the dragon's daughter

Chapter 73: hold on.

Orion POV

His room

I laid on my bed with Richie next to me as he rubbed patterns in my chest and stomach. 

"You can talk about it you know?  I'll be here to listen.  I know this must be hard for you and your family." 

"I feel helpless. Like there's nothing I can do. I can't help in any way.  I don't know what to do." I whispered the last part. 

"Hey, I'm here okay.  I'll be here as long as you need me.  And even when you don't.  I'm not leaving you to do this on your own." He leaned up to kiss my cheek. 

I looked down at him. 

"Thank you." I sighed, kissing his forehead. He rest his head in the crook of my neck with our arms around each other.

"Well, not to spoil this moment or cause more stress.  But," he sighed.  Climbing up to be face to face.  Him hovering over me. "Do you think we should tell our parents soon?" He looked at me worriedly.

I pecked his lips, "what do you think?" 

He closed his eyes and breathed. "I'm scared." He said, his voice wavering.

"Why." I breathed out, worried. 

"I don't think they'll like this.  Me being homo.  Us.  I don't know how they'll take it." He whispered. 

I pulled him closer. I kissed his head, squeezing him to my chest. 

"You'll always have me.  Even if my family doesn't support us, you'll have me." I whispered to his hair. 

I felt tears against my chest, I just held him tightly. 

"Dinner!" I heard a knock at my door. I pulled back and whipped his eyes. Kissing him lightly. 

"Let's go." I whispered.

"I'm sorry." He sighed. 

I pulled him back to me, "it'll be okay." 

He kissed my jaw and nodded. 

I pulled us up and we walked to the large dining room:

Everyone was pretty much seated.  I noticed that his parents had arrived. 

I felt Richie let go of my hand and I took a deep breath. 

"Hello, Mr and Mrs Lawer." I greet.  

"Orion, how lovely to see you... despite the circumstances." She got sorrowful at the end.

"As always Mrs.Lawer." I nod. 

"Richie." She greeted her son with a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Orion," Mr Lawer greeted with an outstretched hand. 

"Mr Lawer." I nod, shaking his hand. 

"Let's eat, shall we.  It's been a long day." Mum said and we took our seats before tucking in.

The meal ended soon and I felt a hand squeeze my thigh under the table. 

I looked over to Richie, who looked worried but trying to battle that. 

"We should tell them after dinner." He whispered. 

"Are you sure." I looked him dead in the eye. 

"Yes, the sooner the better." 

I nod. 

The family started to retire for the night after about a half an hour or so.  It's early but it's been a tiring day.