Work Text:
Seasons turn and time passes but the one constant that remains is that work is always flowing. Whether it's the design of a new building or remodelling of an old room, there is always work for an architect somewhere in the vast acres of Tyvet and Kaveh always aims to grab it when he can. Work is his purpose. He works so he can create and he creates so he can help others but also bring beauty into Tyvet with his stunning designs. Kaveh first fell in love with the idea of being an architect due to its wonder and power. As a young child, he was amazed by how his mother could come up with a dazzling idea full of beauty and shine and with a few strokes of a pen it was placed on a blueprint, becoming something more beautiful than just an idea; then a month later Kaveh would be smiling even more brightly, staring up at the creation his mother designed now a physical thing before him. He adored the premise of being able to imagine something so mesmerising and make it come to life. Even more, he loved seeing how others smiled and joy flew in the air when surrounded by such jaw-dropping architecture. If he too could put those smiles on others faces through the powers of his imagination, then Kaveh knew without a doubt he wanted to become an Architect just like his mum. It was his dream! However not all dreams were as marvellous as they seemed.
When his father died and his mother left, Kaveh's world dimmed and his dream was tainted with guilt. He became determined to work, to put smiles on others faces, even if it would be the death of him. If he suffered, that was fine because he deserved it. It was his ambitions that led to his father's death... it was his fault so to repent he'd put smiles on others faces. Kaveh would see the best in everyone and care little of the consequences. If someone was manipulating him, he did not care because it was the price he paid for his sin. This life he lived was his sentence. Kaveh may have given off a facade of joy and nonchalants, being able to smile and argue his heartfelt beliefs but deep down everything he felt was covered in a thick paint of depression. Fortunately that darkness he felt was only temporary, because he had friends looking out for him and most importantly he had his boyfriend reminding him he mattered. When Alhaitham confessed, Kaveh felt the paint thin and crack. It wasn't a fix all solution but it was a start. Kaveh started to let the sunshine back into his life and build his dream back to its original form. Building and working on thing he truly admired brought an honest smile to Kaveh's face, and knowing he was working not out a sense of guilt but of love and desire made it feel so much more satisfying, and whenever the paint tried to thicken his boyfriend was there to help him through it. But then again dreams weren't always as a young child envisioned them.
Whether it was the suffocating clasps of depression, demanding clients, or the shriveled up well of inspiration, there was always some obstacle in his way. This was all fair and good, no job was without its difficulties and no masterpieces were made without hardships. All the obstacles that lay in his path Kaveh was prepared for. He always stood ready for battle with his strong will and trusty feather quill by his side and beating the problem to create something always felt more satisfying. However, Kaveh wasn't built of infinite resilience- he was just human after all, and sometimes the endless demands of clients or lack of ideas or motivation got too much at times. When things were too overwhelming for him to bear, Kaveh would retreat to a hidden sanctuary in his mind.
Deep down past the paths of endless memories and tales of days gone by, there was a secluded hill reaching to the sky and on that hill was a lone cherry tree. The tree sat centre stage amongst the luscious ground. Its arms stretched out wide, basking in the sun. Adorning each smooth cherry tree arm was an assortment of five petal flowers. Each petal was a silky pink that faded into a gentle white at the tip. The flowers shimmered in the sunlight and were always enjoyable to watch in full blossom. Sitting under the tree, being engulfed in falling petals was Kaveh. Well that was how he imagined it. Kaveh had only seen the tree in passing while completing a commission in Inazuma, but from that quick glance he had decided it was the most serene thing he'd ever seen. Therefore, in his mind that is where he sat in peace amongst the serenity of the cherry tree and its falling petals. Sitting under the tree relaxed his mind and heart and when he came out from his sanctuary, Kaveh always felt rejuvenated and able to conquer the beast before him. Yet that wasn't all he did. When he left the beautiful sight his mind had conjured, his first instinct like any artist was to paint it into existence and every time he visited he improved the painting bit by bit.
Seasons turned and timed past and March soon turned to July. It was the summer season meaning Sumeru was even more unbearable than normal. Kaveh had just got back from a day trip in the desert, a quick study of ruins and architecture. His client had bought a bit of land in the desert and desired a little home to be built there in the style of the surrounding ruins. Kaveh had fell in love with the idea when it was first proposed to him and was further encapsulated when the client informed him he had full creative control, all they wished was the style matched the ruins. It was a reasonable request and this current client was much lovelier than his most recent ones so Kaveh had aimed to fulfill it to the best of his capabilities. A simple day trip to the desert was a great idea to start the project. Seeing the site in person would help him envision a perfect home and seeing the style of the ruins meant Kaveh knew what he was working with when designing. It was all an ideal arrangement except for one annoying problem. Why did the day Kaveh went to the desert have to be during the beginning of a heatwave.
In the morning, it was nice and cool and Kaveh was filled with so much enthusiasm, but by the time early afternoon rolled around, he'd grown tired of the heat and couldn't wait to relax in the coolness of his home. Yet when he departed from the desert, Kaveh was disappointed to find waves of heat radiating from everywhere in the Sumeru. By the time he reached the city he was greeted by a horrible mixture of humidity and heat instead of the refreshing breeze he so desired. Any signs of motivation had evaporated the second that humid air had hit him. Today's working day was over for Kaveh. Strolling into his home, Kaveh face-planted straight onto the divan, without a care in the world. Not for the first time in his life did Kaveh wish for a cryo vision instead of a dendro one, solving all his temporary problems. Oh the heat, he hated it but thankfully he had his boyfriend to make it more bearable. His dearest Alhaitham had wetted a flannel and placed it on Kaveh's forehead, providing the blond with the coolness he desired. Even better, the scribe had made a refreshing drink and placed it on the table for Kaveh to grab whenever he desired. Lastly, the best thing Alhaitham did and probably more for himself, was sit down on the divan pulling Kaveh into his lap so they could snuggle peacefully together.
With all the luxuries surrounding him, Kaveh couldn't help retreat to his sanctuary once again. Up on that secluded hill, standing centre stage like the star of the show it was in Kaveh's heart, sat his Cherry tree. It was the start of the summer so the pretty pink petals had all fallen and taken their place was now fluffy green leaves. They were scattered all over the cherry arms giving the tree such volume and continuing to make it look beautiful in its new look. Amongst the leaves were the trees prized possession. Where there once were flowers there now grew juicy cherries. The flowers he had adored had morphed into his favourite snack. The cherry was a fruit that was hard on the outside but full of such mouthwatering softness on the inside. The dreamy flavours always danced around his mouth with every bite and made him always want more. Kaveh seeing the juicy cherries in all their goodness, couldn't help but pluck a few and taste the luscious gifts it provided before he sat back down under his cherry tree. For once he wasn't alone. Under the cherry tree, Kaveh sat snuggled in Alhaitham's arms whilst they both enjoyed the shade the tree provided. Occasionally he would share his treats with the scribe beside him but otherwise the pair just relaxed, enjoying the peace and quiet away from all their troubles.
When Kaveh resurfaced from his mind, he was greeted by the heartwarming sight of his boyfriend sleeping beside him. It turns out he wasn't the only one worn out by the heat. Alhaitham looked just as peaceful beside him as he did under the cherry tree, reminding Kaveh to make a mental note to paint the picture later but for now he was too happy here to move. Carefully, Kaveh motioned to grab his drink and then settled back down, snuggled in his boyfriend's arms as he took a sip... ah Cherry his favourite.
Seasons turned and time passed and demanding clients continued to exist. Kaveh's most recent client seemed to be trying to get the Tyvet record for most nitpicky and indecisive person ever. With every draft Kaveh did they would complain about any of the stupidest things, then go on to demand Kaveh make a new draft to even see if they liked this change. For example, Kaveh had to redesign a window three times because the client couldn't decide which colour they preferred, or the fact Kaveh had redone a new whole draft to only change the door knocker. Archon, this client was insufferable but the pay was good. The client themselves weren't a horrible person, they were just so nitpicky! Kaveh couldn't stand it.
"For Archon's sake. If the client dares to demand another draft i might lose it." Kaveh groaned as he worked on the latest draft, his head hitting the table in exhaustion.
"Kaveh, you need to rest." Alhaitham stated, concern dripping in his words.
"I know... but this draft-"
"Hun, you're literally resting on the table." Alhaitham pointed out hiding a little smirk, he grabbed Kaveh by the shoulders and directed him towards his bed.
"Sleep." Alhaitham commanded planting a soft kiss on Kaveh's head.
Doing as instructed, Kaveh closed his eyes and let his mind drift off. Whisked away, far from all his troubles, Kaveh found himself back at his sanctuary staring up at his Cherry tree. Once again it had transformed its look with the seasons and now adorned a pretty orange ombre. The different shades of red and orange flowed into each other nicely and appeared as if they couldn't go any other way. Across the vast autumn leaves there was the occasional yellow lighting up the selection of colour and taking the tree to greater heights of beauty. Autumn leaves were always fun to be around because as they gathered on the ground, one could make a fun bed of leaves to lie on. Kaveh also enjoyed running amongst the falling leaves, watching all the colours around him; it made him feel as if he was in a fantasy world. Autumn was so beautiful and his cherry tree looked just as beautiful in the autumn colours as it did in any other style. Kaveh only wished he could see it up close but for now he would enjoy what his mind could think.
When Kaveh woke, he was pleasantly surprised to see a plate of peaches by his bed. Oh Alhaitham. Unsurprisingly, Kaveh could tell all his blueprints had been hidden, guess no going back to work for now but he didn't mind as much. This sweet relaxation was as sweet as his sanctuary. Feeling inspired, Kaveh grabbed his hidden paints and sketchbook and got to work painting his fantasy world with his cherry tree.
Seasons turned and time passed and once again Kaveh found himself sketching away. Early winter had finally arrived but due to the climate of Sumeru it never snowed. Kaveh longed for the joy of watching snow fall and decorating the plants and buildings. He didn't care much for playing in the snow because if he ever wanted that he could always plan a trip to a place that snowed. What Kaveh truly envied was how people in places like Mondstadt got to enjoy the beauty of a winter wonderland everyday. Kaveh could only imagine how wonderful it was to look out the window everyday and see that glistening sight. How lucky those people were.
However there was one thing he could do. If Kaveh couldn't have his winter wonderland outside his door he could always create one for himself through the means of art, and if anything was going to be in his winter wonderland it would be his precious cherry tree. Therefore Kaveh sat snuggled under a blanket in the living room sketching away. He had done this countless times over the years and found it always quelled his desire for the winter beauty. Just seeing the smooth bark sparkle under winter sun and how the tree had discarded its leaves for the season and instead a comfy outfit of snow. Kaveh may be biased but he found whatever look his Cherry tree adorned, it was always mesmerising. No other tree had this power so no other tree could become his favourite. The cherry tree had truly earned its title as the most amazing tree in existence in Kaveh's heart and sketching it in it's winter clothes, Kaveh couldn't agree more.
Today when he sketched, Kaveh tried his best to envision a fantastical winter wonderland he'd never created before, stretching his imagination beyond its limits. It's always a good exercise for an architect like himself who's work revolved around his never ending imagination so it always good to test its limits every once and awhile and what better way than with his precious cherry tree. The only problem Kaveh was finding was he was using a new sketchbook so had no previous works to reference or check he wasn't recreating an idea he had had before. When Kaveh had the inspiration to create a new winter wonderland, he was annoyed to find his sketchbook containing all his cherry tree artworks was nowhere to be found. It was quite saddening since he enjoyed looking back at his cherry tree in art form on occasion but never being one to let inspiration run away, he grabbed a new sketchbook and got to work anyway.
A few hours passed and Kaveh was plenty glad to see his idea coming together. There really was a new winter wonderland before his eyes and his cherry tree was sparkling like never before. The way it stole the show greater than before made Kaveh certain this was a new idea, yet he would very much like his old sketchbook to compare against. Just when Kaveh had that thought, he heard the quiet noises of keys and locks turning- Alhaitham was home. Kaveh's heart fluttered with joy at knowing his boyfriend was home. He smiled brightly when he saw his boyfriend enter and was a little surprised to see him carrying a box half the size of him. It was quite comical, causing Kaveh to let out a little chuckle. As he laughed, Kavek noticed a familiar pink under his boyfriend's arm and discovered where his sketchbook had gone.
"So it was you who stole my sketchbook. I should've known my boyfriend wanted to admire my art." Kaveh gloated as he watched Alhaitham place the box on top of a nearby chester drawers, smiling smugly the whole time.
"Well I apologize but i needed it for something." Alhaitham mentioned off handedly, still fussing with the box.
"What could be so important that the former acting grand sage would require my sketchbook of cherry trees." Kaveh humourisally asked,
"This" Alhaitham stated with triumph, stepping away from what was the box.
All joking and humour instantly vanished from Kaveh's face as it was replaced by pure amazement. His eyes were wide and lips starting to perk up because before him was an actual Cherry tree but not just that a cherry tree covered in snow. It was so beautiful. The tree was everything Kaveh had imagined.
"How?" Was all Kaveh could say. His eyes glued to the beauty before him.
"A few months back i found your sketchbook and well it gave me an idea. I spoke to Tighnari and he helped me acquire a cherry tree seed. In the meantime i worked on this glass enclosure. It creates a mini ecosystem meaning you can see the tree in all its glory every season despite our conditions in Sumeru." Alhaitham explained in immense detail whilst Kaveh intently listened. Hearing how his boyfriend created all this just so he could have his cherry tree be more than just his art was everything.
"Thank you, for bringing my art to life." Kaveh whispered, overwhelmed by love and gave his boyfriend a sweet kiss on the cheek.
"But that's not why i needed your sketchbook." Alhaitham mysteriously stated,
"Why did you need it?" Kaveh asked curiously.
Given the go ahead by Kaveh's question, Alhaitham turned around with the giddiness of a young child and flicked a switch on the enclosure. All of a sudden a small painting was projected on each side of the glass, clear to see but not blocking the beautiful tree inside. The painting was of a cherry tree in a winter wonderland that Kaveh painted a year ago.
"As the seasons change so will the paintings. Now you can see your art compared to the real thing and now everyone can admire it and what inspired it." Alhaitham excitedly relayed and all Kaveh could do was smile with deep love and pull his boyfriend in for a love filled hug. Kaveh truly had the best boyfriend in the world.