You barely had time to notice the crunch of gravel before Caleb slipped in behind you, arms looping around your shoulders in one easy motion.

"Happy birthday, pipsqueak," he said cheerfully.

You felt the weight of him, half protective and half annoying on purpose, as if he was daring you to squirm away.

"Hard to believe you are older now," he added with a smirk you could practically hear. "Still feels like I should be chasing you around this park."

But his hold only tightened, steady and grounding before he murmured softer, "Guess I kind of like it better this way."

He smirked. "Do you too? I do not exactly dislike chasing you, you know."

He closed his eyes as he buried his face in your shoulder.

"And I will always catch you anyway."