Chapter Text
Tara and you both look at the pink cake in front of you in awe like children.
"And you baked this yourself?", Tara turns to look at Yvonne surprised, you can only share the sentiment.
The reaction certainly is not overdoing it. The cake is relatively big, seeing as it needs to feed a lot of guests. It is round and coloured in soft pink with a marble effect. Soft swirls decorating the edge at the top and bottom. And what kind of birthday cake doesn't have some sprinkles on top? In the centre there are two strawberries indicating at what flavour it is.
Both Tara and you can't wait to dig in, the other guests being no different, most having left their their compliments with Yvonne already. The woman looks proud of herself, as she should be.
Yvonne laughs at the compliment Tara indirectly gave, cheeks tinting a cute pink matching the cake, "It took a while I have to admit, but I think it was worth it."
"I believe you, but if it tastes even remotely as well as it looks then I might just force you to become a baker instead", you state, Tara nodding along as backup.
"Oh please, I have spend far too long in school for now to change it up."
The bell notifies the host that there is yet another guest that arrived. It is a bit late into the party, but nothing too unacceptable.
Zayne isn't proud of the fact that he is arriving late, even if it is in the time frame of being considered fashionably late. It is all to easy to fall back on the excuse of work, but it is simply the truth. Yvonne of all people should know just how packed his schedule sometimes gets, without Zayne putting on more workload on top of that.
When the door opens Yvonne smiles at him and urges the man to enter. She dismisses his apologies and leads him further into the house into the living room where a little crowd is already occupying the space.
"Where should I put the present?", Zayne raises the bag in his hand and Yvonne takes and leaves him to his own devices.
Not really knowing what to do with himself he looks around a bit to try to gauge if there are any familiar faces so he can escape this awkwardness of standing in the entryway all on his own.
While talking with Tara you hear Yvonne speak up at the other end of the room, "Oh you shouldn't have."
You turn around to see who the newcomer is, but with how tall he is it isn't a challenge at all. But you rub your eyes before looking again because you feel like they are playing tricks at you.
Tara obviously notices your weird behaviour following your gaze a grin spreading, "What? Already found your target for the night?"
You can't focus on what the woman is saying, because is that Zayne?
Without a warning you push yourself through to the other end of the room, Tara following you confused. Zayne doesn't even realise that the two women stand in front of him until one of them speaks up, "If my eyes aren't deceiving me, is that you Zayne?"
Zayne looks to where a familiar voice pipes up, it doesn't even take him a second to realise who the woman is.
It is you.
Indeed the world is a small.
His wide eyed expression makes you laugh and you open up your arms to embrace him. Even though you would want to squeeze the hell out of him you keep things civil and appropriate. After all you doubt that after all the absence in his life you could still consider yourself to be his best friend.
Zayne doesn't really comprehend what is happening at first, but it doesn't take him long to return the friendly hug. It is only unintentionally that he gets the pleasant scent of your perfume into his nose. It is so foreign on you and yet he can not complain.
The embrace doesn't last long, but you certainly take his reciprocation as a good sign.
"Oh, you know each other?", Yvonne speaks up from next to you before either of you three can open your mouths.
Zayne looks as passive as ever as he explains, "Yes, we used to be childhood friends."
Even though this is Yvonne's birthday celebration you can't help but feel like you just have been gifted the best present ever. To be honest it would be a lie if you would say that you aren't nervous seeing the man, he has changed plenty. Look wise he has grown of course, grew up to be a handsome man like your grandmother predicted. You can't say that you are all that surprised about it.
There is no doubt that his personality probably also changed, which is a bit intimidating to deal with, because what if you don't get along together like you used to. But you can't deny that you are at least a bit excited at the prospect of getting to know the man all over again.
Zayne tries his best to not stare at you, giving Yvonne his attention instead.
You have changed quite a lot since you were kids, obviously. He has deliberated how you must look like nowadays every now and again when he is feeling especially nostalgic, but nothing could ever come close to the woman that is standing in front of him tonight.
Your smile is still as pretty as ever.
Yvonne nods teasing, "That is a pleasant surprise then. I was worried that Greyson and I would have to entertain you the whole night."
"I don't think that would have been necessary."
"You know Greyson as well?", you question.
"It would be weird if I didn't, seeing as we both work together."
The puzzle pieces slide into place and you exclaim, "Wait, you work at the Akso Hospital?"
You have read of Zayne's achievements in the medical field when you noticed his name in the news, but you didn't obsess over his every move. At least you didn't because it kind of hurt seeing him around, knowing that he could have contacted you all this time and yet didn't. But tonight that is just water under the bridge.
"Yes, I have for a while now", Zayne responds in his usual neutral tone. It almost makes you laugh a bit, seeing how his way of speaking didn't change all that much.
Tara looks between Zayne and you, you are too preoccupied to see her expression, clearly focused on Zayne, but Yvonne sure notices. With a tilt of her head Tara signals for the two of them to take their leave to give you some time to catch up. Yvonne looks at her confused but follows along regardless.
"I am going to go get some drinks, Yvonne?", and with that the two women are off.
Zayne looks down to you, rising his eyebrow in question as he notices you frowning up at him.
"You have grown", you state pretend grumpy.
"I hope I did. You teased me plenty when we were still kids", he raises his hand and pats you a couple of times, he thought about ruffling it affectionately, but he wouldn't want to destroy your hairdo, "I feel like now it is my turn."
"You are just impossible. We haven't talked in like a decade and here you are calling me short", you cross your arms shaking your head.
Even though you may pretend to be mad, you are actually really happy right now. This is going better than expected. Seeing him here in flesh and bone actually reminds you of how much you have missed him in your life. You remember being heartbroken when one day Zayne suddenly left, his family moving.
The last thing he left being three snowballs mocking you.
Zayne looks at you in confusion when you start giggling to yourself, "What is so funny?"
"Its- just that-", you try to contain your laughter, but eventually you manage to explain, "I just remembered that before you moved away you left a package with snowballs in it and I was so mad at you that I swore that when I see you again that I would throw those snowballs right back into your face."
"You thought they were snowballs?", he asks expression unreadable.
Your laughter dies down, but you are still very much amused, "Yeah, why? What were they supposed to be?"
"Nothing", Zayne shuts down, but it is too late and your curiosity has been peaked.
He looks away as you try to get him to look at you, "No, no, you don't get to not tell me after all this time."
But he is unyielding, you don't know if it is perhaps the lighting or maybe because of how warm it is in the room with so many people in it, but you could swear that there is the slightest rose colour on his cheeks.
"Tsk, I will make you spill the beans sooner or later doctor", you cross your hands and raise your chin high.
"What? Are you going to try to force the information out of me throughout the night?", Zayne looks at you amused but clearly having no intention of sharing the whole story with you.
"Who said I am going to do it for tonight only? A good interigator is presistent. I am going to send you letters, spam your email, perhaps even bunker down in your house until you finally give in."
"Why not just ask for my phone number instead? Isn't that going to be a bit more time and cost effective?", he replies showing his amusement with the tiniest rise of the corner of his mouth.
Somehow you are glad that his expressions are more on the subdued side, similar to when you were kids. It gives you comfort that not everything is completely different to before. With this whole conversation flowing easily between you, you honestly feel like you haven't been apart for that long.
Wait, is the man suggesting you trade phone numbers?
Zayne is honestly surprised at his boldness. He should blame it on how delighted he is to see you after all this time. It must be the nostalgia, a longing for an easier time probably, at least he will blame it on that.
"Smooth", is all you say as you reach out expectantly.
Zayne looks down to your palm for a second and then realises what you want. He gives you his unlocked phone and you enter your phone number.
"Putting your name in? I have expected something more exotic from you", Zayne teases when you return the phone.
"You know", you shrug nonchalantly, "Perhaps you are using this phone for work. Would be a bit awkward if a rumor got started because of me that you have a girlfriend, because I decided to prank you."
"How generous you are", Zayne sarcastically responds and calls you so you will have his number as well.
You may have held yourself back with his phone, but there are no laws when it comes to your phone. A mischievous grin appears on your face and Zayne already knows what is coming. While you giggle to yourself, typing away on your phone, he takes the time to appreciate you being here and the way you changed so much but not at all, still expressive as always.
He doesn't think that he felt as comfortable in another persons presence in a long while.
Proudly you present him the name you have saved him as.
He leans down to get a good read, "Snowman?"
"I know, I am quite the creative mastermind."
Not too close to interrupt but also not too far away as to not be able to see and hear you stands Tara and Yvonne, now also accompanied by Greyson, who almost interrupted the two of you talking if Tara didn't stop him.
"What is happening?", Greyson asks eyes wide.
"Are they exchanging numbers?!", Tara whisper shouts at Yvonne while holding onto her arm.
"It seems like it", the woman answers surprised.
She has known Zayne for a while and yet she has yet to see him like this. His expressions might not be much in comparison to any of you, but he certainly is more expressive with you than he usually would be, which is enough of a change to make Zayne's coworkers suspicious.
"Do you think they are going to go on a date?", Tara can't help but be happy for her friend.
"Zayne? On a date? Let's not get overzealous here", Greyson stops the excited woman.
"You have no imagination Greyson. Why did you invite him again?", Tara pouts.
"Wh-", Greyson spreads his arms wide and opens his eyes in disbelieve.
"I am not sure myself", Yvonne plays along teasing Greyson.
Zayne and you don't end up just talking to each other, but you certainly are joined at the hip. One doesn't leave the vicinity of the other, letting other people join in on the conversation instead of parting ways to look for new conversation partners.
Neither of you really notice, but your friends do.
There is so much that happened in both of your lives which keeps conversation between you going easily. And even though you are aware that you have each others numbers, you feel as though as Zayne will magically disappear for another decade as soon as you part ways.
Zayne doesn't consciously just stay by your side, but your energy is drawing him in and the conversation flows so easily. It feels refreshing and for once he feels like he can let loose a bit. Not worry about the schedule of the next day or what he should do with his limited free time. It is nice and it reminds him so much of the comfort you have brought him when you were younger.
Finally after a couple of hours the cake is served and you notice the big slice which Yvonne personally made sure to deliver to Zayne.
Zayne looks at you when he hears you chuckle like many times tonight, "I see that you still have a sweet tooth."
"I think it is normal to like sweet stuff."
"True, can't go wrong with a good cake or muffin."
You enjoy your cake for a moment in silence and you get an idea, "How about I show you a really good cafe I found not so long ago. It has such delicious cream puffs- oh and the pineapple buns are also to die for, or you could also try their mango pancakes-"
"For a place you found not so long ago you sure seem familiar with the menu."
You blush being called out like that. Zayne decides he likes that sight.
"But sure, we can go together. I doubt that I will be able to try it all out on my own and you appear to be quite knowledgeable on the desserts there."
"Gladly", you say.
You make sure to pick on Zayne plenty for taking another slice of cake later on.
"I had so much fun", you hug Yvonne after you wish her a happy birthday yet again. You are pretty sure that the woman is probably sick of hearing it all day, but you don't care. Though you do feel a bit guilty realising that you have spent most of the time with Zayne.
"I bet you did", she whispered into your ear with a knowing tone as you hug goodbye, which you don't understand. But what you do understand is the knowing look she gives you after you separate, the insinuation making you flush a bit.
Outside Tara, Greyson, Zayne and you are walking out of the apartment complex.
"Did you come by foot?", Zayne enquires, you assume that he is talking to the whole group and yet he only looks at you.
"Well, Tara dro-", you are quickly interrupted by Tara, "I am sorry, but something urgent came up and I can't drive you back home."
You look at her confused but before you can ask she grabs Greyson by the arm and starts running, the man just as confused as you asking her what is going on. The only answer he gets is a shush.
And just like that they are gone.
Zayne and you stand there both unsure as to what just happened.
"Okaaay- That was weird", you turn to face Zayne sheepishly, "Well, as I was about to say, Tara drove me here, but seeing as she just ran off I will be making my way back by foot."
With a neutral expression, which still seems to be the norm for him, he answers, "No need. I can drive you."
Zayne doesn't wait for you to find a counter argument he knows you will try to present him with, walking to the direction of his car instead. He is happy to hear you follow him, flustered trying to argue why he doesn't need to drive you still.
You arguments stop when you see the car he is driving, letting out an impressed whistle, "Not bad doctor, not bad."
"Where do you live?"
"Same old", you answer and Zayne nods.
"Do you still live with your grandmother?"
"Nope", the answer makes Zayne glance at you confused.
You are quick to add, "Well, I still live in the same house, it's just that grandma lives in a retirement home now. She didn't want to bother me and Caleb, especially since we are both quite busy with work."
"Oh, Caleb. Also haven't heard of him in a while."
"Yep, he is a big shot Colonel now for the Deepspace Fleet."
"Shouldn't surprise me, always had his fascination with flying", Zayne muses.
"Well yeah, he wouldn't stop telling us trivia about aviation. Would have been hell of a surprise if he suddenly become a vet or something", you fondly reminisce. At the time it might have been a bit annoying at times to be bombarded with all the knowledge, but looking back on it you find it endearing.
"Vet wouldn't be too surprising to be honest", Zayne counters.
"Oh, now that is an interesting take. Elaborate", you turn more to him interest piqued.
"Don't you remember all the fun facts he would just randomly tell about all kinds of animals. Especially bugs", Zayne smiles fondly, no doubt thinking back on all the times when you were just marching through the park together.
"Okay you do have a point."
"Well, what do you do then?"
"I am am a hunter", you say proudly. It certainly was no easy task, but you think all the hard work paid off. It is an arduous job no doubt and can be quite dangerous at times, but you love what you do.
"Well, that is surprising", Zayne comments expression still unreadable.
"Why is that?", you cross your arms, already on defence, "I swear to god if you say because of my height-"
Zayne shakes his head, "I technically didn't say that."
"Boo-hoo tomayto, tomahto", you roll your eyes.
The car slowly comes to a halt and Zayne looks at the familiar building. It still looks the same, only a handful of differences showing that there is a new owner inhabiting the space. There are a lot of flowers in the front yard and the fence looks a different colour, but it is hard to tell with only the streetlights illuminating the street.
You thank him for giving you a ride.
"No need to thank me", Zayne responds watching you step out of the door. He is ready to drive off, but you catch his attention one more time, "Before I forget, one last thing", Zayne leans further to the passenger seat to hear you better.
"What were the snowballs supposed to be?"
Zayne rolls his eyes, "Goodnight, we will see each other around."
You laugh at your own antics and genuinely respond, "Gladly."
And with that your ways for tonight separate.
You are happy, so happy that you take a few quick steps at the same spot to get out all the excess energy you seem to have. Not only did you get to meet your childhood friend, but also have a date planed with him for one of these days!
Platonic date, of course.
As Zayne is skilfully navigating the streets he can't help but let a smile take over his face. For the first time in a long while he is looking forward to having a day off.
Caleb couldn't fall asleep, not while you are away anyways.
It is one thing to sleep while away on a longer mission or even when he is staying alone in Skyhaven, but when he is staying with you that is a whole other can of worms. Caleb always thinks and worries about you, that is just what he does and, what he likes to think, he does best.
Tonight is no different.
He is happy that you have quite the healthy social life, surrounded by many friends. It is good to have a good support system, even if he would like to be the sole person you need to rely on. He knows that it is not a realistic wish, nor a practical one, with him sometimes gone days at a time.
As possessive as Caleb knows he can get, he likes to think that he has honed the craft of self control over the years.
But a man can have his fantasies and wishes.
It is close to turning midnight, around the time you said that you would be coming home. Caleb wants to message you, but he doesn't want to have an argument with you again about being too overbearing sometimes. It doesn't happen too often, but the fact that fights happen at all is bad enough for him.
He doesn't really see what's so wrong about being informed about your whereabouts, he just wants what is best for you. Caleb can't help but overthink things when it comes to you, he never could. But trying to explain that to you is easier said than done.
It has always been walking a thin line when it comes to you. There are just some things which are best for you to not know. Even if it is crushing him inside.
To pass the time Caleb does a multitude of menial tasks and catches up on some chores. Even if you sometimes tell him off for working so much around the house, even though it is his time off, he never stops helping around the house. He isn't home as often as he would like to be, so the least he could do is to help out where he can.
To see you come home exhausted from work and light up at the sight of a fresh meal and a clean house makes it all worth it in his opinion.
Like right now he is doing the wash up. There is not enough dirty dishes to put them in the dishwasher, but too many to just leave it in the sink. It is peaceful and awfully quiet without you here to fill the space.
Thankfully Caleb is a patient man, he has to be with you.
He is taken away from his thoughts when he hears a car stopping in front of your house, at least that is what it sounds like. Caleb wipes his hands on the towel and walks up to the window facing the street.
There you are, leaning over into the car, speaking with another person which the man can't make out from so far away, not to mention it being night already. But what he does recognise is that this certainly is not the same car which Tara has picked you up with.
Something flares up in Caleb's chest and he squints at the sight as if he could magically zoom in closer.
Soon enough the car drives off and Caleb sees you excitedly shake off. What has gotten you this happy, or more importantly, who?
He knows that he has no right to be bitter, especially since he doesn't really have the full picture, but it is hard to not be jealous. It is conflicting, because on one hand he wants to see you happy, no matter what or who the reason is, but on the other he can't help but have the selfish desire to be the sole reason to cause that happiness.
When you enter the door, feeling like today was a dream Caleb is already there ready to greet you.
"Why aren't you asleep already?", you ask him as if you don't already know the answer.
"Couldn't sleep", Caleb smiles crossing his arms in a familiar fashion.
It is always routine with the two of you. Even if the both of you don't say certain things to each other you both already know the implications and reasons, not like you would ever comment on it or question if the other person really knows. It has worked for you both so far.
Being elusive seems to be the speciality of the two of you.
You pass him to walk to the kitchen, he follows you.
Caleb walks back to the sink only a couple dirty dishes left to clean, patiently waiting for you to recall the party or to bid you goodnight.
"You don't have to do that", you complain rummaging through the fridge.
"Did they have nothing to eat at the party?", Caleb avoids your comment.
"Mmm, yes Yvonne prepared plenty and the cake was actually so delicious that I thought that I might cry tears of joy, but I don't know. Suddenly I have the urge for something, but not sure what."
Caleb laughs, "Do you want me to quickly make something for you?"
You close the fridge dissatisfied even though it is fully stocked. Instead you lean against the cabinet next to the sink watching his hands move the sponge across the plate. It is hypnotising seeing his hands flex. Suddenly you feel like you need a cool glass of water.
"Actually, you won't guess who I met today", you switch the topic entirely, deciding that you would rather stare straight ahead instead.
"Oh? Pray tell."
"So I met this doctor at a party-"
"Ah and you told them how you *always* take such good care of yourself", the teasing remark gains Caleb a light push to the side from you at which the man laughs.
"What do you think I have you for smart one?", you tease right back, he only theatrically nods in agreement as if he finally connected some dots.
"I thought that I was your personal chef."
"Well that too and my hairdresser, my reminder, my cheerleader-", you start listing jokingly but with a clear fondness in your voice.
Caleb yet again interrupts, mock offended, "Is best friend at least on that list?"
"No, the title of best friend definitely goes to Tara, nice try though."
"Hey!", now it is his turn to push you to the side. You also respond to it with laughter.
After you laughter dies down a bit you are left with this nice and sombre silence. As the water keeps flowing Caleb decides to break it, "Am I at least your Caleb?"
Caleb keeps his gaze engrossed on his task, you yourself are oddly content at staring at the same dot in the distance, only sparing him a sideways glance. He looks quite content and peaceful, focused on his work. He truly always gives his one hundred percent. It is something you admire about him.
His side profile is truly something to marvel at as well, but you don't dare to get lost in that sight.
Caleb waits patiently for your response, he knows that he will never get a serious answer in return and you do the same. It isn't hard that both of you are stuck in a dynamic which he can't seem to find a way to break out of. Not knowing if you would even want to change it makes it even harder to breach.
"I am not sure you are mature enough for that yet", you decide to tease instead of honestly answering, something you catch yourself doing a lot with him. It is funny how quickly you are to reach for teasing, joking and lighthearted remarks with him, but you can't say that he hasn't been guilty of it himself as well.
He speaks with an outraged playful tone, "I am literally one year older than you!"
"Ugh, you are missing the point. Anyways you didn't let me finish-", you switch the topic back to what you actually wanted to tell him, "As I was saying, so I met this doctor, but it wasn't just any doctor. No, because guess who it was."
He spares you a sideways glance complaining with a smile, "I am not actually going to start guessing. You know damn well that I will guess myself stupid and won't even come close to who you are thinking off."
You roll your eyes, "You are no fun, but I am excited so I will tell you. See how gracious I am?"
"Very", he smirks at you.
"Of all the people, it was Zayne!", you say overjoyed.
Caleb makes sure to not betray any emotion which that name stirs within him. Out of all the people you could have possible stumbled across it had to be Zayne. Life just has been too nice lately so now life decided to throw Zayne into the mix as well. Did he do something to deserve this? Is it bad karma for something Caleb has done?
"Who?", he thinks he is doing a pretty good job at not letting his tone portray the bitterness he is feeling, old jealousy reigniting.
That question gains him a light hit to the shoulder, "You know, Zayne, or childhood friend who ended up moving away."
Caleb pretends to think for a moment, definitely not petty on his part. As if he's having a sudden revelation he speaks up, "Ohhh, that Zayne. Okay. What about him?"
"It turns out that he actually works as a surgeon in Akso Hospital together with Yvonne and Greyson. What small world we live in."
"Sure is", Caleb tries to not seem pissed off by this new addition in your life, feeling his jaw clench. The plate under his grip thankfully doesn't break, but it might with how strongly he is clutching it.
You are far too busy reminiscing about the good old days to notice this change in demeanour and can't help but look forward to the new memories you can create together.
Caleb was never really fond of the boy, well, now man. While Caleb would like to say that it isn't personal, it certainly is. The boy was always to clingy towards you in his opinion. Wherever Caleb and you went the boy would always tag along. It was annoying and although Caleb was sympathetic to the pain you experienced after he has moved, he couldn't help himself but feel joy at the prospect of it being just the two of you again.
Just as it always should have been.
"We exchanged numbers and I suggested to meet up with him actually", you recall fondly.
As much as he despise the thought of even muttering those words together into existence, he needs to know, "So, what? Are you going on a date with Zayne of all people?"
"What?! No-", you are quick to answer, but he can see the blush spreading on your cheeks betraying you, sometimes he wishes that it wouldn't be so easy to read you.
"It is just a casual meet up between two friends wanting to reconnect."
You light up as you put a hand on his shoulder, "What if next time we all go out together? You two haven't seen each other in ages as well."
The warmth from your hand seeps into him making Caleb feel more grounded and calm. Before you even mentioned the meet up between the three of you he was already trying to find a way to insert himself into the first meet up as well under the prospect of missing Zayne as well. No use to suggest it now.
He will have to bare the thought of the two of you hanging out on your own. Alone. Just him and you.
Caleb bites the inside of his cheek.
Suddenly Caleb can feel something tugging at the edge of his T-Shirt. He glances at you with a raised eyebrow, but his serious expression softens immediately after meeting your eyes.
He leans over to you entering your direct line of sight and ruffles your hair affectionately. You try to stop him, but it is of no use, you can feel your hair getting messier by the second.
"Of course pipsqueak, anything for you", Caleb says in the sweetest tone. The words feel like honey and you can't help but feel delighted.
"I told you stop that", you finally manage to push his hand away from your head and you retaliate by messing up his hair. He doesn't seem to take offence by the assault and laughs at your attempt at revenge.
Sadly for Caleb, Zayne isn't as easy to forget about, "Well, when is the meet up?"
Your eyes widen as you recall that you haven't actually gotten that far into planing the actual thing, so without hesitation you send Zayne a text message, smiling at the nickname you saved him as.
You yawn and with a quick hug to Caleb's back you bid him goodnight, walking to your room to finally get yourself some well needed rest.
Caleb is done with the dishes, but he lingers at the sink, bracing against the cabinet thinking.
"Zayne, huh?"