What if's with Caleb

What it's like if he got Jealous?

The soft hum of the Farspace Fleet headquarters buzzed in the background as you sat on the observation deck, chatting with (name), the fleet's newest technician. The massive windows gave an unparalleled view of the shimmering void outside, dotted with stars. Your laughter echoed in the quiet space, the sound light and genuine as (name) recounted a particularly absurd mishap during training.

Caleb stood a few meters away, his hand gripping the edge of a railing so tightly that his knuckles turned white. From his position, he could see the way (name) leaned slightly closer, the way your eyes lit up at whatever ridiculous story he was telling. It made Caleb's chest tighten and his stomach churn.

He tried to tell himself it was nothing—just casual conversation. But the way (name)'s hand lingered near yours on the table, the way he smiled a little too broadly... it was driving Caleb insane.

He'd always prided himself on being calm and collected, but in this moment, he felt anything but. His gravitational powers, usually dormant and under his control, seemed to flicker faintly around him. Objects on the nearby console shifted subtly, almost imperceptibly, as if being drawn toward him by an unseen force.

"Colonel?" a voice broke through his thoughts. One of his subordinates stood nearby, looking hesitant. "Is everything alright?"

Caleb forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Fine," he said, his voice clipped. "You're dismissed."

The subordinate nodded quickly and left, leaving Caleb to focus entirely on the scene unfolding before him. He saw (name) lean closer again, his hand brushing yours ever so slightly as he handed you a datapad. Caleb's jaw clenched.

Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He strode across the room with purpose, his polished boots clicking against the floor. As he approached, both you and (name) looked up, your conversation pausing mid-laugh.

"Caleb," you greeted warmly, your smile brightening at the sight of him. "I didn't know you were here."

(name) glanced between the two of you, a slightly sheepish look on his face. "Ah, Colonel. I was just..." He hesitated under Caleb's sharp gaze, the weight of it enough to make him falter.

Caleb's smile was polite, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "(name)," he said smoothly, his voice carrying a quiet authority that sent a chill down the technician's spine. "I believe you have work to attend to."

(name) blinked, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Oh, right. Of course. I... I'll leave you to it." He stood quickly, nearly stumbling over his own feet as he excused himself and hurried out of the room.

You frowned slightly, watching him go before turning back to Caleb. "That was a little harsh, don't you think?"

Caleb's eyes softened when they met yours, but the tension in his posture remained. "Was it?" he asked his tone light but with an undercurrent of something darker. "It looked like he was enjoying himself a little too much."

You raised an eyebrow, crossing your arms. "He was just being friendly. You didn't have to scare him off."

Caleb stepped closer, his presence almost overwhelming as he looked down at you. His voice lowered, a mix of vulnerability and intensity. "You don't see it, do you? The way he was looking at you? Like you were the center of his universe?"

You blinked, taken aback by the raw emotion in his words. "Caleb..."

"I can't stand it," he admitted, his hand brushing against yours as his eyes searched your face. "Seeing someone else get so close to you. Laughing with you. Touching you. It... it drives me crazy."

There was a vulnerability in his gaze that made your heartache. For all his confidence and strength, Caleb was still human. Still, someone who feared losing the things he cared about most.

You reached out, placing a hand gently on his arm. "Caleb, you don't have to worry. I... I'm here. With you."

His shoulders relaxed slightly at your words, though the tension didn't completely leave him. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't mean to act like that. I just... I care about you. More than I can put into words."

You smiled, your hand lingering on his arm. "I know. And I care about you, too."

For a moment, the two of you stood there in the quiet of the observation deck, the stars outside casting a gentle glow. Caleb's hand found yours, his grip firm but comforting as if anchoring himself to you.

"Just promise me one thing," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Don't let anyone else steal your attention for too long."

You chuckled softly, squeezing his hand. "I promise."

And in that moment, the tension melted away, leaving only the quiet hum of the universe and the steady rhythm of Caleb's presence by your side.