Time After Time (Caleb and Octavia) - Eternal City RP2024-03-29T01:14:26Zhttps://eternalcityrp.com/forum/topics/never-looking-down-caleb-and-octavia?commentId=6610746%3AComment%3A427228&feed=yes&xn_auth=noCaleb smiled as he hugged he…tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-04-28:6610746:Comment:4272282021-04-28T23:55:57.731Z✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~https://eternalcityrp.com/profile/CalebSegal
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<p style="text-align: center;">Caleb smiled as he hugged her. Her hands were so gentle. He pressed his nose against her face, content, and cuddly. He'd always been the type to be a slow riser. Mornings weren't his favorite, but he wasn't minding them when he got to wake up next to her. He was reluctant to end everything, but at least there would be a nice walk back. The cleaning of the mess they'd made in the last twelve hours would fall to him and he'd be…</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Caleb smiled as he hugged her. Her hands were so gentle. He pressed his nose against her face, content, and cuddly. He'd always been the type to be a slow riser. Mornings weren't his favorite, but he wasn't minding them when he got to wake up next to her. He was reluctant to end everything, but at least there would be a nice walk back. The cleaning of the mess they'd made in the last twelve hours would fall to him and he'd be happy enough to do it later. Right now, he wanted to focus on the possibilities. He stood up and reached for her hand, finding that it found the perfect place inside his larger one. He had to admit that he felt a bit-tongue tied. Usually, he talked more when he was nervous. He stepped out of the gazebo and onto the well-worn path that led back towards the manor. The grass brushed against his feet with a slight tickle. <a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f096a80352e664be81c62c755759395b/tumblr_inline_opv3999KfB1rifr4k_540.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f096a80352e664be81c62c755759395b/tumblr_inline_opv3999KfB1rifr4k_540.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The pathway was about a mile long, but it couldn't have been long enough. The bubble they so often entered was now only a glimpse in the back of his eyes. It might have been a lazy walk, but it didn't take long to get to the steps of the old building. It was already brimming with life, seeing as they'd slept in. Caleb came to a stop and reached for her other hand, pressing his forehead against hers. "You make me happy." He squeezed her fingers. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Despite that there were a few onlookers, Caleb leaned down and gave her a tender kiss. As they pulled apart, he found his eyes still closed, before the could focus on her pretty face. "Have a good day." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Despite that he'd love to linger, Caleb had responsibilities calling him. He crossed back down the path, stopping midway to look back over his shoulder. He had no clue what was coming, but for once, he wasn't at all worried. The future seemed bright.</p> It was nice, to do something…tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-04-24:6610746:Comment:4270652021-04-24T08:26:36.986Z✓ Octavia Grace Ivakovhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/O
<p>It was nice, to do something simple like this. That’s what seemed to work most between the two of them, they just focused on the simple things and didn’t worry about the rest. The world was complicated and she was sure if they thought hard enough about how this was going to work they would realize it was complicated too. But it didn’t feel complicated with him, it felt easy to just relish in his warmth and fall into a sense of ease and security. Almost too easy perhaps, it made her wonder…</p>
<p>It was nice, to do something simple like this. That’s what seemed to work most between the two of them, they just focused on the simple things and didn’t worry about the rest. The world was complicated and she was sure if they thought hard enough about how this was going to work they would realize it was complicated too. But it didn’t feel complicated with him, it felt easy to just relish in his warmth and fall into a sense of ease and security. Almost too easy perhaps, it made her wonder how easy it would be to lose herself in him.</p>
<p><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/b8aefbd0df80797482a6e22ac47faee9/tumblr_inline_o190guKjHp1rifr4k_500.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/b8aefbd0df80797482a6e22ac47faee9/tumblr_inline_o190guKjHp1rifr4k_500.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>She giggled when he started peppering kisses against her face, blush rising on her cheeks as she just took in the moment, she knew reality had to set in sooner or later. She fluttered her eyes open to meet his bright eyes as she smiled. “Me neither” she commented softly, there was a slight pout to her lips though “But I wish it would go just a little bit slower” she made a gesture with her forefinger and thumb to emphasize.</p>
<p>She laughed a little and wriggled in protest when he pulled her onto his lap but soon enough she was caught back up in his gaze and grinning like an idiot “Me too” she spoke in a soft voice as she stared back at him, she knew they were both prolonging for as long as they could and she honestly didn’t want to be the one that pulled away. “Maybe we should run away on an adventure next time” she was sure he would be a fascinating person to sightsee with, since he had such an expressive and artist mind.</p>
<p>She giggled when he denounced the fact that it was morning and reached to stroke the hair on the back of his head gently “But alas, it is” she teased softly and pressed a kiss against his cheek “Will you walk me back to the manor?” she asked in a soft voice. She knew she probably looked a mess and everyone would be whispering about them but honestly right now she didn’t mind all that much.</p> Caleb was not much for risin…tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-04-16:6610746:Comment:4270422021-04-16T01:14:27.044Z✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~https://eternalcityrp.com/profile/CalebSegal
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<p>Caleb was not much for rising early. His usual night was filled with several hours of tossing and turning before he became too exhausted to keep his eyes open. That was typically around 2 am. His night owl tendencies meant that most days when he woke up, the sun was already up and breakfast time had come and gone. Tonight was very different. With Octavia next to him, he found that his usually cold body heated to be warm and comfortable. They stayed connected all night, always…</p>
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<p>Caleb was not much for rising early. His usual night was filled with several hours of tossing and turning before he became too exhausted to keep his eyes open. That was typically around 2 am. His night owl tendencies meant that most days when he woke up, the sun was already up and breakfast time had come and gone. Tonight was very different. With Octavia next to him, he found that his usually cold body heated to be warm and comfortable. They stayed connected all night, always managing to return to touching even if someone rolled over. When the moon was too bright, he could cocoon his face deep into her long blonde hair and easily drift off again. The birds were singing in the trees as morning came. The soft trills bounced off the lake and towards them with early glee. It wasn’t the noise that awoke him, but someone else lying against his chest, breathing steadily. By the time that Caleb opened his eyes, her soft gaze met his.<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8799850885?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8799850885?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left" style="padding: 3px;"/></a></p>
<p>He felt slightly shy as she snuggled into his chest. With all the surprises of last night, he couldn’t help but wonder if he was braver in the dark. But instead of pulling back, Caleb smiled, embracing her again, and putting gentle kisses on her face. Morning kisses. Sunshine, soft.</p>
<p>“I can’t really blame time,” he teased, stretching his arms upwards. It wasn’t perhaps the most comfortable thing to sleep on hard stone, but what he woke up to was definitely worth it. He knew the day would come calling. It always did, but the longer this could last, the easier it got. Caleb lifted Octavia into his lap. They both had messy hair and wrinkled clothes. It was clear that the previous night wasn’t well thought through. It was organic. “I like running away with you.”</p>
<p>Despite how late it was in the morning, Caleb pulled the blankets back around them. Only a crack of light shine through. It was enough he could see her face. He bit his lip, pushing her hair out of her eyes. He just wanted to look at her and take everything in. The bubble they’d created was inviting. It was separate from other people, responsibility, and time. What happened from here? When they left this gazebo, would they walk hand in hand? He was slow to process things. The endorphins swimming in his brain did very little to help that. Something was happening to him. Something inevitable and surprising. Instead of talking, he broke their gaze and hid his face against her shoulder. “It’s not morning. Not yet.”</p> For as long as she could reme…tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-04-12:6610746:Comment:4268592021-04-12T20:35:21.905Z✓ Octavia Grace Ivakovhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/O
<p>For as long as she could remember she’d had trouble sleeping, she always ended up wandering because she wasn’t able to stay still any longer, that was how her and Caleb had first come to know one another, right out here, overlooking the lake as they both tried to quell their wandering minds. She wondered if sleep was just something that would continue to evade her, to remind her of the journey she had been through to get here.…</p>
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<p>For as long as she could remember she’d had trouble sleeping, she always ended up wandering because she wasn’t able to stay still any longer, that was how her and Caleb had first come to know one another, right out here, overlooking the lake as they both tried to quell their wandering minds. She wondered if sleep was just something that would continue to evade her, to remind her of the journey she had been through to get here.</p>
<p><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/99e32d2d67608659e08be2fd83b1ed4f/tumblr_inline_o18zamHmmD1rifr4k_500.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/99e32d2d67608659e08be2fd83b1ed4f/tumblr_inline_o18zamHmmD1rifr4k_500.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left" width="252" height="126"/></a>But tonight, tonight she felt like she could truly rest. With his arms wrapped around her frame, the sound of his heart thrumming soft against her. Their limbs entangled in a way that silently spoke the words of ‘I don’t want to let you go’. She awake a few times, her eyes fluttering open only to see his sleeping figure beside her. Perhaps if she was alone she would have found herself stirring but under his comfortable hold she quickly found herself snuggling back against him.</p>
<p>When the light was beginning to creep in she found herself wanting to hold on for just a few moments because she didn’t want the moment to end. When she felt his lips against her neck a small smile appeared on her lips and she giggled softly “No morning….too early” she jested as she snuggled against him too. She wanted to just bask for a little whole longer before reality set in and she would have to come back down to reality.</p>
<p>She yawned softly and fluttered her eyes open slowly, meeting his blue hues with her own and grumbled as she turned and hid her face away against his shoulder “Time keeps running away from me when I’m with you” she teased as she pushed herself to a sitting position.</p> Caleb was touched by Octavia’…tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-04-11:6610746:Comment:4270222021-04-11T21:33:44.648Z✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~https://eternalcityrp.com/profile/CalebSegal
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/d51dd519b9b983a85a64dc15d2e36210/9372726405554520-e8/s540x810/59a62956367c15688574284d96d946da4e4561ac.gif" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/d51dd519b9b983a85a64dc15d2e36210/9372726405554520-e8/s540x810/59a62956367c15688574284d96d946da4e4561ac.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" style="padding: 3px;" width="150"></img></a> Caleb was touched by Octavia’s reaction to his story of teenage rebellion. He hadn’t seen much use for his motorcycle since coming to Evermore. Perhaps, the concussion had taught him a lesson, or perhaps he was just a different person now. It had seemed like such a central part…</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/d51dd519b9b983a85a64dc15d2e36210/9372726405554520-e8/s540x810/59a62956367c15688574284d96d946da4e4561ac.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/d51dd519b9b983a85a64dc15d2e36210/9372726405554520-e8/s540x810/59a62956367c15688574284d96d946da4e4561ac.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="150" class="align-right" style="padding: 3px;"/></a>Caleb was touched by Octavia’s reaction to his story of teenage rebellion. He hadn’t seen much use for his motorcycle since coming to Evermore. Perhaps, the concussion had taught him a lesson, or perhaps he was just a different person now. It had seemed like such a central part of his life not so long ago, but now it stayed in the shed on his property, probably getting dusty with time. Something he’d had to learn in the past few years was the value of living. He’d spent a lot of his life watching out for others. It had felt so strange to be separated from that kind of duty, yet also strangely free. Caleb sat up, blowing the candle out. The flame flickered for a moment before leaving the gazebo into total darkness. “Will you stay?” He said quietly. </span></p>
<p class="p2">He hadn’t shared his bed with anyone in a long time; but tonight seemed right. Even if their bed would be made in the middle of nowhere. The little patch of nowhere had become a shelter where the two of them came together. Caleb reached for one of the thick blankets and pulled it over them. “I am cozy.” He yawned. “But if you have a bed calling your name, I’ll walk you home.”<br/></p>
<p class="p2">They lay with her back tucked against his front and Caleb’s height made it easy for him to wrap himself around her like a shield. His hands knit with hers, not clinging, just holding. Everything was changing, but he wouldn’t have chosen to any differently. “I hope you’ll adventure with me.” He said. “Somewhere. Sometime. Take a road trip to the beach or the grocery store.”<br/></p>
<p class="p2">Caleb knit his hands together, arms around her small frame. She was very warm. It was comforting, as he was often cold. “Let’s plan more...tomorrow.” His voice trailed off and the young man surrendered to slumber, with his last words stuck in his dreams. For the second night in row, no dark shadows chased him as he slept. His sleep was deep and still. The morning came with a soft glow around the trees, but it was the distinct feeling of being next to another person that stirred him awake. His long legs were entangled with hers and her blonde hair was strewn across the pillows. He rubbed his eyes open, attempting to adjust to the light. Had their first date really turned into a breakfast? He cuddled up to her again, nuzzling his nose against her shoulder and pressing a soft kiss to her neck. “Good morning, gorgeous.”</p>
<p class="p2"></p> She laughed and watched him w…tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-04-10:6610746:Comment:4270162021-04-10T09:59:26.663Z✓ Octavia Grace Ivakovhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/O
<p>She laughed and watched him with soft, appreciative eyes “As if I was going to say anything but yes” after their night at the carnival it had been fairly clear to her that the both of them wanted this and while the very idea of ‘this’ seemed somewhat relative, spending time together seemed like the right place to start anyway.</p>
<p>She nodded in agreement when he commented about his life and how compared to others he had been very lucky but also how easy it was to lose sight of that “I…</p>
<p>She laughed and watched him with soft, appreciative eyes “As if I was going to say anything but yes” after their night at the carnival it had been fairly clear to her that the both of them wanted this and while the very idea of ‘this’ seemed somewhat relative, spending time together seemed like the right place to start anyway.</p>
<p>She nodded in agreement when he commented about his life and how compared to others he had been very lucky but also how easy it was to lose sight of that “I think it’s easy for anyone to take something for granted...you never really realize how much you needed it until you lose it” it was natural to feel secure in what you had already and to regret not cherishing it more only after it was no longer in reach “It’s the people who learn to hold on to everything they have who really thrive” but that took time and experience.</p>
<p><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/512512c3e6a3604ae7b0cadcce938120/7534085a92c3b792-cf/s540x810/856cbd1188b3d8f313044694e89ab8113851e783.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/6a90c332890e9e41dcfb9a83eedcb66b/7534085a92c3b792-b3/s540x810/6f00ad76a1a9afd8c28375e5bdb7823f01acb758.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left"/></a>“Wanted to see more huh?” she commented with a soft smile “The guard has given me a lot of chances to see so much but...I still feel like I want to experience more...I kinda hope I never lose my hunger for adventure” after all, it was one of the reasons to keep going and being an immortal she needed as many of those as she could get “Poetic...that it’s your home” she commented softly, you could say that about any city you didn’t come from though, everyone had their reasons for wanting to visit.</p>
<p>She widened her eyes a little when he confessed he used to ride his motorcycle without a helmet “Who wouldn’t worry about you hurting this head of yours” she commented as her hands came to press either side of his face “It’s natural to feel protective of those we care for” she murmured softly, she certainly was, she tried to protect others at her own expense quite often if she was honest. Her eyes fluttered close as the two of them came in closer and shared a soft, tender kiss, the kind that felt warm and reassuring. It made her feel comfortable.</p>
<p>Her tired eyes opened again when they parted, a knowing smile on her lips as he spoke those next words, her heart skipping just a little in her chest because it really had been quite some time “A while” she commented softly “Feel free to tell me” she echoed softly as her fingers came to stroke gently against his cheek “So is this...magical getaway going to last until the morning?” because she could feel herself beginning to slip towards slumber.</p> Caleb closed his eyes, baski…tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-04-07:6610746:Comment:4270052021-04-07T00:35:40.605Z✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~https://eternalcityrp.com/profile/CalebSegal
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<p style="text-align: center;">Caleb closed his eyes, basking in her presence and the sleepiness that pulled at his consciousness. "Mm," He chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pressing a tired kiss to her forehead. "I feel like I should be the one thanking you. It was you who agreed to go out with me, after all." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At this point, he had no idea what the hour was -- he was forming a habit of losing track of…</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Caleb closed his eyes, basking in her presence and the sleepiness that pulled at his consciousness. "Mm," He chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pressing a tired kiss to her forehead. "I feel like I should be the one thanking you. It was you who agreed to go out with me, after all." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At this point, he had no idea what the hour was -- he was forming a habit of losing track of time when he was with her. Things were different with her than they'd been with most other people. Most people tended to pry, even with good intentions. He'd learned very early that sometimes being silent was the best way to ward off unwanted advice or input. It had taken him many years to connect with his feelings in ways that weren't paint on canvas. In words. People tended to understand words better than colorful brushstrokes. To him, it was one and the same. He wanted to be open with Octavia. She'd never once judged him from where he'd come and that made it seem safe. "I've been blessed in a lot of ways. Good health. Financial security. A family that loves me." <a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/986ada2fd502cf0bf2ec030d9df83770/8d2ca38c9b2df074-5e/s540x810/f27151b54d99ed43bb5f8c025937241ba1098162.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/986ada2fd502cf0bf2ec030d9df83770/8d2ca38c9b2df074-5e/s540x810/f27151b54d99ed43bb5f8c025937241ba1098162.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right" style="padding: 3px;"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He sighed. "I think a lot of teenagers forget how much their parents sacrificed for them. Or would have if they'd had the chance." There was a time when he'd have given almost anything to see his son. "It's very easy to feel like the world is small when you've seen so little of it. That was part of why I left Paris."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He turned towards her, wrapping one of her long strands of blonde hair around his thumb. It was so soft and easily distracting. "I think Paris is a dream destination for a lot of people," Caleb smirked softly. "But, they forget that it's just a city. It has history and broken people. Some of us are just...able to call it home."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He was no longer sure if Paris was his home, however. Evermore had given him so much that he'd never had before, but more than anything it had given him peace. His wild had found a place that it was welcomed and that had slowly allowed him to relax. "It drove my Aunt and Ava crazy that I used to ride my motorcycle around without a helmet."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He pursed his lips, before bursting out laughing, and covering his eyes as red spread across his cheeks. "Maybe I did. Or maybe I just wanted to do the opposite of what people told me. So stubborn. <em>Ai</em>."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">His laughter settled into deep breaths as he faced her again. When he met her eyes, it was almost like he could see moments flash by in his mind. Bright colors of warm kisses, midnight walks, and waking up in bed wrapped in her arms. Moments of a future that he'd always wanted, but never dared to dream of having. He pressed his forehead against hers, nose to nose. The kiss that followed was so soft. He gently slipped his lips against hers, hoping to focus on this moment and go far away from the worry that so often settled on his shoulders at night. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He opened his eyes, catching her soft gaze and threading his arms around her waist. "How long has it been since someone told you how gorgeous you are?" </p> Her gaze fell on him with a c…tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-03-27:6610746:Comment:4256832021-03-27T22:51:06.641Z✓ Octavia Grace Ivakovhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/O
<p>Her gaze fell on him with a curious expression when he mentioned his mother and how she had taught him from home, she could definitely picture it in her mind, she was sure he had a very artistic upbringing where he was given the freedom to express himself in whatever way he saw fit “It’s interesting how the people who raise us can shape the choices we make for our entire lives” even though her parents were long passed, the things they had taught her remained with her even now.</p>
<p>“I like…</p>
<p>Her gaze fell on him with a curious expression when he mentioned his mother and how she had taught him from home, she could definitely picture it in her mind, she was sure he had a very artistic upbringing where he was given the freedom to express himself in whatever way he saw fit “It’s interesting how the people who raise us can shape the choices we make for our entire lives” even though her parents were long passed, the things they had taught her remained with her even now.</p>
<p>“I like it when you talk about your family” she commented in a soft, appreciate tone which she hoped conveyed that she respected his efforts to share parts of himself that were harder to talk about. She pressed her lips together when he mentioned his regret for letting a fall out last for longer than it should have “Resentment is such a hard thing to overcome” she spoke soothingly “Because every time you think of that person, all you can think about is how they hurt you” and wonder if they were going to do it all over again.</p>
<p><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/c7b1cd1cb1614d7300c4c342ed8f8918/tumblr_inline_nll5ngpw2F1ssflgq.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/c7b1cd1cb1614d7300c4c342ed8f8918/tumblr_inline_nll5ngpw2F1ssflgq.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left"/></a>She nodded slightly when he explained how he had this habit of running away from people who cared about him “Believe me...I know about walls” she pressed her lips together “There was a time in my life where I was so scared to let a single person in because all I’d ever known was betrayal...especially after my sister was taken” the dragonkin had taken Aurelia to punish her family and it had worked, Octavia had grown paranoid after that, never wanting to let anyone in, despite their best efforts.</p>
<p>There were many good people who had come into her life since then and each of them had showed her bit by bit that it was okay to open her heart and care about others. She’d been lucky enough to get more time than she was probably owed with Vlad and she had two children she loved deeply, she got to see them grow up. At this point she was proud of the choices she had made and as much as losing love had hurt, she couldn’t see her reclusing into the person she used to be.</p>
<p>She snuggled closer against his chest, there was a part of her that wondered how a pairing like theirs could ever work, when he was human and lived a very human life and she was an immortal half-angel who didn’t know the meaning of normal anymore but she knew she hated the idea of letting him go right now. She giggled when he he said he wanted to sleep “Just cause I’m small doesn’t mean I can’t make an excellent big spoon you know” she teased but got up from his lap and took his hand as they headed back to the warmth of the gazebo.</p>
<p>Before long she was laying down against the blankets and turned onto her side so that she could face him and stare into his eyes with a soft expression “Thank you for today” she spoke softly as she edged closer to cuddled against him.</p> “I wouldn’t want the world to…tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-03-26:6610746:Comment:4256682021-03-26T01:30:27.942Z✓ Caleb Eli Segal ~Mod~https://eternalcityrp.com/profile/CalebSegal
<p><br></br>“I wouldn’t want the world to be filled with my own clones.” He chuckled, as she mentioned the importance of diversity. Diversity was a hot topic in society right now and he could see why. It was important to be able to respect everyone’s different skills and gifts and not pigeon hole them into a life they were not meant to live. Caleb was quite certain that he would be very unhappy in a STEM career. If he’d learned anything from his parents mistakes, it was to not sacrifice the…</p>
<p><br/>“I wouldn’t want the world to be filled with my own clones.” He chuckled, as she mentioned the importance of diversity. Diversity was a hot topic in society right now and he could see why. It was important to be able to respect everyone’s different skills and gifts and not pigeon hole them into a life they were not meant to live. Caleb was quite certain that he would be very unhappy in a STEM career. If he’d learned anything from his parents mistakes, it was to not sacrifice the importance of a job that blended success and satisfaction. He liked the way that she curled into his shoulder. It was good to be depended on. His warmth could protect her. He ran his thumb down her fingers as the huddled against the wind. “Ah, well, I was raised by a passionately artistic mother. She homeschooled me until I was seven. Most of our days were spent engaging in the world’s beauty and trying to capture or express that.”</p>
<p>Caleb often had trouble talking about his parents, but Octavia made that easy. He was able to cherish their memory. The young man pulled himself further up into the dock so that the water no longer licked his toes. It was getting quite cold, even for March. “If I could change something I regretted, I would have forgiven my father sooner. I held it against him for a very long time that he never traveled to find me. Never wrote or called. I wish that I had known his side of the story.”</p>
<p>His family had seemed so simple for so long; but as an adult he saw that even the people he’d long since admired had many faults. The ways that they’d hurt one another were opportunities for him to grow and become better. “He gave up hope and lost a lot. I wish I’d...understood.” <a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/7e582e0c9b2bf313fe0843ab4f2ea04d/9372726405554520-cd/s540x810/0c45fc32b99e6f4c3f77285952fc0b41c78a81e7.gif" target="_blank"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/702977e01ffc99f71599062269e552e8/9372726405554520-3b/s540x810/128a1d110c2e7442d2e69f6a80e2120b9a8bc54c.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right" style="padding: 3px;"/></a></p>
<p>He swallowed. Some things were difficult to say. Even now, he regretted not being around his brother, niece, father, and aunt more. The distance made it safer. It was a cushion from loss. “I have a habit of cocooning myself away from people who love me. Especially family. Sometimes people who know you so well and care so much can be a little bit intimidating. Having walls up is easier.”</p>
<p>Caleb was no stranger to deep thinking. Tonight he was purposely walling off the part of his brain that could drift into hours of contemplation. Tonight he wanted to be present. To be here. He knit his arms around her, completely at rest. Until tonight, he hadn’t realized how much physical touch was important to him. It had been several lonely years where the only hugs he got had been from his dog, or his friends. It wasn’t the same. Caleb nuzzled his face against her neck, affectionately. His eyes were closed. If it weren’t so chilly, he could have easily fallen asleep with her small warm body pressed against his so delicately. He never wanted to let go.</p>
<p>Her description of a normal day at the beach with family reminded him of the many vacations he’d taken with his mother. The ocean had terrified him as a child. Now, he respected its power and often found himself in awe of the waves. “That sounds...peaceful. I like to imagine it’s best to go out surrounded by laughter. And love.”</p>
<p>He kissed her temple. It was late. Nearly midnight, now. This bubble that they found with each other was a personal haven. He was reluctant to leave. “Mm.” The Frenchman sighed, gently rocking their bodies back and forth in the hug. He was tired. It was two nights now that they’d spent together with very little sleep.</p>
<p>He yawned, ever so slowly standing up and reaching for her hand. “I...I think those pillows over there are calling my name.”</p>
<p>The gazebo was warmer and the blankets inside looked awfully inviting right now to his lazy eyes. “Come on. Let’s cuddle. I’ll be the big spoon.” </p> She offered a small smile whe…tag:eternalcityrp.com,2021-03-23:6610746:Comment:4257532021-03-23T20:32:21.973Z✓ Octavia Grace Ivakovhttps://eternalcityrp.com/profile/O
<p>She offered a small smile when he spoke about wishing he had more interest in science “We all have our strengths, if we all had the same interests and talents that wouldn’t make for a very interesting world” she nodded slightly and shrugged “The key is to meet as many people into other things as you can and then when you don’t know, you’ll always know someone who can” she nodded slightly, that was how the guard worked too, they played to their strengths and found people with unique…</p>
<p>She offered a small smile when he spoke about wishing he had more interest in science “We all have our strengths, if we all had the same interests and talents that wouldn’t make for a very interesting world” she nodded slightly and shrugged “The key is to meet as many people into other things as you can and then when you don’t know, you’ll always know someone who can” she nodded slightly, that was how the guard worked too, they played to their strengths and found people with unique talents.</p>
<p>“You see the world so differently to me” she commented and nodded slightly, it was like he saw it through a different filter that made it more beautiful than she could see for face value, she always appreciated art despite not being an artistically minded person herself. She raised her brows and grinned when he said he liked to get lost “It’s easy to do huh...just let everything go for a little while” when she got in the right zone she felt like she could just fade out into her own world.</p>
<p>She giggled softly when he warned her to be careful “You’ll save me” she commented before finally leaning back into his warm lap, it felt nice to be here, his arms made her feel secure as they wrapped around her, it was easy to melt into them and completely forget how complicated the world was out there. He was so warm and it reminded her of how much she missed this, being held, feeling secure within someone’s arms, it was an experience that you took for granted when you had someone by your side until you realized in time it was now gone. Naturally, she snuggled a little closer into his chest, turning her face a little so he could shield her from the chill of the wind.</p>
<p><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/d5d948d18848c0afcc47065501e78b99/7534085a92c3b792-3f/s540x810/5bee1d62a09257b448cfb017d6209fe02b557eef.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/d5d948d18848c0afcc47065501e78b99/7534085a92c3b792-3f/s540x810/5bee1d62a09257b448cfb017d6209fe02b557eef.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>She stayed there for a moment, just admiring the beauty of the sky above them before she heard him call her name, she tilted her head to look at him when he asked that question and she pursed her lips “I would get everyone that mattered and take a road trip down to the beach” she nodded a few times, she always loved the coast “And I would while away the day seeing everyone happy...peaceful and watch the sunset over the ocean” poetic but she found it really calming, she looked up at him and blushed softly “Cheesy I know” she grinned “I’ve gotten to experience most of the things I’ve wanted to...my ideal day would be pretty...normal” it was the people that mattered to her most.</p>
<p>“Did you ever regret not doing something” she questioned curiously, everyone had some regrets she knew that much but the ones that stuck with a person told you a lot about who they were.</p>