The evening had settled over Malfoy Manor, leaving the house quiet after the day's upheavals. In a secluded part of the manor's expansive gardens, Abraxas found Orion sitting on a stone bench. The cool night air provided a brief reprieve from the chaos inside.
Abraxas approached cautiously, his face reflecting concern and empathy. "Orion, may I sit with you for a while?"
Orion looked up, his eyes red and weary. He gave a weak nod, and Abraxas took a seat beside him. The two sat in silence, the only sounds being the distant rustle of leaves and the occasional chirping of night creatures.
Breaking the silence, Abraxas spoke gently. "I know today has been incredibly difficult. I just wanted to check in and see if you're okay. If you need to talk or just need some company, I'm here."
Orion looked at Abraxas, his eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, Abraxas. I don't even know what to say… It's all been so overwhelming."
Abraxas placed a comforting hand on Orion's shoulder. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Just know that you're not alone. I'm here for you, no matter what."
Orion took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but the emotional strain was too much. His stomach churned again, and he felt another wave of nausea coming. He jumped up from the bench, his face paling.
Abraxas's eyes widened in concern as Orion staggered a few steps away. "Orion? Are you okay?"
Orion's body convulsed as he threw up violently onto the garden path. The sound of his retching broke the stillness of the night, and Abraxas quickly moved to hold him steady, his own worry evident.
As Orion continued to be sick, Abraxas gently rubbed his back, trying to offer comfort despite the grim circumstances. "It's okay. Just let it out. I'm right here with you."
When the wave of nausea finally passed, Orion collapsed back onto the bench, his breathing ragged and weak. Abraxas offered him a small handkerchief and a bottle of water, his face full of concern.
"Here, rinse your mouth and drink a bit of water," Abraxas said softly. "I know it's rough right now, but you're doing great. Just take it one step at a time."
Orion accepted the handkerchief and water with a grateful nod. His hands were still trembling, and his face was pale, but he managed a weak smile at Abraxas's supportive presence.
"Thank you, Abraxas," Orion said quietly, his voice strained. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Abraxas gave him a reassuring smile. "You don't need to worry about that. We'll get through this together. No matter how tough things get, I'm here for you."
As the two sat together in the quiet garden, the weight of the day's events seemed a little lighter, if only for a moment. The bond of support and friendship offered a small but significant source of peace amid Orion's ongoing struggles.