this?” I ask.

 

“Bacardi Razz. I don’t know, I just asked the bar tender for a bottle of something fruity.” He picks up his glass and gulps it back.

 

“You know, I’ve read so many different times that you don’t drink.” I tell him.

 

“Bull shit! I drink. I mean I’m no Guy Berryman, but I have a drink every now and then.” he smiles.

 

I dip my feet into the pool and am relieved to find out that it’s heated. I sit down on the pools edge and lower myself in.

 

“Wow, it’s so warm. Are you coming in?” I ask.

 

“Yeah.” He gets up.

 

“Oh wait bring my drink over, please.” I tell him.

 

He turns around to get it, and I can’t help but stare. Holy hell, that boy is fit.

 

He gets in, and hands me my glass. The rest of the night is a blur of swimming and splashing and kissing and Bacardi Rum. In a few hours, we’re nearly done with the bottle and I can barely swim correctly. When I get drunk, I get flirty, and I think Chris definitely liked that. But soon it’s past the point of flirty and I’m just getting foolishly hyper. We get out of the pool and Chris wraps me in the towel. We gather our cups and the last thing that I remember is taking the elevator back down to his room.

 

_________________________________________

 

The sunlight the next morning wakes me up. My head is pounding and my mouth is completely dry.

 

“How do you feel?” Chris asks. He hands me two aspirin and a glass of water.

 

I take them immediately and try to sit up. “Oh god, I feel horrible. What happened last night? Oh my god .... Did we have sex?” I whisper.

 

“No,” Chris laughs “We didn’t, unfortunately. You were way too drunk for that. You did put on quite a show though.”

 

“What happened??” I ask nervously.

 

“Well we got back to my room. You put on the radio and tried to sing ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears.. Which you did horribly by the way. Then you insisted that we do a dramatic reading of the TV guide. Then you attempted to give me a lap dance….”

 

“Oh my god, how embarrassing!!” I say, putting my head in my hands.

 

“No, it was actually alright.” he says scratching his chin.

 

“I’m sorry that you had to baby-sit me, and we didn’t get to … ya know… do anything.” I say.

 

“It’s fine. We’ve got the rest of the week for that. How about for right now, we get some breakfast, and just enjoy my day off?” He asks.

 

“Sure, I’d love to. I’m starving.” I say.

 

“Maybe you’d better change first.” He suggests.

 

“Why, you don’t think this bikini is suitable for breakfast?” I ask jokingly.

 

He hands me his robe and walks me to the door.

 

“Go get changed and then come meet me back here.” he says as he opens the door.

 

“Okay I’ll see you in a little while.” I kiss him and walk out into the hall.

 

“Just don’t take too long. I’ll be lonely.” Chris calls after me.

 

He shuts the door, and I run down the hall like a mad woman to change.

 

 

 

 

 

Part 5 of Lovers in Japan

 

 

 

I get back to my room and start picking some clothes out of my suit case when I suddenly remember something. I run to my purse and take out my cell phone to check the date. It’s June 10th, which means that today is my birthday! I guess traveling, and losing a day, along with writing the article and doing…. um other things, had busied my mind and caused me to forget.

 

After I take a shower and get dressed I walk back down the hall to Chris’ room. I knock and almost immediately, he opens the door and lets me in. While he’s getting dressed, I sit down on the bed and occupy myself with the things he has on his nightstand table.

 

“Hey guess what?” I say calmly.

 

“What?” Chris asks.

 

“Today’s my birthday.” I don’t make eye contact with him. I hope he doesn’t make a big deal out of it, I hate birthdays. But when I hear the noise he makes, I can tell that he is definitely going to make a big deal.

 

“WHAT?!?” he shrieks. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

 

“Because I’ve just remembered like two minutes ago.” I tell him.

 

“We’ve got to do something. Oh perfect! We have the day off today!! Let’s go out.” he says while pacing the room.

 

“Alright, calm down. I hate birthdays, so lets not do anything too crazy.” I say.

 

He looks bewildered. “How could you hate birthdays?” he asks.

 

“Ughhh I don’t know. I’m getting too old for them to be fun anymore.” I say

 

“Oh come on, you’re turning 24. That is no where near old.” He reassures me.

He walks over to the bed and takes my hand.

 

“Today is going to be fun. I promise.” He smiles.

_________________________________

 

We spend the rest of the morning at breakfast. I feel like I haven’t eaten in days and I go through an embarrassing amount of pancakes and bacon. Afterwards we go out shopping. He gets me chocolate covered strawberries, and we go back to his favorite park. We eat the strawberries as we walk along the familiar path. It’s looks so different than it did two nights ago. The sunlight is shining through the cherry blossom trees and the sound of the trickling waterfall is muffled by the noises of playing children.

 

He tries to buy me a birthday present but I insist that the chocolate covered strawberries were enough, and after a couple of minutes he gives in and we take a cab back to the hotel.

 

When we get back to the hotel, Chris walks me to my room.

 

“Okay” he says. “You go get dolled up, and I’m going to organize a birthday party of sorts in the hotel bar. It will probably be lame, just the guys and Phil and some roadies.. But hey I’ll be there.. And that’s all anyone needs right?” he winks at me and smiles

 

“Right.” I smile back. He kisses me goodbye and disappears down the hall to his room.

 

As soon as I get into the room, my phone rings. It’s my editor and she wants to know how the article is going. I tell her that the article is amazing so far, and she asks if I can email her my rough draft.

 

“By the way,” she asks at the end of the phone call “How’s Chris Martin? Is he nice?”

 

“He’s wonderful.” I tell her.

 

_____________________

 

I take out the only nice dress that I’ve packed with me. It’s a short black dress, with beading around the low cut neckline. I do my full on face of makeup with sexy smokey eye shadow, and I wear my favorite necklace. It’s a small gold butterfly on a short gold chain. I throw on my killer 5 inch heels and sit down on the bed to wait.

 

At 7 pm exactly, I hear a knock at the door and I can’t believe how nervous I am as I walk over. When I open it I find Chris standing there with a tiny cupcake in his hand. There’s a glowing candle in the middle and he holds it out in front of me.

“Happy Birthday.” he says quietly.

I stare at him for a second and smile, before leaning in to blow out the candle.

“Thank you.” I say. I take the little cupcake from his hand and place it on the desk in my hotel room. I turn back towards the door and we walk out together and down the hall towards the elevators. While we’re in the elevator, Chris examines me for the first time.

“Va va va voom.” he says cutely.

 

“Oh stop” I blush and hit him lightly with my purse.

 

“Your eyes are looking wonderfully green tonight.” he says gently.

 

“You know, when I was younger, I used to try and convince people that you had written that song for me.” I laugh.

 

“No way, really?” he asks.

 

“Yeah, I was such a nerd.” I tell him.

 

The elevator doors open to reveal a packed hotel bar. The rest of the band are there, just like Chris had promised along with Phil and some roadies, assistants, and other people I don’t really recognize.

 

When we walk over to the bar, Guy greets me, drink and cigarette already in hand.

 

“Happy Birthday!” he screams.

 

“Thanks Guy.” I say.

 

“Now lets get you a drink!!” he slurs.

 

I smile. Tonight is going to be fun.

 

__________________________________

 

A handful of birthday toasts and many drinks later, and the party is still going strong. I can easily say that I’ve had the best birthday ever. I’m sitting next to Chris and Guy at the bar, and I’m not even aware of what I’m drinking any more. All I know is that as soon as my glass is empty, Guy makes sure that it’s filled again. Chris is next to me drinking just as much, and the entire night, he has his hand gently resting on my thigh.

 

It’s only about 11:30 when Chris leans in and whispers in my ear. “Let’s go.”

 

I feel his hot breath on my cheek and it sends chills down my spine.

 

“Okay.” I mutter immediately. I stand up and grab my bag. Chris picks up a half empty bottle of vodka in front of him and two glasses, and takes my hand. He pulls me towards the elevator. We get inside the elevator and it travels up to his floor. We stumble out, giggling and fumbling with pockets and wallets until Chris gets his room key out and opens the door.

 

He walks in and quickly puts the bottle of vodka and two glasses down on the night stand table, and then turns to face me. I stay near the door, hesitant about what to do next.

 

He walks towards me, closer and closer until I’m backed up against a wall. Our lips meet and he pulls back for a second. Staring me directly in the eyes, he brushes his hand against my cheek. After sweeping a piece of hair out of my face, he leans in again to kiss me.

 

His hands are gently cupping my face, and soon he’s sliding them down onto my neck and shoulders. I place my hands on his shoulders and lift myself up against him. My legs are wrapped around his waist, and he has me pinned against the wall.

 

Amidst the now passionate kisses, and heavy breathing Chris carries me over to the bed. He lies me down and gently lays himself on top of me. Soon we’re working franticly at buckles and zippers and buttons, until finally the last piece of clothing slips away and there is nothing left between us.

 

He looks up at me and our eyes met. He leans in, bringing his face inches away from mine.

 

“Happy birthday.” he says breathlessly. He reaches over and switches off the lamp, and then the only thing to be heard is us moaning and gasping together in the dark.

 

____________________________________________________

 

My eyes open slowly and I’m staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. I blink a few times before looking around at the rest of the room. It’s sleek and modern with gray walls, white lamps and the bed that I’m in is over flowing with cream colored blankets and pillows. Then suddenly I shoot straight up in bed, and the events of the previous evening race through my head. I peek under the sheets, and sure enough there is nothing under there but me. The nightstand table has an empty bottle of vodka on it, and two glasses.

I see my dress on the floor by the window, my bra is hanging off the edge of a chair. I sit up further and reach for his shirt. It’s at the end of the bed, and I grab it quickly and throw it on.

 

I get up and walk over to the huge floor to ceiling windows and stare at the skyscrapers surrounding me. Tokyo is breathtaking at 5 in the morning. The hotel suite is small, barely even a suite at all. Just a bedroom with an attached bathroom.

 

I hear the shower turn on and I quickly turn around to face the bathroom. Just as I do, the door opens.

Chris is standing there, wearing nothing but a broad grin.

 

“I’m going to take a shower.. Would you like to join me?”

 

_______________________

 

 

 

Part 6 of Lovers in Japan

 

 

 

 

We’re lying in bed surrounded by a tangled mess of sheets and pillows. Our hair is still wet from the shower, and we’ve cuddled up against each other under the blankets.

 

“What should we do today?” I ask, looking up at Chris.

 

My head is clutched tightly to his bare chest, my arms are wrapped around him.

 

“Nothing,” he says looking down at me. “Absolutely nothing. There‘s no gig tonight, let’s just stay in bed all day.”

 

He runs his hand down my back, and over the curve of my hips. Tracing every inch of my body with his finger.

 

“Why don’t we go to the park again?” I ask him.

 

“No, I think it’s supposed to rain today. Thunderstorm actually.” he tells me.

 

Sure enough a few minutes later, we hear the heavy rain drops pelting against the window, and the thunder crashes and roars loudly outside. We stay in bed all day giggling at the Japanese television shows that we don’t understand. We order room service, and afterwards we get back under the covers and listen to the thunderstorm.

 

I fall asleep at about 7, Chris is beside me still flipping through the channels when I close my eyes.

 

____________________________

 

I’m awoken a few hours later by a knocking at the door. I peek out from under the covers. The room is pitch black, and I can still hear the knocking. Soon I hear Chris stumbling to the door, so I rest my head back down on the pillow and close my eyes.

 

I listen as Chris opens the door, and mumbles a “hello” to whoever is standing there.

 

I hear Phil’s voice answer him back. He’s talking quietly and his voice sounds shaky and nervous.

 

“Chris… um, it got out.” he says.

 

I raise my head off the pillow again and try to figure out what he’s talking about.

 

“It got out, about the divorce. It’s all over the news back home.” Phil says nervously.

 

I hear Chris sigh, and his breathing becomes uneasy, as if he’s about to cry.

 

“Your publicist want’s to know if you have a statement,” Phil says “I can’t believe they even bother with this, but that’s his job I guess.”

 

“No… I… don’t. Why? No, why should I have to give a fucking statement? No. It’s no one’s fucking business.” I hear Chris say, his voice quivering.

 

“Yeah man I know, listen I’m sorry. You okay?” Phil asks.

 

“Um, yeah.. I’ll be … I’ll be okay.” Chris says absentmindedly.

 

Phil says goodbye, and I hear Chris shut the door and fumble back to bed through the darkness.

 

I sit up, and flip the light on. I turn to face him, and see a startled expression on his face.

 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask him.

 

He’s sitting up in bed, his head leaning back against the headboard. I move myself over across the huge king sized bed and place myself next to him.

 

“Chris?” I say quietly.

 

He’s looking down, and it feels like a long time before he finally makes eye contact.

 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I repeat.

 

“Because….” he says, pausing for a minute. “Because… you’re a journalist for fucks sake.”

 

I look away from him, a little hurt at what he’s just said.

 

“So, you don’t trust me?” I ask him.

 

“It’s not you. I can’t trust anyone. I can’t even tell you how much I hate that. How much I hate the fact that anywhere I go, I have to be prepared for paparazzi to ambush me and my family. I hate the fact that I can’t sit down and talk to anyone without wondering if they’ll go and sell their story to the tabloids. What’s happened here with you, is so unlike me to do. And you don’t know how afraid I’ve been that you’ll go back to the states next week and write it all out. Write out everything we’ve shared. And I didn’t tell you about the divorce because I thought it would just be another thing for you to use against me. That’s why I didn’t tell you.” By the end of this, he’s breathing hard and blinking back tears.

 

I stare at him in shock. I don’t know what to say to him. I can’t believe that he’s thought all of this about me.

 

I take his hands in mine and place my face so close to his that he has no choice but to look me in the eye.

 

“Chris, what’s happened here this week, is not going anywhere. I’m not going to use any of this against you. Please believe me. I’m not going to drag both of our personal lives out in the public for everyone to read about. I just won’t. You can trust me really. And you didn’t have to hide the divorce from me. I will not write about it. I swear, Chris. The article is strictly music. We’re Rolling Stone for fucks sake, not The Daily Mirror. I’m not going to fuck you over. You don’t deserve that.” I tell him, looking into his eyes the entire time.

 

He looks at me unsure at first, but slowly he starts to nod. I can see the worry fade from his face.

 

“Do you believe me?” I ask him.

 

“Yes. I do. I really do.” he nods his head again.

 

I pull myself close to him, and wrap my arms around his body. He places his arms around me, and gently kisses my forehead.

 

“Everything’s going to be okay.” I tell him.

 

“How can I be sure?” He whispers.

 

I can tell now that he’s talking about the divorce.

 

“What if I never get to see my kids again?” he says. I look up at him and see him angrily wiping away a tear. “I’ll die. I’ll just die. They’re my life.”

 

“It won’t happen.” I tell him. “I’m sure you’re wife knows how much you love them, and what a good father you are. You’ll see them. Just have hope, Chris. Have hope that it will all be okay. Can you promise me that?” I ask him.

 

“I promise I’ll try.” he says.

 

I take his head in my hands and kiss him gently. I lay down against my pillow and he snuggles up on top of me. His head is laying gently on my chest. He moves himself up slightly, and cuddles his face into the warmth of my neck.

 

“Thank you.” he whispers into my ear.

 

Emotionally exhausted, he closes his eyes and falls asleep.

______________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

& the final part :D

 

Part 7 of Lovers in Japan

 

 

 

 

“Good morning” Chris says, as he walks into the bathroom.

 

I’m leaning over the sink brushing my teeth, and as he walks by he gently pats my bottom.

 

“Good morning,” I say with a mouthful of toothpaste. “You look cheery today.”

 

“I am!” he exclaims. “I’m really going to take your advice. Not worrying, having hope. I’m just going to take things one day at a time.”

 

“Good.” I say, after rinsing out my mouth.

 

I turn around to face him and he leans in to kiss me. He gently grabs me by the hips and pulls me closer to him. I wrap my arms around his waist, and we hug for what seems like forever. I feel so comfortable there with him. It’s so effortless.

 

Finally I look up at him.

“You know, there’s only two more days until I have to leave.” I tell him.

 

“What? I thought you were staying with us for the entire trip.” he says.

 

“I really can’t. I have so much work to do. So much to write.” I say sadly.

 

“Two more days, hmm?” Chris asks.

I nod my head.

 

“Well then we’d better make them good ones.” he says with a smile.

 

 

________________________________________________

 

The next two days were a whirlwind of flirtatious giggling and passionate kisses. Cuddling up under the sheets with glasses of wine, and staying up all night talking about anything and everything. It all passed like a dream and as we sit on the balcony on my last day, I feel myself holding back tears. We are snuggled up together on a lounge chair, watching the smoldering sun as it sets in a sky of crimson and gold.

 

What we had been to each other was perfect. Everything that had happened that week was sublime, but it couldn’t possibly last. It was over, and I knew it. But I didn’t dare ruin the moment by speaking those words. It would spoil everything. And I didn’t want that. I wanted to stay there forever, warm and happy, pressed against his strong chest.

 

We stay out on the balcony until the last ray of sunlight disappeared. I lift my chin up to look at Chris.

 

“Let’s go in.” He says, releasing me from his comforting hold. I lift myself up from the lounge chair, and we walk hand in hand through the siding glass doors.

 

I fall asleep that night laying gently against him. Listening to his heart beat, and moving with the rise and fall of his chest.

 

When I wake up the next morning, I can feel the anxiety and worry in the pit of my stomach. We get dressed and I finish packing the last of my things.

 

“Let’s go get some breakfast before your flight.” Chris says as he pulls his arms through his shirt sleeves.

 

“No,” I say shaking my head. “I’m not hungry. Lets just go.”

 

“Are you okay Charlotte?” Chris asks.

 

“Yes. I’m fine.” I assure him.

 

As we drive through the crowded streets of Tokyo, I hold myself against him and breathe him in. Trying to remember everything about him. The car ride was too short, and in what seems like a heartbeat, we are already at the airport. We walk to the departure gates, hand in hand, Chris rolling my suitcase along behind him.

 

I sigh as we get to my gate. Chris turns to me and takes my hands in his.

 

“Charlotte, I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve been to me. I’m been a mess these past couple of months, but in the last few days, I’ve been happier than I can ever remember.” he whispers.

 

And before I can respond he, kisses me softly on the lips and then draws me close for a hug.

 

“Thank you” he whispers in my ear.

 

I watch through my tears, as he walks away from me. I stare after him until he is lost in the crowd, and I can’t see him any more. I stand there with my ticket, and my suitcase in hand.

And just like that it was over.

 

______________________________

 

One week later

 

I’m sitting in my office in New York, finishing up the last paragraph of the Coldplay feature article, when I hear a sharp knocking on my door.

 

“Come in!” I call, without looking up from my computer.

 

My assistant Carrie sticks her head in.

 

“Delivery!” she says joyfully.

 

“Okay, can you sign for it and bring it through.. Whatever it is.. I’m really busy right now.” I ask her, while typing.

 

A minute later, Carrie’s walking back in with a huge smile on her face and a large vase of flowers in her hands.

 

She sets the vase down on my desk and leaves, shutting the door behind her. I glance at them for a second before turning back to my computer.

“Probably just another bouquet of flowers from some kiss-ass writer on the floor below me.” I think to myself.

 

“Unless….” I say aloud to the empty room.

 

I roll my chair over to the end of the desk and take a closer look at the arrangement. It’s an amazing display of white roses, tiny babies breath flowers, and long cherry blossom branches. As soon as I see the cherry blossoms, my heart starts to beat faster, and automatically I reach for the little card sticking up between the petals.

 

I open the envelope and pull out the piece of paper. As I read it, my eyes fill with tears, and a smile spreads across my face.

 

Written on the small white card are the words:

 

“It’s not over.” ♥