Archive of Our Own ^beta

Kaveh’s glass of eggnog slams on the table loudly enough to make Tighnari’s sensitive ears twitch. “And then! Seven-year-old Alhaitham thought it acceptable to ruin his dear senior’s life by revealing that he no longer believed in Santa Claus. Can you fucking believe that guy?”

“You still believed in Santa when you were nine?” Tighnari asks, coming away with the least important part of the story.

“Yes, all right, sorry I still had magic in my heart as a child.” Kaveh’s sarcasm deters exactly no one as the other traitors join in on the mocking. Why is he friends with these people, again? What ever happened to the holiday spirit? Xiao, at least, remains silent, but Kaveh assumes he's always like that.

“I think it’s sweet!” Venti chimes in, propping his chin against his palm. “Everyone should be allowed to believe in magic for as long as possible. There are entire songs devoted to such an idea!”

“Thank you!” Kaveh says, pointing aggressively at his only nice friend. Well, they only just met, but he’d like to think they’re friends already. “At least one person gets it. The rest of you boring fucks are dead to me.”

“Yule be sorry you said that,” Cyno says, and thank Celestia for that, because as everyone groans, all the attention turns to his latest horrible pun.

As Kaveh chats away with his new best friend—fuck Alhaitham, who even cares about him?—he jolts at a sudden kick at his ankles. Glancing around, he doesn’t see an obvious culprit, so he continues debating the merits of wine-based versus bourbon-based eggnog with Venti. That is, until his ankles are so rudely attacked again, definitely on purpose this time.

“Okay, which one of you assholes keeps kicking me?” he demands to know, looking each and every suspect in the eye. Responses range from confusion to disinterest, so he sighs, no closer to finding peace. “Whatever. Just quit it.” He turns back to Venti, but he’s since engaged himself in a different debate, this time with his boyfriend. How those two work, Kaveh will never understand—Xiao is so shy underneath his brutal honesty, whereas Venti, a flashing neon sign of a human, is hands down the most sociable person Kaveh has ever met. They’ve seemed perfectly in sync the entire time he’s known them, though, so they must be doing something right.

With nothing to occupy him now, Kaveh lets his mind wander as he glances around the room. The red and green string lights hung above the bar give the place a nice glow, and he also enjoys the cute, seemingly homemade cloth snowflakes pinned to the walls. This is his first visit to Mondstadt, but everything about the place feels so… homey. Comfortable. It's a cute city.

He just so happens to catch Alhaitham’s eye right when there's another kick at his socked ankles, and he gasps in realisation, pointing again. “You! Alhaitham, you're such a dick, why do you take such pleasure in harassing me? It's not funny!!! I’d expect more maturity from the Scribe.”

“What?” Alhaitham asks, playing innocent. “Is stretching a crime now, Kaveh?”

Cyno sticks his nose into their private business, saying, “You have to admit, you make some really amusing faces when Alhaitham gets on your nerves.”

“This doesn't concern you!” Kaveh says. "Alhaitham, I’m moving out, I swear to god. Test me one more time, I dare you!”

“You live together?” Venti asks. “Haha, that's gay.”

“No! I mean—yes, but it's not like that! It's just convenient!” he says, waving his hands around. Alhaitham would be his last choice for a partner! More than that, he doesn’t want anyone finding out about his perilous financial situation, so he's got to tread carefully here. He’s racking his brain for a good change in topic when Tighnari comes to his rescue. Sort of.

“They've been joined at the hip their entire lives,” he says, which is as humiliating as it is distracting. “Come visit us in Sumeru and we’ll show you their childhood photos.”

“Nooo,” Kaveh whines. “Tighnari, why do you hate me? Am I doomed to be bullied by all my friends for the rest of my life?”

“It's a sign of affection!” Venti says. He throws an arm around Xiao and pinches his cheek, earning himself a frown. “For example, I constantly tease my boyfriend because he's so cute.” Xiao’s frown deepens, but even Kaveh can tell it's just for show.

“Well, Tighnari doesn't tease Cyno, and they're married,” Kaveh argues. “What is it about me that begs bullying?”

“Maybe if you didn't react so severely people would leave you alone,” says Tighnari. “It’s like how we need to start ignoring Cyno’s ‘jokes’ so he quits making them.”

“Aha, so he does make fun of Cyno too,” Venti laughs. “I like you guys. You're a bunch who knows how to have fun. In fact,” he says, looking to Kaveh with eyes that sparkle with mischief, “why don't you and I have a little drinking competition? I hear you, my friend, are quite the drinker. Let's see which of us can better hold our liquor.”

Xiao shakes his head while Alhaitham opens his dumb mouth to say, “Kaveh will not emerge victorious, that's a given. Several weeks ago he—”

Kaveh would be stomping right now were he not sitting. Cutting him off before he can share that embarrassing tale, he says, “That's where you're wrong! I can do this. You're on, Venti.” He thrusts out his hand to shake on their deal.

Alhaitham didn't know what he was talking about, Kaveh thinks, an hour and several drinks later. Normally he's one to take it slow and savour the tastes, but he was so determined to win this competition that he downed a few in rapid succession. Feels quite nice, even as the room spins a bit. (More than a bit; at this point, he‘d have better visibility through a Snezhnayan snowstorm.)

“Need a break?” Venti asks, noticing how Kaveh sways even as he's planted firmly in his seat.

“Nope! I’m alllll good,” Kaveh tries to assure him, though he’s not sure he believes it himself. In another life he's an actor, and a damn good one at that!

His new friend apparently doesn't see the vision. “Let me rephrase that.” Venti slams his hands against the table to get everyone’s attention. “Kaveh and I are going on a little stroll. Don't miss us too much!” With that, he's grabbing Kaveh by the shoulders and guiding him out the door and into the freezing night.

Kaveh shivers and tugs his sleeves farther down over his hands, the air already sobering him up a noticeable amount. Winters in Sumeru can get cold, yes, but they're quite different than Mondstadt’s are proving to be. He did try to research and prepare—he brought along thick woolen socks, several hooded coats, and fashionable yet warm gloves—but the cold has still been a bit of a shock, snatching away his breath when he first exits the warmth of the indoors.

Despite the weather, though, he's very much enjoying everything the charming little city has to offer. Between the unique alcohol and the old-fashioned cobblestone streets, the gothic cathedral and all the rest of the lovely architecture, he can certainly understand why locals stick around and tourists flock here in droves. He definitely plans on coming back again, that's for sure.

Venti hums along to some oddly melancholic holiday music drifting out from a shop. Ambling along, Kaveh admires the decorative lights lining the streets even through the haze from the alcohol. Perhaps he had consumed just a little too much, for him to be hyper-aware of the Earth spinning. Alhaitham won't know victory, though.

The two chatterboxes are unusually quiet until Venti breaks the silence, revealing at the same time his ulterior motives for inviting Kaveh out for a walk. “Sooo, Alhaitham,” he says. Inebriated as he is, Kaveh misses the knowing, suggestive lilt to his tone, instead taking it as a cue to complain.

“Ugh, that guy,” he groans. Now this will get him talking. “Worst. Roommate. Ever! Last Friday I was really looking forward to eating my favourite dessert bread after a long week at work, only to come home and discover that Alhaitham had eaten it all while I was gone! Can you believe that?”

“I can, but that's not quite what I was getting at.”

“Oh.” Kaveh deflates, realising Venti has an agenda and won't be playing along. “What were you getting at, then?”

Venti’s giggle belies the serious curiosity of his question. “You're in love with him, right?” he asks, innocently twirling a braid around his finger and acting for all the world as if those words won't have a profound effect on Kaveh.

“Uhhhh??” is all Kaveh can think to say as reality slams back in. The cold seems to soak his very bones, making him shiver despite all the layers, as his heart screeches to a halt. “W-what makes you say that?” He stumbles over his words as well as over his own feet, a surprisingly strong arm reaching out to steady him. (How does such a little body exert that much force?) He mumbles his thanks.

“You look at him like he hung the very moon,” Venti says, “and your bickering is quite unlike anything else. And don’t think I didn't notice you two playing footsie at the bar.”

“That was—he was just trying to annoy me!” Kaveh argues. “And it worked, by the way, it always works because he's the most annoying man in Teyvat and I can't stand him and I most certainly am not—” he cuts a glance to either side, making sure no one is listening in, and lowers his voice to a hiss “—in love with him!”

“So I was just imagining all those longing, kicked puppy looks you kept giving him from across the table?”

“Yes!” Kaveh insists. “There's nothing at all between me and Alhaitham. There never could be.” His traitorous heart flips upside down at his own damn words, but why? Why do those words make him ache so horribly? Venti’s ideas must be getting to him, romantics as they both are. That's all there is to it.

“And I’m just imagining how dejected you look right now as you deny any and all feelings for your roommate?”

Kaveh makes an awkward little squeaking noise. Why did he tell everyone about his living situation!!! Ugh, he has so many regrets in life, and that's at the very top of the list, a pain in every way imaginable.

Venti continues his relentless tirade. “So you've never once thought about kissing him?”

“I mean, of course I have, but that's normal, right?” Kaveh tries to laugh it off, but the look Venti gives him shuts that down real quick. “Isn't it?”

“Absolutely not. Look, Kaveh, I don't mean to pressure you into anything—ehe, or maybe I do—but in the few days I’ve known you two, watching you pine has been incredibly painful. Would it really be so bad if you loved him?”

Venti’s so earnest, his eyes so wide and hopeful, that Kaveh almost feels he owes it to him to give this some thought. Almost.

Kissing Alhaitham is definitely something he's thought about before, more than once he must admit, but he's just curious! Furthermore, all they do is argue!

Actually, that's not true. Just this morning Alhaitham had been kind enough to help him with the troublesome zipper on his fancy winter boots—and by the way, shoes that expensive should come with a zipper that actually functions correctly!—and Kaveh’s skin burned where Alhaitham's fingers brushed against him. At the time he'd thought nothing of it; it was a typical, if irritating, reaction to Alhaitham’s just as irritating touch. For fuck’s sake, Kaveh isn't made of glass! He also, at the time, had had to wrench his gaze away from the sight of his roommate kneeling before him, telling himself that (1) anyone would feel flustered seeing a pretty man in such a position, and (2) he didn't want to think of Alhaitham like that, anyway.

“So I think the man is pretty. So what? With his horrible personality, no one in their right mind would want more than friendship with him! In fact, just being his mere acquaintance must be incredibly difficult,” Kaveh rants. Something's eating at him as he speaks, but what…?

The look that Venti gives him is so pitying that he feels a stab of guilt. But thinking of Alhaitham romantically, wanting anything more with him… it's just not an option.

“Your boy toy is heading this way,” Venti says then, relieving him from the conversation. Thank the Archons. Wait, no—

“He's not my—!” He whirls around, and sure enough, Alhaitham is striding towards them looking mildly irritated. Kaveh waves him over, rather needlessly seeing as he's already spotted the duo. Time to be chill , he thinks, repeating affirmations to himself such as, “You're so normal!!” and “It’s just Alhaitham, it doesn't matter that he maybe has a nice ass and a handsome smirk and—” Inwardly he screams. Aloud he asks, barely managing not to stutter, “Did the others wear you out?” Even for an introvert, the man has quite the low social battery, and although he doesn't need coddling, Kaveh can't help but look after him.

Because he cares, as any decent person would. Because they're best friends. Nothing else.

Kaveh’s thankful that the freezing temperature explains away his flush.

With the most conspicuous wink, Venti says, “I’ll leave you two to it. I should be getting back anyway; there's plenty of drinking left to be done! Remember, kids, don't do anything I would do!” And with that, he slips off into the night, and Kaveh is alone with the one man he does not want to see right now. Great. Said man looks astonishingly beautiful, too, the red in his scarf matching that of his cheeks, his hair sticking up every which way as he readjusts his hat.

“Haha, so… what's up?” He cringes at his own awkwardness. It hasn't been like this between them in a hot second, and he doesn't quite know what to do with it.

Judging by the furrow of his brow, it seems Alhaitham doesn't either. “It’s past midnight,” he says slowly. “You said you wanted to wake up early tomorrow to catch the sunrise, and I don't want to hear you complaining when you're too exhausted to make the trek out to the cliffs.”

It's true, Kaveh did say that, but he hadn't thought Alhaitham had been paying attention. The concern disguised as a complaint is… endearing, okay, it’s endearing. But that doesn't indicate romantic feelings! Either way, hiding his face in his hands would be too obvious a move, so instead he whips around and starts walking.

“The hotel is in the opposite direction,” Alhaitham calls out, sounding amused.

“Oh.” Kaveh laughs nervously. Maybe a little alcohol remains in his system after all. “I knew that.”

To distract himself he chatters up a storm for the rest of their walk, Alhaitham nodding along every so often, likely paying him little attention, what with how dead on his feet he's looking. Kaveh is content to be his own conversation partner, and anyway, he understands the feeling—sleep calls to him after their long day of holiday activities. Since stepping down as acting Grand Sage, Alhaitham has also been extra adherent to the strict schedule he's set for himself; he’ll ditch Kaveh mid-conversation just to start winding down for the night, because apparently books are better company than his beloved roommate.

He doesn't read tonight, as it’s quite late by the time they unlock the door and fall into bed. Despite the late hour and his ever-growing exhaustion, Kaveh tosses and turns for what feels like hours. He just can't stop thinking about Venti’s stupid, ridiculous assumption. He can't afford to be considering this! Even counting sheep would be a better use of his time, but his mind remains plagued by images of gentle caresses, and he can practically feel , right in his ear, Alhaitham’s sweet little whispers.

Eventually Kaveh slips into a restless sleep, and Alhaitham haunts him even in his dreams.

𓆩♡𓆪

7:15 AM is entirely too early for his phone’s alarm app to be blasting Christmas music right in his fucking ear, but when does Kaveh ever get a single moment of peace?

“Ughhh,” he groans, flapping his hand about in his phone's general direction. Failing to shut off the alarm, he finally wrenches open his eyes and, blinking heavily a few times, manages to turn the damn thing off.

He barely hears a muffled “Finally” come from underneath the pile of at least five blankets on Alhaitham’s bed. All Kaveh can see of him is his hair splayed across the pillow, and his heart clenches at the sweetness of it all. No one else gets to see the great Scribe hidden all cozy underneath his unnecessary amount of blankets, and suddenly Kaveh feels like the luckiest man in Teyvat, to witness his softer side.

For better or worse, his habit of pulling all-nighters means he's fairly adept at waking himself up no matter how little sleep he's gotten, so Kaveh is able to drag himself out of bed and start getting ready. To his surprise, Alhaitham also comes out from under his blanket pile, and oh, wow, he is cute.

Most mornings Alhaitham has pulled himself at least most of the way together before Kaveh encounters him, so he doesn't get to see this , the stoic Scribe having just awoken and looking worse for wear. It hits him all at once; Kaveh hates, hates, hates how cute he now thinks Alhaitham is with his stupid bedhead and his stupid, expensive pyjamas and worst of all, the grumpy frown on his stupid face. Cute!!!

“What,” Alhaitham says flatly, having caught Kaveh realising he really does have a fucking crush. Abort mission!! This is very bad!!! What happens when Alhaitham finds out? he wonders, because it's an inevitability. Between the two of them, Kaveh thinks he's more emotionally adept, but to give Alhaitham some credit, he does read Kaveh fairly well. The idea of fucking everything up and no longer seeing him on a daily basis, or even at all, makes his heart squeeze again, painfully this time.

Coming down suddenly from the high of seeing his roommate in such an endearing state, Kaveh coughs and forces himself to look away. “You just look ridiculous,” he says, and it's not exactly a lie, but he sure as hell isn't going to tell Alhaitham that the ridiculousness is adorable.

Even the sleepy, unguarded frown he receives for his semi-honesty makes him fear his heart will burst right from his chest. How is he going to survive any of this?

𓆩♡𓆪

After rushing through his morning routine—moisturise, brush teeth, pile on the layers to block out the cold, and this time the zipper on his boot works, thank fuck—Kaveh heads out with his walking, talking annoyance in tow. He'd expected him to sleep in, because a tired Alhaitham is a grumpy Alhaitham and he is decidedly not a morning person, but for some reason he'd silently begun getting ready alongside Kaveh. Don't get him wrong, he's grateful for the company, even if it's Alhaitham—especially if it's Alhaitham, a thought he curses himself for having—but why is he tagging along?

“None of your business,” Alhaitham says when Kaveh finally asks.

“Geez, someone woke up on the wrong side of the blanket pile. I’d say it is my business, seeing as I’m the one who wanted to watch the sun rise in the first place. Why even come with me if you're just going to be rude?”

“Didn't I just tell you—”

“Fine, okay, fine,” Kaveh gives in, throwing his hands in the air in a show of defeat. “Anyway, some shops should be open by the time we make it back to town. What do you want for breakfast?”

“You're the one who planned every last detail of this trip,” Alhaitham says. “Why don't you pick?”

Kaveh rolls his eyes. “You're really too lazy even to decide on breakfast? That's a new low, even for you.”

“I simply think that between the two of us, you are better equipped to pick out an acceptable place to eat,” Alhaitham reasons.

“That's a bald-faced lie if you've ever told one. Well, all right, but no complaining if you don't like the place I pick out!”

Silence reigns over the rest of the trek to Starsnatch Cliff, a location which Venti had recommended as their unofficial tour guide. Kaveh takes the chance to admire the scenery, making a mental note to wear an extra layer when he visits Dragonspine, because if the forest down here is cold, he can't imagine how harsh the mountains must be.

Apparently even hilichurls take time off; he spots a couple of them resting beneath a tree, oblivious to the two men passing by, and makes an effort to lighten his steps so as not to wake them. They don't need the trouble, sure, but the little guys aren't hurting anyone for the time being, anyway. The freezing cold works wonders for keeping Kaveh awake, but he also has to wonder if hilichurls get cold, too.

However, they definitely want to steer clear of the Ruin Guard. Those things will fuck up anyone’s morning, and Kaveh is not about to let that happen today, not during his vacation. Instead they climb up the ruins it’s guarding—Kaveh had chosen this route specifically to see them, but as they're running late they don't have time to slow down and take it all in—and cut through a field until they're back on the path leading up to the cliff.

“We made it!” Kaveh cheers through his panting (in his defense, his backpack is rather heavy). “Just in time, too,” he notes, as the blazing sun peeks out over the horizon.

Unafraid of falling in the face of such a gorgeous view, Kaveh sits down and dangles his legs over the ledge, patting the ground next to him in a hint for Alhaitham to do the same. The other man does sit beside him, but instead of copying Kaveh’s position, he crosses his legs and remains firmly on solid ground. Kaveh just shrugs and lets him sit however he wishes.

Pink and blue shift into orange and yellow, both truly beautiful sights. No matter the amount of sunrises Kaveh views throughout his lifetime, he’ll never grow tired of the view. Peace washes over him each and every time, the rising sun soothing his soul as he drinks it all in like a man parched. Even the grass beneath him is soft and comfortable.

“Wow.” Kaveh whistles, mostly to himself. “It's beautiful.”

Alhaitham is silent for a few seconds, then says, quiet as can be, “Sure.” But when Kaveh cuts his eyes to the right, Alhaitham’s intense gaze rests not on the sky before them but on Kaveh’s face. Kaveh quickly looks back to the sky and the ocean, hoping he hadn't been caught. Which is a little ridiculous, because he wasn't the one staring so rudely at his friend, but he really doesn't want to make things awkward regardless.

Why was Alhaitham looking at him like that? With only a quick glance, Kaveh couldn't parse his expression—tight jaw, knit eyebrows, eyes sharp as ever—but… he wishes he could believe it meant something. Most likely Alhaitham just noticed a bug in my hair, Kaveh tells himself, running a hand self-consciously over the bits he couldn't fit into his braid.

There's nothing there. He refuses to let it get to him.

A well-times distraction comes in the form of light snowfall, and as Kaveh gasps and points above them, the strange moment is forgotten.

Suddenly remembering the fresh strawberries he bought last night, Kaveh reaches into his backpack to begin snacking on them. They're a bit different than the ones back home, though even more delicious for their novelty, so he waves one in front of Alhaitham's face. “Would you like a strawberry?” he asks.

Kaveh had planned to make him ask nicely for it, but Alhaitham, being the asshole he is, snatches it right from his grasp before he can register the movement. “Hey!” Kaveh whines, pouting at his roommate’s rude behaviour. “That's not nice!”

“Why is that?” Alhaitham asks, and grrr, that smirk is so irritating!!! And not handsome—the Kaveh of last night didn't know what he was talking about. “You offered it to me, so I took it. It's really not that complicated.”

“You—! Fine, whatever, have it your way. See if I share any more with you.” He sniffs and turns away, electing to ignore Alhaitham’s antagonism. He’s just like those Ruin Guards, always trying to fuck up a peaceful morning.

Long past sunrise, the snowfall has gotten heavier, and all they’ve gone through all the strawberries. Though the hike up here had been well worth the effort, it did still take a lot out of him, and a little bit of fruit doesn't do much to quell hunger, so it's time to get back into the city for a real breakfast.

Kaveh decides on the little bakery near the front gates of the city. It’s so warm inside, for which he's grateful; snow is beautiful, but it's best observed , not felt. Both men grab a pretzel, Kaveh adding a cheese strudel to his order, and Alhaitham is displeased at having to order tea upon hearing coffee isn't available here. They take a seat in a secluded corner with a view of the street, the perfect spot for the isolated Scribe and his people-watching friend.

“Look at that princess costume!” Kaveh whispers this even though there's no possible way the woman and her companion can hear him through the thick window. Or maybe they can, because the one in the flashy hat looks him right in the eye and waves. Oh no, caught. Alhaitham laughs at Kaveh’s embarrassed flush.

“Speak more quietly if you want to be secretive,” he says.

Kaveh rolls his eyes. “Thanks, wise guy. Any more brilliant advice to share with me?”

Alhaitham’s too busy with his almond tea to pay any more attention to his poor roommate. His book of the day—downloaded on his phone, because he's too practical to lug around the extra weight of real books in his suitcase—is more interesting than Kaveh yet again.

Therefore he returns to his people-watching. All kinds of interesting people visit Mondstadt for the holidays, so between the tourists and the architectural sights, there's no shortage of views.

Their silence is comfortable. After recognising his feelings this morning and subsequently trying to come to terms with them, Kaveh had feared that he'd already ruined their friendship, that nothing would ever be the same between them, but things are… fine. Not even awkward, really. It's just a stupid crush, one it should take no time at all to move past! Feelings come and go, so he just has to ride this one out.

𓆩♡𓆪

Lounging in the bakery is just starting to get old when Kaveh’s phone dings with a text from Venti, who'd given himself a special text tone when he entered in his contact information. His face lights up when he reads the message. “Great news! Venti scored us an invite to that gorgeous winery nearby. Apparently he knows the owner’s brother—Kaeya, I think, the blue-haired guy who stopped by the bar last night?—who’s allowing us over to use their kitchen. It's baking time!”

Alhaitham doesn't share in his excitement. “Why would I want to bake? Vacations are for relaxing.”

Kaveh pulls his best pout, which he's been told more than once is cute enough to stop wars. (He doesn't see the appeal himself, but it always gets the job done.) “C’mon, don't be a grinch! Do it for me, at least? I’m your favourite roommate, after all!”

Alhaitham doesn't budge an inch. “You're my only roommate, and should you keep this up, you won't be my roommate at all for much longer.”

Deciding not to take the bait, he turns the pleading face up a notch. “Haithaaaam, it's Christmas! The holiday season isn't complete without some sweet treats.”

“Cute rhyme. I see you've been spending plenty of time with that bard.” Alhaitham’s expression sours as he speaks, making Kaveh laugh.

“What, jealous? You just threatened me with eviction, and now you think you have a monopoly on my time?” he teases.

Alhaitham crosses his arms over his chest and leans back, glaring at Kaveh with seemingly all the force he can muster. He's so cute , Kaveh can't help thinking for the millionth time this morning. At this rate he's going to end up spilling all his secret feelings and ruining this vacation by getting himself rejected. Alhaitham probably won't even have the good grace to let him down gently; he’s witnessed him turn down several (brave) admirers rather harshly (not cruelly, just ever so slightly too bluntly), and sure, Kaveh knows that unlike them, he means something to Alhaitham, but…

But he can't help wishing he were actually jealous of the time Kaveh’s spending with someone else. Venti is just a friend, and even if he wasn't dating that awkward little man who follows him around everywhere like a lost puppy, Kaveh only has eyes for Alhaitham. For now! he scrambles to add in his own mind.

“Anyway,” he says, shaking his head in hopes of clearing out the sappy gay thoughts, “if you won't be participating, is there at least anything in particular you'd like us to make? For example, my mother recently emailed me a recipe for opera cake, which sounds delicious . I think you'd like it—it has coffee flavouring!”

Alhaitham tries to look bored, but Kaveh catches the gleam of interest in his eyes. Gotcha , he thinks gleefully. “I drink coffee for its caffeine. …But perhaps I would like to try this.” He gives in more easily than he ever has before, so easily that Kaveh looks upon him with suspicion. “Is it Fontainian?”

Kaveh nods as he sips at his water. “It is indeed. Over there they call it gâteau opéra,” he says in his best Fontainian accent. It could use some work (because really, how do they make their mouths form those sounds?), but his mother praised his language-learning skills when last he visited, and that's all that matters. He’s no Alhaitham, but he's not terrible, either!

Well, he doesn't think he is, but Alhaitham’s face does something funny when he tries to pronounce the Fontainian name, so Kaveh frowns. “Did I fuck it up horribly? Oh, I do hope no one else heard that…”

Strangely, Alhaitham is… blushing a little bit? Kaveh leans forward slightly and squints at him. Are his eyes deceiving him? The whiff of cologne he catches dizzies and distracts him to the point that he almost forgets what he was looking for as he tries to wrap himself up in that scent, in the man himself.

Abruptly Alhaitham stands, the loud scrape of his chair against the floor knocking Kaveh out of the moment like a punch to the face. “It's time to get going,” he says, re-wrapping his scarf around his neck. (He hates wearing them indoors, Kaveh knows; not only does he overheat, he also just finds them incredibly uncomfortable and scratchy.)

Kaveh just blinks at him for a moment. What the hell was all that about?? “R-right,” he says, hurrying to follow Alhaitham out the door and back into the cold.

“Let's see,” he says, pulling up the map on his phone. He tries not to let Alhaitham's still-red cheeks distract him, but to be honest, he just wants to kiss him and never let him go, even as he remembers to be baffled by his behaviour from just now. Since that’s not an acceptable course of action, he sets off on his merry way.

Thankfully the path there is smoother than the one to the cliffs. There's a quaint little village near the winery, and the houses are pretty enough that Kaveh is tempted to peek in through the windows just to get a glimpse of their interiors. Maybe he could knock on someone's front door and explain that he's a curious architect…

“I know what you're thinking,” Alhaitham says, “and I am not letting it happen. If you embarrass me, consider it the end of our friendship.”

“Aww, so you do agree that we’re friends!” Kaveh knows he's pushing his luck with the cooing tone, but he can't help it. “Besides, you don't get embarrassed. You couldn't care less what anyone thinks of you.” It's true enough, but his mind does flash back to Alhaitham’s odd reaction at the bakery earlier. It's not a look he remembers ever seeing on him before—has he just… not been paying attention?—and he needs to find a way to see it again as soon as possible.

“Don't test me,” Alhaitham says. Kaveh wants to, but they’ve come up on the winery, and boy, is it a sight. Beautiful Anemo crystalflies flutter around the back of the mansion, which is itself quite stunning; a wide-eyed Kaveh doesn't know where to look first. In his stupor he nearly walks right into a winemaker offering to give them a tour.

“Maybe another time,” Kaveh says, genuinely interested in the idea. “Today we’re just here to use the kitchen.”

“Ah, you're Master Diluc’s guests.”

“That's us!” Kaveh has yet to truly meet Diluc or his brother, both of whom were absent during most of the visitors’ night at Angel’s Share, but he'd rather avoid making things awkward by mentioning that.

The inside of the mansion is even more regal than he expected. Natural light filters in through the windows, casting shadows on the ornate rug in the side room, and Kaveh will always love a fireplace. A crackling fire really gives off such a homey feel, especially around the winter holidays.

They're greeted once again, this time by the head housemaid who introduces herself as Adelinde before leading them to the kitchen. She sticks around only long enough to say hello to Venti and Kaeya.

“Welcome to my brother’s humble abode,” says Kaeya, spreading his arms out wide in quite the dramatic gesture. Kaveh can see right away why this guy is friends with Venti, but then again, who in Mondstadt isn't acquainted with Venti?

“Thank you for having us,” Kaveh says politely, offering a hand to shake. “What do we plan on making today?”

“No need to be so formal,” Kaeya says, but he still takes the proffered hand in his own. “We didn't have anything specific in mind, so it's really up to you two. Guests’ choice.”

“Aren't you technically a guest here as well?” Kaveh wonders, not realising till Venti shakes his head vigorously that he's a little too close to opening up a whole can of worms with that comment. He clears his throat and tries something else. “Um, my mother recently sent over a recipe for opera cake. Would you guys be down to try that first? I know it's not very Christmas-y, but…”

“Sounds great! Opera cake is delicious indeed,” Venti agrees, hopping off of the counter he'd been perched on. Has he visited Fontaine before? Kaveh makes a mental note to ask him about his travels later. “Besides, we have all day to make as many desserts as our hearts desire. Might I suggest we follow up the cakes with some gingerbread men?”

Kaveh nods eagerly. “Yes, absolutely! They're so much fun to decorate. Does anyone else feel a little guilty eating them afterwards, since they're so adorable?”

“That's unique to you and your bleeding heart,” Alhaitham says as he pushes past him to take Venti’s place on the counter. He doesn't sit, opting instead to lean. Kaveh resolutely doesn't stare at his ridiculously long legs.

“At least I have a heart, unlike someone in this room,” he snips.

“Boys, boys, there’ll be plenty of time to flirt later. Let's get started on those cakes.”

“Flirt??” Kaveh’s voice reaches a pitch he hasn't heard since he began his testosterone regimen, but what’s even more embarrassing is Kaeya’s comment.

“I don't flirt,” Alhaitham says at the same time, smooth as ever but with an undertone of irritation. Kaveh tries not to let hope rise in him at the lowkey reaction, but hey, Alhaitham didn't act disgusted by the very suggestion! Not that Kaveh wants his feelings to be requited. Since he'll be getting over this soon and all.

“Riiight. Moving on. Diluc keeps all kinds of ingredients on hand, so we should be good to go, but if we’re missing anything, we can take a quick trip to the store,” Kaeya says.

Thus begins their day of desserts.

Alhaitham does indeed enjoy the opera cake, and Kaveh, artist and architect that he is, goes all out on his gingerbread men as well as their little houses. Each gumdrop is painstakingly placed in the perfect spot to keep the house glued together; the candy canes on the side form a heart, because that's sweet; and last but not least, his razor-sharp focus on the roof’s frosting proves worth the effort when he gets it just right.

“Aaand done!” he announces as he places the finishing touches. He’s quite proud of his handiwork. A job well done, if he does say so himself.

“Wow, Kaveh, you've shown remarkable skill at gingerbread house-making,” Kaeya says, nodding his approval.

“I’m an architect by trade; it's practically my duty to build the best one here,” Kaveh boasts, grinning at the praise from his new friend. He turns to compare monitor Alhaitham’s progress. His house is on the small side but is actually pretty cute, what with the brightly coloured decorations and the stars dotting the roof. Not bad at all, which is somehow both surprising and expected.

Plus, he looks great in the gag gift Kaveh had bought him for his birthday earlier in the year: a neon pink apron with “bitch” printed front and centre in big, bold letters. Fitting!

“Did you hear that, Haitham? Kaeya actually has an eye for aesthetics! I’m replacing you,” Kaveh says, flicking his ear to annoy him.

Alhaitham turns his head just to roll his eyes at him, though the apron takes away from the desired effect. Kaveh just smiles fondly at him, the rest of the world fading out for a brief moment.

That is, until a clatter startles him back into cruel reality. He’s really too obvious with his own emotions.

“Ehe, sorry,” Venti says, not looking sorry at all as he has the nerve to wink at Kaveh again. Kaeya just rolls his eye at the spilt flour surrounding Venti’s feet, clearly all too used to his antics. “I don't know about you guys, but I could use a break. What do you say about going ice skating?”

Kaveh’s eyes go wide. “Ice skating!! I've always wanted to try that!”

“I’m not opposed,” Alhaitham says, arms folded across his chest in a position that can't be comfortable when he's standing. Why does he always do that?

“Sounds good to me,” Kaeya agrees.

Venti claps his hands together once. “Great! It's settled then. Now, where does Master Diluc keep the skates?”

𓆩♡𓆪

“Wow, guys, you're really going all out for us on the Mond experience.” Kaveh’s absolutely delighted by the frozen lake, cold be damned. Nothing can get him down today!

“Don't get excited too soon,” Kaeya warns. “Newcomers often find skating a bit… troublesome. Hope you're not too clumsy.”

Alhaitham snorts. “Just watch. Hilichurls can skate better, I’m sure.”

Kaveh pulls a face at him. “Just you watch, I’ll be a natural at this! You'll eat your words soon.”

Kaveh turns out to be the one eating his words. He can't stay on his skates for more than thirty seconds at a time, to the point where he starts clinging to Alhaitham's arm to avoid falling. To his surprise, Alhaitham allows this, his generosity warming Kaveh from head to toe in spite of the bitingly cold wind. In a moment of bravery, he hides his grin in the hood of his friend’s jacket. It smells like him, which drives him that little bit more insane.

Kaveh catches Venti’s eye as he emerges from his hiding spot in Alhaitham’s jacket, and he sticks his tongue out at the knowing look his new friend gives him. What does he know?

“Have you gone ice skating before without telling me?” Kaveh asks, wondering how Alhaitham could possibly have a talent he wasn't previously aware of. Embarrassing though the comment was, Tighnari wasn't exactly lying last night when he claimed that Kaveh and Alhaitham had been joined at the hip their entire lives.

“I simply have a natural talent for staying on my feet,” Alhaitham says.

Kaveh scoffs. “What are you, a cat? Although, with the way you sneak around all silently through the house, I wouldn't be surprised. You've startled the living daylights out of me one too many times.”

“I can assure you I’m entirely human,” Alhaitham says. “Your lack of grace and your inability to stay upright are a ‘you’ problem.”

“I’m plenty graceful! Just because I didn't pick up this skill right off the bat doesn't mean I’m some clumsy mitachurl,” Kaveh argues.

They put their argument aside when shouts come from behind them, startling Kaveh into letting go of his death grip on Alhaitham. Although he falls right on his ass, definitely bruising his tailbone in the process, he can't be too upset, because Collei’s laughter fills him with joy even when it's at his own expense.

“Collei, hello!” Ice shavings fall from his glove as he waves at her and her companion in red. Amber, he presumes, as Cyno and Tighnari had dropped Collei off at her best friend’s home for a sleepover last night. “Amber, right? It’s so nice to finally meet you! Collei sings your praises every time I see her.” He can't help teasing his little friend; after all, she did just laugh at his misfortune, so it’s only fair.

Predictably, Collei looks all bashful at Kaveh's words, looking anywhere but at Amber as she shuffles her feet. He takes pity on her—trans solidarity comes above all else!—and changes the subject. “Can I interest you two in some baked goods? We were hard at work in the kitchen all morning, and the treats we've made so far have been well worth the effort!”

“Ooh, that sounds amazing!” Mentioning sweets is a surefire way to make Collei happy; she practically has hearts in her eyes!

“Are you guys here to ice skate as well?” Kaveh asks. They didn't seem to bring skates with them.

“Nope,” Collei says, popping the P, “we just wanted to come say hi! I haven't gotten to see you two very much since we got here.”

“Aww, Collei, bring it in!” Kaveh shuffles closer to give her a great, big hug. (He’s been told his hugs are the best in all Sumeru, and he takes great pride in his ability to bring others comfort!) She complains, embarrassed to be treated like a kid even though she is one, but he can’t miss her sweet smile. These days she's not one to pass up a hug or take her friends’ casual touches for granted, as long as she sees them coming; Eleazar’s eradication took a huge weight off her shoulders, and Nahida’s been helping her work through the trauma she suffered at the hands of the Fatui. Healing isn't linear, he knows from personal experience, but it truly warms his heart to see her progress in her mental recovery.

“So,” Kaveh says, clapping his hands together as he releases Collei, “shall we get back to the winery and make that gingerbread loaf?”

𓆩♡𓆪

It's past midnight on the 25th when they finish with all their baking. Kaveh has wreaked havoc upon Alhaitham’s face, and he stifles a giggle every time he sees the flour and cream cheese still smeared across his cheek. Does he not realise he missed a spot?

Amber took Collei back to her place a little while ago, around the time Venti started drinking and quit helping them bake. At this point even Kaveh, having worked up a sweat from scuttling all around the crowded kitchen for ages, huffs a sigh as he wipes at his brow. “After all this hard work today, I might just have to sleep the whole day away.”

“Don't lie. You'll be waking me up at 7 in the morning again to help you finish the shopping you couldn't get to already,” Alhaitham says.

Kaveh winces. “I tried! It’s not my fault I got so wrapped up in work; I blame it all on that last client. Besides,” he adds, “you chose to accompany me this morning. I don't recall inviting you along!”

“You didn't need to. Those puppy dog eyes did the work for you.”

Now he’s grinning. “So they do work on you, huh? Good to know.”

Alhaitham’s irritated stare could freeze hell over, but Kaveh just laughs. “All right, we should be getting back to the room.”

“Oh? You two are sharing a room?” Kaeya cuts in suggestively, clearly having eavesdropped on their conversation. He didn't even try to hide it, but Kaveh is honestly used to that kind of thing; he knows he and Alhaitham—both separately and together—are hot topics around Sumeru City. People stare, and they whisper a little too loudly, and where the invasiveness used to bother him, it's now just a mild annoyance, teasing fodder at worst.

“It’s not like that!” Kaveh insists. This scene feels all too familiar.

“So loverboy over there wouldn't mind if I took you to dinner, would he?” asks Kaeya.

He’s fairly certain that the man is just teasing them, or perhaps that Venti asked him for help playing matchmaker, but his face heats up nevertheless. People flirt with him all the time—Kaveh knows he's at least physically attractive enough to pull people in, as well as that his personality puts them back off—but for years no one has been bold enough to approach him for such a purpose when Alhaitham’s present. The man isn't scary at all once you get to know him, but Kaveh supposes he must seem intimidating from the outside.

Speaking of Alhaitham, Kaveh's eyes nervously dart over to gauge his reaction. However, Alhaitham’s face is so blank that Kaveh has to assume there's something he doesn't want him to see. Looking back to Kaeya, he opens his mouth to speak, but the other man beats him to it.

“Relax, it’s not that deep. I was only joking.” From anyone else those words together would come off as more than a little offensive, but having gotten to know Kaeya a little bit today, Kaveh thinks he's just trying to help in his own weird way. He does indeed relax. “If you need me, you know where to find me.”

“Thanks for inviting us over,” Kaveh says again. One can never thank their host too many times. “I had a great time, and I know it's hard to tell, but so did Alhaitham.”

The man in question just grunts as Kaveh punches his arm lightly. Is he being too obvious with all these little touches?

Would it bother Alhaitham, knowing his best friend feels romantically about him? Kaveh’s afraid to find out, but at the same time, he doesn't know how long he can hold this secret in. Knowing he’s barely lasted a day with it at the forefront of his mind makes him feel a little pathetic.

They head out with Kaveh hoarding an early gift from Venti, a bottle of mysteriously strong wine. Mondstadt’s boasts of freedom and peace ring true; there aren't even that many creatures to keep an eye out for on their walk back to the hotel, so he feels safe getting a little bit drunk. Besides, Alhaitham’s here, and Kaveh is fairly certain he's incapable of feeling unsafe with him around. His knight in shining armour, truly!

“I’m beginning to think you have a warped view of my personality,” Alhaitham says. Whoops, did Kaveh say that last part out loud? Maybe he is a lightweight after all.

Well, whatever, he can't stop there. “Nooo, Haitham, it's true! I always feel safe with you.” As if to prove his point, he braces himself against Alhaitham’s shoulders and, with no further warning, leaps onto his back with a laugh that echoes throughout the woods around them.

To his credit, Alhaitham doesn't purposefully dump his new cargo onto the forest path like he would have in years past. Kaveh can't even remember the last time they did this. It's refreshing, so he laughs again. How often is everything right in the world?

He seems to have spoken aloud by accident again, because Alhaitham is gently prying the wine bottle from his hands and lighting up its contents with the screen of Kaveh’s phone, clearly gauging how drunk Kaveh is.

“Worried about little old me?” Kaveh jokes, figuring he's not quite reached his teasing threshold for the day if Alhaitham is still humouring him even slightly.

“Your actions do tend to be bothersome and concerning,” Alhaitham says.

“Ouch!” Kaveh whacks his shoulder, squeezing his legs tighter around Alhaitham's waist when he nearly falls off. Normally he's not a fan of those call-outs, even when he knows Alhaitham has a point, but the Mondstadtians’ freedom must be rubbing off on him, because he feels light as a feather tonight. It helps that their more serious arguments have become fewer and further between as of late as they learn to (literally) live with each other again.

“What'd you get me for Christmas?” Kaveh asks, attempting to swing his legs back and forth but only succeeding in kicking Alhaitham.

“Do you really think I’ll tell you?”

Kaveh sighs dramatically. “Good point.” He’s too tired to argue, so he lets it go. Resting his head against Alhaitham’s shoulder, he thinks this might be the coziest and warmest he's ever been, as he drifts into a comfortable sleep.

𓆩♡𓆪

“Oh!! This is brilliant, Haitham,” Kaveh breathes, looking back and forth between his friend and the book he'd gifted Kaveh.

When they'd visited his mother together, Kaveh had, admittedly, gone on and on about the beautiful structures of Fontaine. For some reason he's always surprised to find that Alhaitham has listened closely to him; Kaveh knows he’s a chatterbox, and he's all too aware that people quickly grow bored of listening to him rant. First their eyes glaze over, and then they make their escape. Kaveh always lets them—he's neither clueless nor heartless, so if someone doesn't want to hear what he has to say, who is he to force them?

For all he complains, Alhaitham never fails to give Kaveh the attention he's desperate for. Why? It’s anyone's guess. Regardless, Kaveh is thankful for his time, especially when it pays off in unexpected ways.

A book on Fontainian architecture throughout history may sound dull to most, but Kaveh had been stunned the first time he stepped foot in Fontaine, and the book even contains pictures! Not even drawings, but real, actual photos taken by a Kamera! Alhaitham hit the jackpot with this gift.

This does, however, set his nerves alight just a little bit. What if Kaveh’s gift to him pales in comparison? What if he hates it? He went to great lengths to gather said gift, and he put a lot of thought into what Alhaitham might enjoy; his heart might actually break if he's got it all wrong.

His worries are for naught, though, because although Alhaitham doesn't jump for joy when he unwraps the present—and does so so carefully that Kaveh wants to cry a little—he catches the glint of excitement in his pretty, pretty eyes. Alhaitham handles the bag as delicately as he did the wrapping paper, turning it around like it's a puzzle to be solved.

“Natlanese coffee,” he says with a pleased little smile. It's not a sight he graces Kaveh with often, but it's one he cherishes every time. He's so caught up in admiring the tilt of Alhaitham's lips that he forgets to push away the fuzzy crush feelings this time.

“I heard this kind is a must-try for any and all coffee lovers,” Kaveh explains, unable to hide his own grin. “I haven't tasted it yet myself, but the Traveller spoke highly of it, so it's got to be delicious, right?”

“I'm inclined to agree,” Alhaitham says.

Kaveh gasps dramatically. “Alhaitham, agreeing with me? It's a Christmas miracle!”

The man in question rolls his eyes, but he's still got that slight smile going. “I'm agreeing with the Traveller, not with you.”

Kaveh rolls his eyes right back. “Sure, sure. Anyway, why don't we try it now? I’d like to give it a taste as well!”

“Ah, so that's the real reason you bought it.” Alhaitham doesn't put up a real argument, though, as they head down to the breakfast area of their hotel and search for a coffee machine. They're still in their pyjamas, but Kaveh is in such a good mood that he doesn't even care. Besides, they're on vacation! This is what people do on vacation, right? If anyone gives them strange looks, that's their own damn problem.

As expected, the coffee is delicious, all rich with the perfect level of sweetness. Sitting directly across from Alhaitham at a two-person table, Kaveh decides to get back at him for the other night at the bar. He kicks lightly at his friend’s leg until he finally pulls a reaction out of him.

“Is it your life’s mission to be the most annoying man on the planet?” Alhaitham asks, then continues munching on the muffin he'd snagged from the breakfast bar. The only other people present seem to be a family of four, and Kaveh really tries not to imagine coming back with Alhaitham as a proper family, not just two out of sync roommates. He pushes those thoughts as deep down as he can, because they're just embarrassing when one is aware that their affections will never be returned in kind.

“It’s my life’s mission to annoy you as much as possible,” Kaveh says eventually, kicking harder this time. He starts to feel self-conscious as Alhaitham just blinks at him. “What?” he snaps defensively. “Something on my face?”

That breaks Alhaitham out of whatever trance he was in, and he silently returns to his blueberry muffin. Kaveh decides not to let it bother him.

They pull off the rest of their Christmas without a hitch. After exchanging gifts with Cyno, Tighnari, and Collei, they use Kaveh’s brand new Kamera to take a commemorative group photo together outside the cathedral. Tracing his fingers lightly across Alhaitham’s photographed face, Kaveh can't bite back his soft smile when he sees he didn't ease up on the resting bitch face even for their picture. Catching himself in the act, he sighs and tucks the photo away into his coat. He’ll have to get it framed to properly display it in their home.

Later, exploring one of Mondstadt’s many gift shops, Kaveh stumbles across the tree ornament of all time. “Alhaitham, look!!” he tries to whisper, though it's not much of a whisper at all, judging by the dirty looks other shoppers give him. Either way, it gets his attention, and Kaveh holds the little felt ornament up by its string. “Remind you of anything?”

“Considering how often you forget your keys, I’m surprised it reminds you of anything,” Alhaitham says, because he's mean .

Kaveh shoves him gently and ignores the jab. “Look at its little lion face!! Isn't it darling?” he asks, swinging the decorative lion back and forth. It's got such a sweet smile and shiny, beady eyes that draw him right in.

So he buys it. How could he not?

𓆩♡𓆪

Diluc’s New Year’s Eve gathering—“it’s not a party, Kaeya, don't make it sound so base”—seems to have everyone and their mother in attendance. Cyno and Tighnari elected to ring in the new year alone in their lodgings, but Amber brought Collei, both girls nursing a grape juice from a (rather fancy) wine glass as they chat animatedly about… whatever it is those two talk about. Kaeya, whom Kaveh thought would be the life of the party, is oddly reserved tonight, seeming to be on his best behaviour. (He suspects by now that his and Diluc’s relationship is more strained than they let on, but that's none of his business.) He even spots the princess and her friend with the wild hat, the pair he'd noticed a couple of times already during this trip. He hopes they don't recognise him from the bakery.

Kaveh really wants to know the story behind a fucking Fatui Harbinger being here, but how does he even go about questioning that without pissing somebody off? He doesn't plan on getting on a Harbinger’s naughty list, that's for sure. Fascinatingly, his answer comes in the form of that man flirting with the winery owner, who’s clearly just pretending to be disinterested. Is this how I look to everyone else when I’m with Alhaitham? he wonders. Is Kaveh obvious in his intent? Do stars shine in his eyes when they argue and banter?

Is Alhaitham aware, and simply unsure of how to turn him down? That can’t be the case, Kaveh concludes, because the man has been brutally honest since the day he first spoke. How is it possible, then, that he's not aware?

“Kaveh.” He startles and hides a shiver at the sudden voice all too close to his ear. Turning, he sees Alhaitham has arrived, and—

Kaveh feels like he's a teenager experiencing his gay awakening all over again when his eyes land on Alhaitham. I love him, I love him, I love him, he can't stop realising, a rhythm matching that of his heart which has begun to race. Layers upon layers of the onion peel suddenly back to bring tears to his eyes. Alhaitham is no longer just pretty, just a passing infatuation. Kaveh has been fooling himself for years, never seeing the love that was right the fuck in front of him all along. Boy, is he going to feel like an idiot later for this one.

After dumbly opening and closing his mouth for entirely too long, Kaveh finally manages to get out, “I gotta—I have to go.” With that he's dashing off to find that fucking green bard who caused this crisis in the first place; he's going to take full responsibility and keep Kaveh from panicking.

He bursts into the kitchen to find Venti snacking on some of the cheesecake squares they made last week. “Kaveh!” he says, delighted. “This couldn't be related to Alhaitham’s arrival, could it?” His eyes always sparkle a little too knowingly for Kaveh’s sanity.

“God! This is unbearable.” Kaveh’s begun pacing, head in hands. It’s only by the grace of the Dendro Archon that he doesn't run into anything. “For the past week I haven't been able to stop thinking about him for more than two minutes at a time! Do you know how insane that will make a man, Venti?”

Venti’s already bright eyes are practically sparkling with mischief now when Kaveh sneaks a glance at him through his fingers.

“How did you even know ? I didn't know! Is it obvious to everyone but me?” Kaveh laments. What a fucking mess he's gotten himself into, falling in love with his childhood friend-slash-roommate—under his own nose!

“Worry not, my friend, Alhaitham remains clueless. Not because you hide it well, but because he's a scaredy-cat when it comes to you,” Venti adds, making Kaveh groan. “If it helps, I think you two can work out. He's a tough read, but love can't hide from Teyvat’s best bard!”

“Teyvat’s nosiest,” Kaveh mutters. He won't lie, though, he is grateful for the push; how many more years would he have spent pining subconsciously without Venti’s help? Then again, would that have been preferable? It still hardly feels real.

Venti graciously pretends not to hear him. “Anyway, come to me if you need help telling him. Love advice is my specialty!”

“How did you and Xiao get together?” Kaveh asks out of both genuine curiosity and a desire to remove Alhaitham from his mind for the time being. Self-reflection is exhausting, and this is his vacation, dammit!

“Ehe, that's a story for another time,” Venti hedges. Okay, that's a little suspicious; Kaveh isn't sure he wants to know any longer. “Here comes your boyfriend again. Good luck!”

Before he can question how Venti knew that, Alhaitham is indeed striding in, the bright kitchen bulbs illuminating him far better than the dim candles in the other room had. This is nearly enough to send Kaveh into hysterics, because really, no man should be that stunning!

“You're avoiding me,” Alhaitham states as Venti slips past him. “Tell me why.”

Kaveh, mid-crisis, says stupidly and rather rudely, “Your looks really are wasted on a man with your awful personality.” Immediately afterwards he feels the need to bang his head against the wall. What the hell is wrong with him??

Alhaitham stops and frowns, seeming genuinely confused and caught off guard by Kaveh’s strange behaviour for once in his life. “Excuse me?” Fight back!! Kaveh tries to shout telepathically.

“I mean—” Kaveh scrambles for something to say, before deciding fuck it. Seeing Alhaitham in that Mondstadtian holiday getup would inspire even the shyest of maidens to take a chance. So Kaveh does. He closes the remaining distance between them and loops trembling arms around Alhaitham's neck, leaning in to whisper, “I mean you're too beautiful to be so—so… to drive me as insane as you do. Who, knowing you, wouldn't fall for you?” There's a certain melancholy to his words, the longing running so deep that he's sure it's managed to manifest itself physically through sheer willpower. (If anyone could personify their yearning, it's these two.)

Now Alhaitham’s face is carefully blank, his voice measured. “What are you saying?”

“Is it not obvious enough for you?” Lately Kaveh can't help but tease him relentlessly. Anything to get a reaction out of him when said reactions are so fucking cute, so Alhaitham. He tightens his grip on his nape, but the man doesn't so much as tense. Well, that could be because he's already tense from Kaveh’s words…

“I’m afraid you'll have to spell it out for me,” Alhaitham says lowly, “senior.”

Vulnerability is more than a little nerve-wracking, but he's made it this far without getting pushed away, so he must be doing something right. Therefore Kaveh puts on a brave face and says, quietly, “You're… you're it for me, Haitham. I love you, and I guess it was obvious to everyone but myself, but… I’m certainly aware now.” Chuckling self-consciously, he forces himself to maintain eye contact, even as he thinks it might kill him.

“Is this related to the amount of time you've been spending with that bard?” Alhaitham asks.

This time something clicks and a slow grin takes Kaveh over. They're finally on the same page, he's sure of it!! “You are jealous!”

Alhaitham’s hand is suddenly on Kaveh’s waist, a possessive yet comfortable grip that makes him choke on air. It's not like he's never been close to anyone like this, but intimacy with Alhaitham is unlike anything else. It’s a thousand times more.

“Should I be?” Alhaitham’s trying to be smooth, but Kaveh knows he's out of his depth here. Kudos to him for a valiant attempt at keeping himself together, but it seems Kaveh is his undoing. The realisation burns him.

“Absolutely not. Didn't you hear me say you're it for me? It's only you.” Kaveh hesitates here. Reading people always takes him some time, but he's known Alhaitham his entire life. He knows his quirks and habits and had you asked him but a week ago, he would've claimed to have a mental catalogue of every possible Alhaitham expression.

The one he wears now is familiar, but there's something… Oh, oh . New achievement unlocked for Kaveh: witness Alhaitham’s in love expression.

He reaches deep inside himself for another bout of courage. Quietly, so vulnerably, Kaveh asks, “Can you say it? If you love me too, I need to hear you say it.” Please don't run from me, he thinks. Alhaitham is not the flighty one here, but Kaveh fears.

The hand on his waist moves to his face, thumb tracing along his cheekbone with a reverence that overrides the fear, makes him melt into the contact. What does it say about Kaveh that he feels a little weak in the knees just from the lightest of touches? Still, he's waiting, waiting, waiting… begging with his eyes for Alhaitham to take a page from Kaveh's book and dive right into the deep end…

The result is worth the wait. Taking the plunge, Alhaitham says, “I love you too, Kaveh,” and then they're kissing, finally .

They're broken apart only by the clapping echoing between the walls, and Kaveh pulls back, taking a moment to admire Alhaitham before shooting Kaeya his best death glare.

“Love is in the air!” Kaeya coos. “Practicing for when the clock strikes midnight?”

Kaveh's brain is a little too melted to conjure up a response, his only thought being Alhaitham, Alhaitham!!!! So he just reels his lover back in and tunes out the rest of the world. No one else matters tonight, not when Kaveh has Alhaitham in his arms.

“Did you truly have no idea how I felt?” he asks when at last they part again, alone this time.

“I wondered sometimes,” Alhaitham says slowly, “but…”

“But? I’ve been all over you all week! You can't say you didn't suspect a thing.” Really, recalling his recent behaviour around Alhaitham would make him cringe were he not still riding the high of a mutual confession.

“All of your friends have been subjected to your clinginess at one point or another,” Alhaitham argues.

“I literally called you my knight in shining armour last week. You're not oblivious, you had to have known something !”

“I am not immune to fear,” he murmurs, pulling Kaveh in for a hug and smoothing down his hair. A man could get used to this treatment, Kaveh thinks, wondering if this is how cats feel when they purr.

He has a sense for when to tease Alhaitham and when to back off, so here he offers words of encouragement. “It's just me, Haitham. You'll always have me.”

“There was a time when I didn't.” Kaveh startles at the unexpected bitterness in Alhaitham's tone. “I couldn't risk losing you again.”

The raw honesty becomes another pang in Kaveh’s chest, but it's not unwanted, exactly. Is it painful? Absolutely; he aches to remember the time they spent apart, the months when Kaveh refused to speak of the best friend he'd claim not to miss. He can tell, however, that Alhaitham has been suffering, likely for some time now, and he'd never deny him an opportunity to get something off his chest.

Kaveh’s arms tighten around his partner, squeezing as hard as he dares. “At this point, I think we’re stuck together for life,” he tries to joke, but his voice is awfully tight.

He feels when Alhaitham’s breath hitches before he says, “You won't hear any complaints from me."

The two are lost in their own world for the next while, wrapped up in each other’s warmth as they chat about everything and nothing at all. Even as the suddenly rowdy partygoers count down from thirty, they’re content to spend the rest of the night alone together. At midnight Kaveh smiles into their kiss, breathless laughter puffing against Alhaitham’s face, and sends a prayer of thanks out to every Archon, beyond grateful for Alhaitham’s steady love.

Shivering at the sudden light breeze that drifts in through the open window, Kaveh takes the opportunity to sink deeper into his partner’s arms.