Caleb had been around you so much and so often during your childhood that you barely even pay attention to the physical contact with him anymore. He would hold your hand, you would lean against his shoulder on the subway, and you would hug often. It wasn't anything special, it was so common that it was practically ignored by both of you. But now that his hand was cybernetic – a piece of metal attached to your boyfriend’s sturdy body – it felt completely different.

He was kneeling before you. His cold metallic fingers moved up the soft, tender surface of your thigh in patient and smooth steps, as if he was simply toying with your body, observing your reactions. He grinned like a contented cat and his eyes narrowed slightly, sparkling with mischief. He exhaled softly, resting his chin on the center of your stomach.

"Still ticklish, pipsqueak?" he teased, his second arm hugging you around the knees, bringing your legs closer to him. "Some things never change, I guess."