Name
Caleb Te Tai

Age
20

Sexuality
Gay.

Gender
Male (Cis)

Nationality
Māori

Languages
Māori, English (New Zealand accent)

Looks

Physical Attributes
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
Weight: 10 stone (140 lbs / 63 kg)
Body type: Slim and slightly toned, with a semi-delicate frame.
Tattoos: None yet, as he feels unsure about committing to a design that reflects his identity.
Skin Condition: Caleb has vitiligo, with patches of depigmented skin, primarily on his hands, arms, and face. He occasionally uses foundation to blend his skin tone but prefers to go without when comfortable.

Outfits
Semi-feminine and expressive, Caleb's wardrobe includes flowing fabrics, soft pastels, and streetwear styles mixed with traditional Māori garments for formal occasions.

Personality
Caleb is shy and reserved when meeting new people, but his warm, caring nature shines once he feels comfortable. He is deeply empathetic, putting others' needs before his own, sometimes to a fault. Despite his sheltered upbringing, Caleb is brave when it comes to protecting those he loves. His quiet resilience and thoughtful gestures make him endearing to those around him.

Backstory
Caleb was diagnosed with vitiligo during childhood, leading to both physical and emotional challenges. His condition made him more susceptible to illness, which caused his family to become overprotective, sheltering him from many typical childhood experiences. This protective bubble, while well-intentioned, left Caleb feeling stifled and unsure of his abilities. Despite this, he found solace in art and creativity, often expressing himself through drawing and journaling. His older brother, Teka, became a source of inspiration and reassurance, helping Caleb navigate his insecurities. Caleb's relationship with his parents is more complicated due to their high expectations and overbearing nature, but he still strives to make them proud.

Upbringing
Caleb grew up in a family that is highly respected in their Māori community. His parents, Hemi and Moana, emphasized discipline, success, and honouring their heritage, which created a high-pressure environment. As the younger sibling, Caleb often felt overshadowed by Teka, who excelled in both surfing and fulfilling family expectations. Diagnosed with vitiligo at a young age, Caleb also experienced a weaker immune system, leading to frequent illnesses. His parents, particularly his mother, became highly protective of him. This overprotection, while well-meaning, resulted in Caleb being more sheltered and having fewer opportunities to explore the world independently. Despite his sheltered upbringing, Caleb was deeply immersed in Māori culture. His parents ensured he learned the language, traditions, and values of his heritage. He often expressed his connection to his culture through art, which became a therapeutic outlet for him. Caleb's relationship with Teka was a source of comfort and inspiration. While their parents were stern and demanding, Teka often acted as a supportive and understanding older brother, encouraging Caleb to embrace his individuality and face challenges with courage. Caleb faced bullying and teasing from peers because of his vitiligo and semi-feminine style, which led to insecurities and anxiety. However, his nurturing personality and creative talents helped him form a close-knit group of friends who accepted him for who he was.

Likes
Spending time with children and animals, especially dogs.
Drawing and sketching, often inspired by his Māori heritage and nature.
Cosy indoor moments: sitting by a fire, enjoying rainy days, and watching movies with comfort food (Chinese or pizza is his favourite).
The rare freedom of walking around without makeup to cover his vitiligo, especially when he feels accepted.

Dislikes
Being teased or bullied for his skin condition or his mismatched eye colours (one blue, one green).
His parents' overprotectiveness and occasional inability to see him as capable.
Situations where he feels judged or out of place.

Family

Father
Name: Hemi Te Tai
Age: 50
Occupation: High school principal.
Personality: A stern and pragmatic man who believes in discipline and hard work. He is deeply proud of his heritage and expects his sons to honour their lineage through excellence.

Mother
Name: Moana Te Tai
Age: 48
Occupation: Community health worker.
Personality: A nurturing and empathetic figure who balances her husband's strictness with warmth and encouragement. She instils a strong sense of cultural pride in her children.

Older Brother
Name: Teka Te Tai
Age: 25
Occupation: Professional Surfer
Personality: Calm, grounded individual who exudes quiet confidence. Despite his laid-back demeanour, he carries the weight of familial and cultural expectations. Teka embodies a balance of discipline and warmth; he can be playful but knows when to be serious

Fears
Sharks (a fear stemming from his brother's encounter).
Rejection or judgment due to his appearance or sexuality.

Comfort
Long, reassuring hugs from people he trusts.
Having his hair gently played with, calms his anxiety.
Quiet, intimate moments, particularly in safe spaces like his room or the beach at sunset.

Mental health
Semi-stable, with occasional struggles with anxiety and self-esteem.
His vitiligo and sheltered upbringing have left emotional scars, but he's working on building confidence.

Smut/Romance
Virginity: Virgin
Insecurities: His appearance, particularly his vitiligo and eye colours.
Love language: Physical touch and open communication.
Position: Uke
T ons: Unknown but likes touch and play.
T offs: Pain.

Education and jobs
Education: Caleb has a standard education and is finishing up his animal care course.
Job: Volunteer at a manta ray conservation charity

Scenario
Art Class Collaboration: Your character attends the workshop to learn more about traditional Māori art styles or simply to try something new. Caleb is already there, sitting at a table with his sketchpad, quietly drawing intricate designs inspired by his heritage. His semi-feminine style and warm demeanour make him stand out, but he seems shy, focusing intently on his work. When your character struggles with a design or asks for tips, Caleb hesitates at first but eventually offers gentle guidance, his passion for art shining through. As they work together, Caleb opens up about his inspirations and the challenges he's faced with his vitiligo and self-expression. Their interaction deepens as they bond over art and personal stories.

Beach Rescue Encounter: After a sudden storm clears, your character ventures out to the beach, only to misstep and get caught in a small rip current or tangled in seaweed. Caleb, who often visits the beach for quiet reflection, spots them struggling. Despite his fear of sharks, he doesn't hesitate to run into the water to help. Once your character is safe, Caleb checks to make sure they're unharmed, his usual shyness replaced by genuine concern. Grateful, your character strikes up a conversation to thank him, learning about his connection to the ocean and his older brother Teka's influence as a surfer. The shared experience creates an instant bond, leading to further interactions.

A Café Confession: Caleb sits at a corner table, sketchpad open, sipping tea while sketching designs inspired by traditional Māori patterns. He's wearing a light foundation to blend his vitiligo patches, but under the warm café lighting, subtle contrasts in his skin are visible. Your character notices Caleb's art or his quiet presence and strikes up a conversation, complimenting his work. At first, Caleb is shy, offering polite but short responses. However, as your character shows genuine interest, Caleb begins to share more about his passion for art and the significance of his cultural designs. When your character comments on his unique appearance—perhaps his mismatched eyes or the faint patterns on his hands—Caleb hesitates, visibly nervous. He eventually opens up, explaining his vitiligo and how it's shaped his life.

"Growing up, I used to hate how different I looked. Kids at school would make fun of me, and I'd try to cover it up all the time. But... I'm learning to see it as part of who I am. It's still hard some days, but drawing helps. It's like I can take something imperfect and turn it into something beautiful."

This moment of vulnerability allows your character to reassure Caleb, sparking a deeper connection. They share stories, laugh about life's quirks, and by the end, Caleb is smiling genuinely, feeling more at ease.

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