#kavetham fluff

Chapter Two: "He is the reason companies write instructions on shampoo bottles"

Link to previous chapter: here

To read on ao3 click: here

Warnings: none! Word count: 2265 Notes: as promised, NEW CHAPTER YAAAAAAAY this is about all I have written so far lmk if you'd want to see a continuation of this fic!! ANYWAYS enjoy the read, lovelies <3

*thud*

Two cups of freshly brewed coffee found their regular spot on the living room table. Kaveh plopped down onto the divan soon after, a loud sigh escaping his lips. In response, Alhaitham bookmarked this evening's “light reading” of about 700 pages, and turned his attention to the one by his side.

Ever since Kaveh became an Akademiya professor, his time at home had been cut short. In retaliation, the two roommates established a comfortable routine of midnight coffee and conversation. A shared love for the drink made it all the better. Quickly, said routine became one of the most pleasant parts of the day for the two companions.

“I don’t even want to guess how things would have played out if you hadn’t joined the lecture hall”

Kaveh took a sip of his coffee. Its strong aroma washed away all concern the day had brought.

“Mr. Faris is the type who learns things exclusively the hard way. Quite the unyielding individual" - Alhaitham added onto the conversation, replicating his companion’s sigh. He never would have guessed that such a situation could rile him up. And yet, here he was, repercussions of today's event clear as day. - “Do you think he will grant you peace following today’s encounter?”

“…I don’t know.”

“Is he too tenacious for that?”

“...I think so. I expect him to pry into your personal life now too, just to know whether I lied or not. Sorry I got you involved in this…” - Kaveh put his cup down on the table. Throwing his back against the divan, he covered his face with his hands, slowly dragging them down into a praying formation. - “I don’t know how much patience I have left, this has been going on for over a month. No matter what I tell him, his comprehension is that of a preschooler. I’m starting to think he is the sole reason companies write instructions on shampoo bottles.”

Alhaitham let out an involuntary cackle, almost choking on his coffee.

“I’m serious! I told you, I wouldn't be surprised if the pattern repeats tomorrow, and he attempts to initiate a coffee date. Again! Ugh. The thought of it makes me want to quit, just so I don’t run into him anymore!” - the frustration was too much to handle for our overworked professor.

The situation's seriousness made Alhaitham place his cup of coffee down.

“Slow down now, no one is quitting their job. Especially not you. Not over Jabir, at least”

“Great, so I do not even have that option! What else do you suggest then? Because I cannot handle one more day of this idiocy”

Alhaitham went quiet. After all, contemplation requires focus.

“Have you considered bringing this case to the authorities? Mr. Faris is clearly breaking staff policies, let alone the Akademiya code of conduct”

“Of course I have! Who do you take me for?”  - the blonde retorted with a frown - “That is the first and most obvious course of action!” - Does his roommate truly think so low of him? - “On one hand, a young professor who has been teaching for a few months at most, on the other, a staff member, holding years of teaching experience at the Akademiya, familiar with everyone. Pha, take a guess whose side the staff would take.”

“You underestimate your popularity amongst Akademiya staff, Kaveh. Besides, no matter the accused one's identity, breaking Akademiya code of conduct is serious enough. People would at least look into the matter”

“Oh, sure, let me run off and do exactly that. I’m certain he won’t make up some fake alibi, and claim I’m trying to ruin his reputation for the sake of taking over his higher paying position. Come on, both you and I know how Akademiya politics work. This strategy would guarantee losing the trust of Akademiya staff at best, and losing my job at worst” - the architect finalized with a frustrated huff. Settling down on the shared divan, he seemed to have accepted his cruel fate - “I’m truly done for”

A few moments of Alhaitham’s contemplation resulted in a thought.

“Not unless Jabir backs off himself”

Kaveh couldn’t help but scoff.

“As you see, the Archons simply do not wish to grant me such an honor”

“Well don’t you think it’s time to take things into your own hands then?”

“...and how would you suggest I do that, o wise Scribe?”

“Well, first and foremost, the oldest trick in the book would be requesting a favor from Dehya. Mr. Faris receiving a personal visit from her would resolve any problems you may be having. Considering your situation, I’m also certain she would gladly lend a helping hand. But I know you are not one to enjoy solving things in such a way”

“Ugh, it’s not just that, I also do not want to bother Dehya. She has more important matters to deal with than an Akademiya professor asking me out for coffee”

“You very well know it has far crossed that line”

“Fine, your point has been made. Still, I’m not using that approach, and you know it”

Silence fell upon the room of scheming minds. This is certainly no unsolvable equation. Surely there has to be an answer. One which excluded any confrontation with authority…Akademiya politics…and asking for favors…unless…the one who the favor would be asked of…

“Kaveh”

“...yes, Alhaitham” - the sulking architect echoed.

“You have already found the solution”

A confused expression formed on Kaveh’s face.

“You solved your own problem this evening. The formula was derived by you. Like scholars who solve multiple equations using the same formula, all we have to do is keep utilizing it”

“Stop phrasing everything as if you’re the one giving Akademiya lectures daily! And, excuse me? We? You and I? Plural? Today’s chaos has not been enough for you, I see. Whatever the solution is, I’d strongly prefer to avoid dragging you in once again.”

“As you wish, then. Best of luck figuri-”

“Wait, okay, okay, fine, goodness” - Kaveh sighed, desperacy evident in his tone - “Go on. What is this brilliant solution you speak of?”

“Never thought I’d get to see you admiring your own ideas”

“Would you stop with that?! You know exactly what I meant!”

“You know exactly what I meant as well”

After a moment of contemplation, Kaveh spoke:

“...having you barge into the lecture hall every time Jabir shows up? That’s hardly an effective strategy”

“Let me phrase it in an understandable way. If we would be playing a game of ‘hot or cold’ I’d say your guess is extraordinary warm”

“How is that supposed to be more understandable? It is not remotely indicative of the answer!”

“I guess I should contact Dr. Zakariya and sign you up for a checkup, if you cannot remember ideas you came up with just this evening”

“Quit making fun of me and just-”

Kaveh paused, realization dawning. Alhaitham wasn’t even making fun of him. He was right.

“The only way to make Jabir back off himself would be to…”

”Convince him I am actively seeing someone, just like I did today…”

“Precisely”

A moment passed. Then two. Kaveh turned the idea around and around in his mind. His chest tightened.

“...so…you are suggesting I find someone…to…pose…as my partner?”

“You already did”

“It was pure coincidence”

“And yet, it worked, didn’t it?”

“Just for the evening”

“So who’s to say it wouldn’t work again?”

As much as Kaveh hated admitting it, his roommate was correct. The idea did make sense. Perhaps it would not keep Jabir from interacting with him completely…and yet, whatever courting plans the arrogant man may have had would require cancellation, or, at the very least, postponement. However, implementing the idea would mean pretending to date Alhaitham…a wave of emotion washed over Kaveh, drowning any attempts at rational thinking. 

“Well I- Ugh, it was by pure chance! Not my fault you just randomly showed up at the lecture hall”

The sentence earned him a raised eyebrow and a faint grin from Alhaitham. His companion’s attempts to justify the decision about to be made were weirdly amusing.

“I never claimed it to be your fault to start with”

Kaveh groaned in agony, and the scene was comically familiar. It reminded Alhaitham of their younger Akademiya years, workload and deadlines testing the limits of their capabilities. A lot of things have changed since then. And yet the look of anguish on his seniors' face remained the same.

“Wow, senior. What a reaction. Fake-dating your roommate for the sake of repelling a vigorous suitor who may ruin your career. The mere prospect of it brought you to agony. Your roommate must be quite unbearable" - Alhaitham chuckled.

“You know perfectly well that’s not what I meant, not even slightly! And you’re enjoying yourself too much, especially for a situation that puts my career on the line, Alhaitham!”

Alhaitham simply stared back, the formerly faint grin turning evident. Kaveh concluded his dearest friend simply found enjoyment in his suffering. Seemingly even more if he was actively participating in it.

“Wipe that grin off your face, would you?!” - this day was not planning to go easy on Kaveh, not even during his favorite part of it. But what other choice did he have? Alhaitham’s conclusion was painfully correct, both understood that much - “As much as I dislike admitting it…” - Kaveh sighed - “you’re right. The easiest solution is to play along with what Jabir witnessed today, and make him truly believe it”

“Took you long enough to comprehend”

“Well excuse me for not being a whizz past midnight, after a day of chaos, and patience being tested, first by Jabir, and now you too”

Seeing his roommates' state tugged at Alhaitham’s heartstrings: dark circles under his eyes; gaze cemented to the floor; empty coffee mug in hand;

The Scribe stood up. Reaching towards his companion's hand he gently took the mug from it. The brisk interaction made their fingers lightly graze each other. It was enough contact to grab Kaveh’s attention, gaze shifting from the floor to the one in front of him.

Alhaitham swiftly grabbed his own cup from the table and headed towards the kitchen, supposedly leaving his roommate alone to contemplate. Kaveh remained glued to the divan, observing. He kept Alhaitham in his line of sight, letting him disappear in the kitchen doorway.

* * *

“Clank”

Two coffee mugs were placed in the metal sink. Alhaitham gloved his hands, giving a start to the kitchen routine. He scrubbed, rinsed, and gradually the pile of dishes previously clouding the kitchen dissolved.

“More than half the work has coincidentally been completed for us. A shared living space forges a believable foundation for shared routines, presumed proximity, and voluntary regular presence. Unless Jabir is not only vigorous but also unobservant, a few visible adjustments should suffice.”

Pouring a glass of water for the sake of rehydration, Alhaitham made his way to the living room, eager to share the analysis with his roommate. Before having the chance to utter a word, the Scribe came across a sight which made him pause in his tracks. Kaveh had fallen asleep in the living room.

His hand curved around the divan armrest, head placed against it. Strands of hair loosely fell on his face, curtaining his line of sight. His chest slowly rose and fell, even breaths meditatively keeping him asleep. A twisted spine, and a leg dangling off the divan’s edge sealed the deal. Alhaitham pictured his roommate showing up to breakfast full of complaints and grumbles. “Ugh, my back is killing me…”. He could vividly reconstruct Kaveh's voice in his mind. The only reason for that being how common it is for the architect to doze off before reaching his own quarters.

Alhaitham allowed himself just a minute to spare. Attempting to make as little sound as possible, he gently placed the cup of water on the table, and made a few steps towards the divan. Kaveh’s hair was an absolute mess, braid half undone, loose strands tickling his face. It seemed quite uncomfortable, at least in Alhaitham’s eyes. He took the liberty of fixing the mess, tucking the loose strands behind his roommates’ ear. Now, that’s much better. His fingers gently grazed the architect's cheeks, tracing the blush. “Just by coincidence” - he told himself - “The loose strands couldn’t remove themselves”. But the touch lingered. Kaveh’s skin felt warm and smooth against his own hand. 

Content with the intervention, Alhaitham debated further actions. A Kaveh with back pain is a mental pain for all. Making his way to the architect’s room, he took a blanket, as well as two pillows. The blonde constantly claims: “Sleeping with just one is impossible!”.

Alhaitham carefully slid a hand underneath, cupping Kaveh’s shoulders. Slightly lifting them, he made some space between his sleeping roommate and the divan. Two pillows went in that space, followed by a gentle return of said roommate. A blanket now also covered the divan’s surface.

The Scribe stood up, leading a final visual survey of his work. Safe to conclude, everyone's mood for the upcoming day had been saved. His roommate seemed comfortable enough to greet the morning with no back pain. Kaveh stirred in his sleep, settling in the newfound warmth and comfort. Something about the action reminded Alhaitham of a desert fox nestled in a burrow. “Hm. How amusing” - he thought to himself.

A final glance was thrown, lasting longer than intended.

“Goodnight, Kaveh”

"Who's gonna kiss the blonde haired boy? Who's gonna wipe away his tears?"

Summary:

Fuck. I can’t keep doing this, Kaveh thought. All he could think of was going back to his dorm to crawl under the covers of his bed and eat some of his snacks. To his surprise, a certain gray haired junior also plagued him at the moment. It wasn’t like that anymore, he had to remind himself. or Kaveh is exhausted from architecture and his ex-friend turned roommate is there to pick up the pieces.

Warnings: None || Rating: T || Pairing: Al-Haitham/Kaveh

Tags:

Alternate Universe - College/University, Domestic Fluff, Fluff and Angst, there was not supposed to be that much relationship angst…, Alternate Universe - Roommates/Housemates, Developing Relationship, Making Up, Oneshot, title is misleading, they don't kiss, yet - Freeform

link to ao3: here

Water ran down his body cleaning off the grime of the day’s activities. Al-Haitham felt a wash of refreshment through himself—his mind as well clear of the heaviness weighing it down the past week. He could always find a moment of reprise in the shower. Al-Haitham sighed, running his hand through his hair one last time to rinse out any leftover conditioner. As he turned the faucet’s knob to cut the water, he heard the slamming of the door—Kaveh was back. 

Al-Haitham had actually been taking a midnight shower meaning Kaveh came back surprisingly early for midterm season. He hoped his roommate had just decided to prioritize his health for once. Quickly, Al-Haitham washed out all the product from his hair and rushed to dry himself.

Perched on his bed, Kaveh watched as Al-Haitham came out of their shared bathroom holding up a towel to his damp hair.

“You’re back early,” Kaveh heard the other comment, a blank expression on his face.

That condescending tone, the blonde thought, he thinks he’s so much better when he’s done studying for his midterms days in advance and I’m over here slaving away in the studio. That much hasn’t changed since high school.

“Shut up,” Kaveh grumbled to his younger roommate as he flopped back onto his bed and ran a frustrated hand down his face. 

Today, or yesterday if he wasn’t going by his unsalvageable sleep schedule, was one of the most frustrating in Kaveh’s academic career. His floor plans for the midreview were practically done, and yet his irritating professor scribbled all over them during the desk crits telling him to change practically everything. It made him want to rip all his hair out before he could even start balding from college. Kaveh didn’t want to listen to this incompetent man who couldn’t even draw and told his class to use AI, but he needed to keep up his GPA for the scholarships funding his tuition. Architecture was not for the weak.

Kaveh heard Al-Haitham’s footsteps approach him, and he hurriedly turned his face to the mattress trying to hide tears of frustration.

When class ended at 6, Professor Phony had clapped Kaveh on the shoulder, told him, “You know what you’re doing” and promptly left.

He wanted to strangle that man. 

But, of course, like the good student he needed to be, Kaveh still stayed behind to revamp his drawings in hopes of catching up to where he had previously been. Hours passed by unknowingly, and by the time Kaveh had finished revising, it was already midnight. He slumped onto the wooden desk.

Fuck. I can’t keep doing this, Kaveh thought. He was back at square one, or where he was before studio started, but he needed to keep going. He needed to—augh. His hunger and exhaustion from weeks of all-nighters finally hit him. 

All Kaveh could think of was going back to his dorm to crawl under the covers of his bed and eat some of his snacks. To his surprise, a certain gray haired junior also plagued him at the moment. I’m probably just really tired. I haven’t wanted to spend time with that idiot since high school.

Begrudgingly, Kaveh packed up his supplies and slipped his drawings into his portfolio. He might as well just go back to the dorms if he couldn’t focus.

The walk back alone went by quickly, though Kaveh always felt uneasy in the dark. Man, he’d have to sneak into his dorm again if Al-Haitham already went to bed. That early sleeper, Kaveh found himself thinking fondly, he always fell asleep first when we’d call in high school. 

It wasn’t like that anymore, he had to remind himself.

Al-Haitham’s presence was at the foot of his bed.

“Are you okay?” the man asked, his voice bland. He was blunt as always.

Kaveh swiveled his head towards his irritating junior, not caring that his red rimmed eyes were in full display.

“Do I look okay to you?” he bit back. He’d evidently been crying, his hair was a mess with a claw clip barely hanging on for dear life, and he was still wearing the clothes he went out in yesterday morning.

That seemed to get Al-Haitham to back off, and Kaveh watched as he walked away. No, he was going to the mini fridge to get something?

“I got you some take out from the cafe before they closed,” the younger fidgeted awkwardly, one arm offering Kaveh a white container, “In case you didn’t eat again.”

They stared at each other, neither knowing what move to make. Al-Haitham hadn’t bought him anything since their fight.

Kaveh’s grumbling stomach shattered the suffocating silence, and he relented, grabbing the take out from Al-Haitham’s outstretched hand.

He sat at his desk gingerly munching on yesterday’s dinner, and their shared room returned to the fragile sense of stillness that had been there since moving in. Kaveh and Al-Haitham had spent the first half of the semester walking on eggshells around each other as they had no contact until being randomly assigned as roommates. 

When he finished his meal, Kaveh went into autopilot, throwing the container away and getting ready for bed. He shed yesterday’s clothes and traded them for a soft pajama set. His face felt more refreshed from the skincare routine he swore would get rid of his eyebags. Kaveh was finally content under the covers of his bed.

Al-Haitham had already gotten ready for bed while he ate. When Kaveh peered over to the other side of that room, Al-Haitham unsurprisingly had his head in a book, a reading lamp pointed at his bed.

Kaveh’s exhaustion ran deep, and he felt his eyes shutting by the second. As he reached to turn off his own lamp, he made a split second decision and called out, “Hey Haitham? Thank you.” Stupid, he hadn't called him by that nickname in years.

Kaveh heard a grunt in response. All that and he can't even say you’re welcome, but the thought had less bite to it than usual. They both knew Kaveh wasn’t talking about the food. 

On the other side of the dorm, Al-Haitham had a soft smile on his face.

Notes:

kaveh frowns seeing the surplus food in the fridge.

Akademiya Days - Kaveh and Alhaitham

I’ve meaning to draw more of the Sumeru Akademiya alumni characters in their student days for a good minute but kept forgetting lol. Here’s Alhaitham and Kaveh meeting in the house of Daena :)

Kaveh sat at his desk going over notes for his new project. He somehow managed to get Al Haitham to fund it and now he was going over all his notes and Blueprints he has made with the client. He had a candle lit on his nightstand filling the room with the smell of cinnamon and vanilla. A scent that clung to Kaveh even days later along with the smell of ink.

These were the smells Al Haitham was used to coming home to. Either that or Kaveh drinking his wine on the couch with a smug grin. Quietly walking over to his loves room Al Haitham watched Kaveh make a new Blueprint. He observed the ink stains on Kavehs hair and face where a particular strand seemed to be bothering him as he brushed it away again. The stains on Kaveh's sleeves as the fabric dragged over the paper.

Walking to the Kitchen Al Haitham poured a glass of water for Kaveh and cut a plate of fruits as a snack. From the looks of it, Kaveh has been there since earlier this morning when Al Haithem agreed to fund Kavehs project. Bringing it to the architect's room with a gentle knock.

" Hello Love, I'm home." He said softly to the blonde man. " Welcome home" Kaveh returned with a tired smile. Setting the drink and fruits in an empty space on Kavehs desk Al Haitham looked at the new Blueprints on the wall and the unfinished one on the desk. Brushing the hair from Kavehs face Al Haitham pressed a soft kiss onto Kaveh's forehead and clipped back Kavehs bangs.

" ill start dinner," he said leaving Kaveh to his work with a fond smile. Al Haitham loved returning home to Kaveh when he was busy working on a new Print and babbling away his Ideas for him to hear almost as much as he liked to tease his lover enjoying the sight of Kavehs flushed cheeks and chest.

~~~