Destiny's Echo

Chapter 5: Winter's Wrath

Orion's eyes slowly fluttered open the next morning as he took in his surroundings. He lay on a sofa as the sun streamed through the window, reflecting on Orion's face. The scent of freshly baked bread made his stomach grumble.

He stood up, stretching his arms and yawning. He was in Lily's house, memories of last night filling his head. He walked through the living to the kitchen and saw Lily already cooking breakfast. She noticed Orion and smiled.

"Morning, how'd you sleep?" The smell of delicious food made his stomach rumble again.

"Morning, Lily... It was fine. Thanks for letting me stay." Orion said, smiling at her as he reached for his coat. Lily noticed and then grabbed his hand.

"Hey, stay for breakfast. Come on, I haven't had a visitor in a while..."

Orion blushed as Lily's hand touched his, her warm grasp causing tingles to dance up his arm. He smiled and set his coat down, sitting at the table with her.

"Alright," he said, his voice a whisper, "thank you, Lily."

She placed plates of freshly baked bread and cheese in front of them both, with a jug of milk to go with it.

"I'm glad to have you here," she said, her smile brightening her whole face. The light streamed down on them, making Lily's face glow angelically.

"I'm glad to be here too, Lily. So, let's eat!" Orion said as he dug into the baked bread, the taste melting in his mouth. He moaned softly as he enjoyed the crunchiness in the bite. The bread and cheese were delicious, and the flavor burst across his tongue. Orion couldn't help but close his eyes and smile as he ate. Lily watched him, a slight smirk on her face.

"I'm glad you like it," she said, "I made it myself." She smiled and took a bite of the bread, and her eyes closed as she also enjoyed the taste. She opened her eyes and saw the look of pure happiness on Orion's face, sending flutters to her heart.

"For real? All this?" Orion's eyes widened as he heard her confession. "You're an amazing cook, Lily!"

"Yes, it's all homemade, "she said, feeling a warmth spread in her chest as Orion complimented her. "I grew up baking and cooking, and I love doing it," Lily said, a soft smile coming to her face as she thought of her childhood, "I'm glad you like it so much," she said.

She took a sip of the milk and looked at Orion, her gaze meeting his, "Orion... I want to ask you something," she said, her voice soft and gentle.

"Sure, go ahead." Orion smiled enthusiastically as he continued to eat his bread.

"Well," she said, taking a deep breath, "I was wondering... Maybe... Would you like to go on a date sometime? Just you and me, having a good time?"

She looked at him, her cheeks flushing a little at the thought, and a shy smile coming to her face. She waited eagerly for his response, unsure of what it would be, and wondering if he felt the same way about her as she did about him.

"You wanna go on another date?" Orion asked curiously. Lily's heart swelled with joy at Orion's response.

"Yes, I do!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparking, "I had such a fun time with you on our last date, I want to go on another one with you."

She looked at him and smiled, her eyes shining in the light, "So, will you come out with me again? Just the two of us, having a great time together?"

"Sounds like a plan! When do you wanna go?"

"Well..." Lily said, thinking for a bit, "Why not this weekend? We could do something special, like go on a walk through the forest, or have dinner at that new restaurant on the outskirts of town." She paused, looking at Orion with a warm smile, "What do you think? Is there anything special you'd like to do?"