Chapter Text
They did not talk about what happened tomorrow. They did not talk about what happened the next few days either. In fact, it felt like Alhaitham was entirely avoiding him on purpose. Every time he went to talk to him, he would mysteriously disappear without a trace. To say it was upsetting would be an understatement.
Alhaitham had never been one to run and hide from anything. It was so jarring that Kaveh was practically on the precipice of breaking down the entire week. His mind was jumbled with possibilities on why Alhaitham could be ignoring him so fiercely. The most prominent thing that came to mind was that he was very clearly regretting saying yes to getting married to Kaveh. But even that didn’t seem right. Because Alhaitham was the one who kissed him.
Despite his stress and annoyance, Kaveh had been putting the finishing touches on everything he had to do before the wedding. The tailored suits had come back and they looked absolutely gorgeous. Kaveh would have lectured Alhaitham about keeping it hung up in a closet so it wouldn’t get wrinkled, but he was nowhere to be found. Even when he gave the suits to the dry cleaner the night before their wedding, he wasn’t present. His suit just magically seemed to appear.
Kaveh frowned, sighing through his nose as he thought about it. The more he thought, the more upset he got. So he simply stopped thinking about it.
The closer the wedding got, the more frantic Kaveh got. And the night before the wedding, he found himself scrubbing every inch of the house out of his own need to get his energy out. He had done everything else he could to get ready, so this was the only other option. Well, he could try to track down Alhaitham again, but that wouldn’t end well.
Kaveh barely slept by the time the day was over. His night was spent staring at the ceiling, pacing, drawing, throwing his pencils at the wall when he got frustrated, trying to sleep, and then repeating the cycle. He hoped Alhaitham was thoroughly annoyed with how loud he was. Asshole.
The morning was both dreadful and exciting. Really, he should have told Arwan and Delara to cancel the wedding all together, but they had gone through so much work already. And maybe a part of it was Kaveh’s own selfish desires. Today was the day he would finally corner Alhaitham and force him to talk though. They had to talk about this one way or another. In all honesty, Kaveh never expected that he would have to be the one to track down his roommate. It should have been the opposite, but here he was.
That fateful moment happened at approximately 10:45. Kaveh was hiding a room away, waiting for Alhaitham to come downstairs and make his coffee. It was a childish move to ambush Alhaitham in his own home, but he was being even more childish by avoiding Kaveh in the first place, so he felt like it justified his behavior somewhat.
And when Alhaitham walked down the stairs and towards the kitchen, Kaveh began to sneak around to try and get him while his back was turned. Now, Kaveh was not the most sneaky person alive, but he was fairly proud of himself for making it decently far before Alhaitham noticed.
“Are you trying to sneak up on me in my own house?” His words were icy, but they had an undertone of amusement that boiled Kaveh’s blood. How dare he be amused!
“Maybe I wouldn’t have to sneak up on you if you would talk to me instead of hiding.” Kaveh’s tone had no amusement or theatrics as he leaned against the nearest surface.
Alhaitham stiffened almost imperceptibly. “I wasn’t hiding.” The lie was smooth, but Kaveh was able to catch it easily. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
With that statement, Kaveh let out a hoarse bark of laughter. “There’s nothing to talk about?” His voice was filled with incredulity. “Oh! Okay! So I guess you kissing me unprompted was nothing? Or how about the way you looked at me when I came out of the dressing room? Was that nothing? Maybe we should talk about this whole situation in general! Was that nothing?” He gesticulated violently as he spoke. “Archons, Alhaitham! You are so confusing sometimes! Your words say one thing and your actions say another and I am so tired of your mixed signals.” He huffed. “You can call me crazy and dramatic all you’d like. I just want an answer.” A pause. “Please.”
Alhaitham’s back was still to Kaveh, but he could tell that he was ruffled based on his posture alone. Since when did Kaveh get so good at reading his roommate? Or maybe he was just getting more expressive. That didn’t seem likely though.
And then minutes ticked by with no answer. “And here you go, getting silent again!” He launched into a new frenzied rant. “You, a scholar and a scribe, speechless! It’s very ironic considering the circumstances. You’ve never held your tongue before, but now when I confront you about your feelings you clam up? If I knew any better I would say you’re scared.” He was being sarcastic, really, but by the way Alhaitham’s shoulders tensed, Kaveh could tell he was right. “You’re…scared?”
That prompted Alhaitham to turn around. His expression was flat and humorless. “I’m not scared.” In any other scenario Kaveh would have been put off, but it seemed like the other man was just being…defensive? About his feelings?
“Why are you avoiding me then? Why won’t you just talk to me?” Kaveh was ashamed of how soft his voice had gotten. Curse his bleeding heart! “If you weren’t scared you would have told me to my face how you felt.”
Alhaitham’s jaw tightened ever so slightly. Kaveh was right again. How the tables had turned, truly. Kaveh, the one being logical? Teyvat must have been ending.
“Can you just tell me one thing?” Kaveh asked pleadingly after a few more moments of silence. “Why did you even agree to this?” Alhaitham opened his mouth, but Kaveh put up a hand to stop him. “Don’t you dare say because I asked you to. Because the Alhaitham I know would never do a favor for someone purely because they asked. There was something about this that prompted you to agree. I just want to know.” He rubbed a hand down his face. “Was it the promise of me moving out? Because if you wanted it that bad I would have just found someone else to marry.”
Alhaitham’s eyes flashed with something akin to anger. Kaveh did not like that expression on his face, but he was oddly curious about what it meant. What on Teyvat could he possibly be angry about?
Alhaitham worked his jaw for a moment before looking away pointedly. “I don’t want you to marry someone else.”
Oh.
Oh.
It suddenly started to make sense. Everything from the past few weeks started to click into place. It was silly, really, how dense he had been. How could he have possibly thought that Alhaitham kissing him unprompted could have meant anything else other than he returned at least some of his feelings? How could he have ever thought that his roommate would agree to marry him if he didn’t…
Kaveh’s jaw fell slack as he realized everything. And when he stared wide eyed at Alhaitham, his eyes were downcast as he stared at the floor. Kaveh could swear there was even a dusting of pink on his cheeks.
“You…You seriously could have just told me , you know.” Was his first gut reaction. Alhaitham didn’t like that though, his lips pressing into a thin like. “Did you think I didn’t return your feelings?”
There was a halfhearted shrug. “You’re very unpredictable.” He explained blithely. “You very well could have only picked me out of obligation and convenience.”
“And you are dodging the question!” Kaveh’s entire mood had brightened. It felt like there were more butterflies fluttering in his stomach with each passing moment. “Archons, Haitham! Did you not notice that for years I—“ He cut himself off with a small cough.
It was too late to backtrack though. Alhaitham’s gaze whipped up from the ground to pin Kaveh with an interested stare. “For years you have…?” He prompted almost teasingly.
“Ugh! Knock it off! At least I’m not the one who thought my feelings weren’t reciprocated.” Alhaitham gave him a deadpan look. “Well…okay I guess I am at fault here too.” He mumbled.
Things settled into a tense silence after that. Sure, they had both agreed that they shared feelings for each other, but nothing had really been discussed outside of that. There wasn’t really time to talk things out fully, but Kaveh was somewhat placated by the fact that he wasn’t marrying someone who hated his guts.
They really should have slowed things down, but they were too far in to go back. There was so much he wanted to say, but they were out of time.
“Alhaitham I—“
Kaveh was cut off by the door being knocked on. He let out a sigh, plastering on a smile as he opened the door to greet Arwan and Delara. Delara squealed upon seeing him, pulling him into a tight hug and kissing both of his cheeks. Arwan gave him a handshake as usual. Both of them merely waved at Alhaitham, who very much looked like he was brooding. If either of them noticed something off, they didn’t say it.
“Are you two ready for your big day?” Delara squeezed Kaveh’s hands, her face alight with pure joy. Kaveh couldn’t help but mirror her expression. It was genuine this time. “Arwan here is going to take care of Alhaitham. You’re coming with me, dear! I also enlisted one of your friends to prepare you for the ceremony.” She patted his hands before pulling away.
“Huh? What friend?” Kaveh sounded thoroughly perturbed.
“The short one with the big pointy ears?” Delara gave her husband a kiss on the cheek before beckoning Kaveh to follow her. “He seemed rather startled that I tracked him down to ask him to help!”
He couldn’t help but snort at the thought of Tighnari being hunted down and dragged away from his duties to help Kaveh get ready for his wedding. He was sure his friend was not very happy, but would put on a smile anyway.
Before the two of them left, Kaveh casted a small glance towards his future husband. They locked eyes for only a split second, but it still made his heart jackrabbit in his chest. It may have been wishful thinking, but he thought he saw a hint of a smile on his face.
Then the door was shut behind them and Kaveh was ushered towards their destination. Delara insisted that Kaveh get ready at the venue—something about him walking down the aisle? Which he didn’t have an issue with, of course, but he didn’t exactly have someone to walk him down. He would cross that bridge when he got there.
Tighnari’s startled face is what captured Kaveh’s attention as he and Delara stepped into the room that had been fashioned into a makeshift dressing room. He looked quite distressed, but was able to put on a somewhat pleasant smile. Kaveh always envied how he was able to maintain formalities even under stress.
“Hey, Nari.” Kaveh greeted him, rubbing the back of his neck almost sheepishly. He felt guilty that Tighnari was dragged away to help him get ready.
But his friend didn’t seem too angry upon seeing him. In fact, he looked slightly intrigued. “Something is different about you.” Was the first thing he said. He would have said more if his gaze didn’t flick to Delara and then back to him. “Here. Let me do your hair while Delara gets the suit ready.” It was an expert diversion on his part.
As soon as Delara busied herself on the other side of the room, Tighnari sat Kaveh down in a chair in front of one of the huge mirrors. “Did something happen between you and Alhaitham?” He asked casually, picking up a brush and brushing it through his hair with far more delicacy than Alhaitham had done in the past.
“Well, kind of.” Kaveh made sure to lower his voice more than he usually did. “We had an argument.” Tighnari raised an eyebrow as he brushed. His silence prompted Kaveh to continue. “After we got home from the suit fitting he pushed me against the door and started kissing me. It was getting pretty heavy.”
His friend grimaced. “That’s far too much information, but go on.”
Kaveh let out a short laugh, but continued his story. “But yeah…I asked him what that was for and he just kind of shut down. So I said we would talk about it tomorrow…but we never did. We only just talked about it.”
“You two are always so stubborn.” Tighnari clicked his tongue, setting down the brush. “Instead of talking about things like normal people, you push each other to the very limits and then back away when you get scared. Frankly, I’m shocked that either one of you realized what the other was trying to say. Pardon my rudeness, but you’re both very dense.”
“Dense!?” Kaveh squawked. He piped down when Tighnari gave him a withering look though. “What do you mean dense?”
Tighnari shook his head exasperatedly. “Oh, just the fact that you both have had feelings for each other for years and only just now made a move on each other? And the fact that that move is somehow the most convoluted and confusing thing you possibly could have done? Seriously, Kaveh, what were you thinking? Asking the man you’ve loved for years to marry you? Without even talking about things beforehand? I tried to be supportive, I really did…” He continued grumbling under his breath as he styled Kaveh’s hair with expert precision.
Kaveh didn’t speak for a while. Tighnari was right, as usual. They really should have talked things out before jumping right into marriage, but he was never an expert at forethought he supposed.
Tighnari must have sensed his brooding. “It’s too late to get cold feet.” He reminded, glancing at Delara before leaning in close to whisper in his friend's ear. “You can do this, Kaveh. I have faith in you that you’ll work things out with each other.”
It was probably the best thing Tighnari could have said to him. Tears welled up in Kaveh’s eyes, but the other man was quick to shush him and pet his hair to stop him from sobbing on the spot.
“No crying. Not until the vows.” Tighnari scolded lightly, making his finishing touches. “You have written vows, right?”
Kaveh nodded mutely. It was the only thing he had done in the past week while Alhaitham was ignoring him. Scribbling down his thoughts, tearing them up, and starting all over again. No amount of words could encapsulate how he felt about Alhaitham. He had never been the writing type anyway. But eventually, he was somewhat satisfied with what he had written. It was good enough. There wasn’t enough time in the world to convey how he felt though, so it would have to do.
“I know you must be nervous.” The saint named Tighnari started slowly. “This is a big step for anyone to take. Let alone two fools who don’t know how to communicate.” He was teasing, but Kaveh’s face still soured. “I have full confidence that this will go well.”
“You’re being optimistic.” Kaveh mumbled, gnawing at his lip.
“And you’re being a downer. Listen to me for once, will you?” He scolded. “And stop biting your lips. You’re going to have chapped lips if you do.”
Kaveh sighed loudly, conveying his faux annoyance. “You’re such a mother.” He whined. It was then that he remembered the whole walking down the aisle thing, and he hesitated. “I have a big question.”
“I know. You want me to walk you down the aisle.” Tighnari said simply, beckoning for Delara to join them with the suit. Upon seeing Kaveh’s gaped expression, he shrugged with a mysterious twinkle in his eyes. “I have my ways.”
“Evil…” Kaveh joked, trying not to bite his lips or cheek as the suit was handed to him. “I guess this is it, huh?”
Tighnari gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Get changed quickly. We have to be on schedule for once.”
Kaveh nodded, but it felt like there was a stone lodged in his throat. This whole thing was happening too quickly—and yet not fast enough. It was a strange feeling to say the least. The way time moved sluggishly and rapidly at the same time was jarring enough to make him zone out.
At least, until he reached the doors. That’s when things started to set in—he was about to get married to Alhaitham. In less than a minute. Part of him wanted to run away and abandon his life in Sumeru as a whole, but another part of him desperately wanted to stay. He wanted to build a life with Alhaitham.
The thought of settling down and having kids was both nauseating and exciting. He really couldn’t decide what to feel at the moment, huh?
Tighnari took one of his shaking hands, squeezing it firmly but still gentle. “You can do this.” He murmured comfortingly.
Kaveh nodded. The doors opened.
The music started up, building quickly. There weren’t many people in attendance, which was soothing for some reason. He may have said he wanted a big wedding, but this was a lot more comfortable.
Kaveh tried to tamp down his nerves as he walked down the aisle. Tighnari was practically dragging him at some point. Because when he saw Alhaitham standing at the end of the aisle in all of his beauty, Kaveh was utterly stunned and speechless. He really hoped he didn’t look like a fool with his parted lips and his wide eyes.
Alhaitham was the most gorgeous person he had ever encountered. Hell, Kaveh was sure of that from the very moment they met. But even more so now in his tailored suit and slicked back hair.
The sun's dimmed rays shone through the beautiful windows that arced over the altar. Kaveh mindlessly patted himself on the back for the location they agreed on. Less agreed and more compromised, rather. But it was still absolutely beautiful. Everything in that moment seemed to leave him breathless.
At some point the music slowed and then stopped. Tighnari had let go of him, taking his seat in one of the pews at the front. Kaveh shot him a panicked look, but his friend simply gave him a thumbs up.
And then Kaveh turned towards Alhaitham and he swore his heart stopped beating for a moment. Time seemed to slow as Alhaitham stared at him intensely. The eye contact was electric, and yet tender at the same time. A mutual agreement of their feelings.
That was all they needed. There was no big confession, there were no fireworks or explosions either. It was just as simple as locking eyes.
Kaveh had always prided himself on knowing Alhaitham’s tells, but right now, he couldn’t read him at all. His pupils were dilated as he looked down at Kaveh, who was already trembling out of both anxiety and excitement. It was embarrassing enough to be physically shaking, but it was even more embarrassing to tune out the officiant’s words entirely. All he could focus on was the man in front of him.
Only when he was nudged by Alhaitham did Kaveh jolt. The officiant looked at him expectantly, but he clearly had no clue what he was being asked based on his bewildered expression. Thankfully, Alhaitham took pity on him and leaned in to murmur under his breath.
“Your vows, Kaveh.”
When he pulled away, Alhaitham had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Kaveh flushed. He didn’t know if it was mortifying or endearing that he had completely spaced out.
“A-Ah…yes!” Kaveh fumbled with a piece of paper that he had folded gently and put into his pocket. He was never eloquent enough to remember everything he wanted to say in a moment, so he decided to write it down. His hands shook as he unfolded the paper, clearing his throat. “Alhaitham, although you never clean up after yourself and always leave your books scattered around the house, I fell for you. Although you argue with me about spending too much mora on decor and then pick the ugliest furniture I’ve ever seen, I fell for you.” There were scattered laughs, but Kaveh wasn’t done yet. He cleared his throat, trying to push down the ball of emotion that gathered there. “A-And although you make me cook most of the time and do the dishes, I fell for you.” Everything he said was true. He didn’t dare look up from his paper. “Some say opposites attract, but I think that couldn’t be more wrong. With magnets, opposite charges attract, but with people…it ends up with one pushing the other away further and further until both of them hit a wall. At-At some point, there’s nowhere left to go, right?”
Kaveh licked his lips, feeling tears well up in his eyes. As emotional as he was getting, he wasn’t done yet. He would force himself to push through. “It is possible for magnets to change polarity, you know? Of course you know though, because I spent weeks smuggling away your stupid physics books to find a good analogy for this…” Kaveh laughed wetly, wiping his eyes shakily before he continued. “Magnets can change polarity, but it can take several times before it is finally successful. I won’t go into detail because, frankly, I don’t grasp the concept fully, but uh…the whole point is that relationships take time to change. It may take a few tries, but with time and effort…” He wiped at his eyes again, to no avail. “Archons, I love you Alhaitham…”
It wasn’t how he wanted to end it, but he couldn’t force himself to go on any longer. The rest of it was scribbled jargon anyway.
Kaveh crinkled up the paper and shoved it back into his pocket before it could gather more tear stains. His hands returned to his eyes in a futile attempt to dry his face. He was making pathetic sniveling noises as well, his chest heaving with every sharp intake of breath. Before he could continue to sniffle like a baby, there were gentle hands on his face wiping away his tears.
Kaveh’s eyes flicked up to Alhaitham. The expression on his face could only be described as loving . He would have never imagined that Alhaitham would be looking at him like that. Especially not at their wedding.
Those hands disappeared eventually, but Kaveh found himself leaning in to chase the touch. When he realized what he was doing, however, he jerked himself back into place. The flowing tears had dried at least.
“Kaveh.” The start alone was almost enough to make Kaveh burst into tears again. “Many people in Sumeru would say they know you like the back of their hand, but I don’t think that’s true. Not only are you the most enigmatic person I’ve ever met, but you are also the most predictable.” Kaveh snorted, but Alhaitham continued. “For years I have tried to figure out a method to your madness. I only now realized that there isn’t one. You live your life according to your heart, following your whims and the dreams you have so carefully crafted. You are the epitome of spontaneity , a word I have never liked before. You make every day different in some way. Where I am static, you are endlessly moving. And for a long time I was convinced that your never ending compassion and your constant need to bend over backwards for others was nothing short of naive. For I could never fathom doing something I didn't want to do for the sake of someone else’s happiness. That is what makes us so different from each other I suppose. And yet, here we are standing today.”
There was a sharp inhale before the words started flowing again. “I have never been adept at voicing how I feel emotionally as you are well aware of. And in the time that I’ve known you, you have always been quick to express how you feel. Perhaps that’s why I was so intent on figuring you out. I couldn’t possibly understand why someone would willingly wear their heart on their sleeve. Eventually, I realized that I didn’t need to understand how you worked. I just needed to accept you the way that you were. No matter how frustrated I may get at the differences in how we handle conflict.” A small smile flickered across Alhaitham’s face as he leaned in closely, whispering words only Kaveh would be able to hear. “I love you, Kaveh.”
Kaveh was absolutely speechless. His jaw must have been on the floor, but he didn’t care at that moment. All of his attention was focused solely on Alhaitham, the man who had just poured his entire heart out onto the altar where they stood. Way too many emotions bounced around in his chest. It felt like he was suffocating, but he would gladly die that way knowing that he was loved.
Alhaitham’s hand manually closed his mouth, pushing up on his lower jaw until his teeth clicked uncomfortably. “You’re going to catch flies if you keep your mouth open.”
Kaveh never wanted to punch him more than he did in that moment. He exhibited a saint-like restraint by not punching him, however. Still, he glared at Alhaitham with teary eyes. Alhaitham rolled his eyes fondly in return.
When it was nearing time to kiss each other his body thrummed with anticipation. He could hardly focus on any of the words—he just wanted to jump at Alhaitham and maul him. Preferably with his lips. Still, Kaveh’s body jittered even as the ring was slid on his finger. When he went to reciprocate, he nearly dropped the ring in his haste, which earned a chuckle from the rest of the crowd.
The officiant cleared his throat when the rings were exchanged. “With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husbands for life. You may kiss—“
Before the officiant could even finish, Kaveh sprung into Alhaitham’s open arms. He wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled him into a searing kiss that was definitely full of tears. There was a soft huff of laughter against his lips before it was quickly reciprocated. Applause exploded around them, but all Kaveh could focus on was his now husband.
He couldn’t have been more happy.
♡♡♡
The reception was in full swing by the time Kaveh and Alhaitham had gotten changed into something slightly more comfortable. Their guests were eating and chattering amongst themselves, but quickly went quiet when they stepped out into the room. Kaveh tensed under everyone’s expectant gazes, but quickly relaxed when a warm hand slid into his. When he casted his gaze to the side he met Alhaitham’s steady stare. He had always been a pillar of strength and safety. A pillar that Kaveh had taken for granted for so very long.
A gentle squeeze brought Kaveh out of his reverie. “You’re overthinking.” He opened his mouth to argue, but Alhaitham simply pulled him towards the middle of the room as soft music began to trickle through the air. “Just enjoy this moment.”
A wry smile worked its way onto Kaveh’s face as he wrapped his arms around Alhaitham’s neck and began to slowly sway with him. “I thought you didn’t get wrapped up in sentimental moments, scribe. ” He teased, settling into the feeling of arms winding around his waist and pulling him closer.
“I think I can put that notion aside for the time being considering it’s my wedding night.” Alhaitham remarked impassively. There was a spark of mischief in his usually flat stare. “I would like to have a few nice memories where you aren’t crying your eyes out.”
“You–!” Kaveh pulled the hair at the back of the other man’s head, making him wince. “That’s what you get for insulting your husband!” He scolded, trying and failing to sound genuinely angry. The bubbly excitement of being married was warming his heart to the point of being unable to get easily offended.
“If I have this to look forward to for the rest of my life I may as well get a divorce early.” Alhaitham’s lips twitched upwards–a telltale sign that he was joking and having fun teasing Kaveh.
Kaveh went to pull away to swat Alhaitham, but he was pulled closer and caged in so he couldn’t escape even if he wanted to. “Bastard…” He grumbled, not meaning it at all. “You must like me at least somewhat to marry me, so you like me more than you let on.” A pause. “You can’t run away now either. You’re trapped with me by your side for the rest of your life.”
The intense and almost tender look Alhaitham gave him almost made him shrink away in embarrassment. “There is nowhere else I’d rather be.”
“When did you get so sappy?” Said Kaveh, flushing and turning away to conceal his flustered state. “The sudden switch is concerning. Someone might think I brainwashed you, you know?” He turned back with a stupid grin. “Maybe I married an Alhaitham clone instead of the real deal.”
It was his turn to have his hair tugged. Except instead of it being tugged, it was yanked. As Kaveh spluttered and smacked his shoulders, Alhaitham huffed. “Be quiet for once in your life.” He muttered with no heat behind his words.
Kaveh’s face soured. “I hate you.”
“No you don’t.” Came the swift, factual reply.
A fond sigh followed. “Yeah. I don’t.”
The dance ended not long after. As soon as Kaveh parted, however, he was almost immediately ambushed by a few of his friends.
“Congratulations!” Nilou said brightly, grabbing his hands with stars in her eyes. “I’m so honored to have been a part of this special occasion.” She began to sniffle, clutching his hands tighter. “I only cried a few times, I promise!”
A gentle hand landed on Nilou’s shoulder, prying her away with the utmost care. “Slow down before you give the poor man a heart attack. Do you see the look on his face?” Dehya’s toothy grin greeted him as he turned to look at her. “Congratulations by the way.”
“Oh! I’m so sorry, Kaveh! I was just so moved by your vows…” Nilou started to sniff again, but she was pulled to Dehya’s chest quickly before she could start bawling. “Ugh. I’m so emotional right now. I love weddings!” She wrapped her arms around Dehya’s waist, babbling nonsensically into her shoulder.
Dehya’s face flushed as she rubbed the other woman’s shoulder comfortingly. When Kaveh raised his eyebrows at her gentle affection, she looked away sheepishly with a half shrug. A small smile spread across his face at the display in front of him. He had a gut feeling there would be another wedding fairly soon.
As Dehya pulled Nilou away, Collei bounced towards him. Tighnari and Cyno trailed behind her in a parental fashion.
“Um…I just wanted to say congratulations to you…” Collei averted her gaze but held out a small present nevertheless. “It’s for both of you!” She clasped her hands behind her back, embarrassment coloring her features.
“Oh! Thank you, Collei. You didn’t have to.” Kaveh’s heart warmed at the gesture. As he opened the present, however, the polite smile fell from his face. Inside was a picture taken by a Kamera. It was of he and Alhaitham’s first dance that happened just minutes ago. They looked at each other so reverently that it squeezed Kaveh’s heart. How long had they looked at each other like that? How long had neither of them noticed it? He ran his thumb over the picture, tears gathering in his eyes for what felt like the millionth time that night. “Thank you. I-I don’t know what to say.” His voice cracked as he looked back at Collei.
Collei looked bashful, a small smile on her face. “You don’t have to say anything. I just thought you would enjoy a snapshot of this night. Maybe you can put it in a frame…or-or something! Whatever you want!” She held her hands up, waving them around rapidly.
He would have hugged her if he knew she wasn’t touch adverse. Instead, he settled for a watery smile full of love. “I’ll treasure this forever.” He said earnestly.
Collei flushed, wringing her hands together and nodding rapidly.
Tighnari approached next, patting Collei’s shoulder with a featherlight touch. “You did amazing.” He reassured softly before turning to Kaveh. All of that paternal kindness had evaporated from his gaze. Kaveh started to sweat. “Now that the ceremony has concluded, I believe you owe me a certain phrase.” He raised his eyebrows expectantly.
Kaveh groaned. He knew exactly what his friend wanted. And thus, his shoulders slumped as he gave in. “You…were right.” He mumbled defeatedly.
Mirth danced in Tighnari’s eyes as he let out a soft chuckle and pulled Kaveh in for a tight hug. “I’m proud of you.” He whispered, rubbing his back gently before he pulled back and cupped his face. “And if you ever pull me into the middle of one of your harebrained schemes again I will not hesitate to kick your ass.” He said sweetly, patting Kaveh’s cheek.
All of the blood drained from Kaveh’s face as he nodded dumbfoundedly. Tighnari was scarier than Cyno sometimes. The worst part is that he knew his friend would make good on his promise if he did anything similar to this.
Satisfied, Tighnari pulled away with a decisive nod and beckoned for Cyno to come over.
Cyno approached, patting Kaveh on the shoulder like a proud dad. Kaveh knew he wasn’t one for grand displays of affection, so the simple gesture was appreciated. “Congrats.” He said shortly, giving him a thumb up. “I’ve already spoken to Alhaitham about this.”
Kaveh raised an eyebrow at the foreboding tone. “You gave him the shovel talk?”
“Mm.” Cyno turned away with a flush high on his cheeks. “Something like that.” Kaveh wasn’t sure whether to be scared or happy. “Well…for butter or worse, I’m glad you worked things out. I should have made a toast. ”
It took a second for it to click before Kaveh snorted and groaned. Tighnari slapped a hand to his forehead and pulled a smirking Cyno away by the shoulder. “I am not nearly drunk enough to handle this.” He muttered, turning to give Kaveh one last wave. “Have a good rest of your night.”
Kaveh waved back, a soft warmth blossoming in his chest.
♡♡♡
The rest of the night was a blur. By the time the reception had concluded he and Alhaitham were so worn out that as soon as they got home they passed out on the couch still in semi formalwear, Kaveh resting his head on Alhaitham’s firm chest and being lulled to sleep by his steady heartbeat.
Kaveh woke up with a dull pounding in his head. His mouth felt dry as he sat up and held his head as the world spun. He didn’t recall drinking a lot yesterday, but he couldn’t exactly recall everything that happened last night, so it was entirely possible that he had gotten drunk. At the very least he had been somewhat undressed so he was slightly more comfortable.
He groaned softly before a mug was thrust into his field of view. When he looked up he saw Alhaitham in all of his glory. His hair was mussed up and there were the start of dark circles under his eyes, but he looked utterly beautiful. “Coffee.” He said simply.
Kaveh took the mug gently, relishing in the way it warmed up his hands. “Thanks.” He yawned, resting his head on Alhaitham’s shoulder as he sat down next to him. “I could get used to this.”
Alhaitham hummed. The sound vibrated Kaveh’s brain pleasantly. “There will be difficult times together. It won’t be perfect.”
“I know.” Kaveh sipped his coffee. It was perfect. Just the way he liked it. “We have the rest of our lives to figure it out. Together.”
“Together.” Alhaitham agreed softly.
Comfortable silence lapsed between them. The birds chirped outside. The sun glinted off of their rings. The world went on around them.