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It had happened during their bi-weekly meet-up.
The chosen destination for that weekend was Tighnari's home, deep within the nature of the Avidya Forest. While it was somewhat of a trek from Sumeru, Alhaitham and Kaveh never minded, and Cyno already visited regularly.
Together, the four gathered, sharing food and drinks as well as updates on the happenings around them. Collei appeared for a greeting, exchanging a few words before retreating to her hut for the night.
Later, they transitioned from the cozy dining room to Tighnari's living room. Cyno and Tighnari occupied the center divan, the space between them shrinking as their alcohol consumption grew.
Alhaitham migrated to his favorite armchair, the current novel of his interest propped in a hand. As much as Kaveh complained about it, he could still acknowledge how the scribe stayed present even as he read, occasionally pitching into the conversation.
Kaveh, who was (unsurprisingly) the most intoxicated of the group, took to plopping down on the floor near Tighnari. He held his head up in his hand, cheek resting on his palm as his elbow sat on the couch cushion. Kaveh's body held a comfortable buzz, and a lazy smile laid claim to his lips as the hours passed by.
And then something unusual happened. Somewhere between the friendly conversation and the alcohol, Cyno had miraculously managed to get a smile from Tighnari with one of his jokes.
The fox’s ears twitched, tail swaying in contentment behind him as he tried to bite back a grin.
“Ah! Tighnari smiled!” Kaveh called out with amusement, considering how often Tighnari’s expression soured as soon as Cyno started a tangent.
“Quiet, I did not.” Tighnari protested, bringing up a padded hand to cover his mouth; the crinkle of his two-toned eyes was still very much visible, and Kaveh chuckled softly.
“You are smiling. Was that a good one?” Cyno said. With Cyno, it was always somewhat unclear whether he was genuinely looking for feedback or was acting oblivious on purpose. It seemed to be a little bit of both.
“Absolutely not! Your puns are never good.” Tighnari turned away, huffing.
“Really? Maybe if I keep trying, I could get you to laugh, too.” Cyno said coolly, a small smile on his face as he inched closer towards Tighnari. The fox's ears twitched in alarm, and he began scooting back.
Kaveh had to move his arm just before Tighnari's back hit the edge of the settee, and he glanced to see Alhaitham sporting a skeptical expression.
“I'm not afraid to kick you out again—get away from me! I don't like that look on your face.” Tighnari replied, his grin growing shaky as Cyno trapped him. If he really, truly wanted to escape, he'd have no problem doing so. And yet, the wagging of a large black tail left no room for doubt.
“I just want to hear you laugh, Nari.”
“I swear to the Archons, I will bite you.”
Kaveh watched as the two went back and forth, an amused smile coloring his expression. He couldn't help but chuckle softly; it wasn't often he got to see this playful side of his companions, but it was always a pleasant surprise.
It was reassuring to know even the General Mahamatra and the Forest Watcher could let loose every now and again.
The two stared at each other for a tense moment, having an argument solely with their eyes. Tighnari’s expression was nervous and defensive, while Cyno's was amused and attentive.
“If he actually bites you, I will not be helping with the first aid.” Alhaitham commented, returning his attention to his book. And yet, even he kept glancing up occasionally, eyeing the couple with curiosity.
“ Cyno .”
“Nari.”
A second passed. And then another.
And then Cyno pounced.
A squeak snuck past Tighnari's lips, his ears flattening to the side as he attempted to grab Cyno's wrists. He was, unfortunately, unsuccessful; Cyno knew his body almost better than he himself did, and knew exactly where Tighnari left himself open to attack. Such was the curse of sharing such a strong bond.
“Cyno! Do NOT— wahahah !’
The matra managed to strike where Tighnari couldn't defend, latching onto the fox's side and squeezing. Tighnari squirmed as he tried to kick Cyno away with little luck.
“See, you're already laughing. I haven't even told my next joke yet.” Cyno said, his eyes crinkled with fondness.
“Be quiehehet! Gehet off of mehehe!”
A light flush found a home on Tighnari's cheeks, and his laughter had his sharp canines on full display. While he definitely smiled more than Alhaitham or Cyno, it wasn't often Tighnari truly laughed like this.
For some reason, Kaveh's stomach flipped. Why was he getting flustered?
Instinctively glancing towards Alhaitham, Kaveh was met with a look. Not just any look, but the one that said, “ I've noticed something you haven't.” If Kaveh wasn't tipsy, he might have been able to see the scribe's faint smile. Instead, he furrowed his brows in confusion, and Alhaitham simply looked back down at his book. That jerk .
“Cynohoho!” Tighnari giggled, actually giggled , his laughter a higher pitch than his regular voice.
It was surprisingly bubbly and boyish. To make matters worse, when Cyno reached his stomach, Tighnari showcased a product of his hybrid genes; he started squeaking, cute little sounds littering his mirth and making his flush turn three shades darker.
“Cy-yes.” Cyno replied, ironically monotone as he scribbled his nails over the soft fabric of Tighnari's tight shirt. The sound of the fox's tail could be heard thumping into the cushions of the sofa.
Tighnari couldn't help but throw his head back, his smile wide and happy. When Cyno got tired of fending Tighnari's hands off, he swiftly picked up both of the other's wrists with one hand, holding them up and to the side.
Tighnari protested loudly, nearly leaning off of the sofa as Cyno scratched at his ribs.
“Plehehease! No more!” Tighnari giggled, and Cyno finally released his hands. Tighnari quickly brought his legs to his chest, shooting Cyno a deadly glare. The fox started pushing the other away from him with a socked foot, and Cyno laughed quietly.
“Lummox…” Tighnari mumbled under his breath, though his grin never truly faded. His cheeks were flushed a lovely pink, and his fluffy tail continued to move happily behind him.
“Sorry.” Cyno replied, looking a little sheepish. It seemed like just then he had remembered they had guests, and while the general wasn't one to get embarrassed often, his cheeks were dusted crimson.
“I can't believe you got away with that unscathed, honestly.” Kaveh commented, his lips curled with a fond grin. Tighnari's glare quickly transitioned to the blonde, and Kaveh huffed a laugh.
“Oh, he's going to get it. I'm just not sober enough right now.” Tighnari replied, and even Alhaitham laughed under his breath at the way Cyno tensed.
Just like that, it was over, and the conversation flowed naturally into other topics. The rest of the night was just as pleasant, and Kaveh fell asleep that night feeling warm with affection for his friends.
~~~
For some reason, Kaveh could not stop thinking about it.
Not in an uncomfortable sense; if anything, the display was quite cute. A testament to how close Cyno and Tighnari truly were, and how close they felt to Alhaitham and Kaveh to be so open with them present.
No, Kaveh wasn't upset about it. He was, however, suddenly reminded of a memory long forgotten. Back when things were hopeful. Back before he and Alhaitham…
Anyway. It had been a couple of days, and the event just wouldn't leave his brain. But why did he care so much? It was just tickling, right? Plus, there was no way Alhaitham would let him… no. Best not entertain the thought. He probably doesn't even remember , Kaveh told himself.
“I can't focus when you keep shuffling like that. What's the matter?”
Kaveh was snapped out of his daze by a deep voice. It resonated from the body behind his, where he lay with his back to Alhaitham's chest as they cuddled on their divan. He flushed faintly, as if Alhaitham would be able to read his current thoughts.
“Ah, it's nothing you need to worry about. I'm just thinking about… things.”
“ Things ?” Alhaitham asked skeptically, and Kaveh didn't even need to turn around to know the scribe was raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, things . Don't make it into a big deal; I'm fine, truly.” Kaveh defended. He adjusted so that he was lying with his chest against Alhaitham's, blonde hair curling around his face where his head sat near Alhaitham's shoulder.
All he got from Alhaitham in response was a quiet “Hm,” and Kaveh figured that was the end of the discussion. He traced one hand idly over the scribe's chest and collarbones, less sensually and more so to keep himself occupied.
“Does this have to do with Cyno tickling Tighnari during our last visit?”
Kaveh spluttered, feeling his face flush. He propped himself up to face Alhaitham, his eyebrows furrowed.
“What!? How did you know that!”
“I didn't. I simply made a guess based on observations. Like how you reacted as it happened, and how you've often been lost in thought since. More than usual, at least.” Alhaitham replied before shutting his book with one hand and placing it on a side table.
Uh oh. There was no avoiding this now.
“You—ugh! You're infuriating.” Kaveh pouted, not actually angry but more so embarrassed at being read so easily. “I'd appreciate it if you didn't invade my thoughts.”
Alhaitham laughed quietly, and Kaveh couldn't help but smile. Then, he sighed, deciding to come clean.
“Alright, so maybe I was thinking about what happened. But it's not because it upset me or anything of the sort. It's charming to finally see them so happy together.” Kaveh said, his expression becoming fond without him knowing. Alhaitham hummed, signaling his attention.
“It just… hmm, how do I word this? I was wondering if… you'd ever let me do that.”
“Tickle me?” Alhaitham asked, his tone somewhat incredulous.
“Well, when you say it like that, it sounds weird!” Kaveh whined in response, definitely not pouting.
“You seem to love blowing things I've said completely out of proportion. I was just clarifying.” Alhaitham had the gall to roll his eyes, and Kaveh stuck his tongue out childishly in response. Were there any spectators? They may have gagged at the domestic scene.
“Fine, whatever . Yes, that is what I meant. It… looked fun. It actually reminded me of our Akademiya days, y'know?”
“And why would you expect me to just let you, exactly?”
“Ugh!” Kaveh groaned, gently smacking his hands onto Alhaitham's shoulders where he propped himself up. “Why can't you ever just do anything nice for me!?”
“And ‘something nice’ consists of… allowing you to pin me down without a fight? That doesn't seem very logical.” Alhaitham replied. Despite his dull tone, his hands shifted down to keep Kaveh in place by his hips, making sure the blonde wouldn't fall.
“Oh please, you're acting like I'm asking to tear you apart. It's just tickling !”
“According to that logic, you would be required to let me do the same were the positions reversed. It's just tickling, after all.”
“You—!” Kaveh flustered, glaring at his partner. As if Alhaitham didn't already know how he lost control of all motor functions when tickled. “This isn't about that! You wouldn't let me, not even once?”
“I don't see why, no. You don't get anything in life without working for it. You of all people should know that, oh Light of Kshahrewar.” Alhaitham said. The way his round lips were curved just a tad told Kaveh the scribe was teasing him.
“You are the worst, you know that? I miss when you were still my cute little junior! You were so much more agreeable back then.” Kaveh shot back, not really meaning it. He wouldn't trade anything for the man Alhaitham grew into, even with how long it took for them to reunite.
Before Alhaitham could respond just as sharply, something rapidly came to mind. Kaveh couldn't help but blurt it out, a smile spreading across his face.
“Oh my gods, do you remember the day I discovered you were ticklish? We were studying together at your grandmother's home, weren't we?”
“Why would I bother to remember something like that?” Alhaitham replied in his usual clipped tone, but the flush spreading across his dark cheekbones gave him away. Kaveh felt overcome with affection at the sight.
“You are such a liar! You had just gotten those accursed soundproof headphones, and I was trying to get your attention. But when I poked you in the back, you yelped.”
“I did not yelp .” Alhaitham replied far too quickly, and Kaveh would swear up and down the other was trying not to pout.
“You did! You went ‘ ah !’ and scared the life out of me! When I asked what happened, you kept insisting it was nothing, but your face was all flushed.” Kaveh continued, watching with a wide smile of his own as the corner of Alhaitham's mouth twitched upwards.
“I do not need a recap. In case you've forgotten, I was also there.” Alhaitham said, and Kaveh let out a giddy laugh. It really wasn't often he could catch Alhaitham off guard. In fact, it was almost always the other way around. He was not letting this opportunity go to waste.
“Oh? I thought you said, and I quote, ‘Why would I bother to remember something like that?’ Did you not?” Kaveh replied, his impression scarily spot on.
Alhaitham turned his face away, as if not responding would get Kaveh to cease his teasing. (It absolutely would not.)
“I misspoke. I don't often forget things; I simply didn't think it was worth discussing.”
“Hah! The Akadeymia Scribe? Mixing up words ?” Kaveh laughed, “So you do remember the way you blushed brighter than a Pyro slime? When I squeezed your sides, and you started giggling ? You were so adorable back then, you couldn't even push me away…”
“Kaveh…” Alhaitham mumbled, finally bringing a hand up to cover part of his face. Kaveh was relishing the feeling. He would have to get to the point soon, before Alhaitham got fed up and found some excuse to escape.
“You know, I wonder if your reactions are the same…” Kaveh purposely trailed off, bringing his palms down from Alhaitham’s shoulders to his chest before inching lower. Alhaitham quickly caught his wrists, but did little to push Kaveh away.
“What a shame you'll never be able to find out.” The scribe replied, tightening his grip on Kaveh's wrists when they reached his sides. Kaveh couldn't help but snicker; his pink lips curled into a smirk.
“Is that so?” Kaveh's hands tightened in response, fingers pushing into the soft flesh of Alhaitham’s waist. The scribe tensed.
“Kaveh. This is your last warning.”
“Hmm,” Kaveh hummed, feigning thought. “I think I'm willing to take my chances, my dear junior.”
Before Alhaitham could pull Kaveh's hands away, the blonde began tickling his sides. The thin fabric of Alhaitham's shirt did little to protect him. Although he was much better at suppressing reactions than Kaveh, there was no way to hide the way his body arched forward, or the way his lips curled upwards, nose scrunching in an attempt to suppress noises.
However, Alhaitham couldn't suppress a quick “ hah—! ” before his mouth clamped shut as Kaveh’s nails danced over his toned torso. Alhaitham's legs twitched around Kaveh, curling towards himself involuntarily.
“Well, now that’s not fair! Let your senior hear your lovely laughter, Haiyi!” Kaveh complained, fighting the faint push against his wrists. It almost felt like Alhaitham had forgotten how to use his hands, considering he was hardly fighting back. Either that, or he was enjoying himself. The thought had Kaveh grinning.
“Now where else were you ticklish…” he pondered aloud, observing the way Alhaitham’s eyes widened minutely, “Oh! I believe this was a good spot.”
Kaveh’s hands skirted downwards, and when they squeezed repeatedly at the tops of Alhaitham's thighs, the scribe finally broke.
“ No ! Kaveh—!” He gasped before deep, breathy laughter fell from his lips, teal eyes squeezed shut.
“Aha! I was right!” Kaveh cheered, batting Alhaitham's hands away as he continued to torment that area. Alhaitham’s shoulders bounced as he endured the tickling for another minute or so, and Kaveh couldn't tear his eyes away from the way the scribe’s face was lit up with mirth. It was infatuating.
“I wish you would smile more. It's beautiful.” Kaveh said softly, and it seemed as though Alhaitham’s blush got even darker.
Finally, he fought back, grabbing Kaveh's wrists firmer than before as Alhaitham pulled the offending hands away from him. Kaveh yelped at the sudden force, nearly falling backwards out of Alhaitham's lap.
He did fall backwards, however, when hands larger than his own latched onto his waist and squeezed.
“Ahah— no! Wahait!” Kaveh cried out, but those hands still followed him. Alhaitham pressed forward, nudging aside Kaveh's legs that were attempting to protect him.
It appeared that Kaveh bit off more than he could chew this time. Because while Alhaitham did laugh when tickled, Kaveh's reactions were multiplied tenfold.
That is to say, he was far more ticklish.
“I warned you. These are the consequences for starting a battle you couldn't win,” Alhaitham said smoothly, though a flush still colored his cheeks. “Now I wonder if your reactions are still the same, Senior… ”
“Don't you dahahare! Haitham!” Kaveh begged, but it was no use. He had made his bed.
It wasn't hard for Alhaitham to fend Kaveh's hands off. Partially due to a minor difference in strength (not to say Kaveh wasn't as strong, per se, but the lack of self-care certainly didn't help) and partially due to the fact that all Kaveh's body knew how to do when tickled was squirm around. His hands simply gripped anything he could reach, the current target being Alhaitham's shirt.
“Now you want mercy? You seem to have had quite a bit of fun torturing me.” Alhaitham replied, and Kaveh shrieked when hands moved down to knead at his hips.
“Nohot there! I cahan't!”
“Hm. It seems you are just as ticklish as you were in the Akademiya. In fact, I wonder if it's possible to grow even more sensitive with age.”
“ Shuhut uhuhup !”
“Quite rude for someone who has made no attempts to stop me.” Alhaitham's flat voice commented, though he couldn't suppress the small grin on his face as he was reminded of just how lovely Kaveh looked like this.
“You—!”
Kaveh cackled, unable to do much more than slap at Alhaitham's hands with one of his own, the blonde having reached up to cover half of his heated face. He threw himself back onto the cushions beneath him, shaking his head back and forth as if that would bring relief.
Kaveh's laughter was contagious, a sort of throaty sound littered with an occasional hiccup as he inhaled. Alhaitham was unbelievably fond of it, and although it may not have shown on his face, the scribe's heart fluttered in his chest.
That laugh increased in pitch when Alhaitham massaged Kaveh's lower ribs, and fell into hysterical giggles when the attention was turned to his stomach. Hands found their way underneath Kaveh's white blouse, scribbling over bare skin, and the blonde nearly fell off the divan.
If Kaveh was quick when tickling, his hands agile and sporadic, then Alhaitham was the opposite. The scribe was meticulously thorough, each movement calculated to elicit the most desired reactions. It was terribly effective.
“Ohokay, ohohokay! I give! Haitham, please —!” Kaveh finally conceded, immediately falling limp on their sofa when Alhaitham's hands stilled.
Kaveh's hair was a mess from thrashing, and his chest rose and fell quickly as he let out any leftover giggles. His arms lay crossed over his stomach, a weak form of instinctual protection.
“For how sensitive you are, I'm surprised you held out for so long.” Alhaitham said, and his expression could only be labeled as completely whipped when Kaveh peeked one crimson eye open to look at him. Kaveh felt lightheaded from the sight of it.
“You—you be quiet! You're horrible!”
“Am I now?”
“Yes, you are! Absolutely evil! The bane of my existence!”
Alhaitham crawled forward from where he was kneeling between Kaveh's legs, holding himself up on his forearms. He brought his face to Kaveh's, touching their noses together as he smiled. He leaned in, shutting the blonde up with a quick kiss before he pulled back slightly.
“Did you forget you were the one who instigated? I recall warning you. Multiple times, actually.”
Kaveh practically pouted, turning his head away so that Alhaitham was nosing at his cheek. And yet, the smile on Kaveh's face remained, and his chest felt weightless with such an intense affection.
“Hmph, whatever!” he replied, before turning back towards Alhaitham. He slung his arms up over the scribe's shoulders, linking his hands together lazily. “It was worth it to hear your laugh, either way.”
Alhaitham simply huffed in response, the heat from his cheeks evident. Kaveh couldn't judge; he wasn't faring any better.
Alhaitham moved forward to catch Kaveh's lips again before dotting ginger kisses across his face. His nose, his forehead, the swells of both cheeks, his jawline. After a moment, Kaveh laughed out a soft, “Quit it!”
The blonde tugged Alhaitham down on top of himself, his whole body coddled with a warmth so comfortable, so safe. Like his favorite blanket from childhood, or a cup of chamomile tea late into the night. He felt completely and utterly content.
“I love you, habibi .” Kaveh mumbled, cuddling into Alhaitham's neck. He heard the other chuckle quietly before Alhaitham replied,
“I love you too.”
Kaveh would have to thank Cyno and Tighnari later for reminding him of such a wonderful fact about his boyfriend. For now, he felt far too cozy to do anything else.