what-was-that-pipsqueak

[what-was-that-pipsqueak]

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EXAM SEASON

The apartment was quiet, save for the occasional scratch of your pen across your apple-themed notebook and the low, ambient hum of your calming study playlist drifting from your monitor. On your second screen, Pinterest was open to a board of motivational quotes and dreamy workspaces that felt galaxies away from the chaos inside your mind. The overhead light cast a sterile, white glare across your desk, turning the once-helpful to-do list for university into something far more ominous, a looming death wish masquerading as productivity.

Your eyes burned, the sting of screen fatigue and exhaustion blurring the ink on the page. It was all just... too much.

You didn’t hear the door open, but you felt it.

Caleb’s presence always felt like gravity itself, an invisible pull, warm and grounding, bringing you back to earth when everything else felt like freefall. He didn’t speak right away. He just stood there in the doorway for a moment, quiet and observant, reading the stress etched into your posture: the slope of your shoulders, the way your fingers gripped the edge of your notebook like it might somehow hold the key to surviving exam season with your sanity intact.

Then, wordlessly, he crossed the room, warm hands brushing against your back with featherlight reassurance. He bent down, pressing a slow, steady kiss to the top of your head, grounding you further. Without needing to ask, he turned around and returned with the soft, cat-patterned weighted blanket you kept folded neatly at the foot of your bed.

“Arms up, Pips,” he said gently. You lifted your arms instantly and without question, as if your body already knew to trust his words.

He draped the blanket around you carefully, making sure it sat snug over your shoulders and head. You let out a shaky breath as the weight started to slowly soothe your anxiety. Caleb let out a quiet, satisfied hum and walked back to the kitchen. Soon, the comforting sounds of a kettle and the soft rustle of ceramic cups floated over the low swell of your music.

When he returned, he carried your favourite mug, the one with a faded photo of the two of you at summer camp, grinning with marshmallow-smeared faces—now filled with something warm and green. The soft, creamy scent of vanilla and matcha drifted over to you. He knelt beside you, cradling the mug in both hands before offering it to you.

“How did you know that's exactly what I needed right now?” you murmured, taking the cup.

“You didn’t need to say anything” he said simply, brushing a stray lock of hair from your cheek. “I know that look.”

You took a slow sip, the warmth spreading through your chest, unspooling the knot of tension in your stomach. Caleb reached over to your bedside caddy and, with a practised familiarity that made you blink through the haze, began pulling out your skincare routine. The gesture was so unexpected it made you laugh, breathy and soft, despite the weight of the day still pressing down on you.

He took a wipe and gently cleaned your face, holding your chin steady with the kind of reverence one might reserve for their lover. Then came the serum. He warmed a few drops between his palms and pressed them into your skin, slow and patient. Next were the star shaped pimple patches, stuck on with clinical care and maybe a bit too much pride in his "accuracy". Lastly, moisturiser, smoothed along your cheeks with gentle thumbs and a quiet, “There we go.”

You leaned into his touch, eyes fluttering shut. It was better than any spa treatment—more intimate, more personal. Each motion was a love letter in silence.

Then, without a word, he stood and retrieved your hairbrush, drawing it through your hair in long, slow strokes. The rhythm of it was hypnotic. Your eyes slipped closed again, and you felt yourself begin to unravel.

“Braids tonight?” he asked softly, already parting your hair. You nodded.

He braided with care, his fingers sure and patient, each weave precise, like the intricate styles he used to do when I sat at his feet before school, pleading with sleepy eyes. When he finished, he tied it off with a practised flick and pressed a kiss to your temple. Then he paused and tilted his head, reading your mood like a seasoned pilot charting stormy skies.

“Do you want your comfort movie on?”

You looked at him. “You’ve seen it a million times.”

“I’d watch it a million more times if it helps you feel better,” he said, giving you that crooked smile that always made something in your chest ache and soften at once. “Or I could just recite it for you. I probably could at this point.”

You gave him a small, grateful laugh. “Let’s put it on.” He knew exactly what you needed in that moment, and you were grateful to have someone who understood you so well.

Without protest, he cued it up, dimming the fairy lights until the room was cast in a warm, golden glow. He settled beside you on the bed, pulling you gently against him, one arm wrapped securely around your shoulders as the familiar opening scene flickered to life on the screen.

You sank into him, the weight of the blanket and his steady presence lulling your senses into calm. Warm. Held. Safe. Home.

“Thank you,” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the movie’s gentle score.

Caleb squeezed you gently, his own silent way of saying he was always there for you.

As the movie played on, you felt a sense of peace wash over you, knowing that no matter what happened, Caleb would always be there for you. In that moment, surrounded by the comforting glow of the screen and his presence, you realised that maybe everything was going to be okay after all.

[what-was-that-pipsqueak]

Caleb | Housewife ──★ ˙💍 ̟ !!

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You were lounging on the couch, phone in hand, scrolling through your socials after work. Caleb was next to you, taking up 90% of the sofa as usual, his presence both comforting and soothing.

It had started off as a joke, really. You’d said it so casually, “You know, Caleb, you’d make a great housewife one day." However, you hadn’t expected him to take it seriously. After all, you were just poking fun at him.

But one evening, after a long, exhausting day of hunting down Wanderers, you walked into your apartment, your muscles sore and your mind tired. The moment you stepped inside, you were hit by the unexpected scent of something cooking, something rich and savory but unfamiliar. It wasn’t the usual scent of fast food you had grown so accustomed to after your hectic shifts. This was different.

“Caleb?” you called out, your voice sounding small and uncertain.

A few moments later, he appeared in the kitchen, wearing the “Kiss the Cook” apron that you'd noticed hanging on the back of the door before. His cheeks were flushed slightly, and his bangs were clipped back from his forehead with a little smiling apple clip, though a few strands had escaped and framed his face. He looked adorable, clearly trying to appear like he had everything under control, but there was a nervous energy about him, as if he was waiting for your reaction.

"Welcome home!" he said, his voice bright and cheerful, but you could see the uncertainty flicker in his eyes. His posture was slightly rigid, like he was preparing for a judgment that wasn’t coming.

Your eyebrows rose as you took in the scene. The kitchen, usually a bit of a mess after a long day, was spotless. The countertops gleamed under the soft overhead lights, the sink had no dishes in sight, and the fridge was neatly organized. There was an undeniable sense of effort that made your heart melt.

You blinked a couple of times, trying to process everything at once. “Wait… what’s all this?”

Caleb’s smile grew wider, if not a little bit sheepish. "I made dinner," he said, gesturing to a large pot on the stove. "It’s a surprise! And, uh, I did the laundry. And vacuumed. And I even threw out the trash and baked your favourite cookies."

Then, it hit you—the passing joke you’d made to him a few days ago. Your eyes widened as the memory rushed back, and before you could stop yourself, you started giggling. It was a quiet, surprised laugh at first, but it quickly grew into something more uncontrollable as you realized just how seriously he’d taken your teasing. You leaned against the doorframe, your laughter bubbling out of you as the ridiculousness of the situation hit.

Caleb’s face flushed a deeper shade of red, his shoulders tensing as if bracing for an embarrassment you weren’t even sure he deserved. “I’m sorry,” he said quickly, his voice cracking slightly as he rushed to explain, “I thought—well, you said I’d make a good housewife and…”

You shook your head, still laughing, holding up a hand to stop him. “No, no, Caleb, it’s just… I didn’t think you’d actually,” You took a deep breath, wiping a tear from your eye. "You took me way too seriously."

"You're such a dumbass, Caleb," you say with a playful smirk, shaking your head as you walk up to him. "But... this is why I love you."

Caleb’s face flushes again, a mix of embarrassment and affection, but he can’t help but smile at your teasing. His hands hover awkwardly at his sides, unsure of how to respond, but you can see the relief and warmth in his eyes.

You step closer, your voice low and teasing as you read the words on his apron. “Kiss the Chef, huh? Guess I can’t refuse that.”

He grins, a little bit mischievous now, as he leans in. "Well, I did work hard for that title."

You roll your eyes but can’t stop the grin that spreads across your face. "Yeah, yeah, just don’t burn dinner, okay?"

Before he can respond, you pull him in for a quick, soft kiss, feeling the heat of his lips against yours. Caleb melts into it, his arms wrapping around you as he deepens the kiss. When you pull back, you can see the happiness dancing in his eyes.

You pull back slightly, still holding onto him, and give him a teasing smile. "What did you cook for dinner, my dear wife?"

[what-was-that-pipsqueak]

Caleb HC | Sick Days ── ★ ˙🛏️ ̟ !!

✧˖°. Calling in Sick for You: If you had to work while you were sick, Caleb wouldn’t hesitate for a second. As soon as he hears you’re feeling unwell and unable to go in, he’d take charge and call your workplace himself. He’d introduce himself confidently as your partner, making sure he comes across as calm, professional, and clear.

He’d explain that you're unwell and won't be able to come in, assuring them that you’re resting and taking the time to recover. After the call, he’d likely give you a reassuring smile, letting you know everything is taken care of so you can fully relax without worrying about work. He might even joke, “Don’t worry, I’ve got the whole ‘responsible adult’ thing covered for today. You just focus on getting some rest.”

✧˖°. Immediate Shopping Spree: The moment Caleb hears you're sick, he becomes a whirlwind of action. Without a second thought, he rushes to the shops with a determined look on his face, intent on getting everything you could possibly need. He'd come back with a massive bag full of medicine—everything from pain relievers, flu meds, to any natural remedies you prefer—ensuring you have options. Alongside the medicine, he'd have a mountain of your favorite snacks—chips, chocolate, cookies, or even something healthy like fruit or granola bars—anything he knows would make you feel just a little bit better.

Not stopping there, he’d also grab a selection of teas or juices that you like, possibly even some soothing honey to make sure you're getting the best care possible. He’d carry the bags with a proud smile, like he’s just won the battle against sickness, excited to make sure you’re comfortable.

Once he’s back, he’d lay everything out on your bedside table, making sure you have everything within reach, so you never have to ask for anything. He’d probably even find some cute way to present it, maybe arranging your snacks into a fun display or sticking a sweet note on the medicine to remind you that he’s thinking of you.

After all this, he’d settle in next to you, insisting that you take it easy and get some rest while he keeps you company.

✧˖°. Cooking Your Favorite Foods: As soon as Caleb gets back from his shopping spree, he doesn’t waste any time. He heads straight to the kitchen to cook you your favorite comfort food—maybe a big pot of homemade chicken soup or whatever else he knows will make you feel better. He’d put all his attention into the details: carefully selecting the ingredients, chopping vegetables with precision, and making sure the soup had just the right amount of seasoning.

While cooking, Caleb would be full of energy, checking a website or an app on his phone to find exactly which foods are best for helping you recover. He’d keep reading aloud to you, laughing a little at how serious he was taking the whole thing: “According to this website Pipsqueak, chicken soup really can help you heal faster... It’s packed with amino acids that fight infection and reduce inflammation!”

Once the soup is ready, he’d bring you a steaming bowl, maybe adding a few extra ingredients just to make it even more special. He’d insist on feeding you, making sure you’re not overexerting yourself, and watching you with a hopeful, loving smile as you eat, asking if it’s the best soup you’ve ever had.

Every so often, he’d make little jokes about how he’s now the "official healer" or how he should start his own wellness blog because he's practically a doctor at this point.

✧˖°. Comfort Films, Shows, and Music: Caleb would know exactly how to keep you entertained and relaxed without overwhelming you. If you have the energy to watch something, he’d pick your favorite comfort films or shows—those feel-good, familiar things that make you feel safe and at ease. He'd probably know just what to put on, whether it’s a lighthearted rom-com, a heartwarming animation, or a classic series you love. Caleb would even grab a blanket to snuggle up with you while you watch, making sure you’re comfortable and cozy.

However, if you didn’t have the energy to focus on a screen, he’d immediately switch to something more soothing. He’d put on some soft, relaxing music—maybe your favorite playlist with calm tunes or perhaps a gentle ambient soundtrack that would help you drift off into a peaceful nap. If you prefer white noise, Caleb will make sure it’s set to just the right volume, like a gentle hum or the sound of rain, creating the perfect background for relaxation.

✧˖°. Heating Pad or Warm Compress: Caleb would notice if you were feeling achy or tense from being in bed too long. He’d gently place a warm compress or a heating pad on your back, shoulders, or any area that felt sore, while carefully making sure it’s comfortable for you. He’d stay by your side, making sure the warmth is soothing, and maybe say something like, “Let me know if it’s too hot or too cold. I want you to feel as comfortable as possible.”

✧˖°. Gentle Bedside Chats: If you wanted to talk but didn’t have the energy for long conversations, Caleb would keep things light and easy. He’d start a gentle conversation about your favorite memories or share funny little stories from his day. His goal would be to distract you from your discomfort and keep your mind engaged in something pleasant. He might say, “You remember that time we got lost in the city for hours and ended up at that weird little café? I’m still convinced that place was magical.”

✧˖°. Making Your Favorite Tea: Caleb knows the of a hot cup of tea when you’re sick. He’d make sure to brew you your favorite tea—whether it’s chamomile, peppermint, ginger, or something with honey—and bring it over with a cozy mug. He’d even wrap his hand around the mug to help it stay warm longer, saying, “This is my special blend, just for you. Drink up; it’s good for you.”

✧˖°. Skin Care Routine: If you enjoy a skincare routine, Caleb would help you with it while you’re feeling sick, gently applying soothing lotions or balms to help you feel pampered. He might rub in some calming lavender lotion, carefully massaging your hands or face, and offering sweet words like, “You deserve to feel calm and taken care of, even when you're not feeling your best.”

[what-was-that-pipsqueak]

Caleb HC | Chubby MC ── ★ ˙🍏 ̟ !!

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Loves Carrying You: Despite any protests, Caleb adores sweeping you off your feet—whether it's carrying you to bed when you fall asleep on the couch or effortlessly lifting you in the middle of a playful moment. He always reassures you that, “You're light as a feather to me.”

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Lap Pillow Champion: He lives for laying his head in your lap, closing his eyes as you run your fingers through his hair. He’ll casually mumble about how comfy you are, insisting that he could stay like this forever.

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Belly Kisses: Loves placing soft kisses on your tummy, especially when you’re cuddling. If you ever feel insecure, he’ll simply hold you close and remind you that, “Every part of you is perfect to me, Pips.”

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Loves Your Strength: If you ever think you’re not graceful or agile enough, he reminds you how strong you really are, both physically and mentally. If you ever beat him at something (even a video game), he’ll sulk dramatically just so you’ll have to comfort him.

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Loves Watching You Eat: Not in a weird way, he just enjoys seeing you happy. If you ever hesitate, he’ll nudge a plate toward you with an encouraging smile. “I love when you enjoy food. Don’t hold back Pipsqueak.”

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Always Saves the Last Bite for You: Even if it’s his favorite food, he’ll give you the last bite without hesitation. If you try to argue, he’ll just shrug. “I’m full anyway.” Liar

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Sleepy Snuggles: If you’re lying on the couch, he’ll drape himself over you like a giant, affectionate puppy. If you protest about him being heavy, he’ll just grin, “Now you know how I feel when you’re lying on me, Pipsqueak.”

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Buys Matching Pajamas: He insists you have at least one set of matching pajamas. When you teases him about it, he just smirks, “What? I like the little apples on them and they only sold sets of two, pips. I figured I should give you the spare.��

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Always Packs Extra Snacks for You: If you are both going on a trip together, he always makes sure that he has your favorite snacks ready. “What? I know what you’re like when you’re hungry. You’ll thank me later.”

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Massages You Just Because: He loves running his hands over your shoulders, hips, and thighs, giving you deep, soothing massages whenever you’re tired or sore. “Relax, Pips. I’ve got you.”

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Always the First to Step In If Someone’s Rude: If anyone dares insult you, Caleb doesn’t hesitate. He’ll stare them down, his voice eerily calm: “You wanna say that again? Didn’t think so.”

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Hugs That Lift You Off the Ground: When he sees you after a long day, he doesn’t just hug you—he picks you up, spinning you in place like you’re weightless. “Missed you, Pips,” he’ll murmur into you hair.

˗ˏˋ 🍎 ˎˊ˗ Pulls You Into His Hoodie on Cold Nights: If it’s chilly, he’ll make you stand in front of him and pull his hoodie over the both of you. Now you’re trapped together in a cocoon of warmth, and he loves every second of it.