An unexpected but certainly pleasant reunion

It is a relatively sunny spring morning and the local gym's yoga class is having their usual 9AM to 10AM class, in a room with a big mirror covering all walls but one. In it, we see various people of all genders and ages doing some stretches and prepping themselves, as the class is soon to begin, the person that most stands out in the bunch is a rather tall, tanned, and muscular punk-ish-looking guy in his forties with long black hair covering the right side of his face, some piercings showing up in his left ear, that is uncovered just like his left amber eye. He is wearing a black tank top and some black cargo pants and is just finishing taking off his black combat boots, laying them carefully against the beige wall behind him right after, and then starting his stretches, following the rest of the group.

This certainly unusual figure is not that unusual for this specific yoga group, as he has been a regular for some months now, though a younger brunette that usually accompanies him, doesn't seem to have come to today's class.

Ok, class. Everyone seems to be ready, so we’re gonna start, as usual, with some- - as the yoga instructor is about to do her usual routine her voice is interrupted by the sound of the door slamming open.

At the door frame is standing another rather usual individual, a rather muscular black woman in her early forties, with dark eyes and short dyed braided red hair with some piercing over her face and ears, a black choker and some sunglasses that she takes out, tucking them in her sports bra, that is working more as a crop top, with a bigger military-looking, and a bit tore up, jacket on top and, just like the unusual guy, some black cargo pants and combat boots.

She takes a quick look around the room before closing the door behind her, now softly, and swiftly goes to the first empty space she finds and starts taking out her combat boots and jacket, preparing herself for the class as well.

O…K… now that it seems everyone’s here we can finally start, and I see we have a new face with us, I hope you enjoy the class. Now let's begin with…

As the class proceeds the black-haired guy catches the other unusual individual, with a style similar to his own, glimpsing at him throughout it, which leaves him curious and he ends up deciding to talk to her after class, not only because he's curious about the why she is glimpsing at him, because they have similar styles nor because they both seem to have a military background, judging by her jacket, but because he has a weird feeling that he has met her somewhere before, this weird familiarity crawling in the back of his mind that he can’t put at ease and it never hurts to just ask so, that's what he decides to do.

After 1 hour of yoga, the class finally ends, and everyone starts to put on their shoes and packing up their things to leave. As the punk-ish-looking guy is finishing up tying his boots he feels someone standing besides him, as he looks to his right the red-haired girl is looking at him with an unsure expression on her face.

Uhm, sorry for bothering you, but you look really similar to an old uhm… friend… of mine, are you perhaps Major Jackson Monteiro? - the girl asks, with some doubt in her voice.

The man pauses for a few seconds, her words taking him back to his time in the army, as he stands up next to her, looking at her with curiosity.

U-Uhm, oh wow I haven’t heard anyone calling me that for… a good couple of years now haha, but yes, yes I am. Please do just call me Jackson though. I’m not on duty anymore. - Jackson lets out a slight giggle and scratches softly the back of his neck as he confirms her suspicions, the woman's face appears to fill with wonder with his answer. - Did we know each other back in the army? Sorry, my memory isn’t really what it used to be, I have some issues remembering certain things from way back, but it’s weird that I would forget such a pretty lady just like yourself. - he continues with a playful tone and a gentle smile on his face.

Oh wow, you haven’t changed that much, have you? I can’t say the same for myself, so it's actually pretty normal that you wouldn't recognize me at all, but I appreciate the compliment, should we go for a little walk? - she asks with an inviting smirk, adjusting her jacket and reading up.

Sure! I would love to catch up with an old friend. - he agrees, taking a second look at her from top to bottom, with this familiar feeling raising in his chest as he tries to remember her from way back.

Both then proceed to walk out of the gym and after about 2 minutes of walking in the direction of a park, and a thoughtful expression filling up Jackson’s face, some old and a bit blurry memories of various people come back to his mind, the woman decides to break the silence.

The name’s Jayden by the way. - she declares, glimpsing at him from the corner of her eye with a slight content smirk still on her face.

Jackson suddenly stops at his feet, as memories, before cloudy, now take a clearer form in his mind as he stares at her.

Wait… J? - he hesitantly questions.

The woman also stops, with a gentle smile, looking him in the eyes.

So you do remember me after all, old friend. - she confirms his suspicions, taking her right hand from her jacket pocket and finger-gunning in his direction as she winks at him.

OH. MY. GOD. 

Jackson lets go of the half-full water bottle that he was holding and charges at her, going for a hug that she accepts fully, as the old squad friends finally recognize each other and embrace affectionately with excitement from both ends. After about a minute of both of them firmly hugging each other in the middle of the street, Jackson takes initiative and pulls back a bit looking her in the eyes startled in awe as she smiles and giggles happily at his expression.

Ok, big guy, I know we have a lot to talk about, but let's get out off the road first. - she says, trying to shake him awake from his wonder with a weak punch on the shoulder.

O-oh yeh, yeh let's do that, sorry. - he snaps awake, letting her go and following her towards a park not far from where they were initially.

As soon as they get there Jackson moves to her front, staring at her in amazement once more.

You look so fucking good J, I would never imagine that I knew such a beautifully good-looking woman from back then, I’m completely amazed. You changed so much and I say that in the most positive light ever, oh my god, I’m so unbelievably happy for you girl, I-I don't even have words I’m so proud of seeing you like this I- - Jackson’s rabble is interrupted by a smiling Jayden’s finger on his lips.

Yeh, yeh I got it, you don’t look bad yourself Jack don’t worry, but yes I have changed a whole lot since back then when I was still a closeted trans woman that went looking for the only openly queer dude at the squad, that happen to be the person that I still consider as the reason for why I am still here today and never gave up on myself. - she expresses with a smile, winking at him.

Jackson, now speechless after hearing her words and feeling his heart melting with vicarious pleasure, happiness, and respect gently takes Jayden's hand that was before sealing his lips and tenderly kisses it closing his eyes and letting himself process that moment, as Jayden smiles blushing slightly seeing her old friend like that and feeling a certain familiar comfort that she wasn't felt in a long time.

After a few minutes of immersing themselves in the moment, it is unlucky interrupted by Jackson's phone alarm, which he takes out and looks at, his phone screen flashing the phrase “Therapy in 15”, which makes him back away a bit.

Aw man, I’m so sorry Jayden. I have to be at a therapy session in 15 minutes so I don’t think I can stay much longer. - he sadly announces, his expression dropping a bit.

Hey, don’t worry, really, I completely understand. Besides, I have some stuff I have to go back to as well in a bit, and we can always catch up later. - she reassures, with a gentle smile.

He pauses for a bit, shifting his gaze from his phone screen to her.

Are you free tomorrow afternoon for a coffee and a long catch-up talk with an old friend? - he suggests with a kind and hopeful expression.

Haha, if it is with this old friend then it's an absolute yes from me. I’m gonna free up the afternoon for you, big guy. - she assures, punching him lightly on the shoulder once more, this time a bit stronger than before. - Can I have your contact?

Of course! - he immediately responds.

They then exchange contacts both with a pleased smile on their faces.

I’m so glad that we were able to meet each other again after such a long time. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, thank you so much. - Jackson declares, as he put in phone back in his back pocket.

I’m the one who should be taking you, big guy. Well, you better hurry up, see you tomorrow at 3PM! - she says reaching out for the last hug of the day.

You got it. - he says as they embrace each other, splitting up right after in a bit of a hurry.

Jackson then runs off as Jayden waves, and as he disappears out of sight she looks up at the blue sky with the sun enveloping her face and smiles as this new chapter of both their lives begins.