Chapter 4 - You're safe

Next day I'm staying in Orion's home for the day since Orion insisted.

"I'm fine Orion, really. You don't have to be so worried."

"Please, just for today. So that I can make sure you really are okay. You passed out twice yesterday, that can't be good for your health. But if you think I'm annoying... I-"

"Orion, I don't think you are annoying. And thank you for your concern but I really am alright. But if it makes you feel better I'll stay here. But only for one day." I say the last part firmly but gently. Orion smiles relieved and answers: "Okay, that's alright. I'm sorry if I was too pushy."

"Orion, it's fine, really", I say, "You don't have to apologize. I understand."

"You do?" Orion asks cautiously disbelief in his voice. I take his hand in mine and look in his eyes smiling: "I really do. I would get worried too if you were the one who got hurt. So don't apologize. You haven't done anything wrong."

"[Name], thank you. You're the first person to be nice to me like this. And even though you don't have to be so nice to me too. I really am grateful for you. But I'll be the one to protect you from now on." Orion smiles at me gently. My cheeks feel hot suddenly and I try to hide my blushing face embarrassed. Orion looks at me confused for a second before asking if I was alright.

"You sure are adorable." I mutter under my breath but Orion seemed to hear it because he started to smile mischievously. I was about to ask what he was up to when he whispered in my ear breathlessly: "I'm only adorable?" I blushed as I could feel his warm breath on my ear. My heart beats fast as he smiled at me. I brought my hand to my ear trying to hide my reddening face.

"I-I-" he waited patiently for my answer. I could see his happy playful eyes, something I didn't see often. So I muttered as fast as I could the next few words.

"Not just adorable." He grinned so wide that I started to question did it hurt.

That day went awfully quick. Orion made me food and we ate chatting. I was still embarrassed about the morning and as I was coming back from the toilet, I seemed to be so in thought that I got lost.

"Orion?" I said a little nervous. After not hearing any answer, I started to panic.

"Orion!? Where are you?" I shouted trying to get his attention. But I got no answer. I wandered around the hallway when I heard it. An ear piercing scream. I was lost and scared. There was no one in sight as I started to run. I run through the hallways and tried to find an exit. I felt the panic suffocating me as I could hear the screaming now closer. I then opened the door on my right and went inside. The room was dark and I couldn't see anything. Then I heard something more horrifying than the scream. You shouldn't have done that. The screaming stops and all that's left is a silence. Shit! I muffle my breathing with my hand and stay put hoping that whatever it was it would go away. I then hear dragging steps go past the door I was behind. I stay as quiet as I could be for what seems like forever. When the door suddenly opens I scream.

"[Name]?" I jump into Orions embrace as soon as I heard him.

"T-there's something inside. And someone screamed. I was so scared." I cried to Orion.

"Shh, calm down. What are you talking about? There's no one here." Orion says worried.

"B-but... there was..."

"It's okay. There's no one here. There are just the two of us." He says hugging me. I hide my face in his shoulder and as I try to fight my tears, I fall asleep.

I wake up in his bed with a jolt.

"Wha-?"

"Shh... It's all right. You are safe." I relax as soon as I hear Orions calm voice next to me. "Now, lay down and rest. I'm right here. There's nothing to worry about."

"Th- the thing, in the hallway, i-is it...?"

"There was no one there. Your mind must be stressed out from all that has happened. Relax, I'm right here. You have nothing to worry." Orion says with a reassuring smile. I relax as his hand strokes my head calmingly. I took his hand to mine and snuggle to him, too tired to open my eyes.

"Thank you." I say to him with a tired smile on my face. The last thing I hear is his faint whisper.

"You're safe in my arms."