waaah I can finally post my piece for the @yourgravity2026 (on Tumblr, IG and X) zine!!!
I'm so happy that I could join, please check out all the upcoming submissions until Caleb's birthday! The zine will be available as a PDF for free that you can find on the official event account tagged here :) we have a lot of beautiful fanarts and fanfictions as well to read thru! ❤️ (I got a snoop thru the fanfics and I'm rly into a certain leopard one, lmao)
I won’t wish him an early bday bcs that brings bad luck so I shall wait patiently, tihi
pairing: caleb/mc (reader) ※ you/yours, vague physical descriptions for mc and is intended to be read as female (mentions of “sister”)
wc: 2.0k | ao3 version ; check out the collection on ao3 for other lovely written works! | dividers (cafekitsune)
a/n: happy 2nd xia yijune! i’m absolutely elated to be part of @yourgravity2026 ‘s zine for caleb’s birthday this year! from the artworks to fics, each one is truly so special and had me giddy; the full zine with everyone’s pieces will be released on his birthday, so please look forward to it! 🫶 (now excuse me as i go and try to manifest leopard caleb into game existence… i need him so bad)
Surprises are always easier said than done.
You could barely count the number of your own successful attempts done to him on one hand. Yet for Caleb, his stellar record always remains a step ahead. The perks of being the older brother mean that your every habit is a predictable inevitability—those wins are bound to stack up against your tall losses. And after all these years together, you still vie for that upper hand. Today is no exception to the rule.
With his birthday on the horizon, the two of you already have plans to spend the weekend together. Granted, of course. Though what the little birdie failed to tell, or rather did your best to hide, is that you’d kickstart those festivities a couple days early.
As far as you know, he’s still cooped up at the Fleet’s headquarters. Something oh-so-classified and terribly administrative paperwork-adjacent that you’re sure neither of you wanted more of. Caleb especially. He mourns over how he’d rather use this time to keep you company.
‘Be careful what you wish for’ sat pretty on your keyboard before you hit backspace. No, it would be too soon to cave in. So the encouragement of a Sunny Apple sticker and some fighting words are all you offer before the exchange comes to a standstill.
At best, you have at least the hour to yourself to get your affairs in order. Getting to Skyhaven in a timely manner is the least of your worries—this home isn’t that far, and a thumb pressed to the scanner welcomes you into his place with open arms. You make your way towards the stairs, already mapping out a game plan until he comes home. A shower to reset is a lovely start; ransacking his fridge for ingredients and taking to his kitchen is another unchecked box. It had been a while since you ate dinner together, and the taste of his mushroom stir-fry is one you’re more than excited to relive.
A hum subconsciously leaves you, pleased with the intentions yet to come. Another noise beyond yourself—a thud in great weight—seems to agree.
Odd. You should, by all accounts to your expense, be the only one here.
Your humming halts, as do your footsteps on the bottom treads. An apprehensive glance thrown behind you shows no trace of life from where you just were either. But the sound is unmistakable. By the next instance of it, you’re already on a turned heel to find the source.
Ultimately, it leads you to a solid wall. Air that once came to you in subconscious ease now lodges itself into your throat. You’ve been here before, and that alone was a tough pill to swallow. An unsettling feeling wells up in your heart at the memory, and only deepens when you remind yourself that he isn’t here. Shouldn’t be for a while longer, anyhow. So between you and whatever remains behind the wall is a more pressing concern. The chances of a Wanderer materializing are low, but never zero. Still, that possibility alone is enough to have you push the entryway open in hopes that you’re wrong.
Inside, the lights are as dim as you remembered. You squint, feeling around for a light switch with one hand and the other defensively at your front. By the time your fingers slide upwards and the room came to a gentle glow, your defenses drop alongside with your jaw. You don’t think anything could’ve prepared you for what the shadows revealed—namely, the figure of someone you confidently believed to be stuck at work. Crouching at the medical bed looking for something, no less.
Your unsure voice breaks the silence between you. “…Gege?”
Well, it looks like Caleb. His unmistakable shoulders and those brown layers at the nape are definitely him. But the long, spotted tail swishing from his lower back tells another story. Are you dreaming? The slight sting of nails digging into your palm says otherwise.
“You’re home,” Caleb says deliberately. He turns to meet your owlish gaze. As he stands, heads above you like always, there’s a familiar softness in his eyes when he fully takes you in.
Chin in hand, he tilts his head. A rounded ear at his temple twitches—part of a pair, you realize, patterned in the same fashion to that new tail of his. “Didn’t think my favorite kind of company would show up so soon,” he continues. “Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket with this kind of luck.”
“You can’t be serious,” you manage from a stunned stupor. Taking a step forward, you’re able to get a better view of these new features. Ones that are unmistakably attached to his body. “Caleb, what happened to you?”
“I…” He avoids your stare then, and both ears flatten themselves. Gone is the lightheartedness. “I don’t know. Not much, actually. The symptoms started when I returned from a routine patrol last night, and worsened into the morning.”
“What about the Fleet?” Surely, this couldn’t have gone under their radar. Another footstep plants you directly in front of him.
Caleb’s focus returns to you, his expression unreadable, though he doesn’t shy away from your approach. His jaw tenses before he nods. “They ran diagnostics at HQ, but it’ll take some time before results show anything meaningful. I’m still in one piece as far as they’re concerned.”
“…Right.”
That lingering feeling from earlier in your heart twists into something bitter. Perhaps a bit selfish, too. But the words come out regardless before you could stop them.
“And in that timeline, there isn't a pin kept in for telling your sister about this? I suppose her concerns don't exactly measure to the Fleet,” you sneer. Disdain for his higher-ups isn't exactly new territory, but it’s one you’ve always danced around. Something of a sore kept beneath a bandaid that’s only ever torn off in the worst-case scenarios.
“Hey now.” His brows draw together. “You know that’s not true.”
Of course you do. Still, the sentiment shapes into a blunt retort, despite the genuine concern you keep at bay. “Were you going to try and hide this from me? Get better on your own and act like nothing happened, even. Until I came home and on the off-chance, find you cooped up in here.”
A slight tremble to his lips parts them wordlessly, before they close and an exhale leaves him instead. Caleb lowers himself to sit on the edge of the bed. “I wasn’t… Well, okay, I thought I’d have more time to get things sorted. It’s not exactly your everyday run-of-the-mill kind of thing to talk about.”
“Oh, I didn’t know Colonel Xia demoted himself back to Captain Obvious.” Arms crossed over your chest, you frown. “We’ve been through stranger things. Those fluffy ears and tails of yours are entering the top five though. Three, if you include being hidden away in here.”
“Keeping track, are we?” Your eyes only narrow and he raises his hands in defense. “Okay, but I swear on my whole heart you were the first person I was going to tell.”
You raise a brow. “First?”
“And only,” he adds on. “When it comes to Caleb, you get first, hands-on exclusive access to everything that I am. You deserve that much at least.”
The high of your feelings begin to mellow out at his earnestness, and you sigh. At the end of the day, he’s here and that’s what really matters. You could figure out the rest, so long you’re at each other’s side. Caleb reaches for your elbows then, gently tugging them down. His left hand meets yours in a quiet acceptance, warm and dry. A thumb draws back and forth in an act of comfort over your skin.
“Sorry,” you murmur. “My assumptions got the better of me. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”
“No,” he shakes his head, “you have a point. I know you’re worried. And we agreed to be more honest with each other. Besides I don’t think this room helps either,” he adds with a wry smile. “Dreary vibes and all that.”
“It could use an interior upgrade or two,” you agree. “Some more lights and a splash of color would definitely help.”
“Alright. We can add furniture shopping to a future date of ours. And you can have as much fun as you want playing designer again.”
“Promise?”
The corners of his mouth lift and his fluffy ears perk up. “Cross my heart and hope to die.” You squeeze his hand. Rather firmly, since he can feel this much. “Okay, okay. No dying.”
“Good—”
“—Yet.”
“God,” you groan, pretending to pull your hand away, “you’re awful!”
He’s quick to bring you back and press a kiss to your knuckles. There’s even little room to fully retract the second his cheek nuzzles your entwined fingers.
“Don’t go,” he purrs, deep from his chest. Your eyes widen. “You came early to keep me company, didn’t you?”
Right. The surprise. His birthday, for heaven’s sakes. These things nearly flew out the window and went back to Linkon without you—but in fairness, the present discovery took immediate precedence. Behind him, his tail turns upward, awaiting your next move.
“Maybe,” you say half-heartedly, distracted by the movement, “I could be convinced to stay if you let me, you know…” Trailing off, you could only swallow at the mere thought of what you're asking for. You tack on a small, “Please?”
“Go ahead,” Caleb confirms, implicit understanding drawing him closer. He rests his chin over your stomach and looks to you, eyes glimmering in mirth. “I won’t bite. Unless you want me to.”
“One step at a time, Gege,” you remind him.
His smile only grows. “Not a ‘no thank you, brother.’ Got it.”
You can’t hide your own grin, but play it off with a scoff. “Hush. I’m about to do a thorough investigation on our little leopard cub here. Cooperation would be greatly appreciated.”
“Yes ma’am,” he affirms. “I’m all yours.”
You bring your free hand to his temple. Starting slow, you’re careful to take one of the round ears between pinched fingers. Thick with fur, it’s a few shades lighter than his original hair and has a decent weight to it. One of your nails faintly swipes across the inner skin by accident, and the very ear twitches. Caleb huffs softly, angling himself to press his forehead instead.
“Did that hurt?” you ask, tentative to move. “I was being gentle, I swear.”
“Laugh now, because I know you will, but no,” he says against your torso. “It feels nice.”
You chew on your lip. In another time, you would’ve entertained that option. Yet, a fluttering takes hold of your heart instead, pleased to hear his satisfaction. It emboldens you to bury your fingers into his hair, and your breath quickens, stroking to this new level of contentment.
Just as you slow your paces and start to withdraw, Caleb lifts his head. His lowered lashes hide the previous light in his eyes, and they're rounded in something else entirely. He puffs out air from both his nose and lips. By looks alone, he could swallow you whole—and you’d absolutely let him.
A weight presses itself against you, found in his tail wrapping around your thigh. Another purr rumbles from him and you let out a soft gasp in turn. One tug is all it takes for you to fall into his embrace, torsos resting over one another. Caleb’s nose lingers at the place between your neck and shoulder. His half-promise to bite you resurfaces in your mind and you shiver, strongly aware of what this proximity offers.
“Caleb…” you sigh, a warmth blooming from your chest and curling your fingers into his hair once more. His teeth lightly nip your skin, quietly fulfilling the unspoken desire between your bodies.
“There’s more you have yet to see,” he says, all-too-happy to keep you close. “You’ll be thorough, right?”
When trying to plan a surprise for Caleb's birthday, you never thought he would get this suspicious of you.
─ .✦ Leopard!Caleb, MC is keeping a secret, possessive and jealous Caleb
─ .✦ word count: 1.9k
─ .✦ Part of the 'Your Gravity' Caleb zine! Thank you for having me and please check out everyone else's work! The full zine will be out on the 12th ♡
@yourgravity2026
You are hiding something, and Caleb knows it.
Since he started living with you, he's learned a couple of things, one of them being the fact that you are a terrible liar and even worse at coming up with excuses when he asks where you’ve been or what you’ve been up to — especially if he does it in that pleading tone of his that makes you weak every single time.
He also knows your scent well. It's the very same scent of that body wash sitting in the bathroom with that fancy label on it; right next to his own bottle that you've bought weeks ago which — unbeknownst to you — is still full since he has decided to use yours exclusively. Caleb likes to smell like you after all, no matter how hard you want to teach him otherwise.
But recently you have started coming home late, wearing a smell he doesn't recognize and being awfully vague about it. And no matter how often he asks you about it, no matter how carefully he tries to pry into it, you avert your eyes from his begging ones and tell him it's nothing; that he shouldn't continue asking because work has just been awfully busy and the ride home takes some time. But he knows that you are lying; knows that you are keeping something a secret from him that he is not supposed to find out.
And Caleb hates it.
Because that smell you are wearing, it smells like someone else. It makes his skin crawl and desperately want to get rid of it, his fingers itching to move closer so he can overwrite it with his own, so at least it's not that sickly sweet scent that doesn't belong on you that is wafting over your smooth skin and lingering on your clothes.
He knows that he is being stubborn about this — constantly asking you where you are going and wanting to tag along every time you get ready for work — but he simply can't help himself; he's supposed to be the only one you care about after all, and he's going to make sure of it.
Small, careful steps.
Caleb can hear the gentleness to them as they try to sneak past his room, but it seems you definitely forgot how great his hearing is; sharp, pointy ears perking up when he senses something happening that is unusual for this time of the day when the sun has barely risen and the light is just grazing the curtains.
In all the months he has started living with you, Caleb has learned your schedule by heart, and he knows you would rather sleep in on a free weekend than be up and running this early already, usually joining him on the couch for some cuddling the moment you wake up as you enjoy your first coffee of the day.
His body moves as if on its own, approaching the door so he can slowly pry it open and take a peek outside where he sees you secretly getting ready and putting on your shoes in the corridor, nervous eyes constantly shifting around.
There's something weird about you and as he raises his nose up in the air so he can take a careful sniff, his eyebrows immediately furrow in confusion when he clearly identifies and recognizes this smell. It's that expensive bottle of perfume that sits high up on the shelf in your room, carefully placed there so he won't accidentally get to it.
The last time he remembers you wearing it, you had been invited to a major work event at the hunters’ association where you had been awarded a great achievement for your hard work. And now you are wearing it at seven in the morning when trying to make it out of the apartment without him noticing.
Now that's suspicious.
"..Where are you going?"
His voice is raspy and slightly harsh; the moment the words make it past his lips, you let out a tiny yelp and whip your head around to look at him.
That is the look of someone who just got caught red handed, Caleb figures. Your eyes are unable to meet his; fidgeting hands trying to hide something behind your back when you take in the sight of him and the way he's crossing his arms in front of his puffed up chest.
"Y-You're up already, Caleb! I'm just..-" your eyes dart around the room, trying to look for an excuse before returning your gaze to match his, "I'm meeting up with Tara today! Forgot to tell you about it last night, but we are getting breakfast together"
You are lying. Knowing how clingy he is, you would never leave home without letting him know first. Especially because — since taking him in — you had learned pretty early on how much Caleb hated the thought of being away from you, being genuinely upset when you make it home late when a mission ended up taking longer than necessary or you wouldn't make it home in time even though 'you promised'.
"It's not even eight" he mutters, stepping closer so he can wrap his arm around yours and tug you back into your shared apartment, something inside of his stomach churning in frustration, "You could've woken me up to let me know"
His tail has already wrapped around your waist, making it hard for you to get out from his firm grip. You can feel his strong gaze as it's burying holes in your face, waiting for a proper answer to make it past your lips. But it's hard to do that when you can clearly tell he won't take a simple no for a reply, especially now when he's obviously agitated.
"I won't be away for too long, Caleb" you whisper, reaching your hand up to cup his face, "Just wait a little bit longer and I'll be back before you know it, alright? How about that apple pie from downtown you like so much? I'll go grab you a slice, ok?"
He's pouting, his bottom lip pushed out as he nuzzles his face into your palm in a way he always does when he's trying to act cute and convince you not to go. It would've worked usually, but you have something to do today that is pretty important, so there's no way you are going to fall for his tricks once more.
"I'm so sorry, but I really have to get going now. I'll be back in an hour, promise" You gently brush your fingers through his brown, soft locks, pressing a quick kiss on his nose before you break away and gesture for him to go back to sleep.
But Caleb is faster — he always is — and he reaches for your hand to bring it up to his face, pressing his sharp teeth into your palm as he leaves a prominent bite mark on it, gently brushing his tongue against it as an apology when you let out a pained yelp. His eyes are half-lidded and his grip feels warm, and he only lets go when you repeatedly reassure him you would be back soon and that he will get you to himself for the rest of the day.
"It's been way longer than an hour."
Caleb's ears are flattened on top of his head, his eyebrows furrowed in annoyance and you know this is going to be a difficult conversation when you notice how his nose scrunched up the moment you entered the living room and stepped inside, his eyes averting any attempt of yours to look at him.
"Traffic has been kind of busy. I'm sorry, 'leb-"
"And you have that disgusting smell on you again"
You raise your eyebrow in confusion, trying to get a whiff of yourself, but it's difficult to pick up anything, no matter how hard you try. It must be his sensitive nose that understands the little details off about you, and Caleb sighs when you tell him you don't notice anything and don't even know where it's coming from.
"You don't understand, it's everywhere" Caleb murmurs, walking over and nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck, leaving little traces of his teeth across your skin without hurting you too much in the process, "Where did you go? Who did you meet?"
"Me? Nobody..! I was just-"
"You said you were going out for breakfast with Tara," Caleb huffs, his voice cold, "So you lied to me"
His grip on you tightens, his tail wrapping around your waist and you can clearly tell that he is angry now as his nails start digging into your clothes and his body starts tensing up.
"W-Wait, Caleb! Hear me out for a second! I just-"
"You have been hiding something from me, I know it" he growls, lunging forward to leave several bites on your neck, "So? Who is it? Who are you trying to meet when I'm at home waiting for you?"
"Alright, alright, stop!"
Your hands reach forward to press against his chest, pushing his body away from you in one go, so you can break free from his grip and take a couple of steps back. You are panting, your chest heaving as you watch the way his eyes had turned dark, his whole body tensing up in betrayal; it reminded you of the time when you first started living together and you had to slowly learn how to gain Caleb's trust over time.
You sigh, shaking your head, "Caleb, sit down and close your eyes. I'll be back in a minute."
Your steps are quick and his nose nervously follows your scent.
Caleb listens to the little sounds you make: hears a door open and close, something rustling and crackling, shelves opening and closing. Then he hears your steps as they quickly draw closer and finally stop right in front of him, an object placed on the table in front of him that he can't make out at all, but can immediately recognize.
It has that smell you have been carrying these past days.
"Okay, now open your eyes"
Bright sparks take over his vision, little crackling noises leaving him confused as he turns his head to look at you, waiting for an answer while he stares at what he can only identify as some type of cake with a branch sitting on top of it.
"Happy birthday, Caleb!" you chirp nervously, presenting the little surprise you had tried to prepare for him in advance, "I know it's not officially your birthday, but today marks the very first year we have been living together! I tried making you a cake by myself, but you have been way too observant recently, so I had to break the news earlier than I wanted to-"
"…Birthday?" he whispers, taking a closer look at the cake in front of him that is still flickering, pretty decorations added to hand-drawn letters that spell out his name and a small message on it.
"Yep, your birthday! I figured you wouldn't be the biggest fan of surprises, but I never expected you to be this suspicious of me"
The haze inside his mind is slowly dissipating as he watches the wide smile on your face and the way your eyes are shining at him. The squeeze he has been feeling these past days, tightly clutching onto his heart, is slowly loosening and making it possible to finally breathe out properly and realize that all this time, you have thought about him, and him only.
You chuckle leaning forward to stroke his hair, "You are lucky I don't mind how clingy you are, but keep down the bites next year, alright?"
He nuzzles his face into your palm, gently brushing his lips against the mark he had left there with a little whine, "Alright."
my contribution for @yourgravity2026 ! I had so much fun participating and creating art for Caleb's birthday <3 so excited for you guys to see everyone's works. please look forward to the full zine releasing on June 12! (PST)
Mall date!!!!
Here's my contribution to the @yourgravity2026 zine! The full (free!!!) zine will be posted on June 12, so please look forward to it <3 Everyone did an amazing job on their works.
━ .ᐟ✧ Summary: Throughout all lifetimes he’s always wanted one thing on his special day. Whether she realizes or not is another story.
Caleb caressed her cheek then traced his thumb across the outline of her lips. “How are you going to make it up to me?”
━ .ᐟ✧ Pairing: Caleb/MC
━ .ᐟ✧ Word count: 1.9k
━ .ᐟ✧ Tags: 🍎🍏 old days, domestic fluff + hurt/comfort; childhood memories, short and sweet, possessive Caleb
AO3 Link and full fic below 🌇
Every year he’s always had one wish.
Check out the full zine release tomorrow, it’s packed with so much love for our dear pilot ✈️
Read on AO3
Rays spilled across the russet horizon like molten gold. Not too long ago, Caleb thought he’d never see a sky like this, never again hear her voice, or have her barrel towards him for a warm embrace. He’d come out of that near-disastrous flight relatively intact. Recovery came fast, but returning to his life as it was before was nearly impossible.
Strange dreams haunted him ever since he returned from the deep-space tunnel. It brought with it moments of dissonance, making him feel like this life was but one of many. Dreams vivid and clear as if he’d been the one who lived them. All of them had the same thing in common: she was by his side, and none of those lives included spending at least 100 years with her.
A life where they were nothing but weapons in a world laid to ruin. Where she had a fate destined to burn bright and herald oblivion.
Another where he’d left her behind, only for his precious person to crumble in his absence. There, too, they were split apart again, and again.
Each dream made an inescapable longing tear into his flesh and draw out a deprivation that would never be sated. So, when his scheduled return to Linkon for his Birthday arrived, he was the first to call her when he reached the platform.
Time. He just wanted all of her time. No calls from her friends from college asking her to meet, and no sneaking away to surprise him for his birthday. He didn’t want to even make room for Gran to take them out to a traditional ‘birthday family dinner.’ Caleb would much rather stay in their house, away from prying eyes, and be fully and completely home with her.
But when he heard her voice filled with such excitement, laying out “Caleb’s Adrenaline-Filled Adventure Party” itinerary, he couldn’t help but feel happy, even if he wasn’t too thrilled at sharing their time with their old schoolmates.
Caleb didn’t have the heart to tell her he was still sore and recovering. And he would never tell her about the accident, let alone his homesickness, or that the thought of spending his precious free time with anyone else but her made his skin crawl.
In some strange way, he was actually thankful for almost dying. It made him realize what was important. Who was most important.
So, to have that very precious person, almost break her neck at that very party she all-so-meticulously planned, was enough to make him almost bring the entire Linkon Adventure Park down.
“I’m sorry. I feel like I ruined your birthday,” She said, her voice muffled and soft as she nuzzled his neck, no doubt trying to dry her tears.
Caleb sighed, readjusting her limp form against his back. He’d coaxed her to let him carry her piggyback home. All it took was promising to make her favorite chicken wings later, and she folded without fuss.
“There’s nothing for you to apologise for, if anything, I should for letting you try rockclimbing with such weak soles on your shoes.”
He should have been faster to catch her when she slipped.
How could I look away from her for just one second?
Never again.
“That’s not your fault either,” she groaned, her slack arms wrapped tighter around his shoulders. “You caught me! I was just clumsy enough to lose my footing in the first place. I just hate that your party ended early.”
“I think it ended right on time, if you ask me,” Caleb mumbled.
Unbothered, she leaned forward to peer at his profile.“Really? How so?”
At her round eyes, he swallowed hard. Even just her breath against his cheek was enough to send his heart racing. Her pursed lips, supple and a deep pink, twisted into a wry smile. “Were you homesick, Caleb? Did you actually want to be a complete homebody this weekend?”
All the tension left his body as he stifled a laugh. “Can’t hide anything from you, huh? You’re right, I wanted to do absolutely nothing at home with you all day.”
“If you wanted that, then why didn’t you just tell me?” She whined, lightly kicking her feet.
“My cute lil’ cupcake planned an extra special day for me. Why wouldn’t I attend such a grand event hosted only once a year by the pipsqueak?”
“Alright, alright! I admit I went overboard inviting your high school classmates and your college friends– but Gideon mentioned you’ve been a little down lately, so I just…well…”
“You wanted me to let loose, huh” Caleb chuckled, his gaze transfixed on the ground. “Do you remember back when we were kids–– the time we snuck away from my birthday to go to one of our secret bases?”
“Yeah. We took the cake with us and finished it all by ourselves under the stars. Got absolutely sick the next day from it and covered in mosquito bites,” She groaned, leaning forward to press her chin against the crown of his head. He felt her take a deep breath, and a strange heaviness rose and fell in his chest at the sound. “Itchiest birthday ever, I felt so bad about it. I was the one who cried and made you sneak out with me.”
“It was the itchiest and best birthday ever for me. Sure, we were miserable after, but at the time, I just thought, ‘Wow, we really got away with leaving everything behind.’ Not just the cake, but even telling stories about the constellations until you fell asleep was sweet.”
She pressed her index fingers to the corners of his lips and lifted them upwards into a smile. “Caleb is such a softie, being extra nice when a certain brat ruined his birthday not once, but twice.”
“Just twice? Really, you can’t think of any other birthday where things didn’t go as planned? That’s what makes it fun, not ruined. Plus, any birthday with you is the best birthday ever. So this is a happy accident, besides you getting hurt. That I’m not too thrilled about.”
Caleb focused his gaze on the horizon. He saw the outline of Grans’ rooftop, illuminated in a soft orange glow. It was still so far. He could use his evol to get there faster, but then he’d be cutting short his alone time with pipsqueak.
“Really? Then I guess all ends well.” Her bubbling laughter filled the air, bringing with it the light, gentle breeze of summer. Her grip tightened, embracing him as if the mere act was just to assure him of something. “Happy Birthday Caleb. If every birthday requires me to be there to be the best, then just don’t be so far away that I can’t come. Ok?”
A familiar ache tightened in his chest. He wanted to say he’d never go anywhere she couldn’t go
He glanced down at his necklace. The words ‘When U Come Back’ both comforted and cursed him. After the crash, he’d planned never to wear it on a flight again.
“Ok. I’ll try not to.”
❀*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Caleb woke up to a muted ceiling.
No longer in Linkon.
This is Skyhaven.
He put his hands over his eyes, took in a deep breath, and slowly exhaled.
A dream of the past again, back when all he had to worry about was coming home to her. At the time, he didn’t know how precious that freedom was.
He sat up and greeted the dawn, his right hand running across the sheets in search of her traces. The temperature readings reflected subtle warmth. A wry smile crossed his lips. To think, she woke up before him for once.
Caleb knew something was up the moment he stepped into a fully lit hallway. Dawn had only just broken, coloring his dark and cold apartment with an orange tint. Drawn back curtains guided him to her hunched-over form, buried in a familiar album in front of his bookcase on the floor. She was dressed in one of his old t-shirts, with her hair tied up with the apple hairclip he’d bought her the day before.Her focus was so intense that Caleb was able to sit down next to her without her even noticing.
He stared at her for a while, expecting some reaction. When there was none, he laid his head on her shoulder and nuzzled the crook of her neck.
That made her finally look up.
Round eyes met his as the slightest hint of surprise melted into a bright smile. “Oh, you’re awake. Welcome back to the land of early risers, Caleb.”
“I was beginning to become a bit jealous of this album,” he teased, pulling her into his arms. One arm slipped behind her waist while the other pulled her to him, eliciting a squeak as he moved her to sit between his legs.
She happily leaned up against his chest. “Now you have my full attention, happy?”
“Hmm, not yet.” Caleb shot her a challenging smirk and made a move to pluck the book from her grasp. “One of our many albums, I see,” Caleb held the album just out of reach to take a closer look, ignoring her whines to return it.
The page was open to a photo of them from his academy days. She was on his back, her shoes off and in his hands, giving two peace signs at presumably Gran holding the camera. Caleb was smiling widely in the photo, his gaze fixed on her. When was this? It took him a moment to notice a faint red mark on her ankle. His eyes widened.
Just then, pipsqueak used her full weight to push him down on the floor. Playfully, she laid on his chest and triumphantly plucked the book from his hands. “When did you grab this from the attic, huh?” She gave him a light kiss, melting his surprise into a sheepish grin.
Caleb laughed. It was ironic to think he’d dreamed about that very summer. “Right after Gran let us out of the attic. Didn’t feel right keeping it in storage.”
She giggled, then poked his cheek. “Good job, past Caleb. You saved even more memories than I thought. I almost forgot we took a photo that day. Then again, I only recall one time we didn’t get a photo on your birthday,” her voice softened, as if the mere memory of the year before still haunted her.
It did him too.
Caleb caressed her cheek then traced his thumb across the outline of her lips. “How are you going to make it up to me?”
“Hmm, I was going to wait and surprise you, but–don’t you think it’s time we retire this album and start a new one? And maybe stay in all day for your birthday? Watch old movies, stuff our faces, and then put all our recent photos in the shiny new album I got you.”
Caleb wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed her down closer to his chest. Her subtle squeak only enticed him to kiss her. He captured her achingly soft lips with his own, the taste of fresh citrus lingering from the tea she’d had just a few minutes before. To think that was what touched her lips first this morning. A hint of jealousy made him dare to deepen the kiss, eliciting a soft, pleasurable moan. He wanted to tease her, dare her into wanting more.
“Sounds perfect to me,” he said, deep and drawn out, in that way he knew would trap her. “But I don’t want to share you with even an old movie just yet. I can be extra selfish on a day like today, right?”
“Naturally.”
Just like every year, he’d always want one thing for his birthday.
