Archive of Our Own

A warm breeze blew by as the sun slowly dipped over the horizon.

Kaeya watched the sunset from his perch, the highest branch of the tallest tree in Sumeru City, however his mind was elsewhere.

It had been over a month since he'd last been in Sumeru. Back then, He'd accompanied Aether on his first visit, but was called back for Weinlesefest barely a few weeks later. 

It seemed that a lot had happened during those few weeks.

He exhaled slowly as he mulled over the traveller’s frantic recollection of the events that took place in his absence. 

'....Inazuma's vision hunt degree almost pales in comparison.... To think that the academia would abandon such a caring little archon and even go to the extents of making their own....'

It was a ridiculous notion. The idea of a fool who was being manipulated towards someone else's benefit. And it was rather obvious who that someone else was, considering that said person wasn't even trying to hide his presence.

Kaeya looked down at the silent city with narrowed eyes.... a city controlled by The Doctor. 

He clicked his tongue in distaste as he prepared to leave. 

'I should probably get out of here before he notices. I'd rather not push my luck.... But where to go...?'

Sneaking into the city was admittedly much easier than getting out, although, for Kaeya, a man who spent most of his life working in the shadows, it was a minor inconvenience. Still, Dottore most likely had his eyes all over Sumeru forest.

Which leaves...

'....The desert.'

Kaeya looked out into the distance, the corner of his lips rising unconsciously as the face of a certain man came to mind.

"....I wonder what he's upto?"

—————————

Al Haitham was toiling away in the desert sun, when he felt a sudden chill.

He froze in surprise.

"That's odd...."

Cyno, who was a bit further away from him, looked at him in confusion.

"What's odd?"

Al Haitham shook his head in response.

"Nothing, I just felt a little cold for a second."

"....you felt cold.... here?"

Cyno pointed at the sun that seemed to be shining brighter by the second, and raised a brow.

Al Haitham sighed and pushed back his hair.

"Why do I have to do this?"

The ex- Mahamatra scoffed and turned around, going back to searching for scarabs.

"Because you lost the bet."

Al Haitham's eye twitched in frustration at the memory.

To avoid being captured by the academia, they'd been staying at Aaru village for these past few days. 

Feeling suffocated and bored, Dehya and Cyno ended up making a bet about who could make Aether laugh the most and dragged him into it. The loser would fulfill one wish for the winner.

The Scribe may not have been the joking kind but that didn't mean he didn't have a sense of humor. In fact, many had told him that they rather enjoyed his dry humor.

However he'd underestimated the sheer abomination that was his competition. 

Dehya aside, Al Haitham had never expected Cyno's jokes to be so.... bad.

It seemed that Aether shared his sentiments. But on the contrary to his (Al Haitham's) expectations of reacting with exasperated silence, The traveller was instead thrown into a bout of hysterical laughter regarding the fact that Cyno actually cracked 'dad jokes'.

In the end it was a close competition between Al Haitham and Dehya. Perhaps it was karma for enraging Aethers flying companion....he'd ended up losing by an inch.

Al Haitham narrowly avoided being hit in the face by an Ajilenakh nut, catching it smoothly as he snapped out of his thoughts.

Cyno clicked his tongue in disappointment and averted his gaze.

"....If you're too tired then just go sit in the shade. I don't want to have to drag your ass all the way back."

Al Haitham stared at him for a moment, analyzing his expression.... then he put aside the nut in his hand and continued his work.

"No. Two people work faster than one.  The sooner we finish, the sooner we can both head back."

Cyno blinked in slight surprise. Soon after, he shook his head and joined Al Haitham, crouching nearby.

"Speaking of people, Tighnari contacted me this morning. He said that he'd caught sight of a certain frivolously dressed foreigner in Gandharva village...."

Al Haitham paused briefly.

"....hm. Is that so?"

Cyno discreetly peeked at his companion.

"Unfortunately, it seems that man was heading for Sumeru city."

"Oh."

"....Aren't you worried about him? I've never seen you that interested in someone before."

Al Haitham swiftly snatched up another scarab before it could dive into the sand.

"You underestimate him. When it comes to stealth, that man might even rival you and I, Ex- general Mahamatra. He's probably on his way here as we speak."

Cyno hummed thoughtfully in response.
A moment later, he stood up and walked away.

"You seem to have a lot of confidence in him.... Then I shall trust your judgement. Alright, there's one more place to check for scarabs, after that we can head back."

Al Haitham nodded as he followed.

—————————

"Wow, it's a lot hotter than I expected..."

Kaeya fanned himself with his hand, using his visions power to cool himself down as much as he could. 

He'd finally arrived at Aaru village. There, he was greeted by a woman with heterochromatic eyes who called herself Candace.

Candace laughed gently as she guided him through the village.

"That's right, it must be drastically different where you're from. The Anemo archons nation is known for its pleasant temperature. I heard that the cold breezes from Dragonspine play a part in that."

Kaeya hummed in noncommittance, his gaze catching on a set of clothes being sold in a stand nearby.

Candace followed his gaze, her eyes glimmering with an idea upon noticing the object of his fascination.

"I have a few spare changes of clothes at home that I think would fit you nicely....I could lend them to you if you so wish."

Kaeya instantly perked up at that suggestion.

It was then,

"We're back Candace."

The two of them looked over to see a very mismatched pair approaching them.

Candace smiled welcomingly.

"Cyno, Al Haitham, just in time for lunch I see."

Cyno tilted his head in acknowledgement while discreetly scanning the new arrival.

Kaeya blinked innocently at the white haired matras scrutiny, and grinned, holding out his hand.

"Kaeya Alberich, Cavalry captain of the knights of Favonius from Mondstadt. You must be the General Mahamatra. It's an honor to meet you~"

Cyno raised an eyebrow as he retrieved his gaze and shook Kaeya's hand.

"Cyno, ex- general Mahamatra. I can see why the Scribe took an interest in you."

Kaeya and Al Haitham stiffened only for a split second before swiftly regaining their composure, however that small movement couldn't escape the ex- Mahamatra's eyes.

Cyno hummed in interest at this developement. He'd have to update Tighnari.

Al Haitham subtly cleared his throat and dipped his chin towards Kaeya.

"It's been awhile Sir Kaeya."

Kaeya smiled, a tad softer this time as he reciprocated Al Haitham's greeting. 

"Likewise Al Haitham. And please, you know that there's no need for formality here."

The corner of Al Haitham's lips raised in a small smile for a moment, returning to his normal calm expression immediately after.

Candace chose the moment they were done with their greetings to speak,

"Aether and Dehya will be joining us at lunch. Both of you should go freshen up first. Meanwhile I'll take Kaeya to his temporary lodgings."

The three men nodded in agreement and spilt up with the promise to meet later.

—————————

An hour later, Dehya, Aether, and Cyno sat together at the table waiting for the others to arrive.

"So, you're telling me that the stuck up Scribe could actually make friends outside of when it's absolutely necessary or beneficial to him?"

Aether looked at Dehya in disapproval.

"That's pretty rude Dehya. Al Haitham's as human as the rest of us. It only makes sense he'd have friends."

Paimon spoke up from next to him,

"Besides, those two are actually-"

"Ahem."

Cyno cleared his throat and raised his head towards the door just as Al Haitham walked in.

He took in the suspiciously silent group with a raised eyebrow.

"...What were you guys talking about?"

Paimon instantly retreated behind Aether, making him shake his head in exasperation.

As though she didn't notice the slightly awkward atmosphere, Dehya spoke up.

"You, actually. You and Kaeya. I heard you guys knew each other! Aether here said you're pretty close too~"

The mercenary grinned like a Cheshire Cat.

"....I'm curious~ you usually keep everyone a distance away from you, acting like no one can enter your sight unless you have no other choice but to acknowledge them. What changed?"

Ignoring her intense gaze, Al Haitham first elegantly sat down at the table. Only once he was comfortable did he deign to reply.

"I don't what you think I am, but I have emotions too. I just never found the right person to share them with. When I finally did, getting closer happened naturally."

Dehya shut up with that answer. What else could you say in response to such a simple yet honest confession?

Aether and Cyno didn't seem surprised. Afterall, both of them had experienced their share of the same.

The traveller smiled teasingly as he recalled their first encounter.

"Kaeya and I first met Al Haitham in port Ornos.... We happened to bump into each other when doing similar investigations for a commission. You should have seen them.... Back then I thought it'd be a miracle if they didn't kill each other on the spot."

Paimon poked her head out from behind Aether, enthusiastically joining in on the conversation.

"Yeah! One second they're practically throwing verbal knives at each other, and the next, they're working together in perfect synchrony! Paimon's brain was spinning from whiplash! They'd even disappear together whenever they wanted! Who knows where they went, leaving traveller and Paimon to fend for themselves- "

"Paimon."

Paimon stopped her spiel at Aethers reproach, sheepishly turning towards Al Haitham...

"Ah... um... Paimon's sorry for saying too much...."

Al Haitham rested his chin on his hand.

"Looks like you still haven't learned to use that brain of yours before you speak.... But atleast you've learnt to apologize so I'll let you off the hook this one time."

"Hey!"

Aether chuckled at their interaction. Dehya on the other hand seemed to have caught onto something, her eyes widening comically at the realization.

"Wait a second, are you actually-"

"We're here~"

Interrupted by Candace's arrival, Dehya was forced to put her line of thought on hold.

The group looked in the direction of the entryway to see Candace standing at the door with a smug smile, blocking their view of the person behind her.

Only after she was sure that she had everyone's attention did she step aside to reveal what she'd been hiding.

Silence befell the room as they stared, enamored by the sight before them.

"....you changed clothes."

Al Haitham's words snapped everyone out of their trance.

There stood Kaeya, clad in light gauzy clothes (the kind that people from the desert normally wore), his beautifully sun kissed skin, his thin waist and toned abdomen all on full display. As if to make up for the scanty coverage, he was covered in accessories from head to toe, the gold and jewels accentuating his lean but strong figure.

Kaeya smiled brightly, smoothly seating himself next to Al Haitham.

"Yes I did.... I look rather fetching, don't you think?"

Winking flirtatiously, he crossed his legs one over the other.

Al Haitham hummed in response and leaned closer to him, gently setting a few wayward navy blue locks in place.

"It truly becomes you."

A gasp could be heard from those around them, but neither of the two seemed to care, content in their own little world.

Dehya stared at the pair, hand over her mouth, and turned to Aether.

The blond shrugged, pretending like he did not see, and hence did not know. 

Getting a little desperate now, Dehya tugged on Candace’s hand, furiously signaling with her eyes. 

Candace smiled mysteriously in reply and disappeared into the kitchen to bring over the food. Dehya followed shortly after.

Just like that, Dinner passed by with Dehya and Candace whispering furiously at the table, while occasionally stealing glances at the ambiguous pair seated in front of them, Aether and Paimon focused on finishing their food, and Cyno lost in thought as though thinking of something- or someone- else.

After dinner, the group split ways, each going off to attend to their own business. (Dehya had dragged Candace with her saying she had very important things to talk about. No one questioned her.)

Kaeya took this time to walk leisurely outside the village. 

The desert was truly a beautiful place at night. Dangerous too, but if anything, that served to attract him even more.

As he was admiring the stars, Kaeya felt a presence not too far away.

"You know you can’t sneak up on me, Right?"

Al Haitham let out an amused hum and stopped purposefully softening his footsteps. 

"I’m going to keep trying though. Blame yourself for intriguing me so."

"Haha, is that so? Well it looks like I have a rather heavy burden to bear."

The Cavalry captain met his gaze as he continued.

"…Then, would you like to continue your research from a closer perspective?"

Al Haitham silently made his way to his side.

"Nothing else could be as tempting."

The two of them walked through the desert together, occasionally reminiscing the circumstances of their first meeting while also sharing the things they’d been through while they were apart.

"*sighing* I quite missed our daily sparring session. As much as I love training against my brother…. A claymore vs a sword is never really a fair fight."

"Hmm, I’ve never met a training partner as perfect for me as you. Although…. I’d like to meet this brother of yours. Listening to you speak of him so much makes me wonder what he’s like in person."

Kaeya laughed in amusement.

"Actually, you remind me of him somewhat. Both of you workaholics with unchanging deadpan faces…. It’s almost as if it would kill you to smile sometimes."

"Perhaps I should tell him you said that when I get the chance to meet him…"

"He won’t be too surprised. Though I’ll probably be barred from his tavern for a few days."

Al Haitham scoffed.

"As you deserve."

Kaeya gasped exaggeratedly, acting as though he were deeply offended by the comment. Al Haitham smirked teasingly in response, wrapping an arm around the man’s waist and pulling him closer.

The Cryo user huffed, appeased by the placating gesture. He burrowed into Al Haitham’s side a little more as the desert’s temperature began to drop.

Without realizing, The two had walked far enough to reach an oasis located deeper in the desert.

Kaeya stared at the stars reflected on the clear blue water. Al Haitham watched him.

"…I forgot to tell you but there’s another thing you two have in common."

The Khaenri’ahn turned to face his companion, his lone starry eye more brilliant than the countless stars in the night sky.

"As prickly as you may be on the outside….I’ve never met anyone with hearts kinder than yours."

Al Haitham stiffened briefly, not expecting that.

He cleared his throat in slight embarrassment.

"…I don’t know about that."

Kaeya shrugged, clearly expecting his denial, but not at all bothered by it.

"It’s my opinion. Regardless of whether you admit it or not, it’s what I believe to be true."

He turned away from the Scribe, signaling his unshakable stance and refusal to take any arguments.

Al Haitham sighed in resignation.

Barely a few seconds later, Kaeya suddenly snapped his head back to look at him, an excited gleam in his eye.

"By the way, It’s been awhile so…. Shall we spar?"

Al Haitham stared at him, a spark of interest flashing across face. He simply drew his sword, making Kaeya grin mischievously.

"I’ll take that as a yes."

What followed were the sounds of the wind whistling as blades clashed at speeds difficult to discern by the untrained eye. 

They danced to a music of their own creation, weaving back and forth between attacks, parrying blows, matching each other step for step.

As the fight dragged on, their exchanges became less aggressive and more…. ambiguous in nature. Each step forward marked with fleeting touches and each retreat disguising an invitation for more.

By the end of their titillating tango, Kaeya had his back on the ground with Al Haitham leaning over him, both of their swords mere centimeters away from each other’s throats.

For a few minutes, nothing could be heard beyond the sounds of their pounding heartbeats and heavy breathing.

"….Another draw."

Kaeya laughed in exhilaration as he gazed up at Al Haitham, his eye shining with expectation.

Al Haitham narrowed his eyes in satisfaction. Throwing aside both of their swords, he leaned down.

Their lips crashed together in a violent kiss. 

Kaeya wrapped his arms and legs around Al Haitham, pulling him down to his level. Al Haitham tangled a hand through Kaeya’s long hair, freeing it from its confines. His free hand went down to stroke the caramel skin of Kaeya’s thigh that was hooked around his waist.

Teeth clashing and tongues intertwining in a rough but passionate exchange, they sought each other out as much as they could, trying to get closer and closer until there was barely any space left between them.

A moment, or maybe an eternity later, the two finally separated, their lips still connected by a string of saliva.

Al Haitham raised a hand to caress Kaeya’s cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear in the process.

"….earlier, I couldn’t say much about it because we were in the presence of other people. But, I failed to properly describe how utterly ravishing you look in these clothes. I can’t bring myself to take my eyes off of you."

Kaeya blushed at his straightforward praise and ardent gaze, smiling as he leaned up to kiss the dendro user’s forehead.

"Mission accomplished then. I planned to ask Candace to get a pair custom made for me if you liked it."

"A marvelous idea."

Al Haitham rolled them both over so that they were lying on their sides, limbs still entangled. Kaeya rested his head on his chest. He closed his eyes, enjoying the momentary peace.

"….Once this is all over, I’ll come with you to Mondstadt for a visit. I’d like to meet your brother and make my intentions known."

Kaeya hummed thoughtfully at Al Haitham’s words.

"And what intentions are those?"

"The intention to go out with his sworn sibling, present him with whatever he could want on a silver platter, perhaps fuck him in every position in possible, and marry him in the future if he would allow me the honor."

Kaeya’s cheeks reddened even further at this frivolous (and slightly vulgar) declaration coming from the normally stoic and serious Scribe.

"Maybe leave out the part about fucking me. Other than that, don’t you think it’s too fast? You’re usually so rational, so how come you’re ready to jump into marriage with a man you’ve barely known for over two months."

Al Haitham nuzzled his nose into the crown of Kaeya’s head.

"If it’s too fast then I’ll wait until you think it’s time. I may not sound rational, but I know from my years of living that I’ve never met someone who resonates with me as perfectly as you. I don’t intend to let anyone snatch what I’ve claimed away from me."

Silence fell between them, until Kaeya hesitantly broke it.

"….I assume you know that I haven’t told you everything about me. Do you still trust me enough to want something so permanent with me?"

Al Haitham gently raised Kaeya’s chin at that, and meaningfully stared into his starry eye.

"You forget that I’m a scholar. There is nothing more appealing to a scholar than the unknown. You are my mystery to unravel. Even if you don’t tell me on your own, I’m confident that I’ll figure it out. And regardless of what I find, know that I’ll always trust you. The Kaeya I’ve come to know is more than worthy of it."

He sealed his promise with a soft kiss to Kaeya’s lips. If Kaeya’s eye looked a little wet, well, neither of them mentioned it.

"….alright. Once this is over…. I’ll take you to meet Diluc."

Al Haitham smiled softly, kissing him again and again and again.

—————————

***Epilogue***

"… I wonder how much longer they’ll be…. I have so many questions but no answers!"

Dehya pulled her hair in frustration.

"Now now, let’s give them some time Dehya. It’s been too long since they’ve last seen each other so It’s no wonder that they’d want to catch up."

Candace sat to the side, holding a needle as she carefully stitched up the tears in her clothes (made from the last time she dealt with monsters in the sandstorm)

Cyno hummed in agreement.

"Let them be. They won’t have time to go on a date for a while once we start our operations."

Dehya pouted mullishly.

"Speaking of, how did you know they were dating? Today was the first time you saw them together right?? Normally you wouldn’t come to a conclusion like that so fast. Especially if the person in question is Al Haitham!"

Cyno directed an unimpressed stare at her in response.

"People experienced in these kinds of things have a keener eye than others."

Dehya nearly choked on her own tongue.

"Wait- you… no… experienced?!"

Aether who was simply listening to the conversation till now, laughed and cleared up Dehya’s confusion.

"Cyno’s been in a relationship with Tighnari for years now. You could say that they’re practically a married couple at this point."

"HUH?!"

Everyone in the room burst into laughter at Dehya’s incredulous scream. 

—————————

Link to the fanart that inspired Kaeya’s clothes for this fic