NO SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 9! I've seen the movie but will refrain from sharing anything until the youtube release.
Notes: bullet-style format, SFW, gender neutral reader, reader is 21-25 when first joining the circus, POV second person, gen z slang > sentient AI from the 90s, nerdy linguistics talk, swearing, takes place in 2026 so Caine is 30 in this
CWs: brief political talk / catch up with the humans, cynical / nihilistic world views, very dialogue-heavy, reader is chronically online and neurodivergent. You decide what type lol
Grandma's Dentures strikes my inspiration, finally! Honestly I've been wanting to write something with my babygirl Caine for a while but never could come up with anything. Until now tehe 🌺
Can be read as platonic or romantic!
The moment you spawned in the circus, you made it everyone's problem.
Cue obligatory panic attack and introductions.
After you calm down and think rationally, things seem much better than the real world and you tell everyone that much.
"Yeah man, no sh[BOINK!]y gas prices or need to spend hundreds of dollars worth of groceries every month. Not to mention how terrible the world has been in general. I'm honestly glad I'm not out there anymore." You shrug.
Everyone clearly doubted you but generally kept quiet after a few more questions. One such question was your age.
"I'm pretty young all things considered, early 20s. Wayyy too addicted to my phone so I guarantee in the next hour I'll be climbling the walls like I have a cocaine addiction."
Out of nowhere someone new rushes it, or rather flies in. "Someone called??"
You see Ragatha wince. "Uhh, actually Caine-"
"Oh hey, we should totally start calling you that, Caine! That'd be hilarious." Jax sits up with a grin. Ragatha shoots him down with a shrill "NO!"
Caine ignores their usual arguing in favor of you. "Why, hello new human! It seems my system took a while to notice your entry, I hope you weren't without my presence for too long!"
"Uh, no not too long. Caine, was it?" You decide not to bring back up your hard drug simile as you guess from his outfit that he's in charge around here. You didn't feel like getting reprimanded on your first day.
"Yes indeedy I am Caine, your Ringmaster!" Called it. "Welcome to The Amazing Digital Circus! I'm here to make your indefinite stay as comfortable and fun as possible. Whatever it may be, you can have (as long as it's all-ages appropriate)!" He murmurs that last part to an invisible camera that may or may not be real.
"Everything's free, right? Sweet, this place f[BOINK!]ks, all I need is my phone and I'll be happy."
"Sorry kid but there's no internet in here. Guess it's not paradise after all." Jax pops in with a wide smile, his black eyes bigger than normal.
Outside you're perfectly calm. Fantastic, even. Internally though? You fear the end is nigh.
"Oh, okay then," you say with as much nonchalance as possible. You even throw up a 👌 for good measure.
They see right through you. Oh boy.
"Welp, if you'll excuse me I'll be heading into my room to turn my skin inside out and roll around in the sand, as God intended."
You take two steps before being scruffed by a large disembodied hand like a kitten. You even sound like one when getting picked up unprompted, letting out a weak but begrudging "heyyy.."
"No no no, my dear! You can't wander off juuust yet as there's a tour waiting to be toured upon!" Caine tuts in your face before dragging you to and fro, pointing at any and everything he deems worthy a shoutout.
The trees are worthy.
You miss your phone sooner than expected.
Because it's been a while since anyone new joined the Circus, you were donned the title of "Messenger".
That is to say, you recall any and everything you could so your new roommates are caught up with the happenings out there.
"No f[BOINK!]ing way Charlie Kirk died!" Jax howled with laughter.
"MARKIPLIER MADE A MOVIE???" Pomni shrieked. Her pinwheel eyes shone with excitement, and she shared that he was her internet dad and she used to watch his videos all the time.
You told her Mark finally got married to Amy. Might as well have said world hunger was solved.
"THE QUEEN'S DEAD?????" Everyone shouts. Even Kinger is shocked, or maybe just got jumpscared by the sudden ruckus.
"WHY ARE WE YELLING???" Caine bursts into the conversation, his eyes and mouth wide with curiosity.
"Oh, I'm getting everyone caught up with stuff happening out there," you explain easily. "We're yelling because the info is surprising."
He's moved to floating on his belly, hands cupping his "cheeks" with interest. You see his feet kicking idly behind him
"Oh! Can you tell us about the new adult generation?" Ragatha pipes up, "since you're part of it and all."
Everyone turns their attention back to you, plus one more pair of eyes.
"Welllll, like I mentioned before I was unhealthily addicted to my phone. I mainly just doomscroll and chat with my internet friends." You resume the explanation.
"What's 'doomscroll?'" Caine asks with a head tilt. You blink at him owlishly, completely forgetting he's an AI created in the 90s and is cut off from the outside world.
"Uh, doomscrolling is basically an action someone on their phone does on autopilot. You essentially turn off your brain and let the repetitive motion of swiping the screen lull you into a sort of trance." You haven't exactly thought much of doomscrolling, but now that you're explaining it out loud, it sounds pretty bad.
Caine hums, one hand on his chin pretending to stroke a beard. "Fascinating! What other modern human wordphrases are out there?"
You assume he means slang, so you mention one that first pops in your head. You've entirely forgotten the others and focus on Caine, who seems to do the same.
"There are a bunch! For example one of my favorites, the phrase 'absolute cinema'. In a normal scenario you would use 'cinema' on its own. However I and many others use it in conjunction with the word 'absolute', and now it suddenly means something entirely different." The words fly out of your mouth, excited about talking linguistics with someone who is equally as enamored. Though you suppose it makes sense why Caine is, as he's built to literally feed off of new information.
You watch as Caine, now sitting on a floating chair and "eating" popcorn, leans closer toward you with sparkling eyes. "And what would that be, my Pebbled Parchment?"
You open your mouth then pause to digest the weird nickname, ultimately choosing to ignore it. "The combined words now mean 'something worthy of celebrating' or 'peak', and you put your hands up like this." You demonstrate the action.
"So in a real world scenario, say I'm watching a video game trailer and I enjoy it a lot." You briefly pause and lock eyes with Caine. He nods excitedly and you smile. "In order to convey how much I loved it, I would raise my hands up like before and say 'absolute cinema', or just 'cinema'. Doesn't really matter. Most often it's used in a reaction image format, or a meme, where you send a grayscale image of a person making that hands-up pose with the caption 'absolute cinema' near the bottom."
Caine's top jaw curves to mimic a furrowed eyebrow. "What's a 'meme'? That sounds like a weird vegetable."
At this point his voice is less boisterous and over-the-top. It sounds quite soothing, and nice to listen to.
You take a look around and find that everyone has left, leaving the two of you alone. Huh.
You don't find yourself upset about that as you imagined. Maybe it's because Caine is the one who stayed.
"_____?" Your eyes snap back to Caine who inquisitively says your new circus name. He's still confused and staring back with big curious eyeballs.
Right. Explaining what a meme is to an AI older than you. What has your life come to?
Hope you enjoyed the read! Reblogs and comments help me a lot! 🌺
Send me asks pls im running out of ideas this ones from my gf
Around 1k words, Bubble cameo!!
You mentioned in passing that you enjoyed baking to Caine. You weren't really expecting a reaction from it, he probably already had that information stored somewhere in his AI hard drive code thing.
"Now add the flour!"
Fortunately or unfortunately for you he'd taken what you said to heart and created a mini baking adventure for you. You, alone. Singular. No one else was there save for the ringmaster himself which you found odd. As long as you've been trapped here he's never once given anyone a personalized solo adventure. It's always been group activities.
"Are you sure? We added flour like 3 steps ago."
"It says so right here!"
He shoves a paper with the recipe into your view and you squint your eyes at the writing. It wasn't english. It was just squiggles that looked like english. You meet his ever boring gaze and raise an eyebrow, "Caine I can't read this."
"Oh? Well that's okay cause I can hahahahaha!"
That seems to comfort him, you weren't too sure though. You hesitantly add the extra flour as he had instructed and moved on to the next step.
"And now?"
"Yes! Now add the...sugar!"
You add in 2 cups, assuming it'd be enough. Caine stares at the bowl for a few seconds before adding the entire bag wordlessly. You gape, eyes darting from Caine to the sugar bowl, "Why'd you do that?"
"The sweeter the better my dear!"
"Yeah but," you point incrediously at the bowl, "that's like diabetes level sugar."
"I assure you," he places a hand on your shoulder, "with me around you don't need to worry over those things!"
Right. You couldn't get diabetes in this place. You couldn't get anything actually, but seriously a whole bag of sugar was diabolical. The ratio was completely off.
"Fine, whole bag of sugar with three cups of flour...now what?"
"Uhhhh."
His eyes squished downward, scanning the instructions list, "Add the powder!"
"...and what powder would that be?"
"The one that makes it food?"
"Uh-huh."
You scan throigh the ingredients Caine snapped onto the counter. It takes you a minute to see a container with white powder. No label or anything.
"Is this--"
"Ah there it is! You found it you smart cookie!"
He pats your head rather roughly and you add in the powder. You'd like to assume it's baking powder but honestly it could be cocaine. Probably won't affect you anyways, no stupid sauce was in sight either.
"Right, is that all?"
He hums again, fake reading his instructions before poofing it away and clapping his hands together, "Yup! We have just made the perfect batch of baked goods! What a team, am I right?"
He raises a hand for you to high-five ans you oblige, his happiness evident in the way he squeals after. Again, like the whole process, whatever it was you were baking remains a mystery. You asked him what it was and he said it'd be a fantastical surpise. Were you scared? Maybe a little. But you'd be lying if you said you weren't intrigued. You assumed a cake of some kind but he also made you add marshmallows with cream cheese. It was a little amazing how not disgusting the ingredients looked, you weren't too sure about the end product but at least the process was interesting.
"Slap it in the oven and we have a dessert."
"Alright, how long?"
"2 minutes!"
He just has an ability to render you speechless. With all those things added, 2 minutes was way too low. Is it useless to try and make sense of something nonsensical while you're trapped in a digital realm? Maybe. But you wouldn't just stand by for this!
"Caine," you gesture for him to fly closer and he practically zoomed, "that's too little. Maybe 30 minutes?"
He didn't seem to like the idea, "Buuuuuut that would take far too long! Don't you want to see our masterpiece?"
"Yes right, but 2 minutes is like nothing."
He crossed his arms, "But the faster the better!"
"Caine."
"Fine! 25 minutes!"
He shut his teeth, you noticed he does that whenever he's displeased about something. It was cute but you had to shove that thought away. You move past him to place the bowl of ingredients into some tray, but there were none to be found.
"Caine where are the trays?"
"Hm? Why? Just put the bowl in the oven!"
He seems to get his gusto back as he grabs the bowl and throws it into the oven without the slightest care for the fact that it was a metal bowl. Now, since Caine programmed everything to be 'safe' in the circus, surely the bowl won't explode.
"Wait it's metal!"
"Huh--"
Surely it won't explode were your last thoughts as the oven did, in fact, explode. When you opened your eyes you expected your face to be full of the comical black smoke you see in cartoons, hair standing upright. But to your surprise, you looked the exact same.
You look up to find Caine turned away from you. His body was in a more shielding pose as you realize he really did shield you. Not from anything crazy, honestly it probably would't have hurt that much, but the fact that he braced himself so dramatically made you chuckle.
"Are..." he coughed, "you okay?"
He slowly turned, he was indeed colored in the cartoonish black smole as you had imagined. A laugh escapes you as you take off your apron, "I'm good, but you look beat up, come here."
He obliges, flying closer, "I could've sworn I turned off--"
He stops mid sentence as you begin wiping his top row of teeth clean of the smoke, holding his face steady, "Metal and oven don't go well together."
He gives you a mindless 'uh-huh' as response. After a bit of awlward silence you attempted to fill, he looked nearly the same as before. His clothes still a little raggedy but his face was mostly clean. You smile, satisfied with your effort.
"Now that you're clean, we should probably check on our so-called masterpiece."
That snaps him out of his stupor. He zooms to the oven and sees the completely ruined bowl of ingredients.
"No! Our hard work!"
You move to see the disaster. It was...low poly to say the least. You couldn't make out what anything was, it was just a pile of dark goo with some stink lines coming out of it. There was no smell though, must've been for effect. You glanced at Caine, his big eyes wobbling at the sight in front of him. You shoved your thoughts away for the moment.
"Caine relax," you place a hand on his shoulder, "we can always try again. Besides it's not like we cant eat it, just might not be pleasant."
"Oh no I couldn't make you eat this!"
He snaps his fingers and the foods disappears. You sigh inwardly, you may have said eating it was fine but you would've faked eating it if he really agreed.
"Luckily for us," he sticks a finger in the air, his usual enthusiasm slowly being regained, "I asked Bubble to make cupcakes! Totally not related to this at all b--by the way."
Just as he said the creatures name, Bubble appeared with a tray of cupcakes lined upperfectly.
"Made with all the love I'm illegally allowed to give."
"Ah, thank you Bubble!"
Bubble disappears and you decide to ignore the 'illegal' part. Bubble is weird. Just chalk it up to that. Caine holds the tray out to you with a bashful expression, "I know it was a distaster but do enjoy these desserts nonetheless!"
You smile and move to take one but freeze mid grab. The design on the cupcakes were interesting to say the least.
"I love you?"
"You what."
Caines eyes squeezed down, irises shrunken. You quickly clarify yourself, "No, that's whats on the cupcakes."
Caine glances at the aforementioned cupcakes and quickly turns to panic, throwing them behind you with all his might. Your eyes follow where the cupcakes go. It wss pretty impressive how fast they went.
"I didn't do that! I didn't tell Bubble to! He--he loves you!"
His fingers point in every direction with horrifying speed. You blink a few times. You didn't know what to make of the 'I love you' on the cupcakes, but the pieces are ever so slowly clicking together. The solo adventure, the focus on your hobbies, the cupcakes may have been a prank by Bubble but judging from his reaction it was definigely a flustered one. Now the burning question is what do you do when an AI has a crush on you?
"Bubble likes me?"
"Y--yup!"
His eyes avoid yours as he nervously wrings his hat.
"Can you tell Bubble that I like him too?"
"Y-- what."
You grab his bowtie to bring him to your eye-level.
"Since Bubble apparently likes me, tell him I reciprocate."
You take your hand off his bowtie and shrug as Caine stares at you. His expression looks slightly disgusted.
"Bubble. You like Bubble."
"Yes."
"Wha-- but-- I'm the one who made the adventure! All the baking stuff and things! I commissioned the cupcakes but those were meant for later! I can't believe you like Bubble! What has that parasite ever done!"
He seems too furious to register his own words. His arms were crossed and instead of shutting his teeth, they were shaped into a frown as he angrily stared at you. You bit back a laugh and took a deep breath.
"I'm kidding."
A moment of silence, then, "You don't like Bubble."
You nod and his shoulders release the tension, "Phew, got me worried for a moment-- wait you heard everything I just said."
That last part was said so monotonously, he was serious. Seriously embarrassed.
"I--I! I actually! Was also kidding! Ahahahahahaha!"
His postute stiffened as his eyes simply looked up at the ceiling. You smile.
"But I like you."
"Hm? Repeat that?"
"I like you too Caine. Even if your instructions were definitely off."
He blue screens for what felt like a milisecond before quickly returning.
"Uhm! That is...I waa kidding about kidding! Ta-daa!"
He does a show of jazz hands but you could see a clear blush forming on his face. You let yourself laugh at his antics, "That's good to know. How about next adventure I read the instructions, okay?"
"You...want to do this again?"
"Yeah," you take hold of his hand, "it's fun cause you're here."
"Oh."
With that, he transports you back to the main area so fast you almost fall over. You quickly look to find him, but he was gone. However, there was a note on the ground that read; 'The next adventure will be what you humans call a date!'
Imagine your f/o running into the person who broke your heart once and coming home later in a fantastic mood. Suspiciously fantastic. You don't ask questions. They whistle while they cook dinner.
HIIIII I LOVE YOUR CAINE STUFF <333 Could I request a one shot on how human Caine reacts to a pregnant reader? And maybe how the rest of the circus Ferris about their relationship? :D
PREGNANGY W CAINE
#GIRLDAD
A/n: LOVE THIS REQQQ! HOPE YOU LIKE !!
WARNINGS: Insecurity, hurt/comfort, weight mentioned, tiny argument at some point,
🌷 - When he finds out your pregnant he doesn't let you lift a finger, he jumps at anything that will provide relief for you. He's a victim of late night pregnancy cravings of course
"Baby..." you tap Caines shoulder, you have been up for around 30 minutes absolutely starving, for specifically McDonald's hash-browns. Caine lets out another loud snore, indicating that he's still in a deep sleep. His arms are loosely wrapped around your waist, he gets scared to cuddle against you, since the baby. You sigh, "Baby-..." your voice more desperate when your stomach growls louder.
Caine's snoring comes a halt, his eyes blinking open finally. "Did you say somethin'?" He mumbled with exhaustion in his voice. You felt bad, yeah, but you were to hungry to care. His hands trails to rub your thigh absent mindedly.
"I'm so hungry. Could you go pick me up something?" Caine rubs his eyes, slowly propping himself up on his elbow.
"Of course I can-" he was interrupted by a yawn "What would you and our babygirl like, my love?"
"3 McDonald's hashbrowns. Maybe a chocolate chip pancake too..." he scooches closer to you kissing your cheek before he leaves. "Coming right up!" He climbs out of bed, still in his sleep pants. He grabs a random shirt to put on. "I love you, I'll be back in no time!" You sigh wondering how you got a perfect husband like him. "I love you too."
When he gets back he stays up to keep you company while you eat despite having to go to work in like 2 hours. But wife always comes first.
🌷 - Speaking of work, pregnancy can make you more clingy so when he works all day you wait at the door emotional because of how much you miss him
Another sob wrecked through you, you just need to be held right now. You were lying down on the couch, your hands holding your stomach, you felt so alone since you woke up in an empty bed. You were crying too hard that you completely blocked out the sound of the door opening, too much in your thoughts. "Y/n?" You flinched turning to look at him with glossy eyes. Sitting up quickly in shock "Hey... what happend? Do you need to go to the hospital?" He asked gently with a scared look in his eyes. "N-no." You shook your head, unable to calm down for some reason. "What is it then? Tell me, you know I'll fix it." You try getting words out. "I just-just missed you-!" Your throat hurting from crying too long, wiping your nose with your wrist, and covering your face from how embarrassing it sounds to say aloud. Not to mention breaking down because of it. Caine melts, but makes it his mission to stop your tears, he cant let you get sick. Reaching to grab the tissue box, he sits next to you as close as he can. "I'm right here, dearest. Here, blow your nose for me. Then we can do whatever you want to, okay?" You nodded still unbelievably embarrassed. Taking the tissue to blow aggressively into it. Caine wipes your tears away with his thumb. You put the tissue on the other side of you before leaning into him, head digging into his chest. One of his hands is behind your head, rubbing it, while the other is on your stomach. "I love you." You sniffle but your tears stopped falling. "I love you so much, I'm going to try to see if I can get some days off next week, but whenever your about to have this baby im not going to leave your side, and when she's born I'm going to be here as much as possible, I'll only work 2 days out of the week. Even then Im going to always keep in contact. And when shes old enough she can come and watch the circus shows!" You breathed out a laugh, he smiled brushing your hair out of your face. Proud that he got a laugh.
🌷 - You were afraid that you would get unattractive to him when you start showing, but that's impossible.
You stared at yourself in the mirror, realizing how much more bigger everything was- not just your stomach. You were trying on the maternity dress you got, and you had no other option but to wear this to the circus tonight. With a annoyed sigh you walk out of the bathroom, passing Caine as he read his book, in the living room. But really his eyes were on you, his face heating up. "Ah~ my love, you look-" you cut him off with a sharp "Don't." His smile faded "Don't what...?" You rolled your eyes, you didn't want to say it out loud, but here you go. Turning towards him,
"You don't have to lie, I've gained alot of weight, you don't have to keep saying im pretty when im not, its probably embarrassing for you to have me as a date to that circus thing." You turn back around, entering your shared bedroom and slamming the door, locking it, you regret saying all of that already. You know its hormones but you miss being Caine's hot wife. You try to think positive you'll find a way to become pretty again, because it matters to you, always did. The doorknob rattles, almost immediately after it was closed. You sat at your makeup desk starting your makeup.
"Unlock the door, sweetheart." His voice has a unusual serious tone. "I will after I do my makeup." You matched his voice. He sighs "Come on, do you really think im pretending? You are the most beautiful and sweetest girl in the world to me, I show it to you everyday and this is what I get?" You paused when he raised his voice slightly at you. "It actually does not concern you, this is how i feel about my body." Your heart beats faster, arguments were rare, and you feel like you may have started one.
"Okay. Just don't tell me I can't compliment my gorgeous wife that is the best thing that has ever happend to me, because i genuinely think I am the luckiest man ever. No talking bad about yourself infront of me either. When I get to have you as my date I feel so honored and privileged, everyone always talks about you and how I managed to marry you, I feel like I'm the plus one!" There's a long silence before you bursted out laughing, Caine hopes its a joyous laughter and not a 'Im about to divorce you' laughter. I mean he doesn't think you'll do that. Letting out a nervous chuckle, "Could you unlock the door now please my darling wife? I miss you." When he hears your footsteps he quickly fixes his hair and bow tie, smoothing out his jacket. You opened the door and walked straight back to finish your makeup. He opens the door the rest of the way, slowly approaching you. He watched you in the mirror putting on your eyeshadow.
"Were okay now right...?" He asks. You glanced at him. He sits on the bench at the end of the bed, eyes not leaving you, looking you up and down.
"I dont know... you got snappy there for a second." He laughs nervously.
"Oh that...? I- I was just getting caught up in the heat of the moment. Thats all. Im sorry."
You laugh sweetly, getting up from your chair. You walk towards him, swaying your hips with more confidence. You sat on his thigh with an arm around his neck, he was stunned, breath hitching, blush creeping up on his face.
"Maybe I do look good pregnant..." you glide your hand over your belly. You knew you could bounce back pretty easily but you should love your pregnant self.
"Darn right you do." He smirks slightly, placing a hand on your upper thigh and another on your back, he desperately leans closer to kiss you passionately. You tangled your fingers in his hair and he lets out a pathetic noise. "Mmm Im so in love with you."
🌷 - When another man unknowingly flirts with you, your husband steps in, jealously.
You honestly didn't know why a man would approach you. You and Caine were attending one of the many circus party's. You talked with ragatha for most of the time, when she had to leave you sat alone, eating all of the delicious foods, you glanced at Caine, he sat with the managers, and other higher ups. He felt obligated to continue to carry the conversation.
"Hey, how are you this fine evening?" Some guy, maybe one of the staff? Sits across the table from you. You politely smile, "Good." The man nods "What are you doing tommorow?" You tried to keep a smile on your face, "I'll probably be at my house."
"Wait, whats your work role here?"
"I dont work here I'm Caine's wife, as you can probably see, we have a baby on the way."
Caine, finally not doing all of the talking, checks up on you and pauses, he sees you talking to Mark who is famous around here for flirting with any attractive girl he sees. He stands up and walks towards you and Mark stood up muttering a bye and trys to walk past Caine but you stare as your husband stops him.
"Hey, i better not see you talking to her again." Caine glares at him and Mark nods "sorry, mr. Caine. I didnt know." Caine lets him go, Mark hurriedly left the building.
"Ready to go, love?" You smile at him "You're cute when your jealous." He blushes looking away, "S-shut up..."
Your f/o does not / would not expect perfection or impossible standards from you. You're doing your best, and that's enough. You're you, and that's enough. It's always been valid, as have you.
Summary: You having a boyfriend lowers your aura so he has to upgrade to husband as soon as possible ;)
A/n: i plan for this to be a long one:))
HUMAN CAINE AHHHHJDUWVS
Read if you know whats good for u
The first step Caine took was asking your parents, of course. With his charms, they both love him, and ask for him to come when you visit every time.
Then the next... preparing. How could he make it the most extravagant, perfect, night that you would never forget.
The circus cast exchanged confused glances when Caine is pacing back and forth nervously.
"What's the matter with you?" Zooble's judging eyes stare at him. Caine pauses, looking at everyone.
"Okay- everyone promise not to tell anyone, you cant even talk about it." Caine states.
"Uh sure."
"So everyone here knows Y/n, my sweet vanilla milkshake with a cherry on top, correct?" Caine raises an eyebrow.
"Of course we all do!" Ragatha perks up, seeing you as a close friend, gangle and pomni as well.
"Perfect! So im going to ask her to marry-" before he could finish gangle lets out a excited squeal with a blush.
Jax walks out the door.
"Thats great, Caine!" Ragatha chirps with a supportive smile.
"When? Where? How?" Gangle bombarded him with questions.
"Well im still trying to figure that out..." he scratches his chin "Do you have any ideas, you girls have similar tastes, no?"
"Just be romantic, she says she loves it." Pomni mentions, Caine freezes
"She... told you that...?" He flushes, with a dorky smile.
"Yeah just be yourself, it comes natural to you i think..." Zooble cringes.
"Wow... thank you Zooble, that might be the first time you ev-"
"Dont spoil it."
Caine still wipes a stray tear away.
"She's mentioned wanting to go to that beach, about a hour away. She wants to ask you, but doesn't because of your busy schedule." Gangle suggests. Caine deflated a bit at the thought of not having enough time for you.
"Great Idea! If its special to her I'll do it." He fixes his bow tie quickly before thanking them and walking back to his office with a pep in his step.
After plopping down on his office chair, he pulls out his phone clicking your name.
Caine: Hi beautiful 😍 how do you feel about going to the beach this weekend???
He waits a few minutes for you to reply, trying to get some work done but too excited to focus.
Y/n: I thought you was working this weekend?
He frowns, is he really a workaholic? He mentally noted to take more weekends off for you.
Caine: I decided I wanted to spend it with you instead :DD
Y/n: Okay sure! Sounds really fun💓
Caine: *Sends $100* You should definitely go get your nails done, and you should wear that pretty dress you got, since I know you'll want to take pictures
He tried not to be suspicious and he couldn't tell if he was or not.
Y/n: Awe I love you so much 💕 I'll see you at home later !!
Caine: I love you too pumpkin 😘
He dreamily sighs, before rushing to book a reservation at your favorite restaurant.
...
Today was the day, unknowingly to you. You were a little suspicious of him, but it was pretty much normal for him to be this kind.
You put on the dress he liked, styled your hair to perfection, did your makeup, as the ringmaster's girlfriend he already spoils the crap out of you, it was kind of normal to dress like royalty. Imagine being a wife, his wife, you smiled at the thought.
There was a hesitant knock at the bathroom door, "Uh- not to rush you or anything but the reservations at 5 and were cutting it pretty... close..." when you opened the door he trailed off forgetting about... what was he saying? Mouth agape and he began to sweat.
"You look... stunning." What he wanted to say was that you looked like his wife, which you did. You breathed out a laugh.
"Thank you, you look handsome yourself." Your hands come up to fix his collar making his breath hitch. He wore a black suit instead of his red one, he smelled so good, you felt incredibly attracted to him right now, like any other day but today was special and you couldn't pinpoint why...
"Thank you..." he whispered before resting one hand on your lower back and leaning in to kiss you. Pulling away he remembered the flowers, your favorite.
"For you, my love." He gives them to you tenderly, he doesn't expect it when you smash your lips against his again in a firm and deep kiss.
"Seriously, you look so good right now." You whispered against his lips, kissing him again, and again, and again, before pulling away and grabbing the flowers
"Thank you sweetie." You say innocently, leaving him in a blushed and flustered mess, you walk away to put the flowers in some water, he still stood frozen, smudged lipstick across his lips.
...
During dinner, you noticed he was literally sweating bricks. He tapped on the table rhythmically.
"Excited for the beach?" He grinned, swallowing hard.
"Mmhm!" You hum excitedly before taking another bite.
He was already finished with his meal, its not a suprise anymore when he eats so fast.
His hand slides slowly across the table, silently asking for your free hand. With a grin, you gave it to him, gliding his thumb across your knuckles soothingly, but it seemed like it was soothing him more to do it. He seems in deep thought, little did you know, he was thinking of the perfect speech, struggling to keep a straight face as he thinks of the most romantic thing to say.
Once you finished eating the both of you headed straight to the beach.
"Awee, my beautiful, precious, buttercup!" He giggled, holding the phone to his eyes watching your every movement with a shimmer in his eyes. Snapping another picture when you striked a diffrent pose... You were just so perfect for him.
"Honey, could you do a video?" He looks over your phone nodding with a thumbs up, "On it, Princess!" He switches the setting and pressed record.
After a while you two are now walking hand in hand. He looks down at you.
"I love how the moon shines on you Angel..." you look towards the ocean to hopefully hide your blush.
"Are you ever going to run out of compliments?" You mumbled, holding his hand tighter. He swayed both of your arms.
"Not when it comes to you, my love!" He lets go of your hand before wrapping his arm around your shoulder, pulling you closer and placing a kiss to your forhead.
"Remember when I fell off the stage?" You laughed the memory flooding back into your brain.
"I will never forget that, believe me! And that one time you left your mic on while you and Zooble were arguing. Except it just sounded totally one-sided like you were arguing with yourself," You laugh again, Caine letting out a little laugh in utter disbelief because you are just so cute. "And all the audience hears is 'if you dont start cooperating, I will find someone else who will!!!' all while pomni is trying to do her part!"
"Yeah, I was really on edge that day. They all know I don't have the heart to fire any of them though, were all pretty much a family."
"Awe that's really sweet actually..." you glanced up at him and leaned your head on his broad shoulder.
"Zoobles just... the moody, harsh, teenage daughter that doesn't listen for anything... Jax too, gosh..... its like im parenting them, making sure they don't do anything stupid, and I have to scold them if they do. Im working as a ringmaster but really its alot more than that." He rambles.
"Well your sorta practicing for the real thing yknow?" You regret it when you say it.
"...what?" He slows to a stop, looking at you.
"Uh-! Just you know if we ever... just forget i said anything." You avoided his strong gaze.
"I would love to."
"Love to... what?" You take a peek at his face, and he's grinning softly.
"Grow old, have kids. As long as its with you id be overjoyed to get that experience." He zoned out, was this the right moment. He acts fast, mentally preparing.
He takes both of your hands in his, taking a deep breath.
"You know, when we first met. It was love at first sight, you didn't even know I existed yet. But I couldnt get you out of my head for days until we met, at the circus when you asked me for directions I knew I had to make a move or someone else would definitely try to get ahold of you. I just want you to be happy, and I'll try to achieve that every chance I get." You look at him, "Is this..." he tucks your hair behind your ear, ...tears gathering in your eyes when he lowers himself onto one knee, hand reaching into his pocket for the ring box "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, so I'll go ahead and ask, y/n l/n, will you please marry me?" You covered your face, practically sobbing into your hands, but nodding your head.
"Y-yeah..." you looked at him, wobbly smile trying to not break down until after. Caine beams up at you, "yeah?" He takes the ring and slides it onto your ring finger. He wiped his own tears away, coming up to hug you. Your head slumped on his shoulder, sobbing into it.
"Hey, hey, it's okay darling..." he holds back his own tears, rubbing your back. "Im the happiest man ever..." giving your hand a kiss with your ring decorating it.
Imagine your F/O being there when you're at your lowest point. It doesn't matter if you are sad, upset or just mentally drained. They'll always find some way to help you out with anything you need.
imagine sleeping together with f/o! Feeling so cozy and safe as f/o cuddles you close to their chest. Or maybe you are spooning them and hugging them like your own personal teddy bear? Maybe you cant cuddle at all because it's too hot? Or maybe f/o doesn't need to sleep. Maybe they are staying up and you can hear them wandering around getting up to all types of shenanigans. Their late night activities slowly lulling you to sleep. Or maybe they go to bed early and you join them later when they are already out!
i wanted to show some equal support for your work and was wondering if we could get something about our dearest caine being extra clingy after a show? just need some yearning caine for his darling wife.
THXXX XOXO >3<
A/n: Awe thank uuuu, I wish I could be as good of a writer as you 🫶🫶 ill try my best though :3
POST-SHOW SNUGGLES
Clingy!Human! Caine x Reader
Crossing your legs, you settled in your V.I.P seat, above the audience. Today, you dressed up more than usual considering that Caine had made it known that tonight was important. Something about a contractor? You didn't remember.
You cracked a small smile, thinking of this morning. When you walked downstairs with your little sparkly red dress to match him paired with kitten heals and some jewelry he bought for you, (of course your wedding ring). Caine could no longer be nervous about the upcoming night, not when he had an absolutely drop dead gorgeous wife like you. He whined pathetically when you had to force him to go to the circus early to prepare, and you would join him about 9 hours later which means his need of attention from you had been building up allllllll day.
You knew this didnt occur only when you were dressed up, you can have him wrapped around your finger with your pyjamas on. You're thoughts was interrupted when the lights dimmed and the introduction music began to play.
The show seemed to run smoothly, but you noticed Caine seemed to be rushing through his parts, you didnt know it but he had been incredibly touch starved, he had literally cried to himself while he was on his way to the circus, you barely let him hug you goodbye, the kiss was rushed, yeah maybe today was important but to him it feels like he was just broken up with. He sat in the car for around 30 minutes trying to calm himself down before he went in. Even then, the other cast and staff was confused on his mood, and teary eyes. Around 4 hours into the day he took a lunch break and decided to text you so he could get some type of relief that you dont hate him?
Caine ❤️ : I miss you 💔😢
My Gorgeous Wife: I miss you more 💞
Caine ❤️ : What are you doing?
My Gorgeous Wife: I think im going to get my nails done
Caine ❤️ : *sent $500*
My Gorgeous Wife: Caine they cost less than $100 thats way too much
Caine ❤️ : Nothing is too much for you Darling you deserve it and more ❤️ go shopping with the extra :D
My Gorgeous Wife: Thank you I'll reward you with kisses later 😘
Caine ❤️ : 😃
You didnt know how that fueled his cravings more, low key cried for the second time when he saw it was going to be 5 more hours until he could even see you.
When the show was finally ready to begin he was ready for it to be over. But he pushed through with little mistakes. But when he glanced up where you sat and saw you again, his voice embarrassingly cracked infront of hundreds of people. In the corner of his eye he saw you laughing, so he couldnt even care if it was embarrassing for him, it put a smile on your face.
When the show ends you clapped for a second before standing up to go find your darling husband. You started to find your heels uncomfortable when you walked those long halls. You then noticed that Caine was speed walking towards you, his face relieved but still starved.
When he reached you, he grabbed your hand softly and firmly, leading you inside of a room that you knew was his office when your eyes landed on a picture of his and yours wedding day.
"Caine what's..." you trailed off when he drops to his knees dramatically and wraps his hands around your waist. You felt his tears go through the fabric of your dress, immediately going to comfort him.
"Caine- honey, whats wrong?" You raked your fingers through his orange wavy hair, his grip tightened.
"...nothin' jus' hold me"
"Seriously, do i need to go beat someone?" You asked seriously. You knew some of the cast made fun of him, this guy named Jax does NOT want to cross paths with you. You couldnt count how many times Caine would come home with a sour mood, and its usually this dude named Jax and another named Zooble.
"No violence honey." He nudges your arms around him, when he made no sign of moving you shifted uncomfortably.
"Baby my feet hurt, lets go home so we can cuddle in bed." You offer. Caine springs up in excitement, but then contorts to worry, your feet hurt? How could he let you be in pain!? Before he could say anything you change the subject before he could over react.
"So you missed me this much huh?"
"You have no idea." Then he grabbed the back of your knees and your back to carry you, letting out a suprised sound, you wrapped your arms around his neck. He pushed open the door and walked to the exit, it was embarrassing for you, yeah, but it helped your feet soreness.
He put you down softly when you guys made it to the car, opening the door like the gentleman he is. The rest of the way home he couldn't help but going over the speed limit to get home faster. But after you scolded him he slowed down but insisted you held his hand for the rest of the way. You were definitely checking him out as he drove with one hand. He rubbed his thumb over your knuckles bringing it up to his face to place a long kiss on it "Mwah!" Giggling, you wanted to see his reaction if you did it to him this time.
You pulled his hand over to you, he chuckled and thought you were just embarrassed and pulling away, but oh was he wrong when he felt you press a soft kiss on HIS knuckles? His mouth was parted slightly in disbelief as he stared at you, blushing furiously, ears redder than a tomato.
"Uh-... I- um- uh..." his hand was shaking in yours, you smile and look away before you remembered he was driving, and he's too busy looking at you with a love sick grin at the moment, he doesn't see the red light.
"CAINE-!" You squeal and he quickly rips his hand away and grips both hands on the steering wheel while slamming on the breaks harshly, making you both jerk foward. Your hand is on your heart trying to calm down from the near heart attack.
"Sorry-! Sorry, sorry, sorry... y-you alright, you're not hurt, right?" His eyes scans over you. You let out a deep breath.
"Im okay- just- keep your eyes on the road..." the light turns green again, illuminating the dark streets.
He drives again, before slowly reaching for your hand again, missing the feeling.
"You can hold my hand when we get home." You still look ahead.
"Awee..."
...
Kicking your heels of finally, Caine shuts the door behind you, before he grabs your hand and excitedly pulls you to the couch.
"Caine I have to make dinner." You didnt stop him though as he plops on the couch and pulls you to sit on his lap, straddling him and facing him. He tugs at his neck tie, loosening it. You buried your face in the crook of his neck, and he loudly sighs in approval. "I missed you so much you have no idea, angel. I feel like a dog waiting for its owner to be back home." You huffed out a laugh. "Oh my- Youre so gorgeous- so beautiful my love. You can never fail to take my breath away, literally. Breathtaking, so so stunning, just ravishing really..." he rambles, you bury your head further in embarrassment, completely flushed at his endless compliments. He responds by caressing the back of your head, pulling you closer.
"I love you." He whispers, you pull away to immediately smash your lips against his for a deep kiss. He returns it immediately and whines into it like he had been dreaming of it for years. You both pulled away and Caine immediately snuggles against you, like you could dissappear at any moment.
"I love you too. But im really hungry." You play with his hair, head resting on his shoulder in complete comfort "But your so soft..."
"Let's order instead, problem solved!" He kissed your cheek repeatedly making you laugh softly.
"Okay, go get comfortable and I'll order your favorite."
------
I want to continue this but not sure how, I liked how it turned out though :DD
i like how caine saying “i never programmed you to say you love me” to the moon showed us how he had the ability to be loved by people without forcing them to love him all along. it hit really hard to me because of his fear of abandonment from being locked away and percieved as a failure, plus the way bubble (his subconscious, at least that’s what i perceive bubble to be/have been) seems to despise him and constantly be deriding him, so caine didn’t think he could be loved by someone unless he “forced” them (popping bubble every time he said something rude to him) or at least forced them to not hate him. god i love character growth.