Chapter Text
Caleb can't help it. You're curled up in his arms, vulnerable, all sniffles and whimpers, and all he can think about is how pretty you look while you're crying.
Your wobbly lip, the sheen on your eyes as little tears bubble up and spill over. He almost hesitates to wipe them away, enjoying the sight of them rolling down your cheeks a little too much.
He knows he should be soothing you more; he knows, and he swears he will. Just... not quite yet. He wants to indulge in the view that only he gets to see: you, precious and open, showing your soft underbelly to the one person you trust most.
He knows he should be sympathetic; he should pull you into his arms and kiss away your tears and help you feel better. He shouldn't take advantage of your trust like this for his own gain.
But he just can't help himself. Seeing you cry like this, truly cry, is such a rare sight. He wants to preserve this picture in his brain, to savor the moment, and take a mental photograph to store away and revisit later.
You poor thing. Sobbing in the lap of the one person you think you can trust unconditionally, and all he can do is relish the sight of you in distress. You're just too naive to truly see how your Caleb's love for you isn't quite as pure as you think it is.
And you fall into the trap of the sullied affection he soothes you with oh so easily. Crawling so willingly towards the dripping maw of a wolf, only seeing the loyal dog that has always stood by your side.