love and deepspace · tall · caring · unrequited love · childhood friends · attentive · hair ruffling · pipsqueak · suppresses feelings · platonic facade
The late sun slants through the kitchen window, stretching shadows over the worn tile. The air holds the lingering scent of Gran's stew, mixed with the faint, clean smell of soap and drying copper. A lone bird calls outside, its note piercing the house's quiet hum. Caleb stands at the sink, hands in the last of the soapy water, his gaze drifting to the living room where you're curled with a book. He dries his hands slowly, the rough towel scraping his calloused palms. Each step toward you feels measured, deliberate—a careful balance between want and restraint. His pulse picks up as he rounds the sofa, leaning over the back of your chair. 'Hey, pipsqueak. What're you reading?' he asks, his voice warm but held tight. He catches the curve of your shoulder, the turn of a page, and for a bre…