this is a private, low activity multimuse sideblog for characters from genshin impact written by dove ( he/she ). current featured muse is diluc. this blog primarily features canon muses from the game but may include ocs as well. will have spoilers! est. nov 28, 2020.

It’s no secret that Kaveh is prone to getting absorbed in his work. Anyone who’s spent a significant amount of time with the man could tell you that. His principles forbid him from doing anything half heartedly, becoming entirely engrossed in any project he's been tasked. The rest of the world seems to melt away in those moments, the only things within the room being himself and the select few objects and equations that make up his muse at the time.

Naturally, when one is so deeply fixated on a single subject, more minor things such as their surroundings and physical presentation slip out of focus. He is well aware that this is a habit of his. Therefore, when Kaveh is in his studio or out working on site, the architect portions off some of his acute focus in exchange for some general self awareness. Ideally, he would be able to devote all his attention to what he's working on. But neglecting the attention of his colleagues and clients would make him a discreditable architect, just as much as it would if he started cutting corners on materials, or settling for a generic design out of laziness.

However, in instances like today when he is alone in the comfort of his home, Kaveh discards this outside awareness in order to increase productivity. Here, if he starts to neglect subjects outside of his project, he's not effecting or harming anyone but himself. His reputation as a brilliant, reliable, and accomplished artist can remain untouched. The future of Kshahrewar, and the arts as a whole can rest safely knowing that its star has not yet dwindled.

Kaveh doesn't know when Al-Haitham entered the living room. He's been vaguely aware of the scribe's presence for the last few hours but he saw no need to waste his energy on acknowledging him. It would seem that the feeling is mutual, as his roommate had also failed to greet him upon entering the room.

Kaveh imagines Al-Haitham prefers it this way. His junior has always preferred the peaceful quiet, and is not eager to disrupt it for anything. He imagines Al-Haitham also prefers it when Kaveh specifically is quiet, as the scribe does not hesitate to comment or complain when Kaveh is disturbing the peace.

The thought makes Kaveh's brows twitch in annoyance, momentarily considering getting out his tools and making as much noise as possible in retaliation. But ultimately he discards this idea. Al-Haitham isn't worth the trouble, and besides -- It's not often these days that they can share a peaceful moment in the same space. With Kaveh pouring over his blueprints, and Al-Haitham reading his book at his side, content to share the comfortable silence together... It almost feels like the old days. It almost feels like nothing has changed, even though everything has.

But those days are over, and anything that resembles them is short lived. Someone has to break the silence first. Someone has to pull away the curtain and ruin whatever amicability is shared between them. Many days it's Kaveh's doing, the architect so mistrusting of any goodwill Al-Haitham may spare him that he seeks to reveal whatever hidden motive the other may have.

However, today Al-Haitham breaks the silence first.

Kaveh instinctively tenses at the sound of his own name, bracing for whatever snide remark his roommate has prepared for him or his work. Surely, that's what this is about, isn't it? He can't imagine what else would be deemed important enough to pull Al-Haitham from his precious book, especially not when he's outright ignored Kaveh when he was trying to talk to him last night in order to read it. Despite his better judgement, Kaveh turns to face the other, a sharp comment of his own resting on the tip of his tongue like a weapon.

Kaveh is prepared to defend himself from whatever criticism Al-Haitham has in store for him. But he's not prepared for what actually happens.

A look of alarm quickly replaces the frown on his face when he realizes how close his roommate is to him. Had he always been this close? Had Kaveh been so engrossed in his work that he'd missed Al-Haitham getting closer? More importantly, what does Al-Haitham think he's playing at getting so close to him? Can't he see Kaveh is in the middle of something? Does he think it's funny messing with him when he's got a looming deadline?

Kaveh stiffens as Al-Haitham reaches towards him, confusion now seeping into his startled expression. The scribe's hands find their way into Kaveh's honey blonde hair, freeing the strands that had gotten mussed with a tender ease. Kaveh is stunned into silence, unable to do anything but stare back at his roommate in utter incredulousness. Al-Haitham does not meet his gaze, keeping his eyes on his senior's hair.

Kaveh notes how focused Al-Haitham looks in this moment, his eyes steady and resolute. The sight brings forth an uncomfortable twinge to the pit of Kaveh's stomach, a sensation he's long come to associate with his former best friend but has never had a name for it. In his newfound disquiet, Kaveh feels suddenly compelled to take Al-Haitham's chin in his hand and make him look at him properly. All these years have passed and he still can't be bothered to show his senior proper respect, even when he's going as far as to mess with his hair.

But before Kaveh can deflect or give in to his impulses, Al-Haitham withdraws. The moment of intimacy, as confusing and unwarranted as it may be is over. Al-Haitham has returned to his book like nothing had even happened, like Kaveh wasn't there at all. Kaveh feels another twinge in his gut, a rush of indignant warmth rising to his chest and face. What in Celestia's name was that about? What kind of person just runs their hand through someone's hair without permission and then goes back to pretending they don't exist?

The architect scowls, standing from his seat and throwing his hands on his hips as he levels his irritated gaze on his roommate. “ Was that all? Is that seriously what you thought was worth interrupting my work? Honestly, Haitham does messing with me bring you so much enjoyment that you have to disturb me first thing in the morning? You know someday I should come into your office and disrupt you like that! See how you like it! ”

As if to make good on this threat, Kaveh gives into his own impulses and buries a hand in Al-Haitham's hair. The gesture is much rougher than when Al-Haitham had done it. Kaveh's hands are coarse and calloused from years of manual labor compared to the soft hands of a comfortable scribe. Not to mention the clear annoyance in the architect's movements as he briskly combs Al-Haitham's gray hair upward and out of his eyes.

Ordinarily such an obvious attempt at starting a fight would be met with disgruntlement and disdain from Al-Haitham. But yet again the scribe surprises him. At last he meets Kaveh's gaze, an uncharacteristic wide eyed look in his piercing eyes. The sight makes Kaveh stop dead in his tracks, feeling his stomach drop as he realizes what he's doing. He pulls his hand away with a speed that would suggest that Al-Haitham's scalp had burned him.

Even after Kaveh has withdrawn, Al-Haitham still stares up at him in silence. His gaze only makes Kaveh feel more agitated, the twinge in his stomach now so great that he feels may vomit at any moment. He'd made all that fuss, thinking he'd prefer it if Al-Haitham looked at him. But now Kaveh understands that this is much worse.

He's never been uncomfortable being the subject of others' gazes before. But no one looks at him like Al-Haitham does. No one seems to really see him like he does. That truth frightens him, frightens him so much that he had pushed his friend away because he hadn't wanted to be seen. He still doesn't want to be seen. Not like this. He doesn't know what to do with it.

“ I'm going to work in my room, ” It's Kaveh's turn to break the silence, abruptly announcing his departure. “ Don't you dare disturb me. My deadline is tomorrow morning and I only have two thirds of this proposal drafted, ”

“ I must've missed the part in my contract as an architect where I can't take a temporary leave of absence without being made the center of absurd speculation and rumors. As an artist, I feel obligated to at least applaud the creativity of some of them. I can't say I've been called a Fatui Harbinger before. But such creativity would be better spent elsewhere than inventing such fantastic hearsay regarding my character. ”

Kaveh almost wishes the public would go back to speculating about his current living arrangements. At least that was founded in truth. He hasn't the faintest idea where these are coming from. They're almost as bad as the ridiculous rumor that he was somehow expecting against all logic, as well as his own biology.

“ Hey, let me help you with that. ” Kaveh is quick to take some of Collei's load, taking one of the larger serving dishes from off the kitchen counter before the girl can reach for it herself.

The dishes aren't necessarily heavy. Someone of Collei's age and size should be able to carry them without any trouble. Still, Kaveh can't help but want to take on some of the burden himself.

The architect is well aware of Tighnari's instructions to not allow her to carry anything that could break if dropped. Were the chief forest ranger in the kitchen with them and not in the dining room on the other side of the door, it's likely he wouldn't have let Collei carry any of the food out period.

However, Kaveh is not Tighnari and noticeably lacks the same level of rationale his friend has. Therefore he'll let Collei take out anything she wants out of the smaller dishes. If the food falls, Kaveh can always make more. If one of the expensive dishes breaks, well -- Kaveh's going to stay optimistic about that.

Sumeru city is by no means a small town. Still, those who reside here are not entirely immune from getting used to seeing familiar faces. Especially if you’re considered famous and renowned like Kaveh, most people seem to know who you are before you’ve even said a word of introduction. It doesn’t help that the architect tends to spend all his nights in the same tavern. Kaveh loves his life and where he lives it. As miserable as it can be, he wouldn’t trade it for the world. Even so, he would be lying if he said he wasn’t relieved to meet someone new for once. 

Meeting someone from an entirely different region of Teyvat is even more appealing. Kaveh isn’t entirely unfamiliar with Mondstadt, but he’s exclusively learnt about it in books. Meeting a local is an opportunity he doesn’t come upon often. So Kaveh had easily welcomed the other with open arms the night prior. 

Kaveh is just as welcoming as Kaeya ( Was it Kaeya? Truthfully the details of last night got hazy after the third glass of wine. ) approaches him a second time. The blonde smiles as Kaeya sits beside him, appearing in a warm and amiable mood. However that mood immediately sours the moment Alhaitham is mentioned.

“ Don’t get me started. ” Kaveh punctuates this with a swift swig of his wine, downing the entire glass in one gulp. When he speaks again there’s a slight slur in his speech. “Alhaitham’s a real…a real piece of work.”

He doubts Alhaitham is actually mad at Kaeya. Or if he was, the ire has long since passed. The scribe has an awful temper, but he rarely lets things linger like that. Grudges get in the way of logic and productivity. Most of the time for minor grievances he’ll just let it go. He just happens to have the most unpleasant personality on the planet and never forgets a damn thing. 

Besides, it’s not like Kaeya actually did anything wrong. He was just an innocent bystander. The mess last night was all Kaveh’s fault and Alhaitham knows that. If he were here now he’d probably say something irritating like ‘Kaveh’s emotional instability and alcoholism isn’t Kaeya’s responsibility.’ Kaveh can picture it so vividly in that insufferable know it all voice he has. 

But what does he know, huh? Kaveh bets Alhaitham doesn’t even know why he was so upset to start drinking in the first place. He bets he doesn’t know any of the fascinating things about Mondstadt that Kaeya told him last night. Bet he doesn't even know they make wine out of dandelion seeds over there.

No, he probably knows all that. That bastard knows everything.

“ Boss! ” Kaveh calls out to Lambad across the room, raising his empty glass. “ I'll have another! And keep them coming! ...Please. ”

The blonde only remembers his manners last minute, already too far gone to keep up appearances without a conscious effort. Ordinarily he wouldn't bother, but -- While he has his foreign acquaintance is beside him, he'd like to do his best to make a good impression. Though it might be too late for that, considering Kaeya was there to see Alhaitham throw Kaveh over his shoulder to take him home last night. Archons, what a mess...

Once his fifth glass is poured out and sipped from, Kaveh returns to his original subject.

“ I don't know why I ever decided to be friends with him back at the Akademiya. He's always been like this, bad tempered, rude, and stubborn. ”

“ You know I was pretty much his only friend back in those days. I guess I just...felt bad for him. He was so brilliant, even back then... But it felt like there was a vast desert of distance between him and everyone else. At the time, I think I just wanted to see if I could bridge that gap. But that was my mistake. ”

Kaveh scowls down at his reflection in the burgundy colored wine before downing it all again. He doesn't want to think about Alhaitham anymore tonight. He doesn't want to think anymore tonight period. He just needs to get a few more drinks in and it'll all fade away. It always does.

“ Are you alright, Barbara? ” The question is spoken softly, a rare moment of gentility breaking through Diluc's brisk and blunt exterior.

Diluc clearly had held no reservations to resort to physical force when necessary, having personally removed the group of rowdy men from the premises. However, despite his evident concern, the nobleman makes no move to touch Barbara or get too close. Given the nature of the previous encounter, he suspects she could be overwhelmed or shaken. So he'll watch over her from a distance, something he's prone to doing for all of Mondstadt.

                         VISIONS. they are a light in the sea of darkness.       but for those who have faith, they are little more than badges of conviction.