Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It started off innocently enough, just two strangers locking eyes. It was purely coincidental, your eyes had swept through the cafe you'd just entered. The atmosphere was relaxing, the decor warm and inviting. Cute.

And then there was him.

You've never been a morning person, you preferred to sleep your days away and stay awake at night. Unfortunately for you, your new job required you to get up in the mornings. Thus, caffeine was needed.

You're new to Linkon, when you had searched for the closest cafe to your house, this is the closest place that had come up. It was all just... coincidence.

At first.

You're not sure if both of you just happened to scan the room at the same time when you caught each other's eyes or if he had already been staring.

It was his eyes that froze you in place, a perfect purple that seemed too bright in the soft glow of the lights. He was devastatingly handsome, tall and broad in the way that made the breath catch in your throat. Dark hair and a full mouth, expression open and vulnerable - but only for that moment.

His wide eyes relaxed minutely, his gaze darkening as he stared you down. He was just so.. much. Far too much in that moment and -

And then it was your time to order and you had to leave to make it to work on time.

You never thought you'd see him again. Just a nice memory of a beautiful man that you saw in your new city.

He wasn't about to take that chance.

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"You seriously have a gift." Cassidy huffed, dropping onto the break room couch.

"Not really." You shrug sheepishly, laughing her off with a wave of your hand.

"All the dogs love you, they do whatever you say." She pauses and then glares. "They don't often listen to the rest of us."

You don't quite know what to say, you've always been bad at taking compliments. Since you were a baby, dogs have loved you, you befriend them wherever you go. So she wasn't exactly wrong..

With your need to get away from your home city, a job at a shelter was way more than you have ever hoped for on such short notice. Working with animals is your dream after all.

The shelter itself is actually quite big, and with only seven employees total, the days tend to be long and tiring. More often than not, you are the one working the extra hours whenever more help was needed.

While the shelter still relied quite a bit on the donations and generosity of the public, the owner of the shelter spared no expense in not only the state of the place, but the decor as well. It's comforting here, whites and creams mixed with soft blues.

"I'm sorry, you were supposed to leave two hours ago. I really appreciate your help."

"Oh no... the horror, more money and taking care of a bunch of puppies?" You laugh, moving to grab your bag out of your locker.

"Alright, fair point. I'm the best boss ever." She teases.

"See-ya!" You call back, refusing to answer that. Your feet and back are killing you, you're tired, and you're hungry.

You can hear it before you get to the front door, it's raining heavily, the sky is cracked open and pouring. The rolling gray clouds making everything gray and bleak. You've always loved storms, but walking several blocks in a downpour isn't something you really wanted to do after a long shift. You prefer the rain when you can get cozy at home with a nice hot drink and a good book. Maybe binge a show.

"Great.." Sighing, you walk back into the building and move around the reception desk to grab the umbrella you keep here for emergencies. You really should finally buy a new one, you've had this one since junior high. It's a cute pink color with little dogs all over it.

With a deep breath you once again step out of the building and into the storm. Just as you round the corner to begin your journey, lightning cracks through the sky, the roll of thunder coming right after.

It was that flash of electricity that cemented his place in your life. The lightning had lit up his eyes, molten purple with depths you were going to drown in. Rare gemstones that pierced straight into your heart. His face was impassive for a long moment, one beat, and then two.. He smiles, a slow and easy sort of smile that warms you all the way down to your toes.

"Hey, you're the girl from the cafe the other day." His head tips slightly to the side.

"And you're the guy." Could he tell you're nervous? It was one thing being near such an attractive guy.. it was another thing entirely that he had remembered you after only seeing you for a handful of minutes.

Your stomach flutters as he stares down at you. When you first saw him, you knew he was tall.. But he had been sitting down then.. having him stand in front of you now is dizzying.

You've always been small, according to Cassidy, you're dainty and cute. Somehow, this stranger makes you feel even smaller. If you don't crane your neck back to look at him, you'd be staring at his chest..

Was he always standing so close? Or did he step closer?

"I'm flattered you remember me." His smile is warm, inviting in the way that a cute puppy with bright eyes and a wagging tail is.

You choke down the words that almost burst from your mouth. Because really... who wouldn't remember him? He's heartbreakingly beautiful.

Come to think of it.. the two people he had been with that day had been just as good looking. You'd barely spared them a glance at the time, too lost in the amethyst gaze of the man in front of you.

You did take note of the way the other two held hands. A couple then? The girl had been short, possibly a little taller than you are. She had dark hair and pretty eyes, her companion just as tall as the man before you. His white hair was cut stylishly, his red eyes gleaming.

You can't think of what to say without embarrassing yourself. You're not sure if he picks up on that or just doesn't notice your lack of response, but he carries on.

"What are you doing out here in this weather?" He reaches out, catching a few raindrops on his fingertips.

Gesturing behind you, you point at the now, closed, animal shelter behind you. "Just got off work."

He looks past you, taking in the shop front with a quick sweep of his eyes. 

"Animals huh? I bet that's a fun job." He chuckles.

Wow, that's endearing. You want him to laugh like that again.

"You say that... but then you end up working overtime to bathe six, very smelly, puppies."

"I don't know, that still doesn't sound bad to me." He grins, a hand coming up to rest on his hip.

"Tell that to my back." You grumble.

There's something about him that makes it easy for you to let your guard down.

"Not to sound weird.. But since I know your place of work, I feel like you should at least know my name."

"The next logical step." I agree, trying not to flush red. The splatter of rain bounced onto the sidewalk and splashed onto your jeans.

"I'm Caleb."

You introduce yourself.

"Pretty name for a pretty girl." You expected his expression to be teasing, playful maybe, but there was something so sincere in the look on his face. He was earnest in a way that had you giddy. You felt like you were back in junior high experiencing your first crush.

Was he always like this?

He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly appearing nervous.

"Uhm.. I'm sorry if this is sudden.. But could I walk you home?" He paused. "Assuming you're heading home that is." He gestures at the rain. "I'd feel horrible letting you walk home alone in this."

Despite the fact that he had clearly been flirting, you still find yourself surprised. This man.. this cute and seemingly perfect, prince charming, wanted to walk you home.

"Yes!" You cough and clear your throat. "Sure." You amend, realizing you might be sounding a little too excited.

A walk home from this handsome guy sounded perfect, after all, what could go wrong?

Chapter Text

Both of you were quiet at first, an air of nervousness hovering between you. The pelting rain continued mercilessly, the roar of thunder drowning out the cars zipping past the two of you. Despite the fact that both of you had an umbrella, you were quickly becoming soaked.

You're not sure what to do in this sort of situation. You don't have any experience with men, you've only ever had one boyfriend and it never went beyond kissing. You certainly have never had someone like Caleb be interested in you, well, if they did, they never said anything.

"How long have you lived in Linkon?" Caleb breaks the silence.

"A couple of weeks."

"How are you liking it here?"

"It's really nice, way better than..." You cringe, snapping your mouth shut.

You expect him to prompt you to finish your sentence, ask you to explain why you stopped talking. But he doesn't, he just turns his head, catching your eyes. Slowly, the corners of his mouth form into a heart-stopping smile.

"I live in Skyhaven myself, I'm only in Linkon to visit my best friend." A pang of disappointment settles in your chest. A heavy stone, because of course this situation couldn't be completely perfect.

You're just not that lucky.

You wonder which of the two he had been with was his best friend? Would it be weird to ask? It was one thing to say that you recognized him from the cafe, it was another thing entirely to admit you had been so hyper-focused on him that you remember who he had been with.

"Is it nice there? I've never been."

He glances over at you again, humming for a moment. Finally he nods to himself.

"Well you have an excuse to visit now." He says, purposely avoiding the question to further your curiosity about Skyhaven.

"What do you mean?" Was he hinting at what you thought he was?

"You have to visit me of course."

Your heart pounds in your chest, your breath caught in your throat. How is he this bold? You literally just met him... Taking a deep breath, you curse your stupid little lizard brain. Get it together. 

"We don't even know each other." You point out, the sentence coming out weak even to your own ears. You so desperately want to know him, and that scares you.

He glances over again and just for a moment, his eyes look blank, cold. It's gone so fast that you're sure you imagined it through the haze of rain. He smiles softly, chuckling. It doesn't reach his eyes.

"Easy fix." He reaches up and taps his bottom lip. "I'm a Colonel in the Farspace Feet."

"Whoa, that's vastly different than what I do." You laugh.

"Wanna trade?" He smirks, his expression playful now. Had you just imagined his expression before?

"Not a chance." Huffing, you wave off his offer. "It's not my fault you went into the wrong line of work."

He sighs dramatically. "Bummer."

"Well, Caleb.." You point ahead of you. "You have officially walked me home."

He looks over to where you're pointing, his smile fading.

"Well, here's the part where I humbly ask for your number." His right hand flexes on the handle of his umbrella, and for some reason, you shiver.

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"You gave him your number, right?!" Cassidy interrupts your recount of the events from yesterday.

You scoff.

"Of course I did, I'm not stupid."

"And then he left? Just like that?" She asks once again.

You nod. "We said goodnight and I went into my apartment building and he left."

"Damn, here I was hoping he would have continued to be bold and at least kissed your cheek goodbye."

You laugh and shake your head. Cassidy is always like this, ever since you met her she's been able to make you smile, even when you don't want to. While she is your boss, she's also quickly becoming your best friend.

"You're the worst." You lean back in your chair, drumming your fingers across the table as you glare at the girl across from you.

You had been running late this morning and forgot to pack something for lunch. Not that you had much anyways, you've been neglecting grocery shopping along with just about everything else.

"What did Cassidy do now?" A voice asks, entering in through the breakroom door.

Marcus is another one of the employees, he started a bit before you and has been nothing but nice and welcoming. Out of everyone you've met at the shelter, you're the closest to these two.

"I didn't do anything wrong! I'm just trying to get her-" You cut her off.

"-to finally go get groceries! Been procrastinating it all week!"

You rush to hush her up, too embarrassed to talk about your new crush in front of anyone else.

"No lunch again?" Marcus questions, bringing his take-out to sit between him and Cassidy.

"Nope! And she is refusing to let me buy her food." Cassidy grumbles.

"Here, have some of mine." Marcus starts pulling things out of his bag.

"No, I'm fine really. I don't normally eat lunch anyways." You shake your head and turn to look at the clock on the wall.

"Come on, don't turn down free food." Cassidy points at the food, as if that will somehow convince you to eat.

"I'm not hungry." You shake your head again.

Marcus' lips are pursed as he turns to look at Cassidy. "She's stubborn."

"You're telling me." She glares at you.

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The weather isn't nearly as bad as it was the day before. Heavy clouds still blanket the city, rain is still pelting down from the sky. There's no longer any lightning, no boom of thunder. After yesterday, it feels too quiet...

Before you can take a step further, your phone chimes in your pocket.

Confused, you dig into your coat and pull out your phone, holding your umbrella steady. You only have a few numbers saved, and most of them worked at the shelter with you, so who the hell was texting you?

Caleb🍎: Heard it's storming there again, do you have your umbrella?

The rain grows heavier, the rolling clouds growing darker. With a sigh, you stuff your phone back into your pocket for now. You'll have to text him back when you get home, you don't want to be caught out in this weather any longer than you have to be.

The fact that he texted was making you giddy. You had thought about texting him this morning but ultimately couldn't bring yourself to text him first.

By the time you got home, the bottom half of your jeans were soaked and you were extremely cold. Slipping your coat from your shoulders, you throw it onto the rack. Bending down, you shove your shoes and socks off. You desperately need a hot shower.

By the time you make your way out of the shower your skin is flushed and admittedly a little overheated.

Heading out of the bathroom, you realized you could faintly hear something. Is that your phone? Shit, you left it in your coat pocket. You had been in such a hurry to get out of your wet clothes that you had completely forgotten to take it with you.

Caleb🍎: Did you make it home? Or did the storm wash you away?

Marcus🐺: Did you get home okay?

Cassidy☀️: What was with you today?

Caleb🍎: You're making me worried...

Caleb🍎: Goodnight

Caleb🍎: We'll talk tomorrow

Why did that scare you? Your stomach clenches as a shiver races up your spine. You exhale slowly, Caleb's a nice guy, so what is wrong with you? Why was your fight or flight response going off?

You're just tired.. Just.. tired.

Heading into your bedroom, you collapse on top of your bed and stare at the texts you'd missed.

After a moment of hesitation you write out a response to Caleb, telling him that you're sorry for worrying him and that you can explain.

Moving your attention to the other two texts, you debate what to do. It was sweet of Marcus to check on you, and you knew Cassidy probably had twenty questions for you... But you just don't have the mental energy to respond to them too.

You try to stay up a bit longer, waiting to see if Caleb will text back, but your eyelids were getting heavier. You blink slowly as your stomach growls. Damn, you hadn't eaten anything since breakfast.

Could you justify ordering food? You're still trying to get on your feet, your limited savings had been eaten up just moving to Linkon.

Groaning, you decide you're too tired to wait for food anyways. Reaching over, you plug your phone in, turn the light off, and crawl under the blankets.

You shouldn't have slept as well as you did.

Chapter Text

You sleep in late, by the time you wake up it's late morning, somehow you still feel tired. It shouldn't be surprising, you've been working all the hours you can. When was the last time you actually did something for yourself?

Damn.. you couldn't even remember. 

Looking at your phone was disappointing, Caleb hadn't texted back. You had another text from both Cassidy and Marcus, along with an unknown number, the last one you leave unread for now. Nodding once, you set your phone back on the night stand, all of that could wait until after you had caffeine.

Making your way out of the room, you head into your kitchen. Coffee or an energy drink? Drumming your fingers on the counter, your eyes flicker between your coffee maker and your fridge.

Your phone rings back in the bedroom. Cassidy and Marcus don't often call you, not unless it's an emergency. Shit, what if they ask you to come into work today? This was your first day off in a week and a half.

Grabbing your phone, you turn it over to see which of the two is calling, only.. it's neither. It's Caleb.

Realizing that you had just been staring at the screen you quickly accept the call.

"Hello?"

"Hey, storm cloud-" He starts, but you cut him off in confusion.

"Storm cloud?"

"You don't like it? I thought it was fitting with the way we officially met." He chuckles.

"I didn't know we were at the nickname stage." You say, surprising yourself.

"So you do like it." He sounded like he was smiling.

"Yes- wait! No!" You stammered.

This time he laughed, and fuck if it wasn't the best thing you had ever heard. You wanted to hear it again as soon as he stopped.

"Whatever you say storm cloud." He teases. You're thankful he can't see you, you know you're blushing. A pink tint across your cheeks all the way to your ears.

"I'm sorry about yester-" You say quietly, only to be cut off.

"No, no, it's okay. I'm the one that's sorry."

"What for?" You furrow your eyebrows in confusion and realize you've been standing next to your bed not moving a muscle. You sit on the edge of the mattress, waiting for his response.

He hums and then sighs. There's a beat of silence and then his voice is as playful as it was earlier, no trace of his previous tone. "I couldn't respond to you last night because I was working."

That was nearly identical to what you had wanted to say to him.

"Life of a Colonel that busy?" You let yourself fall back onto your bed, staring up at the ceiling.

He chuckles. "Something like that."

"Alright, keep your secrets." You pursed your lips to keep from smiling.

"So, do you forgive me?" He asks, and you suddenly wish you could see his face right at this moment. What expression was he making?

"I suppose I could be convinced..." You joke. "It'll cost you though."

You really want to turn around and apologize to him for the same thing, but you're afraid to ruin the moment.

"How much are we talking?"

"Give me an offer." You're rubbing absent-minded circles across your blanket.

"I could cook you dinner." His voice was lower, the words silky.

You're not sure what you expected him to say, but it wasn't that. Your breath catches in your throat, your core clenching. The offer was nice, but his tone was not. It was sinful, the snake encouraging you to eat the apple.

You hoped to maybe go out for coffee, or see a movie together. But him offering to cook dinner? That was more intimate, several steps ahead of a first date.

"I don't think you'd fit in my kitchen." You say the words before you really think about it... because Caleb in your apartment? For starters, he's so... tall and broad. But it's not just that, it's his presence, you could barely manage just walking to your apartment with him. A small space with him? Put a fork in you, you're done.

"I have a day off in about three days, what do you say?"

"That's a weird coincidence.. that's when my next day off is." You take a deep breath, trying to calm your excited breaths. You're excited and nervous. You want to see him again, but at the same time it feels too soon. The quickness of it all surprising.

"So it's settled then." He decides. "Text me your address."

You have a feeling that when Caleb decides something, there's not much that can change his mind.

"Okay." It comes out breathy and you can feel your ears heating. Please don't say anything. Please don't say anything.

"I gotta go, will you text me while I work?" He asks.

"Texting while working isn't very professional, Colonel."

He inhales sharply, silence, and then he's chuckling, something lower than his normal.

"I'll take that as a yes, no take backs."

You roll your eyes, but you can't stop the smile tugging at your lips. "What if I don't text you?" You ask before you can stop yourself.

He hums. "I suppose if you don't text me, you'll find out." He states lightly, as if his words don't make you shiver.

"Talk to you later storm cloud."

"Bye Caleb." Exhaling, you pull the phone away from your ear. You can't believe you asked him that, you've never been good at flirting. Oh, right, you need to text him your address.

Should you say something else? Tell him to have a good day? What kind of hours does a Colonel in the Farspace Fleet have? Is it like a nine to five? Sun up to sun down? 

You'll have to ask him later.

You send a series of stickers that you hope seem encouraging, you suppose you should try and find something to eat. Before you can get off your bed, your phone vibrates in your hand.

Caleb🍎: When I said to text me, as cute as they are, I expected a little bit more than just stickers.

Nibbling on your bottom lip, you slowly type out a response.

You: It's not my fault you weren't clear in your expectations.

Caleb: Cheeky

You: Get to work, Colonel.

Caleb🍎: Yes ma'am.

Okay, no more phone. You need caffeine and something to eat. When was the last time you ate?

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You spend the rest of the day texting Caleb off and on, his replies were slow, but he always replied. You suspected he was making a point after last night.

By the time you manage to finish cleaning the apartment you're too tired to do any grocery shopping. You should have done that first, but it's too late now.

Earlier you had scraped together a simple lunch, but you fall asleep before you can even contemplate dinner. You really need to start taking better care of yourself.

Falling asleep on your couch wasn't ideal, especially when you missed the rest of Caleb's texts.

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Despite how early you fell asleep, you wake up late. Very late. As in you were late for work.

"Shit!"

Throwing yourself off the couch, you ignore how sore your neck feels as you rush to get ready.

Ugh, you didn't even shower yesterday.. You don't necessarily want to be running even later, but you feel disgusting after deep cleaning your apartment.

You're as quick as you can be, racing out of the house with your hair still wet. The sun has broken through the bleak clouds, and Linkon was bustling because of it. Your phone is dead in your pocket, no doubt with several missed calls from Cassidy. You were never late.

Pushing through the doors, Marcus was talking to a couple up front who looked to be in the middle of adopting the border collie that had been at the shelter for a few months.

You aren't sure if the look on his face is because of how disgruntled you look, or because you made it in for the last half of your shift. Either way, you carefully make your way past the three of them and head into the break room to drop off your stuff.

Cassidy exhales in relief as soon as she sees you. "Are you okay?"

You nod. "I fell asleep on my couch and my phone died."

"Those terrible puppies have been waiting for you all day." She takes a bite of her salad.

"They're not terrible." You shove your bag into your locker.

"Says you, the dog whisperer." Chuckling, she continues on. "You know, if the long hours are catching up to you, you can let me kn-"

"I'm fine, I promise. I spent all of yesterday cleaning my apartment, I was just worn out. It won't happen again."

Technically, it was only a small lie. You were tired, the long hours were getting to you, but you couldn't afford to let a little exhaustion stop you.

You can tell she wants to say more, you can see it on her face. "You know.. Marcus was really worried."

What a change of subject. What were you supposed to say to that?

"Well, I did forget to text him back the other night." You shrug.

"He texted? What did he say?"

"Just asking if I made it home safe."

"So, you didn't reply to a check-in text, and then no one can get ahold of you all morning? No wonder he kept asking about you."

"Well, puppies to take care of! Enjoy your lunch!" You speed out of the room before she can respond.

You forgot to plug your phone in to charge.

Chapter Text

It's a clear evening when you step out of the animal shelter. It's a rare night when you, Marcus, and Cassidy get to leave at the same time.

"You sure you don't want a ride?" Cassidy asks, looking unsure.

"I'm fine, it's not far." She opened her mouth to what you were sure was going to be another round of protests, but you cut her off before she can start. "My apartment is in the opposite direction of yours. I'll text you when I get my phone charged."

You had forgotten your jacket when you raced out of the house on your mad dash to work. The evening was cool, goosebumps spreading across your skin. You honestly don't understand why she's so worried, it's not like you live in a bad neighborhood or something.

Marcus sighs heavily next to Cassidy, he looks a cross between annoyed and tired. You get the feeling that his annoyance is because of your refusal to let one of them take you home.

"Get home safe." Marcus tells you, heading towards his car

"See you tomorrow." Cassidy frowns, but turns to leave as well.

You know they're just being sweet, but you can't bring yourself to burden them. You don't want to rely on anyone... maybe it would be best if you pulled away a little, just to be safe.

The problem is, you're quite fond of both of them. 

And Caleb.

You're worried about what you'll find when you charge your phone. You probably scared Caleb off, last time you had only not replied to him for a couple of hours.. this time it'll be a whole twenty-four hours. You won't have to pull away from him and whatever is happening between the two of you, you'll already have sent him running.

It's for the best, after all, people are disappointing.

You shiver the entire way home, arms wrapped around yourself as you hurry along the sidewalk. The idea of a hot shower and a warm meal helps keep your energy up as you get a stitch in your side about halfway home. You seem to be getting more and more tired each day.. At least you have two days off in a row this week, you could sleep the day away. You'll be just fine, you just need some rest.

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You manage to shower and eat in the time it takes your phone to get a decent enough charge. You take some time to indulge in some extra self care, doing your best to resist rushing to your phone the minute the screen lights up. You had literally been preparing to pull away from the only three people you had a semblance of a relationship with, because you're too damaged to be any good for them. Yet here you are, desperate to hear from them.

At the same time, you're anxious to see what you've missed. To face the possibility that Caleb really did give up on you. Or maybe they texted, that would be the worst possible thing to find.

Ugh, get yourself together, you barely know Caleb. If he bows out of your messy life than so what? Stupid hormones.

Settling into bed, you unlock your phone only to freeze up in shock. Nine missed calls, three from Cassidy, two from Marcus, and four from Caleb. And then there was the texts...

There was over ten texts from Cassidy, several more from Marcus, and Caleb.. holy shit.

There was still that text from an unknown number.

Cassidy and Marcus' texts were them checking in, asking if you were okay, if you were coming into work. You send a quick text to the both of them, letting them know you made it home safely. You don't have it in you to say anything else, especially with all of Caleb's texts waiting. The first several texts were just him responding to what you had been talking about before you passed out on your couch. Then it was checking in texts, a goodnight one.. only, the texts continued a few hours after that. It was the last few texts that had your heart hammering in your chest.

Caleb🍎: You've got me really worried.

Caleb🍎: Did I do something wrong?

Caleb🍎: Are you hurt?

Caleb🍎: At least tell me that much.

Caleb🍎: Fine. I'll come to you.

You don't know what to do. Of course you want to message him back, tell him what happened. You want him to know you're okay and that he didn't do anything wrong. Because he really, really didn't. He's been nothing but perfect since you met him. You choose to forget the fact you had been prepared to not pursue him because you didn't want him to get too close.

But that last text.. what did he mean? Sure, you two had made plans... but that didn't sound like that's what he meant. Was he coming to you sooner? Isn't that.. a little weird?

Shaking your head you try and clear your mind. He's just concerned. For all he knows you're in the hospital, or dead. You'd want answers too.

You: I hate to say this twice in a matter of days.. but I can explain.

You lay there and wait.. and wait.

Eventually, you fall asleep.

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Waking up is not a pleasant affair, you feel like crap. Your throat hurts and everything is aching. You're positive you have a fever and your head is pulsing with your heartbeats. This sucked.. but you're unfortunately not surprised. Two days of walking in the cold rain and then running out of the house with wet hair.. just.. great. Being tired is no excuse to be an idiot.

Your eyelids feel heavy and all you want to do is go back to sleep. There's no way you're going to be able to go to work feeling like this. After being late yesterday, you're feeling extremely guilty calling out of work. Instead of attempting to call Cassidy, you send her a quick text.

You: I woke up sick, I'm not going to be able to make it in.

Cassidy: I knew you should have let me take you home this week. Keep me updated on how you're feeling.

Cassidy: Marcus is going to be so sad.

You: What does Marcus have to do with anything?

Cassidy: You really are oblivious.

Cassidy: Gotta go byyyeee!

You roll your eyes but all it does is make your headache worse. You blearily notice Caleb hasn't texted you back yet. You probably did chase him away.

You fall into an uneasy sleep.

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At first, you're not sure what wakes you. You're feeling worse than you did earlier, and for a long moment that's all you can focus on. Then you hear it, someone's knocking.

In your haste to get up you bump into your nightstand and knock your phone to the floor. Who in the world was knocking? It couldn't be Cassidy or Marcus...

You curse when you bump into the doorframe next. The knocks seem to be getting louder, or maybe you're just not hearing them properly. Your head's full of cotton.

Before you can think to check who it is, you pull the door open.

"Caleb? What-" You cough- and all the sudden he's crowding you, pushing you further into your apartment, closing the door behind him with a hurried shove. His touch is gentle but firm, his hands feel so nice against the heated skin of your arms. You can't help but lean into his touch.

He's dressed casually, and fuck he looks so good. You want to appreciate the sight of him more, but congestion is making your eyes water.

"You're sick?" His voice lacks the playful lilt you've come to associate with him. He glances around, his eyes surveying your apartment. Obviously having seen enough to understand the layout he hums before you can respond.

His left arm winds around your back, tugging you closer into his body. You don't have any time to protest as he bends and sweeps you off your feet, pulling you into his firm chest. His hands gripping you tightly as he strides through the apartment and into your bedroom.

"Lemme look at you." He mummers, sitting you on the corner of your bed. You miss his warmth as soon as he releases you.

"You actually came." Your words are barely above a whisper. His eyebrows furrow, his gaze following the lines of your pajama clad body. You know you should be embarrassed, you don't want him to see you like this. But your mind only wants to focus on the fact that you now know what it feels like to be held against him.

"Of course I did. I was worried." His tone is soft compared to the way he keeps touching you.

"You barely know me." You remind him, swatting at his hands as he tries to take your face between his palms.

"Something you'll come to understand well, I don't do anything by halves. Now behave and let me take care of you." He catches your wrists in the air. His hands overlapping around fragile bones. Such big hands...

You blink at him, he's so much bigger than you and he seems to have no trouble manhandling you into compliance. You ignore the way your stomach flips at the size difference between the two of you. That isn't what you should be be focused on..

You really wish he wasn't seeing you this way. You must look god awful.

"I can explain." You say after a long moment. "About why I didn't answer."

"Let's not worry about that right now. You have a fever, let's start by getting you into the bath." You blink wearily at him.

"I don't want to.. I want to go back to sleep." You're so tired, you know you sound whiny but you don't care. You want to talk to Caleb, to explain what happened and spend time with him now that he's here. But you're fighting a losing battle against your body.

"And you will, after a bath." He pulls you up onto your feet with no effort at all, already leading you towards the bathroom.

"Caleb..." You try and dig your heels into the floor to slow him down, but your weak attempt at struggling doesn't phase him. He has no problem pushing you into the bathroom. He lets go of you to start filling the tub, you debate whether or not you could escape back to your bed.

"Don't even think about it." You're hazy from fever, but his tone makes you shiver. The warmth that he talks with, it's not there. "Are you going to be able to get in by yourself?"

Even if you couldn't, there's absolutely no way you're letting Caleb help you undress. You just met. You nod as he moves to stand.

"I'll be right outside the door." The words are meant to be assuring, but the warmth still isn't there. If it wasn't for the fever, you're sure you would feel cold.

Once the door is firmly shut behind him, you start pulling at your clothes. Your body aches with each movement but you soon find yourself submerged in the water. You're slow as you wash up, the steam from the water working to unclog your sinuses, at least for a little while.

You know it isn't good to take a hot bath with a fever, but who cares when the water feels this good?

Caleb calls your name from the other side of the door. "I've brought you some clothes, I'm going to set them on the counter. Don't worry, I won't look." He opens the door before you can say anything, and even though you can see that his eyes are closed you still shift to make sure everything of importance is covered.

He sets a fresh set of pajamas on the counter and backs back out of the room, shutting the door without another word.

You want to tell him to stop, tell him he doesn't need to take care of you.. but you can't. Even if you did, would he actually listen? Based on his behavior so far, you're pretty sure the answer is no.

You get out of the bath, dry off, and get changed. When you open the door, Caleb is there, just as he said he'd be. He's leaning against the opposite wall, his strong arms crossed over his chest.

You walk towards your bedroom before he can get his hands on you again, but you can hear him right behind you. Can practically feel his breath against your skin- but then he stops at the door, like he encountered some invisible barrier.

It takes you a second to realize he changed your bedding. Why is he doing this? Sure, you like him, and he likes you.. but going to all this trouble..

"Why-"

"I noticed you don't have any medicine in the house." He pauses, and the silence is heavy. "Or groceries." He pauses again, and the air feels charged for some reason. "I'm going to go out and grab a couple of things."

"You really don't have to do that." You protest.

He stares for a long moment, his eyes flittering over your face. Pushing off the doorframe, his hands reach out towards you. You back away from his touch, stubborn to a fault. But it seems that's what he wanted, because the back of your knees hit the edge of your bed not two steps later.

His hands are insistent, pushing you down onto the pillows, pulling the blanket all the way up to your shoulders. "If you really want to argue with me, at least wait until you're better."

You huff but end up coughing until your lungs burn. Your eyes are watering when you look back up at him. "Try and rest. I'll be back soon."

You don't have the energy to protest anymore. You hear the jingle of what sounds like your keys but your eyes have already slipped closed.

Chapter Text

You're woken up by Caleb's cool hands on your skin. One large hand rubbing soothing circles on your bare arm while the other gently cups your face. He hadn't been this gentle earlier.

"How long was-" Wincing, you reach up to touch your throat. Your voice is hoarse, barely there.

"About an hour." Despite the gentle touch, his tone still lacks any warmth. He's irritated at you.. so why is he taking care of you? He blinks, slowly pulling away. You miss his touch as soon as it's gone. "I want you to take these." You jump when pills and a glass of water appear in front of you, suspended in the air.

"You have an evol?" You think your words came out clear enough to be understood.

"Gravity manipulation." He tells you, waiting for you to take the medication.

You should probably be more concerned about taking random pills from a man you don't know well, but you figure if he had ill intentions he would have done something by now.

You choke down the pills and drink as much of the water as you can stand with your sore throat.

"Good girl." You're not sure if it's the fact that your ears feel like they're stuffed with cotton, but his voice sounded lower. Your stomach flips, pulling a shiver up your spine. Now is not the time to unpack that reaction.

His eyes, infinite purple pools in deepspace, seem brighter in the low lighting. You feel seen, perceived in a way you're not sure you ever have been before. You feel.. stalked.

"I want you to stay in bed, maybe go back to sleep. I'm going to make you some soup."

You open your mouth to - what - what could you say? Ask what kind of soup, once again protest him taking care of you like this?

He doesn't let you even try.

"Don't irritate your throat." He chides. You sink back into the pillows with a tired huff.

You have several questions but you're getting irritated that you can't breathe out of your nose. What did he give you, cold meds? You really should have asked. Why are you letting your guard down so easily for him..

The faint sound of your phone ringing comes from under your bed. You don't even get a chance to think about sitting up before Caleb is fishing your phone out from under the bed. It must have dropped down there when you ran into the nightstand earlier. You reach your hand out, ready to take it from him and see who's calling - only he pulls it out of your reach.

You can barely make out Cassidy's name on the caller id as Caleb looks at it.

"Friend?" He questions. He doesn't wait for an answer, just quickly answers the call, putting it on speaker.

Cassidy immediately calls out your name in relief.

"I've been texting all day, how are you feeling?"

"She has no voice, but she is listening." Caleb's tone is lighter than it has been all day.

 Good girl, just keep laying there for me. 

There's a long pause before Cassidy says anything. "And who is this?" You can hear the suspicion in her voice, and it warms your heart. "Wait... is this Caleb?" And now you have to beat her up.

The cutest, heart-stopping smirk tugs at Caleb's lips and you both love and hate it in equal measure. "She's talked about me?"

Cassidy laughs. "I've already said too much." She knows damn well the damage is already done. "How's she feeling?" She says, still chuckling to herself.

Caleb's eyebrows furrow, the smirk falling from his mouth. "She's quite sick, but don't worry, I'm taking care of her."

"Oh, I bet you are."

You're thankful that you're already flushed with fever. You open your mouth, determined to at least say something audible-

Caleb's icy glare and narrowed eyes is enough to make you snap your mouth shut. Irritation bubbles in your chest, and you do your best to glare back. Despite how well he's taking care of you, he can't control you this way, you're not a child.

Your arms shake when you try and sit up, your head pounding. You can't lift yourself up, no matter how hard you try, determined to give Caleb a piece of your mind - which would be at lot easier if you could just sit up! Huffing, you let your head drop back into your pillows, defeated, suddenly way less concerned with admonishing Caleb.

You blink, once-twice, each time your eyelids get heavier. What..

"Was there something you needed her for?" It's hard to focus on their conversation.

"No, I just wanted to make sure she's alive." Cassidy pauses, and then lowers her voice. "She forgets to eat lunch sometimes, didn't want her starving alone in her apartment."

You can barely hear when Caleb replies, but you don't really take in the words, too tired to understand.

"I promise to take good care of her, I'll make sure she has everything she needs."

Cassidy replies, you know she does, but you don't really hear it. You barely even hear Caleb's chuckle in response.. how funny.. he laughed but he doesn't sound amused.

"You have nothing to worry about. I'm not going anywhere."

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You find yourself waking up to a gentle touch for the second time today, Caleb's large hand cradling your cheek. Instinctively, you lean into his touch, chasing after the cool reprieve his palm is bringing your heated skin.

You must have made a sound, because he hums low in his throat. "I know pretty girl, but you have to eat."

Shaking your head, either in reply or to chase away the sleep clinging to your lashes, you're not sure. His hand directs your face back towards his, not letting you sink back into the lull of sleep.

"None of that, you're going to eat first."

Blinking blearily at him, you realize with a start what you're doing. How you're acting. Gods, this is embarrassing.

Before you can pull away, try and regain some sense and stop acting like a child - he lifts you up. One of his strong arms reached under you, wrapping around your waist. The other cradles your head as he positions you up against your pillows the way he likes.

Your brain flatlines, empties of everything but him. The display of strength does something to you, something needy.. greedy.

"Caleb.." Your voice is still hoarse, just as scratchy as earlier. It hurts.

"What did I say about talking?" Despite his nonchalant tone, it feels like a reprimand. You want to talk just to spite him, but that feels even more childish than not wanting to eat because you're tired.

How did today even get to this point? Wait.. what time is it? There's no light coming in from behind the curtains, just darkness.

You shift to grab your phone, only to remember you don't have it. You don't see it on the nightstand, does Caleb still have it? Before you can ask him about it, he moves a tray onto your lap. The homemade soup looks amazing, and you bet it smells just as good. Not that you'd know.

"Nose still stuffed?" Caleb is apparently a mind reader.

You nod, scowling. You haven't been this sick in a long time.

You debate on how to ask him for your phone without talking. On one hand, you're an adult, he doesn't control you. On the other... You're worried about...

You don't let yourself finish the thought.

When you look back up at him, he's already watching you. Perched on the edge of the bed next to your legs. He looks tired. You hadn't noticed earlier, or maybe he had just been hiding it better before. It's late... He's been running around for you all day. Not to mention he had come all this way from Skyhaven.

Your anger dissipates like smoke.

You decide you don't need to stress him out anymore today. You do your best to explain what you want with your hands. He seems to get it easy enough.

"You want your phone?" He reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out your phone. "You got some texts from Cassidy and someone named Marcus."

He's slow to hand you your phone. You can't help but notice his hands, so much larger than your own. His long fingers brush yours as you take it from him. Here he is, looking so damn good.. and you're over here a sick mess.

Deciding it would be better to check your texts after you eat, you set the phone aside, turning your attention to the delicious soup.

You'd be more embarrassed about eating in front of Caleb like this, but for once since he arrived... he's not looking at you. His attention is on his phone as he types across the screen.

You want to ask him if anything is wrong, but you don't want to pry... Plus, despite how annoying it is, Caleb is right, you shouldn't hurt your throat.

The silence is a little uneasy.

After you eat a good portion of the soup, you reach towards your phone. Not necessarily because you wanted to check the texts he was talking about. It was more because you couldn't bare the silence anymore. There was only so many places to stare at instead of looking at him.

Just before you pull up your texts, Caleb breaks the silence. "You all done?" He nods his head towards the food.

You nod as he takes the tray and leaves the room. You're wondering how you can convey your gratitude without making your throat hurt worse.

Suddenly, like a lightbulb going off, you pull your phone up again and type out a text to Caleb.

You: Food was amazing, thank you so much.

Caleb🍎: Clever girl. 

Your light laughter comes out more like a wheeze than anything. You don't really think it's that clever that it took you this long to figure out you could text him instead of trying to use your voice while you're this sick.

You blame the fever.

Caleb comes padding back into the room. He's smiling, it's soft, tired. Like he's two minutes away from falling asleep.

Your phone lies forgotten.

"How are you feeling, need anything?" He sits back down on the side of your bed.

You do your best to ignore how close he is. Ignore how his hip is against your legs. Ignore that this is your bedroom and he's invaded it looking the way he does.

You cough and his eyebrows furrow in worry. "I'll get some more medicine." Your coughing fit doesn't stop, instead you're left winded and sulking when he returns with more pills and a full glass of water.

You take both items from him without a fuss, swallowing the pills quickly.

You really take pills from strangers this easily? 

"Do you mind if I sleep on your sofa?"

The question make you pause. After all he had done today, why in the world would you not offer to let him stay?

You nod your head, turning onto your side.

"Wake me if you need anything?" Again you nod.

And you'll thank him properly, hopefully with your own voice. After all, he's taken such good care of you.

Chapter Text

You wake up sweating and coughing, your clothes clinging to your skin. You kick off the blankets without thinking, shoving them to the end of the bed.

You instantly regret it, your skin erupting in goosebumps.

You contemplate covering yourself back up, but ultimately stumble your way out of your room and into the bathroom. You shut the door firmly behind you.

You pull at your clothes before you even start up the water, clumsily climbing in before the tub even starts to fill. You hiss as the hot water starts filling up the tub, but sink into it anyways, welcoming the way it warms your chilled skin and aching muscles.

As soon as you turn off the water, there's a knock on the bathroom door. Caleb's muffled voice calls your name worriedly. You wonder if it was you starting that bath that woke him, or if he was just a naturally light sleeper and would have woken up to anything.

"Are you okay?" He pauses. "I'm gonna open the door a little bit so i can hear you better. I know your throat probably hurts still." You watch the door open just a bit, but no further.

"Felt gross..." You cringe at how stupid that sounds.

"Did your fever come back?"

You nod, but then remember he thankfully can't see you. "Think so. I'm sorry for waking you."

"Don't apologize, storm cloud." He pauses. "Do you need help?"

"No." You know if it was any other time, the implication would cause your cheeks to flush and your heart to race. But you're too tired, too sick to be anything other than embarrassed.

You hate that he's seeing you like this. You wish that it was just a simple cold and not whatever this is. You know you have nobody else but yourself to blame. You're the one that's been working long hours. You're the one that hasn't been properly taking care of yourself since you moved here.

You'll totally deny that later.

Just a couple days ago, you and Caleb were planning your first date... instead he's here taking care of you.

"Caleb?"

"Yeah?"

"I didn't get clothes." Your embarrassment increases.

You think you hear him chuckle, but he doesn't say anything back. Hopefully he's getting you clothes.

You curl up a little tighter when the door opens a bit more, but all you see are Caleb's arms and fresh pajamas being set on the bathroom counter.

"Thank you."

"I'll sit out here and wait for you." It isn't a question, it's a statement.

"You don't have to." You shift in the water, reaching for your favorite soap.

"I want to." Well, you can't really argue with that.

You hum. "Tell me something about you." You hate how weak your voice sounds.

He thinks for a moment. "I like apples, anything apple flavored usually." 

You smile, but it fades as quickly as it formed.

"Why did you come here?" You didn't want to ask until later, but the question escapes you anyways. Why. Why. Why.

"You didn't answer my texts or calls." He says it simply. As if the weight of his words isn't heavy on your shoulders.

You're not allowed to ignore me.

"Why did you stay?" 

There's a long pause, you do your best to ignore the loud thumping of your heart.

"Because you need me." His voice is low, barely audible. But you hear it all the same.

What do you even say to that? Sure, you sort of need him right now... but what if he means more than that? You like him, you really, really like him... but needing him?

"I didn't ignore you on purpose." It's cowardly isn't it? Changing the subject instead of conveying your feelings on what he said... But that word scares you. Need. 

It makes you want to run away and hide... And you get this odd feeling when you think back to how he said it.

"Go on." He presses.

You swallow and ignore the pain in your throat. "I fell asleep on the couch while we were talking. My phone died and I ended up waking up late for work. I couldn't charge my phone until I got home."

Silence settles between the two of you. Heavy and uncomfortable. All you want to do is lay back down, but he's between you and your bedroom. He doesn't answer in the time it takes you to dry off and start pulling on your clothes.

"Am I selfish if I ask you to promise me it won't happen again?" His tone is what makes you pull the door open to see him only-

He's close... really close. Your nose bumps into his chest and you rush to put distance between you two again, but his hands catch your arms.

"Careful..." His voice is soft, breath fanning against the top of your head. The press of his fingertips as he holds you tighter. "Let's get you back to bed."

He picks you up before you can protest. Swoops you into his arms and tucks you into his chest. Pulls you in close enough to remind you of how small you are against him, how his bulk overshadows yours.

When he lowers you into your bed, he follows you down instead of letting go. One of his knees resting on the mattress at your side, dipping you into his weight. It's when his arm comes down on the other side of your head that you realize you're pinned beneath him.

His voice is husky and low, a caress against your senses. "Promise me."

You're overwhelmed at his proximity. At how far he's pushing you in twenty-four hours. This is too much, you don't know each other.. this level of intensity. You take a ragged inhale, sinuses cleared enough from the steam of your bath that when you attempt to fill your lungs with air all you smell is him.

Your eyes flutter, already drunk on the scent of him. It's sinful the way he smells and it draws you in like a moth to a flame. You want to lean close, bury your face against his throat and breathe in nothing but him. But you don't, you can't.

Not with the way his eyes pin you in place, not with the way your body shakes with fever. What do you do, can you promise him something like that? It's not like you meant to ignore him. And it wasn't like it had been for days or anything.

If anything, it's an over reaction right?

But the soft way he asks tickles at your brain, making you shove aside logic and reason because you just want to give in.

Is it the fever? Or is it just Caleb?

How are you supposed to make that sort of promise.. you hadn't meant to ignore him, either time.

Come on, baby.

"I promise."

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You wake slowly, mind groggy and eyes heavy with sleep. You sit up with a grimace. There's light creeping through the curtains but you have no idea what time it is.

You either woke up before Caleb, or he's leaving you alone to rest... or maybe he isn't even here. While you're still very tired, you feel more alert than you did yesterday. You find your phone buried in your messy blankets, the battery in the red.

Deciding you should check your messages before you set it to charge, you pull open Cassidy's first. There's a couple from yesterday but the newest one is from this morning.

Cassidy☀️: Hope you're feeling better today! You'll have to tell me all about your time with Caleb. Have all of your first dates been this odd?

You huff and switch over to Marcus' texts, his are from yesterday.

Marcus🐺: Cassidy told me you're sick. Let me know if you need anything.

Marcus🐺: Just checking on you. You have us worried.

Marcus🐺: I'll check in with you tomorrow. Goodnight.

You quickly type out a reply.

You: Still alive. Thanks for checking on me.

"You're awake." You jump when Caleb's voice comes from your side. He isn't at your door, no, he's at your bedside. How the hell didn't you hear him? Maybe you're not as alert as you thought.

He's wearing a new outfit, hair slightly damp with flushed cheeks. He must have showered.

"You should properly dry your hair."

He raises an eyebrow. "Worried I'll get sick?" He looks pointedly between the two of you.

He's got a point.. he's been around you for a whole day and you've definitely been contagious. It'll be impressive if he doesn't get sick. 

"I suppose that was silly." You turn off your phone screen and hold it out to him. "Can you plug this in?"

"Mmm.. good practice for keeping your promise." He muses, plugging in your phone.

You flush at the reminder. The image of him hovering above you, caging you in. The look in his eyes that had sent heat fluttering low in your belly. The way his hand had trailed over your face as he bid you goodnight.

This isn't good. You're in way over your head with him.

"I made breakfast, I'll bring it in." He turns on his heel and heads towards the kitchen. You resist the urge to stare after him, to watch his broad back walk away... 

Yep.. way in over your head.

He comes back with a tray and you're absolutely sure you haven't eaten this well in weeks. Maybe longer. Just how good of a cook is this guy?

"You're staring awfully hard at your breakfast." Caleb sits down next to your legs, a smile across his lips.

"Sorry.. it just looks really good." 

Caleb tilts his head, glancing between your face and the food. You can't decipher the look on his face. "I'll cook for you whenever you want."

His words hang in the air, a delicate invitation wrapped in a simple statement. It's not a question, but it requires an answer anyway.

You swallow down your nerves, force your fingers to relax on the tray. "I'd like that."

His eyes widen, his cheeks and ears flushed pink. He looks so soft in front of you, like he can't believe you would agree. For some reason, that hurts.

Caleb's phone vibrates in his pocket, saving you from having to say anything more. Instead you choose to focus on your breakfast.

"Work." He tells you after a minute. You nod even though he isn't looking at you. Of course he had to take off work to come see you. That couldn't have been easy to do, being a Colonel in the Farspace Fleet... he did it because you hadn't answered him for a day. Guilt makes you fidget and reach for your own phone.

Just before you grab it, Caleb speaks up. "I have to leave tonight." His eyes are already on you when you look up.

You're both disappointed and relieved. Relieved because he won't be hovering and ordering you around anymore.. disappointed because.. well.. you like being around him when he isn't being demanding.

You pause a moment too long while trying to decide how you should respond. "Want to watch a movie?" He asks you.

You nod slowly.

"Let's get you to the couch." He plucks the tray off your lap and heads to the kitchen.

It takes you a minute to untangle your legs from the blankets, giving Caleb enough time to come back into the room. You were really hoping to be up before he got back because he does exactly what you were worried about.

He touches you. And it's so much worse today because you can actually focus on the way his arm feels around your waist. The fog of fever lifted enough for you to be aware of how he feels slotted against your side. He's just so much bigger than you.

He only lets go of your waist in order to wrap a blanket around you, tucking you between him and the side of the admittedly, small couch. "Any movie suggestions?" Caleb picks up the remote to flip through some choices.

You shake your head, tucking your feet up on the couch. "Your choice." When was the last time you watched a movie?

He picks something at random and you two settle in. You talk back and forth for a while, commenting on the movie and just talking in general. At some point, you must have fallen asleep. One moment you're watching the movie, the next, Caleb is gently coaxing you awake. How many times have you woken up to his face now?

"Come on, storm cloud. Time for medicine." He has a glass of water and more meds.

"No." Your voice is barely above a mumble, sore from earlier use.

"Your fever is back, we need to get it down." He tells you, ever so patient, voice soft but imploring.

"It makes me sleepy." Had he only got night-time flu meds? Not that you really care, he had bought them himself after all.

"You're already sleepy." You whine without realizing it. He chuckles, moving you off his shoulder to sit up. You're acting stupid.. but it's nice.. to be cared for like this, even if it is embarrassing. "Come on, baby."

Butterflies erupt in your stomach, rapidly taking flight. You're suddenly sitting up a little straighter, insides heating from more than your fever. Oh that.. that is dangerous. He can't say that.

You miss the slow and easy smile that takes over his face, too busy taking the pills and water from him and popping them in your mouth. Caleb is right, you were already asleep. What would be the difference?

You felt guilty though, Caleb was leaving tonight and you've slept most of the day away instead of spending time with him.

"Let me make you something to eat before I have to leave." He gently takes the cup from you and heads into the kitchen.

Instead of slumping back into the cushions, you make yourself get up and head into the bathroom. You want to climb into the tub again, but you know your time with Caleb is limited. You'll just have to wait till after he leaves.

When you come out of the bathroom, Caleb has soup waiting for you on the coffee table. This time there's food for him next to yours. You send him a sleepy smile, you haven't seen him eat yet. Sure, he probably ate while you were sleeping, but this put you at ease. You don't want him neglecting himself while taking care of you.

"How are you feeling?" He asks when you sit down next to him. If he notices that you're the one to close the distance this time, he doesn't comment on it.

"Crappy."

"Do you.. get sick often?" You can hear the slight hesitation in his question.

"Not usually." You see him nod out of the corner of your eye as you eat.

"Is it normally this bad when you get sick?" You should have expected the second question.

You're not sure if you should be honest. "Sometimes." How are you supposed to tell him that you only get sick like this when you run yourself into the ground?

After the two of you are done eating, Caleb puts on another movie. You make yourself sit up straight, you don't want to fall asleep this time.

Glancing over at Caleb, you're startled when you find he's already looking at you. "It's okay if you fall asleep."

You shake your head. "You're leaving soon. We haven't got to spend any time together." You two were supposed to have a date, instead it all went to shit.

"Next time, we'll plan for you to come to Skyhaven." You blink at him. Somehow, you just figured he'd keep coming to Linkon since he visits his friend here as well. He must take your wide eyed expression as agreement because he reaches out and pats your head.

You ended up falling asleep, slumped against his shoulder.

Just like you're supposed to.

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Caleb wakes you slowly, savoring you for a little longer. "Come on, baby." There's that word again. Baby. He really shouldn't be allowed to say that, especially in that tone.

"I'm totally awake." You grumble into his palm.

"Sure looks like it." You can hear the smirk in his voice.

You crack your eyes open and peer at him. He's changed his clothes and his hair isn't as messy. There's a bag sitting on the floor next to the couch. You had slept through the whole afternoon and now it was time for him to leave.

"Text me when you get back to Skyhaven?"

"What makes you think I'm not going to text you on the way there?" He smiles at you, and it pulls at your heart. Fuck, you really like him. His phone beeps and the smile slips off his face. "There's food in the fridge for you, make sure you eat."

He leans down, his face drawing close. You suck in a breath when his lips meet the skin of your cheek. An innocent peck, that's all it is.. and yet.. your heart flutters in your chest.

"I have to go." He pulls away and stands up, grabbing his bag.

You follow after him, your blanket dropping to the floor. You ignore the shiver that immediately spreads across your body.

"Caleb.." He turns his head to look down at you. "Thank you for taking care of me."

Chapter Text

You climb into the tub shortly after Caleb leaves, soaking in the hot water as long as you can. The steam coming off the water eases your sinus discomfort. You're slow to wash, and even slower to get dressed.

Your phone is waiting on your nightstand, fully charged. Pausing, you stare at your bed and furrow your eyebrows. Caleb had changed your bedding again before he left. Seriously, what is with this man? He's practically perfect.. how had someone not snatched him up yet? A guy like Caleb must have tons of admirers...

Insecurity stabs in your gut, but you chase it away with a shake of your head. You're too sick to overthink Caleb's feelings for you.

Burrowing into your blankets, you unlock your phone. You've only missed a few texts since you checked this morning.

Cassidy☀️: Are you alive and well?

Cassidy☀️: Is Caleb keeping you occupied? 😉

Marcus🐺: Checking in on my favorite coworker.

Caleb🍎: I feel bad leaving you when you're sick.

Caleb's message makes you smile, you type out a quick reply, letting him know he's done more than enough for you already.

You debate on putting a heart at the end of the message, you decide against it and move back to Cassidy's texts.

You: to answer your first question, I'm alive.

Next is Marcus.

You: Still sick.

You snuggle deeper into your covers, to the point where only your head and hands still peak out. You know it's probably time for some more medicine, but you don't want to move just yet. Not when you're so pleasantly warm.

Marcus🐺: Are you feeling any better?

Another text comes in, and you're only a little disappointed when it's not Caleb. Look at you, one minute you want space, the next you're hoping he texts back soon. Since when did you get so indecisive?

Cassidy☀️: So you're not going to tell me if you're being well taken care of?

You: If you must know, he had to leave.

Cassidy☀️: Did he sleep over?

Cassidy☀️: Better yet, did he sleep in your bed?

You: You do remember that I'm sick, right? It wasn't a date.

Cassidy☀️: It was definitely a date. Maybe not the most conventional, but it totally was.

Setting your phone down, you force yourself out of bed to head into the kitchen. Cassidy can wait a few minutes. The kitchen is spotless, everything in its proper place. It had definitely not been this clean before Caleb got here. He cooks and cleans, is he even real? Who even raised him?

You spot the box of flu meds on the counter, along with tissues and cough drops. You're going to have to thank Caleb yet again. He's done so much for you in such a short time. You're not used to this, any of it. You've made friends, and now you and Caleb are on your way to becoming... something.

It all just seems way too good to be true.

Maybe if you weren't so sick, so distracted, you would have found it weird that the flu meds weren't open.

You pop the pills into your mouth, chasing it down with a full glass of water. You're not quite hungry yet, all you want to do is lay back down. You just want to get better already, you're miserable.

Climbing back into bed, you once again pick up your phone, rereading Cassidy's ridiculous text. You debate on telling her what Caleb said about you visiting him in Skyhaven. It'll encourage her behavior... but you also really want to talk about it.

You: It wasn't a date.

You: But he did mention me visiting him in Skyhaven... 🤧

Cassidy☀️: What! Why didn't you lead with that?!

You: So checking in on my health was just a ruse? All you wanted was an update on me and Caleb.

Cassidy☀️: Can you really blame me? This is the most exciting thing to happen since Christmas last year when my grandma's wig caught fire.

You: How did her wig catch on fire?

Cassidy☀️: Christmas is also my brother's birthday. When they brought in the cake, they walked too close to grandma and whoosh! All that hairspray didn't help either.

Laughing hurts your throat, and you're in tears by the time you get yourself under control.

You: Was she okay?

Cassidy☀️: Yeah, dad ripped her wig off and started stomping on it before it could spread to the curtains. It smelled awful.

You: Can't say I've ever had a Christmas like that.

Cassidy☀️: You're missing out. 😂 Maybe this year you spend the holidays with my family. Surely something else will get lit on fire.

Have you ever actually had a good Christmas? The unopened text makes your brain itch, you find yourself switching over and clicking on it before you can talk yourself out of it. You should have just let yourself enjoy Cassidy's story.

Unknown: It's mom's birthday, are you really not going to call her?

You swallow hard, your hands shaking. So they figured out you had blocked all of them... Had your brother really gotten another phone to text you? Couldn't they take the hint?

You quickly delete it, like you should have done when you first got it the other night. Stupid. Stupid.

Taking a deep breath, you reach over and set your phone down on the nightstand. No longer in the texting mood. All the happiness sucked out of you, just like that. What had you expected really? Not deleting the text first thing had been a mistake. Reading it had been an even worse.

You lay awake for a long time. You keep expecting the medicine to kick in and knock you out like it had before, but sleep doesn't come. Not for a long time anyways.

When you do finally fall asleep, it's restless with dreams you're better off forgetting.

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At some point you must have fallen into a deeper slumber because you sleep until mid-morning. For as sick as you've been, you had slept better when Caleb was here. You don't even want to delve into that. Is it a safety thing? Some sort of primitive response to a big strong male?

Like any person addicted to their mobile device, you reach for your phone first. You've received a text from both of your friends, and Caleb. You also have a text from one of your other coworkers. You haven't talked to him much.

He's wondering if you can cover his shift tomorrow.

Well... you do feel a little bit better. And there was the extra money to think about. You'll probably be feeling a lot better by tomorrow anyways.

He sends you a thumbs up when you agree to cover his shift. You roll your eyes and try not to be too annoyed that he couldn't type out a simple thank you.

Cassidy and Marcus are just checking in once again, and you let them both know you'll be working tomorrow. Cassidy isn't too happy about it, but she'll be there to keep an eye on you. Marcus tries to ask if you need a ride, but you dismiss the idea and all he can do is wish you luck with the promise that you'll let him know if you need anything since it's his day off.

That just leaves Caleb. You don't want him to expect a text from you while you're working. Not after you promised him.

Your stomach twists at the memory of him above you. His eyes, those pretty, pretty, pretty, purple eyes. They had pinned you in place so easily. He didn't need to use his body to cage you in. Not when you were so heated with fever and he looked at you like that.

So of course you had agreed.

How could you have not?

Even if such a big part of you just kept repeating that it was way too soon to be making those kind of promises. You hadn't texted him back for a single day and he had shown up at your house uninvited.

And then he took such good care of you.

Did more for you than your fam-

Your brain grinds to a halt. All your thoughts shutting off with a stuttered breath. You squeeze your eyes shut to keep the thoughts out, to keep them from spilling back in.

Because it's not Caleb that you're thinking of now. It's them. Them, them, them. There's a low hum in your thoughts and if you focus hard enough you can almost hear their voices. Pick them apart one by one-

And then you cough, a rough cough that brings tears to your eyes. Your body reminding you that you're sick and now is not the time for a meltdown.

You type out a quick message to Caleb, letting him know you'll be working tomorrow and what time.

You spend most of your day resting in bed, reading on your phone. You take your meds every couple hours and you manage to eat three meals. But you don't hear from Caleb, not until you're about to go to sleep. You know he's busy. He's a Colonel of the Farspace Fleet after all.

Caleb🍎: I thought you didn't work till the day after tomorrow?

You: Took a coworkers shift.

Caleb🍎: Do you really think that's a good idea?

You: I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm already feeling better.

Caleb🍎: And if you're not fine?

You pause. And for moment, too long perhaps, you doubt yourself.

He takes that stretch of time and then your phone rings in your hand. You let it ring, once - twice -

"Hello?"

"Why couldn't your coworker work his shift?" No hello back, no greeting of any kind. Just straight back into the conversation. Voice firm. 

"I didn't ask." You tell him.

This time it's you who waits. And you're ninety-nine percent sure he didn't like that answer. And you suppose you should have asked before you agreed. But your savings were low and you had already missed shifts because of this stupid illness.

"You're too nice for your own good." He sighs. "Poor girl, you work too much."

The way he says it makes something inside of you shudder. It makes something inside of you feel seen. Because he isn't wrong, you have been working a lot. You always work a lot. Ever since you were little, they had-

"How about you let me send you something to eat tomorrow?" His voice is soft, softer than it had been at the start of the call. And it's dripping with something sweet.

"Oh, no, I couldn't-" You start to protest.

"Please, storm cloud. I insist."

Well, when he put it like that... 

"What would you send me?" You let your fingers play with the edge of your blanket.

"What would my girl want?" He chuckles, a devilish sound.

Your stomach flutters, low and insistent. You swallow, trying to gather your thoughts. Because just that one sentence had thrown your whole brain into disarray.

"C-could you surprise me?" You bite your lip, as if the sting will make your voice stronger.

You hear him exhale, and it's almost shaky. "You've got it. Just leave it all to me."

You hide your smile in your blankets, as if he can see it. Shy at the very idea of him sending you lunch.

"Did you take your medicine?" He asks after a pause.

"Yes. I'm all tucked in bed."

"And you ate?"

You cough before you can answer, but he waits patiently for the fit to subside.

"Yes." Your voice is hoarse.

He hums. "Good. You should get some sleep." The playful tone has seeped from his voice. Leaving behind the serious tone he had started the phone call with.

"Okay." You give in. Fatigue tugging at your eyelids. You need all the rest you can get for tomorrow's shift anyways. "Goodnight, Caleb."

"Goodnight, storm cloud."

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Morning comes too soon, and while you do feel a little better, you're definitely not one-hundred percent.

You drag yourself through your morning routine, barely finding the time to have a quick breakfast and take some medicine before you leave your apartment.

By the time you arrive at the animal shelter, Cassidy is waiting for you. She purses her lips.

"I know, I look fabulous." You tell her with a half-hearted grin.

"That's one way of putting it. I can't imagine what you looked like while Caleb was there."

She jumps out of the way before you can smack her arm.

"Don't say that, how am I supposed to face him now?"

She waves her hand flippantly. "Has he been texting you since he left?"

"Well... yes. We actually talked on the phone last night."

She waggles her eyebrows. "He stuck around even though you look like you have one foot in the grave, you definitely have him in the bag. We might as well plan the wedding."

"Oh shut up!" You laugh, but it sounds more like a wheeze.

Cassidy does her best not to fret over you, knowing you won't like it. "Okay, but I better be your maid of honor."

This time, your swat manages to land on her arm. But it's half-hearted, no strength behind it.

As the both of you lull into silence, a thought comes to mind. Caleb's question echoing in your skull.

"Hey Cassidy?"

"What's up?"

"Do you know why Jeremy couldn't work his shift?" You shouldn't care. You don't, not really. Money is money after all.

Cassidy frowns, her eyebrows furrowing. "The email just said he was taking a personal day. But I bet Marcus knows, you should ask him."

You nod, debating if it's really worth the effort. Plus, wouldn't it be nosy? Prying into your coworkers life like that? Would Marcus even tell you? What if he thought you were rude?

It's two hours into your shift when you finally cave and dig your phone out of your bag. You had just dealt with the 'terrors' as Cassidy calls them. But really, they're just cute puppies - at least for you. 

You: Hey, are you available?

Marcus🐺: For you? Anytime.

Your fingers hesitate over the keys. Maybe Cassidy was right, maybe Marcus really was flirting with you. Was this taking advantage of the situation? No, no... Marcus is just naturally flirty. He's your friend, you can ask him.

You: Do you know why Jeremy couldn't work his shift?

Marcus🐺: He didn't tell you?

You: No, he just asked me to cover. 

Marcus🐺: He's at a festival with his girlfriend. He's had it planned for a couple of months.

A couple of months? Why did he just ask you yesterday? You're not sure what to respond to that, so instead, you slip your phone back into your bag and stuff it back into your locker. You'll text Marcus back later.

You find Cassidy at the front desk, filling in for the receptionist who's on break and presumably getting coffee down the street.

The words spill out of you before she can even turn to look your way.

"Wait, what?" Her face twists in annoyance. "He's had this planned for months?"

You nod, your own anger simmering.

"And he chose to wait till last minute to get someone to cover? What a dick." She shakes her head, tapping her pen angrily against the desk. Suddenly, she sits up straight, turning to face you head on. "Marcus!"

"Huh?"

"He knew!" She points at you.

"Well, yeah?"

"He knew that Jeremy had this planned for months, and he didn't say anything when you told him that Jeremy asked you to cover yesterday." Her voice is layered with anger.

She's right. Marcus hadn't said anything when you told him. He just told you to let him know if you needed anything.

"That jerk."

Cassidy nods quickly.

"I'm going to kill him. He knows you're sick! Some friend he is! He could have covered instead."

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You've just collapsed into a chair in the breakroom, phone in hand, when Cassidy calls your name. Glancing up, you realize she has a bag in her hand.

"Someone has a delivery."

"Oh!" You had dragged yourself through the first half of the day. Between not feeling good and your irritation at the situation, you had forgotten all about Caleb's promise.

Cassidy walked over to the break room table and set the large brown bag down in front of you. "Who's this from?" She raises a single brow.

"Uhm...Caleb."

Whatever it was, it smelled amazing. Your mouth was watering.

"He's sending lunch now?" She plopped herself into the seat next to you. "Does he have any single friends?"

You laugh, your mood brightening considerably. You had forgotten your meds on the kitchen counter, your energy draining throughout the day.

"Hey, there's a note." She tells you, plucking it off the bag.

"There's enough for you and your friend. Enjoy. I'll call you later." You read aloud, heart warming.

Those stupid little butterflies are back.

"Am I the friend?" Cassidy asks, already reaching for the bag with hungry fingers.

"Well it certainly isn't Marcus."