Multi Shot - LingOrm and FreenBecky

LINGORM - REDEMPTION (2)

The two women drove home in a silence so thick it felt almost suffocating. Once they reached Orm's place, they guided a yawning Lalana inside.

The little girl, still groggy from her nap at the park, hardly made a peep as Ling and Orm tucked her into bed. Then they drifted into the kitchen, where a strained quiet settled in.

"Thanks for the tea," Ling said at last, her voice sounding small. She lightly tapped her cup on the table. "I think...I should go now." She couldn't bear the thought of another explosive argument—especially with their daughter sleeping just a few rooms away.

To her surprise, Orm stopped her with a quiet call of her name. "Ling."

Ling froze, bracing herself for a fight. Her heart pounded, expecting harsh words, but Orm's tone was unexpectedly measured. "I heard what you said to Lana at the park earlier."

Ling's pulse sped up.

She swallowed. "I was just—I mean, I wanted to—" Her words jammed together in a nervous tangle.

"Did you mean it?" Orm asked, her back still turned.

She fiddled with the kettle on the stove, as though eye contact might trigger a new wave of tension.

"I...I did," Ling admitted. "Every word."

Orm nodded once, shoulders tense. "Thanks for today, Ling," she murmured. "Good night."

Blinking in surprise, Ling took a few steps toward the door, not quite believing the subtle truce in the air.

Then Orm spoke again. "Wait."

Ling turned, hopeful but guarded. "Yes?"

A long pause filled the space between them, thick with hesitant emotion. Orm cleared her throat. "Lana's been missing you...a lot. Maybe...maybe you could see her more often. If you want to stop by tomorrow—"

Ling felt her heart leap. "Really?" She bit back her excitement, trying to appear composed. "I'd love that. If you're sure?"

Orm exhaled slowly. "Lana needs both of us in her life. A stable presence."

Ling understood: it was something like an olive branch—or at least a tentative step toward forging a better situation for their daughter. "I'll come by tomorrow," she said, voice trembling with relieved gratitude. "Thank you, Orm."

"Sure." Orm gave a curt nod. "See you tomorrow."

Ling lingered a moment, debating whether to say more, but ultimately decided not to push her luck. She let herself out quietly, the door clicking shut behind her.

Left alone in the kitchen, Orm leaned against the table, mind whirling at the realization that she'd just invited Ling back into her home—at least partially. The words had come more easily than she expected, fueled by the memory of Ling's tearful apology to their sleeping daughter.

Was it a mistake?

Or was it a fragile first step?

She couldn't be sure.

All she knew was that part of her was willing to risk it—for Lana's sake, if not for her own.

True to her word, Ling came by the next day. She brought a new set of storybooks for Lalana and a box of premium tea for Orm—a cautious gesture, but one that seemed to please them both.

Orm let her in with a nod, thanking her quietly for the gifts.

To Ling's chagrin, she felt herself blushing like a college student.