When They Beg, I Rise!

Orion swallowed hard, his silence louder than words, as he made his way to the parked car.

After he gently ushered Lemira into the passenger seat, he took his place behind the wheel. Once settled, he glanced at her uneasily. "Seatbelt."

Right, Lemira blinked, "Seatbelt, the lifeline!"

Reaching for the seatbelt, she fumbled, unable to pull it out. How odd.

Orion couldn't stand it anymore and leaned over to buckle it for her.

In that moment, they were inches apart.

He could smell the scent of beer on her breath.

She could count the lashes framing his eyes.

Lemira held her breath, her mind racing, and impulsively hugged his arm.

Orion froze, turning to lock eyes with her, his gaze dropping to her bright, clear eyes.

"What are you..." he started, his voice trailing off.

Lemira leaned in and kissed him, her heart racing as she pulled away.

He remained still, the streetlight outside casting shadows that obscured his expression.

spoke, "If you're single, what do you

Orion's pupils contracted sharply.

bolt of

hand found the steering wheel. "You're drunk," he stated, before starting the car and driving towards the apartment complex. Silence filled the car for the

for Orion to calm his

spoke, "You're young. You

from the

Orion found Lemira

mused on the bizarre moment they

upon waking, Orion drove back to

her forehead gently.

away, turning to continue

Orion carried her back to the

sleep, he removed

her with a

his gaze lingering

leave, her voice halted him, "Mom, I'm

faltered, heart tightening at her childlike call for

of water, he

miss you

grip on the cup tightened, feeling as if he was sinking deeper into the ocean, with

the room bathed in the soft