Chapter Text
The sound of Kaveh bidding his new clients a good night and waving merrily at them filled the cool Sumeran air. Despite all of his bad luck tonight, he had somehow managed to weasel his way out of a dinner date with the couple. They had been awestruck as Kaveh spun lies about his wonderful fiancé, describing how they had met at the Akademiya and had fallen in love over the years as students. It didn’t strike him until it was too late that he had been surrounding his lies around him and Alhaitham. By then it was hard to change his story. He had to keep going.
He had cherry picked a few parts of their story, playing up the less romantic parts and turning it into a love story for the ages. Really, he should have been an actor instead of an architect! And then the couple asked if they could meet his fiancé sometime and discuss the details of their wedding over dinner and Kaveh knew he was absolutely doomed. Where else was he to find someone who matched the history he had told his clients? Exactly! He couldn’t find anyone else! That’s why he had to do this.
Kaveh opened the door with a steely resolve, the fake smile dropping from his face as soon as he turned his back to his clients. As he opened the door, he took in a deep breath before slamming it behind him unceremoniously. Unsurprisingly, Alhaitham looked up with a less than amused expression
In all honesty, he had expected his roommate to have been in bed by now. Archons knew why he was up at this hour, but it saved him from being tense and anxious all night trying to figure out what to say to Alhaitham.
Kaveh let out a loud groan as soon as the door was shut, his back colliding with the door as he slid down melodramatically. As per usual, Alhaitham did not deign him with a response. It seemed like he was quite invested in whatever insanely complex and flowery worded book he had picked up today. Kaveh wouldn’t let that slide though. He had to talk to Alhaitham sooner than later. Preferably before tomorrow. Like right now actually.
“Alhaitham.” Kaveh spoke loudly. He was never sure when his roommate had his noise canceling headphones on, so he was being extra loud just in case.
“Are you drunk or are you just being obnoxious at this hour to wake everyone in a five mile radius up?” Alhaitham flipped to the next page of his book while speaking. Kaveh had no clue how he focused on two things at once, really. But he must have been silent for too long considering that his roommate flicked his eyes up from his riveting novel to acknowledge his presence once more. When he met Kaveh’s sheepish and wide eyed gaze, his eyes narrowed into thin slits. “What did you do?”
“Oh come on! Why is it always something I did?” The blond haired man huffed, throwing his arms up indignantly before crossing them over his chest. “I mean yes, I did do something, but seriously! You always assume the worst out of me.” He was well aware that he was whining at this point, but he didn’t quite care.
Alhaitham grunted noncommittally, looking back down at his book to resume his reading. At this rate, he would entirely ignore Kaveh until he got riled up enough to stomp away and go to bed. That meant he had to act—and quickly at that!
“I need you to pretend to be my fiancé and get married to me.” Kaveh blurted, unable to find another way to phrase his thoughts more eloquently before they spilled out of his mouth.
Alhaitham at least had the decency to look somewhat shocked for a millisecond before his expression returned back to placid. His gaze traveled down to his book almost longingly before he begrudgingly put in a bookmark and set it to the side. “You want to…what now?” One of his hands came up to massage his temples. “What an unromantic way to propose. I expected better from you, Kaveh.” His voice was flat, but Kaveh had known him for long enough to know the little shit was being sarcastic.
“Hey!” He pointed an accusing finger at Alhaitham. “You have no right to tell me I’m being unromantic. I’m the most romantic person ever! You’d probably give someone a boring lecture about…some stupid topic while on the first date! So…hah! Who’s unromantic now?” It was clear he was flustered enough to get tripped up over his words. And he knew Alhaitham was aware of that fact. “Ugh! You got me distracted!” He huffed. “I need you to hear me out.”
“Hm.” Alhaitham went to pick his book back up before Kaveh skittered towards him and snatched the book out of reach. That got him a humorless stare as the book was grabbed back and set down again. “I don’t know where your hands have been recently.” He stated blandly.
Kaveh’s face lit up in a flush. “My hands are perfectly clean, thank you.” He hmphed. “And I need you to actually listen to me. Not just ignore me.” He was practically begging.
Alhaitham must have sensed his desperation and felt some sliver of pity towards him considering he sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. When Kaveh didn’t continue immediately, he motioned with his fingers for him to go on.
Kaveh let out a breath of relief he didn’t know he was holding. “Alright…to make a long story shortish: I have two new clients who are looking for me to do a huge job. A job that could get me out of debt and leave me set for life. I could pay back all my rent and move out as soon as possible, even! Wouldn’t you like that?”
Alhaitham blinked slowly. “Is that it?”
“No! Of course that isn’t it!” Kaveh huffed like it was some grand betrayal. “Anyways, these two clients. They’re a happily married couple I guess. They love romance and all of that, so they asked about my love life. They were so kind about it too! They said that a handsome and successful man such as myself shouldn’t be on his lonesome for the rest of his life. And thus, they asked me if I had found a life partner!” He paused for dramatic effect. “I…may have lied to them to get in their good graces. Haitham, I need you to listen to me here. The more they think I’m in love and happy or whatever, the more likely they’ll get me to do the job. This is where you come into play.”
“You want me to pretend to be your fiancé.” Alhaitham finished for him. “I don’t see why we would have to get married in order to sell your lie.”
That’s the part where Kaveh squirmed uncomfortably in his place. “I may have dug myself a deeper hole by saying we were getting married fairly soon?” He laughed nervously at the blank expression on his roommate's face. “Okay! Okay! I know it sounds bad…but they’re willing to help us with wedding planning. They even said they’d help fund it! Do you see what a big opportunity this is for me?” Kaveh gesticulated wildly with his hands as he spoke.
“And what would I get out of this if I agreed to your harebrained idea?” Alhaitham raised an eyebrow, which was the most emotion Kaveh thought he had shown in months.
“Besides being married to me?” He backpedaled quickly when he saw the joke didn’t quite land. “Okay! Okay! I get it…I would pay you back for every missed rent I owe you. I would get out of your hair for good and then you wouldn’t have to live with a freeloader. It’s basically a win-win for both of us, Haitham.” Kaveh put on his best puppy dog eyes. “Please?”
Alhaitham seemed to genuinely consider it for a moment, taking a bit too long to hesitate with his answer. That gave Kaveh a flutter of hope in his heart.
After a few beats had passed, Alhaitham let out a reserved sigh. “Fine.” He waved his hand idly. “We will pose as an engaged couple, get married, and then we can divorce after a convincing amount of time has passed I suppose.” He sounded confident and arrogant as he usually did, but Kaveh could hardly focus on that at the moment because this was all going according to plan. In fact, this was the best case scenario!
“Yes!” Kaveh pumped a fist. “I’ll be the best fake fiancé and husband to be around! You won’t regret this, Haitham!”
“I’m sure I will.” He muttered, picking up his book to start where he had left off.
♡♡♡
The next day, Kaveh marched into the tavern with renewed vigor. He was meeting with his clients again today, and he had a plan this time since Alhaitham had agreed to pose as his fiancé. Arwan and Delara were very nice clients, thankfully, and they believed everything Kaveh fed them. They were older and had been married since their early adulthood as well, which made them so much more willing to help Kaveh out with his fake wedding after they heard that he was engaged. The likelihood of the couple commissioning him after their wedding was very high…the idea of that alone made Kaveh stoked.
As Kaveh strolled inside, he greeted his clients warmly before sitting across from them with his hands folded on his lap. “Arwan! Delara! Lovely to see you both again.” He tried not to show his anxiety, knowing they would both be asking more questions about his supposed fiancé. Well, not really supposed anymore since Alhaitham filled that spot, but in the sense that Kaveh feared their stories wouldn’t line up at some point and his clients would get suspicious.
For now though, they both seemed delighted to see him. Their hands were entwined, resting on the tabletop. A part of Kaveh was jealous at the way they gazed lovingly at each other despite being married for so long. Their love was still very alive. It made a bitter pit settle in his stomach. But before he knew it, Arwan was speaking directly to him.
“Kaveh, my boy! The pleasure is all ours.” The older man smiled genuinely and fondly, making Kaveh bite the inside of his cheek. Arwan was a very fatherly man, which wasn’t bad by any means, but it made his heart ache a little. “Did you ask your fiancé about dinner tonight?”
Kaveh short circuited for a moment. With all of the theatrics from last night, he hadn’t even thought about mentioning the dinner the couple had invited them both to. “Ah! Yes! He’s a busy man, but I’m sure he’ll be able to make time for us all tonight.” His smile slipped a little bit. He hoped Alhaitham wouldn’t be too mad at the sudden plan. “He’s a bit reserved though…go easy on him.”
Delara laughed, high and breathy. “Don’t worry, dear. Arwan here used to be rather shy as well. He warmed up rather quickly to me though.” She squeezed her husband's hand fondly. “Oh, yes! I was meaning to ask you…where is your ring?” Her question was innocent enough, but it made Kaveh stiffen nevertheless.
He floundered for an answer for a moment before laughing in a manner that he hoped was carefree. “My fiancé has a very demanding job, you see. He’s supposed to put work first, but you know how love happens out of the blue…” He smiled fondly, praying to the archons that the lie would work. “Neither of us wear our engagement rings, but as soon as we get married…that’s a different story. I want to show off as much as possible that we’re married.” The blush on his cheeks was genuine at least. The thought of being married to Alhaitham really did make his heart beat faster. Even if this whole thing was fake, the idea of them being together had been on the forefront of his mind since their Akademiya days. Not that he would ever reciprocate his feelings in a serious matter. Kaveh once more had to remind himself this was fake.
Arwan and Delara seemed enraptured with his story though, following along with every word that spilled from his lips. Archons, he really should have been an actor! Maybe he wouldn’t be in so much debt if he was…
Delara spoke first. “Oh dear, that’s awfully romantic! You’ve caught yourself a good one, haven’t you?” She nudged her husband. “This one wasn’t as romantic as first.” She teased.
Her husband didn’t seem offended though, instead laughing boisterously. “I learned eventually.”
Kaveh tried to suppress his smile, but his clients noticed right away and pressed eagerly. “It’s nothing, really. What you said reminded me of my fiancé. He’s very unromantic.” He snorted a bit, finding himself rambling about Alhaitham before he realized it. “He thinks that lecturing me is a love language or something. He’s rude to me and we bicker a lot but he does do some things that show his…love.” He hesitated on that word. “I don’t know. I think he means well with his logical point of view. Even if it’s insulting sometimes. And he makes sure to make extra food for me when I’m out late. He just shows things differently than I do. We’re exact opposites.” When he realized how much he had said, he coughed into his fist with a nervous laugh.
“It’s clear you love him very much. There’s no need to be embarrassed, son.” Arwan reached over to pat his shoulder roughly. “I think I speak for both me and Delara when I say we can’t wait to meet the man you love tonight.”
Kaveh tried to smile genuinely, but it came out strained. “He’s equally as excited to meet you both.”
Alhaitham was not excited to hear that Kaveh had made plans without him.
As soon as Kaveh got home a few hours later, he felt like collapsing on the couch. He looked as worn out as he felt, eventually falling face first onto the offendingly ugly couch that was in the living room. He was so tired that he didn’t notice his roommate slash fiancé was leaning against the door frame that connected the kitchen and the living room. His arms were crossed firmly over his chest as he looked at Kaveh about to fall asleep.
“You’re home late.” Alhaitham pointed out once a few minutes had passed with no acknowledgement.
Kaveh nearly fell off of the couch with how hard his body jolted. “Archons, Alhaitham! Do you have to creep around like that?” He snapped.
The smallest bit of amusement passed over his roommate's face. “You know this is my house, right? I can walk wherever I’d like.”
His arrogance was really pissing Kaveh off at this point. He was just grouchy from his lack of sleep as well as having to talk for hours on end about his fake fiancé instead of talking about the job. And then it clicked in his head—he had to ask Alhaitham about the dinner that was supposed to be in a few hours! With renewed vigor, Kaveh pushed himself up so fast he got dizzy.
“Don’t strain yourself now.” Alhaitham’s voice came off more sarcastic than caring.
“Oh be quiet would you?” Kaveh hissed, making his way towards his roommate and grabbing him by the shoulders. They didn’t really touch each other, as they had never had a reason to before, so the touch made both of them jump as if they had been electrocuted. A minute later though, he cleared his throat. “We have a date tonight.”
Alhaitham stared at him wordlessly. “You’re really nailing it with the romance aspect of this relationship.”
Kaveh’s face turned beet red with embarrassment as he jerked his hands back. “I meant we have a dinner date with my clients tonight. They want to meet you.”
There was the smallest furrow in Alhaitham’s brow, showcasing his annoyance. To anyone else it wouldn’t look any different from his usual expression, but Kaveh could tell he was annoyed. “You’re telling me this at the last minute?”
He hesitated for a moment. He knew Alhaitham didn’t like sudden changes—especially not in plans. A part of him felt guilty that he didn’t consult Alhaitham first. “I couldn’t say no…” He mumbled, nibbling on the inside of his cheek again. “I can tell them we can’t make it tonight.”
The expression on his roommate's face smoothed out imperceptibly. He still seemed a little miffed, but he didn’t outwardly show it. “We’ll go.” He said firmly. “They are paying for our wedding.”
Kaveh couldn’t help but blush, but he was quick to jerk his head to the side to hide it. “Let’s hurry then. We wouldn’t want to be late.”
For once, Alhaitham agreed with him on something. Slipping on his headphones, he gestured for Kaveh to come to him. He did so, albeit warily, and was shocked to feel Alhaitham’s hands unclipping the clips he usually wore. His hair tumbled down into his face, but the other man was quick to tuck a strand behind his ear. Their proximity was making it hard for Kaveh to breathe. His exhales came out as shallow pants. He was afraid to ruin the moment if he breathed too hard.
Alhaitham’s eyes scoured his expression analytically. If Kaveh looked close enough, he could have sworn his roommates eyes had softened just the slightest amount.
And then their moment was shattered the second Alhaitham opened his mouth. “Your hair is a mess.” He pulled away from Kaveh, ignoring his pouty scowl. “Did you even brush it today?”
“Of course I brushed it! My hair just gets frizzy easily. It’s humid.” He crossed his arms over his chest, scolding himself internally for feeling vulnerable around Alhaitham. Even for a second. “Give me my clips. I’ll brush my hair again and then we can go.”
Alhaitham thought for a moment, still holding the hair clips. “I can put them back in.” He said it like it wasn’t a big deal at all. It wasn’t, but it made Kaveh’s traitorous heart pound. “It must be difficult to put them in places you can’t really see.”
Kaveh regarded him warily. “I usually use a mirror.” He folded his arms. “Why are you being so nice?”
“Hm. As your fiancé I would hope I’m a little nice towards you.” The taller man looked a bit smug, shrugging one shoulder loosely. “Unless you would like me to treat you unkindly?”
“Hah! Like you usually do?” Kaveh barked out a laugh, placing his hands on his hips next. He should have known it was all a part of Alhaitham’s act. It didn’t make it sting any less though. “Ugh. I’ll be back. Stay here.”
“Like I would leave to go have dinner with strangers without you.” Alhaitham muttered under his breath, nearly inaudible to Kaveh, who was currently stomping up the stairs.
Curse Alhaitham and his pretty face and his stupid eloquence and his unfairly nice body and his arrogant attitude! Kaveh ranted and raved internally, wanting to shout out his anger to Celestia, but refraining from that train of thought. How was he supposed to be Alhaitham’s fiancé when the guy could barely stand being around him? Archons, he really should have given up his stupid little crush ages ago. Now he was in this situation! A grave he had dug himself!
Kaveh groaned, rubbing his hands down his face despairingly. This night was not going to work. Arwan and Delara would immediately notice that Alhaitham and Kaveh were very much not in love and then they would cancel the entire project and probably turn him in for lying to them! His mind was spinning with possibilities as he gripped the edges of the sink hard enough for his knuckles to turn white. His breaths turned into gasps for air as he tried to stave away the inevitable spiral. He must have been taking too long upstairs though because there was a sudden knock on the doorframe that jolted him out of his anxious stupor.
Kaveh’s head whipped to the side to see Alhaitham leaned against the door again. He had his usual blank mask on his face, but there was a small crinkle in his forehead that confused Kaveh to no end. It was clear by his body language that he wasn’t annoyed, so what was it? Was he…concerned? No way. That wasn’t possible.
Alhaitham must have spoken and he had not heard it because the other man stepped away from the frame and approached him calmly. Kaveh almost took a step back out of suspicion, but was stopped when Alhaitham of all people picked up his hairbrush and started to pull it through his hair.
“Ow! Hey!” The fuzziness in his vision and hearing had disappeared the moment his roommate yanked the brush through his hair. “Gentle! My scalp is sensitive!” He was irritated, sure, but he didn’t make him stop brushing even if he was being harsh. At the very least, Alhaitham’s movements got more gentle after Kaveh had corrected him. It was almost relaxing if he forgot about the entire situation at hand.
Soon enough, all of the knots had been brushed from his hair, leaving it looking silky and gorgeous as usual. Kaveh let out a soft sigh at the sight. He did look and feel better, he’d give Alhaitham that. And when the clips were back in his hair, securing the loose pieces away from his face, he even managed a wobbly smile at the vanity.
He didn’t notice Alhaitham’s intense stare.
“Let’s go.” His roommate pulled away once the clips had been clicked into place. “We’re already late. We should come up with an excuse on the way.” He didn’t wait for Kaveh to follow before going back downstairs, giving him a moment to just breathe by himself.
The architect took in a shuddering breath, exhaling slowly to release the metaphorical stone that was lodged in his throat.
Time to put on a show.
♡♡♡
Kaveh and Alhaitham arrived late, just as the scribe had said they would.
Despite their late arrival, Arwan and Delara lit up upon seeing them. The couple were quick to wave them over, pointing to the other side of the booth. Their exuberance was more exhausting than comforting.
It was okay though. Kaveh put on his best smile and waved at the couple, motioning for Alhaitam to follow him.
As soon as both of them had sat down, Arwan extended a hand to Alhaitham. “The name is Arwan, it’s a pleasure to meet you, son.” He greeted with his fatherly air. “This is my beautiful wife, Delara.”
Alhaitham stared at Arwan’s hand like it was some sort of monstrous appendage, hesitance clear in his actions. Luckily, Kaveh jumped in quickly. “Ah! He’s pretty withdrawn like I said. He’s not a big fan of touching people.” It was the truth, but his words still got an almost bewildered stare from the man next to him. “This is Alhaitham. He’s my fiancé.” He forced pride into his voice like they were actually engaged and madly in love.
The couple seemed to fall for it, seeing as Arwan retracted his hand with a small chuckle. He didn’t seem the least bit offended that Alhaitham hadn’t shaken his hand though.
“Kaveh’s told us all about you.” Delara gushed, putting her elbows on the table and leaning on her hands. Her attention was focused on solely Alhaitham, who seemed very uncomfortable with the amount of eyes on him. “You’re so handsome! No wonder you two are together, you’re both very easy on the eyes.” She squealed fondly, leaning into her husband.
Kaveh laughed, but it was a bit strained. He looked diagonal quickly, noticing how his roommates' hands were balled up under the table. While his expression remained neutral, as someone who had known him for a long time, Kaveh was well aware he didn’t like all of the focus being on him. And so, he jumped in again. “I know, right? He caught my eye the second we met. And now look where we are! It’s been a wild ride.” He coincidentally left out the part where they bickered almost every night, forcing himself to chuckle carelessly.
Delara tilted her head like a puppy. “It’s been a wild ride?” She echoed. “Was it not always paradise?” Upon seeing Kaveh’s hesitant expression, she laughed loudly. It was shrill, but still loving. “Oh, dear, you should have seen the look on your face! I’m just teasing, you know. Even the happiest couples have fights from time to time. No couple is perfect—married or not married.” She reached over to pat Kaveh’s hand. “I’m sure you two have had your fair share of trials and tribulations, but what matters is that you’re here now. Together.”
The words hit closer to home than he had anticipated. He and Alhaitham’s past was…tumultuous at best. But their weird relationship had grown over the years. There was still animosity and arguing, but it had turned less explosive and more petty. Of course, they still occasionally got into a big blow out where Kaveh would storm out and (usually) drink to his heart's content, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as it was when he first moved in.
Kaveh turned his head to the side slightly. Alhaitham seemed more relaxed thankfully, even turning his head to meet Kaveh’s gaze with a curious look in his eye.
“We’re here now and that’s all that matters.” He agreed, watching as Alhaitham’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly. It was making Kaveh feel too many butterflies in his stomach to keep looking at him though, so he turned his attention back to his clients. They were looking at the both of them with rapt attention. “That’s why I got engaged to him!” He concluded quickly with a half laugh.
Delara sighed dreamily, wrapping her arms around her husband’s arm and resting her head on his shoulder. “Do you remember when we were that young, Arwan? I’m so happy true love hasn’t died just yet.” She joked, giving Kaveh a cheeky wink.
If only she knew.
Arwan cleared his throat. “I take it you boys aren’t very fond of pda?” His question wasn’t accusing by any means, just curious.
“Hmm…I suppose you’re right. We don’t have much time to go out together with Alhaitham’s job. Right, darling?” Kaveh scooted closer so he could rest his head on Alhaitham’s shoulder. His roommate stiffened, but relaxed rather quickly when Kaveh kicked his leg under the table. “I like to joke that he’s married more to his work than he is to me. Of course, we’re not married yet, but still.”
“Speaking of your wedding…” Delara clasped her hands together, her eyes full of warmth and excitement. “Did you take what we proposed into consideration?”
Kaveh nodded firmly, picking his head off of Alhaitham’s shoulder. “We discussed it briefly. If you really insist though…” He tried not to sound too eager. “I’m sure we can move our wedding date up. What do you say to that?” He looked up at Alhaitham through his eyelashes, following the bob of his throat with his eyes as he swallowed thickly.
“That…would be adequate.” He nodded. It seemed like he was finally finding his voice. He usually wasn’t this quiet—even with strangers—but Kaveh didn’t push it.
“Wonderful!” Delara clapped with finality. “Let’s meet here again in the next few days, whenever Alhaitham’s busy schedule allows it of course, and we can start wedding planning!” She cooed, taking her husband's face in her hands and pressing kisses all over his aged cheeks.
Kaveh idly wondered if he and Alhaitham would be affectionate still the older they got…
Of course, that thought was quickly shattered by the realization that this was still an act. He and Alhaitham would never actually be together romantically. And yet, he donned an excited smile with ease. “I’ll let you know when we can meet up next.” He assured.
Arwan patted one of Kaveh’s hands that was on the table. “That’s great news. For now though, shall we order?”
The rest of the dinner went without a hitch for the most part. Alhaitham didn’t really eat much, playing it off as if he wasn’t hungry, but Kaveh knew that he was just very particular about what he ate. He didn’t explain that to his clients.
The three of them chatted idly about whatever was on their minds. Even Alhaitham chimed in occasionally to insert his opinion on whatever subject matter was at hand. And by the end of the night, Kaveh knew Alhaitham had the couple wrapped around his finger. They both thought his roommate was incredibly intelligent, but also very modest. It made Kaveh pout a little to know Alhaitham was able to charm them so easily. But he really shouldn’t be jealous of his future husband he supposed.
When Arwan asked for the check, he insisted that he pay for all of them. While his mora was being processed, Delara turned to the two roommates and beamed. “It’s been lovely to meet you, Alhaitham. It’s so exciting to plan a wedding again!” She giggled, fanning herself with her hand. “Just tell us when you’re ready to begin planning, mkay honey?” She reached over to pinch Kaveh’s cheek a little too tightly.
He just smiled and nodded. “I’ll tell you when!” He assured, standing quickly and gravitating closer to Alhaitham.
Alhaitham placed a warm hand on his lower back before he moved it to wrap around Kaveh’s waist and pull him flush to his body. Kaveh really hoped his face wasn’t as red and he thought it was. Since when did Alhaitham get so bold!? Just a few hours ago he was stressed and silent, now he was some kind of casanova all of a sudden? “It’s been a pleasure.” Alhaitham said crisply, his voice clipped. “It’s getting late though. Are you ready to go, doll?”
Oh archons.
The pet name made Kaveh want to curl into a ball on the floor and scream his lungs out. Thankfully, he remained at least somewhat composed. “I—“ He started, but was cut off quickly by Alhaitham taking his chin between his deft fingers. Kaveh’s heart raced as Alhaitham leaned in, pressing his lips against his own.
Alhaitham’s lips were warm and dry, but Kaveh still felt himself melting into the touch as much as he wanted to pull away. Even if this was fake, he wanted to hold onto it for as long as possible.
But it was gone too quickly. Alhaitham’s lips disappeared from his own as he took Kaveh’s hand and laced their fingers together. “Let’s get some rest.” He gave Delara and Arwan a nod before practically dragging Kaveh out of the place.
As soon as they were outside, Kaveh pushed Alhaitham against the wall. Okay, well, he tried to, but his roommate didn’t budge whatsoever. In fact, he looked bored and vaguely amused with his attempt. “Are you done?”
“No I am not done! ” Kaveh hissed, looking around wildly before he leaned in. “What was that for?”
And Alhaitham had the gall to release an exhale that sounded way too similar to a huff to her coincidence. “I was playing the part. Is that not what you wanted when you asked me to be your fiancé and marry you?” He crossed his arms, looking down at Kaveh. That infuriatingly condescending look was on his face. “You’re aware we’ll have to kiss at the wedding, yes? I thought we might as well just get it over with so it looks more natural when the time comes.”
Curse him and his logical reasoning!
Despite that, Kaveh felt his anger fading. He huffed, taking a step away from Alhaitham and motioning for him to walk beside him. He was dead tired, honestly. He didn’t have the energy to argue or be mad anymore.
Alhaitham matched his stride easily. He wasn’t making eye contact, staring straight ahead with his mouth pinched into a thin line. The two of them didn’t talk until they reached the front door.
“Did you have practice with that or something?” Kaveh blurted as Alhaitham opened the door. He ignored the flash of ugly jealousy at the thought of the other man kissing someone else.
“Hm?” Alhaitham turned his head quizzically. He knew full well what Kaveh was talking about. He wasn’t stupid. He just wanted Kaveh to say it out loud.
“The…the kiss!” He flailed his hands around uselessly for a moment. “Are you experienced with kissing? I never expected you to ever be interested in anyone like that.”
A flash of something passed through Alhaitham’s eyes as he stared down at Kaveh. Silence persisted for a heartbeat too long. “I’ve never done that before.” He said simply, nonplussed. At Kaveh’s wide eyed stare full of disbelief, he turned away. “Goodnight, Kaveh.”
He was gone before Kaveh could even formulate what to say back. He stood wordlessly in the living room for a few moments, pondering. Had he really…been Alhaitham’s first ever kiss? A part of him felt selfish that he took that away from him, but another part felt proud that he was his roommate’s first kiss. The feelings were so conflicting and confusing that Kaveh groaned, rubbing his eyes as he finally trekked up the stairs sluggishly. He could think about this more tomorrow. When he was less sleep deprived and more coherent. Even then, he knew he wouldn’t acknowledge what had happened. Both he and Alhaitham would continue on like normal. Whatever normal was for them now. Even if normal was planning their wedding with a couple and getting married, even if normal was kissing and touching in public and separating the moment they were in private.
Kaveh didn’t want that. He didn’t want to be cast aside by Alhaitham. That desperate part of him craved validation incessantly from his Junior, but maybe what he wanted the whole time was for them to be seen as equals. To respect each other and love each other as equals.
Love?
Was Kaveh in love with Alhaitham? Sure, he had a small, tiny, itty bitty crush on Alhaitham, but most of the time those feelings dissipated the moment they got into another fight. Despite that…those feelings always came back one way or another. He wasn’t ready to deal with the idea of loving Alhaitham yet though, so he cast those feelings aside once more. One day he’d sort through his thoughts, but that day was not today. Nor was it anytime soon.
As Kaveh changed, brushed his teeth, and collapsed into bed, he tried to ignore the way his lips tingled every time he thought of Alhaitham kissing him again.