Quick Author's Notes: I saw my high school's production of Little Shop of Horrors the other night. I watched the 1980's movie in various parts on YouTube yesterday. I'm head over heels in the LSOH fandom. :3 I LOVE ORIN SCRIVELLO!

Gentle Whisper

There were rare moments when Orin would be sweet, kind, even affectionate toward Audrey. These moments were few and far between, however, and as unpredictable as the rest of him. Audrey learned not to expect them; although, it was because of these moments—coupled with sheer fear—that made her keep coming back to him. She never dared to tell anyone this before; not the street girls, not Mr. Mushnik, and definitely not Seymour. It was a private thing that she kept hidden in her heart.

Sometimes, while they lay basking in the afterglow of a rough night (after Audrey's hands were untied and the blindfold was taken off her eyes), Orin would stroke her hair. Gently, almost unconsciously, with a pensive expression on his face. His fingers would play with her curly blonde locks, and in turn she would touch his arm. This was only moment when Orin would actually allow Audrey to touch him. She would sweep her fingers up his arm, very lightly, feeling muscles and tracing scars. Audrey always wondered whether or not these scars were the results of self-mutilation—however, she didn't dare ask, for fear of breaking the fragile atmosphere.

Orin stopped stroking her hair. He reached for a blanket and pulled it, tucking it around them so they were warm and comfortable. He would draw Audrey in very close, tenderly wrapping his arms around her thin body. It was not a crushing, bruising embrace, but a delicate one.

Orin lowered his lips to her ear and whispered, "Please…stay with me."

His voice sounded so small and pathetic that it broke Audrey's heart; it made her remember of her past life, as a child growing up in Skid Row, and all the dark memories she tried to forget would rush to her head. During rare moments of affection like these, Audrey would feel a sort of connection with Orin. They were both born and raised here. They were both unfortunate souls.

Which was why Audrey always, always whispered back, "I will."