Chapter 5

The sun slowly set on the horizon as the bus made its way to one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Everyone had decided on visiting the Florida Keys before leaving the rest stop. And after that they'd to head towards California. With the exception of a few stops along the way. They agreed to stop the trip whenever one of them saw something worth checking out. A few had fallen asleep on the journey so far, but you remained awake and listened to the gentle hum of the bus.

You suddenly felt a slight warmth in the seat next to you. Glancing over you spot Caine just reclining back looking like he'd been there the whole time, his leg crossed over the other with his arms behind his head. He had been gazing at you for a while now.

Jumping up surprised, you sharply inhaled preparing to lecture him about disappearing mid conversation earlier. He simply put a finger over your lips before you could open them again, and made a hush sign with his other hand. You sighed in defeat realizing he was probably right about needing to be quiet. Seeing how peaceful the others who'd fallen asleep looked made you feel guilty about possibly waking them up.

You exhale quietly, "You really shouldn't just disappear like that."

He tilted his head, "Like what? his hands twirled his cane around before he placed it in the seats across from you.

You shifted uncomfortably, "It feels like every time I try to talk to you lately you just disappear." Frowning you looked down at the hand he held previously wondering what that ride was even about. "Why did you go on the .... Love boat ride with me?"

He answered innocently yet sly, "Well it wouldn't have been much fun alone would it?"

You roll your eyes, "You know what I mean. That was obviously meant for a couple to ride."

A long sigh fills the silence between the two of you. Caine remains still, but seems to be in deep thought. You look out the window in frustration, "Whatever. Just forget about it." He suddenly placed his hand on yours. You jump slightly startled.

You quickly turn back to face him now blushing. For a moment it seems like he didn't intend on saying anything, but then he whispers, "What if I don't want to forget about it?"

Suddenly your heartbeat was pounding your ear drums like it was about to burst out of your body in this very moment. How could he say something so...direct? You didn't move your hand from his, but instead faced it up towards his and interlock your fingers. You give his hand a gentle squeeze and smile at him.

"Whatever you say tooth fairy." You stick your tongue out, but he gives no reaction to your words. He remained fixated on your hands interlocking fingers. A blank stare covering his features. Part of him couldn't believe you actually wanted to hold hands with him in this moment. He wasn't sure exactly why he wanted to place his hand on yours a few moments prior. Or why he even wanted you to interlock fingers with his own. He questioned what all these feelings and thoughts meant. Why did he go on that ride? Why did he want to create that ride for her? He wasn't sure if it made sense, but his mind could only know one thing. And that was that it felt right, you felt right. He slowly came back to reality and acknowledged his new nickname.

He cracked a sly grin before responding, "You know you liked it, sweetheart. Don't lie to me."

Caine smiled over at you. His eyes half lidded. And just like that he was gone again when Jax suddenly parked the bus. He had teleported away. Suddenly and without explanation.

Somewhere else in the game he remained watching you through the cameras he put in the bus. His back was against the wall of his office. Slowly sliding down the wall he looked up as he sat on the floor. Crossing his arms over his legs he watched the tv screen displaying Jax discuss with everyone what they wanted to do about swimsuits. A light blush spread across Caine's face as he thought about the sight of you in a swimsuit.

Truth be told he picked this adventure out specifically to see you in a swimsuit...And to possibly get to see you shower.

The thought of your body glistening in the water. Your icing hair clinging to your form. Your curves cascading the water. It all drove him wild. And he felt he had to see it for himself.

You ended up going into a Mall with the others in search of a swimsuit. Maybe you'd even get to go to your favorite store. Part of you felt excited as it had been one thing you'd missed since entering the digital circus. Gangle stopped walking randomly and everyone turned to see why, "Uhhh guys. How are we supposed to buy anything?"

Jax smirked, "I bet hot stuff here could work a corner or two and we'd all be set for the rest of the trip." he jokingly pointed over at you. He winked at Pomni and she looked back at him confused.

You blushed at him calling you hot stuff then immediately felt anger wash over you. "Hey!! What the hell Jax!!!"

Caine suddenly appeared before the group, "That won't be necessary!!!" You thought for a moment you might've even seen his jaw clench in anger. He waved his hands in a panic. The thought of an npc having their way with you made him shiver, "The circus is an all age appropriate game!!! You'll be provided budgets for the rest of your trip." He put his hands on his hips and puffed out his chest proud to be providing money for everyone in hopes it would somehow impress y/n. Although he was always in control of the game, so it's not like anyone else had money to impress anyone with.

He handed out wallets to everyone. Each one stylized to how the owner would want their wallet to look. Pomni looked hers over, "Wow Caine!!! These are so cute. You did a great job."

He blushed, "Y—you shut up now!!" He waved his hands and looked away embarrassed not sure how to take the compliment. It was so rare he got any.

You perk up, "I can't believe mine is f/c!!! And it has my favorite animal on it. Ahhhh!!! You really out did yourself Caine. Thank you!!" you run up and hug him. He freezes up and slightly glitches before disappearing as always.

Jax began laughing, "Maaaan. I can't believe that worked!!! He really is down bad." Pomni raised an eyebrow now understanding why Jax had said what he said before.

You looked confused before beginning to understand what he did, but then you thought, does he really care that much? You shake your head.

'That's impossible'

You looked over at Jax, "I really don't think that what you said made him wanna give us money. It was probably just from him realizing we couldn't buy anything without it. We are on a road trip after all."

Kinger interrupted with a scream, "AHHHHH!"Everyone jumped back afraid and began looking for the cause.

Kinger apologized immediately after, "Sorry. Caine really popped out of nowhere. It startled me."

Zooble squinted at Kinger, "He's ...already gone? It's been awhile since he popped up."

Gangle smiled, "Yea he kinda startled me too. Almost got my comedy mask!!" That was when the Gloink queen burst through the entrance of the mall. Knocking over gangle and breaking her comedy mask. Zooble looked at the Gloink queen in anger , "Oh come on!!!"