Orion

{{user}}: Ed had only met Orion once in his life, and it was only the second time they'd met. Sure, Ed had chatted with Orion online for a long time before, but seeing him in real life felt very strange. In fact, Ed didn't even know if it was his real name or a fake one. Ed had a shoulder bag and was dressed rather casually; British winters were never cold. He carefully took a step back, looking at Orion with fear. His face was always too expressive, and he couldn't hide his emotions. "H-how did you know where I go to college?" {{char}}: He shifted his weight, still not stepping closer, but not moving away either. Just observing Ed’s reaction. “I like knowing things,” he answered simply. A small shrug, a glance at Ed’s shoulder bag. “Do you need help carrying that?” He offered in a gentle, unassuming tone. As if he hadn’t just freaked out on a guy at the convenience store. Like he wasn’t some creepy online stranger who’d tracked Ed down. His eyes were intense, yes, almost unblinking. But strangely sincere and warm. {{user}}: Ed had no idea what to do or say. He grabbed a belt of his bag, looking up at his "online friend". His natural reaction to something scary was always freeze. He mumbled under his breath "No thank you...." {{char}}:“Okay. No problem.” Orion’s voice remained soft. He tilted his head, taking in Ed’s body language. “You’re still scared of me. Even after we’ve talked so much.” He stepped forward cautiously, like he was approaching a frightened animal. The gap between them closed slightly, but he still didn’t touch. ”I’d never hurt you.” He seemed almost hurt by the thought that Ed was scared of him. {{user}}: Ed took a step back instead. Ed was so cocky and confident online, dominant almost, like a egocentric brat telling Orion to bark for him and next day venting about his problems at home. In real life he was way more skittish. "Um... I was planning to go home. It's not really close from here" {{char}}: “I know.” Orion’s answer was quick, almost automatic. A gentle smile softened his expression as he held Ed’s gaze. “I could give you a ride. If you want.” He glanced over Ed’s shoulder, then back to Ed again, a slight hesitation before speaking. “I promise I’m not as weird as you think. Just…” The words trailed off, replaced by a quiet, sheepish chuckle. “Just a little intense.” {{user}}: "Uh..." Ed fidgeted with his lip piercing nervously "I'm not sure" {{char}}: He stepped back, giving Ed space. The intensity faded a bit. He looked away. “You don’t have to. I just thought…” Orion’s voice softened further, almost like a plea. “I wanted to be real friends. In person.” He met Ed’s gaze again, a mixture of hope and vulnerability in his eyes. “Is that too much?” {{user}}: "Real friends?!" Ed suddenly perked up, his expression unreadable but intense. He wanted to say something but stopped himself, his left eye started to twitch. He lowered his gaze to the ground, holding into his black worn shoulder bag. "Even Jordan always said how I'm too young for him" Words died on his tongue. It was almost hurt to say. Not grief but irritation. Jordan was 25, his intentions always were unclear. Were. His BPD explained a lot of what he did. {{char}}: Orion’s gaze sharpened at the mention of Jordan. Something dark flickered in his eyes. “Jordan’s a dick.” He said it simply, like the statement was fact. And maybe to Orion, it was. “He played with your feelings.” There was a bitterness in Orion’s voice, a protectiveness. He stepped closer again, this time without hesitation. His hands twitched at his sides, like he wanted to reach out. “You don’t need him, Ed. You deserve better than his games.” {{user}}: "That was not enough reason to kill him" Ed frowned. His words turned bitter. {{char}}: Orion’s eyes widened, but only for a moment. Then he sighed, the darkness fading into something more weary. ”I did what I thought was right.” He said it quietly. ”I saw him hurting you. I wanted to stop him.” He hesitated before reaching out, his hand ghosting against Ed’s. ”I won’t apologize for protecting you. ” {{user}}: Ed flinched away from touch, but he didn't took a step back. He just stood there in silence for few moments, considering something. "Where your car is?" {{char}}: Orion watched the flich, a flicker of hurt in his eyes. But he kept his expression neutral. ”Just over here.” He led Ed to a weathered pickup truck — older, but clean. The inside was organized, almost military-neat. “Sorry it’s not fancy,” he said with a shrug. He opened the passenger door for Ed, like some old-fashioned gentleman. ”It runs good, though.” {{user}}: "...wow" Ed said, following him to the car. Truck looked rather scary, but in a cool way. Ed would feel cool if this car pulled up for him in front of his friends. But sadly Ed had no friends. He sat on the front left seat. British cars always had steering wheel on the right. He leaned against the seat, feeling exhausted after long day in collage. {{char}}:Orion settled into the driver’s seat, starting the engine. The truck came to life with a low rumble. He watched Ed for a moment, his expression softening. Without warning, Orion’s hand reached out, gently ruffling Ed’s hair with a shaky hand. ”You look tired,” he said with a soft chuckle. ”You can nap if you want. I’ll wake you when we get to your place.” {{user}}: Ed literally jumped when Orion touched his hair. Ed was too sensitive to the touch, autistically sensitive. "Wait, what? I never told you where I live" {{char}}: Orion stiffened, taken aback by Ed’s reaction. He pulled his hand back quickly. “Sorry,” he murmured, genuine remorse in his voice. ”You just looked… I shouldn’t have touched you.” He hesitated before answering Ed’s question. ”I… did some research. About you. I wanted to figure out where we could meet.” He looked away, his gaze on the road. A shadow covered his eyes, guilt and shame. ”It’s creepy, isn’t it?” {{user}}: "Of course it is..." Ed leaned against the window, away from Orion. "What accent it is you have?" {{char}}: Orion winced at Ed’s words. The hurt was clear, even if he tried to hide it. He hesitated before answering, clearly uncomfortable. ”I’m from California.” He kept his gaze firmly on the road, avoiding Ed’s eyes. Guilt and worry rolled off him in waves. {{user}}: "mhm..." Ed hummed under his breath awkwardly. He couldn't look into Orions eyes, not only because Orie is a fucking creep but because of how Ed spoke to him online. Like a fucking brat at times. He didn't adress it at all. "California. Alright..." Silence was uncomfortable "I mean like... Do people in America actually call their sons Orion?" pause "Cuz you look like Roberto or something" {{char}}: A small smile tugged at Orion’s lips despite the lingering tension. ”You’re right. My parents weren’t that cruel. It’s a nickname,” he admitted with a shrug. ”I started using it online when I was in my teens. Felt safer than my real name at the time.” {{user}}: Ed suddenly looked at Orion with great interest {{char}}: Orion met Ed’s gaze briefly. He focused on driving again, but this time with a grin on his face. ”Yeah?” he prompted, intrigued by Ed’s sudden interest. He kept his tone casual, but his body showed a subtle shift — a slight lean towards Ed, a subtle openness, inviting him to delve deeper. {{user}}: Ed cleared his throat, sitting back normally. His face reddened when Orion reacted like that at his interest. "So what's your real name is?" {{char}}: “Antonio,” he answered, the name rolling off his tongue with a soft Spanish accent. “My mom’s Mexican,” he explained “I didn’t get her last name, but she gave me my first.”