#caleb l&ds

[chaos-in-deepspace]

Cute nicknames Caleb could call us instead of “Pipsqueak”

Little shit

You asshole

Menace to society

Bitch in Heat

Le menace

Wet rat

Goblin

Copilot

My Cloud

Little Mouse (I think I’ve seen this one a few times)

Anyways that’s just a few really adorable nicknames based off the personality the MC has in game, just sayin.

[zaynes-nieve]

I think this is the last LADS Edit I managed to save 😭😭😭. Y'all non Americans need to get permission to post them Tiktok edits for us. I can't be depriveddddd

Creators tag is all throughout the video I typically link but-

[hananoami]

Attention! A pulse signal has appeared in Linkon City, and a secret frequency is being transmitted from the Farspace Fleet. The Hunters Association has successfully intercepted it remotely and accurately locked onto a special communication code. Tap the video below to connect directly with the Colonel of the Farspace Fleet. Deepspace Hunters, take action now!

[mandalhoerian]

if i had a nickel for every time a beloved childhood friend you grew up with "died" and became a villain with a metal arm i'd have two nickels. which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice

[ishaslife]

Love and Deepspace:

Caleb Trailer Breakdown

Okay, so, I was confused on the trailer for a while and honestly a little put off at the whole "villain" vibes I got from it. But... I feel like there's something deeper going on here. Just hear me out:

"23rd Neural Control Experiment"

Pay close attention to the word, "Neural," to do with the brain and the nerves, as well as "control." Then, we see him struggling.

He's moaning and groaning, almost as if he's trying to fight against it. He looks like he's pain and then suddenly,

He's fine, he's IN control. His whole demeanour changes momentarily and all the lights around him come to life, it's not chaotic anymore. Until,

He wakes up, as if from a dream, absolutely terrified. He's sweating and scared, he's almost relieved to realise that it was a dream. But... What if it wasn't? I have always bought into the theory that Caleb and MC were brought together as a part of a bigger experiment by Ever, to test their evols and how they would get along.

Caleb has always been experimented on to better suit the needs and purposes that Ever plans to achieve with him and MC. He is being mind controlled by Ever, it's a "Neural Experiment" after all, Ever is trying to gain control of his thoughts and feelings, to make him detach himself from the MC to be able to use his telekenisis/gravity manipulation evol more effectively. Caleb seems unaware of this, he thinks that all of this is a dream when it's likely not. It's a result of all the poking and prodding Ever did in his brain since he's been a child. And Caleb's feelings for the MC are so strong that he's always able to fight against it, even if he is aware of it.

Ever blew up their house, likely because they thought that if MC knew that Caleb is definitely dead, they'd be able to keep her away from Caleb and keep Caleb away from her, making it easier for them to manipulate his brain to their liking.

Caleb is a sweet guy. The moment I saw him in the game, he was instantly the "protective-older-oppa-niichan" archetype. And this sudden shift in him in the trailer made me feel... Strange to say the least. It was absolutely jarring. I don't think he's evil, I think he's being made to think he is evil.

The still from the trailer below; it shows what is likely his apartment and everything is boxed up, it's almost as though this is from the day he moved to skyhaven or a few days after.

(side note: it's kinda cute that the only thing he unpacked is that photo of, what I assume is, him and the MC on the left.)

This is most definitely the past because,

He still has the necklace and he seems as soft as we know him to be, he caresses the necklace with care and in memory, almost as if he's consoling the MC like, "I'll never hurt you, don't worry." (And well, also just because he misses her and wishes she was with him.)

And then, this beautiful dream-like scene, almost from a memory changes into something far darker.

It's as though he's not himself anyone, he's someone who has been twisted. Ever has succeeded and it's up to us to make him remember again.

To add: the apple symbolism. His art and his motifs are often littered with apples and snakes, snakes are often seen as symbols of seduction, betrayal and most importantly: duality in most world mythologies and the apple, it's quite literally the seduction and fall of Eve/mankind. Even the snake, the devil takes the form of a snake when trying to seduce Eve to eat from the tree.

Perhaps the snakes at meant to represent his duality, and Ever as they are the reason for his duality in the first place. Meanwhile, the apples: his fall orchestrated by Ever. Ever is the devil and Caleb fell for their trap, unknowingly just as Eve did.

[hellinistical]

in which your attempts at teasing him backfire.

tw: not proof-read. afab.reader wc: 1.7k

You step into the room, the faint scent of rubber and sweat hanging in the air. The hum of the ceiling fan is steady, the only sound breaking the silence. The floor is lined with thick black mats, the kind that dulls the impact of each step, each weight dropped. The walls are decorated with posters—motivational quotes, athletes mid-motion, the colors vibrant in contrast to the dim lighting that casts shadows around the room. A large mirror stretches across one wall, reflecting your every move as you glance at your reflection.

The scent of metal greets you next as your gaze shifts to the weights stacked neatly along one side, a collection of dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbells glistening under the faint light. The bench press sits at the center, its leather worn but sturdy. To your left, a treadmill sits untouched, and beyond that, the elliptical machine waits patiently for your attention.

There's a small section by the window with a yoga mat rolled out, soft light filtering through the blinds. A set of resistance bands hangs from a hook nearby, and a jump rope lies coiled by the corner. You can feel the space welcoming you, pushing you to move, to work, to reach your limits. The room is yours, an arena for your body to push against its own boundaries.

And in the middle is your boyfriend, doing pushups. 

You can’t help but watch as Caleb’s muscles ripple with each push-up, his back shifting under the strain. His skin glistens with sweat, the droplets tracing down his back and disappearing into the waistband of his shorts. Every time he lowers himself, the dog tag around his neck swings down, grazing the floor with a soft clink. The sound of his breath, deep and measured, mixed with the occasional grunt, only adds to the moment. There's something about the rhythm of it all that pulls you in.

You shift silently, careful not to make a sound, your steps light on the rubber floor. A small, mischievous smile plays on your lips as you inch closer, his focus completely on his workout. You can’t resist; the moment feels too perfect, too tempting. You sneak up behind him, just as he finishes a push-up, and almost without thinking, you reach out, gently tapping his shoulder, a playful challenge in your eyes.

Caleb looks up, surprise flashing across his face for just a second before his lips curl into a grin. His breath catches slightly as you stand there, a smirk tugging at the corner of your mouth.

You tilt your head, feigning innocence as you grin, "Mind if I join you?"

Caleb pauses mid-push-up, his body locking in place. He looks up at you with a smirk, his breath still coming in quick bursts. "Hm? Course you can, princess—oh!" His voice falters slightly as you suddenly hop onto his back, your legs on either side, your hands lightly resting on his shoulders for balance.

The muscles in his back tense under the unexpected weight, but he doesn’t stop. Instead, he gives a huff of laughter, his deep voice vibrating through his chest, and you can feel the heat from his body. His dog tag bounces off the floor again, and the slight jingle makes you smile, knowing exactly what you've just done.

"You're cruel," he mutters, pushing himself back into his rhythm, but his tone has a playful edge. He doesn’t skip a beat. As soon as the words hang in the air, Caleb shifts beneath you, the playful grin still plastered on his face. He pushes himself deeper into the movement, each push-up becoming smoother, more controlled. His body doesn't seem to strain under your weight—it almost seems like he's showing off now, making it look easy. You can feel the strength in his muscles, the way his back flexes and shifts with each rep, as though he's daring you to try and throw him off.

His dog tag swings faster, hitting the floor with a soft clink, a rhythm to match his pace. You can feel the heat of his body, the tension of his muscles as he adds more power to each push-up, lifting you up ever so slightly with each press. His breathing is steady, but you sense an almost playful smugness in the way he moves, like he's enjoying proving just how little you weigh in comparison to the challenge he's setting for himself.

You, however, are stuck in a position where you're trying to hold on and not fall off, and there's a growing sense of realization that while this moment feels full of playful defiance, it’s clear—you're nothing to him. He’s doing this effortlessly, with a quiet confidence that makes it impossible to ignore. You smirk, but it’s no longer playful—it’s more of a challenge.

You can feel the space between the two of you in more ways than one. He’s showing off, but you’re beginning to wonder if that’s all this is ever going to be.

Before you can even process what’s happening, Caleb shifts suddenly. With one smooth movement, he flips you off his back and swings you under him, pinning you down gently against the rubber mat beneath you. His hands rest on the floor beside your head as he continues with his push-ups, his arms steady and sure.

You're lying there, completely caught off guard, your breath catching in your throat. Each time he lowers himself, his dog tag swings forward and lands on your chest with a soft clink, the cool metal pressing against your skin. The sound, the sensation—it’s like the world has narrowed down to just the weight of him above you and the steady rhythm of his movements.

And then, Caleb laughs, that low, easy chuckle that makes his chest rumble. It’s teasing, playful, and a little smug. "Told you I could handle it, princess." His voice is light, but there's an edge of amusement in it, knowing how completely he’s caught you off guard.

You can’t help but feel the strange mixture of embarrassment and something else—something that keeps your heart racing, even as he doesn’t stop, his push-ups continuing like it’s the most normal thing in the world. You’re trapped under him now, his dog tag steadily tapping against your chest with each descent.

You roll your eyes, the warmth creeping up your neck as you turn your face away, pretending to be unimpressed. “Yeah—well, whatever,” you mutter, trying to play it off, but inside, something flutters that you can’t quite ignore.

Caleb chuckles again, his breath warm against your ear as he continues his push-ups. And then, as he lowers himself toward you for the next one, he pauses just before the descent—and then he presses a quick kiss to your cheek.

The contact is soft but undeniable. You freeze for a moment, your heart racing, caught off guard by the sudden, gentle gesture. His lips linger there, even if just for a second, and then he’s back to his rhythm, continuing his push-ups like nothing happened.

You’re left staring up at him, your cheek tingling from the kiss, your pulse skipping. His laugh follows, still light and teasing. “Had to make sure you were paying attention,” he says, his voice full of amusement.

You bite your lip, trying to hide the surprise. “I’m paying attention,” you respond, though you’re not sure if you mean the push-ups or something else entirely.

His smirk is undeniable, that familiar playful glint in his eyes as he looks down at you, like he knows exactly what’s running through your mind. "Are you?" he teases the question hanging in the air between you two.

Before you can answer—or even process what’s happening—Caleb lowers himself again. This time, instead of just the soft tap of his dog tag, his lips meet yours in a quick, fleeting kiss as he comes down. The pressure of his body so close to yours, the warmth of his lips, it all catches you off guard. Your breath hitches, and for a second, everything else disappears except that kiss, leaving you both suspended in the moment.

He pulls back just as swiftly as he came, the smile on his lips widening as he finishes his push-up, still managing to keep his rhythm. “Just makin’ sure,” he says, that playful smirk still lingering.

Your heart is pounding, and you’re left staring up at him, not sure what to say next. You’ve never really known how to respond to him when he acts like this—all teasing. 

You blink up at him, still trying to steady your breath, but his presence is too overwhelming. Caleb’s smile widens, that familiar, teasing grin stretching across his face. "Just makin' sure," he repeats, his voice light and almost smug, as if he knows exactly how flustered you are.

The way he leans over you, his body so close, makes everything feel a little bit heavier, a little bit more intense. His dog tag swings again, brushing against your chest with each push-up. You can feel the weight of the moment, the quiet challenge he’s setting for you, and the playful way he keeps pushing the boundaries, making sure you’re paying attention, making sure you’re still here with him.

His eyes glint down at you, the smirk never leaving his lips. “You alright down there, princess?” he asks, though it’s clear he’s already enjoying every second of this little game.

You quickly gather yourself, trying to shake off the heat spreading through your cheeks. "I—yeah. Yeah, I’m fine," you say, your voice coming out a little more flustered than you intended. You stare up at him, feeling the weight of his gaze as he continues to smile down at you, completely at ease, while you're left trying to regain some semblance of control.

He chuckles softly, his gaze lingering a moment longer before he resumes his push-ups, but the teasing edge doesn’t leave his tone. "Good," he says, clearly enjoying how much he's gotten under your skin. "Wouldn’t want you to lose focus now, would we?"

And oh, fuck if that didn’t make your stomach flip. 

[cherimoyatea]

Have I mentioned my obsession with men in uniforms? *heavy breathing* 👀

[alexrosa13]

Happy Accident

Caleb x female!reader

Genre: fluff

Warnings: mc!reader

Note: quick one shot because I'm obsessed with this man, if you haven't noticed yet.

navigation → ||

part 2 soon...

~★~

The first one may have happened by an accident, but I would say that the other times won't be.

"I did it! I did it Caleb!" you were jumping around with a paper in your hand, the confirmation of your passed test.

"Told you not to doubt yourself." he was watching your energy raise 200 times the normal level, already used to it. You were like a little tornado, running around him, screaming in his ear, just jumping like a little rabbit ever since you came home.

"I didn't doubt myself!" you threw the paper in his direction, harmless, and it wouldn't even fall on him, but he used his evol to make it fly straight into his hand. You didn't react, continuing your happy little hopping.

"Sure, sure, cause it wasn't you who came to my room, threw yourself onto my bed, cried into my pillow asking me to help you study cause you felt... I quote 'dumb as a middle aged man'?" he dodged the pillow you threw his way, while studying the impressive percentage on the paper.

"Shut up, you were only there for the mental support." you said, picking up another pillow for your weapon.

"Yeah, by mental support you mean I was tutoring you for free." he catches the second pillow that flew towards his face, the paper lying forgotten on the coffee table before him.

"You were acting out of the goodness of your heart, what, you want some reward in return for being a good samaritan now huh?" you crossed your arms, looking at him, he stood up from the couch with a pillow in his hand, you had to raise your head to look him in the eye, but you didn't move back, not letting yourself run and giving him the pleasure of winning your staring contest.

"Well, I deserve a thank you, don't I?" he teased, throwing the pillow back onto the couch and taking a step closer to you, you had to raise your head even higher.

"Do you? I don't know." you raised your brows for a second, before staring at him with twice the intensity.

"Is that how much you care about me pipsqueak? I don't even deserve a grateful 'thank you Caleb, you're the best!'?" he mimicked your voice which actually made you crack a smile for a second .

"Thank you Caleb, you're the best!" you said sarcastically "There, happy now?" he looked at you in silence, thinking,

"Hmm no, not quite. You can do better than that." he got even closer to you, and lowered his head, his face now close to yours, never dropping the eye contact.

You huffed, rolling your eyes in 'annoyance'. You took a step towards him, your bodies centimetres away, he looked at you with a silent question, not moving, watching you.

Your face got closer to his, planning on giving him a quick smooch on his cheek but when your lips reached their desired place...

He moved his head...

Both of your eyes widen. You remained unmoving.

With your lips on his.

You didn't know what to do, back up? Continue? Run away and hide in your room? WHAT TO DO? And he had the same dilemma.

You stood there like a stone sculpture for at least a minute.

Your eyelids relaxed, your eyes half opened, both of you slowly broke the 'kiss', but your forehead touched instead, deep breaths being the only noise you heard.

You looked down, not knowing what to say, he was looking at you.

His hand went up to your cheek, raising your head softly and making you gaze into his purple eyes.

You looked at each other with a silent questions.

Taking a risk he decided what to do. He looked down at your lips, slowly closing the distance, you let him do it, you wanted him to do it.

His lips landed on yours once more, this time; intentionally. And from this moment you were lost. No thoughts in your head, just him.

You closed your eyes, enjoying the feeling to the fullest, you thought about it so often before falling asleep, never expecting it to happen.

You didn't know for how long you were standing there, seconds, minutes? But the sudden noise of the front door opening made you two pull away instantly.

Both of you dropped to the couch, trying to look natural and not like you were making out a moment ago.

"Hello to you two." Gran walked in, with groceries in her hands, both of you said short greetings and smiled at her before she went to the kitchen, Caleb decided to stand up and go help her unpack everything like he always did, but you caught his hand in panic.

He looked at you with another quiet question.

"Your lips..." you whispered, gesturing at your own. He raised his hand to his mouth, wiping them once and showing you the result.

You looked in the direction Gran went, and stood up to help him wipe the rest of your lipstick from his lips.

You wiped it with your hand to the best of your ability, luckily the color came out easily.

"You can go now." you whispered again, taking a step back, but he pulled you back by your arm, planting a quick kiss on your lips before turning around to go and help Gran.

You stood there dumbfounded.

What the hell just happened.

[oncasette]

caleb being needy bc it's a brain worm that i can't get out of my head. anxiously awaiting the 22. content: suggestive, not quite smut, but definitely a bit nsfw

caleb is not subtle with his intentions at all. he's already fairly touchy with you, but when he's feeling especially needy, he doesn't hold back. his hands—and lips—will be everywhere.

his touch is different from his usual, albeit lingering, holds on you. it’s more focused. driven. methodical. he knows how to take you apart, and he knows when to show his cards. he wants you to feel what he’s feeling.

he hadn't been overt about it in the beginning, but the minute he figured out that him showing his need worked on you, he wasn't one to hide it.

you’ll be standing in the bathroom before bed with caleb unceremoniously curled all the way around you. his hands will be up your shirt, mouth at your neck, semi pressing into your back.

“baby,” he mumbles against your skin. his teeth graze your jaw, but he never bites down. you’re sure it’s only a couple more minutes before he starts rutting against you. you can’t help the giggle that bubbles up. he’s so shameless.

his brow tightens as a whine disguised as a laugh of his own creeps out, “why’re you laughing at me?”

“you’re very cute when you want something, did you know that?” you ask as you place your hands over his through the fabric of your shirt. his fingers slide up further to cup your breast.

“cute enough to take me to bed?” he asks, his lips grazing the shell of your ear.

“maybe,” you hum. another kiss. open-mouthed and wet against the edge of your collarbone. another hand shifts to grip your hip.

"just maybe? how do i make that a yes?"

you hold his gaze in the mirror. his eyes have long been glazed over, at this point, and his mouth is hung open with heavy pants spilling from his lips. if his comments hadn't been enough to start luring you in, that sight definitely was.

[chronically-absentminded]

The way flexes the glove, ASHLLSGGSLLS!!!

[faintrustle]

We need more CALEB scenes.

[chaos-in-deepspace]

If Caleb finna come back he best be getting a new shovel so he can dig his grave and sit back down in that damn casket. MC did not mourn over his death, foot the bill for his funeral, and then go on a revenge mission just for homie to be like “It was just a prank, bro.”

He ‘boutta die again and it’s gonna be from me this time smh

[kykyonthemoon]

Going through the new Caleb’s trailers made me realize things.

A while ago, I cooked a fic where MC compared hands with Caleb, and when he was little, he said that his hands would always be bigger than MC's. Then the same thing appeared in his Homecoming Wings trailer!

Then in July last year, I cooked a fic where Caleb was doing push-ups. And they made him do push-ups in the game for real now 🥺

I know it’s just my delulu but when it fits the canon, I scream and kick my feet in the air (｡・//ε//・｡)

Thanks Infold for Caleb. He’s like my dream come true 💛

⟡.ᐟ.ᐟ Update:

I found this scene in his new Endless Summer trailer, where he told MC "Don't go..." to be a perfect match to my fic back in March last year. MC in my fic literally said "Don't go..." and hold his hand 💛

⟡.ᐟ.ᐟ Update:

My countdown fic yesterday had a part at the end mentioning the "endless summer" of the two. Caleb's new card introduction today also has a line about "endless summer" and that returning to Skyhaven means the end of summer, the end of being with MC :> Yesterday I almost cooked up the part where Caleb said he was going to go back to Skyhaven to study and MC also returned to university, but I almost ran out of the limited word count so I stopped =)))))

Although this topic is not new, Infold also mentioned "endless summer" in previous trailers, but I was quite surprised and happy because of this coincidence ^^ Does that mean I'm on the right track with the stories I cook for him?

────୨ৎ────

Fic mentioned:

The spaces between my fingers are right where yours fit perfectly (included other MLs except for Sylus - because he wasn’t released when I wrote it).

Distraction (included 5 MLs).

How to babysit a wounded little Hunter (really old fic - included 4 MLs except for Sylus).

7 Days - Day 04

Please check out my L&D Masterlist too.

[hananoami]

Endless Summer · Showcase

"But... there aren't endless summers in Skyhaven."

[yuzuocha]

MC: Hey, do you think I can fit fifteen marshmallows in my mouth?

Zayne: You're a hazard to society.

Caleb: And a coward. Do twenty.

[mephiestophyl]

When You Come Back... ♥︎

Synopsis: You just hope that Caleb won't leave you behind.

(caleb x reader, sfw, angst, hurt/comfort, pre-skyhaven departure, unestablished relationship, reassurance, physical touch, use of nicknames: pip-squeak, one use of the word "brat", Caleb is also referred to as "Gege", no use of Y/N, gender neutral reader, reader is mc, reader has abandonment issues, brief mention of zayne, reader is anxious, mention of the chronorift catastrophe, fuck you caleb for leaving RAGAGHH)

——

The night before Caleb leaves for Aerospace Academy, you find yourself walking up to his bedroom door. He's finished up packing his things, double checking his luggage just in case he missed anything. He looks up as the door opens, catching the sight of you peering behind the door.

"Heya, pip-squeak. 'You having trouble sleeping?" He smiles up at you from where he's kneeling beside his things, his cheeks dimpling with fondness. The suitcase and duffel bag serve as a reminder to you that he's going to be gone soon, little stabs piercing your heart at the sight.

You realise that you didn't really have a plan of action before heading into his bedroom, too caught up in your emotions to have conjured up a conversation starter. It feels too vulnerable and intimate to expose your feelings about him leaving out in the open, but the knowledge that he was going to be gone soon won over your anxiety and drove you to seek out his company.

"Um, no.. 'Just wanted to see you, I guess."

Caleb, having manoeuvred around your attempts to deflect from the truth before, falls smoothly into his familiar role of coaxing you out of your shell. He smirks, and beckons you to sit next to him on the floor, tapping the ground with his hand.

"Oh yeah? Missing me already?" Caleb teases.

"No! I.. I just want to watch you fail at stuffing all your clothes in your bag." You accept his invitation to sit next to him, moving aside a stray tank top with your foot and taking the spot next to Caleb. "It looks fit to burst with how much you're trying to fit in there, Gege. Show your bag some mercy."

Caleb's teasing gaze melts into fondness, and then he lets out a sigh reminiscent of someone who just got back home after a long day of work.

"God, I wish I could. You don't know what that bag's been through to fit so much." Caleb shifts his gaze from the bag over to you, sneaking an arm behind your back, his hand landing gently on your hip and fitting you into the space between his arm and his side. You lean in instinctively, his warmth softening the stiffness in your body. Caleb rests his chin on top of your head and lets out another sigh, "I'm going to miss you, you know."

"I know."

Caleb huffs in amusement, "Good."

A brief moment of silence passes, words expressing things like, I'm going to miss you too, or even worse, Please stay, I don't want you to leave, remaining lodged in your throat. Hoping that your body is able to express feelings that words can not, you raise a hand to his chest and tug on his shirt. In response, Caleb lifts his chin from the top of your head and shifts slightly to look at you, letting out a short inquisitive, "Hm?"

"What are you going to miss the most about me?" You ask tentatively.

Caleb takes a moment to look at you, then slightly tilts his head up and closes his eyes, stroking his chin with his thumb in a dramatic display of pondering.

"What am I going to miss the most about you, huh? Hm..." He can't help but chuckle at your groan in response to his obnoxious posturing. He looks back down at you and pokes playfully at your forehead with his finger.

"Well, I'm certainly going to miss having a feisty little pip-squeak to tease when I'm bored."

"Hey! Is that all!" You accuse.

Caleb smiles and does his signature head pat that never fails to tousle up your hair.

"I'll only tell you what else I'm gonna miss about you once you tell me what you'll miss about your dearly beloved Gege."

You scoff at him, the momentary feeling of lightness in your heart then shifting into a heavy weight as you're faced with the reality of his soon-to-be absence. "Well... 'm gonna miss watching you do my chores while I eat the last of the ice cream from the freezer."

Caleb flicks your forehead in response, "Brat."

You giggle at his faked annoyance and shift from where you're seated against Caleb, turning around to face him fully, though momentarily missing his warmth.

"I'm also gonna miss beating you in video games on the TV, even though you know I hate when you lose on purpose."

"But you get mad at me when I win!"

You ignore his protest and carry on talking.

"I'll also really miss your cooking - especially your baking! I'm going to suffer from Gege's super special Apple Pie withdrawal while you're gone.."

"Heh, you sound like Zayne," Caleb teases.

The mention of Zayne stirred up a bitter-sweet feeling inside your heart. One minute, you two were having fun at an aquarium, and the next — nothing. He disappeared from your life without a word.

...Will Caleb do the same once he goes, too?

"Caleb..."

"Yeah, pip-squeak?"

"...You have to promise me something."

Sensing the serious undertone of your voice, Caleb pulls you closer to his lap, placing a hand on your lower back and lifting your chin with the other; his eyes an infinite well of kindness and patience that never runs dry, a hum leaving his mouth in a way that encourages you to go on.

"Once you leave, promise me you'll still message me. Promise you'll still keep in contact with me."

You think of the box hidden away in your room with a necklace that you bought using your savings, waiting to be revealed, and the message engraved on it.

"And..."

Lips trembling, you throw yourself onto his lap, his arms wrapping around you like second nature, enveloping him in a bone crushing hug, eliciting a grunt out Caleb. You take in his scent; the scent of home, baked goods, and warm hugs — safety.

"— Promise me you'll come back home. Whenever you can. Please."

A minute of silence passes, and then you suddenly feel Caleb pull you away from where you had buried your face in the junction between his neck and his shoulder. You're able to see his face clearly now, taking in his bewildered expression and furrowed brows. He cups the sides of your face with his hands, his palms anchoring you in this moment.

"Pip-squeak, of course I will. Never doubt for even a second how much you mean to me. You're my entire world, y'know?"

You nuzzle into one of his hands, a choked up whine leaving in your throat as he carries on.

"—When the disaster happened... from the moment you stuck to my side for months on end; I knew you were someone I would dedicate my life to protecting. At that time where I felt so aimless and lost and didn't know what to do or where to go — you were there to give me purpose, a reason to keep going."

Caleb brings your head toward his chest, and you cling to his shirt like he'll disappear if you don't hold on to him tight enough. He places his hand on your hair and runs his fingers through your locks, a wave of warmth washing over you.

"So of course I'll keep in contact, of course I'll text you and call you and visit you and Gran. You don't have to tell me to do any of that. I'm always going to be with you — even if we're far apart from each other."

"Promise?" You say, slightly wavering as you look back up at Caleb, blinking through the wetness of your eyelashes, taken aback by his conviction.

Caleb lowers his head, resting his face on the top of your head, feeling his lips curl into a smile. The certainty behind his words buzzes through your skin and settles in your heart.

"I promise. I'll never leave you behind."