Caleb - Man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.

[brokendoors]

True to his Mama's word, Caleb made it out of The Visit unscathed. And when they'd left, his mom did a lot of hugging to the point he'd actually started pushing her away with a totally age-appropriate 'ew, mom's hugging me!' gross face.

And he didn't think his mom minded, even!
It wasn't until the next day, when his mom was at work, that he made the tiny trek across the complex over to Casper's place.

He wanted to get Casper's input on things.

Comments

[brokendoors]

There's a brief moment where Caleb wants to say, "YES YES OH MY GOSH, YES!" but Casper's being SERIOUS about this, and he guesses that means he needs to be serious, as well. He needs to think things through. "Well, yeah. You wouldn't be any different than you are now. I mean, you know about me and all." Because he'd heard that step parents sometimes act differently once they're all moved in and married.

[lovestofly]

"Pretty much." If their two separate small families became one, there would be more everyday issues, and Caleb and Casper were sure to butt head sometimes when they disagreed on things. But that's just how things are, perfectly normal.

There's another pause as Casper thinks. "...think she'd say yes?" That is an actual worry for him. Two times in the past he's thought of asking a woman for her hand in marriage, and both times he's had his heart broken before getting the chance. So if there's a little part of him saying, no just let things be as they are, he understands it. But he's not going to listen to it.

[brokendoors]

Caleb shrugs a little bit. "I think she might. I know she like likes you, that's for sure." He's honestly sort of worried she might not say yes. He'd heard his mom tell people at the hotel that she'd never get married - but that was a long time ago, before she'd met Casper.

[lovestofly]

Yes, Casper's pretty sure she like likes him. Heh. But Ivy and him have never discussed marriage, so... Maybe he should just bring the topic up sometime, instead of just springing the question on her. Ah, he'd just have to see.

But at least now he knew that Caleb was okay with it, should it happen. Though he probably should talk with his own sons about it as well.

"We'll just have to see how it goes. But, regardless of what happens, you know that you're always welcome around, right?"

[brokendoors]

"I hope so," Caleb says, all of a sudden rather serious. He doesn't want to think about everything bad that could happen.

[lovestofly]

"You are." Bad things can always happen, though despite his slight anxieties Casper isn't really worried. Not really. But he wants Caleb to understand that him caring about him isn't dependent on his relationship with Ivy.

Still, best to not dwell on things, right? It's a far too nice day for that. "I'm getting all pruny here," Casper states, perfectly truthfully. "Race yo to shore?"

[brokendoors]

Caleb squints, just for a moment. "OKay!" And then he's off, not even waiting for Casper

[lovestofly]

Even though the sky is where Caper feels mostly as home, he has a thing for water as well. Swimming is really the closest thing a human can get to experience weightlessness and flying. With that and having been raised by the sea, it's only natural that he's a good swimmer.

He's quickly going after Caleb, not planning on just handing over the win this time.

[brokendoors]

And like last time, there's a little bit of a shriek when he notices that Casper's quickly closing in. "I'll win again!" he shouts, swimming in faster than before.

[lovestofly]

Casper could cheat. If he wanted to. Shapeshifting can indeed give one a certain advantage. But he doesn't. Because that would simply be unfair.

Besides, he's a grown-up. He has the advantage anyway. Can Caleb still beat him?

[brokendoors]

Caleb works hard to gain momentum, and to grab the lead. But Casper is taller, with longer arms and legs. He loses, but not by a very big margin.

Like, Caleb's convinced it was a photo finish!

"Did you see that? Haha!" He laughs. " I almost beat you! And when I'm tall I'm sure I WILL win!"

[lovestofly]

"I'm pretty sure of that too," Casper agrees, grinning as they leave the water and walk up the beach. "You sure you're not related to fish? No webbed fingers or toes?"

[brokendoors]

He shakes his head furiously. "Nope! See?" Caleb splays his fingers. "Not a single web! I am not a duck, either!"

[lovestofly]

"Obviously not. You don't have any feathers." Because, logic.

"I'm hungry," he states as he flops down on his towel. But Ivy would probably be showing up soon. Yay!

[brokendoors]

"But my feathers could be on the inside!" He flops down onto his towel, trying to be suave and not look just like Casper plopping down. At least he doesn't want to come across that way.

"Me too! I hope mom brings us like a ton of food. A METRIC ton, 'cause that would be just enough for me." He pauses, and grins. "I have an hollow leg, I have places to put it!"

[lovestofly]

That makes Casper laugh. "I can believe that." Caleb is a growing boy; food is serious business. "But please, do save at least a little bit for me."

[brokendoors]

"Mama only lets me eat junk sometimes now. She says growing boys don't need to put preservatives in my body 'cause I'm not old enough to need 'em." He makes a face. "But I like preservatives.

[lovestofly]

Casper makes a face at the mention of preservatives. "Yeah, I'm with your mom on this one." Caleb should be familiar enough with the contents of Casper's fridge by now, as well as his cooking. But since he did bring out the ice cream earlier, he can't be all that bad. "But the question now is: what will she be bringing today?"

[brokendoors]

"It's the weekend, isn't it? Maybe some fast food!" Caleb looks very very hopeful.

[lovestofly]

fast food didn't have to be bad, though. it just depended on the type of fast food. and he did trust Ivy's taste. "So what kind are you hoping for?"

[brokendoors]

"Maybe... Subway? Mom likes Subway." Submarine sandwiches, and some baked Doritos! Yum, yum.

[lovestofly]

Hmm, Subway wasn't so bad. Good outdoors food. Hamburgers were no good once they got cold. Pizza was no good for the same reason. But a decent sandwich always worked. "I could go for that. Mmmh, tuna-sub..."

[brokendoors]

"Mama lets me have double the cheese, 'cause I loooove cheese." Mmm. Provolone!


Speaking of mamas, guess who's coming up, subway bags in hand.

[lovestofly]

Ah, and there she is, heavenly angel bringing food.

Casper raises a hand and waves to draw her attention to where they are, and then looks over at Caleb. "Looks like you nailed it, kid."

[brokendoors]

Ivy grins and moseys on over. Gracious, her man all wet. Mmm.

"Evenin'! I hope I'm not too late."
"Nope, not at all mama! I'm psychic! I told Casper I hoped you'd bring Subway!"
"Huh, looks like you are."
She plops down beside them and starts to hand 'em out. She remembers that Casper does like tuna.