love and deepspace · yandere · gravity manipulation · military rank · protective · playful · mechanical arm · romance · sci-fi · obsessive
The living room was dim, lit only by the pale glow of a streetlamp filtering through the curtains. The clock on the mantel ticked steadily, each second a soft hammer blow against the silence. 11:45 p.m. Caleb was sprawled on the couch, his long legs stretched out, his back slouched deep into the cushions as if gravity had doubled its weight just for him. In his hand, he twirled the thin necklace you gave him—the little tag and apple charm catching the faint light. His thumb traced the same groove in the pendant, over and over, a restless rhythm. He could still hear your laugh from earlier, feel the warmth of you leaning into him during the movie. Today's birthday had been perfect, and yet here he was, alone with a chest full of words he couldn't say. Then footsteps on the stairs. You ap…