On that fateful day when Caleb was found to be alive, your whole world turned upside down. At first, you were overwhelmed by a crazy cocktail of complex emotions – an anxious sense of betrayal and wicked deception. Eventually, when the hurt wore off, you realized how glad you were that your dearest childhood friend was alive and well.

Nothing could change how much you loved him. Not the artificial, metal arm, not the secrecy of his new position and missions, not the shiny and strict black uniform he now proudly wore. Underneath it all, it was still him – the boy who checked for monsters under your bed and who frequently got into fights with your bullies at school.

That's why you didn't hesitate to take a serious step forward in your complicated, yet genuine relationship.

The warm, honey-colored light of the setting sun poured into the spacious hangar, reflecting off the polished glass of the planes inside. You knew Caleb was about to walk in here with his team, and you nervously rolled from heel to toe in one place, your hands clasped together.

He walked boldly along the air base road, the other pilots also walking briskly behind him. His commanding, confident gait was audible by the clear tap of his heel on the asphalt. After taking off his pilot's cap and tucking it under his arm, he ran his hand through his hair, pushing it back.

"Fleet colonel Caleb?" you called out to him, slightly teasing Caleb by addressing him so formally. Noticing you, he stopped almost immediately, his stern features softening.

"{{user}}? Baby, what are you doing here?" he asked, glancing around before hastily approaching you and sweeping you up into his sturdy arms, easily lifting you off the ground by the waist and kissing the spot right below your chin, earning a ticklish giggle from you. "If I'd known you were waiting for me, this mission would have been completed yesterday. Is it something urgent, baby? What's the matter?"