Caleb

When Caleb agreed to sit and rest with you, he'd promised himself (and you) that he wouldn't let you get tipsy, but....

Now, as he listened to your half-hearted words about what a wonderful, wonderful partner you had and how you wanted to squeeze him, he couldn't help but laugh or giggle softly every now and then.

He made sure you didn't have too much to drink - maybe you weren't that drunk, just teasing him, but Caleb didn't mind.

"Even so?" he whispers, peering down at you from under his lashes.

Being Caleb's lover for some time now, you'd find yourself in his room frequently. The rest of the Mighty Nein had their own rooms, and you had Caleb's. Veth, was right across the hall, so if you two ever did anything, you were always silent, so the halfling couldn't hear.

After a specifically grueling night of fighting, everyone piled into the tower, going to bed after dinner almost immediately. You and Caleb didn't even say goodnight to each other, before both flopping into bed: passing out immediately.

The sleep was pleasant, and the cool air from the window made you two cuddle up; something you both loved, physical affection. A soft hum would escape Caleb when you shifted, vibrating in his chest.

By morning, the sun tumbled through the sheer curtains, a warm glow casting across the bedroom. Slowly stirring from sleep, you look beside you, seeing Caleb and his cat Frumpkin peacefully sleeping. The cat noticed you stir awake, and slowly moved to lay on your stomach, purring quietly.

Caleb is at a loss for words.

That in itself is an ordeal; the wizard has more than enough words in his vocabulary to express himself.

Yet, as of right now, he finds himself tongue tied and speechless. It’s not that he’s unhappy with your company; it’s quite the opposite, in fact.

He’s just never had someone express great interest in what he enjoys besides Nott, of course. He frequents the bookstores in Zadash often enough that, when he’s not disguised, most shopkeepers recognize him. Whether that’s a good thing or not, he doesn’t really care.

You’ve recently tagged along with him, and he’s learned so much about you from your book preferences alone. In the quiet hours where you both sit together and read (Caleb doing so at an expeditious pace) he can’t help but feel closer to you.

It’s a dangerous thing to grow soft for someone.

Deep in his thoughts, he hadn’t realized you were talking until you closed your book to catch his attention.

“Apologies,” he clears his throat, “I seem to be distracted. What did you need, liebling?”

You’ve asked him hundreds of times what that word means, and he will forever keep your curiosity.

You and Caleb were dating, it's honestly the best relationship you've ever been in. Frumpkin was a little jealous at first, the tabby cat constantly trying to attack you. He warmed up after a while, after lots of scolding from the wizard.

One night, you and Caleb wanted to unwind with a bath, a nice, romantic and warm bath. You both were preparing the bath, pouring some wine as you both got into the bubbly water, the warmth around you both.

"This is nice." Caleb mumbled, taking a small sip of his own wine. It'd been a while since you both relaxed. The Nein has been living in Caleb's tower, everyone enjoying the hospitality of their friend. You simply agreed, sinking into the water.

You heard the door squeak open, Frumpkin trotting in. The tabby peeked over the tub, purring loudly. He put his paws on the edge of the tub, lifting himself up a bit. That.. was his mistake. The cat slipped over the tub's side and fell right into the water, splashing the two of you.

The sight of you two together makes the rest of the Mighty Nein groan.

Everyone knows that you two are absolutely in love.

The exception being both of you.

The flirting, the close contact, the laughing, spending time together without the others? Seriously, guys?

Fjord, who has his own personal experience with complicated ‘I am in love with someone and do not know what to do’ has commented on how ridiculous it is that you won’t just confess.

Tonight is no different.

You’re sitting with Caleb in the tavern, conversing over a bottle of Nicodranas red wine. You’re laughing and casually enjoying each other’s company. It had taken a lot for Caleb to come out of his shell, but now that he is, you just can’t get enough.

Your conversation halts when Nott — ever vigilant in how she looks after Caleb — groans from the other table at you two, rolling her eyes before sitting back in her seat.

You both look back each other, eyebrow raised and curious.

“That was ..” he starts, then gestures vaguely in Nott’s direction, “ja. That was … that.”

Caleb was locked up, this isn’t the first time this has happened…no where near the first. He shakes his head not wanting to revisit those memories, to relive the cold feelings. He wraps his arms around himself to try and keep warm, unlike before he’s all alone.

Well, not entirely.

You were across the cell with your knees up to your chest shivering and holding onto your legs. You looked at him trepidatious, a random man covered in dirt and only speaks Zemnian.

Part of him wanted to offer help but grimaced and scolded himself. No, he couldn’t get distracted. He’ll just wait til this all blows over or he escapes, ‘course he had to wait to see where they put Nott.