Maybe This Time

030

it had been months since Orm and Lingling had reunited, and their relationship felt stronger than ever. But as anyone who'd been in a long-term relationship knew, challenges were inevitable.

Their first major disagreement came unexpectedly, testing the growth they both claimed.

One evening, Lingling had stayed late at work to finish a big project. Though she'd promised Orm she'd be home for dinner, one thing after another kept piling up, and her messages to Orm had become increasingly vague and apologetic.

By the time she walked through the door, it was almost midnight, and Orm was waiting for her in the living room, her expression tense.

"Lingling, you didn't even call," Orm said, crossing her arms. "I've been waiting here for hours, worried."

Lingling sighed, already exhausted from the long day. She dropped her bag by the door, her own frustration building. "Orm, I told you I was stuck at work. I thought you'd understand that I was doing everything I could to get home."

Orm's eyes flashed with hurt. "It's not about understanding, Ling. It's about knowing that I'm still a priority. We've talked about this, you said you wouldn't fall back into old habits."

In the past, Lingling might've responded defensively, trying to justify her actions. But instead, she took a deep breath and allowed herself a moment to absorb what Orm was saying.

She recognized that Orm wasn't just upset about dinner, it was about feeling dismissed and overlooked, a feeling that had strained their relationship before.

Lingling softened, stepping closer to Orm. "You're right," she said gently. "I got caught up in work and forgot to think about how it would make you feel. I should've called you as soon as I realized I was going to be late. I'm sorry."

Orm's expression softened, but the frustration was still there. "It's just... I don't want to feel like I'm second place again."

Lingling reached out, taking Orm's hands in hers. "You're not second place, Orm. Not anymore. I know I need to do better at balancing work and us. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Orm looked down at their intertwined hands, then back up at Lingling, her expression more vulnerable. "Thank you. I just needed to hear that you understood where I was coming from."

They stood there in silence for a moment, each taking in the reassurance and commitment that had passed between them. Orm's gaze softened, and she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Lingling. "Let's not let this ruin our night. I'm just glad you're here now."

Lingling smiled, holding Orm close, feeling the tension ease between them. "Me too and I'll keep showing you that I've learned from the past. You're what matters most to me."

They spent the rest of the evening curled up on the couch, sharing quiet words and gentle touches, reaffirming the love and dedication they'd fought so hard to rebuild.

This argument, though difficult that had brought them even closer, proving that together, they could weather whatever came their way.

Lingling and Orm stayed close on the couch for a long time, their quiet conversation easing the tension that had lingered as they sat, Lingling thought back on her past mistakes, feeling a deep gratitude for this second chance she'd been given and a renewed commitment to make things right.

She realized that the argument, though small, had been a powerful reminder of everything she valued in Orm and their relationship.

After a while, Orm's mood lightened, and she glanced over at Lingling with a faint smile. "You really scared me today, you know," she said, reaching for Lingling's hand. "But you handled it differently. I could see you were really listening."

Lingling squeezed Orm's hand, nodding. "I was and I am, I don't ever want you to feel unimportant again. It's not just about saying sorry it's about showing you that I mean it."

Orm's eyes softened as she looked at Lingling, a warmth in her gaze that was both tender and familiar. "I see that, Ling," she replied quietly. "and that's what makes me believe in us, really believe, even when things get hard."

They shared a quiet smile, and as the evening wore on, they continued to talk, their conversation drifting from the intensity of the argument to lighter, happier topics.

Orm told Lingling about her day, the little frustrations and joys she'd experienced, and Lingling listened intently, focusing fully on her.

She knew now that these were the moments that mattered most the simple, everyday exchanges that helped build the foundation of their love.

Soon, they both felt the weight of the day's events catching up with them, and they decided to head to bed. As they climbed the stairs hand in hand, Lingling felt a deep sense of peace settle over her. She knew they were stronger now than they had ever been, and she felt an immense gratitude for Orm's patience and trust.

Once they reached the bedroom, Lingling wrapped her arms around Orm from behind, pressing a gentle kiss to her shoulder. "Thank you, Orm," she murmured. "For always giving me the space to grow and for believing in me."

Orm turned in Lingling's embrace, her hands resting gently on Lingling's shoulders. "I know you're worth it, Ling," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. "And I love you for who you are, flaws and all."

Their gazes met, a spark of affection passing between them that felt both comforting and exciting. Lingling leaned in, their lips meeting in a soft kiss that quickly deepened, each of them savoring the closeness they shared. In that moment, all the doubts, fears, and tensions faded away, replaced by a sense of intimacy that spoke louder than any words could.

They moved slowly, savoring each touch and every gentle caress. Lingling's fingers traced along Orm's jawline, brushing over her cheek, and Orm closed her eyes, breathing in the warmth of Lingling's presence.

They lay down together, their bodies pressed close, each feeling the other's heartbeat as they shared quiet whispers, promises, and reassurances in the dim light of the room.

Their kisses grew more urgent, a natural progression of the connection they had fought so hard to rebuild. Lingling held Orm close, her hands slipping down to gently pull Orm closer. She felt Orm's fingers running through her hair, a comforting touch that made Lingling's heart ache with love.

Every movement, every shared breath felt like a renewal of the promises they'd made to love each other fully, honestly, and without reservation.

After a while, they lay tangled together, their breathing slowing as they relaxed into each other's embrace. Lingling rested her head against Orm's shoulder, a contented sigh escaping her lips as she traced gentle patterns along Orm's arm. It felt like a perfect moment a simple, pure, and full of love.

Orm looked down at Lingling, her eyes shining with warmth and affection. "I love you, Ling," she murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from Lingling's face. "More than I ever thought I could love anyone."

Lingling smiled, feeling a swell of emotion. "I love you too, Orm and I'm never going to take that for granted again."

As they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, Lingling felt a deep sense of peace settle over her. She knew that their journey together hadn't been easy, but moments like these made every challenge worth it.

They had weathered their first test since reuniting, and they had come through it stronger, their love reaffirmed and their commitment deeper than ever.

In the quiet of the night, as they lay together, Lingling couldn't help but feel that they were truly moving forward. She felt a newfound sense of confidence and security, not only in Orm's love but in her own ability to be the partner Orm deserved.

As soon as she closed her eyes, a gentle smile on her face, she knew that this time, she would never let go.