Our two bestest puppy boys can finally be united!! You've been really stressed at work, spreading yourself too thin at meetings and committing to way too many events. You're barely getting any time alone. And to top it all off, your two pups have been butting heads ever since the newcomer arrived, and it seems like nothing you do can bring them together. What you don't expect is for them to suddenly be acting...civil toward eachother? They must have an ulterior motive...
Hint: they're working towards a common goal to make their gracious and loving owner feel better!
──────── 18+ mdni
tags/cw: grinding, fingering, oral (f!receiving), 2 guys 1 girl, knotting mentioned, biting, marking, spit kink if you squint, small amount of dubcon
an: this is my first time posting a fic on here and the idea randomly popped into my head at 2am last night so forgive me if it's trash lmao. And yes I was listening to cupcakke the whole time I wrote this what's it to ya?
Moderately proofread, if you see a typo no you dont.
word count: 1.3k
It's been a long 3 months since you took Valko in. You had owned and taken great care of Caleb for how many years now? It should be no problem to welcome a new addition to the family! At least that's what you thought. You could still remember the day they first met.
"Caleb, I'm home! And with a surprise!" You had shouted happily, having no clue about the chaos that would follow.
Caleb's tail, which had been wagging enthusiastically at the sound of your voice after a long 8 hour shift apart from you, abruptly stopped at the sight and scent of the newcomer. Betrayal. How could you march in here all proud, into your shared home, with another dog?
Caleb's eye practically twitched as he looked between the two of you, your face a mask of false confidence and Valko's look a sheer indifference. This was a terrible idea. You should have known Caleb would never be agreeable.
He could hardly even stand the smell of another male coworker that hugged you for a bit too long at that party last week, practically tearing your clothes off and throwing them into the washer before burying his face in your plump chest for at least an hour to breathe in your scent.
Only yours.
He's never been the understanding type, not when it comes to other men. All they are to him is competition, and Caleb never loses. This is no different.
"A surprise?" His voice was low, almost calculating.
Ever since then, there's never been a peaceful day between them, they're always at each other's throats. Valko has a way of riling up Caleb no matter what he does, and you can't figure out who's in the wrong. You spend half of your day trying to break up their quarrels while simultaneously giving them both an equal amount of affection so they don't get even more jealous. The other half of your day is spent working long hours, attending various meetings, and missing hours of sleep.
-
You arrive home late again, collapsing on the couch from sheer exhaustion before you can make it to your bed or even take off your clothes. The boys immediately come out of their respective spaces to greet their owner but standing shocked at the sight of you practically passed out on the couch. They wanted ear scratchies, not a sleepy master.
"Is she...okay?" Caleb frowns, forgetting about his own needs and shifting his focus entirely to you.
Valko responds plainly, "She's asleep."
“No shit.” Caleb snaps. For a moment, the air between them is charged again, that is until you shift slightly, the small noise making both their fluffy ears perk up (even Caleb's floppy ears, as much as they can anyways).
“She's exhausted. This is the 2nd week of late shifts.” He says, earning a stiff nod from Valko.
“I… we should help her.” Valko's voice is rigid at his own suggestion. We? As in him and Caleb? You would've thought this day would never come, yet here they are.
“...both of us. Both of us?” Caleb was about ready to start another fight, the fur of his tail prickling up slightly. He looks back at you. You truly are exhausted, and you always give your all for both of them. Don't get him wrong, Caleb has never minded being selfish when it comes to getting more belly rubs and treats from you, he loves it, in fact. But now that it's you in need, he's forced to comply. “Fine.” The word escapes his lips in a growl.
A temporary peace treaty.
Before you know it, the sun is rising again. You groan out loud, eyes still closed. Sun means work. Before you can truly loathe the day ahead, you feel two strong arms wrap around your waist from behind, followed by the loud thwamp thwamp thwamp of a heavy tail hitting the back of the couch. Valko. His tail is slightly bigger than Caleb's, so you can tell the difference. Another one follows though, this time against the floor, and before you know it you're being woken up by Valko's nibbling on your ear, and Caleb's tongue all over your cheeks as he kneels beside the couch.
“Boys…stop…” you manage, eyes blinking open and adjusting to the light. “Stop,” you repeat before freezing. This is the closest the two boys have ever been to each other, ignoring the fact that you're sandwiched between them. Your protest is short lived when you feel one of Valko's clawed hand running down your tummy and Caleb's up your thigh “boys…” you choke out. Valko's fingertips reach the heat pooling between your legs.
“You're wet, pup.” His voice is gravelly, and you can hear his smirk.
You didn't even know you were wet, but the dark patch growing on your panties is proof enough. When his middle and ring fingers reach your throbbing clit through your pants you can't help but let out a desperate mewl. You're too far gone to truly protest when Caleb's tongue drags up your inner thigh.
“I….I have work.” You say reminding yourself more than them
“You've been working sooo hard, already though” Caleb uses that innocently teasing tone that contrasts with his actions. Before you can react, your pants are strewn carelessly on the floor and your panties are left dangling from your ankle.
“Besides…” Valko chimes in, one long finger plunging impatiently into your waiting folds, “we called out for you. No more work today, pup.” He licks a long stripe up your ear, nipping gently as his finger pumps in and out torturously slow.
“Val-…ah-!” Your voice breaks when Caleb's drooling mouth finds your clit, hungry for your taste and high off your scent. Valko adds a second finger, his claws perfectly rough inside you as Caleb's tongue only adds to your wetness.
“Mmm… y'taste s'good…even better than y'smell, pips.” The vibration of his voice makes you whimper, one hand scratching at Val's wrist and the other tangling into Caleb's soft hair. You're so overwhelmed with pleasure you don't know where to grab.
It takes all of Valko's willpower not to replace his fingers with his cock, plunging into your tight heat, knotting you and filling you up to the brim.
No. Right now he needs to focus on you. But that doesn't mean he can't grind his aching erection against the swell of your ass. He groans into your ear, kissing and licking right beneath it, his saliva mixing with your sweat before he suddenly bites down hard enough to mark.
“Val!!” You cry out, sopping cunt clenching around his digits. Caleb follows suit with a gentle nip to your clit that makes you yelp and grip his hair harder. He rewards you with a low moan against your sensitive bud, which successfully shatters whatever control you had left.
“A-ah! Fuck… shit… I can't-” With a broken moan, your orgasm crashes over you with force hard enough to make you forget work ever existed - at least for now.
You feel Valko's knot swell against your ass as he cums inside his pants with a low growl-like groan like a dog in rut. As soon as his fingers leave your weeping cunt, you whine at the emptiness that's soon replaced by Caleb's tongue cleaning up the mess left behind. He continues to lick and suck until you push weakly at his head, completely pussy drunk.
When Caleb finally pulls away, kissing your thighs, you're a panting, sweating mess between them.
“You did s'good for us, pips.” A kiss to your lower belly “so good.”
Everyone at work the next day wonders why you're in such a good mood all of a sudden. It's safe to say your boys will definitely be working together again.
a/n: sorry, i'm horny for whiny pathetic caleb. yes, that could've been done without the whole puppy aspect. DON'T COME AT ME!! (i promise i'll tag u all in the next post)
--
He ruined your night—and he knows it.
That's why he's standing off in the corner, ears flattened and tail drooping as you wipe off the makeup you'd painstakingly done.
What a waste.
"Don't be mad at me." His voice cracks on the last word.
But you don't look at him. Just sit at the edge of your bed as you try to take out your earrings. You hear him though, shuffling closer and closer until he's right in front of you.
But you still refuse to look at him.
A staggered breath leaves him when you won't meet his eyes. He misses you.
"Please look at me, Pips," he whines, the sound low as he suddenly sinks to his knees in front of you.
You scoff, slowly easing your hands away from your ears and propping them up behind you. You don't say anything, but you're looking at him now. Finally.
You have every right to be mad at him though.
He got too possessive. Again.
Made a big deal about you going out and what other men would do, and forced you to stay home.
So, of course, he ends up at your feet—eyes soft, tail tucked, and begging for forgiveness.
"I'm sorry," he murmurs, his fingers gliding up your leg. Careful. Slow, like he already knows you'll give in if he's reverent enough.
"I didn't mean to upset you.." He blinks up at you, brows furrowed and lips pursed in the saddest little frown you've ever seen on him. "I just don't trust other men."
Silence.
You press your lips into a hard line and just stare.
You're still not breaking and the fact that you're not breaks him.
A pathetic whine slips past his lips as he dips his head to press a soft kiss to your knee.
"I hate when you look at me like that."
"Then don't give me a reason to look at you like this," you snap, your tone making his ears flatten even more.
"I'm sorry, baby," Caleb breathes, sliding one hand up your calf while he trails the other higher up your leg, fingers curling under the hem of your dress. "Let me show you how sorry I am."
He blinks up at you, every soft breath against your skin weakening your resolve.
"Are you kidding me?"
Caleb exhales, gently nudging your legs open. Just slightly, enough to press a kiss to your inner knee. "Please.. I'll be good. Please.. Let me say sorry."
You shouldn't let him go further. But you do. You sit there, completely still as he carefully slips his thumbs under your dress and begins to tug it up enough to expose your panties.
Then he slowly parts your legs, pressing open-mouthed kisses to your inner thighs.
He can't help the little wag of his tail when he sees you. Smells you.
"I'm so sorry, Pips," Caleb whispers, kissing and sucking your plush flesh between his lips. "Promise.. Promise I'm sorry.."
You swallow hard when his nose brushes against your clothed cunt.
Caleb shudders, tail thumping wildly against the floor now.
Then, slowly, he presses a kiss to the dampening fabric.
You fight every urge to roll your hips against his mouth. "What?" you huff, your fingers curling in the bedsheets behind you. "You think you can just kiss it better?"
Caleb doesn't say anything. He just pulls you closer to the edge and mouths you more eagerly. "Forgive me... Please. Say you'll forgive me."
Your chest tightens.
He always sounds so pretty like this. So sweet and pathetic.
"Love you," he murmurs into your panties, the vibration making your lips part on a silent breath. "Love you. I'm sorry."
He’s licking at you now, soaking through the fabric.
A quiet sigh spills past your lips, one hand slowly uncurling around the bedsheets to tangle in his hair. "You don't deserve this," you say, your voice low and breathy.
"I know. I know. I'm sorry."
He inhales you, the sound sharp and desperate, like your cunt is the best thing he's ever smelt. "Let me... Let me please. I'll make it up to you."
"I shouldn't..." you breathe, and Caleb whimpers out a pathetic little sound. "But I always do, don't I?"
Caleb nods eagerly.
A beat. The finally—
"Fine.."
Caleb doesn't waste a single second. He nudges your dress higher and peels your panties down your thighs.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you."
Then his mouth is on you again. Eager, sloppy, and devoted.
You sigh, unable to stop yourself from rolling your hips against him. "Don't... don't think this means I for–forgive you."
Your breath catches in your throat when he wraps his lips around your achy clit and sucks. He always knows just the right ways to make you crack.
"God, Caleb.." you moan, tipping your head back and grinding against his mouth. "Why do you always... have to ruin things.."
Caleb whimpers against your cunt, his tongue faltering for just a second. Then he grips your hips harder and buries his face deeper.
"I'm sorry.. I'm sorry." Then he's back on you, eating you out like he has something to prove. "I'll be good, I swear—please don't hate me."
You moan, holding him between your legs. "I could never hate you..—fuck, Caleb!"
"Promise?" Caleb whimpers, the sound muffled against your slick heat. "Even when.. when I don't let you go out? Even when I want you to myself?"
You barely hear his words over the sound of your cunt. You can only make out breathless pants against your skin, but you make out some of it.
You know what he wants you to say, but you can't. Not when his tongue is doing filthy things to you.
But the second Caleb doesn't hear a response, he becomes a babbling mess between your legs. "Please. Need it. Say it."
His desperate cries against your cunt is what tips you over the edge. You come with a ragged cry, your hips jerking against his face.
Caleb laps up every drop, only pulling off when he's sure you'd be completely satisfied.
You let out a shaky breath, finally looking at him again. Your hand rakes through his hair, gently rubbing his fluffy ears between your fingers.
"I promise," you finally say, tilting his head up. His face is glistening in your mess, and his lashes are wet with tears.
The sight makes your chest squeeze.
"I could never hate you, Caleb."
Caleb's ears perk up, his tail thumping even louder against the floor.
"Do you forgive me?"
"I forgive you."
Caleb smiles, instantly crawling up your body and peppering your face with kisses. You can smell yourself on him. Musky, but not unpleasant.
"Thank you."
You give a defeated sigh as you wrap your arms around his neck.
You always forgive him.
Always.
And this time was no different.
You just could never stay mad at your sweet little puppy for too long.
––
to everyone waiting for me to finish ur requests, i promise i'll get to them! i have 30 atm so be patient!
Puppy coded Caleb who shakes his hair like a dog when it’s wet. God forbid you catch him after a shower. He even laughs when water droplets splash you. It’s his favorite part.
Puppy coded Caleb who bends his knees so you can ruffle his hair. He can always tell when you want to touch his hair. Sure, he finds it cute when you stand on your toes, but he enjoys squatting and glancing up at you while you tousle his hair.
Puppy-coded Caleb, who pouts with wide, doleful eyes. He pulls this move for a few reasons. For one He knows you have a soft spot for puppy eyes. But also when you say something negative about yourself or something you love doing. Because the thought of you not loving what you do or yourself breaks his heart. You can never tell if he’s pouting to trick you or because he’s genuinely pouting.
Puppy coded Caleb who follows you like a dog right behind your heels. It’s too the point that people think you’ve hired a personal bodyguard. He doesn’t even do it intentionally.
Puppy coded Caleb who refuses to let you carry anything. If you’re shopping he’s carrying all the bags. Even if you feel bad he doesn’t care. Maybe it’s so everyone assumes the two of you are together? Especially heavy things. He doesn’t care if you’re an independent hunter, if he’s around you won’t carry anything. You’ll barely get to hold your purse. And if he catches you carrying something he quickly scoops it up and follows you.
Puppy coded Caleb who shakes his legs when he notices you walk into a room. If he’s sitting at his desk doing whatever and he notices you his legs do a little wiggle unconsciously. Like he almost can’t contain the burst of excitement from just your presence. And if his legs are outstretched his feet sway once or twice.
Puppy coded who tilts his head when looking down at you. Especially if you say something amusing. Every time he does it a small smile can be found on his cheeks. Or when he’s asking you a question or vice versa.
Puppy coded Caleb who snuggles into you. If he gets the chance he’s snuggling you. Your shoulder, your cheek, the top of your head. He especially loves it when you giggle and try to push him off because his hair is tickling your neck.
Puppy coded Caleb who waits for you to come home. It’s a sad sight honestly. He occasionally walks by the front door casually like he isn’t listening intently to every sound outside. He sits on the couch trying to distract himself but all he can think about is when will you get home? He even tries to drown himself in work but it’s hard to concentrate. And then when he finally, finally hears you at the door his legs do a little shake. He doesn’t immediately get up until you’re in the house. “Hey pipsqueak,”
🍎₊✩‧₊˚🍎౨ৎ🍎˚₊✩‧₊🍎 ౨ৎ 🍎₊✩‧₊˚🍎౨ৎ🍎˚₊✩‧₊🍎 🍎₊✩‧₊˚🍎౨ৎ
I LOVE PUPPY CODED CALEB we need more puppy Caleb please please please !!
i think caleb is a sniffer. like seriously and not in the way that’s obvious lol. yes he all up in those drawers BUT i think he just like your smell. EVERYWHERE.
he uses your body wash and smells you when you come out the shower
you come back from being out all day at work or in the heat and i can see him going for the armpits
he’s so gross but i’m obsessed with the though! head in the crook of your neck trailing down your check and he take a big whiff when he get to your stomach inching closer to your…
please someone sedated me i can’t this off my mind. he’s not even my mains i feel like i’m cheating!!
➺ a/n: i lwk need to stop abanonding my fanfics halfway bc when i read them again, i forget what my end goal is… anyways enjoy !!!
Looking at the snow-white samoyed puppy happily relishing the warmth from your arms made Caleb’s eyebrows knit together. Those same arms engulfed Caleb last night as the two of you shared a comfortable hug before an annoying little fluff ball scooched its way between you and Caleb, creating a barrier.
Displeased, Caleb glared at the puppy from the bed as he recalled some of the times he couldn’t act on his jealousy.
The First Time
He remembered that time where you got help from Zayne and not Caleb. The Caleb you admired and relied on for knowing everything. It wasn’t an exaggeration when neighbors praised Caleb’s handiness, giving him free snacks and milk in order for him to grow “strong and healthy.” However, over time, his handiness became an insecurity for you. Your lack of knowledge was a pea of what Caleb had. And so, when you had trouble with your homework, you went to Zayne’s house to ask for help.
Caleb didn’t notice at first besides your absence after school (which is usually the time you ask him for help at your home) and thought you were just playing with kids at the playground. But as soon as you came home a few days after you asked Zayne for help, Caleb’s attitude changed.
As Caleb was washing dishes, he heard the front door open. Caleb immediately recognized who it was by the sound of the pattering footsteps and the rustle of your backpack being hooked onto the wall. Following that was the sound of your backpack opening and a paper.
Running into the kitchen, you approached Caleb with your math paper behind your back. He looked back, wiping his hands on a towel. “Hey pipsqueak, what’s with the good mood?”
“I had a math test earlier this week!” You began. “I just got the test results back!”
Caleb smiled. “Oh yeah? How’d you do?” You revealed your paper in a rather dramatic way and thrusted it in front of you for Caleb to see.
“I got a 95! And a smiley face sticker too.” You beamed, shaking the paper in front of him.
“That’s great!” Caleb exclaimed, patting your head and giving you a toothy smile. “Turns out you got math now!” You give a smile and hummed, admiring the smiley sticker on the top of your paper.
You gave Caleb a hug before saying, “Oh yeah, Zayne is a great tutor! He explains math so well! No wonder he’s so smart…”
Caleb’s arms around you stiffened, his hands making his way to the sides of your shoulder to look at you.
“You asked Zayne for help?” Caleb asked, his face still looking bright, but inside he felt like his gut was taken out. “Pipsqueak, I’m here. I helped you those other times, didn’t I?”
You nod, clutching onto the hem of Caleb’s shirt. “Yeah, but to be honest, I didn’t get it.”
Caleb asked again. “Why didn’t you tell me? Y’know I can adapt to how you learn…”
You looked down at your feet. “Yeah, but…”
Caleb tilted his head before getting on one knee and smoothing out the top of your hair. “You can tell me.”
The hands holding onto the paper became crumpled. You opened your mouth to say something, but nothing came out. You looked at Caleb, his eyebrows slightly knitted, but his kind eyes assured you. Alas, you ended up running to your room and shutting it.
Standing in the middle of the kitchen, Caleb felt horrible for making you feel this way. His act of handiness only made you insecure. Recalling how you went to Zayne’s house for help, his hand clenched before he let out a sigh. No wonder you weren’t coming home hungry. Zayne was probably feeding you.
The Second Time
One day after school, Caleb was walking home with you. It was rather hot and the sound of cicadas never seemed to cease. After some time, you both sat down at a nearby park to cool under the trees, enjoying the occasional breeze that passed by.
As Caleb rummaged through his backpack, he began to ask, “What should we have for dinner tonight?”
You thought about it, pulling out the popsicle in your mouth. “Maybe something light?”
Caleb raised an eyebrow at your supposed answer before grabbing out a tissue packet to wipe your mouth. “Something light? Is there something going on that I should know about?”
His finger brushed your lips as you responded. “Just hanging out with some friends.”
Caleb’s gaze fixed onto yours. “I see, then I’ll make beef stir fry.” He firmly said. You nod awkwardly before taking the tissue in his hand to wipe the mess on your fingers.
“Great! Your stir fry always tastes amazing.”
Caleb leaned back on his hands, thinking for a moment. Something was up and you didn’t want to tell him. He obviously knew that you were excessively praising him to win his favor. After all, he grew up with you so your small glances and utterances were always noticed.
Once you were back home, you got ready to hangout with your “friends”. Putting on your nicest clothes, applying some makeup (subtle, but not too much), and a spritz of perfume, you walked out to smell the aroma of your favorite stir fried dish.
As you walked into the living room, you spotted Caleb in an apron, holding a plate of beef stir fry and placing it on the table. He glanced at you, paused, and smiled.
“You look good.” Caleb finally said. You suddenly felt tense, your shoulders shrugging.
“Thanks!” You smiled, heading towards your designated spot and taking a seat.
Caleb goes into the kitchen and comes out with your bowl of rice and utensils and places it in front of you. You give him another small thanks before digging in. Only then do you realize that Caleb sat across from you and not beside you.
As you ate, you felt Caleb's eyes on you. A little uncomfortable, but you could manage. You were about to leave after all.
When you stepped out in your nicest clothes with a hint of perfume wafting in the air, Caleb forgot he had cooked anything at all. He could only look and swallow. Wanting to look at you a little longer, he opted to sit across from you.
“Is it good?” Caleb asked, leaning his head against his palm.
Nodding, you replied. “Yup!” After eating half of your rice, you placed your utensils down and looked up at Caleb. “I’m going to brush my teeth and head out now.”
Caleb paused at your half empty bowl of rice before he responded. “Alright, have fun. Stay safe.”
As soon as you closed the door, Caleb sprinted to his room to change into a discreet outfit and grabbed a hat. Internally, he knew this was wrong. Mentally, Caleb knew this was for your safety and he just wanted to check if you were okay. That’s all there was to it.
Grabbing a hat, he quickly put on his shoes to follow you. But just as he heard the gate open, an unfamiliar voice greeted you and complimented your outfit. Caleb’s actions paused as he peaked through the peephole of the door. A boy handed you flowers and smiled at you and made Caleb scoff. He angrily ran a hand through his hair before stumbling upon a thought he shouldn’t have made.
“You! Why are you in front of my house?!” You exclaimed, hitting the boy in front of you playfully. “What if my gege sees you?”
The boy smiled. “Well, he’s not here now, isn’t he? Anyways, let’s go.” The boy grabbed your hand and the two of you walked off together.
The Third Time
Caleb thought his day couldn’t go wrong. After finishing his summer homework and his DIY plane set, he lounged around on the couch watching a random documentary after scrolling through the TV channels.
The feeling of accomplishment quickly turned into anxiety as he saw you walk out in an outfit he hadn’t seen before. Suddenly, his brain flashed to that one day where you went on a secret date with your now ex-boyfriend (emphasis on the ex). Walking out in your best outfit, clean makeup, and raging enthusiasm, you hurried towards the main entrance to put on your shoes.
Humming as you put on your shoes, you don’t hear the loud footsteps coming towards you.
“Not coming home for dinner, pipsqueak?” Caleb asked. You felt your body jump as you whip your head towards the guy towering above you. For some reason, you felt a strong sense of deja-vu.
“Yeah, I’m heading out with my friends tonight. No need to save me a plate.” You replied smoothly. You knew this was enough to convince him. After all, Caleb trusted your word and wouldn’t settle down for anything less.
Caleb gave you a smile. “Alrighty then, stay safe and don’t come back too late.” He added, helping you up and ruffling your hair.
“Caleb! Don’t mess up my hair!” You exclaimed, pouting as you tried to fix the strays of hair. All Caleb did was chuckle before waving at you as you exited the door.
Little did you know that he was also going to the same place as you.
When Caleb arrived at the place your location marker was at, he realized what a lousy guy you were going out with. It was one of those cheesy candle lit restaurants that probably made cold, hard steaks and pasta. If only you could’ve been honest with him about your outing, he wouldn’t have to go this far.
Caleb found a seat not too close from you and your mystery date to ensure he wouldn’t be seen, but close enough to hear your conversation. As he listened to your ongoing conversation, Caleb felt a sense of envy as he heard laughter coming from your table. He knew he could’ve done a better job at feeding you dinner. Dinner that was up to your tastes and standards. Mingling with his thoughts, a waiter came by and glanced at him with curiosity.
“Have you ordered your meal, sir?” The waiter asked. Caleb blinked out of thought and replied.
“No need, I just wanted a drink.” He took a sip of his lemon tea and gave a smile. The waiter shrugged before leaving and heading to your table to refill your drink.
After about an hour and a half, you and your date split the bill and left the restaurant. Caleb discretely followed the two of you.
“Thank you for inviting me to dinner. I had a lot of fun.” You said, looking down at your shoes as the cold wind passed by.
“I did too. We can go to a cafe next time if you’d like.” Your date responded, a smile gracing his face.
Next time, my ass. Caleb thought. No way is he letting you go on another date with that boy. He couldn’t even pay for the meal he offered! Just as the two of you were about to part, Caleb noticed how close the boy was getting towards you. His face scoured, and just as you and the boy got any closer-
“Pipsqueak! There you are.” Caleb exclaimed, startling the both of you. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Like a secret couple that’s been caught, you pushed yourself away from your date in panic. His eyes widened in shock.
“Caleb!” You grumbled, louder than you would have liked it to be. “What… What are you doing here?”
Caleb took off his hat and smiled. “Had to help out a neighbor around this area.” His calm gaze changed as he looked at the boy off to the side, his tail caught between his legs.
“Uh-” The boy looked at you in distress.
“Um, this is Carson!” Your heart was thumping loudly in your chest, your words being drowned out. “He’s… just a friend! Just wanted to look at the exam materials for next week’s finals!”
“I see. Well, thank you for taking care of my meimei.” Caleb responded. Whilst in panic, your gaze meets your date who looked at you with disgust.
“Friends? I thought we had feelings for each other.” The boy began. “Were you just playing with me?”
“What? No, no, no…” Suddenly, you feel annoyed at the boy you just had a date with. Could he not take the hint that your gege was here?
The boy scoffed. “You know what? I’m done. You keep making excuses about your gege that I think you like him more than me.” He glanced at Caleb for a moment with a scowl before running off with a frightened look. Hearing the sound of footsteps approaching, you covered your face with your hands as you felt tears beginning to pool your eyes.
Caleb helped you to a nearby bench before helping you sit down, a glint of amusement shading his eyes.
“How are you feeling?” Caleb asked. He brushed a few stray strands of hair behind your ear as you continued to cover your face. “Show me your face, would you?”
“Nof.” You mumbled into your hands, tears streaming down your face. Caleb knelt down before you and slowly wretched your hands away from your face. He let out a small laugh once he saw your dripping mascara and watery eyes. “Stop laughfing at me…”
His hands make their way to cradle your face. “Don’t worry about him. I’ll always be here for you.” His thumb brushes across the bottom of your eyes and then your cheek. As Caleb pulled you in for a hug, the expression on his face darkens beneath the flickering streetlamp.
The Fourth Time
Even though Caleb didn’t live in the same house as you, he still felt the strongest gravitational pull from his DAA dorm. During summer break, he would arrive home with his heart swelling in chest, knowing your smile would greet him.
However, this year, you were away for college. Of course, Caleb had a similar college experience. Hanging out with friends, studying until late hours, and going to parties. He knew you wanted to get the college experience too.
But it came with the cost of slowly drifting away. Caleb couldn’t help but feel jealous at the friends you surrounded with, recalling the call you had with him not too long ago.
“Yeah, even though the class is pretty slow, my group members are really nice to me! Actually, we’re planning to go to a karaoke place tonight to celebrate our finals.” You rambled. Caleb could only smile while looking at the apple he was currently cutting.
“Sounds fun, pips. Take care and don’t forget about me, okay?” Caleb replied, resuming to cut the apple only to fumble and slice some of his skin. He winced at the pain, but smiled when he heard your voice again and the sound of sheets rustling.
“Of course I won’t. Talk to you later, Caleb!” The call ended and the kitchen that was once filled with your voice became quiet again.
The following day, Caleb woke up with a mild migraine. Grumbling as he slid on his pants, he heard a notification from his phone. Immediately, he dropped the pants he was about to put on and scrambled to his phone.
The screen lit up to a message from you. Attached was a picture of you smiling happily with your college friends.
Miss u caleb! The message read. Caleb let out a small chuckle and responded.
Miss you more.
The Fifth Time
Experiment #1009 has failed again. Unhook him from the monitors. We’ll try again tomorrow.
Doctor, we’re still unable to access…
When Caleb awoke from his “slumber”, the first thing he felt was the agonizing pain from his bionic arm. He let out a groan before scientists came in and started to unhook him from the monitors.
His mind was exhausted with the daily experiments and testing he had to endure. Caleb could only close his eyes in hopes of mediating the pain he felt before driving back to his place.
It was already late when he got back to his apartment. As he opened the door, a gust of cold wind chilled his body. Removing his coat and boots, Caleb stumbled towards the couch before patting around for the TV remote.
Getting a hold of the remote, Caleb clicked through the channels before hearing your name on a news broadcast.
“... Hunter of the Year!” The news reporter called out. Caleb’s eyes widened immediately as he turned the volume up. “How do you feel about being nominated for being hunter of the year?”
Lo and behold, you were in front of the camera smiling like a kid. Caleb’s heart began to beat faster as he waited for your response. Just a second of your voice. Just a moment to look at you. He thought, his hand clenching his jeans.
“I’m very honored,” you began, “I wouldn’t have won this award without the help of my colleagues, friends, boss, and the citizens of Linkon City.” Even though it was late at night over in Linkon, the shine from your expression illuminated Caleb.
His heart began to pound. And right as he was about to get his phone out, the toring chip vibrated, causing Caleb to hunched over and groaned out in pain.
“Fuck…” Sweat began to drip down his forehead. Grabbing the edge of his coffee table, Caleb forced his head to look up at you. Your segment.
“I hope everyone who’s watching this knows that you’re capable of doing great things.” You looked directly at the camera, placing a hand over your chest where your necklace rested underneath your uniform. For a moment, Caleb recalled the time you reassured him that everything was going to be okay.
“Caleb, are you okay?” You asked as he sat next to you on a park bench.
Young Caleb glanced at you with a smile. “Silly question, I’m always more than okay when I’m around you.” He patted your head.
You let out a laugh before pushing his hand away. “Hmm, well, how do you feel?”
Caleb raised his eyebrow. “Pips, what’s going on?”
“Caleb, I dunno if you need this, but if there’s some days where you feel icky and stuff, you can always come to me. I can hold your hand, serve you ice cream, and… do your laundry!” You exclaimed, clasping your hands over his. “I’ll rescue you!”
For a moment, Caleb couldn’t speak out of astonishment. Has he been worrying you this whole time? Was he being so selfish that he couldn’t attend to your needs first? Did he-
You snapped your fingers in front of him. “Caleb!”
“Pips…” Caleb let out a small laugh before back at you. “Sorry for making you worry.”
You knitted your eyebrows. “Stop saying sorry when you don’t need to be. Loses its meaning, y’know…”
This time, the weight on Caleb’s shoulders had been lifted. “Alright alright… But I’ll take you up on that ‘doing my laundry’ offer.”
Letting out an offended gasp, you yelled, “I did not say that?!”
Caleb nods eagerly. “Uh, you sure did.”
“Did not!” You countered.
Later that night, just as Caleb was about to fall asleep, he heard your footsteps stop in front of his door and pitter-patter away. Confused, he approached his door before seeing a small slip of paper on the floor.
Helping Hand Voucher 4 Caleb
NEVER INSPI EXPIRES
The sound of an applause erupts from the TV screen, the video now panning over a crowd of people.
Caleb smiled weakly, taking out the metal necklace you gave to him. He ran his thumb over it before kissing it. He let out another breath, the pain subsiding as he leaned against the couch.
“If I call you now, will you come and rescue me?”
Present
The white ball of fur let out a small yelp as you scratched behind its ears. Caleb could do nothing, but groaned as his arms slithered around your waist once more.
“Let me have my turn… I haven’t been able to hug you in days.” Caleb whined, resting his head on your chest.
“Caleb, we literally hugged a few minutes ago.” You responded, simultaneously ruffling his hair.
He shook his head. “Doesn’t count.” If he had it his own way, that puppy wouldn’t have ever stepped foot into your home. Caleb had gotten the puppy for you after he felt guilty for leaving you at home while he was out for days or sometimes weeks without prior notice. But, as soon as he saw the puppy glue itself to you on the very first day, Caleb couldn’t help but seethe with jealousy.
The puppy yelped loudly as Caleb clung tighter onto you. Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore. Caleb abruptly pushed himself up from his place of comfort, (carefully) grabbed the dog, placed it outside the room, and locked the door. The dog whined, scratching the door to your shared bedroom.
You got up from your spot on the bed, approaching Caleb as he checked the lock.
“Caleb!? Why did you do that?” You exclaimed, shaking his arm.
Caleb scratched the back of his head. “Do what?”
You deadpanned at him, tapping your foot on the ground to signal your anger towards him.
Caleb cradled your face. “The puppy will live without you for a few minutes. Maybe a few hours. I, on the other hand, cannot.”
You hated how his words got to you. “Caleb Xia…” His heart jolted for a second.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” Caleb immediately apologized, bringing you into a tight hug. “I just miss you and that goober is stealing all your attention and I-” As you made eye contact with Caleb, you realized his eyes mimicked the beady eyes of your puppy. “Can I kiss you?”
You blinked. “Huh?”
Caleb asked again. “If I don’t kiss you in the next three seconds, I’ll go insane.” You patted his back before going on your tip-toes to kiss his neck.
Grumbling, you stepped back and crossed your arms. “Done. Now give me back my puppy.”
“Oh, I’ll get your puppy alright,” Caleb began, “right after I shower you in kisses.”
“Caleb!” He grabbed your waist and lifted you up in his arms before the two of you fell back onto the bed. Amidst the chaos, Caleb began to shower you in kisses. Anger immediately turned into giggles as the thought of getting upset at Caleb disappeared. The pain from the toring chip subsided, the barks from your puppy have quieted, but your love for Caleb has remained unwavering.
Even when you know that Caleb holds the most love in your life, he knows that he’ll have to prove it. Forever. And he isn’t planning to step down from his position of being your most devoted lover.
