#kaveh platonic

[strxnged]

KAVEH: # perennial.

word count. 0.8k. genre. platonic, painter!gn!reader.

warnings. alcohol, love confession gone wrong (… right?).

“I think I’m in love with you.”

Kaveh’s voice was loud, forceful, and impatient. It was as if he’d been turning the words over in his mind for a few minutes and finally decided to spit it out and bear the consequences. His face contorted imploringly. “Please don’t kill me,” he added.

“Kav, you interrupted me!” You realized you were probably scowling at him.

“I—I know, I’m… sorry.”

You huffed and shut down your still-screaming thoughts about the inflation of paint prices. How were you supposed to make a living from your art if you couldn’t afford deep blue paint? You would have to change your entire style. How could you paint the sea, the sky, the— No, you had to focus. 

You grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the crowds of the city street to stand under a tree. “Kaveh,” you said in a more hushed voice, “where is this coming from?” 

His eyes darted around your face, anywhere but your eyes. His cheeks were aflame. As much as you took pleasure in seeing him embarrassed, this needed to be resolved immediately. 

“You can’t just say things like that when we’re out in public.”

He frowned. “What?”

“People are going to think…”

“That I mean it? I do!”

Up until now, you’d been sure there was another explanation. But now you saw his crimson cheeks, furrowed eyebrows, and red eyes settling on yours, and you let yourself absorb it.

“Oh,” you said.

Your chest tightened and your throat closed. Archons, were you really about to lose your best friend? Did everything have to change, now?

“I’m sorry,” he said again. “I just— I’ve never felt for anyone the way I do for you. God, it sounds so stupid. I just love you. A lot. I don’t want to be apart from you.”

“It does sound stupid,” you said bluntly. “Because I feel the same way.”

“You do?”

“Kaveh…”

He looked pained, mouth opening and closing with no words coming out.

“Kaveh,” you said, more firmly. “It’s not about whether or not I love you. It’s about what you want, and what I want. So instead of saying words that are so plainly obvious, why don’t you give me something to go off of so I know what you mean.”

Kaveh sighed. “I don’t know…”

“Fine. Let me get a drink or two into you. Then you’ll talk.” You took to the street again, and beckoned to him. “Don’t linger, loverboy.”

Sure enough, in Lambad’s Tavern, Kaveh’s tense expression melted after a drink. He pursed his lips, gazing a bit more calmly into the bottom of his empty glass.

“Well?” you urged him.

“I want to understand my feelings. Alhaitham told me I should talk to you about it instead of bothering him so much.”

You sputtered. “You want to understand your feelings, so you confessed your love for me?”

He sighed. “Yes.” His eyes met yours defiantly. “It’s not like I knew what else to say. I do love you.”

“Yes, you’ve mentioned that. That’s a great word that means a whole lot of nothing new to me unless you want things between us to change.”

“Change how?” he asked. 

“Kaveh, I should kick you.” You swung back your glass and emptied it. “My best friend’s a fool. That’s up to you. I’m content with how we are.”

“Well, so am I. I just love what we have. You’re everything to me.” He huffed and ordered another drink from the bartender. “You know, you just put me in my place and knock senses into me. You’re like—Alhaitham, but you don’t have terrible taste and worse opinions.”

You laughed. “Is that a compliment?”

“That’s how I love you.”

“Hmm…” You kicked your feet back and forth. “How else?”

“Like, I like being close to you. Hanging out. Lying around with you while we’re doing seperate art. I like your smell. I really… really like making you laugh.” Kaveh looked almost defeated, but his tone was tender and meaningful. “That’s how.” He looked at you again, and his expression turned angry. “You’re enjoying this! You prick.”

“Of course I am, Kaveh. I don’t know why you’ve held back these feelings. Is there anything else?”

He rolled his eyes and propped his head up in his hand, elbow on the bar counter. “I’m just in love with you. Like I love a new design.”

“And I love you like I love painting.” You smiled and let out a relieved sigh. “So nothing has to change?”

“No. God, no.”

“Good. I have enough to deal with, with paint prices these days.”

author’s note. i wrote this in like 20 minutes and did not proofread don’t come for me. i love queerplatonic affection and kaveh. ♥

[byorkewkew]

training in combat

[aviiarie]

cws & notes: reader (and kaveh) are VERY implied to be aromantic or on the aromantic spectrum. mentions of kissing. lots of platonic affection. platonic kaveh & gn!reader. 1.1k words. wrote this for myself tbh

“So are you two dating?”

You wish you could say it's the first time you've heard the question. And you wish you could bring yourself to be annoyed about hearing it again, but you know there's no malice or spite in the words. Only a polite sort of curiousity, unaware of the way your stomach turns at the thought.

And maybe you wish you could tell Nilou 'no, we're not, why would you think that?' but you know your hand is intertwined with his, and his knee is touching yours, and you have his cheek leaning against the top of your head. You know how it looks, but that never mattered. It felt comfortable, like you fit together just right. Affectionate, with no strings attached.

That was the part that no one seemed to get. You and him were at an understanding that seemed to make sense to no one but yourselves; the squeezing hugs, and nicknames, and nights spent staying up until 3am didn't mean a thing. When you fell asleep on his shoulder, when he chastely kissed you goodbye before leaving on a work trip, it wasn't because you both harboured a secret love you were too shy to say out loud.

You adored him, of course. He was your best friend. But that was it; no strings.

There were always those who couldn't wrap their heads around the thought, the ones who insisted that they had to be at least into each other a little bit. So much time spent being friends, such closeness had to speak to a blossoming romance that just hadn't quiet bloomed yet, right?

What they didn't know was you had tried, your senior year at the Akademiya. It was after all of the comments about how odd it was that they were so close without being a couple finally started to get to them. During a party hosted by a classmate you don't remember the name of, when the teasing and jabs had gotten a little too much, you had found him taking a breather out on the front steps.

Conversation came easily, comfort came quietly, and soon the topic shifted to what people were saying. It was always talk, rumours, gossip. But he could see how they were weighing on you. He could see the look of doubt in your eyes, wondering if this was something you were supposed to want.

If you can't bring yourself to fall for the most important person in your life, then what was wrong with you? Was love a prize that you were never going to win, a lock that you're never going to find the key for?

“Will you kiss me?” You blurted out, and his eyebrows raise. “J-Just once. I just... everyone keeps telling me I'm supposed to like you, and you're supposed to like me, but I just...”

“You want to see?” Kaveh asked hesitantly. You swallow, and nod. “I don't want to do something you don't want to do.”

“I want to. Please, I... I don't want to ask anyone else.” You paused, before quietly adding on, “If there's truly something wrong with me, I want to know now.”

The pinch between Kaveh's eyebrows deepened, but there was a flicker of vulnerability behind his eyes. Some part of him was flashing with the same fear, wondering if there was something wrong with him too, all because he couldn't muster up enough emotion to see you in a romantic light.

Carefully, he placed his hand on your cheek, bringing your face closer to his. There was a pause, before he met your lips in an awkward kiss. There were no sparks that crackled against your mouth, no butterflies in your stomach. It was a unpleasant clashing of teeth together, with your cracked lips pressing against his soft ones for a second too long.

You pull away, face flushed with embarrassment more than anything. “I... I don't think I want to do that again.”

“Me neither.” Kaveh grimaced. He sighed, leaning back to give you a bit more space. “Why do you worry so much about what they say?”

“Because! I'm supposed to enjoy it, aren't I?” There were tears in your eyes, but you didn't care. If there was one person you could cry around, it was him. “What is wrong with me? Why can't I even fake it?”

“You don't need to!” Kaveh said quickly. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “Maybe... maybe some people just don't like that sort of love. I know I sure don't, and I've known you long enough to figure out you don't either. We don't have to be a couple to care about each other, right?”

You stared at him, slightly dazed. “...I guess not.”

And since that night, you've never been able to forget his words, and the way he said them. It was like your world got shifted around, and nothing seemed quite the same. All the stress about love, all the worry about whether people thought you were a couple seemed so insignificant all of a sudden.

Yet, your new lighter worldview never stopped that burning question, that followed the pair of you like a shadow.

“So, are you two dating?”

The question echoes in your head, sounding over and over. Nilou is still staring at you, waiting for an answer, although her gaze occasionally flicks to your linked hands resting on his lap.

“We're just friends,” Kaveh responds smoothly. He lets go of your hand long enough to wave away the question, laughing lightly. “Honestly, the amount of times I've been asked that...”

“O-Oh!” Nilou's eyes widen, and her cheeks turn pink. Part of you feels bad for making her look so flustered, but the uncomfortable twist in your gut reminds you that it was her question that started it in the first place. “I didn't mean to assume... you just look so close!”

“We are.” He smiles gently. “But I can assure you we are very happy as friends. Neither of us are interested in that sort of relationship, much less with each other.”

She nods, as if she understands, but there's still confusion behind her expression.

It didn't matter. People didn't have to get what was so special about the two of you. They didn't have to understand what you had, and what you lacked, and why it didn't make much of a difference at all.

You were friends, best friends. And that was plenty enough love for the both of you.

© aviiarie 2024. do not copy, repost, translate or use my work to train ai

[mirrology]

Just saw that you write for genshin too!! Yay!!

I wanted to request a child reader who doesn't like talking to people but shy way- but bc she feels like there is no point in it also is a genius but doesn't go to the akademia bc of financial reasons so alhaitham adopts her? Also, kaveh and alhaitham act like parents towards her? Like kaveh scolding her for not making friends at the akademia and scolding alhaitham bc he is not a good example? Basically, kaveh being the worried mom and alhaitham being the cool dad

Sorry if this request was too long and specific 😅 I had this brainrot for a long time and wanted to share it with you

ノ Demure .ᐟ ʚɞ

୨୧ reserved, modest, and shy.

alhaitham, kaveh & gender neutral reader. platonic. | wc: 1.1k

tags/warnings: child reader, typical kavetham bickering, reader is considered a genius, reader has no parents, a little bit of angst regarding reader's backstory

notes: WOW THIS IS SO SO LATE!! I'M SO SORRYY, I've been having a really hard time with my mental health.

she/her pronouns were used in the ask, but the reader is gender neutral so everyone can enjoy. sorry if that's not what you wanted!

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

— For as long as you can remember, you were alone. In a house that brought back nostalgia, but those memories were buried deep into your mind, and no matter how hard you tried to dig them up, they stayed hidden.

— You took up small jobs around sumeru to get by, to at least look presentable in public. Even though it was considered child labor, you didn't care. Although when it came to speaking to people, it was difficult. People could be stubborn and rude, you didn't grow up knowing social cues or ways to respond. So, the only option you had was not speaking.

— When you didn't respond to the person that was talking to you, they either assumed you were mute or that you were rude and just didn't want to speak to them.

— Once, you were out in the desert in search of materials for your employer. You had crouched down as you spotted something shining underneath the grains of sand. It was a gem, and it looked quite expensive. The next thing you knew… you were surrounded by people in outfits that you hadn't seen before. Each and every one of them had a sort of red blind fold on. They demanded that you hand it over.

— You couldn't get a response out as your body froze up in fear. Just as one of them was going to swing their weapon down, it was intercepted by a sword.

— It was a man in green, before anyone could react the man knocked out the people who were previously surrounding you. Your eyes sparkled in awe, watching as the man swiftly landed on his feet. His head turned to you, causing you to flinch at his cold eyes, but they slightly softened in something you couldn't quite put your finger on.

↳ Your mouth hung open as you stared at the man in green. He beat up the scary looking people, he… he was so cool! Your eyes sparkled and were basically radiating light. His head turned to you, his eyes were narrowed, and that made you jump and quickly close your open mouth. The man started approaching you — you, not exactly trusting him, looked around for an opening to run away. The man knelt down to your height, yet still at a comfortable distance, his eyes trailed over your face, taking in your features and searching for any injuries. A small bead of sweat ran down the side of your face, discomfort written on your face. “Do you have anywhere to go?” The green man asked. You reluctantly shook your head. Your former house — that was barely staying together - didn't really count. He offered you his hand. “Would you like to come with me?”

You stared at the hand that he held out, should you agree? I mean it's not like you have anywhere else to go, and you weren't exactly made for hard labor jobs… you put your hand on his and nodded, he stood up with your hand is his. “My name is Alhaitham.” He said while looking down at you expectantly. “I'm (Name)...” You muttered but you could tell from his nod that he heard it.

— When you went with Alhaitham, you expected to be taken to an orphanage or taken to the authorities, yet that wasn't the case. He had taken you to his house and given you clean clothes, a warm bed to sleep in and… a roommate?

— After you had taken a bath and changed, Alhaitham had sat you on the couch and explained that he wasn't the only one who lived in the house. You really hadn't expected it since he seems like the type of person to like his alone time, but you understood.

— Once Kaveh came home after a long day of dealing with indecisive clients, he was met with you, and Alhaitham engaged in a game of chess and… The former was actually losing. To Kaveh It felt like a fever dream, so his only response was to stand in the doorway. But once he realized that there was someone other than him and Alhaitham in the house, and that someone was a CHILD.

— oh boy, Kaveh is immediately asking 1000 questions per minute. How did you get here? Where are their parents? Do you even know if they have any other relatives? and so on and so forth.

— Once Kaveh and dwindled down from his flurry of questions, Alhaitham explained your situation.

↳ Kaveh put a hand on his chin as he took in the information provided by his roommate. He hummed “So… they're staying with us?” He asked Alhaitham with a raised eyebrow. “Yes, that's right.” The scribe nodded and crossed his arms, Kaveh sighed “Alright…” He trailed off and met eyes with your wide ones. “I'm Kaveh, nice to meet you, (Name)” He gave you a small smile. Your mouth turned into an ‘o’ shape ‘he's pretty’ you thought.

— As the days went by and the three of you got adjusted to living together, Alhaitham noticed something peculiar about you. You were much more perceptive than other children, often pointing out details that even some adults couldn't have seen, and you learn surprisingly quickly for a child your age.

— You also took a strange interest in the akademia. Whenever you, with either of your guardians, would pass by the akademia, your eyes would be immediately glued to the entrance doors. Alhaitham, seeing your subtle hints of interest, decided to talk with Kaveh to see if they should enroll you in the akedemia.

— and surprisingly, it didn't take much convincing to get Kaveh to agree. The both of them had acknowledged your perceptive nature, quick 5 interest in the akademia. They decided to give you a chance, since it seems that you never had a proper education. They sat you down to tell you, and once they did… you lit up, a rare but well received squeal escaped your mouth as you rapidly thanked them as you ran up to hug them. Your wholesome reaction forced a smile out of Alhaitham and a hearty laughter out of Kaveh.

— You loved your time in the akademia, learning about different plants, animals, and complicated equations that you came close to solving. The only slight problem was… that you didn't make an effort to talk to other kids your age. It was just that you went the best at talking to people, and you got really anxious when you did. It didn't help that you froze up when someone approached you.

— Alhaitham in return, assured you that you didn't need to interact with people. You just needed to focus on your studies and yourself, but Kaveh had the opposite opinion. He believed it was essential to have friends or just people to talk to. It would build up social skills and help with public speaking. At Kaveh's rambling, Alhaitham muttered a quiet "Don't listen to him”, yet Kaveh heard his remark and started to scold him for encouraging the anti-social behavior. Although you kept Kaveh’s advice in mind, you weren't planning on public speaking or speaking to people anytime soon.

[lvnesart]

Honestly? Their sketch was my favorite to line

Edit: updated with the correct flag

[impactedfates]

hehhaharhar i so totally not deprived of father figure! genshin men with kidnapped child reader? pls pls 💓💓💓any man is fine but perferably the tall ones ☝

★ A/N: Yeah sure you aren't...anyways, yep I got you covered with this request :))

☆ Genre/Trope: Platonic + Familial

★ Format: HeadCannons (Characters Included (Separate): Diluc, Zhongli, Kaeya, Childe, Kaveh)

☆ Warnings: Mentions and hints of kidnapping // Mentions of death (In Diluc and Childes) // Spoilers for the Liyue Archon quest if you have not done it yet // Mentions of going to the hospital (Kavehs)

★ Extra: Reader is adopted in Zhonglis one // Reader is shorter then most characters (They're about 6-7 age wise) // Reader has no vision // Reader is ofc NOT traveler

For whatever reason I can see it being a Fatui that kidnapped you. Perhaps to get payback for the massacre Diluc caused back in Snenznaya. Whatever the reason, once Diluc finds out you’re gone and it was because of the Fatui? Oh he’s more then pissed.

If they wanted to upset him, they succeeded. Perhaps too successfully as when he finally finds you, most of the Fatui that’s been there to ensure you don’t escape has been soaking in a pool of their own blood. He of course won’t hurt anyone violently if you’re in the room, but he will knock the other people in there out. He’ll pick you up and hide your face in his chest as he calmly walks out.

When you are back home, he’ll take a few days off work to ensure you’re okay after what happened, and maybe if it comes to it he may actually ask some of the Knights of Favonius for help as well.

Honestly whether or not he actually hurt anyone is up to you, however I do think that when it comes to family, he isn't that hesitant to be a bit more violent then usual.

Getting adopted and having your father being the ex-archon of Liyue had it's ups and downs, especially as you witnessed your father continuously forget his wallet, however never have you thought you'd get kidnapped.

You weren't sure why though, Zhongli had kept his identity a secret and the only ones knowing were other Archons and the traveler as far as you knew plus Zhongli in his "mortal" form isn't that much of an important figure to others, nor is he famous. Yet here you were, treasure hoarders surrounding you.

Meanwhile, Zhongli was panicking wondering where you went. One second you were close behind him, the next you were gone. So he quickly called upon some of the adeptus to search for you and thankfully, you also had the privilege to call upon Xiaos name and he'll come right to your side. Whatever happened to the treasure hoarders?

You're not sure, Xiao simply teleported you away and right into your fathers arms as he held you tight before disappearing into the green mist once again. Zhongli checks all over you to ensure you aren't hurt. After that day, he's sure to always have an eye on you and when he cannot. An adeptus will look out for you from afar.

Being a Knight, and a captain in fact. Kaeya definitely encountered people wanting to push his cool persona over the edge. It's part of the reason why he's a bit hesitant on growing closer to certain loved ones.

He's afraid of loosing them, so when he lost you. He did not take it well, despite his cool demeanour when he ordered some knights to go search for you, people like Jean and his brother Diluc were quick to see he was in a state of panic, Jean even offered to take over the search so Kaeya could relax but he didn't want too. He had to find you safe and sound, even if that meant he had to get hurt.

When you are finally found, he's quick to take whoever's responsible away and have Jean deal with them properly as he himself brings you to Barbara who checks for injuries you may have sustained. He's by your side at all times and may even be hesitant to leave your side.

Even though Jean likely did give him some time off to spend time with you and for him to cool down after what happened, he's still unwilling to leave you alone, even with another babysitter. He does reluctantly agree when his older brother offers to take care of you. He knows Diluc is strong and will be able to protect you. (Better than Diluc protecting him anyways)

Whoever kidnapped you must have a death wish or something...

Of course it's easy to see why someone were to kidnap you. I mean, being the kid of not only the fatui, but a harbinger. It's clear why someone tried to kidnap Tartaglia's kid but...it's not smart either.

The Fatui have a large amount of people working for them, and most aren't afraid to attack. And due to the fact Childe is a harbinger, it's easy for him to get people to find you as soon as he knows of your disappearance and when you are found, he asks his subordinates to take you back to his house where his family will look after you whilst Childe *cough cough* uh...deals with the perps responsible.

He'll come back soon, cleaned up but faintly smelling of blood and double checks to see you're okay. Now he does go back to work faster then anyone else, this is mainly because I don't think he'll really be allowed time off, however he does have some subordinates keep an eye on you from afar.

Oh archons, he is p a n i c k i n g. Once Kaveh finds out you've been kidnapped he's so worried, it takes Alhaitham to actually shake him to get him to finally focus on finding you. Unfortunately unlike the others listed in this post so far, he cannot easily go looking for you himself. However being friends with Cyno does mean you have the General of the Mahamatra looking for you and he is good at his job.

It may take awhile but eventually Cyno does find you, and after dealing with the kidnappers and arresting them. Takes you to the Sumeru hospital (they have one right?) to get healed as he tells Kaveh that you've been found.

Kaveh stays by your side no matter what, he'll sleep on the damn floor of the hospital if he has too, he doesn't even leave you once you're discharged from it either. He feels so guilty about what happened and blames himself so he tries his best to make more time with you. Even if this means his debts may increase, he just wants to spend as much time with you as possible encase this happens again.

And hey, Alhaitham may be kind enough to dismiss Kavehs missed rent payment that month.

Weehee. I actually enjoyed writing this :D However next time please make sure to check to see if my requests are open before sending one in, in any case I hope you liked this <33

[arisewanekosuki]

Traveler's little helper -Extra-: Curiosity - Nahida (feat Sumeru Boys x Fem!Reader)

This is something I wanted to post before... I went to the small hiatus, now I finished this short thing but sorry for mistakes, it's 1 Am now and I'm tired... [ Teyvat , Mondstadt , Liyue ] ------

Nahida found it interesting, how can you still not be able to  see those boys holding affections towards you. At first she wondered “Are you really blind for their courting? Or maybe you don’t want to see it?” You’re very friendly, no matter if it’s a guy or girl, if you want to take someone somewhere you won’t hesitate to hold their hand, if someone is sad you always offering a hug. But she did notice that when it comes to guys, there are sometimes a moments when you do realize that you got ‘too close’ and start to feel a bit shy, apologizing to them. But then how could you not notice how they pout for not feeling warmth of your hand anymore?  The easiest way is to ask you and she did. -“Those boys really like spending time with you…but I can’t help and wonder…which one do you like the most?” you looked at her with confusion -“Which one? Hmm.. I like them all, after all they are my good friends!” You smiled so brightly to her. “Ah so you’re just that oblivious.” She thought back then. Nahida always liked to observe people and because of this she noticed the difference in behavior for some of the guys. Wanderer was the first one she noticed the changes in him. That’s not a secret that Wanderer enjoys watching people expressions, especially the negative ones. Making others angry is his little fun in everyday live. And at first it was the same with you, being rude or ignoring you to just see your angry face but this changed. To Nahida’s surprise she noticed how lately he have been only teasing you just to see your embarrassed face and not only that. It seems Wanderer started to like seeing your smile. When at first he would complain when you asked him to help with commissions, now he ‘offers’ help himself to do them. The next one was Kaveh. Always stressed and troubled by many things. But after you invited him to the Teapot he seems more relaxed and happy, of course you couldn’t take away his debt but you helped him a bit whenever you could. She noticed that Kaveh is more calm when discussing things with the clients about his projects. Before he would get angry quickly because of the stress and not wanting to be scammed again but now it  looks like he’s more clearheaded to find common ground on both sides. There is less arguments between him and Alhaitham those days as well, but in exchange now most of the time they clash with each other when it comes to you. The General Mahamatra have two modes, the work on and the work off, but at some point Nahida noticed that there one more “(Y/n) is here mode on”. You don’t mind his jokes, you would smile or even let a small laugh when he tell ones and when you do that, Nahida can see Cyno smiling too. Everyone knows how serious Cyno is when it comes to TCG, he won’t even show mercy when playing against you. But if someone paying close attention to Cyno they would notice how sometimes he gets deconcentrated by watching you choosing next cards. You’re good player but sometimes he lose because he got lost in his thoughts about you. Tighnari was better at hiding his affections towards you, at least when there were more people around. Nahida was watching you two as a little bird, you would listen to Tighnari talking about flowers but sometimes he would decorate your hair with some or giving you bouquets but you never knew the meaning behind them, this is only fact that Tighnari hid from you. You’re the only person who have permission to brush his tail or touch his ears, Nahida can’t count of her fingers now how many times Tighnari was so close to kiss you in moments like this. The little Dendro Archon can always see how Tighnari is protective over you, especially if you get hurt. No matter if the wound is small, Tighnari will always take care of it and softly scold you.

The hardest one to see their affections towards you is Alhaitham. Nahida is sure many other people didn’t even realized that he too takes part in the race of winning your heart. Alhaitham is very subtle with his affections, many may even mistook them for just him being kind to you. But if they know him better they can notice how he would enjoy to have conversations with you, after work he would invite you from time to time for some coffee or tea whichever you prefer. To Nahida, and even your surprise he do offer to read some books for you, when he sees that Paimon is busy and you are curious of the new book you found in your adventures with Aether.

The little Dendro Archon can’t help but be curious how this will go. Will one of them manage to win your heart? Or maybe someone else from another Nation will charm you? But there is something that has been bothering Nahida for a while now, whenever you spend time with the boys and they leave for moment or don’t look at you, she can see your eyes fill with sadness. The Dendro Archon started to wonder “Maybe you’re not that oblivious like everyone thinks?”

[cynyari]

Tighnari is Kavetham's no.1 hater because he sees how much Kaveh holds Alhaitham's opinion to a high regard even if he won't admit it and that Alhaitham isn't good at communication and he'll eventually say something and Kaveh will jump to some conclusion and spiral and then Tighnari will have to be the one to help his friend out of it afterwards

Cyno is Kavetham's no.2 hater cause he thinks alhitham is a dickhead and doesn't like his ass

[tr4gictea]

May I request Alhaitham and Kaveh taking care of teenage reader that is sick, like, reader sees them both as older brothers so they hang out sometimes but now reader is sick so they take care of them 🥲

Kaveh & Alhaitham w/Sick!Reader

❥Masterlist

Tags: fluff, sick reader, overworking

Including: Brother Figure!Alhaitham&Kaveh

word count: 1,662 words

A/n: Second post after coming back :D idk if you wanted a headcanon or a story sooooo I wrote a story d:

The morning you woke up with a headache you had beams of sweat running down your head, and your whole body felt hot. Piercing pain went through your skull as if you had just been shot sending you to grip your head in pain.

After adjusting to the pain you hobbled over to the medicene cabinet and grabbed some headache reliving medication.

This had to be one of the worst days to get sick as this was your scheduled date to enter the restricted section in the akademiya library. They only let a few select in and you were lucky enough to get on the waitlist. you had to wait at least three months before you could enter the restricted library. If you wanted to go in a different time from your scheduled time you would have to wait another three months or more.

This was something you could not miss.

After a slow start to the morning, you arrived at the akademiya looking ghostly. The medication you took earlier helped your headache but did noting for the stomach ache you had afterward. Gripping your stomach you opened the doors of the akademiya you hobble over to the restricted libraries front desk. The woman at the desk reading the book she had on the desk and handed you a form to sign before entering the library. It was probably for the best she had he nose in a book, cuz if she looked up she would have thought the zombie apocalypse started.

Handing back the filled out form the woman at the desk pressed a button on her desk and the doors opened.

"Please no food, drinks, or other items that can damage our books. Thank you and have a good time." She said it as if she rehearsed it a million times and didn't take one eye off the book the entire time.

Entering the library you took in the sight of all the books hidden from the public eye, the ones that you had free reign to read through for exactly 2 hours. With only a small amount of time to cram information. Opening the first book you looked at the old pages and began reading through at a rapid pace. Take all the information you can in and stopping every once and a while to blow your nose or sneeze.

Thirty minutes into your time you felt a searing pain in your head. Your headache was coming back worse than ever. Rubbing your temples aggressively you kept trying to focus back in on the book but the pain of a headache, stomach, and stuffy nose combined was too much to bear.

Unnoticed passing by you was the acting grand sage. You had often had talks with the man as he was like a mentor to you. He had gone down to the restricted section to find a topic that wouldn't typically be found in the normal library. But on his way, he stumbled upon you hunched over your book with your head in your hands.

Approaching you from behind intending to see what you were doing he was met with a ghastly sight of you with your eyes closed rubbing your temple, face hot with beads of sweat rolling down your face, and teeth clenched. Around you was a hoard of crumpled tissue paper.

Alhaitham leaned down to your level and called out your name. "(Y/n)?"

Opening your eyes you jump back in surprise to see your mentor in front of you looking at you with a straight face. Though most can't see it, the expression looked concerned to you.

"Alhaitham!" You exclaim "Sorry I didn't see you,"

"I can tell, it seems as you were busy with other things."

Thinking he's referring to your research you pick up the book to show him the cover "Ah, yes I am doing a paper on-,"

"No (Y/n), that's not what I mean." he cuts you off "You look unwell, I believe that you should go home and take time to rest."

"I will after my time is up, I still have about an hour and thirty minutes left to finish my work and go home."

His expression remains unchanging and he reaches out to close the book. "Yes, but that is time you could use to rest and get better. This is how your body fights infections."

You let out a sigh "You sound like an old man right now," laying your head on the desk and burying in your hands and try to stop the pain in your head.

"I do not. I am just informing you on how to help yourself get better faster since you obviously aren't taking the initiative on your health right now." He retorted back in a matter-of-fact tone.

"See the words 'informing' and 'initiative' make you sound old,"

"That's not the point (Y/n)," he says sighing at your comeback. "You are acting so immature right now," he says under his breath, you let out a small chuckle.

"Look Alhaitham," you call out to him as you reopen the book Alhaitham closed. "I'm well enough to stay for a little longer unt... til... ACHOOO until my sniff time is up."

Unconvinced, the acting sage stands up straight and rests a hand on your forehead. "Your temperature is well over a hundred and ten, from your facial expression I can tell you're in a lot of pain but are trying to hide it, even though it is freezing cold in here and yet you still managed to break a sweat. From these signs and a few others, I can tell you are in a lot of pain right now."

He was right, as much as you hate to admit it he was right. the pain in your head was still searing your brain, your stomach ache got worse and you felt like you needed to throw up. But you waited 3 months for this spot you can't just walk out thirty minutes in.

"I have some medicine that I can grab you from my house." hesitant to follow his instructions your eyes dart between the books on the desk and the doors leading outside.

Probably sensing your hesitancy he says "If you need to I can schedule another time for you to come to the restricted library two days after you make a full recovery."

"Really?" You say perking up slightly.

"Yes if that is what it takes for you to start your recovery process."

"Thank you Haitham." He smiles slightly at the nickname.

"Please come with me, i need to go grab some medicinal supplies from my house."

Having been to his house many times for tutoring, you knew it was only a long 15-minute walk. Entering his house you were greeted with warm-colored furniture and books and blueprints scattered all across the floor. In the middle of all this mess, you see a blonde-haired man peek out from behind a couch.

Kaveh was Alhaitham's roommate and biggest hater. He probably complains more about the man than he sees his own family.

"(Y/n)!" he jumps up from his spot on the ground and rushes to your side. "You look terrible! Are you sick?"

"ACHOO, no," you say sarcastically

He scoffs at your answer. "(Y/n) lay down I'm going to get you some tea." he looks around the room til his eyes land on Alhaitham slowly taking his shoes and coat off. "ALHAITHAM! What are you doing go make them some tea immediately and get them some medicine"

"If you would give me a second I was going to get them some medicine but the walk here was a little long-,"

"WALK?!? DO YOU MEAN TO TELL ME YOU MADE HER WALK HERE SICK!?!"

"Yes, what else am I supposed to do? Pick her up?"

"YES YOU IDIOT SHE'S SICK!" Kaveh storms off into the kitchen. "And I thought the scribe was supposed to be the smartest!"

Alhaitham sighs shaking his head "Here, take this in case you get cold." and hands you a blanket "And feel free to grab any book off the shelf as long as you don't spill or ruin it in anyways."

"I know," he has stated this rule to you one too many times. You learned that it was a big rule for him when you accidentally split juice on one of his books. He gave you the book that you spilled juice on and when you came back the next day he had three more copies of that same book.

While waiting on the couch and checking out the building blueprint, Kaveh comes out of the kitchen with two teas.

"This one has herbs that help with stomach aches and headaches," He says while giving you the cup. He takes a sip of his own cup and rests it on the table.

"Don't I get a cup?" Alhaitham questions Kaveh.

"Make your own." the architect stats plainly.

"I like your new designs Kaveh," you say point to the big one on the ground. "Who's it for?"

"Oh yeah this one is for a client out of in Fontaine. He wanted an 'exotic style' for his house." He said putting air quotes on 'exotic style'.

"But it looks like a city house style?"

"Yes but the client insisted that it made him feel like he was in a jungle," Kaveh said rolling his eyes.

"The stone outer walls are not helping him prove his point," you chuckle

"hehe, the stones he wanted for that aren't even from Sumeru hehe, they're from Liyue." he chuckled with you "You feeling any better?"

"not really.."

"Well, you'll feel better after you rest up." Alhaitham suddenly speaks up.

"Rest, we will wake you up later but for now sleep."

"Ok, yawn." Pulling the blanket that Alhaitham gave me over me. Resting your head on the pillow you immediately drift to sleep, while the acting grand sage and the light of kshahrewar watch over you.

[iridescentmirrorsgenshin]

An example of queercoding in Alhaitham and Kaveh's relationship: Madam Faruzan edition

Due to the rules in place for game development in China, the possibility for queer confirmation within Genshin Impact is denied, which therefore renders the usage of characters alluding to the potential romantic connection between two same-sex characters as impossible. However, the same insinuation can be made by omitting specific language which strictly conveys romantic sentiments, such as ‘couple’. Instead, the idea of secrecy or something unmentionable can be drawn upon as indicators, as this draws parallels to the taboo of homosexuality practiced within certain cultures and media forms, which the real world audience can identify.�� 

For example, Alhaitham and Kaveh as secret housemates. This can be used to convey an idea of ‘taboo’ as Kaveh desires to protect his reputation by concealing his shame of having to live with Alhaitham. In-game, the context here is that Kaveh wants to uphold his reputation of a successful architect, but within Alhaitham’s Story Quest, upon the player’s discovery of Kaveh living with Alhaitham, this context is omitted for some time. This prompts Paimon to question what exactly Alhaitham and Kaveh’s relationship is, with Kaveh denying that the two used to be friends but are not anymore: “I wouldn’t say ‘friends’ exactly”.

This tactic of double entendre can be seen again in A Parade of Providence when Paimon almost reveals Kaveh’s living situation to Faruzan.

Faruzan’s can be observed to resort to a thinking pose, in comparison with Layla, when Alhaitham is mentioned in relation to Kaveh wanting to buy property, as Paimon almost ‘outs’ the truth, that Kaveh resides with Alhaitham.

She then seemingly dwells upon the subject, as she returns to it after Kaveh requests for a change of topic later in the conversation. Here, Faruzan follows up on whether Kaveh lives alone, which he fails to deny. 

Here, it can be seen that she has already began associating Kaveh and Alhaitham, possibly speculating that the two live together. When Kaveh fails to supply an answer, therefore not denying her theory, she explicitly ties the two together, and asks if the two are “hiding” something.  

This question evokes a physical reaction from Kaveh, as he denies this question out of fear of being revealed, with Paimon opting to leave in order to cover her role in revealing Kaveh’s predicament.  

A deliberate potentiality has been created here in regard to what Faruzan has inferred, as her phrasing of “are you two hiding something from me?” is non-specific. Rather than asking: “are you two living together?”, she asks a question which holds multiple connotations. Due to the ambiguity of her meaning, her question can be observed as a non-explicit version of the: “are you two a couple?” question.

On the surface, this question is a reference to their situation as roommates, however, her phrasing is non-specific, and hints to another cause for “hiding” something. For Faruzan, Kaveh’s blatant evasion of the topic and dismissal of Alhaitham’s name, could easily be inferred as “hiding” a romantic connection – which is something that the player, too, can pick up on from her gesture of suspicion, her inquisitive questioning, and her excitement when piecing together the clues. The ambiguity of her question generates multiple meanings as to why she has surmised the two could be “hiding”.  

This overt secrecy in Kaveh’s living with Alhaitham, another man, prompts the player to generate associations between this in-game secrecy and real world queer shame. In this, there is an implication of the need for Kaveh to confirm the status of his relationship between him and Alhaitham. Not only does this scene connotate an ‘outing’, in which a queer character has their queerness forcibly revealed to a heteronormative audience, but this creates a sense of secrecy, which, again, can be interpreted by the player as ‘taboo’.  

Kaveh does not want to tell anyone of his living situation out of preserving his stellar reputation, however, Faruzan is missing this context. She relates Alhaitham and Kaveh together in the phrasing “you two”, coupling them together in a secret that they “hid[e]”. The player understands this as indicating to their living situation, however, this creates a separate context which Faruzan has interpreted and that, we, as the audience are not privy to, but can interpret based on her allusions to cohabitation between two men being a secret.

Whilst this is not explicitly romantic within Genshin’s world of nameless sexuality, Faruzan’s ambiguous questioning here draws parallels between real world understanding of sexuality and the connotations of queerness which stems from two men living together in secret. 

(Update: For more analyses like this, the essay this is taken from is now uploaded! It can be accessed here and here as as a pdf <3)

[idyllic-affections]

general friendship headcanons (sumeru).

summary. what is it like being friends with some of sumeru's citizens?

trigger & content warnings. brief & hypothetical mentions of people being creepy towards you.

tropes, pairings, fic length, & other notes. fluff. alhaitham & reader, collei & reader, cyno & reader, kaveh & reader, nahida & reader, nilou & reader, wanderer & reader, tighnari & reader. 0.9k words. no pronouns for reader.

author's notes. just a lil filler post while i continue working on requests <3 should i make this into a series? i think i will HSKDHDLD sometimes i need things to post in between requests, especially when i get a wave of longer requests.

alhaitham is the kind of friend you can just... sit in the silence with. it's not uncomfortable silence whatsoever—it's, on the contrary, rather comforting and calming. he'll let you sit right up against him if you so please as he reads a book of his. you want to take a nap on him? go for it, he doesn't mind. i like to think that alhaitham finds the weight and pressure to be soothing (neurodivergent alhaitham my beloved...). you want to read your own book? that's fine. maybe you're doing something else—crocheting, knitting, drawing, writing... he really doesn't mind. whatever it is you choose to do, you're welcome to curl up against his side while you do it.

collei is another one you can sit in comforting silence with. she finds it nice just to spend time with her friend! if either of you aren't really interested in doing anything in particular, or if one or both of you aren't feeling great mentally or physically, she's totally cool with sitting in the calm quiet and cloud-gazing together. if you do want to do something, however, she's up for that too! she would also take you on patrol with her, i think, even if you need special accommodations. she'll figure it out. if you want to go with her, she'll find a way c: she's also the kind of friend that would enjoy trading easy & convenient recipes with you.

cyno is definitely the card game friend. you will learn to play tcg. you have no choice. it is your fate. /lh but i also like to think he's a considerably protective friend! he's the one to ask all the questions if you let him know you're planning on going out. he wants to know all the details. are you going with someone? yes? who is it? where are you planning on going? he literally just wants you to be safe, so sometimes it might come off as overbearing or infantilizing, but he really doesn't mean it that way! he genuinely just wouldn't forgive himself if something happened to you that he could have prevented.

kaveh is the kind of friend you could stay up until atrocious hours of the night talking to. also 100% the gossip friend. he'll sit there doing your hair, makeup, nails, or skincare routine—regardless of your gender, whatever you're comfortable with! kaveh genuinely doesn't care as long as you're happy and content—and tell you all of the terrible awful drama he overhears. he's also somewhat protective, but not to cyno's level. he'll inquire about your plans and will then tell you to be safe and have fun! he would feel really bad if something happened, though. really bad. will definitely, 100%, without a doubt tell off any creeps bothering you. he can pretend to be your brother or your boyfriend, whatever you need. he'll do it.

nahida is the therapist friend, in a way. she doesn't completely understand human emotions and thought processes, but she is totally happy to listen to whatever you need to get off your chest! it helps her understand you and other people better, and it (hopefully) helps you feel better. her advice is a little difficult to understand, admittedly... she tries her best though! if you don't understand, feel free to tell her. she'll try to be clearer. it may or may not work, and she has a chance of making her point even more confusing, but she really does try.

nilou is the kind of friend who's happy to do activities with you. she's happy to do anything as long as it's with her friend! she'll take you out to the shopping (only for you two to inevitably return with a ridiculous amount of free gifts for nilou, namely from the grand bazaar vendors...) if you'd like, or she can get you guys tickets to some of her favorite performances! she'd also love to teach you her style of dance if you'd be willing to and are able to learn. if you're not able, though, that's okay! she really doesn't mind. i like to think she'd also be super supportive of you and all your pursuits.

the wanderer is, quite simply, the begrudging friend. he will NOT admit that he cares about you and will claim the exact opposite. he'll say that he absolutely does not care whatsoever (but will then, in the same sentence, berate someone for so much as glancing at you in a way he deems to be wrong). he's a bit emotionally inarticulate—and rightfully so—but he really does care. his ways of showing it are just a little odd and unconventional. he acts like every display of affection ever is such a terrible burden that should not have been put on his shoulders, but secretly really loves holding your hand or giving you a hug. also really likes being held. like. he would die before admitting that but he... he just needs to be held, you know?

tighnari is the kind of friend who tells you all sorts of things—he shares his knowledge so freely with you, it's sort of like a love language. he'll tell you all about the local flora, explaining what plants you could eat in the case of an emergency and what ones you should never even touch. also as his friend you are allowed to touch his ears and tail. imagine habitually fidgeting with them while tighnari doesn't even flinch because, as long as you're always careful and gentle, he trusts you enough for that kind of thing. i bet he is very soft. anyway, i can't explain it, but i just know his hugs are warm and comforting and protective. he definitely gives really good hugs.

please consider reblogging, it helps me out quite a lot!

[strxnged]

400w. warnings: minor vent, i wrote this on my phone—may be typos

"I'm so tired, Kaveh."

Ruby eyes met yours, slightly widened, but concerned. "I know, Y/N. I know."

You grasped the railing of the lookout, and clenched it. "Is it really just going to be one week after the other like this? For the rest of my life?"

Kaveh took one of his own hands off the railing, and hovered it over your shoulder. "I won't lie to make you feel better." He set it on your back, a bit awkward but well-meaning.

You felt a downward tug on the corners of your lips. "It wouldn't work anyways," you sighed, looking over the evening view of Sumeru city. It was a comforting sight. There was, however bitterness in the beauty. There was bitterness in how you missed having time to revel in it.

"But you chose this life, didn't you?"

You swiveled your head to face him, brows furrowed as if to warn him not to continue. Kaveh saw your facial expression and ignored it.

"You chose this occupation—this lifestyle—this insane sort of every-second-counts mindset. You chose it because you have goals. You're ambitious, stubborn, resilient, and..." He paused, looking you over. "You're passionate. Even if you don't feel it right now, it's there, right beneath your skin, fighting for action. For the pleasure of doing what you love."

"Don't project onto me, buddy," you snapped.

"We're similar."

You didn't want to admit that Kaveh was right. It was like the view before you which you missed so often when all you had to do sometimes was raise your eyes.

"Will I ever get to rest?"

Kaveh shrugged. "I hope so. I think... I guess you'll adapt. You always do. You'll adapt, and remember what you're doing this for."

"Yeah," you said, eyes flitting over the bustling streets below. "Do they rest?"

A group of friends near a shop was chatting away. A woman and her child were sitting on a bench, eating some food from Puspa Café. A man, holding a briefcase reminiscent of Kaveh's, Mehrak, had paused on the street and was looking above the building roofs towards the sun. He looked to be in a trance. Much like yourself.

"I think they remember," Kaveh mused, "to look up."

author's note. it's been a long week, and it's only wednesday. sigh!

[lovehypegirl]

OF GOLD AND GREEN

Synopsis: Being the adopted child of Alhaitham and Kaveh

They're both really good parents

But they have different parenting styles

Like how at fancy dinners Kaveh lets you have a sip of his wine and Alhaitham is glaring at him across the table

Alhaitham is always the one who wakes up before the rest of the world and Kaveh sleeps in snoring his head off

On your school days Alhaitham gently wakes you up and gets you ready for school after he prepared breakfast

Kaveh has already dragged himself out of bed and is pouring more syrup on his pancakes then needed and Alhaitham snatches it away

Kaveh is always in charge of doing your hair

As usual, Alhaitham will listen to the conversation that you have with Kaveh, talking about your friends at school and what your new favorite things are, and why your favorite color is your favorite

Let's assume that your elementary school is near or at the Akademia so Alhaitham usually takes you to school and Kaveh picks you up since Alhaitham works late

When he works late Kaveh spends the evening with you and shows you what his blueprints look like

He draws random buildings for you to color in and will always complement you on your 'artistic eye'

Going off of this, Kaveh nurtured your ability to draw and now many a drawing of Kaveh, Alhaitham, and you sit around the house

Sometimes Alhaitham takes you to work with him and you sit in his office and doodle while he works

Alhaitham reads to you before bed every night as a routine

On weekends when Alhaitham has to work Kaveh takes care of you and he brings you all over Sumeru and shows you his architectural designs

Or he will draw with you and shows you how to make a blueprint

Sometimes when they're both working they need to leave you in the care of Nahida or the Traveler

Alhaitham always makes sure that you are on top of your work and he gets really proud when you show him a good test score and a smile saying you are at the top of the class

You're their pride and joy

© 𝙇𝙊����𝙀𝙃𝙔𝙋𝙀𝙂𝙄𝙍𝙇 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 | modification and translation of my works on any platforms are strictly prohibited

[watatsumiis]

Intense Concentration (Part 1)

Reactions to a reader who sticks their tongue out when concentrating intently on something.

Featuring: Ayato, Kaveh, Neuvillette, Thoma, Yae Miko, Zhongli

All platonic fluff!

Ayato finds it rather amusing. He won’t tell you, but you’ll find that he’s sneaking glances at you far more often than usual, hiding his smirk behind a gloved hand. After a while, he simply can’t help himself, and before you can react, he’s reached out and swiped the seal of an envelope over your protruding tongue so that he can close it. He won’t even make eye contact with you, acting as if it was an entirely sane and normal thing for him to do.

Kaveh mimics you. Not consciously, he doesn’t even process the fact that you’re doing it until all of a sudden he’s been doing it for ages while working on some diagram or other and now the tip of his tongue is all dry and he can’t quite figure out why. Once he’s finally savvy to it, he finds this habit of yours utterly adorable and will do it along with you on purpose just so that you match.

Neuvillette tries to disregard it, though he ends up failing rather spectacularly. He finds it super adorable, and recalls that Melusines will do the same thing. Once he’s drawn that parallel, he can’t seem to stop thinking about it, and may end up just looking over at you more often than not with a tiny smile on his face. He may eventually bring it up, but he’s sure to be polite about it and explains that he’s simply curious, not judgemental.

Thoma calls you out on it. Every. Single. Time. “Hey, put that thing away!” “I don’t think you’ll have much luck catching flies like that.” “You know, if you’ve been up to something mischievous, you’re obligated to let me know.” He seems to have infinite quips up his sleeve for this exact situation. He may occasionally stick his tongue out at you in return if he’s too busy or distracted to pull you up on it verbally.

Yae Miko thinks it’s weird, but also quite fascinating. She’s drawing all sorts of conclusions in her head, comparing you to different animals she’s caught with ‘blep’ expressions in the past. She’ll just watch you without a word and wait to see how long you might take to notice. If she starts to tire of this ‘game’, she may just reach out one finger to prod the tip of your tongue, then chuckle at your perplexed reaction.

Zhongli doesn’t really think much of it. He’s met plenty of people who do the exact same thing. Though he’s also a little bit fascinated by the reasoning behind why others do it. He may occasionally try it himself, though it may look a little unsettling thanks to his abnormally long forked tongue, and the fact that it tends to subconsciously flick about, much like it would when he’s scenting the air for danger in his more draconic form.

Please don't repost, steal, copy or otherwise plagiarise my writing! I do not consent for my works to be translated and posted elsewhere, or copy - pasted into bot or AI technology

[tragedy-of-commons]

when somebody needs you (+ baklava)

kaveh & gn!reader | wc: ~1.5k

In a much-needed moment of respite, you and Kaveh both learn not to give so much in the pursuit of others' happiness.

tags/warnings: hurt/comfort, mild angst, written platonically but can be interpreted as romantic, description of disassociation (reader), and nail-picking (kaveh)

notes: n/a

A voice calls your name, dangerously soft.

You want to snap out of the stupor you’re stuck in, but white noise rings in your ears. It threatens to drown out the singsong of daily life as the seconds tick by. Maybe you didn’t even hear it at all, because the sunlight feels fake upon your skin, and the line between reality and the pit of your mind blurs further.

Your name again, louder. Ah, well, no excuse now - do something.

“Hm?” you hum. A small part of you realizes that you’ve been staring at the same market stall for at least an hour, but it’s easier to remain transfixed on an inconsequential target than your own thoughts.

“I asked if you’re alright,” they place a hand on your shoulder and squeeze. “Ahem, that brute stole my ke–uh, something important of mine again. I was heading back here to kill time, but you’re still in the same spot as when I first saw you.”

Kaveh. His hand is on your shoulder, and you can picture his brow furrowed in concern that you don’t deserve. You take a deep breath.

“Yes. I’m alright.” You don’t dare face him.

The silence that follows your lie is comforting. However, the architect must not agree. Kaveh finds his words after a too-long pause. “..In that case, could I sit with you? It’s beautiful out today.”

You nod mechanically, and a blur of blond and white settles in your peripherals.

“You know,” he starts, and you strain to hear him. “I haven’t seen you around much lately. If there’s something you want to talk about, I can listen. We could get lunch,” he offers kindly.

You wrench your head to the side to take a good look at your friend. He’s breathtaking, and it’s almost criminal that he doesn’t realize it. He’s looking at you with his bleeding heart on display, and you know that he knows. He must, right?

“With what mora?” you joke. Kaveh lights up like he just won the lottery when you bloom at his behest. “Why, Alhaitham’s, of course.”

That’s right; he’s more inclined to let go of his pride when you’re around. One usually can’t waterboard his living situation or reliance upon his roommate out of him. It’s not that he’s arrogant, you think, but that he has to shed his Light of Kshahrewar persona - and you’re grateful for the privilege. He certainly deserves a reprieve, even if it’s better spent with someone else.

“And that wouldn’t be too much trouble?” “Nonsense, don’t be silly. I could also use your opinion on some of my revisions,” his bravado softens. “I’d love your company.” 

He’d love your company. It’s dangerous for him to say things like that - sweet conjectures that haul you to your feet and make you agree to spend the afternoon with him. 

Walking down Treasures Street with Kaveh is a familiar activity, sure, but this time he’s merciful enough not to comment on your sluggish movements or lackluster replies, when you’re usually matching his intellectual wit head-on. Another thing you owe him.

“Something sweet is a must,” he mutters, holding the door of Puspa Café open for you. “What do you think? Baklava?”

On second thought, maybe you’ll save your debilitating guilt for after dessert.

When Kaveh’s teeth are sufficiently sticky, there still has been no heart-to-heart therapeutic conversation. Something awful gnaws at him when you stare blankly down at your portion. So, he talks at you like you’re a client, even if it feels wrong. You’re his friend, someone who has seen him at his worst - and he finds himself lacking the right words to get you to open up. As he rambles about his recent projects, his work on Mehrak, and the trips he’s taken to the desert, he’s reminded of how little you’ve talked about yourself period.

He can preach about tact to his roommate all he likes, but this is a contender for one of his more humbling experiences. How many times have you wanted to leave early before this, but you were too wonderful to say anything? How many hours of your life has he wasted by making everything all about him? 

Inviting you here was supposed to be an attempt at listening to you for once, and he– You snap in front of his face. “Hey. You’re not making any sense.” “Oh! Sorry, I must have gotten caught up in my thoughts,” he chuckles sheepishly. “I know the feeling. Also,” you rap against the table near his lounging hand, one of his restless index fingers picking at the adjacent thumb’s cuticle. “You’re messing with your nails again. Something on your mind?” His heart is about to overflow whether he likes it or not. “I want to help.” You blink twice, eyes now glossy. Since when did you perk up? “You are helping.” “I’ve been rambling this whole time–” “–And I’ve been listening,” You cross your arms over your chest matter-of-factly, now chuckling. “Clearly you haven’t, because in the latter half of that spiel, you started reciting shitty poetry instead of whatever filler you had prepped.” The soft expression he wore morphs into abject horror. “I did not.” You’re grinning evilly, and it’s beautiful. Oh Archons, he did. However, had he known making a fool of himself frees you of your pain that you guard sacred, he would have screamed purple prose from the rooftops like a madman at the earliest opportunity. “That aside, what I’m trying to say is.. you are helping, Kaveh. Dragging me here, away from all the noise, and keeping me company means a lot.” The mist haunting your visage has been warded off, accidental soliloquy aside. “I’m sorry for not being upfront about my situation.” “I know the feeling,” he parrots. The scope of his empathy extends to everyone, himself be damned, but it shouldn’t have taken this long to realize what’s been festering in plain sight. “No apologies. Please allow me to lend an ear, even if I’ve been difficult about it myself. I insist.”

A sip of cold, neglected coffee can’t taste too good. You tough it out and then nod stiffly. Details emerge cautiously, muddled by hesitancy and exhaustion, but he listens with rapt attention. Kaveh feels closer than a seat away from you, backing you with all the support he can muster - and when you choke up in front of him for the first time, he swears that he’ll make sure you feel safe enough to do so more often, starting with Baklava pick-me-ups every week.

Regrettably, the world moves on. Tabs are settled, the tear tracks on your cheeks dry, and the sun begins to set, casting the district in a citrinous orange. Though your mind is clearer than it has been in days, there’s still a niggling urgency as you walk your friend back to his Not-Home.

You’re not alright. You’re not alright, and Kaveh knows more than you ever planned to tell him, but at least there’s comfort in the fact that he’s the exact same way. He never planned to tell you about his mother, or the monumental regrets he’d do anything to put to bed. When he let you in, you should have made yourself at home also. Now there is no idle chatter. You pick up the torch. “I like when you talk. Just because you felt like it wasn’t helping me is no reason to go all quiet on me now,” you nudge him with your elbow. Carmine eyes narrow in suspicion. “B-But I literally ‘recited shitty poetry’ when I was–” “Oh, about that..” Kaveh’s strides stretch wider, his many accessories bouncing in pursuit of a space safe from your teasing. A playful scoff. “..I’m never living that down, am I?” “If you don’t want your experimental free verse plastered on the nearest message board, I’ll be expecting a bribe prepared by next Wednesday.” You think the architect is endeared enough by your noticeable uplift in spirit to let it slide. You love him very much, and he must love you too. “Extortion is a serious crime,” he slows down, taking it like a champ. “But it’s a deal. We could meet again then, same spot? I’ll have ample time in the late afternoon.” It hurts to swallow. “Yeah. We could.. talk.” His head eagerly swivels towards you, one hair clip almost dislodging. There’s no missing the glimmer of hope present in each almost imperceptible warp of his features. Alhaitham’s house looms in the distance. “About what’s on your mind?” he hopes. “Yes,” you make yourself say it. “And yours too. Then the revisions you’ve agonized over the last two months.” Kaveh releases the breath he was holding, unabashed in his smiling now. “It’s a promise then.” Such a promise with your best friend is something you’ll try to stop feeling guilty about. As you watch him break from your side onto the porch of his temporary residence (and pound on the door irately), you believe that it will get easier. After all, who else will buy you dessert?

[byorkewkew]

little sumeru boys with kavi being the oldest