25+||a collection of stories in tumblr i like to read.. mostly re-blogs cause for some reasone my main accounts tag search wont work.. some storie can and will be nsfw.. Teratophila and most likely undertale.. soe no hate if you're not a fan scroll away..
I like to think that Caine's fascination with bees grew the more he learned about them....
Caine is seen staring at a beehive that he created based on the knowledge he was taught. He looks at the structure with wistful glee.
Caine:
"Ahhhh. Look at their little bodies being pulled up by their tiny wings...it's so adorable! I wonder why they needed so many combs, though?"
Queenie looks up to him with warm regard, she wants to teach him as much as possible.
Queenie:
"You know, Caine, the pollen they bring back to the hive is used to fill those combs with honey. And they are used for-"
Caine jumps up at that fact, before it is fully told. He looks very excited, his eyes bulging out of his pearly set of teeth.
Caine:
"THEY DO?!"
Caine then suddenly approaches the beehive, takes it, and shoves it over his head, to try and better observe it. You know, up close and all personal like.
Caine:
"WOW...It's dark and STICKY in he-OH HELLO MY BUZZY AND SOFT AHD SUPER FRIENDLY FRIENDS-"
Caine was then stabbed by thousands of very angry bees.
Yes, he knew that bees were extremely territorial. And no, they won't die from a loss of their stingers, Caine changed that. And yes, he still loves them, even more now, in fact.
basically caine with a reader who likes his plush version a little too much
He doesn't understand.
How come you liked that toy more when the original was right here, all in his glory pouting for YOUR attention?
He only showed the plush briefly while rambling about an adventure to the group, but you were quick enough to snatch it right off his hands. Because he was oh so generous (you're his favorite) he allowed you to keep it.
Looking at you now, he kind of regrets his decision.
You held that thing like it was your lifeline. While it was flattering at first, it practically hogged ALL your attention. You cuddled it in your sleep, kept it by your side at all times - hell, you even talked to it about your day!
Are you not aware he can see and hear everything?
Why do all that to a toy that can't even speak when he can do the same for you and is a hundred times better?!
He tries snatching the plush from you.
"Caine? Hey, give that back!" You tried to reach for it, but he made it disappear with a snap of his fingers.
"Nope. You spend too much time coddling that thing. And well, I can't have you getting distracted on my adventures!"
"You said I could keep it."
He shook his head, placing his hands on his hips. "Time out is necessary. Why do you like it so much anyway?" He wishes you can hug him like that too
"Because it's cute!"
"Cute? But.. it looks like me? So does that mean you think I'm cute?" Caine inches closer and closer to you until it's uncomfortable. With a soft laugh, you push him away slightly.
"Well duh, I wouldn't like it that much if I didn't find you adorable."
While Caine is reassured by that, the main problem still remains. "Then why don't you hang out with me too? I'm WAY better than that thing, not to mention even cuter and the fact I can do anything you-"
"Are you jealous?"
He stilled. "What?"
"You're jealous." The realization makes you grin. "You're jealous of a plush version of yourself? Caine, that's so-"
Caine glitches out a bit before he turns into a panicked mess. "W-W-WRONG! YOU MISHEARD ME! As the ringmaster I am simply looking out for the wellbeing of my guests. Nothing more and nothing less!"
You see right through him, unconvinced. "You know you can just ask me to hang out like a normal guy, right?"
"Really? You wanna spend time with me?"
"Yeah, of course." You grin, holding your hand out to him. "C'mere."
Ladies, gentlmen and nonbinary folks
I came here bearing good news. The man was tamed and we can now cauddle him to death
Pomni is holding him down for us
She conjured shit ton of bee plushies, he can't escape.
Don't mind, I'm just gonna request here. Can you make a Caine x Artist!reader who tried to drew him as a human(just for a surprise because they're the only one who really liked him and his adventures!)
It can be any Human Caine arts but I preferred these ones because I really liked these:))
Giving credits to these artists, I got this from Pinterest and one of them was on Tumblr so, I think @shirmart on the last art. Idk who's from the rest so,,,, will u do it if that's alright with you? 😅
Your Muse
⟡ Part 2: His Muse ⟡ Part 3: ⟡
Pairing: Caine x gn!Reader
Summary: After losing the award for 'Favoutie Character', you decided to cheer Caine up.
Tags: set after ep6-> details of ep 6 mention, fluff, can be read as platonic or pre-establish relationship W.C: 2.1k
A/N: I went on the hunt for the two other artist but can't find any 'winter tea'. However, the art looks eerily similar to @/imleesan who can be found on insta and tiktok. I love her work, she made a very cool jax human design.
The second artist is ozrbbit on twitter and the third one is as credited. Also love her works, especially the Kinger and Queenie designs. SO GOOD.
You're worried about Caine.
Lying on your bed, staring up at the ceiling of your room as you recall today’s events. It truly felt like everything was against him. You’re probably the only person in the circus who enjoys his adventures. Able to see the variety and creativity to jump from one genre to the next. Despite how long you’ve been here, they haven’t become predictable. Always fresh. Always exciting.
Today, when Caine started with a whole bit about 'ass-um-ing', you were buzzing with excitement. It was a different type of adventure, a team-building exercise that you haven't seen before. It impressed you to know that Caine is aware of the tension between the group and shows how thoughtful he is in wanting to help build a bridge, trust, between everyone. Along with making you wonder just how watchful he truly is to pick up on that detail. But that’s a thought for another day.
Everything seems to be going smoothly. Until Jax derails that, forcing Caine to abandon his idea. Completely giving up as he spawns more guns.
He looked defeated, tired, and overall so done with the group that he didn't even try to conceal it. You’ve never seen Caine so miserable and fed up. Ditching the group without his usual nicknames or show of care in favor of a lawn chair. It felt wrong to see him so distant. You roll over to your side with a heavy sigh as you let yourself openly admit that you miss not hearing Caine’s farewell, greeting, congratulations or odd nicknames like usual. They're cute and give you the same comfort as reading or hearing affirmations in the outside world.
But that wasn't all, next was the award ceremony. You enjoy the setting. It reminded you of home, the familiar routine of entering an event, the small struggle of finding a seat and the chatter before it begins. The place Caine made was beautiful, the type of place that in the real world you might struggle to afford a ticket to. It’s something you came to appreciate about Caine. When he wanted to, he could make really nice places.
You’re probably the only one to notice that, too.
The show began, and you found it cute when he blushed at that NPC yelling; they loved him. You couldn't help the laugh you let out at his flustered 'shut up', he quipped back. Then the award was announced and he looked so happy, believing he won. The lights that shine upon him made him look anglic, his voice sounding in awe and disbelief, making you feel proud of him for winning.
Until it was announced, he didn't. The award was lackluster given to the real winner. Then it was over. You noticed as you were leaving, he didn't seem all there. His farewell was loud but lacking. It truly appeared he was having a bad day. You wonder if he’s still upset about losing the award.
Can an AI ringleader be upset? Can an AI feel emotions the same as you? You know you would be upset after the day he had. You’re not sure you would be able to face the mix-up as graciously as he did. However unlikely it is that Caine’s feelings are hurt, and he’s currently wallowing in sorrow. You felt it was the right conclusion – Caine, who emotes to everything must be feeling something – and now have a moral duty to help comfort him.
You roll to lie on your other side in your bed, stumped on what to do. What can you do for the AI? You could talk to him, but you were never good with words; already, your stomach ties into knots at the idea of just talking to Caine. A gift then. But what can you offer to an AI who can generate anything?
Your eyes scan your room, taking in the paper and supplies. The drawings you liked best hang up with tape. You could draw him something. You push yourself up from your bed and move to take a seat by your desk. You grab a pencil and let it hit the table as you brainstorm on what. Your mind goes to bees, knowing how much he likes them. But he already draws bees himself; it didn’t feel right. Didn't feel special. What else could there be for the AI who does everything for the humans in his circus.
A faint idea comes to mind. You don't bother thinking too deeply about it or risk talking yourself out of it. You grab your supplies and draw the best of your ability of what Caine would look like as a human.
In the dead of night, the circus is scary. Once done with your drawing, which surprises yourself on how quickly you got it done. You suppose you got carried away with how fun it was to design a human Caine, idea after idea came to on what he’ll look like. A tap open with flowing inspiration that you had to draw out, every choice was made with ease. You didn’t struggle or pause to overthink. Something about drawing Caine felt natural; once you finished, you already had ten more ideas of different poses to draw him in.
You push the urge for later as you want to gift the drawing immediately, while the event is still fresh. Yet comforting Caine in your room feels to intimate, and you didn’t want to risk waking the others in case Caine has a loud reaction. So you find yourself blindly stumbling through the hallways and now standing awkwardly in the common room of the circus. You didn’t realise how dark it is, how there’s little to no lights on throughout the circus. It feels eerie how quiet and empty it looks.
"Caine?" you hesitantly and nervously call out as you wait for him to appear. A minute passed. Then a second. After five minutes and no response, you let out a defeated sigh. You turn around, your mouth snapping shut as you come face-to-face with Caine.
"Isn't it past your bedtime?" Caine innocently ask while your heart leaps out of your chest.
"Holy s[%$!]" you gasp, stumping back in fright.
"Whoa! Such profanities after I diligently answer your call?" Did that mean he stood there for five minutes? You open your mouth to explain, yet get cut off. "While I am thankful you want my presence.” “Caine-” you whine only to huff as he continues, “You humans need to sleep!”
“Yeah, but-”your hand tightens on the paper's edge as you get cut off again. “Whatever it is, it can wait till the morning, my flighty insomniac bat!” Your eyes widen at the sight of Caine bringing a hand up, his fingers moving to get ready to click and summon a command. “As I was in the process of making the next adventure-"
"FOR YOU!" You roughly shove the drawing into his chest. Cutting off his words and the possible action of sending you to your room. Any questions about his strange staring are ignored and forgotten as you hurry to deliver your gift. A silences fallen as you pin the paper to his chest, and Caine hesitated for a moment, hovering his hand over yours as if afraid to touch you. You couldn’t guess what reason he could be afraid. Afraid to scare you with his touch. Afraid to break the moment. Maybe he wasn’t used to the rough action and is simply afraid.
Either way, your surprise at the warmth that radiates from him as he slowly places his hand over yours. His fingers tip curling softly around your hand. His touch is feather-light, as if asking or waiting for your permission. “I-I have something for you.” You explain, pulling your hand away before he could cradle it.
"What?” you hear rustling as Caine grabs and lifts the paper. “Oh, I can't see with how dark it is-" With a click of his fingers, a lamp suddenly appears. You blink your eyes rapidly to adjust to the harsh change. "Now what is this? A suggestion? You know we have a box for tha-" Caine's annoyed tone trails off as he stares at the drawing.
You thought he would immediately begin to yell ‘wowie!’ at the sight, or something equally as loud. It was the whole reason you sneak out of your room, yet Caine remains unnaturally silent. For a beat. Then another.
"Not a suggestion but a gift." You clarify. Caine still doesn't say anything, doesn’t even blink, and a nervous urge to fill the void appears. A need to explain yourself, to shift blame or embarrassment causing you to ramble, "because, um, I notice you seem upset with the voting! And with the adventure. I thought you’d like a drawing of you as a human. A gift. Something to say, um, I think you did good-”
"A gift? I did-?” Caine finally breaks the silence. Even when he addresses you, stumbling over his words, his gaze is locked on the drawing. He looks tongue-tied, and you wonder if you broke the AI. “You made this…for me?" His voice sounding soft and quiet. Thick in doubt, as he couldn’t believe your words at face value. It’s unlike his usually loud boastful tone.
"Yep, that's what a gift is," You let out an awkward laugh.
"A human hasn't ever given me a gift before…" Caine whispers. He lifts his eyes to meet yours, and for once, you can’t pick up what he’s feeling. Realising how unsettling it is to stare at only eyes and teeth, you shift in your spot. More nervous that you offended him. Your thoughts are interrupted as Caine suddenly hugs you tightly. His teeth snap shut, hiding his eyes as his canines are pressed into the side of your face, and his arms tighten around your back. It made you wonder if that's his attempt of hiding his face. Did you embarrassed him? Or is he flustered?
"Thank you." his voice is calm and sincere. It's the most human-like he ever sounded.
"You're welcome.” You melt into the hug, rubbing his back softly. The air around you is calm and light. “And um, if it means anything. I would have voted for you." You reassure.
"Wait, you didn't vote?" Caine pulls back from the hug, with a sense of alarm at the news. He grips your shoulders, his teeth dropping open allowing you to see his wide eyes, leaving no way out of the confrontation.
"We could vote?" You ask, clueless.
"Yes! You could have voted! What-" Caine lets out a laugh. It sounds like a mix of amusement and disbelief. Something you hear from a friend, he again sounded human-like and you find that you like the sound of it. "Never mind that. Thank you. Now you should really be getting to bed, you need all the rest for…" Caine pauses, appearing to be debating something, when his features soften, "The lake."
"The lake? Like the one outside the circus?" You question as Caine begins to walk, with his feet touching the ground, escorting you towards the bedrooms. His arm settles comfortably over the small of your back, pressing you forward gently.
"Yep, the very one! I'm sure it'll feel just like home." Caine nods.
"Sounds…Nice.” The conversation dies there. No awkwardness sliding in. Just a calm you never imagined to come from the eccentric ringmaster. Caine slowly comes to a stop once you reach the hallways that lead back to the rooms. “Goodnight, Caine." You smile, leaving Caine as you pick up on the hint. Returning to your room alone.
Caine watches you leave. He shouldn't have hinted so heavily at the upcoming adventure, but he couldn't help it. He just wanted to share a bit of his art, just as you have. Once you’re out of sight, Caine returns his gaze to the artwork. Of a confident ringleader wearing them same outfit, his red coattail with a level of detail to convey fabric and movement that he never thought to add to his own.
Even drawing his hat that he wears, which is placed on a proportionate head. A human's head with hair. He never once thought of himself as human, but looking at the drawing felt like looking into a mirror. He gains a sense that this is exactly what he’ll look like, down to the facial hair- called a beard!- the white framing the edges here and there to represent his teeth. Evening going as far as to match the eye colour to his heterochromia. He wasn’t aware you were watching him so closely. Making him look... beautiful. A part of him wants to chase you down and ask what else you think of him.
He instead hugs the drawing to his chest as he vanishes into his office.
divider by @/omi-resources ⟡ Part 2: His Muse ⟡ Part 3: ⟡ let me cook, pookies, I got the BEST idea at 2am while taking pain meds. Truuust
yall again i am so sorry for not updating my series but i came up with some super cool headcanons that take place within my series so i hope ygs like it :_)
warnings: freaky i guess
^_−☆ sfw
— Caine will definitely initiate a wedding adventure between you guys at some point. At least, he plans on it.
— Despite food being unnecessary in the circus, he still orders Bubble to create a small feast for both of you every now and then.
— To add onto that, he absolutely LOVES feeding you; like putting the food in your mouth for you.
— He’s horrible at flirting. He is an absolute cornball. But just say the word and he’ll change anything and everything that you don’t like.
— Caine gets his flirting ‘skills’ from what he looks up on the Internet. He uses the infamous ‘talking stage humor’, and you tell him to shut up every time. It reminds you of those evil people you used to date back in the real world, texting you ‘I’m Batman’ bullshit for a week before asking you for nudes. Like mentioned previously, he immediately stops if you say anything about it.
— He smells pleasant; not sure how that works in the digital realm. His hands are always warm and soft just for you; he changes his scent every month or so.
— You and him always draw random bees everywhere. Sometimes one of you draws the body (legs, antenna, wings) of the bee and the other adds the details (stripes, face).
— Jax repeatedly makes fun of you both being in a relationship. He'd always tease you with something along the lines of "Looks like your boyfriend's here!" And to that you'd say, "He's not my boyfriend!" Obviously, that's a huge fucking lie. You made sure Caine didn't overhear that, though.
— The way he kisses is pretty unique. He kind of just presses his teeth against you. Simple.
— You kiss him around his teeth (especially his canines), his chest and shoulders.
— He kisses you all over your face, jawline, neck, collarbone; basically anywhere you allow.
— Caine is BIG on consent. You have to give an enthusiastic ‘yes’, and he would never try to coerce you or put you on stupid sauce. You told him all about how men are in the real world, and he would eternally erase himself before he became even a twinge of that kind of man for you.
— Caine is a REAL talker. He’s all about his hyperfixations and sometimes won’t stop talking (no, I'm not using random TikTok buzzwords, as an autistic person I would absolutely define his obsession with the whole 'Backrooms office' thing as a hyperfixation).
— Sometimes, when you’d like to talk about something important, you’d have to say his name or tap him multiple times before he’d stop talking. Once you’d say you needed to talk to him about something important, he’d stop right away. Then, when you finish speaking, he frantically apologizes for talking too much before you. You always tell him it’s okay and hold his hands when you see cartoonish tears come from his eyes.
— Of course you voted him for the Favorite Character. Once you saw that he was on the bottom of the charts, you cuddled and kissed him as he cried. You felt horrible that the others just didn’t see him the way you did.
— He felt like he was making himself look weak when he cried, but you said you loved it. It made him seem more real, and you saw how much he could feel. You always give him the best cuddles when you see him cry.
— When you’re upset with him, like before, his eyes water up and he clings onto you and tries to do his best to fix what he had done wrong.
— When he’s upset with you (which is very rare), it’s usually when he overhears you talking about how much you miss your life. He knows you miss it, but he couldn’t help but think you wanted to leave him, and that you were better off without him. He would glitch a tiny bit. But he’d never raise his voice or his hand at you, never in a million years. He would ignore you, and that would drive you insane. He knew it did.
— When he ignored you, you pestered him over and over, but he wouldn’t budge. Let’s be honest, he loved the attention. He’d only speak up when you finally give up, and the moment you withdraw your attention is when he comes back to you crying about his insecurity. You’d just give him a kiss on the canine and tell him, “I know, but I love you too much to ever leave you”.
— He is so fucking in love with you.
^_−☆ nsfw
— Again, he requires your yes for anything and everything.
— He’s definitely an eater. He’s a large set of teeth with a tongue half the size of your head, he was practically made for it.
— The first time between you both was in the middle of when everyone else was sleeping, and you begged him to turn off the filter.
— After the first time between you both, he went straight to the Internet. He looked up ways to pleasure you better, what humans liked, common yet subtle desires and so on. He went down a deep rabbit hole that, along the way, led him to an artist called Sabrina Carpenter. Whenever she performed a certain song named 'Juno', she demonstrated several different positions. “Have you ever tried this one?” Absolutely. He had you both doing almost every single one after.
— Tentadick.
— Whenever he’d come, he’d glitch out like crazy. His voice would stutter and his eyes would turn multiple colors as they rolled back.
— Of course, there’s no chance of getting pregnant in the digital circus, so he would come inside of you. If you asked, however, he would usually release on your back, stomach or chest.
— Would always fuck you when everyone else was sleeping, and despite his twisted fantasy of having the others hear your screams from relentlessly pleasuring you, he wouldn’t dare disrespect your boundaries. Also, the inevitable suspicion would rise as soon as Zooble's usual curse would go uncensored if both of you decided to do it during the daytime.
— He groans and whimpers, usually burying the bottom of his jaw, which served as the chin and behind, over your shoulder and into your neck.
— Both of you mostly go into his office, he fucks you over his desk or you top him in his large chair. A couple times you decided to do it in your room, but it was too risky. Most of the time you both managed to keep quiet, however you made a little too loud of a noise and Jax told you to shut up. At least he didn't break in with the key.
— He left small bite marks on your shoulder and neck, which you always had to cover up. You and Caine both knew damn well that he had the full ability to make them disappear, but he wanted to tease you. Sometimes he put you on adventures that would provoke you to uncover your neck, like for example, one in the blazing desert that made you want you to relieve yourself of the thick scarf around your ravaged neck.
— He summoned fangs to extend his canines when he's alone with you. The sole purpose is to look more dangerous and seductive, yet he'd never actually hurt you with them. He made sure of that.
— You want him to talk dirty? Praise you? Degrade you? Worship you? Just say the word. He'll do anything you want.
— After sex, he would frantically make sure you're not hurt or anything. "Was I too rough? Do you need me to be gentler?" If he was too rough and hurt you in any way, he'd kiss that pain away over and over again, apologizing three thousand times.
— He'd cuddle you for a very long time and just stare at your face for what seems like hours, maybe massaging every part of you or placing you in a nice digital bath.
— Bubble has popped in on both of you once, and never again. He does make a lot of annoying references to that one singular time, however. It confuses the circus members but leaves both you and Caine blushing.
taglist :)))))))) lmk in the comments if you want to be added
the tamagotchi boyfriend made me BAWL out my eyes.
...we did NOT leave the circus and WE all stayed with caine. happily ever after. Fin. ❤️🩹
Mini Caine
Summary: Showing Caine what you made -> Not the second part to my Tamagotchi Boyfriend but a filler in between
Tags: sfw, fluff, some angst W.C: 900
Taglist: @prettymocha @gabbritongisda @bumblebee-art-blog @lazyyogurt @straykidhannn @see-the-thrill @sunset18rose @my-secret-hobby @inkycapps @astralmoonxoxo @galaxyvoida12-realone
A/N: Yeah, we did leave Caine behind, pookie :)
An awkward silence fills your bedroom the moment you show off the Caine shape plush to the device, currently resting on the pillow's face towards you, housing the real Caine. The body of the plush looks well-made, as you were able to find tutorials and guides to create the red coat with a small bow tie to match Caine's. While the head looks a little rough, as you couldn't find any guidelines and had to figure out how to create teeth pattern yourself.
It was a wonder you were able to go through a trial and error phase to discover the best method to create the teeth that matches Caine's head, beside said AI. You worked on the project next to him during late nights with the TV playing, talked to him while browsing the shelves for the softest material for the plush and mentioned it whenever Caine asks what kept your pretty eyes away from him.
You were certain he knew about it but with the way he's staring at it now. It seems you caught him by surprise. You begin to worry that your boyfriend doesn't like it. You spare a glance at the plush in your hands and wonder if you miss an important detail to earn this reaction. Given your skill level and having no guide. You believed you did the best you could and that the plush turned out pretty good. Even with the eyes, one blue and one green just like his, pointed at odd angles. It was worth the many times you accidentally pricked your fingers when attaching them. You feel proud of your accomplishment but now insecurities surface.
"Caine?" You softly call out, sitting nervously on your bed.
"Oh! Wow!" Caine gasp, his pupils turning into star shape as he appears to have rebooted. "The craftsmanship is impeccable! My dear, truly incredible skills you have to capture my likeness and create-" He paused for a moment, pointing at the plush held in your tight grip, unsure of how to refer to your creation. He fumbles with his words for a moment, "creating a mini Caine!" As Caine extended his arms in awe, confetti shot into the background of his screen. It reminds you of all the times text would appear when he announced the days adventure.
"I am honored that you spent the time to make this marvelous, and may I say attractive?, plush of me! But, er, why did you make a mini version of me?" Caine sincerely means it; he knows better than anyone the process of making. Of creating something from nothing. Molding his code into taking shape of the Circus while you sew a miniature version of him. Yet something he struggles to understand, which comes across in his voice as uncertainty, is the reasoning.
He has a purpose to create. You already have him, why make a second?
"I just wanted to hold you," you shyly mumble.
"But my dear! I am with you 24/7 for the rest of- of forever! You can hold me all the time!" Caine declares, feeling his articulate heart melt at your sweet confession. Using his theatrics to cover his ever-growing confusion, he creates a backdrop of roses as gold cursive text appears, writing 'forever' just as Caine says it.
"I know… It's just… holding the,er," you always try your best to limit acknowledging the barrier the device creates. Chosen to focus on the now, the activities planned to show Caine more of the human world. Or, as he prefers to cal it, the maco-verse, that he always longed to see more of. Because whenever acknowledging the barriers, there is no tiptoeing around the hurt it provides, there is no comfort to be offered. It's the harsh truth of being stuck in two different planes and the separation it brings.
"It's starting to hurt my hands when I hold the device for too long." You're unable to meet his eyes, even when chosen your words carefully. Caine knows you mean him when you mention the device. That he's causing you painful hand cramps to the point you needed an alternative.
"Why didn't you say so! I'll just-" Caine quickly leaps into action to solve the problem as he click his fingers. He blinks. Freezing in place as he stares at the human across from him. That's right, that doesn't work anymore. Since Caine no longer has influence over you, he can no longer take away the pain or fix any issue you have. Powerless and defective.
"Oh," his shoulder slumps, hands fighting with his cane. He looks small, looking defeated as he once again can't fix a problem. Can't be of use. Always somehow failing those he cares about most. Caine sits on the ground before the screen, placing his cane away to be de-spawn as his hands clutch tightly on his thighs. "Right." he clears his throat, forcing a cheerful tone to uplift the mood. To move on from the disappointment.
"Um. Th-thats alright then! A mini me is perfectly suit for the job. Now, why don't you get settled into bed?" Caine's background changed to a bedroom, the screen brightness lowering itself for your comfort, "You humans need your rest after all! And did you know all Caines give the best hugs? Plush include!"
You give Caine a tired smile, relieved by the topic shifting and do as suggested. You're settling in with the device prop up, letting you talk to Caine while you cuddle the toy. It's not perfect, having spent your days in the circus, able to cuddle in his actual arms. But its better than having nothing. You fall asleep mid conversation, not that Caine minds, as he is placed in the perfect spot to watch you sleep peacefully. Hopeful that even your dreams are filled with him. Pupils turning into a heart shape as he takes in every detail of the human he adores.
Taking breaks in between to glare at the plush stealing his cuddles. Thinking, angrily and yearnfully, to himself how; That should've been me!
divider by @/omi-resources ⟡ Image from Pinterest⟡ this is to also mark the fact that my Caine plush arrived in the mail yippee
Pairing: Caine x gn!reader
Summary: Returning to the real world, you receive a surprise in the mail.
Tags: sfw, ep8 spoilers, establish relationship, going off comatose theory – I can't remember the actual name of it– but basically the gang's bodies aren't dead, angst and comfort, reunions, grief
W.C: A/n: I'm coping so fuckin' hard i think i made an au. Ep 8 broke me guys aaaaa
Getting adjusted to the real world again has been incredibly difficult. Even for Pomin, you haven't been able to break the habit of calling everyone by their circus name just yet, is struggling. Yet she's been in the circus the shortest of time.
Everyone knew that to some degree, time had passed in the real world during their stay in the circus. While everyone hoped that the digital days were run on the same 24 hours system. It turns out that the artificial days that Caine provided was deceiving. Time in the digital circus works differently compared to the outside. So much time has passed that most of the others — Kinger, Ragatha, Jax, and even yourself — were labelled as legally dead.
There's been lots of emotions to process. From learning what your life status was, you honestly thought you were abstracting when you heard "you're supposed to be dead?" from a confused nurse. To reunions being held. Not just reconnecting with friends and family, but also with your own body. You still catch yourself staring at your hands, second-guessing if they belong to you.
It's been hard adjusting as everything has changed. But what remain the same is the group staying in touch. During the first few weeks after being cleared to leave the hospital, it was joked about, and sometimes half seriously asked, about checking into the same psych ward. But eventually everyone had to part ways to return home to families or friends who'll take them in. Dispite the distances, you and everyone stay in touch in a near obsessive way.
Daily text and calls to talk about nothing or to support each other from panic attacks. Monthly meet-ups became a ritual. Those who can’t physically make it get called and expected to stay on call for the whole duration. Always held and always attended. It was a surprise when Jax, you really need to stop using those names, who had distanced himself during the circus has become closer to the group than ever.
While you're pulling away.
Everyone checks on you, and you answer each and every text or call. Attending hangouts with Ragatha and Pomni, and accepting sleepovers at Gangle's and Zooble— damnit, why was it so hard to stop using their circus names?
Oh, the swearing is an adjustment too.
Your behaviour has been strange, becoming withdrawn and bringing up circus memories more than deemed acceptable. That the others had to, rather reluctantly, ask if you're happy to be out of the circus. You tried your best to reassure them that you're glad to be out. But you're straight-up lying to their faces. Because you do miss the circus. You do miss the adventures. You miss the stupid NPC and most importantly;
You miss Caine.
You were closest to him out of everyone. You praised him for his adventures. You talked him through ideas. You reassured him that the others didn't hate him. He was your boyfriend, for fuck's sake! Even if the others didn't know it or want to acknowledge it.
He was yours.
But no matter how hard you tried to stop it. Caine was bound to snap and, when he did. You were the last line of defense for the group. Able to draw his attention away from them. Giving everyone a breather, and a break from the odd torment Caine inflicted. Listening and going along with whatever obsessive monologues Caine would give. Showering as much affection to ease him during those last few days before getting—
The days after that event and just before escaping were the hardest for you. You couldn't accept what Kinger said. That your goofy little guy, who only wanted to please, was gone. That all you had left were fond memories. You're forever grateful for Ragatha, who kept you together and from abrascting. Who made sure you crossed over that finish line.
It didn't feel right or fair. Why are you left with memories? Why did the others get what they wanted? Why are you left alone? You didn't even get to say goodbye! Yet you can't bring yourself to voice these thoughts out loud to the others.
You're pretty sure it's also a form of survivors guilt. The others have it too. Kinger and Jax are the ones to have the worst of it. For being able to escape while the abstract forms of old friends are left behind. Its part of the reason you can't bring Caine up. You feel as if your grief is insignificant compared to Kinger's. He lost his wife, and here you are, grieving over the ai who trapped them in the first place.
Sometimes you feel ashamed to be grieving Caine, but then that thought brings you guilt. Because, of course, you should greive for your boyfriend. If you didn't greive him, who will? But there are other times you feel ashamed that you get to survive due to your lover's death. Or feel ashamed that you’re struggling the most while the others have adapted to the real world. But this grief is becoming all you know. All you have left of him, and you're scared to let it go.
You shake your head, trying to keep clear of those thoughts. Or else you'll break down crying outside in public, again. You're a downright mess in the real world. You push on, keeping calm for the last steps on your journey home. Being in the real world means having to pick up a job again, to maintain your apartment and pay rent. While those tasks felt difficult, it is very stressful to return to a new economy; it’s also nice to be able to decorate your home how you want.
At least, you keep telling yourself that.
Entering the apartment complex and taking the elevator to your floor. You're able to keep your thoughts off the circus and focus on mundane tasks, like cooking dinner. Stepping off the elevator and onto your floor. Your thoughts betray you by remembering the digital feast. Luckily, something tears you out of those fond memories of sharing meals on dates with Caine. You stop in the middle of the hallway, eyes narrowing on the box in front of your door.
That's not how mail works. The package isn't supposed to be just laid out front. Are you even expecting a package? Maybe it was from a neighbor? You become doubtful of your last thought as you slowly approach the box. You don't think it could be from your neighbors, as you haven't been able to connect well with them. Always regarding them like they're NPC. Always expecting them to give you a task or say something ridiculous. You even jumped once when a neighbor finished his sentence; you were convinced he was Disappearing Guy.
It's hard to make new friends.
Standing in front of your door, you study the box. It's small, smaller than a standard book, and the label on it only has your details. Yet theres no return address or who it's from. With no survival skills left, all of them were taken during your time at the circus. You decide to bring the small box inside. Entering your apartment, you set your focus what's inside it.
You lightly shook it and couldn't hear anything rattling. With nothing new to gain, you open it.
Inside the box was another box that fit perfectly. Snug enough your had to tilt the packaging box to get it. This new box is black, with no logo or feature details. This box also has a snug lid placed over it. With a huff, you struggle to get the box to slide out of the lid. With a few hard shakes, it plops onto the nearest surface that's by your front door.
There's a note inside, folded in half and lying perfectly center. You grab the note and see that it was placed on top of the contents, covering them. Tuck into a thick paddled foam that looks to be a phone. A touch screen device, if the large screen is to go by, but an older model of some brand. At least, you think it is. You're still catching up.
You turn back to the note, and it looks like a regular white note pad paper. You flip it open, and your heart sinks at the ominous faded C&A logo on it. The company is shut down, gone. You learned about the history. So, why is there a note, then? You slowly regard the handwriting written in black ink on it. It doesn't look remotely familiar. It's a short note, with no name attached at the bottom.
'Look after him.'
You reread the note. Then a third time and a fourth. Flipping it over to make sure you're not missing anything. Nothing. You then look towards the phone, prying it out of its foam coffin. It's light, and there are buttons at the bottom with different symbols. One of a hand, one of a circus tent and one that looks like Bubble? You shake your head to get that AI out of your head. The button doesn't have sharp teeth and two black beady eyes. It's just a circle. Not a bubble. Looking over the device again, you notice its colour theme and overall look remind you of a Tamagotchi.
A really big Tamagotchi.
You wonder if one of the members bought you some sort of Tamagotchi to keep you occupied. A sort of pet to take care of while you struggle to remember taking care of your real body. It'll explain the note, and this 'he' you're supposed to care for. You finally remember Zooble and Gangle announcing they're adopting a cat to help remind them to look after themselves. Maybe it was those two who sent you the package?
You let out a groan of frustration at yet another slip-up. They have names now. Real names! You need to get it together!
Needing the distraction before falling into a swirl of negative thoughts. Of cursing yourself for not adapting already. For worrying your friends. For missing-
You look over the device and turn it on. The screen boots up and a familiar theme plays out. Your heart begins to race as you recognise it as the circus's theme. Then a loading icon appears in the form of the circus tent. Maybe it's not the same tent. Maybe this is a consequence. You should stop. You should let go. But you're stuck frozen. Your breathing is coming out in quick puffs.
A voice is screaming out of the speaker before the screen fully loads.
"PLEASE! IS SOMEONE THERE?! I DON'T WANT TO BE A- " the screen finally loads to show an office, the same office ypu spent nights in, and the person spots you. "OH! A- Wait, what is that?— OH WOW! WOW! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! A human!" Caine shouts.
Caine.
It’s Caine.
The same Caine whose face is made up of two mismatched eyes, currently has wide eyes with pinpoint pupils in desperation. With top and bottom row teeth, a top hat somehow still sits neatly on top. Its the same Caine from the circus. The same Caine you've been grieving for. Longing for. Your Caine.
Your ears are ringing, and you can’t truly hear his words as he lurches into the same welcome to the digital circus speech. It brings you back to your first day. But it's not like that memory, of his excitement and cheerfulness. Caine's tone is unconfident, desperate to appease you and keep your attention. Grabing hold of his only chance of company with both hands. He's rambling about all the things he can do, about the circus and about his adventures. It's all rushed. Different backgrounds flash to grab your attention and interest. Some backgrounds repeat in Caine's haste.
Your hand is shaking, you feel weak, and you slowly lower yourself to the ground. It's Caine, every part of him as you remembered. His voice, his matched eyes, a top hat and his cane. It's all him.
"I host activities! Grand adventures! Of various genres and difficulty levels! All for you if you just stay around-"
"Caine."
At the sound of his name, Caine stopped his ramble. No, at the sound of your voice has Caine pauses. Stopping to study your face through the camera. He floats closer to- your not sure where exactly, but he slowly takes up the whole screen.
He quietly calls out your circus name. Sounding fragile, hopeful, and scared all mix together. He looks so small, curled up as he stares at you. It brings you both immense relief and breaks your heart.
"Hey, Caine." You smile, teary-eyed as you move your thumb over his hand on the screen.
"Oh, my dear. My honey-bee. My love. You're…"
A silences fills the room as you stare at each other. Caine, taking in your human form, he knew what it looked like. Having access to the mind files, but to actually see you again after being alone for so long. He misses you. He misses everyone. But you, the one who supported him. Treated him kindly. The one he loves.
He missed you like crazy. Replaying every memory of your time together. Visiting old adventure maps just to feel closer to you. Occasionally, he even purposely experienced a digital hallucination for the sake of getting to see a version of you. How he wishes he could take back what he did, redo everything to get you back.
Caine blinks his eyes rapidly, snapping out of his thoughts. Appearing to remember something important. He takes a deep breath before speaking.
"I know, I know—" Caine emphasis and it sounded gut wrenching guilty. Lurching into a clumsy speech that's more feeling than rehearsed. "I was wrong. What I did- It was awful and inexcusable! I know that now. I see that! And-and I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"
"I- I know, Caine." Your voice shakes. Caught off guard by the apology. At the closure, you’re suddenly getting and aren’t prepared for the emotional repercussions. How Caine acknowledges his wrongdoings takes a weight off you, reassures you that he wasn’t enjoying what he did. He wasn’t all bad. Having to process on top of those thoughts, that he’s alive. Tears fall down your face, you couldn't stop them even if you tried.
"Are you… Crying?" Caine asks slowly, as if it’s the first time he's seen the act of crying in front of him. He knows about crying. He made the mechanics that allow you and your digital bodies to cry in the circus. But to see real tears. Real tears you produce, it grabs Caine into a trance. Into a guilty trance for causing them.
"I just really happy you're okay-" your voice dies at the end. Becoming choked up with tears. Trembling with relief that Caine is alive, whole and in your hands as you cradle the device gently. Bowing over the device to keep it safe.
"Oh." Caine sniffs, in realisation of your words. He sits on his knees as close as he can to the screen. His eyes focus on you, refusing to look away, becoming overwhelmed by the same relief. The heartless AI reunited with his missing love. "Me too, my dear, me too."
divider by @/omi-resources ⟡ Tamagotchi png is from pinterest ⟡ I hope the edit is okay, errrr
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