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Chapter Text

The moon rested undisturbed in the sky as the soft bustle of late night shoppers started to wane with the late hour. The soft chatter and warm light of Lambad’s tavern fading away with every step of his boots on the cobbled street before him. Alhaitham looked to the sky in favor of his book, wondering if there was someone else looking up at it right now. 

For the past six months he had fallen into a steady routine. 

Wake up. 

Make coffee and breakfast.

 Walk the streets for an hour or so. 

Go to work. 

Walk the streets some more. 

Check Lambad’s and stay for as long as he could muster. 

Take the long way home. 

Sleep. 

Repeat. 

This routine was the only thing keeping him sane. Frankly outlining everything like this would have been an argument to the contrary, some nights he stayed awake far longer than he should have, wondering just what he would have said in response. 

Haitham that doesn’t sound remotely close to your personal philosophy, should I be taking you to a doctor? 

Alhaitham if you continue to search for something that isn’t there that won’t make it magically appear. What happened to your careful indifference? 

It’s a wonder you aren’t arrested for that cold expression making you seem suspicious. I would have thought the corp would see someone like you meandering in the night and assume you’re up to no good. 

The moon offered no comfort to his wondering, simply lighting his face in its cool glow. Blinking a few times as if somehow that would change the outcome, Alhaitham looked back to his book. It’s pages were filled with information about Inazuman architecture, a topic which didn’t interest him in the slightest, but it interested someone else. The notes in the margins were what he paid attention to more than anything, his red rimmed iris’s flicking between them and the streets around him. 

As with every night a piercing strike of disappointment found its way into his hardened heart, settling in his chest until it dropped to his gut. With his house coming into view the idea of spending one more night alone, knowing that the light that had reached every corner was now gone, he irrationally wished for some way to never enter. However as his eyes lifted from the pages of the book, his hand bringing his silver keys from his pocket, a sound stopped him. 

It was a small groan, from a familiar heap settled on his doorstep. Golden locks disheveled and falling into unfocused crimson eyes, deep purple and green bruises littering usually sunkissed skin that was unnaturally pale, his silk shirt stained with archons only knew what, feet bare and absolutely destroyed with various cuts and bruises. 

The clink of silver keys hitting the ground broke the tense silence as Alhaitham wasted no time in running over, pausing just before he grabbed the man in front of him on the ground. 

“H-Haitham… I…” his voice was broken and groggy, those glazed eyes looking up at him with tears welling in them. “I’m sorry.” 

Those two words were rarely spoken between the two of them and despite the fact he didn’t speak them Alhaitham felt a hard lump form in his throat. His hands hovered in uncharacteristic uncertainty, afraid if he moved the wrong way he would hurt the man he had been looking for. 

“I’m sorry…” his voice teetered into delirious exhaustion, eyelids fluttering closed, and his body slumped forward. 

“Kaveh! No, no wake up!” Alhaitham’s normally rational mind shut down in favor of his irrational panic setting in. He lunged forward and wrapped his arms around the blonde’s middle, cradling him close to his chest. Kaveh was light, far lighter than he should have been, the normal gentle slope of his cheeks sharp. 

The scribe shook him in his panic, not aggressively but enough to try and jostle the architect awake. Some distant, desperate, part of him had hoped this entire time Kaveh was in Fontaine with his mother. That he had tried to write and every letter had been lost somehow. That he would arrive home, safe, and apologetic for causing worry. The sight in front of him not only confirmed that something had happened, but that Kaveh had not been treated well by whoever took him. 

Blinking those crimson eyes opened just barely, Kaveh looked up at Alhaitham and even in his disoriented state managed a small glare. “I’m exhausted.” He complained in a breathy grumble. 

“I’m sorry, I know, I know please just…” Alhaitham, for the second time ever in his life, found himself not knowing what to do. Quickly, though, the rational part of him started to take over. 

Kaveh was injured, likely malnourished, and needed treatment. They still didn’t know who took him and only had a few promising theories as to why. The first thing he needed to do was to get the architect treatment but somewhere safe.

That being decided, Alhaitham slipped one arm under the crook of Kaveh’s knees and steadied the other around his waist. As he lifted Kaveh up a frown settled on his lips. Truly, as someone who had carried the blonde many times in his life, Kaveh was far too light. 

“Please stay awake.” Alhaithams voice was soft, softer than it had ever been. The irrational fear that if Kaveh closed his eyes he would never open them again spurred him into action. Keys long forgotten on the road, the scribe took off running. 

Despite trying his best this did jostle the man in his arms, the most pitiful whines Alhaitham had ever heard escaping his chapped and split lips. “Haitham… too… much…” he complained. 

“I know, I know, please hold on.” Alhaitham responded breathlessly as he ran at full speed out of Sumeru City. There was only one person he could trust with Kaveh, only one person he would trust in the entirety of Teyvat. 

Thankfully the roads to Gandharaville were clear, no fungi or hilichurls blocking the way, which meant the forest watchers were doing their job. Archons bless Tighnari for being diligent. Even if there were monsters Alhaitham was sure he would have outran them. Right now he was ignoring the strain in his lungs, every part of his body telling him to slow down but his heart and mind pushing him forward even faster. 

The scribe didn’t even stop as Collei called something to him, her gentle voice lost in the adrenaline rushing through him. He just managed to notice her gliding from a treetop to Tighnari’s hut, in the back of his mind thankful that by the time he made it up to the fox he would be prepared. 

When he had finally run up to the hut that Tighnari called home, the forest watcher had his door open, not a hint of sleep in his eyes despite still being in his sleep clothes, his ears twitching on alert. 

“Set him on the cot in the corner.” Was all he offered in greeting, eyes roaming over the blonde in the scribes arms. 

Without hesitation Alhaitham strode in and set Kaveh down on the mentioned cot, earning a small groan from the architect. Like this, in the warm lighting of the several lamps, it was much easier to see the cuts and bruises littering every visible inch of skin. 

“H-he was on… our doorstep. He… I think he’s… too light… malnourished… dehydrated…” Alhaitham managed to speak through his heavy pants for air, the repercussions of running all the way from Sumeru City to Gandaharaville catching up with him. Sprinting that entire way was a feat for anyone. 

“Collei get Alhaitham something to calm him down.” Tighnari ordered, pushing past the scribe in favor of starting his examination of the blonde laying on the cot. 

“I’m… fine…” Alhaitham protested breathily, falling back onto a chair not far away. The entire time his eyes never left the barely lucid man laying in front of him, afraid if he looked away for even one moment he would disappear. 

“You’re not fine. You just sprinted from your house to mine, if you’re lucky you’ll be able to move in an hour or two.” The fox snapped, as he was prone to do when a patient protested his advice. “Take what Collei gives you or I’m kicking you out.” 

At this very tangible threat Alhaitham narrowed his eyes but didn’t speak another word in protest. He simply turned his gaze for one brief moment to Collei who was shyly holding out a cup of… something. Taking the cup gingerly he leaned in to give a discreet sniff of the light purple liquid. It smelled bitter with a hint of something floral and when he took a sip it reminded him greatly of medicine. 

“This should help soothe your overexerted muscles and calm your breathing.” The girl offered in explanation as she fidgeted with her hands. 

If he were more invested in his surroundings Alhaitham might have felt bad for making her nervous however he couldn’t bring himself to pay attention to anything other than Tighnari looking over Kaveh’s prone form. 

He couldn’t focus on what Tighnari was doing, what he was saying, only that he was speaking to the architect in a soft voice. Kaveh was barely lucid, his responses slurred and slowed, but he was there. Alhaitham’s hands started to fall slack around the cup, his eyes drooping against his will. Those months of searching, of never getting enough sleep, of endlessly trying to find some clue that Kaveh was still alive, they all started to crash down on top of him as the realization that Kaveh was alive and safe lifted the weight of grief. 

The last thing he could recall after his eyes closed was Kaveh’s voice saying his name. 

Alhaitham woke to the sudden sound of laughter. It was light, airy, filled his chest with longing he had only ever known around one person. He had to have been dreaming, because Kaveh was missing. Even if Kaveh wasn’t missing, after they had parted ways at the docks Alhaitham wasn’t sure the blonde would laugh like that around him ever again. 

Yet it happened again, that laughter, quieter this time. 

The bright orange behind his eyelids gave way to the bright light of the morning’s slowly he blinked awake. Upon taking in his surroundings did he remember what had happened, sitting up sharply only to hiss at the strain in his legs and chest. 

“Well good morning, Alhaitham.” Tighnari’s dry voice greeted him, the scribe looking over to see said fox standing next to the cot where Kaveh was sitting propped up against a few pillows. 

Alhaitham nodded to Tighnari but couldn’t take his eyes away from Kaveh if he tried. In the morning light his scratches and bruises stood out harshly but his eyes seemed clearer. Those crimson eyes he had missed terribly looked at him for an unknown amount of time in silence before finally he looked away, down at the blanket over his lap. 

“Here, I had this brewed for you in preparation.” Tighnari hummed, walking over with another cup of the same mysterious medicine Alhaitham consumed last night. “Cyno should be here within a day. I told him to stop and rest but he will likely also ignore my advice.” One of his ears twitched at the statement. “Please do not push yourselves, do not get worked up.” Giving the both of them a pointed look he sighed and grabbed his bow from where it leaned against the table. “I need to go resupply and delegate tasks to the other forest watchers. There will be someone just outside if I’m needed.” And with that statement, he left the two alone. 

Alhaitham nodded once more, unsure if he could find the words. Instead he simply sipped the bitter liquid, letting it settle in his belly comfortably. 

Kaveh was looking down at his hands laying over the blanket, both of them littered in various bandages all the way up his forearms. His face and neck resembled them, bandages and the faint sharpness of medical ointment permeating the air. His golden hair had been tied back into a ponytail, leaving his face free for Alhaitham to memorize once more. 

All he could think of was the last time he had seen Kaveh, the last time he had committed his face to memory. 

                        About Six Months Ago                          

It was pointless. Alhaitham knew it was pointless and yet he still made it all the way to Port Oromos, pushed through the crowded streets, and stopped the only light in his life from leaving. 

Those crimson eyes met his in shock, his hand encapsulated in the scribes own. 

Alhaitham wasn’t sure what he was expecting. Yelling maybe. An argument for sure. Because this was pointless, they had already talked, and Kaveh wanted to leave. 

“Alhaitham… what are you doing here?” Kaveh’s voice held none of its usual barb, his annoyance gone and all that was left behind was bewilderment. 

“I… frankly don’t know.” Alhaitham responded honestly. His hand clutched the architects tightly. “I need to talk with you.” 

Then, the whole reason he had done this pointless endeavor in the first place came about. Tighnari practically hunted him down, Cyno had to follow him because he was sure something would happen, and granted Alhaitham hadn’t expected to be punched in the face but it was an impressive punch followed by the piece of advice that had him here. 

“You two didn’t talk at all! Kaveh talked, you said a few sentences, and thought it was enough! Didn’t you see his face?!” 

There were many other insults with smatterings of things Alhaitham should have considered and didn’t. However he saw exactly what Tighnari meant now, how his short words caused the light in Kaveh’s eyes to dim slightly. How his smile pulled in but still stayed, for Alhaitham’s sake. 

“I thought we talked already? You made yourself very clear Alhaitham.” Normally those words would have bite, would dig into the scribe and start an argument. There was no bite, not an ounce of irritation or anger, only sorrow. 

Why had he only seen it now, after being punched into action? 

“I wasn’t clear.” Alhaitham, without even telling his body to do so, tugged on Kaveh’s hand. “I have always thought the more words spoken the more muddled their meaning becomes. Short, concise conversation is the best way to avoid misunderstandings.” 

Kaveh’s brow furrowed, clearly already understanding this, his mouth opening to speak. 

Alhaitham spoke quickly, “I was wrong.” 

Kaveh visibly paused, his eyes widening and his mouth hanging open slightly in shock. 

“Attention Passengers! Last boarding call for Romaritime Harbor!” 

That voice calling across the port shattered the ground Alhaitham had managed to build as for the first time since he took Kaveh’s hand he pulled free. 

Alhaitham let him go. 

“I will never tell you how to live your life. Just please… come back.” He was aware of this counting as him begging, as him pleading. If he thought it would have done anything the idea of dropping to his knees occurred to him as well. 

Kaveh studied his face for a moment, searching for something. While he did, Alhaitham committed the blonde to memory. He was sure this was it, this was the last time the light in his life would shine and he would be left in the darkness all alone once more. 

“This project should only take about three months. I will write and… be back once it’s finished.” Kaveh sounded unsure as he backed towards the boat, rolling his suitcase along and holding mehrak in his hand, “You had better wait for me.” 

“I will always wait for you.” Alhathaim promised without hesitation, his entire body screaming at him to simply follow Kaveh instead of waiting. He remained planted in place, staring after that golden light. 

Kaveh blushed before he turned around but there was no more time. He had to run up to where they were starting to take in the boarding planks, scampering onto the boat before it departed. Still, as he boarded he ran to the edge, searching the crowd for where Alhaitham hadn’t moved, and waved at him. 

                             Present Day                                    

Swallowing thickly, Alhaitham clutched the cup in his hands tighter than need be. 

He would forever regret not boarding that boat. 

“Don’t do that.” Kaveh chastised, Alhaitham snapping his head up to see those crimson eyes studying him. “There’s nothing you could have done. Isn’t it against your personal philosophy to waste time and effort on things you can’t control?” He meant to tease, meant to lighten the mood. 

“You will never be a waste of time and energy.” Alhaitham replied without pause. 

Kaveh blushed underneath all of his bandages, and looked away with a huff. “I suppose at least you acknowledge I’m outside of your control.” He commented in a mumble. 

“To an extent, yes.” Alhaitham smiled ever so slightly. “How are you?” He eventually asked after a brief pause. 

Kaveh fidgeted with his fingers, looking down at his hands. “Tighnari says everything is mostly superficial and won’t leave any scars. Nothings broken, just a few bruised ribs.” 

“That’s not what I meant.” Alhaitham clarified, moving to get up and grunting at the pained protest from his muscles. Not to be deterred he slowly managed to stand, hobbling over to sit on the cot directly next to Kaveh. 

“What… what are you doing?! What happened to you?!” Kaveh exclaimed, his hands flailing around as he tried to figure out what to do. 

“I… may have sprinted from our house all the way here with you in my arms.” Alhaitham sighed as he finally sat back down, frowning at the cup he had managed to keep in his hand but spilled over a few times. “I’ll be fine.” 

Multiple feelings passed over Kaveh’s face all at once, another bright blush blooming over his cheeks. At first Alhaitham wasn’t sure why, and then Kaveh spoke again. 

“It’s not really my house…” he protested weakly. 

“Well it’s not the same without you in it. The interior was almost completely done by you. It’s where I stayed to wait for you the first time, and where I hoped you’d come back the second.” Alhaitham’s voice went soft, quickly gulping down the rest of the medicinal tea before setting the cup aside. “And you did.” 

Kaveh examined him as he spoke, Alhaitham not once looking away from the architect in front of him, “It seems in my absence you’ve turned sentimental.” A small laugh left him and he was the one to look away again. “Things are complicated, my feelings I suppose are the most complicated. I didn’t expect you to still be waiting for me, honestly. I thought you would have given up.” 

“You underestimate me, senior.” Alhathaim offered as a joke, earning another surprised wide eyed look from the light in front of him. 

Kaveh laughed again, this time it was lighter and his smile stayed. “I suppose I did.” Despite the smile on his face, very quickly those crimson eyes turned watery, his bottom lip quivering, and then tears spilled over his thinned out cheeks. “I-I… I’m really sorry I… I made you wait.” He reached up to cover his mouth as a we hiccup interrupted him. “Archons I’m so sorry… but so glad… you didn’t… forget me…” 

For the second time Alhaitham ignored the screaming of his muscles, lurching forward onto the other cot. He had to find a way to worm his way onto it as he wrapped his arms around the blonde in front of him. A part of him expected to be pushed away, to have to fall back, but that part of him was silenced by those thin arms clutching at his rumpled clothes and holding onto him like a lifeline. 

Alhaitham buried his face in that golden hair, his lips pressed against the crown of Kaveh’s head as he stated just loud enough for him to hear over his sobs, “I would never forget you.” 

Clutching Kaveh as tightly as his body would allow, he molded the two of them together. Having to sit on the cot and lean his weight into it to keep himself from falling over, Kaveh didn’t seem to mind. In fact he was pulled closer by desperate hands. 

“I will always wait for you.”

Chapter Text

It took longer than Kaveh would have liked to calm down. Crying was something he tried to do alone if he could help it and certainly not when he was already exhausted. Though it seemed the tighter Alhaitham held onto him the more tears he had to shed. Sorrow, rage, love, tears for them all fell to the rumpled shirt of the scribe. 

Even when his sobs died down and all that remained were his now puffy eyes and unavoidable sniffles. Alhaitham didn’t let go nor did he speak. He simply stroked along Kaveh’s spine soothingly with the hand resting behind him and rested his cheek against the crown of the blonde’s head. 

For once, Alhaitham spoke first. 

“Do you feel any better?” His voice was soft and surprisingly gentle. 

Kaveh tilted his head up to see those red rimmed teal iris examining him intently. 

“Not really, everythings still all one garbled mess in my head.” The architect mumbled. 

“Do… Do you remember what happened before you got on that boat?” Alhaitham asked hesitantly, his body stiffening just slightly. 

“Yes,” Kaveh couldn’t help but smile just a little, “I remember you saying you were wrong, how could I ever forget that!” 

A deep chuckle left the scribe, his gaze turning fond. “I did, I’m glad you remember.” 

Kaveh blushed at how earnest Alhaitham seemed to be now, averting his eyes and folding his arms. “What happened to that cold expression you used to sport? Honestly I’m not sure this is the real Alhaitham!” 

“When you never wrote to me, I at first thought perhaps you weren’t coming back.” Kaveh turned to see Alhaitham looking at him and past him into some far off memory at the same time. “When I discovered you also hadn’t written to Tighnari or Cyno I was convinced something had happened. Every day we investigated and found nothing, every week that went by with no clue where you went, I told myself that when you came home I would be better.” 

“Frankly it’s about time.” Tighnari cut in dryly, standing in the doorway with a bag slung over his shoulder. “The fact he had to go missing for you to decide this is absurd. Honestly, Kaveh the only reason he even went to catch you before that damn boat left is because I lost my temper.” 

“Wait… you… what did you tell him?! What did you do?!” Kaveh exclaimed, covering his face with his hands. 

“Someone had to enlighten him and clearly it wasn’t going to be you .” Tighnari scoffed, walking over to the table and setting the bag in his hands on top of it. “I got sick of seeing you crying over him.” 

“ Nari!!” Kaveh was sure he was blushing from the roots of his hair down to his chest. 

“It happened more than once?” Alhaitham frowned as he asked. 

“Several. Not that you deserved it.” Tighnari didn’t look at Alhaitham as he spoke, simply grabbing a knife and starting to rather aggressively slice into some zatyun peaches. 

Alhaitham did turn to look at the fox, his eyes contemplative. There was tense silence hanging in the air, nothing but harsh metal slamming down against the wooden countertop. 

“You still blame me.” The scribe stated neutrally. 

“Why shouldn’t I?” Tighnari snipped without turning around, though his shoulders tensed. “If you hadn’t been so… unfeeling, he wouldn’t have thought of running away in the first place.” 

Kaveh frowned a little, his hands moving back down to nervously fidget with the blanket. He could still very clearly remember the conversation the two of them had, the letter he had received from Fontaine, and the tears he had shed. 

About Seven Months Ago

He hadn’t received a letter from his mother in ages. Honestly the last one was likely yellowing somewhere tucked safely in one of his sketchbooks he hadn’t opened in fear of the memories taking him over. The architect didn’t blame her for ignoring him, she had said on many occasions he was much like his father, so he assumed it was painful for her. 

Yet he sat on one of the divians in the living room looking over her perfect scrawl, taking in the words in a letter he hadn’t planned on receiving. 

“Is there anything in particular you want for dinner?” Alhaithams voice brought him back to the present, head snapping to see his roommate having materialized in their kitchen. 

Lately things had been… odd between the two of them. Not bad by any means, but different from before. They still argued but it wasn’t heated, there was no animosity, it was as if they argued simply to debate one another. Alhaitham spoke to him about what he was reading the other day, once even asking a question related to the structure of a particular diagram of a ruin! 

Kaveh found himself feeling things he had thought were long buried, and found his heart becoming vulnerable once more. 

“I’ll take your silence as a no then.” Once again Alhaitham’s voice grounded him in reality. 

“Ah, no, I don’t have an opinion.” He managed out, crimson eyes drifting back to the letter in his hand. 

“Maybe I should mark this day on the calendar, it’s not often you find yourself lacking an opinion on something.” Alhaitham hummed and Kaveh was sure he was smirking though he couldn’t tell with the scribe’s back turned to him. 

“I got a letter. From Fontaine.” There was no quip Kaveh could come up with, no witty retort that would spiral them into some heartfelt argument full of smirks and averted eyes. Only the baffling truth before him.

Alhaitham paused where he was grabbing a few dishes from the cupboards for just one single moment before continuing in the ministrations of making dinner. “And what does your dear mother have to say this time?” He scoffed. 

Kaveh knew that Alhaitham didn’t necessarily like his mother. As someone who had grown up not knowing his parents the blonde surmised that seeing a parent who willingly left their child behind, albeit a grown child though he doubted that mattered much in Alhaitham’s mind, was hard to swallow for the scribe. This meant that usually Kaveh tried to keep any letters from his mother private to save his roommate the headache. This letter was different. 

“She’s offering me a job. A big one.” Kaveh found himself lacking any eloquence for his words at the moment. His vulnerable heart leaping into his throat and making his mouth run dry. 

“How nice of her to care suddenly.” Alhaitham responded neutrally. 

“It would… require me to leave for several months.” Kaveh added on, watching Alhaitham closely. 

Silence rang between them, hovering in the miles that it felt between the kitchen and the living room. Both stilled, neither wanting to be the first to disturb what might be a landmine waiting to take them both out. 

“Are you asking for my permission?” Alhaitham broke the silence first, his voice as painfully neutral as ever. 

“Well… no… but I… I suppose I am asking for your thoughts?” Kaveh phrased it as more of a question than a statement. 

Alhaitham tuned then, his expression carefully crafted neutrality, his eyes burning into Kavehs own. “It doesn’t matter.” 

Those words punched into Kaveh’s chest, slamming into his vulnerable heart and shattering it into unsalvageable pieces. 

It doesn’t matter. 

It doesn’t matter if he stays. 

It doesn’t matter if he goes. 

He doesn’t matter. 

His face somehow managed to stay unchanged with the exception of tears starting to prick at his eyes. Quickly the architect turned and clutched the letter in his hands so tightly he was sure it was as unsalvageable as his heart. 

“Right, that makes sense, sorry for pestering you.” He stood mechanically, needing to escape somewhere else. Anywhere else. “I um… I’m actually not feeling very hungry right this moment. I think I’ll pass on dinner.” 

Alhaitham said nothing as he walked to the front door and walked out. 

Kaveh had gone to Tighnari on many occasions needing to vent about Alhaitham. He had ranted and raved while tending to plants, helping catalog samples, sorting reports, the list was endless. Tighnari was a safe space for him, the fox kind enough to listen but also blunt enough to point out when the architect was maybe being a bit difficult himself. 

It was no surprise when he found himself standing in the doorway of his friend's home, arms wrapped around himself in an attempt to stave off the slight chill of the evening, with a deep pain settling in his chest. He felt both numb and overstimulated, every fiber of his being wanting to cease existing in such an overwhelming state. 

It must have been plain to see on his face as the moment Tighnari looked at him his friend pulled him inside. 

Sitting on one of the cots with a cup of tea in hand and a blanket thrown over his shoulders, Kaveh simply looked down into the liquid. The crumpled letter was in Tighnari’s hands, his eyes flying over the words in silence. 

“Are you considering this?” His friend eventually asked, finally looking to Kaveh. 

The blonde simply stared into his cup, wondering the same thing. Was he considering the offer from his mother? Then those words rang inside of him, echoing endlessly. 

It doesn’t matter. 

“What do you mean it doesn’t matter?” Tighnari asked, though in his current state Kaveh couldn’t discern why his friend sounded so concerned. 

The tea in his hands blurred slightly, and only as he blinked a few times did Kaveh realize it was caused by tears welling in his eyes. 

“That was what he said to me.” Kaveh’s voice was barely a whisper, a broken hiccup followed by a sob taking away his breath. “It doesn’t matter. Nari… I don’t… I don’t matter to him at all, do I? After all this time I thought we… We were making progress. I thought that maybe…” Another sob stopped him, the tea crashing to the floor as his hands could no longer hold onto it. “I’m so pathetic…” 

Tighnari truly was safe. He didn’t say a word, simply crossing the room and wrapping his entire body around the architect. 

Present Day

“Nari, that's not quite what happened.” Kaveh attempted to lighten the weight of his friend's scrutiny, smiling nervously. 

“Isn’t it?” Tighnari bit out before finally whipping around with the knife still in hand. “Who was it that told you it didn’t matter?” 

Kaveh flinched at the words despite the full force of his glare being directed at the man next to him. 

Alhaitham frowned, returning that burning gaze. “Is that what you’ve been upset with me about his whole time?” 

“Don’t you speak to me like that.” Tighnari snapped, pointing his knife at Alhaitham and stalking forward. “You don’t get to speak to me like that. You didn’t have to see the aftermath of your mistakes. You didn’t watch him cry and feel worth less than the dirt on the floor. You didn’t stop him from getting on that damn boat!” 

Kaveh wasn’t sure if he had ever heard Tighnari yell at anyone before. He had raised his voice so it carried to those far away, shouted ever so slightly to gain someone’s attention, but he had never raised his voice laced with animosity towards anyone. The Forest Watcher was collected, sarcastic and dry at times, agitated with those who didn’t take sound advice, but never outright angry. 

Alhaitham seemed to be an exception to that. 

Even with the knife still dripping in fruit juices merely centimeters from his nose the scribe simply sat still, his scrutinizing gaze softening even. 

“At least you finally told me.” He hummed, “That’s been festering for quite some time.” 

Kaveh, for just a moment, was truly afraid for Alhaitham’s wellbeing. 

Eventually Tighnari scoffed, lowering the knife, and turning back to what he was preparing. “Yes well, everything seems to have to be spelled out for you. Archons forbid you learn to read subtext.” 

“Sometimes it’s simply better to state things openly without relying on implied meanings.” Alhaitham offered in response, “Isn’t that what you told me?” 

Tighnari was truly at his limit from what Kaveh could see. Even with the forest watchers back turned to them he could see the tension running through him, the force at which he slammed his knife down on the table startling the blonde. 

“Wait… that brings me back to my point! Nari what on earth did you tell him?!” Kaveh suddenly realized, looking between the two of them with wide eyes. 

Alhaitham looked to Kaveh once more, regarding his apparent dread. “Well…” 

00:45:06 before Kaveh left for Fontaine

Alhaitham wasn’t sulking. He was going to work at the proper time. He despised the idea of having to put up with the mediocrity of his coworkers. Maybe he was a little irritable but certainly he was not sulking. 

That was what he told himself as he stared down at the page of the book in front of him he had been trying to read for the past few hours. Every single time his eyes scanned the words they failed to register in his mind, their meanings lost, the page lying in front of him basically blank to him. With a frustrated huff he tossed the book onto his desk and stood to face the window in his office. 

Alhaitham was sulking. 

He examined the window with longing taking over his expression. Kaveh had always hated this particular window. According to the architect it was far too big for a room of this size, the light it let in was far too much to be comfortable for reading or writing. Alhaitham agreed but had never said so. Now he wouldn’t ever be able to. 

“Alhaitham.” His name was spoken pointedly, angrily, but not in the usual raised voice he had come to expect and adore. When the scribe turned around, pain bloomed across his left cheek. 

“Tighnari!” Cyno’s voice was breathless as he called the name of their friend who had just put all of his force into a swift punch. 

Truly it was more than the scribe would have expected from someone of Tighnari’s stature. He had been knocked back against the offending window, simply looking at the fox before him. He had never in his life seen Tighnari so blatantly furious. 

“Why are you here?” Tighnari bit out at him. 

“I’m working. Why are you here?” Alhaitham responded cooly, standing up straight. Even as he looked down at the forest watcher he didn’t back down. In fact he walked closer, grabbing the front of Alhaitham’s shirt and slamming him back into the window. For all of Kaveh’s complaints, at least it was sturdy. 

“No! Why are you here?! ” Tighnari finally snapped, his voice raising. “Why aren’t you going to stop him?! Why don’t you care that he’s leaving us when it’s your fault?!” 

Alhaitham finally pushed back, grabbing Tighnari’s hand and throwing it off of him. In all of his life he prided himself on being able to control his emotions, on being able to rationally think when others fell prey to their instinct. There was only one person who had ever broken that facade on numerous occasions, only one person he felt his gaze soften at, only one person that lit up his entire world with his brilliance. 

“What could I possibly say to bring him back to us?” Alhaitham snapped, turning to face the window and slamming his fist on the stained glass before him. A crack radiated from the glass under his hand. “Kaveh doesn’t care what I think.” He despised how bitter he sounded. 

“You’re an idiot!” Tighnari yelled, his voice bouncing off the walls of the room around them. “The only reason he’s leaving is because he cares what you think!” 

“That’s not what happened when we talked.” Alhaitham scoffed. 

“You two didn’t talk at all! Kaveh talked, you said a few sentences, and thought it was enough! Didn’t you see his face?!” Something crept into Tighnari’s voice that Alhaitham didn’t recognize until he turned to face the fox. There were tears brimming his eyes, spilling over his cheeks as he walked forward and punched the scribe weakly in the chest. 

“It doesn’t matter. That’s all you said to him. Do you know what Kaveh thinks right this second? What he feels? Because I do. I held him as he cried thinking he was worthless! That he doesn’t matter!” A weak shove pushed Alhaitham back, the scribe stumbling back against the window once more. 

“That’s not… I didn’t mean… how…” Alhaitham gulped down air, staring with wide eyes down at his hands. Short concise conversation was what led to cleared misunderstandings, that was always what he had believed. Now he could see it, however. The way those crimson eyes dimmed, the way the light around him receded as he fled from their house with that damn letter in his hands. “That’s not what I meant.” He choked the words out. 

“Yeah well sometimes it’s better to state things openly than rely on implied meaning!” Tighnari snapped, “He’s not taking this job because he wants it, because he wants to see his mother, he’s taking this job and never coming back because you told him it didn’t matter if he stayed or he left! That’s how Kaveh sees things and you know this! You know he thinks he’s a burden all the time, that he’s convinced his existence causes others to suffer so why?! Why Would you say something so stupid?!” Both of the forest watchers' hands gripped Alhaithams shirt as he shook him, those tears spilling down his face endlessly, his eyes burning with what the scribe assumed was rage. 

“Nari that’s enough.” Cyno spoke finally, walking into the room from his post in the doorway. Gently, oh so gently, he reached over to take one of the fox’s hands in his own to coax it free. “I think you made your point, it’s okay.” 

“It’s not okay! Kaveh is leaving!” Tighnari argued despite allowing his hands to be loosened from Alhaithams shirt, eventually pulled into Cyno’s arms to cry quietly. 

“I know, but you said your piece. It’s up to Haitham now.” Cyno spoke so softly, his words barely a whisper against the top of Tighnari’s head. His voice changed however when he looked to the scribe who was still reeling from the realizations thrust upon him. “If you want to catch him, you had better go.” 

Alhaitham regained some clarity, looking to the only other two people in this world he considered friends standing in his office and waiting for him to do something. Standing on uncertain feet, he slowly walked out of his office, turning into a fast walk, to a jog, to a run, until he was sprinting with all the stamina he could muster. 

He prayed to every Archon that would listen to him, asking them to make sure he wouldn’t miss this chance. 

Present Day

Kaveh stared with his mouth hanging open, speechless. He looked between Alhaitham, who didn’t seem bothered by the embarrassment creeping into every fiber of the architect’s being, and Tighnari, who at least had the decency to avert his eyes. 

“You told him all of that?!” Kaveh eventually groaned, covering his reddened face with his hands. 

“I will admit I… may have overshared a little.” Tighnari mumbled, his ears lying flat against his head. 

“I think it was necessary for me to know how my words affected you.” Alhaitham disagreed. 

“Of course you think that.” Kaveh grumbled into the heels of his hands. 

“Kaveh,” Alhaitham reached up to gently take his hands away from his face, cradling his bandaged hands between his own as if they were the most precious object in all of Teyvat. “If what I say makes you feel worthless, I want to know. I will make sure to rectify any statements, clarify anything so that you understand.” 

The atmosphere around them turned heavy once more, Kaveh unsure how to respond to such earnest words from Alhaitham of all people. Still at his promise, those same words ate away at him from the inside out. 

“What did you mean back then?” He asked softly, voice barely a whisper, almost afraid to know the answer. “‘It doesn’t matter.’” 

Meeting his eyes, holding his gaze with so much adoration Kaveh wasn’t sure what to do with it all. Truly he hadn’t expected to return to an Alhaitham that would so openly display his affection, was surprised at just how much he seemed to be showering the blonde in. 

“I didn’t think it mattered if I gave my opinion because you would likely go no matter if I wanted you to stay or not.” The scribe clarified. “To me even if I told you the truth I assumed you wouldn’t have believed me.” 

“Oh…” Kaveh breathed, his entire body swarmed with some sort of relief and a different kind of tension. “What… What was the truth?” 

Averting his eyes Kaveh could have swore that maybe… perhaps Alhaitham was blushing? Was he embarrassed? Surely not, for if he was embarrassed that implied… 

“When you’re gone my entire life feels like it’s been shrouded in some sort of darkness. The idea of you leaving for Fontaine made me sick to my stomach and for her of all people.” Alhaitham nearly snarled, his grip on Kaveh’s hands tightening. “You are so full of light, not a damn person in this world deserves it, especially not Faranak.” 

“Oh…” Was all Kaveh could bring himself to say, his heart leaping into his throat. “You… think that much of me?” 

“I always have.” Alhaitham responded simply, finally releasing one of the blonde’s hands to tuck a few stray strands of golden hair behind his ear. 

“Somehow I feel like this is worse than the two of you arguing constantly.” Tighnari cut in with an eye roll, walking over with a plate full of fruit, vegetables, and some pita pockets. “Eat and then rest. Everything else can wait until later. I sent a letter to the academia telling them you are taking a leave of absence, Alhaitham.” 

“I appreciate the forethought.” The scribe hummed in response. 

Kaveh was blushing once again, wondering if his cheeks would ever not be red, and simply deciding to stuff a piece of peach into his mouth. Archons how he had missed the taste, suddenly taken over by insatiable hunger and grabbing two more pieces to bite into ravenously. 

“Slow down, you’ll make yourself sick.” Tighnari sighed, “There’s more where that came from and plenty of time for you to eat.” 

Finally swallowing his mouthful Kaveh reached for one of the pita pockets, taking a large bite and groaning at the familiar taste. “I missed you guys so much you have no idea.” 

At that both Alhaitham and Tighnari softened, the both of them whispering, “I think we do.”

Chapter Text

The first day Kaveh was back felt like some sort of dream. Alhaitham hadn’t had many before the architect went missing, frankly before that he didn’t see what the fuss was about. They often were forgotten after you woke up and were nonsensical. Dreams had been something Alhaitham slotted into a category of things he didn’t need. However when Kaveh didn’t write to him, when he had no idea if he was dead or alive, dreams suddenly made sense. 

Often he would dream of Kaveh coming home, his golden light brightening the dull monotony of Alhaitham’s every day life. Sometimes he would dream that he had gotten tired of waiting and traveled to Fontaine himself, finding Kaveh on some intricate build site and vowing to stay with him until he was finished. They were accompanied by just as many nightmares, of Kaveh remaining out of reach, of him telling the scribe he was never coming back, of crimson staining Alhaitham’s hands after finally finding Kaveh. 

All of this made the day he spent recuperating feel like another dream he would wake up from at any moment. 

He supposed Tighnari helped ground him in a sense, that this was reality. The forest watcher was as short with him as ever while visibly softening when speaking to Kaveh. The whiplash was surprisingly helpful in convincing himself he was awake. Thus he decided not to comment on it. 

Collie had come in after a little while, crying happily and hugging Kaveh tightly. She didn’t ask anything about the time he was missing, at first unsure before Kaveh started to ask what she had been up to while he was ‘gone’. He listened intently, a fond smile on his face as she regaled him with tales of her time visiting her friends in Mondstadt or her adventures in the forest. 

Even when she left, Tighnari did not pry either. He simply carried on checking the bandages, gathering food, sometimes having to step away to deal with his own matters. There seemed to be an unspoken agreement that Kaveh wouldn’t need to face what had happened to him, at least not for now, and Alhaitham found himself conforming to it. 

Granted he didn’t say much at all, content to listen to those around him speak so long as he could remain by Kaveh’s side. In all that time he only really moved once, adjusting so the two of them were more laying next to one another than sitting, this easing the strain on his overexerted muscles. 

And like that the day passed, the bright light of day fading to cool moonlight and the soft whisper of nocturnal creatures outside. Tighnari had come in to give them dinner, pointedly stated that he would expect there to be nothing untoward happening, which confused Kaveh to no end. Alhaitham would have to clear that up at some point, but now was not the time, so he simply nodded. 

The cot was still far too small for the two of them to sleep next to each other so as Kaveh seemed to be assessing how best to lay down, Alhaitham took matters into his own hands. He laid back against the pillows, pulling the other man down so he was almost entirely on top of him. Granted this was some form of torture, having Kaveh laying on top of him like this was another very familiar dream concept, though usually with less clothing involved. 

“A-Are you sure this is okay?” Kaveh whispered like a child who was afraid of being caught by their mother sneaking back into the house. A sentiment Alhaitham could sort of understand considering his unsure footing with Tighnari at the moment. 

“Yes, this is okay.” Alhaitham hummed, one arm settling around Kaveh’s waist as the other came up under his head. “Unless you’d like me to move?” 

“No, no don't… don't go…” Before he even had a chance to feel dread at the question Kaveh quickly dispelled any doubt, the scribe’s arm tightening around him. 

Up until this point he assumed Kaveh hadn’t complained about how clingy Alhaitham was being simply because he didn’t want to argue. Maybe he was being considerate? That sounded so very plausible in his mind. However he clearly saw the fear, the desperation to not be left alone, in those crimson eyes he loved so dearly. 

“I won’t be going anywhere.” Alhaitham promised, “This will be the easiest way to sleep.” 

“Okay, just… let me know if you get uncomfortable.” Kaveh mumbled as he settled down finally. He had taken his hair out of the ponytail, leaving it to flutter around his face as he rested his head on Alhaitham’s chest. One thin arm draped over the scribe’s middle, their legs tangled together. 

“I think you’ll find that’s impossible.” Alhaitham mumbled into the crown of Kaveh’s head, letting his eyes flutter closed. “Rest, Kaveh.” 

“Mmm…” Kaveh’s entire body relaxed at once, the weight of him comforting Alhaitham as the both of them were able to drift off into the best sleep either had experienced in six months. 

Something was tickling Alhaitham’s chin, the feeling causing him to grimace. He tilted his head to the side in hopes of whatever it was ceasing its annoyance of him however this led him to press his lips against something soft. At this point his sleep muddled brain seemed to catch up to the events of the previous day, his eyes flying open only to be blinded by the morning sun. 

Blinking rapidly but not moving, when his eyes finally adjusted to the morning light, he was met with a sight that had previously only existed in his dreams. His breath caught in his throat, arms tightening, and the overwhelming rush of emotions rendering him completely useless. 

In the morning light Kaveh’s golden hair was like a halo framing his bandaged face. Even broken and still slightly chapped his lips were perfectly pink and parted slightly, the bit of drool making a wet spot on the scribe’s shirt adorable in a way he didn’t even understand himself. Gently his body rose with every even breath, that motion being what caused his hair to very slightly tickle his chin. 

Thankfully any doubt that this was real was dispelled as Tighnari quietly entered the room. Both of their eyes met, Alhaitham pressing a finger to his lips swiftly and glancing down to the blonde fast asleep on his chest. Of course he understood and simply nodded while walking over. 

With deft, practiced hands Tighnari examined the bandages on Kaveh’s feet. It wasn’t exactly a secret that Kaveh tended to sleep rather soundly, even more so when exhausted like he truly had been, so the fox was able to do so without rousing the architect from his slumber. This was for the best to help Kaveh heal and so they wouldn’t have to deal with the bear that was an unrested Kaveh. 

Once Tighnari seemed satisfied with his examination he settled down in the chair Alhaitham had occupied for a short time. His tail flicked while he sat quietly, the scribe waiting for his friend to collect his thoughts 

“Cyno will likely be here around dinner time. He won't take any time to rest, and is apparently bringing some allies from Fontaine.” The forest watcher grumbled slightly in his hushed voice, folding his arms. 

“Allies from Fontaine?” Alhaitham parroted as a sort of question, glancing down to Kaveh with the urge to move him somewhere, anywhere else so that these strangers couldn’t even look at him. 

“Relax, just because you’re in love with him doesn’t mean you’re the only one who loves him.” Tighnari rolled his eyes, “The General Mahamatra doesn’t have jurisdiction in Fontaine so he spoke to the highest power who would listen. We haven’t spoken since Kaveh left so you likely don’t know the extent of what Cyno wrote to me and I wanted to explain before they got here.” What went unspoken between them was palpable as both of their eyes landed on the sleeping blonde. 

They needed to speak before Kaveh had to face the reality of his situation, to give him even a few more hours of peace. 

Alhaitham nodded to the forest watcher for him to continue. He had written to Cyno once or twice himself for updates, to make sure he was still looking, but both the letters he sent and the ones he received were brief. 

“Faranak wasn’t kidding about this job being large, both in pay and in the complexity of it. Kaveh’s client was the Iudex of Fontaine himself, Neuvillette, and he was tasked with redesigning the interior of the Opera Epiclese as well as a few other buildings. Cyno was able to speak with the Iudex who was very concerned to hear about Kaveh’s disappearance. He has been incredibly helpful, according to Cyno, and is one of the people accompanying him home.” Tighnari explained things in a way that Alhaitham appreciated. He was to the point while also not leaving out any important information. 

“I suppose that makes sense.” The scribe, however, did not have to appreciate the idea of some all important stranger being able to even look upon Kaveh in such a vulnerable state. “Who else?” 

“Iudex Neuvillette is apparently quite close to the prison warden in Fontaine, and that man thinks they have some suspects in mind for who would have done this. He came to be able to confirm. I will admit that I don’t know as much about this ‘Wriothesley’ but Cyno trusts him and he wouldn’t let him come along if he didn’t.” Tighnari seemed very sure about this, watching Kaveh sleep peacefully as he talked. 

For a short while the two of them simply sat in silence as Alhaitham digested the information given to him. They possibly have suspects, that was good, better than he had done in all his time alone. 

“When Cyno arrives…” Alhaitham trailed off into an unspoken question, one that Tighnari understood. 

“Kaveh will have to tell as much as he can remember. I don’t know how much it will be considering the drugs they used on him but whatever amount he can give will help immensely.” Tighnari nodded, the reluctance clear on his face. “It’s not fair to him but it’s all we can do…” 

“He’s strong.” Alhaitham sighed, his teal eyes drawn back to where Kaveh’s golden eyelashes feathered against his freckled cheek. “He’s honestly probably already figured us out, not asking him anything about what happened and coddling him so much.” A fondness crept into his voice that he did nothing to stop. 

“You’re right. I hate that you’re right.” Tighnari grumbled. 

“Careful, you’re starting to sound like him.” Alhaitham chuckled softly. “I used to dream about him saying things like that to me. It didn’t matter if he was cursing my existence, all I wanted was to hear his voice.” 

Tighnari didn’t respond for a moment before adding, “I would dream about him walking up to my house, shouting like normal about you. We would patrol together, sort samples, everything we used to do, and he would talk on end about how utterly annoying you were.” 

Alhaitham chuckled once again, jostling the architect still sleeping on him. Kaveh whined in his sleep, groggily shifting and pressing a hand to Alhaitham’s chest to stop him from moving. 

“I did it on purpose.” Alhaitham admitted quietly while his fingers absently twirled some of the darker brown locks splayed over Kaveh’s shoulders. “Annoy him. After our falling out arguing came so easy to us, it was the only way I could get him to converse normally with me.” 

“Oh I’m aware. Honestly I think the only one who didn’t know was Kaveh.” Tighnari snorted. “He was pretty antagonistic sometimes, in your defense.” 

“That almost sounds nice.” Alhaitham mused. 

“Yeah, well… don’t get used to it.” Tighnari simply folded his arms but the heated glares from the day before were long gone. 

“I am sorry. For everything happening how it did. There were variables only I could have changed and I didn’t.” Alhaitham spoke softly but sincerely, finally looking back over at the fox. “I’ll live with that regret for the rest of my life.” 

Frowning with a soft sigh, Tighnari relented. “Alright, yes, I… apologize for being so hard on you.” 

“Please don’t stop on my account. The accountability provided is second to none.” Alhaitham hummed with a little smirk. 

“Mark your words, Haitham.” Tighnari scoffed with a smile on the corners of his lips. 

A soft noise brought them both out of their conversation, both pairs of eyes falling to the blonde stirring from his slumber. He shifted slightly, pressing his face into Alhaitham’s chest to hide from the morning sun peeking through the windows. 

It seemed to be then that he realized what he was doing, the architect yelping and pushing back with bright red cheeks. However the swift movement caused his sore body to twinge, causing him to flinch and fall back much into the same predicament as before. 

Alhaitham could feel the heat of a blush on his cheeks however the sight of Kaveh with his face pressed between the scribe’s pecs, cheeks beautifully flushed, and crimson eyes wide caused him to pause. His mind had never quite calculated just how tempting Kaveh would be in situations like this, his dreams definitely falling short of reality. 

“If you two are quite done, I’m sure Kaveh would like a bath.” Tighnari cut in with a roll of his eyes. “I wanted to give you time to rest yesterday but it’s definitely overdue.” 

“Y-yeah…” Kaveh’s voice was garbled from sleep and he cleared his throat a few times before continuing. “A bath sounds nice.” He agreed, slowly moving off to the side. 

This abruptly brought Alhaitham back to the physical plane, his mind catching up to the idea that Kaveh was going to be leaving his sight. Logically he knew that was fine, he had object permanence, Kaveh would be simply bathing and then likely coming back to this room. 

Knowing this panic still bloomed in his chest and he grabbed Kaveh’s hand with wide eyes. 

Everyone in the room paused, unsure of what to do next. Alhaitham had moved so quickly that they all needed a moment to register what was happening. Tighnari was the one to recover first. 

“Absolutely not. You can wait here.” Tighnari spoke swiftly, standing over the two of them with his arms crossed and his tail flicking in annoyance. 

“How is he going to get there? Are you going to carry him?” Alhaitham shot back, narrowing his eyes slightly. 

“Guys I can manage!” Kaveh tried to reason as the two stared each other down. 

“You have a point there. It’s up to Kaveh, however.” Tighnari was the first to relent with a huff. 

“I-I… well…” Kaveh stammered, his face reddening and his hands coming up to press on  his flaming cheeks. “Why can’t I just walk there?” He asked meekly. 

“I don’t know Kaveh, why don’t you try on your absolutely destroyed feet.” Tighnari’s voice was dripping with sarcasm, “Go ahead and stand up without falling over or completely ruining all the hard work I put in to make sure they started to heal properly.” 

“Okay, fair enough,” Kaveh rolled his eyes before eventually glancing over at Alhaitham, “You… don’t mind?” He seemed to be under some sort of doubt and Alhaitham turned to face him completely. 

“No, I don’t mind.” The scribe knew that before this all happened, before Kaveh was taken from them, this probably would have devolved into an argument. He could clearly see now the uncertainty living in Kaveh’s eyes, the way he leaned away so his body wasn’t propped on the scribe’s own, how he now asked for clarification because Alhaitham had told him to do so. Standing on still sore legs Alhaitham stretched a little before leaning down and simply picking Kaveh up like he had to bring him here. One arm hooked under his knees and the other supporting him from around his waist. “You’re even lighter than you were before, it isn’t any trouble.” 

Kaveh blushed down to the sliver of chest Alhaitham could see from the clothes Tighnari had put him in, his arms coming up to hold onto the scribe as if he would drop him given the chance. “What’s that supposed to mean ‘lighter than before’?” he nitpicked. “I was perfectly healthy before.” 

“Drinking nothing but coffee for days on end, staying up through multiple days and nights working on projects, hardly leaving your desk, drinking too much alcohol-” Alhaitham listed off as they started to follow Tighnari.

“Alright! I get it!” Kaveh huffed and pressed a hand over Alhaitham’s mouth to get him to stop, glaring up at the scribe. 

Somehow Alhaitham couldn’t find himself very remorseful.

Getting Kaveh into the bath proved to be a difficult endeavor. It seemed that he had realized at that point he would have to be naked in front of at least one of his friends, at which point he all but screeched at Alhaitham to get out. Alhaitham couldn’t bring himself to leave, so he pulled one of the privacy screens out far enough that he couldn’t see anything (unfortunately) but he could at least hear him speaking.

Kaveh seemed to accept this compromise. 

While the architect bathed Alhaitham stretched out his sore muscles and went over everything he had managed to find. It hadn’t been much, in reality, but he had managed to come up with a few working theories as to who would even take Kaveh in the first place. Not only take him, but leave no demand for ransom, no contingencies to his safe return, nothing to imply they were even considering keeping him alive. Yet if they had wanted to… dispose of him… they had ample time to do so. If neither of those things were the goal of his captor(s?) then why take him at all? 

Kaveh’s bath being finished pulled him out of his thoughts. 

The only reason he truly knew the blonde was done was due to Tighnari coming over and shoving him slightly mid stretch, the fox smirking as he stumbled slightly. 

“Are you going to carry him back or continue to brood behind this screen here.” He asked while nodding back to where Kaveh likely was sitting waiting. 

“What could you possibly be pouting about, Haitham?” Kaveh scoffed from the other side of the partition. 

Alhaitham chose not to answer, simply walking around the screen. However he didn’t get as far as he would have liked, or compose himself as he normally would have. 

Kaveh was sitting in a chair, fresh out of the bath, draped in loose deep green and cream colored clothes that hung from his thin frame. Currently he was passing a towel over his still damp hair, cheeks full of color, and all of his bandages missing with the exception of the ones on his feet. 

As if possessed Alhaitham walked over slowly, eventually reaching up to brush his knuckles over one of the many scratches that currently marred the blonde’s freckled skin, pausing when Kaveh flinched a little. Swallowing thickly the scribe felt both embarrassed at himself and rage towards whatever imbecile caused the unconscious response. 

“Haitham I’m…  not any different than before.” Kaveh mumbled while averting his eyes to the towel in his hands. 

“Your face is not bandaged and you look more like yourself now that you have been cleaned up.” Alhaitham disagreed, looking down to see fresh bandages wrapped around the architect's feet. His hand was stilled where it had paused just before touching that beautiful sun kissed skin, unwilling to move back or make the man uncomfortable. 

Kaveh glanced up to meet Alhaitham’s eyes once again, unspoken words and feelings lingering in the palpable space between them. Neither were sure how long they remained this way, simply staring at one another with the uncertainty of their relationship looming over them. 

“Would you take me back?” Kaveh asked softly, the true meaning behind his words not escaping the scribe. 

Despite the pounding of his heart, the breath that was knocked out of him, Alhaitham as gently as ever picked Kaveh up in his arms. Holding him close to press his lips to the damp golden hair, he whispered for only the light of his life to hear. 

“Without hesitation.” 

Those crimson eyes stared up at him, examining his face to likely find something that contradicted the statement. His freckled cheeks heated up once more when he indeed found nothing of the sort. 

“Now what do I say to something like that?” The blonde complained with a huff as he hid his flaming face by ducking his head under the scribe’s chin. 

Alhaitham chuckled softly as he started to walk, the both of them too engrossed in one another to notice Tighnari making a face at just how sappy they were both being. 

“Would you like help drafting a response? I am likely the best person to consult on the matter.” He hummed with a smirk hinting at the corners of his mouth. 

“You definitely are not!” Kaveh scoffed. 

With a fond smile Alhaitham set him down on the cot once more, gently tucking a piece of golden damp hair behind his ear. “If you say so, senior.” 

“Hmph, you only call me senior to patronize me.” Kaveh scoffed as he folded his arms petulantly. 

“Alhaitham,” Tighnari’s voice cut in as he walked into the room holding a brush with Collei trailing behind him. “Your turn, go bathe please.” 

Furrowing his brow, Alhaitham turned to give the fox an unamused glare. 

“Don’t look at me that way, you’ve been in the same clothes for two days and nights straight.” Tighnari didn’t even look at the scribe, simply walking forward and sitting next to Kaveh on the cot. “Go bathe.” 

“Good morning Kaveh! Did you sleep okay?” Collei asked the architect with a bright smile, sitting on his other side. 

“Well… yes I did, thank you.” Kaveh’s cheeks were bright red again and he had to clear his throat before continuing. “It’s been nice being back. I hope I’m not keeping you from your duties.” 

“No, of course not! The other forest watchers understand and have really stepped up while Master Tighnari cares for you!” She chirped with a smile, “It’s actually a huge relief you’re finally back with us!” 

Kaveh’s smile tightened a little however he reached over and gently patted her hand. “It is for me too.” 

“Your hair is as unruly as ever so you better hold still.” Tighnari sighed as he started to brush through those golden locks, despite his warning moving carefully to not tug at any knots. 

Alhaitham, despite the tug in his chest that demanded he stay, figured the fox was right as per usual. He slipped out of the room as they started to talk about the newer samples from withering zones, wanting to make quick work of his bath. 

Returning from his bath, begrudgingly admitting to himself that he did feel better after being clean and in fresh clothes provided by Tighnari, to find Kaveh’s hair braided much like it used to be when they were younger was some sort of mental flashbang. He was caught between memories of them together, the relief at seeing Kaveh’s face, and the dread that this was possibly a dream. 

This had apparently caused him to freeze, considering he was greeted with Collei’s gentle voice. 

“Mister Alhaitham are you alright? You aren’t getting a fever are you?” She questioned with a worried tilt to her brow. 

“He’s fine, Collei.” Tighnari sighed, moving from where he had sat behind the blonde to get up from the cot. “Are you coming in or is the doorway your new perch?” His dry voice moved Alhaitham into action. 

Slowly he walked into the room and took a seat on the cot across from the trio since his spot next to Kaveh was taken by the young trainee. 

“You barely look any different from our academia days like this.” Alhaitham commented to Kaveh, who was currently accepting some flowers being tucked into his hair from Collei. 

“I find that hard to believe,” The architect laughed softly, “but I also know empty flattery isn’t quite your style so thank you.”

Tighnari took the opportunity to start making something for breakfast, the comforting sound of Kaveh and Collei chatting relaxing everyone in the room. The feeling of belonging, the ease of coexisting that came from Kaveh simply being around had started seeping back into the dark world Alhaitham had inhabited. 

It was disturbed faster than he thought, the sound of hurried feet causing Tighnari to stand alert as he passed out the breakfast he had made. Quickly the fox moved to the door, Alhaitham standing and moving to block the sight of Kaveh from the doorway. Even Collei reached over to hold Kaveh’s hand tightly, narrowing her eyes at the door. 

Three quick knocks were followed by a hurried out of breath exclaim, “Master Tighnari! Master Tighnari there are sage’s here from the academia.” 

For one split second the pair at odds met eyes and seemed to come to some sort of agreement, the both of them crowding the doorway and opening it for the poor scout standing outside. 

“What do they want?” Tighnari asked, putting his gloves back on before standing with his hands on his hips. 

“Th-They’re asking for Scribe Alhaitham.” The scout admitted, his eyes nervously flicking to said scribe. “We followed your orders strictly, nobody should know that… he is here.” The scout whispered these words, nodding his head to the room they were in. 

“I trust you did.” Tighnari nodded sincerely, “They likely are here because of the letter sent. I assume they aren’t taking ‘no’ for an answer either?” 

“N-No, I’m afraid not. They claim forgery and are threatening to come back with the Matra.” The scout admitted. 

Tighnari scoffed and rolled his eyes, “As if that would help them. This was bound to happen, empty threats or not. Have someone escort them here but do not leave them alone for a second, am I understood?” 

“Yes, Master Tighnari!” The scout saluted before turning and running back the way he came. 

Once the scout was gone Tighnari sighed and shook his head, grumbling “I thought we’d have a bit more time but of course their schedules are clear when it suits them.” 

“Do you plan on letting them know Kaveh has been found?” Alhaitham questioned with narrowed eyes. 

“I think it is the best course of action.” Tighnari agreed with a reluctant grimace. He pushed past Alhaitham to where Collei was still holding tightly to Kaveh’s hand. “I know I told you that you would only have to speak of what happened once and I stand by that, when the sages come you don’t have to speak to them.” He addressed Kaveh who seemed to be the calmest in the room. 

“I understand.” Kaveh nodded, a soft smile on his face as he squeezed Collei’s hand in return. “You all don’t have to worry so much, I can handle the sages just fine.” 

“I take it you have a plan, Tighnari.” Alhaitham didn’t acknowledge the fact that Kaveh would be put into a situation with so many uncontrollable variables and instead focused on the part he was sure would help. 

“I do,” The fox nodded with determination setting in his features. “I think we can all agree that the akademia isn’t oblivious to what happened to Kaveh. Whether they were involved is a matter to be solved later but they certainly enjoyed the collective absence of Alhaitham, Cyno, and myself as we searched. Even Lesser Lord Kusanali has been less involved in their affairs to help.” 

“We should act as if we don’t suspect them in the slightest, and no matter what Kaveh does remember we should act as if he doesn’t remember anything at all. The drugs used were a rare and difficult to make concoction that is known to dull memories and is commonly used for… unsavory practices.” Tighnari frowned deeply, his hands clutching at his arms at the very idea of what came to mind. 

Alhaitham struggled to keep himself neutral at the idea himself, glancing to Kaveh who had remained uncharacteristically silent during this all. 

“This makes sense.” Kaveh nodded, finally speaking. 

“Kaveh… are you sure this is okay?” Collei asked, watching him with worry in her eyes. 

“Yes, I’ll be fine.” The architect hummed with that same placating smile on his face Alhaitham had learned was for others. “To be honest I… I don’t enjoy the idea of being around the sages however the alternatives aren’t pleasant. So for now, I’ll be fine.” 

Tighnari sighed softly where he was standing next to Alhaitham, giving one short nod. “Alright… This will work.” He turned to Alhaitham then. “I suggest you either lean into your feelings entirely or make it clear the rumors are false.” He spoke softly, just for the two of them. 

It wasn’t even a consideration for him. 

The scribe walked over and sat on the other side of Kaveh from Collei, one arm resting behind the architect, the other gently reaching for his free hand. “You won’t be alone, we will be here with you. If it gets to be too much, damn the sages. It’s not like the Matra would actually march on Tighnari anyway.” 

“Not if they value their positions anyway.” Tighnari grumbled, moving a few things around aimlessly as they waited for their uninvited guests to arrive. 

The Sages were escorted to the door shortly after that, everyone in the room looking to the door, the trepidation growing with each knock. 

“Master Tighnari, I have brought the sages as you asked.” The forest watcher from before called through the wood. 

“What is taking so long? We will not be deceived any longer!” An aged voice called impatiently. 

“Please let them in.” Tighnari called in exasperation. 

The door swung open and in walked three sages from the academia. Each of them seemed as different as the last in their appearance but all holding the same level of arrogance and agitation. Alhaitham figured he should know their names however he had never thought them important enough to commit to memory. 

“Scribe Alhaitham!” All three exclaimed in surprise, their eyes flickering between where Alhaitham sat next to Kaveh, almost crowding him onto the cot protectively. “And the Light of Kshahrewar!” 

“What was that about deception?” Tighnari’s voice became his usual pleasantly neutral tone, walking over to stand directly in front of his friends. Collei had moved to start preparing some medicine off to the side though was carefully observing the interactions. 

“I-I mean… We… the letter we received was… dubious.” One of the sages cleared his throat and stuttered before eventually speaking. “Not to mention your keys were found outside of you house next to a small trail of blood!” 

“I am flattered the sages would show such concern for my wellbeing.” Alhaitham responded neutrally, earning a small stifled laugh from Kaveh next to him. 

All three sages grimaced with clear disdain, none of them willing to speak out about the sarcastic comment. 

“I did not pen the letter myself however Tighnari was kind enough to do so for me. He was also proactive in writing to the General Mahamatra so he will arrive and question Kaveh shortly.” Alhaitham offered for an explanation. “As for my keys I apparently dropped them in the chaos and the blood wasn’t mine.”

While he spoke the scribe kept close to the architect, the arm that wasn’t propped behind him was draped over his lap and playing with his slender fingers. Kaveh’s eyes were trained on their hands, a faint pink to his cheeks, the only clue to how uncomfortable he was in the tension of his shoulders. 

“I see…” the sage standing in the middle watched their interaction, his lips pressing into a thin line. The age lines of his eyes became more prominent, his fingers steepling together. “It is fortunate that you were the one to find Kaveh.” 

“It is, though it was only due to his perseverance in face of adversity. The state he was in…” Alhaitham trailed off with a frown. 

“I don’t suppose you could recall anything about the time you were missing, Kaveh?” One of the other sages asked, being much younger and almost a sneer to his voice. 

“He was drugged heavily by his captor, or captors, and should be given plenty of time to collect his thoughts. It was also likely very traumatic for him, so it would be best if he were to wait for the General Mahamatra.” Tighnari cut in, narrowing his eyes at the young scribe. While the fox stood almost a full head shorter than the man, his presence made the other shrink back. 

“Scribe Alhaitham and I have everything under control. General Cyno will be here by the end of the day with some witnesses who think they might have some suspects in mind. While we appreciate your concern, as the academia stated many times, the well being of a single scholar that is no longer enrolled is none of the sages' concern.” Tighnari’s words were spoken in an amicable tone but his eyes were sharp. 

Alhaitham was slightly surprised to hear this coming from the fox. He had implored anyone who would listen to help him look for Kaveh, to find any sign that he was alright. Each time he spoke to any of the sages they turned him down with varying levels of remorse. The three in front of them had been devoid of any when he had implored for their help, and he assumed that Tighnari had received the same response. 

“If there’s nothing else, one of my subordinates will escort you back to the academia.” The fox instructed with a tone of finality, not leaving much room to argue. 

“No. There is nothing else. Enjoy your leave of absence, scribe Alhaitham.” The final sage spoke, giving a polite bow of his head. “An escort would be most welcome, thank you Forest Watcher.” 

“Of course.” Tighnari nodded curtly, herding them to the door, everyone in the room watching them leave and relaxing a bit more as the door closed behind them. 

“As per usual, such theatrics for no reason.” Kaveh scoffed, finally speaking now that it was only the four of them. 

“They’re gone now.” Tighnari agreed, “So you should rest for when Cyno arrives.” 

“Will… will you all stay with me?” The architect asked softly, squeezing Alhaitham’s hand in his own. 

“Of course.” Alhaitham, Tighnari, and Collei all answered at once. 

Chapter Text

To be grateful for people hovering over him was a new feeling for Kaveh. He had gone through most of his life with a mother who was distant after his fathers death, at the academia it was imperative to be self sufficient, and after he had graduated he was on his own. Now he was constantly assaulted with memories and flashbacks from his time being held captive, often wondering if this all wasn’t some drug induced dream and he was still locked in that cave. 

Alhaitham once again didn’t leave the cot, sitting next to him as he was fed an endless amount of fruit, vegetables, and various bland bread dishes. Sometimes the scribe would pilfer a single piece of fruit or a chunk of bread but for the most part he simply was a comforting warmth against Kaveh’s side. 

Collei was the usual ball of energy, popping in and out of the room as she completed duties. Her idle chatter was welcome, the excitement and joy from having Kaveh back and Cyno on the way making her light up. 

Tighnari hardly left the room as well other than to constantly check with the other forest watchers to see if Cyno had arrived yet. He was fidgeting with anything he could get his hands on. Sometimes making more of the salve he used on Kaveh’s feet, sometimes preparing the endless food given to the architect, sometimes moving things around the room aimlessly. 

Kaveh wasn’t going to comment on how restless the fox was acting. 

“You need to settle down, your anxious fidgeting won’t bring him home any faster.” It seemed Alahaitham would, however. 

“How long has Cyno been in Fontaine?” Kaveh asked after clearing his throat, trying to remove the deadly glare Tighnari was shooting at an unphased Alhaitham. 

“When you didn’t write I grew worried,” Tighnari explained as he eventually looked away from Alhaitham and busied his hands making more food. “You said it would only take you about three months, that time passed and nothing from you. When Alhaitham came to us, Cyno left a day later to ask about you.”

“He hasn’t come back at all since?” Alhaitham asked with surprise coloring his tone. 

Tighnari was silent for a little while before shaking his head and saying softly, “No, he hasn’t.” 

For as strong as Kaveh knew his friend to be, watching his ears and tail droop slightly was devastating. 

“No wonder he’s pushing beyond his limits to return home.” Alhaitham commented, “I thought it was relief that Kaveh was alright but it seems it’s much more than that.” 

“Haitham you could be a bit more tactful.” Kaveh scolded, nudging the scribe with his shoulder. 

However his scolding didn’t seem to matter as the door to the hut burst open, everyone inside jumping in shock. Alhaitham moved to cover Kaveh, Tighnari dropped what was in his hands to stare at the doorway, and Kaveh simply yelped in surprise. 

Standing in the doorway, panting heavily, was Cyno. His hair was a mess, bags under his eyes, a few more scars from before on his body. Taking his headdress off and dropping it to the floor the General Mahamatra stumbled into the hut, his crimson eyes focused on Tighnari and Tighnari only. 

“I’m home.” He spoke breathlessly, reaching up to gently take Tighnari’s hands in his own. 

Everything was so intimate Kaveh felt as if he shouldn’t have been watching, simply blushing at the interaction. 

“You’re an idiot.” Tighnari chastised, though he did nothing to take his hands out of Cyno’s grasp. “Look at you! Did you even stop to sleep on the way here?! What if something happened to you next?!” 

“Not possible.” Cyno simply responded, pulling Tighnari close and wrapping his arms around the fox. “Nothing could have stopped me from returning knowing if I didn’t your family would again be missing a piece.” 

Not even Alhaitham interrupted their reunion, Tighnari simply reaching up and hugging Cyno in return. Kaveh averted his eyes with blushing cheeks, finding himself looking at Alhaitham who was observing the two of them carefully. 

“Cyno!” Collei’s voice was the one that cut through the tender moment, causing the two to separate slightly. The girl barreled into the room very similarly to how Cyno had, a bright smile on her face and tears in her eyes as she slammed into their sides. 

She was caught and folded into the hug, the three of them talking lowly to one another. 

The moment didn’t last forever, unfortunately, as a presence emanated from the doorway. It was one Kaveh was familiar with, but one he didn’t expect all the way in Sumeru. 

“Monsieur Neuvilette!” Kaveh gasped in shock, seeing the man watching the interaction with soft eyes. 

The Iudex stood out harshly in the forest hut, his deep blues and bright whites like an exotic flower. His gaze turned to the blonde and a soft smile came to his lips, bowing in greeting. 

“I deeply apologize for interrupting such a tender moment, however I am deeply grateful and relieved to see you once again, Monsieur Kaveh.” Neuvilette’s voice calmly passed through the room even as he remained in the doorway. 

“Hey now, I’d like to meet him too. It’s not just anyone who can get you so upset you know.” An unknown voice chimed in from behind Neuvilette. “Cyno won’t you invite him in, he’ll stand out here forever if you don’t.” 

At the address from the unknown man, Cyno lifted his head and looked to where Neuvilette was chastising the man behind him. “Apologies, please, come inside.” He spoke with a smile still on his face. 

Kaveh wasn’t exactly short, he only stood an inch or two shorter than Alhaitham. However Neuvilette was an inch or two at least taller than Alhaitham, which meant he towered over Tighnari, Cyno, and Collei. He was slender and elegant, sweeping into the room with a soft smile. 

Behind him in walked a man about the same height as Alhaitham that seemed the entire opposite of Neuvilette. His short dark hair had streaks of gray in it, sticking up wildly though it somehow seemed intentional. Still he stood out in his dark grays and blacks accented by rich reds and the glint of silver. 

“I already wrote to Tighnari that these two would be accompanying me home, but so everyone is introduced this is Monsieur Neuvilette, the Iudex of Fontaine, and Wriothesley the Duke of the Fortress of Meropide.” Cyno explained, one arm still resting around Tighnari’s back to keep both the fox and Collei close. He motioned with his free arm to introduce them both properly. 

Realization flashed through Kaveh’s eyes as he took in the two men, humming thoughtfully. 

“This is Tighnari, I presume?” Neuvilette asked as he looked to the forest watcher who was caught between being embarrassed and not wanting to move. 

“Ah, yes, it’s nice to meet you.”  Tighnari found his voice, clearing his throat before speaking. “Thank you both for assisting Cyno while he searched, it was comforting to know he wasn’t on his own.” 

“Of course, it troubled me quite deeply to find that Monsieur Kaveh had been declared missing, I was more than happy to help.” Neuvilette hummed, looking over to Kaveh with a friendly smile. 

The blonde returned it, not realizing how much it would mean for someone like Neuvilette to set aside so much time in search of him. They had become friends during his time working on the remodel but he had assumed it was common for someone like Neuvilette to exchange pleasantries with those he worked with. 

Though he supposed their topic of conversations usually strayed from work related to other matters. 

“It’s good to see you in one piece, and nice to finally meet not just the guy Cyno was sweet talking about but the guy Neuv left work to go find. You must be pretty special.” The Duke, Wriothesley, spoke up with a hum. His dark boots thumped against the wood floor heavily as he walked over to Kaveh and held out a hand. 

Tighnari’s head snapped to look at Cyno who didn’t seem all that embarrassed, simply accepting the truth that Writhesley spoke. Kaveh however smiled brightly, shaking the mans hand with a similar hum of his own. 

“Likewise, it’s nice to meet the man Neuvilette spoke of when we were working together.” The architect then looked past Wriothesley to Neuvilette who had come to stand next to the man. “He is just like you described!” 

As this interaction carried on, unbeknownst to Kaveh, Alhaitham was glaring murderously at Wriothesley. His striking eyes fixed on where they had shaken hands before his glare turned to Neuvilette who spoke up. 

“Indeed,” The Iudex laughed softly, giving a slight nod. “And this must be Alhaitham then?” He returned the glare with amused eyes. 

“Yes, you’re correct.” Kaveh agreed with a slight blush to his cheeks, ducking his head slightly. 

“I must return the compliment, he is exactly as you described.” Neuvilette stated after seemingly examining Alhaitham. “So are your friends I might add, though Mademoiselle Collei is a bit older than I had thought.” 

“I suppose it’s hard to remember she has grown so much sometimes.” Kaveh acquiesced, not missing  how now all of his friends were looking at him pointedly. Alhaitham turned from glaring at the Iudex to examining the blonde next to him. 

“Just what did you have to say about us, hm, Kaveh?” Tighnari prodded with a hint of a smirk, not yet ready to leave Cyno’s embrace, but clearly voicing the curiosity of all the blonde’s friends. 

“I was homesick!” Kaveh defended with a pout. “Monsieur Neuvilette was kind enough to indulge in conversation about my home.” 

“And apparently about me.” Wriothesley commented with a smirk of his own as he looked at the Iudex staunchly avoiding his eyes. “Interesting.” 

“Yes, well, I suppose the point was that we were talking about those important to us that were distant at the time.” Neuvilette hummed, the tips of his ears turning pink. 

“Exactly, it wasn’t anything outrageous.” Kaveh agreed with a huff. 

“Alright, alright,” Tighnari sighed and shook his head, despite his chastising tone a permanent smile was on the edge of his lips. “Everyone has been introduced and I am well aware of how hard Cyno pushed to come home. I can arrange for a place where the two of you can rest for a while.” 

“That would be much appreciated,” Neuvilette hummed with a nod of his head. 

“I can handle it!” Collei piped up with a wide smile, her eyes a little red from the joyful tears. 

“Are you sure? You don’t have to, Collei.” Tighnari asked with a worried pinch to his brow. 

“I’m very sure, after all, if you go Cyno won’t relax at all! Just take care of him, Master Tighnari!” Collei nodded enthusiastically, already halfway out the door. 

Tighnari’s cheeks turned a bright pink as he rested his forehead in his palm. “Alright, you are probably right, go ahead…” he grumbled. 

“Please, Mister Neuvilette and Mister Wriothesley follow me!” Collei chirped, holding the door to the hut open for them. 

Both men seemed incredibly amused by the situation surrounding them, Wriothesley walking to the door as Neuvilette turned to Kaveh. 

“Again I am glad to see you in the care of your friends, Monsieur Kaveh. Please rest well.” He hummed with a bow and then swept out of the room right behind Wriothesley and Collei. 

A collective sigh sounded through the four left in the room, it having been entirely too long since they had been together like this. 

“Finally,” Cyno mumbled, and that was the only warning given. 

“Finally wh-“ Tighnari was interrupted by the General tipping his head up and pressing a firm but loving kiss to his lips. 

Kaveh blushed and let out an embarrassed squeak, turning away to give his friend some semblance of privacy. This left him staring at Alhaitham who simply shook his head though there was the hint of a smile on the corners of his lips. Their eyes met and Alhaitham’s softened, reaching over to tuck a few stray strands of golden hair where they should be. 

“You two remember we’re still here, right?” Alhaitham asked as a soft noise left one of their friends, causing Kaveh to blush even darker. Still he didn’t take his eyes off of the blonde in front of him. 

There was a small pause before Cyno spoke up. 

“I don’t think I could forget. Honestly I’m impressed you’re still alive.” The general hummed. 

Finally Kaveh looked back over to where Tighnari was blushing and muttering something and Cyno was looking at Alhaitham with a smirk. 

“It was close, I nearly killed him.” Tighnari responded after clearing his throat. “That being said, you need food and to sleep for a little while. If you lean any more on me we’re going to topple over.” 

“You wouldn’t allow that to happen.” Cyno hummed with his smirk turning into a soft smile. “But I don’t mind being able to rest with you by my side.” 

“Honestly if the two of you would get a room that would be the best for everyone.” Alhaitham snorted, earning a smack to his chest from Kaveh. 

“I don’t think you have room to say anything, Haitham.” Cyno quipped before Kaveh could say anything, his red eyes flicking between them. “The number of sexually charged arguments between the two of you that Nari and I have witnessed more than outweighs right now.” 

Kaveh’s face flamed and his mouth hung open in shock while Alhaitham actually seemed to blush, his eyes narrowing. 

Tighnari, however, laughed with a snort. Covering his mouth a little his laughing fit calmed down enough for him to add, “He’s definitely not wrong.” 

“Just get out.” Alhaitham snapped. 

“This is my hut-“ 

“Come on Nari, let's go.” Cyno simply agreed now that he seemed to have accomplished what he set out to. “If they want to be alone so terribly badly I feel we should oblige them.” 

“Hold on! That’s not what-“ 

“I suppose you’re right.” Tighnari interrupted Kaveh with a smile, keeping an arm wrapped around Cyno as the two of them headed for the door. “Make sure you two keep it down.” 

“Nari!” Kaveh screeched his friends name and tossed a pillow at his retreating figure, but only managed to hit the door. 

Honestly the nerve! 

Chapter Text

Kaveh was frankly far too embarrassed to say anything after all of that. He kept his eyes down on his hands, fidgeting with his fingers nervously. Honestly he envied Alhaitham who was likely not bothered in the slightest by their friends teasing. 

“You’d think they would have more tact than that.” Alhaitham eventually grumbled, the blonde chancing a glance up to see the scribe blushing. 

It was a sight that, save for the past few hours, Kaveh hadn’t seen since they were students. It had been easy to fluster his junior when they were young but by the time they had met after the falling out those days were long gone. Instead he was the one being flustered by his junior who was now taller than him, fit in a way that a mere scribe didn’t need to be, carved from stone save for the flicker of emotions most couldn’t read in his eyes. 

Missing the blush on Alhaitham’s cheeks had been one of the many clues that fell into place when Kaveh realized he had lost his heart to the man. Albeit much too late to do anything about it. 

“I believe I said the same thing to you, perhaps karma is at work.” Kaveh teased with a shy laugh, gaining some confidence with the evidence that he wasn’t the only flustered and anxious one in the room. 

“Yes but they have talked about their relationship and everything is out in the open. I haven’t had the chance to talk with you about my feelings.” The scribe grumbled almost petulantly, glaring at the door as if it were Cyno and Tighnari. 

Kaveh paused with his heart suddenly taking off. It might have even left his chest, he couldn’t be sure it wasn’t racing to settle over in Alhaitham’s hands. 

“Your… feelings?” The architect parroted lamely, his eyes watching the other extremely carefully. 

Alhaitham turned to observe him intently, looking for something Kaveh couldn’t place. He seemed to be at war with himself, eventually sighing and shaking his head. “It’s not the right time. You’ve been through so much and I don’t want to overwhelm you.” 

Kaveh’s brows furrowed as his mind raced with all of the implications of Alhaitham’s words. 

Did Alhaitham feel like he did? 

Surely not, after all Kaveh would have noticed. Probably. 

If Alhaitham didn’t feel like he did then what feelings could he possibly be referring to? 

Did Alhaitham want him to move out? 

Did Alhaitham regret spending so much time looking for him? 

“Kaveh, you’re overthinking.” The scribe’s voice cut through his downward spiral, gently reaching over to take one of Kaveh’s hands that had started to pick at his pants in agitation. “If you’re worried about something, ask me.” His eyes were clear and honest when the architect looked up to meet them. 

That openness had him blurting out, “Are you mad at me?” Before he could stop himself. 

Alhaitham looked pained, as if those words had physically hurt him. “No, I am not upset with you in any way.” He didn’t hesitate before speaking and his voice was so sure. It reminded Kaveh of when he would explain an answer so correct nobody would dare question him, debate on his reply. “You said yourself that your feelings are complicated right now. What I want to talk about would only complicate them more so it’s best to wait.” 

“Oh…” Kaveh felt some weight that had settled on his heart lift, the dread he didn’t know was inside of him easing up. “It’s not… bad, though? Right?” 

A small secret smile graced Alhaithams lips, shaking his head. “No, it’s not bad. I don’t know how it could be.” 

“Okay.” Kaveh smiled softly as well, the relief washing through him making way for the fatigue rushing in. All of the commotion of the day seemed to drop on him at once as he yawned, holding a hand up to cover his mouth. 

“Nobody is going to bother you tonight, we should go to sleep.” Alhaitham hummed, standing to go turn the lights off in the hut. 

“I didn’t realize how late it got… or how tired I was.” Kaveh grumbled, glancing to the window to see the deep purple twilight sky. “Everything has been so hectic today.” 

“Hopefully after tomorrow most of the commotion will die down. At least until you come back home. I’m sure word will get out quickly that the Light of Kshahrewar has returned home safe and sound.” Alhaitham’s tone gained a teasing quality, one that Kaveh knew meant he had a smirk on his face. He was proven correct when the scribe turned to come back to bed and a smirk rested on his lips. 

“I can’t imagine that many people would actually care.” Kaveh rolled his eyes with another yawn, not thinking twice about how Alhaitham returned to the cot that he was on despite there being two more in the hut. It didn’t even occur to him as odd when his junior laid down and left room for Kaveh to lay on top of him just like the night before. 

He didn’t stop to question himself as he laid on top of Alhaitham, simply sighing contently as the warmth spread into him from underneath. The blankets were pulled over the top of them, a heavy arm rested over his waist, and the world was absolutely too perfect to be awake. 

“How can you still be so oblivious, senior.” Alhaitham’s calm voice rumbled from underneath him. 

“Shhh, Hayi. Be good and let me sleep.” Kaveh mumbled, his eyes already closed and a hand reaching up to pat Alhaitham’s head. 

If there was a reply he didn’t hear it, his arm falling slack as he drifted off to sleep. 

It was always so dark now. Why was it always so dark? If they could afford to cloud his mind with drugs they could afford a candle or two at least. 

Then there would be some warmth as well. 

It wasn’t just dark after all, it was cold and damp as well. Dark, cold, and damp. 

Mehrak was missing, he remembered that, but why? Why would they take something that only functioned for him? 

It seemed like an odd detail to focus on but he couldn’t move past it. If Alhaitham were here he would have figured it all out by now. 

He missed Alhaitham. 

There were days he tried to call for the scribe, days he thought maybe Alhaitham would find him. 

Alhaitham never came. 

Did he do something wrong? 

Ah. That’s right. He left. 

Who would come looking for him? Everyone thought he was in Fontaine.

Tighnari was definitely mad at him, he didn’t even write him back. 

Cyno was too busy. 

He was alone. 

“…aveh…” a faint, familiar voice was calling to him. 

He couldn’t lift his head, he couldn’t speak it felt like his tongue was glued to the roof of his mouth. 

“Kaveh!” The voice was louder now. Closer. 

Alhaitham came for him. 

Tears welled up in his eyes and he willed his tongue to work. 

“H…ayi…” the nickname came out slurred. 

“Kaveh!” Alhaitham was growing distant. 

No, no he was right here! He was right here! 

“Ha…yi…” No his mouth wouldn’t work, he was right here! 

Alhaitham’s voice was gone. 

He was alone. 

“Kaveh, I’m right here, it’s okay.” 

Things were in fact warm, which was disorienting. The light casting bright orange behind his closed eyes, he was warm, though his face felt damp. It felt so real, maybe he managed to fall asleep? That would explain why he thought he heard Alhaitham’s voice. 

“Hayi… I don’t… want to wake up.” He grumbled to dream Alhaitham, abruptly realizing his dream had turned the hard stone he was used to sleeping on into the man he longed for.

Oh this dream was a good one. 

There was a sigh of relief from under him, a warm hand carding through his hair, and an arm around him squeezing his waist. His mind really conjured up the best dream he’d had yet, in all of his life, and was sure no other would compare. 

“You’re already awake, habibi.” There was a hint of something in Dream Haitham’s voice. Was it concern? That was the conclusion he came to as a thumb gently brushed just under his eye. “Open your eyes and see.” 

“I don’t want to open my eyes.” Kaveh would have felt mortified at the whimper that left him if this were real, instead he leaned his cheek into the warmth of Dream Alhaitham’s hand. Even the calluses on his fingers from holding a pen were there, holding his face, making him never want to wake. “It’s so dark here, Hayi. I’m always cold. The food is laced with something. Just… let me stay here with you a little longer.” 

Dream Alhaitham didn’t respond but the arm around Kaveh’s waist tightened, pulling him up and tucking his head under the fake scribe’s chin. 

“Alright, just don’t cry. I won’t leave you.” Dream Alhaitham whispered, petting his head and cradling him close. 

Kaveh wished it was true. 

“Do you want to talk?” Dream Alhaitham inquired softly, “I miss listening to you.” 

“That’s a lie, I’m sure of it.” Kaveh chuckled, still deciding to take the chance he was given. “How many books have you read since…” he trailed off with the small smile on his lips turning into a grimace. 

“I’ve been re-reading just one.” Dream Alhaitham answered, the hand stroking Kaveh’s hair trailing down to play with the ends of it. “A book on the complexities of Inazuman architecture.” 

“Why would you buy a book that doesn’t interest you in the slightest?” Kaveh asked in disbelief, wondering why his mind would come up with that for an answer of all things. 

“I bought it quite some time ago for someone very important to me. The topic doesn’t interest me, however he went on and on for weeks after getting his hands on it. I’ve mostly been reading the notes left in the margins.” As Dream Alhaitham went on, Kaveh could feel his face heating up. He wasn’t sure if he could ever remember blushing so furiously in a dream before. 

“Someone very important to you?” Kaveh mumbled in question, hiding his face against the warm chest beneath him. This version of Alhaitham was in a loose shirt that exposed the little gem on his collar and a sliver of skin, though Kaveh wasn’t sure why. Still that meant he could press his burning face against Dream Alhaitham’s bare skin and pretend the very convincing feeling was real. 

“The most important person in the world to me.” Dream Alhaitham hummed and if Kaveh opened his eyes he was sure he would have been met with a devastating smile. “The light of my life. Without him, I’m simply wandering in the dark monotony of the world, scaring children with my cold expression.” 

The joke was so abrupt and caught Kaveh off guard he snorted before laughing. The laughter made him feel light and full, his hands clutching at Dream Alhaitham’s shirt as his whole body shook. 

“You probably do scare children!” He chuckled once he finally managed to reign his laughter in. 

Dream Alhaitham chuckled softly, the sound vibrating up through Kaveh’s body. 

Four knocks sounded on wood somewhere nearby, followed by a voice that startled Kaveh. 

“Are you two decent?” Tighnari asked, his voice muffled as if behind a wall or a door. 

Kaveh’s brows furrowed in confusion. In every version of a dream like this his mind had never once inserted Tighnari. For very obvious reasons. 

“I told you this was real.” Dream Alhaitham… wait. 

Kaveh blinked his eyes open to the warm light of the morning illuminating a very real Alhaitham’s face, his hair tousled from sleep, a smug look to his eyes. He should have been mortified, should have scrambled away and apologized. Maybe demanding an explanation from Alhaitham for all of his sweet words. 

Instead he felt a lump form in his throat, his hands clutching at Alhaitham’s shirt, and tears sting his eyes. 

“This is… real?” He had to ask, had to clarify, because if this was fake and his hope was shattered he wasn’t sure he would ever recover. 

“I promise you it’s real.” Alhaitham nodded, reaching up to wipe Kaveh’s tears tenderly. “Would seeing Tighnari help?” 

Turning his head in the scribe’s gentle hold Kaveh looked at the door and nodded. “Yes, please.” 

“Tighnari, Kaveh needs you.” Alhaitham called back to where the fox was likely grumbling on the other side of the door. 

Instantly the door flew open, Tighnari swiftly sweeping into the room and to their side. “What’s wrong? Are you in pain? I need to reapply the salve to your feet but-“ 

“No, I just need to check…” Kaveh interrupted Tighnari, reaching over from where he was laying on top of Alhaitham to grasp one of the fox’s hands tightly. He hated how his hand trembled, how tears spilled over his cheeks, but most of all how relieved he felt at the contact. 

This was real. He wasn’t still stuck in that cave, he was in Tighnari’s hut which was the safest place in Teyvat. 

“Is everything alright?” Cyno asked from the doorway, peeking in cautiously. 

“I don’t know.” Tighnari responded with a worried frown, his ears laid back in worry. “Could you go make sure our guests are taken care of this morning? I think I should stay with Kaveh.” 

“Yeah, of course.” The general agreed readily, the one red eye that was visible looking between the three in the room. “Do you need anything?” 

Kaveh hated how vulnerable he felt and even more so that such a fuss was being made over him. Still the suspicion remained that some how he was asleep or this was all made up in his mind to cope. After all he could have sworn he was back there, in the cold, dark, damp cave with nothing but his thoughts. 

“Kaveh, do you need anything? Is there anything that will help?” Tighnari asked softly, squeezing the hand grasping his like a lifeline. 

“C-can I see him?” Kaveh had to ask, for the few times he had remembered dreaming of Cyno in their group of four it was always a little blurry. If the Cyno that walked in was defined and detailed then maybe he could convince himself. 

“Cyno? Yes, of course.” Tighnari nodded, motioning for the general to come in. “It’s been a while so he might look different than you remember.” 

Still when the General Mahamatra walked into view Kaveh breathed in relief. His hair was longer and the bags under his eyes were less prominent than the night before, but it was undeniably him. Crouching down next to the cot to be at eye level, Cyno smiled softly and reached to rest a hand on top of where Kaveh was holding Tighnari’s. 

“You gave us quite the scare, Kaveh. It’s good to have you back.” His voice was calming, sincerity bleeding into every word. 

Kaveh smiled, a sob mixed with a laugh breaking out of his chest and he nodded. “I’m back, its real. You’re all really here, thank the archons.” He reached his free hand up to wrap around Alhaitham’s neck to pull himself closer. 

“It’s real, Kaveh. You’re safe now.” Alhaitham soothed, speaking for the first time since Tighnari had rushed into the room. 

Kaveh lost track of how many times he had cried since coming back but he was powerless to stop it as he clung to the people around him. At some point his hand was tucked back under the blankets and he could faintly register that his friends were talking, however he couldn’t make out anything they said. In the grand scheme of things the architect supposed it didn’t quite matter so long as this was his reality. 

The sound of the door opening and closing once more faintly registered before Tighnari spoke softly to him, a hand resting gently on his back. 

“Kaveh can I take a look at the wounds on your feet?” Kaveh didn’t peek out from where he had hidden his face in Alhaitham’s chest, he simply nodded in response. 

“Alright, let me know if anything hurts.” Tighnari hummed before he heard a shuffling and then deft hands were plucking his feet from under the blanket. 

The entire time the forest watcher undid the bandages and cleaned the wounds diligently, Alhaitham stroked his hair and hummed softly, it was out of tune but a familiar melody the architect couldn’t quite place and it helped to ground him. 

“Things are looking good down here. The salve helped the smaller and more superficial cuts heal completely. The larger and deeper ones are healing appropriately and any sign of infection is long gone.” Tighnari diligently reported after re-wrapping Kaveh’s feet and tucking them back under the blanket. 

“Are you feeling more grounded, Kaveh?” Alhaitham asked, his soothing voice surrounding the architect with a sense of calm. 

When Kaveh looked up at him there was no haze to his vision, no dreamlike glow. He glanced to Tighnari who walked up beside the cot and waited patiently for him to collect his thoughts and found not a hair out of place on his friends head. Noteably there were a few red marks peeking out from under his collar just barely, a difference from normal that carried his mind to the conclusion that he was definitely awake. 

“I think so, yes. I’m sorry I really thought that I was… it all felt so real…” Kaveh mumbled. 

“You don’t have anything to apologize for.” Tighnari dissuaded that thought process. “After your uneventful first night back I had hoped the drugs that were in your system hadn’t caused any mental distress. Now I am more confident in the assessment that you were simply too exhausted and now that you have recovered we should tread a bit more carefully. If there is anything that causes you unrest or frightens you please say something, Kaveh.” 

His friend gained a seriousness Kaveh had only heard when he was speaking with patients who truly were suffering, compassionate but firm. There was an edge that he didn’t recognize but the meaning was clear. 

‘Don’t hide this from us.’ 

“I understand.” Kaveh nodded slightly, his cheek now resting on Alhaitham’s chest so he could look out at the room. 

“Perhaps we should wait to have you speak with Cyno about the time you were missing.” The forest watcher hummed thoughtfully, one of his ears twitching as he thought to himself. 

“No, I can do it,” Kaveh protested immediately, though of course was undermined by the wobble to his voice. 

There was an aborted noise that rose from Alhaitham’s chest that he didn’t let through, causing Kaveh to turn and glare at him. Even though he was caught red handed the scribe didn’t seem to mind much, simply staring back. 

“Kaveh, you’ve always neglected your mental health.” Tighnari sighed and kneeled down next to the cot, catching his attention once more. “This is far different than ignoring your anxiety or depression. You couldn’t tell reality from a dream just now, if we push this it could have serious consequences to your psyche.” 

With every word that came out of Tighnari’s mouth Kaveh’s grip on Alhaitham’s shirt tightened. He knew his friend was right and that he should probably see a therapist of some sort very soon, however an irrational fear nagged at him. One that had been resting at the back of his mind every time someone barged in the door. 

“Kaveh,” Alhaitham caught his attention, pulling him out of his mind. There was something thoughtful to his eyes and he gently brushed Kaveh’s golden hair out of his face. “What are you thinking?” 

The response surprised Kaveh, expecting Alhaitham to agree with Tighnari, so for a second he simply stared at the scribe in disbelief. At the very least he thought that Alhaitham would argue with him, tell him to stop being so stubborn. 

“They’re still out there.” He eventually spoke, agitation running through his body. “All of them are still out there, free and able to just come back at any time… and they took Mehrak.” 

“I wouldn’t let them get to you a second time.” Alhaitham promised solemnly, his arm tightening around Kaveh’s waist again. 

“That’s not the point, Haitham.” Kaveh sighed and shook his head. “I don’t want to just sit around be protected. I don’t want any of you to get hurt protecting me. I don’t want to be so useless!” 

A deep frown settled on Alhaitham’s lips his brow furrowing as he stated as if it were automatic, “You have never been useless.” 

“I was pretty useless when they took me.” Kaveh snipped in return. 

“Kaveh,” Tighnari cut in before the two of them could argue, resting a hand on the blonde’s shoulder. “What exactly do you want?” 

“I want to talk to Cyno and when I’m healed I want to help with the investigation.” Kaveh stated bluntly, looking between the two of them. He was sure with how he was still laying on top of Alhaitham he didn’t paint the most dignified picture but he supposed his dignity was in tatters well before this. “I also want to be more formally trained with my sword so if something happens and I’m separated from Mehrak I can defend myself.” 

Alhaitham made another noise but this time let it ring out loud, making his displeasure known. 

“What’s your problem with that, Haitham?” Kaveh asked, looking up at the man with heated eyes. “Go on, list all the reasons why I can’t and I’ll refute every one!” 

Sighing softly, Alhaitham didn’t rise to the growing agitation in Kaveh’s voice. Instead he moved his arms so both were lazily draped over Kaveh’s middle, and responded thoughtfully. 

“I don’t believe for a moment that you can’t do those things, Kaveh. However the idea of you putting yourself in harms way or of something happening while I’m not there again… it makes me want to hide you away in our house for the rest of our lives.” Alhaitham explained in a devastatingly sincere manner. 

“O-Oh…” Kaveh responded softly, the anger that had been burning inside of him fading to barely a smolder. “Well I won’t sit on the sidelines, Alhaitham.” He sighed softly, propping his chin on his hands. “How can we… compromise?” 

“I think I might need to lay down.” Tighnari scoffed, “You two compromising ?” 

Alhaitham turned an unimpressed look to the fox, narrowing his eyes. “Is there something else you can be doing, Forest Watcher?” 

“I don’t know, my dear friend Kaveh was having a hard time and I wouldn’t want to leave him in his time of need.” Tighnari lamented with an exaggerated tilt of his head. 

“Tighnari, please?” Kaveh sighed and shook his head. “If he won’t talk seriously with you around, I’ll be alright. Besides, I wouldn't want to keep you from Cyno’s side for much longer.” 

At the comment Tighnari blushed brightly, his tail bristling. “You- ugh you’re getting just as bad as him !” An accusatory finger was pointed at Alhaitham who didn’t seem entirely bothered. In fact the smirk barely hiding on his lips said he was quite pleased by the outcome. “You have about thirty minutes and I’ll be back with breakfast.” 

“Thank you, Nari.” Kaveh hummed with a soft smile to his friend, reaching up to squeeze his hand as he stood. 

“Yes of course, behave yourselves now.” Tighnari sighed though the soft smile on his lips betrayed the agitation in his voice for pretense. With one last pointed glance in Alhaitham’s direction the fox left the hut to the two of them once more. 

Shaking his head with an exasperated huff Kaveh looked back at Alhaitham. In reality Tighnari wasn’t wrong to be surprised at their argument ending so… easily. Even before the night he received the letter when the two of them were on good terms but still argued regularly. Now things were in an even more uncertain place yet they seemed to be communicating better than ever. 

“You’re being rather understanding, junior.” Kaveh broke the silence between them, humming thoughtfully as he shifted to sit up. 

Alhaitham’s eyes widened and he attempted to do something to abort the motion, but it was far too late when he called out, “Kaveh, wait-!” 

The mortification he should have felt earlier at being completely on top of Alhaitham rose in full force as Kaveh sat up and straddled the scribes hips. The arms that had been a comforting weight around his waist now suggested quite a bit more than simply ‘comfort’, all of that in itself causing the architect to blush furiously. However there another variable he hadn’t even thought to account for, one he thought wouldn’t have ever happened in the realm of reality. 

Something very firm and surprisingly big made itself known against the swell of Kaveh’s ass. 

The scribe beneath him made some sort of choked noise before throwing the blonde off of him and onto the bed while getting up all in one swift motion. Of course with all the grace of a rock thrown into a pond Kaveh flopped against the bed and yelped indignantly. 

“Haitham what the hell!” He snapped after getting his bearings, propping himself with one arm and using the other to push the hair that had fallen into his face back. 

“We can talk when I get back!” Alahaitham snipped and left no room for argument as he brisquely walked to the door and was out of it in seconds. The door slammed behind him with a loud bang, leaving Kaveh still in bed and his mind reeling. 

The next time the door opened it was to Alhaitham walking in as if nothing had just happened. However he left a confused (and maybe slightly hurt though that didn’t need to be stated out loud to anyone) Kaveh. A morning … Problem like that wasn’t uncommon and they were both men it wasn’t like it was scandalous or anything. Though maybe to Alhaitham it was, he had always stricken Kaveh as the type to abhor bodily functions like that. 

Still some part of Kaveh’s mind told him that the reaction confirmed Alhaitham wanted nothing to do with him. He had basically thrown the architect off of him, hadn’t even looked back when walking out the door. It was nrealy impossible to get the scribe as tense as he was when he left the room earlier. 

“Is there a larger reason you’re not sharing that makes you suddenly want to become proficient with your sword?” Alhaitham asked as he sat down on one of the empty cots, his arms folded and expression back to the carefully neutral one Kaveh eas used to. 

Sighing and letting earlier go, after all it would be odd for him to state his insecurities about the moment. Or rather it would say aloud things that Kaveh was sure would ruin their relationship. 

“Until Mehrak is found I don’t want to be a liability.” The architect explained, going along with the tactless evasion. “I know that without it I’m… lacking, especially in comparison to you and Cyno.” 

Alhaitham frowned down at the floor, closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath. “I agree you being more formidable without Mehrak is likely a good idea. Even if Cyno doesn’t approve of you being a part of the investigation-” 

“Like that would stop me…” Kaveh grumbled mostly to himself, though glanced over to see Alhaitham giving him a fantastic representation of Tighnari’s most unimpressed stare. 

“I know you likely would go off on your own anyway.” The scribe finished talking. “No matter what Cyno says I will be accompanying you in your search for answers. Even if you go off on your own, I will be there. That is my compromise.” 

The part of Kaveh that bristled when Alhaitham was particularly annoying was complaining, wondering why Alhaitham had a say at all. Yes they were friends but he wasn’t like Tighnari who could declare Kaveh medically unfit for travel or the General Mahamatra that could arrest him for interfering. Having given up his position as the Acting Grand Sage, Alhaitham was nothing more than a scribe. 

A scribe that held his heart without even knowing it. 

“The most important person in the world to me.”

The other voice inside of him, the one desperate for proof that he mattered to this magnificent being that so often left him in the dust, repeated. That was just a dream though, it wasn’t… real…. That wasn’t a dream. 

‘Dream’ Alhaitham had turned out to in fact be just Alhaitham. 

Kaveh’s cheeks burned. 

“The light of my life.”

Alhaitham’s feelings… the ones he hadn’t spoken about yet to keep things from being complicated…. 

“Fine but before we leave, sanctioned or not, you have to tell me what you meant before.” Kaveh rose his chin in defiance, narrowing his eyes. He expected to be deflected or to hear something like ‘What could you possibly mean?’ or ‘When exactly are you referring to?’ 

“Deal.” Alhaitham agreed readily though perhaps there was a dusting of pink to his cheeks. 

Chapter Text

The world was testing him in the worst way, and Alhaitham was going to fail very soon. 

He supposed he should have been grateful that particular problem only reared its head this morning and not the other two Kaveh had fallen asleep on top of him. The problem really rested in the fact that this morning Kaveh decided to sit up, straddling his hips, looking so fuc- no. 

No. 

His self control was wearing thin. Honestly the only thing keeping him remotely sane and continuing the stupid song and dance was the idea of overwhelming an already struggling Kaveh. It wasn’t hard for him to see how strong Kaveh was projecting himself in an attempt to seem unaffected. 

So he walked away. Well, he really ran as fast as he could out of that hut to dunk himself in the nearest cold bath. 

Coming back and facing Kaveh was easy, seeing as he had a plan. His senior was predictable in the sense that if Alhaitham ignored it, Kaveh would ignore it. 

Of course, like all of his plans, this worked. 

And then they made the deal. 

Which led them to where they were now. 

He didn’t personally crave being around people or conversing but even he had to admit the months on his own were hard. More than just missing Kaveh, hoping he was okay, he didn’t really interact with anyone. Sure he went to Lambads hoping beyond hope the light of his life would magically appear but at most he spoke a few words with Lambad himself before settling down to re-read the same book. 

Now he sat a table with Kaveh by his side, Cyno, Tighnari, and Collei all on one side and their guests sitting next to one another, making a circle of friends. Breakfast was a huge sprawl laid out across the entire table and tales of adventures accompanied it. 

“With his feet frozen to the ground and completely surrounded by hydro slimes, I swear that hillichurl archer was just playing around!” Wriothesley laughed, earning a round of laughter from the entire table. 

“And how many of his bad jokes did you have to endure because of it? I swear I’ve heard every pun about ice, snow, or cold a person can make and it doesn’t even snow here.” Tighnari scoffed with a roll of his eyes. 

“Well,” Cyno began with his face entirely too deadpan to mean anything less than impending doom, “I would tell you my best ice pun right now but it seems to have slipped my mind.” 

Tighnari groaned and rested his forehead on the generals shoulder.

Collei looked as if she had bitten into an apple only to find it was a lemon instead. 

Wriothesley sighed and shook his head. 

Alhaitham ignored Cyno completely in favor of looking at Kaveh, who very abruptly laughed. 

He wasn’t the only one either. The Iudex was chuckling heartily at what Cyno called a joke, pressing a hand over his mouth as he did so. 

Everyone around them looked between the two men who ended up bringing each other to a full bout of laughter. As baffling as the cause was, seeing Kaveh laughing with his eyes creased in joy was such a welcome and beautiful sight Alhaitham couldn’t bring himself to be upset. 

“Did the rest of you not get it?” Cyno asked as if he hadn’t done thing thousands of times before and received the same result. It seemed like having someone find him funny was going to be a headache for the rest of them. He smirked smugly at his partner, who grimaced. 

“Oh don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t funny.” Kaveh commented with a grin, pausing to take a drink of his coffee. “I just… missed this. Bad jokes included.” 

Cyno’s smug smile faltered a little. 

“I thought it was very humorous.” Neuvilette hummed with a confused smile. “It’s a unique use of context and wording.” 

The silence that hung over the table was palpable, all eyes on the Iudex who didn’t back down. 

“Let it be known that I’m not dating you for your sense of humor.” Wriothesley broke the silence, sighing before taking a long sip of his tea. 

“I understand that sentiment all too well.” Tighnari agreed, nodding solemnly. 

“You just can’t appreciate the level my jokes have risen to.” Cyno huffed. 

“More like descended to.” Alhaitham snorted, sitting back in his seat to relax a bit more. After all he had done the least amount of talking which made room for him to eat his fill. 

Kaveh and Collei snickered behind their hands while Tighnari full on laughed once, earning a betrayed look from his partner. 

“You’ll laugh at his jokes?!” Cyno exclaimed, waving a hand in disbelief. “Alhaitham barely has jokes!” 

Somehow Alhaitham couldn’t bring himself to be very remorseful about the situation. 

Breakfast ended shortly after that, the leftover food offered to some of the off duty forest watchers and the group of them moved into the hut Kaveh had been occupying since coming back. Of course Alhaitham carried him to prevent his senior from hurting himself further and if he reveled in the beautiful red color Kaveh’s cheeks turned nobody needed to know. 

Alhaitham knew he tended to be a selfish man. Or at least what the world deemed as selfish he was okay being labeled as. Yes his own personal philosophy was often misunderstood and he wouldn’t leave something truly wrong simply be, but deep down when it came to things he actually wanted he was incredibly selfish. 

The jealous rage that bubbled beneath the surface as Kaveh animatedly talked with Wriothesley about the meka, his designs, a fucking boat the bastard built at his own expense, it was unlike any other. His senior was social and well liked by almost everyone, as it should be, however he had a tendency to not notice when people would… make advances towards him. 

He had been like this his entire life. In the akademia Alhaitham combated this by being a bit more standoffish with strangers than he might have been on his own. After the akademia, when Kaveh had entered his life again, he did the same. 

Now would be no different. 

Were this Duke and Iudex supposedly in a committed and loving relationship? Yes. 

Did he care when Kaveh got that stunning brightness to his eyes that only appeared when talking about subjects that he soared in with someone else? Not in the slightest. 

“That’s stunning! I wish I could have seen it when I was visiting!” Kaveh lamented as Alhaitham set him down on the cot he had been sleeping in before promptly sitting directly next to him and pressing close. One of his arms propped behind the blonde and the other resting right between them. 

If he shot unimpressed glares at the Duke, well that was his own problem. 

“Well, perhaps some day you can.” Wriothesley hummed, his icy eyes taking in the scribe with an amused smirk on his lips. “Normally only those who’ve been sentenced can enter but… I think with Neuvi’s permission and mine combined we could make it happen.” 

“Of course, the work you have done for Fontaine is immaculate. The mora paid to you would never do it justice.” Neuvilette hummed in agreement. “You should bring your friends as well.”  

“I’ve heard Fontaine is a pretty popular honeymoon destination.” Wriothesley added with that smirk on his face. 

“Oh… really?” Kaveh blushed once again, his crimson eyes averted down to his lap with a shy chuckle. 

“If you say so.” Alhaitham narrowed his eyes at the Duke who didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. He simply rested one hand behind him over the back of the Iudex’s chair. 

A tense silence then lingered over the assembled group, everyone knowing the next logical conversation but nobody quite knowing how to pivot. Well, Alhaitham normally wouldn’t have minded if he didn’t want to force Kaveh to visit the memories haunting him. 

“It’s so dark here, Hayi. I’m always cold. The food is laced with something.” 

The small glimpse he had gotten when Kaveh thought he would wake up from all this made his blood boil. From the state the architect had been in at first logically Alhaitham knew that the story would be devastating but actually hearing it was incomparable. 

“Well, if nobody else will speak first I suppose I will.” Tighnari sighed, separating himself from Cyno’s side. “Before we start, Collei I need you to handle any questions directed my way.” 

“But Master Tighnari I-“ 

“No buts!” Tighnari interrupted her, his eyes stern as he rested his gloved hands on her shoulders. “This isn’t because I don’t trust you, Collei. What Kaveh went through is likely… similar to your experience. By going out there and keeping everything in line you’re helping and staying safe. Please.” 

Cyno stiffened a little at the mention of Collei’s life before they had taken her in, his hands curling into fists at just the reminder. 

Alhaitham watched with a new sense of understanding as Kaveh frowned and picked nervously at his pants. His golden hair was still loose and falling into his face, only slightly obscuring his tense expression from view. 

“O-okay.” Collei’s voice trembled slightly, a frown on her face. Before she left as instructed, however, she rushed over and hugged Kaveh tightly. 

The blonde jumped in surprise, a small smile coming to his face and he hugged her back. “What’s all this about?” He asked with more confidence than he likely was feeling. 

“Sorry I just… know how it feels.” Collei’s voice was so soft, likely only Alhaitham and Kaveh heard her speak. 

Kaveh, for just one brief moment, looked like he might back down. For a second Alhaitham thought he would burst into tears and say he couldn’t do this, that maybe he could scoop the blonde up and carry him home away from the pain. 

But the pain would still be there, just hidden underneath. 

“Thanks, Collei.” He whispered in response, the both of them taking just a moment before the girl pulled away. 

Taking in a deep breath Collei turned and headed out the door to take charge. 

Kaveh sniffled a little and ducked his head in an attempt to hide the sheen of tears in his eyes. Alhaitham watched with a frown, wondering if there would ever be a day he could take all of his senior’s pain away. He hoped if that day ever did come, it would come sooner rather than later. 

That left another heavy silence that didn’t have a chance to drag on. Tighnari walked over to rest a hand on Kaveh’s shoulder with his multicolored eyes examining the blonde closely. 

“You don’t have to do this Kaveh. We can figure something else out.” The fox offered gently, and though he knew hoping for it was in vain Alhaitham hoped Kaveh took the offer. 

“No… No I have to do this. Not just for me but… I think it’s larger than we all suspect. I’ll be fine.” Kaveh sniffled a little, which undermined him slightly, but he looked up at Tighnari with such  determination they knew he wouldn’t back down. Too stubborn for his own good. 

“Alright…” Tighnari sighed and frowned, taking his hand back. “I still think we should take precautions. To keep you from panicking I think it’s a good idea to have you as grounded as possible. Is there anything we can do to help with that?” 

Kaveh picked at his pants nervously again, a habit Alhaitham was starting to be able to read quite clearly. He had ideas for how to stave off the panic but was sure it would cause others trouble in some way. 

“Kaveh, what is it.” The scribe asked calmly, reaching over to take the fidgeting hand in his own. “Whatever you need is more than alright, you don’t have to worry about inconveniencing anyone.” 

Those crimson eyes looked up at him filled with uncertainty, his fingers threading through Alhaitham’s as if their hands clasped together was the only thing keeping him together. 

“You being close, Tighnari too.” He admitted quietly, averting his eyes. “Keeping everything bright and warm.” 

“Got it.” Tighnari didn’t even question him. Instead he made sure none of the windows were blocked by curtains before coming to sit on the other side of the architect. Pulling the blanket up around Kaveh’s shoulders the fox took his other hand and held it tightly. “Is this alright?” He asked softly. 

“Yeah, this is good.” Kaveh agreed with an uncertain frown, glancing around the room. 

His seniors anxiety about others judging him was something else Alhaitham wished he had some sort of answer for. Not necessarily to change the man he loved but to alleviate the strain it caused him. Though as he looked around and found that nobody had an outward opinion he at least seemed less uncomfortable. 

In fact both Neuvilette and Wriothesley, who were sitting politely in some provided chairs that dwarfed in comparison to their height, simply waited patiently for things to be settled. 

“Kaveh are you ready?” Tighnari asked softly, squeezing the architects hand. 

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Kaveh nodded. 

“Alright. If it gets to be too much just let me know.” Cyno spoke up, his voice turning serious and focused as he brought a chair to sit directly in front of the blonde. “This isn’t an interrogation, Kaveh. This is only about evidence and gaining any understanding we can about what happened.” 

Nodding instead of verbalizing a response Kaveh squeezed Alhaitham’s hand, the scribe feeling utterly useless. 

“Start when you’re ready. Once we hear what you remember, then our guests will share their own thoughts.” Cyno encouraged with a nod, his arms folded as he sat back in his chair. 

The silence ringing between them all was tense, all eyes on the architect who stared down at his lap. 

“I should say that I’m so incredibly grateful to all of you for your effort to look for me. It means so much.” He started softly, Kaveh’s voice strained with something Alhaitham didn’t understand. 

And then he was chilled to the bone. 

“I wasn’t taken in Fontaine. I made it back home, to Sumeru.” 

3 months ago in Port Oromos

Kaveh took a deep breath as he inhaled the familiar scent of his home. Not just the spice of the food that lingered in the air but the humidity of the forest, the flowers unique to Sumeru, even the slight stench of Sumpter Beasts, it brightened his demeanor like never before. 

At last he was home. 

Working on his commission in Fontaine had been wonderful. He had made new friends, a bit more than he had originally thought, and the artistry was so refreshing. Particularly in the sense of fashion, he had managed to procure a few articles of clothing that he could wear to events of a higher caliber later. 

However a longing had settled inside of him. A longing for home, for the people who made it home, for a scribe who had chased him all the way to the docs and begged him to come back. Despite the fact none of his friends had written him back Kaveh had a promise to keep and questions to ask. 

With a set of determination, Kaveh grabbed his suitcase and had Mehrak follow him. 

“I’m telling you Mehrak, there’s nothing like coming home after a long trip!” He exclaimed with a happy sigh as his feet started to carry him to the nearest caravan service. 

Mehrak beeped happily, floating behind him dutifully. 

Speaking with the caravan service was a bit disappointing. He supposed his luck was still just as bad, having just missed the last caravan that was leaving until the next day. 

Looking up to the sky, Kaveh sighed forlornly and frowned. He supposed it was going to be dark soon and the roads could get rather dangerous at night. 

“Are you looking to head to Sumeru City?” A deep voice questioned behind him. 

Kaveh turned around and eyed the stranger with a sense of apprehension. He was dressed as someone from the adventures guild, though his face was… forgettable? It was oddly indistinct, leaving Kaveh wondering if he was used to getting other people's attention on his own. 

“Ah, well, yes I am.” The architect mused, taking hold of Mehrak himself. The moment his hand wrapped around the handle he went dormant. “Though it seems all of the caravans have stopped for the evening.” 

“Yes, the official ones have.” The adventurer nodded with a polite smile. “However my fellow adventurers and I need to be in Sumeru City as soon as possible for a commission and could escort you for the same fee as the caravan service.” 

It was a simple enough offer, one that made Kaveh’s heart leap up into his throat. He could be in Sumeru city by the morning. 

He could be home by morning. 

“I think that’s quite fair!” He agreed with a bright smile. Taking the hand from his luggage and holding it out to shake the strangers he hummed, “Kaveh, pleasure to meet you.” 

“Jacque, and the pleasure is mine.” The adventurer hummed pleasantly and shook his hand. 

It turned out that Jacque was traveling with a small group of mismatched adventurers. Two from Fontaine (including himself, one from Sumeru, and one from Liyue. They were kind and welcoming, smiling pleasantly while introducing themselves. 

The five of them loaded up into a cart pulled by a sumpter beast that also had a small pile of boxes near the front. 

“That’s part of the commission.” Haniya explained with his curious gaze. “I guess the guy travels a lot for work and has adventurers pick up whatever he left behind to ferry to him, and then pays them to escort him places.” 

“Wow, that sounds eventful.” Kaveh hummed, not saying that he thought it was a little expensive for something like this. “He must be a researcher.” 

“I guess, we’re getting paid to travel around so we’re not asking questions!” Yang Wei laughed heartily, flicking the reins of the sumpter beast. 

“I suppose that’s a good point!” Kaveh laughed as well, smiling brightly. 

He couldn’t believe his good luck finding such a wonderful group of adventurers. 

“In fact, we bought this wine from Liyue when passing through. Supposedly it was the late Geo Archon’s favorite.” Jacque hummed with a smile, digging in his backpack and pulling out an incredibly beautiful wine jug. “Would you be interested in giving it a taste with us friend?” 

Kaveh brightened at being offered his vice, having abstained while working he had built up quite a thirst though had been hoping to maybe apologize to his friends by taking them out for a drink. He supposed the offer was too good to pass up though and hoped his friends would forgive him. 

“How could I pass up an opportunity like this?” He grinned, sitting up a little to take a cup from the adventurer. 

A few cups later, Kaveh was talking animatedly with his newfound friends. 

“He sounds like quite the character, though I heard the scribe of the akademia was… standoffish?” Haniya commented with a strained expression. “The guild complains about his… personality from time to time.” 

“Oh he is, and that’s putting it very politely.” Kaveh nodded with a little laugh, his body swaying slightly. Maybe that wine was stronger than he thought. “Though if you get to know him he’s… well… different.” He couldn’t stop how his voice softened and a small smile came to his lips. 

Distantly he thought he heard one of the adventurers say something but it felt like his ears were stuffed with wool. Blinking a few times he attempted to look up at them, everything moving in and out of focus rapidly enough to make him nauseous. 

“That… wine… so… strong…” Kaveh slurred, reaching up to hold his head. “I don’t…” 

The world spun violently and then went dark abruptly. 

Blurred images and muffled voices sometimes reached him as time passed by in a disorienting blur. 

“…nally…took for..er…” 

“Be gr…. not…. out…” 

The muffled voices sounded so familiar but he couldn’t place them like this. His body felt like an exposed nerve that couldn’t acclimate to its surroundings, every time he tried to move his body not listening and remaining limp against something cold and hard. 

Not knowing how much time had passed at some point he was grabbed roughly and he heard distant beeping. 

“Gr…. It!” 

“Wh…t…. Hell!…” 

The muffled voices were louder as if shouting from miles away, that incessant beeping somehow comforting more than annoying. 

The faint sound of metal clashing grated on his ears and filled him with distress. Kaveh tried to lift his head, to focus his eyes on the blurred background for any clues, but only managed to slip back into darkness. 

The next time he came to everything was distinctly cold in a way he wasn’t familiar with. The air was sticky and humid as if he was in the forest but there was a chill seeping into his bones. Underneath him something hard and uneven prodded into his back, and even when he opened his eyes things were almost pitch black. 

When he tried to speak it felt like his tongue was glued to the roof of his mouth and his head felt as if it were on a swivel. Even in the darkness he knew his vision was spinning and he was having a hard time remembering how he got where he was. 

“Oh…awake…..” 

The voice that he heard was unfamiliar and chilling, a shiver running down his spine. It was too dark to see who the voice was coming from but he could glare in the direction he thought was correct. 

“Wh…ere…. Am….. I…” his voice was slow and slurred, mouth not cooperating with him as he attempted to get any information at all. 

“Not….portant…. Light… Kshra… need…from… you…” the voice was not only irritating but Kaveh could only make out a few words with his muddled mind. It was as if his senses were under someone else’s control and that person kept flipping the channel recklessly. 

“Can’t… underst-stand.” He hated how pathetic he sounded, unable to talk properly and laying limp with no sign of being able to move. 

“Hmm… used…much…” The voice, the man Kaveh could conclude, spoke and grew distant. “…. Back… later…” 

Faintly the echoes of footsteps reached him, signaling to Kaveh he was being left in this cold and dark place. 

“W..ait…. No…” he tried to protest but his voice was weak and his body wouldn’t budge. 

Time passed by in an inconsistent blur after that. He could faintly hear people talking but the mute on his senses made it impossible to figure out what they were saying or where they were. The only thing that became clear to him over time was that he was in a cave of some sort and whoever brought him here had no fear of him running away. 

He wasn’t bound at all, simply left to lie on a rock in the darkness. 

All of this accumulated into one of the worst times in Kaveh’s entire life. He was constantly cold and damp, there was no light at all around him, and even as his senses came back to him all his surroundings revealed were an empty cave with moss on the walls. 

Yet the worst part was the dreams. 

Dreams so vivid and real that sometimes he would believe he was awake at home, snuggled into arms far too muscular for a mere scribe or curled under a blanket with a Forest Watcher and gazing up at the sky. Then he woke and realized that instead he was here, in this darkness, starving and alone. 

“Are we finally awake enough to talk?” The slightly familiar chilling voice sounded along with the echo of footsteps. 

Kaveh turned over on the rock he was laying on, glaring into the darkness. Sitting up made the world spin but lying down he almost felt well enough to punch the man in the face. Almost. 

“What do you want from me?” He bit the words out with as much venom as he could muster. 

“Oh, it seems we are then.” The chilling chuckle sent a shiver down Kaveh’s spine. “It’s refreshing to find someone who actually meets the expectations set upon them by others. Your biting wit is legendary, Light of Kshrawrewar.” 

“I am well aware of my title and praises, now what do you want?” Kaveh snapped once again, his nails digging against the stone under him. 

Somehow even in the darkness he could tell whoever this man was he was smirking. “I want your intellect. Your little contraption is a feat nobody else in this world could accomplish, I would know. I looked.” 

Kaveh wracked his brain for what the man could mean before he abruptly realized two things. 

Mehrak was nowhere near him. 

His vision was gone. 

Without either of them he was practically as defenseless as your average citizen, which was likely the intent, and his position became abruptly clear. 

“So you drugged and kidnapped me, Jacque?” Kaveh scoffed to hide his growing sense of fear. “If whatever you needed my engineering skills for was remotely legal, this likely wouldn’t have been the path you took.” 

That seemed to garnish some sort of reaction from the man, the one who had offered him safe passage home. 

Oh how Alhaitham would scold him for being so trusting. 

“I have gone to anyone who would listen and they’re less than receptive.” Jacque barked the words as his voice grew closer and in volume. “They all blindly believe in an Archon who’s been trapped for hundreds of years!” 

“Because she’s our Archon!” Kaveh yelled back, “What does our Archon have to do with this at all?!” 

“She shut down the most useful learning tool in the world because of a few exploitative people!” Just barely Kaveh could make out the crazed man’s face as he moved close enough for their breath to mingle. 

Scrambling backwards and propping himself up on his arms Kaveh cursed under his breath as his head started to spin once again. “You… You want to recreate the Akasha Terminal?” 

“There you go again, living up to the praises sung in your name.” The laugh offered was far less comforting than Kaveh would have liked. “With you, the research I’ve done, the people I’ve gotten to work with me, it’s all within reach. If you cooperate the mora you’ll be compensated with can hold you over for the rest of your life! You wouldn’t even need to leave home! It would actually be preferable to have someone so close to that ass of a scribe-“ 

“I wouldn’t help you if my life depended on it.” Kaveh cut off Jacque’s rambling, his voice firm as his body trembled with unbridled rage. “You think that you get to kidnap me and then coerce me into disregarding the wishes of an Archon the person I respect most in this world risked his life to save?! Did you do any research into me at all before this or did you simply go off of others words?” The incredulous scoff that left him caused some sort of recoil from Jacque, bolstering Kaveh further. 

“You didn’t really consider who my closest friends are, did you? My best friend, the most dedicated forest watcher in all of Sumeru, will notice if I don’t come back on time.

“His lover and a good friend of mine, the General Mahamatra, who will see a plan like this miles away! 

“And a man so wholly stubborn, so incredibly intelligent, so innately wonderful that the Dendro Archon herself appointed him Acting Grand Sage. 

“Despite all of this you think you can act against them and in turn get me to follow you?! It’s laughable!” 

The entire time he spoke Kaveh’s volume never increased but the pure venom in his voice did. Each word carefully aimed to make this fool realize that he was beyond out of his league, to knock him back down to the bottom of the totem pole where he belonged. 

No words were spoken for a long, tense moment. The air was charged with Kaveh’s disdain and malice as he attempted to will his body to work, to move, so he could escape this hell and tell those very important people everything he knew already. 

“That’s just it, isn’t it.” Jacques’s voice calmly cut through the tension, something unsettling to it. “While having your help would realize this dream of mine much faster, I can make do without you. Your contraption is in my hands, and with you gone those incredible people you mentioned will indeed go looking for you.” 

Stepping forward once again, Jacque was as close as he was before, the heat of his breath mingling in the air close to Kaveh. “They will go mad searching for you. Too busy looking for their dear friend to notice something happening right under their nose.” 

Kaveh gulped, the unease in his stomach growing uncomfortable. “And what makes you think they won’t find me, hm? Combined they know the forests and desert like the back of their hands.” 

Backing away, Jacque hummed softly, “It is astounding that you never quuestioned them never writing you back. All of the letters you sent and not a single response from these people that care for you so much.” 

Fear, cold and bitter burst inside of Kaveh’s chest. 

“How could they find you in Sumeru, after all, if they assume their flighty friend Kaveh is still in Fontaine? Perhaps something happened to him there? Or perhaps he decided to stay with his mother?” The sound of retreating footsteps barely registered to Kaveh until the man’s voice was far enough away to possibly be an echo of the cave. 

“No, no they’ll find me!” Kaveh shouted, trying desperately to move, to escape on his own. However his vision spun and his limbs gave out underneath him as he tried to stand. His body collapsed against the mossy cave floor, bringing new bruises and aches with it. 

He gained no response from the man who was likely long gone. 

Curling his hands into fists, angry tears started to spill over his cheeks. 

Hayi, I’ve gotten myself into real trouble this time. 

Time seemed to pass more consistently now but it was as much a curse as a blessing since it passed slowly. With nothing to do but attempt to plot his escape for when whatever he had been dosed with wore off enough, Kaveh’s mind drifted to those people he desperately needed to apologize to. 

The people he loved so dearly who either had realized he was missing and were looking for him, or assumed he had taken longer than expected. He couldn’t even count on the fact they thought he hadn’t written to save him, having been lost in one too many projects and forgotten to do so before. 

When he got out of this he would make sure to correspond more consistently with his friends. 

After he didn’t know how long, the sound of heavy footsteps met his ears and then a small light in the darkness. It was almost blinding for a moment before he saw the stern eremite face it illuminated. 

Wordlessly the woman plopped down a tray with some mediocre food and a candle that was on its last legs of life before turning and walking out. Kaveh didn’t move while she was in the room, even as she turned to leave, waiting until her retreating footsteps couldn’t be heard before picking the tray up. 

At first he seriously considered not eating. Not the healthiest habit to pick up but he had been both broke enough and too lost in his work before to starve himself for days at a time, so it was doable. However he needed strength to escape and his stomach was rolling in hunger, so with a defeated sigh he started to eat. 

Halfway through the less than impressive swill he was given to eat, the world started to spin in a familiar way. His head felt as if it were on an endless swivel and his body started to feel limp. 

“N-no… no!” He weakly cried as he shoved the tray away, the candle going out and leaving him laying on the cold stone in the darkness that gave way to lucid dreams. 

It was, unfortunately, a good plan. 

The time he now spent in the dark, cold, and damp was either in hunger or drugged by whatever they would lace the food with. Never enough light to make out his surroundings, faint voices of people who were likely guarding the entrance. He tried, oh how he tried to keep hope alive. 

Sometimes the hunger got to be too much and he would devour the mediocre meal provided. He would do it on purpose to live in the vivid dreams conjured up that felt so real sometimes as well. Being so weak burned him on the inside but he had always been weak, hadn’t he? 

Weaker than everyone. Not as smart as Alhaitham. Not skilled like Cyno. Not decisive like Tighnari. No he was simply a burden. The useless architect who found himself in horrible situations due to his own incompetence. 

It was a dream, of all things, that knocked some sense into him. 

He knew it was a dream for Alhaitham had never cradled him so softly, had never kissed him sweetly, the two of them settled on one of the divians in their living room. 

“How are you so strong, Hayi?” Kaveh murmured, curling up in Dream Alhaitham’s arms. 

“What brought this on?” Dream Alhaitham hummed softly. 

“I… I’ve always been useless compared to you. It shows even more now that I’m stuck and… I don’t know how to be like you.” In the dreams he could be weak and it didn’t matter. His words were never used against him, the tremble to his voice never pitied. 

“Kaveh.” For once his dream Alhaitham seemed to gain that self righteous, stern tone, tipping his head up to look at a hazy version of the man he longed to look at him. “Your biggest strength is you aren’t like me at all. You can read people exceptionally well, the way your mind can calculate physical spaces, the direct angle at which to strike, and most importantly how incredibly resilient and stubborn you are. Kaveh you are the most magnificent person I have ever met.” 

It was just a dream and Kaveh knew that. These words didn’t actually come from Alhaitham, and he knew that. 

Still, once he woke up, he decided to form a plan. 

Present 

Alhaitham tried his best to keep from squeezing Kaveh’s hand off. Truly he tried to control the pure rage seeping out from inside of him, but at some point it was just too much. It didn’t help that Kaveh seemed to clutch his hand just as tightly in some attempt to ground himself, which only fueled Alhaitham’s rage even further. 

He took some solace that he wasn’t the only one. Both Cyno and Tighnari were visibly tense, the General’s hands curled into fists. 

The worst part of it all in Alhaitham’s opinion is that Kaveh had been home the entire time. He had been here, in Sumeru, stowed away in a cave waiting to see the light of day once again. 

“I ended up figuring out how much food I could eat without completely losing my mind and tricked them into thinking that I was still under its affects. I ended up finding some rocks and well… some of those Eremites might be…” Kaveh trailed off with a small gulp. 

“You don’t need to worry about that Kaveh, it was a high risk situation. Justice was served in the end.” Cyno didn’t even give Kaveh time to fret, his voice firm and laced with agitation. 

“Your injuries…” Tighnari questioned with a strained voice. 

“Ah, most of it was stumbling through the forest. The bruised ribs and other more serious injuries probably happened in the small struggle before I escaped.” Kaveh explained softly, his head lowered so he couldn’t see how the fox nodded with his lips pressed into a thin line. 

“I think it best for all of us to take a break.” Neuvilette suggested as he likely saw the murder written on Alhaitham, Cyno, and Tighnari’s face. “There are aspects that elude to more, but before we question them we should take a moment to… collect our thoughts.” 

“That’s a good idea. Come on Neuvi, let’s go take a walk.” Wriothesley hummed, standing and offering his hand to the Iudex. 

“Oh, why thank you.” Neuvilette blushed at the tips of his ears as he took the offered hand, being pulled close before the two men swept out the door. 

This left the four of them in a tense silence, Alhaitham taking a few deep breaths to calm himself down. 

There were likely things Kaveh left out, which made what he did include so much worse. Stuck in a cave, either starve or consume drugged food, no contact with anyone, alone and cold. 

“I’m sorry I-“ 

“You have nothing to apologize for, Kaveh.” Alhaitham cut him off quickly, holding the hand rested in his with both of his. “We’re simply listing all the ways to kill a bastard in our heads.” 

“I’ve gone through at least ten mushrooms that poison slowly and painfully.” Tighnari agreed readily. 

“I personally enjoy stalking them and letting them wet themselves with fear and humiliation before striking.” Cyno agreed as well. 

At some point Kaveh had looked up between the three of them, surprise in his crimson eyes. He eventually looked up at Alhaitham who smirked. 

“What?” The scribe questioned curiously. 

“Well I’m simply wondering what methods you conjured up considering everyone is sharing.” Kaveh’s surprise was fading slowly for more of a fondness, a small smile gracing his lips. 

“Oh, I don’t know if I should implicate myself in front of the General Mahamatra himself.” Alhaitham stated simply, and though his tone leant to more of a joke he was partially serious. 

“Like that’s ever stopped you from speaking your mind before.” Cyno snorted. 

Kaveh laughing softly at the statement had them all relax slightly, enough to ease the tension in the room. 

Chapter Text

After a few minutes there was a soft knock at the door before it slivered open enough for Wriothesley to peek his head in. 

“Has the murderous rage calmed?” The man asked with a hum, cocking his head. 

“For now.” Cyno responded as he looked back, now leaning back against his chair in a relaxed manner. 

Alhaitham had taken to playing with Kaveh’s fingers with one hand while the other arm wrapped around him and was very near to simply tugging the blonde onto his lap. It wasn’t hard to see that any sort of physical touch helped him relax, even if his cheeks were a pretty pink color because of it. Still the architect didn’t say anything to the contrary or push him away, and until he did Alhaitham would make sure he was comfortable. 

“Alright!” Wriothesley smiled as he opened the door and held it for Neuvillette with a bow. 

The Iudex behind him sighed and simply shook his head before walking in. “Wriothesley and I went over some of the statements from Monsieur Kaveh and compared them to the man we thought had perhaps been behind this.” He informed before sitting down in a single graceful motion. “While it is possible he was using an alias, the man we suspected is named Nikolas Bernard and he has a very noticeable scar on his left cheek.” 

As Neuvillette spoke, Wriothesley pulled a few pictures out of his coat pockets and walked over to Kaveh. Kneeling down in some attempt to seem less threatening, he smiled softly as he held them out. “Any of these guys look familiar?” 

Unfortunately Alhaitham couldn’t even be mad since currently this man was treating Kaveh how everyone should, with consideration, so he forwent the glaring to instead watch the architect in his arms. 

Kaveh reached out with only slightly shaky hands and looked the pictures over. The first few didn’t have anyone familiar in them. The man staring back had a large burn scar on the left side of his face and large round glasses, both of which were things he would have noticed. In the second picture there were a few people all standing, the man with the burn scar and presumably some of his colleagues since they were all in some sort of uniform. None of them really looked all that familiar until his eyes landed on a woman in the background wearing the academia uniform. 

“That’s… I recognize her!” He stated with wide eyes, bringing the photo closer to look at the slightly blurry woman almost completely hidden behind a chalkboard. “Her name was… Han…Haniya! She was with the group of ‘adventurers’ that were supposed to take me home.” 

Wriothesley’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline as he leaned in to look at who Kaveh was pointing to. “Neuvi, how many scholars from the academia have we let study with the Institute?” 

“Very few, more now that things have been settled. However, that photograph is old and it wouldn’t be hard to find more information from back then.” Neuvillette hummed thoughtfully as a hand came up to hold his chin. 

“That’s good, already a tangible lead!” Wriothesley grinned as he stood back up and stretched his back. “Nikolas was charged with tampering guardimek technology, illegally altering their hardwiring in some experiment at the Institute. He’s been in the Fortress for some time but about four months ago he somehow managed to escape. After Neuvi got wind of your situation we thought the two might be connected. After all, two esteemed engineers going missing in that short of time?” 

“That is indeed strange.” Cyno hummed from his seat, frowning a little at the floor. “But I find it hard to believe Kaveh wouldn’t remember such important details about the man’s face.” 

“I remember Jacque’s face very clearly and it was very plain.” Kaveh nodded, “It’s almost remarkable how unremarkable he looked.” 

Alhaitham hummed softly as he looked at the picture with the woman on it, eventually speaking up. “He had told you that he could achieve creating the Akasha terminal without you, it would just take longer. If he took another engineer, this statement would make sense.” 

Wriothesley folded his arms, nodding from where he was now standing. “You think Nikolas didn’t escape but instead was taken like Kaveh?” 

“I think it’s a plausible theory.” Alhaitham nodded, “Also if Kaveh recognized this person as someone from the academia,” he motioned to the photo of the woman Kaveh named, “The others that were traveling with them from other countries implies that perhaps this operation of his spans across Teyvat.” 

There was a tense pause as his words seemed to sink into the room around him, everyone sighing softly as they came to realize just how grand a scale this operation could be. 

“There was Jacque, another man from Fontaine that I didn’t catch the name of, Haniya from Sumeru, and Yang Wei from Liyue.” Kaveh recounted with a frown. “They had spoken of taking research and guiding a researcher across nations regularly.” 

“All good lies have a hint of truth to them.” Wriothesley hummed. “I think it’s entirely possible that there’s a base of operations in each country. It’s a good plan to keep his operation going.” 

“If one is found, the others can simply continue working towards his goal.” Cyno agreed with a grimace. 

“And the travel is likely to keep all of them up to date on the most recent developments.” Tighnari added. “They might even all be working on different parts of whatever this akasha terminal has taken the form of.” 

“If I may ask,” Neuvillette piped up with a low hum in thought, his eyes flicking between the people in the room. “I understand that there were some complications with the previous akasha terminal, and I understand that it was an unprecedented well of information, but may I ask why you are all so apprehensive about the recreation of it?” 

“I just assumed it couldn’t be anything good considering the lengths this guy is willing to go to in order to make another.” Wriothesley shrugged, looking at the scholars in the room. 

“The previous akasha terminal allowed everyone who had one to access the entire collected knowledge of Sumeru at will. It existed to aid people in the beginning.” Alhaitham explained, feeling the most qualified in the room to speak about what had happened. It didn’t seem like his friends or Kaveh were going to disagree so he continued. 

“However the Grand Sage at the time, along with a plethora of other sages and scholars, ended up turning the device into something that would invade the minds of the people in their sleep. This is why the saying ‘A scholar never dreams’ came about, as in doing so those in Sumeru didn’t dream. It was part of the plot to steal godhood from our Archon, and they very nearly succeeded.” 

“I see…” Neuvillette frowned and nodded, “Even if made with good intentions I could see how something like that being made again would not be worth the risk.” 

“That was on a much smaller scale than it seems Jacque wants to work on as well.” Kaveh agreed, worry pinching his brow, “I find it hard to believe he would be going through all the effort of making multiple workshops and researching stations across Teyvat just to limit his version of the akasha terminal to Sumeru.” 

“We should inform our Archon.” Tighnari nodded in agreement. “Though informing the other nations… investigating them is going to be difficult at best.” 

“We should start small. First let’s do as much research as we can on the other people affiliated with this Haniya and Nikolas. Since the Iudex and the Duke have access we should likely leave that to them.” Cyno suggested with a nod, looking at Wriothesley and Neuvillette. “Provided neither of you mind working together with us on this case.” 

“I wouldn’t mind having something else to do. Sounds kind of fun, being a detective.” Wriothesley smirked, looking up at Neuvillette. “What do you say, Neuvi?” 

“I think working together is the best option to solve this predicament.” Neuvillette agreed with a hum. “After all, the biggest weakness of the seven nations is that they lack communication and collaboration. Perhaps it’s time to change all of that. Of course there are plenty of details to iron out, legal documents to be made up, for now we should focus on Monsieur Kaveh’s recovery.” 

Kaveh looked up from where he had been lost in thought, blinking a little in surprise and looking between everyone. “Ah… sorry I was thinking about what you brought up about communication…” he smiled sheepishly and toyed with the dark ends of his hair. 

“What about it interests you?” Alhaitham wondered curiously. His senior had that look to his face that told him his mind was working overtime. The last time he was able to witness the look he was presented with his headphones a week later. 

“Well right now the best way to communicate is through letter and clearly that’s more than flawed. What if there was something better, a more direct line so that you couldn’t be intercepted?” The architect mused aloud as his crimson eyes gazed at the floor and beyond. “I had thought about it in passing but I think if I could speak with Madame Faruzan and Monsieur Wriothesley… it could be possible.” 

“Me?” Wriothesley pointed to himself in surprise with wide eyes as he was promptly shot an unimpressed glare from the scribe once again. “I don’t see how I could help two renown Sumeru scholars.” 

“You have an understanding of mechanics that far exceeds the average person and have proof of your craftsmanship.” Kaveh disagreed as he looked up at the man. “I saw your gauntlets and from what Monsieur Neuvillette has told me you would be an undeniable asset.” 

“What exactly would you be looking to make, Kaveh?” Tighnari asked with a raised brow. 

“Something that you could talk into directly and transmit the voice over a distance in real time.” Kaveh explained after a moment of trying to find the right words. “Imagine having something that you could hold and simply contact whoever you wished at the touch of a few buttons!” 

“You truly think we could make something like that?” Wriothesley wondered aloud, though he too seemed to be won over already. 

To Alhaitham there was no question. 

“Of course he can.” He started bluntly, even if he didn’t particularly like the idea of Kaveh spending an obscene amount of time with the Duke. 

Kaveh looked up to meet his eyes, simply staring at him with emotions Alhaitham couldn’t discern. His senior smiled softly, squeezing their still intertwined hands, and simply nodded with a confidence Alhaitham hadn’t seen in years. 

“I’m sure I can.” 

Chapter Text

The worst of it was over, at least, the parts he was looking forward to the least. Kaveh had never been good at telling anyone what was truly bothering him when it was minor inconveniences let alone anything deeper. Now they formulated a plan and it was a pretty good plan if he did say so himself. 

Alhaitham was going to contact their Archon, how none of them knew, but he assured it would happen. 

Collei and Tighnari were going to search the area of rainforest that Kaveh had attempted to map out. It was a large area to cover despite Kaveh’s attempts to remember more about how exactly he had gotten to Alhaitham’s house, even if the both of them assured him he had been plenty thorough. 

Cyno had to report to the academia and was going to give a limited recount of the information they currently had. It was going to be enough for his continued absence for the investigation to be sanctioned, but they were keeping the details to a minimum. There was no telling how many people were in on Jacque’s plan. 

Neuvillette and Wriothesley decided to head back to Fontaine in an attempt to start looking into the lead on Haniya. Neither of them could be away for much longer and departed swiftly after everyone had reached an understanding. 

Kaveh was going to start drafting his ideas for the communicator. He got plenty of pushback from Alhaitham and Tighnari who insisted he needed more time to heal but their arguments fell flat when Kaveh pointed out that he didn’t need to be on his feet to draft designs or research more into the project. A triumphant smile was worn on his face for the rest of the day, even if Alhaitham promised that they would be limiting his time at his desk. 

In the end, the plan was formed, and once Kaveh was healed he would travel with Alhaitham (who insisted on going) and Madame Faruzan (provided she agreed to come along) to Fontaine. There they would work with Wriothesley and for the first time truly combine the forces of Sumeru’s Academia and Fontaine’s Research Institute. For now they would head back to Alhaitham’s house so Kaveh could properly examine his research and get started on a few drafts, though a visit to the academia was inevitable. 

Alhaitham seemed particularly adamant about waiting at least a few days, likely to have the rumors spreading from the sages visit die down before waltzing in. Scholars liked to gossip after all, and all of Sumeru likely knew Kaveh had returned, which would make their trip home arduous enough. 

“Haitham, we have everything that Tighnari packed for me, let’s just go.” Kaveh wasn’t whining, he would argue that he was in fact simply complaining about Alhaitham being far too anal about the salves and bandages Tighnari gave them. 

“I would rather not have to make another trip back here for one missing item. Diligence is rewarded, just be patient.” Alhaitham responded with his back still facing the blonde on the cot. His clothes had been washed so he looked the same as ever now, emerald cape and all. It gave a sense of normalcy to Kaveh who was still in the loose fitting clothes given to him after he was found. “Why so eager to leave? I thought that Tighnari’s place was your favorite.” 

There was something in the nonchalant way Alhaitham asked that had Kaveh cocking his head. He wasn’t sure entirely what it was, and that familiar dread that perhaps Alhaitham didn’t want him to return reared its ugly head. The time alone was probably bliss for the scribe, nobody to disrupt his routine or his life, nobody to wake him up grinding coffee, nobody to complain about his lack of interior decorating skills. 

Swallowing the lump forming in his throat, Kaveh put on his most practiced smile, “If you wanted to return to your house and take some time to recharge that’s fine, Hayi. You don’t have to worry about me, I can… manage… what?” As he spoke Alhaitham had slowly turned to look at him, a slight frown on his normally stoic face. 

“I thought I told you to clarify things that you were uncertain about.” Alhaitham folded his arms, looking down at the blonde with unyielding cyan and crimson eyes. 

“Wh-what? What does that have to do with-“ Kaveh floundered before the word choice made him flush a bright red and he glared up at the scribe. “And I don’t have to take orders from you!” 

“Fine, call it a request.” Alhaitham dared to roll his eyes, though didn’t answer the main point Kaveh was making. 

“That’s not the point here! I have no idea what your ‘request’ has to do with me offering to let you spend some time on your own! I know you don’t exactly have a huge social battery and these past few days have been a lot. Your routine is all messed up, it’s probably been bothering you.” Kaveh scoffed and folded his own arms, averting his eyes to the side. He couldn’t keep eye contact as the anxiety bubbled under his skin unpleasantly. 

“Kaveh I had six months to myself. Why would I want more?” Alhaitham asked, again his tone shifting to something softer that Kaveh didn’t understand. 

“Because I know I disrupt your life, okay!” Kaveh blurted and finally turned to look at the scribe with his eyes burning. “I know that I take your carefully managed life and fill it with chaos, so if you don’t want me to come back just… just say it so we can both figure out what to do next, okay!?” He was aware he was shouting, that his voice was carrying far beyond the room they were in, but the illusion was gone. 

They were supposed to be heading back to Alhaitham’s house. Back to the place he desperately wanted to call home but would never dare. When he had been found things were sweet, a honeyed dream to help him heal, but reality was different. 

Dream Alhaitham thought the world of him, would kiss him sweetly, and helped him escape from a nightmare. 

Real Alhaitham looked at him with uncertainty, ran from him when something awkward happened, and was likely trying to spare Kaveh the pain of being alone. 

Real Alhaitham didn’t want him the way Kaveh wanted Alhaitham. 

“Kaveh, did you forget everything I’ve told you these past few days?” There was an exasperation to Alhaitham’s voice, and Kaveh’s spiral downwards came to an abrupt halt as slender fingers gently took one of Kaveh’s hands. 

Staring up at Alhaitham he found that same pained expression from when Kaveh asked if Alhaitham was mad at him. 

“I was hurt…” Kaveh responded lamely. 

“And you being injured changes the meaning of what I’ve said? Have you known me to say things simply to ease someone’s pain?” Alhaitham, as usual, had a point. He wasn’t exactly someone who would sugarcoat the bitter truth of things. “Tell me what you’re thinking, please.” 

“Your life is easier without me. I’m afraid you don’t want to take me back home, that you realized without me everything is better.” Kaveh’s voice was a broken whisper so quiet he wasn’t even sure he spoke the words aloud. They swirled in his heart like a dark cloud of smoke, choking him endlessly in pain. 

“My life was never easy without you.” Alhaitham spoke softly, his hand wrapping around Kaveh’s tightly. “It’s impossibly difficult to walk around numbly, never appreciating beauty, never feeling anything, simply moving through a routine day after day. The weight and darkness of the world dragging you down with every step forward.” 

Kaveh wasn’t sure when he started to cry but he could feel the tears stinging his cheeks. A soft sob left him and Archons how he wished he could be done with the tears already as a hand came up gently to cup his face, wiping his tears with a calloused thumb. 

“With you there’s light that reaches every corner. I only see the beauty in the world when you’re there to point it out. Kaveh what do I have to say or do to prove that to you? Please tell me, I’m begging you.” Dropping to his knees in front of Kaveh, both of Alhaitham’s hands moved to cradle his face, looking up at him with a wild desperation in his eyes. “I've told you you’re the most important person in this world to me. I’ve told you that I will always take you back home.” 

“What did you mean earlier?” Kaveh asked through his sobs, the tears not holding back the intensity of his eyes as he held onto Alhaitham’s wrists. He didn’t have to clarify, the both of them knowing full well what Kaveh wanted- no, needed clarified. 

That nervousness from before flashed over Alhaitham’s face, hesitation causing him to pause. 

Kaveh scoffed and closed his eyes, pushing Alhaitham’s hands away. “I knew it. You don’t have to keep doing this-“ 

“Kaveh it’s not what you think I swear. I told you I don’t want to overwhelm you when you said your feelings are-“ 

“Hayi my feelings are all over the place because of you!” Kaveh snapped, aggressively wiping his eyes with his fingertips. “Guilt for making you wait and search for me! Anger because you were so confusing before I left! Sorrow for the Hayi that would tell me what was on his mind and cared about me! Hope that all of this meant you loved me back!” 

His hands slapped over his mouth, crimson eyes wide as he stared at Alhaitham on his knees in front of him. 

The scribes hands hung lamely between his thighs, his one visible eye blown wide in shock. A tense silence hung between them, hovering in uncertainty as the confession Kaveh had just screamed to the world settled like dust after an explosion. 

“Loved you… back?” Alhaitham repeated the words numbly, no inflection to his tone. 

Kaveh couldn’t make a sound, all words dried up in his throat as he felt his arms tremble. He watched as Alhaitham’s shocked expression stayed, his body unmoving. 

“How long?” The scribe’s voice was so quiet, quieter than Kaveh had ever heard him. 

“Hayi please, I can-“ 

“How. Long.” There was something urgent in Alhaitham’s voice as he interrupted Kaveh, pinning him in place with his intense gaze. 

Closing his eyes to escape, Kaveh moved his hands from his mouth and clutched them to his chest as he resigned himself to his fate. 

“Two weeks before our falling out.” He whispered the words, feeling fresh tears start to sting his eyes. 

Some sort of noise left Alhaitham, it sounding strained and frustrated, and then he stood up. Kaveh’s eyes flew open and he looked up at Alhaitham who was turning away from him, and he couldn’t hold it in any longer. 

“I’m so sorry Hayi, please I swear I never meant to make you uncomfortable! I was never going yo tell you or act on it, I promise!” He begged with his breath hitching in his chest, panic and sorrow filling his heart. 

Alhaitham paused and stared at Kaveh with those wide, vulnerable eyes, before blurting in a rushed sentence, “I’ve loved you since I met you.” 

Once again, the entire room seemed to settle in a tense silence as the confession settled next to Kaveh’s with the dust. 

“What?” It was Kaveh’s turn to lamely speak, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared with wide eyes up at Alhaitham who, for once in their whole entire lives together, didn’t know what to say. 

“I…” Alhaitham paused to swallow audibly, “I have loved you since the day you picked up your books and set them next to mine. You sat down next to me, smiled so brightly I was afraid I’d go blind, and made me feel as if there was a purpose to this whole world.”

Alhaitham’s words took time to register in Kaveh’s mind. The entire time it took him to process what he was told they stared at one another with pure shock. 

Kaveh’s body moved on its own, reaching for Alhaitham and pulling him in by his coat. As if everything were in slow motion he grabbed the shocked scribe by his jaw and pulled him in, pressing their lips together without a thought having formed in his head. Hardly a second flew by before Kaveh realized what he had done and just as quickly he pushed the scribe away. 

“I-I’m so sorry I didn’t think an-“ Kaveh was cut off by Alhaitham finally seeming to process everything that had happened in the past few minutes. 

The scribe’s hands found their way to his waist, holding him tightly as if he let go for even a second Kaveh might slip away. He leaned in close, pressing his forehead to Kaveh’s, with those intense eyes boring into Kaveh’s soul. 

“Don’t ever apologize for that again.” Alhaitham spoke lowly, the heat of his breath fluttering over Kaveh’s face. “Do you want to kiss me, Kaveh?” 

Kaveh’s freckled face turned bright red at the question as he squirmed in the iron grip holding him still, his own breath stuttering in his chest. With no escape in sight, crimson eyes trapped in the hungry gaze of the man his heart longed for, he managed to breathe out, “Yes.” 

In an instant his lips were captured in the most desperate, hungry kiss he was sure the world had ever witnessed. Alhaitham devoured his lips as if he were a starving man and this was his last meal, his hands shaking where they held the architect tightly. He stole Kaveh’s breath, sliding his tongue against Kaveh’s lips, delving inside as Kaveh let him. 

As someone who had dreamed of kissing Alhaitham so many times, had imagined what his lips would feel like, the reality far exceeded anything he had ever thought. While the scribe was perhaps too eager and a little sloppy because of it, he was so confident and unyielding it didn’t matter, at least not to Kaveh. 

The architect relented to the onslaught, a soft noise leaving the back of his throat against his permission as Alhaitham’s tongue purposefully played with his own. His hands had found their way back to the scribe’s jaw, then up into his hair, and then splayed out over his shoulders, unable to stay in one spot for long. 

It was then that the burden of propping the both of them up became too much, Kaveh having to take the brunt of it with Alhaitham leaning into him as he perched on the cot. This led to them both toppling back onto it, Kaveh yelping softly as their lips parted and his head bounced against the soft bedding. He chest heaved with each breath he took in, looking up at Alhaitham who moved one of the hands from Kaveh’s waist to prop himself up above the blonde. 

Alhaitham’s eyes were just as hungry, if not more so, as before. An adorable blush bloomed over his nose and his lips were kiss swollen and wet. Somehow he looked younger, more like his little Hayi that would blush if teased too much, but more dangerous. If Kaveh teased this Hayi too much there was no telling the trouble he would find himself in. 

“I love you, Kaveh.” Alhaitham spoke breathlessly, leaning down to press soft kisses to the corners of Kaveh’s eyes, catching any remaining tears from the architects outburst. 

Kaveh’s mouth went dry as he watched the muscles in Alhaitham’s arm shift with the movement, fluttering his eyes closed with a soft sound being his only response in turn. 

“I love you,” a kiss to the corner of his other eye.

“I love you,” a kiss to his forehead.

“I love you,” a kiss to his nose. 

“I love you.” Repeated over and over again as Alhaitham traced his freckles with kisses, as his sinfully soft lips traveled over Kaveh’s jaw and to his neck. 

The fluttering kisses turned from soft and sweet to hungry once again as Alhaitham’s lips found their way just behind his ear, slowly moving down as if he could map out Kaveh’s skin with his mouth. Reverent whispers followed every searing kiss pressed to his neck and collarbone and slender fingers trailed up from Kaveh’s waist to trace his spine. 

The architect was slowly losing his mind to a fog of bliss, with each kiss the fog consuming him even more. His own hands had found their way back into Alhaitham’s hair with his fingers tangling themselves in the silver locks. It was easy to let his head loll back and give the scribe as much access to his neck as he wanted, reveling in the endless affection. 

Every ‘I love you’ slipped into the cracks of his heart and held it together a little better. Every reverent kiss assured him this was real. 

Alhaitham wanted him. 

Alhaitham loved him. 

The reassurance led Kaveh to use the grip on Alhaitham’s hair to tug the scribe up from his collarbone. “I love you too, Hayi.” He whispered against the others lips. 

Both of Alhaithams eyes were visible currently with Kaveh holding his bangs back and they stared with an intensity that strangely resembled a Rishboland Tiger stalking its prey. The hand on Kaveh’s back twitched before sliding down to grip his hip and tug them flush together, drawing a small yelp from the architect. 

“Say it again. Please.” Alhaitham pleaded, letting himself press against Kaveh with the arm that had been propping him up instead moving to wrap around the blonde. 

“I love you Alhaitham.” Kaveh spoke effortlessly, using this as his moment to return the plethora of kisses placed upon him. He pressed his lips to Alhaitham’s nose, to his cheeks, to his eyes, all while whispering lovingly between each kiss placed. “I love you.” 

This didn’t last nearly as long, however, as Alhaitham groaned before once again capturing Kaveh’s lips with his own once more. This kiss was just as hungry as the first and this time there were teeth biting at Kaveh’s bottom lip. Alhaitham moved on quickly, his teeth sinking into the junction of Kaveh’s neck and shoulder abruptly, drawing a sound deep from the architect's throat. 

For just one moment Alhaitham paused. He lifted his head to examine Kaveh’s face as he asked a question that brought a bright red blush to Kaveh’s cheeks once more. 

“Was that okay?” 

Kaveh had no words to form just how okay it was that Alhaitham seemed to want to devour him, but that was as mortifying as it was exciting. So instead a high pitched noise left him in his embarrassment as he grumbled, “Yes, that was okay.” 

The smirk on Alhaitham’s face only added to Kaveh’s mortification, and he would have started to protest just on principle, however before he could say anything those cruel teeth were back on his shoulder. Those involuntary noises continued to escape his throat with every bite, every kiss that followed, when Alhaitham impatiently ripped the collar of his shirt down to expose more of his shoulder. 

More than just the noises, a familiar heat started to pool in his belly and quickly traveled south. This was only fueled by the hot brand that was Alhaitham’s hand on his hip holding them flush together. A telltale problem was starting to form for the both of them which only made the desperate sounds from his lips rise in volume. 

Truly in the heat of the moment there was no telling how far they would have let things escalate. Kaveh would have given Alhaitham everything and Alhaitham didn’t seem to be a pillar of rational thought. There was no telling what might have happened, and in hindsight Kaveh would be grateful for the door opening very suddenly. 

However in the moment his head snapped from where it had fallen back against the cot to look into the multicolored eyes of his best friend and a Cyno shaped barnacle pressed behind him. Alhaitham didn’t seem to notice at all for instead of stopping in his onslaught to Kaveh’s shoulder and neck he promptly bit down just under the blonde’s jaw which drew another involuntary noise from him. 

“Alhaitham!” Kaveh squeaked the name out and finally formed a coherent thought, pushing on the scribes chest. 

“What? Was that too much?” Said scribe questioned with a concerned tilt to his eyebrows, pulling back just enough to search Kaveh’s red face and shy eyes. 

“You two couldn’t have waited until you got home to do this?” Tighnari’s dry voice cut through Alhaitham’s concern, the scribe sighing heavily as if somehow he was the most inconvenienced here. 

“Kaveh was concerned I didn’t want him to come with me back home.” Alhaitham explained as he slid off of Kaveh and stood up. “I was simply making sure my stance was clear.” 

“Oh you made so much more than that clear.” Tighnari scoffed, his eyes traveling very notably over Kaveh’s neck and exposed shoulder. 

The architect quickly reached up with his hands in some futile attempt to cover his likely ruined neck. However the pleasant sting left behind from the many bites told him he could never hope to cover them all. 

“I’m unsure if you have room to judge me, considering your own intentions coming in here.” Alhaitham rolled his eyes as he strode over to gather their things as if his hair wasn’t a mess and they hadn’t just been caught in the act! 

“This is my hut!” Tighnari responded in a clipped tone as Cyno chuckled into his shoulder which- wait a moment. Kaveh very abruptly noticed that the forest watcher was missing most of his cover layers, in fact he was just in his shorts and black undershirt. 

“This can’t be happening…” Kaveh laughed in his shock, it was small and breathless at first but slowly his hands moved from covering his neck to covering his mouth in a full blown fit of laughter. 

“Great, your bickering broke him.” Cyno spoke up, and Kaveh could feel all of their eyes on him as his laughter died down into a fit of giggles instead. 

“No this is just so… absurd.” The architect shook his head as he smiled, “This, the four of us like this, it always seemed so… impossible. And now to be caught like this, like we’re all sharing the same room in the academia it’s just so… funny.” His laughter that had died down came back again, only this time his friends started to laugh softly along with him. 

“That would have been an absolute nightmare,” Alhaitham commented as he slung the bag full of salve, bandages, and Kaveh’s salvageable belongings over his shoulder. “Sharing a room between the four of us.” 

“Indeed. The horrendous pining on both of your parts would have been suffocating.” Cyno nodded solemnly. 

“Oh please, like you two didn’t dance around each other for years!” Kaveh scoffed, rolling his eyes. “How often did you come to me to ask ‘What would make a suitable gift for Nari?’ Or ‘Do you know if he has this sample yet?’” 

Tighnari’s ear twitched and he glanced back at Cyno who audibly snapped his mouth closed. 

“Okay, as much as I would love to reminisce and share about how wonderful it is we have all finally realized our feelings, Cyno and I are on a bit of a schedule.” The fox folded his arms, looking between Kaveh and Alhaitham. “So if you two would kindly get out, it would be much appreciated.” 

Kaveh scoffed with a smirk as Alhaitham walked over to him, “Oh I see how it is. Now we’re in your way so you’re kicking us to the curb.” 

“You are, in fact. You two have the next few weeks of your recovery to sleep together as much as you want. We have Collei to consider on top of Cyno’s irregular deployment.” Tighnari huffed, narrowing his eyes. “So get out!” 

The realization sunk into Kaveh like a stone in a pond, his cheeks turning bright red once more. This was all compounded into a small yelp as he suddenly found himself being carried in familiar arms, wrapping his own around Alhaitham’s neck to steady himself. 

“We’ll get out of your hair then.” The scribe hummed as he strode towards the door. As if he had practiced he easily turned the handle and swung it open without jostling Kaveh, taking him out into the afternoon sunlight. 

They were both silent for quite some time. The walk back to Sumeru City was beautiful, forest watchers diligently keeping fungi and hilichurls away from the road, honestly it could have been a little romantic. However Kaveh’s mind was working overtime and he couldn’t help but glance up at Alhaitham constantly. 

What were they now? 

Did this change their relationship once again? 

What were the expectations? 

Questions like this plagued him and brought that anxiousness to bubble under his skin uncomfortably. 

“Kaveh… if that was too fast or too much I apologize.” Alhaitham eventually spoke, Kaveh looking up to see the scribes visible eye watching him. 

“No that’s not what-!” Kaveh blushed at just how fast he spoke to deny such a thing, groaning and hiding his face in Alhaitham’s shoulder. “I don’t like the uncertainty of things right now. What are we? What do we do now? What does this change? It makes me… anxious.”

“What would you like us to be?” Alhaitham questioned softly. 

The architect chewed nervously on his bottom lip, wincing a little as his teeth brushed over where Alhaitham had bit him. “W-Well I always wanted to be by your side. To be your equal.” 

Humming thoughtfully, a sound that Kaveh could feel in Alhaitham’s chest that vibrated up to his throat, the scribe seemed to consider something for a moment before speaking.

“Partners, then. You’re my partner and I am yours.” The word passing through Alhaitham’s lips nearly sent Kaveh’s heart right out of his chest from how fast it was beating. 

He stared up at the handsome scholar with wide eyes, his arms tightening around the man’s neck, and he smiled as he nodded. 

“Yeah, partners sounds good.” He whispered as he pressed his face into Alhaitham’s neck. 

“As for what we do now, I believe we can discuss and figure that out. Our relationship has never been quite conventional so the basis for comparison to others likely wouldn’t help, but if you would like to try more conventional methods I am open to it.” Hearing Alhaitham talk about their relationship as if he were writing a thesis made Kaveh laugh softly. Perhaps normally he might have been slightly offended but it was just so… Alhaitham of him. Frankly it was endearing. 

“Do you plan on submitting a research paper on the unconventionality of our relationship? Should I be taking notes?” He teased with a grin, daring to peek up at the scribe just in time to see his cheeks darken just slightly. 

“I…” trailing off and sighing as if in defeat, the scribe cleared his throat. “I may or may not have been prepared enough to present the idea of being together once you were more healed.” 

Blinking in slight surprise, Kaveh laughed softly even as he attempted to keep it in. “I’m guessing you had the pros and cons all laid out? Like for a debate?” 

Looking off to the side, his cheeks darkening even more, Alhaitham mumbled, “Perhaps.” 

The laughter that Kaveh had tried to hold back, quite unsuccessfully, burst out of him. It was light and full and he truly couldn’t remember the last time he had laughed like this. However his laughter seemed to be causing Alhaitham to pout, the scribe not looking at him and frowning just slightly. 

“Oh Hayi, don't be like that! I think it’s very cute!” The architect managed to speak through his fits of giggles, reaching over to hold the scribes' warmed face. “I’m sorry I wasted all of your effort by blurting out my feelings.” 

“You didn’t waste all of it.” Alhaitham denied, pouting a little less now that Kaveh wasn’t laughing quite as hard. “I feel much more prepared to speak with you about any concerns you might have.” 

“Oh I bet,” Kaveh chuckled with a fond smile. “And what about you? Don’t you have any concerns?” 

“I did initially.” The scribe nodded slowly, “Most of them stemmed from my worry that if I told you how I felt first, you would simply agree to spare my feelings.” 

“Oh…” Kaveh blinked in his surprise once again, “Even if I didn’t feel the same I wouldn’t have just played with your heart Hayi.” He frowned a little, wondering how Alhaitham could think him slow enough to do something so cruel. 

“I know you wouldn’t have toyed with me, but if you thought that I would cut you out? If you thought that it would hurt me? Kaveh I’ve seen how you are with people. I love all of you, even the parts that I disagree with, and one of those parts is how you will hurt yourself to help others.” Alhaitham explained softly, the one visible eye softening as well. “I’ve watched it happen before and I have never wanted to be the cause. It’s irrelevant, and I don’t wish to upset you, I just wanted to make my thoughts clear.” 

The sincerity of Alhaitham’s words had Kaveh resting quietly for a moment. He contemplated them in comparison to his own thoughts, the world around them passing by at the leisurely pace Alhaitham was walking. 

Kaveh wasn’t blind to Alhaitham’s concern, it had been brought up in many an argument between the two of them, and the way he had brought it up sounded more thoughtful. Clearly whatever outline the scribe had made in an attempt to convince Kaveh to date him had been well thought out. So he thought carefully about his own words, wanting to show the same level of dedication and consideration his partner was showing him. 

“Thank you for telling me honestly.” The architect started, looking up at Alhaitham. “I appreciate it. I also acknowledge that I do tend to prioritize other people over my own wellbeing and I am willing to talk more about that later.” 

There was something shining in Alhaitham’s eyes that Kaveh wasn’t sure he could recognize but it made his heart flutter happily. A smile, wide and brilliant, graced his normally expressionless face. 

“I would like that very much.” Alhaitham hummed in his satisfaction. 

The both of them fell into a comfortable silence this time, Kaveh relaxed in Alhaitham’s arms and watching as the gates to Sumeru City came into view. A thought occurred to him as they crossed the bridge, one that brought a smirk to his lips once more. 

“So, Hayi…” he trailed off, nonchalantly glancing to the the side at the scribe. 

“Yes?” Alhaitham narrowed his eyes, the suspicion evident on his face. 

“Do you think I could see your little presentation anyway?” Kaveh questioned innocently, though a small giggle broke his useless facade. 

“Absolutely not.” Alhaitham refused immediately with another pout to his lips. 

“Oh please! Come on Hayi I promise I won’t laugh at you! I want to know what you wrote down!” Kaveh laughed as he pleaded, undermining his promise already. 

Alhaitham looked into his pleading eyes and bright smile, sighing heavily as he relented. “Fine.” 

“Yes!” Kaveh cheered, chuckling in his anticipation. 

Now he truly couldn’t wait to finally get home.

Chapter Text

Having his ears and tail, while he wouldn’t trade who he was for anything, were inconvenient. No matter how schooled his expression might have been they would reveal his true feelings for anyone who paid attention. Ignoring the people who thought they could simply touch him without permission, that was his least favorite quality of them. 

“Nari, are you alright?” Cyno asked softly, his breath fluttering over the fur of his ear and causing it to twitch as a shudder ran down the fox’s spine. 

“I’m fine,” Tighnari huffed and turned in the general's arms to face him and place his hands on Cyno’s broad shoulders. 

“Mm, you’re tense, your tail is flicking, your ears are cocked slightly. That means you’re not fine.” Cyno disagreed as his hands started to rub soothing circles in Tighnari’s back. “Come on, talk to me Nari.” 

Sometimes, he truly hated his genealogy. 

“I’m just worried about Kaveh I guess. Alhaitham wasn’t going to confess until we were all sure that Kaveh was in a better place and something changed that.” Tighnari mumbled in defeat, his ears laying back as he let his forehead drop to Cyno’s shoulder. “Damn scribe couldn’t keep it in his pants a little bit longer.” 

A chuckle bounced the generals shoulders as his hands moved upwards, “Well we both know that while Alhaitham’s thoughts towards Kaveh aren’t pure in the slightest, his restraint is unparalleled. Kaveh likely made the first move and after that any resolve left likely crumbled.” 

“You’re probably right,” Tighnari sighed and turned his head so his cheek pressed against Cyno’s shoulder instead. “I’m sorry.” 

“There’s nothing to be sorry for,” Cyno hummed with a soft smile, “After we search the area for the cave Kaveh was held in we can always invite them out to Lambads and force the story out of them anyway.” 

Tighnari’s ears popped up on alert and he narrowed his eyes as he lifted his head. “What do you mean ‘we’ search the area? Collei and I were going to do that while you reported to the Grand Sage.” 

Cyno pressed his lips together as if he could somehow take his words back by doing so, shrinking down under the weight of Tighnari’s gaze. 

“What’s going on?” The forest watcher demanded, poking the general in the chest harshly with each word. 

Sighing and letting his head fall back, Cyno groaned, “I was going to tell you, alright? Then you walked up to me with your pretty eyes and your tail swishing back and forth-“ 

“Cyno,” Tighnari’s growl cut the general off from stalling, his expectant gaze turning into a glare. 

“Collei got into The Akademia.” The general spewed the sentence so fast at first Tighnari wasn’t sure if he had heard correctly. 

“She… she did it?” The fox spoke softly at first in his surprise, that quickly turning to joy as he smiled brightly. “She’s been working so hard I…” his smile fell as he realized something. 

There were very few reasons why Collei wouldn’t tell him herself and why Cyno would be hesitant to bring it up. All of the possible scenarios ran through his mind all at once, worry and dread weighing heavy in his gut. 

“When did she get her letter?” Tighnari asked softly, looking down at the wood floor beneath their feet. 

“About a month ago.” Cyno responded just as softly, his hands moving back to rubbing those soothing circles in Tighnari’s back. “She didn’t tell me herself. I happened to see her holding a letter she got today, telling her that if she didn’t finish her acceptance paperwork they would consider that as her forfeiting her spot.” 

“Oh Archons I didn’t… I didn’t even notice.” Tighnari let his head fall to Cyno’s shoulder once more. His ears laid flat against his head as his hands curled into fists. “What sort of guardian am I? Not noticing something so important?” 

“Hey, hey, none of that.” Gently taking his hands and tilting Tighnari’s head back up to look Cyno in the eye he was met with a worried softness. “Collei has grown because of you. She’s become a wonderful and independent young woman capable of making her own decisions. Before you think the worst you should let her explain herself.” 

Taking a moment to stare into the soft ruby eyes of his partner, Tighnari eventually sighed and nodded. “You’re right, even if you’re downplaying your own involvement in raising her.” 

“You say that and yet she’s not applying for my Darshan.” Cyno smirked with a proud shimmer to his eyes. “We’re a family but you are the reason she has flourished and I am proud.” 

“She’s joining Amurta?” Tighnari could feel the pride swelling in his chest as he smiled brightly. Yes primarily what he had taught Collei would benefit her most if she chose to apply to his Darshan specifically but he knew others had been teaching her besides him. Cyno of course, Kaveh when he would visit, and though Alhaitham was never actively teaching her he did provide many books for her to learn on her own. 

There was no expectation for Collei to follow in his footsteps. Tighnari would hope that if she chose to do so it was because she loved it enough to put up with The Akademia. 

“Well that was the seal I saw on the envelope. I didn’t question her much, just sent her to finish her paperwork before it was too late. The plan was to meet up with her there and let her explain what was happening.” Cyno explained with a soft smirk growing on his lips. “Then someone had to go and ruin the surprise.” 

“Oh don’t blame me.” Tighnari scoffed, rolling his eyes as he was pulled in close. He reached up to drape his arms over the general's shoulders, starting to relax in his partner's arms once more. “You’re the one who had a slip of the tongue.” 

“I suppose that’s true. It’s the first time I’ve ever simply blurted information without intending to.” Cyno’s smirk grew. “Perhaps I should have you interrogate the criminals I capture instead.” 

“No thank you, you can keep that job.” The fox scoffed and rolled his eyes, “I’m content right where I am.” 

“Mm, I would have to agree.” Cyno agreed as he tightened his arms around Tighnari. “I’m content with where you are as well.” 

Rolling his eyes again Tighnari shook his head and leaned in to press a soft kiss to Cyno’s lips. “You’re awful, you know that?” 

Humming in contentment, Cyno shuffled them back into the room further. “Yeah, I know, but I’m also yours.” 

“Yeah… you are.” A small, soft and fond smile found its way to Tighnari’s lips. He pressed a few more soft kisses to the general’s lips before sighing softly and backing out of his arms. “Could we… go now?” 

Cyno chased after him for a moment with his lips before pausing, blinking at his partner who was fidgeting slightly as the tip of his tail flicked. 

Damn his genealogy. 

“Sure Nari, we can go now.” Cyno agreed with a nod, though an amused smile played with the corners of his mouth. “To think you kicked the two of them out-“ 

“Shut up.” Tighnari grumbled, stomping away after shoving the general away. 

“Wait! Wait, I’m coming.” Laughter echoed in the words as Cyno walked up behind him, taking his hand. 

Even if Tighnari appeared irritated, he still threaded their fingers together. 

—————

It took a little while to get the both of them dressed and place someone in charge for the period that both Tighnari and Collei were gone so by the time the two of them were on the road to Sumeru City the sun was high in the afternoon sky. The general even proposed that Tighnari simply pack his bag for when they scouted the forest- which wasn’t a bad idea- so that also ate into their time. 

The walk was the same as ever only this time they spent the entirety of it going over the information they thought was prudent enough to share with the Grand Sage. While he was much better than Azar trust still needed to be built and with how Kaveh had described the operation that had taken him they weren’t going to take any chances. 

“I think limiting it to simply the two kidnappings for some unknown research project would be enough.” Tighnari nodded, looking up as the gates of the city came into view. “Alhaitham dealt with something similar when he was Acting Grand Sage and I feel they would take your word on the matter being grave.” 

“With the possibility for more and across Teyvat would also make it a concern that the other nations might start to blame The Akademia.” Cyno nodded, “Also provided Alhaitham gets our Archon’s blessing, there isn’t much the Grand Sage will say in opposition.” 

“I’m sure he will. He’s never confident about something he can’t deliver on.” Tighnari huffed as he spoke the words, folding his arms. 

“Careful, you’ll start to sound like Kaveh.” Cyno chuckled, giving Tighnari a fond smile before his face slipped into the serious mask he wore when on duty. 

The Corp members standing out front all nodded to him, Cyno simply inclining his head in acknowledgement as they walked past. 

The city was bustling like normal, people flitting between merchant stalls and haggling over their wares. Students and scholars alike also moving around the city, either to or from The Akademia though it was hard to tell since they all looked an equal amount of exhausted. 

Tighnari tried his best to not seem as overwhelmed as he felt but the tilt of his ears likely gave him away. The city was at its busiest in the afternoon and he usually tried to avoid it when he could, all the chatter and crowds flooding his senses unpleasantly. 

A heavy arm wrapped itself around him, being nothing more than a comforting weight around his waist as a single ruby eye glanced down to him. 

Offering a thankful smile in return, Tighnari focused on the comforting warmth of Cyno as they made their way through the city and straight to The Akademia. 

Very few people could waltz up to the Grand Sage’s secretary and demand an audience at will, the only three that ever had success were their Archon, The Traveler, and The General Mahamatra. 

While the two of them didn’t necessarily demand a meeting, it was heavily implied that they wouldn’t take no for an answer. Well, that and Cyno hadn’t reported in quite some time so he was likely overdue. Still the secretary seemed overwhelmed and very anxiously scurried inside the office to tell the Grand Sage they were asking to see him. When she returned with her hands twitching nervously, she simply nodded to them and motioned for them to head inside. 

After Alhaitham had resigned the position of Grand Sage remained open for quite some time. Their Archon had stepped in during the meantime but for the most part leadership became a sore topic in The Akademia. In the end, a scholar that had left to help those in the desert was chosen. Their Archon had meticulously vetted anyone who applied or was suggested and in the end found the Grand Sage they were meeting with today. 

Cyno had spoken well of him, noted that he seemed interested in moving The Akademia in the right direction, so Tighnari was willing to give him a chance. 

“It’s good to see you General Mahamatra!” The pleasant voice of a lithe man with aged lines on a handsome face greeted them. His brown hair was ashy, likely greying, but his eyes shimmered with a youthful glow. “And I see you’ve brought the Chief Forest Watcher, I take it that means The Light of Kshahrewar is finally safe at home?” 

“Kaveh has been found however the case is still troubling to The Akademia.” Cyno inclined his head, “I brought Tighnari with me since he is aware of important details and will be helping the investigation.” 

Furrowing his brow, the Grand Sage sat down behind the desk and folded his hands together. Letting out a heavy sigh he nodded and motioned for them to sit as well. “Please tell me everything.” 

Cyno reported briefly about the time he spent in Fontaine, the alliance formed between the Iudex and Duke, and their plans to form a joint research project that would benefit the investigation. However his main focus was on the information of the presumed kidnapped prisoner, Kaveh, and the intricacy of the plan needed to carry it out as well as it was. Jacque wasn’t mentioned at all, and neither was the Akasha Terminal project. 

“I understand.” The Grand Sage sighed with a heavy weight to his breath, closing his eyes as his hands fell to his desk. “This is troubling news indeed, though I suppose there is no good time for bad news like this.” 

“We have gotten information from Kaveh to investigate an area in the forest where he was being held that might give us more insight and were planning on investigating that as soon as we left here.” Cyno stated with his weighty gaze judging the Grand Sage’s every action. 

“That’s good, very good. I trust your judgment in this area, General.” The Grand Sage nodded, looking up from his desk to meet Cyno’s unrelenting ruby eyes. “Unfortunately with me being new to my position I lack much influence to pull for favors or knowledge, so I will be relying on you for something like this. I assume that Scribe Alhaitham and the Light of Kshahrewar are also working with you on this?” 

Tighnari was a little impressed with how easily the Grand Sage admitted he would be little to no help, or that he would rely on them instead of his own arrogance. He wouldn’t admit it and his face remained stoic as ever, but it was a good sign moving forward. 

“Yes, they will be traveling to Fontaine to work with the Iudex and Duke once Kaveh has recovered.” Cyno’s explanation was technically the truth, however leaving the project a secret was necessary if they were to have any advantage. 

“I understand. Please bring any and all paperwork involving this directly to me and I will make sure you are all well compensated for the time spent on this investigation.” The Grand Sage nodded with a determination set to his eyes. 

Against all of his efforts a small scoff left Tighnari at the statement, his tail flicking back and forth in his agitation. Both men turned to look at him and he inwardly berated himself for letting his personal feelings get the better of him in a situation like this. 

“If there is something that troubles you, Forest Watcher, please feel free to tell me.” The Grand Sage hummed. 

There was a part of Tighnari that wanted to simply say he was being difficult, that he was fine and it was a misunderstanding. Still he couldn’t stop the part of him that bristled and so the words came tumbling out of his mouth in the form of sharpened knives. 

“I just can’t help but wonder where this miraculous funding came from suddenly. After all, when any of us asked for anything to be done in order to search for Kaveh we were told there was nothing to be done.” He nearly growled as he spoke, his gloved hands digging into his arms. 

To his credit, what little Tighnari was willing to give, the Grand Sage looked remorseful. 

“I had tried to gather researchers, the Corp, anyone to help search for the Light of Kshahrewar.” The man admitted with another long and heavy sigh. “The only people who ever bothered to even attempt and agree wanted ridiculous projects funded, they attached price tags The Akademia would go bankrupt attempting to fund. When I brought it up to the Corp they said they couldn’t send their men to another nation.” 

Standing from his desk, the Grand Sage bowed his head. “Truly I regret my inability to help in any substantial way but know that all of the time taken by Scribe Alhaitham has been counted and he has been compensated for it. I also personally stalled the deadline on Miss Collei’s application for as long as possible due to bereavement. While none of that makes up for my inability I hope it will convince you that it was not malicious.” 

Tighnari stared with his eyes wide in surprise, finding himself stunned silent. It was one thing to blame the system, which was faulty, but another to take responsibility for the system failing. The anger that had been burning under his skin slowly simmered down and he sighed as he closed his eyes. This man was new, he had no connections to call upon, and of course the greedy scholars would attempt to get their projects funded by any means necessary. 

“I understand more clearly now, thank you. We will send the appropriate paperwork soon.” Was all Tighnari could offer in response, inclining his head before turning to leave the office. 

“Of course. Best of luck to all of you.” The Grand Sage spoke in a hopeful tone and the sound of Cyno following him out of the room were the last things Tighnari heard before the doors closed behind them. 

Coming up to stand next to him, Tighnari could feel Cyno watching him as they walked through the halls and to the elevator. He waited until they were both standing in the contraption alone before glancing to return the look. 

“What?” He asked maybe a little sharper than he intended. 

“Nothing, you simply seem… on edge. Do you think we shouldn’t have trusted him?” Cyno shook his head and spoke evenly, doing his best to try and make sense of the odd mood the meeting had left Tighnari in. 

The fox himself didn’t quite know if he understood. There was an underlying irritation but that might have been for The Akademia in general, not necessarily the Grand Sage. He could admit that technically the unwillingness of others wasn’t the fault of the man himself but… it didn’t make him feel any better about it. 

“No. I think that we trusted him just enough for now I just…” pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers he took in a deep breath. “I really hate The Akademia.” 

With a soft smile breaking the serious mask Cyno would put on while being the General Mahamatra, he reached over to push some of Tighnari’s hair out of his face. “They’ll all regret it when Alhaitham comes back to work. It’s hard to apply for funding when your applications are denied at the first step.” 

Glancing over, Tighnari smiled before laughing softly and nodding. “That sounds exactly like something he’d do.” 

Once the doors opened Cyno returned to his usual air of intimidation, the scholars bustling about giving the two of them a wide berth as they walked to the center hall. 

“I should settle things at the Matra since I’ve returned, Collei should still be talking to your Master.” The general hummed and gave Tighnari’s hand a squeeze. “Will you be alright?” 

“I’m not fragile.” Tighnari scoffed, rolling his eyes but squeezing the hand in return. “I’ll come meet you in the Matra office once I’m finished.” 

“Understood, I’ll see you soon.” Cyno nodded and despite his words his hand squeezed Tighnari’s once more before finally dropping it with a sigh. 

A small smile found its way to Tighnari’s lips as they parted ways for the moment, feeling the absence keenly as the doors to the Amurta wing closed behind him. While it wasn’t unusual to be separated for periods of time, the last time Cyno had been gone even remotely close to the time he was in Fontaine The Akademia was corrupt and he was on the run. 

That hadn’t ended the best and he knew there was some underlying anxiety for the General, a small frown on his face as he traced over the scar that rippled over his chest from the lightning strike. So perhaps he shouldn’t have been too surprised to find that his partner and their child conspired so they could spend more time together. 

As he ruminated in his thoughts he made his way through the familiar halls of his Darshan, missing the mumbles and whispers of the scholars walking around. When he finally looked around he met a wandering scholars eyes and felt bad for the whiplash the young man must have felt from looking down so sharply. He supposed he couldn’t blame them, it being a rare sight to see him inside The Akademia’s walls. 

By the time he found his way to his Masters office he was sure the rumors were circulating and he would have been a little more apprehensive if it weren’t for the door opening and Collei coming into view. 

She had a large bundle in her arms as well as a small stack of papers and a smile on her face. Though her eyes were looking up into the familiar glare of the round glasses his Master wore. 

“You should be all set to start attending lectures in the next few days. Take the time to study your schedule and acquire the appropriate materials.” Naphis nodded curtly to her before his shielded eyes found their way to Tighnari standing in the hallway. “Ah, perfect timing. You’ll be pleased to know young Collei has all of her paperwork in order, though I would expect no less from a student trained by your hand.” 

Finally finding his words, Tighnari nodded and greeted the man. “Ah, thank you Master. I trust The Akademia will take good care of her.” His meaning was clear, eyes boring into the glare of the familiar round spectacles. 

“Of course. We don’t need you to burn the place down now.” Naphis responded with the hint of a smirk on his lips. “There will be someone sent to show her the way to her room, please feel free to wait here. I do have to get back to my own work, so if you would excuse me.” 

“Of course.” Tighnari parroted and found himself smiling softly as well. “We have some things to discuss ourselves.” 

Collei’s violet eyes shimmered with something as she looked to her guardian and she shifted on her feet, that smile faltering just slightly. It made Tighnari’s heart ache and even after the office door closed neither of them said anything for a long moment. 

“Master Tighnari-

“Collei, I-“ 

They both started at the same time, pausing to look at one another. He wasn’t sure when, but she had gotten tall enough to look him in the eye without having to look up. That revelation sent a myriad of complicated feelings through him, causing the fox to take a deep breath. 

“Here, let me hold some of that.” He offered, stepping forward and holding out his hands. 

“Oh, no it’s fine, really!” Collei chirped, her arms tightening on the bundle in them and her voice catching. “I… I’m fine…” 

“Collei, please I… I’m not upset with you.” Tighnari spoke after gulping down the lump that formed in his throat. “I just want to know… why you hid this from me. Did you think I would be upset if you wanted to attend? Did you stay behind because of me? I just… I want to understand.” 

Those beautiful violet eyes finally met his, surprised and then impossibly turning a little wry as a smile formed on her face. “I thought that Cyno would be better at keeping a secret.” 

A soft chuckle left Tighnari and he nodded, “Normally he is. I caught him off guard.” 

Taking a deep breath, Collei nodded a little and walked closer to him. Wordlessly she held out the bundle in her arms and Tighnari took it, letting her grab the small stack of papers. 

“When I got my acceptance letter, Kaveh had been missing for a few weeks and Cyno had left already.” Collei started, looking down at the papers in her hands. “At first I asked for an extension of just a few weeks due to a family emergency. Master Naphis understood and granted me one. Then weeks turned to months and you were working so hard Master Tighnari. Cyno was gone for so long, Mister Alhaitham was hardly around, and you were trying so hard to be strong enough for everyone.” 

At this point her eyes found their way up to his and the determination she had found for herself shone brightly in them. “You always said we're one big family. How could I give my all at The Akademia if my family was hurting? I didn’t want to attend only to fail because I couldn’t give it everything I had, so I waited. And I thought… If I told you that you would push me to go and feel guilty about it. So I kept it from you.” 

Tears started to form in Collei’s eyes as she clutched the papers in front of her, seeming so grown up and so much like the child Tighnari saw when Cyno brought her home. 

“I’m sorry I hid things from you, I just… I didn’t want you to feel like it was your fault because it wasn’t. It was my choice.” Her voice wobbled only slightly, trembling with emotion. 

Tighnari took a deep breath to steady himself, his hands digging into the bundle in his arms before gently setting it down on the floor. “Thank you, for telling me all of that. I’m so proud of you for not only getting into The Akademia but also making your own choices. You are going to be a wonderful scholar, I just know it.” 

Smiling at her with tears just barely visible in his own eyes the fox held his arms open, letting her choose. Touch had always been a struggle for Collei and even though he longed to bring her into his arms and hug her worries away he wanted to respect the boundaries she had set. 

Somehow she managed to continuously surprise him, rushing forwards and pressing the stack of papers in her arms between them as she hugged him tightly with one arm. Tighnari closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her, his tail curling around the two of them lovingly. 

“Be safe, trust your judgement, and most of all have fun.” He murmured into her hair, giving her one last squeeze before backing away. 

The tapping of shoes on the intricate tiles alerted them to another scholar walking their way, the both of them turning to see a bright eyed young woman with dark curls and an excitable smile on her face. There were flowers tucked into her hair and what looked to be handmade bracelets dangling from her wrists, the girl coming up to them and bowing swiftly before greeting them. 

“Hi! I’m Chailai, it's so nice to meet you!” She chirped happily, clapping her hands together in front of her. “I’ve been looking forward to this all day so I’m sorry if I seem too excited!” 

Collei smiled shyly but shifted her hold on her papers and nodded, bowing slightly as well. “I-It’s nice to meet you, I’m Collei.” 

“Ah I know! We’ve all been waiting for you to complete your enrollment! There’s not that many of us girls in Amurta so when one applies we try to make her feel super welcome!” Chailai giggled happily. “I’ll be showing you to the women’s dorms, if you want to follow me.” 

Glancing to Tighnari, Collei shifted a little unsure on her feet. The fox simply sighed and picked up the bundle once more, holding it out. 

“Would you mind helping Collei carry her things, Chailai? I shouldn’t head with you to the women’s dorms, so I entrust Collei to your capable hands.” He hummed with a little smile. 

“Oh of course!” The girl gasped and grabbed the parcel, bouncing on her feet. “I hope you have a pleasant day, Master Tighnari!” 

“You as well.” Tighnari nodded, Chailai starting to walk away. Collei followed a few steps before looking back at him and giving a bright smile, then scampering off to settle herself in. 

This left him in the hall alone, staring after Collei even when she had long left his sight. He didn’t even have time to celebrate with her, plan a party, anything. Though he supposed there was still time to plan something like that, and if he roped Kaveh into the mix then perhaps it would get the stubborn architect to focus on something other than work. 

A small grimace found its way to his face as the thought that he would also have to pry Alhaitham off of him for more than five minutes to do so, and that was when he finally had enough of his overthinking. With a slight shudder and the intention to burn that image from his mind, the fox finally headed to the Matra headquarters. 

It didn’t take him long to reach the familiar doors, nobody bothering to stop him as he walked inside. A few of the on duty Matra members even waved at him with a nervous smile, Tighnari inclining his head to them in recognition. 

Before he had a chance to walk through the second set of doors that would lead him to the General Mahamatra’s office they opened to reveal Cyno stepping out with his lieutenants, the four of them giving Tighnari a nod before walking off to relay their orders. The general himself smiled just slightly as he caught the fox’s eye and made his way over. 

“Has everything been settled then?” Cyno questioned softly, cocking his head to the side. 

“Yes, well… I have a few things that I’d like to do after our… hike. Those can wait, though. For now everything is as it should be.” Tighnari nodded in agreement, reaching forward and taking his partners hand. “We should get going.” 

“You know,” Cyno started as they walked, making direct eye contact with Tighnari. “Hiking can be a pine in the ass, but I still love it.” 

A few unenthusiastic chuckles sounded from the Matra around them however Tighnari simply gave an unimpressed glower before releasing Cyno’s hand and letting his tail smack the general in the face. 

“Hey! Nari wait for me!” Cyno could be heard calling after him, mixed with a few coughs of laughter from the Matra around them.