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Caleb was never one to be easily influenced by things like alcohol and cigarettes.
Sure, he may have tried it once or twice during college, but that was during college. The peer pressure back then was kind of insane— especially if you were someone like him. Someone who did his best to try and fit in. Especially when the people around him all knew one another.
And, well, Caleb being Caleb — he only knew you .
But you weren’t there were you? Nope.
Now that he was much older, though, he would be proud to say that he wasn’t as easily swayed as he used to be.
Or, that was what he thought at first.
Somehow, under Gideon’s unfortunate influence, he found himself sitting in one of the faraway booths of this high end bar. A place that had lots of entertainment, he’ll give it that. Didn’t change the fact that it was still a bar — a high end one at that. More pretentious people and pompous bastards that he had no patience for.
It was a surprise he was even able to stumble into this private booth he was currently in. With how clouded his judgement was, he couldn’t trust himself to linger with the group.
Lest he want to be escorted out by one of those bouncers for starting a fight..
Not that he would be the one starting it. He just didn’t trust himself not to lose his temper. It would be unfortunate if Gideon had to call you all because of something stupid.
Speaking of.
Caleb paused. In the middle of his drunken stupor, he reached for his pockets. Feeling his front pockets for his phone, and when he didn’t feel it there, he reached for his back pockets.
Thankfully, he wasn’t as much of a klutz.
Rather haphazardly, Caleb unlocks his phone — not before taking a moment to smile oh so stupidly at his lockscreen, of course. Who wouldn’t smile at the sight of their lover looking so goofy?
He may have been distracted by his lock screen for a while, but he never forgot what he opened his phone for in the first place.
In the quiet of the booth, his phone rang— the vibrations shaking his hand, and the soft tune it produced echoed in his ears.
“Hello? Caleb?”
Caleb visibly lightened up at the familiar sound of your voice on the other end of the line.
He was relieved.
Finally, a voice that was familiar, and warm.
“Pipsqueak,” he breathed out.
He didn’t seem to realize how needy he sounded. Nor how breathless his words came out. Naturally, being the sober one — you would pick up on this subtle shift.
“Caleb? Are you okay?” Their voice came through the phone’s speaker, the concern was there — it was the most obvious thing.
Caleb smiled. Well, it was more like a lopsided grin.
“Perfectly fine, pips.” He said.
After a beat, he continued speaking— “but, I might need a ride home. Y’think you could come and pick me up?” Caleb made sure to ask as nicely as he could. As if to make his sincerity clear, he opted to turn their voice call into a facetime. Haphazardly opening his camera and showing his face on the screen, though, he was only showing his eyes and his forehead. The dim light of the booth did a great job at illuminating his features enough for you to see.
There was a pause, before a soft laugh came from the other line.
Caleb pouted, “hey. Are you making fun of me?” He asked, an eyebrow raising as he looked down at his phone— watching as your face appeared on screen.
The amusement that was drawn on your face was undeniable.
“Of course not. Send me the address, I’ll pick you up,” a smile on your lips.
“Yeah. Already on it, pips.” He said, closing out of their call and pressing your contact to send the address of the bar.
Once you had received the address, you made sure to tell Caleb to stay put. But in his haphazard, and drunken stupor, the only thing he could focus on was how pretty you looked right now. Even if you were most likely in your pajamas.
It was a nice thought, how you would drop anything — albeit a bit begrudgingly, just to pick him up.
Of course, Caleb would do the same for you, if it came down to it.
Caleb wasn’t sure how much time had passed. He had spent the excruciatingly long minutes sitting in the private booth he had found. Fortunately, he has yet to come across any couple hoping to escape and do a quick fuck in the booths. Thank god, he would think.
Caleb didn’t have to allot much time into thinking— because as quickly as he had ended the call, you came in just as quick to save him from his misery.
The curtains to the booth he was in shifted— and with his senses alight and with him being on edge, he immediately sat up. Albeit rather haphazardly. He sat still for a moment, before turning his head just in time to see your face pop up from behind the curtains.
He breathed a sigh of relief.
“I was beginning to think you forgot about me, pips.” He murmured, standing to his feet and swaying slightly.
You had to come in and help him up just to ensure that he wouldn’t somehow trip on his own feet and fall face first on the ground. With your arm efficiently looped around his lower back, and his own arm rather lazily draped across your shoulders – Caleb was able to walk out without making an absolute fool of himself.
The blinding lights of the bar didn’t get any less blinding. It was ridiculous how anyone could get used to the sight of this.
As they walked through the sea of people– navigating the floors in order to reach the exit — Caleb heard a familiar voice call out.
“Hey, Caleb. Leaving already?” Gideon called out surprisingly loud. His voice was somehow clear, causing Caleb to pause and slowly turn his head around to look for where Gideon might be.
“Up here, idiot.” Caleb looked up, seeing Gideon leaning against the railings of the bar’s second floor.
“Oh. Hi, Gid!” your voice greeted with the same enthusiasm and light tone to it. Caleb turned to look at you instead.
“I’m taking this one home. You have fun though!” Caleb was relieved. Beyond relieved.
Gideon simply gave a subtle nod — and that was all it took for you to continue dragging Caleb out of the bar.
The immediate gush of fresh air that had hit Caleb caused him to let out a heavy sigh. His shoulders finally loosened and slagged as he felt himself relaxing a bit more.
“God. It was stuffy in there,” he mumbled. More to himself than anyone else.
"I could imagine.”
"Let’s get you home, yeah?” you said, turning to give him a look. Caleb simply nodded, letting you drag him along the streets and towards your car.
It was good that you had finally decided to get your own driver’s license.
At first, Caleb could vividly remember being against the thought. He was mainly afraid you might get a bit reckless and crash into something. God forbid.
But, now that he was faced with this alcohol induced state, he was somewhat glad. At the very least, he wouldn’t be crashing at a friend’s place anymore. You were here to pick him up.
“Thanks a lot, pipsqueak…” He sighed as he stumbled into the passenger’s seat of your car.
Through his drunken stupor, he could vaguely hear your response. Something about how he was an idiot and how they had to rush changing into another outfit just to pick them up. Caleb couldn’t really be bothered to listen to them at this point.
Fortunately, the roads weren’t as bumpy. Allowing Caleb to doze off before they eventually got to your apartment. The drive was relatively quiet — well, with Caleb tuning out everything that was going on, he couldn’t really hear you talk… Halfway through the drive, you eventually realized that he wasn’t listening and was beginning to doze off.
“Oof–”
Caleb grunted as he found himself falling back first on the couch of your apartment’s living room.
It's been a while since he’s been here.
"Geez, you’re so heavy,” you complained. Your words held no real bite to them, and even through his drunken haze, Caleb could tell.
He laughed lightly. Reaching out for the pillow he was laying his head on. He sat up lazily, hugging the square shaped pillow with a loose grip. “Your words hurt me, pips,” he said, a lazy smile on his lips. The way he tilted his head made him seem like he was completely free of fault.
Which, in a way, he really was.
"Yeah, yeah. I’ll go get you water, stay put.” Before Caleb could say anything, you were already out of the room.
He sighed, letting himself sink into the plush cushions. His eyes were closed for a moment, before he eventually raised himself to his feet. With the pillow discarded, he chose to go around the room — looking at everything he could possibly take in.
After all, it’s been a few months since Caleb has last seen you. So, why not?
You were both busy adults now with adult jobs. Vacations were rare for someone like Caleb. But, then again, vacations weren’t rare for you. The thought alone made him pause. Perhaps he should take you along the next time he pilots.
Yeah. That could work. Then he’d have an excuse to keep you close. Even if it was for only a few days.
Caleb went around the living space, taking in the way you chose to decorate your apartment. The shelves, bookcases, and the other trinkets littered around the space.
He ran a finger against the top of one of the shelves, noticing the lack of dust, he let out a small huff. “Looks like you have it all figured out, huh…?” He murmured to himself, his expression solemn before his gaze trained elsewhere.
Noticing the picture frame beside the TV, Caleb scooted closer. His eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of the photo.
He smiled, “well would you look at that.”
Caleb picked the frame up from where it was sitting, a lopsided smile on his face.
It was a photo of them when they were younger. He could vaguely remember their caretaker rushing to take the photo — it was a photo of you and Caleb lifting– well, attempting to lift Zayne up from the ground. It was a silly moment, given how reluctant Zayne was during the photo. The memory had Caleb laughing to himself.
What are you laughing at?” your familiar voice broke through his trip down memory lane.
“Huh? Oh, noth’n.” He said with another wobbly smile. He placed the picture frame back on its stand before standing to his feet.
“Just Zayne,” he said, shrugging.
Once you offered the glass of water, Caleb took the glass — though, you immediately had to reach out and stabilize his hand to stop him from making a mess on himself, and the rug.
Caleb heard you sigh, and he could see the slight troublesome expression form on your face.
He sighed, a smile on his lips as he walked closer.
“I’ve got it, pipsqueak. No need to worry,” he hummed.
By the sight of your raised eyebrow and frown, he could tell that you weren’t convinced. With a sigh, Caleb gently led you towards the couch— his hand loosely draped across your lower back as he brought you along with wobbly steps.
“You’re the one who’s drunk, why are you the one leading me around?” he heard you say. He couldn’t help the laugh from escaping his lips.
“I don’t know, pips. But you’re followin’, aren’t you?” His light quip earned a subtle eye roll from you, even if he chose not to see it.
Once Caleb is seated on the couch — he guides you forward, allowing you to stand in between his legs. He looks up at you with a sense of expectancy, his hand slowly letting go of the tall glass cup.
“Aren’t you old enough to drink by yourself?”
“I thought you said you wanted to help me out? Backing out already, pipsqueak?” His smile was lopsided, yet deceivingly innocent.
“Come on, pipsqueak.” He added after a beat of silence.
Even from the distance, you could feel the warmth in his breath as he exhaled his words. You find yourself swallowing, cheeks flushing a light tint of pink. Thankfully, the light was too dim to discern anything.
“Fine. But you owe me for this,” Caleb heard you say.
“Is this going into your account book?” he said, a sly smile on his lips as he tilts his head sideways a little. His eyes were clearly glassy, they glistened a lot more under the light of the room — or, the lack thereof.
“Yes.”
Caleb’s gaze lowers as he feels the cold glass press against his lips.
He smiled, before raising his head to meet your gaze again. He leaned forward a little, letting you help him with the water. He was pliant, and obedient. His hand gently guiding yours, tilting the glass higher.
The room felt hot and stuffy.
Even though they were only offering help. Caleb felt bothered, for some reason.
He swallowed the liquid, though, he ended up choking. He coughed — alarmed, you immediately place the glass down on the coffee table before reaching out to pat his back. The water spilled in their haste to help Caleb.
“Awh. Look, I’m all wet. ” He said.
“...”
The silence spoke louder than any other response you would have come up with.
Caleb’s smile widened, and he laughed.
Before you could even say anything in retaliation, Caleb reached for your hand — tugging you down, and hauling you onto his lap. He made quick work on wrapping his arms around your waist.
Quietly, he nuzzled his face into your neck.
“Hey— Caleb,” you whispered.
“Mhhm?” His response came slow, but it came. A simple – yet undeniably needy sound. His voice sounded much more hoarse now. It was probably because of the water.
“Uh…”
“Are you nervous?”
Caleb looked up from where he was resting against. Somehow, his eyes became glassier — droopy, if you will. The sight caused you to swallow.
“Nervous? Why should I be nervous?” A pair of hands settle on Caleb’s shoulders.
“Because…” Caleb trailed off, his gaze lowered while his other hand came up to trace a line up from your stomach, to a spot right beneath your ribs. He pressed his finger there for a moment, his gaze trailing up to look at you.
You swallowed.
“We’re sitting so close…” He continued, his hand slowly drifting higher.
“Well… We sit close all the time. Why should I be… Nervous?”
If Caleb weren’t so inebriated right now, he would have teased you more — he would have enjoyed the spectacle of seeing you so flustered, and struggling to come up with a witty response.
Though, he wasn’t. He was completely inebriated, the liquor clouding his judgement thoroughly.
He laughed lightly.
“Yeah, I guess. But never this close, huh?”
That was a good point. They sit close, but never this close. No — you were on his lap. Sitting there while Caleb swooned over you with his hands roaming so freely.
“I guess…” Was the only thing you could manage. Prompting Caleb to chuckle.
“Don’t be so nervous, pipsqueak.” He murmured, leaning in to rest his head against the crook of your neck once more.
You swallowed. Though, you eventually relaxed after realizing that Caleb was just using this as leverage to keep himself stable.
A sigh that came from your lips prompted Caleb to look up.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing…” You gently shook your head, a small laugh escaping your lips. Which only caused more confusion for Caleb.
“You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?” He accused, raising an eyebrow rather sharply.
“No– of course not,” the tone they used was not convincing in the slightest.
Caleb’s raised eyebrow continued arching as he leaned back. His arms loosely wrapped around your waist as he gauged at your expression — he eyed you up and down before moving.
A small yelp could be heard as Caleb flipped their positions.
Caleb hovered over you as you lay on the couch, your back against the couch’s armrest. The pillows were a bit messy, but that didn’t matter.
The silence was deafening, really.
You stared up at Caleb, while Caleb stared down at you with glassy eyes — meeting your wide and surprised eyes with a smug undertone to his own expression.
Leaning forward, Caleb decided to test the waters.
Their foreheads were touching. Caleb’s skin felt warm— a result of the liquor.
“You’re really warm,” you say. A soft whisper.
“Does it bother you?”
“No. If you weren’t drunk then maybe I would be a little concerned.” Caleb smiled at this.
“So you aren’t concerned for me now?” He countered.
The huff you gave that was followed by the shake of your head — and a firm “no” made Caleb laugh all the more.
“That’s a shame… Maybe I would’ve liked seeing you fuss over me again,” he hummed — leaning in closer. Their noses touched, and Caleb nuzzled. He heard the way in which your breath hitched, but made no comment on it. Knowing he would never hear the end of it from you if he pointed it out.
Caleb was content with the feeling of you here, allowing him to get this close. It was as far as he would allow himself to go.
That was what he told himself.
Though, he froze once he felt your lips press against the spot right beneath his eye. His eyes widen a fraction, and he freezes for a long while.
“I always fuss over you.” You said.
Caleb swallows, “yeah. Yeah. You do…”
His voice comes out more strained than how he would’ve thought, but — alas, there was nothing he could do about it.
They were silent for another long while, before Caleb couldn’t finally handle it.
“Hey, pipsqueak,” he started. His voice breathless and airy. He was whispering, which didn’t really help to stop the shiver from running down their spine.
“Yeah?”
“I missed you a lot.” He sighed, leaning down to rest against you. He let his weight settle against you, even as you groaned in mild complaint — momentarily forgetting about the fact that he had said “I miss you.”
“Ugh. You’re really heavy you know,” he heard you say as a light hit landed on his shoulder.
Caleb could only laugh.
He placed his arms in between your head, using this as leverage to lift himself up a bit. His gaze unwavering, yet glassy.
“Are you going to ignore what I said, huh?” He raised an eyebrow.
There was a small pause, before you responded, “no…”
Another beat.
“I missed you too.”
Caleb smiled, a wide— and lopsided, goofy smile. Like a kid finally receiving what they’ve been asking for for a long time.
“Good enough for me.” He whispered, before leaning down to press a small and quick peck against the skin of your forehead. It was a gentle thing, a soft gesture that he meant to come off as a reassurance — not for you, but for himself.
Just this once, he didn’t hear any complaints.
Instead, Caleb settled on listening to the soft rhythm of your heartbeat. A steady reminder of how alive you were.
How present you were.
“You’re going to let me stay the night, right?”
“Yeah. You’re a big baby, and it's obvious that you need someone to help you around tonight.” The response was sly, yet Caleb could only smile.
He could hear you trying to stifle a laugh at your own comment, and Caleb couldn’t help but laugh for you. He shook his head, a subtle movement as he turned his head to bury his face against your chest.
“Then I guess I need to be an even bigger baby if I want you to take care of me more, pipsqueak.” He hummed in a tone that was nearly sing–songey.
“If you do this on purpose I’ll put it in my “account book.””
Your response was feisty, and Caleb liked it. He always did.
“Haha… I was just kidding, pipsqueak.”