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.

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

Orion's pupils contracted sharply.

of electricity shot

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

calm his racing heart, stopping

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

response came from

found

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

waking, Orion drove back

nudged her forehead gently.

away, turning to continue

with no choice, Orion carried

sleep,

and covered her with a < emotions.

his gaze lingering

turned to leave, her voice

tightening at her childlike call for

a glass of water,

"Mom, I miss you so much. You've

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

night deepened, the room bathed in