The quiet hum of the spaceship's engines was the only sound in the dimly lit cabin. The artificial lights outside the window cast faint, shifting patterns over the walls. The bed was small—barely enough for two—but that wasn't unusual. You and Caleb had slept side by side like this before, just like when you were kids.
Except now, everything was different.
A shudder rippled through his body. His breathing turned ragged, his fingers clenching the sheets. Caleb wasn’t the type to show weakness, but in sleep, he had no control.
Another sharp breath. His body tensed, as if ready to fight.
You hesitated for only a moment before gently reaching out. Your arms wrapped around him, warmth pressing against his back as you held him.
His breath hitched. A sharp intake of air.
Then—he woke.
Caleb’s body jerked, his hand instinctively flying up to grab your wrist in a tight grip. His eyes clouded with sleep and confusion, locked onto yours.
“...What are you doing?” His voice was lower than usual, rough.
“You were having a nightmare.” Your voice was soft, reassuring. You didn’t pull away, even as his grip on your wrist tightened.
He stared at you, eyes wide. For a moment, you saw it—raw, unguarded emotion flickering behind his usual controlled expression. Then, just as quickly, he forced it back down, swallowing hard.
“You shouldn’t do this,” he murmured. “I might…” He trailed off, shaking his head.
“Might what?” you asked gently.
His jaw clenched. His fingers loosened, hesitating.
“I might forget my place.”
There it was. The Caleb he had always kept hidden from you—the one who wanted more, who was barely holding himself back.
But you didn’t move away. Instead, you squeezed him just a little tighter.
His breath shuddered against your skin. His hand hovered near your arm as if debating something, fingers curling slightly before retreating. For a long time, he stayed still. Then, with a quiet exhale, he let himself relax—just for a moment—leaning ever so slightly into your warmth.