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Caleb knew you were going to have a rough day. He knows your schedule almost better than he knows his own, and on days like today, you are incredibly grateful for his slightly obsessive need to care for you.
He seemingly knows the moment you'll arrive, already by the front entrance of your apartment building to hold the door open for you and usher you inside. He waits for a nod from you before gently placing his hand on the small of your back, guiding you into the elevator, and hitting the button for your floor. His voice is soft as it brushes against your ear.
"I know, I know. It's over now, baby. You did such a good job. We're almost home, just a little bit longer."
He doesn't pressure you to speak, just letting you press your forehead against his shoulder and lean against him as the elevator smoothly ascends to your floor. The doors part with a ding, and he doesn't lose contact with you for a moment, supporting you with constant touch, assuring you without words that he's here.
He unlocks your front door and opens it, guiding you inside and closing the door behind you. He had dimmed the lights and opened the curtains, leaving the primary light source in the room as the sun filtering through the windows. Soft classical music plays from the speaker in your kitchen—not loud enough to draw attention, merely keeping the silence at bay. The warm air of your apartment is an incredible relief after being out in the freezing cold.
Caleb doesn't wait a moment before helping you out of your winter coat and boots, fretting over your runny nose. You wash your hands as he takes care of your outerwear, then he hands you a tissue to blow your nose with and brings you over to the couch.
He had prepared a small meal for you on a small folding table in front of the couch, consisting of half a sandwich, tea prepared exactly the way you like it, and assorted fruit. He stays by your side as you sit, gazing down at you with puppy-eyed worry.
"I know you're tired and you probably don't feel like eatin', you don't have to finish all of it. Just get some food in you, yeah?"
He gets the hint when you tug at his hand, chuckling softly and sitting beside you. "Don't worry, pips. I'm not goin' anywhere." He wraps an arm around your back, gently rubbing your waist with his thumb from time to time. His tangible warmth by your side is a soft comfort you're incredibly grateful for.
You're hungrier than you thought you were. While you eat, Caleb fills the air with idle chatter, not pressuring nor expecting you to respond, though his eyes light up with pride when you laugh at his jokes.
He tells you about the meetings he slogged through, a cat he met when he stopped by the corner store, and gives you updates on the drama between two of his subordinates. He's a good storyteller, and it's easy to put your stress on the back burner and lose yourself in his words.
You finish most of the food he prepared, and when you move to take care of the dishes out of habit, Caleb gets to them before you do. He easily sends the plates off to the sink with his Evol.
"Ah, ah, ah. You're not liftin' a finger." he chastises you, but when you turn your eyes to him, he meets you with a cheeky smile. "Come on, pips, let's get you into bed."
He takes your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours, and leads you to your bedroom. Out of the corner of your eye, you can see his gaze fixed on you, his expression filled with soft concern.
Your bed is made with freshly washed sheets, your favorite plushies and softest blankets placed on top of your comforter. A set of pajamas is already set out for you.
"Arms up," Caleb instructs, and you obey without thinking. "Thaaank you," He smiles down at you when your eyes meet his again.
He pulls your shirt up and over your head, tossing it to the laundry bin, then replaces it with an oversized t-shirt of his. He handles your weary body with such reverence, the only thought in his mind being how to best care for you.
"Legs," He prompts next, and helps strip you of your pants and underwear, replacing them with more comfortable undergarments and loose, fuzzy sweatpants. Now that you're clothed more comfortably, he turns to you again.
"What's next, pipsqueak? You want some cuddles?" Your eager nod makes him chuckle, and he takes your hand again with a grin, seemingly just as keen as you are. "C'mere."
You climb into bed together, and you quickly end up enveloped in his embrace, your head pillowed on his chest and legs tangled with his. When you're with Caleb like this, it's so easy to get lost in him, his warmth, his presence, his scent, the comfort of his skin against yours. He keeps his arms wrapped around you, slowly rubbing your back while also keeping you securely tucked into his large body. He doesn't want an inch of separation between you, and you don't either.
"Want me to keep readin' that book we started the other day?" he murmurs, and you agree with a drowsy nod. His smile softens. "Don't worry about fallin' asleep, I'll just pick up where we left off next time."
He floats the book over with his Evol and takes a breath to start reading, but he's interrupted by your soft voice. "Caleb?"
He can see the tears brimming in your eyes, and he turns to you with worry, his eyes going a little wide. "Yeah? What's up?"
"Thank you," Your voice is barely above a whisper, but he hears it clear as day. "I love you,"
"I love you too, pips." He presses his lips to your forehead, holding them there for a long while before looking back down at you again. "And you don't have to thank me. Taking care of you makes me happier than you could ever know."