Goodnight

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The school bus rumbled along the road, its wheels bouncing off the occasional bumps. Inside, the atmosphere was electric, with animated conversations, giggles, and playful teasing filling the air.

Miss Robin was at the forefront, keeping an eye on her lively students, her gaze occasionally landing on Orion, who was at the center of many of the spirited discussions. His charismatic presence had always been a draw, and after today's extended escapades, the banter had only intensified.

Vivi, leaning over from the seat behind Orion, playfully tugged a strand of his hair. "So, Mr. Popular, did the universe literally stop time just for your dating adventures?"

Orion grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "It seems so, doesn't it? Must be my irresistible charm." He winked, causing a few of the girls to giggle.

Mikasa rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched in amusement. "Sure, blame it on your charm. Not on the sun taking an impromptu break."

Beside him, Levy murmured, "I think someone cast a spell on the sun, giving us some extra daylight just for you."

Tatsumaki snorted, leaning into Orion's side, her teasing tone evident. "Or maybe it wanted to witness the spectacle of you trying to juggle all your relationships."

The banter continued, and as the bus neared the school, Miss Robin announced, "Alright, lovebirds, prepare for landing." A smattering of laughter followed, the light atmosphere never waning.

One by one, the students disembarked, their farewells stretching long in the evening twilight. Hinata approached Orion, her fingers lightly touching his arm. "I guess our extended day is coming to an end. Take care, okay?"

Orion smiled, pulling her into a brief hug. "Always."

Winry gave Orion a playful nudge, "Until our next extended day, Mr. Universe-charmer." He laughed, watching as she walked away, her ponytail swaying behind her.

And, of course, he didn't forget Miss Robin. She stepped closer, her voice soft, "Quite the day, wasn't it?"

"Unforgettable," he responded, his voice rich with genuine warmth.

After bidding goodbye to everyone, Orion felt two familiar hands slip into his. Looking down, he met the eyes of Aurora and Luna, his beloved sisters. Their youthful faces held the same spirited energy he often carried with him. Together, the trio made their way home.

As they entered their home, Selene and Elara looked up from the couch, grinning in unison. "Long day?" Elara quipped.

Orion chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, a sheepish grin playing on his lips. "You have no idea."

Luna giggled, looping an arm around her brother's waist. "He was the talk of the bus. Every girl wanted a piece of him."

Aurora rolled her eyes playfully, adding, "It's not like they didn't already, but today was on another level."

Selene leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh? What did you do this time?"

"Just made the universe stand still for a while," he replied cheekily.

Elara let out a hearty laugh. "That sounds like our Orion."

Orion smirked, adopting a faux serious tone. "I do believe I've reached new heights of charm. Even the sun took a break just for me."

Selene winked. "So, you're saying we owe this extra family time to you and your magnetic charm? Quite the son we've raised."

His younger sisters giggled, while Luna mumbled, "More like an extended flirting session for him."

He raised an eyebrow at Luna, a smirk forming on his lips. "Jealous much?"

Aurora nudged her twin. "Oh, come on. We all know if anyone made the sun pause, it was us."

Luna feigned surprise, covering her mouth. "You think so? I always believed it was my radiant beauty."

Selene shook her head, amused. "Children, children. Let's not forget who's the real force of nature in this house." She gestured to Elara, who pretended to polish her nails, the pride evident in her smirk.

"Speaking of forces of nature," Elara said, glancing at Orion, her gaze softening. "Did everything go well today? With your... relationships?"

Orion sighed, the weight of the day showing for a brief moment. "Yes and no. It's not always easy, but I'm managing."

Selene tilted her head, concern evident in her eyes. "You know, it's okay to ask for help. Or to take a step back if things get too intense."

Orion smiled, his expression grateful. "I know. And thank you. But it's a balance I'm still learning."

Luna and Aurora exchanged glances. "We've noticed," Aurora murmured.

Elara rose from her seat, approaching Orion. "You know, your mother and I faced our fair share of challenges. But together, we've always found a way. Don't be afraid to lean on those you trust."

Orion took a deep breath, absorbing the weight of her words. "Thank you, Mom. It means a lot."

Selene smiled softly, her fingers tracing a pattern on the couch. "Just remember that love is never one-sided. It's about give and take."

Aurora nodded. "It's like when Luna takes my clothes without asking. She's taking, but she also gives me a reason to update my wardrobe."

Luna snorted, elbowing her twin. "Always with the jokes."

Orion chuckled. "Guess I've learned from the best."

The room was filled with a comfortable silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts.

Elara broke the silence, her voice light and teasing. "So, Orion, any plans for tomorrow? Maybe making the moon stand still?"

Orion laughed. "One celestial event at a time, Mom. One at a time."

With laughter filling the air, they gradually scattered to their own corners of the house. Orion wandered into the garden, drawn towards the Gazebo. The moonlight washed over him, casting its silvery glow on the surroundings. The serenity of the moment enveloped him, the events of the day replaying in his mind.

Lost in thought, he didn't immediately notice when Elara slipped in beside him. Her presence was like a comforting shroud, wrapping him in warmth. Quietly, she came up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Her chin rested gently on the crown of his head, her hold firm and tender.

"You look exhausted," she murmured, her breath stirring his hair.

Sighing, Orion covered her hands with his own. "Twenty dates in a day can do that," he quipped, attempting a light tone.

Elara chuckled, her laughter a low, melodic sound. "Oh, I can only imagine. So, anyone in particular catch your attention today?"

Hesitating slightly, Orion mumbled, "Well, Hinata's kindness was... overwhelming. Then there was Winry's playful nature, and Tatsumaki's teasing. Every moment was unique."

She hummed, her grip tightening briefly. "Just remember to not spread yourself too thin. It's admirable to want to give everyone your time and attention, but it's okay to have your own limits."

Orion leaned back, seeking solace in her embrace. "Your wisdom always grounds me, Mom."

Elara kissed the top of his head. "It's just experience speaking. But remember, it's not just about giving. It's about what you receive, too. Are they giving you the same love and care you're showing them?"

Inhaling deeply, Orion mulled over her words. "It's a balance, I guess. Each relationship is different. Some are carefree, some challenging. I learn from each one."

A chuckle escaped his lips. "Although, there are times when they try to fluster me. But you know me—double back. If they try to get a rise out of me, I return the favor twice as much."

Elara laughed, her sound echoing in the night. "That sounds like the Orion I know and love. Just...be careful. Remember, it's all in good fun, but emotions are real."

Elara gently pressed her lips to the crown of Orion's head, a tender gesture that seemed to merge warmth and comfort in one. "You've always been something special, my star. Remember when you were born? No Y genes, yet here you are, in all your uniqueness."

Orion tilted his head to meet her gaze, his eyes reflecting the weight of his thoughts. "I've always wondered about that," he mumbled.

Elara's fingers traced circles on his back, a soft rhythm of reassurance. "Every phenomenon that happened, the sun pausing, the moon drawing closer; I can't help but feel it's all connected to you. You have an inexplicable pull, Orion, not just with the universe, but with everyone around you."

Orion chuckled lightly, "You're making it sound like I have superpowers."

"You might," Elara teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But remember, powers or not, it's how you use them that matters."

A contemplative silence enveloped them for a moment. Orion's mind drifted back to the teasing words from Luna and Aurora earlier in the evening. "The girls seem to think my charm is my superpower."

Elara laughed softly. "It's a part of you, yes. But there's so much more, Orion. Your kindness, your courage, your ability to double back—those are your true strengths."

Orion's lips twitched into a smile. "You mean my stubbornness to give back twice as much?"

"Exactly," Elara affirmed, her voice filled with pride. "It's an admirable philosophy, but tread carefully. Emotions are volatile."

Still looking at each other's eyes, Orion and Elara felt a pull that went beyond the usual mother and son bond. As the warm summer breeze tousled their hair and the moon's gentle light bathed them in an ethereal glow, both of them realized that they were holding on to each other for longer than usual.

Orion's heart thundered in his chest, and for a moment, he couldn't find his voice. Instead, he conveyed all the emotion he felt for his mom through a tender embrace, holding her securely in his arms. Elara's touch banished all his troubles, sending ripples of comfort and reassurance through him.

As she held on to Orion, Elara's mind drifted to the day he was born. All the unusual phenomena happening in the skies, the sun stopping in its tracks and the moon drawing closer to Earth...it was as if the universe was highlighting the arrival of the unique soul that was Orion. Her heart swelled with pride and love, and she let out a contented sigh as she lost herself in his embrace.

"I love you, Mom," Orion murmured into her hair, his voice choked with emotion.

The sound of his voice was like music to Elara's ears, and she hugged him tighter. "I love you too, son."

Orion took a deep breath, willing his emotions under control. He didn't want to burden his mother with his issues. "I'm sorry for unloading on you today," he apologized.

Elara shook her head. "No apology necessary. That's what I'm here for—supporting you, no matter what."

After Elara pressed a gentle kiss onto the crown of Orion's head, she whispered, "It's getting late, Orion." With a soft smile, she rose gracefully from the gazebo, her warrior form seeming to vanish, replaced by the nurturing mother he'd grown up with.

He watched her leave, her silhouette soon swallowed by the dim light of their home. Then, pushing himself up with a sigh, Orion murmured, "Goodnight, Mom."

Instead of heading to the solitude of his room, he found himself drawn to the familiar sanctuary of his sisters' bedroom. Pushing the door open gently, the soft light revealed the forms of Aurora and Luna, entwined in sleep. It was a testament to their close bond.

Orion padded quietly over and, without much thought, slipped between them. A hand from Aurora reached out, lightly touching his face in her sleep, while Luna shuffled closer, her warmth immediately comforting. Nestling between them, he wrapped his arms around both, pulling them close. They were his constant, the two pillars that always understood him.