Work Text:
The rhythmic hum of the train echoed softly in your ears, the hypnotic sway of the carriage gently lulling your thoughts into a warm haze. Outside the window, Skyhaven approached rapidly, but your mind was far away—lost in memories of summers long past, vibrant and carefree.
You could almost feel the heat of the sun pressing down, carrying the drone of cicadas on a lazy breeze. It had been one of those perfect, sweltering days where your world was nothing more complicated than laughter and the cool splash of water beneath the sprinkler. Caleb's laughter had rung clear and bright beside you, both of you utterly drenched, hair plastered to your faces as you tumbled breathlessly in the soft grass.
“Pipsqueak, wait here, I’ll grab a towel,” Caleb had said, his voice affectionate yet authoritative even at that young age.
But you'd pouted defiantly, crossing your arms with an exaggerated huff. “I don’t need one, Caleb. I like being wet.”
“Oh, really?” Caleb’s eyes had sparkled mischievously, that familiar grin spreading slowly across his face. Before you could blink, he'd sprung forward, chasing after you with a fluffy towel fluttering behind him like a cape. Your shrieks and giggles pierced the humid afternoon as he finally caught you, tackling you gently to the ground. You squirmed beneath him, playfully protesting while the gentle tug of his gravity evol effortlessly kept you in place.
“That’s cheating!” you squealed, mock outrage dissolving into uncontrollable giggles.
“All’s fair in towels and war, Pip!” Caleb laughed, his voice warm and triumphant. Booping your nose as he finally relented, he carefully dried off your flushed cheeks and dripping hair. Each gentle swipe was an unspoken promise, a tender care etched permanently into your memory.
When exhaustion finally settled in, heavy and comfortable, the two of you had wandered lazily over to the swing set. Caleb took his usual spot beside you, settling in easily, legs kicking gently against the dirt as he extended his evol, giving your swing playful, airy pushes. Each surge of gravity sent your heart leaping joyfully into your throat.
“Higher, Caleb!” you begged, tipping your head back, delighted laughter spilling from your lips as your hair whipped around your face.
“One day you'll fly for real, Pips!” Caleb called out, eyes shining proudly as he propelled you skyward. “When I'm a pilot, I’ll take you all the way to the moon if you want.”
“Will we still live here?” your voice had been small yet earnest, your fingers gripping the swing chains tightly as you glanced back at him.
Caleb shrugged lightly, his confidence unwavering. “I'm sure Gran won’t mind. She’d love it.” His tone was casually reassuring, a balm to your fleeting worries.
You nodded thoughtfully, courage rising in your chest, emboldened by his certainty. “Will we be married?”
The question hung innocently in the air, yet it carried a weight that momentarily froze the cheerful momentum. Caleb’s heart skipped, his concentration slipping just enough for his evol to falter, leaving you suspended awkwardly mid-air.
“Hey!” you protested with mock irritation, legs dangling helplessly, kicking defiantly. “Let me down, Caleb!”
Caleb’s cheeks flushed crimson, quickly regaining control and gently setting the swing back in motion. But your piercing gaze stopped him cold when your feet finally touched the ground again, stomping forward to turn in his direction, your hands finding your hips as you fixed him with an accusing stare.
“What's wrong, Pipsqueak?” Caleb asked softly, the playful tone vanishing beneath a surge of genuine concern as he saw tears shimmering in your eyes.
“Don't you want to marry me, Caleb?” your voice trembled, innocent and utterly heartbroken.
Caleb felt his pulse race, a storm of emotions swirling chaotically within him despite his young age. His mouth went dry, mind racing wildly, but as he met your hopeful gaze, his resolve solidified into something fierce and protective.
“I’ll marry you, Pip,” he finally said, voice unwavering, his heart clenching with a sincerity that startled even himself. He knew this was childish fantasy, innocent play—but looking into your determined eyes, he knew he was bound to you, fiercely protective, undeniably yours. He always had been. Always would be.
Your face brightened instantly, determination swiftly replacing any lingering sadness. You took a decisive step forward, tilting your chin up. “Then we should kiss, right? That’s what married people do.” You'd been watching princess movies lately, and it only made sense to ask such things.
Caleb swallowed visibly, heat flooding his face, his heart thudding violently in his chest. You were trouble, the very best kind—the kind he would gladly chase to the ends of the earth.
Caleb adored you more deeply than he could even understand, a feeling tangled up in fierce protectiveness and innocent longing. Of course, he wanted to kiss you—it was all he could do to resist. Yet, he knew instinctively you were too young to grasp what that kiss truly meant, even though he himself could barely comprehend the enormity of such a moment. A first kiss wasn't something to be taken lightly; it was something huge, something precious and unforgettable.
With a deep breath, Caleb gathered his courage and stepped closer, his heart thundering painfully loud in his chest. He leaned in slowly, gently, until his face was inches from yours, close enough to feel your nervous breath hitch and to see the flush rise softly in your cheeks.
"Someday, Pip," Caleb murmured tenderly, his voice low and careful. "Someday I'll be your first kiss. But—not yet, okay?"
He reached to affectionately ruffle your hair, but his hand froze midway as fresh tears shimmered in your eyes, betraying all your secret hopes. It dawned on him, with aching clarity, that you'd been longing for this kiss far longer than he’d realized—an innocent crush rooted deeply in trust and affection for him.
Caleb sighed softly, the warmth and amusement in his eyes mingling with something deeper and infinitely tender. Slowly, deliberately, he raised his hand and pressed his fingers gently against your trembling lips, forming a soft, respectful barrier. With a gentle tilt of his head, he leaned forward and lightly kissed his own fingers—a delicate, fleeting gesture full of sweetness and complete sincerity.
Your eyes widened dramatically, surprise and delight blossoming across your face in equal measure.
"That’ll have to do for now, Pip," Caleb whispered warmly, his smile gentle but certain, promises dancing across his violet eyes.
The moment hangs suspended, fragile yet undeniably precious. Caleb's heart pounds fiercely within his chest as he carefully watches your stunned expression. Wide-eyed, breath held, your fingertips drift upward, hesitantly brushing against the spot where his fingers had rested—a featherlight touch filled with wonder and innocent yearning.
“But Caleb…” your voice trembles slightly, still soft with disbelief, a whisper barely louder than the chirping cicadas around you. “That wasn’t a real kiss.”
He chuckles softly, straightening his posture to appraise you from his slightly taller height. “Not yet,” he replies, eyes warm and reassuring, holding your earnest gaze. “But I promise, Pip—when it's the right time, you'll know.”
Your lower lip protrudes in an exaggerated pout, cheeks flushed, eyes sparkling with mischievous resolve. Caleb recognizes the stubborn determination etched clearly upon your features. Despite himself, he loves that fierce tenacity about you. How could he not?
With a tender, playful smile, he reaches out again, finally tousling your damp hair, the soft strands sliding through his fingers. "C'mon now, Pipsqueak. Don't get all pouty on me. You've got a whole life ahead of you for kisses n' stuff."
“But I want kisses from you,” you insist stubbornly, stamping one small foot into the damp ground, droplets of water still clinging to your toes.
A gasp escapes him at your words, and a gentle ache spreads warmly in Caleb’s chest. And I want that too, more than anything, he thinks silently, watching your resolute expression. He knows you're both still too young, too untouched by the world’s complexities to fully grasp the gravity of such a promise. And yet, his young heart—fierce, loyal, achingly raw—has already committed itself entirely. He’d shift mountains, realign stars, and reshape galaxies if only to keep that radiant smile on your face.
“Alright, Pip. How about we make a promise?” Caleb crouches to your level, his hands gentle on your slender shoulders, his gaze sincere and steady. “When we're older—really older—I’ll give you a real kiss. A proper one, just like you want. Deal?”
Your eyes widen dramatically, blinking rapidly as the enormity of the promise sinks in. Slowly, a dazzling smile blooms across your face, chasing away all shadows and doubt. With a delighted squeal, you throw your arms around his neck, nearly tipping him backward onto the grass, your laughter bubbling over in joyful bursts. "Pinky promise!" you declare breathlessly into his shoulder.
His laughter blends seamlessly with yours as he gathers you close, warmth flooding through him like sunlight after rain. Caleb feels your heartbeat flutter happily against his chest and knows, without any shred of doubt, he would willingly dedicate his entire life to safeguarding that precious rhythm.
"Promise," he whispers softly, his pinky latched with yours.
When the train announces Skyhaven approaching, your memories gently dissolve into the present. Your face warms softly at the lingering memories, and anticipation bubbles within your chest, knowing you've finally reached a moment with Caleb where something truly special could unfold.
It had been nearly a year since Caleb re-entered your life, each moment spent slowly rediscovering the delicate, playful balance you'd shared in childhood. Gradually, the pain of separation—the shadowy ache of secrets and betrayal—had receded, now barely a whisper on the edge of your consciousness. The darkness that once clouded your connection seemed almost nonexistent, replaced by a gentle calmness, allowing precious time together, even if only briefly. Every week you'd carve out space for one another, whether through messages and video calls or quiet evenings at each other's apartments.
Today, however, was special—it was Caleb's birthday. A smile spread across your lips as you carefully tucked the package of thoughtfully chosen items beneath your arm, excitement fluttering warmly in your chest. You’d playfully lied, telling him you couldn't make it today due to an unavoidable mission. Hearing the disappointment in his voice gave you a devious thrill. But you'd promised him something memorable upon your return anyway.
Knowing Caleb would still be attending to fleet duties, you quietly made your way to his apartment, slipping inside effortlessly using the biometric scanner. You hoped he wouldn't notice you'd been there right away. Even if he did, the surprise was more what he’d find–not that you’d been there.
With a mischievous gleam dancing in your eyes, you moved quietly through his apartment, strategically placing items around the space—a carefully crafted scavenger hunt, each object tied to cherished memories you both shared. The final gift, a deeply personal token, you gently slipped beneath his pillowcase, heart fluttering with the implications laid there.
Satisfied, you left as quietly as you'd arrived, slipping outside to wait patiently in a nearby park, excitement humming through your veins as you imagined Caleb discovering your surprise.
After some time, knowing he would soon return home, you pulled out your phone and typed a playful message:
- "Wish I could be there today, birthday boy! I promise I'll make it up to you! Can you do me a favor? I think I left something by your fruit basket last time I was there—can you check when you get home? :D"
Caleb's POV
Caleb's phone buzzed softly just as he pulled into his parking spot, the screen illuminating with your name. He arched an eyebrow curiously, a playful smirk curling at the corner of his mouth as a warm flutter rose in his chest. Without hesitation, his fingers flew over the screen, quickly sending back a teasing reply:
- "ooook, what have u gotten into this time?"
Exiting the vehicle, Caleb scanned the parking lot instinctively, half-expecting to catch a glimpse of you hiding nearby, your mischief-filled eyes beaming in the shadows. Seeing no trace, he shook his head in amusement and headed toward his apartment, a spark of curiosity igniting within him.
Once inside, Caleb paused, the silence confirming he truly was alone. Intrigued, he approached the fruit basket you'd mentioned, his eyes immediately landing on the apples—and beside them, a plush apple toy you'd undoubtedly won recently at the arcade. Chuckling fondly, he shook his head and picked up the note carefully placed beside it, unfolding it gently:
"Crisp and sweet,
your favorite treat,
But still, there's plenty more to see—
Beneath the wings of ancient bugs,
you'll find a clue that memories tug."
Caleb snorted softly, his grin widening, his heart swelling with affection. Quickly, he pulled out his phone again, sending a playful message back to you:
- "cute poem, pipsqueak—when did you even do this??"
He hit send, pocketing the phone as he eagerly made his way to the living room bookshelf, knowing precisely what you'd meant. His eyes landed on the familiar volume, slightly ajar, titled prominently: "Jurassic-era Beetles and Insects." Memories surged vividly—the countless afternoons he'd spent enthusiastically sharing endless bug facts while you listened with genuine interest, your eyes wide and curious. He laughed softly, touched deeply by the thoughtfulness behind your clue.
Pulling the book free, another note fluttered gently to his feet. Caleb picked it up swiftly, grinning warmly as he read your next whimsical verse:
"Look now to wings of metal, fast—
memories soaring from our past.
You promised me that very soon
we'd take a trip up to the moon."
Caleb's brow furrowed briefly as he tried to recall the exact memory your note referred to. Your shared past was filled with countless stories of aircraft and spacecraft, but his thoughts quickly settled on one he held especially dear—the F-26 fighter jet model proudly displayed on his desk. It was the one you'd openly admired, eyes alight with fascination, asking him eager questions while he passionately shared every detail. He'd never confessed to you that he'd dreamed of piloting it specifically because of you—because he longed for the day you'd stand proudly below, cheering him on. And remarkably, that dream had become reality. You knew, Caleb realized with a surge of emotion; somehow, you'd always known. His chest tightened warmly as he understood how deeply you'd listened, how genuinely you'd cared about his passions. They mattered to you simply because they mattered to him.
Slowly, reverently, he lifted the model plane from its place, uncovering yet another carefully folded note beneath.
"We'd dreamed to be among the skies,
promises made with brightened eyes.
Your journey’s path has brought you far—
find our almost kiss beneath the stars."
Caleb’s heart immediately recognized the moment described—the almost kiss. It had been his graduation, that electric, unforgettable day when you'd leaped joyously into his arms and impulsively kissed his cheek before he could even react. The unexpected warmth of your lips had sent his heart spiraling into a dizzying flight, a moment so pure, so powerful, it never needed a photo to be immortalized. Now, it sat proudly in a frame on his bedside dresser.
His pulse quickened as he moved eagerly toward his bedroom, curiosity mixing deliciously with nostalgia. Carefully, he lifted the frame, his eyes lingering fondly on the captured joy of that unforgettable day. With a gentle breath, he turned the frame around, his smile deepening when he discovered another note folded meticulously into a playful paper airplane. He unfolded it slowly, savoring every moment:
"That kiss of pride, and oh so sweet,
the memory makes your heart skip beats.
But now, your final clue awaits—
beneath the pillow, don’t hesitate."
Final clue? Caleb’s heartbeat accelerated, a pleasant nervousness flooding through him as he crossed the room toward the bed. He paused briefly, savoring the electric thrill of anticipation, wishing fiercely for just a moment that you were there beside him, eyes sparkling with playful mischief. But curiosity tugged insistently at his thoughts, and he reached beneath the pillow without further delay.
His fingers brushed another slip of paper, this one feeling thicker, something carefully attached to its back. He pulled it free, his chest tightening with warmth as he read the final note:
"When we were small, beneath bright sun,
We dreamed of all we might become.
With sprinklers high and laughter sweet,
You made a promise we'd someday keep."
Caleb’s breath caught sharply in his throat as he carefully flipped the note over. In his hand lay a lovingly handcrafted token, reminiscent of the playful coupons you'd often exchanged in childhood, scribbled with vibrant crayons in familiar handwriting. Bright, cheerful drawings—a smiling apple, joyful doodles decorating the edges—and in bold, heartfelt letters, the coupon read clearly:
- "One Coupon for a Proper Real Kiss."
Caleb’s breath halted, heart frozen in awe-struck disbelief as his eyes traced the words once more, each letter etched with tender intent. His pulse hammered wildly, a surge of raw, overwhelming emotion washing over him. He had loved you deeply, fiercely, and quietly for as long as he could remember—never daring to believe this day would truly come. Never daring to dream you'd find him worthy, that he could be deserving of your love.
But here it was, undeniable proof that you had seen him—truly seen him—all along. Every quiet glance, every giggle, every time he spoke of bugs, all his plane loving antics, every lingering smile, every shared laugh had meant something after all. You'd chosen him, wanted him.
Before his mind could spiral further, he quickly reached for his phone, hands trembling slightly as he typed:
- "where are u"
The message barely left Caleb’s fingertips before the faint chime of your phone echoed softly just beyond the door, instantly followed by a gentle, tentative knock. His heart surged violently within his chest, a rush of emotions so fierce it nearly overwhelmed him. Taking a deep, steadying breath, he crossed the apartment in quick strides, fingers trembling slightly as he grasped the handle.
Swinging open the door, Caleb froze, utterly transfixed. You stood before him, a vision framed in soft evening light, casually dressed yet breathtakingly radiant. Your eyes sparkled brightly, a blush painting your cheeks with shy excitement. Caleb's breath caught sharply, the sight of you nearly too much to bear after years spent dreaming of exactly this moment.
Your gaze flickered meaningfully toward the coupon still crumpled tenderly in Caleb's shaking hand. With an adorably playful tilt of your head, your voice came softly, barely above a whisper. "Well?" Taking a couple steps forward, without breaking your gaze, your fingers rose slowly, pressing gently against his mouth, mirroring the sweet, innocent gesture from your cherished childhood memory. His eyes widened and his breath hitched--his lips parting beneath your touch. Your voice came softly, barely above a whisper, yet trembling faintly with the weight of years of longing. “Are you ready to cash that in yet?”
Words dissolved completely, evaporating before they could even form. Caleb’s throat tightened painfully, eyes burning as every emotion he'd ever buried came rushing forth—years of longing, secret hopes, unspoken yearning. Slowly, deliberately, he reached up, capturing your wrist gently, his thumb brushing tenderly over your pulse. With careful, reverent motion, he guided your hand down, your fingertips reluctantly leaving his lips. “Yeah…” Caleb murmured thickly, voice filled with an ache you knew in your own marrow, gaze locked firmly with yours, "but a real, proper one."
Without hesitation, he leaned toward you, finding you already halfway there, your lips meeting with a force that felt as inevitable and irresistible as gravity itself. The kiss was explosive, an overwhelming collision of pent-up desire and profound tenderness, shattering the years of quiet longing into a cascade of explosive emotion. Every nerve in Caleb’s body flared with newfound intensity, your gentle whimpers and desperate breaths echoing his own in perfect harmony. Each touch and each caress grasped hungrily for more, unearthing the deeply rooted bond that had quietly held you both together through every storm.
At last, it felt undeniably as though you'd both come home.
The embrace deepened fiercely, fingers entwined in each other's hair, pulling impossibly close, as though you needed to absorb each other to make it real. Your bodies pressed together tightly, heartbeats aligning in perfect rhythm, stripping away every hesitation--every doubt--every shadow that had chased you both.
Eventually, as your kiss gently softened, breathless and wide-eyed, you stared into each other’s eyes, the silence around you filled with awe and unspoken truths. The reality of a new future laid bare before you, one that spoke of forever--the one you'd always dreamed of. Caleb’s heart pounded fiercely, wonder shimmering clearly in his violet gaze, emotions too intense to conceal.
“Happy birthday, Caleb,” you whispered tenderly, voice shaking softly with warmth, laughter, and unmistakable love.
His smile blossomed, tender yet impossibly vulnerable, eyes glistening gently with restrained tears. Drawing you carefully inside, he closed the door with quiet finality, leaning his forehead gently against yours as a soft, heartfelt sigh escaped him.
“Best birthday ever.”
End. :)