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

Orion's pupils contracted sharply.

of electricity shot through

starting the car and driving towards the apartment complex. Silence

to calm

"You're young.

came from the passenger

found Lemira

the sight, he mused on the bizarre moment they

upon waking, Orion drove back

her forehead gently. "Wake

away, turning to continue

with no choice, Orion carried her back to

sleep, he

and covered her with a

his gaze lingering

he turned to leave, her voice halted him, "Mom,

step faltered, heart tightening at her childlike

of water,

clung to him. "Mom, I miss you so much. You've always been

the cup tightened, feeling as if he was sinking deeper into the ocean, with no hope

room bathed in the soft glow