caleb x non mc || angst & hurt || happy ending || i hate mc in this fic || mixed povs || zayne is nonmc's older cousin || read at your own risk cause it's difficult to write all sorts of trigger warnings || this is light smut i think - mdni || story masterlist : love and deepspace
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ONE
You looked at him, your hands trembling as you cupped his face, your touch as gentle as a whisper.
The weight of your unspoken words hung in the space between you.
You felt the raw ache in your chest, a silent heartbreak that mirrored the chaos in your mind. Your lips were a breath away from his, and the words came out in a broken, gentle whisper.
“You deserve to be loved, cherished, and cared for,” you said, your voice quivering. "Caleb, you… You deserve everything. You deserve to live and laugh without worrying about the chip. You deserve to feel and be human. You don't deserve pain, none of it," you choked out, biting your lip.
"You are the most wonderful person I know and the most amazing man in the world. I love you so, so, so much, Caleb, I do..."
You paused, looking into his glistening eyes. "So, even if it hurts, I'm letting you go, okay?”
Confusion and pain clouded his eyes, but beneath it all, a deep, consuming longing for you swirled. Your own gaze was a mirror of your heart—filled with a love that was also a form of brokenness.
This was it.
The moment you knew you'd have to do something you never thought you'd do—be the first to let go. You had to let go of the one you loved the most.
A soft, ethereal glow emanated from your hands, your Evol surging slowly. The air around you thickened with the force of it.
With a sob catching in your throat, you spoke the words that would shatter your heart and his memories.
You paused, steeling your nerves as you continued, “From now on," your fingers glowed as your Evol flowed from your skin to his, "all you'll remember would be the happy memories, the most memorable ones, the precious memories that you are keeping in the deepest, most intimate part of your heart and soul. The chip won't be able to take them away because I'm going to protect you, even if it means that there's a chance that you might not remember me... or us at all."
He looked even more confused, his mouth opening as if to ask what you meant, but then he felt it—your Evol, a gentle, powerful current working on his mind.
It wasn’t just manipulating his memories; it was a desperate, protective shield against the relentless, tearing chip that had been slowly destroying his very self.
Then, he went limp in your arms as his eyelashes fluttered and his vision began to dim.
You leaned in and kissed him, savoring the feel of his lips on yours one last time, a farewell to a love that was everything to you. You guided his body to his bed, laying him down gently, your heart a hollow ache as you hoped your power would save what was left of him.
Even if it meant he would forever forget you.
Even if his happiness meant being with someone else, even MC.
With a heavy heart, you called Gideon and explained everything, your voice strained with emotion. You told him that Caleb needed him now, and you needed him to promise not to tell Caleb the truth. You knew deep down that Caleb treasured his memories with his adoptive family, with MC.
That's what you thought.
That night, you crashed onto your bed, the exhaustion of your sorrow finally taking over.
You wept for the love you had fought so hard for, only for it to end this way...
For the memories that would only live on in your mind, a precious, painful burden...
For the man you loved more than anyone else, the man you would probably only ever love this way...
For the future you had both planned, for every small, significant thing you had shared...
You cried for the love you had both lost, a love that would never truly be forgotten, even if he didn’t remember it.
oneshot | lazy drabble, just a fun idea that popped in my head | caleb x nonmc wife | mc as caleb's little sister | feat gideon | with oc named bob | mdni | read at your own risk
story masterlist : love and deepspace
The first two days at Skyhaven were a blur of the usual military shit and some… weird stuff happening around.
You spent day one getting your bearings, learning the layout of the fleet's new home. It was a normal day—if there was such a thing for a newly appointed lieutenant colonel—filled with the usual pre-transfer chaos and the exhaustion that comes with it.
The thing is, your transfer papers, along with Caleb's, got misrouted and mishandled by some new intern. Although, this unfortunate mishap gave you and Caleb a bit more time to prepare for your new role, also a bit more time for yourselves, since everybody deserves a breather, a pause, a couple of slow days before the real load of work pours heavily on your laps.
Day two was when things started to get... interesting.
In the women's restroom, hushed voices caught your attention. You froze, sitting silently in the cubicle as the name Caleb reached your ears. Your husband.
You strained to listen, and your heart sank when you heard phrases like "one-night stand," "not what was expected," and "boring."
A strange mix of fury and confusion swirled inside you.
Nobody here knew Caleb. His transfer papers were mishandled; no photos or personal details had been released. This was a puzzle you couldn't solve by just fuming, so you decided to investigate.
Your search led you to the break room, where you were stirring your coffee, deep in thought.
"I haven't seen you before," a voice said, pulling you from your reverie. You turned to see a man, about 5'7", with a confident, cocky smirk. "Pretty sure I'd remember someone like you around here. You new?" he continued.
You gave a polite nod, decided to keep your identity hidden and simply told him that you were a new pilot, not exactly lying, but entirely revealing who you really are. Well, not yet.
"Hm, I see," he said, puffing out his chest. "If you need a tour guide, I'm more than happy to be of help. After all, that's what I'm here for as the colonel."
His words hit you like a punch to the gut. The colonel? That's your husband. The audacity of this man made you want to pour your hot coffee on him.
"Perks of knowing the colonel, maybe you can be a favorite," he said, his eyes scanning your body. "Maybe I could help you get used to the whole place."
You feigned confusion. "Sorry… You're the… Colonel?"
His smirk widened as if you were playing hard to get. "Yes, Colonel Caleb. Might want to remember that, Miss Pilot."
And just like that, the puzzle pieces fell into place. This creep was using your husband's identity to hook up with women. You were both disgusted and relieved. Relieved because you hadn't called Caleb in a fit of rage.
You had a far better idea.
That night, you called your husband and hatched a plan.
"So, what you're saying is you want me to pretend I'm not the colonel… for… entertainment purposes?" Caleb's voice was low, a hint of suspicion and amusement laced in his words.
"Just for a couple of days," you purred into the phone. "We can pretend we're just two new pilots. Nobody knows who we are. It'll give us a chance to see how the fleet really operates." You kept the real reason to yourself, not wanting to spoil the surprise.
"You're up to something, aren't you, sweetie?" he asked, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. "You're trying to get me to roleplay? I didn't know you had this kink."
"Maaaaaybe," you hummed seductively. "I promise you'll find it interesting. You can punish me if you don't."
A long, slow groan came through the line, "I swear, your devious mind is going to be the death of me. I'll take Gideon with me tomorrow. It's been a while since I've flown a jet."
"Perfect. I can't wait to see my handsome pilot hubby."
His voice grew husky. "A couple more hours, baby. I'm going to get there so fast, Gideon will just have to shut up if I speed over to Skyhaven. I need you so bad. Need to be inside you really soon."
"Mmm. I'll be counting every minute, Colonel," you whispered, using the name you knew would drive him crazy.
"Fuck," he grunted. "I'm going to fuck that pretty cunt as soon as I get there."
The words sent a shiver through you, a wave of heat pooling between your legs. You helped him finish over the phone, his groans and your whimpers filling the silent room. You both lay on your pillows, falling asleep with the video chat still open, your faces on the screen, the only comfort that brought you and your husband during the days when you're apart.
The next day, you waited in Caleb's office, a nervous thrill coursing through you. You were briefing him about your observations of the fleet, but you hadn't told him about the rumors or your encounter with the fake colonel. You were saving that for a face-to-face reaction.
Hours ticked by, and just before noon, he walked through the door.
He locked it behind him, dropped his duffle bag, and in a flash, your legs were wrapped around his waist. He gripped your thighs, his mouth on yours in a hungry, desperate kiss. Without a word, he sat you on the edge of his huge mahogany desk, his hands pushing your skirt up, pulling your underwear to the side. He didn't have the patience to remove it, and neither did you.
With a restrained growl, he pushed inside you, filling you with a familiar, aching warmth.
"Fuck, you're so good, so tight," he groaned, burying his face in the crook of your neck. "Missed my wife so bad. You feel so fucking good."
Caleb continued to ram himself inside your aching core, lips covering the bare skin he could reach, hands gripping your bare flesh firmly, as he savored the sensation of your walls enveloping every part of his length, being coated with your juices, as he hit those spots that made you see the stars, made you reach the heavens, made you moan his name so seductively that almost made him lose his control.
"Ooh fuck, Caleb," you moaned, your fingers fumbling with the buttons of his shirt, aching to feel the warmth of his bare skin against yours, words spilling out of your lips without a thought in mind, just wanting more, begging for more, greedy to take what he could offer.
"Please, Caleb… More… Fuck."
You felt his chest vibrate from his low grunts and groans, his eyes never leaving yours, his actions so erratic, so intense and needy that beads of sweat were trailing on his forehead, his neck, his chest, making him look so provocative, making you lose yourself from the feeling of his rigid muscles and toned abs under your palm.
He thrust violently, the desk shaking under you. "I swear my - fuck - hand is not enough - oh shit - your pussy feels so - oh damn - perfect."
You couldn't form a coherent thought, your mind a mess of pleasure. All you could do was cling to him, watching his face contort with need and desire, your legs wrapped around his waist so tight, while he continue to wreck you, continue to get an orgasm after another, while his own is building up fast.
"That's it, baby, give me one more," he rasped in your ear. "I need you to milk my fucking cock dry. Come on, baby, let go for me once again."
You did, and he followed not long after, his pace fast and frantic, his teeth sinking into your shoulder as your toes curled in the intensity of your shared climax.
You remained in each other's arms for a few minutes, basking in the aftermath. "Fuck, that was intense," he panted. "We better clean up, or else I won't be able to stop myself and fuck you until you can't walk."
"You're impossible, Caleb," you panted, letting your head fall on his desk, smiling softly while massaging his damp locks, "I missed you so much."
"Me too, sweetie," Caleb gave you a boyish grin, face nuzzled between the valley of your breasts in pure contentment as if it's exactly where he belongs, "Almost left Gideon's ass behind. I missed you so bad."
You hummed in satisfaction, tummy filled with fluttery butterflies, as you lightly pushed your self to sit up, making Caleb pull away reluctantly but only after you gave him another affectionate kiss.
After you both got decent, he put on a gray button-up shirt and his leather straps, and your eyes went straight to his chest, the straps doing wonders for his physique. He chuckled, calling your attention back to his face.
"Keep doing that, and I swear you won't be able to walk for a week, darling." He gave your ass a playful squeeze as you left his office.
The next hours went in a blur of meetings and briefings.
You and Caleb had managed to maintain your cover of being the new pilots. He watched from the sidelines with an amused smirk as you efficiently handled the day's tasks, acting as someone superior than him since you came to Skyhaven earlier than he did, your authority evident in every word and gesture.
He followed you around as you gave him a tour of the base, told him about your observations and assessment and of course, he found your playful manipulation of the situation utterly intoxicating, even if he still has no clue about the rest of your plans.
You were sitting in the break room, a steaming mug of coffee in your hands, when you saw him. The fake-Colonel, Bob, looking as smug as ever. You found out that Bob is actually the copy machine guy, the one who does the errand for the officers, and somehow the guy actually thought it's a good idea to use Caleb's identity to get some clueless women to sleep with his creepy ass.
Just then, the door to the break room opened and you gave a silent signal at Caleb to play along as Bob walked in, clipboard in hand, a smug look on his face. You saw the moment his eyes landed on you, and his expression instantly brightened.
"I knew I'd see you here again, Miss Pilot," he said, puffing out his chest and ignoring Caleb entirely. "Did you rethink my offer from yesterday?"
You felt Caleb stiffen beside you, his jaw tightening. You gave him a quick, subtle kick to the leg under the table and a mischievous glint in your eyes. He shot you a look that clearly said, 'What the hell are you doing?' but he stayed silent.
"Sorry, Colonel," you said, your voice dripping with faux politeness, "I haven't changed my mind. I'm really not interested."
Bob's face fell, but he quickly recovered, his eyes narrowing as he finally noticed Caleb. "And who is this?"
Caleb simply shrugged, his expression a mask of playful insolence. "Just... a new pilot. Only arrived this morning." His eyes never left yours, a silent challenge in their depths.
Bob eyed him from head to toe, a look of annoyance on his face. "Is he the reason you declined my invitation?"
You hummed, your foot now rubbing against Caleb's calf under the table. You felt him tense, a flicker of heat sparking in his eyes. "I believe that's none of your business, Colonel."
"You'd rather sit with a… with a... rookie," Bob spat the words out as if they were poison, "when you could have fun with the colonel himself?"
You smiled, staring directly into Caleb's eyes, your foot moving higher up his leg.
"Well, you could punish me for that, Colonel," you said, your voice a silken thread of temptation. You leaned forward, the motion subtle, and your foot came to rest on the inside of Caleb's thigh. "Write me up for… hmmm… say… insubordination." You emphasized the word, your gaze locked with Caleb's.
You saw the immediate shift in his expression. The playfulness was gone, replaced by a dark, hungry intensity. His eyes, now the color of dark galaxy, bore into yours. Bob was an afterthought. All that mattered was the silent, sizzling communication happening between you and Caleb.
Bob, completely offended, was flustered. "You little…"
But he didn't get to finish.
Caleb stood abruptly, a silent, powerful command in his every movement. He didn't even bother to glance at Bob. His towering height, his sheer presence, was enough to make the other man take a step back.
Caleb simply walked over to the counter, grabbed a couple packets of cream for his coffee, and then returned to his seat. The entire action was so filled with unspoken authority that it left Bob sputtering, his face a bright, mottled red.
You leaned back, a bored look on your face. "I'll be waiting for that write-up, Colonel," you said, your tone mocking.
Bob, defeated, huffed and stormed off. The moment the door swung shut, you both burst into laughter. You laughed so hard your sides ached, tears welling in your eyes. Caleb's laughter was deep and hearty, a sound you hadn't realized you'd missed so much.
That's when Gideon walked in, completely bewildered by the scene. You explained everything, telling them about the rumors you had heard in the restroom—that the colonel's dick was small and he had no stamina in bed—to which you revealed that the poor women were fooled by Bob and used Caleb's identity to get into their pants.
Gideon wasn't sure whether to be angry for his friend or join in the amusement. He's wondering how these rumors haven't reached the other officers, yet with the number of tasks on their workload, they probably have no time to listen to the hushed whispers in the corridors.
Caleb just patted his shoulder, "Lighten up, Gid. It's actually fun."
The next morning, the grand hall of Skyhaven was abuzz with anticipation.
The media was there, officers in their pristine uniforms, the air charged with excitement. You sat at the long table, the "Lieutenant Colonel Xia" nameplate a silent testament to your new rank. A camera flashed, and you smiled, a confident, practiced expression. The buzz of your phone in your pocket told you Caleb was on his way, and a jolt of anticipation, both professional and deeply personal, shot through you.
A lower-ranking officer announced your name, and you took to the microphone, your voice calm and poised. You answered a few questions, gracefully handling the media’s curiosity about your relationship with the new Colonel. You saw Bob in the back, his face a ghostly white as he listened to you casually drop the bombshell that you were, in fact, the Colonel’s wife.
Another reporter asked how you met, to which you gave them a polite, but proud smile as you answered, "Colonel Caleb and I were in the same batch as cadets. We were both pilots. We were sparring partners. I tried to beat him multiple times, but he'd always come out on top of our batch."
"Except for target shooting!" Gideon chimed in from the side. "She has the best aim in our batch!"
You blushed slightly at Gideon's smug expression, not really wanting to put yourself in the limelight. You're not exactly trying to fake your humility, but you wanted this day to be for your husband—to celebrate his hadwork and recognize his accomplishments that led him to this point, his promotion.
Yet Gideon, being the good and loyal friend that he is, wanted to make sure that you and Caleb would both get the recognition that you deserved. You made a mental note to tell Caleb to treat Gideon to a nice meal somewhere in Skyhaven later on.
Then, a sudden hush fell over the room as the doors opened.
Caleb.
He stood for a moment, his broad frame filling the doorway, a towering silhouette against the bright light of the morning. He was in his full uniform now, a crisp white shirt, the dark jacket with its polished brass buttons and the gleaming rank insignia on his shoulders. His aura was powerful, commanding, the very definition of authority. Every eye in the room was on him. You saw women whispering, their faces a mixture of awe and dawning horror.
And Bob?
Poor guy looked as if he was about to collapse on the spot.
Hushed whispers spread through the crowd. "That's the colonel?" "No way, we were fooled by some jerk!"
As he strode down the aisle, his presence seemed to swallow up all the air in the room. He moved with a purpose, a confident stride that spoke of power and absolute control. The officers, your colleagues, stood at attention, saluting him as he passed.
He offered them a brief nod before his gaze settled on you, and for a fleeting moment, all the power and command in his eyes softened. He reached the podium, his hand coming to rest on the small of your back, guiding you back to your seat as if you were the most fragile, precious thing in the world. The contrast of his public demeanor and his private tenderness was dizzying.
After a formal introduction and a look at your impressive credentials, one brave, or foolish, reporter raised his hand. "There's a rumor that has been going around that the colonel is quite… inadequate in size and... in bed. How would you react to that, colonel?"
The room went silent. You glanced at Gideon, who was trying his best not to laugh, while the other officers looked nervous and offended at the audacity of the person who asked. You and Caleb knew that the reporter must be from a tabloid newspaper, after all those guys wanted the juiciest and scandalous bits of information, most especially from the youngest crowned Colonel of the Farspace Fleet.
This rumor had been circulating even before you and Caleb came to Skyhaven, probably Bob heard Caleb's name, thought it was a brilliant plan to use his identity without realizing that he screwed up with the real deal.
His downfall started when he started to hit on you—the wife of the Colonel.
You glanced at the audience, saw some of the women staring at Caleb in admiration, in defeated hope, in painful confirmation that the young, tall and handsome Colonel is already married, while some who met your gaze in guilt and shame, averted quickly due to the possibility that they're part of the wide-spread of rumors, could have also been fooled by Bob and thought they actually slept with the Colonel himself.
Also, the women can't help but feel jealous. After all, the Colonel is certainly a fine, young gentleman, with his tall frame, well-built physique, handsome features, smooth, commanding voice. And those galaxy orbs... just one look, any woman would drop on their knees to do whatever he wanted.
And as soon as you met Gideon's eyes, he recognized the mischievous glint in your eyes. He had seen them multiple times before, that he is sure that Caleb knew that his wife—who absolutely have no filter, very shameless and has a knack for stirring up trouble—would take this question all to herself.
And Gideon was right.
As soon as you took the mic in front of you, Caleb and Gideon expected everything that you were about to say.
"You, brave Sir, are asking the wrong person. You should've directed the question to the most reliable source of information," you smirked playfully, the reporter's eyes (and everybody's) were glinting hopefully that you'd give them a good, satisfying answer, as you continued to speak, "Those rumors are the only reason the Colonel is still breathing and our marriage remains strong. Because to put it simply…"
Caleb saw Gideon from the corner of his eye… Gideon's hand was repeatedly gesturing (frantically) at Caleb to do something, or say something, anything to cut you off. And Caleb's eyes widened as he understood, his hands scrambling for his own mic a few seconds before you finished your statement.
"…The truth is quite the opposite and way faaar from those circulating rumors because my husband is definitely not sma—"
"—Leeeeet's just say," Caleb successfully cut you off the last second, the attention of the media and audience directed at him, Gideon releasing a sigh of relief, "I am a very devoted man and a husband who aims to please his wife and deeply values his life," Caleb paused as he wrapped an arm around you, "And there goes a saying that a Happy Wife, a Happy Life," he, then, cleared his throat, continued to speak decisively and with finality, "Rumors cleared. Q&A done. Thank you all for welcoming us."
You giggled as Caleb squeezed your hand under the table, his eyes giving you a warning look.
"Someone's going to be punished tonight for misbehaving," he whispered in your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. "But judging by the lack of guilt in your expression, I'd say you don't actually mind being... punished."
"I guess not, Colonel," you whispered back, a sweet, sinful smile on your face. "How about I reward you instead?"
"What kind of reward am I getting?" he asked, his eyes hungry.
"How about I sit on your face, hm? Then I'll give you head. Let you use my body as much as you can. Is that reward good enough for the Colonel?"
"No backing out, sweetie," he squeezed your thigh under the table, and you gave him a sweet smile that promised him one of the best nights of his life.
And so the afternoon at Skyhaven was supposed to be a peaceful one.
The press conference was over, the drama had subsided, and you and Caleb were finally enjoying a quiet moment. You were perched on his lap in his spacious office, a comfortable silence settling between you as you both read through a stack of reports. Caleb's hand rested on your thigh, a familiar weight that grounded you in the midst of the day's chaos.
The quiet was shattered by the sound of a familiar, panicked voice. "Caleb, your little sister just texted!" Gideon burst into the office, his chest heaving. "She's here at Skyhaven, and she got lost in the building."
Caleb didn't even flinch. He simply flipped a page in his report, his eyes scanning the text. "I'll call her and tell her to wait in the lobby."
Gideon, however, was clearly still stressed. He took a few steps closer, his voice low and worried. "No, you don't understand. MC said… there's some creep in the coffee room who is hitting on her. He introduced himself as the Colonel."
The words hung in the air, the name "Bob" silently screaming in your minds. You and Caleb simultaneously stopped reading. You let out a long, theatrical sigh, not out of worry, but out of pure exasperation. Caleb's own sigh echoed yours, a shared understanding passing between you.
You knew he wasn't worried. He knew you weren't worried.
"My sister is a hunter," Caleb said, his voice laced with an almost bored certainty as he went back to his report. "It's not her we should be worrying about."
Meanwhile, in the break room, Bob was in a familiar scene, using his favorite—and only—pickup line. He had spotted an attractive young woman who looked like she was lost, her uniform hinting at her a hunter, but he was too distracted by his own ego to notice the danger.
"If you're free, maybe I could help you get used to the whole place," he said with his usual suggestive smirk. "Perks of knowing the colonel, maybe you can be a favorite."
The young woman, who had been staring at her phone with a confused frown, looked up at him. "The Colonel?" she asked, her voice dangerously calm.
"Yes, Colonel Caleb," he said, puffing out his chest.
In a flash, Bob found himself face down on the cold floor, his arm twisted painfully behind his back. The young woman’s knee was a firm weight on his spine, and he yelped in pain, "Ow! Ow! You crazy bitch!"
"HOW DARE YOU USE A CREEPY FUCKING LINE TO HIT ON ME USING MY BROTHER'S NAME YOU DISGUSTING MOTHERFUCKER!" she screamed, her voice echoing off the walls. "DO YOU HAVE A DEATHWISH?!"
And that's exactly how you, Caleb and Gideon found them as the three of you walked into the break room, following the trail of screams. Bob was on the floor, his face pale with a mix of fear and pain. Caleb's little sister, your beautiful sister-in-law, had her knee perched on Bob's back with her hands gripping his arms tight, her eyes blazing with fury.
"Oh, hi Caleb!" she said, a cheerful smile replacing her furious scowl as she saw her brother, as if there's no yelping guy in pain under her knee. "I was just… handling some things."
Caleb simply nodded, a hint of a smirk on his face as he looked down at Bob. "I can see that."
You crossed your arms, looking down at the man who had been impersonating your husband for days. "Looks like you have some explaining to do, 'Colonel.'"
Gideon simply sighed in exhaustion, already dialing security and telling them to bring someone from the medical team.
caleb x non mc || angst & hurt || happy ending || i hate mc in this fic || mixed povs || zayne is nonmc's older cousin || read at your own risk cause it's difficult to write all sorts of trigger warnings || this is light smut i think - mdni || story masterlist : love and deepspace
previous next
TWO
There was a time when your life was simpler, filled with the simple, carefree joys of a girl who dreamed of flying. You were the girl who learned the intricacies of aircraft engines from her father, a tomboy in the eyes of your friends and a beloved daughter to your parents who joked about your preference for machinery over makeup. They loved you unconditionally, even when they thought you might be into girls, ready to accept you no matter what.
Then you brought Caleb home.
Your mother was elated, but your father, well, he was a typical dad with a protective streak. But Caleb was different. He was the kind of guy every girl wanted to introduce to her parents.
He was respectful, charming, and charismatic, and he shared your father's love for everything with an engine. It didn’t take long before your father genuinely liked, no, loved Caleb like the son he never had.
You were in college when you started dating. He was the talkative seatmate who seemed to know everyone, the charming and handsome boy-next-door that every girl had a crush on.
He was the class clown and the professor’s favorite, the ringleader of every campus activity. But what drew you in most was the way he was so deeply passionate about the things you loved—the stellar academic performance, his fascination with aircraft, and his love for flying.
And as if you were pulled by some invisible string, Caleb was actually one of your older cousin’s childhood friends, one you have met once as a kid before Zayne moved to your hometown.
It was one summer, yet it was at the back of your memories, but it did not matter to Caleb that you couldn’t recall it. He simply recounted everything in detail, as if they were still fresh in his, told you how you made an impression on him, how he couldn’t forget you, how he wished to meet you once again.
Your friendship blossomed easily from there, fueled by endless debates about engine models, flying techniques, and the latest in aviation technology. Conversations in the classroom spilled into coffee dates, then into long breaks together, and finally, into an official relationship.
He was so protective and attentive to you, contrasting the way he remained to be distant yet polite and charming enough to be well-liked by others, as if he reserved his genuine self only for you.
The way he would cling to you and shower you with affection, memorizing every little thing you liked and disliked. The way he’d get so playfully petty during a video game, sometimes letting you win just to see you smile, teasing you that losing to you was a victory in itself.
He’d always be there for you, taking care of you when you’re sick or when you’re having a bad day. He’s also very considerate and extra gentle during your monthly cycle, acting as your personal hot water bottle with his warm hand soothing your lower belly, complete with your favorite snacks and movies to binge on your dorm couch.
Caleb was your everything.
Just when you believed everything was going perfectly, when you and he had planned out your lives after graduation, everything came crashing down in a single, devastating moment.
Your whole world, your everything, gone in a flash.
You learned about his death days after it happened, the news delivered not by MC, his adoptive sister, but by your older cousin, Zayne.
It was as if you had meant nothing to him, as if you were an afterthought.
The anger, the heartbreak, the rage—it consumed you. You weren’t even at his funeral, which Zayne had attended as he learned about it a couple of hours before the time of the event, shocked that you weren’t there.
He had gone for the sole reason of supporting you, only to find out that MC had seemingly forgotten about you completely.
Zayne came straight to your apartment, his face etched with a familiar grimness—the look of a doctor delivering bad news.
The face of a surgeon who is about to say, "We did everything that we could."
Yes, that face.
You still remember it perfectly. You had been worried for days, waiting for a message, a call, anything to tell you he was okay. Instead, you found out that your boyfriend, your fiancé, was dead, killed in an explosion.
He had proposed to you on your graduation day, giving you a beautiful ring that you instantly said yes to without a moment of doubt.
You were supposed to go home with him that day to visit his family and deliver the news, but a sudden fever and nausea kept you behind.
The reason for your sickness? You were pregnant.
Three positive sticks and a doctor's visit had confirmed it. You were so excited to tell him, so excited to see his face when he found out you were going to have a baby.
But you never got the chance.
He died along with his grandmother, their home destroyed, with only MC surviving.
Zayne held you as your world imploded, your heart grieving for the man you were supposed to spend your life with, the father of the tiny life growing inside you.
You wept for the family you had dreamed of having together.
You imagined him as a father, his large, powerful hands gently holding your newborn, rocking them to sleep. You pictured them passed out on the couch, and the three of you spending your days in parks, teaching your child to love flying just like you both did. You could see your baby with his galaxy-colored eyes, with his hair and his quirks.
You could see the two of you loving your tiny human together.
But fate had other plans.
It took him away, placing him where you couldn’t reach. All you could do that night was cry in your cousin’s arms, terrified of a future you were meant to face alone, a future where you would have to raise your child without the man who had promised you forever.
Zayne was furious. He was already beginning to have a fallout with MC, and her actions—or lack thereof—in the aftermath of Caleb’s death had only added to the growing distance between them. He was typically a calm and composed man, but seeing you, his younger cousin whom he loved like a sister, in so much pain, was more than he could bear.
MC had said she was consumed by grief, that she hadn’t remembered how the funeral had come together. Zayne had initially understood. But you were not just somebody; you were a part of Caleb's life, his future wife. You were family.
So yes, Zayne was furious at MC, and at Caleb for leaving you to face this alone.
It all felt so impossibly unfair.
For the Li family, there was no question. They had adopted you after your own parents' passing in college, and now, they watched over you, supporting you through your pregnancy. Zayne helped you find your footing, a teaching job instead of a career in aviation, because he knew you weren't in the right headspace to be in an aircraft. You were so grateful for their support, for the way they loved you and helped you until the day you gave birth to your baby.
Cielo. The name meant "sky," a name Caleb had whispered one sleepless night while you were talking about your future—the house he’d build for you, the number of kids he wanted. You remembered how his eyes had sparkled, how he had said that name as if he had dreamed of it countless times.
Now, a year and a half later, Cielo was a mischievous, handful of a boy, a tiny version of his father with the same galaxy-like eyes, the same soft brown hair, and the same charm. Every time you looked at him, you saw a tiny version of Caleb.
Every weekend, you and Cielo would visit Caleb’s grave. You would tell him about your son’s progress, as if he were really there, honoring him and making sure he was never forgotten. There wasn't a single second that passed that you didn't miss him with all your being, wishing for him to come back to life.
And yet, a tiny, persistent hope lingered within you. Caleb’s body was never found. A small voice in your head urged you to dig deeper, to find the truth, but you couldn't. You had to focus on Cielo, to be strong for the tiny human who relied on you.
Every night, all you could think of was him. You can’t help but imagine how things would have been different if he was still here, how he’d be there to raise Cielo with you.
He’d be this caring and loving dad, would probably be the one who’d wake up in the middle of the night to feed him or change his diapers or simply to put him back to sleep.
He’d probably be pushing you back to bed, with his stern tone and look, telling you how you needed to rest more while he is bouncing your baby in his ridiculously large frame.
You imagined day and night how different it would have been, how your home would be filled with loving memories of your tiny family, how Cielo would have grown up with his dad, how you would have your husband, your lifetime partner beside you.
You wished, so damn hard, for things to get easier.
Being a mother changed everything.
Because now, even if you wanted to scream, to break down, to just let every fucking thing fall—you can’t.
You have no choice but to keep your composure, to be strong and not break into pieces. Even if you’re not sure if there are any more pieces left to be broken, because you are sure a part of you had died with Caleb that day.
And now, whatever is left of you, is dedicated to this tiny human being that you have created with Caleb.
Because he is helpless, tiny and weak. He has no one but you.
You swallowed every tear that would arise at times when you feel so overwhelmed by everything.
You steeled yourself, pushed away the heavy emotions so that Cielo won’t have to absorb them. You smiled through your grief, through your heartache, through every second you wished for your Caleb to be here. You continued to do your best, caring and making Cielo smile and laugh with your actions, with your voice.
And for now, that is enough to make you go on.
You reminded yourself day and night how Caleb would want you and Cielo to live the best of your lives for him, that he would be broken if he’d see you sad and weeping.
You held on, using the memories that you had together as the power to keep on going, that you needed to have enough love to give your baby so that he’d grow up to be someone who is like his daddy—to be strong, kind and full of warmth.
But the truth is…
How can you be okay with him gone?
Like how?
It’s not like he had taken a long vacation, no. It’s not like that.
He is gone, truly gone and has been for a while… But how can you stop the pain in your heart?
How can you heal the wound that has been gaping and bleeding for him, the wound and ache so fresh, so real that sometimes you don’t know how to even start the day or how to face the days after?
caleb x non mc || angst & hurt || happy ending || i hate mc in this fic || mixed povs || zayne is nonmc's older cousin || read at your own risk cause it's difficult to write all sorts of trigger warnings || this is light smut i think - mdni || story masterlist : love and deepspace
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TEN
Caleb went to Linkon, returning to the place where he grew up, having found out that's where you'd gone. He took in the city, the changes and the things that remained the same. He remembered some things, but somehow, he felt a strange feeling that he is missing something.
And that's exactly why he had decided to follow you. Because he knew that the all the answers lie with you.
He lurked in the shadows, tracking you easily.
He saw you at his grave, sitting there for hours, talking to a man you knew was still alive. He saw how you looked at his empty grave with so much love and yearning in your eyes. And even though he couldn't hear the words, he knew how they were filled with care and emotions that are dedicated to him.
He knew then that you weren't just a stranger. He knew you were important.
He followed you into the city, fighting to keep his emotions in check.
Then, right across the street, he saw a toddler running toward you—a tiny human who looked exactly like him, a carbon copy with the same galaxy-colored eyes and the same playful smirk.
That's when he realized the whole truth.
That he was looking at his son.
And that moment, he saw that you weren’t just an important person…
That you were his everything.
It was too much to bear. He needed air, he needed space.
He sat in the house he had rebuilt for MC, and suddenly, everything felt foreign and out of place.
He felt like he was constantly being lied to, that his life was a delusion.
He wanted to wake up from this nightmare. He had lost so much precious time.
He felt so helpless, so vulnerable, so weak. He doesn't know how to move forward, how to go from here. He felt how unfair everything was, how he was robbed from everything that is important to him.
He thought that maybe the chip would take away the most important memories that he is treasuring, the ones that would compromise his decision-making, the ones that would hinder him from becoming what EVER had intended him to be.
Because even though you were a stranger to him, the warmth he felt when he was around you was not a delusion. It was real.
But now is not the time for him to wallow in regret and self-despair.
He has finally realized and recognized the delusion, the deception.
And now he is out of it.
He suddenly recalled an old address, his old unit in Linkon, the one he bought from his savings. He ignored MC’s calls and messages, telling her he needed space.
The next day, he headed to his old address. There, fragments of memories began to resurface. The place was exactly as he had left it.
His old uniform was on the rack, his favorite mug on the counter. And on the display cabinet, he saw them—pictures of you two, smiling, so young and in love. He saw the devotion in your eyes. He saw the photo of you with a ring on your finger, and he knew that he had planned to spend the rest of his life with you.
He sat on the couch, conflicted and confused, but also relieved.
The frustration, the guilt, the shame—it was all consuming him.
Why did the chip take away the most important person in his life?
Why did he have to forget you?
He didn't know if he could ever forgive himself for that.
But now that he knew the truth, he wasn't going to forget you again.
Caleb called MC, his voice low and firm, a new kind of resolve in his tone. He needed to confront her, to force her to face the lies she had fed him.
He knew you were still in Linkon, with your son—'our kid,’ he thought.
The idea of being a father was so overwhelming, a mix of profound joy and heartbreaking regret.
He hadn’t been there for you and how he wished he was, but that was going to change.
He wished he had held your hand throughout it all. He wished he was present during the morning sickness, doctor appointments, mammograms and ultrasounds.
He wished he was there to hear his baby's heartbeat, feel his baby's first kick, witness you delivering a life that you have created together.
He thought of you, how amazing you were, that you were able to stand and get through all of that. He was grateful that you had Zayne, that his parents were so kind to take his baby with them while you handle this whole messed up situation.
He felt the overwhelming surge of emotions, fighting hard to keep himself in check.
But he couldn't deny it, that what he is feeling is definitely love for you, for your child and for everything that you have built together, regardless if he doesn't remember them.
Because he is sure that his future with you would have been wonderful, being the person that you are. He knew why he fell in love with you, he doesn't have to remember it, but he just knew.
You were undeniably strong; in all ways he could think of. Beautiful, inside and out.
And how he wished he could recall every touch that you have shared with each other, remember the way you have moved under him. His name would have sounded so beautiful and alluring on your lips. He knew he would savor every touch, every breath, every taste. He wished to remember them and wished to make more memories until he is consumed with you.
His heart ached for you. He didn't have the memories, but the feeling was undeniable.
He wished, so damn fucking hard, to remember them, because right now he is not sure if he'd be able to recreate them.
He thought back to that day in the park, the shame of how he had lashed out at you.
Now he knew his temper was a displaced rage, a reaction to his own confusion.
He saw how careful you had been around him, how you had moved to Skyhaven and started flying again which he now realized was because of him. He remembered the ease of your interactions in the cafeteria, how he had felt a dark, possessive desire to make you his, how he'd feel spiteful whenever he'd witness some guy approaching you.
It was a feeling he had never, ever felt for MC.
The realization hit him like a physical blow: that you may have misunderstood everything. That you thought that he liked MC and he hoped with all his heart that you’d doubt everything, that you’d cling to what you have shared with him.
Because he never liked MC in a romantic way and the thought alone is so wrong on so many levels. And he couldn't stand the thought of losing his you and his son, of some other man taking his place in your lives.
But the confrontation with MC did not go as planned.
It was a chaotic, emotionally charged mess. And you were there.
caleb x non mc || angst & hurt || happy ending || i hate mc in this fic || mixed povs || zayne is nonmc's older cousin || read at your own risk cause it's difficult to write all sorts of trigger warnings || this is light smut i think - mdni || story masterlist : love and deepspace
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SEVEN
There was a time when things were simple.
When you and Caleb were just two young people in love, enjoying life together, planning a future that seemed so certain.
Now, everything was a fucking mess.
He remembered everyone—MC, Zayne, Gideon—but he had completely forgotten you. The woman he was engaged to, the mother of his child.
And you were supposed to finally tell him about Cielo the moment he came back.
You scoffed at the thought. Every single time you were about to tell him something important, something terrible happened.
This was torture, pure and simple.
And his harmless, adoptive little sister, MC? You had been so wrong about her. She was not so innocent. The rage burned inside you when you saw her touching his arm, laughing at his jokes, her hand on his thigh.
That wasn’t how sisters acted around their brothers.
Sisters are supposed to annoy their older brothers to the highest infuriating point.
They would act adorable, but would be the first to find a way to get their brothers into a headlock, only to be the one who would be on the receiving end.
Siblings fight and exchange snacks and sweets as bribes for truce, but also be each other’s shoulder to lean on for support.
You knew this all too well, having had a brotherly bond with Zayne, experiencing it all with him when you were growing up.
Yes, your very calm and annoyingly composed, genius older cousin Zayne, would lose his shit every time you'd mess with him and his science nonsense.
He'd chase after you, face all red and scowling, until you'd find yourself climbing a tree to escape his wrath.
And when you were teenagers, he would find a way to make you so mad, scrutinizing your boy crushes, telling you how they look dumb and stupid with a brain as thick as a crayola.
But then when you sulk, he'd also be there, sharing his favorite macarons and treats with you until he'd be able to get your quivering lips crack a tiny smile that told him he is in the clear.
Because what you saw was far from a sibling bond, but rather a date between two lovers. And the way she glared at you with jealousy and contempt, then played the innocent puppy that Caleb had to defend—confirmed that she likes Caleb romantically.
You couldn't blame Caleb, though. His memories were compromised. MC had possibly fed him lies, making him believe you were a nobody in his life.
That realization solidified your resolve.
You would fight back. You would get your fiancé, your man, your Caleb back.
That same afternoon, you called the Farspace Fleet and accepted their offer.
You would fly again. You would face your fears and get your head straight.
If it meant getting closer to Caleb and winning him back, you'd do it. Even if you had to start from the ground up. You needed to understand his condition, learn how the Torring Chip worked, and find a way to use your Evol to save him.
The feeling of soaring through the sky was liberating. It reminded you why you had wanted to become a pilot in the first place. You quickly became one of the most reliable pilots in the fleet, sought after for your skill.
As you continued to dig for answers about the Torring Chip, your heart ached for Caleb. The chip took memories, destroying neurons one by one, slowly erasing his personality. He was being changed, turned into a puppet for EVER.
You knew why he was targeted by EVER.
Caleb wasn't just a brilliant colonel; he was a walking weapon. His unique Evol, his strategic mind, his strength and endurance—you knew it all from training together in college.
You were both a perfect team, him with his ability to manipulate gravity and you with your impeccable aim. You were an unstoppable pair.
Now, working at the same base, you would often cross paths.
His eyes would linger on you with a look you couldn't quite decipher, but you could see the confusion in his gaze. It was clear that he remembered the day at the park.
Your heart yearned for him, but he didn't remember you.
Why you? Of all the people in the world... Why you?
Was your relationship so weak that it was the first thing the chip targeted?
Was he so easily able to forget you? It was so unfair.
It's like he was trying to figure you out, like a damn model he couldn't finish because the pieces and screws are missing.
He'd stare at you during mission debriefs, sometimes with awe and amusement, with the way you'd suggest strategies to tackle any possible trouble along the way, or getting the higher ups see a different point of view that would make them rethink the whole thing just because you have a better view from the air.
You'd find him watching you during training, scrutinizing your form, your technique and abilities, sometimes he'd tell you that you were doing well, sometimes he'd tell you how you can improve something.
But it was all transactional.
He was cold, devoid of any emotion, that he was only looking at you like you were just somebody under his command.
You, the love of his life, diminished into a mere pilot under his fleet.
One day, you walked into a hobby shop on base, your feet dragging you toward a familiar escape.
You bought a complex model aircraft set, finding a quiet corner in the cafeteria to build it. It was intricate, with tiny screws and elaborate details, the perfect project to distract your mind.
You lost yourself in the work, organizing pieces, studying the blueprint. Hours passed and as you finished, your stomach rumbling told you that you've been at it for quite some time.
“Impressive, I haven’t even started on mine,” a voice said behind you.
You turned and saw Caleb, an amused and inquisitive look in his galaxy-colored eyes as he scrutinized your work.
A small smile curved on his lips as he sat in the empty chair beside you. He carefully adjusted the model, noting how you had done it perfectly.
The familiarity of the moment made your heart ache.
Because this is one of the things you both enjoy doing together.
You could still remember the excitement that you both shared every time there is a new release of models, like two geeks waiting for the day it would be in the market, both scouring every hobby store to find the specific model that you both want to get.
And now? Now it’s buried in the depths of the universe and it’s only you who could recall every part of it.
He leaned back, his eyes on you, a hint of guilt in his gaze.
“I’m… sorry for yelling at you that day,” he said, carefully picking his words. “I saw some pictures in the yearbook… and I saw some photos of our class, that you were always on my side. You’re someone I knew well, am I wrong?”
You nodded, unable to speak.
The truth was too painful.
You were more than just someone he knew. You were the person he treasured, the person he loved.
You wondered why that was all he had—just a vague memory from a class. Then you noticed his phone. It was brand new. You knew right away that MC must have hidden the things that would remind him of you.
You had to be careful. One strong emotion could trigger the chip.
So, you held back, even though you wanted to show him every photo, every video, every piece of evidence that proved how important you were to each other.
You couldn't risk destroying him.
So, you settled for this small interaction, and for the next few weeks, that's what you got.
Even if you wanted to pull him closer, wrap your arms around him, wanting to feel him all over you.
But you couldn't because your existence was erased from his mind.
And it tore you apart.
You missed him. His scent, his voice, his touch...
You are not contented with this kind of interaction, not when you have memorized every inch of him, his tiny moles and marks, his scars, the planes of his muscles, the way he would twitch or move with you, the things that would break him under your touch, the most sensitive corners of his body, the parts that would make his breath hitch with just a brush of your finger—you know it all too well.
And there is no way you'd allow what you had be reduced to... to this kind of person in his life, this torment, this whatever joke of a scene that it is.
And how it tears you apart.
Like every part of you is being sliced and diced into pieces, not with a sharp knife, but with the blunt blade that slowly, agonizingly, painfully tears into your being one slice at a time.
You wanted to scream at him, every time he would often comment on how familiar you felt, how easy it was to be around you, how you both seemed to sync with each other.
Every word was like a dagger twisting in your heart.
You were reduced to "a friend."
You gritted your teeth, putting on your best act as you watched him smile at a message on his phone, knowing it was from MC.
It was unbearable to watch them together, for her to take your place and manipulate him into reducing you to nothing.
caleb x non mc || angst & hurt || happy ending || i hate mc in this fic || mixed povs || zayne is nonmc's older cousin || read at your own risk cause it's difficult to write all sorts of trigger warnings || this is light smut i think - mdni || story masterlist : love and deepspace
previous next
THREE
You navigated each day in the best way you can by simply keeping a routine, sticking to it as if it’s the only thing that’s been keeping your whole life together.
You are so grateful, so thankful that you have Zayne and his parents on your side, because you would definitely crumble into pieces. His parents, your aunt and uncle, were very wonderful and kind people. They doted on Cielo and loved him so much. And Zayne had also been a great, loving uncle—like a father figure, to your darling baby.
You’d watch them, your heart aching, that while other kids grew up with two living parents, Cielo became one of those who would grow up with only half—with only you. Yet, you always try to look on the bright side, to the best that you can, by counting your blessings and the things that you have.
You were just so grateful that Zayne had stepped in, would take some days off just to spend time with Cielo. You saw how Zayne wanted to give his nephew the experience of having a dad and Cielo adored his uncle so much, fascinated by his ability to form tiny ice figures and make it snow indoors, make bed time stories extra magical and would always secretly indulge him with sweet treats.
Whenever you’d sternly tell him, “No sweets for you, baby,” Cielo figured that he’d have to ask his uncle instead, by pouting and extra cuddly, and he’d win every single time, nodding his tiny head whenever his uncle would tell him, "Don't tell you mommy or else we'd get into trouble."
And this whole dynamic, this whole routine is the only thing that’s been keeping you grounded.
There are good and bad days.
Sometimes you could trick your mind, like you’d wear one of his shirts as if you’d still feel the ghost of his embrace on your skin, or you’d be able to sleep with his scent on your sheets and pillow from stacking up on his cologne that there are boxes inside your closet, buying a lot of them so that you’d never run out, cause that’s the only way you’d be able to ease the never-ending ache within you.
Sometimes you'd be like a walking, empty and broken shell who is barely keeping everything together.
Then came the message that turned your world upside down— a summon from the Farspace Fleet, a mandatory meeting with the new colonel for all graduates who hadn’t pursued flying.
Thankfully, Mr. and Mrs. Li were more than happy to take Cielo, sensing that something was about to happen. Zayne drove you to your hometown, and Mrs. Li took Cielo in her arms, doting on their grandchild with so much tenderness. Mr. Li followed, not even looking back at you and Zayne, his entire attention and affection already on Cielo.
You and Zayne chuckled at the older couple. You teased Zayne at how his parents have been hinting that they wanted grandbabies from their son, to which Mr. Li chimed in, “Good thing we have you or else we may never ever experience the joy of being grandparents.”
You smacked Zayne’s arm lightly, he simply scoffed feigning annoyance, yet the tiny smile that curled his lips told you that he is thinking about that pretty surgeon in Akso Hospital.
Your mind eased knowing your baby was loved by so many people, as Mr. and Mrs. Li would always bring Cielo with them at the facility. They are also doctors, busy doctors to be specific and they would always tell you how Cielo had already charmed the doctors and nurses in their hospital, being spoiled and doted on by everyone who would meet him.
You and Zayne returned to Linkon to pack for your trip to Skyhaven. Little did you know, your life was about to turn to chaos the moment you stepped into that interrogation room.
Whoever said that life is unfair should be given an award, that the first person who went through it must have been through some serious shit to have that realization.
And whoever coined the term "carpe diem" should be thrown into deep space because there was no way you were going to seize the fucking day.
There’s no carpe-fucking-diem-ing through this.
All you wanted was a time machine to take you back to the day Caleb told you he was going home, a moment you could rewind to change the course of your life.
Your thoughts spun as a soldier led you into a cold interrogation room, the official saying it was just a formality. You wanted to snap back that you knew the protocol; after all you had graduated from Deepspace Academy with flying fucking colors, but you simply nodded, your stomach in a knot.
The room was neat, too neat. The blinking lights of cameras, an intercom, and a one-way mirror in front of you only heightened your unease.
The moment a voice crackled through the speakers; your entire body went rigid.
A bucket of ice-cold water couldn't have shocked you more.
It was his voice. The same voice you had yearned to hear over and over again. The one you had saved on old voicemails and videos, a treasure you guarded fiercely.
It was Caleb's.
There was no doubt about it. But something was off. The warmth was gone, replaced by a cold, unfamiliar tone. The playful lilt, the teasing rumble, the love that had once enveloped you—it was all missing.
"Do you know why you're here, Miss?" the voice asked, devoid of any emotion.
"I... I received a message from the fleet," you stammered, trying to regain your composure, your fingers twiddling with your engagement ring. "The colonel wanted to meet the graduates who never pursued flying."
A soft, cold ‘hm’ came through the speaker.
"And why didn't you pursue flying? Your records show you graduated with high grades and handled missions before you even finished. You received offers from the Farspace Fleet and the Deepspace Hunters Association."
Your body trembled, your hands now gripping the edge of the seat.
You couldn't tell them the real reason. It was too personal, too painful. You wanted to scream, to flee, to tear the fucking door and never return because you don't want to think about it, think about him, think about why the man's voice sounded exactly like Caleb's.
You just wanted to give them a simple answer and get out.
"I... wasn't in the right state of mind to navigate an aircraft, sir," you said, your voice shaking. "I might compromise the flight, the passengers, or even the mission."
You hoped that it was enough to satisfy them, as you kept wishing in your head, ‘Please let me go, please let me go, please let me go.’
Silence filled the room. You closed your eyes, grounding yourself, hoping he would tell you to go home. But instead, the door behind you opened and clicked shut softly.
"You should have moved on," a familiar voice said.
You turned slowly, your mind reeling as you were trying to process what is happening, as if you were transported into some universe, or maybe trapped inside an anomaly, because there is no way this is happening right at this moment.
It was Caleb. In a uniform. No. He is the fucking Farspace Colonel who summoned you and the others today.
He was not dead. He was breathing. He was talking, his eyes filled with a painful longing and guilt. You were speechless, not knowing how to react.
You dared not move for fear that he would disappear. He looked so real, so vivid, that all you could do was drink him in, memorizing every detail you had missed—his eyes, his lips, his hands, his whole fucking being.
You thought that maybe you were in a dream… Or that you were passed out in some corridor in the base this is all in your head… Or maybe losing Caleb made you hallucinate or made you summon his image from your memory– maybe this is a new ability from your own Evol.
Then warmth. That’s the next thing you felt. Being engulfed by something warm, something solid, something strong caging your body, the pressure squeezing you, enveloping you until you realized that it was Caleb’s arms around you, holding you so tight that it all felt surreal.
The next thing was tasting something caffeine, something nicotine with a soft touch on your lips that made your mind short circuit, made your knees tremble, made you melt.
And you were consumed by his scent that hinted metal, cologne and his familiar aftershave, something unique and something that is definitely Caleb.
The exchange was intense, full of longingness and unspoken emotions for the time you were apart. Yet you were still in shock and disbelief, that he, the person you have believed have died, is here in front of you.
"Caleb? Is it really you?" you mumbled; your voice broken.
He chuckled softly. It was everything. The same low rumble from his chest, the same tone that left you speechless, the same chuckle you had missed.
"I was prepared to let you go if you had moved on," he said, burying his nose in the crook of your neck, his arms tightening around you. "But you are still wearing the ring that I gave you... And I... I just couldn’t stop myself; I can't walk away, not when I know you are still mine."
"How could I possibly let you go?" you choked out, a sob replacing your words. "There is no way Caleb, no possible way, not in this lifetime, maybe not even the next. I… I missed you so damn fucking much that a part of me died that day. I missed you, Caleb. I missed you. Where have you been?"
He looked at you with so much emotions shifting in his eyes. He felt his chest tighten, holding you closer to him, wanting to make your pain go away.
“I’m sorry for leaving you like that… But not for doing what I had to do. I regret the years of being apart, that I had to hurt you like that. I know it wasn’t fair… And I know that right now I am extremely selfish and greedy, that I should let you go… But I couldn’t, not when I know you haven’t moved on from us,” he mumbled so gently as he brushed away the tears streaming down your face.
“Where were you?” You asked, fingers gripping his arms for support, “How… You were—"
“I know there’s a lot to explain,” He cut you off with a gentle, soft voice, “But not here, not today.”
You nodded, understood that whatever happened that day was something that he couldn’t simply just tell you right away.
It must have been a split-second decision and you knew that it must have also torn him apart because you know Caleb and you believe that his love for you is real and solid.
There is no way he’d willingly put you in pain without a valid reason.
So, for now, you let it go.
For now, you allowed yourself to break in the arms of the man who would hold you with his whole heart.
caleb x non mc || angst & hurt || happy ending || i hate mc in this fic || mixed povs || zayne is nonmc's older cousin || read at your own risk cause it's difficult to write all sorts of trigger warnings || this is light smut i think - mdni || story masterlist : love and deepspace
previous bonus
TWELVE
Weeks turned into months, and you decided to stay at the Farspace Fleet because you’d rather risk seeing Caleb than deal with MC.
After that day, you and Caleb didn't cross paths again for whatever reason. You would still get messages from him but only as your fleet colonel, asking for you to send him the reports and also to send you the next missions assigned to you.
The chaotic schedules probably prevented both of you to meet each other even in the halls. Yet, you were always heading straight home once you landed after a mission, to end the day by calling your baby boy and simply watch him do whatever through video call.
Zayne hadn't heard anything from him or MC, and a part of you believed that your moments together hadn't been strong enough to be considered a treasured memory.
And that hurt like fucking hell, but you refused to break because of Cielo.
You berated yourself, but you knew what you did was the only thing you could do to keep him safe.
Eventually, you decided to take Cielo with you.
You thought that Caleb didn’t remember you, so there was no reason to hide your son from him anymore.
Your child, now two years old, was a perfect replica of his father.
His mischief and his wits reminded you of Caleb. The way he pouted to get out of trouble resembled the way Caleb would try to appease your anger. And most of all, Cielo’s eyes were exactly like Caleb’s—warm, kind, and full of life.
What you didn't know was what Caleb was going through after you left that day.
That when he woke up, he remembered everything before the explosion and after it.
Every single fucking detail with you in it.
He couldn't forget the way you had looked at him, and it broke every part of him. The thought that you loved him so much you would set yourself aside for his safety was unbearable.
He hated himself for what he had put you through, so he stayed away, watching you from a distance. He saw you surviving, barely, knowing you were only standing for your child.
He didn't know if he was worthy of your pure, devoted, and unselfish love.
But his resolve to distance himself wavered when he saw you walking in the streets of Skyhaven with Cielo in your arms. He yearned to take you both, to smother you with his love.
One day, it all came crashing down as he had a panic attack. When he woke up, he felt a strange lack of pain, a stillness in his mind where the chip used to be and all of his memories intact—all of his memories with you in it intact.
He knew then that it was you.
Your Evol must have been a form of memory manipulation, and you had protected him. He knew he wouldn't let anyone find out about your ability, especially EVER.
He could understand why you had done it, even though it was a gamble, that it would result in something that would obliterate every single memory that he has about you.
But how could that happen? When all of his wonderful, beautiful and most cherished memories—regardless if some were during difficult or painful times—were all with you?
Now, he had a second chance to show you just how much he loved you, by protecting you and be by your side, even if his efforts would never measure up to what you had endured and done for him.
It happened on his "pseudo death anniversary."
He knew where you would be, and he found you at his empty grave, watching as Cielo decorated the tombstone with flowers.
He watched you both with so much longing, hoping it wasn't too late.
He saw Cielo kiss your cheek and hug you, and his heart hammered in his chest. He slowly made his way toward you, careful not to startle you.
Then Cielo noticed him. Their eyes locked, and Caleb stood there, rooted to the spot.
"Daddy," Cielo mumbled.
You smiled, still caught up in your own thoughts.
You had been telling Cielo about his daddy, as you have shown him pictures and videos because you don’t want to keep the truth away from Cielo. You’d tell him stories every night as you tuck him in bed, about how his daddy was big and strong, loves flying and airplanes, and how much he loved him.
“Daddy here,” he mumbled once again, and you thought he was just repeating what you'd said. You choked back tears as you stared at the tombstone, thinking of the man who had proposed to you, who had given you everything, who had given you Cielo.
Thinking of the man you wanted to grow old with, who is alive and breathing, but has no recollection of you at all.
"Daddy here," Cielo said again, pulling against your hold. "Daddy here!"
You finally looked up and froze.
Cielo was running into the arms of no other than Caleb, yelling excitedly.
Your heart melted as Caleb crouched down, his arms wide open, his eyes full of emotion as he embraced his son for the very first time.
You couldn't move or speak, tears streaming down your face.
"Caleb," you whispered, still in shock. "You're... here. You… You remember?"
He looked at you with so much love and longingness, carrying Cielo in his arms, and started walking toward you.
"Every single detail," he said, his handsome smile filled with so much emotion.
He stood in front of you, and you covered your mouth to hold back your sobs.
"I remember everything, thanks to you," he said softly, his voice trembling. He wrapped his other arm around you, pulling you both onto the mat in front of his grave.
You clung to him, your sobs a mix of happiness and fear that this was all a dream.
He brought your face closer to his, wiping away your tears and his own.
Then he leaned in to kiss you, a kiss that said this was real, that he was here, that he remembered, that your efforts hadn't been in vain.
"Daddy here. Don't cry, Mommy," Cielo mumbled, his tiny hands wiping the tears from your cheeks.
You both turned your attention on your toddler, amazed at how protective and caring he was in his own way, that he was able to recognize Caleb from the countless photos and videos that you had shown him day after day.
“But… How? I specifically said—"
You looked at Caleb as he finished your sentence. "That I would only remember the happiest, most cherished, and treasured memories," he said. "My heart simply reminded my stupid mind of the most important memories that it should never ever forget. Thank heavens for you, for pulling me back to where I should be."
"But the fleet—what if EVER—" you started.
"They will never know. The chip only tingles when it's activated, but your Evol has protected me," he said. "Though, I might need constant maintenance from now on, if... you are okay in taking my broken, stupid self back."
"Of course, you dummy," you poked his cheek. "You promised me a happy ending. I just made sure you'd actually fulfill your promise."
"Thank you, baby," he rested his forehead against yours. "For loving me, for never giving up on us, for raising Cielo alone. You are amazing. I love you."
"Me tooooo," Cielo wrapped his tiny arms around your neck, and you and Caleb laughed, a perfect, affectionate sound.
That afternoon, Zayne and the Li family watched it all from a distance, a small smile on Zayne's face.
He had always known that true love would never be forgotten. He knows it so damn well.
Mrs. Li shed tears of happiness, Mr. Li wrapping an arm around her shoulders, knowing this was the moment they had all prayed for.
They knew you would face more challenges, but for today, they wanted you to cherish this moment, to engrave it in your heart. They all left, leaving you, Caleb and Cielo in your own little happy bubble of reunion in front of Caleb's empty grave, where the past, the present and the future met, carving another memory that will never be forgotten.
Together, you all sat there, huddled close and both encased in the strong arms of the man who you fought hard to get back, of the father that your child deserves, of the family that you vowed to protect and keep with every inch of your life.
And as Zayne drove back to his unit thinking about you and Caleb and his nephew, he couldn't help but remind himself about the mysteries of the heart that he has yet to discover as a surgeon—that even if the mind forgets, the heart never does.
★ 𝓯𝓲𝓷 ★
FINALLY! THAT'S A WRAP.
let me just share how i cried while i was writing caleb's version.
i wanted someone fighting for him, protecting him cause he deserves it so so so so so so much.
and the inspiration of it all came from the korean series called guardian: the lonely and great god / goblin. the part where the grim reaper had to wipe out the memories of his beloved
and as promised, i'll make mc's version... probably a two-shot because she needed one.
i'll update soon with a bonus scene, but probably not today
as always, if you have reached this part, i wanna say thank you for reading my works. i hope you enjoyed this mini project as much as i have enjoyed writing it.
Here is Cielo's POV throughout the whole thing : CIELO'S POV 1 || CIELO'S POV 2
caleb x non mc || angst & hurt || happy ending || i hate mc in this fic || mixed povs || zayne is nonmc's older cousin || read at your own risk cause it's difficult to write all sorts of trigger warnings || this is light smut i think - mdni || story masterlist : love and deepspace
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FOUR
Caleb held you as you broke down, your body shaking from the grief and the relief of having him back.
It’s all he could do at the moment, to give himself this, to savor your warmth and everything about you that he had missed. He wanted to return to you the soonest possible, but he couldn’t. He was compromised and he can’t put you in danger.
So he had to wait until EVER loosens its hold on him, thinking about you day after day just so that he could survive, until he is strong enough to crawl back to your arms.
Right now, you still couldn’t understand, that it doesn’t make any sense, how he is alive and what had happened.
There are millions of questions running in your head, so many that you don’t know which one to ask first.
You were so confused and so grateful for this very moment as if you were in one of the make-believe scenarios that you have imagined countlessly before.
Yet, even in his arms, you sensed a change.
He felt distant, as if he was holding back, restraining his actions, his words, and his emotions.
He felt… different.
You knew something was off with Caleb, but a part of you was so relieved that he was alive, that he was back. Everything about him felt the same, yet different in a way that you are sure he is hiding something darker and more dangerous within him.
A quiet voice in your mind told you to be cautious, to hold back.
This Caleb was shrouded in a new mystery, a man who had faked his own death.
You couldn’t tell him about Cielo, not yet—not until you were sure that he was your Caleb, the man who would protect you and your family no matter what.
You didn't fly, not yet.
But you spent your time with him, being able to request for a transfer to one of the schools in Skyhaven as a Kindergarten Teacher, so that you can catch up on the years you had lost.
He let you in on some things, but you knew he was still hiding a deeper truth.
You confided in Zayne, who was beyond furious. He agreed to keep Cielo's existence a secret, already having told his parents to do the same. This gave you the resolve you needed to seek answers on your own, knowing Caleb would never give them to you willingly.
Meanwhile as Caleb began to reconnect and rekindle the relationship that had with you, the comfort that he felt washed over him after he had told you some of things that he deemed safe for you to know.
He couldn’t risk your safety, no, not at all. Not with what he had done or what he had planned. But still he couldn’t find it in himself to let you go. Afterall you are the most important person in his life, the one he wanted to marry, the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
He is well aware that his actions are greedy, but he is a selfish bastard who would never accept that someone might sweep you off of your feet… And take his place in your heart… In your life.
And he can’t have that. He decided to keep you with him, do whatever he has planned while he keeps you safe.
He understood perfectly that you were somewhat wary and careful around this new side of him, still despite of that he could see and feel how you continued to trust him, his words and actions.
He felt guilty. Oh, so guilty.
Because you both were always honest and transparent with one another, building the kind of trust that left no reservations or space for others to crack open. Not even outsiders who had taken interests in each of you, not with their attempts to make you or him sway from your love and trust for each other.
He slowly eased himself in your life, this new side of him, to the people around you. He knew he needed to start with Zayne.
It wasn’t easy, yet it was always never easy with Zayne. That man is always cautious with the people around him, never letting anybody in his life so easily. Even when they were still kids, it took a while before Zayne slowly opened to him and MC.
And he could still remember that one summer when he first saw you at the Li residence.
You were this bright yet timid girl who always followed Zayne like a cute, tiny shadow. He tried to get close to you, but you seem to be shy around boys. And also, because Zayne was kind of overprotective with you.
He could never forget how cute you were, the way your eyes sparkled whenever he’d say something about planes, cars or engines, which he found is unique and totally interesting.
It was short, but so unforgettable. You made an impression on him and he found himself pestering Zayne everyday about when you’d come and visit again.
However, things happened and suddenly Zayne moved. It bummed him out because, well, he liked Zayne even if he’s a bit of a grumpy kid. Also, it simply meant he might never see you again.
So, imagine just how elated he was when he saw you in college, same class, same program. And the rest was history. You became inseparable, became friends, dated then eventually engaged.
Until the fucking explosion happened. Or rather, until EVER intervened with his almost perfect life and plans.
He was willing to step away, in case you have moved on from him.
But then you appeared at the base, looking so beautiful that he fought the urge to take you in his arms, with the engagement ring that he had placed your finger, a promise of the future that he had always dreamed of with you in it.
It was a symbol of his love for you and you were still wearing it, which only means that you are still his just as how he would always be yours.
So now, he had to win back the trust of Zayne, which is again, not so fucking easy.
The man was so straightforward, so blunt and never hid his disdain towards him. He’d always ignore his calls, leave his messages on fucking read—yes on read, which irritated him even more.
However, Caleb has one trump card to use, and it’s a powerful one. He didn’t stop until Zayne caved in due to his endless pestering, probably only decided to join him for lunch to tell him off, not until he saw her—Miss Doctor.
It went easier after that, despite Zayne’s wariness toward him, still there’s progress. You were beginning to open yourself to him, laughing carefree around him, beginning to depend on him a little bit more. Yes, progress.
Still the guilt in him never left because his absence had affected you so much.
There were nights when you would wake up in panic, tears streaming down your beautiful face, whenever he’d step out quickly to get a glass of water or to answer a phone call in the middle of night.
You were extra clingy, but would try to hide how upset and scared you were whenever he’d miss to return your calls or messages… or when he’d come home later than usual.
His heart breaks every time you’d mumble a broken sob of his name in your sleep, followed by, “Please don’t leave me…”
And it only added another weight of guilt in him every time.
But even though things are still rough between the two of you right now, you decided to trust Caleb. Even if this new side of him is somewhat a bit more mysterious, dangerous and intimidating, you could still see the traces of the Caleb who you fell in love with.
And because of that, because you are certain that whatever happened during the time, he was declared dead was something he couldn’t or wouldn’t tell you.