wardenbloom

[wardenbloom]

I'm sure it's canon at this point that Caleb will just look at you as you argue your point because it turns him on and he finds it hot the way you argue.

The way your eye brows furrow, the way your lips moved as you speak, the way your hand gestures, the intonation of your voice while you talk, and the way your eyes look at him --he imprints everything in his mind.

Caleb's lips would form a little smile as he adds more fuel to the fire just to tease you bit because he enjoys every second of it.

In the end, once he feels satisfied, he'll give you a head pat but you were still not done proving your point and he finds it adorable. He'll let out a small chuckle as he 'concedes' to you then announces that you 'win'.

[wardenbloom]

Caleb: Unearthly Cohabitation

Introduction: Is the house actually haunted and scary or is it just being inhabited by a misunderstood and lonely soul? Caleb's regrets made him stay longer in the land of the living than he should. The longer he stayed, the heavier and more exhausted he feels every passing day. However, an unexpected friend decided to help him by mending his past relationships and to alleviate his regrets until he peacefully passes on.

Tags: Slice of life, romance, tragedy, supernatural elements, fanfiction

Contains trigger warnings, read at your own risk.

1. Nice to meet you

…This is the cheapest one I could find…

Erin looked at the flyer in her hand and in front of her, a small-sized apartment that could only fit a family of three. It has a neat porch with its gates painted gray and a door that is operated by a digital lock.

The roof had a navy blue accent while the house was painted white.

looks like a man used to live here…

Shortly, the landlord arrived and toured her inside the place. It had a modern design and everything was functional.

"It's a good place with a good price, plus, its a rent to own. So, what do you say?" The landlord asked, hoping that she'd say yes. He always wanted the house to be sold but no one wanted it due to rumours circulating around the vicinity where a lingering spirit still wasn't laid to rest.

"It's too good to be true, sir. I will ask you to be transparent with me, please." Erin looked at the landlord and her light brown eyes stared at him.

He sighed and finally said "There are rumours that a ghost inhabits this place, but I personally didn't feel it or saw it… The rumors made everybody hesitant to--"

"I see. Then I'll take it. As long as this place is not on a fault line or if the house is actually crumbling, I don't have any problems." She smiled then handed him the payment for the next three months.

She wasted no time and transported her things from her former residence to the new one. She didn't have any problems as she only had few belongings.

In her living room, boxes stack over each other and a couch rested at the side. She started cleaning up and arranging her home.

After, she stood up and looked st the clock.

[9:43PM]

That's better than I thought. I finished everything within the day.

She took off her clothes then went to the bathroom to soak herself and bathe.

Dad won't find me here. This is too far from home

She rinsed then changed into a shirt and shorts. In her pantry, she grabbed some instant noodles, rice, and juice. She sat on the floor and started eating.

"Really? All carbs for dinner? High in Sodium as well?" An unfamiliar voice chuckled. She heard it completely but she decided to ignore it.

Fuck. So it was true… About the lingering spirit here… It sounds like a man, too

She chewed on her noodles loudly to mask the voice she heard.

"BOO!" The voice loudly exclaimed and attempted to scare her by moving his face near hers.

"FUCKING HELL!!!" SHE SCREAMED AS HER HEART POUNDED IN SURPRISE.

"Hahahahhahahaha," The ghost in front of her heartily laughed. Instead of being scared, she frowned as if she's pissed off.

"Tsk. You almost made me spill my noodles you fuckwad." She crawled back to her table and continued eating.

"You're not scared…" The ghost said and sat beside her.

"Just fuck off so we could have each other's peace." She replied then turned on her laptop to browse some emails.

"But I don't want you here." He uttered.

"I don't care. I live here now." She frowned.

He sat at the opposite side of the folding table and rested his chin on top of the screen of her laptop.

"What's your name?" He asked.

Erin finally looked at his face. His eyes were bright and had a purple color to it and his smile felt warm. His short hair was dark and soft-looking.

He's handsome… He probably had lots of women all over him when he was still alive.

She didn't reply but continued scrolling through the emails.

"I'm Caleb." He started.

"Erin." She dryly replied. She stood up then grabbed an ashtray and a pack of cigarettes. She lit one then accepted a commission from the email.

Caleb sat on the couch and crossed his legs. He watched her smoke her cigarette while sketching something.

She's not bad looking. What's she doing here? She should be pampered by someone instead of living in a cursed place like this.

She yawned then decided to tuck in for tonight. Erin approached her bed room and opened the door.

"Goodnight," Caleb said as he laid down the couch.

"Goodnight." She replied then closed the door behind her.

She laid on her bed and rolled to her side, hugging her pillow.

That was quite disturbing… But I have to keep my shit together.

Erin removed her clothes and covered herself in a blanket. She closed her eyes and forced herself to sleep. Meanwhile, Caleb laid on the couch and raised his transluscent hand.

… I want to pass on already… I'm getting tired…

2. Regret

The next day, Erin woke up at noon. Her body felt like it was beaten up due to yesterday's moving activity. She stood up and stretched.

"Aaauugghhhh" She sighed loudly as she felt the pain from her arms and calves.

Caleb emerged from the walls, panicking.

"WHAT IS IT??? WHAT HAPPENED?!?" He exclaimed.

"AHHHH!!! GET OUT!!" Erin covered her chest and threw a pillow at him.

"AHHH! I'M SORRY! WHY ARE YOU NAKED?!?” Caleb covered his eyes but he still saw her through his translucent hands.

"OUTTTT!!!!" She yelled as her face turned red.

"YES MA'AM" He closed his eyes then went back through the wall.

Fuck. I totally forgot about him

Erin caught her breath and settled her pounding heart.

Caleb took a deep breath as he stood in front of her door.

… If I had my body right now, I would've been hard… What the fuck was that..? Did she get the hots last night?

Half an hour later, Erin finally got out of her room. She wore her trousers and loose sleeveless then went to the kitchen to cook lunch.

Caleb hadn't said anything but his eyes followed her.

Shit, this is awkward.

He thought and furrowed his brows. Minutes later, Erin finally finished cooking her fried rice and luncheon meat; she started eating.

Caleb sat in front of her and watched her.

"So, why were you naked earlier?" He controlled his laughter. He expected her to be pissed off or get shy from his question but Erin just stared at him with a blank expression.

"I sleep naked." She answered as she chewed on her food.

"Oh." Caleb's ears turned red.

"So, I'd appreciate it if you stay away from my room when I'm sleeping." She requested.

"Request granted." He cleared his throat.

I guess I should just get along with him if I want a peace of mind living with a ghost. He seems reasonable.

Few weeks passed and Erin became used to having Caleb around the house. She opened her laptop and looked for commission works again. Beside her was Caleb, reading the email too.

"You do article writing?" He asked while reading the screen. She nodded.

"It's easy work. I write decent, I think." She said then started reading related articles for her next commission.

"Does it pay well?" Caleb asked and she shrugged.

"It gets me by. Enough for me to buy meals." She smiled.

Afterwards, she decided to go out and buy something to drink.

"You're leaving?" Caleb asked while watching her put on her shoes.

"Yeah I'm just going to the convenience store to buy some beer and cigarettes. You wanna come?" She asked.

He smiled at her. Erin always thought that he has a nice smile. Probably a smile that could secure business deals or close a real estate sale.

"I can't leave this place." Caleb said and tried to walk towards the door but it looked like there's an invisible wall between the house and the outside world.

"I see. Then, I'll be back. Watch the house for me." She thoughtfully said then left.

He returned to the living room and sat on the couch. Erin left the television open for him and he watched.

… I want to change channels…

He touched the remote control but his hand just passed through it.

Hurry up… Go home already, Erin

After almost an hour, Caleb heard the gates being opened. He jolted up from his seat then waited for her at the door. When she opened the door, Caleb was already beaming with a smile while looking at her.

"Welcome home" He warmly greeted her.

"Uhhh, yeah. I wasn't gone for too long though…" She tilted her head and noticed that he was waiting for a response "I'm home."

Caleb nodded then they both went to the backyard. Erin took the time to clean the backyard and arranged it neatly. There were not much plants as her budget didn't let her indulge in taking care of plants.

She placed the bottles of beer on the table, her ashtray and some chips. Caleb sat at the opposite end of the table.

She gulped her beer and felt satisfied.

"Ahhh that hits the spot." She grinned and puffed her cigarette. "You should drink some, Caleb."

Caleb laughed "Are you teasing me?"

"Boooo you suck" she laughed then chugged her beer. "You still haven't told me why you died." Her tone was suddenly serious.

"Okay, you guess it first then if you get it right, I'll give you something." Caleb said then looked at her.

"Hmmm" She furrowed her eyebrows. "You were having gay sex and slipped on the lube you were using"

"WHAT?!?" Caleb laughed loud. "Why the fuck would you even think that??" He held his stomach while laughing.

"I dunno I just felt like saying it" She giggled. "Okay so not that"

"Not that" Caleb was still laughing.

"Okay so I was thinking, right… You were soooo hungry but the burger patties were not thawed and stacked on each other. THEN you forced them to separate using a knife but it slipped and you accidentally stabbed yourself." Erin explained with an expression and gesturing how one separates burger patties using a knife. She looked proud of herself coming up with ways to die.

"Fucking hell, Erin! Hahahaha I'm not that dumb" Caleb laughed.

"Are you not?" She teased then puffed her cigarette.

Caleb gasped at her in disbelief. "Okay, maybe I'm a little dumb but not THAT dumb to force frozen patties to separate"

"Okay so not that, huh" Erin tilted her head.

"Okay I'll just stop you right there. I can't listen anymore with your dumb ways to die scenarios." He smiled.

Erin laughed and grinned "Okay then, Mr. Caleb. You can tell me what happened."

He took a deep breath. "I.. Uhhh.."

Erin sensed a discomfort from him but she didn't speak.

"I committed suicide in this house." He finally admitted.

"Dude… What the fuck?" Erin reacted.

"Damn, and I thought you were gonna pity me." Caleb faked a laugh.

"So what lead you to that?" She worriedly asked.

"I uh… My long term girlfriend left me, my grades were on all time low, I was off meds, I was spending excessively and my parents froze my account… I was drinking every night and partying, having sex with random women…" He took a deep breath.

Erin waited for him to continue. Her heart felt heavy from his admission.

"No one told me I was wrong, not even my parents, they didn't care. No one told me 'bro, get a hold of yourself this ain't you' something like that." His voice cracked.

"No one… Was there…" He exhaled. "Next thing I knew, I died by overdose."

Erin's lips trembled and her eyes felt like it was burning.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that." She softly said.

Caleb smiled. "Yeah, me too… At this point, I just want to pass on. I don't care about the past anymore." He shrugged.

"How do you pass on?" she asked.

"I think it's because I have this regret that I still have and remains unsolved." He replied.

"So… What is that regret?" She puffed on her cigarette.

"I honestly don't know. I had so many." He smiled but his eyes looked sad.

"Let's list them all and try it all one by one." She said then went inside the house to grab her notepad. "Okay, I'm ready." She puts on her thick framed glasses then nodded.

Caleb chuckled. "You're serious about this. You want me out that much?"

"Yes, and I'm sure you're tired just wandering around this place." She replied.

"Not gonna lie, wandering around here feels bearable since you're here." He smiled then looked at the empty sky. "But yes, I do feel heavier and exhausted the more I stay here."

Erin opened her notepad and wrote "bucketlist"

"For one, I didn't graduate college." He said. "Would be nice to see how I look wearing my pilot uniform.." Caleb spoke with regret.

"Another is that I wasn't exactly a good person when I was living. I had so much money but I helped no one but spent everything on luxury." He took a deep breath. "Kinda regretting that. I could've changed someone's life but I didn't"

Erin continued on writing her list.

"What else…" Caleb looked at Erin and she shrugged.

"Right, I didn't tell my parents that I love them. They provided me with everything but I was a prodigal son."

"That's three…" She uttered. "Any more?"

"… I never had real friends." He bitterly replied. "I would've been alive if I had even just one checking up on me."

Erin exhaled. "Okay, lets do all that so you'll pass on. I don't want you wandering here aimlessly. You don't belong here." She replied then closed her notepad.

"Are you always like this?" He asked.

"Always like what?"

"Helping wandering souls or something." He chuckled.

"No." She looked him in the eye. "You're the only one I see."

"Oh." Caleb's cheeks turned red. "Uhm… I don't know what to say… Gee.."

"What the fuck are you acting coy for? Hahaha" Erin laughed. "I meant, you're the first spirit I see."

"Whaattt? Really? But you don't seem afraid. Almost like… You're used to it."

"Buddy, I'm tired. I don't care whatever supernatural shit going on. I just want my money so I can buy more things than just instant noodles." She chuckled then chugged on her beer.

"And right now my priority is you." She uttered.

"Oh…" Caleb's ears turned red. "I see…"

"Fuckkk why do you interpret my words like that hahaha" Erin laughed again.

Caleb just looked at her while she was laughing. He thought that she was a naturally happy and carefree girl but she has some baggage that shaped her into who she is now.

"Say… I don't see you with anybody… Are you alone too?" He asked.

"Yup. Alone as fuck. But I'm not like you. I know what my goals are and I do not have the luxury to afford things that could kill me except starvation and unfair treatment from the healthcare system."

Erin and Caleb shared a hearty laugh.

"You're cool to hangout with." He chuckled. "Sad we met when I'm in this… Uh… Situation."

"Hate to break it to you but, I doubt we'd even meet if you were living. You probably won't even bat an eye at my direction." She smiled and shook her head.

"Why not? You're pretty enough--”

"I'm poor and I don't really afford the places you go regularly to. You go to different clubs while I do extra work for others. Things like that… We're bound to meet like this and not in any other way."

Caleb stood up and approached her. He squatted down and looked at her face.

"Add that to my regret. That I didn't meet you sooner." He smiled.

"Whatever you say, sir." She smiled then wrote his final regret.

After finishing the last bottle of beer, she decided to call it a night. Caleb followed her until her room.

"Didn't we have an agreement for you to stay away when I'm sleeping?" She raised a brow.

"Yeah but… Don't remove your clothes. I wanna stay here for a while." Caleb said then sat on the chair near her bed.

The fuck does this ghost want?

She frowned but she wasn't in the mood to fight. So she changed into her sleeveless and dolphin shorts.

"Oh… Changing in front of me… How bold." Caleb teased.

"You've seen me naked. I don't think there's any more of me I could show you." She flatly said then crawled to bed. She wrapped herself in a blanket then closed her eyes.

"Can I lay beside you?" He asked.

"Do whatever you want." She said as she scoots over to make space for him.

"Goodnight," He softly uttered as he laid down beside her.

"Night." She replied then drifted off to sleep.

Caleb watched her slowly as she slept. Her mouth was ajar and her eyelids were unmoving. The steady rise and fall of her chest indicates that she's breathing and alive.

Pity… I met you like this… I needed a friend who didn't pamper my bullshit when I was alive.

Caleb smiled then watched her for the rest of the night.

3. Square one

"Caleb, is there anything left here as your belongings?" Erin asked while drinking her hot cocoa.

"Yeah, there are some. Why?" He approached her and sat beside her.

"I was wondering if we could write your parents a letter. You said you didn't tell them you love them." She replied.

"How do you plan on doing that? I mean… Is it not suspicious that a sudden letter emerged out of nowhere?" Caleb chuckled.

"I was thinking that I could copy your handwriting and forge your signature then put some coffee drops on the paper to mimic aging… Then fold it then insert it in a book or something." She stood up then grabbed a piece of paper.

"Then I'd be like 'oh, I just found this letter inserted in a book here idk who Caleb is though. I'm just someone who rents this place' something like that."

"Wow, you thought about that?" Caleb clapped.

"Thank you, yes I know I'm smart." She giggled.

"Haha, yes, you are very intelligent." Caleb chuckled. "Well, there are boxes underneath the closet. I have some books there and some notes I had."

"We should write your letter first. So the paper would age in a way before giving it." She said then opened her closet. At the floor of the closet there's an odd platform.

"Here?" She asked and touched it.

"Yup, you press to open it."

Erin gently pressed the platform and four dusty boxes were inside it.

She carried the boxes to the living room then opened each one. One contained several books, papers, notebooks and academic related documents. Another contained his clothes. The third one has consoles and handheld devices and the last had trading cards in it.

Erin's interest were with the trading cards. She carefully removed them from the box. She didn't want to crumple or cause the cards to be damaged. Caleb smiled at her.

Looks like she knows what she's doing

"Holy fuck… These are expensive… Shiny cards as well??" She said while gently scanning through the cards.

"You should check the binder. It has some expensive ones too that they never reprinted. I think I also had some unopened booster packs." Caleb looked at her in adoration.

She looks so happy.

"Do you play?" He finally asked and she nodded. She opened the binder and before her, several shiny cards were revealed. Some were limited edition and signed.

She gasped and yelled in excitement "AAAHHHHH THIS IS THE LIMITED EDITION DINOSAUR DECK ART! SIGNED TOO??"

"Yup, I also had the samurai commander signed by the VA." Caleb added. Seeing her happy made him happy as well.

"Ohhhh oohhh! These are wonderful!!!" She said and browsed the binder. "It's like finding a pirate's treasure." She giggled.

Caleb observed every expression she made. He wanted to see more of her being that happy.

"Since you know its value and you know how to play, they are all yours." He softly said.

Erin suddenly stopped what she was doing and looked at Caleb.

"… Are you sure? I mean… These are really reaallllyy expensive stuff… And you're just giving it away?"

"Hahaha," he laughed "I want to make you happy, Erin. And if those makes you happy, its yours. I can't play anymore but you still can. You can even sell them if you want."

sell them? If I sold these I would have… Money to finish college…

"Are… Are you sure?" Erin's lips trembled and tears suddenly fell from her eyes.

"Yes. Use it as you will." Caleb smiled and watched her. She placed her face against her palm and started crying.

Caleb raised his hand to touch her but his hand went through her.

right… I can't touch anything

"I'll sell the ones I won't be needing for my deck. I need the money for you and the rest… I plan to continue on studying"

Caleb felt heavy. The things that he had so much when he was alive was needed by someone else. He took a deep breath and smiled.

"Good. If you need money, there's more…" He said but she shook her head.

"This is enough, Caleb. Thank you, really." Erin smiled through her tears and he suddenly felt flustered. She looked beautiful.

She gently placed the cards on to the table then started rummaging through his books and notebooks. She opened one and read his handwriting.

Erin noticed that he liked making graphs or charts rather than writing out words.

His handwriting is okay, I can copy this

She also found his school records. It showed that his grades were high, could be a dean's lister but on the third year, his grades fell.

"So around this time, huh?" She asked and he nodded.

"Yeah… The year that I died." He replied.

He's been alone here for almost five years…

Erin sighed then placed his notebook and the document on the table.

"I'll deal with the cards and other sellable items later. I'll practice your handwriting first." She smiled. "But, before that. I'll go for some quick shopping. I'm running out of things to eat." She stood up then cleaned the living room and left the notebook and documents on the coffee table.

Caleb watched her.

I want to help too…

Erin grabbed her coat then left the house. It's nearing winter and the climate had been colder.

… He had so much potential… It must've pained him seeing those… I have to give him space.

Caleb looked at his transcript of records where his grades were reflected.

I could've done so much better… Why did I..? Why did I fuck it up…

Caleb cried. His heart felt heavy and painful. The sudden realization of what he could have made him feel regretful about everything.

After almost an hour, Erin returned and Caleb was already waiting for her at the door.

"Welcome home" He greeted her with a smile.

Erin looked up at him and she was shivering.

"I'm h-home." She replied then turned up the heater. "It's quite cold outside…"

She removed her coat then placed the bag of groceries at the kitchen table.

"Wanna hug?" Caleb spread his arms. He was just joking as he knew he could never provide such thing.

To his surprise, Erin approached him and gave him a hug. While they both didn't physically feel anything, it was enough to bring them both comfort.

"Never thought you'd actually hug me." Caleb softly said as he petted her head.

"They always say that its the thought that counts. I guess this is what they meant by that." She chuckled.

Erin then pulled away and looked up at him.

"Are you alright?" She asked.

"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine." He forced a smile.

Erin then tied her hair up then started copying the strokes of his handwriting. Caleb watched her silently.

After a few hours of trying, she understood how his hand worked while writing and finally, she was able to copy his penmanship.

"Okay, I just need you to tell me what you wanna tell them." She looked at Caleb who stared at her blankly.

"I see, so you still haven't thought about it." She stood up.

"Sorry… I need a little more time." He replied.

"Tomorrow, you should know what to say." She yawned. "I'm tired. Think about your letter for them."

She opened the door then laid on the bed. She was about to remove her clothes but decided not to.

He might want to stay here.

From the opposite side of the door, Caleb spoke "Can I sleep with you?"

There it is

"Sure, come in." She replied.

Caleb emerged from the walls then laid beside her. He rolled to his side and watched her sleep.

He moved closer to her and laid his arm on her neck and it went through her.

So this is how she'll look like if we cuddle to sleep.

He smiled then closed his eyes.

The next morning, Erin woke up with Caleb sleeping beside her. The sunlight penetrated through him but even so, in her eyes, he looked beautiful.

What a nice way to wake up.

4. Letter of gratitude

"No no no, you chop it too big. You have to chop it finely." Caleb instructed her as the two were making breakfast in the kitchen.

"Like this?" Erin asked and Caleb nodded.

"Yeah that's better. Then if you feel like the soup is too runny, make a slurry first by mixing water and cornstarch then you pour it over the boiling soup."

"Can't I just put the cornstarch directly into the soup?" Erin tilted her head.

"No, it will have a different effect." Caleb answered and she followed his instructions.

After almost two hours of cooking, with Caleb's guidance, she finally added two new dishes to her internal cooking list: hot and sour soup and stir fry beef.

"It smells so good…" She sniffed on the air and she felt satisfied.

"Told ya." Caleb chuckled. "Go on, taste it." His eyes looked eager for her positive reaction.

"Okay," She smiled then took a spoonful of soup. "MHHHHH! ITS SO YUMMYYY!"

She grabbed her fork then ate the stir fry beef.

"ITS LIKE EATING AT AN EXPENSIVE RESTAURANTTT" She continued stuffing her mouth with rice and the dishes she and Caleb made.

He watched her happily eating, hoping that he could share the same meal with her.

This is enough… I shouldn't ask for more.

He thought as she ate heartily.

Eating the last bite she sighed in satisfaction.

"Ahhh I feel so full." She tapped on her stomach.

"Good, see? You can eat better food than instant noodles." Caleb smiled.

"You should teach me some more in the future." She laughed then looked at the sink full of dirty pans and other things she used earlier.

"Go wash the plates, Caleb. I'm tired" She pouted.

Caleb laughed. "So what happened to the strong independent woman? Was it all just for show?"

"Grrr.. Fine." She stood up then started doing the dishes.

Believe me, I'd love to do all those things for you, cooking, cleaning up… Buying you food but I can't

"So, have you decided what to write to your parents?" She asked.

"Yes, we could write it later." Caleb replied. "but what if they won't give a shit?"

"Does it matter? The letter is for you to at least try to tell them how you feel. Whatever their reaction about it doesn't matter. Otherwise, if they reacted negatively, it may add to your regret."

"Isn't that better? I'll stay with you a little longer." He chuckled.

"… As much as I love to have you around, Caleb, this is not a place for you. You will have to pass on in one way or another. And.. I want you to pass on without any regret and happily rather than full of resent and pain." She sincerely replied.

During the afternoon, Erin prepared the papers she need and her pen then laid it on the coffee table. Caleb sat at the opposite side then they started.

Dear mom and dad,

I'd like to say sorry for what's happening with me. I feel like I'm losing myself… The shrink said that I had to take some medicines for it but I don't feel like it. It probably had something to do with how I'm feeling right now.

I saw your photos from your vacation, it looked like you had lots of fun. Heh, are you two going to make me the older brother? I hope so, I'd like to have a baby sibling since i only have my older brothers.

Also, mom and dad, I'd like to thank you for providing me with everything I need and want. Regrettably, I took everything for granted and here I am now, writing you this letter because I feel lost and tired.

I am not a good son to both of you but… You two are good parents… I just wished that you also took the time to ask me how I was… But, either way, it's still solely my fault… My failing grades and all.

I never told both of you but, I love you, mom and dad. I am grateful for everything and I am sorry for what I'm about to do.

Love,

Caleb.

Erin couldn't contain her tears as she wrote his letter. Caleb's voice cracked while he closed the things he wanted to say.

Erin forged his signature then did the process to age the paper a bit then folded it into three and inserted it in a thick old book.

Caleb left the living room then hid in her bedroom that used to be his. He laid down then wept but somehow, he felt lighter.

She let him be for a while then took a stroll at the nearby park.

Now, how do I give it to them?

She thought while watching the kids play in the playground. Her heart felt heavy and her eyes still had tears.

Meanwhile, Caleb stood up then looked for her.

"Erin…?" He called her but there's no answer and the lights were off.

… Did she leave me too?

Caleb remembered how his last girlfriend left him without a word, blocking him in every messaging app possible.

… Erin… What did I do wrong now?

Caleb fell to his knees with the thought of her leaving him the same way. Erin arrived shortly. She was carrying a bag of snacks and some cigarettes.

"I'm hooommeee" She yelled but she saw Caleb crying on the floor.

"Caleb? Are you still in pain?" She asked. He looked up to her and hugged her.

"I thought you left me…" He cried.

"What? Are you hearing yourself? I literally have nowhere to go but here." She chuckled and hugged him back.

He pulled away. "If you're leaving make sure to leave me a note, okay?"

"Yes, sir." She grinned. "I just went to the park and brought some unhealthy snacks from the store."

She walked towards the fridge and grabbed three cans of beer. "I thought we could have a movie night. The comedy one so we could lighten our moods."

Caleb smiled at her. He thought that she was just who he needed when he was alive. He can't help but think how things would've turned differently if they met earlier.

5. Say my name

What the fuck? Why are you pumping up the price?

Sent by: senpaikarasu_88

I'm not. It's literally the same price from the site and I have it graded at 9. I said I'm good for meet ups as well if you want to see for yourself.

Sent by: Right ball

Okay then let's do that then I'll decide. Tomorrow afternoon?

Sent by: senpaikarasu_88

Sure, See you. Bring your money and the deed to your house because I'll bring my binder too.

Sent by: Right ball

Shit. You mean business. Okay I'll see you tomorrow.

Sent by: senpaikarasu_88

"HAHAHAHAHHAA WHY IS YOUR NAME RIGHT BALL?!?!” Caleb laughed as he read through the chat.

"I was looking for my left ball." She laughed.

"Gosh, if I could make an account right now, I'd totally be your left ball." Caleb couldn't control his laughter.

"I bet you would. We'll be unstoppable. The left and right testicles duo." Erin laughed and happy tears formed on their eyes.

Erin decided to sell some of Caleb's trading cards for art materials. For Caleb's regret of not seeing himself in a uniform, she decided to paint him.

The following day, Erin packed her bag and readied for today's sale.

Caleb pouted as he watched her. "Can't the deal happen here? What if something happens to you?"

"Don't worry, I picked the fast food chain near the police station so there's nothing to worry about." Erin assured him and patted his head.

"I'm off now." She said as she opened the door.

"Okay, take care." Caleb watched her until she closed the door. He took a deep breath and laid on her bed.

Erin arrived at the meeting place then secured the deal with the buyer. She also sold him two more collectible cards.

TCG market is nasty. I earned more today than making 20 articles.

She thought then went to buy her art materials. She carried a huge canvas and bags with cans of paint and brushes then walked home.

She arrived then opened the door. Caleb was already waiting for her.

"Welcome home" He smiled.

"I'm home… These are heavyyy" She said then placed her things beside the door.

"That's a lot." He said then watched her.

"Yup, I'll make your portrait as big as those paintings aristocrats have." She joked.

"Hahaha," Caleb laughed. "I must be the luckiest guy in the world to have my portrait like that."

"How did the deal go?" He asked. Erin then placed everything in the living room and arranged the paints on the floor.

"Well, it was good. He was easy to talk to. I sales talked him to get two more hehe. We have extra money now."

She asked Caleb to sit on the stool in front of the canvas.

"Your clothes… Could you change it?" Erin asked.

"Uhh I don't think I could wear any other clothes" He said and looked down on his white long sleeves and jeans.

"I see. Then I'll do something about it. For now, I'll just sketch your form and pose." She said and she started sketching.

She drew Caleb's face shape and his body. It didn't have to be detailed just yet as she would paint over it later on.

"Just that?" Caleb peeked on the canvas with shapes and scribbles.

"Yeah. The details would be the paint's job. For now, I'll look into what your uniform looks like."

She then opened her laptop and browsed with Caleb.

"This one." He pointed at the dark colored uniform with a gold accent.

"Ohhhh that looks hot on you." Erin said then started searching more of the same uniform.

"I know. Damn, I'd look so hot in uniform." He pouted.

Once she got how the uniform looked like, she started sketching on to the canvas.

"Tomorrow, I'll start painting." She yawned.

"Haha you have bags under your eyes." Caleb chuckled.

"Mhm, this girlie needs to rest." She stretched then walked to her room.

As she laid down, she felt something.

… Fuck. It's been months since I got here and now I'm horny

She thought but beside her, Caleb was sitting on her chair.

"Hm? Can't sleep?" He asked.

"… Get out. I'm horny" She uttered.

Caleb's face got flustered but instead of getting out, he sat beside her.

"Ohhh and here I thought you were asexual as fuck." He teased and smiled.

"Grrr get outtt." She turned around.

"Hahaha," Caleb thought it was cute. "Go on, didn't you have that toy in the drawer."

"Yeah but you're here." She furrowed her brows then looked at him.

"I wanna watch" He teased.

"What are you gonna do? Put your spiritual dick in me and I'll moan like 'ahhh! Yes! Caleb! Your spiritual dick feels goooodd' like that?" She laughed.

Caleb laughed "Stop making it so weirddd and spiritual dick? Really? Hahahaha"

"I mean it is weird" She said and stood up. "Out out" She pointed at the door. She opened the drawer and grabbed her toy.

"Lie down here first. Then I'll leave." Caleb smiled.

She took a deep breath and laid down beside him. He then laid on top of her and looked at her in the eye.

"Wh.. What?" She asked as her cheeks turned red. Erin had always thought that his eyes were beautiful.

"Erin…" He whispered in her ear. His voice suddenly made her feel tingle.

She took a deep breath and Caleb smiled.

"It seems to me that you're soaking down there already." He uttered and looked at her expression. She was breathing slowly and deeply. Her eyes finally met his.

"I am." She said as she moved the cloth of her underwear to the side and gently inserted her toy.

"Good girl." Caleb said as he saw what she did. He took a deep breath. "How about you move it slowly?"

Erin did as he said and let out a sigh of pleasure. "Caleb…"

"Yes?" He smiled. "You're doing so well… Does it feel good?"

She nodded.

"Okay, then I'll leave you to it." He said then slowly stood up.

"No…" Erin said as she pleasured herself. "Stay here…"

She slid her hand under her shirt and lifted it up. Caleb's eyes widened from his view.

Shit… That's hot…

"Caleb…" She looked at him while slowly fondling and pleasuring herself.

Caleb watched her as she let out lewd sounds. He approached her and whispered "Bend over, sweetheart."

She turned around with her butt up and continued on pushing and pulling the toy inside her.

"Mhhh.. There… Caleb…" She said as her toes curled.

"Looks like you're near…" Caleb uttered as he looked at her. She nodded and her hand moved faster.

"Caleb…" She breathed heavily as she felt her climax rising.

She reached her climax and breathed heavily while moaning his name.

Fuck… She looks so lewd… Her face while having an orgasm…

Caleb thought while Erin removed the toy from her and her liquid flowed out.

… That looks tasty…

He thought while biting his lower lip.

"Enjoyed the show?" She smirked then wiped. She then stood up and washed.

After, she laid down again then immediately fell asleep.

"Goodnight." Caleb whispered and kissed her cheek.

6. A picture of you

Erin painted Caleb with great detail. Each brush stroke she moved with care and thought. Caleb sat in front of her and her sight alternates between the canvas and his face.

After a few hours, she's finished with his face, she now went to detail his uniform. Caleb watched her from behind as a soft relaxing music played from her speakers.

Night fell but the painting was still half way done. She sat in the couch and stared at the painting.

"Woah woah, you just sat on top of me" Caleb chuckled. Erin didn't notice that she sat on the exact spot Caleb was sitting.

"Pfttt." She smiled. "Move."

Caleb moved to sit beside her.

"You did a good job capturing my face like that." Caleb looked at the realistic unfinished painting.

"I did great detail on your face and it's tiring but I think it looks nice."

"Thank you." Caleb said and laid on her lap.

"I should be the one laying on your lap because I was the one who did the work." She smiled and petted his hair.

He closed his eyes and smiled. "How are you going to send the letter to my parents?"

"I'll go to their place." She replied.

"Oh? Really? You can just mail them. I don't care." He replied.

"Nah, I figured that they should receive it personally. Otherwise, I'll be sad."

"If my parents do answer you, what will you say?"

"Hello, I'm Erin and I masturbated in front of your son the other night" Erin replied with a dead pan expression.

Caleb burst out laughing. "Nooo don't say that!!"

"Haha, well I'll just tell them that I live in here and found some of your things." She smiled.

"Haha, alright." He sat up. "Let me know when you're going to visit so I can give you their address."

"Yes, but, I don't plan on visiting this week. I'll finish your portrait first"

"Erin," Caleb called her and she looked at him. "You said you could continue your studies. What did you study?"

"…." She pouted.

"Oh come on. I gave you a massive lore drop and you're not gonna drop yours?" Caleb looked at her with a puppy dog eyes. "Wait. You didn't study art?"

She shook her head. "I wanted to, but, money didn't let me. Scholarship grants didn't include the materials I'd be using."

"So you just taught yourself how to paint?" He asked.

"Yes… I originally took up forestry."

"Wow… Didn't know you love nature that much."

"Believe it or not, I used to go on strikes for environmental awareness." she laughed. "But I didn't get to finish because my mother died and my father acquired a shit ton of debt."

"My mom's savings went into payment of his debts so here I am. Away from my dad and without a college degree."

"Damn. Sorry to say this but your dad's an asshole." Caleb shook his head and furrowed his brows.

"He is." Erin sighed. "If I were to study again, I'd like to finish forestry and just work at a research lab and explore more flora and fauna. Preserve and cultivate them. Then I'll draw them in great detail before human kind destroys everything."

Caleb laughed. "Man, you're adorable."

"What?"

"I said." Caleb uttered and gave her a kiss on her cheek "You're adorable"

Erin looked at him and sighed. For the first time, she wanted to feel his skin against hers. She wanted to kiss him back and to feel his warmth.

"What is it?" Caleb softly asked.

Erin smiled. "Nothing"

"First time someone calling you adorable?" He chuckled.

"Probably, yeah. I've never had a relationship before and I tend to stay away from people." She shrugged.

"Oh." Caleb didn't expect for her to seriously answer. "Then, I'll just shower you with lots of compliments until you've heard them all" He childishly smiled.

"That's very sweet of you, Caleb." She smiled. "Anyway, I'm gonna take a bath. I feel sticky with some paints on my arm." she stood up and went to the bathroom.

"Can I go with you?" Caleb yelled from the other side of the door.

"Do what you want." She replied then soaked herself in the bubble water of the tub.

He entered the bathroom and saw her in the tub. Caleb sat outside the tub and stared at her.

"What?" She asked as she scrubbed her arms.

"Hehe, nothing. Nothing" Caleb smiled.

"Tsk, just spill it out."

"I just thought that we feel like a couple" Caleb giggled.

"Hmm, now that you mentioned it…" She tilted her head.

This is bad. I cannot be his anchor as to why he won't pass on

Caleb smiled. "Say, Erin… Once I've passed on, I'd like you to open my journal. It's in the first box we opened along with my books."

"Why? What's in there?"

"Just some things I'd hope someone would read about but I had no one to tell about it."

"If that's the case, shouldn't we read it now?"

"No… I might have more regrets if I hear it."

"I see, then, okay." She smiled. "I'd honor Mr. Caleb's request."

Days later, Erin instructed Caleb not to peek while she was doing the finishing touches of the painting. After she was done, she called on him.

"Oh! I'm so excited haha" Caleb closed his eyes as he approached her.

Once he's in front of the painting he opened his eyes and saw a realistic painting of him in uniform. His eyes widened and he felt like butterflies flying in his stomach. His heart felt happy and satisfied.

"… Erin… This is…" Caleb stared at it for a long time. "Thank you…"

Once again, Caleb felt lighter then before.

"Hehe, are you happy?" She smiled and he nodded.

"I am very happy, Erin… Thank you" He couldn't get his eyes off the painting. He smiled. It was a bittersweet moment to see something he could never be anymore. But at the same time, it served as a closure for a dream he will never reach.

Erin looked at the clock and she didn't realize it was already dusk. She yawned.

"I'm glad you loved it, Caleb. Seems like my art skills only improved." She nodded.

Caleb approached her and gave her a hug. She didn't feel anything but she knew he was grateful for what she had done.

"Thank you, really…" Caleb whispered.

"You're welcome." She hugged the air back.

"So… Uhm… After thus, where do you plan on displaying it?" Caleb asked.

"I was planning on displaying it in your mausoleum."

"How did you know I was buried in a mausoleum?" He tilted his head.

"Rich people usually have mausoleums." She shrugged. "So I figured you were buried there too."

"I see. You are such an adventurer to be willing to do all these at you expense." He chuckled.

"I'd like to look back at this moment one day and remember everything. I am having fun, actually." She smiled. "Especially seeing you feeling more relieved every time we accomplish everything in the bucketlist we wrote."

7. Visit

A week later, Erin decided to finally give the letter to his parents.

"What time will you be home?" He asked.

"Depending on what time I'll leave your place. Don't worry, I don't plan on staying long." She smiled.

"Big chance you're gonna meet my closest elder brother. He's staying at our parents place because he doesn't like human interaction." He chuckled.

"Oh? Then I think me and him would get along." Erin said and Caleb frowned.

"No. You get along better with me." He uttered.

"Damn, you jelly or something?" Erin laughed. "I'm not gonna flirt with your brother. That's just weird." She opened the door and bid her goodbye.

Caleb took a deep breath and furrowed his eyebrows.

That man better not be flirting with her.

Caleb walked to the backyard and found that she forgot to lock its door.

… I better just stay here. She forgot to lock it…

Caleb sat on the chair in the backyard then looked up the sky.

I feel lighter than before… I think Erin's been helping me a lot. But… I kinda want to stay a bit longer for her…

His place was a bit far so Erin took the train to Caleb's residence and found herself in a luxurious subdivision. Each of the houses she passed by looked like it could shelter five families.

She finally arrived at his place where the gates were painted black with gold accent. She could see the inside having a fountain at the middle of the driveway and a path going to a garden.

… All these riches and they couldn't even monitor their youngest son…

Erin thought and she frowned. She pressed the doorbell and was answered by a man wearing a thick framed glasses who was a spitting image of Caleb.

Just when everyone's on leave, suddenly we get visitors.

He thought and stared at her.

"You look like Caleb." Erin smiled. "Are you his brother?"

"… Yes. Who are you?" He asked.

"I'm Erin and I now live in his former house. You see, I found a letter and the address led me here." She gave him the letter they made.

He opened the letter and scanned through it.

"Something is not right. How did you know my brother's face if you are only occupying his former apartment now?" he looked at her sharply.

He's sharp, but I'm better.

"I found boxes of his documents from when he was studying. Some of it has his pictures." She replied.

He sighed then opened the gates. "Come in. I have more questions for you."

… He's nothing like Caleb… I wanna go home now…

She entered their house and walked behind him.

Their height are are the same too… The face… Eyes… Build…Everything is the same except for his personality.

He led her to his room and opened it.

"Uhm… In your room?" Erin thought it was weird for their first meeting.

"… This is where I'm most comfortable. Outside like living room is too much space, it's uncomfortable." He replied then led her to a couch.

His room was like a gaming room with a queen sized bed. Different consoles were lined on his shelf, his multi-screen PC was still running, an acrylic shelf of figurines and Gundam models, and the light was a bit dim for Erin.

at least his room is tidy and it smells nice.

Erin sat on the couch and before her is a coffee table with unopened chips. He placed a cold bottle of iced tea for the two of them.

"Do you know my brother?" He asked. Erin shook her head.

I can't tell him about Caleb still not passing on… He'll pry me for more answers.

"Are you sure?" His eyes sharply looked at her. She maintained her composure.

"Yes.. Why? Did you expect a different answer?"

"Because the ink is still fresh in this letter." He held out the letter she gave. "He died 5 years ago. But, this ink… There's no smudge or signs of time. But this is his penmanship and signature through and through."

Erin didn't change her expression.

"So I'm asking you again, do you know my brother?" He stood up and locked the door.

It was wrong for me to get inside his room… Should I tell him?

Erin took a deep breath.

"I… I may have some kind of supernatural sight that I was able to see him at his place as a wandering spirit." She conceded.

His eyes widened.

"You mean he still lingers here?"

She nodded.

"That letter… We made that weeks ago. He said he regretted not thanking your parents before dying." She admitted and looked at her hands.

"I see." He neatly folded the letter then placed it on the table. "Rest assured that I will give this to our parents once they returned."

"Thank you." Erin smiled and stood up.

"I'll drive you home." He offered.

"Oh no, thank you, but I can go home by myself."

"I… Also want to see if I could see him." He softly uttered. "I was the one who found him dead in his room. We were supposed to play TCG that day but… When I arrived, he had no pulse."

"Oh… Okay." Erin replied.

I don't think I could say no.

He packed his things then led her to their parking lot where there are not less than 5 luxury cars were parked. He pressed his key and a sleek black Audi lit up.

He opened the passenger seat for her then went to the driver's seat. It was going to be a long drive that's why Erin preferred to take the train but now she's stuck in a long drive with Caleb's brother.

He turned on the stereo and a heavy metal song played. Erin froze as the music was too loud. Sensing her discomfort, he tuned down the volume and changed the music into indie.

"Sorry. It was too loud." He apologized.

"I just realized I didn't get your name." She uttered.

"Right, I forgot. My name's Isaac." He softly replied. "Do you always see ghosts and those paranormal things?" He asked.

Erin shook her head. "Caleb was the first one and I hope he'd be the last." She chuckled.

"Were you not scared?"

"Not really. I was just very tired so I never really thought about how he was a ghost and all." She shrugged. "Caleb is easy to talk to so I had no problem setting up boundaries."

"That's good. And you're helping him pass on peacefully?"

"Yes."

Isaac smiled and for a brief second, Erin thought that he was Caleb.

"You two… Are like twins." she finally said.

"Many people say that. And even I agree. But I'm three years older than him."

After a few hours, they arrived at her home. She opened her door and saw Caleb waiting.

"Welcome ho--" He said then frowned when he saw his brother behind her.

"I'm home" She said then removed her coat.

"What's HE doing here?" He said the stood in front of him. Looking at them side by side, Erin thought they do look like twins.

"Sorry… I got into a pinch earlier… He figured us out." She replied then went to the living room.

"… He figured out that you wrote the letter?" Caleb asked.

"No, he figured out that the letter was made recently then I got trapped in his room."

Isaac observed her as she was talking to the air. He couldn't hear his brother at all. She sat on the couch and massaged her shoulders. Isaac sat beside her.

Caleb stood in front of his brother.

"He's always been sharp." He crouched down and stared at his brother.

"So, where is that idiot brother of mine?" Isaac asked.

"He's actually in front of you." Erin replied.

Isaac's eyes found the painting Erin made. He stood up and walked past Caleb then observed it up close.

"You painted this?" He asked and she nodded.

"You got every detail right. It's like you knew him…"

"I did tell you that I can see him." Erin replied.

Caleb… You look so real here… It is as if you're alive… Brother…

"Caleb… It's been five years but mom is still in mourning, do you know that?" Isaac spoke as he looked into the painting.

Caleb's eyes widened.

"Your mausoleum never ran out of flowers. It was well kept and mom visits you every month. Dad on the other hand had a different coping mechanism. He never wanted to talk about you but I know he was hurt and he blames himself as well."

"As for me and our eldest brother, we blamed ourselves. How can we let our baby brother go through all that."

Isaac took a deep breath, keeping his tears from falling. Caleb listened as his eyes were wet with tears.

"I'm sorry bro… I really am. The day you passed was the day we were supposed to go out. I don't know if you remember. I was going to ask you how you've been faring but it was too late… I was too late." Isaac couldn't hold his tears back. He knelt down the floor and cried.

For five years, Caleb thought that his family didn't care for him. Until today…Caleb took a deep breath and sat on the floor beside his brother.

Never thought that they were in actual mourning for me…

Erin grabbed a towel and approached Isaac.

It looks like it hadn't sunk in to him until today.

He was sniffling and grasping for air. Erin removed his eyeglasses and gently placed the towel over his eyes. She didn't utter any word but she just let them be then went to the backyard to smoke.

A few minutes have passed and Caleb sat beside her.

"I was… Wrong about everything…" He heavily said. "Isaac.. He never lies about these things he always thought that lying is too much work that's why I believe everything he said today."

His expression was forlorn.

"And uhm I think he passed out bawling his eyes." Caleb informed her. She entered the house and found him lying on the couch, sleeping with tears in his eyes.

Erin gently wiped his tears then placed a blanket over him.

"You two look alike." Erin mentioned.

"Yeah, often times they thought we were twins." Caleb chuckled.

"Your family loved you, Caleb." Erin uttered.

"… It would seem so." He regretfully admitted. "But somehow, I feel better knowing they did love me. Never thought I'd feel this way." He smiled.

"That's good. The more lighter you feel, the lesser regret you'll have." She smiled then yawned. "I feel sleepy"

"Haha, you should go sleep." Caleb replied.

"Can't. Your brother is here." She sat on the floor then opened her laptop by the coffee table then started composing her commissioned articles.

Isaac woke up to the sound of typing and her quiet voice talking to Caleb. He observed the words she was typing on her screen.

Looks like she's a writer for a magazine of some sort.

He thought and took a deep breath.

"You awake?" Erin asked without looking at him.

"I was wondering if we could play" He asked then brought out his deck box. "My idiot brother still owes me a game."

"Hahahahahah, you're on!" Caleb exclaimed. "Erin we should defeat him."

"Sure later if you buy me food and after I am done with this work." Erin replied while typing.

"Of course. What does miss Erin want?" Isaac asked while unlocking his phone.

"Oi why are you asking him for dinner? We can just cook" Caleb pouted.

"I'm busy and I am hungry." She smiled. "Plus, if he buys food, I won't have to pay for tonight's dinner hehehe" She whispered.

"Damn, you stingy. Even after all those money I gave you." Caleb chuckled.

Does she think I can't hear her?

Isaac thought and looked at her.

"Boneless fried chicken with rice and iced tea. Chocolate mousse for dessert and some beer." She requested.

Isaac chuckled then tapped on the food delivery app. "Big appetite, huh?"

"I didn't have lunch." She dryly replied.

"WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT SKIPPING MEALS?" Caleb exclaimed worriedly.

Erin covered her ears and furrowed her eyebrows. "Calm down! I had a biscuit when i was walking earlier"

Isaac thought she looked amusing talking by herself like that.

"What did he say?" Isaac asked.

"He's yelling at me because I skipped meals." She shrugged.

"Caleb, if you want to take care of your woman, maybe you should go and possess someone's body so you could cook for her" Isaac laughed.

"His woman? What the fuck are you talking about?" Erin's eyes narrowed.

"Wait.. Good point. Let me possess you then." Caleb grinned then stood in front if his brother.

"He says he's going to possess your body." Erin said.

"Haha, good. Then you take care of my business."

"On second thought, never mind. I don't like your business." Caleb sat beside his brother.

"He says never mind he never liked your business." She translated.

Eventually, their food arrived and they started eating. Caleb watched the two and the pain of longing struck him.

… I wish I could eat with them…

Afterwards, they started their card game.

"You gonna use samurai commander?" Isaac asked while fixing his own board.

"Damn right." Caleb replied.

"Your deck is five years outdated. They released new units for it."

"Don't worry, I bought some upgrades the other week." Erin grinned. She likes playing card games and this excites her as much.

"Oh really? Are they not expensive?" Caleb's eyes lit up.

"They were expensive but I got a good deal for it." She replied then started shuffling their deck.

"What kinda deal? In my experience, most male players look down on women who play these things. What did you do to make them agree?" Isaac curiously asked.

"Just some customized paintings for their cards." She shrugged then rolled the dice.

"I'll go first." Isaac declared they they started playing. Caleb was focused on instructing Erin on what to do and she followed whatever he say.

Isaac smiled. This pattern… It's like playing with him again… If… If I was early… If I wasn't too preoccupied by my own things… Would he still be with us?

They played four rounds until Erin felt tired. Isaac let him win this time and it resulted to their victory.

"YEAHHHHH! TAKE THAT!" Caleb excitedly yelled.

"He's happy he won and he's screaming his lungs out right now." Erin said while yawning. "I'm sleepy and it's getting late. Shouldn't you be going home?"

He smiled. "Yes, I should be going home." He stood up and looked at Erin. "I'll keep this as our little secret. I don't want mother to barge in here and to throw you out just because Caleb is here."

"Oh. Thank you for your concern." Erin replied.

"Your TCGs, did you give it to her?"

"Yeah." Caleb replied and Erin nodded.

"I see. You have more use of it that I would." He took a deep breath. "Call me if you need anything. If you want to display his portrait somewhere near his resting place or to store his things at home, his room is still clean in our house. I can help you with that."

"Thank you, Isaac. I appreciate it." Erin smiled.

"Oi, make sure to check up on her too when I'm gone." Caleb added.

"What?" Erin furrowed her brows.

"Go on, tell him." Caleb replied.

"Caleb says that you should check up on me when he's passed on." Erin quietly said.

"Of course. You're helping my brother after all. It's the least I could do." He nodded. "I can even start visiting you regularly starting tomorrow." He chuckled.

"I mean… Not that much. I'm sure you're busy too." Erin replied.

"Alright. I'll go now. Goodnight." Isaac bid his goodbye then left.

8. Life with you

Erin removed her clothes then laid down her bed. She wrapped herself in her duvet then closed her eyes.

"I really didn't know they cared that much…" Caleb uttered as he laid down beside her.

"You're their youngest. Of course they care." She replied.

"But… It feels nice to see Isaac. He's my closest brother. I never blamed him for what happened to me… It my own fault." Caleb softly said. He turned to look at her. Her eyes are close but she is awake.

"What else have we not ticked in our list?" She asked.

"One? I think about having friends."

Companionship is the word he was looking for but never realized. All the relationships he had before never gave him the feeling of having a companion and such was his regret.

"I see. I'm your friend, maybe you'll feel satisfied someday." She yawned then finally fell asleep.

"Good night." Caleb said as he kissed her cheek.

The next morning, Erin woke up to a sound of a cat.

Meow meow!

It yelled.

What the… Why is it so noisy…

She put on her clothes then went to the living room and saw Caleb playing with a black cat.

"Haha look! He could see me!" He happily announced as the cat tried to scratch his hand.

"Where did you get him?" Erin asked and she crouched beside Caleb.

"I dunno. Maybe because you left the backyard door open." Caleb nodded at the ajar sliding door.

"He doesn't have a tag… I don't think he has a microchip either…" Caleb observed the cat.

"He looks dirty. He's probably a stray." Erin said while closing the door.

"Let's adopt him. I heard that there's this thing called cat distribution system and we are compelled to adopt him." He chuckled.

"Oh you want him? Then I guess we should adopt him"

"I mean… It would be better for you to have a cute companion other than me." He winked.

"You should be grateful that you are good looking. Otherwise, that's just cringe." She laugh. "You should name the cat since you found him."

Caleb tilted his head. "How about Salem? It suits a cute black cat like him." The cat then flopped to its side and showed his underbelly.

"Ahhh Salemmm so cuteeee!" The two sighed collectively.

They decided to adopt the cat and she cleaned him thoroughly. She then opened her laptop to browse which things to buy for their new pet.

"You should choose the design for his collar." Erin said while smiling. She scrolled slowly through the options so Caleb could choose.

"Hehe, how about this one?" He pointed at a red colored collar with a tiny apple design for its pendant.

"Okay that's cute. I'll just reserve these for now then pick it up at the pet shop later" She tapped on the order button then store pick up.

Salem was comfortable in their home. He sat on the couch and slept.

"You should call on Isaac to help you carry those." Caleb suggested but she shook her head.

"I don't want to be involved with your brother too much." She honestly replied.

I might project some things on him since he looks so much like you

"I see. Well, if you have troubles, just ask them to ship it here." Caleb smiled.

"Hmmm yeah I could. I think I could carry it just fine."

During the afternoon, Erin went to the pet shop to fetch her orders: cat bed, litterbox, cat litter, cat food, and some toys.

She carried everything home and once she arrived she huffed and puffed then laid on the floor.

"Haha, welcome home." Caleb looked at her and behind him was Salem who inspected his new stuff. "You carried everything like a champ"

"I'm… Home…" She caught her breath.

After she arranged his litterbox and bed, she finally placed the red collar on him and on its pendant, it read:

Return to owners: Caleb & Erin

Contact number: 237-XXXX-XX

"Haha, you didn't have to include me. I'm dead." Caleb chuckled.

"Not to me and Salem's eyes, right babyyy?" Erin cuddled that cat and it answered with a singular meow.

Caleb smiled. He felt seen and needed at that time.

"What if someone looks for Caleb?" He asked.

"Then I'll give them the creepy smile then say 'he died five years ago… Oh! But why is he behind you?' Then they'll shit their pants" Erin maniacally laughed.

"Hahaha, you're so evil." Caleb laughed.

It already became normal for them to talk about his death and it made Caleb feel lighter.

Little by little, with Erin's efforts, he has accepted that he is no longer of this world.

Weeks pass and they took care of Salem. Caleb is in charge of his playtime while Erin did the labor such as changing his litter, feeding him, bathing him, and the like.

She also decided to pass her application form to study for college to which she got accepted on scholarship and some of her units from before were credited.

"CALEB! I GOT ACCEPTED!! LOOK!" She excitedly pointed at her screen. Caleb happily read her acceptance letter then celebrated with her.

"With scholarship too?? You're so amazing, Erin!! " He proudly said.

I want to hug her right now.

He thought as he watched her hug Salem.

"You know what, we should celebrate tonight. Hehehe, I'll just buy some beer and chips." Erin excitedly put on her coat.

"No cigarettes?" Caleb smiled.

"Nah, I'm tryna quit. Bad for the environment." She giggled. "I'll be quick."

Caleb watched her and he felt satisfied being like this with her… But he couldn't help but worry as everything he does is limited to just watching over her and talking to her.

… I want to do more… I want to protect her… I want to help her carry her things… I want to touch her face when I wake her up in the morning… I want to…

Salem sensed his distress and he sat beside Caleb.

"Say… Do you think there's a universe out there where me and Erin are happily married? Maybe with some kids…"

Salem answered with a meow and Caleb smiled.

"Yes… I hope there is."

Erin arrived with her beer, sliced beef, fried chicken, and rice cakes.

"Wow, that's how celebration should be!" Caleb said while she placed everything on her coffee table.

"Mhm, and I brought some chicken treats for Salem. Come here babyyyy" Erin smiled and looked at Salem but Caleb laid on her lap.

"Yes, baby?" Caleb joked.

"Hahaha, not you, silly."

They laughed and she gave Salem his treats. She opened the television and connected her karaoke player.

"Niceee will I hear miss Erin sing tonight?" Caleb smiled.

"We will sing and get drunk tonighttt yeahhhh" She said on her microphone that was toned down to almost the lowest volume so as to not disturb her neighbors.

Salem laid on his bed while the two sang their hearts out until Erin passed out on the couch. Caleb looked at her sleeping face and wished that he could enter her dream, maybe, he could touch her there.

He felt lighter than ever before. He felt love from his family, from Erin and from Salem.

He looked at the cat who he considers as his own and smiled.

"Take care of your momma, for me. Okay? It seems like it is time to go." He whispered and the cat awakened; he looked at him.

He looked down and noticed that his translucent body became transparent.

Ah, I'm not gonna last long…

He hovered to Erin. He gently 'touched' her face and smiled.

"Thank you, Erin. I'm glad I met you, even in this form, I felt your overflowing love. It was so fun with you" He chuckled. "I can only imagine how much more fun we could have had if we actually met."

Caleb gave her a kiss.

"Take care, Erin. I wish you all the best."

… Isaac… Please take care of her, for me. She's a great girl, I'm sure you'll like her the way that I do.

Caleb thought as he slowly disappeared without any regrets.

Meanwhile, Isaac was doing some of his work in his PC and accounting for this month's profits.

Not bad. I wonder if we could expand.

Suddenly, from his mind, he heard a very familiar voice.

"Take care of her, for me."

Caleb? That's his voice…did he…?

9. Thank you

The next morning, Erin awoke as Salem jumped on her stomach.

"Salemmm… Ughhh you're heavy." Erin uttered as she gently carried Salem to the floor.

"Caleb… Salem is being naughty please get him here…" She yelled but there's no response.

"Caleb?" She slowly sat up and looked around. She rushed to her room but there's no sign of him.

"Caleb… Where are you…?" She went to the kitchen and the bathroom, still no sign of him. Her heart suddenly felt heavy.

"Caleb, if you're joking, please, it's not funny." Erin felt tears flowed from her eyes as she looked for him. He was nowhere to be found.

She sat on the floor as she cried. She knew it was going to happen sooner or later. It was the point of even interacting with him, to have him pass on early and without regrets. She prepared herself but still… Her heart longed for him.

First thing in the morning, Isaac drove to her place. When he arrived, he knocked but there was no response.

Excuse me, I'll have to type in the password.

He typed the password to her door and it opened. He saw her crying in the living room.

So he did leave… It was him last night.

He slowly approached her and she looked up at him as she wept.

"Isaac… He… Caleb is…" She struggled to speak.

He knelt down and gave her a tight hug. "Thank you, Erin. He's passed on now. I'm sure he felt happy with you."

Erin hugged him back and cried. She nodded but she still felt sorrowful.

"I'm five years too late…" She said in between cries. "I wish we could've met earlier… He's a joy to have around…"

He stayed with her for a while, and in the afternoon, he walked with her to the park. She was still processing her feelings while eating ice cream.

"You feel a bit better now?" Isaac finally spoke but Erin cried again.

"Shhh, don't…" Isaac panicked as people were looking at them. He wiped her tears and hugged her.

"HE WOULD'VE LIKED WALKING IN PARKS UWAAHHHHHUHUHU!"

Dammit Caleb! You didn't tell me she's a cry baby!

"Come." He held her hand and led her near the trees. "Shhh it's okay." He hugged her until she calmed down.

She finally stopped crying and caught her breath. She held her hand against her eyes.

"You okay now" He asked and she nodded. They then went back to her home but she was hesitating to go inside. After all, it was the house where she shared lots of memories with him.

"If you don't feel like staying here, you and Salem could go to my place for the time being." Isaac offered.

"Huh? In your huge ass house? I'll just stay here… I don't wanna intrude." She sniffled and opened the door.

There was no one who greeted her.

"I'm home…" She whispered. Her mind replayed how Caleb always greeted her with a smile even if she was just out for only minutes. She held her tears back.

"Not there. I mean, I have my own personal place that you could stay." Isaac replied but she shook her head.

"Thank you but… I'd like to stay here even if it's painful as of now." She said as she walked in.

"Well, Caleb asked me to take care of you and obviously I can't say no. I'll stay here until you feel better." He let himself in and carried Salem.

Months later, Erin became busy with her studies and Salem grew a bit fatter. They still stayed at the same home and Salem still wore the same collar.

I'm almost there.

Sent by: Isaac

Okay, don't text while driving.

Sent by: Erin

I'm not. I'm waiting for your food. They're still cooking it (⁠⁠´⁠ω⁠｀⁠⁠)

Sent by: Isaac

Lol. Okay, I'll wrap the painting now. I'll see you later.

Sent by: Erin

Erin wrapped Caleb's portrait. They decided to put it up in his mausoleum with their parent's permission.

Shortly, Isaac arrived and carried the portrait into the back of the pick up truck and secured it. Salem was dressed for the occasion too! He wore his tuxedo and was placed in his carrier.

They drove to the cemetery to Caleb's mausoleum where his immediate family were already settling themselves for his 6th death anniversary.

They placed his huge portrait against the wall and his family thanked her for remembering him.

"Mom seems to be fond of you." Isaac leaned down to his side and whispered.

"She should be. I helped his son clear up things, after all." She giggled.

After the ceremony for Caleb's death anniversary, Erin finally had the heart to open Caleb's journal.

He said I should read this...

Beside her was Salem who looked curious as he sniffed on the old boxes of Caleb's belongings. She took a deep breath then opened the journal.

To you who is reading this,

I'm sure you're an important person to me as I don't really ask people for favors. I started this journal so I could write something good about my day to remind me that life is good. That I should hold on and experience how beautiful it is to live.

Date: XX of year XXXX

I saw a child today, around 5 years old. He was holding a miniature figure of an airplane. I heard him say he wants to be a pilot. Coincidence! I will be one someday. I think he'll be one of my passengers.

Date XX of XXXX

I still haven't beaten up Isaac in our TCG. more ways to live so I can beat him someday >:D

Date XX of XXXX

Ice cream tastes so nice. Especially if you mix some flavors together. The ice cream shop near the academy sells really good home made ice cream :)

Date XX of XXXX

... Why did she leave?

Date XX of XXXX

I failed my exams today. I'm quite tired.

Date XX of XXXX

Went partying out today. It was fun, but still... I feel empty.

Erin's tears fell as she read the journal. She read through how his mind faltered from one failure to another until it couldn't fight anymore. She flipped though the journal and at the back was a picture of a black cat, a kitten at the back of the photo it read:

I saw this kitty today. He's so small but I heard they're taking care of him. If I had a cat, I'd name him Salem :D

Erin looked at the cat beside her. She gently carried Salem and hugged him.

I hope... I hope the next time we meet... we're both alive and happy...

[wardenbloom]

Zayne: A mermaid's gift

Zayne x Mina (Female OC)

Introduction: Voiceless mermaids are those mermaids without gifts and couldn't lure anybody to fall in love with them to be their mate which makes them a valuable collection for people with power. But that doesn't mean they couldn't fall in love and devote their whole lives for their love.

Mermaids are known for their voices that could cause hypnotism or sometimes, in rare occasions, hallucinations. However, among these mermaids, there are some that couldn't even talk, much less sing. These kinds of mermaids are often called "voiceless" and are the ones collectors and people in higher echelons seek. They consider them as a valuable collection or antique, symbolizing their status.

A mermaid's gift is given to a person whom a mermaid chose to be their mate. While their usual activity is drowning humans, some fall in love with their victims, giving them the mermaid's gift which gives them whatever they desire. The voiceless are believed to have no gifts at their disposal as they are mute and cannot find their own mate.

A sickly teenager read through his story book. His slender fingers gently flipped through the pages and his emerald eyes understood each word he read.

"Young master Zayne," His butler entered his room with a tray of medicines and a glass of water.

Zayne closed his book and readied himself to take his bitter medicines.

"Are they home?" Zayne asked about his parents as he swallowed his last pill.

"Not yet young master. They said that they will be here after the ball ends which could be tomorrow, at dusk." His butler replied.

"I see." Zayne dryly replied and looked outside from his window where their luscious garden stands.

"Young master, your birthday is coming up. Do you wish to have anything?" The buttler smiled as he cleaned up the tray.

Zayne smiled and looked at the thick book he was reading and jokingly replied: "Maybe a mermaid would be nice. It gets lonely here alone."

Zayne belongs to one of the most affluent families in the city where his father focused on enriching the business on trades and ports. Even though he's still young, he read a lot of books regarding trades, businesses, merchant relations, and different languages that even his father consults him sometimes.

Despite being sickly, his parents love and adore him very much that they are willing to do everything to keep him healthy and alive.

"He really said that?" Zayne's father asked the butler. He was sitting in his office while browsing the morning paper which showed:

VOICELESS MERMAID UP FOR BIDDING AT THE AUCTION HOUSE TODAY!!

"Yes, my lord." The butler answered.

"Haha, this is the first time my son has actually said something he wants. It seems like this father will have to bid some money today." The father laughed and stood up and rode his carriage to the auction house.

On his 16th birthday, they celebrated privately as they understood that Zayne's condition makes it hard for him to interact with several people at once.

"Close your eyes, sweetie!" His mother said and he happily followed. Their servants carried the large aquarium into his room and placed it against the wall. After everything has settled Zayne opened his eyes and saw a giant aquarium with a mermaid inside it.

Her tail had shiny blue scales that gently reflected the lights, her thick and dark long hair hangs from her head to her waist and her innocent deep blue eyes stared at Zayne with curiosity. Around her neck is a necklace with a small elongated spiral shell as a pendant.

Zayne looked at her and his heart thumped. He couldn't get his eyes off of her.

"Well, she is a voiceless and I trust you take care of her, Zayne." His father gently patted his shoulder. "And I'm sure she'll keep you company."

Zayne looked at her and felt pity.

How can a creature be so beautiful be enclosed in this tiny aquarium?

Night fell and Zayne struggled to sit on his wheelchair. He wanted to closely see her but he didn't want to bother his butler.

The mermaid watched him struggle as his thin arms supported his weight from his bed to the chair. After a few tries, he finally sat on his wheel chair then carried the lamp near the aquarium. He huffed and puffed as he caught his breath.

Expressionless, she looked at him in eye level and observed him.

"... Do you know how to speak?" Zayne finally asked. The mermaid stared at her blankly.

"I guess not... We should get some rest. " He said then turned around his chair.

... I'm already exhausted...

He breathed heavily then tried to lift himself from the chair to his bed but he couldn't. Droplets of sweat formed on his forehead as he tried again. The mermaid finally realized that he was struggling. She swam up then jumped from the top of the aquarium and gently fell into the floor.

Zayne gasped then rushed to her side.

"What are you doing..? " He said as his eyes looked at her innocent face. Her wet hair was stuck to her cheek. He stared at her and found his sight on her chest. His ears turned red and he looked away. He grabbed a towel and covered her up.

She held on to the towel then dried her tail. Zayne watched her as she patted herself dry.

"It seems like you know what you're doing." He uttered and she nodded. His eyes widened.

"So you understand me?" He asked and she tilted her head.

Shortly, her tail turned into human legs.

"... What...?" Zayne whispered. "You can turn into human?"

She slowly stood up and Zayne thought that she was about his age. Her height, face and body is that of a teenager.

"Y-y-you should cover yourself up..." He said as he blushed then opened the drawer. He gestured for her to come closer and she did.

He made her wear his clothes then he closed its buttons.

He sighed. He felt exhausted and sleepy but at the same time he wanted to know what more was she hiding.

"Need... Help...?" She struggled to speak but her voice sounded small and odd.

"Me?" He asked and she nodded.

"... Yes. I can't get to bed." He regretfully admitted. She scooped him into her arms with ease. Zayne gasped in surprised and she gently laid him down to bed then tucked him in.

"You... Weak." She uttered. "Need... Help..."

Zayne felt hurt about her words but it is true. His body is weak and he doesn't know how long he'll live.

Zayne looked away from her then she sat on the bed beside him.

"Don't..." He said but her eyes looked like she needed sleep. The gentle yellow light streaked and the more he looks at her, the more beautiful she gets.

"I... Help..." She muttered under her breath, forcing herself to stay awake.

"... Thank you but you shouldn't sleep here. Go back to the aquarium." Zayne said. She removed the shirt then jumped back to the aquarium. The moment she touched the water, her tail grew back.

He rolled to his side and watched her swim around.

She looked tired outside water but she could actually transform into human just like that...

Zayne thought then finally fell asleep.

Weeks passed and the mermaid had gotten used to getting out of her aquarium during nightfall and listen to Zayne talk.

"I think you can come now." Zayne said. He was sitting on his wheelchair with a towel on his lap and a change of clothes were ready on his bedside table.

The mermaid swam up to the mouth of the aquarium and jumped into his arms. He gently caught her then dried her up.

She sat on his lap and watched him clothe her. She smiled.

"You... Happy..." She uttered.

"Am I?" Zayne smiled then he rolled the wheels to his bed. She helped him up to his bed and Zayne laid his back on the headboard.

"I haven't asked before but do you have a name?" He asked her while opening his story book. She shook her head.

"Really? Do you want me to give you one?" Zayne asked and she smiled then nodded.

"Hm," Zayne placed a finger on his chin while the mermaid crawled to the bed then sat beside him. She made herself comfortable by placing a blanket on top of their laps.

"How about Lily? Its a kind of flower." He asked and she shook her head. "You don't like? How about Lorelei? She drowned people."

She shook her head again then frowned. "I.. Don't... Drown."

"Oh, sorry. How about Mina? It means blue sky just like the color of your eyes."

She smiled and nodded.

"Pretty... Name..."

"You like that? Then I'll call you that, Mina." He noticed that she was looking at his hand. "What are you looking at?" He asked then lifted his hand.

She clasped his hand using both of hers and placed it on her cheek.

"Warm... Like sun." She smiled. "Name?"

"My name?" He looked at her. "My name is Zayne. I'm 16 years old. How about you?"

"Mina... I'm... Uhhh" Mina released his hand then counted using her fingers. "Six.. Hundred.. Twenty human years.." She tilted her head.

"Human years? So how old is that in mermaid years?"

She counted again. "Seventeen..." She grinned. Zayne could see her sharp teeth.

"We're almost the same age. Maybe that's why we get along." He replied then noticed that she looked sleepy.

"Tired already?" He asked and she nodded. "Alright. We should call it a night."

"Dance..." She said as she looked at the painting beside his bookshelf. The painting showed a colorful venue of people dancing at a ball.

"Oh, you know that?" He asked. She nodded and swayed her head as if swaying to a tune.

"lalalala." She monotonously sang.

He chuckled. "If I get to walk one of these days, let's learn how to dance together."

Mina's face lit up and she nodded. "Yes, Zayne."

Months went by and Zayne told her countless stories, from adventure, to romance, to fantasy and the like. She liked listening to him talk even when sometimes, she could not understand what a certain word mean. Whenever that happens, Zayne notice her tilting her head and he automatically explain to her what that certain word mean.

She also tried to make him stand up once in a while. She supported his weight effortlessly and on the floor were marks of his walking mileage. They celebrated his walking mileage by sharing a cookie or eating sweets.

The two were sitting on his bed as they ate their little midnight snacks.

"You like that candy." Zayne smiled and she nodded. "I'll give you some more tomorrow." He patted her head while she chewed on the caramel candy.

She opened another pack of sweets, chocolate with wafer inside. She gently held one and gently placed it on Zayne's lips.

His eyes widened. He slowly opened his mouth and ate it. A bit of the chocolate melted on her fingers and she licked on her fingers while looking at him.

His face turned red upon meeting her eyes and he looked away.

"D-don't to that." He uttered.

"Do what?" She tilted her head.

Zayne pouted and looked at her. She was smiling at him.

This is bad. My heart rate had been unsteady.

She moved closer to him and embraced him.

"Mi-mina!” Zayne exclaimed. "It is improper for a boy and a girl to hug because we are not wed!" He wanted to push her away but he did not dislike feeling her skin against his.

"Zayne... You're kind." She said then pulled away. "What is wed?" She asked.

"Uhm. It's a union between a man and a woman. Where they swear that they'll love each other for the rest of their lives." He shyly answered.

"Oh." Mina smiled. "Let's get wed in the future."

Zayne smiled at her. "Sure, if I'd get better, let's do that." He uttered and tucked her hair behind her ear. He knew he was not going to get any better. No physician could even tell what sickness he has but it slowly deteriorates his system, leading to him being bedridden for years.

However, despite the physician's finding that he will not be able to walk, Zayne started getting better. It was still hard for him to walk, he could now somehow stand for a very short period of time.

"Well, sir. It seems that young master Zayne is doing very good than what I anticipated! I'll fix his dosage and prescribe some supplements." The on-call doctor said then wrote on his prescription pad.

"I knew that mermaid would bring us luck! Good job, son." Zayne's father patted his head.

"She's a good listener." Zayne replied. "I read her books and she liked the stories." He smiled.

Mina watched them as they talked. She noticed that they were smiling.

... Zayne is smiling... There must be good news...

She thought and unconsciously, she smiled at him. Zayne noticed her and his heart thumped.

During the night, she jumped again from the aquarium into his arms. She sat on his lap and stared at his face.

"Where were we?" Zayne asked while wearing his eye glasses. He's been teaching Mina how to speak properly so she could communicate well.

"Zayne," She gently called his name.

"Yes?"

"Why don't you tell them that I can talk and become human?" She curiously asked.

Zayne took a deep breath. "Hm, I just thought that if they knew you could talk, they'll take you away from here. You being able to speak means you can lure people using your voice."

"... I don't have that power..." She meekly replied.

"Yes, but, they won't understand or even hear you out. I won't be able to protect you due to my condition limiting me."

"Okay," She smiled.

From afar, Mina sensed a disturbance; she straightened up and alertedly looked around.

"Mina? Are you okay?" Zayne asked.

"There are strangers outside..." She said then closed her eyes and focused her senses in feeling the air, the way she did when she was in the sea.

"Are you sure its here? The mermaid?" An unfamiliar voice asked.

The echoes sound like they are in a corridor...

"Yes. I heard they placed the mermaid in the young master's room rather than a secured room." Another replied.

"Wait... Then... The young master and the mermaid are in one room... The young master is also disabled... Which means..."

"We can get them both and get ransom for two!!”

Mina opened her eyes and looked at Zayne. He looked worried and his breathing was heavy.

"There are... Strangers going here." Mina said and stood near him.

Suddenly, Zayne's door was slowly opened by two men Zayne doesn't recognize.

"Good evening young master." One of them politely said. "I am your new servant"

Zayne stated at him blankly then tried to ring the bell he has to call on his servants but the other man was already on his bedside holding down the bell.

"You're not fooling anyone." Zayne frowned. His heart was unsteady and his chest suddenly hurt. Mina noticed him wince and immediately rushed to him.

"Bro, there's no mermaid here." One said while looking at the aquarium.

"That's odd... I was told that she'd be..." The other man looked at Mina. "Here..." And noticed her in humane features. Her arms and hands had streaks of blue scales, her eyes were an unusual color of blue and her neck and jaw also had streaks of blue scales.

The man smiled. "Looks like we found our mermaid."

The two intruders approached them. Zayne was breathing heavily and was vulnerable. His temperature became hotter. His face showed visible signs of pain.

"Zayne..." Mina held him. "Stay awake..."

"First we get the young master, then the mermaid." One man smiled.

They separated her from Zayne. They tied Mina to a chair while they tied up Zayne's hands behind him.

"No... Leave him.." Mina uttered as she watched them rummage through his things. Zayne was sweating as his temperature rose. He started coughing.

"Look at what we have here." A man went through his drawer and found a necklace with sapphire as its pendant.

"N-no... That's... Not..." Zayne struggled to speak as he was breathing.

That's from my grandmother...

"Let's go. They might realize we're here." One man said and approached Zayne. Mina knew that he's going to be taken away. She felt her blood rising as they handled Zayne roughly.

"No... Don't take him away." She said in a voice Zayne never heard before. Her eerie voice filled the room. While there was a certain beautiful tone in her voice, it also sounded like a warning.

Her scleras turned black and her sharp teeth grew as if preparing itself to devour meat as bigger as her.

A man grabbed Zayne and Mina broke out of the ropes easily. Her arms and hands were slowly being covered by scales and her fingers turned into scaled claws.

While she couldn't sing, she hummed a tune that did not have the effect of attracting humans but it has the effect of instilling fear among them.

The two men stared at her in fear as she slowly approached them. Her eyes were focused on Zayne.

"Mine..." She said as she removed the ropes that bounded him. She then looked at the two intruders who prepared themselves to kill her. Even when shaking in fear, they stood their ground. They both held a dagger in their hands.

"A monster..." One managed to speak.

Mina laid Zayne to his bed. He finally got a closer look at her. She looked inhumane but still beautiful to him.

"Mina... What are you doing..." Zayne muttered under his breath.

One man lunged at Mina but her scaled arm deflected the sharp object causing the man to fall.

"You..." She stood up. "Can't take away what's mine."

Her dark hair illuminated with a shade of blue. She approached the man who fell on the ground and had him stand up by holding him by the neck. Her clawed hand dug into his neck and blood dripped down her arm.

She opened her mouth and slowly looked at the other man who screamed in fear. Her teeth suddenly covered the roof of her mouth as well and her grip on the other's neck became tighter.

Zayne stared at her. He was not scared. To him, she's his only friend whom he shared lots of stories with. "Mina... Don't" He forced himself to talk. "You don't kill people... You said it was bad and ugly."

Upon hearing Zayne's voice, she snapped back. Her features went back to normal and she let go of the suffocated man.

The servants and Zayne's parents rushed to his room and found two unidentified men on the ground. One had a mark on his neck and the other who fainted in fear.

On his bed, Zayne laid on her lap as he was struggling to breathe and his temperature rose. Mina was wiping his sweat.

"WHO ARE YOU?" The father asked as he separated his son from her. The two intruders were handled by the other guards.

"Father... She's..." Zayne wanted to explain but his consciousness failed him. "Please... Keep her safe... She's my only friend" He managed to speak before fainting.

"Zayne!" His mother panicked and ordered a carriage for them. His temperature was burning and he is covered in sweat.

The butler carried Zayne out of the room as the other servants prepared the carriage for him and they rushed him to the hospital.

Everyone's attention was with their young master that they had forgotten about her. She went back to her aquarium and waited. Hours passed and the servants returned to Zayne's room and cleaned it up.

Zayne said not to speak to anybody, so she didn't.

Lonely days passed as she looked at the empty bed in front of her. She could feel her heart being crushed.

Zayne...

She decided to get out of the aquarium; she wore his shirt and went to his soft empty bed. Mina laid down and covered herself with the blanket that has his familiar scent and memories surged in her mind.

She started crying in pain as pearls fall from her eyes.

Zayne... Go home...

Meanwhile, Zayne is in a critical condition at the hospital. His father and mother never left his side but they could see his body slowly deteriorating. At this point, they are waiting for him to pass.

The next day, the butler found her sleeping on his young master's bed and pearls rolled from the bed to the floor.

"Miss," The butler gently woke her up. Mina slowly opened her eyes and jolted up.

"Zayne!" She blurted out but as soon as she saw his butler, a wave of sadness suddenly embraced her.

"I'm sorry, young lady, but he is not here." The butler took a deep breath as it was also heavy for him.

Her lips trembled and she started crying.

"Zayne..." She sniffled as different sizes of pearls roll down her eyes.

"You're sad as well..." The old butler sat beside her and wept. "The young master had always been good to everyone here. Regardless of status, he respects and treats everyone equally. He is one of a kind."

"Where is he..." Mina uttered as she caught her breath.

"I don't know if voiceless mermaids like you could do miracles, but... He is in a critical condition as of the moment and-"

Mina stood up and patted the shirt she's wearing. "Let's go. Take me to him."

The butler's eyes widened. He stood up and called for the other servants to prepare the carriage and to dress her up.

The servants were delighted to dress her up as there was no young lady in the house. They made her wear a light pink dress with white white frills. Due to lack of time, they combed her hair and let it fall on her shoulders.

At the hospital room, she found his parents sleeping on the couch and the father snoring while Zayne stayed still on the bed. She rushed to his side and felt his bony fingers. His cheeks lost its color and concaved.

The sight of him pained her, she felt her heart breaking.

The butler watched her in silence. She removed her necklace and placed it in his hand. She gently touched his cheek and he slowly opened his eyes; his sight became blurry but he could see her clearly.

"Mina..." He whispered. "How did you..."

"Do you want to live, Zayne?" She gently asked while running her fingers through his soft dark hair.

"Of course." He weakly replied and forced a smile. "We are still to wed each other when I get better." Zayne couldn't feel his own body anymore. He closed his eyes and breathed heavily.

Thank you, Zayne. I'll carry the stories you told me in my memories. Live well and I'm happy that I am not the only one who loves you.

Mina squeezed his hand and it was the first warm touch he felt since he arrived at the hospital.

"I love you," She whispered as she closely leaned her face on his. She gently kissed him and a soft blue light emmanated from them. The butler watched in awe as the voiceless mermaid gave Zayne her gift.

The gift of life.

"I love you, too... Mina." He uttered without opening his eyes. She smiled upon hearing his words and just like that, she turned into bubbles as a large blue pearl fell on his lap.

"Miss Mina...?" The butler couldn't believe his eyes as she vanished.

Slowly, Zayne looked healthier. He gained mass and his cheeks became rosy. He slowly opened his eyes and expected to see Mina but she was nowhere to be found. He sat up and looked around.

"Young master!" The butler cried tears of joy as he saw him looking healthy and alive. His parents woke up and rushed to his side and hugged him.

"Oh! Oh my sweet boy!!” His mother embraced him tightly and his father cried.

"What miracle is this!" The father exclaimed in happiness.

However, Zayne's hand found the elongated spiral shell she had and a blue pearl sat on his lap.

He doesn't know what to feel.

"Where is Mina...?" He looked at his butler.

"Mina? Who's that?" His mother asked.

"The mermaid..." Zayne quietly answered.

She was definitely here... This pendant is hers and this pearl has the same color as her tail... She said she loves me...

"Young master, I..." The butler was hesitant to speak.

Even without saying anything, he already knew she vanished in exchange of his life. It's a famous folklore, after all. That mermaids turn into bubbles when they die.

Back home, he encased the blue pearl in a glass case and placed it in his study table. He wore the shell necklace and remembered the first time he ever saw her.

He took a deep breath and looked at the painting of people dancing at a ball and touched his shell necklace.

Too bad... I won't able to dance with you. It would've been fun.

He thought and glanced at the empty aquarium.

Thank you... For giving me this second life...

Zayne sat on his study then opened the book he's been reading her. He flipped though the pages and decided to rewrite some of the entries written.

A mermaid's gift is given to a person whom a mermaid chose to be their mate. While their usual activity is drowning humans, some fall in love with their victims, giving them the mermaid's gift which gives them whatever they desire. The voiceless are believed to have no gifts at their disposal as they are mute and cannot find their own mate.

The voiceless do have their gifts, but it is far more precious than any gifts as it costs them their own life. To receive a mermaid's gift from a voiceless means she loved you unconditionally for her to prioritize your own well-being than hers. To be loved by her... Is the greatest gift I've ever received. Her name means 'love' and I love her but she loved me more than anything else.

[wardenbloom]

Zayne: A Walk with you

The unforgiving fire enveloped her house as she cried for help. She was only eight years old when her family home crumbled into ashes due to a political dispute which resulted in arson. Her father timely rescued her from their burning home then stayed with her until help arrived. 

A man with tall stature, wearing an all-black wardrobe approached the two of them. 

“You.” He coldly uttered as his emerald eyes stared at the father. 

Her father attained third degree burns all over his body. His skin looked like it was melting, but even so, she held on to her dear father, her only surviving relative. 

“Dad…?” She tapped and hugged her dad but there was no response. 

“Me?” The dad asked, then looked at the man who called him. 

“Yes. Come with me.” He then turned his back from her father expecting him to follow but the father stood his ground. 

“I can’t go…” Her father said with a strong tone. “I can’t leave my daughter alone. We do not have relatives anymore, she doesn’t have a sibling… She’ll be alo–” 

“That, sir, is none of my business.” He turned around and looked at him. He was crying and worried about his daughter; his voice was shaking and so was his knees. He knelt down and wept. 

“Your wife is already waiting for you.” The man uttered and activated his ice evol to mimic a mirror and showed him his wife through it.

Her father stared at the mirror and looked at it – yearning for his spouse. 

“But… my daughter… please… I’d do anything…” He still was stubborn enough to want to stay despite knowing that someone was waiting for him out there. 

The man sighed and deactivated his evol. He looked at the child whose almost half of her body was covered with burns. She was now being taken care of and sedated by the medics while the father was being enclosed in a body bag. 

We’re getting nowhere. I still have a schedule of reaping fifteen minutes from now. 

He thought and finally gave in. “I can only watch over your daughter, if that makes you feel better.” 

The father’s face lit up and felt relieved. He now has no regrets and followed him wholeheartedly, looking forward to seeing his wife, who has been deceased for almost five years. 

Zayne had been doing a grim reaper’s job since he passed thousands of years ago. He was given only one job, to walk with the souls of the dead from earth to their next destination and to make his work more efficient, he was also given both human form and spirit form. He knew that if he deviated from his sole job, he'd be meted out a punishment of eternal damnation.

The situation where the deceased won’t pass peacefully without a condition is not new to him. He tries to avoid such conditions, but whenever he gives his word, he faithfully performs his end of promise. 

A year later, Zayne decided to visit the child he promised he’d be watching over. She now has healed burns but there are still scarring, and a house was also built for her using her father’s estate.

Her right arm and a part of her face was burnt and scarred but Zayne noticed that it didn’t stop her from being cheerful. She always visits her parent’s mausoleum and talks to them as if they were alive. 

“Well, my burns hurt sometimes, dad. But I think I’m doing better! The doctors were really nice.” Her small gleeful voice said. 

An orphan, but she doesn’t realize it yet. 

Zayne’s sight went from her to the graves in the cemetery. He remembers each one of them and their situation before they died as he walked with them to their next destination after their life on Earth. 

“Are you looking for someone?” The girl was suddenly in front of him and looking up at him. She was beaming with a smile as if her burns were not stinging. 

Zayne took a closer look at her and noticed that the burn affected the right side of her face as well. Her right eye was closed shut and her right cheek was completely burned. 

His eyes widened. 

… I forgot that I’m in my physical form… 

“No, I’m just looking around. It’s peaceful in the cemetery.” He replied in a soft tone. She tilted her head and nodded. 

“I agree with you, sir. It’s quiet here but it sometimes stinks of death.” She giggled but her eyes looked sadly at her parents’ mausoleum. 

“It’s… a natural process of life.” He replied. 

“Say…” She smiled. “Why do good people die early? My parents were good people… they fought for people’s rights… they like to include me whenever they do charity work but they were taken early… why is that?” 

Zayne did not know the answer because he only followed orders. 

“I don’t know.” He honestly replied and took a deep breath. 

“I see. Whether I find the answer or not, it doesn’t matter anyway…” She said then went back to the mausoleum. 

Zayne continued on watching her from afar for years. Somehow, he felt happy when she graduated from college then proceeded to do social work. The fact that the death of her parents were a result of other people’s greed did not let her change her outlook on life. 

He always wondered why she didn’t have many friends despite being good. He tilted his head while he watched her talk to a charity volunteer. She was still as cheerful as she was before. 

Why don’t people get near her? 

He looked at his pocket watch. 

I still have time to spare. I’m quite curious. 

For her birthday, she organized a feeding program for the orphanage in her area. They made lots of delicious foods and packed several hygiene kits for the children. She also made it a point to buy them different toys that they would like. 

At the nearby park, Zayne saw some of the volunteers for today. They were smoking and were engaged in a group conversation. He decided to listen in. 

“She’s so nice. Imagine doing all these for your birthday.” A girl said. 

“She looks ugly though. If she was a bit pretty, I’m sure people would flock over her.” A man said while laughing. 

“I agree. I also read before that her family used to do money laundering and shit. They all died except for her.” The other man added as he puffed his cigarette. 

“Huh? Are you sure it was money laundering? I thought her dad had done some corrupt practices as a politician before?” The girl asked. 

Where do they get their news…? Her dad was a good man… I was there when I led him to his destination… 

Zayne thought and furrowed his eyebrows.

“One thing’s for sure, that woman is gaining track of the limelight.” The man said confidently. “If she keeps this charity work up and being visible to the media then runs for an office, she’ll dominate.”

“I doubt that, bro. The people in power are just dynasties. Her dynasty died before she could even do something. Plus, look at her, ugly as fuck.”  

They laughed out loud. Shortly, a woman arrived at the park and called on the resting volunteers as their program was about to start.

I see. No one really bothered getting to know her. 

Months later, Zayne received the list of names for the reaping. He read the list as always and the first on the list was a name he didn’t expect. 

Zayne’s eyes widened as he read her name in the list. If he had a physical heart, it would’ve pounded rapidly. 

THIS EARLY??? WHY?? 

He read further into the document and it stated stabbed to death. 

He took a deep breath and looked at his pocket watch. 

I still have time… I can still… Can I save her? Should I? 

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

The gentle ticking of the watch reminded him of her time running out. Despite his doubts, he decided to save her. He arrived at her place and found her body laying down in the kitchen in her own pool of blood. Several stab wounds also hit her vital parts. 

No… I… I’m too late… 

Zayne held his breath and looked at her soul sitting on the table, looking at her dead body. She turned to look at Zayne and her face didn’t have any scars. In fact, she was the most beautiful soul he's ever seen.

She was never ugly… 

“It's you… The man at the cemetery… You’ve been watching me, have you, sir?” She childishly smiled. 

Zayne didn’t reply. It was unusual that she was so calm about it. She giggled. 

“Well, I don’t plan on living long anyway. This world is too cruel. I don’t want it.” Her eyes looked sad and had regrets. “But I still… I want to live…” Tears fell from her eyes. 

Zayne took a deep breath and approached her then awkwardly petted her head. “You did really well. Helping a lot of people at such a young age.” 

“The world is beautiful as well… I’ve met lots of nice people too… and the kids were very loving.” She forced a smile. He wiped her tears with his thumb and smiled at her.

“Shall I walk with you?” Zayne offered his hand and she nodded; he gently squeezed her hand then they started walking.

“Say…” She smiled. “If I’m good, then why do good people die early?” She asked again. 

Zayne smiled and answered: 

“When walking in a garden… which flowers do you think gets picked first? The rotten ones or the ones that are beautiful and blooming?”

[wardenbloom]

Caleb: The Warmth of You

Tags: Corpse Desecration, obsession, sexual content, smut, masturbation, angst, unhealthy coping mechanisms,

NOTE: Please do not interact if the tags are uncomfortable to you and to those who will read, I hope you like it ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶

She had already let go of everything, but he couldn't do the same...

“Hm… you still don’t like the food that I made today?” Caleb tilted his head as her mouth didn’t open when he fed her dinner. Her face was well maintained by him; in a short amount of time, he learned how to apply makeup on her the way that he liked. He always fixes her hair in a different hairstyle everyday and her clothes are always neat and presentable. 

He wiped her chin and tucked her hair behind her ears. “Okay, well, maybe tomorrow you’ll like what I’ll feed you.” Caleb looked at her face and remembered every memory he shared with her.

They loved each other for more than two decades already and he will love her more in the future years to come. He chuckled. “Well, I’m not gonna say what’s for tomorrow. But, it’s a dish among your favorites.” He then stood up then went to the kitchen. 

Tomorrow’s our anniversary… I should surprise her with something nice. But, I can’t let her out tomorrow… She's still ill. I’ll do something about it. 

In their one bedroom house, his wife’s cold body laid on the bed they share. It’s been two days since she stopped breathing but Caleb loves her more each passing day. After doing the dishes, Caleb sat beside her and changed her clothes. 

“Sweetheart, did you gain weight?” He asked while noticing that her clothes do not fit her anymore. “Haha, no matter, I still love you the way you are.” He kissed her cheek then continued on fitting her clothes onto her. 

Afterward, Caleb’s eyes looked at her lovingly ��almost yearning. 

My love… since when did you stop looking at me….? 

He helped her sit up and leaned her back against the headboard of their bed and forcefully opened her eyes but noticed that they were unfocused and devoid of light. Her eyes were staring, not at him or anything so he tried to look at the angle of her sight but she was not looking at him. 

“I know you’re tired.” He smiled and closed her eyes. Caleb was captured by her beauty since they were kids and until now. His feelings never changed, if anything, it grew. 

His gaze landed on her unmoving lips and slowly, he kissed her. He couldn’t contain his happiness every time they kissed. Butterflies still form inside his stomach whenever her lips are pressed against his. 

“My love…” He whispered as he felt his hardness. He gently held her hand and placed it on top of his crotch. 

Caleb breathed heavily as her touch made him excited. “Ahh…” He unbuttoned his jeans and pulled down his boxers to reveal his throbbing and hard member. He stared at her, imagining in his head the times they shared in bed. He held her hand and guided it in stroking his member. 

Up, down, up, down 

Just like how you did before after I got off from work… 

Her cold and stiff hand wrapped around him and he pressed her hand tighter. “Ah… ha….” His breathing became heavier. His eyes were focused on her as he stroked.

He then took off his shirt and kissed her while stroking. His hot organ released a transparent liquid that stained her hand and dress. 

“I’m sorry, sweetheart… I’ll change you again later…” He whispered in between sighs. “Sweetheart… not yet… I’m not yet done…” 

Her stiff hand, guided by him, pressed the tender tip of his organ. He groaned as he helped her finger touch the hole of his tip. “Yes… Yes… sweetheart…” 

He then took off her panties and placed them against his nose. 

Ahhhh…. Ahhh… You smell so good… 

He blushed as he felt his climax rise.. He stroked faster and tighter until he released his white liquid that splashed across her face and dress. 

He caught his breath and looked at her dirty face. 

“Sorry, sweetheart. I’ll clean you up in a sec.” He whispered then he put on his clothes. Caleb cleaned her up too and made her wear new clothes and underwear. He carefully laid her down on their bed. 

“Sleeping already?” He chuckled and looked at her sleeping face. “Well, I think  you got tired just now.” He took a deep breath then laid beside her.

I miss you… I hope you respond to me one of these days… 

The following day, after work, Caleb happily bought her a pink dress he knew that she would like. A pastry shop nearby was also selling cakes she liked to eat and he bought some as well. He was in a happy mood as their marriage lasted for another year. 

He hummed as he walked home, carrying all the things he brought her. 

She’ll look so pretty with this dress on… I wonder what she’s doing at home… She usually just tends to the garden or baking something… I hope she didn’t forget today’s special occasion! 

He arrived home and as he opened the door, he saw her sitting on her favorite chair as he left her there before he went to work.  He strapped her body with rope against the backrest of the chair so she could sit up. 

“Oh! You’re up!” Caleb greeted her and placed the things he bought on the table. “Do you know what day it is today?” He knelt in front of her and held her hand. 

“Hehe, that’s right, sweetheart. It’s our anniversary today.” He smiled at her. He removed the ropes around her body and changed her clothes into the pink dress he bought earlier. Afterward, he strapped her again onto the chair and combed her hair. 

“There, you look as pretty as before.” He stood up and placed her favorite cake on the coffee table in front of her. “Of course, even though we’re both celebrating, it’s enough for me that you are happy.” Caleb smiled then sliced a piece. He gently fed her but her mouth was foaming. 

“Haha, sweetheart! You’re drooling!” He laughed then wiped her mouth. “I know it’s your favorite but it’s not ladylike to do that. Well, I don’t really mind. I love every part of you.” 

He then placed the cake saucer on the table then arranged a tripod with a video camera. 

“Hm? Don’t we always do this?” He muttered while directing the camera at her angle. He walked towards the sound system they had then pressed play. “Come, sweetheart.” 

Caleb carefully held her and made her stand up. He had her feet step on his while his arm wrapped around her waist and back and the other held her hand.  He danced with her just like they always do whenever they feel like it. Caleb remembered every moment he had with her; his heart felt happy having her in his arms just like now. They danced until the song ended and his vision of her halted. 

In front of him was the woman he will always love; the woman he was always willing to do anything just to keep her happy. He stared at her face and kissed her. He tasted the sweetness of the cake he fed her earlier. 

“You taste sweet.” He whispered and gently carried her to bed. 

He carefully laid her down and crawled on top of her. He lowered his head and kissed her cold neck. 

“It’s our anniversary today…” He uttered. “We always relieved our honeymoon to celebrate our anniversary.” 

His hand gently touched her chest as he kissed her mouth. He breathed heavily while feeling pleasure from touching her cold skin. 

“Sweetheart…” He uttered and rubbed his crotch against her thigh. “Ha…. Ha….” He groaned and breathed heavily. He felt his member throb and harden while moving against her thigh. 

This won’t do… 

He removed her clothes and touched her glossy skin. Caleb smiled and excitedly removed his clothes. 

“You’re so pretty….” He whispered while kissing her cheek. As he kissed her, he moved the linen of her panties and touched her. He gently inserted his member inside and felt her inside. She was not warm as she used to but Caleb thought that it was still her. 

He breathed heavily and called her name as he thrusted inside her slowly. “Ahh… Ahh…” He felt pleasure while moving his hips. 

His eyes never left her face, thinking about the things she had done to make him fall in love with her. His mind was clouded and all he wanted to do was to feel her warmth again. 

He opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue. He leaned down and slithered his tongue inside her mouth. 

Sweetheart… Why are you so cold…? 

He felt her muscles tense up due to her blistered organs. 

“Ahhh…!” He groaned in pleasure. “I… I told you not to tighten up without warning…” He sighed and continued on thrusting as she tensed up. 

“Sweetheart that’s too… tight…” He moaned and felt his member twitch. “If you continue on doing that… I’ll” Caleb wasn’t able to hold back and released his hot liquid inside of her as he called her name. 

He lovingly gazed at her and covered her body with a blanket. 

… This won’t do…. Why are you so cold… My love? Why are you… Why did you leave me first? Didn’t you say you’ll fight? Ah… 

Tears fell from his eyes as he watched her body stiffen up and bloat. He felt betrayed, alone and abandoned upon the realization that she’ll never wake up again. He sobbed as he held her hand on his palm. He looked at her and beside her, he found the ropes he used earlier

My love… Let’s be together…. 

[wardenbloom]

Caleb: As I fall

Warning: contains sexual scenes 🍆

"ZAYNEEEE!" Nia yelled and jumped head first and her arms wide from the 10th floor of the building. Zayne was just leaving after his shift and now his mind is in shambles as he saw his friend falling from the 10th floor.

Oh Astra. Please, let my source of headache just... Behave even for a day.

Zayne thought as he timely caught her in his arms. She was laughing and smiling childishly.

"Hahahaha!!" She laughed as she hugged him.

"Nia! You are not to do that again!” Zayne sounded worried and at the same time annoyed. "What if your evol suddenly stopped working mid-flight??"

"Oops hehe sorry.” She unapologetically pinched his cheek as his eyebrows furrowed.

"You're off now?" She asked.

He took a deep breath and nodded.

"I see, well, it's been weeks since we've eaten out. How about we have some dinner tomorrow? My shift is just about to start." She said while putting on her identification card.

"... Sure. Let's have dinner tomorrow."

Zayne and Nia had been close friends since their med school days. While Zayne had troubles talking to his peers, Nia never did even though there's an age gap between them and their peers.

Consider it a case of an extrovert adopting an introverted friend.

Sleepovers, review nights, shared meals, and when asked for a partner in their lab subjects, they always choose each other. Years have passed, and still, Nia have not confessed her feelings for him. It was embedded in her mind when Zayne mentioned:

"I wanted to be a Cardiologist for a certain someone. Because I want to be there for her if she gets any complications."

Now, they're both working professionals who excel in their field. Nia started doing her rounds then went back to her clinic to update the patient records.

She sighed.

I really think I should tell him how I feel...

She thought while typing.

The next day, Nia was excited to have dinner with Zayne. They agreed to meet at the park at 6:00PM.

Okay, I'll confess today... If he rejects me, I can just... Move somewhere far

Nia thought to herself as she dressed up and put on make up. She decided to wear a backless dark dress that hangs until her thighs. She tied her hair into a low bun and wore her high heels.

She took the cab to the park then sat on the bench. Around her were students chatting, families walking with their kids, and old people getting their daily walk.

[6:04 PM]

Hmmm... He was never late before...

She scrolled through their chats and read yesterday's messages that he confirmed their dinner tonight and that he'll fetch her at the park.

Meanwhile, Zayne was preoccupied with the claw machines at the arcades as his childhood friend asked him to play today. He focused his senses to get the Astro Penguin for her.

"Yes that! I like that penguin!" His childhood friend said. After a few tries, he finally got her one.

He felt happy as she held the plush toys they got from today. But something felt off.

Hm, it seems like I have forgotten something... he thought as he drove her home.

Nia noticed that it was getting dark. She called him a few times but he didn't answer so she just waited.

[8:34PM]

ahh... I'm so hungry... Did he forget?

A sinking feeling enveloped her heart as she held back her tears.

Of course... He never looked at me, anyway. It was all just me.

She conceded then decided to go to a bar.

[8:40]

Zayne dropped off his friend at her place then bid goodbye to her. He walked back to his car then checked on his phone.

[Nia (Best girl eveerrrr!!! Hey don't change this or I'll cry) 4 missed calls]

Oh no... Nia...

Zayne hurriedly drove to the park and ran around looking for her.

She must be waiting... I'm sorry...

Zayne called her but her it seems like her phone was turned off. He felt guilty. He knew that she would be waiting for him but it was almost three hours from their meeting time. Zayne decided to go to her place instead.

Nia found herself at a pub, rather than a bar. She thought that the food would be better there since she haven't had her dinner yet. The place was quite peaceful than a bar. There's a flatscreen TV playing a football match, arcades with combat games, and some parlor games too.

She sat at a booth near the bartender then ordered a large serving of fish and chips, a quarter of roasted chicken and some beer.

She ate alone as she held back her tears. She chugged on a pint of beer and stuffed her mouth with chicken.

... I see... Well, maybe its Astra's way to tell me that I really shouldn't confess...

After stuffing her stomach, she went to the bartender's counter then sat.

"Sangria. The red one." She ordered and the bartender obliged.

While she was drinking her Sangria, a tall man with dark hair stood beside her and ordered his drink.

"Hey man! Been awhile!" The bartender greeted the man.

"Yeah, I know! This place looks more lively!" He smiled. "I'll have the usual."

Nia took a deep breath and sipped through her straw, still thinking about how Zayne stood her up.

The man sat beside her in silence as he sipped on his glass. Nia felt a stare and she looked at the man beside him and frowned.

"What do you want?" She aggressively asked.

He smiled. "No, uh, nothing. I just thought you looked sad."

Oh. He's quite handsome.

Nia thought. His light purple eyes caught her attention. She didn't reply and felt her heart aching. She sighed and ordered another drink.

"You can tell me if you want. I heard talking about things makes you feel better." He offered.

"No thank you. Talking about personal experiences makes you attached, if anything."

The man laughed. "It seems to me that someone broke your heart, miss."

"Okay. You're being too nosy. What is it that you want?" She blurted out.

"You see, I'm in my 3-week vacation and right now I'm just passing time." He smiled at her. "It just so happen that a beautiful girl is sitting on the chair that I used to sit on everytime I go here."

Nia looked at him closely. She thought that he was fairly handsome and he looks friendly as well.

"Do you have time?" She finally turned to him.

He sipped on his glass and replied "Yeah, why?"

She took a deep breath.

"Do you wanna fuck?" She asked straightly and he choked on his drink.

He cleared his throat and looked at her and smiled. "My place?"

"No. Let's not do that. It's your dwelling and I really don't wanna see your personal belongings." She stood up. "I know a place."

Nia led him to the Linkon Hotel then went to the reception. The place was well-lit with expensive chaneliers hanging in the ceiling. The pearl white tiled floor was lined with gold that matched the couches.

"Damn. You really picked an expensive place." He chuckled.

"Well, you're going to pay anyway so I thought I should go all out." She grinned then got their room card.

"Huh?? Wait, what?" He followed her as she walked going to the elevator. Inside the elevator he carried her purse. "You're lucky I can actually pay for this." He whispered.

"Of course. You said I was beautiful and this beautiful girl deserves only the best, right?" She smiled and blinked at him.

He unconsciously bit his lower lip and took a deep breath.

Once Nia had opened the door to their room, he gently wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. She looked up to him and kicked the door close.

He gave out a small chuckle and kissed her neck while he pressed his body against hers.

"You know, I've been looking at you since I entered the pub. That dress looks really hot on you." He whispered while caressing her thighs.

"Backless, really? I can even see your side boobs earlier." He bent down and kissed her breasts over the linen.

She breathed heavily as she felt a tingling sensation. "Mhh..." She sighed while gently grabbing his hair.

He gently pulled her up and had her sit on the table as he kissed her neck.

"I didn't get your name." He looked at her in the eye and smiled.

"We need names?" She kissed his cheek.

"Of course. How would I say your name when I cum if I don't know what your name is?" He chuckled.

"What? Hahaha," She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "My name's Nia."

"That's a really cute name, Nia." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Caleb."

"Oh, that name is moan-able. Clap clap to your parents for naming you that, Caleb." She teased. He smiled at her and slowly kissed her.

His lips gently sucked on her lower lip while his hand traveled along her smooth and naked back. She embraced him and unconsciously grinded her hip against him, feeling his hardness in between her thighs.

Caleb's tongue slowly opened her mouth; she gasped and sucked on his tongue. Nia could feel a smile forming on his lips as they shared a deep kiss.

He slowly slipped down her top and revealed her breasts. After kissing her, he bent down and sucked on her nipple while running his finger on the other.

"Mmmhhh... Caleb..." She sighed in pleasure.

He then stood up and removed his shirt. His body was toned and a bit bulky. Nia stared at him; he smirked.

"Like what you're seeing?" He asked then knelt down to feel her wetness. He gently touched her over her panties and felt that she was soaking wet.

"Ahh..." She moaned.

"You're soaking wet, Nia..." He said while running his fingers over the linen of her wet underwear.

She's soaking wet... She feels a little bit plump down here too...

He thought and smiled at her. He watched her try to muffle her moans while he licked her wetness.

"Mhhh Caleb..." She softly called his name as he inserted his tongue inside.

"Caleb.. Wait.. My clothes..."

Oh right. Her clothes might get dirty.

He stood up and gently unzipped her dress. She wiggled to remove it and he neatly hanged the dress into the empty cabinet.

Nia was still sitting on the table while her arms covered her chest; he approached her and effortlessly carried her in his arms. He gently threw her against the soft bed then crawled on top of her.

He kissed her again and she opened her mouth as their tongues entwined. Nia could feel his hardness against her thigh. She playfully touched his crotch as they kissed.

He's huge... And it feels hot against my palm

She thought as she unbuttoned his jeans while they are in a deep kiss.

Caleb gently pulled away and removed his jeans. She knelt and pulled down his boxers to reveal his huge throbbing member.

She started stroking it, then licking it's shaft. Caleb breathed deeply while she wrapped her lips around its tip.

Her tongue playfully flicked against his tender tip while her smooth hands stroked his already hard shaft. She looked up at him as she tried to take him inside her mouth.

Fuck... She looks so good... This view is dangerous...

Caleb then asked her to stand up and he laid her down the bed. He started kissing her from her neck, to her breasts, then to her stomach.

He looked up at her as if asking for permission; she nodded and he gently spread her legs then kissed her down. He sucked on her clitoris while he gently inserted a finger.

She's tight. It's either she hadn't had sex for a long while or that she's working out her muscles.

"Mhhh... There... Yes..." She sighed as he slowly pushed and pulled his finger inside. He curled his finger and she jolted while her toes curled.

"Ahhhh..." She moaned. Caleb thought her voice sounded lewd and sexy. He wanted to hear more.

"Came already?" He asked while opening the drawer of the bedside table and found a box of unopened condoms. She pouted.

Caleb smirked and wore the condom around his member. "Well, I haven't started yet."

He whispered as he rubbed the tip against her and slowly inserted it. She tried to cover her face as she knew that she was feeling it a little bit too much but Caleb held her wrists down.

"Let me see your face as I thrust inside of you... " He smiled.

"Mmhhh Caleb no... Don't look at--" She looked away but he vigorously thrusted insider her that made her shriek. "Ahhhhnnn~! Too huge!! Ahhh..." She moaned in pleasure.

She looks so lewd

"Too huge, and yet you took me in so well... Do you like me that much, Nia?" he whispered then started pounding her, every moan she let out, he gets turned on more. He flipped her over and pulled her hips up.

He fondled her breasts while slowly thrusting in her as if finding her pleasure spot from a different position.

Nia's moans were muffled by the pillows and Caleb wasn't having any of it. He threw the pillows away. He leaned over her ear and whispered "Say my name."

"Mmmhhhh!!!" She moaned as if she didn't hear anything. He licked her earlobe while rubbing her clitoris. He suddenly felt her tighten up.

"Ahhh!! Caleb!! Caleb!!” She moaned loud, not caring whether people from the room beside them could hear her. She could feel her climax rising.

Caleb thrusted faster. " I'm near..." He groaned as he felt her wetness drip to her thigh.

"Ahhh...! I'm cumming!" She cried in pleasure as she reached her climax. Caleb thrusted in deeper as he released.

Caleb pulled out then cleaned her up.

"How about we take a bath too?" He asked.

She stood up and wore her clothes. "No need. I'll take a bath at home." Nia fixed her hair and washed her face.

"You sure you don't wanna cuddle with me?" He pouted and placed his head over her shoulders while she was doing her makeup.

"Grrr. You're like a dog. Go away" She exclaimed.

"Haha," He laughed and stood up straight. "Are you always this moody?"

"No," She answered with sadness in her eyes. "You're right. I got my heart broken earlier today."

She finally finished packing up then approached the door.

"You can sleep with me later, I heard that cuddling makes one feel better." He gestured and opened his arms.

"No, thank you. I'd like to process this alone." She coldly replied.

"I see. Then, can I get your contact?" Caleb asked and she typed her number into his phone then left the hotel.

Well, more space for me, I guess

Caleb laid down and remembered how she looked earlier. Her lewd experessions, her moans, and the way she took him in her mouth. Suddenly, he got hard.

"Oh no... Not again.."

It was past midnight when Nia reached her home. She took a cold shower then laid to bed.

Fuck... I'm sore down there...

She squirmed and felt the pain until she dozed off.

The next day, it was her day off. Her mind wandered about what happened to Zayne. She opened her phone and found several missed calls from Zayne and two messages from Caleb.

[Mr. Snowman - 8 missed calls, 5 messages]

[Unknown Number - 2 messages]

So he did forgot...

She took a deep breath and felt her heavy heart. Tears flowed from her eyes and she sobbed.

It hurts... I see. I am not as important to him than he is to me.

She laid on her bed and wrapped her body with the duvet while she cried until she fell asleep again.

In the afternoon, the sound of the doorbell woke her up. She grabbed her cardigan then answered the door and saw Zayne holding a paper bag of her favorite sweets and pastries.

"Nia... I'm sorry for what happened last night..." He sincerely apologized but during that time, she felt numb.

She didn't want him to leave but she didn't want to see him either. There are many things she wanted to say but she decided to let it go.

Zayne sensed that she was deeply hurt from his negligence. He took a step forward and wanted to touch her but she took a step back.

"... I waited for almost three hours." She finally managed to speak.

"I'm sorry... I was just..." Zayne tried to explain that he got carried away from playing in the arcades but even he thinks that such reason was stupid.

Her eyes looked forlorn as she looked down, not wanting to see his face.

"It's okay. I already know you were at the arcades yesterday. You posted some photos of plushies in the afternoon. I just saw earlier." She sadly smiled and already knew that he was with someone else.

His heart sank. He didn't intend to hurt her and he felt guilty. "Nia... Let me just..."

Just what, Zayne? You can't even reason this one out.

He thought while Nia hugged herself.

"... I think you should just leave, Zayne. I... I shouldn't be bothered with who you hang out with, anyway." She tried to convince herself that it didn't hurt -- that she wasn't jealous.

She slowly went back to her home and gently closed the door. Zayne didn't know how to feel and what to say. He placed the bag of pastries on her porch then left.

She won't be smiling at me anymore...

He drove back to Akso Hospital and continued his duty. Meanwhile, Nia decided to soak herself in the bathtub.

As she was sitting on the tub with bubbly water, her phone rang indicating a video call.

Huh? A videocall?

She frowned and checked that it was an Unknown number. She tapped on the two unread messages and read:

Unknown Number: Hey, its Caleb. Save my num, you might ignore me XD

Unknown Number: Did you get home safe?

She opened the video call but closed her end of the video and saw Caleb driving.

He is handsome even on a different angle... He must have lots of women after him... I better stay away.

"Video call while driving is insane." She uttered and he laughed.

"Haha! I was stuck in traffic earlier I was bored."

"My subscription only includes sex. What are you doing calling me and all"

"I'm gonna stop you right there, miss Nia." He smiled on the camera. "Our agreement was to be friends with benefits and before we get the benefit of sexual intercourse, we are friends first. So please humor me while I'm bored in this traffic"

She sighed. She was to cry earlier but now she couldn't because a certain someone is being clingy.

"You're doing something?" He asked.

"I'm in my bathtub." She quietly replied.

"... Are you okay? You sound more sad than last night." Caleb tilted his head.

... I thought he's going to ask me to open my camera

"Yes, I'm fine." She coldly replied. "I'm sorry I can't humor you today as I can't even humor myself"

"I tell you what. I'm actually just gonna go home from the hotel. Send me your location and I'll being you food." Caleb requested.

"No, I'm fine. Don't waste your time on me." She replied and Caleb took a screenshot.

"Hehehehe. You really should turn off your location from your phone because it shows here in the chatroom." He smiled devilishly.

Nia jolted up in embarrassment "WHAT?!?!” she exlaimed.

"Nia -- currently in Lakefront." Caleb read aloud. "Well, Lakefront is small so I can just doorbell every house there until I find yours."

"Grrr don't do that!!" She frowned then drained the water from her bath tub. "FINE! LET ME JUST RINSE THEN I'LL SEND YOU MY EXACT ADRESS"

"Nice. Make sure to open the camera t--"

Caleb's words were cut off as she opened her camera that showed a good angle of her as she rinsed her hair and body.

"Oh.. Ohhhhh..." Caleb's jaw dropped and his eyes were focused on her while the cars behind him honked. "I was just joking but damn... I can't believe we fucked last night." He took a deep breath and drove slowly through the traffic.

After she was done, she wrapped herself in a bath robe and reminded him to focus on driving. She turned off the videocall and sent him her exact address. She wore her dolphin shorts and loose sleeveless shirt.

Not even an hour, the doorbell rang and Caleb was outside the gate with a plastic bag of take out on his hand and another bag of chips and drinks on the other.

"... That's a lot... I thought it's traffic?" She looked at him and opened the gates.

"Well, I took a detour. I can't let miss Nia wait for me for too long." He nodded and smiled.

She felt her heart was pierced.

Make me wait...?

"Oh, what's this? Sweets?" Caleb asked and looked inside the paper bag full of sweets and pastries. Nia grabbed the bag then went in the house.

"We should watch Moon Wars. I think you'll like it." He gleefully said while booting up her Smart TV as if it was his own. Nia placed the food he brought on the coffee table in front of the couch.

"Moon Wars? Are those about moons in constant war with each other?" She chuckled and removed the lid of her spicy chicken rice bowl.

"Kinda, yeah. Like the moons, right, they have this gravitational force and they kept on colliding with each other affecting time and space then there is this..." Caleb continued with his summary of the movie. Nia could already tell that he's a geek the way he talks.

The movie started and they ate as they watched the 4-hour movie of a man trying to overcome space and time to find his family despite the intergalactic war going on. At the ending credits, the two cried.

"It's so good!! Huhuhu" Nia sobbed and blew her nose on a napkin.

Caleb teared up and pressed the fast food napkin on his eyes. "I told you its a good movie. But I just realized that it's a tearjerker"

After they cleaned up, Caleb sat on the couch and tapped his lap gesturing for her to sit. Nia sat on his lap facing him. His hand slid inside her shirt and started rubbing her back. He buried his face against her neck and kissing it.

"Caleb... I can't do that today... I'm sore and it hurts down there..." She admitted.

Caleb took a deep breath and retrieved his hand. He gave her a worried look. "I'm sorry... Do you want me to buy meds?"

She shook her head. "No need. Also, shouldn't you be going home?"

"Do you want me to stay?" He asked.

"No. I have work tomorrow morning." She replied and he smiled.

"You never told me about your work." He rubbed her back and ran his hand against her exposed thigh.

"I'm a neurosurgeon." She replied and rested her hand against his chest.

"Ohhh doctor please heal me! My heart beats an abnormal rate whenever I see you smile!" He exaggeratedly exclaimed.

"That must be Arrythmia, Sir Caleb." She giggled.

"Oh. Damn."

"You haven't told me about yours." She uttered.

He took a deep breath. "Well, I am a fighter jet pilot."

"Oh. DAA?"

"Yup, and I'll have to be back to work two weeks from now."

"I see."

"You'll miss me by then?" He playfully asked.

"Depends. If you're a good boy or not" She smirked and stood up. "Well mister pilot, its getting late and you should get some rest"

"Oh momma. Call me a good boy again..." Caleb joked and she laughed.

The next day, Nia went to the hospital early to start her duty. She greeted everyone in a friendly manner as she always did then asked for their schedule for the day. After her consultation hours, she did her rounds in the neuro ward.

Meanwhile, Zayne was also doing his rounds in the cardio ward then noticed Nia talking to a child patient on a wheelchair. She was happily talking to the child then she helped him enter his room.

Suddenly, a nurse was in a hurry and entered the room then informed her of an emergency surgery. She left the room urgently then started giving instructions.

The emergency room lit up signaling an ongoing surgery. After five hours, the surgery was a success and she went back to their office to get some rest all while doing her reports.

A knock was heard by her door and it slowly opened.

"Nia, have you had lunch?" Zayne casually asked.

Without looking at him, she answered "Not yet."

He placed a box of lunch on her table. She looked at it then at him and sighed.

"If this is you saying sorry for the other day, just cut it out." She coldly said.

Just go out with the person you're with and leave me alone.

Zayne just stood and didn't talk. He didn't know what to say but he definitely knows she's pissed off.

He sat on the couch in front of her and just looked at her. She furrowed her eyebrows.

"Grrrr. Stop that. What the hell do you want?" She exclaimed.

"Nothing. I just want to say sorry for what I did." He took a deep breath and started explaining. "I... My childhood friend said that she wanted to go to the arcades that day and I didn't notice the time."

Her heart sank and his explanation was not helping at all.

"I see. At least you had fun" She dryly replied.

It's... It's not my place to be mad... We're just friends anyway.

She thought and composed herself.

"Are you still mad?" He quietly asked and she shook her head.

"I don't have any right to get mad at you." She forced a smile. "Well then, I'd appreciate it if you leave me be for today. I still have a lot of things to do."

Zayne stood up and approached the door.

"I hope this won't ruin our friendship..." Zayne sincerely uttered.

Nia took a deep breath.

"I have feelings for you, Zayne." She spoke without looking at him. "Eight years and counting. I have feelings for you."

Zayne's eyes widened. Her confession made his heart beat rapidly.

Nia... How...

She finally looked at him and held her tears back. "I love you, Zayne. But, I have been rejected even before I confessed." She chuckled.

"Nia... I..." He approached her but she gestured for him to stop. It had been natural for him to hold her whenever he felt like she needed it.

"... We can't go back to the way we were before because I fucked up. I ended up liking you." She finally said. "And your heart is for another."

Slowly, her tears fell and she couldn't hold it back anymore. Zayne approached her and wiped her tears but she flicked his hand away.

"Don't." She stood up and left the room.

Zayne's heart felt heavy. He never noticed or knew that it was more than friendship that she'd been feeling. He felt conflicted as she was the only person he's been confiding about everything. The only person that he knew would understand everything he tells her. She's precious to him too.

Nia found herself at the side of the park as she cried silently. It helped that it was windy as the swaying of the trees made a sound that masked her sniffles.

She wiped her tears with the sleeves of her white coat. She wanted her tears to stop but she couldn't.

Ahhh... This is so embarrassing... A grown woman like me crying like this...

"What's this beautiful woman crying about?"

A familiar voice asked. She looked at him and saw Caleb holding his phone. Nia continued on crying like a child. Caleb thought she looked vulnerable like that; he gently smiled and gave her a hug. She bawled her eyes out and sniffled.

After a few minutes, she settled down and he bought her some ice cream. They sat on a bench and felt the cool air from the trees.

"... So you told him you like him. But you didn't even let him speak? What if he likes you too?" Caleb chuckled.

"If you like someone, I don't think you'd forget the dinner you two scheduled." She replied then scooped from her pint of coffee ice cream.

"Fair." Caleb nodded and bit on his ice cream cone. Nia finished a whole pint of coffee ice cream then stood up.

"Okay, well thank you for consoling me. I should get back to my clinic..." She furrowed her eyebrows. "Wait a minute... What are YOU doing here??"

Caleb looked up to her. "Well, I was bored so I went again to your profile and it says in our chatroom..." He opened his phone "Nia -- currently at Linkon Central City Park. So I thought I should annoy you, but alas! My cutie babe is crying over a man who, I am sure, is not even as handsome and hot as me"

"Cutie babe your face." She frowned. "I'll go back to the clinic. Bye."

Days passed and the rift between Nia and Zayne only grew bigger. Zayne not knowing what to do after her confession and Nia who just can't bear talking to him made them estranged with each other.

"Mmmhhh.. Caleb...!!" Nia faced the wall with her butt up and hands against the wall. Caleb licked her anus while rubbing her clitoris.

"You taste really good, Nia..." He whispered.

"Stop... That's dirty... Let me wash first..." Nia said in between moans. She'd just gotten home from work and was looking forward to a nice bath but Caleb was already waiting for her in her porch.

Ignoring her plea, Caleb continued on pleasuring her and pressing his strong finger against her tender anus.

"No... Caleb..."

"Should we try anal next time?" He stood up and rubbed his hard member against her anus. She moaned but she gently pushed him and shook her head.

"Of course, we have to train your asshole for that first." Caleb smiled and kissed her shoulder.

"Let me take a bath first." She said while fixing her skirt.

"Can I go with you?" Caleb smiled then pulled up his jogging pants.

"Do what you like." She shrugged and he followed her.

Caleb sat behind her in the bath tub. He tied her hair into a bun and started scrubbing her back. She rested her arms on his knees beside her then started humming a slow tune.

Caleb's hand playfully travelled from her back to her breasts. He gently pulled her close as he fondled them. She breathed deep and leaned her head back against his shoulder. He gently pinched her nipples and she let out a quiet moan.

"Caleb..." She called him while turning towards him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and showed him his tongue.

He smiled and kissed her deep. Their wet bodies pressed against each other as his hands squeezed her butt.

"Nia..." He looked at her with pleading eyes. "Can I...?"

Nia looked down and saw that he was hard; she held his throbbing member then knelt on the floor of the tub. She angled herself and slowly sat down his lap inserting him inside her.

"Ahhh..." She moaned. His member stretched her as she lowered her body down until she took all of him in.

Caleb guided her hips as she started bouncing and grinding on him. She moved her hips on a circular motion, finding her pleasure spot.

"Nia... Ugh..." Caleb groaned when she tightened up.

Sensing that she's getting tired, Caleb asked her to stand up and hold on to the tiled wall while he fucked her from behind. He wrapped his large hand around her neck while the other held one of her leg up, he started thrusting.

"Ahh! Ahh! Yes Caleb!! There..." She squirmed against him while he thrusted deep.

"Nia..." He groaned her name in pleasure.

"Caleb! Caleb! Mhhhh" Her eyes were teary while she felt him deep inside. She looked at him and he gave her a kiss. "I'm cumming..!" She tensed up and breathed.

"Me too, Nia... I'm near..." He held her tighter as he thrusted harder.

"Ahhhh!! Caleb!!!" Her toes curled and her muscles tensed up.

"Nia..!" He groaned then released.

Nia felt his hot liquid inside of her; she felt good. Caleb pulled out and she pushed out his liquid.

Fuck... That's so fucking hot...

Caleb thought as he watched her. Afterwards, they rinsed then ate dinner.

"By the way, there's a fireworks showing at the coastline next week, you wanna go?" Caleb asked.

"I'll have to check my schedule for that. There are times that sudden emergencies arise and-”

"If you have a sudden emergency that day, I'll even drive you to the hospital" Caleb chuckled. "I'm asking if you're free."

"Yes, I'd be free that day. But, isn't that the week you'll leave for work?" She asked.

"Well, that would be two days before I leave. Then I'll be very busy." Caleb looked at her and smirked. "Why, you're gonna miss me?"

"Nonsense..." She replied and furrowed her brows while she chomped on a piece of fish.

"If you miss me, just visit me in the Skyhaven. I'll tell my subordinates that a pretty girl would like to apply as our physician." He chuckled. "Wait... You can do that.. What if you--”

"Nope. Not a chance." She smiled.

The next day, Nia was set for the graveyard shift. After she did her rounds, she went to the cafeteria to grab something to eat.

She ordered a bowl of salad, roasted chicken, mashed potato, iced coffee and a bar of milk chocolate.

Meanwhile, Zayne was still doing his reports but he felt like eating something. He went to the cafeteria to buy some sweets but found Nia placing her used plates on the designated area.

Oh... She's graveyard today.

She approached the door and noticed Zayne looking at her. After Nia's confession, she didn't dare see him or even reply to his messages. Their eyes met but it was an unusual view for Zayne as her eyes did not exude happiness around him anymore. Her toothy grin whenever she sees him is now replaced by her neutral expression.

Zayne felt his heart dropped with the realization that she's never going to be the same around him again.

"Nia.." He unconsciously held out to touch her wrist. She didn't move away.

"Is there something you need?" She asked.

"I..." He took a deep breath. "How have you been?"

"Good. Still the same with increased patients and emergency procedures. You?" She replied.

"Nia, I'm very sorry about us... I hope we could patch it up and return to normal." He sincerely uttered.

"... It's my fault, Zayne. I should be the one saying sorry." She forced a smile. "And... Please give me time to settle my feelings."

"Okay..." He let her wrist go.

"Then, I should be heading to my clinic." She nodded then left.

The following week, Caleb fetched Nia from her home then drove to the coastline to watch the fireworks.

The breeze was cool, several people waiting for the event and chattering, then bazaars and food stalls occupied a portion of the venue.

"I didn't expect to have this much people" Caleb leaned down and spoke to her.

"I think we could just fly and get a better view from that building" She pointed at the commercial building towering nearby the venue.

"Carry me?" Caleb smiled.

"No." She replied then went to the food stalls. Caleb held her hand. "Huh? Is this one of the benefits too?" She asked and tilted her head.

"I just don't want to lose you in the crowd. You're too short." Caleb teased and she elbowed his gut.

"Ow!" Caleb chuckled then they started roaming around the food stalls. From not afar, Nia spotted a familiar figure.

Zayne...

She thought as her eyes widened. Caleb was laughing at his own joke but he noticed her eyes were somewhere else. He followed the direction of her eyes.

"So that's him, huh?" He asked and she nodded. They both saw him together with a girl. Her heart felt like it was being crushed but somehow, it didn't hurt as much as before. She looked at Caleb and thought that maybe he has helped her ease the pain a little bit.

"He's not bad looking, so I get it." He said then returned to eating.

Afterwards, the pyromusical show started. Nia looked at the sky with wonder in her eyes. She usually missed these kinds of event due to her work but she made time today. She clapped whenever she saw silly shapes. Caleb stared at her. He wanted to focus on the fireworks but he thought that he doesn't get to see her this happy everyday.

She sang with the music being played as she cheered with the people around them whenever the fireworks popped. It's been a while since she's been herself.

Nia looked up at Caleb and gave him a childish grin. "Thanks for bringing me here." She said.

The sounds of the fireworks were loud but even so, Caleb heard her clearly. He smiled and replied "What did you say? Are you confessing your feelings to me?" He laughed and teased. It made his heart full to finally see her smiling. It was the first time he caught a glimpse of the genuine happy Nia. She shook her head and smiled then continued watching the colorful fireworks.

After the event, Caleb and Nia decided to take a walk at the park. They talked about several things about their lives and what are their plans. Unconsciously, Nia suddenly hovered.

"N-Nia! You’re hovering!!" Caleb panicked. "Get down!”

"Hahaha! The wind is me!!" She giggled and laughed as she sped up and flew around the trees.

Caleb thought that she looked happy. He let her be but after a few minutes, he used his gravity evol to pull her down to his arms.

"AHHHH! NOOOO I'M FALLING!!" She laughed. She knew she'd be safe as Caleb gently laid her in his arms.

"That's enough flying for today, miss. You might bump your head into something." Caleb said and had her stand up. "Come on, it's already past 2am. You still have work tomorrow"

The day before Caleb leaves, he called Nia but there's no answer. He packed his bags and decided to give her a visit.

Her location says that she just got home...

Caleb opened the gate and typed in the password of her door. She never told him about the password but he figured it out on his own.

He found Nia laying on her bed with her outside clothes still on. He gently laid beside her and scooped her into his arms.

She must've been tired from her shift.

"Mhhh.." Nia slowly opened her eyes and saw him. "Caleb... What are you doing here..." She meekly uttered and closed her eyes.

"I'll leave tomorrow. I just wanted to see you." He replied.

"No sexy time." She mumbled and placed her hand on his chest. "I'm exhausted... Lots of emergency surgeries..."

"Haha," Caleb chuckled. "Weirdly enough, holding you like this is fine with me. I'd take it over any day." He smiled and hugged her until he finally dozed off.

[wardenbloom]

Ain't no way I just finished writing a 50k wordcount Zayne fic yesterday. And here I am, writing another Zayne one shot and editing his glint photos I saved on my phone🤧🤧😭😭

WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME, ZAYNE?!?!?! I'm a fake Caleb girlie for real 😭😭😭

[wardenbloom]

๑(◕‿◕)๑ Finished Zayne fanfiction!!

Alternate Universe, Canon divergence, completed, tragedy.

HOLY SHIT HOW HAPPY AM I TO FINALLY FINISH A ZAYNE FIC COMPOSED OF 17 CHAPTERS!! RAAGGGGHHH!!

Here's a quick introduction:

Once again, in this timeline, Zayne is still bound to die. His evol being "alive" and having him fulfill the prophecy. Zayne never wondered why it has to happen again, but one thing is sure, he will never hesitate to sacrifice his life even though he doesn't know why. 

A secret government organization famously addressed as: "Silent Forest" in Linkon was established years ago to protect the city against other humans who try to disturb the peace of the city. This includes dirty jobs such as assassination jobs, mercenary missions, or even mass execution of criminals. Their Lieutenant, Luciel (also known as The Warden), harbors the evol of Plunder. She singlehandedly caused genocide against a fleet of human traffickers after learning the crimes they have committed. Her nature had always called her to the battlefield, but just as any other girl, she values her free time , bed rotting activities, and shopping spree. 

Right after the mission, the President gave the Silent Forest huge bounty for annihilating a fleet of human traffickers and drug dealers in one swoop. Their bounty included a free days off and sums of money on top of their salaries. Of course, Luciel would spend her day eating, shopping, choosing which video games to buy, doing groceries and walking in the park. 

She met a doctor that tried to save as many as he could while her,  she killed as many as she could. Little by little, she started having feelings for him even though she knew it was one-sided. After an encounter, she found out the fate of her love, that his evol is trying to make that prophecy happen. Will she let it be or will she carry his burden in exchange for his life?

---------

If you feel like reading a non-in game MC as the female lead, feel free to read it here! This was my first ever finished fic and I'm quite happy with it!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63844243/chapters/163721221

[wardenbloom]

LOCAL WORKAHOLIC DOCTOR NEEDS HIS SESSION TOO 🗣️🗣️🗣️

[wardenbloom]

Rafayel: My Beloved Muse

"... Wasn't he here yesterday and the other day? And the other week? And the past months??" A museum employee murmured to her coworker as they caught a glimpse of Rafayel seemingly stunned by a painting. 

"Yeah, well, some artists do obsess about random things and I heard he’s a famous artist… not that I know of.” He shrugged. “Let him be. We should be on our way to the right wing." The coworker replied then the two employees went their way. 

... She feels so familiar... And beautiful... Are you sure we haven't met before? 

Rafayel thought as he surveyed an old painting of you. Wait, is the woman in the painting really you? Or just someone who looks like you? Well, we don't know yet. 

Rafayel's sight travelled from the smiling face of the woman, to her bosom, then to her hands that were placed on top of her lap, down to the title of the painting written below the frame. 

Title: My Beloved.  Artist: unknown Summary: While little is known about this painting, the artist made sure that whoever unearthed this piece knows that this is a painting of their beloved. This is the only relic or piece that was intact after the great calamity in the east thousands of years ago. Historians and researchers are still at awe about this painting as experts say that this piece holds a significant value in uncovering the historical event of the great calamity. 

Rafayel stared at the woman in the painting then took a photo of the painting then decided. 

I'll make you real... My Beloved. 

"Uhm, sir..." The janitor called his attention. "The museum is already closed... Please leave for tonight."

"Oh! Of course, haha." Rafayel faked a laugh as he did not notice the time. 

Even time is worthless compared to you, it seems…

He drove back to his atelier (which is also his home) and started sketching. Rafayel looked at his canvas lovingly as he blushed with every stroke while sketching you. His heart thumped; he felt ecstatic. 

Eventually, Rafayel fell asleep on the floor immediately after finishing the sketch. The next day, He rolled over and stared at the sketch he made last night and felt something he’s never felt before. His heart beat faster and he clutched his chest. 

“Good morning, my beloved.” He smiled at the sketch. He then grabbed his palette and started mixing paints. “Today is the day I will make you more beautiful.” 

Rafayel started painting; his delicate fingers directed the brush with accuracy. The painting was embedded in his mind, as if he was the one who made it and his hand moved as if it was familiar with the strokes of the painting. 

It’s so easy to love you, see? 

Hours passed and the painting was still halfway done. Rafayel rested for a while and examined the block of marble, bigger and taller than him, that he’s been saving for his future project. 

That painting will not suffice… 

Rafayel gathered his tools for sculpting and worked on the marble. Days–no– a couple of years passed and he still was not satisfied with his work. 

A little more… then you’ll be perfect… 

Contrary to his normal looks, Rafayel looked rugged as his eyes looked tired but hopeful, his facial hair was not cleanly shaven, and his hair grew that he had to tie it up. 

He took a deep breath and finally, he was done with his finishing touches. 

In front of him was a life size sculpture of you, a sculpture standing with its hand and arm out, as if gesturing for someone to hold its hand. Rafayel gently held the sculpture’s hand and kissed it. 

Ahhh… you’re here… you’re finally here… 

Rafayel looked at the sculpture’s face and gently touched it with the back of his hand. His fingers traced your face, from your eyes, nose, lips, cheeks – he caressed it as if you were alive.  His lips trembled and his eyes became blurry; suddenly, tears of happiness fell down his cheeks. He approached your hand and gently rubbed his cheek against it. 

My beloved… You’re here…. 

[wardenbloom]

I made a glitch Caleb edit -- I thought I'd share it here 😍

Maybe... Maybe... There will come a time that he actually knows who we really are and will do anything to get to us... Even crossing the boundary between reality and fiction

[wardenbloom]

You and Rafayel had always been in an "on and off" relationship, not only because of your conflicting personalities, but also because of your different endeavors.

Rafayel who always seek your attention and there's you, being tired of everything and just wants some peace and quiet. But you just can't stay away from him. You wonder why, too. The way he smiles, the way he hugs you after a tiring day at work, the way he looks at you with pleading eyes whenever he wants something, and his stolen glances... You can't get enough of it all.

Eventually, just like any normal day, you broke it off with him due to a petty argument but you know he'll come back to you within the day as he always had.

Until he didn't.

Days later, you lay on your couch as you lit a cigarette and browse on some photos and chats you've had with him. You didn't notice he sent a photo yesterday -- a meme of someone breaking out of chains as he chatted "IM FINALLY OVER YOU"

You smirk and replied "That's great to hear, pretty boy." You puff on your cigarette then sat up.

Not even ten minutes later, a loud knock was heard from your door.

You know who it is. It's him.

You let out a chuckle as you pressed the tip of the cigarette against the ash tray then opened the door for him.

Rafayel.

He was pouting as his brows are furrowed

"You really had to call me that?!?" He exclaimed. You observed him and thought that, yes, this is why you can't stay away from him. He's so fun to tease.

"Of course. You're my pretty boy. I think it suits you well." You smirk at him as you pull him in. You close the door and looked up to him.

"... Did you at least missed me?" He pouted and his eyes didn't want any eye contact with you.

"Of course. Of course I missed you." You grabbed his leash nearby and gently placed the collar around his neck. "I missed my pretty boy so much... Would you humour me tonight?"

You look up to him and smile.

"... Only if you take me back and don't break up again." He held your waist and started kissing your neck. "I have needs too..." He gently whispered as you felt his tongue against your neck. You can feel his warm body pressed against yours.

You pulled his leash and pushed him down the couch. Rafayel's expression did not change. He looked at you, yearning for you. His breathing became heavy as you sat on top of him.

"Rafayel..." You whispered as you lick the lobe of his ear. His breathing was heavy as you run your hand against his chest and abdomen.

"Don't... Leave me again..." He said in between moans.

"I won't." You reply as you smiled and slowly undressed him.

[wardenbloom]

I find it adorable to the point of chuckling that Caleb is literally a nerd/geek stuck in a hot bod. He probably cracks jokes that sometimes only he understands but you gotta laugh with him so he won't feel left out or misunderstood.

Then at the end of the day, he'll smile and whisper "I know you didn't understand my jokes earlier. But, thanks"

The next thing you know, you'll spend the night at his place, but instead of having some steamy action, he'll teach you some of his geeky interests to which you'll find out quite interesting too.

Then the next day after you reach your home, you'll realize that he never really asked about your interests but he gets every single thing you tell him.

That's because he already knows everything about you.

[wardenbloom]

Caleb when I @#$# his π√•£[©$ and he #@$^° my @$#? *£ then I ¶∆¢£¥£ *$#**∆\ and ®×¶¶¢£€ but he ¢|•€¢¢¢=$? circling my √∆℅¥£ around his ¶∆£@#*+ Then he finally €∆π$ inside my *$*@#

[wardenbloom]

I have more Zayne fics than caleb fics despite being a Caleb girlie...

(I'm writing another zayne fic as I type this 🥲)

[wardenbloom]

Zayne: The flowers are in full bloom today

Short Story

Li Shen/Zayne (Love and Deepspace) X Ringo (OC) 

The last thing I could remember was the blinding lights the Wanderer emitted before it disintegrated... Ringo thought as she pressed the keys of her grand piano. 

She'd been blind for around five years, following the unfortunate event during her days when she worked as a Hunter. Since then, she focused on honing her musical career as a ghost writer and singer. 

The keys emitted a wonderful and unfamiliar melody which enveloped her little home. 

That sounds nice... 

"ALARM ALARM! TIME FOR YOUR DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT TWO HOURS FROM NOW! ALARM ALARM! TIME FOR YOUR DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT TWO HOURS FROM NOW!" 

Her automated alarm yelled. 

"Yes, yes. You can keep quiet now." She stood up and carefully navigated her room. The automated alarm snoozed after hearing her instructions. 

She changed her clothes, a long dress and a jacket then grabbed her white cane then went her way to Akso Hospital. 

Well, today is the day I won't get lost! She grinned then made a mind map of the hospital. 

DING! The elevator rang and she walked towards it and passed by the elevator.

Okay, so that's the elevator and behind it should be her clinic… I should turn left here…

She thought as she navigated the ground floor of the hospital with her walking stick. She touched the walls and felt a strip of cold metal. She touched the cold metal and tried to figure out the words written. 

Damn, fuck this. they should put braille into these things.

She took a deep breath and sat on one of the chairs outside the clinic. A sound of soft, relaxing music crept out of the doctor's door, she hummed to its tune.

I didn't know Dr. Sonya likes to listen to my music hehe

Almost an hour has passed but she still wasn't called into the doctor's office. A calm and stern voice was suddenly heard from the inside of the clinic and it seemed like he's talking to someone.

oh no… oh no… it's a man's voice… I'M AT THE WRONG CLINIC!!

Ringo's heart suddenly beat fast. For the nth time, she lost her way.

She shed a tear of frustration. hnghh… I really should've just asked the nurse… I'm so stupid…

She straightened up her white cane but the sudden opening of the door beside her made her frozen in place.

oh no no no. he's gonna ask me if i'm a patient!! what do I say?? its so embarrassing!!

The clacking of the doctor's heels were heard and suddenly stopped. Ringo decided to stay still as she took a deep breath.

"Are you a patient of mine?" He asked as he held a clipboard while he browsed the list of patients for today.

"oh.. uhm… sorry… I think I'm in the wrong clinic ahah.. haha.." Ringo nervously replied as she stood up. She was shaking in nervousness.

Zayne noticed her white cane and her shut eyes. … a blind patient.. with no guardian around… he thought. 

"Well then, I should be on my way." She forced a smile.

He looked at the girl who turned around and tried to find her way. He cleared his throat and asked her. "Who's your doctor? I can walk you there, if you need help."

Ringo, who was already tearing up, looked back at him. She sniffed and said "Yes please…" Zayne was surprised at the sight of a grown woman crying like a lost child. He smiled and approached her.

Wait.. how do blind people walk with someone…? Do I need to hold her hand? Zayne tilted his head and thought.

"Uhm.. Doctor.. May I hold your arm?" She meekly asked as she sniffed and calmed herself.

"Sure." He offered his arm -- she grabbed the air twice until her hand finally touched his arm.

"You haven't told me who your doctor is." Zayne asked.

"Oh!" She got flustered. "It's Dr. Sonya…"

Zayne stopped walking. "Then, we are walking in a different direction. Her clinic is 4 offices away from mine."

They changed direction then Zayne led her way. Her hand clutched his sleeve as she walked close to him. 

"You don't have a guardian with you?" He finally asked. 

She shook her head. "I don't need one. I'm capable even though I'm blind." 

"I see..." Zayne uttered. 

"I can't," She laughed. Zayne just stared at her, not knowing how to react to her joke. "Hahaha, sorry. I joke a lot about me being blind. Feel free to laugh if you find it funny." She giggled. 

"You're not hurt at all?" He genuinely asked. 

"No. If anything, it heightened my other senses which filled my lack of sight." She honestly replied.

They reached the clinic and Zayne assisted her inside. 

"Oh, doctor, Zayne! It's rare to see you here." Doctor Sonya said. 

"I was just assisting your patient as she didn't know where to go earlier." 

Ringo gasped. " You were not supposed to tell I was lost! That was embarrassing..." She pouted. 

Zayne chuckled. "Sorry. I was just being honest." 

"You two seemed to get along after that walk." Doctor Sonya smiled. 

Zayne looked at Ringo. "Anyway, doctor Sonya, I'll leave her in your care now." 

"Thank you, doctor Zayne." Ringo sweetly said and then he left the office.

The doctor ran some tests which yielded positive results. Doctor Sonya wrote on her prescription pads some meds she’ll be needing and some supplements. 

“Are you sure you don’t want to undergo eye transplant?” The doctor asked and Ringo shook her head. 

“I’m sure there are others who need it better than I do.” She smiled. The doctor thought that RIngo was kind enough to give way for others even though she’s a top priority when it comes to transplant due to her former profession. 

After her check up, she went to the pharmacy and bought her medicine and supplements then went her way home. 

But along the way, she decided to stay still at a bench nearby the hospital and listen to the noise around her. It’s not everyday that she gets to be in the busy streets of Linkon. She hummed a tune which melted perfectly with the noise around her. 

She opened her phone and decided to record the tune she’s humming; maybe to use it as a reference for her new song submission. 

Meanwhile, Zayne rested his back against the backrest of his office chair. He took a deep breath and rubbed his temples after he finished his reports for the day. He packed up his things and decided to go home for tonight. 

He drove his car out of the basement parking and passed by near the entrance of the hospital and his peripheral caught a blind woman sitting still on one of the benches near the fountain. 

Was that…?

He turned around then passed by the empty driveway of the hospital. Zayne had his car at the side of the driveway then approached Ringo. 

Oh… I hadn't gotten her name earlier…

“Are you still lost?” Zayne asked. Ringo smiled. 

“Doctor… Hi!” She happily greeted him and shook her head. “I was just listening to my surroundings. I thought it was still too early to go home.” 

Early? 

Zayne tilted his head. “Do you know what time it is?” He asked. 

“Uhm… around five PM?” She smiled childishly. 

“... It’s already nine PM.” Zayne replied. 

“OH!!!” Ringo urgently stood up. “I’ve been here for more than three hours!! I didn’t notice!” Her cheeks became flustered. She clutched her white cane. “Anyway, thank you for telling me the time, doctor. I should head home!” 

“I didn’t get your name.” Zayne uttered. 

“Oh! How careless of me… I’m Ringo.” She smiled. 

“Nice to meet you, Ringo.” He replied. “I think you already know my name from earlier. 

“Yes, doctor Zayne.” She nodded. 

“I’ll just drive you to your place. You might get lost again.” He offered. 

“Oh… I can’t do that.. I’ve bothered you too much already.” 

“It’s alri–”

Grumble! Grumble!

Ringo’s stomach growled. She had forgotten to eat dinner as she was preoccupied with composing a tune earlier. 

“AH!” Her cheeks turned red. 

Zayne gave out a soft chuckle. “How about we grab dinner first then I’ll drop you off at your place?” 

They settled at a restaurant nearby and they were given their menus. Ringo ran her fingers through the hard cardboard and felt its smooth surface. 

They really should have braille on these things… This is why I don’t like going out. I have to communicate for every single little thing. 

Zayne scanned the menu and decided his order. He looked at Ringo who’s expression looked disappointed. 

Oh… She can’t read… She was so talkative and her expressions were as if she could actually see… I’ve forgotten about her disability. 

The waitress approached their table and started getting their orders.

“Are you ready to order?” The waitress asked. 

“Do you want me to read you the menu, Ringo?” Zayne asked and she shook her head. 

“We'll take a lot of time if you do that, doctor.” She smiled then asked the waitress “You see, I'm visually impaired and can't read the menu–”

“Oh! My apologies, ma'am! I didn't notice because you were walking as if you could see!” The waitress signaled for her co-worker to get the menu that had braille imprinted then she handed it to Ringo. 

“... A menu with braille??” Ringo exclaimed as her fingers ran through the words and patterns protruded from the menu. 

“Yes, government initiatives.” The waitress nodded and smiled. “Then, just let me know if you are ready to order.”

Ringo's face lit up. She smiled as if she received her first ever Christmas present. “This is wonderful!” She said as she read the menu. 

Zayne observed her in silence; not wanting to disturb her happy moment. 

It looks like a big deal for her… I should look more into the accessibility of everyday things to persons with disabilities when I get the time. 

“They have choco fudge sundae too…  hmmm should I get some sweets, doctor?” 

“Sure, if you feel like it. Their parfaits are good as well.” Zayne suggested. 

“You're a sweet tooth.” She giggled. “We should eat here again!”

We?... I guess I don't mind. 

They then ordered their food and ate. Afterwhich, Zayne drove her home. 

“But we're the same age and you're like one of the bigshots in the hospital!” Ringo exclaimed. 

“I wouldn't call it a bigshot… I just like what I'm doing.” Zayne replied. 

“Yes but you're so efficient in your work too! I can't! There are times I get into a month-long slump!” 

“Slump? Are you an artist?” Zayne asked. 

“I write songs.” She answered. “I like writing, too but I'm not very efficient at it.”

“Art and something research-based like my outputs are very different things. If that's your pace as an artist, I don't think it's inefficient. Songs need a lot of heart and care.” 

“You're very kind, doctor…” She uttered softly. 

Right… That's why I lock myself up in my home it's because I'm tired of comparing myself with others… 

They finally arrived at Ringo's place and Zayne opened the door for her. He held her hand to support her as she stood up. 

“Thank you,” She smiled. “I had fun today, doctor.”

“Likewise.” He replied. The cold breeze brushed against her cheeks that made her shudder. 

“Oh, before I go.” Ringo held her hand up. “I don't know what you look like… may I touch your face?”

“Oh, uhm. Sure.” Zayne bent down a little and guided her hands to his face. 

Her light and soft hands examined his face from his cheeks, eyelids, nose, eyebrows, and lips. 

“Say, doctor…  What kind of hair color do you have?” She asked while touching his face. 

“Black.”

“And your eyes?” She asked while her thumb gently touched his eyelids and eyelashes. 

“Emerald.” Zayne replied and she retrieved her hands. He slowly opened his eyes and saw that she had her eyes open. Her irises were already almost white but he could make out that her original eye colors were gray. She closed her eyes and smiled. 

“You're very beautiful, doctor.” She effortlessly said. Zayne's eyes widened. 

I don't know how to respond to that… She's beautiful too. I don't know if she knows. 

Zayne thought. “Thank you. You’re beautiful too.” He replied.

Ringo's face got all flustered and she started stuttering. Her heart beat fast, a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time. 

“A-a-anyway! I should enter my house now. It's already late!” She placed her finger in the automated lock and the gate opened. “Take care on your way, doctor. Drive safe.”

“Yes, thank you.” Zayne replied. After she entered her home, he went back to his car then drove home. 

…I forgot to get her contact… 

Weeks later, Ringo finished the songs she'd been making. She laid down on her bed then dozed off. 

After a few hours, her trusty alarm reminded her of her near empty fridge. 

“MISS RINGO! THIS IS A WARNING THAT YOU WILL STARVE TOMORROW IF YOU DON'T FILL UP YOUR FRIDGE! MISS RINGO! THIS IS A WARNING THAT–”

“Yes yes, I'm awake.” She replied then the alarm kept quiet. 

Well, it's been awhile since I went out… The last time I was out I was with…  

Ringo's cheeks flushed at the thought of Zayne. 

I wonder how he's doing?... I probably won't be able to cross paths with him. 

She stood up then went to buy groceries. At the market, she tried to be independent and made her way aisle from aisle. 

I should buy veggies and fruits too…  but what color of grape is this? Oh, this grape is quite hard. I think it's crisp but will have juicy insides. 

She smiled as she gently ran her fingers against a bundle of grapes. 

“Ma'am, please don't touch our grapes like that. I noticed that you’ve been touching every fruit in this section.” One employee said thinking that she's touching it in an unusual manner. 

“Oh… Sorry…” Ringo apologized then let go of the fruit. She tilted her head down and felt embarrassed. 

“She can't help touching it if she can't see.” A deep familiar voice said. Ringo still felt embarrassed she stretched her white cane and just walked away going to the counter. 

The employee suddenly noticed that she couldn't see so he tried to apologize but Ringo didn't turn her back. She started tearing up and sniffed. 

That was embarrassing… I wanna go home. 

“Ringo.” the familiar voice said. 

That voice and scent… Zayne?? 

“Doctor…” she uttered. 

“Come, I'll help you buy things you need.” He gently grabbed her shopping basket but she held on to it. 

“... No… it was already embarrassing that they think I'm doing something weird…” She said. Zayne noticed that there's a bit of dried tears on her cheek. 

“Don't worry about them.” Zayne retrieved her basket and offered his arm. He retracted her white cane and grabbed her hand and led it to his arm. “So, which fruits did you want to buy?” 

“The one I was holding earlier.” She said. Her gloomy mood still did not improve and Zayne could definitely understand. 

He grabbed the grapes and placed them in her basket. “Anything else?”

“Some sliced deli meat and bread too… and that's it.” She answered. 

“Okay, then we'll get that.” 

After, he then walked with her to the counter. 

“Sorry for making you run errands with me, doctor… It must've taken so much time.” She apologized. 

“You didn't make me do anything, Ringo. It was me who wanted to do this for you.” He said while placing her items on the counter. “Are you sure these are all you need?” 

“Yes… I can't cook complicated dishes so I usually just eat sandwiches, soup, some fruits and one-pot dishes. I don't buy many items because I usually forget if there's too much.”

“Understandable.” Zayne replied as Ringo tapped her phone for payment. 

“Well, thank you for assisting me today, doctor. You've been a great help” She forced a smile. 

“If you want, we could schedule our groceries together so you don't run into something like that again.” Zayne offered. 

Ringo's face lit up. She always hated doing groceries but if someone was to help her in doing so, she would find it fun. 

“Really??” She smiled widely. 

There it is. 

Zayne felt relieved that she finally smiled. 

“Yes. I do my groceries twice a month so I think we could start with that.” He replied as they walked to the parking lot. “I'll drive you home.”

“Huh? No it's okay. I can commute” Ringo didn't want to bother him. She feels that he's busy and that he has better things to do than to assist her. 

“I don't mind, Ringo. I finished my shift earlier and I'm free the rest of the day, if that's what you're worried about.” Zayne loaded her groceries in the trunk and opened the passenger seat. 

“Oh. Okay.” She held out her hand and Zayne guided her. She sat at the passenger seat and noticed a faint music playing. 

Oh? Wait… right… the first time I met him… he was listening to the songs I made… 

She smiled to herself. Zayne sat beside her and started driving. “You seem happy.” He noted. 

“Do you like this music, doctor?” She asked while swaying her head to the tune.

Oh, they altered my submission a bit but it still sounds good. 

“Yes. I have a playlist of songs with the same genre.” He replied as the song softly played. 

“You have good taste.” She nodded. 

They arrived at Ringo’s place and Zayne opened the passenger seat and helped her out. 

“Ringo!” An old woman called her. She was holding a tray of biscuits and bread. “Oh my, who is this young man?” She asked while looking up to Zayne. 

“Auntie, this is Zayne. He’s my friend.” Ringo introduced. “Zayne, this is my neighbor auntie Ellen.” 

“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Zayne politely said. 

“Oh! Same here.” Ellen nodded. “Ringo, I was just calling you because I have some leftover biscuits to give you. Here.” 

Suddenly, a gentle gust of wind was felt by them. 

… that was an evol….

Zayne thought and noticed that Ringo didn’t need her cane to walk her way to Ellen. 

I see. So that’s how she managed to walk sometimes without her cane to the point that people around thought she could see. 

Ringo gently retrieved the tray from Ellen “Oh wow these smell good!!! Thank you!”

The old woman chuckled. “Well, I won’t disturb you and your friend any longer, hehe” Ellen then returned to her house and left the two. 

The two entered the house and Zayne noticed that there were various musical instruments in the living room. Her living room did not have a television but it had a grand piano in the middle and recording devices beside it. There are other electronic mixers and a laptop at the corner. 

He placed her groceries on her marble kitchen table. 

“Thank you doctor! You should try auntie’s biscuits. They’re so good.” Ringo smiled and handed him a milk biscuit. 

“Thank you.” Zayne said then ate the biscuit. “It tastes better than those canned ones.”

“It does!” Ringo placed her groceries in her pantry. “Oh doctor, as a sign of thanks, should I play something for you?”

“I was curious about your work, I was just about to ask you about the piano in your living room.” 

A gust of wind suddenly entered the room and Ringo made her way to her piano. 

“... Was that your evol just now?” Zayne asked as he sat on the couch. 

“Yes, I use my wind evol sometimes to tell me how my environment looks like.” She honestly answered the pressed a key. “You like my songs, doctor. That makes me very happy.” 

Your songs…? 

She played a tune that was familiar to him. She started singing, albeit the tune was a little different that what he knew from the streaming platforms, he knew that it was a song called Bound by Time 

I love you 

Even if we are from different times

When fate had other plans 

Than bringing us together, 

Still, I'd love you as if we are together

Do you think we see the same sky? 

I hope we do. (Let's see the same stars) 

Did you sleep well tonight? 

I'll sing you a lullaby (La la la) 

If not, I just hope that you know that I exist. 

I love you

Even when our universe never crossed

When our worlds walked 

On parallel lines, 

Still, I'd love you as if we are together

Zayne hummed and mouthed the familiar lyrics as she sang happily. He never really analyzed the lyrics but he liked its tune. 

I didn't realize that the lyrics are kind of painful to read. 

“Still, I'd love you as if we are together…  la la la” She finally closed. 

She stood up and Zayne clapped as if giving her a standing ovation. She grinned and giggled while bowing. 

“Thank you, thank you.” She happily said. 

“Was that the original version of the song?” Zayne asked and she nodded. 

“Yup. Well, the current version is not so bad either. I'd say both are good versions.” She sat beside him. 

“Yes, but I like your singing voice better.” He complimented and she got flustered. 

“Oh,” She fidgeted with her hands. “Thank you.”

“Do you have songs that you actually sing or all of the songs you make are sung by others?” He curiously asked. 

“Well, I do have a few songs of my own but I never really uploaded them. Bound by time was my favorite of it all.” She replied. 

“Did you get heartbroken by any chance while you were writing it?” He asked. She sighed and shook her head. 

“I was listening to this audiobook about two people who never met but were compatible to be together… something like that, then I made the song.” She replied. 

“You love music.” He said and looked at her. She was unmoving and he thought that if she had her sight, she would look at her instruments at that time. 

“I do! I like listening to musicals and Operas too. Hehe, I could make out the storyline even without actually seeing them.” Her face lit up as she shared about her interests. 

Days later, Zayne got very busy due to the increase of wanderer attacks and his workload almost doubled. After doing an emergency operation, he sat on his office chair and played different music from his playlist. 

That’s funny… Most of the songs I listen to were actually written by her but sung by different people and bands…

Back home, Ringo recorded the songs Zayne liked and had it in its original version. 

“Save.” She uttered. 

“FILE NAME?” The automated program asked her. 

“Bound by Time original” 

“Saved.” 

She recorded another one again. Her voice sounded beautiful as her slender fingers pressed the keys. 

“Save,” She instructed. 

“File name?” 

“Ice Prince original.”

“Saved.” 

“Compile all in one folder.” She instructed. 

“Compiled ten songs from recording today in one folder– Complete. File name?” 

“To Doctor Zayne.” 

As Zayne listened to the music, a notification popped and he opened the email addressed to him. 

Ringo… these are…

He played the music she sent him and he sighed. 

Her singing voice is wonderful… I should bring her something later. 

After he finished his report, he drove to the pastry shop and bought various sweets and pastries. While he was paying, he saw a poster of an upcoming opera set next week entitled: Miss Dinosaur and the fossils.

Miss Dinosaur and the fossils…? That sounds weird… 

He looked up the reviews for the opera and found that it had almost five star ratings and the reviews were positive. 

Oh, I think she’ll like it. Maybe I should ask Ringo to watch? Hear? …. I’ll just ask her if she wants to go here. 

Zayne then drove to her home; he was greeted by a hovering spherical robot. It’s robotic voice asked: “Who are you?”

“Zayne” He replied. It paused for a while as if looking into its files. 

“Doctor Zayne from Akso Medical Hospital. Come in. I am Mozi number eight. You can call me Mozi and I am Miss Ringo's assistant.” The hovering robot turned its back and Zayne followed it. 

I see. So this robot helps her in her everyday tasks. 

The robot suddenly turned on its alarm 

“MISS RINGO YOU HAVE A VISITOR! MISS RINGO YOU HAVE A VISITOR!”

“Who?” Her voice came from her room. 

“Doctor Zayne” The robot answered. 

“Doctor? Are you just saying his name because of the email I sent earlier? What if that person you let in is a robber? Should I kill you then?” Ringo asked. 

“Uhm…” Mozi's volume lowered down and resembled a whisper. “You are the doctor Zayne and not a thief, aren't you?”

“Yes.” Zayne answered and a sudden gust of wind was felt as Ringo opened her door. 

“Mozi, how many times do I have to tell you to be careful of who you let in this house?” Ringo said as her eyebrows furrowed. 

That scent… 

“No no Miss Ringo don't shut me down” Mozi hid behind Zayne. 

“Ringo, don't worry. It's me” Zayne approached her. 

“But… What are you doing here, doctor?” She asked. 

“I just bought you some pastries. Today was a very busy day but when I listened to your music, I calmed down. Thank you.” Zayne replied and he gently held her hand and handed her a bag of pastries. 

“I’m glad that I helped you today, doctor and thank you! I appreciate this.” She grinned. “And you!” She frowned at Mozi. “I told you to call me first before letting anybody in!” 

“S-sorry…” Mozi’s pixelated eyes showed tears. 

“Don’t be too hard on Mozi. He’s a good butler.” Zayne petted the hovering robot that showed happy eyes. 

“S-see! Miss Ringo! Doctor Zayne praised me!” Mozi’s robotic voice showed its enthusiasm, if it had any. She sighed. 

“Okay fine. Just don’t do that again and call me first, okay?” She pouted. 

“Yes. I will input that command into my system now.” Mozi replied then hovered to its bed. 

“Aren’t those robot assistants expensive?” Zayne asked. 

“Yup. But, that was a gift from the hunter’s association when I retired due to my disability gained through service.” She replied. “Mozi’s maintenance is also shouldered by them.” 

“You’re a former hunter?” Zayne asked and she nodded. 

“That makes sense. You have complete control over your evol.” He replied. 

“Yes, but it tires me out to use my evol continuously so I reserve my energy, that’s why I still need to use my white cane even though I can see through my wind manipulation.” She walked towards the counter and placed the pastries on top. 

“Ringo… I saw a poster earlier, are you familiar with the show Miss Dinosaur and the fossils?” He brought up. Her face lit up and she grinned. 

“OH! YES! WHY? ARE THEY TOURING IN LINKON??” She unconsciously hovered and approached Zayne. “Oh! Oh! I should buy tickets if they’re here!” 

Zayne’s eyes widened. He thought that she looked like a mermaid swimming in the air. 

“I was actually going to watch it, if you want, we could watch it together.” He offered. 

Ringo slowly descended and smiled. “I would love to watch it with you, Zayne.” She replied. 

Zayne’s heart thumped. He took a deep breath to calm himself. “Alright, I’ll get the tickets but I’ll have to fix my schedule first, is that okay?” He asked and she nodded. 

The next week, Zayne fetched her after his working hours and found that she was waiting on her front porch. She was sitting on a wooden bench and was wearing a navy blue sleeveless dress that hung until below her knees. She tied her long hair into a low bun and Zayne noticed that she wore light makeup. 

She's so beautiful...

He took a deep breath and approached her. “Are you ready?” Zayne asked as he gently held her hand. 

“Yes, I’m so excited!” She stood up. “Is it okay if I leave my cane?” 

“Of course.” Zayne answered. Hearing his voice made her smile. “I don’t mind even if you hold onto me the whole night.” 

“Haha, then I’ll do just that.” Ringo smiled at him. 

They arrived at the theaters and were led to their seats. Shortly, the show started, as it went on, Ringo mouthed the songs that were sung, she swayed her head along with the songs, and she smiled so widely–her heart was full.

While she was happy, the story was different and tragic. It was about an immortal woman who’s been waiting for her love but it turned out that her love was long dead. She unearthed his remains and preserved them in her home. 

“Are you not cold?” Zayne whispered as he noticed her hands shaking. 

“A bit, but it’s manageable.” She replied and clasped her hands together. He removed his coat and hung it over her shoulders. “Oh! Thank you!” She replied. 

After the show, Ringo held onto his arm and gleefully talked about the play they watched. 

“... and when she sang that song, it was so sad! I couldn’t imagine myself in that place.” She continued. Zayne stared at her, seemingly hypnotized by her. He observed her expressions, the way her lips moved, the way her voice changed depending on the character she’s been talking about, and the way she gestured. 

“The title sounds silly but it made sense with the story.” He replied. 

“Right?? She’s a dinosaur like she’s so old and all the fossils are the remains…” She added. 

Just like that, Zayne’s life became a little bit cheerful. It became a routine for him to visit her when he gets the free time, to remind her of their grocery day, to tell her about the recent news, to cook for her, and to walk to the park. All of these, he enjoyed doing with her. 

“Zayne, could you tell me about the flowers?” She asked as they walked in the park. 

“Well, it’s spring time so everything is colorful.” He replied. “The leaves of the trees are healthy too.” 

“That’s great! I’m sure they look pretty!” She cheerfully replied. 

Should I ask her now? 

A gust of familiar wind enveloped them and Ringo listened to the crisp sound of the leaves. 

“Ringo.” Zayne took a deep breath. 

“Hm? What is it?” She asked. 

“Will you spend the rest of your life with me?” He asked as he pulled out a ring from his pocket. Ringo gasped and couldn’t believe what she was hearing. 

“But… Zayne… are you sure?” She asked. 

I… I think you deserve better than me… someone who’s not disabled…

“I don’t think I’ll be asking this if I wasn’t sure.” Zayne said as he gently touched her hand. 

“But…” Ringo held back her tears. “But… Zayne…” 

He smiled. “If you’re still doubting yourself, don’t. I enjoy taking care of you, talking to you, and doing everything with you. I love you as you are.” 

She cried tears of joy as Zayne carefully placed a ring on her ring finger. “I love you, too.” She replied in between sobs. “Thank you for loving me.” 

Zayne looked at her and let out a little chuckle as he remembered the first time he met her. She was crying the same way when she got lost in the hospital. 

“Is.. Is it okay if I rely on you more starting today?” She asked while Zayne wiped her tears. 

“Yes. I like it when you rely on me, Ringo.” He softly said as he gently kissed her lips. 

--------

Ringo continued making music while Zayne became busier with his work, medical missions, and research. But still, they made time to continue their routine. Zayne noticed that Ringo’s favorite activity they did was walking to the park. 

“Your favorite thing has always been walking to the park.” Zayne said as they ate their dinner. 

“I can’t help it! I still remember that day when you proposed! Ahhh it was so romantic!! Let’s walk again tomorrow!” She wiggled as she ate her food. 

Zayne smiled at her and thought that her jolly nature kept him sane from his stress at work. Eventually, they were blessed with two beautiful children, the first one was a girl and the second one was a boy. They both grew up in a loving home Zayne and Ringo built, and as they grew older, their children finally made their own families and left their home.

Several years passed and Zayne sat on the bench as he reminisced her voice asking him "Sweetheart, are the flowers blooming today? It's quite warm! I hope they do!"

Despite his forgetful nature as he grew old, he couldn't forget her face each time she looked up to ask him the same question almost everyday. Her eyes, that never met his, devoid of light but still exude a sense of wonder, her childish grin that never changed ever since they first met, her red hair that she struggled on fixing so he had to do her braids, and her voice that sounded like angels singing whenever he hears her. 

His blurry eyes looked at her gravestone covered with snow and he smiled. "Yes, my love. The flowers are in full bloom today." His wrinkled hand held a flower-shaped snow he made using his evol. The cold wind brushed against his face as he finally breathed his last.

[wardenbloom]

Ah... I've been thinking about Zayne recently... I should make a short story of him then I'll proceed in continuing his other fic.

(I want him everywhere!! and alive!!!)