escordvi | [closed] 🌱🏛️ quiz, vol. 01

[Despite all the years that have passed Alhaitham finds himself easily remembering the spots on Kaveh's back where the knots tend to form, working them out with a familiarity that feels both old and new at the same time. Despite knowing that they are surrounded by a while crowd of onlookers its easy enough for Alhaitham to put their presence aside and focus on nothing else aside from his senior, especially when he is so clearly receptive to his touch and is slowly but surely relaxing into the chair he's leaning against.

As he works on one of the more particularly difficult ones Alhaitham shifts, leaning in so that he can make sure a bit more of his strength and weight to get rid of the knot entirely. The position however does put him quite close to Kaveh, though Alhaitham himself thinks nothing of it at all as he grunts softly while he words, the act causing air to rush across the back Kaveh's neck.]

Mnnph....gentle, now.

[Kaveh's voice is low as he chides Alhaitham, but there's no heat in it, and he looks back over his shoulder, one closed eye opening just enough for a peak of crimson through his eyelashes. The backrub is proving quite effective in relaxing him, so he doesn't feel the need to fluster at this proximity, but every other soul in this room has gone dead silent watching.]

[All Alhaitham does is to let out a faint snort at the chiding.]

I seem to remember that you liked it harder.

[At least, that's what Kaveh would've always told him in the past, since back then Alhaitham hadn't quite hit the stride in his puberty that would lead him to the physique that he possesses now. His arms, for example, certainly had lacked the muscles that he does in the present day.

But nevertheless Alhaitham does lighten up as asked, lessening the pressure that he uses so as to not give Kaveh any unnecessary discomfort. That would defeat the purpose of this entire thing, after all.]

You've gotten a lot bigger, you know.

[Kaveh murmurs it, eyes already falling shut again. He should definitely be embarrassed by this, but it's been so long since he let himself feel comfortable, and even longer since his body didn't carry so much tension he'd grown used to it. He can hardly resist that relief now.

...He really might doze off here.]

That is usually what 'growing up' entails, senior.

[The words are said with a gentle huff and a light tease, voice coming out warm and almost fond despite the situation they are in. It's easy, somehow, for all his earlier irritation and annoyance to melt away when it means he gets to see and felt Kaveh relaxing underneath his hands, and that alone is already more than any other gift he could ever receive.

So he continues his work, probably even far beyond what has been asked of him, but Alhaitham doesn't mind at all. There after all is no use in leaving this half-baked, and if Kaveh actually gets to relax for once, then all the better.]

Mmn...don't get carried away...

[Because Kaveh is dozing, but they were supposed to be working, he's pretty sure. Not that he finds he cares very much right now, as he is slowly becoming a puddle of architect instead of a man here on a mission. Maybe he should get Alhaitham to do this more often...]

[Kaveh trailing off into a doze is perhaps for the best, as not long after that happens Alhaitham feels a tap on his shoulder, and he glances over to see their target, who is now regarding him with a rather knowing smile.

Been a while since I've seen something like this, he says, though rather than the playful tone from earlier he now sounds... almost wistful. I concede. I'll make the arrangements to have the goods returned, you have my word.

Alhaitham doesn't say anything in response then, though the look that he sends over is perhaps more than enough to convey the things he is not saying out loud. It's hard to say for certain, but the bandit huffs out a quiet chuckle and gives Alhaitham one more pat on the shoulder before taking his leave, waving a farewell as he vanishes into the crowd.

...and speaking of the crowd...

Some of them attempt to come closer now that the so-called 'showdown' is more or less done, but a quick glare from Alhaitham is enough to ward them off. Once he's certain that nobody is going to try and interrupt he returns his attention to his senior and runs his hands over his back one last time, coming to a stop at his hips as he leans in close once more.]

Kaveh, we're done. [He tells his senior in a quiet murmur. If that is enough to wake him up then its fine, but if he is too deeply asleep then that too, is fine, but Alhaitham wants to make sure first before deciding what to do next.]

Mmm...?

[Kaveh is truly out of it, not entirely asleep but body too relaxed for him to really rouse himself to much more than summoning out Mehrak, who chirps inquisitively. At least she'll be able to carry Kaveh's things out, if nothing else.

the staff themselves don't get closer but do comment they have some things the handsome young couple might want!]

[...yeah, Alhaitham had more or less expected that. Kaveh winds himself up tight, but that only means he's pretty much nothing more than a puddle when he finally gets the chance to wind down fully.

Alhaitham huffs but doesn't say anything more, only giving Kaveh's hips a squeeze before he lets go and pulls back, doing a good job of ignoring any and all comments from the crowd as he turns his attention to getting Kaveh dressed back up. At least that part is easy enough, since Kaveh didn't actually take off his clothes from his body, so pulling them back up is a simple enough task.

Still, with Kaveh the way he is, it does mean that Alhaitham doesn't quite manage to straighten his clothes back up wholly, but what he does manage to do is enough to make it work until they are back in the privacy of their house.

Once he's satisfied he commands Mehrak to pick up the rest of their items, then shifts to scoop up Kaveh into his arms without missing a beat, the action prompting another round of 'awwwws' going through the crowd. Look at how attentive and caring he is to his partner! some of them sigh out wistfully. Another remarks about how Alhaitham could take care her instead of the pretty boy in his arms, which promptly gets ignored by the man himself as he commands Mehrak to follow him as he starts making his way out of the establishment.

As he walks some of the more bold and daring seamstresses flit over to follow both around and behind, still attempting to get some form of business somehow even if Alhaitham is not interested in them specifically. But once again Alhaitham simply ignores them all in favor of looking over the man in his arms, making sure to continue holding him close all the way until they are able to finally exit and leave the whole place behind.

After all the time they've spent today investigating and then confronting their target for the goods it means that the sun is already on its way to set, casting their surroundings in tones of warm oranges and reds and yellows. Alhaitham watches the way the golden light of the setting sun gleams off Kaveh's hair and makes it shine even more than usual, the sight of it reminding him of spun gold.]

Kaveh. [He murmurs out his senior's name, voice quiet between the sound of the sea and the waves and the wind blowing in the distance.] ...I don't think I'll be able to carry you back the entire way.

Mnnrgh...

[Kaveh does whine, half dozed on Alhaitham, but turned to bring his hand up, where the ring of returning is. It's set to a plaza not too far from there home, and apparently he's decided to just use that instead of dealing with a boat ride back.

Which does mean he's chosen to stay like this while they are teleported near a cafe, but he'll wake up more soon, we promise.]

[Alhaitham actually did not anticipate Kaveh moving to use his ring of returning, but it does save them the hassle of having to take a boat back, which is something he can't exactly complain about given his continued issues with sea travel.

Still, given how he'd only had a second to prepare between realizing what Kaveh had been about to do before it actually happening, nobody can blame Alhaitham for stumbling a little at the disorientation that the abrupt teleportation ensues. It's not exactly his first rodeo with such modes of travel, but even after all this time it doesn't really get any easier to handle.

But for better or worse Alhaitham manages to catch himself before he does lose balance completely, though he does stagger for a second before managing to get his balance. He straightens back up as soon as that passes, Mehrak reappearing with a cheerful beep, their items floating alongside them with the toolbox's help. He casts a quick glance at their surroundings just to be certain that they have teleported back to the right place, which seems to be the case. They might have done this a few times already in the past but it still never hurts to be certain.

Alhaitham glances back down to Kaveh in his arms once more, huffing slightly at the way his senior is protesting even without words. Difficult as always, yet Alhaitham has never truly minded, in spite of it all.]

...could've warned me at least. [He says it anyway, mostly for the sake of voicing it out loud, but in spite of those words Alhaitham only gives himself a second to readjust his hold on Kaveh after his earlier stumble, making sure that his senior is firm and comfortable in his arms once more before he turns and makes his way back in the direction of their house.]

[The stumble does actually wake kaveh up enough that he's becoming aware of his situation, and he's rapidly starting to turn red, but it's far too late now to leap away and protect his dignity, so he simply huffs, turning his face away to pretend he's still mostly asleep. Of course, this won't work when they get to the house--Alhaitham's hands are full. Someone has to unlock the door.

So, deeply mortified, Kaveh finally stirs, trying to get his feet on the ground and dig his key out from his pocket.] What, did you want to find a ferry back?

[If Alhaitham has taken note of the fact that Kaveh rousing from his doze then he makes no mention of it, seemingly fine with the idea of carrying his senior all the way back to their house, where he does finally have to put him down since its not like he can grab his keys while both of his hands and arms are wholly occupied.

At least Kaveh is awake enough by then, and as he finds his feet back onto the ground Alhaitham huffs lightly at the given remark.] I did not say I was against it.

[Being teleported back, that is. As mentioned earlier he very much can't complain since being on a boat is still not great for him in general, so he does appreciate it.

Anyway, now with his hands free of one blonde architect Alhaitham quickly gets his keys out from his belt pouch and goes to open the door without any more delays, stepping in first once its open.]

You just wanted to complain, is that it?

[Kaveh huffs a bit, but since Alhaitham beat him to the door, he'll just simply follow inside.]

Go wash your face off. I'll start dinner. And yes, your request is noted and accepted, I already bought the groceries for it.

[He is so lucky he's cute.]

[Alhaitham's only response to all of that is a simple hum, even if a part of him is looking forward to dinner now that Kaveh said that his request for tonight's food is on the menu. It's been a while since he's had his favorite dish... one of the downsides of being in this place is very much the lack of the required ingredients, but that's not exactly a new problem for as long as one travels outside of Sumeru.

Either way, the thought of it is enough to whet his appetite, so its more than enough motivation for him to resist the urge to break out into one of their usual bickering and instead make his way over to the bathroom in order to wash up as told to do so.]

[The real problem had been finding a good substitute for the harra fruit spices. It's difficult for Kaveh to extensively test, given his sensitivity, but after four months he's pretty sure he can do this. And so, he sets about putting together this absolutely ridiculous stew pizza that Alhaitham prefers, humming faintly to himself in the kitchen.

Mehrak, for her part, has produced a...beautifully wrapped package to set on the coffee table? From the size and shape it's clearly a book in there, but one must wonder what...]

[Alhaitham takes his time with washing up in the bathroom, knowing how long the dish usually takes to make—but also because he is a little reluctant in removing the make up that Kaveh has done for him, even if the process itself wasn't strictly voluntary. For the many faults that his senior has he possesses just as many virtues, and his eye for beauty and detail is very much in the latter.

...still, even after having said that, it is still in the end a bit too ostentatious for his tastes, and after looking at it for a few more minutes in the mirror Alhaitham decides he's had enough of it for the day and proceeds to wash it all up.

Once he's done lollygagging Alhaitham is fairly fast and economical with washing up, so it doesn't take too long overall for him to be done, and once he's settled with the laundry that comes from his shower Alhaitham ventures back out towards the kitchen where he can already smell the tell tale aroma of his favorite dish. Of course, its not exactly the same given Kaveh having had to use alternatives for what is not available here, but its close enough and Alhaitham can already feel his stomach getting ready for it.

—before that, though, Alhaitham does spot the package that Mehrak has left on the coffee table (mostly due to the beep that the toolbox lets out to get his attention), so he wanders over to there instead and picks it up, blinking as he examines the wrapped gift in curiosity. Is this meant to be his birthday present? He can only assume so, judging by the wrapping and the fact that Mehrak called for him over here in the first place. A little strange, since its not as if Kaveh has been especially shy in giving him something when he feels like doing so, but Alhaitham isn't going to complain. If anything this will just be another thing he can use to tease his senior about.

Without thinking twice about it Alhaitham settles himself down on the divan and goes to open up the gift without any more preamble. Judging by the shape and feel he can surmise it to be a book, which does make him wonder exactly what kind of book Kaveh might have found to gift it to him—

...

...

...oh.]

Alhaitham? What, are you going to eat out here--ah.

[Kaveh had emerged with plates of the sabz meat pie in hand, but stopped, seeing that Mehrak had already handed over the gift. Cheeky little thing. In truth...

In truth, he'd only seen that particular book a few times, one of the few that Alhaitham was truly meticulous about keeping put away properly, downright protective of it's very specific place on the shelves. And Kaveh had never read past the inscription on the first page. But he knows, without having looked, what this book must mean to the man.

It's lonely, isn't it? To celebrate a birthday so far from everything you're comfortable and familiar with. For Alhaitham, who is a creature of habit and routine...

Kaveh couldn't think of anything better.]

...It is the right one, isn't it? I wasn't sure how specific anything fished out of the rifts could be.

[Alhaitham doesn't know how long, exactly, he spends doing nothing but looking down at the book in his hands, fingers tracing over the pattern that adorns the hardbound cover which he has long since memorized like the back of his hand. How could he not, given what this book means to him? Of the weight and value it holds in his hands?

He'd tried to not think about it much ever since realizing that he was going to be here for the long term, taking his solace in the fact that it would at least be safe in its spot back in Sumeru, for the only worse thing than knowing it is somewhere inaccessible is having it here only for it to end up destroyed. That would be the far crueler fate, in his opinion.

So he'd been just fine with the idea of leaving things as they are, to be alright with what he has already been given and not ask for more. But despite having told himself all of that there is no denying the deluge of emotions that'd rolled through him the moment he realized just what exactly Kaveh had gotten for him.

(He doesn't even have to doubt it. There could be nobody else who would have done this, but Kaveh.)

It is only when Kaveh steps out of the kitchen, calling for him does Alhaitham finally come out of his unintentional reverie, and even when he turns his gaze away from the book in his hand to his senior Alhaitham can still feel the weight of it like a clear, unmistakable presence that he cannot deny.]

It is. [He doesn't need to check the inside to know, not with how intimately he knows this particular book and all of its details after the many years he has it.] ...when did you get it?

[He must have been planning this for a while, seeing as how Kaveh had even taken the time to wrap it up so nicely. And sure it might not take very long to fish objects out of the rifts... but its always hard to be certain, and he's certain that Kaveh would've accounted for that.]

A couple weeks ago. It took them a little while to find it...I had to describe it just by the cover and weight.

[He walks over to set Alhaitham's lunch down on the table, and then his own, before taking a seat on the couch next to him.]

I, ah...I didn't open it to do it for the pages. But I put a hydrophobic coating on the cover, to keep it safe. It's not as good as going back home, but...

[Kaveh shrugs a little, trying not to babble. It's not like he could do any investigations for Alhaitham--they're far away, and if Alhaitham himself hasn't investigated his parent's death, then likely he doesn't want those answers--nor would Kaveh be able to turn them up himself if Alhaitham tried and failed.

But this book and the meaning it carries...Alhaitham isn't the only one who can make gestures so quiet they shout.]

You always reread it on the 11th, don't you? So no need to miss this one.

[Alhaitham is quiet as Kaveh walks over to the divan, as he sets down their food meant for the dining table and sits next to him instead, his warmth and presence just as heavy and poignant as the weight of the book in his hand. Alhaitham returns his gaze to said book as Kaveh continues to explain what he's done, one hand running over the cover again.

It's hard to describe the pressure that mounts itself behind his eyes or the knot that forms in his throat as he gets to feel for himself the thoughtfulness behind Kaveh's actions. His kindness that has always been so freely given to everyone despite all that has happened to him. Despite all that has happened between them. Even if he'd been the one who decided to reach out first, ultimately it'd been Kaveh own decision to accept his hand and allow himself to be pulled up to shore instead of letting himself drown.

Kaveh is here, despite everything. He is here too, despite everything. They are both here, with everything else around them, in this place. He has always been content to simply have whatever he can have, never seeking to think or ask for more, but it never fails to strike him just how much 'more' has always felt to him, when it comes in the least expected manner.

He thinks of the note he'd found the other day, trapped in a bottle, its words smeared and smudged but no less recognizable enough for him.

("I pray to the heavens for courage and wisdom, for I do not think I'll be given a third chance if I squander this one.")

They have both been trying, ever since the events of the Interdarshan Competition—that much he can recognize. But what exactly they are building between themselves there, and where it will lead them—that he does not know, for they can never be how they were before, when they were young and brash and thought the world could fit in their hands if they simply tried hard enough. They are different now, in that and in so many other ways, and yet at the same time...]

Mmn. [A hum, one almost inaudible if it were not for the quiet that surrounds them. Alhaitham runs a finger over one of the curves on the front cover, thinking again of the time he has already been here so far, and of how much more time he will continue to be here in the foreseeable future. Him... as well as Kaveh, in this place where they can simply be themselves, with none of the trappings that the public has imposed upon them.

It takes a second more, but eventually Alhaitham moves to open up the book right then and there, doing so while completely aware of the fact that Kaveh is right next to him and is able to read the contents of the book himself if he so wishes to. It's... the least he can do, for the thoughtfulness that has been shown.]

...Are you sure?

[It's not like Kaveh hasn't always been curious. Alhaitham's grandmother was a legend among the Kshahrewar, and many of her works were still circulated as textbooks even today. He knew the woman by reputation only, though he'd always wondered, questions about her, and his mother, that he'd been too scared to ask Zaha Hadi.

He knows how different reputation and reality can be. The only real truth Kaveh knows about this woman is that Alhaitham loves her with his entire being, even now, over a decade since her passing, and that she must have loved Alhaitham so fiercely in turn, that he was allowed to grow into a sapling version of the man he'd become.

Kaveh has known her works, but he's never known this one. To be allowed to see it...feels like opening a door in a temple, to be allowed to see something sacred.]

[Alhaitham doesn't say anything in response beyond a hum, not so much because there is nothing to say to Kaveh but rather because there is no words that exists that can adequately sum up all the things that he wants to say. Despite all the languages he has learned and is fluent in—or perhaps it is because of that—Alhaitham knows better than most the limitations that it imposes, for all that it tries to break through those same limitations. But at the end of the day language is a human thing and thus bound by the limits of what humans can manage, for better or worse.

So he says nothing and simply stays where he is, eyes glued to his lap as his hands cradle his grandmother's parting gift to him with a gentleness he has not placed upon anything else. The cover is open, revealing the first page and the inscription upon it that Alhaitham has committed to memory from the day he'd first read it: May my child Alhaitham lead a peaceful life.

With one hand holding down the other side of the book he slides a finger underneath that first page, ready to flip it over and read it through, just as he does every time this day comes around each year. He continues to say nothing, but he waits, patient and quiet to allow Kaveh the choice to either take his leave or stay on the couch with him.

Just like last time, on that night when they met again in the Tavern, Alhaitham leaves the option open for Kaveh to choose for himself. It is his senior who must make the final decision for himself, be it acceptance or denial.]

[It's an easier decision than it had been that night, and one that fills his fragile heart with something as terrifying as hope, but Kaveh does scoot closer so he can lean over to read the pages, pressed hip to hip and thigh to thigh with Alhaitham.

He doesn't say anything either, just silently watching in expectation. Truth was, they used to read together like this all the time. And whatever else Kaveh has planned for this day and that evening, the best gift he can give now is to not let his racing mind disrupt this moment.]

[It takes a while, but eventually Kaveh makes his choice, doing so in the form of scooting closer so that they're pressed close to each other in a way so like what they used to in the past, where everything between them felt so freely shared with no expectations or questions. There might have been an arrogance in those assumptions back then, but now...

Alhaitham still says nothing, but takes a moment to adjust himself so that Kaveh has an easier time reading the book alongside him, and once they're both settled goes on to flip over the first page to start reading through the contents held within.

The first few pages themselves hold a penned letter from his grandmother, written while she'd still been able to but clearly aware of her approaching mortality. She talks of the fond memories that she has of Alhaitham in the time she'd been able to raise him and the gift of his intelligence and uniqueness, and how despite their short time together she'd still nonetheless felt blessed enough to have what she did, especially in her last decade where she'd been able to see him grow up and sprout under her case. But most important of all is perhaps how she hopes he will grow up well and be able to live the life that he chooses, and how she hopes it will be one that ultimately makes him happy above all else.

Alhaitham maintains his silence as he lingers on those last few lines, fingers tracing over the loops in her handwriting and of her signature underneath. The pressure in his eyes and in his throat comes back in spades, and when he sucks in a breath there is a quiet hitch that might've otherwise gone unnoticed by anyone else who isn't Kaveh.]

;3; wehssss

puts on the saxophone music

plays careless whisper

🎷

🎷🎵 🤲

🔥

💚🔥❤️

hunka hunka burnin' love

burnin' a hole where I lay

I don't actually know most elvis songs oop--

its ok i actually had to google lololol

we're great at this

shhhh we are the best

winning at gay

completely winning

just like alhaitham

winning in life... winning in not-boyfriend... winning on his birthday...

winning in dead parents--

both of them are winning with that lbr

hey one of Kaveh's is still alive so Alhaitham wins!

u_u they're still both alone... but they have each other...

they'll always have each other...

lies down in a puddle of emotions

weh

wehhhhhh