Caleb prided himself on having a quick tongue. It was what got him in and out of trouble countless times. Yet, after hearing your question, his mind went blank. There was an uncomfortable twist in his heart and Caleb's hand tightly gripped the edge of the building in an attempt to suppress displaying what he was feeling on his face––in fact, what was it he was feeling? It was familiar.

Ah, right. Anxious. He felt anxious.

When Caleb finally spoke, he hoped his voice didn't waver, "Does this have to do with you being from another world?"

It was a funny question. You'd think this would be a question Caleb would ask in amusement, looking for a couple of laughs or rolled eyes. Another world. A world beyond the city he knew. Caleb had played a few games that touched upon that. A hero gets transported to a new world, becomes the chosen one, and saves the world. By that logic, would you be that hero? Who brought you here? What kind of world did you reside in previously?

"It sounds unbelievable, right?" you asked. "The concept of another world."

It did sound unbelievable. Yet, the explanation suited you well. You did seem otherworldly at times (or maybe it was because Caleb was head over heels for you, but he digressed). You belonged here; however, there was just something off.

"It sounds fun," Caleb said. "Never met someone from another world before."

You laughed. It was such a nice sound. If Caleb could, he'd preserve it in a little bottle and take it around as a lucky charm.

"I bet you have a million questions. Can't say I can answer all of them, but I'll try." You sighed. "Do you think of me differently now?"

Again, there was a faraway look in your eyes. It felt like a fleeting glimpse into a world he couldn't hope to reach, a cruel reminder that Caleb could never be truly close to you. Even if he held your hand, tied you down––you'd still slip away.

"You're still the same old Miss Support to me. Different world or not, it doesn't change you as a person," Caleb responded. "When did you come here?"

"Do you remember the day we first met?" Your tone became a little more lighthearted. "The day you choked me."

"Oh, c'mon. Don't hold that against me. I was being cautious." Caleb chuckled. "And, just so you know, I'd do that to anyone I suspected was possessed. Don't feel discriminated."

"Wow. Thanks."

Caleb smiled. "Anything to make my Miss Support feel better. So, we've established when. How did you come here?"

You gently shook your head. Caleb expected this, it felt way too easy to know that.

"That's fine, don't look so sad." He pinched your cheeks. "Lighten up!"

A transparent wall stood between you both. It felt as though you were destined to be a fleeting yet deeply fulfilling memory—just a mere exhibit he shouldn't get attached to. It hurt. He hated it. It reminded Caleb of his dynamic with James, it reminded him that he could've saved his older brother if he had talked to him a little more, learned about his internal conflicts.

"... Do you want to go back?" Caleb asked. His voice came out quieter than he'd like. "To the world where you came from."

You were silent. Caleb patiently waited for a response, each second elapsed stirred his nervous heart.

"... Not really."

He sighed in relief. However, there was a thought that came across his mind that he probably shouldn't voice. That is: if you said you wanted to go back, he wouldn't be able to respect your wish. His heart wouldn't be able to.

"To answer your question from before, if you disappeared on me, I'd drag you back. I'll go through hell if I have to. So don't worry." Caleb showed you a confident and self assured smile, even if it didn't accurately align with his current feelings. "You have no choice but to stay. You've stolen my heart and I won't allow a refund."

That seemed to put a smile on your face. You laughed, not even the prettiest symphonies could compete with how gorgeous you sounded to Caleb. Good. That's how it should be, you should always be happy and smiling.

"I feel better, thanks."

"My ego is happy with the praise, but I didn't really do much."

You shook your head. "Just... you being you is more than enough."

Caleb's cheeks heated. Him feeling bashful? Embarrassed? You seriously earned a gold star for prompting such a rare reaction from Caleb.

"What brought up the question anyway?" Caleb asked.

"Hm... A feeling, I guess."

"Mysterious." Caleb affectionately patted your back. "Welp, I'll be keeping a close eye on you to make sure you don't slip away."

Please, don't leave.

God. He'd sound so desperate if he said that. But he was desperate. The thought of losing you was terrifying, especially as he was clueless on what could take you away.

You chuckled tiredly, a yawn leaving your lips afterwards. Cute.

"Getting sleepy? My shoulder's free of charge. My lap as well."

"I'll take the shoulder."

"Aww..."

You playfully rolled your eyes and leaned your head against Caleb. It didn't take long for you to close your eyes and drift off to sleep. You must've been exhausted.

"Get some rest," Caleb whispered, changing your sleeping position to his lap. It was more comfortable that way. "You've had a long day."

It was just the two of you on top of a tall building above the busy city. It was most definitely a moment Caleb would remember. Tonight was the night you opened up to him. Though it made Caleb aware of the distance between you two, he was no longer ignorant of said distance. So, paradoxically, he grew a lot closer to you.

Caleb's gaze dimmed as he thought of the idea of you leaving.

"I'll be watching over you more closely from now on."

And he'd do whatever it took to support you. Whatever you asked of him, he'd deliver. Even if it was impossible.

My hands, my heart, body and soul...

Caleb looked down at your sleeping expression, a bittersweet smile on his lips. A smile that betrayed the nature of his character––someone carefree and so self assured. Then he whispered. It was barely audible, yet held a loud desperation,

"... All yours. So don't leave me, okay?"



===



My sleep schedule needs some work.

Currently, you were on the rooftop of the AEI building, looking over the city. You were up bright and early in the morning despite going to bed late last night. You remember falling asleep on Caleb's shoulder, then waking up to him carrying you on his back in the middle of taking you back to the AEI. Normally, a harmless back and forth banter would unfold regarding whether or not Caleb should put you down, but you were honestly way too tired. Much to Caleb's happiness, you allowed him to carry you back to your room.

A long sigh left you. I told him I was from another world.

It wasn't exactly in your to-do list to open up to Caleb like that. Hell, your plan was to check up on him regarding James. Caleb took the information better than you expected, you swore you hardly made any sense. After all, you were more emotional than usual last night. When was the last time you displayed that much vulnerability?

"(Y/n), you're up early."

You blinked, dilatory in your response as you were engrossed in your thoughts. You turned around and saw Jade.

"Yeah, I woke up and couldn't fall back asleep. What are you doing up here?"

She smiled, holding up a book. "I was going to read."

You gasped. "That's the series I recommended! The plot is so—Wait, I should stop before I accidentally spoil it."

It was then you noticed that Jade had a cup of tea in her hand. It was a frog themed mug, of course.

"What are you up to?" Jade asked, settling her mug and book down on one of the tables .

"Just thinking about a bunch of things. Things have been hectic, especially with the whole situation with Finn."

"Ah... Him leaving the speciality force." Jade frowned. "I don't think I can ever forgive him for what he did, but at the same time I can't bring myself to truly hate him. He was a friend, after all. I hope you don't find that offensive."

You offered Jade a reassuring smile. "Nah. I get it."

She returned your smile with one of gratitude.

"You know... My father used to work in the AEI. I admired him a lot when I was younger. He worked as a defence member, he made my mother and I feel safe."

You couldn't help but gush at the mental image of a young Jade looking at her dad in awe.

"Someone who protected others was what I wanted to become. I wanted people to feel safe around me."

"Well, you've definitely accomplished that," you said. "A reliable figure of the speciality force, someone strong, dependable, and friendly."

Jade blinked in surprise, flustered for a moment. "Thank you, (Y/n). That means a lot."

The nostalgic warmth in her expression then melted into something more despondent.

"There was an apparition outbreak––one that my mother and I were caught in. One thing after another happened and my father was caught saving his child or wife." She paused. "He saved his child. I remember blaming him, yelling for not saving my mother. His response was that it was naive to think that saving everyone is possible."

"That's terrible," you said.

"It is, isn't it? His words––which I assume was to give me a reality check––only fueled my anger. That was when I decided that I will live to prove him wrong." Her hands balled into a fist, a look of conviction evident in her blue eyes. "It's not wrong to live by this naive ideal, people are too quick to ridicule it. I hate the mindset of needing to sacrifice one for the sake of another, especially when it's the default response many resort to. Even if it is unrealistic, I will never drop my mindset of intending to save everyone, protect everyone. I have to at least try."

You understood where she was coming from. It was all in one's mindset. Yes, it wasn't possible to always save people, but Jade always went into operations with the intent to save everyone. It was her source of strength.

"That's why I respect you so much."

You looked at her in surprise. "Me?"

"Yes. If my younger self were to meet you, I feel like she'd admire you a lot." She chuckled softly. "You're kind of like a knight. Is that thought too childish? I think it suits you very well. You're one of my biggest inspirations."

You felt your cheeks heat up. "Me? Of all people?"

"Of course."

You smiled. "Thanks."

Phew, hot women complimenting you was always a weakness of yours.

Protecting everyone. You supposed that was your objective summed up. It went from protecting yourself to protecting others.

All of a sudden, you received a text message.

Is it Caleb––

Oh. It was from Eve.

Hello, (Y?n)! Lovely weather, isn't it? Have you eaten? Did you get a full eight hours of sleep? I hope you did! Because you'd want to be well rested for this.

Remember the favour you owe me? Now's a good time to use it. Oh, but if you're not free, just let me know. No rush! But of course, don't put it off for too long. That wouldn't be good. It's best to clear your debt as soon as possible, right? Hm. But saying this is debt makes sound bad. I promise you'll be helping further my research, which is good. Don't feel afraid!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Wow. Eve even rambled a lot in texts.

"What's wrong?" Jade asked.

"I have to get going," you replied. "Enjoy your book! Tell me ASAP when you finish it."

Once you left the rooftop, you sighed. Back to dealing with the plot.

Eve... Just who exactly are you?

Jumping to conclusions about one's character wasn't your style, but you definitely felt uneasy about them. Your impression was more negative than positive. Plus, you could barely get a read on their motivations and know little to nothing about them.

"Must be my lucky day running into Miss Support in the morning."

On your way downstairs, you turned a corner and encountered Caleb. He smiled brightly at you.

"Want breakfast? Just tell me what you're craving and I can make it with a snap of a finger. Aren't you lucky to have such a handsome personal chef?"

You laughed, feeling the tension from thinking about Eve easing.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'm kinda busy right now."

He gasped. "To reject quality time with me! What's keeping you busy?"

"Well, it's more like who," you said. "Remember how I owed Eve a favour for..."

You pause when James' name was about to leave your lips.

"It's alright." Caleb ruffled your hair affectionately. "No need to feel like you're walking on eggshells. I talked to the old man after our outing last night. I'm feeling a lot better now."

This gesture was nothing new, but this time his touch felt a lot warmer. You almost frowned in disappointment when Caleb retracted his hand.

"By old man do you mean Vincent?"

"Yeah. Don't tell him I called him old, though."

"Heh. Blackmail material."

"Since when were you so cruel?"

You chuckled and Caleb did so as well.

"To answer your question, I owed Eve a favour to let James go. The favour being I allow them to experiment on me and my abilities."

Caleb blinked. "Hold on. They're experimenting on you?"

"It was in the heat of the moment. I wasn't in the right mindset to set conditions," you said. "But don't worry, if I'm in danger, my apparition companions have my back. This is also a good opportunity to learn more about Eve."

Caleb was silent, his expression unreadable. If he was concerned, he didn't show it. If he was doubtful of you, he didn't show it. Honestly, being unable to tell what he's thinking unnerved you a little. Even when playing the game, Caleb didn't behave like this. However, that feeling you had was fleeting. It was barely a second before a contemplative hum left Caleb.

"I dunno, Miss Support. Still sounds dangerous to me. You'll be in an unfamiliar environment. Who knows what can happen?" He huffed. "More importantly, I can't reach you! I'd feel a lot better if you took me with you."

"I'd love to, but I don't think Eve would appreciate that."

He pouted. "Who cares what they think."

You chuckled at how childish he looked. "Just trust me on this. I don't go down that easily."

"I trust you with my life, but I can't trust––well, life to not be stupidly unfair and something bad does happen!"

Caleb's feelings were justified. You'd be worried too if one of your friends said 'hey, Eve's gonna experiment on me and I have no idea what's in store!' Plus, after losing James, you could only imagine the anxieties he'd feel losing someone else.

"Hey." Caleb took a step closer, leaning towards your face. Due to the harmless smile on his expression, his next words caught you off guard. "Want me to get rid of them for you? That way no one needs to be experimented on."

Huh?

Despite the smile on his lips, his eyes conveyed something else entirely. He was being serious. For the first time ever, you felt a foreboding pit in your stomach due to Caleb's presence.

"... Caleb?"

"Kidding!"

Suddenly, all the tension you felt from before disappeared, as if you had imagined the whole thing.

"If Miss Support says it's fine, then what can I do?"

"... You're not going to stop me?"

"I'd love to, but I know that this is also a useful opportunity for you. Try to stay safe, okay?" He held up a hand. "But! For worrying me, you're going to be my taste tester for my newest creation."

"Sounds more like a reward to be honest."

"You sure?" Caleb grinned. "You'll be stuck with me for hours."

"But I like being with you? I'm not seeing the issue here."

"Wh..." Caleb laughed, averting his eyes. "Hey, that's not fair."

Your eyes widened. "Are you flustered––"

"Anyways! I'll make you lunch, so look forward to that."

You raised an eyebrow. Dodging the question, huh? Fine, you'll let it slide for now.

"Not that I'm complaining, but you've been doing a lot of that lately."

"How can I not? You always look so happy when I make you food. Making you smile is my favourite thing to do."

You smiled, almost forgetting the incident from before.

Getting rid of Eve... Caleb said that, you didn't mishear him. It would make sense Caleb would hold a lot of animosity towards Eve considering what happened to James. But something felt... off.

All of a sudden, Caleb held onto your hands. You looked at him in surprise.

"If they make you feel even a little uncomfortable, you'll tell me, right?"

Everything about Caleb's actions reflected a concerned friend. Though his grasp on you was gentle, there was something about the way he delivered his words that held a firm grasp on you. What he said felt like an unspoken demand.

You will tell him, it wasn't a choice.

There was a knot in your stomach. "Yeah––"

"Good!"

Caleb released your hands abruptly with a cheerful laugh. It was a sound you'd usually find comfort in or can't help but laugh along to. Yet this time, you could only remain speechless.

"Don't hide anything from me," Caleb said, a sing-song quality attached to it. "Wouldn't want to worry me even more, hm?"

A/n: hey, y'all knew this was a yandere reader insert.