[...yeah Alhaitham had more or less expected that the moment he'd sent that message. Which he immediately regretted, for the record, but focusing on anything at the moment is... exceedingly hard, for a variety of reasons.
Still, what's done is done, so at this point Alhaitham can only resign himself to the consequences of his mistakes.
When Kaveh arrives he'll find that the door to Alhaitham's (unused) apartment isn't even locked, which probably says a lot about whatever Alhaitham has gotten himself into. Stepping in also shows that the entire place is more or less untouched save for Alhaitham's boots being carelessly tossed aside—yet another indication of his status.
But given how small these apartments are, it only takes a few steps to find the man himself, who has curled himself up on the couch, his cape and various other accessories scattered onto the ground close by (save for his earpieces, which have managed to be placed onto the coffee table).]
[It's this carelessness that's most concerning--Alhaitham's not a tidy man, but he's not careless, so this level of disarray is alarming.
Kaveh had brought his infinite coffee mug and the first aid kit, both of which he sets on the counter after closing and locking the front door behind him. He can't see any obvious injuries...oh. He wishes Tighnari was here, he'd be able to figure out what was wrong and tear Alhaitham a new asshole for not seeking medical attention...]
Alhaitham...?
action; pictured: another part in the hundred step process of actually getting together
[There's a sharp inhale from Alhaitham the moment he hears Kaveh's voice, followed by a terse pause, and when he finally speaks his voice is notably hoarse and strained.]
Told you not to come.
[He knows its useless at this point, but he isn't going to just let it slide either. Kaveh has always been terrible at listening to the things that matter.]
[Kaveh snorts, but he's coming over to crouch by the couch. Not injured...is he sick? Naturally, he should check if Alhaitham has a fever...There's no reason touching his forehead should go wrong.]
[Alhaitham flinches the moment he feels Kaveh's hand on his skin, the coolness of his palm sending a shock through his far too heated body. He manages not to make any sort of sound, but it is a very, very close call.]
Nothing— [Pauses for a second to swallow audibly. Archons, his mouth is so dry. His body is so hot. Kaveh needs to get the fuck out of here before this situation deteriorates even further.] —nothing life-threatening. Now leave.
[Of course, now that Kaveh is right next to him he'll be able to see that Alhaitham has curled himself up fairly tightly... and that the arm that he isn't currently lying on is holding onto his knee harshly enough for his knuckles to turn white, as if its taking all of his strength right now to keep himself in place.
His pants also might be oddly loose, as if they'd already been undone, just not taken off.]
[Alhaitham could say yes here, because it is indeed not wrong, but it'd just give Kaveh even more reasons to do his worrying and fretting and fussing—and its not that Alhaitham is against that, it is just. Not really going to help him in this situation.
But he's far too compromised right now to think of any other excuse that might work, so he will have to settle.]
Yes. [Ugh, what else can he say here...] It is... contagious, so you need to— [Another pause, another heavy swallow.] —to leave. Before it gets onto you.
[...there's probably a far better excuse he could've made up but. Compromised. Thinking is not really in his forte right now and he's kind of really hating it.]
[The moment Kaveh grabs his wrist Alhaitham lets out a strangled sort of noise, and the entire couch jerks a little because Alhaitham's whole body has spasmed when he'd trued to fight back the way his hips have decided to jerk in response. His pants, already undone, get rumpled up even more, which reveals—
—a very hard and very prominent problem, purpling at the head and throbbing right between his legs.]
action; not ever. anyway gonna slap a mild nsfw warning on here now
[Well now that Kaveh has seen it the cat's pretty much out of the bag. Alhaitham groans in a mix of various frustrations, deeply regretting the fact that he'd messaged Kaveh at all. All of this could've been avoided if he didn't have such a lapse in judgement.]
Now you see why I wanted you to leave. [He grunts out as he bats Kaveh's hand away and uncurls, stretching back out since there's no real reason to hide his issue any longer.] We can— [Pause, deep breath, continues.] ——we can talk about this later.
What, are you planning to offer your help? [He's trying to keep the bite out of his voice but Archons its hard not to when Kaveh continues to be endlessly stubborn and frustrating.] As you've so kindly pointed out before, you don't exactly have any rent to pay me here.
[And has that not been the only reason as to why their previous arrangement exists? The only time Kaveh is willing to touch him in that manner? Now that they're here that reason no longer holds any water, and so Alhaitham has never brought it up—until now, that is.]
[Kaveh almost flinches. of course he'd bring up the 'rent'. It's a hurt of Kaveh's own making, but that doesn't make it sting any less. How can someone so smart believe in something so flimsy?
Why must he be honest with Alhaitham? With himself?
It won't be today.
Kaveh stares for a while in silence, swallowing down the hurt the same way he does every time they've ever done this, and searches for a way around this man's stupid pride.]
[A confused expression comes over Alhaitham's face at first upon hearing those words, but it clicks soon enough, and that same confusion changes into a vague semblance of incredulousness.]
Why would I have to pay rent when I could just— [Alhaitham cuts himself off with a groan this time, and he shifts the lower half of his body in a futile bid to get some form of relief. The issue between his legs is getting harder and harder to ignore with every passing second (pun fully intended).] —hah, move out and live here instead?
[Even as he says that though Alhaitham knows that its an empty threat at best. He can't bring himself to leave Kaveh alone again. He wants every possible reason he can have to remain in Kaveh's life here now that there is none of the usual things that they have both always known.]
[For once, Kaveh doesn't have a problem calling Alhaitham out on this, and he reaches out again, pressing his palm over Alhaitham's chest. He's starting to see how he reacts to touch but his chest, at least, is less forward than his...other option.]
Either swallow your pride and let me help, or pay me your rent, Alhaitham.
action; the real proof that love makes people stupid
[For what it's worth Alhaitham barely reacts to being called out like that. What he does react to, however, is the feel of Kaveh's hand right on his chest, and try as he might there is no way to stop the way his breath hitches at that blessedly cool touch to his now burning skin.
How long has it been since the last time they did this? His brain is too muddled to remember at this point. All he knows is that it's been long enough. Long enough for him to want, and the potion that burns through his veins has long shredded through any last bit of resistance he has to denying himself any further.
There is no warning then, to the way Alhaitham shoots his hand over to grab Kaveh by the front of his shirt, gripping tightly enough for his hand to tremble as he drags Kaveh down for a kiss that he deepens the very first chance he gets, devouring Kaveh's mouth with a hunger that makes no attempt to hide how much he wants this.]
[Kaveh is startled, of course, he just got yanked in for a kiss, of course he's startled. And he can't remember the last time he's seen Alhaitham this desperate. Once more, he wonders what exactly this man did to get himself in such a state, before he lets his mind fall blissfully quiet, only taking his hand off Alhaitham's chest to cradle his face in his hands.
Two and a half months, and all the weeks preceeding that. But for right now, he can pretend that this won't just be for today, that this is real and not something snatched in the moments they can come up with an appropriate lie.
Just for right now, he can let himself have Alhaitham. Which means kissing him until his lungs are screaming for air!]
Are you going to make it off the couch?
[He doesn't really care if they don't. But he's the one with a single working braincell, so he has to ask.]
[The press of Kaveh's lips against his feels as miraculous as having the first drink of water after days of having gone without. Alhaitham can't help but drink in each and every kiss that passes between them there after, and when Kaveh pulls away Alhaitham can't help himself from trying to chase after, shuddering at the sensation of Kaveh's hands that have come to cradle his face, his touch blessedly cool even as it heightens the searing heat that has overcome him.]
Not now. [He manages to say, staring at Kaveh with eyes that are already completely blown out.] Just want—you.
[The hand that'd been grabbing Kaveh's shirt lets go in order to start touching now, slipping underneath one side of the deep cut of his shirt to run his hand over the expanse of skin there, relishing the mere sensation of touch. It's been so long... he can't help but want more. More and more until he'd had his fill, but even then it'd never be enough.
[It's so unfair. How can he say things like that only now, when he's clearly out of his mind? Kaveh shudders at the touch, sensitive not from whatever Alhaitham's done to himself but simply from time. It's been so long, and he's always been sensitive to touch, he can't help it.]
Let me on the couch, then. The table won't hold us.
[It's not said out of concern for the table, to be clear. But having the table break out from under you is NOT a sexy experience.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text; oh my ////
Where are you?
text; huehuehue
apartment.
[Then, a second one right after.]
dont come over
text; pictured: kaveh's excellent decision making
[which is his way of telling alhaitham he went out the door to go find his apartment the second he got the message. Oh archons.]
action; pictured: both of them making Great Choices tbh
Still, what's done is done, so at this point Alhaitham can only resign himself to the consequences of his mistakes.
When Kaveh arrives he'll find that the door to Alhaitham's (unused) apartment isn't even locked, which probably says a lot about whatever Alhaitham has gotten himself into. Stepping in also shows that the entire place is more or less untouched save for Alhaitham's boots being carelessly tossed aside—yet another indication of his status.
But given how small these apartments are, it only takes a few steps to find the man himself, who has curled himself up on the couch, his cape and various other accessories scattered onto the ground close by (save for his earpieces, which have managed to be placed onto the coffee table).]
action; pictured: they're doing fantastic
Kaveh had brought his infinite coffee mug and the first aid kit, both of which he sets on the counter after closing and locking the front door behind him. He can't see any obvious injuries...oh. He wishes Tighnari was here, he'd be able to figure out what was wrong and tear Alhaitham a new asshole for not seeking medical attention...]
Alhaitham...?
action; pictured: another part in the hundred step process of actually getting together
Told you not to come.
[He knows its useless at this point, but he isn't going to just let it slide either. Kaveh has always been terrible at listening to the things that matter.]
action; they'll make it one day....
[Kaveh snorts, but he's coming over to crouch by the couch. Not injured...is he sick? Naturally, he should check if Alhaitham has a fever...There's no reason touching his forehead should go wrong.]
What even happened to you?
action; one day............
Nothing— [Pauses for a second to swallow audibly. Archons, his mouth is so dry. His body is so hot. Kaveh needs to get the fuck out of here before this situation deteriorates even further.] —nothing life-threatening. Now leave.
[Of course, now that Kaveh is right next to him he'll be able to see that Alhaitham has curled himself up fairly tightly... and that the arm that he isn't currently lying on is holding onto his knee harshly enough for his knuckles to turn white, as if its taking all of his strength right now to keep himself in place.
His pants also might be oddly loose, as if they'd already been undone, just not taken off.]
action; perhaps sooner than they know....
[He frowns in concern. Alhaitham never flinches. He scans over him, lips pursed, trying to make this make sense...]
Did you get poisoned somehow?
[...well, technically speaking, yes...]
action; rubs hands in glee
But he's far too compromised right now to think of any other excuse that might work, so he will have to settle.]
Yes. [Ugh, what else can he say here...] It is... contagious, so you need to— [Another pause, another heavy swallow.] —to leave. Before it gets onto you.
[...there's probably a far better excuse he could've made up but. Compromised. Thinking is not really in his forte right now and he's kind of really hating it.]
action; Oh here we go
[Kaveh's leaned forward a little, trying to get Alhaitham's wrist to check his pulse. Which means his hand is right there by Alhaitham's knee.]
action; alhaitham's never gonna live this down
—a very hard and very prominent problem, purpling at the head and throbbing right between his legs.]
action; not ever. anyway gonna slap a mild nsfw warning on here now
[Kaveh has frozen in place, initially concerned he'd caused Alhaitham some pain but, well.
Well
That's not a response to poison, Alhaitham.]
What--what?
action; turn away little children the men are kissing (later)
Now you see why I wanted you to leave. [He grunts out as he bats Kaveh's hand away and uncurls, stretching back out since there's no real reason to hide his issue any longer.] We can— [Pause, deep breath, continues.] ——we can talk about this later.
action; they might even hold hands
[Kaveh puffs up a little, and then pinches the bridge of his nose.] No. No. You're going to explain to me how the fuck this happened, that--
[He gestures at the turgid problem at hand.] --Is not normal. What did you do?
action; holding hands... how scandalous....
I said, later. Now will you please leave.
[Is it too much to ask for some peace and privacy so he can just deal with this and they'll never have to speak about it again.]
action; they're so brazen
[Sometimes Kaveh says things that don't quite catch up to him until it's far too late.]
action; utterly shameless
What, are you planning to offer your help? [He's trying to keep the bite out of his voice but Archons its hard not to when Kaveh continues to be endlessly stubborn and frustrating.] As you've so kindly pointed out before, you don't exactly have any rent to pay me here.
[And has that not been the only reason as to why their previous arrangement exists? The only time Kaveh is willing to touch him in that manner? Now that they're here that reason no longer holds any water, and so Alhaitham has never brought it up—until now, that is.]
action; so stupid...
Why must he be honest with Alhaitham? With himself?
It won't be today.
Kaveh stares for a while in silence, swallowing down the hurt the same way he does every time they've ever done this, and searches for a way around this man's stupid pride.]
I don't, but you do, don't you?
action; the dumbest of the dumb
Why would I have to pay rent when I could just— [Alhaitham cuts himself off with a groan this time, and he shifts the lower half of his body in a futile bid to get some form of relief. The issue between his legs is getting harder and harder to ignore with every passing second (pun fully intended).] —hah, move out and live here instead?
[Even as he says that though Alhaitham knows that its an empty threat at best. He can't bring himself to leave Kaveh alone again. He wants every possible reason he can have to remain in Kaveh's life here now that there is none of the usual things that they have both always known.]
action; so smart yet so stupid
[For once, Kaveh doesn't have a problem calling Alhaitham out on this, and he reaches out again, pressing his palm over Alhaitham's chest. He's starting to see how he reacts to touch but his chest, at least, is less forward than his...other option.]
Either swallow your pride and let me help, or pay me your rent, Alhaitham.
action; the real proof that love makes people stupid
How long has it been since the last time they did this? His brain is too muddled to remember at this point. All he knows is that it's been long enough. Long enough for him to want, and the potion that burns through his veins has long shredded through any last bit of resistance he has to denying himself any further.
There is no warning then, to the way Alhaitham shoots his hand over to grab Kaveh by the front of his shirt, gripping tightly enough for his hand to tremble as he drags Kaveh down for a kiss that he deepens the very first chance he gets, devouring Kaveh's mouth with a hunger that makes no attempt to hide how much he wants this.]
action; they're doing their best
Two and a half months, and all the weeks preceeding that. But for right now, he can pretend that this won't just be for today, that this is real and not something snatched in the moments they can come up with an appropriate lie.
Just for right now, he can let himself have Alhaitham. Which means kissing him until his lungs are screaming for air!]
Are you going to make it off the couch?
[He doesn't really care if they don't. But he's the one with a single working braincell, so he has to ask.]
action; they really are bless them
Not now. [He manages to say, staring at Kaveh with eyes that are already completely blown out.] Just want—you.
[The hand that'd been grabbing Kaveh's shirt lets go in order to start touching now, slipping underneath one side of the deep cut of his shirt to run his hand over the expanse of skin there, relishing the mere sensation of touch. It's been so long... he can't help but want more. More and more until he'd had his fill, but even then it'd never be enough.
He can never have enough of Kaveh.]
action;
[It's so unfair. How can he say things like that only now, when he's clearly out of his mind? Kaveh shudders at the touch, sensitive not from whatever Alhaitham's done to himself but simply from time. It's been so long, and he's always been sensitive to touch, he can't help it.]
Let me on the couch, then. The table won't hold us.
[It's not said out of concern for the table, to be clear. But having the table break out from under you is NOT a sexy experience.]
action;
action; hurtles into that fade to black.
action; the real speedrun there tbh
action; awesome ftb done quick
action; ftb any% glitchless (or with glitch in this case...)
action; there's certainly a few glitches in their plans...
action; only makes it better
action; they don't know what's gonna happen...
action; they will know... eventually...
action; it will be nice for them when they do...
action; yes... they will get there...
action; this one hurt me to write
action; plays the ukelele and sings 🎶 MISCOMMUNICATION 🎵
action; they're so...fucking stupid
action; the brightest minds of sumeru ladies and gentlemen
action;
action;
action;
action;
action;
action;
action;
action;
action;
action;
action;
action;
action;
action;
action; 🎀