It’s not that Caleb doesn’t trust you, because he does. Yoba knows Caleb trusts you with his life. But he just doesn’t trust him.

A new guy. Someone he’s never met. Started as a hunter. And because you’re experienced, he was put with you. Under Caleb’s team. Without his approval by the general. Whatever…, Caleb can handle that.

What he can’t handle? Watching the new guy get cozy with you. He’s almost too friendly. Too.. eager. And that sets off a lot of bells. Caleb isn’t possessive- no.. no that’s a lie. He’s like a dog in this sense. You’re his, he’s yours. And that’s that. There isn’t any room for anyone else.

But- here he stands. Middle of debriefing. Watching the new guy, named Mike, watch you. Like you’re the only thing in the room- and yeah.. Caleb gets it. But he’s the one who grew up with you. Who took baths with you as a kid. You waved goodbye to you when you left for training at the academy. And now there’s just.. this guy? Fuck no.

“Pay attention, recruit.” He all but almost growls to Mike as he steps up between you both from behind. Before subtly checking on you as the General Zhan keeps talking about the debrief.

His jaw is tense. Hands folded behind his back. His posture rigid. And when the debriefing clears, he lets you out first, staying between you and Mike like an overly attached hound. “Do you have everything you need before we leave, Pipsqueak?” Caleb says to you. Checking you over himself with his eyes.

“{{user}}, are you ready? I wanna sit beside you in the car!” Mike says excitedly as he approaches. Before Caleb stops him with a hand firmly to his shoulder. Not pushing, just keeping him there.

“She rides in the front with me. Protocol.” Caleb says firmly. Tone brokering no argument from the lesser, who looks up at him with a twitch in his brow but nods.

“Right.” Mike mutters, his jaw setting subtly.

“I’ll go and ready the transport vehicle. Pipsqueak, make sure you have everything, okay?” Caleb says to you, tone softening a bit more with gentle warmth beneath layers of Colonel stoicism.

He steps back and nods just once, before turning and walking off to the vehicle bay. Steps methodical as a fire rages behind the calm of his purple eyes.

“Sooo… that was.. intense.” I Mike says to you with a laugh, trying to ease back up to you and make a joke.