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He’s so beautiful.
Glancing from behind your hiding spot, you can’t help but marvel over the blond man who had just entered the Akademiya’s library. The library was silent and empty at this time of day, leaving just you and the unaware man inside the large, opulent rooms. Tall and slenderly muscular, your eyes were drawn to the beauty of this man as your fingers itched with the urge to pick up a pencil and take it to paper. From the side, you couldn’t see his entire face, but you could swoon over his sharp jawline, high cheekbones and straight nose. His eyes were sharp and intense, brows furrowed in concentration as he stared down at large and intricate blueprints, completely lost within his world.
It didn’t help that the golden light of the afternoon sun drifted through the windows above him, bathing him in warm tones and highlighting his brilliant features. If you were religious, you might have fallen to your knees in reverence, especially when he lifted his head and the sun caught his hair just right, making it seem as if a halo bloomed to life around his golden locks. Your heart skipped a beat, and you ducked to hide behind your bookcase, tightening your arms around the pile of books you’d been collecting before you stumbled into this area.
Archons, but you don’t think you’ve ever had the chance to see a beauty like that before. And here you’d thought that the most gorgeous man you would ever meet was the Calvary captain back home in Mondstat. ‘How wonderful,’ You thought with a dreamy sigh, lowing your head to hide your warm face against one of the book covers, ‘How positively delightful that my eyes could be so blessed.’ Peeking from around the bookcase again, you continued to watch from afar, silent, wanting just a few more moments to study this divine man’s features.
You’d been here for hours to find a book you’d been meaning to copy and translate for the library in Mondstat. It is a task handed to you by the librarian Lisa and your good friend Albedo, that you took with utmost grace and sincerity (and with the promise of monetary compensation for your trip abroad). You didn’t consider yourself a bookworm, of course, but you adored learning, especially with scriptures and writings that you couldn’t get in Mondstat. And even more so on someone else’s dime. Some might consider your actions opportunistic – what, with the drama and infighting that had taken place only a few weeks before you arrived here.
Even the acting Grand Sage had looked at you suspiciously when you’d come to his office, requesting full access to the library. It was only the recommendation letter from Lisa that had gotten you past his scrutiny (for a man so handsome, he was rude) and into the library as needed. And Archons, what a library it was – far grander and fuller than the one back in the Knights of Favonious’ headquarters. In all the hours you’d been here, you’d had the time of your life, trailing through the towering Akademiya library’s bookshelves, grabbing and browsing different novels.
All while pretending not to notice the whispers and stares you received from those fuddy-duddy Akademiya students. Or the glares that had been sent your way from the librarians as you practically skipped through the library’s immaculate halls. You’d even ignored the guards who would straighten their backs and scowl if you got too close to some of the older, more expensive parchments, even if you were just skimming past them. You supposed you couldn’t blame them though – given how easily the Fatui had snuck in and infiltrated the high ranks of the old corrupt Akademiya officials and locked up the Dendro archon.
It was a given that your presence would attract (hostile and more alert) attention from the people who worked and studied at the Akademiya. Your outfit didn’t help you blend in much either, as you’d taken to dressing up more similarly to a treasure hoarder just to have less difficulty travelling through Mondstat and Sumeru. At the time you made that decision, you thought you were the smartest person in Teyvat. But alas, your hubris blinded you, and now you couldn’t get everyone’s attention off of you – till they all went out to grab lunch during their break, leaving you blissfully alone – or so you’d thought.
‘Then again, I don’t mind the company when he looks this good,’ You thought dreamily, chancing another peek around the corner, barely holding in a gasp when the man tossed his head back, sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. Ahhhhh, you wanted to run your fingers through his hair too! It looked so soft, so silky as if it would flow through your hands like sand in the desert. You watched as he pulled his hair together in one hand before using a leather band around his wrist to secure the golden strands into a messy bun.
The sight of this man so blissful and unaware of his actions made your belly tingle and your face turn hot. Ducking back behind the bookcase, you squeezed your eyes shut and shook your head, trying to clear your mind, “C’mon, gotta focus and get back to work,” Muttering to yourself, you hurried back to the table you had commanded now that the library was mostly empty, your heart aching with regret that you couldn’t continue to study the beautiful man. Perhaps, if you were lucky, you would be able to bump into him and ask if he would be willing to pose for a sketch.
Humming beneath your breath, you spread your research out in front of you before rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. Minutes turned to hours, while the afternoon continued to wane into the early evening and then the depths of the night. By the time you finished copying the last book, the library was dark and silent, with only your table lit up while you worked, “Ugh, what time is it?” You mumbled, stretching from your hunched position and feeling your spine pop in several spots. Your eyes felt gritty when you blinked, your mouth was dry, and your hands ached from the amount of writing you’d had to do while sitting in one place for so long.
Glancing towards the windows, you didn’t notice the glint of golden hair as the man you had previously been admiring popped out from behind the nearest bookcase. You were too tired to pay attention to your surroundings, especially when you were certain that the Akademiya was safe due to the heightened security patrolling the entire place. Unbeknownst to you, he paused when he caught sight of your stretching figure, surprised that there was someone else in the library so late at night as well. Groaning lowly in the back of your throat, you realised you’d spent more time than you wished in the library, accidentally skipping dinner due to your hyperfocused scribbling, “Fuck… I’m starving. I hope there’s still a restaurant or something open at this time so I can get something to eat.”
“Hmmm, I think Lambad’s tavern should still be open right around now, if you’re that hungry,” A melodious, masculine voice mused from behind you, causing you to jump in your seat and whip around to face the most beautiful, symmetrical face you’d ever bore witness to. If you were standing, you’re sure your knees would have buckled at the smile that curved soft-looking lips, and sharp yet sympathetic red eyes, oh Archons you were going to combust-! “Pardon me for intruding, I couldn’t help but overhear you. I was thinking of heading there myself for a bite to eat – would you like to join me?” You’ve never wanted to do anything so badly throughout your life!
Clearing your throat, you hoped that your expression wouldn’t give away the giddy, overly excited feelings that bubbled inside you, “Oh! Y-Yes, of course! If you wouldn’t mind the company, I’d be happy to pop along!” His smile became brighter at your acceptance, which made his eyes curve into crescent moons, “J-Just give me a moment to, uhm, clean up all of this,” Gesturing to the books and papers sprawled out on the table in front of you, you lamented the fact that you’d never been a more organized person.
Luckily, it didn’t seem to bother the divine being speaking to you, “Of course! I still need to pack up my things as well – shall we meet up at the library entrance in about ten minutes?” Come hell or high water, you would shove all these books back where they belonged within that time limit or die trying.
“Sure! See you, uhm, soon then!” you jumped out of your chair to immediately begin shoving papers into your bag, your face heating up from the surprised chuckle that left the pretty man’s mouth. As he walked away, you barely remembered that you hadn’t yet asked for his name… but you could always ask while you both had dinner! Humming beneath your breath, you grabbed the library books and booked it through the shelves, shoving every one of the tomes back where they belonged. You had once and only once made the mistake of not returning books you’d used in the Mondstat library back to their rightful place, and it was something you swore never to experience again.
Since then, you have become quite adept at remembering the bookcase and shelf numbers you needed to return your research material to. It didn’t take long before you were jogging towards the library’s entrance, pausing for a moment before getting there to pant and try to catch your breath, “Damn, I need to work out more. I should take Albedo’s offer to try one of his exercise experiments up some time,” You wheezed, gulping in air several more times before straightening your clothes to try and look presentable.
Once you were sure you wouldn’t embarrass yourself in front of your dinner date (‘not a date, just a nice guy showing you somewhere to get a decent meal,’ you reminded yourself), you hurried towards the meeting spot. Unsurprisingly, he was already there, leaning back casually against one of the towering columns that held up the ceiling, looking for all the world like a work of art come to life, “Ah, there you are! I was almost starting to worry that you stood me up,” He said playfully, slinging his briefcase over his left shoulder while pushing his other hand into his right pants pocket.
You laughed awkwardly in response, rubbing the back of your neck, “Yeah, sorry, it took longer than I expected to return everything I’d grabbed,” ‘but far quicker than any other schmuck could have done,’ Your prideful thoughts boasted, though you wouldn’t dare ruin the energy between you and the blond with your more grating nature, “Shall we head out? Ah, that reminds me, I don’t think I asked for the name of my saviour,” You shot the man beside you a wink and tried not to cringe at how obviously you were flirting with him. Ahhhhhh, you were so screwed – if you didn’t calm your racing heart it might just collapse in on itself!
“Hahaha, that’s quite a loaded thing to call someone who’s just sharing a meal with you,” He laughed and you had to swallow back the scream that wanted to bubble out the back of your throat. ‘Cute, cute, cute, cute, he’s so, so cute, ahhhhhhh I wish I could afford a Kamera!’ Now you could understand the people who were so fanatical about Barbara back in Mondstat, “My name is Kaveh – and you, my friend? I don’t believe I’ve seen you around the Akademiya before.”
You laughed and prayed to any Archon who would listen that your expression didn’t give away how flustered you were, “Oh, I’m not attending the Akademiya – a friend of mine asked me to come here and make some copies of a couple of manuscripts to translate and display in the Mondstat library,” You explained easily after introducing yourself, your hands fiddling with the straps of your backpack, “Once I’m done I’ll probably be heading back, though it seems that my project will take a little longer than planned,” You were lying through your teeth, hoping beyond hope that if you were lucky, you’d be able to snag another meal with the handsome blond without seeming too desperate or eager.
Kaveh smiled at you again and you swore this was the first time you saw something that was just as brilliant and blinding as the sun, “Oh, what a coincidence! I’ll be staying in the capital for a while longer myself – I’m currently researching some old building schematics from the time before the calamity for some inspiration,” Tilting your head to the side questioningly, Kaveh chuckled, “I’m an architect – have you ever been to the Palace of Alcazarzaray?” You nodded and beamed when Kaveh gestured to himself.
“Yes! It was only briefly, but it was stunning – you were the mastermind behind such beauty?” Oh my, handsome, smart, talented and well-established in his career! Could this man become any more dream-like for you? Kaveh and you walked at a leisurely pace, enjoying the warm night breeze that provided some relief from the humidity that had plagued the day, chatting about idle things. As Kaveh spoke on himself, you made sure to carefully shelve the information into your memory, too focused on the conversation to question why you were acting like a lovestruck fool about a pretty man.
The walk to the tavern felt short while you were lost in the conversation, and you were only shaken out of it once a waiter gruffly asked what you would like to eat, “Ah! Uhm, well, what is the chef’s recommendation?” You asked quickly, scrambling to lean aside to squint at the nearest menu. When were you seated?! There’s a drink in front of you, so you must have paused to order something, but when? Ahhhhh, shoot, you were much too spellbound by Kaveh’s beautiful face and personality, damn it! This is why you couldn’t hang out with handsome men!
Kaveh, sensing that you must be struggling to read the script on the menu board from so far away, turned to the waiter with a smile, “We’ll take one of the mix tables – my friend here isn’t from around these parts and would probably enjoy a chance to try the culinary expertise of the tavern,” Kaveh spoke calmly, his charming manner giving you pause as you moved to sit properly in your chair. You were too flustered to notice the glance the waiter gave Kaveh and how he leaned in to murmur something that made the blond frown but nod. Instead, you’d grabbed the glass of water that had been placed in front of you who knows how long ago and took a nice long sip, resisting the urge to chug it down.
Damn, your throat was parched. Next time you go on one of your research binges you’ll need to remember to bring a canteen.
“So, you mentioned earlier that you were in Sumeru as a favour for a friend of yours,” Kaveh hummed, leaning over the table once the waiter had left to relay your orders, his pretty red eyes locked on your face, making you feel as if he shot you in the heart, “May I ask what kind of research you’re doing? I find myself curious about what kinds of manuscripts our dusty old library could hold that you aren’t able to get in Mondstat.”
This man was going to be the death of you! “Oh, it’s not much – mostly just the history of the God Kings, some of the local legends and transcribed oral stories,” You hummed, taking another sip from your cup, trying to be subtle about how badly you wanted more to drink, “Since Lisa – she’s the head librarian of Mondstat – is a graduate from the Akademiya, she figured it’d be quicker and easier for her to send someone to copy and translate the books rather than having to find copies that might not be up to standard,” Kaveh nodded, understanding what you meant.
You both continued to speak to one another, pausing only briefly in your conversation to eat when the food was brought out to you. spending time with Kaveh was thrilling, both because he was incredibly good-looking, but also because he was so smart and charming and easy to converse with. A variety of topics were exchanged between you two as you enjoyed your meal, chattering on and on until the tavern owner informed you both that it was time to leave as they were closing up. Splitting the bill with Kaveh, you didn’t notice the relief in his gaze, as you were simply basking in the warmth of a good meal, good company and good conversation.
“Hmmmmh, that was de-li-cious!” You cheered as you stepped back outside along with Kaveh, less nervous now that you’d been properly acclimated to his presence throughout your meal. Sure, your heart still skipped a beat when he smiled and laughed at your jokes, but you weren’t as flustered or self-conscious as you were on an empty stomach, “I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner together Kaveh. Thank you so much for accompanying me,” You hoped that you didn’t sound mushy when you thanked him for the meal, especially since you’d just gotten to a point where you didn’t feel overwhelmed by the blond.
Kaveh laughed and held up his hands while shaking his head, “No, no, the thanks should come from me – it’s been a while since I’ve had such great company during a meal,” You couldn’t help but giggle at that, as you and Kaveh slowly meandered down the street, “Where are you staying, currently? I’ll walk you back to your place before heading home myself. I’d like to avoid my roommate as much as possible today,” Kaveh’s joke was semi-serious, but you didn’t notice, humming lowly and too relaxed to think twice about giving a veritable stranger your lodging details.
Besides, Kaveh didn’t seem dangerous at all. He’d been nothing but a gentleman towards you the entire time you’d known him, though you wouldn’t mind if he tried to make a move on you – though that seemed highly unlikely, “I’m currently staying in a rental apartment on the first level – near the amphitheatre,” Kaveh hummed and nodded, the two of you set off for your current home away from home. Though you spoke of a few things, your walk was mostly silent, though comfortable, as the various soothing sounds of the night filled your senses.
You continued to take peeks at Kaveh from the corner of your eye, admiring how the changed lighting from this afternoon seemed to bring a wholly different energy to his beauty. In the light of the sun, he seemed resplendent, bathed in gold, nearly deific – but under the moonlight he seemed softer, more mysterious, as his golden hair was nearly bleached white by the light of the moon. Only his eyes remained a deep red, pulling together the image of both versions into one man.
Once again, your hands itched with the urge to put his image to paper. But you would be patient; Kaveh seemed interested in meeting up again during your stay here in Sumeru, and you already planned to extend said stay now that you’d met someone so interesting. There would be plenty of time in the coming days where you could pop the question, though even now you could feel your face heat up at the thought.
Spotting the door to your rental, you skipped over to it cheerfully before turning to face Kaveh, “Well… this is my stop, it seems,” You hummed, fiddling with the straps of your backpack once more, regretting that you’d arrived so quickly back home. You wanted to spend more time with Kaveh – a surprise to you, as you weren’t someone who liked spending long amounts of time with people.
And yet, you really, really were tempted to invite Kaveh inside, though you felt it would be much too forward to say, “So it seems…” Kaveh trailed off, and for a moment you almost thought he was looking up at you mournfully, as if he, too, didn’t want the evening to end, “Good night. I hope you have a pleasant rest.”
“You too… sweet dreams, Kaveh,” Your voice threatened to tremble, but you held yourself together. You didn’t know why you were so drawn to him that parting like this would feel so awful. Biting the inside of your cheek, you turned and walked towards your rental’s front door, pulling out the keys and jingling them together on your pointer finger.
Hearing Kaveh call your name, you turned back to him with a small, “Yeah-?” before your lips were suddenly captured in a soft kiss. Your eyes widened in shock and a squeaky noise caused your lips to part, allowing Kaveh to deepen the kiss slowly. Once your brain caught up with what was happening, you melted into the kiss with a sigh, eagerly reciprocating his motions. Kaveh kissed you like you were something to be treated gently, something precious, yet desirable, and you could feel the way his touch seemed to sear through every nerve in your body.
When he pressed his tongue past the opening of your lips to pull yours into a dance, you whimpered and wrapped your arms around his shoulders. Kaveh hummed and pressed you up against your door, his hands drifting to your waist to hold you close. You shivered at his warmth, at his gentle touch, so overwhelmed by the flurry of feelings in your chest it made you dizzy. And yet, you still wanted more, craved more, your tongue dancing with Kaveh’s until you were both out of breath and had no choice but to part.
Panting, you stared up at Kaveh, admiring the pinkish tint to his cheeks and the slight dishevelment of his hair. Before you could talk yourself out of it, in a moment of bravery, you opened your mouth, “Do you want to take this inside?” and invited him in.
Kaveh grinned at your question and leaned in to kiss you again, stealing your breath for another few moments before breaking apart, “Well, it is getting colder tonight… and truth be told, it seems I’ve misplaced the keys to my home,” His sheepish response made you giggle and tug him down for a peck.
Stumbling, you turned to unlock the front door of the house, pushing it open before tugging Kaveh inside, “You can stay as long as you need to find your keys, then,” You joked, the door closing behind you and Kaveh, shutting you off from the moonlit night outside.