[ with a sigh that could be just as much frustration as it was fatigue, alhaitham at least allows the other to tilt his head upwards. it was always hard to resist kaveh's almost innocent insistence, even if the scribe feels uncomfortable, vulnerable, annoyed at this situation that had arisen at least partly from his own creation. only a fool would put themselves into such an unwinnable position, and the thought of such is reflected on his face by a slight furrow in his brow; an imperceptible purse of his lips. ]

What makes you think I'm hiding anything from you? Or, that there's any more to it?

[ is the reply that he decides on, and despite it being rather blunt, alhaitham's tone isn't one of accusation but an actual genuine question. ]

Like I said, it was an experiment to remove any other significant outside factors or influences from the relationship. Dori's manipulation of you was what lead you here in the first place, so one could argue it has been the greatest influence on our circumstances.

You initially moved in because you had no other options, correct? So would it not be unreasonable to remove that barrier to see whether or not that sentiment was still the case before our situation got any more serious? More involved? What if you hadn't even realised yourself, that extenuating circumstances had birthed convenience?

[ and as he's least dancing around the point that he's not quite sure he's trying to make, alhaitham exhales in a quiet, moody huff, disengaging their hands and crossing his arms over his chest. subconsciously defensive body language, because as much as kaveh says it's necessary, alhaitham hates this; hates being exposed. ]

Were our positions reversed, would you not wonder the same thing?