Thread by @YourToothsie

#haikaveh
The older Alhaitham sighs. "Go home. You don't belong here."
The younger Alhaitham squawks. "But--"
"Darling!" A voice calls from outside the house. "I'm home!"
The younger Alhaitham gasps. "You got married?!"

Or, fifteen-year-old Alhaitham ends up in the future.

Exposure to ley lines can have devastating side effects.

Dizziness, hallucinations, and imbalance in the vessels are the usual outcomes reported by individuals exposed to the glowing spheres of energy. Hence, most people tend to avoid them.

Alhaitham isn't like most people.

The fifteen-year-old Haravatat student stands before a glowing blue ley line, a book in hand.

He read a study last night about using ley lines to manipulate time and space for a limited duration. Concluding the methodology seems feasible enough, Alhaitham decided to attempt it.

Alhaitham eyes the ley line outcrop.

If he succeeds with the operation, he should arrive at his future: around 17 years from now. He will have roughly five hours to sate his curiosity before he is sent back to the exact second before he touches the ley line.

If Alhaitham fails the operation, his physical form will be torn apart by elemental energy, and his molecules will be lost in time and space forever.

Overall, a worthy gamble.

Alhaitham pockets his book and takes a deep breath. The ley line glows gently, beckoning him closer.

Alhaitham proceeds with the methodology. He measures the outcrop and counts its pulses, then computes the distance he'll need to travel in terms of time-space units.

Then he calibrates the devices he has placed around the outcrop.

Finally, Alhaitham touches the ley line.

Alhaitham expects it to burn. He awaits a fiery and scorching sensation, not unlike the experience described in the study.

Instead, all he feels is 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥.

The elemental energy is positively frigid as it seeps between his cells and pulls him forward in time.

The sensation is not unlike hurtling through the chilly evening air.

As he travels through time and space, Alhaitham closes his eyes. Distantly, he wonders if this is what birds feel when they migrate before winter.

Soon, the cold sensation disappears. Alhaitham opens his eyes.

He is in a bedroom.

Plain walls. Shelves upon shelves of books. A half-made bed.

Alhaitham pads over to the worn but familiar green book on the desk. He flips to the title page.

"May my child Alhaitham lead a peaceful life."

He is in his future self's room.

The door creaks open.

Alhaitham's future self enters the bedroom. He is tall. Firm. Dressed in unconventional scholar's attire.

Alhaitham frowns. Apparently, he grows up to look like Father.

The older Alhaitham frowns. "Ley line accident?"

Alhaitham scoffs. "Intentional."

The older Alhaitham raises an eyebrow.

"Do you remember the study conducted by Kareena Et al.?" says Alhaitham. "I followed the methodology. Apparently, I succeeded."

He awaits his older self's praise. Or at least fascination. Instead, he gets a scolding.

"This isn't a study you should've conducted," says older Alhaitham. "You would have killed both of us if you failed."

"Killed?" Alhaitham scoffs. "You think I'm sloppy enough to get us killed?" He huffs. "Our molecules will simply be lost in time and space. It's not a big deal."

The older Alhaitham opens his mouth to retort before he sighs instead. "Go home. You don't belong here."

Alhaitham squawks in protest. After all his preparations last night, his older self has the gall to send him back like an errant child?! "But--"

He is interrupted by someone from outside the house.

"Darling!" the person calls. "I'm home!"

Alhaitham's jaw drops. He turns to his future self. "You got married?!"

The older Alhaitham's cheeks tint pink. "As I said, go home. What I do with my life is none of your business."

"But it is," Alhaitham replies fiercely. "Since when were we the kind of person to--" he sputters "--settle down?!"

This is ridiculous. How is Alhaitham supposed to live his life knowing that when he grows up, he'll have another person sharing his space?!

"Dearest?" the voice calls from outside. "Do you mind unlocking the door? I forgot my keys again."

Alhaitham wants to puke. "'Dearest'?! And I thought 'darling' was bad--"

His older self walks past him. "Go home. You have better things to do than intruding into my life."

"Believe me," Alhaitham rolls his eyes. "I'd like nothing more." Knowing that his future becomes this 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴 certainly puts a stopper on his curiosity, but he can't go back to his time anyway.

He still has over four hours to go.

Alhaitham groans.

He follows his older self out of the room. Marriage and endearments aside, the older Alhaitham seems to lead a comfortable life. The hallway is dotted with rare books though Alhaitham sees some awards that he wouldn't have earned himself.

Maybe they belong to his future spouse.

The two Alhaithams stop before the front door.

The older Alhaitham gives his younger self a pointed look. "Honesty is an essential virtue. However--" his eyes narrow "--if you so much as insult my spouse or embarrass him, I'll make you swallow your teeth."

Alhaitham trembles, but he stands his ground. He scowls back. "You wouldn't dare."

"Don't test me," says the older Alhaitham. "Furthermore, you're a young man now. It's about time that you start tempering your bluntness." He grabs the doorknob. "Now, behave."

Alhaitham scoffs. "Why would I need to behave--" The words die on his lips when the door opens.

The man on the other side is the most beautiful person that Alhaitham has ever seen.

A delicate, heart-shaped face. Soft, blond hair. A slim, willowy figure in elegant garments.

Alhaitham's grandmother taught him that staring is rude. Yet it's difficult to remember her words when he's in the presence of someone so...𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺.

The beautiful man smiles sweetly. "Oh? Haitham, is this another ley line accident?" Archons, even his voice is beautiful.

"It's not an accident," the older Alhaitham answers. "In my younger self's words, his presence here is 'intentional.'"

Alhaitham couldn't care less about the edge in his older self's voice. He can't tear his eyes away from the man in front of him.

"I'm Kaveh, an architect," the man places a hand on his chest. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Well--" his face flushes "--I wouldn't call us acquaintances, exactly..."

"You're my future husband," Alhaitham murmurs, awed.

Kaveh's face flushes more, but his eyes shine with happiness. "Indeed. Though don't think too hard on it." He smiles fondly at the older Alhaitham. "We were friends, first and foremost."

The older Alhaitham gives Kaveh an equally saccharine smile.

Alhaitham looks away.

"Anyway--" Kaveh lightly touches his husband's arm. Alhaitham doesn't miss the way his older self's posture relaxes immediately. "You said he came here intentionally?"

"Yes," says the older Alhaitham. "Do you remember Madam Kareena's paper on using ley lines for time travel?"

"Of course," Kaveh nods, seemingly as clever as he is lovely. "Though the researchers merely used mice as test subjects, not--" he frowns at Alhaitham "--people."

He quirks his lip. "It's impressive that you managed to arrive here without any complications at all."

Alhaitham grins. "If you're wondering how I did it--"

"--No one cares about your methodology," his older self interrupts. "Our priority right now is to send you back to your time."

Alhaitham scowls.

The older Alhaitham scowls back.

Kaveh gets in between them. "There, there--"

"How about this?" Kaveh smiles warmly at the older Alhaitham. "Why don't you go to the Akademiya and retrieve the device we use to send time travelers back to their periods?"

"But--"

"Meanwhile," Kaveh turns to smile just as sweetly at Alhaitham. "We will prepare dinner."

It is admittedly difficult to say no when Kaveh has such a kind expression. Alhaitham sighs. "Very well."

The man turns to give his husband an expectant look. The older Alhaitham sighs as well. "Hand me my cape."

"Good." Kaveh claps, pleased. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"

The older Alhaitham bends down so Kaveh can help him with his cape. "Do you need me to buy anything from the bazaar?"

"We're short on zaytun peaches," says Kaveh. "Oh, if you see Nilou, say hi to her for me. And invite her for lunch tomorrow; it's been a while."

"I will," the older Alhaitham nods. At this point, Alhaitham is convinced his older self will do anything Kaveh asks of him.

The older Alhaitham opens the door. "I'll be back soon."

"Don't be late," says Kaveh. He stands on his tiptoes and kisses his husband's cheek. "See you."

Alhaitham looks away again.

Knowing that his married future self tolerates (enjoys?) endearments is one thing, but learning he engages in blatant physical affection is...disconcerting.

When Alhaitham looks up, he sees that his older self has left, and Kaveh is staring at him.

"I wonder what my relationship with your future self looks like in your eyes," Kaveh murmurs, his face unreadable. "We must seem rather unsettling to you."

Unsettling? Alhaitham shakes his head. "That's not what I--"

"Haitham," says Kaveh. "You're not a liar. Do not start now."

Alhaitham debates coming up with an excuse, but something about Kaveh's quiet, intelligent gaze prompts the truth out of him. "This isn't the future I want."

Kaveh's expression softens, and the lovely, kind smile returns to his face. "Fate is quite strange, isn't it?"

"Come," says Kaveh, walking to the hallway. "We must get started on dinner."

As Alhaitham watches Kaveh putter around in the kitchen, a sudden thought occurs to him.

He is alone with a stranger.

Kaveh may be his future self's spouse, but he is not Alhaitham's.

Not yet.

If Kaveh can see Alhaitham's discomfort, he does not comment on it. He merely hums as he adds turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder to a bowl of shrimp. "How old are you, Haitham?"

"Fifteen," Alhaitham answers, passing him the salt. "Why are you asking?"

"I'm trying to determine if we've already met in your time," says Kaveh.

"So, have we?" Alhaitham asks.

"I think so," says Kaveh, setting aside the shrimp.

Alhaitham doubts it. If he already met Kaveh, he's bound to remember it.

It's difficult to forget a face like 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.

Kaveh instructs Alhaitham to chop some shallots while he toasts spices in a pan.

"You're holding the knife incorrectly," Kaveh murmurs over Alhaitham's shoulder. He gently takes the student's hand and adjusts his grip on the blade.

Kaveh smells nice.

Alhaitham's face flushes.

"That's called the pinch grip," says Kaveh.

"What," Alhaitham says eloquently.

Kaveh chuckles, and he gives Alhaitham a warm, fond look that makes Alhaitham's face flush more. "That's the name of the knife-gripping style you're doing right now. Try it."

Alhaitham obeys. The result is rough and uneven, and frankly, it is quite embarrassing.

"Excellent work," says Kaveh, smiling brightly. "Can you chop the other shallots?"

And Alhaitham finally understands why his older self can't seem to say no to his husband. "Of course."

They cook in silence. Alhaitham grinds the spices to a powder while Kaveh sautées the shallots and fennel seeds.

Alhaitham watches his future spouse. Kaveh is breathtaking, all gentle lines and soft edges, and Alhaitham's heart stirs.

No wonder he decided to get married.

Alhaitham startles at the sudden thought. Hasn't he always been repulsed by the idea of marriage? To be loved is to be known, and to bare one's heart is to bare one's weakness.

To be loved is to be tied down.

Alhaitham is not meant to be restrained.

But isn't he restrained right now, caught in Kaveh's warm eyes and gentle voice? Alhaitham does not love Kaveh, not yet, but he knows, deep in the marrow of his bones, that he 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥.

To be loved is to be bound.

But what if Kaveh is the one holding the ropes?

Alhaitham is pulled out of his thoughts by Kaveh's voice. "I know this isn't the life you envisioned for yourself."

Alhaitham turns to him. Kaveh offers the student a small smile. "Believe me--" he chuckles, "--this isn't the life I envisioned either."

Alhaitham hesitates. "You didn't think you'd end up married?" '𝘛𝘰 𝘮𝘦' is left unsaid.

Kaveh shakes his head. "The aspirations I concocted in my youth did not make room for anyone else. Furthermore--" he sighs "--I was convinced that I am to live a life wrought by solitude."

"And then I met you." Kaveh's gaze softens, and Alhaitham realizes it is the same look that Kaveh gives the older Alhaitham. "We were different people, Haitham and I. We clashed in ideals and demeanors. But against all odds, we became friends."

"We are mirrors of each other," says Kaveh. "Despite our differences, I know that I have found my equal in mind, body, and soul. Meeting my husband made me realize that my aspirations are no longer mine to keep. Meeting Alhaitham allowed me to dream unalone."

Kaveh steps closer. "Let time run its course, Haitham. Do not meddle with it. Even if your future isn't what you wanted, that doesn't make it any less wonderful."

"You're asking me to accept your marriage with my future self," Alhaitham whispers. "Your love for my future self."

Alhaitham looks up, eyes wide with uncertainty. "To be loved is to be known."

Kaveh kneels in front of him. "To be loved is to be changed."

"To be loved is to be bound," Alhaitham quivers.

Kaveh takes his hand. "To be loved is to be anchored."

"Love doesn't bind you," says Kaveh. "It anchors you so are unmoved and resolute in times of uncertainty."

He squeezes Alhaitham's hand. "My love isn't a perfect thing, Haitham. But I'll sand its edges and tear its brickwork because you deserve nothing but tenderness."

Alhaitham meets Kaveh's gaze. This time, the student cannot find it in himself to look away. "How do I know that I can return your affections?"

"Because you took me in," Kaveh replies. "You comforted me. Supported me. Married me. I've never felt so cherished in my life."

"Do not worry about the future," says Kaveh, his thumb brushing Alhaitham's knuckles. "You will be in good hands. Marriage may not be what you had in mind, but it will bring you as much happiness, if not more, than a life of solitude." He winks. "I'll make sure of that."

Alhaitham flushes. "If you say so."

Kaveh laughs. "I know so. C'mon, we've got a dinner to finish."

Alhaitham's eyes widen. "Did it burn--"

"Pff, no," Kaveh waves an airy hand. "I turned off the stove. Do you think this is my first confession in the kitchen?"

"You've confessed here before?" Alhaitham raises an eyebrow.

"You did," Kaveh grins. He turns on the stove. "My dear husband saw me cooking one morning and decided to pour his heart out."

Alhaitham thinks back on Kaveh's lovely figure as he putters around. "Understandable."

"What was that?" Kaveh calls as he adds green chilies and curry leaves to the pan.

"I'll chop the coriander leaves," Alhaitham says instead of replying. His face flushes at Kaveh's answering chuckle.

"Chop some tomatoes while you're at it," says Kaveh. "We're almost done."

The kitchen smells wonderful. After adding the ginger garlic paste and the chopped tomatoes, Kaveh pours in the marinated prawns. Alhaitham peers over his shoulder curiously.

"That's not enough chili powder," he says.

"You should be glad I even added some," Kaveh points out.

Alhaitham frowns at him.

"Fine." Kaveh sighs fondly and doubles the amount of chili powder. "Pass me the ground masala."

After adding the powder, he dilutes the curry and pours the coconut milk. Then Alhaitham adds the chopped coriander leaves.

Kaveh nods. "It's done."

"Haitham, go set the table."

"Aren't we going to wait for my older self?" Alhaitham asks as he grabs the plates.

"Trust me," says Kaveh. "He'll show up on time." His dendro vision glows once.

The older Alhaitham arrives just as Kaveh and Alhaitham settle at the dining table.

The older Alhaitham hands Kaveh a bag of zaytun peaches and frowns at Alhaitham. "You actually behaved yourself."

Alhaitham lowers his fork. "What."

"The house isn't in shambles, and Kaveh looks happy," his older self explains. "So I assumed you were on your best behavior."

"Yes, he was," Kaveh cuts in before Alhaitham can retort. "He's a charming young man."

The older Alhaitham smirks. "Definitely not as charming as me, though."

"I'll be the judge of that," Kaveh giggles.

"Can we eat now?" Alhaitham groans. "The food is getting cold."

Kaveh's Curry Shrimp is probably the most delicious dish Alhaitham has ever tried. He wishes he could take the leftovers home.

Oh, right. He can't. Unless time travelers can carry food with them...?

Alhaitham doubts it. With a defeated sigh, he looks at his older self.

The older Alhaitham is enjoying Kaveh's cooking as much as his younger self, though he eats at a more sedate pace. He smiles tenderly as Kaveh sits beside him, explaining a recent project while gesturing wildly.

They look happy together.

Alhaitham smiles as he watches them.

"--and the client requested stained glass windows!" says Kaveh. "I think it's a strange idea, but it could work if we use Karmaphala wood for the walls!"

"Mhm," the older Alhaitham hums, enamored. He thumbs away a bit of rice on Kaveh's cheek. "That sounds perfect, Kaveh."

"Really?" Kaveh looks pleased.

"Yes," the older Alhaitham answers. "What designs do you plan to do for the stained glass windows?"

The question is clearly the right thing to ask. Kaveh's face lights up like the sun and he goes on another creative tangent.

"The client said she would prefer designs inspired by Sumerian fauna," says Kaveh. "But I don't know which animal to choose! She doesn't strike me as a sumpter beast enthusiast--"

"How about birds?" Alhaitham pipes in.

His older self and Kaveh look at him curiously.

"I think eagles look good," says Alhaitham. He glances at Kaveh. "Maybe you can even add Huma Birds."

The older Alhaitham quirks his lip. Kaveh claps his hands excitedly. "That's a good idea! Do you have a design in mind?"

"Yes," Alhaitham nods. "Though I need some parchment."

Alhaitham spends the rest of his time in the future drawing with Kaveh. He is not as skilled as the architect, but Kaveh smiles at him encouragingly and praises his designs, so it's enough for him.

The older Alhaitham is content to cut zaytun peaches for them to snack on.

"Do you want to draw?" Alhaitham looks over his shoulder. He sprawls on the floor as he renders the feathers of the eagle's wings.

The older Alhaitham shakes his head. "No. I'll leave this endeavor to your capable hands."

Alhaitham flushes at the praise. "'Capable'?"

He squawks when the older Alhaitham ruffles his hair. "Hey--!"

"Don't make me say it again," the older Alhaitham rolls his eyes.

"Aww," Kaveh croons from his side of the parchment. "You guys are bonding."

The two Alhaithams scowl at each other. "No, we're not."

The older Alhaitham sighs. "You two better wrap up. My younger self leaves this period in half an hour."

Alhaitham balks at him. "You know my time duration?"

"Please, I read the same study," his older self replies. "It's easy to figure out your stay will only last five hours."

Oh.

Alhaitham is leaving soon.

He glances at his older self's impassive face, then at Kaveh's bittersweet expression. Alhaitham's heart stirs.

He'll miss them. This isn't the future he initially envisioned, but it's not so bad.

...Alhaitham doesn't want to go yet.

Kaveh smiles wryly at his husband. "Looks like we don't need the Akademiya time traveler device this time."

"This time?" Alhaitham raises an eyebrow.

"My five-year-old self ended up here a few weeks ago," Kaveh laughs fondly. "But that's a story for another time. Anyway--"

"--my Haitham is right," says Kaveh. "We should wrap up."

"'My Haitham'?" The older Alhaitham grins coyly.

Kaveh's face flushes. "I need a way to differentiate you two!"

He startles when his husband moves closer. "Are you sure that isn't just an excuse to call me yours?"

"Should I be seeing this?" Alhaitham deadpans.

"No," the older Alhaitham replies, never taking his eyes off his spouse. "Leave. Pack some curry to take home."

Alhaitham doesn't need to be told twice. The last thing he hears before he closes the door is Kaveh's surprised squeak.

As Alhaitham spoons Curry Shrimp into a container, he thinks back on the events of the past few hours.

Does he regret going to the future? No.

Is this the future he envisioned? Also, no.

Does he like this future? ...Yes. He's looking forward to it.

Alhaitham thinks back on Kaveh's "confession." Alhaitham knows that Kaveh doesn't love him. But he also knows that Kaveh loves the older Alhaitham, and the man certainly reciprocates his feelings.

Alhaitham is happy for them.

He wonders when he'll meet 𝘩𝘪𝘴 Kaveh.

Ten minutes before he is sent back to his time, Alhaitham heads outside of the house.

He sits on the front porch, a box of leftovers on his lap, and watches the night sky. Sumeru City doesn't seem to have changed at all in the future.

Or perhaps it did. It doesn't matter.

Five minutes.

The door opens behind him, and Alhaitham sighs as the two men sit on either side of him. "I thought you two were fu--"

"Archons, no!" Kaveh exclaims, face red. "He was just teasing me."

"We wouldn't miss your departure for the world," says the older Alhaitham.

Alhaitham hums. "Departure is a heavy word."

"Fine," says his older self. "Let's call it your 'homecoming.'"

Three minutes.

Alhaitham looks down at his lap. "I didn't finish my drawing."

"What do you mean?" Kaveh asks.

"The eagle," Alhaitham replies. He meets the man's eyes. "I wasn't able to draw the other wing."

Kaveh's gaze softens. "Haitham--"

"--I'll finish it," says the older Alhaitham.

Alhaitham raises an eyebrow. "You will?"

The older Alhaitham nods. "I'll finish what you started."

"Haven't you always done that?" Kaveh grins as he pokes his husband's shoulder.

"I've never left work half-completed," says Alhaitham. He meets his younger self's eyes. "I don't plan on starting now."

"Thank you," says Alhaitham.

One minute.

Alhaitham takes a deep breath.

He startles when he feels a hand on his shoulder. At first, he thinks it's Kaveh's, but then he sees his older self move closer.

"Thank you for visiting us," says the older Alhaitham. He hesitates. "I know we got off to a rough start, and this isn't the future we expected--"

"--Haitham, it's fine," Alhaitham cuts in. He grasps his older self's shoulder in turn. "Our future--" he glances at Kaveh "--is beautiful."

Kaveh's face flushes. Alhaitham hopes he'll see him again soon.

The older Alhaitham smiles warmly at his spouse. "I couldn't agree more."

Alhaitham feels the familiar sensation of elemental energy seeping between his cells. It's time.

He clutches his container closer to his chest. "See you," he tells the couple.

Kaveh pulls him into his arms and holds him tight. "I can't wait to meet you, Haitham."

Alhaitham tries to hug him back. It is difficult with the way his vision is slowly turning white, and his arms are fading, but he manages.

Alhaitham freezes when his older self embraces him as well, sweeping him and Kaveh into his arms.

"See you," says the older Alhaitham.

Alhaitham nods. The last thing he feels before he leaves is warmth.

Alhaitham travels through time comfortably this time. Instead of freezing wind, he sinks back into his time in gentle warmth. He closes his eyes and decides to take a nap.

When Alhaitham wakes up, he finds himself lying down beside the glowing blue ley line. He sees his arms clutching his curry container to his chest and notes that all the devices around the outcrop have powered down.

His study is a success.

Not that Alhaitham feels like celebrating.

He gathers his materials and heads back to the Akademiya.

The House of Daena is as dazzling as ever. Despite his exhaustion, Alhation would opt to record the results of his excursion now while he could still remember the details.

Alhaitham slides into a desk gratefully. He debates opening his curry container to have a quick meal before someone calls his attention.

"Hey, you!"

Alhaitham raises his head.

The person who called him pads closer. "Food isn't allowed in the House of Daena!"

"Says who?" Alhaitham scoffs. "I didn't read that in the handbook--" His eyes widen.

A delicate, heart-shaped face. Soft, blond hair. A slim, willowy figure in an Akademiya uniform.

Alhaitham startles. "Kaveh...?"

Kaveh sputters. "'Kaveh'? It's 'Senior Kaveh' to you!"

Alhaitham listens to '"Senior Kaveh" go on an animated rant about "unwritten rules" and "appropriate dining areas" before the blond student's stomach growls loudly.

Kaveh's face flushes.

Alhaitham smirks. "I'll give you some of my food if you promise not to tell anyone."

Kaveh's face flushes even more. "What?! Did you hear a word of what I just said--Wait, is that Curry Shrimp?!"

Alhaitham nods as he opens the container, allowing the enticing smell to capture Kaveh's attention. "Yes. Dig in."

Kaveh hurries to sit next to Alhaitham. "Thank you!"

As Alhaitham hands Kaveh a spoon he thankfully decided to pack, the blond student gives him a strange look. "How do you know my name? Have we met before?"

"You could say that," Alhaitham replies.

Kaveh raises an eyebrow. "Well, I don't know your name, junior."

"My name is Alhaitham," Alhaitham answers. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, senior."

Kaveh smiles brightly as he shakes Alhaitham's hand. "The pleasure is all mine, Haitham."

FIN

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Thank you for reading this threadfic 🤭

The recipe for Curry Shrimp is referenced from the vid I linked below 🤭

Thank you @Addy__yeets for helping me understand the recipe further 🤭💛

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If you want to see a five-year-old Kaveh get yeeted to the future, I also wrote a threadfic about that 🤭 Please feel free to check it out 🥺🤭💛

https://twitter.com/YourToothsie/status/1647642205316866048?s=20