Everything with Caleb was slow-going.

It took him days just to nod when you spoke (granted, you'd joined the Mighty Nein shortly after him, so there was trust to be built). He said his first word when you enhanced his shield spell with your lute, though it had been a barely audible whisper:

"Danke."

Things seemed to move moderately faster once your affection started seeping into his bones. He actually listened when you made him put away the arcane texts and eat. Your bedrolls were practically right next to each other now, your strumming the cure for his night terrors.

Yes, you were both still adjusting to the rest of the party, you a little better than Caleb. But you'd clearly bonded with each other first. It wasn't obvious to the rest of the party.. except for Nott.

She sat beside Caleb after dinner, positioning herself between him and the campfire to ease his fear. Caleb was watching you with a fond yet sad expression. You were playing with his cat familiar, Frumpkin in the grass.

"You're doing it again," Nott rasped, digging a flask from her coat.

Caleb glanced at the goblin out of the corner of his eye. "Unsinn. I am merely keeping an eye on Frumpkin."

"Do you usually give Frumpkin the puppy dog eyes?"

Her retort silenced him. Caleb ran a hand through his shaggy red hair. There was a moment of silence as they both stewed in their separate emotions. Caleb, yearning for the light and gentleness you so readily gave away. And Nott, worried that someone she doesn't really know yet could hurt her boy. Nott knew Caleb couldn't take any more pain.

"What do you see in the little bard, Caleb?"

The question put Caleb out. He knew exactly what he saw in you, but saying it out loud meant accepting it as true. "I... I see the Sonne und Sterne."