Human

Time After Time (Caleb and Octavia)

Caleb Segal had been walking on air for the past twenty-four hours. Even his dog noticed how much the usually calm artist was full of energy and seemed to be filled with literal joie de vivre. Over the past year, he’d been finding that sometimes unexpected experiences were the ones that revived his spirit the most. Such had been the case of Octavia Ivakov. Her presence in his life had been constantly surprising, but he was slowly starting to get used to waking up and looking forward to the unknown with the same enthusiasm that he had when he was a child and early light had gotten him out of bed in the morning with a leap and grin. The last night that he’d spent with Octavia had nearly stopped time. He’d fallen asleep at 6 am with more peace in his heart than had been there in years. The next time that he woke up, it was evening and the sun was setting through the open window. Caleb stretched his arms, yawning, as he stumbled out of bed and greeted his golden retriever, who was moping on the floor. “Feeling bored, Chasse?” He chuckled, bending down to nuzzle the dog’s head. “Je suis desole, mon ami.”

He’d been distracted lately. “Can I buy your love with a long walk?” 

The dog woofed happily and thumped his tail against the floor as Caleb reached for his clothes, shoes, and the leash. For several years now, their favorite path had looped around a nearby lake and run by the very gazebo that had become a shelter for Caleb and his new favorite person in Evermore. As he jogged past, a silent grin snuck up his face. He’d never thought that this would be something present in his life again, but as it slowly came into focus, the young man felt at peace with the idea. As he thought of her smile and the way her bright eyes could shine in the dark, Caleb found his feet coming to a stand still at the front of the lake. It was mesmerizing in the soft sunset, but what was happening in his heart was what made him notice. Chasse pulled at the leash, frustrated with his owner’s lingering, and Caleb gave one last long look towards the gazebo, before turning back to his home and running the three miles back on a brand new burst of energy.  

When Caleb approached his home, it was already dark. He pulled out his cellphone to light the way and thumbed through the screen before settling on the texts and typing. It took a moment; but the answer came through. He almost felt more nervous now that the answer was yes.

His entire morning had been spent on the go. Caleb couldn’t help that he wanted to impress her. The first few trips out to the dock had been spent with Malva, setting up a small magical boundary around the gazebo so that it all but disappeared, shielded from view. One of the magical elements that he’d found in all their moments was privacy and the aspect of elements had seemed amused but happy to help accomplish pulling out all the stops to impress her guard. Next, he visited a local restaurant and picked up dinner, before picking up a bouquet of flowers, and stopping back home to shower, dress, and pay the dog sitter.  

There was a bouquet of orchids and baby’s breath in his left hand and he was dressed smartly in a pair of nice jeans and a button up shirt. The dock on which he was standing reminded him of his childhood, but somehow, less lonely. In the distance, Caleb saw a familiar face edging towards him and his heart skipped a beat in chest. He smiled bashfully, meeting her at the edge of the water and reaching for her fingers, intertwining them in his own. When he was around her, he felt strong. A million french thoughts were racing through his mind as he gazed down at her soft eyes. After so long and so many missed chances, it seemed like life was finally moving forwards and away from grief. Perhaps, finally, he’d found a place to put down roots and someone to grow with. “Hi,” It seemed like such an ordinary greeting, but he’d look forward to a million of them. “Sleep at all after that adventure?” 

Views: 1074

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion


Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Octavia Grace Ivakov on January 7, 2021 at 19:38

It had been a while since she had been so intimate with someone. She had been a little nervous, given that she had only been with one person for all her life, it was hard to know how that translated to being with someone else. But Caleb had been a gentleman and she felt satisfied by their actions. She also felt a deeper sense of connection with him, there was something about seeing him in a vulnerable way like that which made her feel closer to him. He was handsome and rugged, anyone with eyes could see that but she also saw how eager he was to pleasure and how thoughtful he could be with his touches. Her gaze moved over towards him as he traced her skin, she was internally purring from how good it felt “Surprising is one word for it” she commented with a hint of a smile.

She clutched the blanket to her chest as she sat up too, watching him with a soft gaze. Her expression softening when he asked her if the experience had been good for her “Oh believe me it was...wow” a smile came upon her lips as she recalled it, her chin tucking in against her knees and making her giggle quietly.

While he was looking for something, Octavia took the opportunity to reach for her clothes and slip them back on, letting the blanket fall to the side while she curled her legs underneath her and made herself comfortable. Her expression could only described as one of adoration as she watched him from across the room. Honestly she was wishing that time would stop or even slow down a little because she felt so happy, so free, she didn’t want to let it go. She laughed softly as she heard the soft sound of guitar strings being kicked, she watched him carefully, her lips curving into a smile “Just checking off all the artsy boxes huh?” she leaned a little closer while she listened to the gentle melodic notes.


HumanPermalink Reply by ✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~ on January 14, 2021 at 0:06

 His fingers skipped from chord to chord, certainly not as agile as they had once been, but deft enough to make a pretty melody. The evening air was soft and there was a gentle breeze blowing across the invisible curtains. He had neither planned for or expected tonight, but he was finding himself almost impulsive around Octavia. It seemed to matter more to them both to be alone and craft new experiences than obey societal rules. She seemed confident, but was often soft spoken which he liked.  There was more than he knew how to say about her soft hair and eyes. Caleb had found himself more tongue-tied than usual, lately. "I am very much jack of all trades, but master of none. I could never decide on a creative hobby when I was younger, so I've tried most of them.  If they are enjoyable, they stick around. " 

"Except perhaps, when it comes to crochet. I tried to learn, but it nearly drove me to tears from boredom." He was glad that his family had taken his creativity and encouraged it to grow. He'd never been the type to enjoy sports, or school. It had only been in his army of inventive arts that had helped him gain confidence and feel fulfilled. He assumed that she must have dedicated just as much time to the art of learning swordplay and staying active. It fascinated him that there were still people training as warriors to protect others. That had never been his calling, but he admired those who took up the shield. 

It was unusually warm for a January night and he wondered if the enchantment around their meeting place also had toasty effects, or if he was just reacting to the moment. If anything, it had gone better than he desired, but the young man still blushed as she described their antics with satisfaction. It was nice to get a good review, especially after stepping away from such things for a while. "I'm glad to hear."  Caleb chuckled, setting down the instrument and catching her gaze. He reached up and gently threaded a finger down her cheekbone. Her skin was very soft, while his own fingers were calloused from guitar strings, accidental burns, and small pencils. 

"Tell me about your greatest adventure." Caleb said, cuddling back into the blankets, once again, and knitting his fingers through hers. "Or biggest fear." When he looked it her, it seemed like everything else faded to the background. It was confusing, but he wouldn't have chosen to stray away. It was like two magnets coming together. His curiosity was piqued. He wanted to know more. 


Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Octavia Grace Ivakov on January 14, 2021 at 21:47

She decided then that this was one of her favorite places, not the gazebo, though it did hold many good memories for her now, but being by his side. He was warm and leaning close to him she could listen to the gentle melody he played with the guitar with a hopeless smile on her face which she kept trying to dial back only for it to keep appearing again “It’s good to have things that lift you up...being able to lose yourself in something you enjoy, there’s nothing better than that feeling” there was a soft knowing smile on her lips because she couldn’t definitely relate that to other things too.

She laughed under her breath when he said he didn’t like crochet because he found it incredibly boring “Somehow it’s not hard for me to imagine you trying it” she commented and nodded a few times thoughtfully “I used to like doing calligraphy a lot, I remember always being the one to write all of the correspondence for the guard because it meant I got to spend an hour just me and the quill” she missed that, nowadays it was all emails, handwritten letters were a thing of the past.

She grinned shyly when he said he was glad to know she enjoyed it, honestly she never had any doubt that she wouldn’t, he was gorgeous, anyone could see that and she felt almost a little smug knowing she got to be the one who had such stunning views all to herself. When he set down the guitar she naturally gravitated her way towards him, leaning into the touch he placed against her face, feeling the roughness of his fingers where they had been pressed against the guitar strings.

She smiled, turning onto her side and cuddling up against him, taking a hold of the hand he was holding before and bringing it up to her lips to press a soft kiss before laughing softly “There are so many adventures” she spoke in a wistful voice before closing her eyes and picturing one of the best ones. “There was this one mission...we were out looking for a mystical object in a rainforest of all places...I remember it being hot and getting so frustrated because everywhere we went felt like it was just leading back to the same place” she nodded a few times “But along that trip we got to see parrots...so many beautiful parrots...not to mentioned the monkeys that you could hear as they swung in the trees” she smiled, it was such a unique experience, it definitely made her wanna go back there “And the waterfalls...they were stunning” there was one major perk of going on missions all around the world, you saw so many beautiful things.

“I really love animals as you may be able to tell” she laughed and snuggled into his arm “You take the fear one...I’d love to hear more about you” she felt comfy and secure in his hold, she felt like she could freely talk about anything.


HumanPermalink Reply by ✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~ on January 16, 2021 at 14:51

It may have been a first date, but it certainly didn’t feel like it to Caleb. Around her, he felt so much. Most of it, he didn’t understand; but he knew for sure that with her, he smiled more. The past seemed to be less. He could relax. Resting was not something that Caleb had never been good at doing. It so often seemed that his mind was a castle and he could float off a million other places. His imagination had always been his refuge from the world. Tonight, he wanted to be present and let each moment come to him, instead of holding them at arm's length. What would he ever do with so much peace of mind? Would it stay? The question floated around him for a moment, unspoken, before Caleb snuggled against her and hid his face in her shoulder.  She was right. Sometimes it was nice to lose yourself. It was easy to float off. However, he wasn’t losing the connection. Not today. Octavia was like an anchor who steadied his racing heart. He was happy to hear that she enjoyed calligraphy. It was an art form, after all. He peeked up at her, returning her soft smile. “You mystify me. Every time I think I have figured you out, there is something new.” 

His own adventures had been brief in this world. While he had seen a lot of nature and discovered plenty of unbeaten trails in the last few years the rainforest was one place that he’d never ventured. It was a bit out of his comfort zone, for sure. But perhaps it wouldn’t always be. If Caleb had learned anything over the last week, it was to embrace the unexpected. He smiled as her lips grazed his fingers. “Animals are a comfort, for sure. I think it’s time you met my dog, huh?”  

Caleb sat up halfway, leaned closer, and kissed her. It was different than it had been before tonight. There was no hesitation now. He closed his eyes, gently pressing against her. She was warm and soft. He breathed her in deeply. Slowly, he let his hands wander before they briefly broke apart. There was no question that he was afraid of plenty, although most days, the human tried to not think about them. Fear was a natural reaction to unpleasant situations. If he had to put one above the other, the answer was obvious. “My greatest fear?” He whispered, indulging himself again, before speaking. “Flying, I think.” 

Caleb had always been fond of keeping his feet firmly anchored to the earth’s surface. “Or, maybe. Falling.”  

No one liked falling, but this kind of falling was very different. Even if he wanted to, Caleb was not sure this was reversible. There was no going back now. That scared him. He’d always been a planner and none of this was planned. It was spontaneous, electric. There was so much in front of him now. Everything else seemed smaller. He willed himself to pull back from her touch, despite how much he wanted more. “What do you consider your greatest success?” 


Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Octavia Grace Ivakov on January 17, 2021 at 11:49

The blonde was watching him with a soft gaze, she found herself just wanting to keep her attention on him as they talked, he exuded warmth and even a calmness that might be new in him but she liked it a lot, she felt like she could relax and forget about everything worrying her for a while and just be. She giggled slightly when he pointed out that she could be a bit of a mystery “There’s a lot of layers to a person when they’ve lived a long time... there are more years to spend on hobbies...and adventures. Sometimes I feel a little greedy because of all the opportunities I’ve had” she gave a sheepish smile, immortality certainly had its downsides but there were definitely peaks along the track too.

She grinned and nodded enthusiastically when he said it was time for her to meet his dog, honestly, she was pretty excited to do so “Just a fair warning that if I have the chance for puppy snuggles then I might have to leave you” she teased with a slight smirk, she’d never actually had a dog of her own but she did get to see plenty of pets around the manor from other guards who had taken the leap. It was something she always meant to do but never got around to, mostly because she was usually away on missions and it didn’t seem fair to leave a dog so often.

She naturally gravitated towards him when he leaned in for a kiss, closing her eyes and humming in satisfaction. She wasn’t sure she would ever get used to the fluttery feeling that came over her every time the two of them were close. Her hands came up to rest gently at the back of his neck, fingertips stroking gently against his dark locks. Her gaze softened a little when he answered the question about fear, it was ironic considering she was quite literally half-angel and could fly herself “Falling can definitely be scary” she agreed, she had fallen for real a few times during dangerous situations “So you and airplanes don’t get along too well huh?” he’d mentioned he was from France which meant he must have been on one however.

There was a different kind of falling though and that one honestly seemed even scarier to her, having been there before and lost the person she cared for most. If she was to answer that question she pondered that her answer would probably be losing the people she loved, because the pain was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. She raised her brow when he asked about her greatest success “My kids” she admitted with a shy smile “Both of them have turned out to be such brave and well-rounded people, despite everything they’ve been through” it was honestly remarkable.

“What is your most prized possession?” she questioned curiously, he didn’t strike her as a material person but everyone had something important to them that they held close to their hearts.


HumanPermalink Reply by ✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~ on January 24, 2021 at 1:18


Caleb couldn't really imagine being immortal. It was a strange concept to him that there were people around who had lived a thousand years. In Octavia's case, it was impossible to tell that she'd been around so long. If he'd had to guess, he would have said that she was somewhere around his age. He wasn't sure that he wanted to because that meant that he would someday get old and even die. For the first time in several years, he was finally feeling like life wasn't monotonous. There was excitement and intimacy. He was around someone that he could see spending a very long time with -- as long as forever was for a human. His brows furrowed as she brought up the idea of stealing opportunity from someone else. Surely, there was a reason why some people were chosen to surpass the ordinary lifespan. In his mind, there was always a reason. For him, it came from a true awe of the world and what went on inside it. He had to believe in something bigger. It was part of being an artist, he supposed, and perhaps the other part that he'd grown up in a church. There was divine order to the universe and something that humans and the creatures who lived on his planet could not control. "I do not think time or chances can be stolen. Not necessarily," He said. "I think when we are given opportunities to do things it isn't chance, you know? Some people leave this earth a lot faster than others." 

His mind flitted momentarily to an image of his mother, and then of his child, and of Ava. "I believe we do what we can with the things we are given. Some people are too precious for life. They do what they are meant to do and then move on. I don't think that life and death are random. Life is an opportunity, on it's own. Death..." The young man paused. "Perhaps the saddest sorrow and maybe even the sweetest relief."

Oh, how he wished that he had the power to change things and give back to those who were gone. There was a time that he would have traded his own life for those that he'd once loved, but things had changed. Over the past several years, he'd come to a slow but steady appreciation for his purpose in the world. If he'd never lost anyone, he wouldn't have been the person that was here today. Grief had been a major catalyst in his life towards growth. If Caleb could have shared his pain with others so that they could see the value in their own lives, he would. Allowing pain to make you better was a thing that was difficult to acquire. It required more acceptance than skill.

The light flickered as Octavia curled into his arms. He looked down at her with an affectionate smile on his face. When she mentioned abandoning him for the chance to snuggle his dog, he chuckled. "Oh? Really?" He raised his eyebrows. His blue eyes glinted with mischief. "That is only if I let you go." He had half a mind not to, but she was too precious to hold onto too tightly. Instead of tickling her like he had half a mind to, Caleb pressed his forehead against hers. It was all soft skin and bright eyes as he looked into her eyes. "I have half a mind to convert this gazebo into a house so that we never have to leave." 

He pointed to the left where the meal was sitting, rather cold. "Right there can be the world's smallest kitchen. And to the right, I think there's just enough room for a bed. Food and rest. Isn't that all people need?"

When he was here, that seemed like enough. The simplicity was something that he craved.

"You could say that." He let out a sigh. "I never used to mind. I even learned how to fly Ava's jet." It didn't seem odd to mention her now. As the pain had faded, so had a bit of the everything. She was still in his mind, daily, but it was different. "She said I was good at it, but I think that may have been a white lie." He rolled his eyes, thinking about the stubborn redhead who had once occupied his life and heart. "After...after everything, despite knowing how safe airplanes are, it just -- I still feel afraid."

Octavia was easy to confide in, which may have been partially because of what a good listener she was. Caleb liked to listen to her talk, too. Sometimes he wished she'd do more of it. The shyness that had originally been present was slowly growing dim. It seemed that now there was little that they hid from one another. He smiled as she mentioned her kids. "I'd like to meet them someday. I know I may seem...young, but I've enjoyed meeting your family. Hopefully, they would see past the number of candles on my cake."

What was his most prized possession? Caleb tilted his head, trying to picture something. "I'm not sure. I like to hold onto only the things that have value, really. Perhaps, things like the photos and the gifts I've gotten from others. The most I've ever attached myself to objects is because of the story behind them."

Hopefully, his answer made sense. He nuzzled his nose against hers, a cheeky grin settling onto his lips. "What are some of your pet peeves?"


Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Octavia Grace Ivakov on January 25, 2021 at 19:56

She gave an easygoing smile when Caleb pointed out that chances and time weren’t something that could be stolen than others, that was a very tolerant and noble way of seeing things, that was for sure “Still doesn’t stop me from feeling like it’s unfair” she spoke softly and nodded “I think I’d give away some of my time if I was given the chance” there was no doubt that there were people out there who could have done amazing things with it.

She gave a somewhat sad smile as he spoke about his thoughts on life and death, honestly it was insightful in a way “I’m sure the Gods have some plan, even if it seems backward in execution” people were led to others that could bring them forward, bad things happened to balance out the good and everything kept moving. She giggled slightly when he reacted to her teasing “I can be a magnet for animals I’ll have you know, they find it hard to resist me” she grinned slightly, she still remembered going to a bar one night with some friends and out of nowhere having a beagle bolt through the room only to plop itself by her feet “Though I wouldn’t say no to being stolen either” she teased softly.

His eyes were so bright as he leaned in against hers, it was honestly hard to turn away when he was giving her that look, one which was softened and affectionate. There was a certain intimacy in one look alone that it had her heart flipping a little “It would make a beautiful little home, though I fear the flood risk might be a tiny bit too high” she made a gesture with her forefinger and thumb and grinned “It’s awfully beautiful when it freezes over the field and all the children come to ice skate though” she nodded and smiled.

She rubbed her hand gently against his back as he talked about his fear of planes, absentmindedly trying to comfort him from what must be such a haunting memory “I get it...memories tend to be the biggest demons in our lives, never letting us forget” sometimes she thought it would be easier to just forget but then she was reminded of all the good she would lose. She nodded a little when he said he’d like to meet her children one day “I’m sure they’d like to meet you too, Thea is an artist much like you” she smiled proudly.

She nodded slightly when he said photos and gifts were the things he treasured most “They sound special” she commented in a quiet voice before laughing when he asked her what her pet peeves were “Oh definitely leaving dishes in the sink...and people who push in lines” she scrunched up her nose in distaste. “Go back in time to a historical event or visit the future?” she questioned curious to know where his interests lay.


HumanPermalink Reply by ✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~ on January 29, 2021 at 10:33

Caleb was touched by Octavia’s sentiment of wishing she could give others more time. He wasn’t sure what he would ever do if he lived past a normal human lifespan. Dying had never scared him, but old age did. It wasn’t a pleasant thought to know that someday his body would get older and more frail. The worse part, however, he thought must be losing your memory. Or worse, your mind. His memories were very precious to him. Often, they were where his creativity came from. It was a place that he could softly blend reality and fantasy. “Well, I think almost anyone would take you up on that kind offer.” He smiled softly. 

It had not been long ago that he’d discovered the realities of Evermore. Most of the things to do with magic still baffled him beyond belief. Could stopping a clock really be so powerful? He thought of all that Octavia had accomplished. Perhaps, it could. Avoiding thoughts of morality were often why he was so stubborn about living in the moment. He snuggled closer and closed his eyes, letting the lantern’s slight flicker against the back of his eyelids. “I don’t like to thing much about the future. Not more than I have to…” 

He swallowed. “I like being where I am now.” It was comfortable and there was time to just take things as they came. Caleb didn’t doubt that having extra, or even unlimited, years could be good. However, not everyone deserved that. The world would be much more frightening if evil could not be put in its place by the reality of death. He hoped that the good he added to the world would last. That it would make an impression. Perhaps, inspire a younger generation. Largely, that was why he taught elementary art. Seeing the way children could bring the most vivid pictures to life was thrilling. 

“I’m happy right here.” Caleb said. He opened his eyes, studying the features of the young woman beside him. The light danced across her face, moving the shadows of the lake across her temple. He smiled. “I appreciate every day I get to steal with you, but I’d be happy to share them with my dog.” 

Chasse was one of the human’s closest companions. The dog had come into his life in a strange way and had been loyal ever since. There was a language barrier, but Caleb would have sworn that the Golden Retriever had once been a wise old man. Sincere, comforting, and largely stoic. He, personally, had never liked winter. The cold, the barren branches of trees, and the silent wind had never appealed to him. He liked best when the world was moving, evolving, becoming. Spring and fall were ever filled with motion. The changes of season were often when he found himself the most inspired by nature. “Perhaps, we could be like beavers.” He joked. “They seem to have adapted well to harsh conditions and winter lakes. Although, I’m afraid that most of the time in winter, I’d be found curled up next to a fire with a good book. My sense of adventure is sadly not immune to the weather.” 

He relished the soft touch of her hands on his shoulder and let out a gentle sigh. He could have been very content to let tonight last forever. Their time together had been like a catalyst for his healing heart. The worst could have happened and he knew that the good would remain. “Despite everything, I’d rather keep my memories. They may have pain,” Caleb paused. “But they also have…” 

His words faded off as he pressed his lips onto hers, like a butterfly, soft and sweet. “Happiness.”

Another series of kisses made his heart beat faster. Despite being a creative person, he was often uncertain when it came to his emotions. Perhaps it was the endorphins, but instinctively he couldn’t help but believe there was much more. He liked Octavia. She’d become one of his closest friends and the person that he could tell anything. One of the few who seemed to be able to tell what was on his mind when he had no words to bring it out. With his heart jumping around so, it was difficult to focus. “I will try to remember.” He said. “Although, you may have to remind me about dishes. “

Caleb could be forgetful. It was one of the downsides to being so fascinated by everything else.  Sometimes boring chores were the last thing on his mind. “I think,” He said slowly. “I would visit the past. I don’t want to know my future. As a fickle human, it may change my feelings about where I am now. But, going back,” He grinned. “I could meat Picasso, see my parents as children, or see the Eiffel Tower being built. The past has history and the future is unknown.” 

Caleb reached up and gently swept his finger across her cheek. “Eyelash. Make a wish.” 

He blew it off his finger. “Where would you like to be in five years?” 




Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Octavia Grace Ivakov on January 30, 2021 at 21:15

She smiled softly when he said he liked focusing on the present and where he was now, she could respect that he wanted to allow himself to focus on the good rather than worrying about what might happen in the future “Me too” she commented in agreement when he said he was happy here right now “It’s easy to just...let the world fade away when you’re here” which honestly was a very hard thing for her to do because she had always been the type of person to hold onto things too much and to dwell over what ifs.

“That’s definitely a special dog” she commented with a soft grin, he always got this endearing tone to his voice whenever he talked about Chasse and she could tell he was one of the most important things in his life. She could definitely admire him for being so close with his pet and taking such good care of him “Beavers” she commented, scoffing a laugh slightly as she imagined them trying to make some kind of dam to protect the gazebo from getting flooded “Not a fan of the cold huh?” she couldn’t say she was either, but she was used to handling it because sometimes a mission called for it.

She nodded in understanding when he said he wanted to keep his memories because despite the pain they brought him, they also held a lot of happiness, she definitely felt the same about her own “If only there was a way to toggle the switch on and off” she commented and laughed, sometimes she wished she could clear her mind better when she wanted to sleep.

She laughed when he said she might have to remind him to do the dishes “Oh you’re already under watch, mister” she teased giving him a playful wag of her finger but then she smiled, she could handle it by now, she’d brought up two kids, so she knew how things went. She couldn’t help but grin when he chose the past as the place he would go visit if he could, the different things he named made her nod her head slightly “I think there’s a lot we could learn by seeing the past with our own eyes and not the version the history books feed us” she was sure a lot of things didn’t unfold the way they were documented.

She giggled dropping her gaze and then closing her eyes to make a wish in response to his prompt, then she opened them again just to catch him blowing it away, her eyes softened slightly but she frowned just a little when he asked her where she would like to be in five years “I’d like to figure out some kind of career, here in Evermore” she spoke softly, she wasn’t really sure what but she wanted to set down more roots than just the wandering role of a guard “And the rest...honestly I just wanna see how things go” specific goals failed her a little so she just wanted to take the time to breathe.

“What’s something you couldn’t live without?” she commented as she raised her brows.


HumanPermalink Reply by ✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~ on February 13, 2021 at 23:58

Caleb bit his lip, watching her as she spoke. There was something elegant about her diction. He supposed that after so long on earth, perhaps it made sense more often with what to say. He thought about things more than he ever said them. He'd often found it difficult to verbalize his thoughts, but that had changed lately. Perhaps, it was simply because Octavia made him so happy. Happiness was contagious. It had a tendency to wake people up. Despite his tendency to stay away from people it was quickly becoming apparent that he had a weakness for the blonde Nephilim.  For all of his creativity, he'd never been settled. Caleb had always been quite the wanderer. He'd never truly seen himself settling down, even when he'd been a taken man. The idea of staying in one place for too long often made him feel claustrophobic, but he'd managed to make Evermore his home. Right now everything was changing, but he didn't mind being under her watchful eye. It was kind, protective, quite calming.  "I suppose I should be more accustomed to winter." He said. "I grew up in the alps and went to college in Boston. Neither of those places are particularly known for their sunshine, but I think for me it has more to do with the symbol of spring, eh? Not the actual cold." 

"Spring is...so many things. It's new life and bright color. Winter is for rest. It is quiet. Silent, even." He pursed his lips. "You'd think for someone who says so little, I would appreciate silence, but no. During the winter, I miss the birds and the breezes."

Winter was also the time for holidays, with family. He'd not known most of his family growing up. Now that he'd formed his own, it was less dismal than it once had been, but childhood impressions could be very strong.

Caleb snuggled closer, closing his eyes. "Mm. Meditation helps. Yoga." He shook his head. "Not that I have ever been very good at either of those things." 

"What's on your mind?" He wanted to know. He'd always known that art would be a part of his life. "I am...a small bit surprised that you are ready to leave the guards." 

The way that he saw it people who fought and stood up for others were a particular kind of angel. In Octavia's case, it was actually literal. He'd never been the type to throw fists and mediating conflict and being a neutral party was more up his alley than defending himself. "Before you...if you do...." The future was uncertain. "Take me with you sometime. I'd like to see what you do." 

It was more than a little outside of his comfort zone, but she seemed to make him wish to try new things. 

He liked that. It was exciting.

Caleb's heart skipped a beat as he looked into her eyes. They were different than anything that he'd ever seen. He could have sat there for hours completely content to observe and draw. 

He swallowed, trying to think her question through. "I...people." 

The words were quiet. "Despite my introverted tendencies, I don't think I'd like a life all alone. I'll never go live in some underground bunker."

"I love people. They are as inspiring as they are intimidating."

Caleb rested his head on her shoulder, staring up at the opening of the gazebo where stars were just beginning to peek out. "What is the best place you've ever been?"


Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Octavia Grace Ivakov on February 15, 2021 at 20:14

She smiled as he explained that his dislike was more because of his love for spring and waiting for it to come around “It feels like everything just stops for a little while huh?” she personally quite liked the break if she was honest, cozy times spent wrapped up in blankets with hot cocoa definitely wasn’t the worst way she could spend an evening “I think there’s beauty in all four seasons though, would you be as excited for spring if winter wasn’t there to contrast it?” she didn’t like it when things always stayed the exact same because it didn’t feel like things were moving forward.

She laughed softly when he mentioned meditation and yoga “My trainer always told me I was far too stiff” she commented with a chuckle, she’d tried it because people had recommended but honestly she hadn’t seen much difference from it “I had Malva hypnotize me once...that worked but then she is the aspect of magic so you’d hope so” not right now that Mal was having issues with her powers though.

“Don’t they say that if you say a wish out loud it won’t come true?” she response and smiled as she shuffled her position “I don’t think I’d ever be ready to leave, it’s not just a job in that sense, being a guard is more like family but” she looked up at him and nodded “They wanted me to take a break for a while and process everything but the spare time honestly just make things worse” she pressed her lips “So maybe I could do a little of both” it was ambitious but missions weren’t constantly, she could do something else between “Maybe I’ll open a doggy daycare or something” she giggled, that would be a lot of fun.

His request was honestly a surprising one and she raised her brows slightly “On a mission?” she responded as though to make sure that was what he was really talking about “You remember me explaining how dangerous those are right?” she gave him a pointed look wondering what he was hoping to get out of the experience.

She offered a smile when quite abruptly confessed that he would choose not to live without people, it was orthodox answer when you thought about it but it was also not something a lot of people would answer when proposed with the same question “You keep finding ways to surprise me” she commented and pressed her lips together “You should never have to be alone” she pointed out as she stroked against his cheek gently.

Her gaze followed his, noting that you could see stars in the sky through the opening and marveling in them “The isle of skye” she responded without hesitation when he asked her favorite place she had been “At least before everything happened it was simply beauty, misty mornings with the tide crashing against the beaches, hills and open land as far as you could see” it was beautiful and for most of her life, it had been the place she called home.

“What animal would you say represents you best?” she questioned with a playful quirk of her brow.


HumanPermalink Reply by ✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~ on February 25, 2021 at 0:56


Touché.” Caleb replied. He liked thinking about it that way. It made the cold feet and red cheeks seem a lot more worth it when he imagined flowers growing quietly beneath the ground. He gave her fingers a soft squeeze. “Oof, I am pretty sure any trainer would say I am...the opposite?” 

A chagrined smile slipped over his lips. “I have very little natural athletic ability.”

It had seemed since childhood that every time he tried to kick a ball or guard a post, he’d ended up with an injury. At age six, it had been when a lively game of chase had him falling off the family dock. At age fourteen, it had been a mishap on a skateboard. Nevertheless, he did like to try. When she mentioned her yoga mishaps, the embarrassment faded. At least they had some failed activities in common.

“Hypnotized?” He bit his lip, looking over their joint fingers and feeling a rush of emotion settle into his shoulders. “Huh. Octavia, some of that magic didn’t linger? Because...I am feeling more than little caught up in you.” It was incredibly cheesy, but very true. The way she was so small and fit perfectly in his arms was satisfying.

Caleb knew that he wouldn’t be the most likely asset when it came to working as a guard. He wasn’t physically the strongest or hardened by battle. If anything, his work made him more open to the world and effected by the good and the evil. He said slowly. “I know it’s dangerous.”

His eyebrows furrowed in a protective level of concern that he couldn’t bring himself to verbalize. “But, I trust you.” What was it that made him so interested in women who chose such daring feats? He didn’t want to think about that tonight. Caleb took a deep breath and let the thought go with a low sigh as he pressed a warm, loving kiss to her forehead. “I just worry.”

“You know what people say is an excellent way to get over being stiff?” He took her hand and slowly stood up, humming music underneath his breath as he pulled her closely against his body, swaying in the night breeze.

The tune was one that he held closely to his heart. One that he’d grown up hearing. “Dancing.” His whisper was gentle against her skin, as he tucked his face against her neck. There in the moonlight, he led them in a soft, slow circle to the tune of La Vie En Rose. The glow seemed to get brighter as the curtain of privacy around them began fading. Caleb paused, curling his arms around her. Gently, both of his hands came to rest on her face, as he pressed his lips against hers. It was so warm between them, despite the cold night. His eyes slipped shut. It may have been only a moment, or much longer before he felt her slipping away. “A deer.”

The last few hours we’re going to take a week for him to process, but he was still hesitant to let go. Letting go hadn’t always gone well for him. “What is one thing you’ve never been brave enough to do?” He asked, holding her close. He was doing his best to cherish the moment while it lasted, but knew that he had so much to learn.

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

© 2024   Created by ✓ Ophelia Dreyvalian ~Admin~.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service