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The rainy season of Sumeru had arrived. Alhaitham has never been a fan and of the rain. However, Kaveh loves it. Maybe Alhaitham will loosen up, just this once. Kaveh woke up with the sun on his face. He must've forgotten to close the blinds last night. When Kaveh sat up, he was immediately hit with the strong smell of coffee. When he turned to his right, he saw some coffee sitting on the nightstand. "Alhaitham must've made this." Kaveh took a sip. Strange, did Alhaitham memorize his way of making coffee? Two spoonfuls of sugar and a tad bit of milk. Just how he liked it.
***
Alhaitham sat on the dark green divan. Silently smirking to himself. He knew Kaveh was about to yell at him from the tone of footsteps.
"Did you enjoy the coffee, Light of Kshawerwar?"
"How-how did you know how I liked my coffee?!" Kaveh scratched the back of the neck.
"Is a man not able to remember things anymore?" Alhaitham smirked flipping the page of his book.
To Alhaitham's surprise, Kaveh did not continue the argument, he just turned his head and grabbed his recent designs for a client he needed to meet this afternoon. As soon as he did this, it started to rain, again. Kaveh let out a huge sigh.
"You can use my cape as a cover. I'm off from work today."
***
Kaveh was shocked by this offer. This had to be a joke!
"What is with these random acts of kindness?!" Kaveh pouted and crossed his arms.
"Fine then, if you want to be soaked to the bone, be my guest." Alhaitham continued reading his book.
Kaveh hid his face again. He could not let Alhaitham see him blushing. He then turned back to face him.
"Fine! I'll use your cape and carry my supplies in a bag. I hope your happy."
Alhaitham gave him a nod.
Kaveh grabbed the cape and gathered his supplies, grabbed Mehrak and left.
After Kaveh had become Alhaitham's roommate. He realized he couldn't ignore his feeling- no, love for Alhaitham. Ever since he knew Haitham, he had feelings for him.
He didn't know why, or how he could love such an insufferable, annoying, stone-hearted man. After walking for around ten minutes lost in his thoughts from his crush, Alhaitham, he finally made it to the premises. It wasn't far from his house, the issue that took him so long was the rain. If only he hadn't worn his regular shoes. Now his pants legs were wet. No matter! He had to meet with his client.
Kaveh knocked on the door. He was met with the same lady.
"Good afternoon! Mrs. Aida, I'm here to discuss designs for your home renovation." Kaveh smiled. Mehrak let out a little chirp.
"Oh Mr. Kaveh, sorry its such late notice, but I won't be needing you anymore, I found a different interior designer." The lady bowed her head.
Kaveh was crushed. He knew tears wanted to pour from his eyes, but he had to stand strong. Or at least for right now.
"Oh but, Ma'am- Ma'am, I-I, think I can be much service to your ideas. See I have some blue-blueprints! Erm-" Kaveh stumbled over his words quickly ruffling through his supplies.
"That won't be necessary, I just don't like your style. You can leave now, the storm is picking up."
"Wait! No-no..."
Kaveh began to speak but the door was slammed right into his face. A dreaming architect, trapped inside walls of debt along with a shattered and heavy heart. He packed up his things, put Haitham's cape on his back and began to wearily walk back to his hom- house. House. Alhaitham was not family, he was just an aqquataince.
***
Alhaitham was sitting on the couch, reading of course, and drinking some tea. He was shocked when he saw the crying Architect in the doorway. He wanted to get up and take care of him. Wipe away his tears, however, Kaveh wouldn't like that. He couldn't make their relationship worse. But he also couldn't just sit there and watch him cry. Without thinking anymore, Alhaitham got up and wiped the tears of Kaveh. Wait, Kaveh didn't mind?
"Kaveh what happened?"
Alhaitham's voice softened.
"I-I-I don't know what's wrong with me Haitham. Everyone keeps turning me down. I could've paid my debt with the amount of money Mrs. Aida offered! Why, Haitham, why am I a failure?" Kaveh's voice broke, more and more.
Alhaitham's teal eyes burned with sympathy.
"...I don't think your a failure, your opposite of that, you've made an impact on so many people's lives, including mine." Alhaitham felt his cheeks grow warm. But he didn't mind this time.
"What do you mean? Haitham...you haven't used that name in so long?" Kaveh soon felt himself growing warm. But it was almost as if he was paralyzed looking into
Alhaitham's gentle eyes.
"What I mean is...I...love you." Alhaitham immediately hid his face after saying that.
How could he say that?! Why did he say that?! He loved Kaveh, but he didn't think he'd acknowledge his feelings so fast. Now...Kaveh would hate him. He'd be disgusted with him. This was an awful idea; would he still enjoy his company?
"Haitham...Haitham? No-no-no. Your not serious right?" Kaveh was shocked. There was no way, no way in Celestia that Alhaitham loved him. A failing architect?!
"I understand if you don't feel the same way Veh..."
"
I do! I do feel the same way!" Kaveh immediately blurted.
“I just didn’t know you…liked…guys….” Kaveh sighed, amused by the new information he had gotten.
Now there was an awkward silence between the two. Kaveh kept eying the window, watching as the rain gently tapped on the glass panes. Alhaitham was also silent. Softly staring at Kaveh. However, Kaveh, couldn’t stop imagining the scene of him and Alhaitham dancing in the rain.
"You know what, I have an idea." Kaveh smiled.
Kaveh pulled Alhaitham out the backyard door and into the rain. Alhaitham grabbed an umbrella quickly and immediately they were met with a heavy downpour. Kaveh took in a deep breath. The smell of petrichor and spices filled the air. Kaveh ran out into the rain. He twirled around and stretched out his arms and let the rain run down his hair and face. <
"What are you doing? Did I say something to make you go insane? I can get Tighnari." Alhaitham was cautious of rain, backing away from Kaveh and towards the door. "Come on Haitham! Loosen up, just a little. Besides it's just water! You need to live a little."
Alhaitham was a little nervous when stepping out of the doorway. He did not like the feeling of being wet at all. But...his lover did seem like he was having a fun time. So, he took a deep breath and walked out. He was met with the feeling of cool rain running down his hair. The slow pitter-pattering of the rain was peaceful. However, Alhaitham was still a little weary, especially being barefoot and all. Kaveh let out a small laugh.
Alhaitham hurriedly went back to under the terrace near the backdoor. Kaveh soon followed after him.
As the rain continued to pour, Kaveh and Alhaitham were both sitting, covered and shielded form the rain by the terrace attached to Alhaitham's house. The sound of raindrops tapping against the roof created a soothing melody, and the air was filled with the earthy scent of petrichor.
"Haitham, do you trust me?" Kaveh asked, a playful smile playing on his lips.
Alhaitham arched an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and caution in his teal eyes. "Should I be concerned?"
Ignoring the question, Kaveh grabbed Alhaitham's hand and led him to the edge of the terrace. With a swift movement, Alhaitham opened the umbrella and stepped out into the rain with Kaveh.
"What are you doing, Kaveh?" Alhaitham asked, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
"Trust me," Kaveh replied, he took the umbrella and closed it, and then he allowed the rain to cascade over them. "Sometimes, you just have to embrace the rain, Haitham."
Alhaitham hesitated for a moment before a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He sighed and allowed the raindrops to fall freely on him. Kaveh grinned, feeling a sense of triumph.
The two stood there, letting the rain wash over them, their clothes becoming drenched. Kaveh's laughter blended with the rhythmic pattering of the rain, creating a symphony of joy. Alhaitham, usually reserved, found himself caught in the infectious energy of the moment.
"I'd never expect willingly standing in the rain would be this...liberating." Alhaitham admitted, a genuine smile breaking through his usual stoic demeanor.
"See? Rain isn't always a nuisance. Sometimes, it's a chance to let go," Kaveh said, twirling around and splashing as he did so. He extended his arms, inviting Alhaitham to join him.
Alhaitham hesitated for a moment, then, with a nod, he stepped closer to Kaveh. The umbrella lay forgotten on the patio as they danced together in the rain, their laughter echoing in the quiet neighborhood.
After laughing for a while Alhaitham took a deep sigh, "Kaveh... you're going to get sick. We should just head inside."
"Hmm...I'd rather stay out here, now give me your hand."
Alhaitham hesitantly but hastily gave Kaveh his hand. Kaveh then attempted to twirl him, but he ended up tripping on his sodden cape instead. Knocking him over into a puddle This made Alhaitham laugh. Kaveh missed his laugh. It was full of the childish joy he hid inside. But before he could hear it again, Alhaitham cleared his throat and helped Kaveh up.
"I love you, Haitham." Kaveh smiled.
Alhaitham smiled back and twirled Kaveh around, the correct way. Together they both danced in the rain. They got all kinds of stares from students. A failing architect with an acting grand sage? But they didn't care right now. All that mattered was that they were together.
Alhaitham moved a piece of wet hair from Kaveh's face, he noticed Kaveh's eyeshadow and mascara were running down his delicate face because of the rain. He then wiped Kaveh's beautiful face from the falling raindrops and looked into his deep scarlet crimson-coloured eyes.
Kaveh's eyes were wide with amusement, shock, embarrassment and confusion.
Before Kaveh could get a word out Alhaitham leaned in for a kiss. It was long, sweet and beautiful. After a while, Kaveh pulled back, gasping for air. The rain still pattered relentlessly at the two. But Kaveh couldn't stop thinking,
"Are we a couple now?" Kaveh asked. Wiping the water trickling down his face.
Alhaitham looked at Kaveh earnestly. The little soaking-wet architect was blushing.
"Only if you want us to be," Alhaitham smirked.
This smart remark led to the half-soaked acting grand sage to be fully soaked, Kaveh began to kick the puddle forming at his feet at Alhaitham. Alhaitham never showed his teeth when he smirked or smiled, so it was rare when Kaveh saw Alhaitham smile at him, fully exposing his chipped tooth. The acting grand sage playfully pushed Kaveh causing him to lose balance and trip again into a puddle.
"You should work on your footwork, Mr. Light of Kshawerar." Alhaitham laughed, only to be splashed with more water. "Maybe you should work on dodging splashes, Mr. Acting Grand Sage," Kaveh said evenly.
The splashing continued for about ten more minutes; both of the men were laughing like kids again. Kaveh wished Alhaitham had shown his childish side more. Kaveh couldn't help but smile. Kaveh noticed that Alhaitham's hair was starting to get in the way of his sight. He knew exactly what to do.
"Alhaitham," Kaveh called him.
Alhaitham was looking at a flower that was being pelted by the rain. But his attention was immediately applied to Kaveh. "Hm?" Alhaitham asked, moving his hair out his face.
Come here," Kaveh said unclipping one of his hairclips.
Alhaitham went over to Kaveh. Kaveh then began to tie up Alhaitham's hair into a messy bun. He took a step back and admired his work.
"Now that's better." Kaveh put his hands on his hips. Turning to his regular pose.
"Veh...what about your hair? You'll catch a cold if you keep it down like that." Alhaitham warned while picking a few flowers.
"I'm fine! I prefer it like this. I like having freedom in my hair." Kaveh said swishing his head around.
"Your hair looks so different...it's supposed to be golden but now it's like a dirty brown, laced with hints of gold?" Alhaitham carefully examined Kaveh's hair. Running his fingers through the wet stringy locks.
"Oh yeah! My mother used to joke about how my hair could change colors when it got wet...I always thought it was cool." Kaveh smiled.
Alhaitham admired his smile. But then he went back to the garden. Kaveh didn't ask what he was doing.
Alhaitham shrugged. Kaveh still kept enjoying the rain, twirling and spinning in it.
Alhaitham finally finished picking flowers, he would give them to Kaveh. He got up from the muddied ground and he gave the flowers to Kaveh.
"Haitham...you're acting so different! Thank you..." Kaveh blushed.
"Well...we are a couple. So...I might as well act the part." Alhaitham smiled.
Kaveh grabbed one of the lilies and put it in Alhaitham's hair. Alhaitham did the same.
"Do you know how to make a flower crown?" Kaveh asked fiddling with the white lilies in his hands.
"No? Why?"
"Here let me show you! I used to make them all the time."
"In the rain?" Alhaitham scratched his head.
"Sit down! Just let me show you!"
"But...it's wet. I'll get muddy, I can't...do that. This entire thing we've been doing has been so...idiotic. And I can't sit here. I'm wet enough already." Alhaitham seemed a little confused. Kaveh liked it when Alhaitham was puzzled. Normally he never was confused, being a scholar and all. So, this was entertaining for Kaveh.
"Just sit down, a little mud never hurt anyone." Kaveh smiled sitting down on the wet ground near the garden he planted himself.
"Ok..." Alhaitham was hesitant, like always, but he gave in and sat down on the ground.
Kaveh picked a few more flowers and grabbed a few leaves. He began to show Alhaitham how to weave the vines together while lodging the white, yellow and blue lilies together. Alhaitham struggled at first, but eventually, he got the hang of it. Of course, Kaveh finished first, but that's okay. When they were both done, they exchanged their flower crowns. Alhaitham's didn't look perfect on Kaveh, but Kaveh seemed to like it. Kaveh's fit better on Alhaitham. Surprisingly the two didn't bicker the entire time they made the flower crown.
The rain started to pick up and it didn't look like it would stop. No one else was walking, most likely lounging in their homes, the port had closed down because of the heavy downpour and there was no other sound except for the heavy rain bombarding the ground and the laughing of the two boyfriends.
Kaveh's laughter echoed through the rain-soaked courtyard as he picked up a handful of water from a large puddle, his eyes glinting mischievously. Alhaitham stood nearby, watching with a bemused expression.
"You know, Haitham, you've been too serious lately. It's just water!" Kaveh teased, flinging the water in Alhaitham's direction. Alhaitham skillfully sidestepped the first attack, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
"If I get sick, it's your fault," Alhaitham replied, his tone dry but playful. He bent down, scooping up water in his hands and retaliating with a well-aimed splash towards Kaveh.
The water fight escalated quickly as both men darted around the backyard, ducking behind pots of blooming flowers and using the large leaves as makeshift shields. Laughter mixed with the sound of raindrops, creating a symphony of joy.
Kaveh, not one to be outdone, grabbed a discarded watering can nearby. He filled it with rainwater and approached Alhaitham with a sly grin.
"Ready for a little surprise, Haitham?" Kaveh teased, holding the watering can behind his back. Alhaitham raised an eyebrow but played along. "Surprise me, Light of Kshawerwar," he said.
With a sudden burst of energy, Kaveh unleashed a stream of water from the watering can, catching Alhaitham off guard. Alhaitham's clothes clung to his frame as water dripped down his face, but his laughter mingled with Kaveh's.
"Very clever," Alhaitham admitted, wiping water from his eyes. " But...I can do better!"
And so, the water fight continued, both men thoroughly soaked but completely carefree. Puddles became battlegrounds, and laughter echoed in the rain-drenched yard
While Alhaitham was walking to the backdoor, he was tugged back down into the wet grass.
"Nope! We are going to stay here and enjoy the rain. Besides, it's so humid it's impossible to get cold."
Alhaitham rolled his eyes. However, he decided not to argue, his boyfriend looked extremely happy out here. He had been stressed out all week, he deserved a break. Yes, playing and dancing in the rain is not the smartest idea, but he couldn't say no.
As they sat up on the damp blanket, the raindrops clinging to their hair and clothes, Kaveh couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Alhaitham's usually impeccable appearance now transformed by the whims of the rain. His hairclip unclipped itself.
"You look like a sage who's just emerged from a profound conversation with the clouds," Kaveh teased, reaching over to ruffle Alhaitham's damp hair.
Alhaitham, ever the stoic, raised an eyebrow but didn't protest the playful gesture. "I suppose the clouds had a lot to say today."
Alhaitham, appreciating the sentiment, nodded in agreement. "I have to agree, I didn't expect my entire opinion on rain to change in the span of a few hours."
With the towel draped over his shoulders, Alhaitham stood, offering a hand to Kaveh. Together, they navigated the rain-kissed grass, their footsteps leaving imprints in the wet soil. As they approached the doorway, Kaveh turned to Alhaitham with a mischievous grin.
"Ready for round two when the next rainstorm comes?"
Alhaitham, usually reserved, surprised Kaveh with a subtle smirk. "Round two, you say? Perhaps the rain has more stories to tell."
And with that, they stepped back into the shelter of their home, leaving behind the rain-soaked sanctuary of their backyard. ***
When the two men got into the house, they immediately started dripping water onto the green doormat. Kaveh was the wettest. Especially being the one who suggested the entire idea. Alhaitham took one long look at Kaveh. His long shoulder-length hair was dripping water, his white shirt was now scattered with grass stains and soil. Kaveh noticed that he was looking at him.
"What? Is my look that bad?" Kaveh looked genuinely confused.
Alhaitham couldn't take it anymore, he let out a laugh. He tried holding it in, but he couldn't keep it in. He was always a little insecure about his chipped tooth and his laugh. So he never laughed or smiled much. But his laughter was so contagious Kaveh started laughing too. "You can just say I look hilarious! You don't have to immediately start laughing!" Kaveh said gasping for air after laughing so hard.
After a while, Alhaitham stopped laughing and he dismissed himself to take a shower. Kaveh also went to go change his clothes and fetch some warm blankets to cuddle with. After their playful dances in the rain, Kaveh and Alhaitham returned to the warmth of their home. The aroma of brewing tea filled the air as they changed into dry clothes. They sat on the couch, sipping hot tea, wrapped in cozy blankets.
"Hmh, I suppose this is an apology for dragging me outside into the pouring rain?" Alhaitham sneered.
"Hey! Let me do something nice for you, at least once."
Alhaitham took a sip of tea, only to realize Kaveh was on his shoulder. A peaceful silence filled the room. It was just him, Kaveh, and the gentle tapping of the rain. The thing that brought them so close together.
And so, the two boyfriends made it a tradition, to at least spend five minutes outside each time it rained. They were both the sunshin to their rain.
”ACHOO!”