Caleb covered his lips, dropping the fork onto the table with little regards to the obnoxious metal clatter that filled the empty silence in his room. Leaning back on the chair, he focused on suppressing the nausea that urged him to run to his bathroom to throw up.

Seconds, minutes, hours––he wasn't sure. Eventually, Caleb was able to safely remove his hands from his lips. Green eyes that were typically bright with mischief and mirth were currently languid and frustrated. Caleb laughed quietly to himself, the smile on his face bitter.

Again.

Again he couldn't consume his own cooking. The moment his body recognised the familiar taste, it naturally rejected it. It was too much like his brother's cooking. There had been times where Caleb forcefully consumed the food in some desperate attempt to overcome this condition of his. How did it end? Not very well. Let's just say, he needed to be exempt from duty for the day.

"Ah, seriously. And just when I thought I was making good progress."

Caleb glanced at his table filled with pastries. He could never seem to make a small bunch, another habit he picked up from James. Well, it would be a waste of food if he just threw it all away. Perhaps he should visit the cafeteria and hand them out.

Maybe Miss Support is with her previous team?

Caleb smiled to himself, feeling a little better. He wanted to see you.

It was weird. There was something comforting about your presence. Caleb never opened up his past to you, but you were there for him either way. Your concerns were genuine, but sometimes Caleb thought you were too kind for your own good; but that was what made you so reassuring to be around.

A vibration came from his pocket and Caleb checked his phone. Oh! Speak of the devil. It was a text from you.



===



"... So, here we have different plates of instant noodles with spice levels varying from one to ten?"

You examined the line of dishes placed in a scarily uniformed matter. It was early in the morning and the cafeteria had a few other support dispatches in it. They were eating breakfast, as you usually do in the morning. Your team? Well...

"We'll try them blindfolded and guess the spice level!"

Ness and Lucas announced that at the same time, showing you exaggerated jazz hands. Everyday these two become more and more in sync. You weren't sure if you should be terrified or not.

"What brought this up?" you asked.

"Because!" Lucas pointed an accusing finger at you. "You need to spend more time with us! This past week we've barely seen you!"

Ness nodded. "Honestly, do you know how much Lily misses you?" She shook her head in mock disapproval. "She even bought the magazines with you on the cover––"

Lily shot up from her seat and covered Ness's hand. You were impressed at her speed.

Lucas nudged you. "So? So? Wanna give it a shot?"

"Sure, I'm in. Oh! Let me see if Caleb can join." You snickered. "Trust me, you guys will thank me for this."

You

R u free

Caleb

Good sir I am not free

You

We're doing a food challenge in the cafeteria

Caleb

WAIT. OH. I thought Elias told you to tell me to do some work. I'll be there ;D I'll also be bringing some pastries!

It didn't take long for Caleb to burst through the cafeteria doors and draw all eyes to him. When you saw him distributing pastries to everyone, a thought crossed your mind and you became quiet with concern.

Did he try to...

"Miss Support! Miss Support!" Caleb engulfed you into a bear hug. "I have a present for you! Hold out your hands."

You did as he asked and a single piece of paper was carefully placed on your palm. Confused, you examined it under Caleb's expectant gaze. The paper had a very poorly drawn heart and illegible handwriting. You showed it to Lucas, Ness, and Lily. They couldn't discern what it said.

"It's a coupon!" Caleb exclaimed.

"That's great!" You exclaimed back. "... For what?"

"A date." He winked and gave you a thumbs up. "With me~"

You blinked. "Did Cecil set you up for this?"

"Miss Support, you wound me." He grinned. "I simply want to spend more time with my favourite person! Plus, didn't I promise something like this during the SF trial?"

"Did you have to do it in such a roundabout way––" You paused. "Wait, you just asked me out on a date?"

Everyone in your support team had the same look of 'you just realised?' Ness and Lucas snickered amongst each other and shot the same smug look at Lily.

"Seems like someone has competition," Ness teased.

Finally, you guys went ahead with the food challenge. It was mainly you, Ness, Lucas, Lily, and Caleb who were participating. Everyone else watched in amusement. Lily was the first one up. When you blindfolded her, she tensed and flushed; that was perfect teasing material for Ness and Lucas.

You four unanimously agreed to give Lily a level 4 spice level. Starting off relatively easy.

However, right as you were about to grab the dish, Caleb quickly shoved the highest spice level in front of her; level 10.

"Alright~ You can try it now."

You, Ness, and Lucas stared at each other wide eyed. You prayed that Lily survived this. When she took a bite, everyone watched with bated breaths and observed her expression carefully.

"Hm..." Okay, she doesn't seem to be dying. "I'll guess level three?"

Everyone was shocked.

You spoke up. "Lily, how good is your spice tolerance?"

Though Lily was completely off, the fact that she was totally fine after consuming the highest spice level was a W in your books. You had your turn and your guess was pretty close. Ness and Lucas were the same.

"Welp!" Caleb clasped his hands. "That was fun, I gotta go now––"

You grabbed onto his shoulder and happily dragged him onto the seat. "Caleb, it's your turn."

Ness and Lucas were reaching towards one of the levels in the middle. You shook your head and told them to leave it to you. You slid the dish to Caleb.

When he took a bite, he immediately coughed. "... A six... No, no. Maybe a five?"

Silence.

"I was joking. It has to be a four."

"..."

"... Three?"

You stifled a chuckle. "It's a one, Caleb."

"... Can I have some water, please?"

After that ordeal, you helped pack up the dishes. Caleb was still recovering from the spice, much to everyone's amusement. It was a good distraction to ease your mind a little. Why? Because today was a very important day.

It had been a week since you last talked to Elias. Meaning, Caleb's death was closely approaching. Close as in today. Thinking about it made you feel nauseous. All this time you've been preventing scenarios that would lead up to his death. This was the final stretch, and you weren't sure if you could do it.

After all, a crucial component was Caleb's mentality. Even if you prevent James from killing him, who's to say it might not happen again in the future?

This is incredibly stressful.

"Miss Support? You good there?" Caleb tilted his head, his face in front of yours. "You've been staring off into space." He playfully tapped the top of your head. "What's going on in that mind of yours?"

Without a word, you took out the piece of paper Caleb gave you earlier today.

"Oh? You're returning it? C'mon, Miss Support. At least keep it for a day."

"I'm using it."

Caleb blinked. "Come again?"

You suppressed your anxieties about later today with a smile. It'll be okay. You have a plan, you have knowledge, and you also have apparition companions. Gaining some conviction, you rephrased your words.

"Let's go on the date now."



===



"Miss Support, I didn't know you were so eager."

Caleb was walking beside you, an excited smile never leaving his face. Unfortunately, you could not match his energy. Your mind was riddled with stress as you worried over what was going to occur later today.

"I mean, waiting is overrated."

"True~ Always thinking outside the box. And this is why I like you."

"Flattered."

You rummaged through your pocket and handed back the poorly drawn coupon to Caleb, your palm facing upright. He simply high fived you from the top and continued walking. You stared at him blankly and he giggled.

"You can keep the paper. Frame it or something."

"... Thanks."

"You're very welcome." Caleb suddenly stopped walking. "Miss Support, I have a fun idea. Wanna be my partner in crime?"

"Should I be nervous?"

"Maybe."

With a cheerful grin, Caleb grabbed your hand and led you into a shopping mall. All of a sudden, he declared a race on who could climb to the rooftop the fastest. You tried to cheat by entering the elevator, but Caleb pulled you back before you could enter. He flicked your forehead with a cheeky smile and you groaned.

Eventually, you reached the rooftop garden. Spoilers, you lost the race. There were only a few people around, surprisingly. Probably because the view from above was prettier at night and today was a weekday. You walked towards the edge, looking down at the busy city.

Caleb tapped your shoulder. "Wanna do some parkour?"

"Do I wanna do what now?"

"Parkour! Y'know, jumping from building to building and hoping that your bones don't break in the process?"

"Uh."

"We'll take it slow! And I'll catch you if you fall."

With all the training you did and all the physical adaptations you went through, doing something like that wasn't out of your skill set. It was just incredibly out of the blue. But then again, this was just like Caleb.

"Sure."

Caleb's expression lit up. "I knew you were fun~"

Without hesitation, Caleb hopped onto the railing before taking off. You watched in awe by how far he launched himself into the air. His carefree laughter soared through the sky and the wind did so much justice to his hair. Then, as expected, Caleb landed onto the next building perfectly. For a moment, you doubted whether you could do what he just did.

Wait, I'm the same person who jumped off a building during the SF trial.

You followed after Caleb. The rush of cool air mixed with the adrenaline that came from jumping of a building made your heart flutter in excitement. You landed beside Caleb without a hitch. Your heart was still racing in exhilaration. Okay. That was super fun.

"So?" Caleb nudged you. "How was that?"

"Let's keep going."

Caleb grinned. "As you wish."

This kept going until you two reached the rooftop of the cafe where the date was supposed to take place at. The moment your feet touched solid ground, you collapsed and let out a tired breath.

Caleb laughed. "Tired already?"

"Yeah, because a certain someone kept trying to tackle me!"

"Oh, gee. I wonder who. Sounds like an asshole."

You rolled your eyes.

"So?" Caleb tilted his head. "Why aren't you running away now?"

"Huh––"

Caleb suddenly threw himself onto you, wrapping his arms around your waist and squeezing you into a big hug.

"Caught you!"

"Holy f––Let go!"

Despite your protests, you were laughing as you struggled to pry Caleb off. He buried his face into your neck and you froze. Oh my god, this was starting to get a little intimate. Your face warmed up and Caleb noticed how tense you were.

"Aw, is Miss Support embarrassed?"

It didn't help that his face was so close to yours.

"Yes. Very."

"Haha! Alright, I'll get off you." Caleb stood up and extended a hand. "Let's continue our date now."

You accepted his gesture, your other hand still on your neck.

"Sorry, was that out of line?" Caleb asked.

"No, no. Not at all!" You assured. "I was just surprised and, uh, flustered."

"Ohh, okay. Just hit me on the back of the head if I'm being too much, okay?" Caleb chuckled softly. "I might be a little clingy to those I like. And..." He shook his head. "Nevermind. Let's go now!"

You would nod your and accept his words, but there was something about the delivery of his last lines that didn't sit right with you. You frowned. Normally, you wouldn't want to push Caleb to say things he didn't want to. But with his death drawing terrifyingly near, your anxieties grew the more distant you felt from the male.

"Uhm, Caleb?"

"Mhm?"

"What were you about to say before?"

"What was I about to say?" He shrugged, an innocent look on his face. It was incredibly convincing. "Slipped my mind."

"..."

Should I just brush it off? Maybe I should focus on keeping Caleb alive and we can talk another time? I can wait until he's comfortable with opening up. Or maybe––

"Miss Support? You're making that face again." Caleb suddenly cupped your cheeks. You blinked in confusion and he laughed. "Why do you look so worried?"

"I..."

"C'mon, don't look so hesitant! Whatever you say, I won't be offended." He let go of your face and flashed a reassuring smile. "Don't keep me waiting~"

You fiddled with your hands and found it difficult to maintain eye contact. An ocean of thoughts flooded your mind and you were struggling for air. This was one of the disadvantages of knowing too much about the game and its characters, you suppose.

You took a deep breath. "I just wanted to let you know that I care for you––I care a lot. And sometimes I feel like you're keeping things to yourself. Uhm... I know opening up isn't easy and we haven't known each other for that long, but––"

Caleb's chuckle cut you off. His expression didn't show discomfort and his body language wasn't tense.

"Miss Support, it's been months now. Why did you act like we're barely acquainted?"

"Do I come off like that...?"

Yes, you felt at home with the SF. You appreciated and loved everyone. But because you had invested hours upon hours into a journey without you in it, an instinctive part of you still viewed Anomalous as a game and you as an outsider residing in the world.

"Miss Support, listen carefully," Caleb said as if he were a teacher lecturing a student. "I appreciate you a ton! Wanna know why?"

You were caught off guard by his words. "I did remember during the SF trial you said you liked my way of thinking...?"

"Mhm! And there's also the fact that you're constantly trying to improve. Seriously. You went from a support member I've never heard of to a member of the speciality force! That's pretty amazing. Oh! And do you remember your words on the bus before the SF trial?"

"My words...?"

Caleb quickly explained what he was referring to.

You thought about it for a moment. "Well, I kind of still do want to be an author. But I'm preoccupied with being in the AEI and all. You can say... I got myself roped into an unexpected situation. But I don't feel any pessimism towards that. In fact, though there's a road of unpredictability and danger, I'm almost grateful for this opportunity. I realised that recently. Even if I die here, I'll do the best I can to assure that I make the most of what I have."

"Woah... You remember that?" you asked.

"Of course! It made me reflect a lot. I guess hearing someone say those words with so much conviction is pretty inspiring." Caleb leaned in closer to you. "You're inspiring to me, Miss Support."

All this time you were worried whether or not you've made any meaningful impressions on Caleb, but it turned out you were unknowingly influencing him. The thought made you feel warm.

"... Caleb, I––"

"Ah––Not done yet! Lemme get in a tiny bit more." He cleared his throat. "You shouldn't underestimate yourself, even our grumpy coffee addict found you inspirational." Caleb snickered. "He'll never admit it, though."

"Elias? Seriously?"

"Very serious."

You were driven by your determination to change aspects of the story, you were determined to not feel helpless anymore, you were determined to do your best so that you wouldn't have any regrets, and you were determined to...

Not be reminded of my past mentality, one where I waited for an opportunity rather than seizing it for myself.

"I'm grateful for your words, but... I'm not that amazing."

You remembered the mist during the SF trial that showed your past. If your past had appeared, it meant that it was still tied to you and still significantly affected you. Yes, you have improved. But discarding the past isn't easy.

"I'm moving forward, I'm doing my best. But I'm not sure how long it will last. There are aspects of myself and my past I try to suppress. It's... a thing I'm working on."

Caleb showed an understanding smile. "I feel the same." He looked like he wanted to say more, but he quickly moved on. "But! It doesn't change the fact that I admire you! Let's see... There's your kindness––oh! Definitely your strength! I've never seen someone survive as many possessions as you."

He winked and you managed a chuckle.

"There's something about you that makes me feel like I can say anything and you'd understand."

Caleb smiled, a smile that was bashful because he wasn't used to expressing his emotions. But it was also a smile full of gratitude. For a moment there, you could only focus on how radiant he looked.

"Though, sometimes I feel like you're holding back. Hm, is that the right wording?" A contemplative hum slipped past Caleb's lips. "Oh! I got it. It looks like you have so much to say to me that you end up saying nothing at all. That's stressful isn't it? Miss Support, I'm worried for you just as much as you're worried about me."

You didn't respond.

I keep things to myself because I'm thinking whether or not I'm coming off as invasive. I know so much about you, but I don't know how to help you. I don't know how to save you. I'm scared I'll fail.

I don't want to see you die.

"Miss Support, your hands are trembling." Caleb ran a gentle thumb over your palm. "What's on your mind? You can tell me."

The sincere look in his eyes almost melted all your doubts and anxieties. Taking a deep breath, you relaxed into his touch.

"Caleb, I care for you." Your breathing grew unstable for a moment when you were reminded of his death. "And I know it's not easy to change old habits, but can you please take care of yourself? I know you've probably been told this many times and..."

You needed a moment to gather your words, and Caleb patiently waited.

Your next sentence came out as a whisper as you hung your head low. "I'm just so scared to lose you."

Caleb was silent, his eyes wide and lips parted. Though he was touched by your words, it was your delivery that impacted him most. Your voice was vulnerable, it was quiet––Caleb couldn't quite put it into words.

Either way, it surprised him. You cared for him this much?

"Oh shit..." You brought a hand to your eyes. "Huh. I'm getting emotional."

"Miss Support..." Caleb gently cradled your cheek and lifted your face up to meet his eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry this much."

"It's not just me who's like this, you know," you mumbled. "A lot of people worry and care for you."

Caleb nodded. "I know. I've been trying, and it's taking time. There's also a lot of relapse and failure. Oh! And doubt as well. So much doubt. It's kind of unfair. But hey, I'm trying."

A sense of hope lit up your expression. His words... They were different from the original plot.

"And I think it's admirable that you're doing your best," you said. "Please ask me or anyone else if you need help. We're a family now, even Elias said so."

"Of course he would." Caleb laughed. It sounded exhausted, but also relieved. "I know I have a lot of support. It's pretty overwhelming asking for help, if you ask me. However, knowing that there are people who care is reassuring. I don't need to tell my friends everything, they're willing to lend a hand regardless of my worries. You helped me realise that."

"I did?"

"Mhm~" Caleb pinched your cheeks. Suddenly, the mood became playful. "Hm... Well! This conversation was definitely good for my mental health. Anyways, the date has been delayed for long enough. Shall we head inside?"

You blinked, recovering from the whiplash from the change in atmosphere. There wasn't anything else you wanted to say, so you nodded.

"Yeah, I didn't expect to get emotional on a rooftop." You managed a smile of your own. "Luckily, no one's here. Probably because..."

You sheepishly looked around at the tables and chairs that were packed away. This cafe also had a spot on the rooftop, but was closed today.

Caleb giggled. "Don't sweat the small stuff."

He opened the door that led downstairs. Before Caleb went down, he turned over to you.

"Oh, and thank you, (Y/n)." He grinned; it was bright and playful, one that wasn't used to suppress his emotions, but instead to express his joy. "I really appreciate ya being here."

You returned his grin. "No problem." Then, you blinked. "Wait, Did you just––"

Caleb suddenly grabbed onto your hand and dragged you down the stairs. "Let's go!"

"Wait! You just called me by––"

Yeah, you didn't get a chance to address the fact that Caleb called you by your actual name. Dude. That is rare. Even after frantically going through your memories of the original game, you could barely recall the times Caleb called others by their name. Heck, someone on the internet made a compilation of the instances Caleb called someone by their given name and the video's duration was less than a minute.

Bro, what does this mean???

When you two entered the cafe from upstairs, unsurprisingly, a few stares were thrown your way. Thankfully, as SF members, no one scolded you two. Talk about abusing your power. Caleb chose a table by the window and cheerfully pulled a seat out for you.

Ordering drinks and food was always a sport with Caleb. The dude could give you a power point presentation on each menu item with terrifying detail. When you finally managed to place your orders, (you had to stop Caleb from ordering too many sweets) you two naturally drifted into a conversation.

"It is nearing the end of the year, huh?" Caleb reminisced. The food arrived and he happily indulged in his chocolate cake. "Time flies~ In September we met each other for the first time. Now look at us. Total lovebirds."

"Righttt. Remember how you choked me when we first met?"

Caleb looked genuinely guilty for a second. "Hey, hey. I was taking necessary precautions. What if you were possessed?" He settled down his fork and placed a hand on his chest. "But, I shall be a gentleman here and apologise."

"Gee, thanks."

"You're welcome! Now try this drink."

Caleb shoved the glass in your face and you almost choked on the straw. You took a sip and gave him a thumbs up. Caleb beamed and snatched a piece of your pastry when you weren't looking.

You were enjoying your time with Caleb, but you were still anxious. Yes, the conversation you had on the rooftop cleared your head a little. However, it doesn't change the series of events that would soon unfold.

Any time now and he'll be here.

Just when that thought crossed your mind, your body froze. Every instinct in your body screamed at you to run, hide; anything. The door of the cafe was closed, but an all too familiar figure phased through. The cafe was busy with people, so hardly anyone paid attention to the anomaly that had just entered.

That anomaly was James.

With shaky hands, you summoned your book from underneath the table. Then, James made eye contact with you. Your breath grew shallow. The loud chatter of the cafe was muffled and the sight of the customers blurred. All your senses were focused on James.

"Miss Support? Miss Support!"

You flinched at Caleb's voice.

"There you are! What's up?" Caleb tilted his head. "You look tense all of a sudden––"

Caleb stopped speaking. His cheerful smile fell and a serious look replaced his mirthful expression. Yup, seems like he realised as well. Since Caleb's back was turned to James, he didn't realise it was his brother just yet.

However, all it took was one subtle glance. Caleb's eyes widened and he looked at you, silently asking for confirmation. You returned that look with a slow nod, and a shaky sigh left him. You wanted to do nothing but comfort Caleb, but you needed to remain on guard.

You couldn't have avoided the encounter with James. The location didn't matter because James would have showed up no matter what so long as Caleb was there.

"Aw, shucks."

James's voice blended in with the crowd, but because you were so hyper focused on him, you could hear the young man clearly.

"I was found out, and so quickly as well. I was hoping to order a drink but..." James raised a hand. By this point, curious stares from customers were directed to him. Before anyone could let out any sort of reaction, James snapped his fingers. "Maybe next time."

What happened next was nothing short of chaos as torrents of wind decimated the cafe. You flipped the table over and used it as a shield to protect yourself and the nearest citizens. Screaming customers, panicked staff, shattered plates and windows––it was hard to believe this was a normal cafe moments ago.

"An apparition!"

"Doesn't he look familiar?!"

"Is it a vengeful apparition?! Oh god, I need to get out of here!"

"Move out of the way!"

Caleb immediately got into action and you did as well.

Time to make your debut, kids.

Following that thought, three apparition children emerged from your book. A swirl of black mist revealed Copper and a bright succession of lights revealed the twins. They looked at you, waiting for your call.

"Alright, remember the plan?"

It wasn't anything complicated. You never intended to hide your apparition companions from the public forever and thought this was an opportunity to introduce them. Obviously, there will be stigma and whatnot. But the fact that these apparitions were children and their first impressions were through helping the citizens should leave a positive influence.

Sam nodded eagerly. "Help as many people as we can!"

"Strike a cool pose while doing it!" Alec added.

Copper sighed. "Make a good impression."

You smiled. "Good. Now, go––"

Copper suddenly melted into the floor and a black wall emerged from the ground using the shadow from the fallen table. It blocked the blades of wind that were propelled your way. Then, Copper reappeared again.

"You're welcome."

And he disappeared right before you could say your thanks. The twins looked at each other with an excited grin and went off to help the citizens. Caleb appeared beside you after that.

"I know the drill." He chuckled. "I'll ask questions later."

Caleb began exorcising the apparitions in the area; it was thanks to James's presence that they now flooded the cafe. You summoned your book again.

Should I try using my new ability...?

You shook your head. Your book may be thick, but the pages weren't endless. You will only exorcise apparitions when necessary.

"Caleb, take care of the exorcism! I'll make sure the citizens are safe."

"You got it!"

Your apparition companions were working well. Copper ensured that James's wind didn't harm anyone. He also protected people from flying debris as he escorted them to a safe place. Citizens were shocked and hesitant to accept help from an apparition, but had no choice but to oblige. You caught wind of a snippet of the exchanges.

"Aren't you a––"

Copper wasted no time. "I work with (Y/n). You want my help or not?"

Sam and Alec helped ward off the apparitions to reduce the chances of possession. They also kept morale high with their cheerful personalities. People warmed up to them quicker than you anticipated. Being in danger really helps with creating bonds, huh? You felt like a proud mother watching them work so well.

You also did your fair share of helping those escape the cafe with Mochi by your side. And since you were very experienced in the art of being possessed (wonder why) you were able to help calm citizens down and instruct them on what to do to avoid possession. Eventually, everyone was evacuated and there were only minimal injuries.

You let out a sigh of relief. So far so smooth.

In the original plot, Caleb had to manage all of this on his own. Because he had no additional help, he had no choice but to leave without the chance to face James. It was then an operation was issued and Caleb entered it without telling anyone.

An unstable mindset and arms that were on the verge of being paralysed, it shouldn't have been a surprise that he lost his life that day.

"Good work, guys."

The twins beamed happily at your praise while Copper rolled his eyes. You could tell he was suppressing a smile. The apparition children then returned to your book.

Now, for the hard part. James. Your plan was to hold off James until reinforcements came and support Caleb; whether it'd be offering supportive words or offering a second opinion. It was to make sure he wasn't alone, unlike in the original plot.

The entire time chaos was unfolding, James was watching with his eyes crinkled in amusement as he leaned against a wall. Again, how and why does he do that? He was an apparition, the dude's supposed to phase through the wall.

Caleb was next to you now, soft pants escaping his lips. His eyes were strictly focused up ahead, focused on James. You reached out to pat his shoulder.

"Caleb––"

You and James were caught off guard when Caleb suddenly sprung into action. He fired a large explosion right at James. James managed to dodge and the explosion ended up destroying part of the cafe. You were astonished and terrified at the impact. That wasn't meant to simply attack, that was meant to kill.

"Woah, woah. Jumping straight into action?" James laughed. "You're not even going to ask what I'm doing here?"

Caleb smiled; a forced and hollow smile. "Why should I?"

He was getting ready for another attack. In the original storyline, Caleb wanted to talk things out. He was desperate to rekindle his relationship with James again. Now? He looked ready to get rid of James without a thought.

No, no. This doesn't feel right.

Instinctively, you grabbed his hand. Caleb blinked in surprise, his expression softening at the sight of you.

"Caleb, are you sure? He's... Your brother, isn't he? Don't you want to get in a few words?"

"No." He smiled sadly and shook his head. "That's not my brother anymore."

"Caleb...?"

"Miss Support, I really do treasure you." Caleb held your hands "And that's why I need to do what I can to make sure you don't get hurt. I'm putting behind the past and focusing on the present. I'll focus on you."

A desperate smile was on his face and his hands trembled; hands that were too afraid to hurt you if he held on too tight, but also afraid you'd slip away from his grasp if he held on too gently. Caleb's next words almost made you tear up.

"Please, stay by my side?"

Your heart hurt seeing Caleb like this. If the universe allowed it, you would've consumed him in a hug right then and there before taking him someplace safe and wrapping a nice blanket around him. God. Someone like him didn't deserve all of this emotional conflict.

The cogs in your mind began turning. If... If Caleb intended to exorcise James, then his biggest threat would be eliminated. The cause of his death would be gone.

That means... I've saved him, right?

...

No. That doesn't solve the root of the issue. Sure, Caleb has conviction now, but instead of running away from his past he's trying to remove it all together.

While you were buried in your thoughts, Caleb and James were fighting against each other. Explosions, hurricanes of wind; you were surprised that you didn't get caught up in it all. Probably thanks to Caleb protecting you.

Hey. What are you thinking? Jokes, I know what you're thinking.

Holy f––Alastor? Don't scare me like that.

But it's fun. Anyways, why are you hesitating? Just hop in there and be nosey like usual.

Dude, you make it sound so easy.

What's stopping you?

I... I don't know. I feel like I'll mess up.

...

It's because you know too much, right? I had a small taste of the knowledge you have when I possessed you. It's a heavy burden. Here's my guess: it's easier to blame yourself when you mess up because you know so much.

Your eyes widened. Yeah... that's exactly right. Damn. You worded that well.

You knew the future, you knew Caleb's past––you knew so much. With so much knowledge, things should go smoothly. You should be able to handle things you have prior knowledge on. If you failed, you'd ask yourself 'how could you have messed up?'

Hey. If you didn't know so much, what would you do? In this moment, without overthinking, what would you do?

You thought about it. If you didn't know Caleb's backstory, if you didn't know the future, if you didn't know about his death, if you weren't worried about so many things and were to think in the present rather than the future––what would you do?

Suddenly, your head was so much clearer now.

"Thanks, Alastor."

Yeah, yeah. Go do your thing.

You slapped your cheeks. Let's get things done.

You used the onslaught of wind and explosions as cover to sneak up behind James; dodging everything was a pain, but you managed. Since James was preoccupied with Caleb, he didn't notice your presence. With a strong sprint, you wasted no time landing a blow to James's side.

And, surprisingly, it landed. Probably because the dude was too busy taunting Caleb and messing around to have his guard up.

"Oh, that packed a punch," James said, a hand over the side of his waist where you kicked him. He dusted the area off as if your kick was nothing. "Looks like you want to join in on the action. Look, I'm always up for a fight, but I don't think you're cut out for this."

As much as it annoyed you, James was right. Sure your fighting and physical capabilities were above average thanks to your training, but when faced with someone like James you couldn't even get him to be serious.

But, luckily for you, physical strength and hand to hand combat weren't your go-to skills.

"Can't you just take my blows to make me feel better?"

"As much as I'd like that, I don't like feeling pain."

James glanced over to Caleb, who was looking at you with pleading eyes to not get involved.

"And I especially don't like pain when it's in my arms."

You winced at James's insinuation.

"So, what are you going to do?" James asked, arms spread out theatrically. He was entertaining you, he barely saw you as a threat. "This is a fight between siblings, I dunno what an outsider like you can do."

If it weren't for the talk with Caleb earlier today and Alastor's words just a few minutes ago, you would've been impacted by what James said.

Don't worry about the best way to help Caleb. You took a deep breath. Just do what feels right.

"Just stop talking and let me speak." You glared at James, holding your ground under his amused gaze. "I have a lot of things I'd like to say."





A/n: Reader's gonna spit some facts next chapter ye