The sounds of boots on the ground, heavy wheels grinding on the dirt, and the piercing sound of the jet engines kept you grounded your wandering mind as your small block heels stood on the pavement. It was a campground, another site to welcome the incoming troops for the never ending war that has tainted your home. You took a deep breath in, hearing the wooden door shut behind you, heavy steps of the general shook on the ground behind you as he stepped out of the log-like building. 

Turning to him you nodded, “Good morning, General. All the troops have just arrived, sir.”

“Thank you L/N. Hopefully this batch is more cooperative than the last.”

You could only hum, already feeling the oncoming headache you would have for the next two months or so. Taking another deep breath in of the last remnants of the outdoor fresh air before it would be tainted from men's musk.

“ATENNN-TION” came his booming voice, men immediately dropping their bags to stand in salute. The quiet authority hushed the grounds as the new soldiers stood as still as statues.

“So, you are the babies that were sent over here?” The general started his standard scare tactic, walking slow across the deck that overlooked the forest field that scattered the men. “I have been tasked with providing the colonel with the best of the best airmen for this never ending war. Aviation is NOT the easy way out gentlemen. Under no circumstance will I tolerate any of you running away with tails tucked between your legs and crying to your mommies.”

A quiet snicker could be heard amongst the nervous crowd, your eyes snapping to the direction of the sound. You eyed the man that had his head tucked down to hide the smirk you could see curling on his lips. You could only mentally shake your head as the general ground his teeth and stepped down from the deck, making his way to the man that caused the pause in his monologue.

The soldier was a shrimp. His messy brown hair, his less than tone physique and the air of faux confidence did nothing to hide what type of person he was. Working under the general for so long you've learned to recognize each archetype that has trained here. This one was no more than a cocky son of a bitch that you were sure thought he would become top dog.

“Do you have a problem, private?” he spit out in his face.

“No sir.” he replied.

“What's your name boy?"

"Xia, sir. Caleb Xia."

"Then you wouldn’t have a problem having first scrubbing duty tonight would you, Xia?”

“No sir.”

He nodded his rotund head, head facing the rest of the men, “Meet at the dining hall at 1700, sharp.” He said, "And you boy, you will follow me." turning to take his leave, “AT EASE.”

But the new smug soldier didn't seem phased, instead he only grinned at his invitation and looked to you in stupid approval.

What a long road ahead of you.

~

Over the next few weeks, the General put the boys through hell and back, in the rain or shine. Most gritted their teeth and dealt with it, others backed out and were put through more hell.

But that cocky soldier from day one of course everyone's attention. That shrimp began filling out in all the right areas, his aviation knowledge was top notch. But that attitude of his was a problem for not only the General but for you as well.

“Excuse me miss, I seem to have a problem here.” The private came up to you.

He was dashing. His eyes a dark deep mauve, specks of pink sparkled in his eyes that captured your attention.

“What is it?” you said 

"What's the closest town i could escape to?"

"I'm sorry?" you raised your eyebrow.

"Oh so you know, if I were to kicked out I would know which way to go."

"Uh, well--"

"XIAAA"

You saw the soldier's shoulder face turn into a grimace, "Gotta run sweets!"

“I would suggest not getting on the general’s bad side!”

“Too late!” he shouted behind him.

You just shook your head and sighed watching the General marching angrily to the direction you saw Xia dash to with a suspicious green gloop splattered over his head.

~

After that incident (and the ones to constantly come) Caleb--as he had come to constantly tell you to call him when you would speak to him on behalf of the General--was permanently put to work on mechanic duty. It was as equally as important as being the one to drive the plane, but Caleb was not happy you noted. Always sneaking away to be in the DFAC or somehow finding you in your small office writing reports to come and pester you before being thrown out by the General.

Though you had to admit, he was quite useful and stubbornly hot when he was actually doing his work. Right not, you couldn’t help but stare shamelessly at his back. You took a deep breath in as you watched him bend down under the wing of the plane and wrench a bolt tight.

You bit your lip as he came back up and wiped sweat from his forehead, smearing the hair pressed against his forehead.

“What are you doing here L/N?” come the booming voice, making you jump from your arousing thoughts,

“I-I was just checking on the soldier’s progress for the report sir!”

The General just raised an eyebrow at the weak excuse, glancing at the hot sweaty man wiping down the oily tools now. "I received news that the Colonel will be arriving soon to check the soldiers progress. Please hand in the final draft will ya."

"Yes, sir." You nodded and let out a shaky breath as you leaned against the post.

“Checking me out huh?”

For the second time, you gasped and sprung up at the voice. “What?”

“C’mon, you don’t have to hide it pretty. I’m pretty confident in my physique, stare all you want.” He said leaning on the opposite post, his body gleaming just right in the hot sun.

You flushed in warmth, and straightened up to push him out of your way. “Don’t be ridiculous. Go get back to work private.”

“I'm all done. I've been done for about 15 minutes now. But I couldn't help but stall knowing there were wondering eyes." You turned wide eyed in embarrassment. "Besides I have at least 10 minutes before I get to have a turn in the showers.”

He stalked up to you as you stopped walking and got close enough to you where you could feel his soft breath against your cheek as you tried your best to not ogle his pectoral muscles. Man, he really did fill out in such a short amount of time. You just wanted to touch and feel him up--You snapped out of your daze when he chuckled and backed away.

"See ya later sweets." he winked at you before walking away from your frozen frame.

~ 

When the Colonel came to do his daily rounds, it was basically one big jerk off for each battalion to ensure a new unit was set to be deployed when needed. All the new soldiers inducted to aviation battalion lined up in the small foyer of the main training building. You made sure to walk two paces behind the General, looking at each face. All serious faces, well except for one.

When you all approached the empty spot in the line, you mentally face palmed. There he was, bent over the floor in gloves, buffing the barrack floor with a scrub.

“Soldier!”

He finally looked up. “Oh, sorry big guy.” He slowly got up and dusted off his pants and reached out his hand to the highly decorated man in front of him. "You must be the Colonel right?"

A few chuckles could be heard from the line up which was quickly cut off when the Colonel snapped his head to the sounds. The Colonel stepped closer to get into Caleb's face,

“Do you see yourself dead anytime soon, soldier?”

“No sir.”

"You sure are acting like it boy. No respect to your higher ups is punishable by death soldier, do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

“Then what are you playing at boy?” the old man sneered

“I hope to see myself in your spot one day sir.” Caleb smirked.

That was when you and the General actually facepalmed yourselves.

~

That night Caleb came to secretly visit you in your small bunker. He pleaded with those puppy dog eyes to help iron and sew his new uniform for the upcoming graduation since he 'wouldn't get it done in time unless a pretty lady accompanied him.' He was talking your ear off to heal his wounded pride after the berating he earned from the General after the embarrassment with the Colonel.

“C’mon what’s with that guy?”

“Maybe you don’t see it, but he does actually care.”

“How so? Making me do extra than everyone else? Or how about not letting me fly the plane yet?”

You only sighed, “Well. . . yes. He must see some potential in you. Otherwise he wouldn’t pick on you. I mean, he’s already lost so many soldiers y’know. He probably wants you to just try your best. Besides, if you get on the top dog's bad side you’ll either be the first to be sent to death or you’ll be scrubbing bathroom tiles for the rest of your life.”

He sighed, chin resting in his curled up palm, “You just see the good in everything miss Y/N.”

“Well life isn’t as enjoyable when you’re focused on the negative things.”

There was a bit of silence before you spoke up.

“Why’d you choose to be a pilot anyway?”

Caleb hummed, silent for a bit, something in him stirring. “Wanted to see the world in a different perspective I guess.”

You only hummed, hoping for him to continue his story.

"When you're all alone and nothing to do you're bound to get into trouble. I knew I wouldn't through life like that. With this war going on, I knew I'd be here one way or another. But I knew I could get by being smart. Started going to the library to find something cool. Found all the books I could find about planes. Once I got the letter to start my draft I knew I wanted to be a pilot. All this stuff we're doing is busy work to me. I'm just waiting to be sent off into the sky before I die."

You looked at him explaining, confused by the smile on his face. "That's. . .sad."

"Eh, morbid sure. But true either way."

"I guess."

"What about you? You plan on working that big guy your whole life to get out of the front line duty?"

You scoff. "I quite like this position, no one wants to be here in the middle of nowhere doing paperwork, yet here I am stepping up to do it. To answer your question though, probably not. One day when everything is more at peace, I want to have a flower shop."

"Hmm cute." he grinned at you. "Definitely can see a pretty flower lady who would kick me out of her shop for being disruptive."

You snorted at the imagery in your head.

"Yeah well, this pretty lady is kicking you out of her house for being disruptive." you pushed his freshly stitched uniform into his arms as he stood.

"By the way do you always bring men into your house like this? If not, I can be the only one okay?"

You gawk at him and push him out, slamming the door behind him. But you can't help but smile at his comment.

~

Laughter filled the bar as you heard another one of Caleb's life tales as he animatedly acted out each scene to the bar. The months of training had passed in a matter of time. Tonight was a rare free day the soldiers got to have as long as they turned in before curfew.

He plopped himself down in the seat next to you.

“See? Free food.” you grinned at the plate of entrees he served in front of you. He had somehow convinced you out by sitting in front of your cabin and once again giving you puppy dog eyes (you have come to not resist) to come with him and the soldiers out to the local bar in town. It was the only fun around.

“I didn’t expect much from you y’know.” you admitted

He grinned from ear to ear, obviously waiting to hear a compliment from your lips, “That I'm dashing? Charming?”

You rolled your eyes, “How about, annoying? You definitely are the type to be a cocky son of a bitch.” 

“Ah, you wound me doll.”

"Well it's true. I've been here for a while and plenty of guys turn out like you. Though you're the most trouble so far."

"Well if you've seen plenty, then they haven't impressed you yet if you're here with me right now."

You only hummed, taking a sip of the cold bottle of beer and avoiding eye contact. "It's as confusing to me as it is to you Caleb."

He ends up getting you out of your seat and to the dance floor. You dance the rest, smiles permanently plastered to your faces, as you bask in the freeness of no worry in the moment. No one watching, no sirens alarmed, nothing that indicated danger. It was a small fresh breath of air, of a bit of peace and fun.

“How about a proper date after graduation, doll?” he lit up, spinning you out of his arms.

“Hmm, not so sure. I don't date soldiers.” slightly warmed now. His hand shyly reached up to move a piece of your hair out your face, forcing your eyes to look up at his pleading eyes.

"Surely there can be some sort of exception?"

"What makes you so special?" you teased “You know the general won’t like it private.”

“What’s one date going to do to the man? Kill him?” His eyes glistening in stupid puppy eyes. "Besides, there's not enough time here for us to properly get to know each other.

You knew you would always give in to such capturing eyes.

“Graduate first private.” he whined. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

~

“You soldiers should be proud. You have been refined into fine airmen. You will make our motherland proud.”

"And Captain Xia? Congratulations on your promotion." he gruffly said. “Don’t celebrate too much, you all need to be back here for formal orders!” The General's booming voice yelled over the jeers and hollers.

You clapped at the cheers and smiled at all the happy men. You stepped down from the makeshift stage and approached him slowly, taking in the scene of young men pleased with the training section finally being over. You stepped closer and tapped his shoulder flashing your pretty smile at him knowingly “Congratulations, Xia. I don’t mean to pull you away from the festivities, but I believe someone promised me a date.”

“Really?!” he smiled at you, arms wrapping around your waist to pull you in close. You nodded, he excitedly pressed a soft kiss to your cheek, spinning you around, cheer blending in with the rest of the crowd.

…

It got cooler throughout the night. Once the soldiers graduated training all they looked forward to was celebrating and awaiting the orders of calling. Caleb decided to take you on a proper dinner date, using his saved coin to wine and dine you. You both talked about all you could, never running out of topics, just so curious about each other and finally having the time to listen to one another. Though you had a hard time listening since he looked so good in his uniform, and he looked even better trailing next to you while you both walked your food off in the quiet streets.

“I wouldn’t have imagined myself courting a soldier like yourself.”

“Why not? Aren’t I exactly what you’re looking for?” he joked.

You grinned, looking away at nothing in particular, “I don’t know, my father was a soldier too but he never married my mother. He passed when the war first started, leaving my mom and I alone. I was still little but I knew I hated seeing her in that state.”

His face showed a type of sympathy that didn’t make you feel frustrated, but it was like he understood. He put his hand on yours, giving it a squeeze. “I’m sorry.”

You smiled and sighed. “It’s ok. I was a baby. I don’t remember him that well anyways. I had the General look after me since he and my dad were close in combat though. So I guess he’s more of a father figure to me.”

He raised his eyebrows, “That’s why?!”

“That’s why what?” you tilted your head.

“He’s all—y’know. So soft on you. All the guys could see that man only go soft on you, not just because you’re a girl either. You’ve seen his screaming matches with the kitchen staff ladies and they put him in his place when needed.” He scoffed. “Anyone would think he was your father.”

You gasped, “What? He is not soft on me.”

“Oh yeah? C’mon, he’s probably the reason why you’re even working in your position.”

You stayed silent, looking away with pursed lips.

“You’re kidding.”

“What, you don’t think I could get this job on my own?” 

“Wait, no that’s not what I mean. You definitely deserve you job, I just mean—”

You giggled, “Listen, sometimes you have to use your connections to get good jobs.”

“Alright I see.” he let out a breath, “I seriously have some sucking up to do.”

“Why? What’d you do now?”

“Don’t you understand? If he’s basically your father figure, and I’m trying to have you as my wife—”

“Ohhhh now you’re worried about him finding out.” you interrupt him, too nervous to hear the full implication “Awww I think you're too late. I think he already knows.”

He lets out a loud groan, putting his head in his hands. Then he turns his head to look at you, smiling at you.

“It’s ok, I think it’s worth it.” He says, grinning at you glowing in the warm lights of the street. As you approached you humble abode, he interrupted the calm silence between the two of you.

“You wouldn’t reckon I would have some good luck tonight do you think?” he pointed to his cheek.

“Don’t push it.”

“Come on, a little peck would give me some good luck.”

“Good night.” You firmly said, a playful smile grazing your lips. He only huffed a chuckle, putting his head down, his hands in his back pockets.

“Enjoy your holiday with your family.” you say as you push him slightly away.

“Haven’t got one miss.” your face fell at the declaration, movement slowing down as you peered at his face.

“You don’t have a house to go home to?” you inquired.

He only smiled and shook his head.

“Caleb.” 

His eyes widened in surprise at the warm feeling of your lips upon his cheek. Him looking up at your face as you backed away, warmth covering your face.

“Good night. And good luck.” as you shut the door.

You didn't know what came over you, but when morning came and you demanded his housemates wake him up from his sleep the words that left your mouth was how you ended up sitting in front of him at your mother’s dinner table and you mother to your right. You could only widely stared at the blissful smile Caleb had on his face while he ate the home cooked baked chicken on his plate. How could he be so unfazed in this situation?

Your mother had been quiet the entire time. Flustered at the guest you brought home and his oddly polite manners. The last time your brought a boy home was when you were in high school and your mother nearly kicked him out for his brash attitude. But between the small talk between the two you hefted another heavy breath at the sensation of Caleb's foot caressing your leg under the table cloth.

Your skin began to feel hot as his foot brushed against your leg more deliberately. Leaning over your place to get your hair to cover your face as you tried to steady your breathing.

“This is really good by the way Ms. L/N.” he cheekily said.

Your mother smiled at his enthusiasm, "Oh, than you. To be honest, it's been awhile since I've cooked for more than two people."

“So Caleb, what’s your branch of work? Y/N hardly told me anything about you.”

“Oh? Has she spoken about me before?” you cleared your throat for him to drop it.

“He works under the General too, mom."

"Oh? Are you a secretary too? You know, that man does not do well with others so hopefully he hasn't given you a hard time."

"Well I’m a pilot, so I think it'd be bound for him to bully us soldiers” he chuckled as he swallowed his food down. You kicked him under the table, giving him the 'shut up' look.

“I’m sorry? A pilot?” your mom questioned.

“Yeah, y’know of the aviation branch. I just graduated as a pilot, for the General actually.”

The facial expression on your mother’s face turned into a deep stone.

“So you'll be off to join the war soon then?”

"Yep. It's my duty to protect the motherland...and the ones I love." He admitted, looking at you.

"I see."

You all continued eating your meal in awkward silence.

…

“When I was told you were going to work for that man, I thought you told me you would never bring home one of his soldiers. I told you to stay away from men like that, Y/N.” your mother said exasperated, quickly scrubbing at the finished dishes.

“It’s--complicated. We went out a few times and I kind of like him. I guess. I mean--he’s not like the slobbering, blubbering airheads that normally come through training. And he’s just… charming, I guess.” you look off, avoiding her scared eyes.

A deep sigh resounds from the older woman, "No Y/N. I can't support this. Not willingly after I know what I know now."

"Mama please. What about dad?"

“Don’t bring him up please.” her eyes pleading.

“But why? You fell in love with him knowing his position in this world.”

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. “I know you're an adult now, and you can make your own decisions.” She cupped your face in her cold worn out hands, “I’m so lucky to have you here with me now. But I don’t want you to go through the same thing I did.”

You put your hands over hers in reassurance.

“It’s a different world now mama. There’s more men on the frontlines now, there’s more technology. The war is almost over, I know it. I won’t go through the same thing. I promise.”

~

Caleb tried not to eavesdrop in on the conversation. He couldn’t help it though, anything involving him would catch his ear. He had a new goal to achieve now. He heard your promise to your mother. He had to keep his end of his deal and make sure his new wife would never go through such a tragic situation. That would be his first promise.

Before he could get caught, he silently walked away and headed to get ready for bed. Your mother arranged the guest bedroom for him in haste and to make sure you both would sleep away from each other. Though when he promised her to be good, she could only raise her eyebrow and bid him a good night.

He playfully winked at you and you rolled your eyes and bid him a good night as well, heading to your childhood room. not knowing what mischievous plan he was brewing.

~

“It’s unwise to do such a thing to a girl who’s unmarried and in her own mother’s home.” you whispered out, closing your eyes at the sensation of his kisses that traveled down your neck, then to the top of your soft breast. He pulled down the straps of your nightie, still littering kisses over your boobs. You brought your finger to your mouth to stop the whimper that almost escaped.

“Then marry me.” he stated, pulling away from your body, looking up at you in a serious expression within the dim room. “Marry me Y/N.”

You let out a gasp, speechless you let him continue lathering his saliva amongst your boobs, taking your right perked nipple within his mouth, groaning low.

“Wha- what do you mean Caleb?” you stop him, pulling his head back to look at him in his enchanting eyes. "Th-that's not -hah- how you ask something like that."

“C’mon you didn’t stop to think maybe just once that I did all the things I did to get your attention? Sweeping duty isn’t exactly something I enjoy unless I get to be in the same room as you.”

He took a hold of your hand, placing tender kisses in your palm.

“We both know we haven’t gotten all the time in the world now doll. The signal could go off at any time. I want to marry you. Only you.” You looked deep into his purple eyes, carefully searching for a hint of playfulness that he always oozed but it was nowhere to be seen.

“Y/N, I know I barely have money to my name. No family to bring you home to. But I want you to be my family.”

“When it’s all said and done, I'll be in a position to be able to deserve you and devote everything to you. I’ll buy you the perfect house. The flower garden you always wanted. Anything you want. I am devoted to you."

You pulled your hands away from his, grabbing his face instead to press a fierce kiss on his rambling mouth. Hints of tears in your eyeline as you listened to his confession. Pulling away breathless, “I’ll marry you. I want to marry you Caleb. I don’t care about any of that stuff right now. As long as you come back to me. Alive”

You softly moaned at the sudden warm intrusion, hands still intertwined as he slowly moved within your heat. Your lips crashing in desperate pleas to never let go.

“Promise me Caleb. Promise you’ll always come back to me” holding out your pinky, he intertwined his own and kissed them.

“I promise.”

~

It a bit of convincing you mother over the next few days, but when she watched the two of you interact she had softened just a bit. It was a quick elopement that happened the following week. You dressed in the best white dress you had and him in his new Captain uniform. Caleb was giddy the day before and the day of. He couldn't keep his hands off of you, after officially asking you to be his bride. Especially at the prospect of taking your last name. Truly the start of his family. Though, his insistence was also based on the ticking time clock of when all arms were to be deployed or when a declaration of peace was sounded; it plagued both your minds deep down.

Ambivalence stormed on your mother’s face as she did the final checks on your gown and headpiece. You were sure no words of comfort would offer her ease on the thoughts that brewed in her mind. After she was done, she fixed her gaze on your face, seemingly looking for any doubt that clouded your mind. You softly smiled, offering your hands for her to take, enclosing hers in yours and squeezed, hoping to offer some comfort to her inner turmoil. and nodded at her. Her brows unfurrowed, she took a deep breath and nodded, “Ok. You look perfect.” She reached up and caressed you face, smiling small.

The wedding was small and intimate. Just your mother and the General for you. Caleb was against his fellow bunkmates attending for this moment was his and his only. But they snuck in anyways, hooting and hollering and whistling when you both embraced in a passionate kiss to seal your vows. You could only laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation.

You both went to a small hotel that night. Privacy was what you both agreed to. Not a big penny to your names, but the glow of a new last name lead your way. You lay your head on his chest that night. Both basking at the closeness of each other's naked bodies. Whispering sweet nothings, small laughs and quiet promises littered the quiet atmosphere.

But who could forget that in the small peaceful moments, when there was doom lurking. The sound of the screeching alarms in the city reverberated out in the early morning, halting all sense of peace, for this was a day your city dreaded the most.

~

The hurried steps of parting families and soldiers littered the area where soldiers would ride off to the main north of where the action was.

“You’ll write to me right?” You asked, kissing his lips again for the 50th time.

“Yes.” another kiss. “Every time something happens I’ll write it down and every time there's a moment of peace, I will send them to you my love.” another kiss.

“Be safe my love.” you whispered, burrowing into his chest.

He pushed a strand of hair back away from your face, leaning down to press a light kiss to the top of you head.

“I promise I’ll come back to you.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Sealing the testament in one last kiss, watching his form hop into one of the military trucks as it carried them all away. His smile and wave lasting all the way until they were in the distance you could no longer see.

~

You couldn’t hold the excitement that ran through your body every time you saw mail addressed to you. His battalion had gone down further west, hoping to drive out the other side.

I hope to return to you soon my bride.

You were still stuck writing reports in your small office but being busy at work kept your mind occupied at the very least. You tried your best not to listen to rumors or the hall gossip, but your nosiness could not help it. From what you gathered, your country had pushed the Wanderers back against the wall and it was only a matter of time before they waved the white flag. Mostly helped from the aviation team and their strategies.

On your end however, you had missed your monthlies for two months now, chalking it up to stress of your missing husband and the anxiety of his return. But when you had fainted in the middle of the quiet corridor of the empty camp while handing the General a cup of coffee, it was no longer an option than to have a physician visit you.

“Mrs. L/N, congratulations! You’re with child.” the midwife told you.

Hearing the words leave her mouth, you were in a daze. A family. Caleb's family dream was coming true. Tears stung your eyes, you surely hoped you wouldn’t go through this on your own.

You debated on telling him through your weekly letters, or should you have waited until he returned home. . . whenever that was. . .Too giddy you put ink to paper and began writing the news.

My dear Caleb, 

I have the most exciting news that hopeful puts a little hope into your day. Remember when you said I would be your family, well how about another addition? No, don't worry I haven't picked out a dog without you. The most exciting news has come to fruition. 

You are going to be a father. How’s that for a little luck?

Please return safely to me. To us.

Your bride

Your mother insisted on you coming back to live with her when you had told her. She was the mother bird flapping her wings around you to get your to take a break. Doing what you could by reading and writing reports and sending them away.

You often looked out the window most days, anticipating the mail vehicle to arrive at your abode.

My Y/N,

The guys made fun of me for crying when I reread your letter. my love are you serious? truly? I wish you could see my expression. I'm grinning ear to ear. If i were a dog I'd be wagging my tail. Tell the General you quit your job. When I come back I'll be there to take care of you. Oh, I can't wait to see you soon. We're planning something big to force those menaces out. If it weren't for the Colonel's lack of leadership we would have done so sooner so I could return to you. But nevertheless, I hope to see you soon.

Caleb

P.S. i can't believe i'm a daddy now!

When you had sent another letter entailing your daily tasks and how you now had a small bump showing you were waiting with baited breath for his response.

But it never came.

1 week turned into 2, then into 3. Then a month passed. The anxiety and overthinking in silence had started to take a toll on you. You found talking to your baby helped ease some of the stress. You stopped eating at some meals. You stopped listening to the news on the tv when reporters said there was lost contact in the west side of the country. It made you sick to your stomach.

The kick at the wall of your stomach took you out of your daze, gazing down at the little bump of yours with a smile on your face. Rubbing it gently,

“It’s ok, my baby. Daddy will be ok.”

2 months go by, before you finally received a letter.

The sound of the knock at the door startled you out of your daze of reading your book. Walking fast to open it, you opened it so see the familiar uniform clad men on your porch. But seeing the General there made your breath hitch. He gazed at you with unusual sympathy. Your began shaking your head slowly. Your brows furrowed, lips wobbled, and eyes beginning to mist.

He took his hat off, showing his distressed face, “I’m sorry Y/N. I truly am.” his arm extending out to hand you the cruel heavy letter.

The sound of the front door vase was what startled your mother. Running to the front of the house to see you sunken down onto the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, the tears fat and never ending. The door left wide open, rain began pouring off of the veranda of the porch. She ran to your pregnant body and held you close, shushing your cries.

“MAMA!” You wailed in her arms, her hands stroking your head as your body shook in painful tremors. “HE’S GONE! He’s gone! MY HUSBAND IS GONE!”

"My husband is gone!”

To Mrs. L/N,

We regret to inform you that Battalion EVE perished one month back when the Wanderers side had dropped the last of its bombs onto the west side in its last defense. Just recently we found out when coming back into contact. We are still sorting through those who have perished. We truly sympathize and give our condolences. We have returned Captain Xia's tags. We are truly sorry for your loss.

~

You began living as a ghost of yourself. You had never felt such grief before. You had stopped eating. Stopped showering. stopped taking care of yourself. Stopped living.

You only had the energy to sleep in bed all day, clutching the cool metal of dog tags in your hands. You had no more tears left to cry. Your mother tried her best to get you to eat and use the bathroom.

“It would be good for the baby.” she suggested with a small smile.

That did it. The baby. Your baby. His baby. Our baby. The last piece of the man you loved was still within you. And your heart suddenly swelled.

“I’m sorry my baby. I missed daddy so much I haven’t been paying good attention to you. I’m such a bad mommy aren’t I?” your eyes watered, lips trembling, tears slipping out but you let them flow on your small protruding tummy. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you and you’ll take care of me. Right?”

So you tried. With the help of your mom, you began to regain a small glow about you. Would eat as much as your body would allow, drank what you could, tried to walk outside in the fresh air again. You really did try, but it was hard to forget the weight of loss on your mind. 

When your mother was out on errands, you were up trying to make yourself busy by cleaning around the house. When wiping down the counters you felt the subtle shake around you. The sounds of rattling glassware and the heavy wooden furniture slowly reached your ears. You could only gasp and widen your eyes in slow motion when the sound of the explosion pierced your ears as the outside alarms went off, glass and wood splinters crackling in the vicinity.

~

The small underground bunker shook as another explosion shook from above ground.

“ARGHHHH” you screamed out. The tearing within your lower abdomen was a burning and tearing sensation. Like the evil of the world was trying to tear your baby away from your nurturing womb.

“Miss, please you must calm down. We’re trying to help you.” an agonizing voice pierced through your haze. It was a midwife,

You were inconsolable. Your mother, who's hair was in a mess and face painted in soot and dirt, wiped at your forehead and shushed your cries.

“PLEASE! DON’T TAKE MY BABY FROM ME!" you wailed in agony. The heavy movements in your womb began to strain, traveling down with the force of gravity, spilling out contents onto the plain floor. Blood stained your nightgown, your legs, and the floor beneath you as you screamed out in pain. The pain in your chest could not compare to what was spilling out of you in the moment.

“Please, they’re all I have left…” you blubbered out, before the sensation of numbness overtook your consciousness. All you could hear in the distance was your painful sobs and the hundreds of apologies that left those around you.

“All I can say is that her body was stressed. It wasn’t healthy for the womb. . . Loss has an affect on her mentality as well as her health. . . We have to relocate everyone here, so we’re keeping her asleep until then. . . Please make sure she rests plenty to recover. It will be a while before she’ll be back to herself. . .when the war is over. . .

~

A year had come and gone. The war was finally over. You had heard conversations in passing. Someone new had taken charge and risked it all to end the cruel war. Soldiers returned back home and cities were still in the process of being rebuilt. You never returned back home. You and your mother moved further east to enjoy the quiet in a quaint area. More rural with the rebuilding, but everyone made due.

Often, you sat outside by the willow tree that was planted a little off from you small home. A book in your lap, page never turned, your mind quiet for once. The wind felt nice as it softly kissed your face, hair whisping in rhythm. Next to you were the small pieces of stone that commemorated your loved ones. You father, your husband, and your baby.

You didn't think you'd ever move on. They were never coming back. He was never coming back.

It took a while but you did receive Caleb’s benefit money as a fallen soldier. You weren't sure what to do with it at first. It was suspiciously too much than the average widow would get.

. . .Ah. That's right. . .

You are a widow now. . .

But you assumed it had something to do with the General’s favor. You were even offered a position by his side again, though in a more remote position since he decided to step down as a drill soldier and work behind the desk. But you politely declined; over and done with your motherland’s cruel reminders.

You instead used the money to start up your own backyard garden to sell flowers. Just like you wanted. And every weekend you would visit the willow tree to replace the flowers for your family’s graves. There wasn’t much to bury, but you were determined to remember them in this way. This was your promise.

There was a hurried loud knock at the glass window of the general’s door. He put his cigar down, letting out a puff, “Come in.”

The less than competent timid secretary stuttered out, “S-sorry sir. I didn’t receive any heads up about this I swear!”

“What’s going on?” came the General's gruff voice.

“The colonel is here!” he squeaked out, making the General jump out of his seat at the announcement.

The General stomped through the halls, determined to get an explanation at the sudden intrusion. He walked past the front desk, seeing the figure curiously looking over the photos that lined the wall. The photos of past battalions with smiling soldiers.

“Sir. To what do I owe the pleasure of such an unannounced visit?” the General stood before him, standing straighter in respect.

A small laugh pierced the warm lit area between the two.

“Oh, don’t worry big guy. No need to get so formal with me. I just wanted to visit an old friend.” The colonel turned around, his familiar deep mauve eyes and that damn smirk on his face making the General go rigid at the sight.

“My god.” his eyes widened, before hardening his face. "Since when have dead men roamed the world?"

“What can I say? I love being the first." He chuckled, "Anyways, I stopped by for a drink. I know you still keep your whiskey in your office.” walking past the hulking man and patting him on the back.

Caleb began explaining his tale when he poured out the whiskey he grabbed from under the General's desk. He was eventually found under the rubble, after the surprise attack on his unit. Nursed back to health before he could move around again. Unfortunately he had to get his arm amputated as the bones were nowhere near saving. It was new experience to get used to, the robotic part of him not becoming a hindrance. In his eyes, he couldn’t go back home as a mere Captain with nothing to prove it. He had a family to come back home to. He had a wife who deserved a house with her garden. His child deserved a father who would be there to take of them. He wouldn't return until the war was over, just like he promised.

Basically, he traveled back east to do what he does best--climbing up the ranks by force--impressing that mean old Colonel when he stormed up to his office and demanded a new course of action to end the war once and for all.

The General only stared at him in disbelief and anger as his story came to end.

“What about your wife? Have you seen her yet?” the General mumbled out. “She relocated after the bombs were dropped on your home city.”

The drink cup halted midair, “I heard something like that.”

Caleb's lips curled into a grim leer, “To be honest, I’m scared. I haven't seen her at all. You had already delivered the news of my death. I assume she’s already forgotten all about me. I haven’t written, haven’t called. It was better letting her think I’m dead until I’ve accomplished what I needed to do. Until the war was over. Because I promised I would come back when it was all said and done.”

“You’re one horrible guy. She’s already suffered enough.” the General shook his head, “I should kick your ass for this.”

Caleb only hummed at the threat. “Well I guess I’m putting you in charge then. Make sure nothing happens on your end while I’m gone, yeah?” dusting off his pants as he stood up.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

 “Can’t have my wife thinking I’m a horrible guy.” 

~

It was like any other day, except the streets were filled with cheers as the majority of your town was rebuilt. The threat of airstrikes is no longer present, the relief that soldiers would be back home, your dear country would be free from old threats and you could finally breathe easy.

You couldn’t care less. It was a good thing that it was over. But it did not mitigate the fact that the war took what was most precious to you.

You walked out to the willow tree as usual, a new bundle of flowers you had grown for your baby. Softly touching the buds as the breeze made them dance in your arms. 

You halted in your steps up the small hill where your family lay. There stood an unfamiliar figure standing there, under your willow tree. A figure clad in military attire stood under the shadow of the tree. You could only see his back, see that he stood unmoving as he gazed down at the spots that lay. You frowned, not sure if it was safer to approach or to leave. But who in the world would visit such a place?

With the sensation of your unsure eyes burning into the back of his head, the figure turned his head slightly, eyes widening at your presence.

You were beautiful.

What’s important is that you look healthy. Your hair swayed in the slight breeze, the dress you wore complimented your tone, the pretty flowers in your arms adding to the flare, and the setting sun on your figure brought it all together. He turned towards you fully, reaching up to slowly take off his hat, revealing the mauve eyes with the sparkle of pink swirling within them that charmed you from the start. 

The bundle of flowers dropped from your arms onto the meadow ground. You sucked in a breath. Your heartbeat picked up in pace, the sound loudly resounding in your ears. Your eyes blurred for a moment, not sure what you were seeing was real. Your hands switched at your sides, unsure to reach out to the figure and be disappointed at the mirage.

You began lightly laughing, tears burning your eyes. Your body began to shake at the sight your mind was tricking you with. There was an uncomfortable lump in your throat that you tried to swallow down. You looked down at the ground, aggressively wiping at your face to get rid of the tears and the snot that was coming out.

He swallowed in nervousness, trying his best to maintain a neutral face to gauge your actions.

He slowly approached you, taking small steps to not startle you.

“What’s happening to me?” you tittered, voice sore from the lump in your throat that you tried to push down. “You’re supposed to be gone. Why am I seeing now? I…I was over this. I was. Why?” you mumbled through the ache in your throat.

You felt gloved hands softly grab your hands, stopping you from rubbing your face raw. You sniffled as you looked up into the eyes that always enchanted your thoughts.

“Caleb?” your voice wobbled out, heartbroken at the sight.

His hands let go of yours and reached up to cup your face, thumbs softly wiping at the excess tears that were still escaping from your shimmering eyes.

His speech was rendered the moment he got to touch you like this. It’s been so long. So long since he’s been able to hold you like this. Able to see you alive, breathing and real like this. His heart tightened at the sight of you subconsciously leaning into his touch.

“My bride. My love. My Y/N. Did you miss me?” He reached up to brush a strand of hair as he used to do—

Abruptly, you stopped him. Pushing his hands away, eyes wide and breathing uneven, unbelieving what you were seeing, “Don’t touch me.”

“Y/N please.” he whispered desperately.

“You—You!” You screamed in disbelief, arms swinging sporadically. “You broke your promise! W-why are you here? You’re alive? You…you’re supposed to be dead!” 

“I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry Y/N.” taking in your struggle, hopelessly trying to have his touch on you again by slowly rendering your erratic movements.

“I hate you.” your voice small and broken as you continued, You crumbled in the familiar embrace as his warm arms wrapped around you.

“I’m here. I’m alive. . .Just let me hold you. . .Please. . ."

When you calmed down your feelings and thoughts, you released yourself from his familiar embrace and just stared at him. You ran your hands over his arms, his chest, and up to his face to make sure that his solid mass was real and not an illusion. He nuzzled into your hand silently and kissed your palm before looking at you too.

"You're really here?" you asked in a small voice.

"Yes, I'm here. Like I promised."

You nodded at his confirmation and took a deep breath and looked down, "Oh no, the flowers." You reached down to pick them up but he beat you to it.

"It's for us isn't it?" he asked.

"Mhm" you gently answered.

With the flowers in one arm, he used his other to grab your hand. Slowly walking with you back to the willow tree and standing in front of the memorial. He let go of your hand to bend down and place the flowers down.

"Hi my baby. Daddy's here now. I'm so sorry I couldn't be here sooner. But I'll take care of mommy now okay?"

Your eyes began to water all over again, looking at your family together like this had you feeling conflicted. If only you could've been in a different world with your small family. When he stood back up, he turned towards you and embraced you strongly and whispered in your ear, "You're so strong baby. No apology of mine will make it better, but I will continue to beg for forgiveness until the end of time."

Two broken lovers now stood in the meadow picking up the shattered pieces among the forgotten rubble, the setting sun disappearing to make way for its lover to shine down.

~

It was an odd adjustment, having him back in your life. The night he came back, he carried you back to your house and you both slept the rest of night away in saddened tiredness. You had never heard your mother scream bloody murder until she had come to wake you up the next morning and found him lying there with you.

That dinner was one of the most awkward moments of your life considering she wouldn’t stop the suspicious looks she gave him when he explained all the events that went down.

He was close to you all the time. Wouldn’t let you out of his sight, like he was scared you wouldn't be there if you turned the corner or walked down the hall without him. He held you closer at night. Tangling your limbs in bed, seeming to want to merge your bodies into one, breathing in tandem, eye gazing, timid soft brushes of lips against your skin.

You were scared to ask when he would return to duty. His excuse being that the motherland was too busy to notice the Colonel was missing in action. Besides, he 'missed out on all the actual husband duties'.

He became a true house husband. Cleaning around, taking care of the groceries, cooking the meals, doing the laundry, etc. You could only stare in awe every time he did something. Like one rub of your eye and the illusion would break. But here he was. Acting like the little routine you both had was going on for decades now. Now he helped you out in the garden and tended to the pesky bugs with you. Anything to be close to you.

One day he had disappeared from the house without a word and you almost had a mental break down until he came back holding a box with cut holes in it. His confused and concerned face making you feel guilt. He held you close and whispered how everything was just fine and he would be more mindful of those sort of things. Then you felt the soft wet licks of a tongue before you realized he had went out and rescued a puppy for the both of you.

Eventually, you mother decided the house wouldn't fit you all and she offered to move out despite the protests from you both. But she insisted that a married couple needed their space.

Caleb was the one to walk her out at last.

She sighed, turning to him with a serious look and firmly spoke, “Y/N was really broken. Please don’t disappear again. I never want to see her like that again, son.”

Caleb’s eyes shined at the small acceptance of his mother. Nodding solemnly at their silent promise. She patted him on his cheek and went on her way. “Take care.”

That night in bed Caleb held you even tighter, you even had to hit him and yell at him to back off because you weren’t able to breathe.

~

You were on top of him, arms curled around his neck as you littered kisses on his face.

“I held to my end of the promise. I came back to you under the circumstance that the war was over.”

“Oh I bet the Colonel didn’t like that very much.”

“He did not. But no one was getting in my way of finding out how to end the war and find my way back to you after I heard what happened to the city. It's nice here though, you chose well baby."

I wanted to reach out after he told me the news of my death was communicated to you. See if you survived. To tell you I was alive. To tell you not to worry. But I thought it was better knowing I was gone so you could focus on keeping yourself safe. That way I could focus on one goal at a time.”

“Such a stupid way of thinking Caleb.” you shook your head and pouted at him.

“I know, I’m stupid. I half expected you to jump in my arms or at least beat me up when I showed my face again.” you just gave him a glare in return.

“Of course, there were some setbacks.” He said, sheepishly gesturing to his half mutilated limb. He lightly shivered at the grazing of your hand over his new scars that covered half of the right side of his body.

You tangled your fingers into his rough textured hand, the one last reminder of the travesties he had faced. “That doesn’t matter. You’re alive. You came back to me alive Caleb.” pressing a kiss to his hand.

His rough hands roamed around your backside, sending shivers down your spine as your breaths began to pick up in speed. Your mouths started out in a slow dance before becoming brash and you both kissed each other harder. You began grinding your pussy against the tented fabric below you. His hand reached under your nightgown to grip and grab your fleshy ass, reaching to the front of your panties to draw tantalizing circles against your mound. He moaned into your mouth at the wet feeling. He pulled his hand away and pulled away from your lips, looking at you with a lustful gaze. He gripped your hips before slowly rolling you on the side and onto your backside so he could look at you from above.

"Such a pretty wife I have." he mumbled out.

You couldn't help the small whimper that left you. He reached down to grab your breasts and massaged them in his big hands, occasionally flicking your nipples. He then put his mouth to your tit and began taking turns sucking each. While his mouth was occupied, his hands went back down to your panties and peeled them off of you, putting his fingers to work to open you up.

"So good baby." you moaned out, fingers running through his hair, body getting hotter with the way he was working you up.

He pulled away, spit connecting his tongue to your body, and pumped a little deeper into your pussy. Mesmerized by the sight of you beginning to writhe. He slowly pulled his fingers out and watched the way your breasts moved up and down at your shallow breaths.

"Hold on doll, I got you. Caleb's got you, just wait."

You watched with bated breath as he pulled his pants and boxers down, his dick flush against his abdomen. It was the right length and girth for your greedy pussy to take. Oh, you hadn't had it in so long.

"Let me suck it, Caleb. Please." you whined.

"No, baby. We have plenty of time for that. Right now I want to be stuffed in my wife's sweet cunt." He bent down to give a kiss to your pulsating hole, licking up your building juices and spitting it back on it. He lined himself up and ground the tip against your clit. Your whines and thrashing is what gave him the signal that he could push in.

"Ugnh, so good. Hahh, I missed this so much." He slowly pulled halfway out before pushing back in, groaning at the tight grip you had on him.

You could feel the raw feeling of his cock deep within, every vein, every pulsation. You subconsciously tightened your walls on him once he set up a steady rhythm.

"Hnn, doll don't do that, you're going to make me cum too fast."

Soon, he grabbed one leg and lifted it to his hip bone, hand tight on your knee, hitting a new gooey spot that make you whimpered in pleasure. Then he began raising it further up to where your calf rested on his shoulder. He began pistoning in and out faster, breaths uneven as he beat up your pussy.

"God, this pussy is heavenly. Could stay here forever, can't believe I married this, can't believe i get to have this all the time ahhh" He turned his head to the leg resting on his shoulder and began pressing small kisses to your calf. You clenched your foot at the sight and gasped at the sudden sensation of your orgasm hitting you so fast.

"Oh god! Caleb! I- I'm coming, coming!" he chuckled at the sight of you throwing your head back in pleasure, reaching his other hand down to play with your sensitive clit to help you ride out your orgasm. "Yes baby, just like that, just like that, so good for me." keeping his thrusts at the same pace, then switching to a deeper stroke to deliver himself to cum.

All through the night he delivered his and your pleasure. The love making lasted for hours, sheets ruined and bodies littered with marks by the end of it. After being away for so long, the unison of your bodies couldn't be stopped.

"Ah! Caleb stop!" you said, hitting him to get his grimy hands away form your breasts. "They're all swollen now."

"But they're mine" he pouted.

"They won't be if you don't give me a break, you big baby."

"But I'm your big baby." He winked at you. He grabbed your hand and kissed your wedding ring.

“Thank you.” the sudden change stopped your protests as you looked at him in confusion.

“Thank you for marrying me Y/N. Thank you for making me keep my promise.”

~

“Pwshhhhh! Vrooommm! Captain we’re going down! AHHH TAKE COVER!” came the loud child’s voice.

His father's laughter and goading following, "Hurry Captain we must deploy out parachutes!"

You lean against the backdoor, watching him play with the model airplanes he built with your son . The baby in your arms wriggles around and you shush her back to peaceful slumber. Your index finger carefully caresses her soft chubby cheek.

He looks up at you, giving his charming smile, his violaceous eyes glowing in admiration. You smiled back.

He came back to you, just as promised.

BLUE LOCK

GENSHIN IMPACT

Diluc Ragnvindr

And I, I love you [editing]

Il Dottore/Zandik

Therefore, you and me [editing]

Lyney Snezhevich

The Court Jester [wip]

IKEMEN PRINCE

Queendom series (arranged marriage au) [wip]

JUJUTSU KAISEN

Choso Kamo

The haunting [wip]

his makeup ✿

Higuruma Hiromi

court in session ☆✿

drabble ☆ & imagine ✿

Nanami Kento

hopelessly devoted to you [editing]

LOVE & DEEPSPACE

Caleb

Promises (full fic)

TEARS OF THEMIS

TOKYO REVENGERS

Ran Haitani

In too deep [editing]

Hanma Shuji

We need a resolution [wip]

TWISTED WONDERLAND

Divus Crewel

Scoundrel [editing]

Malleus Draconia

Overblot [wip]

Vil Schoenheit

Tall, Blonde, Dark & Mean [editing]

MISCELLANEOUS

drabbles/imagines:

helping you get off ☆

massage ☆

study reward ☆

soft argument ✿

riding ☆

face the wall ☆

pretty when he cries ✿

headshots:

oneshots:

Reconcile (Kishibe) [editing]

Pale Moonlight (working title) (Alucard/Vlad III Tepes Count Dracula or wtv) [wip]