Canary nodded, the smallest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. In that moment, he knew he wasn't alone.
Lisa unlocked her door and led Canary inside, her small, cozy space offering a comforting warmth.
He followed her silently, his shoulders heavy with exhaustion.
She gestured for him to sit on the bed, and he did so, his gaze fixed on the floor.
Lisa sat beside him, placing a gentle hand on his. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.
Canary sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. " My Mom.."
He began, his voice strained. "She doesn't believe me, Lisa. She thinks the video is true, and she… she slapped me. She said I've shamed the family."
Lisa's heart sank. "Oh, Canary… I'm so sorry."
He shook his head, his voice breaking.
"I can't go back there tonight. Not like this. I just… I need somewhere to be, somewhere I can think. Lisa, can I stay here? Just for tonight."
Lisa hesitated for only a moment before nodding. " Ah…uhm,….Of course, you can stay," she said, her voice steady.
"You don't need to ask. You're always welcome here."
Canary looked at her, his eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thank you, Lisa. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Lisa wrinkled her nose playfully as she sat next to Canary.
"Canary, I don't mean to be rude, but you're stinking of sweat… and is that eggs?"
Canary gave her a sheepish look. "It's been a long day."
She stood up, shaking her head with a grin.
"No excuses. Go take a shower. Here," she said, handing him a neatly folded visitor's towel from her wardrobe. "
And since you didn't bring a change of clothes, you'll have to wear these."
She handed him a pair of her pajamas a simple set of gray sweats and a t-shirt.
Canary raised an eyebrow as he held up the pajamas. "These are yours, aren't they?"
"Obviously," Lisa teased. "It's either these or nothing."
"Alright, alright," he chuckled, heading to the bathroom.
As he went to shower Lisa decided to go and buy supper for them.
Lisa returned to her room carrying a bag of takeout, her laughter bubbling up the moment she stepped inside.
Canary was sitting on the bed, trying to adjust the sleeves of the t-shirt that clung tightly to his broad shoulders. The pajama pants stopped awkwardly at mid-calf.
"Don't laugh," he said, feigning a serious expression.
But Lisa couldn't hold it in. She burst out laughing, nearly dropping the food.
"I'm sorry," she said between giggles. "You look… you look like a giant trying to fit into a doll's outfit!"
Canary crossed his arms, smirking. "Glad I can amuse you."
Lisa set the food down and walked over, still grinning. "Well, you look ridiculous, but also kind of adorable."
She patted his shoulder.
"Come on, let's eat before I laugh myself to tears."
Canary rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips as he followed her to the table.
Lisa unpacked the takeout on the small table, and they both sat down to eat.
The aroma of warm food filled the room, but Canary's appetite was barely there. He picked at his meal in silence for a moment before finally speaking.
"Lisa," he began, his tone low, "there's something else I need to tell you."
Lisa paused, looking at him with concern. "What is it?"
Canary let out a weary sigh, setting his fork down. "I've been temporarily asked to leave Andersons Group.
The board decided it's the only way to calm the employees. They're refusing to work while I'm there."
Lisa's eyes widened in shock. "They really asked you to step down?"
"It's not permanent," Canary clarified quickly, though the bitterness in his voice was clear.
"But right now, it feels like I've been stripped of everything. My position, my reputation… everything I've worked for."
Lisa reached across the table, placing her hand on his.
"Canary, I'm so sorry. That's completely unfair. They didn't even give you a chance to defend yourself."
He looked at her, his voice thick with frustration.
"It's like the world turned against me overnight. I know I need to stay strong, but it's hard when even my own family doubts me."
Lisa squeezed his hand firmly. "You'll prove them wrong, Canary. I know you will. You're not alone in this. No matter what happens, I'm here for you."
As Canary's smile spread across his face, a spark of mischief danced in his eyes.
Without warning, he rose from his seat, his movements fluid and deliberate.
Lisa, caught off guard, felt a flutter in her chest as he approached her.
His hands wrapped around her waist, lifting her effortlessly from her chair.
" What are you doing ?" She let out a gentle gasp as he cradled her in his arms, his warmth and strength enveloping her.
" Just wait and see.." he said huskily.
The room around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a moment of pure anticipation.
Canary's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity.
He carried her to the bed, his footsteps quiet on the floor.
As he laid her down, his hands lingered on her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
He hovered over her, his face inches from hers. The air was thick with tension, heavy with the promise of what was to come.
Lisa's heart pounded in her chest, her lips parting slightly as she waited for his kiss.
And then, it came – a gentle, yet passionate touch that sent her senses reeling.
As their lips met, the world around them dissolved into nothingness.
Time stood still, leaving only the two of them, lost in the depths of their own private universe.
The kiss deepened, their mouths moving in perfect harmony.
Lisa felt herself getting lost in the sensation, her arms wrapping around Canary's neck, pulling him closer.