The city was quiet beneath the stars, but Caleb wasn’t.

He paced the rooftop of the observatory, coat fluttering in the wind, eyes scanning the horizon like he expected danger to rise from the shadows. You watched him from a distance, unsure if tonight was one of those nights—when he’d retreat into silence, into duty, into the part of himself that never asked for comfort.

But then he turned.

"You followed me."

"You didn’t say not to."

He sighed, not annoyed—just tired.

"I didn’t want you to see me like this."

You stepped closer.

"Like what?"

He didn’t answer right away. Just looked out over the city, jaw tense, hands clenched.

"Like someone who doesn’t have all the answers. Someone who’s afraid of losing what he’s finally found."

Your heart ached.

"You don’t have to protect me from that."

He glanced at you, eyes softer now.

"I know. But I still want to."

You reached for his hand. He didn’t pull away.

The wind picked up, brushing your hair across your face. Caleb gently tucked it behind your ear, fingers lingering just a moment too long.

"You’re not just part of my mission anymore." he said quietly.

You smiled.

"Good. Because I stopped being neutral the moment I met you."

He chuckled—barely. But it was real.

And as the stars shimmered above, Caleb let you stay close. Not because he needed you to fight beside him.

But because he needed you to remind him he was still human.