Z☀️

Living in New York City while actually attending university was nothing like the glossy film strips shown in movie theaters, the kind where everything looks soft, golden, and effortlessly romantic. There was no affordable, sunlit apartment with reliable hot water, no lazy weekends spent at some vintage café eating overpriced brunch while laughing about last night’s hookups. That version of New York barely existed. Maybe it did, but not here.

The reality was harsher, sharper around the edges. It was survival dressed up as ambition. You either smiled tightly and said, “I love it here,” even after nearly getting mugged on your way home, or you admitted quietly, reluctantly that the city was chewing you up. There was no in-between. That was New York. 

Y/N had been living here for five years now. Five years of crowded subways, dinners, and conversations with self-proclaimed “real New Yorkers” who never failed to remind her: “You’re not a New Yorker. Five years? That’s nothing. You have no idea—”

She had heard it all.

Still, she liked it here. Not in the romanticized way people imagined, but in a stubborn, grounded way. It was better than the small town she came from: different, louder, more unforgiving, but alive in a way that place had never been.

She moved to the city to study psychology, picking up a few photography courses on the side because it was the only creative outlet she could realistically afford. At university, she found her way into conversations easily, slipping into discussions about music or movies, just enough to secure a spot during trivia nights or group hangouts. She was a people person, the kind who wasn’t afraid to walk into a room and make herself known. Not by shouting, necessarily but she could. If she had to.

More often, it was her energy. The easy smile, the willingness to debate something trivial like whether autumn was actually the best season or completely overrated for a vibe that lasted, at best, four weeks. 

But there was one person who didn’t seem impressed by any of that.

Peter Parker.

Her neighbor. One floor below.

Y/N had first met him when she went to pick up a package he had signed for three days earlier. At the time, she thought he was ridiculously cute. Curly brown hair, freckles scattered across his nose like constellations, the kind of face that made you do a double take. Cute. Or hot. Honestly, it depended on the angle.

“You have my package!” Y/N said brightly, standing in the hallway in an oversized Ferris Bueller’s Day Off T-shirt.

Peter barely opened the door, peering at her with an exhausted expression. “I do?”

“Well, I got the email saying you picked it up… three days ago,” she replied, still smiling.

He stared at her for a second, then turned without another word, disappearing back into his apartment. Y/N leaned ever so slightly, curiosity getting the better of her as she tried to glance inside but before she could make out anything, Peter reappeared, holding the box out to her.

“Here.”

She flinched a little, startled, before laughing it off. “Ah—great! Thanks. I’m Y/N, by the way. Your neighbor. Upstairs.”

Peter nodded once. “Cool.”

“Cool,” she echoed awkwardly, adjusting her grip on the package. Her eyes dropped to his hoodie, catching the familiar university logo. Her face lit up. “Empire State? I go there too!”

Peter pressed his lips together, like he was debating whether to respond at all. 

He hadn’t always been like this. 

There was a time when Peter Parker was easy to talk to, when he carried a kind of warmth that naturally drew people in. He used to laugh more, speak faster, ramble about things he loved—Star Wars, half-baked theories about shows he watched with Ned, little details that made him feel… alive.

That version of him felt like a different person now.

Ever since his life had been rewritten, since the spell that made the world forget who he was—being Peter Parker felt… distant. Like trying to wear a name that no longer fit. He moved through life quietly, carefully, as if any misstep might remind the universe he wasn’t supposed to exist like this.

Spider-Man, though… that was different.

Spider-Man had purpose.

In the years after everything changed, he built himself into something the city could rely on. When chaos broke out, he was there. When danger surfaced, he faced it head-on. He had been there during the uprising against Fisk, there when the streets turned volatile, there every time New York needed someone to step in.

The city knew Spider-Man.

But Peter Parker?

Peter Parker could barely hold a conversation that lasted two minutes. Standing in that hallway, looking at Y/N—bright, open, so effortlessly present, he felt that familiar disconnect settle in his chest. 

“Yeah,” he said finally, voice flat. “I know’’

Y/N’s eyes widened in surprise. She let out a small laugh, a little too quick, a little too hopeful, brushing a hand through her hair. “Really?—I mean, how come you never talk t—”

Peter pointed down at her feet. “You wear their socks.”

Y/N blinked. Then she looked down. Bright yellow socks. Empire State University logo. Slightly mismatched, one stretched more than the other. She nodded slowly, like she was processing devastating news. “Right.” A beat passed. “Well,” she said, lifting her head again, forcing a smile back onto her face, “in my defense, they were free.”

Peter leaned against the doorframe, completely unmoved. “Yeah. That tracks.”

She squinted at him. “What does that mean?”

“It means,” he said flatly, “you look like someone who’d get excited over free socks.”

Y/N placed a hand over her chest, mock-offended. “Wow. Okay. First of all, I do get excited over free things. That’s just financially responsible.”

“Sure.”

“And second of all,” she continued, gesturing between them, “this is the longest conversation we’ve ever had, and you’re using it to bully me.”

“I’m not bullying you,” Peter said. “I’m observing.”

“Observing?” she echoed.

“Yeah.”

“Like a scientist?”

He shrugged. “More like… someone stuck in a hallway.”

Y/N stared at him, then let out a short laugh, shaking her head. “You’re unbelievable.”

“I’ve been told worse.”

“I’m sure you have,” she shot back, shifting the package in her arms. “Do you always talk like this, or am I just lucky?”

“You’re lucky.”

“Wow,” she deadpanned. “I feel honored.” Another pause settled between them but this one felt different. Less awkward. Almost… intentional. Y/N rocked slightly on her heels, glancing past him into his apartment again before catching herself. “So… you knew I go to Empire State because of my socks.”

“Yes.”

“And you’ve just… never said anything.”

“No.”

“Not even like a ‘hey, same university’ kind of thing?”

Peter shook his head once. “Didn’t seem necessary.”

She let out an incredulous laugh. “You are so weird.”

“Yeah.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“Yeah.”

Y/N studied him for a second, really looked at him this time. The tired eyes, the way he held himself like he was halfway out the door even when he was standing still. Then she smiled again. Softer now, but just as stubborn. “Well,” she said, adjusting her grip on the box, “I talk enough for two people, so I think this could work.”

Peter raised an eyebrow. “This?”

“Yeah. This whole… neighbor situation.”

“We already are neighbors.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I don’t.”

She sighed dramatically. “Of course you don’t.”

Peter pushed himself off the doorframe slightly, already inching back toward the safety of his apartment. “Anything else?”

Y/N glanced down at her package, then back at him. “…No.”

“Cool.”

“But,” she added quickly, stepping back before he could close the door, “I’ll probably see you around. Since, you know—same building, same school, same free sock community.”

Peter stared at her. “…Okay.”

She grinned. “Okay—- bye!” Y/N said quickly, turning on her heel and speed-walking down the hallway like she hadn’t just completely embarrassed herself.

Peter watched her go for a second. Then quietly shut the door. “…Free socks,” he muttered to himself.

After that interaction five years ago, it never really changed. Not in the way people expected things to change. There was no slow-burn friendship, no sudden deep conversations at 2 a.m., no “we actually got close over time” kind of story. It stayed exactly what it had been in that in ESU’s hallway: slightly awkward, weirdly consistent, and entirely one-sided in terms of enthusiasm.

Y/N would spot him during the week, usually when he was clearly in a rush and immediately latch on. “Peter!”

He wouldn’t stop walking.

She would for approximately half a second. Then she’d jog after him. “So—how’s life?” she’d ask, falling into step beside him like she had every right to be there.

“Fine.”

“Cool, cool, cool. That’s great. Love that for you. Hey—do you like 70s bands?”

“No.”

“You don’t even know which ones I’m talking about.”

“I do.”

She ignored that. “Trivia night. Thursday. You should come.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to.”

“Okay, but like—emotionally, or—”

“Physically.”

She huffed, walking backwards in front of him now. “You’re no fun.”

“Yeah I heard that.”

“Yeah, I can imagine,” she muttered, then brightened again instantly. “Anyway, I’ll save you a seat.”

“Don’t.”

She pointed at him. “Too late.” And just like that, she’d disappear into a classroom, leaving Peter standing there for half a second longer than necessary before continuing on like nothing happened.

Then there were the days he didn’t show up at all. No hallway sightings. No late-night footsteps. No door opening, no dry one-word responses. Y/N would notice. She told herself she didn’t.

“He’s probably just busy,” she’d say casually to whoever was around. Or, “Maybe he’s on vacation.” Which, realistically, didn’t make sense. Peter Parker didn’t seem like the vacation type. He barely seemed like the take a break type. Still, she never asked.

And then he’d reappear like nothing happened. Same hoodie. Same tired eyes. Same “cool.”

Sometimes, their interactions were… different. Like the nights Y/N came home drunk. The stairwell light would flicker, her steps uneven, one hand dragging along the wall for balance as she muttered to herself about something that made perfect sense in her head. “…and I told her, autumn is overrated—like, yeah, the leaves are pretty, but it’s basically just—just dying, you know? It’s like aesthetic decay—”

Her foot would miss a step and before gravity could fully commit—a hand would catch her arm.

Steady. Firm. She’d blink up, trying to focus. “…Neighbor?”

He stood there with a laundry basket tucked against his hip, looking down at her like this was, at best, mildly inconvenient. “You’re gonna fall,” he said.

“I’m not—” she swayed. “I’m fine. Besides— that was super superheroing”

“You’re not.” He grimaces. ,,supeheroing is not even a word’

,,It is now’ She squinted at him, then smiled suddenly, wide and unfiltered. “You’re, like… really good at catching people.”

“Yeah.”

“You do that often?”

“More than I’d like.”

“That’s kinda hot.”

Peter didn’t react at all. He just adjusted his grip on the laundry basket. “You have your keys?”

Y/N frowned like this was a deeply philosophical question. “…Probably.”

“Find them.”

She dug into her bag with the intensity of someone searching for buried treasure. “If I don’t have them, can I just—like—sleep in the hallway?”

“No.”

“Your place?”

“No.”

“Wow,” she said, pulling out her keys triumphantly. “You’re so mean to me.”

“You’re drunk.”

“And?”

“And you’ll forget this tomorrow.”

She gasped softly. “I never forget emotional moments.”

“This isn’t one.”

She stared at him for a second, then leaned in slightly, lowering her voice like she was about to reveal something important. “I think you secretly like me.”

“I don’t.”

She nodded slowly, completely unconvinced. “Yeah. That sounds fake.”

Peter guided her toward her apartment door, letting go only once she was steady enough to stand on her own.

“Get inside,” he said.

She fumbled with the lock, then paused, looking back at him over her shoulder. “You’re a good guy, you know that, neighbor?”

He didn’t answer. Just stood there, laundry basket in hand, waiting. She smiled at him one last time before pushing the door open and stumbling inside. ,,Byeeeeeee thank’s for saving me’ The door shut.

Peter stayed there for a moment longer than necessary. Then he exhaled quietly, shifted the laundry basket, and continued up the stairs like it hadn’t meant anything at all. It wasn’t that he was trying to avoid her specifically. He avoided everyone. Keeping attention away from himself had become second nature, something rooted in fear more than preference. He couldn’t risk losing more people. He couldn’t allow anyone into his life who might end up being threatened because of his other persona.

Y/N, though… she seemed like a genuinely nice person.

He often overheard her in the hallway, chatting easily with neighbors he didn’t even realize existed. Apparently, someone in the building sold homemade honey in jars, something he only learned because Y/N had spent ten minutes enthusiastically discussing it outside his door one afternoon.

To him, she was… bright. Outgoing in a way that felt effortless. Like she carried a drop of sunshine inside her, something that made the run-down, slightly miserable apartment complex feel a little less like hell.

He used to be like that.

Sometimes, he missed that version of himself and because of that, he kept his distance even more. He didn’t want what happened to him to happen to her.

On a Friday night, Y/N threw a party in her apartment.

It wasn’t anything extravagant, she just needed to blow off some steam before exam season hit everyone like a truck. She invited a mix of people from campus, including her good friend Alice, who happened to share a module with Peter.

“Wait—you know Peter?” Y/N asked, sipping from a red plastic cup as she leaned against the kitchen counter.

The apartment was crowded but comfortable, packed with around thirty people. Alternative rock hummed through the speakers, blending with laughter and overlapping conversations. The lights were dim, casting everything in a warm, hazy glow, and the air smelled faintly of cheap alcohol and someone’s overly strong perfume.

Alice smiled slightly, her blonde hair catching the low light. “Yeah… I mean, kind of. He’s rarely in Professor Banner’s lectures, but when he is, he’s…” She paused, searching for the right word. “Distant. But we sort of understand each other.”

Y/N choked on her drink. “My neighbor can talk?” she coughed, eyes widening.

Alice blinked, then nodded slowly. “Yeah… I mean—sometimes. Everyone talks.”

“Not my neighbor,” Y/N muttered, grimacing as she set her cup down.

Alice let out a small laugh. “Why do you even call him ‘neighbor’?”

Y/N shrugged, completely unapologetic. “I like giving people nicknames.”

Alice raised an eyebrow. “That’s not a nickname. That’s just… what he is.”

Y/N pointed at her. “Exactly. It’s ironic.”

“…That’s not how irony works.”

Y/N waved her off, already reaching for another drink. “Details.” 

A couple of guys stumbled into the kitchen, clearly already a few drinks in. One of them, Paul, leaned against the doorframe, grinning like he’d just had the best idea of his life.

“Hey, Y/L/N,” he called out, his words slightly slurred, “do you have any limes? We wanna do, like—tequila shots. A whole game thing.” He hiccuped mid-sentence, which immediately sent the others into laughter.

Y/N turned toward them with an easy smile. “Yeah, hold on—I’ll check.”

She made her way to the fridge, pulling it open and scanning the shelves. Bottles. Leftovers. Questionable containers she didn’t remember putting there.

No limes.

Her smile slowly dropped. “…Crap.”

Alice leaned closer, trying to peek inside. “What’s wrong?”

“No limes.”

Alice frowned. “No dimes?”

Y/N shut the fridge a little harder than necessary. “No, I said no limes—”

She stopped mid-sentence, then her expression shifted. Y/N turned her head toward Alice, a grin spreading across her face. “I’ll check if my neighbor has some.”

Alice blinked. “…Your neighbor neighbor?”

“The one and only,” Y/N said, already moving toward the door.

Alice grabbed her arm lightly. “You’re seriously leaving your own party to ask the human equivalent of a brick wall for limes?”

Y/N pulled free, unfazed. “He might have some.”

“He won’t.”

“He might.”

“He won’t.”

Y/N pointed at her as she backed out of the kitchen. “Have some faith.”

“In him?” Alice called after her.

Y/N just grinned. “In the limes.”

And with that, she slipped out into the hallway, on a mission that was, at best, unnecessary… and at worst, a terrible idea.

Y/N had always been like that. Full of impulsive ideas that balanced somewhere between stupid and weirdly clever. She lived by the quiet philosophy of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off—that life was too long to be serious all the time, and sometimes you just had to do something reckless because you could.

Unfortunately, this was one of those moments.

She tried to make her way back to her apartment door, but the hallway was packed with people spilling out from her own party, laughing, shouting, blocking every possible path.

“Okay—nope,” she muttered, already turning around.

Plan B.

The fire escape.

Within seconds, she slipped into her room, pushed the window open, and climbed out onto the metal platform. The cool night air hit her face immediately, a sharp contrast to the warm, crowded apartment behind her. Music thumped faintly through the walls as she carefully made her way down the stairs toward the level below.

Peter’s window.

She leaned forward slightly, gripping the railing as she tried to peek inside.

Completely dark.

Y/N frowned. “Of course,” she mumbled. “Because he definitely has a life on a Friday night.”

Still, she knocked against the glass.

Once.

Twice.

Then louder.

“Hey—neighbor!” she called, pressing closer to the window. “You alive in there, or did you finally turn into a ghost?”

No response.

She sighed, leaning her forehead briefly against the cool glass. “Great. No limes, no neighbor, no dignity—”

Something hit the wall next to her. Y/N jumped back with a startled scream. “AHHH—!” She whipped around and froze. Spider-Man clung to the brick wall just a few feet away, one hand still pressed against it from where he had landed. His head tilted slightly, the white lenses of his mask wide. “…Uh—”

Y/N stared at him, completely stunned. Her brain visibly tried to catch up with reality. “…Okay,” she said slowly, raising a hand like she was pausing the situation. “So either I’m way more drunk than I thought—” She pointed at him. “—or you’re Spider-Man.”

Spider-Man didn’t move. “I wish I could say you are drunk but no— I am Spider-Man,” he said finally.

Y/N nodded once, like that confirmed everything. “Cool.” She turned back toward the window, knocking on it again like nothing had just happened. “HEY—NEIGHBOR!” she shouted. “Do you have limes?!”

Spider-Man just stared at her. “…You’re kidding.”

She glanced back at him, completely serious. “No, this is time-sensitive.”

He shifted slightly on the wall. “You’re on a fire escape. At night. Yelling.”

“Yes.”

“You almost fell.”

“I didn’t.”

“You did.”

She waved him off. “That’s not the point.”

“…What is the point?”

“I need limes.”

Another pause. Spider-Man blinked behind the mask. “…For what?”

“Tequila shots.”

He stared at her. “…You climbed out of your apartment. Onto a fire escape. To ask your neighbor for limes. For tequila shots.”

“Yes,” she said, like it was obvious. Then she squinted at him slightly. “…Are you judging me?”

“I’m processing this.”

“Well, process faster,” she shot back. “People are waiting.”

Spider-Man looked at her for a long second. “…Stay there,” he said instead, already pushing himself off the wall.

Y/N blinked. “Where else would I—?”

He was gone.

She stared at the empty space where he had been, the city noise rushing back in to fill the silence. “…Okay,” she muttered to herself, gripping the railing. “Cool. Love that. Very mysterious. Very dramatic exit.” She leaned back against the metal bars, squinting out into the night. “Wow,” she added under her breath. “Even Spider-Man ghosts me.”

Three minutes. That’s how long she waited. Long enough for her buzz to settle slightly. Long enough for her to start questioning her life choices. “Alright,” she said to no one, pushing herself upright. “New plan. We accept defeat. We go back inside. We drink tequila without limes like civilized peo—”

A red blur swung back into view. She yelped again, grabbing the railing. “OH MY—can you not do that?!”

Spider-Man landed lightly in front of her, something small clutched in his hand. “…You scream a lot,” he said.

“You appear out of nowhere!” she shot back, clutching her chest. “That’s on you.”

He ignored that, holding out his hand.

Limes.

Fresh. Bright green. Slightly dewy, like they had just come out of a fridge.

Y/N blinked. “…You just carry limes around?” she asked slowly.

“No.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Then where did you get them?”

“…Deli,” he said.

“You—” she pointed at him, incredulous, “you went to a deli?”

“Yes.”

“For me?”

“…For the limes.”

Y/N stared at him for a long second. Then her face broke into a wide, delighted grin. “You are really the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.”

“I’m efficient.”

“You left—” she gestured vaguely into the city, “—swung somewhere, bought limes, and came back, all in like… what, three minutes?”

“Four.”

“Four,” she repeated, nodding. “Right. Of course. That makes it normal.” He held the limes out again, a little more insistently this time. “Take them.”

“Oh—right!” She quickly grabbed them, almost dropping one before catching it against her chest. “These are beautiful. Honestly, ten out of ten limes.”

He stared at her. “…They’re just limes.”

“No, no,” she shook her head, completely serious. “These are hero limes. There’s a difference.”

“…I regret this,” he muttered, but he has a little smile behind his mask.

“You don’t,” she shot back immediately. “This is the highlight of your night.”

“It’s not.”

“It is.”

“It’s not.”

She grinned. “It is.”

“…Go back inside,” he said.

Y/N clutched the limes like a prize. “I will. My people need me.”

“They don’t.”

“They do. There’s a tequila situation.”

He looked at her like that explained nothing. She took a step toward the stairs, then paused, turning back to him. “…Hey.” He didn’t respond, but his head tilted slightly. “Thanks,” she said, softer now. “For the… deli mission.”

“…Don’t mention it.”

“I absolutely will,” she said immediately. “No one’s gonna believe me.”

“Good.”

She laughed, already climbing back up toward her window. “See you around, Spider-Man!”

He didn’t answer. Just watched as she disappeared back inside, music spilling out briefly before the window shut behind her. The fire escape fell quiet again. Peter stayed there for a moment longer than necessary. Then he looked down at his hands.

“…Deli,” he muttered to himself, like he couldn’t quite believe it either. But he still had a little smile behind his mask. A stupid little smile.

The next morning hit New York like it always did: too bright, too loud, and entirely unconcerned with anyone’s headache. Y/N was already halfway regretting her life choices before she even reached the stairwell. Her hair was tied up messily, sunglasses doing absolutely nothing indoors, and she was clutching a energy she didn’t remember buying. The apartment hallway smelled faintly like last night’s alcohol and spilled optimism.

She stepped out of her apartment just in time to see him.

Peter Parker.

Walking down the stairs like he hadn’t just indirectly caused a minor existential crisis in her life twelve hours ago.

“Peter!” she called immediately.

He paused mid-step, slowly turned his head. “…Yeah.” That tone again. Flat. Guarded. Like he was already preparing for something he didn’t want to deal with.

Y/N lit up instantly. “Oh my God, perfect timing. I need to talk to you.”

“I’m on my way out.”

“No, you’re on your way into a conversation.”

“I didn’t agree to that.”

She was already moving toward him. “You don’t have to. It’s happening anyway.”

Peter stared at her for a second as she reached him on the stairs, clearly debating whether continuing downward at full speed was an option. It wasn’t. She had already positioned herself like a blockade.

“Is this about the party?” he asked.

She gasped. “It’s not just about the party.”

A beat.

“…It’s partly about the party—- wait you remembered that I had a party where you were invited.” She grins out of satisfaction.

Peter exhaled slowly, like he was trying to conserve patience for something more important in his life. “Okay.”

Y/N grabbed his wrist. “Come with me.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“I have class.”

“No one has a class on Saturday. You have coffee.”

“I don’t drink coffee.”

“That’s fake.”

He tried to step around her. She stepped in front again.

Peter stopped. Looked at her. “…You’re blocking a staircase.”

“And you’re emotionally unavailable,” she replied instantly. “We all have struggles.”

Peter blinked once. “…What happened last night?”

That was all she needed. Her entire face changed.

“Oh my GOD,” she said, releasing his wrist only to immediately start gesturing wildly. “Okay. So. First of all. My party? Insane. Like, legally it should’ve been louder than it was. There were people. So many people. I lost at least two conversations and a cup of something I’m pretty sure was not juice.”

Peter didn’t move, but his head tilted slightly.

Y/N continued, pacing one step down, then back up again for dramatic effect. “And then Paul shows up, right? And he’s like—” she dropped her voice into a terrible imitation, “‘Do you have limes? We need tequila shots like it’s a sport.’”

Peter’s mouth twitched. Just slightly. “Go on,” he said.

That alone made her pause. “Wait—are you… interested?”

“No,” he said immediately. Then, after a beat: “…Continue.”

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him but kept going. “So I check the fridge. No limes. Tragedy. Absolute collapse of civilization. Alice suggests I give up. I refuse. Obviously.”

Peter folded his arms. “So you went where?”

She pointed at him like she was delivering courtroom testimony. “Fire escape.”

He closed his eyes for a moment. “…Of course you did.”

“I had a system,” she insisted. “It made sense at the time. Anyway. I go to your window—”

“My window.”

“Yes, your window, don’t interrupt the narrative flow—”

“I’m not—”

“And you weren’t there.”

Peter nodded slowly. “I wasn’t.”

“Exactly,” she said, pointing triumphantly. “So I’m knocking on your window like a normal person—”

“Normal.”

“—and suddenly Spider-Man shows up.”

Peter froze. Just slightly as if it wasn’t the first time he has to pretend to be shocked. Then recovered almost immediately. “Spider-Man.”

“Yes,” she said seriously. “Him.”

“…At my window.”

“Yes.”

Peter looked at her for a long second. “…Right.”

Y/N leaned in slightly. “And listen. I don’t know what your opinion on him is, but I think he might be, like, a little unwell.”

Peter blinked. “Unwell?”

“Because why is he on walls at night and also emotionally committed to grocery errands?”

That got him. A small, genuine laugh escaped before he could stop it.

Y/N stopped mid-gesture. “…Did you just laugh at me?”

“No.”

“You did.”

“I didn’t.”

“You did,” she repeated, pointing at him again. “That was a laugh.”

Peter rubbed his hand over his mouth, trying to hide it. “Continue your story.”

She narrowed her eyes but resumed. “So anyway, he tells me to stay there. Disappears. Comes back FOUR minutes later with limes from a deli.”

Peter’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “…Four minutes?”

“Yes.”

“That’s fast.”

“That’s not the point,” she said immediately. “The point is that your city’s superhero is doing Uber Eats side quests for me.”

Peter let out another small, involuntary huff of amusement.

Y/N noticed. “Okay, you’re enjoying this.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“I’m not.”

“You’re smiling.”

“I’m not smiling.”

“You are emotionally smiling.”

Peter exhaled, looking away briefly like he was trying not to encourage her. “…You’re ridiculous.”

“Thank you,” she said proudly. “Anyway, I need coffee after this. And you’re coming.”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.”

“I literally just said I’m not.”

She had already started walking.

Peter didn’t move at first, then he sighed and followed.

The coffee shop was two blocks away, small and slightly too warm inside, filled with the soft hum of morning conversations and the smell of burnt espresso. Y/N pushed the door open like she owned the place.

Peter followed more cautiously, hands in his pockets. “You didn’t have to drag me here,” he said.

“I did,” she replied immediately, already walking toward the counter. “This is emotional processing.”

“That’s not what coffee is.”

“It is for me.”

Peter watched as she ordered something aggressively complicated, then turned to him expectantly. 

“What?”

“I said I don’t drink coffee.”

“That’s fine,” she said, waving it off. “You can just emotionally support me while I consume caffeine.”

“That’s not a thing.”

“It is now.”

He sighed again but didn’t leave. They sat by the window, sunlight spilling across the table. Y/N talked with her hands again, reenacting parts of the night like she was performing a one-woman play, occasionally slamming the table for emphasis. Peter watched her for a while, expression unreadable—but softer than usual.

At one point, she leaned back, grinning.

“So,” she said, “your Spider-Man is insane.”

Peter took a sip of water. “…My Spider-Man?”

She nodded. “Yeah. I feel like you’d know him. You give off ‘I know things’ energy.”

Peter almost choked. “…I don’t.”

“Mm-hm,” she said, unconvinced. Then she pointed at him with her cup. “Anyway, I’m telling everyone I know he did a deli run for me.”

Peter shook his head slowly, a small smile still lingering. “You’re going to get yourself in trouble one day.”

She grinned. “Probably.”

And for some reason, that didn’t make him laugh less.

Ი𐑼 yeah so it’s short , just a little thought and concept but I will definitely write a longer fic about this <3 I’m not prepared for the person I’m going to become when the movie is out … I’m already freaking out from the trailer 🤓

After the coffee, something shifted. Not all at once. Not dramatically. It happened in small, almost invisible ways. Peter wasn’t the type to text first, ask someone to hang out, or suddenly become outgoing. That version of him had disappeared years ago. His days belonged to Spider-Man now, patrolling rooftops until sunrise, attending lectures half-asleep, squeezing in homework whenever he could. Peter Parker had become whatever time remained after everyone else had gotten their share.

There wasn’t much left. Yet somehow, without meaning to, he found himself saving a little of it for Y/N. 

It started with the stairwell.

He’d run into her on his way towards his apartment, usually carrying groceries or balancing three psychology textbooks against her hip. What began as a quick “Hey,” somehow turned into ten-minute conversations.

Then twenty.

Eventually, they stopped standing altogether. Instead, they’d climb onto the fire escape outside her apartment, legs dangling over the metal platform while the city buzzed beneath them. Sometimes Y/N would bring out a bowl of pasta she’d cooked, insisting there was always too much for one person. Peter always argued. “I already ate.”

“You had instant ramen.”

“…I already ate.”

She’d shove the container into his hands anyway. “That’s not food, Peter.”

“It literally is.”

“It literally shouldn’t count.”

He’d sigh in defeat and take a bite. “…Needs salt.”

She’d gasp dramatically. “You’re unbelievable.”

“It’s underseasoned.”

“It’s rustic.”

“It’s bland.”

“It’s Italian.”

“I don’t think Italy would claim this.”

She’d throw a napkin at him. Other evenings, she’d brew tea instead. Peter still refused coffee with an almost suspicious level of commitment. “I don’t trust people who willingly drink something that tastes burnt.”

Y/N stared at him. “…You lack of sleep.”

“Correct.”

“But coffee is where you draw the line? For getting a BIT of energy”

“Exactly.”

“I don’t understand you.”

“I know.”

The conversations usually revolved around university. Professor Banner’s impossible assignments. The latest campus gossip. Someone who accidentally set off the chemistry lab’s fire alarm.

Y/N always had stories. Peter preferred listening. It was easier that way.

Listening didn’t require him to reveal the parts of himself he kept stitched together. It didn’t force him to answer questions about where he’d been the night before, why he looked exhausted, or why his hands were always covered in tiny cuts that somehow appeared overnight.

Talking meant opening doors. Listening allowed him to keep them closed.

Y/N never seemed to mind.

She filled every silence naturally, hopping from one topic to another without expecting him to match her energy. She’d tell him about the old woman on the third floor who insisted pigeons were government spies. About the neighbor who sold homemade honey from tiny glass jars. About a philosophy student who spent twenty minutes arguing that cereal technically qualified as soup.

Peter rarely contributed more than a sentence. Sometimes just a word. Yet she never stopped talking.

And strangely he liked that.

There were days when she’d knock on his apartment door carrying an empty bowl. “Do you have flour?”

“…Yes.”

“Can I borrow some?” He’d hand her the bag.

The next morning she’d return it. Completely full.

“…You bought a new bag.”

“I panicked.”

“…Why?”

“I used your flour.”

“That’s… why I gave it to you.”

“…yea.”

There were other excuses. “Does your bathroom still have hot water?” Y/N asked.

“Yes.”

“Mine doesn’t.”

“It does.”

“…I know.”

“…Do you still want to come in?”

She smiled sheepishly. “…Maybe.”

Peter stepped aside. “Five minutes.” It was never five minutes. Sometimes she’d wander around his apartment while talking about a documentary she’d watched, opening the fridge without asking. “…Peter.”

“What?”

“You have ketchup.”

“Yeah.”

“And…”

“Yeah.”

“…That’s your entire fridge.” 

He looked over from the textbook he was pretending to read. “…There’s baking soda.”

She blinked. “…You’re impossible.”

Little white lies. Little excuses. Neither of them ever acknowledged them. Peter knew she wasn’t actually out of flour half the time. Y/N knew his water wasn’t magically different from everyone else’s. Still, they played along. It became their language.

Even then, there was always something just out of reach. Peter laughed more now. Not often. But enough that Y/N noticed. His sarcasm came easier. His replies grew a little longer than a single word. Sometimes she’d even catch him smiling before he realized he was doing it.

And then just as quickly the walls would return. It changed like day and night of how often he turned to be cold and not there.

She’d ask him what his favorite color was.

“…Blue.”

“What kind of blue?”

“…Blue.”

She’d laugh. “Okay… what’s your favorite movie?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’ve never watched a movie?”

“I have.”

“So?”

“…I don’t know.”

“What made you choose biophysics?”

“It made sense.”

“What do you do when you’re not studying?”

He’d hesitate. “…Walk.”

That answer never felt true. Y/N could always feel it. There was a distance in him that had nothing to do with shyness. It was deliberate. Like every answer was carefully measured before he spoke, giving away only enough to keep a conversation alive, but never enough for someone to truly know him. Sometimes she’d catch him staring out across the rooftops while she talked, his attention drifting somewhere she couldn’t follow.

As if part of him was always listening for something else. Always ready to leave. She wanted to know him. Not the quiet boy who drank tea instead of coffee and survived almost entirely on ramen.

The real Peter.

She wanted to know why he always looked exhausted. Why his knuckles were constantly scraped. Why he smiled like it was something he’d forgotten how to do. Most of all, she wanted to know what had happened to him that made someone so young carry himself like he’d already lived an entire lifetime.

Peter wanted to tell her.

Sometimes, he almost did.

There were moments, usually when they sat on the fire escape with the city glowing beneath them and Y/N was halfway through another story— that he felt an ache in his chest. An almost desperate need to let someone in. To admit that he was tired. That some mornings getting out of bed felt harder than fighting whatever villain happened to be waiting for him.

To have someone catch him before he fell.

But almost was as close as he ever allowed himself to get because almost couldn’t get anyone hurt.

Lately, something about it had started to feel unfair. Y/N was always the one carrying the conversation. She offered pieces of herself so effortlessly— stories from childhood, embarrassing moments in class, opinions about movies, books she loved, songs she couldn’t stop replaying on her iPod.

She made herself known.

Peter listened. He answered when spoken to. Occasionally he’d throw in a sarcastic remark that earned a laugh from her, but the conversation always drifted back toward Y/N because she was the only one willing to let someone look beneath the surface.

She had warned him from the very beginning. “I can talk for two people.”

Back then, he’d been grateful for it. Now he wondered if she’d gotten tired. Talking for two people sounded easy in theory.

In reality, it was exhausting.

Conversation wasn’t meant to be carried by one person forever.

Sometimes, he’d catch the brief disappointment that crossed her face after another one-word answer. She always recovered quickly, changing the subject before the silence became awkward, pretending she hadn’t expected more in the first place.

But Peter noticed. He noticed everything. He just never knew how to fix it.

One evening, Y/N left the university library long after sunset. Exam season had swallowed nearly everyone on campus whole. Her backpack was stuffed so full it barely zipped shut, while two thick psychology textbooks of Erikson or Piaget rested precariously in her arms, forcing her to tilt her chin slightly just to see where she was walking.

She’d practically been living in the library for the past week.

Coffee cups littered every surface of her apartment. Highlighters had started appearing in places they shouldn’t. She’d even begun wearing her glasses more often— not only because they genuinely helped after staring at textbooks for hours, but because they made her feel like she had her life together.

She absolutely did not. The subway had been suspended because of a signal failure, leaving hundreds of annoyed New Yorkers spilling onto the sidewalks. So… she walked. From block to block.

An old iPod rested in her jacket pocket, headphones tucked beneath her hair as music filled her ears. Y/N adored physical media. Records. CDs. Books with folded pages. An iPod packed with albums she’d spent years collecting.

She liked owning things.

Liked the comforting weight of something real in her hands instead of watching it disappear onto a cloud somewhere. Tonight’s soundtrack drowned out most of the city.

Car horns. Sirens. Footsteps.

She barely noticed any of it. Which meant she didn’t notice the man who had been walking behind her for nearly two blocks. At first, he simply matched her pace. Then he started walking faster. Y/N turned the corner toward her apartment building, hugging the books closer against her chest. The footsteps behind her sped up. Before she had time to register what was happening a hand landed against the small of her back.

Warm.

Uninvited. “Hey there, beautiful,” the stranger said with an easy, self-satisfied grin. “Why’re you walking so fast?”

Y/N flinched violently. She lurched away from his touch so quickly that one of the books nearly slipped from her arms. “What the—” She tightened her grip on the stack, her heartbeat instantly spiking. “…Why are you so touchy?” she asked, forcing sarcasm into her voice despite the panic already creeping into it.

The man laughed. “C’mon, I’m just being friendly.”

“I didn’t ask you to.”

He stepped closer anyway. “You don’t gotta be so cold.”

Y/N instinctively took another step back. There it was. That familiar feeling. The one every woman knew far too well. The quick calculation running through her mind. How many people are around? Is anyone actually paying attention? How far is my apartment? If I start running, will he follow? Her fingers tightened around the books until they hurt. She tried to smile politely. The smile women learned to wear when they wanted a situation to end without making it worse.

“I’ve… got somewhere to be.”

“So do I,” he replied with another grin.

“But I can walk you.”

“No, thanks.”

“I insist.”

“I don’t.”

The man didn’t take the hint. He took another step. Then another. Y/N matched each one with a step backward, clutching her books so tightly the edges dug into her forearms. “I said I’m fine,” she repeated, forcing her voice to stay steady.

“You don’t gotta act scared.”

“I’m not acting.”

His grin widened. “See? You’ve got jokes.”

“I don’t know you.”

“You could.”

“I don’t want to.” For a brief second, silence settled between them. Y/N thought maybe he’d finally gotten the message. Instead, his hand reached toward her again. This time, for her wrist.

Instinct took over. She jerked away, the movement throwing one of her textbooks onto the sidewalk with a heavy thud. Pages fanned open across the concrete.

“Oh, come on,” he scoffed. “Why are you making this difficult?”

“I said don’t touch me.”

A few people passed by on the opposite side of the street. No one slowed down. No one looked over. New York had mastered the art of pretending not to see. The stranger sighed dramatically, as if she was inconveniencing him. “I was just trying to be nice.”

“I don’t care.”

“You’ve got an attitude.”

“And you’ve got five seconds to leave me alone.”

He laughed. “Or what?” He reached for her again.

A sharp thwip echoed through the street. White webbing wrapped itself around his wrist before he could touch her. “What the—”

The web yanked backward with enough force to spin him around. Another strand shot out, sticking him cleanly against the brick wall beside the alley. “What is—HEY!” His feet kicked uselessly against the pavement. “You can’t do this!”

A familiar red-and-blue figure dropped soundlessly from the rooftop above. Spider-Man landed between them in a low crouch before standing to his full height. His mask turned toward Y/N first.

“You okay?”

She blinked. Her breathing was uneven. “…Spider-Man?”

He gave a small nod. Then he looked at the man glued to the wall. “So…” Spider-Man said conversationally, tilting his head. “I’m gonna go out on a limb here.”

The man struggled against the webbing. “This is a misunderstanding!”

Spider-Man ignored him. “I’m pretty sure…” he continued, “…when someone says ‘don’t touch me’…” He paused dramatically. “…the correct response is…” Another pause. “…not touching them.”

The man rolled his eyes. “Oh, come on, I wasn’t doing anything.”

Spider-Man looked at him for a long second. Then back at Y/N. Then back again. “…Interesting defense.”

“I was talking to her.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I was being friendly.”

Spider-Man nodded slowly. “Right.” Another beat. “Quick question.”

“What?”

“Did she look like she wanted to talk to you?”

The man opened his mouth. Closed it. “…No.”

“There it is.” Spider-Man clapped his hands together once. “We’re making progress.”

Y/N couldn’t help it. Despite the adrenaline still rushing through her body…a tiny laugh escaped her.

Spider-Man’s mask turned toward her. “You laughed.”

“I…” She let out a shaky breath. “Sorry.”

“No, don’t apologize.” He pointed a thumb over his shoulder toward the man. “He’s having a worse night than you.”

“I HEARD THAT!”

“I know.”

Spider-Man looked back at Y/N, his voice noticeably softer. “Did he hurt you?”

She glanced down at herself. Her wrist was fine. Her books not so much. One had landed in a puddle. “…Just my psychology textbook.”

Spider-Man followed her gaze. “…Oof.”

“I know.”

“Those are expensive.”

“They’re criminal.”

“…Technically,” Spider-Man replied, “I handle criminals.”

She snorted despite herself.

He crouched to pick up the scattered books, carefully stacking them back together before brushing dirt from the covers.

“You carry all these every day?”

“I have three exams next week.”

“…That somehow sounds scarier than my job.”

She smiled—a small, tired smile this time. “Thank you.”

He handed the books back to her. Their fingers almost touched. Almost. “You don’t have to thank me.”

“I do.”

“You really don’t.”

“I really do.”

For a second, neither of them spoke. The city noise seemed farther away. Spider-Man shifted awkwardly. “You should let me walk you home.”

Y/N looked up at him. “Is it okay for you?”

“I was… heading that direction anyway.” It was a terrible lie.

She smiled faintly. “Okay.”

He stayed half a step behind her as they walked the remaining blocks in silence, keeping an eye on the street rather than on her. Y/N stole a glance at him every now and then.

Something about him felt familiar. Not his voice—it was lower than she expected. Not his height. Just the way he walked. The slight slump in his shoulders. The habit of flexing his scraped knuckles every few minutes, as if they were sore. It tugged at something in the back of her mind. Obviously he got her limes before when she wanted to reach for Peter, but she could barely remember anything, she remembers the conversations though.

Before she could place it, they reached her apartment building.

“There you are,” Spider-Man said, stopping at the entrance.

Y/N adjusted the books in her arms. “So…”

“So.”

“Thanks again.”

He gave a small nod. “Get inside.”

She smiled. “You sound exactly like my—” She stopped herself.

Spider-Man’s head tilted. “…Like your what?”

Y/N blinked. “…Nothing.”

For the briefest moment, Peter’s heart skipped. Then she smiled again, waved, and disappeared through the apartment door. Only after the light in the hallway flickered on did Spider-Man finally allow himself to breathe.

He walked towards his apartment in silence. Every step felt heavier than the last. The image refused to leave his mind. That man's hand against the small of Y/N's back.mThe way she'd instinctively flinched. The fear hidden behind the sarcasm in her voice.

The smile she'd forced because she didn't know whether saying no would make the situation worse.

His jaw tightened beneath the mask. No one should ever make her feel like that. No one. The thought came so instinctively that it startled him.

No one gets to hurt her.

His grip around the wooden railing tightened and there it was again. The same dangerous line he'd crossed before. The same instinct that had cost him everyone he'd ever loved. The more people mattered the more they became targets.

It had happened to Aunt May.

To MJ.

To Ned.

To everyone who had ever gotten too close to Peter Parker. He couldn't let it happen again. Not with Y/N.

She was too kind. Too bright. Too unapologetically alive. The world had already taken enough from people like her. It didn't deserve another chance and neither did he.

It only took him a few minutes to his apartment. The suit landed in the laundry basket with a dull thud. His mask followed. A hoodie. Sweatpants.

For the first time all evening, he finally looked like Peter Parker again. He rubbed both hands over his face, exhaustion settling into every muscle. Sleep. That was probably what he needed. Instead, he crossed the apartment and pushed open the window. Cool evening air drifted inside. The city stretched endlessly before him, lights glowing against the darkness like scattered stars.

He rested his forearms against the windowsill. His eyes drifted downward. Y/N sat alone on the fire escape one floor above his, knees tucked close to her chest, both hands wrapped around a steaming mug. Her headphones weren't in. No music played.

She was simply sitting, looking out over New York. Yet quietly.

Peter had never seen her quiet before.

It looked wrong like watching the sun forget how to shine. He stayed where he was for a long moment. He could almost imagine what she was thinking. Replaying the stranger's face. Wondering what would've happened if Spider-Man hadn't shown up or what would happen to her. Peter swallowed. Before he could think himself out of it, he climbed onto the fire escape.

One careful step. Then another. He descended to her level until he stopped beside the railing. The metal creaked softly beneath his weight. Y/N turned her head. She flinched only for a heartbeat. Her fingers tightened around the mug before she recognized him. The tension melted from her shoulders. A tired smile appeared instead. "Hello, neighbor.“ Her voice was quieter than usual. "I haven't seen you in a while."

Peter looked at her. Something twisted painfully in his chest. "I've been... kind of busy."

She nodded, taking a slow sip from her tea. "I hope it had something to do with university."

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "...Something like that."

The wind drifted between the buildings, lifting loose strands of her hair. She shifted a little, patting the empty space beside her. “Wanna join me?“ She lifted her mug slightly. "It's kind of the perfect night for tea."

Peter looked at the empty spot. His mind immediately split into two voices. Don’t and Leave. This is how it starts. You're getting attached.

His feet didn't move because there was another voice now. One he hadn't heard in years. Stay.

He realized that was why he'd come out here in the first place. Not only to check on her. Not entirely. He just hadn't wanted her to sit alone tonight. "...Sure," he said quietly. Then, almost as an afterthought— "As long as it isn't coffee."

That earned him the smallest laugh. "There it is," Y/N smiled. "I was wondering how long it'd take you to bring coffee into the conversation."

"You have a habit of making everything about coffee."

"I am a psychology student during exam season.“ She looked at him as if that explained everything. "It would actually be concerning if I wasn't talking about coffee."

Peter lowered himself beside her, leaving just enough space between them that their shoulders wouldn't touch. The fire escape groaned beneath their combined weight. He glanced at the mug in her hands.

"So..."

She held it out toward him. "It's chamomile."

He looked suspicious. "Are you sure?"

Y/N laughed. "Peter."

"What?"

"You think I'm secretly trying to convert you."

"I wouldn't put it past you."

She gasped dramatically. "I would never betray tea like that."

A small chuckle escaped him.

Y/N looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "There it is again."

He frowned. "What?"

"The laugh."

"I didn't laugh."

"You absolutely did."

"I exhaled."

"That was not an exhale."

"It was."

"It had joy in it.“ Peter looked away toward the skyline, unsuccessfully hiding the smile threatening to appear. "I think you're hearing things."

"I'm not."

She leaned back against the railing with a satisfied grin. "I knew you had one."

"...One what?"

"A sense of humor."

Peter shook his head. "I think you're confusing sarcasm with personality."

Y/N smiled into her tea. „Maybe." She glanced at him again. "...I still like it."

<3 hi there spiders! todays my birthday so my gift for you is this little chapter <3

After the coffee, something shifted. Not all at once. Not dramatically. It happened in small, almost invisible ways. Peter wasn’t the type to text first, ask someone to hang out, or suddenly become outgoing. That version of him had disappeared years ago. His days belonged to Spider-Man now, patrolling rooftops until sunrise, attending lectures half-asleep, squeezing in homework whenever he could. Peter Parker had become whatever time remained after everyone else had gotten their share.

There wasn’t much left. Yet somehow, without meaning to, he found himself saving a little of it for Y/N. 

It started with the stairwell.

He’d run into her on his way towards his apartment, usually carrying groceries or balancing three psychology textbooks against her hip. What began as a quick “Hey,” somehow turned into ten-minute conversations.

Then twenty.

Eventually, they stopped standing altogether. Instead, they’d climb onto the fire escape outside her apartment, legs dangling over the metal platform while the city buzzed beneath them. Sometimes Y/N would bring out a bowl of pasta she’d cooked, insisting there was always too much for one person. Peter always argued. “I already ate.”

“You had instant ramen.”

“…I already ate.”

She’d shove the container into his hands anyway. “That’s not food, Peter.”

“It literally is.”

“It literally shouldn’t count.”

He’d sigh in defeat and take a bite. “…Needs salt.”

She’d gasp dramatically. “You’re unbelievable.”

“It’s underseasoned.”

“It’s rustic.”

“It’s bland.”

“It’s Italian.”

“I don’t think Italy would claim this.”

She’d throw a napkin at him. Other evenings, she’d brew tea instead. Peter still refused coffee with an almost suspicious level of commitment. “I don’t trust people who willingly drink something that tastes burnt.”

Y/N stared at him. “…You lack of sleep.”

“Correct.”

“But coffee is where you draw the line? For getting a BIT of energy”

“Exactly.”

“I don’t understand you.”

“I know.”

The conversations usually revolved around university. Professor Banner’s impossible assignments. The latest campus gossip. Someone who accidentally set off the chemistry lab’s fire alarm.

Y/N always had stories. Peter preferred listening. It was easier that way.

Listening didn’t require him to reveal the parts of himself he kept stitched together. It didn’t force him to answer questions about where he’d been the night before, why he looked exhausted, or why his hands were always covered in tiny cuts that somehow appeared overnight.

Talking meant opening doors. Listening allowed him to keep them closed.

Y/N never seemed to mind.

She filled every silence naturally, hopping from one topic to another without expecting him to match her energy. She’d tell him about the old woman on the third floor who insisted pigeons were government spies. About the neighbor who sold homemade honey from tiny glass jars. About a philosophy student who spent twenty minutes arguing that cereal technically qualified as soup.

Peter rarely contributed more than a sentence. Sometimes just a word. Yet she never stopped talking.

And strangely he liked that.

There were days when she’d knock on his apartment door carrying an empty bowl. “Do you have flour?”

“…Yes.”

“Can I borrow some?” He’d hand her the bag.

The next morning she’d return it. Completely full.

“…You bought a new bag.”

“I panicked.”

“…Why?”

“I used your flour.”

“That’s… why I gave it to you.”

“…yea.”

There were other excuses. “Does your bathroom still have hot water?” Y/N asked.

“Yes.”

“Mine doesn’t.”

“It does.”

“…I know.”

“…Do you still want to come in?”

She smiled sheepishly. “…Maybe.”

Peter stepped aside. “Five minutes.” It was never five minutes. Sometimes she’d wander around his apartment while talking about a documentary she’d watched, opening the fridge without asking. “…Peter.”

“What?”

“You have ketchup.”

“Yeah.”

“And…”

“Yeah.”

“…That’s your entire fridge.” 

He looked over from the textbook he was pretending to read. “…There’s baking soda.”

She blinked. “…You’re impossible.”

Little white lies. Little excuses. Neither of them ever acknowledged them. Peter knew she wasn’t actually out of flour half the time. Y/N knew his water wasn’t magically different from everyone else’s. Still, they played along. It became their language.

Even then, there was always something just out of reach. Peter laughed more now. Not often. But enough that Y/N noticed. His sarcasm came easier. His replies grew a little longer than a single word. Sometimes she’d even catch him smiling before he realized he was doing it.

And then just as quickly the walls would return. It changed like day and night of how often he turned to be cold and not there.

She’d ask him what his favorite color was.

“…Blue.”

“What kind of blue?”

“…Blue.”

She’d laugh. “Okay… what’s your favorite movie?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’ve never watched a movie?”

“I have.”

“So?”

“…I don’t know.”

“What made you choose biophysics?”

“It made sense.”

“What do you do when you’re not studying?”

He’d hesitate. “…Walk.”

That answer never felt true. Y/N could always feel it. There was a distance in him that had nothing to do with shyness. It was deliberate. Like every answer was carefully measured before he spoke, giving away only enough to keep a conversation alive, but never enough for someone to truly know him. Sometimes she’d catch him staring out across the rooftops while she talked, his attention drifting somewhere she couldn’t follow.

As if part of him was always listening for something else. Always ready to leave. She wanted to know him. Not the quiet boy who drank tea instead of coffee and survived almost entirely on ramen.

The real Peter.

She wanted to know why he always looked exhausted. Why his knuckles were constantly scraped. Why he smiled like it was something he’d forgotten how to do. Most of all, she wanted to know what had happened to him that made someone so young carry himself like he’d already lived an entire lifetime.

Peter wanted to tell her.

Sometimes, he almost did.

There were moments, usually when they sat on the fire escape with the city glowing beneath them and Y/N was halfway through another story— that he felt an ache in his chest. An almost desperate need to let someone in. To admit that he was tired. That some mornings getting out of bed felt harder than fighting whatever villain happened to be waiting for him.

To have someone catch him before he fell.

But almost was as close as he ever allowed himself to get because almost couldn’t get anyone hurt.

Lately, something about it had started to feel unfair. Y/N was always the one carrying the conversation. She offered pieces of herself so effortlessly— stories from childhood, embarrassing moments in class, opinions about movies, books she loved, songs she couldn’t stop replaying on her iPod.

She made herself known.

Peter listened. He answered when spoken to. Occasionally he’d throw in a sarcastic remark that earned a laugh from her, but the conversation always drifted back toward Y/N because she was the only one willing to let someone look beneath the surface.

She had warned him from the very beginning. “I can talk for two people.”

Back then, he’d been grateful for it. Now he wondered if she’d gotten tired. Talking for two people sounded easy in theory.

In reality, it was exhausting.

Conversation wasn’t meant to be carried by one person forever.

Sometimes, he’d catch the brief disappointment that crossed her face after another one-word answer. She always recovered quickly, changing the subject before the silence became awkward, pretending she hadn’t expected more in the first place.

But Peter noticed. He noticed everything. He just never knew how to fix it.

One evening, Y/N left the university library long after sunset. Exam season had swallowed nearly everyone on campus whole. Her backpack was stuffed so full it barely zipped shut, while two thick psychology textbooks of Erikson or Piaget rested precariously in her arms, forcing her to tilt her chin slightly just to see where she was walking.

She’d practically been living in the library for the past week.

Coffee cups littered every surface of her apartment. Highlighters had started appearing in places they shouldn’t. She’d even begun wearing her glasses more often— not only because they genuinely helped after staring at textbooks for hours, but because they made her feel like she had her life together.

She absolutely did not. The subway had been suspended because of a signal failure, leaving hundreds of annoyed New Yorkers spilling onto the sidewalks. So… she walked. From block to block.

An old iPod rested in her jacket pocket, headphones tucked beneath her hair as music filled her ears. Y/N adored physical media. Records. CDs. Books with folded pages. An iPod packed with albums she’d spent years collecting.

She liked owning things.

Liked the comforting weight of something real in her hands instead of watching it disappear onto a cloud somewhere. Tonight’s soundtrack drowned out most of the city.

Car horns. Sirens. Footsteps.

She barely noticed any of it. Which meant she didn’t notice the man who had been walking behind her for nearly two blocks. At first, he simply matched her pace. Then he started walking faster. Y/N turned the corner toward her apartment building, hugging the books closer against her chest. The footsteps behind her sped up. Before she had time to register what was happening a hand landed against the small of her back.

Warm.

Uninvited. “Hey there, beautiful,” the stranger said with an easy, self-satisfied grin. “Why’re you walking so fast?”

Y/N flinched violently. She lurched away from his touch so quickly that one of the books nearly slipped from her arms. “What the—” She tightened her grip on the stack, her heartbeat instantly spiking. “…Why are you so touchy?” she asked, forcing sarcasm into her voice despite the panic already creeping into it.

The man laughed. “C’mon, I’m just being friendly.”

“I didn’t ask you to.”

He stepped closer anyway. “You don’t gotta be so cold.”

Y/N instinctively took another step back. There it was. That familiar feeling. The one every woman knew far too well. The quick calculation running through her mind. How many people are around? Is anyone actually paying attention? How far is my apartment? If I start running, will he follow? Her fingers tightened around the books until they hurt. She tried to smile politely. The smile women learned to wear when they wanted a situation to end without making it worse.

“I’ve… got somewhere to be.”

“So do I,” he replied with another grin.

“But I can walk you.”

“No, thanks.”

“I insist.”

“I don’t.”

The man didn’t take the hint. He took another step. Then another. Y/N matched each one with a step backward, clutching her books so tightly the edges dug into her forearms. “I said I’m fine,” she repeated, forcing her voice to stay steady.

“You don’t gotta act scared.”

“I’m not acting.”

His grin widened. “See? You’ve got jokes.”

“I don’t know you.”

“You could.”

“I don’t want to.” For a brief second, silence settled between them. Y/N thought maybe he’d finally gotten the message. Instead, his hand reached toward her again. This time, for her wrist.

Instinct took over. She jerked away, the movement throwing one of her textbooks onto the sidewalk with a heavy thud. Pages fanned open across the concrete.

“Oh, come on,” he scoffed. “Why are you making this difficult?”

“I said don’t touch me.”

A few people passed by on the opposite side of the street. No one slowed down. No one looked over. New York had mastered the art of pretending not to see. The stranger sighed dramatically, as if she was inconveniencing him. “I was just trying to be nice.”

“I don’t care.”

“You’ve got an attitude.”

“And you’ve got five seconds to leave me alone.”

He laughed. “Or what?” He reached for her again.

A sharp thwip echoed through the street. White webbing wrapped itself around his wrist before he could touch her. “What the—”

The web yanked backward with enough force to spin him around. Another strand shot out, sticking him cleanly against the brick wall beside the alley. “What is—HEY!” His feet kicked uselessly against the pavement. “You can’t do this!”

A familiar red-and-blue figure dropped soundlessly from the rooftop above. Spider-Man landed between them in a low crouch before standing to his full height. His mask turned toward Y/N first.

“You okay?”

She blinked. Her breathing was uneven. “…Spider-Man?”

He gave a small nod. Then he looked at the man glued to the wall. “So…” Spider-Man said conversationally, tilting his head. “I’m gonna go out on a limb here.”

The man struggled against the webbing. “This is a misunderstanding!”

Spider-Man ignored him. “I’m pretty sure…” he continued, “…when someone says ‘don’t touch me’…” He paused dramatically. “…the correct response is…” Another pause. “…not touching them.”

The man rolled his eyes. “Oh, come on, I wasn’t doing anything.”

Spider-Man looked at him for a long second. Then back at Y/N. Then back again. “…Interesting defense.”

“I was talking to her.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I was being friendly.”

Spider-Man nodded slowly. “Right.” Another beat. “Quick question.”

“What?”

“Did she look like she wanted to talk to you?”

The man opened his mouth. Closed it. “…No.”

“There it is.” Spider-Man clapped his hands together once. “We’re making progress.”

Y/N couldn’t help it. Despite the adrenaline still rushing through her body…a tiny laugh escaped her.

Spider-Man’s mask turned toward her. “You laughed.”

“I…” She let out a shaky breath. “Sorry.”

“No, don’t apologize.” He pointed a thumb over his shoulder toward the man. “He’s having a worse night than you.”

“I HEARD THAT!”

“I know.”

Spider-Man looked back at Y/N, his voice noticeably softer. “Did he hurt you?”

She glanced down at herself. Her wrist was fine. Her books not so much. One had landed in a puddle. “…Just my psychology textbook.”

Spider-Man followed her gaze. “…Oof.”

“I know.”

“Those are expensive.”

“They’re criminal.”

“…Technically,” Spider-Man replied, “I handle criminals.”

She snorted despite herself.

He crouched to pick up the scattered books, carefully stacking them back together before brushing dirt from the covers.

“You carry all these every day?”

“I have three exams next week.”

“…That somehow sounds scarier than my job.”

She smiled—a small, tired smile this time. “Thank you.”

He handed the books back to her. Their fingers almost touched. Almost. “You don’t have to thank me.”

“I do.”

“You really don’t.”

“I really do.”

For a second, neither of them spoke. The city noise seemed farther away. Spider-Man shifted awkwardly. “You should let me walk you home.”

Y/N looked up at him. “Is it okay for you?”

“I was… heading that direction anyway.” It was a terrible lie.

She smiled faintly. “Okay.”

He stayed half a step behind her as they walked the remaining blocks in silence, keeping an eye on the street rather than on her. Y/N stole a glance at him every now and then.

Something about him felt familiar. Not his voice—it was lower than she expected. Not his height. Just the way he walked. The slight slump in his shoulders. The habit of flexing his scraped knuckles every few minutes, as if they were sore. It tugged at something in the back of her mind. Obviously he got her limes before when she wanted to reach for Peter, but she could barely remember anything, she remembers the conversations though.

Before she could place it, they reached her apartment building.

“There you are,” Spider-Man said, stopping at the entrance.

Y/N adjusted the books in her arms. “So…”

“So.”

“Thanks again.”

He gave a small nod. “Get inside.”

She smiled. “You sound exactly like my—” She stopped herself.

Spider-Man’s head tilted. “…Like your what?”

Y/N blinked. “…Nothing.”

For the briefest moment, Peter’s heart skipped. Then she smiled again, waved, and disappeared through the apartment door. Only after the light in the hallway flickered on did Spider-Man finally allow himself to breathe.

He walked towards his apartment in silence. Every step felt heavier than the last. The image refused to leave his mind. That man's hand against the small of Y/N's back.mThe way she'd instinctively flinched. The fear hidden behind the sarcasm in her voice.

The smile she'd forced because she didn't know whether saying no would make the situation worse.

His jaw tightened beneath the mask. No one should ever make her feel like that. No one. The thought came so instinctively that it startled him.

No one gets to hurt her.

His grip around the wooden railing tightened and there it was again. The same dangerous line he'd crossed before. The same instinct that had cost him everyone he'd ever loved. The more people mattered the more they became targets.

It had happened to Aunt May.

To MJ.

To Ned.

To everyone who had ever gotten too close to Peter Parker. He couldn't let it happen again. Not with Y/N.

She was too kind. Too bright. Too unapologetically alive. The world had already taken enough from people like her. It didn't deserve another chance and neither did he.

It only took him a few minutes to his apartment. The suit landed in the laundry basket with a dull thud. His mask followed. A hoodie. Sweatpants.

For the first time all evening, he finally looked like Peter Parker again. He rubbed both hands over his face, exhaustion settling into every muscle. Sleep. That was probably what he needed. Instead, he crossed the apartment and pushed open the window. Cool evening air drifted inside. The city stretched endlessly before him, lights glowing against the darkness like scattered stars.

He rested his forearms against the windowsill. His eyes drifted downward. Y/N sat alone on the fire escape one floor above his, knees tucked close to her chest, both hands wrapped around a steaming mug. Her headphones weren't in. No music played.

She was simply sitting, looking out over New York. Yet quietly.

Peter had never seen her quiet before.

It looked wrong like watching the sun forget how to shine. He stayed where he was for a long moment. He could almost imagine what she was thinking. Replaying the stranger's face. Wondering what would've happened if Spider-Man hadn't shown up or what would happen to her. Peter swallowed. Before he could think himself out of it, he climbed onto the fire escape.

One careful step. Then another. He descended to her level until he stopped beside the railing. The metal creaked softly beneath his weight. Y/N turned her head. She flinched only for a heartbeat. Her fingers tightened around the mug before she recognized him. The tension melted from her shoulders. A tired smile appeared instead. "Hello, neighbor.“ Her voice was quieter than usual. "I haven't seen you in a while."

Peter looked at her. Something twisted painfully in his chest. "I've been... kind of busy."

She nodded, taking a slow sip from her tea. "I hope it had something to do with university."

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "...Something like that."

The wind drifted between the buildings, lifting loose strands of her hair. She shifted a little, patting the empty space beside her. “Wanna join me?“ She lifted her mug slightly. "It's kind of the perfect night for tea."

Peter looked at the empty spot. His mind immediately split into two voices. Don’t and Leave. This is how it starts. You're getting attached.

His feet didn't move because there was another voice now. One he hadn't heard in years. Stay.

He realized that was why he'd come out here in the first place. Not only to check on her. Not entirely. He just hadn't wanted her to sit alone tonight. "...Sure," he said quietly. Then, almost as an afterthought— "As long as it isn't coffee."

That earned him the smallest laugh. "There it is," Y/N smiled. "I was wondering how long it'd take you to bring coffee into the conversation."

"You have a habit of making everything about coffee."

"I am a psychology student during exam season.“ She looked at him as if that explained everything. "It would actually be concerning if I wasn't talking about coffee."

Peter lowered himself beside her, leaving just enough space between them that their shoulders wouldn't touch. The fire escape groaned beneath their combined weight. He glanced at the mug in her hands.

"So..."

She held it out toward him. "It's chamomile."

He looked suspicious. "Are you sure?"

Y/N laughed. "Peter."

"What?"

"You think I'm secretly trying to convert you."

"I wouldn't put it past you."

She gasped dramatically. "I would never betray tea like that."

A small chuckle escaped him.

Y/N looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "There it is again."

He frowned. "What?"

"The laugh."

"I didn't laugh."

"You absolutely did."

"I exhaled."

"That was not an exhale."

"It was."

"It had joy in it.“ Peter looked away toward the skyline, unsuccessfully hiding the smile threatening to appear. "I think you're hearing things."

"I'm not."

She leaned back against the railing with a satisfied grin. "I knew you had one."

"...One what?"

"A sense of humor."

Peter shook his head. "I think you're confusing sarcasm with personality."

Y/N smiled into her tea. „Maybe." She glanced at him again. "...I still like it."

<3 hi there spiders! todays my birthday so my gift for you is this little chapter <3

“Okay, Y/n.” Ariana’s voice cut through the silence of the villa, pulling you back to the moment. Your heart was already hammering against your ribs like it was trying to escape. “You’re next.” She said, offering you a warm smile.

You muttered a quiet “fuck” under your breath, the word slipping out before you could stop it. “Please stand up.” Ariana continued.

You rose slowly, smoothing down the silky fabric of your dark blue dress. Ariana tilted her head, smiling gently. “Before casa amor, you were coupled up with Caleb. And it really felt like the two of you were headed in a good direction. You chose each other at the letter recoupling, and things seemed solid between you since then.” She paused. “How have the last few days been for you?”

You let out a long sigh, trying to keep your voice steady even though your hands were trembling at your sides.

“The last few days have been.. good,” you started, trying to choose the right words. “But it’s definitely tested things. I spent the past couple of days getting to know all the new guys, and they were nice, but Caleb never left my mind. You know, I slept outside every single night, wondering what he was doing over there. And every conversation just brought me back to him..” you swallowed hard. “Then we got the mail and.. it didn’t feel great seeing whatever it was but I just hope what we had was strong enough for him to stay loyal. Even though he’s definitely got some explaining to do when he gets back.”

A ripple of laughter moved through the girls behind you. “Well,” Ariana said, leaning forward slightly, “it’s now time for you to make a choice. Do you want to stay loyal to Caleb and hope that he’s done the same.. or would you like to couple up with one of these new boys?”

The question hung in the air, and you could feel every eye on you. Part of you wondered if it would be easier to pick someone new, but you knew that wouldn’t be right for you. Your heart wouldn’t let you.

You shook your head, a small, determined smile tugging at your lips. “I’m going to stay loyal to Caleb. And just hope he’s smart.”

Ariana nodded, pleased with your answer. “Okay, Y/n. You’ve decided to stay loyal to Caleb..” She let the words settle before continuing. “But has Caleb decided to stay loyal to you?”

You shrugged, nerves wrecking you from the inside out. All you wanted was to see him. To feel his arms around you. But you knew that would only be if he’d chosen you.

“If he walks in with one of these girls from casa amor, you will be single and vulnerable,” Ariana explained. “But if he returns on his own, he’s all yours.”

You exhaled shakily. “Wish me luck” you said, quietly. You closed your eyes, silently praying. The villa grew so quiet you could hear your own heartbeat echoing in your ears.

Every second stretched painfully long. The footsteps grew closer and your eyes stayed squeezed shut, too scared to look. The girls behind you suddenly gasped, excitement exploding out of them.

You finally opened your eyes to see Caleb. And he was alone. Relief crashed over you so hard your knees nearly buckled. You let out a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding. “Thank God!” You muttered, a breathless laugh escaping as he got closer. He looked incredible, his eyes locked straight on you. And you couldn’t tear your gaze away either.

“Look!” Kayda pointed out excitedly. “Y’all are matching too!”

You glanced down; your dark blue dress and his shirt were almost the exact same shade. The realization made your smile widen as the rest of the islanders erupted into loud, happy awwws.

“Have you ever doubted him?” Zach called out, grinning ear to ear, clearly happy for the two of you.

You didn’t get a chance to answer before Ariana spoke again. “Welcome back to the villa!” She turned toward Caleb. “How are you doing, Caleb?”

He let out a big sigh, but it was full of relief, his eyes never leaving yours. “I’m so great. I’m so happy to see her.. and more especially that she’s standing alone.” Caleb let out a soft laugh, as the islanders cheered for you two again.“I just missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.”

“Every day in there,” he continued, “I spent my time thinking about you. I missed having you next to me while I slept. And I really didn’t think it would be this hard..” He cut himself off, shaking his head, thinking of how ridiculous he probably sounded. “Oh, fuck- I’m just glad we’re back.”

Ariana smiled at the both of you, clearly happy with the two of you. “Since you both have decided to stay loyal.. you are still in a couple!” She gestured between you. “Caleb, you can go get your girl!”

The next morning started just like it used to. You felt his lips first, gentle kisses trailing across your shoulder, then up your neck. “Morning, beautiful.” Caleb whispered, his voice still full with sleep.

You smiled, stretching lazily as he continued his gentle assault of kisses. It felt so normal and so right. When he eventually dragged you out of bed and parted your ways, him going to the kitchen and you went upstairs to the dressing room. You couldn’t lie; you’d missed his breakfast almost as much as you’d missed him. The casa boys had nothing on his cooking.

Everything felt fine, actually better than fine. You two were laughing, touching, looking at each other like lovesick idiots as you carried your plates to soul ties for a morning chat. The sun was warm today, the villa peaceful after yesterdays madness, and you let yourself believe the worst was behind you.

Then Caleb sat down beside you, setting his plate down. “I was just thinking..” He paused, softly putting his palm on your leg. “Maybe since Corbin and Kenzie are done.. maybe I should see if there’s still something with Kenzie?”

The words hit you like a slap. You froze, fork halfway to your mouth. “What?”

He stayed quiet for a second, staring at the bed rather than at you. Everything had felt amazing between the two of you and now, just because Kenzie was suddenly single, even tho technically she was coupled up with Dylan, he wanted to explore her again?

Every worst case scenario raced through your mind at once. What if he’d only stayed loyal because he thought if Corbin came back with Parmida, Kenzie would be still single? What if the connection you thought was so strong was just convenient? Tears burned at the back of your eyes as you swallowed the hard lump rising in your throat.

“Yeah, I don’t know..” Caleb continued. “I just wanna see if there’s something.”

You stared at him, the breakfast you’d been enjoying now sitting like lead in your stomach. “Yeah.. okay. Whatever.”

It was all you could manage. What else were you supposed to say? Jump up and down with excitement at the idea of him chasing after Kenzie who was the same girl who always seemed to keep multiple guys orbiting her like one wasn’t enough?

You stood up abruptly, needing distance from him and whatever he was planning on doing. Your mind immediately went to Melanie. You just wanted to find her and talk before you fell apart in front of everyone.

“Y/n, come on. Are you mad?” Caleb got up quickly, following you.

He reached for your hand. You pulled it away, not trusting yourself to speak without crying. “I’m not happy either..” you said, voice tight, “but do whatever you want.”

You kept walking, heart cracking with every step. Part of you desperately hoped he’d reach for you again. That he’d stop you, and pull you back, tell you it was a stupid thought and he didn’t mean it. But he didn’t and you hated how much it hurt.

You found Melanie on one of the daybeds near the pool, sitting with Sincere and talking. The last thing you wanted to do was interrupt, but you couldn’t hold it together much longer. A few traitorous tears had already slipped down your cheeks on the walk over, and you quickly wiped at them with the back of your hand.

“Melanie?” you called out.

Both of them looked up. Melanie’s expression changed instantly from relaxed to concerned the second she saw your face. Sincere noticed too, “I’ll leave you two.” He said gently, giving Melanie’s shoulder a light squeeze before standing up. “Take care, yeah?”

You managed a “thank you” as he walked off. Then you sank down onto the daybed beside Melanie, shoulders slumped. “What happened?” she asked immediately, turning fully toward you.

The tears you’d been fighting finally spilled over. You wiped at them again, but more kept coming. “It’s Caleb..” you sobbed. “We were just sitting up there in soul ties, everything was fine, and then he told me that he wants to see if there’s still something between him and Kenzie. Just because her and Corbin aren’t coupled up anymore.”

Melanie’s eyes widened. “He said that?”

You nodded, your voice cracking. “Yes. After everything he just casually says that. I feel so stupid. I really thought he came back single for me. But clearly he didn’t. I’ve just been following him around like a lost puppy this whole time, waiting for him, thinking we had something real. And the second Kenzie becomes available again..” your breath hitched. “It feels like I was never really his first choice.”

Melanie didn’t hesitate to pull you in for a tight hug, one arm wrapping around your shoulders while her other hand gently wiped the tears from your cheeks.

“Y/n, you’re not stupid.” She said firmly, rubbing soothing circles on your back. “If anything, he’s the one that’s stupid. You should never let a man make you feel like that.”

You nodded against her shoulder even though you didn’t really believe her. The insecurity sat heavy in your chest, whispering things you shouldn’t be thinking of.

Melanie pulled back to look at you, keeping her hands on your arms. “Listen to me. You should just see what he does now. If he actually goes and pulls her, or if he doesn’t seem to care that you’re hurting, then don’t give him the time of day. You deserve someone who chooses you without thinking twice. Not someone who keeps one eye on the door just in case someone else walks through it.”

Her words settled over you, a small comfort even if the pain was still there. You pulled her in for another hug, and she gave it back just as strongly to let you know she was there for you.

Sincere walked off to find Caleb after leaving you and Melanie on the daybed. He wasn’t the type to get in the middle of drama, but seeing you cry like that, he didn’t like it.

He found Caleb in the kitchen, alone, washing dishes after his breakfast with you. “Hey.” Sincere said, leaning against the counter.

Caleb glanced up. “What’s up?”

Sincere didn’t waste time. “Did you know Y/n came crying to Melanie?”

Caleb’s hands stilled under the water. He looked up fully, brow furrowed. “She did?”

Sincere nodded, arms crossed. “Yeah. She was pretty upset, man.”

“Fuck..” Caleb muttered, shaking his head. He turned off the tap and dried his hands on a towel. “What’d you do?” Sincere asked, pulling out one of the stools at the counter and sitting down.

Caleb sighed heavily, leaning back against the sink. “I guess I messed up..”

“Clearly you did, if she’s crying?!” Sincere replied bluntly while trying not to sound too aggressive.

Caleb ran a hand through his hair. “We were sitting up in soul ties and I just told her that I might try to see if there’s still something with Kenzie. Since her and Corbin are done now.”

Sincere stared at him for a second, genuinely surprised. “Dude? You did mess up. Kenzie literally played you in your face last time and you’re trying to see if there’s something there?”

Caleb shrugged, not really having a good answer. He looked conflicted, eyes dropping to the counter. Sincere shook his head. “I mean, do whatever you want. It’s your life but just know Y/n really liked you. And Kenzie..” He paused, obviously not wanting to say anything. “Well, Kenzie is Kenzie.“

Later that night, the girls headed down together, and the guys were already waiting at the bottom of the stairs for their couples. Even though you didn’t want to, you still walked over to Caleb.

“You look beautiful!” He said softly, eyes tracing over your outfit.

“Thanks.” You replied quickly, offering a polite smile before stepping past him.

When the group gathered around the table where fresh drinks were waiting, you deliberately stood across from Caleb instead of beside him like you normally would. You made small talk with the others, and you could feel Caleb’s gaze on you, but you refused to meet it. He needed to feel even a fraction of how uncomfortable and unwanted his words had made you feel.

As some islanders started drifting off to different areas of the villa and others stayed chatting at the table, you stayed hyperaware of Caleb’s movements.

The second you saw him making his way over toward you, you stood up and slipped away, heading in no particular direction. “Y/n?” He called after you. He caught up quickly, falling into step beside you. “Do you wanna go talk?”

You kept walking, legs carrying you forward on pure emotion. “Don’t even..” you said, edged with frustration. Was it petty? Yes. But did he deserve to sit in the discomfort for a while after that? Also yes.

“But we have some things to talk about. Seriously..” he pressed, still keeping pace.

You finally slowed just enough to glance at him. “I mean.. we’ll talk at some point.”

Caleb stopped following you. You heard him mutter a quiet “Okay” before his footsteps retreated back toward the group.

You kept going until you reached the fire pit. It was quiet and empty. You sank down onto the cushioned seat, the weight of the day pressing on your shoulders. You didn’t know what to do with yourself. Pulling out your phone, you started scrolling even though there was nothing to see.

You opened the camera app, flipping it to the front facing lens, just to look busy. You checked your makeup, dabbed at the corner of your eye where mascara might have smudged, then took a couple of random pictures of the fire and the dark villa backdrop, just anything to keep your hands occupied and your mind from spiraling too hard.

You sat there alone at the fire pit for what felt like fifteen minutes, you tried to stay distracted with your phone, but eventually your eyes wandered.

And you actually hated the timing because that’s when you saw Caleb pulling Kenzie for a chat. Your gaze followed them as they walked together, heading toward one of the more private corners of the villa where the others couldn’t easily see or hear. Kenzie laughed at something he said, and Caleb pointed at whatever they were looking at.

It was surely a sight for sore eyes.

You stood up quickly, tears already filling your eyes again. You dabbed at your cheeks as gently as possible, trying not to ruin your makeup, but it was a losing battle. Blinking rapidly, you made your way upstairs to the dressing room, praying no one would notice. Luckily, the others were still scattered around the villa, and you slipped inside unnoticed.

The second the door clicked shut behind you, you sank down in front of the big mirror, shoulders shaking as quiet sobs slipped out. You felt sick, no matter how hard you tried to stop, the tears kept flowing, hot and relentless.

After a few minutes, you forced yourself up and grabbed a paper towel from the counter, gently wiping underneath your eyes and cheeks.

You pulled out your phone again, fingers moving almost on autopilot. You opened your camera roll and went straight to the album of photos with Caleb.

The first picture you found in the folder was right after the letter recoupling. The two letters sat open in your lap in the photo, the paper slightly wrinkled. You zoomed in on Caleb’s letter. In your mind, you slipped back to that day.

You had opened your mailbox with a nervous smile not knowing if you’ll receive a letter back, your heart was racing the moment you saw the letter. You read it out loud in front of everyone:

“Dear Y/n,

From the moment I walked into this villa, there was just something about you that pulled me in. It wasn’t just how beautiful you are, although I’d be lying if I said I didn’t notice that first, but it was the way you carry yourself. The way you make everyone around you feel comfortable, the way you laugh without holding back, and the way your smile somehow manages to make even the hardest days feel a little lighter.

You’ve got the kindest heart I’ve ever come across. You’re so caring, so patient, and you always seem to know exactly what to say without even trying. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, you’re the first person I want to be around. Somehow, just being next to you makes everything feel okay again.

One thing I admire most about you is how openly you communicate. You’ve never made me feel judged for expressing how I feel. Instead, you’ve shown me that honesty and openness can actually bring two people closer together. You’ve created a space where I feel safe enough to be completely myself, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.

You’ve become my best friend in here, but somehow you also became so much more than that. Every day I find myself falling for you a little harder, and I honestly can’t imagine doing this experience with anyone else by my side.

Sincerely, Caleb.”

You finished reading the words on your screen, the memory fading as the dressing room came back into focus. You didn’t understand how he could write something so beautiful, and then turn around and say he wanted to see if there was still something with Kenzie.

All those sweet words, had they just been temporary? Easy to say when things were good, but apparently easy to forget the second another option appeared. He had such a sweet way with words, a way of making you feel truly seen. But now you knew he could hurt you just as deeply.

You swiped to the next picture, Caleb was holding you bridal style, both of you smiling like idiots while someone snapped the photo.

You had come downstairs with the girls that night, as usual the guys waited at the bottom of the stairs. The second you spotted Caleb, you practically threw yourself at him. Your arms wrapped around his neck as he pulled you in by the waist, lifting you slightly off the ground in a tight hug. He looked so good; he was wearing a black jean jacket, black jeans, and cowboy boots.

You glanced down at your own outfit and laughed. “Wait, we’re matching!”

You were wearing a black laced dress with white cowboy boots, the perfect complement to his look. Caleb grinned, clearly pleased. “We really are.”

Later, you sat in his lap at the table while a few other islanders chatted about random things. Kayda suddenly spoke up. “Hold on, Y/n, let me take a picture of you two.” She said, already standing up with a big smile. “Y’all look so cute right now.”

You and Caleb both agreed instantly. He handed you his black cowboy hat, carefully placing it on your head before standing up with you. In one smooth motion, he scooped you up bridal style. You squealed in surprise, laughing as you right arm went around his neck for balance, your left arm thrown in the air, and your white boots dangled in the air.

“Smile!” Kayda called, holding up your phone. Caleb held you securely, both of you beaming at the camera.

You continued scrolling through the pictures, your tears slowly drying as you moved from one memory to the next. The more you looked, the more the ache disappeared. The heavy sobs gave way to softer, bittersweet smiles.

There you were after a silly challenge together, covered in paint and laughing. Another photo showed you two cuddling on the daybeds, his arm around you while you rested your head on his shoulder. Picture after picture reminded you how good it had been.

For a little while, you let yourself cherish those moments instead of drowning in the pain. You had shared something special, even if it was starting to feel one sided now. And at the end of the day, if Caleb wanted to get to know Kenzie more, there was nothing you could do about it.

You couldn’t force him to choose you. You could only decide how you carried yourself through it.

The door to the dressing room opened suddenly. You looked over your shoulder and saw Melanie and Aniya walking in.

“Y/n?” Melanie said softly, concern clear in her voice as they both headed straight toward you.

They sat down on either side of you, their eyes immediately landed on your phone, the screen still glowing with the photo of you and Caleb. “Oh, baby..” Melanie murmured.

Without another word, they both pulled you into a tight group hug. Aniya rubbed your back while Melanie rested her head against yours. You let yourself lean into them, the warmth of their support easing some of the tightness.

“We saw you disappear upstairs..” Melanie said gently after a moment. “And we saw Caleb pulling Kenzie.. we figured it wasn’t good.”

You nodded against them. “You don’t deserve to be sitting here crying alone.” Aniya added, pulling back to look at you. “We’ve got you. Whether he comes to his senses or not.”

“Okay, Y/n.” Ariana’s voice cut through the silence of the villa, pulling you back to the moment. Your heart was already hammering against your ribs like it was trying to escape. “You’re next.” She said, offering you a warm smile.

You muttered a quiet “fuck” under your breath, the word slipping out before you could stop it. “Please stand up.” Ariana continued.

You rose slowly, smoothing down the silky fabric of your dark blue dress. Ariana tilted her head, smiling gently. “Before casa amor, you were coupled up with Caleb. And it really felt like the two of you were headed in a good direction. You chose each other at the letter recoupling, and things seemed solid between you since then.” She paused. “How have the last few days been for you?”

You let out a long sigh, trying to keep your voice steady even though your hands were trembling at your sides.

“The last few days have been.. good,” you started, trying to choose the right words. “But it’s definitely tested things. I spent the past couple of days getting to know all the new guys, and they were nice, but Caleb never left my mind. You know, I slept outside every single night, wondering what he was doing over there. And every conversation just brought me back to him..” you swallowed hard. “Then we got the mail and.. it didn’t feel great seeing whatever it was but I just hope what we had was strong enough for him to stay loyal. Even though he’s definitely got some explaining to do when he gets back.”

A ripple of laughter moved through the girls behind you. “Well,” Ariana said, leaning forward slightly, “it’s now time for you to make a choice. Do you want to stay loyal to Caleb and hope that he’s done the same.. or would you like to couple up with one of these new boys?”

The question hung in the air, and you could feel every eye on you. Part of you wondered if it would be easier to pick someone new, but you knew that wouldn’t be right for you. Your heart wouldn’t let you.

You shook your head, a small, determined smile tugging at your lips. “I’m going to stay loyal to Caleb. And just hope he’s smart.”

Ariana nodded, pleased with your answer. “Okay, Y/n. You’ve decided to stay loyal to Caleb..” She let the words settle before continuing. “But has Caleb decided to stay loyal to you?”

You shrugged, nerves wrecking you from the inside out. All you wanted was to see him. To feel his arms around you. But you knew that would only be if he’d chosen you.

“If he walks in with one of these girls from casa amor, you will be single and vulnerable,” Ariana explained. “But if he returns on his own, he’s all yours.”

You exhaled shakily. “Wish me luck” you said, quietly. You closed your eyes, silently praying. The villa grew so quiet you could hear your own heartbeat echoing in your ears.

Every second stretched painfully long. The footsteps grew closer and your eyes stayed squeezed shut, too scared to look. The girls behind you suddenly gasped, excitement exploding out of them.

You finally opened your eyes to see Caleb. And he was alone. Relief crashed over you so hard your knees nearly buckled. You let out a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding. “Thank God!” You muttered, a breathless laugh escaping as he got closer. He looked incredible, his eyes locked straight on you. And you couldn’t tear your gaze away either.

“Look!” Kayda pointed out excitedly. “Y’all are matching too!”

You glanced down; your dark blue dress and his shirt were almost the exact same shade. The realization made your smile widen as the rest of the islanders erupted into loud, happy awwws.

“Have you ever doubted him?” Zach called out, grinning ear to ear, clearly happy for the two of you.

You didn’t get a chance to answer before Ariana spoke again. “Welcome back to the villa!” She turned toward Caleb. “How are you doing, Caleb?”

He let out a big sigh, but it was full of relief, his eyes never leaving yours. “I’m so great. I’m so happy to see her.. and more especially that she’s standing alone.” Caleb let out a soft laugh, as the islanders cheered for you two again.“I just missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.”

“Every day in there,” he continued, “I spent my time thinking about you. I missed having you next to me while I slept. And I really didn’t think it would be this hard..” He cut himself off, shaking his head, thinking of how ridiculous he probably sounded. “Oh, fuck- I’m just glad we’re back.”

Ariana smiled at the both of you, clearly happy with the two of you. “Since you both have decided to stay loyal.. you are still in a couple!” She gestured between you. “Caleb, you can go get your girl!”

The next morning started just like it used to. You felt his lips first, gentle kisses trailing across your shoulder, then up your neck. “Morning, beautiful.” Caleb whispered, his voice still full with sleep.

You smiled, stretching lazily as he continued his gentle assault of kisses. It felt so normal and so right. When he eventually dragged you out of bed and parted your ways, him going to the kitchen and you went upstairs to the dressing room. You couldn’t lie; you’d missed his breakfast almost as much as you’d missed him. The casa boys had nothing on his cooking.

Everything felt fine, actually better than fine. You two were laughing, touching, looking at each other like lovesick idiots as you carried your plates to soul ties for a morning chat. The sun was warm today, the villa peaceful after yesterdays madness, and you let yourself believe the worst was behind you.

Then Caleb sat down beside you, setting his plate down. “I was just thinking..” He paused, softly putting his palm on your leg. “Maybe since Corbin and Kenzie are done.. maybe I should see if there’s still something with Kenzie?”

The words hit you like a slap. You froze, fork halfway to your mouth. “What?”

He stayed quiet for a second, staring at the bed rather than at you. Everything had felt amazing between the two of you and now, just because Kenzie was suddenly single, even tho technically she was coupled up with Dylan, he wanted to explore her again?

Every worst case scenario raced through your mind at once. What if he’d only stayed loyal because he thought if Corbin came back with Parmida, Kenzie would be still single? What if the connection you thought was so strong was just convenient? Tears burned at the back of your eyes as you swallowed the hard lump rising in your throat.

“Yeah, I don’t know..” Caleb continued. “I just wanna see if there’s something.”

You stared at him, the breakfast you’d been enjoying now sitting like lead in your stomach. “Yeah.. okay. Whatever.”

It was all you could manage. What else were you supposed to say? Jump up and down with excitement at the idea of him chasing after Kenzie who was the same girl who always seemed to keep multiple guys orbiting her like one wasn’t enough?

You stood up abruptly, needing distance from him and whatever he was planning on doing. Your mind immediately went to Melanie. You just wanted to find her and talk before you fell apart in front of everyone.

“Y/n, come on. Are you mad?” Caleb got up quickly, following you.

He reached for your hand. You pulled it away, not trusting yourself to speak without crying. “I’m not happy either..” you said, voice tight, “but do whatever you want.”

You kept walking, heart cracking with every step. Part of you desperately hoped he’d reach for you again. That he’d stop you, and pull you back, tell you it was a stupid thought and he didn’t mean it. But he didn’t and you hated how much it hurt.

You found Melanie on one of the daybeds near the pool, sitting with Sincere and talking. The last thing you wanted to do was interrupt, but you couldn’t hold it together much longer. A few traitorous tears had already slipped down your cheeks on the walk over, and you quickly wiped at them with the back of your hand.

“Melanie?” you called out.

Both of them looked up. Melanie’s expression changed instantly from relaxed to concerned the second she saw your face. Sincere noticed too, “I’ll leave you two.” He said gently, giving Melanie’s shoulder a light squeeze before standing up. “Take care, yeah?”

You managed a “thank you” as he walked off. Then you sank down onto the daybed beside Melanie, shoulders slumped. “What happened?” she asked immediately, turning fully toward you.

The tears you’d been fighting finally spilled over. You wiped at them again, but more kept coming. “It’s Caleb..” you sobbed. “We were just sitting up there in soul ties, everything was fine, and then he told me that he wants to see if there’s still something between him and Kenzie. Just because her and Corbin aren’t coupled up anymore.”

Melanie’s eyes widened. “He said that?”

You nodded, your voice cracking. “Yes. After everything he just casually says that. I feel so stupid. I really thought he came back single for me. But clearly he didn’t. I’ve just been following him around like a lost puppy this whole time, waiting for him, thinking we had something real. And the second Kenzie becomes available again..” your breath hitched. “It feels like I was never really his first choice.”

Melanie didn’t hesitate to pull you in for a tight hug, one arm wrapping around your shoulders while her other hand gently wiped the tears from your cheeks.

“Y/n, you’re not stupid.” She said firmly, rubbing soothing circles on your back. “If anything, he’s the one that’s stupid. You should never let a man make you feel like that.”

You nodded against her shoulder even though you didn’t really believe her. The insecurity sat heavy in your chest, whispering things you shouldn’t be thinking of.

Melanie pulled back to look at you, keeping her hands on your arms. “Listen to me. You should just see what he does now. If he actually goes and pulls her, or if he doesn’t seem to care that you’re hurting, then don’t give him the time of day. You deserve someone who chooses you without thinking twice. Not someone who keeps one eye on the door just in case someone else walks through it.”

Her words settled over you, a small comfort even if the pain was still there. You pulled her in for another hug, and she gave it back just as strongly to let you know she was there for you.

Sincere walked off to find Caleb after leaving you and Melanie on the daybed. He wasn’t the type to get in the middle of drama, but seeing you cry like that, he didn’t like it.

He found Caleb in the kitchen, alone, washing dishes after his breakfast with you. “Hey.” Sincere said, leaning against the counter.

Caleb glanced up. “What’s up?”

Sincere didn’t waste time. “Did you know Y/n came crying to Melanie?”

Caleb’s hands stilled under the water. He looked up fully, brow furrowed. “She did?”

Sincere nodded, arms crossed. “Yeah. She was pretty upset, man.”

“Fuck..” Caleb muttered, shaking his head. He turned off the tap and dried his hands on a towel. “What’d you do?” Sincere asked, pulling out one of the stools at the counter and sitting down.

Caleb sighed heavily, leaning back against the sink. “I guess I messed up..”

“Clearly you did, if she’s crying?!” Sincere replied bluntly while trying not to sound too aggressive.

Caleb ran a hand through his hair. “We were sitting up in soul ties and I just told her that I might try to see if there’s still something with Kenzie. Since her and Corbin are done now.”

Sincere stared at him for a second, genuinely surprised. “Dude? You did mess up. Kenzie literally played you in your face last time and you’re trying to see if there’s something there?”

Caleb shrugged, not really having a good answer. He looked conflicted, eyes dropping to the counter. Sincere shook his head. “I mean, do whatever you want. It’s your life but just know Y/n really liked you. And Kenzie..” He paused, obviously not wanting to say anything. “Well, Kenzie is Kenzie.“

Later that night, the girls headed down together, and the guys were already waiting at the bottom of the stairs for their couples. Even though you didn’t want to, you still walked over to Caleb.

“You look beautiful!” He said softly, eyes tracing over your outfit.

“Thanks.” You replied quickly, offering a polite smile before stepping past him.

When the group gathered around the table where fresh drinks were waiting, you deliberately stood across from Caleb instead of beside him like you normally would. You made small talk with the others, and you could feel Caleb’s gaze on you, but you refused to meet it. He needed to feel even a fraction of how uncomfortable and unwanted his words had made you feel.

As some islanders started drifting off to different areas of the villa and others stayed chatting at the table, you stayed hyperaware of Caleb’s movements.

The second you saw him making his way over toward you, you stood up and slipped away, heading in no particular direction. “Y/n?” He called after you. He caught up quickly, falling into step beside you. “Do you wanna go talk?”

You kept walking, legs carrying you forward on pure emotion. “Don’t even..” you said, edged with frustration. Was it petty? Yes. But did he deserve to sit in the discomfort for a while after that? Also yes.

“But we have some things to talk about. Seriously..” he pressed, still keeping pace.

You finally slowed just enough to glance at him. “I mean.. we’ll talk at some point.”

Caleb stopped following you. You heard him mutter a quiet “Okay” before his footsteps retreated back toward the group.

You kept going until you reached the fire pit. It was quiet and empty. You sank down onto the cushioned seat, the weight of the day pressing on your shoulders. You didn’t know what to do with yourself. Pulling out your phone, you started scrolling even though there was nothing to see.

You opened the camera app, flipping it to the front facing lens, just to look busy. You checked your makeup, dabbed at the corner of your eye where mascara might have smudged, then took a couple of random pictures of the fire and the dark villa backdrop, just anything to keep your hands occupied and your mind from spiraling too hard.

You sat there alone at the fire pit for what felt like fifteen minutes, you tried to stay distracted with your phone, but eventually your eyes wandered.

And you actually hated the timing because that’s when you saw Caleb pulling Kenzie for a chat. Your gaze followed them as they walked together, heading toward one of the more private corners of the villa where the others couldn’t easily see or hear. Kenzie laughed at something he said, and Caleb pointed at whatever they were looking at.

It was surely a sight for sore eyes.

You stood up quickly, tears already filling your eyes again. You dabbed at your cheeks as gently as possible, trying not to ruin your makeup, but it was a losing battle. Blinking rapidly, you made your way upstairs to the dressing room, praying no one would notice. Luckily, the others were still scattered around the villa, and you slipped inside unnoticed.

The second the door clicked shut behind you, you sank down in front of the big mirror, shoulders shaking as quiet sobs slipped out. You felt sick, no matter how hard you tried to stop, the tears kept flowing, hot and relentless.

After a few minutes, you forced yourself up and grabbed a paper towel from the counter, gently wiping underneath your eyes and cheeks.

You pulled out your phone again, fingers moving almost on autopilot. You opened your camera roll and went straight to the album of photos with Caleb.

The first picture you found in the folder was right after the letter recoupling. The two letters sat open in your lap in the photo, the paper slightly wrinkled. You zoomed in on Caleb’s letter. In your mind, you slipped back to that day.

You had opened your mailbox with a nervous smile not knowing if you’ll receive a letter back, your heart was racing the moment you saw the letter. You read it out loud in front of everyone:

“Dear Y/n,

From the moment I walked into this villa, there was just something about you that pulled me in. It wasn’t just how beautiful you are, although I’d be lying if I said I didn’t notice that first, but it was the way you carry yourself. The way you make everyone around you feel comfortable, the way you laugh without holding back, and the way your smile somehow manages to make even the hardest days feel a little lighter.

You’ve got the kindest heart I’ve ever come across. You’re so caring, so patient, and you always seem to know exactly what to say without even trying. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, you’re the first person I want to be around. Somehow, just being next to you makes everything feel okay again.

One thing I admire most about you is how openly you communicate. You’ve never made me feel judged for expressing how I feel. Instead, you’ve shown me that honesty and openness can actually bring two people closer together. You’ve created a space where I feel safe enough to be completely myself, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.

You’ve become my best friend in here, but somehow you also became so much more than that. Every day I find myself falling for you a little harder, and I honestly can’t imagine doing this experience with anyone else by my side.

Sincerely, Caleb.”

You finished reading the words on your screen, the memory fading as the dressing room came back into focus. You didn’t understand how he could write something so beautiful, and then turn around and say he wanted to see if there was still something with Kenzie.

All those sweet words, had they just been temporary? Easy to say when things were good, but apparently easy to forget the second another option appeared. He had such a sweet way with words, a way of making you feel truly seen. But now you knew he could hurt you just as deeply.

You swiped to the next picture, Caleb was holding you bridal style, both of you smiling like idiots while someone snapped the photo.

You had come downstairs with the girls that night, as usual the guys waited at the bottom of the stairs. The second you spotted Caleb, you practically threw yourself at him. Your arms wrapped around his neck as he pulled you in by the waist, lifting you slightly off the ground in a tight hug. He looked so good; he was wearing a black jean jacket, black jeans, and cowboy boots.

You glanced down at your own outfit and laughed. “Wait, we’re matching!”

You were wearing a black laced dress with white cowboy boots, the perfect complement to his look. Caleb grinned, clearly pleased. “We really are.”

Later, you sat in his lap at the table while a few other islanders chatted about random things. Kayda suddenly spoke up. “Hold on, Y/n, let me take a picture of you two.” She said, already standing up with a big smile. “Y’all look so cute right now.”

You and Caleb both agreed instantly. He handed you his black cowboy hat, carefully placing it on your head before standing up with you. In one smooth motion, he scooped you up bridal style. You squealed in surprise, laughing as you right arm went around his neck for balance, your left arm thrown in the air, and your white boots dangled in the air.

“Smile!” Kayda called, holding up your phone. Caleb held you securely, both of you beaming at the camera.

You continued scrolling through the pictures, your tears slowly drying as you moved from one memory to the next. The more you looked, the more the ache disappeared. The heavy sobs gave way to softer, bittersweet smiles.

There you were after a silly challenge together, covered in paint and laughing. Another photo showed you two cuddling on the daybeds, his arm around you while you rested your head on his shoulder. Picture after picture reminded you how good it had been.

For a little while, you let yourself cherish those moments instead of drowning in the pain. You had shared something special, even if it was starting to feel one sided now. And at the end of the day, if Caleb wanted to get to know Kenzie more, there was nothing you could do about it.

You couldn’t force him to choose you. You could only decide how you carried yourself through it.

The door to the dressing room opened suddenly. You looked over your shoulder and saw Melanie and Aniya walking in.

“Y/n?” Melanie said softly, concern clear in her voice as they both headed straight toward you.

They sat down on either side of you, their eyes immediately landed on your phone, the screen still glowing with the photo of you and Caleb. “Oh, baby..” Melanie murmured.

Without another word, they both pulled you into a tight group hug. Aniya rubbed your back while Melanie rested her head against yours. You let yourself lean into them, the warmth of their support easing some of the tightness.

“We saw you disappear upstairs..” Melanie said gently after a moment. “And we saw Caleb pulling Kenzie.. we figured it wasn’t good.”

You nodded against them. “You don’t deserve to be sitting here crying alone.” Aniya added, pulling back to look at you. “We’ve got you. Whether he comes to his senses or not.”

If there was one thing you loved after a long day in the villa, it was getting into bed with Caleb. In fact, it was easily your favorite part of every single day.

No matter how much fun you had, nothing ever compared to the moment the lights went off. There was just something comforting about ending the day together.

Sometimes you’d lie there talking for what felt like hours, replaying everything that had happened that day until one of you drifted off. Other nights, a sleepy smile, fingers intertwined beneath the duvet, gentle forehead kisses, or a kiss goodnight were enough to remind you how lucky you were.

Tonight, you took your time getting ready for bed. The dressing room was buzzing with the girls’ chatter as you sat in front of your mirror, carefully curling your lashes.

You slipped into your soft pink and white striped top paired with the matching shorts. With one last glance in the mirror, you told the girls you’re heading to the bedroom and padded barefoot to the shared bedroom.

A few of the guys were lounging against the headboards and talking while they waited for their own girls. Caleb was among them, arms crossed casually over his chest, smile on his face as he listened to one of the boys.

You climbed into your shared bed, pulling the covers over your legs, and Caleb turned fully toward you when he noticed you. “Finally. Took you long enough.” He teased.

You laughed quietly, settling beside him. “Sorry, I wasn’t rushing tonight.”

When the lights finally turned off, you two talked in whispers for the next half hour. You replayed moments from today, laughing quietly whenever Caleb said something funny. Eventually, his hand found yours under the covers, thumb brushing gently over your knuckles. “You know, I think I feel really close to you. Even closer than I’ve felt with anyone in here. I don’t think it feels right to explore anyone else anymore..”

Your heart fluttered. You moved closer, resting your forearms over his chest, as you rested your chin on your arms. You draped one leg comfortably over his, tangling together under the sheets. “I feel the same.” You whispered back, smiling into the dark. “I don’t want anyone else either.”

Caleb’s arm wrapped around your waist, as he gently pulled you higher up against his body. Your forearms pressed firmer into his chest for balance, and suddenly his lips met yours in the dark. You smiled into the kiss, warmth blooming in your chest, and you felt the familiar curve of his mouth.

He tilted his head slightly, capturing your lips again with more intent. His free hand continued tracing lazy patterns along your back, fingertips slipping just beneath the hem of your top. The cool touch of his skin against your warm back made you yelp softly into his mouth.

Caleb chuckled lowly, the sound vibrating through his chest. “Sorry, baby.” He whispered against your lips, though he didn’t sound sorry at all. He pulled you flush right against him, eliminating any space between your bodies, his hand now splayed warmly across your lower back under the fabric.

The kiss deepened, he pushed his tongue forward gently, asking for entrance, and you gladly opened for him. Your tongues met and danced together in a intimate rhythm.

The taste of him was addictive, it was familiar from daytime kisses but it is so much better like this, tangled under the covers with no one watching.

You pulled back just enough to lick along his bottom lip with the tip of your tongue. Caleb’s breath hitched. Encouraged, you leaned in again, sucking gently on his lower lip before kissing him fully once more. He responded with a groan, his hand pressing you even closer as if he couldn’t get enough.

Caleb eventually slowed the kisses, pressing a few softer ones to the corner of your mouth. “Turn on your back for me?” he asked softly.

You nodded, and he lifted his arm, draping it across the pillow beside him like an invitation. You shifted obediently, settling onto his forearm so your head rested comfortably in the crook of his arm. He continued pressing sweet kisses to your cheek.

His free hand slid down to your waist, rubbing soothing circles over the fabric of your top. His fingers drifted lower, brushing over the tied waistband of your shorts. He toyed with the little bow for a few seconds, tracing the edge teasingly.“Can I?” he whispered against your ear, seeking permission.

You nodded again. With your consent, his hand slipped beneath the waistband of your shorts. It didn’t take long for him to realize you weren’t wearing anything underneath. Appreciative sound rumbled in his chest as his fingers ran through your folds, discovering just how wet you already were for him.

The first touch made you moan a little too loud for the shared bedroom. Caleb reacted instantly, pressing his lips firmly against yours to swallow the sound. He kissed you deeply as if to remind you that those sounds were only for him.

He obviously loved hearing you, in fact, he craved it and he’d do anything to do more to hear you, but not here where the others could hear. “Shh, baby.”He murmured against your mouth when he finally pulled back.

His fingers returned to your center, circling your clit with the perfect pressure. You bit down hard on your bottom lip, trying desperately to stay quiet as pleasure sparked through you. The feeling was intense in the dark, heightened by the need for silence and the way his strong arm cradled you close.

You managed to stay somewhat quiet, until he pushed two fingers inside you at once. The stretch drew a sharper gasp from your throat. Quickly, you slapped a hand over your mouth, eyes squeezing shut as pleasure rolled through you. When his fingers curled just right, hitting that perfect spot, you removed your hand, grabbed the back of his neck, and pulled him down into a hungry kiss instead.

He understood the silent plea immediately. His fingers began pumping in and out of you in a steady rhythm, curling with every thrust. The wet sounds were faint beneath the covers, but they felt deafening in your ears.

“Oh, Caleb..” you moaned softly into his mouth.

“Shh, baby..” he whispered, lips brushing yours. “You’re doing so good being quiet for me.” His fingers never stopped their delicious pace. “Can you stay quiet just a little longer?”

You nodded frantically, burying your face against his neck. The pressure in your stomach built fast, tight, coiling heat that made your thighs tremble. Caleb kept whispering praise against your skin, his thumb occasionally brushing your clit while his fingers worked you closer and closer to the edge.

It hit you suddenly, your whole body tensed as waves of pleasure crashed over you, coming hard around his fingers. You pressed your face into his shoulder to muffle the sound, trembling in his arms. Caleb gently pumped his fingers through every pulse, helping you ride out the orgasm until the waves slowly subsided and your body melted boneless against him.

When you finally relaxed, he eased his fingers out of you slowly. And when your heavy breathing finally slowed, you turned onto your side, back pressed against Caleb’s chest.

Your eyes fluttered closed, and without a word, he wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you flush against him. His hand splayed warmly over your stomach as he tucked you closer.

The next morning in the dressing room, you sat at the vanity, carefully blending concealer under your eyes. The girls were scattered around, doing their makeup and hair, the usual lively chatter filling the air.

“Yo, which one of y’all was getting french fries last night?” Trinity suddenly spoke up, loud and teasing.

You quietly laughed to yourself but stayed focused on your reflection, blending the product smoothly into your skin. The other girls immediately started denying it with giggles.

Trinity’s gaze landed on you. She noticed the small, telling smile you couldn’t hide. “Y/n.. was that you?”

You looked up, shrugging with a grin still playing on your lips. “It was!” Trinity yelled, pointing dramatically. “It was so fucking loud I knew damn well that wasn’t just kissing!”

The other girls erupted into excited cheers and laughter, crowding closer with wide eyes. Your face warmed, but the energy in the room was supportive. “Okay, okay, it was me.” You admitted with a laugh, setting down your brush.

Melanie leaned forward, eyebrows raised. “How did that even happen?”

You hummed, thinking back to the night before. “I don’t know.. we were just talking about how we really don’t want anyone else, but we didn’t close things off yet” you quickly added. “We were cuddling and kissing and, it just happened.”

Kayda grinned. “Ouhh, was it good?”

You looked straight at her, deadpan. “Bitch, is the grass green?”

The room filled with laughter as Trinity shook her head. “Sure it was good, she was barely staying quiet over there.”

Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door. “Come in!” the girls called out in unison.

The door opened and Caleb stepped inside, holding a plate of fresh fruit and toast in one hand and a mug in the other. He scanned the room until his eyes found you. “Oh, look, there’s the chef of french fries..” Trinity teased loudly.

Caleb blinked, confused, glancing between you and the girls. “What?”

You stood up quickly, smiling as you walked over to him. “They’re just joking around.” You reassured him softly. Rising onto your toes, you gave him a sweet peck on the lips. “Thank you for breakfast. This is really sweet.”

When you first laid your eyes on the blond, your heart forgot how to beat for a second. It was during the slumber party challenge, the girls and the boys were all piled onto the massive white sheeted bed that had quickly turned into a colorful mess of the girls trying to find their partner with paint.

All of the girls quickly learned that there clearly had been someone else kissing the guys, because no girls from the villa had the red paint.

And of course, Ariana announced that there was bombshells who kissed the guys while the girls blindfolded tried to find their connection. All the girls whined, until Ariana spoke up. “And girls, I know I forget a lot but this time I didn’t forget about you. Please welcome Caleb!”

You couldn’t see clearly from the start, but soon you saw a figure walking down the stairs. It was a tall, blond guy, all easy confidence and a genuine smile.

He was easily one of the best looking guys you’d ever seen in person. He had sunkissed skin, sharp jaw, and warm eyes that scanned the group. You couldn’t blame Melanie for jumping up and down on the bed, squealing with pure excitement as the sheets twisted under the movement. The girls were losing it, and really so were you on the inside.

Caleb laughed a little at the over the top welcome. When it was his turn to speak, he stepped forward and said where he was from, the southern drawl rolling out so naturally it hit you right in the chest. Yeah.. you loved yourself a cowboy.

Something about the way he carried himself, made your stomach do backflips in a way you hadn’t expected on day whatever this was.

You tried to play it cool, sitting there in your white lingerie, but your eyes kept drifting back to him as he made his way around the bed, greeting each girl with a make out. When he got closer to you, your heart picked up. You hoped he’d notice you the most out of everyone. Of course, not in a desperate way, but there was something about him that felt different from everyone else.

Maybe it was the way he looked like a guy who might actually mean what he said. Or just him being very cutesy. Or maybe both. Either way, you wanted to find out whatever it was.

Somehow, your wish came true. The chemistry between you and Caleb was even better than you’d hoped for. From the first day, he matched your energy in a way that felt natural, rather than forced.

But of course, nothing in the villa stayed simple for long. Kenzie had the same type, apparently, and zero shame about going after what she wanted. You tried not to feel greedy but it stung. She already had Corbin, like wasn’t that enough? You’d pulled the girls for a chat the day after Sol, Jen, and Caleb entered, telling them straight up that you wanted to see where things could go with him.

The next day, you decided not to wait. You spotted Caleb by the firepit talking to Sincere and walked over. “Hey, do you wanna go for a chat?”

He smiled warmly and nodded. “Lead the way.”

Once you were settled on the cozy couch of soulties, you swung your legs over his lap, getting comfortable. “So how do you feel about yesterday?” you asked, studying his face.

Caleb let out a small laugh, his hand resting on your knee. “I can’t lie I was a bit nervous walking into the villa.”

“Yeah?” You smiled, feeling your cheeks warm. “I was kind of nervous when you came in too.”

“Really?” His eyebrows lifted, his proud little smirk appearing. “I’m lowkey feeling kinda proud right now that I made you nervous.”

You laughed. “Who caught your eye first?”

“Should I be honest?”

“Obviously.”

“Probably you.” he said sincerely.

You covered your mouth for a second. “Shut up.” You played around “Are you saying that just now because I asked? You might be going around telling all the girls that.”

Caleb laughed, shaking his head as he squeezed your leg gently. “No, I promise. It’s not like that.”

A comfortable silence settled for a few seconds. You bit your lip, the question bothering you, “So.. how’d you feel about our kiss?”

He pretended to think hard. “I don’t know.. maybe I need a reminder?”

You couldn’t help but smile as you leaned in, your hand brushing his chest. The kiss was soft and sweet and exploring, exactly like how you’d felt when you two kissed for the first time. When you started to pull away, he chased it with two small kisses, both of you breaking into wide, ear to ear grins.

Two days later, everything changed for the better. America had voted, and somehow they saw exactly what you saw; the spark between you and Caleb. When your name was called with his at the recoupling, a wave of relief washed over you. He walked over to you with a genuine smile, and he pulled you into a warm hug.

He looked genuinely happy, his bright smile lighting up his whole face as he whispered in your ear, asking if you were okay. You were happy too, happier than you’d been since stepping foot in the villa.

That first night coupled up, you chose your cutest set of pajamas, soft pink shorts and a matching top that made you feel pretty. Caleb was already under the covers when you climbed in beside him. Without a word, he opened his arms, and you curled right into him, resting your head on his chest. His heartbeat was steady under your cheek, and his arms wrapped around you protectively, one hand gently rubbing your back.

“Goodnight.” He murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of your head.

You smiled against his skin. “Night, Caleb.”

It was simple, but it was everything. You were exactly where you wanted to be.

The entire week that followed felt like a dream. You and Caleb spent every free moment getting to know each other deeper than you expected was possible in the villa. It was crazy how quickly it happened, but you two already felt like you’d known each other for way longer than a week and a half.

Caleb hated feeling a certain type of way when he saw you with someone else. He hated the tight twist in his chest every time another guy pulled you for a chat. He hated watching from across the villa as someone else got to sit with you on the daybeds, making you laugh, trying to build something.

And don’t even get him started on the challenges, moments when a guy chose to kiss you out of all the girls. Seeing another man’s lips on yours, even if it was “just a challenge” made something ugly flare up inside him.

He knew he shouldn’t feel that type of way. This was love island after all; kisses, chats, and tests were part of the deal. You two had only been coupled up a short while, and he trusted the connection you were building. You were sweet, genuine, and the way you looked at him after every conversation made him feel like the luckiest guy in the villa.

But it wasn’t every day that his woman got kissed by other men.

Caleb brushed the feeling aside, forcing himself to stay cool and confident. He didn’t want to come off insecure or controlling because that wasn’t him. He’d seen enough guys in the villa spiral and ruin good things by acting on every jealous impulse.

So he smiled through it, focusing instead on the moments that mattered: waking up with you on his chest, talks where you both opened up, and the way your hand always found his when you walked through the villa.

He knew the guys from the villa well enough by now or at least he hoped he did. Most of them respected the couples and would tell him straight if they were actually feeling you. But every time one of the others stayed a little too long in conversation with you, Caleb found himself watching, jaw tight until you came back to him with a bright smile that melted everything else away.

It especially didn’t help when a new bombshell came in and made it crystal clear he had come straight for you.

The Islanders had gotten ready for the kissing booth challenge. The rules were simple: first the boys would be blindfolded with noise cancelling headphones while the girls went down the line kissing them. The boys would rate each kiss out of ten, and the top girl would win bragging rights. Then the roles would reverse.

You were almost one of the last girls standing in line when the boys’ turn to kiss came around. Caleb moved down the row, and when he finally reached you, he made it obvious it was him. He started with a kiss on your neck, trailing upward until his lips captured yours. His hand gently held the back of your neck, pulling you closer. You melted into it instantly, the familiar tenderness making your knees feel weak.

Caleb had already kissed most of the girls by that point, and he was over it. He’d had enough of the random lips and at this point, he only wanted to kiss you.

You obviously knew your man’s lips. Even blindfolded, you could tell it was him the second he touched you. When it was time for the girls to give their ratings, you waited until your turn and smiled.“I mean, I think I already know who that was,” you said confidently, “and if I could, I’d give him a twelve out of ten. But since that’s probably not allowed, I’ll just settle for a ten.”

Caleb, laughed shyly but there was clear pride on his face too, he was proud that his girl could recognize him so easily among everyone else.

Bryce was the last guy to go down the line, because all of the other guys had already had their turns. But it obviously wouldn’t be love island if a bombshell didn’t come in during a challenge. Caleb saw the guy walking from the entrance, tall, complete opposite of him and the guy stopped Bryce from doing his part. “Don’t mind if I do?”

The girls were still blindfolded and wearing the headphones, completely oblivious to the new guy walking in.

“How was that kiss?” Zach asked, standing by the board with the marker ready as the girls told about their thoughts.

When it came to your turn, you shrugged with a small laugh. “I don’t know.. it wasn’t bad, but it definitely wasn’t my man.”

When you were finally able to take your blindfold off, you saw the bombshell standing in front of you all, the girls with their mouths open. You glanced over at Caleb, before the girls were ushered toward the firepit with the new arrival. His name was Aidan, he was tall, darkhaired, and confident as he introduced himself.

The guys peeled off to the daybeds for their usual debrief. “Dude!” Zach spoke up first, “Bryce didn’t even get to kiss the girls.” Bryce nodded, chuckling. “Yeah, they were definitely excited to see the new guy.”

Sincere leaned back and pointed toward the firepit, nudging Caleb with his elbow. “There goes your girl.” You and the new guy, Aidan, made your way together towards the kitchen.

Caleb watched you sitting with Aidan, the new bombshell leaning in as you two talked. The jealousy flared hotter, but he decided not to say anything. “Do you think she pulled him or he pulled her?” Zach asked.

Caleb shrugged, eyes still locked on the kitchen area where you and Aidan had moved to continue chatting at the counter. “I dunno, but either way I’m cooked. If she pulled him, then she’s got some slight interest. If he pulled her, then he’s clearly going for her hard since she’s the first one he’s talking to.”

The guys murmured in agreement, but Zach tried to offer some comfort. “I mean, you know her. I don’t think it’ll be that easy for her to turn her head.”

Caleb nodded slowly, appreciating the words even if they didn’t fully help him. After a few minutes, he stood up and stretched, acting casual. “Dude?” Kc laughed, “are you going to the kitchen because they’re there?”

Caleb let out a short laugh, not even bothering to deny it. “Yeah.”

Later that night, after the long day and villa chatter had finally died down, everyone got ready for bed. You changed into your comfy sleepwear and padded over to the shared bedroom, a small smile tugging at your lips when you spotted Caleb already under the covers waiting for you, one arm behind his head.

You wasted no time wrapping yourself around him, legs tangled with his and your head resting on his chest. Even after the time you’d spent together, you were still excited every night to share a bed with him. There was something so comforting about his warmth and the rhythm of his heartbeat.

You two chatted softly like you always did before bed, like little observations about the other islanders, funny moments, and plans for the next day. Eventually, Caleb’s voice grew a little more serious. “So.. what did you two talk about?” he asked, referring to Aidan.

You tilted your head up to look at him. “Oh, nothing much. He just asked how I feel being in a couple with you, if we’re closed off, and stuff like that.”

Caleb’s hand paused on your back. “What’d you say?”

You smiled gently, tracing lazy circles on his chest. “I told him we’re not closed off yet, but I feel really great with you. That I’m not really waiting for anyone else to come in, and just excited to see where things go with you.”

The relief on Caleb’s face was immediate. His shoulders relaxed, and he pulled you a little closer, pressing a kiss to your forehead. Hearing you be so honest and hearing you affirm your connection out loud, settled something in him. Hopefully Aidan would take the hint and try to get to know someone else more romantically instead of focusing on you.

When the lights finally turned off, you lifted your head from his chest and nestled your face into the crook of his neck. You pressed a soft kiss there, then sucked lightly, obviously not enough to leave a mark, just enough to feel the warmth of his skin. You soothed the spot with your tongue before trailing up to capture his lips in a kiss.

It was sweet and comforting, the kind of kiss that said everything words couldn’t in the dark. You stayed like that for a while, exchanging soft kisses until the tiredness started to win. With a contented sigh, you pulled back slightly, smiling against his mouth. “Night, baby.” you whispered.

“Night, baby.” Caleb murmured back, his arms tightening around you protectively.

The next morning, you sat on the poufs with Trinity and Kayda, sipping coffee and enjoying the sunshine. The guys were working out nearby, muscles flexing as you three enjoyed the show.

That’s when Aidan walked over. You expected him to pull one of the other girls, but he stopped right in front of you. “Hey, you wanna go for a chat?”

You couldn’t exactly say no without seeming rude, so you agreed with a polite smile. “Sure.” He suggested the speakeasy and you nodded, following him inside but making sure to leave the door open. You settled onto the couch, keeping things light and friendly.

He started with somewhat easy questions, like where you’re from, what you do outside the villa. The conversation flowed nicely for about ten minutes. It was harmless, even kind of nice..

Until it wasn’t.

“So, did you enjoy our kiss yesterday?” Aidan asked, leaning in a bit.

The question instantly brought you back to how things started with Caleb and you had zero interest in going there with Aidan. “It was cool.” you laughed lightly, shrugging it off. “I don’t really have any complaints.”

“That’s great” he said with a smile. “How about we try again?”

You stared at him for a second, caught off guard. “Uhh, I don’t know.. I don’t think it’s going to be that easy.”

Aidan laughed, playing off the embarrassment. “Maybe another day?”

You gave a small, noncommittal smile. “We’ll see.”

After your chat with Aidan, you found Caleb in the kitchen talking to Sincere. You walked up behind him and slipped your hand around his waist, leaning into his side. “Hey, can I steal him for a bit?”

Sincere waved you off. “Go ahead. He’s all yours.”

You led Caleb up to soulties, the cozy spot feeling like the perfect place to talk. The second you sat down, you turned to him. “Aidan pulled me again.”

You could tell Caleb was getting annoyed, but he was clearly trying not to show it too much. “Did he?”

“Yeah” you said, sighing. “And he wanted to kiss me.”

“What?” Caleb’s eyes widened, surprise flashing across his face. He was expecting anything but this, because yesterday you made it clear that you weren’t going to be that easy.

“Yeah. I obviously told him no, but he asked if maybe another day and I just said ‘we’ll see’ because I didn’t know what else to say.”

Caleb nodded slowly, processing everything. “You handled it well. But I don’t like that he keeps going for you when he knows we’re coupled up.”

Before you could dive deeper, you heard the islanders yelling from downstairs. Trinity’s voice carried up clearly. “I got a text!”

You and Caleb immediately got up and leaned over the railing. Trinity read it out loud: “Islanders, the hideaway is open tonight. Please vote for the couple you want to send in.”

Your eyes met Caleb’s at the same time. A big smile broke across both your faces. Trinity looked straight up at you. “Bitch, you gotta go!” she yelled, grinning.

The rest of the islanders cheered and hyped you two up with no hesitation. You and Caleb broke into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around you securely. “I guess we’re going to the hideaway,” you said, laughing softly against his chest.

The girls immediately started running up the stairs to help you get ready. Caleb got the hint and gave your butt a gentle, playful pat as you pulled away. “Can’t wait to see you downstairs.”

In the dressing room, the girls were hyping you up like it was a wedding. They helped you pick out the perfect set, and you ended up choosing a white lingerie that made you feel sexy. You layered a silky dark blue nightgown over it, the fabric soft and flowing beautifully against your skin.

Before you and Caleb went into the hideaway, the islanders made a song for you two, with plenty of cheeky lyrics.

When you entered the hideaway, the space felt like pure luxury compared to the main villa. It was big and romantic, and the first thing you both noticed was the inviting hot tub bubbling away in the corner. You walked over to the sign next to it and read it out loud.

“Stay wild..” You turned to Caleb. “Oh, we’re definitely staying wild tonight. I can promise you that.”

Caleb chuckled, pulling you close before you both explored further. You wandered into the bedroom area and stopped in your tracks. “Holy shit, Caleb.. that’s all for us?” The massive bed looked incredibly comfortable, complete with plush pillows and soft lighting. It felt like a whole different world.

Caleb’s eyes scanned the room and landed on a big mirror on the wall. “Y/n, look what I found.” he said, pointing with a smirk. The mirror had text that read: Pull here for a good time.

“Pull it!” you told him, curious.

He reached out and tugged on the handle. The mirror swung open to reveal a little compartment filled with handcuffs, a belt, game cards, and a few other things clearly meant for a very good time. You laughed and pulled out the belt, playfully snapping it in the air toward him.

“It don’t hurt..” Caleb raised an eyebrow. “Keep doing it.”

After spending some time relaxing in the hot tub, you both dried off and made your way toward the bed. Caleb lay back against the pillows, looking ridiculously attractive. You straddled his lap, pulling the covers up over your shoulders as you settled on top of him.

“Ughh..” you groaned. “Can we please just get the lights off now?” you complained. “Because I’m holding myself back from jumping your bones right now.”

Caleb let out a deep laugh, his hands resting on your thighs. “That right?”

Before he could even reach for the switch, the main lights dimmed and turned off automatically, leaving only the soft LED lights glowing around the room. You both paused, surprised, then broke into laughter again.

“Guess the hideaway heard you.” Caleb said, grinning up at you, his hands sliding up your sides.

You leaned down until your lips met his, your bodies pressed chest to chest. The kiss started slow, but heat quickly took over and it didn’t take long for Caleb’s hands to slide down and find your ass, squeezing with both hands. The firm grip pulled a soft moan from your throat, and he took the opportunity to slide his tongue into your mouth.

Before you knew it, Caleb flipped you both over with ease so he was hovering above you. He continued kissing you hungrily, occasionally breaking away to trail his lips down your neck, sucking lightly on your skin before finding his way back to your mouth.

His hand moved from your waist to your thigh, smoothing over the soft skin there before sliding higher. He played with the waistband of your panties, teasing you until you were aching for more.

“Please, Caleb..” you pleaded.

He didn’t tease you for long. Caleb slipped his hand into your panties, sliding his fingers over your slick folds. The sensation earned a louder moan from you.

He quickly pulled his hand out just long enough to tug your panties down your legs, leaving you more open for him. Bringing his two middle fingers to his mouth, he spit on them before returning to your core.

He entered you slowly with one finger, then added a second when you gasped saying “I want more.”

The stretch and rhythm of his fingers pulled another moan from your lips. Your head fell back against the pillow, mouth open as his fingers worked you perfectly.

As much as he wanted to kiss you and swallow every sound, he also loved seeing you with your head thrown back, back arching off the bed. It was a sight he couldn’t get enough of.

While your back arched, he took the opportunity to reach behind you and unclasp your bra. It took a little struggle with one hand, but he eventually got it open and tossed it aside.

He leaned down, taking one of your nipples into his mouth, sucking and teasing with his tongue while his fingers kept their pace. The multitasking was impressive, you’d give him that.

“Hm” he hummed against your skin, getting your attention. “I bet he wishes he got you like this. Think that?”

From your point of view, Caleb was still a little jealous about Aidan, but it didn’t bother you. You silently thanked everyone who had voted for you two to get this time alone in the hideaway so he could get his jealousy out.

Caleb kept working you, curling his fingers just right until your thighs started to tremble.

He rode out your high with you, whispering praises against your neck as you came undone beneath him. When your body finally relaxed, he slowly pulled his fingers out and brought them up to his lips, tasting you with a satisfied groan.

“Fuck, you taste good, baby.” he complimented.

After Caleb let you catch your breath, he leaned back down to kiss you hard, his tongue sliding against yours with renewed hunger.

He pulled the sheets up over both of you, creating a private cocoon that blocked out the rest of the world. It felt incredibly intimate with just the two of you tangled together under the soft fabric.

“Can you handle more, baby?” he asked sweetly.

You nodded immediately, absolutely not wasting this rare chance at alone time with him in this villa. “Yes.. please.”

Under the covers, you gladly helped him take off his boxers, both of you giggling as the fabric got tangled for a second. Once he was free, Caleb’s hands gripped your waist tightly as he positioned himself between your thighs.

He pushed in slowly, giving you time to adjust to his size. The stretch was perfect, and a moan escaped your lips. At least you were now promised, or at least really hoping, to have a sexy boyfriend after this villa and a fire dick every night once you got out.

When you finally gave him the sign to move, Caleb didn’t hold back. His thrusts came harder, and deeper, the bed creaked rhythmically beneath you, and you were so thankful the hideaway was soundproof enough that no one else in the villa could hear you two.

The wet slaps of skin on skin filled the small space under the sheets, mixing with your shared heavy breathing.

“Think he could fuck you like this?” Caleb growled against your ear, his hand sliding up your thigh and spreading you wider for him.

“Fuck..” you moaned, nails digging into his back hard enough to leave marks that would definitely show tomorrow. “No.. only you, Caleb.”

It seemed to spur him on even more. With a sound in his throat, he flipped you onto your stomach, pulling your hips up so your ass was raised while your chest pressed into the mattress.

He took you from behind, sinking back into you in one smooth thrust. His hand fisted gently in your hair, obviously he wasn’t trying to be rough, but just to tilt your head back so he could kiss you sloppily while still pounding into you.

The new angle was incredible, he was hitting that perfect spot with every thrust, making your eyes roll back. Your moans were muffled by the pillow and the heavy sheets, but Caleb seemed to love every single sound you made.

He reached around with one hand, finding your clit and rubbing it in tight, expert circles. The dual sensation pushed you right toward the edge again while he chased his own release, hips snapping against you relentlessly.

You came harder this time, clenching around him and shaking as pleasure crashed through you. Caleb followed right after, groaning your name. At the last second, he managed to pull out, stroking himself a few times before finishing across your lower back in hot pulses.

He collapsed on top of you, both of you panting heavily under the messy sheets. Your bodies were slick with sweat, hearts still racing from the intensity of it all.

After a moment, Caleb rolled off you with a satisfied groan but immediately pulled you into his chest, wrapping his strong arms around your body. He pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, his thumb stroking soothing circles on your back.

“I wasn’t too rough, was I?” he asked quietly, genuine concern in his voice as he checked on you.

You smiled against his skin, still catching your breath. “No.. it was perfect.”

He hummed happily, hugging you a little tighter. You yawned, the exhaustion finally hitting you hard after the long day and the passionate night. Caleb chuckled softly, recognizing the sign immediately.

“Get some sleep, baby.” he whispered, kissing the top of your head again. “We can talk about everything tomorrow.”

You nodded sleepily, already drifting off in his warm embrace.

Three long grueling days.

That's how long it has been since the boys entered Casa. Since that night at the fire pit where you and the girls had to endure the mental and emotional torture of watching the boys act up with the new bombshells, you all tried your best to maintain the normalcy.

Keyword 'tried'.

You were practically numb since that night. You had shut down emotionally and the girls could tell immediately that you were not the same Y/n they knew and loved.

The morning after that night at the fire pit, Ariana had walked in to check in on y'all. She had you guys sit down and talk about what y'all's current thoughts were based on what was happening in Casa.

"So, my lovely ladies, how are we feeling about the boys being in Casa Amor right now?" she asked.

Trinity was the first to speak up.

"I think it was bullshit the way they did it. But at this point we can't dwell on it." She responded.

"I'm just ready to see some hot new singles after the bullshit I saw on that screen last night." Kenzie said. With the other girls agreeing with her.

Ariana then looked at you.

"Y/n, how are you feeling hun? I know its been a very emotional day for you and I'm sorry you had to experience this." she said.

You didn't want to answer. You really did not want to. But its not her fault that you were placed in this situation. And after all, this is still a reality show, and even though it came down to the cast having the power to eliminate others, it was also in the hands of America. And you were not ready to go home yet.

"I won't lie to you, I'm very heartbroken right now." You spoke softly.

"I don't really have anything else other than that to say, and that eventually I hope this heartbreak goes away soon. I just want to find happiness with someone who I have a great connection with and at the end chooses me." You ended the conversation with that answer. Not wanting to say anything further. You were grateful that Ariana did not push any further.

"Well, considering everything that went down, I just want to say that I don't think its fair that the boys get to have all the fun. So, with that being said, we have twelve bombshells currently on their way to enter the villa." she said. The girls screamed in excitement, they were waiting for this moment since day one of Casa. They were ready to explore with no shame just like the boys.

"Remember, Love Island is all about making connections. It's possible to have more than one, but there's always that one connection that is stronger than the others. Please make sure that you explore as much as possible, you'll have time to meet them for our villa pool party. At the end, you will decide the six boys that will get to stay and the six boys that will get to stay in the villa." The girls jumped with excitement, screaming their heads off. Although you weren't jumping up and down with excitement, you knew you were going to have to go into this with an open mind.

'If Caleb wants to explore, then I have every right to do the same.'

*Two Days Later*

You tried so hard to find another connection. You spoke to all the bombshells. You kissed them to see if there was any compatibility, you tried everything that you possibly could to try and form another connection. But you simply didn't have one.

You were frustrated. The problem was when you tried to find a connection, Caleb would pop up in the back of your head. And you tried so hard to push him at the back of your mind. But then the memories would come crawling back and take over. You decided right then and there that you had to be honest with yourself and realize that the only connection you had was with Caleb and no one else.

When the bombshells tried to get to know you more, you let yourself open up, but then you couldn't let it go any further.

"I'm really sorry, but I'm going to be honest and tell you that I still have my other connection with Caleb in the back of my head. I don't want to waste your time at all and want to be fair to you." You were grateful that they were understanding at least. But of course it only had you questioning why you couldn't just let go of Caleb.

'After everything he did, I still can't let him go.' you thought.

'How desperate can you be?'

'He's going to bring back someone else, and you know it.'

You needed to go find the girls. You couldn't be alone with these current thoughts right now. As you make your way over to the girls who were sitting in the 'Say Less' area, your phone suddenly pings.

"Oh shit." and other similar phrases were said throughout the villa as everyone waited for you to read the text.

"Islanders, tonight will be a recoupling. The boys will be returning from Casa Amor. Make sure to take this time to think about who it is that you want to couple up with."

"Fuckkkkk, are you fucking serious." Trinity complained.

Everyone was immediately on edge. You on the other hand, could feel yourself starting to panic. It was now hitting you that you were going to see Caleb tonight. A list of multiple scenarios started to play in your head. Enough to give a headache.

'What am I going to do?' you thought desperately. Hoping that something or someone can give you an answer at that moment.

"Come on y'all, let's go get ready, we have a lot to think about." Melanie reasoned with you and the girls. They all stood up and as a group you walked upstairs to the changing room.

"How are you feeling Y/n?" Aniya asked you.

You were currently decided which outfit to wear tonight, the many options becoming a bit difficult to decide.

"I'm okay," you started. Your hand coming up to grab a blue dress that caught your eye. You analyzed it but finished answering Aniya's question.

"I'm not 100%, but I'm okay. Just not sure what to do. I don't have a connection with any of the guys here, although I wish I could. But my heart is not in it. My heart still wants Caleb." you admitted and could feel the tears starting to form.

No. You were not going to cry right now. Not when you just did your makeup as well. You were going to get through tonight.

"So, do you think you're leaning most likely towards staying single?" she asked in return.

"It's the only justifiable and possible thing to do. I'm not going to string one of these boys along when the whole time, I'm going to be thinking about Caleb." Aniya nodded in understanding.

"As much as I want to say to pick one of the guys here, I get where you're coming from. Pick what your heart is telling you, and don't let yourself feel guilty for the choice you make. We can't help who we have feelings for." she finished the conversation and gave you a tight hug which you honestly needed.

You look back at your wardrobe and finally pick a dress to put on.

*At the fire pit*

You were all seated around the fire pit. Ariana was standing in front, and each minute that passed by only had you feeling sick. You were dreading the moment you would be called on to tell Ariana what you were going to do.

'What if he walks in with another girl?'

'What if everything between us was a lie?'

The thoughts were coming at you left and right, trying to take over your thought process. You take a couple of deep breaths to calm yourself. You could do this, and you were going to be okay.

The memory of watching Caleb and Jaiden kissed played in your head. Although looking at them made you sick to your stomach, you took into consideration that he told her that he still did have a connection with you. That he still thought of you and considered you. But then the image of them being in that damn private room only made your heart ache bad.

You were so busy weighing your options that you didn't notice that Trinity was up standing. Getting ready to make the big decision. You all stayed quiet and listened to her reasoning for either pairing up with one of the bombshells or deciding to stay single while potentially reuniting with Bryce.

"I am going to remain single and not pair up with one of these amazing boys. Although they deserve love, this is what my heart was telling me to do." She explained.

"Trinity, you have decided to remain single and loyal to Bryce. If Bryce walks in alone, then you guys will stay coupled up. If he walks in with someone else, then you will be single and vulnerable. Let's see what he decided." Ariana said.

You all watched with anticipation, you hoped that Bryce was going to walk in here alone. Him and Trinity were endgame. If he walked in here with someone else, then everyone, and even America would be shocked.

Suddenly, Bryce walks in and he's alone. Trinity spots him and screams in joy. Everyone smiled and cheered as they realized that they were going to remain a couple. You watch as they hug each other tight and pull each other in for a deep, long kiss.

'Who knows, that may or may not be me.'

When Bryce and Trinity finished talking to Ariana and sat down, you gulped when she turned to face you.

"Y/n, its your turn. Will you please stand up." she directed and gave you a soft smile.

You wiped the sweat that built up on your hands due to nerves away, slowly standing up from the couch.

"How do you feel hun?" Ariana asked, giving you an encouraging smile.

"Nervous as fuck..." was all you could get out at that moment. You could hear the light chuckles that came from everyone else.

"Before Casa, you were coupled up with Caleb. In fact, you were also in the hideaway together the night of and were voted to go in by America. How does that make you feel?" she asked.

It felt like you were being interrogated. The heat from the spotlight was making your skin heat up, and you could feel the fast pace of your heart speeding up.

"It felt nice that America voted for us to be in the hideaway. I think they see something that is very real between me and Caleb, and I hope that it means something and will give me the answers I am looking for." You answered honestly. Then she finally asked the magic question.

"Y/n, the choice is now yours. Would you like to couple up with someone here, or would you like to remain single." You took a deep breath. This was it, and it was now or never, and definitely no chance of going back on your decision.

"I have decided" you started off. The breath getting caught in your throat. You had to pause to get yourself together.

"You can do this Y/n" Trinity whispered from behind you. Encouraging you as much as she could.

"I have decided to remain single. As much as I tried to explore and find connections among these guys, I honestly could not find one. It wouldn't be fair to them to pick them and only lead them on. That's not a position I would ever want to be in for myself and I think these guys would say the same." You finally answered. Your breathing becomes uneven due to the nerves.

"Y/n, you have decided to remain single and loyal to Caleb. If Caleb walks in alone then you will remain a couple. If he walks in with someone else, then you will be single and vulnerable." she stated. All you could do was nod your head. Too scared to say anything else.

"Let's see what Caleb has decided." Those dreadful words were finally said. Your hands hold onto your arms so tight to keep yourself grounded in this moment.

'Please choose me Caleb'

'Prove me wrong'

You begged for a final time. You could hear the footsteps. This was it, now or never.

"Oh fuck." you heard Kenzie gasped. Your body froze when you saw him. Except he wasn't alone. He was walking with Jaiden, and he was holding her hand.

You couldn't breathe anymore, your heart felt like it was being stabbed. This was the worse fucking pain you could have ever felt. You thought him leaving you alone in the hideaway was bad, that watching him kiss Jaiden was terrible, but nothing compared to what you currently felt in this moment. So many emotions hitting you at once, pain, sadness, anger, heartbreak, rage, all of it.

Your eyes stayed watching them, his eyes not meeting anyone but the ground. You could see Jaiden trying to reassure him. They finally made it to Ariana, and after saying their hello's is when he finally locked eyes on you.

You hope he could see the pain in your eyes, the hurt, resentment, and rage. You wanted him to see exactly what he was doing to you.

"Caleb, as you can see, Y/n has decided to remain single. You walked in with Jaiden which means you are now coupled up with her. How do you feel right now?" You could feel everyone's eyes burning into your skin. They were waiting to see what was going to happen. Caleb takes a deep breath and could barely let out a sound. It was like a mumble.

"Speak. Up." you demanded. You were not going to break in front of everyone right now. But you damn well were going to demand some answers.

"Say that shit with your chest." Kayda said aloud.

"I won't lie, I feel very bad right now." he started. He watched you roll your eyes, and could see the way your jaw clenched. He was getting nervous. He knew he was going to need to be extremely careful with his words.

"As much as I loved being coupled with Y/n, I did also have a strong connection with Jaiden, and I felt that it was something that needed to be explored more." he answered.

You were shaking. You wanted to snap so bad, but you knew how that would only make you look in the end. And regardless, America was also watching this, so you were going to do your best maintain your composure.

"Y/n, how do you feel about what Caleb said?" Ariana asked you.

Your hands dropped from holding your stomach. It was no longer nerves that consumed you, but rage.

"I mean it is what it is. I should've known better from the day that I saw him kissing and having a grand time over in Casa." you started.

"It wasn't just all of that." Caleb tried to defend him. But you didn't let him speak anymore.

"Oh no, y'all had a fucking time." you started off coldly. The girls also commenting in your favor since they also saw what happened.

"I should've known better, when I was trying to stay open and go on other dates and explore with these nice guys here, that you were probably going to do some stupid shit like this. I was out here for three days, getting torn up by mosquitoes, constantly thinking of you, and being respectful towards you when I could've kissed them too but I fucking didn't. Should've known that once you could get your dick wet with the first girl you see that you would fold like that. Dry humping and everything." you vulgarly gestured and reenacted the moment you saw him and Jaiden making out and the way he moved her hips.

Everyone gasped. They couldn't believe what they were seeing and hearing from you. You have never acted like this or displayed yourself in a way like this. They didn't know whether they should be scared or worried for you or Caleb.

"I know you're hurt, and I'm sorry about that, but I did have you in the back of my mind. I thought of you everyday." He tried to reason.

"Oh shit." You heard Sincere gasp from the other side of the fire pit. Everyone could see you flipping him off as clear as day. Both fingers were in the air, pointed right at him.

"You clearly didn't think of me at all the moment you pulled that shit in the bed with her. But it is what it is." You finished.

"Caleb and Jaiden, please go have a seat with the others." Ariana said as it was time to move on. Trinity grabbed your hand and sat you down, immediately comforting you. The tears at the edge of your eyes. You could feel his eyes on you, but you didn't want to look at him. You couldn't anymore.

'I'm so fucking stupid to think that he would choose me.'

*The next day*

You were numb.

Your heart hurts so bad. You couldn't even sleep in the room like everyone else. You had slept in soul ties because you didn't want to look at him with her. You cried all night. The only source of comfort that night was your pillow. You were an emotional wreck.

When you got into the dressing room to get ready with the girls, you didn't even speak. You didn't want to talk at all. You just wanted to get ready and then be done with the day. If you could be alone you would.

Suddenly, the guys started coming in, bringing breakfasts to you and the girls. You saw him from the corner of your eye, he had two plates in his hands. He stopped at Jaiden first and gave her the plate. You could hear her thank him and hear the kiss that she left on him, whether it was his cheek or on his lips, it didn't matter. Then he started to make his way towards you.

"Don't come over here." you warned him. You did not want him near you whatsoever.

"I don't want it." you stated firmly, still trying to cover the swelling under your eyes from crying so much last night. Just as he was about to place the plate of food in front of you, you moved your hand so that it was under it and pushed it towards him. The food ultimately landed on his chest and the floor. The girls gasped in shock.

"I told you I don't want it." You state a final time. Not paying attention to his reaction and moving on with your routine. You could hear him picking up the food from the floor. You could hear the whispers from the girls, and quite frankly you didn't care what they thought. You were not going to put up with this.

When he finally walked away is when you felt like you could breathe again.

*Throughout the day*

You could see them talking and hanging out. The way he would smile at her, get close to her. It hurt so much watching this. The way he looked at her, was how he would look at you.

You stayed up on the balcony, away from everyone else. Not wanting to be bothered by anyone. You just wanted to be alone. You needed to be alone in order to come to terms with everything that happened. But deep down, you couldn't come to terms with it. This was killing you emotionally.

The sunglasses you had on hid the tears falling from your eyes.

'Why me? What is so wrong about me that I can't be loved the right way.'

You could hear them right below you, talking and laughing, like nothing happened last night. Did he not feel bad for anything that has happened? Was it all a lie? Did he truly only want to sleep with you?

These questions hurt so bad as they continued to pop up in your head. You couldn't stand hearing how happy they were with each other, so, you got up and walked away, trying your best to remain quiet as the sobs quietly broke through from your mouth.

*Later that night*

It was time to get dressed to go down and be with everyone in the villa. Although you didn't want to, you knew it would look bad if you didn't, and you did not want to give anyone the satisfaction that this was breaking you. Even though deep down it was.

"You can do this." you whispered to yourself. You chanted that in your head a couple more times to help you gain the confidence you needed.

"Don't let him get to you babe, you're strong as fuck, and you're not about to let him ruin your night." Trinity said from behind you, wanting to be with you in your time of need. You appreciated her so much for this. She truly was a great friend.

She grabbed your hand, and you both exited the room and walked down the stairs to get to the main area of the villa. You could see everyone surrounding the kitchen counter. You did your best to avoid seeing them.

Trinity made you stay with her the whole time, making sure that you were comfortable even though deep down, you just wanted to hide. As you were listening to her and Aniya talk, you suddenly felt a tap on your shoulder. It was Jaiden.

"Y/n, is it okay if I pull you for a quick chat?" she asked softly. You looked back at the girls who nodded their heads. Encouraging you to go talk to her. You turned back to look at her and nodded your head, signalling to go over to 'say less'.

The silence was a bit awkward. You didn't know what to say or if you should start the conversation, but luckily Jaiden decided to make the first move.

"I just wanted to say, I'm really sorry for how things went down last night with Caleb. If I was in your shows, I know I would react the same way, and I just hope that we can somehow get past this and get to know each other more." As much as the petty side of you wanted to scoff and roll your eyes at her words, you had to admit that this wasn't her fault. In the end this was all Caleb's doing.

"Can I ask you something?" you whispered, afraid that your voice would crack if you spoke normally. She gave you a small smile and said yes.

"Did Caleb ever say anything about me or our connection?" you finally bit the bullet and asked her. You needed to know this. Your heart needs to know this.

"He talked about you all the time." she admitted.

"He would always say how his connection with you was very strong and that it would take a lot to top it." She started explaining. You didn't react yet, you wanted to hear everything. You needed to hear everything.

"From the time he was there up until the night of the recoupling, he would always mention you. You were always on his mind everyday." you scoffed and sat yourself up straight.

"yeah right.." you mumbled.

"It's true, he thought of you and spoke of you everyday." she stated.

"No offense to you, then why did he make the choice he did." you asked.

"He told me that he wanted to continue to pursue the connection and test it to see which one was stronger." Now you were pissed. After everything, your connection with him was suddenly not strong enough.

"Thank you for telling me this, but I need to go do something right now." you finished the conversation and got up from your seat. You walked back over to the kitchen, your eyes scanning the area.

"Y/n, you okay?" Trinity asked, she could see that you were on a mission for something. You looked around more, ignoring her question until you look up and see Caleb and Sincere sitting across from each other at the dock, talking. You marched way over there.

Once he was in your line of sight, the sound of your heels stomping on the floor caused both boys to look up and turn to you.

"You are so fucking disrespectful you know that." you spat at him. Your rage finally starts to get the best of you. His eyes widened when he realized that you were talking to him and he got up from his seat quickly.

"Sincere, I don't know who you're looking at, but you better leave right now." you warned him. He didn't waste a single second and scurried off. It was just you and Caleb now, and you were ready.

"You're such a piece of shit." you told him rudely, your hands enclosed as fists by your sides.

"We can talk about why I'm a piece of shit." he said calmly. It only angered you more.

"Was it fucking worth it Caleb? Was it all fucking worth it?!" you looked at him with disgust.

Caleb couldn't blame you for how you were talking to him. He fucked up so bad. He fuck up the relationship with you. He felt like a piece of shit.

"No, it wasn't worth it." he replied back. He was so ashamed of himself. But you didn't care. You could give a fuck about he felt, but he sure was going to know how you felt.

"Why the fuck did you do it then? How could you leave me alone that night after what we did, how could you fucking bring her back after what has happened between us?" your voice so loud that you could hear the other stop talking from down below. They could hear everything you were saying.

"I wanted to test our connection." he started off, you scoffed at his answer.

"I told her that my connection is still strong with you, that it's going to be hard to top it." you cut him off.

"That's fucking bullshit and you know it. You are so fucking disrespectful. To watch you fucking kiss her, not even after twenty four hours of being with me in the hideaway and you fucking folded like a fucking pretzel." you spat.

"Y/n, I still told her though that I thought of you everyday. There wasn't a day where I didn't speak about you." he spoke as he got closer to you. He wanted you to understand so badly. He could see how his words were only doing more harm than good.

"Fuck you Caleb." you told him, the tears finally falling so he could see how hurt you truly were.

"You're fucked up, you're so fucked up, you were not respectful in the slightest." you cried out.

"Have some fucking respect, cause I told you what the fuck!" your hand gesturing at him. A cry escaped from your throat and you tried to walk away before you broke.

"Y/n, wait." Caleb had tried to stop you by grabbing your arm.

"Don't fucking touch me." you yelled at him. Caleb was shocked. He had never seen you like this, and he was starting to realize how bad his actions truly affected you.

"You were not even respectful in the slightest, the fucking slightest Caleb. There was no type of consideration for me or else you would not have done half of the shit you did." you told him.

"Y/n, I told her that I felt that I was disrespecting you-" he started.

"And kept doing it?" you cut him off. You didn't care how rude it was. Just like he didn't care about your feelings.

"So how bad did you really feel, cause you kept doing it and doing it, and then you fucking brought her back to rub that shit in my fucking face."

"I wasn't trying to rub shit in your face Y/n." he spoke over you, trying to get his words out.

"Maybe not intentionally, but you did it. You brought her back so stand on what the hell you did." you told him. You couldn't take it anymore. You broke at that moment. The sobs leave your body and out in the open.

"Did that night not mean anything to you?" You finally asked. "Am I just a fucking joke to you? Is that all you wanted from me?" you questioned him, trying to control your cries so you could get your answers.

Caleb's heart broke right then and there, he should've known better. After that night, he should have done better, because at the end of the day that night meant everything to him. He hated that he was the cause of your pain, the cause of your heartbreak. He never wanted to be the cause of this, and this was the worse pain unimaginable.

"It meant everything." he said softly, trying to keep control of emotions. "That night meant every fucking thing to me Y/n." he wanted you to believe him, and you wanted to as well, but his actions showed otherwise.

"It didn't take much for you to do what you did Caleb. It didn't take shit." you told him, the sobs are still leaving your body. He hated seeing you cry, he hated being the cause of you crying. He felt so fucking disgusted with himself in this moment. He now realizes what he did to you.

"You promised me, and you couldn't even keep it. I thought of you every step of the way, had you in the back of my mind every fucking day..." you started, wiping away some of the excess tears, but they still kept coming.

"Y/n please, just let me explain." but you shook your head.

"No Caleb. I'm fucking done." you finally said. You looked at him in the eye one last time, hoping he could see how much he broke you. You walked past him, headed towards the stairs.

"Y/n!" he called after you. "We can't just end it like this." he yelled out to you, trying to get you to listen. But you continued walking.

"You ended it when you walked in here with her."

The morning sun signaled that it was time to wake up. You took that moment to stretch your limbs out. The thought of the previous night came into motion. The intimate experience you had with Caleb was what you would describe as unforgettable and amazing.

The way his touch made your body react, the way his kisses had you wanting more, the endless whispers of adoration in your ear. How could you not smile at that? You peak over to glance at Caleb only to see that he's not there.

Your eyebrows furrowed. You sat up from the bed, making sure to cover your body with the sheets since you were still naked. You pressed your hand in the empty spot next to you.

It was cold. You looked around the room and saw his clothes were gone. There was absolutely no trace of him. Suddenly, your phone dinged, signalling that you got a text. You reached over to grab it and quickly look to see what was messaged to you.

'The boys are now in Casa Amor. Please head back to villa to join the girls.'

The blood escaped from your cheeks, your hand began to shake, and you could feel your heart racing at a very unhealthy pace.

'No, no, no, this can't be happening. Not now.'

The tears couldn't help but fall past your cheek. He didn't even tell you he was leaving. He didn't say a single word. Not even a note.

You quickly gather your clothes to put them on. You made sure you had everything before walking out of the bedroom. You see the hot tub where the conversation you guys that led to you both exploring each other in a special way. You could now only look at it in disgust.

As you exit the hideaway and enter the villa, you see the girls in the kitchen making themselves breakfast. You didn't announce that you were here, you couldn't really speak other than continue to let the tears fall.

"Y/n!" Aniya screamed. The girls looked over and saw you standing there alone. No Caleb in sight. All of their mouths dropped wide open in shock.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Kayda screamed.

"He fucking didn't!" Trinity yelled.

"You've gotta be fucking kidding me." Melanie commented.

They all realized what happened now. And to say they were pissed was an understatement. They were all livid for you. You couldn't help but finally breakdown.

Immediately, they rushed to you. Arms holding you so you don't crash. The sobs that came from your throat wrecked through the entire villa. Your arms wrapping around the person closest near you. You needed to be grounded in that moment.

"I'm so fucking sorry Y/n." You heard Kenzie say as she held you tight in her arms.

"W-why did t-they have t-to fucking do that?!" you sobbed out. Your heart hurt so fucking bad. You never felt this much emotional pain before. It finally hit you that Caleb was now in Casa with the other boys and would be there for three to four days. Right after you guys just had sex.

"I fucking hate this shit! You don't deserve this Y/n." Trinity said as they all continued to comfort you. The girls couldn't believe that this happened to you. Especially, in this specific manner.

"A-after what we did l-last night. And, and he c-couldn't even tell m-me." You brokenly cried out, clutching onto Kenzie tighter.

"Fuck Casa!" you finally let out. Fuck Casa, fuck the island, fuck the game, and most importantly, fuck everything that just happened between you and Caleb.

Because if he wanted to, he would have said something.

The girls hug you a minute longer, deciding that you needed to go shower to wash this away. Not that it really could, but it could at least wash away the grossness you feel on your body at that moment. They all walk you up the stairs and into the room.

*Later that night*

There was no challenge planned that night. No big event that would cause you to dress up. So, you and the girls kept it lazy and comfortable. The sweatpants and hoodies that you had covered every inch of your skin besides your face. You didn't want your skin on display at all after what happened.

After showering earlier this morning, the girls did their best to keep you company. They let you vent and get your feelings out. It was helpful, but it still didn't help the deep puncture in your heart.

'Why would he just leave like that?' you thought.

'He promised..'

'What if he finds someone better?'

Your intrusive thoughts prodded your brain. And no one could blame you considering what happened to you. The girls still could not fathom why this had to happen to you the night you and Caleb went to the hideaway. It was unfair and disrespectful.

You and the girls sat on your beds, waiting to go down to the kitchen together to make something for dinner. You weren't sure if you were going to be able to tolerate anything right now.

*ping*

"Are you fucking serious?" Kenzie stated as her phone signaled that she got a text. The girls gathered around her and waited for her to speak.

'Girls, please come downstairs to the firepit.'

"What the fuck do they want us to do now?" Trinity asked from beside you. Still comforting you from today's events.

"I don't know, but lets just go and get this over with." Aniya said.

Trinity grabbed your hand and helped lead you down the stairs. Once all of you were seated at the firepit, you noticed a big screen in front of you.

'When did that get there?' you wondered.

"Not the fucking tv screen again!" the girls simultaneously complained. You looked at them in confusion, not sure of what was happening or what was going to happen.

"Last night while you and Caleb were in the hideaway we were getting ready for dinner, we walked out and didn't see any of the guys here. Turns out they all went to Casa Amor and they all got to know the new bombshells very fucking well." Trinity explained as she continued to comfort you by placing her hand on your shoulder to give it reassuring squeezes.

Your body is stiffened. Does this mean what you think it does? Did Caleb meet those girls too? And get to know them?

Your palms started to get sweaty and your foot started to bounce up and down due to the anxiety that took over you. Suddenly, the screen turned on. All of the girls got quiet, waiting in anticipation to see what was going to be displayed.

You look at the words written on the TV.

"Currently happening in Casa Amor"

"Here we fucking go again." Kenzie groaned. You had a feeling this was about to get very ugly.

The screen changes, and you see the boys. Most importantly, you see Caleb. He doesn't even look like he was having any guilt or regret in his face. You could feel the unhealthy pace of your heart begin to beat. You were so fucking scared of what you were going to see.

"Fucking bitch ass Corbin, fuck him!" Kenzie yelled out. The screen shows Corbin and one of the bombshells named Parmida in a heated kiss. His hands boldly touching her everywhere and even going down to her ass to squeeze it. Your mouth dropped.

'Is this what they had to deal with last night?' you asked yourself.

Then the screen switched over to KC who was currently in a private room somewhere in Casa with one of the girls named Tierra. The way they endlessly flirted with each other was something, but when he climbed himself on top of Tierra and made out with her in a very provocative way is what got you.

You could see Aniya trying to hold in her emotions. She was pissed and rightfully so. How the hell was KC was going to say one thing and then do this?

"He's so fucking nasty." she muttered, doing her best to maintain that composure.

And it continued on. You all had to watch the boys explore these new bombshells. And boy, did they fucking explore. They were unapologetic about their actions. Just before you could pose a complete thought, your eyes widened when you see Caleb's face pop up on the screen.

"Oh fuck, please God. Please God, fucking shit." Kayda begged the universe. You could feel all eyes on you from the girls, but all you could do was watch the screen.

It shows Caleb and a blonde girl named Jaiden. She was pretty. Gorgeous even. They were sitting next to each other on the couch. You took note of how close they were to each other.

Did he sit close to her willingly? Or was she the one that did that? Why the hell did she have to be pretty? You couldn't help it. These thoughts were racing so bad that you were starting to give yourself a headache.

'Please don't Caleb.' you begged silently.

Their mics turned on and you watched the screen intently.

"What do you think about Casa Amor so far?" Jaiden asked him, her smile on display.

"It's something, I'm not sure if its a good or a bad thing yet." He answered her. Your hand gripped Trinity's tight.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Kayda asked for you out loud to the screen. Surely he remembered what happened the night before. The conversation, the promise, the shared vulnerability of openness and vulnerability.

"Do you currently have a connection right now back in the villa?" You held your breath.

"I do." he said. You let the breath escape.

"We actually were in the hideaway just last night together, and that's when I got the text that I had to come to Casa." he told her, his eyes suddenly shifting away from her and down at his lap.

Did he suddenly feel some remorse?

"You got a text and fucking left her in the middle of the night alone! What the fuck Caleb!" Melanie screamed at the screen.

"How did she take you having to leave?" Jaiden pressed on. You watch him hesitate and take a deep breath.

"She didn't know I left. The text said I couldn't wake her up, that I had to come straight here immediately." he explained.

"That's some fucked up shit!" Kenzie exclaimed.

It was beyond fucked up. He wasn't allowed to tell you? Was this the drama that the producers wanted to give for America to enjoy? It was a sick joke. Your heart was starting to break even more.

"So, then how do you feel being here now? Talking to me?" She asked suggestively while moving her hand closer to his that was currently placed on his lap.

"I'm not sure honestly, but I know that we are all here to explore in order to find connections. So, if I were stuck here for the next three to four days, then I need to see if there is a potential connection here, I guess." he said.

The blood in your veins went cold, the warmth in your cheeks vanished. Your hand was gripping Trinity's so hard to the point that you were shocked she wasn't whining in pain.

"Well who knows," Jaiden started and leaned closer to him.

"Maybe you'll have a new connection with me." she stated confidently. You watched as they kept the eye contact, and then she did it. She leaned in and kissed him. The worst part? He didn't push her away or pull away.

He was kissing her.

"Are fucking serious Caleb!"

"Mother fucking bitch!"

"Sweetheart my fucking ass!"

Was screamed in simultaneous rage. You couldn't even speak. The tears streaming down your face so fast that there was no point in even wiping them away. Your heart was officially broken. Caleb lied to you.

'He broke his promise.'

You continue to torture yourself as you watched them still kiss. Her hands moved to wrap around his neck, while you watched him place his hands on your waist and pull her close.

The girls moved closer to you, trying their best to comfort you.

"I am so fucking sorry, Y/n. You don't deserve this shit at all." Melanie said.

Suddenly the screen changed, there were different words now.

*Currently happening right now*

"Wait...so this was earlier today?" Jen asked everyone.

"I guess so." Aniya answered.

The screen changed, and the sob finally broke from your mouth. Your hands shake as you tried to hide your face. You didn't want your tears to be on display for America to see.

You watched as Corbin and Jaiden make out. Except they're on a bed, and except that they're alone. And she's on top of him. You watch the way they kiss in sync. His hands on her hips, moving her, guiding her.

"Turn it off." you cried out. You couldn't take it anymore, you didn't want to watch it anymore.

"Turn it the fuck off!" you screamed in heartbreak and rage. You walked away. You couldn't bear to see it. But now that you have seen it, it was going to be embedded in your brain for a long time.

You run up the stairs and into the room, landing on what was once yours and Caleb's bed. And you lied there and just cried. You cried your heart out to the point where you could barely catch your breath.

Your hands gripped the pillow tightly as you continued to sob because of the pain you were currently feeling in your heart.

'Why did he lie to me?'

'Why am I not good enough?'

'What is so bad about me?'

Your tears continued to stain the pillow. This pain was unlike anything you have ever felt. And America got to see your heart get broken in the worst way possible.

"It's going to be okay, Y/n." you felt Trinity's hand on your back as she whispered. Trying her best to console you.

"Why am I never enough Trinity?" you finally asked. The one question that has haunted you for so long.

"Why c-can't I just ever be e-enough for someone?" the sobs worsening as you moved your body to look at her. She could see how broken you were in this moment.

Your face pale, eyes swollen and puffy, tears constantly streaming down, and worse of all, you looked so broken.

"You are enough Y/n." she stated firmly. But it wasn't enough for you, and she knew that.

"But I wasn't enough for him." you sobbed.

Trinity didn't know what else to say. She couldn't say anything else because in the end, you had a point. All she could do was move herself to lie next to you and hug you close as you continued to sob in your pillow. It smelled just like Caleb.

You could only sob harder at this point.

*At Casa*

"Who are you feeling right now?" Sincere asked him as they both sat down next to each other, away from everyone else.

"Jaiden is really nice, we've been talking." Caleb answered. Sincere looked at him and made a face.

"We kissed." Caleb finally admitted. Sincere still looked at him with the 'bullshit' face.

"Fine, we made out too, but that's it." he told him. He didn't want to take things too far. Not after what happened between you and him last night.

He was so worried about you. to leave in the middle of the night and not be able to tell her killed him. And as much as it was a long shot, he hoped that she could have a little bit of understanding.

"So, as of right now, who are you connecting with more? Jaiden or Y/n? And I mean, you literally came to Casa from the damn hideaway bro." He told him. Sincere was in no position to preach after his past actions with Sol and Melanie. But he could at least try and help Caleb navigate his thoughts and feelings.

"I would say it's Y/n. But for the sake of the game, I am not going to be closed here in Casa. We need to explore and test the connections we have in order to see which is strongest." Caleb explained honestly.

"But you slept with Y/n. Not slept, SLEPT with her. Imagine how she currently feels right now?" Sincere said. Caleb would be a fool if he didn't acknowledge that. It was the best night of his life. It was something he never wanted to forget.

And then he thought of how you felt when you woke up to him being gone. Just the thought of hurting you felt bad enough, but hurting you emotionally was something he would never ever want to do to you. He hates that it had to be that way.

"And it was the best night I ever had...but I'm here. We're stuck here for three-four days. I'm not saying I need to sleep with another girl. But I should be testing my connection with Y/n. I'm sure when the new bombshells arrive, she'll be getting to know them as well." He would be lying if he said he was okay with that. But he knew that wasn't how life and reality works.

"Just be careful man." Sincere finally said after a moment of silence. "I understand with wanting to explore other people, but remember what you have done with Y/n. That shit will not go away." he finished.

Caleb sat there and let Sincere's advice settle in. The last thing he would ever want is to be the cause of your pain. He doesn't know what you're currently feeling or thinking. He's not even sure if you'll give him the time of day once you all are back in the villa.

'I'm so sorry Y/n' he thought as the previous night in the hideaway played in his head. The happiest he's ever been.

"Please forgive me." he spoke aloud. Somehow hoping that the universe would allow you to hear him.

"I got a text!" Kayda screamed to villa. Everyone started to cheer as they all gathered around her.

'Islanders, it is now time to send a couple to the hideaway.' Immediately screams and chants were given. It was time to decide who to send, but before a decision could be made, another text was sent, this time to you. Everyone was anxious now, what would this text say?

'Instead of the Islanders getting to choose who gets to go to the hideaway, the choice has been given to America.' you read aloud.

This changed everything. Instead of you guys picking, America got to pick, and you wondered what they had up their sleeve considering the viewers liked to be unpredictable. Another text was sent, but this time to Caleb.

"For fucks sake, just tell us already!" Trinity yelled out impatiently jumping up and down. You watched as Caleb opened his phone to read the text. He paused for a second, did a double take and then spoke the infamous words.

"Caleb and Y/n, you have been picked by America to go to the hideaway. Please get your things to leave right now."

You couldn't even get a reaction out before the girls were jumping on you and screaming their heads off. You couldn't believe this was happening. America was actually sending you to the hideaway. With Caleb.

"Oh fuck.." you started. It was hitting you now. You were about to be sent to the damn hideaway. With Caleb. And everyone knows what happens in the hideaway.

The girls could see the panic in your face and immediately rushed you to the dressing room. As you walked up the steps, you heard Caleb shout,

"Don't take too long with my girl. We got some exploring to do together." That cheeky mother fucker.

*In the dressing room*

You nervously checked yourself out in the mirror. Making sure that nothing was out of place. You wanted everything to be as perfect as possible. Thank God the girls helped you get ready, otherwise you would have been a complete mess.

"Wow.." you gasped in shock before turning around. You didn't even see him come in.

Caleb was speechless when he saw you. Your skin was glowing, under the light, your hair was down and fluffed out, and the lingerie you had on simply had him speechless. To him you were breathtaking.

"Do I look okay?" you asked him nervously, your fingers unintentionally grabbing at your thigh stocking. You could see him taking you in, absorbing this moment, and you didn't miss the way his eyes darkened when he looked back up to make eye contact with you.

"You are absolutely amazing" He spoke confidently. He held his hand out for you to take. This was it, it was time to go. He gave you a reassuring smile and pulled you closer to him once you gave him your hand.

His lips smacked onto yours. It was intense, it was steamy, and it had you ready to enter the hideaway.

"Lead the way cowboy"

*Before you entered the hideaway*

As you both walked down to the floor of the villa, you could already hear the chant of the entire crew as they cheered for you both.

"Oh shit! It's time to play,

Caleb and Y/N in the hideaway!" the boys chanted.

You couldn't help but laugh. While the hideaway was a big deal and you were internally freaking out, you were glad to get some relief before you both walked in.

"Eat that kitty,

Eat that kitty,

Eat that kitty in the hideaway!" the girls sang.

Before you could say anything Caleb scooped you up in his arms. He had your legs wrapped around his waist while his hands held you up which were unapologetically on your ass. To play along and feed into the guys excitement, you lifted up your arm and swung it in a circle.

You wouldn't be surprised if people living outside the villa could hear the screams.

"I'm ready to ride my cowboy tonight y'all!"

'You definitely will be' Caleb thought to himself before finally taking them both to the hideaway.

*In the hideaway*

You had both taken the time to go with the flow. When it was time to go to the room, then it was time, but you both didn't want to rush this moment.

"Did you honestly think we would get to this moment?" you asked him as you both sat at the edge of the hot tub while simultaneously feeding each other the chocolate strawberries that were made for you guys.

"I had no doubt we would get to this moment" he replied confidently as he wiped some chocolate off the side of your lip with his thumb gently. "What about you?" he asked, his hand now on your thigh and making sure to give you a reassuring squeeze.

"I was scared at first that we wouldn't make it in all transparency." You told him gently, almost in a whisper because you didn't want this to change the moment you two were currently having.

"Can I ask why?" he wanted to know. He wanted to see why you thought that so he could understand.

"Because when we first got coupled up together, I remember watching you put so much effort into Kenzie. And although I wanted to get to know you before, I could see that you were all in and I didn't want to get myself hurt in the process." you started off.

If there was any time to be vulnerable before things got further, it would be right now, at this moment. And although being vulnerable was something you hated to show, you and Caleb both knew how important it was to express these thoughts and feelings before you both explored each other intimately.

"But then when Kenzie didn't write you that letter and I saw how heartbroken you were, I didn't think you were going to be able to come back from that and that you were going to close yourself off for good." You explained carefully to him. You don't know what he was currently thinking right now at this moment. But you continued on.

"And then right after we got coupled up, I see you pulling Kayda for chats, and honestly it hurt. I thought this was over before it could even start because I clearly wasn't what you wanted or were looking for." you finished.

Now that you got it off your chest, it felt like you could finally breathe. you were glad to have gotten your feelings out, but you were scared of his reaction. Would this ruin the night for you both? What felt like hours of silence, finally ended when Caleb reached his hand up to your cheek to get your attention.

"I have no excuse for how I handled that." he started as his thumb began to stroke your cheek. Caleb was nervous, he didn't want to explain things in a way that could be interpreted differently. But he wanted to be honest as well.

"Yes, I was hurt by what Kenzie did, and I did try and see if I had a connection with Kayda and explore that." he paused for a second to gather his thoughts. You could see the nerves on his face that he didn't want to say the wrong thing. So you reached your hand up to his that was currently placed on your cheek and squeezed his wrist to signal that it was okay. That he could be honest with his feelings.

"But at the time, I was blind to see what was right in front of me. I didn't realize that I had you until a while ago." he explained to you.

"What made you finally realize that you wanted me?" you asked him. He hesitated, but after another gentle squeeze to his wrist for encouragement he continued.

"When I heard you talking to the girls about how you would step aside and let me explore Kayda because you wanted me to be happy. You were being so selfless at the time. And it was something that I completely admired about you from that point on. Although we are all here to find love and do what we have to do to get it, you are still stuck to your morals. You didn't change yourself just for the sake of the game." You didn't know what to say to that. You weren't sure that you could really say anything at all.

Caleb watched as the emotion flickered in your eyes to the point where it looked like you were about to cry. And at that moment, he didn't care about the objective of being in the hideaway. He just wanted to comfort YOU.

"Hey, don't cry please." he whispered as he got closer to you. You could feel his body heat immediately. It was comforting in a way.

"I just honestly didn't think you would see me in that way. I seriously thought I was going to be sent home soon." you confessed to him.

"I wouldn't let you leave. Not then and definitely not now." he stated firmly while looking you in the eye. You could feel your body slowly start to react to the intense eye contact he held with you.

"What about when its time for Casa Amor?" you asked him. You needed to know if there was any slight possibility of him changing his mind. You did not want to waste your time.

"I won't be interested in anyone else that comes in Y/n." he said.

"You say that now." you whispered and looked down, trying to not let your emotions get the best of you.

"And I'm telling you. I'm not interested in anyone else. I only want to be coupled up with you. And I plan on showing you that. But I think the real question is do you want to remain coupled up with me?" he asked.

Of course you still wanted to be coupled up with him. You're not sure that you might have given him any indication that you wanted to be coupled with someone else. But you know what you want.

"I wanted you then Caleb, and I still want you now. I just don't want to get my heart broken if you perhaps change your mind about me."

Caleb couldn't take it anymore and slowly leaned in to kiss you. Unlike other times when it was aggressive and lustful during the challenges, this one was completely different.

It was raw and emotional, and most importantly very real. When you needed to catch your breath, you slowly pulled away. Caleb couldn't help but imagine what you were like in an intimate way. He was ready to explore all of you in every way possible.

"I'm not changing my damn mind about you at all Y/n." he promised. You believed him. Deep down you knew he was telling the truth.

"Do you want to go inside?" you asked him the magic question finally, and in response he couldn't help but to give you his most infamous smile and stand both of you up and lead you to the bedroom of the hideaway.

*In the bedroom of the hideaway*

Your stomach was a ball of nerves once you both walked in. The room was just how Kayda and Zach described it. A giant, comfy bed in the center, red velvet walls, and the infamous 'open if you dare' wardrobe that had all kinds of toys, blindfolds, and other essentials.

'They really weren't kidding about this place' you thought.

Caleb watched as you sat at the edge of the bed, still in your lingerie, and still looking as beautiful as ever. In all honesty, he was ready to devour you.

You watched him take a step closer to you. The eye contact was intense and you could feel that ball of nerves deepen with every second you held the contact. It wasn't until he was directly in front of you that you had to look up at him.

You watch as he bends down on one knee to be at somewhat eye level with you. Since he was tall, he still towered over you slightly. You watched as he trailed his hand from your thigh all the way down to your ankle to give a slight squeeze of comfort and then to your toes.

The breath you were currently taking as he lifted your foot up and started to kiss at the base of your foot was cut off early. Slowly, he took his time making sure to kiss every inch that he could get his mouth on. Your leg was on fire, and you didn't expect to have this feeling just from him kissing your damn leg of all places.

"You're so fucking beautiful, you have no idea" he whispered as he got to your knee. His free hand continued to caress your other thigh as he moved his kisses up higher.

"Caleb..." you whispered breathlessly as his kisses now got to your thigh. He looked from his position, still kissing you, but making sure to look at you. To let you know that he means everything he says.

"You have no idea what you do to me." he whispered to you. Caleb didn't want to rush this moment. He wanted to take his time with you. You deserved to have a great experience, and he wanted to give you that great experience all by himself.

Just when he was about to reach your inner thigh, he pulled away and stood up. You watched as he walked over to the closet filled with toys and such things.

"What are you doing?" you asked him quietly, not wanting to ruin the moment. He stayed silent for a second, before turning around to look at you. He had a blindfold in his hand but you noticed that mischievous glint in his eye.

"Do you trust me?" he asked you as he stood back in front of you staring down. He watched as you nodded your head in response.

"I need to hear you say it, Y/n." he told you. He wanted to be absolutely sure you were okay with this. He didn't want to break your trust at all.

"I trust you." she whispered back to him. He puts the blindfold on you and all of a sudden your vision goes pitch black. The only thing you can sense and feel is the mattress underneath you.

"I got you." Caleb whispered as he guided you to lie completely on the bed.

"I'm going to take very good care of you." he promised.

You gasped as you felt him spread your legs apart. The heightened senses made you much more alert. But it was also exciting. you were ready for whatever it was that Caleb had planned. You could feel him move so that he was placed in between your legs.

The smell of his cologne reached you, signalling he was really close to you now.

"I'm so fucking lucky." he whispered to himself, although you were sure you weren't supposed to hear that, it made you feel happy. It gave you the reassurance that you've been wanting from him.

Caleb took his time admiring you. Even when blindfolded, you were still beautiful. He leaned down so that his face was close to yours. You could feel his breath on your skin which gave you goosebumps.

Suddenly you felt his lips on your forehead, then your nose, then both sides of your cheek, and then finally your lips. Both of you moved in sync as you made out. The kiss was unlike anything you've experienced before. Sure you've made out with plenty of guys, but not like this. This was much more intimate than you ever experienced.

You reached your hands up, one being placed on his shoulder, while the other felt its way up his chest and to his hair. You pulled him as close as you could to you. You wanted to feel all of him at this very moment. And when you take the chance to boldly bite his lip is when he slid his tongue into yours.

This was indescribable. It was everything and more.

Caleb pulled away after a few minutes, which at first made you pout and whine. But he kissed you reassuringly that you would get more.

"I want to taste more of you baby, let me do that please." he whispered to you. His hands caressed every inch that he could get his hands on. He was in fucking heaven. He peppered open mouthed kisses on your neck which you couldn't help but dig your fingernails in his back when he found a certain weak spot. He groaned in response, but its nothing but a little pain that he couldn't handle.

As he makes his way further down, you couldn't help but try to sneak the blindfold off to take a peak. Just before you could even catch somewhat of a glimpse, you gasped at a sudden stinging sensation on your thigh.

"Did I say you could take it off?" Caleb asked you. His thick country accent suddenly became deeper, and the wetness between your legs became more prominent.

"I'm sorry." you whispered to him.

"That's a good girl." he praised you. He couldn't help but look at how your panties were already ruined from your wetness. He grabbed both sides and slowly took them off of you while making sure to kiss the new amount of open skin.

Suddenly it hit you that he could see the most intimate part of you. Your legs closed instinctively, but before you could close them tight, his hand quickly got in the way to block it from happening.

"I don't fucking think so." he spoke. And although you couldn't see, you felt him open your legs wide open again. The cool air came into contact and your body couldn't help but react in response.

"Caleb." you gasped out. You wanted to feel him. You wanted to see him. You wanted him practically on top of you. You just wanted him to do something.

"Please." you begged desperately.

Caleb loved watching you squirm, the way your body reacted to his touch, and the way you clearly wanted him was driving him crazy. He didn't waste any more time and dove in.

You gasped when you suddenly felt his mouth on your inner thigh, very close to that spot. You bit your lip in anticipation as he got closer. The heightened sensation of his touch was almost overstimulating. Right when you had felt like you could breathe, it was ripped away and you let out a broken moan once you felt his tongue on you.

It wasn't rough, it wasn't fast, the pace was slow and sensual. Caleb couldn't help but groan the second he tasted you. He was already becoming addicted and he wanted more and more of you.

"Fuck Caleb." you moaned out loud. You didn't care how loud you were at this point. This was the sole purpose of being in the hideaway, and you both were going to take advantage. Your hands tugged on his hair as he continued to taste you, his tongue eventually coming in contact with your clit which only made you tighten your grip on his hair.

Caleb was excited, he was so ready to have his way with you, but he still wanted to taste more of you. His mouth greedily continued to taste you, making sure not to miss any spot he hasn't tasted yet. He could do this all night if you would let him.

"More please." he heard you beg as his tongue flicked around with your clit. He took it further and decided to slip a finger in. The wetness that he immediately felt awoken something in him that he had never felt. But if you were already this wet just from his tongue and fingers then he was ready to have more.

The filthy moans escaped your throat as you felt his fingers sliding in and out of you. Your hips started to involuntarily move on their own, matching the pace of his rhythm.

"That's my girl." he praised you as he took his time to explore inside you. He loved the way you looked in this moment. Vulnerable but open just for him.

His movements gained momentum which had you becoming breathless. You could feel yourself getting close. Right when you were about to beg him for more, his fingers suddenly hit a specific spot within you that had you mewling.

"F-fuck Caleb" you whined as the sensation started to get more intense.

"What baby? That feel good?" he teased as he continued his pace.

"Please don't stop." you whined, you were so close.

"I won't baby." he promised. He wanted to see you fall apart just from his fingers, and he could feel you getting so close. Right when you least expected it, that feeling in your stomach released and it was the most intense, pleasurable feeling you have ever felt.

"Caleb, fuck!" you moaned as you rode out your high on his fingers still. Your thighs were shaking and you could feel your own wetness on them.

"Fuck, you're fucking breathtaking right now." Caleb complimented you as he slowly took his fingers out of you. You could barely hear him, too dazed out from your post orgasm. Suddenly, you felt him take the blindfold off and at first you had to squint your eyes to adjust the light.

Your eyes met his as you were still recovering. His hand came up to fix any pieces of hair that were out of place. You grabbed his face and pulled him in for a deep kiss. One that you didn't care if you passed out from if you couldn't breathe anymore. You wanted him so bad. You pulled away when the tightening in your chest became too much from the lack of oxygen.

"I want more of you." you told him quietly, almost afraid to speak it into the universe. He leaned down to give you another kiss.

"You're getting all of me tonight. Am I getting all of you?" he asked gently. Almost afraid that you would reject him too.

You nodded your head, but he tugged a strand of your hair, signalling that he wanted a clear answer from you.

"You're getting all of me." You promised. You watched as he took his time sliding the straps of your bra off of your shoulders. Almost as if he was unwrapping a very expensive present.

When he finally got you free of it, he immediately leaned down to put his mouth on one of your nipples. This new sensation had you in overdrive. Your legs instinctively wrapped around his waist as your hands held his head in place.

His tongue flicked around the sensitive area and you couldn't help but let out a very loud moan once you felt him softly tug on it with his teeth gently.

"Fucking hell." you cursed. His free hand making sure to give your other boob the attention he deserved. He took his time, tasting each one, feeling each one.

"I want you inside me Caleb, please." you finally begged. You didn't want to wait any longer. You wanted to feel him so desperately. His thumb traced the edge of your lip as he stared at you like you were the most sacred thing he could ever have in this world.

"Are you sure you really want this?" As much as he wanted you as bad, he still wanted to make sure you had no hesitations. He wanted to be absolutely sure.

"Yes, I really do want this." you answered him confidently. He slowly got up from you to stand. You watched as he carefully undid the strings of his sweatpants and dragged them off. You took the moment to admire him. He was so fucking handsome, everything you wanted and more.

He watched your reaction when he finally took his boxers off. Both of you now completely bare in front of each other. There was no going back now. He watched as you took in every detail that you could of his body, the way your eyes took in everything about him.

"You're so handsome." you whispered to him. He took that moment to get on the bed and get between your legs, you could feel how hard he was. You also didn't miss the length and size of him. You could see why he walks heavy now.

'He's gonna ruin me.'

He could sense a slight nervousness within you and he decided to ease that by kissing you again. He was not going to rush this, he was not going to have this moment ruined for either of you. You were grateful that he did this first. You didn't want anything to go wrong.

Deciding to be bold you slid your hand in between your bodies and gently grabbed a hold of him. A somewhat animalistic groan escaped his throat. He wasn't going to be able to contain himself much longer.

You took your time, feeling him, getting used to his size that was currently wrapped around your hand.

"You see what you do to me, Y/n." he said as he tried to maintain his composure.

You could definitely see it. You saw everything that you were doing to him. You guided him to your entrance, making sure to at least get your wetness on his tip. He was thick, and you couldn't help but make a tiny gulp as you realized what this man was truly about to do to you.

"We're gonna go slow." he told you. He did not want any room for error, he wanted to make sure everything went right. Caleb was not going to mess this up for you both.

"You tell me the second you get uncomfortable." he demanded. You nodded your head and for once he took that as an answer. You were honestly afraid to speak at this moment. But you were ready. Beyond ready for him.

He distracted you with kisses, kisses on your lips, down to your neck and chest to help you feel comfortable. You were thankful for that. When he came back to kiss you again is when he slowly began to penetrate you.

He was so fucking thick. There was a slight sting that you couldn't help but let out a sound of shock mixed with slight pain and pleasure. He was going to fucking ruin you, and he was barely inside of you.

"Fuck." Caleb cursed as he felt your tightness begin to surround him as he slowly began to stretch your walls out. He was already addicted to you, and now that he knows what you feel like on the inside, he was never going to let you fucking go.

He heard you let out a whimper as he continued to slowly stretch you out. He looked at you, making sure you were okay, and when you signaled him to keep going, he took that chance to get his entire length inside of you.

You felt beyond full. So full that you could hardly breath. Caleb was no different. He could feel your walls clamping down on him, pulsing around his tip which if he wasn't careful, he would be cumming early. Your nails dug into his skin even more as you became more aware of how deep he was inside you. He took that moment to stay still, giving you the time you need to adjust. But how could you adjust with a size like this?

You leaned up to kiss his shoulder, and wrapped your legs tight around his waist which made him shift inside you.

"Don't move." he commanded. His hands held you still as he did his best to compose himself still.

"You can move Caleb. It's okay, I'm ready now. Please." And since you finally gave him the reassurance he needed, he took that moment to pull himself slightly out but then immediately pushed himself back in.

The moan you made had him go feral and he gradually picked up the pace. He watched the facial expressions you would make. The one that drove him crazy was when your eyes would roll to the back of your head and you could barely get a word out.

He wasn't one to talk either. Each time his hips gently smacked into you, he felt how tight you were and couldn't help but groan at how your walls suffocated his dick. He took your wrists in your hands and placed them above you, pinning you so you couldn't move.

"You feel so fucking amazing baby." he moaned as he continued his sinful thrusts. You moaned in response as he continued to hit a particular spot within you that made you go crazy. Your legs only wrap around his waist tighter since you couldn't move your hands at all.

"Please don't stop." you begged him. You never wanted this feeling to go away, you never wanted this moment to end. You had given Caleb the most sacred part of you, and now that he had it, you didn't want him to let you go.

"Woah!" you gasped as he suddenly flipped you two over so that you were now on top and him beneath you. You looked at him a little lost while he only smirked at you in return.

"You said you were going to ride your cowboy right? Saddle up baby, your cowboy is waiting." he said cheekily. His hands immediately grasp onto your hips.

You start slow, rolling your hips back and forth to find yourself a good rhythm. Caleb was in absolute heaven. He watched every little move, sound, and facial expression that you made. His hands continue to guide your hips while occasionally reaching down to squeeze a handful of your ass.

"You look so fucking beautiful like this baby." he praised you. You couldn't help but blush at the compliment. It made you feel so good about yourself in this moment with him.

You switched up the pace, this time circling your hips at a specific angle that had him touching that certain spot.

"Shit." you muttered as you felt that spot continued to get penetrated.

"Feel good baby?" Caleb asked. You nodded your head while linking your hands with his. Fingers interlocking. You were going to make this man cum just like this you decided.

Using his hands as leverage, you lift your hips up to where he was halfway inside of you and bounce back down on him. Caleb could've come right then and there. The way you continued to bounce up and down as he felt the tip of his dick touch that spot that drives you crazy. He could feel himself getting so close.

"Fuck baby, keep going." he begged you. A fire was lit inside you. You wanted him to beg like that more often. You loved the feeling it gave you. You continued to bounce on him, the very tip still kissing that spot within you and you could feel yourself getting closer.

"Fuck, I'm close." you whispered breathlessly as you continued to ride him. Your hands squeezing his for some extra comfort.

He took that moment to release his hands from yours and grabbed your hips, taking control of your pace. He slammed you back down on him, his dick entering fully inside you where you could barely get a moan out.

His hips relentlessly smack into you and the moans that escaped your mouth only pushed him to go harder. Caleb was never going to forget this moment. This was a picture that was now embedded in his memories forever. Your eyes closed shut and your face dripping in pleasure because of him.

"Fuck I'm cumming Caleb!" she screamed as her walls clamped down on him. Caleb couldn't help but cum inside her at that moment, his thick release drenching her walls as they pulsed around his dick. Both were in orgasmic bliss.

Your body gave out and you landed on top of him, both worn out, bodies sweaty, and out of breath. You took that moment to wipe the sweat off his forehead. He looked amazing like this.

"You were so fucking amazing baby." he praised you. His hands unable to stop touching you.

"Are you feeling okay?" he asked you. You smiled and gave him a reassuring 'yes' and placed your head on his chest. Still taking in the recent events of what just occurred between you both.

"Don't get too comfortable baby, we're going again in about ten minutes." He told you.

You looked up at him to see if he was joking, but he was indeed not. He gave you that handsome smirk of his and pulled you as close to him as you could.

"I told you. I'm having my way with you all night." he promised.

And dear God did he live up to that promise.