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Chapter Text

“I need you.” 

Kaveh stops midway through swinging his hammer as the words filter through the jargon of his homework on his mind. Slowly, the blond looks up from his workbench and sees his roommate standing over him with his arms crossed over his chest looking down at him. Kaveh slowly lowers his hammer and takes the finishing nails from where he was holding them in his mouth. 

“For what?” He asks warily. 

Alhaitham never asks him for anything. Ever. Kaveh watches Alhaitham sigh and shift his position, clearly uncomfortable. 

“There’s an event being hosted by my parents. I need a plus one.” Alhaitham says. “Normally I wouldn’t bother going but I’ve been specifically invited and I have a suspicion there’s an ulterior motive. I need you to accompany me and if the need arises, come up with an emergency so we can leave.” 

Kaveh lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. It was a matter of convenience then. 

“I’m sure there are dozens of willing potential dates.” Kaveh says, looking back down at his worktop. 

“None that currently owe me a month’s rent, and with your dramatics I have no doubt you’d be able to make a believable story to get us out of there.” 

Kaveh grits his teeth in annoyance. “I am not dramatic; I just have more than one emotion, unlike you.” 

“It’s easier if it’s you.” 

Kaveh drops his hammer to the worktop and rubs circles on his temple. 

“Easier.” Kaveh repeats. Of course he’d say that. Alhaitham was all about making things easier for himself. 

“Look, just be ready this weekend, it’s black tie.” Alhaitham says, “You’ll fit right in.” 

“Tch.” Kaveh scoffs. “Fine. This makes us even on rent. You’re lucky I don’t have plans already.” 

“Have you given thought to your thesis?” Professor Zhongli asks as Kaveh fights to yawn. It’s so early in the morning. Kaveh was used to sleeping in over the summer. 

“Some.” Kaveh replies, sitting down at the TA’s desk at the front of the room. Zhongli stands at the podium immediately in front of Kaveh, shuffling through his class notes. “I’ll have the proposal ready at the end of-” 

The door to the lecture hall bursts open with a loud noise, too loud for 8:45 am. Kaveh frowns and turns to see a redhead running down the steps towards the front of the room. 

“Ah, so glad you’re able to join us.” Zhongli greets, the smallest hint of annoyance in his tone. 

“Sorry sir.” The redhead says as he throws himself down in the seat next to Kaveh. 

“Kaveh, this is Childe, my second TA.” Zhongli says, looking back down at his notes. “Surely you’ve met before, you’re both graduate students.” 

“Ah, no unfortunately, I haven’t had the pleasure.” Childe says, setting his backpack on the table and turning to smile at Kaveh. Something about his smile is off putting in a way Kaveh can’t describe. “I look forward to working with you this semester, Kaveh.” 

“Likewise…” Kaveh says, returning the gesture with a polite smile of his own. 

“So, now that you’re both here, this is a first year History of Architecture course-” Zhongli starts lecturing. Kaveh reminds himself not to turn his back on Childe. 

“What do you know about Childe?” Kaveh asks, pointing a carrot stick at Lisa. The woman perks up and taps her chin as she thinks. 

“Childe?” Nilou asks, tilting her head in question at Kaveh. Kaveh nods. 

“He’s my mentor’s other TA. I’ve never heard of him before.” 

“He’s an econ major.” Lisa says, now scrolling through her phone. She knows everyone in the university tangentially; makes it her business to know. “But other than that, no information honey.” 

“Hm.” Kaveh frowns. 

“Buuuuuut~” Lisa elaborates, smirking slyly over the top of her phone at Kaveh. “A little birdie told me you’re going to that high society benefit dinner this weekend~” 

“How’d you find that out?” Kaveh asks, raising his eyebrow at her. 

“I have my ways.” Lisa says, locking her phone and setting it down on the table. “Your new roommate’s plus one, scandalous. You didn’t even tell us about him.” 

“I would, if there was anything to tell.” Kaveh says, briefly thinking about Alhaitham’s incredibly handsome face. “He’s… an asshole.” 

“He’s in Corporate Law, of course he is.” Faruzan chimes in from her position beside Kaveh for the first time. 

“Aren’t you in Corporate Law Faruzan?” Nilou asks, and Faruzan rolls her eyes. 

“Yes, but I’m not an asshole.” 

Kaveh, Lisa and Nilou exchange a brief look. 

“I’m not!” Faruzan insists, tapping her hand on the table in emphasis. “I know I can be… unreasonable at times, but I’m a very flexible person comparatively.” 

“Comparatively.” Nilou repeats. 

“Anyway, Alhaitham has been competing for top percentage since year one. He’s ruthless.” Faruzan continues, dragging her hand through her long pale hair. “I’ve judged a few of the mock cases he’s participated in, there’s only one other student who’s successfully argued against him.” 

“Who’s that?” Kaveh asks. 

“Cyno, another contender for top percentage. They’ve had a rivalry for a while.” Faruzan nods her head once. “I hear they get pretty heated any chance they get.” 

“Well, let us know if the party gets heated .” Lisa says, leaning forward towards Kaveh with that same little smirk on her face. 

“I absolutely will not.” Kaveh says, dropping his carrot stick on top of his hummus and slamming the cover back on it. “As if I’ll have any information before you two gossipy bitches will.” 

Nilou giggles, nudging Lisa with her arm as the brunette gasps dramatically. 

Alhaitham 

Meet me at the Royal Plaza at 5 pm. 

Kaveh  

I won’t be ready by then

Alhaitham

Don’t worry about that. I’ve hired staff to get you ready.

Kaveh

Staff? What kind of event is this? 

…

…

…

Hello?! 

“No, no. No way, no how, not in this lifetime!” Kaveh says, waving his hands and stepping backwards. Alhaitham rolls his eyes and it irritates Kaveh further. 

“You’ve already agreed, you’re already here and I’ve already paid for everything.” Alhaitham lifts his arm to check the expensive watch on his wrist. “Save the dramatics for the party, it’s not like crossdressing is something new for you.” 

“That’s not the point.” Kaveh says, gesturing at the expensive, albeit gorgeous, party dress hanging on the wardrobe. “You didn’t say anything about me in a dress.” 

“I didn’t think it would be an obstacle.” Alhaitham says. 

“You didn’t think it would be an obstacle?” Kaveh repeats incredulously. 

“No. Just get ready. You have an hour.” Alhaitham unhooks a black garment bag from a rack beside the dress and drapes it over his arm. “This doesn’t work if you’re not in a gown.” 

Alhaitham steps past Kaveh and opens the door to the hotel room. He steps aside and motions for the four women standing in the hallway to come in. Hair and makeup, Kaveh assumes. The women approach him and he gives them a wane smile as they ready their tools. 

“What did I get myself into…” Kaveh murmurs to himself as Alhaitham leaves the room and the door closes behind him. 

Kaveh was not a stranger to crossdressing. 

He likes it, in fact. 

He started participating in Drag Shows at the Student Hub in his first year of university and has been doing it ever since. But this wasn’t getting in drag for a good night at the bar with friends. This was a stuffy upper crust benefit dinner for people with too much money and too much free time, like Alhaitham’s parents apparently. 

The dress was long and a cool shade of turquoise with flowing tulle skirts from a flattering sweetheart neckline and a forgiving off the shoulder sleeve. The make up artist did her best to soften his jawline and sharper nose with a trendy minimal makeup look. A very far cry from Kaveh’s preferred bright jewel toned shades and sharp contour. 

“Did you really have to wear the heels?” Alhaitham asks, leaning over slightly as they enter the ballroom. Kaveh grits his teeth as he smiles in the direction of the crowd as eyes turn towards their entrance. With the shiny silk high heels on and his hair done up, Kaveh was barely a few centimeters shorter than the very tall Alhaitham. 

“Did you really have to blackmail me here?” Kaveh replies through gritted teeth. “Of fucking course I’m going to wear the heels. Deal with it.” 

“Ah, Hashim’s son, Haitham, correct?” 

Alhaitham stops when he’s addressed by a dignified looking man in the same black suit and tie every other man is wearing. Except Kaveh, of course. 

“Yes, good evening General.” Alhaitham replies, nodding his head briefly in greeting. 

“Good evening, I don’t believe we’ve met…” The General addresses Kaveh and extends his hand. “Miss-” 

“Zara, Zara Kavari.” Kaveh says softly, laying his hand gently into the General’s. “Alhaitham’s kept me locked up all this time, it’s nice to get out.” 

Alhaitham digs his knuckles into Kaveh’s back briefly when the General flounders for a moment. Kaveh forces a laugh, turning it into a joke, and the General laughs with him. 

“She’s joking, of course.” Alhaitham says, and the General nods. 

“I haven’t seen your father yet, have you?” The General asks, and Alhaitham briefly shakes his head. 

“I’ll be sure to send him your way. We should get a drink. General.” Alhaitham nods and forcefully guides Kaveh away from the man. 

“Don’t push me.” Kaveh huffs, bumping his elbow into Alhaitham’s side. “If you didn’t want me to talk to anyone you should have gagged me.” 

“I still have that option.” Alhaitham replies easily and Kaveh rolls his eyes. “We’re not here for long, just play along.” 

“I am.” Kaveh says. He straightens out his back and demurely drops his shoulders, glancing at Alhaitham with a practiced, simpering look. “Better?” 

Alhaitham returns the look, his aquamarine gaze dropping immediately to Kaveh’s chest. Kaveh gasps and lightly slaps Alhaitham’s arm with his hand. 

“Pervert.” Kaveh whispers with a smirk. For a moment, Kaveh swears Alhaitham’s mouth twitches into almost a smile. Almost. The blond feels pleased as punch that he was able to get a reaction out of the normally stoic man. 

Kaveh glances around the gorgeously decorated ballroom and allows himself to appreciate the aesthetics of the party. It’s trendy, beige and silver decorations with white tablecloths and crystal. The centre of the room was clear of tables and filled with pairs of dancing guests. It’s incredibly posh. All the men are in black suits and the women are in sparkling gowns. There’s a few things Kaveh would have done differently, beige and silver are boring. 

Alhaitham tenses and goes rigid beside him, and Kaveh feels him clear his throat. He leans over and whispers into Kaveh’s ear, the loose strands of blond hair tickling against his neck. 

“There’s my parents.” Alhaitham says, gently turning Kaveh to face the window. There’s a tall, distinguished looking gentleman who looks remarkably like Alhaitham conversing with four other men in black suits. There’s a graceful woman on his arm in a gorgeous subdued beige gown. 

Beige again. Ugh. 

“Great.” Kaveh says. 

Alhaitham waves down a member of the wait staff carrying a tray of delicate crystal glasses filled with champagne. Kaveh gratefully takes a glass. 

“Haitham.” 

Alhaitham’s back straightens as his name is called and he gently guides Kaveh over to the group. 

“Father, mother.” Alhaitham greets. 

“It’s about time.” Hashim says. He very pointedly does not look at Kaveh. “I told you to come alone.” 

“That’s incredibly rude.” Alhaitham says, motioning his head towards Kaveh. “Zara was kind enough to accompany me.” 

Hashim exhales heavily through his nose and finally turns his gaze to Kaveh. There’s an annoyance in those familiar green depths, but Kaveh doesn’t falter for a second under his withering look. He smiles demurely, tilting his head slightly in greeting. 

“Your gown is beautiful, dear.” Alhaitham’s mother chimes in elegantly. Kaveh looks to her instead and nods bashfully. “Alhaitham didn’t say you were so tall…” 

“Oh, yes. I am. He says he likes that about me.” Kaveh says, playing heavily into his role. “He always insists I wear heels.” 

“Well, I’m sorry you were dragged along to be humiliated.” Hashim interrupts. He looks at Alhaitham. “Give us a moment with our son.” 

Someone abruptly pulls Kaveh away from Alhaitham, wrapping a secure arm around his waist before he could object. 

“I thought I recognized you.” A dreadfully familiar voice croons as Kaveh is swept away from Alhaitham. 

“What?” Kaveh says, looking up at the man. Kaveh’s stomach drops all the way down to his knees when he recognizes him. 

“Oh, are we pretending not to know each other?” Childe asks, smiling as he curls his arm around Kaveh’s thin waist. “I can play along.” 

Childe easily guides Kaveh to the dance floor, stepping them into the dancers. Childe’s fingers intertwine with Kaveh’s as they fall into step to the slow melody. Kaveh has to take a moment to get his head on right. He blinks up at the redhead and can feel his cheeks warm with a blush. He looks good, handsome in a fitted suit. 

“What are you doing?” Kaveh whispers, resting his hand on Childe’s shoulder and dancing with him to avoid causing a scene. 

“Dancing.” Childe says simply. “Is that a crime?” 

Kaveh tries to reorient himself in the room. He lost track of where Alhaitham and his parents are. He glances around briefly before Childe demands his attention again. 

“I thought this was going to be another boring party.” Childe says, tilting his head slightly as he looks down and takes in Kaveh’s outfit entirely. “Imagine my surprise when I saw you light up the room. What’s the occasion?” 

“I don’t know what you mean. I’ve never met you before.” Kaveh says, clenching his teeth and widening his eyes slightly as he lies. “And if you tell anyone otherwise, you’ll meet god sooner rather than later.” 

Childe laughs, amused, and Kaveh presses his lips together in a forced smile. 

“Your secret is safe with me Princess.” Childe squeezes Kaveh’s hip. 

“Why are you here anyway? Don’t you have to be important to be here?” Kaveh asks.

“Ouch.” Childe pouts playfully. “I am important. Well, my father is. Ambassador for Snezhnaya Important.”

Kaveh rolls his eyes. 

Childe stops when another man approaches the dancing pair. 

“Excuse me. May I?” The new man asks, offering his hand to Kaveh. Childe chuckles softly and takes a step away from Kaveh. 

“Be my guest Ragnvindr.” Childe says, handing off Kaveh’s hand to him. “Wouldn’t be the first time we were interested in the same person.” 

The two other men share a look between each other and Kaveh feels like he’s out of his depth. The new man has fiery red hair and matching eyes, but he’s so much more subdued and softer than Childe. He feels more safe, somehow. Kaveh doesn’t realize how tense his shoulders are until he relaxes them as Childe steps away. 

“I hope you don’t mind.” The man says, starting the dance again. “You looked uncomfortable.” 

“Oh.” Kaveh says, and he shrugs his shoulders. “It’s nothing. Thank you.” 

“I haven’t seen you around before.” 

“I’m new.” Kaveh takes a moment to glance around the room as they dance, but doesn’t see Alhaitham. 

“I’m Diluc. And you are…?” Diluc offers, slowing down slightly as he sees Kaveh look around. 

“K- Kavari.” Kaveh clears his throat. He speaks softer. Keep up the role. “Zara Kavari.” 

He was going to have to warn his sister not to accept any new social media requests. He was giving out her name so freely. 

Maybe he should have made up a name instead. 

“Who’re you looking for…?” Diluc asks. 

“I…” Kaveh looks back at Diluc. They’re the same height but Diluc is leading the dance easily. Why is everyone here so gorgeous? “My date. Alhaitham.” 

“Ah.” Diluc stops dancing and gently takes hold of Kaveh’s elbow. He guides him off the floor. “Allow me to help you look.” 

“Thank you.” Kaveh says, genuinely feeling bashful at how polite Diluc is. There’s something genuine about Diluc that’s undeniably attractive. Something everyone else in the room was missing underneath the glitz and glamor. Kaveh has to shake himself back to reality; he was playing a role. 

“I think I’ve seen you around before, on the university campus maybe?” Diluc says, starting a polite conversation. Kaveh clears his throat. 

“Oh, you might have. I’m a graduate student.” Kaveh says. “But I’m not the most social person, I’ve been known to get caught up in my work. I don’t know anyone outside of my designation.” 

“I’m the same way actually.” Diluc says, nodding his head ruefully. “In my early years I was more adventurous.”

“Adventurous?” Kaveh prods, the corner of his mouth lifting in amusement. “Like what, staying out past 10 pm?” 

Diluc chuckles briefly and nods his head. “Even past 11 pm.” 

“Real wild and crazy.” Kaveh teases. 

“I-” 

“There you are.” Alhaitham interrupts their conversation and Kaveh is surprised to see him suddenly. 

“Well, found your date.” Diluc says. He unwinds Kaveh’s arm from his elbow and lifts his hand to kiss the back of it. Kaveh is absolutely thrilled by the action and he nods at Diluc. “Miss Kavari.” 

“Ser Ragnvindr.” Kaveh politely tilts his head and watches as Diluc disappears into the crowd. 

“Having fun?” Alhaitham asks, and Kaveh turns to look at him. 

“And what if I am?” Kaveh says, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Don’t forget who you came here with.” Alhaitham says. 

The way he says it sends a little jolt of something up Kaveh’s spine. The blond fights not to immediately show his reaction. 

“I’m still here aren’t I?” Kaveh tilts his head in question. 

“Mm.” Alhaitham motions with his head for Kaveh to come closer. “Come here.” 

Kaveh’s heart thumps in his chest. Alhaitham’s voice was slightly lower, more demanding. Kaveh takes a step forward into Alhaitham’s personal space, keeping his eyes locked on Alhaitham’s. Kaveh is suddenly more aware of his own body, his bare shoulders and neck, the weight of his lipstick on his lips. 

Alhaitham looks down to Kaveh’s shoulder and gently brushes one of the loose strands of his blond hair over it. The action makes Kaveh’s skin tingle even though he didn’t even touch him. The air between them is charged with an odd energy.  

“There… Might be a change in plan…” Alhaitham says lowly, a conversation between only the two of them in the crowded room. Kaveh stares at the knot on Alhaitham’s tie. 

“What kind of change?” He asks. 

“Haitham.” 

The moment between them is broken as Hashim’s rough voice pierces through their space and brings them back to the present. Kaveh clears his throat and takes a step back, but Alhaitham prevents him from getting too far by winding his arm around his waist. Hashim approaches them looking thunderous. 

“Father. This is Zara Kavari, my fiancee.” Alhaitham says confidently. 

Kaveh freezes and all of his thoughts screech to a halt. 

“What?”

Chapter Text

“Kaveh.” 

The night is still warm, a remnant of the Summer still holding on before Fall crawls over the city. Kaveh is thankful he didn’t need to get a jacket before storming out of the benefit. His heels click rhythmically against the pavement as he stomps heel first, trying to get as far away from the benefit and Alhaitham as he could. 

Even though they lived in the same house and they would end up at the same place anyway. 

“Kaveh.” Alhaitham says more firmly than before. He’s walking a few steps behind Kaveh. 

“No.” He says back. 

“Kaveh you’re being childish.” 

“No, I am not. I think I’m being reasonable honestly.” Kaveh says, throwing his arms up in frustration. “Especially considering what just happened, Alhaitham!” 

“Kaveh stop. You’re not going to walk all the way home.” 

“Watch me!” 

“Kaveh you’re wearing a considerably large amount of expensive jewelry, you can’t walk home.” 

Kaveh does stop at that. He huffs, tilting his head to the side and reaching up to take off the delicate diamond earrings. 

“You know what?” Kaveh says, turning around to face Alhaitham as the younger man catches up with him. “Fine.” 

The blond removes the earrings and throws them at Alhaitham’s chest. He catches them and Kaveh starts undoing the clasp on the matching necklace. 

“I should have known. I should have stayed home.” Kaveh says, talking more to himself now. “I should have gone with my instinct and left that goddamn hotel room. Instead, I became a pawn in your stupid little game with your parents.” 

Kaveh gets the necklace off and holds it in his palm as he tries to remove the bracelet next. 

“They told me you were an asshole, but I had to learn the hard way how deep your selfishness goes.” Kaveh starts to get more frustrated when he can’t get the bracelet to come off, the clasp sliding because he was trying to do it one handed. “Fuck!” 

“It’s not that big of a deal, you’re being dramatic.” Alhaitham says, his voice annoyingly even and undisturbed by the night’s events. 

“You wanted me to be dramatic!” Kaveh shouts. Alhaitham flinches slightly at the loud noise. “It was one of the specific reasons you asked me. Well here you go! Here’s your drama!” 

Kaveh bends over and pulls one of the heels off, and then the other. He stands on the sidewalk in bare feet and pushes the necklace and the heels onto Alhaitham’s chest. 

“Here’s your big excuse to leave early. Your date flipping the fuck out because suddenly we’re engaged.” Kaveh goes back to trying to get the bracelet off and he can feel his face turning red. “And you embarrassed me in front of so many people- and you said it was a change in plans! A change!” 

“It doesn’t mean anything!” Alhaitham shouts back. Kaveh feels a nasty little sense of accomplishment when Alhaitham’s cool facade starts to crack, even though the words hurt more than Kaveh was willing to admit. “It’s just so my father gets off my back until the end of the school year. You’re blowing this out of proportion.” 

Kaveh stomps his foot when this goddamn bracelet just would not come off. He was so overwhelmed. All he could think about was the scathing look on Hashim’s face when Alhaitham announced they were engaged. The sheer disappointment in his son’s choice in a partner cut straight through to Kaveh’s bones. 

“This fucking bracelet won’t come off!” Kaveh shouts. It’s too much. Kaveh covers his face with his palms and tries to get himself back under control. He can hear Alhaitham sigh, and then he steps closer. 

“Here…” He mutters, shoving  Kaveh’s shoes under his arm and reaching out to gently take Kaveh’s wrist in hand. Kaveh breathes in deeply through his nose as Alhaitham helps him. They’re quiet for a few moments until the bracelet clasp comes undone and it slips off of Kaveh’s wrist, only the noise of the cars on the road next to them. 

“Maybe… I was a little too hasty.” Alhaitham admits, putting the bracelet into his suit jacket pocket. “Maybe I should have asked first, or gave you a heads up.” 

Kaveh crosses his arms over his chest and presses his lips together tightly as he listens to what appears to be some kind of apology. 

“But it doesn’t matter, the damage I needed to do is done.” Alhaitham amends, and Kaveh digs his nails into his arms briefly. Nevermind. No apology. “He won’t attempt another arranged marriage for me now that he thinks we’re engaged.” 

“You planned this from the beginning,” Kaveh says, “It’s why I had to wear this gown and pretend to be a woman. You knew he wouldn’t care if you pretended to be engaged to a man. And if he does come and check up on you, I live in your house! I can’t believe you. Well, mission fucking accomplished. Fuck you.” 

Kaveh turns around and gathers up the tulle of his skirts in his arms, lifting them up and holding them so it’s easier to walk. 

“Kaveh…” Alhaitham sighs. 

“Fuck you!” 

Kaveh can hold a grudge for a very long time. 

He’s still mad about it an hour later, even as his feet ache from walking barefoot on the concrete through the city. He was bound and determined to walk home without help from Alhaitham. The younger man stopped following him a while ago, turning around and going back to the hotel.  

A black town car pulls up beside him and slows down. Kaveh sets his jaw and keeps walking, not bothering to look when the window rolls down. He figures it’s Alhaitham, again. Maybe he went back to the hotel and got a car. 

“Fuck you!” Kaveh says again as he walks past the car as the door opens. 

“Miss Kavari…?” 

Kaveh stops, dropping his skirts to turn and look at the car. Diluc Ragnvindr is standing on the sidewalk with his hand on the car door, looking concerned. 

“... Oh.” Kaveh’s shoulders slump. “Sorry. That wasn’t meant for you.” 

“I see.” Diluc clears his throat and motions to the car with his head. “Can I offer you a ride home? This part of the city isn’t the best at night, I can’t leave you here by yourself in good conscience.” 

“Oh.” 

The simple gesture of kindness takes all the wind out of Kaveh’s vindictive sails and he exhales heavily. 

“That would be nice…” He mutters, looking at the town car. Diluc extends his hand as Kaveh approaches him. 

“Oh, where’s your jewelry? Were you robbed?” Diluc asks, his brows furrowing further. 

“No. No, I'm fine. I already took them off… It's a long story.” Kaveh says. 

He hesitantly reaches out to take Diluc’s hand even though he didn’t need help getting into the car. He shivers when he sits down on the fine leather seat, not realizing how sore he was until he sat down. Diluc closes the door carefully and walks around to the other side, getting in the backseat beside Kaveh. 

“Thank you, for stopping.” Kaveh says as the driver pulls away from the curb. 

“It’s what anyone would do.” 

“That wasn’t very nice of him.” Nilou says, frowning deeply. She pulls back another piece of Kaveh’s hair and pins it carefully. 

“Yeah, I know.” Kaveh says. He sighs deeply and leans forward to rest his chin on the palm of his hand. He looks in the mirror, watching Nilou detangle his hair. 

“Have you talked to him yet?” She asks, carefully pulling at a little knot with the tips of her fingers with a look of intense concentration on her face. 

“No. I avoided him last night and this morning.” Kaveh says. “I don’t think he’ll bother. It’s not like it matters. He got what he wanted out of me.” 

The door to Nilou’s apartment opens behind them and Lisa and Mona come into the small space. 

“Ooh, hey Cinderella. How was the ball?” Mona asks, setting a cloth grocery bag on the counter and approaching the vanity table. 

“Either fantastic or miserable by the looks of it.” Lisa adds. 

“Miserable.” Nilou says, a little too cheerfully. “Alhaitham told his father he and Kaveh were engaged.” 

“What?!” 

Kaveh groans. 

“I don’t want to go over this again.” He whines. 

“I will!” Nilou pins another piece of detangled hair down and launches into recapping the night before. 

“The essays are short, I’m looking for a comprehension on the subject rather than a more in depth explanation.” Zhongli explains. 

Kaveh nods as he looks down at the stack of essays from a first year class on Zhongli’s desk. The professor didn’t often delegate tasks such as grading but Kaveh didn’t mind when he did. It was part of the work as a TA. 

“Normally I wouldn’t ask this but my son has a recital this weekend.” Zhongli says, leaning back in his chair. “I appreciate the help.” 

“It’s no problem.” Kaveh says. “Am I doing all of it?” 

“No, Childe will have half. He should be here.” Zhongli glances at his wrist watch and frowns at the time. “My next appointment will be here very shortly. I’ll have to send an email instead. You’ll have to take them all for now and connect with him later on.” 

Kaveh can’t help but roll his eyes. He didn’t look forward to seeing Childe after the Benefit. He’s sure to have something to say about it. 

“Alright. It’s not an issue.” Kaveh says, standing from the chair. “I’ll get started and let you get to your meeting.” 

Kaveh picks up the pile of essays and Zhongli quickly stands up from his desk as well. 

“Let me get the door.”

Kaveh is thankful, the paperwork is a pain to carry. 130 essays is no joke, even at fifteen hundred words each. Kaveh makes his way to the door as Zhongli opens it and immediately bumps into someone standing outside with their arm raised to knock. 

“Oh-” Kaveh says, surprised, as the stack of paper wavers and several slide off of the top. 

“Oh, I’m sorry.” 

Kaveh freezes, a few more papers sliding off the top as he stares at Diluc Ragnvindr. Diluc quickly kneels to pick up the fallen papers. 

“Sorry, I was just about to knock.” Diluc says, gathering the essays. 

“Oh, no harm done.” Zhongli says, joining Diluc in picking them up while Kaveh stands frozen. 

A myriad of thoughts clash loudly in Kaveh’s mind as he watches Diluc stand up and carefully place the papers back on top of the pile he was carrying. He has the strongest urge to hide but it’s countered loudly by incomprehensible excitement. Would he recognize him? 

Kaveh can feel his ears turning red as Diluc looks him in the eye. The blond can see the realization bloom in his red eyes. Kaveh was dressed normally today, and very much not a woman. 

“Oh, you’re…” Diluc says, tilting his head as he starts to look confused. 

“Late!” Kaveh says, a little too loudly. He clears his throat as embarrassment creeps up in his stomach like bile. “I’m late- for my appointment-” 

“Oh? You should have mentioned, I would have let you go earlier.” Zhongli says. “I’m sorry, Kaveh, please.” 

Zhongli waves Kaveh to continue out the door, and Diluc clues in and steps aside. 

“Right.” Diluc says with a nod. “I- Kaveh?” 

“That’s me.” Kaveh laughs nervously, stepping sideways to get past Diluc. “Kaveh. Yep. Good old… Kaveh.” 

What was he doing? 

He couldn’t keep his mouth shut. 

“Got an appointment, for… things.” Kaveh says, kicking himself mentally over and over. “Not like your appointment, with Professor Zhongli.” 

Kaveh turns abruptly and starts walking quickly down the hallway, widening his eyes at how stupid he just was. 

“Wait- Sorry professor.” 

Kaveh quickens his pace as he hears Diluc coming after him. 

“Wait.” He calls. 

“I got a thing!” Kaveh calls, turning around when he reaches the door to outside. He bumps back against the door to get it to open but it doesn’t. He tries again, bumping his butt against the door handle and he can feel his whole face turning red when it doesn’t budge. “It’s an important thing I have to get to. An appointment-” 

“Right.” Diluc catches up to him and looks at him warily. “You’re running away from me.” 

“No!” Kaveh says, scoffing in a dramatic way. “No way! I have-” 

“A thing. An appointment.” Diluc finishes, and Kaveh clears his throat. Diluc shakes his head slightly. “You’re not Zara, you’re Kaveh.” 

“... Yeah.” Kaveh mumbles, his shoulders drooping when he’s caught. 

“I really want to ask why.” Diluc says, but he glances behind him. “But I actually have a meeting with Professor Zhongli right now. So, since I met Zara, can I also meet Kaveh?” 

“No. Kaveh’s dumb.” Kaveh mutters. 

Diluc chuckles briefly and Kaveh cautiously looks up. He watches as Diluc retrieves a business card from the breast pocket of his wool coat. 

“Well, regardless, here’s my number. And that door is locked.” Diluc points up at the door behind Kaveh and leans forward to push open the door immediately beside Kaveh. “Here.” 

Diluc slides his card into Kaveh’s coat pocket. 

“... Thanks.” Kaveh mumbles, sliding one step to the right and out the door. Stupid stupid stupid . 

“Fuck!” Kaveh curses as he frantically searches his pockets for his house key. He could have sworn he left it in his coat pocket last night. He was sure of it. But then again, he didn’t exactly remember putting it there. So he was less sure of it now. 

Kaveh growls to himself as he gives up looking, tilting his head back and looking up at the house. He was going to have to call Alhaitham to let him in. Again. He steps off of the doorstep and leans over to see if Alhaitham’s car was in the driveway, hoping that the younger man was already home. He isn’t. 

He wonders if this day could possibly get worse, and then he remembers he still has to interact with Childe at some point. Of course it could. 

Kaveh digs his phone out of his pocket and sends the text to Alhaitham before he thinks too much about it. 

Kaveh 

I locked myself out. Can you let me in? 

Kaveh shoves his hands into his pockets and sits down on the doorstep beside the stack of essays and his bag. It’s late afternoon. Since it was the beginning of the school year, Kaveh didn’t know what kind of class schedule Alhaitham was on. He knows the younger man is in his final year of undergrad law and he always preferred classes in the afternoons. 

Kaveh also knew that it was likely Alhaitham was forced to sign up for all the required classes in other departments. In the short time over the summer they’ve lived together, one thing Alhaitham lamented about often was the ridiculousness of having to do science and art classes outside of law. 

Why does he know so much about his roommate? 

Kaveh drops his head down to his knees. He wishes he found somewhere else to live so he would be blissfully unaware of Alhaitham’s intimate details. Even though getting to know Alhaitham’s intimate details had been a driving force to agree to live with the man in the beginning. 

Kaveh’s phone dings and the blond lifts his head to look. 

Alhaitham 

I’m on my way. 

There’s a little thrill that jolts through Kaveh’s stomach at the sight of Alhaitham’s name. Also, it’s odd, Alhaitham is actually coming to let him in. Usually he’d be teased about it, or ignored until the younger man came home. 

Kaveh ruminates on what this could mean until the familiar black car turns into the driveway. He stands up from the stoop as he hears the car door open and close, and a moment later Alhaitham walks around the path into view. 

He looks good, he always does. He has a habit of dressing more formally than he needs to, claiming it was easier than picking something out to wear every single day. Kaveh can’t relate, he personally loves deciding what to wear. Alhaitham has a selection of button up shirts, slacks and jackets he rotates between every week. Today it was a white button up with dark blue slacks and a thin black windbreaker. Too formal for college classes but he looks- 

So good. 

The wind briefly ruffles his ash gray hair over his teal eyes and handsome face and Kaveh crosses his arms over his chest and glances away. 

“Did you lose your key again?” Alhaitham asks. 

“I misplaced it. It’s probably inside.” Kaveh says. 

“It’s on the kitchen counter. You left it in the door last night.” Alhaitham stops in front of him.

Kaveh bites the inside of his cheek. “Why didn’t you say anything?” 

“Because you’re obviously still angry with me. Here.” 

Kaveh looks back at him when Alhaitham lifts a bouquet of two dozen delicate Sumeru roses wrapped in newspaper. Kaveh’s heart thumps in his chest. 

“Wh-” Kaveh starts to question as he reaches out to take the bouquet. Alhaitham cuts him off by lifting his other hand with a department store bag. Kaveh can just see the vibrant red of the packing paper on top. 

“For you, obviously.” Alhaitham says with no ceremony. Kaveh takes the bag as well, but he looks back to the gorgeous roses. They are Kaveh’s favorite and he doesn’t recall telling Alhaitham that. Kaveh feels elation, his chest is light and he smiles softly as he looks over the roses. 

“Why did you-” Kaveh asks, looking up as the younger man unlocks and opens the door. 

“My parents are coming for dinner.” Alhaitham says, bending to pick up Kaveh’s bag and the stack of papers. 

All at once Kaveh deflates. 

“This isn’t your fault.” Kaveh mutters to the roses. He’s standing at the kitchen table with the roses in a vase in front of him, and he carefully brushes his hand over the velvety soft petals. The scent is calming and helpful as he struggles not to strangle Alhaitham with his bare hands. 

“We can talk about this tonight.” Alhaitham says as he comes into the kitchen. He’s shirtless, holding a green polo shirt in his hand and motioning to the department store bag on the counter top where Kaveh abandoned it. “Just put that on, please.” 

Kaveh very pointedly does not look at shirtless Alhaitham. 

“You said they wouldn’t check in.” Kaveh says, staring at the centre of a rose. 

“They usually don’t.” Alhaitham stomps over to the counter and grabs the bag. “Clearly, I didn’t anticipate this. Just put it on.” 

He puts the bag on the table beside Kaveh. 

“I don’t have the make up to do the look.” Kaveh says, slapping the bag childishly. 

“You don’t need it. You’re fine without it.” 

Kaveh feels warm. 

“Look,” Alhaitham puts his hand on Kaveh’s forearm and pulls gently to get his attention. “I’m not even supposed to have a roommate. If they come in here and find your things, we’re both out.” 

Kaveh glares at Alhaitham. 

“You said-” 

“I know what I said. I’m asking you nicely to cooperate with me.” Alhaitham cuts him off. “I didn’t think it through, whatever. We can talk about it tonight, but right now-” 

Alhaitham pulls the bag closer to Kaveh and motions his head towards it. 

“-Just put it on.” 

There’s an authority that rings through the soft words and Kaveh inhales deeply. 

“Fine.” 

“This is not going to work.” Kaveh says, pointing at the puff sleeve blue gingham shirt that makes his shoulders look a mile wide. “What were you thinking?” 

“The salesman said it was in style.” Alhaitham says as he looks up from the book he’s reading. 

“Maybe for a farmhand!” Kaveh throws up his hands. He motions at the short black skirt. “This is awful! Who did you say you were buying this for? A rodeo clown?!” 

“It’s not that bad.” Alhaitham sweeps his eyes over the outfit, and lingers too long on Kaveh’s bared legs. 

“No. No no no.” Kaveh snaps his fingers. “Don’t eyeball my legs when I’m mad at you!” 

Alhaitham rolls his eyes. 

“You-” Kaveh is incensed. If he’s going to crossdress for this foolish plan he is not going to do it half assed. “Go get me one of your sweaters. The one with the university logo.” 

Alhaitham sighs but he stands up, going to his bedroom. Kaveh pulls the shirt off and fights not to immediately toss it into the garbage. 

“It’s not clean.” Alhaitham says as he emerges from his room with the sweater in hand. “I wore it last night.” 

“Is it dirty?” Kaveh asks, reaching out to take it from him. 

“No.” 

“Then it’s fine.” Kaveh shakes it out. It smells like laundry detergent and Alhaitham’s cologne. Kaveh pulls it on, struggling a little with the heavy material and how it pulls at the bra. Alhaitham is bigger than Kaveh so it fits big, going all the way down to his mid thigh. The skirt is still visible though, it’s fine. 

“It’s- uhm-” Alhaitham starts, motioning at Kaveh’s chest. 

“What? Is it dirty?” Kaveh looks down. 

“No, lopsided…” Alhaitham says. Before Kaveh could process what he means, Alhaitham cups his hands over the breast pads and pushes. 

“Oh-” Kaveh starts, lifting his hands in reaction and putting them on top of Alhaitham’s. The contact is a little exciting, Alhaitham’s hands are warm and firm. But, Kaveh pulls Alhaitham’s hands down. “Don’t touch. Rude.” 

Kaveh shifts the pads around in the bra until they’re even, but Alhaitham doesn’t move away. Kaveh looks at him in question, and the younger man just hums in return. 

“You look… nice.” he mutters, and Kaveh can feel himself blushing at the compliment. 

“Of course I do.” Kaveh replies, trying to sound cocky and self assured. Alhaitham lifts his hand and carefully pulls Kaveh’s blond hair from inside the sweater. His touch is delicate and gentle, and it’s making Kaveh nervous. “What are you doing…” 

“You’re going to have to get used to me touching you.” Alhaitham says lowly. His intense aquamarine eyes are focused on Kaveh’s face, somewhere around his lips. “Even me kissing you.” 

Kaveh blushes dark, immediately imagining Alhaitham taking him and kissing him deeply. 

“No. I highly doubt you’re going to need to kiss me in front of your parents.” Kaveh mutters. 

“If the need arises…” Alhaitham trails off. “Can I?” 

“... Don’t ask stupid questions.” Kaveh looks away from Alhaitham, nervous. “... Yes.” 

“Yes to kissing you? Yes to touching you?” Alhaitham presses, and he takes a step closer to Kaveh. He’s in his personal space now. 

“Yes.” Kaveh repeats, feeling the heat in his face more intensely. 

Alhaitham doesn’t say anything else, but he gently touches Kaveh’s jawline with the tips of his fingers. Kaveh visibly swallows as the touch sends tingles of soft enjoyment through his chest. He loves being touched. 

“You really don’t need that much makeup.” Alhaitham says just above a whisper. Kaveh merely lined his eyes with black and applied blush to his cheeks earlier. “Even this is too much.” 

“I need something to try and look feminine.” Kaveh mutters in the same tone. “I’m supposed to be a woman.” 

“Mm..” Alhaitham hums but it sounds more like a disagreement. He moves his hand around, casually putting his hand on Kaveh’s back. Kaveh reflexively grabs onto Alhaitham’s bicep. “Don’t act so surprised when I touch you.” 

“It’s-” Kaveh starts. 

“Relax.” Alhaitham slides his hand down slowly. “I’ve touched you like this before.” 

“No you haven’t-” 

“Yes, if we’re engaged, I’ve touched you like this before. So you can’t act so surprised when I-”

“Hai-” Kaveh starts to say his name in warning when his large hand palms over Kaveh’s ass through the skirt. 

“-Touch you the way I want to.” Alhaitham pulls Kaveh against him fully and the blond inhales sharp as arousal pulses through him. His touch is demanding and enthralling, as if Kaveh already belongs to him. 

But Kaveh pushes him away. 

“You’re not going to grab my ass in front of your parents.” Kaveh hisses, turning out of Alhaitham’s grip before it goes too far. 

Kaveh breathes calmly through his nose, trying to get a hold of himself. 

“Maybe.” Alhaitham admits. 

Alhaitham’s phone dings and he pulls it out of his pocket. Kaveh goes back to his bouquet to distract himself. 

“They’re here.” 

Kaveh nervously watches as Alhaitham crosses the open concept living room and kitchen to the front door and opens it. Alhaitham’s mother steps through first, smiling widely at her son in greeting. 

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry for the short notice but your father insisted-” She says. Hashim comes through after her, stern look on his face. Kaveh approaches the door quietly and stands a little behind Alhaitham. 

“Well, it’s not every day your only son claims to be engaged and then leaves the party.” Hashim says, and Kaveh clears his throat. 

“I apologize for that.” He says, making his voice softer. He bows his head slightly in reverence. “I was overwhelmed with the sudden attention… Alhaitham was merely concerned for me.”

“We weren’t planning on telling you in public.” Alhaitham says, easily going along with Kaveh’s lie. “Zara doesn’t like the attention.” 

“Well, you made sure everyone knew.” Hashim says, closing the door behind him. He fixes his hardened gaze on Kaveh. “And, Haitham did not tell us about you at all beforehand. You’ll have to understand my reaction.” 

Alhaitham takes a step back and casually winds his arm around Kaveh’s waist. 

“I told you, you didn’t have to worry about matchmaking until after law school.” Alhaitham says. 

“Well, you can’t blame me for worrying, you’re my son.” Alhaitham’s mother says. 

“He’s an adult now. So it seems.” Hashim says. 

“I’m Farah, darling. We didn’t get introduced properly.” Alhaitham’s mother says, reaching her hand out to Kaveh. “This is my husband Hashim.” 

“Zara. Zara Kavari.” Kaveh says. 

“Kavari.” Hashim says, thinking about it. “From Sumeru?” 

Kaveh nods. 

“Port Ormos.” Alhaitham chimes in. 

“I know them, we’ve done business on occasion.” Hashim says, and warning bells pop off in Kaveh’s head. He really has to warn his sister. 

“Let’s not talk about business.” Farah chides playfully. “We brought dinner.” 

Kaveh smiles, freezing it on his face as he looks up at Alhaitham. Alhaitham looks coolly back. What an asshole. 

Kaveh sips from his wine glass and appreciates the floral taste of the wine. He’s been staring at the wine bottle for most of the night, rereading Dawn Winery from the label. 

“What are you studying dear? I assume you met at the university?” Farah asks, setting her dessert fork down. 

“Yes, I am a graduate student, I have the first four years of architecture.” Kaveh says, swirling his wine glass and staring at the white wine. “Right now I’m focusing on crits.” 

“Oh, that’s… surprising.” Farah says, clearly trying to remain enthusiastic about it. 

“She’s being humble.” Alhaitham says. “She finished her undergrad in the first position.” 

Hashim is clearly surprised by this. Kaveh glances at Alhaitham, merely watching him with wary eyes. 

“Oh, my.” Farah says, reaching out to pat Kaveh’s hand. “That is impressive.”

“Her designs have already been implemented in the new renovations in the university.” Alhaitham says. “It kept her busy all summer.” 

Kaveh remembers the late nights this summer, he’d warned Alhaitham beforehand that he would be coming back to the house late. Alhaitham said he didn’t mind, and also listened when Kaveh would speak at length about the progress of the construction in the new sciences library. It was one of the achievements Kaveh was most proud of. 

“From a student?” Hashim asks, skeptical. 

“I did work with a design firm, and the department of architecture, it wasn’t all me.” Kaveh says. 

“The designs were all done with these hands.” Alhaitham says, reaching out and winding his fingers through Kaveh’s. Kaveh’s heart thumps painfully in his chest at the gesture and the kind words. 

Kaveh looks up again and meets Alhaitham’s gaze this time, and there’s something like pride in those depths. Kaveh doesn’t read too much into it. 

“More wine?” Kaveh asks, leaning forward and reaching for the bottle. 

“Why did you bring me flowers?” Kaveh asks as Alhaitham locks the front door. 

“It’s what a fiance would do.” Alhaitham says, turning off the light by the door. He steps forward, looking at Kaveh curiously. “Did you like them?” 

“So it was for this… lie.” Kaveh asks. 

“You say it like it’s a bad thing.” Alhaitham says. He walks a little more cautiously, reading Kaveh’s mood. “Did you want me to bring them only for you?” 

“Don’t-” Kaveh feels the frustration mount as Alhaitham teases. “-patronize me. I’m being serious here. How long are we going to have to pretend?” 

“Just until the end of the school year, and not that entire time.” Alhaitham says, quickly adding onto it. “Maybe for a luncheon or a meal here and there. They really aren’t the type to look over my shoulder every waking hour.” 

“I… Haitham…” Kaveh says, feeling so tired suddenly. He didn’t want to have to deal with these feelings. They were so conflicting. This feels like it’s just some kind of game with high stakes Alhaitham is playing. But then sometimes it feels like it’s something more. It’s confusing. 

“Relax.” Alhaitham says, “I’m not going to interfere in your life, and you’re not going to interfere with mine. You’ll just dress up here and there and pretend to love me.” 

Kaveh bites his tongue. 

“I know it’s a lot.” Alhaitham says, approaching Kaveh and stopping in front of him. “They arranged a marriage for me. I was supposed to meet her at the benefit. I had a feeling they were going to spring it on me. You were right, they wouldn’t have cared if you were a man, they would have just went ahead with it anyway.” 

“... Don’t buy any more clothes for me without consulting me first.” Kaveh says after a moment. He should say no, he should say they should stop this. But he didn’t want to, he really liked pretending to be with Alhaitham. He feels stupid. 

“Deal.” Alhaitham says. “I have an early meeting with my biology partner tomorrow. Goodnight.” 

Alhaitham leaves Kaveh in the living room, closing his bedroom door behind him. 

What did Kaveh get himself into? 

Chapter Text

“Everyone’s starting an OnlyFans.” Lisa says, her sultry voice amused. 

“Hm?” Kaveh hums in question. His concentration on his drafting table is broken and he stands upright, looking at her over the top of his reading glasses. “What do you mean everyone?” 

“Look at this one.” Lisa pushes herself off of the lumpy couch and her heels click over the hardwood floor of the studio as she approaches Kaveh’s table. He leans over her shoulder as she shows him her phone. “This foxy little canidae is so cute. I’ve seen him around campus. And this one-” 

“Good god-” Kaveh exclaims, his ruby eyes widening at the size of the man on screen. “He’s huge, what is he?” 

“Mm, an oni.” Lisa smirks and glances at him. “From Inazuma. He’s a friend of a friend. Not exactly my cup of tea but I figured he’s your type.” 

“How can he not be your type, look at him.” Kaveh says, motioning towards the grinning, shirtless oni. 

“As incredible as your sense of aesthetics is, your taste in men is yours alone.” Lisa says, swiping her delicately manicured finger to scroll further. “There’s so many profiles of students from the university, it’s incredible really.” 

“Lucrative, no doubt.” Kaveh says as he drapes his arm over Lisa’s shoulder to stand more comfortably. Her expensive perfume is heavenly and familiar. “I know him!” 

Lisa stops on a picture of a canidae with brown ears and teal eyes. “Oh? You don’t know anyone, where do you know him from?” 

“He comes to the drag shows.” Kaveh says. “He comes with uh, the student body president, what’s her name?” 

“Sangonomiya Kokomi?” Lisa asks, and Kaveh snaps his fingers. 

“Yes, her. But he always looks like he doesn’t want to be there. He sticks out.” 

“He doesn’t exactly look like he’s having a good time here either.” Lisa says, motioning towards the grimacing canidae posing awkwardly in a tracksuit. “But people with animal features do better than those without.” 

“Does Mona have one?” Kaveh asks as Lisa resumes scrolling. 

“No, she gets asked to make a profile all the time but she prefers Instagram and Twitter.” 

Mona was popular as an influencer, something that always amused Kaveh. She was awful with mora just like him, so despite her fame and income they often bargain hunted together. He’s helped with her before with a few of her ad deals and she always treated him to treats and dinner when she had mora. 

“Jean however…” Lisa says as she grins widely. 

“No.” Kaveh says disbelievingly. There’s no way their uptight mom friend would have an OnlyFans. Lisa laughs. 

“No, she doesn’t, but could you imagine?” Lisa giggles and Kaveh laughs with her. “But, she did recently break up with her boyfriend, she’s been calling me at all hours of the night threatening to be spontaneous.” 

“How dare she threaten you with a good time?” Kaveh says. “Who was she dating?” 

“A childhood crush.” Lisa sighs softly. “Diluc Ragnvindr.” 

“D-” 

Before Kaveh could even begin to process that thought, the door to the studio bursts open and Mona stumbles through with her arms full of packages and boxes. 

“Hello?! Can I get some help please?” She asks, one of her blue eyes peeking through a hole in the stack. “This useless lump watched me struggle all the way here!” 

Fischl strolls in immediately after Mona and tosses her blonde hair over her shoulder. 

“Hark! Mine countenance forbidden! The Lady Megistus laments after refusing in the presence of a blond potential paramour!” Fischl says, bumping her shoulder against the stack of boxes as she walks past Mona. “So I say damn her! Struggle.” 

Kaveh approaches Mona to help her put the packages on one of the crafting tables. “What?” 

“Ugh, she’s being dramatic, okay?” Mona grumbles as the rest of the packages cascade onto the table. “Maybe… there was a guy that I was hoping would offer to help me carry the boxes so I told her to back off, but only for the moment he was around… maybe.” 

“Maybe.” Fischl mocks in a whiny voice, scowling at Mona. “Thine opera of ludicrous shenaniganry played to an empty theatre. Good riddance.” 

“What is all this?” Kaveh asks, motioning at the packages. 

“Fan mail!” Mona says, eagerly digging through them. “There’s one that’s exciting.” 

“One?” Kaveh raises his eyebrows. 

“Yes, there’s an artist.” Mona gleefully pulls a flat package from the bottom and lifts it, uncaring of the others that fall to the floor. “Here!” 

She eagerly rips the package open and reveals a stretched canvas. The portrait is incredibly detailed and beautiful; it features Mona in a large witch-like hat on a background of astrological clusters. 

“Oh, I love it.” Mona croons, flipping it around to show Fischl, Kaveh and Lisa. “Isn't it great? There’s one almost every month now.” 

“Oh my.” Lisa says, tapping her chin as she looks it over. “Is that the signature?” 

“Yes, Kreideprinz .” Mona says, pronouncing it with the inflection of Mondstadt’s language. 

“Tch, prince. How self-effacing of this humble peasant.” Fischl says. 

“Oh shut up.” Mona wrinkles her nose at her. “You’re just jealous.” 

“Immeasurably.” Fischl says sarcastically. 

Kaveh glances at Lisa and she looks back at him with a knowing look, motioning her head briefly at Fischl. “The lady doth protest too much, don’t you think?” 

“Agreed.” Kaveh says, and they both turn to look at Fischl. The blonde freezes, caught in the crosshairs. “Are you actually jealous of the prince, princess?” 

Mona lowers the painting and looks at Fischl curiously. Fischl visibly panics, her arms dropping to her sides as she looks frantically between all three of them. 

“You-” Fischl’s face turns red. “Philistines! I don’t- I haven’t- shut up!” 

Fischl stomps her heeled boot on the floor and turns with an indignant growl. She stomps out of the room, running into Childe as he comes through the door at that exact time. 

“Move!” Fischl yells, pushing Childe roughly to the side. 

“Uhm…” Mona says, looking back at Kaveh and Lisa and looking a little lost. “That was… weird.” 

“We’ll have to put that on hold.” Kaveh says, sighing heavily as he looks at Childe. 

“Ladies.” Childe greets the room as he pulls himself back together. He smiles, and it’s disgustingly charming. 

“Ajax.” Lisa says in return, “What brings you here?” 

“Work, unfortunately.” He says, glancing around the studio room. 

“Ajax?” Kaveh repeats, raising his eyebrow at Lisa. She shrugs, patting him on the back. 

“After you asked about him I found him. He’s very… charming.” She says, winking at him as she walks past him and approaches Mona. 

Mona puts the painting down on the table and huffs as she throws herself down in one of the plastic chairs, her eyes unfocused as she loses herself in thought. Lisa steps forward and sits beside her on another chair, looking over the other unopened packages. 

“It’s about time. I texted you yesterday.” Kaveh says, motioning for Childe to follow him into the room to the desk beside Kaveh’s drafting table. Kaveh takes off his reading glasses and drops them on the table. 

“Yeah, I’m sorry, something came up.” Childe says, stuffing his hands in his pockets and leaning against the desk. “My brother came to the campus, he’s thinking about enrolling for first year in January.” 

“Ah, well. Professor Zhongli is busy this weekend so he asked us to grade the essays for the History course.” Kaveh says, sitting down in the desk chair and motioning at the two stacks of essays he’s been carrying around since yesterday. “I’ve already started but I’m also working on a draft.” 

“No problem, I’ve got time.” Childe says. He grabs a chair from the crafting tables and pulls it up beside Kaveh at the desk and sits down. Kaveh is a little thrown off, he was expecting Childe to just take half and leave. 

“Right now?” He asks, raising his eyebrows. 

“Yeah, if you wanted to work on your draft it’s fine.” Childe says, pulling an essay from the top. He pulls a pen from his pocket and opens it by biting down on the cap. “Unless this is some kind of private studio, no boys allowed?” 

Kaveh scowls at Childe who smirks in return. 

“Miss Kavari, was it?” Childe prods. He turns to face Kaveh, his knee bumping against the back of Kaveh’s chair. “You know I was curious…” 

Kaveh sits back in his chair and fixes Childe with a look. Childe continues on anyway, leaning in slightly so he wasn’t overheard by the other two in the room. 

“It’s complicated.” Kaveh says, resting his elbow on the table. “Sometimes I crossdress.” 

“Mmhmm, but there’s a difference between crossdressing and pretending to be someone else entirely.” Childe says, tilting his head to the side. “But that’s not what I was curious about.” 

Kaveh glances at him warily. 

“Then what?” He asks. 

Kaveh watches as a devious look crosses Childe’s face and he immediately knows he’s going to regret asking. Childe bites down on the corner of his lip as he leans in further. His cologne is subtle but with how close he is, Kaveh notices it. 

“You looked so pretty all dressed up, and I was wondering if you looked just as pretty underneath it all.” Childe says, and heat immediately floods Kaveh’s face. Childe cautiously places his hand on Kaveh’s knee, waiting for a moment. Kaveh swallows and doesn’t push him away when the thrill of this moment stirs something in his gut. 

“That’s… none of your business.” Kaveh mutters, glancing at Childe through his lashes. 

“I was just wondering. I looked for you a little while after Ragnvindr stole you away from me but you were gone. I just hope your date treated you the way you deserved princess.” Childe says smoothly, briefly squeezing his hand on Kaveh’s leg. Kaveh exhales slowly, noticing the smattering of pale freckles across Childe’s nose. 

“Do you regularly interfere with other people’s dates?” Kaveh asks, turning very slightly towards the other man. “Or is it just me?” 

“Just you.” Childe says easily. The simple answer makes warmth flood through Kaveh’s stomach and he feels excited. He normally didn’t flirt and he feels out of his depth but Childe does so easily, Kaveh’s caught up in it. 

“I doubt that.” Kaveh says. 

“Why’s that?” Childe asks. 

“You seem the type.” 

“What kind of type?” 

“Mmm.” Kaveh hums as he thinks. “A flirt?” 

Childe laughs and Kaveh can’t help but smile with him. 

“I’m a little more than a flirt.” Childe says, looking down and sliding his hand further up Kaveh’s leg to his thigh. “Go out with me.” 

Kaveh blinks, surprised. 

“Go out with you?” He repeats. 

“Yeah, I know you like me.” Childe says, his free hand coming up to briefly touch Kaveh’s chin. “I can show you a good time.” 

“I’m… busy.” Kaveh says, briefly thinking about Diluc’s business card still in his pocket and Alhaitham’s teal eyes. 

“Ah.” Childe says, “Well, when you’re not busy…?” 

“... When I’m not busy.” Kaveh admits. He clears his throat, turning back to the desk and breaking the moment between them. “But right now, there’s essays.” 

“Right.” 

Childe relinquishes his hold on Kaveh and turns to face the desk as well, sighing heavily. 

“Ajax!” Lisa speaks up from across the room and Childe looks up. Kaveh looks over as well as the woman stands and quickly comes to the desk. “Is this you?” 

She holds her phone out and Childe looks, and laughs. 

“Yeah.” He says, blushing a little. “What are you doing on OnlyFans?” 

“What are you doing on OnlyFans?” Lisa asks. Kaveh looks over briefly to see a picture of Childe mostly naked with only a sheet covering his hips. 

“It’s just fun.” Childe says. “Ego boost.” 

“As if you need it.” Lisa says, lightly slapping Childe’s shoulder with a knowing look. 

Kaveh forces himself to look back down at the essay, but he files the username away. For research purposes. 

Thankfully, the next few weeks are blissfully uneventful. It almost goes back to normal for Kaveh. He falls into the new routine of his graduate work, assisting Zhongli with first and second year classes, and visiting with his friends whenever he has the time. He hardly has the time however, working on projects for crits was the majority of his day. He loves the work though, dedicating his time to creating. 

Alhaitham seems to be distracted, Kaveh notices that he spends more time on his phone than reading a book. He leaves Kaveh alone for the most part, but then again, Kaveh is so busy he doesn’t notice much. 

The leaves turn yellow, the wind gets colder. Kaveh starts getting hot coffee in the morning instead of iced. 

It’s late in the evening, the windows were dark and Kaveh was concentrating on a model of a room. He’s been working on it all day and it’s almost finished. 

“My parents want to see the law library.” Alhaitham says, speaking up for the first time today. He’s on the couch while Kaveh is on the floor. Kaveh can hear him close his book and he looks up from the model. 

“Nothing’s stopping them.” Kaveh says, sitting up straight and stretching his back. He grimaces when an ache fires through his shoulders, tilting his head to the side. 

“They’ll want to have lunch.” Alhaitham leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Kaveh relaxes and heaves a sigh. 

“Don’t buy any hideous clothing. I’ll get my own.” Kaveh says. He gave in easily, he didn’t feel like arguing. 

“We’ll meet there tomorrow around eleven, does that work?” Alhaitham pulls his phone from his pocket and Kaveh glances at it. 

“Yeah.” 

Nilou reaches up to gently tuck a strand of Kaveh’s blond hair behind his ear. She takes a step back and nods her head. 

“Good. You look gorgeous!” She says, smiling widely. 

Kaveh returns the smile.  He’s wearing a simple black dress with leggings and boots, and he had to borrow a sweater from Nilou at the last moment. She offered to help with his makeup and hair and came through.  

“Oh, make sweater paws.” Nilou says, holding up her hands and wiggling her fingers. “It’s really cute.” 

Kaveh lets go of the cuffs on the brown knitted cardigan so they fall over his hands and she nods again. “Perfect!” 

“You’re my best friend, it doesn’t matter what Lisa says.” Kaveh says. He grabs Nilou’s face and kisses her forehead quickly, leaving behind a faint pink mark. “I’ll see you later.” 

Kaveh leaves the studio and hurries through the university grounds, checking the time on his phone. He still had some time before he was supposed to be there. He slows down as he approaches the Law buildings, the crowd of students growing as the morning classes come to an end. 

The maze-like old building is one of Kaveh’s favorites on campus, there was an air of sophistication in the colors and decor. The newer buildings on the grounds are white and crisp and they give off a sterility that Kaveh hates. He carried through the themes in his design of the law library, prioritizing function and solitude. 

He approaches the doors to the library and looks around, pouting when he doesn’t see Alhaitham. He hopes he doesn’t have to meet up with his parents initially by himself. Maybe they’re already inside. 

The carpet mutes his footsteps as he enters, all the normal sounds of the university softening as the quiet ambiance of the library falls over him like a veil. 

He’s not very far inside before he catches sight of familiar gray hair and a broad shouldered back. Kaveh breathes a faint sigh of relief and approaches Alhaitham. But he’s not alone, the younger man is talking to someone else. 

“Back off.” 

Kaveh stills, realizing there was a thick tension between the two of them. 

“White knight even when no one else is around.” Alhaitham says. There’s a bite to his tone that Kaveh hasn’t heard before. “This charade is getting tiring, Cyno.” 

“I don’t know what your game is, but whatever is between us, stays between us. Don’t involve Tighnari.” Cyno says. 

“He’s involved himself. He had a problem and I had a solution, who do you think gave him the idea for the account in the first place? Where were you when he needed tuition?” Alhaitham says and Kaveh can see Cyno’s carmine eyes widen. 

“What? You-” Cyno tenses his shoulders and clenches his fists but Alhaitham’s phone beeps. “Just stay away.” 

Cyno roughly pushes past Alhaitham and storms out of the library. Kaveh watches him go, and then turns back to Alhaitham to see jade eyes focused on him. Kaveh doesn’t say anything, and Alhaitham approaches him. 

“What was that about…?” Kaveh asks. 

“Nothing. It’s trivial.” Alhaitham says, brushing off Kaveh’s question. “They’re here.” 

Alhaitham walks past Kaveh towards the library entrance. Kaveh feels uneasy about what he overheard, but he bites his tongue and follows after him.  

“-the shelves down here, so the acoustics lend themselves to solitude.” Kaveh says, motioning at the dark wood shelves. Hashim nods as if he understands completely. Kaveh wonders if he actually does. 

“I had no idea there was so much thought behind such things.” Farah says, looking up at the vaulted ceiling. 

“There’s more, but it’s technical.” Kaveh says, waving his hand to dismiss it. “Functionality discussions usually put people to sleep.” 

“Is there somewhere else you’d rather be Haitham?” Hashim says sternly, and it brings Kaveh’s attention to Alhaitham. 

The younger man doesn’t even look up from his phone to acknowledge his father. 

“Yes.” Alhaitham says, tapping across the screen. “I needn’t remind you that you’re imposing yourselves on us on a Tuesday, for the mere task of putting my relationship through your own test.” 

Kaveh sighs, recognizing the tone Alhaitham uses when he’s ready to argue. 

“Don’t start.” Kaveh says, already feeling a headache at the edges of his brain. “I’m sure whatever you’re preoccupied with can wait an hour.” 

“Please, tell me why I should pause my plans when no one shows me the same courtesy.” Alhaitham responds, finally lowering his phone to look directly at Kaveh. 

“Because I’m here now?!” Kaveh says, motioning at the floor in front of him. “I’m making time now? What is this if not me going out of my way, for you ?” 

“Oh, thank you,” Alhaitham says, sarcasm dripping from his tone. “Thank you for blessing us all with your presence.” 

“You’re a child!” Kaveh says, feeling the heat of frustration in his face. “Like you haven’t been too busy to say more than three words to me!” 

“Are we name calling now? How about-” Alhaitham steps up to Kaveh, his aquamarine eyes incensed and focused on the blond. 

“Enough!” 

All four of them turn to see the librarian gesturing angrily at the door. 

“Out! This is a library!” She says. 

Kaveh huffs, pursing his lips and looking back at Alhaitham. 

“Fuck you.” He says, stomping out of the library. 

Kaveh angrily sits down on one of the benches outside of the law courtyard and hugs his knees to his chest, still seething about the meeting earlier. He made time to meet with Alhaitham and his parents for this ridiculous charade and Alhaitham acts like a pertinent child. 

He has no right to be upset about Kaveh being busy. 

Kaveh grumbles to himself as he goes over the argument in his head, pulling the knit cardigan tighter around himself when the wind blows right through him. It was colder that afternoon, too cold for the thin sweater. 

Soon, footsteps approach the bench and Kaveh looks up when they come to a stop in front of him. Alhaitham looks down at him, impassive as always. Kaveh glances behind him to see Farah and Hashim there, speaking to each other in hushed tones. 

“Leave me alone.” Kaveh mumbles. 

Alhaitham sighs heavily and shrugs out of his coat. 

“No.” He says simply, draping his coat over Kaveh’s shoulders. The residual warmth feels so nice, it prevents Kaveh from immediately shrugging out of it. “We have to pretend to make up.” 

“I’m not pretending to be mad, Haitham.” Kaveh responds. 

Alhaitham sits down on the bench beside him and drapes his arm around Kaveh’s back. Kaveh shifts uncomfortably, a vindictive little motion. 

“You have no right to be upset that I’m busy.” Kaveh says when Alhaitham doesn’t say anything. 

“I’m not.” Alhaitham says, scoffing. 

“Then what is your problem?” Kaveh asks, frowning as he looks at him. Alhaitham avoids his eyes, looking across the courtyard at the water feature. Kaveh watches his jaw tense. 

“... There’s other stressors in my life right now.” Alhaitham mutters. “That aren’t your fault.” 

“Then why are you yelling at me about it?” 

“You’re an easy target.” Alhaitham says, and then he sighs, dropping his head and rubbing his forehead. “I shouldn’t have argued with you. I told you before you could continue going on with your life and I meant it. I am aware you made time for me today.” 

Kaveh can feel the anger slowly melting away as Alhaitham apologizes. 

“I’m… I was wrong to bring that up.” Alhaitham admits. “It shouldn’t matter to me who you’re spending your time with.” 

“... Are you jealous?” Kaveh asks carefully. 

“No.” Alhaitham says immediately. Was he lying? Kaveh couldn’t tell. Alhaitham doesn’t let him think about it, he leans in, carefully, and presses a chaste kiss to Kaveh’s cheek. Kaveh is surprised, but then he remembers they have an audience. He swallows, nodding his head once. 

“Good show.” He mutters. Kaveh feels oddly empty. He stands up, leaving Alhaitham’s warm embrace and looks down at him. Alhaitham looks at him in question, but Kaveh just tilts his head. “I’ll see you at home.” 

He turns and leaves.

Chapter Text

Kaveh holds the business card delicately between his fingers as he reads and rereads the delicate black script. 

Diluc Ragnvindr

Dawn Winery 

Mondstadt 

He could just text him. No harm in that. Diluc was really kind to him when Kaveh needed it the most. He’s not dating anyone but it does feel kind of scummy now Kaveh knows he recently broke up with one of his friends. Maybe he shouldn’t text, just for Jean’s sake. 

“Are you busy today?” Alhaitham asks as he comes into the kitchen. Kaveh drops the card to the table and fumbles to pick up his phone. He feels like he got caught doing something he shouldn’t. 

“Uhm- no- maybe-” Kaveh stutters, unlocking his phone. He’s immediately greeted with Childe’s OnlyFans page and he turns beet red. He forgot he was looking at it. He locks his phone. “Why?” 

He could feel Alhaitham’s eyes on him like a physical touch but he refuses to look at him. He tries to hide his red face behind his phone. 

“There’s another formal event.” Alhaitham says. He comes around the table as Kaveh places his phone on top of the business card and moves to stand up from the kitchen chair. “Since you’re so opposed to my taste in women’s clothing, you should come shopping with me.” 

“Oh.” Kaveh says, nervously running a hand through his messy blond hair. He was still in his pajama shorts and t-shirt, having just woken up. Alhaitham was already dressed and pressed for class. “I have some time after my meeting with-” 

Alhaitham reaches down and his agile fingers slide the business card out from under Kaveh’s phone. Jade eyes read the inscription quickly and Kaveh takes it from him. 

“Diluc Ragnvindr?” Alhaitham asks, and Kaveh looks down. 

“No. Professor Zhongli.” Kaveh says, pressing the card into his palm. “Should be some time after 1pm. Does that work?” 

Alhaitham doesn’t answer, and Kaveh fidgets, still feeling his eyes on him. He looks up when it goes on for too long, and there’s an unreadable expression on Alhaitham’s face. 

“Haitham?” Kaveh prods. 

“Maybe.” Alhaitham says, taking a step back. “I have a meeting…” 

“Okay.” Kaveh says, feeling uncomfortable with the tension between them. It feels like a cold distance that wasn’t there before. 

“I should be in the… Law Common.” Alhaitham says, picking up his bag from the floor and going to the front door. 

The weather takes a turn for the worse. A storm begins to gather and brews dark and foreboding in the sky. Kaveh glances out the window as he sits through Zhongli’s lecture, hoping it doesn’t rain too badly for his outing with Alhaitham. 

“Something on your mind?”

Kaveh is brought out of his thoughts by the question and he blinks sunset eyes. Childe is leaning over the TA desk and looking at him curiously. 

“I just… hope it doesn’t rain too hard.” Kaveh says, motioning out the window. Around them, the students of Zhongli’s first year class are standing and packing up their things. He thinks about what happened this morning again and the business card. “Actually…” 

Kaveh speaks up, reaching over to stop Childe from packing up his own bag. 

“Hm?” He asks. 

“You know Diluc Ragnvindr don’t you? You said something about having the same taste.” Kaveh says, and Childe smiles a little sarcastically. 

“We run in the same social circles.” Childe says, “The political ones. Boring. We also both dated the same guy, but not at the same time.” 

“That sounds like a story.” Kaveh says, carefully stowing his notebook in his bag. 

“It’s really not. I’m just weak to pretty faces.” Childe looks to the front of the room where Zhongli is speaking with a student. “Very weak.” 

Kaveh looks at the student and wonders if Childe is talking about her. 

“But, Diluc is a very upstanding young gentleman.” He says, slinging his bag over his shoulder and standing up. “A fine young man, a model citizen of Mondstadt and the most boring man in existence.” 

Kaveh can’t help his amusement at his joke. 

“He’s not that bad.” Kaveh says, pushing in his chair and following Childe out of the room. 

“He’s that bad. He’s the owner of the best winery and distillery in the world and he doesn’t drink. He likes grape juice- he probably votes.” Childe motions with his arms and rolls his eyes. “He probably knows exactly where his birth certificate is. Boring.” 

Childe loops his arm around Kaveh’s elbow and walks with him, and Kaveh allows it, amused at Childe’s rant. “Your criteria for boring just sounds like stability.” 

“Where’s the thrill in that?” Childe says, shaking his head at Kaveh. “The most thrill he’s probably had is meeting you.” 

Kaveh falters, a blush flooding his cheeks at the sudden praise. 

“But me?” Childe motions at himself. “I’m exciting. I know how to have fun.” 

Kaveh rolls his eyes. “I bet you do.” 

“Bet.” Childe says, “When you’re not busy, let me know.” 

Kaveh watches as Childe pulls away, giving him another wink as he walks backwards in front of him. 

“And I can show you a good time.” 

Kaveh shoves his hands in his pockets and watches Childe spin around on his heel and walk away down the hall. He’s charming, just like Lisa said. 

A few minutes later Kaveh finds himself wandering through the halls of the law building, easily navigating through to the law common room. He was a few minutes early before the  meet up time Alhaitham set but he figures it shouldn’t matter. If Alhaitham was still in a meeting he could wait. 

The common room is darker than usual, the sky outside black with storm clouds and the muted lighting only adding to the atmosphere. He doesn’t see anyone when he enters, but it’s a busy little room with nooks and crannies for study groups. He hears something from the far wall, the one banked with windows. 

Kaveh peeks around the corner and he’s met with a sight that strikes to the center of him. Alhaitham has another student pinned to the windowsill, his hand up the shorter student’s shorts. Alhaitham grinds his hips forward and Kaveh hears static. 

“Oh ho, what’s this?” He says, staring at Alhaitham’s back. This is the meeting Alhaitham had planned this morning. Kaveh defaults to his biting sarcasm. 

“Not now Kaveh.” Alhaitham says, glancing over his shoulder at him. The other student is embarrassed though, by the look on his very pretty face. He squirms and pushes at Alhaitham until the larger man lets him down. 

The student scurries past Kaveh and he watches him go. 

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” Kaveh says as he rushes by. Kaveh doesn’t exactly know what he’s feeling, but he’s sure feeling a lot of it. 

“I was going to text you.” Alhaitham says. Kaveh turns back around to look at him, watching as Alhaitham rights his clothes. 

“Well, you should have.” Kaveh says, leaning backwards to get himself to move. His feet feel glued to the floor. “So I wouldn’t have interrupted your very important meeting.” 

“Don’t start.” Alhaitham grumbles, bending to pick up his bag. 

“Okay.” Kaveh says, finally able to lift his feet. He turns and leaves the room, not stopping when he hears Alhaitham call out for him. 

“Kaveh.” 

He didn’t even have it in him to argue. 

Kaveh digs his phone out of his pocket as he pushes out of the law building and into the rain. He fumbles through his contacts until he finds one near the top and presses call. 

“Kaveh!” 

Kaveh turns as he lifts the phone to his ear, looking Alhaitham in the eye as the younger man follows him out into the rain. 

“Hi.” Kaveh says as the call is answered, before the person on the other line can say anything. “I’m not busy anymore.” 

“Oh.” Childe says, surprised. 

Kaveh breaks his eyes away from Alhaitham’s and continues to walk.

Chapter Text

“Soaking wet is a good look on you.” Childe says as Kaveh approaches the sheltered enclave around the doors to the finance building. 

“Ha ha.” Kaveh says, walking under the awning and looking down at himself. He was soaked through and uncomfortable, but he had to make his point and storming off in the rain sounded like a good idea.  

“Oh, friend of yours?” Childe asks, motioning behind Kaveh with his head. Kaveh turns to look and Alhaitham stops walking when he does. He followed him all the way across campus. 

“No, it’s just my roommate.” Kaveh says. 

He can see Alhaitham square his shoulders and start walking towards him again. He still looks good even soaking wet, that wasn’t fair. How dare he? 

“Kaveh-” Alhaitham starts. 

“Alhaitham.” Kaveh interrupts. 

He can see being interrupted irritates him, and Kaveh feels a little surge of vindictive amusement. 

“Can we-” Alhaitham starts, and then he briefly glances at Childe. “-talk? While we shop? Which you agreed to do.” 

“No. I’ve decided to go with Childe.” Kaveh says, motioning at Childe. “He doesn’t have any pressing prior engagements, like you.” 

“Just homework.” Childe says, “But the economic situation of Snezhnaya in the Dark Age isn’t going anywhere fast.” 

“Kaveh-” Alhaitham starts but Kaveh cuts him off by turning away from him. He approaches Childe and places a careful hand on the redhead’s elbow. 

“You don’t mind do you? I have to purchase something to wear for this weekend.” Kaveh says. There’s a knowing look in Childe’s dark blue eyes and he tilts his head down very slightly. He clearly knows what’s going on, and he’s down to play. 

“Of course, I love shopping.” Childe says with a playful smile. The redhead lifts his umbrella and flicks it open with his thumb, raising it over their heads as he takes Kaveh’s hand. 

Kaveh steps closer to Childe to be under the umbrella and glances back at Alhaitham. 

“Don’t wait up.” 

Kaveh looks through the rack of gorgeous dresses in the most unfortunate colors he’s ever seen. Why is everything in fashion such a drab color? The metal hangers scratch on the rack as he pulls back when he reaches the end and he sighs heavily. 

“You’re full of surprises.” Childe says as he approaches Kaveh from behind. Kaveh turns, giving the redhead a little sardonic half smile. 

“My life has recently become full of surprises.” Kaveh mutters. 

“At least it’s not boring.” Childe says. He lifts the dress he’s holding for Kaveh to see. It’s a stunning deep burgundy and Kaveh instantly loves it. The neckline plummets all the way down the bodice and it’s highlighted with white crystals. “This has your name written all over it.” 

It’s very form fitting, but Kaveh has hip pads he can work with. 

“Ooh, it’s gorgeous.” Kaveh says in a hushed tone. But Kaveh tries not to get too excited; the rack he was looking through were the discounted clothing, and this dress was not. He doesn’t think he could afford a dress at full price from this retailer. Kaveh turns the tag over on the neckline and his shoulders slump. The price is almost staggering. “Four figures gorgeous…” 

“Don’t worry about that.” Childe says, gently plucking the tag from Kaveh’s hand and holding the dress out for him to take. “This trip is on me.” 

“I- no…” Kaveh says, blushing slightly at the thought of Childe paying for his things. 

“I’m insisting. I want to.” Childe says, handing the dress to Kaveh. “Go try it on. You can pay me back with another dance at the thing this weekend.” 

Childe winks at him slyly and Kaveh swallows hard when his nerves tingle under Childe’s attention. Childe is too charming. A personal shopper approaches them and gently clears her throat to get their attention. 

“Can I start a room for you?” She asks politely and Childe nods. 

“Yes, he’s going to need matching shoes as well please.” Childe says with an easy authority that pleasantly surprises Kaveh. “And if you have any other gowns that aren’t beige, white or silver.” 

“Of course ser.” She says, and motions for Kaveh to follow her. 

She leads Kaveh through the store to the back, through a set of swinging doors to a more private area. There was a large mirror on the back wall, a comfortable couch and a coffee table with refreshments. The shopper walks quickly to a changing room on the left and opens the door. 

“You can use this one.” She says, taking the gown from Kaveh and going inside to hang it up. 

“Thank you.” Kaveh says as he stops looking around and enters the changing room as she leaves. The stall’s door doesn’t reach to the top or the bottom of the frame, hiding enough to give him the privacy he needs to change. 

Kaveh starts taking his clothes off and he’s thankful that they’re dry now at least. 

“So, what is the deal with you and Alhaitham?” Childe’s voice carries through the stall door and Kaveh freezes for a moment. He can hear the other man sit down on the couch. 

“He’s my roommate.” Kaveh says, resuming undressing. “And… I don’t know. He wanted help because his parents are playing matchmaker.” 

“Oh, you still do arranged marriages in Sumeru?” Childe asks. 

“Well, it’s not like that.” Kaveh says, pulling off his socks as he thinks about it. “It’s not like you think. It’s just convenient for the parents to try and find someone, and it’s easier to meet people. Parents do pressure their children about it, but you still have a choice.” 

Kaveh still feels the phantom sting of Hashim’s judgmental gaze. 

“Alhaitham is all about making his life more convenient.” Kaveh takes the dress from the hanger and steps into it. A pair of delicate gold sandals are slid under the door by the personal shopper. “So I imagine he agreed to let his parents pick someone for him, but he doesn’t want to commit before he’s done with university so… I guess I’m just… pretending to be his fiancee.”  

“That sounds complicated.” Childe says. Kaveh hears him walking around the carpeted floor outside the changing stall. Kaveh pulls the dress up and holds it against his chest as he reaches back to pull the zipper up. “But I’m not above a little roleplay.” 

Kaveh snorts a laugh. 

“Yeah, well, he’s- I don’t know. I don’t know what he’s thinking. And he’s…” Kaveh thinks about how he walked in on him in the library with his hands all over someone else. “... He’s Alhaitham.” 

He never imagined his stoic roommate doing something so risque before. Before all this started, he was introverted and subtle, Kaveh never took him for someone who’d do that in public. He almost feels like a different person altogether. And then there was that little apology on the bench outside the library- 

“... There’s other stressors in my life right now.”

He’d said. Kaveh pauses, his mind drifting to the look on his face when he said it; he looked far away, distant.

“I see.” 

Kaveh startles when Childe’s voice is close and he turns to see the redhead leaning against the doorframe. Kaveh blushes at being caught spacing out. 

“What are you doing in here? I’m changing.” Kaveh says, taking a small step back. 

“Looks like you’re done.” Childe says, looking him up and down slowly. Kaveh feels heat bloom in his chest at the way he looks at him. Childe’s voice is lower and he smirks because he knows what he’s doing. “It looks good.” 

“Of course it does.” Kaveh says, smoothing his hands over his sides and hips to straighten the dress out. It’s a strapless dress, and he can feel his hair messy over his bare shoulders. “I still kind of look like a drowned rat.” 

Kaveh gathers his long blond hair up in his hands and twists it up, moving his clips over to pin it out of the way. 

“So, Alhaitham is the reason you’ve been busy ?” Childe asks, taking a cautious step forward. Kaveh swallows nervously, his ruby eyes fixed on Childe’s shirt collar. 

“... Yes.” Kaveh admits. “But, we’re not- anything. We’re roommates pretending to be engaged.” 

“Mm.” Childe hums, taking another step closer. “But you wanted to make him jealous, that’s why you called me.” 

“... I’m sorry.” Kaveh says, realizing now that it was a bad move. He didn’t take Childe’s feelings into consideration at all. “I didn’t mean to drag you into this. I just thought of you.” 

“Oh, I’m not upset by it.” Childe says, tilting his head slightly and smirking again. “I don’t mind a little trouble. And… I could use a little distraction myself.” 

“A distraction?” Kaveh repeats slowly. Childe nods. 

“Pesky little… heartbreak moment for me a few weeks ago.” Childe says, brushing it off with a shrug of his shoulders but there’s something deeper there. It’s almost like a thorn visible in Childe’s chest. “It’s my own fault for trying for someone unattainable, but like I said, I don’t mind a little trouble.” 

“So…” Kaveh finally looks up at Childe’s face and nervously bites his lower lip. “We can distract each other, a little.” 

“Sounds good to me.” Childe says as he slides his hand around Kaveh’s thin waist and pulls him forward. Excitement thrums through Kaveh’s veins as he’s pulled against Childe’s chest. He’s warm and firm. The redhead leans in to whisper into Kaveh’s ear. “You really want to try and make him jealous?” 

“... Yes…” He admits, blushing as he thinks about Alhaitham. 

Childe’s warm mouth makes contact with Kaveh’s bare neck and Kaveh inhales sharply. He lifts his hand to wind his fingers through the hair of the back of Childe’s head as he feels his lips part against sensitive skin. Childe sucks roughly, pleasure and a pinch of pain zipping through Kaveh’s body and making him arch against him for more contact. It feels so good, it’s been so long since Kaveh’s been with anyone else. 

He breathes out heavily as Childe stops and kisses the faint red mark he made on Kaveh’s neck tenderly. 

“Careful, don’t ruin your dress princess.” Childe whispers before he pulls away. Kaveh swallows as Childe winks at him, taking a few steps backwards before turning and leaving the dressing room. 

“That’s the one, we’ll take it. And the shoes, and where’s the nearest jewellery store?” Kaveh hears Childe talking to the shopper. He reaches up to touch the mark and it’s slightly sore. 

Kaveh is so focused on his draft that when Lisa comes into the studio and announces her presence, he merely grunts in acknowledgement. 

“Can you bring me my architect’s scale?” Kaveh asks as he pushes his t-square out of the way. Lisa hands him the instrument and he flattens it against his drawing, and then shakes his head. “This is the engineer’s scale-” 

“What is that?” Lisa asks, her hushed tone conveying great interest. She pokes at the purple mark on Kaveh’s neck peeking out above his collar. 

“It’s not my architect’s scale.” Kaveh mutters. Lisa clicks her tongue and grabs the right scale, thumping it on the table and leaning back in. 

“Alhaitham?” Lisa asks. 

“No.” Kaveh huffs, brushing eraser dust from his draft. “None of your big beautiful business. I have a crit on Monday and I won’t have time for this draft on the weekend can you- not?” 

Lisa pouts and sits down in the chair at Kaveh’s desk beside the table. 

“... I’ll tell you later.” He says, shaking his head. 

“Ah, Kaveh.” 

Kaveh stops in the hallway and turns when he hears a familiar voice. Baizhu smiles warmly at him in greeting and Kaveh returns the gesture. 

“Baizhu, it’s been forever.” Kaveh says, stepping out of the walking traffic to stand with his friend. 

“The interning at the hospital has been taking up all my free time.” Baizhu says, sighing softly. “I can’t wait to get it over with, honestly. Were you able to get an internship at a firm?” 

“Ah, no.” Kaveh admits, feeling a little sheepish. “I took a TA position for a professor instead. The internships offered didn’t pay at all and I gotta make rent.” 

“Mm, I hope you didn’t have a hard time finding a new place after I left.” Baizhu says, tilting his head as he looks at Kaveh closer. “You’re looking more… tired.” 

“Wow thanks, hag.” Kaveh replies, pouting at Baizhu. 

“Oh.” Baizhu waves his hand as if he’s batting away the playful insult. “You know what I mean. You look stressed, I’m concerned, you baby. And I haven’t seen you in the bar either.” 

“I’ve been… busy.” Kaveh says, wistfully thinking about getting a weekend to himself so he can actually go to the bar like he used to. “I have crits every two weeks, and my TA position, and… this dumb thing I have going on at home…” 

“Well, the weekend after next is the drag show, I expect you there.” Baizhu says. “Doctor’s orders.”

“You can’t say that yet, legally.” 

“What is this for this time?” Kaveh asks as he comes out of his room ready for the event. To go with the burgundy gown, there was a choker with a black ribbon and a dewdrop shaped red gem around Kaveh’s neck, bought purposefully to hide the mark on his neck. He also managed to replicate the fashionable minimal makeup look from the first night. 

Alhaitham turns to look at him, his gaze lingering over the striking figure Kaveh boasted with the small addition of hip pads in the slim fitting dress. 

“Charity ball.” Alhaitham says, “You look… right.” 

Kaveh bites his tongue. 

“We should get going, the earlier we get there the earlier we can leave.” Alhaitham says. He walks to the door and Kaveh watches him go, appreciating the wide breadth of Alhaitham’s shoulders in the fitted suit. 

There’s a coldness between them that wasn’t there before, and it feels awful. 

Kaveh follows after him, turning around when Alhaitham lifts his coat to drape it over Kaveh’s shoulders. He briefly feels Alhaitham’s fingers brush against his neck to straighten out his lapel and he flinches away when it’s close to the hidden mark. 

“Let’s go.” Kaveh mutters, opening the front door and leaving the house before Alhaitham can bring it up. 

There’s a town car already waiting for them, idling on the street. The driver opens the back door for Kaveh as he approaches. As Kaveh gets into the car, he wonders if he would ever get used to this more opulent lifestyle. He was never poor, but experiencing all this wealth suddenly makes him realize he was never rich either. Alhaitham slides into the seat next to him shortly after, but Kaveh is lost in his own thoughts. 

He knew Alhaitham was wealthy; his house is large and he was the only one living there and his own personal style screams money. Childe as well, even though he was more boyish and rogue-like, he moved with an ease awarded by wealth. Kaveh rests his elbow on the arm rest and passively watches the city go by in the night, wondering if he could ever achieve this by himself. 

It was a different feeling all together, without the worry of maintaining home and food costs, issues spring up from other areas. Like Alhaitham’s forced engagement, or Childe’s heartbreak, or Diluc’s break up. 

Kaveh is brought out of his thoughts when the window divider between the front and back seat starts to close with the soft hum of the motor. He blinks hazy eyes and straightens up slightly, glancing at Alhaitham in question. 

The other man clears his throat and briefly looks at him before returning his teal gaze to the seat in front of him. 

“I didn’t expect you to show up at the library.” He says softly. Kaveh raises one eyebrow in disbelief.

“You told me to meet you there.” Kaveh responds in the same volume. “I could only surmise the outcome was one you expected.” 

“There’s a situation that’s getting out of hand.” Alhaitham says, briefly closing his eyes as if the stress was too much. “It doesn’t involve you, but you’re clearly suffering some consequences. I didn’t intend to…” 

When Alhaitham trails off, Kaveh narrows his eyes slightly. It’s too weird, Alhaitham isn’t acting like himself at all. He’s never at a loss for words like this. 

“What is going on with you?” Kaveh asks, his voice more firm than before. “I never took you for a exhibitionist, a voyeur maybe but-” 

“It’s complicated.” Alhaitham says, cutting Kaveh off. Kaveh purses his lips and waits for him to continue, but he doesn’t. The silence between them stretches out. 

“Well.” Kaveh says, turning back to look out the window. He crosses his leg over the other, away from Alhaitham. “It’s not like you owe me anything. We’re not actually engaged, so you’re free to pursue whoever you want-” 

“I didn’t-” Alhaitham starts, but Kaveh doesn’t allow him to interrupt and he keeps talking. 

“-Whoever you want, whenever you want. I’m doing the same. Just try not to get a public indecency charge.” Kaveh finishes, waving his hand. 

“You’re upset.” Alhaitham says after a moment. “I just wanted you to know it wasn’t malicious.” 

Kaveh doesn’t respond. 

It’s surprisingly easy to fall back into the role of Zara Kavari, fiancee. Kaveh slides his arm around Alhaitham’s elbow as they enter into the main event room. 

It’s a casino. 

Bright colorful lights and neon signs brighten the dimly lit room with an air of glitz and glamor. There’s a low murmur of excited conversation as the crowd gathers around tables of games of chance. There’s bells ringing every so often and shouts of joy or defeat singing over the jazzy music from the live music at the front of the room. The energy in the room is ecstatic and instantly lifts Kaveh’s somber mood. 

A waiter pauses to offer them glasses of golden champagne and Kaveh eagerly takes one. He drinks half the glass in his first sip, the red lipstick leaving a delicate mark on the rim of the champagne flute. Alhaitham guides them across the room and more than once Kaveh is distracted by a game and the younger man has to pull him away from it. 

“You need chips before you can play.” Alhaitham says after he pulls Kaveh from a craps table. 

They approach the cashier in a gilded cage, but another server stops to offer Kaveh delicious little hors d'oeuvre. He eats one and takes another from the tray and nods his thanks. 

“Here.” 

Kaveh turns back to Alhaitham and quickly shoves the other snack into his mouth when Alhaitham holds out his hand to give him something. Heavy black and white striped chips fall into Kaveh’s palm, a neat little stack of them. 

“All the proceeds go to charity, spend however you like.” Alhaitham says, shrugging one shoulder as Kaveh looks at him curiously. 

The blond almost chokes when he realizes they’re 10,000 mora chips. He roughly swallows. 

“This is 100,000 mora.” Kaveh hisses. 

“It’s the base buy-in.” Alhaitham says. 

“You- you harass me for my rent!” Kaveh says, closing his hand around the chips as Alhaitham steps away from the cage. 

“Yes. It’s the principle of the matter.” Alhaitham says, sliding his arm around Kaveh’s waist to guide him across the floor. 

“The principle -” Kaveh repeats, indignant. “Now you have principles?! I’m never paying rent again.” 

“Are you just deciding that now? I thought you’d already stopped last month.” Alhaitham says, a teasing tone in his voice. 

“I’m- it’s not like I’m rolling in mora working for Professor Zhongli. And you said I didn’t have to because of-” Kaveh motions his hand up and down himself, referring to his current state of dress. “This.” 

“Did I say that?” Alhaitham asks, mocking a thinking pose and tapping his chin. 

“Even if you didn’t, it was heavily implied.” Kaveh huffs, stopping to drain the rest of his champagne glass. Before he even has a thought about what to do with the empty glass, a server replaces it with a new one. 

“This-” Kaveh motions to his dress again. “Is worth more than 600 mora.” 

“Yes. It is.” Alhaitham agrees. Kaveh feels a fluttery feeling in his stomach. 

It must be the champagne. 

“Haitham.” 

Alhaitham tenses when he hears his name being called and they both turn to see Hashim and Farah at a nearby table. Alhaitham’s grip briefly tightens on Kaveh’s waist as he guides them both over. 

“Father, mother.” Alhaitham greets. 

“Good evening.” Kaveh says, smiling politely in greeting. 

“Haitham I’d like you to meet someone.” Hashim says, disregarding the greetings. Hashim steps aside and motions at a woman who was standing behind him. She’s beautiful, long dark hair and bright brown eyes. “This is Layla.” 

“Father.” Alhaitham repeats, his tone sharp. 

“She’s also a student at the university.” Farah says, quickly cutting in to get in between Alhaitham and Hashim. 

“It’s nice to meet you, Sage Hashim has told me so much about you.” Layla says in a soft, dreamy voice. 

“Likewise.” Alhaitham responds, even though his expression is flat and still fixated on Hashim’s face. 

Kaveh has never felt so out of place in his life. He quickly lifts his champagne and drains it all. 

“Ooh, I’m going to find more champagne.” Kaveh says, awkwardly laughing out of sheer nervousness in the heavy atmosphere. Alhaitham’s grip on his hip is almost punishing, even though the soft cushion of the hip pad. He keeps the empty glass close to his chest to prevent one of the excellent servers from instantly replacing it. 

Alhaitham finally tears his steeled gaze from Hashim to look at Kaveh and he softens ever so slightly. 

“Alright. Don’t wander off.” He says. Kaveh nods, and makes a soft noise of surprise when Alhaitham leans down to kiss him. For a moment, Kaveh panics because he thinks it’s going to be a kiss on his lips, but Alhaitham carefully kisses his cheek instead. Kaveh nervously glances at Hashim and Farah before laughing nervously again and taking a step back. 

Kaveh stumbles away from the group on trembling legs and silently curses the gold heels. His cheek burns where Alhaitham’s surprisingly soft lips connected. He almost feels dizzy as he holds out the empty glass and it's replaced with a new one. Despite this fake engagement, Hashim still brought someone out for Alhaitham to meet. 

The blond leans over to look through the crowd and tension between the four of them is still high, even from this distance. He doesn’t want to go back into it immediately, so he glances around the room instead. He did have these chips to spend, for charity. 

Kaveh walks through the tables to look at the games, drawn to each crowd in turn. The clicking of a roulette wheel attracts his attention the most, so he watches for a few moments to understand how to play. He’s so engrossed in the game he doesn’t realize someone’s standing beside him trying to get his attention until they clear their throat. 

Kaveh lifts his ruby eyes in surprise to see Diluc Ragnvindr. 

“Oh, hi.” Kaveh says, smiling genuinely when he realizes who it is. Diluc looks dashingly handsome in a fitted black suit with a neat bowtie. His hair is pulled up in a high ponytail and still looks untamed. 

“Hi, have you played this before?” Diluc asks, motioning with his head at the table. 

“Ah, no. I don’t gamble, but it’s for charity so-” Kaveh lifts his hand that’s still full of black and white chips. Diluc also raises his hand with a little stack of blue and white chips. “-So… what’s your favorite number?” 

Diluc chuckles and looks at the table. He hums in thought for a moment before placing one on red. 

“I like red.” Diluc says, and Kaveh snorts. 

“Well that’s good. So do I.” Kaveh places a chip on black 6. “But I like 6.” 

The dealer calls for all bets and starts the wheel spinning. Kaveh feels anticipation bubble in his gut as the dealer sets the ball in the well and it zips around the lacquered rim. The white ball begins to bounce over the wheel and Kaveh wiggles in excitement. He can hear Diluc chuckle at him again but he doesn’t care. He wants to win. 

“Come on.” Kaveh cheers as it starts to slow. 

“8.” The dealer calls as the ball lands. 

“Aw!” Kaveh pouts, watching the chips get swept from the table. 

“Ah, well, we lost together at least.” Diluc says. Kaveh huffs and pushes back from the table, bored now that he lost. 

“I guess I should spread my wealth around.” Kaveh says as he looks at Diluc. 

“Mind if I join you?” Diluc asks, offering his arm. 

“Not at all.” Kaveh says. He glances back to Alhaitham and Hashim briefly through the crowd and shakes his head. He winds his arm around Diluc’s elbow. “For a little while, at least.”

“Zara, correct?” Diluc asks, his eyebrows raising slightly. 

“Ah, yes. Please.” Kaveh says, “It’s complicated.” 

“Say no more.” Diluc says, leading them away from the table and to the next one. “You look gorgeous, by the way.” 

“I know.” Kaveh says, but he preens anyway. He drops his shoulder and brushes imaginary hair away from his neck. He didn’t realize he finished another glass of champagne. “But thank you, at least someone appreciates it.” 

“Anytime.” Diluc says as he stops at a craps table. “So this, you have to roll the same number twice before a seven is rolled.” 

Diluc leans in a little to explain the game while Kaveh looks over the table. 

“The shooter changes, those markers are what the shooter is aiming for.” Diluc gestures to the numbers on the felt. “But if they roll a seven, they’re out.”

“Mm, seven is the most common number to roll. I see.” Kaveh says, his slightly tipsy mind buzzing as he tries to do math. 

“Yeah, but it’s all in the skill.” Childe says as he steps up beside Kaveh. Kaveh blinks in surprise. 

“Childe.” He says, and the redhead winks. 

“Hey princess. Sup Diluc.” Childe says, carelessly dropping a few chips onto the table. 

“Ajax.” Diluc greets in a more amused tone than Kaveh expects. “You think you’ve got shooting skills?” 

“You know it.” Childe tilts his head back and smirks, pulling at the lapels on his suit. Kaveh realizes it’s a complimentary shade to his burgundy dress in a charcoal gray. “I can show you how it’s done.” 

“Please do.” Diluc says, motioning at the table. 

“New shooter.” The dealer calls as Childe steps to the end of the table. Chips are placed down as Childe and Diluc’s charisma starts to attract others to the table. There’s an air of playful competition as Childe rattles the dice in his hands. 

“You wanna come over here and give me some luck princess?” Childe asks. Kaveh snorts and laughs. 

“You said it was skill. Let’s see it.” Kaveh says, lifting his new flute of champagne. 

It’s so easy to be swept up in the moment. Childe rolls and the growing crowd cheers as he goes on a streak. Kaveh finds himself shouting along with everyone else when Childe hits the mark. But when Childe rolls a seven, the mood isn’t dampened. Everyone groans as the chips are swept away but the excitement grows again when Diluc steps up to the end of the table. 

“Alright, maybe there’s a little luck.” Childe says as he claps Diluc on the back and steps to the side to give him some room. “Come on, he needs the luck more than ever.” 

Kaveh accepts the invitation this time and stands beside them at the end. 

“Come on!” Kaveh cheers as the dice roll down the table, throwing his hand up when Diluc hits the mark. 

Kaveh lost all of his chips a while ago, but he stays because it’s fun. Diluc goes on a streak longer than Childe’s and every time he wins he glances at Kaveh with a little pleased smile that quickly becomes Kaveh’s favorite part. 

“Seven!” The dealer shouts, and everyone groans again. 

Diluc clicks his tongue and shrugs his shoulders. “Almost.” 

“Your turn princess.” Childe says, motioning at the table. Kaveh shakes his head. 

“I’m out of chips.” He says, lifting his empty hand. Both Diluc and Childe make a motion to their pockets, but before they can even object, there’s a hand in front of Kaveh’s face offering another stack of black and white chips. 

Kaveh turns to look and his heart almost stops in his chest when he’s face to face with Alhaitham. 

“He said it was your turn, didn’t he?” Alhaitham asks. “Go ahead.” 

He’s… softer than before. All the frost from earlier melted and left behind an amused expression. Kaveh exhales a short breath and smiles warmly. He can blame it on the alcohol, he lost track of how much champagne he’s had but he’s feeling good. 

“Well, I guess I can show you how it’s actually done.” Kaveh relents, taking the chips and the sizable crowd around them cheers. Kaveh places his chips down and takes the dice from the dealer. 

“New shooter!” 

Kaveh playfully rolls his shoulders and rattles the dice in his hand. He rolls the dice down the felt and bounces in anticipation as they tumble down the table. 

“Seven!” The dealer shouts. 

“What?!” Kaveh yells, his face falling. 

Childe laughs so hard he almost falls over. He has to hold himself up on the table as he bends over double laughing. Kaveh turns to see Diluc cover his mouth to hide his own laughter. 

“That’s not fair!” Kaveh shouts, motioning at the dice. He turns to Alhaitham on his other side and points. “That’s not fair!” 

Alhaitham has his fingers pressed to his forehead and his eyes closed tightly in disbelief at the gaff. He cracks open his eyes to look at Kaveh, and presses his lips together firmly to stop from laughing himself. 

“Good job.” Alhaitham says sarcastically. 

Kaveh’s disappointment doesn’t last long. It melts away with the amused look on Alhaitham’s face. 

“It’s rigged!” Kaveh says, crossing his arms over his chest. He plays up the drama. 

“It’s not.” Alhaitham says, gently pulling Kaveh out of the way as a new player steps up. “You’re just bad.” 

“It’s the most common number to roll!” Kaveh pouts. 

“Don’t beat yourself up about it.” Diluc says as he steps away from the table. “It happens.” 

“Holy- one roll!” Childe says, still laughing as he drapes his arm over Kaveh’s shoulder. “That’s skill. You got me beat.” 

Kaveh huffs and shrugs out from under Childe’s arm. 

“Go kick rocks.” Kaveh grumbles. 

“Come on, let’s go.” Alhaitham says, winding his arm around Kaveh’s back and pulling him away from Diluc and Childe. “I’ll take you home.” 

“Goodnight Miss Kavari.” Diluc says, shoving his hands into his pockets. 

“See you later princess.” Childe says, lifting an elbow to rest it on Diluc’s shoulder as Alhaitham guides Kaveh away from the games tables. 

Alhaitham keeps his hold on Kaveh’s waist as walk through the crowd and Kaveh realizes how drunk he actually is. He’s past tipsy, but the champagne makes him feel bubbly. 

“I didn’t mean to abandon you completely.” Kaveh says. “I got caught up.” 

“I noticed.” Alhaitham says as he stops them at the coat check. “I was watching you for a while. You looked like you were having fun, so I didn’t bother you.” 

“It was fun.” Kaveh says, his eyes closing briefly as he nods his head. 

“Don’t feel too bad about it, I can’t believe he brought Layla tonight.” Alhaitham sighs and rubs a hand over his face in frustration. 

“Mm.” Kaveh agrees. “That’s kinda fucked up.” 

“Haitham!” 

Kaveh opens his eyes and squints as Hashim approaches them in a huff. 

“These games of yours have gone on long enough.” Hashim is slightly red in the face and if Kaveh was sober, he’d probably be intimidated but he was just annoyed now. 

“It’s a casino, games are the whole point father.” Alhaitham says as he drapes Kaveh’s coat over his shoulders. 

“Layla is Sage Alexander’s granddaughter and you will treat her with respect-” 

Kaveh has had enough. 

“ You need to treat her with respect.” Kaveh cuts in, pointing at Hashim’s face. “I can’t imagine inviting her out here to meet your already engaged son is respectful.” 

“You-” Hashim huffs. 

“You can’t blame this on him, you invited her out here. You did. You should be apologizing to her . You probably humiliated her!” Kaveh continues, “Instead of berating Alhaitham for your own problems, you should be dealing with them on your own.” 

“Haitham-” 

“No no, you’re talking to me now.” Kaveh says, pointing at his own face. “You’ve done nothing but try to tear down Alhaitham the entire time I’ve known you when he’s done nothing but mind you. He’s the top student in Law, he wins every argument he’s in and he’s stupidly handsome. Yeah, he’s an asshole, but he’s still better than you.” 

Kaveh can hear Alhaitham exhale in disbelief but he doesn’t care. Hashim is roiling underneath a stoic facade. 

“Most people would kill to have a son as successful as he is and he’s still not enough for you? Are you the Sage of the Stupid Darshan? Why don’t you take your head out of your own ass for two seconds and appreciate what you’ve got? Like a good Sage should.” Kaveh huffs, turning on his heel and marching out of the venue. “Come on Alhaitham.” 

Kaveh throws himself into the waiting town car and seethes, unable to believe what an ungrateful asshole Hashim is. Alhaitham gets in after him and they ride in silence for a while. 

Kaveh really hopes he didn’t make things harder for Alhaitham with his tirade. 

“... I’m sorry if I just got you disowned.” Kaveh mutters, sighing heavily and dropping his hands onto his lap. 

“He won’t.” Alhaitham says, rolling up the window partition to give them privacy from the driver. “He’s invested too much into me. And he knows I don’t need his financial support anymore.” 

“Still… I might have made it worse.” Kaveh looks down at his hands. 

“Hmm, maybe. But it was entertaining at least.” Alhaitham admits. “He’s the Sage of Haravatat by the way, not the Stupid Darshan.” 

Kaveh closes his eyes tightly in embarrassment as Alhaitham chuckles in amusement. 

A while later they enter their house and Kaveh kicks off the gold sandals, sighing in relief. He drops his coat on the floor and slumps his shoulders as he enters the house. 

“Finally, I feel like I can breathe again.” Kaveh sighs as he stretches his arms. 

He just wants to go to bed. He lifts his dress and gets his hands up to his hips, hooking his thumbs into the pantyhose and pushes them down. The hip pads fall out as he wobbles on drunken legs, bumping into the couch as he hops to take the hosiery off. 

The air in the house is cool against his heated skin, another relief. 

He runs his hands up and down his bare legs, appreciating the sensation. He lifts his head up when Alhaitham turns on a lamp in the living room, just in time to see the younger man loosen his tie with one finger. His suit jacket was gone and his cuffs were also unbuttoned. There was a flush of color high on his cheeks. 

“You should go to bed, you’re drunk.” Alhaitham says. 

“You’re one to talk.” Kaveh says, kicking his tights at Alhaitham. “You’re drunk too.” 

“I am. And now I’m going to bed.” 

Teal eyes fixate on Kaveh and he realizes he’s leaning against the couch with his dress hiked all the way up to his hips. The way Alhaitham’s gaze lingers on his bared skin makes Kaveh feel warm. He should just go to bed. He should. 

“Unzip me.” Kaveh says. He gathers his skirt up and stands, the slit in the side of the dress allowing him to hold it so he doesn’t step on it. Kaveh slowly approaches Alhaitham, and turns around, motioning to the zipper on his back. 

“Mm.” Alhaitham agrees, and then Kaveh feels the tug of his dress as Alhaitham carefully pulls the zipper down. The taut bodice loosens gradually as the zipper goes down Kaveh’s back, and he sighs in relief again. He lifts his free hand to stop the dress from falling all the way off when it gets loose enough. 

The tension in the room thickens as Alhaitham doesn’t pull away when he’s done. He’s still standing close behind Kaveh and the blond can feel his light touch opening the back of the dress. 

“You did… look really… something, tonight.” Alhaitham admits. Kaveh turns his head slightly, only barely glimpsing Alhaitham from the corner of his eye. 

“Something?” Kaveh prods. 

“Yes.” Alhaitham says. He begins to unhook the strapless bra as well, and the light touch of his fingers against Kaveh’s back sends ripples of pleasure through the blond. “Mm… alluring.” 

“Alluring?” Kaveh repeats. 

“Seductive.” Alhaitham amends. 

Kaveh can’t help but smile, the praise going to his head. 

“And, calamitous.” 

Kaveh scowls, turning around abruptly to face Alhaitham. 

“That was rigged.” Kaveh says, pouting as thinks about the craps table again. Alhaitham smiles, a little breathy chuckle escaping his normally stoic lips. Well, it was a smile in comparison to other Alhaitham expressions, barely an upturn of his mouth. 

“And also, audacious.” 

“He deserved it. He’s an asshole.” Kaveh mutters. 

“No one’s stood up to him before.” Alhaitham says, his hazy eyes distant for a moment. 

“Well, it's about time.” 

Kaveh takes a cautious step closer and Alhaitham’s attention is back on him. The younger man parts his lips to say something else, but he doesn’t. He focuses on Kaveh’s neck instead. He lifts his hand and gently tugs the black ribbon choker down and Kaveh remembers the mark. 

“Oh-” Kaveh tries to cover the mark with his hand but Alhaitham traces the tip of his finger over it instead. There’s a little jolt of pleasure through Kaveh at the touch but it’s brief. 

“Goodnight.” Alhaitham says, stepping past Kaveh and leaving the living room. Alhaitham’s bedroom door closes with a soft click and Kaveh feels a huge surge of regret.

Chapter Text

It’s been so long since Kaveh had any drinks, the hangover he gets the next day is utterly miserable. He should have drank more water last night. He pulls himself out of bed in the morning and pours himself into the shower, his head feels three sizes too small and his bones ache. He just stands under the water for a while, willing the hangover to wash away under the blessed torrent of hot water and slowly starting to feel human again. 

Kaveh doesn’t realize how long he’s there until there’s banging on the door. 

“Kaveh.” Alhaitham calls through the door. 

“What?” Kaveh whines back, turning the water off and pushing the curtain aside. “I’ll be out in a minute.” 

Alhaitham probably wanted a turn. Kaveh vaguely remembers both of them getting drunk last night. Alhaitham knocks on the door again, more insistently and Kaveh whines again. 

“Okay okay!” He calls, grabbing a towel from the rack. Before he could wrap it around himself properly, Alhaitham opens the door. 

“Haitham!” Kaveh squeaks, pressing the towel to his hips to hide himself. “Get out!” 

Alhaitham closes the door behind him. “My parents are here.” 

There’s a beat of silence between them as they both struggle to comprehend the situation. Alhaitham looks… Bad. He looks like how Kaveh feels; his hair is messy and out of place, he’s shirtless with red crease marks of his bedsheets across his chest and arm from sleeping on his side, he’s noticeably swollen from dehydration, and his sleep pants are hiked up on one leg. Kaveh realizes he’s never seen Alhaitham so out of control. 

“Haitham?” Farah calls through the door, a light knock ringing through the room. “Are you alright?” 

Kaveh tenses and glances briefly at the door behind Alhaitham before back at him. 

“What do we do?!” Kaveh whispers, hunching his shoulders like he could hide. 

“I don’t know.” Alhaitham whispers back. 

“Answer her!” Kaveh motions his hand towards the door. 

“Haitham?” Farah calls again and the door knob rattles and Kaveh panics. 

“He’s fine!” He calls, his voice cracking as he tries to use his falsetto. Alhaitham’s eyes widen briefly and he presses his lips together as Kaveh gestures ‘I don’t know!’ 

“Zara?” Farah stops, sounding confused. 

“I’m helping Alhaitham- shave.” Kaveh says and Alhaitham rolls his eyes so hard it looks like it hurts. Kaveh steps forward and grabs Alhaitham’s wrist, pulling him away from the door. Alhaitham stumbles slightly across the tile floor and grunts in annoyance. 

“I can’t believe this.” Kaveh hisses under his breath, “Of all days, just get in the shower.” 

“Shave?” Farah repeats, a little quieter. 

“You know how it is, aha.” Kaveh laughs nervously as Alhaitham stubs his foot against the bathtub. 

“Mmph-” Alhaitham clenches his jaw to avoid swearing. 

“Sorry, sorry-” Kaveh whispers, “Just shower, okay?” 

Alhaitham sighs and nods. “Just… wear my housecoat.” 

Kaveh suddenly remembers his own nudity as Alhaitham hooks his thumbs into the waistband of his pajama bottoms and pushes them down. Kaveh feels the blood rush to his face and he quickly turns away from him, scrambling to pull Alhaitham’s terrycloth bathrobe from the hook on the wall. What the fuck what the fuck what the fuck- Kaveh thinks, panicking as he drops his towel to pull the robe on and close it tightly. 

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Farah calls again. 

“We’re fine.” Kaveh calls, “We’ll be out in a moment!” 

The water turns back on and Kaveh very pointedly doesn’t look in that direction until he can hear the curtain close. 

Carefully, Kaveh approaches the door and cracks it open. Making sure Farah wasn’t still hovering around in the hallway, he quickly makes his escape to his room and closes the door. 

“You look awful.” 

“Thank you, father.” Haitham says as he finally joins the three of them at the kitchen table. He looks surly, but that’s to be expected from Alhaitham. He’s not a morning person, and he was hungover. Kaveh lifts the carafe of coffee he’d just made and carefully pours a cup for Alhaitham. Alhaitham’s shoulders visibly relax as he winds his hand around the warm ceramic and pulls it close to breathe in the aroma. 

“Why are you here?” Alhaitham asks gruffly. 

“Well, I-” Hashim clears his throat and he looks uncomfortable. Farah nudges him on gently. “I was… out of line last night.” 

Kaveh very suddenly remembers the verbal tirade he unloaded on Hashim last night and freezes. Oh shit. 

“And?” Alhaitham presses. 

“And I-” Hashim clears his throat again and shoots a look at Farah. Farah nods at him. “I apologize.” 

“Wow.” Alhaitham says slowly, dropping forward to rest his elbows on the table. “This is new. What are you apologizing for? Embarrassing Layla? Or Zara? Or yourself?” 

“Haitham…” Farah says admonishingly. “He’s doing his best.” 

“It’s not good enough.” Alhaitham says, “Admonition is one of the core tenets of Akademiya, as a Sage you shouldn’t be struggling this much to admit you’re wrong. You hold me to a higher standard, it’s only fair I do the same.” 

Kaveh is impressed. Alhaitham had been snarky towards Hashim before but this was something else. Kaveh stares at Alhaitham until the other man glances towards him, jade meeting crimson. Kaveh can’t help the little quirk at the corner of his mouth and Alhaitham responds by blinking slowly, before looking back at Hashim. 

“... You’re right.” Hashim says, drawing everyone else’s eyes back to him. “If I am to teach the Virtues I should be following them myself. I was wrong to invite Layla.” 

Hashim gets Kaveh’s attention, looking directly at him. Kaveh nervously plays with the sleeves on Alhaitham’s borrowed sweater. 

“I hope, in time, you can forgive me.” Hashim says solemnly, and Kaveh’s feelings towards the older man soften. He’s being genuine, for the first time, and Kaveh nods. 

“As an apology,” Farah says, not letting the silence linger too long. “We want to invite you for the winter holiday.” 

“I have exams.” Alhaitham says. 

“Your exams end on Wednesday, our reservation is next Monday.” Hashim says, gesturing at Kaveh. “And as a Graduate student, you have no work until the new year.” 

“I don’t want to travel for a whole day to be damp all week in Watatsumi.” Alhaitham says. Kaveh’s never been to Watatsumi but he hears it’s beautiful. 

“We’re going to Mondstadt, this year. We were invited by Grandmaster Varka to his chateau.” Farah says. 

Kaveh leans forward, putting his hands on the table. He could barely believe it. “Schloss Varkasburg?!” 

Alhaitham looks at him, surprised for a moment. 

“Yes.” Kaveh says, standing up and nodding his head. He barely keeps his hands from shaking in excitement. “We accept. Yes.” 

“Oh good!” Farah says, smiling widely. “At least someone is excited!” 

“Of course, it’s an 8th Age castle in Mondstadt- the current Grandmaster Varka’s great great great great grandfather had it built with romanticism and the poems of the Nameless Bard in mind. To love something so much you build a monument that stands the test of time to be beautiful and awesome centuries later- How do you even begin to incorporate a poem into architecture? How do you carve stone from a mountain and haul lumber to an inhospitable location and still capture the stillness of nature while making it your own? It inspired-” Kaveh cuts himself off when he realizes he’s rambling and he clears his throat in embarrassment. He sits down. 

“I guess we’re going.” Alhaitham says. Kaveh looks and catches the hint of a smile on his lips as he lifts his coffee to drink. 

“And there’s skiing.” Farah adds. 

“I don’t know, I have somewhere to be on Monday.” Kaveh says as he shrugs one shoulder. 

Baizhu rolls his eyes. “Then you come on Saturday and nurse your sorry, hungover ass on Sunday, bald.” 

“Hag.” Kaveh snaps back without any venom. 

“You’ve already said you’re going to come, so I am expecting you there.” Baizhu says, approaching a door and pushing it open with his back. Kaveh follows after him, sighing heavily. “You haven’t shown up at all, people are starting to think you’re dead.” 

“Baizhu.” Kaveh whispers, glancing at the patient lying in the hospital bed and then back at Baizhu. 

The doctor shakes his head and waves his hand at the patient. “Coma, don’t think you’re getting out of this.”

“Fine!” Kaveh says, throwing his hands up. “But I’m not drinking.” 

“You always say that.” Baizhu focuses on the readouts of the machines beside the patient and records things for a moment before he turns back to Kaveh. 

“I mean it.” Kaveh says petulant. 

“Did you ever find out who that little slag was?” Baizhu asks, sliding the clipboard back onto the shelf at the foot of the bed. 

“Huh?” Kaveh asks, confused. 

“The one in the library.” Baizhu elaborates, hooking his arm around Kaveh’s elbow as he leads him back out of the room. 

“Library.” Kaveh says, and then he remembers. The image of Alhaitham’s hand pulling out from being buried up someone else’s shorts is sharp in his mind again. Kaveh wrinkles his nose. “No. He hasn’t brought it up again at all. He just said I wasn’t meant to see it.” 

“I have no idea what you two are doing with this foreplay.” Baizhu says, shrugging his shoulders. 

“It’s not foreplay.” Kaveh mutters, mindful of the nurses and patients in the hallway. “Can we not talk about it here.” 

“Fine, tomorrow then, at the bar.” Baizhu acquiesces. 

It weighs more and more on Kaveh’s mind throughout the rest of the day. What was he doing with Alhaitham exactly? 

Surviving, he thinks sarcastically. 

Kaveh’s sitting on the floor in the living room, his toolbox open in front of him. He tied his hair up in a loose, messy bun on the back of his head, loose strands of blond framing his face. He stares down at the assortment of neatly organized instruments, his thoughts carrying him a million miles away. 

There’s a nasty little thought that arises, one that says he’s in too deep with Alhaitham and his feelings are very clearly out in the open. He likes Alhaitham, more than the word ‘Like’ can convey. They argue a lot; Alhaitham is insufferable most of the time; He’s fooling around with other men and yet- 

And yet. 

Kaveh thinks back to when they first met, when Kaveh was a second year and Alhaitham was first year. Kaveh doubts that Alhaitham remembers asking him for directions to the law buildings. Kaveh remembers taking him there, and then further, guiding him through the labyrinthine corridors of the old building. 

He was different then, more distant, Kaveh thinks. Like he already had one foot out the door, ready to run. Kaveh wanted to be friends with him then. He wanted to know why. Maybe Hashim is why- maybe the pressure from Hashim hadn’t hardened his exterior yet. Maybe he was still crumpling under the expectation of a successful and harsh father. 

Kaveh picks his tack hammer from the tool box and turns on the carpet back towards his mock up. He palms a few finishing nails and holds extras between his lips. 

All things considered, he hasn’t been living with Alhaitham for very long. Almost a year now, from when he moved in the late winter. Kaveh starts driving nails into the delicate, cheap wood to make a frame. 

The front door opens and Kaveh doesn’t have to look to know Alhaitham’s home now. He usually comes back around this time. 

From their second interaction, there’d been tension. Baizhu was accepted into the internship program at the hospital and he had to move out, to move into the dorms there. Kaveh couldn’t afford the apartment by himself so he had to look for somewhere else to live. Through word of mouth, Lisa’s mouth specifically, Kaveh learned a law student was looking for a roommate. 

There were other options. Options closer to campus, options that were cheaper. But none of those options had a roommate who made his blood race through his veins. It’s obvious how attractive Alhaitham is, despite his colder disposition. Kaveh expected him to be arrogant, but was surprised when he wasn’t. He was pedantically pragmatic, but not arrogant. 

Alhaitham doesn’t hold himself above anyone else. He legitimately and completely does not care what other people think about him. Kaveh is envious of that. Kaveh thinks sometimes, maybe he cares too much about what other people think. 

Alhaitham comes into the living room and sits down on one of the sofas, sipping from a mug of something steaming and already nose deep in a book. 

He was always reading. 

But lately, Kaveh remembers him being mostly on his phone. Which was odd. He takes the nails from his lips. 

There’s been a lot of odd things lately, Kaveh thinks. 

Kaveh inhales, still staring down at his frame, and asks what’s been on his mind all day. 

“Who was that, in the library?” He asks. 

Alhaitham lowers his book. 

“... Tighnari.” He answers, knowing who he was asking about. He lifts his book again. 

That name rings a bell. He doesn’t know from where though. 

“Are you dating him?” Kaveh asks. He feels nervous pin needles moving up and down his arms. 

“... No.” He doesn’t lower his book this time. 

“Were you?” 

“No.” 

Kaveh remembers. 

“I don’t know what your game is, but whatever is between us, stays between us. Don’t involve Tighnari.” 

It was in the Law Library, before they met his parents there. Alhaitham called him Cyno. 

“He’s involved himself. He had a problem and I had a solution, who do you think gave him the idea for the account in the first place? Where were you when he needed tuition?”

Kaveh suddenly feels like he’s treading water, and an ocean liner just passed him by without him noticing. The only thing he feels is the wake. Something big happened and Kaveh didn’t notice. He doesn’t even know where to begin to piece things together. He doesn’t even know if he wants to. He’s got enough on his plate. 

He snaps out of it when Alhaitham sets the book down on the couch beside him and gets his attention by leaning forward. 

“Don’t worry about it.” Alhaitham says. Kaveh finally looks up and he doesn’t know why, but Alhaitham’s expression calms him down. He doesn’t look upset or frustrated with the questions. Just… kind of soft. “I didn’t mean for you to see it. And it doesn’t matter now.” 

“What does that mean…?” Kaveh asks, his brow furrowing slightly. 

“It means…” Alhaitham pauses for a moment to think. “It means I made some mistakes and I don’t want you to know what happened.” 

“Why?” Kaveh tilts his head. “It obviously means a lot to you. You’ve changed lately, you’ve been on your phone all the time, you were taking your frustration out on me-” 

“I know, I shouldn’t have.” Alhaitham says. “I’ve been under stress lately.” 

“I know. But you never said from where.” Kaveh says. 

“From the fourth year of a law degree? From my father trying to marry me off because my grandmother-” Alhaitham stops, and shockingly, Kaveh realizes he stops because he’s getting emotional. 

“What about your grandmother?” Kaveh presses. 

“... I don’t want to talk about it.” Alhaitham says firmly. He stands up, picking up his book.

“Haitham.” Kaveh says, pushing himself up off the floor and following after him. Alhaitham doesn’t stop, he keeps walking towards his bedroom. Kaveh can feel the tension radiating from the taller man like a warning siren. “Haitham!” 

“Stop.” Alhaitham says, turning around in the hallway and putting his hand on the wall to stop Kaveh from following him. “Let it go.” 

“No, clearly it’s bothering you to the point of lashing out at other people and yourself.” Kaveh says, not backing down in the slightest. He wasn’t intimidated, but maybe he should be. 

“You’re always sticking your nose in other people’s business.” 

“Yeah, because I care. It’s what people who care do.” Kaveh says. 

“You care too much.” 

“You don’t care enough.” 

Alhaitham leans back, his eyes flickering away from staring into Kaveh’s. Kaveh feels like he said the wrong thing. 

“That’s the problem isn’t it.” Alhaitham says, and Kaveh starts shaking his head. 

“Don’t try to change the subject.” Kaveh says, frustration building. “I didn’t mean it like that. Just tell me what’s going on.” 

Alhaitham exhales through his nose and clenches his jaw. 

“My grandmother is the only reason I’m not already married off to whoever my father wants. She’s been protecting me my whole life from the worst of him. And now she’s dying.” Alhaitham says. 

Kaveh feels a sharp pain through his chest at the hurt in Alhaitham’s voice. 

“It’s why he’s coming around more often, because she’s in the hospital and too weak to keep him off of my back anymore. It’s why I’ve been stressed because she’s the only one who cares about me being me and not Alhaitham of Alhashim. Because I was so intent on distracting myself from that reality I lost the plot and got involved with people I shouldn’t have, and hurt someone.” Alhaitham says, his voice steady but Kaveh can see his jawline tense. “Someone who just wanted to be cared for. Something I can’t give.” 

Alhaitham’s hand clenches into a fist and he breathes deeply in, and out. “Now you know. Are you happy?” 

Kaveh shakes his head. He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t know what to say. Alhaitham nods at the answer, letting his hand fall from the wall and turning away. Kaveh is rooted to the floor as Alhaitham goes into his room and starts to close the door. He can’t leave him like this. He can’t just let that go. 

“Wait-” Kaveh says. He pushes the door back open and Alhaitham doesn’t even look surprised. Kaveh doesn’t think as he lifts his arms and wraps them around Alhaitham’s shoulders. He leans him, hugging the taller man tightly. Alhaitham is stiff, and for a moment Kaveh thinks he made a mistake. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry that happened. It must be difficult.” 

Slowly, Alhaitham’s shoulders relax. Kaveh can feel Alhaitham breathe in, and then feels his hand on his back, gentle. 

Kaveh briefly tightens his hug before he carefully pulls away. He slides his hand down Alhaitham’s arm and then squeezes his hand. Alhaitham is unresponsive, verbally, but he ducks his head down when Kaveh takes a step back. 

“Goodnight.” Kaveh says. 

“Tighnari?” Lisa asks, her brow furrowing in thought as she leans back in the chair. She crosses one of her legs over the other, her long purple skirt parting and revealing her shapely legs encased in silk tights. 

“Ouch-” Kaveh flinches as Nilou accidentally pulls too hard on his hair. She makes a soft sound of apology in her throat but continues on, gathering up the long blond strands in a tight braid. “Or, Cyno maybe?” 

“Cyno I do know.” Lisa says, snapping her hand fan open and fanning her face. It always gets hot in Nilou’s dorm room, especially when they were all in there getting ready. 

“Ow-” Kaveh lifts his hand to press it against his head and Nilou shoos it away. 

“I’m going to shave your head so I can just glue the wig on if you don’t stop being a baby.” Nilou says, gently pulling on the bottom of the unfinished braid to make a point. Kaveh pouts. 

“Cyno’s a friend. Not a close friend, but I’ve helped him with a few general classes.” Lisa says, “He’s a good egg. A bit anti-social at times but obsessed with nerdy things like that card game?” 

Lisa leans forward to pick her phone up from the vanity table, careful not to disconnect it from the charging cord, and starts typing away one handed. Nilou finishes the braid and winds it around the back of Kaveh’s head, pressing it flat and pinning it there. 

“Why do you want to know?” Lisa asks, setting her phone down again. 

“Uh, nothing important.” Kaveh mumbles. He can sense the way Lisa’s already leaning forward to press more information out of him and he waves her off. “When I know more, I’ll tell you. I swear.” 

“Mm, alright.” She says, recognizing it wasn’t something he wanted to talk about. “Well, Cyno’s not answering my texts right now anyway.” 

“Join me in welcoming to the stage, Cinber Rain!” The host’s voice rang out through the speakers and over the crowd of the packed bar. A high pop beat bursts through the room as the stage curtains part and a drag queen struts onto the stage with a surge of applause. 

Kaveh gives a yell of encouragement as he continues through the crowd to the bar. 

“Strelitzia!” The bartender greets him as he leans on the counter and smiles widely at her. “Girl where you been?” 

“Swoop! Busy.” Kaveh says, rolling his eyes dramatically and waving his hand, dismissing whatever he’s been busy with. “Too busy. I need so much alcohol right now.” 

“I gotchu.” Swoop says, turning the wall of liquor and starting to mix him a drink. “You look gorge by the way, is that a new outfit?” 

Kaveh glances down at himself and then takes a step back from the bar to show off. The red and pink sequin emblazoned bodysuit he had on was new. He bought it last summer and never really had a chance to wear it. It highlights his long, shapely legs, even more accentuated by the clunky white heels he has on. It was very disco. He puts his hands on his padded hips and poses for a moment, feeling elated as the bartender pauses her drink mixing to applaud. 

“Oh this old thing?” Kaveh says smugly. Swoop places a glass on the counter, a bright teal liquor fading to crystal clear and already condensating. 

“And this, beautiful.” Swoop says, reaching out to gently tap her finger on the red teardrop choker Childe purchased for him. “Oh- that’s not real… is it?” 

“Maybe.” Kaveh tosses his head, the long red hair from his wig flipping over his shoulder. “Oh, Nilou and Lisa are coming too.” 

“Biiitch.” Swoop shakes her head as she pulls two more glasses from the sink and starts to make more drinks. “You’ve got to catch me up when you’ve got time.” 

“I will.” Kaveh says, taking the drink and turning around. Nilou and Lisa finally catch up to him and approach the bar for their own drinks. The mixed drink is sour and sweet, tropical electric blue. It makes him smack his lips as he swallows and the alcohol burns his throat on the way down. He already feels better than he has in weeks, ready to have a good time. 

“Strelitzia.” 

Kaveh turns as his name is called and he brightens when he sees Baizhu. He’s not in drag, but that’s not a surprise. 

“Baizhu.” Kaveh replies. Kaveh gives him a one armed hug and Baizhu looks him over once he pulls away. 

“I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.” Baizhu says. 

“Dancing King couldn’t get her stubble straight.” Kaveh says, motioning to the bar. Baizhu glances at Nilou. It wasn’t noticeable at all, especially with the rest of her drag being on point. 

“Well, she matches with your uneven tits.” Baizhu quips. 

“Fuck off.” Kaveh says, glancing down at his padded chest and covering it with his free arm. 

“I have a table near the front, the main show started a few minutes ago, so hurry.” Baizhu says, waving over his shoulder as he turns and disappears back into the cheering crowd. 

Lisa and Nilou appear with their drinks in hand and Kaveh turns to follow Baizhu to the table, but Lisa stops him. 

“Wait.” She says. 

“For what?” Kaveh asks, motioning towards the stage. “It’s already started.” 

“For just a moment.” Lisa says, turning to look through the crowd. 

“Lisa.” Kaveh whines, looking towards the stage as the song finishes and the performer dances across it. 

“There- Hi!” Lisa says, raising her hand to get someone’s attention. 

“Am I late?” 

Kaveh freezes, and then turns back around to glare at Lisa as she greets Childe. 

“No dear, you’re just on time.” Lisa says, smiling like a cat who got the canary. Why did she invite Childe? This was supposed to be just a friend's night. 

“You can’t sit with us.” Kaveh says, and those deep blue eyes fixate on him for the first time. 

“Wow Princess, I’m hurt.” Childe says, pouting his bottom lip and tapping his chest. “So mean.” 

“Ignore her, she’s just a bitch before two drinks.” Lisa says. 

“Don’t worry, we’re here all night.” Childe says, winking at Kaveh. Despite himself, Kaveh’s stomach flutters at the flirty gesture. 

“We?” Kaveh asks. 

Childe motions over his shoulder and Kaveh looks to see Diluc emerge from the crowd around the bar with a bottle of beer and a dark fizzy soda. 

“We came to support you.” Childe says, taking the beer from Diluc and throwing his arm around the redhead’s shoulders. 

“Hi.” Kaveh says, surprised to see Diluc here. He was not expecting to ever see the refined Diluc surrounded by queer atmosphere of the bar. Childe was easy, he was at home wherever he went but Diluc was… odd. 

“Hi. You look… great.” Diluc says, his voice betraying his nervousness. 

“Oh, thanks.” Kaveh says, clearing his throat. “I mean, obviously.” 

Diluc chuckles. “Obviously.” 

“Boo.” Childe says, rolling his eyes and pushing away from Diluc. “Boring.” 

Diluc presses his lips together. 

“We’re missing the show.” Nilou says, motioning towards the stage where it went dark as the performer finishes and leaves it. 

“Let’s go then.” 

Childe steps forward, winding his arm around Kaveh’s waist casually and guiding him towards the tables. Kaveh doesn’t fight it, Childe is warm and smells nice and looks good and- Kaveh turns his head sharply to glare at Lisa, and mouths ‘traitor’ at her. She just smiles back. 

“If I hear Dancing Queen one more time, I’m going to fucking lose it.” Kaveh says, slamming his empty glass on the table. His friends laugh. The queen coming off of the stage shoots him a glare as she lip syncs to Dancing Queen and Kaveh wrinkles his nose at her in return. “Been done!” 

“Be nice.” Baizhu admonishes, “You act like you’ve never done it.” 

“- Yeah do it now.” Lisa says. 

“Now?” Diluc asks.

“Yes, when they’re leaving the stage- not a whole hundred you’ll give them the wrong idea. The two fifties.” 

Kaveh sits back in his chair as Lisa helps Diluc tip the performer. Childe has his arm draped over the back of Kaveh’s chair and slouched in his seat on the other side, holding up his tip as the queen approaches the table, dancing on impossibly chunky heels. 

Diluc quickly lifts his arm as she goes past and there’s something so endearing about it. He’s out of his depth but he’s trying to fit in. Kaveh can’t help but smile at him in amusement. The performer notices as well, lingering around Diluc for a beat longer and dragging her manicured hand down Diluc’s raised arm before taking the generous tip. Something she didn’t do to Childe, despite the tip being the same amount. Kaveh crosses one of his legs over the other and crosses his arms under his padded chest. 

“Don’t get jealous now.” Childe says into Kaveh’s ear, and the blond doesn’t have to turn around to know the ginger is smirking. Childe’s hand rests on Kaveh’s thigh, warm through the thick skin toned tights. Kaveh’s attention is drawn by how easily, how casually Childe touches him. 

“I’m not jealous.” Kaveh says, tilting his head slightly to the side as Childe stays close. 

Diluc smiles sheepishly at Lisa before turning to look at Kaveh and Childe. Diluc lifts his soda and takes a sip, leaning back in his seat. 

“Hell of a time not to drink, Ragnvindr.” Childe says. 

Diluc scoffs.

“I doubt this would be easier while intoxicated.” He says, leaning more towards Kaveh to talk more comfortably. 

“Should we peer pressure him?” Childe asks. 

“Don’t bother.” Diluc says. “Besides, you’re drinking enough for all of us.” 

Childe laughs and Kaveh can’t help but smile too. Diluc shakes his head and grins as he looks away to the stage. 

“Hey, we’re up next.” Nilou says as she leans over the table to look at Kaveh. 

“Oh, shit.” Kaveh says, jerking forwards as he realizes she’s right. He hurries to stand, wobbling for a second on his heels. “Yes okay, let’s go.” 

“Good luck.” Diluc says, making warmth bloom though Kaveh’s chest at the sincerity in his tone. 

“Kill it Princess.” Childe says, moving into Kaveh’s seat to sit next to Diluc. 

Kaveh follows Nilou to the backstage area, quickly dragging his fingers through his red wig to straighten it out. He hopes he hasn’t gotten too messy while sitting and waiting. 

Nilou turns and starts fixing Kaveh’s bodysuit as he straightens her suit jacket. 

“From the grave itself-” The host starts and Kaveh rolls his eyes. “Strelitzia and Dancing King!” 

They’re both handed a mic and Kaveh rolls his shoulders back. The next step forward he takes, he’s in the persona he crafted for Strelitzia. Strelitzia doesn’t care what other people think, she knows she’s the best. 

“Yes it’s true!” Kaveh says as he steps into the spotlight, raising his hand high and waving it as he accentuates the swing of his hips to the beat of the music that starts playing. “I know you missed us.”

The crowd surges with a cheer and Kaveh is bolstered by it. Nilou steps past him and blows kisses to the audience. 

“It’s finally time for something from this century.” Kaveh says as the beat picks up and Nilou raises her mic to sing with him. “Don’t look at me like that Justina Time you know I’m talking about you.” 

The crowd bubbles with laughter and Kaveh stomps his foot as the song starts. Kaveh starts snapping his fingers. 

“Where all the boys at with emotional stability?

Nice car, a CEO, and almost just as smart as me”

Kaveh and Nilou sing in sync, snapping their fingers and stepping to the beat. Kaveh turns towards their table, Baizhu and Lisa clapping their hands as they sway back and forth, singing along with them. 

“Where all the boys at with financial security?

A doctor, a model, a man of possibilities”  

The crowd is so good tonight, Kaveh thinks as he watches everyone else respond and starts dancing and singing along with him. He goes through the bridge as he makes his way to the stairs to hit the floor, the chorus coming up. Nilou breaks away for her part, taking center stage and starting her solo dance routine as the crowd goes wild. It’s a rush, going through the chorus and getting to the bridge of the song again. 

He can’t stop smiling as Nilou joins him in singing again and Kaveh flirts his way through the tables. 

“Ooh, he'd pick me up at eight

And not a minute late

'Cause I don't like to wait, no

Kind and ain't afraid to cry

Or treat his mama right

That's right, that's what I like” 

He hates that he’s been away for so long, he loved doing this. He saves their table for last, finally making his way over there as Nilou hits the stage again for another impressive and stylish dance number. He’s so glad she joins him in this and hopes she’s having as much fun as he is. 

Kaveh approaches their table with a confidence he doesn’t normally have, steady on his heels. Diluc’s eyes are wide and amazed and Kaveh is immediately drawn to him. 

“I've been looking high and low

For a man who's just right” 

Kaveh sings as he bends over and caresses Diluc’s cheek. Diluc blushes visibly and Kaveh is living. He winks at the redhead as he takes the tip from his trembling hand and stands upright. He spins around on his toes to face Childe, who’s smiling in amusement from ear to ear. 

“And treats me mighty fine

So come on, baby

Show me what you got.” 

Kaveh points at the stage where Nilou takes it away again, and all eyes are drawn back to her, except for a pair of dark blue. Childe laughs as Kaveh opens his hand and motions for him to put money into it, he didn’t have his tip ready. 

“This ain’t free baby.” Kaveh says away from the mic. 

Childe pulls a stack from his shirt pocket and holds it up in two fingers, but when Kaveh goes for it, he withdraws it slowly and makes Kaveh bend closer to reach. If he was anyone else, Kaveh wouldn’t. Childe bites down on his bottom lip as he relents, pressing the mora into Kaveh’s hand.

“Just thought Diluc wanted to see a bit more.” Childe says, nodding his head behind Kaveh. Kaveh glances back, realizing he just bent over right in front of him. Diluc was flushed red, looking at the table. Childe laughs amusedly. 

“Pervert.” Kaveh says, lifting the mic as the song picks up again. 

“Oh I, wish I could synthesize

A picture perfect guy

Oh I, oh I 

Six feet tall and super strong 

We'd always get along

Alright, alright” 

He gets back up to the stage to finish, throwing himself at Nilou who catches him and dips him down low as the song stops and the lights go down. 

Cheers erupt as everyone stands to applaud. Nilou drops Kaveh to the stage audibly and Kaveh laughs. 

“I can get it.” Kaveh whines, watching his house key turning in the door lock. 

“I know. I know.” Diluc says as he pushes the door open. Kaveh is drunk. Really drunk. Drunk as a skunk. Diluc has his arm around Kaveh’s waist to help him inside. They stumble in through the door and Kaveh hears Diluc drop his shoes on the mat. 

“You’re so nice.” Kaveh slurs, the tights on his legs slippery on the hardwood floor. Why didn’t they have carpet so this wouldn’t happen? 

“Yeah, that’s what I’m told.” Diluc says. 

“Give him to me.” 

Kaveh squints as he hears Alhaitham, tilting his head back to see the younger man with his arms out. 

“Ah, good evening Alhaitham.” Diluc greets, grunting with the effort to keep Kaveh upright. “Hope you’re well.” 

“I’m fine, thank you Diluc.” Alhaitham answers. 

“Pshh, he’s not fine.” Kaveh scoffs, “Liar!” 

“That’s enough.” Alhaitham says sternly as he wraps one hand around Kaveh’s back and takes him from Diluc. He bends, taking Kaveh’s knees with his other arm and picking him up completely. Kaveh’s head lolls back. There’s a deep need to sleep, his whole body weighs so much. He just wants to sleep. 

“Goodnight, gentleman.” Diluc says, nodding his head as he drops Kaveh’s wallet and keys on the side table before leaving. 

“Wh-” Kaveh says, turning his head to watch Diluc close the front door as Alhaitham carries him down the hallway. “Where’s he going?” 

“Home, probably.” Alhaitham says. 

“That’s stupid.” Kaveh mutters. He doesn’t know when, but he’s on his bed now, and Alhaitham is pushing the straps of the bodysuit down. “Why are you still up?” 

“Waiting for you.” Alhaitham says simply, pulling it all off with Kaveh’s tights. Kaveh is so drunk he can barely feel it. “Go to sleep.” 

“No.” Kaveh says, just to be contrary. 

“Yes.” Alhaitham says, picking up the padding that fell out when the bodysuit came off and tossing them into the closet. “You’re drunk.” 

“So?” Kaveh asks, “I had fun.” 

“Drink this.” 

Kaveh opens an eye he doesn’t remember closing to see a cup of water. 

“No.” 

“Yes.” 

“You drink it.” Kaveh says, wrinkling his nose. 

“Kaveh.” 

“Alhaitham.” Kaveh mocks. 

“Just drink it.” 

“Fine.” Kaveh heaves a sigh and leans in. Alhaitham doesn’t let him hold the glass as he drinks the cold water, making sure he doesn’t spill it all over the bed. “Whoever made this drink is bad at bartending.” 

Alhaitham exhales heavily through his nose. 

Kaveh grips the blankets and shakes his head. When did he get under the blankets? 

“Alhaitham.” 

There’s no answer. 

“... Jerk.” Kaveh mutters, giving in to the pull and passing out.

Chapter Text

“I swear if you bring me another beige nightmare I’m going to scream.” Kaveh says, pressing his fingertips to his head as if he could push the pounding headache from his brain. 

Alhaitham, the bastard, looks at the sweater he’s holding up and then back at Kaveh. 

“It’s champagne.” He says. 

Kaveh glares at him from behind his dark sunglasses. 

“You’re doing this on purpose.” Kaveh says, backhanding the sweater. It stays in Alhaitham’s hand and harmlessly flaps on the hanger. Alhaitham smirks. Bastard. 

“Doing what on purpose? I’m helping. You’re the one being obstinate.” Alhaitham says. 

Kaveh rolls his eyes and immediately regrets it when his hungover body protests. He turns back to the rack and continues shuffling through the sweaters. 

“How’d your exams go?” Kaveh asks, trying to push past the petty teasing because his brain hurt too much to squabble properly with the younger man. Kaveh pulls a pastel lavender sweater from the rack and half smiles as he thinks about how he can repurpose it later to Lisa. 

“As well as can be expected.” Alhaitham says, “Allowing a first year biology course and a second year chemistry class to bring down three years of law classes is unacceptable.” 

“Sciences…” Kaveh mutters, briefly thinking about the nightmare of his own general classes. 

“Indeed.” Alhaitham says in agreement. “Progress on your thesis?” 

“Mmmgh.” Kaveh groans, draping the sweater over his arm and looking through the clothes again. He really did not want to think about his schoolwork over the winter holiday. 

“Mm.” Alhaitham hums in agreement. “Do you think this is enough? We still have to get another gown.” 

“Another gown?” Kaveh asks, his shoulders dropping. “I have so many already, I can just wear one I already have, it’s not like they’re single use only.” 

Alhaitham shakes his head. 

“Wearing the same thing to an event of this caliber is social suicide.” Alhaitham says, pulling a green sweater from the rack and throwing it over his arm. “Not only on yourself but on me, and consequently, on the house of my family.” 

“Oh.” Kaveh says, fiddling idly with a clothes hanger. 

“If you want to, you can. I don’t care.” Alhaitham motions at a nearby mannequin styled with a hideous outfit. “What about that?” 

“It’s disgusting and blue isn’t a flattering color-” Kaveh says, and then he frowns as he’s struck with a thought. “How is it that you have an excellent sense of style but when it comes to women’s clothing you’re practically blind?” 

Alhaitham glances up at him and raises an eyebrow. 

“I don’t know. I’ve never been interested in women’s fashion. The only woman I pay attention to is my mother.” Alhaitham says. 

“Oh.” Kaveh says, stepping away from the clothing rack and following after Alhaitham as they walk through the department store. “That makes sense. But, I guess we should get a new gown, we just made up with your parents and I’m not interested in starting another issue.” 

Kaveh stops at a table covered with folded scarves when a teal one catches his eye. 

“You have a sister don’t you? Can’t you give these to her?” Alhaitham asks. 

“No, she’s modest.” Kaveh says, choosing a scarf. “And half my size. Alright, this is enough for three days at least. How long are we going?” 

“I’m not entirely sure. Grandmaster Varka only mentioned the Winter Ball. And the Mondstadt winter holiday.” Alhaitham says, dumping the armful of clothing he was carrying onto Kaveh’s arms. “Christmas I think.” 

“Right. Do we have to wear anything for that?” Kaveh asks, adjusting his arms to hold all his new clothes for Schloss Varkasburg. “I’ve never really spent a holiday with someone who celebrates Christmas.” 

“No, it’s just formal wear, but we’re probably not going to be attending Church.” 

“So what’s the gown for?” Kaveh asks, placing the clothing on the counter and briefly smiling in greeting at the clerk. She starts folding and scanning the mountain of clothing. 

“The Winter Ball. I know my mother made it sound like it was an exclusive invitation from the Grandmaster himself, but the truth is that he invites most dignitaries and political figures to a lavish gathering in the mountains. We do the same during the Spring.” Alhaitham says, with almost a bored tone. “Liyue does one for the Liyuan New Year in February, and Inazuma in September, Fontaine in July, Natlan in November, you get the point.” 

“Sounds exhausting.” Kaveh mutters. 

“It is. Pageantry.” Alhaitham says. Kaveh watches as he retrieves his wallet from his jacket pocket as another clerk joins the first to help bag up the clothing. 

“Are you used to it?” Kaveh asks. 

“Mmm…” Alhaitham thinks for a moment. Kaveh watches his brows furrow before those intense jade eyes look at him. “In some ways. I’ve been spared from most of it by my grandmother, but not from all of it. I accept it for what it is, I suppose.” 

Before the clerk tells them the price Alhaitham pulls a card from his wallet and turns his attention to her. The total amount of the clothing briefly makes Kaveh panic. It’s more mora than he’s ever had his hands on, but Alhaitham doesn’t even blink. 

“This is the newest from Fontaine!” The personal shopper lifts a hanger with a nude coloured dress covered in pink crystals. She flourishes her hand across the fabric and Kaveh smiles nervously at her. It’s beige. He nervously glances behind him at Alhaitham, the younger man reading from a pocket novel and not paying attention. 

“Oh. It’s… Nice.” Kaveh says, feigning interest because she’s practically vibrating with intensity. 

“It perfectly suits your skin tone.” She says, lifting one of the sleeves to press it against the back of Kaveh’s hand to demonstrate. A package of tights Kaveh was holding onto slips to the floor. “This is so perfect for you.” 

“Well I- mm.” Kaveh says, floundering trying to say no. She was so excited it was difficult to think about raining on her parade. “It’s new?” 

“Brand new, we’re the only retailer who has this available!” She says, nodding her head in pride. 

“No.” Alhaitham says. 

Kaveh glances at Alhaitham and then back at the shopper. She doesn’t seem dissuaded. He really doesn’t want this dress but he feels the pressure. 

“At least try it on-” 

“No.” Alhaitham says again, snapping his book closed. “We gave specific parameters. Please follow them.” 

Kaveh feels relieved that Alhaitham is the one to say no, but he still feels bad for the shopper. 

“But ser-” She tries again. 

“Your services are no longer needed.” Alhaitham says with finality. “Send someone else to assist.” 

Kaveh avoids looking at the shopper as he hears her turn and leave. He huffs. 

“Haitham, you could have been nicer.” Kaveh mutters. 

“I was. I told her twice instead of dismissing her immediately.” Alhaitham says. “She was pressuring you, and you were uncomfortable.” 

“Yeah…” 

“Pushy salespeople pray on your feelings of discomfort. Why should I care about hers when she clearly did not care about yours.” Alhaitham tucks the novel back into the pocket on his windbreaker and tilts his head to the side slightly. “Besides, I only care about your comfort.” 

“Ah-” 

“Good morning gentleman.” Another personal shopper says as she approaches, bowing her head briefly in greeting. “How can I help you today?” 

It’s Cold. 

Very cold. 

It feels like the wind pierces straight through Kaveh’s parka. He feels like the make up on his face is about to freeze and crack. He quickly wraps his arms around his chest and hugs himself as he steps out of the car. 

They’d arrived in Mondstadt and it was so bitingly cold that the city was balmy in comparison. Kaveh was not expecting it when he got off the plane. Now he knows why Alhaitham made him buy all those sweaters. 

“Welcome to Varkasburg.” A valet greeted them with cheer. “Happy holidays, honored guests.” 

“Thank you.” Kaveh says with a shudder. 

“I told you to wear a hat.” Alhaitham says, stepping up behind Kaveh. 

“You didn’t tell me it was negative fifty.” Kaveh huffs, trying to bury his nose into his parka collar. 

“It’s in the snow covered mountains, during Winter. I assumed you’d have deductive reasoning.” Alhaitham needles. 

Despite his amusement at Kaveh’s condition, the younger man wraps his arm around Kaveh’s shoulders and pulls him closer as they walk towards the grand doors. He acts as a wind guard, and it does help. Kaveh grips onto the front of Alhaitham’s jacket with a mitten covered hand. 

They enter through grand doors Kaveh doesn’t even have the energy to examine more closely, only intent on getting into warmth. There’s a line of footmen and guards around the doors, their uniforms bulky with insulation and fur hats. As they step through the door, a blast of warm air comforts and invites them in. 

The contrast between the stark white stone of the exterior and the warm brown wood interior is staggering. Cherry and dark stained wood gleam with polish, adorned with red velvets and green silk drapery. There’s sprigs of spiky leaves and red berries as flourishes. It’s busy, bustling with activity as maids and footmen and butlers and other guests traffic the large receiving room. 

Windows, high and thin, pierce through the comfort to show the bright sunlight and snowy mountains and around them are plush chairs and ornate tables laden with afternoon tea for the guests. Kaveh lets go of Alhaitham as his eyes set on the ceiling. 

He’s utterly entranced by the intricate woodwork, the embellishments on the windows and the staircase- 

There’s a massive staircase that winds up and up; Kaveh can’t see the top of it. It was obscured by the landings of more floors and- 

“Hey, Kaveh.” Alhaitham says, cutting through the trance Kaveh was in. The blond blinks and feels cold tears stream from his eyes. “Take a moment.” 

“It’s beautiful.” Kaveh whispers, imploring Alhaitham and gesturing towards the roof. “The- the staircase alone-” 

“I know, you’re getting overwhelmed.” Alhaitham says, gently putting his hand over Kaveh’s and holding it. Kaveh can feel the warmth of Alhaitham’s hand through his mitten. 

“Welcome to- Oh my, are you alright?” A woman steps up to greet them, only for concern to cross her features. 

It takes a moment for it to click who she is. 

“Jean?!” Kaveh says, shocked. 

“Kaveh?!” She says back in equal measure. She drops her shoulders and her blue eyes widen as she recognizes him. Jean looks down and takes in Kaveh’s appearance and then confused, looks back at him. “Why are you-” 

She quickly clears her throat and straightens her shoulders. 

“Forgive me. I was startled. Welcome to Varkasburg.” Jean says, a formal tone in her voice and mannerisms. “Sir Alhaitham, it’s good to see you again.” 

“Likewise.” Alhaitham says. “Just Alhaitham, the sir is redundant in my name.” 

“Apologies, Alhaitham. Gertrude will show you to your rooms.” Jean says as she makes a hand motion over her shoulder. Almost instantly, there’s a maid in the space beside her and bowing. “I hope your first stay at Varkasburg is a memory to cherish.” 

Alhaitham gently wraps his arm around Kaveh’s waist as the maid turns to lead them away. Kaveh tries his best to telepathically communicate his situation but Jean just looks confused. 

“Text me, text me!” Kaveh whispers as he’s lead away by Alhaitham. 

Jean 

WHAT IS GOING ON IS THIS A PRANK? 

Kaveh 

NO

…

…

Jean 

Kaveh you better be typing a four page essay explanation or I swear I’ll tell Lisa. 

Kaveh 

I’m pretending to be Zara because Alhaitham’s parents keep trying to marry him off to someone and he doesn’t want to be married until he graduates but his parents are putting us through some insane obstacle course of proving our relationship instead of just letting us live and I had to agree because I owe him rent but also I kind of wanted to do it because hello he’s ALHAITHAM but at the same time im about to PULL MY HAIR OUT PLEASE just call me Zara and pretend I’m a woman for the next few days my life depends on it. 

Jean 

Your sister?! 

Kaveh 

I PANICKED OKAY i should have thought of a different name. 

Jean 

Barbatos please give me the patience to not strangle this bitch. You know I have to do background checks on the guests don’t you? I have Zara’s profile here and you are NOT a 5’1’’ 30 year old woman with a hijab!! 

Kaveh 

PLEASECOVERFORMEILOVEYOU

I JUST REALLY WANTED TO SEE VARKASBURG!!! 

Jean 

I WOULD HAVE INVITED YOU IF YOU JUST ASKED

Kaveh 

I DIDN’T KNOW YOU’RE FANCY

Jean 

I’M A VARKA?!?! 

Kaveh 

I DIDN’T PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER OKAY SUE ME

Jean

Okay!! 

Kaveh, I have to tell my father about this. If I don't, it's treason. Security is extremely high so I have to change your profile, but he probably won’t even notice! Okay! There’s very important people here he won’t look twice. 

Kaveh 

Yeah I don’t want you to get into trouble. Do what you have to. 

Also I missed you you look really pretty i love your hair like that. 

Jean 

Yeah after graduating I haven’t had a lot of time to check in. I missed you too. You’re too pretty as a woman!! 

Kaveh 

<3 

Jean 

<3 

Kaveh groans and flops on the bed face down. 

“Jean has to change my security profile.” Kaveh says, turning his head to look at Alhaitham. 

Alhaitham was leaning against the wall beside the window, already engrossed in a book as Kaveh furiously texted Jean. 

“Mm.” Alhaitham hums in acknowledgement, even as his eyes dart from right to left as he reads. “Shouldn’t be a problem. We just avoid my parents when there’s other dignitaries around, which is something I do anyway. My mother submitted your name, even though I said I would.” 

“I didn’t know it was going to be a big political thing, I would have said no.” Kaveh says, pushing himself up to sit on the bed and adjusting his clothes. 

“Would you have?” Alhaitham asks, jade eyes glancing at him over the top of the book. 

“... No. I always wanted to see Varkasburg.” Kaveh mumbles. 

“Well, Jean probably won’t be the only person you recognize. So prepare yourself.” Alhaitham says, closing his book carefully and pushing away from the wall. He carefully steps around the bed, his steps muted on the plush carpet. He sits beside Kaveh on the plush bed, leaning back on his hands. His cable knit sweater pulls taut against his chest and Kaveh can’t help but look. 

“... Like who…?” Kaveh asks, fighting to raise crimson eyes to look at Alhaitham’s face. 

“You rub shoulders with a surprisingly large amount of important figures. Like the Tartaglia Heir, the Ragnvindr Heir, the Varka Heir, the professor you’ve been working under all year is the Cultural Director of Liyue, unofficially only second to the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing-” 

“Zhongli?” 

“Yes, if he wanted to, he could generate enough support to be in the Qixing himself, but he chose his family, and to teach.” Alhaitham lazily raises his eyes to look at Kaveh. “It seems you’ve positioned yourself very well, with a lot of powerful friends.” 

“I would never think of them that way.” Kaveh says, frowning and looking down at the quilt. 

“I know.” Alhaitham says, softly. 

Kaveh slowly looks back up at him, feeling a warmth in his chest at the tone in Alhaitham’s voice. The blond suddenly becomes aware of the situation. They’re sitting so close together now, the bright light of the window highlighting the subtle tones of amber in Alhaitham’s emerald eyes. He can feel the younger taking up space in front of him, almost inviting him with his radiating warmth. 

“I think that’s why. You have powerful friends because you don’t see them as powerful friends.” Alhaitham tilts his head slightly as if he’s examining Kaveh. A lock of silver hair falls in front of his eyes and Kaveh lifts a hand to carefully push it aside. 

“And… there’s you.” Kaveh says, his voice lower. 

“There’s me.” Alhaitham says, prompting Kaveh to go on. 

“You’re a success waiting to happen. You’ve got everything going for you.” Kaveh says, dropping his shoulders slightly as he gently caresses Alhaitham’s jawline after tucking the wayward lock of hair away. “You want an easy life, and there’s no doubt you’re going to get it. You’ll graduate in a few months, get a job in Sumeru, and your parents can actually find someone real for you to marry.” 

“Who says I want an easy life?” Alhaitham asks, amused. 

“Everything you do says you want an easy life. You took all your core classes early, like eating your vegetables first. You buy a bunch of the same clothing so you know what your outfit is going to be. You make as much time as possible for yourself, to read. Because it’s what you like doing.” Kaveh says, briefly shaking his head. “But you didn’t major in literature or linguistics or anything like that. Law is the closest, I think, because it can be interpreted in many different ways. And it’s probably something your father would agree to with no fight.” 

“Something like that.” Alhaitham says. He slowly lowers himself down all the way to lay on the bed, his silver hair haloing his head. “I did initially agree to an arranged marriage, because it seems like the easiest option. I have no time to look for a compatible partner.” 

Kaveh lowers himself down to lay on his stomach beside Alhaitham, their legs resting against each other. 

“But, I don’t think I want it anymore.” Alhaitham admits. Kaveh realizes there’s no ice around Alhaitham in this moment. As if the warmth of the castle melted it all away. It’s nice, Kaveh can’t help but appreciate it. 

“Changed your mind?” Kaveh asks. 

“... Yeah. The thing I don’t want to tell you about.” Alhaitham says. Kaveh watches him bite the inside of his lip as he looks up at the ceiling. “I don’t think I should force anyone to marry me when I can’t care for them.” 

“Maybe you just need to find the right one.” Kaveh says, resting his chin on his palm. “Someone to make you care.” 

As much as Kaveh wants to ask him about what happened, he doesn’t. It doesn’t feel like the right time. 

“Maybe.” 

“You can practice on me.” Kaveh says, lifting his legs to kick them. “Considering I am your fiancee.” 

“You know that means you have to actually stick around me this time.” Alhaitham says, turning his head to look at him. 

“What? I’m always around.” Kaveh says with a pout. 

“You always get spirited away by someone else and spend the party with them.” Alhaitham says. 

“... That does happen doesn’t it?” Kaveh says, thinking about the other parties they’ve been to. “Well, I’ll stick around this time. But I’m not going skiing, no way.” 

“Alright.” 

Kaveh smiles when he sees the ghost of a smile on Alhaitham’s face. He feels warm all over.

Chapter Text

“This place is insane.” Kaveh says, planting his hands on the polished wood banister of the spiral staircase and leaning over to look down. Small groups of people congregate around on the floors below him, and he smiles. 

“It’s expensive.” Jean says with a sigh, joining him overlooking the floors below. 

They were on the top floor, where Jean and her father’s rooms were. Kaveh had forgone his make up and padding to just wear the one set of his own clothing he’d brought with him. The rooms up there were private anyway. 

“We only use it for two weeks out of the year for this… minstrel show.” Jean says, resting her chin on her palm. 

“You really don’t like this, huh?” Kaveh asks, looking at her. Jean shakes her head. 

“I understand why, I just think our resources are better used elsewhere. Do I really need to hire four more additional staff to accommodate the Liyue Qixing’s daughter’s two girlfriends? Do I have to import dango milk from Inazuma in case the new Raiden Heir is feeling snacky at 4 am? Do I have to micromanage table settings to make sure the Ragvindr’s aren’t too close to the Snezhnayan heirs?” Jean says, clearly just needing to get things off of her chest. Kaveh lets her rant. “And Barbara- she just gets to flounce around and smile and Mika just has to stick around. It’s all on me.” 

“Why doesn’t Barbara help?” Kaveh asks, sliding closer to her to press their arms together to comfort her. She responds to hugs and physical comfort well. 

“Because I don’t… want her to.” Jean admits, sighing out heavily and dropping her face into her hand. “I’m supposed to be able to handle this.” 

“Then handle it.” Kaveh says. 

Jean drops her hand to level a flat look at him. 

“What? If you can’t let go of your pride to ask for help, then you have to step up.” Kaveh elaborates, “You’ve done it before.” 

“Yeah, but this year is different.” Jean says, pushing herself up and gripping the railing with both hands. “We invited the next generation and plus ones. There’s three times more people here than usual. That’s why you’re here.” 

Jean exhales through her nose and presses her lips together, and Kaveh can see her visibly pull herself back together again. 

He doesn’t say anything, he just looks back down over the bannister. 

“... You’re right though.” She admits, after a few moments of silence. “I should ask for help before this becomes a disaster.” 

Kaveh pats the back of Jean’s hand. 

“There you go.” He says. “Just don’t make me go skiing.” 

Jean smiles in amusement. “You don’t want to ski?” 

“No. Can you imagine how hard it would be to learn how to ski with two pounds of foam inserts in? For me?” Kaveh says dramatically. “I’d end up with one tit on my back if I wiped out and have to explain that to Haitham’s draconian parents.” 

Jean covers her nose and snorts a laugh. Kaveh laughs with her and he’s glad that she’s not as stressed as she was before. 

“Yeah, Alhashim? Scribe of Haravatat and Next In Line to Become Grand Sage? Can you pass me my asscheek it fell out.” Kaveh says in his higher pitched tone. “No, don’t ask questions.” 

Jean laughs out loud, her ponytail shaking as she shakes her head. “Stop! You act like you don’t backflip on stage in heels with those inserts in.” 

They both laugh, holding onto each other. 

“Ah, speaking of which, I went out two days ago.” Kaveh says after they calmed down. “Had two big spenders with me.” 

“Big spenders?” Jean asks, curious. 

“Mm, one is your old beau, Diluc Ragnvindr.” Kaveh says, holding up one finger. “And the other, Childe.” 

“Oh Barbatos, those two.” Jean says, rolling her eyes. 

“Yeah, they’re… well.” Kaveh says, shrugging one shoulder. “Something.” 

“It’s good that Diluc is getting out, I guess.” Jean says, looking down over the stairs again. “He took the break up pretty hard.” 

“You broke up with him?” Kaveh asks. 

Jean nods. 

“You didn’t know?” She asks, looking at him. 

“I never asked, really. Lisa just said you two split, and you were threatening to be spontaneous with Lisa as a result.” Kaveh says. 

Jean rolls her eyes. 

“I just asked if she wanted to go to Port Ormos in August. I wanted to get away before she had to go back to school.” Jean sighs softly. “I don’t know. Diluc is… I always felt like he was looking for something. An excuse, an out, or like, a reason to do something else.” 

Jean looks introspective as she thinks. 

“I love him, of course, we grew up together and we’ll always be friends but- I just felt like it was over. I didn’t want to drag it out.” She says. “He needs something, something to make him open up. I hope he can find someone that gives him what he needs. Maybe he’ll find that person here, there’s so many stupidly rich young people here this weekend.” 

Kaveh sees a flash of that little smile Diluc gave him whenever he hit the mark at the Casino Benefit in his mind. He thinks about how nervous but eager he appeared at the Drag Show. He feels like Jean is right though, he was always so considerate of Kaveh but rarely did he show his own hand, what his feelings and thoughts were. Kaveh realizes Diluc is difficult to read, but it’s on purpose, Diluc was guarded. 

Jean turns her soft blue eyes to look at Kaveh, and she smiles warmly. “Did he have fun at the bar?” 

Kaveh blinks, pulling himself out of his spiraling thoughts about the redhead. “Yeah, he was definitely a fish out of water but I think he had a good time. Childe was there to keep him on his toes.” 

“He does that.” Jean rolls her eyes again. “I have to make sure they don’t get on the hill at the same time, they’ll end up racing and someone will end up with a broken leg.” 

“They’re here?” Kaveh asks. 

“Of course. Diluc has an open invitation here, and Childe is here with his family.” Jean says. “Diluc is on his way, though. I think he was in Mondstadt the last time he checked in with me.” 

“Hm. Who else is here that I would know?” Kaveh asks. 

Jean inhales deep and exhales slowly as she thinks. “I don’t even know, there’s so many. Lisa is coming for Christmas, she’s bringing Fischl and Mona. But they’re not a part of all this, they’re just coming to visit me. Albedo is coming, I don’t know if you know him.” 

Kaveh shakes his head. 

“He goes to the same uni. I invited Venti to play for the Winter Ball.” 

Kaveh shakes his head again. 

“He’s a music major, about to graduate. He’s from Mondstadt. Uhm, Kaeya is coming too. He should be with Diluc.” 

Kaveh nods. “I know Kaeya. Why’s he with Diluc?” 

Jean stares at him for a moment. “Because they’re brothers…” 

“What?! Really?” Kaveh asks, thinking about how different Kaeya is than Diluc. “No. They don’t even look the slightest bit alike.” 

“Kaeya’s adopted.” Jean says, nodding her head. “When he was 17, Diluc’s father adopted him.”

“I had no idea.” Kaveh says. “But it’ll be nice to see him I guess. He dropped out, what, two years ago?” 

Jean nods. “He works for my dad now, but he’s doing well.” 

“I’ll look for him. Can you give him a heads up about uh, Zara?” Kaveh asks. Jean nods. 

They both go quiet and relax in the calm. The bubbles of other conversations float up from the other guests below. 

“I missed you. We should talk more.” Jean says softly. 

“I missed you too. I’ve been so busy with my thesis I’ve barely come up for air. It’s great being able to just unleash all the creativity I’ve been honing for the past four years but it’s consuming.” Kaveh says, thinking about his unfinished thesis back home. 

“If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.” Jean says, nudging him with her arm. Kaveh reaches over to pat her hand again. 

“I will.” 

Alhaitham opens the door to their room and mutters a brief ‘Thank you’ to whoever is on the other side. Kaveh glances over from where he was standing in front of the vanity table trying to clip the back of an earring on. The door closes and there’s a rustle of plastic as Alhaitham approaches him. 

“I borrowed this.” Alhaitham says as he carefully withdraws a mound of white fur from its protective wrap and Kaveh’s eyes widen as he unfolds it. It’s a luxurious fur tippet, shaped to drape over his shoulders with a hidden clasp in the middle. 

“Holy shit.” Kaveh says, dropping the earring onto the vanity to press his hand against the thick fur. It’s soft and supple. “This is gorgeous.” 

“It’ll keep you warm.” Alhaitham says, holding it up. He motions for Kaveh to turn around and the blond is too stunned to argue. Kaveh turns his back to Alhaitham. “It’s my mother’s. But there shouldn’t be a problem with the fit.” 

Kaveh nervously looks at himself in the mirror, taking in his bare shoulders and the illusion neckline of the golden gown they’d chosen the day before. The gown had a long tulip skirt, offering a peak at the silk and cashmere tights underneath when he walked. Alhaitham carefully drapes the tippet over Kaveh’s shoulders, and Kaveh suppresses a shiver as the warmth of Alhaitham’s palms briefly press against his skin. He’s careful as he brushes Kaveh’s loosely curled hair aside and over. The tippet is wide enough to go down to his elbow, the velvet inside soft and warm. 

“Hm.” Alhaitham says as he tries to clasp it together over Kaveh’s chest, but there’s a significant gap. Kaveh’s shoulders were too wide. “Well…” 

“Ah. Your mom is a lot smaller I guess.” Kaveh says, reaching up to hold one side of the fur so it doesn’t slip. 

“I have an idea.” Alhaitham says, stepping away from Kaveh. Kaveh turns to watch Alhaitham go to his suitcase open on the bed. He admires the tailored cut of the dark, almost black, green of his suit. The cuffs were still open and his waistcoat was unbuttoned, the black shirt untucked. His suit jacket hung on the bathroom door waiting to be put on. The gray haired man digs through his things until he withdraws a small black velvet box. “These’ll do, I think.” 

He comes back to Kaveh as he opens the box and palms the two jade cufflinks inside. They’re a beautiful shade of deep green, Alhaitham’s preferred color. Kaveh looks down to watch as Alhaitham uses his fingernail to pry off the back end of one. 

“They’re magnetic, so they won’t hurt your dress or the fur.” Alhaitham mutters. 

“You’ve got clip-on cufflinks?” Kaveh asks, an amused smile lifting the corners of his lips slowly. 

“They’re easier.” He says, simply. 

“Yeah.” Kaveh says, laughing softly. 

“Are you judging me?” Alhaitham asks, raising an eyebrow at him as he positions the top over the white fur. 

“A little bit, yeah.” Kaveh says. 

“Because you’re a cufflink connoisseur?” 

Alhaitham slides his hand underneath the illusion neckline and Kaveh is really proud of himself for not responding like a giddy teenager, even though the touch sends ripples of excitement through him. 

“Well, I don’t have clip-ons.” Kaveh says. 

Alhaitham does it quickly, the fur now pinned securely to Kaveh’s dress with two shining jade cufflinks. They look decorative though, a touch of complementary color. 

Alhaitham’s color. 

Nevermind that. 

“Now you do.” Alhaitham says, gently smoothing out the tippet and making sure it was even. 

“... Thank you. It’s really thoughtful of you to borrow this for me.” Kaveh says, gently brushing his hand over Alhaitham’s as he pulls away. 

Alhaitham clears his throat. 

“The way you were complaining about the cold when we got here inspired me.” Alhaitham says. “You should get your shoes on. We have to go.” 

Alhaitham turns away to tuck in his shirt and Kaveh turns back to the vanity. He sits down to finish getting ready, taking a moment to press his hand into the plush fur to appreciate it again. Kaveh picks up the errant earring and carefully puts it on, his crimson eyes occasionally glancing behind him where Alhaitham is buttoning up his waistcoat. 

He tries to keep his eyes on himself in the mirror. 

He doesn’t want to pay attention to the way the fabric moves across Alhaitham’s shoulders as he shrugs on the suit jacket. He wants to pay attention to how he’s applying a dab of perfume onto his neck. 

Alhaitham is so handsome it fucking hurts. He’s putting on cufflinks and Kaveh can’t handle it. He looks away from the mirror, bending over to pull the shoes from under the vanity and slip his feet into them. No mirror down here. Nope. Just some heels. 

“Having trouble?” Alhaitham asks. 

Kaveh looks up and clenches his teeth as Alhaitham is fully dressed and fitted and it’s not fair. He even fucking smirks. How dare he. 

“No.” Kaveh says, straightening up and then standing. “I’m ready.” 

Kaveh follows Alhaitham out of the room and down the hall, briefly distracted by the flourishes around the windows on this floor. Alhaitham winds his arm around Kaveh’s waist to keep him moving. 

“You’ve got time to look later.” Alhaitham says as he guides him to the staircase. 

“Spoilsport.” Kaveh mutters. 

“Remember what you said earlier.” Alhaitham says, his hand sliding up on Kaveh’s waist where there was no foam padding and Kaveh could feel him. “You’re mine tonight. No running off, even if it is for interesting architecture.” 

Kaveh bites down on his tongue to avoid saying something stupid like, you can have me for more than tonight . 

Once they reach the ground floor they’re directed by the staff to the ballroom. The doors are open wide and flanked by footmen wearing extravagant uniforms. As they step inside, all thoughts are swept out of Kaveh’s head as the sheer grandeur of the room stirs something in his soul. 

The room is trimmed in gold and white and the walls are lined with mirrors. The ceiling above is domed and trussed with an extravagance that speaks directly to Kaveh in its complexity and it’s enhanced by the crystal draped chandeliers. It’s so beautiful that Kaveh wants to cry. The room is filled with color and life from the guests, the dance floor in the middle of the room is a swirl of color from the dancing couples. There’s a slightly lifted stage area where a grand piano is surrounded by musicians on string instruments, rich music filling the air. 

“I want to fuck that floating arch.” Kaveh says as he points to the middle of the ceiling. 

“... At least wait until after the Winter Ball.” Alhaitham says. 

“Champagne?” A butler approaches and offers his platter. Kaveh takes one with thanks and carefully takes a sip as he keeps his eyes on the ceiling. 

“Don’t fall.” Alhaitham says as he guides Kaveh further into the room. 

“Oh, Haitham.” They stop as someone addresses Alhaitham. “I heard you were around.” 

“Mm, it’s good to see you.” Alhaitham says. Kaveh briefly takes his eyes off the walls to look. There’s a man in traditional Inazuman formal wear, smiling softly at Alhaitham. “Ayato, this is my… fiancee.”

“Ah.” Ayato focuses his lavender eyes on Kaveh and Kaveh smiles in greeting. “I’ve heard so much about you.” 

“This is Kamisato Ayato, one of my friends.” Alhaitham says, gesturing to Ayato. 

“Oh, it’s nice to meet one of Haitham’s friends.” Kaveh says, bowing his head slightly. 

“Yes, well, it’s not like there’s an abundance of people who can call themselves friends to Alhaitham.” Ayato says. 

“Thanks.” Alhaitham says sarcastically. Ayato is amused by the response. 

“Oh, how rude of me, this is my retainer, Thoma.” Ayato says as he takes a half step back and motions to the blond man behind him. 

“Hey there. You guys good on champagne?” Thoma asks, radiating an energy that endears him to Kaveh immediately. 

“I’m alright thank you.” Kaveh says. 

“You should have breakfast with us tomorrow.” Ayato says, nodding his head briefly. “There’s a few things I need to talk to you about. One of them being my early departure from the city. I’ll send Thoma to fetch you around 9?” 

“Mm.” Alhaitham says, nodding his head. 

“Good, I have to find a dancing partner, if you’ll excuse us.” Ayato says. He graciously bows his head before turning to leave. 

“I think that’s the first friend of yours I met.” Kaveh says as he retreats. 

“We booked the same study caddy and worked out a timetable to work together in silence in our first year. Despite his looks, he’s probably one of the most dangerous men in this room.” Alhaitham says. Kaveh’s eyes widen. 

“What?” Kaveh asks, turning to watch the retreating back of Ayato. 

“You don’t need to worry, unless you’re planning on climbing the political ladder in Inazuma.” Alhaitham says. “Or you get on the wrong side of anyone he considers family.” 

“... Like… gangster style?” Kaveh asks, his voice hushed. 

Alhaitham looks at him, raising an eyebrow. “Gangster style?” 

“You know what I mean.” Kaveh huffs. 

Alhaitham stares at Kaveh for a moment before he chuckles, shaking his head. “You have too much imagination.” 

Kaveh is too stunned that Alhaitham laughed to argue further. 

“Excuse me.” A feminine voice speaks up from behind Alhaitham. They both turn to look and there’s a beautiful blonde smiling at Alhaitham. “Would you like to dance?” 

Kaveh just barely holds himself back from sneering as jealousy flares in his stomach. He bites it back, and thinks about how hypocritical of him to be jealous. 

“No, thank you.” Alhaitham says, nodding his head once. She hums and nods, breezily walking away. 

Kaveh takes a drink of his champagne. 

“Haitham.” 

They both tense as they hear the familiar voice of Hashim. Alhaitham sighs before he guides Kaveh to the table where his parents were sitting. 

“Father, mother.” Alhaitham greets. 

“Oh you look beautiful my dear.” Farah gushes as she stands up from her chair. She approaches Kaveh and takes his hand. “Gold really suits you.” 

“Thank you,” Kaveh says, making sure to act bashful. He places his hand gently on his chest. “I wasn’t sure…” 

“Yes yes, gorgeous!” She says. “It’s a shame the tippet doesn’t fit. But your shoulders are so wide…” 

Kaveh feels the comment dig into his throat but simply smiles again. Of course it doesn’t fit because she's half his size. 

“Alhaitham made sure I can still wear it.” Kaveh motions at the jade cufflinks. “I am not used to the cold at all.” 

“Mm, well when you’re not used to traveling like we are it can be a shock.” She says. 

Kaveh nods and smiles but he finishes his glass of champagne. 

“Sit down, you should try the food, it’s delicious.” Farah motions to the unoccupied chairs beside Hashim and sits down herself. 

Kaveh clears his throat and Alhaitham takes him by the hand. Kaveh doesn’t realize how tense he was until Alhaitham carefully intertwines their fingers and squeezes gently. 

“Let’s sit.” He says, leaning in to say it close to Kaveh’s ear. “Don’t let her get to you.” 

 Kaveh nods stiffly and goes with Alhaitham to sit down at the table. Thankfully, Farah and Hashim are immediately occupied with talking to other people as they settle down. Kaveh gathers his thoughts back together, admiring the far wall behind the stage where it looked like iron wrought window panes overlooking the mountain, snow shining brightly in the moonlight. He looks at the dancefloor and half smiles. Alhaitham probably doesn’t want to dance. Shame. 

“Are you alright?” Alhaitham asks, turning slightly towards Kaveh. Kaveh blinks as he’s pulled from his thoughts. 

“Yes, I was just… sad.” Kaveh says, poking out his bottom lip slightly. 

“Why?” 

“Because you probably don’t want to dance.” Kaveh says. 

Surprisingly, Alhaitham stands up immediately. 

“Come on then.” He says, offering his hand. Kaveh looks unsure. 

“Really?” He asks, placing his hand into Alhaitham’s. “But you said no earlier.” 

“Not to you.” Alhaitham says. Kaveh has to swallow the surge of emotions that bubble up in his throat at the answer. 

“... Don’t regret this.” Kaveh says with a smile, standing and pulling Alhaitham towards the dance floor. 

The blond pulls them onto the floor and places his hand on Alhaitham’s waist. The younger man levels a look of disbelief at him, and then pointedly takes Kaveh’s hand and puts it on his shoulder. 

Right, Alhaitham is supposed to lead. Kaveh laughs to himself as Alhaitham places his hand on his waist and cups the other around Kaveh’s palm. They easily merge into the other dancers, Alhaitham leading them easily. It’s surprising, Kaveh couldn’t imagine Alhaitham dancing before, even though it makes sense that he can. 

It’s easy to slip into the role and let Alhaitham take the lead. 

A flash of familiar red catches Kaveh’s attention and he looks to see Diluc. Their eyes meet and Diluc smiles. It looks like Diluc is waiting for them to pass, so he can step in to ask Kaveh for a dance like he did before. As they pass him, Alhaitham turns them around the other way, not getting close enough to Diluc and swishing right past him. 

“Look at me.” Alhaitham says, pulling Kaveh a little closer as they dance. “Not him.” 

“Haitham.” Kaveh says, feeling an odd sort of giddiness bubble in his throat. “You’re going to cause an international incident.” 

“Mondstadt can’t afford a war.” Alhaitham responds easily. 

Kaveh exhales a short breath, speechless. He briefly catches a glimpse of Childe, approaching them, and again, Alhaitham moves them away from the ginger. This time, Kaveh can’t help but laugh. 

“Snezhnaya can’t afford a war either?” Kaveh asks. 

“Sumeru is the second most powerful nation in Teyvat currently, but if the Raiden Shogun also tries to take you from me, I’ll make sure we’re the first.” Alhaitham says as his hand moves around to settle on Kaveh’s lower back. “You’re supposed to be my fiancee.” 

“I am, I am, don’t worry.” Kaveh says. 

The music slows down and Alhaitham moves with it, keeping them more towards the stage to avoid anyone from interrupting them. He lets go of Kaveh’s hand to wrap both arms around his middle, pulling him closer. Kaveh rests both of his hands on the younger man’s shoulders. 

“If I didn’t wear heels I could look up at you enchantingly through my lashes. Entice you that way.” Kaveh says, feeling wonderfully elated at the intimate moment. 

“Why would you do that?” Alhaitham asks, tilting his head curiously. 

“Because it’s how this moment is supposed to go.” Kaveh says, “I pretend to be demure and shy to draw you in to kiss me.” 

“You’re not demure and shy though.” Alhaitham says, “You’re almost the opposite. Brash, loud.” 

“You’re ruining the moment.” Kaveh pouts. 

“Am I?” Alhaitham asks, “Because I think the foam breasts wrinkling my suit are ruining the moment.” 

Kaveh snorts. Alhaitham smirks. 

Or was it a smile. 

Kaveh leans his head on Alhaitham’s shoulder as they dance, not wanting the song to end. But it does, eventually. 

Alhaitham carefully pulls away as the dancers around them break apart and applaud the pianist. 

“You don’t need to wait for a moment.” Alhaitham says, tightening his grip on Kaveh’s waist. Kaveh inhales as his body responds with a thrill of excitement. 

“I don’t?” He asks. 

“No.” Alhaitham leans in closer, their noses bumping together briefly. 

Kaveh parts his lips ever so slightly and leans in, meeting Alhaitham’s in a soft kiss. It’s chaste, quick, he feels the warmth and intimate give to Alhaitham’s lips before he pulls away. 

“See?” Alhaitham says. Kaveh can tell he’s trying to act like it didn’t affect him, but there’s a flush of color on the younger man’s cheekbones, matching the heat in Kaveh’s face. 

“Mm, no.” Kaveh says, leaning back in. “You’ll have to try again.” 

Kaveh initiates the kiss again, pressing more insistently against Alhaitham’s mouth. Pleasure zips from the connection all the way through Kaveh’s core as he feels Alhaitham kiss him back, briefly tasting champagne as he opens his mouth. 

Before he can get swept away by the feeling, the music starts again and they break apart. Alhaitham’s lips are tinted the tiniest amount of red by Kaveh’s lipstick. Kaveh’s color. 

Kaveh twists his hair around his finger to try and get some of the bounce back into some curls that have gone limp. He frowns at his reflection in the mirror when it doesn’t work. He glances around the bathroom, and when he finds no one paying attention, he grabs at the waistband of his tights through the dress and tries to adjust them. 

He feels a little weird about being in the ladies powder room, but he was pointedly not looking at anyone but himself. 

“Woooow.” 

Kaveh glances up in the mirror to see Layla. 

He turns to face her. 

“Hi.” He says, nervously. 

She looks different. Kaveh remembers the somber, sleepy look to her features when they met before, but she was sharp and smirking now. 

“Zara, right?” She asks, stepping up to the counter beside him. “You look amazing.” 

“Yes, thank you.” Kaveh says, turning around to look back into the mirror. 

“You’re so lucky.” Layla sighs dramatically. “There’s like, two eligible men in Sumeru and you got one. The other one is over 50 years old. Yuck.” 

“Ah, I didn’t know the pickings were so bad.” Kaveh says, and immediately starts kicking himself. What the fuck was that? That was a dumb thing to say. 

“I know. My grandfather’s been trying to set me up for months. There’s some options I guess, but he’s dead set on someone from Sumeru.” Kaveh can hear the eyeroll in Layla tone. “He’s also elitist, he won’t even consider someone normal. You’re so lucky.”

“Alhaitham’s parents were trying too, well… you know.” Kaveh says, and then he kicks himself again. 

“That was fucked up.” Layla says, snorting a laugh. “Cringe. Anyway, what's he like?” 

Layla turns, leaning her hip on the counter and crossing her arms over his chest. 

“Alhaitham?” Kaveh asks. 

“Yeah, he’s really, really weird.” Layla says. “But he’s hot as hell. How’d he get so ripped being a law student?” 

“He works out every morning.” Kaveh says, thinking about those nights when Kaveh stayed up too late and Alhaitham left for his work out. “He says it helps him focus on his studies for the day.” 

“Wow. I couldn’t do that to save my life. I’m barely awake at normal times of the day.” Layla says. “Okay but like, what’s he like ? No offense because you’re like, actually stunning but you’re pretty big, does he throw you around? Is he kinky?” 

“What-” Kaveh feels embarrassment flood his chest and he knows he’s blushing. “N-no.” 

He’s not used to talking about this kind of thing. He doesn’t kiss and tell. 

“Boo.” Layla says. “Whatever. Lucky bitch.” 

Layla waves her hand over her shoulder as she turns to leave, her hips swaying as she pushes the powder room door open. 

Kaveh pats his face. 

It takes him a little while to calm down, fighting to not think about what Alhaitham’s like in bed. He leaves the powder room a little while later and reorients himself in the room. As he’s looking around, he sees Professor Zhongli. He takes a step towards him, intent on talking to him, but stops when he remembers he’s not Kaveh right now. 

Zhongli is standing with the pianist from earlier. Jean had said she asked a university student from Mondstadt to play for the ball earlier. Venti. 

Someone excuses herself past Kaveh and he apologizes for standing in the way, taking a step to the side so he wasn’t standing in front of the door. When he looks back up, he’s surprised because Zhongli is a lot closer than he was before. So close Kaveh can hear their conversation as they’re walking. 

Kaveh panics and turns around to face the wall, surprised when he sees himself staring back at him. Right, the walls were mirrored. He looks into the mirror to see Zhongli and Venti pass right behind him. 

“... Maybe tomorrow he’ll feel better.” Zhongli says in a placating tone. 

“I hope so.” Venti says with a sigh. 

They almost pass Kaveh when Childe approaches them, stopping them. Kaveh curses. He really hopes Zhongli doesn’t notice him. 

“Hey, Zhongli, I didn't know you were coming.” Childe says, smiling warmly at the professor. 

“Hm, yes. You caught me at a bad time. I am just escorting Venti back to his room and I need to check in on my son. The flight here did not agree with him. Excuse me.” Zhongli says, already pushing to walk past Childe. “Goodnight Tartaglia.” 

Ouch. 

Even Kaveh feels how coldly Zhongli dismissed Childe. 

“... Goodnight.” Childe says, taking a hesitant step back. Kaveh just catches Venti’s pointed look at Childe before they both leave. Kaveh turns around just as Childe is unbuttoning his suit jacket and chewing on the inside of his cheek. 

“Goodnight…” Childe rolls his eyes, clearly upset with himself. “Fuck.” 

Childe glances around before waving over a server and taking a delicate glass of champagne. He downs it all and takes another glass before heading towards the door. 

Kaveh feels bad. He’s never seen Childe respond like that before. He follows after him, running a few steps to catch up. 

Before he can get to the door, a hand catches him by the wrist and stops him. 

“Wait.” 

Diluc steps in front of Kaveh and shakes his head. 

“Childe-” Kaveh says, motioning at the door. 

“I know.” Diluc says, but he shakes his head again. “Don’t. Just go back to your date, okay? When he gets like this, it’s best to avoid him.” 

Kaveh chews his tongue between his teeth. He shakes his head. “I can’t just forget about it.” 

Diluc briefly closes his eyes. 

“I’ll go. Okay?” He says, “I’ll go find him, he’ll be fine.” 

Diluc lifts Kaveh’s hand gently and kisses the back of it. “Zara.” 

Diluc lets him go and turns away, leaving the ballroom. Kaveh worries his hands together as he watches Diluc leave.

What was that? 

“Hey.” 

Kaveh feels a familiar touch at his back and turns to see Alhaitham. He looks concerned. 

“What’s wrong?” 

Kaveh shakes his head. “Childe is… I don’t know. I’ve never seen him like that. He just ran out.” 

“Mm. Don’t worry, he can’t hurt himself.” Alhaitham says, “He probably needs to cool off. Maybe he had too much to drink.” 

“But I-” 

“I know you have a lot of empathy.” Alhaitham says, “But he left, he obviously needs space. If he wanted your attention he isn’t shy about it.” 

Kaveh sighs and has to admit Alhaitham is right. But he feels rotten on the inside, Childe was his friend, in a weird way. 

“... I’m tired.” Kaveh says softly. 

“Alright, let’s go.”

Chapter Text

“Having to wear a brazier this whole time may have been a mistake.” Kaveh mumbles as he steps out of the ensuite bathroom, followed by a bellow of steam from the shower. He exhales heavily as the cool air from the room makes goosebumps prickle over his arms and neck. The shirt he usually wears to sleep used to be red, but it’s long faded to pink and stretched out of shape; it almost hides his shorts under the hem. He picks up a fresh towel to drape over his still damp hair.  

“Why’s that?” Alhaitham asks, draping towels over his arm. 

Kaveh lifts his shirt, his nose wrinkling as he shows Alhaitham the red indentation around his chest where the bra dug in all day. Alhaitham glances at it and grimaces slightly. “Oh.” 

“Yeah.” Kaveh drops his shirt to rub his hand over his ribs and chest to soothe the irritated area as he plods towards the bed. 

“I don’t think I can fix that with cufflinks.” Alhaitham says, making Kaveh scoff. “I’m going to shower.”

Kaveh hums in response as he lifts his knee to climb onto the bed. The blankets are so soft and luxurious, they feel amazing against his legs. He picks up his phone from the nightstand and taps through, picking a video to watch while he dries his hair. He picks a review about a movie he wants to watch and sets his phone down on the bed. 

Alhaitham moved their suitcases and things to the dresser and turned off most of the lights while Kaveh was in the shower and only the small bedside lamps are still on, casting a comfortable, dim yellow glow over the room. It isn’t a very big room in comparison to most other rooms he’d experienced pretending to be Alhaitham’s fiance, but it is more his style; comfortable, functional, beautiful. There’s nothing stark or modern about the furniture or the decor. 

Kaveh keeps his eyes on his phone as he dries his hair, careful not to get it tangled. When it’s dry enough, he tosses the towel in the vague direction of the clothing hamper and runs his fingers through his blond locks to ensure there are no snags, and then starts braiding it. His hair is a lot longer than he usually likes to have it, but he hasn’t had a lot of time to get to a salon for a trim the past semester. His blond locks are below his shoulder blades now, almost to the middle of his back. 

Not a lot of time passes before the door to the bathroom opens again and Alhaitham emerges, still towel drying his own hair. He’s wearing something similar to Kaveh, an oversized green t-shirt and long, thin, gray pajama pants; he looks comfortable, Kaveh thinks. Alhaitham drops his towel into the hamper, and then bends and picks up Kaveh’s discarded towel to add to it. 

“You really couldn’t be bothered to put it into the hamper?” Alhaitham says. 

“Mm, why would I? You just did that.” Kaveh says, not lifting his eyes from his phone. In his periphery, Kaveh can see Alhaitham tense and pause, and he just knows Alhaitham is thinking about digging into the hamper to pull it out to spite Kaveh. He grins to himself, glancing up from his phone to look at Alhaitham. 

“Thank you.” Kaveh says in an overly sweet tone.  

Alhaitham rolls his eyes and shakes his head before turning to his suitcase on the dresser. He digs around for a moment before withdrawing a book. Kaveh pauses the video he’s watching with his elbow, to give Alhaitham some quiet while he reads. 

“You don’t have to stop.” Alhaitham says as he gets on the bed. He pushes a pillow against the headboard and leans back onto it, stretching his long legs over top of the blankets. “I’m used to tuning out your noise.” 

“ My noise.” Kaveh says, tying the end of the braid together and throwing it over his shoulder. 

“You’re noisy. It’s a fact.” Alhaitham says, opening his book and letting the bookmark fall to his chest. 

“I was trying to be polite.” 

“And I’m telling you, you don’t have to be.” 

“What about a little gratitude?” Kaveh huffs, turning to fluff up his pillow in frustration.

“Oh, thank you Kaveh for putting yourself out so much on my behalf.” Alhaitham says, sarcasm dripping from his tone. “I’m so grateful the Ever So Popular Kaveh deigns to think of me.” 

Kaveh’s blood boils, frustration running hot through his veins. He turns, snatching the novel away from Alhaitham and glaring at him. 

“This is your problem!” Kaveh almost shouts. “I can’t do anything nice because it just gets thrown back in my face.” 

Alhaitham’s jaw sets like it always does when he’s clenching his teeth; like he’s reached the end of his temper. Kaveh feels a little vindictive joy at the sight. 

“No, this is your problem.” Alhaitham says, grabbing the book back and tossing it behind him. “You put yourself out for someone even when you don’t need to. Just because I’m the only one who pushes back against you when you do it doesn’t make me a problem. It just highlights yours.” 

“Don’t you turn this on me.” Kaveh snaps, facing Alhaitham and fisting his hand in the blankets. “You are fully fucking capable of being civilized and polite to everyone else but me. I’ve been beside you for months now and you don’t treat anyone else this way.” 

“Because they don’t fucking matter Kaveh.” Alhaitham says, louder than before. “I don’t give a single fuck about them, so I don’t waste my effort or my time. But you?” 

Kaveh is shocked, his eyes widening slightly and his brow furrowing in confusion. 

“You already put yourself out for me in ways I shouldn’t have even asked for. You’re two thousand kilometers from home and you’ve got indentations around your chest because of a stupid plan of mine so excuse me if I try to make your life easier wherever I can. Can’t you fucking see that?” Alhaitham gestures with his hand towards Kaveh and then at the room. “All this is because you put yourself out too much for other people. You should have told me to go fuck myself but you didn’t and now you’re suffering the consequences of my poorly thought out actions.” 

“... I’m not suffering you fucking idiot!” Kaveh shouts. It takes a moment for the words to filter properly through his mind but when they do, he’s pissed off. “I can’t believe you found a way to make this about you and you’re still trying to blame it on me- you’re infuriating! Ugh- I’m not some pathetic idiot for trying to help, and I’m here!” 

Kaveh throws up his hands and gestures around the room, mocking Alhaitham earlier. 

“With you.” Kaveh points at Alhaitham. 

“I’m sure you’d rather be here with Childe-” 

“Oh my fucking-”
 

“Or Diluc.” 

“Shut the fuck up.” 

“I’m sure they’d be happy to-” 

“I know they would be!” 

“-treat you like you deserve and kiss your ass and let you-” 

“You fucking wish-” 

“-make yourself as small as you want to be and then maybe when you’re-” 

“-you could kiss my ass.” 

“-burnt out you’ll find some way new to-” 

“Are you jealous?” 

“Yes!” 

They both stop, Kaveh’s throat tingles from shouting. Alhaitham exhales a rough breath and turns away, throwing his legs off the bed and standing up. 

“Don’t you walk away from me- especially after that!” Kaveh says, scrambling to get off the bed. Alhaitham walks around the foot of the bed and starts pacing, covering his mouth with his hand. Kaveh can hear the gears turning in his head as he thinks. 

“For someone who’s so smart, you’re actually really fucking stupid.” Kaveh says, reaching out and grabbing Alhaitham’s wrist as he walks by. Alhaitham yanks his arm away and keeps going. “I’m not with either of them am I? I’m right fucking here-” 

Suddenly, Alhaitham is right in front of him. Kaveh is cut off as the younger man bodies him, all rough hands and firm muscles and spicy cologne. Kaveh is forced back against the dresser and it hits the wall with a bang and Alhaitham’s arms are around him and Kaveh barely inhales before his mouth is claimed in a desperate kiss. He doesn’t think, he just responds, lifting his hands to Alhaitham’s shoulders and holding him just as desperately as makes an annoyed sound and kisses him back. 

Alhaitham’s warm hands press firmly as they trail down his back, following the curves of his waist and hips and settle on his ass. Kaveh hums in approval as he squeezes but it quickly turns into a protest when Alhaitham goes too hard and it hurts. Kaveh bucks his hips forward, their hips sliding together and Alhaitham relents. 

“Ouch, you’re going to rip my ass off-” Kaveh huffs, gasping as Alhaitham carefully pulls his ass cheeks apart. His fingers dip into the cleft and press and Kaveh almost mewls as hot pleasure zips up to his core. 

“Something like that.” Alhaitham says, his voice low and deep. He kisses Kaveh again, claiming his lips and licking into his mouth. He lifts, Kaveh squeaking into the kiss as Alhaitham sets him on the dresser. Kaveh takes his chance and spreads his legs, wrapping them around Alhaitham’s waist as the younger bucks forward. The thin clothing between them can’t hide how aroused they both are and Kaveh shudders as he feels the line of Alhaitham’s erection against his own. 

Kaveh breaks the kiss again to tilt his head back with a whispered curse as pleasure rolls through him with the movement of Alhaitham’s insistent hips. He digs his fingertips into Alhaitham’s back and urges him on, feeling the pull and strain of his muscles under his hands. There’s still a rough edge of crudeness to their actions, still angry with the frustration from before. 

As good as it feels, it’s just not enough . 

Alhaitham presses his hot mouth against Kaveh’s neck and bites, another pinch of pain threaded through pleasure. Kaveh brings his hand up to thread it through Alhaitham’s hair and pull. 

“Just fuck me.” Kaveh pants, squeezing his thighs around his hips. Alhaitham hums in agreement, pressing the flat of his tongue over the pink mark he made on Kaveh’s skin before pulling back. 

He lets go of Kaveh’s ass with one hand to reach into the suitcase behind the blond, rooting around blindly as he reconnects their lips. Kaveh tastes Alhaitham’s mouth as he briefly suckles on his bottom lip and urges him on. 

“Fuck-” Alhaitham mumbles against Kaveh’s lips as he finally pulls away to look when he can’t find what he’s looking for, leaning forward to be able to see where he’s digging. Kaveh is presented with Alhaitham’s neck and softly kisses his adam’s apple. Kaveh feels him swallow and he doesn’t know why, but it makes him smile. 

Finally, Alhaitham pulls back, the bottle of lubricant clattering as he drops it on the dresser and returns his hands to Kaveh. He pulls back, urgently pushing Kaveh’s legs down and turning him around. Kaveh’s thighs press against the smooth edge of the dresser as Alhaitham presses in from behind. His fingers hook into the elastic waistband of Kaveh’s shorts and he pushes them down and Kaveh steps one foot out of them. 

“Hurry up.” Kaveh breathes, looking over his shoulders with half lidded eyes. He watches as Alhaitham lifts his shirt and palms his ass again. He bites on his tongue as he notices the obvious bulge of Alhaitham’s cock through his thin, gray pants. 

“Impatient.” Alhaitham states, but he immediately follows up by sliding his slick middle finger into him. It’s uncomfortable, it always is in the beginning, but Kaveh swallows and bears down as Alhaitham stretches him open. 

“Yeah, don’t pretend like you’re not as eager as I am.” Kaveh says, bowing his back and pushing his hips up to try and entice Alhaitham. It works, the younger man hums in appreciation and slaps his free hand down on Kaveh’s ass, squeezing hard again to the point of almost pain. 

“I’m not pretending.” Alhaitham says, leaning forward to press his erection against Kaveh’s ass as if proving a point. Kaveh whimpers in his throat as Alhaitham adds another finger. “I should have known you’d talk all the way through this too.”

“You’re one to talk.” Kaveh says, rocking his hips back. “You wanna belittle me while you’re balls deep too?” 

“If you’re into that.” Alhaitham almost purrs as he adds another finger. “Me? Not so much. But for you…” 

“Pass- ah-” Kaveh moans softly as Alhaitham brushes over his prostate. “Shut up- right there.” 

“Ah…” Alhaitham chuckles darkly, grabbing onto Kaveh’s hip to keep him still as he pointedly drags his fingertips over the same spot. “Here?” 

“Yes!” Kaveh shouts, liquid pleasure making him buck back against Alhaitham’s hold. 

Alhaitham pulls his fingers out and Kaveh groans in frustration. 

“Get this off.” Alhaitham mutters, yanking Kaveh’s shirt up. Kaveh stands up straight instead of leaning on the dresser and pulls his shirt off, dropping it to the floor beside them. He didn’t even notice before, but his hair had come undone at some point. He tilts his head to the side to swipe it over his shoulder. 

Before he can even think, Alhaitham is already pressing the blunt head of his cock against Kaveh’s ass. Kaveh’s mouth falls open as his hands slap down on the dresser to brace himself as Alhaitham pops past his rim and leaves him breathless. 

It’s a lot, Alhaitham’s stupid cock is big and hot and pushing all the air out of his lungs with the most lewd sounds he’s ever heard himself make. There’s a deeply satisfied groan from behind him and it sends a thrill through him that Alhaitham likes it enough to make such an erotic sound. Kaveh spreads his legs like it’ll ease the pressure, he struggles to breathe evenly instead of in and out as Alhaitham works him open. He stares down at his hand as he sees Alhaitham’s legs move in his peripheral vision. He wishes he could see Alhaitham’s face. 

“Relax.” Alhaitham huffs, caressing over Kaveh’s hips and up the small of his back. 

“Mm, I’m fine- I’m not going to break…” Kaveh says, arching his back and pushing up onto the balls of his feet. “Fuck me.”  

“Look.” Alhaitham says, his hand coming up to cup Kaveh’s jaw and lifting his chin to make him look up. The mirror on the dresser rocks with the insistent movement of their fucking but it shows them clearly. Alhaitham’s jade gaze is dark and fixed on Kaveh’s body, on his own hand as he trails it down Kaveh’s bare chest. 

“Oh-” Kaveh blushes, watching the intense focus on Alhaitham’s expression. 

Kaveh jerks forward and moans as Alhaitham pushes in a little deeper and pure pleasure flows through him. Alhaitham almost growls in response, grabbing Kaveh’s thigh and lifting it to spread him open more. Kaveh scrambles to get his knee up on the dresser and push back as Alhaitham gets rougher, dragging his hips forward and back. 

Kaveh opens hazy eyes he doesn’t remember closing and watches himself getting fucked in the mirror, the new angle letting him see Alhaitham plunging in and out of him. 

“Haitham.” Kaveh moans, his mouth falling open to pant his breath. “Harder.” 

Alhaitham’s hand comes up and he delicately places it over Kaveh’s throat. Kaveh swallows as he feels the pressure and presses into it. Alhaitham holds him possessively, his gaze burning into Kaveh’s skin as he watches him fall to pieces through the mirror. The pleasure builds behind Kaveh’s belly button and draws tighter, tighter as Alhaitham’s hips slam against his ass. 

“I’m- I’m gonna cum-” Kaveh whimpers, reaching back to grab a fistfull of Alhaitham’s shirt and pull. 

“Touch yourself.” Alhaitham huffs, his other hand wrapping around Kaveh’s middle to hold him steady. Kaveh obediently lifts his hand from the dresser to cup his palm around the head of his dick and circles it, coaxing himself over the edge. 

Kaveh tenses and Alhaitham swears, pressing in as deep as he can with a grunt as Kaveh pulses with pleasure. He holds him tightly as he jerks through his release, amplified when he feels a surge of warmth as Alhaitham cums a moment after. 

“Ah- ah…” Kaveh moans, shuddering as he starts to come down, still gently circling the head of his cock until it’s too much. He goes boneless, his head dropping back onto Alhaitham’s shoulder as he keeps him from falling. 

Alhaitham hums as if in agreement, turning his head to press his nose against Kaveh’s cheek, and then his lips. 

“Mm.” Kaveh turns his head to kiss him back despite the awkward angle. 

Before they can settle comfortably into the post coital bliss, a loud knock on the door startles them both. Neither of them move, and then another more insistent knock at the door. 

“Open this door immediately.” 

Kaveh’s heart plummets as the stern, horrifyingly familiar voice of Hashim calls through the door. 

“Fuck.” Alhaitham swears. 

“Fuck.” Kaveh echoes.

Chapter Text

“Why is he here?” Kaveh hisses, grabbing at the robe Alhaitham drapes over his shoulders. He feels panic building as the knocking at the door persists. 

“I don’t know, everyone should still be downstairs at the Winter Ball.” Alhaitham mutters. Kaveh wraps the cord around his waist and ties it. 

“Haitham!” Hashim shouts again, knocking harder. 

“Wait!” Alhaitham calls, pulling his pants back up. He glances at Kaveh, and Kaveh exhales as he looks back at him. He lingers for a moment longer and Kaveh tilts his head in question. 

“What?” Kaveh asks in a whisper. 

“Nothing.” Alhaitham says. He leans in, pressing a kiss to the corner of Kaveh’s mouth. “Relax.” 

“Mm…” Kaveh hums, “Get the door before he knocks it down.” 

Alhaitham reluctantly agrees, stepping away to go to the door. Kaveh does feel better, the anxiety in his chest soothed somewhat by the kiss. 

“Surely you know this isn’t a good time.” Alhaitham says as he cracks open the door. He stands behind the door, keeping it open only slightly, enough to see Hashim on the other side. Hashim’s expression is cold and drawn. 

“The whole damn castle is well aware. Is there any end to the embarrassment you bring to this family?” Hashim hisses. Hashim tilts his head to look over Alhaitham’s shoulder and looks at Kaveh. Kaveh quickly grabs the lapel of the robe to pull it closed all the way up to his neck and feels a shock of embarrassment. 

“What I do in the privacy of my own room is none of you or your misplaced dignity’s business.” Alhaitham replies, leaning over to block Kaveh from Hashim’s stern gaze. 

“Watch your tongue. I’ve reached the end of my patience with you Haitham. I will not tolerate any more disrespect.” Hashim’s eyes narrow slightly and Alhaitham’s shoulders go tense. 

“Do what you will.” Alhaitham says, slamming the door shut pointedly after. He flips the lock on the door and exhales heavily. 

Kaveh approaches Alhaitham slowly, watching as the younger man rubs his palm over his forehead. He tentatively touches Alhaitham’s elbow to get his attention when he’s near enough. Alhaitham looks at him and the slightly troubled expression smooths from his brow. 

“You should… shower again.” Alhaitham says, softly. “It’ll help with the… stiffness.” 

Kaveh is struck giddy for a moment, all the anxiety manifesting in this odd way and it makes him snort a laugh. 

“Yeah? The stiffness?” Kaveh prods. “You were so worried about the indentation around my chest and that worry seemed to fly away when you tried to break my damn back.” 

Alhaitham closes his eyes tightly for a moment as if remembering and he hums a negative; but he smiles, small and amused. Kaveh relaxes, exhaling the breath he was holding. 

“Lapse in judgment. Temporary.” Alhaitham says.

Kaveh feels absolute elation in the moment and appreciates the look on Alhaitham’s face. He’s struck by how handsome the younger man is, from his jawline to the whisps of his eyelashes. 

“Mm, I doubt that.” Kaveh says, heaving a dramatic sigh. “But, I should shower. You should as well, there’s… well…” 

Kaveh motions to Alhaitham’s hips, where the material on his pajamas is darker. 

“Don’t wear that to bed.” 

Jean cheers out loud and raises her arms as Childe’s snowboard lands in the snow. Kaveh joins in, clapping his mittened hands together. 

The day is clear and crisp, the sky impossibly blue and the snow impossibly white. Kaveh’s breath condenses as soon as it leaves his lips. 

He’s seated on a snowmobile beside Jean, parked on the side of the mountain where it’s cleared for a short hill. Seven or eight multicolored figures stand at the top, waiting for their turn to go down, and Kaveh is positioned just right to watch them hit the jumps. 

There was no way he was going to go skiing, but he didn’t mind watching. 

“Hey, did you see that?” Childe calls from behind them and Kaveh turns. Childe is holding onto the T-bar that’s slowly pulling him back up the hill to go again, his blue and black snow suit flecked with white. 

“Yes, I’d say it was about a four.” Jean shouts back. 

“Aw.” Childe slumps over, already almost back to the top. 

Kaveh laughs and Jean nudges him. 

“Gotta keep him humble.” She says. “Oh, it’s Venti!” 

A figure in green and white snow gear on skis gains speed down the hill, and Kaveh watches in rapt attention as he hits the jump. He does a little flip, but when he tries to land he fails. The snow kicks up in a sudden whirlwind, and when it settles, Venti is pushing himself up out of the snow. 

“Are you okay?” Jean shouts. 

“Yeah, did anyone see that?” Venti shouts back. 

Jean looks at the top of the hill and then back down at Venti. 

“No!” 

Before Venti can pull himself up properly and reattach his skis that went flying when he fell, there’s another figure snowboarding down after him. He shreds through the snow and turns his snowboard to stop, unintentionally covering Venti in another layer with the wave. Kaveh can’t hear the conversation as the figure in dark green swipes the snow from Venti’s face. 

He looks back at the top of the hill as a figure in red starts down. 

The figure in red is on a snowboard. Like everyone else, he’s wearing goggles and something to cover his mouth and nose, but Kaveh immediately recognizes his figure. Diluc hits one of the bigger jumps and does an incredible flip. The landing is a little wobbly but he doesn’t fall. Jean claps and cheers again, and Kaveh joins. 

“Hey.” 

Jean and Kaveh look up as Diluc approaches, pulling his goggles and covering down. 

“Morning.” Jean greets. 

“You wanna go? You can use mine.” Diluc says, offering his board to Jean. 

“Uhm…” Jean looks at the board, and then looks at Kaveh. He shrugs one shoulder. “Yeah, actually. Thank you.” 

Jean did not bring anything to go down the hill with, snowboard, blade or skis. She drove Kaveh up here on the snowmobile. She takes the board and the goggles from Diluc and heads to the T-bar behind them. 

“She usually changes her mind halfway through.” Diluc says, unzipping his coat to his chest and shaking the snow out. “I got used to asking her to trade.” 

“Yeah?” Kaveh asks, smiling softly. “You were a good boyfriend, then.” 

“I wouldn’t say that…” Diluc says, watching Jean strap the board to her boots. 

Kaveh pats the bench on the snowmobile beside him and Diluc takes the offer, sitting down right beside him. He’s a little awkward, a little stiff; he clears his throat when he sits down. 

“So, how come you’re not skiing?” Diluc asks, leaning back slightly but staring at Kaveh’s boots to avoid looking directly at him. It’s a little odd, usually Diluc has a quiet confidence. 

“Uh- I’m not exactly gifted in the Sports category.” Kaveh says. “Considering this is the first time in my life I’ve seen snow.” 

“Is it?” Diluc half smiles, relaxing a little. 

“Yeah, I don’t like it that much.” Kaveh wrinkles his nose. 

“You weren’t even watching that one!” Childe shouts from behind them as he holds onto the T-bar. Diluc and Kaveh both turn to look at him. Diluc chuckles. 

“We’ve seen enough.” He shouts back. 

Diluc turns around to look at the top of the hill again, and then he gently nudges Kaveh with his elbow. 

“This is Klee and Kaeya.” He says, pointing to the top of the hill where a tiny figure in pink and red is climbing into a bright blue plastic sled with the help of someone in blue and black. 

“Mm, I haven’t seen him in a while.” Kaveh says. 

“You know, you know a lot of people around me, it’s odd that we’ve never come across each other before.” Diluc says. 

“We have.” Kaveh says, keeping his eyes on the top of the hill. Diluc looks at him. 

“We have?” 

“Yes. Briefly, some parties.” 

Kaveh watches as Kaeya sits behind Klee, his legs bracketing her safely in the sled as Jean pushes them from behind. There’s a loud shriek of joy as they descend, Kaeya leaning to the side to avoid the big jumps. Kaveh can’t help but laugh, the sounds of Klee’s amusement infectious. Kaeya plants his heels in the snow to slow them down to a stop at the bottom. 

“I… I feel bad for not realizing we’ve met before.” Diluc says. 

Kaveh shrugs one shoulder. 

“It’s not exactly easy standing out against four of the most beautiful girls on campus.” Kaveh says. He glances at Diluc and reaches out to pat his knee with one hand. “Don’t worry about it.” 

Kaeya approaches them, pulling Klee behind him in the sled. 

“My, my.” He says, smiling sweetly at the two of them. “I hate to interrupt, but I do need a ride back to the top, help me out?” 

Diluc nods, turning to straddle the snowmobile and starting it up. Kaveh hops off of the bench, wrapping his arms around his chest as he stands in the snow. 

“I won’t keep him for long.” Kaeya says, smirking at Kaveh. Kaveh snorts. 

“Hello to you too.” Kaveh says. Klee waves from the sled and Kaveh waves back. 

Kaeya sits backwards on the snowmobile, his back to Diluc’s back, keeping a hold on the string around the sled. 

“Go fast!” Klee shouts, hopping up on her knees and holding onto the sides. 

“You heard her.” Kaeya says, leaning back to talk to Diluc. He pats Diluc’s leg to signal they’re ready, and then salutes Kaveh with the same hand as they set off with a jolt. 

Kaveh watches as Diluc drives them back up the hill, amused by Klee’s shouts of ‘Faster!’. 

Despite the cold, Kaveh feels warm inside. He’s having a good time, a really good time. Everyone was so welcoming and kind, he briefly wonders if he should move to Mondstadt after graduation. 

But, that would mean leaving Alhaitham. He would more than likely end up working in Sumeru, considering his family ties. Kaveh rubs his hands over his arms as he watches another figure in tan and black slice through the snow on blades, spinning as he hits the jump and lands. There was nothing tying Kaveh to Sumeru; his sister is in Port Ormos but she has her own life. 

And, after graduation, this whole charade of pretending to be Alhaitham’s fiancee is going to stop. There is a chance, a small chance, that maybe they would stay together. Kaveh briefly allows himself to remember waking up this morning with a sleepy Alhaitham; the way he held firmly onto Kaveh’s sleep warm body and hummed in protest whenever he tried to move. 

Alhaitham was not a morning person. 

He’s also agreed to the arranged marriage. It would be easier for him to accept it, and marry Layla after this whole thing was over. And Kaveh feels cold in the pit of his stomach when he remembers Alhaitham always takes the easiest route. 

Jean hits the jump in front of him and lands it easily, lifting her hands above her head as she cheers for herself as she boards directly to the T-bar. Kaveh claps his mittens together and cheers for her too, giving her a thumbs up as she passes by on the T-bar. 

He’s in too deep. 

“Oh, and this is Albedo!” Jean says as she motions at the man just joining them at the table. Diluc pulls the seat out next to him for the blond to sit.  

Kaveh, Jean and most of the people from the hill were all gathered around the table in the reception room of the chateau. The table was burdened with hot chocolate and tea and freshly baked goods and sandwiches. 

“This is K-” Jean starts, but stutters. “Kavari, Zara Kavari. She’s from Sumeru.” 

Kaveh had to make a quick trip upstairs to get back into drag, opting for a cream coloured cable knit sweater, thick black leggings, wool socks and boots. Despite being inside, it was still chilly. 

“Yeah, she’s engaged to Alhaitham .” Venti says, leaning over to give the most obvious knowing look to Albedo. 

Jean introduced everyone properly, and now Kaveh knows Venti and his fiance Xiao, Klee, Kaeya, Albedo, Mona and Mika as Zara . 

He’s never regretted his decision more than he does right now. He cups his hands around his hot mug of hot chocolate, sweetened with creamy coffee liqueur. 

Kaveh watches as Albedo’s eyes briefly widen before he nods and looks at Kaveh. 

“Pleasure to meet you Zara.” Albedo says. “We’ve come across your fiance before. He leaves… quite the impression.” 

“He’s an asshole.” Kaveh says simply and Venti snorts a laugh into his teacup. Xiao pats him on the back when the pianist starts coughing. 

“So I’ve heard. I can’t say I’ve met him personally, but I’ve heard a lot from my best friend.” Albedo says. 

He seems nice. 

“Your best friend?” Kaveh asks. 

Albedo nods. “Tighnari. I invited him to come but he went back to Sumeru for the break. Spending time with his dad.” 

Tighnari. 

Tighnari. 

“Cyno went with him.” Xiao adds. 

Cyno. 

Cyno.  

Those two. 

Kaveh looks down at his mug and taps his fingernail against the porcelain. He gets that feeling again, like he’s experiencing the wake of an event that passed him by without him realizing it. It feels like he’s the only one not in the know, and it feels bad. 

“But-” Albedo cuts in suddenly. “I’m sure we don’t know him like you do.” 

Kaveh lifts his eyes to Albedo and the blond gives him a little reassuring smile, clearly able to sense the disruption in Kaveh’s mood. It surprises him a little, he’s not used to getting that much attention, especially at a gathering like this. 

“I know enough.” Xiao mutters, lifting his coffee mug to his lips and drinking deeply after. 

“Don’t mind him.” Venti says, laughing nervously. “He’s a little protective.” 

Kaveh nods briefly, trying to give reassurance as an awkward mood falls over the crowd. Mona leans over to put her hand over top of Kaveh’s. He looks at her and sees a question on her face. 

“I don’t think the… hot chocolate is agreeing with me.” Kaveh says, turning his hand over to squeeze Mona’s hand briefly. He feels bad, and it’s getting worse by the second as his thoughts spiral. He wants to know what happened but he dreads knowing at the same time. 

Albedo shares a look with Venti and Kaveh can’t deal with it anymore. 

“Thank you for the hospitality.” Kaveh says, pushing his chair back and wincing at the harsh screeching sound the legs make against the wooden floor. 

“I’ll walk you back to your room.” Diluc says, standing up before Kaveh can protest. He comes around the table and takes Kaveh’s hand carefully and helps him stand. Diluc’s hand is warm and firm, reassuring as he places the other on Kaveh’s lower back. 

They walk in silence for a little while, leaving the reception area and walking through the halls. Kaveh distracts himself by appreciating the flourishes etched into the stone columns but his mind keeps wandering back to Alhaitham. 

“It means I made some mistakes and I don’t want you to know what happened.”

“Are you alright?” Diluc asks, stopping them in front of a window. Kaveh’s eyes are drawn to the window. 

“Something happened…” Kaveh says softly, his eyes unfocused. “Something with Haitham and two people I’ve never met before. Tighnari and Cyno.” 

He finally looks at Diluc and the redhead tilts his head sympathetically. 

“Do you know?” Kaveh asks. 

“No.” Diluc says, pausing to think. “But I do know who Tighnari is.” 

“You do?” 

“Yes, we went on a few dates, two or three years ago, before Jean. He’s really nice, kind.” Diluc says. For some reason that makes it worse. Kaveh feels worse . 

“Haitham won’t tell me what happened, he doesn’t want me to know. He says he made a mistake.” Kaveh says. “I don’t know what to think. Everyone back there just knows what happened and I’m left out even though I’m supposed to be close to him- I thought I was close to him but he won’t tell me .” 

Kaveh feels frustration building in his gut. He inhales, looking back at the window and tries to relax. 

“And this whole thing is getting too big. I just met people as Zara and I didn’t want to. I’m causing Jean issues with security. Haitham’s parents fucking hate me and the woman Haitham is going to eventually marry is always around-” 

“Kaveh, don’t let it get to you.” Diluc says, interrupting the spiral of Kaveh’s thoughts. “You’re amazing.” 

“I’m mid.” Kaveh says. 

“No you’re not. From what I’ve seen, you’re confident and strong. I know it can be hard sometimes, especially with all the scrutiny you’re under with this whole situation. But don’t let someone else dictate your feelings.” Diluc says, impassioned as he holds Kaveh’s hands. “I don’t want to see you crushed under this weight. Don’t second guess yourself, don’t doubt. If you do, you can come to me, and I’ll try to remind you who you are.” 

Kaveh is a little stunned, he stares at Diluc as his words wash over him. He lets them comfort him, letting the tension in his shoulders go. He is working himself up over things he had no control over. Kaveh exhales, dropping his head to rest it on Diluc’s shoulder. The warm, sophisticated scent of his cologne comforts him further. 

“You’re really good at that.” Kaveh says against his sweater. 

“I try.” Diluc says softly. “I only told the truth.” 

“They’re here.” 

Kaveh lifts his head and looks down the hall as Kaeya and Lisa approach them. Lisa is still wearing her winter coat and boots, pulling a suitcase behind her. 

“Oh, my dear.” She says, opening her arms to Kaveh as she approaches. 

Kaveh smiles widely and pulls away from Diluc to rush to Lisa, enveloping her in a big hug and lifting her off her feet briefly. 

“I’m so sorry you’ve had to suffer the Mondstadt Elite without me this whole time.” Lisa says, squeezing him tightly. 

“I was here.” Diluc says, nodding his head at Kaeya as he stands beside him. 

“You don’t count, you’re the worst of them all Diluc Ragnvindr.” Lisa says. 

“Inappropriate hand holding with an engaged woman from Sumeru, what a scandal.” Kaeya says, smirking at Diluc. Kaveh rolls his eyes and Diluc sighs. 

“Don’t you have anything better to do?” Diluc asks. 

“Me? No.” Kaeya says, smiling sweetly at Diluc. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, than beside you.” 

“There’s somewhere I want you to be.” Lisa says, pulling away from Kaveh and taking the handle of her bag again. “In the kitchens getting me coffee and creme liqueur. And also telling Jean I’m here but I’m busy.” 

Lisa takes Kaveh’s hand and pulls him along. 

“Right away, my lady.” Kaeya says, grabbing Diluc’s shoulder and turning him around, taking him with him. 

“Are you sure you want to know?” Lisa asks, sitting on the couch beside him. They moved to Lisa’s room, considerably nicer and more furnished than the room he and Alhaitham were staying in. There’s fresh flowers in a vase on the coffee table where their drinks sit steaming. 

Kaveh nods. 

“I have to. It’s gotten to the point where it keeps coming up.” Kaveh says. Lisa hums in agreement. 

“Alright.” She says, taking her phone in hand and tapping away at a text. 

Kaveh leans over to get his coffee but he’s frustrated when his fake breast gets in the way and shifts over to the side. He doesn’t have to worry about presentation here with just Lisa, so he wiggles around and undoes the bra, shimmying out of it and pulling it out from under his sweater. He puts it on the couch beside them and sighs in relief. 

“I wish I could do that sometimes.” Lisa says, taking a sip of her coffee. Her phone pings and she brings it up again. “Alright, here. You can call him.” 

Kaveh feels his nerves light up as he takes the phone, seeing Cyno’s name at the top of the text messages. Before he can doubt himself, he presses Call. 

He brings the phone to his ear and the coffee to his lips, taking a big drink for the liquid courage. The creme liqueur is smooth and sweet. 

“Hello.” Cyno greets as he answers the phone. 

“Hi.” Kaveh says, clearing his throat. “I’m- Uh- Kaveh and I-” 

“You want to know about Alhaitham.” Cyno states. “Why?” 

“Because I’m his roommate and we-” Kaveh struggles to articulate what their relationship actually is. “He’s becoming important to me.”

“Hm.” Cyno pulls the phone away for a moment and there’s muffled noises before someone else comes on the line. 

“Hello? You’re Kaveh?” Another voice asks.

“Yeah.” Kaveh says, standing up from the couch and starting to pace. “Is this Tighnari?” 

“Yes.” Tighnari answers, “You’re in a relationship with Alhaitham, right?” 

“Uhm- kind of.” Kaveh says, his nerves twisting around in his stomach. “It’s complicated.” 

“That’s a trend with him, it seems.”

“Despite his insistence on making things easier for him, he seems to enjoy making things complicated for me.” Kaveh says, biting down on his thumbnail. “I know this is weird, I can feel how weird it is-” 

“Yeah it’s pretty weird.” Tighnari agrees. 

“But this thing seems to keep coming up.” Kaveh says. “And I don’t know anything about what happened and I feel like it’s something I should know. If you don’t feel comfortable telling me, it’s fine, I’m a stranger to you and it seems what happened was-” 

“It was a lot.” Tighnari says. He sighs heavily on the other side of the phone. 

“... Was it like, sexual assault…” Kaveh mumbles. 

“Oh, no. Nothing like that.” Tighnari says. Kaveh feels a little relieved, the worst of his fears assuaged. 

“I’ll just tell you everything.” 

“Okay.” 

“I was in a bad spot in September. I needed tuition otherwise I would have to withdraw. Alhaitham was my biology partner at the time, and it came up during one of our meetings. He suggested I start an OnlyFans because I would be popular on the site. I had a few options but I chose the OnlyFans option. Initially, I asked Alhaitham if he found me attractive, but he said he didn’t. But as it went on, he changed his mind… I guess.” Tighnari pauses. 

Kaveh hums, acknowledging what he said. 

“But it was motivated by a rivalry. My roommate at the time and Alhaitham were locked in this dick measuring contest for the past four years. Law student bullshit. I guess he saw an opportunity to get under Cyno’s skin in a way that he hadn’t before. At the time, I didn’t know it, but Cyno had also been carrying a torch for me since year one.” 

Kaveh hears Cyno say something in the background. 

“Yeah- okay whatever- I guess I’m the only one who didn’t know Cyno liked me.” Tighnari says with a huff. “If you’d just said- okay stop I’m getting off track. Alhaitham and I had a back and forth, but he was passively antagonizing Cyno with it. I got caught up in it. At the time, I just wanted some attention and I was getting it by being used as another pawn between them.” 

“Fuck.” Kaveh curses, sitting back down on the couch. 

“Yeah. It all came to a head when Heizou told me Alhaitham was dating someone else. I accused him of cheating and he threw it back at me, telling me I had no right to talk because Cyno was taking my OnlyFans pictures. It… it really fucked me up. I was going to transfer out of the school. Cyno found him and confronted it all. Alhaitham said it was never his intention to hurt me but it did. He made me choose between him and Cyno because he said he could never share or be my boyfriend. He could never walk me to class or hang out with me and my friends but I already knew that I would choose Cyno. It wasn’t clear at the time but I know now, it was never really a question.” 

Kaveh feels sick. He reaches over and drinks the rest of the coffee. 

“Looking back now, it was manipulative, petty garbage. But if it never happened, I don’t think Cyno would have said anything about us.” Tighnari pauses, taking a breath. “I assume the other person he was dating was… you?” 

“... Yeah.” Kaveh confirms, clearing his throat when it comes out raspy. “I saw you in the library.” 

“Oh, yeah.” Tighnari mutters. “That was… embarrassing.” 

“Thank you for telling me.” Kaveh says. 

“Hey, I don’t mean this to be weird but if you wanted to, we could meet up back at school. I really like having friends from Sumeru.” Tighnari says. Kaveh feels like there’s something stuck in his throat. 

Tighnari was so nice. 

“Yeah, I’m sure I can- we can run into each other.” Kaveh says, nodding his head. 

“Hm. Are you alright? I know it’s a lot.” 

“No. I’m- I have to talk to him.” Kaveh says. Lisa puts her hand on his back and rubs circles over his sweater. “He wouldn’t tell me what happened. He didn’t want me to know, and now I know why.” 

“I’m sorry.” Tighnari says, and he sounds so genuine. 

“It’s not your fault, it's nowhere near your fault.” Kaveh insists. “Don’t be sorry.” 

“I have to go, my dad’s made dinner for us.” Tighnari says. “But you should keep in touch, text your number to Cyno’s phone and I’ll add you.” 

“Okay. Don’t let me keep you.” 

“Goodnight, or… good afternoon in Mondstadt I guess.” 

Tighnari hangs up. 

Kaveh lowers the phone and struggles to comprehend. 

Alhaitham manipulated someone in a vulnerable position. The biggest issue slamming into Kaveh’s head was he could see it happening. He could see Alhaitham doing that. It wasn’t too big of a stretch. Kaveh’s stomach roils. 

He drops his head down into his hands. 

“Kaveh, are you alright?” Lisa asks gently. 

“No. I have to go home.” Kaveh says, the lump in his throat growing. He drops Lisa’s phone on the couch and stands up, striding across the room and out before Lisa could even get up. He slams the door behind him and hurries down the stairs, focusing on not falling. 

Diluc.

Diluc could get him home. 

He approaches a maid nearby. 

“Excuse me, do you know where Diluc Ragnvindr is?” He asks. She thinks for a moment before nodding. 

“He was in the reception room with Master Jean.” She says. Kaveh thanks her and heads off again. 

Kaveh didn’t know fully how to feel. He was flipping between disgust and confusion, the image of Alhaitham’s small smile from last night punching him in the gut. 

Because they don’t fucking matter, Kaveh. 

Alhaitham’s voice rings through his head as he grabs the back of Diluc’s chair. The redhead turns, surprised. 

“I need you.” Kaveh says in a harsh whisper. Diluc immediately stands up. 

“What’s wrong?” He asks. 

Kaveh grabs his hand and pulls him away from the table. They make it two steps before Kaveh’s other wrist is grabbed. Kaveh turns, his heart plummeting through his chest when he realizes it’s Alhaitham. 

“What’s going on?” Alhaitham asks, looking at Diluc and then at Kaveh. 

“Don’t touch me.” Kaveh exclaims, pulling his arm away from him. He shocks even himself at the reaction. He knows they’re attracting attention now and his ears burn. Alhaitham’s eyes widen briefly in surprise. 

“Kaveh, what’s wrong?” He asks more firmly. 

“I’m going home.” Kaveh says, taking a step back. “Leave me alone.” 

Kaveh turns and continues out of the reception hall, tightening his grip around Diluc’s hand. 

“You can take me home, right?” Kaveh asks as Diluc steps up to walk beside him. 

“Of course.” Diluc says, pulling his phone from his pocket and making a call. Kaveh doesn’t listen as he calls for a car, his mind a jumble of noise. 

“Kaveh!” Alhaitham calls, but Kaveh keeps walking to the front door. “Kaveh wait!” 

Kaveh hears Alhaitham run up behind him and all the noise turns to hot, pulsing anger. Just as Alhaitham catches up, Kaveh turns, letting go of Diluc’s hand and pushing Alhaitham back roughly. It catches him off guard and he stumbles back, falling to his ass on the floor. He looks up at Kaveh, shocked. 

“I knew you were asshole but what you did-” Kaveh chokes over his own words. “-there’s no excuse for what you did to Tighnari.” 

“Kaveh-” Alhaitham says, his shoulders slumping with the realization of what this was about. “That’s not-” 

“Shut up!” Kaveh shouts. 

Kaveh looks up and realizes they’re gaining an audience, and he grits his teeth as Hashim steps through the crowd. 

“What’s going on here?” He commands, looking from Alhaitham to Kaveh. 

“You deserve each other.” He says to Hashim, giving up all pretense of pretending to be Zara. “Like father, like son.” 

Kaveh leaves Varkasburg, quickly running to the waiting car with Diluc.  

“So you found out.” Diluc says softly. Kaveh stares through the window of the plane. Kaveh nods. 

“I knew he was interested in someone else but I… I didn’t know anything else.” Kaveh says, playing with the hem of the jacket he borrowed from Diluc. “You didn’t have to come with me.” 

“I wanted to. It was difficult being there anyway, with Jean there.” Diluc says, crossing one of his legs over the other. “I guess I’m not over getting dumped yet.” 

Kaveh hums. “Thank you, for being here.” 

“Any time.” 

Kaveh leans his head on Diluc’s shoulder. 

Chapter Text

Kaveh hiccups, lazily leaning forward and resting his heavy head on his hand. The campus bar around him was nearly empty, only a few stragglers who didn’t go home for the new year holiday. 

That’s fine. That’s perfectly fine because Kaveh was not interested in talking to anyone. He just wanted to get drunk. 

He was used to spending the holidays alone anyway. Only recently did his friends invite him for holiday gatherings, mostly when they stayed at the university for them. But he didn’t begrudge them for going home at all, he would if he could. Zara always invited him back home, but he hated putting the financial burden of his travel costs on her so he made excuses. 

Kaveh’s phone vibrates and attracts his attention. He drains the rest of his beer and sets the empty glass on the counter before he checks it. 

Speaking of- 

“Hey, happy new year.” Kaveh greets, smiling lazily as his sister’s familiar tone comes through the speaker. 

“Happy new year. Are you alright?” 

“Mm?” Kaveh frowns. “I’m fine, why do you ask?” 

“Because I keep getting phone calls asking about you.” 

“Oh, just block those numbers.” Kaveh mumbles, tapping his finger on the bar over a knot in the wood. 

“Akh.” 

“Mmmgh.” Kaveh groans and squeezes his eyes shut. He can’t handle it when she sounds disappointed like that. “It’s nothing. Just some stupid… Engagement thing, also don’t accept any new friend requests if you don’t know them.” 

“What? What engagement? Who’s engaged? You?” 

“No. My roommate was. I don’t know. I went on holiday in Mondstadt and kind of ran away. Maybe they think I’m lost in the mountains or something.” 

“The mountains- where are you?” 

“I’m in the city, it’s fine my friend brought me home on his plane. Or a jet? I don’t know, I flew back anyway.” 

“Kaveh what in Rukkadavata’s name are you talking about- honestly, I don’t call for three months- THREE months and you’re talking about engagements and planes and mountains-” 

Kaveh can’t help but smile as his sister sets off on a rant about how she can never leave him alone for too long, secretly comforted by her familiar worrying. 

“Zara- Zara stop- it’s fine.” He says after a minute when he hears her threatening to travel to the city herself. “I… pretended to be engaged to my roommate to help him avoid an arranged marriage before he graduated, it's not that big of a deal, really.” 

“ Kaveh.” 

“I know! I know okay- it was a mistake but- it’s over now. I ran away from them in Mondstadt and blocked them and I’m guessing they can’t get through to me so they’re calling you. Just block them. I don’t want anything to do with them anymore. Alhaitham or Alhashim or Farah.” 

“Are you drunk?” 

“Not yet. Working on it.” Kaveh nods his thanks as the bartender brings another glass of beer. 

“You always drink too much.” She sighs. “Make sure you eat.” 

“Yeah, they have a kitchen so I’m going to get something.” Kaveh says. “Really, it’s fine. Don’t worry so much.” 

“I’m going to worry. Call me tomorrow.” 

“I will.” 

“I love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

Kaveh lowers his phone as she hangs up. 

“Got any love left for me?” 

Someone slides their arm around Kaveh’s shoulders and leans in close. It takes a moment for Kaveh to realize it’s Childe. Of course it’s fucking Childe. 

“No.” Kaveh says shortly, reaching for his glass and taking a drink. 

“Tsk.” Childe clicks his tongue, sliding into the seat next to Kaveh. “I don’t get to dance, I don’t get to ski with you, I don’t get any love at all. What happened to us?” 

Kaveh fixes Childe with a look, the ginger grins back at him and slides his hand down Kaveh’s back to rest on the back of his stool. 

“You caused quite the commotion, you know?” Childe says, leaning in a little closer. “Dumping the most eligible bachelor in Sumeru for the future King of Mondstadt.” 

“That’s not what happened.” Kaveh says, looking at his glass. 

“That’s what everyone saw.” Childe says, lifting his hand to get the bartender’s attention. “No one even noticed your lack of tits. Except me.” 

“Of course you would.” 

“Ohh, princess, why are you so cold to me now?” Childe pouts, “Don’t tell me the mountains froze your heart.” 

“I’m done fucking around.” Kaveh says, his head listing to the side as Childe leans in closer again. “I can’t take anymore of this drama.” 

“Welcome to my world.” Childe says, finally dropping the teasing tone as the bartender places a glass of beer in front of him. “It’s always like this. I’m just glad it wasn’t me at the center of attention this time, especially with what I did.” 

“... What did you do?” Kaveh asks, curiosity piqued. 

“Made a fool of myself.” Childe says, sighing heavily. “But what else is new.” 

Kaveh bites the inside of his cheek as he thinks about asking him about the night of the ball and what he saw happen with Professor Zhongli. Childe doesn’t appear to be too sore about it, but he thinks about the look on the ginger’s face that night and feels like it might be inappropriate. But it itches at him, just under his skin, the idea that Childe is hiding something painful.

“Does it…” Kaveh plays with the condensation on the side of his beer glass. “Have anything to do with Professor Zhongli?” 

Childe tenses briefly before he lets out a rueful little chuckle. 

“Yeah, it’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?” Childe asks, resting his elbows on the bar as he drinks deeply from his beer. 

“No.” Kaveh says truthfully. “Nothing is obvious with you. So… What happened?” 

Kaveh watches carefully as Childe ponders the question and starts to fidget with the coaster. 

“Absolutely… nothing at all.” He answers slowly. 

Childe looks so melancholic suddenly that Kaveh’s heart aches in empathy. 

“Nothing?” Kaveh asks. He rests his elbow on the counter and puts his head in his hand as he watches him. Childe nods. 

“It’s worse than getting rejected.” Childe mutters, flicking his coaster across the bar. “Like I’m not worth the effort. It’s like- nevermind.” 

Childe shakes his head and finishes his beer in one drink and exhales heavily as he sets it down on the counter. Kaveh can’t help but notice an errant drop escape from the corner of his mouth and trail down his chin before he wipes it away. Kaveh bites on the tip of his tongue, Childe clearly does not want to talk about it. He won’t make him. He can change the subject. 

“Wow. Are you hollow inside or something?” Kaveh asks, motioning to the empty glass. 

“Yes.” Childe says, covering his mouth briefly to burp. “I’m Snezhnayan, this is nothing. Wait till you see what I can do with a vodka bottle.” 

Kaveh snorts, unable to stop himself from smiling at the stupid line. 

“Ah, there.” Childe says, sitting upright in his seat and treating Kaveh to a matching smile. “That’s the mood we need to have, instead of this… dumpy… stupid… moping one.” 

Childe digs his wallet out of his jacket pocket and slaps a card down on the bar. 

“But I was having so much fun moping by myself.” Kaveh says, sticking his bottom lip out in a pout. 

“No you weren’t.” Childe slides out of his stool and stands right beside Kaveh. “Come on.” 

For a shocking moment, Kaveh thinks Childe is going to lean down and kiss him, just as confidently and easily as he touches him. He wants him to. Who wouldn’t? Childe is handsome and charming and a hundred other things. Childe’s jacket hangs open, framing his chest and flat stomach and Kaveh can feel the warmth radiating from him. 

Kaveh turns on his stool, resting his elbow on the bar as he reaches up with his other hand to grab Childe’s jacket by the lapel and pull him down. Blue eyes widen briefly in surprise before half closing with a smirk. Childe exhales and Kaveh feels his hot breath on his lips before they connect in a kiss. It’s brief, and comforting. 

Kaveh lets go of Childe’s jacket and their noses bump when Childe pulls away.  

“Let’s go sit at a table. It’s been too long since I’ve had you all to myself.” Childe says with his voice low, a private conversation between them. Kaveh feels a thrill of anticipation zip through him, but he tries to hide it. With that intoxicating, easy confidence, Childe touches Kaveh’s stomach and slides his hand around to his waist, gently pulling him off of his chair.

Childe takes his hand and leads him away from the bar. 

Kaveh cracks one eye open and winces at the sunlight in the room. He’s hungover, again, and maybe still a little drunk. He closes his eye and rolls over, groaning as his stomach roils in protest. 

“Mm.” 

Kaveh opens his eyes again and squints, seeing a head of ginger hair buried in the pillow next to him start to stir. Childe turns his head and opens one bleary blue eye to look at him. It takes a moment for the situation to sink in, but Childe just smiles. 

“Morning.” He greets with a rough voice. 

“No.” Kaveh groans, pulling the blankets up to his nose. He rubs his legs together and distantly notes that he’s only in his underwear. 

“Yes.” Childe says, turning onto his side and sliding his arm under the blankets to drape over Kaveh’s waist. 

“... Did we have sex last night?” Kaveh asks. 

“Mm…” Childe lifts his head briefly, pulling the blanket down to look at Kaveh’s bare clavicle before flopping back down again. “Nope.” 

“... How can you tell?” 

“Because I leave a mark here.” Childe says, sliding his hand up from Kaveh’s waist to caress over the side of Kaveh’s neck. “When I do fuck someone.” 

“The same place you marked me before?” 

Chide snorts. “Yeah.” 

Kaveh closes his eyes again, unsure about how to feel about it. He remembers having a good time drinking, Childe has a lot of stories and he’s endlessly charming. Despite how the night started with brooding and lamenting their failed relationships. 

“I should go home.” Kaveh mutters. 

Childe moves closer, holding him tight and pressing their sleep warm bodies together despite the painful protests of their combined hangovers. 

“I’ll take you home in a bit.” 

“Mm.” 

Kaveh opens the door to his house, carefully juggling his keys, phone, coffee and groceries. He briefly pauses when he notices luggage piled neatly beside the door. 

So Alhaitham was finally home. 

Great. 

The past week and a half had been so quiet without him around. Kaveh thought he was dealing with his feelings while he was alone, but the thought of Alhaitham being here instantly makes him feel raw, like everything happened yesterday. So much for dealing with it. Kaveh closes the door behind him and steps out of his boots. 

Suddenly, he remembers what Childe said before. 

It’s worse than getting rejected.

Like I’m not worth the effort.

Kaveh  wonders if he should just ignore Alhaitham and be done with it. Kaveh is already making moves to move out, looking at ads on social media about open rooms to rent. 

Kaveh’s heart skips a beat when he hears a door open, and footsteps coming down the short hallway. 

He doesn’t look at Alhaitham as the younger man appears in the living area. Kaveh sets his key down on the table beside the door. 

“I brought your bags back.” Alhaitham says. 

Kaveh doesn’t say anything. He sets his coffee down and takes his coat off to hang it in the closet. 

“We had to go to Sumeru for a few days, so we didn’t make it back to the city immediately.” Alhaitham goes on. 

Kaveh closes the closet door. 

“Kaveh.” 

Kaveh picks his coffee and the bags of groceries up again and goes into the kitchen. He hears Alhaitham sigh. 

“I brought your things back, I was going to have them sent but I wanted to make sure they made it back.” 

Kaveh keeps his eyes fixed on his immediate task, taking things out of the grocery bags and setting them on the counter. 

“Kaveh… Ignoring me is childish.” 

Kaveh opens the fridge and puts the milk and eggs away. 

“I’m sorry.” 

Kaveh clenches his teeth and forces himself not to hesitate as he opens a cupboard for the rest of the groceries. His hand shakes on the cupboard handle as Alhaitham leaves the kitchen. Kaveh returns to the counter to fold the grocery bags back up and swallows past the lump growing in his throat. 

“Read the first chapter and then we’ll start there on Wednesday.” Professor Zhongli says over the bustle of everyone packing their bags up in the lecture hall. Kaveh sighs, resting his head on his hand as he watches the first years file neatly out of the room. A few linger to talk to Zhongli, who looks happy to answer their questions. 

Kaveh waits until there’s only one left before he gets up from his seat and drapes his bag over his shoulder. He approaches the podium and gives Zhongli a smile in greeting. 

“Good morning. Did you have a good holiday Kaveh?” Zhongli asks as he tucks his notes away into his leather carryall. 

“Yeah, got a lot of sleep.” Kaveh says. He clears his throat and tries to act nonchalant as he glances around the room. “So… where’s Childe?” 

Zhongli picks up his bag and slings it over his shoulder. Kaveh watches him carefully, trying to gauge his reaction. 

“The young Tartaglia has switched assignments, he’s assisting Professor Dottore with his Sumerian History course this semester. So it’s just us.” Zhongli says, offering a small smile. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to collect my daughter.”  

Kaveh nods. 

Kaveh slips the hairband over his forehead and pushes it back, pressing down at the same time to make sure the teeth dig in to keep his hair away from his face. He still hasn’t gotten around to going to the hairdresser, but it is just a small inconvenience. He adjusts the glasses on his nose before leaning forward and beginning to sketch the idea he has. 

It isn’t long before he hears the door to the house open and close. He breathes in and out shortly through his nose to steel himself. 

He hears Alhaitham’s shoes hit the floor, and then the soft footsteps of his socks over the hardwood. The fridge opens and closes, a dish clatters on the countertop, the tea kettle bubbles. 

From his position in the living room at the coffee table, he can sometimes see Alhaitham move in his peripheral vision. He keeps sketching. 

Kaveh hears his steps come close, crossing the invisible threshold of the kitchen to the living room. He places a cup and a plate on the coffee table beside Kaveh’s sketchbook and Kaveh focuses on keeping his crimson eyes on the nonsensical sketching. Alhaitham turns and leaves, his bedroom door clicking shut moments later. 

Kaveh exhales, feeling a weight on his chest. 

He glances over, seeing his favorite pastry on a plate and a steaming cup of hot tea. 

“Honestly, who can say no to a free lunch?” Mona says as she lifts her hands and shrugs. 

“It tastes better when it’s free. Even though I don’t think I’ve had pancakes before.” Kaveh says as he reads the sandwich board sign emblazoned with FREE PANCAKE DINNER!! as they pass. 

“They’re delicious, you’ll love them.” Mona says. “Free dinner notwithstanding, I’m glad you came with me. Fischl has been absolutely unbearable lately.” 

They enter the Sciences building and follow the arrows around to the common room that emits a syrupy sweet aroma. 

“What’s wrong with Fischl?” Kaveh asks as they get in line. 

Mona sighs dramatically. “Who knows anymore? It’s still the beginning of the semester but she’s been blowing me off for every meeting I try to make. There’s only so much I can put up with.” 

Kaveh puts his arm around Mona’s shoulders and squeezes her, resting his cheek on the top of her head. Despite her attempts at her usually haughty tone, there’s a layer of genuine hurt in her voice. “Maybe she’s just busy? She hasn’t declared her major yet so maybe she’s stressed out?” 

“I don’t know, it feels like she’s avoiding me.” Mona says. 

Kaveh lets her go as they get to the front of the line and accept their plates of food. Mona pulls Kaveh to the condiments and dumps a healthy amount of jam on top of hers. Kaveh follows suit, watching how she prepares her pancakes. 

“Ah-” 

The person on the other side of the condiments table looks up, surprised, and gets Kaveh’s attention. Kaveh was so focused on watching Mona he didn’t realize he recognized him. 

“Z-zara?” Albedo asks, confused. His pale blue eyes quickly glance at Mona and then back at Kaveh. 

“Oh, no. Zara is my sister.” Kaveh says. 

Then he remembers where he is. Why is Albedo getting free pancakes when he was previously a guest at Schloss Varkasburg? It was so odd, seeing him here with regular people after the opulence of the resort. 

“Twins?” Albedo asks. 

“No, I… it’s complicated.” 

“Oh, so it was you.” Albedo says, his brow furrowing briefly as he clearly connects the dots. “Well, either way, I’m glad to have run into you here. I did look for you on social media but the Zara I found was not you.” 

“My sister.” Kaveh says with a nod.  “Well, I’m holding up the line so-” 

Awkwardly, Kaveh shuffles away from the table and tries to give a polite smile in retreat. Mona quickly shoves napkins, little plastic containers of butter and syrup into her pockets and balances both her plates of food on one arm as she follows him. 

“Wait-” 

Albedo comes around the table and follows after them. 

“I don’t mean to intrude, do you mind if we eat with you? I want to apologize for how I acted last year.” Albedo says, a little bit of color high on his cheeks as he asks. 

Even though he makes Kaveh uncomfortable, he can already feel the sympathy for Albedo in this situation sink in. And, he wants to apologize, which is good. Kaveh pushes aside his own feelings of discomfort. 

“That’s not a problem for me.” Kaveh says, and then he turns to Mona. “You?” 

Mona shrugs. “I don’t care, I just want to sit down before I drop my pancakes.” 

“Good, yes.” Albedo glances around the room briefly before nodding his head to an empty table near the windows. It was still winter and cold outside, people were avoiding sitting near them. “Let’s go over there.” 

They weave their way through the tables filled with students and sit down. Kaveh takes the window seat to spare Mona the drafty position. 

“You said we?” Kaveh asks as he watches Albedo sit opposite of Mona. 

“Yeah, my friend is coming but-” Albedo stops, his eyes widening briefly. “It’s… It’s Tighnari. Is that… okay?” 

Kaveh’s hand briefly tightens around the plastic fork. 

“Tighnari?” Mona asks. “Why would that be a problem?” 

“Because-” Albedo starts but Kaveh cuts him off. 

“Because of something that happened in the past. I’m over it though, I did say I would meet up with him on campus at some point.” Kaveh says. But not any time soon. He adds to himself. 

Mona’s pale eyes fixate on Kaveh and he knows she’s perceptive. He does his best to relax his posture, as if to silently reassure her that he was indeed, over it. She clearly doesn’t buy it, narrowing her eyes ever so slightly. Thankfully, she doesn’t push it. She looks at Albedo instead. 

“Well, are you going to properly apologize or not?” She asks with authority. 

“O-oh. Yes.” Albedo says quickly, blushing again. He clears his throat. “I realize that me and my friends’ behavior at lunch was alienating and it hurt your feelings.” 

Kaveh can’t help but remember the knowing looks they gave each other. It still stung a bit, but he’s had worse happen. 

“It was never my intention, I’m sorry.” Albedo says with genuine remorse. “Venti has also expressed regret over our shared misstep.”

“It’s fine. A lot was going on that day it- it’s fine.” Kaveh says, giving him a reassuring smile. Albedo looks relieved. 

“Good. Don’t do it again.” Mona says as she points her fork at Albedo before digging into her pancakes. 

“I won’t.” 

Albedo’s attention is taken by his phone as it pings, and after reading the text, he looks up and around the room. 

“Nari!” Albedo calls as he raises his hand. Kaveh doesn’t look up, knowing Tighnari was here now. 

Kaveh cuts off a piece of the pancake with his fork and shoves a piece into his mouth out of sheer nervousness. The taste is mild and sweet and the jam is wonderful. They are good, especially for a free meal. 

Free meal. Good food. 

Don’t be so nervous about meeting Tighnari. Don’t be comparing yourself to Tighnari. Don’t think about Alhaitham. Stop thinking about Alhaitham. Stop thinking!! 

“Hey. Someone took all the syrup already- Oh.” 

Kaveh tries to swallow the mouthful of pancake and sticky jam. It gets stuck. He tries to breathe in and drops his fork when he can’t. He panics. He flails, gesturing at Mona to his throat. 

Mona panics. 

“He’s choking!” She shouts. 

“Shit-” Albedo stands up and reaches over to grab Kaveh forcefully by the jaw and pulls him closer. Kaveh slaps his hands down on the table to stop himself from falling. Albedo focuses for a moment, and then snaps his fingers. 

A bitter mixture tasting familiar suddenly floods Kaveh’s mouth and he swallows, inhaling deeply in relief as the obstruction is cleared. 

Everyone lets out a collective sigh of relief. 

“Ugh- what is that?” Kaveh asks, sitting back down and rubbing his throat as he presses his tongue to the top of his mouth. 

“Eh, beer and wine. It’s the first thing I thought of. Beer from the wheat in the pancakes and wine from the berries in the jam.” Albedo says, putting his hand on his chest as he breathes out in relief. 

“Thank you.” Kaveh says, “Tastes better than dying I suppose.” 

“Don’t mention it.” Albedo says. 

“Here.” There’s a bottle of water offered. 

Kaveh accepts the bottle of water gratefully. “Thank yo-” 

He cuts himself off as he finally looks at Tighnari. 

He’s gorgeous. 

Concerned hazel eyes and dark hair, long eyelashes and fair skin and striking, tall canidae ears. Holy shit. 

Tighnari’s ears twitch as he motions for Kaveh to take a drink. 

“Don’t choke on that too.” He says, standing by and waiting for Kaveh to take a drink. To make sure he did. 

“Haha- yeah- ha.” Kaveh says, laughing nervously. Embarrassed by his own reaction he quickly takes a drink. Satisfied, Tighnari walks back around the table to sit opposite of Kaveh. Kaveh chooses to sip the water so he didn’t have to talk, so he could collect himself. Everyone else seems to get the hint and they don’t push him. 

“What took you so long?” Albedo asks, pulling his plate back closer to him and picking up his fork. 

“Cyno and Xiao stared and caveman grunted while pushing a catalog from a florist at me. I guess Venti and Xiao are having an engagement party and those two trying to plan anything is a nightmare so they wanted me to pick the flowers.” Tighnari says, sliding his bag off his shoulders and dropping it to the floor beside him. His tail flicks up and lays across his lap and Kaveh wants to touch it. 

“When is it?” Albedo asks, poking at his pancakes. 

“Two weeks.” Tighnari says. 

Mona sighs heavily and gets the attention of the table. “Why do I even bother reading for that airhead when he doesn’t listen to what I have to say?” 

“Huh?” Albedo tilts his head curiously. 

“Venti, that cad, asked me to do a tarot reading and the stars specifically said to wait until the spring greens.” Mona says, finishing off one plate of pancakes. “But two weeks? Ugh.” 

Albedo laughs softly. 

“Does everyone know each other but me?” Kaveh asks. He realizes he unintentionally comes off as whining. 

“That’s what happens when you put your nose to the grindstone for five years, my dear.” Mona says, “But, you do have achievements under your belt that no one else can boast about.

“Oh, like what?” Albedo asks. 

“He’s been helping design the campus buildings for restoration.” Mona says. Kaveh cringes a little internally because as proud as he is of his achievements, he didn’t feel like bragging in the current company. “Including the law library, the sciences library and what was the last one?” 

“... The Arts Courtyard.” Kaveh says, clearing his throat. 

“Yes. And he’s in the final year of his Masters program. He’s an aesthetic genius.” Mona says in such a matter of fact tone, Kaveh’s ears burn. 

He spares a glance at Tighnari and means it to be quick and secret but he’s caught because Tighnari is already looking at him. 

“That’s amazing.” Tighnari states. “I really like the new sciences library.” 

“Ah, thanks.” Kaveh says, “I figured there would be more collaboration in the sciences, opposed to the law library that emphases solo study. And just because it’s science doesn’t mean the aesthetics have to be stainless steel and glass.” 

Tighnari nods in agreement. 

“You’re a sciences student?” Kaveh asks. 

“Yeah, biology. I was entertaining the idea of medical school in my first year but found that I greatly preferred flora.” Tighnari says. 

“Mm, I was similar. I started in engineering and realized that I just preferred design and architecture. Unfortunately I was naive enough to hold on to engineering for sixteen core courses before I changed majors.” Kaveh says, and then he sighs at himself. “But thankfully I did halfway through my second year.” 

“At least you did transfer. That’s all that really matters.” 

“Yes, unfortunately by that time my social life completely disintegrated into occasionally going out to a bar for the drag shows or Nilou dragging me out to the night market at 2 am. It’s honestly a miracle I even have friends at this point.” Kaveh pokes at his pancakes. 

“Oh, you do drag? I’ve never been to a drag show.” Tighnari leans on the table. “And, I really doubt you’d have trouble making friends, you’re easy to talk to.” 

“Wow I actually just realized that I need something.” Albedo says suddenly, interrupting the conversation. The blond looks across the table at Mona and leans in. “I need a reading.” 

“Eh?” Mona says, confused. “Now?” 

“Yes. I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while now but we don’t really talk. Even at Mondstadt functions we’re at we’ve never really connected but I’m feeling really connected so-” Albedo speaks quickly, like it was important. “-I’ll pay you for a reading, right now. I have a rented space in the arts building for my alchemy tests.” 

“... Okay. I’ll have to get my things.” Mona says, suddenly agreeable with the request. “I’ll see you later.” 

She places her empty paper plate on top of the other one to make a makeshift To-Go container for her remaining pancakes and stands up. 

“What- wait-” Kaveh says, realizing they’re leaving him alone with Tighnari. 

“Don’t even worry about it, I’m sure Albedo is a perfect gentleman and I can trust him enough to follow him into a deserted building at night.” Mona says. Albedo clears his throat and blushes again. 

“Real subtle you guys.” Tighnari says, sighing. “Whatever. You wanna be weird about this, that's your own decision.” 

“I don’t know what you mean.” Albedo says under his breath, already backing away from the table to follow after Mona. “It’s Mona Megistis .” 

“At least text me later Mona.” Kaveh calls. 

She waves at him over her shoulder as she leaves the hall. 

“Hmm. I guess he has been crushing on Mona for a while.” Tighnari mutters to himself. He sighs, turning his attention back to his plate. “Don’t choke again, I can’t do alchemy to get it out. I’d probably just throw you down and jump on your chest or something.” 

“Haha, I won’t.” Kaveh says, laughing nervously again. 

“Did you choke because of me?” Tighnari asks, his hazel eyes flicking up to look at Kaveh without moving his head. 

Kaveh swallows. His mood is a little different now it was just the two of them. 

“Uhm, kind of. I wasn’t expecting to run into you. I was trying to distract myself.” Kaveh admits. 

“So, what’s your relationship with Alhaitham?” Tighnari asks. 

He’s blunt. 

“He’s my roommate. Like I said before, but…” Kaveh trails off, thinking about the tension in the house for the past few weeks. “It’s over now. So it doesn’t really matter.” 

“You were together before though, weren’t you?” Tighnari rests his head on his hand. “Last year, when everything was happening?” 

“Kind of. Haitham had an arranged marriage and he wanted to avoid it until he graduated.” Kaveh says. “So, he recruited me to pretend to be his fiancee to keep his parents off his back.” 

“But it got out of control?” Tighnari asks. 

“Yeah. He got jealous of these other guys I was hanging around with.” Kaveh pokes his fork into his cold pancakes. “But then I learned what he did to you so I broke it off.” 

Tighnari huffs a laugh. 

“You make it sound like I’m innocent in all this.” Tighnari mutters. 

“He… took advantage of you.” Kaveh says. “You were in a vulnerable position and he capitalized on it.” 

“So did Cyno.” Tighnari sits upright, pushing his plate away. “And I wasn’t passive about it. It’s different in hindsight, it's still just as messy but it’s different.” 

“What do you mean?” Kaveh frowns slightly, confused. 

“You should ask him. I would also like to know what was going through his head. I know what Cyno was thinking, he’s a ball of anxiety and clueless.” 

“I can’t ask him now.” Kaveh mutters. 

“You can. You’re just scared.” Tighnari says. 

“So what if I am?” Kaveh crosses his arms over his chest. 

“You were scared to meet me, and now we’re here. You conflate things too much.” Tighnari says and it’s eerily reminiscent of something Alhaitham says regularly. 

“It’s too late now anyway, there’s no point.”

“Fine. I’m not going to hold your hand.” Tighnari says, leaning back in his chair. “I’m not going to pretend like I know what your relationship is with him. But if you do put on your big boy pants and talk to him like an adult, let me know.” 

Tighnari stands up, picking up his bag and shouldering it. 

“And you should take me to the drag show at some point. Even with the noise of it, I’m sure it’ll be a good time.” 

Kaveh doesn’t respond as Tighnari turns and leaves him in the hall.

Chapter Text

“So how is it not a mixed use hub? How is this something different?” 

Kaveh taps his pencil against the paper, the eraser bouncing rhythmically. 

It’s late, single digits late. The kind, yellow light from the table lamp makes the itch in the corner of Kaveh’s eyes easier to deal with. His knee bounces under the table and his fingers swirl through messy blond hair. 

“Because it’s a community centre, but it’s also housing relics and displaying relevant information from the assigned darshan.” Kaveh drops his pencil, not raising his soft red eyes from the scribbles in front of him as he speaks. “It’s also social infrastructure because there’s an overnight student shelter and a daycare-” 

“So it’s more of a multiplex.” 

“No.” Kaveh sighs, frustrated. He takes his glasses off roughly by sweeping his hand in his hair down over his face and he huffs. “No. It’s not a multiplex because it’s academia. It’s literally for students and sages-” 

“Infotainment then, it’s a library.” 

“It’s not a fucking library- it’s social infrastructure based on the needs of its occupants, it’s occupants being the students, researchers and sages from the Sumeru Akademiya. Specifically for them, an environment that will encourage social work and collaboration between up and coming and established scholars-” 

“If we wanted another library we would have asked for another library.” The voice interrupts and Kaveh reaches his breaking point. He slams his fist down on the table and turns his angry gaze to the phone.

“It’s not a fucking library!” Kaveh shouts. “It’s not a museum or a multiplex or mixed use hub; those are defined spaces, this is an undefined, beautiful space- it’s what you wanted.” 

“The deadline is now April 4th, 8 am.” The voice says curtly.

Kaveh glances at the clock on his drafting table.

“That’s in five hours.” 

“Yes, I suggest you look for other avenues in your five hours.” 

Kaveh groans, dropping his head down on his flat desk with a thump. 

“Good night, Mr. Kavari.” 

“... Goodnight Dottore.” 

Kaveh’s phone flashes as the Sumeruian Herbad hangs up the phone. Any goodwill Kaveh had towards Herbad Dottore burns in the fire of the frustration in his chest. The blond lifts his head from the desk and exhales a long breath. He cracks open one of his eyes and looks at the final draft of his thesis on the desk, colourful squares of notes sticking out from almost every page from the final edits. 

All the work he’s dedicated to this thesis project is contained in that manuscript and its accompanying schematics and blueprints. It was an idea that he’d had in high school, one he’s picked up here and there over the years and built on it slowly. It was supposed to be his masterpiece. His Thesis. 

But the Akademiya thought it was a fucking library. 

Years of work. 

Years. 

Rage bubbles up in Kaveh’s chest and it's too much. He stands up, grabbing his thesis roughly and uncaring of the way the pages folded and ripped under his grip. He throws it with his whole body at the wall and cries out in anger as it hits and the papers scatter into the air. His vision is blurred as he falls to the floor, his legs giving out as the exhaustion finally gets to him after a month and a half of late nights, early mornings and ignored meals. 

Kaveh’s hand clutches at his chest as hot tears spill from his eyes and a painful sob rips through his throat. It hurts. The failure hurts . It burns through his lungs and heart and erupts scorching over his lips, over his cheeks. He worked so hard- 

“Hey-” 

Kaveh inhales painfully deep and shakes his head when he realizes Alhaitham is there. 

“Stop it.” Alhaitham says, soft and worried. “Stop… crying.” 

Alhaitham’s hand reaches out and wraps around Kaveh’s wrist, warm and solid. Kaveh pulls roughly away. Alhaitham’s grip doesn’t waver and Kaveh shakes his head again. 

“Kaveh please- I don’t-” Alhaitham says, unsure. “Stop.” 

Kaveh thrashes his body to get away from Alhaitham but it only makes his grip tighten. Another hand clamps down on Kaveh’s bicep as Alhaitham tries to stop him from moving. 

“Kaveh you’re going to hurt yourself- I think you already did. Stop!” 

Kaveh twists, his breath caught in his chest as he fights against him. A sharp, red pain spikes up through Kaveh’s left leg as he accidentally kicks his bed frame hard; but he doesn’t stop thrashing. 

Alhaitham stops trying to talk to him and pulls Kaveh to his chest. He wraps the blond’s arms across his own body and pins both of Kaveh’s legs with one of his. Kaveh can’t move anymore at all, Alhaitham holding him in his grip like a snake. Kaveh weakly whimpers and pulls but he’s unable to move. He drops his head to the floor, giving up. 

He feels worse. The failure stings. He’s going to have to work through another year of school, pour his soul into another thesis, go further into debt because he was incompetent. 

Kaveh goes limp as Alhaitham shuffles them around. He lets the other man move him around however he wishes, ending up sobbing against his bare chest. The crying doesn’t stop. He can’t control it anymore than he can control the weather. It’s just happening, even as Alhaitham hugs him carefully to try and soothe, the tears and sobbing persist. 

Failure. 

“Here.” Lisa says softly, placing the heavy ceramic mug down on the coffee table in front of Kaveh. 

“Thanks.” Kaveh mutters. He reaches out to take it into both of his hands, absorbing the warmth of the coffee and creme through his palms. Lisa slides to sit down next to Kaveh. 

“It’s alright.” Lisa says with a wistful sigh. She rubs her well manicured hand up and down Kaveh’s back as he sips carefully at the coffee. “We can work out something. You can still start an OnlyFans for tuition, or maybe just a thirst trap tiktok, I’m sure Mona would drop a link for you.” 

Just the thought makes Kaveh’s headache throb. 

“... I know she would.” Kaveh shakes his head. “But… I don’t think so. I think… I’m just going to have to go back to Port Ormos…” 

“Oh, honey…” Lisa says, tilting her head to the side in sympathy. 

“... I don’t even know what I was doing- those weekends I spent fucking around in drag I could have been studying…” Kaveh mutters. 

“No, don’t start that.” Lisa says sternly. “You worked harder than anyone I know in your university career, and I know a lot of people. Don’t start doubting yourself.” 

“Mm..” Kaveh hums noncommittal. 

“Oh, hang on. A call? That’s odd.” Lisa says as her phone goes off. She sits straight and picks it up from the coffee table, her eyebrows raising slightly as she reads the display. She answers and lifts the phone to her ear. “Faruzan? You know you can do a new fangled thing with your phone called texting-” 

Kaveh sets the mug back down on the coffee table in front of him as he hears the tinny voice of Faruzan come through the speaker on Lisa’s phone. He can’t make out anything she’s saying but Lisa goes from snarking to paying attention. She looks at Kaveh after a moment. 

“He’s here.” She says, her brows creasing with worry. “... Where’s your phone?” 

Kaveh feels a stone settle in his stomach as he remembers waking up this afternoon to a messy room, a sense of defeat, and a cracked phone screen. Same as it’s been the past week.

“I cracked the screen, it’s unusable.” Kaveh mutters. “Why?” 

“Here.” Lisa offers her phone to Kaveh. “Faruzan says it’s important.” 

Kaveh frowns as he takes her phone and lifts it to his ear. 

“Faruzan?” He asks, staring down at the hardwood floor of Lisa’s apartment. 

“Kaveh, good god. Where are you? The dinner started an hour and a half ago.” Faruzan whispers furiously into the phone. 

“The dinner is for alumni and graduates.” Kaveh says, breathing out a sigh of relief when he realizes it’s not that important. “It’s for the sages to pat themselves on the back for another round of doctorates and masters degrees. Not for a piece of shit failure like me.” 

“Okay, uhm- hm, well maybe you can come here and tell Zaha Hadi that yourself because she will not get off my back about you.” Faruzan hisses. 

More guilt piles onto Kaveh. 

“Oh, Zaha Hadi…” Kaveh says with a sigh. 

“Yes, she and Goli are rolling around the floor chasing me down because of you. Get your ass down here.” Faruzan curses in Sumerian as she bumps into a table. 

Zaha Hadi and Goli were elder sages, retired teachers and Goli a former Sage of Kshahrewar. Zaha Hadi taught Kaveh’s mother and looked after him like a grandmother after Fanarak left. He couldn’t imagine facing her with this failure on his shoulders. 

 “I can’t.” Kaveh says, frustration bubbling up again. “I fucking failed Faruzan I’m not going to lurk around a party as a failure. I would literally die.” 

Faruzan grunts in annoyance. 

“Zaha Hadi- oh yes I lost track of you- oh-” Faruzan says to someone on her end of the phone, the call drops. 

Kaveh’s hand falls limply as he hangs up. 

Lisa’s phone buzzes with texts, notifs popping up quickly one after the other. Kaveh hands it back. 

Lisa sighs as she flips through her texts and Kaveh retrieves the coffee cup. He drains the rest of the warm coffee and liquor, appreciating the warm burn down his throat. 

Kaveh digs his heels into the slushy snow as Fischl and Mona pull him forwards by his arms and Lisa pushes him from the back. 

“GO!” they shout in unison and Kaveh shakes his head. They were trying to drag him into the Sumeru Alumni party after forcing him into a suit and washing him up. Mona’s heel slips on the wet concrete but she quickly regains her balance to pull harder and Kaveh inches forward. 

“No!” Kaveh shouts back. Faruzan did not stop texting and suddenly Mona and Fischl and Lisa were all in on it. Intent on getting him to this party. He did not want to go. 

Faruzan appears at the top of the stone steps and shouts down at them. “He’s here!” 

A few other people emerge from the banquet hall and the sheer shame of being caught literally dragged into the venue makes Kaveh’s face burn and he gives up. He stands up straight and adjusts his tie as more people come to greet him. 

“There you are my boy! It’s been so long-”

“We were worried you weren’t coming-” 

He avoids looking at Mona, Lisa, Fischl and Faruzan as he ascends the steps and nods a polite greeting to those who came out to meet him. 

“I’m sorry I’m late. I… assumed I wasn’t welcome.” Kaveh says, clearing his throat and trying to control the burning embarrassment in his gut. 

“Nonsense.” 

He follows the crowd back inside the warm banquet hall. Just keep calm, he thinks to himself. 

“Kaveh.” A familiar voice greets and Kaveh turns to see Zaha Hadi. 

“Apologies for being late Zaha Hadi.” Kaveh says respectfully, bowing his head slowly to her, and then to Goli standing beside Zaha Hadi. “Madame Goli, good to see you’re in good health.” 

“Aie, after everything we went through for him.” Zaha Hadi says, nudging Goli with her elbow. “You know how difficult it is to get a hold of Idris these days, even for us.” 

Goli nods her head in agreement. “He doesn’t even respond immediately to me anymore, no respect.” 

“None.” 

“None.” 

The elders look at each other and nod. 

“Excuse me, what are you referring to?” Kaveh asks, curious. 

“Aieee. You didn’t think that just because Herbad Dottore said things we would just let you give up.” Zaha Hadi says, motioning at him with her hands. “This child…” 

“I was surprised to get the phone call that morning, and we had to get together before we had coffee-”

“Before we had coffee we were up and out-”

“Looking for Idris-” 

“Wait- what?” Kaveh asks again, raising his hand as if he could understand it better. 

“Zandik is an idiot.” Goli says, making a rude motion with her hand. “Unfortunately he’s the only liaison we the Akademiya have with the university so we have to deal with him.”

“And he’s rude, he makes awful coffee.” Zaha Hadi adds, Goli nods. 

“He tried to turn down your thesis before it could even get to Idris.” Goli says, frowning. “But, luckily you didn’t give up. You emailed your thesis to me and I was able to get it to Idris.”

“... Idris… saw my thesis?” Kaveh asks slowly. “Why?” 

“Because I gave it to him- is he even listening?” Goli motions at Kaveh. 

“I am, yes. I-” Kaveh stutters, shaking his head. “Wait… I thought I failed…” 

“Ah?! My student?” 

“My habibi?” 

“Fail?” 

Both of the elders flush red with indignation. 

“No.” Zaha Hadi reaches out to take Kaveh’s hand and holds it tightly. “You’re the Light of Kshahrewar, Kaveh.” 

“Wh-...” Kaveh is unable to grasp the situation. 

“Idris!” Goli calls out, motioning for the Sage of Kshahrewar to come over to them. An older man smiles respectfully as he approaches, nodding his head in greeting to the two elders. “Idris, he thought he failed.” 

“Oh?” Idris asks, looking up at Kaveh. “Did you not get our emails? Or our letter?” 

Kaveh shakes his head. 

“My phone- I… I’ve been wallowing in bed because I thought I failed… I didn’t-” Kaveh stutters. 

“With a project like yours? Banish the very thought, the letter we sent was an offering to start your project next year.” Idris says, frowning thoughtfully. “My boy, you’re the most decorated student graduate of this generation…” 

Kaveh feels numb. 

“He’s falling!” 

Kaveh opens his eyes warily, thoroughly disoriented. 

“There he is.” Zaha Hadi says as she gently cups Kaveh’s jaw. 

“What…?” Kaveh asks, confused. 

“You passed out habibi.”  Zaha Hadi says. “Drink.” 

She gently feeds Kaveh a cup of strong herbal tea, it makes his nose burn. 

“It’ll help.” 

“Mm…” 

Kaveh takes a deep breath and thinks about what happened. He looks around the room, they’re still in the alumni party. On the table beside him there’s a plaque and golden laurels emblazoned with his name and “Light of Kshahrewar”. 

He didn’t submit his thesis. He passed out on Alhaitham that night and didn’t wake up until the next evening, well past the due date. He didn’t check the student portal or anything because he couldn’t bear to look. How did he pass? How did- 

“Ah, awake now?” Goli says, smiling at him as she’s pushed in a wheelchair over to the table. But Kaveh’s attention is immediately drawn to the student pushing her. It’s Alhaitham. She reaches up and gently pats Alhaitham’s hand before he pulls away from her chair. “Thank you habibi. I’ll see you later.” 

“Grandmother…” Alhaitham says, nodding his head. He glances very very briefly at Kaveh before looking away with something like guilt in his eyes. Kaveh watches as Alhaitham leaves them, approaching the table where his parents were sitting. 

“... That’s your grandson?” Kaveh asks, his eyes still on Alhaitham. 

“Oh yes. My Haitham.” Goli says with pride. “Even though he will not be the most decorated graduate, anything he does makes me proud.” 

Kaveh looks over the pages in his hands. None of it is his final draft. He drops the handfuls of paper and grabs more from his floor. Nothing. He kneels on his floor looking around for any sign of his final draft, remembering the way the papers scattered and fell. 

His final draft is gone. 

“It’s… right here.” Alhaitham says, slowly pushing Kaveh’s room door open and holding out a beautifully wrapped and bound book. 

Kaveh’s red eyes slowly look up, up, up Alhaitham’s body, focusing on the younger man’s face as he looks off to the side shyly as he offers the book. 

“... It’s already in the Akasha.” Alhaitham says. “Professor Zhongli gave his approval right away, seeing as you’ve been keeping him updated with the project through the year. The university gave you top marks, and the Akademiya did too. Now I have to pass my finals with no mistakes and successfully defend an oil company if I want any hope of being the Pen of Haravatat.” 

Kaveh reaches out and takes the tome from Alhaitham’s hand, the attached blueprints and schematics slipping out of the jacket and falling to the floor. Alhaitham immediately kneels to pick them up, Kaveh reaches for them at the same time, their hands meet and they both stop. 

Kaveh slowly pulls his hand back. Alhaitham clears his throat and carefully gathers the materials up. 

“It was a draft.” Kaveh says, “It was in pieces on the floor and the deadline was at 8 am.” 

“I’m a Haravatat graduate in a Law program, I learn languages for fun. Transcribing and final editing isn’t difficult, especially when it’s a well done final draft.” 

Kaveh cracks the book open and his vision blurs as he reads the neat printing of his thesis title on the title page, his name carefully centred below it. He can’t help the tears bubbling up in his throat again. 

He did all this- “For me.” 

“For you.” Alhaitham whispers back. 

Chapter Text

“May 2nd.” 

“... Like, next week May 2nd?” Kaveh asks, his eyebrows raising slightly. 

“Yes, we want it online before September, it's the earliest we can start.” Idris says confidently. “Is… that a problem?” 

“No. I-” Kaveh coughs, in his rush to assure Idris he chokes a little over his own tongue. “I’ve got nothing going on here, I can be in the city in two days.”

Kaveh looks around his discordant room, already mentally starting a checklist for things he needs to pack. 

“Good to hear. Coordinate with Setaria for the travel information, she’ll email you later today.” Idris says. “Good evening Kaveh.” 

“Thank you, Sage Idris.” Kaveh says, and he stays on the phone until he hears the click of the line disconnecting. 

He stands there for a minute in a contemplative silence. After a moment, he turns to look at his bedroom door and he’s not surprised to see Alhaitham standing there. The younger man has his arms crossed over his chest and he’s leaning against the door frame. His jade eyes are downcast, filled with as many thoughts as Kaveh imagines his own mind swirling with. 

“You’re going back to Sumeru City.” Alhaitham says, a statement, not a question. 

“Yes. They want my project online by September.” Kaveh says back, tapping his finger nervously on the back of his phone. He breathes in and out. “I've graduated, I don’t have any reason to stay here anymore.” 

“What about me?” Alhaitham asks as he finally raises his eyes to meet Kaveh’s gaze. “I’m here.” 

“What about you?” Kaveh asks in return. “What about you being here means I can’t leave? It was fake. You wanted me to pretend to be your fiance, so you could avoid getting married until graduation. We’re both graduated now, Haitham, it’s the end of it.” 

“It’s not.” Alhaitham says, his jaw setting in a familiar way. Kaveh recognizes it as Alhaitham digging his heels in, getting ready for a fight. “You can’t pretend nothing happened, that there’s nothing between us.” 

“I’m not pretending. I’m being practical. I thought you would appreciate it, of all people.” Kaveh says. The blond walks around the room to place his phone on his desk, and starts to gather papers from it to clean. “Maybe there was something at a certain point-” 

“There is .” Alhaitham cuts Kaveh off firmly. “There is something between us.” 

“-but there isn’t anymore.” Kaveh finishes, tucking his papers into a folder and stacking his books. 

“Then why am I feeling like this if there’s nothing here?” Alhaitham asks, straightening up and motioning at his chest. “Why can’t you just tell me to leave? Why haven’t you left yet? Why are you still here?”  

Kaveh goes to his closet and reaches around back to get the moving boxes. He pulls two of them out and pops one from flat to open. 

“I’m not. I’m leaving.” Kaveh says. The blond drops the box to the floor and steps over it to approach Alhaitham. He tilts his head back slightly to look up at his face when he’s close. “You’re going to get your Masters. You’re going to get a position in Akademiya where you don’t have to work before 9 am or after 4:30 pm. You’re going to marry Layla even though you both deserve more. Eventually, you’ll become a Sage in your father’s place, have your own little Alhaitham to deal with, and maybe even become Grand Sage. Easy.” 

Alhaitham exhales heavily and shakes his head. “You’re unbelievable.” 

“I’m right. It’s what you wanted.” Kaveh says, disconnecting briefly and looking into the middle distance over Alhaitham’s shoulder. 

“I don’t want-” Alhaitham stops himself and clenches his teeth briefly. He shakes his head again. “No one else matters like you do Kaveh. No one. I meant it when I said it. And I know you feel the same about me because I’m not blind or deaf and you’re just as excited to be in my presence as I am in yours.” 

“But that’s not the only thing that matters.” Kaveh says. He looks up at the younger man. He gently places his hand on Alhaitham’s chest and pushes him backwards. “You can keep your secrets. And I’ll keep mine.” 

Kaveh closes the door on him. He doesn’t let himself think, he turns around and immediately starts packing up his things, wiping at his eyes when his vision becomes blurry. 

“All set!” Childe says, grinning toothily at Kaveh around the sucker in his mouth. It’s a warm spring day and the wind smells sweet as it blows through the city. Kaveh is thankful his last day is beautiful. Kaveh stands on the sidewalk outside of Alhaitham’s house and looks into the back of the trailer that holds his entire life. The men Childe hired to help Kaveh pack up were making their way back to their work truck after a job well done. 

“Looks like it.” Kaveh says, smiling back at Childe. “Are you sure it’s not a problem?” 

“No problem, any excuse to spend time with my widdle wuv bug is not a problem at all.” Childe says. “I’ve never driven to Sumeru before anyway, it’ll be fun.” 

“Don’t say that.” Diluc grumbles as he puts his face in his palm. 

“Aww, what’s wrong widdle wuv bug?” Childe needles Diluc, approaching the redhead and attempting to nuzzle him. Diluc waves his arms to avoid Childe getting closer to him and Childe laughs. 

“I’m regretting this already.” Diluc mumbles. He catches himself though, and looks at Kaveh. “Oh, I’m not- it’s not a problem. Childe is the problem.” 

“If you’re sure.” Kaveh says. Diluc gives him a little reassuring smile. 

“Yeah, as long as you show us around the city when we get in.” Diluc counters. 

“Of course.” Kaveh agrees. 

Childe pulls the sliding door on the trailer closed and locks it with a loud metallic sound. Diluc and Kaveh look over at him. Kaveh watches as Diluc and Childe lock eyes with each other, and then some kind of conversation silently happens. Childe grins sadistically and Diluc shakes his head, and they both immediately start running for the drivers side. 

“You’re not driving-” Diluc says, pushing Childe away from the door and hopping into the driver's seat. Childe grunts as he hits the road and groans loudly when he sees Diluc close the driver’s side door. “You’ll kill us both.” 

“Awww. Boring!” Childe says, dusting himself off as he walks around the truck to get in the passenger side. “Road trip!” 

Kaveh waves at his two friends as the truck starts and they both wave back at him before pulling out into the road. Loud music bursts from the cab as they pull away. Diluc and Childe offered to drive Kaveh’s things to Sumeru; they always wanted to spend time in Sumeru City anyway, and decided to take their break there. 

Kaveh stands on the sidewalk alone, his suitcase and jacket beside him with all his essentials. He waits on the curb, idly looking down the road to see if he could see Nilou’s car approach. 

“She’s not coming.” 

Kaveh’s eyes widen in surprise and he turns to see Alhaitham. “What?” 

“I told her not to come.” Alhaitham says, pushing his hands further into his pockets. “I’ll take you.” 

Alhaitham motions with his head to the sleek black car in the driveway. 

“... Fine.” Kaveh relinquishes. Alhaitham takes Kaveh’s things before Kaveh can and takes them to the car, placing them neatly in the trunk. Kaveh doesn’t fight it. He follows after, sliding into the passenger side seat and clicking his seatbelt on. 

The tension between them is so thick it's almost suffocating. The drive is excruciatingly awkward. The low music of the local radio station doesn’t even begin to help. Instead of taking Kaveh to the drop off area of the airport, Alhaitham goes to parking and pays for a spot. They don’t say anything as they exit the car, Alhaitham once again taking Kaveh’s things. 

A part of Kaveh wants Alhaitham to fight more; start an argument, make an offhand comment, or just take Kaveh anywhere else but the airport. Kaveh wants Alhaitham to physically stop him from leaving- but at the same time, he doesn’t. 

They get through security and they get escorted through to the lounge, where Alhaitham is allowed to be despite not having a boarding pass. Kaveh double checks the time and he’s got about 5 minutes before they start boarding. Alhaitham is standing at the glass window overlooking the airport, watching the large aircrafts landing and taking off in the busy airstrip below. 

“I’m going to watch you take off.” Alhaitham says, finally breaking the silence that they’ve been living in for the past hour. He breaks his gaze from the window to look at Kaveh beside him. 

“You don’t have to.” Kaveh says, keeping his eyes on the window. 

“I want to.” 

“... I’m not changing my mind.” 

Kaveh crosses his arms over his chest. 

“... Are you sure?” Alhaitham asks, quietly. “I’m… sorry.” 

“It’s too late.” Kaveh says sharply. 

“Gate 45 now boarding, Sumeru City.” 

“... Kaveh-” 

“Goodbye.” 

Kaveh turns to leave, boarding pass in hand, but Alhaitham catches him by the wrist. Kaveh expects it. 

“I’m sorry.” Alhaitham says more firmly, pulling Kaveh in closer. 

Kaveh shakes his head. The blond pauses, looking up at the younger man for a moment before leaning up and in. Kaveh kisses Alhaitham softly, pulling away before the other man can react. He turns on his heel and heads for the gate, smiling gently at the steward who takes his ticket. 

Kaveh sits in his seat on the plane, resting his elbow on the armrest and worrying his bottom lip as he tries to engrave the feeling of Alhaitham’s lips into his memory. Why did Alhaitham bring him all this way? Probably the same reason Kaveh allowed it; they both wanted to hold on as long as possible. Kaveh imagines Alhaitham looking at the plane from the lounge and lingering as if Kaveh will burst from the gate and throw himself at him. 

But the door hisses as it closes with a final clunk. 

Kaveh wonders if Alhaitham really thought saying two words right before Kaveh got on the plane would actually stop him from leaving. 

Kaveh knows that if it were three words instead; he would have.