Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A small malfunction, a single miscalculation might just throw off even the most skillful beings. A plan is solid, prewritten with all possible faults and every solution attached to it. Caleb didn’t become Colonel of the Deepspace fleet simply by obeying orders and kissing ass, he isn’t stupid and he knows how to evade trouble and when to rush into it.

However, seeing you standing there, phone between your shoulder and ear, and your keys dangling between your fingers, isn’t part of his calculations. Thankfully, Caleb manages to hide the small camera just in time for you not to see it. But the casual wave and the rushed goodbye to whoever you’re talking to on the phone make Caleb believe that there is a part of the puzzle he isn’t aware of.

When you hang up, you look at Caleb with big eyes. The same eyes he has looked into many times from the comfort of his screen. You throw your purse on the couch and approach Caleb.

“I’m so glad I caught you before I missed you,” you say with a relieved voice. “The landlord texted me that you will be here today, I rushed from work all the way here to ask for a small tiny favor.” Your voice is sweet, an attempt to convince Caleb whom you obviously mistake for a worker hired by your Landlord.

The panic that courses through Caleb settles slightly, his purple eyes scan you, taking in the real you. Fate seems to have his back this time, but he knows that it could end differently if he ever slips up like this again.

As you walk towards an open door where Caleb can see the edge of a bed, you give him a cheery smile. “Could you please check the flickering light in my bedroom?”

Caleb exhales silently, relieved that fate has given him a cover. Playing along, he nods, even as a sinking dread fills him. The real handyman could arrive any moment, and he needs to leave before his cover is blown.

The opportunity to be near you is also too good to be true. He has seen you from distances and many corners but up close is a treat he never thought possible. Caleb picks up the small portable ladder and carries it to your bedroom, the flickering light seems to be caused by a simple problem. Caleb screws the bulb tighter and the flickering stops. He doesn’t have the heart to tell you that it was caused by something this stupid.

Caleb rubs his sweaty palms on his pants and looks past you. “I have another appointment I should get to.”

Your smile falters slightly and you reach out to him before he can truly leave. “Wait, can I have your number? You know just in case I need more repairs in the future?”

His heart skips a beat. For a second he hesitates, and you notice this. “It takes forever to get the Landlord to take care of any repairs. It would just be handy to have you around,” You quickly add. Your eyes are big and pleading and your voice is sweet like honey.

It feels dangerous to let you get closer to him, but he can’t deny you—not when you look at him like that. He looks at the digital clock on your desk and sighs before reciting his number.

The smile you give him shreds him apart, you have the sweetest grin plastered on your face. It makes him want to chase whatever he needs to continue seeing it on you. You give him a little wave before closing the door behind him. Caleb looks ahead, the blaring sun peaking through the lush green trees fading as he ponders about the interaction he just had with you.

Caleb has known her for a few months now, it is mostly one-sided. You don’t know him or that he is watching you from the comfort of his house. Nor do you know that you are the subject of his obsession.

His eyes fall on a white van, a stout small man steps out and Caleb is reminded of the consequences that might occur. He quickly intercepts the handyman, pays him and ensures the story aligns. A good paycheck makes everyone obey.

No harm is done, Caleb thinks as he walks toward his car. He got away with it this time but next time he might not be so lucky. On his way back to his apartment in Skyhaven, Caleb can’t shake the image of your smiling face. You are so sweet and innocent, a blank picture void of any harsh strokes. And Caleb knows this world all too well, how dangerous and unkind it can be. You need someone to protect you, or else you might not survive.

Caleb didn’t expect you to call so soon, and so frequently. Nearly everyday there’s something to fix for him—a broken hinge, a leaky faucet, a squeaky door. Caleb finds himself visiting your apartment more often than before, each interaction leaves him feeling unsteady.

You are warm and kind, treating him like a friend rather than a stranger that is helping you out. It unnerves him. In person, you add fuel to his already burning obsession. You laugh with him, thank him, tell him stories about your life, and offer him coffee and lunch while he works. It throws him off guard, he struggles to react accordingly.

But it’s more than fear that shakes him, it’s the way you smile at him as though he is your closest friend, the way your voice always sounds cheery and needy. His feelings for you aren’t conventional; he is fully aware of how wrong they are.

“Thanks, Caleb,” You say as you set down the tray with soda and ice-cream. “I really don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Caleb sets down the screwdriver, another odd job you called him over for. “The air conditioning should start working now.” Caleb tells you.

The sun is setting, casting a golden glow through the widow. The summer heat has left you glistening, your damp hair pulled into a ponytail and your skin glowing with a sheen of sweat. You’re dressed lightly, a bralette and tiny wide shorts.

Caleb looks away, not wanting to be caught ogling. Your casual yet revealing outfit is a necessity in this sweltering weather. You sit down a few long inches away from him and pick up your soda. A tiny droplet trails down your chin and cleavage, Caleb adjusts his seat on the couch.

He tries to maintain his neutral expression, hiding the effect you have on him. His chest tightens as you complain about the weather but then turn around and say that summer is your favorite season. Your perfume, mingled with your sweat, makes him dizzy; your proximity makes his pulse race. You don’t know how much power you hold over him.

‘By the way,” You suddenly say as you lean forward to put your glass down. “I have something for you.”

You disappear into the kitchen leaving Caleb puzzled. You reappear with a bottle of red wine. Your sheepish grin pierces his heart.

“I’ve had this sitting here for ages,” you explain. “No occasion to celebrate, but…I thought maybe we could share a glass. You’ve helped me so much—I just want to say thank you.”

Caleb’s mouth goes dry. He wants—needs—to refuse, to bolt through the door, and to put some distance between the two of you before he does something he’ll regret. But when you tilt your head like an oblivious puppy and give him that sweet and hopeful expression, he can’t bring himself to say no.

He sits stiffly on your couch, trying not to notice the way you settle beside him, close enough that your leg almost brushes his. The heat from your body feels more intense than the summer air. You pour two glasses and hand him one, your fingers brushing his for a fleeting moment that leaves his skin tingling.

Your cheerful demeanor shifts as you begin asking him questions—small ones at first, about his work and hobbies. Caleb answers cautiously, his voice quieter than usual. But when you ask, “Do you have a girlfriend?” his chest tightens painfully, the weight of his secrets pressing down on him.

The insinuation behind the question is telling enough. Caleb knows where this is going, which dangerous territory he needs to avoid. His self-discipline is crumbling brick by brick as you throw him off guard. The carefully constructed world teetering on the edge of collapse ever since you entered his life.

He doesn’t meet your eyes, his glass half drowned as the words are stuck in his throat. Abruptly, he stands and mutters that he needs to use the bathroom. He rushes off before you can say anything.

Inside, he shuts the door and leans against it, his hands gripping his hair as he tries to steady his breathing. His reflection in the mirror looks wild, panicked, like a man unraveling at the seams. For the first time he feels the full weight of his obsession, and the dangers attached to it.

He can’t slip up, and you can’t know about the countless times that he has watched you, about the sleepless nights he spent watching over you, the men he removed from your life. It is better that way, to watch you from a distance. To create the image of you that he wants, so that he won’t be disappointed.

Caleb splashes cold water on his face and stares at himself in the mirror. The deep blush across his cheeks was caused not only by the summer heat, his damp hair and wide eyes. He inhales as the thought sweeps over him once more. You’re here, flesh and blood, real and alive.

He needs to get out.

Chapter Text

Caleb forces himself to breathe steadily as he steps out of the bathroom. He needs to leave before he bursts with unwanted emotions. The restraint is hanging on by a thread. But when he sees you curled up on the couch, a dejected look on your face, Caleb’s resolve falters slightly.

“I need to go,” he manages awkwardly as he avoids your eyes. “I…have another client waiting.”

You stand, moving closer to him, your brows knitted together and your lips turned downward. You fumble with your fingers and look up to him. “Are you mad at me? I’m sorry if I crossed any boundaries…”

His heart stops for a split second, a short and sharp pain courses through him as your words sink in. He shakes his head, his hands hovering between you. “No you didn’t—I’m not…” But before he can finish, you lower your gaze.

“I just…” You hesitate, biting your lip and the flush across your cheeks intensifies. “All those times I called you for help…They weren’t because I really needed things fixed. It was just an excuse to see you.”

Caleb blinks, freezing in his spot as the words wash over him. He can’t understand why you would do such a thing—why you would willingly want to see someone like him. You look up at him, the sincerity in your eyes shaking him to the core.

“I feel safe with you,” you continue softly. “Asking for your help just feels… natural. Like you’re the only one I can rely on.”

A surge of conflicting emotions tears through Caleb—desire, obsession, guilt, and something darker. He’s speechless, his thoughts racing, and for a moment, he almost tells you everything. The truth is on the tip of his tongue, but he bites it back, his fists clenching at his sides.

Then you reach for his hand, your fingers warm against his. The simple touch sends a shiver down his spine. You pull him gently back toward the couch, giving him a sweet, hopeful look that nearly undoes him.

“I like you,” you confess, your voice barely above a whisper. “And I care for you, Caleb.”

His name on your lips is both a blessing and a curse. For the first time, he feels like he’s losing control completely.

“Stop,” Caleb says, his voice rough and strained. It’s the first time he’s told you no since meeting you in real life.

Your eyes widen, and you pout again, your innocence chipping away at what little resolve he has left. “Why?” you ask softly, leaning closer.

He shakes his head, his jaw tightening as his purple eyes darken. Something primal and possessive overtakes him, his control slipping through his fingers.

Before he can stop himself, he leans over you, his hand finding the soft skin of your exposed thigh. His touch is firm yet hesitant, like he’s fighting an internal war. His breath is hot against your skin as he leans closer, the heat of him overwhelming your senses.

Guilt floods him, you should be kept at bay, at arm's length. He can’t bear to see the judgement and disgust in your beautiful eyes. And yet, he is only a man, a man whose emotions are pathetically stronger than him.

You feel dizzy, your heart pounding as his lips hover near yours. “Caleb,” you whisper, your voice trembling with a mix of desire and uncertainty.

A soft whimper escapes your lips, and that sound—the way you say his name, the way you look at him—breaks something in him completely. His grip on your thigh tightens, the heat of his touch searing into your skin.

His purple eyes burn with a painful intensity, as though he is still holding back. And it hurts him to do so. You grab his toned arms, feeling his muscles twitch underneath you. “Caleb…” you whisper, your voice soft and pleading.

He doesn’t respond with words, his jaw clenched and his breathing heavy as he leans closer. His touch grows bolder, rougher and more demanding, yet without a care. There is something overwhelming about him, he is like a mountain you are trying to climb.
His hot breath against your neck gives you chills, the sensation making you gasp. You feel his lips graze against your jaw, moving up until they meet your lips. The kiss is soft and sweet despite the situation. It seems there is still some restraint left in Caleb. You move your hands to his cheeks to pull him closer.

But then you feel him pull away, his face facing the floor and his brows knitted together. His grip on your thigh tightens for a split second before he lets go. Not because he wants to stop—every fiber of his being screams to claim you—but because he fears what might happen if he loses control completely.

You watch him with a disappointed pout as he leans back, his legs spread and his chest moving up and down. He rubs his forehead, a few strands of hair plastered against his skin. His breathing is uneven and his jaw is tense, the sight of him like this makes your heart flutter.

Did you come on too strong? Did you scare him?

Your voice is cautious as you say his name, your fingers reaching hesitantly toward him. When he remains silent, you shrink back, your stomach twisting with unease. “I’m sorry,” you mutter.

Caleb sighs, finally looking at you. His intense purple eyes are softer now, replaced by exhaustion. “It’s not that I don’t want it,” he says, his voice low. “I just…don’t want you to regret it later.”
Relief floods through you, and before you can stop yourself, you pinch his cheek lightly, a teasing smile replacing your worry. “Caleb, you dummy,” you huff. “I like you so much that I started stalking you.”

Caleb freezes. His entire body stiffens, his eyes widening just slightly as if he’s been caught in something.

You giggle, waving a hand dismissively. “I’m kidding,” you assure him, though your grin turns sheepish. “But I did send you way too many texts and… maybe scrolled through all your social media.”

Caleb lets out a quiet, nervous chuckle, but the tension in his shoulders remains. If only you knew how ironic your words were—how much deeper his obsession truly ran.

You lean in again, your fingers trailing lightly over his thigh. His breath hitches, his whole body taut beneath your touch. “I meant what I said,” you murmur, your eyes locking onto his. “I want this. I want you. And I’d like to take things further… when you’re ready.”

Caleb swallows hard, his hands clenching into fists at his sides as he fights against the overwhelming desire threatening to consume him again. You have no idea what you’re asking for—no idea just how much he wants you, how much he’s already claimed you in ways you can’t even imagine.

This was never part of the plan.

Chapter Text

Caleb stammers out a vague excuse, his voice uncharacteristically uncertain. "I—I should go," he says, rubbing the back of his neck.

You tilt your head, watching him with a playful glint in your eyes. "Okay," you say, walking him to the door. "But just so you know, you’re not getting rid of me that easily. I will keep in touch."

He swallows hard, nodding stiffly before practically bolting to his car. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly as he drives away, his heart hammering in his chest. He barely remembers the drive home, his mind replaying every moment—your touch, your teasing smile, your whispered confession.

By the time he reaches his apartment, he’s burning. Every nerve in his body is on edge, screaming for release. He storms into the bathroom, turning the shower to the coldest setting and stepping under the freezing water. The shock sends a jolt through him, but it’s not enough to douse the fire you ignited in him.

Ever since he stumbled upon you, he fantasized about this. About you. About having you, making you his. Your whimpers, cries, and moans. The way you would feel around his cock, how you would look with him all over you, how you would taste. He dreams of giving you the world, of protecting you from it.

But now that you’re within his grasp, he feels like a nervous, lovesick fool. He had the perfect chance, and he froze. What must you think of him?

Pathetic. Weak. A loser who couldn’t even handle a woman’s affection.

With his hand still on his now softening cock, Caleb turns off the faucet and steps out of the shower. He wraps a towel around his waist and runs a hand through his wet hair. Still feeling like a fool, Caleb goes to a room next to his office. He clicks open the security feed after sitting down behind the desk.

The screen shows the familiar sight of your apartment. There you are, curled up on the couch with your knees pulled to your chest, idly playing with your hair as you look down at your phone. A big, happy grin graces your face. You look utterly content because of him.

A notification pings on his screen. Caleb glances at it, expecting something insignificant, until he sees what it truly is.

You sent him a follow request.

His pulse spikes. His fingers hover over his phone. He forces himself to wait, to think about letting you in. He doesn’t want to seem too eager—even though his entire body is thrumming with anticipation. Almost immediately, his phone buzzes with a new message.

Caleb reads the message you sent asking him if he got home safe. Caleb can’t stop the small smile from forming. He types a response, waiting impatiently for you.

You: Do you have any plans this weekend?

Caleb hesitates. He does have work, but if you’re asking…

Caleb: I have to get some things done at the base in Skyhaven.

Your reply is almost instant.

You: Is it going to take all day?

He frowns slightly, debating how to answer.

Caleb: I should be done by noon.

A few seconds pass before your next message appears.

You: Great! I’ll be in Skyhaven too. You better not stand me up! >:(

Caleb’s brows lift slightly at your use of emojis. Your messages are expressive, filled with little hearts, exaggerated punctuation, and playful energy. It’s so you.

As he looks down at your texts, he can’t help but wonder if you plan to be in Skyhaven or if it’s just an excuse to see him.

The weekend arrives, and Caleb finds himself by his aircraft, running through preflight checks with mechanical precision. His hands move automatically, but his mind is elsewhere.

The clock seems to be working against him—both dragging and racing at the same time. The anticipation is unbearable. Anxiety lingers beneath his skin, the same quiet fear that always gnaws at him: What if he disappoints you?

Just as he finishes his checks, his phone buzzes. He pulls it out and finds a message from you.

A selfie.

You’re wearing a light blue summer dress, the fabric light and airy, perfectly suited for the warm weather. A pair of sunglasses rests on your face, and with your free hand, you flash a peace sign, lips puckered in a playful kissy face.

Caleb swallows hard.

You look adorable. So effortlessly casual, so carefree. The complete opposite of him—standing here, a mess of nerves and overthinking every move. He saves the photo, not wanting to lose something as precious as this.

As he walks past the locker rooms, he catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He stops, assessing his appearance. White t-shirt, simple with tiny text across the chest. Black khaki pants. Boots. Even in the heat of summer, he prefers to keep himself covered, not wanting to draw attention to his body.

His fingers tighten around his phone. Maybe he should’ve worn something else. Something more…approachable?

Shaking off the thought, he types out a quick message.

Caleb: Done here. On my way to you.

Your reply comes almost instantly.

You: Yay!! :3

Caleb exhales, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Even with all his fears, even with the chaos in his mind, one thing is certain—he can’t wait to see you.

Caleb spots you before you see him. You’re standing in front of a small shop, gazing at an array of trinkets displayed outside. There’s wonder in your eyes as you take in the delicate designs—tiny figurines, handmade jewelry, and pastel-colored keychains.

He stops a few meters away, hesitating. Watching you from a distance feels safer, more comfortable. He can admire you freely, taking in the way your fingers lightly brush over the items, the way the sunlight catches in your hair.

You’re beautiful.

Taking a deep breath, Caleb finally steps forward, forcing himself to act normal. As he nears, he manages to put on a small smile.

You turn at the sound of his footsteps and, upon recognizing him, gasp his name in delight. “Caleb!”

Before he can react, you throw your arms around him in an excited hug. His entire body stiffens. The warmth of you, the scent of your shampoo, the way you fit so perfectly against him—it’s overwhelming.

“You came!” you say, pulling back just enough to beam up at him. “I’m so glad to see you!”

Caleb swallows, still reeling from the sudden contact. He mutters something awkward, something that barely resembles a proper response. You don’t seem to mind and grab his arms to lead him through the lively streets.

Chatting away about idle subjects and your day, Caleb listens intently. He enjoys the way you pull him into your world without a care. You stop abruptly as you point to a cozy-looking café.

The moment you get the menu, your eyes light up. “Ooh, they have so many cute drinks!” You eagerly scan the options before settling on something colorful and fruity.

Caleb, feeling a bit out of place with all the bright, aesthetic options, settles on a simple soda.

As the waiter leaves, you rest your chin in your hand, looking at him with a teasing smile. “You’re so quiet today. Am I making you nervous?”

Caleb freezes mid-sip, nearly choking. You giggle.

His face burns. If only you knew.

Caleb rubs the back of his neck, laughing awkwardly. “You seem to be doing it on purpose,” he mutters, shooting you a half-hearted glare.

You giggle, eyes twinkling with mischief. Then, to his surprise, you reach across the table and take his hand. His entire body tenses at the simple touch.

“I’m nervous too, you know,” you admit, your voice softer now. “No guy ever seems to want me.” You let out a small, self-deprecating laugh. “If I’m being too much, just be honest with me.”

Caleb swallows thickly, the warmth of your fingers sending an uncomfortable, thrilling pulse through him. His usual teasing reply dies on his tongue. Instead, he meets your gaze with a more serious expression.

“If they can’t appreciate you for who you are,” he says, voice low but firm, “then they don’t deserve you.”

Your lips part slightly as if taken aback by his sudden sincerity. Then, slowly, you smile—shy, sweet, and so genuine that it nearly knocks the air from his lungs.

“Thanks, Caleb,” you say softly before quickly changing the subject. “So, how was work? Do you always have to wake up super early? That must be exhausting.”

The shift in conversation gives Caleb a moment to collect himself. He exhales, forcing his pulse to steady, and nods. “Yeah. Being a pilot means early mornings and long days. But… I don’t mind it.”

You hum, propping your chin in your hand again. “What made you want to be a fighter pilot?”

Caleb hesitates for a brief second before answering, finding it strangely easy to talk to you. “I’ve always wanted to protect something important.”

You tilt your head, curious. “Something? Or someone?”

His grip tightens slightly on his soda can.

You. The answer is immediate and undeniable. But he can’t say that. Not yet.

So, instead, he offers a small smirk, deflecting as always. “That’s classified.”

You pout playfully. “Boo, that’s not fair.”

Caleb chuckles, shaking his head. But as you continue asking more personal questions, laughing and teasing between sips of your drink, he realizes something—

This moment, with you, feels utterly mundane. It might be the most casual interaction he has had in a long time.

Chapter Text

The day seems to flow effortlessly, with easy conversation and frequent laughter. Caleb finds himself enjoying your company more than he expected—though he doesn’t know what he did expect. Being around you in person feels different, almost surreal, like a dream he’s afraid to wake up from.

As the waiter brings the bill, Caleb instinctively reaches for his wallet, but you place a hand over his.

“My treat,” you say with a smile. “For all the times you came to fix something at my place.”

Caleb stiffens. The thought of you paying for him doesn’t sit right.

“I’ll pay,” he insists, slipping his card into the bill folder before you can react. “What kind of man would I be if I let you pay?”

You chuckle at his old-fashioned response but don’t argue further. Instead, you hum in thought, already considering ways to thank him later.

Once everything is settled, the two of you step back onto the sunlit streets. The warmth of the afternoon surrounds you, and the lively sounds of the city fill the air—children laughing, street musicians playing soft melodies, the distant hum of traffic.

You walk side by side, and for once, Caleb doesn’t feel the urge to keep his distance. Your shoulder bumps against his as you walk.

“You know,” you begin, glancing at him, “I rarely leave Linkon unless it’s for a business trip.” You sigh, stretching your arms above your head. “I’ve actually never been to Skyhaven before.”

Caleb raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

You nod. “Mhm. It’s always just home and work for me. I guess I never had a reason to explore.” You tilt your head playfully. “Maybe you can be my tour guide?”

Caleb smirks, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I don’t know… My tour fees are pretty expensive.”

You laugh, nudging him lightly. “Oh? What’s the price?”

He pretends to think for a moment before shrugging. “Haven’t decided yet. But I’ll let you know when I do.”

Your laughter is soft and carefree. And as the two of you continue walking, Caleb finds himself wondering what life with you would be like. To wake up next to, have breakfast together, unwind after a long day of work, go on dates together. As he eyes you from the side, he wonders who you really are.

Caleb leads you through every nook and hidden corner of Skyhaven, showing you places most tourists wouldn’t even know existed. His explanations are detailed, and he’s surprised by how intently you listen, hanging onto his every word with wide, fascinated eyes.

Your excitement is infectious. Every little thing amazes you—the old bookshop tucked between modern buildings, the quiet rooftop garden overlooking the city, even the tiny alleyway café that serves the best homemade pastries. Caleb watches you with a mixture of amusement and something deeper, something possessive.

He loves your childlike wonder, the innocence in the way you take in the world. And the more time he spends with you, the more he wants to keep it all to himself—keep you to himself, protect you from the rest of the world.

At some point, you stop in front of a small shop selling accessories and trinkets. Your eyes immediately lock onto a pair of keychains—tiny kittens sitting on fluffy clouds. Without hesitation, you buy them, handing one to Caleb with a bright smile.

“Matching keychains,” you say cheerfully. “Now we have something that connects us.”

Caleb takes it, turning it over in his fingers. It’s soft, delicate, almost childishly cute—something he would never have bought for himself. And yet, as he looks at the way you beam at him, he knows he’ll cherish it more than anything.

He smiles. “Thanks.”

As the day winds down, the two of you stand at the metro station, waiting for your train. The warm evening air swirls around you, and for the first time since you arrived, a sense of reluctance settles in your chest. You don’t want to go home.

You bite your lip, mind racing for an excuse to stay. Then, an idea sparks.

With feigned worry, you turn to Caleb. “Oh no… I think I lost my keys somewhere.” You shift uncomfortably. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to get into my apartment now.”

Caleb immediately straightens, already thinking of solutions. “Did you check your bag? Maybe you dropped them back at the café. I can call—”

You quickly cut him off, a little annoyed that he isn’t catching on. “I’m too tired to think about where I dropped my keys…” you sigh dramatically, hoping he takes the hint.

Caleb hesitates. His ears turn slightly red as he shifts on his feet. “…Then, I guess you can stay at my place for the night.” His voice is quiet, reluctant, but there’s something else there too—an edge of nervousness, uncertainty.

You fight back your excitement, keeping your expression as neutral as possible. Instead, you look up at him with wide, innocent eyes. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to impose.”

Caleb swallows hard. He should say no. He should offer to help you find your keys instead. But the thought of you being in his home, sleeping under his roof… it’s too tempting to resist.

“…Yeah,” he finally says, avoiding your gaze. “It’s fine.”

You smile, practically glowing as you loop your arm through his. “Then lead the way, Mr. Handyman.”

Caleb lets out a shaky breath, knowing full well—this night is going to test every bit of his restraint.

Caleb unlocks the door and pushes it open, stepping aside to let you in first.

His apartment is high up, nestled between the clouds, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a breathtaking view of the city below. The golden glow of the setting sun spills into the space, making everything feel warm and surreal. But as you step inside, you quickly notice how empty it feels.

The place is modern, sleek, and meticulously clean, but there’s no real warmth to it. No personal touches, no framed pictures, no signs of a life lived here beyond the bare necessities. It’s all functional—almost as if the apartment belongs to someone rather than him.

You glance around curiously, taking it all in. The spotless kitchen, the neatly arranged furniture, the lack of anything truly Caleb. You wonder if this is how he chooses to live or if he simply never lets himself settle anywhere too deeply.

A thought strikes you: ‘Am I seeing a side of him that no one else has ever seen?’

The realization sends a rush of warmth through you. It makes you feel special, as if you’re stepping into a part of Caleb’s world that no one else has been allowed into. He may always appear composed and disciplined, but here, in this space, he feels almost... human.

You slip off your shoes and hang up your bag, turning to him with a smile. “Your place is nice.”

Caleb clears his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s nothing special.”

A slight awkwardness settles between you. He’s never brought anyone here before. And somewhere, in the back of his mind, a quiet panic bubbles up. What if you find the little things he’s stolen from your place? The trinkets, the hair ties, the small remnants of you that he’s kept hidden like precious treasures?

He quickly turns away. “Want some water? Or soda?”

“Water is fine.”

Caleb busies himself in the kitchen while you take a seat on his couch. When he returns, he hands you the glass and sits beside you—though he keeps a noticeable distance.

You take a sip and glance at him, noticing how tense he looks. His hands rest stiffly on his thighs, his jaw clenched ever so slightly.

You smile, tilting your head. “You look nervous, Caleb.”

He exhales through his nose, the sound turns into a breathy chuckle. “I’m not.”

You giggle. “You soo are.”

Caleb glares at you half-heartedly before looking away. He doesn’t want to admit it, but he is nervous. Having you here, in his most private space, so close yet so untouchable—it’s unraveling him in ways he didn’t expect.

Your body moves on instinct. Slowly, you scoot closer until your shoulder presses against his, your warmth seeping into him. Your hand rests lightly over his, fingers brushing against his skin, testing, teasing. Caleb stiffens, his body coiled tight like a spring, but he doesn’t pull away.

“I’m nervous too,” you admit softly.

His purple eyes flick to you, wary yet drawn in.

You swallow, gathering your courage. “It’s because I like you, Caleb.”

His breath catches.

Your face inches closer, and you search his gaze for any sign of hesitation. “And… I feel safe with you.”

The words pull out a side of him he keeps tightly locked away. The bars around his heart are feeble and crumbling. You shouldn’t say such things, and he shouldn’t let them get to his head. Because if he does, then you might see a side of him that will scare you.

Chapter Text

A dark, twisted hunger flares in his stomach, mixing with something warm, something dangerous. His arousal surges, the tension between you tightening to an unbearable degree. He wants to consume you, to mark you, to keep you here—keep you his.

He murmurs your name, but the rest of the words die on his lips.

He feels himself slipping, drowning in the pull of you, in the intoxicating way you look at him. His thoughts war between restraint and indulgence, between doing what’s right and taking what he’s always wanted.

Sensing his hesitation, you tighten your grip on his hand. Your eyes plead with him. “Don’t run away from me.”

Caleb’s breath shudders. He turns to you fully, his cheeks flushed—not just from nerves, but from the filthy thoughts clouding his mind.

His hand moves before he can stop himself, cupping your cheek with a tenderness that contradicts the storm raging inside him. Your skin is so soft beneath his touch, and when you lean into his palm, trusting, needing, something in him snaps.

“Please,” you whisper, voice trembling. “Don’t leave me alone in this.”

You push Caleb down onto the couch, your hands cradling his waist as you straddle him. His breath stutters, his body going rigid beneath you. The blush across his sharp cheekbones excites you—it’s rare to see him like this, flustered and uncertain.

His purple eyes, usually so guarded, are wide, dark with something raw and unspoken. Desire. Longing. Fear.

You’ve never felt this wanted before. The way he looks at you, the silent battle playing out in his gaze—it washes away the insecurities that have plagued you for so long.

His hands twitch by his sides, fingers curling against the couch, aching to grab hold of you. But he doesn’t move. There’s restraint in the tension of his muscles, in the way his jaw tightens.

You cup his face, your thumb brushing over his bottom lip, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your touch. With your other hand, you trace slow, teasing lines across his chest, feeling the way his breath shudders beneath your fingertips.

“What do you like?” you murmur, voice soft yet playful. “What do you fantasize about?”

Caleb’s lips part, but no words come out. His mind is a whirlwind of you. All the nights he spent watching you, wanting you. All the filthy, possessive thoughts that have consumed him for years.

But now that the impossible moment is here—now that he has you—he’s frozen. The hunger is there, clawing at his restraint, but so is something deeper.

What if this changes everything? What if you see the real him and run?

His teeth sink into his lower lip as he struggles with himself.

Then you shift against him, adjusting your hips slightly.

A sharp, choked sound escapes Caleb as his hands snap up, gripping your waist on instinct. His head falls back, eyes squeezing shut, his fingers digging into you.

You watch him wince, overwhelmed, as if he’s barely holding himself together. His reaction sends a thrill through you. You lean down, lips brushing against the shell of his ear.

“Caleb…” you whisper. “Tell me what you want.”

Caleb’s breath hitches, his body stiffening beneath you. His hands twitch against your waist, as if he’s fighting a war within himself. You smile against his ear as you lean down.

“Fine,” you whisper, sending shivers through his body. “If you don’t want to tell me, I’ll just have to find out.”

You brush your lips against his neck, pressing soft kisses against his heated skin. His pulse pounds beneath your touch, his control crumbling with each lingering kiss.

A ragged huff escapes him, followed by a low, almost tortured groan. His restraint is paper-thin, barely holding together. You can feel it, the last piece of a difficult puzzle finally clicking into place.

But just when you think you’ve won—when you think you’ve unraveled him completely—Caleb’s body goes eerily still.

Then his eyes open. Dark. Dangerous. Intense. It’s an entirely different gaze than before, one that makes your breath hitch. The warmth is gone, replaced by something raw, something feral. It sends a shiver down your spine.

Before you can react, his hands tighten around your waist, firm and possessive. Then, in one swift motion, he forces you down against him. You gasp at the sudden dominance, fingers clutching at his shirt.

“Caleb—” you whisper.

But he isn’t done. In the next instant, he flips you beneath him. A startled yelp escapes your lips as your back meets the couch, and suddenly he is above you, caging you in. His strength, his sheer presence, is overwhelming, pressing down on you in a way that makes your heartbeat thunder in your ears.

His expression is unreadable, his sharp jaw clenched, his lips pressed into a thin line. His eyes burn into you, scanning your face, your parted lips, your heaving chest.

For a fleeting moment, doubt flickers in your mind—Did you push him too far?

But then he moves. Leaning down, he crashes his lips against yours in a needy, desperate kiss, all hesitation gone. His fingers dig into your sides, holding you still, claiming you.

There’s no more running. No more second-guessing. You moan against his mouth, your hand sliding over his broad shoulders. You feel his groin pressing against your middle. A dizziness washes over you, making you hold onto him tighter.

But you feel safe and taken care of. You don’t know why, but you just do. There’s something about Caleb that makes you feel like you can let go of all restraints. With him, you don’t have to think, don’t have to worry.

Caleb pulls away just enough to catch his breath. He reaches for the hem of his shirt and tugs it over his head, tossing it aside. Your eyes run over his perfectly sculpted body. The strong, defined lines are beautiful.

You can’t help yourself. Your fingers drift down, trailing across his firm stomach, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your touch.

“You’re beautiful,” you murmur, voice soft with awe.

Caleb lets out a shaky breath, his purple eyes locking onto yours. Something shifts between you—something unspoken yet undeniably powerful. A silent conversation passes between you, an understanding neither of you has to voice.

Your hands press against his chest, your heart pounding as you whisper with quiet urgency, “Take care of me.”

Caleb inhales sharply. His hands tighten around you. His gaze darkens, filled with something deep, something possessive.

He tugs at your dress, almost ripping the material as he struggles to get it over your head. Once you are naked before him, his hungry eyes take you in, as though he is a starving man stumbling upon a feast.

He suddenly lifts you and takes you to his bedroom, where he also takes off the last of his clothes. You prop yourself up as you admire him. His well-toned body is strained, matching his expression. The lust in his eyes makes you shiver, and you back up slightly as Caleb sinks into the mattress to lean over you. He stops you by pressing you down by your shoulders.

“You’re not running away now, are you?” His voice is low and thick with desire.

You shake your head, unable to use your words. Looking down at his lips, your heart starts pounding faster. The realization hasn’t sunk in yet; you touch his cheek to feel him, to know if he is really here.

“Caleb…” You whisper, a silent plea for more, and for something else.

He turns his face, sinking into your touch. His hands roam your body, and you can see in his expression that he is still holding back. You want him, painfully so.

He turns back to you, leaning in to capture your lips in an overwhelming kiss. His fingers move to your folds, and you gasp against his lips. You hook your arms around his neck, aching for more. Caleb understands your intent, and his fingers stop trailing and enter you. Your breathing turns labored as his thick fingers spread your walls.

It’s been a while since you have been intimate with anyone; it seems that guys don’t want to take things further than a first date. You would be lying if it didn’t affect your self-esteem. For a long time, even now, you believe that you aren’t attractive, that there is something wrong with you. You don’t want Caleb to get that impression.

You wince as you feel something stretch you; it can’t be his fingers. You pull away and look down to find Caleb entering you already. You dig your fingers into his skin, letting out gasps and moans. It’s getting harder to bear with each inch he enters you.

“Caleb, please—” You gasp out.

Caleb’s dark eyes focus on you. He bites his lip, and his hand moves to the back of your head, caressing you. He slows down his attempt but doesn’t pull out.

“Hush, princess, you can handle it.” His voice is hoarse yet encouraging and comforting, somehow managing to break through you. “Good girl,” he says with a faint smile as you spread your legs and relax under him.

You don’t know why his words have such an effect on your body, but you don’t mind. Perhaps it’s because you haven’t done such a thing in a while or because you find Caleb utterly attractive.

Either way, as the night stretches on, heat and longing intensify until exhaustion finally pulls you into sleep.

Chapter Text

Golden lights fall on your face, making you recoil and pull the sheets over your head. You feel a warmth against your skin—Caleb’s warmth. You stir, realizing that your chin is resting on his chest, his steady heartbeat beneath your ear. His hand rests on your head, his fingers lightly tangled in your hair. He’s still asleep, his breathing deep and even, the faintest hint of a snore escaping his lips.

Shifting your head, you take him in. His relaxed face contrasts with the intensity of last night's situation. The more you stare at him, the more memories flood back. You actually did it; you got past the awkward talking phase and got a guy to sleep with you. Maybe you’re not as bad and ugly as you believed.

Your heart flutters. It may sound ridiculous, and you know you should never let a guy decide your worth, but the amount of ghosting in the past months really affected you. But Caleb is far more handsome than any of those guys; you don’t want to lose him. So you don’t want to make any mistakes.

But how do you keep a guy like Caleb? And what kind of guy is he? Perhaps sleeping with him on the first date isn’t a very bright idea. Not that you regret it, but you don’t want him to send you on your way and block your number.

Seemingly sensing your worry, Caleb stirs. His brows twitch, and he shifts slightly. Then, with a slow, sleepy exhale, his arm tightens around you, pulling you closer. His grip is protective and strong, making you smile against his chest.

You don’t know why it makes you feel cared for and safe, but it does. Everything about Caleb screams protective and reliable. He is like the sweet, good guy who drops everything if you’d call. It makes you want to surrender to him, let go of all worries, and empty your head.

For the first time, you wonder what it would be like to let someone take care of you.

You’ve always been independent, always the one looking out for others—from your adoptive grandmother to your friends. It was second nature, a role you never questioned. But here, in Caleb’s arms, things feel different. A strange sense of relief washes over you, the thought of not having to be strong all the time. With Caleb, you feel like you could empty your mind, unburden your heart, and place everything in his hands.

Would he guide you? Would he want to?

You look back at him, meeting his fluttering eyes; a lazy smile tugs at his lips. His deep purple eyes are still hazy with sleep. The sight stirs something inside you.

“Morning,” he murmurs, his voice deep and husky.

You bite your lips, warmth pooling in your chest. Instead of answering, you pinch his chest lightly, earning a quiet huff from him. His smile is infectious, and you can’t help the grin from spreading.

He leans forward to press a kiss against your forehead, his fingers weaving through your messy hair. His actions speak volumes, the gentle tenderness mingled with a protectiveness you have never experienced before.

His gaze flickers toward the clock, but you ignore it, not wanting reality to intrude just yet. Instead, you sigh contentedly and murmur with a twinge of insecurity, “I really enjoyed last night.”

You expect a smirk, a teasing remark—maybe even that cocky confidence he carries so well. But Caleb doesn’t smile. His expression remains unreadable, his violet eyes dark with something you can’t quite place. It stirs something in you, an ache, a longing to understand him. He’s always been a mystery, always holding a part of himself just out of reach.

You wish you could see inside his mind, know exactly what he’s thinking and feeling in every moment.

With a sudden burst of playfulness, you lift yourself up slightly and pinch his cheek. Caleb blinks in surprise before chuckling, the deep sound vibrating through his chest. Before you can retreat, he snatches your wrists in one swift movement, his grip warm and secure.

His lips curve into something teasing yet affectionate. “Do you need more attention?” His voice is low, playful—but there’s something else beneath it, something deeper.

You meet his gaze, feeling the heat in his words. You don’t hesitate.

“I do,” you confess, your voice soft yet certain.

His eyes darken just slightly, his grip on your wrists tightening before he pulls you down, trapping you against him. “Then let me take care of you,” he murmurs, his breath hot against your skin.

You yelp, and he guides your lips to his growing cock. Your cheeks flush a deep crimson, and your palms lay flat on his chest. You didn’t expect him to do something so bold. But perhaps you deserve it for teasing him.

He helps you enter the tip; even after last night, you seem not to get used to his size. You try your best, but without Caleb’s help, you won’t get far. Suddenly, without warning, Caleb pushes you down. You let out a strained gasp and lower your head.

It didn’t hurt, but you didn’t expect him to be so eager, so rough. It makes you want to surrender to him even more. His large hand caresses your back, waiting patiently for you to recover and get used to him.

Letting out a deep breath, you lift your head to meet his eyes. They carry that same intense darkness from last night. The effect you have on him. It fuels you, motivates you. You look over your shoulder as you start moving, slow at first, but as the excitement grows and your juices spread, your movements become steadier and faster.

Caleb’s guttural groans and desperate muttering of your name give you the energy to continue. He seems hopelessly lost and at your mercy, dependent on your performance to experience pleasure.

It makes you feel powerful.

His fingers dig into your skin, holding on for dear life. You watch as his chest moves up and down, his breathing turns labored. His hair is a mess, and you can’t help but lean in and fist it.

With a yelp, your back hits the soft mattress; suddenly, Caleb’s twisted face looks down at you. Your eyes are big as you hold onto his arms. Caleb immediately starts moving, his thrusts deep and relentless, earning strained gasps from you.

While the pleasure ensnares you and turns your mind into a maze, Caleb isn’t better off. He looks like he is possessed, like something has taken over him and he is running on primal instincts.

Exhaustion washes over you as you cum; a long moan escapes you, and your eyes roll back. Caleb, on the other hand, doesn’t stop, still chasing his high. He is like a beast ramming into you. You feel small and fragile underneath him, fully aware of the disparities between your strengths and sizes.

He collapses on top of you as you feel a warmth pool inside you. Perhaps because the high of your orgasm has faded, but you only now realize that you didn’t use a condom. You look at Caleb with big eyes, and your mouth is parted.

“We didn’t use a condom,” you say, but that’s not the worst of it.

Caleb shifts his head slightly, his cheek resting on your breasts. “Neither did we last night,” he murmurs, not a single hint of panic in his voice.

“I’m not on birth control…” You admit, somehow it makes you feel bad about leaving out this information, but you never expected to sleep with someone on the first date.

You like Caleb. He is kind, sweet, and funny—just everything you want in a man. The thought of a child has occurred to you from time to time, but you know you’re not ready for such a commitment right now. And Caleb, well…You barely know him despite the bond that formed between you.

Caleb lets out a long, exhausted sigh. He props himself up to look at you. There is a strange look on his face, it makes you feel uneasy, cornered even. You don’t understand it, so you lie frozen underneath him. Before you can make more of it, Caleb rises and rubs his face, his hand moving to his hair.

“I’ll buy you Plan B,” he says as he slides off the bed.

You watch him pick up his pants and shirt and grab underwear from the drawer before hopping into the shower. Looking down at your fingers, you still feel that strange ache in your chest. You can’t help but wonder what is going through Caleb’s head. Is he tired of you? Does he regret it?

If only you could open his chest and see all the secrets that spill out of his heart.

You shake your head and chastise yourself for having such weird thoughts. He is probably just tired, or maybe he is also panicking about a potential unwanted pregnancy. Biting your lips, your mind pushes you to all kinds of thoughts. Would he hate having a child with you? Are you nothing more than a way to gain pleasure?

“Don’t worry, I’ll go to the grocery store now to get you Plan B,” Caleb says as he suddenly stands before you. You didn’t notice him leave the bathroom.

You remain quiet as you stare at his legs. You don’t know what is wrong with you right now. “Come on, don’t be sad,” Caleb says in a soft, comforting voice. “Go shower. I’ll bring some snacks with me.”

Caleb leaves before you can give him an answer. Perhaps after showering and eating, you’ll feel better.

Chapter Text

Caleb’s grip tightens on the panhandle as he flips the pancake. The kitchen smells sweet and delicious. You admire him from your seat at the table. He looks so handsome doing domestic things.

He returned rather quickly with plan B and some snacks. He stopped you from eating them immediately, urging you to have breakfast first. He is kind and caring, and you can’t help but fall further for him.

What you did notice is his changing moods; Caleb is unpredictable sometimes. When he returned from the store, you were sitting in the living room in his shirt that’s long enough to pass as a dress. It’s comfortable, and it smells like him. His violet eyes darkened as he took in the sight of you—draped in his shirt, the fabric hanging loosely around your frame, the collar slipping just enough to reveal the delicate line of your collarbone.

He seemed angry when his eyes were roaming your body, gripping the plastic bag with a death grip. You asked him if he was angry, but it took him a while to give you an answer.

He swallowed hard, his jaw tightening for a moment before he exhaled. “No… I don’t mind,” he said, though his voice was quieter, almost strained. He looked away, busying himself with putting the groceries away, but you caught the way his fingers curled slightly as if resisting the urge to pull you back into his arms.

You tilted your head, watching him curiously. “You sure?” you teased, running your fingers through your damp hair. “You’re acting a little strange.”

He didn’t say anything after that, simply busying himself with bringing you a glass of water and making breakfast. Now you’re looking at his back, watching him work diligently.

How many times has he done this? You wonder, cooking breakfast for the girl he spent a passionate night with. Your chin rests on your crossed arms; you don’t want to think about it. You’re at the early stages, and you don’t want to ruin it with childish jealousy.

Caleb places the plate in front of you, then leans in slightly, his hands pressing against the table as he hovers just close enough for you to feel the heat radiating off him. His gaze locks onto yours, intense and unreadable.

He sits down across from you, running a hand through his hair before giving you a small, almost sheepish smile. “Eat before it gets cold.”

You bite your lip, staring at him for a moment longer before nodding. You pick up your fork, but you can’t help but wonder what exactly is going on between you.

You feel his eyes on you, and after a while, you dare to look up from the plate. His eyes are softer now, but they still carry that intensity that just won’t disappear.

“Did you get out of the shower without drying your hair?” He asks after taking a bite of his toast. “That’s how you catch a cold.”

Your fingers automatically move to the wet locks. You didn’t think of drying it; it’s not like you’re going outside straight away.

You pout playfully as you pick up the jar of jam. “You’re such a worrywart, Caleb,” you tease, scooping a bit of jam onto your pancake. “Are you always like this, or do I get special treatment?”

Caleb exhales through his nose, his eyes on the jar you struggle to open. “You get special treatment,” he admits without hesitation.

Your heart skips at the casual way he says it, like it’s an undeniable fact. He pulls the jar from your grip and opens it effortlessly before handing it back to you. You smile shyly as you spread some jam across your pancake.

“You’re so sweet,” you hum, taking another exaggerated bite of your food. You roll your eyes again, sighing in delight as you press your fingers to your lips. “Mmm… seriously, what can’t you do? I might just have to keep you around.”

Caleb stiffens slightly, his grip tightening on his cup. His expression remains unreadable, but his eyes darken just a fraction. “You shouldn’t say things like that,” he murmurs.

You blink at him, tilting your head. “Why not?”

He places his cup down and leans forward, his forearms resting on the table as he studies you. His gaze is sharp yet restrained like he’s fighting something inside him. “Because I might take you seriously,” he says lowly.

“What makes you think I’m not being serious?” You ask as you feel a sudden confident surge within you.

His jaw clenches, and for a moment, he looks as if he’s about to reach for you—but then he sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Finish your breakfast,” he says, voice a little rougher than before.

You sigh dramatically, resting your chin on your hand as you push the last piece of pancake around your plate. You hoped that he would understand the insinuation. You want to tell him what you want, but the embarrassment of appearing too eager might just be too much for you to handle.

Caleb watches you for a moment, his fingers still curled around his coffee cup. His purple eyes soften slightly, and he exhales through his nose before reaching over to flick your forehead.

“Ow—hey!” You glare at him, rubbing the spot he just hit.

“You’re being dramatic,” he says, though there’s amusement in his voice.

You huff, crossing your arms. “I’m not...”

Caleb shakes his head, setting his cup down. He leans back in his chair, arms folded as he observes you. “Then tell me what you want, exactly.”

His expression flickers for a second, something unreadable flashing through his gaze before he looks down at his hands. He taps his fingers against the table, thoughtful.

Then, he surprises you. “Stay the night again.”

Your head snaps up, eyes wide. “Huh?”

Caleb meets your gaze, his face unreadable but his voice steady. “If you don’t want to leave yet, then don’t.”

You look at him in disbelief. Not once did he voice his true feelings…Is this really what he wants? “Does that mean…You like me?” Your voice is quiet, and that surge of confidence fully dissipates.

He nods once. “Yeah.” Then, in a quieter voice, “I like having you.”

Caleb squeezes your hand gently, and for the first time that morning, you see the faintest hint of a smile tug at his lips.

Chapter Text

From your sanctuary in the living room, you can see Caleb drying the dishes. He insists on cleaning the kitchen himself, shooing you away to the bathroom to dry your hair. You tried to resist at first, but Caleb has a way of effectively convincing you.

His bathroom is as sleek as the rest of his apartment. It’s sober and lacks any warmth. You open the drawers to find a comb and plug in the hairdryer and get to work. A warmth forms in your stomach at his care, and you can’t seem to stop your lips from spreading.

By the time you leave the bathroom with dry hair loose over your shoulders, you find Caleb still in the kitchen. One hand is in his pocket, and the other holds his phone against his ear. He leans against the counter, and from his side profile, you can make out a serious expression.

Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, you move toward the couch, idly playing with a loose thread from Caleb’s shirt. His voice is low, and you can’t make out any words.

After a few more moments, he lets out a clipped “I’ll handle it,” before ending the call. He exhales sharply, standing still for a beat before running a hand through his hair.

You shift slightly on the couch, trying not to look like you were waiting for him. “Everything okay?” You ask the moment Caleb returns to the living room.

Caleb turns to you, his expression smoothing over almost instantly. “Yeah. Just work stuff.”

You nod, though not entirely convinced. But you don’t push. Instead, you pat the empty spot next to you. “Come sit with me, then. Unless you have to leave…”

Dropping onto the couch beside you, Caleb gives you an exhausted smile. You instinctively scoot closer, resting your head against his shoulder. His body is warm and strong, and the tension in his muscles hasn’t fully eased.

“…You sure you’re okay?” You glance up at him, searching his expression.

Caleb looks down at you, his lips parting slightly before he closes them again. Then, with a small sigh, he leans down and presses a kiss to your forehead.

“I am now.”

Your heart skips at the tenderness of his touch. He wraps an arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer. Whatever just happened, whatever that phone call was about, you can feel it still lingering in him.

You want to press on, know what is bothering him, and ease his worries. But the bond between you isn’t nearly strong enough to share secrets. You nestle closer to him, and just as you are about to say something, his phone buzzes again.

Caleb gives you an apologetic look before fishing his phone from the table and staring at a message. You can’t tell what’s on his mind, but he doesn’t look pleased. Turning to you, you can already tell that you won’t like what he has to say.

“I’m sorry,” He starts as he puts his phone in his pocket. “It seems I’m needed at the base.”

“Do you really have to go?” You ask as your hold on his arm tightens. You notice a faint smile on his lips before he slips out of your grasp.

He disappears into his bedroom and returns with a more decent-looking outfit. As Caleb buttons up his shirt, you sit on the edge of the couch, watching him with a pout. He notices, letting out a small chuckle as he kneels down in front of you, his hands settling on your knees.

“I won’t be long,” he reassures you, squeezing gently.

You sigh, knowing you can’t keep him here, no matter how much you want to. “I know. But I still don’t like it.”

Caleb smirks and leans in, pressing a lingering kiss to your forehead. “You can use the place however you want. I’ll be back in an hour or two.”

You nod reluctantly, watching as he grabs his keys and heads for the door. Before stepping out, he glances back at you one last time. Something unreadable flickers in his gaze before he gives you a small smile and finally leaves.

The silence settles around you immediately.

You sigh and flop back onto the couch, staring at the ceiling for a moment before grabbing the remote. You flick through channels absentmindedly, but nothing holds your interest for long. You shift, curling into the cushions, but the apartment suddenly feels too big, too quiet without Caleb in it.

Your fingers tap against your thigh. You glance around, eyes landing on the hallway that leads to the rest of his home.

Would it really be so bad to look around?

You chew on your lip, torn between respecting his space and giving in to your curiosity. But the itch to explore is too strong.

You get up and wander into the hall.

The first room you peek into is his study—neat, well-organized, but lived-in. Papers are stacked in precise piles, a laptop sits closed on the desk, and a single framed photo catches your eye. It’s of a younger Caleb in uniform, standing next to an older man who looks somewhat similar to him. You don’t stare for too long, feeling like you’re already pushing boundaries.

Moving on, you find a personal gym—sleek, modern, and filled with top-tier equipment. It makes sense. Caleb’s physique isn’t something that happens overnight.

You discover a spare bedroom and bathroom, both barely touched. And then, at the end of the hall, there’s a door that’s locked. You try again, but the door won’t budge.

Respecting his privacy, you walk away from the door, but your curiosity is in full bloom. What is Caleb hiding there? Not even his office is locked.

Shrugging off the curiosity, you make your way back to the kitchen.

Glancing at the clock, you realize Caleb has been gone for nearly an hour. You hum, tapping a finger against your chin before deciding to make lunch. It’s only fair—he made breakfast, after all.

You roll up your sleeves, determined to surprise him with something nice.

Chapter Text

On top of your excellent cooking skills, Caleb’s fridge is nearly empty. Stir-fried noodles might be the only option you have here. A simple dish where you can’t do much wrong.

At least that’s what you thought. It seems easy enough, but as you stare at the hard and tasteless noodles, you wonder how you could mess up something like this so badly.

You huff away a lock of hair as your eyes wander to the mess you caused in his kitchen. There are so many dishes to wash, his fridge is really empty now, and you didn’t even manage to make anything edible.

Just as you are about to look for some take-out, leaning over the counter that has been spared from your mess, a hand comes to rest next to your arm. Surprised, you look over your shoulder, only to be met with Caleb’s chest. Heat floods your face as you quickly look away from him, your eyes landing on the counter in front of you.

Caleb’s presence is overwhelming as he leans over you, his warmth seeping through your clothes. He has you trapped between his arms. His deep voice vibrates against your back, sending shivers down your spine.

“You shouldn’t have,” he murmurs, his breath fanning against your ear.

You grip the edge of the counter, trapped between him and your questionable attempt at lunch. Your cheeks burn as you glance at the slightly overcooked noodles, regretting your choice but standing by your intent.

“I wanted to take you, but,” you admit softly, your eyes on the mess you created. “I kinda messed up.”

Caleb hums, his arms tightening slightly as he presses closer. The space between you feels nonexistent. His voice drops, soft yet possessive, laced with something deeper.

“I like taking care of you,” he confesses, his lips brushing against the shell of your ear. “I want you to lean on me more.”

Your breath catches.

The words settle heavily in your chest, stirring something unfamiliar yet incredibly tempting. You’ve always been independent, always handled things on your own. But with Caleb, the idea of letting go, of being cared for, feels less like weakness and more like… safety.

You swallow hard, your fingers twitching against the counter. “Caleb…”

He turns you gently, his hands firm on your waist as he looks down at you with intense, unreadable eyes. His thumb brushes lightly against your hip, sending warmth pooling in your stomach.

“I mean it,” he murmurs. “Let me be the one you depend on, the first one you think of when you get into trouble.”

Your heart pounds as you stare up at him, lost in the sincerity of his gaze. The world outside fades away, leaving only the two of you in this charged moment.

Your hand moves instinctively, fingers brushing against Caleb’s cheek before trailing down to his neck. His skin is warm beneath your touch, his pulse steady yet strong. You don’t even realize you’re admiring him until your gaze locks onto his—those striking purple eyes that seem to see right through you, drawing you deeper into his presence.

For a moment, neither of you speaks. His grip on your waist lingers, grounding you, surrounding you. The air between you is thick with unspoken words and something else—something dangerous, something irresistible.

“I’ll take care of lunch,” Caleb finally says, his voice low and steady, as if sensing your sudden unease. “And dinner too. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

His words settle deep inside you, stirring emotions you can’t quite name. You lower your gaze, nodding before pushing gently at his shoulder, trying to slip away from his grasp.

Caleb doesn’t resist. Instead, he watches you with quiet amusement, like a hunter watching its prey scurry away. His lips twitch into a soft, knowing smile before he turns toward the stove, rolling up his sleeves. Without another word, he starts cooking, efficiently cleaning the mess you left behind like it’s second nature to him.

You retreat to the couch, curling up with your knees drawn to your chest. Your arms wrap around yourself as you watch him from a distance, your heart pounding for reasons you can’t quite understand.

A strange ache settles in your chest, spreading through your body like a slow-burning fire. It’s overwhelming and dizzying. No one else has ever made you feel this way—like you’re losing yourself and finding something new all at once.

It scares you, and yet, you don’t know how to escape from it. Or if you even want to.

You watch Caleb return to the living room and hand you a plate of the noodles you cooked. The scent fills the air with warmth and spice. Your mouth waters at the sight, and without hesitation, you scoot closer, eager to dig in. The first bite is heavenly—flavorful, perfectly cooked, far better than your earlier attempt. You sigh in satisfaction, looking up at Caleb with admiration.

“Caleb, you’re a god,” you say with playful reverence, taking another bite.

A slow, playful smirk tugs at his lips as he watches you. “Does that mean you’ll worship me day and night?” His voice is smooth and teasing, but there’s a darker edge beneath it, something lingering beneath his words.

You roll your eyes but decide to play along. “Of course. I’ll get on my knees every night.”

A silence falls over you, thick and tense, making you glance at Caleb. He has an unreadable expression on his face. You notice his fingers tighten around his chopsticks.

His mind flickers through dangerous thoughts, images of being the only one you turn to, the only one you need. The thought consumes him.

He wants to be your god.

Not in jest, not in passing. He wants to be your refuge, your guide, your first and last thought every day. He wants to be irreplaceable.

But he says none of this.

Instead, he simply reaches forward and places a piece of pork belly on your plate, his expression unreadable. “Eat,” he says softly. Before it gets cold.”

The tension lingers, and you are desperate to ease it. “So,” you start, your mouth still full of half-chewed noodles. “What do you like to do on your days off?”

Caleb’s face turns thoughtful as he glances up to think. “Well, I don’t have many days off, but when I do, I like to work out.”

You believe him; he has the body of a demi-god. His toned arms wrapped around you, his tight muscles flush against you. The sight leaves you breathless.

“What about you? What do you like to do in your free time?” Caleb redirects the question to you.

There is so much you like, mostly simple things. You don’t need to explore the world or go crazy in club activities.

“I like playing games, eating snacks,” A soft, relaxed smile graces your lips. “Nothing special actually. I'm pretty boring outside of work.”

“I don’t think you’re boring at all,” Caleb says. You turn to find him staring ahead of him. “I think you’re the most special girl I’ve ever met.”

As the evening winds down, the two of you settle into an easy rhythm, enjoying each other's presence. You had spent the afternoon coaxing Caleb into playing games with you, laughing as his competitive side emerged. In return, he had pulled you into a light workout session, guiding you through exercises with a firm but patient touch.

Conversations flowed naturally—stories of your job as a police officer, the wild encounters you’d faced, the unpredictable nature of your work. Caleb, in turn, spoke about his missions as a fighter pilot, his voice carrying both pride and the weight of responsibility. He didn’t share too much—there was always an air of mystery around him—but you could tell he loved what he did.

Now, lying in bed, you watch as Caleb pulls his shirt over his head, exposing his toned body. The soft glow of the bedside lamp casts shadows across his muscles, highlighting every ridge and scar. He catches you staring and smirks knowingly, his confidence unwavering.

Looking away, you don’t want to give him the satisfaction of your admiration.

Chapter Text

Morning comes all too soon. You stretch lazily, reluctant to move, burying your face into Caleb’s pillow. Caleb watches you from where he stands by the dresser, buttoning up his uniform. A small, amused smile tugs at his lips, but he hides it quickly.

“You have to get up,” he says.

You groan dramatically, rolling onto your back. “I don’t want to,” you mumble, your bottom lip sticking out in a pout. “I wish we could stay like this all day.”

Caleb sighs, sitting at the edge of the bed, his hand brushing over your hair. “We both have work,” he reminds you.

Huffing, you sit up reluctantly, rubbing your eyes before leaning against his shoulder. Caleb stills, his muscles tightening slightly as you wrap your arms around his waist.

“You’re not even a little sad?” You ask, looking up at him with big eyes.

Caleb chuckles softly, his fingers wrapping around your head. “Would it help if I said I was?”

“It would,” you admit, your voice muffled.

He won’t show it, but of course, he’s sad. The nights spent with you, the way you clung to him, whispered your devotion—it's everything he ever wanted. And yet…

As much as he craves your presence, part of him is relieved. If you stayed any longer, you might have stumbled upon something you shouldn't. A piece of clothing he took from your apartment, a photograph hidden away, or worse—the tracking app he secretly installed on your phone.

You wouldn’t understand.

But he’ll keep you safe.

Always.

Later, after you've finally left, Caleb sits on the couch, rolling the matching keychain between his fingers. He stares at it, the tiny kitten on a cloud—a symbol of your affection, your trust. A symbol of how deeply you've already fallen for him.

He exhales slowly before pulling out his phone. The tracking app loads instantly, the small blinking dot marking your location. His eyes follow your route, watching as you make your way home.

When you finally arrive, he closes the app and switches to another screen.

The live feed from your apartment flickers to life.

Caleb leans back, resting his chin on his hand as he watches you move around your home through the hidden cameras he installed long ago.

Even when you're apart, you’re never really out of his sight.

The first thing you do after stepping into your apartment is sigh and slip out of your dress. The fabric of Caleb’s shirt still clings faintly to your skin in memory, and you almost wish you had kept it.

You glance at your phone, half-expecting a message from him, but nothing comes.

A pout tugs at your lips. It’s only been a few hours, yet you already miss him—his touch, his voice, the way his presence wraps around you like an unshakable force. You’ve never felt this way about anyone before. It’s dizzying, thrilling, and terrifying. If it were up to you, you would never leave his side. The thought makes you pause.

Are you moving too fast?

You clutch a pillow, sinking into the bed. Caleb is reliable and strong, someone you feel safe with. But you wonder if he would find your feelings overwhelming. Does he see you the same way you see him? The depth of your attachment, the way you crave him like an anchor in your world—would he embrace it, or would it scare him away?

You turn onto your back, fingers ghosting over your own skin, lost in thought. The memory of his hands lingers. His voice, deep and steady, whispering in your ear. A warmth spreads through you, desire and longing intertwining. You close your eyes, allowing yourself to get lost in the feeling.

What you don’t know is that Caleb is watching.

His apartment is empty without you, yet he is not alone. The glow of the screen illuminates his face, his violet eyes locked onto the secret feed from the cameras hidden within your home. His jaw tenses as he watches you shift, your breath uneven, your expression soft with longing. You are thinking of him.

His fingers tighten around the armrest of his chair. He hadn't expected this. The way you whisper his name in the dark, the way your body reacts to the memory of him—it stirs something deep inside him.

His eyes follow your fingers trailing down your stomach and disappearing underneath your shorts. It’s clear what your intentions are and who you are thinking of. You arch your back as your lips part. The footage has no sound, but Caleb can imagine what you sound like; he has it memorized already.

His pulse hammers against his skin. You don't even know he's watching, yet you are offering yourself to him in ways you never have before. Completely unguarded, completely his.

Caleb exhales, closing his eyes for a moment. This is dangerous. He shouldn’t be watching. He shouldn’t be indulging. And yet… How could he not?

His hand moves to his own erection, caused by you. His eyes are laser-focused on you, taking care of your needs. He pumps fast and uncoordinated. His breathing turns labored, and his eyes are painfully strained. Even as you do something as filthy as that, in Caleb’s eyes you are still an angel.

His angel.

You arch your back as your orgasm consumes you. You scream Caleb’s name, desperately wishing he was here to help you through the climax. You didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as before meeting Caleb.

Just as you lay your back flat against the bed, Caleb also came in his own hand. He leans back, trying to catch his breath. He sits there for a while, watching you through his lashes. You are both immobilized by the high that’s wearing down; perhaps he sent you off too quickly. Or maybe you both just can’t get enough of each other.

A beeping of his watch forces him back. He looks down but doesn’t really acknowledge the message; he knows he has to go to the fleet.

The hums of the base surround him. After a brutal mission, the Deepspace fleet is under maintenance. Engineers and officers move around like ants trying to get her back up and running. It will be a while before she can get back into the sky.

As colonel of the fleet, he has to overlook the repairs, but Caleb finds himself engrossed with a different mission. It’s not just about flying and protecting Skyhaven anymore. It is secrecy, control, and stepping into a world where morality is a blurred, inconvenient line.

Loyalty is measured in silence and obedience; orders are carried out without question. And those who refuse will be forced to commit. The transition from fighter pilot to colonel is one that still weighs on him in quiet, solitary moments.

Perhaps that’s why he watches you.

You are innocent, helpless even if you consider yourself capable. You are an anchor that pulls him down to life, real life. He needs you as much as you need him.

Caleb sits down behind his desk, where files are stacked neatly. He ignores it in favor of checking his phone. No messages. You must be busy with work. He imagines you moving through your routine, unaware of how closely he keeps you within his orbit. You can never stray too far away.

As much as he wants to be with you, he can’t ignore his duties for too long. Even he has to answer to someone. He will play the role of respected leader and loyal follower, but in the obscured part of his life where no higher-up comes, he will return to you.

Because in the end, you are the only thing keeping him tethered to what’s left of his humanity.

Chapter Text

Phones ringing and chattering fill your ears, but you can’t acknowledge a single sound. Caleb consumes you fully. You miss him already, secretly wishing you were with him instead of here. You try to shake off the thoughts; you’ve been trying to do that ever since you left his apartment. This is work, and right now, your job takes precedence.

Your superior, Jenna, stands near the evidence board, her arms crossed and her sharp eye scanning over documents pinned. Your partner Tara is beside her, her laptop open in front of her.

“You’re late,” Jenna says, but there is no real bite in her voice.

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” You apologize as you sit down next to Tara. “I had a long night,”

“Yeah, well, you’ll want to be awake for this.” Tara finally turns to you, eyes alight with something electric. “We found something.”

You pull up a chair, heart picking up pace.

“We’ve been digging into the Deepspace fleet for months,” Jenna says, voice low. “And every lead has led to a dead end. But we finally found something that will help us get out of this dead end.”

Tara spins her laptop around. A transaction record appears on the screen. “A year ago, the Deepspace fleet made a massive purchase of neuro chips from Novatek Medical. These chips are designed for patients with neuromuscular diseases so they can regain their strength and movements.”

You frown, scanning the numbers. “That’s... an absurd amount. What the hell do they need these for?” You look up to Jenna. “And how are we only finding out now?”

Jenna sighs as she looks outside. “They bought the chips under an employee's name. The guy was suffering from terrible PTSD and started attacking people during the New Year’s celebration. He started confessing on his own about the fleet. It’s a coincidence that we discovered this.”

“Only medical practices are allowed to purchase these chips since they are pretty controversial. If the fleet purchased these with the intention to use them on its soldiers and personnel, then it could be considered illegal.” Tara says as she turns the laptop back to her.

Tara nudges you. “I say we start with Novatek. See if we can trace where those chips actually went.”

Jenna nods. “Agreed. But be careful. The Deepspace fleet has power, and they don’t take kindly to people poking around.”

You and Tara stride through the sleek, high-tech corridors of Novatek Medical HQ, your badge displayed as you make your way to the CEO’s office. The warrant in your hand grants you access, but you already expect resistance.

The CEO, Evelyn Langley, is seated behind a massive glass desk, her expression composed but not entirely at ease. She’s a woman used to power, yet there’s something in the stiffness of her shoulders, in the controlled way she breathes, that tells you she’s nervous.

“Detectives,” she greets smoothly, glancing between you and Tara. “What can Novatek do for the Linkon police department today?”

Tara doesn’t waste time. “We have questions about the neurochips you sold to a certain Joseph last year.”

Evelyn’s smile tightens. “As I’ve already informed your department, all our sales are legitimate and confidential. If you want details, you’ll need clearance from the purchaser.”

You narrow your eyes. “The problem is, those chips never made it to any known medical facility. No hospital has reported receiving them, and they seem to have disappeared from your logs after purchase. So, either Novatek is involved in something illegal, or you sold the chips to someone who pretends to run a medical practice.”

Evelyn exhales through her nose, a flicker of something unreadable in her gaze. “I assure you, Novatek follows all legal protocols.”

But she isn’t denying it. You expected a show of play-pretend, but Evelyn is remaining rather cool under the situation.

She’s hiding something.

Tara leans in. “We can get a forensic team to go through your servers. Or you can just tell us where those chips went.”

Evelyn’s lips press into a thin line. She looks at you, studying you carefully, before finally saying, “I’m afraid that’s beyond my authority.”

You exchange a glance with Tara. Evelyn isn’t talking, but she knows more than she’s letting on.

You and Tara leave the company with slight disappointment. Thankfully, the warrant allows you to rummage through their files and servers, but it’s going to take a while. You hoped to get something useful, another clue you could chase.

And while you go on your chase, Caleb follows you every step of the journey. His eyes are cold, almost lifeless, as he stares at your location.

Novatek Medical.

He expected you to not stop even when he steered you to a dead end. You are as stubborn as you are smart. That’s what he likes about you and why he went against his superiors’ orders to kill you.

Ever since the fleet discovered the police department's investigation into the fleet, he has been watching you. At first, he thought nothing more of you than a detective snooping around where she shouldn’t. The orders were clear: eliminate the problem before it becomes a threat.

He would’ve done that without a complaint, as he always does. But then you became something else, an obsession.

Now, instead of disposing of you, he wants you in his world. A world where it’s just the two of you, where you rely on him, need him, belong to him.

But you don’t know that yet.

You don’t know that the man you trust, the man who holds you at night, is the very person you’re investigating.

He won’t tell you.

He won’t let you go.

And he won’t let you find out—at least, not until you have no choice but to stay.

When he sees the tracker move away from Novatek Medical, he closes the app. He’ll have to question Evelyn personally to ensure she knows the consequences of revealing too much.

As soon as you step through your front door, exhaustion washes over you like a heavy wave. The day has been long—mentally draining, frustrating, and filled with dead ends. All you want is to hear Caleb’s voice.

You don’t even bother changing out of your work clothes before grabbing your phone and dialing his number. Settling onto your bed, you hug your plush strawberry close, burying your face into it as the call rings.

He picks up almost immediately.

“Hey,” his voice is deep, smooth, and soothing, like a balm to your nerves.

You sigh heavily. “You won’t believe the day I had.”

Caleb chuckles softly; you hear some rustling in the background before he speaks again. “Tell me.”

You vent about Evelyn, the way she danced around your questions. You talk about your frustrations of not getting anywhere with your investigations, and how you feel like a lousy detective for sitting at the same spot for months in this case.

It feels good to let it all out, to have someone who listens and cares. Not once in your spilling did you think to keep what is confidential to yourself. You trust Caleb, perhaps a bit too much.

“Stop it,” Caleb interrupts you as you say another self-deprecating insult. “You are an amazing, righteous detective. You’re smart, sharp, and determined. You’ll figure this out.”

His praise sends warmth through your chest, easing some of your frustrations. You smile, biting your lips. “Do you really think so?”

“I do.”

Your fingers toy with the plushie as you hesitate, wanting to ask but not wanting to sound desperate. “I miss you,” you admit quietly.

Caleb’s voice lowers, a hint of something deeper beneath it. “I miss you too.”

You roll onto your side, clutching the phone closer. “When can I see you again?”

He’s silent for a moment, and you imagine him leaning back in his chair, considering. What you don’t know is that he’s sitting at his desk in the heart of the Deepspace fleet, clad in his sleek black uniform, his insignia gleaming under the dim light. His office is sealed off from interruptions, classified documents spread before him—yet right now, you are his only focus.

His fingers tap against the desk. He wants to see you now.

But patience is a game he’s learned well.

“How about tomorrow?” he finally says. “I’ll come over after work.”

Your heart flutters, but you keep your voice casual. “Sounds perfect.”

Caleb smiles to himself. “Get some rest. You’ve had a long day.”

You sigh happily, already feeling lighter just from hearing him. “Goodnight, Caleb.”

“Goodnight, my love.”

As the call ends, you feel content, unaware that across the city, Caleb leans back in his chair, eyes drifting to his screen—where a familiar tracking signal blinks on his map, marking your exact location.

Chapter Text

The day passes at a snail’s pace. Work couldn’t end soon enough. You ended up leaving an hour earlier just so you could go home and clean your already blinking place. Even though Caleb has been at your place numerous times before, it’s the first time he has come as your lover.

The thought of seeing him again settles in your chest, and you don’t want to disappoint him. You recall Tara’s expression. Her smug, knowing smile and sharp eyes told you enough. She has her suspicions.

You managed to remain tight-lipped at her imposing questions. Right now, you want to keep Caleb a secret. He is yours and yours alone.

Now you look at yourself in the mirror for the hundredth time. You smooth your hands over your outfit. A lime green T-shirt and a white skirt, your hair is loose and your make-up minimal. Even when you are certain you look good, your nerves just won’t settle.

Your breath catches when you hear a knock. You rush to the door but stop just before opening it, taking a moment to steady yourself.

Calm down, you tell yourself; don’t look desperate.

Caleb stands there, dressed casually—nothing overly formal, just a simple fitted shirt and dark jeans—but somehow, he still looks effortlessly dashing. His dark hair is slightly tousled, and his purple eyes gleam as they take you in.

A slow, knowing smile curves his lips. “Hey.”

You grip the doorknob tighter, resisting the overwhelming urge to throw yourself into his arms. Instead, you step aside, offering him a warm smile. “Come in.”

He steps past you, and just his presence alone fills the space with warmth. As you close the door behind him, you swallow down your nerves.

You’ve been looking forward to this all day. You walk behind him, admiring his large back. Images of his muscular back flood you, and a pink blush creeps up your cheeks.

He turns around and hands you a bag of take-out and a bottle of wine with an easy, boyish smile. His fingers briefly brush against yours as you take it from him, sending a small jolt through your body.

“What’s this?” You ask as you open the bag to look inside. The sweet aroma of Chinese fills your nose and thrills you, and you look up at Caleb with suppressed excitement. “You didn’t have to, Caleb.” You say, but secretly you are thrilled.

“I wanted to,” he replies smoothly.

You place the food on the table and glance at the living room—warm lighting, soft candlelight flickering, the TV already set up with a movie. It’s cozy, intimate. You tell Caleb to make himself at home while you grab plates and glasses from the kitchen.

Caleb is already seated on the plush carpet, leaning his back against the couch. He watches you with a relaxed expression as you settle down next to him on the carpet, pressing play on the movie. Without thinking, you snuggle closer, resting against him as the opening scene plays.

"So," you murmur, turning slightly to look at him. "How was your day?"

Caleb answers effortlessly, his tone casual and smooth, but you know better than to take it at face value. He’s good at hiding things—too good. He gives you just enough details to keep the conversation flowing, but nothing you can dig deeper into.

Not that you can focus much anyway.

Your mind keeps drifting, your eyes drawn to the way his shirt fits snugly over his broad shoulders, the way his fingers absently drum against his thigh, the deep timbre of his voice.

He’s so effortlessly attractive.

It takes everything in you not to throw caution to the wind, climb into his lap, and kiss him senseless. Instead, you take a slow sip of your wine, willing yourself to focus on the movie.

But with Caleb sitting this close, warm, and solid beside you, it’s almost impossible to think of anything else.

Caleb places uncut cilantro on your plate. “Are you feeling better?” He asks, referring to yesterday’s venting. “How is the detective work going?”

You let out a sigh, pouting slightly as you lean against his shoulder. “It feels like I’m getting nowhere at all,” you admit. “We're missing something, but I don’t know what.”

Caleb hums, playing the part of the interested boyfriend effortlessly. "What do you plan on doing next?”

You think for a moment; it will still take some time before you’ve skimmed through all of Novatek’s servers and analyzed it. You hope to find something, anything, to work with. You say this to Caleb, who nods thoughtfully.

“Don’t be sad,” Caleb says softly as he ruffles your hair. “It sounds to me like you’re working very hard.”

Just as you're about to take another bite, Caleb’s phone buzzes. He glances at the screen, and for a split second, something flickers in his expression—something unreadable. Then, he exhales and stands. "I need to take this," he says smoothly.

You nod, but a knot forms in your stomach as you watch him leave. A strange, creeping fear washes over you. You know it’s irrational—Caleb isn’t going anywhere. But the idea of him being called away, of something bigger pulling him from you, sends a pang of unease through your chest.

When he finally returns, you waste no time grabbing his arm, your fingers tightening around his sleeve. "Do you have to leave?" The words spill out before you can stop them, your voice a little too desperate.

Caleb chuckles, his lips curving into that soft, knowing smile. He places a warm hand over yours, thumb brushing lightly against your skin. "No," he assures you, voice deep and steady. "I’m right here."

Relief washes over you, but there’s something else too—something you don’t quite understand. Caleb is here, with you. But for some reason, it feels like he's always just out of reach.

It’s like others also have a claim on him, duties and responsibilities that are far more important than you. It sounds ridiculous, but you want Caleb to wake up thinking of you and go to sleep with you on his mind. You know this obsession is unhealthy, and if he ever finds out, he might dump you.

You try to shake off those thoughts and focus on the movie playing. You offer the rest of your plate to Caleb and take a sip of the wine he brought. Even with him here, you can’t help but want him closer to you.

A buzz from your phone interrupts your focus. You look down to see a message from Tara; she remained at the station while you already left.

I found something.

You frown and pick up your phone to text her back. Is she working late?

Tara sends you a picture of an old transaction. It doesn’t have any names on it, but it does have a location. This is the clue you have been hoping for; normally you’d jump and rush towards the place without a plan, but with Caleb next to you, you’re having second thoughts.

He is finally with you and alone. You have him all to yourself. You bite your lip as you turn your phone off and snuggle close to Caleb, who turns his face to give you a kiss on your forehead.

Work can wait.

However, Tara couldn’t. From her slouched position behind her desk, Tara writes down the address. You have been preoccupied with something, someone else. She is certain of it. The way your mind is constantly somewhere else, how you check your phone every five minutes and smile when you text.

You are hopelessly in love. And it’s starting to affect your work. You’re probably with him right now, or else you’d be calling already.

But Tara doesn’t mind; she wants you to be happy. You deserve it. However, this case is just as important to her as it is to you. She grabs her gun and keys and heads over to the place.

Chapter Text

When you arrive at work the next morning, you have no idea that your entire world is about to change. You were with Caleb the entire night after managing to convince him to stay. After that moment, you realized something, as though you had an epiphany.

You love Caleb. You are absolutely, pathetically in love with him.

Images of a life with him, sharing a house and rings. Calling him husband and perhaps even having a child together. They all flood you.

So when you sat down at your desk and scanned the file Tara gave you, your breath caught in your throat. Your heart sank, and your skin turned pale. You couldn’t even ask about the cut on her hand.

Caleb, Colonel of the Deepspace Fleet.

You read the name over and over again, hoping it is a mistake. Perhaps it’s someone else; there are so many Calebs in the world. But the picture next to it is undeniable. It’s him, slightly younger but still him.

The man you love, whom you would die for and kill for, is the very person you are after. Your hands tremble and your throat tightens; your heart aches as though you’re grieving.

Tara sits across from you, oblivious to the storm inside you. She is focused on this discovery; finally, you have a name to chase. Her words sweep right past you. You know that the proof is right here. Caleb oversaw the operation; the Deepspace purchased the chips, and there is no medical license involved.

He will have to go on trial. You can’t let that happen.

If Caleb is arrested, if they take him away. What will happen to you? The thought alone is unbearable. Your bond with him is something deep, something unique. There has to be an explanation; Caleb isn’t evil; he wouldn’t just do something like that.

The moment Caleb hears your strained voice, he knows something is wrong. But he doesn’t feel concerned for his position; even if you find something out that can potentially hurt him, he knows you and how much you care about him.

As he is running on the treadmill with his phone leaning on the deck, you stare at him from your position on your bed. He looks effortless as he runs and undeniably attractive; it eases some of the tension away.

You are quiet, unable to voice your thoughts. Your conversation doesn’t progress further than a greeting. Caleb is patient, willing to wait for you to question him and tell him what’s on your mind.

He presses the stop button, cutting his workout short. “Alright, enough mopping,” Caleb says as he slows down to a stop. “What’s wrong?”

Swallowing, you look away; your mouth feels dry, and your pulse picks up its pace. How do you even ask something like that? Do you even want to know? Asking means ruining what’s between you and Caleb.

“Nothing,” you shake your head. “I just miss you.”

“Is that really what’s bothering you?” Caleb asks as he takes a towel and wipes his neck.

“It is,” your eyes are big and your words a little too hurried. “I want to see you, please.”

He disappears from the screen briefly, and you hear some rustling. “Come over then,” he says softly. “I’ll cook you something.”

You should’ve said no; confront him with the proof you have. But your heart is weak, and your feelings for him are strong. For some reason you can’t deny him anything; even if he confesses to these alleged crimes, you know you will forgive him.

So when he opens the door and wraps his big, strong arms around you, all accusations melt away.

He is kind and sweet, loving and protective, attentive and caring. How can he possibly be capable of something vile and wrong?

“Wash your hand,” Caleb says as he urges you inside. “I made kimchi stew.”

The rest of the evening, he seems extra sweet and attentive. Or perhaps it’s your mind trying to convince you that he is a big teddy bear who isn’t capable of being evil.

The way he kisses you and covers you with his entire body, it makes you melt underneath him. You cup his face and watch him with big, pleading eyes. You don’t know what you’re begging for; all you know is that you can’t imagine Caleb out of your life anymore. You pout, and you force him closer and cover his face with kisses.

Caleb laughs as he grabs your wrists and holds them above you. “What’s gotten into you?” He asks. His nose rubs against your ear, and his voice turns into a whisper. “Did you miss me that much?”

You nod eagerly. “I did. Please, Caleb, I need you.”

Your voice stirs something inside him. His eyes darken, and he swallows audibly. He holds your wrist with one hand; with his other hand, he slips underneath your shirt. His lips turn into an almost sly smile, but you can’t really make out anything in the midst of your hazy vision.

“Alright, Princess. Let me help you.”

His words weren’t empty promises. The way he kissed you, held you, and guided you through your climax. Everything about Caleb screams care. Your eyes turn heavy, and you want to stay awake a little longer. But Caleb hushes you and strokes your hair until you fall asleep.

But your sleep is short-lived. His arms are wrapped around you, holding you close, his warmth cocooning you against his chest. But no matter how safe he makes you feel, sleep won’t come.

Your fingers traced idle patterns over his skin, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath. The weight of what you know—what you choose to ignore—presses heavy against your chest. You spent the entire day pretending. Pretending you haven’t seen his name in the files, pretending you aren’t tangled in something far beyond your control.

Questions won’t stop evading your mind, and it must’ve been enough to disturb his sleep. Caleb shifts, his grip on you tightening slightly before his eyes flutter open. His deep purple gaze finds yours in the darkness.

“Can’t sleep?” His voice is deep with sleep, low and soothing.

You hesitate before shaking your head. Your eyes reveal your conflict; even in the dimly lit room, Caleb can tell. He studies you for a moment before exhaling softly, a breathy chuckle escaping his lips.

“I know,” he murmurs.

You frown, confusion washing over you. You blink up at him. “What?”

His lips curl up into something unreadable. “I know you found out about me,” he repeats, watching you carefully.

Your heart stops, and your breath catches in your throat.

Caleb continues to stroke your hair, his touch gentle, as though he isn’t revealing his darkest and deepest secrets.

“I can tell when something is bothering you,” he muses. “And since you’re not telling me, it has to be about me. It was only a matter of time before you found out.”

You swallow hard, your fingers clenching against his chest. The silence stretches on, filled with all the fears you can’t voice.

Caleb shifts slightly. “How does that make you feel?”

You open your mouth, but nothing comes out at first. You aren’t sure how you feel, how you are even supposed to feel. Terrified? Angry? Betrayed? But all you feel is conflict and love, so, so, so much love. It’s a blur, a complete mess.

“I don’t know…” You finally whisper.

Caleb lets out a soft hum; it sounds warm and casual, but you sense something dark beneath it. It fills you with dread. “Do you hate me?”

The question sends a sharp pang through your chest, and before you can stop yourself, you shake your head. “No, I love you.” Your voice is a little louder now.

For a moment, Caleb stares ahead of him, processing the words you just spilled. Your love, not his initial objective but the eventual outcome he strived for. His fingers move to your cheeks and caress your skin.

“What if I told you,” he murmurs. “That even I have to follow orders.”

The thought sends a shiver down your spine. If Caleb isn’t the mastermind you're after, then it means there is hope. Caleb’s fingers move from your cheek to your arm, brushing over your clam skin.

“We didn’t meet by coincidence,” he says, his voice casual as though he isn’t confessing. “I’ve known you before you called me over to fix something, before I ever stepped into your life.”

You still under his touch. “What do you mean?”

Caleb shifts and leans over you, his hand slipping to your waist and his other cupping your cheek. “I was ordered to watch you, and when you became a nuisance,” Caleb’s voice drops an octave, as though he doesn’t want you to hear it. ”I was meant to eliminate you.”

A chill runs through you, but you can’t make yourself look away or push him off you. The man you believe is your solace, the love of your life, your anchor, is meant to kill you.

Caleb moves his other hand to cradle both your cheeks with a tenderness that makes your stomach twist. “But I can’t do it,” he murmurs, as though he is confessing his sins. “I want to protect you, have you all to myself.”

His words grate against you, leaving a lingering ache in your heart. Your hands reach out, touching his face, tracing the sharp lines of his jaw. “And because you refused…?

He is silent for a moment, relishing your touch. His lips curl into a wry, almost bitter smile. “Don’t worry about it.”

You scan his face; there can only be one answer. “Do they hurt you?” Your voice is barely a whisper.

Caleb’s eyes glint beautifully under the moonlight. His fingers curl around your wrist, holding your hand to his cheek. His brow knit together in a painful and desperate way.

“You heal everything,” he admits softly, his voice thick with devotion. “You take away every wound, every ache, every part of me that was empty before.”

A lump forms in your throat as he continues. “Nothing compares to the pain of being apart from you.”

Your heart feels like it might burst. You have fallen so deeply in love with this man. You can’t deny him; you can’t push him into a trap, into a path of punishment. Nothing matters anymore, even if he refuses to tell you the whole truth, the truth you deserve to know. You can’t bring yourself to demand it, not when he looks like this.

Instead, you kiss him, like he is the only one that matters. As though it is the only answer to his confession you can give him.

Chapter Text

Sleeping with him after such a revelation probably isn’t your wisest idea. But you feel as though it brought you together in a way no date or experience could ever do. You can’t bring yourself to regret it, to grab your phone and tell everything to Tara and Jenna.

Not even when you stare at the note on the table. Handwritten in Caleb’s handwriting.

Had to leave early. Don’t skip breakfast. <3

You stare at the slanted words, the small heart next to his words. Your eyes flicker to the plate of food; it is still warm. You pick it up, running your fingers over the edge of the plate. He left without waking you up and made you breakfast.

It’s as if yesterday never happened. Perhaps only the part where he held you and whispered his love for you again and again. The way he was nestled deeply inside, fueled by your moans. How you clenched around him, desperate to have him deeper, closer.

It tethered you together in an irreversible way. You don’t think you can ever get rid of him. Not even if he is dead or in prison. You sit down, your hand pressed to your chest, and the note crumbles underneath it. You don’t understand any of it. How are you capable of this?

But worse of all is the pain you cause simply by being alive. You are meant to be dead by his hand. And yet, here you are, alive and breathing. You are a nuisance to the Deepspace fleet and Caleb’s higher-ups.

They are probably not happy with the proof you and Tara dug up. And you have a feeling Caleb is paying the price for it. You can’t ignore it, can’t bring yourself to push him away. You need to know more, understand him, and help him.

You know Tara and Jenna are brewing up a plan; however, what you need to do has to be off the radar. You know that the Deepspace is heavily guarded, but you have experience, and thanks to Novatek’s servers, you also have a way in.

Wearing a pair of scrubs, you blend into a sea of medical personnel. Infiltrating the fleet as a nurse isn’t as difficult as pretending to be an officer. No one questions you as you make your way over to Caleb’s office.

Novatek’s Intel has given you the blueprint; you know exactly where you need to go. But just as you are about to head there, hushed voices from a group of officers catch your attention.

“...He looked rough this morning.”

“Yeah, heard he went straight to the med bay before reporting in.”

“The colonel is normally praised heavily by the superiors, wonder what he did…”

You freeze as their voices fade. The med bay?

Your pulse quickens as you turn around. If Caleb is injured, if something has happened to him, then it is because of you.

You try to not raise any suspicion, but you can’t hide your concern. The moment you enter the med bay, your breath catches in your throat. Caleb sits on the cot, hunched forward. His dark hair falls over his eyes, and his shirt has been discarded.

His side and back are covered in bruises and cuts. Some are fresh while others fade into sickly shades of yellow and purple. An IV is attached to his arm, the slow drip of fluids attempting to heal him.

“Caleb,” you whisper.

He stiffens at your voice, his head lifting slightly. He doesn’t meet your eyes, but you can’t tell that he isn’t pleased. His lips are turned downward, and his brows reach his lashes.

“Leave,” he mutters harshly.

You ignore his gruffness and rush to his side, your hands hovering over him, desperate to touch him yet scared of hurting him. Seeing him like this sends a sharp, burning fury through you.

“What happened?” Your voice wavers, the words barely making it past the lump in your throat.

Caleb doesn’t answer, his gaze on the wall, refusing to meet yours. He doesn’t need to tell you. You already know.

His superiors. The same people who ordered your death, the same ones who he disobeyed for you. They did this. Your fingers curl into fists; rage surges through you. The bitterness turns painful, and you ache to take away his suffering.

“They won’t get away with this.” You spit out, reaching under your scrubs and pulling out the gun you hid.

You turn, intending to rush head-on into a losing battle. You don’t care; all you want is to make them pay for hurting him. But a strong pair of arms wrap around your waist and stop you in your tracks.

You gasp as you feel Caleb’s body pressed against yours; his warmth is intoxicating and slightly douses your rage.

“Don’t,” he says softly against your ears. “I can’t lose you.”

You squeeze your eyes shut, guilt crashing into you. You are a detective, on the side of justice, of all that is righteous. But right now, justice means nothing compared to the pain of seeing Caleb like this.

The need to protect him overshadows everything else. Your fingers slowly loosen around the gun, and Caleb gently takes it from you. He sets it aside and pulls you into his embrace. You let yourself sink into him. His warmth is all that can calm you, that can make the storm of conflicting emotions settle.

“You’re all I have.” He whispers.

A warmth pools inside you, making you dizzy and irrational. You feel his hand slip underneath your shirt and tickle your skin. You lean your head back onto his shoulder and close your eyes. Even now, you long for him, wanting him closer than he can humanely get.

He strips you, not caring that at any moment someone can enter. His kiss is raw, unfiltered, and filled with desperate pleas. Your heart aches; you long for him even when he slips inside you, even as his fingers dig painfully into your skin. You need him.

He groans in pain with each movement, his brows furrowed in pain. Your fingers trail his jaw, and you want to take that pain away. You pull away, earning a confused and pained expression from him. You push him down on the cot and lower yourself on his member; you breathe out your satisfaction. Caleb’s hands are on your exposed thighs; his fingers dig into your skin.

You move up and down, slow at first to get used to his size. But then you speed up, and you can’t keep the noises in any longer. You chase that high for both of you. You want to feel good and make Caleb feel better.

But when you both reached your climax, you didn’t feel any better. You let him hold you, listening to his labored breath. When the calm returns, Caleb helps you get dressed.

“Promise me you won’t do anything reckless.” His voice sounds casual, the same way he sounds when you’re on a date, before you got tangled in this mess.

When you don’t answer, Caleb lifts your chin and forces you to look at him. “Promise me.” He repeats a little firmer this time.

You hesitate, thinking about how easily you are willing to throw away everything for him. “I promise.”

He lets go of you and takes a step back, revealing the exit of the med bay. “Go, before they catch you.”

Chapter Text

Time passes in a blur. You don’t know how you found yourself in the police station's conference room at ten a.m., but somehow, you managed to get home and to work the next day.

Jenna called you, Tara, and the rest of the team working on the Deepspace case an hour after you clocked in. You can’t focus on anything, only the image of Caleb’s bruised and battered body in your head.

“The case is closed.”

This makes you look up. Jenna’s expression is neutral, but her lips are pressed into a thin line. Her hand is on her hip, and she holds a file in her other hand.

“Novatek Medical and the Fleet provided legal documentation for the purchase of the neuro chips. There is nothing we can do.” Jenna continues.

Tara frowns. “That’s it?”

“That’s it,” Jenna confirms. “We’re off the case.”

You should feel relief for Caleb’s safety or frustration because they are getting away with a crime. Anger at the Fleet abusing their power and escaping justice. But you feel none of it. Nothing but emptiness.

Caleb’s image floods you, the way he looks at you like you are the only thing keeping him sane. You look down at your hands, growing as though you spot imaginary blood on them. Even the guilt is kept at bay.

With the case closed, you should move on. You should pick up another case and continue the rest of your work.

Instead, you slip away to the front door of the police department. Your fingers hover over your phone for a while before finally pressing the call button. It rings twice before Caleb answers.

“Caleb…” You breathe out, feeling an odd sense of relief.

“Hey.” His tone is steady, but something about it feels off.

You hesitate for a moment, then push forward. “How are you feeling?”

He doesn’t answer right away. His silence stretches; it fills you with unease. You know he isn’t okay.

“Jenna closed the case,” you tell him. “Novatek and the Deepspace fleet have legal documentation for the chips. There’s nothing we can do.”

Another long silence, taut and unreadable.

Your heart pounds. “Is that enough?” You ask him. “Will they leave you alone now?”

Still no answer. Anxiety curls in your chest. “Caleb?”

You swallow, then try again. “Can I see you?”

That gets you a reaction. A shift, barely audible, like he has been holding his breath.

“...Please?” you add.

Caleb lets out a quiet sigh, and when he speaks again, his voice is softer. “I’ll be waiting.”

Caleb leans back in his chair, staring at the tracker. You’re home, and it will take some time for you to arrive in Skyhaven. His work isn’t done yet, and with you roaming his apartment, he can’t take it with him.

He rubs his eyes; your news should bring him relief. The police are off his back, but his superiors aren’t happy. They want you dead, believing that a detective is nothing but trouble. Caleb would agree in any other case, just as he agrees with everything his superiors say, but this is different.

Hurting you is wrong.

Caleb pushes his thoughts away. He will deal with them later. All who are a threat to you need to be eliminated. He leaves the fleet and makes his way home. You’re still not here, but you should be at any moment. Caleb looks at the tracker only to find that you haven’t left the house yet.

Perhaps you’re busying yourself with your appearance, or maybe you’re having cold feet. Caleb makes his way over to his security feed; he sits down and watches each room that has a camera, but you’re nowhere to be seen.

He squints his eyes, trying to spot you, but you’re really not there. He looks back down at the tracker; still the same location. But then Caleb sees it, your phone on the bed, the edge peeking through your covers.

Hiding is too late, Caleb hears your soft voice behind you. He looks back, meeting your big yet confused eyes. You are focused on the screens, recognizing your home. Your mouth is parted and your brows knitted together.

Caleb watches take slow, hesitant steps. He expects horror, shouting, screaming, insults, anything but this silence. You remain frozen as you gape at the screens, as though it’s still settling in.

And then you look at him; none of his expectations come to fruition. Your pupils are dilated, your cheeks flushed. Caleb feels a shiver going through him. You should be scared and angry, but why aren’t you?

Instead, you look…aroused. Amongst guilt and confusion, you want him. Caleb stands abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. This makes you look at him, perhaps acknowledge him for the first time.

“Caleb, I—” You begin, but he doesn’t let you finish.

Strong arms wrap around you, pulling you into safe warmth. You melt against him, your body pushing out any doubt you had.

“Shh,” he whispers, stroking your hair, his voice soothing. He presses his lips against your temple, kissing you in a loving way.

“Everything will be fine,” he assures you. “We will be together forever from now on.”

You exhale a shaky breath. His words are effective; you feel all worry leave you. Caleb is here, and that is enough. Your fingers clutch at his shirt, your breath warm against his chest. His scent intoxicates you and grounds you at the same time.

You want him; you need him desperately. He pulls you back slightly to look at you, his purple eyes searching yours. His hands slide up and down your arms, heating your skin.

“You understand, don’t you?” Though it’s a question, his tone is commanding, pleading.

Your eyes meet his; you want to tell him that you understand, that you don’t care, and that you’re not angry, but no words come out. This causes his eyes to darken. His fingers tilt your chin up, forcing you closer to him.

“I did this for you,” he continues. “To protect you and to keep you safe.” His thumb brushes against your lower lip. “You don’t know about the dangers that surround you. You don’t know how fragile and helpless you are without me.”

You shudder and want to look away, but Caleb’s hold on you keeps you grounded. The way he speaks warms you up but brings cold at the same time. The thrill it brings along makes you ache for him even more.

Your heart pounds as Caleb leans in, his lips ghosting over yours, barely touching. His breath is hot against your skin, teasing, waiting to reward you.

“Say you understand,” he breathes out.

You swallow past the lump in your throat. “I understand.”

You feel his lips stretch into a smile, his fingers dig into your skin. Your senses overload, and you can’t do anything other than surrender to him.

“Good girl,” he murmurs before closing the gap and kissing you.

His kiss is tentative and testing; he is still not entirely convinced that you fully understand. But he can’t hold back for long. His grip slides to your waist, pulling you flush against him. You gasp into his mouth as his touches overwhelm you.

The screen behind you continues to flicker, displaying images of your home, your private sanctuary that hasn’t been yours for months. The thought is long gone; you don’t care what he did. All you care about is him.

Nothing else exists.

Nothing but this.

Nothing but him.