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.

"If you're single, what do you think about

Orion's pupils contracted sharply.

if a bolt of electricity

and driving towards the apartment complex. Silence filled the car for the remainder of the

calm his

spoke, "You're young. You don't understand feelings

from the passenger

Orion found

ruefully at the sight, he mused on the bizarre moment they just shared. Now, she

waking, Orion drove back to the

forehead gently. "Wake

hand away, turning to continue her

with no choice, Orion carried her back

her sleep,

covered her with

his gaze lingering

he turned to leave, her

step faltered, heart tightening at her childlike call for

of water,

him. "Mom, I miss you so much.

if he was sinking deeper into the

bathed in the soft glow of