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akilynx · 1 year

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this got me kicking my feet and shit

Chapter Twenty-One: We've Come Full Circle

Alhaitham has the looks and the smarts. He will also be the stand-in CEO for his grandfather's company for a year.

But, he's been mysteriously cursed to turn into a cat every night since his eighteenth birthday… until he meets you, an employee at his grandfather's company, who rescues him as a cat and changes him back with one kiss.

Alhaitham/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on AO3

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

You have a few options.

The first is to ignore him and act as if he isn’t the cause of your past trauma. The second is to do what you’ve always wanted to do: slap him. The third is taking a civilized approach: give your best convincing smile and greet him. The last is to walk out the door and never look back.

“You haven’t changed much, kitten.” Dottore stands in front of you now, enjoying the attention of your old classmates. He leans forward, and you step back. “Still as pretty as always.”

You don’t see it, but Dehya rolls her eyes. Instead of responding to him, you walk around him and casually greet Collei. She gives you a hug, and you two quickly start a conversation.

As Dottore watches you, he’s certain now. He’s certain you're no longer the timid, shy girl he once messed around with before. There’s something different about you that he can’t put his finger on.

“You don’t mind Dottore is here, do you?” one of your classmates ask. “We’re all still friends, aren’t we?”

"...I told you he wasn't invited," Collei says quietly.

“Ouch. Don’t talk as if I’m not here.”

Everyone turns to Dottore, including you. You surprisingly give him a tiny smile. “No, I don’t mind if he’s here.”

Dottore slightly narrows his eyes. Does he still have an effect on you? He can’t tell.

Soon, everyone is sitting around the table. After the waiter takes everyone's orders, the conversation returns to what's happening in everyone's lives.

“What’s Childe been up to these days? I was hoping he’d be here!”

“Didn’t he cancel like… last minute?”

You catch them looking at you, so you ask, “What?”

"Oh, well, we thought you would know what's been happening with him. Aren't you two still pretty close?"

“Something came up,” you say. You’re obviously not going to gossip about Childe, especially not in front of these people. “Maybe you should ask him.”

A girl sighs and says your name. “I envy you.” You look at her. She looks back. “Childe was pretty popular, you know. But you were the only girl who got close to him… even though you two didn’t meet until after we graduated, right?”

That's true. You and Childe met at university, and you didn't know much about each other even though you two attended the same high school. He knew you were Dottore's girlfriend but nothing more. Perhaps it was because you were in two different friend groups.

“And you also dated Dottore!”

“Hey,” Collei says sternly. “Let’s not talk about that.”

“What about now, kitten?” You glance at Dottore, who’s looking at you. “Are you seeing anyone now?”

You slightly narrow your eyes. What does he want? What is he after?

“She’s busy thinking of her next award-winning script,” Dehya says.

Collei smiles at you. “That’s right. I saw you on TV!”

“I watched the show,” Dottore says. “It was very well done.”

Is that a genuine compliment? It sure sounds like it. It catches you off guard as that's something he never gave you even when you were dating.

You turn to Collei. “I saw you’re going back to school to get a Ph.D.”

“Oh, yes! I’m pretty excited.”

“You got in Akademiya, right?” Dehya asks.

“Yup!”

“This is Collei we’re talking about,” a girl says. “Of course, she would get into Akademiya.”

“Akademiya…” Dottore shoots you another look. “Isn’t that temporary CEO at your company an alumnus?”

“Oh! I saw him on TV,” another girl says. “He’s hot.”

One of the guys rolls his eyes. “You wouldn’t stand a chance.”

She hits him. As they casually start bickering, you look at Dottore, who has a smile you can’t read.

Then, the bell at the entrance rings.

“Oiii! Hi, Sis!”

You recognize that voice and that nickname anywhere. You turn and see Kaveh and Alhaitham. Kaveh is the first to come up to you just as you stand.

“What are you two doing here?” you ask.

“Boys’ night out,” Kaveh says.

Dehya and Dottore aside, the others, including the guys, look starstruck at Alhaitham and Kaveh. Collei, however, is better at hiding it. You look at Alhaitham who shoots Dottore a quick look. When he looks back at you, you subtly nod.

“Haitham told me you were having a reunion here,” Kaveh says. He looks around the table, and one of the girls waves at him. He smiles and waves back.

“I wanted to surprise you,” Alhaitham says, stepping toward you. Your eyes widen when he puts his arm around your shoulders, pulls you close, and gives you a kiss on the forehead.

“Oh, my God!”

“Wait… you two are going out?”

“Damn.”

Dehya tries to hide her excitement but ends up clapping. “I guess the secret’s out, huh?”

Alhaitham looks at the group, and his eyes eventually land on Dottore. “Sorry to interrupt.”

Dottore narrows his eyes.

“Oh, do you two want to join us?” one of the girls says.

You look at Collei, who quickly says, "I don't mind!"

Alhaitham takes a seat beside you while Kaveh sits next to him. Dottore gives you a tiny smile. “Dating a CEO now, kitten?”

“Kitten?” Kaveh asks.

“I’ve always called her my kitten."

Alhaitham crosses one leg over the other and looks him in the eyes. “...She's my woman now.”

Some of your classmates try but fail to hide their gasps.

You shouldn’t be surprised that Alhaitham is as calm as he always is. But you’re still a little dumbfounded at how relaxed he seems.

Dottore leans forward. “A CEO dating his employee. Aren’t you taking advantage of her?” Then, he looks at you. “...You always fall for the bad ones.”

“I guess you’re one of those people who judge others based on their standing in life,” Alhaitham says. “...Or, are you asking because that’s something you’d done to her in the past?”

Dehya's jaw almost drops. She side-eyes Dottore, whose calm facade is slowly melting away.

“Oh, the food’s here!” someone says.

“Do you want to share?” you ask Alhaitham.

Alhaitham smiles at you. “You should eat.”

As you do, you keep sensing that Alhaitham is looking at you. When you look back, you ask, “Is something wrong?”

“I’m just thinking that I should make this for you next time. Perhaps… add a personal touch to it.”

“You cook, Alhaitham?” Collei asks.

“I do.” He looks at you. “I tried surprising her with breakfast in bed, but I was a little too slow. I need to do better next time.”

“Breakfast in bed?”

“So lucky!”

Soon, a waiter brings you a custard pudding you did not order. You're about to ask when Dottore says, "I ordered that for you." You slowly look at him. "It's your favourite."

Alhaitham picks it up and takes a bite. “...While the quality is good”—he looks at Dottore—“I can do better.”

“So, did you two meet at work?” someone asks.

“Yeah, spill the beans!”

You and Alhaitham look at each other. “Oh, well, that’s…”

“I fell in love with her first,” Alhaitham says, putting the empty custard cup on the table.

“And what do you like about her?”

Alhaitham looks at Dottore. “She’s intelligent. Capable. Pretty. She’s everything I like in a woman.”

One of your classmates hit the boy next to her. “Why can’t you be more like that?” she mutters.

“You seem so keen on saying good things about her,” Dottore says. He looks at you. “What about you, kitten? You’ve barely said anything.”

Is he expecting you to go on and on about how happy you are with Alhaitham? No. You aren’t going to fall for that. But since Dottore is so curious about your personal life, you might as well give it to him straight.

“What is there to say?” you ask. “I’m dating the man of my dreams. I won the award for Best Screenwriter. I’m happy with where I am in my life. I’ve come so far." You smile. "Didn’t you say you would be proud of me, Dottore?”

“What do you think?”

It was a short story for an English assignment, but you spent almost all of your free time planning and writing. It was something you noticed you loved to do. You loved telling stories, and if it was possible, you really wanted to make a career out of it. However, you never let your friends or your boyfriend read your work for fear of being judged.

Not until now, at least.

You waited with bated breath as your boyfriend read through your story. When he finally looked up at you, you smiled slightly.

“W-well?”

Dottore shrugged and handed you your assignment. “Keep doing what you’re doing.”

Huh? What kind of feedback was that?

“Um… so… did you like it?” you asked, taking it from him.

Dottore turned his chair and returned to doing whatever experiment he was doing before you disrupted him.

“You have quite an imagination, kitten.”

That didn’t really answer your question, but you took it that he liked it.

You sit next to him, but he didn’t look at you. “I’m thinking of studying Creative Arts after we graduate. What do you think?”

He turned to you. “Creative Arts?” You nodded. “He turned back to his experiments. Are you sure?”

“...What do you mean if I’m sure?”

“You have to have the talent to really make it, don’t you? Real talent.” Your face instantly fell. Real… talent? You weren’t expecting him to be fully supportive, but surely he could’ve worded it better than that. As if realizing what he’d just said, Dottore looked at you. “Oh, but if you do go into it and succeed… I’d be proud of you, kitten.”

You stand and excuse yourself for the bathroom.

Moments later, you’re standing outside at the back of the restaurant for some much-needed fresh air. You’re about to head inside when Dottore appears, startling you.

You’re about to walk past him when he says, “Can we talk, kitten?”

“No,” you say flatly. “And stop calling me that.”

“...You’ve changed.” You slowly look at him, meeting his eyes. “If only you were like this when we met, I would’ve treated you better.”

This fucking bastard.

“Fuck off,” you mutter.

"Did you see the video?" That smug little grin on his face is so annoying. "No one knows about your relationship, huh? Well, after tonight, I guess the secret's out. But I wonder what the rest of the company will think."

"What is the point of doing this?" you spat. "It's not like you will get anything out of blackmailing us."

"I just wanted to see if it was true," Dottore says, looking at you. "The timid little girl I once knew sneaking around with people who she shouldn't be."

When he grabs your wrist, you're about to slap him until something fluffy with four paws comes flying and lands with his claws on Dottore's face. He lets out a short scream and lets you go. You quickly step back, watching Alhaitham make Dottore's face his scratching board. Before Dottore can grab him, Alhaitham jumps in front of you, glaring and hissing at him.

Dottore can feel his face bleeding as he glares at Alhaitham. “Where the hell did this stupid cat come from?”

You quickly pick Alhaitham up and hold him tightly in your arms. “...Sneaking around with people who I shouldn’t be?” You glare at him. Then, before you can stop yourself, you say, “Stop worrying about other people and start minding your own business, Dottore.”

“I’m just worried about you, kitten.”

"Right. You've always cared so much," you say flatly. "I bet you were thinking so much about me when you were sneaking around with people you shouldn't have been."

Dottore exhales sharply. Is there a point in revealing the biggest misdeed he's done to you? Probably not. But you want to get it off your chest as it's something you've always known but never had the guts to confront him even after you broke up.

"I know you cheated," you say sharply.

You happened to be at school early that day, wanting to surprise Dottore as you knew he was often staying late or getting to school early to work on his experiments. What you weren’t expecting, however, was to hear a… questionable conversation between him and one of your friends.

“Oh, so you’re ticklish here, hm?”

You saw your friend sitting on Dottore’s lap through the crack in the door. His hands were around her waist, laughing as he playfully touched her in places that made her squirm.

“Hey, hey,” she said, grabbing Dottore’s hands. “Aren’t you scared your girlfriend might walk in on you?”

“Who? Her?” Dottore rolled his eyes. “Not really. I told her not to come.”

"You're tired of her, aren't you? Why are you still dating her?"

“Tired of her?” Dottore chuckled. “How can I get tired of someone who I can sleep with whenever I want?”

“...So, you just want a friends-with-benefits relationship with her? She's not even that pretty."

Dottore smirked. "Well, she's not bad in bed."

Your friend hit him. “Don’t say that in front of me!”

“You’re the one who made me say it.”

She leaned him and smiled. "Well, you already know I can do better."

The rest of their conversation fell on deaf ears as you were shaking with fury. But instead of confronting him and your “friend”, you spun around and walked the other way, pretending you heard nothing.

“We’re done,” you say.

Alhaitham stands on his hind legs, looking over your shoulder as you walk away. As much as he wants to claw Dottore's eyes out, you're holding him a little too tightly. Perhaps you know he'd try to get his paws on Dottore again. And, well, he is just not worth it. Obviously.

Once you head inside, Kaveh immediately appears from behind the corner.

“Sis! I’ve been looking for you! What happened to Haitham? Do you…” Kaveh’s eyes land on the cat in your arms. Then, he says quietly, “Oh, God… don’t tell me…”

Alhaitham looks at Kaveh and meows while you nod. “...Didn’t he change earlier than expected?”

Kaveh sighs. “Yeah, he did. That’s weird, though.” He scratches Alhaitham behind the ears. “Do you know what happened, hm?”

Alhaitham looks down and meows softly.

“I’ll take that as a no.”

“Hey!”

Kaveh instantly turns around while you stiffen when you see Collei come around the corner.

“Hey, Collei,” you say. “What, uh, what brings you here?”

“I was looking for you!”

Then, she notices the cat in your arms. “Oh! Where did you come from?”

Collei moves to scratch Alhaitham’s head, but he politely ducks. Then, he rubs his head against you, just underneath your breast.

“He, um, doesn’t like to be petted,” Kaveh says.

Collei chuckles. “Well, he sure likes a certain someone though.” Then, she sees the clothes Kaveh’s holding. “Where did those clothes come from?”

“Oh, um…”

“And is Alhaitham okay?” Collei asks. He looks in the direction of the male washroom. “He’s been in there for a while.”

“We’ll check on him,” you quickly say.

Collei nods. “By the way, what happened to Do—”

Just then, Dottore walks in, surprised to see the three of you huddled around the bathrooms for goodness sake. But as soon as he sees you, he looks at Collei, who looks stunned at the scratches on his face.

"What happened, Dottore? You're bleeding!"

“...Something came up,” he says. “So, I’m going to leave early.”

“Oh, um, okay.”

As soon as Dottore’s out of sight, Kaveh turns to you. “...Did something happen?”

“...I said what I wanted to say.” You smile as you scratch Alhaitham's head. Then, you say quietly, “He helped, too.”

“Well, I guess he’s going to miss out on some free food.” You and Kaveh turn to Collei. “Lambad gave us some cake on the house.”

You hear a hearty laugh, a laugh that you instantly recognize. Collei ushers you and Kaveh back to the table, and Lambad smiles.

“Well, well, look who it is.” Then, he sees Alhaitham. “Oh? Who’s the fluffy guest?” Lambad scratches Alhaitham underneath the chin. “Ain’t he a cute one?” Then, Lambad looks at you. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it, lil lady?”

“Lil lady?” Kaveh asks.

“You two know each other?” Collei asks.

“Ooh, do I sense a story coming?” Dehya smiles.

Lambad laughs. “Oh, this one will really blow your socks off.”

Lambad’s been keeping an eye on the young woman sitting at the end of the bar. It was just her third shot, but she was already getting red. When you asked for a fourth shot, Lambad finally spoke up.

“...Somethin’ the matter, lil lady? You’re getting a bit red there.”

“I’m fine,” you muttered.

“...You sure?”

You clearly weren’t, but Lambad wasn’t going to ask. But he ran this pub long enough to see his fair share of heartaches on people’s faces. You were no different.

“...I’m sure.”

Then, the bell at the entrance rang, and Lambad looked up. He gave you a quick glance before walking over to the two young men who entered the pub, one of whom he was familiar with.

“Ooh, a friend of yours, Kaveh?” Lambad asked.

“He’s my cute little junior,” Kaveh said cheekily as he and Alhaitham took seats at the other end of the bar.

“...Hello. My name is Alhaitham.”

Lambad let out a hearty laugh. “A soft-spoken one, it seems. The name’s Lambad and this pub’s been in my family for generations.”

“This dude just turned eighteen,” Kaveh said. “So, his drinks are on me tonight.”

“Ooh, the big eighteen, huh? Then, why so glum, chum?”

When Alhaitham stayed quiet, Kaveh said, “Bring me your best beers, Lambad!”

What was going on with people today? As Lambad walked by you, he noticed that you were looking at your phone; he didn't think you could look even gloomier than you did.

“Do you need anything, lil lady?”

You looked up just as you slid your phone inside your pocket. “I’ll…. I’ll get one of those chocolate lava cakes.”

Soon, Lambad returned with the beers on one tray in one hand and your cake in another. But just as he puts it down in front of you, you say, "Oh, um… actually…"

"Don't tell me you're runnin' back to whoever broke your heart," Lambad said. Your eyes widened, and he knew what you were thinking. "It was written all over your face."

That surprisingly gets a genuine smile out of you. “I’m happy to say you’re wrong.”

Lambad laughs. “Well, good! Maybe this means that young lad will be looking brighter soon, too.” You looked in the same direction Lambad was. Alhaitham’s back was facing you. “He’s here celebratin’ his birthday, but he is lookin’ as if he has a lot on his mind.”

You turned back. “His birthday, huh?” You looked at your chocolate lava cake. “Well, maybe this will cheer him up a bit.”

Kaveh’s jaw drops. “So… let me get this straight,” he says, looking from Lambad to you. “Sis was the girl who gave Haitham that chocolate lava cake almost like… ten years ago?”

“I never thought the two of you would meet,” Lambad says. “Small world, huh?”

“Dude, that sounds like fate or something,” someone says.

So… it turns out that day with the bike accident wasn't the first time you and Alhaitham have crossed paths. You remember him telling you that is the night he first turned into a cat. Does this mean something?

You look down and see Alhaitham staring up at you. He meows softly as if knowing you’re thinking the same thing.

◆◆◆

Kaveh is the one who drives you and Alhaitham back. You thought about changing him back at the restaurant, but it's too risky as the place gets busier. So, you and Kaveh made up an excuse and left early.

“That was the day Haitham first turned into a cat,” Kaveh says. You’re sitting in the passenger seat of his car with Alhaitham in your lap. “It must mean something! I know it does. I can feel it in my bones.”

You can feel it, too. Is this the missing puzzle piece?

“But… what does it mean, exactly?”

“Does it have to have a deep meaning?” You and Alhaitham glance at Kaveh as he chuckles. “Stop thinking like Haitham. Not everything has to have a deep meaning. It could be you two are meant to be.

"But, if you really want to think about it… Haitham has tried literally everything to try to break his curse. But nothing worked. Not until you came along. So... you have to meet at some point."

You scratch Alhaitham behind the ears, and he leans into your touch. Kaveh pulls up to the apartment building and parks the car.

“Y’know, this is just a thought,” he continues. “But what if you had always been in each other’s lives but just didn’t know it?”

Now, there’s an interesting thought.

Kaveh smiles. “Gives you something to think about.”

Before getting out of the car, you thank Kaveh for the ride back.

You changed Alhaitham back before you went for a shower. Eventually, the two of you end up at his place, mulling over what you'd just learned. You're sitting on the couch. Your bare legs draped over his.

"What made you leave that night?" Alhaitham asks. For once, you can read him.

You smile. "I didn't go see Dottore. I went to see Dehya."

Alhaitham kisses your forehead. "...I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was going to Lambad's Tavern tonight."

"Oh, I welcomed the surprise," you say with a smile. "But didn't you change back earlier than usual tonight?"

He nods. "That wasn't the only thing that was different. Before I met you, the transformation has always been painful. Tonight was the same."

"How odd..."

"Still, it's as if everything has come full circle." You look at him and meet his eyes. "Lambad's Tavern was the place we first crossed paths. The day I first turned into a cat."

"Then... does this mean that is where it will end?" After a silence, you continue, "This is just a thought... but what if we didn't get along at all?"

“I would’ve kept chasing you.”

You gently hit him. “You can only get away with saying that because you’re handsome.”

Alhaitham chuckles. “Who knows? But our story would’ve turned out differently.”

You put your head against his chest, and he puts his arm around you. “What do you think about what Kaveh said?”

“...About us unknowingly being in each other’s lives?”

You nod. “I wouldn’t be surprised if our paths crossed more than once. But… I’m glad we met now and not earlier.”

“Why do you say that?”

You sigh. “If you’ve met me when I was younger… well, I highly doubt you’d like me.”

Alhaitham kisses your head. “But because of her, you’re the person you are today. The woman I love.”

You look up just as he tilts his head down to look at you. You straighten your posture so you’re on eye level with him, the silence teeming with unspoken messages.

Then, both of you lean in, and as soon as your lips touch, it sends a zing of electricity across your nerves. You want more. You need more. His fingers weave into your hair, his body closing the gap. With you flush against him, his tongue runs along your bottom lip, igniting a fiery desire that you know you won’t be able to control.

One of his hands lightly touches your waist as if seeking permission. You move to sit on his lap as if giving him permission. Now, you’re facing him with your legs on either side of his waist. As soon as you feel his touch against your skin, you arch your body against his. He pushes himself off the couch, still kissing you, as his hands slowly move up your back.

You pull back only slightly and look him in the eyes.

“...Well, Catman, I think we’ve gone as far as we can with our clothes on.”

Tag list: @suoshiii @seirenspinel @lordbugs @lxry-chxn @sakiimeo @ash-in-lavender @ceylestia @forsh4dow @deathkat657 @kalpie @elernity @sentieence @chichibleeps @sunsethw4 @hjjks @tanspostsblog @nqctre @just-simping-over-genshin @uchihaeirin @vynbin @ayanokomu @dksfl920 @alatus1808 @itztaki @thetwinkims @imkaaayy @angeilix @starlighttotheleft @letthewindlead @thelonelyarchon @certaindreampost @winterpein @theprinceofkhaos @vvyeislazzy @warrior-of-justice

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akilynx · 1 year

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I made this out of a scene that happened in the chapters of "my boss is my cat" by @teaberrii (go check her out, she's amazing!)

Overall I made it as my genshin OC but also made a half reader(y/n) and I know some don't have long hair or short hair but just imagine yourself there or the reader plz.

(The scene is where Al haitham turns back to normal after getting kissed in the nose by the reader.) I hope you like it or not it's fine. (I hate anatomy.) (And yes I take requests btw)

#alhaitham x reader #alhaitham x oc

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akilynx · 1 year

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Alhaitham ❣️❣️❣️ who is the picture perfect gentleman until he gets you in bed 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

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akilynx · 1 year

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Chapter Nine: A Cat's Jealousy

Alhaitham has the looks and the smarts. He will also be the stand-in CEO for his grandfather's company for a year.

Alhaitham/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on AO3

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

You’re getting harder to resist.

You can’t stop thinking about that night. You remember how he looked at you, his eyes full of warmth, affection… and love. Nah. It can’t be. There’s no way Alhaitham is attracted to you. Right? Perhaps he’s taking this fake dating scenario too seriously.

You gasp when you feel something cold against your cheek. You immediately turn and see Childe with the cold drink you ordered.

“I finally have your attention,” he says with a slight smile as you take the drink from him. Then, he sits across from you. “Something on your mind?” You don’t get to say anything when Childe leans in closer. “Don’t tell me it’s Mr. Hottie.”

“Don’t call him that,” you deadpan.

“Well, it got a smile out of you, at least. If it’s not him, is it writer’s block?”

“...At least that would be easier to solve.”

Childe gasps. “Damn. This must be serious.” He pulls his chair closer. “Spill it. What’s bothering you?”

Do you really want to tell Childe? You're on the fence. Part of you is screaming for you not to, as sometimes outside opinions can cloud a person's judgement. But does it matter? You can already picture his response.

“He likes you,” he would say. “It’s so obvious! Are you blind?”

But wait.

Is that his response? Or is that what your heart is telling you? Wishing for you?

“...If it's not Mr. CEO, is it about the school reunion?”

“Are you going?” you ask.

“I am.”

You raise a brow. “Is it just me, or you don’t sound that excited?”

“There’s no one I really want to see except Collei and Dehya. Everyone else is just”—he waves a hand dismissively—“I think you know what I’m getting at.” He looks at you. “Don’t tell me he contacted you.”

“No. Even if he did, I wouldn’t reply.”

“Can I give my two cents?” You nod. “You should go. Even if he does show up, you should go.”

You sigh and lean back. “To prove a point?”

“Sometimes it’s not whether you want to go or not. If you don’t, they might start to talk about how you’re probably still not over him.” Childe winks at you. “Why not bring Mr. CEO with you?”

“...I’d rather not get him involved.”

“Jokes aside, look at where you’re now. You have bragging rights.”

You laugh. "Never thought I'd see the day where you're giving such…."

“Aw, s’okay to say it. I know I give awesome advice.”

You slowly clap and nod. “Truly great advice, Childe. I’m overwhelmed.”

He gently kicks you underneath the table. “Are you making fun of me?”

“I’m not!” You stand and scoot in the café chair.

You and Childe are walking back to the office when you say, “I’m surprised you haven’t called me any nicknames.”

“What? Do you miss it now that I don’t do it anymore?”

“Actually, I’m curious what made you finally stop.”

“Well, unfortunately, I can’t disobey an order from the top.”

You remember Alhaitham telling you he could make Childe stop with the nicknames. You didn't think much about it as you didn't think he'd do anything about it.

“...Was it Alhaitham?”

“You should’ve seen how he was looking at me when he said it,” Childe says. Then, he lowers his voice, “Stop with the nicknames at work.” Childe chuckles. “You’d think I was about to get fired for making a huge mistake or something.”

When you don’t say anything, Childe glances at you. Are you thinking about something? Or is it someone?

“Hey," he says, getting your attention. "Alhaitham didn’t do anything to you, right? Not abusing his authority or anything?”

“Of course not.”

Childe grins. “Good.”

As you and Childe walk into the building, you see a tall man who reminds you of Ayaka. He’s walking with two other people you don’t recognize. When you get closer, the man looks in your direction.

“Ayato,” Childe says with a small smile. “Finished with the shoot?”

Ayato? You look from Childe to the man with a kind smile.

“Just finished.” He looks at you. “A friend of yours?”

“Oh! You wanted to meet her, right?” Childe gestures to you. “She’s the scriptwriter for Love in the Spotlight.” He looks at you. “This is Ayato. He’s an actor working with us for our latest project.”

An… actor?!

Ayato extends his hand. “It’s a pleasure. I’ve heard great things about your work.”

“Oh, thank you.” You take his hand. “Um… do you have a younger sister, perhaps? Ayaka?”

Ayato looks visibly surprised. “I do. How do you know her?”

So, you're right.

“She’s friends with my brother. They’re staying at the same hospital.”

“Ah, I see. Ayaka has been telling me about a friend who’s been keeping her company. He lent her a video game?”

“Yeah, that’s him.”

“She told me that they’re planning a lunch together. So”—Ayato takes and lifts your hand and places a delicate kiss—“I hope we get to see more of each other.”

Your eyes widen at the gentleman-like gesture. No one has ever done that before, and you’re at a loss for words. Even Childe’s surprised as he stares wide-eyed at you and Ayato. Suddenly, you hear the sound of shoes on marble, but it’s the voice that makes you turn.

“Excuse me.”

“Mr. Hot—” Childe quickly clears his throat. “Mr. CEO!”

You’ve never seen Alhaitham in a suit, but he looks so damn good you almost couldn’t look away. You know he works out if his body is anything to go by. But the white shirt somehow makes his lean muscle stand out even more.

Alhaitham walks up to you and Ayato, his eyes on Ayato's hand holding yours.

“Is this a new way of greeting someone?” Alhaitham asks.

Ayato smiles at him. “It’s a respectful way to greet a lady.”

Alhaitham looks at him and takes your hand, forcing Ayato to let go. Then, Alhaitham looks you in the eyes.

“...May I?”

Do what?

“Um, yes?”

He lifts your hand and gives it a feather-like kiss as soon as you give permission. You can almost hear your heart pounding in your ears as his gaze meets yours once again.

“...Could you come with me?” he asks.

Are you in trouble? Did you do something?

With a million questions flooding your mind, you follow Alhaitham to his office. Childe and Ayato glance at each other as if trying to understand what just happened.

In the elevator, you see your and Alhaitham's reflection in the doors. He looks calm and composed, as usual. You, on the other hand, seem a little nervous. Even you can tell.

“About what I said that night,” he says, breaking the silence. “...Did I make you uncomfortable?”

“I… wouldn’t say uncomfortable.”

“You left in such a hurry.”

“I was surprised,” you mutter. “You would be too… if someone said something like that to you.”

Alhaitham smiles. “Then, I apologize for startling you. However…” He turns to you. “You’re truly a captivating woman.”

Is that a confession? A realization? What are you supposed to make of it?

The elevator doors open, and he puts a hand to stop them from closing. He gestures for you to go first. You do, and he follows you. When you turn around, you see him loosening his tie, and your eyes widen. Wait a minute. What is this?

His hand is still on his tie when he looks up at the air conditioning. “I apologize that it’s a little hot in here. They’re fixing the AC later today.”

Ah. Yeah. Now that he mentioned it, it is a little hot in the office. Or… is it just you?

“So, what did you want to talk about?” you ask, sitting on the couch.

“...My grandfather would like to meet you.”

Wait. What? His grandfather? The actual CEO?

Alhaitham sighs. “Layla and my secretary told him about you.”

“...What did she say that makes him want to meet me?”

Alhaitham was still thinking about what he said to you when his phone went off that night. As soon as he picked up, his grandfather wasted no time getting to the point.

“Who is this woman you’ve been hanging out with?”

“...Who?” Alhaitham asked, equally confused.

"He told me you bought her clothes… Layla said you complimented her because she wrote Love in the Spotlight."

Oh. They told him about you.

“I’m aware of all the shows we produce. She’s an employee, isn’t she?”

“...And?”

“Haitham, are you…. Are you getting involved with an employee?”

"Outside of work, we're friends," Alhaitham said. And neighbours. But he decided to leave that part out for now.

"How did you meet? At work?"

“I’m not romantically involved with her. There’s no need for this—”

“I’m worried that she’s after you.”

Alhaitham sat on his couch, catching on to what his father’s saying. “She’s not.”

“How are you so sure? Since when did you become so trusting of people, Haitham?”

“She’s not after anything.”

“Well, I’d like to meet her. Don’t take this the wrong way. I just want to see what kind of person she is.”

Alhaitham knew if he refused, his grandfather would be even more suspicious. So, did he have a choice? Hopefully, you’d be okay with it.

"Similar to your situation with your mother, my grandfather also wants me to settle down with someone." Alhaitham sighs and sits on the opposite side. "He's curious about you."

Can you really say no? His grandfather is the actual CEO of the company. So saying no would be… directly disobeying an order from leadership, not something that you really want to do.

“...Well, it wouldn’t be fair if I said no. Besides, I don’t think I have a choice.”

Alhaitham notices your hands subtly fidgeting with each other on your lap. You’re also looking away from him. “Don’t be nervous.” You turn to him and see his little smile. “Just be yourself. He’ll love you.”

There it is again. Is he flirting with you? Should you call him out? Ignore it? What if he isn’t flirting, and it’s all in your head? You cannot imagine the embarrassment. So… maybe you can take a different approach to test the waters.

“...On one condition. I’d like to borrow that book of yours. Heart’s Desire.”

Alhaitham chuckles. “Of course. But, may I ask why?”

“Well, someone was being naughty, so I didn’t get a chance to read it that night,” you say, crossing one leg over the other. “I didn’t think you’d be so… playful, Catman.”

Is that a little smirk? Well, it’s gone as quickly as it came.

“Anything to get a lovely lady’s attention.”

“Anything, you say?”

“It sounds like you have something in mind,” he says.

You laugh. “Anything is better than leaving scratch marks on my back."

“Surely I didn’t scratch you that hard.”

“Would you like me to show you?”

He returns your deadpan stare with one of his own. Then, he stands and puts a hand in his pocket. “...I’ll be more gentle next time.”

You’re sure you’re blushing now, but it’s not just your face that feels warm.

“I’ll bring the book for you,” Alhaitham continues. “...Unless you’d like to drop by my place again.”

You stand. If it wasn't for the table between you, you probably would have walked closer to him.

“Aren’t I stopping by anyways?" you ask. "Unless… you’d like to do it at my place.”

Your heart is beating like crazy; your legs feel like jelly.

Alhaitham’s gaze darkens. “As long as we have privacy.”

You have to remind yourself you’re talking about the experiment. It’s getting really hot now, and you need some air.

You clear your throat, looking away from him. “I, um, I should get back to work.”

"Before you go…." You glance at him, but he casually looks away. "Who was that man with you a while ago?"

“...Oh, you mean Ayato? That was the first time I met him, but his sister is friends with my brother.”

Alhaitham looks back. “Aether?”

You nod.

“...I see.”

You walk over to him. “You look… troubled, Catman. Something wrong?”

“What’s with the smile?”

“Smile?” You look away. “I’m not smiling.”

He's standing in front of you now. Then, he gently tilts your head toward him. You're holding your breath as you stare into his eyes which are completely focused on you.

Then, he leans in and whispers lowly in your ear, “You’re right. You’re blushing.”

You immediately step back, and he leans upward with a small smile. “Don’t think you’ve won.”

"Won?" he asks innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about." Then, he looks at his watch. "...We should get back to work." Then, just before you reach the door, he says, "I'll see you tonight."

“You’d better show up as a cat,” you deadpan.

Is that another smirk?

“...Right. Kisses come first, don’t they?”

You wish you had a witty remark, but you leave with a strange mix of anger, frustration, and… excitement.

◆◆◆

“Are you sure you’re okay walking like this?” Ayaka asks.

She and Aether are taking an evening stroll around the hospital. It was Aether who had asked her first. Yes, he was bored but he also wanted to get to know Ayaka better. She was soft-spoken and didn't share a lot about herself, which only heightened Aether's curiosity. It was better than staying indoors and playing games all day, right?

"Of course!" Aether says, smiling. Well, it is a bit inconvenient to walk, but that's not going to stop him.

As soon as Ayaka spots an empty bench, she says, “Let’s sit down for a bit.”

A short silence passes between them until Aether turns to her, “Um, I’m curious… what are you being hospitalized for?”

“Ah… I never told you, did I?”

“You don’t have to tell me if you’re not comfortable. I… I just want to get to know you a little better.”

Ayaka chuckles. “You’re very cute, Aether.”

“Cute? Me?” He awkwardly rubs the back of his head. “That’s a first. I’ve only been called annoying by my sisters.” His face turns a little pale. “Ah! But I’m not really annoying. I—”

“You seem to get along well with them."

Aether visibly relaxes a little. “Well, they are my sisters… even though we’re not blood-related.”

“Oh, you aren’t?”

“Lumine and I are. But, we were adopted into my older sister’s family.”

Ayaka smiles. “I’m glad you found such a loving family, and it’s amazing that you two were adopted together.”

“Me too! We were lucky.”

“Um… if you don’t mind my asking, do you know who your real parents are?”

Aether shakes his head. “...All we know is that our mother was young when she gave us up.”

“I see.”

“U-Um, do you mind if I ask a question.”

“Of course not. Oh, but I didn’t answer your first question.” She looks straight ahead. “...I'm here because I got a heart transplant last week.”

Aether didn't know what to expect when he initially asked the question. But it definitely wasn't that.

“I’ve always had a weak heart,” Ayaka continues. “I could never participate in any physical activities at school, and”—she smiles sadly—“I think some people found it a bother to be around me.”

“Why would you be a bother?”

“I couldn’t do a lot of the things people my age wanted to do. So… I guess they stopped inviting me to things because I couldn’t go or participate anyway.”

“That’s ridiculous! I… I would’ve hung out with you.”

Ayaka chuckles. “You’re kind, Aether.”

“...Is that why you decided to get a heart transplant?”

“It would be a risk either way. I was told I wouldn’t live past thirty if I didn’t get a heart transplant. If I did, there’s a chance I would.”

Before Aether can stop himself, he takes her hand.

Ayaka smiles at him. "At the end of the day, I just want people to treat me normally."

“...Do you think we should ask Ayaka?”

Ayaka stopped in front of her classroom door upon hearing her classmate’s voice.

“I don’t think she would be able to handle it," someone else said. "Let’s ask someone else.”

“But it’s just helping out at the school festival. We don’t have to ask her to do anything strenuous.”

“Yeah, but if something happens, we might get blamed for it. I certainly don’t want to take that responsibility.”

“...I know people will still treat me differently. But maybe things will change.” The short silence doesn't last long as she turns to Aether. “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to talk about something so… gloomy.”

Aether smiles at her. "No, thank you for sharing that with me. But don't you think we need to celebrate?"

“Celebrate?”

“Your surgery was a success! It definitely calls for a celebration!”

“Aren’t you getting discharged soon?”

Aether pouts. “Are you saying we can’t be friends even after we leave?” He stands and smiles. “I’d love to take you to the amusement park once we’re both out.”

“Without your sisters?”

“Well… I mean… if you want them to come, I guess I could invite them.”

Ayaka chuckles and stands. “Should we say we forgot to ask?”

"It'll be our little secret!"

◆◆◆

Lumine is waiting for you outside your office building to visit Aether when she hears "Hey, Lulu" near her ear. There's only one person who has ever called her by that nickname. She turns around and sees the person she's expecting to see: the flirting ginger.

“Childe,” she deadpans.

“Not even a smile?” he asks, putting a hand over his heart. “You hurt me.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I work here, Lulu. Where else do you expect me to be on a weekday?”

Lumine crosses her arms. “So, do you go around calling people by nicknames they don’t want to hear after hours?”

“Well, that depends if I like them enough,” Childe says with a casual shrug.

If Lumine was tall enough, she would pat his shoulder. "Sis is pretty much taken now, which is why you've switched targets, huh?"

"Is it just me, or are you in a particularly sassy mood today?"

"Only with you, Childe," she says, rolling her eyes.

“My, then I guess I do feel special.”

Lumine frowns upon seeing that little smile.

“Lumine!”

Your sister turns and sees you walking towards them.

“I guess that’s my cue to leave,” Childe says.

“Did I interrupt something?” you ask.

Childe waves his hand dismissively. "So, where are you two headed?"

“We’re going to visit Aether,” you say as you, Lumine, and Childe start walking toward the street. “Do you want to come?”

“Love to, but I have some things to take care of tonight.”

“That’s a first,” Lumine says.

“Well, for your information, Lulu, I, too, have adult responsibilities believe it or not.”

You almost chuckle at your sister's frown. Then, you look at Childe. "Well, I'll see you later then."

After parting ways with Childe, you and Lumine arrive at the hospital a short while later. You're about to reach Aether's room when you see your brother approaching his room from the opposite end of the hallway. But he’s not alone.

“Whoa,” Lumine whispers. “Is that tall guy Ayaka’s brother?”

Ayato notices you and gives you a small wave. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“Who are you?” Lumine asks.

“My brother,” Ayaka answers. “He was visiting me earlier, and I introduced him to Aether.” She looks at Ayato. “Do you two already know each other?”

“We work in the same field,” Ayato says.

“You work in the entertainment industry?” Lumine asks.

Ayato smiles at her. “I’m an actor.”

Lumine’s jaw almost drops. “T-that’s so cool!”

“You’re drooling, Lumine.”

She glares at her brother. “I am not!”

You laugh. “Well, I guess we can skip the introductions, huh?”

While Lumine, Aether, and Ayaka are chatting back in Aether’s room, you and Ayato step out to grab a snack from the hospital café downstairs.

"My sister has nothing but good things to say about Aether," Ayato says as you and he wait for your order.

“Aether also seems brighter after meeting her,” you say with a small smile. “I’m glad he’s made a friend.” You take your sandwich from the barista. “By the way… what kind of project are you working on with Childe’s group? Or is it a secret for now?”

Ayato takes his order, and you sit at an empty table.

"It's a commercial for Sumeru Wine, but today was just a photo shoot."

“Impressive,” you say. “I love Sumeru Wine. It’s one of the few alcoholic drinks I can take now.”

“You don’t drink?”

“I used to. But… I stopped.”

Ayato looks at you curiously. “I guess we're in the same boat.”

“Oh?”

“I stopped drinking… for Ayaka.”

This takes you by surprise. "For Ayaka?"

"She used to have a weak heart," Ayato explains. "There was a time when she wanted to drink to fit in with everyone else." He smiles sadly. "When I told her she couldn't, she looked me dead in the eyes and said that I was doing it, too."

"So, you wanted to set a good example."

Ayato nods. "Exactly."

"Hey, Sis! What's taking so long?" You and Ayato turn to Lumine. "We were wondering what happened to the two of you!"

“Oh, sorry,” you say, standing.

“What were you two talking about?”

“That’s a secret.” You and Lumine turn to Ayato, who still has that kind smile.

“It was just about work and a little about Ayaka,” you say.

"Ooh, I see…."

You glance at your watch, and you almost drop your drink. Is it this late already?

“Something wrong, Sis?”

“I didn’t know it was so late already,” you say, remembering Alhaitham.

Lumine also looks at the time on her phone. But then, Ayato says, "It sounds like you're in a rush. Would you like me to drive the two of you back?"

“I appreciate it, but Lumine and I can take the train back,” you say. “We still have time.”

After telling you where he lives, Ayato says, “If you and your sister live around there, it would be in the same area anyways.”

“That’s… not far from where we live, actually," Lumine says.

Ayato smiles. “Then, I wouldn’t mind driving two friends back home.”

◆◆◆

As a cat, Alhaitham is sitting on the counter, staring at his phone. Before he turned, he'd messaged you twice as you were never late to your "meetings." When you didn't reply, he was getting worried. But now that you've responded, he feels… something strange. It's like a bitter taste in his mouth that he can't get rid of.

Batwoman: On my way back. Sorry. I was visiting my brother and Ayato's driving Lumine and me home.

Ayato? What was Ayato doing with you?

Kaveh comes out of the kitchen and sees Alhaitham staring at his phone. “What’s wrong, Kittyman?”

That’s when they hear a knock on Alhaitham’s door.

As soon as Kaveh answers it, he grins. “Oh, so we meet again!”

“Kaveh,” you say, clearly surprised. “What… what are you doing here?”

Kaveh opens Alhaitham’s door a little wider. You see Alhaitham sitting on the counter.

"Ah, I guess I never explained, did I?" Kaveh chuckles. He lets you inside. "Haitham and I used to be roommates. But our relationship started turning sour, so I moved out before it got worse." Then, he closes the door. "I still drop by occasionally, though, just to see how he's holdin' up. It can get pretty lonely, after all." Alhaitham meows and Kaveh turns to him. "I know you're protesting, but it's true."

The conversation between you and Kaveh falls on deaf ears as Alhaitham is still coming to terms with this… bitter feeling. It's the same he felt when he saw Ayato kiss your hand. It irked him like an insufferable itch.

“Okay, well, I’m here because I want to see the magic happen!” Kaveh says.

“There’s really no magic,” you say. “I mean… he just poofs back.”

Then you notice Alhaitham isn't sitting on the counter anymore. Instead, he's sitting on the couch with his butt facing you and Kaveh.

Is he… sulking?

You walk over and sit beside Alhaitham. He gives you one look and then turns away.

"Is it just me, or… does he not want to talk to me?" you ask, a little baffled.

Kaveh smirks. “Well… you did say a dude drove you back, didn’t you?” He scratches Alhaitham’s head. “Is Kittyman jealous?”

Alhaitham wanted to swipe his friend's hand away but thought better. Instead, he quickly jumps off the couch and walks into his room. You and Kaveh look at each other.

“Is it too much to ask if I ask you to help deal with him?” Kaveh looks at his watch. “I’m going to grab something to eat. Didn’t think his fridge would be pretty much empty.”

Once Kaveh is out the door, you walk to Alhaitham's room, where he's curled up on his bed. He feels his bed shift, so he looks up and sees you sitting on the edge.

“...Is it okay if I lie down?”

Alhaitham sits up and meows. You take that as permission and lie on your stomach next to him. He puts a paw on your cheek, and you think it would be cute… if his expression still doesn't look unhappy with you.

You sit up and sigh. “I’m sorry.”

He's not mad at you for being late, but he just needs to come to terms with these… annoying feelings about Ayato. You put your hand on top of his paw. He looks up at you.

“Still mad?”

Alhaitham jumps in your direction, forcing you to lie on your back while he’s on top of you. His front paws are just above your chest.

“Alright. What are you scheming, Catman?”

You think he'll jump away or maybe get the hint when you move to sit up. But he doesn't, and you end up accidentally kissing his head.

His hands are on either side of your head, his eyes wide as he stares at you. This is definitely déjavu. You on your back and Alhaitham on top of you. Except, the circumstances have changed. The silence drags on until…

“...You aren’t going to grab another slipper, are you?”

“...That depends.”

“On?”

“Are you going to try anything funny?”

He leans closer and whispers in your ear. “Is being gentle trying something funny?”

You don't get a chance to ask when he kisses your forehead. But then, he smiles at you, and you feel your face instantly heat up.

Suddenly, the door opens, and you freeze when you hear, “Wha—What in the world are you doing?!"

Tag list: @lxry-chxn @seirenspinel @lordbugs @suoshiii @sakiimeo @ashtree-and-the-cats @ceylestia @deathkat657 @forsh4dow @kalpie @elernity @sentieence @chichibleeps @sunsethw4 @hjjks @tanspostsblog @nqctre @just-simping-over-genshin @uchihaeirin @vynbin @ayanokomu @dksfl920 @alatus2716 @itztaki @thetwinkims

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akilynx · 1 year

Text

BRO MY HEART 💓💓

when they first fell in love with you. ♡

(sumeru genshin impact males x gn!reader)

written headcanon style! enjoy ✩

(a/n) might be writing a part two of this with tighnari and some other male genshin characters so please comment which characters you would like to see! thank you for reading ♡

˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚

cyno ♡

he was never the emotional man, at least not around other people. but to you, he was just the hobby-chasing mahamatra who liked to play card games religiously.

the two of you met a long time ago, years before, during his time at the academia. The two of you had the same biology class. over the course of half a semester and more than a few group projects, you could say the two of you had grown relatively close.

close enough that cyno, being cyno, was comfortable enough to tell always tell you his most terrible jokes.

"hey. why did the biologist break up with the physicist?"

you had stared at him quizzically, not sure if this was a test or an actual question about the work, but replied anyway. "what?"

"they... had no chemistry."

"..."

"do you get it - because like chemistry is a subject of science and biologists study the science of life and we're in science class and-"

he'll never forget the way you laughed that day. the way your serious expression faded into one trying to hold back laughter, and the way your lips curved upwards instantly... he felt his heart skip a beat as you let out a quiet giggle under your breath. he didn't know why or what, but a wave of affection swept over him, almost engulfing him completely before he reeled it back, face tinted red.

"hehe, you're funny, cyno." you had told him, smiling sweetly, still struggling to mute your laughs.

"am i?" cynos crimson eyes were wide as he looked at you with a look of surprise.

"mhm!" you nodded at him, beaming. "oh, are you free after school today? we should meet up to do the homework."

cyno hid his face from you then, face burning and flushed red as he mumbled out a response. "i'm free."

"great!" you slid him a slip of paper, torn off of your biology worksheet. "i figured you should have my number. don't forget to text me, okay?"

"i won't."

and he kept his word.

al haitham ♡

it all happened after the school announced an academia-wide field trip to the desert, quite the far trek in hindsight. you were surprised the school even agreed to it. that aside, the entire school was excited about it, especially to people who had moved from the sandy dunes to the lively rainforest in order to study at the academia.

however, al haitham, your literature class partner, had stayed silent. you glanced at him several times throughout the entire day, but his expression didn't change one bit, nor did he even look from his book.

"al haitham." you called out his name, eyes sparkling curiously. "what are you reading?"

"a comprehensive look at sumeru's last 300 years." his answer was short and quick. you whistled, impressed that he was willingly reading such a text.

"are you going on the field trip?" you questioned, wanting to ask but not wanting to annoy him.

"i see no reason not to." yet another blatant answer. he turned the page absent-mindingly, eyes trailing from sentence to sentence. you decided to let him read, not wanting to bother him more than you already had.

just then, a group of students walked into the room, bustling about loudly and chatting amongst themselves not too quietly at all. if they noticed the two of you, they certainly didn't care. they laughed and shouted some more before taking the tables next to where the two of you sat and continued to squawk about.

you caught al haitham wincing at the noise, mutely noting the fact that he had taken off his headphones. you never realized the ashen-haired man had sensitive hearing, but now a lot more things made sense- especially the fact that haitham never ate lunch, like the other students, in the cafeteria.

hesitantly, you reached up and cupped your hands over al haitham's exposed ears. "is it too loud?" you whispered as quietly as you could, hoping that al haitham wouldn't be bothered by your question.

as you glanced down at his expression, his look of astoundment startled you. his emerald eyes sparkled with a look of tenderness that you would've expected as he gazed up at you, his diamond shaped pupils staring up at you and you only.

then, so subtle you almost missed it, he whispered, face flushed:

"thank you."

kaveh ♡

kaveh was always a friendly person, and that was certainly not an exception when it came to you. after a class, he would always burst into the room and come to walk you to your next one.

it come to a point where you would wait for him to show up after the lecture ended, purposely packing up your things slower as you scanned the door for any signs of the blonde man. and he always showed up.

always.

except, then he didn't. you waited until the students of the next hour began to come in, and then waited more until you were sure you were already late. yet, he still didn't show up. worry began gnawing at your stomach as you fidgeted through all of your classes that day, mind cloudy.

and he wasn't there the day after that, either. you missed his presence, his sunny demeanor, and his blushing reaction whenever you decided to tease him.

after about a week of the constant torture, he showed up again, grinning and raising his hand as if he was expecting a wave after your design class.

and you didn't just give him a wave. you dropped all your things instantly, eyes wide and teary, and leaped onto the man, sending both of you tumbling to the ground as you gave him the tightest hug you could manage.

underneath you, kaveh let out a shout of surprise, trying to get you off of him so he could get up, but he wouldn't budge. and he glanced down at you, confused at what had gotten you so worked up, he spotted glistening tears spilling down your face.

"wh-what's happened?" he questioned with a worried expression as he helped you up, tears still running down from your eyes. "did someone hurt you? who was it??"

"idiot..." you leaned against his figure, burying your face into his chest, not caring if you were to be late or not. "you left without a word...!"

"i-i'm sorry-!" kaveh glanced down at your figure clinging onto him, face flushed as his heart pounded so loud that he was sure you would be able to hear it. "i caught a cold..."

"don't leave me again like that, okay??"

"o-okay."

wanderer ♡

you had known him for a long time now, you would've admitted if you had no other choice but to be truthful. but it was a hopeless thing, since never once did he ever seem to notice you - much less care about you or your wellbeing.

at least he had never outright told you that he disliked your presence. it was a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless.

so it was a surprise when he showed up at your doorstep, clothes and hair drenched from the relentless rain outside. he stared at the ground sheepishly, expression embarrassed as he spoke. "i... i didn't have anywhere else to go."

"oh." you had stood there for quite a bit, mouth rounded and eyes wide before returning to your senses. "you can come inside. i'll get you a towel."

the dark-haired man nodded silently, stepping outside as drops of water fell from the sides of his hat. you halted, whipping around. "leave that on the porch."

"but-"

"it's wet. it's going to be no help when we try to get you dry." seeing scaramouche's face fall, you cleared your throat. "but if you must, you can leave it in the mudroom."

"...alright."

you weren't even sure why he was sitting in your living room, a towel around him and sitting on your couch by the fireside, slowly sipping a hot mug of tea. he didn't seem to be thinking of speaking anytime soon, so you did it in his place.

"did you need something?" you questioned him after taking a long sip from your own mug.

"no, i just..." he shook his head. "can i stay here? just for a little while longer?"

the softness in his voice startled you, but you managed to give him an answer without stuttering either way. "you can stay for however long you want." at your response, you saw the male's eyes light up, along with his face flushing a bit too, an action that was not gone unnoticed.

"...i appreciate it. i want you to know that i really do. thank you."

masterlist ✩

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