Archive of Our Own

Dear Kaveh, my beloved son,
How is Sumeru City treating you these days? I’ve been faring quite well in Fontaine. This time, however, I regret to inform you that I am not writing to you with news about me.

Lately, I’ve been quite worried about you. I’ve seen your beautiful work in the papers and on the Internet. You’re brilliant, my radiant sun. But it has me worried. As a former architect that worked free-lance, I know the troubles of living client-to-client like the back of my hand. Knowing you, you work horrendous hours and disregard your health for others.

This is why I urge you to find a partner. To get married. To find someone to love and someone to love you. I know that awful loneliness and I hardly want it to plague you as well. Companionship is a virtue of life, a reason to live. I want you to find your companion. As I did with your father, as I did again with my current husband.

If you do not write back to me with good news, I will take matters into my own hands.

With much love,
Your Mother, Faranak

Alhaitham finds Kaveh drunk on the balcony of his apartment, overlooking the city and traffic lights that leave the sky a hazy blur with no stars in sight. A sliver of moon glimmers in the sky, but nothing else. The noise of passing cars and the city’s ambiance buzzes in his ears as his custom-made, muffling headphones hang around his neck for once.

Kaveh stinks of cheap alcohol and booze, the harsh smell has Alhaitham grimacing. A soft sound of displeasure escapes Alhaitham’s throat as he scans over the blonde man.

There is a hazy, melancholic look gracing Kaveh’s features. He is draped over a plastic lawn chair, hunched over, picking at his cuticles scatter-mindedly. Piles of empty beer cans litter the surrounding area.

It pains Alhaitham to see the person he grew up admiring, grew up loving— ruining himself. It irritates him endlessly and he only wishes for Kaveh to pull himself together and to stop being so selfless. It is ruining him, and in turn, tearing Alhaitham apart.

“Senior, you can’t keep doing this.” The gray-haired man huffs, snatching the beer can in his hand and setting it aside.

Kaveh blinks at the familiar sound of his junior’s voice. His eyes widen, surprise glittering on his face for a moment as if he had forgotten he lived with the younger. Kaveh’s frown turns into a dopey, lop-sided smile, one far too happy to be meant for Alhaitham of all people.

The blonde staggers up, somewhat tripping over his own feet as he swings himself at Alhaitham, shoving his teary face onto the other’s chest, “H- Haitham- I missed…you…” He coos and laughs bubbly, not unlike how he would’ve many years ago.

“I was at work,” Alhaitham states bluntly. He raises a hand to stroke Kaveh’s golden hair but hesitates before letting his hand drop back to his side. “Why is the Light of Kshahrewar troubled this night? Another troublesome client? Should I expect your rent payment late again?” The words feel bitter on his tongue.

“Shut it, Haravatat. And no, you- you can expect rent on time…I think…” Kaveh huffs, whacking his junior’s arm and looking up and pouting at Alhaitham. Kaveh’s cheeks puff out similar to a chipmunk. Red covers his face, flustered from the alcohol consumption.

“So, what is it then? I don’t have all night, senior.” Alhaitham slips his arm under Kaveh’s, half-dragging half-leading him to his bedroom.

“Ugh…I don’t want to talk about it…just thinking about it makes my head huuuuurt.” Kaveh groans, his limbs flailing beside him, clumsily trying to accentuate his point.

“That’s just the alcohol poisoning, I assure you.”

“S- Shut up.” Kaveh hisses, lightly slapping Alhaitham again.

“Hm.”

There’s a moment of silence. It doesn’t last long.

“W-well…My mother sent me a letter…” Kaveh begins, mumbling, his voice low and pained. Alhaitham hums, acknowledging the older, knowing full well that Kaveh can’t keep his mouth shut for longer than five seconds when drunk.

“She does that sometimes…usually just…written small talk. She never texts me though…I don’t know why…That doesn’t matter. This time, ah...” Kaveh winces at whatever is mentally happening in the inner workings of his brain. “She wrote to me about getting married. She meant it with well-meaning intentions, of course, but she’s…”

“She’s what?” Alhaitham inquires, curiosity piqued. Marriage? Ah…he sure hopes that Kaveh doesn’t get married to some stranger…or, really, anyone else. He’s happy with the way things are now. Mostly.

Alhaitham lifts Kaveh onto his messy bed, listening to Kaveh ramble as he takes off Kaveh’s shoes and socks, placing the items where they belong. He helps Kaveh dress in clothes suitable enough for sleeping in without invading his privacy too much.

“She’s worried.” Kaveh mutters, “She’s afraid that I’m wasting my life away, working client to client as a freelance artist while struggling to finish my studies like she once did…she wants me to meet someone and get married. Be happy…but…I can’t. I don’t deserve that. And who would I even marry in the first place?”

Alhaitham frowns. Kaveh deserves the world and more. Too many times Kaveh has gotten himself wasted and drunk after screwing himself over due to his overly generous nature. Abyssal fires, it drove Kaveh to bankruptcy and to practically living in an alleyway beside a bar. That’s where Alhaitham found his senior and listened to his woes before making an irrational decision and letting Kaveh live with him.

In fact, Alhaitham wouldn’t even request a penny from Kaveh, but he knew the guilt that tore underneath Kaveh’s skin, leaving him a blithering mess. Kaveh wouldn’t accept living off of someone’s charity. That’s why Alhaitham requests rent. A facade to keep Kaveh’s monsters at bay. Having him back, having him home was enough.

“You deserve more than you know,” Alhaitham whispers, tucking Kaveh in, brushing the blonde’s hair back oh so gently. His eyes windows to his years of longing.

“Let’s…Let’s get married, ‘Haitham,” Kaveh mumbles. Alhaitham’s eyes widen, astoundment tingling throughout his body by such a request.

“Why?”

“My mom would be appeased…satisfied at the very least…I don’t want to try to find someone else. I’m tired, ‘Haitham…So tired…”

“Then sleep.”

“You gotta…you gotta promise me you’ll think about it…” Kaveh pleads.

Alhaitham sighs, “Alright, I promise, now sleep.”

Once Kaveh does pass out, Alhaitham presses a dry kiss to the older’s forehead before exiting the room with a hazy sense of longing.

He certainly does think about Kaveh’s request as he cleans up the older man’s mess. He thinks about it as he readies himself for bed, and as he falls into a dreamless slumber.

It leaves his heart tight and constricted with a never-ending want.

Kaveh awakes at the ripe time of 3:07 pm. He groans and stretches his limbs as he sits up in his bed. His head thunders and pounds due to his hungover state.

Painkillers and a glass of water await him at his bedside. Kaveh downs a tablet and the entire glass of water in a matter of seconds. Confusion registers on his face as he wonders about the night before. What happened?

After a few lazy moments of just sitting at the edge of his bed, Kaveh gets up and drags himself out of his room, grumbling to himself.

His memories come back to him in bits and pieces, a blundered mess. From what he does pick out of the concoction of his debauched mind was that he did, in fact, make an absolute fool of himself. Again. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, but it still has Kaveh huffing curses under his breath and blushing like a teenage girl. Of course, he had to suggest that Alhaitham should get married to him. Wouldn’t that cause more problems than solve them?

Alhaitham leisurely sits in the living room, on his couch, that boot of his propped up on his knee. He holds a book in his hands and doesn’t spare a moment's glance at Kaveh. Gingerly, he sips his cup of straight black coffee. A sharp, earthy aroma radiates from it. A second mug sits next to his, significantly lighter in color and probably dosed in an unhealthy amount of creamer. Just like how Kaveh likes it.

Naturally, this nicety goes ignored by Kaveh in favor of deluding himself into thinking Alhaitham hates him, or at least doesn’t care about his existence. It’s favorable that way. Kaveh won’t have to confront his own feelings and thanks to his excuse of fear of rejection.

“Sit,” Alhaitham instructs, abruptly bookmarking his spot and placing his book (something about the semiotics of Inazuman light novels…ew, Haravatats) on the coffee table.

“Gee, good morning to you too.” Kaveh huffs, already feeling annoyed by Alhaitham’s antics. The man infuriates him to no end! Just by…existing at that! Okay, maybe Kaveh doesn’t remember all the details right now, but Alhaitham is a jerk and there is solid evidence.

Firstly, Alhaitham always has his headphones on, strategically turning on the silencing mode whenever Kaveh has his fits. Then again…It turns out, though, that Alhaitham has sensory problems and is sensitive to noise. After learning about that, Kaveh didn’t have the heart to reprimand him for his lack of manners. It’s not Alhaitham’s fault that he’s sensitive to loud noises and Kaveh is the embodiment of loud.

Another is how the man refuses to pick up his books. They always lay around the apartment, collecting dust or making a mess. There are so many books that they all refuse to fit in the already absurd amount of bookcases cramped in every nook and corner of the apartment. Can’t Alhaitham just go to the library? Is it so hard to stack his books up in neat piles??? Why does Kaveh have to pick up his books?!

But most of all, Kaveh hates the fact that he’s quite fond of his Junior. His stupidly built, overly logical, and brute-faced junior. After all this time, Kaveh still is drawn to the man and it aggravates him to no end! Why does it have to be the most infuriating individual in all of Sumeru he pines after?! Why does it have to be the one person he can’t ever truly have?

Still, Kaveh sits down perpendicular to Alhaitham. He grasps the cup of coffee meant for him and gulps down a large sip.

“Spit it out, what is it?”

“Let’s get married,” Alhaitham states curtly. Though subtle, Kaveh could tell that the other was nervous, even if slightly. Still, that fact does nothing to water down the emotions that course throughout Kaveh’s body. He sputters, coughing up some of the coffee he just drank.

“E–Excuse me?! How dare–You brute! You can’t just ask something like that in the living room when I look like this!” Kaveh shrieks, motioning to his awful appearance.

A part of his heart, though, is thrilled by this turn of events. He shoves that down. Another part is fearful of what this whole proposition means. He also shoves that down. Pretending to be shallow and caring about his appearance is far easier to deal with.

“Your appearance is fine, Kaveh. Besides, it was you who proposed to me first, albeit intoxicated.”

“So you’re just going to take what I said while drunk, seriously?! Have you no shame? No morals?”

“A drunk mind speaks a sober heart.”

“Gods…you Haravatats and your awful sayings.” Kaveh’s face flushes, again, at the fact that he had offered his hand in marriage to his roommate. But he was drunk at the time! Can’t anyone get a break around here? Why did he ask Alhaitham that? It tore at his heart, now to get married to the man he desperately liked for reasons other than love? It was a blow to his gut.

“Besides, that’s why I want to have this conversation with you. Do you want to get married? After some thinking, I would not be opposed to marriage due to…tax benefits and the sort. As you have said before, and I quote, there is no one other than you willing to put up with my antics 24/7. That being said, you’re the…ideal person to be my spouse. You would benefit from this transaction as well, naturally.” Alhaitham deadpans as harshly serious expression registers on his face.

Kaveh stares at the man, not sure if he is flattered or frustrated with Alhaitham’s overly logical and rational response. It is, indeed, true, Kaveh would benefit. Not only were there tax benefits as Alhaitham had stated, but his mother would get off his ass about his marital state. He would also have a reasonable excuse for staying with Alhaitham apart from being pretty much homeless if it were not for Alhaitham’s hospitality. Perhaps…it would quiet his guilty conscience a bit.

He lets the thought ruminate, an airy silence blanketing the room. Alhaitham waits patiently, his fingers gently tap-tap-tapping the rim of his cup. Kaveh fidgets with his cuticles, scratching at the delicate skin. A bad habit of his.

Hesitantly, he nods, a confident look plastering over his face to mask the sheer fear radiating inside of him.

“I expect a proper proposal, though. And I’m not cheap! You better treat me well Alhaitham.” Kaveh bristles, turning away as his face reddened. A surge of butterflies erupts in his stomach. Would he puke out wings?

“When have I not?” Alhaitham hums, a small, subtle smile pulling at the edges of his lips. “With that in mind, I would like you to think about what you want from this relationship and your boundaries. I’ll put together some sort of contract.”

“You’re so formal. It’s a good idea though, all right all right. Now let me tidy myself up. I feel like shit. And look like it too.” Kaveh scratches off breakfast from his mental to-do list. He won’t be able to stomach any food as nervous as he is.

Like so, Kaveh stomps off to the bathroom, missing the funny expression of contentment melting upon Alhaitham’s face.

“Alhaitham! You. Did. Not! I’m so happy for you! You finally confessed to Mister Kaveh!” Nilou squeals, clasping her hands together. The pigtailed redhead is one of the very few people Alhaitham tolerates and enjoys hanging out with on occasion.

The two of them are at a local café. One that is unknown enough to only sport a small trickle of customers, but has decent drinks and pastries. The interior is designed beautifully and baths in a lovely aroma of coffee beans and vanilla. A fragrance that Alhaitham just knows he isn’t capable of relishing in it to the full extent that Kaveh can. Such moments where Kaveh’s eyes glimmer with joy and inspiration are like little gifts.

Alhaitham could care less about the commodities, typically, his priority was to avoid a sensory overload situation. He found little value in aesthetics. Still, he would like to think that Kaveh would enjoy such a place, though. Perhaps he should bring him one of these days. The aesthete would surely appreciate it more than he could.

Alhaitham blinks, returning to reality. His mouth is dry for that he indeed did not confess, but that is quite an unnecessary detail. It’s merely an unusual situation that requires the result of marriage. A fact that Nilou didn’t need to know.

Nilou and Alhaitham met through Alhaitham’s side job…a hobby. Nilou, at the time, helped him with creative input and field research. Ever since, Alhaitham has found that he’s fond of Nilou in a platonic manner, and will often come to her with news, a need for advice, or another work inquiry.

“You were the first person I thought of to tell the good news. That, and I need some assistance.”

“Oh? Do tell, I hope I can be of help then!”

“My soon-to-be fiancée requested that I propose to him properly, but I have no idea how to go about proposals and anything romance related. He’s quite fond of romantic gestures, I’m sure you are aware of that fact, and I have little experience in that sort of field. I’ve been researching literary sources, but I figured your input would prove to be useful as well.”

“Oh my, you’re quite invested in this. You’re almost treating this like a book report…well, no matter! Well, this is a proposal we’re talking about! Ah! Just thinking about it makes me all fuzzy inside. Hmm…a romantic proposal…” Nilou presses a finger to her chin, closing her eyes, thoughtful.

“For starters, you’re going to want to set up an atmosphere, a stage, if you will. A lovely dinner, a walk in the park, a little date, that sort of thing!” She chides, nodding as if she’s agreeing with what she just said.

“Alright.” He hums, listening with a strange sort of focus, certain situations between him in Kaveh floating around in his head. What sort of atmosphere would Kaveh appreciate in a proposal?

“Ohh, and small little gestures to butter your beloved up! A bouquet of flowers, hand holding, staring into each other’s eyes. Yes, that sort of thing would do just nicely. And then–at the climax of the event–get down on one knee and propose.”

“I see, thank you, Nilou.”

“Oh, but of course! Ah—but these are just what I would imagine as a lovely proposal, I have no idea of what Mister Kaveh would like exactly. I have yet to experience a proposal too. I figure you want to consider those factors. It sounds lovely, though, becoming engaged.”

“It is quite lovely, I think. And—I’ll take that into account. Thank you, again.”

“It’s no problem! Ah, one more thing. Do you have any idea of what ring you’ll propose to Mister Kaveh with? Do you need help ring shopping… Oh! Unless you’ll be doing that with Mister Kaveh? I would hate to infringe!”

Nilou waves her hands around frantically, and Alhaitham emits a small, quiet chuckle.

“You aren’t. There’s no need, I already have the perfect ring in mind. I am certain it will suit him quite well. Additionally, I want to see him wear it. The sight would mean a great deal to me.”

The blank paper glares back at Kaveh. A villain Kaveh is quite familiar, although usually in a more artistic setting. Blank canvases can be quite menacing. This time, his opponent is a letter. He isn’t sure what to write back to his mother.

Hey mom, I’m actually engaged and I never told you about my handsome, hot, and very infuriating fiancé!

Yeah. Kaveh has a feeling that that wouldn’t go well, but what could he do? What else could he say?

This whole situation is a slap in his face. Does no one trust him to live his own life? Not even his own mother? So what if he’s irresponsible and immature and lonely? That’s his business, no one else's.

He feels useless. Not worthy of being alive and well. Not worthy of his mother, not of Alhaitham, not even of himself. Why should everyone have to deal with him being a burden?

Why did his father have to die and not him?

Guilt gnaws at his stomach, bile rising in his throat as he bites back the tears. An action so familiar to him that it’s second nature at this rate.

All Kaveh’s life he’s been selflessly giving and giving, never taking because he doesn’t deserve that. The guilt of being the reason his father died holds him in a chokehold. The guilt controls him. His actions, his way of thinking, his philosophy. Now, finally, he gets the one thing wants, the one thing he’s always desired subconsciously, and it's not even on his own terms. Not for the right reasons and never will be.

Tax benefits and to cease misconceptions. His mother’s worries.

Is that what all his years of hard work add up to? Is that the result of his years of pining?

He can’t do this. He can’t write a letter to his mother. Not on this. He’ll send her an invitation to the wedding when it comes, and that will be that.

Kaveh pushes back his chair, stumbling out of the cluttered, disorganized room that resembles the messy place he calls his mind. He makes his way to the kitchen–and speaking of the devil–he finds Alhaitham there. The grey-haired man pulls out ingredients from the pantry and fridge. On the stove, a pot of broth boils and simmers.

“Ah, so the Light of Kshahrewar emerges.”

Kaveh stares at Alhaitham blankly, not in the mood to start bickering. Not that he ever minds his petty arguments with the man. That’s how the two of them communicated, how they coexisted despite the grievances of the past. He preferred that over the loneliness that resonated inside him during the time he wasn’t by Alhaitham’s aide.

Kaveh sighs, peering over Alhaitham’s shoulder, watching him chop up ingredients (scallions, onions, carrots, that assortment of things) and then pour them into the broth. At a closer glance, Kaveh can see chunks of meat cooking in the dark gold liquid.

“Soup? You hate it though.” Kaveh hums, taking a moment to bathe in the heavenly aroma. It smells delicious.

“Indeed, but you don’t.”

“Ah.” Blood rushes to Kaveh’s cheeks, dusting them a light red. He’s flustered that Alhaitham would make him something just because he likes it. He usually doesn’t. He shouldn’t. He’ll trap Kaveh’s heart in a little cage (that’s been there all along, but Kaveh isn’t going to acknowledge it).

Alhaitham places the chopped vegetables in the pot and stirs the mixture slowly.

“Why?” Kaveh mumbles, letting his head rest on Alhaitham’s shoulder, his gold bangs juxtaposed against the man’s dark shirt.

“Because I care about you. I know you’ve been fatigued by your current situation and I simply want to support you. I thought a bowl of warm soup may convey that in a way you’d accept.”

If Kaveh thought he had a chance at getting out of this mess with his heart intact before, he surely didn’t think that now. He didn’t say anything in response, instead shuffling closer to Alhaitham and wrapping his arms around the other’s waist. Surely he’s allowed this. He is getting married to the man regardless of the reasons.

Alhaitham makes no complaint.

The younger continues to cook with Kaveh attached to him, trying his best to stay in one spot for Kaveh’s convenience, especially when he feels his shoulder become damp. Undoubtedly, they were tears. Small sobs wrack the blonde’s body, desperate to keep his emotions in check, but failing to do so.

Once the soup is finished, Alhaitham pours two bowls and places them both on the table after guiding Kaveh to a seat. Two smaller bowls of rice are also placed on the tabletop. Alhaitham sits across from Kaveh, the chair scratching against the floor.

Kaveh stares into the bowl of soup, his eyes still watery and bleared. After he lets out a sniffle, he brings a spoon of the sabz meat stew to his lips, cherishing the wonderful taste. It truly is good, he remarks, as the broth warms his mouth and the meat melts on his tongue.

Once Alhaitham is certain that Kaveh likes the soup, he begins to eat his own bowl slowly, watching the other
instead of reading a book.

They both eat their fill, their stomachs full and content. Alhaitham moves to the couch, looking at Kaveh. A silent invitation. The blonde obliges, laying down on the couch, head on Alhaitham's thigh. The younger threaded his hands through Kaveh’s hair, soothing the other as he began to weep again.

Alhaitham picks up his book on the coffee table, continuing to thread his hands through Kaveh’s hair while picking up his spot.

As bitter as Kaveh feels, he cannot disregard the small warmth that grew within him as he’s comforted by Alhaitham.

The rest of the day blurs into teal and yellow, padisarah, mourning flower, and the earthy smell of books mix into one.

Despite the countless troubles Kaveh collects, life continues to move forward, and so do his studies to become a professional architect.

This is a fact Alhaitham knows intimately, so he was not surprised when Kaveh informs him that he’s going on a trip to Mondstat the next day to study architecture there. The trip would be a week-long, so he was not to expect Kaveh before then.

An idea sparks and kindles in Alhaitham’s mind when he receives the information. A trip to the country of freedom would be the perfect atmosphere, or stage, to propose. Mondstat is known for its romance, there truly is no better place. Not one that Alhaitham can conjure.

So Alhaitham offers to join in on the trip and split the costs. This appeases Kaveh greatly and Alhaitham sets himself on packing his bags.

The next day approaches fast enough, and Alhaitham drives the two of them to the passport where they board their flight.

Which leaves the roommates crammed together on an economy-seat flight. For two hours.

Apparently, it Kaveh miserable.

“Alhaitham, It’s so cramped-”

“Alhaitham, It’s hot and stuff in here-”

“Alhaitham, I need to pee, but I don’t want to make that old lady next to you move-”

Alhaitham this and Alhaitham that. The junior is convinced that Kaveh is incapable of shutting up. Alhaitham’s ears are going to bleed dry if he doesn’t quit it.

“By the archons, Kaveh, are you done complaining yet? I gave you the window seat. Could you show some semblance of gratitude?”

“Well, it’s not my fault that it’s so uncomfortable in here! I’m suffering! My poor dignified soul was not made for this sort of treatment-”

Alhaitham presses a chaste kiss to Kaveh’s head, a smug smile gracing his features as Kaveh snaps his mouth shut and turns a shade of bright red.

“You–you–How dare you–Brute!” Kaveh shrieks, pressing his hands to his face and looking very much like he is contemplating his existence and dealing with a 5th life crisis. At least the ruckus goes unnoticed because of the infant wailing and the elderly snoring. A terrible combination that leaves Alhaitham keeping his ear mufflers at 80% noise cancellation.

Regardless, it worked. Kaveh stops complaining for the rest of the plane ride. Even if he’s contemplating his life.

The wheels of the one suitcase Alhaitham drags and the three suitcases Kaveh pulls behind him scratch against the tile floor, the metallic sound ringing in Kaveh’s ears. He glances at Alhaitham, worried the sound is bothering him, but he seems to be fine as he wears his noise-canceling headphones. A sigh of relief leaves Kaveh’s mouth. The automatic doors of the subway open and the two exit the subway station.

Harsh daylight hits Kaveh’s eyes, leaving him temporarily blind and squinting, but he quickly adjusts. When he does, the air in his lungs escapes him. His crimson eyes widen and sparkle, there’s a deep allure to them, and he doesn’t catch Alhaitham staring as he stares at the view around him.

“Oh wow, it’s lovely here- So different from Sumeru!” Kaveh gushes, a wide grin donning his features.

“It’s a whole new region, I would be surprised if it wasn’t different.” Alhaitham crosses his arms, maintaining an indifferent expression.

“Hmph, trying to get under my skin again, are you? Whatever–I’m so excited to sketch all these buildings–Ah! Look how intricate the roofs are, they’re an entirely different style of architecture!” The blonde gleefully looks around, his gaze drinking in as much as he can. There was a scent of wine and dandelions in the air—a delightful aroma indeed. He closes his eyes, inhaling the air, letting the feeling of wonder settle within him. His fingers tingle, his brow relaxes. He’s at peace.

The moment ends abruptly.

“Before you do that, let’s grab something to eat.” Alhaitham starts walking through the city, nodding at Kaveh to follow him. The blonde does.

“You wouldn’t be hungry if you bought food at the airport.” Kaveh trails behind the man, lugging his three suitcases, still gazing around but keeping Alhaitham’s figure in his peripheral view.

“That’s too expensive.”

“What happened to your financial freedom?” Kaveh scoffs, a snickering, playful laugh emitting from his body.

“Your alcohol tabs don’t pay themselves, Kaveh.”

“Oh! You! How dare you! So it’s my fault?!” Kaveh glared at the taller, pouting.

“Indeed. Most of my grievances trail back to you.” Alhaitham shrugs, stopping in front of a restaurant. A sign reads Good Hunter. The younger opens the door and a lovely aroma wafts out of the building, delighting Kaveh’s senses, but burning acid boils in his gut. How dare Alhaitham make such accusations! Hah!

“It certainly is not! I bet you still have loads of money in your accounts. Surely you can spare a ten or two.” Kaveh entered the restaurant, making his way to the waiting area. His shoulders sag in relief as he sets down his suitcases and stretches.

“Relax Kaveh, I’m only teasing you. Besides, I just want you to stop drinking irresponsibly. You would be better off without an alcohol addiction.” Alhaitham follows behind the blonde, shutting the door behind him.

“Hello, welcome to Good Hunter. Do you plan to eat in or order to go?” A light brunette waitress approaches the two, her brown ponytail swinging behind her. The name tag on the left of her chest reads Sara. Kaveh tilts his head, glancing expectantly at Alhaitham. He is the one paying, after all. If he didn’t tag along, Kaveh would’ve just bought some groceries and cooked for himself. Cheaper that way, and, usually, more nutritional as well. ‘Lack of financial freedom’ his ass.

“We’ll eat in.” Alhaitham states. Kaveh hides the small smile growing on his face. Score!

“Alrighty then, follow me, folks. Would you rather eat inside or outside?”

Alhaitham looks at Kaveh with a questioning stare. Kaveh’s grin grows wider.

“Outside, please, and thank you.”

Sara leads the two of them outside, sits them down at a cute, little, two-person table, and gives them menus. They order drinks—Alhaitham limits Kaveh to juice, unfortunately. The sun is still shining and there’s no need to drink away his woes in broad daylight! ...Kaveh wasn’t planning to anyway!

Courtesy of the waiter’s advice, the two of them order a sticky honey roast to share. It’s different, it seems that much of Mondstat is, but it tastes good! Alhaitham seems to be indifferent to the taste itself, but he is bothered by the stickiness. The poor man (read: spoiled brat) can’t whip out a book to read with messy food on the table.

“It’s pretty yummy,” Kaveh starts, wanting to fill the awkward silence. Alhaitham glanced’s gaze flickers towards him.

“It’s okay.”

“The presentation is really good too—there’s a perfect ratio of honey to vegetables. And the carrots are a perfect, ripe color! The honey sauce is rich and decadent, but not too heavy. The chef must be incredibly talented.” Kaveh chirps, his limbs extending outward to accentuate his point. In the process of doing so, his leg moves and rests on Alhaitham’s.

Worry flickers in Kaveh’s eyes, piercing icy shock runs through his core, “Ah—sorry.” He starts to shift his leg away, but Alhaitham nudges him back, moving so they’re touching again.

“It’s fine. We’re technically engaged.”

“Yes—well—but-”

“Just eat your damn food, Kaveh.”

“What now?” Alhaitham inquires, inhaling the fresh air outside the restaurant. He looks towards the man beside him, admiring how the evening light graces his features. It illuminates Kaveh’s hair as if he was a celestial being that descended to Teyvat. His airy, sheer shirt waves gently in the wind.

“We should check into the inn. I, personally, need a shower and some well-earned beauty sleep.”

“...I agree, lead the way.”

“Huh–HUH?! What do you mean by AGREE?!?! Are you insulting me, again, Alhaitham?!” Kaveh pouts, huffing, but compliantly moving his feet toward the direction he believes the inn is.

Unsurprisingly to all parties, Kaveh accidentally takes them down the scenic route and gets the two of them lost four times, but, eventually, they do make it to Dawn Breeze Inn, run by the Goth family. Not before the sun began to dip beneath the horizon though. The sky ebbs and flows with shades of pink and purple, fading into an all-consuming navy blue speckled with white stardust. It shimmers. Kaveh wants to recreate the pigments.

“I’m never trusting you to plan out a trip again, Senior.”

“Oh–You! Shut up, will you?! I just…wanted to see the views! That’s all!”

Alhaitham sighs, stepping into the inn. Kaveh checks in and receives their room number: 106.

The inn is obviously a cheaper one, but it’s nice enough to stay in for a week. Alhaitham wanders around, sifting through the room for anything gross or unwanted, but nothing of the sort makes its unwanted appearance. There is only one problem. A problem so insignificant to Alhaitham, but utterly devastating to Kaveh. There’s a single bed.

Alhaitham truly didn’t mind that much, but when Kaveh realizes such, he starts having a meltdown and is now hogging up the bathroom. For more than three hours now.

So the younger decides enough is enough, and pounds on the bathroom door.

“Kaveh, other people have to shower too.”

“Oh please, you can wait a while longer! And–I’m finished too.” Kaveh’s voice rings about with new clarity as he swings the bathroom door open and stomps out of the room dressed in a robe. His hair sticks to his skin, damn with water. The blonde strands wettened to a shade of brown.

‘Beautiful,’ Alhaitham thinks.

“Kaveh.” Alhaitham says, following the other, truthfully not bothered by the amount of time Kaveh had spent in the bathroom. He’s more worried about Kaveh’s unreasonable amount of distress just because of a single bed.

“Kaveh, listen to me.”

“What, Alhaitham?” Kaveh hisses, not making any movement to look Alhaitham in the eye while he sifts through his suitcases for some sleep clothes.

“I really don’t care if there’s only one bed. I can sleep on the floor if you feel uncomfortable, it’s fine.”

“No–! No, that won’t do. You can have the bed–I don’t want to ruin this trip for you. I’m sure you would complain all week about the back pain.”

“Why don’t we just sleep together then? Is it such a big deal?”

“I don’t want to be a bother, Alhaitham. I’m sure you rather not sleep next to me–”

“How can you be so sure? Kaveh. You’re overthinking it. I really don’t mind. Whatever, do as you like. I’m going to shower and change. I’ll be done shortly. When I’m back, I expect to see you in the bed, sleeping. Or trying to at the very least.”

“Okay…” Kaveh mumbles, his motions still. He’s reluctant, but accepting the current situation.

After grabbing clothes and essentials from his suitcase, Alhaitham slips into the shower and washes himself adequately. The melodic sound of water pattering against the shower walls jogs his mind. The cogs of his brain start whirring.

Kaveh always overthinks. The man never gives himself a break. It tears Alhaitham apart. Kaveh is so giving, so…good-hearted, but for all the wrong reasons. Alhaitham knows and is well acquainted with the monster of guilt and depression that grows inside of Kaveh. No matter what Alhaitham says or does, Kaveh continues to destroy himself to feed that guilt.

All Alhaitham wishes for is for Kaveh to love himself as much as Alhaitham loves him.

Alhaitham exits the shower and changes into some light casual clothes. He clambers out of the bathroom. A sound of disapproval leaves his body when he spies a warm bundle curled up on the floor. Undoubtedly, it’s Kaveh being all too stubborn with his self-sacrificing antics.

Alhaitham narrows his eyes. He supposes Kaveh will have to put up with him being stubborn as well. It is, as they say, Haravatats and Kshahrewars are always at each other’s throats. Alhaitham leans down and picks up the artist, who quickly awakens by the manhandling (He’s a light sleeper after all.)

“...H–Haitham! What are you doing?!” Kaveh shrieks, his limbs flailing about as Alhaitham tosses the blonde onto the bed.

“Saving you from the displeasure of aching joints.” He grunts as he slips into bed next to Kaveh, pulling the covers over both of them. Kaveh mutters a handful of spiteful curses before trying to escape from the bed.

Alhaitham, obviously, refused to tolerate such behavior.

He grabs Kaveh by the waist and presses him flush to his chest, once again sighing, exasperated.

“Unhand me at once!” Kaveh swats the other, squirming to get free of this hell of a prison. The result is Alhaitham tightening his hold.

“Kaveh, just go to sleep.”

Kaveh spends the next few minutes trying to escape Alhaitham’s grasp, but, eventually, he comes to terms with the fact that he was stuck on the bed. He finally stills, feeling Alhaitham’s warmth radiate over to him.

“Feeble scholar my ass…” The blonde mutters, desperately trying to hide his flushed appearance.

Alhaitham cracks a smile and swiftly falls asleep with Kaveh in his arms, warming the sheets and his soul.

Sunlight drifts into the room, painting Kaveh’s face a soft glow, through a crack between the curtains. He shifts, grunting his discomfort as he tries to block the light, but he collides with something–ah, no–someone. Alhaitham sleeps peacefully, all snuggled up against Kaveh’s side. There’s a slow rising and deflating of his body, mesmerizing to watch. The two of them are entangled, their limbs intertwined. It’s almost endearing. It reminds Kaveh of how they would sleep together when they were younger.

A bittersweet memory. Something Kaveh misses more than he was willing to admit. It hurts even more to acknowledge the fact that he sleeps better with Alhaitham by his side rather than not. Something about his presence subconsciously soothes Kaveh.

As carefully as he could, Kaveh pries himself from Alhaitham’s hold. Thankfully, the taller remains blissfully asleep. Kaveh truly envies his ability to sleep and stay asleep.

As much as Kaveh wants to wallow in his overbearing emotions all morning, it is time for him to get to work. He has buildings to sketch and temples to visit. So he hastily dresses himself and readies himself for the day.

He crosses the threshold out of the room, glancing back at Alhaitham. A twinge of guilt pricks at his side for leaving the man alone in an empty bed, but that’s how it has to be. That’s how it should be.

It’s safer that way.

To start with, Kaveh has plans to visit old Mondstat and the structures there with a guide. He had previously used an app to schedule a guide to meet him at the city gates.

He wasn’t sure what he expected his guide to be like, but it certainly wasn’t a young teenage girl with a forced accent and the vocabulary of a clashy fantasy novel.

“I, Fischl, the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, am pleased to make your acquaintance on this quaint mourn. I shall assist you, my vassal, on your humble journey across the city of Mond.” The teenage girl grins, her arms propped up on her waist. She’s blonde, a lighter shade than Kaveh, and she adorns green eyes of emerald and purple clothing. Her gaze is piercing and radiates confidence. It almost makes Kaveh jealous.

Apparently, the guide also comes with a free translator.

“Fishl means to say that she’s your guide and is pleased to meet you.” An older man sighed, a stoic expression on his face. Not the same type that Alhaitham wears, an expression that Kaveh knows so intimately that he can pick apart and dissect what each slight movement means. This man isn’t the same. The older man wears black hair and purple clothes that match Fishl’s closely in aesthetics.

An interesting duo indeed.

“Ah, is that so? Well, I’m pleased to meet you as well, Fishl. I’m Kaveh.” Kaveh stretches out a hand to shake hers, but she turns her head away slightly, refusing the gesture. Instead, the older man takes his hand and shook it, his grip strong and his hands rough. Quite the contrast to Kaveh’s delicate and lean artist hands.

“I’m Ozwald, but you can just call me Oz.”

“Ozzie is a name reserved just for the Prizessin!” Fischl adds.

Kaveh plasters a grin onto his face. Today is going to be a long day.

Disappointment fills Alhaitham when he awakes to find the spot next to him empty, but it was to be expected. Besides, it left him time to seek some expert help from an old peer of his: Lisa.

Ever since Alhaitham has known her, she’s always been the proclaimed love expert of the Akademiya. Rumors circulated endlessly about her skills even after she graduated and left Sumeru. She’s an incredibly smart individual as well. It’s a shame she didn’t pursue her studies and decided to settle as a librarian, but Alhaitham understood why. Hell, he did just about the same thing, taking a cushy office job with a decent salary. Ignoring his side job, of course.

Plus, he also wants to visit the Favonious Library. It’s likely he’s already read most if not all the books there, but it still will be a worthwhile visit. Perhaps there will be some original copies of historical texts.

So Alhaitham makes his way to the Favonious headquarters (traveling at a much faster speed without Kaveh, but it is a remarkably less amusing adventure) and enters the library. The rustic smell of books, wood, and paper meets his nose. A smell he was quite familiar with and liked.

Much to his pleasure, Lisa was, indeed, in the library, sifting through a book of her own at a leisurely pace.

“Lisa.” Alhaitham announces.

“Well, well, if it isn’t one of the Sumerian cuties I studied with? What brings you here to visit your senior, Alhaitham?” A smile curls onto the librarian’s lips, her green, almost snake-like eyes glitter with amusement.

“Greetings. Kaveh’s on a research trip for his architecture final. I decided to join him on his trip. I inquire about some of your knowledge on proposals.”

At that, Lisa’s grin grows, a mischievous look painting across her features, “Oh? Has your decade-long era of pining ended? What a delightful surprise. You must invite me to the wedding, Alhaitham. I’m sure Kaveh would look stunning in white.”

“He looks stunning in everything regardless, Lisa. I plan to propose to him at the end of this trip. Quite fitting as Mondstat is known for its romance beyond its ideal of freedom.” Alhaitham narrows his eyes, not sure if he’s opposed to how Lisa refers to Kaveh.

Though, Alhaitham doubts she’s trying to court Alhaitham’s sole love interest when she lives regions away. And probably has her own lesbian affair in the city of Mond.

“Hmm~You’ve been thinking about this quite heavily, haven’t you, sweetie? Well, you came to the right place. Are you asking for some suggestions on good proposal spots? I assume you already have a general idea of how you want to propose to go if you already have a plan.”

“Very intuitive.”

“Delightful~ Hmmm…Some popular places in the city itself are the statue of Barbatos, the water fountain at the town square, and even the cathedral.”

“Do you have any places outside of the city? I’m not looking for a popular, crowded area. A quaint place with a good view will do just fine. I would rather propose without an audience. I’m sure Kaveh would appreciate the proposal being a private moment as well.”

“I can’t say I’m surprised knowing you two lovebirds, haha~ Well then, Outside? Yes…There’s Windrise, which is a lovely place, in my opinion. The largest tree in Mondstat rests there-”

“I think we’ve seen plenty of large trees already.”

“Now, now. Be patient. Don’t interrupt me, I’m not done. There’s Starfall Lake, which is beautiful as well…Ah…yes. I think that place would do nicely…It’s a place called Starsnatch Cliff. The sunsets there are quite divine, and I think Kaveh would appreciate such a sight, even if you don’t.”

“It seems everyone has come to the conclusion that I can’t appreciate beautiful sights. It’s a shame when I’m almost always accompanied by the most handsome person in Teyvat…Reguardless, I think that would do wonderfully. Much obliged.”

“What a sap. Oh well, anything for two of my favorite cuties from back home. I hope the two of you find happiness together. It’s nice seeing fresh love bloom and long-time pining culminating into something with meaning.”

“Is it? Well, regardless of our marital status, I already have found happiness. It’s wherever Kaveh is.”

“Oh my, and I was to believe you weren’t a romantic.”

“I’m not.”

“Haha~”

Kaveh’s week spent studying architecture was truly most interesting. Time spent with Fishl and Oz truly was an exhausting adventure, but he left each day with newfound knowledge and a lot of material to use for his final project.

It's been a dream, really. Even so, he’s dreadfully tired. He just wants to lay in bed all day, but he knows he would regret wasting even a single day of his trip.

Sighing, he hauls himself up, sitting up straight, gazing at Alhaitham’s sleeping body.

“Lay back down, Kaveh.” Alhaitham’s throaty morning voice fills his ears.

Scratch that. Gazing at Alhaitham’s not-so-sleeping body.

“…I’m not sleeping in, Alhaitham. I doubt I could fall back asleep anyways. I have stuff to do.”

“Surely you can spare your last day in Mondstat from studying. You’ve been working rigorously all week. I’ve barely seen you dawn to dusk.”

Kaveh’s face contorts, his nose scrunching up, “Well, some of us can’t laze around all day. I have work to do and buildings to sketch-”

“I’m sure you're finished by now, Kaveh. I know your work ethic,” Alhaitham sits up, yawning and stretching his limbs awake. “I want to take you out, stay with me, please.”

Kaveh narrows his eyes, suspicious of Alhaitham’s motives. Everything he said was, in fact, true, but that didn’t mean Kaveh wants to go along with what the younger said. Still, a rare moment of manners from Alhaitham of all people. Who was he to say no?

“…I suppose I can indulge just this once.” The blonde surrenders, slightly surprised to see Alhaitham’s mouth twitch up into a small smile.

“Perfect. Get ready, wear the best, comfortable clothes you brought.”

“If you say so…”

The two of them swiftly readied themselves and then head out to grab a bite before they did whatever Alhaitham had planned beforehand apparently. The man refuses to tell Kaveh just what they were going to be doing all day. Oh well.

The first place they stop at is some fancy breakfast cafe. Far too fancy for Kaveh’s price range, but he isn’t going to complain since Alhaitham is likely paying. hopefully.

He breathes in the notes of rich coffee. A delightful smell. Just what Kaveh needed to wake up.

“Order what you’d like, but try to eat food that’ll last you. We won’t be back in the city for a while.” Alhaitham glances at Kaveh, the blonde perking up when Alhaitham pretty much confirms that he’s going to pay.

“Alright, will do, will do!” Kaveh chirps, a dopey smile gracing his face as he starts scanning the menu for anything he would like. He settles for a Mondstat mocha and a platter of chocolate chip pancakes. Usually, he wouldn’t indulge himself in such sweet foods…but they looked really good on the menu.

Alhaitham ends up ordering oatmeal and eggs and opts for a cup of chai tea rather than coffee. Typical, boring Haitham.

Breakfast is eaten swiftly, and the two leave cafe satiated.

“We’re going to do a bit of walking, do you need anything before we head out, Kaveh?”

Kaveh blinks, Alhaitham asking about his needs? Well, this sure is a nice change! Plus, some information on what they will be doing! Cool!

“Well–Ah, thank you for the gesture, but no. I’m fine.” Kaveh grins, patting his endearing Junior on the back.

And so the two of them head off and leave the city gates.

Immediately, nature fills Kaveh’s senses. Mondstat truly is a beautiful region. The books Kaveh read didn't do it justice. The gentle chirping of birds and the wind rustling the grass fills his ears. Wind wheel asters spin enchantingly in the gentle caress of the breeze.

Walking beside Alhaitham, Kaveh truly finds solace. It’s been a while since he felt as at peace as he did now.

He glances to the side, at his Junior, and Kaveh doesn’t think he’s ever seen Alhaitham so content. A small smile adorns his face, and the scowl he usually wears was nowhere in sight.

In fact, Kaveh found the taller quite handsome. His gray hair flutters loosely in the wind, and those aquamarine eyes with pupils circled in orange lock onto his, and Kaveh feels the breath in his body leave through his mouth with scary intimacy.

No words were spoken, but nothing had to be said.

Hesitantly and a little nervous, Kaveh reaches his hand out to Alhaitham’s on impulse. He isn’t sure why, but it feels right. It feels warm.

Alhaitham, accepting his admission, curls his fingers around Kaveh’s, holding his hand tight. Impossibly tight, as if he would never let go.

Alhaitham leads the blonde through the trail to Snarnatch Mountain, the walk taking roughly an hour and a half. They had walked at a leisurely pace, stopping every so often for Kaveh to smell the flowers or to watch whatever animals lucky enough to catch his interest—or he caught theirs. It wouldn’t be the first time an animal was attracted to Kaveh.

Alhaitham couldn’t blame them.

Every time, though, Kaveh would return to hold his hand. Every time it happened, Alhaitham’s heart swelled and warmed immensely, making him very grateful for the fact that he didn’t blush very much.

Every so often, his hand would stray to the small box in his jacket pocket, fiddling with it. The ring inside meant a lot to him—it belonged to his late grandmother. A precious keepsake. The only person he would ever want to keep and hold onto such an item would be Kaveh.

Kaveh, his childhood best friend. The one willing to look past his icy exterior and embrace wholeheartedly.

Kaveh, the awe-aspiring artist, and architect in training. An honor student with a great deal of determination and wits.

Kaveh, the roommate that nags him daily about the books he leaves scattered around the floor. The one who screams every time he’s surprised to see one of Alhaitham’s weird wood carvings. Truthfully, Alhaitham collects them just for that reason.

Kaveh, the light of Kshahrewar, but also the light of his life.

Kaveh, the sun Alhaitham revolves around and seeks endlessly

Eventually, the two of them make it to the edge of the cliff, the wind really started picking up with the change in height. Not enough to cause any concern or worry, but enough for the wind to rustle Kaveh’s hair up. The blonde keeps fussing over it, but Alhaitham deems it unnecessary, really, as he is beautiful regardless.

Alhaitham watches with just as much wonder as Kaveh’s deep crimson eyes widened in awe as he stares out at the view.

The cliff’s edge juxtaposed against the brilliant blue sky. The sun dots the sky, painting its rays over clouds and the blue ocean in a shimmering yellow. Waves crash below–a refreshing sound that echoes throughout the mountainside. A few hawks circle the sky above, and cecelias are scattered about, speckling the green grass.

“…Oh, Archons–Haitham, it’s beautiful. How did you find such a place?” He turns towards Alhaitham, his doe eyes wide, glistening, and reflecting the blue sky and the yellow sun. Alhaitham finds himself lost in that gaze of his.

“Connections, of course.”

“Typical.” Kaveh snorts, promptly falling down and sitting. He props an elbow on his knees and leans upon his hands. Alhaitham sits next to him, his composure weakening when Kaveh leans into him. The urge to wrap his arms around the other picks up again, and, for once, Alhaitham indulges himself and does so, pressing Kaveh flush against him.

He hummed contently, feeling their heartbeats sync into one rhythmic pattern.

They spend the next few hours like such, having a small picnic too with the food Alhaitham pulled out of thin air, quoted from Kaveh.

When the sun had begun to set and Kaveh started getting ready to go, admittedly sad that the day was ending, Alhaitham got down on one knee.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the black, worn-down ring box. He opens it. The sound of his heartbeat drowns out everything else. Silence consumes. Time stills.

“Despite majoring in linguistics, I’ve always been a man of few words. So I’ll keep this brief…”

“Will you marry me, Kaveh?”

Alhaitham feels his hands shake and his knees weaken. He doubts they would hold him up if he had been standing. He knows Kaveh’s answer, but it didn’t make him any less nervous when properly proposing to the man he loves, even if it’s purely transactional. To keep Kaveh by his side, that’s all he wants. All he would ever desire with his entire heart.

Kaveh’s face flushes a bright red, and his eyes start to water. He sniffles and sobs, dropping to his knees, looking as if he were about to start to wail.

Instead, he closes the gap between the two of them and hugs Alhaitham oh-so-tightly.

“Yes—yes! Yes, yes, yes, yes!” Kaveh chants, The fuzzy feeling returning to Alhaitham’s stomach. He feels as if he were filled with warm caramel oozing at the seams.

Gently, Alhaitham takes Kaveh’s hand into his own. He slides the old ring onto the other’s fingers. Alhaitham watches as Kaveh’s eyes flicker with recognition.

“Haitham! This is—no—I could never wear something so precious.” His eyes water, a single tear finding its way out of Kaveh’s eye. He thumbs it away, pressing a delicate kiss in its place.

“Kaveh, there’s no one I want more to have it. I’m sure my grandmother would’ve preferred you to wear it than for me to keep it locked inside my bedside table.

Kaveh blinks, lets out a choked sob, and nods in acceptance.

“I’ll cherish it.” He promises. Alhaitham believes he’ll keep that one.

With that, the two of them share a last moment with the sun setting, spilling shades of tamarind into the sky, and start packing up. They set back for the hotel.

The trip to Mondstat is brought to an end and the two make their way back to Sumeru city.

Three crisp, loud knocks ring throughout the apartment. There is a doorbell, of course, but Tighnari doesn’t like the sound of Alhaitham’s and Kaveh’s doorbell.

So that’s how Kaveh knows who will meet him at the door before he goes to open it.

Wondering why the florist majoring in biology was here, Kaveh unlocks the door.

Unfortunately, it swings open before he even grabs the handle. He can already feel the motherly nagging lecture that Tighnari is going to give Kaveh.

“Kaveh, you have some explaining to do.” The green-haired man with the tall fox ears glares at the taller. Cyno and Collei stand behind him. Cyno looks smug and pleased with himself as he messes with his phone, probably playing the mobile version of TCG. Collei looks nervous, like a shaky leaf about to be blown away in the wind.

“A–Ah! Hello M- Master Kaveh—” Collei waves weakly as she tries to muster up a smile.

“Hello, Collei! How are you? You look a little thin, have these two been feeding you well?” Kaveh plasters a grin on his face, avoiding Tighnari’s glare.

“Ugh–Cyno, put away your phone–Archons, I’m surrounded by fools! You–Stop ignoring me, Kaveh. Explain this.” Tighnari whips out his phone, presenting a picture of Kaveh losing at the airport with Alhaitham in the background checking in their bags. In the photo, Kaveh has his hand out, and a ring adorns his slender ring finger. Talk about being caught in 4K.

“Ah.”

“Kaveh, did you get engaged to someone without telling me??? We’ve known each other for years, Kaveh, you’re my best friend. We’re practically family, and you didn’t tell me you were seeing someone?!”

“Seeing who?” A voice hums from behind Kaveh’s back, belonger of said voice wraps his arms around Kaveh’s waist, flushing Kaveh’s ears pink.

“Oh.” Tighnari and Collei say simultaneously.

“Aha!” Cyno says as he cheers at his phone. He didn’t put away his phone.

“Ah,” Kaveh says, incredibly flustered and embarrassed.

Alhaitham says nothing, but Kaveh can just feel the smirk on the other’s face. Spiritually, of course.

“I suppose…a celebration is in order then.” Tighnari sighs, clearly tired of his friends’ bullshit, but what is he supposed to do about it? A small grin grows on his face, betraying his words. The grin itself is a little menacing as well. It made Kaveh feel as if the short man knew something he didn’t.

Actually, Kaveh was certain he knew something he didn’t.

Alhaitham had tolerated people for much of his life. Doing what he needed to get people out of his way and leave him alone. Very few he ever wanted to keep close.

He supposes that he will have to tolerate even more now that he’ll have marital connections to Kaveh, an extroverted social butterfly.

But tolerating people to this extent felt like far too much.

His small apartment exuberates loud sounds of laughter and cheers as Kaveh and his friends catch up on the latest news and gossip. Specifically his engagement to the blonde.

The short one with the green shoulder-length hair and fennec fox attributes is Tighnari. Alhaitham had met him once briefly, he recounts, thanks to Kaveh, but a relationship never really prospered until now.

Cyno is the short one with white hair. He’s in training to work in the police force. Apart from that, he is entirely engrossed in cards and dad jokes. Alhaitham can’t stand it. A terribly off-putting man. He doesn’t understand why Tighnari decided to date such a person.

The youngest one, Collei, is still in high school and was taken in under Tighnari’s and Cyno’s wing. An adoptive daughter of sorts. She works part-time at Tighnari’s plant shop.

The conversation then moved to Kaveh’s and Alhaitham’s future wedding.

The five of them sit around the dining table, munching on leftovers that Kaveh had previously warmed up.

“I have a proposition for you two,” Tighnari announces, his tail swishing gently behind him.

“Oh?” Kaveh’s head tilts forward. He nurses a glass of wine in his hand. Thankfully he has taken the drinking slowly, only taking a few sips every now and then. He currently remains sober.

“I want to be the florist for your wedding. We’ve been friends since your freshman year in college. Maybe not as long as you two have known each other. I want to do this for you. I’ll even do it at a discounted rate.”

“Oh, Tighnari! You wouldn’t!” Kaveh chides, his eyes tearing. Alhaitham hums. He didn’t talk much this night, but his small acts of acknowledgment seems to be enough for the three. If it wasn’t, well, that is someone else’s problem.

“I would. It would be an honor.”

“Oh! That would be so lovely!” Collei agrees.

“You can’t plant flowers if you haven’t botany.” Cyno adds unhelpfully.

Tighnari groans. Alhaitham controls his urges to throw the table across the room. Kaveh sheds another tear and Collei lets out a small giggle.

Dear Mother,
I am enchanted to tell you that I am now engaged to Alhaitham. He proposed to me with his late grandmother’s ring. I’d appreciate it greatly if you sent me one of the rings that Father gave you—or even his if possible.

Attached to the letter is the invitation to our wedding. I do hope you can attend. I would love to see you.

Please don’t worry about me. I assure you I’m doing quite fine.

Love,
Kaveh

The next couple of weeks flew past Kaveh's head. His mother did, indeed, send his late father’s ring in the mail.

The sight of the ring had brought bittersweet tears to his face, but sliding it onto Alhaitham’s ring finger was now one of his most cherished memories. It was a little loose, and the one Alhaitham gave Kaveh was a little tight, so they sent the two rings to a shop to be resized and spruced up.

Other wedding preparations took place. Meetings with Tighnari for flowers were scheduled. The two fiancés tried on suits—Kaveh’s a beautiful white and Alhaitham’s a black. To somewhat honor tradition in a sense.

Venues, catering, and guests were also taken care of. Tighnari would be Kaveh’s best man, and Nilou ended up being Alhaitham’s bridesmaid…despite not being a bride. Alhaitham’s list of good friends is very limited so they had to make do with what was available.

The flower girl would be a distant niece of Alhaitham’s, Nahida, and she would be accompanied by her adopted older brother, Scaramouche. Faranak, Kaveh’s mother, would walk him down the aisle. Since, well, at least he still has one of his parents/guardians…

The venue would be a temple dedicated to the archon of Sumeru, Lord Kusanli. The catering consisted of a few treats and a cake designed by Kaveh. He is immensely proud of it. A little palace adorns the top along with the figures of Kaveh and Alhaitham.

The guest list was very small. It was composed of a few friends, whatever family that could be invited. On Kaveh’s part, his mom and his stepfamily, and on Alhaitham’s part, his distant cousins and Aunt Faruzan.

The lady truly scares Kaveh. She looks so young despite being well into her…well, Kaveh didn’t know her exact age, but she frequently went on about her aching joints and her superiority due to age.

Soon enough, the day came upon the two of them.

Kaveh is nervous for many reasons.

The first of them is his mother. He hasn’t seen her for quite some time, but now she’s here. At his wedding. He is getting married to a man she didn’t know he is seeing. Not that he is even seeing Alhaitham in the first place, but that’s beside the point.

The second reason is his feelings. With every passing day, the emotions that Kaveh feels yearn to come to the surface despite forcefully pushing them away. What did this mean? Does he love Alhaitham? Or is it simply a marriage of convenience? He finds himself no longer knowing the answer.

The third is the man himself: Alhaitham. He leaves Kaveh feeling lost and clueless. He has been terribly nice to him as of late—but he is still Alhaitham. The boy Kaveh grew up with. The junior Kaveh fought over a project at the end of his high school career. The man who housed him during a desolate time. He is pushy, arrogant, and a brute…yet he also isn’t. He can be caring and sweet. It leaves Kaveh terribly confused. Worst of all, he isn’t even sure if he hates this confusion.

It all fades, though, when his mother arrives in Sumeru and opens her arms to invite him in for a hug. He melts into her embrace, blinking back tears when he realized how much he missed his mother.

She’s here now, behind him, brushing out his hair and helping him with the final touches of his wedding outfit. The suit is accentuated with pieces of jewelry and a brooch attached to his tie to match his earrings.

Once done, she presses a kiss to his head, her eyes crinkling with happiness.

Then it’s time to walk down the aisle. He remarks, briefly, in his head how cute Nahida looks throwing flowers in her little dress. His eyes catch onto Alhaitham’s and he finds himself unable to look away. Kaveh’s thankful for his mother’s tight hold, else he certainly would’ve tripped and fallen, entirely consumed by the man he’s about to marry.

Archons, Alhaitham is handsome, and everything Kaveh has ever wanted. Or was that just the rush of the moment? He isn’t sure. He doesn’t want to know.

Vows are said, a moment filled with tears on Kavehs part. Scaramouche brings up two rings on a pillow with a scowling face, said rings were slipped onto fingers.

Gently, oh so gently, Alhaitham grasps the back of his head and pulls him in. They kiss.

They’re married. That’s that.

Is Kaveh happy? He can’t tell. A warm feeling ruminates and circulates within his chest.

With the end of a wedding, comes a honeymoon. Thanks to Alhaitham’s financial freedom, they can enjoy such a pleasure. Since they had recently visited Mondstat, they decided to enjoy the pleasure of traveling to Liyue. A short trip, but a well-needed vacation after the last few busy months.

Alhaitham is happy with this. Enjoying a vacation with the beautiful man he now calls his husband sounds like a dream. Plus, he can conduct research and notes for his upcoming novel for that side job, hobby of his.

Actually, that’s how he got into this whole mess. He was trying to understand how it would be to feel like a mermaid. For research purposes.

He’s wearing a fabric tail with a plastic fin and had started climbing into the hotel’s pool when Kaveh finally emerges to join him. He’s met with Alhaitham trying, and somewhat struggling, to lower himself into water.

“…”

“…”

“…Alhaitham…I didn’t realize you were into these types of activities…” Kaveh states, deadpanning.

“Whatever you're thinking, clear your head. I’m simply doing some field research.”

“Field research?! Haitham, you’re wearing a tail! A mermaid tail! As a grown man who has never had any interest in dressing himself, let alone costumes, you’re wearing a TAIL!”

“It’s for my upcoming novel.”

“Novel?!?! Alhaitham, you don’t mean to tell me you’re an author? Surely not—”

“Your assumption is accurate.”

Kaveh blinks rapidly, absolutely flabbergasted. Alhaitham couldn’t tell why. Did Kaveh not know he was an author that wrote for the Yae Publishing House? His pen name is quite obvious too—Haravatat Scribe. You learn something new every day, he supposes.

“I would’ve never guessed you wrote these sorts of novels. I never would have taken you as the type to write about mermaids.”

“I enjoy all types of literature, Kaveh, as you enjoy all sorts of artistic endeavors. YA novels are one of the many forms of literature I enjoy. Enough that I even started writing for the Yae Publishing House after they proposed a contract with me. You see, they happened upon my credentials in literature and creative writing, as well as my major in linguistics—”

“No, no, that's fine. I don’t need a backstory to all of this,” Kaveh gestures at Alhaitham and his aquamarine tail. It’s quite pretty in Alhaitham’s opinion, “I was just confused. I’ve never seen you enjoy that sort of stuff.”

Alhaitham shrugs. He isn’t going to tell Kaveh he used to take measures to hide that part of himself. He was embarrassed about it at the time, but he then grew to realize that Kaveh either accepted him for who he was or simply didn’t notice.

Turns out Kaveh really is oblivious, but, regardless, this isn’t an unwelcome outcome.

“Well, since you know now, and you’re here, evidently, would you mind lending your assistance? I’m starting to understand personally why mermaids live in water and not on land.”

“Hah! You? Asking for help? Well, I never thought I would see the day. Haha, I suppose I shall,” Kaveh sighs yet laughs, shaking his head as if he were questioning his life choices as he often does.

Kaveh approaches Alhaitham, not picking up on the mischievous glint in the other’s eyes. Once Kaveh’s close enough and sets him in the water, Alhaitham grabs the other and pulls him into the water with him.

“B- brute! You brute-faced man! How dare you!” Kaveh yelps, weakly slapping Alhaitham as he wraps his arms around Kaveh’s waist, somewhat holding him up as they sit in the shallow water.

“Yes, how dare me.” Alhaitham agrees, internally grinning.

He can’t be any happier.

When the newly married couple returned home, both were happy to finally have a break.

Or that’s what they had originally expected.

Instead, they found themselves greeting Kaveh’s mom and welcoming her into their house for a week-long stay.

Apparently, the wedding wasn’t enough for her and she wanted to see the newlyweds herself. Kaveh can’t say he didn’t expect such a situation, but so soon? Strike while the iron is hot, he supposes mournfully.

“Faranak.” Alhaitham nods to the older woman, a sign of respect in Alhaitham-speak. Of course, Faranak doesn’t know that, but it seems she doesn’t take his curt behavior the wrong way as she smiles and nods back. Kaveh supposes that was because she had known Alhaitham when he was a kid. Or maybe because Kaveh used to write to her about Alhaitham quite frequently as a child. Perhaps those two facts alone made this relationship more believable.

“Alhaitham, ignoring the wedding, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it.”

“I suppose it has been.”

“And, of course, Kaveh. My dear son. I’m happy to see you.” The blonde woman exclaims, pulling her son into an embarrassing, albeit endearing, embrace. Hesitantly, Kaveh lets himself hug the woman back, reminding himself that she wasn’t as frail as she used to be.

She…She’s happy now. Happy without him. He remembers why this whole ordeal was happening in the first place. His mother, worried about his health and his lack of companionship. A weary expression wears at his features, but he fights it as he pulls away from the embrace. Alhaitham stares at Kaveh, somewhat worried, his lips drawing into a thin line.

“How about we get you situated inside, mother-in-law? Kaveh and I can prepare an area for you to stay in. We did just get back from our honeymoon a few days ago, so pardon the mess.”

“That would be lovely, dear, thank you.”

Alhaitham herds the two blondes inside the house, smoothing down Kaveh’s hair reassuringly as he led him to his study.

Kaveh feels as if he were about to burst at the seams thanks to his mother’s sudden, surprise visit. So many things could and can go wrong! Nothing is how it is supposed to be. What if his mother would judge him for it? And even if she didn’t, what if she disapproved of Alhaitham and him? What if she caught onto their scheming? Their cover could be blown!

“Alhaitham—I’m not prepared for her to be here! The house is a mess, my stuff is around thrown my room haphazardly, we don’t even have food prepared!” Kaveh begins listing the issues floating around his head. He’s jostled and nervous. He chews on his bottom lip while pacing around and scraping at his cuticles.

“Kaveh,”

“My room! She probably expects us to sleep together since we’re married. What if we don’t even look like a married couple? I mean, we did marry for benefits. What if she catches on?!”

“Kaveh,”

“Oh, That would be awful! What would happen then? Would she drag me to Fontaine?! My livelihood is here in Sumeru. I love my mother to death, really, but I don’t think I can stand her after all these years. I’m a mess, Alhaitham—“

“Kaveh, It will be okay. You aren’t in this alone.” Alhaitham sighs, gripping Kaveh’s chin and gently forcing the slightly shorter to look at him. “Breathe.”

Kaveh stares at him defiantly before complying. He inhales, then exhales, “But—“

“Hush. It’s going to be okay. The house is fine. We can tell her you’re still moving your stuff into my room. We can go out and eat or cook something up. I doubt there’s a conventional marriage standard that we need to follow. And I doubt she’ll move you to Fontaine. Besides, I’m legally your guardian now, as you are mine. Even if something does happen, we can face it and deal with it. Together.”

Kaveh blinks, momentarily dazed by Alhaitham’s response before letting his head fall onto the other’s collarbone.

“You’re…right…I’m just worried…that’s all. She’s my mother.” Kaveh admits, letting himself be consoled by Alhaitham for once.

“I know. You overthink. It’ll be fine. She’s waiting out there, come on.” Alhaitham murmurs before pressing a chaste kiss to Kaveh’s head and exiting the study, leaving the door open. Kaveh ignores the implications of such an action without an audience.

Kaveh inhales heavily once more, mentally collecting himself, and forcing his nerves away. He steps back out, his eyes situating to his mother who was patiently sitting on the couch. She smiles when Kaveh locked gazes with her, the wrinkles around her eyes crinkling.

“Alhaitham and I decided you can stay in my room—you’ll have to pardon the mess. I just started moving into Haitham’s so everything’s a mess.”

“That’s quite alright. I won’t judge.”

“Would you like anything to eat?” Alhaitham hums, glancing at Faranak questioningly as he moves closer to Kaveh, holding him by the waist.

All this domestic touching is getting to his head. He’s going to be sick. A part of him hopes that Alhaitham meant everything he does and it wasn’t all an act. Of course, Kaveh knows that that’s far too much to ask for.

Is it?

“I am a bit famished after the journey, a meal would be nice.” Faranak nodd.

“Ah! We can prepare a meal then. It’s almost dinner time anyways.” Kaveh grins nervously, leaning into Alhaitham more, hoping to sell the image. Alhaitham takes that as an invitation to hold Kaveh tighter, bringing a light flush to the blonde’s face.

Kaveh, too busy with his embarrassment, doesn’t notice the glitter in Faranak’s eyes, nor the sigh of contentment that escapes Alhaitham.

“That sounds delightful. I’ll unpack while you two cook, is that alright?”

“That’ll do just fine. Come, Kaveh.” Alhaitham hums, practically dragging Kaveh into the kitchen as he tried to rub the blush away from his face. Of course, his method proves to be somewhat faulty as he remains pink.

“Ah..what should we cook?” Kaveh gazes around the kitchen, opening up the fridge and eyeing the scattered groceries inside.

“A dish simple, yet filling would suffice. Curry and rice, perhaps?” Alhaitham suggests, his eyebrows slightly lifting in a questioning remark.

“Ah, that’ll do. Alright, I’ll start on the rice if you start cutting up ingredients.”

Alhaitham grunts his acknowledgement and the two set to work at prepping the meal. Kaveh washes a few cups of rice and places the pot into the rice cooker, while Alhaitham pulls out vegetables and chicken, washing the ingredients diligently.

The two of them worked together harmoniously, knowing and understanding each other like the back of their own hands.

Which got Kaveh wondering. Did Alhaitham truly put up with him for the sake of amusement and having someone around to ridicule to flaunt his superiority? Ever since Kaveh brought up the prospect of becoming married, Alhaitham has been acting odd. Not different, per say, but kinder and more considerate. Or has Kaveh only now begun to pick up on these small details?

Has Kaveh always been this blind or is he just in denial? Everything is all so confusing now. A mess of perception and reality. What was the truth? Did Alhaitham love him?

…Did he love Alhaitham?

After dinner had been eaten and everyone was full, Kaveh’s mother announced that she was going to step out for a bit and meet up with some of her old friends.

Alhaitham was happy with this change of events. It gave him some time to consult (read: comfort) Kaveh.

Faranak leaves the house after half an hour, and the newlyweds are left to their own devices.

Alhaitham can practically hear the cogs of Kaveh’s brain working into overdrive as he over-thinks everything that just happened.

“She isn’t suspicious of us, Kaveh.”

“We don’t know that, Alhaitham! What if she’s leaving to go conspire with her friends and let everyone know our marriage is a fluke!”

“I highly doubt she’s planning on doing such a thing. And our marriage isn’t a lie. We are legally bound.”

“Okay, sorry, I meant our love! Our love is a fricking lie! You know what I mean.” Kaveh elaborates, his arms flinging out to accentuate his statement.

Alhaitham opens mouth, ‘No, our love isn’t a lie either. Mine isn’t, at the very least.’ is what he wants to say. He hesitates. He clamps his mouth shut. He can’t go around saying such things. Kaveh has to come to terms with his own feelings first. He would and will never force Kaveh into a situation where he felt pressures to accept Alhaitham’s.

He’s happy enough to have Kaveh by his side for an indefinite amount of time. He shouldn’t be greedy.

So instead, he says, “Well, if you’re so worried about her seeing through the cracks of our marriage, tell me what you think a married couple should act like. What would convince her otherwise of a lie that she isn’t even suspicious of? How about you inform me?”

Kaveh stands there, taken aback by Alhaitham’s proposal. He nods, though, seemingly accepting the idea of acting like a married couple.

Even though they are, in fact, a married couple and anything they do technically is acting like a married couple.

Kaveh won’t see it that way, though, so Alhaitham doesn’t point it out. Right now isn’t t the time for a petty argument. He doesn’t want Kaveh spiraling, especially with his mother around.

Archons forbid, Kaveh would hate himself if anything were to go wrong, which would lead to many annoyances and inconveniences for Alhaitham.

That, and he would hate to see Kaveh ruined again. Once was one time too many.

“Well, I suppose a married couple would welcome each other when they got home. Embrace each other for a moment…I suppose they would kiss too.” Kaveh mumbles, now nervous and flustered. How Kaveh can change his expressions so rapidly will never fail to impress Alhaitham.

“Then, I would suppose, I would greet you back and accept that hug and kiss. I would also do the same when you return from your meetings and your clients.”

“…I would remember important dates and give gifts accordingly, material or not.” Kaveh shifts to first person, which Alhaitham takes as Kaveh trying to muster up some courage. It’s endearing.

“I would take you out often too, buy that wine you enjoy, but stop you from having more than necessary.”

“I’d stop by your office during lunch and bring you your food if you forget it. If I have time, I’d stay and eat with you.”

“I would brag about my wonderful and talented husband to all my coworkers at work. All the interns would get tired of hearing about you.”

“I would keep you in mind when I talk to my clients or when I go to class, wishing you were there with me to keep the boredom at bay.”

“I would keep a spot in my bed next to me open just for you.”

“Well—when I finish my work and my blueprints for the night, I would slip into bed next to you. I’d do my best to not wake you.”

“If you did wake me up, despite your efforts, I would wrap my arms around you and keep you close.”

“Then I would wake up and make both of us coffee…ah, I do that anyways…Well! Some things can stay the same.” Kaveh laughed wryly.

“Indeed. I would still make you pay rent.”

“What?!” Kaveh’s eyes bulge, a flaming glow radiating from his body, “You would make your husband pay rent?! That’s unreasonable! We’re married! Our finances are shared!”

“I was joking, Kaveh. Besides, I also wanted to tell you that now we’re married, you can stop leaving money on my desk every month. I know it isn’t the full rent.”

“Well–we’re not actually—we’re not in a relationship or anything.” Kaveh mutters, fidgeting with his cuticles.

Alhaitham sighs distastefully, grabbing Kaveh’s hands and intertwining them with his own.

“You were just complaining about the notion of having to pay rent, you’re so contradictory. Kaveh, if you want your mother to believe us, I think you should start with believing in our relationship yourself. That begins with the rent. Stop leaving it on my table. I don’t want it. Archons forbid, you get it all back anyways everytime you go to Lambad’s.”

“Hey! I haven’t gotten into a drunken stupor for a while!”

“That’s only because you’ve been too busy with wedding preparations. I know you, now that you’re not as busy anymore, once your mother goes back to Fontaine, you’ll try to drink yourself stupid again.”

“Well…”

“Kaveh. Please. I’m here for you. You can trust me. Maybe you don’t see it, but I do care about you.”

Kaveh’s exhale leaves his mouth shakily. He closes his eyes.

“Understand?” Alhaitham narrows his eyes.

The blonde nods, letting Alhaitham pull him into a tight embrace. He tucks his head into Kaveh’s hair, inhaling the scent of padisarah and mourning flower shampoo. The smell of Kaveh.

“It’s going to be okay,” Alhaitham whispers, rubbing circles into the other’s back.

Kaveh doesn’t reply, but Alhaitham feels a shaky sob leave his body.

Eventually, Kaveh’s mother does return. In the time that she was gone, Kaveh and Alhaitham had spruced up the house and (started and) finished moving over Kaveh’s belongings.

Faranak retires into Kaveh’s old room, bidding the couple a good night.

Not long after, Kaveh excuses himself from the house, finding the air uncomfortably stuffy and suffocating. Which is abnormal for the architect-in-the-making. The house is, while he never will admit it, his safe space.

What is he to do when his safe space is temporarily occupied?

Well, the answer is simple, really. Kaveh finds himself walking the familiar path toward Lambad’s tavern. He didn’t mean to, truly, but a force of habit he supposed.

Kaveh stumbles to a stop in front of the tavern’s doors, gazing soullessly at the wood grains of the door. He studies the grains with a scary intensity. He does feel a bit guilty as he just talked about his unruly habit of falling into alcohol to cope with Alhaitham…

Ah, too late now. Besides, he really hasn’t had a proper drink for a while. Who is Alhaitham to stop him?!

Kaveh opens the doors and steps inside. He winces, scrunching his nose as the very familiar smell of booze and wine overpowers his senses.

The blonde wanders over to a spot that is somewhat secluded in the tavern, one that is informally reserved for him in the sense of how often he’d visit. Or used to visit.

“It’s been a while, Kaveh!” Lambad approaches Kaveh, his usual hardy grin on his face. It’s good to see some things never change.

“It has been, hasn’t it?” Kaveh smiles weakly.

“Marriage troubles already? I remember all your ramblings about that roommate of yours. I heard about the wedding. Congratulations, by the way.” Lambad laughs heartily, the type that was rich and deep.

“Oh, aha? Thank you…? Ah, no, no. Nothing like that…sorta…At least it’s not Alhaitham’s fault.” Kaveh huffs, glancing to the side. He knows news travels fast, but he hadn’t expected even Lambad to know about his new marital status. Does everyone know? Not that it really mattered…

“That’s good to hear. What can I get for you, Las?”

“Just some beer. The sweeter kind, please.”

“Sounds good. Alhaitham’s tab?”

“Yes…”

Lambad strides away from Kaveh, talking to other patrons and picking up orders.

Kaveh had gone through about a bottle of beer in 30 minutes when Alhaitham shows up, sliding into the chair in front of him.

He’s an hour and a half earlier than usual. Early enough that Kaveh has had yet to become intoxicated but has drunk enough to be buzzed.

“…Haitham…” Kaveh stares at the man, committing his face to memory despite it already being engraved into his mind.

“Kaveh,” Alhaitham murmurs, taking the bottle of beer and stealing a small sip straight out of the glass. “What’s on your mind, Kaveh? I understand that I can’t stop you from living your life as you wish, but I can’t approve of your methods of dealing with your problems. I also can’t have you returning home drunk out of your mind while your mother is staying with us. You know better.”

“I know, I know. You don’t have to nag me, Alhaitham! Everything is just…it’s too much.”

“What? What is everything?” Alhaitham’s brows furrow.

“Well, I have my mother to worry about, and then there’s also our marriage, but everything is a mess right now! I don’t even know how I feel anymore! I’m confused about everything and I feel lost. I feel so lost.” Kaveh grumbles, spurred on by the liquid courage he had already consumed.

“I’ve already told you, there’s nothing to worry about,” Alhaitham states plainly, crossing his arms and pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

“Stop that! You don’t get it! I knew you wouldn’t. Just leave me alone, Alhaitham!” Kaveh raised his voice. Not enough to make a scene, but enough to make Alhaitham weary.

“Don’t get what, Kaveh? Use your words. I can’t keep reading inbetween the lines. Not when it comes to your emotions or how you feel. You know I don’t fare well with such topics.”

“Of course you don’t! You never have and never did. I wish you did, then maybe I would be able to figure out if you wanted something more out of this relationship! Something more than just…tax benefits! That you wanted me—That I mean something to you!” Kaveh snarls, slamming the table, pushing back his chair and standing abruptly. Bristling with anger, he makes his escape, swiftly leaving the tavern and causing quite the scene.

“Kaveh—wait!” Alhaitham calls out after him. He sighs, dragging his hand through his hair before standing up and following the older, running after him.

Alhaitham trails Kaveh’s steps, already subconsciously aware of where his senior ran off too. A spot that both Kaveh and Alhaitham tend to run off to when in distress or in need of a moment of privacy.

It was a small hidden table behind the city library, the house of Daena, that was seemingly forgotten about over the years. It was their small sanctuary. A safe haven.

Back when the two of them were kids, before Alhaitham’s grandmother took Kaveh in and Kaveh’s mom was still in town, they would study and meet up there often. Daily, even.

Just as he predicted, Alhaitham finds Kaveh sitting at said table. He is draped over it, sobbing tears into his arms. Alhaitham frowns at the sight. Kaveh is more distressed than Alhaitham had initially assumed.

He slips into the spot next to Kaveh, something nostalgic. He missed being here with Kaveh. They had stopped coming here together after their big fallout when Kaveh graduated high school.

Students from different grades were paired up for the year’s big final. Alhaitham and Kaveh had miraculously been grouped together along with two others from the two other grades.

Unfortunately, the other two were incredibly incompetent, leaving Kaveh to pick up the heat and do their work against Alhaitham’s advice.

In the end, only the two of them were left on the project, but tensions were high. Back then Alhaitham wasn’t good at expressing what he really meant (albeit, he isn’t that great at it still), and Kaveh was sensitive. More sensitive than he is now.

They fought and they didn’t makeup till Kaveh ended up swamped in debt, homeless, and desperate for a place to stay.

Alhaitham had invited the blonde to stay with him, wanting to make up. While the road has been bumpy, things have been going steadily and…well…Alhaitham must have done something right if the two of them are married now.

“Kaveh.” Alhaitham places his hand on Kaveh’s head, brushing his hand through Kaveh’s partially matted locks.

Kaveh grunts out a sound before limply lifting his head, revealing a tear-stricken face and snot running down his chin.

Alhaitham blinks, wiping the tears from Kaveh’s face and reaching into Kaveh’s pants pocket where he knew he kept napkins. He used that to wipe the snot.

“Why are you so distressed, Kaveh?”

Kaveh stares blankly at his hands, fidgeting with his cuticles again. Alhaitham gives him a moment to collect his thoughts, practically feeling the gears working in Kaveh’s head.

“I…don’t make fun of me, Haitham.” Kaveh murmurs, his hands moving to the folds of his clothes, clenching onto them.

“I won’t.” Alhaitham nods.

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

Kaveh inhales sharply, and his hands tremble, telling of his anxious state.

“I’ve been really overwhelmed, and I don’t even know what’s true to me anymore. My emotions are a mess, and my mom being here doesn’t make it any better. I love her, I really do, but I don’t know how to feel about having her back and having her input in my life. Heck! We don’t even text each other apart for holidays.”

“That is a little weird.” Alhaitham hums, moving his hand from Kaveh's head, down to his back, rubbing soothingly.

“You’ve been in my life longer than she has,” Kaveh whispers, letting his head fall back on his arms, turning towards Alhaitham.

“Hm.”

“After my dad died, she lived with me until I was in middle school. Then she left for Fontaine because of her job. Turns out she found a new life and a new family there as well.” Kaveh laughs wetly, a few more tears traveling down his face as he let out a shaky sob. “I’m sure you remember when she handed me off to your grandmother to watch me. It was supposed to be for only two years. She never came back, Haitham. She never came back for me.”

“I know. I’m sorry. Do you wish she did?”

At that, Kaveh went silent. The sound of the night breeze and cars driving down streets not too far from the library filled his ears. The sound of their breathing did too.

Kaveh shakes his head, wiping the sticky tears from his face, “No. I don’t regret having to deal with your ass for way longer than I should’ve had. I just wish she wasn’t trying to butt into my life at present.”

“I see.”

“What’s even worse, though, is that she was right all along. While it’s also been frustrating, these past few months have probably been the best months I’ve lived through for a long time.”

Kaveh sits up straight, wiping his face again and neatening up his hair slightly. He inhales sharply, “Sorry…I’m a mess…I didn’t really think we would be having this chat right now and I’ve just come to a conclusion.”

Alhaitham sighs, “Kaveh, you know I don’t care how you look. I’ve seen your worse. Did you think I wouldn’t chase after you?”

“I know, I know. My appearance matters to me though…and I’m not sure what I thought. But listen, it’s important.”

“Yes?”

Kaveh stares at Alhaitham, his hands tightening around his clothes as if he was mustering up the courage to say whatever he was about to say.

“I…I like you—No—I love you. I have loved you for a long time. I think…I know you loved me for just as long too, looking back. I’m…I’m sorry I didn’t notice sooner.”

Alhaitham blinks. Once. Twice. His hands tremble, and in a rare moment of weakness, his eyes begin to water as his ears flush.

“What?” He raises his hands to grasp his senior’s face, holding him gently. Never would he have predicted Kaveh to come to terms with his own feelings and let Alhaitham be greedy. Everything he ever desired, everything he ever wanted, right in the palms of his hands.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t hear me, I know you did, you bastard,” Kaveh whispers. His words are sharp, but his expression is anything but. He places his hands on top of Alhaitham’s.

“Say it again, please.”

“You!—Fine, okay. Only because you said please,” Kaveh huffes, “I’ve loved you for a long time.”

“Again.”

“I love you.”

“Again.”

“I love you!”

“Again.”

“Archons! Haitham, I love you!”

Alhaitham grins, one of the rare ones at that. A genuine grin. Then he laughs, wrapping Kaveh up into his arms. He buries himself in the crook between Kaveh’s neck and shoulders.

Kaveh lifts his arms and embraces Alhaitham back. They stay like that for a moment.

“I love you too.” Alhaitham removes himself, moving his hands back to Kaveh’s face. “Can I?”

Kaveh’s face turns red, but he nods shyly. Small, barely noticeable. Alhaitham leans closer and they kissed. Gentle, full of love. There’s a swell in his heart. It’s nightime, yet it feels like sunshine is permeating through his skin and warming his insides.

If Kaveh is the sun, Alhaitham can’t be the moon. He must be a moth because all he wants is the sun.

His precious light. The light of Kshahrewar.

Kaveh's heart threatens every time he thinks of the events that just happened. His heart swells when he realizes he’s holding Alhaitham’s hand as they head home.

They open the door inside, with Alhaitham’s key, of course, and the smell of books and padisarah greets him.

His mother was still fast asleep, or at least was still in Kaveh’s room. That’s a relief.

Kaveh and Alhaitham lock the door and make their way to Alhaitham’s room, where they both change. No need to leave for the bathroom. They’ve seen each other naked and, well, they are spouses.

“Do you need anything, Kaveh?” Alhaitham inquires, slipping into his bed.

The blonde shakes his head, “I’m good. I have everything I need right…” Kaveh slips into bed next to Alhaitham, shifting over so he’s facing Alhaitham and his hand lays flat on his chest, “…here.”

Alhaitham’s lips quirk out in a small smile, he grasps Kaveh’s hand, raising it up and pressing a kiss to his palm.

“It’s mutual.”

Kaveh flushes, “If you say so…anyways, you better live up to your promise.” Kaveh pouted, shuffling closer to Alhaitham.

“When do I not, Senior? I am a man of my word.” Alhaitham quips as he moves his arms to accommodate Kaveh and holds him close to his chest.

“I don’t know about that…If I really think hard, I can probably remember a time you didn’t keep your promises.” Kaveh huffs, glancing at Alhaitham, swatting at him.

“I’ll leave that to you then, Senior. Please prove me wrong. Ah, and don’t forget the evidence.”

“Evidence?! How am I supposed to come up with evidence?”

“You tell me.” Alhaitham laughs, his voice low and quiet to avoid waking the woman a wall away.

“Haravatats…so insufferable,” Kaveh mutters, closing his eyes and pulling the blanket closer to his body.

“I could say the same about Kshahrewars.”

“We’ll continue this debate in the morning, mark my words, you will face my wrath.” Kaveh hummed.

“Don’t make promises you can't keep, that would make you a hypocrite, Senior.” Alhaitham closes his eyes as well. He switches off his bedside lamp and then shifts until he’s comfortable.

“Shut up. Goodnight, Haitham.”

“Goodnight, Kaveh.”

While tired, Kaveh’s head is still most certainly running wild with thoughts. Mainly the ones about his relationship with Alhaitham is technically genuine now. Kaveh loves Alhaitham and Alhaitham loves him.

Everything is going to be okay. He’s allowed to be happy. He’s allowed to have this.

When Kaveh and Alhaitham woke up, they both agreed that Kaveh should have a heartfelt talk with his mother about his feelings. So they prepared an easy breakfast and the three of them spent the morning sitting around the table, sipping coffee while Kaveh went through his motions.

It ended with Kaveh crying limply in his mother’s arms as she soothed her like how Alhaitham assumed she did when he was still a child. It was both a comforting and relieving sight to see. Alhaitham couldn’t be happier that Kaveh finally settled with his inner demons and confronted both them and his mother.

It wasn’t to say that neither parties weren’t hurt, Kaveh’s mother now had a plate of delicate information to unpack, but there were no longer any misunderstandings. Both parties were on the same page, and that’s truly all Alhaitham could ask for.

The next week, Kaveh's mother remained, catching up with both her son and old friends. Old dust finally settled, and that fact showed through Kaveh’s smile and attitude. Better yet, his final project returned to him and he aced it. He was well on his way to graduating and becoming a professional architect.

Among other things, Alhaitham stopped requesting rent and Kaveh conceded and didn’t leave unasked bills on Alhaitham’s study table any longer.

Soon enough, Faranak’s departure back to Fontaine was due. Before she left, though, she requested to speak with Alhaitham privately.

They begin to walk down the streets of Sumeru, enjoying the breeze that held telltale signs of the wet season soon approaching. A slight twinge of dampness hangs in the air and the humidity sticks to Alhaitham’s skin like a second sheet of clothing.

Walking next to Kaveh’s mother, Alhaitham remarks on the similarities between the two. Her hair is the same gold that Kaveh bore. The angles of her cheekbones and nose were the same. She walked in the same manner Kaveh did, elegant yet sturdy. Her hands are calloused from years of use as an artist. She’s well-toned, yet skinny.

They differed in many ways, too. Faranak is more well kept and held her appearance in a more minimalistic nature, her cuticles are left clean and weren’t raw from habitual picking. She doesn’t carry a feather in her hair, nor does she dorn the earrings Kaveh greatly loves. There’s a sharpness to her face that Kaveh didn’t have, having inherited the softness of his father’s. Her skin’s clear while Kaveh’s covered in small moles and freckles that danced on his skin, as if butterflies kissed him all over as a child. Alhaitham wouldn’t be surprised if they did. Years of living wore at Faranak’s face, wrinkles creasing on her face whenever she smiled or frowned.

She continues walking.

“Alhaitham, thank you.” She speaks, her voice lighter than Kaveh’s, but Alhaitham finds himself preferring the richer, honey-like voice from his lover.

“What for?” Alhaitham responds curtly, as he would with the general public. She’s Kaveh’s mother, yes, but rare moments of vulnerability are reserved for one person alone.

“For taking care of my Kaveh after all these years. I wasn’t surprised when Kaveh mailed me a letter telling of you two marrying. Actually, I hoped on it.” She chuckles, those wrinkles creasing once more.

“You don’t have to thank me.”

“I do, knowing him, he probably came to you proposing a fake marriage. I want to thank you for putting up with his antics and keeping by his side after all these years.”

“I refuse to take your thanks, they are unnecessary. I merely enjoy being in Kaveh’s presence. Your assumptions would’ve been correct, initially, but our marriage isn’t fake. I love your son very much. He loves me.”

“I see, that’s how it is. I’m relieved then. Take care of him well.”

“I have been for over a decade, I do not plan on stopping anytime soon.

“You have my blessing, then.”

“I would have done it and gone and married him with or without your permission.”

Faranak chuckles. The two of them turn back to the apartment. Then she disappears. She left as swiftly as she came after bidding her goodbyes to the two boys, wishing them the best fortune for the days ahead.

Kaveh sticks his tongue out, staring intensely at his painting as he swipes another line of liquified pigment onto the canvas. He’s trying to paint the sunset from when Alhaitham proposed to him. He wants to capture the beauty of that moment.

Alhaitham himself is laid back on the couch, feet reclined as he reads another trashy love novel. Research purposes he had originally explained. Kaveh isn’t sure if he believes him, but he’ll indulge in the excuse.

Another stroke of the brush, dragging yellow over the sky as he tries to bloat out the shapes of the clouds. So far, he has captured the gradient of the sky and is working on the clouds and other fixtures in the sky before he moves onto the cliff and the crashing waves.

A slip of the hand and he splatters color where he didn’t mean to. Kaveh clicks his tongue in annoyance, deciding to put the brush down and cover his paints and palette to avoid the liquid from drying out.

Sighing, he brushes his hands along his side and stumbles over to Alhaitham. Eagerly, he sits down next to his husband, swiftly pressing a chaste kiss to his cheek.

“Done?” Alhaitham hums, now holding his book with one hand to bring Kaveh’s hand to his mouth and returning the kiss despite his hands being covered in color.

“No, but I’m going to blow a vessel if I continue. I need a break.”

“The Light of Kshawarer taking a break? Now that’s unheard of.”

“You make it sound like I’m a workaholic,” Kaveh narrows his eyes, draping himself over Alhaitham’s body and propping himself up on his chest with his arm. He stares at Alhaitham. Alhaitham grins.

“You said it, not me,” He gloats. Kaveh wanted to wipe that stupid smirk off his face.

So he does, pressing a kiss to his lips, the two of them staying like that comfortably. Kaveh melts into Alhaitham’s hold, and Alhaitham molds to fit Kaveh’s shape. Their lips are like butterfly wings, fluttering to and fro. Gentle and meaningful.

This is all Kaveh wants. It's all his. This comfortable life with Alhaitham. He knows that’s what Alhaitham wants too, smiling into Kaveh’s lips. Kaveh moves so his arms are around Alhaitham’s neck, and he can feel Alhaitham putting down his book, disregarding the page number. He brushes his hand through Kaveh’s hair, a now familiar action to the blonde.

Kaveh breaks the kiss, a small laugh escaping him.

“I love you so much.”

Alhaitham smiles, “I love you too.”