its the smell of zaytun peaches heavy on his breath; regional ice wine, his favorite (so sweet it could rot his teeth). he's had too much, but it's for a good cause, he would swear -- the promise of a job on the future, some grandiose concept that's caught his eye. that should be the first thing he says when he sees the stern, sober features looking back at him, but it's not; his mouth parts and instead of the joyful news, it's a huff.
"haith." the nickname is raveled in sweetness just as delicate as the wine, curling tongue around a fondness he's never quite learned to disguise, only distract away from. he pokes a finger right into his sternum, stutters in a step that sends his shoulder careening into the other's. luckily, alhaitham is made of solid rock, and it turns into barely more than a wobble. he doesn't even stop in his sentence, so sure he is that he'll catch them if they fall. "don't look at me like that."
he's always frowning around him, and he's the idiot with the heart doing leaps right into his throat at the sight of him. even the alcohol can't properly chase that away.
"i was happy to see you, and then you come in here in a huff-" why had he been happy to see him again? he pauses midsentence, tongue caught in the corner of his mouth, squints, and then settles on: the wine, surely. maybe he'd like it. "you should try the wine!"
as if he's instructing, he brings the glass to his lips. it's remarkably steady, all things considered; mouth glassy and red, parting into a smile tasting of peaches as he curls his fingers into the scholar's collar to drag him down to his level and plant their lips together.
the ideal method of wine-tasting, he could assure him.
Of course he finds the Architect here. Drunk already and only on glass five it appears. (always a light weight wasn't he) It's easy to watch how contagious his happiness is. How he can draw the attention of anyone he wants with a simple smile. But no. He's not here to bathe in Kavehs happiness. He's here for a different reason.
With purposeful steps, he makes his presence known towards the others within the tavern. Enough to get the blondes attention. His own lips almost quirk up to see the displeasure of the other. (or was that to hide the small pang of pain he felt? that his mere presence annoyed the other so easily?)
Arms catch his drunken roommate. Ensuring he stays standing and doesn't end up on the floor in a pathetic pile. Holding him steady as he continues to ramble on. "A huff?-" He starts, frown evident on his own face. "-You misunderstand. I'm simply... Annoyed I had to leave the comfort of MY home this late as you once again have left your keys behind. I'm simply here to return them. I have no desire to here you wailing outside needing to be let in."
A rebutal is ready. The scribe did not come here for drinks. Is not here for the taste of Kavehs sickenly sweet wine. (but oh he's so weak for his silly antics. gives in so easily doesn't he?) Yet he finds soft plump lips upon his own tasting like sweet zaytun peaches. Finds his tongue trailing along said lips to get a better taste. But he has composure. So he pulls away before things escalate. (before kaveh does something he regrets)
"Mhmm. I suppose the wine is okay. But I wouldn't order something this sweet." Is the simple response. "As stated I planned to return your key, but I believe I should get you home instead before you're unable to get there yourself."
He doesn't expect Kaveh to remember the night after the amount he's drunk. Nor does he plan to bring up the kiss either.
It's not as if it meant anything between the two.
gummygunk
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stormborns
