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sempiternals2023-02-11 10:39 pm
indigently) wrote in sempiternals2023-02-11 10:39 pm
Entry tags:
Matter of opinion.
[ alhaitham retorts evenly, though he lets kaveh push him a little because this, this felt like slipping on a well-worn glove and enjoying the fit of it. the two of them had a peculiar dynamic, but it was inarguably, intrinsically theirs; and he'd gotten so used to it over the past year or so that existence felt unbalanced when it was missing.
the kiss is equally savoured, the taller man lingering perhaps just a second longer than would be appropriate for the context of it - but he's currently indisposed, and therefore feeling rather selfish. kaveh's skin always feels so pleasant against his own, a panacea for the tumult of the past week that does something to wash away the sour taste of solitude.
the house would be quiet again without the blonde around; but this time it'd be a comfortable silence, rather than a foreboding one. plus - at least it'd be a chance for alhaitham to catch up on the sleep he'd missed turning things over in his mind on empty nights the past week. ]
Your absence will be felt, too.
[ he says finally, punctuating the statement with a look so intense it bordered on smouldering - but who can really tell, with the weariness at the creases of his eyes, and the stoic expression. ]
- that said, you should probably pack. You always forget something, so taking your time might avoid that.
[ alhaitham retorts evenly, though he lets kaveh push him a little because this, this felt like slipping on a well-worn glove and enjoying the fit of it. the two of them had a peculiar dynamic, but it was inarguably, intrinsically theirs; and he'd gotten so used to it over the past year or so that existence felt unbalanced when it was missing.
the kiss is equally savoured, the taller man lingering perhaps just a second longer than would be appropriate for the context of it - but he's currently indisposed, and therefore feeling rather selfish. kaveh's skin always feels so pleasant against his own, a panacea for the tumult of the past week that does something to wash away the sour taste of solitude.
the house would be quiet again without the blonde around; but this time it'd be a comfortable silence, rather than a foreboding one. plus - at least it'd be a chance for alhaitham to catch up on the sleep he'd missed turning things over in his mind on empty nights the past week. ]
Your absence will be felt, too.
[ he says finally, punctuating the statement with a look so intense it bordered on smouldering - but who can really tell, with the weariness at the creases of his eyes, and the stoic expression. ]
- that said, you should probably pack. You always forget something, so taking your time might avoid that.
Hey! [ he exclaims, offended, as if he has any right to be when the other speaks the truth— more than once has Kaveh had to purchase additional clothing against the cold desert nights, or an extra toothbrush, or something else equally important somehow forgotten in the rush of his packing. This perfectly true fact doesn't stop him from pouting about Alhaitham trying to kick him out of bed, though. ] I'll do it today. Don't rush me right now— I'm enjoying this.
[ And he is. In fact, instead of getting up, Kaveh puts any remaining cups and plates on the side table before bodily pulling Alhaitham back down to the bed with him, arms and legs draped over the other in a silent declaration: right now, he's not going anywhere. Right now, he wants to get as much of this as he can.
He's going to miss Alhaitham this week, but at least it won't be the horrid, hollow pain of the week just past. And when he gets back, they can talk about their future, about plans for dreams so big a single piece of drafting paper can't contain them. ]
Sleep. You need it, to shake off your hangover.
[ For now, Kaveh closes his eyes, a smile on his lips. ]
[ And he is. In fact, instead of getting up, Kaveh puts any remaining cups and plates on the side table before bodily pulling Alhaitham back down to the bed with him, arms and legs draped over the other in a silent declaration: right now, he's not going anywhere. Right now, he wants to get as much of this as he can.
He's going to miss Alhaitham this week, but at least it won't be the horrid, hollow pain of the week just past. And when he gets back, they can talk about their future, about plans for dreams so big a single piece of drafting paper can't contain them. ]
Sleep. You need it, to shake off your hangover.
[ For now, Kaveh closes his eyes, a smile on his lips. ]
[ the few days kaveh had been away had come and gone with relative ease, all things considered.
alhaitham had gotten a chance to catch up on the small amount of work that had slipped the week before - not that anyone had noticed but him, but he was (as always) a fan of catching up to consequences before they could find him. if anyone at the akademiya had wondered about the scribe's terrible mood and slipperiness during that time, no-one had mustered enough courage to mention it, to alhaitham's delight. small talk was bad, but personal small talk was even worse; not something he'd ever care to entertain, and it's a relief that the resting baseline of intimidation he'd constructed was strong enough to keep the gossips away.
he'd also tidied (!!!) the house after the mess it had been in from moving everything into kaveh's room and then hurriedly back out again, putting things back in their rightful places, hanging artwork he never would've chosen properly. while chores had been purely perfunctory tasks in the past, alhaitham strangely finds them meditative now as nights pass rearranging books or setting the study back into the proper orientation.
if questioned, he'd argue that he simply likes things in their rightful places - which isn't entirely untrue - but he'd be lying if he said there wasn't some satisfaction gained in (reluctantly) placing decorations purchased and argued over back where they belonged, or organising the blonde's work desk the way he prefers it. it's ridiculous, really, that a chore feels like contributing to something bigger than oneself - but alhaitham had been repeatedly surprised over the past few months, pleasantly and unpleasantly, so he's getting rather used to it.
come early evening, the scribe is at his own desk in the shared study poring over a linguistic primer loaned to him by madam faruzan - "oh, you'll love this!" - face illuminated by the soft, warm glow of the lamp on his desk and right hand taking stupidly cursive notes into a journal.
kaveh hadn't mentioned exactly when he'd be back - such was the rather laissez-faire existence that he led - but at the very least, it was supposed to be tonight. so; he's occupying himself, a task that proves very easy for him. ]
alhaitham had gotten a chance to catch up on the small amount of work that had slipped the week before - not that anyone had noticed but him, but he was (as always) a fan of catching up to consequences before they could find him. if anyone at the akademiya had wondered about the scribe's terrible mood and slipperiness during that time, no-one had mustered enough courage to mention it, to alhaitham's delight. small talk was bad, but personal small talk was even worse; not something he'd ever care to entertain, and it's a relief that the resting baseline of intimidation he'd constructed was strong enough to keep the gossips away.
he'd also tidied (!!!) the house after the mess it had been in from moving everything into kaveh's room and then hurriedly back out again, putting things back in their rightful places, hanging artwork he never would've chosen properly. while chores had been purely perfunctory tasks in the past, alhaitham strangely finds them meditative now as nights pass rearranging books or setting the study back into the proper orientation.
if questioned, he'd argue that he simply likes things in their rightful places - which isn't entirely untrue - but he'd be lying if he said there wasn't some satisfaction gained in (reluctantly) placing decorations purchased and argued over back where they belonged, or organising the blonde's work desk the way he prefers it. it's ridiculous, really, that a chore feels like contributing to something bigger than oneself - but alhaitham had been repeatedly surprised over the past few months, pleasantly and unpleasantly, so he's getting rather used to it.
come early evening, the scribe is at his own desk in the shared study poring over a linguistic primer loaned to him by madam faruzan - "oh, you'll love this!" - face illuminated by the soft, warm glow of the lamp on his desk and right hand taking stupidly cursive notes into a journal.
kaveh hadn't mentioned exactly when he'd be back - such was the rather laissez-faire existence that he led - but at the very least, it was supposed to be tonight. so; he's occupying himself, a task that proves very easy for him. ]
[ All in all, his time in the desert has gone remarkably well. The plans, a shared effort between himself and the client, have finally come together, his building drafts finalized and signed off on by all parties. There's work yet to be done on the client's side— namely, the raising of funds for the materials needed— and then he'll need to spend some more time in Aaru Village for the construction.
Three months, maybe more, of being home only on weekends. It's an important commission, but on a selfish level— well, he's going to miss Alhaitham. Plus, he's already feeling guilty over the fact that his boyfriend will need to deal with these three alone while Kaveh's not home.
These three being, of course, the desert foxes who have his trek back to the house a rather frustrating one, what with the one in his arms wriggling around to examine its surroundings and the one at his feet winding between his legs as often as possible, nearly tripping him every time; only the one draped over his shoulder is behaving itself, save for the occasional nibble at his hair.
He has no way of knowing for certain, but he's reasonably sure they're the same three that tricked him out of his supplies during the Inter-Darshan Championship. Apparently, they have a habit for getting in trouble, and Kaveh—
Well, he couldn't just leave them when they needed help.
That's why, now, he's trying to keep them relatively well behaved as he closes the door behind the four of them, Mehrak thankfully not requiring instruction before taking off with his bags; it allows Kaveh the time needed to put the other two foxes on the floor. He leans over, telling them in a hushed voice to behave and wait there before heading straight to the study in search of his boyfriend. He'll greet him, cover his face in kisses, and then tell him about his accidental adoption of three foxes. It's a great idea.
Naturally, it doesn't go as planned.
Kaveh has only just wrapped his arms around his seated boyfriend's shoulders when not one, not two, but all three of the foxes bound into the study behind him.
One of them barks, and Kaveh sighs. ]
Uh, hi. Don't be mad.
Three months, maybe more, of being home only on weekends. It's an important commission, but on a selfish level— well, he's going to miss Alhaitham. Plus, he's already feeling guilty over the fact that his boyfriend will need to deal with these three alone while Kaveh's not home.
These three being, of course, the desert foxes who have his trek back to the house a rather frustrating one, what with the one in his arms wriggling around to examine its surroundings and the one at his feet winding between his legs as often as possible, nearly tripping him every time; only the one draped over his shoulder is behaving itself, save for the occasional nibble at his hair.
He has no way of knowing for certain, but he's reasonably sure they're the same three that tricked him out of his supplies during the Inter-Darshan Championship. Apparently, they have a habit for getting in trouble, and Kaveh—
Well, he couldn't just leave them when they needed help.
That's why, now, he's trying to keep them relatively well behaved as he closes the door behind the four of them, Mehrak thankfully not requiring instruction before taking off with his bags; it allows Kaveh the time needed to put the other two foxes on the floor. He leans over, telling them in a hushed voice to behave and wait there before heading straight to the study in search of his boyfriend. He'll greet him, cover his face in kisses, and then tell him about his accidental adoption of three foxes. It's a great idea.
Naturally, it doesn't go as planned.
Kaveh has only just wrapped his arms around his seated boyfriend's shoulders when not one, not two, but all three of the foxes bound into the study behind him.
One of them barks, and Kaveh sighs. ]
Uh, hi. Don't be mad.
[ the sound of the front door closing is just loud enough to filter in over the top of the ambient music playing in alhaitham's headphones. while he doesn't get up straight away, he very practically uses the time he knows kaveh will be getting settled - storing his bags, sorting himself - to wrap up his current train of thought, bookmark the page in the text laying open on his desk and finish the note he was writing.
he's just ticking off the last thing on the list when those familiar light footfalls approach, followed closely by slim arms snaking around his shoulders. the subtle scent of kaveh's cologne, the brush of gold hair against his neck - all things set to put the scribe in a good mood, though that bar was fairly low considering they'd spent about twenty-four hours together in the last two weeks.
alhaitham is so very close to letting himself exude a sigh of satisfaction? relief, that kaveh's home in one piece? until the relative peace of the moment is shattered by one very identifiable and very shrill bark.
not unlike a startled desert fox, the scribe's muscles tense themselves again as the architect sighs a melodic apology in his ear. for a moment, he idly considers simply not turning around, because once a problem is perceived it becomes part of reality - but then the decision is made for him as the most energetic one makes an enthusiastic jump for his desk, landing on top of it and promptly stalking over to close-quarters stare alhaitham in the face.
it's the taller man's turn to sigh, standing up from his chair to face his partner and realising that there were not one, but two further problems skittering about the floor. ]
Please explain.
[ - is his simple but curt request, which comes out in a tone that suggests he's aware that some sort of ridiculous ten part story is to follow about how these animals came to follow kaveh all the way back to sumeru city from aaru village. ]
he's just ticking off the last thing on the list when those familiar light footfalls approach, followed closely by slim arms snaking around his shoulders. the subtle scent of kaveh's cologne, the brush of gold hair against his neck - all things set to put the scribe in a good mood, though that bar was fairly low considering they'd spent about twenty-four hours together in the last two weeks.
alhaitham is so very close to letting himself exude a sigh of satisfaction? relief, that kaveh's home in one piece? until the relative peace of the moment is shattered by one very identifiable and very shrill bark.
not unlike a startled desert fox, the scribe's muscles tense themselves again as the architect sighs a melodic apology in his ear. for a moment, he idly considers simply not turning around, because once a problem is perceived it becomes part of reality - but then the decision is made for him as the most energetic one makes an enthusiastic jump for his desk, landing on top of it and promptly stalking over to close-quarters stare alhaitham in the face.
it's the taller man's turn to sigh, standing up from his chair to face his partner and realising that there were not one, but two further problems skittering about the floor. ]
Please explain.
[ - is his simple but curt request, which comes out in a tone that suggests he's aware that some sort of ridiculous ten part story is to follow about how these animals came to follow kaveh all the way back to sumeru city from aaru village. ]
[ There's a split second where Kaveh feels Alhaitham's muscles slacken under his touch, an instant relaxation that is of course ruined in the following breath with the bark, one of the foxes on the desk, and the architect is left to groan as the scribe gets to his feet and turns, all three of the little monsters now in his sights. ]
You couldn't give me one moment, could you? [ Kaveh complains in their general direction, although it's especially meant for the one now on the desk— which also happens to be the one that kept tripping him on the way back to the house. (He would recognize that ear twitch anywhere.) With a sigh, he scoops it into his arms, an idle hand patting between its ears and scratching under its snout; the smile he offers to Alhaitham is hinting at abashed, but with a touch of stubborn pride glinting behind it.
He's not sorry for adopting them— they needed help— he's just sorry he couldn't talk to Alhaitham about it first. ]
I'm pretty sure they're the same three fellows that I helped out in the second round of the Inter-Darshan Championship, [ he begins— because it is indeed a ten-part story, so why not start with the one part of it that doesn't need explaining? After all, they fought about this event already. ] I ran into them by accident; I was out for a walk one evening after finishing with my work, and I ended up a little further out of town than I'd planned. They were under attack by this horrid, Electro-powered scorpion, so I... fought it off.
[ His eyes slide past Alhaitham as he talks, looking at the wall. At this point, he's avoiding certain details— namely those where he's still carrying bruises and cuts under the fabric of his clothing from the thrashing the creature gave him before he took it out. It's not that he's trying to hide it forever— there's no point, not when his partner will see it the moment Kaveh changes for bed— but... really, he's just looking for a better time.
(Unfortunately for him, he's honest to a fault, and the lie by omission is written in detail over his expression and posture alike.) ]
You couldn't give me one moment, could you? [ Kaveh complains in their general direction, although it's especially meant for the one now on the desk— which also happens to be the one that kept tripping him on the way back to the house. (He would recognize that ear twitch anywhere.) With a sigh, he scoops it into his arms, an idle hand patting between its ears and scratching under its snout; the smile he offers to Alhaitham is hinting at abashed, but with a touch of stubborn pride glinting behind it.
He's not sorry for adopting them— they needed help— he's just sorry he couldn't talk to Alhaitham about it first. ]
I'm pretty sure they're the same three fellows that I helped out in the second round of the Inter-Darshan Championship, [ he begins— because it is indeed a ten-part story, so why not start with the one part of it that doesn't need explaining? After all, they fought about this event already. ] I ran into them by accident; I was out for a walk one evening after finishing with my work, and I ended up a little further out of town than I'd planned. They were under attack by this horrid, Electro-powered scorpion, so I... fought it off.
[ His eyes slide past Alhaitham as he talks, looking at the wall. At this point, he's avoiding certain details— namely those where he's still carrying bruises and cuts under the fabric of his clothing from the thrashing the creature gave him before he took it out. It's not that he's trying to hide it forever— there's no point, not when his partner will see it the moment Kaveh changes for bed— but... really, he's just looking for a better time.
(Unfortunately for him, he's honest to a fault, and the lie by omission is written in detail over his expression and posture alike.) ]
I see. And?
[ alhaitham prompts flatly, obviously aware that there's a lot of information missing inbetween the lines of the tale that's being spun to him. he'd maybe half-believe that kaveh accidentally ran into them - the man seemed to have a magnetic attraction towards creatures in need, even if the scribe loathes the idea of what that means about himself - and the reason the three foxes are now inside the house and not back in the desert where they belonged was casually omitted.
(as if sniffing out alhaitham's skeptical train of thought, the gregarious one of the trio still in kaveh's arms fixes the scribe with a look and barks again, almost accusatorially.)
that said, the blonde wasn't exactly a liar considering how terrible he'd be at it, and at least the part about the battle seemed to be true. the scribe was nothing if not attentive to detail and as watchful eyes scan over kaveh's body, the slight scuffs on his clothing, the skinned knuckles, the coil of a bruise only just visible underneath the cuff of one of his leggings all painted a picture of something alhaitham wasn't thrilled about. ]
You got hurt being a hero again, didn't you?
[ frowning, the taller man reaches forward and ignores the boisterous charge the architect was cradling to curl his fingers into the white fabric of the front of kaveh's shirt, gently pulling it aside to expose the left side of his partner's chest. soft skin is mottled with scratches and bruises, otherwise expertly hidden, and alhaitham might've stared unhappily, frustratedly at the marks for longer if the fox next to his hand didn't reach out and nip his palm. ]
Hey -
[ and the hand that was bitten instead scoops the desert fox out of kaveh's care, gripping it underneath its front legs and holding it up in front of him like one would with a stranger's baby. if they'd never held a baby before. and the baby had just committed a crime. ]
Didn't you cause enough of a fuss last time?
[ to the fox, not to kaveh... but, maybe also to kaveh. ]
[ alhaitham prompts flatly, obviously aware that there's a lot of information missing inbetween the lines of the tale that's being spun to him. he'd maybe half-believe that kaveh accidentally ran into them - the man seemed to have a magnetic attraction towards creatures in need, even if the scribe loathes the idea of what that means about himself - and the reason the three foxes are now inside the house and not back in the desert where they belonged was casually omitted.
(as if sniffing out alhaitham's skeptical train of thought, the gregarious one of the trio still in kaveh's arms fixes the scribe with a look and barks again, almost accusatorially.)
that said, the blonde wasn't exactly a liar considering how terrible he'd be at it, and at least the part about the battle seemed to be true. the scribe was nothing if not attentive to detail and as watchful eyes scan over kaveh's body, the slight scuffs on his clothing, the skinned knuckles, the coil of a bruise only just visible underneath the cuff of one of his leggings all painted a picture of something alhaitham wasn't thrilled about. ]
You got hurt being a hero again, didn't you?
[ frowning, the taller man reaches forward and ignores the boisterous charge the architect was cradling to curl his fingers into the white fabric of the front of kaveh's shirt, gently pulling it aside to expose the left side of his partner's chest. soft skin is mottled with scratches and bruises, otherwise expertly hidden, and alhaitham might've stared unhappily, frustratedly at the marks for longer if the fox next to his hand didn't reach out and nip his palm. ]
Hey -
[ and the hand that was bitten instead scoops the desert fox out of kaveh's care, gripping it underneath its front legs and holding it up in front of him like one would with a stranger's baby. if they'd never held a baby before. and the baby had just committed a crime. ]
Didn't you cause enough of a fuss last time?
[ to the fox, not to kaveh... but, maybe also to kaveh. ]
[ Alhaitham's flat tone gives him hope that his concealment has gone unnoticed; a beat or two follows and he's just starting to think he's gotten away with it when the scribe's eyes drop from his face to the length of his body, patient and searching in a way that makes the blonde wince in anticipation— although it's an expression interrupted by a scowl practically matched by the fox he's holding, an indignant sound on his lips. ]
I'll thank you not to assume I'm some weakling who can't even handle a scorpion by myself— [ It's a strong start, but he cuts himself off as Alhaitham's hand reaches out to pull the fabric of his shirt aside, revealing the extent of the damage the creature did before he managed to take it apart. Something between embarrassment and shame crosses his face, and Kaveh's eyes drop, not wanting to see disappointment on his lover's face.
What that means of course is that he gets a perfect view of sharp vulpine teeth sinking briefly into the other man's palm. His eyes widen; before he can say anything, though, the creature is swept from his arms and into Alhaitham's—
(and Archons if he doesn't look like he has no idea how to hold the poor thing)
—and his boyfriend offers a light scolding that sounds meant, somehow, for all he new arrivals, including the returnee. And even though he's apparently in trouble, a slight smile finds his lips, and Kaveh bends to pick up the fox worrying anxiously at his ankles, pressing against him and whining. ]
It's okay, [ he soothes it, pressing a kiss to the tip of one ear. ] He's not really mad. [ He glances back up at Alhaitham. ] You're not really mad, are you?
[ Of course, he still has to tell him the rest of the story, but... that can wait for a few moments.
Meanwhile, the third fox begins a thorough investigation of one of Alhaitham's stacks of books, sniffing and nosing at the pile with a gentle thoroughness that almost looks like it wants to choose one and start reading for itself. ]
I'll thank you not to assume I'm some weakling who can't even handle a scorpion by myself— [ It's a strong start, but he cuts himself off as Alhaitham's hand reaches out to pull the fabric of his shirt aside, revealing the extent of the damage the creature did before he managed to take it apart. Something between embarrassment and shame crosses his face, and Kaveh's eyes drop, not wanting to see disappointment on his lover's face.
What that means of course is that he gets a perfect view of sharp vulpine teeth sinking briefly into the other man's palm. His eyes widen; before he can say anything, though, the creature is swept from his arms and into Alhaitham's—
(and Archons if he doesn't look like he has no idea how to hold the poor thing)
—and his boyfriend offers a light scolding that sounds meant, somehow, for all he new arrivals, including the returnee. And even though he's apparently in trouble, a slight smile finds his lips, and Kaveh bends to pick up the fox worrying anxiously at his ankles, pressing against him and whining. ]
It's okay, [ he soothes it, pressing a kiss to the tip of one ear. ] He's not really mad. [ He glances back up at Alhaitham. ] You're not really mad, are you?
[ Of course, he still has to tell him the rest of the story, but... that can wait for a few moments.
Meanwhile, the third fox begins a thorough investigation of one of Alhaitham's stacks of books, sniffing and nosing at the pile with a gentle thoroughness that almost looks like it wants to choose one and start reading for itself. ]
[ the scribe lets himself get tugged back down towards the bed, putting up zero resistance as long limbs wind their way around him in a way that had grown both comforting and familiar. most mornings they awoke to a similar sort of arrangement as kaveh always seems to gravitate towards him in the night regardless of how they go to sleep - and even though it strongly reminded alhaitham of how a tree monkey would act, it was also extremely endearing.
shocked as he is that he's grown to welcome someone in his personal space, alhaitham will refuse to complain. for once. ]
Decent advice, considering the source.
[ he murmurs, settling back into the soft down of the mattress and snaking one muscled arm around the architect's slim waist. the edges of his words get lost in golden hair as his lips brush against the crown of kaveh's head, leaving the ghost of a kiss so faint you'd wonder if it was even really there - and then the scribe's eyes slip closed.
a few moments pass as alhaitham's breathing begins to even out, signaling that he's on the edge of sleep, but before he does, some quiet words sneak out; ]
If you snore, I'm waking you up.
shocked as he is that he's grown to welcome someone in his personal space, alhaitham will refuse to complain. for once. ]
Decent advice, considering the source.
[ he murmurs, settling back into the soft down of the mattress and snaking one muscled arm around the architect's slim waist. the edges of his words get lost in golden hair as his lips brush against the crown of kaveh's head, leaving the ghost of a kiss so faint you'd wonder if it was even really there - and then the scribe's eyes slip closed.
a few moments pass as alhaitham's breathing begins to even out, signaling that he's on the edge of sleep, but before he does, some quiet words sneak out; ]
If you snore, I'm waking you up.
Who says I assumed such a thing?
[ the scribe retorts, his tone a little clipped - kaveh did so love to fill in the blanks and dream up the worst conclusions with very little encouragement, almost as much as he liked to collect stray creatures. by no means does alhaitham genuinely think his partner is weak; quite the contrary, he's often surprised by the amount of strength stored in the form of deceptively lithe muscles and his lean build. of course, that surprise had been a largely recent phenomenon considering such power was usually most evident in their night-time activities - but, nevertheless.
the architect's head drops in shame for a moment before he tries to rewrite his expression into a smile, causing alhaitham to let out a sigh. the fox in his awkward grip had now begun to struggle, obviously unhappy with being held out like someone would a bundle of dirty washing, and after some lively squirming the scribe decides to grant him? her? their undeserved freedom. paws touch the ground and it gives alhaitham a staunch look before turning sassily away, immediately disengaging to go jump on some other surface full of delicate objects.
half an eye is kept on the one searching through the stack of books on his 'to read' list to make sure it doesn't destroy them, and then the scribe instead diverts his attention back to more pressing matters. ]
I'm not mad. [ he asserts, turquoise eyes still lingering on the marks on kaveh's skin that snaked just out of sight. ] It would be disingenuous to say I'm thrilled you're in such a condition, however. Have you even tended to your wounds properly, or did you prioritise the care of others - [ a pointed look is shot in the direction of the fox in kaveh's arms - ] over you own as usual?
[ he knows the answer to his question is probably 'no', because alhaitham has never known someone so easily distracted by the plight of others - and without really waiting for an answer, he steps to the side and places his hands at the small of kaveh's back to gently shoo him from the room. they were going to go to the bathroom, and he was going to make sure that the injuries were tended to properly because goddess knows kaveh is putting himself last on a very long list. ]
Come on. You're getting cleaned up.
[ the scribe retorts, his tone a little clipped - kaveh did so love to fill in the blanks and dream up the worst conclusions with very little encouragement, almost as much as he liked to collect stray creatures. by no means does alhaitham genuinely think his partner is weak; quite the contrary, he's often surprised by the amount of strength stored in the form of deceptively lithe muscles and his lean build. of course, that surprise had been a largely recent phenomenon considering such power was usually most evident in their night-time activities - but, nevertheless.
the architect's head drops in shame for a moment before he tries to rewrite his expression into a smile, causing alhaitham to let out a sigh. the fox in his awkward grip had now begun to struggle, obviously unhappy with being held out like someone would a bundle of dirty washing, and after some lively squirming the scribe decides to grant him? her? their undeserved freedom. paws touch the ground and it gives alhaitham a staunch look before turning sassily away, immediately disengaging to go jump on some other surface full of delicate objects.
half an eye is kept on the one searching through the stack of books on his 'to read' list to make sure it doesn't destroy them, and then the scribe instead diverts his attention back to more pressing matters. ]
I'm not mad. [ he asserts, turquoise eyes still lingering on the marks on kaveh's skin that snaked just out of sight. ] It would be disingenuous to say I'm thrilled you're in such a condition, however. Have you even tended to your wounds properly, or did you prioritise the care of others - [ a pointed look is shot in the direction of the fox in kaveh's arms - ] over you own as usual?
[ he knows the answer to his question is probably 'no', because alhaitham has never known someone so easily distracted by the plight of others - and without really waiting for an answer, he steps to the side and places his hands at the small of kaveh's back to gently shoo him from the room. they were going to go to the bathroom, and he was going to make sure that the injuries were tended to properly because goddess knows kaveh is putting himself last on a very long list. ]
Come on. You're getting cleaned up.
[ Kaveh has to bite his lip to stifle the snorted laugh trying to escape him in response to the haughty look the fox gives Alhaitham; he can't however stop the quirk of his lips as he observes the interaction, even if he tries to hide it by pressing another kiss to the ear of the fox in his arms.
Then the scribe says he's not mad, and Kaveh raises his head again. Naïvely, he hopes for a moment that that will be the end of it, but within a breath Alhaitham continues, and he sighs. Of course his partner would be focused on getting him cleaned up when Kaveh is right now concerned about the foxes— and of course Alhaitham would call him out for putting the foxes first, too, making Kaveh's cheeks flush a warm red. It's with another sigh that he lets the cuddly fox down to the floor, where unlike its siblings, it stays close to his ankles, even as he allows Alhaitham to usher him out of the room.
(Not like he has much choice in the matter.) ]
It's mighty rude of you to ask a question and then immediately assume you know the answer. [ He says the words, but they're without bite, with more of a frown and a sigh than anything because for as much as the other man may have assumed, his assumption was still correct— Kaveh's concern was for the creatures first and foremost, and really all he did for his own self-care was patch any places still bleeding when he returned to Aaru Village. He's not that badly hurt, after all, and he just figured he could take care of it when he got back home.
(And, well. He's home now, isn't he?) ]
Anyway— [ he continues as he's pushed gently into the bathroom, ] —they can't go back to the desert, Alhaitham. They're just young, and I think it's just the three of them, and they keep getting themselves into trouble, and they need someone to look after them. [ He's trying to keep calm, but as he speaks, more and more emotion leeches into his voice, raising it in volume and tone. ] I know it's a lot for me to bring them back here so suddenly, and I know we haven't even talked about having a family yet and here I am basically springing one on you, but—
[ He breaks off for a moment, shaking his head. ]
Can they stay with us? Even if it's just for a little while, so they can get stronger.
Then the scribe says he's not mad, and Kaveh raises his head again. Naïvely, he hopes for a moment that that will be the end of it, but within a breath Alhaitham continues, and he sighs. Of course his partner would be focused on getting him cleaned up when Kaveh is right now concerned about the foxes— and of course Alhaitham would call him out for putting the foxes first, too, making Kaveh's cheeks flush a warm red. It's with another sigh that he lets the cuddly fox down to the floor, where unlike its siblings, it stays close to his ankles, even as he allows Alhaitham to usher him out of the room.
(Not like he has much choice in the matter.) ]
It's mighty rude of you to ask a question and then immediately assume you know the answer. [ He says the words, but they're without bite, with more of a frown and a sigh than anything because for as much as the other man may have assumed, his assumption was still correct— Kaveh's concern was for the creatures first and foremost, and really all he did for his own self-care was patch any places still bleeding when he returned to Aaru Village. He's not that badly hurt, after all, and he just figured he could take care of it when he got back home.
(And, well. He's home now, isn't he?) ]
Anyway— [ he continues as he's pushed gently into the bathroom, ] —they can't go back to the desert, Alhaitham. They're just young, and I think it's just the three of them, and they keep getting themselves into trouble, and they need someone to look after them. [ He's trying to keep calm, but as he speaks, more and more emotion leeches into his voice, raising it in volume and tone. ] I know it's a lot for me to bring them back here so suddenly, and I know we haven't even talked about having a family yet and here I am basically springing one on you, but—
[ He breaks off for a moment, shaking his head. ]
Can they stay with us? Even if it's just for a little while, so they can get stronger.
Is it not an improvement on assuming I know the answer without even voicing the question? [ alhaitham responds without as much as a pause, tone even but words light. he wasn't one to self-deprecate to elicit humour, so such banter could be easily chalked down to the fact that perhaps the scribe is somewhat relieved that kaveh has returned in a single piece. well, a single piece and three extra pieces. ] If not, I can simply go back to doing that. It's much more efficient.
[ they enter the bathroom - kept uncharacteristically clean, for once - but they're not alone as alhaitham sits the other down on the flat edge of the stone bath. unsurprisingly, the foxes had come along for the journey as if to make sure this new person wasn't going to do anything untoward to their rescuer, the feisty one in particular giving the scribe a pointed side-eye as it jumps up to sit next to kaveh and settles. as for the other two, they sneak around the bathroom sniffing everything, and alhaitham tries not to pay too much attention to the noise of things being knocked over in the background as the blonde continues to plead their case.
crossing his arms over his chest, he listens and watches as (and, mind you, alhaitham's still not quite sure how kaveh manages to work himself up to such a degree in the most mundane of conversations) the plight of the three animals is laid bare in great detail. raising an eyebrow at the sheer ludicrousness of the scene before him - his partner, dusty and moderately injured, choking on the emotion that the scribe might evict the foxes without a second thought instead of seeing to himself -
alhaitham lets out a short sigh as the request finally comes. it's not that he's against the idea of the animals inside the house, at least not completely - he'd never had a pet before in his life to compare such a commitment to - but it was both endearing and frustrating that kaveh still hadn't straightened out his priority list. ]
If I say yes, will you calm down and let me look at you?
[ he asks simply, turning towards the bathroom cabinet to kneel down and retrieve the first aid kit that was kept inside. one of the foxes promptly sneaks into the cabinet and lies down, causing alhaitham to frown at it before resuming his duties and opening the kit up on the floor. ]
They can stay, if that's what it's going to take. [ a brief pause, the scribe looking back up at kaveh with a devastatingly serious expression on his face; ]
- but they stay away from the books.
[ they enter the bathroom - kept uncharacteristically clean, for once - but they're not alone as alhaitham sits the other down on the flat edge of the stone bath. unsurprisingly, the foxes had come along for the journey as if to make sure this new person wasn't going to do anything untoward to their rescuer, the feisty one in particular giving the scribe a pointed side-eye as it jumps up to sit next to kaveh and settles. as for the other two, they sneak around the bathroom sniffing everything, and alhaitham tries not to pay too much attention to the noise of things being knocked over in the background as the blonde continues to plead their case.
crossing his arms over his chest, he listens and watches as (and, mind you, alhaitham's still not quite sure how kaveh manages to work himself up to such a degree in the most mundane of conversations) the plight of the three animals is laid bare in great detail. raising an eyebrow at the sheer ludicrousness of the scene before him - his partner, dusty and moderately injured, choking on the emotion that the scribe might evict the foxes without a second thought instead of seeing to himself -
alhaitham lets out a short sigh as the request finally comes. it's not that he's against the idea of the animals inside the house, at least not completely - he'd never had a pet before in his life to compare such a commitment to - but it was both endearing and frustrating that kaveh still hadn't straightened out his priority list. ]
If I say yes, will you calm down and let me look at you?
[ he asks simply, turning towards the bathroom cabinet to kneel down and retrieve the first aid kit that was kept inside. one of the foxes promptly sneaks into the cabinet and lies down, causing alhaitham to frown at it before resuming his duties and opening the kit up on the floor. ]
They can stay, if that's what it's going to take. [ a brief pause, the scribe looking back up at kaveh with a devastatingly serious expression on his face; ]
- but they stay away from the books.
[ When Alhaitham's question comes, Kaveh feels his shoulders sag in relief. Even before the scribe's agreement, the blonde knows him well enough to recognize that it's coming; he nods his own acquiescence even as the other man turns away to fetch the first aid kit, and while the fox's antics are met with a frown by his lover, Kaveh finds himself having to hide a smile behind a hand— one that becomes impossible to hide when Alhaitham actually agrees, even adds the caveat that their new charges have to stay away from the books.
He laughs gently in the face of that devastating seriousness, leaning to press a sweet kiss to the corner of the scribe's mouth before his hand drifts to idly pat the fox curled up by his side. ]
Maybe this will teach you to pick them up off the floor, [ he teases, but then his expression softens. ] Thank you, Alhaitham.
[ Because all Kaveh can wonder, truthfully and honestly, is how he managed to get so lucky. Despite approaching things in all the wrong ways, nearly breaking them in two over and over, he's found himself with the person he loves, the one person whom, despite his grumbling, puts up with the intricacies of Kaveh's character. Someone whom, somehow, is just as lost without him as he is without them. ]
Maybe, [ he says, ] this is a good time to talk about that thing from before... about having a family.
[ Except that realistically, it's probably actually not a good time. He needs to be patched up, and there are three new charges in their life who need names, and probably training, and they have to work out what food is best for them to eat, and— and— and—
And now is the perfect time, Kaveh thinks, because it's him, and Alhaitham—
He blinks, slow and sure, and the fox at his side nips at his hand, a soft pain that draws him back into reality, into the moment and away from the cloudiness of the daydreams. ]
I'm a little woozy, [ he admits, as if he hadn't just proposed an important conversation. ]
He laughs gently in the face of that devastating seriousness, leaning to press a sweet kiss to the corner of the scribe's mouth before his hand drifts to idly pat the fox curled up by his side. ]
Maybe this will teach you to pick them up off the floor, [ he teases, but then his expression softens. ] Thank you, Alhaitham.
[ Because all Kaveh can wonder, truthfully and honestly, is how he managed to get so lucky. Despite approaching things in all the wrong ways, nearly breaking them in two over and over, he's found himself with the person he loves, the one person whom, despite his grumbling, puts up with the intricacies of Kaveh's character. Someone whom, somehow, is just as lost without him as he is without them. ]
Maybe, [ he says, ] this is a good time to talk about that thing from before... about having a family.
[ Except that realistically, it's probably actually not a good time. He needs to be patched up, and there are three new charges in their life who need names, and probably training, and they have to work out what food is best for them to eat, and— and— and—
And now is the perfect time, Kaveh thinks, because it's him, and Alhaitham—
He blinks, slow and sure, and the fox at his side nips at his hand, a soft pain that draws him back into reality, into the moment and away from the cloudiness of the daydreams. ]
I'm a little woozy, [ he admits, as if he hadn't just proposed an important conversation. ]
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