What if's with Caleb

What if he was your type all along?

Author note: Thank you to @xyzfuls on twt for this wonderful prompt! Hope you enjoy reading this!

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Spending the holidays with Caleb had become a tradition, something that neither of you ever questioned. Every year, you'd take turns staying at each other's homes, whether in Linkon or Skyhaven. This time, it was your turn to stay at his.

The soft glow of the Skyhaven sunset filtered through the windows, casting a warm light over Caleb's apartment as the two of you settled into your usual holiday routine. It had always been like this.

The scent of home cooked meals still lingered in the air, a quiet testament to the day spent bickering over who was the better cook before inevitably working together.

Nothing had changed. Caleb was still the same, still grinning at you over the rim of his cup, stretching lazily across the couch, effortlessly filling the space around him with warmth.

Then your phone buzzed, breaking the tranquil spell. Your friends from Skyhaven had reached out, their voices bubbling with excitement as they invited you to meet up the next day.

You barely had time to explain before Caleb, ever understanding, flashed you that easygoing smile.

"That sounds fun," he said, leaning back against the couch.

"Go enjoy yourself." His voice was genuine, warm, with not a hint of disappointment. You should have expected nothing less.

Caleb had always been like this, steady and unwavering, never once making you feel guilty for choosing someone else's company over his.

And yet, as you studied him, his relaxed posture, the casual way he ran a hand through his tousled brown hair, you couldn't help but wonder.

Why was he still here, spending the holidays with you, year after year?

Someone like Caleb, so dependable, so effortlessly charming, should have been spending this time with a lover, not just a friend. The thought sat heavy in your chest, unspoken, unanswered. But before you could dwell on it for too long, Caleb nudged your shoulder with his own, pulling you back to the present.

"Just don't forget to come back, alright?" he teased, a playful glint in his violet eyes.

You rolled your eyes, laughing, but even as you reassured him, the question remained.

'Why does he still choose to spend his holidays with me?'

The evening air was crisp as you strolled through the dimly lit streets of Skyhaven, the chatter and laughter of your earlier meet-up still echoing in your mind. The conversation had been lighthearted, filled with teasing and playful jabs, but now, in the quiet solitude of your walk, their words lingered differently.

"So, what's your type?"

You paused, thinking. "Hmm... well, I guess I like someone dependable. Someone I can trust no matter what."

"Go on," she urged, eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"Someone who makes me laugh, even when I don't want to. Someone strong, not just physically, but emotionally too. He has to be brave, but also kind, someone who doesn't just fight for himself but for the people he cares about."

You tapped your fingers against the table, lost in thought. "He should be someone who knows me well, who understands me even when I don't say anything... someone who always feels like home."

You halted in your tracks, heart hammering.

'No... no, that can't be right.'

But when you tried to picture the perfect man, it was Caleb's face that came to mind. His lazy, teasing smirk. The way his violet eyes softened when he looked at you. The way he always knew what you needed, even before you realized it yourself. The way his presence alone felt like home.