Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was when Alhaitham had brought the Traveler and Paimon to his home, where the seeds of doubt were initially planted. 

After overthrowing the government and subsequently being promoted to (sorry, forced to be ) the Acting Grand Sage ( acting — because Alhaitham certainly wasn’t planning to keep this role indefinitely) Alhaitham’s life had changed quite significantly. 

For one, his work schedule had been amped up quite a bit. When he was a mere and feeble scribe, never in his wildest dreams would ever willingly work a minute outside of his 9-5 schedule. 

Nowadays, he spends more time at the Akademiya, cleaning up the messes of his predecessors, as opposed to at home. He barely has enough free time to indulge in the much loved activity of reading. 

And then there was the added…. Much unwanted publicity that came with having the highest position within the Akademiya. 

He garners a lot more attention now. Scholars who try to butter him up, in a bid to gain funding and research approval. Potential suitors — men and women — approaching him whenever he’s in the tavern, or out and about — flirting with words and sometimes hands. 

His social links had also expanded. A visit to Aaru village now guarantees a friendly spar with Dehya, and returning home with a basket of rice and herbs — courtesy of Candace. 

Nilou gifts him free tickets to upcoming shows, which he does his best to attend — should they fit within his schedule. 

Lumine will sometimes accompany him to the desert, helping him with acquiring ascension materials which he finds does improve his combat abilities. She — in return will then insist on searching for any supposed treasure chests lurking about in the area. He doesn’t quite know why she needs them, but whatever. 

“Don’t let it roll away now.”

“….”

Then there’s Cyno. Up until recent events, their relationship had been one dislike on Cyno’s part, and complete indifference for him. 

Never had Alhaitham ever imagined that a time would come where he would consider the other to be a friend, but he supposes after everything they had gone through regarding the sages — it would make sense. And he knows that Cyno shares a similar sentiment. 

With Cyno comes Tighnari, whom he’s vaguely aware of, mostly thanks to Kaveh. Before, Alhaitham would decline every time Kaveh would invite him to visit with the pair at the tavern, but now he’ll come along, and will actually engage in conversation. 

And Kaveh will look at him, with utter confusion.

Which brings us to the current problem: 

Because even if most his life as he knew it had changed, his relationship (can he  

really call it that?) dynamic with Kaveh, had not changed at all. 

In hindsight, bringing Lumine and Paimon to his house probably wasn’t the best idea… even if the floating creature had practically demanded he do so. 

(Honestly, just like someone else he knows) 

Anyway, Kaveh hadn’t reacted well to the unexpected guests, but that was to be expected. Barely anyone was aware that they lived together. Kaveh made sure of it. He didn’t even like to be associated with Alhaitham if he could help it. 

And Alhaitham understood. Kaveh’s pride was almost… almost as hefty as his guilt. There was a reason why only he knew the extent of the blonde’s debt. 

But what surprised Alhaitham, was the blonde’s response to Paimon’s question — when he was out of earshot. 

“But aren’t you his friend?”

“…Well, we used to be, but not anymore.” 

We used to be 

….Hearing that had hurt far more than Alhaitham had ever thought it would. He’s not even sure why — because it’s not like the statement is necessarily wrong. They aren’t. Not really. 

Not anymore

When they were students in the Akademiya, Alhaitham and Kaveh were as thick as thieves. They were close, so close that people did not refer to them individually, but rather as a pair, a unit. Because usually, wherever one was, the other was close by. 

Before then, Alhaitham had never expected to experience such companionship. He was not one who had ever placed much importance upon making friends. Even as a child, his peers thought he was unusual and even then… he much preferred to spend his time surrounded by books rather than those of his age, his dear grandmother being the only constant human he had in his life. 

Some would say that it was lonely. For Alhaitham, it was all he needed. She was enough; She was the only family he had left, and vice versa. 

“Are you happy, my child?” - She would ask, often worried about his solitude and his answer would always, always be the same.

“Always, nana.” 

So when she passed away in her sleep, his hand tightly clasped into hers, him having barely reached the age of 15 — Alhaitham mourned the loss deeply. He mourned it deeply, but he simultaneously accepted that he would most likely spend the rest of his days in solitude. 

So he entered the Akademiya, only expecting his days to be filled with study and books and nothing else. 

And then Kaveh had…. Happened. He’d shown up, quite literally barging into Alhaitham’s life and refused to leave. Alhaitham found it bothersome at first, he truly did. But after a while, he began to adapt to the blonde’s presence, growing to take solace in the background noise the other’s incessant yapping provided. 

They spent their days studying in the library, napping together in Grand Bazaar, hefty books surrounding them. They’d sometimes head to the rooftops in the dead of the night, pointing out constellation’s to one another. 

Alhaitham had never cared for friendship. But he now found that for the first time since his grandmother’s passing, he had come across someone who he would be content with spending his life with. 

Alas, life then taught him better. Just because two individuals are best friends… perhaps even teetering on something more… does not mean that they will be good business partners. 

“I regret ever becoming friends with you! I wish we had never met!” 

On face value, Alhaitham had taken  those words in stride, his composure scarily calm upon any onlooker, including Kaveh. But internally ? Those words had sliced right through his heart, creating a wound that to this day — had never fully healed. 

Years later, they would find each other again. Though, not entirely by choice. 

Kaveh was in significant debt, brinkering on homelessness. So Alhaitham offered him a room to stay in his ( their ) house, from the shared project. 

They live together now. Closer than acquaintances, not quite friends, their interactions either consist of bickering, full on arguing… or — in more rare times — of complete silence. Where they’d be in the same room, one reading a book, the other drawing blueprints, comfortable in the quiet presence of the other. 

Alhaitham knows that their dynamic will never go back to the way it was prior to their fight. He’s always equally aware that he long lost his chance of ever pursuing a romantic relationship with the blonde. 

But he would like to be considered a friend again. He would like their interactions to not be so shrouded by their complicated history. 

He just… isn’t sure how to close that gap. 

***

The arrival of Lumine and Paimon had been the catalyst that had brought the most significant change to Sumeru. 

Alhaitham really shouldn’t be shocked that the same analogy would apply to his own personal life. 

He was within the House of Daena, surrounded by a stack of funding applications when he was approached by the pair. 

“Alhaitham, working overtime?” Paimon chuckled sarcastically, hovering over his shoulder. “Wow! Never thought I’d see the day.” 

“Believe me, it’s not by choice.” He countered, casting his gaze towards the Traveler. He nodded at her in greeting and she returned the gesture. 

They spoke about mundane things, from the happenings in the Akademiya to the Traveler’s soon departure to Fontaine.

And then… Paimon voiced a question on a topic that practically half of Sumeru had interest in. 

“There’s nothing to talk about.” 

“C’mon, Paimon wants to know more about you two! You’re such an odd pair of friends—“ 

“We’re not friends.” He corrected the creature, slightly bitterness slipping in his tone. “Kaveh even you told as much.” 

“Well maybe if you were nicer to Kaveh, he’d consider you to be a friend!”

Within a split second…Alhaitham felt like he’d been drenched in ice cold water, upon hearing that. He froze for a moment, the words registering through him. 

“I am nice to him.” He shoots back, a few seconds later, almost angrily. 

Because what other term would you attribute to someone who offers a person their house, indulges in their ridiculous choices in furniture, pays off their extravagant tabs in the tavern, locates and drags them home from said tavern and covers for them when their construction costs go beyond budget? 

It’s not like he ever expects anything in return, he does these actions out of his free will, and also because of how intrusively well he knows Kaveh. Kaveh is someone who will give every part of himself to benefit others, but does not believe that he is deserving of such kindness. 

So Alhaitham helps him from the sidelines. He allows Kaveh to move in, under the guise of paying rent — because he knows that the blonde would never accept living with him without offering anything in return (even if he barely pays rent). 

He still criticizes Kaveh’s gullibility whenever he falls for someone’s sob story regarding not being able to afford hospital fees (healthcare was free in Sumeru) and chastises him for his terrible financial habits. 

Because in a world where Kaveh was giving towards everyone, Alhaitham wanted to be the one who the blonde could rely on. Albeit begrudgingly. 

But… perhaps that hadn’t been the right way to go about things. 

Because wasn’t that why they had fallen out in the first place? 

Alhaitham’s grip on his pen tightened. 

“Most people,” Lumine begins carefully, sensing the tension. “Wear their kindness on their sleeve. You tend to show yours in a different, more subtle way.” 

“Yeah! That’s what I meant!” Paimon agreed, a triumphant grin on her face. “I thought Alhaitham was soooooo mean at first! But now I know he’s just a weirdo. Kind, but still a weirdo.” 

Alhaitham gave the floating creature a look. That was… oddly sweet of her to say. 

“I appreciate that.” He said, genuinely meaning it. And then with a knowing smirk added, “And for the record, I still think you’re annoying.” 

Paimon’s smile dropped. 

“You—“ 

“—What I’m trying to say is.” Lumine began. “Maybe you should try to show your affections by being nice to him, in a more obvious way.” 

Alhaitham tiled his head to the side, as if to ask, ‘How could you tell?’

Lumine in turn rolled her eyes, as if she was responding with ‘Its obvious to everyone.’ 

Huh. So it was supposedly obvious to everyone except the person of his affections? Given Kaveh’s oblivious nature, he’s not even surprised. 

Well, doesn’t matter. It’ll benefit him in what he’s about to do next.

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try. For research purposes anyway.” 

Yes. Research. That was the reason. 

***

The opportunity to carry out his research came about the very next afternoon. It was a Saturday, so Alhaitham was free from his responsibilities of work. He was lying on the divan, engrossed in his reading.

His period of silence was interrupted by a hand tapping on his shoulder, followed by the owner of said hand looking right at him, annoyance adorning his features. 

He looked… beautiful. 

“Can you please put your books away.” Kaveh pointed towards the offensive pile, which was stacked against a wall. “I’ve told you for months to put them somewhere else before one of us trips on them!”

On a normal day, Alhaitham would respond with something like “Well, that’s why you have eyes, Kaveh.” Or “Are you truly that incapable of watching where you are going?” 

Except today he was conducting some very important research. Yes, he had to remind himself. 

So he wordlessly got up, made his way towards the stacked books, gathered them up in one swoop, headed to his room, deposited them there and then swiftly made his way back— 

—To find Kaveh staring straight at him, completely slack-jawed. Kaveh then looked towards the wall where the books had previously been, then at Alhaitham’s room, then back at him again. 

Alhaitham had to fight to hold back his laughter.

“What… What was that?”

“What was what?”

“What… what you just did.” 

“You asked me to put my books away.” He shrugged. “So I did just that.” 

A perfectly reasonable response in Alhaitham’s mind, but it did nothing to quell the ever growing shock upon the blonde’s expression. 

“That’s exactly the point! You did so without even picking up a fuss! That’s what is confusing me.” 

Alhaitham raised an eyebrow. “Would you rather I argue about it?”

“No! It’s just…” Kaveh paused, scanning him one last time. “Forget it.” And with that, he walked away, heading towards his own room. 

Alhaitham meanwhile sat back on the divan, continuing where he had left off in his reading, simultaneously replaying his roommate's reaction. 

***

The next opportunity came a few days later. Alhaitham had shortly returned home from work when Kaveh approached him, asking that he cook dinner. 

“Look, I know it’s my turn tonight, but the deadline for my final draft for my client is due tomorrow morning—“

“Sure.”

“—And I really need to— Wait, what?”

“Sure, I’ll cook dinner tonight.” He clarified, to which Kaveh, once again, stared at him in shock. 

Although this time, Alhaitham could partially understand. They had a strict chore designation, and usually when one of them tried to get the other to do their chore, a fight would ensue. 

But alas, not today. Alhaitham still had some much needed research to conduct! 

Alhaitham got busy in the kitchen, ultimately settling on making biryani. Once the meal was done, they both made their way to the table, eating in silence. 

That is, until Kaveh spoke up. 

“You didn’t take my key today.” 

Alhaitham looked up from his plate, turning his gaze towards Kaveh. He expected the blonde to be thankful, happy even, but his expression was more puzzled than anything. 

“No, I didn’t.” 

He usually did. Accidentally, most times, but occasionally just to mess with Kaveh. 

But upon further retrospection, he realized that it must’ve been annoying from the other’s point of view. An action that would not at all be helpful to gaining Kaveh’s friendship again. 

“Did you forget?” Kaveh then asked, after a moment of silence had passed. 

“No.” Alhaitham answered. “I’ll be making an effort to not take it anymore.” 

You would think that this response would make Kaveh feel elated. Alhaitham had long lost count of the amount of times Kaveh had searched all the Akademiya for him, demanding his keys back. 

And yet… 

Alhaitham could’ve sworn he saw a flicker of disappointment cloud over those gorgeous ruby eyes. But he couldn’t be sure. 

“I see.” Kaveh responded and said nothing more. 

They both returned to eating their food in silence. 

And if Alhaitham noticed the subtle glances Kaveh continuously gave him, well— he didn’t say anything. 

Hmmm

It would seem that he’s only suspicious of me so far. 

Looks like I need to amp up the research a bit. 

Chapter Text

As the week commenced, Alhaitham indeed decides to amp up his research known as ‘being nice to Kaveh’

But he also makes a point to progress at a steady speed. Afterall, heat was a requirement to make most foods edible, but if you try to cook said food too fast, at too high of a temperature— it would end up burnt.

In other words, Kaveh was already shocked by the minimal actions he had done, and the last thing Alhaitham wanted was to give the man a heart attack. 

So, Alhaitham decides to keep his actions passive for the time being. True to his word, he stops taking Kaveh’s key. He makes sure to double-check each time he picks his own key up, ensuring it’s not entangled with the blonde’s. 

He still comes to the tavern to pick the blonde up, still pays whatever extravagant bill he’s managed to run up before hauling him home, and tucking him into bed, often taking a moment to entangle some of his fingers into his blonde locks, brushing the hair out of his eyes (he’s human , sue him) before getting up, gently closing the door behind him. 

And when Kaveh awakens from his slumber, now sober but hungover… Alhaitham refrains from chastising him regarding his abysmal drinking habits.  

On a day that Kaveh decides to stay up late in his study to work on one of his projects, resulting in him hammering into the night, Alhaitham does not do what he would in normal circumstances. 

Normally, he would march right up to said study, asking (‘demanding’ from Kaveh’s perspective) that he keep the noise down. 

…Truth be told, he was tempted to do exactly that this time round too. But ah! Much needed research still needed to commence. 

He kept having to remind himself of this

So, Alhaitham lifts a hand towards his earpieces, switching them onto silent mode before heading to bed. 

It’s a moderately inconvenient measure, for wearing headphones whilst asleep is not entirely comfortable. 

But it does yield an interesting result the very next morning.

…

“Did you sleep okay last night?” 

Alhaitham looks up from his plate, his teal eyes meeting carmine. He raised an eyebrow at the blonde, slightly confused at the question. 

“Why do you ask?” 

“Well, normally you like to interrupt my late night tinkering, lest any slither of noise interrupt your ‘ oh so needed’ 8 hour sleep schedule.” Kaveh retorted, with a small smile.

“…Except,” he then added, his expression then morphing to concern. “You didn’t do anything of the sort last night. And— And I know how sensitive your ears can be when it comes to noise. So… I couldn’t help but wonder...” 

Ah

Truth be told, Alhaitham hadn’t expected Kaveh to notice. And even if he did, he simply expected the blonde to be grateful, too grateful towards the change to ever dare to probe into the reasoning behind it. 

Yet, here Kaveh was — indeed asking, having indeed noticed. For all of his unbelievable naivety and gullibility, the blonde could be scarily perceptive when he wanted to be. 

Curiosity indeed has no bounds

“You don’t have to worry.” Alhaitham eventually answered, a hand pointing towards his earpieces. “These filtered out all the noise. I slept fine.” 

Not a complete truth, but not exactly a lie either. Alhaitham had slept — that much was a fact. But the effect of wearing his headphones to bed had caused him to weather a slight headache. Not to the point it would prove bothersome, but enough for it to be acknowledged. 

Kaveh’s eyes flickered towards the other’s headphones, gaze lingering there for a moment. He then looked back towards his own plate, fork fiddling with the food upon it. 

“…So you didn’t sleep properly?”

…What?

“What?”

Kaveh looked up from his plate and rolled his eyes. “Oh please . We both know that you hate wearing your headphones to bed. It’s uncomfortable for you, not to mention the headaches you acquire from it.” 

…

Alhaitham opened his mouth, a response ready to be launched, before he remembered his goal — and then swiftly closed it. 

Had it been a normal interaction, he would’ve definitely quipped back with something like ‘Well, the pain acquired from my headphones is far more tolerable than listening to your insomniac self hammering through the night.” 

…Which would not be conducive to mending his relationship with Kaveh. 

Right. Alhaitham took an internal deep breath, allowing a few moments of silence to pass by. 

“Kaveh, I’m fine. Really. We both know that I would say so if I wasn’t.” 

“That’s kind of the point.” The blonde mumbled, so quietly Alhaitham nearly missed it. 

The fell into another bout of silence once more until—

“…Why didn’t you just ask me?” Kaveh then asked, louder this time. 

“Ask you what?” Alhaitham questioned, titling his head slightly, feigning obliviousness. In reality, he knew exactly what the other was referring to. 

Kaveh raised an eyebrow at his response, clearly completely not buying the masked ignorance. Nevertheless, he entertained the question. 

“Why didn’t you just ask me to keep the noise down? You usually do, albeit in that frustratingly condescending way of yours.” 

Because you hated it when I did. Because I’m tired of you barely tolerating me. 

“Because this seems like the most logical approach.” Alhaitham said instead. “Now both of us can get on with our activities without interfering with one another.”

He then stood up, placing his plate and cutlery in the sink before making his way to the coat rack. 

Meanwhile, Kaveh hadn’t said anything. Hadn’t even moved from the table. 

“I’m heading off to work.” Alhaitham said nonchalantly, after putting on his cape. “See ya.” 

And off he went. Completely unaware of the impact that his answer had had on the blonde. 

***

Later on that same day, Alhaitham makes his way back home — far later than anticipated. He was beyond tired, overstimulated. The battery in his headphones had nearly depleted, and his surroundings were slightly blurred.  

When Alhaitham had first become (acting, acting ) Grand Sage and subsequently— tasked with the role of rebuilding Sumeru, he had never once been under the illusion that such a feat would be easy — nor be completed overnight. 

But he hadn’t expected the people around him to be so incompetent. To the point where he was beginning to genuinely question if Sumeru truly is the land of wisdom. 

He now considers filtering through poorly written applications to be a luxury, because at least that’s an activity that can be done on his own, and without the babysitting of what essentially were headless chickens running about. 

“Grand sage, do you think we should paint that wall light teal, or cyan?” 

“Grand sage, there’s a leakage in one of the upstairs pipes, what should we do?”

“Grand sage, we’ve discovered an eremite camp lurking nearby, should we do anything about it?”  

Then there were his critics, large in numbers, who didn’t even attempt to make secret their opinions regarding him having the role, citing their distaste in the matter. 

Their opinions didn’t bother him. He could deal with that. He was used to having his personality criticized, a fate that he had dealt with since early childhood. 

But what was troublesome were those who were bold enough to take action. By any means necessary. 

He had far more of a target on his back than he ever did as a scribe. 

Secretly though, he couldn’t help but agree with said critics to an extent — not that he wasn’t suited for the job, but more so that the job was not suited for him . Not at all a factor that would help aid him to leading a peaceful life, as his dear grandmother had wished for him. 

As Alhaitham neared his home, he thanked his earlier self for not nicking Kaveh’s keys that morning. No doubt if he had, the blonde would be sitting outside their home now, ready to rip him a new one for doing so. 

That, and coming across Kaveh right now would be detrimental to his research. Alhaitham barely had the energy to walk, let alone conduct his ongoing research. When he was tired, he was far more prone to irritability, his patience and tolerance level non existent. 

If he was lucky, Kaveh would be holed up in his study or fast asleep — giving Alhaitham ample opportunity to sneak inside, head to his room and catch up on some much needed sleep. 

….Yeah, no such luck. 

Kaveh was waiting outside their house, leaning on the door, his arms crossed. His eyes narrowed as Alhaitham approached. 

“…You’re late.” The blonde commented, disapproval clear in his tone. 

But something akin to relief in his eyes 

Under normal circumstances, Alhaitham would've teased with something along the lines of ‘Well one of us has to pay the bills. Preferably the one who doesn’t have to break his back just to receive a client’s smile.” 

Today, still determined to continue his analysis, and also feeling far too exhausted to bicker, he simply stated a fact:

“So I am.” 

“Busy day?” 

Alhaitham simply nodded. 

Kaveh’s eyes widened slightly at his response. 

“Have you eaten today?” He questioned softly, and Alhaitham’s lack of an answer, was indeed an answer.

The blonde sighed and clicked his tongue. “That’s what I thought.” 

He then reached out, his slender fingers curling around Alhaitham’s wrist. It took everything in Alhaitham to not flinch nor combust at the sudden contact. 

“Cmon, I made dinner.” Kaveh began to tug him inside. And Alhaitham— being far too exhausted to fight, simply allowed him. 

…

Kaveh dragged him to their dining table, forcing the other to sit. There in front of him lay a covered bowl, the outside temperature lukewarm. 

When Alhaitham removed the covering, he was blatantly surprised to see that it was sabz meat stew. 

…Which was one of his favorite meals. It was a dish that his grandmother had cooked often when he was a child. Many years later, it was akin to a comfort dish. 

But he was confused as to why Kaveh had gone out of his way to cook it. It was normal for the pair to adhere to each other’s dietary preferences (Kaveh would make sure to not go overboard with seasoning, and Alhaitham always avoided adding onions)

But rarely did they ever make each other’s favourite meals for one another, outside of a special occasion. 

He racked his brain, trying to think of any special occasion that would warrant— 

“I can hear you thinking.” 

Alhaitham looked up from his bowl, to find Kaveh seated at the opposite end of the table, equipped with his own bowl of stew. 

“…You haven’t eaten yet?” 

Kaveh shrugged, his eyes not quite meeting Alhaitham’s. 

“…W-Well, we usually eat dinner together. Don’t we?” 

…Oh

“I suppose we do.” 

They both returned to meals, eating in relative silence. Alhaitham, because he simply had no bandwidth left to speak, and Kaveh - because he was observant enough to pick up on it. 

Alhaitham finished his meal a lot faster. Only after eating his first spoonful of stew, did he realise how hungry he truly was. 

By the time he was finished, he was well and truly full. But his exhaustion had all but multiplied. 

So he wordlessly got up, depositing his dish in the sink, before trudging towards his room. He made a half effort attempt to transition his clothing from daywear to sleepwear. 

By that point, his eyes were barely able to stay open. He was far too tired to even think about locating his headphone charger — so he simply took said device off, leaving it on the bedside table. 

He then got into bed, wrapped himself in the duvet — falling fast asleep mere seconds after. 

…

When Alhaitham woke up the next morning, he was surprised to find that his headphones were no longer on the bedside table, but rather on the other side of the room — now plugged into the wall. 

However, he did find a note in its place. He reached over, taking the paper in order to read its contents: 

Don’t bother going into work today. 

I’ve already notified the Akademiya that you’re taking today off. Because despite what everyone (yes, including even you) believes, the Akademiya will not disintegrate into dust because you took ONE (1) day off. 

Have you already forgotten about the concussion you had a while back?? With how tired you’ve been the past week or so, you’d do well to remember. 

PS. There’s some leftovers in the fridge 

- Kaveh 

Alhaitham read the letter. And then read it again. And then sighed. 

Did Kaveh truly think that Alhaitham had only been acting that way for the last week or so… because he was tired ??? 

He supposes it can’t be helped. So far, Alhaitham’s approach had only been passive. He hadn’t really done anything spectacularly nice — rather he had just continued doing what he normally did, but without complaining/chastising Kaveh. 

His actions had only been passive after all. 

“Well in that case…” 

Time to up my game 

Chapter Text

Contrary to what Kaveh and many others believe — Alhaitham does read romance novels. He just didn’t do it often, nor out in the open. 

And he does enjoy indulging in them, even if almost all of the romance novels he had come across were ridiculously cliche. 

That being said, not one of the said books was helpful when it came to his own relationship with Kaveh. The main character may be able to swoon his love interest with a grand bouquet, equipped with an even grander declaration — but if Alhaitham attempted to do the same thing, one of 3 scenarios would likely take place:

1. Kaveh would think it’s a prank 
2. Kaveh would believe him, but would reject him immediately 
3. Kaveh would call the Matra and claim that Alhaitham had gone insane. 

…So if he wanted to carry out his objective— without such disastrous consequences, he’d need to use a more rational approach.

So a few days later, feeling much more rested, Alhaitham makes his way to the House of Deana. He filters through the shelves, in a bid to find any book that would help to further his research. 

He eventually settles on a thick, vividly pink book which is titled ‘The Art of Love Languages’. Alhaitham brings the book to the front desk to check out, pointedly ignoring the look of shock on the librarian’s face as he did so. 

***

Once settled in his office, away from prying eyes does he finally open the book, ready to make progress. Yes, he’s still on the clock, yes there’s a fresh pile of applications sitting on his desk, waiting for him to get to. 

But he had already instructed Panah to only let those with important requests come through and he’s likely going to throw the majority of the applications right in the bin. 

So, at worst, he’s only delaying the inevitable.

He cannot risk reading this at home; if Kaveh caught him reading it, Alhaitham doubted he’d have a line of defense which wouldn’t arouse suspicion or expose his plan. 

Upon reading the first few chapters, Alhaitham familiarized himself with the 5 love languages and came to understand that while all of them were fundamental ways of expressing love, most individuals had 1 preferred method. 

Alhaitham knew straight away that his own preference would not be words of affirmation, because he didn’t really care much for praise and criticism did not wound him in the way it did others. 

He wasn’t crazy about physical touch either, but he’d be more than happy to entertain it if it ever came from a certain person (guess who)

He supposed if he had to choose one, it would be acts of service, acts carried out that ultimately made his life easier, more peaceful . 

Kaveh had done this, without even realizing. Before the 2 had reconnected, Alhaitham hadn’t really thought much about the house. Sure, it provided him shelter and allowed him a safe space to stash his books. But he had never considered it to be a home before Kaveh had moved in. 

Kaveh, who upon setting less than 2 steps into his home, had immediately insulted his supposedly dull decor. Kaveh, who had brought laughter and incessant yapping into the house. Kaveh, who had filled up Alhaitham’s almost bare bathroom cubby with numerous skincare and face scrub products because ‘No, you’re not supposed to use 3-in-1 shampoo to wash your face, you absolute moron.’ 

Alhaitham smiled slightly at the memory, before remembering his goal. 

Research. Getting into Kaveh’s good books. 

If he had to determine Kaveh’s preference, it would be between gift giving or words of affirmation. Kaveh had always been someone who craved approval and compliments. 

The thing is though, is that Kaveh didn’t believe any praise that came from him

…Gift giving it is 

Alhaitham skimmed through the book, making his way to the gift giving chapter. 

‘If your partner’s love language is receiving gifts, know that it does not have to be an extravagant purchase. Rather, it is the sentiment. Whether you buy them a diamond ring, or an inexpensive keychain, they both convey the same message: I was thinking about you when I saw this. You’re always on my mind. I love y—‘

Alhaitham’s reading session was interrupted, upon hearing a knock on the door. 

He nearly jumped at the sound, hastily closing the book and placing it on the desk, making sure that the front cover was facing the table.

“C—Come in.” 

In came Cyno, looking as impassive as ever, holding a thick stack of papers. 

“Alhaitham.” Cyno greeted him. 

“Cyno.” 

He held out the papers for Alhaitham to take. “This week's reports, as requested.”

Alhaitham nodded in acknowledgement. “Appreciated.” 

…But Cyno still remained put.

“Was there anything else?”

Cyno blinked at him. 

“Your twin flame is worried about you.”

“Kaveh… is not my twin flame.” Alhaitham responded, ignoring the way his cheeks burned at even being referred to as such. 

Cyno raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t mention a name.” 

“We both know who you were referring to.” 

“I suppose that’s true.” Cyno conceded, before then adding, “Since you two are a match for each other.”

“…..”

“Do you get it?”

“……”

“It’s because I referred to you both as being twin flames, and you use matches to light—“ 

Alhaitham refrained from screaming. 

“Unfortunately, yes Cyno, I understood perfectly. Now, was there anything else you needed to say? Anything of actual importance ?”

Cyno remained silent for a moment, meanwhile scanning the other’s face. 

“Interesting. Kaveh mentioned that you’ve been acting strangely the past few weeks. But you seem the exact same around me.” He stated, eyes narrowing slightly and his gaze turning suspicious. 

“What exactly are you scheming, Alhaitham?” 

Silence permeated the office for a few tense seconds.

Alhaitham really shouldn’t be surprised; Cyno was unbelievably observant, which wasn’t surprising, considering that part of his role consisted of being able to decipher whether an individual was being truthful or not. 

Alhaitham normally appreciated it. In this circumstance however, it was rather annoying. 

“Precise deduction. As expected from the General Mahamatra.” 

The rare, but genuine praise did nothing to spell the growing suspicion on Cyno’s face. 

“Answer the question.” 

Alhaitham sighed. “I’m not scheming anything. Perhaps I just wanted to change how I interact with Kaveh. Is that so hard to believe?”

“You? Doing something without any ulterior motive?” Cyno remarked. “Yes, that is extremely hard to believe.” 

“… If you’re looking for an actual reason, perhaps I’m doing it for his own good.” 

Cyno’s face remained neutral, but Alhaitham could tell that the other was processing the words. 

“Explain.” The General Mahamatra eventually said, and Alhaitham sighed internally. In ideal circumstances he didn’t plan for anyone to find out about his… research, but it was clear enough to him that Cyno was not going to let this go. 

That, and Alhaitham was beginning to doubt if his plan was even working. 

Perhaps it would be beneficial to get an outside perspective from someone who also knew Kaveh better than most. 

“Fine. But what I tell you next does not leave this room. Can I trust you with that?”

Cyno folded his arms. “Try me.” 

So Alhaitham begins to reluctantly explain his research project of ‘being nice to Kaveh’ . He starts from the very moment that Paimon had suggested it, explaining the acts he had taken to conduct. 

“So to conclude: my ultimate objective for carrying this experiment is to hopefully improve the dynamic I share with Kaveh, at the very least where we can coexist without quarreling every 5 or so minutes. Does that answer your question?”

Logically speaking, Cyno should be thrilled at this. Afterall, didn’t Kaveh often march over to Gandharva Ville, with the sole intent of complaining about him to Cyno and Tighnari? 

If he continued, looks like it wouldn’t only be Kaveh who would reap the bene— 

“Alhaitham, you’re a moron.” 

…What?

“What?” 

“I’m certain you heard me, but just for ignorance sake, I’ll repeat myself: Alhaitham, you’re a moron.” 

Alhaitham couldn’t even hide the slight confusion on his face. 

“…And pray tell, how did you reach such a conclusion?”

Cyno sighed for a good long moment. 

“You graduated the Akademiya with full honors, became a scribe, conducted a plan that took down the Sages, consequently making you the Grand Sage—“

“ Acting Grand Sage.” Alhaitham interrupted. 

“—All whilst being a linguistics major, and you’re telling me that this was the best plan you could come up with to show Kaveh that you harbor feelings for him??” 

Alhaitham thought about it for a second. 

“First of all. My goal isn’t to necessarily show that I harbor feelings for him.” Because while it was usually good to aim high, such an aspiration would be delusional. 

“Uh huh.” Cyno remarked flatly. “And why not just, I don’t know — talk to him??” 

A simple question, with an even simpler answer. 

“I’ve tried that method for years, and it has never worked.” 

If anything, using his words and being honest was exactly how their relationship had been severed all those years prior, and it still remained a catalyst in their current predicament. 

“So the much better alternative is to take a suggestion from Paimon… Paimon of all creatures?!?” 

“A broken clock is still correct twice a day.” Alhaitham shrugged. “Lumine suggested it too. And I do trust her judgment. Somewhat.” 

Cyno’s gaze shifted towards his desk, eyes locked onto the book. He looked like he wanted to say more, but refrained from doing so. He instead walked towards the door, turning back to face Alhaitham one last time.

“I won’t say anything.” Cyno stated. “You have my word on that. It’s not my business at the end of day. But if your so-called plan… fires back on you, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” 

And with that, he left — the door shutting quietly behind him. 

Alhaitham picked the book from the desk, Cyno’s words still reeling in his mind. 

Would he listen to the general’s advice?

Absolutely not 

***

Later on that day, Alhaitham went to the market, his objective being to find a gift for Kaveh. 

The task was harder than expected, but not for the reasons you may think. Splashing out on a gift would not be a problem for Alhaitham; having received a cushy salary from being a Scribe and now Acting Grand Sage, he had more than enough wealth at his disposal. 

But he knew that a gift of expense would not make Kaveh happy. Kaveh would likely refuse the gift, or if he accepted it, would feel unbelievably guilty. 

He also made a point to avoid any stall that consisted of furniture. Their taste in decor was vastly different, and the urge to buy something that would only piss Kaveh off (like he usually did) was far too tempting. 

He eventually passed a stall that was entirely made up of hair and skincare products. The lady behind the counter was an elderly woman, whom Alhaitham vaguely recognised. 

“Ohhh! Fancy seeing the Grand Sage visiting my little dinky store!” She exclaimed, smiling warmly at him. “Alhaitham, you sure have grown, haven’t you?”

Ah. It was one of his late grandmother’s friends. Alhaitham normally did not care to engage in niceties or small talk, but he could make an exception in this case. 

“I have been well, auntie.” He replied. “Busy, but well.” 

“Good, good! So what brings you here? Looking for a gift for a special someone?” 

Alhaitham shifted his gaze. “I don’t know what you’re ta—“

“Alhaitham.” She began. “You may not remember me well, but I’ve known you since you were a mere toddler. You cannot lie to me.” 

The wise woman grinned at him knowingly, still awaiting an answer. 

… Guess there’s no point denying it. So be it 

“I suppose you could say that.” He settled on saying. “I’m looking to get something that I know they will make use of, but is also… inexpensive.”

The lady frowned. “Is the Akademiya not giving you your due salary? Do not let them take advantage of you, my dear.” 

Alhaitham shook his head, feeling slightly touched by her concern. “It’s not like that auntie.” Well, they were taking advantage of him, but… “They are paying me what I’m due. It’s just… the person I’m buying this for isn’t a fan of expensive things.”

She nodded understandably. “So they’re frugal. Okay, give me a second, dear.” And with that, she crouched down picking up a small cardboard box. 

She handed said box to him, and when Alhaitham opened it, he found it to be… 

“…Hair clips.” 

A bunch of hair clips. Many different colors in the box. 

The sight reminded Alhaitham of a time years ago, when he and Kaveh were still students. There had been a few occasions, usually after a long study period, where Kaveh would complain of a migraine… and consequently get Alhaitham to help him undo his braids and remove his hair clips. 

Of course, with how broken their dynamic now was… they didn’t do that. Kaveh hadn’t asked in years, nor had Alhaitham offered. 

But it was a gift that was both inexpensive, and something that Kaveh could make use of. At worst, it would just be added cluster to Kaveh’s myriad of items. 

“I’ll take these ones.” He pointed at the bunch of clips, 3 to be exact which were all a shade of red. Carmine to be exact. 

Which were the exact color of Kaveh’s eyes 

The lady smiled. “On the house.”

“Auntie—“ Alhaitham began to pull out his wallet. 

She gently pushed his hand away. “If you want to repay me, bring your beloved here for me to meet one day.” 

…Beloved? 

“I can assure you. We’re just friends—“ Barely 

“Oh, of course. Of course.” That all-knowing grin was back. “You should get going! Don’t want to keep them waiting!”

***

Once home, Alhaitham made his way to Kaveh’s room, gently knocking on the door.

“Come in.” Kaveh responded, slightly muffled. 

When he did enter, he noticed that the blonde was staring at him, still wearing that questioning expression. 

For the past few days, Kaveh’s reaction to Alhaitham’s changed behavior was no longer a surprised pikachu face. But now had slowly morphed more into concern, as if Alhaitham was a complex puzzle that Kaveh was struggling to figure out. 

“What do you want?” The blonde asked, scanning Alhaitham up and down. “If you’re here to remind me to keep my hammering down in advance, you should know that I won’t be doing anything of the sort tonight. So you can sleep peacefully without your headphones.” 

“I didn’t come for that.”

Kaveh stared at him for a moment. “W-Well! If you’re here to tell me to cook, need I remind you that it’s your turn today!” He grinned. “You’re not getting out of this one, Haitham.” 

“I know.” He responded. “I’m not here for that either.”

Kaveh’s smile immediately fell and he looked… defeated??

“I was jok— nevermind.” He said, his voice no longer the enthusiasm from before. “Then… what was it?”

Alhaitham handed him the hairclips. 

“These are for you.”

Kaveh looked at him, then the clips, then back at him again. There was a faint redness to his cheeks, but maybe Alhaitham’s eyes were deceiving him. 

“For… For me?”

“Yes.”

Kaveh caressed a thumb over the clips. “Why?”

… What did that book say again? 

“No real reason. I just saw them and thought of you.” 

The redness on Kaveh’s face became more pronounced. He looked away quickly, and Alhaitham was unable to tell if that was a positive response… or not. 

Alhaitham made his way to the door, hand on the knob, when Kaveh finally gave a response. 

“Thank you.”

Alhaitham nodded. The likelihood was that Kaveh was simply just being polite, and would probably discard the hair clips the moment Alhaitham was out of earshot. 

Well, it was worth a shot. 

***

The next day, Alhaitham and Kaveh were seated at the table, eating breakfast. Kaveh was talking about his current project and the client he was working with, Alhaitham absentmindedly listening. 

He seemed… happier than usual. 

Once they had both finished eating, Kaveh got up — taking both his and Alhaitham’s plate and depositing them in the sink. 

He then made his way to the mirror, doing some last minute touch-ups to his appearance. 

“I’m heading to Gandharva Ville in the afternoon.” Kaveh then said, his attention still on the mirror. “So I’ll be home a little later than usual.” 

Alhaitham hummed in response. 

Kaveh walked towards the dish where they both kept their keys, taking out his own. He flashed Alhaitham one last look of concern, before his expression softened. 

“See you later, Haitham.” 

And then he left. Just like that. 

And only at the last second did Alhaitham realize that…

Kaveh was wearing the very same hairclips he had gifted him.

Chapter Text

It’s been over a month since Alhaitham first carried out his experiment of ‘being nice to Kaveh’. And if he was being completely honest, he’s more confused now than he ever had been before. 

Alhaitham still refrains from arguing with Kaveh, still refrains from inserting his unwanted opinions in regards to Kaveh’s choices. 

He wasn’t surprised much when Kaveh’s initial reaction was mere suspicion. Naturally, when one’s behaviour changes drastically (quite literally overnight, in his case) it’s not abnormal to believe that something is amiss. 

But he’s begun to notice a change in how Kaveh has reacted to his changed behavior. An action so subtle, that Alhaitham almost missed it. 

Because it almost seemed as if Kaveh had started trying to… goad him into arguing? 

Alhaitham first realized it after he had entered Kaveh’s room, and gave him the hair clips. Upon later introspection, he couldn’t help but notice that Kaveh had immediately voiced scenarios as to why he believed Alhaitham had sought him out in the first place. 

And both times Alhaitham corrected him, that no — he hadn’t come by to tell Kaveh to keep the hammering down, nor was his reasons for approaching him to do with forcing the other to cook. 

…And Kaveh had looked… disappointed?

Which surely couldn’t be right. Surely not. 

Clearly, Alhaitham’s lack of social skills were finally catching up to him, because why on earth would Kaveh willingly… try to argue with him? The whole reason why Alhaitham had started conducting this experiment in the first place was to improve his relationship with Kaveh… so they would stop arguing so much. 

It didn’t make any sense. 

Except… Kaveh still kept attempting to do the above.

***

“I’m heading to the tavern.” 

It was early evening when Kaveh exited the bathroom, fully dolled and dressed up for the night, and made the announcement. 

And Alhaitham, meanwhile curled up on the divan, calmly looked up from his book, casting his gaze onto his roommate. 

And felt his mouth go dry. 

Kaveh was wearing a black top and trousers, equipped with a deep red shawl. He had applied kohl around his eyes, further enhancing their carmine beauty. Part of his blonde hair was tied neatly into a braid, the rest out freely. 

Alhaitham couldn’t help but also notice that Kaveh was also wearing the same red clips he had gifted him. 

Now, Alhaitham had always known that Kaveh was attractive. From a purely objective standpoint, of course. From the time they were students, to the very present, people had been forever drawn to Kaveh for his looks, and then even more so once they discovered his personality. 

But standing in their shared home, just in front of the window — where the evening rays of the sun casted a delicate glow on the blonde’s face… making him look ethereal. 

Remember the research. Remember the research! 

“Noted.” Alhaitham said, trying his best to feign nonchalance. “See ya.” 

He quickly returned his gaze back to his book, eyes scanning the page to return to where he initially left off. It was a mystery novel, and he was thoroughly invested in it. Even though he had just surpassed the halfway point, he was almost certain that the neighbour was the culprit. 

“Hmm, that’s interesting.” 

Huh?

Alhaitham looked up from his reading, to see that Kaveh was staring at him, an eyebrow raised. 

“…What’s interesting?”

Kaveh looked almost surprised at that. 

“Well. Perhaps it’s the fact that I more or less stated that I’m going out to get hammered, only for you to respond with ‘see ya’ in that nonchalant way of yours.” 

Kaveh tilted his head, a small smile now adorning his face. 

“Isn’t this the part where you chastise me for my… how do you put it… ‘abysmal’ drinking habits?” 

In a normal circumstance, Alhaitham would’ve indeed said something along the lines of ‘Shouldn’t you be working on paying rent on time?.’ Or ‘It’s not healthy to drink as often as you do.’ 

To which Kaveh would then argue back by saying that he was an adult, and did not need his drinking to be micromanaged by the likes of someone who was ‘exceedingly uptight’ and ‘completely incapable of having fun’. 

“I don’t see why I should.” Alhaitham eventually responded. “You’re an adult, and you’re more than capable of making decisions without my input.”

And it’s not like you ever listen to my advice anyhow 

The subtle smile vanished from Kaveh’s face. 

“I— I see.” Kaveh began to fidget. He brought a hand up, fingers fiddling with the clips within his hair. 

Alhaitham wasn’t sure what he expected Kaveh to say next, but it certainly wasn’t anything along the lines of: 

“Well, anyway. Would… Would you like to join me?” 

Alhaitham considered it for a good moment. On one hand, it would be nice to spend time with his roommate. In between his hectic role of Acting Grand Sage, and his absolute resistance to argue with Kaveh — they hadn’t conversed as much as they used to. 

Did Alhaitham miss that? Of course he did. 

But then Alhaitham remembered how crowded the tavern was during the evening. How bright lights and crowded areas wreaked havoc on his mind, and triggered his already heightened sensory issues. If he became irritated, he was likely to break the rules of his research. 

“I’ll pass.” 

Kaveh nodded, now fiddling with his sleeve. He feigned a bright smile, but Alhaitham knew the other well enough to decipher the fakery in it. 

“Okay. I’ll see you later, Haitham.” 

Much later that same night, long after Alhaitham had retired to his room and had nearly succumbed to sleep, did he hear the front door open, the sounds of footsteps following after. 

Said footsteps got louder and louder, until stopping at Alhaitham’s very door. After a moment or so his door creaked open, the presence of another felt. 

Alhaitham kept his breathing normal, feigning sleep. After what seemed like a few minutes, he heard a soft sigh, followed by the door gently shutting. The footsteps quietened with every step taken, until Alhaitham could hear no more. 

Huh

Research can be terribly illogical sometimes. 

***

Shortly before Lumine and Paimon had left for Fontaine, Alhaitham had given Paimon a detective novel. The gesture was less out of kindness, and more of convenience. 

You see, whilst in the desert, planning and staging the coup, Alhaitham, understandably, had very little time to engage in his more cherished activity of reading. And in the few circumstances that he did find such opportunity to do so, even if just for a few minutes— 

“Are you seriously reading right now?!” 

“And there he is, pulling out his book again.” 

“Paimon can’t understand any of these words! How can you even read this??” 

—Said creature always had something to say about it. 

The action was obviously bothersome, but Alhaitham would be lying if he said he felt particularly annoyed by it. Because in the midst of the desert, where he was working with people he barely knew, veering so far from his normal, daily routine — Paimon, in her own weird, obnoxious way — reminded him of Kaveh.

Every time Paimon chastised him for reading, Alhaitham was reminded of the all times Kaveh did the same thing, how he would roll his eyes at how he could never make Alhaitham soup because ‘It would destroy your precious books, oh wouldn’t it.’

Anyway, Alhaitham had given Paimon the novel, because he had long read it, many years ago, and didn’t intend to read it again, so it was essentially collecting dust on his bookcase. 

He wasn’t really sure what he expected from doing so. He certainly hadn’t expected to receive a letter from the very creature, detailing how she had read through the entire novel, gushing about how much she & Lumine had enjoyed it, even going as far to request that Alhaitham to send over more novels, so she’d have something to do whilst in ‘tight confinement’. 

That last part confused him, until he turned over the envelope and took note of the sender's address.

Fortress of Meropede, 

Liffey Region,

Fontaine 

…Was Alhaitham any bit surprised to find out that the Traveler and Paimon had somehow ended up in Fontaine’s underwater prison? No, no he wasn’t. 

Was he going to inquire about how they ended up in such a predicament? Also, no. 

So long as they weren’t bringing any more chaos to Sumeru, he didn’t really care. 

That, and he supposed his bookcase needed a bit of decluttering, anyway. 

***

And that’s how Alhaitham found himself a few days later, sitting at the dining table, carefully wrapping up a few detective-related books he had hand picked out, in order to send off for Paimon to indulge in. 

With his headphones on, he hadn’t realized that Kaveh had emerged from his room and entered the living room. At least not until the other approached him, gently tapping his shoulder. 

“What are you doing?” Kaveh gestured to the books that Alhaitham was currently in the middle of wrapping. 

“Paimon and Lumine requested I send some books over.” Alhaitham explained. “And, I suppose I did need to do some decluttering, anyway.” 

Kaveh raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t aware you kept in contact with them.”

“I don’t.” Alhaitham shrugged. “Paimon randomly contacted me. Something about wanting extra material to read whilst residing in prison.” 

Kaveh looked mortified. “They’re in prison?!? Didn’t they just head off to Fontaine?”

“A few weeks ago I believe. Though I can’t say I’m surprised. Considering how much of an impact they had here, I can only imagine the havoc they’re causing over there.” 

Kaveh snorted. 

“I suppose that’s true.” The blonde acknowledged with a smile. A few seconds of silence passed before then adding, “They’ve even managed to have an impact on you.” 

That got Alhaitham to look up. 

“…Me?”

Kaveh rolled his eyes. “Yes you . The Alhaitham I know would never go out of his way to keep in contact with others. Let alone give them your old books. You barely used to give Cyno and Tighnari a second glance yet now you’ll happily accompany me to their game nights.” 

“Is that a bad thing?”

Kaveh shook his head. “Not at all. Just a little surprising. Considering you’re weren’t really one for social interaction, nor friends.” 

Alhaitham can’t really refute that. Because it was true. He had never really cared much for social interaction, nor maintaining relationships. At least not until Kaveh had shown up, and practically made himself a permanent fixture in his life. 

And when Kaveh became part of his life, had woven himself into Alhaitham’s daily routine, he had found that he still was fine being alone, but he wanted to be alone with Kaveh. 

“Thats not entirely true, considering that I’ve always had you.” Alhaitham said quietly, almost to himself, not realizing the weight of what he had said until a few seconds had passed. 

Really what would’ve been more accurate to say was… I used to have you 

But saying that would open a can of worms, that neither of them were in the headspace to discuss. It certainly wouldn’t mend their relationship, that’s for sure. 

Kaveh's eyes had widened slightly, his mouth too parting in surprise. 

“…Alhaitham.” He began “You…“ 

“That being said, remember all the times you tried to get me to make friends? I suppose I finally took up your advice.” 

Kaveh paused his thought, giving the other a small smile. “So you finally decided to listen to your senior, hm?” He teased. “Took almost a decade, but I finally got through that thick skull of yours.” 

Had it been a normal interaction, Alhaitham would've risen to the bait, quipping back by saying that a broken clock was still able to be correct twice a day. 

“There are mutualistic benefits to doing it.” He reasoned instead. “I doubt I would’ve ever gotten as strong as I now have, without Lumine aiding me with ascension materials. And I suppose it’s easier to venture into the desert now, knowing that Candance and Dehya are nearby should I need backup or medical assistance.  Although I am now unfortunately more privy to Cyno’s atrocious jokes.” 

He stopped speaking, and was met with his roommate staring at him again, once more in silence. 

“You really have changed.” Kaveh then said quietly, this time a wistful tone in his voice. “It makes me wonder what exactly took place while I was in the desert.” 

They had never really spoken about that incident, about how Alhaitham had gotten involved in overthrowing the government. Kaveh, upon returning from the desert, had immediately scoured through the Akademiya in a bid to find Alhaitham, demanding answers. 

Alhaitham refused to answer anything. The situation was still dangerous, with the possibility of Azar’s supporters potentially wanting to target those who participated in the coup. The less Kaveh knew, the better. 

Which of course, that had only led to more arguing. 

If Alhaitham had his way, he wouldn’t have told Kaveh anything. The only reason why Kaveh even knew that Alhaitham had sustained a concussion was because it was impossible to explain away the bandages upon his head any other way. 

That, and the timing of the previous Sages ordering Kaveh to go the desert were far too suspicious for something not to be amiss.

“So you’re going to go? Just like that? Even though we’re both well aware that this ‘trip’ is nothing more than a means for them to get you out of their way?” 

“Even so, what other choice do I truly have, Alhaitham? It’s not like I can refuse.” 

Stay. Stay with me. 

“You always have a choice, Kaveh.”

Ultimately, Kaveh had made his choice and Alhaitham accepted it. After all, it wasn’t like it was the first time Kaveh had left him. But oh, how he wished Kaveh had stayed. 

How he missed Kaveh throughout the entire ordeal. How he wished Kaveh had been there with him during the planning of it all. How reassuring would it have been, to have someone who was in all ways your complete equal, to bounce ideas off of. Perhaps things would’ve turned out differently, then. 

Perhaps… together, they would’ve come up with a safer, less riskier plan. One that didn’t involve Tighnari getting struck by lightning, or Nilou dancing in such a dangerous predicament, or himself wielding a concussion. 

When Alhaitham had asked Kaveh where he had been when Sumeru had needed him most, what he really meant to say was— 

“Where were you, when I needed you most?” 

Once again, words always seemed to fail him. 

Alhaitham’s thoughts were interrupted by a gentle tap on his shoulder, Kaveh looked at him with concern. 

“Haitham, are you alright? You looked as if you were zoning off for a moment.” 

“I’m fine.”

Kaveh didn’t look as if he entirely bought that, but let it go. 

“Okay. Well, anyway. I’m glad to see you’ve made some friends. It’s not healthy to be alone all the time, as you often are, and well…” Kaveh smiled at him. “It’s nice to see you open up to others. Just…” He fiddled with one of the clips in his hair, feigning a laugh. “Try not to forget about me, alright?”

Kaveh didn’t wait for an answer, instead walking away, heading towards his room.

Alhaitham meanwhile stayed seated, the very part of what Kaveh had said reeling in his mind. 

“Try not to forget about me?” 

Because…

Where on earth had that line of thought come from? 

Chapter Text

When they were younger, Kaveh had always prided himself in knowing Alhaitham best. 

Back then, Alhaitham was shorter than he was and his demeanor was more shy & somewhat lost as opposed to his now cold, stoic self. 

He had never been the most expressive person, but he didn’t mask his emotions as much when they were students. 

And though their peers regarded him to be standoffish, robotic and sometimes even callous, Kaveh still approached him in the library, still spoke and approached him on every occasion he could, even when he knew that his junior found it bothersome. 

It was worth it, though. Eventually, Kaveh slithered through the cracks of the cold, rigid wall that Alhaitham built around himself. Eventually, they became very close. 

Kaveh had fond memories of their shared time during the Akademiya. The many hours they had spent side by side within the House of Daena, studying their respective fields. The many times he’d sneak into Alhaitham’s dorm, where they’d spent entire nights discussing everything and nothing, sometimes even venturing to the rooftop, sharing a blanket between themselves, observing the numerous stars decorating the sky. 

He especially remembered the time Alhaitham had taken Kaveh to visit his grandmother’s grave on the anniversary of her death. The way Alhaitham had updated his grandmother of the happenings of his life, had even—

“Nana, despite not planning it, I did manage to make a friend in the Akademiya. His name is Kaveh. I think you would’ve liked him a lot. He reminds me a little of you, if I’m being honest. He’s from Kshahrewar just like you once were, and he's a creative, as you also always have been.” 

And when Alhaitham left to head home, Kaveh, with red-rimmed eyes, had strayed behind — promising one last thing to the woman he wished he could’ve met. 

“I’ll make sure to look after him.” 

Kaveh had felt so touched by that, so privileged… because Alhaitham rarely allowed anyone to get close, let alone allow others to get to know him past surface level, often false assumptions. In fact, before Kaveh had approached him, Alhaitham didn’t have any friends. 

And while Kaveh did have friends outside of Alhaitham, it wasn’t the same. The relationship he had with Alhaitham was deeper, far more intimate. They shared a connection that almost felt as if it transversed through souls. Twin flames, even. 

The feelings he had for Alhaitham were not hard to identify. He cared for the other deeply. But Kaveh would rather they remain friends, for friendship was safe. To charter into unknown territory came with the risk of damaging their friendship. 

Turns out, he didn’t have to worry about that. The project did that for him. Kaveh can’t even remember the things they had screamed at one another, but he knew it was irreversible. 

Years later, during one of the worst era’s of Kaveh’s life, they would reunite again. Alhaitham would find him at Lambad’s, drowning his sorrows, now utterly penniless and in severe debt. Alhaitham would offer Kaveh his home. 

 But not before asking:

“How has realizing your ideals gone for you?”

At the time, Kaveh had stayed silent. He was acutely aware of how his ideals had landed him in his current predicament. But despite all of that, he didn’t regret a single thing.

And besides…

It brought me back to you, didn’t it? 

***

Kaveh liked to think that despite their complicated history, he still knew Alhaitham pretty well. Better than anyone even. 

Even if Alhaitham’s demeanor was far more cool and cold now, akin to an ice statue that people could admire, but never get close to. Even if Kaveh sometimes ufound it harder to decipher his junior’s emotions. Even if his body was toned to a standard that no feeble scholar needed to be. 

Some things remained the same. 

Alhaitham still liked to read. He still preferred to have his coffee pitch black ( absolutely despicable ) and was not a fan of spicy or heavily seasoned foods. He still disliked soup, because it was difficult to eat while reading. He still was the smug, infuriating, direct and blunt junior that he had met all those years. 

Kaveh liked to think that he still knew Alhaitham well. 

Then Alhaitham overthrew the government. Kaveh had returned from the desert, utterly clueless to the turmoil that had taken place within his absence. 

Desperate for answers, he had headed to the Akademiya, intent on finding someone— anyone (preferably Alhaitham) who could explain what the fuck was going on. 

No such luck. 

Kaveh did manage to find Alhaitham, sitting within the House of Daena, multiple layers of bandages wrapped underneath his silver locks, spouting an exhausted look.

“What the fuck happened to you?” Kaveh wasted no time in scanning the other’s features, making sure there were no other injuries. 

Alhaitham remained silent for a few seconds, as if he was processing the question. 

“I… smashed my head.” He eventually answered, weariness present in his tone. His speech was slightly slurred and his eyes looked hazy. 

Kaveh’s anger immediately dissipated, turning into worry. He wrapped one hand around Alhaitham’s wrist, tugging him to stand up. 

“We’re heading to the Birmistan.” He declared, firmly placing a hand on one of Alhaitham’s biceps. Alhaitham simply nodded, not even bothering to argue — which was worrying, because he hated hospitals— 

A trip to the Birmistan declared that Alhaitham had indeed suffered a concussion. There didn’t seem to be any significant injuries but the doctors felt that it was best to keep him in the hospital overnight, to monitor him. 

“You ought to be more careful.” Kaveh had said, later on, seated in a chair beside the bed that Alhaitham rested upon. In a softer tone, he added, “You were lucky. If…if you hadn't been, I wouldn’t have had a home to come back to.” 

Alhaitham had looked visibly confused at that. “You do realize that the house is paid in full, right? You wouldn’t be thrown out in the circumstance that I succumbed to my injuries.” 

“Alhaitham I—“ - Wasn’t talking about the house - “Actually…Nevermind. Get some rest, you need it.” 

Alhaitham did, and the pair returned home the next morning. 

A few weeks after that… Alhaitham began acting odd. 

***

“So, what did Alhaitham do this time?”

“I haven’t even said anything yet!”

“You don’t have to.” Tighnari shrugged. “Whenever you come to visit, it’s usually to complain about Alhaitham in some shape or form.” 

“True.” Cyno chimed in, impassive as ever. “In fact. I’d wager that about 90% of our conversations with you are Alhaitham-related.” 

Tighnari flashed Cyno a coy smile. “Oh, I think you’re being generous there, dear. I’d say it’s closer to 99–“

Kaveh slammed his head into the table, groaning loudly. 

It’s not like what either of them were saying was completely false; but to have it so blatantly pointed out— Kaveh could feel his cheeks burn. 

“I truly have the worst friends.” He muttered, his head still on the table. “Both of you.”  

“Mhmm.” Tighnari responded, not paying Kaveh’s insult any mind. “So, back to the original question. What exactly did Alhaitham do this time?”

Kaveh lifted his head from the table, flashing both Tighnari and Cyno a contemplative look. 

“Well, it’s not what he has done, for a first! But rather… what he hasn’t .” 

The pair stayed silent, wordlessly gesturing to Kaveh to continue. 

“So I asked him to put his books away, and he just… got up and did it?? Without any resistance? Not even a snide comment or remark.” 

The pair looked at him in confusion. 

“…I fail to see how that is a bad thing.” Cyno commented. 

“Neither can I.” Tighnari agreed. “You often complain about Alhaitham’s books being, in your own words -  ‘an extreme fire hazard waiting to occur’ .” 

“Well yes but—“ again, they weren’t wrong , but this wasn’t a matter of right vs wrong, rather a matter of why

“He also stopped taking my keys.” 

“Now that is weird.” Cyno remarked. “Did he simply forget?”

Kaveh shook his head. “He specifically said he’ll be making an effort not to do it anymore.” He sighed, feeling a sort of heaviness in his chest. 

“It’s… it’s not just that. I thought he was just tired at first, but if I’m being honest, it almost feels as if Alhaitham is slowly distancing himself from me. I mean— obviously we still talk, but it just feels like we’ve barely spoken to one another this past week.”

Tighnari’s ear twitched. “Not even to argue?”

Kaveh sighed. “ Especially that. I don’t think we’ve had even one argument this entire week. It’s like he’s possessed or something.” 

“That arguably has to be some sort of record for you two.” Cyno looked so proud at his attempt at a joke, at least until Tighnari swiftly elbowed him. 

“I do have to admit, that is an unusual change for the 2 of you. But it doesn’t sound like a necessarily bad change.” The fox gave the blonde a thoughtful look. “But I also understand that change can be a scary concept for us all. Perhaps Alhaitham is finally heeding your wishes by being kinder to you. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

Isn’t that what he wanted 

It was true that Kaveh had often found himself wishing that Alhaitham wasn’t so argumentative with him, and wasn't so critical of his choices. But he couldn’t help but feel a weight in his chest, because what if Alhaitham wasn’t being nice? What if he had finally gotten tired of Kaveh?

It wasn’t a hard concept to believe. Alhaitham had recently made friends, a development that Kaveh would’ve never foreseen happening. He had even brought 2 of them home, both of which were mere strangers — one who wasn’t even human. He was more friendly with Tighnari and Cyno, and whenever he ventured into the desert, he always returned with food and trinkets. 

There had been a time when Kaveh had actively encouraged Alhaitham to make friends. He should be happy that the other finally took his advice, but he can’t help but almost feel… left behind? He had been Alhaitham’s one and only friend for so long, even after reconnecting and the moment Alhaitham manages to make new friends— he suddenly has no need for Kaveh anymore. 

“I… I don’t know if his intention is about being kinder to me.” Kaveh eventually replied. 

Because Alhaitham had always had an unorthodox approach to kindness. His kindness wasn’t in sugar coated words, or false promises but in his raw honesty. In his warnings about Kaveh’s endless empathy and naivety. 

Alhaitham still warned Kaveh that his actions could cause ruin upon himself, and even if Kaveh didn’t listen, refused to change, Alhaitham would continue to warn him, because he cared . 

The debates they had, while they didn’t agree with one another — were evidence as to how they viewed one another as their equal, their mirror, the person that pushes them to improve constantly. 

So to think that Alhaitham has stopped arguing with him, stopped warning him—

“I worry that he’s finally gotten tired of me. That he’s stopped caring about me.” 

There, he had finally said it. That was what had been truly bothering Kaveh. 

“I highly doubt that.” Cyno reassured. “You two are essentially twin flames. If I know Alhaitham as well as I believe I do, then I highly doubt he’s suddenly stopped caring about you.” 

Kaveh appreciated that, but he did nothing to quell the growing despair in his heart. 

Sensing the blonde’s anguish, Cyno cleared his throat. 

“But I’ll talk to him.” Cyno offered. “I do believe we’re on somewhat friendlier terms, given everything that happened.” 

“Thank you.”

***

Another thing that hasn't changed about Alhaitham: He was still as unpredictable as ever. 

The next day, whilst Kaveh was in his room, enveloped with sketches and blueprints — he would hear a faint knock on his door. The sound, quiet as it was — startled him a bit.

“Come in.” 

Alhaitham did just that & Kaveh made a note of examining the other’s expression. Alhaitham showed no signs of being annoyed or even smug. So… what exactly was he for? 

“What do you want? If you’re here to remind me to keep my hammering down in advance, you should know that I won’t be doing anything of the sort tonight. So you can sleep peacefully without your headphones.”

Yes, go on. Make some snide remark about how loud my projects are. Like you always do

“I didn’t come for that.” 

“W-Well! If you’re here to tell me to cook, need I remind you that it’s your turn today!” 

Because it was a common theme for the pair to argue about who’s turn it was to do cooking, despite the fact that there was a designated chore chart. 

“…You’re not getting out of this one, Haitham.” He teased with a smile. 

Yet again , Alhaitham didn’t rise to the bait. 

“I know.” He said instead, matter-of-factly. “I’m not here for that either.” 

Kaveh internally sighed, feeling himself deflate. 

He then asked what Alhaitham had come for, which was when the man handed him some gorgeous hair clips, their color a deep shade of red. 

Crimson. His favorite color. 

“These are for you.” And Kaveh was stunned into silence. He could feel his cheeks warming up. His gaze fluttered between the clips, and Alhaitham. He brought a hand up, thumb stroking against the treasured gift. 

“Why?”

Alhaitham shrugged. “No real reason. I just saw them and thought of you.” He answered, in his usual nonchalant form. 

He then left shortly after, completely oblivious to the effect that simple gesture had had on the blonde. 

I suppose he hasn’t completely forgotten about me… right? 

***

It was when a month had passed since Alhaitham’s behavior had changed  when Kaveh potentially found out the reason as to why

He had just exited Pupsa Cafe, having finished a meeting with a client. Before leaving, he had bought some food-to-go, with the intention of sharing it with Alhaitham. It was almost lunchtime and given how busy his duties as Grand Sage were, Alhaitham would sometimes forget to eat. 

They would occasionally eat lunch together, when Kaveh’s schedule allowed him to be near the Akademiya.

He made his way to the Akademiya and towards Alhaitham’s office. Panah wasn’t outside, probably because Alhaitham had already dismissed him for lunch, so he just walked towards the door. 

“Alhaitham!” He declared, opening said door. “I brought lunch. And don’t even try to deny that you’re hungry, because you barely touched breakfast this—“

Except… Alhaitham wasn’t there. 

“—Morning.” 

Kaveh sighed. Well, it couldn’t really be helped. Alhaitham was rebuilding a nation after all. Of course he’d be too busy to have lunch with Kaveh. 

He was about to leave, when he took note of an open book laying upon the desk. 

Now normally, Kaveh wouldn’t give a second thought to it. After all, it was more unusual to see his junior without a book than with, but it wasn’t normally books that were in a vibrant, pink color. 

Curiosity getting the better of him, Kaveh picked it up, and his eyes widened upon reading the title. 

‘The Art of Love Languages’

He can’t help but snort. Since when has Alhaitham taken an interest in love languages?? 

“…What poor unfortunate soul is he trying to win over with this?!” He muttered in a joking manner, because Alhaitham was the most unromantic person Kaveh had ever come across. There was simply NO way he was possibly courting someone. Absolutely not. 

Kaveh placed the book back on the desk, shaking the ridiculous thought out of his head. He placed the bag of food there too, before grabbing a post-it and scribbling a quick message upon the paper, reminding the other about the importance of not skipping meals. 

After that, he left the office and exited the Akademiya. He began to make his way home, walking through the stalls when he suddenly halted, having spotted Alhaitham a fair distance away. 

And he wasn’t alone. He was accompanied by a shorter, red-headed woman, who was in dancing attire. She was smiling at him, and while Alhaitham wasn’t exactly returning the gesture, there was a soft gaze present in his expression. 

Kaveh observed the sight, and suddenly everything began to make sense. 

Oh, so that’s why 

He ignored the growing pain in his chest, as if his heart was once again breaking in two— 

He really has found someone else

Chapter Text

Alhaitham sauntered through Sumeru market, taking solace in the gentle breeze that accompanied him, as he made his way towards the food stalls, in a bid to find something to eat. 

With how busy his duties as Acting Grand Sage were (added with how utterly incompetent everyone around him seemed to be) , it was rare for him to have the opportunity to actually enjoy a full hour lunch break. In fact, he believes that the last time that had happened was back when he was still a mere Scribe. 

That, and he was incredibly hungry; for some reason, he hadn’t been able to stomach much earlier, having barely touched his breakfast — even despite Kaveh’s insistence for him to do so. 

Alhaitham eventually reached the food stalls, eyes immediately locking in the various choices laid out on the tables. Whilst internally debating whether to get some tandoori drumsticks or a shawarma wrap, he heard someone call out his name. 

“Alhaitham!”

When he turned around, he found the owner of the voice to be none other than Nilou, in her usual dance attire, making her way towards him. 

“Long time no see.” She greeted, with her usual cheery smile. 

Alhaitham nodded in acknowledgement. “Likewise.” 

“I take it you’ve been well?”

“If you mean in terms of physical health, I’m fine.” Alhaitham answered, before subtly shifting his gaze towards the direction of the Akademiya. “But I’ll feel much better the minute I’m back to being a simple Scribe.” 

Nilou nodded understandably. “I bet. I hope that happens for you sooner, rather than later!”

Alhaitham couldn’t agree more. “Me too.”

Alhaitham and Nilou, despite having near polar opposite personalities, were somewhat friends. Alhaitham uses the term somewhat, because he’s still new to the whole friends thing, and Nilou — for some reason — had taken a liking to him after the whole event of overthrowing the government. 

If Alhaitham had to guess, it was probably down to the fact that unlike Azar and the previous Sages, he didn’t have any plans to suppress the arts, but rather allow them to flourish. 

It was a common misconception that Alhaitham hated the arts, a myth that Kaveh and many others often perpetuated. Alhaitham didn’t hate the arts, he was mostly disinterested. The term ‘mostly’ used because it could be argued that books, fictitious ones in particular, were indeed a form of art. 

…Perhaps that was why was never able to find any books of sorts within the House of Deana. 

Anyway, his approach to life has always been logical and objective, while the entire premise of art being subjective — the direct antithesis to his approach in doing things. 

All that being said, he did not believe that his own personal disinterest in the arts was a good enough justification to prevent others from pursuing it. Ultimately, everyone has their own strengths and things they excel at, and the Akademiya should be that allows all students to flourish. 

After all, Alhaitham hated eating soup… does that mean he should ban the dish for all citizens of Sumeru? Of course not, because such a decision would be illogical and downright stupid. That same logic applied to the pursuit of knowledge. 

Alhaitham flickered his gaze back towards the red-head, who was eagerly eyeing the food. From close up, he was able to make out slight beads of sweat upon her cheeks. 

“Busy rehearsal today?”

Nilou nodded. “ Very. We’re due to have a show at the end of this month. The theme is on the art of romance, but it’s suitable for both adults and children to view. The tickets have been completely sold out, which has never happened before. Everyone at the Zubayr theater has been working non stop! Ah, I can’t help but feel excited!” 

She then took out her purse, pointing to the parisarah pudding. “I’ll take 2 of these, please.” 

Alhaitham briefly wondered how vigorous Nilou’s rehearsal was to warrant her buying 2 servings of parisarah pudding (she normally only buys 1) when one helping was suddenly placed in his hand. 

He flashed her a look of confusion, to which he received a bright smile. 

“I’m not naive enough to believe that the opinions of art and dance, particularly within the Akademiya will completely change, but… I don’t think this show would’ve been possible without the support and funding you provide for us.” Nilou said, her expression one of gratitude. “So, thank you. I can only hope that the next Sage is as open minded as you are.” 

“Don’t mention it.” He shrugged, and while he wasn’t quite smiling, his gaze had softened somewhat. 

“Oh! Before I forget…” Nilou fished through her purse once more, then handed him 2 identical tickets. “I managed to save tickets for you… and the roommate.” She smiled knowingly as she said that last part, as if she had long figured out something about the dynamic he shared with said roommate. 

“I hope to see you both there, if you can make it. I need to head back now. It was nice seeing you. Take care, Alhaitham.” 

“Likewise.” 

And with that, Nilou waved, before heading off. And Alhaitham turned his gaze towards the tickets, wondering why Nilou had chosen to give him 2 this time. 

Well, Kaveh would probably enjoy watching this. I might as well ask him to come with me. As roommates, nothing more. 

When Alhaitham returned to his office, his eyes would widen slightly at the scene that greeted him. There was a small bag laid on top of his desk, a small post-it note attached. 

I spent my own fleeting mora (yes, unbelievable I know) on this, so you better eat it. You already skipped breakfast today, it would be highly unwise to do the same for lunch. 

• Kaveh 

Despite the commanding and downright audacious tone of the note, Alhaitham couldn’t help but feel a flow of warmth envelop his entire being. When he was a Scribe, he and Kaveh would occasionally eat together at lunch, providing that their schedules lined up. 

They hadn’t been able to do so since he had become Grand Sage, what with his days now shrouded in responsibilities. Alhaitham was barely able to even take a lunch break most days. 

He sat down, digging into the meal provided by both Nilou and Kaveh. By the time he had finished, he felt far more alert. And while he wouldn’t quite say he felt excited to continue his work, he didn’t feel as annoyed at the prospect of going through yet another pile of likely poorly written applications that were currently decorating his desk. 

Also… was certain that he had left the love languages book open upon leaving his office, so why was it now closed? Had Kaveh— 

He shook the ridiculous thought out of his head. 

I probably did close it, and merely forgot — he summarised, and put the thought to rest. He doubted Kaveh would care to know about Alhaitham’s (practically non-existent, one-sided) love life.

***

Much later on in the evening, Alhaitham would make his way to the tavern. Kaveh hadn't come home yet, and that usually meant he was here, drinking away his sorrows and running up Alhaitham’s tab to an extraordinary amount. 

He walked into said tavern, making his way to Lambad. Normally, the man would be wearing an amused smile, always ready to inform Alhaitham where exactly Kaveh was seated this time. 

This time however, Lambad’s expression was laced with pure concern. 

“Did you two have an argument recently?” 

… What?

“No.” Alhaitham answered immediately, confusion laced in his tone. “We haven’t argued in weeks if anything.” 

What a statement. Certainly not one he would have ever imagined himself saying a few months ago. 

“Why do you ask?” Alhaitham then questioned. 

“Well, when he came in today, he didn’t even say hello. From his face, it was obvious to any onlooker that he had been crying. To put it bluntly, I haven’t seen him look so… devastated.” Lambad explained. “At least not since…”

Since the day Alhaitham had found him at this very place, shortly after he had built the palace. 

“…Where is he?” He asked, eyes immediately darting around the bar, trying to locate a tuft of familiar blond hair amongst the crowds of people. 

“He left about half an hour ago, accompanied by that forest ranger. Mentioned something about heading to Gandharva Ville.” 

Well, at least Kaveh was with someone safe. Still, worry filled Alhaitham’s veins. The scary part was, he couldn’t for the life of him figure out what — or who — had caused Kaveh to become so upset. Why hadn’t Kaveh come to Alhaitham about it? Hadn’t their dynamic improved? They rarely fought anymore and Alhaitham had done his utmost to keep it that way.

“…Thanks.”

And with that, he left the tavern — and began the long trek towards Gandharva Ville

Chapter Text

Alhaitham wasn’t sure how long he had spent walking — or speed walking towards Ghandharva Ville. All he knew was that his legs ached, and that the once pinkish evening sky had transitioned into a deep indigo, stars decorating the surface, a signification of how deep into the night it now was. 

Once Alhaitham had finally reached Tighnari’s house, he slowly lifted a tired arm, knocking against the wooden door. 

The door is opened moments later, by none other than Cyno — who doesn’t look at all surprised to see him. 

“Is Kaveh with you?” Alhaitham immediately questioned, not even bothering with pleasantries, because he had never cared about those sorts of things and especially not when adrenaline and panic were soaring through his veins, worrying where Kaveh— 

“Kaveh’s inside.” Cyno answered, his tone level. 

That answer eased some of the worry within Alhaitham’s veins… but not all. It did not in any way provide an answer as to why Kaveh had come here in the first place. 

He was more than aware of the fact that Kaveh would often come to Tighnari’s, whenever Alhaitham had done or said something that had royally pissed him off. Which, in retrospect, was pretty often. 

At least, up until recently. 

“If I’m being honest. I was expecting you to arrive sooner or later.” Cyno commented, before then saying. “Afterall, I did warn you that your moronic plan would eventually backfire.” 

…What?

“What does my plan have to do with any of this?” 

Cyno gave him a look. 

“Are you being sarcastic?” 

“Why would I be? My plan has produced nothing but positive results. Myself and Kaveh haven’t argued in over a month and we share a far more peaceful dynamic as a result.” 

“Ah yes...” Cyno said, with what almost sounded like a hint of sarcasm. “And did you ever stop to ask Kaveh if he shared your perspective?” 

“I—“ Alhaitham paused, upon realizing that no — he actually had not. Although— “If Kaveh did indeed have a problem with any of the changes I implemented, I’m sure he would’ve voiced his opinion on the matter by now.” 

“And what makes you think he hasn’t done so already?”

“Well—“ Before Alhaitham could come up with a ridiculous excuse, Tighnari popped his head round the door. 

“Alhaitham! We’ve been expecting you.” The fox was wearing a grin. “You may as well come inside. It’ll be dark for the next few hours.” 

Once inside, Alhaitham’s eyes flickered all over the place, trying to locate Kaveh. 

“He’s in the other room.” Tighnari supplied, having quickly picked up on that. “Passed out a couple of hours ago, actually. But not before crying his heart out.” 

What?

“Is he okay?” 

“If you’re asking in the physical sense, he’s fine. He’ll be wielding one hell of a hangover in the morning. But other than that, he’s alright.” 

Okay. Okay. He wasn’t physically hurt. However— 

“Cyno also informed me about your research.” Tighnari spoke again. “Very moronic, if I say so myself. It worries me to think that you are currently the Grand Sage. What scary times for the Akademiya.” 

“First off all, I am the Acting Grand Sage.” Alhaitham swiftly corrected, ignoring the way both men rolled their eyes. “Secondly, as previously stated to Cyno, the only purpose of my research was to improve the dynamic I shared with Kaveh. I don’t at all see the moronicness in that.”  

“From your perspective.” Tighnari responded, whilst Cyno simultaneously muttered “Is moronicness even a word?” 

Alhaitham meanwhile, was utterly confused. “What are you—“

“Alhaitham, say you’re a doctor treating a patient. And you find that the patient isn’t responding at all to the normal dosage of treatment. Would you look to change said dosage to fit with the patient's body type, or would just resort to injecting them with poison instead?” 

“What kind of question is that? Of course, the logical route would be to find the right dosage.” 

“Apply that scenario to your experiment, and you’ll begin to understand why ignoring Kaveh is equally illogical.” 

“I haven’t ignored—“ Alhaitham was about to refute that, and then paused, upon replaying all the events of last month and realizing that in a way— he actually had been. 

He remembered how Kaveh had assumed that he was tired at first. The constant looks of concern that he would find himself being subjected to. The way Kaveh had begun to look more unsure whenever he was around Alhaitham. The way Kaveh had even begun trying to goad him into arguing— looking disappointed whenever Alhaitham hadn’t taken the bait. 

They had spoken a lot less this month, compared to before. Alhaitham had initially thought it was a good thing, but upon reflection, upon realizing that Kaveh had been apparently crying his eyes out— 

“So it's because of me.” Not a question, not an assumption. A fact, a statement. 

Because really, at the end of the day… who else could it be? 

“Kaveh’s upset because of me.” 

Even when he had done the utmost to refrain from arguing with Kaveh, even when he had done everything he could think of to improve their dynamic… it had ended up yielding the same result. 

It hurt, in a way. To realize that no matter what he did, no matter how hard he wanted to repair their friendship, it just wasn’t possible. Akin to trying to rid a broken mirror of all of their cracks. 

If Alhaitham was a more expressive person, perhaps he too, would be crying. At the hopelessness of it all. But he wasn’t, and he certainly was not going to start shedding tears when there was an audience present. 

Instead, he finds himself sighing — the tiredness of his walk to get here, coupled up with this conversation leaving him feeling exhausted. 

Cyno walked up to him, giving him an awkward pat upon his shoulder. “For what it’s worth, misunderstandings are normal, especially when it comes to a dynamic as complicated as one you two share.” 

Tighnari nodded in agreement. “You should get some rest. You can take the couch, or we bring out the makeshift bed if you’d rather be with—“

“I’ll take the couch.” He needed to be alone for a bit. With his mind still reeling and his body aching from tiredness, it made the most sense. 

The fox nodded understandably, fetching a blanket for Alhaitham to use. 

It wasn’t long after Alhaitham had settled on the sofa and under the blanket that he dozed off into a deep sleep. 

***

When he awoke, the first thing he felt were delicate fingers thrifting through his hair. When he opened his eyes, he was met with carmine ones. 

Kaveh was sitting on the edge of the couch, an unreadable expression upon his face. Upon realizing that Alhaitham was now awake, it quickly turned to surprise. 

“Oh!” The hand in his hair was quickly removed. Alhaitham instantly mourned the touch. “Y—You’re awake.” 

Alhaitham blinked, not trusting himself to say anything. What exactly was he even supposed to say? He slowly pushed himself up, so that he was sitting upright upon the couch. 

Kaveh waited for him to do so, before handing him a pita pocket. “Here. Collei made these.” 

Alhaitham wordlessly took the food, but not without taking note of how Kaveh’s hands were shaking ever so slightly. 

…Huh

Is he feeling nervous? 

For the first few minutes, Alhaitham ate the food in silence. It was not at all a comfortable silence, certainly not with the information he now had, coupled with the way Kaveh was fidgeting next to him. 

And then— 

“You came here.” 

Alhaitham paused from his eating, turning to look at Kaveh. The blonde still had a nervous expression on his face. 

“I did.” 

“I—I didn’t expect you to.” Kaveh admitted, fiddling with his hands. “I didn’t expect you to come all this way for me. Why?”

“Well, someone ought to make sure you actually make it out of this forest in one piece.” Alhaitham shrugged. “Without me, you’d probably end up at the mercy of some fungi or eremite. And I don’t see Mehrak anywhere, so I doubt you’d be able to fight them with that oh-so-heavy claymore of yours—“

Alhaitham quickly shut up, once he took note of the pure shock upon Kaveh’s face. Whatever had happened to the research he had stuck to so well? Ah— all of a months hard work had fallen apart within seconds.

Fear pierced through his veins, as he anticipated the possibility that he had once again said the wrong words, had once again gone too far— 

But then Kaveh burst out laughing. And continued to laugh, even at one point using a hand to wipe a stray tear from his face. 

“Ah…You’re back…” The blonde simply whispered, a now genuine smile adorning his face. “Haitham… you’re finally back.”

“I’ve always been here.” 

Kaveh immediately shook his head, grabbing one of Alhaitham’s hands and squeezing it, as if he was scared that the other would disappear again. “No… I mean. You’re really back. Oh, I’ve missed you so, so much.” 

Alhaitham slowly laced his fingers within Kaveh’s, relishing in the warmth radiating within his heart. 

The advice that both Tighnari and Cyno had provided came to mind. Perhaps, perhaps this was finally the time for them both to talk things through. 

“I’ll explain everything on the way back.” He promised, giving the blonde’s hand a squeeze.

“You better.” Kaveh responded, squeezing back. “Come on.” He tugged Alhaitham’s hand. 

“Let’s head home.” 

Chapter Text

Alhaitham was what most people would consider to be a genius. He had entered the Akademiya younger than most, had then quickly become known as a prodigy amongst his peers — a title that admirers and even critics acknowledged. 

He had then graduated at the top of his class, having mastered over 20 languages in the process, landing the job as a Scribe a short while later. 

That being said, everyone, yes — even geniuses like this one had weak spots in certain fields of expertise. 

In Alhaitham’s case, it was social cues. 

How ironic, to think that someone so well versed and fluent in numerous languages, would also be utterly clueless when it came to the complexities of human behaviour. 

How ironic, that his lack of said social cues had landed him into his current position. 

If his dear grandmother was still alive, she would absolutely chuckle at his absolute incompomentecy. Tighnari and Cyno already had. 

It was quite humiliating, to have not one — but two individuals tell him that his attempt at trying to fix his already fragile dynamic with Kaveh was… in both their words… moronic . 

(Next time he sees Paimon, he’s going to give her one of his large hardback books, one that is full of words that he knows she’ll find difficult to pronounce—) 

His thought process is halted when he hears someone clear their throat. He turned to his side, where he was met with Kaveh looking at him expectantly.

Oh…right.

They had only left Tighnari’s a few minutes ago, so they were still well within the confinement of the forest. Still had at least another hour or 2 before they home by foot. 

He had thought he would have a little longer to come up with an explanation. He absolutely should’ve known better. Patience was a trait that Kaveh so rarely possessed. 

Alhaitham sighed internally, wondering how exactly he should go about doing this. Of course honesty was usually the best policy, but considering how distratorous that had ended up being many years prior… It seemed like a risky move to take. 

Would you look to change said dosage to fit with the patient's body type, or would just resort to injecting them with poison instead?”

Tighnari’s words from earlier echoed through his mind, making him finally realize something that he hadn’t considered. Being honest would always be the best way to go about things, but the way you said it, would determine the impact. 

So—

“….I was conducting research.” 

There it was. He had finally done it. 

A moment of silence. Followed by another. And then—

“Oh? I guess that makes sense. I know I can get a bit too wrapped up in my own world, when doing my projects. ” Kaveh eventually responded, trying to feign nonchalance. 

Alhaitham could clearly tell it was an act, because Kaveh was picking at one of his nails, a telltale sign that he was nervous. 

“So what was the research about?” Kaveh then asked. “Did you discover another ancient deserted language?”

“Actually, it was about us.” 

Kaveh stared at him in shock.

“W-What?” 

“The research I conducted.” Alhaitham clarified. “Was about us.” 

Kaveh continued to stare at him in shock. 

“And pray tell, what exactly were you researching?” 

“Ways in which I could improve our dynamic.” He answered, pausing for a moment. “I’m aware that our relationship has been… complicated since our time at the Akademiya. I thought I had made peace with that, but I suppose not. So, I conducted an experiment, to find ways to be nicer to you.” 

Alhaitham wasn’t sure what reaction he was expecting Kaveh to after explaining his reasoning, but he certainly hadn’t envisioned Kaveh holding a hand to his mouth, trying his best to not burst out laughing. 

“That.” Kaveh began. “That was your way of being nice ?” 

“Yes…?” 

“Are you serious?”

Alhaitham shot him with a look of confusion. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Kaveh abruptly removed his hand from his mouth, no longer able to prevent himself from laughing. He clutched his stomach, cackling loudly, while Alhaitham was left to ponder what part of his explanation had Kaveh apparently found to be so hilarious. 

“Sorry! I know you probably meant well but.” Kaveh snorted, before wiping a tear from his eye. “You need to work on your social skills, Haitham. Like immediately . Because what you considered to be ‘showing kindness’, actually just came off as indifference.”

“I have a hard time believing that.” Alhaitham countered. “We’ve barely argued this past month.” 

Kaveh rolled his eyes. “We’ve also barely spoken this past month! On what planet is ignoring someone considered to be an act of kindness??” 

“I wasn’t ignoring you.” Alhaitham responded. “Or at least, that wasn’t my intention. As stated earlier, I just wanted to improve our dynamic. Although, I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting you to be so upset by it. You don’t even consider us friends—“

“Hold on. Back up.” Kaveh interrupted, almost looking… annoyed? “Where on Teyvat did you get the idea that I don’t consider you to be a friend? Have you suffered another concussion?” He placed a hand on Alhaitham’s bicep, fingers curling into his skin. “We’re going to the Birmistan, you’re not making any s—“

“Kaveh. I overheard what you told Paimon and Lumine about me.”

Kaveh looked confused for a few moments, before the realization dawned on him. He let go of Alhaitham’s bicep, before sighing deeply. 

“Alhaitham. I didn’t mean it in the way you think I did.” 

“Then what did you mean by it?” Alhaitham shot back, not quite able to mask the hurt within his voice. 

“It’s true, I did tell Paimon that we used to be friends.” Kaveh confessed. “But not because of our rough patch. We both said awful things to each other that day, but I could never hate you for that. I never have. Rather, I just don’t think that the term friend has ever truly encompassed the way I feel about you.” 

Alhaitham felt the air being sucked out of his lungs. He just stared at the blonde who leveled him with a soft smile. 

“Kaveh—“

“Ah, to be honest. I had never really planned to ever confess my feelings.” The blonde continued, genuinely looking happy now. “I mean, I was so scared that you wouldn’t reciprocate, but now that I’m aware that you like me too—“

“Who says that I like you?” 

“You didn’t have to say anything. Your actions spoke loud enough.” Kaveh beamed. He extended his hand, tangling his fingers with Alhaitham’s. Alhaitham made no move to pull away. 

“None of that is actual proof that I actually like you.” He says instead. 

“Alhaitham. Would you have done something like this for Cyno or Tighnari?”

He didn’t need to think twice. “Hell no.” 

“Well! There you have it. I mean…to think you practically conducted an entire experiment because of me. You’re basically obsessed with me.” Kaveh teased, using his free hand to poke Alhaitham’s cheek, causing him to pout. 

“That being said.” The blonde then added, his form much more subdued, his tone betraying his nervousness now. “Please don’t ever do that again. It scared me, Alhaitham, because I genuinely thought that you were distancing yourself from me. I—I know we fight and argue all the time but… you’re such an integral part of my life. You always have been and I— I don’t want to ever experience losing you again.” 

How ironic, that Alhaitham had started this entire experiment to prevent the happenings of losing Kaveh — only for Kaveh to end up believing that he was losing him— 

They truly were the smartest men in Sumeru. 

“You don’t ever have to worry about that, dear senior.” Alhaitham said. In an act of bravery, he lifted his free hand, gently cupping Kaveh’s cheek. He could hear the blonde inhale sharply. But he did not move away. 

“I’ll always be here.” He whispered, rubbing his thumb against his cheek. Kaveh further leaned into the touch. And then, because if he let this moment pass, let it slip away— 

“You are my mirror, my true opposite. You are the person who challenges me to improve everyday. I love you, Kaveh. I have loved you since our time at the Akademiya.”

“Alhaitham I—“ Kaveh’s carmine eyes were glossy, on the verge of tears. “Me too. I love you too. I’ve loved you from the very beginning, if anything.” 

And If Alhaitham was ever asked what happened next, who leaned in first, who kissed who, he would simply say that he didn’t know. 

All he knew was that Kaveh’s lips were suddenly upon his, soft and warm and feeling everything like home . One of Kaveh’s hands sifted through his hair, while the other laid firmly upon his waist. 

He nipped the bottom of Kaveh’s lip, asking for entry and was immediately granted permission. From there, their make out session became a series of long, slow, drawn out kisses. 

Alhaitham had read romance novels, many of which would consist of characters eventually getting together and sharing their first kiss. Before this, he truly believed that he could understand the feeling of it from reading the words of a page alone. 

Oh. How wrong he was. 

The feeling he was currently experiencing was one he had never had before. He did not feel fireworks, like many of the novels he had come across described it to be. No— rather it felt akin to the final piece of a puzzle being slotted in, as if something that he hadn’t even realized was missing had finally been found. The world around him dissolved into nothing, as if it was only himself and Kaveh that existed in this realm, as they continued to explore one another’s mouth, familiarised themselves with each other’s taste— 

Alhaitham never wanted to let go. 

Eventually however, the need for air became too much, causing the pair to part reluctantly. Kaveh’s eyes were wide open, his cheeks flushed with red and his lips kiss swollen and slicked with spit. 

“Was…” He gasped, still trying to gather his breath.  “Was that your first kiss?!”

“Mhm.”

“Where did you learn to kiss like that?!”

“I read romance books from time to time.” Alhaitham shrugged.

“Oh of course you of all people would learn through reading— wait, did you say romance books?”

“Yes.”

Kaveh raised an eyebrow. “ You read romance books? Since when?”

“Since I was a child.” Alhaitham responded calmly, as if the very fact was not shattering Kaveh’s world as he knew it. “…Why do you look so surprised by that?” 

“Because you’re you! You do not possess a romantic bone in your body.”

Alhaitham smirked. “Are you seriously saying that after I just kissed you? And confessed to you in public, no less?” 

Kaveh rolled his eyes, but there was a smile present. “Who knows? Perhaps only you kissed me because you were conducting another experiment.”

“And what experiment would that be? Seeing how flustered you can become in under 1 minute?”

Kaveh’s face became very red

“H—Hey, you insufferable man! I’ll have you know—“

Alhaitham reached up to his headphones, turning the dial to drown out the sounds of Kaveh’s impending rant. But not completely. He smiled to himself. If he was lucky, the rant would only be 1 minute. If not, he’d be stuck listening to this for the rest of their journey home. 

But that was okay. 

Because as Kaveh reached out mid-rant to take Alhaitham’s hand, and laced their fingers together, Alhaitham was reminded of an important thing: 

The playful banter between them had finally returned, and this time, it was here to stay. 

Chapter Text

To absolutely no one’s surprise, Alhaitham ended the experiment that very same day. 

To be honest, Alhaitham had never been quite sure what results he would obtain from carrying out his research, but all things considered— he’s still rather surprised by the results. 

His only objective had been to improve the rather fragile dynamic he had shared with Kaveh. Though he had not allowed himself to be delusional to believe that they could ever obtain the closeness they once shared during their time at the Akademiya, he had hoped that they would be able to coexist better with one another. 

Alhaitham hadn’t really thought of anything… past that. His feelings were delicately concealed, had been for years. He had lost Kaveh once, and that had been painful enough to go through. He would rather continue to keep said feelings under wraps, than risk losing him again. 

It was an understandable thing to be afraid of, but in the end, as he would eventually find out — completely unnecessary. 

Because at present, later on that very same day, Alhaitham found himself sitting on the divan, reading a book held up by one hand, whilst Kaveh was curled up against him, having eventually succumbed to sleep. Alhaitham smiled at the sight, using his free hand to gently thread his fingers through Kaveh’s golden locks. 

***

Everything and nothing between them changed after that day. Though ‘changed‘ was not the most accurate terminology to describe it. Shifted , would suit their predicament more. 

They still argue; that was both a fundamental and everlasting part of their relationship. It was never going to change, in the way that grass would always be green, and the moon would always rise after the sun had set. 

But argue as they might, their disputes are no longer filled with any vitriol, nor do they consist of screaming matches that threaten to shatter the windows. 

Alhaitham will take Kaveh’s key every morning as he heads off to work, which gives Kaveh the perfect excuse to march to his office to demand it back (but not without bringing lunch for the both of them, and forcing Alhaitham to eat)

Kaveh still frequents the tavern, still drinks but it’s now with Alhaitham accompanying him, as opposed to him only picking him up at the tail end of the night. 

Kaveh’s items slowly migrate from his own room to Alhaitham’s, until it becomes difficult to tell whose room it really is. There’s no longer one room that is purely Kaveh’s, and another that is only Alhaitham’s, but instead a room that is now theirs , and a spare, that merely collects dust. 

And when they inform Cyno and Tighnari of their new relationship, neither look any bit surprised. But there’s a small smirk on Cyno’s face, as he outstretches his hand, whilst Tighnari rolls his eyes, before placing a bag of mora into the other’s hand. 

In hindsight, the choice to conduct this experiment had not been one of Alhaitham’s brightest moments. Far from it, actually. 

A part of him still wonders what on earth had possessed him that day, to take advice from Paimon — of all people. 

But when he thinks about his life now, how far he and Kaveh have come — how if he hadn’t conducted said experiment, that they would’ve perhaps never taken the next step, would’ve possibly just remained reluctant roommates— 

Alhaitham doesn’t regret a thing. 

***

“Kaveh! We’re gonna be late!” 

It’s a warm evening when Alhaitham and Kaveh are getting ready to head out. The occasion is an event at the Zubayr theatre, courtesy of tickets Nilou had gifted him a few weeks earlier. 

Of course, when Alhaitham had asked Kaveh if he wanted to attend, the blonde immediately accepted, whilst being pleasantly surprised that Alhaitham would take an interest in such a thing. 

In between their hectic schedules, with Alhaitham still being Grand Sage, and Kaveh being busy with clients, they hadn’t really had the opportunity to go on a proper date yet. 

Although, it certainly doesn’t feel that way. They spend so much time together, whether it be at home or finding each other during free times during the work day, or even when they grab a meal at the tavern. 

“Ugh! Stop rushing me, these things take time!” Kaveh eventually yelled back. He was situated in front of the bathroom mirror, carefully dabbing some last touches of concealer upons his face. After that, he placed the red hair clips into his locks, clipping each of them into place. 

He never goes outside without wearing them, for they are a treasured gift from Alhaitham, a reminder that even though the man is utterly useless when it comes to anything regarding aesthetics and design, he knew exactly what accessories would suit Kaveh best. 

The clips were in the shade of carmine, the very color of his eyes. His favorite color, in fact. They matched perfectly within his hair, and Kaveh would often touch them throughout the day, smiling whilst doing so. 

The clips on their own were beautiful, but the fact that Alhaitham had gifted them to him, made them priceless to Kaveh. 

Because to be loved is to be known, to be seen — 

His thought process is hastily interrupted by a series of incessant knocks. Kaveh in retaliation yanks the door open and is met with Alhaitham. 

“Would it have killed you to be a little more patient?” 

Alhaitham shrugged. “Just wanted to make sure you hadn’t fallen asleep in there, like you often do on your drafting table.” 

“Why you—“

His incoming rant was halted when Alhaitham gently cupped his cheek, moving his thumb running up and down his skin. 

“But it does appear that I was wrong.” Alhaitham’s eyes then do an observant sweep of Kaveh’s face and figure, as if he was observing a piece of art. “You look beautiful, Kaveh.” 

Kaveh felt his cheeks warm up at the compliment. But he couldn’t help the subtle feeling of insecurity slowly creep up. 

“B-Because I’m wearing makeup?”

Alhaitham shook his head gently. “Art comes in many different forms. Some in paintings, others in books. Both carry the same value and deserve appreciation.”

…This man truly was going to be the death of him. 

“Only a Haravatat would explain it like that.” Kaveh retorted, but there was no bite behind his words and they both knew it. 

Staring into Alhaitham’s eyes, Kaveh had an idea. He grabbed the kohl brush, holding it so Alhaitham could see it.

“Hey, how about I…” 

Alhaitham crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. 

“Need I remind you—“ 

“Oh shush.” Kaveh waved him off. “The performance is due to start at 7, and it’s not even 6:30 yet. And I’ll be quick.” 

***

Kaveh had done Alhaitham’s kohl once before. Back in the Akademiya, Alhaitham had turned up to one of their study sessions with his eyes bloodshot, equipped with crooked and blurred black lines around both his eyes. 

It had been a half-baked attempt at best. Kaveh couldn’t help but laugh at his poor junior, but he wasn’t so heartless as to not offer to help Alhaitham rectify the problem. 

Being an architect, Kaveh’s hands worked with utmost precision. Even back in the Akademiya, he was used to drawing straight lines for his building drafts; he could practically do so without a ruler. 

So, it wasn’t too hard to transform Alhaitham’s disastrous attempt into something that was more presentable. 

It’s endearing to have the opportunity to do this once again - Kaveh thought internally, as he perched on Alhaitham’s lap, gently tracing the brush against the latter eyelid. For it had been almost a decade since he had last done so. 

He enjoyed doing it then, and he enjoyed doing it more now. Alhaitham had the most gorgeous eyes. A mixture of green and red, a form of heterochromia. Kaveh could spend forever getting lost in them. Using kohl served to further enhance his eyes, their beauty, and make them more pronounced. 

Once finished, Kaveh took a moment to appreciate his handiwork. He then leaned forward, giving Alhaitham a quick kiss before getting off his lap. 

“Now we’re both ready.” He commented, holding out his hand for Alhaitham to take. “Let’s get going.” 

***

It’s not long before they reach the theater. The show had not started yet, but the stage had been set, and the theatre was packed. 

Alhaitham silently thanks Nilou for giving him tickets that also have allocated seats on them. Still holding Kaveh’s hand, they make their way up the steps and towards the balcony, which is thankfully not as cramped as the rest of the arena. 

They both made their way to their seats, Alhaitham taking solace in the lack of people occupying here when— 

“Oh, look who it is!”

“…Paimon.” He recognised that voice from anywhere. He turned to acknowledge her. She was hovering in her seat, predictably accompanied by Lumine, who too was sitting down. 

Both gave Alhaitham a knowing look, eyes shifting towards his and Kaveh’s intertwined hands. A small smirk appeared on Lumine’s face, while Paimon just looked triumphant.

“Paimon! Lumine!” Kaveh beamed, completely oblivious to what was going on. “Long time no see. How have you been? How is Fontaine?” 

Lumine smiled warmly. “It’s nice to see you too, Kaveh. We’ve been well, and Fontaine has been treating us well so far.” 

Alhaitham raised an eyebrow. “Weren’t you imprisoned a few weeks ago?”

Paimon shivered. “Don’t remind me! The food was disgusting! Paimon barely survived!” 

Lumine shrugged. “Just a slight blip in our journey. Thank you for the books, by the way. Paimon read through them all within a week.” 

“Glad to hear you’ve both been well.” Kaveh commented. “I’m going to get some snacks.” He then announced. “Do you guys want anything?”

The mention of free food exited the flying creature. “Oh! Paimon wants panipuri! And shawarma wraps! And samosas!” 

“I’ll have some ajilenakh nuts.” Lumine supplied. 

“You already know what I like.” Alhaitham said. Because to be loved is to be known, to be understood.

Kaveh smiled knowingly, giving Alhaitham’s hand a squeeze. “That I do.” He let go of the other’s hand, heading downstairs towards the food stalls. 

Once out of sight, both Paimon and Lumine turn their attention towards Alhaitham, knowing looks on their faces.

“Not a word, from either of you.” 

Lumine tilted her head, still smiling. “But I was simply going to say congratulations. Took you long enough.”

“It was my idea!” The flying creature proclaimed. “Had it not been for Paimon, Alhaitham and Kaveh would still be pining after each other!”

How obvious had their mutual pining been, if even someone like Paimon could’ve—

“…I suppose I do owe you some credit.” Alhaitham eventually admitted. “A broken clock truly is correct twice a day, it seems.” 

“Why you—“ Paimon stomped her feet, whilst in the air, which was quite hilarious to witness. “Paimon is going to come up with the ugliest nickname for you!”

”You said that months before. Seems like you’re finding such a task troubling. Would you like me to provide you with some suggestions?”

”Ugh! I’ll have you know—“

“I didn’t quite understand yours and Kaveh’s relationship at first.” Lumine interjected, seemingly deep in thought. “However, it makes complete sense to me now. I can only hope to find someone who loves me as much as you two love each other.” 

***

It’s not long before Kaveh returns, and the show begins. The theme of this dance in particular is romance, further outlined by the red tinted lights and slow music. Nilou takes the stage alongside the other dancers, her movement smooth and rhythmic, a testament to her talent. 

As the show went on, Kaveh and Alhaitham found themselves slowly gravitating towards one another. Kaveh’s head was now resting upon Alhaitham’s shoulder, whilst Alhaitham had intertwined their hands together. 

Alhaitham’s grandmother had only wished one thing for him: to lead a peaceful life. 

Alhaitham wouldn’t exactly call his life peaceful. Kaveh's mere existence was the very antithesis of that. 

But… he was happy. Very much so. 

And he knew that she would be perfectly happy with that too.