Chapter Text
It was a rather bright and sunny morning in the scribes home and the scribe had finally gotten tired of Kaveh’s complaints about the dirty dishes so he took it upon himself to do a bit of housework. It was nine in the morning already and as soon as he heard a door from afar open and close he knew that todays peace would come to an end.
“Look who’s finally doing something useful! Have you finally decided to be a decent human?” Kaveh teased and Alhaitham knew that all too well.
Alhaitham felt no need to do anything except sigh in annoyance. Though quickly he heard a door open once again and heard his roommate run off into another room with a loud slam.
There was no such thing as quiet to Kaveh. And as much as Alhaitham complained he’s never once minded.
After piling up all the clean dishes and cleaning his hands with burning hot water he then notices a figure sneaking up on him. He looks back to see Kaveh in a dress.
A red dress that is short and cuts off at his thighs and his back was showing. Kavehs hair was also fluffed up and pulled back looking so fancy; for what reason?
“What are you wearing?” Alhaitham snarled towards Kaveh as if he was a pathetic child that kept saying ridiculous things. Kaveh raised his hand to his hips in response, ready to fight the man. “It’s a nice dress. Perhaps you are just jealous I’m not wearing it for you. Anyways, I have a meeting with my mother so I’ll be home later tonight.”.
Alhaitham rose an eyebrow “Oh? I thought she didn’t talk to you anymore.” He spoke concerned but not invasive. Alhaitham did that quite often. He never got to into details of others lives even if he was somewhat interested. However, that was something that made Kaveh feel like Alhaitham just never cared and wasn’t interested in him or what he had going on.
Kaveh just turned his head away from the man beside him “Don’t act like you care” he spoke as if it was meant to anger Alhaitham but the words came out as gentle as the breeze. Alhaitham indeed did care but he never showed it well and lacked the facial expressions or words to express his care. But who was he to correct his senior.
With that the door opened giving a faded creak sound as the scribe watches the beautiful blonde disappear before his eyes. There was a hint of jealousy in Alhaithams face when the door had finally closed. The thought of others seeing his roommate in such a revealing and gorgeous outfit that fit so well on the architect made his blood boil. Alhaitham couldn’t deny how graceful and fancy Kaveh looked either. Kaveh made the even the knowledgeable brute in Sumeru speechless. He knew Kaveh could handle himself but even still he couldn’t trust that Kaveh wouldn’t be catcalled through out the day. That settles Alhaithams day around Sumeru.
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The smell of perfume burned Alhaithams nose as soon as Kaveh’s mother had entered the room. It was a nice restaurant that had lunch and dinner options available. The two students would regularly order off the menu together and eat back when they were still on good terms.
However, it was always himself that paid, now this time it’s Kaveh’s mother and she’s wearing such fine jewelry. Tons that could cost at least a bag full of Mora.
The woman sat down across from Kaveh and stared at him blankly as if he were just a mere client. Kaveh fiddled with his hand and looked down on the table, too awkward to speak. Then finally one of them broke the silence. “Kaveh, I know it’s been a while and I’ve made quite a few mistakes but I would like to ask a favor of you.”.
A defenseless puppy. That’s what he was when it came to his mother. Kaveh stared at her but didn’t dare speak, he just closed his eyes in despair and slowly nodded his head. Alhaitham could feel the anxiety that Kaveh must have been feeling. He felt somewhat sympathetic.
“Good. I want you to meet the daughter of this powerful and rich couple in Fontaine. I think you’ll grow a liking to her and who knows, maybe marriage is on the table.” The women spoke to Kaveh as if she knew what he really wanted. Kavehs face jerked up and the wideness of his eyes could let anyone know just how shocked he was to hear those words.
Marriage?! He wouldn’t even be able to remember his own wedding date!
“Mother…do you really think that would be best for me…?” He so hesitantly and gently spoke just to make sure not to break the heart of the one that abandoned him. Kaveh looked down again scratching his head obviously bothered by this thought but then again she doesn’t notice due to her being absent in his life. She doesn’t know him so how would she know this?
“I don’t think so. I know so. Also that dress…It’s a lot especially for a boy. Dress in something more boyish.”
How unflattering Alhaitham scoffed from a distance. This woman really thinks she knows Kaveh then insults what he loves. That’s a mother if Alhaitham has ever met one.
The blonde just stared down not knowing what to say. Finally, he rose his head and asked his mother “But it’s my clothes. Does my appearance effect you?” The tiny and frightened voice spoke out trying to sound as genuine and kind as possible. Though her eyes sharpened and stared down at Kaveh as if he was worthless. “Wear some jeans and a hoodie. Look like a normal guy your age.” His mother spoke sternly and as strict as a queen.
Kaveh just turned to the women now with eyes yearning to be free of sorrow and guilt. “When do I meet this girl?”. Alhaitham just stopped now and the rest of the conversation went blank as he just forgot where he was and why. He knew Kaveh would never choose to marry a woman. So he had to be doing all of this for his mother.
Alhaitham snuck through the crowds and walked home whilst contemplating all his thoughts. Kaveh wasn’t interested in girls. Was he?
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Alhaitham went home only to sit on the soft cushioned couch in his living room with a book in hand. The light twinkled in his eyes and the sun rays hit his hair and his skin and when Kaveh finally came back home he couldn’t help but notice how glorious he had looked.
But Alhaitham quickly shot Kaveh a disapproving look. His left eyebrow lowered and his eyes staring directly into the blonde’s clothes.
“First off, you’re late. Second off, what happened to your clothes.” it sounded more like a statement then a question. Kaveh looked down at his more casual and boyish clothes. His glamorous dress was now gone and had been replaced by a yellow sweater and baggy sweatpants that were three times his size. He just stared back at the man with sorrow but of course he wouldn’t let it last long. He switched his expression and he looked more annoyed once his eyebrows raised.
“Well we had a lot to catch up on and the clothes were just too feminine for her taste. So I changed.” Kaveh looked away biting his bottom lip. The man sitting on the couch now just got up and put his book down. He walked slowly towards the other man and eventually reached him. He stopped and looked up at his eyes.
It was such a shame Kaveh took off such a wonderful piece of fabric. Alhaitham lowered his eyebrows making him seem like he was above Kaveh in more then just status. “By your own will? Or hers?” Alhaitham finally spoke with a tint of sarcasm. Kaveh just blushed in response and whispered underneath his breath.
“Hers.”
Alhaithams smirk had vanished and now looked like a frown. “A shame really that her decisions are reflecting your clothes. These clothes act as a hindrance.”
Kaveh stared back and just replied with “I know” and then walked off. Alhaithams fists were buried into his hands in such fury. How dare she decide what he wears.
Alhaitham now was dead set on making that woman see just how loved he is when he’s himself.
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It was now about seven at night, with dazzling stars dancing in the sky when Alhaitham heard the sound of a whimper. A familiar whimper.
Alhaitham sat up from the living room couch slowly and took his eyes off the book as we walked to the sound of the cries keeping his book open. The whines came from the room in front of him. He placed a knock onto the door and hoped to receive a response or approval to an entry.
To his surprise, nothing. The whines and cries continued without any change. He knocked again this time receiving nothing.
Finally the youngers voice tore the silence when he spoke out Kavehs name. Alhaitham now spoke with more force. “Kaveh.” He knocked even louder. This time a response came through. His door opened squeakily and was now faced with a weeping Kaveh who tried and failed to quit the tears.
“Kaveh?” Alhaitham asked automatically as he dealt with this quite often “What is it this time?” He asked while staring at Kavehs clear ruby eyes.
Kaveh just stared back with unresolved feelings that roamed his head and heart. There was an uncontrollable pain this time. So Alhaitham took this look into consideration and finally decided upon brushing his hair out. It was something he did for his senior whenever he felt uneasy or uncomfortable and sometimes even when he was sick.
Kaveh melted into Alhaitham as he just cried it all out like every tear would make him a river to swim out of all these feelings. Every strand of his hair got curled away from another as Alhaitham silently and gently brushed his roommates hair with ease. Moments like these is what made the two love each other so.
“What happened.” He spoke towards the blonde who was now breathing and crying normally now. The blonde just stared at the man he loved and saw that this wouldn’t be able to happen anymore.
“Mom…” he shook now almost as if he was scared to leave this moment with the other. “Mom is getting me engaged” Kaveh spoke now as if a thousand swords were piercing his heart. The one beside him just froze and didn’t speak a word, just keeping the room silent.
“When are you getting married and have you met her before?” Alhaitham asked with nothing else but curiosity or so that’s how it sounded to Kaveh. Marriage was ridiculous if it was to someone you’ve never met. How do you even know if you like that person? How do you know you can love one another or keep a steady relationship? These questions spiraled through the heads of both of them when words finally put an end to it.
“I haven’t met her before. But we are getting married…in thirty days”.
Alhaitham sunk as he felt a part of his heart die. He just kept brushing Kaveh’s hair now, not knowing what to say. What’s with Kaveh and always making Alhaitham speechless.
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It was now almost time for all the seniors to graduate and a party was being hosted by Kaveh himself (though he asked for Haithams help with buying the drinks and decorations) and got permission from his roommate to host the party at their home. Of course though that roommate had made plans out of the house just to not be around the noise. Even though Kaveh wanted to spend time with his roommate at the party.
The party was tomorrow and Kaveh had to decorate soon. He grabbed some banners and streamers and smoothed them out onto the walls and doorways. He laid out cups onto the counter and made sure everything was in place and he even forced Alhaitham to clean his room for the occasion. Of course it was only because it was something that meant a lot to Kaveh.
“Alhaitham can you please hold the ladder still!” The older had practically yelped while trembling on the unsteady ladder with streamers in hand. Alhaithams eyebrows crooked up from his book but he hesitantly put out a hand to keep the ladder from wobbling. Despite his great strength his action barely helped and all of a sudden he saw a figure fall
SLAM
Alhaithams book flew across the floor and caused such a noise. His arms were now heavy and full as he looked down at the scared and annoyed Kaveh.
“I told you to keep it steady!” Kaveh cried out, thankful yet beyond annoyed with his hero. “It’s not my fault you couldn’t keep yourself from falling.” Alhaitham replied back not actually believing Kaveh was to blame. Kaveh quickly jumped out of his Juniors arms and replaced the ladder. Alhaitham went to get his book back from off the floor and sat himself down on the couch. However, the book is not what he was looking at. Alhaitham always thought Kaveh looked best when he was concentrated.
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It was finally the night of the dance and Kaveh was panicking and pacing back and forth all across the living room. Everything had looked better then perfect with just the right amount of cups and drinks, the decorations were placed well around the house not making it look tacky, but almost nice in a way. Alhaitham also knew that Kaveh would be dressed in one of his best gowns yet for the night, which made him a little jealous that he wouldn’t be staying long to see it.
“Kaveh. Everything is fine.” His cold yet appealing voice covered the room and the ears of the one he was speaking too. Kaveh just stared back and his eyes melted at the sight of his roommate in a plaid suit of black and green with gloves covering his hands and even wearing his sexy glasses which were enough to make Kaveh feel seduced.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come to the party? You look well dressed for it. Plus Cyno and Tighnari are coming over too.” He spoke desperately wanting the Junior to think again and change his mind about the party though he already knew the answer.
“I’ll consider it.” just as he expected Alhaitham declined…WAIT WHAT he’s actually thinking about it? Kaveh felt his mouth blurt out exactly what he was thinking then he pulls himself together. This is only a possibility after all.
“If you want I will just as long as you don’t drag me into anymore parties in the future.”
With that Kavehs heart cried out in joy and his face couldn’t keep it back. If he only knew how big that smile was he wouldn’t have shown it for it showed exactly how he felt.
“W-well I best get ready” Kaveh ran out in a panic to get his outfit ready.
Little did they know that one of them was going to feel a little part of their heart break tonight.
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The clock had struck once guest arrived at the Scribes humble abode with beer and fancy outfits, it was clear that this night would be covered in noise. Alhaitham was in the study for a short period of time just trying to ignore the sounds of the soon to be drunk people in his home. But alas reading and concentrating with sounds loud enough to get the police called was not a good match.
Eventually he put the book down and just sat himself down in the study to try and adjust himself to the noise even though it only made his head pound more.
That’s when a gentle knock interrupted his thoughts.
“Alhaitham, haven’t you been in there long enough? Tighnari and Cyno want to play TCG but they keep insisting we get you to play with us.” spoke a voice that he knew all to well from behind the door.
Reluctantly he opened the door to be faced with…a pure dream.
Kaveh was dressed in a black gown that was large and had a small train with a strapless top with golden and silver sequins placed all around it. His hair was pulled into a gorgeous golden like braid and his eyes twinkled with joy. Alhaitham couldn’t help but stare at this unreal and fantasy like figure.
“You sure look like a girl in that dress. It’s too bad your voice gives you away.” The younger speaks trying to cover up the way he was looking at his senior. That comment received a death glare in return with a scrunched up face obviously not pleased with the previous statement.
“Enough about how I look! Which I mean I look amazing but anyhow come out here already and play some TCG with us.” Kaveh spoke now with an irritated yet sly smile upon his face.
Alhaitham walked out of the study and out into the open as he followed Kaveh and sat beside him at the living rooms coffee table. Tighnari’s hands flew by each time he shuffled the deck and Cyno kept looking as if he already had judgement among all of them by looking up from his own cards.
Finally Tighnari was done with the deck and placed it down now grabbing his cards, next Alhaitham, then Kaveh, then finally Cyno grabbed his.
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The group had eventually gone tired of the game and left the final scores be. Cyno had won with thirteen winning matches, next was Alhaitham with nine, Tighnari with seven, and Kaveh had lost with two whole wins. The main reason they stopped playing in the first place was because Kaveh threw a fit and grabbed a drink and talked to some of the other seniors. Honestly all of the seniors had adored him since he was so hilarious, kind, and lighthearted he was. Nobody could get enough of the architect, not even his stubborn and rude roommate.
Leaving Alhaitham alone, his two friends went to find somewhere else to talk just the two of them (probably something about Collei or Tighnari complaining about Cyno’s jokes). Alhaitham just sat near the coffee table ominously, almost as if he was trying to scare everyone away from him. But despite his menacing and cruel face a familiar woman appeared into the mans view.
“You’re Alhaitham, correct? I was in some of your classes last year. Do you remember me by any chance?” She spoke almost too kindly as well as positively. She wore a tiny mini-skirt of a tulip like pink and a white silk top that barely covered anything. She had flowing gorgeous brown hair almost like a roasted coffee bean and her eyes were silver like a knife and not to mention her skin was like a dusky morning. She was quite beautiful nonetheless nice by the sounds of it but completely forgettable. “I’m afraid not. Do you need anything?”.
The woman’s expression went from gleeful to annoyed within that instant. The only thing stopping her from yelling at the other was the fact that she was quite attracted to this brute of a man.
“Well I’m Safaj. I thought we really hit it off when we were classmates but if you don’t remember me then…i’ll be off.” The woman said now with her eyes moving side to side and her fingers tucking some hair behind her ear. Alhaitham was having no problem getting this woman away until he heard Kaveh’s voice.
“Yeah I’m actually engaged. I’m leaving the nation in a little less then a month. I’m sure Alhaitham is going to be glad to get me out of the house-“ Kaveh continues but at that point the scribe isn’t listening anymore. Of course he isn’t happy about Kaveh leaving and nor does he even want him to get engaged. Why couldn’t Kaveh just understand that Alhaitham does care and even more so that he enjoys Kaveh’s presence and time.
Alhaitham just pulled the lady in close putting his mouth on hers, not caring anymore. If Kaveh doesn’t want him to care then he won’t, if Kaveh can move along as if they’ve had nothing then so could he. At least that’s just what he kept telling himself. Lips found way onto his mouth back and he so wanted this but not with her.
He grabbed a a handful of her hair and just imagined it was Kaveh. Then he closed his eyes and pushed his tongue into her mouth exploring it like it was a chest of gold. The thought of her being Kaveh made it so much more arousing as he swirled his tongue around her tongue again and again. However, his legs were in pain due to the woman sitting on top of his lap facing forwards. The woman continued and tried to play with his tongue too but she was awful at it. She had a bad sense of direction with her tongue and just kept trying to make him moan her name but how could he even think about such a thing when the only thing on his mind was Kaveh.
That’s when he felt himself get pulled away by a great force. One that made him stand from the chair and one that made the woman fall to the ground. He felt his wrist burn from pain and when he looked up he couldn’t mistake who that was and that look he gave for anything else. Pain.
“Sorry, Safaj I think it’s about time you go. I don’t even know why you’re here since it’s a senior party but anyhow it seems my roommate here is quite drunk and lost so please help me out. Please help me out by leaving. In fact it’s getting late so why don’t all of you go home.” Kaveh announced obviously aggravated and hurt.
With what Kaveh said everyone looked concerned but left without saying another word except Safaj.
“Excuse me but he didn’t taste of alcohol and I’m here because I chose to be. Oh by the way Haitham you are quite the kisser. Let me know if you want to take it further next time.” She said now getting up whilst waving, winking, and smirking all at the same time towards the scribe. Finally she reached the door and left now only leaving the two roommates.
“I’m not drunk-“
“I know.”
“Then why did you do that?”
“It…doesn’t matter”
Kaveh just stared so annoyed and hurt at the man that just…made out with someone right in front of him. But why did it matter? He was getting engaged after all and it was just his stupid roommate. So why did he care so much?
Kaveh just let go of Alhaitham’s wrist and stood back.
“I’ll be going to bed early tonight.”
Alhaitham looked away now feeling ashamed. He shouldn’t be it’s not like he did anything wrong…but at the same time it just didn’t feel right.
The two went their separate ways. Any outsider could see that both of them were hurt but Kaveh…he felt a spark that was in his heart …vanish.
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The next day continued like usual, go to work, go home, argue with your roommate…just this time without any words. The two haven’t spoke to one another since what happened last night between Alhaitham and the girl. It’s not that they didn’t care but rather because they cared too much.
It was already about seven when Alhaitham got home, it wasn’t necessarily late but it was later then what time he would normally get home. He opened the door and put his jacket up and looked in the fridge for some dinner, however, none of it looked appetizing. He just got up and went to find Kaveh.
He needed to clear things up with him.
Alhaitham hadn’t spotted him yet and that’s when he felt the sudden urge to check the kitchen table. When he did he saw a note with Kaveh’s cursive in delicate handwriting, stating that he went out to get a drink.
“Damnit Kaveh. How are you going to pay for that?”
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Once Alhaitham was faced with the bar that Kaveh always went too when either lonely or overwhelmed, he opened the door and felt the strong sense of alcohol almost make him tear up. He clogs his nose with his thumb and index finger as he tries to get any sight of his roommate.
To his dismay though it’s not his roommate he sees…oh no. It’s a confused man going through at least four different mood swings at once while failing to hold back tears. This isn’t Kaveh, this is someone who’s heart is completely shattered.
Alhaitham walks near him and takes a seat by him clearly being able to tell that he is so unbelievably drunk.
“Kaveh come on. Let’s go home.” He speaks trying to get through to Kaveh within his drunken state. The man with nothing but sorrow just looks up as if Alhaitham was nothing but a figure of his imagination.
“No.” Kaveh says obviously trying to pick up a fight with him.
“Kaveh I know you’re hurt but please…let’s just go home and talk it out.” Alhaitham responds back surprisingly with almost full emotion in that whole sentence…now logic. Just how he felt.
Kaveh stares and opens his mouth to protest but just ends up obeying him as he stands up to follow this…this man…this man who looked so…so…
“Handsome.” Kaveh spilled out as he just collapsed with his sight turning pure black and not able to even understand what in the world was going on anymore.
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The softest pillow in the world with arms surrounding him like a blanket and the breath of the desert heat shining over top of him. Kaveh felt the most comfortable in this moment then he had in his whole lifetime. He opened his eyes and widened his smile towards this precious sleep. But when he opened his eyes he saw…a beautiful chest painted over with black cloth? He raised his head slowly and carefully from the mans chest and…
“AHH! ALHAITHAM! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY BED?!” Kaveh yelled out in shock and disbelief. Yet no movement came from the younger and when he gathered the area around him more…oh…oh
This was Alhaitham’s room and Alhaitham’s bed.
He looked down at his younger in utter confusion but when he saw that he was in a vulnerable state of sleep, he couldn’t help but get close to him and snuggle against his chest and hug him tight. Then the tears took over as he just sniffled and cried all his feelings out.
“Al-Alhaitham why…why? Why did you kiss that girl…why have you never been interested in relationships or romance or anything nice until she came along? What’s…What’s so special about her? She doesn’t even love you..and I know you don’t love her so what was the reason…” Kaveh just gives out everything he feels to this unresponsive version of whom he…he…of whom he wants to kiss.
Kaveh just looks up at this man who he has fought with for so long, who he’s liked for so long, who he’d think about for so long. Kaveh’s hand goes up to Alhaitham’s cheek as he pulls his body up to see him face to face.
“Do you just kiss anyone you see and like…?”
In a blink of an eye, Kaveh is suddenly being pinned down and his wrists are being held above his head and the only thing he can do is squirm.
A hot breath forms over his hear as the man on top of him whispers.
“I wasn’t thinking about her when I did that.” The breath takes over Kaveh as his face goes beet red from the stimulation the act causes.
“The-then what were you thinking…about?” Kaveh asked almost scared to know the answer. His face has pulled to look at Alhaitham’s red and concentrated face that looked at Kaveh as if he was a precious jewel that he spent years looking for.
Alhaitham kept raising and forcing Kaveh’s head up even closer to his until their lips were almost touching.
“You looked good in that dress yesterday. Almost too good. “ Alhaitham spoke, his breath lingering over Kaveh’s lips. Kaveh bit his lips and looked back at Alhaitham as he was speaking.
“What’s your point in this. Also would you please let me go.” Kaveh insisted as he looked at Alhaitham with disapproval.
Fireworks. Fireworks were sent off In Kaveh’s stomach and his heart soared as his eyes grew wide and his body went hot and his lips were covered with Alhaitham.
“I don’t come from a rich family, I wasn’t born a female, and I’m not from Fontaine but….” Alhaitham looked as red as a tomato and as hot as the desert itself but he looked so happy and so honest when he said “I still can be a good wife for you, Kaveh”.
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Ring. Ring.
“Hello Kaveh? Is it about the wedding? I already told you not to worry about it.”
“No mom, I actually forgot about something that I need to tell you.”
“Oh well I guess if you make it quick I can listen.”
“I won’t be needing to get married.”
“…Kaveh? Please, dear. I already planned this for you and made preparations and-“
“ENOUGH! That’s what you want! Not what I want!
I love you mom but please…”
“Son…”
“I already have a wife. So unless you need anything else…were done.”
“Alright…But Kaveh…”
“Yes, mother?”
“Treat her good, okay? Take care of yourself too.”
“I will, mom and I’ll be sure to take good care of him, though he takes care of me more.”
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End of part one