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“Alhaitham, could you come over here for a moment? I need a second pair of eyes,” Kaveh calls out, keeping his eyes trained on the mirror in front of him. He tilts his head every which way as he assesses his outfit and waits.
One snap of a book and several footsteps later, Alhaitham’s head pops out through Kaveh’s bedroom door. “What is it now?” He asks, leaning asking the entrance with the sourness of a disgruntled cat.
“Oh I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware your time was this precious,” Kaveh snipes back, flicking his hair over his shoulder as he shoots Alhaitham a glare through the mirror. “Whatever, look, what do you think?” He asks, spreading his arms out to allow him to take it all in.
Alhaitham steps further into the room. “You fixed it?”
“You can’t tell?” Kaveh smooths down the fabric and makes a show of twirling . “It was hardly anything elaborate, but it fits better now, doesn’t it? Definitely an improvement. I still need something to tie it all together, though. That sash I got last month should do the trick, I think.”
“The crimson one?”
Kaveh hums his confirmation. “It shouldn’t clash too much, should it?” He pauses and reconsiders. “Or no, I have a better idea. What about the kamarband Dehya got you for your birthday? With the gold beads?”
Alhaitham nods. “I washed it recently. Do you want me to go get it?” He asks.
“…If it’s not too much trouble. You don’t mind, do you? Because I’m sure I could make do with what I have. It would be a shame if I ruined such a stunning piece. I mean, we both know how good my luck is, so it would be understandable if—“
“You’re rambling,” Alhaitham cuts in, not unkindly. “I wouldn’t be offering if I did, would I?”
Kaveh shifts on his feet. “Well, I guess not, but—“
Alhaitham’s already turning on his heel before he can finish. “Just wait here.”
“Stop interrupting me.” Kaveh frowns.
“You’ll thank me later,” Alhaitham says over his shoulder with a little wave.
Kaveh has half a mind to grab the protractor on his desk and chuck it towards him. Thank Celestia he’s a decent person with self restraint, though.
Not long after, Alhaitham wanders back into his room. This time, with the kamarband in hand. Which instantly makes Kaveh forget his earlier wishes.
“It’s gorgeous,” Kaveh gushes, gingerly running his finger through it, as if it were the most precious thing to ever grace his sight. It very well might be, honestly. “I’ll have to ask her where she got it from. Do me a favor and remind me if I forget, please. Gods, holding it almost makes me feel bad for borrowing it. Haitham, the artistry in this…“
Alhaitham only responds with an amused huff. Whatever following statement was on Kaveh’s lips dies when he reaches around him and begins tying the kamarband around his waist. It leaves him a little breathless — having Alhaitham’s masterful hands envelop him so casually. As if the spark of his touch didn’t ignite something in Kaveh that he dares not put a name to.
The nerve of this man, really.
With bated breath, he watches as Alhaitham fingers work through the fabric with practiced ease. Finally, he gives the kamarband one last tug before stepping back.
“Well, what’s our master architect’s verdict?” Alhaitham asks, placing his hand flat on Kaveh’s shoulder to turn him towards the mirror.
“My verdict,” Kaveh starts, lips stretching out into a smile that’s equal parts bashful and pleased, in hopes it distracts from the flush on his cheeks. “is that I made a wonderful decision.”
And it’s the truth. The teal and gold are a lovely pop of color against the cream and crimson. It helps that the kameez has golden embroideries in the shapes of flowers, creating a satisfying sense of harmony. So yes, the newly present heat on his cheeks is worth it.
“However…I’ll need to get some scissors later to cut the loose strings I forgot.”
Alhaitham rolls his eyes. “It looks fine, Kaveh.”
“To the untrained eye, maybe. I know better than that, though,” Kaveh says, fiddling with the bottom of the kameez and eyeing the strings with a frown . “No matter, I’ll fix it later. What about you? Have you decided what you’re going to wear to Dalal’s ceremony?”
“I’ll come up with something later.” Alhaitham shrugs.
Kaveh blinks. “…You don’t have any idea what you’re going to wear?”
“The wedding is a week away. It’s not worth stressing over.”
Kaveh gapes. “Not worth stressing over— what— that’s the thanks Dalal gets for bringing you dinner every day while I was gone those three weeks?”
“It wasn’t every day,” Alhaitham corrects.
“Semantics! Nearly every day then, since you’re so hung up on that. Which isn’t even the point,” he stresses. “The point is that she took time out of her schedule to bring you food that she knew you’d like.”
“I don’t recall asking her to do that. I’m capable of cooking for myself, or have you already forgotten?”
“You don’t need me to tell you you’re a good cook.” Kaveh crosses his arms. As if he would tell him that so easily, who does Alhaitham think he is? “But really, do you think she would’ve done that for just anyone?”
“No, and it was highly appreciated. I’m just saying that it wasn’t necessary.”
“That’s what makes it a kind gesture! She didn’t have to, but she did.”
“I know that, Kaveh,” Alhaitham reassures.
“You can’t tell me that you don’t care. That obscene shirt you choose to wear to work every day is all the evidence I need. Not to mention the boots. I mean, seriously Alhaitham, who do you think you’re fooling?”
Alhaitham frowns, looking strangely offended. “What’s wrong with them?”
“Nothing, okay, look— I think you’re misunderstanding me.”
“I’d argue that’s my line,” Alhaitham interjects. “The reason I said it’s not worth stressing over is because it’s seven days away and I have plenty of acceptable options to choose from in my closet.”
“I cannot believe you,” Kaveh says, a little strained. He pinches the bridge of his nose and waves flippantly. “…I guess it doesn’t really matter what you wear. The aunties will be all over you regardless.”
“Don’t remind me.” Alhaitham grimaces.
“It’s not like we have to stay long,” Kaveh says, softening a little. “But I do need a dance partner, and unfortunately for the both of us, you might just be my best option. If you manage to look presentable.”
“Do you really expect me to put that much effort for a ceremony that will be overrun with attendees?”
“It’s only for a little while. We can’t just go there for the food and be done with it, what would that say about us? There’s no harm in joining in on the fun.”
“What makes you think I want to dance with you?” Alhaitham asks.
Rude, Kaveh thinks, even if the question sounds perfectly earnest. “Because otherwise you’ll be left standing in the corner all alone, and the aunties will have no other choice but to smother you to death while I remain unscathed.”
He almost bursts out laughing at the way Alhaitham’s face scrunches up, and just barely holds himself back. “That would be inconvenient,” Alhaitham acquises. “There’s only one problem, though.”
“And that is?”
“I’m out of practice,” Alhaitham admits, words paced in that way he does when he’s a little embarrassed.
Kaveh grins, hands on his hips. “Well that’s an easy fix. That’s what your senior’s here for, after all. We won’t even be in the middle of the dance floor, so a few quick steps should do the trick.”
Alhaitham raises an eyebrow, “Are you offering to teach me?”
“We can’t exactly call over Nilou at this hour to come take on a new student, can we? We have to make do with what we have and that, of course, means that I,” Kaveh places a hand over his chest. “being the generous soul that I am, will be your instructor.”
Alhaitham starts to look a little doubtful. “Hmm…”
“What? What is it? Why did you make that noise?”
“Nothing, I just remembered that the last time I saw you dance was at Lambad’s with poor, unsuspecting Cyno as your victim.”
Kaveh sputters. “That— What does that have to do with anything? I thought you said you wouldn’t bring that up!” He takes a deep breath and draws himself up, hands on his hips. “Okay, tell you what – why won’t you go wait for me in the living room while I get out of this, and we’ll test that theory out?”
Alhaitham seems to consider this for a moment, then nods resolutely. “Fine, alright. I’ll rate your performance by the end,” he says, a small smirk on his face that should not look as handsome as it does.
“Excuse you, I will be doing the evaluations here. Now get out, I need to change.” Kaveh spins him around and pushes him towards the door. When Alhaitham opens his mouth to say something else, he jabs a finger towards the hallway. “Out!”
Kaveh gets out of his outfit in record time — still very careful of treating the attire with the utmost care, obviously — because Alhaitham has questioned his capabilities and that simply won’t do. He has a point to prove and he has to do it now… after taking his time to meticulously fold the attire over his bed and change into his night clothes.
Soon enough, he walks into the living room where Alhaitham is sitting at the divan waiting for him, making sure to keep his steps audible so as to not spook him. Perhaps a little unnecessary, considering Alhaitham’s sharp senses, but still.
“The setting’s certainly not doing us any favors, but I suppose we’ll make do,” Kaveh says, eyes narrowed as he takes in the pile of books on the coffee table, and then the three others sitting by Alhaitham’s feet.
“I thought they said you Kshahrewar’s specialized in adaptability,” Alhaitham retorts, pushing himself off the divan.
“It’s not so much adaptability as it is improvement. Which this most certainly is not,” Kaveh replies. “I think it’s best if I lead, it’ll be easier that way. You can follow instructions, can you?”
“It depends,” Alhaitham’s tone is light and playful. He bends down to pick up the books and places them on the coffee table, eyes sparkling with mischief. “will my instructor make this lesson worth my while?”
Kaveh tugs off the hair tie on his wrist and starts pulling his hair up with a scoff. “He will, and he’s offended you’d try to imply otherwise.” Once he’s secured his hair into a bun, he jerks his chin towards the earpieces lying leisurely around Alhaitham’s neck. “May I?”
Alhaitham hands them to him wordlessly, tracking his every movement as Kaveh carefully puts them on and starts fiddling with the controls. “What are you doing?”
“Isn’t it obvious? You didn’t think we’d be dancing in silence, did you?” Kaveh grins, working through the settings Alhaitham has set in place. “Surely you don’t need me to tell you this, but they say immersion helps the mind retain information, so that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
“But we can’t both wear them,” Alhaitham reminds him, skeptical.
“Good observation, my dear student. This is for you, I’ll make do without it.”
“That’s inefficient. How will you know what beat to follow?”
Kaveh shrugs. “It’s just to set the mood, there’s no need to follow the beat of the music here. Maintaining a steady rhythm should be enough for now.”
“Wouldn’t it be easier to bring the record player over?”
Kaveh shakes his head. “I know you prefer the quality of your earpieces. I’ll adjust the volume just enough so you can hear my instructions,” he explains. “Remind me to make a music player for Mehrak one of these days, though. That way you won’t worry about me feeling left out.”
Alhaitham looks unimpressed and very slowly says, “Or we can just grab the record player.”
“Next time. You’re following my lead now, remember?” Kaveh assures, lighting up when he finds a fitting track. “Aha! There we go, that should do the trick.” He takes the earpieces off and rises on his toes to brush Alhaitham’s bangs out of his eyes to make sure it doesn’t get tangled up in them. Slowly, he places them over his head and starts tugging him to the middle of the room. “I’ll have to bring out some of our records soon, just to see how the sound quality compares to your earpieces. Given that the latter’s customized and not something mass produced that relies on a certain level of automation, it should differ a little.”
“It does,” Alhaitham confirms. “I ran the tests myself back when I was creating the music player. Records tend to have a grainier quality, whereas the sound in these is clearer and more isolated.”
“I should’ve whisked you away to Kshahrewar when I had the chance,” Kaveh laments wistfully. “Mehrak uses a bit of the same hardware, so it’ll be interesting to compare. Does the music sound okay?”
Alhaitham hums. “Why this track?” He asks.
“I thought it would fit the mood. Hurry on now, let’s get started. You know where the hands go, don’t you?”
“Like I said, I’m out of practice, but I remember the basics.” To prove his point, Alhaitham moves his hand to Kaveh’s shoulder. In response, Kaveh settles his own over his back, keeping his touch light but firm as the other rises to grasp Alhaitham’s free one.
“I can see that,” Kaveh teases. “Move to the side a little, okay? I don’t want you stepping on my toes.”
Unwittingly, his heart skips a tiny bit when Alhaitham obeys, and he justifies it by thinking that it’s only because it shows that his junior is still capable of diligence. It’s very reminiscent of how he was during their Akademiya days, always so eager to follow Kaveh’s every whim. That mouth of his hasn’t changed since then either, but this is a good reminder that despite all the lost time, he remains the same at his core.
Kaveh swallows roughly, trying to calm his racing heart. “Good. Now, whichever direction I choose to move my hand, you’ll have to follow me, okay? I’ll be starting on the left this time.”
“Okay,” Alhaitham says, sounding a little breathless too.
It occurs to Kaveh that this might’ve been a terrible idea as Alhaitham moves to follow and his chest brushes against Kaveh’s. This close proximity is nothing new for them, as Kaveh has the terrible, terrible habit of gravitating towards Alhaitham’s space when he gets too immersed in a topic, but this is different. When a pair has known each other as long as the two of them have, it’s difficult to find a moment that doesn’t awaken a sense of familiarity that one can fall back on. But this — this is new, even for them.
Except that’s not exactly right, either. Because for as long as Kaveh can remember, his world has been a haze of teal and orange. The low reign of the sun as it begins its descent on the ocean, calling to him as he stands by the shore. Now is no different. Despite the proximity, that chasm has increased tenfold, and Kaveh fears he won’t be able to turn back if he follows its call.
“You’re going too fast,” Kaveh corrects gently, tapping Alhaitham’s back with his finger. “You’ll crash into me if this keeps up. Try to take it slow, let the music lead you in. Submerge yourself in it.”
It’s an awkward start. Or maybe Kaveh just thinks that because, without music, all that’s left standing between them is the sound of his racing heart and uneasy breaths. It doesn’t help that Alhaitham’s eyes refuse to stray from his lips, either.
It’s so overwhelming that he ends up stepping on Alhaitham’s foot by accident. It’s enough to break Kaveh out of his stupor, at least, and he immediately opens his mouth to apologize.
“Everything alright?” Alhaitham asks before he can.
Kaveh’s reply is far too quick to be convincing. “Yep, um—“ He clears his throat. “I’m alright, yes. Just…do you mind moving your hand down a little? It’s distracting.”
“Careful there, or else we’ll have to switch places.”
This time, Kaveh stepping on his foot is anything but an accident. “In your dreams,” he hisses, reveling in Alhaitham’s sour look.
Truth be told, Kaveh’s not all too experienced in dancing either. He likes dancing, loves it even, but that’s usually reserved for outings with Nilou or Lambad’s tavern after a few drinks. He’s familiar with tossing his head to the music as his body moves on his own accord, following a melody that’s only present in his head. He can sway to his heart's content and grab his partner’s hand to spin to the beat until it’s all he can taste, but following a rhythm is a whole other ordeal.
He’s not about to tell Alhaitham that, though. He’d never hear the end of it and the embarrassment would be too strong to bear. So, he pushes through and keeps going, trying to mimic the concentration he sees in Alhaitham’s face. They move forwards, waiting before moving to the side, and the motion repeats. Although not always well coordinated, at some point they start falling into a steady beat.
It’s a space where language and art meet, a combination of semantics and visual aesthetics that interlock to create something never seen before. Parts of it are abstract, but others construct pillars through each movement. It builds a home in Kaveh’s chest that steadily fortifies itself until there’s no more room left for him to breathe.
“See? You’re getting the hang of it already. I’m going to try to spin you now, okay?” Kaveh speaks up after a long period of silence.
Alhaitham hums in agreement, and that’s all the permission Kaveh needs to lift his arm to let him twirl. It’s a little clunky given their slight difference in height, but it works. It musses up Alhaitham’s hair too, and that just makes it even more endearing.
Slowly, a smile creeps up his lips and a laugh bubbles out of his throat. Kaveh spins him again without warning for his own amusement, shrugging innocently when they fall back into the previous routine and Alhaitham shoots him a glare. “Warn me next time.”
“Sorry,” Kaveh says cheekily. “I thought it was funny.”
It gets easier. They almost bump into furniture a few times, and Kaveh tells Alhaitham that he’ll deduct twenty points from his final evaluation if he keeps getting them off track, but he’s smiling through it.
“Did the music stop already?” Kaveh asks in a hushed voice after who knows how long, to avoid breaking this tiny pocket of peace the universe has granted them.
It very well could. He knows this moment is fleeting and fragile. One wrong step could send them tumbling and splintering. Or maybe it won’t, as time has proven to favor them as of late. Perhaps it always has, and that was the purpose of their separation for all those years.
And maybe that’s where his dreadful habit of hopeful thinking comes from. He’s not naive enough so as to throw his fate into the empty precipice in hopes of it landing in the right hands, but he does believe there’s wisdom is learning how to waltz through a storm with your head held high.
Time isn’t usually patient with Kaveh, but now, he dares let himself wish that this will last.
Especially when Alhaitham’s lips part and he says, “It did.” Both of their chests are heaving a little, and Kaveh’s mouth feels dry, but pulling away would mean ending this — something he’s beginning to suspect neither of them want.
Hesitantly, he speaks his wish into existence. “That’s a shame. There’s a few other steps I wanted to teach you.”
Alhaitham’s eyes crinkle at the corners at his lie. “Were there? I wasn’t aware your expertise extended beyond a slow dance.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Kaveh clicks his tongue. “You can spare a few more minutes and humor your senior, can’t you?”
“I might need to be convinced,” Alhaitham says, even as curls his fingers tighter around Kaveh’s hand.
“Oh, will you now?” Kaveh laughs, teasing. He tilts his head and pretends to think. “Hmm, okay…I might have an idea, but if it doesn’t work you can consider this lesson finished. Indefinitely.”
Alhaitham steps closer. “What might that be?”
In another time, he might’ve blamed this sudden bravery surging within him on the adrenaline. He would’ve blamed it on anything aside from what it really is.
Holding his gaze and sliding his hands down Alhaitham’s chest, Kaveh feels the slow rise and fall of it as he leans forward and presses his lips to the corner of his mouth. When Alhaitham doesn’t recoil, he tangles a hand in his hair and kisses him properly.
It brings out a soft, startled noise from Alhaitham that overwhelms Kaveh to no end. His hand starts to shake, only to have it grabbed by Alhaitham as he winds an arm around Kaveh’s waist and reels him in. It’s hesitant on both ends, and Kaveh’s smiling too much for it to be comfortable, but it’s nice.
When they pull back, Kaveh quivers on a breath and purses his lips to hide a smile. But it’s difficult to look serious when Alhaitham is staring at him with the most pleased look he’s ever seen from him.
“You’re a quick learner,” Kaveh says, going for something coy that’s betrayed by the easy smile splitting his lips open in the most unbecoming of ways.
Alhaitham laughs, clearly not expecting that. “You’ll have to thank my instructor.”
“Yeah? What would your rating be?” Kaveh asks.
Alhaitham is silent for a long moment, considering. When he next speaks, his voice is quieter, “I might need you to run it by me one more time, just to be safe.”
Kaveh’s laughter rips out of him in a starburst of sound, bright and unfiltered. He holds Alhaitham’s face in his hands and lets himself be swayed. “In that case, let’s take it from the top, shall we?”