Beyond Darkness

Sleeping Beauty

Michael~

“Don’t worry, we can get your guest medical attention as soon as we reach my estate.”

“Thank you, and I apologize for troubling you Mr. Spieler”

“Please call me Jacob.” Michael looked in the rear-view mirror only to find Jacob’s eyes on him. He seemed to notice and averted his gaze on the road.

Michael looked down and found Orion snoring very softly. His hands caressed his face slowly, his thumb dipping in the trough of the philtrum and then sweeped over his lips in a curt fluid motion. Orion grunted as his eyes fluttered open. “Good morning sleeping beauty” Michael teased with a playful ruffle.

Orion groaned and turned burying his face into Michael’s torso, making Michael blush. Instinctively his fingers entangle themselves into Orion’s locks, feeling an unusual tangle Michael reached up to flick the light to get a better look. The back of Orion’s head was matted in a deep brown shade. Feeling a tremble in Michael sniffed his fingers and a guilt settled deep in his stomach.

Blood.

The swampy recollection hit his senses waking him up and he carefully prodded the area finding a small gash. Thank god the bleeding had stopped. He needed to get a better look as soon as possible. His fingertips slowly massaged his scalp in hopes that he doesn’t come across a swelling.

“Orion would kill me if he found out I threw him like a dead log.” He mumbled to himself. “All okay?” Jacob’s rich and thick voice sliced the silence.

Michael looked up in the mirror making eye contact with Jacob, with an instance passing he shakily answered that He found a small gash in the back of Orion’s head. He saw Jacob nod and then watched him take out his cell, thumbing a text and placing it back.

“Don’t worry Michael. We’ll reach in a couple of minutes. I have asked my staff to make arrangements, You’re friend will be completely okay. I’ll personally see to it that he doesn’t encounter any problems.”

Michael smiled and thanked him again. He averted his eyes outside the window and watched the trees breeze past shaking off the feeling of being watched by the invisible. Closing his eyes, he revisited his favorite memory and soon sleep took over him, numbing out the surrounding and the faint conversation which held his name. Michael really tried to focus on the passing sceneries but the passing trees made his conscience blurry with passing seconds.

It was different this time. A woman with greying hair but the same caramel locks cascading down past her shoulders turned to him, "Mio caro, You're home!" The woman rushed to him and enveloped him in a hug. She smelled faintly of roses, which Michael loved. "Mama, I'm Home." "Mikhael!" a chirping voice called out to him from behind and he turned to the voice and got tackled to the ground. "You're heavy!" which earned him a smack. Their mom was smiling and with a shake of her head went back to her work. He ruffled the girl's hair and kissed her forehead. He suddenly started feeling hot, And everything around him turned soot black until he heard the same voice again.. "Mikhael..."

"Michael"

“Orion?” Michael blinked and then looked down at his lap. He felt his chest tighten, Again? He shook his head trying to clear his vision. The memories came flashing back like a raging river. He looked up at Orion, And then fumbled with his seat belt that was firmly pressing against his chest. "Do I have to kiss you out of your slumber, Dearie?” He smirked. Then Orion leaned in and with a swift motion snapped open the belt. His eyes never breaking the stare, the honey glaze appeared black, alert and questioning. Orion straightened and extended his hand, "After you, Madame" In a perfect 10 inch British accent, Michael scoffed but held his hand and got out. Orion hadn’t budged. Michael was now caged between Orion and the open car door. “You are wearing colored contacts.” Orion stared at him with an unreadable expression. Michael smiled and nodded, “You noticed?” Michael reached and softly tilted his head to check if the gash was bleeding. Orion was unnaturally still. He had a murderous gleam in his eyes, “You played catch with me huh?” Was that amusement in his voice? But why did he looked like he wanted to chop Michael into bits? Michael cleared his throat and beamed at Orion. Orion's demeanor cracked and a smile appeared, making Michael sigh with relief.

"How are you feeling?" He asked Orion. "I have one hell of a headache." Michael feigned surprise. "Language!" Orion smacked his arm, "You do know I carried you?" Michael gave him a pointed look. Orion tilted his head and with a c****d eyebrow. Michael felt a warmth coming up from his neck and cover his face. He rubbed his face with his palms. "Just to throw me on the ground again?" Michael was blushing now. He tried to move, but Orion was still standing close to him. Too close. He noted.

"I don't like this guy, he seems a bit off" Orion whispered. Michael just looked at Orion and then nodded. "I know him" he said. Orion looked back as if to spot an eavesdropper. "Are you sure?" He turned to him. His face was dead serious. Michael just nodded. He had met Jacob several times and once had lunch too. Surely He had declined a pretty good offer of his but Jacob had said that there were no hard feelings.

"It's just for a night, we leave tomorrow." Michael made a point. Orion still wasn't budging. Michael folded his arms and stared at Orion. The frustrating thing was that Orion mimicked him. Eventually a beat or two later when he knew that Michael wasn't giving up. He leaned in, and then with a sigh was out of Michael's way.

"Finally! The log moves"