#haikaveh alpha/beta/omega dynamics 🔞
Alhaitham left his mate, Kaveh, to partake in a desert expedition as ordered by their god.
Five years later, he returns home.
Kaveh has to get used to having his alpha in his life again.
Alhaitham left his mate, Kaveh, to partake in a desert expedition as ordered by their god.
Five years later, he returns home.
Kaveh has to get used to having his alpha in his life again.
The caravan leaves today.
The sky is the color of an old bruise: dark blue and purple, hinting at sunrise. Scholars, all of them alphas dressed in dark traveling garb, clamor beneath the dawn, hugging and kissing their omegas goodbye.
No one wants to leave.
The sky is the color of an old bruise: dark blue and purple, hinting at sunrise. Scholars, all of them alphas dressed in dark traveling garb, clamor beneath the dawn, hugging and kissing their omegas goodbye.
No one wants to leave.
But no one wants to go against the word of the Dendro Archon either.
Kaveh trails behind his alpha, shivering from the chill of a still-sleeping city. Sumeru City is quieter at daybreak, but for once, Kaveh isn't comforted by her silence.
He glances at his husband.
Kaveh trails behind his alpha, shivering from the chill of a still-sleeping city. Sumeru City is quieter at daybreak, but for once, Kaveh isn't comforted by her silence.
He glances at his husband.
If Alhaitham will miss him, he doesn't show it.
He stands shorter than Kaveh, but his shoulders are broader, stronger. Despite his youth, his every step is cocksure and deliberate, and the omega feels a sudden surge of pride that this boy, soon to be a man, is his husband.
He stands shorter than Kaveh, but his shoulders are broader, stronger. Despite his youth, his every step is cocksure and deliberate, and the omega feels a sudden surge of pride that this boy, soon to be a man, is his husband.
They join the caravan. Kaveh is jostled and pushed by the people around them, his thin frame bumping against elbows and shoulders. Yet Alhaitham stays by his side, glaring at the alphas who get too close to his omega.
Soon, they arrive at Alhaitham's designated position.
Soon, they arrive at Alhaitham's designated position.
Alhaitham glances at his omega. "You're shivering, senior."
Kaveh flushes, realizing his trembling is evident. "I'm fine."
Alhaitham shrugs off his coat. He drapes it around Kaveh's shoulders, a feeble imitation of the actions of the larger, older alphas around them.
Kaveh flushes, realizing his trembling is evident. "I'm fine."
Alhaitham shrugs off his coat. He drapes it around Kaveh's shoulders, a feeble imitation of the actions of the larger, older alphas around them.
The movement is awkward since the lanky omega is a bit taller than him, but Kaveh appreciates the gesture nonetheless.
It's sweet, considering that their marriage is one of convenience.
Alhaitham only married Kaveh so no other alpha would bother him with proposals.
It's sweet, considering that their marriage is one of convenience.
Alhaitham only married Kaveh so no other alpha would bother him with proposals.
Hence, Kaveh enjoys the benefits of a mated omega while retaining the freedom of an unmated one.
He has no idea what Alhaitham gains out of this arrangement. They've never consummated their bond, and the alpha doesn't seem interested in exerting his authority on his senior.
He has no idea what Alhaitham gains out of this arrangement. They've never consummated their bond, and the alpha doesn't seem interested in exerting his authority on his senior.
Regardless, Kaveh is grateful.
The omega pulls the coat closer, breathing in his alpha's tea and bergamot scent. "Thank you. But won't you get cold?"
For a second, Kaveh sees Alhaitham's face flush, his eyes drawn to how the omega presses his nose into the coat's collar.
The omega pulls the coat closer, breathing in his alpha's tea and bergamot scent. "Thank you. But won't you get cold?"
For a second, Kaveh sees Alhaitham's face flush, his eyes drawn to how the omega presses his nose into the coat's collar.
But then the second passes and Alhaitham turns away. "I'm fine. I have a cape in my bag."
Kaveh knows the cape is not as thick as the coat that Alhaitham gave him, but he doesn't question his alpha further.
A sage calls for the alphas to start preparing to leave.
Kaveh knows the cape is not as thick as the coat that Alhaitham gave him, but he doesn't question his alpha further.
A sage calls for the alphas to start preparing to leave.
Kaveh looks at his boots while the mated pairs beside him start hugging and kissing each other goodbye.
He glances up at Alhaitham through his eyelashes, heart pounding at the thought of the alpha kissing him, but his mate doesn't seem inclined to do so.
He glances up at Alhaitham through his eyelashes, heart pounding at the thought of the alpha kissing him, but his mate doesn't seem inclined to do so.
As the alphas begin to file out, Alhaitham draws closer and cups the back of Kaveh's head, pressing his forehead to his omega's.
It's a sparse bit of affection. But for two people who are more than friends but not quite mates, it is enough.
"I'll write to you," says Alhaitham.
It's a sparse bit of affection. But for two people who are more than friends but not quite mates, it is enough.
"I'll write to you," says Alhaitham.
At that moment, the reality of their situation hits Kaveh.
His young husband is about to go on a dangerous desert expedition.
He may not return for years.
He may not return at all.
Kaveh trembles, a sudden bout of longing making his chest heavy and his eyes water.
His young husband is about to go on a dangerous desert expedition.
He may not return for years.
He may not return at all.
Kaveh trembles, a sudden bout of longing making his chest heavy and his eyes water.
He wants to throw his arms around Alhaitham and demand they return home, but he knows the alpha won't listen.
Alhaitham is a resolute man. A sobbing omega is not enough to sway him.
Alhaitham's face softens when he sees the tears on Kaveh's cheeks. "Please don't weep, senior."
Alhaitham is a resolute man. A sobbing omega is not enough to sway him.
Alhaitham's face softens when he sees the tears on Kaveh's cheeks. "Please don't weep, senior."
Kaveh sniffles, attempting to hold it in. People are staring, and he'd hate to tarnish Alhaitham's reputation.
"When will you come back?" he whispers.
"As soon as I've fulfilled my duty to the Dendro Archon," Alhaitham cups Kaveh's cheek, "I will return to you."
"When will you come back?" he whispers.
"As soon as I've fulfilled my duty to the Dendro Archon," Alhaitham cups Kaveh's cheek, "I will return to you."
Kaveh wants to hug his alpha. He wants to hold him. He wants to pull him closer and tell him how much he'll miss him.
He does none of those things.
Instead, he unties the ribbon holding his hair in place, and wraps it around his alpha's wrist.
Alhaitham startles. "Senior--"
He does none of those things.
Instead, he unties the ribbon holding his hair in place, and wraps it around his alpha's wrist.
Alhaitham startles. "Senior--"
Kaveh shakes his head. He takes Alhaitham's hand and presses his lips to his alpha's wrist, right over the ribbon.
Alhaitham's breath hitches.
Kaveh kisses his skin again. "Return with my ribbon, husband."
Alhaitham swallows, eyes wide and cheeks flushed. "...I will."
Alhaitham's breath hitches.
Kaveh kisses his skin again. "Return with my ribbon, husband."
Alhaitham swallows, eyes wide and cheeks flushed. "...I will."
The caravan leaves.
Kaveh watches the scholars leave the city and head into the plains until they become mere dots on the horizon.
The omega tugs the coat closer to his shoulders. He wonders how he'll fare in the coming years.
Kaveh watches the scholars leave the city and head into the plains until they become mere dots on the horizon.
The omega tugs the coat closer to his shoulders. He wonders how he'll fare in the coming years.
𝘍𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳
Kaveh comes with a cry, staining his hand and his stomach. He sighs, chest heaving, and collapses into the bed, naked save for Alhaitham's coat wrapped around his frame.
He detests his heats.
Kaveh comes with a cry, staining his hand and his stomach. He sighs, chest heaving, and collapses into the bed, naked save for Alhaitham's coat wrapped around his frame.
He detests his heats.
They would be easier with an alpha, but Kaveh's husband hasn't returned in five years.
He hasn't written in three.
Kaveh cannot pretend he isn't hurt, but he has other things to worry about. The question of whether Alhaitham still cares about him is the least of his concerns.
He hasn't written in three.
Kaveh cannot pretend he isn't hurt, but he has other things to worry about. The question of whether Alhaitham still cares about him is the least of his concerns.
Once his limbs have regained their strength and clarity has returned to his mind, Kaveh wipes his hand on the blanket and staggers to his feet.
He secures the coat around his shoulders. Alhaitham's scent has completely faded, but the garment still provides Kaveh with comfort.
He secures the coat around his shoulders. Alhaitham's scent has completely faded, but the garment still provides Kaveh with comfort.
It's a nice reminder of when his alpha still cherished him.
Kaveh spends the rest of the day working on his projects and writing letters to his clients. When his heat rears its ugly head, he returns to bed and does the necessary measures to satisfy himself.
Rinse and repeat.
Kaveh spends the rest of the day working on his projects and writing letters to his clients. When his heat rears its ugly head, he returns to bed and does the necessary measures to satisfy himself.
Rinse and repeat.
By evening, Kaveh is beyond exhausted. He stares at the ceiling, watching the crack in the corner that Alhaitham said he'll fix but never got around to doing so, and pretends his heart doesn't ache.
The omega gets to his feet and takes his umpteenth bath for the day.
The omega gets to his feet and takes his umpteenth bath for the day.
Then he leaves the house, dressed in something comforting that isn't Alhaitham's coat.
He makes a mental note to wash it later.
Kaveh walks around the city, trying to clear his head. If the gradual diminishment of his scent is anything to go by, his heat should end tomorrow.
He makes a mental note to wash it later.
Kaveh walks around the city, trying to clear his head. If the gradual diminishment of his scent is anything to go by, his heat should end tomorrow.
Kaveh garners a few wolf-whistles from some stragglers, drawn to the lingering remains of his heat-scent, but he scowls at them until they turn away.
Kaveh's courage isn't unfounded. His vision isn't just for show, after all.
He heads to Lambad's tavern to order supper.
Kaveh's courage isn't unfounded. His vision isn't just for show, after all.
He heads to Lambad's tavern to order supper.
Then he asks for a glass of wine.
Then another.
And another.
By his eighth glass, Kaveh leans his head on the table, vision spinning and dangerously close to falling asleep. He watches the couple have dinner next to him.
Kaveh wonders if he'll ever eat with his alpha again.
Then another.
And another.
By his eighth glass, Kaveh leans his head on the table, vision spinning and dangerously close to falling asleep. He watches the couple have dinner next to him.
Kaveh wonders if he'll ever eat with his alpha again.
He is nursing his ninth glass when someone slides into the chair beside him.
Forest watcher's attire. Tall ears. A familiar, herbal scent.
Kaveh smiles. "Hey, Tighnari."
The other omega wrinkles his nose and takes the glass from Kaveh's hand. "How long have you been drinking?"
Forest watcher's attire. Tall ears. A familiar, herbal scent.
Kaveh smiles. "Hey, Tighnari."
The other omega wrinkles his nose and takes the glass from Kaveh's hand. "How long have you been drinking?"
"A while," Kaveh answers sheepishly. "You know how my heats go. This--" he points at the glass "--helps with the pain."
"Uh-huh," says Tighnari. He leans forward to sniff Kaveh's scent gland. The omega allows him and angles his head to give Tighnari more access to his skin.
"Uh-huh," says Tighnari. He leans forward to sniff Kaveh's scent gland. The omega allows him and angles his head to give Tighnari more access to his skin.
Five years ago, Kaveh wouldn't have allowed the other omega to come close to his neck. No one touches him there, not even Alhaitham.
But months of solitude made him crack, and he let Tighnari, his friend and another omega whose mate also left for the expedition, scent his skin.
But months of solitude made him crack, and he let Tighnari, his friend and another omega whose mate also left for the expedition, scent his skin.
Tighnari leans back, his tail flicking behind him. "Your heat's almost over."
"I hope so," Kaveh huffs. The forest watcher chuckles and cranes his neck. Kaveh scents him in turn. "It's good to see you tonight, Nari." He notes the sweetness in his friend's skin. "You seem happy."
"I hope so," Kaveh huffs. The forest watcher chuckles and cranes his neck. Kaveh scents him in turn. "It's good to see you tonight, Nari." He notes the sweetness in his friend's skin. "You seem happy."
Tighnari's face brightens. "I am! Cyno sent me a two-page letter this week!"
Kaveh gasps. "That's amazing! What'd he say?"
"Let me show you," says Tighnari. His tail wags as he procures a stack of envelopes from his satchel. "He continued his story from last time--"
Kaveh gasps. "That's amazing! What'd he say?"
"Let me show you," says Tighnari. His tail wags as he procures a stack of envelopes from his satchel. "He continued his story from last time--"
Unlike Alhaitham, who stopped writing three years ago, Tighnari's husband (and another good friend of Kaveh's), Cyno, continues to write to his omega weekly.
Kaveh is happy for his friends, he truly is, and he finds joy in listening to Tighnari read Cyno's letters out loud.
Kaveh is happy for his friends, he truly is, and he finds joy in listening to Tighnari read Cyno's letters out loud.
Though sometimes, Kaveh feels a hint of jealousy toward his friends' relationship.
"--and Cyno sent me some Mourning Flower seeds!" says Tighnari. He places a packet on the table, and Kaveh oohs as he examines it. "That's so sweet of him, Nari!"
"He is," Tighnari smiles softly.
"--and Cyno sent me some Mourning Flower seeds!" says Tighnari. He places a packet on the table, and Kaveh oohs as he examines it. "That's so sweet of him, Nari!"
"He is," Tighnari smiles softly.
The forest watcher places a hand over Kaveh's. "How about you? Has Alhaitham written to you yet?"
Kaveh laughs weakly. "I would've told you if he did."
"Oh, my dear," Tighnari's face softens. "I swear, when he comes back, I'll smack him for not writing to you for years."
Kaveh laughs weakly. "I would've told you if he did."
"Oh, my dear," Tighnari's face softens. "I swear, when he comes back, I'll smack him for not writing to you for years."
"Get in line," Kaveh rolls his eyes. "Sometimes, I wonder if he's still alive. What if he's d--"
Tighnari shakes his head. "Kaveh, if your mate died, Cyno would tell me."
Kaveh sighs. "He won't even bring up Haitham in his letters."
"They might be planning something...?"
Tighnari shakes his head. "Kaveh, if your mate died, Cyno would tell me."
Kaveh sighs. "He won't even bring up Haitham in his letters."
"They might be planning something...?"
"For three years?" Kaveh huffs. "Yeah, right."
Tighnari gives him a sympathetic look. "It'll be alright, Kaveh. Alhaitham might simply be busy. Still--" he scrunches up his nose, "--that doesn't excuse the fact that he stopped writing to you."
Tighnari gives him a sympathetic look. "It'll be alright, Kaveh. Alhaitham might simply be busy. Still--" he scrunches up his nose, "--that doesn't excuse the fact that he stopped writing to you."
The forest watcher squeezes the other omega's hand. "Though it's very strange that Alhaitham didn't write you a letter yet. I expect that he would've sent one by now."
Kaveh frowns at him. "How come?"
Kaveh frowns at him. "How come?"
Tighnari meets his gaze. "There's a reason why this week, my mate wrote a two-page letter to me instead of one."
He clasps Kaveh's cold hands. "Cyno's letters speak of a major event in the desert. He won't expound on the details, but apparently, it's very important."
He clasps Kaveh's cold hands. "Cyno's letters speak of a major event in the desert. He won't expound on the details, but apparently, it's very important."
"How important?" asks Kaveh.
"Important enough that it warrants the end of the desert expedition," Tighnari replies.
Kaveh trembles. "Nari, what are you talking about?"
Tighnari's smile is bittersweet and sympathetic all at once. "Kaveh, our husbands are coming home."
"Important enough that it warrants the end of the desert expedition," Tighnari replies.
Kaveh trembles. "Nari, what are you talking about?"
Tighnari's smile is bittersweet and sympathetic all at once. "Kaveh, our husbands are coming home."
𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦.
Long after they parted ways for the night, Tighnari's words continue to echo in Kaveh's head.
Alhaitham is coming home.
After five years of being alone, Kaveh's alpha will return to him.
If he's still alive.
Long after they parted ways for the night, Tighnari's words continue to echo in Kaveh's head.
Alhaitham is coming home.
After five years of being alone, Kaveh's alpha will return to him.
If he's still alive.
Tighnari said the scholars of the desert expedition are to return a month from now. Kaveh grows excited despite the disbelief in his head and the bitterness in his heart.
No matter. Once Alhaitham returns, he'll know peace once again.
No matter. Once Alhaitham returns, he'll know peace once again.
Furthermore, Kaveh will get his answers. He'll finally ask why his alpha hasn't written to him in all these years.
Kaveh prepares accordingly for his husband's return.
Marriage of convenience or not, Alhaitham is still Kaveh's alpha.
Kaveh prepares accordingly for his husband's return.
Marriage of convenience or not, Alhaitham is still Kaveh's alpha.
And he had been Kaveh's friend long before they decided to settle down as mates. No matter what, the omega will think highly of Alhaitham's opinion.
Kaveh cleans the house. He dusts Alhaitham's ugly furniture and hangs up his best paintings.
Kaveh cleans the house. He dusts Alhaitham's ugly furniture and hangs up his best paintings.
Kaveh starts to stockpile supplies from the bazaar. He buys the ingredients for Alhaitham's favorite dishes, though he wonders if his alpha's tastes have changed after five years.
Well, if Alhaitham has new favorite dishes, then Kaveh will simply learn their recipes for him.
Well, if Alhaitham has new favorite dishes, then Kaveh will simply learn their recipes for him.
Finally, Kaveh prepares himself.
He knows he has grown a lot since Alhaitham last saw him. He's taller now, and he's sure his face has matured.
His friends tell him he's attractive.
Kaveh hopes Alhaitham will share their opinion. Because if not, well...
He knows he has grown a lot since Alhaitham last saw him. He's taller now, and he's sure his face has matured.
His friends tell him he's attractive.
Kaveh hopes Alhaitham will share their opinion. Because if not, well...
Look, Kaveh isn't a vain person. He takes care of himself and dresses nicely, that's all. And he has a skincare routine and wears minimal makeup. If Alhaitham doesn't like his omega's appearance...
...he'll break Kaveh's heart. A little. Just a little.
Okay, maybe a lot.
...he'll break Kaveh's heart. A little. Just a little.
Okay, maybe a lot.
The week before Alhaitham's arrival, Kaveh invites Nilou to the bazaar. They spend the afternoon searching for the perfect robe for Kaveh to wear to his first meeting with Alhaitham in five years.
It's not that Kaveh is trying to impress his husband or something.
It's not that Kaveh is trying to impress his husband or something.
He simply doesn't want to get his heart broken. That's all.
Soon, Kaveh chooses a stunning black robe with tasteful teal patterns, as per Nilou's suggestion.
"He likes to wear teal and black, right?" the dancer beams. "Alhaitham will surely think you look lovely in his colors!"
Soon, Kaveh chooses a stunning black robe with tasteful teal patterns, as per Nilou's suggestion.
"He likes to wear teal and black, right?" the dancer beams. "Alhaitham will surely think you look lovely in his colors!"
Kaveh blushes at the thought, but he can't find it himself to argue.
He quite likes the thought of wearing his alpha's colors.
"Nilou, you're a genius," says Kaveh, awed. He purchases the robe and a pretty dress for Nilou to show his gratitude toward her.
He quite likes the thought of wearing his alpha's colors.
"Nilou, you're a genius," says Kaveh, awed. He purchases the robe and a pretty dress for Nilou to show his gratitude toward her.
Soon, the day for the desert expedition group's homecoming arrives.
Kaveh wakes up at dawn. He does his usual morning routine, though he wears the black and teal robe and braids his hair instead of letting it be in his usual lion's mane.
He hopes Alhaitham will find him lovely.
Kaveh wakes up at dawn. He does his usual morning routine, though he wears the black and teal robe and braids his hair instead of letting it be in his usual lion's mane.
He hopes Alhaitham will find him lovely.
True to Tighnari's word, the scholars of the desert expedition return today.
Despite the early morning, the Sumeru City port is packed with returning alphas, weary and dressed in traveler's garb. Spouses and children weave through the crowd, looking for their family members.
Despite the early morning, the Sumeru City port is packed with returning alphas, weary and dressed in traveler's garb. Spouses and children weave through the crowd, looking for their family members.
Kaveh joins the clamoring crowd, searching for a familiar head of silver hair. The throng jostles him, but the omega elbows through the people with minimal effort as he keeps his eyes peeled.
"Kaveh!"
Kaveh turns his head, hopeful, but the person who called him isn't Alhaitham.
"Kaveh!"
Kaveh turns his head, hopeful, but the person who called him isn't Alhaitham.
It's Cyno, grinning broadly as he hugs Tighnari to his side. "Kaveh, over here!"
Kaveh can't hold back his own smile. "Cyno! Nari! It's good to see you!"
The years have been kind to Cyno. Despite the lines on his face and the circles beneath his eyes, he is achingly handsome.
Kaveh can't hold back his own smile. "Cyno! Nari! It's good to see you!"
The years have been kind to Cyno. Despite the lines on his face and the circles beneath his eyes, he is achingly handsome.
Tighnari looks beyond ecstatic. He grins from ear to ear, eyes bright with happiness as he hugs Cyno's arm to his chest. Kaveh doubts the forest watcher plans to let go of his mate anytime soon.
"It's good to see you too, Kaveh," says Cyno. "You look lovely."
"It's good to see you too, Kaveh," says Cyno. "You look lovely."
Kaveh laughs. "Since when were you such a flatterer? Pff, come here!" He pulls his friends into his arms, nuzzling the top of their heads. "Cyno, look at you! Tighnari must've swooned when he saw you for the first time in years!"
Cyno chuckles as Tighnari blushes.
Cyno chuckles as Tighnari blushes.
"Kaveh, don't say such things," the forest watcher whines. He cries out when Kaveh ruffles his hair.
"What kind of senior would I be if I didn't tease my juniors?" Kaveh grins. "Where's Collei? She must be excited to see Cyno!"
"She went to buy some food," says Tighnari.
"What kind of senior would I be if I didn't tease my juniors?" Kaveh grins. "Where's Collei? She must be excited to see Cyno!"
"She went to buy some food," says Tighnari.
"Though I'm sure she'll be back soon."
Cyno's face softens. "I can't wait to see her. She must've grown into a capable forest ranger." He regards his mate with a warm smile. "She'll certainly take after you."
"Cynooo," Tighnari groans, but his cheeks flush a brighter red.
Cyno's face softens. "I can't wait to see her. She must've grown into a capable forest ranger." He regards his mate with a warm smile. "She'll certainly take after you."
"Cynooo," Tighnari groans, but his cheeks flush a brighter red.
"See? Cyno changed! He's a flatterer now!" Kaveh exclaims. He elbows the general mahamatra. "Looks like distance definitely makes the heart grow fonder, huh?"
"It does," Cyno agrees without hesitation. "The desert is my home, but it isn't as 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥-sational as Tighnari."
"It does," Cyno agrees without hesitation. "The desert is my home, but it isn't as 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥-sational as Tighnari."
The omegas groan.
"I take it back," says Kaveh. "You didn't change at all."
"Did you not like my pun?" Cyno raises an eyebrow. "I thought it was quite out-𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥-ing."
Tighnari clutches his alpha's hand desperately. "Archons, please stop."
"I take it back," says Kaveh. "You didn't change at all."
"Did you not like my pun?" Cyno raises an eyebrow. "I thought it was quite out-𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥-ing."
Tighnari clutches his alpha's hand desperately. "Archons, please stop."
"It's okay if you don't like my desert jokes," says Cyno. "You just have a 𝘥𝘳𝘺 sense of humor."
"Kaveh, hold me back," says Tighnari. "If he doesn't stop, I'll gag him."
Cyno blinks. "I thought that's more of your thing."
Kaveh cringes. "Too much information."
"Kaveh, hold me back," says Tighnari. "If he doesn't stop, I'll gag him."
Cyno blinks. "I thought that's more of your thing."
Kaveh cringes. "Too much information."
The crowd around them starts to disperse as more and more people begin to reunite with their family members.
Tighnari touches Kaveh's shoulder. "I take it you haven't found Alhaitham yet?"
Kaveh shakes his head. "If I did, he would be with me right now."
Tighnari touches Kaveh's shoulder. "I take it you haven't found Alhaitham yet?"
Kaveh shakes his head. "If I did, he would be with me right now."
Cyno's gaze softens. "Don't lose hope, Kaveh." His eyes glimmer with a strange certainty. "He'll find you soon."
Kaveh sighs. "I doubt he even wants to see me. He hasn't written in years--"
Cyno pats the omega's shoulder.
"Trust me," the alpha whispers. "He wants to see you."
Kaveh sighs. "I doubt he even wants to see me. He hasn't written in years--"
Cyno pats the omega's shoulder.
"Trust me," the alpha whispers. "He wants to see you."
Kaveh was about to reply when Tighnari places a hand on his shoulder. "Why don't you come with us, Kaveh? Cyno, Collei, and I plan to tour the city before going home."
"We'll keep our eyes peeled for Alhaitham," Cyno promises. "Surely we'll come across him at some point."
"We'll keep our eyes peeled for Alhaitham," Cyno promises. "Surely we'll come across him at some point."
Kaveh wants to say no, not wanting to bother his friends on what is surely a family outing. But Cyno looks at him imploringly, and Tighnari is doing his best puppy eyes--
--Oh, Archons. Kaveh sighs, defeated.
"Alright," says the omega. "But you have to let me pay for lunch."
--Oh, Archons. Kaveh sighs, defeated.
"Alright," says the omega. "But you have to let me pay for lunch."
Kaveh spends the rest of the day with Cyno, Tighnari, and Collei.
They find the trainee forest ranger after leaving the port, then they head to Lambad's tavern for lunch.
"What would you like to eat, Collei?" Kaveh smiles.
Collei flushes. "I'm fine with anything, uncle."
They find the trainee forest ranger after leaving the port, then they head to Lambad's tavern for lunch.
"What would you like to eat, Collei?" Kaveh smiles.
Collei flushes. "I'm fine with anything, uncle."
Tighnari beams fondly. "She likes Fried Radish Balls. How about you, Cyno?"
"Fish rolls," Cyno answers. "Though sometimes I still crave food from the desert."
"Oh?" Kaveh raises an eyebrow. "Like what?"
Cyno grins wickedly. "𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘥-wiches."
Everyone except for him groans.
"Fish rolls," Cyno answers. "Though sometimes I still crave food from the desert."
"Oh?" Kaveh raises an eyebrow. "Like what?"
Cyno grins wickedly. "𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘥-wiches."
Everyone except for him groans.
After lunch, they walk around the bazaar.
Cyno buys everything Collei so much as looks at, intent on spoiling her. He also purchases new equipment for Tighnari and asks Kaveh if he wants anything.
Kaveh declines his offer. His friends' companionship is enough to make him happy.
Cyno buys everything Collei so much as looks at, intent on spoiling her. He also purchases new equipment for Tighnari and asks Kaveh if he wants anything.
Kaveh declines his offer. His friends' companionship is enough to make him happy.
Not that Tighnari and Collei asked Cyno to buy them things. They keep shaking their heads, but the alpha is adamant about treating them.
"I've been gone for years," says Cyno. "These things do not compensate for my absence, but they're my way of showing you that I care."
"I've been gone for years," says Cyno. "These things do not compensate for my absence, but they're my way of showing you that I care."
"Of course, we know that you care," says Tighnari, his voice achingly fond. He presses his forehead to Cyno's briefly. "You don't need to buy the entire bazaar for us."
"I want to," Cyno replies.
Collei giggles. Cyno smiles at her before wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"I want to," Cyno replies.
Collei giggles. Cyno smiles at her before wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
Kaveh watches them tenderly.
At sunset, Cyno, Tighnari, and Collei leave for Gandharva Ville. They hug Kaveh before departing.
"You can come with us if you'd like," says Tighnari.
Kaveh shakes his head. "No. I still need to find Haitham."
Tighnari hugs him again. "Oh, Kaveh."
At sunset, Cyno, Tighnari, and Collei leave for Gandharva Ville. They hug Kaveh before departing.
"You can come with us if you'd like," says Tighnari.
Kaveh shakes his head. "No. I still need to find Haitham."
Tighnari hugs him again. "Oh, Kaveh."
"Slap Alhaitham for me once you find him, okay?" Tighnari kisses Kaveh's cheek. "He made you go through so much."
Kaveh hugs his friend tighter in an attempt to keep his eyes from watering. "I will."
The lone omega watches his friends leave before heading back to the city.
Kaveh hugs his friend tighter in an attempt to keep his eyes from watering. "I will."
The lone omega watches his friends leave before heading back to the city.
Compared to the clamor during daylight hours, Sumeru City has become quieter by nighttime. Kaveh imagines that most people have gone home to rest after a hectic day of reuniting with their friends and families.
Good. That should keep the streets empty as he looks for his mate.
Good. That should keep the streets empty as he looks for his mate.
Kaveh does a thorough search of Sumeru City. He heads to Alhaitham's usual haunts: the tavern, the House of Daena, and the Akademiya gardens.
Then he heads to Alhaitham's 𝘯𝘰𝘵 usual haunts: the bazaar, Zubayr Theater, and Puspa Café.
Kaveh doesn't find his alpha anywhere.
Then he heads to Alhaitham's 𝘯𝘰𝘵 usual haunts: the bazaar, Zubayr Theater, and Puspa Café.
Kaveh doesn't find his alpha anywhere.
Kaveh gives up by midnight. He's tired and covered in sweat and grime from spending the entire day outdoors. He should head home now and resume his search tomorrow.
Or not. Who knows if Alhaitham is even alive--no, stop. Alhaitham 𝘪𝘴 alive. Kaveh simply hasn't found him yet.
Or not. Who knows if Alhaitham is even alive--no, stop. Alhaitham 𝘪𝘴 alive. Kaveh simply hasn't found him yet.
Kaveh heads into a hidden alley, one of the many shortcuts he favors when he wants to traverse the city quickly. He is about to reach the other end of the passage when he sees two alphas blocking his path.
Kaveh's heart pounds rabbit-quick as they approach him.
Kaveh's heart pounds rabbit-quick as they approach him.
The alphas are dressed in traveling garb, obviously part of the desert expedition team, but they reek of wine and vomit.
The taller alpha smiles. "Are you lost, little omega?"
"It's far too late for you to be out by your lonesome," his companion adds.
The taller alpha smiles. "Are you lost, little omega?"
"It's far too late for you to be out by your lonesome," his companion adds.
Kaveh turns back the way he came, but the taller alpha leans a hand on the wall, keeping the omega in place.
"Why don't we escort you home?" The shorter alpha offers. "You look like you could use some company."
"I don't need your help," Kaveh hisses and tries to move away.
"Why don't we escort you home?" The shorter alpha offers. "You look like you could use some company."
"I don't need your help," Kaveh hisses and tries to move away.
But the alphas don't let him. They advance toward the omega with leers on their faces.
The taller alpha draws closer to Kaveh. "C'mon, little omega." He licks his lips. "We'll take care of you."
Kaveh is about to activate his vision when someone places a hand on his shoulder.
The taller alpha draws closer to Kaveh. "C'mon, little omega." He licks his lips. "We'll take care of you."
Kaveh is about to activate his vision when someone places a hand on his shoulder.
Another alpha.
An alpha with a tea and bergamot scent.
Kaveh's eyes widen.
"He said he doesn't need your help." Alhaitham's voice is deep and smooth as he stands behind his omega. "Leave. Before I make you."
An alpha with a tea and bergamot scent.
Kaveh's eyes widen.
"He said he doesn't need your help." Alhaitham's voice is deep and smooth as he stands behind his omega. "Leave. Before I make you."
The taller alpha snarls. "Yeah? Who are you supposed to be?!"
Kaveh's breath hitches. Alhaitham's eyes narrow. His hand moves from Kaveh's shoulder to his waist, and he gently but firmly pulls the omega to his side.
Kaveh shivers at his touch.
"I'm his alpha," says Alhaitham.
Kaveh's breath hitches. Alhaitham's eyes narrow. His hand moves from Kaveh's shoulder to his waist, and he gently but firmly pulls the omega to his side.
Kaveh shivers at his touch.
"I'm his alpha," says Alhaitham.
The drunken alphas stare at him before the shorter one gasps. "I-It's you!"
Alhaitham raises an eyebrow.
"The man in the desert." The shorter alpha's face pales in fear. "The leader of the r--"
Recognition dawns on the other alpha's face. Before Kaveh can ask what's going on--
Alhaitham raises an eyebrow.
"The man in the desert." The shorter alpha's face pales in fear. "The leader of the r--"
Recognition dawns on the other alpha's face. Before Kaveh can ask what's going on--
--The drunken alphas scurry out of the alley. Alhaitham turns to his omega. "Are you alright? Did they hurt you?"
Kaveh cannot speak. All he can do is stare at the man in front of him.
Alhaitham is back.
And he looks nothing like the alpha who left Kaveh five years ago.
Kaveh cannot speak. All he can do is stare at the man in front of him.
Alhaitham is back.
And he looks nothing like the alpha who left Kaveh five years ago.
Alhaitham now stands taller than Kaveh, all straight lines and firm angles. The youthful roundness of his face is all but gone, replaced by a more mature visage with a hint of stubble. He regards Kaveh with a sharp teal gaze that can cut stone.
By the Archons, he's 𝘩𝘰𝘵.
By the Archons, he's 𝘩𝘰𝘵.
"Senior," says Alhaitham, his voice warm and deep and 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬, get it together, Kaveh, "Are you alright?"
Kaveh swallows, craning his neck to meet his mate's gaze. "I-I'm fine."
Alhaitham moves closer and places a palm on his omega's forehead.
Kaveh squeaks.
Kaveh swallows, craning his neck to meet his mate's gaze. "I-I'm fine."
Alhaitham moves closer and places a palm on his omega's forehead.
Kaveh squeaks.
Alhaitham smiles, the cute one with the small upturn on one side of his mouth, Yet on his new, mature face, the smile doesn't seem so cute anymore.
It's something else entirely now.
'Lesser Lord Kusanali, I am not your strongest soldier,' Kaveh thinks weakly.
It's something else entirely now.
'Lesser Lord Kusanali, I am not your strongest soldier,' Kaveh thinks weakly.
"It's a good thing I found you," says Alhaitham. "Who knows what might've happened if I didn't arrive in time."
All at once, Kaveh's flush fades from his cheeks at the insinuation he can't look after himself. "I would've broken their legs."
All at once, Kaveh's flush fades from his cheeks at the insinuation he can't look after himself. "I would've broken their legs."
For a second, Kaveh expects Alhaitham to disagree. But his alpha merely chuckles and steers Kaveh toward the end of the alley. "I know, senior."
"That's why I arrived just in time," Alhaitham continues. "I don't want you to waste your strength on those drunkards."
"That's why I arrived just in time," Alhaitham continues. "I don't want you to waste your strength on those drunkards."
Kaveh turns away, face warm from his husband's flattery. "I see."
The pair start heading toward their home. Alhaitham is silent, his eyes taking in the changes in the city, and Kaveh keeps stealing glances as they walk side by side.
A million questions race through his mind.
The pair start heading toward their home. Alhaitham is silent, his eyes taking in the changes in the city, and Kaveh keeps stealing glances as they walk side by side.
A million questions race through his mind.
How did Alhaitham find him?
Why can't his alpha his husband in the port this morning?
Why did his husband stop writing to him three years ago?
Every fiber in Kaveh's being demands that he grabs his alpha and shakes the answers out of him, but the omega holds himself back.
Why can't his alpha his husband in the port this morning?
Why did his husband stop writing to him three years ago?
Every fiber in Kaveh's being demands that he grabs his alpha and shakes the answers out of him, but the omega holds himself back.
He shouldn't rush. His husband must be tired from his journey. Kaveh will demand his alpha's explanations once the man is feeling better.
If Alhaitham is curious about the omega's thoughts, he doesn't say anything. Instead, he places his hand over the small of Kaveh's back.
If Alhaitham is curious about the omega's thoughts, he doesn't say anything. Instead, he places his hand over the small of Kaveh's back.
His touch is tentative, giving the omega enough space to move away if the hand is unwelcome.
But Kaveh has been alone for far too long. Despite his frustration, he wouldn't mind a bit of comfort.
Kaveh leans back, allowing Alhaitham's arm to wrap around his waist.
But Kaveh has been alone for far too long. Despite his frustration, he wouldn't mind a bit of comfort.
Kaveh leans back, allowing Alhaitham's arm to wrap around his waist.
Oh. 𝘖𝘩. It feels good.
No, it's more than good. It's warm, and safe, and perfect, and--
--Kaveh wills himself to calm down. He still has his pride; it won't do to show weakness, even if it's taking all of his willpower not to move closer and demand more from his alpha.
No, it's more than good. It's warm, and safe, and perfect, and--
--Kaveh wills himself to calm down. He still has his pride; it won't do to show weakness, even if it's taking all of his willpower not to move closer and demand more from his alpha.
Alhaitham smiles tenderly at him. "You're purring."
Only then does Kaveh notices a faint buzzing sound, and he realizes it's coming from him. His cheeks flush as he mutters, "Don't think too hard about it."
Alhaitham shakes his head fondly and pulls his omega closer.
Only then does Kaveh notices a faint buzzing sound, and he realizes it's coming from him. His cheeks flush as he mutters, "Don't think too hard about it."
Alhaitham shakes his head fondly and pulls his omega closer.
Five years ago, Kaveh only purred for Alhaitham when the alpha was soothing him during his heats with a cuddling session. But now, all Alhaitham has to do is hold Kaveh to his side, and the omega turns to putty in his hands.
Kaveh would be mortified if he wasn't so comfortable.
Kaveh would be mortified if he wasn't so comfortable.
They reach their home.
Kaveh's eyes widen when he sees Alhaitham's duffel bag outside the door. "You went here earlier...?"
"I did," Alhaitham confirms. His hand doesn't leave Kaveh's back, which the omega is secretly grateful for. "Then I went out to look for you."
Kaveh's eyes widen when he sees Alhaitham's duffel bag outside the door. "You went here earlier...?"
"I did," Alhaitham confirms. His hand doesn't leave Kaveh's back, which the omega is secretly grateful for. "Then I went out to look for you."
"I would've brought my bag inside if I had a key," the alpha murmurs sheepishly.
The man's expression reminds Kaveh of his younger self, and he can't help but ruffle the alpha's hair. "Don't worry. I'm here now."
A sudden thought occurs to the omega as he unlocks the door.
The man's expression reminds Kaveh of his younger self, and he can't help but ruffle the alpha's hair. "Don't worry. I'm here now."
A sudden thought occurs to the omega as he unlocks the door.
What if Alhaitham doesn't like how their home looks now?
"It's not much," says Kaveh, switching on the lamps as he leads his alpha into their living room, "but I made do with my earnings--"
Alhaitham raises an eyebrow. "What about the monthly stipend?"
Kaveh frowns. "Stipend?"
"It's not much," says Kaveh, switching on the lamps as he leads his alpha into their living room, "but I made do with my earnings--"
Alhaitham raises an eyebrow. "What about the monthly stipend?"
Kaveh frowns. "Stipend?"
Alhaitham nods. "Yes, you are entitled to a monthly stipend due to my contributions to the desert expedition."
"I...I haven't received your allowance for the past three years," Kaveh mutters. 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, he does not add.
"I...I haven't received your allowance for the past three years," Kaveh mutters. 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, he does not add.
Alhaitham curses under his breath. "I will resolve the matter," he promises. "I'll head to the Akademiya tomorrow."
Kaveh nods. He watches his alpha walk around their home, inspecting the rooms, and wonders if now is a good time to ask his questions.
"Did you eat dinner yet?"
Kaveh nods. He watches his alpha walk around their home, inspecting the rooms, and wonders if now is a good time to ask his questions.
"Did you eat dinner yet?"
Kaveh looks up. "Pardon?"
"Did you eat yet, Kaveh?" Alhaitham asks.
Oh, right. Kaveh's last meal was his lunch with Tighnari, Cyno, and Collei. He explains as such, and Alhaitham's face softens. "I'd treat you to dinner, but I'm not sure if any restaurants are still open."
"Did you eat yet, Kaveh?" Alhaitham asks.
Oh, right. Kaveh's last meal was his lunch with Tighnari, Cyno, and Collei. He explains as such, and Alhaitham's face softens. "I'd treat you to dinner, but I'm not sure if any restaurants are still open."
Kaveh can't hold back a giddy laugh. "Don't worry about it. I prepared a meal for us to share."
Alhaitham does the smile again, the once-cute one with the upturned side, and Kaveh flushes.
The alpha sets the table while Kaveh serves their meal: fish with cream sauce.
Alhaitham does the smile again, the once-cute one with the upturned side, and Kaveh flushes.
The alpha sets the table while Kaveh serves their meal: fish with cream sauce.
Kaveh isn't partial to seafood, but Alhaitham had been fond of fish.
It seems his fondness didn't fade.
Alhaitham dines with gusto, even though his chair is too small for him now, and the dining table wobbles beneath his arms.
Kaveh should buy new furniture.
It seems his fondness didn't fade.
Alhaitham dines with gusto, even though his chair is too small for him now, and the dining table wobbles beneath his arms.
Kaveh should buy new furniture.
Alhaitham eats at a sedate but appreciative pace and is currently polishing off his third serving of fish. "Your food tastes the same as I remember."
Kaveh cuts into his own meal. "Is that a good thing?"
"Of course, it is," Alhaitham says warmly. "I love your cooking."
Kaveh cuts into his own meal. "Is that a good thing?"
"Of course, it is," Alhaitham says warmly. "I love your cooking."
Then he resumes eating as though he didn't make Kaveh's heart jerk in his chest.
The omega turns back to his food, his nose scrunched up from the effort of trying not to smile.
He fails. Alhaitham chuckles.
The omega turns back to his food, his nose scrunched up from the effort of trying not to smile.
He fails. Alhaitham chuckles.
After eating, the pair wash the dishes together, then take turns in the bathroom.
Kaveh doesn't mind. Somehow, having Alhaitham back calms his heart. It almost feels like he never left.
The omega goes through the evening's ministrations in bliss until he realizes something.
Kaveh doesn't mind. Somehow, having Alhaitham back calms his heart. It almost feels like he never left.
The omega goes through the evening's ministrations in bliss until he realizes something.
There's only one bed.
Kaveh stares at the mattress with his hands fisted into his tunic. Five years ago, he and Alhaitham slept in separate rooms, though they'd occasionally share the bed to cuddle during heats or ruts.
Now sleeping in separate rooms is out of the question.
Kaveh stares at the mattress with his hands fisted into his tunic. Five years ago, he and Alhaitham slept in separate rooms, though they'd occasionally share the bed to cuddle during heats or ruts.
Now sleeping in separate rooms is out of the question.
Kaveh converted his bedroom into an office, and he sleeps in Alhaitham's room since it's the most organized area in the house (and to stave off loneliness, but he would never admit that to himself).
He had originally planned to share Alhaitham's bed with his alpha for tonight.
He had originally planned to share Alhaitham's bed with his alpha for tonight.
He thought it was a good plan. The bed is large, so Alhaitham and Kaveh can sleep on opposite sides, with a respectable amount of space between them.
But Kaveh had never accounted for the fact that Alhaitham would grow so 𝘣𝘪𝘨.
The bed isn't large enough for the two of them.
But Kaveh had never accounted for the fact that Alhaitham would grow so 𝘣𝘪𝘨.
The bed isn't large enough for the two of them.
Kaveh is pulled out of his thoughts by the creak of a door.
Alhaitham emerges from the bathroom, half-naked and hair wet, with only a towel around his waist. Kaveh looks away, face flushed. "Haitham?"
"Hm?"
Kaveh swallows. "There's only one bed."
Alhaitham emerges from the bathroom, half-naked and hair wet, with only a towel around his waist. Kaveh looks away, face flushed. "Haitham?"
"Hm?"
Kaveh swallows. "There's only one bed."
When he glances at his alpha, there's an amused expression on Alhaitham's face, like he knows exactly what his omega is thinking. "Mhm, I see."
"W-would you be okay with sharing it?" Kaveh asks, trying to sound unconcerned. "As a temporary arrangement, of course," he tacks on.
"W-would you be okay with sharing it?" Kaveh asks, trying to sound unconcerned. "As a temporary arrangement, of course," he tacks on.
Alhaitham rummages through his duffel bag, back turned to his omega. "Temporary, you say?"
"Yes," Kaveh replies. "It's--um, just for tonight. Until I move the clutter away from my room."
Alhaitham hums. "Sure. I'd be happy to accommodate 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘳."
"Yes," Kaveh replies. "It's--um, just for tonight. Until I move the clutter away from my room."
Alhaitham hums. "Sure. I'd be happy to accommodate 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘳."
Something about the way he says it makes Kaveh's face feel warm, and the omega is grateful he can't see Alhaitham's face right now.
"Great!" Kaveh squeaks, his voice unusually high. "I'll get ready to sleep right now!"
He hurries away just as Alhaitham chuckles.
"Great!" Kaveh squeaks, his voice unusually high. "I'll get ready to sleep right now!"
He hurries away just as Alhaitham chuckles.
Getting on Alhaitham's bed has never felt so nerve-wracking until now.
Kaveh lies on the familiar bedsheets, face turned toward the ceiling. The room is dark, and the only light source is the slant of lamplight from the thin corridor.
Alhaitham emerges from the doorway. "Hey."
Kaveh lies on the familiar bedsheets, face turned toward the ceiling. The room is dark, and the only light source is the slant of lamplight from the thin corridor.
Alhaitham emerges from the doorway. "Hey."
"Hi," Kaveh squeaks, then clears his throat. "H-hey. Hi."
Alhaitham regards him with a strange, warm look before he steps into the room.
He's only dressed in loose pants.
The question slips out of Kaveh's mouth before he can stop himself. "W-where's your shirt?"
Alhaitham regards him with a strange, warm look before he steps into the room.
He's only dressed in loose pants.
The question slips out of Kaveh's mouth before he can stop himself. "W-where's your shirt?"
Alhaitham's face is hidden by shadows as he closes the door. "The weather is too warm for me. Though I can wear a tunic if that will make you more comfortable, senior."
Oh, Archons. Kaveh turns away, burying his face in his pillow. "I-It's fine."
Oh, Archons. Kaveh turns away, burying his face in his pillow. "I-It's fine."
The omega's heart pounds in his chest as Alhaitham pads closer.
This is it. After five years, Kaveh will share a bed with his mate.
The thought scares and excites him.
A soft hum makes Kaveh look up. "Haitham?"
Alhaitham stands beside a drawer, holding something in his hands.
This is it. After five years, Kaveh will share a bed with his mate.
The thought scares and excites him.
A soft hum makes Kaveh look up. "Haitham?"
Alhaitham stands beside a drawer, holding something in his hands.
His coat from five years ago, the one he gave Kaveh on the morning of his departure.
Kaveh's face burns with mortification. "I--"
He expects Alhaitham to laugh or tease him. But the alpha simply meets his omega's eyes, awe in his gaze. "You...you sleep in my coat?"
Kaveh's face burns with mortification. "I--"
He expects Alhaitham to laugh or tease him. But the alpha simply meets his omega's eyes, awe in his gaze. "You...you sleep in my coat?"
Kaveh wants to hide. He wants to burrow under blankets and never come out again. But Alhaitham holds his gaze, patiently waiting for an answer.
Kaveh swallows. "I-I do."
'Every night,' he does not say. 'I spend my heats in it. I touch myself as I press my nose to its collar.'
Kaveh swallows. "I-I do."
'Every night,' he does not say. 'I spend my heats in it. I touch myself as I press my nose to its collar.'
Alhaitham quietly watches the squirming omega. If he's pleased by Kaveh's confession, he does not say it.
Instead, he sits on the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight, and drapes the coat around Kaveh's shoulders.
The action is quick and smooth. It isn't awkward at all.
Instead, he sits on the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight, and drapes the coat around Kaveh's shoulders.
The action is quick and smooth. It isn't awkward at all.
"Haitham--" Kaveh begins, face red, but his mate shakes his head.
"The weather may be too warm for my skin," says Alhaitham, "but I know you get cold easily." He places a hand on Kaveh's arm, his fingers curling around the omega's bird-bone wrist.
Kaveh's breath hitches.
"The weather may be too warm for my skin," says Alhaitham, "but I know you get cold easily." He places a hand on Kaveh's arm, his fingers curling around the omega's bird-bone wrist.
Kaveh's breath hitches.
"I want to see you in my coat," Alhaitham murmurs, his thumb smoothing the skin over Kaveh's pulse. "Won't you indulge me tonight, senior?"
Kaveh can hardly speak, his attention on the way Alhaitham is touching him with light, even strokes. It takes a moment for him to answer.
Kaveh can hardly speak, his attention on the way Alhaitham is touching him with light, even strokes. It takes a moment for him to answer.
"I-Yes. Of course." He slips his arms into the sleeves of the coat. "I-it's no big deal."
Alhaitham's expression softens, and regrettably, his hand lets go of the omega's wrist. Kaveh misses his touch already.
"Mhm, I'm glad," the alpha hums. "Shall we go to sleep, senior?"
Alhaitham's expression softens, and regrettably, his hand lets go of the omega's wrist. Kaveh misses his touch already.
"Mhm, I'm glad," the alpha hums. "Shall we go to sleep, senior?"
Sleeping is a whole other beast.
As Kaveh estimated, the bed is far too small for them. Alhaitham shifts beside his omega, trying to get comfortable, and his hand accidentally brushes Kaveh's hip.
Kaveh holds his breath.
Alhaitham finally settles behind him.
As Kaveh estimated, the bed is far too small for them. Alhaitham shifts beside his omega, trying to get comfortable, and his hand accidentally brushes Kaveh's hip.
Kaveh holds his breath.
Alhaitham finally settles behind him.
The alpha is warm and solid against Kaveh; the planes of his front press against the curve of the omega's back perfectly.
It is a strange thing; how easily their bodies fit together.
Alhaitham shifts, the tip of his nose brushing the back of Kaveh's neck.
Kaveh shivers.
It is a strange thing; how easily their bodies fit together.
Alhaitham shifts, the tip of his nose brushing the back of Kaveh's neck.
Kaveh shivers.
Alhaitham curls his arm around his omega, the searing heat of his palm resting on the dip of Kaveh's waist.
"Are you alright, senior?" Alhaitham whispers, his lips grazing the back of Kaveh's neck.
Kaveh shivers again. "I...yes. I'm alright."
The alpha hums in response.
"Are you alright, senior?" Alhaitham whispers, his lips grazing the back of Kaveh's neck.
Kaveh shivers again. "I...yes. I'm alright."
The alpha hums in response.
Then he leans forward, burying his face in Kaveh's hair as he noses at the omega's scent gland.
Kaveh freezes but does not resist. He closes his eyes, cheeks flushed as he curls his hand around his alpha's.
Alhaitham pulls him closer. Kaveh presses back, asking for more.
Kaveh freezes but does not resist. He closes his eyes, cheeks flushed as he curls his hand around his alpha's.
Alhaitham pulls him closer. Kaveh presses back, asking for more.
They've cuddled before. But it has never felt this good, this intimate.
Kaveh's eyelids droop as the fragrance of tea and bergamot fills the room, along with his own cloyingly sweet scent of zaytun peaches.
He falls asleep just as something warm brushes the back of his neck.
Kaveh's eyelids droop as the fragrance of tea and bergamot fills the room, along with his own cloyingly sweet scent of zaytun peaches.
He falls asleep just as something warm brushes the back of his neck.
It is a strange thing; to have Alhaitham back in Kaveh's life.
For the past five years, Kaveh has done everything alone, from sleeping and eating to working and cleaning. He doesn't struggle with his tasks exactly, though sometimes, he feels lonely.
He isn't lonely anymore.
For the past five years, Kaveh has done everything alone, from sleeping and eating to working and cleaning. He doesn't struggle with his tasks exactly, though sometimes, he feels lonely.
He isn't lonely anymore.
As soon as Kaveh wakes up, he feels the creased bedsheet from the presence of another person on his side. He heads to the bathroom and sees a teal toothbrush beside his red one.
When he enters the kitchen, Alhaitham is puttering about as he prepares their breakfast.
When he enters the kitchen, Alhaitham is puttering about as he prepares their breakfast.
They sometimes converse during their meal, though they usually eat in silence. Alhaitham isn't a morning person, and Kaveh is often tired from pulling another all-nighter.
Then Alhaitham leaves for work in the Akademiya, but not without giving Kaveh a fond pat on the shoulder.
Then Alhaitham leaves for work in the Akademiya, but not without giving Kaveh a fond pat on the shoulder.
By noon, Kaveh had finished a significant portion of his workload and would start to prepare dinner.
Alhaitham arrives by sunset, and they share another meal while chatting. Then they wash the dishes and sit together in the living room while working on their individual tasks.
Alhaitham arrives by sunset, and they share another meal while chatting. Then they wash the dishes and sit together in the living room while working on their individual tasks.
A few hours before midnight, Alhaitham closes his book and pads toward the bedroom.
"Shall we go to bed, senior?" He asks, voice low.
If Kaveh shakes his head, Alhaitham will go to sleep without him. If the omega nods, they fall asleep cuddled together.
"Shall we go to bed, senior?" He asks, voice low.
If Kaveh shakes his head, Alhaitham will go to sleep without him. If the omega nods, they fall asleep cuddled together.
Overall, their routine isn't dissimilar from the one they had five years ago.
It works well for them.
Yet Kaveh feels...different.
Despite doing the same song and dance with the same Alhaitham, something about how they go about their lives these days feels charged and tense.
It works well for them.
Yet Kaveh feels...different.
Despite doing the same song and dance with the same Alhaitham, something about how they go about their lives these days feels charged and tense.
When Kaveh wakes up, it's to his scent gland rubbed raw and the thick fragrance of tea and bergamot clinging to his skin.
He walks slowly to the bathroom, limbs aching from whatever position he fell asleep in. Then he heads to the kitchen, where Alhaitham prepares their food.
He walks slowly to the bathroom, limbs aching from whatever position he fell asleep in. Then he heads to the kitchen, where Alhaitham prepares their food.
Then they eat breakfast.
In the past, Alhaitham would instantly start putting food on his plate, as ravenous as any growing alpha. Yet lately, he would take his time.
He fills Kaveh's cup with tea before tending to his own and pushes the dishes to the omega's side of the table.
In the past, Alhaitham would instantly start putting food on his plate, as ravenous as any growing alpha. Yet lately, he would take his time.
He fills Kaveh's cup with tea before tending to his own and pushes the dishes to the omega's side of the table.
When he first did this, Kaveh gave him a strange look. "Um, aren't you going to eat?" the omega asks.
"I will," Alhaitham assures him. "But you should eat first." Then he watches Kaveh sample his cooking quietly, throwing fond glances at the omega as he picks at his own food.
"I will," Alhaitham assures him. "But you should eat first." Then he watches Kaveh sample his cooking quietly, throwing fond glances at the omega as he picks at his own food.
Halfway through his first breakfast with Alhaitham in years, Kaveh remembers that there is a different meaning to an alpha providing food for an omega, and for an omega to actually eat said food.
His face flushes at the thought.
His face flushes at the thought.
Soon, Alhaitham stands at the door, ready to leave for work.
He pats Kaveh's shoulder like he used to, but his hand tends to linger. He also pulls Kaveh closer, and the omega realizes it's for Alhaitham to have a whiff of his scent.
Kaveh has a strange urge to bare his neck.
He pats Kaveh's shoulder like he used to, but his hand tends to linger. He also pulls Kaveh closer, and the omega realizes it's for Alhaitham to have a whiff of his scent.
Kaveh has a strange urge to bare his neck.
Even when Alhaitham leaves and Kaveh throws himself into his work, his thoughts linger on his alpha. He finds himself fantasizing in the middle of his projects, and his one-track mind tends to dwell on all the ways Alhaitham has touched him this morning.
Kaveh groans.
Kaveh groans.
By sunset, the omega has finished his work and would get started on cooking dinner. Sometimes, Alhaitham would come home earlier than usual and would make his presence known by pressing himself behind his omega.
"H-Haitham?" Kaveh had squeaked, the first time it happened.
"H-Haitham?" Kaveh had squeaked, the first time it happened.
Alhaitham hums, his hands wrapped around his mate.
His fingertips almost touch as he holds Kaveh by the waist.
"May I hold you for a bit, senior?" the alpha asks, his lips brushing the curve of his omega's neck.
Kaveh swallows, his hand stilling on the countertop. He nods.
His fingertips almost touch as he holds Kaveh by the waist.
"May I hold you for a bit, senior?" the alpha asks, his lips brushing the curve of his omega's neck.
Kaveh swallows, his hand stilling on the countertop. He nods.
Dinner is an easy affair. They chat amicably, and Kaveh speaks of his latest projects while Alhaitham listens with a strange, fond look in his eyes.
Sometimes, Alhaitham talks about his books.
He never speaks of his time in the desert expedition.
Sometimes, Alhaitham talks about his books.
He never speaks of his time in the desert expedition.
Then comes their nightly routines. Kaveh doesn't miss the way Alhaitham's gaze lingers on his figure when he emerges from the bath, clad only in a towel.
His alpha turns away as soon as their eyes meet, but Kaveh can't say that he dislikes the attention.
He revels in it.
His alpha turns away as soon as their eyes meet, but Kaveh can't say that he dislikes the attention.
He revels in it.
Knowing that his alpha finds him attractive is certainly a boost to Kaveh's self-esteem, though the omega wishes that Alhaitham would express it openly.
Bedtime is Kaveh's favorite part of their routine.
He became so fond of it that he began to avoid pulling all-nighters.
Bedtime is Kaveh's favorite part of their routine.
He became so fond of it that he began to avoid pulling all-nighters.
As soon as Alhaitham snaps his book shut and gives Kaveh a long, purposeful look, the omega's palms start to sweat with anticipation.
"Shall we go to bed, senior?" The alpha murmurs lowly.
𝘈𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘺𝘦𝘴, Kaveh thinks, heart rabbiting in his chest. "S-sure. Let's go."
"Shall we go to bed, senior?" The alpha murmurs lowly.
𝘈𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘺𝘦𝘴, Kaveh thinks, heart rabbiting in his chest. "S-sure. Let's go."
Kaveh never managed to move out of the alpha's room.
Alhaitham doesn't kick him out, either.
The omega's legs quiver as he pads after his alpha to the bedroom. While Alhaitham turns off the lamplight, Kaveh gets in bed, warm and excited for what's to come.
Alhaitham doesn't kick him out, either.
The omega's legs quiver as he pads after his alpha to the bedroom. While Alhaitham turns off the lamplight, Kaveh gets in bed, warm and excited for what's to come.
Alhaitham looks at his omega over his shoulder, his teal eye bright against the darkness. "Are you cold, senior?"
Kaveh shivers. It isn't due to the cold at all. "I am."
Alhaitham smirks as though he knows what the omega is planning.
Kaveh hopes he does.
Kaveh shivers. It isn't due to the cold at all. "I am."
Alhaitham smirks as though he knows what the omega is planning.
Kaveh hopes he does.
Alhaitham silently drapes the coat around the omega's shoulders, his fingertips lingering on Kaveh's neck.
The omega shivers again. He hides his face behind the curve of his shoulder.
Alhaitham slips in next to his mate, and his hands immediately go to Kaveh's waist.
The omega shivers again. He hides his face behind the curve of his shoulder.
Alhaitham slips in next to his mate, and his hands immediately go to Kaveh's waist.
Kaveh purrs as he shifts closer, welcoming the alpha's touch.
"Haitham," he whispers, though he doesn't what he's asking for.
Alhaitham understands. He always does. He kisses the back of Kaveh's neck and they fall asleep cuddled together.
Archons, Kaveh loves being married.
"Haitham," he whispers, though he doesn't what he's asking for.
Alhaitham understands. He always does. He kisses the back of Kaveh's neck and they fall asleep cuddled together.
Archons, Kaveh loves being married.
Though lately, Kaveh feels uptight. Discontent. Restless.
He'll take one look at his alpha, at the sharp cut of Alhaitham's jaw and the way his hand curls around his pen, and Kaveh trembles with need.
By the Archons, he 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 his husband.
He'll take one look at his alpha, at the sharp cut of Alhaitham's jaw and the way his hand curls around his pen, and Kaveh trembles with need.
By the Archons, he 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 his husband.
The cuddles, the meals, the goodbye pats--they're not enough.
They're never enough.
Kaveh wants more.
He wants to be held. He wants to be coveted. Archons above, he wants to be 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥.
But Kaveh will never take more than what Alhaitham is willing to give.
They're never enough.
Kaveh wants more.
He wants to be held. He wants to be coveted. Archons above, he wants to be 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥.
But Kaveh will never take more than what Alhaitham is willing to give.
So he stays silent and appreciates the scraps of affection his alpha blesses him with.
Besides, consummation is simply one of the many things Alhaitham has denied him.
Letters. Explanations. Relief.
Kaveh wants to sob.
Besides, consummation is simply one of the many things Alhaitham has denied him.
Letters. Explanations. Relief.
Kaveh wants to sob.
He knows he doesn't deserve any of it. Theirs is a marriage of convenience; Alhaitham isn't obligated to tend to his omega's physical needs or provide explanations.
Yet Kaveh knows he wants both. Too bad he's too much of a coward to ask Alhaitham for either.
Yet Kaveh knows he wants both. Too bad he's too much of a coward to ask Alhaitham for either.
Everything comes to a head one morning.
Kaveh groggily opens his eyes, scent gland rubbed raw and smothered in the scent of tea and bergamot as usual, when he smells it.
Zaytun peaches and mourning flowers.
He's in heat.
Kaveh groggily opens his eyes, scent gland rubbed raw and smothered in the scent of tea and bergamot as usual, when he smells it.
Zaytun peaches and mourning flowers.
He's in heat.
Kaveh's eyes widen as he sits up, and a sudden thrum below his belly makes him whimper. His heat isn't due for a few more days, so something must've triggered it.
Alhaitham.
Alhaitham's return has hastened Kaveh's heat.
Alhaitham.
Alhaitham's return has hastened Kaveh's heat.
His husband's presence must have prompted Kaveh's biological functions, his inner omega keening at the prospect of finally having his alpha tend to him.
Kaveh groans, sweat beading on his forehead as another thrum makes him shiver.
Kaveh groans, sweat beading on his forehead as another thrum makes him shiver.
If only he can tell his body that his alpha isn't interested in fucking him.
Kaveh paws at his shoulders, seeking the coat to comfort himself.
It's not there.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
Kaveh's eyes widen, and despite his aching limbs, begins to dig around.
Kaveh paws at his shoulders, seeking the coat to comfort himself.
It's not there.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
Kaveh's eyes widen, and despite his aching limbs, begins to dig around.
He lifts the blanket and the pillows, but the coat isn't buried in the mess of fabric Kaveh has created.
The omega whines, scent thick with distress, and struggles to his feet. Another thrum makes him quiver, but Kaveh refuses to be deterred.
He has to find the coat.
The omega whines, scent thick with distress, and struggles to his feet. Another thrum makes him quiver, but Kaveh refuses to be deterred.
He has to find the coat.
Kaveh throws the drawers open and digs through the closet. He peers under the bedframe and even goes through Alhaitham's mostly empty duffel bag in the corner.
No coat.
Kaveh cries out, distressed, and his eyes begin to water.
No coat.
Kaveh cries out, distressed, and his eyes begin to water.
The door opens, and Alhaitham appears at the doorway, dressed for work and seemingly minutes from leaving.
"Senior?" he calls out, and his face falls when he takes a whiff of the air and realizes what's going on. "Oh, senior--"
"Where's my coat?!" Kaveh demands.
"Senior?" he calls out, and his face falls when he takes a whiff of the air and realizes what's going on. "Oh, senior--"
"Where's my coat?!" Kaveh demands.
"Senior--" Alhaitham begins.
Kaveh snarls at him, teeth bared. "Tell me where's my coat!"
Alhaitham swallows, eyes wide. "T-the laundry basket. I was going to wash it when I get home--"
Kaveh rushes past him.
Kaveh snarls at him, teeth bared. "Tell me where's my coat!"
Alhaitham swallows, eyes wide. "T-the laundry basket. I was going to wash it when I get home--"
Kaveh rushes past him.
He finds the garment a few seconds after digging through the basket and dashes back to the bedroom.
Archons, it hurts. Everything hurts. The omega slips on the coat desperately, and the ache lessens somewhat. It's not enough, but when has anything ever been enough for Kaveh?
Archons, it hurts. Everything hurts. The omega slips on the coat desperately, and the ache lessens somewhat. It's not enough, but when has anything ever been enough for Kaveh?
He starts to build his nest. As Kaveh pulls on the bedsheet and starts pawing at the blankets, Alhaitham tries to step into the room.
Kaveh hisses at him. "Don't you dare--!"
The alpha's gaze softens. "Senior, you're in heat. Let me soothe you."
Kaveh throws a pillow at him.
Kaveh hisses at him. "Don't you dare--!"
The alpha's gaze softens. "Senior, you're in heat. Let me soothe you."
Kaveh throws a pillow at him.
"Soothe me?!" he snaps. "What're you going to do, Haitham? Pat me on the shoulder and hope my heat goes away?!"
Another thrum makes Kaveh whimper, but he bites it down in favor of scowling at his alpha. "For the past five years, all you've ever done is deny me!"
Another thrum makes Kaveh whimper, but he bites it down in favor of scowling at his alpha. "For the past five years, all you've ever done is deny me!"
"You left me alone for years!" he yells. "No mora, no protection, all in the name of fulfilling your duty!" He fists his hands on the bedsheets. "Archons, you even stopped writing to me!"
"Senior," says Alhaitham, "listen to me--"
"No!" Kaveh snarls. "You will listen to 𝘮𝘦!"
"Senior," says Alhaitham, "listen to me--"
"No!" Kaveh snarls. "You will listen to 𝘮𝘦!"
"I haven't received a letter from you for the past three years!" The omega staggers out of the bed, face flushed with anger. "Do you know what that feels, Haitham? It's like you don't care about me anymore!"
Kaveh throws up his hands. "I even wondered if you were still alive!"
Kaveh throws up his hands. "I even wondered if you were still alive!"
"Then you come home--" he snaps "--dragging yourself back into my life as if nothing happened! You come here--" he jabs a finger at Alhaitham's chest "--bringing nothing! No letters, no answers, no explanations!"
Kaveh chuckles dryly. "And do you know the worst part of it?"
Kaveh chuckles dryly. "And do you know the worst part of it?"
"You act as if you still care about me!" The omega gasps wetly, tears running freely down his cheeks. "You hold and look at me as if you couldn't bear to lose me for one second. But I know the truth, Haitham."
Kaveh inhales shakily. "You're more than capable of leaving me."
Kaveh inhales shakily. "You're more than capable of leaving me."
"You can stomach the thought of your omega fending for himself, worrying for your wellbeing, sobbing with need because his alpha denies him everything!"
Kaveh scrubs at his face angrily. "I don't want your comfort, Haitham. Please--just leave like you always do."
Kaveh scrubs at his face angrily. "I don't want your comfort, Haitham. Please--just leave like you always do."
He doesn't bother waiting for Alhaitham's reaction. Kaveh pads back to the bed, face wet and limbs weak from his outburst.
He turns away from the door, from his husband, and buries his face in the sheets.
Kaveh aches. It isn't merely because of the heat this time.
He turns away from the door, from his husband, and buries his face in the sheets.
Kaveh aches. It isn't merely because of the heat this time.
The omega hears footsteps, and he assumes Alhaitham has finally left him to his misery.
Kaveh's eyes water as he sniffles and hugs his arms. He considers sleeping for the rest of the day to stave off his pain when the mattress dips.
Kaveh's eyes water as he sniffles and hugs his arms. He considers sleeping for the rest of the day to stave off his pain when the mattress dips.
Kaveh's eyes snap open to Alhaitham's face inches from his own. "H-Haitham--"
Alhaitham shakes his head, and he tugs his omega closer. Kaveh lets him, weak and tired and craving comfort, and crawls into his alpha's lap.
Kaveh almost sobs again when Alhaitham strokes his back.
Alhaitham shakes his head, and he tugs his omega closer. Kaveh lets him, weak and tired and craving comfort, and crawls into his alpha's lap.
Kaveh almost sobs again when Alhaitham strokes his back.
"I'm sorry," Alhaitham murmurs, his voice soft as he traces his omega's spine. "For leaving you. For not writing to you. For not telling you why."
Kaveh buries his face in his alpha's shoulder, his hands clawing at Alhaitham's arms. The alpha shushes him.
Kaveh buries his face in his alpha's shoulder, his hands clawing at Alhaitham's arms. The alpha shushes him.
"I know that I hurt you," says Alhaitham. "And that you have every right to be angry with me. But I did all that to protect you."
"Protect me?" Kaveh scoffs. It's hard to be angry when his alpha is holding him like this, but he manages. "Your protection calls for my ignorance?"
"Protect me?" Kaveh scoffs. It's hard to be angry when his alpha is holding him like this, but he manages. "Your protection calls for my ignorance?"
Kaveh moves back to see his husband's expression, but Alhaitham places a hand on the back of his head, keeping him in place.
Kaveh doesn't resist. Alhaitham continues.
"I was left with no other choice," says the alpha. "Either I keep you in the dark, or I risk your life."
Kaveh doesn't resist. Alhaitham continues.
"I was left with no other choice," says the alpha. "Either I keep you in the dark, or I risk your life."
"The desert expedition isn't what it seemed," Alhaitham murmurs as his thumb draws circles on Kaveh's back. "It wasn't a research venture, senior."
He takes a shuddery inhale. "It was a war."
Kaveh's eyes widen. "W-what?"
"A war waged against creatures from the abyss."
He takes a shuddery inhale. "It was a war."
Kaveh's eyes widen. "W-what?"
"A war waged against creatures from the abyss."
"Our sages have been sending mercenaries to quell this threat," Alhaitham continues, "but they're running out of warriors. So the Grand Sage ordered that all able-bodied Alpha scholars be sent to the desert."
"It wasn't the Dendro Archon who sent us, senior. It was the sages."
"It wasn't the Dendro Archon who sent us, senior. It was the sages."
"None of us knew," Alhaitham whispers. "We were scholars, not soldiers. We were practically livestock sent to the slaughter."
"When we were told to fight a war we didn't sign up for, we got angry. Some tried to rebel, and others tried to quit. In the end, we all had to fight."
"When we were told to fight a war we didn't sign up for, we got angry. Some tried to rebel, and others tried to quit. In the end, we all had to fight."
He shudders, and something wet drips onto Kaveh's hair. "Either we serve as combatants, or the corps would hurt our families."
This time, Alhaitham couldn't keep Kaveh from leaning back. "Where's the Dendro Archon in all of this?!"
"Imprisoned by the sages," says Alhaitham.
This time, Alhaitham couldn't keep Kaveh from leaning back. "Where's the Dendro Archon in all of this?!"
"Imprisoned by the sages," says Alhaitham.
"They didn't reveal all this information to the public for fear of chaos," Alhaitham sighs. "And they threatened us. If we so much as write letters to the people we care about, your lives will be in danger."
He sighs. "Some scholars were stubborn; Cyno and I were one of them."
He sighs. "Some scholars were stubborn; Cyno and I were one of them."
"We hired mercenaries to deliver letters to the city; that's why you received letters from me for two years."
"I wrote to you because I didn't want you to worry, senior. And selfishly--" Alhaitham sighs into Kaveh's shoulder "--I missed you."
"But as I grew older--"
"I wrote to you because I didn't want you to worry, senior. And selfishly--" Alhaitham sighs into Kaveh's shoulder "--I missed you."
"But as I grew older--"
"--I realized how much I'm putting you at risk," says Alhaitham. "I stopped while Cyno didn't."
"I'd rather face your ire than your corpse," Alhaitham whispers. He tucks a lock of hair behind Kaveh's ear. "I will risk a thousand things, but your life will never be one of them."
"I'd rather face your ire than your corpse," Alhaitham whispers. He tucks a lock of hair behind Kaveh's ear. "I will risk a thousand things, but your life will never be one of them."
The omega trembles as a sob makes its way out of his throat. "Haitham..."
Kaveh reaches up to cup his mate's face. The alpha leans into his touch, nuzzling his palm.
"I care about you, senior," says Alhaitham. "I always have."
Kaveh reaches up to cup his mate's face. The alpha leans into his touch, nuzzling his palm.
"I care about you, senior," says Alhaitham. "I always have."
Alhaitham lowers his head to kiss Kaveh's wrist. "My explanations do not excuse my actions, nor my absence for much of our married life. I know you still have many questions, and the answers I provided barely scratch the surface. But know this--"
"--You are not unwanted."
"--You are not unwanted."
Alhaitham lays Kaveh on the bed, allowing the omega to settle in his nest as the alpha looms over him. "We agreed that our marriage is one of convenience. But that has never been the case for me."
"I yearn for you, senior," says Alhaitham, "Genuinely and irrevocably."
"I yearn for you, senior," says Alhaitham, "Genuinely and irrevocably."
Kaveh's heart rabbits in his chest at the pure adoration on his alpha's face. He tries to look away, but Alhaitham gently holds his chin.
"The thought of you kept me sane for the past five years," says Alhaitham. "My dear senior, my omega. My equal in mind, body, and spirit."
"The thought of you kept me sane for the past five years," says Alhaitham. "My dear senior, my omega. My equal in mind, body, and spirit."
Kaveh's eyes water. Alhaitham thumbs away his tears. "I fantasized about you during my ruts," he confesses. His hand drifts lower, caressing his omega's side. "I thought of your waist--"
"--Your hands--" he lowers his head, nipping at the point of Kaveh's jaw "--your mouth."
"--Your hands--" he lowers his head, nipping at the point of Kaveh's jaw "--your mouth."
Kaveh whines, burying his fingers in his alpha's hair. "Haitham, please--"
"I wondered what you would sound like--" Alhaitham murmurs "--as I make you cry my name over and over." He noses at Kaveh's neck. "Yet all I have are the memories in my heart and your ribbon in my hand."
"I wondered what you would sound like--" Alhaitham murmurs "--as I make you cry my name over and over." He noses at Kaveh's neck. "Yet all I have are the memories in my heart and your ribbon in my hand."
Kaveh's eyes widen. "Ribbon?"
Alhaitham smiles softly and produces something from his person. It looks a little weathered and creased, but Kaveh will recognize it anywhere: his ribbon.
The one he gave Alhaitham on the day of his departure.
"Y-you kept it," Kaveh stutters.
Alhaitham smiles softly and produces something from his person. It looks a little weathered and creased, but Kaveh will recognize it anywhere: his ribbon.
The one he gave Alhaitham on the day of his departure.
"Y-you kept it," Kaveh stutters.
"As you have kept my coat," says Alhaitham and reverently ties the ribbon around Kaveh's wrist. "You told me to come back with it. What kind of alpha would I be to disregard my omega's command?"
Kaveh's face flushes even as Alhaitham peppers kisses on his jaw. "Ribbon aside--"
Kaveh's face flushes even as Alhaitham peppers kisses on his jaw. "Ribbon aside--"
"--Do you know what it felt like to see you in that alley?"
"You were so pretty, senior," Alhaitham's hand trails down the dip of his omega's hipbone. Kaveh whimpers. Alhaitham chuckles, pleased. "So beautiful. Even after five years, you are as lovely as ever."
"You were so pretty, senior," Alhaitham's hand trails down the dip of his omega's hipbone. Kaveh whimpers. Alhaitham chuckles, pleased. "So beautiful. Even after five years, you are as lovely as ever."
"Perhaps even more so than before, partially thanks to your robe."
Kaveh groans, embarrassed, as Alhaitham chuckles. "You were stunning in my colors. If I were not your husband, I would've asked for your hand in marriage."
Kaveh covers his flushed face with his arm.
Kaveh groans, embarrassed, as Alhaitham chuckles. "You were stunning in my colors. If I were not your husband, I would've asked for your hand in marriage."
Kaveh covers his flushed face with his arm.
Alhaitham pulls his hand away, and Kaveh slowly meets his gaze. "If you yearn for me, why haven't you said anything?" He cups his alpha's cheek. "Why are you only confessing now?"
"I don't want to cause you any discomfort," Alhaitham admits.
"I don't want to cause you any discomfort," Alhaitham admits.
"You've been through so much," the alpha murmurs, planting a kiss on Kaveh's skin. My affections shouldn't add to your burdens."
"Oh, Haitham," Kaveh whispers. It's surprisingly easy to say the next few words. "I love you."
He leans forward and kisses his alpha's forehead.
"Oh, Haitham," Kaveh whispers. It's surprisingly easy to say the next few words. "I love you."
He leans forward and kisses his alpha's forehead.
Alhaitham's face flushes. Then he smiles, and the scent of tea and bergamot grows stronger. Kaveh giggles and wraps his arms around the man's neck. "Archons, all this time--"
"Yes," Alhaitham agrees. He lowers his gaze, and his flush deepens. "So, about your heat..."
"Yes," Alhaitham agrees. He lowers his gaze, and his flush deepens. "So, about your heat..."
Oh, right. Kaveh laughs and pulls on Alhaitham's arm, grinning when his alpha falls on his chest. "I'm satisfied by your explanation. Maybe you could..."
Alhaitham grins teasingly, his hand curling around Kaveh's waist, "...Satisfy you in another way?"
Kaveh swats at his wrist.
Alhaitham grins teasingly, his hand curling around Kaveh's waist, "...Satisfy you in another way?"
Kaveh swats at his wrist.
Alhaitham laughs, his eyes crinkling fondly as he grabs Kaveh by the hips. "You've become quite demanding during my absence."
Kaveh's cheeks flush, but he doesn't resist when his alpha grabs the waistband of his trousers. "Well, you've left me alone for quite a while."
Kaveh's cheeks flush, but he doesn't resist when his alpha grabs the waistband of his trousers. "Well, you've left me alone for quite a while."
Alhaitham's gaze darkens. "Mhm, you're right."
He leans closer, brushing his lips over Kaveh's scent gland, making the omega keen "--It's only proper that I atone to my senior."
"Please--" the omega blushes more when Alhaitham meets his gaze "--Call me Kaveh."
He leans closer, brushing his lips over Kaveh's scent gland, making the omega keen "--It's only proper that I atone to my senior."
"Please--" the omega blushes more when Alhaitham meets his gaze "--Call me Kaveh."
Alhaitham blinks. "I--what?"
Kaveh laughs sheepishly. "If we're going to do this, please call me by my real name. You're not just a junior to me, Haitham."
He intertwines his fingers with his alpha's. "You're my husband now. As you've always been."
Alhaitham smiles softly.
Kaveh laughs sheepishly. "If we're going to do this, please call me by my real name. You're not just a junior to me, Haitham."
He intertwines his fingers with his alpha's. "You're my husband now. As you've always been."
Alhaitham smiles softly.
He presses a kiss on his omega's chest, right over his racing heart. "Alright. I'll keep that in mind, 𝘒𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘩."
Kaveh groans and grabs his husband. "By the Archons, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦."
They finally consummate their marriage.
Kaveh groans and grabs his husband. "By the Archons, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦."
They finally consummate their marriage.
𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳
Kaveh sits on the bed as his husband curls up next to him. His heat has diminished for now thanks to Alhaitham, and the omega is currently snacking on some cookies his alpha brought for him.
Kaveh glances over his shoulder, smiling at Alhaitham's tranquil expression.
Kaveh sits on the bed as his husband curls up next to him. His heat has diminished for now thanks to Alhaitham, and the omega is currently snacking on some cookies his alpha brought for him.
Kaveh glances over his shoulder, smiling at Alhaitham's tranquil expression.
The omega finishes his meal and washes it down with some tea. Then he snuggles next to his husband, drawing patterns on Alhaitham's bare torso with his forefinger. "Haitham."
Alhaitham's eyes remain closed, but he pulls Kaveh closer in response. "Mhm?"
"I have a question."
Alhaitham's eyes remain closed, but he pulls Kaveh closer in response. "Mhm?"
"I have a question."
"Go on."
"How did you win the war during the desert expedition?" Kaveh asks.
Alhaitham opens one amused eye. "Is this your idea of pillow talk?"
Kaveh's face flushes. "I-I'm just curious! I mean, surely you won because otherwise, the sages wouldn't have let you come home--"
"How did you win the war during the desert expedition?" Kaveh asks.
Alhaitham opens one amused eye. "Is this your idea of pillow talk?"
Kaveh's face flushes. "I-I'm just curious! I mean, surely you won because otherwise, the sages wouldn't have let you come home--"
He falls silent when his alpha kisses his shoulder. "The sages didn't dismiss us. We dismissed ourselves."
Kaveh gapes at him. "What?"
Alhaitham nuzzles his omega's neck. "You're very invested in this, aren't you?"
Kaveh pretends to bat him away. "Will you answer me or not?"
Kaveh gapes at him. "What?"
Alhaitham nuzzles his omega's neck. "You're very invested in this, aren't you?"
Kaveh pretends to bat him away. "Will you answer me or not?"
Alhaitham chuckles and pulls his mate to his side. "Fine, fine. You're right; we did win. We defeated the abyss creatures, freed our Archon, and got rid of the sages."
"Wait, what?" Kaveh gasps. "How?!"
Alhaitham shrugs casually. "I organized a coup two months ago."
"Wait, what?" Kaveh gasps. "How?!"
Alhaitham shrugs casually. "I organized a coup two months ago."
Kaveh swears his heart stops beating for a second. "You did 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵?!"
Alhaitham sighs. "I was very homesick. So I called Cyno, and we rounded up a few other alphas." He chuckles fondly. "I swear, it was laughably easy to get to the sages."
Alhaitham sighs. "I was very homesick. So I called Cyno, and we rounded up a few other alphas." He chuckles fondly. "I swear, it was laughably easy to get to the sages."
"We handed the bastards over to the rest of the alphas. Hopefully, they tore them apart, but I don't care."
Alhaitham leans back. "Then we rescued our Archon, who is conveniently imprisoned in the desert. Then we all came up with a permanent solution for the abyss creatures."
Alhaitham leans back. "Then we rescued our Archon, who is conveniently imprisoned in the desert. Then we all came up with a permanent solution for the abyss creatures."
Kaveh gives him a look of pure disbelief. "It can't be that easy."
"Kaveh," Alhaitham begins, "when the individuals in charge are people who give a fuck rather than a bunch of greedy bastards only seeking to fulfill their own needs, anything is possible."
"Kaveh," Alhaitham begins, "when the individuals in charge are people who give a fuck rather than a bunch of greedy bastards only seeking to fulfill their own needs, anything is possible."
"After everything has been taken care of, Lesser Lord Kusanali said we should elect new sages," says Alhaitham. "Then she told us we could do whatever we wanted. Of course, we all decided to go home."
He quirks his lip. "Though she had me stay behind. That's why I was late."
He quirks his lip. "Though she had me stay behind. That's why I was late."
Kaveh blinks. "So...all it took is a coup, some tired scholars, and an intelligent, homesick alpha."
"Don't forget 'handsome'," Alhaitham laughs. "Well, yes. Anyway--" he glances at the window "--I must go now. I'm late for work."
Kaveh squawks in protest.
"Don't forget 'handsome'," Alhaitham laughs. "Well, yes. Anyway--" he glances at the window "--I must go now. I'm late for work."
Kaveh squawks in protest.
"The heck do you mean you're late for work?!" He exclaims. "Haitham, you--"
Alhaitham laughs again, eyes crinkling as he kisses his omega's forehead. "I'm joking. How can I head to work if my darling omega is in heat?"
Kaveh's face flushes. "...what about your superiors?"
Alhaitham laughs again, eyes crinkling as he kisses his omega's forehead. "I'm joking. How can I head to work if my darling omega is in heat?"
Kaveh's face flushes. "...what about your superiors?"
"You mean the sages?" Alhaitham smirks. "I doubt they have the nerve to scold their own Acting Grand Sage."
It takes a second for Kaveh to realize what he said. "...You're the Grand Sage?"
"Acting," Alhaitham corrects. "It's temporary until a more willing candidate is found."
It takes a second for Kaveh to realize what he said. "...You're the Grand Sage?"
"Acting," Alhaitham corrects. "It's temporary until a more willing candidate is found."
Kaveh groans. "Haitham, why didn't you tell me?!"
Alhaitham makes an "oof" sound when Kaveh rests his head on his chest. "Does this mean your salary increased? Oh! You can now approve the Kshahrewar funding proposals--"
"--Let's not get ahead of ourselves," the alpha cuts in.
Alhaitham makes an "oof" sound when Kaveh rests his head on his chest. "Does this mean your salary increased? Oh! You can now approve the Kshahrewar funding proposals--"
"--Let's not get ahead of ourselves," the alpha cuts in.
He wraps his arm around Kaveh's waist, his free hand stroking the omega's hair. "Get some rest. You must conserve your strength for your heat."
Kaveh wants to argue, but Alhaitham has already closed his eyes. Kaveh sighs fondly, before snuggling closer.
Kaveh wants to argue, but Alhaitham has already closed his eyes. Kaveh sighs fondly, before snuggling closer.
Fine, Kaveh will bring up his concerns later.
Most of them have been addressed anyway.
Kaveh falls asleep to the sensation of Alhaitham kissing his freshly-bitten scent gland.
FIN
Most of them have been addressed anyway.
Kaveh falls asleep to the sensation of Alhaitham kissing his freshly-bitten scent gland.
FIN
🪥🪥🪥🪥🪥🪥🪥🪥🪥
The 🔞 is there because this threadfic contains some mature themes, despite its lack of truly explicit content 🤭
I hope you like this story 🤭🤭🤭 Thank you so much for reading 💛💛💛
The 🔞 is there because this threadfic contains some mature themes, despite its lack of truly explicit content 🤭
I hope you like this story 🤭🤭🤭 Thank you so much for reading 💛💛💛
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