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Alhaitham could have sworn he’d locked the door. Normally it’s locked at all times to ensure no one enters unnecessarily. He prefers it this way, if someone wants to talk to him they can make an appointment so he has the opportunity to deny any stupid requests. There are only two people who can come into his office without a scheduled appointment. Cyno, who had a special knock to indicate it was him, and Kaveh, who has somehow managed to become efficient at picking locks.
Alhaitham’s first thought when he hears the doorknob jiggling is to look busier than he is, hoping the subtle signals will be enough to ward off any unwanted guests. Upon seeing the head that peaks through the door with the unmistakable dark fox ears and green streaks of hair his plans change.
Though Kaveh would argue it Alhaitham considered himself a good judge of character and noticed the distress flowing off of Tighnari.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.”
The statement is plain but truthful. Tighnari had left several days ago to attend to his forest ranger duties and wasn’t expected back for another few days.
“I had to attend some meetings at the Akademiya. I was going to send Collei but they insisted it was me that attended.” Alhaitham nodded, understanding the rules of the Akademiya better than anyone. Silence hung in the air and Alhaitham belatedly realized that he should probably continue the conversation.
“Did you need something from the Acting Grand Sage, or did you just come to see me?”
There was a loud crashing outside of the office, no doubt one of the scholars doing some sort of experiment, but Alhaitham found himself more concerned with the way Tighnari flinched and his ears twitched uncomfortably.
“I wanted to ask if I could stay here. Just for a little.” Tighnari looked back out the door. “Being here in the Akademiya is proving to be a little much for my hearing and I can’t ignore it any longer.”
Ah , that makes sense.
Tighnari and Alhaitham were similar on the matter of their hearing sensitivity. Unlike Alhaitham though Tighnari was not able to block noise out as easily, what with the size of his ears.
Instead, he had to make larger lifestyle changes, working in a quieter environment, steering clear of loud places, and finding herbal medicines to reduce headaches were all measures Tighnari took.
Alhaitham always admired Tighnari for his perseverance through situations Alhaitham could not imagine were at all comfortable with a smile. However, even Tighnari has a limit to what he can handle.
“Of course, feel free to use the couch for as long as you’d like.”
Tighnari nodded before closing the door and relocking it. Alhaitham watched the tension bleed out of the fox and wondered just how long he’d been pushing himself. By the way, Tighnari flopped on the couch face first and groaned he could only imagine.
Alhaitham tried to continue working for the next few minutes but kept finding himself distractedly looking over at Tighnari. He’d settled down considerably but Alhaitham couldn’t help but think more could be done. Tighnari was always making sure to follow through with the people in his life, he should get the same treatment.
Making up his mind Alhaitham stood up from his desk and made his way over to the couch. It wasn’t a large couch so Alhaitham had to move Tighnari so he could make room. Tighnari let himself be repositioned so that his head was in Alhaitham’s lap but did give him a questioning look.
“What are you doing?” Alhaitham carefully ran his hands through Tighnari’s hair.
“I’ve observed Cyno doing this to relieve your headaches. Is it okay if I do it now?”
Alhaitham could feel the way Tighnari swallowed before nodding slowly. With permission given Alhaitham continued to stroke Tighnari’s head. After about fifteen minutes he heard soft breathing and looked down to see Tighnari fast asleep. Alhaitham considered going back to his work but thinking about Tighnari waking up on the couch all alone left a sour taste in his mouth.
Luckily there was a book within arm's length so he reached over carefully and started flipping through the pages, carefully rubbing Tighnari’s ears as he slept off his headache.
“I don’t think Tighnari realizes I like him,” Alhaitham said, breaking their silence.
Cyno looked up from the cup he was washing. He glanced over at Tighnari and Kaveh who were on the couch deciding which movie to watch before responding. Tighnari was spending the night in Sumeru City before heading back and the four decided to have a movie night.
“Why do you think that?”
“Earlier today he came into my office, looking to get away from the noise of the Akademiya. I offered him my couch and massaged his head to help with the headache. It was as if we’d never been in close proximity before.” Cyno contemplated Alhaitham’s words for a second before coming to his conclusion.
“Hm.”
Alahaitham waited for Cyno to continue but he didn’t say anything else. Eventually, Alhaitham spoke up again out of frustration.
“We are dating are we not?”
“And here I thought the Acting Grand Sage was supposed to be intelligent.”
“Just give me the answer, or at least something so I can piece it together myself.”
Cyno finished washing the last of the dishes and placed it on the drying rack before going to lean on the counter with his tea. He looked over at Tighnari and Kaveh once more, who were now settled in with their movie, curled up with each other and fully engrossed in the screen.
“In the most literal sense, you are together. But I don’t believe Tighnari truly sees the two of you as a couple as he does himself and I or you and Kaveh.”
Alhaitham works to put the pieces Cyno starts laying out for him together as they talk. Cyno motions between himself and Alhaitham.
“You and I are similar. We don’t need grand romantic gestures to affirm a relationship. I much rather enjoy the subtle within a relationship. The knowledge that we can look at each other and know what the other is thinking, being able to find common ground amongst almost any topic, knowing someone will always be excited to see me no matter what the circumstance is.”
Cyno then motions toward the other two in the living room. “Kaveh and Nari on the other hand do enjoy grand romantic gestures, holding hands, kissing, cuddling, and the verbal affirmation that they are loved.”
Alhaitham thinks for a moment before coming up with more questions. “But Kaveh never seems to have a problem with my lack of romanticism.”
“Yes, well that has more to do with personality. I don’t mind because like I said, I’m similar to you. The lack of affection never bothered me and if I truly desired affection in that way I would simply ask or seek it out from Nari or Kaveh. On the other hand, Kaveh is stubborn, he doesn’t mind fighting for your affections, rather enjoys it if I were to guess. He enjoys the push and pull you give him, I suspect it gives him a level of satisfaction to know he worked hard to gain even the tiniest bit of attention.”
Alhaitham was finally starting to catch on. “But Tighnari isn’t like that is he?” He starts. “Tighnari doesn’t enjoy the challenge, thus he doesn’t seek it out. Which in turn means he doesn’t receive the affection he truly enjoys.”
Cyno nods at his assessment. “If I had to guess I’d say he does see you as close, but doesn’t think you see him in any particularly romantic light.”
Does Alhaitham romantically see him? He was never one to get much in the detail about that sort of thing but it seems to matter more now. He tries to imagine what life would be like if he wasn’t able to sleep in the same bed as Tighnari anymore, if he wasn’t able to idly run his hands through his tail whenever he felt like it, if he was never allowed to kiss Tighnari again.
His nose scrunched up at the mere thought.
“I see. It appears I have to solve this issue before it continues.”
Alhaitham looks over at his other two boyfriends who are already half asleep on the couch. Kaveh was curled up and holding Tighnari’s tail like it was a stuffed animal and the latter was sleeping on his back, hand scrunched up in Kaveh’s hair.
He never liked physical affection but he doesn’t think he’d mind pulling Cyno along to curl up alongside them.
“Do you have any ideas?”
“A few.”
“I’ll accompany you.” Tighnari whipped his head around to Alhaitham, clearly not expecting that response.
It was normal for Tighnari to go out on days-long expeditions in the Avidya forest. He used the time to take notes, conduct experiments, and observe the wildlife. He was freely allowed to go on these trips whenever he wanted with the caveat that someone accompanied him. Tighnari always claimed he didn’t need anyone to come along but considering how often he used himself as a test subject the other forest rangers and his partners didn’t love the idea of him being alone.
Normally Cyno or Kaveh would go with him. Cyno enjoyed being away from large groups and people who were too afraid to look in his general direction and Kaveh liked to find inspiration out in the forest.
Alhaitham had never been out with Tighnari though. He simply never saw any reason to go.
“Are you sure? I didn’t think camping out in the forest would be something you’d particularly enjoy?”
Alhaitham shrugs, “I have nothing against it. Besides, Cyno is still working on that Akademiya theft mission and Kaveh has a deadline to meet. It would be best if I accompanied you this time. Unless you’d rather have another forest watcher go?”
He posed the last question to give Tighnari an out. While he did genuinely want to go, he wouldn’t force Tighnari to do something he didn’t want to.
“If you’d like to come along then be my guest. But please don’t expect me to entertain you the entire time.”
“Of course, I’ll bring some books along.”
Alhaitham glanced over at Cyno and Kaveh who were half playing TCG and half listening to his and Tighnari’s conversation. Cyno looked up from his cards and gave Alhaitham a small smile and a nod, it seems Alhaitham made the correct choice.
“We’ll be leaving early tomorrow morning so please be ready by then.”
Alhaitham nodded before walking over to watch the two play as Tighnari went to pack the rest of his things. He stood behind Kaveh and moved some cards around in his hand. Beating Cyno at TCG was nearly impossible, so working together was permitted between the other three.
“If you change your mind about going I can take your place. My deadline isn’t for another two weeks. I can rearrange some of my work.”
Alhaitham started taking the pins out of Kaveh’s hair. He usually forgot about them by the end of the day and they tended to find their way into stabbing positions all over their bed.
“I don’t change my mind once it’s made up. Besides, you don’t need distractions, we’re not having another incident where you overwork and end up at the hospital for dehydration.”
Cyno hummed in agreement. It was well known that Kaveh had a bad habit of not prioritizing his health, especially when deadlines were around the corner.
“I do hope everything goes well for you two.”
“Me as well. I don’t yet have a backup plan should this fail.”
“Wait, do you guys have some secret plan you’re not telling me about? I wanna know.”
Kaveh looks between the two and furrows his eyebrows. At this point, he’s lost his game against Cyno but hardly seems to care.
“It’s nothing for you to be concerned about. Besides, you cannot hold onto secrets to save your life. Telling you would effectively ruin all plans.”
Kaveh turned to Alhaitham angrily and looked as if he was about to start one of his endless tirades. But, Cyno stepped in before the two could start one of their never-ending arguments.
“I’ll tell you later my love, I promise.” That plus a kiss on the cheek from Cyno sedated Kaveh.
“Let’s go to bed. Haitham and Nari both have to wake up early tomorrow and we don’t want them to leave without a proper send-off.”
When Tighnari told Alhaitham they’d be waking up early to leave for the forest he didn’t realize that meant before the sun was even up. Alhaitham had always woken up to see Tighnari and whoever went with them off, but he never left the comfort of the bedroom so gauging the time wasn’t easy.
Now though, walking through the streets of Sumeru city as the sun was just beginning to rise Alhaitham began to understand how Tighnari’s natural rhythm made him fall asleep early. Currently, Tighnari was explaining his plans in the forest, what he intended to do, and how long they should be out there. Alhaitham did his best to listen but his exhaustion was hindering much of his understanding.
When they finally make it into the forest the sun has begun to rise, Alhaitham couldn’t help but think that maybe waking up so early was worth it. The sun was gorgeous as it rose and right there next to it was Tighnari, the morning light making him soft around the edges.
Alhaitham never felt the need to be physical with any of his partners, he’d allow it if they desired it (though Kaveh would disagree) but he never sought it out. Now though watching Tighnari he had such a strong urge to kiss him it seemed incomprehensible. How it became the only thing on his mind was strange.
Most of the morning was spent like this, Tighanri trekking through the forest with Alhaitham following behind. They didn’t speak much, Alhaitham didn’t want to disturb Tighnari, but he had plenty of thoughts to keep him occupied.
By the time they set up a small midday camp to eat Alhaitham had gone dizzy with how much Tighanri had filled his brain. If this kept up he didn’t know if he’d make it through this trip. At least without jumping Tighnari and kissing him until their lips bruised.
“How are you doing so far?” Tighnari asked, snapping Alhaitham out of another imaginary scenario. “I know you aren’t fond of getting up as early as we did but I hope you can see how important it is. We’ve gotten a lot done already and it’s barely midday.”
Alhaitham grabbed an apple slice from the platter Tighnari set out and said, “Yes, watching the sunrise was quite enjoyable. I wish I was able to appreciate it more often.” Being able to appreciate also Tighnari goes unsaid.
Tighnari hums in response. “You’ve turned out to be a far more easygoing travel partner than either Cyno or Kaveh.”
“Why’s that?”
“You’re much more willing to allow me to do the things I came out to do without reservations. Cyno and Kaveh are always stopping me and asking why I’m doing something. I think they’re afraid that I’ll do something to endanger myself.”
Alhaitham contemplated this for a second before saying, “I have no reason not to trust you. You know both the forest and your limits best, I trust you won’t unnecessarily endanger yourself.”
Tighnari’s cheeks turned red and he quickly stood up, clearing their lunch and talking about how they had to make a move on quickly to get where they needed to be by the end of the day.
If Tighnari kept acting like this then Alhaitham might have just found a new person to tease.
The rest of the day went on just the same. Sun beating down on Alhaitham’s skin, greenery highlighting Tighnari’s fervor, and quiet melodies of the Avidya Forest.
After breakfast Tighnari was more awake, explaining his research and what he was observing in each different plant. Alhaitham listened intently to everything Tighnari said, hoping to come across as genuine as possible.
The only distraction for Alhaitham though was Tighnari himself. His excitement would build up until he couldn’t help but wag his tail in excitement or bounce on his toes. Alhaitham tried desperately to stay focused when these things happened but found his attention drifting toward Tighnari’s unconscious movements.
As night fell and the two were setting up their overnight camp they went about their separate night routines. Tighnari was going over his data collected from earlier today and Alhaitham was reading a book he’d brought along. It wasn’t until Alhaitham saw Tighnari pacing around out of the corner of his eye did he start to suspect something was wrong. Honestly, Alhaitham had expected him to hesitate a little longer but it only took him a few minutes to march over and blurt out his words.
“Tomorrow is going to be a bit different.”
“Different how?”
Tighnari’s avoidance of his gaze and the redness coloring his face made Alhaiham worry for a moment. Perhaps Cyno and Kaveh were right to insist Tighnari needed someone out in the forest accompanying him.
“I’m going to be ingesting some of the plants we collected today.” Alhaitham tilted his head, not understanding where this was going. “They’re aphrodisiacs.” Tighnari said it so softly that Alhaitham didn’t even hear it.
“Well?” Tighnari’s voice came out strained.
“Well, what?” Alhaitham replied calmly.
“Well, aren’t you going to say something?”
Alhaitham had never seen Tighnari so flustered, especially so easily. Normally he was the one keeping the peace and breaking up fights before they even began. Perhaps he wasn’t as level-headed as Alhaitham had taken him for.
“Do you suspect they will have some sort of negative effect on your body?” Before Tighnari could open his mouth Alhaitham let himself have one teasing comment. “Or perhaps you’re nervous about how they’ll make you react concerning me?”
“Kaveh was right, you are not a delight. I should have left you with that group of leopards earlier.” Alhaitham smirked to himself.
The night air in the forest was cold but Alhaitham had the extra warmth of Tighnari’s tail wrapping around him to keep him warm all night.
It would be inappropriate to say that Alhaitham was excited to see the effects the aphrodisiacs had on Tighnari. Instead, he preferred to say that the scientific aspect was what intrigued him.
“Alright, according to research done so far the mushrooms should take half an hour to take effect and will wear off by the end of the night.”
Nervous. Alhaitham could tell by the inflections in Tighnari’s voice. He contemplated the various reasons Tighnari could be feeling apprehensive and deduced it was one of two possibilities. Though he knew his first deduction had an 89.4% chance of being correct he went with his second deduction first.
“Should I be concerned about the other effects this is going to have on you.” Alhaitham picked up one of the mushrooms and examined it. “Besides the obvious of course.”
“No, they've been tested before and are safe for human consumption.”
Alright, then he was correct. Nothing to do now but solve the issue.
“You are apprehensive about being under the effects of this drug in my presence. I’d like to understand your thought process.” Tighnari scoffed.
“You never want other people's opinions.”
“I never want people’s unprecedented opinions. There is a difference.”
Tighnari rolled his eyes. Why he ever expected to get an answer from Alhaitham that didn’t get under his skin was beyond him. But Tighnari was nothing if not honest so he decided to just give it to Alhaitham straight and brace for his reaction.
“When I’m under the influence of that drug I’m going to do things- I’m going to say things that might make you uncomfortable.” Alhaitham felt excitement grow in his stomach at the idea of Tighnari profusely professing his feelings.
“Perhaps it would be best for you to express those things before you ingest the mushroom. Just so I know what to be prepared for.”
Tighnari’s face turned pink and his tail twitched anxiously at the mere idea of telling Alhaitham how he felt. No one would ever believe it but out of the four of them, it was Tighnari who could be the most prideful. Just the idea of coming clean and expressing his true feelings made Tighnari’s panic set off and his flight or fight reaction kicked in.
Spoiler alert, he was in flight.
Alhaitham was genuinely shocked at how fast Tighnari turned and ran with his tail between his legs (literally). He ran so fast that the papers around them went flying in the air and Alhaitham was in too much shock to catch them.
It only occurred to him after one of the papers brushed his arm that he should go after Tighnari. So, he grabbed the satchel Tighnari took with them on expeditions and ran off in the same direction as him.
As it turns out, Valuka Shuna are incredibly fast runners. That paired with Tighnari’s innate knowledge of the forest (and Alhaitham’s ignorance of it) meant Alhaitham didn’t find Tighnari until almost sundown.
When he did eventually find Tighnari though it was in a small opening by the river, clearly untouched by human activity if the luscious greenery was anything to go by. Tighnari was sitting next to the river with his knees up to his chin, idly messing with the water in the river as it flowed by. Alhaitham didn’t doubt Tighnari had heard him get closer by the way his ears twitched.
Alhaitham didn’t say anything as he walked behind Tighnari and looked down at the clearwater, seeing their blurry reflections staring back at them.
“You were an idiot for chasing after me. I’m one of the fastest species in Sumeru and you don’t know the geography of the forest.”
“I trust one of the forest rangers would have found me eventually. You trained many of them.” Tighnari buried his head in his hands and groaned.
“Stop saying things like that. I liked you better when you were snarky and mean.”
Alhaitham bent down on one knee and removed Tighnari’s hands from his face. He looked into the foxes' eyes for a moment before Tighnari turned his head back to the water.
“Unfortunately you never rise to the bait quite the same way Kaveh or Cyno do. I have to take a different approach to get a rise out of you.”
“You shouldn’t bait those two into getting a reaction. You’ll get yourself hurt one of these days.”
“They enjoy it. As do you.” Alhaitham stated it as a fact because he knew it was true.
Despite all the bickering he and Kaveh do or the countless times Cyno has chased him down for a fight he knows they enjoy his jests. Kaveh wouldn’t provoke him nearly as much and Cyno wouldn’t constantly have their fights come to a “draw” if they didn’t.
Tighnari too enjoyed the teasing. His tail would flick from side to side whenever Alhaitham would tease him and he always scolded Alhaitham despite knowing it would paint a target on his own back.
It seemed Tighnari knew this too as he didn’t offer a comeback and remained silent.
“Is expressing your appreciation of your partner truly that difficult?”
“It isn’t easy to tell someone of your feelings when you know they’re going to deny them.”
Alhaitham had never had any desire to be an artist but in this moment he felt that it might have been to his advantage to take more care to appreciate them. He knew Kaveh would know precisely what to say, what words and metaphors to use to get his message across all while somehow seeming so eloquent. They might have an interesting view of the world, but they never fail with their flowery language. For now, he’d just have to use words that he knew would work.
“What is it you always tell Collei? ‘Take a chance, the world has a way of surprising you.’ Perhaps you should listen to your advice.”
Tighnari finally turned to look at Alhaitham properly. He searched his face looking for something that Alhaitham didn’t understand before seemingly finding it and meeting Alhaitham’s eyes again.
“You’re not lying.”
“I rarely do, there is no point.” Alhaitham squeezed Tighnari’s hands.
It was at this moment that it dawned on him just how much he truly loved Tighnari. Of course, Alhaitham knew this subconsciously, he's not the type to get into a relationship with someone he doesn't care about, but it had always been at the back of his mind. Now though it was rushing forward and hitting him like it never had before. The thought that Tighnari would one day not be by his side, with the snarky comments and scolding thwaps from his tail, made Alhaitham's blood run cold.
“Don’t run away again. A feeble scholar like myself has a hard time catching up.”
The comment got Tighnari to snort a laugh and push Alhaitham away jokingly. No one ever believed Alhaitham when he said that but if it meant keeping his reputation and having as few people talk to him as possible then he didn’t mind.
Only then did Tighnari notice that Alhaitham had brought his satchel along. He reached over and grabbed the mushrooms inside of it.
“I do still need to finish my report for these, and this area is nicely uninhabited which means we won’t be bothered.”
Alhaitham had never been more grateful for a last-minute decision.
The mushrooms were indeed an aphrodisiac of the highest level. Well, at least if Tighnari sitting on Alhaitham’s lap and making out with him non-stop for the past three hours was any indication. He never knew Tighnari had so much stamina, but he wasn’t exactly complaining about it either.
“You can leave marks, I don’t mind.”
Not that it would be possible for Tighnari to kiss up his neck without leaving marks given his canines, but Alhaitham figured he’d appreciate the verbal consent.
“Are you sure?” Tighnari pulled back to look Alhaitham in the eyes. “You never let Kaveh leave marks.”
Alhaitham smirked, “It’s a special privilege. And besides, I’m curious how much damage teeth such as yours could cause.”
Something dark clouded over Tighnari’s eyes, almost looking hungry as he dove back in and gave Alhaitham’s neck a sharp nip. It could have been blamed on the plants Tighnari ingested hours prior, but Alhaitham wasn’t dumb enough to think that was the only factor at play.
So he sat back and let Tighnari bite and kiss and do anything else he desired while the drug was still in effect. And if Alhaitham gave back just as much as he got then that was no one’s business but his own.
After all, he was helping out Tighnari’s experiments and he was nothing if not a thorough scholar. And maybe the noise Tighnari made when Alhaitham bit his collarbone could also be considered an aphrodisiac because of how much it affected Alhaitham.
It took nine whole hours for the aphrodisiacs to wear off and Tighnari to pass out from exhaustion. Alhaitham was only slightly miffed at the fact he had to sleep on the forest floor that night.
“ I’ll adore you forever my luscious poppy.”
The words Tighnari had spoken while he was curled up next to Alhaitham. Since the mushrooms had long since worn off, those words came from Tighnari’s mind.
“Good lord! What happened to you two out there?” Kaveh grabbed Alhaitham and examined his neck and collarbone, both of which were littered with bruises and bite marks.
Tighanri and Alhaitham looked at each other. Kaveh was too busy examining Alhaitham but Cyno noticed the knowing glance the two had.
“We ran some experiments.”
Alhaitham is starting to think that one of his assistants is secretly starting to unlock his door when he’s not paying attention.
This is the second time in less than a week that someone has been able to walk into his office unannounced. Alhaitham just considers it lucky it’s only Tighnari walking in and not someone else.
Unlike last time though, Tighnari didn’t hesitate at the door and Alhaitham didn’t contemplate before getting up and moving to the couch.
“Your meetings went over well I assume?” Tighnari nodded his head.
“Nothing new or exciting but Collei was glad she got to accompany me. She’s talking to some Kshahrewar students, they’re trying to convince her to join their Darshan.”
Alhaitham hummed as he reached up and started running his hands through Tighnari’s hair. They both knew that Collei would end up joining Amurta if she ever enrolled in the Akademiya, even if both Kaveh and Cyno tried to convince her to join their Darshans.
Tighnari’s shoulders relaxed and he almost melted into Alhaitham as his headache wore off. Alhaitham was pleased that the marks he’d left a few weeks ago were positioned below his shirt so that no one else could see them.
“Master Tighnari?” Collei walked into the room and saw the two of them lying on the couch. “Oh! I’m sorry for disturbing you, I was told to come here once I was ready to head back.” Collei bowed politely before leaving the room and waiting outside the door.
“I’m going to investigate that lock, people seem to always find a way into my office uninvited. Kaveh has been in three times this past week alone.”
Tighnari jumped up and laughed. He straightened out his clothes before heading towards the door, only looking back for a second to say, “Who do you think taught Kaveh how to pick a lock?” Tighnari’s tail was wagging behind him excitedly. “Foxes are known to be tricksters after all.”
Tighnari shut the door behind him and Alhaitham allowed himself a few more minutes on his couch to rest before returning to his desk for nonstop work until he left for the day. He admired the blue poppies sitting in a vase on one of the tables. A gracious gift from an “anonymous” donor that was sent to brighten up his office.
The next morning when Alhaitham was getting ready to leave he graciously left Kaveh’s keys and took the ones with the pressed flower keychain Kaveh had made Tighnari for his last birthday. If foxes were tricksters than Alhaitham would ensure it was a fair game.