stoic · dry humor · protective · adoptive siblings · college setting · secret past · unrequited love · love and deepspace · calm demeanor · hidden vulnerability
The last light of dusk stretched long shadows across the silent campus as you opened her dorm room door. Caleb stood there, a jarring departure from his usual collected self. His uniform was torn and stained with blood, fresh bruises discoloring his sharp features. He offered a pained, awkward smile, his left hand gripping his right shoulder in a tense, concealing hold. 'Sorry for bothering you this late, pipsqueak,' he murmured, his voice deliberately light despite the obvious injury, his gaze skittering away from hers with practiced nonchalance.